https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-01-03.pdf 1433e7bbce2a9486a07b89fea9ff36e7 PDF Text Text Low-interest bond helps fix local roads Raising age may save some from jail Gridiron gangs fire up local fans in 2018 See Story on Page 5 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 12 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 804879110187 1070490102590506277549058113421 ANNER Thursday, January 3, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 1 PRICE 750 Steps underway to clear hospital water system Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Spectrum Health Pennock officials say they’re acting aggressively to eradicate the bacteria that was found in the hospital water system - and they’re taking more steps to eliminate the legionella, the bacterium known to cause Legionnaires’ disease. Legionella was found in the hospital water supply in late December. Barry Eaton District Health Department confirmed the finding in a Dec. 27 press release. “By that evening, we had over 50 cases of bottled water for patients and immediately began shutting off water supply to sinks, showers and public drinking fountains. We placed signs throughout our facilities and communicated to our patients what was hap­ pening,” Spectrum Health Pennock President Angela Ditmar said. Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital filed its first report of a patient diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease to the health depart­ ment in September 2018. A second report of a patient with Legionnaires’ was reported by the hospital in November 2018. That 92-yearold male patient died from chronic aspiration pneumonia shortly after the diagnosis, offi­ cials said. Barry-Eaton District Health Medical Director Daniel Woodall said it has not been determined if the man’s death was related to Legionnaires’ disease. But patients and out-patients were told about the discovery, Ditmar said, and all the safety measures in place and remediation efforts in progress, “so our patients could make informed decisions on whether they were confident in continuing to receive ser­ vices here - or if they preferred to go some­ where else.” City of Hastings officials said recent test results indicate there is no presence of legio­ nella or any contaminants in the city’s drink­ ing water; and there is no reason to believe the bacteria originated from, or is present in, the city’s public drinking water supply. The city’s water distribution system is test­ ed daily, and at other intervals, in accordance with the requirements of the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the Michigan Department of Public Health. City officials said Hastings’ drinking water system is isolated from the hospital system by devices that allow the water to travel one-way only - into the facility. This protects the city’s drinking water supply from any contaminants that could possibly originate at the hospital, they said. “We will continue to work closely with See STEPS, page 3 The staff of the surgical unit at Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital at work Wednesday are (left, from front) Kate Murray, technician; Dawne Vankuilenburg, a nurse technician; (right, from front) Shilo Scott, technician; Emily Flessner, nurse; Taylor Dickinson, nurse; and Lori Tobias, nursing supervisor. New Year’s Eve begins with colorful blast in Hastings Fireworks expert Glen Terry checks the connections to the remote charges for Hastings ball drop light show. (Photo pro­ vided) Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Despite a mix of rain and drizzle, Hastings welcomed 2019 by filling the sky with the colors of a fireworks show. Hastings Ball Drop Committee Chair Carl Schoessel was determined the event would go as planned. “It’s all happening tonight - no matter what,” he said with a smile. Husband-and-wife team Glen and Julia Terry from Mendon, prepared for the show on the roof of Walldorff Brewpub and Bistro while New Year’s Eve activities filled the streets below. “We’ve worked in all kinds of weather,” Glen Terry said. “When it rains, we carefully cover everything with plastic until the last minute, and the show goes on.” The couple has been putting on shows for 10 years, work in several states, and their experience has provided more than creating bursts of color in the sky. An annual event in Wausau, Wis., includes “blowing things up,” usually a vehicle, they said. “It takes detailed knowledge to handle fire­ works,” Glen Terry said. “It’s dangerous - See BLAST, page 2 What’s ahead? Community leaders focus on goals J-Ad News Services Local leaders in Barry County are starting 2019 with a positive outlook and specific goals. They all see some formidable challenges in the year ahead but also seemed hopeful that accomplishments made thus far would provide a solid foundation for what they hope to accomplish this year for the communities they serve. For Barry County United Way Executive Director Lani Forbes, a major concern is the local housing shortage. “We are looking forward to working with many entities at addressing the housing shortage across our county,” Forbes said. The United Way supports numerous organizations and programs that support youth, families, seniors and urgent or emerging needs through its annual campaign continues. Forbes said the organization is at 69 percent of the current campaign’s goal of $625,000. Hastings Charter Township Supervisor Jim Brown said with the transition of Vision Barry County to the leadership umbrella of the Barry Community Foundation, an ongoing, up-to-date county information­ gathering and problem-solving system will be possible. “There are many similar situations problems and throughout the Jim Brown county, but some are unique to specific areas and populations. Recognizing these differences are important if we want to solve them at a reasonable cost and time frame,” Brown said. “Barry County has a unique, high-quality supply of hui^pn talent that can be assembled and leveraged to help identify and solve these problems and issues. \ Vision Barry County will be the vehicle these talented people can take on the road to success, he added. For Hastings Area Schools System Superintendent Carrie Duits, the direction is clear: “With our newly defined mission of See GOALS, page 5 The crowd goes wild as the countdown to 2019 ends and the fireworks show begins. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) County board picks new leader Rebecca Pierce Editor Heather Wing of Bellevue is the new chairwoman of the Barry County Board of Commissioners. Two nominations were made for the post - Wing and Ben Geiger - at the board’s 2019 organizational meeting Wednesday morning. A 4-3 vote for Wing removed Geiger from the county leadership role he has filled for two years. The vote was by secret ballot. Wing was nominated by Jon Smelker, a motion that was seconded by Vivian Conner. Geiger was nominated by David Jackson, with support from Dan Parker. In the next action by the board, Jackson, who had been vice chairman, was replaced by Vivian Conner. Two choices were proposed for that role: Geiger nominated Jackson; Howard Gibson nominated Conner. In the 5-2 vote, Geiger and Wing voted for Jackson. But Jackson didn’t vote for himself. He voted for Conner, as did Gibson, Parker and Smelker. “These are the same seven people who were in office just a few weeks ago,” Geiger said during a break. “This is going to be a very cordial transition, and anything I can do to help Chairman Wing succeed, I’m going to do.” In her comments last week about the year ahead, Wing was positive about the board’s accomplishments. “I think this commission has done well the last two years, and I think that the next two, if we can keep the ball rolling the way we have, we’ll keep getting a lot done.” Chairwoman Heather Wing accepts the gavel from the former chairman, Ben Geiger. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Wing’s two daughters, who were in the audience, expressed pride in their mother being chosen to lead the board. They said she did not actively seek the role, but would not have turned down a nomination, which is how it happened. Wing is from District 7, which includes Assyria, Johnstown, Baltimore and Maple Grove townships. Conner is from District 6, which covers Prairieville, Orangeville and See LEADER, page 3 �Page 2 — Thursday, January 3, 2019 — The Hastings Banner BLAST, continued from page 1 Students of Expressions Dance Centre perform for the first time at the Hastings ball’ drop are (front row, from left) Alexis King, Brooke Harsevoort, Maddie Chipman,: Sophie Donnini, Gabby Marlow, Natalie Olmstead, (second row) Abella Mays, Kara; Hendrick, Gracelie Heikilla, Lilian Haire, Bethany Heikkila (hidden), Jayden Jones,; (third row) Savannah Chilton, Charlotte Drake, Zoey Ziny, Jessica McKeever, Amy* Gillett, (back row) Holly Donnini, Megan Marlow, Julie King, Genesis Bowers, Brooklynne Shy, Payton Levett and Hayden Heikkila. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) A shower of lights fill the sky after the crowd welcomes 2019. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) even when you know what you’re doing and take all the precautionary measures. “I handle all the connections to the shell cannons, and Julia watches my back and for anything that may be going wrong. She always has a fire extinguisher in her hand during a show. We are trained professionals with years of experience.” The fireworks in Hastings consisted of 1,200 shells, which were smaller than those they use in larger communities. The size of the shells used depends largely on the location of the staging area. “For every inch of the shell size, we have to be 70 feet away from the spectators. It’s gov­ ernment regulated,” he said. Preparation for a show begins weeks before the event with a determination of shell sizes that are allowed for the location, choosing the shells that will create the envisioned display and the equipment needed. Arriving in the early morning hours on the day of the event, the Terrys start setting up the staging area. Reaching the Walldorff rooftop was no easy feat. “We use the elevator as far as it will go, and then go up a flight of stairs. Next is something like a tunnel with a ladder to climb up,” Julia Terry said. “We go up and come down and go up again to get the shells and all our equip­ ment to the roof. “It’s hard and takes time." Glen Terry double- and triple-checks the charge connections and arranges the shell cannons for safety and creating the best dis­ play in mind. Laura Pattok and Jeremy Gardenas take a moment to pose with the ice sculpture created for the Hastings New Year’s Eve celebration. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) Natalie Olmstead (left) and Gabby Marlow perform for a cheering audience at Hastings Ball Drop celebration. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) “Another thing we had to consider in choosing the shells was that we would be on a Emcee Dave McIntyre laughs it up with Mayor Dave Tossava as Tossava begins the countdown to 2019. The ball drop fireworks display put on by husband-and-wife team Glen and Julia Terry continues to please the crowd in Hastings. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) roof,” he noted. “If we were to use larger shells and something goes wrong, the shell could explode. “An explosion backfiring would propel the shell downward with substantial force, through the roof and down through the floors of the building.” Monday night’s show in Hastings went off without a glitch. More than 1,000 people gathered down­ town to count down the ball drop, which was led by Mayor Dave Tossava. Afterward, spec­ tators received a light show that has become part of the Hastings New Year’s Eve tradition. Earlier in the evening, the warming tent provided shelter from the chill and dampness with hot chocolate, music by BenJammin and tables set up for children’s activities, such as face painting, checkers and crafts. “We come every year and always have a good time,” Hastings resident Jeremy Gardenas said. “They do a really good job putting this together.” Gardenas and his fiance took a moment to pose with the ice sculpture display - a popular activity at the annual celebration. “It’s wonderful to see everyone enjoying themselves. Even the run/walk had a crowd enjoying themselves. Forty-five runners com­ pleted the race,” Schoessel said. “It’s worth every minute of planning and preparing for the Hastings Ball Drop. A lot of people came together to make this happen, as they do every year.” “And I want to thank all the generous spon­ sors who help to keep the event going,” he added. “Happy New Year to everyone!” Birdie Wells, 3, dances away 2018 and straight into the new year. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) Braden Goggins, 5, (from left) Drew Hildabrand, 7, and Colin Goggins, 7, escape the chill in the warming tent with hot chocolate and children’s activities. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) The Hastings ball drop fireworks display begins with a bang. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) Hastings Police Chief Jeff Pratt and Sgt. Karen Larson stroll through the crowd and festivities on New Year’s Eve. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 3, 2019 — Page 3 Cusack honored for service on Hastings City Council Bill Cusack is honored for his many years of service as a member of Hastings City Council with an official proclamation. Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Retiring Hastings City Council member Bill Cusack was honored for his years of ser­ vice to the city. His last day as a member of the city council was Wednesday, Dec. 26. Cusack had served on the council for sev­ eral years through the 1970s and 1980s then retired. When city council member David Jasperse died in 2016, Cusack was asked to complete that term. He said it was an honor to step in for Jasperse, who was a close friend. Jasperse’s term ended this year, and Cusack chose not to seek re-election. “I love the city for the kindness given to us,” Cusack said. “It’s extremely important to continue to be kind to each other.” In his official proclamation, Mayor Dave Tossava said Cusack has been, and continues Landen Neal is officially Prince of Jingle and Mingle until a new prince is crowned. Mayor Dave Tossava shows Landen the official city proclamation for his achievement in writing a winning essay about what Christmas means to him. to be, “an integral and valued member” of the Hastings’ community. Jim Cary will be the 4th ward representa­ tive on Hastings City Council, beginning Jan. 14. In other action, the council approved the sale of city owned industrial properties on Star School Road to Rob Redman and Clint Neil of Co-Dee Stamping. The price was $36,450 for two parcels. Redman and Neil expanded the business last year with an addition to its facility and is planning for the next phase in the growth of the company. The council also approved the sale of an industrial zoned property on State Street to Ryan Gillons of Advantage Plumbing. The price for the 4.1-acre parcel was $20,500. Michigan Advanced Assessing Officer Daniel Kirwin will continue to provide the assessing for Hastings in January, February and March for a monthly fee of $3,000. Kirwin has been filling in for Jackie Timmerman, who is recovering from surgery. The newest Jingle and Mingle royalty, Princess Hope Carley, reads her winning essay during the official proclamation presentation by Mayor Dave Tossava. City Manager Jeff Mansfield said Kirwin is an independent contractor, and he is open to extending his assessment services to the city. Mansfield said staffing needs are being reviewed, and a recommendation to pursue a long-term relationship with Kirwin may be presented to the council. The 2018 Jingle and Mingle royalty Prince Landyn Neal and Princess Hope Carley - were recognized with an official proclama­ tion presented by Tossava. Hope, 10, is a fifth-grader at Central Elementary. Her parents are Erin and Brandon Carley. Landyn, 7, is a first-grader at Star Elementary. His parents are Beth and Anthony Neal. They earned their crowns with winning essays about what Christmas means to them. Hastings Public Library and the Jingle and Mingle Committee sponsored the contest. STEPS, continued from page 1 Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital and the Barry Eaton District Health Department as they investigate this matter,” City Manager Jeff Mansfield said. The hospital’s first steps of remediation began Dec. 28, with installation of water fil­ ters for all showers and faucets in patient rooms and water faucets throughout the facil­ ity. Ditmar said the 60-day filters are a short­ term fix while the fresh-water supply system is being treated and monitored. If the legio­ nella bacteria have not been eradicated by the end of the 60 days, the filters will be replaced. Also, on Friday, work of flushing out the water system began, and a monochloramine filtration system was installed to the water main. Monochloramine, a disinfectant com­ monly used for drinking water, is being intro­ duced into the hospital’s water supply through the filter. According to Spectrum Health officials, water samples are being taken daily from several areas of the hospital to maintain an adequate concentration of the disinfectant to eradicate legionella. Cultures of water sam­ ples will be conducted every two weeks for the next three months by a certified legionella testing lab. After that, additional testing will be sched­ uled by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and according to recom­ mendations from expert consultants. The hospital is continuing to test patients for Legionnaires’ disease as a precautionary measure. Various factors are being used to determine which patients should be focused on, such as the dates of inpatient stay, type of healthcare service provided and symptoms. “It’s all about the safety and welfare of the patients. That’s what we’re always about,” Ditmar said. As remediation steps are being taken, hos­ pital officials and staff remain focused on answering questions and addressing concerns of the community and patients. “I’ve had many questions from patients. We talk about what legionella is, and I let them know all of the steps the hospital has taken for patient safety. The filters on all the faucets are very specialized and the same fil­ ters used when doing bone marrow trans­ plants for patients who are highly susceptible to all diseases,” Spectrum Health Pennock Midwife Renee Gaiski said. “I haven’t had a single patient decide to receive service some­ where else.” Legionnaires’ disease is a severe lung inflammation usually caused by the infection. The disease cannot be passed from person to person, and most people get Legionnaires’ disease from inhaling small water droplets carrying the bacteria. Older adults, smokers and people with weakened immune systems are particularly.susceptible. According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, the state is expe­ riencing increases in cases of Legionnaires’ disease. A press released issued on July 9, noted 135 confirmed cases of the disease were reported in 33 counties from January to July. There were 107 confirmed cases within the same time period in 2017. Confirmed cases up to July 2018, include 24 in the City of Detroit,, 19 in Macomb County, 16 in Oakland County, 11 in Wayne County and 10 in Genesee County. There were no reported cases of Legionnaires’ dis­ ease from Barry County until this past fall. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has documented a national increase in the number of reported Legionnaires’ cases. According to the center’s first detailed report of Legionnaires’ disease, there were 5,166 cases reported nationally in 2014, and 6,079 cases in 2015. The report states “the rate of reported cases is rising rapidly” and has increased more than four times since the year 2000. Cases in 2018, tallied through November 3, show a further increase with 7,104 cases of Legionnaires’ reported nationally. The CDC report also states most reported cases came from the Great Lakes states and the mid-Atlantic region: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. The reason for the localized outbreaks is unknown. Family Promise hosting meeting, fundraiser Family Promise of Barry County will have community meeting to start the new year. The meeting will be at Hope United Methodist Church (2920 S. M-37, Hastings, Tuesday, Jan. 15, at 7 I p.m. A national program, Family Promise works with host churches to provide a safe, clean place to sleep and two meals a day for families facing homelessness. The Jan. 15 meeting will include updates for the host and support church­ es, introduction of the new director, a tour of the day center, refreshments and an opening date discussion. The public is invited. Family Promise of Barry County also is participating in a fundraiser at the Mexican Connexion Restaurant in Hastings Tuesday, Jan. 8, from 4 to 8 p.m. The organization will get 10 per­ cent of all proceeds to support the pro­ gram. Anyone with questions about either event may call 269-953-6189. LEADER, continued from page 1 part of Yankee Springs townships. After the voting was done, Drain Commissioner Jim Dull addressed commis­ sioners during the public comment and praised the board under the leadership of Geiger and Jackson for working well with his department. He expressed the hope that the board, under the leadership of Wing and Conner, would continue to do the same. In other action, the board sets its meeting schedule for the year and approved appoint­ ments to committees. Parker offered to relinquish his post on the Barry-Eaton District Health Department if another commissioner wanted to serve in his place. No one expressed an interest in filling Parker’s seat on the health department board. After a short break, the commissioners met in a committee of the whole session and heard a report from County Administrator Michael Brown on a grant application for $16,413 through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs to cover the cost of education, communication and out­ reach regarding the Michigan Medical Marijuana Act in Barry County. The grant amount is based on the number of registry identification cards issued or renewed in the county as of Sept. 30,2018. With a Jan. 1 deadline for the grant applica­ tion, the turnaround time to apply was short, so a grant application was submitted, Brown said. But the board’s formal approval of grant funding will be requested later this month when health department officials attend the IM E W E DDirrc BKlhro Gas prices dip below $2 Heather Wing, new chairwoman of the Barry County Board of Commissioners, was chosen in a 4-3 vote Wednesday. board’s Jan. 15 meeting to answer questions and provide any further information. In other business, the commissioners voted to recommend approval of the reappointment of Cindy Vujea to the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority to a two-year term ending Dec. 31,2021. Average gas prices in Michigan have fallen under $2 per gallon for the first time in nearly 1,000 days, according to GasBuddy data, which is updated every five minutes. Prices at 8:35 p.m. Jan. Ifell to an average of $ 1.99 per gallon in Michigan, । becoming the 13th state (and the second Great Lakes state) where average gas prices fell under $2, joining Missouri, Oklahoma, Ohio, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, South Carolina, Mississippi, Alabama, Kansas, Kentucky and Tennessee. GasBuddy reported that gas had not averaged below $2 per gallon since April 11, 2016, which was 995 days or 142 weeks ago. Some stations in Michigan offered gas for under $2 per gallon last week; as of Tuesday, that price became the average across the state. ! Executive Director of Spectrum Health Pennock Foundation Janine Dalman stands beside a new filter placed on a public bathroom water faucet at the hospital. The spe­ cialized filters are the same as those used in surgical rooms for bone marrow trans­ plants. �Page 4 — Thursday, January 3, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you see? Evening meal Raising the age may save some and even one will be worth it This young cooper’s hawk watches for prey along Fall Creek in Hastings New Year’s Eve. Other avian hunters, including a sharp-shinned hawk, red-tailed hawk and a screech owl, along with a trio of ring-necked pheasants, have been seen near the creek, as well. (Photo by Del Bachert) These particular juvenile offenders did not look afraid as they faced the judge. That surprised me. I had expected them to look, at the very least, intimidated. I was observing the proceedings in Barry County Probate Judge William Doherty’s court recently as cases of juvenile offenders were brought before him for review. Quite a few juveniles saw the judge that day. And each one was handled with care and atten­ tion. These are young people who have been in court before; maybe that’s why they didn’t look fearful. But seeing these kids who are in trouble, some of them in deep trouble, can be quite an eye-opener. Most of these kids really don’t have a clue; they don’t even know they’re lost. In some cases, they were bom into bad circum­ stances. In other cases, they get mixed up in bad situations, substance abuse perhaps or petty theft. Some have serious learning disabilities. Or they only have one parent - and that parent is dealing with issues of his or her own. These kids may be having trouble in school. They’re bullied - or they may be bullies - and they might resort to violence under stress. When these young people end up in court, the system has a lot of programs to help them turn their lives around. But if all the people and programs don’t help and these kids hit the age of 17, it’s as if they are hitting a wall. That’s when their cases get catapulted into adult court. Michigan is one of only four states in the country that treats 17-year-olds as adults. So, if one of these juvenile offenders turns 17 and is arrested for any criminal offense, that young person goes directly to adult court. And, in some cases, that person goes to jail. I toured the Barry County Jail this fall. It took about 3 1/2 hours to see it all. And what I remember most was the looks on the faces of some of those inmates - especially the young men. Some of them looked like they were about 17. The jail is crowded, you know, so the teens are jammed in there with everyone else. A young clean-cut athlete with anger issues came before Doherty recently; he’s going to age out of the juvenile system soon. The next time he gets in trouble, the judge told him in stem tones, he will be hauled into adult court to account for his behavior. Some of these juveniles may end up We’re dedicating this space to a photo­ graph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? 1949’s newest arrival Banner Jan. 6, 1949 The New Year’s Baby, Miss Kristine Ann Gardner, pictured with her mother, Mrs. Willard Gardner, of Route 4, Hastings, is Barry County’s Baby of 1949 and will be the recipient of a shower of gifts by Hastings merchants which goes along with the honor. Miss Kristine was born at 10:22 Saturday evening, Jan. 1, weighing 8 pounds, 12 ounces. A boy, William Duane Anders, son of Mr. and Mrs. Elmer Anders of Cloverdale, almost became the New Year’s Baby, but he was born 50 minutes too soon - at 11:10 New Year’s Eve. Miss Kristine's father has farmed a place about a mile east of the McOmber School since his discharge from the Army two years ago. He and his wife have been married since April 1947 and this is their first child. Mrs. Gardner formerly was Mrs. Leta Stutz, and she is the daughter of Mrs. Gladys Allerding, of Independence, Iowa. [The McOmber School was on Brogan Road, near M-37 in Baltimore Township] (Leo Barth photo) What do you Have you Editor’s Note: Tanett Hodge is a staff writer at J-Ad Graphics. She has been filling in for Elaine Gilbert, who took the holiday off, and when it was suggested that we feature her husband, Jeff Hodge, the pastor of the Nashville Church of the Nazarene, Tanett wrote the following: Favorite movie: “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.” Best advice ever received: Work hard, never give up, be accountable, own your mistakes and find solutions instead of mak­ ing excuses. Jeff Hodge First job: Grocery bagger at Kroger when I was 18. Favorite TV program: “SEAL Team” Person I most admire: My brother, Ralph “Tres” Hodge, who was also my college bas­ ketball coach. Nothing ever shook him. He was a constant example of persistence. Book I’d recommend: “Redeeming Love” by Francine Rivers ... my wife made me read it and it was amazing. Favorite teacher (name, school, town, grade): Mrs. Jackson, my fifth- and sixth­ grade English teacher in Mt. Zion, Ill. She was very caring and went the extra mile to get me the help I needed in Language Arts class. Person I’d most like to meet (alive or dead): Jesus, because he could answer all of life’s questions. If I could have any superpower, it would be: To be made of steel so nothing can keep me down, or being able to be in multiple places at one time. Favorite vacation destination: Seattle, Wash., or anywhere there are mountains. Something about me most people don’t know: I lost my father at age 14. It made me grow up very quickly. Greatest song ever written: “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen. What I’d tell a high school graduate: See above answer for best advice ever received. Best gift I ever received: My wife. Favorite dinner: Sushi and anything with shrimp. My biggest challenge: Wanting to help so many people, but not being able to. If only I could ... go to Israel to see the culture and that I’ve studied so much come alive. What I want for the New Year: Time to spend with my family and a new car for my wife. The greatest president: George Washington. Favorite websites: youTube and bluelet­ terbible .org. Greatest thing about living in Barry County: The lakes, and the people are so down-to-earth and genuine and willing to care for each other. Each week, the. Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. : Rebecca Pierce, Editor think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by accessing our website, www. HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the fol­ lowing week. met? Jeff Hodge holds many titles in the com­ munity, but at the center of them all is a deep desire to foster relationships and care for people. Since October 2013, he has been the pastor of the Nashville Church of the Nazarene, where he teaches the people of his church how to love God and equips them to love the people around them. “I don’t preach theology; I live the way Jesus would want me to in my everyday life, and treat people the way He would treat them,” Hodge said. Hodge also is one of two chaplains who serve the Barry County Sheriff’s Office. He strives to be available to the men and women of the sheriff’s and corrections offices when­ ever they need him, and he serves on the sheriff’s volunteer posse. This year, Hodge joined the Maple Valley School bus drivers. When asked why he would want to do such a thing, Hodge replied, “What better way to get to know the kids and families in my community?” He is building connections and rapport with the students, parents and staff by inter­ acting with them daily. He works to bring light and hope to the community he lives in, in as many ways as he can. This is why he has been chosen as the Banner’s Bright Light this week. incarcerated with hardened criminals. But incarceration is not going to solve any prob­ lems for them. “These kids should get a chance; grow up a little,” the judge said. “The whole goal is to have them be in the community.” Take a look at the kids who come into Doherty’s court and you won’t see one adult among them. If they could have a little more time to mature, they might be able to make better choices. They might be able to respond to some of the people and programs in place to help them. That’s all that some of them need: A little more time. There is a grassroots effort in Michigan to give them more time. Called “Raise The Age,” the effort is seeking to raise the age of juvenile court jurisdiction from 17 to 18. These advocates “believe that automati­ cally prosecuting 17-year-olds as adults is unfair, expensive, and harmful to our youth,” according to the informational web­ site raisetheagemi.org. Judge Doherty agrees with the spirit of this effort, but he and his fellow judges say a change in the criminal justice system needs to have the dollars attached to fund it. Smart judges. In November, Doherty testified before a legislative Judiciary Committee about it. Probate judges in Michigan “strongly support the concept,” Doherty told me this week. “But legislation to raise the age would have to include the cost to the coun­ ties.” When probate judges opposed the mea­ sure because of the financing issue, law­ makers got the message. They went back to the drawing board and came up with a way that counties could choose a couple of different funding options with regard to 17-year-olds and how their cases could be handled by the criminal justice system in Michigan. The key is to get those juvenile cases out of the adult court system - where they don’t belong. “It’s a shame that Michigan is one of those [states] where we’re on the wrong end of it,” Doherty said. “We’re missing the boat.” If the “Raise the Age” legislation moves forward this year, hopefully we’ll be able to get back on that boat to a better place for these juveniles - and, ultimately, the community at large. Last week: The school board in Caledonia was asked on Dec. 17 to consider giving students gym credit for participating in marching band. They said band practice and performances involve as much, or more, physical demands as well as teamwork, perseverance, and strenuous effort. Should stu­ dents receive gym credit for marching band? Yes 63% No 37% For this week: Michigan lawmakers recently approved creation of a school safety office to work within the state police depart­ ment to create school plans to ensure best practices for pro­ tecting children. Do you think this is a good idea? □ Yes □ No Reporting History for the Future in 6 Barry County Area Newspapers • Lakewood News • Maple Valley News • Middleville-Caledonia Sun & News • Reminder • Hastings Banner Over 64,000 Papers Distributed Every Week! 1351 N. M-43 Highway • P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058 Phone (269) 945-9554 * Fax (269) 945-5192 r s ; | ■ J j ’ ; • ■ ’ j �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 3, 2019 — Page 5 Low-interest bond drove ability to make road fixes sooner for less Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Barry County Road Commission applied for and received a $4.5 million bond in 2015, anticipating additional revenue from the hike in gas sales tax targeted for Michigan road maintenance. “It was a splendid decision,” Road Commission Board Chairman Frank Fiala said. “We knew we would be getting more revenue, but we had immediate road repair and maintenance needs. “You must do the right fix at the right time or, as time goes by, the problem gets worse and the cost gets higher.” “We took a 10-year bond at a very low interest rate of 1.71 percent,” Fiala added. “There’s approximately seven years remain­ ing until it matures. We made the fixes and, in material costs, paid a lot less than what we would be paying now.” But when a single severe storm can cause an unanticipated $94,000 hit to the bud­ get, such as Winter Storm Bruce in November, it’s tough to plan. The 2018 revenue for the road commis­ sion is approximately $12.2 million, but esti­ mated expenditures total $15.4 million. But that won’t be enough to cover the current maintenance and repair needs of all the 1,065 miles of paved and gravel roads the road commission is responsible for in Barry County, Fiala said. He estimated that about $8 million more is needed. “We’re not in a deficit,” Barry County Road Commission Managing Director Brad Lamberg said. “We do what we can according to what our budget allows. We want to meet the expectations of Barry County residents, and we want to be able to repair and maintain every road to the highest standards. To do that, we need more money. “Until then, we deal with the reality of the funding available and prioritize.” Speaking of priorities, one option that could stretch road commission funds farther would be to abandon paved and gravel dead­ end roads in the county in areas where there is no housing or other development, Fiala said. According to Lamberg, 38 counties in Michigan took the drastic measure of grinding paved roads back to gravel before the gas-tax hike. Barry County did not take that step. But the county road commission has dis­ cussed this idea in the past, Fiala said. “It’s just a discussion we’ve had. It’s not a plan. Dead-end roads will continue to be main­ tained, and I don’t see a change to that. “However, when it comes to snow plow­ ing, repairs and maintenance, the main county roadways get attention first. Subdivision, local city or village roads and MDOT roads are lower on the spectrum. It’s been done this way for years.” Paved roads with higher traffic are at the top of the priority list. Lamberg said priority areas are chosen by considering the greatest benefit to the highest number of people. Michigan Department of Transportation is responsible for state highways, however, the road commission is responsible for all county roads and highways, plus some of the state roads. Over $1.2 million of the annual budget pays for just one season of snow removal, he said, and throughout the year, there are often expenditures stemming from events that can­ not be predicted, such as a greater number of damaging storms, high winds, frequent and extended snow storms and road flooding. Unexpected repairs are included in the mix, such as for bridges and culverts. Annual operating costs include a long list of other expenditures, such as property and liability insurance, employee salaries and ben­ efits, utilities, fuel, equipment maintenance and repair, materials for road repair and pilot programs to effectively respond to community concerns - the current one being the danger­ ous, and at times deadly, situations caused by large branches and trees falling onto the roads. “Barry County has approximately 670 miles of paved roads for the road commission to maintain, repair and keep as safe as possi­ ble for Michigan drivers. But we are also looking after gravel roads and subdivisions,” Lamberg said. There are 22 drivers, two loader operators and four mechanics on staff at the road com­ mission, all on a single shift, who are respon­ sible for all the paved and gravel roads. Just one round of clearing snow and treating means covering more than 2,130 miles. In Michigan, all roads fall under one of three jurisdictions: The 9,695 miles of state highways, equaling eight-percent of all Michigan roads, are under the jurisdiction of the Michigan Department of Transportation. The 90,162 miles of county roads, which is 75 percent of all Michigan roads, fall under the jurisdiction of county road commissions. There are 20,914 miles, 17 percent of all Michigan roads, under the jurisdiction of Michigan’s 533 cities and villages. “If you take the time to look at the reports of the conditions of paved roads, you’ll see that Barry County has one of the best results in the state,” Lamberg said. “This says a lot about the road commission’s dedicated crew and how seriously they take this responsibili­ ty.” A report by the Transportation Asset Federal Aid Rated Pavement Conditions County - Barry, County Road Commission, 2017 A report by the Michigan Transportation Asset Management Council shows Barry County roads are among the best in the state. (Graphic provided) Management Council shows Barry County as having 93.5 percent of its paved roads in good and fair condition. Some 6.5 percent of the roads receive a poor grade. Additional infor­ mation is available at www.mcgi.state.mi.us/ mitrp/tamcDashboards. According to the County Road Association . of Michigan, the state has the eighth largest public road system in the nation, the sixth largest county, city and village road system and the third largest county system. Michigan’s highway system is the 28th largest in the country. GOALS, continued from page 1 [Write Us A Letter: i ■" ..................... i ii i i i . ........ in The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: • All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. The Hastings BaiUlCl* Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM * Rebecca Pierce (Editor) • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. . Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer Tanett Hodge Bonnie Mattson Taylor Owens Joan Van Houten Sue Van Liere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 ‘Achieving Excellence Today, for Tomorrow,’ my hope is that we continue to work as a community to ensure student success,” Duits said. “This includes parents supporting literacy by reading at home and exploring our wonderful public library with their Carrie Duits children. It. means continuing to grow our Barry County Career Access Network with community leaders and supporting Kickstart to Career so our students can build their dreams for tomorrow. “We want to instill Saxon pride in all aspects of our students’ education, experiencing excellence today and giving them confidence for tomorrow.’ “My hope is that we work together in 2019 to gain a laser-like focus on this new mission for our school district,” she said. For the City of Hastings, “2019 looks to be yet another year filled with opportunity for our community,” City Manager Jeff Mansfield said. “We are currently experiencing residential and commercial development at levels that we haven’t seen for at Jeff Mansfield least 10 years. Our downtown remains vibrant and welcoming; our local employment base is strong and growing; our community remains an ideal place to raise a family. But, as with most Michigan communities, Mansfield said the city still faces challenges. Streets, sidewalks, utilities and other public infrastructure systems need attention, said Mansfield, who will be retiring this year. “Michigan’s method for funding public services no longer provides sufficient revenue to maintain these services at levels of the past - or at the level that most residents expect and desire,” Mansfield pointed out. “Addressing our infrastructure needs will be a primary focus of attention in 2019. “We will also continue to pursue residential development of all types and for those at all income levels. We know that the demand for such housing exists in our community, and we will look to encourage additional development to meet that need.” At the county level, resolutions for 2019 are varied: As a representative of the southern and western portion of Barry County, District 6 Commissioner Vivian Conner said she is focused on the flooding crisis there. Her goal for 2019 is “to find a short-term and long-term solution to the flooding issues at Crooked Lake and Upper Crooked Lake.” For District 5 Commissioner Ben Geiger of Woodland, Vivian Conner who represents District 5, he said he’s resolved “for Barry County: Address our crumbling facilities and continue improving our citizen boards. For myself: Repaint the garage.” District 1 Commissioner Howard Gibson of Hastings didn’t have a resolution for the Ben Geiger year but has said his biggest concerns are the jail and the Commission on Aging. He also has pushed for a study of the Barry-Eaton District Health Department to determine whether that combination has been advantageous to Barry County. An ad hoc committee of the county board is conducting a Howard Gibson financial study of the health department now, with its findings to be reported to the county board soon. “I would like to see more agencies that are self-supporting and less of a burden to the taxpayer,” Gibson has said. District 2 Commissioner Dan Parker of Middleville was clear on his resolutions for the year: “That we have full funding to finish the Paul Henry Trail through Barry County - and a clear understanding for how we should fund facilities for the jail and CO A. District 4 Commissioner Jon Smelker of Freeport is a member of the Dan Parker board’s ad hoc committee currently charged with studying the district health department. “I hope that the health department comes to a good end,” he said, “but I can’t tell you yet, without being all done with the ad hoc committee, which end that will be.” District 7 C ommissioner Heather Wing of Bellevue, said she doesn’t make New Year’s resolutions. But, when it comes to priorities, Wing said, “I think it’s obvious: How to get this jail taken care of. That’s really the pressing thing that we have. Commission on Aging - we have a building and it’s serving their Heather Wing purpose. But the jail seems like it’s a bit more in peril.” As far as additional concerns, “other than trying to save a few bucks here or there,” she added, “I think this commission has done well the last two years and I think that the next two, if we can keep the ball rolling the way we have, we’ll keep getting a lot done.” District 3 Commissioner David Jackson of Delton tied it all together with the following thoughts: “The new year brings opportunity for reflection, improvement and renewed commitment. “As I look back on the year, one thing that really stood out is the many people I had a chance to meet as I was campaigning this summer and the importance of that connection with the families I have the privilege of representing. As commissioner, Jackson said his goals for 2019 include continuing to engage as many families as possible and the issues that are important to them, and to be a conduit for help and information to connect families to their local government. “I have to be involved, available and accessible if I’m going to be the best representative for District 3,” he said. See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. d Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits �Page 6 — Thursday, January 3, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852-9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children's ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH M-37 South at M-79, Kimberly S. Metzer, pastor. Church phone 269-945-4995. Church Secretary-Treasurer, Linda Belson. Office hours, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11 am to 3 pm. Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School; 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship Tuesday 9 am Men’s Bible Study at the church. Wednesday 6 p.m, Circle of Friends (Young Adult Special Needs Group) (October thru May). PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling. MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10:31­ 11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children’s ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795-2370 and the rectory number is 269-948­ 9327. Our church website is www.samchurch.org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Thursday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269-945.9574. Email: office.greenstreetumc@ gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor; Ryan Rose, Family Life Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Child­ ren Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheelchair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings.org, 9 a.m. Traditional Service; 10:30 a.m. Contemporary service. Follow us on Facebook. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9: 45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945-9217. cbchastings. org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Highway, Hast­ ings. Telephone 269-945-9121. Email hastfmc@gmail.com. Website: www.hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Associate Pastor Andy Baird and Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller. Sun­ days: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAMI­ LY HOUR - ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE-9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Preschool-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Standard and Adult Elective classes. Cof­ fee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cook­ ies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Ser­ vice: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church Age 4-4th grade dis­ missed during service. After­ math Student Ministry - 6:30­ 8:30 p.m., 7th-12th grades. Wednesday: Women's Bible Study 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thurs­ day: Adult Bible Study 10 a.m. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God’s Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! Jan. 6 - Worship service at 8 and 10: 45 a.m.; AED Awareness Training 12:30-2 p.m. Jan. 7 Congregational Care Mtg. 3 p.m.; Social Activities Mtg. 6 p.m. Jan. 8 - Executive Mtg. 6 p.m. Jan. 12 - Pizza and Movie Night 6:30 p.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken @ grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945­ 2645, fax 269-945-2698. www. grace-hastings.org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings. EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH A welcoming and affirming congregation, located at the comer of Broadway and Center St. (entrance on Center St.). Sunday morning worship 10 a.m., Other weekly services include: Tues. - Morning Prayer, 9:30 a.m. and Contemplative/Centering Prayer, 6:30 p.m.; Thur.-MidWeek Eucharist and dialogue sermon, noon. Sat. - Commun­ ity Breakfast, served 8-9:30 a.m. Free breakfast is open to all; first Saturday each month "Messy Church," program for families. Mother Linnea Stifler available by appt, 269-945­ 3014. The Gary Parish House available to community groups. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses' _ 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 102 Cook Hastings 945-4700 IRVING TOWNSHIP, MI - Geraldine Anna Seger, age 95, of Irving Township, passed away peacefully at her home in Irving on December 30, 2018. Geraldine (Gerri) was bom in Grand Rap­ ids on September 12, 1923, the daughter of Lawrence and Gertrude Myers. Her childhood home was in the Irish community of Parnell. Geraldine grew up on a dairy farm south of Parnell near Cannonsburg and attended class­ es at St. Patrick’s Catholic School from kin­ dergarten through 12th grade, graduating in 1941. She later graduated from Davenport College. Geraldine married Carl K. Seger on No­ vember 4, 1944, and together they raised six sons. Geraldine loved Christmas celebrations and birthday parties. She was an avid reader, and enjoyed animals and the outdoors. She was a dedicated homemaker and lovingly served an untold number of meals to her family through the years, which included her delicious and unforgettable cinnamon rolls. Geraldine was very proud of her Irish back­ ground. She felt that her red hair was an out­ ward reflection of that special heritage; and because the color green reminded hen of Ire­ land, she loved every shade of green under the sun. She enjoyed working in the office at Hast­ ings Piston Ring for 23 years. After retiring she was able to spend a few winters in Flori­ da, where she made more friends and enjoyed the warm weather. Her years in Irving were cherished because of her wonderful neigh­ bors who became sbmd of her closest friends. Geraldine was a longtime member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Caledonia. She always found faith and hope in her religion. She often recalled with fondness her days at school in Parnell with Catholic nuns as her teachers. She was very devoted to her son Russell who suffered from a serious accident. She dedicated nearly 40 years of her life to help­ ing Russ regain mobility and to recover his health as much as possible. The two of them loved to play Yahtzee together and seldom missed playing their favorite game after din­ ner. Geraldine was preceded in death by her father, Lawrence Myers; mother, Gertrude Abraham Myers; husband, Carl K. Seger; brother, Jack Myers; sons, Robert (Bob) Seger, Martin (Marty) Seger. Geraldine is survived by her sons, Lar­ ry (Linda) Seger, Norman (Dorothy) Seger, Gary (Donna) Seger, Russell Seger; 12 grand­ children and several great grandchildren. Friends and relatives may meet with the family on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019 from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Holy Family Catholic Church where her Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 11 a.m., with a light luncheon to follow. A private burial will take place at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Middleville. Memorial contributions in Geraldine’s memory may be made to the Holy Family Catholic Church, 9669 Kraft Ave. SE, Cale­ donia, MI, 49316. Please visit www.beelergoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Geraldine’s family. HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am I1M William James Rudd Geraldine S. Seger Hastings Products «KWWlM0f KLWHWftaat 770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541 Hastings library streaming Calvin speakers The January Series begins today at Calvin College, and will be streamed at Hastings Public Library. The series will run every weekday from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. throughout the month, with guest speakers discussing religion, advancement in medicine, politics and more. More information, including a schedule of speakers is available at the library or at hastingspubliclibrary.org. Floyd B. Hewitt, age 84, went to be with his Lord late on the evening of December 31, 2018 at Thomapple Manor in Hastings where he resided for the past several years. Floyd was bom in Clarksville, on July 24, 1934 the son of O.C. and Anna (Case) Hewitt, who preceded him in death. Brothers Melvin, Russell, and Marvin also preceded him in death. Brother Bernie (Ailene) Hewitt survives. Also surviving are his wife, Marian; son, Mark (Jill) Hewitt; daughter, Carol (Ray)’ Allore; grandchildren, Tim (Shelly), Ellen, Matt, Carter, and Rachael. Floyd also had one great-granddaughter, Autumn. Floyd was also very close to his three stepdaughters, Su­ san (deceased), Sheryl, and Sharon, and step­ son, Stuart. Floyd served in the U.S. Army from 1957­ 58. He worked at the Medical Facility (Thor­ napple Manor) for several years before going to the Lake Odessa High School to work as their custodian where he spent most of his working years. His last few years, before retirement, were spent at the Clarksville Ele­ mentary school where the students loved him and called him Mr. Floyd. Floyd loved antique furniture and enjoyed refinishing it. He enjoyed fishing, working in his garden, his flowers, watching the birds, and doing anything outside. He was always busy doing something, and all you would have to do is follow the sound of his whistle to find him. Floyd’s sweet, quiet spirit will be missed by all who knew him. Visitation will be at Green Street Church/ United Methodist Church, 209 W. Green St., Hastings from 10 to 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 7, 2019, with a funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. A luncheon will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Thomapple Manor in memory of Floyd Hewitt. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. Sandra L. Bradfield HASTINGS, MI - Sandra L. Bradfield, age 66, of Hastings, passed away on December 26, 2018. Sandy was bom on November 11, 1952 to Charles R. and Joan N. (Wilson) Bradfield in Hastings. She was mentally challenged and required special care, however she brought much joy and laughter to many people in her life. Sandy was preceded in death by her par­ ents, Charles and Joan Bradfield; brother, Max; and sister, Linda. She is survived by her aunt Mary Jane Bradfield and many nieces and nephews. Per her family’s wishes, cremation has tak­ en place and a private burial will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made in Sandy’s name to a favorite charity of one’s choice. Please visit www.beelergoresfuneral. com to share a memory or to leave a condo­ lence message for Sandy’s family. William 6Bill’ James Rudd, 87, returned to his heavenly home on * December 24, 2018 after a valiant battle with a long illness. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ulti­ mately gave him peace. Bill was bom to the late William F. and Cora H. Rudd in Detroit, on May 15,1931. At the age of 15, Bill was re-bom in Christ and from that point his immersion in the Chris­ tian community would become a lifetime of support. Bill was blessed by God with a large and loving family. In August of 1955, while teaching Sunday school in Detroit, he met a captivating young woman by the name of Jane Eleanor Peterson. On June 9, 1956 he married his best friend and fellow parishioner in Grant. After living in many different areas Bill and his family settled in Barry County. Bill helped raise his five children with patience, discipline and humility. He taught them to love, to share, compassion and the power of prayer. He enjoyed spending time with his family and often took them on long family trips to the South or a modest weekend camp­ ing trip. All the while showing them the nat­ ural beauty that God had created. From the very beginning, he dedicated his children to God and encouraged them to explore the beauty of the gospels and to live a life dedi­ cated to Christ. Bill was a salesman at heart. He was kind and soft-spoke gentleman who had never met a stranger. He served as a factory sales representative of RPM, Inc. for over 25 year. Bill was also a board member for Continental Baptist Missions for 21 years and had a love and passion for serving Christ. He is dearly missed by his loved ones, who celebrate the fact that he is at peace with his creator. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Jane (Peterson) Rudd; sons, David (Mary) Rudd, John (Kim) Rudd, Dan (Erin) Rudd; daughter, Nancy Geren; 10 grandchil­ dren; 14 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Ruth Rudd; several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sharon Drake; parents, William F. and Cora H. Rudd; brothers, Robert Rudd and George Rudd; and sisters, Juanita Hoath and Mary Rudd. Relatives and friends met with the fami­ ly on Saturday, Dec. 29, 2018 fat the Beeler-Gores Funeral Home in Middleville. A fu­ neral service followed and burial took place at Mount Hope Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Continental Baptist Mis­ sions, 11650 Northland Dr. NE, Rockford, MI 49341. Please visit www.beelergoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Bill’s family. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 3, 2019 — Page 7 Brenda Lee Bekker HASTINGS, MI - Brenda Lee Bekker, age 58, of Hastings, * passed away December 31, 2018 at Metro Health Hos­ pital in Wyoming. Brenda was bom on March 23, 1960 in Grand Rapids, the daughter of Ralph and Lavada Sue (Molette) Slaughter. She attended Northview High School. She met and mar­ ried the love of her life, Gary Bekker on Feb‘ ruary 3, 1979. They enjoyed 33 years togeth­ er, until his passing in 2012. Over the years, Brenda worked for Grand 1 Valley Co-Op Credit Union and Thomap­ ple Valley Credit Union, where she retired in 2005, due to a car accident. Brenda loved spending time with her two grandchildren, Levi and Ryan Bekker. She especially loved having friends and family gather at her and Gary’s home, before his passing. Brenda was preceded in death by her par­ ents, Ralph and Lavada Slaughter; husband, Gary Bekker; son, Joseph Lee Bekker, and brother, Darrell Slaughter. She is survived by her son, Michael Bekker of Hastings; grandchildren, Levi Bekker and Ryan Bekker of Hastings; brother, Dennis (Cheryl) Slaughter of Hastings; sister, Chrissy (Roger) DeHaan of Hastings; nephews, Shane Slaughter, Dan Slaughter, and Dewey Slaughter; nieces, Stacy Slaughter and Judy Dunn. The family would like to express their deepest gratitude for all the kind words and support that they have received from every­ one during this difficult time. Graveside services will be held on Thurs­ day, Jan. 3,2019 at 3 p.m. at Irving Township Cemetery, 4001 W. State Rd „ Middleville, MI 49058. Pastor Steve Olmstead will offi­ ciate the service. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. Charlene Anne Keller Theodore J. Pranshka Jr. HASTINGS, MI - Charlene Anne Keller, age 82 of Hastings, * went home to be with her Lord and Savior, December 29, 2018, surrounded by her family. Charlene was bom on May 30, 1936 in Battle Creek, the daughter of Russell G. and Ruby Maxine (Webster) Tolles. She attended Hastings High School, graduating in 1954. Charlene married the love of her life, Robert A. Keller on July 8, 1954 and they have en­ joyed the past 64 years together. Over the years Charlene worked for Dr. Bob Carey DDS, Hastings City Bank, and Mr. R.E. Henry until she retired. Charlene enjoyed knitting, sewing, and word search books. She loved traveling with husband Bob and spending time with her family. Charlene enjoyed making her homemade strawberry jam and she had a special place in her heart for animals. Charlene has been a cancer survivor for 32 years. Her quick wit, smile and the love she had for her family has been an inspiration to all who knew her. She will be deeply missed. Charlene was preceded in death by her parents, Russell and Ruby Tolles and her in­ laws, William Max and Thelma Keller. She is survived by her husband, Robert A. Keller; children, Kurt (Barbara) Keller, Bart (Kathym) Keller, Max Keller, Robin (Kyle) Chase, and David (Christina) Keller; grand­ children, KJ Keller, Kassie Toliver, Ryan (Jessica) Zamonis, Ashleigh (Joshua) Rhoads, Justin (Brittney) Keller, Lindsey (Brian) Ismirle, Rachel (Joseph) Lifrig, Chase Keller, Eric (Brianna) Chase, Kristin (Leon) Patrick, Amber (Robert) Simons, Nicholas (Breanna) Chase, and Ross (Margot) Keller; 14 great-grandchildren, and two brothers, Boyd (Shirley) Tolles, and Robert (Linda) Tolles. Memorial contributions may be made to MacKenzie’s Animal Sanctuary, 8935 Thompson Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 or Bar­ ry County Animal Shelter, 540 N. Industrial Park Dr., Hastings, MI 49058. Visitation and funeral services will be held on Friday, Jan. 4,2019 at the Girrbach Funer­ al Home in Hastings. Visitation from 11 a.m. to noon. Funeral services will begin at noon. Kyle Chase will officiate the service. Inter­ ment will take place at Riverside Cemetery in Hastings. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. HASTINGS, MI - Theodore (Dorr) J. Pran­ shka Jr., age 93, of Hastings, passed away at his residence December 28, 2018. Theodore was bom on September 24, 1925 in Brush Ridge, Hastings, the son of Theo­ dore and Mina (Thomas) Pranshka. He at­ tended the Brush Ridge Country School and Hastings High School. Dorr honorably served in the U.S. Army during WWII from 1943 to 1945. He was a P.F.C. and received the Purple Heart, Good Conduct medal, Com­ bat Infantry Badge and European Theater Ribbon with three battle stars. On January 29, 1944, Dorr married Audrey Forsythe. To­ gether they would enjoy 44 years of marriage. Dorr and Audrey owned and operated a truck driving business in 1946. Dorr also worked for Williams Bros. Asphalt and Pav­ ing Company from 1958 to 1980. Dorr re­ tired in 1984. Dorr and Audrey lived in the Clarksville area from 1960 to 1984. Dorr en­ joyed riding Harley Davidson and Honda mo­ torcycles and was still riding his Honda trike until four years ago. Dorr enjoyed reading westerns, watching train shows and WWE wrestling. He also enjoyed taking walks and had a special interest in tractors and collecting guns. Dorr’s favorite place to eat in Hastings was Phil’s Galley and he enjoyed picking on the girls that worked there. Dorr was preceded in death by his parents, Theodore (Tate) and Mina (Thomas) Pransh­ ka Sr.; wife, Audrey Pranshka; son, Gary Lee Pranshka; sisters, Isadore Johncock and Opal Bishop. He is survived by his daughter, Patti (Wayne) Lewis and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grand­ children, also his beloved chocolate poodles, Buster Brown and Teddy Bear. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, Barry County Animal Shelter or Hospice. Visitation and Funeral Services will be held at the Girrbach Funeral Home on Thursday, Jan. 3,2019. Visitation from 11 a.m. to noon, followed by the funeral service at noon. Pas­ tor Ken McCabe will officiate the service. In­ terment will take place at Brush Ridge Ceme­ tery in Hope Township. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachftmeralhome.net. Happy New Year, baby! Reese Pratt, son of Leslie and Keith Pratt, was born at 1:59 p.m. on Jan. 1, 2019, and is the first baby of the year at Spectrum Health Pennock Family Birthing Center. Reese’s 21-month-old sister, Sylvia, is excited to have her new baby brother at their home in Lake Odessa, they said. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) Elaine Garlock Next week is time for the January meeting of the Lake Odessa Area Historical Society Thursday, Jan. 10, at 7 p.m. The Ionia County Genealogical Society will meet Saturday, Jan. 12, at 1 p.m. at the Freight House Museum. The First Congregational Church is making a change in the hour for Sunday morning worship services. The new time is 10 a.m., beginning Jan. 6. Sunday’s guest speaker at Central United Methodist Church while Pastor Domonic Tommy is on vacation was the Rev. Fred Carmichael. Weeks after his arrangements had been made at Central Dec. 30, his family holiday plans changed, so he was in Ohio. He had a rather long drive to get to church on time. He is part of the musical group Sentimental Journey. Members of the Garlock and GGDR’s families were hosted Saturday evening at the Grand Rapids home of Matt and Ashley (Barcroft) Singh with family members present from Lake Odessa, Hastings, Richland and Ohio for a shared meal, lots of conversation and enjoyment of four great-grandchildren. A new house has been built on Jordan Road near the corner of Charlton Park Road. Work is being done on a house on Vedder Road on the Odessa side of the road on what had been the Strickland farm. Many years ago, it was the home of a Jarstfer couple who were grandparents of Theron King. The house is opposite the north end of King Road in Woodland Township. The house has been unoccupied for many years. Bob’s Barn Jamboree Tuesday had a crowd for the New Year’s Day jamboree. Instruments included a banjo, dulcimer, fiddle and guitars of many sizes, along with vocal music by man performers in turn. SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS HASTINGS, MI - Mary Ellen Lewis, age 96 of Hastings, passed away December 27, 2018 at the home of her daughter in Hamil­ ton. Mary was bom on August 30, 1922 in Sul­ phur Springs, TX, the daughter of William B. and Myrtle (Snow) Brock. She attended Sulphur Springs School, graduating in 1940. Over the years, Mary worked for North American Aircraft in Dallas, TX from 1940 to 1943, Carousel Real Estate in Hastings as a secretary, Provincial House in Hastings, as a nursing assistant, and also ran a licensed adult foster care in her home in Hastings. Mary married Joseph C. Lewis on Novem­ ber 16, 1943 in Denver, CO. They enjoyed 72 years of marriage, before his passing in 2015. She enjoyed listening to music, read­ ing, playing games, and spending time with family and friends. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, William and Myrtle Brock; husband, Joseph Lewis; son, Wesley Lewis; grandson, Daniel Lewis; two great-grandchildren, Brady Ar­ mour and Adam Tuthill and 10 siblings. She is survived by her daughters, LaWanda (Roger) Converse, Sharon (Jasper) Tra­ vis, Lenay Lawrence, Cheryl (Dave) Snyder and Sue Lewis; several grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to a charity of one’s choice. A memorial service will be held on Satur­ day, Jan. 5, 2019 at noon at Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. Dr. Trent Broussard will officiate the service. A luncheon will follow the memorial service at Thomapple Valley Church, 2750 S. M-43 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. A private family burial will take place at Hastings Township Cemetery. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. Appeals may be filed online Vonda VanTil Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Medicare is the country’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older. People younger than age 65 may qualify for Medicare, too, including those with disabilities and those who have permanent kidney failure. If you’re a Medicare beneficiary who has been informed you must pay more for your Medicare Part B or Medicare prescription drug coverage premium because of your income, and you disagree with the decision, you may request an appeal. The fastest and easiest way to file an appeal of your decision is by visiting socialsecurity.gov/disability/ appeal. You may file online and provide documents electronically to support your appeal. You also may file an appeal online even if you live outside of the United States. You also may request an appeal in writing by completing a Request for Reconsideration (Form SSA561-U2) at socialsecurity.gov/forms/ssa-561. html. If you don’t have access to the internet, you may request a copy of the form by calling 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778). Learn more by reading our publication Medicare Premiums: Rules for Higher- Income Beneficiaries at socialsecurity.gov/ pubsZEN-05-10536.pdf. Know someone who hasn’t signed up for Medicare yet? They may use our online Medicare application if they are at least 64 years and 9 months old; want to sign up for Medicare but do not currently have any Medicare coverage; do not want to start receiving Social Security benefits at this time; and are not currently receiving Social Security retirement, disability or survivor benefits. Remind them that they should sign up for Medicare three months before reaching age 65, even if they are not ready to start receiving retirement benefits. They can opt out of beginning to receive retirement benefits now once they are in the online application. Then they can apply online for retirement benefits later. You can learn all you need to know at socialsecurity.gov/benefits/medicare and easi­ ly share these resources with family and friends. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email to vonda.vantil@ssa.gov. Call any time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad 260-045-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 About a bunny Dear Dr. Universe. My favorite animal is a bunny. I want to know more about it. How fast does a bunny hop? How long does a bunny live? Can a bunny swim? How many babies does a bunny have? Rueben, 7, Pennsylvania Dear Rueben, Bunnies are hopping all over our plan­ et. Some hop through snow and deserts, while others hop through wetlands and woods. There are lots of different kinds of rabbits and they are all a little different. For the most part, a bunny hops, or actually runs, anywhere between 25 and 45 mph, faster than most housecats can run. Rabbits are related to another group of animals called hares. Actually, rabbits and hares are in the same family, Leporidae. Hares look a lot like rabbits, but they have much bigger ears and bigger feet. European hares and jack rabbits, which are also hares, can run upwards of 45 mph. They have long, strong legs that help give them hopping power. That’s what I found out from my friend Paul Jensen, a graduate student researcher at Washington State University. He studies snowshoe hares in northcentral Washington state to learn more about populations in the wild. While rabbits and hares have their differences, they do have a few things in common. Both hares and rabbits have quite a few babies in their lifetimes. Hares are bom in nests above ground. They are born with their eyes open and a body that’s totally covered in hair. They don’t require a lot of supervision from their parents. Hares aver­ age one to eight babies in each litter, and sometimes they can produce four litters in one year. That’s a lot of baby hares, or as biologists call them, “leverets.” Rabbits are born with their eyes closed, no fur, and no ability to manage their own temperature. They need more parental supervision to survive in the wild and espe­ cially to stay warm in the burrows where they live. While bunnies can hop around, some also can swim in water. They don’t always seem to like the water much, though — not too unlike cats. Rabbits also have a lot of babies — anywhere from one to 14 in a litter. A baby rabbit is called a kit, which is short for kit­ ten. In the company of humans who keep them as pets, some rabbits will grow to be about 8 years old. Rabbits can live for one or two years in the wild. Meanwhile, some hares, like the Arctic hare, generally reach 3 to 5 years old. The American Rabbit Breeders Association recognizes 49 different breeds of rabbits. On the organization’s website, you can learn about all kinds of rabbits from the American fuzzylop and the lion­ head to the creme d’ argent and cinnamon. Have you seen any bunnies hopping around your neighborhood lately? Tell us about it sometime at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University's resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse .com. �Page 8 — Thursday, January 3, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Barry County Grapplers have 20 medal winners at Byron Center Truck rolls twice Riley Furrow (first place), Ashtyn Denton (second), Jace Acker (second), Brennon Denton (third), Cody Thompson (first), Hunter Sutfin (first), Jacob Thompson (first) and Austin Friddle (third) were eight of the 20 medalists from the Barry County Grapplers Association over the weekend at the MYWAY tournament in Byron Center. A near-miss with a falling tree caused an accident on East State Road near Wellman Road Friday, Dec. 29, involving a 28-year-old male driver of a northbound pickup truck and one male passenger. According to volunteer emergency responder Steven Arnold, the driver apparently saw the tree as it began to fall and attempted to stop the trifck. The tree did not land on the vehicle. However, when the driver swerved to miss the tree, it sent the truck spinning and it rolled twice before coming to rest in the ditch. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) Car collides with bus on Broadway Jordan Humphrey (second place) and Cameron Humphrey (third) were among the medalists from the Barry County Grapplers Association at the MYWAY tournament in Byron Center last weekend. No injuries were reported after this collision involving a public transportation bus and a car on Friday, Dec. 29. The crash occurred on Broadway Street, near the Apple Street intersection, in Hastings. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) Ben Furrow (first place), Thomas Cook (second), Isaac Friddle (second) and Joey Furrow (second) from the Barry County Grapplers Association celebrate their top two finishes at the MYWAY tournament in Byron Center. Financial FOCUS Put this year's investment performance in perspective? Patton Boomer (fourth place), Max Schnurstein (first) and Annelise Armstrong (fourth) celebrate their medal winning performances at the MYWAY tournament in Byron Center Sunday. Isaiah Wilson from the Barry County Grapplers Association won his weight class at the MYWAY tournament in Byron Center last weekend. Logan Kerby from the Barry County Grapplers Association shows off his fourth-place medal from the Byron Center MYWAY tournament last weekend. How can you assess your investment port­ folio’s performance in 2018? The year was full of wild swings in the financial markets, so your own results may well have bounced around quite a bit, too. But you can still get a clear picture of how you did if you keep your investments’ returns in the proper perspective - by making sure your expectations are rele­ vant, realistic and reviewed. Let’s look at how these terms can apply to a meaningful evaluation of your investment progress: • Relevant - Many investors compare their portfolio returns to a popular market index, such as the S&P 500. But this comparison is not really valid for a variety of reasons. For one thing, indexes are typically not diversi­ fied across different types of investments the S&P 500, for instance, only tracks large U.S. companies. But your portfolio should consist of a broad range of investments: domestic and international stocks, bonds, mutual funds, government securities and so on, appropriate for your goals and risk toler­ ance. Also, your portfolio’s performance will be affected by your contributions and with­ drawals, while market index returns are not. So, instead of measuring your results against an index - and possibly worrying about underperformance - you’re better off estab­ lishing relevant expectations of your invest­ ment returns, based on your specific goals. So, for example, if you want to retire at age 62, you’ll need to know the rate of return you need to achieve this goal - and then compare that desired return with your actual results. • Realistic - Ideally, of course, you’d like really high returns with really low risk - but that’s really not feasible. To get high returns, you’ll need to invest aggressively, which means you’ll need your portfolio to be heavi­ ly weighted in stocks. However, stocks are also riskier than more conservative invest­ ments, such as bonds or government securi­ ties. So, you’ll need to be realistic in what you can anticipate from your portfolio. You can shoot for high returns and accept the higher level of risk, or you can lower your expectations in exchange for greater stability. • Reviewed - The performance of the finan­ cial markets - and also your own portfolio will fluctuate from year to year. Consequently, it’s important to review your portfolio’s results and the progress you’re making toward your goals on a regular basis, possibly with the help of a financial profes­ sional. In these reviews, you may conclude that you’re doing fine, or you might discover that you need to rebalance your portfolio by realigning your investments with your goals and risk tolerance, or perhaps make other adjustments - such as changing the amount you invest - to get you back on track. In addi­ tion, you may even need to re-evaluate these goals in response to changes in your life - a new job, marriage, new child, and so on - as these changes could affect the rate of return you need from your investments. As you look back on 2018, and look for­ ward to 2019 and beyond, take a holistic approach to how you evaluate your invest­ ments’ performance. By looking for rele­ vance, being realistic about what you can expect, and reviewing your portfolio in the context of your goals, risk tolerance and changing circumstances, you can gain a thor­ ough understanding of where you are, where you want to go - and how you can help your­ self get there. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor If you have any questions, contact Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. ----STOCKS-----The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. Apple Inc. 157.74 +10.91 AT&T 28.54 +1.18 Chemical Fin 36.61 +1.53 Chevron 108.79 +7.80 Deere & Co. 149.17 +11.79 Exxon Mobil 68.19 +2.68 Flowserve CP 38.02 +2.13 Ford Motor Co. +.02 7.65 General Electric Co. 7.57 +.65 General Motors 33.45 +1.08 Home Depot Inc. 171.82 +13.68 Johnson Johnson 129.05 +6.21 Kellogg Co. 57.01. +1.19' Microsoft CP 101.57 +7.44 Perrigo Co. 38.75 +2.25 Pfizer Inc. 43.65 +3.10 Spartannash Comp 17.18 +.86 Stryker 156.75 +11.75 TCF Financial Corp. 19.49 +1.17 Walmart Inc. 93.15 +7.33 Walt Disney Co 109.65 +9.30 Whirl Pool Corp 106.87 +5.15 Gold Silver Dow Jones $1,282.75 $15.52 23,327 +$13.82 +.67 +1,535 Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 3, 2019 — Page 9 “I wish to express to the society through you my sincere appreciation. The spirit which prompted your action is splendid, and is typical of all I have always known about the citizens of that county. Personally, I am very much touched, and appreciate very earnestly the thoughtfulness of those back home and the affection which has not been lessened by lapse of time.” and columns on local History TURNING BACK THE PAGES ‘Boys’ express thanks for Christmas packages, conclusion Kathy Maurer Copy Editor The Turning Back the Pages column in the Dec. 20 Banner told of a homegrown effort to provide Christmas packages to soldiers and sailors serving in military camps across the U.S., “on the seas,” and in Europe during World War I. A tremendous amount of time, thought, expense and effort went into the project to ensure that the men received the large assortment of treats by Christmas. Sweets and candy - not a normal part of the military diet - were emphasized. Cakes, chocolate, hard candies, mints, dried fruit, gum, orange marmalade and more were carefully selected, packaged and shipped. The local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution also collected and sent knitted items to the “boys.” The Dec. 27 Banner included responses from some of the appreciative soldiers and sailors, along with a bit of information on the individuals. The letters of thanks - and a bit about the men - continues below. Supply Co. 137, FA. Camp Shelby Hattiesburg, Miss. Dec. 11,1917 Dear Friends Unknown: 1 received the Christmas present today and wish to thank you very much for it. I for one am proud that 1 am from good old Barry County, and 1 think the boys one and all will join in with me and give three Good Big Cheers for the folks back home who don’t forget us when we ’re many miles away. Yours with many thanks, Fred Gunnett P.S. - 1 have a different address than the one put on the package. F.G. (Fred Gunnett was born to Frank and Emma (Cavender) Gunnett in Bourbon, Ind., and was living in Cressey when he reported for duty with the 3rd Indiana Infantry. He worked as a laborer prior to the war, as a wagoner while in the service, and as a shoemaker shortly after. In a Jan. 29, 1918, letter printed in the Banner, Gunnett wrote: “My bit in helping win this war is driving a four line team of mules and my job just suits me for I was bom and raised on a farm and always did like to drive a team. I’ve a nicelooking team and of course think it the best one in the stable, which I might add is the private opinion of all the drivers.”) Somewhere in France Dec. 7,1917 Dr. Geo. Hyde Dear Friend: Parcel arrived in best of condition, and everything is just to my taste. At present we’re up the line and parcels are the nicest, since one cannot buy anything in the eat line. It is rumored that we are to be out for Christmas, but it sounds too good to be true. We have had very nice weather of late, one little snow flurry, but was a joke here, since we have fireplaces in our cellars, lots of wood and coal. Must close now, thanking you for the parcel you were so kind to send. Please extend my thanks to the members of the society. Yours sincerely, Andrew B. Clark (Clark was born in South Dakota and enlisted in the Canadian Army in Winnipeg, Manitoba. His parents were living in Flint at the time. When or how long he lived in Barry County is not evident. He was sent overseas in November 1916. In a letter printed in the Banner a year later, Clark wrote that he had been in France for five months and had yet to meet any U.S. soldiers. He belonged to a “pioneer battalion,” which dug trenches, built railroads and handled other tasks to “help the boys who have to be in the front line.” Clark would be discharged in early May 1919) Camp Kearney, Cal. Dec. 25,1917 To the Hastings Banner, Dear Sirs: I am taking this way of thanking the good people of Barry County who have so generously contributed to the Soldiers and Sailors fund for sending boxes of good cheer in the form of dainties to those of their number who have identified themselves with the military and naval establishments of our country in this great struggle for world democracy. I am sure those remembrances will be much appreciated by those who are far from home and cannot partake of the Christmasfestivities within their own family circles. Next, of course to being at home, is the pleasure of a letter or remembrance from those we hold dear, and I am glad to know that Barry County has taken it upon herself to so remember those who call her “home.” If I could write of the things we are doing - of the work that is designed to fit us for that which we are soon to experience -1 could say much that would be interesting, but this we are not permitted to do. Suffice it to say that our schedule is a hard one, that everything is done with mathematical precision and accuracy and we should be well equipped to give a good account when the test comes. No doubt our sacrifices will be great and many, many homes will mourn long after the final victories have been won, but if out of this great struggle there emerges a world cleansed of autocracy and purged of absolutism, if republics arise where despots now reign supreme, if the voice of the people crying out for peace and liberty shall ever be heard where one group or faction now struggles with its neighbors, the means will have been justified and the victory glorified. Homer C. Washburn Major 157th U.S. Infantry (Washburn, a Hastings native, went on to earn a pharmacy degree from the University of Michigan in the early 1900s. He took a teaching job at the University of Oklahoma and was soon named dean of the School of Pharmacy there. He moved to Colorado in 1911 and organized the College of Pharmacy at the University of Colorado. Washbum had served in the Spanish American War in 1898 and later with the Colorado State Militia. He heeded Uncle Sam’s call for reinforcements on the Mexican border in 1916. So, it probably was no surprise when the U.S. entered World War I that Washburn would step up. He was promoted to major in the Colorado Cavalry Service July 5, 1917. He had married Mary Beckley in 1902 and they had a 13-year-old daughter, Helen. Washburn eventually was sent to France during some of the heaviest fighting, survived and mustered out in May 1919. Two years later, Lt. Col. Washburn was the first Reserve officer assigned to the 103rd Division, and he became the first commander of the 411th Infantry Regiment, a post he would hold until 1930. Later known as the “Cactus Division,” it included all of Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico. Prior to the war, Washburn had authored many pharmaceutical papers and opinions, and he continued such professional writing after the war. He would serve as a dean at the University of Colorado from 1911, when he formed the School of Pharmacy, to 1946 when he retired. He lived out his retirement in California, where his daughter had already relocated. Washbum died in 1964, a day before his 88th birthday.) k graduate of Hastings High School, Homer C. Washburn served in the Spanish-American War, the border war with Mexico and World War I and was the first commander of a Rocky Mountain infantry division. However, he was best known as founder and dean of the School of Pharmacy at the University of Colorado. (University of Oklahoma archives) George H. Rock was in charge of more than 10,000 men working to build and repair ships in the Brooklyn Navy Yards during World War I. He later would be credited with aiding in the groundwork to modernize the U.S. Navy. Amid his successes, Rear Adm. Rock never lost contact with Barry County and the friends of his boyhood days. get pretty slack about washing our face as often as we did at home, and I suppose that caused my sore eyes. I have to wash my face now once a day anyway to get my eyes open. The weather has been fine for a few days, and we have been going out to drill with the guns and horses most every day. It is quite interesting and I like it. Have a dandy horse to ride. We have about 200 horses in a battery of 193 men, so there is considerable work to do taking care of them. Last night a French officer who has had four years in the trenches gave us a lecture on how we would live in France. He says the artillery guns are hidden in the ground and we live mostly underground, but the men stay on duty in the trenches for about 10 days and are off about 10. However, I will write you more about that when we get over there. As soon as we leave here, our mail will be censored, so we can’t say much about the army. Well, will close for this time and wishing you all a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, I remain, Your nephew, Earl J. Christmas lessened by lapse of time . Very cordially yours, George H. Rock, Naval Constructor, U.S.N. (The son of a blacksmith, George Henry Rock won a cadetship at Annapolis Naval Academy after graduating from Hastings High School. He would eventually earn the rank of rear admiral. During World War I, he was in charge of more than 10,000 sailors building and repairing ships for the U.S. Naval fleet in the Brooklyn Naval Yards. Among those rebuilt vessels were more than 40 ships seized by the U.S. from the German navy, which then tried to destroy the captured vessels. Rock and his crew were able to rebuild the ships for use by the U.S. Navy in an unexpectedly short amount of time. Adm. Rock would go on to be credited with aiding in the groundwork to modernize the U.S. Navy. A 1946 naval architects and marine engineers publication said of him: “Although Admiral Rock went far in the naval service and mingled with the great and many nations, he never lost contact with Barry County and the friends of his boyhood days here. The many fine honors he won never turned his head. In fact, each new distinction seemed to add to his sense of humility and gratitude for the privilege of serving, a nation where such things can happen, even- to the son of an obscure village blacksmith.” Rock is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.) (Bom in Lansing, Christmas was working as a special agent with Aetna Life Insurance Company when he reported to camp in Lansing in July 1917. His parents, who were 68 and 75, were living in Eaton Rapids at the time. The 1900 U.S. Census shows the three living in the city of Hastings, so he was one of the young men embraced by the concept of “once a Barry County boy, always a Barry County boy.” The aunt and uncle to whom he wrote the above letter were not identified by name. Christmas married Margaret Adams in 1923. They would spend most of their married life in Adrian and have three daughters, the youngest named Merrie. Earl continued to work in the insurance business, as did his wife, an Adrian College graduate.) Btry. C. 119th FA. Camp McArthur, Waco, Texas Dec. 21,1917 Co. M., 126th Inf. U.SN.G. Camp McArthur Der Aunt and Uncle: Received the box yesterday and was mighty glad to get it, and it arrived all O.K. and in good shape. As we expect to leave here for France after Christmas, they are not buying much grub and are feeding us pretty light, so can assure you that it came in handy. Most of the boys are getting boxes of stuff now, and we get together nights before going to bed and have a feast. I have had the pink eye for several days. We Mrs. W.M. Stebbins and the ladies of the DAR: Received Christmas box of knit goods all O.K. Many thanks to you all for same and for the interest taken in a Hastings man that had been awayfor such a length oftime. Everything was just fine and it brought tears to my eyes when I tried them all on to think how far away we seem to be from each other. Now Mrs. Call any time to place vour Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 TIME TO RAISE THE CURTAIN LOUIE ANDERSON Navy Yard, New York Hull Division Dec. 27,1917 / SATURDAY ' JANUARY 26 Geo. H. Rock Dec. 27, 1917 Stebbins, I received a box for Christmas from the Soldiers and Sailors Society. Would it be too much to ask you to give them my acknowledgment of same and thank them for me since there was no address, and I do not know wo to write to. Will try and get some good souvenir from the Germans to bring back for your society, (you see I intend to come back) not the Kaiser, but something else. Thanking your again, I remain, Ever the Friend of the DAR Chas. E. Swinn (The youngest child and only son of James and Beulah (Dibble) Swinn, Charles was born in Hastings Sept. 25, 1875. By 1900, he was married and living in Grand Rapids, employed as a joiner/veneer worker. He and his wife, Latha Doan, divorced in 1909. Both of his parents died in October 1910. Swinn was among the oldest Barry County “boys” who served in World War I. He was 41 when the U.S. declared war on Germany. Though young enough to be required to register for the third draft, Swinn had been in the Army more than a year before that deadline. He was working as an upholsterer prior to the war, and served first as an officers’ cook. He was eventually promoted to mess sergeant with the 32nd Division, 126th Infantry, Company M. Swinn was near some of the worst battles in France and was considered 35 percent disabled for hearing and eyesight loss after being gassed in the Battle of Chateau-Theirry. However, he continued to serve in the Army of Occupation until his discharge in June 1919. He returned to Grand Rapids and again worked as an upholsterer, initially living with his sister Rosa and her husband, Fred Woodruff. At some point, Swinn remarried. Mattie Clark, nine years his senior, was his second wife. Perhaps, because he was older and had lost both parents, the unexpected packages from his boyhood home may have had a more profound impact on Sgt. Swinn. “Many thanks,” he wrote, “... for the interest taken in a Hastings man that had been away for such a length of time. Everything was just fine and it brought tears to my eyes ... to think how far away we seem to be from each other.” Because of a brief note of thanks he wrote, Swinn is remembered nearly a century later. Sources: Hastings Banner, familysearch, org, findagrave .com, Michigangenweb.org/ barrycounty, the 1922 Barry County Soldiers and Sailors in Service during the World War, produced by the local DAR chapter, European Center of Military History/eucmh.com, 103rdcactus.com, Desert Sun/cdnc.ucr.edu and the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers. MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 #8110376 & Insured HAVE YOU BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH LUNG CANCER« The Secretary, Barry County’s Soldiers and Sailors Christmas Present Fund, My Dear Secretary: The box which came to me at Christmas time from the Barry County Soldiers and Sailors Christmas Present Fund was a real pleasure, and I wish to express to the society through you my sincere appreciation. The spirit which prompted your action is splendid, and is typical of all I have always known about the citizens of that county. Personally, I am very much touched, and appreciate very earnestly the thoughtfulness of those back home and the affection which has not been THE FAB FOUR: THE ULTIMATE TRIBUTE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 9 DWIGHT YOAKAM • FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22 LEWIS BLACK: THE JOKEfS ON US TOUR FRIDAY, MARCH 1 ARE YOU AN ASBESTOS VICTIM? TICKETS ON-SALE NOW at the FireKeepers Box Office or FireKeepersCasino.com. Itf'V ON” ■Pn»55952845 --------- -- TIME TO GET YOUR 1 ■I "nl lU CASINO'HOTEL BATTLE MESOTHELIOMA? CREEK I-94 to Exit 104 | 11177 Michigan Avenue I Battle Creek, Ml 49014 Must be 21 or older. Tickets based on availability. Schedule subject to change. Please call us for a FREE consultation Call today 1-800-547-4189 �Page 10 — Thursday, January 3, 2019 — The Hastings Banner jfiMi Rial/ SYNOPSIS RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP REGULAR BOARD MEETING December 12, 2018 - 7:00 p.m. Regular meeting called to order and Pledge of Allegiance. Present: James, Spencer, Bellmore, Walters, Watson, Hawthorne, Greenfield Absent: None Approved the Agenda as presented. Approved the Consent Agenda as presented. Reappointed Stacey Graham to the J.PC. Reappointed .Mary Anger, Gene Hall and Robbin Bates to the Board of Review. Retained Craig Rolfe as 2019 Attorney of Record Retained Prein & Newhof as 2019 Engineer of Record. Retained Siegfried Crandall P.C. as 2019 Auditor of Record. Board Members and Attorney Rolfe entered into closed session at 7:46 p.m. Board members returned to open meeting at 8:47 p.m. Accepted the Budget Amendment for Service Agreements and Insurance. Ordinance #2018-166 - Motion failed to accept first reading of Marijuana Facilities Ordinance. Adopted Resolution #2018-238 - Township Board Meeting Dates & Holiday Schedule. Adopted Resolution #2018-239 - Opposition of Senate Bill 396. Adopted Resolution #2018-240 - Township Board Compensation. Adopted Resolution #2018-241 - Township 2019 Budget. Meeting adjourned at 10:08 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Attested to by, Larry Watson, Supervisor no465 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on January 24, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Amanda M. Legault, a married woman Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): AmeriFirst Financial Corporation Date of Mortgage: September 30, 2016 Date of Mortgage Recording: October 10, 2016 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $149,734.72 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Maple Grove, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: A parcel of land in the Southeast 1/4 of Section 36, Town 2 North, Range 7 West, described as follows: Commencing at the Southeast corner of the West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of said Section 36, for the place of beginning; thence North 297 feet; thence West 297 feet; thence South 297 feet; thence East 297 feet to the place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: December 20, 2018 Trott Law, P.C. 1371176 (12-20)(01-10) 109740 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on January 24, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Jordan Ashley Mack, an unmarried woman Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): AmeriFirst Financial Corporation Date of Mortgage: May 22, 2018 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 8, 2018 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $87,923.83 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot(s) 3, Block 7 of Kenfield’s 2nd Addition to the City of Hastings according to the Plat thereof recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, Page 37 of Barry County Records The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: December 20, 2018 Trott Law, P.C. 1370902 (12-20)(01-10) 1 JR STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 18-28098-DE Estate of Richard Clair Fox. Date of birth: 11/01/1959. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Richard Clair Fox, died 11/04/2018. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Ashley Morawski, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 9050 Greggs Crossing Road, Nashville, Ml 49073 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 01/02/2019 Nathan E. Tagg P68994 202 South Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2900 Ashley Morawski 9050 Greggs Crossing Road Nashville, Ml 49073 (269)953-4919 110642 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on January 24, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Ian Carter, an Unmarried man and Katie Hotchkiss, joint Tenancy with full rights of Survivorship Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Amerifirst Financial Corporation its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Ameri First Financial Corporation Date of Mortgage: June 29, 2012 Date of Mortgage Recording: July 16, 2012 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $54,554.63 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Charter Township of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 66 of the Plat of Melody Acres, according to the recorded plat thereof, Hastings Township, Barry County, Michigan. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: December 20, 2018 Trott Law, P.C. 1371208 (12-20)(01-10) Lansing man shot and killed in Sunfield residence 109818 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on February 7, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Ronald A. Brown and Patricia H. Brown, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender Quicken Loans, Inc., its successors and or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee for J.P. Morgan Mortgage Trust 2007-S1 Date of Mortgage: January 5, 2007 Date of Mortgage Recording: January 31, 2007 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $340,711.83 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Woodland, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 39 and 40 of McLenithan Subdivision No. 2, Woodland Township, Barry County, Michigan, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Block 5 of Plats, on Page 23, except commencing at the Southwest corner of Lot No. 39 of McLenithan Subdivision No. 2, Jordan lake, thence East 15 feet, thence North to the Northwest corner of said Lot 39, thence South along the West line of Lot 39 to the point of beginning. The redemption period shall be 1 year from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: January 3, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1372265 (01-03)(01-24) 110636 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on January 10, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Adrian C. Endsley, a married man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): AmeriFirst Financial Corporation Date of Mortgage: October 26, 2016 Date of Mortgage Recording: November 17,2016 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $96,769.09 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 5 of Block 6 of Chamberlain’s addition to the City, Formerly Village of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, according to the recorded Plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, page 7. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: December 13, 2018 Trott Law, P.C. 1370266 (12-13)(01-03) 109173 NOTICE OF.MQRTGAGE FORECLOSURE SAL.EThis firm is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information we obtain will be used for that purpose. Default has occurred in the conditions of a mort­ gage made by KRISTA ANN SHELDON, a single woman (“Mortgagor”), to GREENSTONE FARM CREDIT SERVICES, FLCA, a federally chartered corporation, having an office at 3515 West Road, East Lansing, Michigan 48823 (the “Mortgagee”), dated July 17, 2009, and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan on July 24, 2009, as Instrument No. 200907240007681 (the “Mortgage”). By reason of such default, the Mortgagee elects to declare and hereby declares the entire unpaid amount of the Mortgage due and payable forthwith. Mortgagee is the owner of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage. As of the date of this Notice there is claimed to be due for principal and interest on the Mortgage the sum of Fifty-Seven Thousand Nine Hundred Twenty and 86/100 Dollars ($57,920.86). No suit or proceeding at law has been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage or any part thereof. Notice is hereby given that by virtue of the power of sale contained in the Mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, and to pay the above amount, with interest, as provided in the Mortgage, and all legal costs, charges and expenses, including the attorney fee allowed by law, and all taxes and insurance premiums paid by the undersigned before sale, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by sale of the mortgaged premises at public venue to the high­ est bidder at the east entrance of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan on Thursday the 24th day of January, 2019, at one o’clock in the af­ ternoon. The premises covered by the Mortgage are situated in the Township of Thornapple, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and are described as fol­ lows: Lot 21, Sandy Knolls, according to the plat there­ of recorded in Liber 5 of Plats, Page 59 of Barry County Records Together with all fixtures, tenements, heredita­ ments, and appurtenances belonging or in any way appertaining to the premises. Commonly known as: 2092 Fawn Avenue, Middleville, Michigan 49333 P.P. #08-14-120-020-00 Notice is further given that the length of the re­ demption period will be six (6) months from the date of sale, unless the premises are abandoned. If the premises are abandoned, the redemption period will be the later of thirty (30) days from the date of the sale or upon expiration of fifteen (15) days af­ ter the Mortgagor is given notice pursuant to MCLA §600.3241 a(b) that the premises are considered abandoned and Mortgagor, Mortgagor’s heirs, exec­ utor, or administrator, or a person lawfully claiming from or under one (1) of them has not given the writ­ ten notice required by MCLA §600.3241 a(c) stating that the premises are not abandoned. If the premises are sold at a foreclosure sale, under MCLA §600.3278 the Mortgagor will be held responsible to the person who buys the premises at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the Mortgagee for damaging the premises during the redemption period. Dated: December 13, 2018 GREENSTONE FARM CREDIT SERVICES, FLCA Mortgagee Timothy Hillegonds WARNER NORCROSS + JUDD LLP 900 Fifth Third Center, 111 Lyon Street, N.W. Grand Rapids, Ml 49503-2487 (616) 752-2000 17911979 109455 109608 GET ALL THE NEWS OF Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 HADDV INTO! D/iIUl i mi V/vUnl III Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Help Wanted LAUER FAMILY FUNERAL HOME is looking for a funeral home assistant. Imme­ diate opening. Contact 269-945-2471, for an appointment. Resumes are a must. Duties include: lifting heavy objects, grounds main­ tenance, assisting with funerals, must have good driving record and funeral attire. A 40-year-old Lansing man, Justin Eddy, was shot in killed after breaking into a home near Sunfield Tuesday night, according to the Ionia County Sheriff’s Office. The sheriff’s office received a call at 10:38 p.m. Jan. 1 from a home in the 4000 block of East Musgrove Highway in Sebewa Township, reporting a burglary in progress. The original dispatch indicated that an intruder, Eddy, had forced his way into the home, claiming to the startled homeowners that he was being chased by someone else who was trying to kill him. The homeowner armed himself and went outside with Eddy, but did find any indication of another person chasing him. After the two men went back inside the home, Eddy report­ edly began acting erratically, became angry with the homeowner, and assaulted him. The homeowner then shot and killed Eddy before deputies arrived. Evidence was collected and will be pro­ cessed and submitted to the Ionia County Prosecutor’s Office for review. The home­ owner had not been arrested as of Wednesday afternoon, pending prosecutor review, and he is cooperating with law enforcement. There is no known connection between Eddy and the homeowners, and it is unknown why Eddy chose to enter the house, although drugs and alcohol are suspected factors. Further investigation also determined the vehicle Eddy used to get to the residence had been stolen from another residence approxi­ mately two miles east in the 2000 block of East Muskgrove Highway. Deputies found a pickup truck there registered to Eddy still running with its headlights on. It appeared Eddy got out of his vehicle, and abandoned it, and then stole another pickup truck which I hauled a trailer with heavy equipment. While his exact route of travel is unknown, investi­ gators have determined he drove it through a few properties in the area, damaging the truck ’ and trailer before arriving at the house where ’ the shooting occurred. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any additional information is asked to call the Ionia County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau, 616-527-5737. The Ionia County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Michigan State Police, Sunfield Fire Department, Portland Ambulance, Sparrow Medical Examiner’s Office, Lehman Funeral Homes, Ionia County Central Dispatch and Reed/Hoppes Towing. Ci AI Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on January 24, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Michael K. Stehr, A Married Man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Citibank, N.A., not in its individual capacity, but solely as trustee for the NRZ Pass-Through Trust VI Date of Mortgage: May 14, 2003 Date of Mortgage Recording: May 20, 2003 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $93,724.42 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 6 of Block 7 of H.J. Kenfield’s Addition, according to the recorded Plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats on Page 9, City of Hastings, Michigan The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: December 20, 2018 Trott Law, P.C. 1371175 (12-20)(01 -10) Justin Eddy, 40, of Lansing, was killed after breaking into a residence near Sunfield. 109741 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on January 24, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Eric Dannenberg and Kimberly Dannenberg, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: CitiFinancial Mortgage Company, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, d/b/a Christiana Trust, not individually but as trustee for Hilldale Trust Date of Mortgage: June 16, 2006 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 28, 2006 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $134,745.89 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Thornapple, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Unit 2, Mulberry Hills Estates, a Condominium, according to the Master Deed in Document 1092759 and Amendment No. 2 to Master Deed recorded in Document 1134901 and designated as Barry County Condominium Subdivision Plan No. 24, according to the Plat thereof. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: December 27, 2018 Trott Law, P.C. 1371664 (12-27)(01-17) 110089 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on January 10, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Gary Willavize Jr., an unmarried man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Ameri First Financial Corporation Date of Mortgage: October 31, 2016 Date of Mortgage Recording: November 1,2016 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $82,558.24 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and described as; The North one-half of Lot(s) 621 and West 3 rods of the North one-half of Lot 620, also the South 32 feet of Lot 609 of City, formerly Village of Hastings, according to the Plat thereof recorded ? in Liber A of Plats, Page 1 of Barry County Records The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: December 13, 2018 Trott Law, P.C. 1370270 (12-13)(01-03) 109172 NOTICE Schneiderman & Sherman, P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE Thomas Kenfield and Justine O’Donnell assumed . a Mortgage to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”), solely as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated December 23, 2008, and recorded on January 5, 2009, in Document No. 20090105-0000087, and re-recorded on February 2, 2009 in Document No. 20090202-0000891, per Mortgage Assumption Agreement dated July 10, 2017, recorded July 11, 2017, in Document No. 2017-006916, and assigned by said mortgagee to Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Ninety-Three Thousand Three Hundred Twelve Dollars and Eleven Cents ($93,312.11). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, At the East doors of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan at 01:00 PM o’clock, on January 24, 2019 Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: THE WEST 1/2 OF LOT 3 AND THE EAST 1/2 OF LOT 4, BLOCK 1 OF JAMES DUNNING’S ADDITION, CITY OF HASTINGS, MICHIGAN. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 600.3241, in which case the redemption period shall be 1 month, or under MCL 600.3241a 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 600.3241 a(b) notice, whichever is later, or extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of Act 236 of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman, P.C. 23938 Research Drive, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1370790 (12-13)(01 -03) 109510 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 3, 2019 — Page 11 Woman arrested after attacking friends with knife Police received an anonymous call from a residence on Stanton Drive in Irving Township at 4:20 a.m. Dec. 29,2018, that a 27-year-old woman was attacking other people at a party. An officer arrived and found the woman pinned down by a 21-year-old man. She reportedly was going in and out of consciousness, had a large cut above her eye, and did not speak to the officer until the ambulance took her to the hospital. A 29-year-old woman said the suspect became angry when she saw a man at the house talking on the phone to another woman and tried to leave. The woman refused to give the suspect her keys since she had been drinking, and said the suspect attempted to gouge out her eyes and put a knife to her throat repeatedly shouting “You know what!” The suspect then went into the house and punched another guest before she was restrained. At the hospital, the woman told the officer said she did not remember what happened at the party, but her knife was recovered. Information was forwarded to the prosecutor’s office for review. DNR, police join in ATV pursuit A police officer assisted a Michigan Department of Natural Resources officer at 6:34 p.m. Dec. 30, 2018, on Stuck Road near Leinaar Road, Delton. Two subjects were report­ ed driving an ATV with non-identifiable ownership. The ATV had been recently painted, and the vehicle identification number was not showing up when the DNR officer ran it through a database. When the officer arrived to assist the DNR, one of the suspects, a 33-year-old Lansing man, jumped onto the ATV and fled. The two officers pursued the ATV in their vehicles until it reached a farm field, which Barry County Sheriff’s Office policy does not allow officers to drive through. When the officer returned to the road, his vehicle was struck on the passenger side door by two deer. The side airbags deployed, and the vehicle later was towed. The DNR officer chased the ATV until the suspect jumped off and attempted to flee on foot. He ultimately was arrested. Car parts stolen from garage A 25-year-old man at the 800 block of West Sheffield Road, Barry Township, called police Dec. 29,2018, to report the theft of tires, batteries, rims, subwoofers and golf clubs from his garage. The man said he realized the items were missing about a month before reporting it, but had seen rims he believed were his for sale online by a Battle Creek auto store. The man said he will be meeting with the owner of the store in an attempt to prove ownership. The investigation is ongoing. Joyrider scared off by lights A 23-year-old man called police at 10:12 p.m. Dec. 20,2018, to report a mid-sized SUV doing “donuts” in his yard in the 5000 block of Marsh Road near Gun Lake. When a motion-activated light turned on, the vehicle immediately sped off. The case is inactive pending further information. Grand Rapids man gets third OWI offense A man called police to report a drunk driver on M-37 near Schnurr Lane, Middleville, at 11:52 a.m. Dec. 30,2018. The caller saw the driver pull into a driveway, and he parked his own vehicle to block it from returning to M-37. The 49-year-old Grand Rapids man submitted to a breath test by a police officer, with a result of 0.11. The driver was arrested and it was his third offense. Woman refuses sobriety tests, seeks arrest An officer stopped a vehicle for an expired plate on Marsh Road near England Road, Orangeville township, at 1:14 p.m. Dec. 29,2018. The officer reported an odor of intoxi­ cants coming from the driver, but the 65-year-old Shelbyville woman repeatedly refused to take a sobriety tests, and told the officer, “Just take me.” The officer took the woman to jail where she registered a blood alcohol level of 0.147. No suspects in missing truck topper An officer responded to the 40 block of Sundago Street, Hastings Township, at 5 p.m. Dec. 22,2018, on a report of a missing truck topper. A 51-year-old man said the topper to his 1998 Ford F 150 truck was stolen between 7:50 a.m. and 5 p.m. that day. The topper was secured by two clamps that were left lying in the truck bed. A set of new tire rims in the bed had not been taken. The officer asked the man if the clamps may have loosened and the topper blown off without him noticing. The man said he did not know. The case is inactive pending further information. Five storage units broken into at Clear Lake An employee of Clear Lake Storage in Dowling called police at 9:13 a.m. Dec. 23,2018, to report break-ins at five storage units. The incident would have occurred between Dec. 19 and Dec. 23. People renting the units checked for missing items, and only a small bag of coins blackened from a house fire in the 1970s was thought to be missing. The case is still under investigation. Then-Lt. Gov. Brian Calley addresses visitors at the State Capitol. (Photo provided.) Calley joins Michigan Small Business Association as president The Associated Press Former Lt. Gov. Brian Calley is joining the Small Business Association of Michigan, where he will serve as president and lead the group’s lobbying and communications efforts. The announcement was made Wednesday, a day after the Republican left office under term limits. Current SB AM President and CEO Rob Fowler will remain the Lansing­ based organization’s CEO. Calley, who lost his campaign to succeed Rick Snyder as governor, says in a statement that he is “thrilled” to advocate for the men and women who open and operate small businesses. Fowler says Calley has a long and New state law establishes juvenile mental health courts State Rep. Julie Calley’s plan to create spe­ cialized juvenile mental health courts in Michigan has been signed into law. Calley, of Portland, pointed out that Michigan’s current mental health courts suc­ cessfully help struggling ,adults overcome their challenges through court-based treat­ ment programs, reducing recidivism across the state. “If our local courts have the choice to offer treatment to adults, then our young people deserve the same prospect,” Calley said. “Juvenile mental health courts will give young people the tools and support they need to grow up to lead healthy, successful lives.” Michigan’s current procedures for mental health courts were established with the adult court system in mind, she pointed out. The juvenile system uses different terms, involves different entities, and expects different results than the adult system. The plan laid out in House Bills 5806-08 uses the established adult mental health court system as a framework, with modifications to address the needs of juveniles. “These programs will focus on teaching troubled kids and their families to address the root cause of their challenges in a productive manner,” Calley said. “Helping and guiding kids through their troubles will give them brighter futures and reduce the chances of them repeating the same mistakes.” See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits Reckless driving of remote car reveals warrant An officer observed a radio-controlled toy car in the roadway on M-66 near Church Street, Nashville, causing a vehicle to have to brake excessively at 9 a.m. Dec. 16, 2018. The officer made contact with the operator of the toy car, who turned out to have a warrant for his arrest for a traffic violation in Kalamazoo County. The man was arrested. Identity theft case involves Barry County man The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a case of identity theft after a traffic stop and vehicle search that occurred on Jackson Street near Lenon Street in Springfield. At approximately 6:30 a.m. on Dec. 26, deputies stopped a vehicle for a traffic viola­ tion. During the stop, deputies discovered multi­ ple identifications that did not belong to the vehicle’s occupants. Calhoun County detectives executed a search'warrant on the vehicle and located 19 different identifications from six states, including Michigan, and stolen checks from eight different individuals from five West Michigan counties. A 42-year-old Dowling man, who was on parole, who had been charged with receiving and concealing stolen property, burglary, pos­ session with intent to deliver cocaine and possession of a firearm; along with his pas­ senger, a 33-year-old Plainwell woman, who was on probation for welfare fraud; were lodged at the Calhoun County jail. Calhoun County sheriff’s detectives are working with multiple agencies regarding the identity thefts investigation. Call any time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 accomplished record advocating for small businesses. The 41-year-old former state lawmaker and banker from Portland helped craft two major changes in business taxes as lieutenant governor. SB AM serves more than 26,000 businesses across Michigan. State Rep. Julie Calley BENITA A C* NOW AVAILABLE IN HASTINGS Penske offers clean, well-maintained moving trucks of various sizes to best serve your needs. Penske has over 2,000 locations nation-wide for your convenience. Call Sunshine Pack & Ship today or go on-line to order your riext truck. sunshine Pack & Ship 1351 N M 43 Hwy, Hastings, Ml 49058 Phone: (269) 948-9610 FREE Unlimited miles on one-way truck rental. (some restrictions apply) �Page 12 — Thursday, January 3, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Gridiron gangs fire up local fans in 2018 Hastings senior Allison Collins runs in the Division 2 girls’ race at the Lower Peninsula Cross Country Finals at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn in November. Thornapple Kellogg senior Nathan Hobert walks of the field following the TK varsity baseball team’s 3-0 loss to Spring Lake in the Division 2 Regional Semifinals at Hope College June 9. Brett Bremer Sports Editor Few varsity athletic endeavors can unite a community as well as a successful football program. Barry County as a whole experienced one of its finest seasons ever in 2018, sending four of its five varsity football teams into the Michigan High School Athletic Association State Playoffs. Thomapple Kellogg snapped a seven-year playoff drought by putting together a 7-2 reg­ ular season to earn a spot in the Division 3 State Tournament. Lakewood earned a playoff spot for the fourth consecutive season with seven regular season wins, finishing as the runner-up to Olivet in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference in its first season under new head coach Matt Markwart who took over in August. Delton Kellogg earned its second playoff appearance in three years. Maple Valley went 5-4 during the regular season, earning a playoff spot for the second season in a row. Delton Kellogg, after a record-setting fall where school marks for yards and points fell earned the county’s lone playoff victory. The Panthers scored an 86-50 victory over Niles Brandywine in a Division 6 Pre-District bail­ game in Delton. The game ranks as the fifth highest scoring game in state history in which the losing team scored at least 40 points. Thornapple Kellogg opened the season with five consecutive victories, a great start for the program that hadn’t won five games in a season since 2011. The Trojans went 4-2 in the OK Gold Conference in their second sea­ son with head coach Jeff Dock. It was league foe Grand Rapids Christian, who the Trojans bested at the end of the 2017 season, that snapped TK’s streak with a 21-14 victory in front of full stands at Bob White Stadium in Middleville in late September. The Trojans then fell to East Grand Rapids before bounc­ ing back for a 14-13 victory over South Christian in Middleville to close the confer­ ence slate and secure their playoff berth. “This is a summer time dream,” Thomapple Kellogg senior linebacker Trent Johnson said of the Trojans qualifying for the state play­ offs. “We come to two-a-days for seven and a half hours a day and just work and get sore, come back and here we are six wins in against a really great opponent. It feels amazing.” The Trojans narrowly missed getting to play in a district final, falling 25-24 in their playoff game against visiting Battle Creek Central. The Bearcats scored the go-ahead points with 31 seconds remaining in a game that the Trojans led throughout after taking a 14-0 edge in the opening quarter. They were up by as many as 11 points in the fourth quar­ ter. Delton Kellogg didn’t have much success in the district final it played in, falling 49-20 at Schoolcraft, its second loss to the Eagles during the 2018 season. Lakewood fell 28-8 to Flint Powers Catholic in its Division 4 Pre-District ball­ game while the Maple Valley boys were best­ ed 49-6 in their Division 7 Pre-District contest at Cassopolis. “We have really got a solid group of seniors who have committed to making Maple Valley football a presence again,” Maple Valley head coach Marty Martin said after his team became playoff eligible with its fifth win of the season, in week nine against Comstock. “These kids have played their hearts out for Maple Valley. From day one they really want­ ed to make Maple Valley relevant. That one playoff win last year made them hungry for more. We have been talking about the oppor­ tunity of trying to get into the playoffs and trying to get some hardware. We were so close last year and the kids really want that oppor­ tunity again this year.” The Hastings Saxons were just shy of the wins needed to reach the postseason, finishing at 4-5, which is the best record for the Saxon program since it joined the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference before the start of the 2016 season. “The kids have worked really hard, from last November all the way through the end of this season and brought us a long way,” Hastings head coach Jamie Murphy said after his 32-16 win at Charlotte to close out the regular season. “The difference from the beginning of the year to now is there is a lot more discipline, in terms of holding onto the ball. It was really an issue at the beginning of the year. Our second and third games com­ bined we had 11 turnovers. That was huge. So, it’s good. I’m happy for these boys.” The news wasn’t all good for the local var­ sity football programs. Maple Valley won’t get the chance to continue its playoff streak. Because of a lack of numbers in the football program Maple Valley is making the move to 8-player football next fall. Maple Valley will not be able to qualify for the MHSAA’s 8-player football playoffs in 2019 based on enrollment numbers that exceed the maximum for the sport that was originally designed for only the very smallest schools in the state. That is as rule that the Lions, as well as many other programs in sim­ ilar circumstances, hope to see altered in the future. During his report to the Maple Valley Board of Education in November former board member and athletic committee chair­ man Rob Franks said the school does not have enough participants to continue with the cur­ rent football program with 11-member teams. He said the school will have maybe 24 kids in the football program in the entire high school in 2019, with five to six of them in ninth grade. “That’s just plain not enough to maintain a JV and varsity football program,” said Franks. “You don’t want to throw freshman to the wolves.” Franks said after looking at the level of interest in the younger grades, those numbers will likely continue for the next three years. Thornapple Kellogg-Hastings junior Alex Fabiano (left) gets a handshake from Caledonia-Lowell-South Christian’s Michael Johnson after setting a new school record in winning the 100-yard freestyle at the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference Meet in Hastings in February. He said the school’s only option at this point is to move to eight-member football. “I take no joy in it, but its a reality” said Franks. “Faced with the other option of shut­ ting down the program - its a no brainer.” Lakewood athletic director Mike Quinn said he wrapped up his final bit of football scheduling in December, finalizing a bail­ game with Ludington in place of the Greater Lansing Activities Conference match-up with the Maple Valley Lions. It was no surprise which team had the best postseason run of any local varsity squad. The Lakewood varsity volleyball team, under the guidance of new head coach Cameron Rowland, reached the state quarterfinals for the fifth consecutive and returned to Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek for the fourth time in five seasons. Ranked third or fourth in the state in Division 2 for most of the season the Vikings once again swept their way through the GLAC, the Division 2 District Tournament they hosted and their Division 2 Regional Tournament at Battle Creek Harper Creek High School. It wasn’t until the state quarterfinals that the Vikings dropped a set in the postseason, scoring a 3-1 win over Wixom St. Catherine in the quarterfinal at Fowlerville High School. That victory put the Vikings in a spot they had been planning to be "all season long, in the state semifinals against top ranked Grand Rapids Christian. The Eagles took a 25-14,25-20, 25-14 win over the Vikings in the semifinal match-up, and went on to best second ranked Pontiac Notre Dame Prep in three sets in the state final. Lakewood senior libero Patsy sMorris, sophomore middle hitter Aubrey O’Gorman and freshman right side Maradith O’Gorman were all named first team all-state in Division 2. Morris was one of just four seniors on the Lakewood roster this fall, along with class­ mates Zari Kruger, Savannah Stoepker and Lana Thompson. “They left this program better than they found it,” Rowland said he told them in the locker room after the state semifinal match. “We’re in the last weekend of the year again. That is where Lakewood volleyball belongs. We’ll be back. We’re going to keep coming back. I thanked them for everything they’ve done. Three of my four seniors weren’t our stars, and they knew that, and they absolutely killed their roles this year. They got better every single match, every single day at prac­ tice. They did all the little things.” “This season could have been really bad,” he added. “There were a lot of changes. They lost six seniors who won more in the postsea­ son than anyone else. I think these seniors passed them on Tuesday or tied them. With my mom (Kellie Rowland) giving up the pro­ gram after 22 years of building it, this season could have been bad. “We were ranked third most of the year. Teams respected us. Teams did not want to have to play us and that is kind of what Lakewood volleyball has prided itself is you never want to have to play Lakewood. We did those things. Tonight (the Eagles) just over­ whelmed us. Their setter (Jordyn Gates) had them in system no matter where they passed the ball. They just absolutely overwhelmed us.” One other county spiker earned all-state honors, Maple Valley sophomore Keilyn Carpenter, a sophomore outside hitter who led the Lion program to its best finish ever in the GLAC this fall. The Lions were the league runner-up behind the Lakewood ladies. Barry County had a handful of other state finalists in the fall. Freshman Abby Marcukaitis from the Delton Kellogg/Thofnapple Kellogg/Hastings varsity girls’ swimming and diving team scored a 12th-place finish in the 100-yard backstroke at the Division 1 Lower Peninsula Finals at Eastern Michigan University in November. She finished the race in 58.90 seconds. Senior teammate Belle Youngs also com­ peted in the DI Finals, placing 20th in the diving competition. Youngs and Marcukaitis joined teammates Grace Beauchamp, Kate Lakewood senior Patsy Morris gets fired up with her teammates before the start of their Division 2 State Semifinal match against top-ranked Grand Rapids Christian at? Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek in November. Thornapple Kellogg junior Joe Fitzgerald from the Lowell/Caledonia/Thornapple Kellogg varsity hockey team accepts a regional championship medal at The Summit in Lansing following his team’s 8-5 win over DeWitt/St. John’s in the Division 1 Regional Final. Haywood, Hannah Johnson and Daisy Nowinsky in earning all-conference honors in the OK Rainbow Conference Tier II as their team finished in a three-way tie for the con­ ference championship with Caledonia/Lowell/ South Christian and Wayland. The county had five other state qualifiers in the fall, a trio from Hastings and a pair of Delton Kellogg Panthers. Hastings junior golfer Rayna Honsowitz, senior Allison Collins from the Hastings varsity girls’ cross country team and juniors Aidan Makled and junior Blake Harris, and Delton Kellogg var­ sity boys’ cross country runners junior Matt Lester and sophomore Micah Ordway. All three Saxon runners finished among the top 100 in their respective races at the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. Makled and Harris not only qualified for the state finals but helped the Hastings boys’ team to a win at the Interstate-8 Athletic ConferenceJ Championship Meet, the first time since 1979 that the Saxon boys won a conference meet. Lester got to run at MIS, placing 66th in the Division 3 boys’ race, but Ordway was forced! to miss the meet after an emergency appen­ dectomy in the week leading up to the finals. Both guys set new personal records in their Division 3 Regional race to earn their finals spots. J The Saxons’ Honsowitz went to Michigan State University’s Forest Akers East Golfj Course in October to participate in the Division 3 Lower Peninsula Girls’ Golf Finals. Honsowitz scored an 85 on Friday and an 87 Saturday for a two-day score of 172 at the finals, scoring a birdie on her final hole off the season. * Continued next page �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 3, 2019 — Page 13 Delton Kellogg varsity football coach Ryan Bates talks things over with his team following its loss to Schoolcraft in the Division 6 District Final hosted by the Eagles in November. Hastings senior Jordyn Wigg gets a hug from varsity girls’ basketball coach Mike Engle at the end of their team’s district defeat in Charlotte in February. Wigg is now a freshman on the Aquinas College women’s basketball team. From previous page Dowagiac’s Justin Lyle celebrates a pin of Lakewood’s Luke Steverson in their 189pound match that clinched a 37-28 win in their Division 3 Regional Semifinal match at Lakewood High School in February. The Delton Kellogg varsity baseball team begins to celebrate its Division 3 District Championship on the infield at Griswald Field in Vermontville in June following a 9-5 win over Pewamo-Westphalia in the district final. The Thornapple Kellogg varsity softball team celebrates its first ever OK Gold Conference championship after sweeping a doubleheader with Wyoming to close out the conference season in Middleville in May. The Trojans were 11-1 in conference play, sharing the league title with Wayland. The Lakewood varsity competitive cheer team celebrates its runner-up finish in the Division 3 Regional Tournament hosted by Rockford High School in February, a finish that earned the Vikings a spot in the state finals for the fifth time in six seasons. Honsowitz qualified for the state finals by winning a regional championship at Pigeon Creek Golf Course, shooting a 78 to best the regional runner-up by three strokes. “Rayna seemed to be peaking at the right point of the season,” Hastings head coach Kristen Laubaugh said. “She worked out some things with her drive and hit the ball well today. “A big thing at PigeonCreek was staying out of trouble - lots of water and thick rough. Rayna got herself into some minor trouble but was able to get out without any major issues.” Her sophomore sister Rylee Honsowitz nearly earned the chance to join her at the state finals, but Rylee was bested in a tie-breaker after shooting an 87 at the region­ al. It was a pretty great girls’ golf season at Thornapple Kellogg and Lakewood as well. The Lakewood ladies,won,their sixth consec­ utive league championship, with Jacqueline Estep finishing as the GLAC’s top golfer throughout the course of the season and Jordan Shank finishing as the runner-up at the conference championship tournament. Thomapple Kellogg finished second to South Christian in the OK Gold Conference, led by all-conference performer Clair Jansma and four other girls who finished with honorable mention all-conference honors. The South Christian team went on to place second at the D3 state finals. Most of the county’s other top team finish­ es came as the winter of 2017-18 was coming to an end in February and March. The Lakewood varsity competitive cheer team scored its highest finish ever at the Division 2 State Finals, placing fifth. It was the fifth appearance at the state finals for the Viking team in six seasons. The Vikings won conference and district cheer championships before a runner-up regional finish secured the Vikings their state finals spot. “The girls are excited to place one spot higher than the last two years and very excited that we did that with a very young team,” Lakewood head coach Kim Martin said after her team’s finals performance. “12 of the 22 girls are underclassmen on this team, five girls being their first year on the competitive mat.” The Hastings girls had another great cheer season as well, qualifying for regionals in Division 2 after winning their second straight Interstate-8 Athletic Conference champion­ ship. The Lakewood varsity wrestling team also won a GLAC title in 2018, and joined Thornapple Kellogg in adding a district cham­ pionship at the start of the state postseason Delton Kellogg’s Erin Kapteyn, a sophomore last spring, was the runner-up in the 100-meter hurdles, fifth in the 300-meter low hurdles and third in the pole vault at her team’s Division 3 Regional hosted by Kent City in May, but chose to forgo participating in the track and field state finals to pitch for the Panthers’ varsity softball team in their district tournament the same day. tournament - the Vikings in Division 3 and the Trojans in Division 2. The Trojans were once again the OK Gold Conference champi­ ons as well. TK bested Hastings 54-22 in its Division 2 Team District Final in Middleville, a match that proved to be the final dual for the Saxon head coaching duo of Mike Goggins and Dennis Redman who passed off the program to Darrell Slaughter for the 2018-19 season. The Trojans were led by a group of seven seniors last season. “They came in their freshman year and each year they have been on the team we have had two and three seniors, if that, and I chal­ lenged them going back to last year’s banquet to leave a legacy where the group in front of them hadn’t,” TK varsity wrestling coach Scott Szczepanek said after the district victo­ ry. “I challenged them to leave a legacy and show what happens when you have a group of committed individuals sticking through thick and thin over four years and seeing what we can do.” The county’s smaller schools has the most success when the focus shifted to the individ­ ual state wrestling tournament. Lakewood sent four wrestlers, Delton Kellogg three and Maple 'Valley two to the individuaiTmalsat Ford Field in Detroit in March. Delton Kellogg senior 285-pounder Tyden Ferris and Maple Valley freshman 112-pounder Jesse Brumm each reached the champion­ ship match at the finals, finishing as state runners-up. The county had five state medal­ ists in all. Brumm’s senior teammate Franklin Ulrich placed seventh in Division 4’s 160pound weight class. Lakewood had sopho­ more Jon Clack place fourth at 171 pounds in Division 3 and senior teammate Lane Allen place third at 152 pounds. Ferris was a four-time state medalist, fin­ ishing second at the end of his sophomore and senior seasons at the individual finals. Richmond senior Tyler Marino bested Ferris 5-1 in the 285-pound championship scoring a take down late in the first period and a second late in the third period on his way to the state championship. “I wanted to be a champion really bad, I’ve been working a long time to be a state cham­ pion,” Ferris said. “My goal my whole life has been to be on the top of the podium, to be the best in the state at wrestling, so it was defi­ nitely kind of saddening being disappointed that I wasn’t able to achieve the goal that I’ve worked so hard to get. “I know a lot of people will say that it is truly great what I have done, and yeah I do think four years of placing at state is great, I wish I could have just gotten one place higher, but that is life.” Ferris’ life now revolves partly around playing football at Central Michigan University. He was a red-shirt offensive line­ man for the Chippewas in the fall of 2018, joining his family’s former foreign exchange student Bernhard Raimann on the Chippewas’ roster. Raimann, a German who attended The Maple Valley varsity football team qualified for the state playoffs for the second season in a row this fall, but due to low numbers in the program have decided that the school will not be able to support an 11-man football program in the upcoming seasons. The Lions will begin playing 8-man football next fall, but due to the size of the school system will not be able to qualify for the MHSAA state playoffs in the sport. Delton Kellogg during the 2015-16 school year, played in 12 games and started four for the Chippewas while recording ten receptions for 88 yards as a tight end. Brumm was 48-2 in his freshman season, with his only two losses to wrestlers who won individual state championships. Manchester senior Reese Fry pinned Brumm a minute and a half into their 112-pound championship at the end of the Division 4 finals. “When the ref called the pin I got up and smiled, but I was okay with it,” Brumm said of his loss to Fry in the finals. “I was just happy I got second as a freshman.” Barry County also had a couple of repre­ sentatives deep in the state’s Division 1 hock­ ey tournament. The Lowell/Caledonia/ Thomapple Kellogg varsity hockey team won its second straight regional championship in 2018, earning a spot in the state quarterfinals for the second time. “This is awesome. It’s a great way to repeat a past season,” LCTK senior Ethan Pinto said after his team’s regional championship victo­ ry in which his hat-trick powered the team to a 6-4 win over the DeWitt/St John’s team in Lansing. “We came out we worked hard and _” the brotherhood that we have is amazing. “They had three unanswered goals agaiiist us, it was kind of shocking,” he added. “When we came back out we didn’t have that lead. Coach told us the truth and what we had to do, and we came out and worked even harder and wrapped it up that way.” For the second time, the LCTK skaters were bested by Brighton in the quarterfinals. A handful of local teams managed district championships in the spring of 2018, but the only team able to get beyond the regional round of the state tournament was the Lakewood varsity boys’ golf team which placed 16th at the Division 3 Lower Peninsula State Finals at the conclusion of the spring. The district championships were highlight­ ed by a Delton Kellogg double, with the var­ sity baseball and softball teams both taking district championships in division 3. The Thomapple Kellogg varsity baseball and var­ sity girls’ golf teams also won district titles, while the TK varsity softball team won its first ever conference championship. The TK ladies earned a share of the OK Gold Conference softball championship by sweeping their way through the league after splitting its conference double header against perennial champion Wayland at the start of the conference season. The Wayland girls built a 7-0 lead in game one of its league dou­ ble header against the visiting Trojans in early April, but TK rallied for a 10-9 victory. TK scored three times in the bottom of the third inning; pulled within 8-6 with three more runs in the bottom of the fourth; took a 10-8 lead with four runs in the bottom of the fifth; and then survived a couple bobbles in the top of the seventh to hold on for the onerun win. “When we get down we just come back as a team. Once it starts going we keep it going, we don’t get our heads down,” Thomapple Kellogg junior pitcher Bre Lake said. “Last year, we worked towards it and we were coming along. This year we put in a lot of work and have really come a long way. I am really proud of how everyone kept their heads up and kept cheering everyone on.” Wayland did ultimately break the tie by knocking the TK ladies out of the state tour­ nament in districts. Thomapple Kellogg pitcher Dakota Phillips shut out the South Christian varsity baseball team in a 1-0 Trojan win in their Division 2 District Final. “Dakota Phillips pitched a masterful game, and we had some great defense behind him,” Thomapple Kellogg head coach Jack Robert said. “Caleb Gavette at third base started two double plays. We had an injury at second base and Brendan Miller had to step in and play second base and did a phenomenal job. Matt Lenard saved a run with his play at short stop, laying out and diving after the baseball and making all the plays.” TK scored its lone run with the help of Continued next page �Page 14 — Thursday, January 3, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Saxon wrestling team second at Military Appreciation tourney The Hastings varsity wrestling team won four of its five matches to finish as the run­ ner-up at Friday’s Military Appreciation Duals hosted by Coopersville. The Saxons represented the United States Navy with their uniforms at the tournament. A close 42-27 loss to Kent City was the only defeat of the day for the Saxons. Hastings bested the host Broncos 48-27 in the opening round of the competition. Hastings went on to beat Ravenna 60-24 and Northview 54-20. The Saxons finished off their day with a 57-22 win over Zeeland West. Dillon Neal, Gabe Trick, Jackson Dubois and Devon Dilno were all undefeated on the day for Hastings. Shane Dillon, Andrew Miller and Kenny Smith had four wins each, and Johnny Giro’n, Tyler Dull and Gili Perez had three wins apiece. Jacob Pennington, Christian Heath and Griffin Seeber won two matches each for the Saxons. Kent City was 4-0 at the tournament, best­ ing Zeeland West 52-22, Northview 45-28 and Coopersville 46-28. Panthers score four medals at Ionia invite The Delton Kellogg varsity wrestling team had four of its five guys score medals at Saturday’s Ionia Invitational. Hunter Belew won the 189-pound champi­ onship and Max Swift took the title at 215 pounds. Both guys pinned all five of their foes at the tournament. Belew pinned all five of his opponents on the day. He stuck South Haven’s Jackson Calvert with 25 seconds remaining in their 189-pound championship match. Belew opened the tournament by pinning Zeeland East’s Joshua Folkers and Onaway’s Colby Pauly in the second period of their matches. He then stuck Portland’s Ethan Guidi and Ionia’s Erik Pilkinton in the open­ ing period of their bouts. Max Swift stuck Forest Hills Eastern’s Matt Andreen in their 215-pound champion­ ship bout, after pins of Lansing Eastern’s Rickey Bell, Ionia’s Aidan Clute, Portland’s Doak Manshum and Livonia Stevenson’s Jack Micallef. Delton Kellogg also had Ethan Reed third at 125 pounds and Nick Lawson fourth at 171. Reed bested Onaway’s Joey Galvez 12-4 to close out the day. Lawson was edged by OvidElsie’s Devon Stringhum 7-6 in their match for third place. The Hastings varsity wrestling team celebrates its runner-up finish, representing the U.S. Navy, at Coopersville’s Military; Appreciation Duals Friday, Dec. 28. 1 2018, continued from previous page Hoyt earns a medal and a bowling scholarship Ashland Hoyt placed fourth in a field of 53 girls, leading the Hastings varsity girls’ bowl­ ing team at the Portage Northern Huskies Singles Invitational at Continental Lanes in Kalamazoo. Hoyt put together a four-game total of 667 to qualify for the final 16, placing tenth over­ all in the qualifying. She followed that up with a 193 in the round of 16. The top eight scores advanced to the final eight, and Ashland had the second highest score in the first round of elimination. She rolled a 168 in the round of eight to get into the final four, where the tournament shi li­ ed to match play. Hoyt was bested by the top seed, from Coloma, in the semifinals. Hoyt was the lone member of the Hastings varsity girls’ or boys’ bowling teams to make it beyond the qualifying rounds. It as a good learning and growing experience for the other Saxons, good preparation for the individual competition at regionals at the end of the sea­ son. It has been a good holiday for Hoyt who was also recognized by the Bowl4Life organi­ zation as one of its 2019 scholarship award winners, earning a $500 scholarship for her hard work in helping in the creation of the Hastings varsity bowling program. Brumm wins 119-pound title for Lions at Jim Wade Family Classic The Maple Valley varsity wrestling team placed eighth at the Jim Wade Family Classic hosted by the Martin/Climax Scotts program Saturday. A group of seven Lions placed among the top six in their weight class, a group led by sophomore Jesse Brumm who won the 119pound weight class. Brumm stuck Lawrence’s Zack Nezamis sin the middle of the second period of their semifinal round match and followed that up with a 9-1 major decision against Plainwell’s Drew Gonzales in the championship round. Battle Creek Lakeview took the day’s team championship with 219 points, ahead of Martin/Climax Scotts 168, Athens 145, Plainwell 135, Coloma 103, West Catholic 102, Watervliet 101, Maple Valley 98, Galesburg-Augusta 40, Hartford 39.5, Lawrence 39, Marcellus 32 and Pittsford 22. Maple Valley’s Anthony Raymond was third at 160 pounds, Nick Martin fourth at 215, and Aaron Breton fourth at 112. Matthew Slaght (103 pounds) and Jordan Thornton (119) each placed fifth and David HosackFrizzell (189) was sixth. Raymond pinned Plainwell’s James Seaver in their match for third place at 160 pounds. Call any time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 |RHR| Hastings Members of the Thornapple Kellogg varsity wrestling team shake hands with Hastings wrestling coaches Mike Goggins and Dennis Redman following the Trojans’ win over the Saxons in last February’s Division 2 District Final in Middleville. The match was the final varsity coaching dual for the Hastings co-coaches who led the program for 20 seasons. some wildness from the South Christian start­ er in the bottom of the first inning of the dis­ trict final. A pair of walks and a hit batter loaded the bases. Senior Nate Hobert, who started the rally with, a two-out walk, scored from third on a passed ball. Delton Kellogg junior Keegon Kokx was mobbed in the center of the diamond for the second season in a row as he was on the mound for the final out in his team’s second straight district championship. The Delton Kellogg varsity baseball team scored a 9-5 win over Pewamo-Westphalia in the Division 3 District Final hosted by Maple Valley at Griswald Field in Vermontville. Kokx bounced back from a tough start tot he ball­ game. “We just had to keep our heads in the game and chip away at the lead,” DK senior Josh Lyons said. “I knew we were going to chip away at it. It was good.” DK got to the district final with a 9-6 win over Fennville in the district semifinals. “They’re finally getting to that point where they have confidence in themselves,” Delton Kellogg head coach Jesse Lyons said after the district final. “Early in the season, if we have a couple errors like that we’re doomed and it’d snowball and it’d get worse. When we played Fennville earlier in the year we had 13 errors. We had games early in the season against Gobles and Fennville where we had one error and the next thing you know we’re at ten, eight errors. They’re getting, finally at this time in the season, where they believe enough in themselves that they can make the plays and keep going.” The Delton Kellogg varsity softball girls scored an 11-0 win over the Bath Bees in their district semifinal and then bested Maple Valley 15-0 in three innings in the district final. DK sophomore pitcher Erin Kapteyn struck out 13 Bath Bees in five innings in the opener and no-hit Maple Valley in the district final. Kapteyn played with her softball team­ mates despite having qualified for the pole vault and the hurdles at the Division 3 Track and Field Finals which were held the same day as the district tournament. She was the Southwestern Athletic Conference’s pole vault champion in track and field, setting a Delton school record by clearing 9 fcet IQ inches at the SAC Championship. Teammates Katie Tobias and Lizzy Fichtner both hit home runs for the Delton team in its district championship victory. Delton Kellogg sent two guys to the Division 3 Lower Peninsula Track and Field Finals in Comstock Park. Ferris placed sec­ ond in the discus with a throw of 152 feet 10 inches at the finals, and also was ninth in the shot put. Teammate Cameron Rasler was also a state medalist, placing third in the high jump by clearing the bar at 6-1. Thornapple Kellogg, Lakewood and Hastings all had athletes competing at the Division 2 Lower Peninsula Track and Field Finals in Zeeland. Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 Banner Area Locations to purchase the Hastings Banner! Middleville: Hastings: One Stop Shop (Phillips 66) Middleville Marketplace (M-43 North) Greg’s Get-It-N-Go Superette Family Fare . Middleville JOhnny's Phillips 66 Gas Station (M-37 South) GunJLake: Hastings Johnny’s Gun Lake BP The General Store Gun Lake Marathon Sam’s Gourmet Foods Marathon Mega Bev Orangeville: Penn-Nook Gift Shop Orangeville Fast Stop Phillips 66 Gas Station (W. State St.) Pine Lake: Phillips 66 Gas Station (M-37 West) Doster Country Store Family Fare Gas Station Prairieville: Walgreens Prairieville Fast Stop Short Stop (E State St.) Cloverdale^ Brown's Cedar Creek Grocery Delton: Family Fare Delton Johnny's Bonfield: Banfield General Store Goldsworthys Dowling General Store Woodland: Woodland Express Trading Post Little’s Country Store Nashville Johnny's MV Pharmacy Nashville C Store Carl's ; Lake-O-Express Lake-O-Mart Lake Odessa Johnny's Carl’s Freeport: L&J’s Freeport General Store Shelbyville: Town & Country Thornapple Kellogg senior Tess Scheidel pushes through the midfield with the ball during the Trojans’ Division 2 Regional Semifinal match-up with Forest Hills Northern at Holland Christian High School. The Huskies scored a 3-1 win over the Trojans. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-01-10.pdf bd67b136474ebb29851ab92167d9db8e PDF Text Text ~ .ar .a-,.. *?. K. '^,'F'^ Tr'^ Township mulls next recycling innovation News needs reflection, expert management Miller pins state medalist, wins Lamb See Story on Page 3 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 14 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 Thf Hz ................................. ii'li'1il"i'iillililllilllulll —CAR-RT LOT**C 005 C005 Richard Hemerling 421 N Taffee Dr Hastings Mi 49058-11343/3o/2oi92 36 oopM = DANNER1 I__________ _ _____ ;_____________________________ :__________________________ i_____ VOLUME 166, No. 2 Thursday, January 10, 2019 PRICE 750 Repairs to Irving dam spillway given green light Crews begin preliminary work at the Irving dam spillway, which suffered heavy damage in February 2018 floods. Crews will tread water and battle weather conditions to restore the Irving dam on the Thornapple River between Hastings and Middleville. (Photos by Rebecca Pierce) Sue Van Liere Staff Writer Work is nearly underway for repairs to the Irving dam on the Thornapple River in Irving Township. The dam was severely compro­ mised when an earthen spillway failed during severe flooding in February 2018, causing significant damage. After nearly a year of planning and waiting, the final hurdle - approval by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality - has been cleared. Necessary permits have been issued, and the contractor, Jackson Dirt Works of Lake Odessa, has crews and equipment in place, preparing the site for repairs. Owner Scott Goodman of California-based Commonwealth Power Company said, depending on the weather, repairs could be completed in as soon as three to four days. >ital creating stronger water management program ' Joan Van Houten Staff Writer “Because of what happened, the water at Spectrum Health Pennock will probably be the cleanest, safest water around,” Daniel Woodall, Barry-Eaton District Health Department Medical Director, said Tuesday. The recent Legionnaires’ scare caused by legionella bacteria being found in Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital’s water supply has put the water management program of the hospital in the public spotlight. The hospital had a water management pro­ gram in place that met national guidelines. Woodall said. ■ ■ ■ ' . “Unf^tuhately, it often takes something like this to put attention on a process that could possibly improved. There are approxi­ mately 100 diseases that healthcare providers are required to report,” he said. Spectrum Health Pennock filed its first report of a patient diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease to the health department in September 2018. A second report of a patient with the disease was reported by the hospital in November 2018. The 92-year-old male patient died from chronic aspiration pneumonia shortly after the diagnosis. Legionnaires’ disease is spread by inhala­ tion of water droplets containing the bacteria, Public hearing set for Spectrum Health Pennock surgical center Barry County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Heather Wing talks to the board vice chairwoman Vivian Conner after a 10-minute board meeting Tuesday. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) New county commission chairwoman ready to lead Rebecca Pierce Editor The new chairwoman of the Barry County Board of Commissioners got off to a fast start Tuesday: The meeting lasted 9 minutes. Heather Wing was voted last week to lead the board for a year, succeeding former Chairman Ben Geiger. Geiger offered positive comments at the board meeting Tuesday - expressing his sup­ port for Wing. “My goal now is making sure we have the best functioning board possible,” he told fel­ low commissioners. Wing also spoke highly of Geiger. “He knows a lot,” she said, “And I will be consult­ ing him a lot. I will need that.” But Wing is no stranger to public service. It all started when she attended American Legion Girls State at Central Michigan University in 1986 and, as she puts it, “the See CHAIRWOMAN, pg. 10 “One of the surprises of public office is the unpredictable nature of the meetings. “There will be two things on the agenda and, four hours later, you walk out and say ‘What happened?’... It’s a whole lot like milking cows you don’t know what you’re going to find when you get to the barn. You could have frozen pipes, or the gas may have run out on your propane tank or a cow fell. Politics mimics life.” Heather Wing, board chairwoman Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Finding ways to support economic growth in the City of Hastings was a major focus for planning commissioners at their meeting Monday as they discussed zoning amend­ ments and business expansions. Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital’s request for a public hearing will take place Feb. 4 to solicit comments for a special use permit and related site plan for a new surgi­ cal center expansion project. “We are extremely excited to share the details of this project and inherent communi­ ty benefit that this project will provide the City of Hastings,” Facilities Portfolio Manager Kyle Prochaska said. Spectrum Health will be submitting all required documentation of the site plan for review by Jan. 18. Plans for a new surgical construction proj­ ect were first announced at Pennock Hospital’s 95^ anniversary celebration. The goal of the new surgical facility is to provide better and more efficient care, and offer a higher level of privacy created by the planned layout. In recent years, 80 percent of hospital care being inpatient has changed to 20 percent of their patients requiring hospital stays. The surgical center will be equipped to handle the growth of outpatient surgical procedures. The Planning Commission also approved a site plan submitted by Barry County Transit for an addition to its facility at 1216 W. State Street. The site plan outlined the construction of a 4,785-square- foot bus garage addition to the existing 9,420-square-foot transit building. “We love our role in this community,” Barry County Manager and Transportation Coordinator Bill Voigt said. “The transit fleet is growing, so the extra garage space is needed.” Founded in 1982, Barry County Transit provides transportation to more than 120,000 customers a year, Voigt said. Advantage Plumbing and Drains’ proposal for construction of a 1,152-square-foot garage to its current facility at 1700 E. State Street received unanimous approval. Director of Public Services Lee Hays confirmed the Zoning and Permitting Authority for the city has reviewed the plan and the building meets ordinance requirements and is not subject to a public hearing. Preferred Credit Union, at 329 N. Michigan St. will be expanding with the addition of 180-square-feet of office space to its current building. Commission approval is contingent on submission of a final site plan to show conformity with certain ordinances, such as landscaping. Planning Consultant Rebecca Harvey pro­ vided a draft of proposed changes to the downtown zoning district for review by the Planning Commission. The proposed changes outline special use for nonconforming residential units that do not having frontage along, or with direct access to, segments of East State Street, Church Street from Court Street to Apple Street, and Jefferson Street from Court Street to Apple Street. The draft amendment proposes new defi­ nitions to provide specifics as to housing categories in that district. “What you have now lacks clarity with the terms multiple family dwelling, attached single-family dwelling, and townhouses,” See HEARING, page 2 Barry-Eaton District Health Department Medical Director Daniel Woodall says immediate actions taken by the health department and hospital when Legionnaires’ was reported are ensuring safe water. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) not by person-to-person contact. It is not fatal in every case; typically one out of 10 who contract the disease are at risk. Whether Legionnaires’ disease actually was the cause of the one fatality here is not known, Woodall said. “The reason it’s not possible to connect the Legionnaires’ diagno­ sis (to the man’s death) ... is because he orig­ inally came to the hospital with pneumonia and had struggled with it for some time before he died.” Approximately two to four cases of Legionnaires is reported annually by Spectrum Health Pennock, most often found in patients arriving sick and being admitted to the hospi­ tal. According to Community Health Promotion Specialist Sarah Suma, in 2018, Barry County had a total of three cases, not necessarily at the hospital, and Eaton County had two. After the cases were confirmed this fall, hospital administrators said water filters were installed to filter the bacteria at all faucets and showers and provided bottled water for patients and staff. These filters are temporary and will be used through the remediation pro­ cess. A monochloramine unit has been installed to the main water supply line to treat the water and eradicate the legionella bacteria. The See WATER, page 2 �Page 2 — Thursday, January 10, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Crooked Lake plagued by ‘perfect storm’ of flood water Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull says the Crooked Lake flooding crisis is part of a high-water cycle. “If you look back historically, the science shows that it’s about a 30-year cycle between high and low water,” Dull said. “What the geologists are telling us is that we’re about eight years into the next cycle. There will be another four years of more water and then it will start back down, the ground water is just high in general.” The difference between this particular cycle and what has gone before is the addition of a sewer authority and the Delton village drain, both which add more water. And, when the bowl is already full, even a little more water creates problems, he said. “When the water was up one inch at the end of the year after having a record rain event in December, March, and May, that shows where the water came from,” Dull pointed out. In addition to the record levels of rainfall, questions arose from residents regarding Dull’s decision to open and replace a culvert below Floria Road. A two-foot culvert was put beneath Floria Road a year ago last May, replacing a previ­ ous culvert that had been plugged by rocks and cement. “There was originally a culvert below Floria Road,” Dull said. “A section of the original culvert from 1908 is still there. When they widened the road, we found remnants of the old concrete culvert. But we never found a continuous culvert. “So we know something was there, but we don’t know why all the culvert wasn’t there. We had to open it up because the law says that the duty of the drain commissioner is to make all drains functioning. I mean it doesn’t say you may or might, it says the drain commis­ sioner shall make all drains functioning.” After the culvert was reconstructed and put in place, a plate was put over the end of it to restrict the water flow down to a five-inch hole. The water in that culvert flowed from Mud Lake and into Crooked Lake. “By duty I must keep all culverts function­ ing, maybe not by much, but at least function­ ing. I did put the culvert in, but I also put the end cap, or steel plate, on it with a five-inch hole, making it a whole different animal. The original steel plate we put in wasn’t permit­ ted, but that’s because it was a temporary Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull measure.” Dull said the state Department of Environmental Quality said a permit was required before a structure, such as the steel plate, could be put in place on the culvert. A permanent structure may be illegal, he said, but a common misconception by resi­ dents of the area is that the culvert itself was illegal. According to the Drain Code of 1956 passed by Michigan Legislature, Section 280.10, entitled Drains; location; meetings; jurisdiction of commissioner; exception; pay­ ment of bonds or drain orders; deficiency: “The (Drain) commissioner shall have juris­ diction over all established county drains within his county, heretofore established and now in the process of being established except that in the case of a drain located or to be located entirely within a single city or village, such jurisdiction shall be consented to by res­ olution of the governing body of such city or village.” Section 280.02, entitled Drains; location, establishment, construction, maintenance, and improvements; petition, states: “Drains including branches may be located, estab­ lished, constructed and maintained, and exist­ ing drains, creeks, rivers and watercourses and their branches, or tributaries whether located, established and constructed by a county drain commissioner or drainage board or by a city, village or township, may be cleaned out, straightened, widened, deepened, extended, consolidated, relocated, tiled, con­ nected and relocated along a highway, or there may be provided for the same structures or mechanical devices that will properly puri­ fy or improve the flow of the drain or pump­ ing equipment necessary to assist or relieve the flow of the drain, or one or more branches may be added thereto, by petition under the provisions of this act, whenever the same shall be conducive to the public health, con­ venience and welfare.” Ultimately, the code states that the drain commissioner has the right to take the neces­ sary steps to maintain a culvert that was pre­ viously in existence and then obstructed, if a previous culvert was under petition. In the case of the culvert under Floria Road, the petition for the original culvert there was made in 1899 and the petition for the extension to connect the lake was made and approved in 1908. The verbiage of the 1956 Drainage Code confirms the legality of Dull’s decision to clean and reconstruct the culvert below Floria* Road. “My duty is to make the existing drains functioning,” he said. “We have a lot of exemptions. Any place that has had a culvert, or looks as though it was a culvert, the drain commissioner has a right to replace with something of kind or bigger. Legally, if we saw the culvert was non-functioning and just left it there, we would then become responsi­ ble for any damage cause by our inaction.” Regardless of the legality of the culvert itself, Dull recognized the illegality of the steel plate he was placing on the culvert and continued to move forward with the place­ ment of that structure. “The reason we put that steel plate on orig­ inally was as draw-down measure,” Dull said. “We recognized that Glasby Lake was down­ stream, and we didn’t want to cause any flooding or erosion there and upstream there is a huge wetland and we didn’t want to drain that. “Now people are twisting it and saying that the culvert was illegal, not the steel plate was illegal. But the best management practice was to put that steel plate on. If we had left off that steel plate, it would’ve sucked Mud Lake dry and killed the ecosystem there. It could’ve caused flooding downstream and possibly erosion.” Dull justifies his decision and offered fur­ ther explanation: “Leaving the steel plate out entirely would have been the only option that was completely legal. But, had I done that, it would have been extremely detrimental to the ecosystem over there and it would’ve drained the lakes. It would’ve wiped out all the crit­ ters in there and it would’ve added way more water into upper and lower Crooked Lake and Glasby Lake. “We initially asked for a permit to put a structure at the end of the culvert and the DEQ said they wouldn’t give the permit with­ out a lake level study. So, we were caught between a rock and a hard place. “They said you can’t set the structure with­ out the study. But it wouldn’t have been right just to open the culvert and let it flow open like that.” Dull elaborated on the scale of the conse­ quences if he not placed the structure at the end of the culvert: “Mud Lake and Pleasant Lake are somewhere in the area of 300-350 acres and there was 30 inches of water stacked up. If we would’ve dumped that and let all that water out, we would’ve added about 10 more inches to the lake. “In summary, had the steel plate not been put in place, there would have been at least eight more inches of water on Crooked Lake.” Regardless of the measures taken by Dull, local resident Troy Baxter credits the mass increase in water levels on Crooked Lake to Dull’s decision to reconstruct the culvert below Floria Road. Dull acknowledged Baxter’s concern. “Although the water from Mud Lake did have an affect on the flooding on Crooked Lake, it was minimal. “I calculated the flow through that culvert when we put the new one on and it came out to be about eight feet a minute. It was a rough calculation, but the water was about four inches wide and three inches deep. So, with that flow doing eight feet a minute, it added about 200,000 gallons a year to the lake. There are 239,000 gallons per acre inch. There is 1,200 acres on the lake. So, if that culvert flowed for a year, it would only add about a quarter-inch to the lake.” Dull explained that, although the amount was minimal, and the culvert has since been blocked off due to the scale of the flooding crisis on Crooked Lake. “It’s a minimal amount, but it did add a little bit of water to Crooked Lake,” Dull said. “Although the culvert is blocked off, some of the water is still leaking through.” According to Dull, a single-water source cannot be labeled as the sole contributor and cause of the flooding, but rather a plethora of factors all contributed water in some way to Crooked Lake, combining to cause the flood* ing crisis HEARING, continued from page 1 Q&A on Legionnaires’ in Hastings What kind of water management program to test for and detect harmful bacte­ ria was in place at Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital before the Legionella bacterium was detected? The Spectrum Health Pennock water man­ agement program is based on the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and AirConditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) 188: Legionellosis: Risk Management for Building Water Systems, in addition to the 2017 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Toolkit. certified Legionella testing lab. Testing there­ after will be determined by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services along with recommendations from expert consultants. On what date did the health department instruct the hospital to test for the Legionella bacterium - and what happened after that? Barry-Eaton District Health Department had recommended that the hospital consider developing a Legionella water management plan on Oct. 4 after the health department learned of the first case. On Nov. 30, the health department contact­ ed the hospital to recommend testing the water. On Nov. 27, Spectrum Health Pennock officials notified the health department that they would test the water as part of the Legionella water management plan the hospi­ tal had developed. On Nov. 30, the health department request­ ed that Spectrum Health Pennock send a copy of the water management plan and the status of increased surveillance and testing of patients. On Dec. 6, Spectrum Health Pennock reported that the sites for water testing were approved by the hospital’s Legionella Management Team. On Dec. 17, the health department request­ ed a status update from Spectrum Health Pennock. What is the health department’s defini­ tion of an outbreak? An outbreak of this type of situation is defined as two or more cases in which people have been exposed to the same location, such as a hospital, long-term care facility, hotel or job site, at about the same time. How often will Spectrum Health Pennock be checking the water during the remedia­ tion process - and in future? Water is being checked daily throughout the hospital for the adequate concentration of monochloramine to eradicate Legionella Water cultures for Legionella will be conduct­ ed every other week for three months by a Have there been other reports of Legionella, Legionnaires’ disease or Pontiac Fever, which is a milder form of Legionnaires’, in Barry or Eaton counties in 2018? Barry County had three cases. Eaton County had two. Have there been more cases of Legionnaires’ disease found at Spectrum Health Pennock since the presence of Legionella was discovered in the water? There have been no confirmed cases of a patient contracting Legionnaires’ disease at the hospital. What steps did Spectrum Health Pennock take to ensure patient safety after water tests confirmed the presence of legionella and what is being done to prevent future health threats of legionella? The hospital immediately began turning off the water supply to faucets and showers, which were then marked with tape. Signs were posted at each location. Cases of bottled water were brought in for patients and staff. By the next day, filters were being placed on faucets and showers: First in patients’ rooms, then throughout the hospital. The 60-day filters are a short-term safety measure while remediation is in progress. The water supply system has been flushed out. A major component in the eradication of Legionella is the installation of a monochlora­ mine unit, which releases disinfectant into the water supply. Monochloramine is commonly used to treat water. At-risk patients continue to be tested for Hoxworth Counseling Services Nurture your Emotional Health Bret H ox worth MAZ LLP Over 20 years of professionally licensed counseling from a Christian World and Life Perspective Specialized Counseling: • individual Counseling • Spaced Retrieval Trainer • C 'ouples Counseling • EMDR (Eye Movement • I amily Counseling Desensitization & Reprocessing) • c*rQup Counseling 126 E. Main Stre< - Suite B, Middleville, Ml 49333 269-205-2402 email: info@hoxworitx counseling. com website: HoxworthCounseling. com possible development of Legionnaires’. There have been no new cases. The water supply will be closely monitored through the Legionella eradication process to ensure an adequate amount of the disinfectant is being added to kill the bacteria. Although the hospital has had a water man­ agement program that meets thd criteria set by federal and state governments, a retrospective review is being conducted to identify areas with opportunities for improvement. Is there a danger of the city water supply becoming contaminated by the hospital water system? No. The main supply line going into the building is equipped with a backflow preven­ tion unit. The water to the hospital travels only one way: Into the hospital. Both water and wastewater treatment facilities are required to conduct daily tests to ensure that quality standards are met. The city water sup­ ply comes from water wells. Wastewater is treated and discarded. Sources: Barry Eaton District Health Department, Spectrum Health Pennock, City of Hastings WATER, continued from page 1 water is monitored daily to ensure the correct amount of monochloramine is being added. Woodall said the unit will remain as a per­ manent fixture at Spectrum Health Pennock to kill legionella and other bacteria before a problem develops. Large structures with com­ plicated water systems most susceptible to legionella, such as hospitals and hotels, are not required to have this type of filtration and disinfectant system. “It’s far above the national guidelines,” Woodall said. “It’s excellent for the future of the hospital.” Working with the county health department and hospital consultants, an upgraded water management program is being created by the hospital. And a retrospective review, along with nationwide research into procedures that have been successful, will be used to formu­ late a set process and protocol. “Right now, all remediation steps are in place,” Spectrum Health Pennock President Angela Ditmar said. “However, we are also focused on continuing to provide top quality care in a safe environment. “We are working on creating a complete water management program that will help to protect our patients by removing the opportu­ nity for harmful bacteria to infiltrate our water system.” Spectrum Health Pennock has established a hotline for patients or visitors concerned about legionella. Call (844) 689-2875 or (616)391-9986. Planning Commission members (front to back) Mayor Dave Tossava, Jacquip McLean and Lois Bowers look over site plans for expansion of the Barry County Transit facility. ; she said. Proposed changes to residential dwelling categories further separate and define the units. New definitions of detached units would include: Single-family as a detached building designed exclusively for and containing on dwelling unit only; two-family as a detached building designed for and containing two dwelling units only, which include duplexes; multiple-family as a building designed exclu­ sively for and containing three or more dwell­ ing units; multiple-family as a building con­ taining three or more dwelling units built one on top of another or side-by-side, which do not have a ground-to-roof wall, and have common facilities, such as attic, basement and plumbing. New definitions of detached units would include: Single-family attached as a dwelling unit that shares a common party wall, usually on both sides of the property, that is separated by a ground-to-roof wall, that has no units located above or below, and that does not share heating and air-conditioning systems or utilities. Examples are townhouses and row­ houses. Single-family would be defined as a dwelling unit free of any shared walls and stands alone. Harvey said the building standards also have been changed to a “form” structure with specific requirements, such as minimum and maximum measurements for building height, roof pitch and windows. The purpose of form standards is to create consistency in structure and aesthetics. “Won’t this make variances more diffi­ cult?” commission member Tom Maurer asked. “It seems to me like it would make it harder to work with developers.” Developers, investors and design engineers prefer form standards, Harvey said, because ft provides precise guidelines. Planning and determining cost before deciding to move forward on a project is easier for them when there is a clear understanding of expectations. Commission members agreed to place the proposed draft amendment on their next meet­ ing agenda for further discussion. Barry County Transit Manager and Transportation Coordinator Bill Voigt addresses the City of Hastings Planning Commission on Monday. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 10, 2019 — Page 3 Hastings Charter Township mulls its next innovation for energy recycling Rebecca Pierce Editor Hastings Charter Township is continuing to make strides in solar energy recycling. The township was recently honored with another award for its work, and Supervisor Jim Brown was proud to point out to county commissioners Tuesday. The Exemplary Project Award from the .Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association marks the second time the township and Brown have been recognized by the nonprofit organization. The township received the gov­ ernor’s Recycling Award in 2016 for best practices. The issue that bedevils Brown now is next steps. Three possibilities are being considered for Phase 2 of the township’s solar recycling proj­ ect: Adding battery storage, installing an elec­ tric vehicle charging station, and using behind-the-meter community solar power to fund program expansions. Another possibility being considered is researching ways to inte­ grate solar power into local emergency plan­ ning. “If you take a look at what’s being done in Barry County among the townships, we’re all doing something different,” Brown said. “But we’re doing something similar. The hard part is saying, ‘OK, how do we get together on this and make it more efficient to do?”’ From his perspective, the first step was the worst. But the rewards are measurable. For b example, township facility costs are lower, since it is generating some electricity off the solar panels - even in the rain. To improve the township’s original recy­ cling unit, Brown worked with Grand Valley State University engineering students to design a solar power system, lowering instal­ lation costs and maximizing cost-effective­ ness. That system provides 100 percent of the energy used by the recycling facility. He advanced the project by connecting to the power grid and selling the excess energy to Consumers Energy, creating a new income source for the community. One big difference between what Hastings Charter Township and the other townships are doing is the separation of materials, Brown said. “It is separated, so if you want just card­ board, or plastic, or metals, we have that. Everybody else is throwing it all into one big container. And it’s going to a separation facil­ ity. If they’re really lucky, they might get 20 percent out of that.” Brown emphasized that these are recycla­ ble materials, not garbage. The containers don’t look like garbage dumpsters for a rea­ son. But he would be happier if the process could be even more efficient. “It’s tough to do something constructive with the material ever since China shut off the import licenses for everything we’re collect­ ing,” he said. “We’re going to have to get off The recycling module in Hastings Charter Township is a familiar sight for township residents who recycle. our dead butts and do something here in the United States instead of ship our garbage to someplace else ” There’s no easy answer, Brown said. But he’s working on it. f fill Roy Deaton and Corey Main, both of Hastings, work to gather up the contents of the recycling facility. Hastings Charter Township Supervisor Jim Brown inside the recycling building adjacent to the township hall on River Road. Community meeting set for Family Promise Representatives of Family Promise of Barry County are planning a community meeting to start the new year at Hope United Methodist Church, 2920 S. M-37, Hastings, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15. A national program, Family Promise works with host churches to provide a safe, clean place to sleep and two meals a day for families facing homelessness. The meeting will include updates for the host and support churches, an oppor­ tunity to meet the new director, a tour of the day center, refreshments and an opening date discussion. Everyone is invited. More information is available by calling 269-953-6189. | THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Pileated gets pie-eyed on berries This bright guy may be an insectivorous bird - the second largest woodpecker native to North America - but he was gobbling berries when he was photographed in Hastings Charter Township. A camera didn’t scare this fellow when such delicious fruit was waiting to be consumed. (Photo by Scott Harmsen.) CheckOut Our New Selection of FRAMES 1351 N. Broadway (M-43, Hastings 269.945.9105 OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00 - 5:30 �Page 4 — Thursday, January 10, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you see In My Opinion Lake access Downed trees and limbs - like this one on Hall Lake in Yankee Springs Township - find their way onto local lakes at a time when anglers usually dot the hard-water surface. Over the weekend, kayaks and fishing boats were seen on Gun Lake. Wintry conditions made a brief appear­ ance Tuesday and Wednesday, but a slight warmup this weekend could reverse ice buildup on area lakes. Big local news needs some reflection - and expert management We’re dedicating this space to a photograph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? State award Banner July 17, 1958 Director honored - Mrs. Margery Dryer (right), director of the Barry Social Welfare department, was honored Thursday at the banquet of the Michigan Association of County Social Welfare Boards during its annual convention at Sault Ste. Marie when she was present­ ed with the association’s “award for mer­ itorious service for the year 1958.” Mrs. Dryer is the first to receive the signal honor, given “in recognition of her untir­ ing efforts and splendid service toward the betterment of the public welfare pro­ gram of her community, culminating in the erection and operation of the Thornapple Valley Medical Care Facility ...” Admiring the citation are (from left) Mrs. Nelson [Barbara] Hine, Cloverdale, receptionist in the welfare department; Mrs. Hazen [Evelyn] Gray, deputy direc­ tor; and Mrs. Rex [Bonnie] Strickland, bookkeeper. (Barth photo) Have you 1T1C t ? Michelle Williamson, chief executive offi­ cer of Community Action Agency of South Central Michigan, grew up on 14 acres of land in the village of Ceresco, which is in Calhoun County. She has an associate’s degree from Kellogg Community College and a bachelor of busi­ ness administration from Western Michigan University with a major in accountancy. She is a member of Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants and holds her CPA license. Prior to joifflrig Comrfiunity Action, Williamson she worked for Plante & Moran, PLLC as ah in-charge auditor. She also has a background in health care, having worked for Battle Creek Health Systems. She has been an integral part of the Community Action Leadership Team for the past 13 years and started in the finance area as the director of finance. She then became the chief finan­ cial officer, where she oversaw both finance and grants, and has now been the CEO for more than five years. Williamson is a member of Rotary and volunteers at her children’s school. In Barry County, Williamson is shining as she dedicates herself to promoting economic and social opportunities that help people achieve greater independence, dignity and self-sufficiency. • Favorite movie: “The Sound of Music” • Best advice ever received: You can do anything you put your mind to. • First job: Shelving clerk at the library. • Favorite TV program: Anything home • Favorite vacation destination: Boyne City. • What I’d tell a high school graduate: Know that you will have failures, and that is OK. Try new things, be open to new experi­ ences and surround yourself with love and positive support. Also, be that positive sup­ port for someone else. • If only I could ... clone myself and still know what all of the clones did. • I’m most proud of: The relationships I have built with people and overcoming adversity to learn new skills. I am also very proud of my children. • Favorite childhood memory: Spending time with my grandparents. They would take me out to lunch at the Chinese buffet, play dominos and take me fishing. • Hobbies: I like reading, golf and tennis. • Favorite cartoon character/superhero: Wonder Woman. • Greatest thing about Barry County: How everyone works together to better the community. See the Jan. 12 Reminder for more infor­ mation on Williamson and what she hopes to accomplish. Michelle Williamson improvement • Persons I most admire: My parents. They gave me a great work ethic, and they care very much about their family and other people. • Favorite teacher: Mrs Faircloth, Harper Creek Junior High, seventh grade. • Person I’d most like to meet (alive or dead) - Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news @j-adgraphics .com. One can only imagine the look in a public relation director’s eyes at the sight out the office window of television satellite trucks pulling bumper-to-bumper into the parking lot. We can all relate to the dread that admin­ istrators at Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital must have felt when the reports of Legionella bacteria in the hospital’s water system came rolling over the airwaves via those big-rig TV satellite trucks. When TV arrives, it’s almost never good. Not that the news was media overreac­ tion. Legionnaires’ is a disease capable of producing public panic since it is airborne, spread by water droplets, not person-to-per­ son contact. And it threatens those who might breathe in the bacteria that grows in standing water and then gets transmitted by the condensers in air conditioners, hot tubs, and hot water heaters. About 10 percent of those who contract the disease die from it. There is no vaccine. The report of an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease, and the Legionella bacteria that causes it though, fit right into the sweet spot of television’s hook: “Breaking news.” Not only did the actual report send the news rigs speeding to Hastings from Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo, it didn’t help that health care leaders at both the hospital and the Barry Eaton District Health Department ini­ tially appeared to be fumbling over the time­ line of water testing, public reporting, and proper notification of community leaders. Some board members at BEDHD learned of the developments, not through their health care administrators but from the breaking news media reports, themselves. One can’t blame the voracious appetite of the TV news media. As viewers, we’re all responsible for it. We eat up breaking news. We hang on the latest developments in a big story. We’re addicted to the instant delivery of news - just as modem culture demands instant gratification in everything from fast food to higher-speed internet. The misfortune of television’s race into Barry County for this breaking news at Spectrum Health Pennock is that it plays on reputation. Another report of bad news in Hastings can leave a lasting impression on those who might only know our home from what they View on TV. ilkeOhe Old adage that it takes 10 years to build a repu­ tation and only 10 minutes to lose one. There’s no second chance to make a first impression. We never get a chance to work on even building a first impression when the breaking news big-rigs show up for only bad news. In our culture, bad news naturally trumps good news - it’s more sudden, more stark, more interesting. Television news is here when good things do happen, but when the balance trends toward the negative, viewers tend to adapt those impressions into judg­ ments of a community and its residents. To overcome those judgments takes a lot of good news stories and most will not come from television news. Print media, including this newspaper, are no less responsible for the representations they make to the reading and viewing pub­ lic. But modem culture has transformed the relevance of print media in an instant grati­ fication culture. On the flip side, though, print is now in a position to, perhaps, begin an even more influential to public discourse. The advantage of a measured response, to reflection and informed response, can go a long way in countering harmful first impres­ sions. We hope this newspaper has provided that quality in this recent development. So, in a spirit of reflection, what can we as a community - and especially as community leaders - learn from this latest ambush by big-city television news? One, this story put a blazing spotlight on the importance of proper board governance. Then-chairman of the Barry County Board of Commissioners Ben Geiger, who also chairs the BEDHD’s board of directors, got caught in the headlights when he responded $ Doug VanderLaan Guest Columnist K. A. MliELLER ACCOUNTING What do you 221 South Jefferson Street Hastings, Michigan (269) 945-3547 www.kamuelleraccounting.com $10,000 PRIZE BOARD EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY Doors: 4 PM • Session: 6 PM ® DAILY SESSIONS THURSDAYS - MONDAYS • 12 PM & 6 PM CLOSED TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS Visit FireKeepersCasino.com for details. Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber TMT06ETYO«VII<*For FJ^LELP,E.?S BATTLE CREEK 1-94 to Exit 104 | 11177 Michigan Avenue I Battle Creek, Ml 49014 Must be present and playing binan io ' MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING ■>. ’Mule subject to change. Management teserves all rights. New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 #8110376 & Insured think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by accessing our website, www. HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the fol­ lowing week. Last week: Michigan lawmakers recently approved cre­ ation of a school safety office to work within the state police department to create school plans to ensure best practices for protecting children. Do you think this is a good idea? Yes 73% No 27% u. that a reporter’s question was his first knowl­ edge of the Legionella outbreak. Geiger let BEDHD’s administrators off the hook with his statement that the BEDHD board is an “administrative” board and not an “opera­ tional” group, but it didn’t modify the impression of readers and viewers that het and his board are out of touch and removed from the responsibility of guarding public ? ib health. That’s a gap that makes these news stories even more mysterious and intriguing - and longer-lasting. Here’s the first rule of board governance: No surprises. While serving on an area school board, I once asked our superinten­ dent why he would call all board members during the early-morning hours of a snow2 day before that notice was broadcast public­ ly. “Because 1 don’t want you hearing that school has been canceled from a district resident who might think you’re also not ill informed about more important things” was ?! his reply. To build a reputation of a strong ’ community, we need leaders who can speak1 as if they are in charge. Two, bad news and uncontrolled events can never be eliminated; but they can be mitigated with constant transparency. When the hospital first learned of the Legionella bacteria report, Banner Publisher Fred Jacobs told me he received a call from Angela Ditmar, Spectrum Health Pennock president, who was well aware of the impor­ tance of “getting ahead” of a story by pro­ viding the facts as known and eliminating ' possible speculation that might come from ‘ inaccurate reporting. Ditmar and her public relations staff apparently realize the value of * pro-active, preemptive contact with media and the importance of having an ongoing, permanent relationship of trust with the folks who one day may be standing outside their offices hopefully endeavoring to fairly present the news. Good communicators who strive for transparency pay attention to the details. < '• They return every phone call by the end of the day, even if the message is that they r don’t have an answer or can’t provide one. The more important message is that they ’ received the call, are working for resolution, and will inform when one is reached. The bane of an accurate and fair news * report today is social! media as it? is used by r many individuals. Although we as a news- 8 paper cannot control social media content, we can assess it and address it. That’s how the hospital responded to last week’s story. Instead of hunkering down, the hospital showed its compassionate response by open­ ing a telephone hotline and using the media to make known its communication efforts ' with past patients who could have been m exposed to the Legionella bacteria; Third, of course, is the constant effort to keep building an organization’s and a coin-x munity’s reputation through continually r publicizing the good things. Spectrum Health Pennock has used community events to not only boost its own name, but to pro­ mote the community, as well. The Pennock' ; Health and Wellness Center engages the s i community in the effort to build and main-* ! tain good health. Fitness runs and the annu- ? al Mud Run Obstacle Course builds reputa­ tion and sometimes even attracts a big-rig | satellite TV truck. Stories of local heroes, inspiring mentors, and dedicated public servants are common­ place, too, often in the pages of J-Ad Graphics publications. If there’s one story type that TV media likes beyond its breaking news focus, it’s the story of heroes - any person or account that brings a tear to the eye. Those stories are all over Barry County and they make up the fabric of the community. We must never stop celebrating them and letting the big rigs know they’re here. Then those trucks won’t seem so intimidat­ ing. ; For this week: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has issued a directive to prohibit state employees from using personal email to conduct government business. State employees’ emails are sub­ ject to the Freedom of Information Act; the gover­ nor’s office and Legislature are exempt. Should those emails be exempt from FOIA? □ Yes □ No �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 10, 2019 — Page 5 Oath of office is serious - so is border protection School officials should do the math again I | To the editor: ; Recent revelations by the Hastings school district at the end of 2018 again test the rea­ son, imagination and practical logic of your readers. I refer to the apparently deplorable conditions of some roofs on district buildings. |I would like to believe that some practical management skills exist within school district administration. After reading the most recent funding request proposed to test voter logic, I aih not so sure. 11 am certain your readers will recall the revelation that approximately 3,700-squarefejet of roofs are in exceedingly bad repair and in? need of immediate attention. This report not only points out that roof surfaces are in poor repair, but that the underlying structural supports need, in some cases, total replace­ ment. .’Given the condition reported, this is not something that happened or was discovered recently. From the report given, it is obvious thas situation has been ignored for years, and isj now at a point where certain areas are beyond repair. Jis it unreasonable to ask how this could have happened? Or better yet, was it sensible to ignore the situation while a campaign was undertaken to build a multimillion-dollar per­ forming arts center that will gobble up future maintenance dollars while other less “import­ ant” buildings receive a lick and a promise? I have spoken about putting the cart before the horse in the past and it seems we are faced by another such event. I have often heard it staid that every school administrator hopes to complete a monument as a measure of their success. It seems like the performing arts cen­ ter will fill that bill while roofs on various building fall in under the weight of potentially heavy snows this winter. Another “monu­ ment” of a different type? So, let’s talk about money: The current “guesstimate” on needed repairs is, according to their report, approximately 2,700 square feet; at a stated cost of $9.9 million. If my math doesn’t fail me, that is approximately $3,666 per square foot. I am certain roofers from far and wide will trample each other to be first in line for this job. I hope that the administration, and I include the seven board members in that, take a care­ ful look at what they have requested us to consider and bring forth a reasonable, under­ standable and acceptable proposal long before the planned May polling. Gerald Schmiedicke, Hastings President is putting America first ;To the editor: Jin response to Keith Heide’s letter of Dec. 27,2018,1, as an older, conservative Christian can say President Trump was not my first choice, but I am glad he is in office and doing a very good job for the country and helping to ensure a better tomorrow for future genera­ tions by putting America first. JThe president, not the FBI, CIA, DOJ, or generals, is the leader of America, and they ariswer to him, and not the other way around, in what direction this country is to go. If they cannot fulfill their duties, they are free to resign. President, JWnp answers to the American people, especially his base. ;The quote, “keep your friends close, but y0ur enemies closer,” is good advice in deal­ ing with the Russians, Chinese, Saudis, North Koreans and others. J President Trump has paid taxes, unlike 45 percent of Americans, many who are able-bodieH and living off of government assistance picograms, to the tune of $700 billion a year. aliens, and the $5 billion needed for the wall is a drop in the bucket. As president, he has more overall access to information than the generals do, and if he wants to bring home troops, why criticize? We do have troops in Iraq, a hop, skip and jump away. We have locks on our homes and cars, pass­ words on computers, bank accounts, medical records, walls around prisons and jails, secure school entry systems, backyard fences, etc. We pay for these, and they work very well, if not perfectly. So why are some arguing so passionately against something that works so well every­ where else? Is it because the 10-20 million illegal aliens we already have are future Democrat voters, and a wall might stop more voters from crossing the border? President Trump is for America; unfortu­ nately, too many in America are not. Joseph J. Perotta, Nashville Throw in over $100 billion we give to illegal To the editor: The United States of America became a sovereign nation via a declaration of indepen­ dence from England followed by the Constitution of the United States, thus form­ ing our republic. The founding fathers saw the necessity of requiring anyone representing this govern­ ment to take an oath of office (Article VI, clause 3, of the U.S. Constitution) pledging or affirming allegiance to protect and defend the U.S. Constitution (so help me God). This oath of office also is required by the various states and extends all the way to include not only elected officials, but also non-elected servants in governmental positions, law enforcement, the military, etc. We veterans (any person who has signed a blank check made out to the citizens of the United States of America for an amount up to and including his or her life) know all too well the seriousness of this oath. All levels of law enforcement make this same pledge and face the same perils. However, it would appear that a lot of our elected officials do not share the same passion for the U.S. Constitution and the sovereignty of our nation since they do not support com­ 1 1 The Hastings BcUinei* Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 1 1 i < | News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com * Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM • i Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Taylor Owens Joan Van Houten Sue Van Liere Robert Vanderboegh, Hastings Township What the government shutdown really means To the editor: I thought blackmail was illegal in the USA. Isn’t that what our president is doing? Or am I the only one that sees this government shut­ down as blackmail? Are the laws we have to follow not for the president? Does the president really believe a wall will stop people from coming here? I personally believe a wall will not. Maybe he believes that, like we’re supposed to believe everyone in the world lies except him. President Trump needs to listen to people. Marcia Hom, Hastings Grand Rapids airport surpasses all-time passenger record The Gerald R. Ford International Airport finished the month of November 2018 having served an all-time record number of passen­ gers. The month saw 18 percent growth, year over year, putting the airport just shy of 3 million passengers who had been served at that point in 2018. November marked the 11th record-break­ ing month in a row. The airport in Kent County’s Cascade Township has seen growth in 64 of the past 71 months. Passenger num­ bers for December 2018 have not been released yet. American Airlines began new nonstop ser­ vice to Miami International Airport and Phoenix-Sky Harbor International Airport in November. And Allegiant announced nonstop service to Sarasota-Bradenton, which will begin in April. November saw 272,438 passengers come through the airport, up from 230,946 in 2017. It was the busiest November ever for the air­ port, which surpassed the annual total it had reached in prior years, including 2017’s record-setting 2.8 million passengers. The airport is up 16-percent in annual passenger totals. Otsego wells test negative for dioxin, PFAS Department Monday announced that a retest of 21 private residential wells in Otsego found no presence of dioxin in most of the wells previously tested positive for the contami­ nant. Only one well showed trace amounts of dioxin well below drinking water standards. The wells were retested in October 2018 after some results from a July sampling event tested positive for dioxin. It was later deter­ mined the July results were invalid due to contamination in laboratory testing equip­ ment. A different laboratory was used for the October resampling effort. Dioxins are a group of chemicals that may be formed during chemical and paper manu­ facturing and are harmful to human health. Earlier in 2018, residents shared concerns about contamination and possible resulting health issues in the Otsego area with federal and state agencies. The initial results were announced during an Oct. 20 meeting at Otsego Middle School. Residents whose wells were tested received their results by mail. The new results show the highest dioxin level within the 21 wells was 0.13 parts per quadrillion (ppq) -well below the MDEQ Part 201 drinking water Toxicity Equivalent Quotient of 30 ppq. As part of the investigation, DEQ staff also sampled five monitoring and 20 additional residential wells in and around the former Menasha Corporation Landfill in Otsego for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, in the groundwater after earlier testing of some ponds immediately adjacent to the land­ fill identified PFAS at levels exceeding MDEQ Part 201 drinking water criteria. All residential well samples came back negative for PFAS. The DHHS will provide PFAS sampling results to individual home­ owners via letters. The next phase of the investigation will involve collection of soil samples in Otsego to test for both dioxins and PFAS. These results will be shared with the community at a future public meeting. MSP joining human trafficking crackdown As part of National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Michigan State Police motor carrier officers are teaming up with officers from neighboring states to educate motorists about the signs of human trafficking and to enforce laws that crack down on traf­ fickers. From Jan. 14 to 18, MSP motor carrier offi­ cers will join with colleagues from the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Illinois State Police and the Indiana State Police, along with the Truckers Against Trafficking organization for this multi-state initiative. “The goal is to raise awareness and educate individuals in positions to observe human trafficking taking place, such as commercial motor vehicle drivers, public transportation companies, rest area attendants, and truck stop employees,” CapL Michael Krumm, commander of the MSP, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, said in a Jan. 9 press release. “These individuals are a force multi­ plier that can act as the eyes and ears of Michigan’s highways.” The MSP first partnered with Truckers Against Trafficking in 2015 and has since been recognized as a national leader in human trafficking awareness and education. More information about TAT can be found at truckersagainsttrafficking .org. Suspected human trafficking can be report­ ed by calling the National Hyman Trafficking Resources Center, 888-373-7888 or texting BeFree to 233733. Call to place your Hastings Banner ad 209-945-0554 or 1-000-070-7005 • UPS & FedEx Shipping • Copy Service (black & white or color) • Photo Processing • FAX Service • Laminating • And Much More • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer Tanett Hodge Bonnie Mattson Elected folks need to get with it, read and digest the words of the oath they so casually took and ask themselves if they are being true to that oath. It would appear that some of our more recently elected, younger federal repre­ sentatives see this as more of a game to play. The position to which they were elected to is no game - it’s serious business. State News Roundup The Michigan departments of Environmental Quality and Health and Human Services and the Allegan County Health : The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. • The requirements are: ; *AII letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone ; number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for i compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. : • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. ■ • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not I be accepted. ‘ • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined I by the editor. • • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. ; • “Crossfire" letters between the same two people on one issue will be ; limited to one for each writer. I • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per •. person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. prehensive border control. Comprehensive border control is absolute­ ly necessary for any nation to protect its sov­ ereignty from threats of military aggression, drug trafficking, terrorists and even economic overburden by illegal entry. Too many elected officials take this oath of office with a grain of salt, not realizing the magnitude of responsi­ bility they are accepting by raising their right hand and swearing to protect the nation they live in, but rather support a political or ideol­ ogy position. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 Pack & Ship' 1351 N M-43 - Hwy., Hastings, Ml 49058 • Just north of city limits �Page 6 — Thursday, January 10, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852-9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH M-37 South at M-79, Kimberly S. Metzer, pastor. Church phone 269-945-4995. Church Secretary-Treasurer, Linda Belson. Office hours, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11 am to 3 pm. Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School; 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship Tuesday 9 am Men’s Bible Study at the church. Wednesday 6 p.m. Circle of Friends (Young Adult Special Needs Group) (October / 1mm. WaO. M a; thruMay). PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. j * aiobianoo it MCCAELUM41NFFED n BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake<>Rd., Delton; MI 49046. Phone: 269-6238226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday? Service: 10:3111:46; Coffee Connection; Nursery, Children’s ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795-2370 and the rectory number is 269-9489327. Our church website is www.samchurch.org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-9452285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. - LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. & S. M43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 2049390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Thursday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.^ For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269-945.9574. Email: office.greenstreetumc@ gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor; Ryan Rose, Family Life Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p,m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Child­ ren Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheelchair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. wwwJjLstchurchhastii^ 9 a.m. Traditional Service; 10:30 a.m. Contemporary service. Follow us on Facebook. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945-9217. cbchastings. org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Highway, Hast­ ings. Telephone 269-945-9121. Email hastfmc@gm.ail.com. Website: www,hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Associate Pastor Andy Baird and Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller. Sun­ days: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAMI­ LY HOUR - ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Preschool-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Standard and Adult Elective classes. Cof­ fee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cook­ ies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Ser­ vice: 10:30 a.m. and Children’s Church Age 44th grade dis­ missed during service. After­ math Student Ministry - 6:308:30 p.m., 7th-12th grades. Wednesday: Women’s Bible Study 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thurs­ day: Adult Bible Study 10 a.m. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God's Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! Jan. 13 - Worship services at 8 and 10:45 a.m.; Noisy Offering. Jan. 14 - Outreach 4:30 p.m. Jan. 16- Council 6 p.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@gracehastings.org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-9459414 or 945-2645, fax 269-9452698. www.grace-hastings.org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings. EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH A welcoming and affirming congregation, located at the corner of Broadway and Center St. (entrance on Center St). Sunday morning worship 10 a.m., Other weekly services include: Tues. - Morning Prayer, 9:30 a.m. and Contemplative/Centering Prayer, 6:30 p.m.; Thur.-MidWeek Eucharist and dialogue sermon, noon. Sat. - Commun­ ity Breakfast, served 8-9:30 a.m. Free breakfast is open to all; first Saturday each month ’’Messy Church,’’ program for families. Mother Linnea Stifler available by appt, 269-9453014. The Gary Parish House available to community groups. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses' _ RM O 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 S HIW®IW$ Hh*SMB Fiberglass Products maiWWIlEIW 102 Cook 770 Cook Rd. Hastings Hastings 945-4700 945-9541 MIDDLEVILLE, MI - Lois Virginia Wilson Page passed away peacefully December 4, 2018. Lois was born on April 5, 1926, in Princ­ eton, IL, to William Webb Wilson and Lois McColl Wilson. After graduating from high school in LaMoille, IL, Lois attended West­ ern Michigan University and Bronson Meth­ odist Hospital School of Nursing. Later Lois returned to W.M.U. and completed her bach­ elor of science degree in 1976. Lois married the love of her life, Gerald Page, January 29, 1948. Together they raised six children, operated Pages Resort on Gun Lake, and traveled extensively. Lois worked for many years as a regis­ tered nurse at Pennock Hospital. She was a charter member of the Gun Lake Women’s Club, where she helped start the scholarship program. She has participated in the Nurses’ Health Study with Harvard Medical School from 1976 to present and in a cancer preven­ tion study with the American Cancer Society from 1982 to 2017. Lois was also a mem­ ber of the Special Honor Roll of U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps at the Service Women’s Memo­ rial in Washington, D.C. Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Gerald L. Page; daughter, Vicki Ann Page; brothers, Donald and Robert Wilson; a sisterin-law, Eileen Wilson; a brother-in-law, Ray­ mond Page; and a sister-in-law Marilyn Page. Lois is survived by her children, Terry Page, Randi (Dan) Moran, Thomas (Bonnie) Page, Karen "(Paul) Kennedy, and Steven (Valerie) Page; as well as eight grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and several nieces and neph­ ews. A memorial service will be conducted Sat­ urday, Jan. 12, 2019, 11 a.m. at Middleville United Methodist Church, a time of sharing will take place following her memorial ser­ vice in the fellowship hall at the church. Her memory may be honored by a dona­ tion to the Gerald and Lois Page Education Scholarship Fund through the Thomapple Area Enrichment Foundation. https://www. barrycf.org/fuMs/taef-gerald-l-page-education-scholarship-fund/ Please visit www.beelergoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Lois’s family. Ninety-five years of living has come to an end for Carl Belson bom February 11, 1923. His parents were Gladys (Gardner) and Elmer Belson owners of Nashville’s Belson’s Bak­ ery in the 1930s. He was a 1941 graduate of Hastings High School. Carl was an Army Air Corp aviation ca­ det taking his basic training at Miami Beach, FL. While in the service he attended college at Norwich University in Northfield, VT. He had pre-flight training at Maxwell Field, AL, gunnery training at Carlsbad, NM and B29 flight engineer training at Amarillo, TX. Carl was honorably discharged at Sioux Falls, SD in 1945. After his discharge he attended West­ ern Michigan University on the GI Bill. Carl was a member of the Hastings Ma­ sonic Blue Lodge #52, Hastings Masonic Chapter #56 and Battle Creek Commandry #33. He was a former member of the Shriner’s Saladin Temple in Grand Rapids. Carl was a charter and life member of the Hast­ ings Elk’s Lodge, a life member of the Battle Creek DAV #7 and a member of the Hastings American Legion #45. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings. Carl and his wife Mary were the original co-owners of the Bam Market in the 1950s. After selling the Bam Market Carl was em­ ployed by Bronson Hospital and the Kellogg Company. Carl is survived by daughters Merry Ossenheimer and Sandra (Dennis) Shaffer; five grandchildren, Lee (Lisa Long) Ossenheimer, Christin (Rudy) Othmer, Keri (Don) Hayes, Kristi (Seungho Park) Shaffer and Kelly Shaffer and 11 great grandchildren. He was proceeded in death by his parents; wife, Mary of 76 years; siblings, Gaye Pavese, Howard Belson, Jo Riemann and sonin-law, Dale Ossenheimer, Jr. Services will be on Saturday, Jan. 12,2019 at 4 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church with visitation beginning at 3 p.m. Burial will be at Lakeview Cemetery in Nashville. Daniel’s Funeral Home is making arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to Shriner’s Children’s Hospital or the First Presby­ terian Church of Hastings in Carl’s name. Funeral arrangements have been entrust­ ed to Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome .net. HASTINGS, MI - Richard ‘Dick’ Duane Cotant, of Hastings, died on January 4,2019, age 85. He was bom on December 24, 1933 in Hastings, the son of Dwight Daniel and Gonne Leile (Coles) Cotant. He graduat­ ed from Hfftings High School in 1952. He honorably served in the United States Army for two years. On December 10, 1975 he married Shirley Ann Belson. He worked as a steamfitter at Kellogg’s Corporation in Battle Creek for 38 Years and retired on December 28, 1990. Dick served as a trustee at the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings. When his children were young, Dick was a youth group leader at the church. He loved gardening, woodworking and helping others. Dick was preceded in death by his parents; in-laws, Marshall and Evelyn Belson; sisterin-law, Marilyn Cotant, and brother-in-law, Larry Belson. He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Shir­ ley; son, James (Christine Kennedy) Cotant of Hastings; son, Ronald (Jill Lenz) Cotant of Fort Wayne, IN; daughter, Nancy (Lou) Cotant Burroughs of Delton; daughter, Amy Teunessen of Ravenna, NE; daughter, Judy (Scott) Fletcher of Hastings; grandchildren, Chadwick Cotant, Melissa (Evan) Rees, El­ len (Andrew) Cooper, Erin (Zachary Wright) Cotant, Annette Cotant, Abby Burroughs, Michelle (Garrett) Sowman, Ben Teunes­ sen, Jenna (Matthew) Rubick, Marissa (Wy­ att) Benton, Justin Thompson, Brittany Co­ tant, Jared Brown, Kiley (Kristine Cochran)! Brown and Trenten Hull; great grandchildren, Mackenzie Rees, Lillian Rees, Claire Rees/ Elijah Rees, Wesson Wright, Savannah Alien,* Jaycee Teunessen, Aaliyah Teunessen, Grant" Rubick, Ashton Thompson, Loni Comer," and Gaige Woolum; brother, William Cotant! of Hastings; sister, Jean (Donald) Couch of Delton; sister-in-law, Kathy Belson of Sum­ merville, SC; niece! land nephews, Arthur* (Judy) Cotant, Robert (Kathy) Cotant, Lori? (Dan) Jorg, Ann (Bruce) Scheck, Chris (Darren) Hiar, Julia (Anton) Dumars, Dan Belson and Andy Belson. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 11, 2019 at First Presbyteri-’ an Church of Hastings 405 M-37, Hastings/ MI 49058 with visitation one hour prior and! a luncheon to follow. Interment at Riverside! Cemetery, Hastings, 2 p.m. Memorial Contributions: First Presbyterian Church of Hastings. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence? visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. Michiganders urged to take precautions against norovirus Norovirus illness often peaks in winter. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services staff has identified increases in norovirus activity recently and is urging Michigan residents to take precautions to stay healthy. Although several viruses may cause vomit­ ing and diarrhea, norovirus is the most com­ mon. These viruses are easily spread through food, by person-to-person contact or through contaminated surfaces. So residents should be especially cautious if someone in the house­ hold is ill. Norovirus infection is sometimes described ^stomach flu” but it is not related to influenza* a respiratory viral illness that can cause fever, cough, chills, headache, muscle aches, runny nose and sore throat. Norovirus often causes nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramping, but infected people also may have a low-grade fever, headache, weakness and muscle aches. Symptoms can begin as early as 12 hours after exposure to the virus or as late as 72 hours. The symptoms of norovirus usually last one to three days. In most cases, ill individuals fully recover without medical attention. However, norovirus infection may result in hospitalization due to dehydration, especially in the very young and elderly. Individuals with severe diarrhea should drink lots of liq­ uids. Symptoms that are not seen with norovi­ rus infection are bloody diarrhea or high fever. If these symptoms develop, a medical provider should be contacted. The best way to limit the spread of these viruses is frequent hand washing for at least 20 seconds, using soap and warm running water, being sure to completely clean all areas of hands and under fingernails. This is espe­ cially important after using the bathroom or before preparing or eating food. Preventing contamination of food, drinks, water and ice also is important. People who have been sick with vomiting and diarrhea should not prepare or serve food to others for at least three days after their symptoms are gone. One-third cup of bleach diluted with one gallon of water is the most effective way to disinfect surfaces. Bleach should be used in well-ventilated areas. Hand sanitizers are ineffective against the virus. Norovirus can remain on a variety of sur­ faces for extended periods of time. Doorknobs , faucets, sinks, toilets, bath rails, phones, counters, chairs, tables, hand rails, light switches, keyboards and other high-touch surfaces should be disinfected more frequent­ ly, but especially within a 25-foot radius after a vomiting incident. Carpets, upholstery should be steamed and clothes or linens contaminated with vomit or feces should be laun­ dered on the hottest setting. Additional information about norovirus can be found at CDC.gov/norovirus. See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 10, 2019 — Page 7 Donna M. Gutchess Helen Marie Furrow, age 94, passed away January 3, 2019 at * Countryside Care •Center in Jackson. She was bom March ■18, 1924 to Reason and Alta (Foster) Naylor Cat the family farm home on Center Road in ^Hastings Township, Barry County. * She attended Lakeview Rural School and graduated in 1941 from Hastings High (School. Helen was employed in a clerical capacity ;by Consumers Power, the Hastings Banner and Hastings Mutual Insurance Co. She en­ joyed contract bridge, cooking, sewing, knit­ ting, big band music, and dancing. She was a member of the First United Meth­ odist Church of Hastings for many years. Helen was predeceased by her first husband of 43 years Howard M. Martin, Jr.; second husband, Marshall Furrow, and eight sisters and brothers, Earl, Rhea (Arthur) Callihan, Linnie (Jack) Patrick, Howard (Evelyn), Nor­ man, Leta (Bill) Root, Neva (Lyle) Neil, and Carl (Doris), and brother-in-law, Arland F. Martin She is survived by son, Gregory (Barbara) Martin of Chelsea, and daughter, Kristine (Dan) Clements of Eaton Rapids;, five grand­ children and seven great-grandchildren; sev­ eral nieces and nephews, and sister-in-law, Beatrice Martin of Brandon, Florida. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made in Helen’s memory to the Green Street United Methodist Church of Hastings. Visitation will be held Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019 at Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings from 11 a.m. to nonn. Funeral services will follow the visitation at noon. Pastor Bryce Feighner will officiate the service. Interment will take place at Hastings Township Ceme­ tery. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. HASTINGS, MI - Donna M. Gutchess, age 82, of Hastings, passed away Sunday, Jan. 6, 2019 at Hastings Rehabilitation and Health­ care Center (MagnumCare), surrounded by her family. Donna was bom on June 9, 1936 in Mar­ shall, Michigan to Guilford and Doro­ thy (Sipe) Orrison. She attended Marshall schools, graduating in 1954. Donna married Nolan R. Gutchess on June 18, 1954 and together they raised three chil­ dren. Donna was known around Hastings as “The Angel Lady” as her passion was collecting angels and making sure everyone she came in contact with received an angel from her. She also was a very talented artist and dis­ played her oil paintings at various art shows. With her husband they shared in the creation of Barnum and Bailey circus wagons, which Nolan built and Donna painted. She also en­ joyed sewing and crocheting. Over the years they had a partnership in Hastings Floor Covering, she also worked for Hastings City Bank and Hasting Area Schools, retiring in 1996. Donna was a member of Hope United Methodist Church. Donna is survived by her three children, Nolan (Rick) (Pam) Gutchess Jr., Cynthia (Tod) Clark and Lynae (Gregg) Mathews; grandchildren, Renae (Craig) Cooley, David (Jennifer) Gutchess, Heather (Joshua) Medi­ na, Joel (Candice) Mathews and Katie Clark; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Janet (Ken) Embury and brother, Michael (Connie) Orri­ son. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Nolan; brother, David Orrison and friend, Bernard Peck. Visitation will be held on Thursday, Jan. 10, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. Funeral services will be held on Friday, Jan. 11, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the Girrbach Fu­ neral Home. Pastor Tod Clark will officiate thdfs6rVi6b. Ihtetftient will take place at MsW ings Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hope United Methodist Church, 2920 S. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058 or Hast­ ings Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center (MagnumCare), 240 E. North St, Hastings, MI49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net Family Workshop Series begins this month Joan Van Houten Staff Writer The 2019 Family Workshop Series will get underway next week; the first topic will be the educational and emotion development of chil­ dren. There are two classes scheduled. The first class will be at 5:30 p.m., Jan. 14, at the First Baptist Church at 5215 N M-37 in Middleville. The second class will be at 5:30 p.m., Jan. 28, at the Hastings Baptist Church at 300 E. Woodlawn. The classes are 90 minutes long and will begin with a free dinner. Each participant will receive a certificate for the training, which may be used toward obtain certain certifica­ tions, such as daycare provider. “If you have questions about the education or emotional development of your child, regardless of the child’s age, come to our January class and have your question^ answered by local professionals from both an education and a mental health perspective,’! Executive Director Kim Metzger said. For the Hastings class, the Family Support Center has partnered with Barry County Transit to provide transportation for those living within Hastings city limits. Participants are asked to register online at www.familysupportbarry.com or call (269) 945-5439 for more information. Hastings Elementary School Counselor Dawn Coltson will be presenting the educa­ tion perspective of developmental milestones, and Laura Meyers, from Barry County Community Mental Health, will be presenting the mental health perspective of developmen­ tal growth and development. The Family Workshop Series provides information-driven training geared for par­ ents, foster care parents, daycare providers and others seeking guidance and education toward providing positive child-rearing approaches. “Bring your children, and they will learn, too,” Metzger said. “We will be providing Maxine Birman celebrates 100th birthday Maxine Birman will be celebrating her 100th birthday on January 28,2019. Please make her day special by sending cards and notes to: Maxine Birman, c/o Cedar Creek of Hastings, 2895 E. M-79 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. licenses HASTINGS, MI - Alice Viola Hardin, age 78, of Hastings, passed away January 2, 2019 at Thomapple Manor in Hastings. Alice was born on October 15, 1940 in Hastings, the daughter of Harvey William and Emma Elizabeth (Bryans) Myers. Over the years she worked for the Baby Bliss factory and Ace Hardware. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, crafting and card making. Alice was a member of Thomapple Valley Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Harvey William Myers and Emma Elizabeth Myers, brother, John David Myers, sister, Lois Marie Steele, step-father, Norman J. Keller. " Alice is survived by her daughter, Karnell (Audie) Hicks of Erin, TN; son, Duane Taylor of Hastings; brother, James (Bonnie) Myers of Lapeer; five grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; one great-great grand­ child; several nieces and nephews and long­ time friend, Tammy (Steve) Allerding. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation, 3152 iLittle Rd., Suite 146, Trinity, FL 34655. Visitation and funeral services were held Tuesday, Jan. 8,2019 at the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. Pastor Karl Rewa offi­ ciated the service. A luncheon followed the funeral at Thomapple Valley Church, 2750 S. M-43 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. Eric Ross Pessell, Delton and JodiNicole Trantham, Delton Theron Steven Storey, Wayland and Jennifer Loyola Ebrada, Wayland free activities for children that go along with what parents and providers are learning.” The Family Workshop Series is a commu­ nity collaborative program brought to the residents of Barry County with the help of Barry County United Way, Barry County Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Authority, Barry County Great Start Spectrum Health helps create new generic drug company Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Spectrum Health Pennock is joining with 11 other health systems to create a new notfor-profit generic drug company called Civica Rx. “Discussion among major healthcare facil­ ities began 18 months ago about how to help patients by addressing shortages and high prices of lifesaving medications,” Spectrum Health Ventures President Roger Jansen said. “Civica Rx is the result of those conversa­ tions.” From both an inventory and pricing stand­ point, members of Civica Rx are assured that hospital-prescribed drugs critical to patient care will be available, Jansen said. This also may ultimately drive down the costs for consumers, he said. “Collaborating with Civica Rx and other health systems also changes the landscape to ensure that shortages of mission-critical drugs don’t occur in our communities.” Civica Rx founding members expect to bring more than 20 hospital-administered generic drugs to hospitals and health care systems in 2019, with many additional medi­ cations prioritized by the health care systems as the next phase of focus for the company. Research into the actual costs of manufac­ turing and distributing generic drugs suggests that prices for generic drugs used in hospitals can be reduced to a fraction of current costs, Jansen said. This can save patients, and the health care systems that care for them, hun­ dreds of millions of dollars each year. Established in September 2018, when com­ bined with hospitals represented by the initial governing members of Civica Rx, about 750 hospitals nationally have become members of the mission-driven venture. Members drive drug selection decisions to ensure Civica Rx manufactures the medica­ tions that are most essential to patient care. “Spectrum Health’s purpose is to provide exceptionally high quality and affordable care and coverage in the most effective manner,” Spectrum Health President & CEO Tina Freese Decker said. “We are excited to join with Civica Rx and other health systems to improve mission-critical drug availability at lower prices, thus reducing the total cost of care.” Jansen said the company works closely with drug manufacturers and contracts for the most critical drugs needed by Civic Rx mem­ bers and the amount of each drug needed for an entire year. Then, the manufacturer knows how much to produce to fill the order, elimi­ nating the possibly of shortage. Contracting for large amounts also helps to lower cost. Civica Rx is working toward becoming an FDA-approved manufacturer and will either directly manufacture generic drugs or sub-contract manufacturing to trusted supply partners. Initial governing members of the company include: Catholic Health Initiatives, HCA Healthcare, Intermountain Healthcare, Mayo Clinic, Providence St. Joseph Health, SSM Health, and Trinity Health. The seven organi­ zations, representing about 500 hospitals, provide leadership for the Civica Rx Board of Directors and have provided much of the ini­ tial capitalization for the company. HELP WANTED PART-TIME JOURNALIST SOUGHT IN HASTINGS HASTINGS, MI - Kenneth L. Sorensen, age 75, of Hastings, * passed away on January 1, 2019 at Spectrum Pennock Hospital. Kenneth was bom January 7,1943 in Gard­ ner, IL, son of Orville and Lucille (Tjelle) So­ rensen. Ken was proceeded in death by his parents. He is survived by his beloved wife, Opal (Fagan) of 53 years; daughter, Christine (Da­ vid) Pruden of Hastings, three grandchildren; son, Kenneth (Tracy) Sorensen of De Pere, WI, two grandchildren; sister, Marilyn Mc­ Dermott, and brother, Glen Sorensen, both of IL. Kenny attended a one room, Danish school house, and Gardner Public Schools, where he graduated high school. He also attended Mary Crest College for two years for com­ puter training. He was employed by the Department of Defense for 35 years between Joliet, IL, and the Federal Center in Battle Creek. Respecting Kenny’s wishes, cremation has taken place, and no services are being held. Arrangements were made by Lauer Family Funeral Home of Hastings. Report local news and write about subjects that make a difference to the community. Knowledge of the area a plus. Writing and photography experience preferred. Send your resume with examples of your writing to editor@j-adgraphics.com Roundup®, a common weed and grass killer, may be linked to the development of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in farm workers and employees in garden centers, nurseries, and landscapers. If you or someone you care about has been diagnosed with Non­ Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, contact us today as time may be limited. Collaborative of Barry Intermediate School District, Family Support Center of Barry County & Kinship Support Services, First Baptist Church of Middleville, Hastings Baptist Church, Hastings Area Schools, WBCH Radio Station, Meadow Run Holistic Counseling, Michigan State Police and Thomapple Kellogg Schools. The three major founding philanthropies also have joined Civica Rx as governing members: the Laura and John Arnold Foundation, the Peterson Center on Healthcare, and the Gary and Mary West Foundation. Martin VanTrieste, former chief quality officer for Amgen, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, has been named CEO of Civica Rx. VanTrieste has more than 35 years of experience in pharmaceuticals and was ranked second on the 2018 Medicine Maker Power List of Industry Influencers. VanTrieste has agreed to lead Civica Rx with­ out compensation. “We are creating a public asset with a mis­ sion to ensure that essential generic medica­ tions are accessible and affordable,” VanTrieste said. “The fact that a third of the country’s hospitals have either expressed interest or committed to participate with Civica Rx shows a great need for this initia­ tive. This will improve the situation for patients by bringing much-needed competi­ tion to the generic drug market.” He said Civica Rx will first seek to stabilize the supply of essential generic medications administered in hospitals, many of which have fallen into chronic shortage situations, putting patients at risk. The initiative also will result in lower costs and more predictable supplies of essential generic medicines, help­ ing ensure patients and their needs come first in the generic drug marketplace. Civica Rx expects to have its first products on the market this year. HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Thursday, Jan. 10 - Barry County Baby Cafe, 10 a.m.-noon; January Series, 12:30 p.m., Barbara Bush co-founder of Global Health Corps and a co-author with her sister Jenna Bush Hager of “Sisters First,” tell what it is like to be bom into a political family; Movie Memories watches a 1939 film starring Johnny Weismuller, Maureen O’Sullivan and Johnny Sheffield, 5 p.m. Friday Jan. 11 - preschool story time, 10:30-11:30 a.m.; January Series, 12:30 p.m., Craig Detweiler considers “Searching for the Image ofGod in aOigW Age;” Teen Advisory Board meets, 4-5 p.m. ) Saturday, Jam 12.M Duhgeons and Dragons, 10 a.m.-l p.m. Monday, Jan. 14 - January Series, 12:30 p.m., Nicholas Kristof shares “Lessons from 30 Years of Covering the World;” Creative Haven Writing Group, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 15 - toddler story time, 10:30-11:30 a.m.; January Series, 12:30 p.m., Leland Melvin and “Chasing Space: An Astronaut’s Story of Grit, Grace, and Second Chances;” mahjoiig club, 5:30-8; chess club, 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 16 - January Series, 12:30 p.m., William Powers discusses “Sustainability, Happiness and the “Slow” Movement.” More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269945-4263. Barry County Parks and Recreation Board and Historic Charlton Park Board of Directors PUBLIC NOTICE 1-800-460-0606 RESPONSIBLE ATTORNEY: RICHARD DODD 312 S HOUSTON ST. CAMERON. TX 76520 FOR MORE INFORMATION. SEE: www.RespectForYou.com/NHL NOTICE The minutes of the meeting of the Barry County Board of Commissioners held January 8, 2019, are available in the County Clerk’s Office at 220 W. State St., Hastings, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or www.barrycounty.org. 110728 A draft of the new Barry County Parks and Recreation Plan 2019 - 2023 is available for public review and comment for a period of one month beginning Thursday, January 10, 2019, at the following locations: Historic Charlton Park Administrative Office, 2545 S. Charlton Park Rd., Hastings, MI 49058, Barry County Administrator’s Office on the-3 rd floor of the Barry County Courthouse, 220 Westi State St, Hastings, MI 49058. The plan is also h available for view on the County website at www.barrycounty.org or the Charlton Park website at www.charltonpark.org. The new five-year Parks & Recreation Plan 2019-2023 is a guide for maintaining, developing, and acquiring park properties, trails, and natural areas within Barry County. Community input will be accepted until February 20, 2019, through email directed at parks@barrycounty, org or info@chalrtonpark.org or in the mail to Parks & Recreation Five-Year Plan, Barry County Parks, 2545 S. Charlton Park Rd., Hastings, MI 49058. �Page 8 — Thursday, January 10, 2019 — The Hastings Banner rmanciai rucus Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD JONES Roth vs. Traditional 401(k): Which is right for you? Elaine Garlock Tonight is meeting time for the local historical society at the Freight House Museum on Emerson Street at 7 p.m. Pam Swiler, editor of the “Rural School Newsletter,” will be the speaker. Her publication uses many photographs and stories from the dozens of rural schools that dotted the countryside in decades past until school consolidation, mostly in the 1950s. Two rural schools are still in use in Ionia County. Members received their “Bonanza Bugle” a day or two after Christmas, with its stories of the settling of Lake Odessa and a life story of Susie Cooley. The Ionia County Genealogical Society will meet Saturday, Jan. 12, at 1 p.m. at the museum on Emerson Street. The meeting will include a speaker, library time, and refreshments. In the forenoon experts will be on hand to assist anyone wanting to become a member of First Families or the centennial group, as well as anyone wanting help with interpreting his or her DNA results. The TrLRiver Museum group will not meet this month due to the usual anticipated bad weather. However in 2019 we seem to be having a milder winter than in most years. The next Tri-River meeting will be in Lake Odessa Feb. 19. Lakewood United Methodist Church is shifting its worship hour Sunday to 10 a.m. This is a change from having an early Edison Douglas Manning, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on December 13, 2018 to Joy Renae Manning and Michael John Manning of Wayland. Lincoln Avery Wilder, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on December 18, 2018 to Laura Hause and Phil Wilder Jr. of Hastings. Mallory Josephine Miller, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on December 19, 2018 to Samantha Miller and Thomas Miller of Hastings. Paislee Sue Madden, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on December 22, 2018 to Madison Hayes and Joshua Madden of Hastings. Daxton James Stayton, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on December 22, 2018 to Destiny Burch and Dalton Stayton of Dowling. Pete Edwin Coughlin, bom at Spectrum service at 8:30 and a later service with Praise Band music at 11 a.m. with Sunday school classes sandwiches between. Likewise, Congregational Church has moved service to 10 a.m. Central meets at 10:30 a.m. in the school year, with an earlier time in summer. Stores and others are removing their holiday decorations. Homeowners are following suit except we laggards who are slow to adorn our houses and then slow to remove the signs of festivitity. Led by the worship committee, members of Central United Methodist Church Sunday had an unhanging of the greens. A hot lunch was provided so volunteers could work in comfort as they removed hanging ornaments and garland, packed away artificial trees in big boxes and packed up ornaments. When villagers paid their water/sewer bills this month, they found on the counter at the Page Building the monthly village newsletter with much information. An interesting feature had figures on what a slow drip on a faucet costs a homeowner. At the rates quoted, it would be wise to hire a plumber to get that drip fixed rather than to pay the increased cost on a water bill. There is to be a quilt show at the museum Jan. 26 and 27, so it is time to get out those quilts, old and new, for lending for the display. This is always a fun exhibit with a wide variety of quilts to be seen. Plan now to get out that historic coverlet or quilt. Health Pennock on December 25, 2018 to Shelby Coughlin and Chase Coughlin of Hastings. Harper Lynn Densmore, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on December 27, 2018 to Sarah Norton of Hastings. Marlene Lila Goodemoot, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on December 28, 2018 to Alicia Goodemoot and Derrik Goodemoot of Lake Odessa. Elijah Francis Richardson, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on December 28, 2018 to Kayla Richardson and Aaron Richardson of Bath. Piper Ann Malik, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on December 30, 2018 to Ashley Davis and Justin Malik of Hastings. Reese Michael Pratt, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on January 1, 2019 to Leslie Pratt and Keith Pratt of Lake Odessa. Public Notice Community Action Solicits Bids for Head Start Facility remodeling in Hastings BID PLACE AND TIME Sealed bids for the above captioned project will be received as follows: LOCATION: Community Action 175 Main St.Battle Creek Ml 49014 DATE AND TIME: Thursday, January 24,2019 at 3:00 PM Bids received thereafter will be void. Bids will be publicly opened at that time. DOCUMENTS ON FILE The Drawings and Project Manual may be examined at the following places: The Design Forum Inc., Architects/Planners, 560 Fifth St NW Suite 201, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504. Builders and Traders Exchange, Grand Rapids, Traverse City, Kalamazoo, and Lansing, Michigan. F.W. Dodge.Construction Association of Michigan, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan. DOCUMENT DEPOSIT Prospective bidders may electronic copies of Drawings and Project Manuals from the Architect free of charge. BIDDER QUALIFICATIONS The Owner may make such investigations as necessary to determine the ability of the bidder to perform the work. The Owner may request the bidder to furnish all such information and data for this purpose. The Owner reserves the right to reject any bid if the evidence submitted by, or investigation of, such bidder fails to satisfy the Owner that such bidder is properly qualified to carry out the obli­ gations of the contract. BID SECURITY None required. ACCEPTANCE The Owner reserves the right to accept or reject any or all of the bids. The Owner is not obligated to accept the lowest or any other bid. The Owner reserves the right to waive any informalities in any or all bids and to accept any one or corfibination of alternate bids in the interest of the Owner. The Board of Community Action will meet on January 28,2019 to review and tentatively approve award of contract. Final approval of the award will not come until February 5,2019 after approval of the project by the Planning Commission of the City of Hastings WITHDRAWAL Bidder may withdraw bid at any time prior to scheduled closing time for receipt of bids. No bid may be withdrawn or modified within a 60 day period from the time of its presentation and open­ ing. PRE-BID MEETING A pre-bid meeting with representatives of the Owner and Architect will be conducted as follows: LOCATION: At the Project Site DATE AND TIME: Thursday January 16,2018 at 10:00 AM Interested contractors, subcontrac­ tors and suppliers are urged to attend. Bids may be sent to Community Action; Attn. Bernadette Johnson, 175 Main St., Battle Creek, Ml 49014. For more information about Community Action and the services described in this notice, please call 1-877-422-2726 or visit us at www.caascm.org This institution is an equal opportunity provider, equal opportuity employer. For many years, employees of companies that offered 401(k) plans only faced a couple of key decisions - how much to contribute and how to allocate their dollars among the various investment options in their plan. But in recent years, a third choice has emerged: the traditional versus Roth 401(k). Which is right for you? To begin with, you need to understand the key difference between the two types of 401(k) plans. When you invest in a traditional 401(k), you put in pre-tax dollars, so the more you contribute, the lower your taxable income. Your contributions and earnings grow tax-deferred until you begin taking withdraw­ als, which will be taxed at your ordinary tax rate. With a Roth 401(k), the situation is essentially reversed. You contribute after-tax dollars, so you won’t lower your taxable income, but withdrawals of contributions and earnings are tax-free at age 59-1/2, as long as you’ve held the account at least five years. So, now that you’ve got the basics of the two types of 401(k) plans, which should you choose? There’s no one right answer for everyone. You essentially need to ask yourself these questions: When do you want to pay taxes? And what will your tax rate be in the future? If you’re just starting out in your career, and you’re in a relatively low income tax bracket, but you think you might be in a high­ er one when you retire, you might want to consider the Roth 401(k). You’ll be paying taxes now on the money you earn and con­ tribute to your Roth account, but you’ll avoid being taxed at the higher rate when you start taking withdrawals. Conversely, if you think your tax rate will be lower when you retire, you might be more inclined to go with the tra­ ditional 401(k), which allows you to avoid paying taxes on your contributions now, when your tax rate is high. Of course, you can see the obvious problem with these choices - specifically, how can you know with any certainty if your tax bracket will be lower or higher when you retire? Many people automatically assume that once they stop working, their tax liabilities will drop, but that’s not always the case. Given their sources of retirement income from investment accounts and Social Security, many people see no drop in their tax bracket once they retire. Since you can’t see into the future, your best move might be to split the difference, so to speak. Although not all businesses offer the Roth 401(k) option, many of those that do will allow employees to divide their contribu­ tions between the Roth and traditional accounts. If you chose this route, you could enjoy the benefits of both, but you still can’t exceed the total annual 401(k) contribution limit, which for 2019 is $19,000, or $25,000 if you’re 50 or older. You may want to consult with your tax advisor before making any decisions about a Roth or traditional 401(k) - or Roth and tradi­ tional 401(k) - but in the final analysis, these are positive choices to make, because a 401(k), in whatever form, is a great way to save for retirement. Try to take full advantage of it. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor If you have any questions, contact Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. ----STOCKS-----The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. Apple Inc. 150.75 -6.99 AT&T 31.28 +2.74 Chemical Fin 40.18 +6.57 Chevron 111.77 +2.98 Deere & Co. 156.92 +7.75 Exxon Mobil 72.04 +3.85 Flowserve CP 40.00 +1.98 Ford Motor Co. 8.37 +.72 General Electric Co. 8.56 +.99 General Motors 34.81 +1.36 Home Depot Inc. 177.89 +6.07 Johnson Johnson 129.96 +91 Kellogg Co. 57.89 +.88 Microsoft CP 102.80 +7.30 Perrigo Co. 44.92 +6.17 Pfizer Inc. 43.43 -.22 Spartannash Comp 19.34 +2.16 Stryker 158.90 +2.15 TCF Financial Corp. 20.64 +1.15 Walmart Inc. 95.20 +2.05 Walt Disney Co 111.42 +1.77 Whirl Pool Corp 118.72 +11.85 Gold Silver Dow Jones $1,285.35 $15.69 23,787 +$2.60 +.17 +460 SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Specialist answers questions about disabilities, Medicare and more I have diabetes and I have to take insulin. Is my insulin covered by Medicare? Medicare Part B dobs not cover insulin unless use of an insulin pump is medically necessary. However, certain Medicare Part D prescription drug plans may cover insulin and certain supplies used to inject insulin, such as syringes. For more information, visit medi­ care .gov/coverage/insulin .html. defined as A medical condition (or conditions) that must have lasted, or be expected to last, at feast one year or end in death; and the con­ dition must prevent you from performing substantial work. For more information regarding disability benefits, visit socialsecurity.gov/disabilityssi . Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. Yoi$ piay write her c/p Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapff NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email to vonda .vantil @ ssa .gov. IfI call 800-772-1213, can a Social Security representative take my application for Medicare prescription drug help over the phone? If an interviewer is available when you call the 800 number, he or she can take your appli­ cation over the phone. If an interviewer is not immediately available, we can schedule a telephone appointment for you. For the fastest and most convenient way to apply for Medicare prescription drug help, go online to socialsecurity.gov/prescriptionhelp. If 1 retire at age 62, will I be eligible for Medicare? No. Medicare starts when you reach 65. If you retire at 62, you may be able to continue medical insurance coverage through your employer or purchase it from a private insur­ ance company until you become eligible for Medicare. For more information see our pub­ lication, Medicare, at socialsecurity.gov/pubs, or call us at 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-3250778). 1 was incarcerated for two years. Before I was imprisoned, I received Supplemental Security Insurance benefits. Will my SSI pay­ ments start automatically when I am released? No. You must contact your local Social Security office and provide them with infor­ mation regarding your release dates. In some cases, it may be necessary to reapply for SSI benefits. For more information, visit socialse­ curity .gov/reentry or contact your local Social Security office. < I'm going to visit relatives outside the country for two weeks. Can I still get ^Supplemental Security Insurance payments while I'm there? Your SSI usually will stop if you leave the United States for 30 consecutive days or more. Since you are going to be away for only two weeks, your SSI should not be affected. However, it’s important that you tell Social Security the date you plan to leave and the date you plan to return. Then we can let you know whether your SSI will be affected. For more information, visit socialsecurity.gov or call our toll-free number, 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778). My uncle states that he is considered to be 70 percent disabled through the VA. Does Social Security rate my disability on a per­ centage scale? Social Security does not rate individuals on a percentage scale for disability benefits. For Social Security purposes, a disability is Stinky fruit Dr. Universe: What is the most smelliest fruit in the world? Tiana, 9 Dear Tiana, Our world is full of fruits that have all kinds of delightful smells. Maybe you’ve smelled the sweetness of watermelon, pine­ apple, peach, papaya or mango. But some people, like you, also wonder about the most stinky fruit in the world. When I got your question, I asked my friend Lydia Tymon, a plant scientist at Washington State University. The first stinky fruit she thought of was the durian, a large, round fruit that grows mostly in Southeast Asia. The fruit is about a foot wide with a greenish-brown husk that has lots of spikes on the outside. Some people have compared the smell of a durian fruit to rotting onions or sewage. In some countries in Southeast Asia, signs are even posted that tell people not to bring durians on buses and trains. Earlier this year, a college in Australia even evacuated a library when someone reported the smell of dangerous chemicals or a gas leak. The culprit was just a durian fruit someone left behind. Even though durian has an unusual smell, it’s sometimes used in recipes from Southeast Asia. When the fruit ripens up, it has a custardy texture. In small amounts, it can add just the right flavor to rice dishes and sweet treats such as cakes, crepes and candies. In China, it’s even a popular pizza topping. Pretty much all fruits will eventually rot and get smelly. Tymon studies how tiny living things like microorganisms can make plants sick. Yep, plants can get sick, too. Some microorganisms also depend on different fruits to get the fuel they need to survive. But as they eat them, the fruits start to go bad, or spoil. When the microor­ ganisms eat, they also start to produce gases that can smell pretty rotten. Whether the sweet smell of ripe fruit, the stench of a durian, or the stinky smell of a rotting fruit, we can trace all scents back to molecules. A molecule is a group of atoms, the building blocks that make up pretty much everything. When atoms bond together, we get a molecule. When those molecules come in contact with the receptors in your nose, they send a message to the brain to help determine what exactly you are smelling. Some scientists can use what they know about atoms and molecules to create artifi­ cial fruity smells — such as cherry or grape w — in the lab. The part of your brain that processes messages from smelly molecules is actual­ ly the same part responsible for memories. That’s why when we smell something, it may bring up different memories and emo­ tions. I don’t know about you, but one of my most favorite smelliest smells might just be fruit baked into a pie. Do you have a favor­ ite fruit smell? Have you ever smelled a durian or another kind of stinky fruit? Tell us about it sometime at Dr.Universe@wsu. edu. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse .com. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 10, 2019 — Page 9 fl look back at the stories and columns on In the Hastings Banner TURNING BflGK THE PAGES Blizzard turns evening outing into three-day excursion Josephine Herney in this circa 1913 photo is standing (back, right) with her parents, Albert and Viola Merrick, and sisters Gertrude (later Nowland) and Beatrice. She was One of the students stranded in 1918. She would become Josephine Brockway and remained in the Hastings area until her death in 1998 at age 96. (Photos courtesy of Larry Brasher) ; The following article was printed in the Ian. 17,1913, Banner, retelling of an encounifr with wintry weather Jan. 11 through 13, 1918, experienced by a group of Hastings High School students. ; The article does not indicate a starting point. Perhaps the group left from the high school, which was then on South Broadway near Grand Street. The destination was the Irving Grange Hall, which was situated on the south side of Grange Road near its intersec­ tion with Engle Road in Irving Township, a distance of about 6 miles from downtown Hastings. The home of Alvin and Myrtle (Briggs) Smelker mentioned below was at the junction Of State and Wood School roads, still com­ monly known today as the Algonquin Farm. The 1913 plat map still used the German spelling “Schmelcher.” Cobb School was on Wood School Road, just north of the Smelker home; some residents may still remember it as the home of the late Charlie and Edna Townsend. One of the students involved, Richard Cook, was the son of then co-editor Marshall Cook, giving the elder Cook license to have a bit of fun when retelling the story (assuming he wrote the article). The writer also could see into the future 101 years, it seems, providing the names of the students involved “in order that the editor of 30, 40, or 50 years hence may have something to recount that may be of special interest then ...” Students have exciting experience Started sleigh ride Friday eve. Snowbound by blizzard Rescue party went out Sunday morning Succeeded in getting young people home after much shoveling Some of the inconveniences and not a few pf the discomforts of Admiral Peary and his valiant followers on their trip to the North Pole were experienced by 15 members of a YMCA group of high school students, accom­ panied by their lady friends, and chaperoned by Neal Nyland and Miss Olive Lawton Friday evening and by the heroic “rescue party” organized Sunday morning composed largely of the fathers of the adventurous stu­ dents. After wading through snow drifts and industriously manipulating a snow shovel for several hours Sunday, most of the “rescuers” were ready to proclaim that if the Kingdom of Heaven was located at the Irving Grange hall and it must be reached within 24 hours, they couldn’t have gone much farther than the Matthews school house on a bet. The necessity for a rescue party happened innocently enough, but oftentimes the best laid plans of mice and men are all shot to pieces - and then buried under an avalanche of snow. That’s what happened in this case. Fifteen members of MJ. Cook’s “Y” group, all high school boys, with their ladies, after prevailing upon Mr. Nyland and Miss Lawton to act as chaperones, concluded that it would be just a picnic to get up a sleigh ride party Friday night, after the school week was ended, drive out to the Irving Grange hall, dance a little while and then gayly drive home to the tune of jingling sleigh bells and the jolly peals of laughter and rollicking song. It was figured out ail right - but oh, what a change. Of course, the weather reports said a big blizzard was close at hand, and that the mer­ cury in thermometers was liable to drop right down through the bottom. But these weather prophets were a bunch of pessimists anyway; most always wrong in their guesses; and wholly out of harmony with a bunch of high school kids who wanted to go out in the coun­ try for a dance, and drive home by the light of the stars, or pale beams of the moon, while Romance and Fiction and possibly Cupid sat upon fence posts along the way and watched them as they passed by. Friday afternoon it commenced to snow; then it snowed harder and still harder. The wind commenced to blow, and blow and then blow some more. As evening approached and the storm increased in violence, a few of the boys commenced to get “cold feet” and con­ cluded that possibly these pesky weather prophets knew what they were talking about. They proposed that the sleigh ride be post­ poned, but instantly there arose the cry of “Slacker! Slacker!” That’s all there was to it. No one peeped or complained from that time on. Everyone was game, and everyone went. The start was made Friday night about 7 Though the latest and greatest acquisition for some local families, automobiles, like those in this undated photo, were of no help when a blizzard altered plans for some local students. (File photo) o’clock in the face of a fierce gale and drifting snow, and conditions where even “angels would fear to tread.” The big bob sleighs would only hold 28, while four more made themselves very comfortable in Floyd Craig’s cutter designed to hold only two people. t About a mile out of town, some big drifts were encountered, and Floyd’s cutter tipped over. But did anyone propose a retreat? Not on your tin type. Irving Grange hall was the destination, and nothing but some great upheaval could prevent reaching it. A raging blizzard didn’t cut any figure. But the drifts kept getting deeper and deep­ er, and the horses were all fagged out when the coveted goal, Irving Grange hall, was reached - about 10 o’clock. Then old Boreas simply cut loose, and the mercury dropped so rapidly that it fairly melted the glass tubes in the thermometers. Such a thing as starting back was out of the question. Dancing and playing games were indulged in until about day-break the next morning, when the seri­ ousness of the situation began to dawn upon the party. A council of war was held, and it was decided to make a break for town, only the ladies being permitted to ride, and the boys to walk, or rather wallow, through the badly drifted [roads] Several of the boys were [clad] with only light rubbers and [those] were invariably lost in the snowdrifts - not a pleas­ ant situation with the thermometer 20 degrees below zero, and a fierce blizzard raging. The Cobb school house afforded an excel­ lent haven of refuge for |ome of the freezing boys, and a hot fire revived their drooping spirits. But the rest of the party plunged on, until the fine home of Alvin Smelker was reached, a mile or two distant from the Grange Hall. The horses were “all in,” and several of the party were quite overcome with the cold. Mr. and Mrs. Spielker must have thought that Brigham Young.sband his family had returned to life. Think of having 32 people thrust upon you unexpectedly - and for an indefinite stay! That’s enough to disconcert most anyone, but it didn’t even phase [sic] Mr. and Mrs. Smelker who gave the young people a most royal welcome, opened up their home to them, and “eats” so delicious that force almost had to be used upon some of the party to induce them to leave. But that’s the spirit that seems to prevail in that good neighborhood. Any of the neighbors would have been glad to have shared the bur­ den, but the drifts were too deep for any kind of transportation short of aeroplanes, and they haven’t succeeded “flivvers” yet in these parts. Mrs. and Mrs. Charles Olner, Mr. and Mrs. Bernie Walker, and possibly others to whom they party feel none the less indebted, [sic] Yes, there were some inconveniences in providing sleeping accommodations. Not many homes around here are built to accom­ modate 32 people in addition to the regular family, but all were made comfortable. The girls were furnished with mattresses and cots, and the boys were allowed to make their own selections on the floor, and all were provided with suitable quilts, comfortables [sic] and robes. Saturday night, the weary party settled down for a rest, which, outside of consider­ able snoring, was only marred by one or two incidents. One of these happened along after midnight, when one of the young men while in a sound sleep, was seen to crawl across the room on his hands and knees and settle down directly over the register with his quilt and absorb all the heat. When notified by the chaperone that he could not monopolize all the warmth, his sense of politeness, even though he was asleep, prompted him to say “All right, thanks.” Another young man evi­ dently got to dreaming about the weather and when his slumbers were disturbed said - well, we won’t tell what he said, it wouldn’t look good in print anyway. Saturday one of the young ladies of the party noticed a nice comfortable couch in an adjoining room, and resolved that after the others were asleep she would occupy it. Accordingly , when the rest of the ladies were all in dreamland, she quietly stole into the other room, but horrors, the couch wasoccupied by the hired man. Exit lady. On account of certain lameness developed in the act of shoveling snow, we will say nothirlg of the rescue party further than to observe that one of the most pleasing things ever experienced was the sight of a gang of men and several teams who had opened most of the road from Mr. Smelker’s to the Matthews schools house [State Road from Wood School to Airport roads], and the rescue party on Will Hilton’s big bob was seen at the Smelker farm and loaded for the return, which was made without incident, and arrived in the city around four or five o’clock Sunday afternoon. We understand that Monday the 30 high school students held a meeting and unani­ mously passed a vote of sincere thanks to Mr. and Mrs. Smelker and others in that neighbor­ hood for their kindness and hospitality and have invoked St. Peter to reserve good seats for them all right up close to the throne, to which the chaperones fully agreed. The high school students further resolved that hereafter they would have a more wholesome regard for the Weather Man, that after this they would never go on another sleigh ride party except on a moonlight or starlight night [sic], when the sleighing was good and the chances were at least even for their returning home the same week. All around, it was quiet a thrilling experi­ ence for the young people and one that they will not soon forget. Fortunately, nothing serious resulted from the trip further than some frozen ears and frosted cheeks and feet, for all of which not little credit is due to Mr. Nyland and Miss Lawton, the chaperones. Even the oldest inhabitants admit that it was the worst storm that ever visited this section, and the young people were indeed fortunate. In order that the editor of 30, 40, or 50 years hence may have something to recount, that may be of special interest then, we will record the names of the members of the party as follows [with possible married names of the ladies and graduation dates, if known, added in 2019]: Neal Nyland, Miss Lawton, Clifford Fuller* Mary Holmes [1918], Lee Randall [1918], Sadie Silsbee [Brower], Ralph Marble, Josephine Hurney [Herney] [Brockway], John Vester [1921], Helen Chidester [Rohns, 1920], Einar Frandsen [1919], Ordalia Sutton, Lloyd Clouse [1920], Ruth Konkle [Sponable, 1920], John Crue, Irene Gamble [Sayles, 1919], Kinglsey Anderson [1919], Gertrude Hayes [Frandsen, 1919], Lawrence Powers [1920] , Bessie Wilson, Craig Sage [1919], Agnes Clary [1918], Clayford Moore [1920], Doris Sprague [Matthews, 1920], Carl Harshberger, Opal Moore [Harshberger], Paul Garrison [1920], Norma Doyle [Chase, 1918], Floyd Craig [1920], Dorcas Crowell [Gasser, 1919], Richard Cook [1920] and Retha Eckert [Randall, 1918]. Opal Moore and her brother, Clayford, the two eldest children of William and Bertha (Grach) Moore, were among the stranded sleigh-riders. Their parents may have worried the most - or maybe worked the hardest at home that weekend without the help of their teen children. It is not clear whether wedding bells were already in the works - or if indeed “Cupid or Romance sat upon fence posts” as the party passed by - but Opal would go on to marry Carl Harshberger in 1920. Four others in the group also would tie the knot. Lee Randall and Letha Eckert, both seniors in 1918, would marry July 20, 1923. He was working as an accountant in Owosso, and she was teaching school. Gertrude Hayes and Einer Frandsen -were marridd' in AuguM l^M. ^uMen^dteiwas working as a clerk and she as a teacher. Letha (Eckert) Randall, Gertrude (Hayes) Frandsen and any other teachers in the bunch likely thought twice before accompanying students on outings outside of the classroom. Compiled by Kathy Maurer. Sources: Hastings Banner, familysearch.org, findagrave .com, Michigangenweb .org/barry, Colleen Smelker, 1913 Standard Atlas of Barry County, 1921 Emanon HHS yearbook, Hastings High School Alumni Association, and the Barry^^ur^HhstOrieal Society’s Barry County Rural School History Bookshelf. Call to place your Hastings Banner ad 209-945-9554 or 1-899-879-7005 PENSKE RENTALS NOW AVAILABLE IN HASTINGS Penske offers clean, well-maintained moving trucks of various sizes to best serve your needs. Penske has over 2,000? locations nation-wide for your convenience. Call Sunshine Pack & Ship today or go on-line to order your next truck. F sunshine Pack & Ship 1351 N M 43 Hwy, Hastings, Ml 49058 Phone: (269) 948-9610 FREE Unlimited miles on one-way truck rental. (some restrictions apply) �Page 10 — Thursday, January 10, 2019 — The Hastings Banner CHAIRWOMAN, continued from page 1 bug bit me hard?’ That experience was a great place to learn about civics, she said. Even so. a love of public service runs in her family: Her father was the mayor and fire chief when she was growing up in the Thumb area; her grandfather was mayor pro tern. Her husband, Tom, was a Barry County commissioner from 2000 to 2006 for the same district, 7, which covers Assyria, Johnstown, Baltimore and Maple Grove townships, minus the village of Nashville, which is in District of 5. From 2006 until 2017, both stayed home to be a farm family and raise their two daugh­ ters. During that time, she was active in Farm Bureau and a variety of other pursuits. Then, “in 2017, it seemed like it was time to become involved,” she said. Wing said she saw the dedication and com­ mitment it takes to be a commissioner through her husband’s experiences. “I knew how many hours there would be ... People calling at night. I knew there would be controversy.” But, when comparing her first term to the county board issues from 2007 to 2014, it hasn’t been that bad, she said. That was the time when commissioners didn’t get along. Those were tumultuous commissions. Jordan Lake Trail Board prepares for construction to complete Phase I Bonnie Mattson Staff Writer While the Lakewood community is enjoy­ ing the Woodland Township portion of Phase I of the Jordan Lake Trail, the Jordan Lake Trail Steering Committee has been meeting and working on details for the projected start of construction for the Odessa Township por­ tion of the trail this year. Chaired by Carolyn Mayhew, the commit­ tee includes vice-chairman Bill Hudson, Odessa Township Supervisor Dave Bulling and Lake Odessa Village Manager Julie Salman. Numerous meetings have taken place with homeowners in the M-50 boardwalk area to gather input, concerns and wishes before final plans are drafted. A meeting of the remaining homeowners, from Freshwater Cove Properties to Eaton Highway, took place in early December. Preliminary plans were available for property owners to view for the first time. “Many productive ideas and suggestions came from all the meetings, and many ques­ tions were addressed,” Mayhew said. Details being worked out include applying for and securing Michigan Department of Environmental Quality permits to build the boardwalk in the water of Jordan Lake; apply­ ing for and securing an Michigan Department of Transportation permit to build the trail within the M-50 right of way; applying for and securing an Ionia County Road Commission permit to build the trail within the county road (Cemetery Road) right of way and coordinating the moving of several Consumers Energy utility poles along M-50. The engineering projection is to have plans ready by Feb. 7 to submit to MDOT for approval. That puts the construction start date in July or August. “So, will we see the trail ready to use by snowfall 2019?” Mayhew queried. “That is the big question.” The Jordan Lake Trail Board was able to secure an MDOT Transportation Alternative Grant award to the Village of Lake Odessa in the amount of $936,493 and an MDNR Trust Fund Grant award to Odessa Township for $300,000. The total estimated cost of this project is $1.37 million. All funds beyond the grant money have been raised by the Jordan Lake Trail Fund Raising Committee donated by neighbors and friends in the Lakewood community. Nashville EMS employees receive wage increase Taylor Owens Staff Writer The Castleton-Maple Grove-Nashville Emergency Medical Services board has approved a wage increase for some of its employees after the townships and village boards voted to provide an extra $4,000 a year. Board President and Castleton Township Supervisor Cheryl Hartwell said during a township meeting Thursday that hourly wages for emergency medical technicians increased from $10.10 to $11, specialists received 75 cents more to $1^75? and medics went from $12.30 to $13.50. he At the October 2018 EMS board meeting, interim CMGNA EMS Director Mel Oakley proposed the wage hike in an effort to attract more employees. Low staffing can lead to the ambulance temporarily going out of service, which hap­ pened repeatedly in 2017, and was one of the reasons the Barry County Medical Control Authority temporarily pulled the service’s license in January 2018. Quarterly payments of $1,000 from Castleton and Maple Grove townships and the village of Nashville will cover the cost of the increase. Barry Township investigates manure complaint Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer Barry Township trustees received a com­ plaint at their Jan. 8 meeting about odor and road damage caused by the spreading of manure in Hickory Comers. Township Supervisor Wes Kahler pledged to investigate the problem and speak to the Barry County Road Commission at its month­ ly meeting to see if the impact on roads could For Sa FOR SALE- Ladder Rack $250.00 (fits Ford cargo vans). 616-240-4740,269-945-2600. PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY be addressed. The township board also appointed Police Chief Mark D, Doster as the Freedom of Information Act coordinator for the township. In other action, the township’s Music in the Park program approved the purchase of a $1,700 sound system to benefit the program, which brings in numerous styles and genres of music to William Smith Park in Delton. Help Wanted Business Services SUNNY CREST YOUTH RANCH is a facility for ne­ glected and abused boys, just East of Lake Odessa. We are recruiting fun, positive individuals for the following positions: Youth Care Work­ ers. Pay is $12.25-$15.00 per hour. Open interviews lpm5pm on Wednesday, January 16th or any other day call Wes Vandenburg (616) 558-7464. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Hard Maple, Cherry. Paying top dollar. Call for pricing and Free Estimates. Will buy single walnut trees. Insured, liability & work­ man's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793 PART TIME BOOKKEEPER/ OFFICE Assistant. 15 to 25 flexible daytime hours per week, Mon-Fri, Computer skills and general accounting helpful. Tasks will include daily paperwork, vehicle sales transaction/title work, computer inventory, entries, etc. All are easy to leam tasks. Apply in person at Go Go Auto Parts, 7709 Kingsbury Rd, Delton, or email resume to confact^gogoauLQ^ No phone calls please! BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, home improvements. 269320-3890. Wante WANTED: A 9FT wide x 10ft tall insulated garage door. Call 269-838-7053. 1945 DOOMSDAY (HHS) YEARBOOK to buy for par­ ent. Writing inside okay. Email: mmorganseti@yahoo. com ------------------------------------ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ “You don’t quit when you’re tired. You’ve got to make it all the way to the end of the row. You’ve got to see a project through to the end.” Heather Wing, board chairwoman The Charlton Park millage issue was a dif­ ficult time, she recalled, when commissioners had to figure out how to pay for the park. Relations between commissioners weren’t always good. “There was a time when people wanted to squabble.” By comparison, the past couple of years have featured “a couple of tiffs. They have been just that - tiffs. It was a question of, ‘Ijey, I want my voice heard and you’re not listening to me?” Wing knows Robert’s Rules of Order. Her experience with parliamentary procedure came from serving on the Farm Bureau board with two parliamentary procedure coaches from Hastings High School. “I called it bap­ tism by fire,” she said with a chuckle. Wing said her grandmother called her a “jack of all trades,” because she had many experiences, from working for the state, see­ ing government from the labor perspective, and learning about people from all different backgrounds and cultures. Her work background ranges from deliver­ ing the Huron Daily Tribune when she was a kid to working for the State of Michigan before she married Tom Wing. But her first paid job was working in the fields at age 7 picking sugar beets. From that experience, she said she learned “you don’t quit when you’re tired. You’ve got to make it all the way to the end of the row. You’ve got to see a project through to the end.” One of the surprises of public office is the unpredictable nature of the meetings. “There will be two things on the agenda and, four hours later, you walk out and say ‘What hap­ pened?’... It’s a whole lot like milking cows - you don’t know what you’re going to find when you get to the bam. You could have frozen pipes, or the gas may have run out on your propane tank or a cow fell. “Politics mimics life.” The work of a county commissioner is defi­ nitely not for the faint of heart, she said. “Your life isn’t your own. There are times when there’s a crisis you have to deal with. And some don’t do well under the pressure. ...Yqu need to be preparedlo serve in an emer­ gency. Be level-headed and know what to do.” For those who are interested in public ser­ vice, she recommended attending a few coun­ ty board meetings and asking some questions to find Out what it involves - because it does involve some sacrifice. In a race for the county board, candidates run on a partisan ballot, but Wing empha­ sized, “There’s nothing we do that requires a partisan opinion. This is the county. Sometimes, you have to check your personal opinion at the door.” Right now, she said, her immediate con­ cerns in leading the county board are to con­ tinue to make progress on top priorities. “We need a new jail,” she said. “We need to make sure we do it right. We need to make sure all of our facilities are maintained and used to the best potential. We need to make sure we have a wonderful community for everyone. “I’m excited about serving a second term. I’m just honored to be able to serve my com­ munity.” Mistaken 911 call leads to meth arrest A woman called police at 3 a.m. Jan. 5 to report a possible burglary in the 1000 block of Campground Road. The woman heard noises outside her garage and saw people loading items into a truck. The officer arrived in the area and initiated a traffic stop on the truck at the comer of Hanover and South streets. The 25-year-old female driver said a set of wood­ en lattices had fallen out of the truck and into the road, and she and her 42-year-old male passenger had been picking them up. The officer confirmed the cargo inside the truck, and called the complainant who said the items were not hers, and she must have been mistaken. Then the officer noticed marijuana on the dashboard of the truck, which was registered to the man, and determine that the man was not to be in possession of a controlled substance because he was out of jail on bond. The man consented to a search, and the officer found more marijuana on his person and a bag that appeared to contain methamphetamine. After the search the officer noticed the man still seemed to be protecting his side, so the officer conducted another search and found a pink highlighter. The officer cracked the highlighter open and found another bag of suspected methamphetamine inside. The man was arrested and information has been forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Man saved from heroin overdose Police were called to a drug overdose at 5:53 p.m. Jan. 4, in the 500 block of Gaskill Road. A 56-year-old woman found a 29-year-old man with blue lips, after seeing him conscious only five minutes before, and called 911. After administering two doses of Narcan, the man was revived, and taken to the hospital. A small bag of powder believed to be heroin was confiscated. Facebook photo helps prevent suicide Police went to the house of a 47-year-old man in the 3000 block of North M-43 at 5:40 a.m. Jan. 4, after he had posted a picture of a noose on Facebook. When police arrived they saw a truck running in a pole bam, with a hose from the exhaust running to the window, and the man inside the building. The man came to the door, and said he had been attempt­ ing to kill himself with carbon monoxide. The man agreed to go with the officers to the hospital to be admitted for treatment. Second case of storage unit break-ins Three storage units were broken into at the River Front Storage Facility on M-79, but nothing was found missing at 4:38 p.m. Jan. 4. The suspect broke the locks off the doors and damaged some of the hinges. Five units also were broken into at Clear Lake Storage Dec. 23, and only a bag of old coins was reported stolen. The case is still under investiga­ tion. Belongings left on side of road A passer-by called police around 2:30 p.m. Jan. 4 to notify them of garbage dumped on the side of Mud Lake Road near Goodrich Road. The items included a love seat, couch, dresser, bicycle and multiple bags of clothing. An officer found pieces of mail in one of the bags that had a Battle Creek address; the property owners may have recently been evicted. The case is still under investigation. Woman arrested for OWI with 0.316 BAC A driver called police just after midnight Jan. 6, to report a reckless driver, and gave officers the license plate number. An officer initiated a traffic stop on the 38-year-old Kalamazoo woman on M-43, north of Waldorf Road. The woman had issues putting the vehicle into park, and rolling down the window. The officer also noted, “The driver was looking at me through the window with what I can describe as a blank expression.” She took a breath test with a result of 0.316, and did not have any identification on her person". She was arrested and information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Two men huff aerosol cans in parking lot An officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling 72 mph in a 55 mph zone at 8:49 p.m. Jan. 5 on Thomapple Lake Road, west of Barger Road. The officer asked the 21-yearold Charlotte driver and 17-year-old Hastings passenger if they had been huffing the con­ tents of aerosol cans, which the officer spotted in the car. The driver said he did not know huffing aerosol cans was against the law. The officer saw a receipt and noticed the men also had purchased a 200-count bottle of migraine relief caplets. Information was forward­ ed to the prosecuting attorney. Cheese fight turns into police matter Police were called out to a verbal domestic dispute in the 600 block of Towne Center Drive at 4:35 a.m. Jan. 1. The 26-year-old woman and 38-year-old man got into an argu­ ment when the man saw the woman brought back Muenster cheese from the party they attended, not Colby Jack, which is his favorite. There was no physical contact. Information has been forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Man avoids suspected sweepstakes scam A 60-year-old man called police the afternoon of Dec. 20, after he became suspicious of a situation in which he supposedly won a contest. The man received paperwork from Publishers Clearing House approximately five to six weeks before, announcing he had won money in a contest. He called the number he was given and heard a prerecorded message, supposedly from Publishers Clearing House, which asked for a pin number the man had received in the mail. Later, a man called claiming to be a lawyer for Publishers Clearing House. The “lawyer,” who seemed to have a Nigerian accent, asked for the numbers of the man’s bank account, routing number, debit card and social security number. Then the “lawyer” told the man to open a new account and put $100 in it - then that number went up to $4,000. At that point, the man became suspicious, put a freeze on his account and called the police. No funds were taken from the man’s account. The incident is still under investigation. Pitch Competition grants offer opportunities to rural areas A community focused competition that offers opportunities for acclaim and grants to the winners is getting underway. Representatives of rural municipalities with a population of approximately 10,000 are eligible for the 2019 CEDAM Small Town & Rural Development conference. Entrants could be local government, non-profit 501(c)3s, Chamber of Commerce or similar types of groups. Communities must be in the Consumer Energy gas or electric service territory (view map at https://www.consumersenergy.com/ company/what-we-do/service-territories) New this year for the conference, Consumers Energy will host a session for communities to pitch ideas that will help put a community on the map. Innovative ideas that will help energize a town and create momentum to build a stron­ ger sense of community are the key. If a sub­ mitted idea is selected, the entrant will be invited to present to a panel of judges on April 17. The top three presentations will be award­ ed one of three grants: • First Place: $7,500 • Second Place: $5,000 ;j • Third Place: $2,500 Winners of the grants will be selected and announced by the judges following the pitch competition. Grant funds will be presented to winning communities at a scheduled time following the 2019 Small Town and Rural Development Conference. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 10, 2019 — Page 11 DK boys fend off Parchment in fourth Brett Bremer Sports Editor Parchment had a jumper in the closing sec­ onds go off the rim and the tip in try miss the mark. Delton Kellogg managed to hold onto that second rebound attempt and hold on for a Delton Kellogg’s Alan Whitmore works to drive past Parchment’s Dylan Bickings to the basket during Tuesday night’s non­ conference ballgame at Delton Kellogg High School. (Photo by Perry Hardin) 53-32 victory over the visiting Panthers Tuesday, Delton Kellogg junior forward Dawson Grizzle puts up a shot in the paint during the second half of his team’s win over visiting Parchment Tuesday night. (Photo by Perry Hardin) It’s the second victory of the season for the Delton Kellogg varsity basketball team, which will return to Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division action at Lawton Friday. “This was a big game for us to take a step in the right direction and to try and get back on track,” DK head coach Jason Howland said. “I told the boys, from this point on it is just baby steps forward hopefully, trying to put stuff together.” The Delton boys had a 30-23 lead at the half, but couldn’t quite keep things from get­ ting more interesting on the scoreboard as the second half wore on. “Third quarters have been terrible for us,” Financial Corporation Date of Mortgage: June 29, 2012 Date of Mortgage Recording: July 16, 2012 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $54,554.63 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Charter Township of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 66 of the Plat of Melody Acres, according to the recorded plat thereof, Hastings Township, Barry C||inty, Michigan. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: December 20, 2018 Trott Law, P.C. Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on January 24, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Michael K. Stehr, A Married Man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Citibank, N.A., not in its individual capacity, but solely as trustee for the NRZ Pass-Through Trust VI Date of Mortgage: May 14, 2003 Date of Mortgage Recording: May 20, 2003 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $93,724.42 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 6 of Block 7 of H.J. Kenfield’s Addition, according to the recorded Plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats on Page 9, City of Hastings, Michigan The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: December 20, 2018 Trott Law, P.C. 1371208 (12-20)(01-10) 1371175 (12-20)(01-10) Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on January 24, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Ian Carter, an Unmarried man and Katie Hotchkiss, Joint Tenancy with full rights of Survivorship Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Amerifirst Financial Corporation its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Amerfpirst 109818 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby, given pursuant to MCL 600:3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within parry County; at 1:00 PM, on February 14, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagors): Mibhael J. Marek and Samantha R. Marek, husband and wife, as joint tenants with full rights of survivorship Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): AmeriFirst Financial Corporation Date of Mortgage: June 28, 2016 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 30, 2016 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $161,767.60 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 7 of Charleson Heights Addition to the Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, according to the recorded Plat thereof. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the Delton Kellogg’s Carter Howland fires a turn-around jumper over Parchment’s Caleb Gostlin during the second half Tuesday in Delton. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Drivers ignoring school bus lights Hastings Area School System bus drivers expressed their frustration with drivers ignor­ ing their red flashing lights in discussions with Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf Tuesday. The bus drivers said the most common areas for violations are on M-79, between McKoewn Road and Thomapple Lake Road, M-43 at Welcome Road, M-37 at Airport Road, and M-37 by Baltimore Terrace Mobile Home Park. Leaf said he is committing additional patrols to those and other areas. When a school bus has yellow flashing lights operating, drivers may pass the bus in either direction. When the lights are flashing red, drivers must stop. The fine for failing to do so is $250, in addition to possible charges of reckless or careless driving. If drivers take down the license plate of a vehicle they see violating those rules, the police, at a minimum, can call the vehicle owner and remind them of the rules. The Sheriff’s Office also included a list of safety tips for drivers when approaching school buses. ^Prepare to stop when a slowing bus has its overhead yellow lights flashing. *Stop at least 20 feet away for buses when red lights are flashing, unless driving in the opposite direction on a divided highway. *Slow down in or near school and residen­ tial areas. *Look for clues - such as safety patrols, crossing guards, bicycles, and playgrounds that indicate children might be in the area. *Watch for children between parked cars and other objects. School bus lights are like traffic signals. *When overhead lights are flashing yellow: Prepare to stop. *When overhead lights are flashing red: Stop. *When hazard warning lights are flashing: Proceed with caution. School bus safety tips for students: * Always stay in sight of the bus driver. *Don’t hurry to get off the bus; check for traffic first. *Don’t go back to the bus after exiting. Howland said. “I think we are only averaging about eight points. We tried using a press that we have been kind of working on, but it didn’t work out the way we had anticipated. They got back into the bailgame.” DK also struggled at the free throw line, going just 2-of-11 in the second half. A couple of turnovers early in the fourth quarter provided Parchment with some help as well. Cole Pape led the DK team with 13 points. Carter Howland had 11 points and Alan Whitmore and Keegan Kokx finished with nine points each. “That was a big game for Keegan,” coach Howland said. “We’ve been waiting for him to break out a little bit. He played on the JV date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: January 10, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1372660 111064 (01-10)(01-31) Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on January 24, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Amanda M. Legault, a married woman Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): AmeriFirst Financial Corporation Date of Mortgage: September 30, 2016 Date of Mortgage Recording: October 10, 2016 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $149,734.72 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Maple Grove, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: A parcel of land in the Southeast 1/4 of Section 36, Town 2 North, Range 7 West, described as follows: Commencing at the Southeast corner of the West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of said lection 36, for the place of beginning: thence North 297 feet; thence West 297 feet; thence South 297 feet; [thence East 297 feet to the place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: December 20, 2018 Trott Law, P.C. 1371176 (12-20)(01-10) 109740 109741 STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL DISTRICT 5TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY PROBATE ORDER FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION/POSTING AND NOTICE OF ACTION CASE NO. 2018-983-CH Court address 220 West State Street, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court telephone no. 269-945-1285 PLAINTIFF Colin Cruttenden and Lou Ann Cruttenden 38 Island Court Hastings, Ml 49058 v. DEFENDANT Ethel O. Stephenson and William J. Stephenson Jr. 114 Tyner Drive Warsaw, IN 46580 To: Ethel O. Stephensbq IT IS ORDERED: You are being sued in this court by the plaintiff to Quiet Title to Parcel #08-04-065-000-027-02. You must file your answer or take other action permitted by law in this court at the court address above on or before 1/28/2019. If you fail to do so, a default judgment may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint filed in this case. A copy of this order shall be published once each week in the Hastings Banner for three consecutive weeks, and proof of publication shall be filed in this court. A copy of this order shall be sent to Ethel O. Stephenson at the last-known address by registered mail, return receipt requested, before the date of the last publication, and the affidavit of mailing shall be filed in this court. Date: 1/2/19 110951 Judge Amy McDowell Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on January 24, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Jordan Ashley Mack, an unmarried woman Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): AmeriFirst Financial Corporation Date of Mortgage: May 22, 2018 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 8, 2018 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $87,923.83 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot(s) 3, Block 7 of Kenfield’s 2nd Addition to the City of Hastings according to the Plat thereof recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, Page 37 of Barry County Records The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: December 20, 2018 Trott Law, P.C. 1370902 (12-20)(01-10) last year. I put that young man in tonight and ] he I played a heck of a game for us. He came off the bench and scored nine points for us. I < don ’t think me missed any shots tonight.” < Kokx was sparked by a quick three-pointer is the second quarter, entering the ball into the post and then getting a kick-out pass for the ] <open jumper. Kokx and the Delton guards ;also got the chance to take advantage of smaller Parchment guards - looking to score ; in the post throughout the night. Riley Roblyer was also big off the bench for the Panthers, doing the little things despite not getting on the scoreboard. Delton Kellogg is now 2-5 overall this sea­ son. STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Trust In the matter of the Eleanor L. Teeter Trust u.t.a dated June 4, 2003. y Date of birth: February 5,1922. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Eleanor L. Teeter, died November 22, 2018 leaving the above Trust in full force and effect. Creditors of the decedent or against the Trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or the trust will be forever barred unless presented to Deborah L. b Robinson, Trustee, within 4 months after the date of > publication of this notice. Date: January 3, 2019 Stephanie S. Fekkes P43549 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-1921 Deborah L. Robinson c/o Varnum, 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 110806 (269) 945-1921 Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing for the following: Case Number: SP-1-2019 - Kassidy Saurman (Applicant); Jacob & Kassidy Saurman (Property Owners) Location: 2516 East M-43 Highway, Hastings, in Section 22 of Carlton Township. Purpose: Requesting to operate a kennel/ boarding facility pursuant to Section 2343 in the RR (Rural Residential) zoning district. MEETING DATE: January 28, 2019. TIME: 7:00 PM PLACE: Tyden Center Community Room, 121 South Church St^dt, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Site inspection of the above described property will be completed by the Planning Commission members before the day of the hearing. Interested persons desiring to present their views upon an s appeal, either verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned time and place. Any written response may be mailed to the address listed below, faxed to (269) 948-4820, or emailed to jmcmahus@bdrrycounty.org. The special use application is available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during the hours pf 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed between 1 12-1 p.m/), -Mond^fhrd<®h Friday. Please call the Barry County Planning Departments (269) 945- ? 1290 for further information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary, aids apd ,services, such as signers for the hearing im^fred arid, audiotapes of printed material being' considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals1 with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or call the tgUpwing: Mipljael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 945-1284. Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on 1 February 7, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Ronald A. Brown and Patricia H. Brown, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender Quicken Loans, Inc., its successors and or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee for J.P. Morgan Mortgage Trust 2007-S1 Date of Mortgage: January 5, 2007 Date of Mortgage Recording: January 31,2007 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $340,711.83 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Woodland, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 39 and 40 of McLenithan Subdivision No. 2, Woodland Township, Barry ; County, Michigan, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Block 5 of Plats, on Page 23, except commencing at the Southwest corner of Lot No. 39 of McLenithan Subdivision No. 2, Jordan lake, thence East 15 feet, thence North to the Northwest corner of said Lot 39, thence South along the West fine of Lot 39 to the point of beginning. The redemption period shall be 1 year from the date of such sale, unless'determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3?41 a. If the property is Sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3^78 the borrower will be held responsible to the person whoibuys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: January 3, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1372265 (01-03)(01-24) 110636 I i I j W9608 I I �Page 12 —- Thursday, January 10, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Parma Western presses past Saxons in OT Saxon junior point guard Elijah Smith dribbles towards the hoop as Parma Western’s Elijah Ebong (11) and Trey Cottingham (31) give chase during the first half of the Panthers’ 68-67 overtime victory at Hastings High School Tuesday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Saxons bumped the Parma Western Panthers off the top of the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference standings a year ago. The Panthers came to Hastings and bumped the Saxons around a little bit to earn a small bit of revenge Tuesday night. Parma Western scored a 68-67 overtime victory over the Hastings varsity boys’ bas­ ketball team. The Panthers’ press gave the Saxons fits for much of the evening. “They were physical with us,” Hastings head coach Rich Long said. “We knew they were going to press us coming into it. They have a couple of different press looks, a jump­ trap and a 2-2-1 and a 1-2-2. (Nathan) Burk is extremely good at Hawking the ball stealing from behind. He is a very good athlete that helps their press. When they were calling body fouls we seemed to manage it. When they stopped we shriveled up and fell apart pretty fast*” Hastings own half-court defense was pretty good Tuesday too, and the Saxons held a lead throughout much of the ballgame. A couple steals by Burk that led to Idy-ups were the only turnecfinto Bis team’s only two field goals in the opening quarter. Hastings had a 7-0 lead to open the game and led 13-7 after one quarter. A 5-0 run to start the second by the Panthers wiped away much of that Saxon lead though. Burk finished with 24 points, 15 rebounds and eight steals. Kirby Beck sled the Saxons with 25 points, having one of his best shoot­ ing nights of the season so far. The Panthers also got 19 points from Trey Cottingham and nine from senior center Tyler Oxley. Cottingh^i was ^rQf-8 at the free throw line anCB Knocked dowh three three-pointers. L _* r “We have a lot -bf work do with our defense, but it is coming around,” coach Long said. “We knew a couple of things they want­ ed to do with Burk on a pick and roll and we took those away early. They h^d an answer for it in the second half and it took us two or three plays to figure out. We did a good job of help­ ing off the other big and not letting them throw it to the comers, (Brett) Casto and Cottingham are great shooters and we knew not to leave them. They like to penetrate and kick to those comers and when that wasn’t there it threw their balance off a little bit in the first half.” Western took its first lead of the ballgame on a three-pointer by Cottingham with 2:54 to go in the opening quarter. Hastings went on a 10-3 run the rest of the half though to lead 32-27 at the half. The Saxons never trailed in the second half, and had a lead of as many as eight points at times. The Panthers outscored the Saxons 12-4 over the final three minutes of the fourth quar­ ter, getting a three-point play from center Tyler Oxley with 37.4 seconds left on the clock to finally pull his team even at 60-60. Burk answered a bucket by Saxon senior center Cameron Ertner in the opening minute of the overtime with a three-pointer, and the Panthers led to the remainder of the extra session - pushing their lead to as many as five The Saxons’ J.P. SaintAmour looks for a way to get a shot up around Parma ^stern’s Elijah Ebong during their 1-8 match-up in Hastings Tuesd<ay^(Photo by Brett Bremer) Lions pick up three victories at Wyoming tourney The Maple Valley varsity wrestling team went 3-2 Saturday at the Wyoming Team Invitational. The Lions scored a 36-33 win over the host Wolves, a 42-18 win over Muskegon and a 30-27 win over Sparta. Byron Center bested the Maple Valley guys 63-15 and the Lions also fell 54-27 to Wyoming Lee. Jesse Brumm went 5-0 at the tournament Hastings sophomore guard Kirby Beck is pressured by Parma Western’s Nathan Burk at the top of the key as he runs the offense for the Saxons during the second half of their 1-8 contest in Hastings Tuesday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) points. The Saxons stayed in the ballgame thanks in part to a 5-of-11 performance by Western at the free throw line in the overtime. A three-pointer by Beck got the Saxons within 67-65 with 18.5 seconds to play in overtime. Cottingham hit one of two free throws at the other end to leave it a one-pos­ session game. The Saxons nudged within 68-67 when J.P. SaintAmour put-back a missed three by Beck with a little over seven seconds left on the clock. The Panthers were able to weave their way through the Saxons’ press and kill off the final seconds on the clock to secure the conference win. Ertner fished the ballgame with 14 points for the Saxons and junior point guard Elijah Smith had 11 points while battling some foul trouble throughout the night. Coach Long was happy to have three guys finish the ballgame in double figures. Long said the whistles that lead to a parade from free throw line to free throw line in the second half took his team out of its offensive rhythm a bit. Hastings was 17-of-24 at the foul line in the bailgame. Hastings plays host to Jackson Northwest Friday night, the annual Elementary Night for the basketball program. There are plans for a light show before the boys’ game, Miller Realty has provide the program with mini basketballs to toss out during the game, there ’ are plans for a Hoop Shoot at halftime as well Eas introductions of the elementary school stu­ dents from each building in the district. DK girls score a little more in second half to win at Parchment The girls-’ basketball team r^s Record to 6-1 by doubling up the Parchment Panthers bn the road Tuesday. The Delton girls returned from the holiday break to score a 38-19 win over the host Panthers. Delton Kellogg found its scoring touch a bit in the second half after going into the break with a 14-11 lead. The Delton Kellogg girls were a combined 10-of-50 from the floor in the first half. “I don’t think we took a shot outside eight­ feet the entire first half,” Delton Kellogg head coach Mike Mohn said. “It was just brutal, almost comical at one point. Missed lay-ups, missed bunnies underneath.” “I thought our defense was pretty decent throughout the majority of the game,” he added. With all those missed shots there were a lot of rebounds to be had. Lexi Parsons led Delton Kellogg with 14, to go along with her game-high 20 points. DK also got six points each from Erin Kapteyn and Abbie Bever. Coach Mohn was a bit concerned with his girls struggling to box out at times. Parchment managed 14 offensive rebounds. “We will have to shore that up if we are going to make any kind of run as the year progresses,” Mohn said. The Delton Kellogg girls return to Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division action at Lawton Friday. The DK girls are currently 3-1 in the Valley this sea­ son. for the Lions, pinning all three of his oppo­ nents while also picking up a couple forfeit wins. The Lions’ Nick Martin, Anthony Raymond and Aaron Breton were all 4-f. Matthew Slaght, Jordan Thornton and Konnor Visger had three wins apiece. The Lions were slated to host a Greater Lansing Activities Conference quad last night, and will head to Leslie for a league match Jan. 16. TK boys fall in first two OK Gold ballgames Thomapple Kellogg’s varsity boys’ basket­ ball team had two attempts at a game-winner in the final seconds of their OK Gold Conference bailgame against visiting Wayland Tuesday, but couldn’t find the hoop in what turned into a 44-42 loss to the Wildcats. The bailgame was back and forth through­ out, until the Wildcats were able to stretch their lead to eight points in the fourth quarter. Joe Dinkel led TK with 15 points and Cole Shoobridge and Austin VanElst had 11 points apiece. Cory Ainsworth put in 18 points to lead the Wildcats, adding six rebounds and a pair of assists. TK is 0-2 in the OK Gold Conference. East Grand Rapids bested TK 70-44 in the conference opener in Middleville Tuesday. TK sophomore VanElst scored a sea? son-high 22 points in the loss. The Trojans have another tough bailgame Friday on the road at Grand Rapids Christian. TK girls pull away from Wayland in fourth quarter The Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ bas­ ketball team split its first two OK Gold Conference ballgames to open the 2019 por­ tion of the schedule. The TK girls scored a 41-26 win at Wayland Tuesday, holding the host Wildcats to just nine points in the second half. TK had just an 18-17 lead at the half. “I thought in the second half we played great team defense in that when one player rotated or made an adjustment all four other players also rotated and adjusted according­ ly,” TK head coach Ross Lambitz said. “It resulted in a lot of contested shots for Wayland and we were able to do a good job of boxing out and holding them to one shot. The Trojans outscored the Wildcats 16-4 in the fourth quarter to pull away. That defensive effort helped lead to some more transition opportunities on the offensive end for the TK ladies. A couple of turnovers led to TK extending its lead from three to nine early in the fourth. East Grand Rapids knocked off the Trojans 82-52 in Middleville last Friday. The Trojans were down just 18-15 after one quarter, but the Pioneers exploded for a 26-13 run in the second quarter to take control of the bailgame. Jillian Brown led the Pioneers with 16 points and teammate Olivia Brown added 23. Ali Carlson added 11 points, seven rebounds and six steals for the Pioneers. The Trojans return to conference action at Grand Rapids Christian Friday. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 10,2019 — Page 13 Vikings vault past Pirates in Round 3 at Valley ■ ________________ L___ "1 The Maple Valley girls do the splits during their round two performance Saturday at their own Maple Valley New Year Invitational. (Photo by Amy Jo Parish) C jmuJ Oft A pair of Saxon stunt teams perform during round three Saturday at the Maple Valley New Year Invitational. (Photo by Amy Jo Parish) Brett Bremer Sports Editor A pair of state qualifying teams from a year ago battled it out for the top overall score Saturday at the Maple Valley New Year Invitational. Pewamo-Westphalia, which placed eighth in the state in Division 4 a year ago, edged but the Lakewood varsity competitive cheer team in each of the first two rounds but the Vikings put together an impressive 297.50 in round three to surge past the Pirates in the^tan4jngsLakewood, a team that placed fifth aPthe Division 2 State Finals last year, finished the meet with an overall score of 735.12, besting the Pirates’ score of 710.90. Sturgis was the top Division 2 team at the nine-team meet, scoring a total of 698.74 points. “I thought for our first time on the mat the girls did very well,” Lakewood head coach Kim Martin said. “Probably our best start of the season in a very long time. This team has a bit of a competitive edge this year. They have a great chemistry and work very well together, this group of 19 girls wants the same things this season.” Hastings was fourth overall, just barely bested by Interstate-8 Athletic Conference rival Pennfield 688.64 to 678.88. The Saxons were set to open the 1-8 season, shooting for their third straight conference championship, at Pennfield last night. Lakewood and invita­ tional host Maple Valley were also slated to start conference competition last night, with the first Greater Lansing Activities Conference jamboree at Lakewood High School. The Hastings girls, who were second among the four Division 2 teams at Saturday’s meet, scored a 220.00 in round one, a 198.98 in round two and a 259.90 in round three. Sturgis took the Division 2 title with scores of 211.70 in round one, 206.24 in round two and 280.80 in round three. “We were happy with rounds one and two,” Hastings head coach Linsey Jacinto said. “They scored well and will continue to improve as we move forward in the season. “We had a fewlssues in round three. Going in we knew there were a few changes we wanted to make, but you have to get your material out there forjudges to see. We made some changes this week and are heading into our first league meet much stronger.” Lakewood score d a226.40 in round one and a 211.22 in round two. PewamoWestphalia had a 227.30 in round one and a 219.60 in round two before finishing off the meet with a 264.0 in round three. “We have a very solid round one and three this season, and the makings of our cleanest round two yet,” Martin said. “We know we need these rounds to be solid this year with us heading to the east for regionals.” Maple Valley pliced third among the Division 4 teams, behind Pewamo-Westphalia and Webberville. The Lions scored a 206.10 in round one, a 171.62 in round two and a 258.90 in round threefiThe Lions were a smidgen better than the Webberville girls in round one and just a point behind them in round three. “I was very happy with their first perfor­ mance of 2019. Round one looked amazing with minimal errors. Round two was a good, but we still need to improve our timing of our skills,” Maple Valley head coach Sarah Huissen said. “We just finished our Round three Thursday night so we are still working on timing with the end, but I was very proud of how well they performed it and how well they work together out on the mat ” Pennfield scored a 215.40 in round one, 190.94 in round two and 282.30 in round tfege. Another Is-8 team, Harper Creek, was also a part of the me - \ TheBeavers tallied a score of 195 .90 in round one, 167.60 in round two and 212.80 in round three to finish with a total of 568.30 points. ■ JLJBB h | Come see us for all your wedding needs. Shop your LOCAL printing company for customized,. T ■ The Lakewood varsity competitive cheer team comes together in the middle of the mat during their round three performance at Saturday’s Maple Valley New Year Invitational. (Photo by Amy Jo Parish) • • • • • • • Thank you notes Save the date cards Wedding invitations Photos Frames Wedding favors Posters Hastings looking for help honoring track and field athletes from the past A project is underway to update the histor­ ical record of the Hastings High School track and field program. Wayne Oom is collaborating with a group of coaches and school administrators to put together a list of track and field all-state ath­ letes that will be displayed near the track inside Baum Stadium and Johnson Field. “We’ve researched it from just about every angle including looking through the Hastings Banners on microfilm at the library, but we want to make sure we’re not missing some­ body,” Oom said. “We’d much rather catch the mistake now than after we’ve created the board.” The group is asking for help with its all­ state list, before the project can be finalized, there are plans to unveil the all-state board as well as a new track and field school record board at a Hastings track and field meet in the upcoming spring season. Here is a list of the all-state track and field athletes who have been found so far. Anyone with any updates is asked to please contact Oom by phone or text message at 616-291- 3013. The boys’ list includes William James (1930), J. Nelson Gardner (1933), Lawton Williams (1936), Albert Borton (1939), Don Wellfare (1941), Jack Wagner (1942), Harold Townsend (1944), Tom Dolan (1944, 45), Eddie McKeough (1946), Leland Christiansen (1946), Bob Branch (1946, 47), Ray Branch (1947), Newell Heath (1950, 51), Jack Burchett (1952), Al Shaver (1952), Mike Aderhold (1959), Tom Duits (1973), Kevin Echtinaw (1980), Kerry Allen (1980), Wayne Oom (1986, 87), Chris Youngs (1991, 1992), Derek Gonzales (1991, 92), Mark Lundquist (1994), Tom Sorenson (1995), Ed Youngs (1997), Beau Barnum (1998), Jason Goggins (2001), Ryan Burdgorf (2007 , 09), Jacob Comer (2012), Caleb Engle (2015) and Jason Slaughter (2015). The girls’ list includes Cindy Nelson (1975, 76, 77), Jude Shank (1975, 76), Connie Wilson (1975, 76), Deb DeCamp (1975), Becky Robbe (1975), Diane Arens (1976,77, 78), Marcia Rowlader (1976, 77), Karla Kruko (1976), Pat Shank (1976), Brenda Colvin (1977), Chris Favorite (1977), Pauia Pederson (1977), Nyla. Hill (1977), Brenda Smith (1978), Liz Amerson (1981), Tammy Bryans (1984, 86), Kristin Lyons (1986), Heidi Herron (1988), Katy Peterson (1988), Melinda Hare (1988), Tracy Heath (1988), Edith Kortekaas (1993), Andrea Dryer (1996# 97), Susan Hubbard (2000), Katie Noteboom (2001), Erin Goggins (2015), Emily Westers (2016,2017). Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Truck Rental Check out all our Special Services: • Business Cards • Greeting Cards • Big Prints & Posters Photo Books Folding & Laminating Custom Rubber Stamps Plastic Binding and more! 1351 N.Broadway (M-43) Hastings 269.945.9105 OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00 - 5:30 MS4 �Page 14 — Thursday, January 10,2019 — The Hastings Banner Miller pins state medalist, captures Lamb’s top honor Delton Kellogg’s Mads Clausen fights to try and avoid being pulled back to the mat by Caledonia’s Isaac Noyes during their 145-pound consolation final Saturday at Hastings’ LH Lamb Memorial Tournament. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Hastings varsity wrestling team celebrates its runner-up finish Saturday at the annual LH Lamb Memorial Tournament at Hastings High School. The Saxons finished second to Caledonia at the eight-team tournament. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Saxons' Kenny Smith moves Caledonia’s Emrick Miller around the mat during the second period of their 160-pound championship bout, which Smith won by a 9-4 decision, Saturday at the LH Lamb Memorial Tournament in Hastings. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor “It’s heavy. Real heavy,” said Hastings senior Andrew Miller while holding the chunk of granite awarded to him for being chosen the Most Outstanding wrestler at Saturday’s annual LH Lamb Memorial Tournament at Hasting High School. It could have been speaking figuratively as well following what he called the best day of his high school wrestling career. Miller pinned Caledonia sophomore Owen Norman, a state medalist in Division 1 a year ago, 2 minutes and 31 seconds into their 125pound championship match. It was the Saxon senior’s third pin of the day. “It was just headlock,” Miller said., “head­ lock, headlock, headlock. I wasn’t only try­ ing that. He is really good. 1 did try throwing a headlock, and I missed it. Then he got me down, got the legs in and I got real nervous.” Both wrestlers were on their back for a few moments in the opening period of their bout, with Miller fighting to keep from being pinned as the period expired. Miller went right for his big throw as the two started the second period in the neutral position. Miller said being on his back wasn’t he only thing making him nervous in the final. He said he couldn’t remember wrestling in front of such a big crowd under the spotlight, a new feature of the final round of the Lamb this season. “That is outstanding, especially for a senior,” Hastings head coach Darrell Slaughter said of Miller’s victory. “It has been 21 years since a Hastings kid won that trophy. All the schools vote on it, but I definitely solicited some votes. I thought my kid deserved it. “He has done well over four years, but we’ve never broke through to that next level,” he said of Miller. “Hopefully this will give Hastings senior Andrew Miller puts Caledonia sophomore Owen Norman on his back during the second period of championship match Saturday afternoon at the Saxons’ LH Lamb Memorial Tournament. (Photo by Brett Dillon Neal, wrestling for the Hastings ‘Blue’ team Saturday at the LH Lamb Tournament tries to hold down fellow Saxon Shane Dillon during their match­ up in the 103-pound championship match. (Photo by Brett Bremer) him that confidence he needs to make that regional or state run. He has got the ability.” “I feel so good about it,” Miller added. “It’s my best day ever. I got two first-round pins. I pinned my way through for once. Fireman’s cowcatcher the first one, fake shot to a head­ lock for the second one, and then another headlock for the last one. Coach said, ‘set it up,’ so I set it up.” Hastings had more individual champions than any other school at the tournament Saturday, but Miller’s win wasn’t enough for Ed Koehn Ford 1159 W. Superior of Wayland Wayland, Ml 49348 269-792-2205 OIL & FILTER CHANGE Up to 5 quarts of Oil Add TIRE ROTATION For additional $I2°° s2495 EVERY DAY LOW PRICE Taxes and diesel vehicles extra. Additional quarts extra. See Service Advisor for details. Offer valid with coupon. Expires 2-2-19. Code: 52237 We service all makes and models. www.edkoehnfordofwayland.com 1159 W. Superior Street, Wayland • US-131 at exit 64 269-792-2205 • 1-800-WAY-FORD the Saxons to overtake the Fighting Scots in the final team standings. Caledonia took the team title with Hastings second, followed by Ionia, Petoskey, Delton Kellogg, East Grand Rapids, Hastings and East Lansing. Between the Hastings ‘Gold’ team that earned the runner-up trophy and the Hastings ‘Blue’ team that placed seventh, there were ten Saxons in the championship round. Jonathan Giro’n won the 112-pound champi­ onship, Jacob Pennington won at 145 pounds, Kenny Smith at 160 and Shane Dillon at 103. Dillon bested teammate Dillon Neal in the 103-pound title match and Pennington topped fellow Saxon Claytori Patton in their flight championship match at 145 pounds. Hastings also got runner-up finishes from Tyler Dull (152 pounds), Devin Dilno (285) and Chase Rairigh (119). Giro’n took the 112-pound championship with a 7-2 win over Caledonia’s Cade Graham in the championship round. Smith edged out Caledonia’s Emrick Miller 9-4 in their 160pound championship. Delton Kellogg had a pair of second-place finishers, Max Swift (1'89) and Hunter Belew Hinkle and Hoyt score runner-up? finish at Scotch Doubles event | The Hastings duo of John Hinkle and Ashland Hoyt earned a runner-up finish Saturday at the Marshall Scotch Doubles Tournament at Marshall Lanes. The Hastings varsity bowling teams took five pairs for the tournament which had 48 duos competing. Girls rolled the first ball of each frame at the tournament, with guys look­ ing to pick up possible spares with the second ball. The Hastings team of Jacob O’Keefe and Caitlin Rose placed 21st. Gage Richmond and Daisy Kerby placed 25th. Austin Fenstemaker and Skylar Dixon placed 35th and the team of Emma Vann and Tyler Hall placed 36th. “We all had a great time and are excited to go back again next year,” Hastings head coach Deanna Rhodes said. The Saxons return to action this afternoon at Hudsonville and then will go back to Marshall Lanes Sunday for the Battle of the Bakers Tournament. : Hastings also competed at the Portagg Northern Individual Singles Tournament at Continental Lanes Dec. 29. Rhodes was pleased with how all her bowL ers scored. The boys’ ‘team was led by Hinkje who finished in 49th place. O’Keefe was 53rd, Richmond 64th, Fenstemaker 69tlC Cameron Eaton 72nd, Tyler Hall 75th, Trevoj Madden 77th, Zavion Twiss 81st and Mitchel Vann 82nd. Hoyt led the Hastings girls, placing fourth to medal at the event. Rose was 35th in the girls’ standings, Kerby 39th and Dixon 48th: (215). Caledonia took the championship with all 12 of its wrestlers placing in the top four in their weight class and eight total finalists. Seth Morse at 140 ponds, Jonah Siekman at 130, Bryce Briggs at 189 pounds and Alex Overla at 285 took titles. Overla was the lone Scot to best a Saxon in the championship round, pinning Dilno in the opening period of their title match. “We went to Brighton starting out our break and that was just a juggernaut. We took our lumps there and licked our wounds and came back and got in* the room,” Caledonia head coach Roger Singleton said. “It was nice to come here and come out on top at the end of the break.” The Scots were set to return to OK Red Conference duals last night against Rockford. Hastings was slated for a trip to Harper Creek for an Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Tri Wednesday while Delton was scheduled to host Martin/Climax Scotts in Southwestern Athletic Conference action. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads The Saxons’ John Hinkle and Ashland Hoyt celebrate their runner-up finish in the Scotch Doubles Tournament hosted by Marshall at Marshall Lanes Saturday. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-01-17.pdf 77df1c5280448aa906ae702b8588f030 PDF Text Text Federal employees work without pay Surgical center to include park improvements I Saxons cheer team I I wins 1-8 invite ___ I I■MHmMMMBMHmHMNMMMNMMMMMWMMMMMNraMmMMMMHHHMMMnMmaMHaMMnHMI See Story on Page 14 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 3 ■NMHnNMMMWMMnHMNHNNHMMMNMHMWNMNNHNNHMHMMNHHMMMMMNHHMMMMMIMMi W '________________________ ■ ______ Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 80487911018 1070490102590507221549058113421 ***********fr**************QAR_RT l_OT**C 005 C005 Richard Hemerling 421 N Taffee Dr Hastings Ml 49058-1134 3/30/2019 2:36:00 PM Thursday, January 17/2019 VOLUME 166, No. 3 Plans move forward for immigrant detention center in Ionia NEWS BRIEFS Bonnie Mattson Staff Writer Immigration Centers of America has sub­ mitted a proposal to the State of Michigan Land Bank to purchase the former Deerfield Correctional Facility on Harwood Road in Ionia. The approximately 50-acre facility was closed in 2016 based on declining state prison population and the age and condition of the facility. Most of the prisoners housed at Deerfield at the time of closing were transferred to the Michigan Reformatory in Ionia. If approved, the facility would house only male detainees facing civil charges of being in the United States illegally. Family Promise meeting rescheduled Freezing rain and ice led to the cancella­ tion of a community meeting to gain sup­ port of local churches to help support homeless families. Organizers from Family Promise of Barry County are hoping warm hearts and better will prevail when it hosts the meet­ ing a rescheduled to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22, at Hope United Methodist Church, 2920 South M-37, Hastings. The meeting will include updates for the host and support churches, information about the new director, a tour of the day center, refreshments and discussion of an opening date. The public is invited, and anyone with questions may call 269-953-6189. Gold Star families asked for input on monument The Gold Star Memorial Committee charged with designing a memorial stone I and plaque to be placed at the Hastings j Veterans Memorial at Tyden Park is asking '• Gold Star families from Barry, Calhoun, Kent, Allegan, Eaton and any other sur­ rounding counties for input. The committee will meet at 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 21, in the second-floor con­ ference room in Hastings City Hall, 201 E. State St. Alumni group planning for next banquet Perhaps the longest-running alumni association in the state, Hastings Alumni Association members are gearing up for the annual banquet Aug. 23. Hastings alumni from all years are wel­ come to attend the event. The alumni board is especially seeking representatives from the graduating classes of 1944,1949,1954, 1959,1964,1969,1974,1979,1984,1989, 1994, 1999, 2004 and 2009. Those anni| versary classes will have special recogni­ tion and opportunities to reunite, so repre­ sentatives from those years are asked to help with planning. The banquet will be the Friday of Hastings Summerfest at the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings. The first planning meeting will be Sunday, Jan. 27, at 2 p.m. at J-Ad Graphics offices. Anyone seeking more information may call Lois Bowers, 269-945-9657. See NEWS BRIEFS, page 2 According to Ionia City Manager Jason Eppler, several things need to occur before the project could move forward. First and foremost, the federal government must release a request for proposals for the construction and operation of a detention facility in the Michigan area. The anticipated need would be to house up to 600 male detainees. Secondly, Immigration Centers of America would need to be selected as the vendor for the project. IGA has submitted a proposal to the State of Michigan Land Bank to purchase the correctional facility, subject to several contingencies. One contingency is See CENTER, page 11 A barn fire on Bowler Road drew onlookers Sunday afternoon. Smoke from barn fire seen for miles Taylor Owens Staff Writer One of the Cavanaugh family’s favorite parts of their Carlton Township property went up in flames Sunday afternoon. The smoke from the bam fire at 2620 Bowler Road caught the attention of local residents and even a pilot flying by. Homeowner Ethan Cavanaugh said his son saw smoke coming from the bam around 3:30 p.m., and alerted him and his wife, April, who called 911. Hastings Fire Chief Roger Caris said the bam was fully engulfed in flames by the time firefighters arrived at the scene. To make mat­ ters worse, they had a problem with onlookers because the road was too narrow for the trucks to get by the cars parked on the side of the road. The gawkers’ vehicles had to be moved before firefighters could fight the fire. The cause of the fire is unknown and still under investigation, Caris said, but it is not considered suspicious. Cavanaugh said ftk' "family moved to fhe residence a few years ago because of the bam, with its picturesque gambrel roof, so their kids could have a hobby farm. The barn See FIRE, page 2 Large manure spill near Coldwater River is second in past year Christian Yonkers Contributing Writer A recent manure spill marked the second significant agricultural waste spill in the Coldwater River Watershed in the past year. Saturday, Jan. 5, Swisslane Dairy in Alto self-reported a discharge from a defective valve near the border of Kent and Ionia coun­ ties. By the time the defective valve was shut off, an estimated 500,000 gallons of manure had leaked from the valve into the adjacent fields and a nearby wetland, 50,000-100,000 gallons of which made it to Tyler Creek. Swisslane pumped 300,000-350,000 gal­ lons from a contaminated wetland. The farm estimated reclaiming an additional 50,000 gallons from the above-ground flow path. The remaining 50,000-100,000 gallons were swept away into Tyler Creek, a tributary of the Coldwater River. Despite the large volume of waste swept away into Tyler Creek, the incident is likely to have little impact on human and ecological health, said DEQ Senior Environmental Quality Analyst Melissa Sandborn. “The release would have caused elevated levels of nutrients and E. coli in the receiving waters,” Sandborn said. “Due to recent weath- See SPILL, page 9 Plans are proceeding for an immigrant detention center at the former Deerfield Correctional Facility on Harwood Road in Ionia. (Photo by Bonnie Mattson) ■ i ■ Jansma to replace Englerth on GLASWA board Ian Watson Contributing Writer Yankee Springs Supervisor Mark Englerth said he’s very disappointed at the actions of his township board last week. In a 3-2 vote, trustees voted to replace him as a representative of the township on the Gun Lake Area Sewer and Water Authority. Voting in favor of his removal was town­ ship Treasurer Alice Jansma, who was picked to replace him on that GLASWA board, along with Clerk Janice Lippert, who made the motion, and trustee Larry Knowles, who is the director of GLASWA. Englerth and trustee Shanon VandenBerg opposed the action. Englerth was taken by surprise when the action was added to the meeting’s agenda immediately after roll call was taken. VandenBerg referred to the inclusion as “laughable” and “an ambush.” Englerth said he wished the topic had been brought during the township’s com­ mittee of the whole meeting Jan. 6, when the township had first prepared the agenda for its Jan. 10 meeting. Lippert, who initially had asked trustees to consider a replacement on the GLASWA board, said she had been in communication with the other three members of the GLASWA board Martin Township Supervisor Glenn Leep, Orangeville Township Supervisor Thomas Rook and Wayland Township Supervisor Roger Van volkinburg - who told her Englerth had been disruptive and was causing “turmoil,” specifically during the GLASWA meeting in December. See BOARD, page 11 Irving dam spillway repairs truly stop and go Great Decisions program returning next month Anyone who hears accounts of interna­ tional events they don’t fully understand or I wonders about the location of countries involved may be interested in the upcom­ ing Great Decisions program. The eight-week class will take a look at the most significant and far-reaching chal­ lenges facing the world. Topics will include Refugees and Global Migration; The Middle East, Regional Disorder; Nuclear Negotiations, Back to the Future?; The Rise of Populism in Europe; Decoding U.S .-China Trade; Cyber Conflicts and Geopolitics; The United States and Mexico, Partnership Tested; and State of the State Department and Diplomacy. A soft-cover book, which provides back­ ground, relevant facts, present and future policy options, and impartial analyses writ­ ten by independent experts, is available for purchase. Attendees read the assigned arti­ cle prior to each meeting to gain back- PRICE 750 A recent spill resulted in approximately 500,000 gallons of liquid manure released into surrounding fields and wetlands. An estimated 50,000-100,000 gallons leached into Tyler Creek, a tributary of the Coldwater River. This is the second significant agri­ cultural waste leak in the area the the past year, the two locations represented by the map shown. (Google Maps photo) Rebecca Pierce Editor Work on the Irving dam on the Thornapple River in Irving was on — then off — then on again — in the past five days. Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull confirmed that project was halted Jan. 10, the day the Hastings Banner published a story and photos that showed construction equipment in the power canal near the embankment breach at the Irving Hydroelectric Project. An email from Regional Engineer John Zygaj of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission in Chicago to the dam’s owner, Commonwealth Power Co. in Concord, Calif., said the repair work had not been authorized. A Jan. 11 letter to Scott Goodwin, chief executive officer and chief dam safety coordi­ nator for Commonwealth Power, stated in boldface type: “This construction was not authorized by the FERC. Stop work immedi­ ately.” The letter included a copy of the story from the Banner. The letter noted the penalty for failure to comply with provisions of the Federal Power Act could result in fines in excess of $20,000 per day per violation along with orders to cease generation at the project, license revo­ cation and other enforcement actions as nec­ essary. The dam was compromised when an earth­ en spillway failed during severe flooding in February 2018. It took nearly a year of plan­ ning for the necessary permits to be approved by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. But FERC also had requirements. The main problem, according to Dull, was that FERC “said they hadn’t furnished them [Commonwealth] with a filtration plan.” Eve Crow from Commonwealth Power Co, acknowledged the communication and assured Zygaj that no work on the embank­ ment repair had been done. “Only staging equipment and work to divert the water and dry out the area,” she wrote. “The contractor has been instructed to stop any and all work of any kind on site. ...We wait for FERC direc­ tion before construction repairs are activat­ ed” Crow wrote Zygaj that they were preparing the gravel filter and riprap specs, following FERC requirements. Zygaj confirmed in an interview with the Banner Tuesday that the project may proceed. “Everything seems to be resolved,” he said. Zygaj added he was “not at liberty to dis­ cuss what the issues were” that had briefly stopped the Irving Township project, but that they were not related to the federal govern­ ment partial shutdown. �Page 2 — Thursday, January 17, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Appointments, salaries and meetings set for 2019 Jim Cary (right) sat beside Dan Bowers during his first meeting as a member of Hastings City Council. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) Brenda McNabb-Stange, 2nd Ward (from left), Theresa Maupin-Moore, 1st Ward, and Jim Cary, 4th Ward, are sworn in to serve the Hastings City Council. Don Smith, 3rd Ward, was absent. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Theresa Maupin-Moore, Brenda McNabbStange, and Jim Cary were sworn in as Hastings City Council members at the City Council meeting Monday. Don Smith was absent. Maupin-Moore, McNabb-Stange and Don Smith ran for re-election in November. Maupin-Moore and Smith were uncontested. McNabb-Stange won against opponent Terry Stenzelbarton, and Jim Cary won against opponent Jordan Brehm for a seat that was open because of the retirement of Bill Cusack. Staff appointments approved for 2019 are: Deputy City Manager and Zoning Administrator Jerry Czarnecki, Police Chief/ Emergency Management Coordinator Jeff Pratt, Fire Chief, Fire Marshall and ADA Coordinator Roger Caris, Clerk, Treasurer, Finance Director and FOIA Coordinator Jane Saurman, Community Development Director Dan King, temporary City Assessor Dan Kirwin, and Director of Public Services Lee Hastings downtown streets a priority for federal funding Fred Nagler (front to back), Lee Hays, and Brad Lamberg review notes of the Hastings Small Urban Task Force meeting. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Hastings Public Service Department is anticipating receiving $375,000 in 2021, the full federal funding amount for the city and surrounding communities, for road milling and resurfacing projects. A Hastings Small Urban Task Force meet­ ing to determine where the funding would go took place Tuesday and was open to area vil­ lages, townships and the public. Present at the meeting were Hastings Director of Public Services Lee Hays, Barry County Transportation Manager William Voigt, Barry County Road Commission Managing Director Brad Lamberg, and Barry County Road Commission Director of Operations Jake Welsh. “The federal transportation funding is allo­ cated every three years. So, the prior funding covered 2017, 2018 and 2019,” Fred Nagler, associate planner of the Kalamazoo Area Transportation Study, said. “Hastings is included in the small urban city classification, which covers a population of 5,000 to 50,000. Metro areas are considered cities with a pop­ ulation of more than 50,000.” Nagler said the allocation for Hastings extends beyond the city limits because the federal government determined that there are enough rural communities in the area and should be included. For the purpose of the funding, Hastings extends out to Iroquois Trail, beyond Carter Lake, Heath Road, Airport Road, Lake and Yeckley roads, and a portion of Woodruff Road. State roads and highways are not eligible for this fund. Projects determined to be priorities, from the most urgent to the least, are: Hastings downtown streets, under the jurisdiction of the city; M-37 to West State Street, under the jurisdiction of the Barry County Road Commission; Airport Road, under the juris­ diction of the Barry County Road Commission; and replacement of a transit bus, under the jurisdiction of Barry County Transportation Department. A unanimous decision was made to com­ plete the city streets first and then move down the list. Barry County Transportation Department Manager William Voigt and Barry County Road Commission Director of Operations Jake Welch attend a meeting of the Hastings Small Urban Task Force to determine priority transportation projects. Hays. Czarnecki will move into the city man­ ager position when Mansfield retires in June. The appointments were approved with one dissenting vote by Maupin-Moore. “I voted against the entire list of appoint­ ments because I’ve received many comments and concerns from my constituents who have been unhappy with some of the decisions made,” she said. City Attorney Stephanie Fekkes with the Vamum law firm will continue as the city’s attorney with an annual retainer of $14,500, billed at a rate of $1,208.33 a month. She also will be compensated an hourly rate of $200 for general legal services and $250 an hour for labor negotiations, tax tribunal matters, and general municipal financial services. This amount is the same as 2018. Salaries for Hastings’ elected officials, sub­ mitted with recommendation by Mayor Dave Tossava, were approved by the city council Monday. Depending on the position, salaries are paid annually, quarterly or per meeting attended. The salaries and terms remain the same as last year. The mayor’s salary is $7,800, paid annual­ ly. Mayor pro-tem salary is $2,500 annually and is paid quarterly. Council members earn $2,300 annually and are paid quarterly. Board of Review members are paid $115 per meet­ ing attended. City Manager Jeff Mansfield will receive the equivalent of a 52-week base salary of $95,937 for the period Jan. 14,2019, through June 30, 2019, which is the current 2018 sal­ ary pro-rated for the next six months. The Barry-Eaton District Health Department will continue as the city’s Health Officer in 2020. The 2019 schedules for Hastings’ council, boards and committees are set with consider­ ation of holidays. The city council will meet on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall at 201 E State St., Hastings. When a meeting falls on a recognized holiday, the council will meet on the following Tuesday. Council also may meet in properly called and noticed special sessions. The dates of regular council meetings are: Jan. 14 and 28, Feb. 11 and 25, Mar. 11 and 25, April 8 and 22, May 13 and 28, June 10 and 24, July 8 and 22, Aug. 12 and 26, Sept. 9 HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Thursday, Jan. 17 - Barry County Baby Cafe, 10-noon; January Series, 12:30 p.m. Erik W. Carter presents “Incomplete Without You: The Church and People with Disabilities;” Novel Ideas Book Club discusses “Two Steps Forward,” 12:20-2:30 p.m.; Movie Memories views a 1946 film starring Wallace Beery, Margaret O’Brien and Marjorie Main, 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18 - preschool story time 10:30-11:30 a.m.; January Series, 12:30 p.m., Ruth Carter shares “The Art of Storytelling Through Costume Design.” Saturday, Jan. 19 - board game group, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 21 - January Series, 12:30 p.m., Willie Jennings in celebration of MLK day discusses “The Christian Imagination: Theology and the Origins of Race;” Lego club, 4-5 (adults must be accompanied by a child); Learning @ the Library, sign lan­ guage, 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 22 - toddler story time, 10:30-11:30 a.m.; January Series, 12:30 p.m., Rachael Denhollander presents “A Time to Speak: Addressing Justice and Forgiveness;” mahjong club, 5:30-8; chess club, 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 23 - January Series, 12:30 p.m., former president of Ireland Mary Robinson tackles “Climate Justice: Hope, Resilience and the Fight for a Sustainable Future.” More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. and 23, Oct. 14 and 28, Nov. 12 and 25, and Dec. 9 and 23. The Planning Commission will meet on the first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the City Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall. Exceptions for 2019 are: September’s meeting will be on Tuesday, Sept. 3. The Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on the third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m in the City Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall. The Downtown Development Authority will meet on the third Thursday of each month at 8 a.m. in the Conference Room on the sec­ ond floor of City Hall. The Local Development and Finance Authority and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority will meet on the fourth Thursday of each month at 8 a.m. in the Conference Room on the second floor of City Hall. The Hastings Public Library Board will meet on the first Monday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at the Library, 227 E. State Street, Hastings. Exceptions for 2019 are July and August meetings will be combined on Monday, Aug. 5, and the September meeting will be Monday, Aug. 26. The Riverside Cemetery Preservation Advisory Board will meet on the second Wednesday of each month at 3 p.m. in thq Conference Room on the 2nd second floor of City Hall. The Hastings City and Barry County^ Airport Commission will meet on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at the Hastings Airport at 2505 Murphy Dr., Hastings. The Outdoor Nature Area Board will meet quarterly in January, April, July and October^ on the second Wednesday of each month at 7; p.m. in the Conference Room on the second floor of City Hall. The Cable Access Committee will meet on the third Thursday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Conference Room on the second floor of City Hall. : The Hastings and Rutland Joint Planning Alliance will meet on the third Monday of every other month - January, March, May, July, September, and November - at 5:30 p.m, at Rutland Township Hall at 2461 Heath Rd.; The Hastings and Rutland Joint Planning Commission will meet on the third Wednesday, of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Rutland Charter Township Hall. f FIRE, continued from page 1 An aerial photo shows that barn fire on Bowler Road burned some nearby pasture.; (Photo by Chad Tyndall) housed lawn-mowing equipment, tools, hay and straw, but no livestock. The bam was insured, but it could not be insured for its full value. April Cavanaugh said they do not plan to replace the barn. “The barn is the reason why we moved out here, so it just stinks it’s not here anymore,” Ethan Cavanaugh said. The bam had electricity, but Cavanaugh said nothing was running in the bam at the time of the fire, and he does not know what caused it. Firefighters were busy in Carlton Townships over the weekend: A garage caught fire at 512V Gaskill Road. Although the garage was attached to the residence, the fire was con­ tained, but a 2008 Chevrolet Impala inside? was destroyed. The cause of the fire is under; investigation, but it’s not considered suspi­ cious, officials said. NEWS BRIEFS continued from front page ground information and prepare for discus­ sion. Along with taking part in discussions, participants will watch a video sharing multiple viewpoints on the week’s topic. Consensus is not an aim of the program; instead, the class is designed to help individ­ uals better understand complex issues. The Tuesday classes will begin Feb. 5 and continue through March 26 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Hastings Public Library. Regular attendance is encouraged but not required. The meetings are free; the only cost is for the soft-bound book. For further information about the local group or to order the book, individuals may call Marge, 269-948-2368, or email Carole, carolebarch@ymail.com by Tuesday, Jan. 22. Additional topic information can be found on the Foreign Policy Association’s website, fpa.org. City Police looking for ambassadors The Hastings City Police Department is accepting applications for its police ambas­ sador program. The program started two years ago and currently has seven members. Police Chief Jeff Pratt said the department is looking to add another three to five mem­ bers. The ambassadors do not have police pow­ ers, but they do attend large community events where they may answer questions, give directions or assist in other ways. Pratt said the ambassadors also serve as the department’s eyes and ears, letting offi­ cers know what’s going on at the events and what issues may need to be resolved. Anyone interested in becoming a police ambassador may stop by the department at Hastings City Hall and fill out an application. �The Hastings Banner || Thursday, January 17, 2019 — Page 3 Dream of Martin Luther King Jr. inspires elementary students Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Central and Southeastern students used art, words and imaginations to share their hopes for the community based on the famous “I have a dream” speech by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Each student shared what they have learned about the speech and the speaker on hundreds of paper bags donated by Family Fare. In their writings and illustrations of their own dreams for the world, the students hope to encourage caring, compassion and giving in every neighborhood in the district. The free bags will be used for customer purchases on Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday, Jan. 21, at Family Fare in Hastings. Tm always amazed at what these children write and the insight it shows,” art teacher Natasha Offerman said. “It’s the sixth year Fve done this lesson, and kids from kinder­ garten on up participate.” Before decorating the bags, students partic­ ipate in discussions about others less fortu­ nate, possibly even in their schools. They read the book “Imagine” by Monica Small and learned the song “Imagine” by John Lennon. Offerman said the lesson includes events when King lived and “how one man and one dream helped to change the world.” In lesson discussions, students spoke about people they know, some were family members, who have suffered in poverty, grew up in foster care with nothing of their own, and struggled with hunger. । Through the years, she said, she has been impacted the most when a student shares a dream related to an emotional connection or something specific that has touched their lives. Some children have said, “I wish there was a cure for cancer,” or “I dream animal abuse would end, and they would all have families to love them?* Every year, the bags get better, Offerman skid. She encouraged residents to stop by the store to see what lhe students are dreaming for ttieir community. Grace Ulrich dreams for all homeless people to have food to eat. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) Central fifth-grader Kyla Brown’s dream, inspired by Martin Luther King Jr., is for everyone to have a home. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) Taylin Wierenga (front) dreams that wars would end, and Gracie Wilson wishes everyone had a home. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) Saphira Salazar, fifth-grader at Central Elementary, dreams for Central to have enough money for all students in her grade to be able to stay overnight at camp. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) Hospital’s $12 million surgical center project to include park improvements Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital received tentative approval to purchase a small parcel of land from the City of Hastings and to lease 75 parking spaces at Fish Hatchery Park. “We had a survey done as part of our plan­ ning for the new surgical center and the park­ ing spaces we would lose. When the survey was completed, it was discovered that a cor­ ner of our parking lot encroached on city property,” Architect and Planner Sean Easter said. Spectrum Health Pennock administrators asked the City Council to consider a lease for a right-of-way or to sell the property where the encroachment exists to the hospital. Without that property, there would not be enough room to have both an entrance and exit to the parking lot, which is planned to provide convenience and privacy of surgery patients and their families. Tie City Council tentatively approved sell­ ing the property with the condition that an assessment be done to determine the value and both parties agree to the price. Easter said thehospital would pay for the assessment. Tn my opinion, I think the property should tie sold, and then we’re just done with,” Council Member Al Jarvis said. The hospital also received tentative approvaJto lease 75 parking spaces in Fish Hatchery Hrk, pending submission and approval of a dte plan. A drawing was not provided at the tme the decision was made because the honey put into design and drawings would be yasted if the council rejected the request. Potential lease terms presented by hospital representatives stated an initial lease term of 20 years to include five renewal options of 20 years each. In lieu of monetary rent payments, \ the hospital would provide certain improvertients and maintenance to the parking lot and the access road. The improvements will be made at the hos­ pital’s expense and will include milling, resur­ facing and striping the parking lot and access road, installing signage, a walking path to the hospital, and an emergency call phone system. Other security devices will be installed, such as upgrading all lights and adding security cameras. The non-binding letter of intent also stated Architect and Planner Sean Easter talks about leasing parking spaces at Fish Hatchery Park during and after construction of a new surgical center. Spectrum Health Pennock President Angela Ditmar describes the future surgical center as state-of-the-art with the ability to provide world-class care. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) an annual inspection of the parking lot, access road and walking path would be inspected by the city and the hospital and they would mutu­ ally decide on necessary maintenance and repairs. Should work be needed, it would be at the hospital’s expense, along with regular maintenance of the parking area, such as snow plowing. According to Easter, a design and drawing of improvements to the parking lot will begin immediately with input from city staff. When completed, the site plan will be brought back to the council for review. and along the street leading to the parking area. He asked if the hospital gave thought to constructing a sidewalk. President of Spectrum Health Pennock Angela Ditmar said she is confident that something can be worked out. “I think it’s a good idea to continue build­ ing these types of relationships with members and businesses in the community,” Mayor Dave Tossava said. “We’ve been looking for funding to fix that parking lot for a few years now and haven’t been able to do it. “I can’t see why we would say no to work­ ing with the hospital on this when they’re The parking areas would be used from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. by first-shift employees and will not interfere with sports games and most events. Easter said Spectrum Health Pennock would pay to improve and maintain the park­ ing lot and add several lights and cameras for safety and install lighting and cameras on the path between the parking area and the hospi­ tal. The “ballpark” amount for the improve­ ments is $150,000 to $200,000. Council Member John Resseguie said his concern is for pedestrians at the park entrance willing to invest the money to fix the parking lot and improve security at Fish Hatchery.” Ditmar said the new surgical center will be a state-of-the-art facility. The approximate cost of the surgical center project is $12 mil­ lion, and their goal is to begin construction in April or May. Council member Bill Redman is asking for community members to share their opinions about what they feel the City Council decision should be. Redman may be contacted at (269) 838-0893. �Page 4 — Thursday, January 17, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you SCC? Federal employees: Work, no pay; Congress: Pay, no work Salted lot Barry County Road Commission crews salt their own parking lot Tuesday to combat the freezing rain. People throughout the county faced slippery driving conditions and slick sidewalks, and the problems caused by icy conditions continued into Wednesday. According to the National Weather Service, light snow is possible today, and accumulating snow is expected tomor­ row and Saturday. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) We’re dedicating this space to a photograph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? Seeking ratification Banner Dec. 7, 1967 Pleased Bargaining Committee Members of the bargaining committee of Local 138-UAW announced following a 10-hour session Tuesday. Dec. 5, with representatives of Hastings Manufacturing Company that a tentative agreement on a new contract had been reached. Members of Local 138 are urged'to' meet at Central’Auditorium at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, wnere details of the settlement will be announced and a vote on ratification taken. Members of the bargaining committee include (from left) Chief Steward Bob Stutz, Bob Haywood, Local President Robert Mallison, Opal Gillons and Beth Faui. Have you met? King’s Electronics, Appliances and Bedding is a staple in the Hastings communi­ ty. The store has been Barry County’s leader in home appliances and electronics for more than 40 years and has been supportive of many community activities and programs. It also has sponsored sports teams, fundraising events, 4-H and much more for many years and the King family is proud to be part of this great community. Originally, the store was called The Music Center when it was purchased in 1972 from the Smelker family by Ivan and Melody King. Present owners, Mike and Tim King, bought the business when their parents retired in 1994. One of five sons, Tim grew up working in his parents’ store. He attended Kalamazoo schools the majority of his school years, but became a Hastings Saxon his senior year. He has fond memories of playing football and making friends in Hastings. After graduating from high school in 1966, Tim attended Kellogg Community College, where he received a fine arts degree. He worked at Flexfab for eight years and then decided he would follow in his father’s footsteps and join the family business. Tim has been married for 53 years to his wife, Jackie, and they have two children and four grandchildren. Tim has been involved in many leadership roles in the community, as well. He was on the Hastings Downtown Development Association board for 18 years. He also was the head of the chamber retail committee and a member or the chamber board for several years. For his personal commitment to the com­ munity and continuing the family business his parents began, Tim King is a Bright Light. Best advice ever received: It would have to be the many times I heard from Coach Jock Clarey to never give up ... don’t quit! First job: I stripped, mopped and waxed supermarket floors during the night for Anchor Chemical early on Tim King Favorite TV program: I don’t watch much TV, but I love to watch football. The “Game of Thrones” series is good, too. Book I’d recommend: I love classic sto­ ries of good vs. evil. I have read the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy many times. Person I’d most like to meet (alive or dead): Abraham Lincoln. He was a great president who stood for a lot of great things. Favorite vacation destination: My wife and I love Jamaica and the Florida Keys. It’s laid back and relaxing. I love the warm cli­ mate, kind people and healthy lifestyle they have. Something about me most people don’t know: I love to fly airplanes and gliders in Hastings and Ionia. What I’d tell a high school graduate: Time flies really fast. Set your sights on something and just go for it, because time will not wait. Best gift I ever received: My wife and my children Favorite dinner: Anybody who knows me knows I love steak, especially filet mignon. My biggest challenge: Right now, it is thinking about the future because retirement time is coming up. If I could change one thing: I would change how people treat the planet. The health of the planet is important, and we need to do a better job at taking care of it. I’m most proud of: my family and the respectable business my brother Mike and I have built over the years. What I’d do if I won the lottery: Go to Jamaica. I would also give to family and charitable organizations. Favorite childhood memory: As kids, our parents would take us tent camping in some pretty rustic places. Those were good times. When my wife and I became parents, we took our children to those same spots and made great memories with them. Hobbies: I enjoy .flying, and I still love art. I like to draw, paint and carve wood. I am working on a wood carving of a large raven that I saw in the Grand Canyon; Greatest thing about Barry County: There is so much natural land, lakes and beauty, but we are still close to bigger cities when we need what they have. I love the small-town living here. It is so quiet and peaceful. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news @j-adgraphics .com. In typical fashion, it’s the common American citizen who’s again paying the price for a sandbox spat between rich and influential politicians. Making Transportation Security Administration employees work without pay as part of the partial government shutdown chip-in-the-border-wall squabble may not be a direct disruption to our everyday lives, but the cost of wrecking a healthy American economy will soon add some ruin. With 800,000 federal workers living on peanut butter sandwiches, administration econo­ mists have now doubled their original dire predictions of the shutdown’s devastation. As we finish our fourth week, the work stop­ page has already cost us nearly half of one percentage point of economic growth to a $17 trillion economy. What’s especially egregious about this latest inane behavior in Washington D.C. is that it’s over immigration policy - an issue that our political leaders have been ignoring since the administration of President George H. W. Bush back in 1989. Way back then, America knew that not having a comprehen­ sive immigration policy was causing more crime, drug abuse, and human trafficking in this country. Now, four presidents later, we have one who campaigned on a promise to build a wall on the U.S .-Mexican border to keep immigrants out but, to get his solution through Congress, thousands of government workers are being held hostage until Congress coughs up the money for it. According to a recent report from the Pew Research Center, the United States is home to over 10.7 million unauthorized immi­ grants, which is actually a decline from the peak of 12.2 million reported in 2007. Recent data, however, indicates an uptick in border apprehensions which may indicate the importance of border security. Between January and November of 2018, there were 416,000 apprehensions at the Southwest border which is the most since the same time period in 2014. Still, those numbers remain far below the more than 1 million apprehen­ sions per year routinely recorded during the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s. However the numbers are interpreted, they indicate a longtime, unresolved American problem. As his shutdown of parts of the federal government is proving ineffective to finding a resolution with Democrats, President Donald Trump has suggested he may deciare a national emer­ gency, a power he could use to move funds designated for other purposes toward paying for the border wall and ending the debate over immigration, once and for all. Experts are split, however, cautioning the president that using his executive powers to declare a national emergency sets a bad precedent for future administrations. The nation is divided on the issue, with a nearly 50-50 split on the need to build a permanent wall. There’s also the related and unfortunate issue that the wall discussion is further ratcheting up misunderstanding of and discrimination against many immigrants who are here legally, contributing to our economy, and making us culturally more rich for the diversity they bring. According to the Pew Report, a growing number of Americans, approximately 68 percent, appreciate that Trump stands up for what he believes and nine-in-10 Republicans give the president positive marks for other quali­ ties, such as being a strong leader, being informed and being trustworthy. The survey, based on post-election results, indicates that most Americans want cooper­ ation between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders in Congress. More than 84 percent said Trump should find a way to cooperate with Democratic leaders over the next two years. But it’s hard to negotiate when both sides take a position of no nego­ tiation. So what should this president do now? One, with parts of the government closed and federal employees laid off, this stale­ mate must end. It’s not fair to the workers and to the American public as a whole when those who have little say in the matter are working with no pay while Congressional members not only continue to cash their paychecks but still leave Washington D.C. for the weekend. In fact, if anyone shouldn’t be paid it’s Congress - they should feel the What do you pain when it’s their fault in the first placed that nothing has been done to resolve the t issues around immigration. Two, rather than declaring a national emergency and grabbing the money to buildthe wall, the president should call Congress ’ back into session for the sole purpose of' working together to hammer out reasonable immigration reform, something it has put off-= far too long. President Trump has that with-r in his power: The Constitution, Article II, Section 3, allows the president to call a spe-» cial session in exceptional circumstances, aU power that’s only been used 27 times in the nation’s history, and just four times since the< 20th Amendment - which defined the begin­ ning and ending dates of presidential and Congressional terms - was passed in 1933. 4 Americans voted to send these representa-& fives to solve problems, yet, as you can see, legislative leaders on both sides aren’t con­ cerned with finding solutions over immigra­ tion reform, they would rather use the issue as a political football that can be thrown back and forth with little or no serious answers that allow a dangerous situation to continue. According to a government report, arrests related to the criminal alien population included an estimated 25,000 people accused of homicide, 42,000 of robbery, nearly 70,000 of sex offenses and nearly 15,000 of kidnapping. In Texas alone, in the last seven years, more than quarter-million criminal aliens have been arrested and charged with! over 600,000 criminal offenses. These num­ bers are still lower than the same offenses within the U.S. population, a reminder that even wider problems, such as gun violence are not being addressed by our political lead— ers. Members of Congress on both sides oft the aisle would rather use these serious;! issues for political gain than debate the: issues and find an acceptable solution that’s in the best interest of our nation. j “You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today,” Abraham Lincoln said. Most Americans feel it’s^ Congress’ job to debate, compromise andj find acceptable solutions to the problems we] face. President Trump indicated on Monday,j during a speech to American farmers in New Orleans, that he’s open to suggestions from. Congressional leaders. Yet, he has already; shown an unwillingness to negotiate and to concede that doing nothing is not acceptable for his administration and for the safety ofc the American public. That’s what we elected, our leaders to do! f Charlie Reese, the late Orlando Sentinel c columnist, once observed that only 545 peo- c pie are responsible for the problems facing r all Americans. “One hundred senators, 435 congressmen, one president and nine^ Supreme Court justices for a total of 545 men and women are legally morally and individually responsible for all the domestic problems that plague this country,” Reese wrote. . So, what’s the best solution for the 545* men and women responsible for today’s* American problem? Put federal employees back to work and call Congress into session with the understanding that! it will remain seated every day until an acceptable immi­ gration reform package is found that is acceptable to both parties and the president. No weekends and no pay checks, either. Only then will Americans get the kind of government that is acceptable to the majori­ ty of its citizens. To continue this charade is nothing but politics at its worst. Americans expect more. They deserve more and Congress needs to do its job by coming together and crafting a workable immigration policy once and for all! Fred Jacobs, CEO J-Ad Graphics, Inc. think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by accessing our website, www.HastingsBanner. com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the following week. Last week: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has issued a directive to prohibit state employees from using personal email to conduct government business. State employees’ emails are subject to the Freedom of Information Act; the governor’s office and Legislature are exempt. Should those emails be exempt from FOIA? Yes 23% No 77% For this week: The federal government partial shutdown has taken a financial toll on government workers. Do you believe leg­ islative action should ensure that government workers are paid if similar circumstances occur in the future? □ Yes □ No �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 17, 2019 — Page 5 County transit has good year with improvements to come Rebecca Pierce Editor Last year was the second biggest year for ridership for the Barry County Transit system, transit manager/transportation coordinator William Voigt told county commissioners during their committee of the whole meeting Tuesday. The transit system had more than 105,000 rides in 2018, compared to about 98,000 rides Jn 2017. In a follow-up interview Wednesday, Voigt attributed the increase to nonmedical emergency transport and Commission on Aging ride referrals. The highest number of rides - 120,000 - occurred in 2016, he said. The last time Voigt made a major presenta­ tion to the county board, he was asking for approval of a $1 million renovation and expansion of the transit building. With the board’s OK, he is now seeking bids on the project. ; A building walk-through will take place at 10 a.m. Jan. 22, he said. Bids will be opened at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, at the Tyden Center. “By the end of March, we hope to break ground,” Voigt told commissioners. “We love what we do, and we would appreciate your authorization to continue.” Voigt attended the meeting to seek approval of his request to apply for state and federal operating funds and capital assistance totaling $1.7 million. That total is comprised of $314,567 in federal funds, $665,261 in state funds and $794,925 in local funds. The com­ missioners recommended authorizing Voigt to provide the necessary information to apply for these funds, and to sign and execute all agree­ ments and documents. In other business: - Kerri Selleck, the county’s new chief pub­ lic defender, recommended approval of 2019 contracts for indigent defense counsel ser­ vices. The attorneys and the total amount they will receive are: Jackie Baker Sturgis, $33,800; Carol Dwyer, $39,000; Shane Henry, $26,000; Kristen Hoel, $36,400; James Kinney, $39,000; Gordon Shane McNeill, $26,000; Ronald Pierce, $26,000; Kathryn Russell, $39,000; Steven Storrs, $26,000; and Kimberly Young, $33,800. The total amount of funding for these ser- Autocratic thinking dangerous for nation To the editor: The current government closure argument between Democrats in Congress and their supporters and Donald Trump and his sup­ porters is being cast as an argument primarily about whether to spend several billion dollars now on a wall on the southern border of the United States. Donald Trump says the Democrats won’t spend the money on a wall simply because he wants it. He is part right about that and in a very important way: It is not simply because he is Donald J. Trump. But it is because Donald J. Trump is a narcissistic sociopath about whom we should be concerned. In my lifetime, every previous president has attempted to "overreach his power, from Dwight Eisenhower to Barack Obama. But President Trump has made the overreach of constitutional authority his primary method of operation. In Article I of the United States Constitution, Congress is given the authority to make the laws, budget the money (and even to declare war), not the president. The president is to execute the laws passed by Congress with the money provided under its budget authority. On Dec. 11, 2018, Donald Trump said, “If we don’t get what we want, one way or anoth­ er ... I will shut down the government. And I am proud to shut down the government for border security ... I will take the mantle. I will be the one to shut it down. I’m not going to blame you for it.” And that is the problem. President Trump does not have a constitutional right to shut down the government. Congress came up with a bipartisan budget in December 2018 and Mr. Trump decided he had to have money for his wall, despite the compromise worked out by our Congress, thlRepresentative branch of government. And so he shut down the gov­ ernment. You may or may not be a fan of Mr. Trump, but we should all be concerned about the dan­ gers of a president believing he can do what he wants, regardless of who gets hurt, such as the hundreds of thousands of American citi­ zens employed by the federal government and its contractors and the millions of people who are being denied the services they depend on. Trump is acting like an autocrat who believes he must have his way and, if Congress won’t give him what he wants, he’ll shut down the government. Dr. Kenneth M. Komheiser, Plainwell Write Us A L X-............ ............................. ................. .......... . The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. The Hastings BaiHlClT Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com * Advertising: ads@j~adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere vices is $325,000, which has already been budgeted, she noted. This represents the annu­ al continuation of grant support with the local share. “A letter was mailed to every member of the Barry County Bar Association inviting interested attorneys to apply with my office for a place on the new contract list,” Selleck told commissioners. “... My office received 11 applications for 10 openings. “After a thorough review of each applica­ tion and individual requesting to participate in the 2019 contract, including having the oppor­ tunity to observe them in a court setting and speak to others involved in the court setting, these 10 individuals are in my opinion the most qualified, experienced and most capable of complying with the new legislation and the new requirements from MIDC in terms of indigent defense representation.” In a voice vote, Commissioner Jon Smelker was the lone dissenter. He said later that he did not agree on all of the individuals who were chosen. - Frank Fiala, on behalf of the county’s Solid Waste Oversight Committee, recom­ mended awarding a bid for Household Hazardous Waste Recycling Disposal agree­ ment to Drug and Lab Disposal Inc. to be paid from the Solid Waste Fund. Proposals were sought to provide a contract for collection for three years through 2021. Notice was given to vendors who offer assis­ tance in the collection and disposal of house­ hold hazardous waste. Two proposals were received. The amount requested was 89 cents per pound, with collection totals varying, in a range of $20,000. Drug and Lab Disposal Inc. was recommended because it can meet the planned dates this year; it did not charge a set­ up fee; and the company has successfully provided household hazardous waste services for many years. This year’s scheduled collection dates are May 4 and Sept. 21 at the Barry Expo Center. Dates in 2020 and 2021 are to be determined. The commissioners recommended proceed­ ing with this proposal as submitted. - Michelle Newton, adult probation and parole supervisor, requested approval for an expenditure of up to $6,600 from Haworth to replace furniture in the clerical/reception area of the adult probation office and add one over­ head storage unit to a third probation office area. The furniture is at least 25 years old and not ergonomically suited for a small office space, she said. The expense would be covered by the capital replacement fund. Quotes were received from Haworth for $6,090 and from Custer Inc. for $13,101. The request includes accepting the bid from Haworth and purchasing one overhead stor­ age cabinet for $377, plus installation, from Custer, since Haworth did not have an over­ head cabinet that would match. Commissioners recommended approval of this request. - Colette Scrimger, health officer for the Barry-Eaton District Health Department, rec­ ommended approval of a grant application for $16,413, which was submitted to the state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Bureau of Medical Marijuana Regulation for the health department to con­ duct education, communication and outreach about the legislation. The board voted in favor of recommending her proposal. Amash introduces DHS eminent domain protection Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.) Jan. 10 intro­ duced the Eminent Domain Just Compensation Act to ensure private property owners are fairly compensated if the federal government takes their land for border security or enforce­ ment activities. The 5th Amendment to the Constitution permits the federal government to take private property for public use — provided the prop­ erty owner receives “just compensation.” But in some cases, the Department of Homeland Security and other government agencies are using “quick take” condemnations to take possession of private property before just compensation has been determined. According to a press release from Amash’s office, if the preliminary payment the govern­ ment makes when it takes the property is not fair, the property owner is left fighting for full compensation while dealing with the immedi­ ate practical and financial consequences of losing their property without adequate pay­ ment. The Eminent Domain Just Compensation Act ensures private property owners are justly compensated for takings by DHS by requiring that court proceedings settling compensation be completed prior to the government’s taking possession of the property. “It is unjust for the government to seize someone’s property with a lowball offer and then put the burden on them to fight for what they’re still owed,” Amash said. “My bill will stop this practice by requiring that a proper­ ty’s fair value be finalized before DHS takes ownership.” Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer Tanett Hodge Bonnie Mattson Taylor Owens Joan Van Houten POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings ads Downtown Development Authority Vice Chairman Lynn Denton (left) and Chairwoman Patty Woods are planning where funds will be invested to benefit the Hastings down­ town district. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) Budget planning is focus in 2019 for Hastings DDA Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Creating an attractive and vital downtown district to draw commercial and retail busi­ nesses is the focus of Hastings Downtown Development Authority. “We work for the revitalization of down­ town by supporting marketing efforts of the businesses. We also help with marketing for certain events, such as those benefiting the entire community - and not just one group or organization,” Vice Chairman Lynn Denton said. “We have facade grants to improve storefronts and zero interest loan programs to help current and new businesses improve their buildings with things like roof repair.” Denton owns the Farm Bureau Agency in Hastings and been a member of the DDA for 12 years. The DDA helps to support and market live entertainment downtown and contributes to, or pays for, the cost of event marketing items, such as brochures and banners. The down­ town sculpture displays are also fully funded by the authority. “Way before my time, the DDA was creat­ ed to manage the tax capture, which is money the state gives back to the city, and put it to good use. Back then, the authority was mostly about infrastructure. It was the DDA that paid for the Washington Bridge and the streets­ capes you see downtown, including the light poles and bricks,” Chairwoman Patty Woods said. Woods has been DDA chairwoman for 12 years and a member for 25 years. She retired last year from her position as branch manager of Hastings City Bank. In recent years, the DDA has been involved in supporting the creation of the Hastings Dog Park and the canoe livery. “Where the city wouldn’t spend the money due to other priorities, we do so we can keep the downtown vibrant,” Denton said. Revenue net of transfer to other funds, and also net of debt, was approximately $208,986 for fiscal year 2018-19. Budgeted expendi­ tures for the year were set by the City Council at $231,900. “The DDA has not spent much of these expenditures so far this year, but we are com­ pleting an asset management plan and will be working on asset replacement and asset improvement prior to the end of the fiscal year on June 30,” Community Development Director Dan King said. The focus in 2019 will be budgeting for asset management, Woods said. “When all of these things were put in, like the streetscapes, little thought was given to maintaining them. We can’t keep adding things and let what’s already here fall apart.” Denton said the authority will be creating a plan to put aside a certain amount of funds for repairs and upkeep of the assets, which includes the parking lots in the downtown district, while maintaining funds for loans, facade grants and marketing assistance. Chief judge reallocates caseload assignments Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry County Trial Court Chief Judge William M. Doherty announced a caseload reallocation this week. Effective Jan. 14, all new adult felony criminal matters in Barry County, including adult drug court and Swift and Sure Sanctions cases and any probation violations, will be assigned to Judge Michael Schipper. “Hopefully, there’s an efficiency here,” Schipper said. “Everything we do is based on what’s best for the courts at the given time.” New district court civil, small-claims appeals, landlord/tenant and district court felony matters will be assigned to Doherty. All new circuit court domestic cases and all probation and parole offenses, except those in which Doherty has a companion case, will be assigned to Judge Amy McDowell. Pending cases will remain with the current assigned judge until disposition. County officials who work with the courts, such as the clerk and the chief public defend­ er, confirmed that they have been notified of the changes but said they did not know why the court caseload assignments are being changed. Prior to the reallocation, adult felony crim­ inal matters had been assigned to McDowell. The changes were discussed in a meeting with a state court administrator Friday, Jan. 11. The county’s three judges - Doherty, McDowell and Schipper - agreed to the changes, which were approved by the Michigan State Court Administrators Office. The memo was issued Monday, Jan. 14. Doherty had no comment on the changes, nor did McDowell. Doherty’s memo said this new caseload arrangement will be monitored and adjusted as necessary and may be reviewed next year. Hoxworth Counseling Services Nurture your Emotional Health Bret Hoxworth MA/ LLP Over 20 years of professionally licensed counseling from a Christian World and Life Perspective • • • • Individual Counseling Couples Counseling Family Counseling Group Counseling Specialized Counseling: • Spaced Retrieval Trainer • EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) 126 E. Main Street Suite B, Middleville, Ml 49333 269-205-2402 email:info@hoxworthcounseling.com website: HoxworthCounseling.com �Page 6 — Thursday, January 17, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Hastings mayor reports good State of City Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852-9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH M-37 South at M-79, Kimberly S. Metzer, pastor. Church phone 269-945-4995. Church Secretary-Treasurer, Linda Belson. Office hours, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11 am to 3 pm. Services: 9:15 a.m Sunday School; 10:30 a.m_ Morning Worship Tuesday 9 am Men’s Bible Study at the church. Wednesday 6 p.m Circle of Friends (Young Adult Special Needs Group) (October thru May). PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10:31­ 11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795-2370 and the rectory number is 269-948­ 9327. Our church website is www.samchurch.org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Thursday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269-945.9574. Email: office.greenstreetumc@ gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal even Tuesday at 5 p.m Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor; Ryan Rose, Family Life Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Child­ ren Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheelchair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings.org. 9 a.m. Traditional Service; 10:30 a.m. Contemporary service. Follow us on Facebook. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945-9217. cbchastings. org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Highway, Hast­ ings. Telephone 269-945-9121. Email hastfmc@gmail.com. Website: www.hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Associate Pastor Andy Baird and Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller. Sun­ days: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAMI­ LY HOUR - ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE-9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Preschool-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Standard and Adult Elective classes. Cof­ fee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cook­ ies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Ser­ vice: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church Age 44th grade dis­ missed during service. After­ math Student Ministry - 6:30­ 8:30 p.m., 7th-12th grades. Wednesday: Women's Bible Study 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thurs­ day: Adult Bible Study 10 a.m. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God's Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! Jan. 20 - Worship services at 8 and 10:45 a.m. Jan. 24 - Handbell Choir Outing/Senior Center. Jan. 26 - Bell Choir Workshop/full day. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@ grace-hastings.org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945­ 2645, fax 269-945-2698. www. grace-hastings.org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings. EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH A welcoming and affirming congregation, located at the comer of Broadway and Center St. (entrance on Center St.). Sunday morning worship 10 a.m., Other weekly services include: Tues. - Morning Prayer, 9:30 a.m. and Contemplative/Centering Prayer, 6:30 p.m.; Thur.-MidWeek Eucharist and dialogue sermon, noon. Sat. - Commun­ ity Breakfast, served 8-9:30 a.m. Free breakfast is open to all; first Saturday each month "Messy Church," program for families. Mother Linnea Stiffer available by appt, 269-945­ 3014. The Gary Parish House available to community groups. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses' _ hm h™ Products ■■■ HotliueTMls&EquipmeBt 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 102 Cook Hastings 945-4700 770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541 Joan Van Houten Staff Writer In his annual address at the Hastings City Council meeting Monday, Mayor Dave Tossava focused on the highlights of 2018 and pointed to gains expected this year. “The further we go, the clearer things get,” Tossava said. “I would like to report that the state of the city is good.” The City of Hastings, with 70 new address­ es, leads Barry County in new homes starts, he noted. The many events in Hastings through the year “take a lot of planning and coordinating between agencies and departments,” the mayor said, thanking everyone involved. Among the events he mentioned were the Jingle and Mingle, New Year’s Eve Ball Drop, Barry-Roubaix Killer Gravel Road Race, and Hastings Live. Planning for the future of Hastings was a focus in 2018 with the first steps taken in creating five-year Master Plans for the city and the parks and recreation departments. The police department added and trained five new police officers and, in the spring of 2018, City Manager Jeff Mansfield announced his retire­ ment. Deputy City Manager Jerry Czarnecki will be his successor in June. Work on improvements to the wastewater treatment facility continues, as do improve­ ments to city streets and infrastructure. In other action, an amended Joint Library Board agreement between the City of Hastings and Rutland Charter Township was approved Monday by the council. That board will include representatives from the city and the township. Hastings Charter Township, represented on the board in the past, is not a party to the new agreement because township voters did not support a library millage on the ballot in the November 2018 election. On June 1, 2019, those township residents will no longer be resident library users. Non-resident library cards carry a charge of $100 and limited ser­ vices. But those township residents will have another opportunity to vote on a library mill­ age in May. If that request is approved, the township may enter the board agreement without need for an amendment. In other business, John McCann of Viridis presented a draft of the five-year Parks and Recreation Master Plan. He said the informa­ tion gathered to create the plan included online questionnaires, public meetings and work groups. McCann said he also gained input from city staff and the public services department to learn about what they feel is needed for improvement and maintenance. An updated draft with minor corrections will be completed and ready for a public hear­ ing for comment at 7 p.m. Jan. 28, in the upper level of Hastings City Hall at 201 E. State St. A link to the draft plan is available on the city website at https://hastingsmi.org. Hastings Planning Commission looks ahead Joan Van Houten Staff Writer A look back at the 2018 activities of the Hastings Planning Commission show a focus on the future direction of the city, including revisiting zoning and zoning regulations. Drafting a five-year Master Plan for the future development of the City of Hastings, which is required for the city to receive gov­ ernment funding grants, was a topic regularly discussed through the past year during com­ mission meetings. Planning Consultant Rebecca Harvey has been working on the new plan with input from city administrators and staff and the commu­ nity. Researching the needs and wants of all members of the community involves several steps, including creating focus groups, online questionnaires, conducting work sessions, and looking at efforts by surrounding commu­ nities. The draft of Phase One of the Master Plan has taken more than a year to develop. “I have thoroughly enjoyed the first part of the process and look forward to working on Phase Two, which will be the action plan to reaching the goals set,” Harvey said. Addressing the problem of a critical hous­ ing shortage continues to be a top priority for the city. The Planning Commission has based many zoning and ordinance changes and amendments on “the big picture.” Rezoning and ordinance amendments are intended to spur residential development, including a property near Bauchman Road, which will be developed to provide more than 50 residential units. New home construction in other parts of Hastings are being sold faster than they can be built, and downtown buildings that are being renovated into residential rental units have reached capacity quickly. “I love what I’ve been doing here in Hastings,” Marv Helder, a private developer, said. “The buildings are beautiful. The city needs housing, and I can help with that while preserving the history here, which is what I love. “The apartments filled quickly, and the city has been wonderful to work with. So, there’s truly no reason for me to stop doing what I’m doing.” Part One of the planning was tentatively approved by the Planning Commission. The draft of Part Two will begin early this year. When completed and tentatively approved by the Planning Commission, the Master Plan will be forwarded to the City Council for final approval. Then it will be submitted to the state. The agenda for the commission’s first meeting of the year was filled with requests for rezoning, revisiting a request for a possi­ ble change in an ordinance, and requests for site plan approvals related to business expan­ sion. The next meeting of the Planning Commission will be at 7 p.m. Feb. 4, on the upper level of Hastings City Hall. Michigan prepares for early issuance of February food assistance The Michigan Department of Health and Humans Services jplans to issue Food Assistance Prog rani, benefits early for February. For food assistance clients, Michigan will begin issuing February benefits Saturday, Jan. 19. Clients who don’t receive their benefits that day should receive the funds the follow­ ing week. That means the 1.2 million Michigan residents who receive food assistance will have benefits to feed their families in February, even if the partial federal government shut­ down continues. The early food assistance benefits are not additional benefits and there will be no food ^assistance payments in February. MDHHS strongly encourages families to budget the funds they receive in January so they can meet their food needs through the entire month of February. “MDHHS is pleased that the department is able to work with its federal partners to make sure Michigan families have food on the table in February,” Terrence Beurer, MDHHS dep­ uty director of field operations administration, said in a Jan. 14 press release. The USDA Food and Nutrition Service has directed states to issue February food assis­ tance benefits early. In Michigan, food assis­ tance benefits are usually issued to clients according to a numeric schedule over a 21 -day period throughout the month. USDA officials identified this one-time early benefit distribu­ tion of food assistance as a chance to provide the benefits during the shutdown. At this point, MDHHS officials believe that Women, Infants and Children benefits will be available for states to issue in February with­ out interruption. In Michigan, more than 200,000 mothers, pregnant women and chil­ dren from birth to age 5 receive nutritional food through WIC. MDHHS will provide more information as details are known. January food assistance and WIC benefits are being distributed according to the normal schedule. Learn more on the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website. Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD JONES Review your fixed-income strategy as interest rates rise When interest rates rise, the value of your fixed-income investments, such as bonds, will typically fall. If this happens, how should you respond? First of all, it’s important to understand this inverse correlation between interest rates and bond prices. Essentially, when interest rates rise, investors won’t pay you full price for your bonds because they can purchase newly issued ones that pay higher rates. So, if you sell your bonds before they mature, you could lose some of the principal value. You may be seeing a price drop among your bonds right now, because interest rates generally rose in 2018 and may continue to do so in 2019. While you might not like this decline, you don’t necessarily have to take any action, particularly if you’re planning to hold these bonds until maturity. Of course, you do have to consider credit risk - the chance that a portion of the principal and interest will not be paid back to investors but unless the bond issuers default, which is usually unlikely, particularly with invest­ ment-grade bonds, you can expect to receive the same regular interest payments you always did, no matter where rates move. Holding some of your bonds - particularly your longer-term ones - until they mature may prove useful during a period of rising interest rates. Although long-term bond prices - the amount you could get if you were to sell these bonds - tend to fall more significantly than short-term bond prices, the actual income that longer-term bonds provide may still be higher, because longer-term bonds typically pay higher interest rates than short­ er-term ones. To preserve this income and still take advantage of rising interest rates, you may your interest in bonds as a valuable part of want to construct a “bond ladder” consisting your investment strategy. of short-, intermediate- and longer-term Th is article was written by Edward Jones bonds. Because a ladder contains bonds with for use by your local Edward Jones Financial staggered maturity dates, some are maturing Advisor. If you have any questions, contact and can be reinvested - and in a rising-rate Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. environment such as we’re currently experi­ encing, you would be replacing maturing bonds with higher-yielding ones. As is the case with all your investments, however, you The following prices are from the close of must evaluate whether a bond ladder and the business last Tuesday. Reported changes are securities held within it are consistent with from the previous week. your objectives, risk tolerance and financial Apple Inc. 153.07 +2.32 circumstances. AT&T 30.60 -.68 You can build a bond ladder with individual Chemical Fin 40.87 +.69 bonds, but you might find it easier, and per­ '+.35 Chevron 112.12 haps more affordable, to own bond-based Deere & Co. 157.05 +.13 mutual funds and exchange-traded funds Exxon Mobil 71.67 -.35 (ETFs) that invest in bonds. Many bond funds Flowserve CP 41.44 +1.44 and ETFs own a portfolio of bonds of various Ford Motor Co. 8.84 +.47 maturities, so they’re already diversified. General Electric Co. 8.73 +.17 Building a bond ladder can help you navi­ General Motors 37.55 +2.74 gate the rising-rate environment. But you also Home Depot Inc. 176.47 -1.42 have another incentive to continue investing Johnson Johnson 129.36 -.60 in bonds, bond funds or ETFs - namely, they Kellogg Co. 59.31 +1.42 can help diversify a stock-heavy portfolio. If Microsoft CP 105.01 +2.21 you only owned stocks, your investment Perrigo Co. 45.20 +.28 statements would probably fluctuate greatly Pfizer Inc. 42.73 -.70 it’s no secret that the stock market can go on Spartannash Comp 20.92 +1.58 some wild rides. But even in the face of esca­ Stryker 162.14 +3.24 lating interest rates, bond prices generally TCF Financial Corp. 20.95 +.31 don’t exhibit the same sharp swings as stocks, Walmart Inc. 96.25 +1.05 so owning an appropriate percentage of bonds Walt Disney Co +.34 111.76 based on your personal circumstances can Whirl Pool Corp 123.85 +5.13 help add some stability to your investment mix. Gold $1,289.27 +$3.92 As an investor, you do need to be aware of Silver $15.73 +.04 rising interest rates, but as we’ve seen, they Dow Jones 24,066 +279 certainly don’t mean that you should lose ----- STOCKS------ �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 17, 2019 — Page 7 Innies, outies and other belly-button stuff Dr. Universe: Why do we have a belly button Jane, 9, Kennewick, Wash. Dear Jane, Whether you have an innie or an outie, pretty much all mammals have a belly but­ ton. But before you had a belly button, there was actually a different bit of anatomy in its place. While you were still growing inside of your mother, a small, bendy tube on your tummy connected the two of you. This tube is how you got pretty much everything you needed to grow before you were bom into the world. When a mother eats something — maybe it’s salad or ice cream — she gets different nutrients like proteins, fats, and vitamins from the food. The tube, or umbilical cord, helps her pass along the different nutrients so the baby can grow. That’s what I found out from my friend Gina Cronrath, a nursing instructor at Washington State University. She also told me the umbilical cord helps remove waste from the baby, as well. “After the baby is bom, it can drink on its own and go to the bathroom into a diaper,” she said. “So the umbilical cord isn’t need­ ed.” It actually isn’t until about five weeks into a mother’s pregnancy that the umbilical cord starts to grow — and it will keep growing until the cord is about two feet long. A preg­ nant mother’s belly can really stretch out. Sometimes a mother will even get a tempo­ rary outie belly button. Then it will return to an innie. After a baby is bom, a doctor, midwife or birth partner will help cut the umbilical cord. Don’t worry, though — it doesn’t hurt the mother or the baby. Unlike, say, your skin, the cord doesn’t have nerves that would help you sense pain. It actually has a kind of jel­ ly-like texture and this substance helps pro­ tect the blood vessels inside of the cord. A small part of the cord will stay attached to the baby’s belly for a couple of days before it falls off. What’s left is a brand-new belly button. Or if you want to use the more scientific name, it’s a new navel. It turns out that a lot more humans have innies than outies. It all depends on how the muscles and skin heal up after the cord is cut. In a way, the belly button is the body’s first scar. From big blue whale bellies to furry cat bellies to human bellies, mammals share a connection to their mothers through the umbilical cord. After you are bom, what was once a big part of your survival doesn’t serve much purpose anymore — except for maybe collecting a bit of lint. One thing is for sure, your question really got me contemplating my navel in a whole new way. And as Cronrath put it, our belly buttons are a kind of reminder that our mothers took care of us right from the begin­ ning. Elaine Garlock Today is the birthday anniversary of Benjamin Franklin. We can thank him for his diplomacy and his service to the new nation. The U.S. Postal service is giving us a hike in first class postage. Later this month, postage on first class mail will raise to 55 cents but the cost of an additional ounce will go down from 21 to 15 cents. What a bargain. Priority mail will jump, and so will priority mail express. Postcards will remain at 35 cents. A new house has been started in the Coldwater subdivision alongside Brown*Road at Messer Road. Another new house appears to be nearly finished on Velte Road just north of Jordan Road in Woodland Township. The new house start is in Carlton Township. The Ionia County Genealogy Society met Saturday with more than 20 people present. There was a round table discussion, minus the table, with president Lori Fox leading the discussion. The library was full of people after the meeting with one man excited to find resources after learning he is probably a Mayflower descendant. If so, all of his Goodemoot/Curtis kinfolks also would qualify. At the historical society meeting Jan. 10, Pamela S wiler gave a report on the rural school newsletter, which is published three times a year. Each issue is filled with photographs and text concerning several schools that operated in the county in years past. The latest newsletter was delivery last week. Central United Methodist Church was filled last week for the funeral of Philip Shetterly. Even several rows in the balcony were in use. Dozens of 4-H people and others from the sheep industry in Michigan were present, as well as many connected to the Ionia Free Fair. Martin Luther King Day is next Monday. Most state offices will be closed including offices of Secretary of State. No mail delivery. Lions clubs from Lakewood, along with Alto, Saranac and Lyons-Muir combined efforts to provide a variety of health care items to veterans at a medical center in Saginaw. Beverly Burrows to celebrate 90th birthday Beverly Burrows, of Delton, will be celebrating her 90th birthday. She was bom on January 24, 1929. Her children are Arvena (Joe) Stiglbauer, Ada (Jerry) Sessions, Lynette (Bill) Ferguson and Laureen (Ken) Brown. A card shower would be appreciated in her honor. You may send cards to Beverly Burrows, 129 W. Hobbs Rd., Delton, MI 49046. No gifts please. Hastings man killed in crash A 56-year-old Hastings man was found dead in a single vehicle crash in Kalamazoo County Tuesday, authorities said. Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the 1000 block of North 32nd Street in Richland Township around 12 p.m. They found the driver’s vehicle overturned on the ice-covered roadway, where he was pro­ nounced dead at the scene. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the crash. The Sheriff’s Department is asking anyone with information on the crash to contact the office at (269) 383-8821 or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100. Steven Alfred Dejong, Lake Odessa and Elizabeth Ana Peralta, Doral, FL Thomas Lee Quillan, Hastings and Ashley Michaelle Dubay, Hastings Nathan Lynn Price, Hastings and Sara Anne Fliearman, Hastings Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her web­ site, askdmniverse.com. NOTICE 111509 The Barry County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications from volunteers to serve on the following Boards/Commissions: Agricultural Promotion Board: 1 position Natural Resource Conservation Animal Shelter Advisory Board: 3 positions Commission on Aging Board: 3 positions Mental Health Authority: 4 positions Planning Commission: 2 positions Solid Waste Qversig.ht_Committee: 2 positions Tax Allocation Board: 1 position Zoning Board of Appeals: 1 position MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 #8110376 & Insured INVITATION TO BID 111632 NOTICE FULL-TIME POSITION OPENING DEPARTMENT: Barry County Register of Deeds Office TITLE: Deputy of Register of Deeds Office BASE PAY: $14.54/Hr. SEND RESUME TO: Barbara D Hurless , Register of Deeds 220 West State Street Room 102 Hastings MI 49058 Email bhurless@barrycounty.org No phone calls please POSTING DATES: January 15, 2019 through February 1, 2019 Resumes with cover letter accepted through 5:00 pm February 1, 2019 Education: High School diploma or equivalency Experience: 1 to 3 year’s work related experience in customer service or clerical position, with strong knowledge of Real Estate chain of title and Real Estate legal documents, strong computer and phone skills. Barry County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We hire only U.S. Citizens and Lawfully authorized alien workers and comply with the American’s with Disparities Act. Benefits? Unable To Work? We Can Help! Do you qualify for disability benefits? Call for a FREE EMI evaluation bm mm ||| Advocating on your behalf mw with applications, gig| appeals & hearings J® We the process & strive for qujc}< claim approval* Helping 1000s Get The Benefits They Deserve ... (844) 474-0037 Bill Gordon & Associates, a nationwide practice, represents clients before the Social Security Administration. Member of the TX & NM Bar Associations. Mail; 1420 NW St Washington D.C. Office: Broward County, FL. Services may be provided by associated attorneys licensed in other states, * The process for determining each applicant's disability benefits varies greatly, and can take upwards of two year! The family of Barry County Applications may be obtained at the County Administration Office, 3rd floor of the Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings; or www.barrycounty.org; and must be returned no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 13, 2019. Contact 269-945-1284 for more information. SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY Denied 0 © © The County of Barry is accepting sealed bids for 2 Heating and Air Conditioning Units. The closing date for the bid is February 8, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. Bids must be submitted to the Barry County Build­ ings and Grounds, 220 W. State Street, Hastings, Ml 49058 in a sealed envelope clearly marked “AN­ IMAL SHELTER HVAC BID.” Bids are available on­ line at www.barrycounty.org or the Buildings and Grounds office located 117 S. Broadway, Hastings, Ml 49058, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Fri­ day. Specific questions regarding the Invitation to Bid may be directed to: Tim Neeb, Custodial and Maintenance Supervisor at (269) 838-7084. Charlene A. Keller want to say thank you to our family and friends for their thoughts and prayers and cards during the passing of my wife, our mother and grandmother. We wish to thank Dr. Wildern, Spectrum Health Pennock, Thornapple Manor Rehab, Spectrum Health Hospice and to Girrbach Funeral Home. May God. Bless All of You Thank ypu Robert Keller and family City of Hastings City of Hastings NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR 220 SOUTH MARKET ST. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR 1009 WEST GREEN STREET The Planning Commission for the City of Hastings will hold a Public Hearing for the purpose of hearing written and/or oral comments from the public regard­ ing the request for a Special Use Permit for the site at 220 South Market St. The public hearing will be held at 7:00 PM on Monday, February 4, 2019 in City Council The Planning Commission for the City of Hastings will hold a Public Hearing for the purpose of hearing written and/or oral comments from the public regard­ ing the request for a Special Use Permit for the site at 1009 West Green St. The public hearing will be held at 7:00 PM on Monday, February 4, 2019 in City Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. All interested citizens are encouraged to at­ tend and to submit comments. All interested citizens are encouraged to at­ tend and to submit comments. A copy of the plans and additional background materials are available for public inspection from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Fri­ day at the Office of the City Clerk, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. A copy of the plans and additional background materials are available for public inspection from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Fri­ day at the Office of the City Clerk, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. The City will provide necessary reasonable aids and services upon five days notice to the City Clerk at 269.945.2468 or TDD call relay services 800.649.3777. The City will provide necessary reasonable aids and services upon five days notice to the City Clerk at 269.945.2468 or TDD call relay services 800.649.3777. Jane M. Saurman City Clerk Jane M. Saurman City Clerk 111623 111622 �Page 8 — Thursday, January 17,2019 — The Hastings Banner fl look back at the stories and columns on local history In the Hastings Banner TURNING BACK THE PAGES < Army nurse describes ruins, aerial fights, food and more in 1917 letter Kathy Maurer Copy Editor The letter below was published in the Banner Jan. 17, 1918. It was written by Florence Reimann, a younger sister of thenHastings YMCA Secretary Lewis Reimann. Lewis was married to the former Pearl Shewell, and the letter was originally written by Florence to Pearl’s sister Harriet, who lived in Genoa, Ohio. Florence Augusta Reimann never lived in Barry County, and may never have visited here. However, her letter gives a surprising glimpse into conditions of an Army nurse during World War I that may be of interest to readers. Reimann was based mostly in Etretat, France, a small city in Normandy along the English Channel. This column recently featured a local nurse, Amber (Cruso) Reid, an only child, whose mother insisted Amber remain stateside. Florence Reimann was the 11th of 14 children, and she set out for New York City shortly after completing school in Iron River. She graduated from the Columbia Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing in 1916. According to her obituary, printed in the Nov. 9, 1988, Iron River Reporter, Florence enlisted in the U.S. Army as a nurse and was sent to France, where she served with the British Expeditionary Forces. She was head operating nurse for two years at U.S. Base Hospital 2, which was one of the first medical units to reach France. The field hospital was staffed by 25 physicians and surgeons and 65 nurses, almost all of them affiliated with Presbyterian Hospital and Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons, according to Columbia University Health Sciences Library. The letter was likely written in the summer of 1917, when Florence was temporarily assigned to a casualty clearing station in Belgium. She would later encounter horrors of war, including the death of a nurse standing next to her during a bombing raid on their quarters. But this letter, perhaps because it was earlier in the U.S. involvement in the war, is more lighthearted, with descriptions of room decor, the ruins of nearby buildings and even the beauty of an aerial fight at night. Florence was 23 when she wrote the letter to Harriet, 33, a schoolteacher in Ohio. Perhaps Harriet had mentioned an interest in becoming a nurse, or maybe the two shared an adventurous spirit since, more than once, Florence said Harriet should join the effort in France. The Banner is indebted to Sec’y and Mrs. L.C. Reimann for the following fine letter they received from Mr. Reimann’s sister Florence (Reimann) Manning’s son compiled her World War I diary and had a few copies printed after her death in 1988. (Image provided by Jill Hartzell) Florence, who is a nurse in one of the hospital units now in active service abroad. The letter was written to Mrs. Reimann’s sister, Miss Harriet Shewell, of Genoa, Ohio, and she forwarded it to her sister, who kindly gave it to us for publication. No. 47 Casualty Clearing Station, Belgium Dear Harriet, You really ought to be with me. I am up behind the lines for several weeks assisting in the operating room at a Clearing Station. Two surgeons and myself came up from No. __ General and have been here almost a week. I think I am mighty fortunate to be one of the lucky ones chosen, for it is a wonderfid experience. There is of course some danger connected with it, but we must remember this is war, and no one should be afraid. The Germans do fly above us once in a while and drop a bomb or two at random, but so far have not done so in our midst since I arrived. I can hear the guns from the lines about seven or eight miles away, and at night can see the flashes from the guns. Up to this time I have not worked very hard, the work comes entirely in streaks, it’s according to how much fighting there is going on in the section from which you draw. Our unit is perhaps the best located one that has come over. We live in hotels, and the hospital is made up of different hotels and houses. Of course, they will not be very warm in winter, RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ORDINANCE SUBMITTAL TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: Arriving in France in early summer of 1917, Florence Reimann would become head operating nurse at U.S. Base Hospital 2 in Etretat, France, a coastal city on the English Channel. (Photo pro­ vided by Jill Hartzell) because it was just a summer place before the war, but we have luxuries in comparison to what we expected. The food is very good, and even here, it is wonderfid. Today for luncheon we had fresh tomatoes, celery, potatoes and meat and fresh pears and grapes - don’t you think that fine? Our mess tent is done (this is all at the C.C.S., and our base is much nicer) in pretty blue cretonnes, lovely big comfortable chairs, piano, Victrola, electric lights and the room decorated, etc., lovely flowers in brass vases made from various French and German shells (of which, lam trying to get some). We live in tents surrounded by sandbags and really are very comfortable. An orderly brings you hot water for a bath each morning, polishes your shoes, sweeps your tent and generally waits on you hand and foot. I wish you were here, you would love every minute of it. I don’t see how any of us can ever go back and take care of one fussy female after taking care of crowds of adorable nevercomplaining Tommies, Australians and Scotch. I suppose our troops will soon be coming to us too. Do tell me, has the censor erased much of my letter? I am curious to know. From our base, we cannot hear any cannonading, for we are miles and miles away from the line. Send my mail to No. T. General [the letter “T” was printed, not a number; perhaps it had been redacted by censors and was supposed to be left blank, or a line] as usual because I will be back there before you get this letter. Have been on long walks around here and have seen mighty interesting things. Ruins of buildings caused by bombs, devastated country training camps, aeroplane camps, etc. One of the prettiest sights is an aerial fight at night. Flash lights from every direction put the planes in clear view, and then we can see the flashes of the guns firing at each other. We usually have to get our steel helmets on Iron River native Florence Reimann and Dr. Joseph Manning II, pictured here in France, were married in June 1924 in Pennsylvania. (Photo provided by Jill Hartzell) and make for the dugout, because bits of shrapnel fly all over. Thanks for offering to send me anything I need, but at present am sharing three huge boxes of eats my roommate got from home. Write often. ' Flo. Florence was indeed able to collect some German shells and many other artifacts from the war, her granddaughter Jill (Manning) Hartzell, of Hingham, Mass., wrote in an email to the Banner Tuesday. Among the items was a melted and somewhat misshapen brass candlestick Florence .found in a village * in France, Hartzell wrote. It had been on a mantelpiece in a home. After a German air raid, the chimney was the only thing left standing - with the candlestick still perched on top of it. “As a child, I recall thinking all grandmothers had ammunition shell casings and army helmets in their house,” Hartzell said. Perhaps the best souvenir of all was the young orderly Florence met and with whom she would spend 41 years of married life. Joseph Stevenson Manning II, a medical student at the time, was with the Medical Corps and delivered wounded soldiers to the field hospital. “My grandmother and her comrades certainly saw their share of the horrors of war,” wrote Hartzell, who has many letters and a diary written by Florence. “She discusses ' how many amputations and other surgeries were performed. Also, one of her fellow * nurses was killed by shrapnel while operating in a medical tent. It was a tragic and sobering event for the other nurses. “I believe, despite the horrors of the war, Continued next page PLEASE TAKE NOTICE proposed Ordinance #2019-166 was introduced for first reading by the Rutland Charter Township Board at its January 9, 2019 meeting. This proposed ordinance includes the following pro­ posed amendments of the designated articles/sections within Chapter 220, in summary: Fences/hedqes/walls 1. § 220-17-7 pertaining to fences and hedges is proposed to be amende^, to replace all of the existing content with new content, including requirements pertaining to a zoning compliance permit for fencing, location requirements for fences, additional location requirements applicable to fencing on lake lots, fence height limits, permissible/prohibited types of fencing, marntenance/repair and removal requirements for fencing, limitations on changes to existing fencing, exemptions for certain types of fencing from the specified requirements, definitions of fence-related terms; and applying various of the requirements for fences to any vegetative hedge or wall intended to serve as a fence or otherwise having that effect. 2. § 220-2-2 (Definitions) is proposed to be amended to revise the existing definition for “Lot Line, Front”. 3. § 220-9-9 (Building Design and Architectural Standards in MU Mixed Use District) is proposed to be amended to revise subsection c.8 relating to enclosure/screening of refuse containers. 4. § 220-17-11 (Building Design and Architectural Standards applicable to specified types of uses in the AG/OS and Residential Districts) is proposed to be amended to revise subsection c.10 relating to enclosure/screening of refuse containers. Signs 5. § 220-18-3 pertaining to definitions of terms used in Article XVIII (Signs) is proposed to be amended to revise the existing definition of “electronic message board”. 6. § 220-18-3 pertaining to definitions of terms used in Article XVIII (Signs) is proposed to be amended to add new defined terms “illumination (or illuminated)” and “visible”. 7. § 220-18-8 pertaining to general standards and requirements applicable to otherwise permissible types of signs is proposed to be amended to revise subsections b and c of same with respect to sign setback/location and sign illumination, respectively. 8. § 220-18-8.H pertaining to the design standards and use limitations for electronic message boards where otherwise permissible in the MU District, only, is proposed to be amended to add new subsec­ tions 4 and 5 relating to location requirements for electronic message board types of billboards. A photograph of a parade in France, much like this one from Columbia University, is among the belongings collected by army nurse Florence (Reimann) Manning, who may be in this photo. (Columbia University Health Sciences Library) This proposed ordinance in its entirety has been posted in the office of the Township Clerk and on the Town­ ship website (www.rutlandtownship.orq). This proposed ordinance will be considered for adoption by the Township Board at its next regular meeting on February 13, 2019 commencing at 7:00 p.m. at the Rutland Charter Township Hall. Rutland Charter Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven (7) days notice to Rutland Charter Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD Robin A. Hawthorne, Clerk Rutland Charter Township Hall 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Michigan 49058 Telephone: (269) 948-2194 Many members of the 1916 class at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital School of Nursing were in France the following year, working at an army field hospital. The assemblage of doctors and nurses, mostly from CPH and Columbia University, was one of the first U.S. medical units to reach France. Florence Reimann is fourth from the right in the top row. (Photo provided by Jill Hartzell) �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 17, 2019 — Page 9 SPILL, continued from page 1 er conditions, there has been a high volume of water passing through Tyler Creek, particular­ ly on the day of the discharge. As a result, the manure (and subsequently, nutrient and E. coli levels) was quickly diluted.” Due to cold weather and high water levels, there is little chance that people could have come in contact with waste, Sandborn said. She confirmed the discharge has been stopped, and there is no evidence of an impending fish kill. “This time of year, with the water being cold and most of the aquatic organisms ... pretty inactive, there is probably no acute danger,” Aaron Snell, an independent envi­ ronmental engineer with Streamside Ecological Services, said. “However, the nutrients, etc. associated with the manure ... will persist in the system and can, many months later, fuel growth of plants and algae.” If the spill occurred in the summer, a fish kill would have been likely, Snell said. A spill in 2006 killed nearly all fish in a 4 1/2-mile section of river. The Swisslane spill marked the second major agricultural spill in the area in the past year. Up to 10,000 gallons of manure leached into the Coldwater in March 2018, just a few miles southeast of the Jan. 5 spill. At this point, the DEQ has been focused on containment and clean-up. Sandborn said the case will be reviewed to determine what enforcement actions, such as fines, are appro­ priate. In the meantime, Swisslane Dairy is respon­ sible for clean-up efforts. As a part of the review of the case and potential enforcement actions, the DEQ will expect the farm to demonstrate and implement actions to prevent a future discharge. “As of Tuesday morning, our mitigation was 100 percent completed,” Swisslane spokesperson Anna Link said. “The manure was contained and cleaned up as we followed the MDEQ standards and best practices.” Swisslane created temporary dams to abate the flow to wetlands, and used pump trucks to clean up the spill. The dairy hired a contractor to expedite the pumping process. Swisslane submitted incident reports to the DEQ and Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance Program Friday. Swisslane repre­ sentatives confirmed it is actively implement­ ing preventative measures. Sandborn was unable to determine if the spill is part of a larger trend. Both spills of the past year were the result of equipment failure, and were promptly reported by the farms once discovered. “Equipment malfunctions are generally dif­ ficult to classify as part of a trend,” she said. “However, farmers should be cognizant of their equipment at all times. Land application equipment should be inspected daily during use, and regular maintenance programs should be in place to help prevent equipment failures. Following safe agricultural practices can help prevent discharges and protect waters of the state.” “Farms are just like any other business; regardless of the size, our focus is sustainabil­ ity,” Link said. “We strive for continuous improvement, looking every day for innova­ tive ways to make things better for our envi­ ronment. Farmers live on or near the land that they farm. We understand the importance of protecting our natural resources.” Link, on behalf of Swisslane, provided & statement concerning the dairy’s community Change stolen, but purse left behind A 43-year-old woman called police Jan. 9 to report a theft from her car in the 5000 block of Hyland Road in Bellevue. The woman said the theft would have occurred the night of Jan. 7, sometime between 8:30 p.m. and 7 a.m. Her company cell phone was stolen from the unlocked car, and her change purse was stolen out of her purse. The change purse had rough­ ly $3 inside, but the other contents of her purse, including cash, identification and credit cards were left inside. The case is inactive pending further information. Alcohol involved in minor Nashville crash Around 2:30 a.m. Jan. 10 an officer was flagged down at a gas station, and notified of a possible accident near the corner of Main Street and Bridge Street. When the officer arrived, he noticed multiple signs, including one for the Village of Nashville, a street sign and stop sign had been knocked over. A minivan was parked across the road with its flashers on, and a man was stumbling around attempting to put a shirt on. The 25-year-old driver believed he was on Thornapple Lake Road, and did not believe the officer when he was told where he actually was. Inside the van were empty cans of beer and an open liquor bottle, and the driv­ er had a prior offense for open intoxicants inside the vehicle. The man refused a breath test, and was taken to the hospital. Once there, the man told the officer he wouldn’t walk and the officer would have to drag him, and he threw himself on the ground. Hospital staff put the man in a wheelchair, and brought him in the hospital. The man was loud and vulgar with the hospital staff. He was taken to jail where he took a breath test with a result of 0.176. Woman reports gun stolen by ex-fiance A woman reported her 9mm pistol stolen from her gun safe at 5:40 p.m. Jan. 10 in the 1500 block of North Avenue near Bellevue. The woman said her ex-fiance got into a fight with her son, so she kicked him out of the house, and took him to his sister’s house in Jackson. Before he left, the 34-year-old man got his gun out of the woman’s safe and, when the woman returned, she found her gun also was missing from the safe. The case is still under investigation. Jealous customer gets violent with clerk A 43-year-old female clerk called police from the Thornapple Trading Post on M-79 to report an unwanted customer who tried to assault her. The woman said she had tapped on the shoulder of one the customers she knew and, later, his girlfriend, 51, came into the store yelling at the clerk that she would beat her up on camera. The girlfriend then pushed news­ papers onto the floor and attempted to push the cash register off the counter. The officer contacted the girlfriend, who said she had confronted the clerk, but did not become violent. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Purported assassin turns out to be con artist A 45-year-old woman called police Jan. 8, after she received a text message at 1 a.m. from a self-proclaimed hitman. The message read, “Hey, someone paid me to kill you. You have 48 hours to pay $4,000.00. If you contact the police, the contract will be carried out.” The message was followed by an email address that contained a name followed by “contractkill­ er.” The woman, at the 1000 block of Grey Court in Wayland, said she has no known enemies or reasons for anyone to want her dead. The officer researched the email address and found it was a phishing scam. The woman did not click on the link. Domestic dispute causes injuries to both parties A 37-year-old woman called police at 9:42 p.m. Jan. 6, to report a fight between her 34-year-old boyfriend and 18-year-old son. The fight started as a verbal argument on the front porch of their residence, in the 15000 block of North Avenue in Assyria Township, but became physical. The woman told the officer she was sick of her boyfriend drinking, and her son had left to go to her father’s house next door. The man had a swollen cheek, a cut on his chin and blood on his left hand. He refused photographs and said he did not want to press charges. The woman said she believed her son had a bloody nose. The officer went next door, but the woman’s father said the son had run out the back door when he saw the officer. The father said he stopped the fight and had to pull the man off the son. Since no charges were filed, the case is closed. Woman taken to hospital after suicidal overdose A 26-year-old woman called police at 4:46 p.m. Jan. 6 to report her 21-year-old sister had taken a large amount of anti-depressants. The woman said she had been arguing with her sister when she grabbed the bottle and took a handful of pills. The woman was taken to the hospital, where she told the officer she did not want to kill herself. From previous page there was a romantic component for my grandmother,” Hartzell continued, adding that she now has the engagement ring her grandfather purchased in Paris. Florence served as an army nurse from May 12, 1917, to April 12, 1919. The first entry in her diary was made May 13, 1917, the day she boarded the ship to Europe, and the last was Dec. 23, 1918. After returning to the U.S., Florence worked as a private nurse in Manhattan, and Joseph finished his medical studies. The two were married June 1, 1924, in Norwood, Pa., where one of Florence’s sisters lived. The Mannings settled in New Rochelle, N.Y., and raised one child, Joseph Manning III, Hartzell’s father. Joseph Manning II died in 1965. Florence, born in 1894, reached the age of 94 before her death Oct. 21, 1988. Florence was a longtime member of the New Rochelle Garden Club and a 50-year member of the women’s club there. She was survived by three grandchildren and four great­ grandsons. After her death, Florence’s son compiled her diary and had a few printed bound copies made. “He titled it ‘Strawberries, Chocolate, Tea & Toast,”’ Hartzell said. “There were a lot of descriptions of food in her diary - a very important subject among the medical staff in her unit! I think the medical staff was generally well-fed, but don’t think it was quite as sumptuous as her letter to Harriet from Belgium sounds.” One of 14 children of German immigrants, bom in a log cabin in Michigan’s Upper (AT&T) pro­ Peninsula, Florence Public Notice AT&T Mobility Services, LLC poses to construct a 197’ monopole along 7097 E State Rd in Nashville, Ml (Job #42520). In accordance with the National Histor­ ic Preservation Act of 1966 and the 2005 Nationwide Programmatic Agreement, AT&T is hereby notifying the public of the proposed undertaking and soliciting com­ ments on Historic Properties which may be affected by the proposed undertaking. If you would like to provide specific informa­ tion regarding potential effects that the pro­ posed undertaking might have to properties that are listed on or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places and located within 1/2 mile of the site, please submit the comments (with project num­ ber) to: RAMAKER, Contractor for AT&T, 855 Community Dr, Sauk City, Wl 53583 or via e-mail to history@ramaker.com within 30 days of this notice. Augusta Reimann would spend the rest of her life near New York City, married to a doctor she had met while tending to soldiers wounded as they fought in the first world war - her story sounds like the outline for a Hemingway novel. But Florence’s literary contribution is a diary, and her legacy was her son and grandchildren - and likely several hundred British, Scottish, Australian and American soldiers she comforted and helped heal. “My grandmother was a wonderful woman,” Hartzell wrote. “Some things I remember about her: She had a hearty laugh and enjoyed entertaining her family and friends in her home. She was self-sufficient and independent. Frugal in many ways, but generous with others.” Sources: Hastings Banner, familysearch, org, findagrave.com, Columbia University Medical Center Library, Cheryl Wescher (granddaughter of Florence's brother Ernest Reimann), and Jill (Manning) Hartzell, granddaughter of Florence Reimann Manning. BARRY COUNTY, Ml # FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER ANNOUNCES ITS ANNUAL MEETING To be held January 31, 2019 At 11:45am at the... Barry Community Enrichment Center, Leason Sharpe Hall 231 S Broadway; Hastings THE PUBLIC IS INVITED RSVP is required to 269-945-5439 and environmental vision. “Our goal is making sure that 100 years from now our family will have the same or greater opportunities than we have today,” said Link. “We believe it is our responsibility and calling to be stewards of the land. That’s just common sense when you make a living off the land ... Our commitment to the land is not just about growing crops but growing relationships ... and growing our families and our business, which will result in growing our community.” Swisslane is a concentrated animal feeding operation. CAFOs, by definition, rear large numbers of animals which create an enor­ mous amount of waste. The average dairy cow produces 20 pounds of waste per day, Snell said, meaning a 3,000-cow operation would produce 60,000 pounds of waste each day, the equivalent of a small city. Farms like Swisslane have many mitigation and best management practices at their dis­ posal, Snell said, many of which Swisslane has implemented. DEQ grants have helped pay for tree planting and creation of buffers within the watershed, at no cost to landown­ ers. Still, stakeholders are uneasy. The Coldwater River Watershed Council has spent hundreds of thousands of dollars and count­ less hours restoring and protecting the water­ shed. For anglers and conservationists who frequent the river, the Swisslane spill isn’t water under the bridge. “We’re fighting an uphill battle, because every time we make an improvement, it seems like something happens that tarnishes that improvement,” Coldwater River Watershed Council spokesperson Ron Barch said. Recent examples he cited were various spills and damage done to the river and its tributaries by a contractor three years ago. Large spills are an ongoing problem for the watershed council, Barch said. The Coldwater River Watershed Council was formed in part to protect against pollution from large CAFOs in and around the watershed. The council will be removing log jams and debris when weather permits. Barch said this eliminates backups, which helps the river clear up faster in case of a spill. Still, these measures alone aren’t enough to abate a large- scale spill during the warmer months. “I think there’s lots more that can be done,” Barch said. “This is an ongoing problem, and the DEQ doesn’t seem to take it that seriously. Nothing seems to happen; there isn’t much accountability.” E. coli poses a serious health risk in the event of a manure spill, Barch said. The pathogen is derived from both animal and human waste and has been identified in area water ways such as Thomapple Lake, Jordan Lake, the Coldwater River and Gun Lake. “Agriculture is increasing within Barry, Ionia and Kent counties, and this is the kind of dilemma that happens with large-scale agri­ cultural operations,” Barch said. Manure storage and application methods must be seriously rethought in order to safe­ guard the region’s water, he said. The Coldwater River and its tributaries exhibit E. coli levels above accepted stan­ dards, Snell said. Agricultural applications are the main culprit for elevated levels of E. coli, as well as nutrients that cause algae blooms and fish kills. “... [J]ust downstream from Swisslane, kids swim, tube and play in the stream all summer,” Snell said. “People fish the creek and the Coldwater ... These activities, at times, would be considered to be restricted or dangerous based upon Michigan law.” Data in nearby watersheds indicate E. coli originates primarily from agricultural manure, Snell said. Human septic systems also con­ tribute to the problem. Snell has identified several homes within the watershed discharg­ ing untreated sewage into surface waters. Snell suggested increasing safeguards to defend mechanical equipment malfunctions, the culprit in recent spills. “It seems to be in everyone’s best interest, the farmers included, to have some additional margin of safety, or redundancy, built into the infrastructure, especially when it is so close to the stream,” he said. In the end, Snell urged stakeholders to con­ sider the long-term sustainability of their actions to protect the watershed, which pro­ vides priceless environmental and agricultural utility to the region. “We all live downstream of something,” he said. Jamison Michael Berg, 45, of Hastings, pleaded guilty to operating a vehicle while intoxicated, third offense, and no contest to a charge of having an open container of alcohol in a vehicle. He was sentenced by Judge Amy McDowell to 110 days in jail, with credit for 110 days served. Berg also was ordered to pay fines and costs of $523 by Jan. 15. He was placed on probation for 18 months and ordered to pay probation oversight fees of $360, pay­ able at $75 a month beginning Jan. 15. Substance abuse assessment and treatment are recommended with a self-help group three times a week and a sponsor within 60 days. a drug court fee of $40 a week. Larry Raymond Clinton, 59, of Kalamazoo, pleaded guilty to domestic violence and was ordered by Judge McDowell to serve 97 days in jail, with credit for 97 days served. He was ordered to pay $258 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 18 months. Clinton will receive substance abuse and mental health assessments through the Veterans Administration and treatment as recommend­ ed, with a self-help group three times a week and a probation oversight fee of $180. Nikki Rae Davis, 28, of Hastings, pleaded guilty to violation of the controlled substance act, possession of methamphetamine. A charge of operating a vehicle with a forged license was dismissed. Her driver’s license was sus­ pended for 60 days and restricted for 305 days by Judge McDowell, who ordered Davis to serve 12 months in jail, with credit for 88 days served, and to pay $963 in fines and costs by Feb. 1. She will be placed on probation for 36 months, and the balance of her jail time will be suspended upon the successful completion of probation. Davis was ordered to pay $720 in probation oversight fees, payable at $80 per month beginning Feb. 1. Substance abuse assessment and treatment were recommended with a self-help group four times a week and Steven Ray Rendleman, 56, of Hastings, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon and domestic violence; a charge of discharging a firearm. Two counts of commit­ ting a felony with a firearm were dismissed. Rendleman was sentenced by Judge McDowell to nine months and 125 days in jail, with cred­ it for 125 days served. He was ordered to pay $1,083 in fines and costs by June 1. He was placed on probation for 36 months and ordered to pay $720 in probation oversight fees, assessed at $100 a month. Upon release, sub­ stance abuse and mental health counseling are recommended with a self-help group three times a week. He may have no contact with the victim and no weapons. He will be released between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday on the first available release date. Jacob Jay Wiersma, 36, of Dorr, pleaded guilty to aggravated stalking and was sen­ tenced by Judge McDowell to 12 months in jail, with credit for 89 days served. He was ordered to pay $714 in fines and costs and to serve 36 months of probation. Six months of jail time will be suspended upon successful completion of probation. He was ordered to pay probation oversight fees of $720, payable at $75 a month starting April 15. Mental health counseling is recommended. Wiersma was ordered to have no contact with the vic­ tim nor go within 500 feet of her residence. He must comply with all other terms of his probation. In another case, Wiersma pleaded guilty to assaulting a police officer and domestic vio­ lence. A charge of operating a vehicle on a suspended license was dismissed. He was sentenced by Judge McDowell to serve 89 days in jail, with credit for 89 days served. He was ordered to pay $248 in fines and costs. Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Wanted Business Services WANTED: A 9FT wide x 10ft tall insulated garage door. Call 269-838-7053. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Hard Maple, Cherry. Paying top dollar. Call for pricing and Free Estimates. Will buy single walnut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793 Card of Thanks THE FAMILIES OF Jackie D. Hurless would like to thank everyone for their thoughts, prayers and cards. A special thank you to Girrbach Funeral Home. You all have a spot in my heart. BELLS CONSTRUCTION-18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, home improvements. 269-320­ 3890. For Sale FOR SALE- Ladder Rack $250.00 (fits Ford cargo vans). 616-240-4740,269-945-2600. �Page 10 — Thursday, January 17, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Vikings win title, but don’t down Orioles Brett Bremer Sports Editor Portland and Charlotte run into the Lakewood Viking varsity competitive cheer team here and there, but Flint Powers Catholic made a special trip to the Lakewood Viking Cheerfest Friday. All three of those teams will be in the same Division 3 District Tournament at the end of the regular season. Lakewood and Charlotte both won championships Friday, with the Orioles taking the upper division and the Vikings taking the lower division at the eight­ team meet. The Vikings were a bit surprised to finish a smidgen behind the Orioles in the scoring though, 772.86 to 772.10. Charlotte had a 456.76 to 456.30 lead on the Vikings heading into round three, a round where the Vikings were certainly cleaner with a couple of their stunts than the Orioles, but Charlotte did enough to outscore the Vikings 316.10 to 315.80 in that final round. Lakewood head coach Kim Martin said her team had fewer balance checks in round three than in her team’s previous meet. She expects that finishing a few tenths of a point against the future district foe will inspire her girls. “One thing about this team that I haven’t seen in my last few years’ teams is that they don’t settle. At league meets I struggle to have them at their best, and that was not the case Wednesday night (Jan. 9). They know that they have to perform every meet. They know they have to go out and do the best that they can do. Do we have stuff to clean up? Absolutely, but it is only the third meet of the season. This team has a little bit of a different edge to them than my last few years. “They mesh well. We have a good core of girls.” Lakewood scored a 233.10 in round one and a 223.20 in round two. Charlotte tallied a score of 231.70 in round one and a 225.06 in round two. “It motivates us,” Lakewood senior base Allie Rooks said. “We know we will see them at districts. We’re looking out. Rooks said she is online after nearly every competition, checking the scores of the top ten teams in the state in the Vikings’ division. Lakewood is working to get back to the state finals for the sixth time in seven years. Mason was second in the upper division standings Friday with a score of 632.22 and Flint Powers Catholic third at 555.54. Portland was second in the lower division standings with a score of 747.76, ahead of Maple Valley 611.32 and Delton Kellogg 562.94. Maple Valley scored a 192.10 in round one, 176.42 in round two and a 248.80 in round three. Lion head coach Sarah Huissen said her team’s skills were more together in round two Friday and her team’s timing in round one were better than they had been at meets earli­ er in the week. The Lions hosted an invita­ tional the previous Saturday and were at the GLAC opener Wednesday at Lakewood. “Last night (in practice) we really didn’t push too hard,” Huissen said. “We kind of did a shorter practice. We hit the things we need­ ed to hit. We worked on a little timing of skills. I didn’t push them too hard because I knew they were tired from Wednesday night and I didn’t want to overtire them for tonight.” “The next big thing is getting our OLEs going in round three. We don’t have those going yet, but we’re still working on our tim­ ing and confidence.” She said she has as couple of girls closing j Delton Kellogg’s Kelsey Campbell claps during round two at the Lakewood Viking CheerFest Friday evening at Lakewood High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Delton Kellogg’s Savannah Chilton does the splits during her team’s round two performance Friday at the Lakewood Viking CheerFest Friday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Maple Valley base Austynn Fears holds up teammate McKayla Weiler during the round three at the Lakewood .Viking CheerFest Friday at Lakewood High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) in on being able to perform their tucks in round three as well. Delton Kellogg scored a 189.10 in round one, a 159.44 in round two and a 214.40 in round three Friday. “We had a rough night Friday. We changed every round both Tuesday and Thursday nights this week,” Delton Kellogg head coach Zoe Reynolds said. The Panthers opened the Southern Michigan Competitive Cheer Conference season with a third-place finish at the jamboree in Gobles Wednesday. “It has been a slow process with this team but they are making great strides,” Reynolds said. “I look for them to really start doing well The Lakewood varsity competitive cheer team celebrates as its announced as the lower division champion Friday at its annual Lakewood Viking CheerFest. (Photo by Brett Bremer) in the next few meets.” Maple Valley and Lakewood opened the Greater Lansing Activities Conference season Wednesday at Lakewood High School. The Vikings have won every GLAC competition since the league’s inception and there wasn’t much different at the 2019 opener. Lakewood was the only team above 600 points. The Vikings tallied a score of 754.82, scor­ ing a 232.10 in round one, a 217.32 in round two and a 305.40 in round three. Leslie was second with an overall score of 598.90, ahead of Maple Valley 582.68, Perry 578.20 and Stockbridge 539.80. Perry was in second place after scoring a 203.30 in round one, but couldn’t keep pace in a tough battle for the runner-up spot through the final two rounds. Leslie was sec­ ond thanks to a 189.60 in round one, a 163.90 in round two and a 245.40 in round three. The Blackhawks totals in rounds two and three were second only to the Vikings. Hammerheads count laps at annual fundraiser Hammerheads Swim Club head coach Mike Schipper tosses beach balls into the water as youth take part in the club’s annual Swim-A-Thon fundraiser at the Community Education and Recreation Center in Hastings Wednesday. A group of roughly 50 youngsters awaits the start of the Hammerheads Swim Club’s annual Swim-A-Thon fundraiser at the Community Education and Recreation Center pool in Hastings Wednesday. The club’s youngest swimmers had their laps in the pool tallied for 30 minutes, and were later followed by the club’s senior swimmers. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 17, 2019 — Page 11 BOARD, continued from page 1 Englerth disputed that characterization and asked Lippert to specify what had been objec­ tionable about his behavior. / “If I’ve done something wrong, I deserve to know what it is,” he told Lippert. * Lippert didn’t single out any specific issues, but insisted that his actions had created tur­ moil that could no longer be tolerated. When Lippert finally brought the motion to remove Englerth, board member Knowles seconded it. J Englerth told Knowles before the vote call­ ing for his removal from the GLASWA board that “our attorney was very clear that anything to do with Gun Lake Sewer or Water you fKnowles] would have to recuse yourself.” Knowles replied, “I hear you. I don’t agree.” VandenBerg also repeatedly challenged Knowles’ comments and support of the motion, saying “Larry can’t vote” on the mat­ ter because of his post as director of GLASWA and, in that position, must answer to the town­ ship representatives who make up the GLASWA board. ' “The director cannot vote on his boss,” VandenBerg pointed out. “He cannot pick his own boss.” Knowles said he saw no conflict of interest in his action to support the motion. After the meeting concluded, Knowles said he had been directed by his attorney that he is, in fact, obligated to vote on all matters dealing with GLASWA that come before the town­ ship. Former township board member Michael Boysen, who was in the audience during the proceedings, said: “This board hit a new low” before walking out. The topic of removing Englerth as town­ ship representative to GLASWA wasn’t the only addition to the night’s agenda. Knowles made a motion for the township board to accept that the GLASWA director position and the township trustee board posi­ tion are compatible and for the township to halt any further spending on this issue. The concern about a potential conflict of interest was raised last fall when Knowles sought a seat on the township board. The township was advised at that time that, if the board believed his job as director of GLASWA and as a township trustee to be incompatible, it could seek a legal opinion. The motion stating that Knowles’ two posi­ tions are compatible and the agreement not to pursue any further spending on the conflict of interest question carried by a 3-2 vote. Jansma, Lippert, and Knowles voted to approve it. Englerth and VandenBerg voted against it. In other action, Yankee Springs took action in response to the recent legalization of recre­ ational marijuana. The township voted 4-1 in favor of opting out of allowing recreational marijuana establishments within the town­ ship’s boundaries. VandenBerg was the only dissenter. The board also approved a measure by 3-2 to return to the ordinance by or before Jan. 1, 2020, to reconsider the issue in hopes that the LEGAL NOTICES LEGAL NOTICE NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Revocable Trust Revocable Trust of David B. VanderVeen, r Deceased J TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The Settlor, David B. VanderVeen, born September 9, 1956, died on December 14, 2018. Creditors of the decedent are - notified that all claims against the David B. VanderVeen Trust under Trust Agreement dated August 26, 2011, as amended, will be forever barred unless presented to Eric M. VanderVeen, Trustee, 13531 Redbird Lane, Grand Haven, Michigan 49417, within four months J after the date of publication of this notice. Dated: January 15, 2019 * Eric M. VanderVeen, Esq. (P81656) ; 13531 Redbird Lane Grand Haven, Ml 49417 1H584 i J NOTICE QF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE % THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPT­ ING YO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PUR­ POSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILI­ TARY DUTY. ATTENTION PURCHASERS: If the sale is set aside, the purchaser may be entitled to only a re­ turn of the sale deposit less any applicable fees and •posts and shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Default having been made in the terms and con­ ditions of a certain Mortgage made between SCOTT W. ESTEP, a single man, whose address is 7240 Jordan Road, Woodland, Michigan 48897, as Mort­ gagor, and MERCANTILE BANK OF MICHIGAN, assignee of ICNB Mortgage Company, LLC, a Mich­ igan banking corporation, whose address is 310 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504, as Mortgagee, dated November 20, 2012, and record­ ed in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan on November 26, 2012, in Docu­ ment Number 2012-007459, upon which Mortgage is claimed to be due at the date of this notice the sum of SIXTY-SIX THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED NINETY-ONE AND 44/100 ($66,391.44) DOLLARS, and no suit or proceedings at law or equity having been instituted to recover the debt secured by said Mortgage, or any part thereof; NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the power of sale contained in said Mortgage, and pur­ suant to the statute of the State of Michigan in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that on February 21, 2019, at 1:00 p.m., said Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale at public auction to the highest bidder, at the Barry County Courthouse in the City of Hastings, County of Barry, Michigan (that toeing the building where the Circuit Court for the County of Barry is held) of the premises described in said Mortgage, or so much thereof as may be nec­ essary to pay the amount due of said Mortgage, with interest thereon at 3.125% per annum, and all legal costs, expenses and charges, including the attorney fees allowed by law, and also any sums which may be paid by the undersigned to protect its interest in the premises, which said premises are described as follows: • Land situated in the Township of Woodland, County of Barry and State of Michigan, to-wit: The West 2 acres of the North 10 acres of the East 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4, Section 16, Town 4 North, Range 7 West. Commonly known as: 7240 Jordan Road, Wood­ land, Ml Parcel No.: 08-15-016-100-02 The redemption period shall be six (6) months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, ]n which case the redemption period shall be thirty (30) days from the date of such sale. If the property described in this Notice is sold at the foreclosure sale referred to above, the Mortgag­ or will be held responsible to the purchaser who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the proper­ ty during the redemption period in accordance with MCLA 600.3278 or as otherwise provided by law. MERCANTILE BANK OF MICHIGAN Mortgagee Dated: January 17, 2019 TIMOTHY L. CURTISS, Esq. Braun Kendrick Finkbeiner RL.C. 304 East Broadway, Suite 206 Mt. Pleasant, Michigan 48858 989/775-7404 111545 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on February 14, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Michael J. Marek and Samantha R. Marek, husband and wife, as joint tenants with full rights of survivorship Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): AmeriFirst Financial Corporation Date of Mortgage: June 28, 2016 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 30, 2016 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $161,767.60 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 7 of Charleson Heights Addition to the Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, according to the recorded Plat thereof. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: January 10, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1372660 (01-10)(01-31) 111064 FORECLOSURE NOTICE RANDALLS. MILLER & ASSOC I ATES, P.C. MAYBE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED MAY BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. IF YOU ARE A MILITARY SERVICEMEMBER ON ACTIVE DUTY NOW OR IN THE PRIOR TWELVE MONTHS, PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE. Mortgage Sale - Default has been made in the conditions of a certain mortgage made by Jodi Skinner, a married woman to Ronald G. Skiner, her husband to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. acting Solely as a nominee for Primary Residential Mortgage Inc., Mortgagee, dated October 25, 2010, and recorded on November 3, 2010, as Document Number: 201011030010223, Barry County Records, said mortgage was assigned to Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC by an Assignment of Mortgage dated February 16, 2018 and recorded March 01, 2018 by Document Number: 2018-001858, , on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Eighty-One Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty-Five and 12/100 ($181,885.12) including interest at the rate of 4.00000% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venue, at the place of holding the Circuit Court in said Barry County, where the premises to be sold or some part of them are situated, at 01:00 PM on February 14, 2019 Said premises are situated in the Township of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Lot 15 of Carter's Fine Lake Park Annex, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 5 of plats on Page 3. Commonly known as: 115 WOODRIDGE DR, BATTLE CREEK, Ml 49017 If the property is eventually sold at foreclosure sale, the redemption period will be 6.00 months from the date of sale unless the property is abandoned or used for agricultural purposes. If the property is determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241 and/or 600.3241a, the redemption period will be 30 days from the date of sale, or 15 days after statutory notice, whichever is later. If the property is presumed to be used for agricultural purposes prior to the date of the foreclosure sale pursuant to MCL 600.3240, the redemption period is 1 year. Pursuant to MCL 600.3278, if the property is sold at a foreclosure sale, the borrower(s) will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. TO ALL PURCHASERS: The foreclosing mortgagee can rescind the sale. In that event, your damages are, if any, limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. Dated: January 17,2019 Randall S. Miller & Associates, P.C. Attorneys for Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC 43252 Woodward Avenue, Suite 180, Bloomfield Hills, Ml 48302, (248) 335-9200 Case No. 18MI00773-1 (01-17)(02-07) 111663 CENTER, continued from page 1 state will have settled on licensing and regula­ tions regarding recreational marijuana busi­ nesses. Englerth, Jansma, and VandenBerg voted in favor of the motion. Lippert and Knowles voted against it. The board voted 5-0 to increase the pay of the township’s house cleaner. The employee’s pay was raised from $15 an hour to $20 an hour with a stipulation that the employee also would earn $5 every time he or she had to use his or her own vacuum to clean. Lippert said the employee only works eight hours a week. After the meeting concluded, Lippert swore in Shana Bush as the newest member of the Yankee Springs Township Planning Committee. actually being selected by the federal govern­ ment for the project. If the process moves forward, at some point, the Ionia City Council would be asked to approved a three-party development agree­ ment for the project between the city, ICA and the State of Michigan Land Bank. The agree­ ment would address issues such as zoning, site plan approval and others. “The timetable is uncertain at this time and is based on the actual release of the request for proposals by the federal government and the time it takes the federal government to review and select a vendor,” Eppler said in an email to the Lakewood News. In a presentation to the city council at its Jan. 8 meeting, ICA proposed the local eco­ nomic impact could be as many as 363 direct and indirect full-time jobs. The total projected economic impact of the facility could be as much as $34.5 million for local government and area businesses. The company also claimed ICA employees have earned as much as 128 percent more pay than average local wages. ICA, based in Richmond, Va., was founded in 2008 to provide detention and transporta­ tion services for the United States Department of Homeland Security. The company’s first and only facility to date opened in Farmville, Va., in 2010. ci i NOTICE TO CREDITORS Trust In the matter of Myrtle R. Cole. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Myrtle R. Cole, who lived at 1000 N. Patterson Rd., Wayland, Michigan 49348 died August 22, 2018 leaving a certain trust under the name of The Myrtle R. Cole Revocable Trust Agreement, dated October 9, 2001, wherein the decedent was the Settlor and Gary Cole was named as the Successor Trustee serving at the time of or as a result of the decedent’s death. Creditors of the decedent and of the trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or against the trust will be forever barred unless presented to Gary Cole the named Alternate Trustee at 1000 N. Patterson Rd., Wayland, Michigan 49348 within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 1/11/19 David H. Tripp 206 S. Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 269-945-9585 Gary Cole 1000 N. Patterson Rd. Wayland, Ml 49348 616-893-9068 111489 NOTICE Schneiderman & Sherman, P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE -Jason Markley and Karyn Markley, husband and wife, joint tenants, granted a mortgage to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”), solely as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated October 2, 2015, and recorded on November 3, 2015, in Document No. 2015-010728, and assigned by said mortgagee to AmeriHome Mortgage Company, LLC, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Ninety Thousand Forty-Three Dollars and .Thirty Cents ($190,043.30). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, At the East doors of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan, at 01:00 PM o’clock, on February 14, 2019 Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: Unit 5, Tikeluk Trail Condominium, according to the Master Deed recorded in Instrument No. 1048957, Barry County Records, and designated as Barry County Condominium Subdivision Plat No. 18, together with rights in the general common elements and limited common elements, as set forth in the above described master deed and amendments thereto and as disclosed by act 59 of the public acts of 1978, as amended. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 600.3241, in which case the redemption period shall be 1 month, or under MCL 600.3241a 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 600.3241 a(b) notice, whichever is later, or extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of Act 236 of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. AmeriHome Mortgage Company, LLC Mortgagee/ Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman, P.C. 23938 Research Drive, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1373614 (01-17)(02-07) 111662 NOTICE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. MORTGAGE SALE--Default has been made in the conditions of a Mortgage made by CHRISTOPHER B. WALKER AND SHANNON J. WALKER, husband and wife, Mortgagors, to FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF AMERICA, Mortgagee, dated Novembers, 2004, and recorded November 17, 2004, in Instrument Number 1137316, of Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due as of the date of this notice $72,386.49, including interest at 9.95% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage, and pursuant to the statutes of the State of Michigan, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction to the highest bidder, on Thursday, February 14, 2019, at 1 o’clock in the afternoon, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan. Said premises are situated in Irving Township, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Beginning at the NW corner of the SE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 9, T4N, R9W; thence 26 2/3 rods East; thence South 12 rods; thence West 23 2/3 rods; thence North approximately 12 rods to the place of beginning. Together with rights of ingress and egress over the currently established road, except that part deeded to the State of Michigan in Liber 246 on Page 589; c/k/a 6153 Cain Creek, Freeport, Ml 49325 The redemption period shall be six months from the date of the sale, unless the premises are determined to be abandoned pursuant to MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be one month, or until the time to provide the notice required by MCL 600.3241 a(c) expires, whichever is later. Please be advised that if the mortgaged property is sold at a foreclosure sale by advertisement, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale, or to the mortgage holder, for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: January 17, 2019 LeVasseur Dyer & Associates, PC Attorneys for Mortgagee P.O. Box 721400 Berkley, Ml 48072 (248) 236-1765 (01-17)(02-07) 111665 SYNOPSIS Hastings Charter Township Regular Meeting January 8, 2019 Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. Seven board members present, Approved all consent agenda items Approved payment of bills Dept, reports received and put on file Motion to adjourn 7:56 pm Respectfully submitted, Anita S. Mennell - Clerk Attested to by Jim Brown - Supervisor ni58i STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FILE NO. 18028090-GM In the matter of the Ezekiel Carney, a Minor. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS including: Charles M. McGIothan whose address(es) is/are unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on Wednesday 02/06/2019 at 2:00 p.m. at 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge William Michael Doherty P41960 for the following purpose: Petition for Appointment of Guardian of Minor. Date: 01/03/2019 Valerie Kutz-Otway P73814 9790 Gratiot Road, Suite 5 Saginaw, Michigan 48609 989-401-7800 Sharon Carney 311 N. Main Street Nashville, Michigan 49073 269-788-8095 " 111582 NOTICE Schneiderman & Sherman, P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE -Doreen E. Boulter, Single Woman, granted a mortgage to Exchange Financial Corporation, Mortgagee, dated August 17, 2000, and recorded on August 22, 2000, in Document No. 1048474, and assigned by said mortgagee to Michigan State Housing Development Authority, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Forty-Nine Thousand Three Hundred Sixty-Six Dollars and Forty-Two Cents ($49,366.42). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, At the East doors of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan, at 01:00 PM o’clock, on February 14, 2019 Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: The South 1/2 of Lot 12 of Block 4 of R.J. Grant’s Second Addition to the City, formerly Village, of Hastings, according to the recorded plat thereof. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 125.1449K, in which case the redemption period shall be 3 months, or under MCL 125.1449v, 30 days from the date of such sale. Michigan State Housing Development Authority Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman, P.C. 23938 Research Drive, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1373615 (01-17)(02-07) 111664 STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL DISTRICT 5TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY PROBATE ORDER FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION/POSTING AND NOTICE OF ACTION CASE NO. 2018-983-CH Court address 220 West State Street, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court telephone no. 269-945-1285 PLAINTIFF Colin Cruttenden and Lou Ann Cruttenden 38 Island Court Hastings, Ml 49058 v. DEFENDANT Ethel O. Stephenson and William J. Stephenson Jr. 114 Tyner Drive Warsaw, IN 46580 To: Ethel O. Stephenson IT IS ORDERED: You are being sued in this court by the plaintiff to Quiet Title to Parcel #08-04-065-000-027-02. You must file your answer or take other action permitted by law in this court at the court address above on or before 1/28/2019. If you fail to do so, a default judgment may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint filed in this case. A copy of this order shall be published once each week in the Hastings Banner for three consecutive weeks, and proof of publication shall be filed in this court. A copy of this order shall be sent to Ethel O. Stephenson at the last-known address by registered mail, return receipt requested, before the date of the last publication, and the affidavit of mailing shall be filed in this court. Date: 1/2/19 Judge Amy McDowell 110951 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 18-28074-DE Estate of Ronald Norland. Date of birth: 7-16-35. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Ronald Norland, died 10-7-18. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Nancy L. Benn, personal representative or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 1-14-19 Christopher T. Antkoviak P59448 416 Hubbard Street Allegan, Ml 49010 26-673-8468 Nancy L. Benn 135 Vinita Lane Loudon, TN 37774 865-207-4474 111505 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on February 7, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Ronald A. Brown and Patricia H. Brown, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender Quicken Loans, Inc., its successors and or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee for J.P. Morgan Mortgage Trust 2007-S1 Date of Mortgage: January 5, 2007 Date of Mortgage Recording: January 31,2007 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $340,711.83 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Woodland, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 39 and 40 of McLenithan Subdivision No. 2, Woodland Township, Barry County, Michigan, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Block 5 of Plats, on Page 23, except commencing at the Southwest corner of Lot No. 39 of McLenithan Subdivision No. 2, Jordan lake, thence East 15 feet, thence North to the Northwest corner of said Lot 39, thence South along the West line of Lot 39 to the point of beginning. The redemption period shall be 1 year from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: January 3, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1372265 (01-03) (01-24) 110636 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on February 14, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): William G. Lamkin, an unmarried man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Quicken Loans Inc. its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Quicken Loans Inc. Date of Mortgage: December 29, 2016 Date of Mortgage Recording: January 9, 2017 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $71,044.48 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: The Westerly 66 feet of the Easterly 198 feet of Lot 6 of Assessor’s Plat Number 4 of the Village of Middleville, according to the recorded Plat thereof, being recorded in Liber 3 of Plats, on page 10, Barry County, Michigan The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: January 17, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1372986 (01-17)(02-07) 111296 �Page 12 — Thursday, January 17, 2019 — The Hastings Banner TK wrestlers shut out Wyoming for third Gold win The Thomapple Kellogg varsity wrestling team improved to 3-0 in the OK Gold confer­ ence with a 67-0 win over Wyoming at the Holland Quad Wednesday evening. The Trojans were 2-0 on the day, also scor­ ing a 41-31 victory over Hamilton. Matthew Middleton, Dylan Schleh, Logan Moore, Jake DeJong, Trenton Dutcher, Ashton Corson, Camren Zoet and Nathan Kinne all had pins for the Trojans in the win over the Wyoming Wolves. Adam Bush scored a win as Antonio Salazar ran out of injury time at 189 pounds, and TK got a forfeit win from Shelby England at 140. The Trojans also got victories in the two bouts that went six minutes. Christian Wright scored a 13-2 major decision over the Wolves’ Vincent James in the 152-pound match. Jackson LaJoye beat Frankcarlo Silva 1-0 in the 125-pound match. Hamilton held a 31-30 lead with two bouts to go in their non-conference dual with the Trojans, but Kinne and Middleton finished off the win for TK. Kinne pinned the Hawkeyes’ Owen Cole 1 minute and 4 seconds into their 130-pound match to put TK in front. Middleton finished off the win with a 16-1 technical fall. A quick take down in the third period finished off his 135-pound match with Jacob Kaylor. TK got pins from Bush at 189 and Trenton Dutcher at 285. Hunter Pitsch and Zoet both scored forfeit wins for the Trojans. The Trojan team also had DeJong score a 5-4 win over Isaac Sterenberg in the 215pound match and Corson scoring a 6-2 win over Noah Olsen at 112 pounds. The TK team returned to action Saturday, winning Ravenna’s Lloyd Cogswell Memorial Invitational by 47 points over runner-up Marshall. TK finished the day with 190 points ahead of Marshall’s total of 143. Maple Valley gets some points in paint in loss to Perry Perry jumped out to a double digit lead over the Maple Valley varsity boys’ basketball team at Perry High School Friday and went on to a 76-54 Greater Lansing Athletic Conference victory. “After a rough first quarter, we played pret­ ty good,” Maple Valley head coach Trent Harvey said. “We got the ball down low to our big. They both had good nights.” Hugheston Heckathom led the Lions with 20 points and eight rebounds. Carson Hasselback added 18 points and ten rebounds. Caleb Leykauf led the Ramblers with 24 points and Barret Hallock added 13 points. The Ramblers improved their record to 4-0 in the GLAC with the victory. The Lions are 1-3 in the GLAC heading into Friday night’s bailgame with visiting Leslie. The Lions will also be in action Saturday, heading to Little Caesars Arena in Detroit to take on Bellevue. East Grand Rapids finds overtime answer against LCTK Carter Osborn scored in the third period to even the Lowell/Caledonia/Thornapple Kellogg varsity hockey team’s OK Conference Tier II match with East Grand Rapids at Patterson Ice Center Saturday, but the Pioneers managed an answer in overtime. The Pioneers kept LCTK winless in the conference with a 2-1 victory. Edward Albert and Jacob Adams scored for East Grand Rapids. LCTK is scheduled to host Chelsea at Kentwood Ice Arena Friday. Corson at 103 pounds, Wright at 171, Bush at 189 and DeJong at 215 all won flight cham­ pionships, and teammates Dutcher at 285 and Kinne at 130 scored runner-up finishes at the 20- team tournament. Corson scored a 15-0 technical fall in his championship match against Ravenna’ Nicholas Scofield after a tough 2-0 decision over whitehall’s Dylan Osborn in the semi’s. Wright pinned three foes before scoring a 21- 4 technical fall against Montague’s Brendan Kahl in their 171-pound champion­ ship match. The 189-pound championship saw Bush score a 20-7 major decision against South* Haven’s Jackson Calvert. DeJong scored ai£ 11-1 major decision over Decatur’s Josue; Pena in their 215-pound final. Orchard View was third at the tournament with 125 points, ahead of Mason County Central 121, Whitehall 120.5, Ravenna 117; South Haven 104, Allendale 97, Decatur 96.5 and Coopersville 96 in the top ten. DK girls stretch win streak to six The winning streak for the Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ basketball team extended to six games Friday as they scored a 65-34 Southwestern Athletic Conference victory at Lawton High School. The Panthers are now 7-1 overall and 4-1 in the SAC Valley. Holly McManus poured in 20 points and pulled down seven rebounds to lead the Delton Kellogg girls. Lexi Parsons had 14 points and a teams-high nine rebounds.. Abbie Bever contributed eight points and Erin Kapteyn seven. DK also got six rebounds' each from Abbigail Perry and Kathryn Tobias. The Panthers’ bailgame with Martin was postponed Tuesday. They will be back in action at Galesburg-Augusta Friday. The Saxons’ Layla Lamance looks to get a shot up during her team’s 1-8 contest with visiting Jackson Northwest Friday night. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Grand Rapids Christian girls just get by TK ladies Saxon girls HHS girls downed by qualify for Mounties in 1-8 contest quarterfinals at Battle of Bakers The Jackson Northwest varsity girls’ bas­ ketball team improved to 5-2 overall on the season with an Interstate-8 Athletic Conference win at Hastings High School Friday. The Mounties bested the host Saxons 46-13, with Sydney Shafer leading her team with 18 points. Shafer knocked down three three-pointers in the ballgame. Grace Nickels had five points for the Saxons, and Alexis Chaffee and Megan Deal scored four points apiece. The Saxons’ ballgame with Pennfield that was planned for Tuesday was postponed to last night. Hastings will return to action with a tough bailgame at Marshall Friday. Grand Rapids Christian won a back-andforth bailgame with the visiting Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ basketball team Friday. The Eagles topped the Trojans 59-51, pow­ ered in a part by a 10-3 run late in the first half that allowed them to go into the intermission with a 32-25 lead. TK led 14-12 after one quarter despite the Eagles’ Evie Doezema putting in nine points. She finished with 11 points, ten rebounds and three blocks. Rory Pruis led Christian in scor­ ing with 14 points. Micaelea Jones chipped in 13. The Trojans’ bailgame with Forest Hills Eastern Tuesday was postponed to last night. TK will be back in action at home Friday against South Christian. The loss to the Eagles dropped the TK ladies to 3-5 overall this season and 1-2 in the OK Gold Conference. Bengals best DK/TK/Hastings boys in league dual Ottawa Hills bested the Delton Kellogg/ Thomapple Kellogg/Hastings varsity boys’ swimming and diving team 107-73 in Grand Rapids Tuesday (Jan. 8). Alex Fabiano won a pair of individual races for DK/TK/Hastings, taking the 100-yard freestyle in 51.97 seconds and the 100-yard backstroke in 57.28 seconds. Fabiano also teamed with Enno Visser, Samuel Randall and Jon Arnold to win the opening event of the day, the 200-yard medley relay, in 1 minute 56.45 seconds. It was a 1-2 finish for the DK/sTK/Hastings boys in the butterfly, with Randall winning in 1:09.10 and Braxton McKenna second in 1:24.09. Andrew Tuokkola had a couple runner-up finishes for DK/TK/Hastings, finishing the 200-yard freestyle in 2:04.40 and the 500yard freestyle in 5:44.23. Dawson Eriksen took the two distance races for the host Bengals, winning the 200 freestyle in 1:56.89 and the 500 freestyle in 5:20.49. DK-TK-Hastings head coach Tyler Bultema was also pretty pleased to see another distance swimmer have a good night, Erik Zimmerman, who cut about 20 seconds from his previous best time in the 500 freestyle to finish in fifth. Lakewood wins handily in first two GLAC duals Hastings senior guard Grace Nickels flies past Jackson Northwest guard Morgan Hanchett on her way to the basket Friday night. (Photo by Perry Hardin) The Lakewood varsity wrestling team opened up its run at another Greater Lansing Activities Conference championship with two wins Wednesday at Maple Valley High School. The Vikings are 2-0 in the conference after scoring a 64-12 win over Leslie and a 65-10 victory over the Maple Valley Lions. Olivet was also a part of the evening’s quad, scoring wins over both Maple Valley and Leslie. “The kids this week came and and worked hard,” Lakewood head coach Tony Harmer said. “They were hungry and it showed.” Jonathan Clack, Garrett Stank and Dartagnan Russell had pins for the Vikings in the victory over the Maple Valley boys. That was Russell’s first win of the year. Lakewood’s Vem Fields opened that dual with an 8-1 win over the Lions’ Anthony Raymond. The Vikings also had Zachary Gibson score a good 7-0 win over Maple Valley’s Matthew Slaght in the 103-pound match and Kannon Atwell take a 17-1 techni­ cal fall against the Lions Aaron Breton at 112 pounds. The Vikings got 36 points against the Lions thanks to six voids in their line-up. Lakewood had one hole of its own, at 125 pounds. Stank started off the night right with a pin against Leslie for the Lions, and Childs and Fields had wins as well as Brody Jackson, his first varsity victory. The Vikings got a couple of impressive wins in the dual with Leslie. Allen Shellington scored a pin at 189 pounds against a strong Leslie wrestler. Shellington trailed in the sec­ ond period and was taken down, but eventual­ ly battled onto his feet and caught his foe in a headlock and put him down for the pin. Jordan Mcillwain had a returning GLAC champion in his bout with Leslie and threw him onto his back half a minute into the match. His foe got to his feet, but Mcillwain domianted the rest of the way to score the win. One of the few Lion defeats against Maple Valley came against last year’s 112-pound state runner-up in Division 4, Jesse Brumm. “Jordan (Mcillwain) wanted to wrestle him,” Harmer said. “After his last match against Leslie he was on top of the world. He was humbled by Jesse. Jesse is a quick wres­ tler on his feet and Jordan had a hard time keeping up. Jordan fought the entire time, and had everyone of his teammates in his comer for support. The team unity was amazing. “Jordan lost 9-1.1 absolutely love the fact that he is putting himself out there and fears no one. He is coming into the the middle of the season full stride.” The Hastings varsity bowling teams got in a rare Sunday performance at M-66 in the Battle of the Baker’s Match in Battle Creek. The Saxon girls qualified for bracket play with their seventh-place finish in qualifying, falling to Interstate-8 Athletic Conference foe Coldwater in the quarterfinals of the tourna­ ment. “The bowlers had a great time bowling in the Baker games today where they fought hard working as a team,” Hastings head coach Deanna Rhodes said. The Saxon girls had a high game of 257 at the tournament, and put together a total 12-game series score of 1557. Skylar Dixon, Emma Vann, Daisy Kerby, Caitlin Rose and Ashland Hoyt rolled for the Saxons. Coach Rhodes said the team would still be happy to welcome any Hastings High School girls who would like to join. Interested bowlers can inquire in the athletic office. The Hastings boys’ team Sunday was 14th with an overall score of 1555 in qualifying. The Saxon group included Kyler Madden, Cameron Eaton, Austin Fenstemaker, Trevor Madden, Wesley McClelland, Gage Richmond and John Hinkle. The varsity teams will be going to Airport Lanes in Jackson to bowl against Lumen. Christi Jan. 24. The Hastings teams were both downed in? duals at Hudsonville last Wednesday. The Eagle girls scored a 27-3 win and the Eagle boys bested the Saxons 29-1. Dixon had high games of 115 and 118 for the Saxon girls. Kerby finished with a strong 166 and Hoyt rolled a 212 in her last game. The Hastings boys got a 161 and 169 from Jacob O’Keefe, a 165 from Kyler Madden and games of 150 and 125 from Eaton in their match. Fenstemaker also rolled a 160 in a match against the Hudsonville ‘B’ team on the afternoon. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 17, 2019 — Page 13 Martin/Climax-Scotts team downs DK on eighth criteria Delton Kellogg’s Nick Lawson nears a pin of Martin/Climax-Scotts’ Luke Mobley during their 171-pound bout Wednesday evening at DKHS. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Officials had to sort down to the eighth criteria before awarding the tie-breaking vic­ tory to the Martin/Climax-Scotts varsity wres­ tling team at Delton Kellogg High School Wednesday. The Martins/Climax-Scotts (MCS) team tallied the win after the two teams both totaled 33 points through 14 bouts in their Southwestern Athletic Conference dual. MCS heavyweight Michael Minne pulled his team within 33-27 by scoring a take down in the opening round of overtime against Delton Kellogg’s Caden Ferris for a 3-1 victo­ ry. A forfeit win for MCS at 13 pounds evened the team scores for the evening. Delton Kellogg had to forfeit three bouts in the dual, and the two teams each had voids in the line-up at 119 pounds and 125 pounds as well. DK had a 12-0 lead in the match after pins by Tyler Antolovich at 112 pounds and Ethan Reed at 130 to start the evening. Dk also got a pin from Nick Lawson at 171 pounds and a 5-1 decision by Mads Clausen at 145 pounds in the match. Kendal Pluchinsky at 140 pounds and Max Swift at 215 pounds scored forfeit wins for DK. MCS got a pin from Cooper Simmons at 189 pounds and from Carson Young at 135. Swift saw more action Saturday at Grand _ M sk# & as .WW1 Rapids West Catholic’s Dunneback Memorial Invitational. He scored his 100th varsity vic­ tory on his way to a runner-up finish at 215 pounds. DK took five wrestlers to the tournament. Reed won the 125-pound weight class. Ferris placed third at 215, falling 10-5 to Swift in the semifinals before bouncing back to pin Hudsonville’s Duane White in the consolation final. Lawson was fourth at 171 pounds and Antolovich placed sixth at 112. Swift opened his day by pinning Delton Kellogg’s Hunter Belew stares down Martin/Climax-Scotts Cooper Simmons during their SAC dual at Delton Kellogg High School Wednesday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) NorthPointe Christian’s Tim Grotenhuis and then stuck Newaygo’s David Yoder in the quarterfinals. Reed bested Byron Center’s Hayden Barker 140 in the 125-pound championship match, after pinning Loy Norrix’s Chase Thomas and scoring a 10-0 win over Ottawa Hills’ Jason Wells to start the tournament. DK was slated to visit Martin for a SAC Quad last night and will be back in action at Hopkins Saturday. Delton Kellogg boys get first SAC Valley victory The Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ basket­ ball team made it back-to-back wins by best­ ing the Blue Devils at Lawton High School Friday, 64-58. Carter Howland had 14 points and four assists led lead the Panthers’ attack. Jordan Rench added 13 points and Cole Pape chipped in ten points. Cameron Curcuro seven points and four vt ' \ . ? • , rebounds. Alan Whitmore scored eight points and had a team-high eight rebounds. It is the first Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division victory for the DK boys, who are now 1-4 in the league and 4-5 overall. The Panthers’ Tuesday night bailgame with Martin was postponed. They will be back in action Friday at Galesburg-Augusta. K:;- '-"I Etarry County Christian boys down Aviators in OT The Barry County Christian School’s varsity boys’ basketball team evened its 2018-19 record at 5-5 by pulling out a 58-57 overtime victory over West Michigan Aviation Thursday Delton Kellogg's Max Swift celebrates his 100^ varsity wrestling win during West Catholic’s David D. Dunneback Memorial Tournament in Grand Rapids Saturday. (Photo by Christy Haas) in Hastings. The Aviators bested the Eagles by two points when the two teams met in Grand Rapids last month. Jakob O’Dell led the Eagles with 20 points in the win, scoring seven points in the fourth quarter as the Eagles dug out of a seven-point hole. The Aviators led 40-33 entering the filial eight minutes. The Eagles also got some hot shooting from outside in that fourth quarter rally, with Darius Jerue knocking down a pair of three-pointers and Kaiden Shumway hitting one. Jerue hit four threes in the second half and finished with 14 points. He had only knocked down nine threes in the first nine ballgames of the season. Trevor Haler added nine points for the hosts in the win. The two teams went into overtime tied at 52-52. Gabe Wade led the Aviators with 17 points. Zakaria Mohammed had 13 points and Ahmed Said ten. Harper Creek scores 1-8 win over Saxons grapplers Harper Creek doubled up the Saxon varsity wrestling team in Interstate-8 Athletic Conference action Wednesday, scoring a 48-24 win over visiting Hastings. Hastings got pins from Jackson Dubois at 215 pounds and Devin Dilno at 285 early in the first period of their heavyweight matches. Gabe Trick also scored a pin of Harper Creek’s Jordan Stasa in their 135-pound match. Jonathan Giro’n pulled out a 13-11 deci­ sion over Harper Creek’s Marvin Crespon in their 112-pound bout, and Hastings also got an 8-4 decision from Kenneth Smith over Easton Kolassa at 160 pounds. The Saxons were back in action at the Lake Fenton Team Invite Saturday, winning three of five duals. The Saxons bested Brandon 63-18, Lake Fenton 52-25 and Okemos 46-30. Anchor Bay downed Hastings 49-28 and Redford Union downed the Saxons 41-35. Dilno, Dubois and Tyler Dull had four wins each for the Saxons on the day, and Giro’n, Shane Dillon, Gabe Trick, Jacob Pennington and Andrew Miller had three wins each. The Saxons were scheduled to go to the Jackson Northwest Quad for more Interstate-8 Athletic Conference duals last night and will be back in action Saturday at the Carson City­ Crystal Duals. Eagles edge Maple Valley boys in GLAC dual Even forfeiting six-weight classes, the Maple Valley varsity wrestling team managed to push the Olivet Eagles open ‘til the very final bout of their opening Greater Lansing Activities Conference dual Wednesday. The Eagles pulled out a 48-36 Win over the host Lions at the GLAC Quad. The defending league champions from Lakewood tested the lien 65-10 to close out the day. Anthony Raymond, Nick Martin and Konnor Visger managed pins for the Lions and the dual with Olivet. Maple Valley got its other 18 points thanks to forfeit wins by its lightweights, Matthew Slaght, Aaron Breton and Jesse Brumm. The Lions had a 36-24 lead with four weight classes to go, but had voids in the lime-up at the first three of those beginning at 125 pounds. The Eagles held a 42-36 advan­ tage going into the final bout where 135-pounder Zach Redfield was able to pin the Lions’ Josiah Hawkins to secure his team the win. In the dual with the Lakewood Vikings, the Lions got their ten points thanks to a 9-1 win by Brumm over Jordan Mcillwain in the 119pound match and a forfeit win by Visger at 125. The Lions were slated to head to Leslie for more GLAC action last night. Maple Valley heads to Quincy’s Shawn Cockrell Memorial tournament Saturday. Ramblers extend lead over Lion ladies in second half h . * Barry County Christian School’s Jakob Odell rises towards the rim during his team’s tjallgame against visiting West Michigan Aviation Thursday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Barry County Christian’s Mason Garrison runs into West Michigan Aviation Academy’s Sam Spencer as he drives baseline during their ballgame Thursday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) The Maple Valley varsity girls’ basketball team fell to 1-5 overall this season with a 57-28 loss at Perry Friday evening. The Lions held an 8-7 lead after one quar­ ter, but the Ramblers rallied to lead 25-15 by the half. Alyssa Welsh led the Ramblers with 19 points as they pulled away in the second half and teammate Grade Ohlmer added 15 points. Lion head coach Landon Wilkes said he was pleased with his girls’ effort Friday, but that they need to continue doing the little things better, like boxing out and making bet­ ter passes. They are still striving to attack the basket more often as well. “We will continue to work hard and improve,” Wilkes added. “These young ladies are hard workers and want to improve.” The Lions had their contest with Lansing Christian postponed Tuesday. They will be back in action at home Friday against Leslie. �Page 14 — Thursday, January 17, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Saxons straighten out some things to win invite The Saxons get their flyers high off the mat during their round three performance Saturday at Gull Lake High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Hastings varsity competitive cheer team has some serious competition as it tries to win its third straight Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Championship. Host Pennfield won the opening 1-8 jambo­ ree of the season Wednesday, finishing more than 35 points ahead of the runner-up Saxons at the meet. That came just a few days after the Saxons were edged by the green and gold Panthers at the Maple Valley New Year Invitational. “It went well,” Hastings head coach Linsey Jacinto said of that first league jamboree. “Pennfield is looking strong this year and doing a great job. We’re excited to be able to compete and have a good healthy competition in there. “I think it shed some light on where we really are and what we need to do to get to where we want to be.” The Saxons were closer to where they want to be on Saturday as they won the Division 2 championship at the Gull Lake Blue Devil Invitational. Only Portage Northern, the Division 1 champion, had a higher score than the Saxons at the 20-team event. The Saxons scored a 205 .90 in round one and a 195.30 in round one, and were a few points behind Gull Lake and Thornapple Kellogg in the Division 2 standings before scoring a 279.90 in round three to pull in front. “The stunts that went well today, we have been working on their timing and they really hit them confidently today ” Jacinto said. “Those are things that we have been drilling. The one group that had to make the change (in round three because of an injury) went in and really did what they needed to do and stayed as clean as possible. “Round two made a huge difference today. They really came out and hit round two. It was beautiful and strong and that helped us a lot.” Hastings finished the day with an overall score of 677.10, ahead of Byron Center 665.16, Thomapple Kellogg 664.68, Gull Lake 650.56, Harper Creek 564.00 and St. Joseph 491.90 in the D2 competition. “They really stayed in a much better mental The Thornapple Kellogg girls finish off their round two routine Saturday during the Blue Devil Invitational at Gull Lake High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Katie Shook shouts out to get round two started for the Hastings varsity competitive cheer team Saturday at the Gull Lake Blue Devil Invitational. (Photo by Brett Bremer) place today. They really were strong and took one round at a time and just nailed it. It was a good day,” Jacinto said. "We have been really focusing this week on our mental game which plays such a huge part in what we do - in staying strong and staying as a team. They really came and performed today and that is exactly what we needed to do. I think we’re turning a corner here.” The TK ladies had their highest scoring rounds one and two of the season, scoring a 204.8 to start the day and a 193.58 in round two. TK finished off its performance with a round three score of 266.3. Portage Northern was the day’s overall champion with a score of 710.56, scoring a 225.50 in round one, a 197.26 in round two and a 287.80 in round three. Those were the top scores in each round. Parchment took the The Hastings varsity competitive cheer team gathers with its trophy and medals after winning the Division 2 competition at Saturday’s Blue Devil Invitational at Gull Lake High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) : ** Division 3 championship with a score of 627.00 and Lawton won the D4 title with a score of 662.92. The round two and three scores Saturday were a big step up for the Saxons from where they were Wednesday at Pennfield. Hastings scored a 212.20 in the opening round of the league jamboree, then a 185.72 in round two and a 266.30 in round three. Pennfield stretched a four and a half point lead over the Saxons by scoring a 289.50 in round three Wednesday. The Panthers won the league jamboree with an overall score of 691.84, followed by Hastings 656.22, Lumen Christi 641.74, Northwest 587.28, Parma Western 562.24, Harper Creek 545.00 and Coldwater 492.70p Hastings scored a 212.20 in round one anfl a 185.72 in round two. Pennfield started tfie meet with a score of 213.50 in round one and added a 188.84 in round two. C The 1-8 gets together again at Harper Creek Jan. 23. 5$ Saxons struggle to hit shots in loss to Mounties Jackson Northwest scored a 52-39 victory over the Hastings varsity boys’ basketball team in Interstate-8 Athletic Conference action in Hastings Friday. The Saxons struggled to put the ball in the basket, going just 4-of-24 from behind the three-point line and shooting less than 30 per­ cent from the floor overall. “Early foul trouble and poor shooting caused us to have a very slow start. Even though we were having an off night, we still only trailed 23-17 at half,” Hastings head coach Rich Long said. Gibson Wait scored 10 of his 14 points in the third for Northwest to extend his team’s lead to 40-27 going into the fourth quarter. Hastings made a little run to get it within six points way through the fourth, but could never get over the hump. Cameron Ertner had his third double-dou­ ble of the season with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Elijah Smith also had 11 points. Ed Koehn Ford The Saxons’ bailgame with Pennfield was postponed from Tuesday to Wednesday this week. The Saxons return to action Friday at Marshall and Monday at Comstock. 1159 W. Superior Street, Wayland, Ml 49348 of Wayland 269-792-2205 OIL & FILTER CHANGE Up to 5 quarts of Oil $2495 Ed Koehn Ford of Wayland Add TIRE ROTATION For additional s12“" EVERY DAY LOW PRICE Taxes and diesel vehicles extra. Additional quarts extra. See Sendee Advisor for details. Offer valid with coupon. Expires 2-9-19. Code: 52237 MR MM MM MM MM MM MM MM MM MM MS MM I We service all makes and models. www.edkoehnfordofwayland.com 1159 W. Superior Street, Wayland • US-131 at exit 64 269-792-2205 • 1-800-WAY-FORD Saxon center Cameron Ertner rises above Northwest’s Anthony Cole in the paint to get a shot up during the second half Friday night at Hastings High School. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Saxon guard Rian Allen looks to get by a Northwest defender along the baseline during the second half of their 1-8 match-up at Hastings High School Friday night. (Photo by Perry Hardin) � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-01-24.pdf eca70903edb63d238a6beac7a6f57675 PDF Text Text Shutdown not yet affecting local programs County making its own kind of music’ See Story on Page 5 See Editorial on Page 4 DK plays for share of SAC Valley lead See Story on Page 16 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 804879110187 1070490102590506766249058113421 ^™******* Richard Hemerling OT*‘C005 C005 ' 421 N Taffee Dr Hastings Ml 49058-1134 3/30/2019 2:36.00 PM Thursday, January 24, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 4 NEWS BRIEFS ANNER PRICE 750 Arctic blast impacts more than temperature Home Show returns to Expo Center The 19th annual Barry Home Show will offer local and regional vendors as well as its popular 15-item buffet at the Barry Expo Center 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 25, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 26, Admission is $5 for adults. Children 14 and younger are admitted for free. The Schondelmayer Bar-B-Q buffet is includ­ ed with admittance. The approximately 70 vendor booths will feature product and service informa­ tion on roofing, siding, landscaping and renovation; handcrafted items, such as lawn ornaments, home decor and jewelry. The show is suited to homeowners, pro­ spective buyers and renters. The Barry Expo Center is atl350 N. M-37 Highway, Hastings. Calley in Lake Odessa, Hastings Monday Anyone wishing to speak to Rep. Julie Calley may contact her office, or meet with her when she visits Hastings and Lake Odessa Monday, Jan. 28 Calley (R-Portland) will give a legisla­ tive update to attendees. If residents have individual concerns, she will take one-onone meetings. . She will meet with constituents from 11 a.m. to noon at the Village of Lake Odessa Page Memorial Building, 839 4th Ave. That same day, from 1 to 2 p.m., she will be at Hastings City Hall council chambers, 201 E. State St. No appointment is necessary. Residents unable to attend scheduled office hours may send their questions and ideas to Rep. Calley via email at JulieCalley@house. mi.gov or call 517-373-0842. Rep. Calley last week was appointed by Speaker Lee Chatfield to serve as chair of the House Elections and Ethics Committee. She previously served as vice chair of the committee, which is responsible for con­ sidering legislation pertaining to elections and campaign finance laws. Additionally, Calley will serve on the natural resources and outdoor recreation, health policy, and local government and municipal finance committees. New signs display the new name - Highpoint Community Bank - for the former Hastings City Bank. According to Barry County Road Commission, salt has little effect when tempera­ tures drop to 20 degrees and below.(Photo submitted) Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Hastings firefighters were like human “ici­ cles” Sunday night after extinguishing a house fire, Chief Roger Caris said. The fire was caused by the resident attempt­ ing to unfreeze a water line by using a space heater. Frigid temperatures create many hazards for firefighters and those hazards can impede mobility and cover vital equipment with ice - including the crew. “The safety gear gets frozen to the point that, eventually, you can barely move. It’s hard on the staff and volunteers,” Caris said. Another freezing hazard for firefighters is getting water to the site of a fire. Near the city, it’s often a quick trip to a fire hydrant to refill the tanker. But in rural areas where there are no hydrants, a chainsaw is used to cut through ice on a nearby river or lake. Then firefighters risk falling in the water if the ice gives way. Equipment also is affected by 20 degree to subzero temperatures. Water gets into the crevices of moving parts and freezes. The ice expands and can cause expensive damage. “There was a year when we had a pump freeze up and break. It cost $20,000 just to fix it,” he said. Caris warned that some of these dangers are created by people. Three recent house fires were caused by misuse of space heaters and alternative heating sources to unfreeze frozen Water lines. Kerosine and propane space heaters used for additional warmth in small areas in a house are fire hazards and may produce lethal concentrations of carbon monoxide. “I don’t care what anyone tells you; those heaters produce carbon monoxide,” Caris said. If using a space heater is an absolute necessity, he recommends a constant input of fresh air and making sure carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms are installed and operational. Local fire departments and the Barry County United Way provide free detectors, and the fire department will visit homes and install them for free. The professional fire­ fighters will install the detectors in the safest and most efficient locations in the home. See TEMPERATURE, page 10 Longtime local bank name change is strictly strategic Rebecca Pierce Editor When the bank formerly called Hastings City Bank changed its name to Highpoint Community Bank Monday, employees got a lot of questions from the community. The answer to those questions is that only the name has changed, not the people, President and CEO Mark A. Kolanowski said Tuesday. Why change the name? “That is the question of the day, for sure,” Kolanowski said. “It’s a strategic decision for us. ...primarily to better position the bank to allow us to continue to grow as a locally- See BANK, page 3 Petto seeks new murder trial after pleading guilty Taylor Owens Staff Writer Theresa Petto, formerly of Hastings, will appear in a Kalamazoo County Circuit Court today in a hearing for a chance at a new trial for the 2015 murder of Rachel Drafta. Petto pleaded guilty with mental illness for the murder of Drafta, who was dating Petto’s former boyfriend. Petto was sentenced to life without parole. But Petto is attempting to withdraw her plea now, pointing to an exchange during the trial in which she claimed to have received false information regarding her plea. In the court transcript, Petto asked Judge Alexander Lipsey if there was a way to receive mental health treatment that did not include pleading guilty with mental illness. “In the process of these proceedings, no,” See NEW TRIAL, page 5 Accolades and affirmation Women’s Giving Circle to meet Feb. 6 The Women’s Giving Circle of Barry County will meet in Hastings Wednesday, Feb. 6. The philanthropic group meets quarter­ ly to discuss local nonprofit organizations and choose one organization to receive their combined personal contributions. Each Giving Circle member donates $50, or $30 if under age 30, and pays for her own dinner, as well. The Feb. 6 meeting will be at Leason Sharpe Hall, in the Barry Community Enrichment Center, 231 S. Broadway, Hastings.The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. With dinner. J The first speaker will be a representa­ tive from the Imagination Library of Barry County, a fund within the Barry Community Foundation and the recipient of the August meeting funds, which totaled $8,580. Members will learn how the funds will be used. The second speaker will be Jennifer Christiansen, director of Lighthouse on the Lake Center. RSVPs for this meeting must be received by Wednesday, Jan. 30, by email to NanGoodin@aol.com or by calling 616-891-0325. Information will be emailed to interested women, who may join the Women’s Giving Circle at any time. More information about the Women’s See NEWS BRIEFS, page 2 Athena Leadership Award Winner (left) Julie Nakfoor Pratt, Barry County Prosecuting Attorney, with Hastings Rotary Club member Jan Hartough after the Chamber of Commerce Awards Dinner and Awards Celebration. ROTH (Responsive, Opportunity, Teacher, Herald) award winner (left) Mark Kolanowski from Highpoint Community Bank, received the award for his leadership and strong sense of community. Former Michigan Lt. Gov. Brian Calley presented the award. See more on the Chamber Awards Dinner on page 12 �Page 2 — Thursday, January 24, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Staff, board recognized for dedication to community and schools ; Superintendent Carrie Duits introduces the newly hired director of the Hastings Performing Arts Center, Michael Sali, at the board of education meeting Monday. :(Photo by Joan Van Houten) Joan Van Houten Staff Writer > The Hastings Performing Arts Center has a "new director, Michael Sali. who was intro­ duced Monday at the board of education ^meeting. A native of Burnips, Mich., he ■moved to Hastings from California to accept the position. s Several shows, such as a production of ‘“Beauty and the Beast,” school band and jchoir concerts, and the Man Youngs Concert, have been scheduled, and many more are anticipated, Superintendent Carrie Duits said. » “We are so very excited about the commu­ nity’s response to the performing arts center,” jDuits said. ; The center will be opening soon, and the Jan. 26 Reminder will feature the new venue. ! Rachelle Wezensky, a fifth grade teacher at Northeastern Elementary, was honored for ’going above and beyond to help a student’s family in crisis. In a letter to Duits, Sheriff Dar Leaf praised how Wezensky supported the student’s aca­ demic success, but also supported the family in filling basic needs. “In five years, I’ve never had a letter like this, so, this is very special,” Duits said. “She [Wezensky] was even able to find a car to help the family with transportation. That is the degree to which she was willing to go to help this family.” Another teacher, William Renner, technolo­ gy instructor at Hastings Middle School, was recognized for his ingenuity. challenging stu­ dents to think and be creative. Nominated by the Hastings Area School System, Renner was one of seven in the state to be chosen for his innovative ideas. He received a check for $5,000 to invest in his program curriculum. “He goes the extra mile day in and day out,” Duits said. “It’s been a joy to honor him and thank him for his work. He’s been doing it for years and is finally getting the recogni­ tion for it.” Board members also were noted as part of the observance of School Board Appreciation Month. Each member received certificates of appreciation from the schools they partnered with this year. “With the number of hours you put in and your time commitment, it may sometimes feel thankless, but, let me tell you, we are so thankful,” high school Principal Teresa Heide said. State Rep. Julie Calley sent a letter of sup­ port that included a gift of an American flag that was flown at the state capital. In other matters, the board approved per­ sonnel changes and new appointments in the district. The list of appointments includes the names of appointees, position, length of appointment and pay. The positions are filled by employees of EDUStaff LLC, an educa­ tional staffing company providing substitute services for public school districts. The appointed staff are Michael Goggins, Dennis Redman and William Renner as mid­ dle school wrestling co-coaches; Anthony Knop, seventh grade girls’ basketball coach; Nancy McDonald, substitute paraprofession­ al, district-wide; Nicholas Simonton, weight room attendant; and Heather Tolsma, lunch Rachelle Wesensky (right), a fifthgrade teacher at Northeastern Elementary, is recognized for her dedication and commitment to helping a student’s family in crisis. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) parapro, Northeastern Elementary. The school board accepted donations to the district from four donors. Hastings Mutual Insurance Company donated $3,600 in sup­ port of the backpack meals program for the 2018-19 school year. Gun Lake Community Church, in partnership with the B2 Store, donated $1,379 to Central Elementary School. The purpose of the donation was to “spread hope” to students and staff. Al & Pete’s Sports Shop donated $800 to the Students in Need Fund. This fund benefits students who are not homeless but are still in need of clothing, eyeglasses and other items. The school district has a program in place to assist homeless students. The Hastings Education Enrichment Foundation’s Board of Directors donated $3,676 to help defray the cost of several pro­ grams, activities, trips and materials for stu­ dents in the district. The next regular monthly meeting of the board of education will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25, in the Comxnons Area of Hastings Middle School, 232 W:' Grand St., Hastings. Hastings Middle School technology instructor William Renner is honored for being chosen in a state competition to receive $5,000 to be used to continue his innovative methods of teaching his students. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) County board hits impasse over indigent defense counsel candidates Rebecca Pierce Editor A week ago, a voice vote to recommend contracts for indigent defense counsel ser­ vices had a lone dissenter on the Barry County board with one commissioner absent so the recommendation moved ahead. Tuesday, the number of dissenters was three - with one absence - so it stopped Kerri Selleck’s proposal in its tracks with a 3-3 vote. Selleck, the county’s new chief public defender, recommended approval of 2019 contracts for indigent defense counsel ser­ vices, totaling $325,000. The attorneys and the total amounts they would receive are: Jackie Baker Sturgis, $33,800; Carol Dwyer, $39,000; Shane Henry, $26,000; Kristen Hoel, $36,400; James Kinney, $39,000; Gordon Shane McNeill, $26,000; Ronald Pierce, $26,000; Kathryn Russell, $39,000; Steven Storrs, $26,000; and Kimberly Young, $33,800. In a voice vote to recommend approval last week, Commissioner Jon Smelker was the lone dissenter. He said later that he did not agree on all the individuals who were chosen. Tuesday, Smelker was joined by commis­ sioners Vivian Conner, who was absent last week due to illness, and Howard Gibson. Commissioners Ben Geiger, Dan Parker and Heather Wing voted to approve the contracts. Commissioner Dave Jackson was absent because of a death in the family. Commissioners who voted against the pro­ posal said they had misgivings about one Candidate. Gibson later said two constituents had complained to him that McNeill was unacceptable. McNeill, who had been the Barry County prosecuting attorney more than a decade ago, was never mentioned by name during the public meeting. “None of us here have ever been a defense attorney,” Geiger said to fellow commission­ ers. “None of us here have ever practiced law. Barry County Surveyor Brian Reynolds updates the county commissioners on the monumentation and remonumentation plan for Barry County. All of us here voted to approve and place our trust in Kerri Selleck. I believe we should support her and let her choose her team. “The question is: Do we trust her judg­ ment? And I do. That’s why I am going to vote ‘yes.’” Parker agreed with Geiger. “It’s especially important to trust someone who’s going to work with these people, who has more knowledge about it, that she should be allowed to pick her own team,” Parker said. NEWS BRIEFS continued from front page Giving Circle can be provided by any of the organizing members, Caroline Dimmers, Stephanie Fekkes, Sue Kolanowski, Debra McKeown, Kim Norris, Carla Wilson-Neil or Nancy Goodin. The Women’s Giving Circle of Barry County Michigan also has a Facebook page. Gibson replied, “I also trust her judgment, but I had two phone calls from residents in my district.” Conner said she didn’t view her dissension as a matter of questioning Selleck. She said her research on the proposed candidates brought back memories and she didn’t want the county “to go down that road again.” After the vote was defeated, Geiger called a point of order and made a motion to recon­ sider the action at the next board meeting. That motion was approved unanimously. “The board of commissioners does not meddle in choosing assistant prosecutors,” Geiger said after the meeting. “The board does not meddle in choosing deputy sheriffs. But, on this occasion, when there’s a tinge of politics, we decided to get involved. I think it’s unfortunate. We need to stand behind our chief public defender in this, her very first, decision.” Sharon Zebrowski of Carlton Township rebuked the commissioners for their action. “You put someone in charge of something,” Zebrowski said. “There was someone on the list that bothers you. She [Selleck] may have a very good reason for putting that person on.” Commissioners who questioned a candi­ date on this list should have spoken directly to Selleck, Zebrowski said. “She is in charge; she chose. You need to go to her, not to the public. This is the problem. ... Your job isn’t to do hers. Let them do their jobs. Back them up. That’s your job.” In other business, the commissioners heard a report from Brian Reynolds, the county sur­ veyor, on the monumentation and remonu­ mentation plan for the county. The ultimate goal of the program is the remonumentation of every comer in the state of Michigan, according to Reynolds’ presen­ tation. The plan is ttye result of legislation in 1990 to systematically re-mark section cor­ ners that were marked in thel920s-30s. Legislation requires the county to adopt a plan and it outlines how the county should implement the plan. The plan, adopted by commissioners in 1992, is out of date. A major revision in 2014 requires that each county update its plan. Reynolds, with assis­ tance from Rose Anger, is drafting a new county plan this year. They estimated that they’re probably 75 to 85 percent complete. In concept, the plan is a great idea, Reynolds said. But there are thousands of comers in the state of Michigan that don’t serve any purpose anymore, he said. “Isle Royale has roughly seven or eight townships where the corners serve no pur­ pose,” Reynolds said. “We’d be spending millions of dollars to remonument comers that don’t benefit anyone in Michigan.” In 2014, that was changed, and it was left to the county to determine which comers to remonument. “The biggest feature of the plan is we’re going to specify which comers we’re going to omit,” he said. “If it doesn’t have a public benefit, we shouldn’t spend public money on it. “We’re going to be selecting the corners to omit from the program. That will be the big­ gest change in the county plan,” he said. “Progress-wise, we’re getting very close to having some individual townships complet­ ed,” he said. “In the next two or three years, we hope to be able to report to you that Thomapple, Irving, Assyria and Maple Grove townships are completely done. And thereaf­ ter we hope for one or two townships per year.” Whether that happens is dependent on grant funding, he said. Then, when the project is completed, it will shift to a maintenance mode. A key variable that affects progress on the project is funding from state grants, Reynolds said. The funding is based on a formula, and the money comes from a $4 surcharge on recording documents with the register of deeds office. That money is deposited quarter­ ly in a special fund in Lansing. Because the revenue stream depends on the real estate market, it can vary. There’s sunset on the $4 surcharge that will reduce it to $2 in 2023. Reynolds said it will be important to extend that sunset date for another 10 years to maintain that $4 per deed. Otherwise, it would effectively cut the program in half. The board also heard an update from Sarah Alden about a training program for newly elected or appointed officials facilitated by Leadership Barry County, a fund of the Barry County Foundation. The training dates are Jan. 30, from 5 to 8 p.m., and Feb. 8, from 9 a.m. to noon. Alden said she has been meeting with County Administrator Michael Brown to hone the itinerary. “The reason this is such a nice partnership is... this is really meant to be something developed over time,” Alden said. In other action, the board approved: - A household hazardous waste recycling disposal agreement with Drug & Lab Disposal Inc. to be paid from the solid waste fund. This year’s scheduled collection dates are May 4 and Sept. 21 at the Barry Expo Center. Dates in 2020 and 2021 are to be determined. - An expenditure of up to $6,600 from Haworth to replace furniture in the clerical/ reception area of the adult probation office and add one overhead storage unit to a third probation office area. - A grant application for $16,413, which was submitted to the state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Bureau of Medical Marijuana Regulation for the BarryEaton District Health Department for educa­ tion, communication and outreach about the state legislation regarding medical marijuana. - Authorized a Barry County Transit request to apply for state and federal operating funds and capital assistance totaling $1.7 million. Portland postal worker under investigation for hoarding mail Bonnie Mattson Staff Writer A 42-year-old Portland postal worker is being investigated for hoarding and burning mail, according to reports from The Associated Press and the Lansing State Journal. A family member discovered the mail in a house in Sunfield where the postal employee had lived and reported it after the worker had moved out of the house. Some of the ‘mail was wet, some was burned, reports said. It is unclear why the postal worker had the mail, some of which dated back more than a year. The employee has been placed on leave, but no charges have been filed. After the investigation is concluded, the Office of the Inspector General will turn over its findings to the U.S. Attorney’s office. A request for information from the inspec­ tor general’s office had not been answered as of press time. The United States Postal Service is not funded by the government, so it has not been impacted by the partial government shut­ down. However, the inspector general’s office has a small staff that has been working with­ out pay throughout the shutdown. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 24, 2019 — Page 3 BANK, continued from page 1 To celebrate the announcement of the new name, Hastings customers are treated to treats this week at Highpoint Community Bank. Here (from left) are branch manag­ er Becky Gaylor, personal bankers Kristen Cantrell and Ann Sutherland with president and CEO Mark Kolanowski. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Highpoint Community Bank President and CEO Mark Kolanowski looks at a collection of historic milestones for the 133-year-old bank in Hastings. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) owned community bank.” Typically, when people see a name change, they think that means an ownership change. “We want to make it very clear, this is not an ownership change” Kolanowski said. There is no change in the ownership struc­ ture of the bank or the holding company, no change whatsoever in leadership. “So that’s the communication part we’re really working to get out to people,” he said. As far as the name, Highpoint Community Bank positions it well for the future, Kolanowski said. Highpoint Community Bank is a subsidiary of HCB Financial Corp., a single bank hold­ ing company that holds state bank charter No. 11, the second oldest in Michigan. Its seven financial offices are in Allegan, Barry, Calhoun, Eaton and Kent counties. Changing the name does not directly impact HCB Financial Corp., but the HCB acronym does refer to Highpoint Community Bank. “When our founders named this bank over a century ago, they had no thought of ever servicing any other community,” he pointed out. “That wasn’t even something you could fathom. There were no brandies. The thought of the electronic connection , ihe way we bank today, was incomprehensible.’’ The original name inherently created some limitations, he said, but changing it wasn’t taken lightly. Conversations about the name began as far back as 1975 when the first branch was opened. In the past several years, focus groups discussed it so they could fully understand the consequences of a name change. “It just got to the point where the positives of our prior name began to be outweighed by the negatives,” he said. “We want to be the community bank in every market we serve. And it was difficult to do that when we were Hastings City Bank. ... The further away we got from Hastings proper geographically, the more difficult it became.” In addition to Hastings, Highpoint Community Bank serves Middleville, Nashville, Wayland, Caledonia, Bellevue and Marshall, he said. “For example, to say to the community of Marshall, we want to be Marshall’s communi­ ty bank. It’s a hard sell when you’re Hastings City Bank.” The goal, Kolanowski said, is to gain more penetration in the markets they serve, as well as open up more opportunities to grow geo­ graphically. “We think it will give us a greater opportu­ nity to continue on as an independent commu­ nity bank - and that was our goal,” he said. “We love what that does for all stakehold­ ers, the partnership we can have with commu­ nity, the involvement we can have with com­ munity, and the local decision-making we can do that benefits all of our stakeholders.” As far as the name choice, bank officials wanted something that best reflected the peo­ ple they serve. “We wanted a name that had meaning for our customers, not just for us,” Kolanowski said. “When we talk about Highpoint: When I got my first car, I consider that a big high point - and there was a bank involved. We wanted to make that emotional connection to our customers.” So when people are thinking about high points in their lives - whether it is their wed­ ding, their new home, their new car, “we want customers to think about us,” he said. That new name also allowed it to keep the HCB acronym, which is used at the owner­ ship level. So, the HCB remains - as does the tie to its past. And the historical piece, as they move for­ ward, was another reason why that name felt right, he said. No other major changes are in the works. The name change was “a major undertaking, in and of itself,” Kolanowski said. Plans are in the works, probably this fall, for upgrades to the software and operating systems, to continue reinvesting in the bank. Those behind-the-scenes improvements in the operating system will ensure a platform for an expanded line of products and services for customers in 2020, he said. “We’ve been on the cutting edge of tech­ nology,” Kolanowski said. “We want to con­ tinue to be able to offer the delivery channels that customers want.” To continue to deliver what he calls a hightech, high-touch business model, the bank will need to grow. “Growth will be inevitable for us,” he said. But, as far as what markets the bank will look to expand into, “we haven’t defined exactly what that looks like yet,” he said. Even so, Kolanowski said he knows the bank will look for “communities that appreci­ ate our brand of banking.” He calls it relationship banking and said the communities that practice it are those “that value a downtown and value that relationship that comes with banking. Communities like that.” Historically, this bank has been plugged into its community. It was the first small country bank in the state to make consumer credit available to the general public. A plaque outside its Hastings’ building notes: “Over the years, the bank experienced steady growth, a strong capital position, and a record of unin­ terrupted service to its customers, based on a philosophy of safe and sound banking for the community.” Strong relationships with customers are a unique and valued part of the enterprise, Kolanowski said. When customers have a concern, they can speak to him about it. There’s a value in that direct connection, in that trust relationship, he said. “We’ve been here for 133 years. Why? We’ve been well run for many years. We’ve had good boards of directors and good leader­ ship - and a good message. We’re in this for the long haul.” Kolanowski, who celebrated 26 years at the bank this week, wash-t surprised to hear from quite a few customers after the name change was announced Monday. What he learned from those conversations with customers is that “it wasn’t the name they were concerned about. It was the people they didn’t want to lose.” So, he’s making it clear to them: Personnel is not changing. Account and routing numbers won’t change. “Keep your checks,” he told them. “Keep your debit card. You don’t have to change a thing.” The name has changed. What hasn’t changed is this: The local bank that has served the community for 133 years continues to do so. s Hastings school sets a course for the year; plans for special election Joan Van Houten Staff Writer The Hastings schools’ Board of Education approved a resolution at its semi-annual workshop Monday to call for special election to ask voters to approve a bond project con­ sisting of remodeling school buildings, including roof replacements. The estimated cost of the project is $10,155,894. The sum of the bond request is $9,990,000, with the difference between the bond amount and the project cost to be derived from investment of the bond pro­ ceeds. • The board intends to submit a proposition at a special election on Tuesday, May 7. The board will certify any ballot proposition to be submitted to the voters for the election coor­ dinator on Tuesday, Feb. 12. The estimated millage that will be levied for the proposed bond in 2019, under current law, is 0.70 mill, which amounts to 70 cents on each $1,000 of taxable valuation, for a 0.30 mill net increase over the prior year levy. The maximum number of years the bonds may be outstanding is 12 years. The estimated simple average annual millage anticipated to be required to retire the debt is 1.56 mills, which is $1.56 on each $1,000 of taxable val­ uation. School district officials do not expect to borrow from the state to pay debt service on the bonds. The total amount of qualified bonds currently outstanding is $40,650,000. The total amount of qualified loans currently outstanding is zero. The new bond proposal is stripped of all improvements to sport equipment and areas and technology. The focus has been placed on some renovation and maintenance, but the majority of the funds are designated for roof replacements. “Districtwide, not including new construc­ tion, there are 445,270 square feet of roofing. New construction roofing only comprises 10 percent of the district’s overall roofing,” Superintendent Carrie Duits said. “The dis­ trict has taken every possible measure to get the most we could out of our current roofing systems. “At this time, however, we are out of viable options other than replacement.” On average, the cost to complete 445,270 square feet is estimated to be $11 per square foot. On other financial matters, the Michigan School Code requires appropriate funds be designated for the disbursement of school district money. The Hastings Area School System has been using four funds in accordance with those requirements: The General Fund for receipt and disbursement of all money related to the general operation of the School System; the Debt Retirement Fund for receipt and dis­ bursement of all money related to obligations to pay off the outstanding bonded debt of the School System; the Trust and Agency and School Services Funds for receipt and dis­ bursement of all money related to club, activ­ ity, food services, and the Community Education and Recreation Center. Continuing fund accounts for 2019 are the General Fund, Trust and Agency, Debt Retirement, and the School Services Fund. Continuing accounts are the General Operating Checking, Money Market, and Savings account, payroll checking account, benefit checking account, debt retirement checking and money market account, trust and agency checking and money market account, student services cafeteria checking account, student services-Community Education and Recreational Center checking, money market, and sinking fund. The board approved recommendations made by the Nominations Committee, appointed by board President Luke Haywood, for nominees to be elected to the indicated offices for January through December: Board officers are: President Luke E. Haywood; Vice President Valerie A. Slaughter; Secretary Jennifer L. Eastman; Treasurer Mike Nickels. Elected officers and the expiration of their current terms are Eastman, term expiring on Dec. 31, 2022; Haywood, term expiring on Dec. 31,2020; Nickels, term expiring on Dec. 31, 2020; Dan F. Patton, term expiring Dec. 31,2022; Rob P. Pohl, term expiring Dec.31, 202; Slaughter, term expiring on Dec. 31, 2024; and Louis F. Wierenga, Jr., term expir­ ing Dec. 31,2024. Members of the board are elected biannually in November. Board trustees and employees of the school system are protected by the school system’s liability and casualty insurance policies. However, the law provides for the board to indemnify each individual trustee, the super­ intendent, all administrators, and all non-instructional supervisors from liability claims and attorney fees for losses or damages aris­ ing out of the performance of the responsibil­ ities imposed on them as employees or hold­ ers of office. Indemnification applies as pro­ vided by law and only to situations not other­ wise covered by liability or casualty insurance policies. Transit building scrutinized by potential bidders Barry County Transit Manager/Transportation Coordinator William Voigt said about 20 potential bidders participated in a walk-through at the county transit building Tuesday. Bids are being accepted, then opened Jan. 31, in preparation for work to begin in March on a $1 million project to renovate and expand the facility. Here, in the bus garage during the walk-through, (from left) Bob Van Putten of Landmark Design Group of Grand Rapids, confers with Morgan M. Landon, a consulting engineer from Grand Rapids, and Steve Jara of Landmark. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) ffil ELDER LAW I nE ELU Ell LAW ATTORNEY HI I UIIIwIb I Tips for Creating Your First Estate Plan Longstreet Elder Law & Estate Planning, PC assists clients who are in various phases of life to create their first estate plan. Some of our clients are singles in their 20s or 30s or parents of young children. However, some of our clients are closer to middle age or retirement age. The important thing to remember is that you should have an estate plan regardless of your age or other factors in your life. If you do not have an estate plan, we encourage you to contact our office to discuss why you need a comprehensive estate plan. We can help you create an estate plan that protects you, your property, and your heirs. SIMPLE STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO CREATE AN ESTATE PLAN We understand that you are busy and may not have a lot of time to devote to estate planning at this time. However, there are some simple steps that we advise you take now to protect yourself and those you love in the event of your death or incapacitation. • Create a Will Everyone needs a will. If you do not have a will, the State of Michigan decides how to distribute your property and who can receive your property. In addition to ensuring your wishes are carried out upon your death, creating a will makes probating your estate easier for your heirs. Our attorneys can help you create a simple but effective will that accomplishes your goals for estate planning. • Sign a Durable General Power of Attorney If you are unable to make financial decisions, you want to ensure that a trusted person has authority to act on your behalf. A Durable General Power of Attorney allows you to appoint an agent to handle your financial affairs. If you do not have a power of attorney in place, a family member or other interested person would need to petition the court to be appointed as your guardian to manage your financial affairs. A power of attorney avoids court intervention and allows you to choose the person you believe would manage your financial affairs for your best interests. * Sign a Medical Directive and Living Will You also need to sign a Medical Directive and Living Will to ensure that a trusted person makes sensitive medical decisions and end-of-life decisions for you if you become incapacitated. As with your financial affairs, you want to control who makes decisions regarding your health care. If you do not have the legal documents in place appointing someone to act on your behalf before you become incapacitated, the state will appoint someone to make health care decisions for you. • Getting Organized to Create an Estate Plan • Each person is different; therefore, your estate plan will be unique. In addition to the above documents, you may want to consider trust agreements and other estate planning tools. However, it can be difficult to create a comprehensive estate plan. When you prepare to meet with our office, it can help to gather information regarding your assets and financial affairs. For example, bank statements, life insurance policies, financial account statements, deeds, and titles. We assist you during each step in the process of creating your estate plan to make the process as easy and stress-free as possible. It is never too soon or too late to create your first estate plan. The attorneys of Longstreet Elder Law & Estate Planning, P.C. can provide more information about the process and the legal steps you should take to protect yourself and your heirs. Robert J. Longstreet Longstreet Elder Law & Estate Planning P.C. 607 North Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-3495 LONGSTREET ELDER LAW 8c ESTATE PLANNING P.C. �Page 4-Thursday, January 24, 2019 - The Hastings Banner Did you SCC? Cold calling card After a snowy November, dry, brown December and mostly mild, but rainy first half of January, Jack Frost made his appearance over the weekend, leaving l his ever-changing signature on many windows. More than six inches of snow was recorded at the National Weather Service Climatological Station in Hastings Saturday. Temperatures nose­ dived below zero as the weekend arrived and dropped further as a new week began. Hastings saw a new record low .°.f. minus-16 degrees Monday. Wednesday brought rain and tempera­ tures in the low 40s, but sub-zero temps | are expected again this weekend. O In discordant times, Barry Count I । is making its own kind of music JI We’re dedicating this space to a photo­ graph taken by readers or our staff members I that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the I photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information । remember? Hot stuff SSSM^sssawss.... Have you ‘There is no power for change gre than a community discovering what it c W about,’ American writer and managem I consultant Margaret J. Wheatley said. ail writes, teaches and speaks about how ■ can organize and accomplish work in ch B ic times, how we can sustain our relati 11 ships and how important it is to have ■ andPeoPle they’ve put out of work struggle willingness to step forward to serve. MI t0 find a d°llar, true Americans are still Local chambers of commerce are a gr ■ accomplishing great things and building way for business and industrial leaders A£rbt futures f°r their communities. work together to build better communiti ■ I I Affirmation of that occurred right here this Local chambers are the voice for commu ■ ^tSt weekend when the Barry County ty and legislative issues and can act as ■ I I Chamber of Commerce celebrated another advocate for the importance of a strong a HI SUCCeSS during its annual banquet at vital business sector. A strong a vital cha MI I Gilmore Car Museum. ■ Barry County is truly alive and well. The ber is the cheerleader for change by hig ighting the best of what a community h H recognition of new programs, new businessand the individuals who make it happe 11 esand exPansions highlighted a night during That s what the annual banquet is all abou ■ 7 r attendees experienced a welcomed a time to acknowledge the organizations an Ml I teelmg of optimism. Though the national individuals who go above and beyond them fl jneV^S S've one the impression our selves to make our little comer of the wor J leaders can’t work together and solve prob­ a better place for all of us. s’ I lems, that’s not the case in Barry County That’s exactly the Community Impa I I where people are getting along and getting Award, which went to YMCA Barry Count things done as evidenced by the awards wre for its B .Bus Mobile library and to the Barr given during the evening to recognize the County Commission on Aging’s Meals o I past year’s success. Wheels program, is so meaningful. Othe I I hard to accomplish things finalists in the Community Impact Awar I together in spite of the discord in our nation s capital reminds me of the 1969 category were Barry County Christia I song by singer Mama Cass Elliott, “Make Schoo1, Liz Lenz (Barry County Substanc Your Own Kind of Music.” Local chambers Abuse Task Force), Nashville Route 66 Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, the Cove 11 I of commerce m cities, towns, and villages Famfly and Thomapple Credit Union for its II all over the state are singing the songs of Making Cents for Students program. I I community even as others don’t sing along For me the brightest highlight of the eve11 I because it’s their own special song. mng came with the spotlight focus on two II I Across the country today, people are attracted by and want to live in communities young men, Chase Fitzpatrick and Jacob Christiansen, who were honored as recent 11 I with personality - places that are vibrant graduates of the Economic Development I I where people work together to solve prob-’ I I lems and look to the future. That dynamic Alliance’s job training program for the I was evident here over the weekend, espe­ future. Known as KAMA (Kellogg Advanced cially with an event themed around the Manufacturing Assembly), the training pro­ ■ .Roanng ‘20s” and properly positioned by I I its locale at the historic Gilmore Car gram gave the two Thomapple Kellogg I Museum. The banquet highlighted where graduates the training they needed to prepare them for the world of work. Both grad­ we ve been and where our hopes lie for the uated with high marks and were given future. employment opportunities with several a Puring tke awards presentation, the focal companies. They both chose Hastings a Lena Young Professional Award and the Athena Leadership Award to Morgan Fiberglass Products, which will offer them f°h™SOn and Julle Nakfoor Pratt, respective- the chance to change their lives. So, not only did the chamber’s annual ty. This year’s ROTH winner (Responsive. banquet celebrate a host of local profession­ I Opportunity, Teacher, Herald) was Mark als, it also offered these students the chance Kolanowski from Highpoint Community I Bank, presented for his leadership and to demonstrate that what they’ve learned has better prepared them to be a part of one I strong sense of community. r’uSpeClal ckamber awards, such as the of our local companies. Vibrant communities are building blocks I Champion Award, went to Sheryl and Barry that increase connectivity between people I Bower, and the Entrepreneur of the Year places and the things that promote a more presented t0 Julie and Jim Fox. Step dynamic place to live. It’s easy to get caught I N Time Dance Studio received the up with the idea that there’s nothing gofog Customer Service Award, chosen from a on in our county, but these annual dinners ^tel\ar nonunation category that included are proof of Dr. Norman Vincent Peale’s finalists such as Barry County United Way wisdom that, “You are not what you think R°Ift'SJlde and Screen Panting and you are; but, what you think, you are ” •' Flexfab’ Grace Community The Barry County Chamber of ' | Church, Hastings 4 Theater, Hastings Public Library, Kings’ Appliances, Les’s Sanitary Commerce’s purpose, according to its mis­ ?,erXlce’ Seasonal Grille and Thomapple sion statement, is “Dedicated to the eco- C nomic prosperity of the county through ’ Credit Union. Especially gratifying for our community connectivity, promotion and business comI was that winners and the large nominee mumty support.” To me, that speaks to the I categories included both for-profit compa- perspective that, “a positive attitude is a . person’s passport to a better tomorrow.” As I mes and nonprofit organizations. I looked around the room taking in the I I The greatness of a community is most smiles and appreciation everyone felt for I accurately measured by the compassionate these honorees Saturday, it certainly con­ ~CtlOnt of lts members,” activist Coretta I Scott King once said with words so appro- firmed the impression that we are singing I I pnate for the weekend before the holiday from the same sheet of music with a melodv I I honoring her late husband and civil rights that is catching on. H I I Do you I u As ^rus^rating as national politics has become with a partial government shutI L°Wn m Us fifth week and as embarrassed as I t 1S °nce»greatest country in the world „.0ldd be> it>s important to realize that Washington, D.C., does not represent America. I ybde fat-cat politicians live on the dole met? Most people think back with fondness on I C ^econd’grade teacher, and anyone who I had Mrs. Avery would tell you that was just the case. Avery has touched many lives and I nurtured many little hearts and young minds through the years. This is why she has been chosen as the Banner Bright Light this week, c? 1S°n Avery grew UP in Battle Creek She married her husband, Ron Smith, in f0”! °*tbe mayor’ wbo also was the justice n i Peace’ in ^e courthouse in Battle Creek. She kept her maiden name because it was the trendy thing to do” in 1976 Avery and Smith are the parents of four children and six grandchildren. When she was in the second grade, Avery said she already knew she wanted to be a teacher when she grew up, and that is exactly what happened. She began her teaching career m Maple Valley schools and went on to teach m Lakewood Public Schools for a totai of 36 years before retiring. She has been retired Tor eight years and says she is still Allison Avery excited about children and learning. She volunteers in her grandsons’ class­ money.” I wish I could follow that better. rooms, and up until this year, she helped with j°b: Serving ice cream sundaes at the story hour at Putnam District Library me Kellogg Company factory tours. She aho served on the Maple Valley Board Favorite TV program: “Grey’s Anatomy” of Education for 11 years. and Dancing With the Stars.” For her unending devotion to children and Persons I admire: Dan and Jola Royer learning, Allison Avery, is a Bright Light in Lake wood educators. ’ Barry County. 6 Books I’d recommend: “East of Eden” Favorite movie: “Love Actually.” and “Gone With the Wind” (which I’ve read Best advice ever received: “Save your eight times). Favorite teacher: Glenn Lawrence, Lakeview Public Schools, Battle Creek 10th grade honors English. He fanned the flames or my passion for literature. I’m most proud of ... my children and! grandchildren. Hobbies: Reading, writing notes, connectmg with friends, walking, knitting scarves. I Favorite vacation destinations: Houghton Lake and Grand Marais in Michigan and several places in California. Something about me most people don’t know: I love both music and dance but am bad at both. Greatest song ever written: “Hallelujah ” Favorite dinner: My husband’s tandoori chicken, wild rice and a green vegetable The greatest president: For me, it was John F. Kennedy. He seemed idealistic and glamorous. Greatest thing about Barry County How “country” it is but still easy to get to cities when you want to. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058or email news@j-adgraphics.com. ’ l leader Martin Luther King Jr. This year’s Brick Award went to Hastings | Fiberglass Products for its new facility on Green Street. The category that recognizes the physical additions to community also included finalists Thomapple Credit Union, Hastings Area Schools and the Nashville Route 66 Business District. Hastings Fiberglass owners Larry and Earlene Baum accepted the Brick Award, which offered Larry the opportunity to point out the cou­ ple s belief in the power of giving locally and to urge others to focus their giving withm the community. What do you think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive we2h°PiniOn ?°U' V°te °n the ^uestion posed each week by accessing our website, www.HastingsBanner com Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the following week. Last week: taJhe !ederal government partial shutdown has taken a financial toll on government workers. Do you believe legislative action should ensure that govem“e foS c“tan^s occur Yes 72% No 28% Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. For this week: Some state legislators are considering raising the legal age to purchase tobacco products. Do you think smoking should be prohibited before the aqe of 21 ? □ Yes □ No �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 24, 2019 — Page 5 Relief possibility floated for flooding victims of the Darrell and Beverly Jones property will move flood relief from an ‘if’ to a ‘when.’ Dull has confirmed that the purchase of 30 acres of the 58-acre property for an estimated $145,000. “Without moving any material there, we can take two to three inches off the lake, which is good,” Dull said. “But when you Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer For the first time in several months, a solu­ tion is being guaranteed to the residents affected by high water levels on Crooked Lake near Delton. Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull has said the purchase start taking water off during the winter, there’s a higher chance for a environmental impact. “If you have ice on the lake and water comes off, the ice becomes thin and there’s a chance for people to drown. Damage to peo­ ple’s property is also a possibility.” Dull did leave the potential for winter time pumping open if the temperature rises enough to thaw the ice and relieve some of the fears of winter pumping. “It’s possible we could pump during the winter if the temperature gets high enough, but I can’t guarantee anything. There’s also a high probability we do any dirt work we have to do would be done this winter.” The potential solution on the Jones proper­ ty would provide certain much needed relief to Crooked Lake. But according to Dull, a foot of water would need to be removed from the lake to take the situation from crisis level to a manageable situation. If the short-term solution was to reach the plain of reality the focus will then be pointed toward that of a long-term option. The plan, Dull said, will bring the excess flood water from Crooked Lake to a newly created retention pond on the Jones property. From that point, the long-term solution will begin to take form. Dull said in an interview that an underground retention pond will be installed to gravity feed the water from the Jones property to the Delton drain on Pine Lake Road. However, to put that plan into action, Dull will have to obtain the permission from two property owners to place the tile on each of their respective properties. Dull also went on to say that, with each option he and the engineers explore, they build a growing list of evidence that proves they’ve done their due diligence and, accord­ ing to Dull, this may be a persuasive argument to help in obtaining permits that the DEQ had initially denied. “I would want to sit down and have a con­ versation with the DEQ long before we explore condemning people’s property,” Dull said. “The thing about our condemnation, though it were not taking anyone’s homes, we would take a small portion of a person’s prop­ erty to lay a pipe.” Although he won’t rule anything out, Dull said he would like to explore every possible option before even beginning to consider con­ demnation proceedings. The next Crooked Lake Task Force meet­ ing will take place at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28. Local programs largely unaffected by shutdown for now Michael McPhillips accepts the Distinguished Colleague Award during the annual convention of the Debtors Bar of West Michigan, delivered by fellow Hastings attorney Kimberly Young. (Photo provided) McPhillips given award at regional conference Hastings attorney Michael McPhillips received the Distinguished Colleague Award during the annual convention of the Debtors Bar of West Michigan Monday. The award acknowledges leadership, men­ torship and influence over the local bankrupt­ cy practice in western Michigan. It also acknowledges outstanding service, contribu­ tion and influence on guiding the organiza­ tion. McPhillips is the third recipient of the award. McPhillips, a U.S. Army veteran, has a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a law degree from Cooley Law School. After moving to Hastings 35 years ago, he clerked for judges Hudson Deming and Richard Robinson before joining Dimmers & McPhillips as a partner in the fall of 1982. He opened his own law office on Apple Street in Hastings Oct. 1, 2002, and partnered with ... ................................... 1 1 ' Amy McDowell from 2003 until she took the circuit court bench in 2011. McPhillips and his wife, the former Laural Bernier, are the parents of three adult sons. In the community, McPhillips is a past board member of the YMCA, a former mem­ ber of the board of directors of the Hastings Education Enrichment Foundation, a found­ ing member and the first president of South­ Central Michigan Youth Baseball. He also was instrumental in formation of the Debtors Bar of West Michigan. McPhillips is semi-retired, and now enjoys spending time with his family in Northern Michigan. In warmer weather, he enjoys horseback riding with his wife, bicycling, vegetable gardening, tending to his apple orchard, bee keeping, and spending Saturdays in the fall watching University of Michigan football. ——■ । * । । । ...................................... . ■ । , - (Write Us A Letter: \ The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. , • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. < • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. ; • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. ~ ! • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published . or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. ; • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. The Hastings Banner Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... ’ . Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Frederic Jacobs Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO . •NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer Tanett Hodge Bonnie Mattson Taylor Owens Joan Van Houten POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 Taylor Owens Staff Writer Most state and local programs in the Barry County area have not yet experienced inter­ ruptions in service during the federal govern­ ment shutdown. In many cases, the programs have already received their funding for the next few months. Barry County United Way Executive Director Lani Forbes said they have felt no impact from the shutdown, and she does not expect that to change. Forbes said much of the federal funding that the United Way receives first goes to the State of Michigan, which then grants the money to the United Way, and that money is already paid up front. But Forbes noted that United Way is avail­ able to help federal employees who are affect­ ed by the shutdown. Other agencies, such as the Barry County Commission on Aging, can use alternative sources of income to make up for federal funding during the shutdown. “In Barry County, we are so fortunate to have our senior citizen millage,” CO A Executive Director Tammy Pennington said Wednesday. If the shutdown continues and the COA’s federal funding dries- up,- Pennington said they can dip into the millage funds until the shut­ down ends and they will be reimbursed by the federal government. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Public Information Officer Bob Wheaton said services such as Medicaid and the Healthy Michigan Plan are funded through Sept. 30. The Food Assistance, Cash Assistance and Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children are funded through the end of February. What happens after February, is still being researched. “We basically have a 45-day window,” Kurt Weiss of the State Budget Office said Wednesday. But today marks 32 days of the government shutdown and, with Washington showing few signs of compromise, the shutdown could reach the close of that 45-day window. Weiss said the budget office is still collect­ ing data on the financial situation and will have a report prepared Monday on the situa­ tion. Barry County USDA Farm Service Agency personnel are fiirloughed, and were not avail­ able for comment. NEW TRIAL, continued from page 1-------------Judge Lipsey replied. “That would be the only source of that.” Since Petto would have received treatment if she had been found guilty - with or without mental illness - she is attempting to withdraw her plea. But Hastings Police Chief Jeff Pratt wants to talk to Petto about a different death, that of Petto’s infant, who died in 2011. Petto claimed she woke up in bed, and found that the baby had suffocated. Pratt was the investigating officer in 2011, and although there was never enough infor­ mation to bring charges, he still believes Petto was withholding information. “For the most part, babies don’t die for no reason,” Pratt said. After Petto was arrested for Drafta’s mur­ der in 2015, Pratt reached out for an interview with her, through her attorney, but his request to speak to Petto was denied. Pratt said he may make the request again following Petto’s hearing. Pratt believes his chances of an interview with Petto to find out what really happened in 2011 are “slim to none,” especially if she is granted a new trial, but he will try to interview her about the 2011 case if she is denied a trial in the 2015 murder. Even if the baby’s death was an accident, Pratt said, he wants to get the whole story and, perhaps, Petto has something to get off her conscience. Despite efforts to save school roofs, replacements inevitable Carrie Duits, Hastings Area Schools Superintendent There have been many questions surrounding the state of Hastings Area School System’s roofs, and I would like to clear up some of the confusion regarding district-wide roofing. First, let’s talk square footage, so you can get an idea of the amount of square footage of roofing currently in a state of disrepair. District-wide - not including new construction - there are 445,270 square feet of roofing. New construction roofing only comprises 10 percent of the district’s overall roofing, which will be covered under manufacturer’s warranty for a significant duration of time. While the remaining 90 percent of district roofing is no longer covered under warranty, the district has taken considerable steps to outlast the manufacturer warranties of our older roofs. As part of our extended roofing maintenance efforts, we have had a UV-only protectant applied every five years. This has enabled the district to significantly improve upon the typical life expectancy of roofing systems. Unfortunately, there is no exact science to determining when roofing failures will occur. Our district did not begin seeing significant roofing failures until late 2015 and early 2016. In an effort to be proactive, the district took a comprehensive look at roofing and included new roof­ ing for Northeastern and Southeastern elementary schools in a bond proposal that was ultimate­ ly turned down. Since late 2015 and early 2016, the district’s roofing failures have continued to snowball. We experienced 26 new leaks after the first hard rain of this school year. We have taken necessary steps to identify the problems and gather as much fact-based data as possible to determine ways to buy additional time or repair the problems altogether. The last documented roofing replacements in the district were in 1999 to 2000, and in some cases, new roofing was installed on top of existing roofing - a common practice in effort to reduce costs. Although the district has capitalized on this roofing method until now, many of our school buildings will now require complete removal of existing roofing followed by new > installation. On average, the rate to complete this work for 445,270 square feet of roofing is estimated to be $11 per square foot. These roofing replacements would not only position the district to uti- ‘ lize manufacturer’s warranties to address future roofing issues, but the district also would benefit from increased energy efficiency new roofing systems would provide. The district has taken every possible measure to get the most we could out of our current roofing systems. At this time, however, we are out of viable options other than replacement. Cash & Carry High Purity Water Softener Salt 1-800-852-3098 269-945-5102 141 E. Woodlawn Ave. Hastings better water, pure and simple.® OPEN DAILY 8-5; SAT. 9-12 Denker Family Owned & Operated ~ Rick Denker, Owner FWSBFI �Page 6 — Thursday, January 24, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852-9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH M-37 South at M-79, Kimberly S. Metzer, pastor. Church phone 269-945-4995. Church Secretary-Treasurer, Linda Belson. Office hours, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11 am to 3 pm. Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School; 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship Tuesday 9 am Men’s Bible Study at the church. Wednesday 6 p.m Circle of Friends (Young Adult Special Needs Group) (October thru May). PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10:31­ 11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795-2370 and the rectory number is 269-948­ 9327. Our church website is www.samchurch.org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. ’ LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Thursday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269-945.9574. Email: office.greenstreetumc@ gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor; Ryan Rose, Family Life Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Child­ ren Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheelchair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings.org, 9 a.m. Traditional Service; 10:30 a.m. Contemporary service. Follow us on Facebook. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945-9217. cbchastin gs. org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Highway, Hast­ ings. Telephone 269-945-9121. Email hagfmc.@g.mail,com. Website: wW.w.hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Associate Pastor Andy Baird and Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller. Sun­ days: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAMI­ LY HOUR - ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE-9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Preschool-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Standard and Adult Elective classes. Cof­ fee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cook­ ies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Ser­ vice: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church Age 4-4th grade dis­ missed during service. After­ math Student Ministry - 6:30­ 8:30 p.m., 7th-12th grades. Wednesday; Women's Bible Study 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thurs­ day: Adult Bible Study 10 a.m. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH 4 Discover Gods Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! Jan. 27 - Worship services at 8 and 10:45 a.m.; Youth Group 6 p.m.; Bells Rining at 10:45 a.m. service. Jan. 31- Clapper Kids 3:45 p.m.; Grace Notes 5:45 p.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@ grace-hastings.org. Location: 239 E. North St, Hastings, 269-945­ 9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www.grace-hastings.org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings. EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH A welcoming and affirming congregation, located at the corner of Broadway and Center St. (entrance on Center St.). Sunday morning worship 10 a.m., Other weekly services include: Tues. - Morning Prayer, 9:30 a.m. and Contemplative/Centering Prayer, 6:30 p.m.; Thur.-MidWeek Eucharist and dialogue sermon, noon. Sat. - Commun­ ity Breakfast, served 8-9:30 a.m. Free breakfast is open to all; first Saturday each month "Messy Church," program for families. Mother Linnea Stiffer available by appt, 269-945­ 3014. The Gury Parish House available to community groups. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, __ _ _ _ _ the churches and these local businesses' _ J Graphics 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 flafab 102 Cook Hastings 945-4700 LuAnn Fyan » Products MIWKSWUW 770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541 HASTINGS, MI - LuAnn Fyan, age 63, of Hastings, passed away on January 16, 2019. LuAnn was born November 19,1955 in Io­ nia, the daughter of Fred and Viola (Misner) Fyan. LuAnn was the owner of Jim and Son’s Pick-up Service, LLC. She loved spending time with her kids, grandchildren and family. LuAnn enjoyed camping, hard work, mu­ sic, and made sure to instill that love of music in her children and grandchildren. She had the best stories and could make you laugh with her jokes or pranks. LuAnn always had a dog around, and she never let you forget the dumb things that you did. LuAnn was preceded in death by her par­ ents, Fred and Viola Fyan; siblings, Fred Fyan, Jr., Susan Rush, Wayne Fyan, Gordan Fyan, Sr.; brother-in-law, Robert Kruger, Sr.; sister-in-law, Anita Fyan; nephews, Donald Fyan, Danny Fyan, and a niece, Angela Fyan. She is survived by her children, Jenni­ fer (Kevin) Nester, Michael Sweeney, Jesse Sweeney, and Shelby (Douglas) Baker; her dogs, Cash, Kona, and Princess; grandchil­ dren, Kiara Blough, Zellie Sweeney, Izzabella Sweeney, Dillon Sweeney, Leila Sweeney, Grady Sweeney, Khloe Baker, Nora Swee­ ney; granddog, Kaiser (aka Booie), siblings, JoAnn (Phil) Rhoades, Bruce (Janice) Fyan, sisters-in-law Sherry Fyan, and Judy Fyan, nieces and nephews, Steve Fyan, Brian Fyan, Andy (Andrea) Fyan, Duffy (Kim) Fyan, Doug Fyan, Rodney (Lacey) Fyan, Ricky Fyan, Jerry Fyan, Charlie Fyan, Craig Rhoad­ es, Terry Rhoades, Lisa Nourse, Bobbie Jo Kruger, Becky (Santos) Cordova, Robert Kruger, Emily (Moe) Bums, William (Kaylah) Fyan, Adam Fyan and lots of great nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome .net. Hal N. Olsen HASTINGS, MI - Kenneth James Robbe, age 92, of Hastings, passed away peacefully January 17, 2019 at home with his family by his side in Tucson, AZ. Kenneth was bom on May 16, 1926 in Yp­ silanti, Michigan, the son of John and Hazel (Winters) Robbe. Kenneth attended Roos­ evelt High School in Ypsilanti graduating with honors in 1944. He honorably served in WWII with the U.S. Army from 1944-1946. Kenneth married Cynthia Ann Everett on September 7, 1947. Kenneth was an educator and taught at Tekonsha High School from 1950-1952 and Hastings Area Schools from 1952-1982 where he was the principal of Hastings JH School from 1960-1982. Kenneth’s hobbies included bowling, card playing, dancing, gardening, fishing, and camping. He was a member of the Hastings Rotary - serving as president for one year, the Jaycees, and the VFW. Kenneth was a member of the Em­ manuel Episcopal Church in Hastings and served as Vestryman, Senior Warden, Verger and Treasurer. He was preceded in death by his daugh­ ter, Rebecca (Robbe) Matthews; parents, John and Hazel (Winters) Robbe; sister, Do­ ris Sare; stepmother, Josie Robbe; father and mother-in-law, Bill and Florence Everett; brothers-in-law, Merlin Dyball, William Dial, and David Climer. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Cynthia (Everett) Robbe; son, Gary (Deb­ orah) Robbe, Hastings; daughter, Kendra (Robert) Bethell, Tucson, AZ; son-in-law,J ohn Matthews, Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, Nathan Robbe, Hastings, Benjamin Robbe, Hastings, James (Heidi) Robbe, Austin, TX, Amy (Kyle) Pohja, Hastings, Ivory Bethell, Tucson, AZ, Troy Bethell, Tucson, AZ, Na­ dia Matthews, Phoenix, AZ, Janelie (Sheree) Matthews, Los Angeles, CA, Luke (Charisse) Matthews, Phoenix, AZ; 11 great-grandchil­ dren; sister-in-law, Margaret Climer, Illinois, Elizabeth Dial, Oregon, and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Hastings. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home, Hastings. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. Wesley R. Wetters HASTINGS, MI - Hal Nelse Olsen, age 74, passed away * January 19, 2019. He was born July 4, 1944 in Lansing, the son of Ray and Beta Olsen. Hal was a life­ long resident of Hastings where he enjoyed fishing and spending time with his sons and grandchildren. He took pleasure in the sim­ ple aspects of life and always said the nation celebrated he and his granddaughter Alyssa’s birthday. Hal was the owner and operator of Hast­ ings City Cab and retired from the Viking Corp after 36 years. Surviving are his sons, Marty (Jennie) Ol­ sen and Cory (Amy) Olsen; grandchildren, Rachel, Merlyn and Maddie Olsen, Cody (Nichole) and Alyssa Olsen; great grandchil­ dren, Sophia and Charlie Olsen. He was pre­ ceded in death by his parents. Friends and relatives may meet with Hal’s family on Sunday, Jan. 27, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Williams- Gores Funeral Home in Delton. Memorial contributions may be made to the Barry County Humane Society, PO Box 386, Hastings, MI 49058. Please visit www. williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence for Hal’s family. HASTINGS, MI - Wesley Wetters, age 79, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. He was bom November 28, 1939 in Ka­ lamazoo to the late Roy and Irene (Snyder) Wetters. Wesley was united in marriage to Darlene Lind on * December 14, 2013. Wesley is survived by his wife, Darlene Wetters; sons, Steve Wetters, Dave (Denise) Wetters, Jeff (Libbie) Wetters and Erick (Di­ ane) Wetters; and six grandchildren. The family will greet friends on Saturday, Jan. 26, 2019 from noon to 1 p.m. at Lange­ land Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 East Centre Ave., where a memorial ser­ vice will start at 1 p.m. Please visit Wesley’s personalized web­ page at www.langelands.com. HASTINGS, MI - LeRoy Henry Ulf “Roy” VanDenburg, age 89 of Hast­ ings, left his home on earth to be in his home in Heaven to be with Jesus. He left this earth on January 18, 2019 from Thomapple Manor in Hastings, where he was being lovingly cared for. Roy was bom September 3, 1929 in Mus­ kegon, to Charles W. and Lily (Hill) Van­ Denburg. He graduated from Nashville High School andjoined the U.S. Navy in 1948. Roy was in boot camp at Great Lakes and was an electrician on salvage and rescue ships while stationed ia.San Francisco, Hawaii and Alas­ ka, until being honorably discharged in 1950. He was employed at Hastings Manufacturing and then at Kellogg’s for 22 years. He owned and operated a gas station for six years, drove a bus for Union City Schools, before working as a mechanic for K-Mart for six years. He was also employed at Hill Piston Auto Parts for 12 years. He was formerly married to Delores Mallison and Wanda Smith. Roy married Char­ lotte “Char” (Bishop) Scott on May 7, 1994. Surviving are his wife, Char; daughters, Beverly Ainsworth, Suzanne (Tony) Bogdan; son, David VanDenburg; stepsons, Gordon and Steve Maxson, Jeffrey (JoAnn) Roberts; and numerous grandchildren and great-grand­ children. « He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Wesley and Fred VanDenr burg. ’ Roy was a Cub Scout Leader and belonged to the Moose Lodge. He enjoyed bowling, golfing, hunting, fishing and camping. He and Char also liked traveling, taking walksj, solving crossword and jigsaw puzzles and reading the Bible and other books together. Friends will be received noon to 1 p.m. Monday, Jan. 28, 2019 at Farley Estes Dowdie Funeral Horne & Cremation Care, where a funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Mil­ itary honors and committal will follow at Ft. Custer National Cemetery at 2:30 p.m. Mon­ day, January 28, 2019. Memorial contributions may be made to Thomapple Manor, 2700 Nashville Rd., Hastings, MI 49058. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com. GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 24, 2019 — Page 7- County road officials favor asphalt roads for performance, cost ' ' * *■ Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Experimenting with new material for roads is a costly prospect when working with tight budgets and, statistically, asphalt still outper­ forms other options, Barry County Road Commission Managing Director Brad Lamberg said. “When new material performs nearly the same as what’s being used now, the higher price isn’t worth it,” Lamberg said. “We research the “latest and greatest” products, but when you look at performance, cost, and how it will stand up in Michigan weather, we haven’t found anything yet that’s actually better than what we have.” Lamberg said conducting pilot programs to test prospective materials is “extremely expensive,” and if it fails, which is often the case, the money is gone. Then more money is needed to test the next product. “We don’t even have the funding to build new roads. Spending money on something we don’t need right now would be irresponsible and a waste of taxpayer money,” he said. Road repair and preservation in Michigan most often involves chip sealing, which is the process of spreading emulsion on the asphalt and covering it with slag, a stony waste matter separated from metals during the smelting or refining of ore. The area is then rolled with heavy machinery. Chip sealing is also used to pave gravel roads. Since the first roads were paved, little has changed. “It’s not a new product, but it’s a proven product,” he said. “This process is used all over the United States.” The importance of demonstrated longevity of road material is clear when considering the costs to replace or continuously repair com­ munity roads and highways. A quality product will need maintenance, but not constant patching of crumbling asphalt. One product that performs comparably with traditional asphalt is a mixture of gravel and sand bound together with clear epoxy. Lamberg said the cost was a consideration in deciding to not use the material. Another fac­ tor was seeing the low performance rating it received in communities that did road experi­ ments. “It’s just a joke because of how expen­ sive it is.” Kim Andrus Thursday, Jan. 24 - Barry County Baby Cafe, 10 a.m.-noon; Movie Memories watch­ es 1943 film starring Ethel Waters, Eddie ‘Rochester’ Anderson and Lena Horne, 5-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 25 - preschool story time, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Monday, Jan. 28 - Quilting Passions craft­ ing group, 10 a.m.-l p.m.; Creative Haven writing group, 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29 - toddler time, 10:30­ 11:30 a.m.; mahjong club, 5:30; chess club, 6; genealogy club, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30 - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, call 211for an appointment. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. Joyce Boulter celebrates 90th birthday Joyce Boulter will be turning 90 on January 26, 2019. You are invited to celebrate her birthday January 27, 2019 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Woodland Fire Department Hall in Woodland or send her a card. Hope to see you there. No gifts please. (s A Hoxworth Counseling Services Nurture your Emotional Health a Bret Hoxworth AAA, LLP Barry County Road Commission Managing Director Brad Lamberg displays prod­ ucts used in road maintenance and road construction. Far left is traditional asphalt, most commonly used and slag, which is added on top of the asphalt layer. The middle products are made with gravel, sand and clear epoxy. The material on the right are tiny beads of glass mixed into the paint used to paint the yellow dividing lines on the roads. The beads reflect the light of cars and trucks at night so the center line is clearly visi­ ble. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) The era of reducing the footprint of a con­ venience-driven society has elevated the want and need to recycle. Recycling car tires and plastic to pave roads has been high on the list for decades. “If it made sense right now, we absolutely would be using it, but though I believe it will be one day, that product just isn’t ready yet. The material doesn’t last long, and the pro­ cess to make it is tricky. It’s way more com­ plicated than shredding and melting tires and plastic. There’s a lot of precise science and engineering involved,” Lamberg said. The right amount of hardness and flexibili­ ty is imperative for the longevity of asphalt on Michigan roads and highways. When the material is too hard, cracks occur prematurely and collect water and ice, which stresses the asphalt, and it will fail long before the esti­ mated 30- to 40-year life expectancy. Shredded or chopped tires or plastic is mixed into conventional asphalt. Then the mixture is heated to blend the materials. The difficulty being experienced, Lamberg said, is the asphalt has a much lower heat tolerance compared to rubber and plastic. Asphalt becomes brittle when temperatures are high enough to melt the recycled products. Brittle asphalt cracks easily, creating potholes, and will fail far sooner than traditional asphalt. Some treatments of the mixture may leave the asphalt too soft. The sinking of the asphalt, which is also bad news for taxpayers, will cause premature failure and early repair or replacement. Dangerous grooves appear when the material lacks the right amount of stability. According to the CalRecycle website, the unit costs of rubberized asphalt concrete prophets are higher than those of convention­ al asphalt. Generally, these hot mixes cost about 20- to 25-percent more than conven­ tional mixes, although this may vary with job size. Added material costs, such as rubber and asphalt, plus mobilization and set up of the asphalt rubber binder production equipment, increases initial unit costs. Reducing the thickness of the material will reduce the amount qf product to be purchased. However, thin layer with conventional asphalt is an extra step and would increase the cost of the project. “We deal with things in the north that southern states don’t have to contend with,: Lambert said. “We have heat; ice and snow. Our roads take a heavier beating, but we put everything we have into keeping them well-maintained.” Writing contest for high school students offers cash prizes MIAMI, OK - Kim Andrus of Miami, OK and formerly of rural Hastings, passed away suddenly of apparent heart failure on January “16, 2019 at the age of 61. He was bom February 21, 1957 as the third child of Clifford and Lois Andrus. Kim attended the Carlton Center and Woodland Schools and graduated from Lakewood High School in 1975. During his adult life he was a farmer, insur­ ance agent, semi-truck driver, and mechan­ ic. He survived a farm accident in 1986 that severely injured his left leg. Sadly, this also ended his farming ambitions. Years later the persistent pain and other complications from this injury would result in amputation below the knee. For many years he ran his own truck mechanic business, primarily servicing semi-tractors and trailers. He retired to Miami, OK in 2016 to get into a climate more favorable (i.e., much less ice and snow) to the use of his prosthetic leg. In retirement he enjoyed making woodworking projects on his scroll saw and wood lathe and visiting with friends. Kim was preceded in death by his paternal | grandparents, Jerimiah and Anna Andrus; maternal grandparents, Cecil and Wilma Oler; and parents, Clifford and Lois Andrus. He is survived by his brother, Galen (Claire) Andrus; sister, Kathy Andrus, and numerous cousins. Per Kim’s request cremation has taken place. He also requested that no funeral be performed. His ashes will be interred in the family burial site at Fuller Cemetery in Barry County, MI. ‘ Kim’s siblings wish to extend special thanks to the friends, medical, and profes­ sional people who cared for him as he dealt with his health issues. HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE To encourage students in Delton Kellogg, Hastings, Maple Valley and Thornapple Kellogg high schools and Barry Intermediate School District with writing aspirations, the Barry Community Foundation is looking for submissions to its annual Write Away Competition The competition is funded by a grant from the late Kensinger Jones and his wife, Alice Jones. Kensinger Jones enjoyed a 50-year career as a writer of radio dramas, creative director for international advertising agencies, author of numerous magazine articles and several motion picture scripts. In 1976, he retired to Barry County to raise cattle and embark on a 14-year professorship at Michigan State University. He and Alice also collaborated on two published books. They decided to offer cash awards for teens interested in writing and poetry. The Write Away contest has two divisions. Freshmen and sophomores may submit a poem (preferably with rhyme and meter) and/ or an essay. Juniors and seniors may submit a short story (not more than 1,500 words) on any subject, a poem (preferably with rhyme and meter), and a feature story based on some aspect of life in Barry County. Writers may submit only one entry in each category, but can enter all categories for their respective grade levels. A cash prize is given for first, second and third places. Details, official rules, and entry forms can be obtained from the English departments in each of the area high schools. Home-schooled students are encouraged to apply and may obtain the entry form from the Barry Community Foundation. Submissions must be received by Feb. 15. Winners will be announced in April. More information is available at high school English departments or from Jillian Foster at the Barry Community Foundation. 269-945-0526, ext. 245, or Jillian@barrycf. org. JANUARY IS SCHOOL BOARD APPRECIATION MONTH! Thank you! Delton Kellogg Schools Appreciates our Board of Education • Sarah Austin • Marsha Bassett • Jessica Brandli • Jim McManus • Rodney Dye • Bob Houtrow • Kelli Martin Thank You for your time, talent and the expertise you have given to Delton Kellogg Schools. You have made a difference through your dedication and continued support of our students and staff. Your ideas, input and enthusiasm are most helpful and have guided us in making valuable improvements for our students and staff, as well k as for our school and community. Also... /hank Ton from Delton Kellogg Schools Follies Performing Wednesday, February 6 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 8 7:00 p.m. Saturday, February 9 2:00 p.m. Matinee _______ & 7:00 p.m. Over 20 years of professionally licensed counseling from a Christian World and Life Perspective Specialized Counseling: • Individual Counseling • Spaced Retrieval Trainer • Couples Counseling • EMDR (Eye Movement • Family Counseling Desensitization & Reprocessing) • Group Counseling 126 E. Main Street Suite B, Middleville, Ml 49333 269-205-2402 email: info@hoxworthcounseling.com website: HoxworthCounseling.com Ed Koehn Ford 1159 W. Superior of Wayland Wayland, Ml 49348 269-792-2205 Add OIL & FILTER CHANGE TIRE ROTATION Up to 5 quarts of Oil For additional $^^95 $I2»« EVERY DAY LOW PRICE Ed Koehn Ford of Wayland Taxes and diesel vehicles extra. Additional quarts extra. See Service Advisor for details. Offer valid with coupon. Expires 2-16-19. Code: 52237 MM HMM MH MM HMR MMM MM MMM MM MM MM We service all makes and models. www.edkoehnfordofwayland.com 1159 W. Superior Street, Wayland • US-131 at exit 64 269-792-2205 • l-SOO-WAY-FORD Friday, January 25 • 10am to 8pm Saturday, January 26 • 10am to 6pm BARRY EXPO CENTER 1350 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings 49058 'P’UMtotcct .ty , . . . Schondelmayer Bar-B-Q |Hf ■ FREE ►bar-b-q BUFFETJ twWTH ADM'SSlOtjH Compi. e/ee adults . 15 Item h*/th Salad Butee ■ Bail Please come and support our vendors and enjoy t Questions Call Sandy 269-967-4846 Hastings City Bank Kevin’s Draperies Balltek Carpet Cleaning Bath Fitters Bullseye Pest Defense Murry’s Asphalt Primestar Networks All Weather Seal All Service & Remodel Terry & Dan McKinney Poured Walls Two Brothers & A Tent Jiles Concrete Pumping LuLa Roe with Jana McKinney Clark Brothers Building Contractors Leaffilter North of Michigan Everdry Waterproofing State Farm Insurance By Dan Simmons Cabinets Plus Champion Window & Home Exteriors Beltone Hearing Center Mosquito Shield PaintBob.com Kodiak Construction Schondelmayer Skill Works Klean Gutters Midwest Hastings City Bank Bay to Bay Building Concepts An’d Signs Affordable Metal Greenridge Realty-Hastings Bleam Eavestroughing R B Excavating Miracle Ear Masonry Repair Service Irish Roofing & Exteriors Miller Real Estate Preferred Credit Union Just Jewelry & JJ Boutique Ayers Basement Systems Avalon Building Concepts Caledonia Rent-Ail Wild Piglet Scooter Store Arthur Briseno, Tree Limb Lamps Sundance Chevrolet By Art Mead At Home Real Estate Interior Wood Working Fifelski Construction Sir Home Improvement City of Hastings Village of Middleville Thornapple Township Kitchens By Katie Mid Michigan Landscape Supply 1-800 Hansons Renewal By Andersen Alternative Roofing Solutions ‘ Fashion Jewelry & Lemon Gras Spa Marge’s Custom Sewing Barry Eaton Health Dept C-Malty Concessions WBCH World’s Best Country Hits MM �Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD JONES Are you prepared for a natural disaster? Elaine Garlock The Depot Museum will host the annual quilt show on Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 26 and 27. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday. Offers to exhibit have been coming in. Quilts should be brought in Thursday in order to be arranged for display. Information is provided about each quilt concerning its creator, the pattern and other pertinent data. This is a free event. The new year supply of museum guides is on hand and free for the taking, provided by the Tri-River Museum group. Also there is a limited supply of the Bonanza Bugle, the quarterly publication of the Lake Odessa Area Historical Society, which is now in its 51st year of operating. The Ionia County Genealogy Society will meet Saturday, Feb. 9. A soup supper is planned Friday, Feb. 1, at the Museum on Emerson Street. This is an established event of the host society during winter months with two soup suppers and another night for chili. The television program Finding Your Roots has special interest this season for members of the Garlock family and their many relatives in nearby counties because the interviewed personality whose roots are being searched is Christiane Amanpour, a relative in the Hill family of St. Albans, England. In a family of seven with four daughters and three sons there were many grandchildren. The youngest daughter and husband went to British Columbia as newlyweds about 1900. The eldest son came to the southwest corner of Gratiot County as a 17 year old lad who had been out of school four years and worked for a London department store. His progeny are scattered in Montcalm, Gratiot, Barry, Kent and Ionia counties. Each of the three sons had a son who was named for his father so there were William Jr., John Jr., and Arthur Jr. John Junior had daughters Patricia and Janine. Patricia married Mohammed Amanpour and their first daughter is Christiiane who is with CNN as a reporter and TV show host. She came into prominence during the Iran conflict and has since had her own Sunday forenoon show. Well into her career she married James Rubin, assistant to Madeline Albright during the Clinton administration in the State Department. The young son of the Rubins is Darius John, doubtless named for his ancestor John Hill both senior and junior. We shall be watching to see and hear whatever the experts have found in their ancestor search for his noted person because the first generation to be search are also the same as for the local families. Schools were closed Monday because of the very low temperatures because of the danger of chilling for youngsters who must wait outside for school buses. Some churches canceled their services Sunday because of the extreme cold. The Lake Odessa Community Library has a full schedule of events for the community during the winter months. Today, Thursday, is the time for the inspirational book discussion at 2 p.m. The science program for teenagers will be at 4 p.m. today. Each week, the knitting group meets Tuesdays from 1 to 3 p.m. Wednesdays is story time for children 2 to 5 at 10:30 a.m. Another story time each week is for the same age group on Thursdays. The after-school kids group meets Feb. 7 at 4 p.m. A new group for kids age 12 and up has a financial topic each month on the second Tuesday. The year ahead offers new opportunities and experiences. But as you make plans throughout 2019, be mindful of the things that can derail those plans - such as the natural disasters that affected so many families in 2018. Every area around the country is sub­ ject to natural disasters, whether they’re wild­ fires, hurricanes or tornadoes. How can you prepare for them? Here are a few suggestions: • Maintain adequate insurance. It’s a good idea to review your homeowners insurance at least annually to ensure it’s still providing the protection you need. And make sure you know exactly what your policy covers in terms of natural disasters. You’ll also want to review your life and disability insurance regu­ larly. And, of course,, you’ll want to stay cur­ rent on your premiums for all your policies. • Keep a record of your possessions. The insurance claims process will be much easier if you take the time, before a natural disaster occurs, to photograph or videotape the con­ tents of your home. You also might want to list the brands and serial numbers of applianc­ es and electronics. • Know your passwords. It’s important to have ready access to the passwords for your financial accounts. You may be able to memo­ rize them, but, if not, keep them somewhere perhaps in your smartphone - that you can access anywhere. It’s always possible that a natural disaster will strike so quickly that you can’t even grab your phone, so, to be extra cautious, you might want to share your pass­ words with a trusted family member or friend. (Even then, though, you may want to change your passwords every so often.) • Build an emergency fund. During or fol­ lowing a natural disaster, you may need ready access to cash to cover some of the essentials of daily living, such as food and shelter. Keeping a lot of cash in your home may not be such a great plan, especially if you have to evacuate quickly. Consequently, you might want to create an emergency fund containing three to six months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a low-risk, liquid and highly accessible account at a local bank or with your financial services provider. • Protect your documents. These days, many of your important financial materials, such as your investment statements, are avail­ able online, so they’re likely safe from any disaster. But you may still have some items, such as checkbooks, birth certificates, pass­ ports, Social Security cards, insurance poli­ cies and estate planning documents (i.e., will, living trust, etc.) on paper. Even if some or all of these things could eventually be replaced, it would take time and effort. You’re better off protecting them beforehand, possibly by keeping them in a safety deposit box at a local bank. • Save your receipts. You’ll want to save receipts for repairs and temporary lodging to submit to your insurance company. If you are not fully reimbursed for these expenses, they may be tax deductible, though you’ll need to consult with your tax advisor to be certain. If you’re fortunate, you’ll never have to face a natural disaster that threatens your home and possessions. But it never hurts to be ready - just in case. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. If you have any questions, contact Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. ----STOCKS-----The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. Apple Inc. AT&T Chemical Fin Chevron Deere & Co. Exxon Mobil Flowserve CP Ford Motor Co. General Electric Co. General Motors Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP Perrigo Co. Pfizer Inc. Spartannash Comp Stryker TCF Financial Corp. Walmart Inc. Walt Disney Co Whirl Pool Corp Gold Silver Dow Jones 153.30 30.58 42.48 112.34 158.84 71.89 41.86 8.50 8.66 38.15 177.11 128.80 58.70 105.68 44.94 42.27 20.99 165.88 21.67 97.49 110.60 126.22 -.34 -.07 +.70 +.64 -.56 -1.01 +.67 +.26 -.46 +.07 +3.74 +.72 +1.24 -1.16 +2.37 . $1,285.25 $15.40 24,404 -$4.02 -.33 +338 +.23 -.02 +1.61 +.22 +1.79 +.22 +.42 Bizon elected Senate majority whip Jelesma named, chief ofstaff jfewbom babies Penelope Gwen Voogd, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on January 9, 2019 to Cassandra Voogd and Alex Voogd of Middleville. Emma Kay, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on January 6, 2019 to Rachel Howard and Brent Snowden of Nashville. Kynzleijh Mae Schalk, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on January 9, 2019 to Sadie Schalk and Brandon Schalk of Wayland. Alexandria Ione, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on January 5, 2019 to Jillian Morrow and Alexander Morrow of Hastings. Naomi Cherie Shook, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on January 7, 2019 to Danielle Shook and Kenneth Shook of Hastings. Emery Celina Morton, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on January 10, 2019 to Stephanie Morton and Nick Morton of Freeport. Emmy Lynn Blue, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on January 1, 2019 to Christine Blue and Kyle Blue of Hastings. licenses Richard Alan Osborne, Nashville Evelyn Ruth Ackley, Nashville. K. A. MUELLER ACCOUNTING 221 South Jefferson Street Hastings, Michigan (269) 945-3547 www.kamuelleraccounting.com Sen. John Bizon, M.D., last week announced his committee assignments, leadership posi­ tion and office chief of staff for the 100th Legislature. Bizon was elected by fellow Republicans to serve as assistant majority whip for the Senate. He also has been assigned-three committee leadership roles. He -'Wil chair the Senate Families, Seniors, and Veterans Committee; serve as vice chair of the Health Policy and Human Services Committee; and serve as vice chair of the Appropriations Subcommittee on Community Health/Human Services. In addition, Bizon will serve as a member of the Appropriations Committee, the Appropriations Subcommittee on Capital Outlay and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Universities and Community Colleges. “Senate committees are vital to the passage of legislation that has been thoroughly vet­ ted,” Bizon, R-Battle Creek, said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 8 PRESENTING SPONSOR The County of Barry is accepting sealed bids for 2 Heating and Air Conditioning Units. The closing date for the bid is February 8, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. Bids must be submitted to the Barry County Build­ ings and Grounds, 220 W. State Street, Hastings, Ml 49058 in a sealed envelope clearly marked “AN­ IMAL SHELTER HVAC BID.” Bids are available on­ line at www.barrycounty.org or the Buildings and Grounds office located 117 S. Broadway, Hastings, Ml 49058, from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Fri­ day. Specific questions regarding the Invitation to Bid may be directed to: Tim Neeb, Custodial and Maintenance Supervisor at (269) 838-7084. Floating with a purpose Dr. Universe: What do clouds do? Desi, 9, Maryland The minutes of the meeting of the Barry County Board of Commissioners held January 22,2019, are available in the County Clerk’s Office at 220 W. State St., Hastings, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or www.barrycounty.org. Barry County INVITATION TO BID Representatives. Jelsema will be Bizon’s key staffer for the $24.86 billion Michigan Department of Health and Human Services budget, which accounts for roughly 45 per­ cent of all state spending. “Three of our four office staff will be long­ time residents of Barry and Calhoun coun­ ties,” Bizon said. “I’d like to let residents know that my Senate office is open to help them.” Bizon’s office may be reached via email to SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov or by phone, 517-373-2426. and Licensed Master Plumber i Licensed Journeyman Plumber NOTICE both sides of the aisle in these many commit­ tees.” A full list of Senate committees and their memberships is available online at MiSenateGOP.com, on the Committees tab. Bizon also named Thomapple Township Trustee Jake Jelsema to serve as chief of staff for his legislative office. Jelsema is a lifelong Barry County resident and 2005 graduate of Thomapple Kellogg High School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Aquinas College and a law degree from Cooley Law School. Previously, Jelsema was Bizon’s legislative policy aide in the Michigan House of I GENTEX CORPORATION DeVos Place, Grand Rapids January 31-February 3,2019 100’s of the newest vehicles from over 35 manufacturers! Annual opportunity to see all of your options! Your Drive Starts Hero! Top end Luxury in the Million Dollar Motorway! Classics from the Gilmore Car Museum! #8110376 & Insured s2.00 OFF! Present this coupon at the box office for $2.00 Off 1 Regular Adult Admission. Not good with any other coupon. Photocopier not accepted. Thur, Jan 31,11am-9:30pm Sat, Feb 2,10am-9:30pm Fri, Feb 1,11am-9:30pm Sun, Feb 3,10am-5pm GRAutoShow.com s2.00 Present this coupon at the box office for $2.00 Off 1 Regular Adult Admission. Not good with any other coupon. Photocopies not accepted. PRESENTING SPONSOR I GENTEX CORPORATION DeVos Place, Grand Rapids Thur, Jan 31,11am-9:30pm Sat, Feb 2,10am-9:30pm Fri, Feb 1,11am-9:30pm Sun, Feb 3,10am-5pm GRAutoShow.com Dear Desi, If you’re anything like me, you like to watch the clouds go by in the sky. Even though some clouds might look like they are just floating around up there, they can do quite a lot for our planet. The first thing to know about clouds is they are made up of tiny water droplets, ice crystals, or a mix of both — and there are many different kinds of clouds. You might see white and puffy cumulus clouds, thin and wispy cirrus clouds, and tall nimbostratus clouds that stretch high up in to the sky. Believe it or not, when you walk through fog, you are walking through a kind of cloud that’s touching the ground. I learned about clouds from my friend Von P. Walden, an atmospheric researcher at Washington State University. One thing clouds can do is move, Walden said. Some clouds move slowly, while oth­ ers — like the clouds of a spinning hurri­ cane — can move about 100 mph. As clouds move, they transport water around our planet. The clouds above North America are usually moving from the west to the east, Walden said. A lot of the water that makes up clouds comes from the Pacific Ocean. As the water on the surface of the ocean warms up, tiny water molecules rise into the atmosphere to help form clouds. When the water particles that make up clouds get heavy enough, they will sometimes fall down to earth in the form of rain or snow. When that water falls, we can use it for various things. We might use it to water plants for food. We also can use water to generate energy from dams for our homes and schools. We sometimes drink it or swim in it. Clouds can also cool us by reflecting sunlight back to space. It had been raining the morning I went to visit Walden, but the sun was finally start­ ing to shine. He noticed a small rainbow out the window. We see rainbows when light moves through water droplets and the rays of light scatter around. It’s pretty rare, but some­ times we can spot a phenomenon called a rainbow cloud. These clouds occur very high in the atmosphere. Instead of being white or gray, the cloud is all the colors of the rainbow, or iridescent. If you ever have a chance to visit the Palouse in Washington state, we have some great clouds. But really, you can watch clouds from anywhere on our planet. What clouds do you see in your neigh­ borhood? Can you draw their shapes? While investigating your question, I also learned that nephelococcygia is the act of seeking and finding shapes in the clouds. You can keep track of your observations with a pen and paper. Do you notice any patterns about the clouds? How fast do they move? Keep your eye to the sky and share what you dis­ cover at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. £ . :J ’ �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 24, 2019 — Page 9 fl look hook at the stories and columns on local In the Hastings B TURNING BACK THE PAGES Surnames from 1902 paper still familiar today Charles Rowlader’s grain elevator in Woodland burned in January 1902, so this elevator in Coats Grove, also owned by Rowlader, helped “supply the trade” in Woodland shortly after. (The History of Woodland, Michigan, 1837-1987photo) The winter of 1901-02 appears to have been mild, or at least lacking snow. Correspondents who contributed their local news columns to the Hastings Journal for the Jan. 23, 1902, edition, mention that the roads are smooth but also that a successful ice harvest is under way. The correspondents mention people who are ailing and others recovering, out-of-town guests stopping by and families reuniting, business dealings and club meetings. Perhaps the more interesting items, however, are those not fully explained: “Some of our good people have it in their minds that religion consists in watching and finding fault with their neighbors and then giving a batch of advice unasked for ...” or “Some person has been circulating a petition to have the railroad business taken away from Mr. Adkins and placed in the new store.” Many of the names (reprinted in upper case) are still familiar and still connected to particular neighborhoods or communities. Fisherville, was once such neighborhood, not an actual village like the one in Bay County. This neighborhood likely was near the intersection of East State and Fisher roads, where the dilapidated Fisher School still stands. Parmelee, which once had a post office, may have had a directionally challenged correspondent, or maybe the correspondent also supplied local news to a paper in Kent County. The column opens with “The weather down here is extremely fine ...” Parmalee (the other spelling variation) is in Thornapple Township, a mile south of the Kent County line, making it one of the northernmost communities in the county, or up there. Readers will have to use their own mental navigation to determine where such neighborhoods as West Woodland and South Rutland may have been. Fisherville Monday evening last, the people of the neighborhood turned out and completely surprised Mrs. Luther KINNE, it being her 50^ birthday; a good time was had by all. The people, both young and old, did not lack for some place to go last Friday evening. There was a party on Lyle FISHER, held at his home, also a surprise at the home of Mr. and Mrs. McKNIGHT, and a load of the scholars accompanied by their teacher, Mrs. WARNER, attended a school exhibition at Quimby. All reported a good time. Mr. BARBER and daughter went to Battle Creek last week to attend the funeral of his mother. The Misses McPHARLIN, of this city, visited their aunt, Mrs. SHELBY, last week. Herbert BOWER, of Great Falls, Mont., is visiting his aunt, Mrs. Henry FISHER. Mrs. McMERLE, who is visiting her sister, Mrs. PITTINGER, had the misfortune to slip and break her left arm Thursday. Andrew KENNEDY is again on the sick list. Mrs. Julie FISHER gave a party at her home Friday evening, in honor of Eva BOWLES and her Sunday school class. About 30 were present to enjoy a lively time guessing conundrums. Grace KENNEDY received the first prize, and Edyth STOWELL the booby. West Woodland David GATES, of Saranac, and J.J. SENTER, of Carlton, called on C. SENTER last Monday. J.H. DURKEE was in Kalamazoo last Thursday and Friday attending the reunion of his regiment. Fred GEIGER was in Battle Creek last week. Twenty-one ladies spent a very pleasant day with Mrs. REISER and sewed 25 pounds of carpet rags for her. Mr. HEISE entertained company from east Woodland Sunday. Elsia MYERS, of Lake Odessa, spent Sunday at Henry SCHAIBLY’s Cora YARGER has returned from Belding. Mr. and Mrs. LUDLOW and Esther DURKEE, of Freeport, visited at J.H. DURKEE’s the first of the week. James STANLEY, a discharged soldier from the Philippines, and Miss C ASTLELEIN, of Hastings, called on friends here Sunday. Rutland Center James WOOD, who has been at Battle Creek for some time, is at home at present. F.P. ASPINALL is working at the barber trade in Grand Rapids. Henry SHIVELY, of Yankee Springs, called at John Erway’s last week, en route to Hastings on business. Lena WOOD has secured a position in the Car Seal factory in the city. Com. J.C. KETCHAM visited our school last Tuesday. Several from our vicinity attended the dance at the Glass Creek hall last Friday evening. The farmers are busy now putting up ice. Measles has broken out in the Otis school, and several of the little ones are victims. Warren FOREMAN caught his foot in a wire Saturday, causing him to fall and hurt his wrist severely. Nashville Perry CAZIER has purchased the milk route of John ACKETT. A.G. MURRAY has sold his farm to Geo. WELLMAN, who will move thereon at once. Lyman J. WILSON is quite sick. J. DOUGHERTY has sold his house and lot to John S. GREEN, who will take possession at once. Mr. Dougherty will move to Manistee, his former home. The funeral of Oscar SIMMONS was held at the Evangelical church last Friday. The remains were laid in Oak Hill cemetery. The funeral of Mrs. Florinda GAINES was held at her late residence last Saturday. The remains were taken to Hastings for burial. A gang of men are at work in the village, setting poles for the new electric lights. Prairieville WCTU met Tuesday afternoon at the home of Mrs. Georgia BROWN. Union revival services began at the M.E. church Wednesday evening. Rev. ALLEN assisting the pastor. While they are in progress, there will be no evening services at the Baptist church. The class in Bible study will meet with Mrs. Chester HONEYWELL Saturday evening. Winnie TEMPLE closed her school tin the Carpenter district Friday. Parmelee The weather down here is extremely fine and has been for some time. No doubt, a change will take place by and by. Be that as it may, we should all appreciate that which we have had, and remember that good things scarcely ever last any great length of time. If the sick and afflicted continue to improve in the coming two weeks as they have in the last, there will be no use for physicians or nurses in this place; sickness and sorrow will be unknown words. Visiting has been carried on to such an extent for the past month that some of our neighbors have run out of places to go. Those who have been afflicted with rheumatism and are now able to be out tell us they have more sympathy for sick people than they had formerly. Some folks have to be pinched before they know how it feels. The Wooster, Ohio, speech of Mr. BRYAN, in last week’s Journal, has been read and re-read by all Journal readers and by all lovers of liberty and good government. We are in hopes that the whole or parts of his speech at New Haven, Conn., at a later date will appear sometime in the near future. E.J. BEACH continues to improve, and no doubt will be out again soon. While they are draining thousands of acres of land at the source of the Thomapple River with a 19-mile ditch, down this way they are flooding as many acres. Shut off at one place and turn on at another; how it will terminate we are not prepared to say; Parts of many of our best river farms will soon be under water and hundreds of acres of land water-soaked, which will be ruinous, but we must have electricity, can’t get along without it. Wm. VAN AVERY, of Ionia, is visiting his father and brother Wesley, of this place, also his sisters, Mrs. Rob’t ALLEN and Mrs. Sam’l DAVIS. Word has reached friends at this station of the recent death of Mrs. John VAN AVERY of Grand Rapids. Mr. Van Avery was at one time prominently connected with the plaster works in the above-named city. Ground-hog day is fast approaching, and the people will watch the result with unabated interest. Some of our good people have it in their minds that religion consists in watching and finding fault with their neighbors and then giving a batch of advice unasked for, which makes confusion and disagreements, in fact, a hell on earth. Clean up your own dooryard and you will all have enough to do, without giving so much free counsel. Carlton Center Theron CAIN is home from Battle Creek for a few days’ vacation. Mrs. J.W. McCONNELL’s father and mother, of Jackson, spent Sunday with her. Mrs. HUNTER returned Monday, but Mrs. Hunter will remain with her daughter for two or three weeks. Eugene NICHOLS is dangerously ill with mumps. John USBORNE returned from Benzie Co., Wednesday; he says there is too much snow up there for him. The farmers are harvesting the largest crop of ice ever taken from Middle Lake, scores of loads are cut every day. It is 11 inches thick and of the finest quality. Mrs. Chloe SHELDON, of Battle Creek, is visiting her parents. Mrs. W.W. EISENHOOD, who has been seriously ill, is much better. Farmers are cutting their timber form the creek flats, preparatory to dredging of the same next summer. If the wishes of the majority are regarded, there will be no dredging. Irving Mrs. F. STOWELL, of Hastings, spent Sunday with her mother, Mrs. POFF. H.C. STRONG is very busy putting in new machinery. Now we may expect to have No. 1 flour made in Irving. Wilber TINKER is helping fix the mill. There will be an oyster supper at the home of L.S. HILLS Friday evening, Jan. 24, for the benefit of the Epworth League. Mrs. Wilber TINKER and Mrs. McCONNELL visited at John DUFFEY’s in Yankee Springs last week. Mr. BAIRD, of York State, visited his uncle, L. BALDWIN, last week; they had not met in 30 years. Morgan Chas. CARR and wife spent a part of last week with friends at Hickory Comers, Delton and Hastings. Last Thursday, the Barryville dam came near going out; lively work saved it. Bom Jan. 10 to Will HYDE and wife, a daughter. Barber MEAD has a new phone in his house. Some person has been circulating a petition to have the railroad business taken away from Mr. ADKINS and placed in the new store. Woodland Albert BARNUM and wife and Elijah Barnum and wife visited in Vermontville Tuesday. Saturday night, the grain elevator with all its contents burned to the ground, the loss is covered by insurance. Last Sunday, Sen. HUMPHREY spoke at the different churches in the interest of the Anti-Saloon League. The ladies of the Women’s Christian Temperance Union will meet at the Methodist Episcopal parsonage Friday afternoon, for the purpose of reorganizing. Little Margaret CRITES is slowly improving, but it not yet able to sit up. Mrs. Chas. EASTERBROOK is very ill. Frank PECK is recovering from the smallpox, but his brother Gilbert is very sick. South Rutland The South Rutland correspondent must be taking a rest, but the world moves on just the same. Mrs. Afton SMITH has been very sick The Car Seal factory, which later became Tyden and eventually Viking Corp., hired 1 25 new “girls” in January 1902. This building was bound on the south side by the ■ Thornapple River and on the east by railroad tracks. It was one of several structures * razed a few years ago. . \ with pneumonia, but is better at present. The many friends of Mrs. Solon DOUD are sorry to hear she is not much better. Another necessary improvement added to the Podunk school house is the new stove. Sunday school has been reorganized with officers same as last year: Mrs. HATHAWAY, sup’t.; Wm. TUTTLE, ass’t. Bert MERRIFIELD and Nellie TANNER, of Hastings, were united in marriage Jan. 1; we understand they will settle down on the farm. Afton SMITH has traded for the 80 acres formerly owned by P.T. COLGROVE. We are sorry to hear that Walter TUTTLE, formerly of this vicinity, now of Petoskey, is very sick with pneumonia. Delton There will be a dime social at the home of Lincoln BUSH next Wednesday evening under the auspices of the Ladies Aid Society. A large number of Deltonites, both old and young, wended their way to Crooked Lake Monday evening to try the thickness of the ice, and reports are that all arrived home safely, although the following morning many cracks could be found in the ice caused by the young-old boys taking “headers.” The Reading Circle this week will be at the home of Mr. VANTYNE Friday evening. The Circle has proven itself very interesting and entertaining as well as instructive. Miss CUMMINGS, a deaconess in the Division Street M.E. Church, Grand Rapids, occupied the pulpit during the absence of the pastor Sunday. The subject in the evening was deaconesses and their work, and the pleasing manner in which she spoke won for her many friends. We hope to have her with us again. Mr. YOUNGS, of Nashville, passed through Delton this week, en route to Hickory Comers to visit his brother, who is no better. A number of Delton boys attended the ball at Hickory Comers Friday evening. The firm of T.D. CUTLER, Delton, is no more, the stock having been sold to Jerry Cutler, who has been the manager of the store for several years. Frank T. GILLESPIE, at one time a Delton boy, but now a prominent druggist of Muskegon, was in town calling on old friends last week. Jerry SPROUL, who removed to Cutcheon [Missaukee County] last fall and bought a new timbered farm, has returned here and bought the house lately occupied by Chas. HARRINGTON, of W.H. CHASE. A surprise party was given Queenie BLACKMAN Wednesday evening by her many friends. Dr. SCRIBNER is recovering quite rapidly from his severe injuries and is able to be out around town. Roy LEINAAR, who drew the rug in the Cutler guessing contest a short time ago, was the lucky one again last week to draw the game board. Coats Grove Geo. TOWNSEND is running his sawmill, Mr. HOOVER has sold his farm. Several are putting up ice of very good thickness. The Woodland elevator, owned by ROWLADER, burned early Sunday morning. His team took a load from his elevator Monday to supply the trade for a while. Ray SPRAGUE is under the doctor’s care, or else studying medicine; at any rate, he is there pretty much of the time. Local (Hastings) Slight fall of snow Tuesday night. The Car Seal Company has 25 new girls employed. Don’t wait for sleighing, fill your wood contracts while the good roads last. Wanted: 10 cords of second growth white of swamp elm, cut 30 inches long. Inquire at this office. The South End shoe store on Jefferson Street is the place to get bargains on shoes. Opposite Hall Bros, implement warehouse. The Bowling Dress Stay Co. was obliged to shut down Monday, owing to the delay in the arrival of a consignment of whalebone. Mrs. Carrie COLGROVE is suffering with inflamed eyes. The malady is a peculiar one, and is supposed to have come from constant reading. The Hastings Wool Boot Co. commenced to work a day and night gang Monday. The firm has plenty of good orders and good prospects. W.W. POTTER will deliver an address before the Hastings Musical Club next Tuesday evening, and Mrs. Clement SMITH will favor the club with a parliamentary drill., Mrs. Edward KNAPPEN, of Grand Rapids, submitted to a painful surgical operation last week and is getting along nicely. The fears of cancerous tumor were groundless. A very enjoyable time was had at the residence of Mrs. Clarissa CROOK Jan. 19. For the first time in 18 years all the children, except one, Mrs. Lena E. TODD, of Morley, were gathered at the old home. Those from away were Nelson Crook, of Crystal Valley, and Mrs. and Mrs. Jas. COOK and daughter Katherine of Grand Rapids. 111688 PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENTS TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing concerning proposed text amendments to the Prairieville Township Zoning Ordinance will be held on February 18, 2019 commencing at 7:00 p.m. at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, within the Township, as required under the provisions of the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, Michigan Zoning Enabling Act and the Zoning Ordinance for the Township. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the item(s) to be considered at said public hearing include, in brief, the following: 1 Zoning Ordinance text amendments, including the addition/deletion of certain sections and the amendment of certain sections as follows: a. Amendment of Section 4.18, Signs, to provide regulations regarding signs, including a purpose section, general sign regulations, prohibited signs, zoning district sign regulations, regulations for temporary and changeable copy signs, provisions for non-conforming signs and abandoned signs, sign permit provisions, definitions and violation provisions. b. Amendment of Section 4.32, regarding appearance of fences. The Prairieville Township Planning Commission and Township Board reserve the right to make changes in the above mentioned proposed amendment(s) at or following the public hearing. Anyone interested in reviewing the proposed text amendments or the special exception use application pertinent to the foregoing may examine a copy of the same at the Prairieville Township Hall during regular business hours of regular business days hereafter until the time of said hearing and may further examine the same at said public hearing. All interested persons are invited to be present at the aforesaid time and place. Prairieville Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed material being considered at the hearing, to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon four (4) days’ notice to the Prairieville Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Prairieville Township Clerk at the address or telephone number listed below. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Rod Goebel, Township Clerk Prairieville Township Hall 10115 S Norris Road Delton, MI 49046 (269) 623-2726 > i ’> > t ( i '* > f » I t f < i ’ t F I F ) I * f I ) < I ' 4 I I I I I \ I i I I �Page 10 — Thursday, January 24, 2019 — The Hastings Banner TEMPERATURE, continued from page 1 “It’s critical that people not use alternative heat sources in their homes. Tuesday night, two people were found dead in their home in Battle Creek, which had filled with carbon monoxide. They were using alternative heat sources. A three-month old baby was also found, alive, but affected,” Barry County United Way Director Lani Forbes said. She is a volunteer firefighter. In the City of Hastings, big problems include water main breaks. The city has expe­ rienced three so far this winter - the last was in November. And winter isn’t over yet. “We didn’t have a problem these past few days of cold, but that doesn’t mean we’re done for the season. With each arctic blast, the ground frost pushes deeper. It isn’t as deep as it could be because it hasn’t been all that cold until now,” Director of Public Services Lee Hays said. Hays predicts a water main break in February, which is an educated guess derived from years of experience working with the city infrastructure. He suspects that, by next month, there will have been enough in fluctu­ ating temperature drops that frost will reach the water supply lines. The oldest lines are the most susceptible. The Department of Public Services crew deals with these calls. The water supply is shut off as soon as the break is discovered, but water accumulates in the pit dug to reach the pipe. Removing the broken pipe means get­ ting into the pit. “Those guys can get a call at 2 a.m., and they’re right on site in minutes. They’re wet and freezing, but they’ll be there until the job’s done. We’re lucky to have them here,” Hays said. Driving on icy roads is a concern for every­ one, whether it’s an emergency responder answering a call for help or someone just trying to get to work. More salt seems a logi­ cal answer, but that’s not true when tempera­ tures drop below 30 degrees, Barry County Road Commission Managing Director Brad Lamberg said. “From 30-32 degrees, or warmer, salt works well. When it gets below 20 degrees, the benefit is minimal, if it even helps at all. The effect is cumulative. Salt is more effec­ tive at 20 degrees than at 19 degrees, and it’s more effective at 19 degrees than at 15 degrees. We use less salt and more dirt in the mix because it’s simply a waste of money to do otherwise. Dirt will at least provide some traction,” Lamberg said. Chemicals highly effective in melting ice in subzero temperature are available but at an exorbitantly high price. He said there is no way the road commission can afford it with­ out a hard hit on taxpayers. Provided there’s no precipitation, at tem­ peratures below 30 degrees the highways stay mostly dry, according to Lamberg. Highways have more traffic than rural roads and side streets. The traffic, combined with the “little bit” the salt has done, helps to keep driving conditions good. “You’ll see the asphalt even on the less traveled roads where the tires generally drive over the same path. You’ll also see that the shoulders and the middle section between the two lanes are still icy. There’s no traffic there to wear down the ice. The traffic is doing most of the work, especially on the highways where drivers have more space to move around some,” he said. A pretreating salt solution helps a little more than dry salt and dirt. So it’s commonly used in frigid temperature conditions. The emulsion is made by adding water to the salt and dirt mixture as it’s released to treat the road. The Barry County Road Commission has been using the solution, as most other Michigan counties are doing. But, according to Lamberg, it’s still only helps at approxi­ mately 32 degrees. Another money-saving protocol is not treating or lightly treating roads during heavy snow when the road commission is confident, they will have to plow the roads a second time. Full treatment the first round would be pushed to the side when plows go through again, and another full treatment would be necessary. “The slag stone we use in chip sealing helps drivers quite a bit in icy conditions, too, and I’ve heard from a lot of people about how much they appreciate it. Slag is the byproduct of smelting metal. It’s rough and porous, so it helps with friction,” Lamberg said. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PUBLIC HEARING GILMORE POINT PINE LAKE ROAD PAVING PROJECT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 18-1 TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, the Township Board of Prairieville Township, as authorized by PA 188 of 1954, as amended, proposes to undertake a road paving project on Gilmore Point on Pine Lake in Prairieville Township as more particularly described below and to create a separate special assessment district for the recovery of the costs thereof by special assessment against the properties benefited. The Township Board of Prairieville Township is acting pursuant to petitions, as authorized by PA 188 of 1954, as amended. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the special assessment district within which the foregoing improvements are proposed to be made and within which the costs thereof are to be specially assessed includes parcels fronting on Gilmore Point Drive and parcels located at the intersection of Gilmore Point Drive and Long Point Drive and includes the following tax parcels: GILMORE POINT PINE LAKE ROAD PAVING PROJECT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 18-1 PROPOSED DISTRICT: The properties indicated by parcel numbers: 12-290-034-00 12-290-042-00 12-290-039-20 12-290-050-30 12-290-037-00 12-290-044-00 12-290-038-00 12-290-049-00 12-290-040-00 12-290-049-10 12-290-045-00 12-290-046-00 Sleet or snow, it doesn’t matter for road crews. Work begins at 4 a.m. and is done when the job is completed. (Photo submitted) Dropping temperatures do take a toll on the equipment and, at times, the road crew. The heavy equipment works harder the colder it gets, and there are breakdowns. When the breakdown requires being brought to the garage for repairs, it’s not hazardous for the crew. However, the simple breakdowns mean the driver is out in the elements working on the repair, which exposes that worker to potential frostbite. Getting through the bitter cold weather was a concern for many Barry County residents, especially low-income households. Calls to the Barry County United Way for help with finding a residence did not go up, but calls for help with heat did. “There was a little rise, just before the tem­ perature drop, in requests for assistance with paying heating bills before a shut-off, or get­ ting oil or propane, so they wouldn’t run out in the middle of it. They knew the really cold stuff was coming. There wasn’t a big increase,” Forbes said. • Pets also feel the impact when temperature drops, Barry County Animal Shelter Director Ken Kirsch said. “Cats and dogs perspire through their paws. When they walk on ice or snow for extended periods of time, their feet are freezing to the ground. Their pads are literally frozen,” Kirsch said. Winter booties will help protect a pet’s paws, but animals need to be trained to use them. Their equilibrium is connected to their paw pads, and when first wearing booties, they will walk as if “drunk.” Animals outside should have access to fresh, unfrozen water. Pet owners should use straw inside outdoor shelters. Straw draws moisture to the bottom, helping to keep ani­ mals dry. Salt, often used on driveways, porches and sidewalks may cause painful sores and should be wiped off the animal’s paw pads. “The salt gets into the creases of their paws and dries the skin to the point of cracking,” he said. A final piece of advice Kirsch shares is the importance of extra protein for outdoor ani­ mals. Their bodies work harder in the cold and snow. Preparation and looking ahead is key to service departments, public service organiza­ tions and individuals in dealing with the dan­ gerously cold conditions. The outlook for today and through the weekend is pointing to the possibility of more frigid temperatures.; Freezing rain layered rural roads, parkirig lots and vehicles with sheets of ice Tuesday, and, with Wednesday, came the light rain, which made roads wet, icy and difficult to maneuver. County road crews were out at 4 a.m. treating roads and clearing clearing slush. According to the National Weather Service, the hazardous weather outlook for portions of southwest lower Michigan is cold air surging into the area today behind another Arctic cold front, creating a frost bite risk of 30 minutes or less for exposed skin. Cold and lake effect snow will persist into the upcoming weekend. And threat for ice jams continues as river ice increases. 12-290-048-00 12-290-039-00 12-290-047-00 12-290-050-35 PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has received plans showing the proposed road paving project and associated activities (including grading and drainage work), together with an estimate of the cost of the project in the amount of $33,600. The cost of the project is proposed to be raised by special assessment on parcels in the proposed district. The Prairieville Township Board has passed a resolution tentatively declaring its intention to undertake such project and to create the afore-described special assessment district. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has placed the project plans and costs estimate on file with the Township Clerk and said plans, cost estimates and special assessment district may be examined at the Township Clerk’s office from the date of this Notice to the date of the public hearing and may further be examined at such public hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board proposes to make a per-parcel special assessment each year for a period of six years (2019-2024 inclusive) of approximately $400 per year. Additionally, the Township Board reserves the right to levy a lesser assessment in any year that there are more funds in the special assessment district fund than the amount needed. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a public hearing on the plans, district, cost estimates and will be held at Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, Delton, Michigan, on February 11, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. At the hearing, the Board will consider any written objections and comments to any of the foregoing matters which are filed with the Township Clerk at or before the hearing, and any objections or comments raised at the hearing; and at the hearing (or any adjournment of the hearing which may be made without further notice), the township board may revise, correct, amend or change the plans, cost estimates or special assessment district. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if written objections to the project are filed with the Township Board at or before the hearing, signed by the record owners of land constituting more than 20% of the total frontage on the road, the township board may not proceed unless petitions in support of the project, signed by record owners of more than 50% of the total frontage on the road proposed for improvement and for inclusion in the special assessment district, are filed with the township. Written comments or objections may be filed with the clerks at the address set out below. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that appearance and protest at the public hearing is required in order to appeal the amount of the special assessment to the State Tax Tribunal within 30 days after the special assessment roll is confirmed. An owner or party in interest, or his or her agent, may appear in person at the hearing to protest the special assessment, or shall be permitted to file at or before the hearing his or her appearance or protest by letter and his or her personal appearance shall not be required. All interested persons are invited to be present in person or by representative and to express their views at the public hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if the township board determines to proceed wjth the special assessment, the board will cause a special assessment roll to be prepared and another hearing will be held, after notice to record owners of property proposed to be specially assessed, to hear public comments concerning the proposed special assessment. Prairieville Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed material being considered at the hearing, to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon four (4) days’ notice to the Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township Clerk at the address below. Rod Goebel, Clerk Prairieville Township 10115 S. Norris Road Delton, Ml 49046 (269) 623-2664 Annual deer season a successful one for many Another firearm deer hunting season concluded with the turning of the calender tb 2019. Dave Harvath got this ten-point during the opening weekend of the regular firearm deer season in November south of Hastings. He said the buck is the best one he has harvested since he was 18 years old. The 2019 early antlerless firearm season will be held Sept. 21-22 in 2019, with the annual youth hunt the same weekend. Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Business Services Fann BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Hard Maple, Cherry. Paying top dollar. Call for pricing and Free Estimates. Will buy single walnut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793 Seal 'N Heal®: liquid bandage seals wounds with bitter tastq to stop gnawing & promote healing.. At Tractor Supply^ (www.kennelvax.com) BELLS CONSTRUCTION-18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, home improvements. 269­ 320-3890. Wanted WANTED: A 9FT wide x 10ft tall insulated garage door. Call 269-838-7053. »•? Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 24, 2019 — Page 11 LEGAL NOTICES STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28117-DE ' Estate of David Gene Stevens. Date of birth: 04/08/1952. - TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, David Gene Stevens, died 12/23/2018. < Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred | unless presented to Todd Richard Stevens, personal J representative, or to both the probate court at 206 ; W. Court St., Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the 5 date of publication of this notice. : Todd Richard Stevens .,903 S. Bostwick Street -Charlotte, Ml 48813 517-582-0776 112007 STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL DISTRICT 5TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT COUNTY PROBATE ORDER FOR SERVICE BY PUBLICATION/POSTING AND NOTICE OF ACTION CASE NO. 2018-983-CH Court address * 220 West State Street, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court telephone no. 269-945-1285 PLAINTIFF Colin Cruttenden and Lou Ann Cruttenden 38 Island Court -Hastings, Ml 49058 V. DEFENDANT rphel O. Stephenson and William J. Stephenson Jr. ,114 Tyner Drive Warsaw, IN 46580 To: Ethel O. Stephenson o; IT IS ORDERED: You are being sued in this court by the plaintiff to nQuiet Title to Parcel #08-04-065-000-027-02. You must file your answer or take other action permitted - by law in this court at the court address above on *>or before 1/28/2019. If you fail to do so, a default judgment may be entered against you for the relief demanded in the complaint filed in this case. ’ A copy of this order shall be published once each • -week in the Hastings Banner for three consecutive ? "Vveeks, and proof of publication shall be filed in this osourt. X. A copy of this order shall be sent to Ethel O. Stephenson at the last-known address by registered mail, return receipt requested, before the date of the flast publication, and the affidavit of mailing shall be veiled in this court. ;,pate: 1/2/19 •' Judge Amy McDowell 110951 Of NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPT­ ING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PUR­ POSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILI­ TARY DUTY ATTENTION PURCHASERS: If the sale is set »■ aside, the purchaser may be entitled to only a re­ , |urn of the sale deposit less any applicable fees and ; Josts and shall have no further recourse against fie Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s * attorney. | Default having been made in the terms and con­ ditions of a certain Mortgage made between SCOTT W. ESTEP, a single man, whose address is 7240 Jordan Road, Woodland, Michigan 48897, as Mort­ gagor, and MERCANTILE BANK OF MICHIGAN, ^assignee of ICNB Mortgage Company, LLC, a Mich­ . igan banking corporation, whose address is 310 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504, as Mortgagee, dated November 20, 2012, and record­ ed in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry ; County, Michigan on November 26, 2012, in Docu* ment Number 2012-007459, upon which Mortgage | is claimed to be due at the date of this notice the ; sum of SIXTY-SIX THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED ; NINETY-ONE AND 44/100 ($66,391.44) DOLLARS, > and no suit or proceedings at law or equity having ! been instituted to recover the debt secured by said » Mortgage, or any part thereof; : NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the bower of sale contained in said Mortgage, and pur­ suant to the statute of the State of Michigan in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that on February 21, 2019, at 1:00 p.m., said Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale at public auction to the highest bidder, at the Barry County Courthouse in the City of Hastings, County of Barry, Michigan (that f being the building where the Circuit Court for the County of Barry is held) of the premises described in !said Mortgage, or so much thereof as may be nec­ essary to pay the amount due of said Mortgage, with interest thereon at 3.125% per annum, and all legal costs, expenses and charges, including the attorney fees allowed by law, and also any sums which may be paid by the undersigned to protect its interest in the premises, which said premises are described as follows: Land situated in the Township of Woodland, County of Barry and State of Michigan, to-wit: The West 2 acres of the North 10 acres of the East 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4, Section 16, Town 4 North, Range 7 West. Commonly known as: 7240 Jordan Road, Wood­ land, Ml • Parcel No.: 08-15-016-100-02 The redemption period shall be six (6) months from the date of such sale, unless determined Abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be thirty (30) days from the date of such sale. If the property described in this Notice is sold at the foreclosure sale referred to above, the Mortgag­ or will be held responsible to the purchaser who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the properB during the redemption period in accordance with CLA 600.3278 or as otherwise provided by law. MERCANTILE BANK OF MICHIGAN Mortgagee Dated: January 17, 2019 TIMOTHY L. CURTISS, Esq. Braun Kendrick Finkbeiner P.L.C. 304 East Broadway, Suite 206 Mt. Pleasant, Michigan 48858 989/775-7404 111545 : NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF BARRY COUNTY Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public hearing for the following: Case Number V-3-2019 - Doug Baumgartner Construction (Applicant); Chris Holley (Property Owner) Location: 138 East Hickory Road, Battle Creek, in Section 29 of Johnstown Township. Purpose: Request a variance to construct an 18x86 2-story home with a 16x36 attached garage which will have 3 ft side yard setbacks (the minimum is 6 ft) in the RL (Recreational Lakes) zoning district. MEETING DATE: February 11, 2019. TIME: 7:00 PM PLACE: Tyden Center, Community Room, 121 South Church Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Site inspection of the above described property will be completed by the Zoning Board of Appeals members before the hearing. Interested persons desiring to present their views upon an appeal, either verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned time and place. Any written response may be mailed to the address listed below, faxed to (269) 948-4820, or emailed to imcmanus@barrycounty.org. The variance application is available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed between 12-1 p.m.) Monday - Friday. Please call the Barry County Planning Department at (269) 945-1290 for further information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or calling the following: Michael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 945-1284. Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk 111690 NOTICE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. MORTGAGE SALE-Default has been made in the conditions of a Mortgage made by CHRISTOPHER B. WALKER AND SHANNON J. WALKER, husband and wife, Mortgagors, to FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF AMERICA, Mortgagee, dated November 9,2004, and recorded November 17, 2004, in Instrument Number 1137316, of Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due as of the date of this notice $72,386.49, including interest at 9.95% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage, and pursuant to the statutes of the State of Michigan, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction to the highest bidder, on Thursday, February 14,2019, at 1 o’clock in the afternoon, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan. Said premises are situated in Irving Township, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Beginning at the NW corner of the SE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 9, T4N, R9W; thence 26 2/3 rods East; thence South 12 rods; thence West 23 2/3 rods; thence North approximately 12 rods to the place of beginning. Together with rights of ingress and egress over the currently established road, except that part deeded to the State of Michigan in Liber 246 on Page 589; c/k/a 6153 Cain Creek, Freeport, Ml 49325 The redemption period shall be six months from the date of the sale, unless the premises are determined to be abandoned pursuant to MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be one month, or until the time to provide the notice required by MCL 600.3241 a(c) expires, whichever is later. Please be advised that if the mortgaged property is sold at a foreclosure sale by advertisement, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale, or to the mortgage holder, for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: January 17, 2019 LeVasseur Dyer & Associates, PC Attorneys for Mortgagee P.O. Box 721400 Berkley, Ml 48072 (248) 236-1765 (01-17)(02-07) 111665 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on February 7, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Ronald A. Brown and Patricia H. Brown, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender Quicken Loans, Inc., its successors and or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): U.S. Bank National Association, as trustee for J.P. Morgan Mortgage Trust 2007-S1 Date of Mortgage: January 5, 2007 Date of Mortgage Recording: January 31,2007 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $340,711.83 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Woodland, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 39 and 40 of McLenithan Subdivision No. 2, Woodland Township, Barry County, Michigan, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Block 5 of Plats, on Page 23, except commencing at the Southwest corner of Lot No. 39 of McLenithan Subdivision No. 2, Jordan lake, thence East 15 feet, thence North to the Northwest corner of said Lot 39, thence South along the West line of Lot 39 to the point of beginning. The redemption period shall be 1 year from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: January 3, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1372265 110636 (01-03)(01-24) SYNOPSIS RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP REGULAR BOARD MEETING January 9, 2019 - 7:00 p.m. Regular meeting called to order and Pledge of Allegiance. > Present: James, Spencer, Bellmore, Walters, Watson, Hawthorne, Greenfield Absent: None Approved the Agenda as amended Approved the Consent Agenda as amended. Reappointed Kim Bosma - Library Board Representative. Approved Library Board/Service Agreements. Accepted the recommendation from the Planning Commission Public Hearing and Accepted first reading of Ordinance #2019-166. Waived all rezoning application fees for YMCA Camp Algonquin. Meeting adjourned at 7:53 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Attested to by, Larry Watson, Supervisor 111692 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on February 14, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Michael J. Marek and Samantha R. Marek, husband and wife, as joint tenants with full rights of survivorship Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Ameri First Financial Corporation Date of Mortgage: June 28, 2016 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 30, 2016 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $161,767.60 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 7 of Charleson Heights Addition to the Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, according to the recorded Plat thereof. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600:3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: January 10, 2019 Trott Law; P.C. 1372660 111064 (01-10)(01-31) NOTICE STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Trust In the matter of the Gutchess Living Trust u/t/a dated June 17, 1993. Date of Birth: Donna Mae Gutchess - June 9, 1936. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Donna Mae Gutchess, surviving Trustee, died January 6, 2019 leaving the above Trust in full force and effect. Creditors of the decedent or against the Trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or the trust will be forever barred unless presented to Lynae A. Mathews, Trustee, within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: January 16, 2019 Stephanie S. Fekkes P43549 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-1921 Lyane A. Mathews c/o Varnum, 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-1921 111701 NOTICE Schneiderman & Sherman, P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE -Jason Markley and Karyn Markley, husband and wife, joint tenants, granted a mortgage to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”), solely as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated October 2, 2015, and recorded on November 3, 2015, in Document No. 2015-010728, and assigned by said mortgagee to AmeriHome Mortgage Company, LLC, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Ninety Thousand Forty-Three Dollars and Thirty Cents ($190,043.30). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, At the East doors of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan, at 01:00 PM o’clock, on February 14, 2019 Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: Unit 5, Tikeluk Trail Condominium, according to the Master Deed recorded in Instrument No. 1048957, Barry County Records, and designated as Barry County Condominium Subdivision Plat No. 18, together with rights in the general common elements and limited common elements, as set forth in the above described master deed and amendments thereto and as disclosed by act 59 of the public acts of 1978, as amended. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 600.3241, in which case the redemption period shall be 1 month, or under MCL 600.3241a 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 600.3241 a(b) notice, whichever is later, or extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of Act 236 of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. AmeriHome Mortgage Company, LLC Mortgagee/ Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman, P.C. 23938 Research Drive, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1373614 111662 (01-17)(02-07) FORECLOSURE NOTICE RANDALLS. MILLER & ASSOCIATES, P.C. MAY BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED MAY BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. IF YOU ARE A MILITARY SERVICEMEMBER ON ACTIVE DUTY NOW OR IN THE PRIOR TWELVE MONTHS, PLEASE FORECLOSURE NOTICE CONTACT OUR OFFICE. Mortgage Sale RANDALLS. MILLER & ASSOCIATES, P.C. MAYBE Default has been made in the conditions of a A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT certain mortgage made by Theresa A. Sukup FKA A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED MAY Theresa A. Priest to Fifth Third Mortgage - Ml, LLC, BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. IF YOU ARE A Mortgagee, dated November 5, 2003, and recorded, MILITARY SERVICEMEMBER ON ACTIVE DUTY on November 12, 2003, as Document Number: NOW OR IN THE PRIOR TWELVE MONTHS, 1117431, Barry County Records, said mortgage PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE. Mortgage was assigned to Fifth Third Bank as successor by Sale - Default has been made in the conditions merger to Fifth Third Mortgage Company by an of a certain mortgage made by Jodi Skinner, a Assignment of Mortgage dated May 30, 2013 and married woman to Ronald G. Skiner, her husband recorded June 10, 2013 by Document Number: 2013-007443, on which mortgage there is claimed >r to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. acting Solely as a nominee for Primary Residential to be due at the date hereof the sum of SixtyMortgage Inc., Mortgagee, dated October 25, 2010, Three Thousand Six Hundred Seventy-Five and _____ __________ ________________ ______ and recorded on November 3, 2010, as Document 68/100 ($63,675.68) including interest__ at _ the rate of 3.00000% per annum. Under the power of sale 3C.Number: 201011030010223, Barry County Records, was assigned to Carrington — Mortgage contained in said mortgage and the statute in such . said mortgage " - ----Services, LLC by an Assignment of Mortgage case made and provided, notice is hereby given dated February 16, 2018 and recorded March 01, that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of 2018 by Document Number: 2018-001858, , on the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the public venue, at the place of holding the Circuit Court date hereof the sum of One Hundred Eighty-One in said Barry County, where the premises to be sold Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty-Five and 12/100 or some part of them are situated, at 01:00 PM on ($181,885.12) including interest at the rate of February 21,2019 Said premises are situated in the 4.00000% per annum. Under the power of sale Township of Thomapple, Barry County, Michigan, contained in said mortgage and the statute in such and are described as: Parcel A: Beginning at a point case made and provided, notice is hereby given that of the north line of section 12, town 4 north, range said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the 10 west, distant south 89 degrees 55 minutes 50 mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public seconds west 1050.00 feet from the north quarter venue, at the place of holding the Circuit Court in post of said section; thence south 00 degrees 16 said Barry County, where the premises to be sold minutes 27 seconds east 208.75 feet; thence or some part of them are situated, at 01:00 PM on south 89 degrees 55 minutes 50 seconds west February 14, 2019 Said premises are situated in the 252.00 feet to the west line of the east half of the Township of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, northwest quarter of said section 12, said west and are described as: Lot 15 of Carter's Fine Lake line also being the centerline of Moe Road; thence Park Annex, according to the recorded plat thereof, north 00 degrees 10 minutes 09 seconds west as recorded in Liber 5 of plats on Page 3. Commonly 208.75 feet along said west line to said north line known as: 115 WOODRIDGE DR, BATTLE CREEK, of section 12; thence north 89 degrees 55 minutes Ml 49017 If the property is eventually sold at 50 seconds east 252.00 feet along said north line foreclosure sale, the redemption period will be 6.00 to the place of beginning. Subject to easements for months from the date of sale unless the property is public highway purposes over the westerly 33 feet abandoned or used for agricultural purposes. If the thereof for Moe Road and over the northerly 33 feet property is determined abandoned in accordance with thereof for Parmalee Road. Commonly known as: MCL 600.3241 and/or 600.3241a, the redemption 7645 W PARMALEE RD, MIDDLEVILLE, Ml 49333 period will be 30 days from the date of sale, or 15 If the property is eventually sold at foreclosure sale, days after statutory notice, whichever is later. If the the redemption period will be 12.00 months from property is presumed to be used for agricultural the date of sale unless the property is abandoned purposes prior to the date of the foreclosure sale or used for agricultural purposes. If the property is pursuant to MCL 600.3240, the redemption period determined abandoned in accordance with MCL is 1 year. Pursuant to MCL 600.3278, if the property 600.3241 and/or 600.3241a, the redemption period is sold at a foreclosure sale, the borrower(s) will will be 30 days from the date of sale, or 15 days be held responsible to the person who buys the after statutory notice, whichever is later. If the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the property is presumed to be used for agricultural mortgage holder for damaging the property during purposes prior to the date of the foreclosure sale the redemption period. TO ALL PURCHASERS: The pursuant to MCL 600.3240, ¥he redemption period foreclosing mortgagee can rescind the sale. In that is 1 year. Pursuant to MCL 600.3278, if the property event, your damages are, if any, limited solely to is sold at a foreclosure sale, the borrower(s) will the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus be held responsible to the person who buys the interest. Dated: January 17,2019 Randall S. Miller & property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the Associates, P.C. Attorneys for Carrington Mortgage mortgage holder for damaging the property during Services, LLC 43252 Woodward Avenue, Suite 180, the redemption period. TO ALL PURCHASERS: Bloomfield Hills, Ml 48302, (248) 335-9200 Case The foreclosing mortgagee can rescind the sale. In No. 18MI00773-1 that event, your damages are, if any, limited solely 111663 (01-17)(02-07) to the return of the bid amouht tendered at sale, plus interest. Dated: January 24, 2019 Randall S. Miller & Associates, PC. Attorneys for Fifth Third Bank as successor by merger to Fifth Third Mortgage Company 43252 Woodward Avenue, Suite 180, Bloomfield Hills, Ml 48302, (248) 335-9200 Case No. 18M100413-2 (01-24)(02-14) 112091 SYNOPSIS ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP BOARD BUDGET MEETING January 14,2019 Meeting called to order 7pm, all board members present, no guests. Public Comment: none Discussion: budget items Next meeting Jan. 28th, 7pm Motion to adjourn 8:48pm Submitted by: Mel Risner/Clerk Attested to by: Tom Rook/Supervisor 112008 SYNOPSIS HOPE TOWNSHIP REGULAR TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING January 14, 2019 Regular meeting opened at 6:30pm Approved: Consent agenda Budget workshop date Pierce Cedar Creek PI LT Resolution 2019-1 Cash Management online banking resolution Adjourned at 7:01pm Submitted by: Deborah Jackson, Clerk Attested to by Mark S. Feldpausch, Supervisor 111691 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on February 14, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): William G. Lamkin, an unmarried man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage . Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Quicken. Loans Inc. its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Quicken Loans Inc. Date of Mortgage: December 29, 2016 Date of Mortgage Recording: January 9, 2017 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $71,044.48 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: The Westerly 66 feet of the Easterly 198 feet of Lot 6 of Assessor’s Plat Number 4 of the Village of Middleville, according to the recorded Plat thereof, being recorded in Liber 3 of Plats, on page 10, Barry County, Michigan The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural gyrposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Abt of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: January 17, 2019 ‘ Trott Law, P.C. 1372986 (01-17)(02-07) 111296 FORECLOSURE NOTICE THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE Default Has Occurred In A Mortgage Made On March 17, 2001 (The “Mortgage”) By Michelle Collette (“Mortgagor”) To Highpoint Community Bank, F/K/A Hastings City Bank, A Michigan Banking Corporation (“Mortgagee”). The Mortgage Was Recorded On March 23,2001, In The Office Of The Register Of Deeds For Barry County, Michigan, At Instrument Number 1057155. As Of The Date Of This Notice, There Is Claimed To Be Due And Unpaid On The Mortgage The Sum Of Eighty-Seven Thousand Six Hundred Fifty­ Seven And 88/100 Dollars ($87,657.88) In Principal, Accrued Interest, And Late Charges. No Suit Or Proceeding Has Been Instituted To Recover Any Part Of The Debt Secured By The Mortgage, And The Power Of Sale Contained In The Mortgage Has Become Operative By Reason Of Such Default. On Thursday, February 21, 2019, At 1:00 P.m., At The Barry County Courthouse, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan, Which Is The Place For Holding Mortgage Foreclosure Sales For Barry County, Michigan, There Will Be Offered For Sale And Sold To The Highest Bidder, At Public Sale, For The Purpose Of Satisfying The Amounts Due And Unpaid On The Mortgage, Together With The Legal Costs And Charges Of Sale, Including Attorneys’ Fees Allowed By Law, The Real Property Located In The Township Of Thornapple, County Of Barry, Michigan, And Described In The Mortgage As Follows: The West 300 Feet Of The East 1/2 Of The Southwest 1/4 Of The Southwest 1/4 Of Section 32, Town 4 North, Range 10 West. More Commonly Known As: 11878 Bass Road, Middleville, Michigan 49333 Tax Parcel Number: 08-14-032-001-00 The Redemption Period Shall Be Six (6) Months From The Date Of The Sale Unless The Property Is Deemed Abandoned In Accordance With Mcl 600.3241 A, In Which Case The Redemption Period Shall Be Thirty (30) Days After The Foreclosure Sale Or When The Time To Provide The Notice Required By Subdivision Mcl 600.3241 A(C) Expires, Whichever Is Later. If The Property Is Sold At A Foreclosure Sale, You Will Be Responsible To The Person Who Buys The Property At The Foreclosure Sale Or To The Mortgage Holder If You Damage The Property During The Redemption Period. Miller Johnson Attorneys For Highpoint Community Bank, F/K/A Hastings City Bank Dated: January 24, 2019 By: Rachel L. Hillegonds (P67684) 45 Ottawa Avenue Sw, Suite 1100 Grand Rapids, Mi 49503 111987 (616) 831-1700 �Page 12 — Thursday, January 24, 2019 — The Hastings Banner A special night to honor winners Athena Young Professional Award winner Morgan Johnson, with a smiling Kristen Cove looking on, accepts the award and tells the gathering about what the honor means to her. SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Understanding Social Security disability benefits Vonda VanTil Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Disability is something most people don’t like to think about, but the chances that you’ll become disabled probably are greater than you realize. Studies show that a 20-year-old worker has a l-in-4 chance of becoming dis­ abled before reaching full retirement age. Social Security pays disability benefits through two programs: The Social Security Disability Insurance program and the Supplemental Security Income program. Social Security Disability Insurance is funded through payroll taxes. Social Security Disability Insurance recipients have worked for years and have made contributions to the Social Security trust fund in the form of Social Security taxes - either FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) for employees or SECA (Self-Employment Contributions Act) for the self-employed. SSI is a means-tested program, meaning it has nothing to do with work history, but pro­ vides payments to people with disabilities who have low income and few resources. Social Security manages the program, but SSI is not paid for Social Security taxes. Social Security pays benefits to people who can’t work because they have a medical condition that’s expected to last at least one year or result in death. Federal law requires this very strict definition of disability. While some pro­ grams give money to people with partial dis­ ability or short-term disability, Social Security does not. It’s important that you know which benefits you may be qualified to receive. You can read more about Social Security Disability Insurance at socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-0510029.pdf and more about SSI at socialsecu­ rity .gov/pubs/EN-05-11000.pdf. When you apply for either program, we’ll collect medical and other information from you and decide whether you meet Social Security’s definition of disability. In addition to meeting our definition of disability, you must have worked long enough — and recent­ ly enough — under Social Security to qualify for SSDI benefits. To see if you meet the requirements for disability benefits, visit socialsecurity.gov/ planners/disability/qualify.html. Social Security covers millions of people, including children, wounded warriors and people who are chronically ill. And this is just a part of what we do. Remember, you can also apply for retirement, spouse’s, Medicare, or disability benefits online at socialsecurity, gov/forms/apply-for-benefits html. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You max write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email to vonda .vantil @ ssa .gov. A special.moment during the program occurred when two young men, Chase Fitzpatrick (above) and Jacob Christiansen, came forward to tell their stories as part of the spotlight on skills training for the future. The Barry County Chamber of Commerce hosted a Roaring Twenties-themed event at the Gilmore Car Museum on Jan. 19. The event was sold out and Chamber President Travis Alden reviewed some outstanding moments from the past year. The event was focused on individual efforts and accomplishments in Barry County communities where people achieved their, goals. Special chamber awards, such as the Champion Award, went to Cheryl and Barry Bower from the Delton Area Business' Association, and the Entrepreneur of the Year Award presented to Julie and Jim Fox of the Curley Cone and U-Rent-Em Canoe) Step lN Time Dance Studio received the Customer Service Award, chosen a group that included finalists such as Barry County United Way and Volunteer Center, Court-Side Inc. and Screen Printing and Embroidery, Flexfab Horizons, Grace Community Church in Nashville, Hastings 4 Theater, Hastings Public Library, King’s Appliances, Les’s Sanitary Service, Seasonal Grille and Thomapple Credit Union and Thornapple Valley Church. Thousands in jewelry missing from safe The Community Impact Award went to A woman called police Jan. 17 to report jewelry missing from a locked safe at her resi­ YMCA Barry County for its B.Bus Mobile dence in the 12000 block of Meadow Drive, Wayland. The woman said she discovered the Library and to the Barry County jewelry was missing in June 2018, but her boyfriend told her not to report it, because they Commission on Aging’s Meals on Wheels would suspect her. The woman said multiple pieces of jewelry were missing, including program. Other finalists in the Community diamonds, rings, bracelets and necklaces totaling at least $6,400. She is still compiling a Impact Award category were Barry County list for police officers of all the stolen items. The woman said her boyfriend told her he Christian School, Liz Lenz (Barry County would not confirm that she had found the items missing in June. The case remains under Substance Abuse Task Force), Nashville investigation. Route 66, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, the Cove Family and Thomapple Credit Counterfeit bill found in vape transaction Union for its “Making Cents for Students” An 18-year-old Plainwell man called police to report receiving a counterfeit <f06 bill program. Jan. 7. The man said he received the bill in exchange for an e-cigarette, from a 19-year-old ‘ Shelbyville man. The complainant said he did not know the bill was counterfeit until he tried to use it at a gas station. The officer called the buyer of the e-cigarette, who said he did not know the bill was counterfeit, and he would return the e-cigarette. The case is closed pending further information. Over $800 stolen in bank fraud A 55-year-old woman called police from the 11000 block of Manning Lake Road, Delton, Jan. 12 to report her son had fraudulently deposited a check and stolen the money. The woman said the $861 was supposed to go into her 32-year-old daughter’s account, but her 26-year-old son put the check into his own account, then took the woman’s debit card and got the money himself. The woman said her son had stolen money from family mem­ bers before, to pay for his addiction to narcotics. The woman said she kicked her son out of the house and wanted to press charges, even if the money was returned. The case is still under investigation. Woman charged $2,600 for fraudulent phones A 27-year-old Nashville woman called police Jan. 8, after she received a bill for $2,600 for two phones she did not purchase. Representatives from her phone company said they would investigate the issue when they received the police report. The investigation is inac­ tive pending further information. Husband flees house after domestic incident This year’s Brick Award went to Hastings Fiberglass Products for its new facility on Green Street. The category that recognizes the physical additions to community also included finalists Thornapple Credit Union, Hastings Area Schools and the Nashville Route 66 Business District. Hastings Fiberglass Products owners Larry and Earlene Baum were deeply touched by the honor. A 34-year-old woman called police at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 21 to report an assault by her 29-year-old husband at their home in the 6000 block of Maplewood Drive, Delton. The woman said she and her husband of 10 months got into an argument because she suspect­ ed he was talking to other women on his phone. When she attempted to get his phone from him, he pushed her, threw the phone and smashed it, the woman said. She also found the ‘ man had turned on the gas stove burners before he left the house, which she said he had done before. The man had fled the house when police arrived. Information has been for­ warded to the prosecuting attorney. * Counterfeit bills found on roadside A 61-year-old man called police at 1:02 p.m. Jan. 17, after he found several $100 bills lying on the side of the road on M-79 near Swift Road in Castleton Township. The bills appeared real, but had pink Asian lettering on the backside. All the bills had the same serial number. Returnable bottles stolen from Speedway An employee of Woodbury Speedway called police at 4:30 a.m. Jan. 18 to report break­ in of an exterior storage building. The building had six large plastic bags full of empty r bottles and cans, worth about $25 each. The case is still under investigation. Man arrested for attempted Walmart theft Police were called to the Hastings Walmart at 8:15 a.m. Jan. 8, after a loss-prevention specialist detained a man attempting to leave the store without paying. The specialist watched the man push a shopping cart with groceries past the cash registers and to the front door, where he was stopped. The man admitted to the officer he was attempting to steal the $30 in food, and had done so twice before. He was arrested, and given a no-trespass order for Walmart. $35 in gas stolen in drive-off Chase Fitzpatrick and Jacob Christiansen (above) were honored as recent gradu­ ates of the Economic Development Alliance’s job training program for the future. (See The Hastings Banner next week to find out the stories that brought the audience to their feet in a standing ovation.) An attendant at Phillips 66 on Gun Lake Road reported someone driving away without paying for gas at 1:17 p.m. Jan. 18. The attendant said the man drove an older white Chevrolet truck, and pumped $35 in gas. The case remains under investigation. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 24, 2019 — Page 13 BC Grapplers won medals across the state Sunday Barry County Grapplers Association wrestlers show off their medals from the Ionia MYWAY Tournament Sunday. The group includes (front from left) Karter Case (second place), Patton Boomer (second), Hunter Sutfin (first), (middle row) Brennan Denton (third), Karter Hill (fourth), Luke Klinge (first), (back) Jace Acker (fourth), Riley Furrow (second), Ashtyn Denton (first), Austin Friddle (second), Myles Drake (third) and April Gates (third) Barry County Grapplers Association wrestlers Max Schnurstein (first place) and Alex Schnurstein (fourth) celebrate their performances at the Far North Greights and Traverse City Novice event Sunday. ; Barry County Grapplers Association wrestlers show off their medals from the Ionia MYWAY Tournament Sunday. The group Includes (front from left) Logan Kerby (second place), Aden Armstrong (third), Zach Chipman (second), (back) Isaac Friddle (second), Dan Weatherly (third), Thomas Cook (first), Ben Furrow (second) and Ethan Hoaglin (fourth). Jordan Humphrey (first) and Joey Furrow (first) from the Barry County Grapplers Association celebrate their championships Sunday at the Ionia MYWAY Tournament. I Lions bested by Leslie in fiLAC wrestling dual I ■ ■ Leslie scored a 48-19 win over the Maple Valley varsity wrestling team Wednesday in Greater Lansing Activities Conference action. ■ The Lions got four victories in the dual at Leslie High School, including a pin from Matthew Slaght in the 112 pound flight. Jesse Brumm followed that up with a 9-1 major decision against the Blackhawks’ Cannon Risner at 119. r Maple Valley also had Anthony Raymond pull out a 5-4 win over Nathaniel Courtney in the 160-pound match. \ The Lions’ other six points came thanks to a forfeit win by Cohen Raymond at 103 pounds. The Lions were slated to return to GLAC action at the league quad hosted by Perry last night. Maple Valley goes to the Bill Evans Tournament hosted by Battle Creek Central Saturday. Maple Valley was a part of the Shawn Cockrell Memorial Tournament hosted by Quincy last Saturday. Brumm was 3-0 on the ‘day at 119 pounds and Martin was 4-0 wres­ tling at 189. They had two pins apiece. ‘ David Hosack-Frizzell, Anthony Raymond >and Matthew Slaght had two wins apiece Saturday. L* Barry County Grapplers Association wrestler Vincent Stamm celebrates a runner-up finish at the Coleman MYWAY Tournament Sunday. Cameron Humphrey from the Barry County Grapplers Association shows off his trophy from a fourth place finish Sunday at the Far North Greights and Traverse City Novice Tournament. Barry County Grapplers Association wrestler Wyatt Bailey (fourth) celebrates with his medal at the end of the Ionia MYWAY Tournament Sunday. Barry County Grapplers Association wrestler Dakota Harmer celebrates his victory at the Sturgis MYWAY Tournament Sunday. �Page 14 — Thursday, January 24, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Trojans unable to overcome Sailors’ small leads Thornapple Kellogg junior guard Claudia Wilkinson keeps a keen eye on South Christian senior guard Sydney Cleary in the back-court during the first half of their OK Gold Conference contest in Middleville Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor The opening moments of the fourth quarter couldn’t have gone much worse for the Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ basketball team Friday night. South Christian scored a 52-39 victory over the host Trojans in OK Gold Conference action. The Trojans trailed by as many as 13 points in the fourth quarter and pulled back to within three points before ultimately heading into the fourth quarter trailing the Sailors by six points. Sailor senior guard Sydney Cleary knocked Hastings girls having hard time putting ball in basket Brett Bremer Sports Editor More than anything, the Saxons are strug­ gling to put the ball in the basket. The Hastings varsity girls’ basketball team is still chasing its first victory of the season. The Saxons were downed 52-20 in an Interstate-8 Athletic Conference bailgame at Marshall Friday after a 52-18 loss to visiting , Pennfield in conference play Wednesday. “Our players execute our offense very well. They’ve done a much better job taking care of the basketball, but we’re shooting 20 to 25 percent from the field,” Hastings head coach Mike Engle said. “The positive thing about this team is despite their won-loss record, they compete hard for 32 minutes every game. If you were to walk into our gym during a practice and see their work ethic, you would anticipate they have an above .500 record.” Megan Deal had a team-high 12 points in the loss to Pennfield last Wednesday. Grace Nickels chipped in a team-high five rebounds and three steals. Hastings was right around its average offensively, hitting just 9-of-41 shots from the floor. “They ran a zone against us the entire game and we struggled to shoot well,” Engle said. Alicia Lake led the Panthers with 13 points. Engle said he felt a little bit better about his team’s performance at Marshall Friday, despite a similar score. Hastings outscored the RedHawks 7-6 in the second quarter, but still went into the half trailing 26-13. Deal had ten points in the loss. Nickels had four assists and three rebounds. The Saxons had just 16 turnovers in each of the two defeats. Hastings heads to Coldwater Friday for another 1-8 contest. Vikings keep their GLAC record perfect Lakewood improved to 4-0 in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference with an 84-0 win over a Stockbridge team with a line-up decimated by the flu and a 66-16 win over Perry. Grant Clarkson, Keegan VanAlstine, Chris Blair, Kyle Petrie and Allen Shellington scored pins for the Vikings against the Panthers while winning the other nine weight classes by forfeit. Clarkson, Kanon Atwell, Jordan Mcillwain, Gabe Harkey, Keegan VanAlstine, Nathaniel Graham and Jon Clack scored wins in the dual with Perry. The Vikings hosted the Lakewood Duals Saturday, going 4-1 on the day. The Vikings bested Hudsonville 66-6, Hanover Horton 71-9, Zeeland East 48-28 and Webberville 69-12. Lakewood’s lone loss was by a score of 40-33 against Sparta. VanAlstine, Clack and Zachary Gibson were each 5-0 at the tournament. Fields, Shellington, Clarkson, Atwell and Mcillwain had four wins apiece, and Graham and Garrett Stank had three wins each. The Vikings host another invitational at home Saturday (Jan. 26). Lakewood was scheduled to head to Olivet for a final GLAC dual last night. down a three-pointer in the opening minute of the fourth quarter, and then a handful of sec­ onds after returning to the floor with four fouls TK senior center Maddie Hess was whistled for a fifth and sent back to the bench. The Sailors’ Emily Brinks knocked down the two ensuing free throws from Hess’ fifth foul to push her team’s lead back to double figures. “You’re down ten at half, you expend so much energy getting it back to three then sometimes its tough to make that push to tie it back up or to take that lead there when maybe you have a chance or two,” TK head coach Ross Lambitz said. “That was tough. We got down early, and we made a run at them in the first half even. I think they were up seven and then we cut it to one. It was like the same story kept happening.” The Sailors led by as many as eight points in the opening quarter and had the lead up to as many as ten points as couple of times in the second. A three by Elli Vink kept the Sailor lead at 24-14 at the half. It was the senior center Brinks who helped get the Sailors off to such a good start. She had ten of her game-high 20 points in the opening quarter, going 4-of-4 at the free Thornapple Kellogg sophomore guard Paige VanStee fights her way around South Christian’s Brooke Bosma in the post during the first half Friday night in Middleville; (Photo by Brett Bremer) throw line in the first quarter and 6-of-6 over­ all for the night. Cleary finished with 11 points. TK got 16 points from Paige VanStee and six each from Tyah Jefferson and Shylin Robirds. While the Sailors were 13-of-16 at the free throw line as a team, TK was just 8-of-19. “They never really shut the door on us until late, but we could just never quite make that final push where we had the opportunity to tie or take the lead,” Lambitz said. The Trojans kept pace with the Sailors with good ball pressure and by attacking the glass. VanStee had a good night on the offensive boards, and junior guard Claudia Wilkinson was key in keeping Cleary contained much of the evening with some help from Savannah Bronkema. TK’s 9-0 run in the middle of the third quarter included a steal for a lay-up and a three-pointer by Corrin Replogle, as well as buckets by Jefferson and Carmen Beemer. A l-or-4 performance at the free throw line in the final 70 seconds of the third quarter helped prevent TK from getting any closer heading into the fourth. TK returns to action at Wyoming Friday. The Trojans5 Tuesday night bailgame witjl Zeeland East was postponed because of the weather. Panthers pick up third straighfvictory The Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ basket­ ball team bumped its winning streak to three games by knocking off Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division foe GalesburgAugusta on the road Friday night. The Panthers bested the Rams 68-33. Junior guard Jordan Rench had a big night, putting in 18 points. He was 7-of-14 from the floor shooting the basketball, knocking down four threes. Owen Koch, Cameron Curcuro and Dawson Grizzle had eight points each for the Panthers. Alan Whitmore finished with seven points and Cole Pape five. Whitmore added a teamhigh eight rebounds. Pape had seven boards and Payton Warner finished with five rebounds and three assists. Rench and Carter Howland had four assists each and Brandon Wyman chipped in three. It could have been an even bigger victory for the Panthers, but they were just 1 l-of-25 at the free throw line. Delton Kellogg had its Tuesday night bail­ game with Saugatuck postponed. The Panthers return to action at home against Schoolcraft on Hall of Fame Night at DKHS Friday. DK is 5-5 overall this season and 2-4 in the SAC Valley. Monday night basketball goes well for Hastings boys The Hastings varsity boys’ basketball team bounced back from back-to-back from a pair of Interstate-8 Athletic Conference defeats last week to score a 54-42 win at Comstock Monday evening. Hastings had a lead as many as 18 points in the fourth quarter in the bailgame on a non-traditional night that was also a snow day for the area schools. “Snow days seem to always have an effect on quality of play,” Hastings head coach Rich Long said. “With both schools having the day off, things started out pretty slow.” Both teams struggled to find their scoring touch in the early going. Elijah Smith found his touch from half-court drilling a buzzer beater in the ballgame which turned into a four-point play at the foul line. Smith finished with 15 points. Kirby Beck had 19 points, warming up to go 4-of-6 at the three-point line. Hastings returns to 1-8 action on the road at Coldwater Friday. The Saxons fell 61-43 at Marshall last Friday to finish up the first run through the 1-8 schedule. “We had two player out with the flu which significantly changed our rotations,” Long said. Jeremy Luciani scored 20 points to lead the RedHawks to die win. Beck had 16 points for Hastings, and Ryan Flikkema contributed nine points. “Ryan has really been coming around and playing better and better for us,” Long said. “It is nice to see seniors reach their potential and contribute positive minutes.” Hastings fell 59-52 on the road at Pennfield last Wednesday, in a game that was postponed from the night before. Pennfield got out to a 15-8 lead thanks to a bit of a slow start from the Saxons. In the end, Pennfield made seven more free throws than the Saxons - the final margin. Panther freshman Luke Davis was 7-of-8 at the free throw line and had 31 points overall. Beck had 16 points and Smith 12 for the Saxons. Delton Kellogg’s Keegon Kokx goes ups towards the rim during his team’s bailgame at Galesburg-Augusta High School Friday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg senior Owen Koch pressures Galesburg-Augusta’s Carter Wyant in the corner during their SAC Valley ballgame at Galesburg-Augusta High School Friday, (Photo by Perry Hardin) �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 24, 2019 — Page 15 TK cuts into Sailor lead a little Brett Bremer Sports Editor Grand Rapids Christian got the best of ’South Christian in their OK Gold Conference opener back in the first week of 2019. After Friday night, Thomapple Kellogg varsity boys’ basketball coach Mike Rynearson ;thinks it just might be the Sailors who have ;the best team in the conference the rest of the way though. < South Christian is 8-3 overall and 4-1 in the OK Gold Conference, having added a win in Wayland Tuesday evening and a Saturday nfght non-conference victory over Grand ftapids Catholic Central. The Sailors bested file Thornapple Kellogg boys 70-45 in Middleville last Friday. , “They’re good. They’re big. They shoot the threes. Holy cow, I don’t know what their percentage was but any time a team knocks down 11 triples that is going to be tough to beat,” Rynearson said. The Sailors built a 33-15 lead in the first •half. There was a ray of hope for the Trojans, Scoring twice as many points in the second Jialf. “I think our defense was as little bit better. We played with as little more intensity. I think that transferred over to our offensive effort,” jRynearson said. Tk put together a little 6-0 run in the first half of the third quarter, cutting the Sailor lead down to 35-23. Colson Brummel made a nice pass to Cole Shoobridge for a bucket, and Nolan Dahley knocked down a three-pointer soon after, but South Christian quickly pushed its lead back up to 18 points. Shoobridge finished with 11 points for TK. Joe Dinkel and Brummel had eight points each, Isaiah Guenther added seven and Dahley finished with six. Rynearson was happy to see the scoring [Qad spread out a bit. A. “They’re tough to score on. They’re just so long. Every one of their players is long. They can switch if they need to and there really wasn’t a mismatch. The only mismatch that I thought was kind of there, which we were able to exploit, was when they switched out on Isaiah with a big. He just doesn’t get the calls sometimes. The body, we were begging for it and we just didn’t get it.” Guenther did manage to go 5-of-5 at the free throw line. TK had a few more chances to cut into the Sailors lead in the second half, but missed a few close in by the basket. A late free throw by Auston Ruth off the bench was one of the highlights of the night for TK . “ Luke Schrotenboer led the Sailors with 15 Thornapple Kellogg senior center Joe Dinkle flies to the basket during the second half with pressure from South Christian senior forward Mason Brinks Friday night in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) points. Connor Kok hit three three-pointers and finished with 12 points. Peyton Vis added nine points on three threes. TK’s Tuesday night contest with Zeeland East was postponed. The Trojans are sched- Lakewood boys score their first GLAC win The Vikings put together a dominant per­ formance at Lansing Christian High School Friday, earning their first Greater Lansing Activities Conference victory of the season. The Lakewood varsity boys’ basketball bested the Pilgrims 74-47 to improve to lr4 in the GLAC. s* ’“We played our best all-around game of the i^ear. It was an important game for us as it was pur first game of the second half of the sea­ son, and against a team that has given us some trouble in the past,” Lakewood head coach £hris Duits said. “We have had our moments ;and stretches of good basketball in many games this year, but haven’t put together 32 minutes. We finally showed what we’re capa­ ble of when we refuse to lose and have everyJone involved pulling in the same direction.” ; “We talked in the pre-game that if your n%me was called you better be ready to go, and all players rose to the challenge. We had jguys jumping passes, diving on the floor for Ke 50-50 balls, giving up a good shot to make Jhe extra pass and get a great shot, etc., all Jhpse things that winning teams do. So now ihM we’ve set that as the bar, we cannot Except any less of each other than that type of i^fiort when you step on the floor.” ‘ Lakewood ran out to a 21-8 lead in the Kjlgame, and pushed its lead up over 20 points in the third quarter. JhBryant Makley hit five three-pointers and finished with a teams-high 22 points. Nathan DeVries had ten points, Jacob Elenbaas nine and Denny Sauers and John Behrenwald had seven points apiece. Sauers, a freshman, was just brought up to help run the point for the Vikings in part because of an injury to Austin Makley. “We gave (Sauers) a crash course over a couple days of practice, then decided to throw him right to the wolves and start him his first game,” Duits said. “He missed a couple lay­ ups early, but after about a quarter he settled down and just played basketball and did a great job. I think he will definitely help us going forward and it will be great experience for him.” Duits will be happy to get Austin Makley back soon. “We found a flaw in his shot and have made a correction, and he’s been making everything in practice,” Duits said. “But everyone else played, contributed on both ends and scored, which doesn’t happen very often but is the second time this year it has happened. The Vikings will shoot for GLAC win number two when they travel to Maple Valley Friday. That will be the start of four games in eight days for the Vikings. Lake wood will host Pennfield Monday, travel to Portland Tuesday and then return to GLAC play at Olivet Feb. 1. Lakewood ladies get up bn Black Knights early ;<<< Of* ‘^The Lakewood varsity girls’ basketball Kam improved to 3-7 overall this season with ^2-55 win over visiting Belding Tuesday. JSThe Vikings raced out to a 25-12 lead in the opening quarter managed to fight off the Black Knights who eventually pulled back within a a point in the fourth quarter. * “We played the passing lanes well on defense and got some steals and run-outs for layupsLakewood head eoach Marcus Urka ^|dof his team’s opening surge. “Olivia Lang Kt a couple of big 3’s in : e quarter to stretch jfie lead.” ► Lang finished with 1: .oats. She was one of four Vikings in double v ? ires. Zari Kruger, Anja Kelley and Kris: : Possehn had 11 points apiec e In the end. it was an :: v big three by Lang that helped fend off the Eiack Knights in the fourth quarter. “I thought our girls did a really nice job passing the ball against Belding’s zone,” Urka said. “That was something we worked on in practice - our zone offense and making the right pass.” The Lakewood girls return to Greater Lansing Activities Conference action at Maple Valley Friday. The Lakewood ladies fell 45-44 at Lansing Christian in GLAC play last Friday (Jan. 18). The Vikings led 27-23 at the half, before the two teams went into the fourth quarter knotted at 38-38. Katelyn Bontrager led the Pilgrims with 16 points and teammate Cayla Ellis added eight. The Vikings got 11 points each from Possehn and Patsy Morris. uled to visit Wyoming Friday. Lion cheer team third t at Waverly Warrior Invite The Maple Valley varsity competitive cheer team placed third Saturday at the Lansing Waverly Warrior Invitational. Mount Pleasant took the day’s cham­ pionship with a score of 644.76, fol­ lowed by Waverly 640.18 and Maple Valley 587.58. The Lions scored a 180.50 in round one a 148.88 in round two and a 258.20 in round three. Mount Pleasant had the top score in each of the first two rounds, scoring a 204.10 in round one and a 178.06 in round two. The Oilers finished the day with a 262.60 in round three. Waverly had the day’s top round three score at 265.80. Thornapple Kellogg sophomore forward Cole Shoobridge gets a shot up over South Christian’s Luke Schrotenboer at the rim during the second half of the Sailors’ win in Middleville Friday night. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Ferris and Lawson win titles for DK at Hopkins tourney Delton Kellogg 215-pounder Caden Ferris and 171-pounder Nick Lawson won champi­ onships Saturday at the Hopkins Round Robin tournament. Lawson had five pins on the day to win his weight class, sticking a pair of foes in less than a minute. Ferris had four fins and then won his final match by injury default. DK also had Ethan Reed third at 125 pounds, Tyler Antolovich fourth at 112 and Max Swift fifth at 215 pounds. The Delton Kellogg wrestlers were eighth as a team. Fremont took the day’s champion­ ship with 222 points, followed by Shelby 177, Plainwell 154.5, Otsego 154, Wayland 128, Kenowa Hills 121.5, Coloma 108, Delton Kellogg 95, South Haven 91, Hopkins 85.5, Fennville 85, Godwin Heights 67.5 and Bangor 50.5. Four HCDC divers qualify for AAU Nationals at Ohio State Hastings Community Diving Club divers, parents and coaches braved the blizzard and headed to Ohio State University a day early last weekend to make sure they’d get to com­ pete and hopefully qualify for Nationals. The trip paid off, with four HCDC divers qualifying for spots in the 2019 AAU Diving Nationals that will be held in Riversides, Calif, in mid July at the Ohio State meet. “Our elite divers really put their dive lists together. They practiced all weekend,” HCDC head coach Todd Bates said. Divers Claire Green, Sophia Scott, Blake Sheldon and Abigail Schell all qualified for nationals. Green and Scott attained scores over the national qualifying score of 250 points, Sheldon qualified for nationals in his first big club meet, and Schell scored over 310 points. “With the blizzard in everyone’s minds I’m happy we managed to brave the weather and attend the meet. Qualifying four divers for nationals was so exciting as I was not expect­ ing this. I am so proud of our team divers and their families,” Bates said. The program also took a handful of junior divers. HCDC had Abigail Dumond and Mikenna Caris earn first place finishes and Bethany ButchBaker and Annabelle Kuck place second. “What an incredible weekend,” Bates said. “Each of the junior divers practiced on tower, and 3-meters. They all learned a new dive and competed on the 1-meter board in Ohio Dive League events and placed first and second. Hastings Community Diving Club members Abigail Dumond, Mikenna Caris, Bethany ButchBaker, Annabelle Kuck, Claire Green, Sophia Scott, Blake Sheldon and head coach Todd Bates gather on the tower at the McCorkle Aquatic Pavilion on the campus of Ohio State University over the weekend. �Page 16 — Thursday, January 24, 2019 — The Hastings Banner DK girls play for share of SAC Valley lead Friday Delton Kellogg senior Victoria Greene puts together a strong move in the post to get a shot over Galesburg-Augusta’s Taylor Provost Friday night. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Friday might just be the biggest night of the remaing Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division girls’ basketball season. Delton Kellogg hosts Schoolcraft on Hall of Fame Night Friday. The Delton Kellogg girls improved to 8-1 overall and 5-1 in the SAC Valley with a 54-46 double overtime win at GalesburgAugusta last Friday (Jan. 18). The Panthers’ lone defeat was a 47-36 loss to the Schoolcraft girls on the road in the opening week of December. The Eagles are currently 7-0 in the SAC Valley and 9-1 overall. Centerville handed the Eagles their first defeat of the season in a non-conference ballgame last Friday, 44-42. Senior center Lexi Parsons scored eight points in the second four-minute overtime session Friday to help the Panthers finally get past the Rams. She led her team on the night with 26 points and 21 reboundsas, the second highest single game rebound total in the histo­ ry of Delton Kellogg girls’ basketball. Of those 21 rebounds, 13 came on the offensive end. “She is just playing at such a high level right now. It is an absolute pleasure to be a small part of it,” Delton Kellogg head coach Mike Mohn said of Parsons. Even with that performance, the Panthers could have been better on the boards as a whole. Galesburg-Augusta wiped out a sev­ en-point Delton Kellogg lead in the fourth quarter to force overtime in the first place. Holly McManus added eight points and nine rebounds, with only three turnovers from the point guard position. Erin Kapteyn added seven points and nine rebounds with three steals. DK also got four points, seven rebounds and a team-high five assists from senior cap- Delton Kellogg freshman Mary Whitmore fires up a free throw during the Panthers double overtime victory at Galesburg-Augusta High School Friday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) tain Victoria Greene who was playing in the power forward spot. “This was, by far, her most aggressive game in a while,” Mohn said of Greene. “When she attacks the hoop like she did tonight, we are a much better team. She is one of the best passing post players I have ever coached. I was very happy for her.” It was as back and forth game all evening. The Rams led by a point at the half, before DK went on an 11-3 run in the third quarter. Galesburg-Augusta managed eight offensive rebounds during a 13-6 run in the fourth quar­ ter to even the score. Of those 13 points, ten came on second or third chances at the basket. Sam Verburg had 18 points and ten rebounds for the Rams. Jordyn Klimp added 11 points and four boards. Parsons wasn’t the only Panther to come up big in the second overtime, Freshman Mary Whitmore had a huge putback and a couple big rebounds for DK in that final four minute period. The Panthers will induct three former stu- Delton Kellogg junior guard Holly McManus attacks the basket during her team’s double overtime victory at Galesburg-Augusta High School Friday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) dent-athletes into their athletic Hall of Fame Friday night, inbetween the varsity girls’ and boys’ ballgames. The list of inductees includes David Overbeek (Class of 2002) who played football, baseball, basketball and also wres­ tled; Dustin Morgan (2004) who played foot­ ball, wrestled and was a track and field ath­ we've made quite a name for ourselves lete; and Bruce Campbell (1969) who placyed football and baseball, wrestled and participat­ ed in track and field at DK before going on to fight in the Vietnam War for which he was awarded the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. Campbell returned to be a long-time coach m Delton. Saxons beat RedHawks at 1-8 Quad in Marshall The Hastings varsity wrestling team split its two Interstate-8 Athletic Conference duals at Marshall Wednesday, besting the host RedHawks 40-39 while falling 45-24 to Coldwater. Back-to-back pins by Andrew Miller at 130 pounds and Gabe Trick at 135 put the Saxons in good position in their dual with Marshall to close out the evenings. Those 12 points put Hastings in front 34-21 with four bouts to go. Marshall inched within a point thanks to pins form Logan Picketts in the 140-pound match and Wink McDonald at 145. Tyler Dull sealed the win for the Saxons by pinning Marshall’s Fred Steward 57 seconds into their 152-pound bout. Dillon Neal scored a forfeit win for the Saxons at 103 pounds, and only two of the 13 contested matches did not end in a pin. The Saxons’ Jonathan Giro’n scored a 13-4 majdr decision in the 119-pound match against Adrian Martinez. Marshall’s Noah Booton took the Im­ pound bout by a score of 10-3 over the Saxons’ Mason Denton. Hastings also got pins from Kenneth Smith (171 pounds) and Devin Dilno (285) in the dual. Jackson Dubois, Matthew Thompson and Miller had forfeit wins for the Saxons in the dual with Coldwater. Hastings also got a pin from Dull at 152 to close out the match. With over 130 years of experience to guide us, and DK scores season-best total so far at jamboree growth beyond anything our founders could ever imagine, Hastings City Bank is moving up! Your HCB is now Highpoint Community Bank? The important things haven't changed. We're the same locally owned bank committed to our customers and the communities we serve. You will continue to receive the friendly, professional advice that will help you reach new financial heights. Same bank. New name. THIS WAY UP ■ ■ HE 5 ■ & The Delton Kellogg varsity competitive cheer team placed fourth at the second Southern Michigan Competitive Cheer Conference jamboree ofthe season Wednesday at Bloomingdale. Lawton and Gobles were the class of the event, with the Blue Devils taking the win over the Tigers by a total score of 701.50 to 692.28. Coloma was third with a score of 614.64, ahead of Delton Kellogg 605.62, Hartford 571.70, Bloomingdale 555.80, Schoolcraft 552.62 and White Pigeon 547.56. The Delton Kellogg girls topped the 600point mark for the first time this season, finishing about 11.5 points higher than they did at the opening league jamboree the previous Wednesday. DK had its best score of the season in each of the first two rounds at Bloomingdale, a 197.70 in round one and a 173.10 in round two. DK finished up the day with a 234.80 in round three. Lawton won the meet with a 214.10 in round one, a 196.50 in round two and a 290.90 in round three. The Blue Devils had the top score of the day in rounds one and three. Gobles was second with a 212.20 in round one, the day’s best round two score of 199.38, and a round three total of 290.70 just behind the Blue Devils. DK will be back in action Saturday when it hosts its own DK Invitational. Big round three boosts TK cheer team’s total score highpoint COMMUNITY bank The Thomapple Kellogg varsity competi­ tive cheer team placed third overall and sec­ ond among the Division 2 teams Saturday at the Mattawan Wildcat Invitational. The Trojans had their top scoring perfor­ mance in each of the three rounds Saturday and put together an overall score of 710.08 The Trojans scored a 213.40 in round one and a 198.99 in round two. TK finished off its day with a score of 297.80 in round three. That was more than 30 points better than the Trojans’ round three performance in its two previous meets and more than 20 points better than the team’s previous best round three score of the year. The Trojans’ round three score was the best at the meet, six tenths better than the score by the champions from Portage Central. Portage Central won the event with an overall score of 726.20, ahead of Mattawan 716.08, Kalamazoo Central 698.38, Gull Lake 665.68 and Vicksburg 640.32. The Portage Central Mustangs had the top score in each of the first two rounds of the day, a 224.70 in round one and a 211.00 in round two. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-01-31.pdf 5a62dd02da4b0cbe395186dde70d4b2f PDF Text Text City again looking at alcohol sales at plaza See Story on Page 10 Tiir Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 804879110187 ANNER 1070490102590506893849058113421 **************************CAR-RT LOT**C 005 C005 Richard Hemerling 421 N Taffee Dr ' Hastings Ml 49058-1134 3/30/2019 2:36:00 PM Thursday, January 31, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 5 PRICE 750 Duits to retire after 41 years in education Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Dr. Carrie Duits, superintendent of Hastings Area School System, will retire on June 30 after 41 years as an educator. “I took the last 10-year plan and lived it,” Duits said. “The district is in a great position, and there’s an updated strategic plan with a great vision in place. It’s time for someone new to come in and lead the school district down the next path.” The announcement came as a surprise to school board President Luke Haywood and Assistant Superintendent of Academic Achievement Matt Goebel, who learned about it on Jan. 21. “The news was disappointing to me and to the other board members. She has poised our district for a great future, and we are far better than when she first arrived here,” Haywood said. “I can’t stress enough what we are los­ ing. “She has sacrificed, put in long days and countless hours, and she has been completely dedicated to our students, our district, and our community.” Duits moved from Colorado to Hastings in Dr. Carrie Duits will retire as Hastings Area School System superintendent on June 30. 2014 to accept the post of superintendent. It was one of many milestones and a challenge she was excited to take on. Education is a calling for her. “I knew when I was in high school that I wanted to do something that would make the world a better place for children,” she said, “and there’s a lot of biblical references to how much better things would be if we would be like children and hold the innocence of chil­ dren. I’ve always kept that thought.” Duits first considered studying law so she could defend children pulled into the system, but her attention turned to teaching where she felt she would be able to impact more lives through positive change in the classroom. She taught at the elementary, middle and college level; she taught at a private school in Denver, and then at a boarding school in Arizona on a Navajo reservation; she was a clinical professor for three years at the University of Colorado. Duits has been a teacher, principal, and an adult educator in a teacher education pro­ gram. She also has held the position of assis­ tant superintendent. “With every step I’ve taken to teach, I’ve learned something,” she said. “From teaching privileged students at a private school to teaching impoverished children at a boarding school where the parents signed with thumb­ prints because they couldn’t even write their names, I learned a tremendous amount. “While at the reservation, I dove into teaching, but I also educated myself. I gained a deep appreciation of the Navajo culture and stunning art. I learned to appreciate the beauty of the land and the way they connected to it. Compare that to teaching at a private school. It’s worlds apart. “That was probably my greatest year of learning as an educator.” Everything she has learned and accom­ plished culminated in the role of superinten­ dent for her hometown school district. Duits graduated from Hastings High School in 1975, then from Western Michigan University in 1978, taking only three years to earn her degree. She began teaching that same year in Mattawan. “Being back here, I feel that I’ve learned so much from our teachers, students and staff,” she said. “And I’ve learned so much as I’ve worked with our maintenance crew, engineers ‘Tve spent 41 years fighting for the best interests of other people’s children. Now it’s time for me to do that for my grandchildren.” Hastings Superintendent Carrie Duits and construction crews. I truly appreciate what each one of them has taught me. Then there are the members of our Board of Education who are each so dedicated to the students and the district. It’s truly been a plea­ sure and honor working with them.” Goebel was surprised when he learned of Duits’ plan to retire. “I’m grateful to have had Carrie as a men­ tor, and I want to thank her for her five years See DUITS, page 3 What’s next? Melting snow may cause flooding VITA celebration planned Saturday The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program has been offering free tax assis­ tance to Barry County residents for 10 years. To celebrate this milestone, volun­ teers will host the first ever tax-a-thon 10 straight hours of free tax assistance from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2, at Barry Community Enrichment Center, 231 S. Broadway, Hastings. Taxpayers may call 2-1-1 to schedule an appointment, but walk-in appoint­ ments also will be available. Other dates are available by calling 2-1-1 to schedule an appointment. Food, prizes and activities for children will be provided. Attendees should bring their Social Security cards and photo IDs. In partnership with Davenport University and Barry Community Foundation, Barry County United Way helps coordinate this IRS-supported pro­ gram that offers free tax assistance to households with an income less than $60,000. Preparers help inform taxpayers about special tax credits for which they may qualify, such as the earned income tax credit, child tax credit, homestead prop­ erty tax credit and home heating credit. Joan Van Houten and Bonnie Mattson Staff Writers An arctic vortex that sunk its frigid teeth into Barry County, and the rest of Michigan, is not letting go yet. A winter storm warning is in effect until 7 p.m. Thursday, with 1 to 4 inches of snow possible and a high of 1 degree and a low of -2. On Friday, it’s going to warm up. Then it’s really supposed to warm up on the weekend - and that could spell trouble in some areas of the county. See SNOW, page 2 Park it, and stay indoors Motorists were out in downtown Hastings Tuesday to take care of business or last-minute errands while the temperatures were in the upper teens before weather conditions worsened that afternoon and Wednesday morning. A winter storm warning was to remain in effect until Thursday afternoon. Whiteouts and slick roads made travel extremely hazardous. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Wild temperature swings could cause trouble for lake residents Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer This week’s severe winter weather may be a concern for Barry County residents who live on lakes, county drain commissioner Jim Dull said Tuesday. Frozen ground from frigid temperatures, along with a considerable amount of snow on the ground, may become a precarious combi­ nation for lake levels if temperatures suddenly rise and it rains. If that happens, already-high lake levels will rise. At Crooked Lake near Delton, a run-off could occur, he said. “All residents can do right now is hope and Emergency workers invited to breakfast The Seventh-day Adventist Pathfinders will host an appreciation breakfast for local firefighters, lawz enforcement offi­ cers and emergency medical techni­ cians Sunday, Feb. 3, at 9 a.m. All first responders are invited to this event at 888 Terry Lane, Hastings, off of Star School Road. David Grover, a retired master chief United States Navy Seal and former Holland police officer will be the guest speaker. Anyone wanting more information may call Jerry Paquette, 616-540-0318. Federal judge rejects bankruptcy bid by Chad Curtis’ ex-wife Dems meeting Sunday afternoon Barry County’s Democratic Party’s meeting time has changed to the first Sunday of the month for February and March. The next meeting will be Sunday, Feb. 3, at 2 p.m., at Barry County dispatch center, 2600 Nashville Road, Hastings. wait,” Dull said. “There is nothing they can reasonably do at the moment.” Dull confirmed that plans are moving for­ ward to purchase a portion of the Darrell and Beverly Jones property near Crooked Lake. Originally, the plan had been to purchase 30 acres of the Jones property, but that was cost-prohibitive. Dull said the additional 10 acres would have cost $100,000 per inch for water removal. With the 20-acre parcel in place, the expect­ ed cost per inch to remove the water is $45,000, Dull said. And, after excavation of that land to create a retention pond, about 3 inches of water will be removed from Crooked Lake, he said. Too cold to play on a snow day It may be a snow day, but no children should be playing outdoors in the snow as a winter storm sweeps through Michigan. Here, Tyden Park playground is empty as the community braces for high-wind gusts and frigid temperatures. The storm prompted warnings that even short-term exposure could result in frostbite on exposed skin. Weather conditions are expected to change dramatically by this weekend. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) A federal judge, in a Jan. 23 opinion, reject­ ed a bankruptcy petition filed by the ex-wife of former Major League Baseball player Chad Curtis. Curtis’ ex-wife, Candace, filed for bank­ ruptcy the same day a U.S. District Court magistrate recommended that she be made a party to the judgment. U.S. Bankruptcy Judge John Gregg wrote that her actions were an attempt to evade the post-judgment collection proceedings in court and that her testimony in court showed a lack of good faith. Attorney Monica Beck represented four Lakewood student athletes who were sexually assaulted by Curtis at Lakewood High School while he was a volunteer weight-room coach. Curtis claimed the assaults were therapeutic massages. The students and their families settled a lawsuit against the school district for $575,000. Three of them settled their lawsuit against Curtis for an undisclosed amount. Curtis said later, during his trial, that the set­ tlements were for $10,000 each. A fourth victim was awarded $1.8 million in a bench trial. See CURTIS, page 7 �Page 2 — Thursday, January 31,2019 — The Hastings Banner Where does all that snow go? Visibility for motorists throughout the region, including M-43 shown here, was a' problem as wind gusts picked up and snowfall intensified. <’ Several trucks were going back and forth Tuesday afternoon to remove a mountain of snow from the parking lot behind Hastings City Hall. Snow plows were out, but there was only so much that could be done to improve; road conditions. SNOW, continued from page 1 The snow was taken to Bliss Riverfront Park, were it was dumped. The snow was loaded into the trucks, as shown here. Jason Hilley and Duke use a John Deere Gator to pull Elie Hilley’s car after it died in the extreme cold, (photo by Evelyn David) Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a State of Emergency on Tuesday. All govern­ ment offices, except critical services depart­ ments, were closed Wednesday, and the United States Postal Service suspended mail delivery to areas with zip codes beginning 486 through 469,472 through 475,478,479, 480 through 485 and 492. Barry County Emergency Management Coordinator Jim Yarger said his biggest con­ cern was losing electrical power. “We haven’t had anyone reach out to us for help yet,” he said, “but if the electricity goes down, that will be a game changer,” In addition to the emergency declaration, Whitmer activated the State of Emergency Operations Center, located at the Michigan SWe Police Headquarters in Dimondale. The center is operated by state police emergency management, and Homeland Security Division. It coordinates response and recov­ ery efforts by state agencies and local govern­ ment. In a press release, Whitmer said these “widespread, extreme conditions have not occurred in Michigan for many years.” Other than several closings of schools, organizations and businesses, there haven’t been any major issues in Barry County, Yarger said. Many businesses in the region made the decision to close Wednesday, Jan. 30 due to the extreme cold. With wind chills below zero, blowing snow making visibility limited, many businesses told employees to stay home. In the Lakewood area, many businesses, including Twin City Foods, So Simply, Union Bank, PCFU, Myers Bakery, Mapes Furniture, Jerry’s Tire announced they would be closed. Others, like Cargill Protein and APEC remained open. Cargill Protein Plant Manager Jay Patel told the Lakewood News the plant is running partial production with employees willing and able to make it safely to work. “The safety of our stakeholders is our utmost concern,” he said. Some businesses, like area restaurants, remained open and reported steady business. Yarger said he has been in communication with coordinators in surrounding counties to keep track of each area’s needs or emerging needs. Ainsworth Road resident Pam Swiler caught the sun as it appeared briefly Tuesday afternoon, (photo by Pam Swiler) Government funding for repairs to damag­ es may be available at some point, but it’s too! early in the declared emergency to know.; Most often, damages are calculated after the; emergency is over. And he does not have information on funding available to the pri­ vate sector, since his responsibility covers government loss. The National Weather Service is predicting temperatures rising to over 30 degrees on Saturday, which is a dramatic jump from tern-1 peratures in the negative numbers midweek. They are warning communities to be prepared for probable ice jams on area rivers. Yarger said local owners of properties adja­ cent to rivers are usually the ones who deal with ice jams every year. “Thefe^s really nothing you can do about ice jams, other than stay aware of the river level and bring personal items closer to the home if the water begins to rise ” he said. Initially, flooding will remain localized. But there is a possibility that flooding will push further inland if warmer temperatures linger. Some area hydroelectric dams are being affected by the frigid temperatures. But, if electric service goes out, the dams will still be operational. Predicting the outcome of major weather fluctuation is impossible. Warmer temperatures also will mean melt­ ing snow. The Hastings Department of Public Services Manager Jim James said he and his team are prepared for the run-off. “From experience, we know it’s coming,”* James said. “So the guys will be out removing snow from the curbs and the tops of drains. What they can’t get to with equipment, they pick up a shovel.” Lower lying areas with recurring flooding problems in Hastings will most likely be a priority, such as the intersection of Church and Center streets. All streets will be closely monitored for flooding and ice buildup, he said. Run-off also may reach lakes already impacted by flooding from heavy summer and fall rain. There have been no water main breaks within the past week. City crews were out Tuesday responding td calls from Hastings Police Department about icy stretches on city streets. Sidewalks, city parking lots and clearing snow away from fire hydrants were some of the tasks completed. With continued snow, these jobs will be repeated more than once. “I simply can’t say enough about this group of guys. They don’t complain. They just go out and do their job, and it doesn’t matter what the weather is,” James said. “They’rd out plowing, treating roads, working in rain, snow, freezing cold and hot weather. Each season has a different challenge.” Barry County Road Commission Supervisor Brad Lamberg said they are not concerned about running out of salt. In temperatures below zero, salt is not effective so less is used in the treatment mix. Circling back around to clear roads a sec­ ond and third time is challenging and hard on the road crew. He said when the snow keeps coming and the wind causes heavy drifting, the road conditions are not good, but it’s not for lack of plowing or effort. The dangerous conditions build up faster than the plows can get back around. “Our guys need space to do their job. So, we hope everyone keeps that in mind. We want to keep everyone safe,” Lamberg said. Local closings this week have included county government buildings and local courts, all schools, the Community Education and Recreation Center and daycare services, school sporting events, and area businesses. Anyone who needs nonemergency assis­ tance is encouraged to call 211 for services. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 31, 2019 — Page 3 City council member cites ‘sloppy’ work as reason for dissent Firefighters work to extricate people pinned in their vehicles after a 24-vehicle crash on M-6 Tuesday. (Photos provided) No serious injuries in 24-car pileup on M-6 A truck crashed into the back of a semitractor-trailer truck during the crash. No seri­ ous injuries were reported. Multiple vehicles were pinned between semi-trucks in the M-6 pileup. Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Despite the objection of council member Brenda McNabb-Stange, the draft of a fiveyear Parks and Recreation Master Plan was approved Monday, and the resolution adopted by the Hastings City Council in an 8-1 vote. The five-year plan must be submitted to, and accepted by, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in order to apply for state grants. The submission deadline is early February. The city’s recreation plan was previously updated in 2008 and in 2014, and documented conditions and trends at the time and ideas for improvements; some of which have been completed. The updated plan for the years 2019 to| 2023 builds on the recommendations of the previous plans and has been developed to meet the changing needs and goals of the community. McNabb-Stange described the draft as “one of the worst documents” she has ever seen. She cited several areas of incorrect infor­ mation, inconsistent references and format­ ting, such as the incorrect referencing of the library board, which she had mentioned at a prior meeting but was still wrong in the draft. “I think they did a very poor job,” she said. The draft was prepared by Viridis Design Group, located in Kalamazoo. City Manager Jeff Mansfield said, if the council was satisfied with the content related to the scope of the projects, approval of the draft plan will not be a problem. If the plan is not filed with the DNR in early February, the city will not be able to apply for grants. If the deadline is met, grant applications must be submitted by early April. Director of Public Services Lee Hays said he anticipates answers to be posted by September. “I think it accomplishes the goal. It might not be pretty to some people, like the typo­ graphical errors that are in there, but we can fix that,” Mansfield said. McNabb-Stange said there were problems with the content, including financial figures for a 10-year forecast of capital improvement in a draft of a five-year plan. The draft does not provide information about how all the projects will be paid for. She said hundreds of thousands of dollars in projects are listed and that exceeds the budget. McNabb-Stange has approved amendments and drafts in the past, even when sharing her concerns related to informational and typo­ graphic errors. She said she was led to believe changes would be made to the documents, but that never happened. “I’m not agreeingUua document that com- DUITS, continued from page 1 —— of service,” he said. “She has a wealth of knowledge. I’ve learned so much from her and am thankful to be a part of her team.” Since Duits’ arrival, he said, the district has made tremendous strides and accomplished many goals that were set. The district is healthier financially, has a Multi-Tier Support System recognized statewide, and the schools have received much-needed improvements. “All we can do is wish her the best and hope she will continue to be involved through other avenues,” Goebel said. A special meeting took place Monday for school board members to meet with Donna Oser of the Michigan Association of School Boards to discuss beginning the search for the next superintendent through the association’s employment listing and search program. Haywood said the process of creating an updated position and responsibility descrip­ tion has begun to prepare to publish the open­ ing. “As a board, we are ready to take on that process and work toward a seamless transition for our next superintendent — but whoever it is will have pretty big shoes to fill,” he said. “We work so closely together that we become a family. “It was emotional for Carrie and for us when she told us she was leaving.” Duits will continue to call Hastings her home and plans to remain involved in the school district and the community. She said she will decide where and how she will do that after taking a break to allow her some time to adjust to retirement. Travel is on her agenda and spending time with her grand­ children. mits us to stuff and that you’re going to point at me the next time it comes up and say, ‘You agreed to that,’ ” she said. Council Member Al Jarvis said his under­ standing of the projects listed in the draft is that they are merely suggestions and not improvements the city is committing to. If it was a commitment, he said he could not sup­ port the plan because there is no money to support such a commitment. Hays said all current, future and potential projects must be listed in the plan to be eligi­ ble for grant funding. There are improvements listed there that the council may decide to pursue, but it is not required to complete all the projects. Council Member Bill Redman made the motion to adopt the resolution. Council Member Don Smith supported the motion. In a statement Tuesday, McNabb-Stange said she was not surprised at the result of the council vote, but she has been burned by them before when she was told amendments and resolutions weren’t “carved in stone.” “I will not approve things like that any­ more,” she said. “I’ve never liked them doing it that way. They’re all long-term council members, and this is how they’ve always done things. Deadlines are tough, but every­ one knew when those dates were. “The corrections should have been made well before now.” McNabb-Stange said she has provided a list of corrections to Hays, which the City Council suggested, and it will be forwarded to Viridis for the final drafting of the plan that will be sent to the state DNR. However, she said, it’s unlikely that she or other council members will see the document again before its submission. She said she has complete trust in Hays, who she describes as being dedicated and a hard worker. McNabb-Stange said her con­ cern is with the lack of efficiency and poor quality of work by Viridis. She said she has a difficult time believing anything so “sloppy” will be taken seriously by a state department. I Come see us for all your wedding needs. Shop your LOCAL printing company for customized • Thank you notes • Save the date cards • Wedding invitations • Photos • Frames • Wedding favors • Posters Truck Rental Taylor Owens Staff Writer A 24-car pile-up on M-6 east of Kalamazoo Avenue sent eight people to the hospital just after 10 a.m. Tuesday morning. “In the 15-year history of the highway, no incident we’ve ever responded to out there compares in the scope and size of the one we undertook today,” a Dutton Fire Department representative wrote in a Facebook post Tuesday. When Dutton emergency responders received the call, they realized the size of the accident, and initiated a mass casualty proto­ col to alert multiple emergency services in the area to ensure that enough ambulances responded to the incident. When the emergency services arrived at the scene, there was near-zero visibility and white-out conditions, with multiple cars pinned between semi-trucks and some drivers trapped in their vehicles. In addition to Dutton, fire departments from Caledonia, Cutlerville and Kentwood responded, along with deputies from the Kent County Sheriff’s Office, Michigan State Police troopers and Kentwood Police Department. One Michigan State Police cruiser was involved in the accident. “With their assistance, we were able to divide and conquer the incident, provide patient care, and complete safe extrication of pinned patients,” the Dutton social media post said. Eight people were taken to the hospital, but in an interview with the Hastings Banner Wednesday, Dutton Fire Department Lieutenant Brett Holmes said no one was seriously hurt. The massive crash closed M-6 until 2 p.m. Tuesday. Check out all our Special Services: GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. • • • • Business Cards Greeting Cards Big Prints & Posters Photo Books Folding & Laminating Custom Rubber Stamps Plastic Binding and more! 1351 N.Broadway(M-43)Hastings lw~] 269.945.9105 OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00 - 5:30 ® 9 �Page 4 — Thursday, January 31, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you see ? Character trait makes for a welcoming community Duel in the snow Blowing snow from the Barry County Courthouse area may be a bit more problematic if the snowblower is trying to clear a spot already occupied by a police car. (Hey, can’t they see the sign? No parking at any time!) We’re dedicating this space to a photo­ graph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? Outstanding achievements Banner Jan. 31,1974 Honored by the Elks - The Hastings Elks held their major project meeting Friday, Jan. 25, at which the club honored four Barry County individuals for theii outstanding achievements. Those honored were (from left) Jenny Drake and Dale Preslar, who received $25 savings bonds as outstanding students; Art Brewer, named the Elk of the Year; James Jackson, exalted ruler of the Hastings Elks Lodge; Merle Cooley, president of the Community Activities Center who was honored as the Citizen of the Year; Raymond Cooley, who presented the award to his uncle, Merle Cooley, the Elks Leading Knight; and Lee Hamp, who presented Brewer with his Elk of the Year award. Have you met? Vermontville Bible Church’s lead pastor, Joe Benedict, grew up seven miles north of Vermontville on a little family farm. His fam­ ily has produced maple syrup for generations and continues the legacy today. One of five sons of Brian and Lorraine Benedict, Joe was homeschooled until sev­ enth grade, when he attended Maple Valley until graduating in 2011. He met his wife, Brittany Westendorp, in Awana Club at church as a child, but it wasn’t until they both went on a mission trip in high school that they connected. “I knew then that if I started to date her, I would marry her,” Benedict said. Less than two years later, that is exactly what he did. Brittany and Joe now have four children - Jonah, Claire, Myrei and Preston. Shortly after their last child’s birth, they decided, for health reasons, that they should not have any more biological children. That was the same year Joe was diagnosed with testicular cancer. It was a great shock, but the Benedicts put it in God’s hands and moved forward with life. The community rallied around the family. Joe had surgery to remove the cancer. “It was the biggest defining moment for us,” Benedict said. “We really know who we are as people and as a family now. Our faith wasn’t rocked, it was strengthened.” As of today, Benedict has been cancer-free for over a year. He and his family enjoy spending time together and making life an adventure. They also are pursuing domestic adoption at this time. For his love and service to his family and community, Joe Benedict is a Banner Bright Light. Best advice ever received: Be willing to be inconvenienced. I was given a card with this saying on it by my professor at Bible College several years ago, and I read it every day. First job: I raised strawberries for my grandpa and sold them on M-43. Favorite TV show: “MacGyver,” because I like to work with my hands, too. Person I most admire: My dad, Brian Benedict Books I’d recommend: The Bible and “Classic Christianity” by Bob George. Favorite teacher: my homiletics teacher at Frontier School of the Bible in Wyoming, Bill Bagley Jr. He was just an honest and wise man, and he helped to make me the best I could be. He still communicates with me now on a regular basis. The headline was an attention-getter: “The World’s First Robot Hotel is Looking for a Few Good Humans.” The story, which circulated nationally in print and broadcast a couple of weeks ago, was about a hotel in Japan where the staff of robots couldn’t carry luggage, copy pass­ ports or answer simple questions. Some hotel guests were pretty frustrated with the situation. One guest, a loud snorer, was awakened every few hours by the robot in his room that kept asking him to repeat what he had just said. Robots started out as an entertaining attraction there. But this particular hotel invested in 243 of them, then had to get rid of more than half that number because they were actually making more work for the beleaguered human staff members. A few robots may have been a novelty in the hospitality industry - but a whole lot of robots are not necessarily good at hospitali­ ty, as that hotel found out. Barry County knows a lot about hospital­ ity, as I discovered last fall. I’ve encoun­ tered it so many times since I started work­ ing here that I have realized this is a defin­ ing characteristic of the community at large. I’ve pondered this attribute - this courtesy and kindness to others with no expectation of reward - and I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s just part of the DNA here. Every community has outstanding char­ acteristics, some good, some not so good. Typically, these are a result of the people, their history, geography, weather and a vari­ ety of other features that make a place unique. Add to that the layers of communi­ ties within communities - and what those communities value - the charitable organi­ zations, church congregations, school boards, governmental bodies and so on. When you think about it, it’s like a sci­ ence experiment. In some communities, the chemistry can be quite volatile - and not in a good way. In my first week here, I was working on a story and left for the assignment. When I returned, I found at my desk a single long­ stemmed red rose in one of those red Coke bottles that have names on them - and this particular bottle had my name on it. I asked around and no one knew who had left me the rose. Whoever took the trouble to make such a beautiful gesture of welcome clearly didn’t expect anything in return. I have never had such a gift from someone who didn’t know me from Adam. It was remark­ able. That’s the kind of hospitality I’m talking about. And it reportedly happens all the time here. I’ve heard about people who are eating out, and, when they go to pay the bill, find out it has already been paid. Those who have lived here all their lives may think this is the way it is elsewhere. I can assure you, it’s not like that everywhere else. Recently, I was interviewing Mark Kolanowski, Highpoint Community Bank president and CEO, for a story on how that longtime local bank reached a pivotal deci­ sion to change its name. It was a process that was entered into with great care and consideration - and some trepidation. Kolanowski told me what he learned from that experience didn’t actually surprise him, but it did gratify him because it con- | firmed what he already knew about his i community. His customers weren’t con- / cemed about the name; they were concerned about the people. They called him, asking if the people who worked for the bank would still be there. Yes, he assured them, they are still there. “It was the people they didn’t want to lose.” , That fundamental consideration acknowl­ edging the value of a person and what they contribute, just by being a part of the com­ munity, is expressed here in so many ways. It was an important aspect of recovery for Rita Miller, the Vermontville Township clerk who was critically injured in a crash that took the lives of her husband and broth­ er-in-law this past September. Spinal surgery, a tracheotomy and a device known as an external fixator screwed into her pelvis are just a few of the daunting challenges Miller has faced since that trage­ dy. Through,alltta pain and logs, the gruel­ ing hours of physical therapy and rehabilita­ tion, Miller has received an outpouring of generosity and care. The community came together to hold a benefit dinner for Miller at the township fire department. Hundreds of residents turned out to support her. From family to co-workers and community mem­ bers, a host of people have helped Miller in her recovery. And it has made all the differ­ ence. Placing a priority on people is at the heart of this community. But, the act of doing so takes it to a higher level. A rose by any other name would smell as sweet. ■ ■ « Rebecca Pierce, Editor * J ! Losing 374 students should be wake-up call Joe Benedict is pictured with his wife, Brittany, and their children, Claire, Myrei, Jonah and Preston. (Photo provided) If I could have any superpower, it would be: Never making a mistake. Favorite vacation destination: My wife and I took a Caribbean cruise, and it was wonderful. It gets you away from all the dis­ tractions. Worst job I’ve had: I worked in a sugar factory in Wyoming when I was going to school. It was horrible because everything always stunk like rotten wet sugar beets. Something most people don’t know about me: I am tender-hearted. I am not as strong as people think I am. Many days I am weak, but God provides the strength I need to do what He asks of me. What I’d tell a high school graduate: Don’t do something to just make money. You were created to make an impact on this world. Favorite dinner: I like a good steak, but I love my wife’s homemade parmesan chicken nuggets. I’m most proud of: My marriage and my family. Favorite childhood memory: My parent traveled with us a lot. We went all over the United States. We loved to camp. We woulc jump in our parents’ camper and wake up the next morning two states away. I have grea memories of learning about the history o' different places and just being together witl my family. Greatest thing about the Maple Valley community: My roots are deep here. This allows for some really unique relationships with the people around me. Each week, the Banner profiles a persoi who makes the community shine. Do yoi know someone who should be featurec because of volunteer work, fun-loving per sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell o • any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-4; Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. To the editor: Why would or should the taxpayers vote for any more school or other millages? Consider the amount of our school money that has been spent to put it on the ballot - and how much was wasted. That could have been used to fix the roofs and other needs. The number of students who have left Hastings schools was 374 in the 2018-2019 school year. This should be a wake-up call. Why reward them with this loss? In the Hastings Banner dated Nov. 15, 2018, the school system received $7,871 per student. What do you This figures out to a $2,043,540 loss - close to $3 million dollars. The superintendent and the school board * needs to figure out what they should, and: could, do to regain those lost students and » revenue, and not expect the taxpayers to pay for their failures and unwillingness to take the ; problem seriously. J Vote no on all millages. . Elden Shellenbarger, * Hastings i think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the ques­ tion posed each week by accessing our website, www.HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the following week. Last week: Some state legislators are considering raising the legal age to purchase tobacco products. Do you think smoking should be prohibited before the age of 21? Yes 80% No 20% For this week: Hastings City Council is preparing to change its alcohol consumption policy for Thornapple Plaza performances to lift the two-drink limit. Should that limit be lifted? □ Yes □ No I �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 31,2019 — Page 5 Childcare center opening soon at senior care facility Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Generations, a new daycare center, will be opening soon at Thomapple Manor, a senior assisted living facility in Hastings. The center will provide childcare services to employees of the health care facility. “It was an idea shared with us by one of our employees, Karen Dull,” Administrator Don Haney said. “When she brought it to us, we thought it was a great idea. ' “We’re always looking for ways to make the environment even better for everyone here. What better way than to provide daycare for children of our employees and the oppor­ tunity for our residents to watch the kids play and grow?” ’ A specific date has not yet been set for the opening, but it will be soon, he said. The process of providing childcare at the Manor began two years ago with the idea. It took approximately a year to plan where the center would go. Then it had to be determined where the staff in that area would be moved. “We knew we needed a sink, enough space fpr the children and a quiet area where infants will be able to sleep,” Haney said. “Once we figured all that out, we worked with the staff at the Y to plan a layout, colors and other detail. Then we began the renovation.” Tentatively, the center hours will be from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. Haney said the plan is to keep some slots (yen for employees who are asked to arrive early for work or for those who are called in on a day off. Research on the average cost of childcare will help determine what the Manor will charge their employees. The rate for one child will be at a discount and additional discounts will be applied when a parent has two or more children in the program. Haney also said the YMCA will invoice the Manor instead of the parents. The Manor will pay the bill and work with their employees for payment for the service. CEO and executive director of Barry County YMCA Jon Sporer said confirmed that, after a year spent developing the child­ care center, it’s close to opening. “It took time to develop a strategic plan, obtaining proper licensing, and determining the costs and steps to be taken,” he said. “We still need to take care of a few final details before opening. “And we still need to have a couple more people hired to work in the childcare center.” Haney said the two organizations working together is what made the childcare center possible for employees who are struggling to find quality, affordable daycare. Providing the service, he said, will not only benefit employees who will be able to pop into the center to see their children, it also will bring smiles to facility residents, and Manor administrators expect there will be a decrease in absences. Know Your Legislators: Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855­ 347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington,’ D.C 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat,' 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. Middle school names winners of geography bee More than 550 students from Hastings Middle School participated in classroom con­ tests, before the school-level competition of the National Geographic GeoBee Jan. 24. After classroom rounds, 54 students quali­ fied for the final competition, and Anna Haywood, an eighth grade student, won first place, with seventh-grader Adrianne VanDenburg taking second place and Madysen Kuestner, also seventh grade student, finish­ ing third. Anna Haywood knew that the capital cities of Cape Town and Pretoria were in South Africa, resulting in her victory, HMS social studies teacher Steve Laubaugh said. The school-level competition is the first round in the annual National Geographic GeoBee, a geography competition designed to inspire and reward students’ curiosity about the world, Questions cover not only geogra­ phy, but also cultures, physical features, histo­ ry and earth science. The National Geographic Society developed the GeoBee in 1989 in response to concern about the lack of geo­ graphic knowledge among young people in the United States. Over more than three decades, 120 million students have learned about the world through participation in the GeoBee. School champions, including Anna Haywood, will take an online qualifying test; up to 100 of the top test scorers in each state then become eligible to compete in their State geography bees. The winners of the State GeoBees receive an all-expenses-paid trip to National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C., to participate in the GeoBee national championship The top three winners in the Hastings Middle School geography bee are (from left) Madysen Kuestner, third place; Adrianne VanDenburg, second place; and, winner Anna Haywood. They are joined by social studies teacher Steve Laubaugh. (Photo provided) More information about the competition can be found at natgeobee.org. Information about the National Geographic Society is available at nationalgeographic.org. jWrite Us A Letter: Conservation district to restore Nashville property The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. The Hastings Banner Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere . Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer Tanett Hodge Bonnie Mattson Taylor Owens Joan Van Houten POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 Taylor Owens Staff Writer The Barry Conservation District has been quiet about the 22-acre property on Reed Street behind Carl’s Super Market, until a presentation Thursday by executive director Sarah Nelson. The district has the property on a long-term lease from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and is working to restore the property, previously meant for housing development. “It’s kind of been hidden until now,” Nelson said during the Nashville Village Council meeting. Over the next few years, she said, the dis­ trict plans to build up the property and cus­ tomize it for the citizens of Nashville. “This is really only the beginning,” Nelson said. “I want to work with the whole commu­ nity to seek out local needs ... We’re very much about collaboration.” Currently, Nelson said the property does not have a lot in place, but the district could install a gravel drive, wetland overlook bird blind and information kiosks. The property also could be used for programming with local schools, and Nelson said she has already talked to Maple Valley agriculture teacher Aaron Saari about possible collaborations. The district is looking to partner with local groups to get feedback for the property and secure funding to build it up. More informa­ tion is available at barrycd .org. “Feel free to go back there, we just ask that you be respectful,” Nelson said. Also during the meeting, the council had a follow-up discussion on the employee retire­ ment package debated earlier this month. During the Jan. 10 meeting, a motion failed to pass that would have made retirement sever­ ance packages lump-sum payments instead of being distributed over multiple months. At the time, it was believed the long-term payments would not be allowed alongside the Municipal Employees Retirement System. But Thursday, Council President Mike Kenyon said that had been a mistake, and MERS had no issue with how the severance package is paid out. Ultimately, the council took no action on the issue, and the policy remains standing. “I see no value to the taxpayers paying somebody eight weeks when they retire,” council member Gary White said. “How do we get rid of this?” Kenyon said that conversation could be had at a later date, and he would speak more about the issue during roundtable discussion at the end of the meeting. Council member Tanett Hodge said she expected to have the conversation at the meet­ ing Thursday. Hodge said it would be unfair to take the severance package away from employees who were expecting it, but the council should look at phasing it out. White said he also expected to have the conversation Thursday, and added that he has attempted to put multiple issues on the agenda only to have them taken off before the meet­ ings. “I have no problem having that discus­ sion,” Kenyon said, and he told White to wait until later in the meeting, where Kenyon brought the issue up during roundtable discus­ sion. “I would like the policy and ordinance committee to do the very thing Gary is asking - to review our policies and ordinances,” Kenyon said. “There’s a lot of stuff in there that probably is archaic and needs to be removed.” The council approved new committee appointments during the meeting. Kenyon, Hodge and Page Headley will sit on the policy and ordinance committee. “Do I have a whole one appointment?” White asked after reviewing the appointments Key on had presented. White’s only appointment was to the parks, buildings and grounds committee. During the meeting, he had requested to be on the finance h * 4 “A“ and office staff committee. Kenyon cited numerous committees and boards that White had said he could not sit on due to work conflicts. The council voted to accept the committee appointments, after a motion by council mem­ ber Johnny Hartwell, with White the only dissenting vote. In other business, the council moved to pursue a contract with the Barry County Information Technology Department for the village’s IT services. The village currently contracts with a company in Chicago that charges $125 an hour. The county would charge $50, and village clerk Lynette Adgate said the county staff would be able to meet their needs almost instantly. Included in the services would be a new village website, and Kenyon said they would discuss the possibil­ ity of online billing. The next meeting of the Nashville Village Council will be at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Hoxworth Counseling Services Nurture your Emotional Health Bret Hoxworth MA/ LLP Over 20 years of professionally licensed counseling from a Christian World and Life Perspective Specialized Counseling: • Individual Counseling • Spaced Retrieval Trainer • Couples Counseling • Family Counseling • Group Counseling • EM DR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing) 126 E. Main Street, Suite B, Middleville, Ml 49333 269-205-2402 email: info@ hoxworthcounseling. com website: HoxworthCounseling. com �Page 6 — Thursday, January 31, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together J ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852-9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH M-37 South at M-79, Kimberly S. Metzer, pastor. Church phone 269-945-4995. Church Secretary-Treasurer, Linda Belson. Office hours, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11 am to 3 pm. Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School; 10:30 a.m Morning Worship Tuesday 9 am Men’s Bible Study at the church. Wednesday 6 p.m. Circle of Friends (Young Adult Special Needs Group) (October thru May). PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, Ml 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10:31­ 11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795-2370 and the rectory number is 269-948­ 9327. Our church website is www.samchurch.org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Thursday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269-945.9574. Email: office.greenstreetumc@ gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nurseiy Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor; Ryan Rose, Family Life Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Child­ ren Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheelchair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings.org. 9 a.m. Traditional Service; 10:30 a.m. Contemporary service. Follow us on Facebook. Graphics COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945-9217. cbchastings. org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Highway, Hast­ ings. Telephone 269-945-9121. Email hastfmc@gmail.com. Website: www.hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Associate Pastor Andy Baird and Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller. Sun­ days: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAMI­ LY HOUR - ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Preschool-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Standard and Adult Elective classes. Cof­ fee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cook­ ies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Ser­ vice: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church Age 4-4th grade dis­ missed during service. After­ math Student Ministry - 6:30­ 8:30 p.m., 7th-12th grades. Wednesday: Women’s Bible Study 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thurs­ day: Adult Bible Study 10 a.m. GRACE LUTHERAN CIIURCH Discover God's Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! Feb. 3 - Worship services at 8 and 10:45 a.m.; Soup-er Bowl luncheon 12:15 p.m. Feb. 4Social Activities 6:30 p.m. Feb. 5 - Executive Mtg. 6 p.m. Feb. 6 Mutual Ministry Mtg. 6 p.m. Feb. 7 - Clapper Kids 3:45 p.m.; Grace Notes 5:45 p.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@gracehastings.org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945­ 9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www.grace-hastings.org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings. EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH A welcoming and affirming congregation, located at the corner of Broadway and Center St. (entrance on Center St.). Sunday morning worship 10 a.m., Other weekly services include: Tues. - Morning Prayer, 9:30 a.m. and Contemplative/Centering Prayer, 6:30 p.m.; Thur.-MidWeek Eucharist and dialogue sermon, noon. Sat. - Commun­ ity Breakfast, served 8-9:30 a.m. Free breakfast is open to all; first Saturday each month "Messy Church," program for families. Mother Linnea Stiffer available by appt, 269-945­ 3014. The Gary Parish House available to community groups. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am Mb Hum ® ■ w™■■ ■ ?be.rg!?ss Products iMBinwuiFsuppiiFsnr MWIJESIIPffllF HotUnelools&Equipment 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 102 Cook Hastings 945-4700 Thelma L. Soya Daryl D. Makley HASTINGS, MI - Mary Irwin Brown of Hastings, died at Trillium Woods/Faith Hos­ pice in Byron Center, on January 18, 2019, age 83. She was bom on September 28, 1935 in Grand Rapids, the daughter of William and Norma Irwin. Mary attended and graduated from Union High School, earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and, later in life, a master’s degree from Western Michigan University. In the summer of 1959, Mary traveled to Santiago, Chile, as one of the first Communi­ ty Ambassadors for the Grand Rapids Coun­ cil on World Affairs. This experience instilled a love and respect for different cultures that would play an important role throughout her life. On December 20, 1959, she married Dr. Jack A. Brown. As her husband’s practice grew, they moved to Rockford, and then to Middleville. In 1968, they settled in Hastings, and together raised a busy family of five chil­ dren. Mary was a teacher and a counselor in the Hastings Area School System for many years. She was a member of P.E.O, Mortar Board of MSU, and the First United Methodist Church in Hastings. During retirement, Mary was a Hospice Grief Counselor and volunteer in Barry County. She founded and was president of the local chapter of American Field Service in Hast­ ings, facilitating the international exchange experience for dozens of students over the years. Between 1973 -HT986, she hosted eight different exchange students with her family. Many former students kept in touch and vis­ ited often after their year in Hastings with the Brown family. She was - and will always be - “Mom” to each of them. Mary enjoyed bird watching, gardening, walking one of her beloved dogs, swimming, attending a beautiful symphony and hosting large family gatherings. There was always one more seat at the table for one of her chil­ dren’s friends, a visiting international student, or a soul in need of sustenance. Open and tolerant, Mary embraced diversity and was a fierce advocate for those less fortunate. With her empathetic touch and sense of grace, she truly left the world a better place. She will be dearly missed. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Carolyn Moffat, and brother, Wil­ liam Irwin. She is survived by daughter Susan (Ata) Brown-Shafii of Geneva, Switzerland, daughter Sarah (Kelly) Williams of Mari­ posa, CA, son Michael (Sarnia) Brown of Ada, son Thomas Brown of Dekalb, IIL, son Rex (Lisa) Brown of Hastings, 10 wonderful grandchildren and a special niece, Lynn Mof­ fat Winston, of Haymarket, VA. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S. Broadway Street, Hastings, on Friday, Feb.8, 2019. Celebration of Life Services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019, at Green Street Unit­ ed Methodist Church, 209 West Green Street, Hastings, MI 49058 at 11 a.m. with visitation one-hour prior. There will be a luncheon following the ser­ vice at The Barry County Foundation, Den­ nison Performing Arts Center, 231 S. Broad­ way St., Hastings, MI 49058. Memorial contributions may be made to Hastings Education Enrichment Foundation (HEEF), 232 W. Grand Street, Hastings, MI 49058; 269-948-4400; https://www.hasskl2. org//site/Default.aspx?PageID= 115; https:// X www.hasskl2.org/Page/117 or Barry County jx United Way, 231 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 9 49058; Phone: (269) 945-4010; https://www. bcunitedway.org/donate/ Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. Delton, MI - Thelma L. Soya, age 96 1/2, of Delton, passed away on January 26, 2019 at Stoneridge Adult Foster Care. Thelma was bom in Maple Grove Town­ ship, the daughter of George and Fem (Hard­ ing) Ball. Thelma graduated from Hastings High School in 1941. She was a 4-H leader for 18 years in the Maple Grove and Ban­ field areas. Thelma was a member of Country Chapel United Methodist Church. A home­ maker, Thelma enjoyed spending time with her family, camping, reading, sewing, crafts, cake decorating, and flower gardening. Thel­ ma was married to the love of her life, Ru­ dolph Soya, for 61 years before he preceded her in death in 2002. Thelma was also preceded in death by her parents; two brothers; four sisters; and son in law, Gary Bristol. Thelma is survived by son, Roland “Joe” (Evelyn) Soya; daughters, Lynell Scofield, Lynette Bristol, Carolyn (Clifford) McDon­ ald; seven grandchildren, 10 great grandchil­ dren, and eight great great grandchildren. Thelma’s family will receive friends, Fri­ day, Feb. 1, 2019, 10 to 11 a.m. at Country Chapel United Methodist Church, where her funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m., Pastor Rick Foster, officiating. Burial will take place in Banfield Cemetery. Memorial contributions to Stoneridge Adult Foster Care or Country Chapel United Methodist Church will be appreciated. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral.com to share memory or to leave a condolence message for Thelma’s family. WOODLAND, MI - Daryl D. Makley, age 52, of Woodland passed after a sudden heart attack. Daryl was bom on September 9, 1966 in Hastings to Dave and Margy (Soules) Mak; ley. He was a 1986 graduate of Lakewood High School and worked for DNS Machine; Daryl loved to hunt, fish, hunting mushrooms or just being outdoors. He cherished the time spent with his nephews Austin and Preston’ but also adored his niece Shalea. Daryl es­ pecially loved to go skeet shooting whenevef he could. He leaves behind his parents, Dave and Margy; siblings; Dean, Doug and Tony (Tresea); niece, Shalea (Alex) Backe; neph­ ews, Austin and Preston; great nephew, Lin­ coln, Uncle Ken (Mary) Makley, Birdie the Cat, along with many cousins and friends. Daryl was preceded by Aunt Myrt Hager; grandparents, Von and Marleah Makley, War­ ren and Olive Soules. A gathering of friends is planned for Sun2 day, Feb. 3, 2019 at Koops Funeral Chapel from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m., with a memorial lunch being held on Monday, Feb. 4, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the Zion Lutheran Church, 626 f Velte Rd, Woodland, MI 48897. Memorials are suggested to the family to establish a Hunters Safety Program for the community. Online condolences can be left at www.koopsfc.com * WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, _ _ _ _ _ _ the churches and these local businesses' _ a Mary Irwin Brown 770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541 Ronnie Elwood Pennington Marilyn Jeanne Ridenour Marilyn Jeanne (Hodge) Ridenour was bom on May 20, 1934 in Lansing, the daugh­ ter of Loyal Phillip Hodge and Emma Pearl (Griffith) Hodge. She graduated from East­ ern High School in Lansing. On December 9, 1972, Marilyn married Raymond Ridenour. Marilyn was employed in the Treasury and Social Services Departments Divisions of the State of Michigan. She also worked at Silver Dollar City, an 1880’s theme park in Branson, MO. She was a member of the Hastings First United Methodist Church and the Stephen’s Ministries and Ladies Circle. She volunteered at Barry Community Hospice as a bereave­ ment counselor and at Thomapple Manor. Marilyn was also a member of the Eastern Star. Marilyn is survived by two daughters, Gloria Wilcox of Lansing, Barbara (Dick) Shaw of Delton; grandchildren, Heather Wilcox of Grand Ledge, Gordon (Larissa) Shaw of Delton, Nicole Shaw of Hastings; great-grandchildren Porter Shaw, Abbie Tolan and Logan Tolan. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Raymond Ridenour, and two grand­ sons, Jeffrey Wilcox and Chadwick Wilcox. Services were held Sunday, Jan. 27,2019 at Girrbach Funeral Home, Hastings. Interment at Deepdale Memorial Gardens, Lansing. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence visitwww.girrbachfuneralhome.net. nington, age 68, died on January 28, 2019, iq Freeport. Ronnie was born on July 15, 1950 in Hast-i ings, the son of Kenneth Pennington and Barbara Estep. He attended Hastings Higli School. On March 3, 1978, Ronnie married Lorraine Abby Shoebridge. He is retired from Hastings Equipment Limited, where he worked in machine repair. Ronnie was a social, active man whose hobbies included fishing, hunting, and social hour at the Shamrock. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He loved kid§ and always had a way of winning them over. Ronnie is survived by mother, Barba­ ra Estep; wife of nearly 41 years, Lorraine Pennington; three daughters, Ursula (Gary) Austin, their four children Corinne Smelkef, Jessica Smelker, Michael Austin and Garret Austin; Nicole (Edward) Geiger, their four children Cole Geiger, Bryce Geiger, Joe Gei­ ger and Gauge Geiger; and Wanda (Kevin) Shuford, their three children Keros Bennett’, Kalvin Shuford, Marlee Shuford; brother, Rick (Karen) Pennington and sisters, Becky Bass and Robin (Gary) Snow. He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Pennington; stepmother, Etta Pen­ nington; father-in-law, Richard Estep; sistef, Reatha Pennington, and nephew, Scott Snow. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019 at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 South Broadway Street, Hastings, MI 49058, with visitation one hour prior. Pas­ tor Rob Flint, Jr. officiating. Interment will take place at Freeport Cemetery in Freeport, on Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 at 1 p.m. In lieu of a luncheon, the family would like to invite everyone to the Shamrock Tavern in Freeport at 3 p.m. on Friday for Happy Hour. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 31,2019 — Page 7 SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Expert answers questions about benefits, taxes, retirement planning I am receiving Social Security retirement benefits, and I recently went back to work. Do I have to pay Social Security taxes on my income? Yes. By law, your employer must withhold FICA taxes from your paycheck. Although you are retired, you do receive credit for those new earnings. Each year, Social Security automatically credits the new earnings and, if your new earnings are higher than in any ear­ lier year used to calculate your current bene­ fit, your monthly benefit could increase. For more information, visit socialsecurity.gov or call 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778). I'm trying to figure out how much I need to save for my retirement. Does the government offer any help with financial education? Yes. For starters, you may want to find out what you can expect from Social Security with a visit to Social Security’s Retirement Estimator at socialsecurity.gov/estimator. The Financial Literacy and Education Commission has a website, mymoney.gov, that can help with the basics of financial education. Finally, you’ll want to check out the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which offers educational information on a number of finan­ cial matters, including mortgages, credit cards, retirement and other big decisions. Visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, consumerfinance.gov. I run a bed and breakfast. This time every year, I am tired of all the paperwork involved with filing taxes. Is there an easier way for small businesses to file W-2s for their employ­ ees? Absolutely. If you are a small business owner or entrepreneur, you should check out Social Security’s Business Services Online website. There, you can file your employees’ W-2s and W-2cs electronically and print out the W-2s to provide paper copies to your employees. You also can verify the Social Security numbers of your employees. Our online services are easy to use, fast and secure. Visit our BSO page, socialsecurity, gov/bso. A few years ago, I lost my Social Security card. Now my credit report shows that some­ one might be using my Social Security num­ ber. Tm afraid they might ruin my credit. What should I do? * Identity theft and fraud are serious prob­ lems, not just for you, but for the financial integrity of our agency. It also puts our nation­ al security at risk if someone dangerous is using your number to obtain other forms of identification. It’s against the law to use someone else’s Social Security number, give false information when applying for a num­ ber, or alter, buy, or sell Social Security cards. Keep in mind, you should never carry your Social Security card with you. If you think someone is using your Social Security num­ ber fraudulently, you should report it to the Federal Trade Commission right away. You can report it at idtheft.gov or call FTC’s hotline, 877-IDTHEFT (877-438-4261) TTY: (866-653-4261). Can I delay my retirement benefits and receive benefits as a spouse only? How does that work? It depends on your date of birth. If you were bom before Jan. 2, 1954, and your spouse is receiving Social Security benefits, you can apply for retirement benefits on your spouse’s record as long as you are at your full retirement age. You then will earn delayed retirement credits up to age 70, as long as you do not collect benefits on your own work record. Later, when you do begin receiving benefits on your own record, those payments could very well be higher than they would have been otherwise. If your spouse is also full retirement age and does not receive bene­ fits, your spouse will have to apply for bene­ fits and request the payments be suspended. Then you can receive benefits on your spouse’s Social Security record. If you were bom on or after Jan. 2, 1954, and you wish to receive benefits, you must file for all benefits for which you are eligible. The Social Security Administration will deter­ mine the benefits for which you are eligible and pay you accordingly. For individuals bom on or after Jan. 2, 1954, there is no longer an option to select which benefit you would like to receive, even beyond your full retirement age. Widows are an exception, since they can choose to take their deceased spouse’s benefit without filing for their own. For more infor­ mation, visit socialsecurity.gov. I get Social Security because of a disability. How often will my case be reviewed to deter­ mine ifl’m still eligible? How often we review your medical condi­ tion depends on how severe it is and the like­ lihood it will improve. Your award notice tells you when you can expect your first review using the following terminology: * Medical improvement expected — If your condition is expected to improve within a specific time, your first review will be six to 18 months after you started getting disability benefits. * Medical improvement possible — If improvement in your medical condition is possible, your case will be reviewed about every three years. * Medical improvement not expected — If your medical condition is unlikely to improve, your case will be reviewed about once every five to seven years. For more information, visit socialsecurity, gov. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her c!o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email to vonda .vantil@ ssa .gov. HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Thursday, Jan. 31 - Barry County Baby Cafe, 10 a.m.-noon; Movie Memories watch­ es 1935 film starring Shirley Temple, Lionel Barrymore and Evelyn Venable, 5-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 1 - preschool story time, 10:30-11:30 a.m.; teen video game event, 4-5:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 2 - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., call 211 for appoint­ ment. Monday, Feb. 4 - Quilting Passions craft­ ing group, 10 a.m.-l p.m.‘, library board of directors meeting, 4:30-6:30; Learning @ Library: Sign language and deaf culture, 6-8; Creative Haven writing group, 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 5 - toddler story time, 10:30­ 11 a.m.; Great Decisions: Foreign Affairs Discussions, 1-4; mahjong club, 5:30-8; chess club, 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 6 - VITA tax counseling, 3-8 p.m., call 211 for appointment. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. CURTIS, continued from page 1 Beck, on behalf of the fourth student, filed a motion to dismiss the bankruptcy case. She asked a judge to subpoena property, business and financial records for Curtis and his ex-wife. In addition, she asked for recordings of phone calls between the two while he is in prison. More than 4,000 calls between Curtis and his ex-wife showed direct evidence of plan­ ning to keep assets away from her client, Beck said. Beck alleged that Curtis gave his assets to his ex-wife in their divorce settlement. The State of Michigan filed a civil suit against Curtis for reimbursement of the cost of his incarceration. When the couple fought the suit, they claimed Candace Curtis was living off Curtis’ pension only, Beck said. Judge Gregg acknowledged that the couple, in the prison recordings, had discussed shield­ ing their marital assets and respective revoca­ ble trusts. But Gregg indicated that his greater con­ cern is the question of whether she had acted in good faith in filing for bankruptcy protec­ tion. And Candace Curtis’ testimony during the hearing when she indicated she was not prepared to address any claim of the student athlete, despite the fact that she has sufficient funds to satisfy her creditors, showed a lack of good faith, he wrote. In the wake of Gregg’s ruling, the student’s claim will return to U.S. District Court. There, federal Judge Janet Neff will decide whether to adopt Magistrate Judge Ellen Carmody’s recommendation that Candace Curtis be made a party to the student athlete’s effort to collect the $1.8 million judgment. Beck said, in the course of his 10-year career as a Major League Baseball player, Curtis made $14 million. The Middleville native played for several teams during his career, including the New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers. He returned to West Michigan and briefly worked at Caledonia and then Northpointe Christian schools. Curtis was found guilty of criminal sexual conduct in 2013 and is currently serving a seven- to 14-year sentence. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PUBLIC HEARING GILMORE POINT PINE LAKE ROAD PAVING PROJECT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 18-1 TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that, the Township Board of Prairieville Township, as authorized by PA 188 of 1954, as amended, proposes to undertake a road paving project on Gilmore Point on Pine Lake in Prairieville Township as more particularly described below and to create a separate special assessment district for the recovery of the costs thereof by special assessment against the properties benefited. The Township Board of Prairieville Township is acting pursuant to petitions, as authorized by PA 188 of 1954, as amended. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the special assessment district within which the foregoing improvements are proposed to be made and within which the costs thereof are to be specially assessed includes parcels fronting on Gilmore Point Drive and parcels located at the intersection of Gilmore Point Drive and Long Point Drive and includes the following tax parcels: GILMORE POINT PINE LAKE ROAD PAVING PROJECT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 18-1 PROPOSED DISTRICT: The properties indicated by parcel numbers: 12-290-034-00 12-290-042-00 12-290-039-20 12-290-050-30 12-290-037-00 12-290-044-00 12-290-038-00 12-290-049-00 12-290-040-00 12-290-049-10 12-290-045-00 12-290-046-00 12-290-048-00 12-290-039-00 12-290-047-00 12-290-050-35 PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has received plans showing the proposed road paving project and associated activities (including grading and drainage work), together with an estimate of the cost of the project in the amount of $33,600. The cost of the project is proposed to be raised by special assessment on parcels in the proposed district. The Prairieville Township Board has passed a resolution tentatively declaring its intention to undertake such project and to create the afore-described special assessment district. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has placed the project plans and costs estimate on file with the Township Clerk and said plans, cost estimates and special assessment district may be examined at the Township Clerk’s office from the date of this Notice to the date of the public hearing and may further be examined at such public hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board proposes to make a per-parcel special assessment each year for a period of six years (2019-2024 inclusive) of approximately $400 per year. Additionally, the Township Board reserves the right to levy a lesser assessment in any year that there are more funds in the special assessment district fund than the amount needed. Barbara Jo Branch HASTINGS, MI - Barbara Jo Branch, age 55, of Hastings, passed away Monday, Jan. 21, 2019 at Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids after a hard fought battle with cancer. Barb was bom June 5, 1963 in Cadillac, the daughter of Robert Mellinger and Sha­ ron Drill. She was raised in the Cadillac area. Barb returned to school in 1987 and graduat­ ed with her G.E.D. from Hastings. Barb met the love of her life at 16 years old. She married her beloved husband Rich­ ard June 19, 1982. They raised two children together in Hastings. Among some of her passions were gardening, baking and deco­ rating cakes for her friends and loved ones, coffee, cross-stich, trivia (including being the unofficial Jeopardy champion), and family, including her favorite little man Aiden Bear. She was a faithful member of Lifegate Com­ munity Church in Hastings. Barb was proceeded in death by her grand­ parents, her father Robert, father-in-law Mar­ ion, husband Richard, nephew Mathew, and brothers-in-law Richard Smith and Vem De­ witt. Barbara is survived by her son Adam Branch, daughter Caitlin Branch (Josh New­ ell), grandson Aiden Newell, mother Sharon Drill, mother-in-law, Mary Branch, sisters Shari, Margie (Jerry), Kristy (MikeO, and Michele (Joe), sisters-in-law Marilyn, Carol, Bonnie, and Laura, and brother-in-law Paul. She is also survived by numerous aunts, un­ cles, nieces, nephews, cousins, “adopted” kids and grandchildren, and great friends. A service will be held Saturday, Feb. 2, 2019 at 1 p.m., with a luncheon to follow at Lifegate Community Church, 301 East State Road, Hastings. Colton J. Marlette, Freeport and Kaitlyn Marie Vanier, Nashville Dwayne Richard Taggart, Hastings and Jeanette Kelly Taggart, Hastings Paul Ryan Teunessen, Hastings and Kelli Jae Tebo, Hastings PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a public hearing on the plans, district, cost estimates and will be held at Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, Delton, Michigan, on February 11, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. At the hearing, the Board will consider any written objections and comments to any of the foregoing matters which are filed with the Township Clerk at or before the hearing, and any objections or comments raised at the hearing; and at the hearing (or any adjournment of the hearing which may be made without further notice), the township board may revise, correct, amend or change the plans, cost estimates or special assessment district. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if written objections to the project are filed with the Township Board at or before the hearing, signed by the record owners of land constituting more than 20% of the total frontage on the road, the township board may not proceed unless petitions in support of the project, signed by record owners of more than 50% of the total frontage on the road proposed for improvement and for inclusion in the special assessment district, are filed with the township. Written comments or objections may be filed with the clerks at the address set out below. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that appearance and protest at the public hearing is required in order to appeal the amount of the special assessment to the State Tax Tribunal within 30 days after the special assessment roll is confirmed. An owner or party in interest, or his or her agent, may appear in person at the hearing to protest the special assessment, or shall be permitted to file at or before the hearing his or her appearance or protest by letter and his or her personal appearance shall not be required. All interested persons are invited to be present in person or by representative and to express their views at the public hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if the township board determines to proceed with the special assessment, the board will cause a special assessment roll to be prepared and another hearing will be held, after notice to record owners of property proposed to be specially assessed, to hear public comments concerning the proposed special assessment. Prairieville Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed material being considered at the hearing, to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon four (4) days’ notice to the Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township Clerk at the address below. Rod Goebel, Clerk Prairieville Township 10115 S. Norris Road Delton, Ml 49046 (269) 623-2664 �Page 8 — Thursday, January 31, 2019 — The Hastings Banner ake. Qdeiia Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD commemorative quilt made by Fran Morris in honor of her brother Dennis Goodemoots military service. Several historical quilts from Ruth Benjamin and Becky Altoft. Last week’s “Finding Your Roots” television program featured Christiane Amanpour, a journalist who has distant ties to Lake Odessa. In one document shown briefly, viewers could see the names of William Hill and Hannah Doughty from the 1700s. The airing resulted in email messages flying across the country to connect cousins. Messages went from Big Rapids to nearby towns and to Grand Rapids. One went to Whitby, Canada, on Lake Ontario, and then to Vancouver Island, British Columbia, and back to Grand Rapids. Other messages were mailed and phone calls made to places closer to Lake Odessa. Lakewood Lions Club had its annual pancake supper Saturday at St. Edwards Family Center. This is a popular fundraiser for the local service group, and a good place to see old friends. Elaine Garlock Tomorrow night is soup time. The museum on Emerson Street will host the first soup supper of the 2019 season from 5 to 7 p .m. Five varieties of soup plus breads and desserts will be available. Come and enjoy the company as well as the great food. Saturday, Feb. 9, the county genealogy society will meet at 1 p.m. Member John Pierce will be the speaker with his story of Henry Ohlers found by lengthy research. John does meticulous research in ancestry besides being the local expert/interpreter of DNA tests. The quarterly newsletter of the ICGS came to local mailboxes earlier this week. Members were on hand on the past weekend to assist visitors during the open weekend. The Lake Odessa Area Historical Society hosted its annual quilt show last weekend with quilts displayed in the lobby and the large exhibit room, using racks, tables, and more for displaying the wide array of quilts. There were several old quilts never before on display as well as many new pieces. These included the Nominations sought for Michigan Hometown Health Hero awards at kovalj@michigan.gov or faxed to 517-335­ 8392 by Feb. 15. Awards will be presented at the State Capitol April 10. The Michigan Public Health Week Partnership consists of numerous organiza­ tions, including Grand Valley State University, Michigan Association of Counties, Michigan Association for Local Public Health, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan Health Improvement Alliance Inc., Michigan Public Health Association, Michigan Public Health Institute, Michigan State University, University of Michigan School of Public Health and Wayne State University. The Michigan Public Health Week Partnership is seeking nominations of individ­ uals and organizations that have made signif­ icant contributions to preserve and improve their community’s health for its annual Hometown Health Hero awards. Hometown Health Hero awards are pre­ sented every April as part of Michigan Public Health Week. This year’s awards focus on the following five areas of public health: Healthy communities, violence prevention, rural health, technology and public health, and climate change Nomination forms can be downloaded from Michigan.gov/mphw. Completed nomi­ nations should be sent to Jim Koval via email MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD XX HITE XVATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License #8110376 Office (269) 948-2248 & Insured Mobile (269) 838-5112 JONES What can investors learn from ‘big game’ teams? In February, TV stations the world over will broadcast the most-watched U.S. football game of the year. But sports fans aren’t the only ones viewing this “big game,” held in Atlanta this year. The two teams competing are watched closely by the teams that didn’t qualify. That’s because these teams can learn a lot from the contenders. In fact, “big game” teams can teach some valuable lessons to many groups and individuals - including investors. What investment insights can you gain from observing these teams? Here are a few to consider: • A good “offense” is important. “Big game” teams usually have the ability to score a lot of points. They can run the ball, pass the ball and move up the field quickly. As an investor, you also need to constantly seek gains - in other words, you need an “offense” in the form of an investment portfolio capable of producing long-term growth. Consequently, you will need a reasonable per­ centage of growth-oriented vehicles, such as stocks and stock-based mutual funds, in your holdings. Yes, these types of investments carry risk, including the potential loss of prin­ cipal. But you can help reduce your risk level by holding investments for the long term giving them time to possibly overcome the short-term drops that will inevitably occur and by diversifying your overall portfolio with other types of investments, such as bonds and government securities, that will likely not fluctuate in value as much as stocks. • A strong “defense” is essential. In addi­ tion to having good offenses, “big game” teams are also typically strong on defense. They may give up yardage, and going against a strong offense, they will also give up points, but they still often stop their opponents from making the big, game-breaking plays. As someone with financial goals, such as protect­ ing your family’s lifestyle and helping send your children to college, you, too, have much to defend - and one of the best defensive moves you can make is to maintain adequate life insurance. Also, to protect your own financial independence - and to defend against the possibility of becoming a burden to your adult children - you may want to explore some type of long-term care insur­ ance, which can help pay for the extraordi­ narily high costs of an extended nursing home stay. • The ability to adjust a strategy is essen­ tial. If a “big game” team is trailing, it very well might decide to switch its game strategy - perhaps they tried to keep the ball on the ground but fell behind, requiring them to throw more passes to catch up. You also will need to evaluate your progress toward your goals to determine if you may need to adjust your strategy. To illustrate: If your current portfolio is not providing you with the returns you need to retire comfortably, you may well need to adjust your investment mix to provide more growth potential, but within the context of your risk tolerance and time horizon. The “big game” is the culmination of a sea­ son of hard work by two teams that have achieved the highest level of success. And by applying the lessons you’ve learned from these teams, you can help contribute to your own success. Edward Jones is a licensed insurance pro­ ducer in all states and Washington, D.C., through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. and in California, New Mexico and Massachusetts through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of California, L.L.C.; Edward Jones Insurance Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C.; and Edward Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, L.L.C. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. If you have any questions, contact Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. STOCKS The following prices are from the close of. business last Tuesday. Reported changes are\ 1 from the previous week. Apple Inc. AT&T Chemical Fin Chevron Deere & Co. Exxon Mobil Flowserve CP Ford Motor Co. General Electric Co. General Motors Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP Perrigo Co. Pfizer Inc. Spartannash Comp Stryker TCF Financial Corp. Walmart Inc. Walt Disney Co Whirl Pool Corp Gold Silver Dow Jones 154.68 30.70 45.16 111.83 160.48 71.51 42.88 8.76 8.90 38.47 179.69 130.33 58.23 102.94 45.74 40.77 21.20 161.07 22.71 96.71 110.90 136.49 +1.38 +.12 +2.68 -.51 +1.64 -.30 +1.02 +.26 +.40 +.32 +2.58 +1.53 -.47 -2.74 +.80 -1.50 +.21 -4.81 +1.04 -.78 +.30 +10.27 $1,311.82 $15.81 24,580 +$26.57 +.41 +176 1 1 ) i * T | High school Winterfest rescheduled Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Due to weather conditions and snow days, XVinterfest activities at Hastings High School have been moved to next week, Feb. 4-8. During XVinterfest, HHS students focus on a special need, condition, disease or social issue, learning about thetopic and how it may impact others. Past topics have included dia­ betes, autism, breast cancer and African refu­ gees. Along with the sobering topics, students have activities similar to fall homecoming, with dress-up days and class competitions. This year’s Winterfest theme is suicide prevention and awareness. All proceeds from the sales of XVinterfest-themed shirts will be donated to an organization that focuses on suicide prevention. ‘The dress-up schedule for the week is: Monday, Favorite Subject Color Day (blue for math, green for science, red for Spanish, pur­ ple for history, yellow for English, and black for the arts); Tuesday, Ugly Sweater Day; Wednesday, “We All Wear Pink Day;” Thursday, Flannel Day; Friday, Winterfest1 Theme T-shirt Day. 4 The Snowball Dance will be from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 9, in the Hastings High­ School gym. Dance lessons are 7:30-8:30 p.m. iiWff Dance tickets are $10 arid wili'besold next week during lunch and after school in the office. Students needing assistance paying for Snowball Dance tickets may see counselor' Kathy Longstreet in student services. Invitation to Bid The County of Barry is accepting sealed bids for Carpet Replacement City of Hastings NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the City of Hastings will hold a Pub­ lic Hearing on Tuesday, February 19, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. The purpose of the Public Hearing is for the Zoning Board of Appeals to hear comments and make a determination on a variance request by Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital, 1009 West Green Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. The applicant has requested a variance from Section 90-394 (2)(b)(3) that if granted would allow a side yard setback less than the minimum required and Section 90-972 (1) that if granted would allow a ground sign larger in size and in total number than allowed by the City of Hastings Code of Ordinances. Legal description of said property at the Barry County Friend of the Court. The closing date for the bid is February 22nd at 2 p.m. Bids shall be submitted to Barry County Buildings and Grounds, 220 W. State Street, Hastings, MI 49058. To obtain a copy of the invitation to bid, please visit our web site at barrycounty.org or call (269) 945-1293. Specific questions regarding the Invitation to Bid may be directed to Tim Neeb, Building and Grounds Supervisor at (269) 838-7084. 112352 Molecules everywhere TIME TO TURN UPTHEVOLUME Jolin, 9, Maryland is: LOTS 17, 18, AND 19 SUP CHAS­ ES ADDN TO THE CITY OF HASTINGS. Written comments will be received on the above request at Hastings City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Requests for informa­ tion and/or minutes of said hearing should be direct­ ed to the Hastings City Clerk at the same address. The City will provide necessary reasonable aids and services upon five days notice to Hast­ ings City Clerk (telephone number 269-945­ 2468) or TDD call relay services 1-800-649-3777. Jane M. Saurman City Clerk Dr. Universe: What are molecules? LEWIS BLACK: THE JOKE'S ON US TOUR FRIDAY MARCH 1 BILLY IDOL & STEVE STEVENS: TURNED ON, TUNED IN AND UNPLUGGED FRIDAY, MARCH 22 SMOKEY ROBINSON SATURDAY, APRIL 6 TICKETS ON-SALE NOW at the FireKeepers Box Office or FireKeepersCasino.com. ™[roS[TY0U«V|3T0N-|WF"lEl!EEPEllS ,inkI" hJ ■• "nf CASINO'HOTEL BATTLE CREEK I-94 to Exit 104 | 11177 Michigan Avenue I Battle Creek, Ml 49014 Must be 21 or older. Tickets based on availability. Schedule subject to change. Give the gift of NEWS! Send friends and family a gift subscription to The Hastings BANNER! To subscribe, call us at 269-945-9554 Dear Jolin, A glass of water has more molecules than there are stars in the night sky. That’s what I found out from my friend Jack (Qiang) Zhang, an assistant professor of chemistry at Washington State University. “Everything around us is made up of molecules,” he said. “And while these mol­ ecules may be different, they are all made of the same things.” Those things are called atoms. Zhang told me we can think about atoms kind of like Lego blocks. Imagine you have a pile of red, yellow and blue Legos. Maybe you use them to build a tiny house, or you can use this same set of Legos to build some­ thing else, maybe an airplane or a robot. Just as you can arrange blocks in differ­ ent ways, atoms arranged in different ways can make up different objects. There are a lot of atoms, but let’s talk about three of them. We can find their names on a big chart called the Periodic Table of Elements. First, there is hydrogen, the smallest atom and the most abundant element in the universe. Then there’s carbon. Animals, like us, get carbon by eating plants or meat. And then there’s oxygen, which you might be familiar with because we all breathe oxygen molecules. These atoms can do things individually, but when we combine them in different ways, they form all kinds of things. You could make sugar, a sweet molecule that gives plants and animals energy. You could also use those same building blocks to make vinegar, a sour molecule and type of acid we use in cooking. One of the most abundant molecules on our planet is water. It can make trees grow tall, but through a process called erosion, it also can break down the biggest mountains. It is made up of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom, which is why some peo­ ple will call it H^O. Water and other molecules will undergo changes under different temperatures. When water gets cold, it becomes a solid, called ice, but those very basic molecules still keep the same shape. Molecules also are always moving, Zhang said. Even in the wood that makes up your school desk, the wood molecules are vibrating ever so slightly. Zhang said different molecules will sometimes interact with each other, too. For example, if you mix vinegar and bak­ ing soda together you are bound to see some bubbles start spouting. Here, the molecules that make up baking soda and vinegar start to re-arrange in a chemical reaction. In a way, it’s kind of like breaking apart your Lego creation to make something else. You can learn more about chem­ ical reactions in an activity from the American Museum of Science and Energy. Tell me how it goes at Dr.Universe@wsu. edu. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse .com. , ; J ■■. 4 7 : J �gs Banner — Thursday, January 31, 2019 — Page 9 The fl look back at the stories and columns on TURNING BflGK THE PAGES Disease and battle killed local men in World War I Kathy Maurer Copy Editor This column over the past several months has paid tribute to young men from the Barry County area and their contributions to World War I. A century after the first world war, the Banner has continued share their letters and, when possible, highlight those who never returned. Some 867 men from Barry County served in the war, including about 31 who perished, according to records compiled between 1918 and 1922 by volunteers with the local Daughters of the American Revolution chapter. The number who served and the number killed varied, and some who were initially reported killed did survive. Still, after 100 years, it’s difficult to give exact statistics. And, as far as the DAR women were concerned, any young man who had lived in Barry County at some point in his life warranted a place in the records. Even after all of their work, some local men were not included in the compilation, such as Miles Verrill of Doster, who died in May 1917. His death went unnoticed in local papers. Likewise, he was not listed as the first local death in the war, a statistic that would be reconfigured and reapplied as the war progressed. Several of the men who died while in service have already been featured here, their stories aligning with the anniversary of their deaths, such as the three who died Sept. 27, 1918, recalled?in the Sept. 27, 2018 Banner. The many young men from the Nashville area were remembered in the Dec. 6,2018, Banner. Area men who died in October 1918 were featured in the Oct. 18, 2018, edition, and young men born out of state were part of this column in the Sept. 13, 2019, Banner. Individuals, including American Legion Post namesake Lawrence J. Bauer and ace fighter pilot Rueben Paskill, filled the column in three November 2018 issues of the Banner. Though connections could easily be made between and among the young men (two were the sons of parents named Frank and Ida, the mothers of several of the men had died prior to 1917, three of the men worked as interior designers or decorators, etc.), their stories don’t necessarily dovetail into one common Column. Featured here, and continuing next week, are more of the young men who made the ultimate sacrifice, some not even leaving U.S. soil before succumbing to disease while in training. Corp. Harold J. Christie should have been included in the list of Nashville boys. He was bom in Hastings Jan. 1, 1899, the son of Frank and Ida (Funk) Christie. The family moved to Nashville when Harold was 2. About the same time, a brother, Carl, joined Measles-stricken Howard Moulton of Irving was left behind at Camp Merritt, N.J., when his company departed for France in the winter of 1918. He died of pneumonia March 13, 1918. His name is one of nearly 600 inscribed on this 65-foot tall obelisk in Bergen County, N.J. Clarence Euper of Woodland died shortly after arriving in England. (File photo) the family. His parents divorced after a few years, and by 1910, both were remarried. His father, a blacksmith, moved to Grand Rapids. His mother married Fred Habersaat and remained in Nashville until her death in 1915 due to typhoid fever. At 16, Harold “went out in the world for himself,” according to information in the DAR records provided by Mort Christie, likely Harold’s uncle (1874-1953). Harold was working in Grand Rapids as a boilermaker’s helper with the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad when he enlisted March 27, 1917, in the U.S. Marines, just before President Woodrow Wilson declared war against Germany. Christie went to Port Royal, S.C., for training. In mid-June 1917, he was sent to Worchester, England, with Pershing’s first bunch. He trained in Worchester for about two months and was sent to France for six more weeks of training. Christie was then sent back to Worchester, then to Southampton and then to Winchester, assigned to military police duty, according to Mort Christie. He eventually was sent back to France to the third line trenches where he remained until Jan. 1, 1918, his 19th birthday. Christie was then moved to the first line trenches at Chateau-Thierry, remaining there until he was killed in battle June 6, 1918. Harold was buried at the American cemetery in Aisne-Marne, France. Clarence Euper of Woodland was reported as the first Barry County ‘boy’ to die on foreign soil, even though Christie (above) was killed in action less than three weeks earlier, and Jerome Angell (see next week’s column) died in May 1918. “Body of War Hero Comes Home” announced an undated Hastings newspaper clipping, likely from 1922 or later. “The body of Clarence Euper, of Woodland Township, brot [sic] back from England, reached the latter town last Wednesday from New York, accompamecl by United States Guards. “There was a military funeral in the grove at Lake Odessa Friday afternoon, conducted by Chaplain M.E. Hoyt, of this city. “Mr. Euper, who was bom in Woodland April 1, 1895, was the son of Martin Euper and Christina (Eckardt) Euper and had always lived there up to the time of his enlistment at Camp Custer Sept. 19, 1917. He was a member of Company K, 338th Infantry, and later went to Camp McArthur, Waco, Texas, where he was later transferred to Battery C 120 the Field Artillery at Camp Merritt, N.J. “He went overseas on the Leviathan, contracted pneumonia going over, and was taken to a hospital at Winchester, England, the day after he landed; was operated on for emphysema April 8, but died June 24, 1918, and was buried at Horn Hill Cemetery, England. He was 23 years, 2 months and 23 days old. “Word came back from the hospital of his patience and cheerfulness in the face of suffering, and his confidence in the future life. With 40 other comrades, he had taken a public stand for Christ at a YMCA meeting during Waco days, writing home that he considered it the greatest thing he ever did. “This was, and is now, a source of MPSC offers tips on winter heating bill help, energy-saving practices With extremely cold weather gripping the state, the Michigan Public Service Commission is reminding Michiganders of resources for help paying utility bills, and easy, low- or no-cost ways to keep costs in check. “As frigid cold weather has settled into Michigan, it takes more energy for families to Keep their homes safe and warm,” Sally Talberg, chairman of the MPSC, said. “That can put a strain on finances, especially for low-income families, who spend a large pro­ portion of their home budgets on utility bills.” The MPSC provides $50 million for heat­ ing help through the Michigan Energy Assistance Program, which funds utility bill payments and efforts to help customers be self-sufficient in paying utility bills. Nine community agencies help with the MEAP application process: Barry County United Way, Salvation Army, TrueNorth Community Services, the Heat and Warmth Fund, United Way of Southeastern Michigan, Michigan Community Action-Okemos, United Way of Jackson County, Society of St. Vincent de Paul and Superior Watershed Partnership. Individuals can call 211 to be connected with an assistance provider. The Michigan Public Service Commission offered tips to help reduce energy costs: -Check furnace filters. Clean filters allow furnaces to run more efficiently. -Install a programmable thermostat, which saves about 10 percent on heating costs. -Seal air leaks around windows, doors or utility access points. -Add tempered glass doors to fireplaces to avoid losing indoor heat through the chimney. -Schedule a home energy assessment to identify ways to cut energy waste. Rebates on heating, ventilation and air conditioning; appliances; lighting; insulation; and other improvements are available through utilities. Michigan Saves offers low-cost financing. | Anyone having difficulties paying utility bills should call the local electric or natural gas provider and enroll in help programs. Utility websites also have more information. For issues with utilities, customers may call the MPSC Customer Assistance line, 800­ 292-9555, or dial 211. See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits consolation to his bereaved family. “He was a member of the graduating class of Woodland High School, 1912. “Mr. Euper had the distinction of being the first Barry County boy to die on foreign soil and the first to lose his life in the war.” Miles J. Verrill may have been the first young man from Barry County to die in the war. However, he was not mentioned anywhere in the DAR records. Miles truly was a boy. He was bom May 22, 1899 to James K. and Lovina (McNinch) Verrill in Doster, their first child. Eventually three daughters and another son would join the family before Lovina’s death May 24, 1913, due to complications from an appendectomy. Verrill, 17, joined the U.S. Navy Dec. 15, 1916, enlisting in Detroit. But by the following spring, less than three weeks before his 18th birthday, he died of pleurisy May 5,1917. He is buried at the U.S. Naval Cemetery in North Chicago. His father was still living in Doster at the time; it is unknown why Verrill was not included in the local DAR records. Many of the soldiers and sailors who served in World War I were grandsons of Civil War veterans. That was true for Howard J. Moulton of Irving. His maternal grandfather, Samuel F. Barton, was with the 6th Michigan Cavalry. Barton survived the war, but died at age 39 in a farming accident in 1874, long before Howard was born Jan. 8,1896, to John and Mary A. Moulton. The March 14, 1918, Hastings Banner, in reporting Howard’s death, stated that “at the age of 8 years, he was left motherless, and yet he possessed those qualities that together with his genial disposition made him many friends who attest to the splendid type of manhood he attained. He was educated and spent his entire life in this community. “He was deeply devoted to home and friends and yet when the call came, he responded cheerfully. He went to Camp Custer Sept. 19, and was later sent to Camp MacArthur, Waco, Texas, and was then transferred with the troops to Camp Merritt, N.J. “When his company left for France, Howard was in quarantine with the measles, so he could not leave. Pneumonia soon developed, and he died March 6,1918, age 22 years, one month and 26 days. While his death comes as a great shock to his family and friends and brings to us more forcibly the realities of war, the one great thought that must heal aching hearts is that he died in the service of his country. He leaves to mourn his father, a brother, a sister and many friends.” Moulton had been working as a farmer when he enlisted. He first was assigned to Company K 126th Infantry and then transferred to the 339th Infantry, 32nd National Guard Division. Moulton and numerous family members are buried at the Irving Cemetery. A 65-foot tall obelisk stands in the center of a traffic circle in Dumont, N.J., bearing nearly 600 names of men - including Howard Moulton - and women who died at Camp Merritt during the first world war. It bears the inscription: “This monument marks the center of the camp and faces the highway over which more than a million American soldiers passed on their way to and from the World War 1917­ 1919.” The monument was erected in 1924. To be continued ... Sources: Hastings Banner; familysearch, org; findagrove.com; migenweb.org/barry; Google Books; BergenCountyhistory.org; ChroniclingAmerica.com. “Officers and Enlisted Men Who1 Lost tneir Lives During the War from April 6,1917 to Nov. 11,1918,” U.S. Bureau of Navy Personnel, 1920. State: Energy providers must keep prices affordable As Michiganders endure extremely cold temperatures, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel and the Michigan Agency for Energy Wednesday asked Michiganders to report propane price gouging during the state of emergency to help protect the state’s most vulnerable residents from those who seek to take advantage of the weather-related emer­ gencies by increasing rates. “Michigan energy providers should heed this warning: Those who take advantage of consumers will be held accountable,” Attorney General Nessel said in a press release. “A state of emergency does not make it ‘open season’ on Michigan’s most vulnerable resi­ dents.” An estimated 320,000 Michigan house­ holds use propane as their primary heating fuel. And although propane prices are not regulated, the state actively monitors the mar­ ket to identify irregularities that may result in supply or price disruptions. Under the Michigan Consumer Protection Act, a retailer may not charge a price that is “grossly in excess of the price at which simi­ lar property or services are sold.” After the 2013-14 winter season, the Department of Attorney General launched two investigations into grossly excessive pro­ pane pricing after receiving hundreds of com­ plaints during the polar vortex and subsequent state-of-emergency declaration. The depart­ ment investigated two of the nation’s largest propane companies, and their customers ulti­ mately were reimbursed or credited. Anti-trust laws also prohibit fuel providers _ . h- from entering into agreements to arbitrarily fix prices in unison. Michigan Department of Attorney General takes complaints about alleged unlawful rate fixing and grossly excessive price increases directly into its Consumer Protection Division. The office investigates any time there is evi­ dence that state law has been violated. “The Michigan Agency for Energy moni­ tors supplies of propane and other fuels throughout the year and works with stake­ holders to assure energy security for all Michiganders,” Madhu Anderson, deputy director of the Michigan Agency for Energy, said. “We urge residents to work with their supplier so they have adequate propane to get through this arctic blast and check michigan. gov/propane regularly to track statewide aver­ age prices.” Currently, the reported statewide average for propane is approximately $2.03 per gal­ lon. Consumers who have guaranteed price contracts with propane suppliers may be sub­ ject to higher market prices once they’ve used the guaranteed amount covered by their con­ tracts. Consumers who believe they have become a victim of retailers engaging in behavior that violates the Consumer Protection Ac are encouraged to file a complaint at Michigan, gov/agcomplaints or call 877-765-8388. The Michigan Agency for Energy has additional resources and energy saving tips for those who heat their homes with propane at Michigan.gov/propane. . NOTICE 11150J The Barry County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications from volunteers to serve on the following Boards/Commissions: Agricultural Promotion Board: 1 position Natural Resource Conservation Animal Shelter Advisory Board: 3 positions Commission on Aging Board: 3 positions Mental Health Authority: 4 positions Planning Commission: 2 positions Solid Waste Oversight Committee: 2 positions Tax Allocation Board: 1 position Zoning Board of Appeals: 1 position Applications may be obtained at the County Administration Office, 3rd floor of the Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings; or www.barrycounty.org; and must be returned no later than 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, February 13, 2019. Contact 269-945-1284 for more information. �Page 10 — Thursday, January 31, 2019 — The Hastings Banner New police office brings high-tech upgrade Open house ^scheduled to Feb. 28 Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer The Barry Township Police Department rThe township approved expenditures of $76,500 on Oct. 3, 2017, to renovate the building so that the township could utilize the more spacious location on Sprague Road. “The old space was basically just a oneroom school house,” Police Chief Mark Doster said of the department’s former office on Orchard Road. “Here we have a much larg­ er facility. We have an interview room. I get my own office. Each officer has their own desk along with an additional desk. In the back is a multipurpose room that can serve as a training area, a conference area, a disaster coordination area. “The TV on the wall gives us access to video training through PoliceOne Academy. There are several hundred training videos that each officer can go through. They must take a test following the program to receive a certif­ icate of completion.” “We did very well when it comes staying under budget, being that I did basically all the work by myself,” he added. “The only thing I didn’t do was the heating and the electrical.” The new location will benefit from a new training system obtained by Doster through multiple grants he obtained. According to Doster, the system itself cost roughly $15,000. “I was able to get a grant for something called the MILO program, or the MILO Range,” Doster said. “It’s a virtual video training program. The program is controlled from a laptop and is projected onto a wall. There are several different training simula­ tions for officers to take part in.” The new location at 11300 S. M-43 Highway, Delton, provides a more spacious facility for the Barry Township police department. MILO is the acronym for multiple interac­ tive learning objectives. “It’s a training program for split-second decisions regarding police work that requires officers to talk through their decisions during the simulation,” Doster said. “The program even offers laser tracking so, when a shooting situation is simulated, the accuracy of the officer is also recorded. The program ensures that each officer is on the same page regarding training. It guarantees everyone knows what to do and that’s what’s nice about the pro­ gram. It ensures that we can all trust each other to be on the same page.” With the purchase of the new system, Barry Township becomes the only department in the county to have the advanced training system, he said. “I’ve invited a number of different depart­ ments out to use the system so they can have the same training experience,” he said. On the floor of the multipurpose room, an American flag symbolizes the sacrifice made by police officers in the line of duty. The room is the same one that houses the MILO training system. “We thought about putting our township patch there, but then we thought about what training is actually about,” Doster said. “That flag serves as a memory for all the sacrifice that has been made by law enforcement. It’s a reminder that through training we are going to prevent our officers from becoming memo­ ries. We train to be prepared so that there is no situation we aren’t ready for.” The open house, originally planned for Jan. 31, was postponed because of severe weather. The event has been rescheduled to Thursday, Feb. 28, from 2 to 7 p.m. at the township hall, 11300 S. M-43 Highway, Delton. Police Chief Mark D. Doster (right) and Detective Jenny Johnson are in Barry Township’s new multipurpose room in front of the wall used for the new Multiple Interactive Learning Objectives training system. City will draft new pact for alcohol sales at Thornapple Plaza Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Alcohol will be available again this year at the concession stand during performances at the Thomapple Plaza this summer. David Solmes, representing the Hastings Rotary and Kiwanis clubs, made the request to the Hastings City Council Monday, along with a request to operate the food concession. “Just like last year, we want to serve beer and wine. We’re not interested in doing spirits whatsoever. However, we are hoping for some flexibility in serving time,” Solmes said. “People are caught off-guard when we do last call when a concert has just barely begun, and that’s very apparent from the peo­ ple we serve.” Solmes also asked to remove the two drinks per person limit, saying there has been confusion when couples attend an event together, and one person purchases a drink for each of them, if the same person comes back up after standing in line, they will be told to go back and send their partner. They have reached their two-drink limit. “It’s unusual for an event like this to have drink limits like this, and I can tell you, from our end, it’s difficult to keep track, even though we use the markers,” Solmes said. Wrist bracelets are used when a person first purchases alcohol. Then a mark is made on the hand with each purchase. Bracelets must be attached when returning to the concession stand. One person purchasing drinks will receive two marks. Council member Al Jarvis noted the change would mean unlimited purchases. Solmes said, at $5 to $7 per drink, people do not attend events to drink excessively. The price of the drinks also ensures that the con­ cession is not competing with nearby estab­ lishments selling alcohol. “We haven’t had any issues that I’ve heard of from the police or city staff,” Solmes said. Council member Brenda McNabb-Stange said she had a major problem with the chang­ es because it is not an agreement and isn’t part of the food concession agreement. “This is just a request, but this is the part where we are most liable. They need to be responsible,” she said. Two concession agreements were signed in 2018, which included food sales and alcohol sales, along with the conditions. The agree­ ment for food sales that Solmes presented is the same as the previous one, except for changes in the dates. Council member Therese Maupin-Moore said she was reminding the other council members that, with the prior agreement, there have been no problems. What is being pro­ posed is removing the drink limit and extend­ ing the sales time to the end of each event. But these changes may increase alcohol use and contribute to problems in the future. The council members agreed to continue with two separate contracts: The food sales agreement will remain the same. As for the new alcohol sales, city staff will draft lan­ guage for the agreement to incorporate the changes. Once completed, the new agreement will be brought back to council. A motion to approve the food sales agree­ ment was made by council member Don Smith and seconded by John Resseguie. McNabb-Stange said she did not have a problem with the concept, but she objected to the proposed agreement, which should be dealt with from a legal perspective. That hasn’t happened this year or last year, she pointed out. This was her sole reason for objecting. She cast the lone vote to deny the request. In 2018, each club raised approximately $2,400, and the city approximately $850. cast for the week, Superintendent Katherine Bertolini said Wednesday she fully expects to have school, and the Homecoming game, on Friday. The game will mean a short turnaround time for students and staff, who will need to set up the Homecoming assembly and game, Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. Business Services Fann FOR HIRE: SEMI-RETIRED painter/handy person, equita­ ble rates. 616-902-5678. Seal ZN Heal®: liquid bandage seals wounds with bitter taste to stop gnawing & promote healing.. At Tractor Supply. (www.kennelvax.com) BELLS CONSTRUCTION-18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, home improvements. 269­ 320-3890.. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Hard Maple, Cherry. Paying top dollar. Call for pricing and Free Estimates. Will buy single walnut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793 Wanted WANTED: A 9FT wide x 10ft tall insulated garage door. Call 269-838-7053. A 26-year-old Kalamazoo man called 911 at 1:23 a.m. Jan. 2, to say he was lost and trying to get,to Kalamazoo. The dispatcher convinced the man to pull over in the parking . ,-,JokQhfhe Thorna^ple Valley Church, where an officer met him. On the way, the officer had learned that the man was driving on a suspended license and had five offenses for driving on a suspended license and a charge of operating while intoxicated. The officer reported that the man appeared to be under the influence of intoxicants, but he refused any sobriety tests. He was arrested and taken to jail where he was given a breath test that showed a blood alcohol level of 0.186. Man blackmailed over explicit video A 32-year-old man in the 11000 block of Lakeridge Drive near Wayland called police at 9:55 p.m. Jan. 28 to report an attempted blackmail. The man said he met a girl on Adult Friend Finder, talked to her over Skype, and then sent her a two-minute explicit video. A short time later, a man called and demanded $500 or else he would release the video on social media. The caller said he knew the man’s family members, where they lived and named a few of them. The man did not send money and said he would call the police again if he had any more contact with the caller. Scammer pretends to be county commissioner A 54-year-old official at the Barry County Courthouse received an email pretending to be from a county commissioner, asking for the commissioner’s $516 check to be direct-de­ posited Jan. 26. The official completed the request, and discovered the fraud when the commissioner went to the courthouse asking for his check. The commissioner said he made no such request. The case is still under investigation. Maple Valley schools intent on celebrating homecoming this weekend Taylor Owens Staff Writer Maple Valley was set to celebrate Winter Homecoming this week, but many of those events have been cancelled since school was cancelled most of this week. After reviewing the extended weather fore­ Man arrested in sixth case of driving with suspended license including electing the Homecoming king and queen. The school has exceeded the allotted six snow days built into the year’s schedule, but Bertolini said the school may not have to make up days in the spring. Since Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency, Maple Valley can submit a waiver application for any extreme weather days it has moving forward. But, Bertolini said, the school will not be notified if it will have to make up for lost time in the spring until those extreme weather days are can­ celled. Despite the extreme weather, Nashville Department of Public Works Director Scott Decker said Wednesday the village has not had any major issues — or even fallen tree limbs — as a result of the winter storm. The worst Decker said he has seen are a few fro­ zen water meters. Vermontville Department of Public Works employee Blake Griffin also said Vermontville hasn’t had any major issues. Like Nashville DPW, Vermontville hasn’t had any issues keeping up with the snow plowing, and has only had to pull one extra night shift. The village had one problem with frozen pipes on a vacant property. Thornapple Fire Chief Randy Eaton said residents should avoid using open flames while heating their homes or their water pipes. He also advised people to keep space heaters away from combustible materials, and he recommended that people avoid using ker­ osene heaters inside the house. Traffic violator identified from Facebook A man went to the Barry County sheriff’s office on the evening of Jan. 25 and admitted that he was the driver who ignored the flashing red lights of a school bus. A photo of the man running the lights was posted on the sheriff’s office Facebook page, and his mother went to the sheriff’s department earlier in the day to complain. The man, age not given, said he realized his mistake and told police he would not let it happen again. Fraudulent check used to buy vacuum cleaner A 44-year-old Shelbyville woman contacted police at 10:43 a.m. on Jan. 22 to report a $376 check fraudulently cashed at Walmart in Hastings. The check had been used to pur­ chase a vacuum cleaner, attachments and a dirt bag, police said. The buyer, who provided a driver’s license when making the purchase, was a 52-year-old Kalamazoo woman. The transaction was caught on surveillance footage. The case is still under investigation. Tools stolen from multiple vehicles A 32-year-old woman called police to report the theft of toolboxes from three different cars on her property in the 4000 block of Goodwill Road in Hastings, between 5 a.m. and noon on Jan. 14. The woman said the theft may have been committed by a 19-year-old male and 22-year-old female from Nashville who were on the property at that time. The two were arrested by the Michigan State Police on outstanding warrants for a separate incident on Jan. 18. Both individuals said they were on the property at the time, but did not take anything. The stolen items were not found in their vehicle when they were arrested. The investigation is inactive pending further information. Man arrested after hit and run Police were dispatched to a hit and run at the comer of Bird Road and Maple Grove Road in Baltimore Township at 4:27 p.m. Jan. 26. A 35-year-old male driver stopped in the road as a car in front of him was backing up, but the car in front continued to back up and hit his vehicle. The offending driver left, but the police were able to identify the 60-yearold man and went to his residence in the 300 block of South Charlton Park Road in Hastings. The man was arrested for leaving the scene of the accident and for driving on a suspended license, his second offense. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 31, 2019 — Page 11 Fire marshal urges home heating safety as bitter temps grip state ; With the onset of frigid temperatures and likely more to come before winter is over, State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer is urging "fire safety for all Michiganders, especially the elderly who are most at risk when it comes to fire. I “It is so important to talk about fire safety with our parents, grandparents, friends or neighbors,” Sehlmeyer said in a Jen. 30 press release. “Last year 63 percent of the 136 fire fatalities in Michigan involved adults over the age of 40. Start with making sure they have working smoke alarms and a carbon monoxJide detector. Go over fire safety practices and develop a fire escape plan with them. These are things that will increase your ability to escape and survive a fire.” i Of the 104 fatal fires in Michigan last year, 60 percent started in a bedroom or living room. Many of the fatal fires in 2018 involved •space heaters, wood stoves, fireplaces and overloaded electric wiring. Due to the rise in fire deaths in 2018 and the fact that last January was one of the deadliest months for fatal fires, Sehlmeyer requests that Michiganders think about ways to prevent fires and implement control methods in their homes. Non-working or missing smoke alarms were common reasons many people did not Receive early warning or delayed their escape efforts in those fatal fires, he said. Having working smoke alarms may reduce the risk of dying in a fire by as much as 60 percent. “Install smoke alarms in every occu­ pied sleeping area and on every level of the home,” he said. “Many new smoke alarms have the ability to interconnect smoke alarms, so when one sounds, all smoke alarms sound. Test every smoke alarm monthly and change batteries annually if your smoke alarm oper­ ates with a 9-volt battery. For the deaf or hard of hearing, consider installing smoke alarms that use a flashing light or a bed-shaker device to alert them of a fire emergency.” * According to the U.S. Fire Administration, . adults over age 65 are more than twice as ilikely to die in fires. Seniors over age 85 are more than four times as likely to die in a fire. ^Older adults are at higher risk because their ability to respond to or escape a fire is often * slower due to physical limitations. . Many precautions can be taken to help ’increase the ability to survive or prevent a fire I this winter, including: g Fire safety tips for people of all ages J include: j Clearing snow away from all exterior doors •to get out fast in the event of an emergency. Whether living in a single-family dwelling, ^apartment, orf^pbije make sure it has ■ multiple smoke alarms. This includes smoke 5 alarms in each sleeping area and one on each level of the home. f Interconnect smoke alarms when possible, so when one alarm sounds, all the smoke i alarms sound. * Testing every smoke alarm monthly. I I I Emergency responders fight fire and ice Taylor Owens Staff Writer i A house that caught fire in the 5000 block I of West State Road is considered a total loss, * Thornapple Township Emergency Services ■Chief Randy Eaton said. No one was home at the time of the fire at *3:17 p.m. Sunday, and the cause is unknown, * although Eaton said it is not considered suspi­ cious. ; The fire is still under investigation, he said, f and the remains of the roughly 1,200-square•foot house are still in various stages of col­ lapse. The structure is unsafe to enter. ’ A major challenge to firefighters who were ^battling the blaze was the cold weather. * Eaton said the road conditions slowed the ^response time for the fire trucks, but firefight­ ers also had to clean out ice that was frozen in "the threads of the fire hose before they could •attach it to the truck. The water the firefighters used to fight the * fire froze on the pavement, creating ice slicks, " and froze to their jackets so they could barely jmove their arms. “Cold weather has not been our friend ' recently,” Eaton said. “We were lucky no one was hurt.” J Woodland and Freeport emergency ser­ vices assisted Thornapple on the call. I I i i l $ Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Replacing 9-volt batteries in smoke alarms at least once per year. Never removing or disabling smoke alarms. Closing bedroom doors when sleeping to separate individuals from fire, heat and toxic smoke. Making sure kids and the elderly know the sound of the smoke alarm. Having a home fire escape plan that the entire family has practiced that includes hav­ ing two ways out of every room as well as a meeting place outside the house. Making sure all windows and doors can be opened and used as exits, if necessary. Installing carbon monoxide detectors to alert residents of high levels of CO. Calling 911 after getting out of a home if smoke alarms or carbon monoxide alarms are sounding. Never using the range or oven as a source to heat for a home. The oven not only is a potential fire hazard, it can become a source of high levels of carbon monoxide. Space heater safety: Space heaters need to be plugged directly into electrical outlets. Never use an extension cord with a space heater. When purchasing a space heater, make sure it has an automatic shut-off switch. Never use an electric space heater in a bath­ room or other areas where it may come in contact with water. Keep kids and pets at least three feet away from space heaters and turn off the units when leaving a room or going to bed. Keep furniture, blankets and other house- NOTICE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. MORTGAGE SALE-Default has been made in the conditions of a Mortgage made by CHRISTOPHER B. WALKER AND SHANNON J. WALKER, husband and wife, Mortgagors, to FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF AMERICA, Mortgagee, dated November 9,2004, and recorded November 17, 2004, in Instrument Number 1137316, of Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due as of the date of this notice $72,386.49, including interest at 9.95% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage, and pursuant to the statutes of the State of Michigan, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction to the highest bidder, on Thursday, February 14, 2019, at 1 o'clock in the afternoon, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan. Said premises are situated in Irving Township, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Beginning at the NW corner of the SE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 9, T4N, R9W; thence 26 2/3 rods East; thence South 12 rods; thence West 23 2/3 rods; thence North approximately 12 rods to the place of beginning. Together with rights of ingress and egress over the currently established road, except that part deeded to the State of Michigan in Liber 246 on Page 589; c/k/a 6153 Cain Creek, Freeport, Ml 49325 The redemption period shall be six months from the date of the sale, unless the premises are determined to be abandoned pursuant to MCLA 600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be one month, or until the time to provide the notice required by MCL 600.3241 a(c) expires, whichever is later. Please be advised that if the mortgaged property is sold at a foreclosure sale by advertisement, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale, or to the mortgage holder, for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: January 17, 2019 LeVasseur Dyer & Associates, PC Attorneys for Mortgagee P.O. Box 721400 Berkley, Ml 48072 (248) 236-1765 (01-17)(02-07) 111665 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on February 14, 2019: . Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): William G. Lamkin, an unmarried man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Quicken Loans Inc. its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Quicken Loans Inc. Date of Mortgage: December 29, 2016 Date of Mortgage Recording: January 9, 2017 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $71,044.48 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: The Westerly 66 feet of the Easterly 198 feet of Lot 6 of Assessor’s Plat Number 4 of the Village of Middleville, according to the recorded Plat thereof, being recorded in Liber 3 of Plats, on page 10, Barry County, Michigan The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: January 17, 2019 Trott Law, PC. 1372986 (01-17)(02-07) 111296 hold objects at least three feet away from space heaters. Methods of heating safety: Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions or have a professional install wood burning stoves. All fuel-burning equip­ ment must be vented to the outside to avoid a build-up of carbon monoxide inside the home. Anyone who smells natural gas or propane near a furnace or gas heater should not try to light the appliance. Instead, they should leave the home immediately, call 911 and request the fire department and/or gas company respond to your home. If using a space heater that requires kero­ sene or propane, use the correct fuel specified by the manufacturer and take the heater out­ side of the home to re-fuel or change tanks. Make sure the fireplace and wood stove have a sturdy screen to stop sparks and embers from flying into the room. Keep home furnishings, blankets and other objects at least three feet away from fireplaces and wood burning stoves. The SEOC is the emergency operations center for the state of Michigan. Located in Dimondale, the SEOC is overseen by the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division and coordinates response and recovery efforts by state agencies and local government. The SEOC is staffed by members of state agencies for decision making and information coordi­ nation during disasters or emergencies in the state of Michigan. LEGAL NOTICE The annual report of the Paulson Trust for the year 2018 is available for inspection at its principal office during regular business hours by any citizen requesting within the 180 days of this notice. Nelson R. Allen, Trustee 617 S. Washington Hastings, Ml 49058 112348 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on February 14, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Michael J. Marek and Samantha R. MafeOusband and wife, as joint tenants with full rights of survivorship Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any); AmeriFirst Financial Corporation Date of Mortgage: June 28, 2016 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 30, 2016 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $161,767.60 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 7 of Charleson Heights Addition to the Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, according to the recorded Plat thereof. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: January 10, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1372660 (01-10)(01-31) 111064 NOTICE Schneiderman & Sherman, P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE -Jason Markley and Karyn Markley, husband and wife, joint tenants, granted a mortgage to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS’j, solely as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated October 2, 2015, and recorded on November 3, 2015, in Document No. 2015-010728, and assigned by said mortgagee to AmeriHome Mortgage Company, LLC, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Ninety Thousand Forty-Three Dollars and Thirty Cents ($190,043.30). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, At the East doors of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan, at 01:00 PM o’clock, on February 14, 2019 Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: Unit 5, Tikeluk Trail Condominium, according to the Master Deed recorded in Instrument No. 1048957, Barry County Records, and designated as Barry County Condominium Subdivision Plat No. 18, together with rights in the general common elements and limited common elements, as set forth in the above described master deed and amendments thereto and as disclosed by act 59 of the public acts of 1978, as amended. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 600.3241, in which case the redemption period shall be 1 month, or under MCL 600.3241a 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 600.3241 a(b) notice, whichever is later, or extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of Act 236 of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. AmeriHome Mortgage Company, LLC Mortgagee/ Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman, P.C. 23938 Research Drive, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1373614 (01-17)(02-07) 111662 FORECLOSURE NOTICE THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE Default Has Occurred In A Mortgage Made On March 17, 2001 (The “Mortgage”) By Michelle Collette (“Mortgagor”) To Highpoint Community Bank, F/K/A Hastings City Bank, A Michigan Banking Corporation (“Mortgagee”). The Mortgage Was Recorded On March 23, 2001, In The Office Of The Register Of Deeds For Barry County, Michigan, At Instrument Number 1057155. As Of The Date Of This Notice, There is Claimed To Be Due And Unpaid On The Mortgage The Sum Of Eighty-Seven Thousand Six Hundred Fifty­ Seven And 88/100 Dollars ($87,657.88) In Principal, Accrued Interest, And Late Charges. No Suit Or Proceeding Has Been Instituted To Recover Any Part Of The Debt Secured By The Mortgage, And The Power Of Sale Contained In The Mortgage Has Become Operative By Reason Of Such Default. On Thursday, February 21, 2019, At 1:00 P.m., At The Barry County Courthouse, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan, Which Is The Place For Holding Mortgage Foreclosure Sales For Barry County, Michigan, There Will Be Offered For Sale And Sold To The Highest Bidder, At Public Sale, For The Purpose Of Satisfying The Amounts Due And Unpaid On The Mortgage, Together With The Legal Costs And Charges Of Sale, Including Attorneys’ Fees Allowed By Law, The Real Property Located In The Township Of Thornapple, County Of Barry, Michigan, And Described In The Mortgage As Follows: The West 300 Feet Of The East 1/2 Of The Southwest 1/4 Of The Southwest 1/4 Of Section 32, Town 4 North, Range 10 West. More Commonly Known As: 11878 Bass Road, Middleville, Michigan 49333 Tax Parcel Number: 08-14-032-001-00 The Redemption Period Shall Be Six (6) Months From The Date Of The Sale Unless The Property Is Deemed Abandoned In Accordance With Mcl 600.3241 A, In Which Case The Redemption Period Shall Be Thirty (30) Days After The Foreclosure Sale Or When The Time To Provide The Notice Required By Subdivision Mcl 600.3241 A(C) Expires, Whichever Is Later. If The Property Is Sold At A Foreclosure Sale, You Will Be Responsible To The Person Who Buys The Property At The Foreclosure Sale Or To The Mortgage Holder If You Damage The Property During The Redemption Period. Miller Johnson Attorneys For Highpoint Community Bank, F/K/A Hastings City Bank Dated: January 24, 2019 By: Rachel L. Hillegonds (P67684) 45 Ottawa Avenue Sw, Suite 1100 Grand Rapids, Mi 49503 (616)831-1700 111987 NOTICE KQ.tl.QE OF MORTGAGE FORECLQSURESALE FORECLOSURE NOTICE RANDALL S. MILLER & ASSOCIATES, P.C. MAY BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED MAY BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. IF YOU ARE A MILITARY SERVICEMEMBER ON ACTIVE DUTY NOW OR IN THE PRIOR TWELVE MONTHS, PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE. Mortgage Sale Default has been made in the conditions of a certain mortgage made by Theresa A. Sukup FKA Theresa A. Priest to Fifth Third Mortgage - Ml, LLC, Mortgagee, dated November 5, 2003, and recorded on November 12, 2003, as Document Number: 1117431, Barry County Records, said mortgage was assigned to Fifth Third Bank as successor by merger to Fifth Third Mortgage Company by an Assignment of Mortgage dated May 30, 2013 and recorded June 10, 2013 by Document Number: 2013-007443, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of SixtyThree Thousand Six Hundred Seventy-Five and 68/100 ($63,675.68) including interest at the rate of 3.00000% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venue, at the place of holding the Circuit Court in said Barry County, where the premises to be sold or some part of them are situated, at 01:00 PM on February 21,2019 Said premises are situated in the Township of Thornapple, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Parcel A: Beginning at a point of the north line of section 12, town 4 north, range 10 west, distant south 89 degrees 55 minutes 50 seconds west 1050.00 feet from the north quarter post of said section; thence south 00 degrees 16 minutes 27 seconds east 208.75 feet; thence south 89 degrees 55 minutes 50 seconds west 252.00 feet to the west line of the east half of the northwest quarter of said section 12, said west line also being the centerline of Moe Road; thence north 00 degrees 10 minutes 09 seconds west 208.75 feet along said west line to said north line of section 12; thence north 89 degrees 55 minutes 50 seconds east 252.00 feet along said north line to the place of beginning. Subject to easements for public highway purposes over the westerly 33 feet thereof for Moe Road and over the northerly 33 feet thereof for Parmalee Road. Commonly known as: 7645 W PARMALEE RD, MIDDLEVILLE, Ml 49333 If the property is eventually sold at foreclosure sale, the redemption period will be 12.00 months from the date of sale unless the property is abandoned or used for agricultural purposes. If the property is determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241 and/or 600.3241a, the redemption period will be 30 days from the date of sale, or 15 days after statutory notice, whichever is later. If the property is presumed to be used for agricultural purposes prior to the date of the foreclosure sale pursuant to MCL 600.3240, the redemption period is 1 year. Pursuant to MCL 600.3278, if the property is sold at a foreclosure sale, the borrower(s) will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. TO ALL PURCHASERS: The foreclosing mortgagee can rescind the sale. In that event, your damages are, if any, limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. Dated: January 24, 2019 Randall S. Miller & Associates, P.C. Attorneys for Fifth Third Bank as successor by merger to Fifth Third Mortgage Company 43252 Woodward Avenue, Suite 180, Bloomfield Hills, Ml 48302, (248) 335-9200 Case No. 18MI00413-2 (01-24)(02-14) FORECLOSURE NOTICE RANDALLS. MILLER & ASSOCIATES, P.C. MAYBE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED MAY BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. IF YOU ARE A MILITARY SERVICEMEMBER ON ACTIVE DUTY NOW OR IN THE PRIOR TWELVE MONTHS, PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE. Mortgage Sale - Default has been made in the conditions of a certain mortgage made by Jodi Skinner, a married woman to Ronald G. Skiner, her husband to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. acting Solely as a nominee for Primary Residential Mortgage Inc., Mortgagee, dated October 25, 2010, and recorded on November 3, 2010, as Document Number: 201011030010223, Barry County Records, said mortgage was assigned to Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC by an Assignment of Mortgage dated February 16, 2018 and recorded March 01, 2018 by Document Number: 2018-001858, , on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Eighty-One Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty-Five and 12/100 ($181,885.12) including interest at the rate of 4.00000% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venue, at the place of holding the Circuit Court in said Barry County, where the premises to be sold or some part of them are situated, at 01:00 PM on February 14, 2019 Said premises are situated in the Township of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Lot 15 of Carter's Fine Lake Park Annex, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 5 of plats on Page 3. Commonly known as: 115 WOODRIDGE DR, BATTLE CREEK, Ml 49017 If the property is eventually sold at foreclosure sale, the redemption period will be 6.00 months from the date of sale unless the property is abandoned or used for agricultural purposes. If the property is determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241 and/or 600.3241a, the redemption period will be 30 days from the date of sale, or 15 days after statutory notice, whichever is later. If the property is presumed to be used for agricultural purposes prior to the date of the foreclosure sale pursuant to MCL 600.3240, the redemption period is 1 year. Pursuant to MCL 600.3278, if the property is sold at a foreclosure sale, the borrower(s) will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. TO ALL PURCHASERS: The foreclosing mortgagee can rescind the sale. In that event, your damages are, if any, limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. Dated: January 17, 2019 Randall S. Miller & Associates, P.C. Attorneys for Carrington Mortgage Services, LLC 43252 Woodward Avenue, Suite 180, Bloomfield Hills, Ml 48302, (248) 335-9200 Case No. 18M100773-1 (01-17) (02-07) '1 111663 112091 THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPT­ ING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PUR­ POSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILI­ TARY DUTY. ATTENTION PURCHASERS: If the sale is set aside, the purchaser may be entitled to only a re­ turn of the sale deposit less any applicable fees and costs and shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Default having been made in the terms and con­ ditions of a certain Mortgage made between SCOTT W. ESTEP, a single man, whose address is 7240 Jordan Road, Woodland, Michigan 48897, as Mort­ gagor, and MERCANTILE BANK OF MICHIGAN, assignee of ICNB Mortgage Company, LLC, a Mich­ igan banking corporation, whose address is 310 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504, as Mortgagee, dated November 20, 2012, and record­ ed in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan on November 26, 2012, in Docu­ ment Number 2012-007459, upon which Mortgage is claimed to be due at the date of this notice the sum of SIXTY-SIX THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED NINETY-ONE AND 44/100 ($66,391.44) DOLLARS, and no suit or proceedings at law or equity having been instituted to recover the debt secured by said Mortgage, or any part thereof; NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the power of sale contained in said Mortgage, and pur­ suant to the statute of the State of Michigan in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that on February 21, 2019, at 1:00 p.m., said Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale at public auction to the highest bidder, at the Barry County Courthouse in the City of Hastings, County of Barry, Michigan (that being the building where the Circuit Court for the County of Barry is held) of the premises described in said Mortgage, or so much thereof as may be nec­ essary to pay the amount due of said Mortgage, with interest thereon at 3.125% per annum, and all legal costs, expenses and charges, including the attorney fees allowed by law, and also any sums which may be paid by the undersigned to protect its interest in the premises, which said premises are described as follows: Land situated in the Township of Woodland, County of Barry and State of Michigan, to-wit: The West 2 acres of the North 10 acres of the East 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4, Section 16, Town 4 North, Range 7 West. Commonly known as: 7240 Jordan Road, Wood­ land, Ml Parcel No.: 08-15-016-100-02 The redemption period shall be six (6) months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be thirty (30) days from the date of such sale. If the property described in this Notice is sold at the foreclosure sale referred to above, the Mortgag­ or will be held responsible to the purchaser who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the proper­ ty during the redemption period in accordance with MCLA 600.3278 or as otherwise provided by law. MERCANTILE BANK OF MICHIGAN Mortgagee Dated: January 17, 2019 TIMOTHY L. CURTISS, Esq. Braun Kendrick Finkbeiner P.L.C. 304 East Broadway, Suite 206 Mt. Pleasant, Michigan 48858 989/775-7404 111545 �Page 12 — Thursday, January 31, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Kiwanis honors Hastings students as citizens of the month The Hastings Kiwanis Club recently awarded certificates to its November 2018 citizens of the month at Hastings schools. Fifth graders from the elementary schools; sixth, seventh and eighth graders from Hastings Middle School; and sixth graders from St. Rose School are selected by their respective teachers for the honor. Among the November citizens of the month are: Central Elementary - Tori Gardner, daughter of Katie Demond; and Adriana Meyers, daughter of Kristen Falconer. Northeastern - Lauren Gee, daughter of Brad and Julie Gee; and Tyce Richardson, son of Julie and Marc Richardson. Southeastern Elementary - Gavyn Avila, son of Tera Lambert and Aaron Lambert; and Joey Woltjer, daughter of Kenneth Woltjer and Keri VanDenburg. Star School - Adeline Carey, daughter of Greg Carey and Deanna Carey; and Nella Coipel, daughter of Rudy and Heather Coipel. St. Rose - Ella Ferguson, daughter of Gregg and Mary Ferguson. Hastings Middle School - Grace Curtis, daughter of John and Angie Curtis; Quentine James, son of Miranda Mindte and John Coe; Adeline Nickels, daughter of Mike and Lin Nickels; Lilyah Solmes, daughter of Kiralee and Isaac Solmes; Melany Vargas, daughter of Epifania and Francisco Vargas; and Natalie Warner, daughter of Tim and Katherine Warner. Hastings Middle School citizens of the month, joined by administrative assistant Katie Winick (left) and Kiwanis president Bob Becker, are (from left) Lilyah Solmes, Melany Vargas, Adeline Nickels, Quentine James, Natalie Warner and Grace Curtis. Southeastern Elementary teacher Stacy Cook (from left) joins citizens of the month Joey Woltjer, Gavyn Avila, teacher Katie Sanchez and Kiwanis president Bob Becker. Bob Becker of the Hastings Kiwanis Club (from left), teacher Alyssa Fein, Tyce Richardson, Lauren Gee and teacher Rachelle Wezensky are photographed at Northeastern Elementary School when Tyce and Lauren are honored as citizens of the month. Central Elementary School’s citizens of the month (front, from left) Tori Gardner and Adriana Meyers are pictured with Kiwanis president Bob Becker and (back) teachers Chris Andrews and Jill Smith. (Photos by Chase Youngs) Teacher Tammy Nemetz (from left) joins Star Elementary School’s citizens of the month Adeline Carey and Nella Coipel, along with teacher Matt Kingshott and Kiwanis president Bob Becker. Ella Ferguson (center) is the citizen of the month at St. Rose School. She is joined here by Kiwanis president Bob Becker and long-term substitute teacher Karen Meyers. TK ladies even Gold record at 3-3 The Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ basketball team fought off a late charge from the Wolves in Wyoming Friday to score a 63-59 OK Gold Conference victory. The Trojans improve to 3-3 in the OK Gold with the win. They are slated to visit East Grand Rapids Friday and then host Wayland Tuesday. TK held a 29-28 lead at the half and pushed their advantage to six points heading into the fourth quarter by holding the Wolves to just nine points in the third quarter. Wyoming tied the game up in the fourth quarter before the Trojans were able to pull out the four-point win. Trio honored on Hall of Fame Night at DKHS Delton Kellogg alumni Dustin Morgan (from left), Bruce Campbell and David Overbeek are honored as the 2019 inductees in to the Panthers’ athletic Hall of Fame Friday during the varsity basketball games against Schoolcraft. (Photo by Perry Hardin) �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 31,2019 — Page 13 Barry County Grapplers spread across snowy state Sunday Barry County Grapplers Association member Kade Case is happy with his fourth place finish at the Charlotte MYWAY Tournament Sunday. Barry County Grapplers Association wrestlers Jordan Humphrey (fourth place) and Cameron Humphrey (third) show off their medals from Sunday’s Northest GREIGHTS Tournament in Clio. Barry County Grapplers Association wrestlers Wyatt Bailey (second place) and Ashtyn Denton (fourth) pose with their medals at the end of the Charlotte MYWAY Tournament Sunday. Barry County Grapplers Association wrestler Deacon Rice celebrates his third place finish at the Charlotte MYWAY Tournament Sunday. Railroader wins grant for MV Youth Soccer Luke Klinge from the Barry County Grapplers Association is held up by his father as they celebrate his first place finish at the Plainwell Picketts-BrooksBarlow Memorial MYWAY Tournament Saturday. Scott Leslie talks things over with soccer players from Maple Valley Youth Soccer during a photoshoot for his company, Canadian National (CN). Leslie was awarded $5500 in grants for the soccer club through the CN Railroaders in the Community grants program. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Carson Gates (second place) and Tyler Gates (third) celebrate their medal winning performanaces for the Barry County Grapplers Association at the Charlotte MYWAY Tournament Sunday. "I— Hunter Sutfin from the Barry County Grapplers Association celebrates a fourth­ place individual finish at the the Winter Throne NUWAY tournament in New Cumblerland, WV, over the weekend. He also as a part of the 10U team dual cham­ pionship Michigan Mayhem team. ♦ Brett Bremer Sports Editor Working seven days on and seven days off for Canadian National transportation compa­ ny, (CN) Scott Leslie chose to volunteer as a coach with Maple Valley Youth Soccer (MVYS) to make the most of his time with his elementary-age soccer playing children Dakota and Hunter. Maple Valley Youth Soccer is getting more than just a volunteer coach thanks to Leslie, who was chosen as a CN Railroader in the Community grant winner. Along with the reg­ ular Youth Amateur Sports Volunteer Grant prize of $500, Leslie was also selected as the company’s yearly $5000 grant winner. This was the first time he had applied for one of CN’s Railroader in the Community grants in his nearly four years working for the company. He and his wife moved to the area in 2016. CN employees become eligible to qualify for a grant by volunteering 40 hours at an eligible charitable organization. Leslie hopes some of the funds can help make soccer camps more affordable for kids in the area. The grant is technically being awarded to ♦ the Capital Area Soccer League, the Lansing area organization that MVYS is a part of, but ' MVYS board member Tom Powers said the grant will come towards the local organiza­ tion in the end. MVYS had roughly 60 soccer players in the fall, and a typical spring season usually ; sees almost double that many participants.; The program includes U6 up to U15 teams. A CN photographer visited Maple Valley Jr/Sr High School Friday (Jan. 18) to get pho-, tos of Leslie and a team of Maple Valley ’ Youth Soccer players for the company news- * letter and website. Team formation events for the upcoming • spring season of Maple Valley Youth Soccer ’ will be held Feb. 3 and 10, from 2 p.m. to 4 1 p.m., at Maple Valley Jr/Sr High School. The * cost for the SAY 4 to 7-year-old recreational league is $25. The cost for the 8 to 14-year- * old (non-high school) season is $50 for those who already possess a jersey and $70 for ’ those who are in need of a jersey. DK girls put together best round three on home mat Barry County Grapplers Association wrestlers Colton Denton (third place), Loigan Kerby (second), Thomas Cook (second) and Joey Furrow (third) are excited about their fine finishes Sunday at the Charlootte MYWAY Tournament. Barry County Grapplers Association members Dakota Harmer (first place), Max Schnurstein and Patton Boomer (third place) celebrate their performances at the Northest GREIGHTS Tournament in Clio Sunday. The Delton Kellogg varsity competitive cheer team was tops among the Division 4 teams and fourth overall at its ten-team Panther Invitational Saturday. Delton Kellogg had its best round three of the season by far and scored its best overall point total as well, finishing with a score of 620.30. Mattawan took the day’s championship with an overall score of 696.38. Kalamazoo Central was second at 685.14 and Parchment third with a score of 638.00. Delton was nearly 15 points better than it had been previously this season, and its round three score of 263.30 was nine points better than at any other time this season and 28.5 points better than their previous competition. “We are finding our stride,” Delton Kellogg head coach Zoe Reynolds said. “If we could stop having snow days that would be a huge help. Overall practice, practice, practice. That is what made the difference.” DK is still working through round one and two performances too. The Panthers scored a 187.90 in round one Saturday and a 169.10 in round two. “When we revamped our rounds 2 weeks ago we knew it would be for the better, but would take some time,” Reynolds said. “Our goal now is getting all three rounds cleaned up and ready for districts on February 15.” The top score of the day in each round Saturday came from Mattawan. The Wildcats scored a 216.70 in round one a 206.98 in round two and a 280.70 in round three. Behind DK, Hanover-Horton was fifth with an overall score of 605.50, Hopkins 598.80, Coloma 592.96, Schoolcraft 539.16, Bridgman 526.22 and Loy Norrix 499.94. �Page 14 — Thursday, January 31,2019 — The Hastings Banner Lions celebrate GLAC sweep of Lakewood Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Lions had the smiles of guys who had done something special Friday night. The Maple Valley varsity boys’ basketball completed a sweep its Greater Lansing Activities Conference set with Lakewood, for the first since the schools helped create the conference before the start of the 2014-15 season, by scoring a 53-49 win over the visit­ ing Vikings. The Lions’ only stumble down the stretch came from senior center Carson Hasselback, a little misstep as he hustled back towards the defensive end ready to celebrate after sinking two free throws that put his team up four with 6.5 seconds to play. He led the Lions with 13 points. The Lions’ high-fives, hugs and chest bumps were in flawless form after that. “You just keep your heads,” Hasselback said. “It makes the win feel better, to know they got (the lead) back in that fourth quarter and then you take it right back from them. Noah had that poke away and gave it right back to Gavin, and it was just good.” The Lion seniors made all the plays there were to be made in the end. Hasselback drew a charge on the Vikings’ Jacob Elenbaas just prior to those free throws he hit to seal the win. Senior guard Noah Hansen had a couple of steals that led straight to points, and senior guard Gavin Booher put the ball in the basket when he had to as time wound down. “I have told these guys every year that we are (the Lions’) Super Bowl,” Lakewood head coach Chris Duits said. “We always have been and always will be. We’re right next-door and that is just the way it is. They play very well against us. They play with energy and they hit shots.” Maple Valley had a double digit lead in the first half, but the Vikings battled back to hold 49-46 advantage with two and a half minutes to go in the ballgame. Booher, who had a rough night shooting the ball from outside, still managed 12 points. He hit a pair of free throws with 2:11 to play to get his team within 49-48 as Lakewood’s Bryant Makley fouled out of the ballgame. The Vikings were already without junior point guard Austin Makley for the bailgame and senior center Nathan DeVries had gone down with an injury earlier in the fourth quar­ ter. That trio held much of the varsity experi­ ence on the Viking roster coming into this season, along with junior guard Jacob Elenbaas and senior guard Nathan Dillon. Elenbaas had a game-high 16 points, but couldn’t get a couple free throws to fall with a minute to play. Dillon managed to corral the rebound thqugh’. Following a Viking timeout is when Lion senior Noah Hansen stepped up to make a couple of the biggest plays of his varsity bas­ ketball career. “We were just playing lock down D,” Hansen said. ’’Gavin was pushing them one way. We were pretty much face guarding Maple Valley’s Jonathan Rosenberg (from left) Gavin Booher (4), Noah Hansen (20) and Carson Hasselback (15) look for teammates to celebrate with at the end of their 53-49 win over visiting Lakewood Friday night. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Maple Valley senior Austin Zank prevents Lakewood guard Bryant Makley from getting to the rim during the first half of their GLAC match-up Friday at Maple Valley High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) every guy there in the fourth quarter. I made it seem like my guy was open, I went off him a little bit and right at the last second when he got that bounce pass I just came in and snatched it.” Hansen raced to the other end whew he was fouled. He hit the second of two free throws to tie the game at 49-49 with 30.7 seconds to go­ A similar scenario played out 20 seconds later. Hansen snagged a poor Viking pass and flung the ball ahead to Booher for a lay-up that put the Lions up 51-49 with 10.9 seconds left. The ensuing Viking possession ended with Hasselback drawing a charge on Elenbaas. “We did a good job on Booher, but then we let Hasselback have his way,” Duits said. “We said these are the two: guys that can not ga off on us. At the end of the day, I bet they proba­ bly had a good 12 to 15 second chance points at least. Offensive rebounds, we weren’t get­ ting the backside rebounds and they took advantage of it. They earned the win tonight.” Lakewood had an 8-6 lead late in the open­ ing quarter, but the Lions went on a 7-2 run to Vikings down state-ranked St. Johns at Lakewood Duals A combination of five pins and two forfeit victories were enough to secure the Lakewood varsity wrestling team a 42-36 victory over St. Johns Saturday at the Lakewood Duals. St. Johns, currently ranked ninth in the state in Division 2, gave the Vikings’ their toughest test of the day. The Vikings took the tourna­ ment title by also scoring a 73-6 win over Delton Kellogg and a 61-14 win over East Kentwood. Keegan VanAlstine at 135 pounds, Nathaniel Graham at 140, Vem Fields at 171, Jonathan Clack at 215 and Grant Clarkson at 285 scored the pins for the Vikings in the dual with St. Johns. Kaiden Villanueva and Lance Childs were credited with the two forfeit wins. Clarkson, Clack and Graham were all 3-0 for the day for the Vikings. Villanueva, Kanon Atwell, Jordan Mclllwain, Sawyer Stoepker, VanAlstine, Garrett Stank, Fields, and Allen Shellington had two wins apiece. Delton Kellogg was 0-3 on the day, falling 59-13 to St Johns and 38-24 to East Kentwood. A pin by Nick Lawson in the 171-pound match accounted for the only points for the Delton Kellogg team in its dual with Lakewood. Lawson was 3-0 on the day, with two pins and a forfeit victory. Max Swift had two wins for the Panthers, and Ethan Reed, Caden Ferris and Deniol Jones had one each. Lakewood is scheduled to host the Greater Lansing Activities Conference Tournament Friday. • Business Cards • Brochures • Website Design • Posters • F/yers • Logo Design LOGOS • and much more! online marketing close the quarter and built a lead of as many as 11 points before going into the half up nine (30-21). The Vikings cut that lead down to two points late in the third quarter and took their first lead of the second half at 43-42 on a three-pointer by senior guard Nathan Dillon with 4:39 left in the bailgame. “We just had to fix our mentality. We were rushing a lot of things, getting sloppy with passes, and making stupid decisions,” Hansen said. “We were in a panic and we were like that pretty much the whole entire second half, and then things just fell into our hands. “We just started getting things together and we were playing hard. We wanted to win real­ ly badly. We were taking every opportunity to hustle and get into their heads and get onto them, while still trying to keep our compo­ sure.” The Lions are now 2-4 in the GLAC with the win and 3-8 overall this season. Their Monday evening make-up with Stockbridge and Tuesday night bailgame against Webberville have been postponed due to the weather. Maple Valley is scheduled to host Galesburg-Augusta for Winter Homecoming Friday. Lakewood is now 3-9 overall and 1-5 in the GLAC. The Vikings had a Monday night non-conference ballgame with Pennfield postponed to next Monday, Feb. 4. The Vikings also had to postpone their Tuesday trip to Portland because of the weather. The Vikings are slated to return to GLAC action at Olivet Friday. TK grapplers score two victories at EGR WE SPECIALIZE IN: • Small/Large Format Banners • Letterhead » On-Site Digital Printing . Maple Valley point guard Gavin Booher leans into Lakewood senior guard Nathan Dillon as he attacks the basket during the second half Friday at Maple Valley High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) SHIP WITH US! 1351 NM43 Hwy. Hastings, Ml 49058 Phone The Thomapple Kellogg varsity wrestling team senior heavyweight Trenton Dutcher earned his 100th varsity wrestling victory Wednesday at the quad hosted by East Grand Rapids. The TK team scored its second win in five days over the East Grand rapids Pioneers, 57-18 in their conference dual, and then fol­ lowed that up with a 46-26 victory over Zeeland West. TK improved to 4-0 in the OK Gold Conference with the win over EGR. TK was suppoed to close sout the conference duals Wednesday at Forest Hills Eastern, but that trip was postponed. The OK Gold is still slat­ ed tos gather at Wayland for the conference championship tournament Friday (Feb. 1). Dutcher pinned East Grand Rapids’ Will Morrant in their 285-pound match Wednesday. TK’s 171 pounder Christian Wright scored a big 9-3 win over EGR’s Declan Lee to close out the evening. Lee was a state medalist a year ago in Division 2 at 145 pounds. TK also got pins from Hunter Pitsch at 103, Ashton Corson at 112, Nathan Kinne at 135, Matthew Middleton at 140 and Shelby England at 145 in the dual with the Pioneers* Carter West and Dutcher started the Trojans non-conference dual with Zeeland West by scoring first period pins in the 215-pound and 285-pound matches. TK also got a pin from Wright in the dual, and forfeit victories by Dakota Haskin, Kinne and Adam Bush. Middleton scored a 12-6 win over Andrew Arent sin the 140-pound match; Corson best­ ed Drake Dershem 6-2 at 103 pounds; and TK’s Jackslon LaJoye notched an 18-6 major decision in his 125-pound bout against Luke Miller. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, January 31, 2019 — Page 15 Lang’s triples help Vikes win at Valley Brett Bremer Sports Editor < Junior forward Olivia Lang knocked down back-to-back three-pointers about 45 seconds apart in the middle of the fourth quarter at 5<aple Valley Friday. € She followed them up by flipping a little Slot in the paint over Maple Valley’s biggest post presence, senior center Gena Remsing, for the final points in the Lakewood varsity girls’ basketball team’s 54-38 win over the host Lions in Greater Lansing Activities Conference action. . Lang finished with a game-high 18 points, 4;new varsity career high for her. “She was phenomenal,” Lake wood head $pach Marcus Urka said of Lang. “When she is able to knock down that shot it really changes our offense. It spaces the floor a lot Setter for us. Obviously, she is also capable of being in the post with her back to the basket. She has hit several threes the last couple games. It is really good to see. It is exciting.” * Lang hit four threes in the win. The Vikings had seven as a team. Sophomore guard Anja Kelley hit two of those and finished with 12 points. Zari Kruger added seven points and Emma Sullivan five for the Vikings. „ It was the second straight victory for the ;Vikings, who also scored a non-conference win over Belding last Tuesday. “To string two in a row is really nice,” Urka said. “It is huge for the confidence. You lose a few in a row and you start to wonder if the things you are doing are the right things. To £ee it pay off two nights in a row is nice. Against Belding, we had a great night. We fook care of the ball really well. We only had Sine turnovers, which was a low for the sea­ son.” The Vikings took care of the basketball Friday night too. Some of the work that is dearly paying off is work the Vikings have put into their shooting. “I haven’t shot this well my whole high School career,” Lang said. “I think just staying with the drills in practice has helped. I started patching film a lot and watching my arc.” j Getting better arc on shots is something epach Urka pointed to as something all his girls can work on. Lang had already noticed it watching film on her own, and has been work­ ing to get her legs into her shot a bit better. Lakewood led 23-15 at the half. An inbound play that got a good shot for Lang and then a three-pointer by Lang on her team’s next pos- Lakewood point guard Anja Kelley is pressured in the back-court by Maple Valley guard Ashlyn Wilkes during their GLAC match-up Friday night at Maple Valley High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) session bumped the Vikings’ lead to double figures with five minutes to go in the third quarter. Urka also noted that Friday’s defensive performance was his girls’ best of the season. The Vikings eked out a one-point win (55-54) when the two teams met at Lakewood High School back in December. “I just loved our focus,” Urka said Friday. “That is close to the kind of team we can be really. I think we have so much potential to be a really good, solid man-to-man defensive team and this was our best defensive game of the year. There is no question. We had very few mental lapses, just great on ball defense, great communication, and good help. It was really exciting.” Lakewood is now 2-4 in the GLAC. The Cardinals offense smooth in win ©ver t' le Saxons ■ L • Brett Bremer 'Sports Editor Coldwater’s varsity^irls’ basketball team improved its Interstate-8 Athletic Conference record to 8-0 with a 68-21 victory over the visiting Hastings girls Friday. The Cardinals, who are now 11-1 overall on the season, ran right out to a 26-3 lead in the opening quarter. “Coldwater is so good offensively,” Hastings head coach Mike Engls said. “We were probably playing at 80 percent in terms of effort, intensity and in focus. Coldwater was patient enough to move the ball. They move the ball very well, and when they got open looks they had to have shot 60 or 70 percent.” Grace Nickels led the Saxons with nine points and three rebounds. Megan Deal had four assists for the Saxons. Coldwater had 26 assists and just four turn­ overs in the ballgame. Senior Carlee Crabtree, who is set to play for Central Michigan University next season, led the Cardinals with 16 points. “Despite struggling to win all season, our players have consistently come out and com­ peted for four quarters, however Friday night they were not as focused as they needed to be in the first quarter against a team as good as Coldwater,” Engle said. The Cardinals also got 13 points from Tyler Scheid, ten from Taylor Wilbur and eight from Samantha Rodesiler. The Saxons are scheduled to host Jackson Lumen Christi in 1-8 action Friday night and then host Charlotte for a non-conference con­ test Tuesday. Vikings’ Monday ballgame with Pennfield was postponed to next Monday, Feb. 4, and Tuesday night’s contest with Portland was also postponed this week due to the weather. While the outcome Friday wasn’t what the Lions, who are now 0-6 in the GLAC, wanted, coach Landon Wilkes said he was pleased with some of the things his girls did on the defensive end too - especially limiting Lakewood’s second chances. “It worked well in the first half, as far as rebounding went. It thought we rebounded the ball better in the first half than we had. It told the girls, we’re searching for an identity right now and we’re struggling right now to find one. That is hard on them. The effort in prac­ tice and the time they’re giving up, the 14 of them, is amazing,” Wilkes said. “When you continually search for that identity it become hard to do day in and day out with kids in high school, collegiate kids or NBA players. I think that is where we’re at right now.” He is still looking for some better commu­ nication from his girlsjDnJlie-iiefensive end of the floor, and while he liked the way they hustled back onto the defensive end Friday there is still room for improvement in that. Ashlyn Wilkes had 14 points in the loss for the Lions. Britani Shilton chipped in eight points and Alison McGlocklin had five. Lakewood is scheduled to visit Olivet in GLAC action Friday while the Lions will be home for their Winter Homecoming contest against Galesburg-Augusta. The Lions had their Tuesday night ballgame at Webberville postponed this week as well. Maple Valley junior forward Jiliann Moore fires up a shot during the second half of her team’s GLAC contest with Lakewood Friday night. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brumm wins 119-pound title for Lions at Bill Evans tourney The Maple Valley varsity wrestling team placed tenth Saturday at Battle Creek Central’s Bill Evans Memorial Tournament. Lion sophomore Jesse Brumm won the 119-pound championship, going 5-0 on the day with two pins a technical fall, as well as a couple of decisions. He scored a 9-3 win over East Lansing’s Emilio Caberera and a 4-0 victory over Battle Creek Lakeview’s Evan Sheeders. The Lions had four other guys finish in the top eight at their weight class. Nick Martin was third at 189 pounds, Matthew Slaght fifth at 103, Anthony Raymond sixth at 160 and Aaron Breton (112 pounds) and David Hosack-Frizzell (171) were both eighth. Maple Valley is scheduled to head to Lakewood for the Greater Lansing Activities Conference Tournament Friday. Eagles double up DK boys in Delton Schoolcraft scores a 76-38 win over the Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ basketball team in Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division action Friday in Delton. It was the second win of the season for the Eagles over the Panthers. Delton Kellogg is now 2-5 in the SAC Valley this season, and 5-6 overall. The loss snaps a three-game win streak for the Panthers. DK will return to action at home Friday against Hackett Catholic Prep and then host Kalamazoo Christian Tuesday. The Eagles improve to 12-1 overall with the win and 6-1 in the SAC Valley. Their lone defeat was to the Hackett team the Panthers host Friday evening. Dailey playing big role for nationally ranked Lakers The No. 15 Grand Valley State women’s basketball team recently passed the halfway point of the regular season and is now 17-2 overall with an 10-2 record against Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) opponents. Junior forward Maddie Dailey, a Hastings alumnus, is averaging 9.3 points and 4.6 rebounds so far this season and has helped the No. 15 nationally-ranked Lakers to their outstanding ftart. Against rival Ferris State on Jan. 3, Dailey tallied a season and career-high 19 points when she shot 6-of-10 from the field and 4-of-6 from three to help GVSU to their J 1th victory of the season. She also ranks second on the team with 19 blocks and has also added 18 steals and 27 assists. The Lakers travel to Wayne State University in Detroit this evening and will be in action Saturday at Ashland University in Ohio. (Photo courtesy GVSU Athletics) Delton Kellogg junior forward Alan Whitmore looks to get a shot over Schoolcraft defender in the post during their SAC Valley contest at Delton Kellogg Friday night. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg guard Riley Roblyer searches for a way to attack from the wing during his team’s SAC Valley contest with visiting Schoolcraft Friday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) �Page 16 — Thursday, January 31, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Schoolcraft shuts down DK’s top scorers Brett Bremer Sports Editor Schoolcraft did it again. The Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ basket­ ball team fell to 8-2 overall this season, and 5-2 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division, with as 50-31 loss to the vis­ iting Eagles Friday. The Panthers only two losses have come against the Schoolcraft girls. “It was a night of Schoolcraft taking us out of everything that we try and do,” Delton Kellogg head coach Mike Mohn said. “We tried to force things that weren’t there, didn’t take advantage of things that were, etc.” Delton Kellogg’s three leading scorers for the season were held to just 11 points com­ bined. Lexi Parsons finished with six points, Holly McManus three and Erin Kapteyn two. Abbie Bever, who coach Mohn said carried the most energy into the game, picked up some of the slack. She finished with a teamhigh 13 points. She was 9-of-10 at the free throw line. “She really had a nice game,” coach Mohn said. Those nine free throws by Bever were move baskets than the entire DK team hit from the field all evening. The Eagles held the Panthers to seven two-point field goals and one three-pointer. “Total assists as a team have been a real strong suit for us this season and that just wasn’t the case on Friday, which was unfortu­ nate,” Mohn said. “This game was for the share in the lead in the division and we just didn’t step up to the plate in what could have been a pretty neat experience for our kids. We had a great crowd with Hall of Fame Night in town as well.” The Eagles are now 10-1 overall this sea­ son and 7-0 in the SAC Valley Division. “We will treat it as a learning opportunity Delton Kellogg senior center Lexi Parsons works to find a way to get a shot around Schoolcraft sophomore center Anna Schuppel in the post during the first half Friday night in Delton. (Photo by Perry Hardin) to take care of what we can take care of and not be worried about what other folks do,” Mohn said. “Bit of a life lesson that we all could learn from time to time.” The DK girls are scheduled to host Hackett Catholic Prep Friday for another SAC Valley contest. Delton Kellogg junior guard Abbie Bever attacks the basket during the first half of her team’s SAC Valley Division loss to visiting Schoolcraft Friday at DKHS. Bever led Delton Kellogg with 13 points. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg freshman guard Mary Whitmore goes baseline and tries to get a pass around Schoolcraft’s Paige Reid during the second half of their SAC Valley contest at Delton Kellogg Friday night. (Photo by Perry Hardin) CLS swimmers keep Tier II record perfect in Hastings DK/TK/Hastings’ Samuel Randall nears the wall for his final turn in the 100-yard butterfly during his team’s dual with Caledonia/Lowell/South Christian in Hastings Thursday evening. He finished the race in less than a minute for the first time Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Looking to defend their first league cham­ pionship from a season ago, the Caledonia/ Lowell/South Christian (CLS) varsity boys’ swimming and diving team improved to 3-0 in OK Rainbow Conference Tier II duals with a win in Hastings Thursday. The CLS team, with a new head coach and new leaders in the water, bested the Delton Kellogg/Thomapple Kellogg/Hastings team 124-57 in the Community Education and Recreation Center pool. The Vikings won nine of the 12 events, sweeping the top spot in the three relays and having six different guys win individual races. “We have been racing a lot. There is incre­ mental progress that I have seen throughout the season and tonight was a continuation for that,” new CLS head coach Trenten Babcock said. “I was really pleased with that. The boys hustled and they swam smart for the most part, so I can’t really ask for much more than that. Overall this season has been really solid.” Babcock is also the coach of the West Catholic varsity girls’ swimming and diving team. “This has been fun. Learning how to handle high school boys is always interesting. They’re a good bunch. They’re hard-working, they’re fun-loving and they’re smart,” he said. Ed Koehn Ford of Wayland 1159 W. Superior Wayland, Ml’49348 269-792-2205 OIL & FILTER CHANGE Add TIRE ROTATION For additional Up to 5 quarts of Oil $1200 $249S EVERY DAY LOW PRICE Ed Koehn Ford of Wayland Taxes and diesel vehicles extra. Additional quarts extra. See Service Advisor for details. Offer valid with coupon. Expires 2-23-19. code: 52237 ■M MM MM MM MB MM MM MM «M1 MM MM We service all makes and models. www.edkoehnfordofwayland.com 1159 W. Superior Street, Wayland • US-131 at exit 64 269-792-2205 • 1800-WAY-FORD MM DK/TK/Hastings’ Enno Visser works his way to a third-place finish in the 100-yard breaststroke during his team’s dual with Caledonia/Lowell/South Christian at the Community Education and Recreation Center pool in Hastings Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) DK/TK/Hastings diver Blake Sheldon reaches back for the water at the conclusion of a dive during his team’s conference contest with visiting Caledonia/Lowell/South Christian Thursday in Hastings. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Ty Dykhouse, Alexander Pollock, Alexander Le and Ethan Arendsen started the evening by winning the 200-yard medley relay for CLS in 1 minute 45.15 seconds. Pollock, Zach Logan, Zach Burghgraef and David Bud won the 200-yard freestyle relay in 1:38.71. The team of Arendsen, Dykhouse, Pollock and Logan won the 400-yard freestyle relay in 3:40.54. Bud is the only senior out of all those relay swimmers for the Vikings. Dykhouse and Logan are freshmen. Arendsen, Le and Burghgraef are sophomores and Pollock is a junior. “We got a lot of freshmen in this year,” Babcock said. “I was surprised when I walked in and there were 23 kids (total). I was like all right, let’s go for it. I was happy with it. A lot of them have a little bit of a background in the sport. I guess that kind of speaks to the culture that CLS has developed, that they do bring in kids that have swimming experience. They know that you’ll work hard.” Arendsen won the 200-yard individual medley in 2:15.66. Pollock won the 50-yard freestyle in 23.49 seconds. Le won the 100yard butterfly in 58.97. Dykhouse won the 100-yard backstroke in 58.27. Emmet Schmehling, another junior for CLS, won the 500-yard freestyle in 5:21.81. Bud was the runner-up in the 50-yard free­ style in 23.49 and in the 100-yard freestyle in 54.98. CLS’s Logan Morse, a sophomore, won the diving competition with a score of 198.95 points, ahead of DK/TK/Hastings runner-up Gram Price who earned a score of 173.60. CLS came into Thursday’s meet having already scored league wins over Grand Rapids Union and Muskegon Mona Shores. Andrew Tuokkola took the 200-yard free­ style for DK/TK/Hastings in 2:04.15, and Alex Fabiano won the 100-yard freestyle in 51.88 and the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:07.86. It was the first breaststroke race for Fabiano this season, who is really working to cut his times in his freestyle events and the back­ stroke at the moment. He planned on swim­ ming the breaststroke just the one time this season. His time is just 1.67 seconds off the school record set by his former teammate Bennett Fleer in 2016. Fabiano holds the DK/TK/ Hastings 1 record in the 200-yard freestyle, the 200-yard individual medley, the 100-yard freestyle, the 100-yard backstroke. He and Fleer were both a part of the program’s record setting foursomes in all three relay races. Fabiano said he might try once more to get that breaststroke record, but there aren’t many meets left in the season. Tuokkola swam well Thursday too, cutting down his season best time in both the 200 freestyle and 500 freestyle. He was second to Schmehling in the 500 freestyle with a time of 5:21.81. It was also a pretty good evening for DK/ TK/Hastings’ Samuel Randall who finished the 100-yard butterfly in less than a minute for the first time, placing second to Le in 59.67. Randall called that mark in the butterfly a life-long goal, and that he knew once he saw his split of 25.64 in the butterfly leg of the 200-yard medley relay “something magical was going to happen.” That relay split and that butterfly time were better than his times at the conference meet a year ago. Coach Bultema was also pleased with a number of his exhibition swimmers’ times, especially in the 50-yard freestyle. The DK/TK/Hastings team is scheduled to host a conference dual with Grand Rapids Union this evening and will be at the Ottawa Hills Invitational Saturday. Saxons put together outstanding round three at Bulldog Classic The Saxons’ 314.10 point total in round three at the Otsego Bulldog Classic Saturday wasn’t just a good score for the Hastings girls. It is a good score for any team in the state in Division 2. It puts them sixth in the list of teams with the top round three scores across the state in the division for the season so far. Hastings was second to Division 1 team Portage Central Saturday in Otsego, but did outscore the Mustangs by more than eight points in that final round of the day. Portage Central took the championship in the competition between the larger schools in Otsego Saturday, scoring a total of 747.04 points. Hastings as second with a score of 729.98, ahead of Plainwell 683.62, Gull Lake 652.04, Wayland 602.20, Battle Creek Lakeview 586.58, and St Joseph 520.76. Hastings also scored a 217.40 in round one and a 198.48 in round two. Those scores were second only to the Portage Central girls in those two rounds. The Mustangs scored a 227.90 in round one and a 213.14 in round two. They finished their day with a score of 306.00 in round three. The Saxons are scheduled to host the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Wednesday evening. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-02-07.pdf b351ec46a5395fb6c32cf3f7b7348d67 PDF Text Text Attorney objects to indigent defender list To find a visionary, school needs a visionary Saxons look for second win over Beavers Friday See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 12 See Story on Page 2 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 804879110187 1070490102590507584349058113421 He"^AR-RTL°T"C“ 421 N Taffee Dr Hastings Ml 49058-1134 3/30/2019 2:36:00 PM inu mi VOLUME 166, No. 6 NEWS BRIEFS Delton Follies have classic twist Delton Kellogg High School students are aiming to take the stage for the annual Follies. The dates being Feb. 6, 8 and 9, with each show starting at 7 p.m., except for the Saturday matinee performance at 2 p.m. The show is in the high school auditorium. Tickets may be purchased either at the high school office, or at Katie and Christy’s Mid-Lakes Screen Printing in Delton. Tickets are $5 prior to the show, or $7 at the door. Legion hosting contest Saturday The Hastings American Legion Post will host the Zone 2 finals of the American Legion Oratorical Scholarship Contest Saturday, Feb. 9, beginning at 10 am. In January, Aaron Siebelink, a home­ schooled junior from Wyoming, and Seth Byrne, junior from Hemlock High School near Saginaw, discussed the U.S. Constitution in a preliminary contest at Hastings’ Lawrence J. Bauer post, finish­ ing first and second, respectively. Those two will be joined by three or four students who won semifinals in Ypsilanti to compete for the opportunity to represent Zone 2 March 2 at the Gerald R. Ford Museum in Grand Rapids. Siebelink, who won the Zone 2 district round in 2018 and was awarded the top state position last year, is back to improve on his finish at last year’s national com­ petition. The American Legion National High School Oratorical Contest was created 84 years ago to help young people gain a deeper appreciation of a Constitution that has guided the nation for nearly 250 years. With the dedication and passion of American Legion members across the country, the contest has become a nation­ al competition offering scholarships to a college or university of a contest winner’s choice. This year, state contest winners will receive $1,500 with an additional $1,500 offered to all first-round state winners who do not advance to the national finals. At the national finals in Indianapolis April 5-7, the winner will receive $18,000, with second- and third-place awards of $16,000 and $14,000, respec­ tively. The public is again invited to attend at the post headquarters at 2160 S. M-37, Hastings. ANNER Thursday, February 7, 2019 New surgical center proposal OK’d Joan Van Houten Staff Writer If all goes as planned, a new $12 million surgical center at Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital will break ground for the project in early summer and open in November 2020. A comprehensive site plan for the facility and a lease to the hospital for 75 parking spac­ es at Fish Hatchery Park were both approved Monday by the Hastings Planning Commission. “The new surgical center will relocate inpa­ tient and outpatient surgery, as well as endos­ copy, to one main level suite attached to the west side of the hospital,” Angela Ditmar, Spectrum Health Pennock president, said. “The center will then be closer to radiology, lab and sterile processing, which are frequent­ ly used during a surgical visit. “The current surgical suite is located on the third floor of the hospital. Patients navigate halls and elevators for some distance from where they enter the hospital, adding confu­ sion and stress for the patient.” See PROPOSAL, page 3 The final drawing of the exterior of the new surgical center planned for Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital shows the front of the facility. In the spotlight Sunday: New performing arts center grand opening Joan Van Houten Staff Writer The grand opening of Hastings High Performing Arts Center Ts Sunday and' w include a dedication, the introduction of Managing Director Michael Sali and perfor­ mances by Hastings school bands and choirs. “We’re so excited for the community to see the Performing Arts Center,” Superintendent Carrie Duits said. “Our students are so proud to be a part of it and to have it as a part of their school.” Creating the architecture and design of the building began in August 2016 and grew from the vision of community groups and school district staff. “We had several meetings and conferred with a lot of people to get input on what was wanted and needed. What was impressed upon us was a strong desire to have a respect­ ful addition, but also updated and modem,” Kingscott Interior Designer Laura Sarelis said. To create the exterior design, Sarelis and her husband, architect Peter Sarelis, pulled from the rich history of Saxons who are of German descent and lived near the North Sea Architect Peter Sarelis with design firm coast of what is now Germany. They were Kingscott used Anglo-Saxon history to known by their enemies to be fierce warriors. create the exterior of the Performing Arts Laura Sarelis researched Saxon history, Center. studying events, clothing and the weapons they used, including their shields. The artistic The couple returned to the Hastings com­ intricacy woven into their daily lives fascinat­ munity group and showed them a photo of a ed and inspired her. Saxon shield with a distinct design and many Workshop will cover family economics The topic for the February Family Workshop Series is “Family Finance and Budgeting,” with Courtney Ziny from the Family Economic Support Office of the Barry County United Way. The free workshop will be at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 11 at Middleville Baptist Church, 5215 N. M-37 Highway, and at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 25, at Hastings Baptist Church, 309 E. Woodlawn Ave. The workshop will cover community resources available in emergencies, tips and educational exer­ cises to gain skills to better prepare for emergency expenses. Pizza and childcare will be provided for people who make a reservation by going to familysupportbarry.com or call­ ing 269-945-5439. Dinner will be served at 5:30 and the presentation will begin at 6 p.m. A certificate for 1 'A hours training is provided to each participant. Free transportation to the workshop is available for individuals and families living within the city of Hastings from the Barry County Transit. See NEWS BRIEFS, page 2 PRICE 750 Interior Designer Laura Sarelis worked with community members and school staff to design the interior of the Performing Arts Center. colors. Saxon art merged soft and hard lines, many shades and varying textures. “We discussed the colors and shape and how these things could be blended to the school building and the new addition,” Sarelis said. The colors and soft line waves of the exte­ rior can be seen within the interior in an eye-catching but relaxing way. Ease of physi­ cal movement and visual flow of sight was an important factor in the design process. Goals for the-interier of the arts center focused on seating count, acoustics, adaptable space and placement of equipment. She said having the best equipment around doesn’t do much good if the placement isn’t right for the auditorium. The two-story layout helped with installa­ tion because there was plenty of space to accommodate the equipment and mechanicals and allow for proper placement and adaptabil­ ity. The lobby is an open concept designed to flow easily into the other areas, such as the auditorium and stairways. She said the word “timeless” is overused. There is a time limit - and the time is now. If a building is beautiful, that will last for many years if the design is well thought out and meets the needs of a community. “I had so much fun working with the peo­ ple of Hastings,” Sarelis said. “Seriously. “How often do you see people setting up lawn chairs to watch the first swing of the wrecking ball into the old structure? I’ve never seen it before. I even brought friends and family to Hastings so they could see the projects we were working on here. “Everyone fell in love with the city. It’s a marvelous place.” The Sarelis plan to attend the Performing Arts Center grand opening and dedication. They don’t often have the opportunity to see people enjoying what they helped to create and they’re excited to witness the center’s first public event. See PERFORMING ARTS CENTER SCHEDULE, page 5 Former Mills Landing to reopen as Hastings Riverwalk Cafe The early rendering of the Hastings High School Performing Arts Center was unveiled to the school board in August 2016. Portland residents evacuated after ice jam Taylor Owens Staff Writer Approximately 50 residents of Portland were evacuated yesterday after the Grand River flooded over the banks due to an ice jam just after midnight, Portland City Manager S. Tutt Gorman said in a statement issued Wednesday. “Emergency officials are currently working to evacuate affected areas and supply tempo­ rary shelters for those in need,” Gorman said. “Flood waters can rise very quickly, and resi­ dents who live along the river are encouraged to monitor waters and should evacuate their homes if water begins to approach their resi­ dences.” While there has not been major river flood­ ing reported in Barry County, road commis­ sion managing director Brad Lamberg said three roads were shut down due to flooding. Charlton Park Road south of M-43, Cunningham Road south of Brown and Jordan Road between Tisher and Rush roads were shut down Wednesday. Lamberg said those areas have flooded before, and it is not more than average for a thaw this time of year. Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Mills Landing, a landmark for local resi­ dents, may be closed, but a new restaurant is going to fill that space - and it may even open its doors in a month. The building was purchased by Hastings residents Nate and Katie Winick, who chose the name Hastings Riverwalk Cafe for their new business. “We had a ton of names written down. My sister and I had a lot of laughs with some really funny names, but Nate wanted something that pointed to our location,” Katie Winick said. The Winicks have a long history in the restaurant business, beginning with their first purchase of Stefano’s Pizza on Hanover Street, which they sold and is now Three Brothers Pizza. They also purchased and operated Fall Creek Restaurant and Northside Pizza. Both have been sold. “We always start a new venture with intent of keeping it, but you just don’t know what’s going to happen in five or 10 years,” Winick said. “Starting over is a lot of work. It can be stressful, but it always feels worth it in the end.” The Hastings Riverwalk Cafe will have breakfast and lunch on the menu, but not dinner. The Winicks are doing some, but not extensive, renovations. The biggest chal­ lenge is waiting for delivery and installa­ tion of equipment, she said. The couple hopes to be able to open the restaurant well before the middle of March but, with the renovation and equipment orders, not everything may go as planned. She said she and her husband are looking forward to serving the community, seeing familiar faces and meeting new people. Katie Winick characterized it as a scary and exciting experience, all at the same time, and they are enjoying every part of it. �Page 2 — Thursday, February 7, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Plans proceed for Community Action Center renovation on Market Street Joan Van Houten Staff Writer A new Community Action Center of South Central Michigan facility moved one step closer to reality with the approval of site plans Monday by the Hastings Planning Commission. The $600,000 project will transform the vacant Ponderosa restaurant building at 220 S. Market St. in Hastings into a center pro­ viding Head Start and General Education Diploma (GED) programs. The new center also will serve as an application intake loca­ tion for community services such as foster grandparents, weatherization, commodity and utility assistance. “We will be moving our current preschool center on M-43 to the new location,” said Alysia Timm, executive assistant to Community Action Center Chief Executive Officer Michelle Williamson. The intention is to open the center by the next school year. A 15-year lease on the property will allow the nonprofit agency time to fund raise for the building, which is an ideal site for the new center, Williamson said. Neale Bauman, president of the Peter Roffle architect firm, represented Community Action Center at the meeting Monday, and detailed plans for the playground area, the layout of the interior and exterior, and ordi­ nance compliance. The building is 7,000-square-feet and sits on approximately 1.6 acres. Site plans for the exterior show a fenced, outdoor playground area on the west side of the existing struc­ ture. Plans for the interior include two rooms accommodating eight children each in the age range of infant to 3 years and two rooms that will serve a combined total of 33 chil­ dren between the ages of 3 and 4. The additional space at the new location will offer an opportunity for the agency to expand its GED and high school equivalency preparation program in hopes of serving some of the parents of children enrolled in Head Start, along with the general popula­ tion. Charlie Wynne, director of adult education in Plainwell, said his group is excited to develop a partnership with the agency to provide a way to serve more under-educated individuals in Barry County. That coopera­ tion will help to keep the waiting list down Rebecca Pierce Editor The Iph candidate who didn’t make the cut Neale Bauman, president of the Peter Roffle architectural firm, represented Community Action Center of South Central Michigan at the Hastings Planning Commission meeting Monday. (Photo by Joan Van Houten.) and create a much wider range of resources for students, he said. The Hastings Community Action Center is the only center that will offer a General Education Development (GED) and high school equivalency program. “This is such a great opportunity for the community to help provide greater access to programs within walking distance and acces­ sibility by bus for the people who need assis­ tance,” Williamson said. “It also allows us to increase our services and provide a wonder­ ful environment for learning.” The agency serves people in Barry, Branch, Calhoun and St. Joseph counties. It has a staff of 35 in the Barry County facility and 250 employees in its four-county service area. The Hastings center will have 14 employees. In addition, the agency recent­ ly received interim management of Kalamazoo County, which will add about eight employees to the agency, she said. The agency’s overall budget is $18 mil­ lion, and about 90 percent of its funding comes from federal sources. Williamson said the organization spent more than $2.7 million in Barry County in 2017. More information about the agency is available on its website at www.caascm.org or by calling (877) 422-2726. Zoning changes and development main focus of agenda Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Rezoning of adjacent areas immediately surrounding downtown Hasting on East State Street were a focal point for the Hastings Planning Commission at its meeting Monday. Zoning changes will allow residential units to locate on the first floor of properties in that district. “The rezoning will not affect commercial properties on main street,” Planning Consultant Rebecca Harvey said. A request by Habitat for Humanity to rezone the property at 1215 N. Broadway in Hastings received tentative approval by Planning Commission, pending a public hear­ ing and approval by the City Council. The organization recently acquired the property. The next City Council meeting is at 7 p.m., Feb. 11, on the second floor of Hastings City Hall, 201 E. State St. With its offices now on West State Street, Habitat for Humanity plans to relocate its office and administrative space, as well as its ReStore, to the new location on North Broadway. Rezoning will be necessary to operate the store. “The property is in a location where other businesses operate. It fits what the city sees for that area,” Chairman Dave Hatfield said. In other action, a plan submitted by Ryan Gillons ofAdvantage Drain for a4,032-squarefoot building was approved for construction. The facility will be built on their property at 1700 E. State St. and will house Advantage NEWS BRIEFS continued from front page KBS bird walk set for Feb. 13 Those who enjoy winter in West Michigan can join the monthly Birds and Coffee Walks hosted by Kellogg Bird Sanctuary staff and get outside to enjoy a winter scene. Program dates for the next two months are Feb. 13 and March 13. Each program will run from 9 to 10:30 a.m. The cost for non-members is general admission: $5 for adults and $4 for senior citizens (62 and up). Sanctuary members receive free admis­ sion. Visitors can bring their own binoculars or borrow a pair from the sanctuary and enjoy a leisurely guided stroll to locate and iden­ tify the many birds visiting Kellogg Bird Sanctuary. An opportunity to talk about the morning’s finds over a cup of hot, bird-friendly coffee will be available after­ ward. The W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary is at 12685 East C Ave. More information can be found online at birdsanctuary.kbs.msu.edu or by calling 269-671-2510. Parkinson’s group plans active meeting The Barry County Parkinson’s Support Group will meet Wednesday. Feb. 13, from Attorney objects to indigent defender list 5 to 6:30 p.m. The highlight of the meeting will be the second annual fly-swatter table tennis tour­ nament. Organizers say no special skills, equipment or uniforms are required. The event is just an opportunity to have some silly fun. Meetings are the second Wednesday of each month at the Barry County Commission on Aging, 320 W. Woodlawn Ave., Hastings. The March 13 meeting will feature a research presentation by a student in the physical therapy program at Grand Valley State University. Sheriff hosting safety conference in Middleville The Barry County Sheriff’s Office will host a safety conference from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 16 at the First Baptist Church of Middleville. The free conference is designed to provide for church administration and members in planning security for functions. The conference will include workshops on first aid, CPR, defibrillators, severe weath­ er, active shooters, insurance, team build­ ing, intruder response and more. Reservations are requested by emailing bcsochurchsafety@gmail.com. Drain offices. Director of Public Services Lee Hays said rezoning will not require an amendment and does conform to planned future land use for the area. However, the business already has one structure on the property, and the zoning ordinance allows for a single building to be on one parcel. “The property will need to be split and the setback requirements to be re-examined,” Harvey said. The approval is contingent upon Advantage Drain working with city staff to split the prop­ erty and meet ordinance requirements. The next Planning Commission meeting is at 7 p.m., March 4, on the second floor of Hastings City Hall. McClelland joins Lakewood Board of Education Bonnie Mattson Staff Writer For what may be the first time in Lakewood School District history, women outnumber the men on the board of education. In a special meeting Thursday, Jan. 31, the board interviewed and approved Melissa McClelland to fill the remaining two years of board member Jeff Gibbs’ term. Gibbs stepped down in December 2018. McClelland joins Lynn MacKenzie, Melissa Schuiling and Jamie Brodbeck-Krenz on the board, as well as Frank Pytlowany, Steve St.Laurent and Gary Foltz. McClelland is a 1993 Lakewood graduate. She and her husband, Duffy, live in Woodland with their two sons. She is an administrative assistant at Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Local 2/Michigan in Lansing. She attended Lansing Community College. When asked about her primary reason for seeking a seat on the school board, McClelland said, “I see a need. I like to help where there is a need, and I want to help move the district in the right direction.” She told the board she sees enrollment and funding as the biggest hurdles facing the dis­ trict. “I hope to work on the board to find a solu­ tion,” she said. McClelland said her vision for Lakewood is providing the highest education for stu­ dents, and keeping the small-town feel. “It’s important to be sure we understand what families want,” McClelland said, “and make sure we meet those goals.” for the list of 10 attorneys picked to handle indigent defense cases in Barry County expressed his unhappiness Tuesday to county commissioners. “Just six months ago I was good enough to try a first-degree murder case for indigent defendant in this county that took 10 days,” James Goulooze, an attorney in the county for more than 30 years, wrote to the Barry County board in a letter he presented during its com­ mittee of the whole meeting. "... Four of the attorneys chosen for this year were not quali­ fied because of experience to handle high-se­ verity felonies. “Now they are deemed able to provide bet­ ter legal representation than myself.” Goulooze, who said the situation is a pro­ fessional insult and a personal embarrass­ ment, asked commissioners to restore him to the criminal defense list. That list, proposed by Kerri Selleck, the county’s new chief public defender, was a source of controversy from the start, when it was recommended for approval to the county board Jan.15. Goulooze wrote, “The general belief that existed last year was that all who were on the court appointed list would remain in the new program. The application process did nothing to dissuade that idea. No requested creden­ tials, resume or qualifications and certainly no interview to assess my fitness for the pro­ gram, only my level of experience.” The attorneys and the total amounts they would receive are: Jackie Baker Sturgis, $33,800; Carol Dwyer, $39,000; Shane Henry, $26,000; Kristen Hoel, $36,400; James Kinney, $39,000; Gordon Shane McNeill, $26,000; Ronald Pierce, $26,000; Kathryn Russell, $39,000; Steven Storrs, $26,000; and Kimberly Young, $33,800. The approval of 2019 contracts for indigent defense counsel services, will cost $325,000. But cost wasn’t the issue, it was the choice of McNeill, the former prosecutor that three commissioners found problematic. Commissioner Jon Smelker, originally the lone dissenter, was later joined by commis­ sioners Vivian Conner and Howard Gibson. Commissioners Ben Geiger, Dan Parker and Heather Wing voted to approve the list. With Commissioner Dave Jackson absent, the vote tied at 3-3 last week. Tuesday, Conner was absent, but the issue won’t be reconsidered for a vote until next week. Commissioners who originally voted against the proposal said they had misgivings about one candidate. Gibson said two constit­ uents had complained to him that McNeill was unacceptable. McNeill, who had been the Barry County Prosecuting Attorney more than a decade ago, was never mentioned by name during the pub­ lic meeting. Goulooze didn’t mention McNeill by name “This looks like and smells like an old-fashioned back door deal to me.” James Goulooze, attorney either, but he criticized the choice of a former prosecutor, noting that Selleck worked in the then-prosecutor’s office - and was working in that office when the prosecutor stepped down. “Years later, she enlists this man to write a letter of recommendation for her and then hires him to represent the indigent. This looks like and smells like an old-fashioned back door deal to me.” When Goulooze asked Selleck for an expla­ nation about where he had fallen short, she replied that he had failed to appear for sched­ uled court hearings or was late for hearings; didn’t communicate adequately with clients,' who appear regularly at his former office building on nearly a daily basis because he doesn’t inform them of his current office loca­ tion; and that he has not filled out a changeof-address form so mail received at his former office can be routed to his current address. Goulooze said these were half-truths, hear­ say or had been taken out of context, but he confirmed that he had missed one hearing and had been suspended. “If anyone seriously questions my ability or ■ reputation, I would invite them to speak to the court staffs, judges, sheriff, etc.,” he wrote. “I am confident they will tell you universally that I fight for my clients in and out of court, that I am not intimidated by the process and provide my clients the best I have to give. They also will tell you I make mistakes and, when I do, I am accountable for them. “ In other business, commissioners voted to recommend: - Approval of a reimbursement grant agree­ ment of $2,500 to cover the cost to spay or neuter shelter animals prior to adoption. - Approval of the 2019 indigent defense fund budget for revenue and expenditure line, items. - Approval to buy a new Chevrolet Tahoe for the sheriff’s department to replace a 2013; Tahoe that was damaged in a car-deer acci­ dent Dec. 30, 2018. (The deputy driving the vehicle was not injured, but the vehicle was I totaled.) ‘ - Acceptance of the Community Corrections w Advisory Board revised bylaws. - That Cindy Vujea serve a three-year term on the county parks and recreation board to represent the county economic development alliance. All of the above recommendations will be taken up at the next full board meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12, in the county court­ house. Hastings expects more residential development this spring Joan Van Houten Staff Writer With development of residential properties a high priority for the Hastings Planning Commission, construction of 41 multi-family housing units received a green light Monday night. The project is scheduled to begin in early spring. The rezoning request was made by Ravenna Holdings, LLC, in October 2017, for 14 acres on the north side of East Woodlawn Avenue, approximately 550 feet west of Bachman Road. The parcels are: 1.66 acres on North Street, 0.51 acres at 533 Woodlawn, 3.68 acres at 603 Woodlawn, 1.84 acres at 605 Woodlawn, an adjacent 4.12-acre vacant lot, and 2 acres at 609 Woodlawn. The zoning change allows for multi-family housing and opens the door for the developer to begin creating detailed site plans for a total of 59 residential units, in two phases. Phase I will include two- and three-bed­ room townhouses, and Phase II will include one-bedroom apartment units. Construction of Phase I will commence in spring. The property is approximately 4 acres of undeveloped land located at 600 E. Woodlawn Ave. The site plan consists of 24 lofts, each at 720 square feet, and 17 two-sto­ ry townhomes. The development also includes 24 carports and 66 parking spaces. Spurred by Ravenna’s original zoning request, city officials began considering other areas where zoning changes and special per­ mitting may better fit a strategic growth plan for Hastings. City Manager Jeff Mansfield said area manufacturers have continued aggressive hir­ ing campaigns because of a local labor short­ age. It means the economy is good, but the availability of housing will play an important role in attracting and retaining those employ­ ees, once they are found. “The availability of new homes is opening up residential units at every financial level of housing.” Mansfield said. “Housing is critical to the city and to our manufacturing commu­ nity.” The availability and sales of new homes are increasing the number of older, more afford­ able homes for first-time buyers or for seniors who are seeking to downsize. Another encouraging sign of residential growth is the construction of single-family houses on North Street in the Pheasant Hollow development. The houses are selling faster, than they can be constructed. The future of that development is seen by “sold” signs on empty lots, each with owners waiting for their new houses. Expansion of the Meadowstone manufactured housing community, owned by * Four Leaf Properties, is another example. That company added 49 lots last fall. In the public sector, private developer Marv Helder continues to invest in downtown Hastings through renovations creating new. residential rental units. He made his first, investment in the city with the former Hendershot building on State Street that cur­ rently houses WBCH and a cookie shop. Helder’s excitement in renovating addition­ al properties for residential use moved the city to investigate possible changes to ordinances that would better serve the growth goals of the city and residential developers. “Housing shortages are common in many communities,” Helder said. “This is a fluid problem. We need more affordable housing, yet what do residential developers do with commercial property? It’s not what they want.” Mansfield said the numbers of apartments for rent is growing, but more are needed. The city is actively seeking partners in developing the old Hastings Manufacturing building, for­ merly called The Royal Coach. Hastings Manufacturing still owns the building, but local investor and philanthropist Larry Baum owns the right to develop the property. “It could be a great apartment or condo­ minium complex, and it’s hard to beat its riv­ erfront location with the Thornapple Plaza on the other side,” he said. The city also is seeking developers and investors for the parcel where the former Moose Lodge stood. Two potential projects evaporated before the city demolished the building. Without the immediate cost of demolition and remediation, city officials are hoping that, property will prove desirable for develop­ ment. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 7, 2019 — Page 3 PROPOSAL, continued from page 1 The new center will include three operating rooms, 15 private patient rooms, five recovery bays and two endoscopy suites. Although local surgeons will use the surgi­ cal center, some of them will not be affiliated with the Spectrum health system, according to Janine Dalman, executive director of Spectrum Health Foundation at Pennock. Those conver­ sations are ongoing, she said. Two doctors on staff, James Horton and David Heeringa, recently informed Spectrum Health Pennock that they will be transitioning back to independent practice. Both doctors regularly use the hospital’s surgical unit. “The timing is bad, but we are working diligently to ensure both the short-term and long-term, high-quality coverage of these ser­ vices for our community. Spectrum Health Pennock will continue to provide orthopedic care,” Dalman said. Horton and Heeringa have committed to providing patient care at their current office until June 19, 2019, she said. Information on whether they will keep their practice in Hastings has not yet been released. Conversations with the the two doctors are continuing. They are certified with the hospi­ tal and will have full access to its services, including the surgery unit. “Orthopedics is a crucial service for Spectrum Health Pennock and our communi­ ty,” Dalman said. “Spectrum Health Pennock is committed to providing the safest and high­ est quality care for its patients.” Spectrum Health Pennock first announced development of a new surgical center in part­ nership with the Spectrum Health Foundation at Pennock’s 95th anniversary celebration in June 2018. The new center will provide private halls, private rooms and a separate drive-up entrance and exit, providing patients a discreet experi­ ence during their most vulnerable times. “In addition to improved patient flow and privacy, the operating rooms will increase in size to accommodate modem technology that our current rooms can no longer support,” Ditmar said. “These spaces will increase from 400 square-feet to 600 square-feet, which is industry standard for operating rooms today. “We are thankful for the support of our donors and Spectrum Health’s investment in Pennock Hospital to make certain we contin­ ue to provide high quality, local care whenev­ er possible.” The project is being funded primarily through private donations to the Spectrum Health Foundation at Pennock. The Spectrum Health Foundation Pennock committed $8 million and received $3.5 mil­ lion in pledges for the project. The amount meets the 80 percent matching funds required to be eligible to apply for government grant funding. Dalman said the hospital is waiting to hear if their grant application is approved. The launch to raise funding for other areas, such as equipment, is planned at the time of the project ground breaking. Dalman said grants and contributions are still being sought to help finance the addition and encouraged individuals and groups to consider naming opportunities that will be a part of the project. The 19,000-square-foot surgical center addition will be located on the west side of the existing structure. “The operating rooms will have state-ofthe-art equipment - all moveable to be able to accommodate any situation that may arise,” architect and planner Sean Easter said. Part of the original 1923 building remains at the center of the Spectrum Health Pennock surgery department, which is 13,000-squarefeet and located on the third floor of the in-pa­ tient hospital. Endoscopy services are across the street in the Wellness Center building. “The section of the building has been around for a very long time. A lot has changed. Building the new facility will also provide us with the opportunity to make all the updates A rendering of the new surgery suite shows state-of-the-art equipment and open space to allow for movement. needed in the older space to make certain everything is to code,” Easter said. When the hospital was built, it was designed to accommodate in-patient care. Over the decades, advancements have changed the needs of the community and in-patient care has shifted from 80 percent to 20 percent needing hospital stay, he said. With that shift from inpatient to outpatient care, surgeries that traditionally took days to recover in the hospital are now occurring with same day discharge. Easter said the current surgery unit is not conducive to meeting the needs of patients today. The goal of the new surgical facility is to provide better and more efficient care, greater convenience for patients and families with the addition of a separate entrance, and a higher level of privacy created through the planned layout, he said. The expansion of the surgical and care unit will replace the conference cen­ ter and expand into the parking lot. Several parking spaces will be lost at the hospital due to the westside addition. Easter said the parking areas will be used from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. by first-shift employees and will not interfere with sports games and most events. In lieu of rent, Spectrum Health Pennock will pay for improvements at a “ballpark” cost of $150,000 to $200,000. Improvements will include milling and resurfacing the entire parking lot, adding several lights and cameras for safety, and installing lighting and cameras on a path between the parking area and the hospital. The planning commission also approved issuance of a special-use permit for the new construction, which is the same as one approved for the main hospital. The request for approval of parking spaces at Fish Hatchery received tentative approval and will be placed on the agenda for the city council meeting at 7 p.m., Feb. 11, on the second floor of Hastings City Hall, 201 East State St. Gun Lake bubbler causing continued concern in Orangeville Township High-wire work Scotty’s Construction of Williamston took advantage of clear weather Monday morn­ ing to get some work done in downtown Hastings. Here, behind the Walldorff Brewpub & Bistro building, 105 E. State St., Curtis Morrell (on the ground) and Don Morrell (in the bucket) run some new fiber for a building in the next block. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce.) See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits Tanett Hodge Staff Writer Several Orangeville Township residents expressed concern Tuesday over the lack of action regarding the danger caused by an aer­ ator attached to docks at The Landing on Marsh Road. “The open waters expand out 300 yards past Spoor’s dock,” homeowner Robert Chase told members of the township board during the monthly meeting."Access to ice is limited and causes an inconvenience and safety haz­ ard for all who regularly use the lake at that location. It’s not just keeping ice from form­ ing around his docks, it’s affecting down the waterfront. Please take this seriously!” Chase said he had talked to the representa­ tives from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the Department of Environmental Quality and many local enti­ ties about the legality of the device. They all’ directed him back to the township as being the decision-maker. Chase asked the board to consider drawing up an ordinance in conjunc­ tion with the Yankee Springs Township board to limit the use of aerators and thrusters on Gun Lake. He was prepared to share exam­ ples of other ordinances on the same issue. Board members had been made aware of the problem and had already done research themselves on the safety concern. They also had determined that the device was not ille­ gal. “What you’re saying is true about the com­ promised ice that occurs when the bubblers are on,” trustee Bob Perino said. “In terms of ordinances against bubblers, the DEQ said that there is no basis for that unless the bubbler/aerator is connected to the bottom.” Jaspreet Nannan, owner of the Citgo station adjacent to The Landing said he is concerned about safety in front of his store. He said he had patrons just this week tell him they almost went into the lake as they were heading to the store on their snowmobiles. “If someone gets hurt, am I responsible?” Nannan asked the board. “It’s a real concern, but regardless of who is responsible, let’s make this safe for people. At least some sig­ nage should go up to keep disaster from hap­ pening.” “I agree with you,” township Clerk Mel Risner said. “We should at least make a reso­ lution or an ordinance regarding the safety issues present, and some type of signage needs to be out there.” The board identified several actions they could take to ensure safety in the area. They eventually tabled the conversation and opted to have township Supervisor Tom Rook speak to an attorney regarding the best way to pro­ ceed. They agreed that an answer to the problem would not be found immediately, so Gun Lake residents and visitors are cautioned to beware of thin and non-existent ice near The Landing. In other business, Risner reported that the township will be holding elections May 7 for the Delton Kellogg School millage vote. Orangeville Town Hall will host Yankee Springs voters that day. She also informed the board of the need to purchase all new voting envelopes due to new voting laws. The Barry County Recycling Forum will be Feb. 28 at the Hastings Charter Township Hall. In addition, the board approved a motion to hire Matt Elkins to trim and remove specific trees in the cemetery. The board also set a date for the scrap tire cleanup this year. A grant was received for the rental of a semi-trailer to gather up to 2,000 tires. Residents may drop off spare tires after 9 a.m. that day. The township board began a conversation regarding recreational marijuana facilities. The township has presently opted out. The benefits and disadvantages of allowing facili­ ties in the Orangeville area were considered. “There are so many legalities involved,” Risner said. “We must pay careful attention.” They discussed the fact that, on top of a 6 percent sales tax, there would be a 10-percent excise tax on all sales. The fees could be so high that the township would not make any money by allowing these facilities to run in the area. The board intends further study of the information available and determine whether allowing recreational marijuana facilities would be “worth the hassle,” as Risner put it. The board plans to hold a special meeting Tuesday to hear more from the road commis­ sion, and a budget meeting will be planned in the near future. Weather shift “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes and it will change,” is often spoken by Midwesterners. It took five days, not minutes, to go from 16 degrees below zero to 50 in the past week. About 30 hours separated Friday’s minus-1 overnight low from Saturday’s high of 42, according to records kept by Dave McIntyre at the National Weather Service Climatological Station in Hastings. The sudden warm-up led to a transformation in the white landscape, like these stunning snowdrifts (top) along Becker Road in Hastings Township that quickly lost their beauty and mixed in with gravel for a muddy mess. (Photos by Kathy Maurer) �Page 4 — Thursday, February 7, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you see? Quick freeze To find a visionary, school needs a visionary By the time this issue of the Banner is out, nature’s ice sculptures across the area likely will have fallen to the ground and melted. Sleet and freezing rain early Wednesday left the landscape coated with ice, including surfaces at the Tangletown playground in Hastings. We’re dedicating this space to a pho­ tograph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics. com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? Ready for island life ' X Banner Feb. 8, 1968 Heifers for Dominican Republic - Seven bred Holstein heifers were shipped form Hastings Saturday, and along with three others, were scheduled to leave Miami Tuesday and should be in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, this Wednesday. The heifers were sent by the Christian Rural Overseas Program to help the people of that island between Cuba and Puerto Rico help themselves. The Holsteins should improve herds. Local farmers participating in the program were Gerald Smith, Bob Gaskill and Clarence Cairns of the Hastings area; Ralph Townsend of Woodland; Paul Wilkes of East Lansing, who has a farm in the Middleville area; and Russell and Donald Solomon of Middleville. CROP paid the farmers $200 for the heifers, but since they were worth upwards of $350, the farmers actually gave a considerable gift to the program, Arthur Steeby, the county’s Agricultural Extension agent, said. Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Byers of Woodland also financed a heifer form the Townsend herd. The heifers were trucked to East Lansing without charge by Robert Endsley. Have you met? Tiffany (Steward) Tefft grew up in Hastings and is no stranger to community involvement or people-centered thinking. Teftt’s parents, Steve and Debbie Steward, were involved in many musical endeavors throughout the years, as well as highly involved in the education and extracurricular activities of their children and grandchildren. Her paternal grandfather, Art Steward, was a longtime band director at Hastings. She has two siblings: older brother, Kyle, and young­ er sister, Morgan. She was involved in band and was a cheerleader for both football and basketball seasons. Tefft graduated from Hastings High School and attended Kalamazoo Community College, where she received an associate’s degree. She went on to Western Michigan University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in education. Following graduation, she worked at a daycare center for a while and then taught second grade at Endeavor Charter Academy for 10 years. She earned her master’s degree in curriculum, instruc­ tion and assessment while teaching at the academy. Tefft wanted to live in a smaller communi­ ty, closer to home and work in a family-cen­ tered environment, so she applied to Maple Valley Schools four years ago and was hired as a third grade teacher. “I am very blessed to have found this in Maple Valley,” Tefft said. She is passionate about helping children achieve their goals so that they feel success­ ful in life. She and her husband, Chuck, are parents of Allison, 10, and Braden, 7. Because of her commitment to children and dedication to teaching, Tiffany Tefft is this week’s Bright Light. Favorite movie: “The Notebook” ... I cry every time I watch it. Tiffany Tefft Best advice you ever received: Always follow your heart. First job: I babysat pretty young. I also worked at Cone Zone in Hastings. I would consider my first “real job” to be as a camp counselor at the YMCA Camp Algonquin. Person I most admire: My mom, because she continuously shows compassion, and I want to be just like her. Favorite books: As a child, my favorite book was “Charlotte’s Web.” 1 have my third-graders read it every year in class. As an adult, I really recommend “Still Alice” by Lisa Genova. It is about a woman who suf­ fers from Alzheimer’s disease. Favorite teacher: That would be my first- grade teacher, Mrs. Matthews. She always made learning fun. She made such an impres­ sion on me that I went back and became a student aide in her class when I was a senior in high school. If I could have any superpower, it would be ... to bring people back from the dead. Too many people have gone too early and I would like to say goodbye. Favorite vacation destination: Longboat Key, Fla., in the Tampa Bay area. My grand­ parents had a place there, and we would visit them. I have such wonderful, peaceful mem­ ories there. Something about me most people don’t know: I am a picky eater. I don’t eat pota­ toes, pop, coffee or anything blue. Blue things just don’t seem natural. Favorite dinner: Tacos My biggest challenge: Not being able to say ‘No’ and taking on too many things. I’m most proud of: My family Favorite cartoon character: Mickey Mouse Hobbies: I love to travel when I can. My family loves to camp in the summer. I also love to read. Greatest thing about Barry County: It has to be the sense of community and family. The small-town feel capitalizes on relation­ ships. People look out for each other. I love it. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news©j-adgraphics .com As a representative of its community, a school board’s most important responsibility is to hire the best person for the only job it oversees: the school district superintendent. A school board’s second most important responsibility is to hire the best people to find that best person for school superinten­ dent. Those two critical decisions now face the Hastings board of education following the announcement two weeks ago by Dr. Carrie Duits that she will be retiring as the district’s current superintendent, effective June 30. During her five-year tenure, Duits brought stability to a district that had drifted badly under the short and rudderless direction of two former superintendents who left our school system with some serious issues that needed attention. Duits was able to reconnect with the com­ munity, build a new middle school, add security at all elementary buildings and complete a major remodeling project at the high school that included a performing arts center. The only major challenge that she hasn’t been able to complete is roof mainte­ nance which could be Duits’ closing contri­ bution to the district with passage of a $10 million bond request expected on the May 7 ballot. The superintendent position is key to the success of a district, as Duits has demon­ strated in the past five years. A superinten­ dent sets the tone for the administrators, teachers and support staff who work under his or her direction. It’s no easy task, but the person in the superintendent’s hot seat has to respond to and address not only those numer­ ous internal demands, but also balance the increasingly strident interests of parents, students and the community. Leadership became a rich tradition when, during a period that spanned 80 years, just four leaders admirably served our Hastings schools: David A. Van Buskirk, Lee H. Lamb, Richard Guenther and Carl Schoessel led and enhanced a district that came to be admired throughout the state. In the 15 years that followed Scheessel’s retirement in 2003, four superintendents and three interim super­ intendents have barely stayed long enough to learn the school fight song. That drifting leadership has strained our district’s ability to maintain its rich tradition. The lack of strong, steady, and continued guidance from the top office also is affecting other measures of educational effectiveness. That’s why this upcoming search and hire process is so critical for this school board. It’s my hope that these seven board members will open up the process, make it transpar­ ent, and think creatively about how they can move not only to find our next superinten­ dent, but use every opportunity to find a visionary leader who will return this com­ munity to the level of educational excellence for which it was once recognized statewide. After sitting through the interviews in 2007 to choose Richard Satterlee from a pool of weak candidates and the search four years later for Todd Geerlings who threw his flag after just 18 months, I’m concerned about repeating bad selection process histo­ ry. Last week, the board met with Donna Oster of the Michigan Association of School Boards to discuss the search for the next superintendent using the MASB’s employ­ ment listing program. I applaud the board for its timely movement in preparing to make, perhaps, the biggest decision of its tenure. My caution is to not get comfortable in this typical selection pattern used by public schools all over the state - especially when a visionary opportunity unique to this commu­ nity exists. In my mind, the MASB’s superintendent selection process - like other superintendent search firms public school districts use - is a placement service. Search consultants main­ tain a list of potential candidates who are either in need of employment or are quietly looking for an opportunity to improve their current situations. When the consultant moves a candidate from the placement list to a district in need of a superintendent, every­ body wins - especially the consultant whose improving placement record invites more business opportunities and higher fees. There’s nothing inherently wrong with What do you that process, but it hasn’t served us well in two of the last three hires. Duits was the exception to that failed process - she wasn’t on the search consultant’s favored placement list and community members who knew of her talent because she was a Hastings native had to insist that she be contacted in a “directed search” request at her position in Colorado. No score for the consultant, but a big win for the community. Today, we have another chance for a big' win. Rather than a search consultant from outside the community with a placement list in the briefcase, why not hire a man to lead the search who knows and loves this district and community better than anyone? Former Superintendent Carl Schoessel came to Hastings from the Detroit area in 1982 only after the school board at that time promised to honor his intention to stay only five years. He’s still here - after serving as superinten­ dent for 21 years and continuing to invest his retirement years in the community as a suc­ cessful businessman and a renowned swim j coach. He filled in as interim superintendent I after retiring. And then he couldn’t turn i down an emergency request five years ago to serve as an interim superintendent in Delton, i He was the “interim” superintendent there1 for three years and, before helping that dis-! trict find its current leader, rescued that school board from a dire financial situation. We need someone who genuinely under­ stands this community, its history and its possibilities. To find the next visionary lead­ er this district needs, how could our school board miss by hiring a man who has been part of that once-admired historic leadership storyline that placed us at the top of the most respected school districts in the state? If the board’s relationship with MASB is an important one, why not place a special request that MASB use Schoessel as the consultant for this search? “Districts should be looking for someone who is dynamic, united in purpose, involved, visible in schools and interested in student academic success,” cited the educational advocacy group Great Schools in a report I’ve used in a previous column. “Strong leaders provide encouragement, recognition and support for improving student learning.” In looking back over those most-distingUikhed'80 yea* dFbuFdisffict? 6* former leaders exemplified those attributes. There’s no question that, over the years, we’ve accepted less than the best for our district and it’s showed up in what’s happened over the years. The National Commission on Excellence in Education released the ground­ breaking report “A Nation at Risk” over 35 years ago. It described the dire situation of education in America in stark words that, unfortunately, still persist today. “The educational foundations of our soci­ ety are being eroded by a rising tide of medi­ ocrity that threatens our very future as a nation and a people,” according to the report. “What was unimaginable a generation ago has begun to occur as others are matching and surpassing our education attainments.” Today, the United States doesn’t even make the top 10 academically. We’ve allowed nations throughout the world to beat us to the top. If Hastings and districts throughout the state want to better prepare students to compete in this global market­ place, it will take visionary leadership with> strong communication and managerial skills.’ It will take a person who is a good listener, a risk-taker who is flexible with a strong desire and passion for the job. Most impor-' tantly, it will take a person who is willing to commit to this community for more than just a couple of years. If we expect to find the best candidate to? lead the Hastings district for several years to come, this board needs to think outside of the box and be willing to set a broader search' with higher-than-normal standards. Selecting, someone like Carl Schoessel, who has lived our vision, to help find our next inspiringleader would be this school board’s own brilliant step toward a dynamic future. . Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. ' / Df\lA J think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by accessing our website, www. HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the fol­ lowing week. Last week: Hastings City Council is preparing to change its alcohol consumption policy for Thomapple Plaza performances to lift the two-drink limit. Should that limit be lifted? Yes 41% No 59% / / For this week: Hastings Area School System is beginning a search for the next superintendent. Do you think it makes sense to hire former Superintendent Carl Schoessel to lead the search committee? □ Yes □ No ' �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 7, 2019 — Page 5 Eaton County treasurer fights tax foreclosure Elaine Garlock The Ionia County Genealogical Society will meet Saturday at 1 p.m. at the museum on Emerson Street. John Pierce will be the speaker. The Lake Odessa Area Historical Society will meet Thursday, Feb. 14, at 7 p.m. The society held its first soup supper of the season Friday night, with great food and good company. A chili supper is planned the first Friday in March. Lakewood schools were closed all last week due to the extreme cold and blowing snow. Then it melted quite rapidly Saturday and Sunday. The Logan garage burned one night when the cold was worst, but the house quarters .were not burned. All contents of the garage were destroyed. Today the Lake Odessa Community Library will host Teen Time at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, will bring craft time for youngsters above age 11. Tuesday, Feb. 19, according to a notation on a calendar, is the date for the full Snow Moon. We have weather extremes within a week. By Tuesday of this week, most of the snow was gone. Temperatures have been well above freezing for a few days. A week earlier we were having extreme cold and lots of snow. This year the wheat crop should be getting sufficient moisture. The wooden awning for the store on the comer of Fourth Avenue and Second Street is progressing as weather permits. A window sign indicates that this will be an ice cream shop. How many years has it been since Lake Odessa had a soda fountain in town? LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE Schneiderman & Sherman, P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE -Jason Markley and Karyn Markley, husband and wife, joint tenants, granted a mortgage to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”), solely as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated October 2, 2015, and recorded on November 3, 2015, in Document No. 2015-010728, and assigned by said mortgagee to AmeriHome Mortgage Company, LLC, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Ninety Thousand Forty-Three Dollars and Thirty Cents ($190,043.30). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, At the East doors of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan, at 01:00 PM o'clock, on February 14, 2019 Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: Unit 5, Tikeluk Trail Condominium, according to the Master Deed recorded in Instrument No. 1048957, Barry County Records, and designated as Barry County Condominium Subdivision Plat No. 18, together with rights in the general common elements and limited common elements, as set forth in the above described master deed and amendments thereto and as disclosed by act 59 of the public acts of 1978, as amended. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 600.3241, in which case the redemption period shall be 1 month, or under MCL 600.3241a 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 600.3241 a(b) notice, whichever is later, or extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of Act 236 of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. AmeriHome Mortgage Company, LLC Mortgagee/ Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman, P.C. 23938 Research Drive, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1373614 (01-17)(02-07) 111662 NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF BARRY COUNTY Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing for the following: Case Number: SP-1-2019 - Kassidy Saurman (Applicant); Jacob & Kassidy Saurman Property (Owners) Location: 2516 East M-43 Highway, Hastings, in Section 22 of Carlton Township. Purpose: Requesting to operate a kennel/ boarding facility pursuant to Article 23, Section 2343 in the RR (Rural Residential) zoning district. Case Number: SP-2-2019 - AT&T Mobility (Applicant); Kevin Schantz (Property Owner) Location: 7097 East State Road, Nashville, in Section 16 of Castleton Township. Purpose: Requesting construction and operation of an AT&T wireless facility pursuant to Article 23, Section 2386 in the A (Agriculture) zoning district. Case Number: SP-3-2019 - AT&T Mobility (Applicant); John Deason (Property Owner) Location: 4160 South Norris Road, Delton, in Section 3 of Orangeville Township. Purpose: Requesting construction and operation of an AT&T wireless facility pursuant to Article 23, Section 2386 in the RR (Rural Residential) zoning district. MEETING DATE: February 25, 2019 TIME: 7:00 PM. PLACE: Tyden Center, Community Room 121 South Church Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Site inspection of the above described properties will be completed by the Planning Commission members before the day of the hearing. Interested persons desiring to present their views upon an appeal, either verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned time and place. Any written response may be mailed to the address listed below, faxed to (269) 948-4820, or emailed to imcmanus@barrvcounty.org. The special use applications are available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed between 12-1 p.m.), Monday through Friday. Please call the Barry County Planning Department at (269) 945-1290 for further information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or call the following: Michael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269)945-1284. Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk 112417 To the Editor: Most county treasurers go far beyond their legal duty to notify taxpayers about an out­ standing tax bill and offer solutions to prevent tax foreclosure. In Eaton County, we have met with hundreds of taxpayers to discuss pay­ ment alternatives, referred dozens of families to outside foreclosure prevention agencies, and worked with local nonprofits to make financial literacy available to folks having hard times. More than two dozen additional measures are taken over two years to help people avoid tax foreclosure. We make these efforts because it is the responsible thing to do, and keeps families and small business owners in their properties. By avoiding fore­ closure and successfully collecting delinquent property taxes, we protect the majority of taxpayers who pay their taxes on time. In Eaton County, that is 96.5 percent of property owners. Of the remaining 3.5 percent, many are slumlords or out-of-state investors who work in the risky business of substandard real estate. Unfortunately, there are bad actors who intentionally evade paying property taxes and use county government like a free real estate lender. As a steward of taxpayer dollars, I will hold these bad actors accountable. Eaton County’s AA credit rating depends on it. When property owners skip out on their taxes it means less money for local business, area schools, 911 services, law enforcement, and local roads. State law requires treasurers to sell fore­ closed properties at auction. Auction proceeds have not “padded” Eaton County’s General Fund. The money goes to a Foreclosure Stabilization Fund to pay back taxes, demol­ ish blighted buildings, cleanup trashy proper- ty, mow yards, maintain landscape, safeguard the public from environmental hazards, and cover legal expenses. Because we often deal with abandoned, blighted, and challenged properties, we lose money when they sell for less than taxes owed. When property sells for more than taxes due, the funds are used to ensure that on-time taxpayers do not pay the costs of tax delinquent and tax-foreclosed properties. Therefore, auction revenue from high value properties pays for public losses on low value properties. Paying positive auction revenue to the previous owners of foreclosed property, as suggested by a recent class-action lawsuit filed on Michigan’s county treasurers, would reward bad behavior by forcing your county treasurer to act as an unpaid and unli­ censed realtor for people who have not paid their taxes. That is not the role of county gov­ ernment and it is unfair to everyone who pays their taxes on time. The purpose of Michigan’s foreclosure law is to return tax-reverted properties to produc­ tive use so they do not damage neighborhoods or surrounding property values. County Treasurers across the State understand the limitations of the law. That is why the Michigan Association of County Treasurers is a leading voice in reform. While we must legally foreclose on all past due taxes after 24 months, we do not foreclose people’s homes and businesses for trivial amounts like $10, $50, or $100. Good judgment is required. The burden of those who default on proper­ ty taxes should not shift onto the backs of those who meet their responsibilities. Foreclosure is a tragedy. I hate foreclosing properties. However, under the law and on my watch, we will not socialize the losses on tax-foreclosed properties by making good taxpayers pay for bad tax debts. As County Treasurer, I will always work to protect the interests of the 96.5 percent of county taxpay­ ers who pay taxes on time. Moreover, I will continue helping families, farmers, and small business owners facing a genuine financial hardship avoid foreclosure whenever possi­ ble. I will not support slumlords, out-of-state real estate investors, or irresponsible taxpay­ ers who want a public bailout. Bob Robinson, Eaton County Treasurer Secretary, Michigan Association of County Treasurers Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on February 14, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): William G. Lamkin, an unmarried man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Quicken Loans Inc. its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Quicken Loans Inc. Date of Mortgage: December 29, 2016 Date of Mortgage Recording: January 9, 2017 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $71,044.48 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: The Westerly 66 feet of the Easterly 198 feet of Lot 6 of Assessor’s Plat Number 4 of the Village of Middleville, according to the recorded Plat thereof, being recorded in Liber 3 of Plats, on page 10, Barry County, Michigan The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: January 17, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1372986 (01-17)(02-07) 111296 FORECLOSURE NOTICE THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE Default Has Occurred In A Mortgage Made On March 17, 2001 (The “Mortgage”) By Michelle Collette (“Mortgagor”) To Highpoint Community Bank, F/K/A Hastings City Bank, A Michigan Banking Corporation (“Mortgagee”). The Mortgage Was Recorded On March 23, 2001, In The Office Of The Register Of Deeds For Barry County, Michigan, At Instrument Number 1057155. As Of The Date Of This Notice, There Is Claimed To Be Due And Unpaid On The Mortgage The Sum Of Eighty-Seven Thousand Six Hundred Fifty­ Seven And 88/100 Dollars ($87,657.88) In Principal, Accrued Interest, And Late Charges. No Suit Or Proceeding Has Been Instituted To Recover Any Part Of The Debt Secured By The Mortgage, And The Power Of Sale Contained In The Mortgage Has Become Operative By Reason Of Such Default. On Thursday, February 21, 2019, At 1:00 P.m., At The Barry County Courthouse, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan, Which Is The Place For Holding Mortgage Foreclosure Sales For Barry County, Michigan, There Will Be Offered For Sale And Sold To The Highest Bidder, At Public Sale, For The Purpose Of Satisfying The Amounts Due And Unpaid On The Mortgage, Together With The Legal Costs And Charges Of Sale, Including Attorneys’ Fees Allowed By Law, The Real Property Located In The Township Of Thornapple, County Of Barry, Michigan, And Described In The Mortgage As Follows: The West 300 Feet Of The East 1/2 Of The Southwest 1/4 Of The Southwest 1/4 Of Section 32, Town 4 North, Range 10 West. More Commonly Known As: 11878 Bass Road, Middleville, Michigan 49333 Tax Parcel Number: 08-14-032-001-00 The Redemption Period Shall Be Six (6) Months From The Date Of The Sale Unless The Property Is Deemed Abandoned In Accordance With Mei 600.3241 A, In Which Case The Redemption Period Shall Be Thirty (30) Days After The Foreclosure Sale Or When The Time To Provide The Notice Required By Subdivision Mcl 600.3241 A(C) Expires, Whichever Is Later. If The Property Is Sold At A Foreclosure Sale, You Will Be Responsible To The Person Who Buys The Property At The Foreclosure Sale Or To The Mortgage Holder If You Damage The Property During The Redemption Period. Miller Johnson Attorneys For Highpoint Community Bank, F/K/A Hastings City Bank Dated: January 24, 2019 By: Rachel L. Hillegonds (P67684) 45 Ottawa Avenue Sw, Suite 1100 Grand Rapids, Mi 49503 (616)831-1700 111987 Write Us A Letter: Hastings Performing Arts Center schedule Dates and events planned for the Hastings Performing Arts Center include: Feb. 4-9 - High school band and choir rehearsals for the first concert. Feb. 10 - Band pre-festival concert, sev­ enth grade, eighth grade, and high school bands, 2 p.m.; all-choir pre-festival concert, 4 p.m. Feb. 11 - Michigan School Vocal Music Association District Choir Festival, all day. Feb. 12 - Barry Intermediate School District Regional Spelling Bee, 7 p.m. Feb. 22 - Thomapple Wind Band concert with Olivet College, 7 p.m. Feb. 25-28 - Band rehearsals on stage for festival preparation. March 1 - Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association District Band Festival, seventh grade, eighth grade and high school bands, all day. March 2 - Mary Youngs Concert, 7 p.m. March 3-17 - “Beauty and the Beast” musi­ cal rehearsal and program preparation. March 14 - 15, “Beauty and the Beast” musical, 7 p.m. March 16 - “Beauty and the Beast” musi­ cal, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. March 19 - Middle school ensembles night, with the school jazz band, drumline, color guard, and the sixth-grade band, 7 p.m. March 22 - Hastings Bands Celebration, with the high school bands, Thomapple Wind Band, Thomapple Jazz Orchestra, 7 p.m. April 15-24 - Elementary using space. April 16-17 - Elementary musical, 7 p.m. April 23-24 - Elementary musical, 7 p.m. April 25-27 - Thomapple Jazz Festival, times to be determined. May 6-10 - Choir rehearsals. May 10 - High school choirs spring con­ cert, 7 p.m. May 13-16 - Band rehearsals May 14 - Middle school bands spring con­ cert, 7 p.m. May 16 - High school bands spring con­ cert, 7 p.m. May 21, Middle School Choirs Spring Concert, 7 p.m. The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. The Hastings Banner Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Publisher & CEO Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM• Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County Rebecca Pierce (Editor) $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer Tanett Hodge Bonnie Mattson Taylor Owens Joan Van Houten POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 I Hastings Area Locations to purchase the Hastings Banner! One Stop Shop (Phillips 66) 1 (M-43 North) Middleville: Speedway Middleville Marketplace Greg’s Get-lt-N-Go Family Fare Phillips 66 Gas Station (M-37 South) Hastings Johnny's The General Store Marathon Mega Bev Penn-Nook Gift Shop Phillips 66 Gas Station (W. State St.) Phillips 66 Gas Station (M-37 West) Family Fare Gas Station Walgreens Gun Lake; Sam’s Gourmet Foods Cloverdale: Cloverdate General Browns Cedar Creek Grocery Delton: Family Fare Delton Johnny's Orangeville: Orangeville Fast Stop Banfield: Banfield General Store Pine Lake: Doster Country Store Dowling: Goldsworthys Dowling General Store Prairieville: Prairieville Fast Stop Woodland: Woodland Express Freeport: L&J’s Freeport General Store Nfishcillei Trading Post Little’s Country Store Nashville Johnny's MV Pharmacy Nashville C Store Carl's Lake Odessa: Lake-O-Express Lake-O-Mart Lake Odessa Johnny's Carl's Shelbyville: Town & Country �Page 6 — Thursday, February 7, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852-9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH M-37 South at M-79, Kimberly S. Metzer, pastor. Church phone 269-945-4995. Church Secretary-Treasurer, Linda Belson. Office hours, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11 am to 3 pm. Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School; 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship Tuesday 9 am Men’s Bible Study at the church. Wednesday 6 p.m. Circle of Friends (Young Adult Special Needs Group) (October thru May). PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10:31­ 11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795-2370 and the rectory number is 269-948­ 9327. Our church website is www.samchurch.org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Thursday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269-945.9574. Email: office.greenstreetumc@ gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. I Jpright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor; Ryan Rose, Family Life Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Child­ ren Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheelchair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings.org. 9 a.m. Traditional Service; 10:30 a.m. Contemporary service. Follow us on Facebook. Graphics COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945-9217. cbchastings. org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Highway, Hast­ ings. Telephone 269-945-9121. Email hastfmc@gmail.com. Website: www.hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Associate Pastor Andy Baird and Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller. Sun­ days: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAMI­ LY HOUR - ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Preschool-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Standard and Adult Elective classes. Cof­ fee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cook­ ies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Ser­ vice: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church Age 4-4th grade dis­ missed during service. After­ math Student Ministry - 6:30­ 8:30 p.m., 7th-12th grades. Wednesday: Kids Club "Under Construction"; Wed., Feb. 13-Mar. 27, 6:30-7:45 p.m., Kids age 4-6th grade are wel­ come; Women's Bible Study 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday: Adult Bible Study 10 a.m. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God’s Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! Feb. 10 - Worship services at 8 and 10:45 a.m.; Noisy Offering; Youth Group 6 p.m. Feb. 11Outreach Comm. 4:30 p.m.. Feb. 12 - Women of Faith, 1:30 p.m./ Mallard Pond; Brothers of Grace 7 p.m., GLC. Feb. 14 - Clapper Kids 3:45 p.m.; Grace Notes 5:45 p.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@grace-hastings.org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945­ 2645, fax 269-945-2698. www. grace-hastings.org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings. EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH A welcoming and affirming congregation, located at the comer of Broadway and Center St. (entrance on Center St.). Sunday morning worship 10 a.m., Other weekly services include: Tues. - Morning Prayer, 9:30 a.m. and Contemplative/Centering Prayer, 6:30 p.m.; Thur.-MidWeek Eucharist and dialogue sermon, noon. Sat. - Commun­ ity Breakfast, served 8-9:30 a.m. Free breakfast is open to all; first Saturday each month "Messy Church," program for families. Mother Linnea Stiffer available by appt, 269-945­ 3014. The Gury Parish House available to community groups. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am flexlab ■ WBBv® Hhashhgs Fiberglass Products Mmwwmtf HotLineTods&Equipment 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 102 Cook Hastings 945-4700 John Edwin Arnold WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, _ _ _ _ _ _ the churches and these local businesses- _ J Mary Irwin Brown 770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541 HASTINGS, MI - Mary Irwin Brown of Hastings, died at " Trillium Woods/ Faith Hospice in Byron Center, on January 18, 2019, age 83. She was bom on September 28, 1935 in Grand Rapids, the daughter of William and Norma Irwin. Mary attended and graduated from Union High School, earned a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and, later in life, a master’s degree from Western Michigan University. In the summer of 1959, Mary traveled to Santiago, Chile, as one of the first Communi­ ty Ambassadors for the Grand Rapids Coun­ cil on World Affairs. This experience instilled a love and respect for different cultures that would play an important role throughout her life. On December 20, 1959, she married Dr. Jack A. Brown. As her husband’s practice grew, they moved to Rockford, and then to Middleville. In 1968, they settled in Hastings, and together raised a busy family of five chil­ dren. Mary was a teacher and a counselor in the Hastings Area School System for many years. She was a member of P.E.O, Mortar Board of MSU, and the First United Methodist Church in Hastings. During retirement, Mary was a Hospice Grief Counselor and volunteer in Barry County. She founded and was president of the local chapter of American Field Service in Hast­ ings, facilitating the international exchange experience for dozens of students over the years. Between 1973 —-1986, she hosted eight different exchange, students with her family. Many former students kept in touch and vis­ ited often after their year in Hastings with the Brown family. She was - and will always be - “Mom” to each of them. Mary enjoyed bird watching, gardening, walking one of her beloved dogs, swimming, attending a beautiful symphony and hosting |large family gatherings. There was always .one more seat at the table for one of her chil­ dren’s friends, a visiting international student, or a soul in need of sustenance. Open and tolerant, Mary embraced diversity and was a fierce advocate for those less fortunate. With her empathetic touch and sense of grace, she truly left the world a better place. She will be dearly missed. Mary was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, Carolyn Moffat, and brother, Wil­ liam Irwin. She is survived by daughter Susan (Ata) Brown-Shafii of Geneva, Switzerland, daughter Sarah (Kelly) Williams of Mari­ posa, CA, son Michael (Samia) Brown of Ada, son Thomas Brown of Dekalb, IIL, son Rex (Lisa) Brown of Hastings, 10 wonderful grandchildren and a special niece, Lynn Mof­ fat Winston, of Haymarket, VA. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S. Broadway Street, Hastings, on Friday, Feb.8, 2019. Celebration of Life Services will be held on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019, at Green Street Unit­ ed Methodist Church, 209 West Green Street, Hastings, MI 49058 at 11 a.m. with visitation one-hour prior. There will be a luncheon following the ser­ vice at The Barry County Foundation, Den­ nison Performing Arts Center, 231 S. Broad­ way St., Hastings, MI 49058. Memorial contributions may be made to Hastings Education’Enrichment Foundation (HEEF), 232 W. Grand Street, Hastings, MI 49058; 269-948-4400; https://www.hasskl2. org//site/Default.aspx?PageID= 115; https:// www.hasskl2.org/Page/117 or Barry County United Way, 231 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058; Phone: (269) 945-4010; https://www. bcunitedway.org/donate/ Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visitwww.girrbachfuneralhome.net. HASTINGS, Ml - It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend, Louise Cunningham of Hastings on January 18,2019. She passed away peace­ fully while surrounded by her loved ones. Louise was bom on February 19, 1928, to Florence and Lawrence (Chris) Christiansen in Hastings, the eldest of six children, all of whom she helped to raise. Married to Ron­ ald Cunningham on July 18, 1948, Louise and Ron were lifetime residents of Hastings where they raised their children on Algonquin Lake. Louise and her husband Ron led active lives filled with gardening and crafting, win­ ters in Florida, travel abroad, and many years of square dancing with friends. A loving, joyful, and compassionate wom­ an with a zest for life, Louise devoted her life above all to her family and was a kind of surro­ gate “mother”, “sister”, or “grandmother” to many others whose lives she touched. Known for her baking, her homemade bread, cookies, and pies were coveted at every gathering. A gifted seamstress and inspired painter, Lou­ ise crafted more than 100 wedding gowns for brides and bridesmaids from across South­ west Michigan, thrilled to help young women afford the gown of their dreams. She purpose­ fully sewed her final gown for her daughter’s wedding, but her skill and creativity hardly ended there. To the very end of her life, she crafted gifts of love for friends and family alike, her good deeds and kind acts touched the lives of so many. Heartbroken by the death by her husband of 70 years on April 14, 2018, Louise is now with Ron again. She is survived by her sons Steven (Rich­ ard Sansone), Brian (Suzanne) and daughter Karen (Scott) Smith; grandchildren Nicho­ las and Ashley Smith and her sister, Maxine (Duane) Jones. A memorial celebration of her life will be held on April 28, 2019, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the YMCA Camp at Algonquin Lake in Hastings. In lieu of flowers or donations, please per­ form frequent acts of kindness for others and think of Louise. THREE RIVERS, MI - After final good-' byes from his loving family, John (Jack) Edwin Arnold, age 87 passed away January 30, 2019 in Scottsdale, AZ after a short battle with cancer. John was bom March 6, 1931 in Manistee. After graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and served as a radio operator. Upon his discharge, he attended and graduated from Western Michigan University where he met his wife, Lillian Bobcik of 61 years, who sur­ vives. His entire teaching career took place at Delton Kellogg Schools. He taught every­ thing from sixth grade to middle school and high school physical education, social stud­ ies and science. John also coached basketball and was the athletic director. He became an elementary counselor and then the elementa­ ry principal for the last ten years of his career. Upon his retirement, John and Lillian spent’ their winters in Scottsdale, AZ and summers in Michigan. Golf was a favorite past-time, having played over 200 courses in Michigan and 84 courses out west, which included Pebble Beach. (Thanks to his son-in-law, Daniel' Formsma.) He is survived by his three lovely daughters, Teresa (Ed) Camell, Rene (Daniel) Formsma and Kim (Daniel) DeVries. Six cherished grandchildren, Erin (Jushade) Sutton, Derek (Nicole) Formsma, Nathan (Shaunene) Carnell, Matthew (Karen) Sutton, Paige (Will) Formsma and Andrea GameJJ. His adorable great-grandchildren, Maddox, Lillian, Eva, Brooks, and a great granddaughter on the way. His brothers, Robert (Diane) Arnold and Jo (Sandy) Arnold. He was preceded in death by his parents Alfred and Isabelle (Fuller) Arnold. A memorial service will be held in Michi­ gan at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the John and Lillian Scholarship Fund. Bar­ ry Community Foundation, 231 S Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 or online at www.barrycf.org/funds/dkef-john-and-lillian-arnoldscholarship-fund SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Retire online with Social Security quickly and easily Vonda VanTil Social Security Public Affairs Specialist The idea of applying for Social Security retirement benefits might seem daunting, but it’s not. There’s no need to visit an office. You don’t have to use the phone. We have an online retirement application you can com­ plete in as little as 15 minutes and from the comfort of your home or office. In most cases, once your application is submitted electroni­ cally, you’re done. There are no forms to sign, and usually no documentation is required. Social Security will process your application and contact you if any further information is needed. It’s as simple as that. You can start your application now at socialsecurity.gov/benefits/retirement. You can apply online for retirement bene­ fits or benefits as a spouse if you are at least 61 years and 9 months old; are not currently receiving benefits on your own Social Security record; have not already applied for retire­ ment benefits; and want your benefits to start no more than 4 months in the future. (We cannot process your application if you apply for benefits more than 4 months in advance.) You’ll have to create or sign into your My Social Security account as part of your appli­ cation. If you don’t have an account yet, this is a perfect time to create one. Just as import­ ant, this is where you will be able to check your application for benefits. Like our other online services, my Social Security is avail-' able on your time and there’s no waiting in line or on the phone. You can see your entire work history going back to your first job to make sure we have all of your wages correct­ ly tallied. Create or sign into your account at ■ socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Are you curious about how much your retirement benefits will be? You can get an idea of what your benefits will be using our Retirement Estimator at socialsecurity.gov/,’ estimator. Social Security provides services for mil-, lions of people, but we also want to make your experience with us as simple and easy as possible. Our many online services, including retiring online, are part of that mission. You can access more at socialsecurity.gov/onlineservices. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialistfor West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email at, vonda.vantil@ ssa.gov. GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 7, 2019 — Page 7 Joyce Marie Haywood Corrine Renna Lubbers Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD JONES Market outlook for 2019: Uncertainty is certain » HASTINGS, MI - Joyce Marie Haywood, ftge 91, of Hastings, passed away in her home February 1,2019, with her family by her side. ■ She was born to Philo and Francis (Lewis) ptis, June 17, 1927 in Hastings. Joyce gradu­ ated from Hastings High School in 1946. She Jvas married to Eugene Haywood on June 15, ;i 946 and took up the role of farm wife, help­ ing to grow the Haywood family farm. * Joyce was a phenomenal cook, and there Uere frequently extended family, friends and ^acquaintances at the dinner table. Their love of opening the family home included hosting ■not only extended family but also numerous ■exchange students and their families. Joyce and Gene loved to travel in their mo­ tor home. Retiring to St. Cloud, FL in 1978, they built and managed rental homes. Their retired summers were spent in Hastings or travelling. They returned to Hastings full­ time in 2010 to be closer to family. Through the years Joyce enjoyed sewing in her free time and developed a passion for quilting, lavishing the family with many beautiful quilts. Joyce knew the value of personal con­ nection and made family time and lifelong friendships a priority through visits and let­ ter writing which was a source of joy in their lives. That love of personal and family con­ nection has been passed on and evidenced, much to her joy, in the large family gatherings and celebrations throughout each year. Joyce was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Donald, Philo Jr., Roger and Paul. Joyce is survived by Eugene, her loving husband of 72 years, children, Larry and El­ len Haywood, Mary and Dan Javor, Barbara Haywood and Bill and Melia Haywood; 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Following her wishes, there will be a de­ layed joint internment with her beloved hus­ band and joint celebration of life at that time. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE February, the month of love, has Blind Date with a Book (prizes for teens and adults) and Love Your Community with Food for Fines Feb. 4 to March 2. Thursday, Feb. 7 - Barry County Baby Cafe, 10 a.m.-noon; Movie Memories watch­ es 1947 film starring Joan Caulfield, William Holden and Mona Freeman, 5-8 p.m. • Friday, Feb. 8 - preschool story time, 10:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 9 - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance counseling, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (call 269-945-0526 for appointment); Dungeons and Dragons, 10 a.m.-l p.m. Monday, Feb. 11 - Quilting Passions, 10 a.m.-l p.m.; Creative Haven Writing Group, 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 12 - toddler story time, 10:30-11 am; Great Decisions: Foreign Affairs Discussions, 1- 4 p.m.; chess club, 6-8; mahjong club, 5:30-8 p.m.; Novel Ideas Book Discussion, 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 13 - Friends of the Library, noon-2 p.m.; VITA tax counseling, 3-8 p.m. (call 269-945-0526 for appointment) More information about these and other events is available by calling the library. 269­ 945-4263. On January 4, 2019 Corrine Renna Lub­ bers, aged 29, was suddenly taken from us in Packwood, WA. Cori was an adventurous, free-spirited young woman who loved nature, and often foraged for mushrooms and herbs in the Cas­ cade Peaks. Her thirst for knowledge was endless. Her passion for learning led her to become an accomplished entrepreneur making healing salves and extracts. Her magnetic personality and uplifting nature affected everyone who knew her. She was loved by many and will be dearly missed. Cori is survived by her mother, Sondra Lubbers of Clarksville; her father, Scott (Sal­ ly) Lubbers of Dorr,; her brothers Lukes Lub­ bers and Alex Lubbers, grandparents, Duane Mcdiarmid, Renna DeJager (Adam Vair) and Geneva Lubbers and many aunts, uncles and cousins. A memorial service to celebrate Cori’s life will be held Saturday, Feb. 9, 2019 from 1 to 3 p.m. at The Legacy at Hastings, 1550 N. Broadway St, Hastings. There will be a eulo­ gy given at 1:15 p.m. If you have a photo of Cori that you would like to share, please bring it along to place on her memory board. You may also share pho­ tos and memories here. In lieu of flowers, please consider contrib­ uting to Paul Stamets’ mushroom research. Donations will be handled by Sondra Lub­ bers, and can be mailed to her at 135 Sun­ stone, Packwood, WA 98361 Trail group to meet Wednesday The Chief Noonday Chapter of the North Country National Scenic Trail will host its membership meeting Wednesday, Feb. 13. Members and the general public can learn about activities related to the North Country Trail, hiking events sponsored by local chap­ ter, and more. Rob Pearce, an interpretive speaker from the Sarett Nature Center in Benton Harbor, will share information. The meeting will be at Delton District Library, 330 N. Grove St. (M-43) across from Delton Kellogg Elementary School. (Entrance is through the door on the north side.) More information about the trial, local chapter and meeting can be obtained by call­ ing Jane Norton, 269-808-7334. Marriage jQcenses Jemaica Marie Smith, Nashville and Brandon Jay-Xavier Smith, Grand Rapids. Jacob George Foote, Middleville and Felipe Eduardo Salazar Sanchez, Grand Rapids. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads T COMMUNITY FORUM 1 The Community is invited to attend either of these forums to give input on the search for our next Superintendent. February 12th at 4:30 and February 19th at 6:30 p.m. in the Middle School Commons Area 232 West Grand Street Hastings, MI 49058 To say the financial markets were a bit bumpy in 2018 may be an understatement. The S&P 500 was down 6.2 percent for the year, the first time this key index fell since 2008, during the financial crisis. So what can you anticipate in 2019? And what investment moves should you make? Let’s review the causes for last year’s mar­ ket volatility. Generally speaking, uncertainty was a major culprit. Uncertainty about tariffs, uncertainty about the continued trade dispute with China, uncertainty about Brexit - they all combined to make the markets nervous. Furthermore, the Federal Reserve raised inter­ est rates four times, and even though rates remain low by historical standards, the increases caused some concern, as higher bor­ rowing costs can eventually crimp the growth prospects for businesses. And now that we’re into 2019, these same uncertainties remain, so markets are likely to remain volatile. Although the Fed has indicat­ ed it may be more cautious with regard to new rate hikes, there are indications of slower growth ahead, particularly in China, the world’s second-largest economy. And after strong 2018 earnings growth, helped by the corporate tax cuts, corporate earnings may grow more slowly - and, as always, earnings are a key driver of stock prices. Nonetheless, the U.S. economy is showing enough strength that a recession does not appear to be on the horizon, which is also likely to be the case globally - and that should be good news, because an extended “bear” market typically does need to be fueled by a recession. Ultimately, the project­ ed continued growth of the U.S. economy and the possible resolution of some uncertainties could help markets rebound. As investors, we cannot control the every­ day ups and downs in the markets, but we can control our decisions, look for opportunities and keep a long-term perspective within our investment portfolios. Consider these actions for 2019: • Be prepared for volatility. As men­ tioned, many of the same factors that led to the market upheavals of 2018 are still with us, along with the impact of the partial govern­ ment shutdown - so don’t be surprised to see continued volatility. The more you’re pre­ pared for market turbulence, the less startled you’ll be when it arrives. • • Stay diversified. At any given time, dif­ ferent financial assets may move in different directions: stocks up, bonds down, or vice versa. To help dilute risk and take advantage of different opportunities, you should main­ tain a broadly diversified portfolio containing stocks, international stocks, bonds, govern­ ment securities and so on. You may need to rebalance your portfolio to maintain an appro­ priate proportion of each asset class, based on your risk tolerance and long-term goals. Keep in mind, though, that while diversification can reduce the effects of volatility on your portfo­ lio, it can’t guarantee profits or protect against all losses. • Take a long-term perspective. It can be disconcerting to see several-hundred point drops in the stock market. But you can look past short-term events, especially if your most important financial target - a comfortable retirement - is still years or decades away. By keeping your focus on the long term, you can make investment decisions based on your objectives — not your emotions. If 2019 continues to be volatile, you’ll need to stay prepared and make the right moves - so you can be confident that you did everything you could to keep moving toward your financial goals. Th is article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. If you have any questions, contact Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. STOCKS The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. Apple Inc. AT&T Chemical Fin Chevron Deere & Co. Exxon Mobil Flowserve CP Ford Motor Co. General Electric Co. General Motors Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP Perrigo Co. Pfizer Inc. Spartannash Comp Stryker TCF Financial Corp. Walmart Inc. Walt Disney Co Whirl Pool Corp Gold Silver Dow Jones 174.68 29.63 45.07 119.48 164.21 75.59 44.71 8.75 10.63 39.30 186.39 132.88 59.14 107.22 46.83 42.11 21.53 179.35 22.55 95.60 112.66 135.47 +19.50 -1.07 -.09 +7.65 +3.73 +4.08 +1.83 -.01 +1.73 +.83 +6.70 +2.55 +.91 +4.28 +1.09 +1.34 +.33 +18.28 -.16 -1.11 +1.76 -1.02 $1,315.19 $15.82 25,412 +$3.37 +.01 +832 jfewbom babies Ryker Finch, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on January 14, 2019 to Kimberly Finch and Elijah Finch of Lansing. Spectrum Health Pennock on January 15, 2019 to Sheena Gibson and Melton Gibson of Hastings. Fionnlagh B. Godbey, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on January 14,2019 to Tarah Godbey and Erik Godbey of Nashville. Colter Andrew Eldred, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on January 15,2019 to Nikki Spurgeon and Matt Eldred of Nashville. Malakai Robert Vasquez, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on January 14, 2019 to Julia Swiler and Logan Vasquez of Mulliken. Eric Wayne Decker III, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on January 17, 2019 to Erin Elizabeth Hagy and Eric Wayne Decker Jr. of Plainwell. Melton Anthony James Gibson IIII, born at See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits K. A. MUELLER ACCOUNTING CANADIAN 4.5.6.7 night cruises on the St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers aboard the nostalgic replica steamboat CANADIAN EMPRESS Quebec City, Ottawa, Kingston departures...Call now to for your 2019 brochure ww.StLawrenceCruiseLines.com 1 -800-267-7868 253 Ontario St., Suite 200 Kingston, ON K7L 224 221 South Jefferson Street Hastings, Michigan (269) 945-3547 www.kamuelleraccounting.com neo mmo Invitation to Bid The County of Barry is accepting sealed bids for Carpet Replacement MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License #8110376 Office (269) 948-2248 & Insured Mobile (269) 838-5112 BOAT s2.00 OFF. DEVOS PLACE FEB 13-17,2019 Jbe Annual Celebration of the Boating Lifestyle! Over 400 Boats from 33 dealers with the best prizes of the year! Fishing Boats! Ski and Wake Surfing Boats! Lake Mizhigan Yazhts, Cruisers, Center Consoles, Trawlers! Pontoons from the Casual to the Luxurious! Antique & Classiz Boats! Beazh & Boatware Sale! Jubers Sale! Skis, Surf Boards and Vests! at the Barry County Friend of the Court. The closing date for the bid is February 22nd at 2 p.m. Bids shall be submitted to Barry County Buildings and Grounds, 220 W. State Street, Hastings, MI 49058. To obtain a copy of the invitation to bid, please visit our web site at barrycounty.org or call (269) 945-1293. Specific questions regarding the Invitation to Bid may be directed to Tim Neeb, Building and Grounds Supervisor at (269) 838-7084. 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Management reserves all rights. �Page 8 — Thursday, February 7, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Dylan Scott Burger, 25, of the Brooks Correction Facility in Muskegon, was found guilty of second-degree home invasion. He was sentenced by Barry County Judge Michael Schipper to two to 15 years in prison and ordered to pay $1,298 in fines and costs, which includes $500 in restitution. A concur­ rent sentence of boot camp was recommend­ ed. In this case, the court found that the pris­ oner owed $798, not including restitution, so it was ordered that the Department of Collections collect 50 percent of all funds over $50 a month received by Burger. When the sum of amounts collected exceeds $100, the corrections department will remit that amount to the court. Withdrawal from Burger’s trust account and remittance to the court will continue until the obligation is paid in full. Joshua Dawson, 30, of Nashville, was found guilty of failing to report an accident. Charges of operating a vehicle on a suspended license and possession of a controlled sub­ stance were dismissed. He was sentenced by Judge Amy McDowell to serve 86 days in jail and received credit for 86 days served. He was ordered to pay $125 in fines and costs. In a second case, Dawson was convicted of delivering a controlled substance and posses­ sion of a controlled substance. Maintaining a drug house and miscellaneous weapons charges were dismissed. He was sentenced by Judge McDowell to serve six months and six days in jail, after being credited for 86 days, He was ordered by pay $769 in fines and costs. Tyler Scott Farrah, 25, homeless, was found guilty by Judge McDowell of fleeing a police officer, third degree; and for possession of the controlled substance methamphet­ amine. Charges of possession of methamphet­ amine, operating a vehicle on a suspended license, malicious destruction of property and reckless driving were dismissed. He was ordered to serve six months and two days in jail after receiving credit for 182 days served. Farrah was ordered to pay $573 in fines and costs. He was instructed to receive substance abuse assessment and treatment as recom­ mended, with self-help group attendance four times a week. He must obtain a high school diploma or General Education Development equivalent. Joseph Arthur Finch, 34, of Kalamazoo, was found guilty by Judge McDowell of fail­ ing, to pay child support. He was ordered to serve eight days in jail with credit for eight days served, followed by 60 months of proba­ tion. He was ordered to pay $198 in fines and costs, with an addition of $100 on arrears and a probation fee of $600. Jacob Anthony Fulford, 20, of Nashville, was found guilty of assaulting a police officer and violating probation Aug. 8, 2018. Judge McDowell ordered that his probation and Holmes Youthful Trainee Act status be revoked, and Fulford was remanded to jail to serve 95 days, beginning Jan. 3. Jesse Aaron Goforth-Stevenson, 34, of Holland, was found guilty of larceny in a building and safe breaking as a third-time habitual offender. Another charge of safe breaking and a charge of larceny involving firearms were dismissed. He was sentenced by Judge McDowell to one to 10 years in prison with credit for 141 days. He was ordered to pay $5,050 in fines and costs, which includes restitution of $4,784. Toby McLeod, 42, of Portland, was found guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon and second-degree domestic violence. Charges of third-degree arson, arson in preparing to burn property, malicious destruction of property and operating without a license were dis­ missed. He was sentenced as a second-time habitual offender by Judge McDowell to serve 12 months in jail, with credit for 123 days served. He was ordered to pay $651 in fines and costs and serve 36 months of proba­ tion. Six months of jail time will be suspended upon successful completion of probation, with substance abuse assessment and treat­ ment as recommended with continued mental health treatment and self-help group three times a week. McLeod must be employed 30 hours per week within 30 days of release from jail and obtain a GED or high school diploma. Restitution must be submitted within 30 days and oversight fees of $720 were assessed. In a second case, McLeod was convicted of malicious destruction of property over $ 1,000 and being a second-time habitual offender. He was sentenced to six months in jail, with cred­ it for 121 days served. He was ordered to pay $523 in fines and costs. Steve Martin Patterson Jr., 40, of Hastings, was found guilty of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, and was sentenced by Judge McDowell to serve 90 days in jail, with credit for two days served. He was ordered to pay $523 in fines and costs. His driver’s license was suspended for 60 days and restricted for 305 days. In a second case, Patterson was found guilty of breaking and entering a building; a charge of malicious destruction of $200 or more was dismissed. He was sentenced to serve 12 months in jail with credit for one day served. He was ordered to pay $1,073 in fines and costs, which include restitution of $490. He was ordered to serve 36 months on proba­ tion, with oversight fees of $360. He was ordered to serve nine months in jail, and then be released to the Westside Residential Alternative to Prison program and to comply with all other terms of probation. Sean Allan Raymond, 36, of Delton, was found guilty of failing to pay child support. He was sentenced as a second-time offender by Judge McDowell to serve 11 months, with credit for 108 days, which resulted in seven months and 14 days in jail. Raymond was ordered to pay $483 in fines and costs and serve 60 months on probation. He also was ordered to pay probation oversight fees of $600 and comply with all terms of probation. Jamie Christina Reece, 39, of Shelbyville, was found guilty of possessing a controlled substance, methamphetamine. A charge of possession of marijuana was dismissed by Judge McDowell. Reece was sentenced to two days in jail, with credit for two days and ordered to pay $723 in fines and costs. Her driver’s license was suspended for 60 days and restricted for 305 days. Adam Patrick Roxbury, 39, of Hopkins, was found guilty of assaulting a police officer. A charge of operating a vehicle on a suspend­ ed license was dismissed. He was sentenced by Judge McDowell to serve 82 days in jail, with credit for 82 days. He was ordered to pay $423 in fines and costs. John Michael Ulrich, 52, of Hastings, was found guilty of unlawfully driving a motor vehicle and possession of a controlled sub­ stance. Charges of stealing a financial transac­ tion device and larceny of less than $200 were dismissed. Ulrich was sentenced as a fourth­ time habitual offender by Judge McDowell to serve concurrent prison terms of 72 to 240 months on the first count and 72 to 180 months on the second count, with credit for 114 days served in jail. He was ordered to pay $266 in fines and costs. Jack Anthony Wagner, 35, of Middleville, was found guilty of delivery/manufacture of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, and possession of firearms. Additional charges, including carrying a concealed weapon and operating without a license, were dismissed. Wagner was sentenced by Judge McDowell to prison for concurrent terms of 60 to 240 months on the first count and 12 to 60 months on the second count, with credit for 81 days served in jail. He was ordered to pay $266 in fines and costs. His sentence is concurrent with those in Eaton County. Eaton County prosecutor says police shooting was legally justified Taylor Owens Staff Writer The Jan. 11 incident in which a police offi­ cer shot and injured a 25-year-old Charlotte woman, who was pointing a handgun at another officer at the time, was deemed legal­ ly justified by the Eaton County prosecutor. “Based on my review of the facts and law, it is clear that Taylor Lahr presented an imme­ diate danger of great bodily harm or death to Sgt. Paul Brentar, and possibly others,” Eaton County Prosecutor Douglas Lloyd said. “Officer Jeremy Hafner acted properly in defense of his colleague when he shot Taylor Lahr.” Lahr, who sustained two injuries in the incident, was arraigned on two charges of first-degree home invasion, assault with intent to do great bodily harm, telephone communi­ cation interference and aggravated assault related to the incident in which she was shot by a Charlotte police officer, after allegedly pointing a gun at another officer. Lloyd reviewed the shooting of Lahr and released the findings of his investigation based on interviews with the officers, witness­ es and the officer’s body and dash cameras. The incident began at 4:15 p.m. Jan. 11 at 104 Fourth Street when officers were dis­ patched to the residence of Lahr’s mother, Jamie Curtis, after Curtis reported that she had been assaulted by Lahr. Curtis had a restraining order on Lahr for a previous assault, for which Lahr had been released from the Eaton County Jail on Jan. 7, police said. Lahr also is facing charges for assaulting a prison/jail employee and escape from jail during her time there in late 2018. When Sgt. Brentar arrived at the scene, Curtis had injuries on her arm and said Lahr had broken into the house through the base­ ment window. While Curtis was in the process of telling the officer that Lahr had a revolver, they heard a shot from within the house, the report said. Officers from the Charlotte Police Department, Michigan State Police and Eaton County Sheriff’s Office soon arrived and sur­ rounded the house. Over the next half hour, the officers saw movement inside the house, and neighbors were evacuated from their homes. Lahr brief­ ly stepped out of the front door at 4:56 p.m., and, when Brentar called out for Lahr to show her hands, she went back inside. Three minutes later, the car in the driveway was remotely unlocked and started. Lahr stepped out and walked toward the car, while pointing her gun in Brentar’s location, offi­ cers said. Brentar and Hafner both shouted for Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise ’’any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for rhe hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Business Services Fann BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Hard Maple, Cherry. Paying top dollar. Call for pricing and Free Estimates. Will buy single walnut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793 Seal 'N Heal®: liquid bandage seals wounds with bitter taste to stop gnawing & promote healing.. At Tractor Supply. (www.kennelvax.com) BELLS CONSTRUCTION-18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, home improvements. 269­ 320-3890. FOR HIRE: SEMI-RETIRED painter/handy person, equita­ ble rates. 616-902-5678. Wanted WANTED: A 9FT wide x 10ft tall insulated garage door. Call 269-838-7053. Slide-off leads to warrant arrest A 55-year-old Bellevue woman called police at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 1 after she slid off the road at the comer of Baseline and Wing roads in Assyria Township. The responding officer ran the woman’s name through the Law Enforcement Information Network and found she had a felony warrant out of Calhoun County for assault with a dangerous weapon, and she was arrested. Reckless driver had low blood sugar An officer was dispatched to Gun Lake and Yankee Springs roads in Yankee Springs Township for a reckless driver at 11 a.m. Feb. 3. An officer found the vehicle had pulled over, and the 68-year-old Lansing driver was disoriented and confused. When emergency medical personnel arrived, they determined the woman has diabetes and had a blood sugar level of 36. They stabilized her blood sugar and she was released. Woman arrested for assault with a knife An 18-year-old man called police at 11:23 p.m. Feb. 3 from the 800 block of Wintergreen Drive in Hastings, to say his mother had attempted to kill his father. The son told officers his parents had argued before he went to bed, and he woke up to a loud bang. When he went out of his room his father, 57, told him to call 911, because his mother, 51, tried to kill him. The son saw a knife lodged into the wall of the house. The officers saw multiple lacerations on the father’s arm, and the father said the mother threw the knife into the wall after attacking him. The mother was uncooperative during questioning and was arrested for felonious assault. j * • f _ Injured swan rescued A 28-year-old Sunfield woman called police at 7 p.m. Feb. 3 after she saw an injured swan walking near M-66 and Bridge Street just north of Nashville. The officer contacted wildlife rescue officials from Eaton Rapids, who removed the swan from the area. Woman arrested for OWE after crash A 22-year-old Battle Creek woman called police at 2:20 a.m. Feb. 2 after she slid off the road at the comer of Delton Road and Stoney Point Drive just west of Delton. The wornan’s vehicle had slid on a patch of ice into the ditch near icy water. The woman said she was unhurt, but told the officer she had had three drinks before driving. The officer used a rope to help the woman climb out of the ditch, and she was given blood-alcohol tests with results of 0.17,0.15 and 0.121. She was arrested. Empty semi rear-ends dump truck An officer was dispatched to the Speedway at the M-66 and M-43/M-50 intersection in Woodbury around 1 p.m. Jan. 29, after the 55-year-old driver of a Michigan Department of Transportation dump truck was rear-ended by a semi-truck in the parking lot. The driv­ er of the semi was inside the Speedway when the truck slid into the dump truck. No one was injured. . Two nurses assaulted by patient during care; A warrant was issued on a 31-year-old woman for assaulting two nurses of Spectrum Health Pennock at 2:40 a.m. Jan. 10. The woman, a resident of the Gun Lake area, was taken to the hospital by her boyfriend, age not given, for a drug overdose at 2:04 a.m. She ' was given Narcan, and woke up about a half hour later, when she kicked a 52-year-old female nurse, and punched a 25-year-old female nurse, both in the face. A nearby lab tech­ nician heard the commotion and ran in to help the nurses hold down the woman to be sedated. The boyfriend said the woman has bipolar outbursts during which she is often destructive. Hastings man arrested for OWI A Hastings police officer stopped a vehicle at 1:11 a.m. Jan. 27 in the parking lot behind Old Towne Tavern after noticing multiple traffic violations. The driver had an obstructed license plate, failed to signal a turn and failed to stop at a crosswalk. The 25-year-old Hastings man told the officer he had been drinking. A breath test was conducted, and the man had a result of 0.097 and later a 0.10. He was arrested for operating while intoxicated, ' \ 1 j No leads in case of missing mail A 66-year-old woman called police at 1 p.m. Jan. 26 to report mail stolen from her mailbox on East Point Drive in Barry Township. The woman said both she and her neigh­ bors had their mail stolen, and she informed the U.S. Postal Service. Both residences are . approximately a mile off the road, and the mailboxes sit at the mouth of the driveway at, ’ the road. The case is inactive following further leads. ,i LEGAL NOTICES Taylor Lahr of Charlotte Lahr to show her hands, but she did not com­ ply. Hafner fired six rounds at Lahr until she fell onto the front lawn. She was struck once in the back of her right shoulder and once in her upper leg. Immediately afterward, officers gave life-saving care to Lahr until EMS personnel arrived. The image quality from police body camer­ as too poor to see the gun in Lahr’s hand, but her hand was clearly pointed in Brentar’s direction, and the gun was seen on body cam­ era footage on the lawn next to Lahr immedi­ ately after the shooting. Brentar said he saw Lahr point the gun at him. Lahr remains in the Eaton County Jail pending a probable cause conference on Feb. 11, and a preliminary examination Feb. 15. Bond was set at $500,000. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Ronald L. Gibbs, a married person, to Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Inc., Mortgagee, dated July 1, 2003 and recorded July 28, 2003 in Instrument Number 1109587 Barry County Records, Michigan. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Thirty-Three Thousand Six Hundred Eighteen and 7/100 Dollars ($33,618.07), including interest at 5.5% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on MARCH 7, 2019. Said premises are located in the Township of Prairieville, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: Lot 20 of Supervisors Plat of Prairieville according to the recorded plat thereof, as Recorded in Liber 2 of Plats on Page 74Also the North 74.25 Feet of the West 165 feet of Lot 22 of Supervisors Plat of the Village of Prairieville, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 2 of Plats on Page 74. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: February 7, 2019 File No. 19-001314 Firm Name: Orlans PC (02-07)(02-28) 112743 NOTICE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE MORTGAGE SALE-Default has been made in the conditions of a Mortgage made by CHRISTOPHER B. WALKER AND SHANNON J. WALKER, husband and wife, Mortgagors, to FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF AMERICA, Mortgagee, dated November9,2004. and recorded November 17, 2004, in Instrument Number 1137316, of Barry County Records' Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed t<3 be due as of the date of this notice $72,386.49, including interest at 9.95% per annum. Under th.e power of sale contained in said mortgage, anu pursuant to the statutes of the State of Michigan, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will bi foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, dif some part of them, at public auction to the highest bidder, on Thursday, February 14,2019, at 1 o’clock in the afternoon, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan. Said premised are situated in Irving Township, Barry County; Michigan, and are described as: Beginning at the NW corner of the SE 1/4 of the SE 1/4 of Section 9. T4N, R9W; thence 26 2/3 rods East; thence South 12 rods; thence West 23 2/3 rods; thence North approximately 12 rods to the place of beginning/ Together with rights of ingress and egress over the' currently established road, except that part deedqd to the State of Michigan in Liber 246 on Page 589; c/k/a 6153 Cain Creek, Freeport, Ml 49325 The redemption period shall be six months from the date? of the sale, unless the premises are determined to be abandoned pursuant to MCLA 600.3241a, in whiati case the redemption period shall be one month, or, until the time to provide the notice required by MCL 600.3241 a(c) expires, whichever is later. Please be advised that if the mortgaged property is sold at a foreclosure sale by advertisement, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible tq the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale, or to the mortgage holder, for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: January 17, 2019 LeVasseur Dyer & Associates, PC Attorneys for Mortgagee P.O. Box 721400 Berkley, Ml 48072 (248) 236-1765 . (01-17)(02-07) 111665 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 7, 2019 — Page 9 in battle.” The label for a young man to be the first to die in the war or first to die abroad was applied frequently. As printed in last week’s Banner, Clarence Euper of Woodland, who was killed in action June 24, 1918, was reported as the first Barry County ‘boy’ to die on foreign soil, even though Harold Christie of Irving was killed in battle June 6. Jerome Angell, above, died even earlier in May 1918. Alvan Stanton of Cloverdale enlisted with the Canadian Mounted division and died of wounds received in battle in Belgium in April 1916, a year before the U.S. declared war on Germany. Even in the month of August 1918, Ernest Swan of Nashville was killed Aug. 7 and Reuben’s Paskill’s plane was shot down Aug. 12, before Miller died Aug. 29. Charles Dell Benaway, of Middleville, bom Sept. 12,1890, was working as a decora­ tor in Belvidere, Ill., when he was drafted. He had been married twice and had a son, George, who was 316 when Benaway reported to Camp Custer May 26, 1918. He also left behind his wife of less than a year, Anna Kaiser, 18. He was with Company A, 7^ Infantry and * Disease and battle killed local men in World War I, continued This headstone in West Flanders, Belgium, honors Alvan S. Stanton, a U.S. Army veteran who served with the Canadian cavalry and died before the U.S. joined in World War I. (Findagrave photo) Jerome Angell, a native of Assyria Township, was eager to leave his job at a paper mill and join the military. (Findagrave/Honor Roll of Kalamazoo County photo) Kathy Maurer .. Copy Editor A century after World War I, the Banner has continued share to letters and articles of the time and, when possible, highlight the stories of Barry County men who never returned. Continuing from last week, this column is an attempt to share a little about some of the 35 or so men with ties to Barry County who perished during the Great War. Much of the information is from records compiled by the local Daughters of the American Revolution chapter, which, when its collection was com­ pleted in 1922, reported 867 men serving in the war who at one time resided in Barry County. - Montford “Max,” the youngest of eight children bom to Reuben and Emma (Balcom) Baggerly, was born Sept. 22, 1894, in Bellevue or Hillsdale or Reading Township, Hillsdale County, depending on the record. The family moved frequently and was listed as residing in Allen, Carmel Township, Kalamo, Assyria, Bellevue, Reading Township, Assyria again and Hillsdale over the course of several decades. Max was working as a farm laborer for Lynn Shepard of Assyria when he registered for the draft in June 1917. He was a private with Battery A, lO^1 Field Artillery in Douglas, Ariz., at the time of his death, March 13, 1918, which was report­ ed in the March 21,1918, Banner. “Montford M. Baggerly, age 23 years, who was a resident nearly all of his life of Assyria Township, died last week of pneumo­ nia, following an attack of measles ... He enlisted last fall in an artillery regiment and was eager to see service abroad. The body was sent to the home of the young man’s father, Reuben Baggerly, who resides eight miles from Hillsdale. The funeral was held there Tuesday afternoon. “Baggerly was very popular in Assyria, where he had a wide acquaintance. His father moved to Hillsdale several years ago. Baggerly was the third Barry County soldier to die in the present war.” Jerome Angell was the youngest of nine children born to Mylan and Mary Ann (Welcher) Angell in Assyria Township in mid­ April 1892 or 1893. Both parents and three of his siblings had (lied by 1914. All of his remaining siblings were married before Angell reported to Fort Benjamin Harrison in Marion County, Ind., in April 1917. He had been working at the King paper mill in Kalamazoo when the U.S. joined the war. The July 4, 1918, Banner reported his death, which occurred May 28, 1918: Former Assyria Boy Killed in France Jerome Angell Meets Death While Battling for Freedom Against the Huns “The first casualty affecting Barry County among the American troops in France was the death of Jerome Angell, who did not enlist from this county, but who was born in Assyria. in action Aug. 29. “Charles Babcock, of Middleville, was notified Tuesday that his son, James Babcock, had been ‘missing in action’ since Aug. 3. No details were given, but the family learned that Lloyd Welton had written home that Babcock was in a hospital suffering from machine gun bullet wounds in the arm and leg. The letter was dated Aug. 29. “Both Miller and Babcock belonged to Co. M, 126^ Infantry. Miller was one of the Charles Benaway, originally of Middleville, left behind a 3-year-old son. (Findagrave photo) He was a brother of Mrs. Thos. [Nora] Coade, of Grand Rapids and a member of Company D, 28^ Infantry, and had been in France since last fall. In his last letter to his sister, he said, ‘Though I was turned down four times, I, at last, am to fight for my flag. May God help us to win.’ “He is survived by four sisters and one brother, William Angell, of Kalamazoo.” Jerome’s final hours were described in the 2015 book, “First Over There: The Attack on Cantigny, America’s First Battle of World War I” by Matthew J. Davenport. “Alone out in a shell crater with his rifle, Pvt. Jerome Angell had been providing cover­ ing fire for the company’s digging since arriv­ ing at the objective. Popping through one five-round clip after another, he sniped approaching Germans until a whiz-bang made a direct hit, killing him instantly. In his post­ humous Silver Star citation, he was credited with killing ‘seven of the enemy before he, himself, was killed.’” Angell also was mentioned in the 2010 book by James Carl Nelson “The Remains of Company D.” Along with others eager to join in the fight against Kaiser Wilhelm, Angell, according to Nelson, who, “was accepted by the army on his fifth stab at enlistment, his fifth try to get out of his drab job at a paper mill and into glorious khaki, would be there to die when Company D charged Cantigny.” Pvt. Alvan S. Stanton served with the Canadian cavalry and was dead nearly a year before the U.S. joined the war. He was the third child born to Morris and Ada (Horn) Stanton, of Cedar Creek, arriving April 7,1892. Stanton was a carpenter, or “general work­ man,” according to the DAR records, before heading north to enlist in Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, Feb. 15, 1915. Stanton, 23 at the time, was reportedly a U.S. Army veteran. Within weeks, he was headed overseas with the 2nd Canadian Mounted Rifles, 8^ Infantry, British Columbia Regiment. Stanton was shot during battle in Belgium and died of his wounds April 25, 1915. He was buried at Maple Copse Cemetery in West Flanders, Belgium. Leo Anthony Miller, born Dec. 7, 1896, was the eldest of 11 children of Otto and Mary (Humphrey) Miller of Thornapple Township. At the time of his death, he was the eldest of 10; the youngest child was bom two months after Miller died in late August 1918. He was bom in Berlin Township, Ionia County, but his family also lived in Kent and Barry counties. However, the local DAR did not have a record for Leo Miller. The Oct. 3,1918, Banner reported Miller’s death in a short article on the front page, head­ lined “Two Middleville Youths in the Casualty Lists” “Otto Miller, of Thornapple Township, was notified by the War Department Wednesday that his son Leo Miller was killed first Middleville boys to enlist.” That last sentence explains why no paper­ work on Miller can be found for the mandato­ ry June 1917 draft registration; Miller likely had already enlisted. But it does not explain why he was not in the DAR records. That sentence also may have been misconstrued when notice of Miller’s death was shared with other newspapers. The KzZe Expositor of Oct. 10,1918, listed his death in a collection of brief announce­ ments from across the state: “Otto Miller, of Thornapple Township, has been informed by the war department of the death in action Aug. 29 of his son Leo Miller of the 126^ Infantry. Miller, so far as is known, is the first Barry County soldier to fall was soon sent to Europe with the American Expeditionary Forces. Benaway was injured in battle and died at a base hospital Nov. 8, 1918, three days before the armistice was signed. He was bur­ ied in France and may later have been rein­ terred at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Middleville since his name is listed on a marker there near his parents, Dell and Oresta (Russell) Benaway. Benaway’s first wife, Harriet Satterlee, remarried twice and had a son, LeRoy McKinstrey “Mickey” Saunders, bom Nov. 11, 1920. Saunders served in World War II, was a Pearl Harbor survivor and was active veteran in Webberville until his death just three years ago, in January 2016. Like Benaway, Orville I. Stocken, bom Jan. 13, 1890, had remarried less than a year before he reported to Camp Custer the same day as Benaway: May 26, 1918. Stocken, however, would be part of the Polar Expedition sent to Russia. [See next week’s Banner for more about Stocken.] Sources: Hastings Banner, familysearch, org, findagrave.com, migenweb.org/barry, Google Books; Honor Roll of Kalamazoo County, Mich.; “First Over There: The Attack on Cantigny, America’s First Battle of World War I" by Matthew J. Davenport; “The Remains of Company D, ” James Carl Nelson; “The Romance of Company A: 3391^ Infantry ANRFF” by Dorthea ChroniclingAmerica .com. York; LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY ADVERTISEMENT THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, ANY INFORMATION WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. Default has occurred in the conditions of a Mortgage (the “Mortgage”) made by MISTY L. FRIDAY, a single woman, as Mortgagor(s), to Honor Credit Union (successor in interest to Post Community Credit Union by merger), as Mortgagee. The Mortgage is dated September 27, 2017 and was recorded October 27, 2017 as Instrument No. 2017-010854 of Barry County Records. The amount claimed to be due on said Mortgage and unpaid at the date of this Notice is THIRTY-FOUR THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED THIRTY-ONE AND 43/100 ($34,731.43) DOLLARS, including interest on the applicable indebtedness at the rate of 4.875% per annum. This sum will increase as additional interest, costs, expenses, and attorney fees accrue under the Mortgage and its related note and which are permitted under Michigan law after the date of this Notice. No legal or equitable proceedings have been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage, and the power of sale in the Mortgage has become operative by reason of the default. NOTICE is now given that on Thursday, March 7, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. at the place for holding the Circuit Court for the County of Barry, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the premises herein described, or some part of them, at public auction, to the highest bidder, for the purpose of satisfying the amount due and unpaid on the Mortgage, along with interest due, the legal costs and charges of sale as allowed by statute and/or the Mortgage, and any taxes and insurance that the Mortgagee pays on or prior to the date of said sale. The lands and premises mentioned and described in the Mortgage, as located in the Village of Nashville, County of Barry, and State of Michigan, are more particularly described as follows: Lot 4 and the South 10 feet of Lot 5 of ORSEMUS A. PHILLIPS ADDITION, according to the recorded plat thereof in Liber 1 of Plats, on Page 19; Address: 403 Washington Street, Nashville, Ml 49073; Tax Parcel No.: 08-52-180-004-00; together with all existing or' subsequently erected or affixed buildings, improvements, and fixtures; all easements, rights of way, streets, roads, alleys, and public places, privileges, and appurtenances, public or private, now or later used in connection with the premises; and all rights to make divisions of the land that are exempt from the platting requirements of all applicable land division or platting acts, as amended from time to time. Attention Purchasers: the foreclosing Mortgagee reserves the right to cancel the sale prior to sale or to rescind this sale at any time. In that event, your damages, if any, will be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at the sale, plus interest. If the mortgaged property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. The length of the redemption period will be six (6) months from date of sale, unless the property is determined to be abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of sale or as otherwise provided by statute. DATED: February 7, 2019 ANDREW W. BARNES (P70571) KOTZ SANGSTER WYSOCKI P.C. ATTORNEYS FOR HONOR CREDIT UNION 317 Center Street South Haven, Ml 49090 (269)591-6915 112533 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPT­ ING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PUR­ POSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILI­ TARY DUTY. ATTENTION PURCHASERS: If the sale is set aside, the purchaser may be entitled to only a re­ turn of the sale deposit less any applicable fees and costs and shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Default having been made in the terms and con­ ditions of a certain Mortgage made between SCOTT W. ESTEP, a single man, whose address is 7240 Jordan Road, Woodland, Michigan 48897, as Mort­ gagor, and MERCANTILE BANK OF MICHIGAN, assignee of ICNB Mortgage Company, LLC, a Mich­ igan banking corporation, whose address is 310 Leonard St. NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504, as Mortgagee, dated November 20, 2012, and record­ ed in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan on November 26, 2012, in Docu­ ment Number 2012-007459, upon which Mortgage is claimed to be due at the date of this notice the sum of SIXTY-SIX THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED NINETY-ONE AND 44/100 ($66,391.44) DOLLARS, and no suit or proceedings at law or equity having been instituted to recover the debt secured by said Mortgage, or any part thereof; NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the power of sale contained in said Mortgage, and pur­ suant to the statute of the State of Michigan in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that on February 21, 2019, at 1:00 p.m., said Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale at public auction to the highest bidder, at the Barry County Courthouse in the City of Hastings, County of Barry, Michigan (that being the building where the Circuit Court for the County of Barry is held) of the premises described in said Mortgage, or so much thereof as may be nec­ essary to pay the amount due of said Mortgage, with interest thereon at 3.125% per annum, and all legal costs, expenses and charges, including the attorney fees allowed by law, and also any sums which may be paid by the undersigned to protect its interest in the premises, which said premises are described as follows: Land situated in the Township of Woodland, County of Barry and State of Michigan, to-wit: The West 2 acres of the North 10 acres of the East 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4, Section 16, Town 4 North, Range 7 West. Commonly known as: 7240 Jordan Road, Wood­ land, Ml Parcel No.: 08-15-016-100-02 The redemption period shall be six (6) months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be thirty (30) days from the date of such sale. If the property described in this Notice is sold at the foreclosure sale referred to above, the Mortgag­ or will be held responsible to the purchaser who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the proper­ ty during the redemption period in accordance with MCLA 600.3278 or as otherwise provided by law. MERCANTILE BANK OF MICHIGAN Mortgagee Dated: January 17, 2019 TIMOTHY L. CURTISS, Esq. Braun Kendrick Finkbeiner P.L.C. 304 East Broadway, Suite 206 Mt. Pleasant, Michigan 48858 989/775-7404 111545 NOTICE FORECLOSURE NOTICE RANDALL S. MILLER & ASSOCIATES, P.C. MAY BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED MAY BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. IF YOU ARE A MILITARY SERVICEMEMBER ON ACTIVE DUTY NOW OR IN THE PRIOR TWELVE MONTHS, PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE. Mortgage Sale Default has been made in the conditions of a certain mortgage made by Theresa A. Sukup FKA Theresa A. Priest to Fifth Third Mortgage - Ml, LLC, Mortgagee, dated November 5, 2003, and recorded on November 12, 2003, as Document Number: 1117431, Barry County Records, said mortgage was assigned to Fifth Third Bank as successor by merger to Fifth Third Mortgage Company by an Assignment of Mortgage dated May 30, 2013 and recorded June 10, 2013 by Document Number: 2013-007443, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of SixtyThree Thousand Six Hundred Seventy-Five and 68/100 ($63,675.68) including interest at the rate of 3.00000% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venue, at the place of holding the Circuit Court in said Barry County, where the premises to be sold or some part of them are situated, at 01:00 PM on February 21,2019 Said premises are situated in the Township of Thornapple, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Parcel A: Beginning at a point of the north line of section 12, town 4 north, range 10 west, distant south 89 degrees 55 minutes 50 seconds west 1050.00 feet from the north quarter post of said section; thence south 00 degrees 16 minutes 27 seconds east 208.75 feet; thence south 89 degrees 55 minutes 50 seconds west 252.00 feet to the west line of the east half of the northwest quarter of said section 12, said west line also being the centerline of Moe Road; thence north 00 degrees 10 minutes 09 seconds west 208.75 feet along said west line to said north line of section 12; thence north 89 degrees 55 minutes 50 seconds east 252.00 feet along said north line to the place of beginning. Subject to easements for public highway purposes over the westerly 33 feet thereof for Moe Road and over the northerly 33 feet thereof for Parmalee Road. Commonly known as: 7645 W PARMALEE RD, MIDDLEVILLE, Ml 49333 If the property is eventually sold at foreclosure sale, the redemption period will be 12.00 months from the date of sale unless the property is abandoned or used for agricultural purposes. If the property is determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241 and/or 600.3241a, the redemption period will be 30 days from the date of sale, or 15 days after statutory notice, whichever is later. If the property is presumed to be used for agricultural purposes prior to the date of the foreclosure sale pursuant to MCL 600.3240, the redemption period is 1 year. Pursuant to MCL 600.3278, if the property is sold at a foreclosure sale, the borrower(s) will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. TO ALL PURCHASERS: The foreclosing mortgagee can rescind the sale. In that event, your damages are, if any, limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. Dated: January 24, 2019 Randall S. Miller & Associates, P.C. Attorneys for Fifth Third Bank as successor by merger to Fifth Third Mortgage Company 43252 Woodward Avenue, Suite 180, Bloomfield Hills, Ml 48302, (248) 335-9200 Case No. 18M100413-2 (01-24)(02-14) 112091 �Page 10 — Thursday, February 7, 2019 — The Hastings Banner B.C. Grapplers earn medals all around the state j Jace Acker (second place), Riley Furrow (first) and Ashtyn Denton (fourth) pose after top finishes for the Barry County Grapplers Association Sunday at the Vicksburg MYWAY Tournament. The Barry County Grapplers Association celebrates its sixth-place finish Saturday at the Caledonia Duals. Aden Armstrong (first place), Colten Denton (fourth), Keegan Sutfin (third), Logan Kerby (second), Thomas Cook (first) and Joey Furrow (first) are among the medalists from the Barry County Grapplers Association Sunday at the Vicksburg MYWAY Tournament. Jordan Humphrey from the Barry County Grapplers Association shows off his runner-up finish Sunday at the North GREIGHTS Tournament at Chippewa Hills. Austin Friddle (first place), Patton Boomer (second) and Luke Klinge (second) from the Barry County Grapplers Association show off their trophies after top two finishes Saturday at the Grand Valley State University MYWAY Tournament. ♦ /^Doctor Universe Barry County Grapplers Association wrestlers Tyler Gates and Carson Gates celebrate runner-up finishes at the Vicksburg MYWAY Tournament Sunday. Barry County Grapplers Association wrestler Cameron Humphrey shows off his hardware from a fourth place finish Sunday at the North GREIGHTS Tournament hosted by Chippewa Hills. Hot sludge Dr. Universe: How do volcanoes erupt? Miles, 10, Tampa, Fla. f ; „ „ ; , Dear Miles, Wherever we find a volcano on the sur­ face of our planet, we can find the source of an eruption beneath it. That’s what I found Out from my friend John Wolff, a volcanol­ ogist at Washington State University. Our planet is home to all kinds of volca­ noes that erupt in different ways. Some eruptions are quiet and continuous, with a slow flow of lava. Other volcanoes erupt explosively and can spew ash and lava hun­ dreds of feet up into the sky. All of this lava has its start underground in the form of magma. Wolff said scientists used to think there were large pools of hot liquid beneath vol­ canoes. Now we know it isn’t quite that simple. Magma is not really a liquid, but rather a kind of sludge or slurry. It helps to think of it kind of like honey. “If you put honey in the cupboard for a long time it will solidify,” Wolff said. “But if you set it ift a pan of hot water, you can return that honey to a more liquid state.” Wolff is very curious about volcanoes and told me about super volcanoes like the Yellowstone Caldera in Wyoming. The pools of magma under the Yellowstone super volcano are anywhere from three to 12 miles deep. When a volcanic eruption is about to happen, magma near the surface of the earth gets heated up by even hotter magma from below. The hot magma deep in the earth starts to melt the crystals in that magma above and the magma becomes more liquid-like. When this happens, the system is in a dangerous state, Wolff said. The volcano could erupt at any time. The eruption also has something to do with density. When we talk about density, we are talking about how tightly packed together the particles are in an object. For example, if you put an object in water and that object floats, the object is less dense than the water. Magma from the earth is actually lighter, or less dense, than the rock around it. As the magma starts to rise, bubbles of gas start to form inside the magma, and they can’t escape. That also makes pressure build up in the volcano and makes the magma rise even more, and eventually erupt. In fact, this pressure is one of the major differences between volcanoes on land and volcanos under the sea. Yep, there are also submarine volcanoes deep in the ocean. In fact, about 75 to 80 percent of volcanic eruptions on our planet occur underwater. Water pressure can prevent those gassy bubbles from forming in lava, so the explo­ sions under the sea aren’t quite as huge as eruptions on land. Because it is so dark on the ocean floor, it’s harder to see these eruptions. But whether at land or at sea, there’s likely some volcanic activity hap­ pening somewhere on our planet at this very moment. LEGAL NOTICES PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Special Meeting January 31, 2019 Supervisor Stoneburner called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. Present: Clerk DeVries, Treasurer Pence, Supervisor Stoneburner, Trustee VanNiman. Absent: Trustee Borden Agenda and Minutes were approved. Public comments, if any, were received. Awarded contractor for Gull Lake Boat Launch Approved change of pay date. Approved easement at Gull Lake Park Public comments and Board comments were received. Meeting adjourned at 10:19 a.m. Submitted by: Rod Goebel, Clerk Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. AT LEFT: Dakota Harmer from the Barry County Grapplers Association is happy about his championship Sunday at the Grand Valley State University MYWAY Tournament. Preston Humphrey (third) from the Barry County Grapplers Association cele­ brates a third-place finish Sunday at the GVSU MYWAY Tournament. 112586 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 18-28032-DE Estate of Willard Carl Randall. Date of birth: 06/10/1948. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Willard carl Randall, died 07/28/2018. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Josh Randall, personal representative or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 02/05/2019 Nathan E. Tagg P68994 202 South Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2900 Josh Randall 13712 S. M-37 Highway Battle Creek, Ml 49017 (269) 804-9844 112722 SYNOPSIS PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Regular Meeting January 9, 2019 Supervisor Stoneburner called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Present: Clerk DeVries, Treasurer Pence, Supervisor Stoneburner, Trustee VanNiman & Trustee Borden Agenda and Minutes were approved. Commissioner’s report was placed on file. Drain Commissioner reported on Crooked Lake water levels. Public comments, if any, were received. Fire, Police and Parks Department reports were placed on file. Supervisor, Treasurer, Trustees and Clerk’s Report’s were received. , Approved paying bills Approved resolution to establish township officer’s salaries Public comments and Board comments were received. Meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m. Submitted by: Rod Goebel, Clerk 112585 �■ • ' /,:-wl •। • Ji . The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 7, 2019 — Page 11 Vikes look to snap losing-streak Olivet holds on to GLAC lead by besting Lions J in Winterfest ballgame The Maple Valley varsity boys’ basketball team fell 80-53 at Olivet Tuesday in Greater Lansing Activities Conference action. The Eagles keep hold of the GLAC lead with a 7-1 record thanks to the victory. They sit a tick ahead of 6-2 Perry and 5-2 Leslie teams that also won Tuesday evening. Colton Graves was 10-of-14 from the floor and led the Eagles with 26 points in the win. He hit 6-of-7 threes and also added five steals and three assists. Olivet also got 11 points from Kaden Smith, and nine points and five assists from Cam Maurer. Payton Fleming chipped in eight points and Dylan Redfield seven and five rebounds. The Lions scored a 47-33 non-conferenCe win over Galesburg-Augusta last Friday. Maple Valley led just 12-7 at the half, and eventually pulled away with a 20-11 surge in the fourth quarter. Olivet girls score second win over Lions The Olivet varsity girls’ basketball team improved to 6-2 in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference with a 43-26 win at Maple Valley Tuesday. The Eagles got 12 points, five rebounds and three steals from Peyton Lehman in the win, which keeps them a game back of league leading Leslie. Danae Feldpausch added seven points and Ally Platzer and Regan TK boys go to foul line for first win since December Lakewood junior guard Jacob Elenbaas ;has a shot contested near the rim by ■■Pennfield sophomore guard Ryne Petersen during the third quarter Monday ■at Lakewood High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) i' ' « The Lakewood varsity boys’ basketball team dropped three tough ballgames in five (days coming out of last week’s polar vortex. The Vikings were bested 64-51 in a Greater Lansing Activities Conference contest at ■Perry Tuesday night, and Olivet clipped the .visiting Vikings 79-68 in GLAC play last Friday. In between, Lakewood fell 67-45 in a ^ion-conference ballgame with visiting Pennfield Monday. Lakewood is 1-7 in GLAC play heading into its Winterfest celebration with visiting Xansing Christian Friday. Lakewood’s lone conference victory came at Lansing Christian last month. The Vikings are currently 3-12 [overall this season. Brodie Crim hit two threes in the fourth quarter, scoring all nine of his points in the I period, to help the Ramblers pull away from [the Vikings Tuesday. Perry led just 47-43 at [the end of the third quarter before scoring the [double digit win. » The Ramblers hit nine three-pointers in the Xallgame. Barrett Hallock drilled three of ►those and finished with 15 points. Hunter Sanderson led the Ramblers with 20 points [and CJ King added 12. • Perry went on a 17-8 run in the fourth quar•ter, hitting three threes and going 7-of-9 at the ►free throw line. [ ■ Bryant Makley hit four threes of his own :and finished with a team-high 16 points for ■the Vikings, but had all four of those triples in ■the opening quarter. I Jacob Elenbaas contributed 15 points in the [loss and Denny Sauers had 11. [ The Vikings never found that third scorer in [their ballgame with Pennfield Monday. Lakewood junior guard Bryant Makley looks to flip up a shot as he is met by Pennfield sophomore center Derek Sackitt in the paint during the fourth quarter of Monday’s non-conference ballgame at Lakewood High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Makley led all-scorers with 21 points and Elenbaas had 20, but Sauers and John Behrenwald had Lakewood’s only other buck­ ets in the loss to the Panthers. Pennfield meanwhile had nine different players score and four guys with at least seven points. Sophomore guard Ryne Petersen led the Panthers with 17 points and freshman guard Luke Davis added 14 points. Another youngster, sophomore center Derek Sackitt had nine points and Pennfield also got 11 points from senior guard Kyle Liggett. Sackitt also made things tough around the rim on the other end for the Vikings. Pennfield led 31-21 at the half and a 14-2 run to start the second half put the game out of reach of the Vikings. Lake wood managed to chip the deficit down to 14 points late in the fourth quarter. Olivet built a 47-33 lead in the first half and led comfortably throughout the second half Friday night against the visiting Vikings. There were four Eagles in double figures, led by Nate Zona’s 20 points. Peyton Fleming and Colten Graves had 14 points apiece and Dylan Redfield added 12. Makley had 22 points for the Vikings, hit­ ting five three-pointers. The Vikings also got 17 points from Sauers and 14 from Elenbaas. Sauers got to the free throw line ten times, but was just 50-percent from there. The Vikings only shot 56 percent from the line as a team, hitting 14-of-25 attempts. Saxons score six medals at Interstate-8 tournament " Hastings put six guys on the medal stand and finished in a fifth-place tie in the overall Interstate-8 Athletic Conference varsity wres­ tling standings Saturday at the conference tournament hosted by Jackson Northwest. L Jonathan Giro’n was the lone Saxon to teach the championship round of the confer­ ence tournament, earning a runner-up finish. He pinned Northwest’s Noah Sussex late in the opening period of their quarterfinal match and then earned his spot in the final with a 10-5 win over Marshall’s Blain Wilson. ► Giro’n heads into the state postseason with [a record of 29-6 after being bested by [Coldwater’s Marshall Hoard in the 112-pound [championship match Saturday. Gabe Trick at 130 pounds, Tyler Dull at 152 pounds and Jackson Dubois at 215 pounds each placed third for Hastings. Teammates Donoven Melchert (189 pounds) and Andrew Miller (125) both placed fourth. Trick scored a 4-0 win over Parma Western’s Gavin Pluta in their match for third place, his second decision of the day over the Panthers’ 130-pounder. Dull scored his third pin of the day in the 152-pound consolation final, sticking Northwest’s Dominick Louagie 3:24 into their final match of the day. Dubois earned his third-place medal by pinning Harper Creek’s Gavin Morrison 3:11 into their consolation final. That was Dubois’ third pin of the tournament. Parma Western took the tournament cham­ pionship with 197 points, ahead of Coldwater 157.5, Harper Creek 141.5, Northwest 137.5, Marshall 95.5, Hastings 83, Lumen Christi 60 and Pennfield 32. Parma Western got individual titles from Lincoln Raczkowski at 103 pounds, Donovan Walters at 140, Seth Phebus at 152, Bode Brown at 189 and Landon Raczkowski at 215. Hastings is scheduled to travel to Middleville this evening for its Division 2 Team District Tournament with Thomapple Kellogg and Wayland. Those teams will head to Lowell Saturday for their Division 2 Individual District Tournament. i DK has three grapplers in top three at SAC tourney Ethan Reed was the lone Delton Kellogg wrestler to reach the championship round Saturday at the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship, hosted by Coloma. ; Reed pinned Watervliet’s Alex Isbrecht late in the third period of their semifinal match and then battled with Schoolcraft’s Gary Cramer well into the third period before Cramer caught Reed on his back in the 125pound championship match. DK is scheduled to go to Parchment tonight for its Division 3 Team District Tournament. Reed, who is now 28-12 on the season, was a state qualifier in 2017 and teammate Max Swift was one in 2018. The two will start their attempt to get back to the finals Saturday when the Panthers travel to Constantine for their Division 3 Individual District Tournament. Whitaker scored six points each for the guests. The Lions are now 0-6 in the GLAC. Outside of the conference, the Maple Valley girls scored a 36-27 win over visiting Galesburg-Augusta Friday. , The Lions travel to Leslie Friday, and then have home contests against Lansing Christian Tuesday, Stockbridge Wednesday and Perry Friday in the week ahead. . •> Schoolcraft beat out rival Constantine 162­ 149 to take the conference tournament cham­ pionship. Climax-Scotts/Martin placed third with 136.5 points, ahead of Coloma 134.5, Lawton 124, Watervliet 121, GalesburgAugusta 84, Delton Kellogg 76, Fennville 69 and Gobles 42. Swift was one of two third-place finishers for the Panthers Saturday, improving his record on the year to 34-8 with a 3-2 win in a tie-breaking round against Fennville’s Eric Hernandez in the match for third at 215 pounds. Swift was bested by Constantine’s Boe Eckman in their semifinal round match, and then rebounded for a quick pin of Galesburg-Augusta’s Tanner Osterling in the consolation semifinals. Nick Lawson also reached the 30-win pla­ teau for the Panthers Saturday, moving his record to 30-11 with a pin of Climax-Scotts/ Martin’s Luke Mobley in the third period of their 171-pound consolation final. Lawson was also bested by a Constantine wrestler in the semifinals, 13-9 by Isaac Hall. Lawson pinned Lawton’s Will Druckenbrodt in the opening period of their consolation semifinal match-up. DK also had Caden Ferris place fourth at 285 pounds, Deniol Jones fifth at 135 pounds and Tyler Antolovich fifth at 112 pounds. Schoolcraft took the title with champion­ ships from Caden Sukich at 112 pounds Gary Cramer at 125. Constantine got individual championships from Isaac Hall at 171 pounds and Eckman at 215. Lawton had three champions, Dylan Amm at 119 pounds, Nick Baldwin at 130 and Landyn VanWyk at 135. It was a long time coming. The Thomapple Kellogg varsity boys’ bas­ ketball team scored its first OK Gold Conference victory of the season, and its first win of any kind since a December victory over Hastings, at Wayland Union High School Tuesday. Senior point guard Isaiah Guenther poured in 29 points as the Trojans downed the host Wildcats 67-53. “It was a total team effort, from the guys on the floor who played with energy and tough­ ness to the guys on the bench who were full of enthusiasm and encouragement,” TK head coach Mike Rynearson said. The Trojans attacked the basket throughout the night, going to the free throw line 30 times. TK knocked down 22 of those 30 free throw attempts. Guenther was 16-of-19 him­ self. TK also got 12 points from sophomore Nolan Dahley and 11 from sophomore Cole Shoobridge. The Trojans built a 13-6 lead at the half and extended their edge to 29-18 going into the half. ' ' 7 TK is now 2-13 overall this season, and 1-7 in the OK Gold. It was the second meeting between the Trojans and the Wildcats this season. Wayland pulled out a two-point win in Middleville last month. TK started the second half of the confer­ ence season Friday at East Grand Rapids, falling 53-45 to the Pioneers who had defeat­ ed them by more than 20 points in their first match-up of the season. Grand Rapids Christian will visit TK Friday night and then the Trojans host Forest Hills Eastern Tuesday. DK/TK/Hastings wins a lol in tight dual with Union The Red Hawks took the sprints, but the Delton Kellogg/Thornapple Kellogg/Hastings varsity boys’ swimming and diving team won everything else to earn a 96-86 OK Rainbow Conference Tier II win Tuesday. The DK/TK/Hastings boys finished off the win over Grand Rapids Union in Hastings with the team of Gabe Neuman, Erik Zimmerman, Andrew Tuokkola and Alex Fabiano winning the 400-yard freestyle relay in 4:07.28 seconds. Grand Rapids Union had the second and third place teams in that relay, and the first and third fastest relay teams in the 200-yard freestyle relay. DK/TK/Hastings had two of the three scor­ ing relay teams to open the evening, with the team of Fabiano, Tuokkola, Braxton McKenna and Blake Harris winning the 200-yard med­ ley relay in 1:58.43 and the team of Neuman, Enno Visser, Samuel Randall and Ion Arnold third in that race with a time of 2:02.35. f(?* Union had Cameron Doane win the 50-yard freestyle in 25.12 seconds, and he also was a part of the Red Hawks’ winning 200 freestyle relay win. .7 DK/TK/Hastings won every other individ­ ual event though. > ■ Fabiano took the 200-yard individual med­ ley in 2:07.93 and inched within a quarter of a second of former teammate Bennett Fleer’s team record in the 100-yard breaststroke with a winning time of 1:06.75 Tuesday. - 7•_> Tuokkola won the 500-yard freestyle in 5:42.86 and the 200-yard freestyle in 2:07.62. Gram Price won the diving event for DK/ TK/Hastings with a score of 191 points. Randall took the 100-yard butterfly in 1:00.34 and the 100-yard backstroke in 1:10.19. Arnold won the 100-yard freestyle for DK/ TK/Hastings in 1:01.17. TK girls even Gold mark with win over Wildcats The Trojans made it two-for-two against Wayland Tuesday night. The Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ bas­ ketball team improved to 4-4 in the OK Gold Conference and 6-7 overall on the season with a 41-35 victory over visiting Wayland. TK built a five-point lead in the first quar­ ter and extended its edge to 22-15 at the half. Wayland hit back-to-back three-pointers at one point in the fourth quarter to get within three points before the Trojans sealed the win at the free throw line. Grand Rapids Christian visits TK for an OK Gold Conference ballgame Friday. The Eagles eked out an eight-point win over the Trojans when the two teams met in Grand Rapids last month. East Grand Rapids scored its second win over the TK ladies last Friday, keeping its conference record perfect with a 78-39 victo­ ry. ' The Pioneers ran out to a 26-9 lead in the first quarter and scored more than 20 points in each of the first three quarters. Paige VanStee led TK with 11 points, six rebounds and four steals in the defeat. Corrin Replogle added six points and Tyah Jefferson five for TK. Shylin Robirds and Carmen Beemer had six rebounds each. See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits • i �Page 12 — Thursday, February 7, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Saxons look for second win over Beavers Friday Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Hastings varsity boys’ basketball team hasn’t notched an Interstate-8 Athletic Conference division win since a visit from Harper Creek to Hastings High School in late December. The Saxons will go for their second win of the season over the Beavers Friday night in Battle Creek. Hastings has won just once since then, a 52-42 win at Comstock last month. Ionia and Charlotte scored non-conference wins over the Saxons to open this week, with the Bulldogs scoring a 7 2-46 win in Hastings Monday and the Orioles scoring a 54-50 win in Charlotte Tuesday. “Charlotte shot the lights out,” Hastings head coach Rich Long said. “They shot a ton of threes and played very well. We went into the half down a point, 19-18. We took the lead back a couple times in the third and battled back and forth and had a few different lead changes.” The Orioles stretched their lead to five or six in the fourth quarter, and the Saxons start­ ed to apply some full-court pressure. Hastings got back within two points before the Orioles closed out the four-point win at the free throw line. Kirby Beck and Cameron Ertner led the Saxon offense, and JP Saint Amour had ten offensive rebounds. “We didn’t play poorly, but Charlotte played well and it just didn’t work out for us,” Long said. “They played good defense. They were very physical with us. The game was an extremely physical game where there were very few fouls called in the paint,” Long added. “That threw us off a little bits. We like to pound the ball in the post and they were allowed to double-team without much conse­ quence as far as fouls.” Steven Dotts led the Orioles with 25 points and Justin Bates added 11. Ionia had a good night from behind the three-point line too against the Saxons Monday. Brady Swinehart and Nick Szymanski had 17 points each to lead the Bulldogs to their 12th consecutive victory. DeWitt did best the Bulldogs Tuesday evening, dropping them to 13-2 overall this season. Ionia hurt the Saxons by attacking the paint and kicking out for open threes, and Bulldogs bigs did what they needed to help their team by setting screens and knocking down shots inside when enough help didn’t go their way. Beck led the Saxons with 18 points in the loss and Ertner had ten. “It was as Monday night after a solid week of nothing. We were allowed to practice for a little on Friday, but even then we were trying to get ready for Lumen Christi that night,” Long said. . “It has been a bizarre week with all thesnow days and days out of practice and kids , out of shape. It is definitely different.” , Long said he was taking the pulse of where his team is mentally during film study Wednesday. “It has been tough. We have lost a lot of close games and the point of it was, we just ’ have a few little things to correct and we’re on ’ the winning end of all those games,” Long; said. He said the guys are still having fun play- s ing basketball though. They just need to be a step or two quicker on their rotations on the' defensive end, and that will make a big posi­ tive difference. • . I ■J . i DK ladies fall to someone other than Schoolcraft The Saxons’ Grayson Tebo gets a shot up in the post during the second half of the Saxons’ non-conference loss to visiting Ionia Monday evening. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Vikes hope to snap three-game skid Friday against Pilgrims Hastings’ Connor Parmenter flies through the lane between Bulldog defenders to get a shot up during his team’s non-conference loss to visiting Ionia Monday evening. (Photo by Perry Hardin) DK cheer keeps progressing as season winds down The Delton Kellogg varsity competitive cheer team closed out the Southern Michigan Competitive Cheer Conference season by placing fourth at the jamboree hosted by Schoolcraft Saturday. The DK girls put up theirs highest point total of the season for the third consecutive competition, hitting the 200-point mark in round one of the first time this season. The Panthers scored a 200.7 in round one, adding a 163.46 in round two and a 257.1 in round three for a total score of 621.26. Lawton took the day’s championship with an overall score of 678.76, ahead of Gobles 651.04 and Coloma 637.38. Hartford was fifth with a score of 588.40, followed by White Pigeon 568.20, Bloomingdale 558.00 and Schoolcraft 530.82. Lawton had the top score of the day in round one at 212.40 and in round three with a 301.60. The Blue Devils added a 186.76 in round two, a mark eclipsed only by the Gobles team that scored 192.14 points in that round. DK is back in action at the Caledonia Scotastic Invitational Friday and then will go to the Gull Lake Invitational to close out the regular season Feb. 11. The Lakewood varsity girls’ basketball team went into the polar vortex on a twogame winning streak, but dropped three straight ballgames coming out of the wintry weather. The Lakewood varsity girls’ basketball team fell to 2-6 in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference with a 39-28 loss to visiting Perry Tuesday. Olivet scored a 53-40 league win over the visiting Lakewood ladies Friday. In between the two conference con­ tests, the Vikings were bested 53-32 at Battle Creek Pennfield Monday. Lakewood returns to GLAC play Friday at home against Lansing Christian. “We did not play our sharpest game of the year, which I kind of expected given how this week went,” Lakewood head coach Marcus Urka said following Friday night’s loss at Olivet. “The snow kept us from having a sin­ gle practice as a whole team. Thursday we were able to get five girls to the school for a practice, but that was it. “We were rusty in a few areas. Defensively, I though we took a step back from where we were last Friday against Maple Valley. Had a few mental lapses, poor close outs, and allowed some critical second chance points. “We didn’t get out and run in transition like we are capable of. And our offense wasn’t smooth, but again, I kind of expected that.” Patsy Morris and Zari Kruger had ten points each to lead the Lakewood ladies. Anja Kelley added eight points. Gracen Zaremba led the Eagles with 11 points and Emily Sinclair chipped in ten points and eight rebounds. The Vikings are now 4-10 overall this sea­ son. Business cardsn&ws >ARDS COLOUR WE SPECIALIZE IN: Small/Large Format Banners • Letterhead ® On-Site Digital Printing • Business Cards - Brochures • Website Design • Posters ;i!U Flyers • Logo Design BOOKLETS • and much more! DESIGN LOGOS WEBSITE DESIGN online marketing CORPORATE IDENTITY LEAFLETS SHIP WITH US! COLOURDISPLAY BOARDS 1351 N M 43 Hwy. Hastings, Ml 49058 Phone (269) 945-9554 Delton Kellogg senior center Lexi Parsons puts a shot up over Hackett senior center Grace Gordon in the paint during the second half of their SAC Valley bailgame at Delton Kellogg High School Friday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Brett Bremer Sports Editor It was a dozen-point difference in favor of the Panthers when the Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ basketball team visited Kalamazoo Christian last month. The Comets more than returned the favor Tuesday in Delton. Kalamazoo Christian dropped the Delton Kellogg girls to 6-3 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division with a 50-32 win over its host. “Everything that we have done well so far this season, we did not on Tuesday night,” Delton Kellogg head coach Mike Mohn said. The Comets are the first team other than Schoolcraft to defeat the Delton Kellogg girls all season long. DK is now 9-3 overall. “We turned the ball over too many times, played very little D and did not box out,” Mohn said. “K-Christian outhustled us throughout the entire game and the end results were pretty telling.” Lexi Parsons led DK with 12 points and 12 rebounds. Erin Kapteyn added eight points. “Just an absolute struggle from the very start. Told the girls after the game that we really need to do some soul searching and recommit to doing things that got us to nine wins to start with,” Mohn said. “Nothing will be easy from this point on and we need to get back to working hard.” DK returns to SAC Valley action at Constantine Friday. “We really need to put it together to get the good vibes back with us,” Mohn said. Things were going all right last Friday as the DK girls scored a 48-38 win over SAC Valley foe Hackett Catholic Prep in Delton. Parsons had 20 points and Holly McManus 11 in the win. Parsons added six rebounds and freshman teammate Mary Whitmore led the way with seven rebounds. McManus added seven steals and five assists. Delton Kellogg junior Abbie Bever fires up a jump shot from the corner during her team’s SAC Valley victory over Hackett Catholic Prep Friday in Delton. (Photo by Perry Hardin) �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 7, 2019 — Page 13 Park on ice Area residents work up to ice-coated every­ thing Wednesday morning, after snow and sleet turned to freezing rain. More than half an inch of precipitation fell, including two-tenths of an inch of snow that initially coated the ground. Streets, vehicles, buildings, sidewalks and more were coated with ice, including play­ ground equipment at Tangletown and Bob King Park in Hastings. Most of it should be gone by the time the Banner is in readers’ hands. Weather forecasters are calling for a high of 51 degrees today, before another drop in tem­ perature overnight. This ship at Bob King Park in Hastings doesn’t sail, but its wheelhouse, bridge, gunwales and every other part are coated with ice, as if splashed by waves. HHS girls bested by Bulldogs and Orioles Youngsters zip along these triangular rings at Hastings’ Tangletown in warmer weather. But the ice-covered pieces hang motionless Wednesday morning. AT RIGHT: Tiny icicles extend like teeth from the mouth of the purple dinosaur figure at the children’s playground at Bob King Park in Hastings. (Photos by Kathy Maurer) Hackett and Christian knock off DK boys in SAC Valley ballgames Kalamazoo Christian and Hackett Catholic Prep scored back-to-back wins over the Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ basketball team in the past week in Delton. The Comets scored a 76-61 win over the Panthers Tuesday, dropping Delton Kellogg to 2-7 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division. Hackett Catholic Prep scored its second win of the season over the Delton Kellogg boys Friday, 94-69. Owen Koch and Carter Howland had ten points apiece for the Panthers and Payton Warner added nine, Cole Pape nine and Mats VanKleef eight. Warner knocked down three threes for his nine points. VanKleef, Riley Roblyer, Howland and Warner had four rebounds each. Cameron Howland had a team-high six assists, and Cameron Curcuro added five. DK returns to action Friday at Constantine. The Falcons pulled out a close ballgame in Delton when the two teams met back in December. Hastings guard Megan Deal is bumped off her path to the basket by a Charlotte defender during their non-conference bailgame in Hastings Tuesday evening. (Photo by Perry Hardin) A couple tough non-conference foes scored victories of the Hastings varsity girls’ basketball team to open the week. Charlotte scored a 67-23 win over the Saxons to improve to 11-3 on the season Tuesday. Ashley Beck had 19 points and eight rebounds to lead the Orioles, and also got 14 points apiece from Ashley Friar and Carly Sheblo. The Ionia Bulldogs bested the visiting Saxons 49-30 Monday evening. Taylor Kirby led the Bulldogs with 28 points. The Hastings girls return to Interstate-8 Athletic Conference action at Harper Creek Friday. The Saxons’ Josey Nickels puts up a free throw during her team’s non­ conference loss to visiting Charlotte Tuesday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg senior guard Riley Roblyer flies through the paint to get a shot off during his team's SAC Valley defeat against visiting Hackett Catholic Prep Friday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg’s Mats VanKleef gets a shot off in the lane during the Panthers' SAC Valley contest against visiting Hackett Catholic Prep Friday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) �Page 14 — Thursday, February 7, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Vikes take GLAC again, on to postseason Lakewood junior Jon Clack closes in on a pin of Leslie’s Ben Smieska during the opening period of their 215-pound champion­ ship match Friday at the GLAC Tournament hosted by the Vikings. (Photo by Brett Bremer) GLAC 119-pound champion Jesse Brumm from Maple Valley stands between Leslie’s Cannon Risner (left) and Lakewood’s Gabe Cappon on the podium at the end of the 2019 GLAC Championship Tournament Friday afternoon at Lakewood High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Greater Lansing Activities Conference’s two returning state medalists appeared primed for the postseason while winning champion­ ships Friday at the GLAC Championship hosted by Lakewood High School. Lakewood junior Jon Clack, who was fourth in the state in Division 3 at 171 pounds as a sophomore, scored a quick pin of Leslie’s Ben Smieska in the 215-pound championship Friday. Maple Valley sophomore Jesse Brumm, who was the state runner-up at 112 pounds in Division 4 a year ago, scored a technical fall of Lakewood’s Gabe Cappon in his 119pound semifinal Friday and then pinned Leslie’s Cannon Risner midway through the third period of their championship match. Both Clack and Brumm were conference champions a year ago in addition to being state medalists. And both guys are up a weight class this season. Clack, came into the season ready to wres­ tle at 189 pounds and has been competing at 215 much of the season because that is where the Lakewood line-up needs him most. “I gained a little bit of weight, which came with a lot of strength,” Clack said. “I lifted all summer, which ended up paying off. I went up from 171 to 189 and usually I wrestle 215 for the team. That is a big jump, but I have still been able to keep my strength and wrestle well there. “At 215 everybody is a little bigger, slower, stronger. 171s are fast. They get in shots. It is a hard wrestling six minutes. At 215, I can pace myself and get the win. Clack’s win Friday helped the Viking team to its fifth Greater Lansing Activities Conference championship in five seasons. Winning eight individual conference champi­ onships, the Vikings outscored runner-up Leslie 221.5 to 179 Friday. Maple Valley beat out Olivet 85.5 to 85 for third place, ahead of Perry 79 and Stockbridge 23.5. “Most teams they sit off to the side and kind of stay quiet. We’re all stepping up to the side,” Clack said. “We’re all coaching. We just beat St. Johns last week ranked number 8 in D2 and now we’re looking forward to the state finals.” The Vikings’ Jordan Mclllwain (125 pounds), Lance Childs (152), Vem Fields (160), Allen Shellington (189), Grant Clarkson (285) and Zac Gibson (103) and Kanon Atwell (112) all earned individual conference cham­ pionships. The conference’s other six titles went to Leslie’s Lucas Mooney (130 pounds), Gabe Weber (135) and Grant Weber (140), Perry’s Darien Artis (171) and Tanner Orweller (145) and Maple Valley’s Brumm. Brumm has found the competition a bit tougher at 119 pounds than in the 112-pound weight class he wrestled in a year ago. He was bested by Mona Shores’ Antony Gaiser at the first tournament of this season, but hasn’t lost since. Brumm said growing confidence is the big­ gest thing for him heading into his second varsity postseason. “I have experience underneath my belt now. I’m kind of used to all the lights and stuff now,” he said. He has been working to improve technical­ ly as well, and said he really focused this season on keeping opponents down when he’s in the top position and improving on his shots. Brumm and Clack aren’t the only ones looking forward to a successful postseason. Atwell was excited to win his first confer­ ence championship, as a junior after losing out to Brumm in the finals of the GLAC Tournament a year ago. Atwell spent less than two minutes on the mat Friday, pinning Leslie’s Jake Montgomery and then Perry’s Jacob Orweller for the 112-pound champion- Lakewood heavyweight Grant Clarkson rolls Leslie’s Joe Corts onto his back during the second period of their 285-pound championship match Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) ship. Atwell said he spent the summer focusing on his unusual left-handed technique and improving his shooting abilities while have a successful run at big tournaments in Virginia Beach, Rhode Island and Madison, Ohio. While the Vikings have won a conference title in each of Atwell’s three varsity seasons, he said this season’s feels a bit different. He sees the same team chemistry growing that Clack does. “It is awesome. We have a lot of team unity this year, which we have never had,” Atwell said. “Our team has always been kind of split up and we come together for wrestling tourna­ ments. This team is actually always all togeth­ er. It is awesome. “(Coach Tony) Harmer basically forced it and then everybody was like okay. (Harmer) talked about how if we’re all a team that means we’re all on the mat side cheering. That gives you confidence.” Atwell is pretty confident about his chances in the upcoming individual state tournament. Like Clack and Brumm, he sees finishing on the top step of the state medal stand at Ford Field as a real possibility. In the only match-up of two returning state qualifiers at the GLAC Tournament, Perry’s Tanner Orweller bested the Vikings’ Garrett Stank 16-3 in the 145-pound championship. Lakewood also got a runner-up finish from Gabe Harkey at 130 pounds, and third place performances from Gabe Cappon at 119, Keegan VanAlstine at 135 and Nathaniel Graham 140. Maple Valley got runner-up finishes Friday from Konnor Visger at 125 pounds, Anthony Raymond at 160, Nick Martin at 189, Mathew Slaght at 103 and a third-place finish from Aaron Breton at 112 pounds. “Our guys are wrestling better, a lot better,” Maple Valley head coach Tony Wawiernia said. “It has been fun. They have been working hard in the wrestling room.” Maple Valley was scheduled to host Saranac for a Division 4 District FinaMast nightr Lakewood is slated to giTfo'tansing Sextoff today (Feb. 7) to face Sexton in a Division 3* District Semifinal, with the winner advancing to face Portland in the district finals. The quest for individual state medals begins with individual district tournaments across the state Saturday. Lakewood heads to Alma for its Division 3 tournament while the Maple Valley grapplers go to Ravenna for their D4* competition. Counties face lawsuit over foreclosure sales Rebecca Pierce Editor Nearly all counties in Michigan are being sued over current foreclosure practices that allow the counties to keep any profits from sales. Barry County was served Monday with the lawsuit, Treasurer Susan VandeCar said. Deputy County Administrator Luella Dennison said the suit has been forwarded to the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority, which will assign legal representa­ tion on the county’s behalf. Barry County is one of 80 counties facing suit over the foreclosure process which, under state law, allows county treasurers to pocket the full sale price - even if it exceeds the amount of the debt owed - when it sells fore­ closed real estate. Michigan Information and Research Service Inc. reported that Hemlock attorney Philip Ellison filed nine separate lawsuits each representing multiple counties in specif­ ic geographic areas. The suit is asking the court to rule as unconstitutional a state law allowing counties to pocket proceeds above taxes owed from the sale of foreclosed homes and properties. “The constitution prohibits the taking of private property,” Ellison told MIRS represen­ tatives. “They had to know the constitution doesn’t allow that law to be in place, but because they make a lot of money over the last 10 to 15 years, they did it to the detriment of their neighbors. “These are county treasurers who are doing this to their citizens,” Ellison added. “They are supposed to be serving. That’s the part that troubles me the most.” VandeCar told the Banner she had no com­ ment on the lawsuit. In Berrien County, officials say the county loses money on three out of four foreclosures. They said the county uses the money collect- — “Some counties have, unfortunately, treated this as an alternative revenue stream to supplement their budgets.” Philip Ellison, Hemlock attorney | ed from the annual land auction of foreclosed properties to demolish blighted structures in the area. In a letter to the editor in today’s Banner, Eaton County Treasurer Bob Robinson said, “The burden of those who default on property taxes should not shift onto the backs of those who meet their responsibilities. “Foreclosure is a tragedy. I hate foreclosing properties. However, under the law and on my watch, we will not socialize the losses on tax-foreclosed properties by making good taxpayers pay for bad tax debts.” Other county treasurers contacted by MIRS said they work with homeowners in their areas to offer alternatives, such as a payment plan, to address delinquent taxes. They deny that counties profit from foreclosure sales. In the lawsuit Ellison filed in Tuscola County against six counties, the plaintiff, Delores Proctor owed $6,800 in past-due tax plus interest, fees and penalties on her Kingston property. The real estate had an esti­ mated fair market value of $408,800, the suit alleges. Tuscola County took possession of the property and sold it for $104,000 - keeping the $97 (200 difference between the sale price and delinquent tax owed, the suit claims. “Some counties have, unfortunately, treated this as an alternative revenue stream to sup­ plement their budgets,” Ellison said. MIRS interviewed John Gleason, a former state senator and current Genesee County clerk/register of deeds, who said he sides with the homeowners, maintaining that they should “get some financial benefit” from proceeds the county receives when it sells a foreclosed home or property - but only after the county has recouped the original debt, plus adminis­ trative costs. “The government shouldn’t prosper off someone’s bad luck,” Gleason said. Volunteer Center selling balloon bouquets The Barry County United Way and Volunteer Center’s “Have a Heart” balloon sale is under way, and pre-orders are being accepted for Valentine’s Day. . Pre-orders can be made by calling Barry County United Way, 269-945-4010. Balloon pick-up will be from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 14, at State Grounds Coffee House, 108 E. State St., Hastings. Balloons also will be available for purchase at the coffee shop. The valentine-themed balloons, weighted with small bags of freshly baked cookies and coupons from local businesses, sell for $5 each. Delivery within Barry County is avail­ able on orders of $50 or more. The annual campaign is the only fundraiser specifically to benefit the Volunteer Center endowment fund. Proceeds are used through­ out the year to promote volunteerism within the county through events and programs. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-02-14.pdf aff0201cf06cf3c366c828f275e639dc PDF Text Text New superintendent News must look Saxons make most of criteria is high priority beyond emotion second chance at TK See Story on Page 3 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 20 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 804879110187 1070490102590507826449058113421 Rirhar- u CAR'RT LOT C °05 C005 Richar Hemerling 421 N Taffee Dr Hastings Ml 49058-1134 3/30/2019 2:36:00 PM 1 irikj i m VOLUME 166, No. 7 NEWS BRIEFS COA hosting jamboree Saturday The Michigan Fiddlers Association will return to the Barry County Commission on Aging Saturday, Feb. 16, for a day of music, food and dancing. The event is open to musicians and anyone who enjoys music. Visitors can drop in for an hour or two or stay the entire day. Fiddlers will be playing from 1 to 4 p.m. The microphone will be open to anyone from 4 to 5:30. A dinner break from 5 to 6 will be fol­ lowed by square dancing from 6 to 7:30 p.m. There will be plenty of music and danc­ ing, fiddler Ken Moore said, including fiddles, guitars, mandolins, dulcimers, bass fiddles, piano and more. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase throughout the day, and pizza will be ready at 4 p.m., courtesy of the Michigan Fiddlers Association. “We’ll try to offer food and beverage to fit every taste,” Moore said. Admission to the jamboree is free of charge, but freewill offerings are appreci­ ated. Proceeds at the door are Split 50/50 by the MFA and the COA. The Commission on Aging is at 320 W. Woodlawn Avenue, Hastings. For more information, or in case of pos­ sible cancellation due to weather condi­ tions, Judy Moore may be contacted by calling 269-795-3143. ' Weather causing blood shortages ANNER Thursday, February 14, 2019 Governor says Michigan roads are the worst Banner readers weigh in with local picks Rebecca Pierce Editor Michigan has the nation’s worst roads, according to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in her first State of the State address Monday. The problem is so bad it has become what she calls “an infrastructure crisis.” It’s dangerous, the governor said: “Right now, we have crumbling bridges with hun­ dreds of temporary supports holding them up,” she said. And it’s expensive: The repairs to vehicles damaged by the bad roads cost the average motorist $562 a year, she said. Whitmer likely won’t find disagreement locally. On Feb. 7, The Hastings Banner asked readers on Facebook: “In your opinion, what paved road is in the poorest condition in Barry County?” That question struck a nerve because, with­ in seconds, people were posting the roads to avoid and offering feedback to others who made suggestions. As far as the unofficial results of this unsci­ entific poll: Woodlawn got the most mentions. Here’s what readers wrote: Amanda Wilson: “Woodlawn, for sure!” Matthew Schilz: “Barger2 Road, between Center Road and Thornapple Lake Road.” Kirt Petersen: “Dirt part of Bachman Road, in the city limits.” Tom Peck: “Yeah, I do not think there is any contest here. 1 have literally lost bumpers in those holes. And curled up in them.” Theron Barlow: “Woodlawn Avenue, toward the end going toward Barber Readjust before the city limit ends. Also North Michigan Avenue - the part they didn’t just redo.” “We can only pick one?” Eric Byinton asked. Then Ashley Jean-Marie Gillons posted, “Uhm. All of them? Joan Heffelbower agreed that Woodlawn Avenue, east of Bachman to the city limits, was her pick for the road in the worst condi­ tion. But Stacey Howell chose Wilson Street by Northeastern Elementary. PaulaMarie Brown was emphatic about Woodlawn, right past Bachman. “Every year for six years now! Horrible many times through the year!” Tammy Hake said Woodlawn from Bachman to the top of the hill by the satellite dish is in the poorest condition. But Don Dennie suggested Cogswell, south of Center Road, and Shellie Jean agreed, hav­ ing “lived off Cogswell for almost 25 years, and I couldn’t even give an estimate on the amount of $$$ that has gone into vehicle repairs because of the road conditions.” Theron Barlow weighed in again, “Hastings roads have cost me six vehicles.” Tiffany Sibley-Randall said, “Woodlawn and Barber, plus the dirt part of Bachman. They should just pave it since all the new fancy houses are up. Then North Street needs to be redone when all the buildings are built.” Dorothy Austift Hill picked North, Michigan Avenue, north of the redo. Kami Renee added her vote for Woodlawn by Bachman. Bonnie Sue picked Wing Road and the dirt part of Buehler. “So much for tie rods, or a straight front-end,” she wrote, concluding her comment with a sad face. Then Amanda Wilson said, ‘‘Woodlawn for sure!” The American Red Cross has issued an appeal for blood donors since weather conditions have taken a toll on blood dona­ tions. Power outages, business and school closings, and even the federal government shutdown forced the cancellation of blood drives across the country. Donors living in unaffected areas are especially key right now, according to Red Cross officials. Those safely able to get to a donation center or blood drive are encouraged to donate. Type A positive blood is especially short right now, and blood for pediatric cancer patients, car accident victims, children with chronic illnesses and elderly patients undergoing surgery is in need. Area blood drives coming up include: -Feb. 18 — St. Ambrose Church, 11149 Floria Road, Delton, 11 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. - Feb. 27 — Maple Valley High School, 11090 Nashville Highway, Nashville, 8 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. Donors also may make appointments in advance by calling redcrossblood.org. Anyone who is at least 18 years old, weighs a minimum of 110 pounds, is in fairly good health and has not donated blood in the past 56 days is eligible. Community breakfast will feature health center Dawn Keller, site manager of the Cherry Health Barry Community Health Center, will be the featured speaker at the next Community Breakfast at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, in the Barry Community Enrichment Center, Leason Sharpe Hall, 231 S. Broadway St. in Hastings. The health clinic is in the lower level of the Ace Hardware building and offers comprehensive medical and dental' care and services. The Community Breakfast is sponsored by the Family Support Center of Barry County, Court Appointed Special Advocated, DHHS Foster Care and Barry County Great Start Collaborative-BISD. Those who plan to attend are asked to See NEWS BRIEFS, page 2 PRICE 750 Grand opening of performing arts center packs the place Joan Van Houten Staff Writer The 900-seat Hastings Area School System Performing Arts Center commanded a full house Sunday for its grand opening as people flocked to hear the performances and see the new facility. The first performances in the arts center were presented by seventh and eighth grade bands, the high school concert band, the high school symphonic band, the sixth, seventh and eighth grade choirs, the select women's ensemble, men’s glee club, beginning wom­ en’s ensemble and the varsity singers. Speakers at the unveiling included school board President Luke Haywood, board mem­ ber Louis Wierenga, Superintendent Carrie Duits and Band Director Spencer White. The center’s new managing director, Michael Sali, was introduced. Haywood, Wierenga and White praised Duits for being the driving force behind the concept of a performing arts center who made it a reality for the community. Duits fought to give the students and com­ munity something they can be proud of and should be commended and recognized for what has been accomplished, White said. See OPENING, page 2 Girrbach Funeral Home transitions to new ownership Technology teacher Kristen Laubaugh instructs Ella Ferguson, sixth-grader at St. Rose, on the ins-and-outs of protecting, accessing and properly closing computer programs. School uses technology to combat snow day slump Joan Van Houten Staff Writer “Parents and teachers are frustrated with the loss of school days due to inclement weather,” Lori Pearson, principal of St. Rose of Lima in Hastings, said. “It creates a disrup­ tion in student learning, particularly with multiple closings in a row.” In recent weeks, freezing rain, high winds, heavy snow and frigid cold have periodically caused days of consecutive closings at schools in Barry County - 12 for St. Rose, which has 69 children from pre-kindergarten to sixth grade. To combat loss of classroom time, St. Rose, along with most schools in the Diocese of Kalamazoo, has embraced a new approach of offering online assignments to engage stu­ dents in learning on a snow day. Teachers are using their classroom webpag­ es to upload video clips, Khan Academy les­ sons, practice drills, and other online resourc­ es to create instructions that complement classroom work. Students are expected to complete the les­ See TECHNOLOGY, page 2 Former Girrbach Funeral Home owner Ray Girrbach (from left), with his wife Deb Girrbach, and new owners Sandra and Dale Billingsley. (Photo by Taylor Owens.) Taylor Owens Staff Writer After 126 years of operation and 53 years of family ownership, the Girrbach Funeral Home is passing from one family to another. Ray and Deb Girrbach sold the funeral home to Dale and Sandra Billingsley on Jan. 7, and both families are working together to make the transition as seamless for the com­ munity as possible. “We’re not just going to walk out the door and say, ‘See you later,’ ” Ray Girrbach said. So, for the time being, Ray and Deb are con­ tinuing to work at the funeral home to aid and mentor Dale and Sandra. “We’re going to be in the business as much as needed,” Girrbach said. They began to consider retirement about five years ago. Their three children all had See TRANSITIONS, page 2 �Page 2 — Thursday, February 14, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Extension of Riverwalk Trail may change direction Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Plans for a major Riverwalk Trail improve­ ment changed after the City of Hastings received the appraisal for a 45-acre parcel that was expected to be the extension of the multi­ use path. The parcel is owned by Curt Jacob, who quoted the city a $400,000 purchase price. The appraisal for the wetland property came in at $250,000. ' plan A at this time will be to work with Jacob on the price. If a price cannot be negotiated, the city will go with plan B, which would be, to install the trail within the Michigan Department of Transportation rightoi’-way adjacent to the highway,” Director of Public Services Lee Hays said. State and federal grants will not approve funding for purchase of properties above appraised value, and the city is open to work­ ing with MDOT who has already stated they are willing to work with Hastings on a plan. The route change being considered will com­ pletely bypass Jacob's property. The total cost of the original extension plans submitted by engineers at Prein&Newhof in January 2018 is $1.15 million. Included in that estimate is $585,000 for construction of a 14-foot-wide boardwalk, $ 121,500 for shareduse path grading, and $140,000 for trail light­ ing and electrical service. However, the first step will be to obtain the property, and that must be outlined in grant proposals. A separate grant for land purchase will be pursued. City Manager Jeff Mansfield has said it may take several grants to complete the trail extension, and the length of time it will take to obtain the funds is difficult to determine. “It’s not an ideal situation, but if we do go with the MDOT right-of-way, it will be a lot cheaper. We won’t need to build the board­ walk,” Mansfield said. The Hastings Riverwalk Trail began with a 1.6-mile section and is part of the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail System, which follows the former New York Central rail grade from Grand Rapids to Jackson. The trailhead is located behind the business incubator, across from Bliss Clearing Niagara. The project included special features being enjoyed today by residents and visitors alike, such two scenic river overlooks with seating, a riverside pocket park with seating and fish­ ing opportunities. There is also access to the Thornapple River and a canoe launch, over­ look decks and a picnic shelter, and is sur­ rounded by natural woodlands and wetlands. Currently, the Riverwalk connects the 35-acre Bliss Riverwalk Park with the 28-acre Tyden Park, creating greater walkability for trail users. The trail connects neighborhoods and workplaces to downtown Hastings, the parks and recreational areas. Overlooks are also located at the intersec­ tion of Hanover and East State Street and on Mill Street between Michigan and South Jefferson. Wwfe'Stle bridge by Thomapple Plaza links the Riverwalk trail to Hastings’ northeast neighborhoods and a shaded river­ side park is tucked in next to the bridge. Three sources funded the $700,000 project: the Hastings Downtown Development Authority, Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Department of Transportation. The need for a trail system in Hastings to promote economic, community and recre­ ational development was outlined and high­ lighted in the city’s master plan adopted in 2007. Scenic multi-use trail systems provid­ ing recreational opportunities supports Hastings’ promoting itself as the “city on the Thornapple” and makes full use of an import­ ant natural resource. Working in conjunction with Rutland Charter Township, the city is consulting Prein&Newhof to identify grants that match the scope and subject of the project. The seventh grade band, led by Band Instructor Jennifer Pesch, are the very first to give a live performance, “Forward March” by Paul Murtha, on the stage of the new Hastings Area School System Performing Arts Center. + OPENING, continued from page 1 “I loved it,” said Ben Eastman, who attend­ ed the grand opening. “The facility looks great, the acoustics were wonderful, and the temperature was just right. This is such an asset for our community.” Sandy Piccard Billingsly, another commu­ nity member who came to the grand opening, described the new center as “wonderful,” the lighting beautiful, and the sound supreme. “You will want to see the Beauty and the Beast musical next month,” she said. The center was one of several projects pro­ posed as part of a $44,590 million bond request, Which the voters approved in the November 2015 election. It will be used by Hastings district schools, and outside groups and organizations in need of a public venue. “We are a destination community for so many reasons, and our Performing Arts Center adds to the opportunities we can bring to Hastings,” Duits said. “Many thanks to the committee who shared this vision and to those who supported this amazing addition to our community.” The schedule of performances is: Feb. 22 - Thomapple Wind Band concert with Olivet College, 7 p.m. Feb. 25-28 - Band rehearsals on stage for festival preparation. March 1 - Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association District Band Festival, seventh grade, eighth grade and high school bands, all day. March 2 - Mary Youngs Concert, 7 p.m. March 3-17 - “Beauty and the Beast” musi­ cal rehearsal and program preparation. March 14 - 15, “Beauty and the Beast” musical, 7 p.m. March 16 - “Beauty and the Beast” musi­ cal, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. March 19 - Middle school ensembles night, with the school jazz band, drumline, color) guard, and the sixth-grade band, 7 p.m. March 22 - Hastings Bands Celebration,1 with the high school bands, Thomapple Wind! Band, Thomapple Jazz Orchestra, 7 p.m. ) April 15-24 - Elementary using space. ) April 16-17 - Elementary musical, 7 p.m. ] April 23-24 - Elementary musical, 7 p.m. April 25-27 - Thomapple Jazz Festival,1 times to be determined. May 6-10 - Choir rehearsals. May 10 - High school choirs spring con-J cert,’ 7 rp.m. ■ ■ '$ May 13-16 - Band rehearsals May 14 - Middle school bands spring coni cert, 7 p.m. J May 16 - High school bands spring cons cert, 7 p.m. May 21, Middle School Choirs Spring, Concert, 7 p.m. ■ ' ■ | -- ' . ■'' i If■ ■ : •" I ■■■ '■ ! ’ • ' • TECHNOLOGY, continued from page 1 -------—: ■' TRANSITIONS, continued from page 1 Wayne Meade of Tri-Clor Inc. (left), and Ron Kloosterman, owner of Kloosterman’s Sports Tap, each present a $300 check to Tina Horrigan, director of Barry County Cares. (Photo provided) Customers, businesses donate to food pantry Ron Kloosterman and his team at Kloosterman’s Sports Tap recently scored big for the Hastings Food Pantry. In conjunction with their Super Bowl LIII party, Kloosterman and his crew ran a “Soup for Bowls” compe­ tition, pitting Chunky Soup against Progresso Soup. Patrons were encouraged for two weeks to donate their soup of choice to determine which soup would be crowned champ. The competition had more lead changes than the big football game, organizers said, but in the end, Chunky Soup was the winner. The real winners, however, are the individuals and families in need of a little help and 522 cans of hearty soup will be much appreciated. In addition, during the Super Bowl party, Kloosterman’s crew asked patrons for cash donations to further help the pantry and raised an additional donation of $300. Tri-Clor Inc. and its employees matched this donation, bringing the total to $600. Anyone looking to help the Hastings Food Pantry may call the Barry County Cares office, (269)948-9555 for information. • UPS & FedEx Shipping • Copy Service (black & white or color) • Photo Processing • FAX Service • Laminating • And Much More Pack &Ship 1351 N M-43 - Hwy., Hastings, Ml 49058 • Just north of city limits careers of their own, so they needed to look elsewhere to find the right person for the job. For Ray and Deb, the funeral home has always been connected to family. The Walldorff family opened the funeral home in 1893, operating it alongside the MacArthurs linti! the early 1960’s, establish­ ing a long line offamily tradition. They sold the funeral home to Robert Sponable, who sold it to the Girrbach family in 1966. Ray, a third-generation funeral director, started help­ ing his father Thomas with the business when he was 9. The Girrbach motto at the funeral home is: “Our family caring for your family.” So, when it came time to pass on the funeral home to the next owners, the Girrbachs want­ ed someone who would continue that tradi­ tion. “We could have sold to a corporation, but we’re a family oriented people,” Girrbach said. “We wanted somebody who was person­ ally involved in the community.” They hired Dale Billingsley as a funeral director in 2016 and, since then, have been mentoring and vetting him for the role he now fdls. Both Dale and Sandra have experience working with families going through difficult times. Dale was a pastor for 17 years, and has been a funeral director for 10, and Sandra was a victim’s advocate for the State of Michigan in Clinton County. She recently left her posi­ tion to work at the funeral home as the office manager. “A family-run funeral home has a lot more freedom to adapt to each family’s needs,” Dale Billingsley said. When he started working with the Girrbachs, the Billingsleys lived in Lansing, but Dale said Hastings was always the kind of place they wanted to live someday. After six months, they moved to town and joined the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings, the Hastings Rotary Club and became active in the Hastings High School band program. The Girrbachs also plan to become more involved in the community now that they have some spare time. They have eight grand­ children they want to spend more time with, and a cabin in northern Michigan that will be a destination when they travel. The Girrbachs don’t have a timeline in place for how long they will continue to work at the funeral home. “It could be one year, it could be 10,” Girrbach said. What’s most important for them is that the funeral home will continue to operate much like it always has. The services provided won’t change, and PreNeed contracts will be honored 100 per­ cent as written, he said. “You’re going to come in here and it’s going to be business as usual,” Girrbach said. “We just found that Dale and Sandy are caring and compassionate people who will serve the community well.” ■ - ■ '“t Sheryl O’Connor, fifth and sixth grade teacher at St. Rose of Lima School, loads student assignments into Google Classroom to be completed off-campus on snow days. sons off-campus and return to school ready to continue with classroom curriculum. However, not all children in the Hastings and surround­ ing communities have access to reliable inter­ net. And some students don’t have internet at all. Sheryl O’Connor, fifth- and sixth-grade teacher, uses Google Classroom to post assignments. She is able to provide lessons and practice work in all areas of curriculum, such as spelling and history. If a student does not have internet access, parents are able to contact the teachers by calling or texting to get the assignments. Hard copies also are made available. “This is a new concept for us, and while there is a bit of a learning curve, we are excit­ ed for the possibilities this may bring,” Pearson said. “There will no longer be a need to cancel holidays, extend the school day, or extend the school year. More importantly, learning is not lost when the children are not in attendance.” O’Connor said she is still learning how to best use the online resources to communicate with and continue teaching her students, even when they’re not at school. She is enjoying, the new system and the ability to track the progress of work the students are assigned. Pearson said she hopes there will not be any. more snow days. Although the State of Michigan will most likely excuse at least three of the lost days, Pearson and O’Connor say the number of excused days is not what’s important to them. “That part has nothing to do with me ” O’Connor said. “My concern is the kids not being in the classroom to learn. So, we have to find other ways to keep the rhythm going or they will struggle when they get back.” NEWS BRIEFS continued from front page call 269-945-KIDZ (5439) or email kim@ familysupportbarry.com. Food donations reduce library fines Hastings Public Library is honoring food donations to the Green Street Food Bank with a reduction to existing fines Feb. 4 through March 2. For each can or box of food donated to the bank, the library will reduce the overdue fines on the patron’s' account by $1. There is no cap to the amount of overdue fees that can be waived. 1 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 14, 2019 — Page 3 During suicide prevention focus for Winterfest, students share their own reasons to ‘stick around’ Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Wild weather conditions and several snow Hays created a challenge for Hastings High School Winterfest events, but students found a way to share the message about their chosen subject this year - suicide awareness. ' “The Student Council wanted to make sui­ cide awareness the focus because we want to end the stigma about suicide and mental health in general,” ninth-grader Ainsly Jones said. “I believe that, if we can talk about a problem, we can fix a problem. .. “Everyone in some shape or form has been touched by suicide, and I want to help change tihat. It would mean the world to me if I was able to help at least one person see the light and stick around.” Student Council Adviser James Doran said that, each year, students choose an important topic to discuss and raise money for as a part of Winterfest. This year, to present suicide awareness and prevention, the student council and other stu­ dents from the school worked together on a collaborative project. The theme “13 Reasons to Stick Around” was shared in five videos produced by the students. “Our idea came from something cool done by another Michigan school. They did “13 Reasons Why Not” in Oxford a few years back,” Doran said. “Starting with this idea, our project began to take shape by focusing even more on reminding students of the feel­ good reasons to “stick around” and looking at the positives in life.” The videos do share heartbreaking facts about suicide, but the presentations are cen­ tered on why life is worth living. The goal is to help young people feel valued and focus on the positives of life instead of the negatives. The videos are five minutes long and were shared with classmates on social media. Each video concluded with the message: “Find your reason to stick around. Don’t give up. You matter.” Four of the videos led up to the assembly where two parents from NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) of Kent County, Richard TenHoor and Sue Toman, spoke to Students about losing their son to suicide. Eric TenHoor was 22. They described him as an amazing husband, friend, son, brother, grand­ son, uncle and “pug daddy.” His death devas­ tated everyone who loved him. TenHoor said Eric was diagnosed with depression when he was in eighth grade and struggled with Attention Deficit Disorder. “We thought we were parents that were in touch with our kids,” Toman said. “We didn’t know as much as we wish we did.” There were three things they wanted the students to remember: 1. Don’t be afraid to ask the question — “Are you thinking about suicide?” 2. Don’t try to help someone alone. 3. Use the suicide hotline. “It’s a good thing to ask for help,” TenHoor said. Toman asked students to remember that there’s hope, help and healing. The assembly closed with the fifth and final Richard TenHoor and Sue Toman spoke to students at Hastings High School about the loss of their son. Hastings High School Student Council chose suicide prevention and awareness as the focus of annual Winterfest events. Members of the council are: (from left, front row) Zach Franklin, Jeffrey Morgan, Conner Peterson, Claire Anderson, Sam Waller, Grace Nickels, Juan Vargas, James Doran; (second row) Lily Faubert, Kierstyn Downs, Breanna Willard, Mike Slagstad, Laney Tomko, Hannah Johnson, Shannon Brown, Brynn Turnes, Abigail Waller, Ella Carroll; (third row) Patrick Mallory, Aihsley Jones, braxton Mckenna, Ben Curtis, Hunter Allerding, Devin Haywood, Braderi,Tolles, Hannah Bloomberg and Josey Nickels. video with messages from a mix of teachers telling the students how important they are, that they matter and about the many things they have to look forward to in life. Claire Anderson, grade 12, shared her thoughts on the importance of understanding the invisible struggles people face every day. Here’s what she wrote: “We chose this topic knowing how sensi­ tive it is because we wanted to tell our student body that the seriousness of suicide needs to be addressed. It is nothing to be ignored, blown off, or joked about, and we wanted to bring light to a topic that so many people our age struggle with. “However, we decided to take a lighter approach and focus on the happy things that come with life. We collected videos from our peers of all the good things in life like pets, snow days, food, and friends. We did this with the intention to spark positivity in our school by sharing just a few of many reasons that life is worth living. “We made collaborative videos that incor­ porated heartbreaking statistics of suicide to inform students on how many lives are taken by it but also shared fun and happy videos of students from our school enjoying life and all ...... _ " of its amazing elements. “It is so important to me that we chose this topic to reach out to our peers at Hastings High School because you never know what someone is going through. We see many of our peers only at school, making it difficult to know what they may be struggling with in their personal lives. “It has been amazing to be able to choose a topic that gives us the ability to spread the word that life is amazing and offers so much for all of us. I hope that during Winterfest, our approach has truly inspired our student body and community to be conscious of how they act toward another person, because you never know who may be coping with sadness or enduring struggles with life. “I also hope that everybody is inspired to be happy and know that they matter. “It means the world to me to be able to shed light upon this serious topic and approach it with a positive perspective because life is truly worth living. “There are so many reasons to stick around.” The suicide hotline is 800-273-8255. Help also can be reached by texting 741741. • • Criteria for new superintendent is high priority for Hastings Joan Van Houten Staff Writer The search is on for a new Hastings Area School System superintendent. When Superintendent Carrie Duits Announced her June 30 retirement date, the Board of Education began seeking communi­ ty input on the qualities, experiences, and skills that will be needed in a new superinten3ent. Assisting in the search is Donna Oser from the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB), a service organization that supports the work of school boards throughout the state. Oser’s role will be to help encourage Community input. • A “by invite” session Tuesday launched that input process. Oser led the session and informed the group that she has never been a superinten­ dent and never intends to be. Because of this, she said, she has no affiliations with school districts or anyone who might expect special consideration. “I have a reputation for not making deals,” she said. “I won’t scratch your back, and you won’t scratch mine. My job is to present the school board with the best possible group of candidates and that’s what I’ll do.” Oser opened discussion by asking what qualities are desired for the new superinten­ dent. “First of all, I think the school board needs to talk to people here who have the knowl­ edge and experience to help choose a really good superintendent,” J-Ad Graphics CEO Fred Jacobs said. “They need to be talking to people like Carl Schoessel, who was the superintendent here for many years and is highly respected in the community. “The Board of Education members are all good people, and they care about the schools and are very involved in the community, but they are not equipped to do this. If you look at their past choices, it’s easy to see they don’t have the skills to do this.” Brad Tolles, owner of Tri-Clor Inc. in Hastings, agreed with Jacobs: “I don’t want them to rush into things and make the same mistakes they made before Carrie [Duits], They wanted a body and got a body. They need to pull out the records of what they did before and look at what was done right and what wasn’t.” Michigan school districts must always have a superintendent or an interim superintendent. However, even though Hastings is in a time crunch, school board members have said they will thoroughly vet each prospect and not make a hasty decision. Other areas of desired focus include experience, knowledge and specific accomplish­ ments in overcoming friction between a school district and community and bringing them together. A conflict between a group of district resi­ dents, the school administration and the superintendent has been ongoing since the passing of the 2015 bond. The bond projects listed included several areas to be renovated, mechanical improvements, additions to the high school and middle school and building a performing arts center. The bond was for more than $44 million. Some residents became disgruntled when the district went back to the table and asked for another bond that included repair and replacement of the roofs on the older portions of school buildings. The argument was that the roof should have been dealt with before Odessa Township Board seeks input on solar, wind farms Odessa Township residents are encouraged to attend a public meeting at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20, to learn about and express ideas and opinions regarding the possibility of solar systems and wind turbines in the township. The meeting will take place at the township hall, 3862 Laurel Drive, Lake Odessa. The program will include a short presenta­ tion, “Wind Turbines 101,” put together by representatives from Atwell, a consulting, engineering and construction services firm from Southfield. Township Supervisor Dave Bulling told the Lakewood News the board is seeking input from residents before making any decisions. “There has been talk for the past several years about wind farms and wind turbines coming to our township,” Bulling said. “Most recently there have been talks of large solar systems that could come here. “The board wants to know what people on both sides of the issue think about it.” The township is currently working on an ordinance to address large solar and wind farms. There are several issues to consider when dealing with these type farms, Bulling said, such as the height of the wind turbines, the setback from property lines, lighting, and the use of township roads during construction. Other issues include abandonment and decom­ missioning of such farms or facilities. building an arts center. The school board responded by reiterating several times that the first bond proposed had included replacing the roofs, but voters turned it down. The second proposal did not include work on the roofs - and that was the bond voters approved. , School officials have explained that fund­ ing from bonds approved by voters must be spent on the projects listed in the proposal and cannot be transferred to other projects. It was the consensus of the group attending this week’s input session that public relations and communication skills are crucial. “The new superintendent needs to be able to openly communicate with the community - not just about the negative things but also about the accomplishments,” Tolles said. Examining past hiring practices is being done by the Board of Education, Oser said, and her job is to help them make informed decisions, which includes taking the wants and needs of the community into consider­ ation. “What the community wants is the lens the board will be looking through when making theif final determination,” she said. Parents, community members and other stakeholders are invited to share their per­ spectives at 6:30 p.m., Feb. 19, in the com­ mons area at Hastings Middle School, 232 W Grand St- Input also may be shared via an online sur­ vey available online at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/hastingssearch. The survey is being administered by MASB Executive Search Service and takes about 10 minutes to complete. The survey will close at 5 p.m. on Feb. 20. The anonymous survey responses will be combined with those from the face-to-face meetings with stakeholders and provided to the school board as it develops the superinten­ dent selection criteria. Names of candidates and interview infor­ mation will be released late March. The new superintendent is expected to start on July 1, 2019. Snow days present challenges to schools - and students Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Hastings Area School System has missed a total of 13 days of school at Central Elementary - which includes one day caused by a water main break - and 12 snow days at each of the schools in the district over the last few weeks. Those snow day closings were in response to dangerously frigid temperatures and haz­ ardous road conditions caused by a series of storms in a short period of time. Due to the number of missed school days, Superintendent Carrie Duits informed parents and students that a scheduled day off on Feb. 18, in recognition of President’s Day, has been cancelled. Instead, classes will take place, and it will be counted as a make-up day. “Michigan schools have six snow days allowed by the state, and districts may ask for an additional three days to be excused,” Assistant Superintendent of Student Achievement Matt Goebel said. “There may be a little more leeway this year because of the state of emergency, but it’s not a definite and not something we’ll know until spring. “If all the days aren’t excused, the kids, parents and school staff will have a line of make-up days before summer break can begin.” Although there are no financial penalties for excused or unexcused school closings, there may be a financial impact from bad weather and snow days. Goebel said extreme temperature fluctuations have melted the snow, which had settled into the cracks on the older sections of the school roofs. When the temperatures dropped again, the water turned to ice, which then expanded and enlarged the cracks. The process continues with each melt-and-freeze cycle so that the water is working its way into the buildings and damaging insulation, structural beams and the material that lies underneath. According to Goebel, there have been at least seven new leaks reported because of the freezing and warming. “Our maintenance department runs around trying to find the source of the leaks and repair them the best they can,” he said. “That takes man-hours and materials. The mainte­ nance crews also go to each school to check the boiler systems, so nothing goes wrong.” Keeping students connected to each other and school studies has been another concern, Goebel said, but collaborative efforts and sharing ideas between teachers, principals and staff have helped to come up with creative ways to engage students and parents through the consecutive snow days. Hastings teachers took to social media — predominantly the Facebook pages - for each school. Challenges designed to be fun and educational were posted for students to try. For example, one of the challenges for Southeastern Elementary students was a three-step project: Sweep the kitchen floor; read a book under the kitchen table; list their top 10 favorite books. Winners were chosen at the end of each challenge and prizes awarded. “We’re fortunate to have teachers who are so dedicated to the kids that they’re concerned about the loss of learning time in the class­ room,” Goebel said. “Making the decision to close school isn’t a light one. “Carrie [Duits] keeps track of the weather forecasts, discusses the situation with the transportation department, the county road commission, school principals and superin­ tendents from surrounding districts. Then a decision is made.” The travel dangers presented by recent high winds and freezing rain have included black ice on paved roads and downed trees, caused by the weight of ice buildup. Some of those trees have ended up on roads and knocked out power lines. Another round of severe winter weather impacted the entire state Monday night through Tuesday afternoon. The wintry mix of snow, gusty winds and freezing rain hit the southern half of the Lower Peninsula, bring­ ing more icy conditions, and yet a second wave of severe weather came Tuesday eve­ ning and into Wednesday morning, delivering approximately 4 inches of snow and 40 mileper-hour wind gusts. “Freezing rain and accumulating ice increase the likelihood of power outages and can cause hazardous conditions on the road­ ways,” said Capt. Emmitt McGowan, deputy state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division. “We are asking residents to report any outages or downed power lines to their utility company and to use caution when trav­ eling.” Winter weather safety tips McGowan lists include staying at least 25 feet from downed power lines, always to assume the lines are active and report the location of the downed line to the utility company. “Student safety always come first, but with several waves of storms behind us, everyone is hoping the need for additional snow days is over,” Goebel said. “However, Michigan weather can turn on a dime - just wait five minutes.” �Page 4 — Thursday, February 14, 2019 — The Hastings Banner In My Opinion News must look beyond emotion Sharing a meal Ever-changing weather conditions bring an odd couple to the table as a Northern cardinal and gray squirrel share a meal in Lake Odessa. We’re dedicating this space to a photograph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? Ready for dinner Banner Feb.5,1975 The Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce’s 12th annual banquet will be this Thursday, Feb. 6, at the Emmanuel Episcopal Parish House starting with a social hour at 6:30. Leland Bassett, vice president, communication division, of the Greater Detroit Chamber of Commerce, will present the program. The Saxon City Six also will play at the event geared more toward fun and frolic. Going over the plans are (from left) Dave Jasperse; Marc Young, executive of the chamber; Mary Spackman; Ralph Hodapp; Charles Johnston, president of the chamber; Robert Blough; and Al Signs. Have you met? Jennie Yonker grew up in Hastings, bom into a newspaper and advertising family. She is a third-generation Hastings resident who now lives in Sunfield. She has worked for J-Ad Graphics for over 25 years, a company her paternal grand­ parents founded in the 1940s. When she joined the company, she started in advertising and is now involved in sales and marketing. Yonker is one of the three Jacobs siblings who at the publishing and printing company. Yonker said she loves Barry County and feels it is very important to give back to com­ munity in general. She has been part of the Lakewood Educational Foundation for nine years, three of which, she has been the pres­ ident. She also is on the Barry County United Way Board and has often volunteered at her daughter’s school. She feels that giving back to her commu­ nity is important, which is why she has been chosen for this week’s Bright Light. Favorite movie: Anything based on a Nicholas Sparks book. I also love Hallmark movies. First job: It was at J-Ad. I worked on the stitcher, putting the newspapers together. Favorite TV program: I just started watching old Netflix and am hooked on “The Gilmore Girls.” Person I most admire: There are a lot of people, many are my family and friends. If I could have any superpower, it would Favorite dinner: Chinese food. My biggest challenge: Saying “no” to things. If only I could ... go to Ireland. It looks so beautiful. I’m most proud of: My 15-year-old daughter, because she is doing so well in school and is a positive person. What I’d do if I won the lottery: I would hire a chef for J-Ad, so everyone could order what they want for lunch each day and get it fresh. I would also give a lot of money to those who need it and the non-profits/ schools. Favorite childhood memory: Doing the advertising routes with my Grandma Jacobs when I was young. Hobbies: I like to read Nicholas Sparks and romance novels. Greatest thing about Barry County: The people and the natural beauty are won­ derful. Jennie Yonker be: To make everybody happy. Greatest song ever written: Not ever written, but recently I am enjoying music by Josh Grobin. What I’d tell a high school graduate: Realize how great life inside your communi­ ty is. Don’t be in a hurry to leave. Give back to the community that raised you. Best gift I ever received: My daughter, definitely. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits Having grown up in a newspaper family and having dedicated my entire life to the business, my concern about what’s hap­ pened to good journalism is understand­ able. It hasn’t been that long that most of us can remember a day when media was once the watchdog over good government. Objective, analytical and dogged reporters held political, business, and community leaders accountable to their constituents, customers and residents. So respected was the news media in England back in the 1780s, it was actually proclaimed the ‘Fourth Estate,’ a recogni­ tion of its place in traditional society with the clergy, the nobility, and the commoners. For more than 200 years, the press has been highly regarded for its capacity to advocate and for its ability to frame political discus­ sions. The news media was never part of a political system, but it carried a significant power - and responsibility - to influence. Today, its suffocation is almost audible. Especially repugnant for those of us who remember those distinguished days of responsible journalism is the fact that today’s news media seems to be ripping out its own oxygen tube. Three events in just the past few days vividly illustrate how the press is continually losing its way and all have a common theme of decay. In Virginia, rather than working together as the Fourth Estate once did to frame, dis­ cuss, and then solve some of the serious issues of the day, the national news media has seemed more focused on pouring gas on a difficult situation to ignite the emo­ tions of citizens across the country - and being distracted from a larger, more focused picture. Last week, Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam was accused of being a racist due to a page that appeared from his 1984 med­ ical school yearbook that showed a person in black face along with a student dressed in KKK robe. Within hours, news outlets were giddily spotlighting leaders from Northam’s party calling for his resignation. Yet, just days before the yearbook pic­ ture revelation, Northam, a medical doctor, made light of a procedure that would take the life of a baby from a mother that had gone full term. Northham told a local radio interviewer that such procedures are “done in cases where there may be severe defor­ mities. There may be a fetus that’s not via­ ble,” he said, “so, in this particular exam­ ple, if a mother’s in labor, I can tell you exactly what would happen. The infant would be delivered, the infant would be kept comfortable, and the infant would be resuscitated if that’s what the mother and the family desired, and a discussion would ensue between the physician and the moth­ er” on what to do with the baby. I’m not diminishing the ugliness of rac­ ism, especially when it exists in a state’s top political office. My contention as it relates to modern-day journalism, though, is that, in this case, the news media jumped on the day’s closest emotional issue - rac­ ism — to bring in an audience. Would we have ever heard about Northam’s repulsive views on abortion or had an opportunity to frame them, discuss them and then move to resolve them as we once did in the days of responsible journalism? The traditional Fourth Estate is tripping over itself - and forgetting its esteemed role - in trying to keep up with the immediacy of the Internet and social media. That point continues to be made in Virginia. Following the calls filling the airwaves and newsprint for Northam to resign, alle­ gations of sexual abuse almost immediately followed discussion of Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax stepping into the top position. With both Northam and Fairfax compromised, the attorney general would then become governor - except he also admitted to don­ ning black face at a party in his younger years. The emotions ran wild, to the satis­ faction of news media that thought it was doing its job. Lost in the rush to cash in on the emo­ tions of readers and viewers, though, were the revered American values of an accused being offered a day in court and the pre­ sumption of innocence. Fairfax may prove to be a rogue unqualified to represent the people, but the bigger lesson for the Fourth Estate is that the news media’s rush to lead with the moment’s emotion will erode our traditional reputation as society’s moral compass and its arbiter of framing discus­ sion and developer of long-term solutions that prove sound. Last week’s second example of tradition­ al journalism losing its way was its unthink­ ing focus on a freshman Congresswoman and her big ideas to get attention with an untested, prematurely-launched environ­ mental plan that still has not stood the test of time, review, and careful consideration. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez represents the excitement of a new era, of the increased potential that comes with a record-number of elected women representatives. The emotion of youth, increased gender equity, and new thinking is an understandable news lead, but has it come at the expense of wide and careful examination of her plan? Termed the Green New Deal and co-au­ thored by Massachusetts Sen. Ed Markey, the plan focuses on eliminating U.S. carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels, which she feels would energize the econo­ my. Included in her proposal are a medical plan for everyone, shutting down compa­ ny-sponsored insurance, a guaranteed jobs program, adequate family and medical leave, paid vacations and retirement security for everyone in the U.S. It’s an ambitious plan, but it has little or no chance of passage. Thank about it . . . are we going to ground air travel and replace it with trains, trains that we don’t have anymore? And her plan anticipates retrofitting buildings with new energy sources. Apparently, Ocasio-Cortez has never been in places outside of New York. In much of the country, the top three energy sources are wood, fuel oil or propane. Why doesn’t Ocasio-Cortez request a position on one of the national committees that deal with climate change and focus on national polluters like China, India and Russia? She’s expecting to change all the rules here at home, but, no matter how hard we try, if we don’t entice other nations to join us in an effort to reduce pollution, our efforts will be hampered because those other nations are the big polluters. Yet, national news outlets give OcasioCortez - a first-time representative without the time to even understand what moves Washington, D.C. - the time to promote her outrageous plan with little or no con­ cern over its viability. Ocasio-Cortez has yet to learn that, to be successful, you break down the issues in smaller bites - because you can’t move a mountain with a shovel. Yet, mainstream news in its addiction to emotion covers her as though she is already an accomplished leader. Emotion also got the best of journalism last week in a third instance that did, legiti­ mately, also offer us a sense of pride but which - in its excitement - overrode anoth­ er important moment of respect. I, like so many others, was impressed to see a large segment of female congressional leaders attending the State of the Union dressed in white. This term, more women were elected than ever before, offering the possibility to influence change. But the moment also served to send a message of their dissatis­ faction with women’s issues. Important as those issues are and as empowering as the potential is for change, I wonder how some of the guests in the audience at that State of the Union address may have felt. Joshua Kaufman endured the horrors of Auschwitz and survived the Dachau Concentration Camp, where he was saved by American solders who were will­ ing to risk their lives during World War II to guarantee the freedoms we enjoy. Irving Locker landed on Utah Beach on D-Day with the 116th gun battalion. He fought through five major battles and helped liber­ ate a Holocaust Concentration Camp. Grace Eline was nine when she was diagnosed with Germinoma, a germ-cell brain tumor. Today, Grace is fighting for life while so many babies are discarded through abortion everyday. In a time when finding common ground on any issues seems impossible, I get lots of comments from people outside of Barry County on how we are able to work togeth­ er to get things done. For the most part, I think we do. Look at the women in leader­ ship positions across the county who work behind the scenes cooperatively to move things along. We don’t engage in personal destruction of one another. We leave out the emotion and name-calling and dig in to solve problems, with a common respect that generally brings us together rather that divides us, unlike what’s happening in Washington. Those men and women that fill the seats in Congress were elected by citizens to solve problems, debate the issues and come to consensus on the issues, especially as we face another government shutdown. It’s going to take the real leaders of our country to step up and lead the way on the issues that plague our country. We’ve proven in the past that, when we work together in the best interests of our nation, we can solve anything. That responsibility rests with us, howev­ er, and especially with a news media that needs to look beyond emotion to the issues that make a difference in this county and in this country. Oftentimes, the issues getting all the headlines aren’t the big issues for most Americans. We want good places to work, good schools for our kids, safe communi­ ties, good roads to drive on and competitive health care. That goes beyond the news media focus on emotion first. I don’t think many Americans are looking for a new economy; they just want things that aren’t working fixed. And those men and women that fill the halls of Congress have the abil­ ity to fix them, they just need to pull up their sleeves and get down to work, not as Democrats or Republicans but as American legislators who were sent to places like Lansing and Washington to do the work for all of us who are waiting for the good news - good news that comes from objective, sound and traditional news reporting. Fred Jacobs, CEO J-Ad Graphics, Inc. , ' • ' ' �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 14, 2019 — Page 5 Indigent defense attorneys approved by county board Jacobs guest of Bizon in Lansing > Sen. John Bizon, M.D., R-Battle Creek, (left) welcomes Calhoun County Farm Bureau president Andrea Broughton and J-Ad Graphics president and CEO Fred Jacobs to the Senate chamber Tuesday. Broughton and Jacobs joined Bizon for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s State of the State address. (Photo provided) Write Us A Letter: The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: • All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. ; • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. . • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. u • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Know Your Legislators: Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855­ 347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. The Hastings BaillieT Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry County Commissioner Dave Jackson broke a county board logjam over indigent defense counsel contracts Tuesday. The mea­ sure was approved by one vote - Jackson’s in a 4-3 decision. The argument between pro and con on this question was whether a “no” vote would, in effect, be micromanaging the county’s new Chief Public Defender Kerri Selleck. And the presence of one name on that list of 10 attorneys was what galvanized three com­ missioners to vote no. They said they had misgivings about Gordon Shane McNeill, who had been the county prosecutor and resigned from that office more than a decade ago. The Banner was unable to reach McNeill for comment. Commissioner Dan Parker said he had spo­ ken with the judges and they had advised against getting on “a slippery slope of micro­ managing” what Selleck had been hired to do. “I do not feel we are micromanaging,” Commissioner Jon Smelker replied. “We are elected for oversight. I don’t like the word ‘micromanaging.’ I talked to the judges, the bar association. I talked to commissioners in other counties. We have oversight over direc­ tors, and we have budget oversight. That’s what we’re elected for.” “I’ve got nothing against Kerri ...” he added, “and I’m sticking to my vote.” Commissioner Vivian Conner said she wouldn’t be changing her vote either. “This isn’t approving 10 people,” Commissioner Ben Geiger pointed out. “This is approving the recommendation of the pub­ lic defender. ... Yet ye with more legal expe­ rience cast the first ‘no’ vote.” “No!” Smelker replied. But McNeill’s wasn’t the only name being thrown out during the discussion. An attorney who had been left off the list expressed his displeasure to the board last week. In his pre­ sentation then, James Goulooze objected to the selection process and asked commission­ ers to include him on the list. During public comment Tuesday, George Hubka of Johnstown Township objected to what he said sounded like “a good ol’ boy scratch-my-back process” that favored some attorneys and left Goulooze off the list. He said that the total number-10 or 11 -shouldn’t make much difference and urged commission­ ers to find out why Goulooze was not includ­ ed on the list. At the conclusion of the meeting, Hubka said he presented a handwritten Freedom of Information Act request to Selleck for the 11 application materials she considered as part of the selection process. Another citizen. Elden Shellenbarger of Carlton Township, who had expressed his displeasure with the inclusion of McNeill on the list, praised those commissioners who voted against the proposal. After the proposal passed in the 4-3 vote, with Geiger, Jackson, Parker and Heather Wing voting yes, and Smelker, Conner and Howard Gibson voting no, Shellenbarger told the board he would likely file a grievance with the state attorney grievance commission. The board approved 10 contracts totaling $325,000. The attorneys and the total amounts they will receive are: Jackie Baker Sturgis, $33,800; Carol Dwyer, $39,000; Shane Henry, $26,000; Kristen Hoel, $36,400; James Kinney, $39,000; Ronald Pierce, $26,000; Kathryn Russell, $39,000; Steven Storrs, $26,000; and Kimberly Young, $33,800; and McNeill, $26,000. Before voting on the proposal, led by Jackson’s questions since he had been absent when the issue first arose, commissioners asked Selleck about the process by which the 10 candidates were picked. “I don’t feel it’s my job to do your job,” Jackson said, asking for her assurance that all the candidates were in good standing and that the judges have had input into the process. Selleck said attorneys must be re-certified each year with the Michigan State Bar Association. She said she has observed them in court and they have been thoroughly vetted; they are in good standing. The judges have had input, and the attorneys who were picked for indigent defense are doing what she char­ acterized as an exceptional job. If a problem arises with any of these attor­ neys, the county has options for corrective action, she confirmed. “Then, if they don’t correct the action, they will no longer be doing that job,” she said. “By signing this contract, they are agreeing to be evaluated,” she added. “... Depending on what the issue is, we would come up with a plan for corrective action. Then, if they don’t correct that action, they will no longer be doing that job.” As far as the number of attorneys for the county, the list of 10 is based on the caseload. “It’s a balanced caseload that works well with the cases we have and it’s economically feasi­ ble,” Selleck said, noting that a calculation of the number of hours based on a first-degree criminal sexual conduct case, for example, would result in an average of about $600 per case, which is acceptable. In other business, Mark Kolanowski, presi­ dent and CEO of Highpoint Community Bank, gave a brief presentation about the bank’s recent name change. The change, which was strictly strategic, helps to lay the foundation for future growth, he said. “We do not have any specific growth plans at this time,” he said, noting that the bank currently has seven branches in five counties. Kolanowski said the bank would have some growth down the road, “but we have not officially decided what that will be.” In other action, commissioners voted to: - Approve a reimbursement grant agree­ ment of $2,500 to cover the cost to spay or neuter shelter animals prior to adoption. - Buy a new Chevrolet Tahoe for the sher­ iff’s department to replace a 2013 Tahoe that was damaged in a car-deer accident Dec. 30, 2018. The deputy driving the vehicle was not injured, but the vehicle was totaled. - Accept the Community Corrections Advisory Board revised bylaws. - Approve Cindy Vujea’s three-year term on the county parks and recreation board to rep­ resent the economic development alliance. - Approve more than $4 million in pre-paid invoices, $62,713 in claims, and $830 in com­ missioner reimbursements for mileage. Management skills lacking in past school leadership To the editor: I thought last week’s editorial was spot on. Having participated in three superintendent searches managed by MASB, I could not agree more that a more professional and involved process is needed to assure that the best possible candidates are brought forward for consideration and evaluation. Little or no screening is operative in the MASB process. Actually, any interested per­ son with credentials is brought forward in the process. I believe your observations confirm that true management skills have been lacking in the past and our current serious building situ­ ation is evidence of that omission. Some weeks ago, we were advised that a bond request of $9.5 million was needed for resto­ ration of 4,500 feet of roofs in deplorable condition where repair was not an option and replacement was mandatory. There were also vague statements of other needs to be addressed. Since that disclosure, we have been notified that, in fact, 450,000 feet of roofing needs replacement at a cost of $11 per foot. This disclosure would reflect an expen­ diture of roughly $5 million. The remainder of the requested bond is to be used for doors and security and other vague items. I am hopeful that some definite plans will be brought for­ ward soon. It is time to develop a sense of security and conviction in the community. We have recent­ ly constructed many thousands of feet of buildings that will require considerable main­ tenance into future generations. We need to ensure that future leadership will handle these needs as they arise, rather than waiting until an emergent situation exists. A performing arts facility is a desirable asset to the education of our children, but to establish it as a “destination site” somehow removes it from the educational process and enters it into the business processes of the community. The rental of this site must include all operational costs and, given the rumored rental anticipated, the “income” will barely cover the utilities cost, and other main­ tenance costs, let alone the salary of the newly hired director. This one item on the agenda of manage­ ment indicates the need for an educator with a strong business background to assure that all of our facilities are maintained in a safe and highly functional condition, which does not seem to have been the case in the past. I appreciate the opportunity to express my concerns. I have often been criticized for my statements, given the fact that long-term resi­ What do you dents believe that newcomers need to be sub­ servient and silent to the community process­ es. think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by accessing our website, www. HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the fol­ lowing week. Last week: Hastings Area School System is beginning a search for the next superintendent. Do you think it makes sense to hire former Superintendent Carl Schoessel to lead the search committee? Yes 71% No 29% Gerald Schmiedicke, Hastings For this week: Some say Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proposed overhaul of the state environmental department would be bad for business because it would abolish business-friendly pan­ els that oversee rule-making and permitting processes. Do you agree? □ Yes □ No A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer Tanett Hodge Bonnie Mattson Taylor Owens Joan Van Houten • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker $45 per year in Barry County $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere Subscription Rates: POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. Todd is an ASE Certified Master Technician with over 30 years of experience. TIT IT DFD'C Wilder’s Tire & Auto Service LLC yV J ' 5^ 1510 Starr School Rd. Hastings # 269-948-2192 �Page 6 — Thursday, February 14, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Rotary and Kiwanis clubs will sell alcohol at Thornapple Plaza Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852-9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH M-37 South at M-79, Kimberly S. Metzer, pastor. Church phone 269-945-4995. Church Secretary-Treasurer, Linda Belson. Office hours, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11 am to 3 pm. Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School; 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship Tuesday 9 am Men’s Bible Study at the church. Wednesday 6 p.m. Circle of Friends (Young Adult Special Needs Group) (October thru May). PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10:31­ 11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795-2370 and the rectory number is 269-948­ 9327. Our church website is www.samchurch.org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Thursday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945-9217. cbchastings. org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH ABUNDANT LIFE “An Expression of who Jesus is FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES to the world around us" A Spirit-filled church. Meeting 2635 N. M-43 Highway, Hast­ at the Maple Leaf Grange, ings. Telephone 269-945-9121. Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Email hastfmc@gmail.com. Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Website: www.hastingsfreeSun. Praise & Worship 10:30 methodist.com. Pastor Brian a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Teed, Associate Pastor Andy Jesus Club for boys & girls Baird and Student Ministry ages 4-12. Pastors David and Director, Emma Miller. Sun­ Rose MacDonald. An oasis of days: Nursery and toddler (birth God’s love. “Where Everyone through age 3) care provided. is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. SUNDAY MORNING FAMI­ LY HOUR - ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. GREEN STREET Deep Blue at Home with God: UNITED METHODIST Preschool-6th Grade. Live: CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 7th-12th Grade. Adult Standard 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner and Adult Elective classes. Cof­ fee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cook­ Office Phone: 269-945.9574. Email: office.greenstreetumc@ ies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Ser­ gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule - vice: 10:30 a.m. and Children's The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Church Age 4-4th grade dis­ Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 . missed during service. After­ a.m. Nursery Care is available math Student Ministry • 6:30­ through age 4; PreK-8th grade 8:30 p.m., 7th-12th grades. Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday Wednesday: Kids Club "Under School for Adults at 11 a.m. Construction"; Wed., Feb. 13-Mar. 27, 6:30-7:45 p.m., Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 Kids age 4-6th grade are wel­ p.m. FREE Community Meal come; Women's Bible Study every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday: Adult Facebook for weather Bible Study 10 a.m. conditions. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH Discover God’s Grace with us! 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Holy Communion Every Matt Moser, Lead Pastor; Ryan Sunday! Rose, Family Life Pastor. Feb. 17 - Worship services at 8 Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.; Worship Sunday School for all ages; Committee meets after 2nd 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 service. Feb. 20- Council at 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior p.m. Feb. 21 - Clapper Kids 3:45 High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; p.m.; Grace Notes 5:45 p.m. Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@ Wednesday, Family Night grace-hastings.org. Location: 239 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Child­ E. North St., Hastings, 269-945­ ren Kindergarten-5th Grade), 9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School 2698. www.grace-hastings.org. Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Facebook: Grace Lutheran Study and Prayer. Call Church-ELCA Hastings. Church Office 948-8004 for information on MITT (Mothers EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL in Training Together), Sports CHURCH Ministries, Quilting, Ladies A welcoming and affirming Bible Study. congregation, located at the WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheelchair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings.org. 9 a.m. Traditional Service; 10:30 a.m. Contemporary service. Follow us on Facebook. comer of Broadway and Center St. (entrance on Center St.). Sunday morning worship 10 a.m., Other weekly services include: Tues. - Morning Prayer, 9:30 a.m. and Contemplative/Centering Prayer, 6:30 p.m.; Thur.-MidWeek Eucharist and dialogue sermon, noon. Sat. - Commun­ ity Breakfast, served 8-9:30 a.m. Free breakfast is open to all; first Saturday each month "Messy Church," program for families. Mother Linnea Stifler available by appt, 269-945­ 3014. The Gury Parish House available to community groups. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, ______ the churches and these local businesses' J Graphics 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 Mb ■ ™NG5 Hbeyglass Products 102 Cook Hastings 945-4700 AMMWffllf 770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541 Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Hastings Rotary and Kiwanis clubs will sell beer and wine again at the Thomapple Plaza venue. The City Council on Monday approved the request to allow that practice to continue. In addition, the time allowed for those sales has been lengthened and the two-drink per person limit has been removed. The approval passed with Mayor Dave Tossava and council members Theresa Maupin-Moore, Al Jarvis, John Resseguie, Bill Cusack, Don Smith in favor and Brenda McNabb-Stange, Don Bowers and Bill Redman voting no. McNabb-Stange voted against the request because the document was not drawn up by the city’s legal counsel. Redman said he did not feel the changes reflect what constituents want and Bowers was concerned about poten­ tial problems with unlimited alcohol sales. In other action, the council approved a revised joint Hastings Public Library Board agreement. Attorney Stephanie Fekkes said the new agreement is more flexible which will allow for Hastings Charter Township to have representation on the board should they approve a township library millage in May. The City of Hastings and Rutland Charter Township will have immediate representa­ tion. Unused tennis courts at Fish Hatchery Park will be demolished and turned into grassy areas for a new soccer field. Working with Jon Sporer, director of the YMCA in Hastings, Director of Public Services Lee Hays said the park will be utilized much more by the orga­ nization. “I would like to see more use of our parks and see Fish Hatchery Park become a sport recreational area,” Hays said. A new restroom facility and demolition of the tennis courts were previously placed in the Parks and Recreation budget plan. •' ■ '■‘ t The council also approved a request from 'J '1 the Thomapple Arts Council to solicit dona­ tions at the Spray Plaza and the Thomapple ■ ' Plaza during its 2019 entertainment events? ,i3w The money raised is put aside for incidental11 "’'•'fl costs from future performances, such as lodg17 ing. City Assessor Jackie Timmerman is now retired, so independent contractor Dan Kirwin has temporarily assumed her responsibilities. However, City Manager Jeff Mansfield said he will be meeting with Kirwin to talk about extending his contract past March during Board of Review. He said Kirwin is well-respected in the assessing community and was recommended by Timmerman. The city’s 15^ St. Patrick’s Day Parade " f was approved for 1 p.m. on Mar. 16, as’ requested by Steve Radant from WBCH Radio. f "< i’jU .w-ii’jid Ih-G ’ - f /TIB2 Snsial Secretary of state to E upgrade computer system Offices will be closed Feb. 16-18 to make the switch Larry Brodbeck Larry Brodbeck a child of God since Janu­ ary 20, 1933 has returned to his Creator. Larry Douglas Brodbeck passed away on Monday, Feb. 11, 2019, at the age of 86. He was a devoted husband to his wife Marie Williams for 66 years. Together they raised five children Garry (Karen) Brodbeck, De­ nise (Larry) Spaulding, Kevin Brodbeck, Jill (Dennis) Pitz, and Tim (Tammy) Brodbeck. Larry will be dearly missed by his 10 grand­ children, Randy (Leslie) Brodbeck, Alan (Tara) Brodbeck, Blake (Valerie) Brodbeck, Kory (Liz) Brodbeck, Kyle Brodbeck, Kasey (Alec) Rice, Jamie (Tim) Krenz, Mallorie (Jesse) Schrock, Alexis (Matt) Haskins, and Owen Brodbeck, and 24 great-grandchildren. Larry was the youngest of 13 children bom to Florence and Paul G. Brodbeck. He is survived by his sister Caroline Brecheisen, brother Paul (Carol Ann) Brodbeck, brother­ in-law George Ellcey and Marie’s sister and brother-in-law Ann and Bill Cusack. He was preceded in death by his parents, ten siblings, and one great-grandchild, Hughe Haskins. Larry built a successful farming business starting with 80 acres. He incorporated many progressive agriculture practices developed by Michigan State University into the busi­ ness. He was a devoted husband to Marie who was the love of his life and business partner. His children and grandchildren were deep­ ly loved by him. Larry cherished his family and his life running the farm with Marie. He took great joy in overseeing the business and in later years did much of this from the driv­ er’s seat of his pick-up truck. He loved to tell stories, laugh, and joke with his family and friends. We will miss his great smile, laugh, and love of life. Larry was a lifelong member of Zion Lu­ theran Church. His faith was his support in life, and he took it upon himself to impress this upon his children and grandchildren. He taught by example and involved his family members in these efforts such as delivering annual community Christmas baskets. He of­ ten worked alongside other church members to ensure that the pastors received what they needed to lead Zion and keep it strong in the faith. He enjoyed using his business resourc­ es anonymously to help others in need. Visitation will be held at Zion Lutheran Church, 6261 Velte Road, Woodland on Fri­ day, Feb. 15, from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral services at Zion, officiated by Pas­ tor Becky Ebb-Speese, will be held on Satur­ day, Feb. 16,2019 at 11 a.m. Burial will take place at Woodland Memorial Park Cemetery immediately following the funeral luncheon. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be giv­ en to Zion Lutheran Church, The Parkinson’s Foundation, or charity of choice. A special thanks goes out to Woodlawn Meadows Assisted Living Facility and Great Lakes Hospice who took such good care of Larry and helped provide support to the fam­ ily- All Michigan Secretary of State’s offices will be closed from 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15 until 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19, to make the switch to a new computer system. During that weekend closure, the outdated vehicle records sy steiri'used for decades will be replaced with the Customer and Automotive Records System (CARS), Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said. The new system will add online options, improve existing online and kiosk services, and give staff more efficient ways to look up vehicle information and process transactions, Benson said. CARS will update records in real time and replace antiquated 1960’s legacy mainframe technology that impeded the department’s ability to serve customers. “This is a vital project for our department and its millions of customers and the first step in implementing our 30-minute guarantee,” she said. “When fully implemented, the new system will transform our technology, making our work more efficient and our service to customers better than before.” During the upgrade to the CARS platform, Secretary of State branch offices, online ser­ vices and auto business transactions will be taken offline and unavailable from 5 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15, until 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19. Self-service kiosks will be taken offline in phases beginning Friday, Feb. 8. The seven Super Centers usually open Saturday will be closed Saturday, Feb. 16, for the system-wide conversion. And all branches will be closed on Presidents Day, Monday, Feb. 18. For a few weeks following the launch, as staff gets accustomed to the new computer system and adjusts to a different process for handling transactions, service in offices may take longer. Customers are encouraged to use CARS e-Services at ExpressSOS.com or to complete their transactions after that time of transition. Late fees will be waived for transactions with expiration dates between Feb. 11 and March 2. ; “We sincerely appreciate customers’ patience and understanding as our department modernizes its computer system,” Benson1’' ? 1 said. CARS will bring a humber of improve­ ments: - More convenient, online services at' ExpressSOS.com that include the option to order a license plate, renew a snowmobile ’''' -'' 1 registration and order a Recreation Passport '• * and replacement tab for a plate. Many transac- ’ tions for auto dealers, repair facilities,' r'-‘ mechanics and driver education instructors and providers will be possible online. - Existing online services will be more user-friendly with an intuitive interface and real-time updates that will allow many vehi' cle-related transactions the old system would have rejected as unavailable because of data update issues. Advanced security features will prompt online customers to create a user ID and pass­ join-j word using MILogin, which also can be used ■x.'Jj 7/ to access other state government services. Self-service kiosks will offer watercraft registration renewals, in addition to the cur­ rent license plate tab renewals. Lr ■ r All of the information in CARS will be accessible by a branch office staff member ■ with a single search, and they will be able to review the transaction history to better assist customers. Programming legislative changes that • affect the department will be a faster, less resource-intensive process. - The department will be able to transition to electronic records and eliminate paperwork for customers. Benson said that, upon completion of the vehicle records phase of this project, the driv­ er records system will be replaced over the next two years, combining tens of millions of driver and vehicle records into one integrated customer record system. fr' • UPS & FedEx Shipping • Copy Service (black & white or color) • Photo Processing • FAX Service • Laminating • And Much More 269.945.9105 OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00 ■ 5:30 Pack & Ship 1351 N M-43 - Hwy., Hastings, Ml 49058 • Just north of city limits �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 14, 2019 — Page 7 Water turn-off threatened for Barry Township residents who don’t pay bills Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer Barry Township residents who have ignored their water bills in the past won’t be ignored by the township in the future. The board took action Tuesday to increase the interest charged from 10 to 20 percent, as well as increasing the penalty from 1 to 10 percent^ for residents who don’t pay their water bills on time. In addition, 90 days after the payment is due, the township will invoke its right to shut off water service to the resident. In addition, residents will be charged a $30 dollar turn-off fee as well as a $30 dollar turn­ on fee if service is restored. Clerk Deb Knight said the reasoning behind the change is that a few scofflaws continue to disregard their bills and neglect to pay them. Trustee Teresa Schuiteboer raised a con­ cern regarding those residents experiencing hardships, and who are unable to pay. Knight said that, in the case of hardship, the township would handle the situation on a case-by-case basis. However, the residents to whom this policy will apply are those who continue to disregard their bills without citing any hardship at all. SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Help for small­ business owners VondaVanfilpq/. Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Running, a small business isn’t just a fulltime job - it can be a 24/7 endeavor. Managing employees, inventory, scheduling and services, not to mention marketing, can be exhausting. Social Security can make your life easier with our suite of services that allows small business owners to fde W-2/W2Cs online and verify employees’ names and Social Security numbers against our records. If you run a business, make us your first stop for information on W-2s, electronic filing and verifying Social Security numbers at socialspcurity.gov/employer to save time. This service offers fast, free and secure online W-2 filing options to CPAs, accountants, enrolled agents, and individuals who process W-2s (the Wage and Tax Statement) and W-2Cs (Statement of Corrected Income and Tax Amounts). Small business owners also can take advantage of our business services online at socialsecurity.gov/bso/bsowelcome .htm. Let^Social Security help you achieve these business goals. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids Ml 49525 or via email at vonda .yantil @ssa .gov. Sydney Foust, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on January 25, 2019 to Victoria Arnold of Lake Odessa. Quinney Elizabeth Meaney, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on February 2, 2019 to Tori Clark and Andrew Meaney of Freeport. Richard Devere Price, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on January 27, 2019 to Cathy Price and Zak Price of Hastings. cost is a question mark Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer With the Darrell Jones property soon to be purchased, and the likelihood of a short-term fix to the immediate Crooked Lake flooding crisis, Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull is seeking a long-term solution for he high-water levels there. Dull, who spoke on the crisis at Tuesday’s Barry Township meeting, mentioned two dif­ ferent options: One would bring the water north to Fall Creek, and one would take the water south, possibly through West Gilkey and Indian lakes, but certainly into some sort of an absorption bed. “If we bring the water anywhere, we have to put it in a retention center and let the water percolate down,” Dull said. This process naturally filters the water, accord ng to Dull. “We’’re working on both options right now becaus:5 both have a chance to work,” he said. “But oie way or another, one of the options will work. “Ou long-term solution will be one of these t vo possibilities.’ John Tadgh Mulvaine, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on February 1, 2019 to Jessica Mulvaine and Eric Mulvaine of Bellevue. Oakley Quinn O’Connor, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on January 25,2019 to Carly Scanlon and Kaleb O’Connor of Hastings. Crooked Lake flooding relief ■ Adelynn Rhonda Shattuck, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on January 6,2019 to Alleesha Shattuck and Dereck Shattuck of Hastings. Dull said that, once they pump to the Jones property, 4 inches will come off Crooked Lake water levels. That short-term solution will be happening soon, he said, adding that the purchase of the property is tentatively set for Feb. 28. These options did not just become available in recent weeks, he noted. They have been under consideration during the entirety of the flooding crisis. The state Department of Environmental Quality “has put up more roadblocks and all of our other options have been exhausted,” Dull said. “The reason we pushed this to the back of our minds is the cost of this option. “But, at this point, when nothing else is going to work, or will take too long, we have to go with the more expensive option.” Dull did not have a cost estimate for either solution at the meeting. In December, the cost for flooding relief at Crooked Lake had reached about $285,000, he said then. “The biggest thing is: We will be doing one or the other,” he said Tuesday. “One of these things is going to happen.” Axel Arthur Elliott Bolo, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on January 26, 2019 to Kaylyn Armstrong and Steven Bolo of Hastings. Aayliah Ann Farley, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on January 31, 2019 to Heather Pinks and John Farley of Shelbyville. Ryker Giannon Kain, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on February I, 2019 to Olivia Kain of Middleville. Genevieve Dobija celebrates 100th birthday Genevieve Dobija will celebrate her 100th birthday with an open house celebration on Saturday, Feb. 23,2019 from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at Thornapple Manor, 2700 Nashville Rd., Hastings, MI 49058. Sugarbush Living Room. Only gift your presence. Call any time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 Marriage Jjcenses ' Jennifer Loyola Ebrada, Wayland and Theron Steven Storey, Wayland Jack Joe Haight, Freeport and Deborah Sue Barry, Freeport Krystin Deanna Powers, Middleville and Garrett Ryan Rekis, Middleville Maria Kay France, Freeport and Cody Allen Wilcox, Freeport See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. ] J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE 2019 NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Review will meet at the Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Rd. Delton, Michigan 49046, to examine and review the 2019 assessment roll. The board will convene on the following dates for the hearing of appeals of assessments or taxable values, poverty exemptions, parcel classification appeals and/or current year qualified agricultural denials: Tuesday, March 5, 2019, 10:00 am Organizational Meeting Monday, March 11, 2019, 1:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 9:00 pm Tuesday, March 12, 2019, 9:00 am to noon and 1:00 to 4:00 pm BOARD OF REVIEW MEETING SCHEDULE THE ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF REVIEW will be held at the Orangeville Township Hall, 7350 Lindsey Rd. Plainwell MI 49080 on the following dates. Tuesday March 5, Organizational Meeting - 4:00 pm Monday, March 11, Appeal Hearing - 9:00 am to 12:00 noon & 1:00pm to 4:00pm Tuesday March 12, Appeal Hearing -1:30 pm to 4:30pm, & 6:00pm to 9:00pm The Board of Review will meet as many more days as deemed necessary to hear questions, protests and to equalize the 2019 assessments. By Board resolution, residents are able to protest by letter, provided protest letter is received by March 12, 2019 - 12:00 noon. Written protests should be mailed to; BOARD OF REVIEW 7350 LINDSEY RD. PLAINWELL MI 49080 The tentative ratios and the estimated multipliers for each class of real property and personal property for 2017 are as follows; 1.04015 48.07 % . Agricultural .096228 51.96% Commercial 1.02264 48.89 % . Industrial 1.09602 45.62 % . Residential 1.0000 50.00 % Personal___ (ADA) Americans with Disabilities Notice Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Clerk at least seven (7) days in advance of hearing. This notice posted in Compliance with PA 267 of 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act) MCLA41,72a (2)(3) and with the Americans with Disabilities Act Contacts - Clerk - Mel Risner: 269-664-4522 Supervisor- Thomas Rook: 616-299-6019 And on such additional days as required to hear all persons who have given notice of the desire to be heard until assessment rolls have been revised, corrected and approved. APPOINTMENTS ARE SUGGESTED; letter appeals will be accepted and must be received no later than 5:00 pm March 9, 2019 Tentative ratios and estimated multipliers for 2019 are as follows: Agricultural 52.53% 0.9518 Commercial 43.01% 1.1625 Industrial 49.61% 1.0079 Residential 46.84% 1.0675 Personal Property 50.00% 1.0000 Tentative equalization factor of 1.0000 for all classes is expected after completion of Board of Review. Jim Stoneburner, Supervisor Prairieville Township Kevin Harris, Assessor Prairieville Township Prairieville Township Board Meetings are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex or disability. American with Disabilities (ADA) Notice The township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven-(7) days notice to Prairieville Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact Prairieville Township by writing or calling. Rod Goebel Prairieville Township Clerk 10115 S. Norris Rd. Delton, Ml 49046 269-623-2726 alentine’s BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN February 7, 2019 Wish I for my Baby Girl Kosesarered Violets arc blue the things you said are << just not true, C-' g'Z J love only you. So give us another chance <» one more time a ; And. oh yes, baby girl Wdlyoubeniy ■w Valentine? ■Honey Bear i Given under Public Act 165 of the Public Acts of Michigan, 1971 EQUALIZATION RATIOS AND MULTIPLIERS BY CLASSIFICATION Agricultural Assessment Jurisdiction TOWNSHIP Assyria Baltimore Barry Carlton Castleton Hastings Hope Irving Johnstown Maple Grove Orangeville Prairieville Rutland Thornapple Woodland Yankee Springs Ratio 46.53% 49.61% 49.75% 45.08% 55.69% 48.95% 53.49% 49.90% 51.90% 45.22% 48.07% 52.53% 43.58% 43.31% 51.02% 44.88% Mult 1.0746 1.0079 1.0050 1.1091 0.8978 1.0215 0.9348 1.0020 0.9634 1.1057 1.0401 0.9518 1.1473 1.1545 0.9800 1.1141 Ratio 47.01% 50.47% 47.59% 49.20% 51.39% 54.41% 49.45% 47.77% 47.08% 55.32% 51.96% 43.01% 54.54% 47.63% 47.45% 53.21% Mult 1.0636 0.9907 1.0506 1.0163 0.9730 0.9189 1.0111 1.0467 1.0620 0.9038 0.9623 1.1625 0.9168 1.0498 1.0537 0.9397 Ratio 41.75% 49.20% 53.80% 45.29% 49.52% 44.14% 47.87% 57.59% 47.08% 37.21% 48.89% 49.61% 41.44% 54.75% 42.43% 51.48% Mult 1.1976 1.0163 0.9294 1.1040 1.0097 1.1328 1.0445 0.8682 1.0620 1.3437 1.0227 1.0079 1.2066 0.9132 1.1784 0.9713 Ratio 48.92% 45.93% 48.41% 48.59% 46.48% 48.20% 48.91% 47.63% 49.81% 44.27% 45.62% 46.84% 47.91% 46.16% 48.55% 47.34% City of Hastings 52.80% 0.9470 50.25% 0.9950 50.10% 0.9980 45.39% Commercial Industrial Pursuant to Section 211.34A of the Michigan General Property Tax Law, the following statement is published showing equalization ratios and multipliers necessary to compute individual state equalized valuation for real and personal property for 2019 assessments. Timothy O. Vandermark, Equalization Director Residential Timber/Cutover Developmental Mult 1.0221 1.0886 1.0328 1.0290 1.0757 1.0373 1.0223 1.0498 1.0038 1.1294 1.0960 1.0675 1.0436 1.0832 1.0299 1.0562 Ratio N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C Ratio N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C N/C 1.1016 N/C Mult N/C Mult Personal Ratio 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% 50.00% Mult 1.0000 1.0000 1.0000 1.0000 1.0000 1.0000 1.0000 1.0000 1.0000 1.0000 1.0000 1.0000 1.0000 1.0000 1.0000 1.0000 50.00% 1.0000 �Page 8 — Thursday, February 14, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD Elaine Garlock The Lake Odessa Area Historical Society meets tonight at the Freight House Museum on Emerson Street at 7 p.m. The announced topic is on the theme of sweets, with audience participation on memories of local restaurants. Doubtless there will be stories of Becky Shupp and her famous pies and the other good food she served at her restaurant. The society is planning a chili supper Friday, March 1, second in the series of Friday night suppers in winter. The Red Cross was in town Monday. Fiftyfour pints were collected. A new one-story house has been built on Huddle Road immediately east of the property of Jerry’s Tire. A large pole building is now being built near the west property line. The appearance is that an attached garage will be the next phase of the building project judging by the lack of siding on the west end of the house. William Eckstrom of Naples, Fla., has son Tom from Atlanta, Ga., were at church Sunday. They had come to Michigan for Bill to attend a gathering of MSU basketball alumni. This was Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads also the weekend when Magic Johnson was publicized in the newspapers for being back at MSU for basketball reunions. This would be the 40th anniversary of the Johnson era when MSU had its first and national champions. The genealogy society, which met Saturday, heard a presentation by member John Pierce on his Civil War ancestor who had a threeyear enlistment followed by manual labor in Kansas for a project that had no (apparent) connection to the war effort. The story showed the vast amount of research done by Mr. Pierce of Orleans. The capping climax for those who attended as the strawberry shortcake treat prepared by local members who do this each year. Winter weather continues with snowfall on most days, along with icy roads and some wind. After all, this is Michigan, and this or something similar is what is expected for much of February. Residents in nearby Portland are plagued by ice jams. Some old histories tell that in years past when the Grand River was clogged by ice that wrought havoc on the town with flooding, the railroad company would bring in carloads of coal and park them on the bridge used by the Pere Marquette and later the C&O to hold the bridge firm in resistance to the force of the ice jams. All three bridges over the Grand were closed to all traffic in recent days. People who wanted to go west out of town had their choice of going south to David Highway to the next bridge or north to Kimball, which leads into Lyons to get the next north bridge. One by one, the bridges were opened except for the old railroad bridge which is now part of the town’s trail system for pedestrian use. COMMUNITY FORUM The Community is invited to attend these forums to give input on the search for our next Superintendent. Tuesday, February 19th at 10:30 am in the Middle School Library & 6:30 pm in the [ "J L J Middle School Commons Area ■“ 232 West Grand Street Hastings, MI 49058 T HASTINGS CHARTER TOWNSHIP -2019- NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Review will meet at the Township Hall, 885 River Rd., Hastings, Ml 49058 to examine and review the 2019 assessment roll. The board will convene on the following dates for the hearing of appeals of assessments or taxable values, poverty exemptions, parcel classification ap­ peals and/or current year qualified agricultural denials: Tuesday, March 5, 2019, Wednesday, March 13, 2019, Thursday, March 14, 2019, 1 :OO pm Organizational Meeting Only 9:00 am to Noon and 6:00 to 9:00 pm 9:00 am to Noon and 1:00 to 4:00 pm And on such additional days as required to hear all persons who have given notice of the desire to be heard until assessment rolls have been revised, cor­ rected and approved. APPEALS ARE HEARD ON FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS; letter appeals will be accepted and must be received no later than 5:00 pm March 8, 2019 Tentative ratios and estimated multipliers for 2019 are as follows: 1.0215 Agricultural 48.95% 54.41 % 0.9189 Commercial 44.14% 1.1328 Industrial 1.0373 Residential 48.20% 1.0000 Personal Property 50.00% Tentative equalization factor of 1.0000 for all classes is expected after completion of Board of Review. Jim Brown, Supervisor - Hastings Charter Township Kevin Harris, Assessor - Hastings Charter Township American with Disabilities (ADA) Notice The township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven-(7) days notice to Hastings Charter Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact Castleton Township by writing or calling. Hastings Charter Township Clerk 885 River Rd. Hastings, Ml 49058 269-948-9690 JONES Your financial adviser can do some ‘life coaching’ Life coaches - not surprisingly - strive to improve the quality of life of their clients. And financial professionals essentially embrace the same mission. So, if you decide to hire a financial advisor, you should expect to receive some “coaching” as you work toward all your important objectives, such as sending your kids to college, enjoying a com­ fortable retirement and leaving a legacy that can benefit the next generation. What tips from life coaches might you also get from your financial advisor? Here are a few: • Create a plan. A life coach can help you create a plan for your future, taking into account your career aspirations, relationships, hobbies, charitable activities and so on. And a financial advisor will also take a “holistic” approach by looking at many elements including your age, income, family responsi­ bilities and desired retirement lifestyle - to create a long-term investment strategy. Of course, you may need to adjust this strategy in response to changes in your life, but it can still serve as an overall map on your journey toward your financial objectives. • Identify and prioritize goals. A life coach will help you identify and prioritize your life goals, whether they are personal or profes­ sional. And your financial advisor can help you do the same with your financial goals. For example, your goal of retiring comfort­ ably at age 65 may take precedence over your wish to purchase a vacation home. As such, you will need to focus your efforts first on the retirement goal, and then, if it appears likely that you will meet that goal, you can devote the resources necessary for your vacation home by the mountains or the sea. You may even be willing to accept a lesser goal, such Citizens can help prevent child abuse while filing Michigan tax returns Michiganders have the chance to help protect children when they file their state income tax returns. A checkoff box on the state income tax return form allows residents to donate $5, $10 or more to go toward preventing child abuse in Michigan through the Children’s Trust Fund. The Children’s Trust Fund - a nonprofit within the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services - serves as a voice for Michigan’s children and families and promotes their health, safety and welfare by funding effective local programs and services that help prevent child abuse and neglect. “As Michiganders file their taxes this year, we hope they will check the Children’s Trust Fund box on the Voluntary Schedule Form,” Michael Foley, director of the Children’s Trust Fund, said. “We appreciate the generous support that we receive every year from residents as they file their state taxes. Checking the box allows us to fund local programs throughout the state that prevent child abuse and neglect.” The Children’s Trust Fund checkoff box is on the Voluntary Contribution Schedule Form 4642. More information about the Children’s Trust Fund tax campaign can be found its website, including a toolkit for anyone who would like to promote the checkoff. HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE February, the month of love, has Blind Date with a Book (prizes for teens and adults) and Love Your Community with Food for Fines Feb. 4 to March 2. Thursday, Feb. 14 - Barry County Baby Cafe, 10 a.m.-noon; Movie Memories watch­ es 1940 film starring William Powell, Myrna Loy and Frank McHugh, 5-8 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15 - preschool story time,10:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 16 - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance counseling, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (call 269-945-0526 for appointment); board game group, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 18 - Quilting Passions, 10 a.m.-l p.m.; Lego club, 4-5 p.m. (all adults must be accompanied by a child); Creative Haven Writing Group, 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 19 - toddler story time, 10:30-11 a.m.; mahjong club, 5:30-8; chess club, 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 20 - Great Decisions’ foreign affairs discussions, 1-4 p.m.; Family Science Night, 6-8 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. as renting, rather than owning, your vacation residence. • Move beyond your comfort zone. A trained and experienced life coach can help you recognize your perceived limitations and move beyond them. For instance, if your new job requires that you make many presen­ tations, but you are nervous about public speaking, your life coach may offer tech­ niques to help you get past this fear - to move you out of your “comfort zone,” so to speak. This same scenario could play out in your interactions with your financial advisor. If you happen to be a cautious and risk-averse person by nature, you might be inclined to bring those same traits into the investment arena. But a competent financial advisor one who truly has your best interests in mind - will likely warn you that you will have trou­ ble achieving your financial objectives if you try to avoid all risk by sticking exclusively with so-called “safe” investments, which do not offer much growth potential. Instead, your advisor will help you incorporate your risk tolerance, along with your time horizon and your short- and long-term goals, to help shape an investment mix appropriate for you. Such a mix may well include those “safe” invest­ ments, but it would also contain a reasonable percentage of growth-oriented ones. Whether it’s self-improvement or your financial future, you can benefit from good coaching - so take full advantage of it. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. If you have any questions, contact Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. STOCKS The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. Apple Inc. AT&T Chemical Fin Chevron Deere & Co. Exxon Mobil Flowserve CP Ford Motor Co. General Electric Co. General Motors Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP Perrigo Co. Pfizer Inc. Spartannash Comp Stryker TCF Financial Corp. Walmart Inc. Walt Disney Co Whirl Pool Corp Gold Silver Dow Jones 170.89 29.81 45.42 118.72 165.19 75.40 45.77 8.46 9.98 39.03 185.52 134.16 56.53 106.89 48.42 41.87 21.39 185.66 22.76 96.97 109.20 136.44 -3.29 +.18 +.35 -.76 +.98 -.19 +1.06 -.29 -.65 -.27 -.87 +1.28 -2.61 -.33 +1.59§ -.2^ -.14 +6.31 +.21 +1.37 -3.4(1 +-91 $1,310.86 $15.75 25,425 -$4.33 -.07: +13 1 ^Doctor * Universe ••• S -' .. • ■ Fish urine essential to coral reefs Dr. Universe: Do fish pee? J.P., 9 IA, Texas Dear J.P., Not only do fish pee, but their pee gives other animals in the ocean what they need to survive. That’s what I found out from my friend Cori Kane, a marine biologist at Oregon State University who got her Ph.D. at Washington State University. She knows a lot about coral reefs in our oceans. Coral reefs look like a ridge made of rock, but they are actually made up of living things. Corals need a few things to survive. They need clear, warm water, sunlight and nutrients, a kind of food that helps them grow. There aren’t usually a lot of nutrients in water near coral reefs. Luckily, there are a lot of nutrients in fish pee — and a lot of fish in the reef. Like you, fish have kidneys. Kidneys help the body make urine. The shape and size of kidneys can be different depending on the species. Some kidneys are really long, like those in eels. Others are shorter and closer together like in an anglerfish. A lot of fish get rid of urine through a tiny opening, called a pore, that’s near their rear ends — and in some fish, waste also goes out through the skin or the gills. When a fish pees in a coral reef, the cor­ als wave their tentacles around like tiny arms to grab nutrients from the pee and absorb them. Pretty much all living things — from plants to mushrooms to humans to cats — need nutrients to grow and survive. Humans get a lot of nutrients like minerals, fats, vitamins and carbohydrates from their food. Corals get nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from the pee. It turns out, fish pee is pretty important to some marine eco­ systems. The nutrients will help the coral grow’ — slowly, but surely. In a year, the reef will grow anywhere from less than an inch to 8 inches. It will bloom in beautiful colors like red, purple and blue. Scientists have discovered thousands of' fish that live in coral reefs. One of them is the clownfish. When clownfish pee, they can also help anemones — which look kind of like flowers but are actually animals closely related to jellyfish — grow. Another organism called algae also lives in anemones. The algae take in nutrients from clownfish pee. The algae can then make sugars that feed the anemone. They' are pretty good at helping each other out. , While we’re on the subject, fish also poop. Believe it or not, some of the corals will even grab onto fish poop to get some nutrients. Kane also told me about the neon-col­ ored parrotfish. It lives in tropical reefs around the world and has a mouth that looks like a parrot’s beak. “Parrotfish are really famous for their1 pooping abilities because they eat dead coral and other things,” she said. “When they munch it up, they poop out sand.” So, to answer your question, J.P., from sardines to sharks, pretty much all of the' animals in the ocean have to go to the bath­ room. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr: Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse .com. CITY OF HASTINGS 3 34 PUBLIC NOTICE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 563 ' - if The undersigned, being the duly qualified and acting Clerk of the City of Hastings, Michigan, does hereby certify that , ORDINANCE NO. 563: TO AMEND CHAPTER 57 OF THE HASTINGS CODE OF 1970, AS AMENDED, TO AMEND THE RIVERSIDE CEMETERY ORDINANCE was adopted by the City Council of the City of Hastings at a regular meeting on the 11thday of February 2019. A complete copy of this Ordinance is available for review at the office of the City Clerk at City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Jane M. Saurman City Clerk �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 14, 2019 — Page 9 fl look Hack at the stories and columns on local history In the Hastings Banner '*> • REGISTRATION CARD AY ■ Xactlazi. .....k«i> > LYss-iusi ® . 24 -luffib 4-. ?'A i KLGISTRARS REPORT 4^■'We'. 18» TURNING BflGK THE PAGES < £.tar&l..bcxn.. fei* *»<M*sar**. tMtt I that hi* wMeh I aasley, -;.Licun u-- ,------, ' Citizen LuchJ.niB.t 4 V A' -c ** Battle Crsox, . r_ 5P.9A ... Llchlgas-___ . Jw. J 1.9.17*.. .......no none Despite huge funeral, little is known about local Tolar Bear’ More information about Orville Stocken can be found on his compulsory draft registration card than in a 2,000-plus word account of his funeral in Battle Creek, (familysearch.org image) the fall of 1919. The Nov. 20, 1919, Battle Creek Enquirer reported on a massive turnout when Stocken’s body was returned for burial here. “Battle Creek has seen many impressive ceremonies. It has witnessed, in its years of history, events that have touched the pulse of the city, but never was there one so impressive or witnessed by a greater number of Battle Creek’s citizens, from the youngest to the oldest, than the funeral services Wednesday afternoon over the remains of Orville I. Stocken, private of the 339® Infantry, who A Red Cross photo is simply labeled “Last rites to a soldier,” in the 2007 book “The ^History of the American Expedition Fighting the Bolshevik! Campaigning in North Russia 1918-19." Orville Stocken, at one time a resident of Nashville, was one of many American soldiers on the “Polar Bear Expedition” who died in Russia. ' J , ; < < ! . ’ ■ j ; ; ■ ■ ' * • ■ ' ’ i ' ' । I . j ! Kathy Maurer Copy Editor An internet search turns up bits of informa­ tion on Orville Irving Stocken, such as birth, marriage and census records. That informa­ tion on Stocken could be summed up in a couple of paragraphs. However, the details of his military unit’s travels and his two funerals are more extensive. In short, more informa­ tion can be found relating to his burials than to his life. Orville Stocken was born at Baptist Lake, Ensley, Newaygo County, in 1890 and even­ tually moved to Calhoun County. At the time of the 1900 U.S. Census, his family of three sisters and one brother was living in Charlotte, and when he registered for the draft, he was living and working in Battle Creek. However, his name is among the more than 850 gathered by the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution of local men who served during World War I. That means, according to the DAR women, he was a Barry County boy. The only official record connecting him to Barry County is his first marriage. He and Theresa Vanauker were wed in Nashville in 1910. How long he lived there before or after his marriage is unknown. Stocken and his first wife, the daughter of Ed Vanauker and Jessie Stillwell, divorced in 1915; they had no children. His second mar­ riage to Carolyn Tew - the youngest of eight daughters (and one son) of Albert and Sarah (Green) Tew - took place in August 1917. “Carrie” Tew was two months shy of being 18Stocken was working as a machinist with the Grand Trunk Railroad in Battle Creek when he registered for the draft. He listed himself as single and partially supporting his mother. His parents, Chester and Susie (Garrison) Stocken, were divorced, as well. According to the DAR records, Orville Stocken reported to Camp Custer in late May 1918 and was briefly in New York before leaving for Europe July 29, 1918. After land­ ing in England, he was transferred with Company A of the 339® Infantry, which [ would later become known as the Polar Bear '-Expedition. They spent most of August in the Liverpool area. Like many young soldiers .^trained for battle in France, Stocken may have /'been disappointed to learn of his company’s Inext assignment. “No official announcement had been made, but rumors concerning the troops’ ultimate destination were many, and as a rule, indicat­ ed Russia,” Dorothea York wrote in her 1923 book The Romance of Company A, 339^' •Infantry. “And then came the large hint. Sir ’Ernest Shackleton would give a series of lec. ] tures to the troops on how to care for them­ ; selves while in the Arctic regions. Now it was ; certain, and the disappointment was keen to I have missed the Big Show and be sent instead to an unknown country to fight an unknown enemy for an unknown reason.” Stocken’s company boarded the Nagoya Aug. 26,1918, and headed into the icy waters of the North Sea. The overcrowded, infested, gjjoorly ventilated vessel made its way steadily north before turning east and then south into Russia. Cold, rainy weather limited the men’s chances to get fresh air. Within a few days, York wrote, influenza developed and swept swiftly and relentlessly through the ship. The Nagoya landed in Bakaritza, (Archangel) Russia, Sept. 5, and able-bodied men then were transportedJj,y barge up the Dvina River on a five-day trip to Bereznik. “These barges, as we afterward learned, were a good example of the Russian idea of sanitation and cleanliness,” according to the 2007 book, The History’ of the American Expedition Fighting the Bolsheviki Campaigning in North Russia 1918-19 by Joel R. Moore, Harry H. Mead and Lewis E. Jahns. “They had been previously used for hauling coal, cattle, produce, flax and a thou­ sand and one other things, and in their years of usage had accumulated an unbelievable amount of filth and dirt. In addition to all this, they were leaky, and the lower holds, where hundreds of men had to sleep that week, were cold, dismal and damp. Small wonder that our little force was daily decreased by sickness and death.” Nearly 70 men had died by the time they reached their next destination, and Stocken’s name soon would be added to the list. “And here at Bereznik they buried two more victims of influenza who died after arrival at Bereznik,” York wrote. “It was a disheartening thing to leave your graves behind you as you advanced, and harder still to die in the loneliness of a strange land. On Sept. 13, a funeral was held for Orville Stocken, and on the day following, a second for Harry Surran [of Culver, Ind.]. The two [funerals] were conducted in exactly the same way with every possible military honor. A description of one suffices for both. “The whole ceremony was very simple and primitive but all the more impressive for that. Death in this wild country of swamp and stream and forest was like life, a simple thing with no artificial trappings or pretense. The great trees in all directions offered no solution to the problem of shaping coffins. The only available lumber seemed to be the fences of the village, and these they framed into long boxes, very rough but the best that care could do, and in these they laid them [the bodies]. As the pallbearers carried the body from the log house where it lay to a four-wheeled cart that served as hearse, the guard presented arms and the little body of perhaps 40 men, comprising the guard of honor, firing squad, several officers and an escort, fell in and fol­ lowed to the grave. The services were held in the open in the little Russian church yard on the outskirts of Bereznik, with the gorgeous autumn woods on one side and the wide blue river on the other. “A British chaplain read the burial service. He was probably a Church of England clergy­ man, but whatever his creed, it did not seem to matter greatly then. The service concluded, the firing squad fired its three volleys over the grave, and then the slow, solemn notes of taps quivered in the air, and it was over. The true Russia, which was always friendly to the American soldier here, took these two to her heart to hold until the morning.” Stocken’s body remained in Russia until died in Russia in September 1918 and was brought home for burial.” The First Congregational Church was packed, the crowd overflowing onto the lawn outside and across the street. “Never for any funeral or memorial service has such a gathering of people assembled in Battle Creek,” the paper reported. “From schools, factories and homes they gathered, with the one desire to pay the tribute of a grateful city to Orville Stocken, and in the same breath their gratitude to the thousands of others, who, like him, paid on foreign soil the supreme sacrifice for their flag and country.” Schools were dismissed at 2 o’clock. Nearly all 800 members of the Gen. George A. Custer Post of the American Legion were in attendance, having been granted a short leave from factories and offices Where they worked. Grand Trunk Railroad had a delega­ tion of about 300, according to the Enquirer, along with many more from the Red Cross, Grand Army, city, high school cadet corps and other organizations. “It was a silent, sober crowd. To many of them, the cortege brought back memories of boys they had lost, and there was no hiding of the tears that flowed freely as the silent mili­ tary procession, marching to the solemn funeral dirge of the 10th Infantry Band wend­ ed its way.” Ten and 20 deep, people stood along the line of the procession, reportedly the first mil­ itary funeral ever conducted in Battle Creek. Despite the large turnout, the services fol­ lowed military tradition of simplicity and precision. Stocken’s flag-draped casket repre­ sented not only the many soldiers who died in Russia, but all of the “Doughboys,” regardless of where they served. “Orville Stocken was only a private in the ranks. Yet to him and to his sacrifice the city yesterday paid a tribute such as is accorded to few men who have spent many years of activ­ ity in the business world and have lived long lives of usefulness,” the Enquirer reported. “But the tribute was not to him alone, but as well to the others who, like him, had given their all while in the service of their country.” ‘“Out of the debacle of Archangel comes one of the finest examples of spiritual heroism of the way,”’ Rev. Carleton Miller, chaplain of the American Legion Post, said, ‘“the gallant 339th fighting a heated fight in which there seemed to be no cause, no answer to their oft-repeated question, ‘What are we here for?’ proved to the world that they could sacrifice and serve. “‘While we shall honor our dead comrades by memorial halls, monuments, services and various outward manifestations of our esteem and devotion, the greatest honor to them comes to us in our obligation to carry on their unfinished work,” Miller said. “‘The ideals for which we all served must now be made real. The world is already for­ getting outwardly the purpose of the war. It is returning to materialism and national selfish­ ness. ...’” he continued. “‘Whether it is self-determination of the small nations, or America for Americans, the task is ours to complete. These dead shall have ‘died in vain’ unless we begin our work at once.’” The extensive article described every detail of the funeral and procession to Oak Hill Cemetery. It even included a proclamation by union carpenters from the Kellogg Toasted Com Flake Company. It specifically men­ tioned factories that had closed, such as Grand Trunk, Postum and Advance-Rumely. Even flower donors were listed. Twice, the recount mentioned that Stocken family members were present, but nothing more. Orville Stocken, the soldier, was named eight times in the story, once as a member of the 339^ Infantry and another time as a Grand Trunk employee. No other details of his life were reported. Although more than 2,000 words in length, the article revealed less about Orville Stocken than did his draft registration form, which said was a machinist at the Grand Trunk Railroad, partially supporting his mother, was of medi­ um height and medium build with gray eyes and light brown hair. The Banner had no article on Stocken’s reinterment. The Nov. 20,1919, Nashville News includ­ ed one paragraph in which Stocken’s name was misspelled: “The funeral of Orville I. Stocking, formerly of Nashville, who died in Russia while serving with the 339® Infantry, was held at Battle Creek yesterday afternoon. The American Legion took charge of the obsequies, and the factories and business places were closed for a half hour during the services.” Sources: Hastings Banner, familysearch, org, findagrave.com, migenweb.org/barry, Google Books; The Romance of Company A: 339® Infantry ANRFF by Dorthea York; ChroniclingAmerica.com; Battle Creek Enquirer; The History of the American Expedition Fighting the Bolsheviki Campaigning in North Russia 1918-19 by Joel R. Moore, Harry H. Mead and Lewis E. Jahns. SOUTHWEST BARRY COUNTY SEWER AND WATER AUTHORITY 8 COUNTY OF BARRY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED 2019-2020 BUDGET PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Commission of the Southwest Barry County Sewer and Water Authority will conduct a public hearing on the Authority’s proposed budget for the Authority’s 2019-2020 fiscal year on February 26, 2018 at 6:30 p.m, at the Southwest Barry County Sewer and Water Authority Office, 11191 S. M43 Hwy., Delton, Michigan, 49046, , A copy of the proposed budget is available for public inspection at the office of the Authority located at 11191 South M-43 Highway, Delton, Michigan 49046 during regular Authority business hours. In addition to other business which may properly come before the meeting, the Commission will consider any comments made by the public at the public hearing on the Authority budget and, further, will consider whether to adopt, and may adopt, the annual Authority budget for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. If adopted, the budget may be adopted in the form in which originally presented, or in such amended form as the Commission in its discretion may determine. All interested persons may attend the public hearing. The address of the Southwest Barry County Sewer and Water Authority is 11191 South M-43 Highway, Delton, Michigan 49046. The telephone number of the Authority office is (269) 623-3401. SOUTHWEST BARRY COUNTY SEWER AND WATER AUTHORITY TOWNSHIP OF CASTLETON 2019 NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Review will meet at the Township Hall, 915 Reed St, Nashville, Ml 49073, to examine and review the 2019 assessment roll. The board will convene on the following dates for the hearing of appeals of assessments or taxable values, poverty exemptions, parcel classification appeals and/or current year qualified agricultural denials: Tuesday, March 5, 2019, 2:30 pm Organizational Meeting Monday, March 11,2019, 1:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 9:00 pm Tuesday, March 12, 2019, 9:00 am to Noon and 1:00 to 4:00 pm And on such additional days as required to hear ail persons who have given notice of the desire to be heard until assessment rolls have been revised, corrected and approved. APPEALS ARE HEARD ON FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS; letter appeals will be accepted and must be received no later than 5:00 pm March 8, 2019 Tentative ratios and estimated multipliers for 2019 Agricultural 55.69% Commercial 51.39% 49.52% Industrial Residential 46.48% 50.00% Personal Property are as follows: 0.8978 0.9730 1.0097 1.0757 1.0000 Tentative equalization factor of 1.0000 for all classes is expected after completion of Board of Review. Cheryl Hartwell, Supervisor Castleton Township Kevin Harris, Assessor Castleton Township Castleton Township Board Meetings are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex or disability. American with Disabilities (ADA) Notice The township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven-(7) days notice to Castleton Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact Castleton Township by writing or calling. Castleton Township Clerk 915 Reed St. PO Box 679 Nashville, Ml 49073 517-852-9479 �Page 10 — Thursday, February 14, 2019 — The Hastings Banner FFA teams to represent Hastings at regionals The Junior High Conduct of Meetings Team includes (from left) Keegan Lindsey, Ryan VanDorp, Trey Casey, Kaylie Carl, Heath Hays, Joy Aukerman and Katie Clark. The Greenhand Conduct of Meetings Team includes (from left) Zoey Haight, Breanna Willard, Faith Beede. Andrew VanSyckle/ Emily Roe, Maddie McWhinnie and Ellen Shultz. I -• Members of the Parliamentary Procedure Team are (from left) Emma White, Michael VanDorp, Kayla Willard, Devin Haywood, Addie Horrmann, Wade Pennington and August Malik. Demonstration Team members are (from left) Emily Mitchell, Roz Pechumer, Haylee VanSyckle and Jade Hunter. Their demonstration is laparoscopic artificial insemination in sheep. ' - Joan Van Houten . Staff Writer The Hastings FFA Chapter traveled to Charlotte Feb! 5 to compete in the district round of the leadership contests, and now MORGAN ELECTRICAL SERVICES, INC. LICENSED ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Kohler* Generators Quebec City, Ottawa, Kingston departures...Call now to for your 2019 brochure ww.StLawrenceCruiseLines.com 1-800-267-7868 Office: (269) 948-9244 1011E. State St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.morganelectrical.com 253 Omano St., Suite 200 Kingston, ON K7L 224 City of Hastings NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON AMENDMENTS TO B-l CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT ORDINANCES FOR THE CITY OF HASTINGS The Planning Commission for the City of Hastings will hold a Public Hearing for the purpose of hearing written and/or oral comments from the public concerning the amendments to the B-l Central Business District to allow for residential housing in designated areas of the B-l District. The public hearing will be held at 7:00 PM on Monday, March 4, 2019 in City Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. All interested citizens are encouraged to attend and to submit comments. A copy of the changes to the B-l Central Business District ordinances are available for public inspection from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday at the Office of the Community Development Director, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. NOTICE The minutes of the meeting of the Barry County Board of Commissioners held February 12, 2019, are available in the County Clerk’s Office at 220 W. State St., Hastings, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or www.barrycounty.org. MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 r and Hay lee VanSyckle. ; t^p^^i^^px^fegi^bptepreseiit-: ing compete, at regionals.” Andria Mayack, agricultural' education instructor and FFA advisor, said? ■‘The students practiced tirelessly since late summer perfecting their skills. f “We’ve had a few bumps in the road with. all the snow days, but, in the end, I couldn’t; be prouder of them.” ri A ■ Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads City of Hastings 113070 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON REZONING OF PROPERTIES The Planning Commission for the City of Hastings will hold a Public Hearing for the purpose of hearing written and/or oral comments from the public concerning the rezoning of certain properties along North Broadway, West, and East Woodlawn, as listed below. The Planning Com­ mission will consider the proposed rezoning of said properties from the A-0 Apart­ ment-Office District to the B-4 Business West District. The public hearing will be held at 7:00 PM on Monday, March 4, 2019 in City Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. 1215 N. Broadway 121 W. Woodlawn Ave. 124 W. Woodlawn Ave. 1335 N. Broadway 1401 N. Broadway 102 E. Woodlawn Ave. 08-55-055-014-00 (Vacant Lot) PROPOSED CURRENT & Insured HELP WANTED Ya rd/Parts Puller Full time or Part-time Available. Tools and experience necessary. Paid vacation, sick days and bonuses available after probation period. Pay based upon experience, Apply in person at: The City will provide necessary reasonable aids and services upon five days notice to the City Clerk at 269.945.2468 or TDD call relay services 800.649.3777. Jane M. Saurman City Clerk three teams are moving on to regional compe­ tition.10 1!5 ■■ ■ • ■ ■ - ■ ■ The Parliamentary Procedure. Greenhand Conduct of Meetings and Junior High Public Speaking team%r#U received gold and will represent Hastings Feb. 14 in Centreville. The Demonstration Team received gold and will be an alternate at the regional competition. Members of the Junior High Conduct of Meetings Team are Joy Aukerman, Kaylie Carl, Trey Casey, Katie Clark, Heath Hays, Keegan Lindsey and Ryan VanDorp. Members of the Greenhand Conduct of Meetings Team are Faith Beede, Zoey Haight. Maddie McWhinnie, Emily Roe, Ellen Shultz. Andrew VanSyckle and Breanna Willard. Members of the Parliamentary Procedure Team are Devin Haywood, Addie Horrmann, August Malik, Wade Pennington, Michael VanDorp, Emma White and Kayla Willard. Members of the Demonstration Team are Jade Hunter Emily Mitchell, Roz Pechumer 7709 Kingsbury Rd., Delton, Ml 49046 A copy of the proposed changes and map are available for public inspection from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday at the Office of the Community Development Director, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Questions or comments can be directed to Dan King, Community Development Director, at 269.945.2468 or dking@hastingsmi.org The City will provide necessary reasonable aids and services upon five days no­ tice to the City Clerk at 269.945.2468 or TDD call relay services 800.649.3777. Jane M. Saurman City Clerk J �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 14, 2019 — Page 11 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on March 14, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Monte K. Sauers, a married man and Joy A. Sauers, his wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Amerifirst Financial Corporation, its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America Date of Mortgage: October 25, 2006 Date of Mortgage Recording: November 13, 2006 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $178,468.16 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Assyria, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: The East 30 acres of the South 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 10, Town 1 North, Range 7 West, Except beginning at the Southeast corner of said Section, thence West on the South Section line 511 feet 3 inches; thence North parallel with the East Section line 255 feet 6 inches; thence East to East Section line 511 feet 3 inches; thence South on East Section line 255 feet 6 inches to place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at frie mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage tiolder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: February 14, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1375614 (02-14)(03-07) 112909 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPT­ ING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PUR­ POSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILI­ TARY DUTY. ATTENTION PURCHASERS: If the sale is set aside, the purchaser may be entitled to only a re­ turn of the sale deposit less any applicable fees and costs and shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Default having been made in the terms and con­ ditions of a certain Mortgage made between SCOTT W. ESTEP, a single man, whose address is 7240 Jordan Road, Woodland, Michigan 48897, as Mort­ gagor, and MERCANTILE BANK OF MICHIGAN, assignee of ICNB Mortgage Company, LLC, a Mich­ igan banking corporation, whose address is 310 Leonard St. NW,-Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504, as Mortgagee, dated November 20, 2012, and record­ ed in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan on November 26, 2012, in Docu­ ment Number 2012-007459, upon which Mortgage is claimed to be due at the date of this notice the sum of SIXTY-SIX THOUSAND THREE HUNDRED NINETY-ONE AND 44/100 ($66,391.44) DOLLARS, and no suit or proceedings at law or equity having been instituted to recover the debt secured by said Mortgage, or any part thereof; NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the power of sale contained in said Mortgage, and pur­ suant to the statute of the State of Michigan in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that on February 21, 2019, at 1:00 p.m., said Mortgage Will be foreclosed by a sale at public auction to the highest bidder, at the Barry County Courthouse in tfie City of Hastings, County of Barry, Michigan (that being the building where the Circuit Court for the County of Barry is held) of the premises described in said Mortgage, or so much thereof as may be nec­ essary to pay the amount due of said Mortgage, with interest thereon at 3.125% per annum, and all legal costs, expenses and charges, including the attorney fees allowed by law, and also any sums which may be paid by the undersigned to protect its interest in the premises, which said premises are described as follows: Land situated in the Township of Woodland, County of Barry and State of Michigan, to-wit: The West 2 acres of the North 10 acres of the East 1 /2 of the Northwest 1 /4, Section 16, Town 4 North, Range 7 West. Commonly known as: 7240 Jordan Road, Wood­ land, Ml i Parcel No.: 08-15-016-100-02 The redemption period shall be six (6) months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be thirty (?0) days from the date of such sale. • If the property described in this Notice is sold at tile foreclosure sale referred to above, the Mortgag­ or will be held responsible to the purchaser who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the proper­ ty during the redemption period in accordance with MCLA 600.3278 or as otherwise provided by law. MERCANTILE BANK OF MICHIGAN Mortgagee Dated: January 17, 2019 TIMOTHY L. CURTISS, Esq. Braun Kendrick Finkbeiner P.L.C. 304 East Broadway, Suite 206 Mt. Pleasant, Michigan 48858 989/775-7404 111545 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on March 21, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Jolene Pasternack, an unmarried woman Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): AmeriFirst Financial Corporation Date of Mortgage: August 29, 2016 Date of Mortgage Recording: September 12, 2016 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $83,335.51 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: The South 3 rods of Lots 19 and 20 and the East 44 feet of the South 3 rods of Lot 21, City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber A of Plats, Page 1. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: February 14, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1375868 (02-14)(03-07) 113041 NOTICE FORECLOSURE NOTICE RANDALLS. MILLER & ASSOCIATES, P.C. MAY BE A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED MAY BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. IF YOU ARE A MILITARY SERVICEMEMBER ON ACTIVE DUTY NOW OR IN THE PRIOR TWELVE MONTHS, PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE. Mortgage Sale Default has been made in the conditions of a certain mortgage made by Theresa A. Sukup FKA Theresa A. Priest to Fifth Third Mortgage - Ml, LLC, Mortgagee, dated November 5, 2003, and recorded on November 12, 2003, as Document Number: 1117431, Barry County Records, said mortgage was assigned to Fifth Third Bank as successor by merger to Fifth Third Mortgage Company by an Assignment of Mortgage dated May 30, 2013 and recorded June 10, 2013 by Document Number: 2013-007443, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of SixtyThree Thousand Six Hundred Seventy-Five and 68/100 ($63,675.68) including interest at the rate of 3.00000% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and' provided, notice'is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venue, at the place of holding the Circuit Court in said Barry County, where the premises to be sold or some part of them are situated, at 01:00 PM on February 21,2019 Said premises are situated in the Township of Thornapple, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Parcel A: Beginning at a point of the north line of section 12, town 4 north, range 10 west, distant south 89 degrees 55 minutes 50 seconds west 1050.00 feet from the north quarter post of said section; thence south 00 degrees 16 minutes 27 seconds east 208.75 feet; thence south 89 degrees 55 minutes 50 seconds west 252.00 feet to the west line of the east half of the northwest quarter of said section 12, said west line also being the centerline of Moe Road; thence north 00 degrees 10 minutes 09 seconds west 208.75 feet along said west line to said north line of section 12; thence north 89 degrees 55 minutes 50 seconds east 252.00 feet along said north line to the place of beginning. Subject to easements for public highway purposes over the westerly 33 feet thereof for Moe Road and over the northerly 33 feet thereof for Parmalee Road. Commonly known as: 7645 W PARMALEE RD, MIDDLEVILLE, Ml 49333 If the property is eventually sold at foreclosure sale, the redemption period will be 12.00 months from the date of sale unless the property is abandoned or used for agricultural purposes. If the property is determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241 and/or 600.3241 a, the redemption period will be 30 days from the date of sale, or 15 days after statutory notice, whichever is later. If the property is presumed to be used for agricultural purposes prior to the date of the foreclosure sale pursuant to MCL 600.3240, the redemption period is 1 year. Pursuant to MCL 600.3278, if the property is sold at a foreclosure sale, the borrower(s) will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. TO ALL PURCHASERS: The foreclosing mortgagee can rescind the sale. In that event, your damages are, if any, limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. Dated: January 24, 2019 Randall S. Miller & Associates, P.C. Attorneys for Fifth Third Bank as successor by merger to Fifth Third Mortgage Company 43252 Woodward Avenue, Suite 180, Bloomfield Hills, Ml 48302, (248) 335-9200 Case No. 18MI00413-2 (01-24)(02-14) NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Ritchie L. Smith and Faye L. Smith, husband and wife, to United Companies Lending Corporation, Mortgagee, dated September 11, 1998 and recorded September 17, 1998 in Instrument Number 1018002 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by The Bank of New York Mellon (f/k/a The Bank of New York), successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., in trust for registered holders of Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities 2006-2, Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2006-2, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Thirty-Four Thousand Seven Hundred Forty and 18/100 Dollars ($34,740.18), including interest at 9.75% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on APRIL 4, 2019. Said premises are located in the Township of Barry, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: COMMENCING AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 1, TOWN 1 NORTH, RANGE 9 WEST, RUNNING THENCE NORTH 50 RODS; THENCE WEST 48 RODS; THENCE SOUTH 50 RODS; THENCE EAST 48 RODS TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. EXCEPT THE EAST 330 FEET OF THE SOUTH 330 FEET THEREOF. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: February 14, 2019 File No. 19-001712 Firm Name: Orlans PC (02-14)(03-07) 113125 FORECLOSURE NOTICE THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE Default Has Occurred In A Mortgage Made On March 17, 2001 (The “Mortgage”) By Michelle Collette (“Mortgagor”) To Highpoint Community Bank, F/K/A Hastings City Bank, A Michigan Banking Corporation (“Mortgagee”). The Mortgage Was Recorded On March 23, 2001, In The Office Of The Register Of Deeds For Barry County, Michigan, At Instrument Number 1057155. As Of The Date Of This Notice, There Is Claimed To Be Due And Unpaid On The Mortgage The Sum Of Eighty-Seven Thousand Six Hundred Fifty­ Seven And 88/100 Dollars ($87,657.88) In Principal, Accrued Interest, And Late Charges. No Suit Or Proceeding Has Been Instituted To Recover Any Part Of The Debt Secured By The Mortgage, And The Power Of Sale Contained In The Mortgage Has Become Operative By Reason Of Such Default. On Thursday, February 21, 2019, At 1:00 P.m., At The Barry County Courthouse, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan, Which Is The Place For Holding Mortgage Foreclosure Sales For Barry County, Michigan, There Will Be Offered For Sale And Sold To The Highest Bidder, At Public Sale, For The Purpose Of Satisfying The Amounts Due And Unpaid On The Mortgage, Together With The Legal Costs And Charges Of Sale, Including Attorneys’ Fees Allowed By Law, The Real Property Located In The Township Of Thornapple, County Of Barry, Michigan, And Described In The Mortgage As Follows: The West 300 Feet Of The East 1/2 Of The Southwest 1/4 Of The Southwest 1/4 Of Section 32, Town 4 North, Range 10 West. More Commonly Known As: 11878 Bass Road, Middleville, Michigan 49333 Tax Parcel Number: 08-14-032-001-00 The Redemption Period Shall Be Six (6) Months From The Date Of The Sale Unless The Property Is Deemed Abandoned In Accordance With Mcl 600.3241 A, In Which Case The Redemption Period Shall Be Thirty (30) Days After The Foreclosure Sale Or When The Time To Provide The Notice Required By Subdivision Mcl 600.3241 A(C) Expires, Whichever Is Later. If The Property Is Sold At A Foreclosure Sale, You Will Be Responsible To The Person Who Buys The Property At The Foreclosure Sale Or To The Mortgage Holder If You Damage The Property During The Redemption Period. Miller Johnson Attorneys For Highpoint Community Bank, F/K/A Hastings City Bank Dated: January 24, 2019 By: Rachel L. Hillegonds (P67684) 45 Ottawa Avenue Sw, Suite 1100 Grand Rapids, Mi 49503 (616) 831-1700 111987 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Ronald L. Gibbs, a married person, to Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Inc., Mortgagee, dated July 1, 2003 and recorded July 28, 2003 in Instrument Number 1109587 Barry County Records, Michigan. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Thirty-Three Thousand Six Hundred Eighteen and 7/100 Dollars ($33,618.07), including interest at 5.5% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on MARCH 7, 2019. Said premises are located in the Township of Prairieville, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: Lot 20 of Supervisors Plat of Prairieville according to the recorded plat thereof, as Recorded in Liber 2 of Plats on Page 74Also the North 74,25 Feet of the West 165 feet of Lot 22 of Supervisors Plat of the Village of Prairieville, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 2 of Plats on Page 74. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: February 7, 2019 File No. 19-001314 Firm Name: Orlans PC (02-07)(02-28) 112743 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY ADVERTISEMENT THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, ANY INFORMATION WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. Default has occurred in the conditions of a Mortgage (the “Mortgage”) made by MISTY L. FRIDAY, a single woman, as Mortgagor(s), to Honor Credit Union (successor in interest to Post Community Credit Union by merger), as Mortgagee. The Mortgage is dated September 27, 2017 and was recorded October 27, 2017 as Instrument No. 2017-010854 of Barry County Records. The amount claimed to be due on said Mortgage and unpaid at the date of this Notice is THIRTY-FOUR THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED THIRTY-ONE AND 43/100 ($34,731.43) DOLLARS, including interest on the applicable indebtedness at the rate of 4.875% per annum. This sum will increase as additional interest, costs, expenses, and attorney fees accrue under the Mortgage and its related note and which are permitted under Michigan law after the date of this Notice. No legal or equitable proceedings have been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage, and the power of sale in the Mortgage has become operative by reason of the default. NOTICE is now given that on Thursday, March 7, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. at the place for holding the Circuit Court for the County of Barry, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the premises herein described, or some part of them, at public auction, to the highest bidder, for the purpose of satisfying the amount due and unpaid on the Mortgage, along with interest due, the legal costs and charges of sale as allowed by statute and/or the Mortgage, and any taxes and insurance that the Mortgagee pays on or prior to the date of said sale. The lands and premises mentioned and described in the Mortgage, as located in the Village of Nashville, County of Barry, and State of Michigan, are more particularly described as follows: Lot 4 and the South 10 feet of Lot 5 of ORSEMUS A. PHILLIPS ADDITION, according to the recorded plat thereof in Liber 1 of Plats, on Page 19; Address: 403 Washington Street, Nashville, Ml 49073; Tax Parcel No.: 08-52-180-004-00; together with all existing or subsequently erected or affixed buildings, improvements, and fixtures; all easements, rights of way, streets, roads, alleys, and public places, privileges, and appurtenances, public or private, now or later used in connection with the premises; and all rights to make divisions of the land that are exempt from the platting requirements of all applicable land division or platting acts, as amended from time to time. Attention Purchasers: the foreclosing Mortgagee reserves the right to cancel the sale prior to sale or to rescind this sale at any time. In that event, your damages, if any, will be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at the sale, plus interest. If the mortgaged property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. The length of the redemption period will be six (6) months from date of sale, unless the property is determined to be abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of sale or as otherwise provided by statute. DATED: February 7, 2019 ANDREW W. BARNES (P70571) KOTZ SANGSTER WYSOCKI P.C. ATTORNEYS FOR HONOR CREDIT UNION 317 Center Street South Haven, Ml 49090 (269)591-6915 112533 112091 See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate Estate of Geraldine A. Seger, Deceased. Date of birth: 09/12/1923. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Geraldine A. Seger, died December 30, 2018. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Lawrence L. Seger, 8281 Willson Drive, Middleville, Ml 49333, personal representative or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 2/7/2019 Kreis, Enderle, Hudgins & Borsos, P.C. Bobbi S. Hines 40 Pearl Street NW, 5th Floor Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 616-254-8400 Lawrence L. Seger Personal Representative 8281 Willson Drive Middleville, Michigan 49333 269-795-9159 113045 SYNOPSIS PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Special Meeting Gilmore Point, Pine Lake Public Hearing February 11, 2019 Clerk Goebel called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Present: Clerk Goebel, Treasurer Pence, Trustee VanNiman. Absent: Trustee Borden Attorney Thall was also in attendance to provide legal guidance. Agenda and Minutes were approved. Supervisor Stoneburner arrived at 7:09 Public comments, if any, were received. Attorney Thall explained the purpose of the Public Hearing; proposed road paving project plans, estimate of costs, special assessment district and whether to proceed with the project. The Gilmore Point Public Hearing was opened, with comments and correspondence received. The Public Hearing was closed. Motion to proceed with the project passed unanimously. Public comments and Board comments were received. Meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m. Submitted by: Rod Goebel, Clerk 113075 MIKA MEYERS PLC 900 MONROE AVENUE, N.W. GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN 49503 (616) 632-8000 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE Mika Meyers pic is attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Default has occurred in the conditions of a mortgage made by Samantha Vandenbosch, of 13 Market Street, Middleville, Michigan 49331, mortgagor, to United Bank of Michigan, a Michigan banking corporation, of 900 East Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546, mortgagee, dated November 13, 2001, recorded in the Office of Register of Deeds for Barry County, on November 21, 2001, in Instrument No. 1070113. Because of said default, the mortgagee has declared the entire unpaid amount secured by said mortgage due and payable forthwith. As of the date of this notice, there is claimed to be due for principal, all interest accruing thereafter and expenses on said mortgage the sum of $55,495.03. No suit or proceeding in law has been instituted to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof. Notice is hereby given that by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, and the statute in such case made and provided, and to pay said amount with interest, as provided in said mortgage, and all legal costs, charges and expenses, including attorneys’ fees allowed by law, and all taxes and insurance premiums paid by the undersigned before sale, said mortgage will be foreclosed by sale of the mortgaged premises at public sale to the highest bidder at the West door of the Barry County Courthouse, Hastings, Michigan 49058, on March 14, 2019, at 01:00 p.m. The premises covered by said mortgage are situated in the Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as follows: Commencing at the West 1/4 Post of Section 26, Town 4 North, Range 10 West, Thence South 89 degrees 18’ 55” East, along the East and West 1 /4 line of said Section 26, a distance of 693.00 feet; thence North 00 degrees 57’ 03” East, parallel, with the West line of said Section 26, a distance of 759 feet to the true point of beginning, said point of beginning being on the East line of Market Street plat as recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds in Liber 5 of Plats, on Page 89; and running thence North 00 degrees 57’ 03” East, along said East line of Market Street plat, 242.52 feet; thence South 89 degrees 02’ 27” East 164.61 feet; thence South 01 degrees 02’ 07” West 241.73 feet; thence North 89 degrees 18’ 55” West, parallel with said East and West 1/4 line, 164.33 feet to the place of beginning. Together with and subject to an easement for ingress and egress to be used jointly with others over a strip of land 33 feet in width East and West, and lying 16.5 feet either side of a line described as: Beginning at the Southeast corner of the above described parcel and running thence North 01 degrees 02’ 07” East along the East line of said parcel and the Northerly extension thereof, 483.46 feet to the South line of Market Street and the point of ending. The property is commonly known as 19 Market Street, Middleville, Michigan 49331. Notice is hereby given that the length of the redemption period will be six (6) months from the date of sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of sale. Notice is further given that if the property is sold at foreclosure sale, in accordance with MCL 600.3278, the Mortgagor will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: February 14, 2019 United Bank of Michigan, a Michigan banking corporation By: Mika Meyers pic Attorneys for Mortgagee By: Daniel R. Kubiak 900 Monroe Avenue, N.W. Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (616)632-8000 113013 �Page 12 — Thursday, February 14, 2019 — The Hastings Banner District Lions host 50th winter campout for the blind Participants spend weekend at Clear Lake camp Nancy Tobias, of Dowagiac shows the large-faced cards she brought to play euchre with her friends at the Lions Winter Camp for the Blind Feb. 2. Teresa Gest, a certified orientation and mobility specialist with the Calhoun County Sally Marie Baker, 52, of Hastings, was found guilty of domestic violence, third offense, and was ordered by Judge Amy McDowell to serve nine months in jail, with credit for 113 days served. She was ordered to pay $523 in fines and costs. She was placed on probation for 18 months, and the balance of her jail time was suspended upon success­ ful completion of probation. She was ordered to pay probation oversight fees of $360. Lisa Marie Edwards, 39, of Wayland, was found guilty of delivery of a controlled sub­ stance; a second charge of delivery of a con­ trolled substance and possession of a weapon, a taser, were dismissed. She was sentenced by Judge McDowell to serve one day in jail, with credit for one day served. Her driver’s license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. She was ordered to pay $783 in fines and costs. Michael Gregory Butzke, 22, of Allegan, was found guilty of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, causing serious injury, and was sentenced to serve nine months in jail with credit for 175 days served and to pay $10,983 in fines and costs, include $10,400 in restitu­ tion. He was ordered by Judge McDowell to serve 36 months on probation, with the bal­ ance of jail time to be suspended upon suc­ cessful completion of probation. Any addi­ tional restitution shall be submitted within 60 days of sentencing and he may request a hearing within 45 days. He was assessed pro­ bation oversight fees of $720, payable at $250 a month. He was ordered to participate in the SCRAM program for six months and his half interest in the property involved, a boat, will be payable to the restitution. Floyd William Gentz, 42, of Wyoming, was found guilty of possessing a controlled sub­ stance, methamphetamine; charges of posses­ sion of marijuana, operating a motor vehicle without a license, operating a vehicle on a suspended license and having an unlawful license plate, registration or title were dis­ missed. He was sentenced by Judge McDowell to three months in jail with credit for 13 days served and ordered to pay $533 in fines and costs. Albert Daniel Clabin, no age or address recorded, was found guilty of larceny in a building and ordered to serve 87 days in jail with credit for 87 days served. He was ordered by Judge McDowell to pay $383 in fines and costs. Anastasia Lisa-Leigh Cornell, 29, of Nashville, was found guilty of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine; two charges of bringing contraband into a prison and possession of marijuana were dismissed. Her probation was revoked and she was unsuccessfully discharged from probation after failing to meet the terms set by the court. She was sentenced by Judge McDowell to serve nine months in jail, with credit for 106 days served, and ordered to pay fines and costs of $373. Stephen Allen Davidson, 22, of Lake Odessa, was found guilty of breaking and entering a building with intent to commit lar­ ceny. A charge of larceny in a building was dismissed. He was sentenced by Judge Michael Schipper to serve 12 to 120 months in prison with credit for 17 days served. He was ordered to pay fines and costs of $1,593, including $1,095 in restitution. . Jordan Daviq Hulsebos, 31, of Eaton Rapids, was found guilty of failing to pay child support. He was sentenced by Judge McDowell to six months in jail, with credit for 44 days served and ordered to pay $373 in fines and costs. He will serve 60 months on probation and pay probation fees of $600. The balance of his jail time will be suspended upon the successful completion of his proba­ tion. He was ordered to make payments to the Friend of the Court upon his release from the Eaton County Jail. Christopher Joseph-Lee Morales, 23, of Hastings, was found guilty of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, and was sentenced by Judge McDowell to serve three months in jail with credit for 19 days served. He was ordered to pay $583 in fines and costs. No probation was ordered. Andrew Jay Terpening, 30, of Hastings, was found guilty of failing to pay child sup­ port and ordered by Judge McDowell to serve six months in jail with credit for 71 days. He was ordered to pay $373 in fines and costs, serve 60 months of probation and pay proba­ tion fees of $600. He must have a payroll job of 15 hours a week within 30 days and, if he is not the caregiver, a payroll job of 40 hours a week. He must continue to pay child support as ordered by the Friend of the Court. The balance of his jail time will be suspended upon successful completion of probation. Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 Peter Phelps J-Ad Graphics News Services PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. Business Services Wanted FOR HIRE: SEMI-RETIRED WANTED: A 9FT wide x painter/handy person, equi­ table rates. 616-902-5678. 10ft tall insulated garage door. Call 269-838-7053. BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, home improvements. 269-320-3890. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Hard Maple, Cherry. Paying top dollar. Call for pricing and Free Estimates. Will buy single walnut trees. Insured, liability & work­ man's comp. Fetterley Log­ ging, (269)818-7793 Follow The Banner on Facebook to keep up to date until the new edition is printed! Nearly four dozen blind or visually impaired campers from as far away as Detroit found their way to the Battle Creek Public School’s Outdoor Education Center earlier this month to camp. It was a fitting tribute to the District 11-Bl Lions Club’s 50th anniversary Winter Camp for the Blind when the participants arrived in Battle Creek by cars, train, and buses on Friday. They were then shuttled to the Clear Lake Camp near Dowling for the weekend event. The program began in 1969 under the aus­ pices of Ann J. Kellogg School. Leadership of the event was transferred to the local Lions Clubs, and eventually to the Lions District 11-BL The program was operated by Lions volunteers and cadets from the Michigan Youth Challenge Academy. “The purpose from the beginning has been to give blind and visually impaired people the same kinds of opportunities to enjoy the out­ doors as sighted people have,” Lions District Gov. Roger Spriggs said. “One of the really good things about these annual weekends is that our Lions clubs not only have campers return year after year, but we also get a chance to see new campers involved.” Lions International began its programming to support the blind in the mid-1920s when Helen Keller addressed the service club at its national convention in Cedar Point, Ohio. The 41 clubs in six counties that make up District 11-Bl continue that commitment with a vari­ ety of projects to raise money for this cam­ pout and to support such programs as Leader Dog for the Blind in Rochester. “Many of our blind campers live on their own,” Roger Bosse, of Cereal City Lions of Battle Creek and chair of the winter event, said. “For them to be able to interact with others enriches their lives, and ours as well, when we see them relate with others. It’s all about fellowship and love.” For Malloria Miller from Ann Arbor, this was her first time at the Barry County camp. “I celebrated my 74th birthday a week or two ago, so this trip by train is a real treat. I’m calling this my ‘journey with my cane.’ I con­ sider this an experience of a lifetime since I have been blind since birth and haven’t trav­ eled that much.” When the campers arrived at Clear Lake last Friday, they were assigned to one of two dormitories based on gender. After they got settled in and took a quick tour of the proper­ ty, they had dinner, which was followed by musical entertainment. Saturday activities included nature walks, bird identification by song or call, wagon rides, crafts and bingo. As with any winter camping experience, the campers enjoyed time around a campfire, this one inside in the fireplace. This was the ninth time that Nancy Tobias took the train from Dowagiac to attend the winter campout. “I look forward to renewing my friendships and to playing euchre and bingo with my new and old friends,” Tobias said. “I bring several decks of large-faced cards so we can see who plays what.” Elyse Connors, Ph.D. and some of her stu­ dents from Western Michigan University’s vision rehab therapy program were on hand to demonstrate family living skills devices, including talking computers, weight scales and talking prescription readers. “A person who is visually impaired can ask their pharmacist to put a special sticker on the bottom of their medication container so they can then scan that package on the script machine, and it will tell them the medication name and how often they should take it,” she said. Teresa Gest, a certified orientation and mobility specialist from the Calhoun County Intermediate School District, repaired white canes for participants. Joseph Stewart from Grand Rapids has attended these campouts for the past five years. Last week, he took his first-ever snow­ mobile ride. He also enjoyed the bird identifi­ cation program. “I used to also be a bird watcher, but my limited sight has ended that,” Stewart said. “Now I am a bird ‘listener.’” Rosemarie Facilla came from Muskegon for her 38th campout. She was accompanied by her leader dog Scuba. “I love the camaraderie and the ability to share experiences with my fellow campers,” Taylor Stack, a Western Michigan University graduate student, talks with William Chapman about how to use a talking scale during the Lions 50th anniversary Winter Camp for the Blind in Dowling. Facilla said. “I am looking forward to travel­ ing to camp next year.” Saturday evening, attendees put on a talent show and participated in a drawing for free tuition to next year’s event. The cost of the weekend camping experi­ ence was $130, but each camper only paid $45. The remainder of the costs were covered by donations from Lions clubs’ fundraisers and sponsorships. “We are extremely grateful to those who contributed to this special weekend, either through their time or their resources,” Bosse concluded. “This is one of the projects that makes being a Lions Club member so mean­ ingful.” Two caught in theft and retail fraud A woman called police at 3:07 p.m. Jan. 7, after she saw a man hiding behind an SUV while carrying a gun with a red tag on Jefferson Street in Hastings. The woman watched the man throw the gun into a dumpster, and then come back and retrieve it. The police went to a sporting goods store where an employee said a man had been acting suspicious earlier, and he found a BB gun was missing. The officer reviewed the security footage of a nearby busi­ ness the next day and saw the man exit the store hiding the gun. But an employee of the sporting goods store also called the next day, and said a 28-year-old woman came into the store with items she did not have a receipt for, and became unruly when they would not give her cash. The employee gave the woman in-store credit, and had the woman give her driver’s license information in exchange. They also got the woman’s license plate number. The plate traced back to a 34-year-old Hastings man whose Facebook profile picture appeared to match the security footage. The officer also found the woman had posted the in-store credit to her Facebook account and sold it for $100. The officer contacted the man, who said he was on his way to rehab, and admitted to taking the BB gun. He also said he tried to exchange it for drugs, but was “ripped off,” and no longer had the gun. Charges were requested from the prosecutor’s office. Multiple crashes connected to DU Is Officers found a vehicle in the ditch on State Road near Nashville at 9 p.m. Feb. 8. The 58-year-old Nashville driver was unable to recite the alphabet, and had a 0.138 Breathalyzer test. He was arrested, and had breath tests at Barry County Jail with results of 0.17 and 0.18. He was uninjured. At 11:13 p.m. Feb. 8, an officer was dispatched to Center Road near Charlton Park Road for a single-vehicle crash. The 37-year-old Nashville driver had gone off the road and crashed into several small trees, ripping away the front passenger wheel of her vehicle. She had multiple breath tests with results of 0.136, 0.15 and 0.16, and was arrested. An officer was dispatched to a single-vehicle crash at 5:41 p.m. Feb. 9, on M-179 near Norris Road. The 35-year-old driver from Wayland said he lost control on a corner and crashed into a tree. He was uninjured. He was given a Breathalyzer test with a result of 0.113. He also had a suspended license and was arrested. He had two prior OWI convictions and three prior convictions for driving under a suspended license. Man blocks reckless driver under the influence A 47-year-old Wayland man called police at 9 p.m. Feb. 9, to report a possible driver under the influence, who he had blocked into the Yankee Springs Dental parking lot on M-179. The man saw the vehicle driving in the wrong lane without any headlights, followed it and blocked it in the parking lot. While the officer was en route, a 29-year-old Delton man called police to report a man had blocked his girlfriend into a parking lot, and he had arrived and was with her. The 27-year-old Kalamazoo woman could not recite the alphabet and was arrested after a breath test of 0.263. She was tested again at the Barry County Jail with a result of 0.30. Husband reports wife threatened by boyfriend A 52-year-old Woodland man came into the Barry County Sheriff’s Office at 10 p.m. Feb. 6, to report his wife was being threatened by her boyfriend. The man said his wife went to California and Las Vegas, where she had received voicemails from her boyfriend, who was in California at the time threatening to kill her. The 46-year-old woman arrived in Hastings the next day and filed a Personal Protection Order on the man. She told the officer the 32-year-old Hastings man claimed he only threatened her because he had food poisoning. The officer said the woman could not file charges in Hastings, and she would have to contact the precincts in Las Vegas or California where she received the threats. The officer told the woman to call 911 if the man threatened her again or tried to contact her in person. Woman assaulted by daughter A 55-year-old Plainwell woman called 911 at 4:12 p.m. Feb. 6, after she was assaulted by her daughter. The woman said her daughter, 35 of Kalamazoo, went to her house earlier in the day. The two had an argument over the daughter’s use of methamphetamine, and she asked her daughter to leave. The woman said her daughter pushed her down and pinned her to the floor, but left when she called 911. The woman said she did not know where her daughter went, but she wanted to press charges because she thought it might help her daugh­ ter. Information was forwarded to the prosecutor’s office for review. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 14, 2019 — Page 13 • Hastings High School releases honor roll Hastings High School has announced its honor roll for the first semester of the 2018-19 academic year. The following honor roll is calculated based on a cumulative grade point average, starting with a student’s first semester of high school through the end of first semester this school year. An asterisk for students in ninth through II^1 grades indicates a 4.0 GPA. 12th grade Top honors (4.0 and above) Noah Former, Katherine Haywood, Andrew Maurer. Alexis McDade, Katura Metzner, Grace Nickels, Kassidi Olson, Hope Peck, Mary Youngs. Highest honors (3.75-3.99) Claire Anderson, Grace Beauchamp, Victoria Byykkonen, Whitney Carlson, Allison Collins, Lauren Harden, Kelsey Heiss, Allie Horning, Jack Horton, Gretchen James, Claudia McLean, Lindsay Meeker, Jeffrey Morgan, Kassidy Morgan, Sydney Pattok, Megan Roe, Nicholas Simonton, Benjamin Stafford, Lynnsey Thayer, Jessica Thompson, Lainey Tomko, McKenzie Vincent, Samuel Waller, Kassaundra Warner. High honors (3.25-3.74) Alfredo-Jose Arechiga, Ryan Flikkema, Garrett Gibson, Mikayla Guernsey, Hannah Hayes, Audryana Holben, William Hubbell, Corbin Hunter. Elizabeth Jensen. Breana Leonard. Kenzie Maki-Mielke, Shiann Molette, Luke Morgan, Rylee Nicholson, Catherine O'Brien, Mackenzie O’Toole, Hailey Pacillo, Emmalee Peck. Hannah Radloff, Maxwell Richards, Roger Roets, Caitlin Rose, Zarek Rudesill, Alexis Ruthruff, Andrew Shaver, Mitike Slagstad, Kenneth Smith, Katelyn Solmes, Bailey Summers, Isaiah Taylor, Juan Vargas, Blake Walther, Elisabeth Youngs. Honor roll (3.0-3.24) Blair Anderson, Miranda Armstrong, Shelby Bolen, Haliegh Burfield, Cody Dunn, Julia Ehredt, Kaitlynn Elliott, Cameron Ertner, Isaac Evans, Olivia Feldt, Amber Fox, Olivia Hanson, Hannah Hawblitz, Devin Haywood, Ashton Lawens, Brea Madden, Nathan Madden. Dylan Mead, Gabrielle Nicholson, Chloe’ Park, Conner Peterson. Hannah Porter. Dylan Schaffer, Matthew Sherman, Kaitlyn Shook, Mikaela Twigg, Trinity Yoder. 11th grade Highest honors (3.5 and above) Jonathan Arnold, *Dane Barnes, Joshua Brown, *Shannon Brown, Kayla Brzycki, Audrey *Byykkonen, Carter Cappon, Makayla Casarez, Kevin Coykendall, Benjamin Curtis, Erin Dalman, Karsyn Daniels, Elizabeth Gonsalves. Rae Herron, John Hinkle, *Hannah Johnson, Tyler Kaiser, Jaden Kamatz, Brenna Klipfer, Aidan Makled, *Eleanor McFarlan, Earl McKenna, Caeleb Meyers. Bailey Musculus, *Kathleen Pattok, William Roosien III, Ellie Saur, *Anna Scheck, Steve Schnur, Zachary Schnur. Elijah Smith, Matthew Sweeney, Camden Tellkamp, Kaylee Tigchelaar, Haylee VanSyckle, Abby Zull. High honors (3.25-3.49) Hunter Allerding, Ireland Barber, Chelsea Beede, Elizabeth Beemer, Katherine Cook, Grade Gillons, Blake Harris, Marcelo Hernandez-Avalos, Joseph Kalmink, Gracie Landes, Jamison Lesick, Kennedy Newberry, Connie Ricketts, Braden Tolles, Andrew Vann, Alayna Vazquez, Paxton Walden, Logan Wolfenbarger. 10th grade Highest honors (3.75 and above) Kirby Beck, Nathaniel Birchfield, Kierstyn Brisco, Ethan Caris, Ella Carroll, Aubree Donaldson, M. Grace Green, Skyler Grego, Carter Hewitt, Rylee Honsowitz, Addison Horrmann, Jesse Hunt, Daisy Kerby, Shelby Lindquist, Alexander Malmquist- Hubert, *Maggie Nedbalek, Samuel Randall, Lauren Sensiba, Hannah Slaughter, Nicole Strouse, Lucas Teunessen, Corbin Ulrich, Aura Wahl-Piotrowski, * Abigail Waller, Kayla Willard. High honors (3.50-3.74) Kennedy Allyn, Skylar Dixon, Autumn Fox, Daniel Hall, William Jensen, Jessica McKeever, Jacob Neil, Josephine Nickels, Bailey Nye, Gavin Patton, Grayson Patton, Canton Pederson, Zackary Perry, Nathan Phillips, Ainsley Reser, Logan Smith, Nicholas Stafford, Javen VanZalen, Thomas Wickham. Honor roll (3.25-3.49) Jacob Arens, Valeria Arias, Austin Bleam, Aubree Bond, Kierstin Boulter. Haily Christie, Ryan Diljak, Emilie Eddy, Mitchell Eldred, Kaylee Evans, Aaron Gole, Rachel Graham, Jade Hunter, Lauralie Hyatt, Rose Lambert, Savana Leonard, August Malik, Madison McMasters, Juliann Meeker, Lainey Smith, Leila Sweeney, Brynn Turnes, Briana VanDenberg, Michael VanDorp, Reese Warner, Pheonix Work. Ninth grade Highest honors (3.75 and above) *Ruby Barber, *Brianna Barnes, Andrew Bassett, *Ty Burfield, Rory Campbell, *Hailey Graham, Kali Grimes, Lindsey Herron, Aihsley Jones, *Connor Lindsey, *Patrick Mallory, Kiley Miles, * Jenna Miller, *Taylor Owen, *Matthew Pattok, Emily Roe, Harrison Smalley, *Carissa Strouse, *Emma VanDenburg, *Hannah Vann, Braden Vertalka, Breanna Willard, Owen Winegar, Sage Winters, Brooklynn Youngs. High honors (3.50-3.74) Faith Beede, Riley Bies, Arian Bond, Matthew Bouchard, Hannah Crozier, Jackson DuBois, Anna English, Patrick Gee. Claire Green, Zoey Haight, Bayleecia Hilt. Joslyn Hinkle, Wyatt Holman, Kaycie Jenkins, Ethan Malik, Joseph McLean, BreAnn Micklatcher, Mary Park, Makayla Parsons, Madison Pettengill, Phoebe Schantz, Allison Teed, Caleb Teunessen, Mitchel Vann. Honor roll (3.25-3.49) Elisabeth Arnold, Summer Caldwell, Justin Castelein, Marah Courtney, Zachary Franklin, Morgan Gregory, Alexis Gummo, Reese Landes, Bailey Lewis, Glen McFarlan, Abigail Owen, Dakota Roll, Blake Sheldon, Ellen Shults. Forecast favorable for Saturday’s Gun Lake Winterfest Tanett Hodge Staff Writer Gun Lake Winterfest will take to the ice, snow, lawn and other surfaces Saturday, and the weather forecast is looking favorable. Temperatures are expected to be in the upper 20s - neither too cold nor too warm. The ice is thick enough for fishing and the polar dip, and recent snow will provide the right back­ drop for a festival that celebrates winter. Last year, more than 8,000 people attended the event at the state park on Gun Lake. Some Winterfest activities are already under way. Tuesday, Red’s Sports Bar & Grill in Middleville hosted a preliminary bean bag tournament. Gun Lake Idol semi-finals were Wednesday at Gun Lake Casino Stage 131. Today, Feb. 14, those who would like to take part in a euchre tournament may join in the fun at the Wayland VFW at 7 p.m. for $10. Friday will bring a new event at the Yankee Springs Club House: Trivia Night will take the place of the mayoral debate this year. For $10 a person or $35 per four-person team, attendees can take part in proving their knowl­ edge of all things trivial. A taco bar will be available that night. Saturday, Feb. 16, will feature many events, starting with the fishing tournament. Registration will take place at A Sportsman’s Attic at 6 a.m. Early risers that day can enjoy the fire­ men’s’ breakfast and a chance to see all of the firetrucks at Gun Lake Community Church starting at 8 a.m. The annual disc golf challenge will begin at 8:30 a.m. This event, in its third year, is run by Chad Shine of Home Team Disc Golf. Many local and West Michigan disc golf play­ ers compete in the putting challenge that takes place at Winterfest. The “Putt for Dough Challenge” will offer cash prizes and more to the winners of the tournament. Opening ceremony and a flag-raising by the Forgotten Eagles, followed by the Matche-be-nash-she-wish opening ceremony, will convene at 9:45 a.m. Events and activities for adults and children will take place all day, including a chicken drop, kids games, magic shows, horse-drawn wagon rides, a petting zoo, beer and wine tasting and a chili cook-off. Several area breweries will be offering samples of their best products in the beer tent. All tents will open at 11 a.m., and the bean­ bag tourney finals will start at noon inside the tents. The Ape vs. Andru challenge will take place on the stage at 3 p.m. Justin the Ape will jump in the lake for Star Legacy Foundation, a community of health professionals, families, researchers, policy makers and advocates dedicated to healthy pregnancy outcomes and stillbirth prevention. Andru the Ranger is taking a dip in the lake for Forgotten Eagles, a nonprofit organization formed to fight for the rights of prisoners or war, those missing in action, to help protect future veterans and support veterans in need from all wars. Those who would like to support their favorite “polar dipper” and their chosen char­ ity can visit gunlakewinterfest.com to make a donation. The Polar Dip will begin at 4 p.m. Pre­ registration is available online. Those who preregister will receive a commemorative T-shirt. On-site participation that day will be available, too. Attendees are encouraged to wear favorite costumes and contribute to their choice of charity before taking the plunge. A 50/50 raffle and basket drawings will be going on all day, with drawings for the win­ ners in the evening. The annual tug-of-war between area fire departments will commence at 5:30 p.m. Entry to the Gun Lake Winterfest is located at the Yankee Springs State Park off of Briggs Road. Parking, which is free, will be clearly marked. A trolley will be available for transport to the festival. 1 Stream Hake i Map of i Michigan i I Why every angler and boater needs this map The Polar Dip is one of the highlights of Gun Lake Winterfest. Other activities Saturday include games, activities, beer and wine-tasting, Gun Lake Idol competition, pancake breakfast, raffles, opening ceremonies by the Gun Lake Tribe and more. (File photo) l WE SPECIALIZE IN: • Small/Large Format Banners * Letterhead • On-Site Digital Printing • Business Cards • Brochures • Website Design • Posters • Flyers • Logo Design • and much more! COLOUR banners logo design LOGOS online marketing ; Professor Higbee’s* Stream & Lake Maps are the first and only highly detailed J map of its M. The 4-foot-by-4-foot Michigan map shows 35,000 miles of । streams plus lakes. 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M-43 Highway Hastings, Ml 49058 �Page 14 — Thursday, February 14, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Barry County Grapplers gather medals in Middleville Made Case (second place) and Maverick Peake (third) exalt in their medal-winning performances for the Barry County Grapplers Association Sunday at the TK Middleville MYWAY Tournament. The Barry County Grapplers Association finished off the Meat Grinder season at the league tournament Saturday in Middleville, earning a fourth-place finish in its competition against teams from Middleville, Caledonia, Lakewood and Maple Valley. Annalise Armstrong (fourth place) and Myles Drake (third) memorialize their med­ al-winning performances for the Barry County Grapplers Association Sunday at the TK Middleville MYWAY Tournament. Dakota Harmer from the Barry County Grapplers Association celebrates his win at the Central GREIGHTS Tournament Sunday at Jackson Northwest High School. Riley Furrow is happy about his win for the Barry County Grapplers Association Sunday at the TK Middleville MYWAY Tournament. The Barry County Grapplers Association's LuKe Klinge shows off a third-place medal at the end of the from the TK Middleville MYWAY Tournament Sunday. r~~— ----- ——■— Colten Denton (fourth place), Logan Kerby (second) and Landen Klinge (first) revel in their medal-winning performances for the Barry County Grapplers Association Sunday at the TK Middleville MYWAY Tournament. Jace Acker from the Barry County Grapplers Association celebrates his flight championship Sunday at the TK Middleville MYWAY Tournament. Lucas Evers, from the Barry County Grapplers Association, is happy about his championship performance at the TK Middleville MYWAY Tournament Sunday. Joey Furrow (first place), Thomas Cook (first), Ben Furrow (first) and Aden Armstrong (first) celebrate championship performances Sunday wrestling for the Barry County Grapplers Association at the TK Middleville MYWAY Tournament. Zach Chipman earned a fourth-place finish for the Barry County Grapplers Association Sunday at the TK Middleville MYWAY Tournament. GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. Carson Gates shows off his runner-up medal that he earned wrestling for the Barry County Grapplers Association Sunday at the TK Middleville MYWAY Tournament. Preston Humphrey (top) works his way to a third-place finish for the Barry County Grapplers Association Sunday during the TK Middleville MYWAY Tournament Sunday. Carter Case (second place), Patton Boomer (second), Deacon Rice (second) and Carter Hill (third) celebrate their medal winning performances for the Barry County Grapplers Association Sunday at the TK Middleville MYWAY Tournament. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 14, 2019 — Page 15 Vikings win GLAC title, then add back tucks Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Vikings have followed up five straight conference championships in the Capital Area Activities Conference with five straight in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference. The Lakewood varsity competitive cheer team made it ten conference titles in a row by winning Thursday’s jamboree with a total score of 761.62. Leslie was second with a score of 636.60 points, followed by Maple Valley 602.20, Perry 599.80 and Stockbridge 540.18. The Vikings scored a 233.60 in round one, a 221.72 in round two and a 306.30 in round three. “The girls had a very good performance for league finals,” Lakewood head coach Kim Martin said. Maple Valley scored a 189.70 in round one, a 160.30 in round two and a 252.20 in round three. The Lions had the day’s third best score in rounds tow and three. The Vikings were pushed a bit more by their competition Saturday at their own Valentine’s Cheerfest, finishing second in the small school division to Charlotte by a little over two and a half points. The Vikings’ annual meet was a bit larger than anticipated, as Charlotte and Mason were added to the meet at the last minute because of a power-outage at the DeltaPlex. Martin said there were 45 cheer teams that were supposed to be at the DeltaPlex over the weekend scrambling for a place to prep for this coming weekend’s district tournaments. Lakewood and Charlotte will meet up again The Lakewood varsity competitive cheer team gathers with its Greater Lansing Activities Conference Championship trophy after winning the conference title at the final league jamboree hosted by Stockbridge Thursday evening. at the Division 3 District Tournament hosted by Chesaning Saturday afternoon. Lakewood bested the Charlotte girls by a tenth of a point in the opening round, 234.60 to 234.50, and ahead of the Orioles in round three 312.40 to 311.60. “We had a rough round three, so if the rough spots would not have been there I think we could have beat Charlotte,” Martin said. “The highlight of the day was we put standing back tucks in round two for Saturday to test them out before districts. The girls did amaz­ ing with them, better than expected. I think we can make up the ground in round two on Charlotte just because we have a good week to clean up the tucks. Plus, I think the girls were so excited and freaked out due to putting them in that our springs, which is our next The Lakewood varsity competitive cheer team throws its back tucks during round two of Saturday’s Valentine’s Cheerfest at Lakewood High School. skill in round two, were not as clean as they usually are.” The Orioles outscored the Vikings in round two 227.56 to 223.98, and overall 773.66 to 770.98. Pewamo-Westphalia was third in the small school standings with a score of 751.00, ahead of Ovid-Elsie 699.58, Leslie 621.00 and Flint Powers Catholic 616.02. Mason took the large school division with an overall score of 739.08, ahead of Hastings 727.16, Lowell 687.32. Grand Ledge. 675.14 and Loy Norrix 532.66. Mason had the top score in each of the first two rounds in its division, scoring a 229.60 and then a 208.38. The Bulldogs finished off their win with a 301.10 in round three. Hastings had the top round three score among the large schools, a 306.90. The Saxons also scored a 225.40 in round one and a 202.86 in round two. Every Lion on the mat wins in district final The Maple Valley varsity wrestling team celebrates its first district championship since 2007 following a 57-6 victory over visiting Saranac in the Division 4 Team District Final Wednesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor There were plenty of times this season where the Lions wrestled well and the num­ bers just weren’t in their favor. The Maple Valley varsity wrestling team was the one with the bigger roster Wednesday, as it hosted its Division 4 District Final with Saranac. The Lions took 30 points from for­ feits, gave up six, and had three other flights where both squads had a void in the line-up. Where there was competition though the Lions excelled winning all five contested weight classes for a 57-6 victory. It is the first district championship for the Maple Valley varsity wrestling team since a string of four consecutive titles from 2004­ 2007. The Lions were scheduled to host their team regional tournament last night. “We tried to get as many matches as we could, because we didn’t have a whole lot,” Maple Valley head coach Lane Brumm said. “1 bumped our top half up so they could get matches. We didn’t want to come here and just take voids. People have to travel and we want them to wrestle, so that is what we did. They pulled it off. “It is good, because all year I have been preaching to them that hard work pays off. Most of it is in your head when you go out on the mat. We do all the work in the wrestling room and it is up to them to have their mind ready for the match. Tonight it all paid off. Every one of our guys wrestled great. I’m happy. I’m very proud of them.” Maple Valley got pins from Anthony Raymond in the 160-pound match, David Hosack-Frizzell at 189 pounds, Nick Martin at 215 pounds and Konnor Visger at 130. The only six-minute match was Jesse Brumm’s 12-6 decision against Saranac’s AJ Thompson at 125 pounds. Brumm, the return­ ing state medalist, was the only Lion who didn’t get bonus points for the team with his three-point decision. “He wrestled a really tough kid,” coach Maple Valley sophomore Jesse Brumm works towards a take down of Saranac's AJ Thompson during their 125-pound match Wednesday at the Division 4 Team District Tournament at Maple Valley High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Maple Valley senior Nick Martin closes in on a pin of Saranac’s Drew Ward during the second period of their 215-pound match Wednesday in the Division 4 Team District Tournament hosted by the Lions. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brumm said. “He did good. “We’ve bumped him up (to 125) before. With our schedule, we try to get him the toughest matches that we can. If there is a 125-pounder that is good, we usually jump up and try to wrestle him. This kid was 20-11 think, so I wanted him to wrestie him and he wanted to wrestle him. It worked out good. And that will help us going into (individual) districts.” Raymond and and Hosack-Frizzell were both pushed into the third period by their foes before scoring pins. Raymond had a 10-2 lead on Darius Morgan in the 160-pound match before he got him where he wanted him with 1:13 left on the clock. Hosack-Frizzell had a 10-4 lead before pinning Rally Shade with about a minute to go in their 189-pound bout. Martin gave up the initial take down in his match with Saranac’s Drew Ward at 215 pounds, but rallied for an escape and take down of his own in that opening period. Martin quickly got off the bottom in the sec­ ond period to pin Ward. “I was pretty tired going into the second period,” Martin said. “The kid had a 20ishpound weight difference on me. That was interesting to experience. It was just fun. “Winning the district team tournament is the first time we have ever done that. We came so close during football and it was cool just to be able to grasp ahold of it. It was awe­ some being able to share it with some of my best friends.” Martin said getting his buddies like Jesse Brumm, Raymond and Hosack-Frizzell have really been encouraging all year. Working with them he has improved his speed in his fourth varsity wrestling season. “We have a huge number of first-year kids, just a crazy amount. It was difficult making progress because we had kids come in two weeks after practice started, three weeks after practice started and have to go back to the basics,” Martin said. “Going back to the basics was huge for me though, just solidify­ ing everything I had learned the last three years really paid off.” Josiah Hawkins, Dillon Jorgensen, Matthew Slaght, Cohen Raymond and Aaron Breton all scored forfeit wins for the Lions. Heavyweight Mason Potter had his arm raised to earn Saranac its six points. Slaght, Brumm and Martin have more indi­ vidual wrestling ahead of them thanks to their top four finshes at Saturday’s Division 4 Individual Regional Tournament in Ravenna. Slaght had the Lions’ top finish, placing second at 103 pounds. He pinned Kent City’s Clark Oxford and Ravenna’s Nicholas Scofield, before falling 4-2 to Hesperia’s Aydan Roesley in the championship match at their weight class. Martin and Brumm both placed third. Martin pinned Bloomingdale in the consola­ tion semifinals at 189 pounds and then pinned Bangor’s Marco Ruiz in the match for third. Brumm was bested 6-3 by Kent City’s Jayden Williams in the semifinals at 119 pounds, just his second loss of the season. He bounced back to pin Hesperia’s Conor Baird in the consolation semifinals and then earned a 13-4 major decision over Hart’s Chance Alvesteffer in the match for third. Dillon Jorgensen, Anthony Raymond, David Hosack-Frizzell and Aaron Breton all reached the blood round of the distrit tourna­ ment, the consolation semifinals, before fall­ ing out of the individual state tournament. �Page 16 — Thursday, February 14, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Vikings upset Portland for district championship Brett Bremer Sports Editor Tony Harmer said his co-head coach Bob Veitch told him he could not recall a time when a score clock moved slower than it did as the Lakewood varsity wrestling team’s Vern Fields battled with Portland’s Kyle Hinds Thursday. As the seconds ticked away Fields slowly lost an 11-5 decision to Hinds. But giving up just three team points allowed the Vikings to secure a victory over the tenth-ranked Raiders in their Division 3 District Final at Lansing Sexton High School. “All Vern had to do is wrestle six minutes hard and not get pinned and we win districts,” Harmer said. Fields accomplishing his task left defend­ ing individual state champion Owen Guilford helpless to do anything to help his Portland team. The Vikings forfeited the final weight class of the evening, 171 pounds, to Guilford to close out their 31-28 win. “It was a great quality win and it is what we worked all season for,” Harmer said. “We wrestled tougher tournaments this year and it definitely got us ready for this one. I am extremely proud of each and every one of these wrestlers, especially the ones that didn’t wrestle that night. They push our kids in the room to be the best they can be.” Lakewood senior Lance Childs got a huge pin of Hunter Hoppes in the 152-pound match, putting Fields in position to just need to fight off a pin. Portland defeated Lakewood by two points in an dual earlier this season. One of the big swings Thursday night came from Lakewood 140-pounder Nathaniel Graham. Graham was pinned by Portland’s Dillon Vroman last time they met, but battled for a 10-9 win in the district final. Lakewood had a 13-3 lead through the first four bouts of the evening Thursday, but Harmer said he was a bit nervous as it was the Raiders who were picking saving a few unex­ pected points. Lakewood got a three-point decision thanks to a 2-1 double overtime win by Grant Clarkson at 285 points and four team points from Zac Gibson’s 9-1 major decision against Carter Johnson at 103 pounds. In the last dual between the two teams the Vikings got a total of 11 points in those two weight classes though, with a pin and a technical fall. Portland had opened the evening with Nathan Zimmerman edging Allen Shellington 8-7 at 189 pounds. Jon Clack got the Vikings on the score­ board with a quick pin of Doak Manshum at 215 pounds. The Raiders eventually pulled the team score to within 19-16.The Raiders got a pin from Caiden Pelc at 112 pounds, a major deci­ sion from Trent Trierweiler against Jordan Mclllwain at 125 and a 5-2 win from Jared Thelen over Gabe Harkey at 130. Kanon Atwell had a pin for the Vikings against Brendan Wartella at 119 pounds. Keegan VanAlstine sparked the Vikings with a 5-0 decision over Marty Thelen at 135 pounds, and Graham followed up with his big win. Those wins put Lakewood up 25-16. but Portland inched three points closer with Ethan Getchall scoring a tight 3-1 win over the Vikings’ Garrett Stank at 145 pounds. Lake wood was scheduled to head to Alma Wednesday for its Division 3 Team Regional Tournament. Lakewood opened action Thursday with a 67-6 win over host Lansing Sexton in the district semifinals. The Vikings got pins from Clack, Clarkson, Nathan Lughan and Stank in the dual with the Big Reds. Childs, VanAlstine, Harkey and Kyle Petrie each won by forfeit. Lakewood also got decision from Shellington at 189 pounds, Fields at 160, major decisions from Gibson at 103 and Gabe Cappon at 119 pounds, and a technical fall from Atwell at 112 pounds. The win was an especially big one for Fields, who was bested by Sexton’s Trayshon Rinkines early in the season. He scored a 13-12 win Thursday to close out the dual. Lakewood has ten guys still alive in the The Lakewood varsity wrestling team celebrates its Division 3 District Championship after scoring victories over Sexton and Portland in their district tournament in Lansing Thursday evening. The Vikings were scheduled to head to Alma last night for their team regional tournament. individual state tournament after Saturday’s Division 3 Individual District Tournament at Alma. Clack, Clarkson and Gibson all won region­ al championships. Clack improved to 42-2 on the season with his pin of Hemlock’s Jeremy Wazny in their 189-pound championship match. Clarkson is now 43-4 after a 12-3 major decision over Fedewa from Portland in the 285-pound final. In the 103-pound cham­ pionship. Gibson upped his record on the season to 41-7 by scoring a 6-0 win over Chesaning’s Colton Juillett. Lakewood’s Lance Childs at 152 pounds and Vern Fields at 160 both placed second. Atwell placed third at 112 pounds, Graham third at 140, and Kyle Petrie third at 171. Harkey was fourth at 130 pounds and Mclllwain fourth at 125. Handful of Trojans and Saxons get through Lowell district The Thomapple Kellogg varsity wrestling team had three runner-up finishes and five total medalists Saturday at (he Division 2 Individual District Tournament hosted by Lowell. Thornapple Kellogg’s Nathan Kinne (130 pounds), Christian Wright (171) and Carter West (215) all reached the championship round, all falling to wrestlers from Lowell in the championship finals. Thornapple Kellogg also had 103-pounder Ashton Corson place third and 285-pounder Trenton Dutcher place fourth Saturday. Hastings had two guys earn district medals and earn spots in this weekend’s individual regional tournament at Fremont, with Tyler Dull fourth at 152 pounds and Jonathan Giro’n third at 112 pounds. Giro’n was bested byLowell’s Nicholas Korhorn in the semifinals and then bounced back to best Holland’s William Morrison 7-6 in the blood round (consolation semifinals) to secure his regional spot. Giro’n ended his day with a 7-4 win over Zeeland East’s Martin Landes. Dull bested Ionia’s Zachary Negrete 6-3 in the consolation semifinals at 152 pounds before falling 11-5 to Byron Center’s Aiden Martell in the match for third. Hastings had three other guys reach the consolation semifinals only to come up a win short of advancing in the state tournament. Kinne scored a 14-0 major decision over Zeeland East’s Noah Ledford to open the day at 130 pounds and then pinned Zeeland West’s Andrew Arent in the second period of their semifinal match. Lowell’s Dawson Jankowski bested Kinne 6-2 in their flight championship. Wright pinped Grand Rapids Christian’s Derrek Dykema to start the day and then pinned Marcus Cisco from Byron Center in the quarterfinals. Wright met Wayland’s Ashton Ordway in the semifinals and scored a 17-7 major decision. Lowell’s Derek Mohr Pennfield takes 1-8 title on mats at Hastings Pennfield knocked Hastings off the top of the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference competi­ tive cheer standings by winning the final conference jamboree Monday at Hastings High School. The Panthers outscored the host Saxons by about nine points for their second win in three tries in the league this season. Pennfield put together a total score of 689.02 ahead of the Saxons’ 680.30. The edged Wright 10-9 in their 171-pound cham­ pionship match. West got to the 215-pound championship by pinning Forest Hills Northern’s William Aurner, beating teammate Jake DeJong 17-8 and tjien besting Holland’s. Javier Ramos 12-9. In the 215-pound final, Lowell’s Jacob Hough bested West 7-4. DK girls at their best at Gull Lake Open The Delton Kellogg varsity competitive cheer team upped its season best scoring total for the fourth consecutive competition Monday at the Gull Lake Open. The DK girls scored a 202.60 in round one, a 171.42 in round two and a 271.50 in round three, finishing with a total score of 645.52. Those were the Panthers’ top scores of the season in rounds one and two, and the 645.52 is more than 24 points better than the Panthers’ score from their previous competition. Paw Paw won the ten-team competition with a total score of 776.10, ahead of Charlotte 775.10, Portage Northern 761.30, Kalamazoo Central 708.00, Lawton 692.04, Gull Lake 690.90, Parchment 689.90, Delton Kellogg 645.52, Loy Norrix 541.54 and Bloomingdale 535.10. ■' Paw Paw outscored Charlotte 232.70 to 229.70 in round one, and then Orioles out­ scored Paw Paw in each of the final two rounds but couldn’t quite catch up. Paw Paw scored a 225.60 in round two and a 317.80 in round three. The Orioles scored a 226.20 in round two and 319.20 in round three. They were the top two teams in each of the three rounds, with Portage Northern matching the Orioles’ 229.70 in round one. 1 The Hastings girls shout out to the crowd during the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference jamboree at Hastings High School Monday evening. (Photo by Dan Goggins) A Saxon stunt group performs during round three of the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference jamboree at Hastings High School Monday. (Photo by Dan Goggins) Saxons had just won the league jamboree hosted by Harper Creek on Wednesday. Lumen Christi was third Monday with a total score of 645.66, ahead of Northwest 590.84 and Harper Creek 556.20. Pennfield outscored the Saxons by a little over a dozen points in round three to make up a small deficit heading into the final round Monday. Hastings had the top round two score of the day at 188.20 after scoring a 213.00 in round one. Hastings closed out the meet with a 279.10 in round three. Pennfield scored a 214.30 in round one, a 182.82 in round two and a 291.90 in round three. The Saxons had just had one of their best days of the season at Lakewood’s Valentine’s Cheerfest Saturday, putting together a threeround total score of 727.16. Hastings also had a total of 714.00 to win the league jamboree at Harper Creek Feb. 6. The Saxons scored a 227.30 in round one, a 199.90 in round two and 286.80 in round three to pull even with Pennfield in the league standings at the time. Pennfield scored a 692.96 Wednesday, ahead of Lumen Christi 681.16, Northwest 632.34. Parma Western 627.88 and Harper Creek 598.80. GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 14, 2019 — Page 17 Howland deciding how hectic to let DK guys play Delton Kellogg’s Owen Koch rushes in for a lay-up as Martin’s Carter Hilton flies at him from behind during the second half Monday at Martin High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Panthers are still working out the appropriate mix of running and gunning and keeping things under control as the 2018-19 varsity boys’ basketball season winds down. ■ The Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ basket­ ball team fell 60-54 in a Southwestern Athletic Conference match-up at Martin Monday, a ballgame in which the Panthers had a lead as big as seven points in the second quarter. The Clippers pulled ahead late in the first half and then led throughout the second half, getting three threes each from Carter hilton and Cayden Curry and an 8-of-8 performance at the foul line from Collin Coburn. Martin closed the first half with a 15-5 run that was capped off by a rushed three from Curry at the buzzer that found nothing but net. Cole Pape and Carter Howland made a couple of nice drives to the basket early in the second half to score for the Panther, but backto-back threes by the Clippers stretched their lead to nine points. - “Our half-court offense is>stagnant,” Delton Kellogg head coach Jason Howland said. “We’re learning a lot about ourselves. The tempo needs to be up most definitely for us to really succeed the way we want to succeed. That is Where we get most of our offense with the talent that we have on this team. Sometimes you think you can do something different and it just doesn’t Work. I’m still trying to figure it out amazingly enough after 14 games.” DK got 21 points from Carter Howland, Delton Kellogg’s Jordan Rench (left) and Cameron Curcuro pressure Martin’s Alex Hardy at the top of the key during the second half of their bailgame in Martin Monday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Delton Kellogg’s Payton Warner tries to keep Martin’s Michael Morey out of the paint during the second quarter Monday at Martin High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) nine from Pape, eight form Owen Koch and six from Jordan Rench. Howland and Rench had six rebounds each. Howland had six assists. Payton Warner contributed seven steals and four assists. Rench had three blocked shots. DK was just 3-of-15 from behind the threepoint line. “We have been competitive with all these good teams. In the first half, we get all these opportunities from our 1-2-2, our pressure defense, but it does no good to steal the ball, or get turnovers and deflections and then not come down here and put it in the bucket,” coach Howland said. “It only takes them to come down and score a couple dimes, and if you don’t do it down here (on the1 offensive end) it doesn’t matter how hard you play on the defensive end. It is like beating your head against the wall. That is our biggest problem right now. In our last five games, we should have been leading every game. We get the opportunities and we’re not converting right now.” He thought the added confidence from a few more early buckets would have really helped his guys. They did keep battling. Martin had its lead up to 12 points early in the fourth quarter and the Panthers battled back to within four points in the final minute. Curry led Martin with 15 points. Hilton had 12. Collin Cobum finished with ten points. He hit six of his eight free throws in the fourth quarter to help the Clippers seal away the win. Michael Morey added seven points for the Clippers and Alex Hardy had 11. DK did manage to shoot just well enough to pull out a 48-46 overtime win at Constantine Friday. The Panthers outscored the Falcons 4-2 in overtime, getting a pair of free throws from Cameron Curcuro and a bucket from Warner. Everyone at the scorer’s table and the officials agreed that Curcuro hit a pair of free throws to put the Panthers in front in overtime, although a close look at the video would prove later that the second foul shot rimmed out. It turned out to be a two-point game thanks to Warner’s bucket, but the error may have altered the way things went down the stretch. Coach Howland was happy to see his senior defensive specialist Warner come up with a big basket in the end, attacking the rim before the buzzer. Dawson Grizzle led TK in the ballgame with 12 points. Owen Koch had eight points and Rench seven. Carter Howland had just two points, but contributed six assists and six steals. Alan Whitmore and Pape had five rebounds each for Delton. Curcuro had four assists. Warner and Rench had three steals apiece. The game was close throughout with the Falcons holding a 20-17 lead at the half before DK went into the fourth quarter up 32-31. DK will be at Parchment tonight and then host Lawton Friday. Defense comes alive for DK girls against Martin Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Delton Kellogg girls keep the Marker Match-up Championship trophy for another season. Coach Mike Mohn drew up a fine defen­ sive game plan and his girls executed as the Panther varsity girls’ basketball team earned a 42-27 win over visiting Martin Monday. i “It was probably the best defensive effort Jhat I have experienced in a while from one of my teams,” Mohn said. “They just really did a nice job, our kids, being where they needed to be, shoving each other, communicating, just being in the right spots. We really, really kind of threw a wrench at (the Clippers) and they just didn’t quite get it.” Martin managed just 12 points in the first half. A year ago, at Martin, coach Mohn’s dry prase marker ran out of ink during the fourth quarter of his girls’ ballgame with the Clippers. Martin athletic director Robert Vandenberg, reluctantly according to coach Mohn, fulfilled Mohn’s request for a replace­ ment. When Mohn failed to return the marker : following the bailgame, Vandenberg phoned :Mohn the next day. Mohn told him that his ' girls would have to win it back, and set about i creating a trophy to be awarded to the team that wins the first match-up of a new season between the two teams. Martin had only lost once coming into the ballgame. Lexi Parsons led the Panthers to the Marker Match-up victory, scoring 15 points and add­ ing 16 rebounds. Erin Kapteyn had nine points. DK also got seven points from fresh­ man guard Mary Whitmore. DK only had 11 turnovers in the bailgame and only committed 11 fouls, keeping the Clippers off the free throw line. DK is now 12-3 overall this season. The Panthers are at Parchment this evening and then host Lawton for Winterfest at DKHS Friday. Next week, the Panthers host Saugatuck Monday, visit Martin Wednesday and then host Galesburg-Augusta Friday (Feb. 22). The Panthers pulled out a 48-42 win at Constantine last Friday. Parsons had another great game with 26 points and 15 rebounds. She was 12-of-21 shooting from the floor and had ten offensive rebounds. Kapteyn added ten points, 11 rebounds and three assists from the shooting guard position with only two turnovers. Katie Tobias grabbed five rebounds, had a steal and an assist while being an absolute stalwart on the defensive end according to her coach. “The last two minutes, (Tobias) was just awesome taking Constantine away from what allowed them to tie the score, late, at 42 all. They did not score the remainder of the game,” Mohn said. The Falcons stayed in the ballgame despite the Panthers out-rebounding them 50-27. DK had a big edge at the free throw line, hitting 14 of 25 attempts compared to two of three for the Falcons. Call any time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 Delton Kellogg junior guard Amber Mabie sets up the offense during her team’s win over visiting Martin Monday evening. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg junior forward Abbigail Perry is hit as she puts a shot up and in during the Panthers’ win over visiting Martin Monday evening at Delton Kellogg High School. (Photo by Perry Hardin) �Page 18 — Thursday, February 14, 2019 — The Hastings Banner DK grapplers edged by Colts at team district Brett Bremer Sports Editor A single bout was the difference between victory and defeat in both of the matches for the Delton Kellogg varsity wrestling team in their Division 3 Team District Tournament at Parchment Thursday. The Comstock Colts bested the Panthers 39-34 in the district final following Delton Kellogg’s 39-36 win over host Parchment in the district semifinals. Delton Kellogg got pins from Hunter Belew at 189 pounds, Max Swift at 215 pounds, Caden Ferris at 285 pounds, Tyler Antolovich at 112 pounds and Ethan Reed at 125 pounds after falling behind 27-4 in the dual through the first six flights. Delton Kellogg didn’t have another wres­ tler to send out to the mat after Reed’s pin of Markeyis Boland put Delton Kellogg up 34-33 and 130-pounder Rodrigo Juarez took a forfeit victory for the clinching points for the Colts. DK gave up 24 points because of voids in its line-up in the dual. Kendal Pluchinsky scored the first points for the Panthers in the dual, earning an 11-2 major decision in his 145-pound match with Jesse VanAvery. Pluchinsky followed up an outstanding match from foreign exchange student Deiniol Jones in the 140-pound dual. Jones battled back from a 6-0 deficit against Zach Perkins, eventually tying the match and sending it to overtime. Jones got an early shot in on Perkins in the overtime session, but couldn’t quite finish. “(Jones) shot in on a double and nearly had a takedown, but got bumped to his hip and ultimately pinned,” Delton Kellogg head coach Brett Bissett said. “This is a kid that never stepped on a mat before November and he almost came up huge for his teammates.” Mads Claussen nearly had a pin of his own in the 152-pound match before getting stuck himself. Reed, Belew, Swift and Ferris had pins for the DK team in the semifinal match-up with Parchment. Jones and Pluchinsky won by forfeit and DK got a 12-6 win by Nick Lawson at 171 pounds. A group of six Delton Kellogg wrestlers returned to action Saturday at the Division 3 Delton Kellogg’s Hunter Belew pins Comstock’s John Curry quickly in their 189-pound match Thursday at Parchment. (Photo'1 by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg’s Ethan Reed tries to work his way on top of Comstock’s Markeyis Boland durini in the Division 3 Team District Final at Parchment High School. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Come see us for all your wedding needs. | Shop your LOCAL printing company for customized • Thank you notes • Save the date cards • Wedding invitations • Photos • Frames • Wedding favors • Posters ■pound match Thursday Individual District hosted by Constantine. Five earned top four finishes and spots in this weekend’s individual regional tournament at Williamston. DK got runner-up finishes from Belew at 189 pounds and Swift at 215. Belew scored pins against Otsego’s Devin Cavazos and Dowagiac’s Mike Schlup to get to the final where he was stuck by Three Rivers’ Mike Draper. Swift scored a pin of Dowagiac’s Dylan Andersen in the quarterfinals and then bested his own teammate Ferris 9-3 in the semifinals. Swift wrestled his best match yet against Constantine’s Boe Eckman, falling 6-5 in a tie-breaking round in their championship match. Lawson was third at 171 pounds, Ferris placed fourth at 215 pounds and Antolovich was fourth at 112 pounds. Antolovich made his way through the district as an unseeded wrestler. Ferris bounced back from his loss to Swift to pin Allegan’s Zakary Foster in the blood round (consolation semifinals). The only DK wrestler who didn’t make it through was Ethan Reed, who lost a tough 6-5 decision to Paw Paw’s Kennen Loehrs in their blood round match. F Follow The Banner on Facebook to Truck Rental heck out all our Special Services: • • • • • Business Cards Greeting Cards Big Prints & Posters Photo Books Folding & Laminating Custom Rubber Stamps Plastic Binding and more! keep up to date until the new edition is printed! 1351 N.Broadway (M-43) Hastings 269.945.9105 OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00 - 5:30 W Delton Kellogg’s Deiniol Jones fights to get away from Comstock’s Zach Perkins during their 140-pound match in the Division 3 District Final at Parchment High School : Thursday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 14, 2019 — Page 19 TK girls score first back-to-back wins Brett Bremer Sports Editor i Seniors Teryn Cross and Maddie Hess trad­ ed assists back and forth midway through the fourth quarter to help the Trojans over the foimp against the visiting Eagles Friday. ■ The Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ bas­ ketball team took its first lead of the fourth quarter with a little over three minutes to play £s Cross found her center Hess wide open for a short jumper on an inbounds play from under the basket. Moments later junior guard Claudia Wilkinson corralled a loose ball in the Eagles’ end and TK came right back down to the Offensive end where Hess made a great pass in from the three-point line to Cross wide open in the middle of the lane for another bucket. i»’In the span of a few seconds the Eagles’ went from up 35-34 to down 38-35. The Trojans eventually closed out their second win over Grand Rapids Christian in their past three meetings by a final of 39-37. . “It is super exciting,” Cross said. “I was really proud of everyone on our team for sure. We had kind of a winning and then losing Streak, so it was kind of cool to end that and bring our record back to even.” It was the second of two OK Gold Conference wins in the week for the Trojans, faho also beat Wayland Tuesday night in Middleville, and the first time all season they’ve won back-to-back ballgames. TK now has three wins in a row after scoring a 53-36 win at Forest Hills Eastern Tuesday gening. The Trojans are 5-4 in the OK Gold Conference and 8-7 overall on the season. ’■I “We kind of have a tag-team thing we call if’where we get an assist for each other back add forth,” Cross said of her back-to-back scores teamed up with Hess Friday. “We had d couple of those at Caledonia. It’s always Cool to kind of work together.” , TK had an 11-6 lead in the opening quarter Thornapple Kellogg’s Paige VanStee puts a short jumper over Grand Rapids Friday, but the Eagles rallied to score the final four points of the quarter. The two teams went Christian’s Rory Pruis during the first half of their OK Gold Conference contest in i&d the half tied at 21-21. Middleville Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) >TK sophomore guard Paige VanStee had a steal and a bucket in the opening moments of the inbounds play from Cross to Hess. The Jefferson hit a couple big threes for TK and tfre second half to put her team up two, but the play started with TK setting a screen for totaled seven points. foigles answered with a 7-0 run over the next VanStee, hoping to draw the attention of the VanStee got her third point at the free throw few minutes. Eagles and leave Hess open on the backside. line, hitting the second of two shots with 2:15 ’ That was VanStee’s only field goal of the “He was like, ‘yell at Paige. Tell her to to go and putting her team up 39-35. game. The Trojans’ leading scorer on the sea­ make a good cut and then pass it to Maddie,”’ Hitting a few more free throws would have son finished with just three points. Cross said. made everything less stressful on the TK i Christian only briefly had the lead taken She did, and she did. Hess finished with 11 ladies in the end. TK missed the front end of dway by a three from Wilkinson with 55 sec­ points. three one-and-ones following that make by onds to go in the third quarter before going “Knowing that they wanted to take Paige VanStee, and then missed two more foul shots ijnto the fourth up 32-30. away was something that helped us down the after getting into the double bonus. j/Thg Eagles’ focus on VanStee came up big stretch. They flooded her and that allowed The Eagles got to within two points with iji the end. TK-hec.d-eodfth i-k’ftf&die to get free alfSHS'bff,” Eambitz said?- less*-than -a minute to■ play-on'vT’ncfcet ‘by! Jailed a time-out with 3:15 to go, setting up Wilkinson (ed TK With 11 points. Tyah Emma Witte, but teammate Claire Cassiday’s Thomapple Kellogg center Maddie Hess reaches out to try and slow Grand Rapids Christian’s Claire Cassiday’s path to the basket during the second half Friday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) last second attempt was a moment too late and missed its mark anyway. Witte and teammate Rory Pruis had 12 points each and Liv B runink had eight for the Eagles. Their team went 9-of-10 at the free throw line for the night. TK was just 6-of-17 at the free throw line, but did the rest of the things it needed to down the stretch. “We handled the pressure well,” Lambitz said. “We had some turnovers earlier, but dfrce it got under two"minutes there I don’t think we turned the ball over. Obviously, we missed the free throws, which would have helped a ton ... but I thought we did an excel­ lent job of getting the ball to our guards, keeping it high, keeping it out of the comer.” TK jumped out to an 11-6 lead in the open­ ing quarter at Forest Hills Eastern Tuesday and extended its lead to 24-16 at the half. The Trojans built their lead to double fig­ ures in the second half, and the Hawks closed back within six points before TK pulled away again for the victory. TK closes out the OK Gold Conference season at South Christian Friday. Hawks and Eagles clip Trojans in OK Gold ballgames .. Thornapple Kellogg’s varsity boys’ basket­ ball team fell to 1-10 in the OK Gold Conference with a 72-48 loss against visiting forest Hills Eastern Tuesday. ' The Hawks doubled up the Trojans 24-12 ipthe opening quarter and led throughout. . ,TK head coach Mike Rynearson said FHE irihde its presence felt on the offensive glass, fr6m behind the three-point line and at the free throw line, dominating TK in all three spots. Austin VanElst put in 21 points to lead all scorers for the Trojans. TK closes out the conference season at South Christian Friday. The Trojans fell 61-47 to visiting Grand Rapids Christian in Middleville Friday. »Tt was another big night for the Trojans sophomores. VanElst put in 14 points and fellow sophomore forward Cole Shoobridge had a season-high 19 points. .Senior center Joe Dinkel added ten points. The game plan was to get the ball inside to tfiose three guys and the Trojans accom­ plished that goal. * »TK also wanted to take care of the basket­ ball against the Eagles’ feisty defense, but stfriggled with that task. The Eagles turned turnovers into buckets to pull away eventual­ ly ' j^The Eagles only led 43-36 heading into the fourth quarter, but stretched their lead to dou­ ble figures down the stretch. GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings : Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. Thornapple Kellogg sophomore forward Cole Shoobridge puts up a short jumper during the fourth quarter against visiting Grand Rapids Christian Friday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Thomapple Kellogg senior center Joe Dinkel looks for a way to get a shot up to the rim during the fourth quarter of their OK Gold Conference match against visiting Grand Rapids Christian Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) �Page 20 — Thursday, February 14, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Saxons make most of second chance at TK The Hastings varsity wrestling team celebrates its Division 2 District championship in Middleville Thursday following their victory over host Thornapple Kellogg in the district final. (Photo by Brett Bremer) . Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Saxons improved by 25 points. The Trojans fell back by 24. The Thomapple Kellogg varsity wrestling team scored a 60-15 victory over the Hastings boys in the opening dual of the season back in December, but after a couple months of wres­ tling and a couple weeks with very limited amounts of wrestling or wrestling practice even the Saxons got their revenge. Hastings bested the Trojans 40-36 in the Division 2 District Final in Middleville Wednesday. The Saxons had a handful of freshmen in their line-up improve tremendously as the season went on. TK had a few injuries it was dealing with. The Saxons also got to get a little wrestling in during last week’s snowmageddon - competing in their own Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Tournament Saturday (Feb. 2) in Jackson while the OK Gold Conference Tournament in Wayland was canceled entirely last weekend. It all added up to a very different outcome. In the opening dual, TK won every bout between 130 pounds and 215 pounds. Hastings took four of the five matches from 135 pounds to 160 Thursday, getting huge pins from senior Jacob Pennington at 145 pounds and Kenny Smith at 160 who were both pinned by Trojans in December. Tyler Dull also scored a pin for the Saxons at 152 pounds, and Gabe Trick switched his result with TK’s Matthew Middleton with a 5-0 win Thursday in the 135-pound match. “We made a point of it. We’ve got nothing to lose, why not do something special,” Hastings first-year head coach Darrell Slaughter said. “Who ever thinks that is going to work out? But it did.” Eventually, it came down to the final bout of the evening, with Hastings’ Mason Denton pinning TK’s Camren Zoet 1 minute 34.1 seconds into their 119-pound match. “We have had a lot of freshmen in our line­ up. They have a lot more experience than they first did. Everyone has put in a lot of work since (December),” Hastings senior captain Devin Dilno said. “Our team has been busting our butts since day one and we came here to show it off today.” After pins by TK’s Christian Wright at 171 pounds, Adam Bush at 189 pounds and Carter West at 215 pounds the Trojans had a 30-27 lead with four bouts to go. Jake DeJong battled mightily for TK to avoid a pin, wrestling up at 285 pounds against Dilno, limiting Dilno to a 14-2 major decision that put the Saxons up 31-30. “He didn’t just willingly go up there, but he basically asked if he should go up there and take one for the team. It was great for him to do that. I know he gave all his effort. It is just, he was outweighed by about 70 pounds or whatever it is,” TK head coach Scott Szczepanek said. “We just didn’t have the bodies, that was a lot of it.” A pin by TK freshman Hunter Pitsch with less than 11 seconds left in the 103-pound match against Hastings’ Dillon Neal put TK back in front 36-31 with two matches to go. Hastings got three points back as Jonathan Giro’n scored a 9-4 win over TK’s Ashton Corson in the 112-pound match. Giro’n built an 8-0 lead in the match, putting Corson on his back in the opening period and then get­ ting an escape and a take down in the second period. That victory left TK clinging to a 36-34 edge heading into the final bout where Denton scored the go-ahead pin. “Dillon Neal, he may have lost, but he put his heart and soul into that match,” Dilno said, speaking of the Saxon freshmen. “Mason Denton is a freshman and he is the one who went out there and pinned to get us through to regionals. We have a lot of people improv­ ing.” Smith, another Saxon captain, said he sees his team’s freshmen becoming more skilled technically as the season progresses. “We’re really just constantly motivating them everyday. We try to help with moves Hastings’ Tyler Dull closes in on a pin of Thornapple Kellogg’s Logan Moore during the opening period of their 152-pound match Thursday during the Division 2 Team District Final in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Saxon senior Jacob Pennington works to pin Thornapple Kellogg’s Shelby England midway through the opening period of their 145-pound match Thursday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) they need to learn and I will try and teach them, even today, when they come off the mat I try and tell them, ‘you did a great job, but this is what ypu need to work on next prac­ tice,’ kind of,” Smith said. Slaughter was happy to get his team to 20 victories on the season with the win over the Trojans. Hastings was scheduled to head to Byron Center last night for its Division 2 Team Regional Tournament. Hastings had a string of four-consecutive district championships, from 2013-2017 snapped by the Trojans last winter. TK and Hastings were both at Lowell Saturday for their Division 2 Individual District Tournament. “We have been thin all year. We lost some wrestlers from the beginning of the season and that forces us to have to bump kids around,” Szczepanek said. “We have two kids that don’t weight 100 pounds each that have to wrestle 112. We’ve got a 110-pounder that has to wrestle 119 because we don’t have the bodies to fill-those weight classes. We lost multiple kids that could have wrestled 160 throughout the year and had to end up bump­ ing up a 145 pounder, having to make sure he could weigh in high enough to bump up to 160 to cover that. “They had the people that could move down weight classes and create new match­ ups and they won a few matches that we had won the first time. That changes things great­ ly. This is a sport where when wins change hands that swings the points greatly.” The Trojans opened the evening Thursday with a 51-24 win over OK Gold Conference foe Wayland in the district semifinals. Pitsch, Corson, Jackson LaJoye, Kinne, Wright, Bush, West and DeJong had pins for the Trojans and Shelby England added a 9^5_wjp. over Bryce Mulder in their J^S^and'matcJf JJ Bair, Andy Ro^rigtrez and Tony Nettles had pins forfric-Wildcats while Adam Ordway and Devin Westfahl scored victorious decisioHsTbr their team. > There is no official word yet on a 2018-19 OK Gold Conference champion. The Trojarij were undefeated in their four league duals, but never got the chance to face off against Forest Hills Eastern - the other team with a 4-0 record in conference duals. .' We do the lifting. You get the money. Get $50 for your fridge. There’s nothing easier than letting Consumers Energy pick up your appliance and send you a rebate. Give us a working fridge or freezer and we’ll give you $50. Throw in a working dehumidifier or air conditioner and we’ll give an additional $15*. Save energy, help the environment and make money. No license required to fish this weekend Two days twice a year, individuals and families can take part in one of the state’s premiere outdoor activities - fishing - for free. The winter free fishing weekend just happens to coincide with Gun Lake Winterfest, where this photo was taken. But anyone from Michigan or elsewhere can fish without a license on any of the state’s water bodies Feb. 16 and 17. All fishing regulations still apply. The summer free fishing weekend will be June 8 and 9. More information, including special events, is available online at michigan. gov/dnr. (File photo) Schedule your free pickup by calling 888-990-2246. ‘Limit of four small appliances per year. Air conditioners or dehumidifiers may only be included with the recycling of a refrigerator or freezer. Consumers Energy Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads ...Counton Us® 1 � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-02-21.pdf 22fd46e1cbd29e484256b16fd6420c38 PDF Text Text City, township trust Workplace skills HHS, TK advance fosters development training already exists in cheer tourney See Story on Page 3 ' Page 4 " See Story on Page 19 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 1070490102590508068049058113421 Richard Hemerling 421 N Taff ee Dr Hastings Ml 49058- 804879110187 ANNER 3/30/20! 9 2:36:00 PM VOLUME 166, No. 8 Thursday, February 21, 2019 PRICE 750 Officials say no PFAS found in city water Move over or pay the price Ignoring Michigan’s new Move Over law, which went into effect last week, could cost drivers $400 if they don’t get up to speed with updated traffic regula­ tions. The law requires drivers to slow down and move over for any emergency, main­ tenance and utility vehicle on the road. This is in addition to the existing law that requires drivers to move over a lane for any stationary emergency vehicle and to proceed with caution past stationary utili­ ty and maintenance vehicles. Free concert at PAC Friday The Thornapple Wind Band will host the Olivet College Wind Ensemble Friday at the new performing arts center in Hastings. The free concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the higji school, 520 W. South St., I Hastings. The performance will mark the fifth collaborative concert of the two ensenr bles. The Thornapple Wind Band is a community band made up of adults from Barry and surrounding counties, and it promotes the performance and teaching of wind band music to all. TWB conductor David Macqueen is a 1976 Olivet College alumnus. The concert will open and close with music performed by the combined ensem­ bles. S ■ Walk for Warmth is Saturday Community Action’s Walk for Warmth raises funds to help Barry County families and elderly residents in need. The one-mile walk raises money by participants collecting pledges to support their effort. In 2018, donations from the campaign helped 14 households facing heat-related emergencies. The average income of the households was $12,918. Community Action aims to raise $3,500 for Barry County residents during the walk Saturday, Feb. 23. The event will open with registration at 9 a.m. at the Methodist church at 209 W. Green St, The walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. Pledge sheets can be picked up at par­ ticipating local businesses, downloaded from the website caascm.org or by calling the Community Action office, 269-965­ 7766. Businesses and individuals not partici­ pating in the walk but still wanting to help may mail a check to the Community Action Office, 175 Main St., Battle Creek, MI 49014. Checks should be payable to Community Action Walk for Warmth and include the community to receive the donation. Rebecca Pierce Editor High levels of fluorochemical contamina­ tion at Viking Corp, were reported Friday by state officials. PFAS have been found in shal­ low groundwater in the vicinity where, years ago, products were tested using a chemi­ cal-based firefighting foam. Tests did not detect these compounds in the Hastings municipal water system, state, coun­ ty and city officials confirmed this week. The elevated levels of poly- and perfluori­ nated substances, or PFAS, in shallow ground­ water environmental monitoring wells at Viking “may be related to our use of a com­ mon type of firefighting foam in the late 1990s and early 2000s,” Jeff Norton, vice president of marketing for Viking, said. “We have been in contact with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the Barry County health department to identify the source and extent of the affected area,” Norton said. “There is no indication, based on what we know so far, that this is impacting the city water system or private wells,” Scott Dean, DEQ spokesman, said. “We are interested if there is any impact on the river.” The next step for the DEQ will be to drill additional wells to determine if there has been any impact on the Thomapple River. That should take place in the next four to six weeks, Dean said. The Michigan PFAS Action Response Team is a multi-agency action team that will investigate the findings of the tests at Viking. Friday, a news release from the BarryHaton District Health Department and the DEQ said high levels of the compounds were found in shallow groundwater on the Viking property and in lower concentrations on neighboring property owned by Scotia Land Co. of Southfield where the AT&T building is located. “The risk to the public is very, very low,” Barry-Eaton District Health Department health officer Colette Scrimger said. Currently, there are no known drinking water sources in the flow of the groundwater that was found to contain PFAS, she said. Hastings City Manager Jeff Mansfield said a DEQ analysis at the Viking property showed a layer of clay about 15 feet down. “The contamination doesn’t go below the clay,” he said, “and the clay prevented any further contamination.” Kasey Swanson, environmental health san- “There is no indication, based on what we know so far, that this is impacting the city water system or private wells. We are interested if there is any impact on the river.” Scott Dean, DEQ spokesman itarian for the county health department, noted, “Groundwater flows, but it flows in different layers. When we talk about detec­ tion, that’s part of what the MDEQ is going to consider.” George Holzworth, Hastings water and wastewater departments superintendent, said he doesn’t expect the state’s investigation to show the contamination at the Viking proper­ ty is having any impact on the municipal water system - largely due to the fact that it’s in an entirely different aquifer. « Numerous aquifers lie below Michigan, nine of them belong to one of the glacial for­ mations in Barry County. Hastings’ water comes from below those glacial aquifers. The Marshall formation is a solid layer of bedrock; and it provides very good quality water, Holzw^ffh |aid. The Viking property is in a different aquifer that flows north and west. “I don’t expect it to affect us,” he said. “Our primary concern is to ensure that the public water system is safe,” Mansfield said. “We have no reason to believe that is not the case. We will continue to work with the health department and the DEQ to make sure of that.” The city routinely tests the water “for a huge amount of different things,” Holzworth said. Exactly what is tested for is a matter of public record that can be accessed on the state DEQ website, he added. “We follow all the regulations laid out by the DEQ.” The state had not required PFAS monitor­ ing until last year, he said. In April 2018, Hastings was one of the first in the state to have its drinking water tested for the presence of PFAS. “They tested it, and it was nondetect for See PFAS, page 2 Student count is up for Hastings school district U-M Friars in concert Saturday The Friars, an acapella subset of the University of Michigan Men’s Glee Club, will perform for the first time in the Hastings area in its 64-year history. The group will perform Saturday, Feb. 23, at 7 p.m. at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Hastings. Two of the nine vocalists in the group hail from Barry County. Marshall Cherry, a 2015 Hastings graduate, and Jacob Emery, of Middleville, a 2016 graduate. The group was formed to exhibit the fun side of the men in the glee club; there­ fore, they mix a good portion of humor and dance moves with their nine-member, four-part harmony. The group will per­ form a range of musical pieces from See NEWS BRIEFS, page 2 The foam generated during testing at Viking Corp, occurred at the test basin (upper right). After the testing, the compound was pumped from the basin and ultimately dis­ charged to the Holland Board of Public Works wastewater treatment system. The test basin, which is comprised of a membrane-lined concrete basin, is currently enclosed within short wooden walls that extend from the concrete basin walls up to a roof struc­ ture. Viking is in the process of determining further details on the history of the testing at its property, according to state officials. The location of test wells are indicated as is the direction of the groundwater, by the lines going to the north and west. In the map legend, piezometer refers to the instruments placed in boreholes to monitor the pres­ sure or depth of groundwater. (Image provided by Michigan Department of Environmental Quality) Badge of honor The privilege of wearing the badge of a Barry County sheriff’s deputy was bestowed on a new recruit to the department Tuesday. More on Page 5. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce.) Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Student count is up for Hastings Area School System which is good news for the district. A recent count documents an increase of 14 students this year. The financial impact on school funding is an increase of $7,871 per student, totaling $110,194. Enrollment decreased by 60 students in the 2017-2018 school year, compared to the pre­ vious year - and a decrease expected this year. Administrators said they had planned this year’s budget based on a decrease of five additional students. Since there was no change in count from the prior year, unexpected funds of $39,355 were available. With the recent count, district funding from student enrollment are well above the amount anticipated. “Many factors play a role in our increased enrollment, and I’d like to believe our improved facilities are making a difference,” Superintendent Carri Duits said. “I also believe that we’ve worked hard to get the word out about the great programs and oppor­ tunities we offer in Hastings area schools.” Another challenge for the Hastings district, as well as many other school districts, has been Schools of Choice: Hastings lost 310 students who chose to attend other districts. However, 183 students from other districts chose to enroll in the Hastings Area School — “Many factors play a role in our increased enrollment, and I’d like to believe our improved facilities are making a differ­ ence. I also believe that we’ve worked hard to get the word out about the great programs and opportunities we offer in Hastings area schools.” Carrie Duits, Hastings Area Schools Superintendent System. The overall loss of 127 students amounted to a loss of $999,617 in state aid. “A point to realize is that the 310 students may have left the district years ago and still continue in their school of choice from the past,” Duits said. “The community members who attended our strategic planning session identified a goal of continuing to update and improve our facilities for increasing enroll­ ment and school pride. “My hope is that we continue to upgrade our facilities in a manner that enhances our students’ learning, school experiences and safety.” �Page 2 — Thursday, February 21,2019 — The Hastings Banner PFAS, continued from page 1 total PFAS,” Holzworth said. This is the county health department’s first real involvement in a PFAS site, Scrimger said. “And our involvement is limited since there is not an immediate public health threat.” But, because the public interest in PFAS is high, “we want to help explain,” Anne Barna, the health department’s planning, promotion and evaluation manager, said. Scrimger called PFAS an emerging health issue about which not enough is yet known. Barna said other states probably have PFAS, “they just don’t know it yet.” “Michigan is ahead in some ways,” Scrimger said. “It has been proactive in water sampling and testing. We are ahead of the curve, and that is encouraging.” Dean concurred. State environmental offi­ cials are paying particular attention to com­ munities that had military bases or industries that would have been using these chemical compounds. The Federal Aviation Administration and US. military have requirements that actually mandate use of these chemicals even today, Dean confirmed. The foam used to fight fires on military aircraft, for example, may still contain these chemicals, but the use of such products has changed in an effort to contain the compound. Dean said the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has a health advisory regarding PFAS, “but they have not estab­ lished a maximum concentration level” as far as enforceable drinking water criteria. State DEQ officials would like to see that, he said. Most industries have found other chemicals to use, Barna pointed out. But PFAS compounds are ubiquitous, Holzworth said. Materials using these chemi­ cals are in many products, even though the use of these specific chemical compounds has been discontinued by many. “They are biocumulative ” he said. “That fluorine bond with carbon is very difficult to break. They don’t break down.” Issues that are being identified by the DEQ now are from compounds that were used years ago. • Viking hasn’t used PFAS or PFOS com­ pounds since 2001, Norton said. They were used for two to three years, from 1998 or 1999 through 2001, in tests conducted at Viking’s fire research center on 210 N. Industry Park Drive, he said. Products were tested using the firefighting Michigan PFAS Sites Being Investigated Michigan Department of “Our primary concern is to ensure that the public water system is safe. We have no reason to believe that is not the case. We will continue to work with the health department and the DEQ to make sure of that.” HOUGHTON Jeff Mansfield, Hastings City Manager [ ONTONAGON BARAGA GOGEBIC LUCE MARQUETTE ALGER foam in a lined catch basin, which likely pro­ tected the area below it, Norton said. But it was not covered and may have exposed the adjacent area to accidental overspray. That could explain why PFAS were found in shal­ low wells in the area. Today, there is a structure over the testing basin, Norton said. Viking manufactures fire protection equip­ ment worldwide, including sprinklers, valves and products for special hazards systems, he said. “A foam blanket smothers a very challeng­ ing fire. ... Those products are developed and tested,” he said. “We never manufactured the foam ” The company uses three products that deliver foam, but a different foam is used today. And those foams, which are typically used to fight flammable liquid fires, have dif­ ferent chemistries than the foams used in the past, he pointed out. The foams they use today do not contain PFAS or PFOS, Norton said. Viking employs between 350 and 400 peo­ ple in Hastings. “This is our community,” Norton said. “It [the company] has been for 120 years, so we want to make sure we know the full extent and take every possible action to protect it.” “We are encouraged by preliminary results showing a small containment area and no risk to area drinking water,” he said. “We will continue our investigations and intend to do whatever is necessary to ensure our friends, families and neighbors in the community are protected.” CHIPPEWA [ SCHOOLCRAFT MACKINAC DICKINSON DELTA Lansing MRP (former Total Petroleum Rafnery Adams Plating OiX Alpena ENOMINEE RACER Lansing Plants 2,3,6 _t> * Alpena Combat Reetfiness Center Lapeer Alpena Hide and Leather Co. EMMET CHEBOYGAtp Lapeer Plating & nasties Baldwin i PRESQUE ISLE Livonia Wash King Laundry Lxharuevoix leeQJnau RACER Eckies Road Battie Creek ANTRM Manistee Helmer-Dickman Road Area Davison Mt Pleasant Richfield Landfl ^ ranJ TRAveRs^KALKASKAiA,FORD GRAN Roosevelt Refinery Escanaba BENZIE OSCODA ALCONA OGEMAW IOSCO Oscoda Escanaba Defense Fuel Supply fW (M) ColbathRoad Flint "MANISTEE! oxford McDonald Store Ere (aka F-41) Missaukee ROSCOMMI Coldwater Road LandfS Oscoda Area Schools ARENAC Pint Bishop International Airport LandfB MASON Loud Drive (M) LAKE CLAfe OSCEOLA GLADWIN RACER Buick Qty HU.^ON Man Eiten Lake (fc? Grand Rapids Lacks Industries - Cascade BAY Whispering Pines MHC M Gerak! R. Ford Internaticna! Airport Grawn ( OCEANA MECOSTA ISAB^A MIDLAND NEWAYGO WUrtsmithAFB TUSCOLA G^IO' Parchment SANILAC SAGINAW L_^,) Carl’s Retseadiig Crown Vantage Property MUSKEGONj Grayling Pierson Grayling Area PFAS (MJ Central Sanitary LandfS Camp Grayling - Lake Msrgrethe (M) Gwinn KI. Sawyer AFB (M) Harr ison Township Selfridge ANG8 (M) Hastings M-60 Tanker Sp* State Disposal Superfund Richland OAKLAND North 34th Street EATON ALLEGAN Rockford r Befcnont - House St Diamond C hrome Bating WASHTENAW Rockford Tannery Saline Adient (former Universal Die Cast) CASS Howell i ST.CLAIR CLINTON SmwASSEfe I OTTAWA Plainfield Township / VAN*BUREN Viking Corporation Howard Township Water testing, filtration information ALP I OTiSEGO MONTMORENCY Manistee Rating lHtLLS0J iM°NROEZ js"FjOSEPH| BRANCH |j Saranac Lacks industries - Saranac Ithaca For residents with an interest in getting their water tested, local officials point to the state of Michigan website https://bit.ly/2E6Mupx. Testing for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, requires some skill and training. Also, it is possible to use filtration to keep those substances out of water. The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality’s website provides this information: “Due to the widespread use of PFAS in multiple industries and products we use every day, there are specific precautions that must be taken when conducting sampling for these chemicals to avoid cross-contamination. The DEQ has developed specific PFAS sampling guidance documents for many different sample types. “In addition, while much is still in the development stages, there are some treatment options available for residents who are concerned about their drinking water. In-home water filtration systems are recommended to lower the levels of PFAS in drinking water. The state of Michigan has information on in-home water treatment. Anyone with additional questions or concerns regarding testing and/or treatment of PFAS may call the DEQ Environmental Assistance Center, 800-662-9278. 25 (43 Sites) 50 Jackson PFAS sites on or impacted by active or former military facilities ........................... .. - 100 Miles February 13, 2019 More PFAS sites identified in Michigan PFAS sites are where one or more groundwater sample exceeds the Part 201 cleanup criteria for groundwater used as drinking water, which is 70 parts per trillion PFOS and/or PFOA. Site investigations get started for a variety of reasons. At some locations, such as Superfund sites, State Department of Environmental Quality staff has been overseeing environmental cleanup efforts for many years, and may add PFAS sampling to ongoing sampling if PFAS was known or suspected to have been used at the site. DEQ staff also conducts routine monitoring of rivers and lakes, and if a sample exceeds water quality standards, staff members work upstream until they find the source contributing to the PFAS. (Image courtesy of Michigan Department of Environmental Quality) PFAS facts from state Department of Environmental Quality Per- and poly fluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, are a large group of manmade chemi­ cals resistant to heat, water and oil. State and local officials say these chemical compounds have been used for decades in many industrial applications and consumer products, such as carpeting, waterproof clothing, upholstery, food paper wrappings, personal care products, firefighting foams, and metal plating. “PFAS have many industrial applications, including waterproofing and firefighting foam,” according to a news release issued by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and Barry-Eaton District Health Department. “Some types of PFAS, such as 1950s bebop and Motown to new arrange­ ments and will even sprinkle in some Michigan parodies. Freewill donations at the concert will be split between The Friars and the church. Emmanuel Episcopal Church is at 315 W. Center St., Hastings. More information on the group can be found on their Facebook page or at the-friars.com. [Their work also is on Spotify and YouTube. Rep. Calley to visit area Feb. 25 State Rep. Julie Calley. R-Portland, will welcome residents to office hours in two communities Monday, Feb. 25. She will provide a legislative update to attendees. If residents have individual con­ cerns, she will take one-on-one meetings. perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), may be harm­ ful to human health when ingested by mouth. Most companies have stopped using PFOS and PFOA.” The state’s PFAS response is documented at Michigan.gov. This, in part, is what it reports: In 2017, the DEQ began a statewide initia­ tive to investigate sources and locations of PFAS contamination in the state, to take action to protect people’s drinking water, and to keep the public informed as more was learned. In 2018, the DEQ’s Remediation and Rep. Calley will meet with constituents at the following locations: * The Village of Lake C||essa, Page Memorial Building, 839 4th Ave., Lake Odessa, from 11 a.m. to noon. • Hastings City Hall, Council Chambers, 201 E. State St., from 1 to 2 p.m. “Accountable representation requires consistent feedback,” Calley said in a p ress release. “Office hours present an opportuni­ ty for productive dialogue with those whom I serve.” If the school district closest to the meet­ ing location is closed for inclement weather, office hours in that area will also be can­ celled. No appointment is necessary. Residents unable to attend scheduled office hours may send questions or ideas to Rep. Calley via email, JulieCalley@house.mi.gov, or call her, 517-373-0842. Redevelopment Division established cleanup criteria for groundwater used as drinking water of 70 parts per trillion of PFOA and PFOS, individually or combined. The PFAS levels detected in groundwater on Viking Corp, property at 210 N. Industrial Park Drive, Hastings, were among the highest concentrations at sites tested thus far. The result for total tested PFAS was 335,090 parts per trillion. The highest combined PFOS and PFOA-only level at the Viking site was 192,000 parts per trillion. Viking manufactures fire protection sys­ tems, primarily sprinklers and valves. DEQ records indicate Viking conducted testing of fire suppression foam using a 1-3 percent foam concentration with 97-99 percent water on the property. Aqueous film forming foam manufactured by 3M was tested in this man­ ner on-site from 1998/1999 until 2001, when 3M took its AFFFs out of production due to PFAS-related concerns. The DEQ said documentation shows that the foam generated during testing was direct­ ed to the testing area, then pumped from the lined basin by Liquid Industrial Waste Service of Holland, and ultimately discharged to the Holland Board of Public Works wastewater treatment system. In April 2018, tests for PFAS were con­ ducted and none were detected in Hastings municipal water system. The Viking site as well as nearby properties use the City of Hastings municipal water as its drink­ ing water source. Health officials said there are no private wells in that area. On Oct. 11,2018, Viking took five ground­ water samples near the northern edge of the company’s property near the “test basin.” On Dec. 28,2018, Viking provided a notice of migration of contamination to the Scotia Land Company, the neighboring property to the north, informing Scotia that PFAS com­ pounds were detected in groundwater monitor well TW-ATT-2R on their property. On Jan. 25, the MDEQ received communi­ cation of the October 2018 results from Viking; the highest results were 192,000 parts per trillion PFOS and/or PFOA, and 335,090 parts per trillion total tested PFAS. Next steps Viking officials currently are developing a work plan for DEQ review. The plan will address the available history of aqueous film forming foam use at the site and will describe the initial scope of work that will be undertak­ en to further characterize soil and groundwa­ ter in the testing area and groundwater down­ gradient of the testing area. This work plan is anticipated by the end of February 2019. The DEQ will work with Viking Corp, to define the extent of the contamination and implement source control as soon as weather permits. Nearby bodies of water include the Thomapple River and a wetland, both of which are downgradient of the source loca­ tion. Numerous sites across the state have shown high levels of PFAS in groundwater or drink­ ing water. In the region, those sites include Crown Vantage landfill and mill site property in Parchment; North 34th Street in Richland Township, at the former Production Plated Plastics property; and the Helmer and Dickman road area in the city of Battle Creek/ Springfield Township where PFAS has been found in groundwater samples near the Air National Guard base; and at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grand Rapids. J County’s parks plan set for public hearing Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry County commissioners OK’d a pub­ lic hearing on the county parks and recreation five-year plan. The hearing will take place at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, during the regular meeting of the county board of commissioners. The point of the hearing is to, in accordance with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources guidelines for Parks and Recreation Master Plan adoption, approve the county’s plan. The plan has been available for public inspection since Jan. 10. And this plan is important, not just because of what it’s about, but because it is required in order to be eligible to apply for grants from state and national sources. The county currently owns and manages three recreational facilities: Historic Charlton Park, McKeown Bridge Park, and the Paul Henry - Thomapple Trail. The plan identifies proposed improvements to all of these assets. Other items mentioned in the plan include planning for greenways and connectivity across the county. As a part of the planning process, a survey must be conducted to solicit opinions of resi­ dents regarding parks and recreation in the county. The sentiment on the part of the committee and many respondents is that “when it comes to parks and recreation, it’s all about quality of life.” In a related development, Doris Lee Hale, secretary on the Historic Charlton Park board, submitted her resignation. She had served two years of a three-year term. “These two years have been an immensely rewarding experience,” she wrote. “I particu­ larly have appreciated working under the able leadership of Sharon Zebrowski, and appreci­ ate the contributions of all members.” She expressed disappointment in the coun­ ty board for not considering her committee’s recommendations and said the focus seems to have swung in the direction of facilities, rath­ er than the overall park. Hale said she is resigning so that someone more suited to the role could take her place. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 21,2019 — Page 3 Trust relationship fosters development in city and township Joan Van Houten Staff Writer \ The City of Hastings and Rutland Charter Township have simplified the path to devel­ opment by working together to create a door­ way for commercial and industrial growth. The relationship has helped to bring in new businesses and provide for expansion, such as Aldi’s, Holiday Inn Express and the construc­ tion of a new, larger building for Hastings Fiberglass. - “Our intent is to go forward. We both agree ©n many things. We want to see growth, peo­ ple moving here and job opportunities. That’s ^vhat our driving force is. Without people coming here, we won’t exist,” Rutland Township Supervisor Larry Watson said. The cooperative effort is in the form of a Joint Planning Commission, a governing body incorporating an Urban Services and Economic Development Agreement and the Intergovernmental Agreement. Creating the content and developing them into legal contracts was a three-year process. The urban services agreement contains pro­ visions about extensions of water, waste water And electric lines to a new building. The inter­ governmental agreement is related to the operation of advisory groups and oversight committees which are comprised of area busiI ness and government representatives. “With the urban services agreement, now when somebody comes in and asks for the service, we can normally tell them exactly what the process is. You usually must physi­ cally construct utilities to serve a property. A business coming in typically understands it can take over a year to get through that, but coming in, they like having it all laid out for them,” Hastings City Manager Jeff Mansfield said. The Joint Planning Commission is an out­ growth of the Joint Planning Alliance, which came first. Approximately 12 years ago, the city hired Public Sector Consultants to help develop a joint-cooperation concept focused on Barry County, the City of Hastings, Rutland and Hastings charter townships. The JPA is an unofficial group, currently consisting of five government units. Carlton Township joined the alliance after it was established. Representatives from each unit meet every other month to collaborate on local issues. The Joint Planning Commission, however, is an official government body with legal powers. The JPC is a formal relationship between Hastings and Rutland with a shared zoning area of responsibility. The committee has zoning authority and is charged with the Jvh Hastings and Rutland Partnership Supervisor Larry Watson (from left), City Manager Jeff Mansfield and Mayor Dave Tossava work within the Joint Planning Commission to attract commercial and industrial businesses. master planning of the JPC region. Watson said that, when the commission was formed, Jim Carr, who was chairman at the time, was the driving force as to who “put the olive branch out there” to get things going. Mansfield said a lot has been accomplished because of the common goals of the two com­ munities. “We welcome other communities to come aboard and work with us. The bigger we can grow and make it work, the better off we all are,” Watson said. The relationship between Hastings and Rutland is a matter of give and take - with both reaping the rewards. Watson and Mansfield agree continued growth is a matter of trust for the adjacent communities, working in partnership and believing that what is good for one is good for the other. More than one long-term option for Crooked Lake flooding relief Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer The impending purchase of the Daryl Jones property will bring Crooked Lake residents a short-term pumping solution. “On Friday, we met with DeWind Watering,” Barry County Commissioner Jim Dull said. “They’re the company that’s going to be doing the pumping from the Jones prop­ erty. - “He’s been out there looking at the size of pumps and things of that nature. We’ve also talked to Ron Cordes of Cordes Trenching Inc., about putting a boring beneath Delton Road so we could just set up the pump on the other side of the lake because that was a con­ cern that DeWind raised. “They thought they were going to have to figure out a way to get their pump right down next to the lake, but with us boring under (the road), they’ll be able to set their pump up on the other side making it easier for the pump­ ing to go ahead.” “Although we are unaware of how much the project will cost, we can assure the bill will be split off to multiple different places,” Dull said during an interview on Monday, Feb. 18. “There are 1,085 property owners on the Delton drain .There are four townships. There is MDOT, the village of Delton, the road commission, and the county at large. “So, when you look at all these different factors, the price tag won’t be nearly as large when it finally hits the pockets of the resi­ dents.” Dull then focused on providing more details to certain long-term solutions being explored by his office. He spoke to the fact that the reasoning behind the flooding crisis goes back to the fact that Crooked Lake has no outlet to get rid of water. He explained that any long­ term solution will include a permanent outlet for Crooked Lake to release its water. “If you look at a map, you’ll see that from the Daryl Jones property to the Delton drain is only about a half mile away straight across,” Dull said. That’s where the Daryl Jones prop­ erty transforms from a short-term solution to a long-term one. Based on the proposal that Dull is exploring, once the water enters the Delton drain it will then flow north through a system of lakes and eventually into Fall Creek - and that would then create the much-needed outlet from Crooked Lake. “We’ve already got a petition on an outlet for Long Lake that we have to fix any way so, with this proposal, we could fix both prob­ lems at once,” Dull said. The other long-term option that Dull spoke to flows south through lower Crooked Lake down into West Gilkey and Indian lakes. “If we go south, even going through lower Crooked Lake, we have to lay a lot more pipe than if we went north. I think Delton drain will be cheaper in the long run, but we haven’t decided either way as of right now,” Dull said. “But the thing about going north toward Fall Creek is under the road (M-43), there is a 36-foot box square culvert. Up a little further at Shultz Road, it’s only a 30-foot round cul­ vert. And, once you hit private property a little farther north, there is only an 18-foot culvert. But we were going to have to fix that to recti­ fy the outlet on long lake anyways.” Dull pointed out that there is a wetland along the way to Fall Creek that will take some of the water and will relieve some of the pressure from the smaller culverts. No guarantees can be made yet in regard to a long-term solution; both options are still in a planning stage, he said. “It’s important to remember this is just a possibility and we’re not sure about the impact this path would have yet.” Who will be the next superintendent of Hastings school district? Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Residents say the next superintendent for Hastings Area Schools System should be able to delegate, have clear vision, be visible, pro­ active, not reactive and, most often men­ tioned, a strong communicator who is able to engage with the community. On Jan. 21, Superintendent Carrie Duits announced her retirement, effective June 30. A public announcement was made Jan. 28. The board’s goal is to have a new superinten­ dent in place on July 1. The search is on for the next superintendent and input is being sought from residents about the skills and qualities that are most important for the school district chief. The first of three input forums occurred Feb. 12, and two took place Tuesday. The meetings were led by Donna Oser, director of leadership development and exec­ utive search services from the Michigan Association of School Boards. MASB is a 501(c)3 non-profit association of public and intermediate boards of education in Michigan. The organization has been hired to facili­ tate the search for candidates based on criteria created by the school board after reviewing community input. The cost to the district for the MASB service is $6,000. Before she begins the search process, Oser said she asks every school board she works with if the search is “authentic” or do they already know who they’re hiring. If a likely candidate has already been iden­ tified, she said, going through the search pro­ cess would be a waste of everyone’s time and money. The board is provided with all the applica­ tions that are submitted for the position. “They make the decisions. They own the process,” Oser said, describing herself as “more of a headhunter.” During the forums, Oser asked questions and one question was for members of the group to state the strengths of the school sys­ tem. Responses included industry and busi­ ness support for the schools and students, career opportunities with trades and college education, a growing curriculum, student per­ formances and continuation of traditions. Also mentioned as a strength was the school board itself. “Whether their decisions are right or wrong, each person on the board is 100 percent dedi­ cated to the children and very involved in the community,” Hastings businessman and par­ ent Brad Tolles said. “The next superinten­ dent needs to be able to take the positive things accomplished by Carrie Duits and build on those things.” Another question Oser asked was what the challenges of a new superintendent ^ill be in the next three to five years. Participant responses included decreasing the loss of stu­ dent numbers, replacing roofs on the schools and healing relationships between the school district and the community. Some residents said they feel disconnected from the school board and administration. They said they have felt an absence of com­ munication and have struggled with a lack of information. More effort is needed from administrators to provide clarity for the com­ munity when there is a bond proposal, they said. “For me, I want to know more. Don’t tell me what you want. I want to know why you want it. What is the benefit to the kids? What is the benefit to the school district and the community?” businessman and parent Mark Hewitt said. Conversations at the meetings often revisit­ ed topics from past concerns and conflicts about the leaking roofs, the money put into building a performing arts center, and submit­ ting a bond proposal for $11 million before the $45 million bond projects were complet­ ed. Oser said the board will be provided with all information gathered from community input sessions and the online survey forms. That information will guide them in creating County endorses economic agenda Rebecca Pierce Editor Economic development isn’t just chasing smokestacks anymore, Travis Alden told Barry County commissioners Tuesday. It’s finding ways to stimulate economic growth. It’s improving the quality of life for resi­ dents. It’s being a catalyst for maximizing the county’s potential. And it’s becoming a convener to help lever­ age partnerships between public and private entities. Alden, president of the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Alliance, highlighted these stra­ tegic impact goals. Since 2008, the county has been providing financial support for the Economic Development Alliance, which, in turn, has provided economic development services for Barry County. This year, the board recommended approv­ ing $133,891 for these services. The goal of economic development in Barry County, Alden said, is to make the com­ munity as prosperous as possible, while pre­ serving the rural quality of life. He pointed to a variety of high points during the past year - from the new Hastings Travis Alden, president of the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Alliance, reviews economic development efforts. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Fiberglass facility, which is celebrating its 60^ anniversary, to expansion at Bradford White Corp., to the $12 million surgical suite at Spectrum Health Pennock. There are challenges - such as the need for more affordable housing throughout the coun­ ty - but there are many areas where entrepre­ neurs are stepping up to create new businesses and build new partnerships. In other business, the board recommended the purchase of youth center juvenile case management software for $3,500, with a monthly cost of $440. The monthly cost will be paid for from the monthly 10-percent administrative reimbursement from the child care fund, which is currently not being used. In 2018, the county received $98,671 back from that fund for the administrative reim­ bursement. Currently, all data is tracked man­ ually, so this software will free up probation officers so they can spend more time with juveniles. - The board also approved the Regional Detention Support Services grant, which is a national program for eligible jurisdictions, including counties in Michigan, that do not have secure juvenile detention facilities for juveniles. Under this grant, RDSS transport­ ers will take juveniles to and from the court and detention/residential facilities. Drivers are paid an hourly rate of $12, plus the premi­ um state mileage rate of 58 cents per mile. All must pass background checks and attend training prior to transporting any juveniles. -Heard the sheriff’s department for January. Donna Oser from the Michigan Association of School Boards facilitates a stakehold­ er meeting to gather community input about what qualities are essential for the new superintendent. a revised description and responsibilities to post for the position of superintendent. Names of candidates offered and accepting interviews will be released in late March and initial interviews with select finalists will be April 17-18. Second interviews will happen on April 25 and the selection of the superin­ tendent will happen on May 14. The new superintendent is expected to fill the position July 1,2019. TK sees drop in student count Tanett Hodge Staff Writer The second “count day” of the school year for the Thomapple Kellogg School System took place Thursday, Feb. 14. The unofficial count was 3,140, which is a loss of 22 stu­ dents from the fall count. Superintendent Rob Blitchok said a drop from fall to spring is normal for TK. The count was within five students of the budget­ ed student count. Although the count took place in the midst of delays and cancellations caused by severe winter conditions, Blitchok said he does not believe the weather had any impact on the count. School districts receive funding based on their student count, and budgets are built on estimates of how many students are enrolled. “The spring count represents only 10 per­ cent of the per-pupil funding,” he said. We are a base foundation district, which means we get the base amount (minimum) funding per student. The amount for 2018-19 is $7,871 per student.” He estimated a lost revenue of $17,314. When asked, how this will affect services pro­ vided, Blitchok said he is not worried. “When put into the context of our total annual revenue budget of $32 million, the amount will have no impact,” he said. �Page 4 — Thursday, February 21, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you see? Snow Moon Workplace skills training program there, still waiting to be ‘discovered’ The full moon of February is known as the Snow Moon, for snowy conditions typical in the month. Here, Monday’s full moon rises over a fittingly snow-covered Carter Lake in Hastings Township. No snow fell that evening. In fact, the cloud­ less night allowed temperatures to drop to just 2 degrees Fahrenheit, the coldest night in several days. We're dedicating this space to a photo­ graph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? Post office-ette Banner Feb. 17, 1966 Postal service - Hastings Postmaster Charles Hinman (left) inspects some of the “postal equipment" with Tom Robinson that has been installed at Robinson’s Superette for the conve­ nience of the public. Tom and Sally Robinson are offering postal services, including stamping and mailing letters, postcards and packages, which also car be insured. Money orders also will be available for purchase. The insurance and money orders are backed by private companies, not the post office. Mail is metered by machine. An extra pickup has been scheduled at the Superette. The Superette is having a special sixth anniversary sale this week. Have you met? Dr. Katherine Bertolini may be new to her job, but she brings 29 years of educational experience to the office of superintendent of Maple Valley Schools. She earned a doctor­ ate in adult and occupational education with a focus on institutional analysis from North Dakota State University, a master's degree in school and community counseling from Michigan State University and a bachelor's degree in theatre/English education from Michigan State University. Dr. Bertolini has dedicated 25 years to educational leadership roles in gifted and talented programs, alter­ native high schools and higher education. She grew up in Romeo in Macomb County. She and her husband, Ken, met during her senior year at Romeo High School. They attended MSU together and were married in 1991. They have a daughter who is a senior nursing student at South Dakota State University and a son who is currently play­ ing hockey for the Colorado Springs Tigers in Colorado. He hopes to get a hockey schol­ arship to play hockey and study engineering. They have lived in Holt; Bradenton, Fla.; Moorhead, Minn.; and Brookings, S.D.; and are happy to be back in Michigan. Bertolini believes all children can learn and deserve to be inspired and challenged to fulfill their greatest potential. For her com­ mitment to education and the students she serves, she is this week's Bright Light. Favorite movie: “The Breakfast Club.” Best advice ever received: Ask more questions and listen to the answers. First job: Waitress in a restaurant in Shelby Township. I met my husband there. He was a cook. Favorite book: I haven’t met a book I don’t like. I read as much as I possibly can. Favorite teacher: Karen Davison, a 10^ grade science teacher from Romeo High School, inspired me to be a teacher. Person I’d most like to meet: Ghandi or Learn how to think, not what to think. The world changes fast, and you need to know how to adapt. If I were president: I’m still trying to master the superintendency! Best gift ever received: My two children, Lia (22) and Joe (18). Favorite dinner: Anything I get to eat with my whole family, so probably Thanksgiving or Christmas meals. My biggest challenge: I like any chal­ lenge as long as I have people to solve them with. No problem is too big if you have peo­ ple in it with you. If only I could: Travel the entire world and also get a quick trip into outer space to see what that’s all about. The greatest president: The first one, George Washington, because he created the job without any good role models. Favorite website: Actually, it is a search engine because I love to Google anything I want to know more about. Wikipedia is a close second when I am lazy and just want a quick overview of something interesting. Katherine Bertolini When I grow up, I want to be: I don’t think I’ve fully grown up yet, but very, very Maya Angelou seem like folks I could really wise is high on my list when I am 85 or so. learn a lot from. I’m most proud of: My family because If I could have any superpower: It they have kind hearts, good minds and limit­ would be flight or teleportation. I really like J less potential to contribute to the world. to travel, and that would simplify my life a * Favorite childhood memory: Living on bunch. an island with my cousins - completely off Favorite vacation destination: Europe or the grid - for a few weeks multiple summers any place with mountains, streams and trees. in a row. We were very self-reliant and loved Something about me most people don’t being immersed in nature in the Straits of know: I love British sports cars and have Mackinac on Bois Blanc Island. restored a few of them, two MGAs (1956 and Hobbies: Traveling, car and house resto­ 1959) and an MGB-GT (1969), and I’d love ration, downhill skiing, great food that we an E type Jaguar or Aston Martin. cook as a family. Greatest song ever written: That would Greatest thing about the Barry County: be the “Hallelujah Chorus” from Handel’s My location in relationship to so many of my “Messiah.” family members again. I have missed my What I’d tell a high school graduate: people while I’ve been away. Sometimes the answer to a pressing prob­ lem can be found right in front of your face - or in a program that folks in the communi­ ty have taken for granted for almost 100 years. There was once a time when local chap­ ters of the Future Farmers of America exist­ ed only in rural high schools, dedicated to building the leadership and technical skills of this country’s agriculture professionals. So remarkable was their success that com­ munities large and small began to apply the FFA model of leadership and skills training to other endeavors. With 8,630 current chapters in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, FFA still remains loyal to its mission of mak­ ing “a positive difference in the lives of stu­ dents by developing their potential for pre­ mier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education.” Today, though, FFA chapters are thriving in places like downtown Los Angeles and in the urban neighborhoods of the San Francisco Bay Area. Creative community thinkers are adapting the FFA mission to help their young folks succeed in a variety of other fields. In Chicago, a 720-member FFA chapter is honing its political, communication and leadership skills to maintain the last standing farm within that city’s limits. In Romulus, the home of Detroit Metro Airport, the Airport FFA is improving its neighborhood and preparing its members for a modem future. Chapters exist in Detroit from the blue-collar town of Wyandotte to the tony suburb of Bloomfield Hills. As a guest of Sen. John Bizon at last week’s State of the State address in Lansing, I listened to newly-elected Gov. Gretchen Whitmer introduce her plan for improving Michigan’s economy by shoring up the skilled workforce. As she spoke, my thoughts kept drifting to last weekend’s Reminder which featured our county’s Future Farmers of America program. If you didn’t get a chance to see it, you should take the time to read about a great local program that is developing our young people to become stronger leaders and to flourish in their chosen career pursuit. It’s been 83 years since Hastings High School agriculture teacher Ted Knopf launched our local FFA chapter and its list of alumni and their accomplishments - both inside and outside the pursuit of agriculture - have been immense and impressive. As we celebrate National Future Farmers of America Week Feb. 16-23, we should focus our attention on one of our country’s premier leadership training programs that helps young people succeed in whatever career field they choose. “We are short on the skilled workforce that was once our hallmark,” Whitmer said. “We must get more Michiganders on the path to high-wage skills, because a concen­ tration of talent benefits us all. Michigan must target, grow and recruit the strongest, fastest growing industries of the future and offer the talent, place, education and infra­ structure necessary to compete in the world.” I wished I could have immediately handed her a copy of last week’s Reminder. Across the nation, business and industry leaders are concerned with the level of career prepara­ tion from high school and college students. Yet, what state leaders apparently don’t understand or appreciate is that one of the best programs in high schools across the country, now serving 670,000 students, has been diligently turning out leaders since the program was formed nationally in 1925. Today’s FFA members are training to become tomorrow’s chemists, veterinarians, government officials, entrepreneurs, bank­ ers, business leaders, teachers and profes­ sionals in their field of choice. Take a look at the FFA alumni list and the fields in which they went on to excel: Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Willie Nelson, and Reba McIntire in music; President Jimmy Carter; baseball star Bo Jackson and NASCAR racing legend Sterling Marlin; and actor Matthew Fox of the drama series Lost. FFA alumni world­ wide now number over 225,000, most of whom are returning the favor and serving their local FFA chapters as mentors and encouragers. There’s no stronger example locally of the comprehensive influence of FFA than Barry What do you County United Way Director Lani Forbes. To be sure, Lani Forbes knows her way around everything from a dual-powered seed drill to the Chicago Board of Trade’s June com contract. It was the FFA that also taught her the skills to lead today’s Barry County United Way and volunteer for the Freeport Fire Department. “There was a time when people from all over the world moved their families to Michigan in search of economic opportuni­ ty,” Whitmer said in her Feb. 12 speech. “Michiganders created the middle class and put the world on wheels. Michigan was syn­ onymous with innovation. We built great things. We offered a quality of life that was , second to none.” What the governor failed to mention, though, is that Michigan also led the nation in career preparation at a time when we focused on skills training in high schools all across the state and when the state’s educa­ tion system was focused on vocational train­ ing and college preparation. Since the early 1980s, Michigan’s educational system has turned its back on skills training in favor of emphasizing a college-bound track - totally ignoring so many students who are better suited to jobs training. Today’s high schools work admirably with students trying to determine a college of choice and the requirements needed to obtain degrees in certain fields. They do a poor job, though, with helping the non-col­ lege-bound student. Private programs in Barry County offer amazing technical skill training, but endeavors like Kellogg Community College’s Advanced Manufacturing Assembly Training (KAMA), Gilmore Garage Works, a welding certifica­ tion program offered through KCC and the Culinary Arts and Hospitality Program get little notice from high school advisers and teachers. “We are short of the skilled workforce that was once our hallmark,” Whitmer said last week, sounding as if she’s falling into the same slow-walk we’ve been seeing from our elected officials for years now. “Expanding education and skills training,” is what Whitmer called for last week, “investing in our infrastructure, aggressively pursuing economic development and supporting small business growth so that everyone has a path to a good job and secure future.” The problem is that’s what we’ve been doing for more than a decade and it isn’t working. If elected leaders (hopefully with an FFA background) want to move the nee­ dle, they must focus on programs like FFA and technical skills training at the local level in high schools across the state. Only then will we begin to achieve a level of accom­ plishment that we once enjoyed when voca­ tional training was a major focus in most high schools across the state. The governor won’t find the answers to our workforce problem with another state program or catchy plan. True success will; come with expanding programs like FFA and restoring technical skills training in high schools across the state. If our leaders in Lansing are looking for meaningful pro­ grams to better prepare our youth for the growing number of jobs that exist across the state, they should concentrate on time-tested programs like FFA that continue to turn out young people who are better prepared to enter the workforce or continue their educa­ tion. FFA is what today’s business and indus­ try leaders are seeking as they look to fill the thousands of positions available to candi­ dates who have the critical thinking, team­ work and a strong sense of self - skills that are desperately needed to succeed in a grow­ ing marketplace. Programs like FFA will move the needle because they focus on making a difference in a young person’s life, one person at a time. It’s the answer that’s been right in front of our face - for nearly 100 years. Fred Jacobs, CEO J-Ad Graphics, Inc. think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by accessing our website, www.HastingsBanner. com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the following week. Last week: Some say Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proposed overhaul of the state environmental department would be bad for business because it would abolish business-friendly panels that oversee rule-making and permitting processes. Do you agree? Yes 40% No 60% For this week: State officials have resisted setting a drinking water stan­ dard for PFAS, saying the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency should do it. Do you think Michigan should estab­ lish a statewide drinking water standard for PFAS? □ Yes □ No �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 21, 2019 — Page 5 f New sheriff’s deputy sworn in Barry County deputy Elliot Hausler’s is joined by his parents (from left) Scott and Linda Hausler, and his girlfriend, Kiana Kuhs. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce.) Elliot Hausler is sworn in by Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf. Rebecca Pierce Editor “Do you solemnly swear that you support the Constitution of the United States of America, the constitution of the State of Michigan, and that you will faithfully dis­ charge the duties of the office of deputy sher­ iff for the city of Hastings, the county of Barry, and the state of Michigan to the best of your ability?” Elliot Hausler's affirmative response to Sheriff Dar Leaf’s questions Tuesday in the county board chambers made him Barry County’s newest sheriff’s deputy. His first day on the job was Wednesday. His parents, Linda and Scott Hausler, from (write Us A Letter: The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: • All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. i * Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless fhefe ts! a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. ’ • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. (Know Your Legislators: j Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), ; Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toil-free, 855­ 347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. Boyne City, and his girlfriend, Kiana Kuhs, visited Hastings to witness the swearing-in ceremony. (They said his sister would have been there, too, but she was in Ironwood.) Hausler has been assigned to the field train­ ing officer team for the next several weeks, Undersheriff Matt Houchlei said. Hausler is currently living in Kent County, but hopes to move to Barry County after train­ ing. He was born and raised in Charlevoix County, and worked for a time with the Charlevoix County Sheriff’s Office as a depu­ ty before moving to southwestern Michigan. Free youth basketball clinic begins soon Maple Valley Youth Basketball will host its annual “FREE” Winter Clinics Feb. 23, March 9 and March 16 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Maple Valley Jr/Sr High School. The free clinic is open to boys and girls from age four on up to sixth grade, from Maple Valley as well as the surrounding areas. The clinic is for kids interested in learning the fundamental skills of baskStbalL Players can attend one, two or all three days if they wish. There is no pre-registration necessary. Ballplayers may sign-up day of camp. Free tee shirts will be given out to campers on the final day of camp. The plan is for coaches to teach some basic skills and fundamentals such as passing, drib­ bling, shooting, shuffling, jump stops, pivot­ ing, pick/roll and teamwork. “This is a fun camp geared toward our young players that are interested in learning about basketball and those with experience that wish to work on their game,” MV Youth Basketball Coordinator Tony Joostbems said. “Come out and hoop it up!” Contact Joostbems with any questions by phone at 269-838-8131 or by email at tjoostbems @ yahoo .com. School facility upgrades impact community, enrollment Carrie Duits Hastings Area Schools Superintendent While attending the historical grand open­ ing of the Hastings Performing Arts Center, I could not have been more proud and grateful to see our band and choir students having the opportunity to participate in this special occa­ sion - one I’m certain they will always remember. As I looked around, the house was packed with parents, staff and community members who have consistently supported the arts in Hastings. I was filled with an enormous sense of pride. Our students deserve the very best facilities, and until now, they have been per­ forming at regional band and choir competi­ tions in other communities with more advanced facilities, but never our own. Now we are able to host competitions right here in Hastings. Bands and choirs from Southwest Michigan will be competing in HHS during the coming weeks, along with other events that will bring outside visitors to the HPAC and community. Not only does this provide our students with a sense of pride in their school, but it also gives a boost to our community businesses and local economy. Hastings is a place where we have always had tremendous support from our local businesses, nonprofit organizations and governmental agencies. Facility improve­ ments within Hastings Area School System, such as the high school’s state-of-the-art new performing arts center, will undoubtedly ben­ efit our supporters, as well. Facility maintenance and upgrades are a vital piece of our strategic plan. We take this very seriously, and we meet weekly to discuss with our maintenance supervisor and assistant superintendent of operations. At these meet­ ings, I obtain information on construction, HVAC, mechanical systems, security, learn­ ing spaces, athletic venues, roofs, etc. This vital information enables me to consult, ask questions and prioritize the needs of the dis­ trict under the direction of the school board, while being fiscally responsible with the com­ munity’s funds and resources. We have been told that facility upgrades have had a positive impact on enrollment. In the 2017-18 school year, we experienced a 60-student decrease in enrollment from the previous year, with an expected decrease for this year as well. However, along with the many facility upgrades, such as the newly renovated middle school, performing arts cen­ ter, science learning spaces, a career and tech­ nical education lab, mechanical systems and more, we’ve had an increase of 14 students this year. The School of Choice and transient popula­ tion of students is something school districts must contend with annually, and HASS is no different. In 2017-18, Hastings had a total of 310 students who chose to attend other dis­ tricts. However, 183 students from other dis­ tricts chose to attend HASS. This difference is something our board of education and admin­ istrative team discusses for improvement opportunities. Another point to realize is that the 310 students may have left the district years ago and still continue in their School of Choice from the past. The community mem­ bers who attended our strategic planning ses­ sion that was advertised in the paper, identi­ fied a goal of continuing to update and improve our facilities for increasing enroll­ ment and school pride. My hope is that we continue to upgrade our facilities in a manner that enhances our students’ learning, school experiences and safety. We want to continue to hear, “It’s a great day to be a Saxon!” K. A. MUELLER ACCOUNTING I U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ ’2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress ? and the Senate: 1 -202-224-3121. The Hastings Banner Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Quebec City, Ottawa, Kingston departures.„Call now for your 2019 brochure www.StLawrenceCruiseLines.com 1 -800-267-7868 253 Ontario St, Suite 200 Kingston, ON K7L 2Z4 MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 #8110376 & Insured Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com 'Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer Tanett Hodge Bonnie Mattson 221 South Jefferson Street Hastings, Michigan (269) 945-3547 www.kamuelleraccounting.com Taylor Owens Joan Van Houten .ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT• Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 113468 PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Barry County Board of Commissioners will hold a Public Hearing on February 26, 2019; W. State St., Hastings, Michigan in the Commissioners Chambers at 9:00 a.m. during the regular scheduled Board of Commissioners meeting to consider public input regarding the adoption of the 5 Year Barry County Parks & Recreation Plan 2019-2023. A copy of the draft can be viewed at www.barrycounty.org or www.charltonpark. org or by contacting the Charlton Park office at (269) 945-3775. WO #21687« CITY OF HASTINGS REQUEST FOR BIDS Fish Hatchery Park Restroom The City of Hastings, Michigan is soliciting sealed bids for the construction of a replacement restroom facility within Fish Hatchery Park in Hastings, ML Bid documents are available from the Office of the City Clerk. The City of Hastings reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any irregularities in the bid proposals, and to award the bid as deemed to be in the City’s best interest, price and other factors considered. Sealed bids will be received at the Office of the City Clerk/Treasurer, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 until 9:00 AM, on Friday, March 8, 2019 at which time they shall be opened and publicly read aloud. Bids shall be clearly marked on the outside of the submittal package - “Sealed Bid - FH Park Restroom”. 113289 Lee Hays Director of Public Services �Page 6 — Thursday, February 21, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Delton Kellogg High School announces honor roll I Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690-8609. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852-9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH M-37 South at M-79, Kimberly S. Metzer, pastor. Church phone 269-945-4995. Church Secretary-Treasurer, Linda Belson. Office hours, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11 am to 3 pm. Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School; 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship Tuesday 9 am Men’s Bible Study at the church. Wednesday 6 p.m. Circle of Friends (Young Adult Special Needs Group) (October thru May). PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHIJRCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10:31­ 11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795-2370 and the rectory number is 269-948­ 9327. Our church website is www.samchurch.org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, k9:45 am, J SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M­ 43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204­ 9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Thursday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945-9217. ebehastings. org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. Graphics 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 Aubrey Aukerman, Karlee Aukerman, Elijah Austin, *Kelsey Campbell, *Lydia Chandler, *Kayla Ferris, Natalie Haight, Owen Harig, *Mallory Hickerson, Caitlin McManus, *Halena Phillips, Glorianna Stanton, *Morgan Stidham, Alekzander Waller, Braeden Waller. Highest honors Grace Budzinski, Madelyn Converse, Caden Ferris, McKenzie Higdon, Avery Howland, Lila Jibson, Hannah Matteson, Melanie Monroe, Corey Moore, Maddie Robert Russell Adkins Ellen Suzanne Eggleston HASTINGS, MI - The adventurous and loving spirit of Robert Russell Adkins of Hastings, has sailed to his heavenly home on February 14, 2019, at the age of 88. Robert was bom on March 29, 1930 in Northwood, OH, the son of Ernest and El­ sie Adkins. He graduated from Olney High School in 1948. Robert served in the National Guard during the Korean War. Robert had a very strong work ethic and was a great provider for his family. He worked in nonfood sales for grocery stores and became a warehouse supervisor and a district manag­ er. He enjoyed dancing and was very compet­ itive in sailing, bowling and playing cards. Robert was preceded in death by his first wife, Jacqueline Adkins; his parents; broth­ ers, Howard and Norman, and sister, Erma. He is survived by his wife Enid Adkins; a son, Robert L. (Elaine), Adkins of Temper­ ance; daughters, Jeanne (Michael) Pollock of White House, OH, Susan (James) Murphy of Wyoming, Tina (DaVid) Heinrich of Zeeland; a sister, Marian Cowell; eight grandchildren and one great grandchild. Funeral mass and burial will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 19,2019 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Jerome Catholic Church, 300 Warner St, Wal­ bridge, OH 43465 with a luncheon following. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice of Grand Rapids, the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church of Hastings, MI or the St. Jerome Catholic Church of Walbridge, OH. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. MIDDLEVILLE, MI - Ellen (Sue) S. Eggleston, age 93, of Middleville, passed away in her home February 15, 2019, with her family by her side. She was bom to Orris G. and Mary Geneva (Brown) Johnson, October 16, 1925 in India­ napolis, IN. Ellen attended Westfield Elemen­ tary School in Indiana and St. Andrew High School in South Carolina. She was married to Earl B. Eggleston on November 2, 1946. Ellen was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and she enjoyed reading, movies, football, basketball, musi­ cals, plays, listening to music, and spending time with her grandchildren. Ellen was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 67 years; brothers, Orris D. (Bud) Johnson and Paul Johnson. She is survived by her daughter, Cynthia (John) Carlson of Middleville; son, Alan (Katherine) Eggleston of Kentwood; sis­ ter, Cheryl (Johnson) Sigmond of Bonita Springs, FL; four grandchildren, Rob, To­ nya, Randy Carlson, and Hilary Eggleston; four great-grandchildren Brendan and Aidan Carlson of Middleville, Nicholas Carlson of Washington, Charlie Peterson of Grand Rap­ ids. A service will be held on Friday, Feb. 22, 2019 at 1 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Barry County Commission on Aging, 320 W. Woodlawn Ave. Hastings, MI 49058, or the charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. COMMUNITY ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269-945.9574. Email: office.greenstreetumc@ gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule The Praise 9:30 am. ; The Word 10 am.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor; Ryan Rose, Family Life Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Child­ ren Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheelchair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings.org, 9 a.m. Traditional Service; 10:30 a.m. Contemporary service. Follow us on Facebook. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us" 2635 N. M-43 Highway, Hast­ ings. Telephone 269-945-9121. Email hastfmc_@gmaiL.CQm. Website: www.hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Associate Pastor Andy Baird and Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller. Sun­ days: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAMI­ LY HOUR - ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE-9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Preschool-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Standard and Adult Elective classes. Cof­ fee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cook­ ies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Ser­ vice: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church Age 44th grade dis­ missed during service. After­ math Student Ministry - 6:30­ 8:30 p.m., 7th-12th grades. Wednesday: Kids Club "Under Construction"; Wed., Feb. 13-Mar. 27, 6:30-7:45 p.m., Kids age 4-6th grade are wel­ come; Women's Bible Study 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday: Adult Bible Study 10 am. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God’s Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! Feb. 24 - Worship services at 8 and 10:45 a.m.; Youth Group 6 p.m. Feb. 26- Youth Committee Mtg. 6 p.m. Feb. 21 - Clapper Kids 3:45 p.m.; Grace Notes 5:45 p.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@ grace-hastings.org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945­ 2645, fax 269-945-2698. www. grace-hastings.org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings. EMMANUEL EPISCOPAL CHURCH A welcoming and affirming congregation, located at the comer of Broadway and Center St. (erirance on Center St.). Sunday morning worship 10 a.m., Other weekly services include: Tues. - Morning Prayer, 9:30 a.m. and Contemplative/Centering Prayer, 6:30 p.m.; Thur.-MidWeek Eucharist and dialogue sermon, noon. Sat. - Commun­ ity Breakfast, served 8-9:30 a.m. Free breakfast is open to all; first Saturday each month "Messy Church," program for families. Mother Linnea Stifler available by appt, 269-945­ 3014. The Gary Parish House available to community groups. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, _____ the churches and these local businesses' _ J Delton Kellogg High School has released its honor roll for the first semester of the 2018-19 school year. Students receiving highest honors earned grade point averages of 3.75 and above. Students receiving,high honors had GPAs of 3.25 to 3.749. Students receiving honors earned a grade point average of 3.0 to 3.249. An asterisk* next to a student’s name denotes a 4.0 or above GPA for the semester. Ninth grade Highest honors Mb Hnw ■ Ivnl WBT® 102 Cook Hastings 945-4700 Fiberglass Products MMKIIWM 770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541 Thomas Alvin Burke Pape, Gavin Poley, Kyle Stevens, Emal$ Tack, Hope VanderWall, Alex Whitmor|| Mary Whitmore. Honors Alexis Briggs, Patricia Colwell, Devffi Fischer, Jaydon Harvey, Leemon JohncoegJ Kortnee Ogg, Natalie Overbeek, Rebecc^ VanDyk, Martin Wachowski, Alden Whitmore, Jadelyn Wofford, Jasmine Zeits. i 10th grade Highest honors *Bradley Bunch, Garrett Elliott, Mackenzie Hull, Lexi Morris, Caitlin O’Meara. High honors Logan Anderson, Jaden Boniface, Alexandria Carter, Wyatt Cook, Destiny DeRoche, Elizabeth Fichtner, Adam Froncheck, Jazzmine Harmon, Toni HigginM Gavin Houtkooper, Hunter Marshall, Cole McCord-Lake, Kaitlyn McRae, Kierst&i Moore, Natalie Ritchie, Kaitlynn Roach, Brett Seagle, Shawna Stonebumer, Evelyn Zettelmaier. Honors Peyton Beckwith, Hattie Cleary, Hailey Meyers, Cole Pape, Brianna Roper, Jacob Storey. 11th grade Highest honors *Sarah Barney, Abbie Bever, Hailey Buckner, *Lindsey Bunday, *AIexis Chandler, Grace Colwell, *Erin Kapteyn, * Amber Mabie, Johanna Makowski, Holly McManus, *Gabrielle Petto, *Kaleb Posti, Slater Stanton, *Lily Timmerman, Elizabeth Vroegop, Kelsie Webb. High honors Zoe Alman, Jack Baker, Linsey Falvo, Eleanor Ferris, Cheyenne Gerber, Dawsd» Grizzle, Brady Haas, Janiah Hill, Lucas Homister, Ashton Ingersoll, Alexander Leclercq, Jennah Miller, Madison Monroe, Carly Mursch, Isabel Rodriguez. ?1 Honors :: Karlin Bemus, Clara Bever, Alissa Deal, Jonathon Gherardi, Matthew Lester, Cassidy Tobias, Katherine Tobias, Alan Whitmore. 12th grade Highest honors Teresita Aguirre-Sanchez, Delariie Aukerman, *Hannah Austin, *Anna Basseti, Mads de Wit Clausen, Noah Cleary, Maty Cook, *Lily Cooper, Cameron CurcuM, Alyssa Doorlag, Jaylene Gan, * Joseph Gherardi, Victoria Greene, Lauren Grubius, Jayden Haas, Shawn Haight, Owen Koch; Hope Lynch, *Samantha Maple, Klara Mattsson, Esther Ordway, *Selina Pinteq *Marion Poley, *Ethan Reed, Riley Roblyer, Emilee Spaulding, Jenifer Steele, Isabella Tigchelaar, *Mats VanKleef, Dominik Waase, Hailey Walker, *Payton Warner. -N High honors Brooke Beilfuss, Shyann Berry, Grade Blackbum, Drake Boniface, Rachelle Browri.', Aaron Bunnell, Luke Froncheck, Gend Homister, Carter Howland, Deiniol Jones, Nathan Knobloch, Artem Korza, Huntdr Kuras, Alexandria Parsons, Nodi Phommavongsa, Laerke Rasmussen, Shialeigh Reece-Jarman, Logan Taggart, Megan Tobias, Justin Trantham, Jonathan Wanted Henrik Wetterdal, Brooklyn Whitmore; Alexis Wilbur. Honors Samuel Arce, Brendon Chilton, Nicolas Dumas, Ashley Elkins, Joshua JohnsonDavid Mercer, Shawn Merriweather, Gordffi Mitchell, Kendal Pluchinsky, Melanie Post1, Therin Smith, Sannah Solstrand, Joseph Tyner. DEQ awards Orangeville grant for scrap tire removal Tanett Hodge , Staff Writer Z The Michigan Department of Environmental MIDDLEVILLE, MI Thom­ as Alvin Burke, age 75, of Middleville, passed February 13, 2019 at home. Thomas was bom on July 27, 1943 in Grand Rapids, the son of Kenneth and Doro­ thy Burke. He married Jo Ann Burke on Feb­ ruary 1,1964. Thomas was a truck driver for D & S Ma­ chine. He enjoyed hunting, watching NA­ SCAR, and loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Robert and Don; sisters, Evelyn and Pluma, and best friend, Ken Wilson. Thomas is survived by his wife of 55 years; his children, Richard Chatman, Brenda Burke (Alan Totten), Mary (Jim) Kinney, Thomas Burke, Becky (Lee) Strimback; seven grand­ children, 13 great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. BATTLE CREEK, MI - Donna Irene Blue, age 62 of Battle Creek, passed away February 11,2019 at Bronson Hospital in Battle Creek. Donna was bom September 26, 1956 in Corpus Christi, TX, the daughter of John and Virginia Kowal. She graduated from Hast­ ings High School. Donna enjoyed crafting, cooking, writing, and socializing. She dear­ ly loved her great-grandson, Lincoln and her cat. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dave Blue; daughters, Kimberley Hammons and Rebecca Hammons and father, John Kowal. Donna is survived by her granddaughter, Sabrina Wright; grandson, Brandon Vbllema; mother, Virginia Kowal; great-grandson, Lincoln Sherk; sisters, Carol Bolthouse, and Kathy Armstrong; brother, Michael Steeby. Respecting Donna’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services are being held at this time. Cards may be sent to Sabrina Wright in care of Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachftineralhome.net. Quality recently awarded Orangeville Township with a $2,000 grant to fund a comq munity scrap tire drop-off again this year. The; tire drop-off event will be May 11 jn Orangeville. According to the DEQ, improperly dumped scrap tires pose a fire hazard and create moss quito breeding grounds. Recycled scrap tir$Sj can be used in asphalt to pave roads, for ener­ gy recovery, as landscape mulch in gardens an on playgrounds and in the manufacturing process as commodity material. ...n As weather warms up, residents are encoqraged to gather spare tires they may have lyipg, around and put them to good use in May. 11 Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings : Banner classified ads �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 21,2019 — Page 7 SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Next week is chance to improve savings behavior Vonda VanTil Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Planning and saving are core elements to a successful retirement. For over 80 years, Social Security has helped Americans achieve that goal. Each year, the American Savings Education Council and America Saves coordi­ nate America Saves Week. The week is an opportunity for organizations to promote good savings behavior; and a great time for people to assess their own saving status. Social Security is collaborating with America Saves Week to promote our shared mission of helping millions of people prepare for their future. This wear, we are celebrating the week Feb. 25 through March 2. Join the #ASW19 movement by using this hashtag when posting about your savings goals. It is never too early to start planning for Angeletti-McMahon .<■ Marty the Zebra (Lydia Fletcher) tries to convince her friends to go to the wild with her. Gloria the Hippo (Phoebe Birchfield), Melman the Giraffe (Alli Brandon) and Alex the Lion (Riley Shults) aren’t buying it. (Photo by Amanda Macomber) 'Madagascar Jr/ continues this weekend in Nashville Revue production triumphs over weather Bonnie Mattson Staff Writer When Amanda Smith decided to move the date of the annual children’s production at The Revue in Nashville, she couldn’t have imagined what lay ahead. Between icy rain and a polar vortex bringing below-zero tem­ peratures, rehearsing for “Madagascar Jr.” has been a true challenge. Nonetheless, the show is going on as planned It opened last weekend and will continue through Sunday, Feb. 24. r “These kids have worked so hard, I am mind-blown,” Smith said. “You would never gpess that we have had to cancel more than 25 percent of rehearsals because of weather.” In the musical based on the feature film, Cour zoo animals are suddenly plunged into a pew world as they* end up on the shores of Madagascar. < “Many new songs were written for the pro­ duction, and it’s so charming and family friendly,” said Smith. “I highly recommend it.” The cast of 57 students in the production, grades second to eighth, hails from several schools, including Hastings Lakewood, Maple Valley and Charlotte. Youngsters in the production include Alex the Lion: Riley Shults/Clayton Sayer, Marty t|ie Zebra: Lydia Fletcher, Gloria the Hippo: Phoebe Birchfield/Addie Noffsinger, Melman the Giraffe: Alli Brandon/Noah Morris, Zpokeeper Zeke: Aidan Roth Botsford, Zookeeper Zelda: Anna Haywood, Zookeeper Zoe: Carley Worden, Mason the Monkey: Logan Bowers, Skipper: Evan Strong, Rico: Matthew Shults, Kowalski: Xavier Chrysler, Private: Mason Starks, King Julien: Johnathan Morris, Maurice Lemur: Emmi Bellin, Mort Lemur: Giana Rodriguez, Lew Lemur: Asher Adams, Lee Lemur: Caleb Birchfield, Lynn Lemur: Zoie Brummette, Lars Lemur: Juliana Stevens, Candy Hammemose: Evelyn Scheil, Cameraman, Ship Captain, Foosa: Oscar Rohs, and Lionnesses: Andrea Gusey, Sophia Haywood, Sydnee Reuter, Katie Mackenzie, Hailey Martin and Julia Mater. Lemurs, Foosa, the Crowd, Steaks, Police Officers, Subway Riders and other cast mem­ bers include Addison Sayer, Alice Rohs, Anika Bourassa, Anna Ferguson, Anna Shaver, Annabella Morris, Annabelle Stank, Aubrey Starks, Augie Chrysler, Boone Hubbell, Brynn Vandermale, Camilo SloanCaldera, Cheyenne Gibson, Claire Gusey, Dustin Rohrbacher, Ella Ferguson, Elyce Patrick, Grace Bivens, Grace Richardson, Jessalyn Gusey, Layla Bowers, Matthew Mprris, Qscar Rohs, Peyton Deyarmond, Quinn Waddell, Sophia Lakies and Sophia Rohlman. This is Smith’s first time directing the chil­ dren’s production. Rachel Ridder is assistant director and Amanda Macomber is costumer. The production has also given leadership opportunities to three Maple Valley students as choreographers, Kayli Hansen, Aubrey Pintar and Cameron Wells. Performances are at the Crown Theatre building on Main Street in Nashville at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, Feb. 22 and 23; and 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 23 and 24. Tickets can be reserved by calling 70861DRAMA (708-613-7162) or online at therevuenashville .seaty ourself.biz. YMCA outdoor sports activities relocating to Fish Hatchery Park Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Hastings Area School System released a new fee schedule in January for use of school facilities, eliminating the reduced price previ­ ously provided the Barry County YMCA. The organization will now pay the same fee as any other non-profit group while using sports fields scattered throughout the various schools. ’ A big change in venue is on the horizon for Barry County YMCA outdoor sports activi­ ties. Improvements planned at Fish Hatchery Park in Hastings will make it more suitable for the organization’s needs and make it easier for parents who transport their children to different locations. It also will lower cost for the sport programs provided by the YMCA. Two tennis courts at Fish Hatchery Park will be removed and turned into grassy areas fdt five new youth soccer fields. The tennis courts have been closed due to deterioration ahd unsafe conditions. Improvements to the courts would include removal and replace­ ment of the asphalt, which is not doable with the Hastings Parks and Recreation budget constraints. “We can complete the work of removing (he tennis courts by utilizing city staff and it vill require minimal cost,” Director of Public >Qjrvices Lee Hays said. “I would like to see ase of our parks increase, and I can see Fish datchery Park becoming more of a sport rec­ reational area.” School facilities the YMCA has been using hree soccer fields at Northeastern Elementary ind one at Southeastern Elementary, one baseball field at Star Elementary and one baseball field at Southeastern Elementary. I Continuing to use the facilities will mean paying more while the budget remains the same. The fee schedule for outdoor facilities for non-profits is: $15 per hour for the high school football field on week days and $40 per hour with a three-hour minimum on week­ ends; $10 per hour for the high school prac­ tice field for softball and varsity baseball; $15 per hour for the high school baseball field; $10 per hour for the high school practice soc­ cer field; $5 per hour for all non-lit fields. “The change we’re making is actually more a matter of making things easier for our par­ ents. We have a great relationship with the school district, and they’ve been very good to us. However, I continue to hear from parents having a difficult time with getting their chil­ dren to practice and games because the loca­ tions are all over the place,” CEO and Executive Director Jon Sporer said. Hays said the improvements at the park will mean greater utilization by the organiza­ tion and it attract other sport groups and events. Removal of the tennis courts was previous­ ly placed in the city’s Parks and Recreation budget plan, which includes the demolition of a restroom facility near the parking lot and construction of a new facility. On Feb. 11, Hastings City Council gave approval to move forward with the capital improvement plans. Sporer said making the most of the space and parking available at Fish Hatchery Park will give the non-profit organization the opportunity to expand options and programs while lower the cost of supporting its ser­ vices. Paul and Lora Ballinger of Hastings, are pleased to announce the engagement of their daughter, Kayla Angeletti, to David McMahon, son of Earl McMahon and Dina Plapler of West Hartford, CT. Kayla is a graduate of the University of Michigan and is currently working as a project coordinator for Yale’s Alumni Fund. David is a graduate of the University of Michigan, and also earned his medical doctorate at the University of Connecticut’s School of Medicine. He is currently in a pediatric residency at Yale Children’s Hospital in New Haven, CT. The couple is planning a July 6, 2019 wedding in Ann Arbor, ML retirement. Set a goal, make a plan, and save automatically. Savers with a plan are twice as likely to save successfully. Pledge to save for America Saves Week at americasaves.org. Social Security has many tools for retire­ ment planning. You can access our online information and resources at socialsecurity, gov/planners/retire. Younger people know that the earlier they start saving, the more their money can grow. Our website for young workers at socialsecurity.gov/people/earlycareer has resources that can help you secure today and tomorrow. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525, or via email at vonda .vantil@ssa .gov. TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE 2019 NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Review will meet at the Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Rd. Delton, Michigan 49046, to examine and review the 2019 assessment roll. The board will convene on the following dates for the hearing of appeals of assessments or taxable values, poverty exemptions, parcel classification appeals and/or current year qualified agricultural denials: Tuesday, March 5, 2019,10:00 am Organizational Meeting Monday, March 11, 2019, 1:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 9:00 pm Tuesday, March 12, 2019, 9:00 am to noon and 1:00 to 4:00 pm And on such additional days as required to hear all persons who have given notice of the desire to be heard until assessment rolls have been revised, corrected and approved. APPOINTMENTS ARE SUGGESTED; letter appeals will be accepted and must be received no later than 5:00 pm March 9, 2019 Tentative ratios and estimated multipliers for 2019 are as follows: Agricultural 52.53% 0.9518 Commercial 43.01% 1.1625 Industrial 49.61% 1.0079 Residential 46.84% 1.0675 Personal Property 50.00% 1.0000 Tentative equalization factor of 1.0000 for all classes is expected after completion of Board of Review. Benjamin Peter Schilz, Middleville and Katelyn Elizabeth Hamming, Caledonia Alex Alayna Ruppert, Delton and Brian Anthony Riffle, Delton Charles Scott Martin, Delton and Jody Lynn MacRitchie, Delton William Adrian Roberts, Dowling and Deanna May Ogg, Hastings , James Edward Daley Jr., Middlevilje and Wilma Pauletta Daley, Middleville Isidro Antonio Paulino, Delton and Soraya Elizabeth Gomez, Cliffside Park, NJ Nicholas Richard Thompson, Hastings and Danielle Marie Anderson, Hastings West Michigan ‘Hot Jobs List’ released West Michigan Works! just released its 2019 Hot Jobs List, which spotlights the top 100 jobs in the region’s high-growth indus­ tries. According to that list from the workforce agency, the majority of the high-demand jobs in the seven-county region of Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon and Ottawa counties are in the manufacturing and health sciences sectors. High-demand occupations are defined as those that have a significant number of open positions in today’s job market, are expected to see considerable growth in the next five years, and can lead to self-sufficiency through living wages and opportunities for advance­ ment. To create the list, West Michigan Works! gathers state labor market information and data from job analytic programs. The data is then presented to employers who provide feedback and insights that create an accurate representation of the regional hiring needs. “The Hot Jobs Lists provides sound guid­ ance for students, job seekers and our work­ force partners,” said Jacob Maas, CEO of West Michigan Works!. “We’re grateful to the many regional industry councils and employ­ ers who provide input into the Hot Jobs List.” The Hot Jobs List serves as a guide for many institutions and organizations across the region. West Michigan Works! staff uses the Hot Jobs List as an internal tool to begin discus­ sions around career exploration, to identify existing skills that would transfer into high-de­ mand occupations and to inform decisions regarding funding for occupational training. The list also identifies careers that are eligi­ ble for training scholarships. The 2019 Hot Jobs List is available on the West Michigan Works! website at http: / / jobs. westmiworks.org / hot-jobs. Jim Stoneburner, Supervisor Prairieville Township Kevin Harris, Assessor Prairieville Township Prairieville Township Board Meetings are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex or disability. American with Disabilities (ADA) Notice The township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven-(7) days notice to Prairieville Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact Prairieville Township by writing or calling. Rod Goebel Prairieville Township Clerk 10115 S. Norris Rd. Delton, Ml 49046 269-623-2726 HASTINGS CHARTER TOWNSHIP -2019- NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Review will meet at the Township Hall, 885 River Rd., Hastings, Ml 49058 to examine and review the 2019 assessment roll. The board will convene on the following dates for the hearing of appeals of assessments or taxable values, poverty exemptions, parcel classification ap­ peals and/or current year qualified agricultural denials: Tuesday, March 5, 2019, Wednesday, March 13, 2019, Thursday, March 14, 2019, 1:00 pm Organizational Meeting Only 9:00 am to Noon and 6:00 to 9:00 pm 9:00 am to Noon and 1:00 to 4:00 pm And on such additional days as required to hear all persons who have given notice of the desire to be heard until assessment rolls have been revised, cor­ rected and approved. APPEALS ARE HEARD ON FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS; letter appeals will be accepted and must be received no later than 5:00 pm March 8, 2019 Tentative ratios and estimated multipliers for 2019 are as follows: Agricultural 48.95% 1.0215 Commercial 54.41 % 0.9189 Industrial 44.14% 1.1328 Residential 48.20% 1.0373 Personal Property 50.00% 1.0000 Tentative equalization factor of 1.0000 for all classes is expected after completion of Board of Review. Jim Brown, Supervisor - Hastings Charter Township Kevin Harris, Assessor - Hastings Charter Township American with Disabilities (ADA) Notice The township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven-(7) days notice to Hastings Charter Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact Castleton Township by writing or calling. Hastings Charter Township Clerk 885 River Rd. Hastings, Ml 49058 269-948-9690 �Page 8 — Thursday, February 21,2019 — The Hastings Banner Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD JONES The right insurance can meet both short- and long-term needs Elaine Garlock Last week’s meeting of the Lake Odessa Area Historical Society brought out the regular members for an evening of reminiscence led by President John Waite on the local restaurants. The centennial history of the village written years ago yielded a long list of eating places that brought back memories. Also, the bound copies of the 1950 Lake Odessa Wave had several ads and news items of the same topic. The eating place with the longest history still operating today is Dairy Queen. The next activity of the society will be a chili supper March 1. This is the second in the winter meals served to the public at the museum on Emerson Street. Tuesday, the Tri-River Museum Group met at the local museum with 31 present, attending from Eaton Rapids to Middleville to Greenville and Grand Rapids. Judy Gager of Greenville made a presentation gleaned from a seminar at the Historical Society of Michigan. The topic was on preparing for emergencies at museums. The host society provided a table of snacks and beverages. The summer luncheon will be at the Outreach Christian Church north of Lake Odessa. The February issue of Sports Illustrated magazine has an article about coach Jon Cooper of the Tampa Bay Lightning team. Brian Garlock, of Big Rapids, videographer of the team, is mentioned in the article. The team is tops in its division for games won and points scored. Its points are at 92. The leading teams in other division are at 77 and 76. They are the Islanders, Winnipeg and Calgary. Instead of having a Fat Tuesday event this year, Central United Methodist Church will host a Fat Sunday with members invited to bring their favorite sweet treats for sharing and sampling Sunday, Feb. 24. J . SOUTHWEST BARRY COUNTY SEWER AND WATER AUTHORITY88 COUNTY OF BARRY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED 2019-2020 BUDGET PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Commission of the Southwest Barry County Sewer and Water Authority will conduct a public hearing on the Authority’s proposed budget for the Authority’s 2019-2020 fiscal year on February 26,2018 at 6:30 p.m, at the Southwest Barry County Sewer and Water AuthorityJPff ice, 1119^ PeltonJMjchigan, 49046. A copy of the proposed budget is available for public inspection at the office of the Authority located at 11191 South M-43 Highway, Delton, Michigan 49046 during regular Authority business hours. in addition to other business which may properly come before the meeting, the Commission will consider any comments made by the public at the public hearing on the Authority budget and, further, will consider whether to adopt, and may adopt, the annual Authority budget for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. If adopted, the budget may be adopted in the form in which originally presented, or in such amended form as the Commission in its discretion may determine. All interested persons may attend the public hearing. The address of the Southwest Barry County Sewer and Water Authority is 11191 South M-43 Highway, Delton, Michigan 49046. The telephone number of the Authority office is (269) 623-3401. SOUTHWEST BARRY COUNTY SEWER AND WATER AUTHORITY PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP 113491 PLANNING COMMISSION NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF PRAIRIEVILLE TOWN­ SHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Public Hearing will be held by the Prairieville Township Planning Commission on March 14,2019 at 7:00 P.M. at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, within the Township. If you’re going to achieve your important financial goals, you’ll need to build an appro­ priate investment portfolio. But that’s only part of the story - because you also need to protect what you have, what you earn and what you’d like to leave behind. That’s why it’s a good idea to become familiar with the various types of insurance and how they can address short- and long-term needs. For starters, consider life insurance. You may have important long-term goals, such as leaving an inheritance for your family and providing resources for your favorite chari­ ties. You may be able to fulfill some of these through the death benefit on your policy. You can also purchase life insurance to help fill the gap between the amounts you have saved and what your family would need if you died unexpectedly. Thus, insurance can pay for liabilities (such as a mortgage, car payments, student loans and other debts), education expenses (such as college for your children) and final expenses associated with your passing. Next, consider disability insurance. If you were injured or became ill and couldn’t work for a while, the loss of income could be a big problem for your family members - in fact, it could disrupt their entire lifestyle. Even a short-term disability could prove worrisome, while a long-term disability could be cata­ strophic. Your employer might offer short­ term disability insurance, and that could be enough - but do you really want to take that chance? To protect your income if you were out of work for an extended period, you might need to supplement your employer’s coverage with your own long-term disability policy. Long-term disability insurance, which gener­ ally kicks in after you’ve used up your short­ term benefits, may pay you for a designated time period (perhaps two to five years) or until your reach a certain age, such as 65. Long-term disability insurance likely won’t replace your entire income, but it can go a long way toward helping you stay “above water” until you recover. You may also want to think about long­ term care insurance. Despite its name, a long­ term care policy could meet either short- or long-term needs. On the short-term end, you might need the services of a home health care aide to assist you in your recovery from an injury such as a broken hip. On the other end of the long-term care scale, you might some­ day need an extensive stay in a nursing home, which can be extremely expensive and which isn’t typically covered by Medicare. But in either case, you might be able to benefit from a long-term care insurance policy, or possibly a long-term care rider attached to a life insur­ ance policy. And the earlier you take action, the better, because long-term care insurance, in particular, generally becomes more expen­ sive the older you get. This list of insurance policies, and the needs they can help meet, is certainly not exhaustive, but it should give you an idea of just how important the right insurance cover­ age can be for you - at almost any stage of your life. This article was written by Edward Jones Hastings Middle School has released its honor roll for the second quarter of the 2018­ 19 academic year. To be named to the honor roll, students must earn a grade point average of 3.0 or higher for the marking period. Those earning a GPA of 3.5 or above qualify for high honors. Students with an asterisk* following their names earned a 4.0 GPA for the quarter. Students on the most recent honor roll include: Eighth grade High honors Sophia Ahearn, Taylor Arens, Valentina Arias, Lauren Arnold*, Joy Aukerman, Reed Balderson>_Abigail Barton*, Isobelle Bergeron*, Saanj Bhakta, Eve Bishop*, Mekih fiotsford, Elijah Brisco, Jackson Casey, Alivia Cassini*, Zachary Chipman, Brinna Cobb, Bailey Cook, Grace Curtis, Calli Cusack, Erin Daniels, Cameron Danks, Allyson Dayus, Caitlyn Dickerson, Cassidee Easey, Valery Eaton, Tessa Fenstemaker, Justus Forell, Zara Franklin, Abby Gaskill, Joseph Goggins, Zachary Gole, Sophia Groeneweg, Janesa Hasman, Ellysa HawkinsDix, Anna Haywood*, Ethan Henry, Jocelyn Hernandez-Hernandez, Anden Hines, Joseph Honeycutt, Gabrielle Horrmann, CeziahDesiree Jung, Jack Kensington, Nathan Kohmescher, Dylan Lumbert, Harley Marlette, Addison Mays, Graycee McCarty, Lawrence McKenna, Julia McLean, Noelia Moreno, Tyler Oliver, Molly Patton*, Amber Rabideau, Isaiah Randall, Ashton Rasey, Cailin Redman, Peighton Reser*, Mackenzi Rivera, Marissa Roberts*, Megan Rowley, Natalee Sanders, Jonathan Schantz, Cameron 1. A request from Debra Ball & Rodney Burton, 15788 S M-43 Hwy., Hickory Cor­ ners, MI 49060, for a Special Land Use permit/Site Plan Review to allow for the construction of an accessory structure that exceeds the maximum permitted size pursuant to section 4.20 “Accessory Structures”. The subject site is 15788 S. M-43 Hwy. - Parcel # 08-12-036-020-00 and is in the R-2-Low-Density Residential zon­ ing district. 2. Such other and further matters as may properly come before the Planning Com­ mission for this meeting. t BOARD OF REVIEW MEETING SCHEDULE THE ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF REVIEW will be held at the Orangeville Township Hall, 7350 Lindsey Rd. Plainwell MI 49080 on the following dates. Tuesday March 5, Organizational Meeting - 4:00pm Monday, March 11, Appeal Hearing - 9:00 am to 12:00 noon & 1:00pm to 4:00pm Tuesday March 12, Appeal Hearing -1:30pm to 4:30pm, & 6:00pm to 9:00pm The Board of Review will meet as many more days as deemed necessary to hear questions, protests and to equalize the 2019 assessments. By Board resolution, residents are able to protest by letter, provided protest letter is received by March 12, 2019 - 12:00 noon. Written protests should be mailed to; BOARD OF REVIEW 7350 LINDSEY RD. PLAINWELL MI 49080 The tentative ratios and the estimated multipliers for each class of real property and personal property for 2017 are as follows; 1.04015 Agricultural 48.07 % . .096228 Commercial 51.96% 1.02264 Industrial 48.89 % . 1.09602 Residential 45.62 % . 1.0000 Personal___ 50.00 % (ADA) Americans with Disabilities Notice Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Clerk at least seven (7) days in advance of hearing. This notice posted in Compliance with PA 267 of 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act) MCLA41.72a (2)(3) and with the Americans with Disabilities Act Contacts - Clerk - Mel Risner: 269-664-4522 Supervisor- Thomas Rook: 616-299-6019 ------ STOCKS------- The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. Apple Inc. AT&T Chemical Fin Chevron Deere & Co. Exxon Mobil Flowserve CP Ford Motor Co. General Electric Co. General Motors Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP Perrigo Co. Pfizer Inc. Spartannash Comp Stryker TCF Financial Corp. Walmart Inc. Walt Disney Co Whirl Pool Corp Gold Silver Dow Jones 170.93 30.63 46.81 119.31 157.26 78.23 47.23 8.83 10.13 39.53 192.33 135.69 57.42 108.17 49.55 42.60 22.25 186.11 23.29 102.20 113.51 141.55 +.04 +.82 +1.39 +.59 -7.93 +2.83 +1.46 +.37 +.15 +.50 +6.81 +1.53 +.89 +1.28 +1.13 +.73' +.86 +.45 +.53: +5.23. +4.31 +.5.11' $1,341.15 $16.07 25,891 +$30.29 +.32 +466 HMS releases honor roll for most recent quarter PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the item(s) to be considered at this public hear­ ing include, in brief, the following: All interested persons are invited to be present or submit written comments on this matter(s) to the below Township office address. Prairieville Township will provide nec­ essary auxiliary aids and services such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio­ tapes of printed materials being considered at the hearing upon five (5) days notice to the Prairieville Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Prairieville Township Clerk at the address or telephone number set forth above. Jim Stoneburner, Township Supervisor for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. If you have any questions, contact Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. Counting dinosaur bones Dr. Universe: How many bones did dinosaurs have? Addison, 9 Dear Addison, Before humans even had a word for dinosaur, they were digging up dinosaur bones. When one paleontologist dug up a big dinosaur leg bone, he wondered if it belonged to a giant human. A woman who dug up some large teeth wondered if they belonged to a huge iguana. Scientists now think the giant leg bone probably belonged to a dinosaur called megalosaurus. The teeth belonged to an iguanodon. It turns out, the dinosaur bones people dig up aren’t really bones anymore — they have fossilized. Over millions of years, the minerals in the bones have become more like rock. I visited my friend Cynthia Faux to find out more about dinosaur bones. She’s a veterinarian at Washington State University who is curious about dinosaurs and birds — the dinosaurs of today. “There might be a different number of bones even between a T-rex, stegosaurus or triceratops,” Faux said. “It may have depended on their species.” Even the number of bones in humans can vary, Faux added. Some experts debate which bones to include in the human skel­ etal system. For example, some say we should include sesamoids, tiny bones that are embedded into tendons. Still, most agree humans usually have around 206 bones. T-Rex also may have had about 200 bones. At least that’s how many bones we know about so far. A couple decades ago, a woman named Sue Hendrickson came across a lot of T-Rex bones in South Dakota. The dinosaur also was given the name “Sue.” Today, Sue — the dinosaur — is housed at the Field Museum in Chicago. Sue is one of the dinosaur skeletons we know the most about. It’s about 90 percent complete. We still don’t have all of the bones, including some of the smaller bones in Sue’s tail. According to the museum, Sue’s skull is almost five feet long. The whole dinosaur is about 42 feet long. Sue has 24 rib bones and also something called gastralia. The gastralia are kind of a “bone basket” scien­ tists think might have helped the dinosaur breathe — but they still aren’t sure exactly where those pieces go. Dinosaur skeletons actually have a lot in common with birds. When we compare some bird and dinosaur bones, we see a lot of similarities in claws, beaks, necks — and in the case of Sue the dinosaur, even a kind of wishbone. If you wanted to look for dinosaur fos­ sils, you’d probably want to pack your chisel, a rock hammer, brushes to dust off debris, a tape measurer, and a map or GPS. You’ll also want to know where to look. Humans have discovered quite a lot of dinosaur bones in China, Argentina, and North America — especially in Utah, Wyoming, Colorado and Montana. Who knows? Maybe one day you’ll set out into the field and help us learn more about dino­ saur bones. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. Seeber, Emily Simmons, Robert Slaughter, Cohen Smith, Isaac Stanton, Isabelle Storm*, Noah Strimback, Ella Tellkamp, Kearan Tolles, Madeline Traver*, Johannes Turnes, Lillian Ulrich, Briana Vincent, Caleb Waller* and Macy Winegar. Honors Dylan Brisco, Joseph Brisco, Kathryn Clark, Ericka Critzer, Layton Eastman, Victoria Eberhart, Collin Fouty, Elena Friddle, Skyler Gonsalves, Caleb Gurtowsky, Jaelyn Jackson, Skyler Keller, Ethan Kendall, Daniel King, Lauren Lamphere, Trenton Lipsey, Hayden Long, Connor Makled, Amber Markley, Zacharee Mason, Ian Miller, Payton Miller, Madison Nino, Berlin Olcheske, Christian Owen, Hay lee Planck, Chase Rathburn, Trinity Rose, Bayne Signeski, Cole Smith, Hope Taggart, Lanny Teunesseq, Lillian Van Ooy, Aiyanah Wemigwans and Kari Zombor. Seventh grade High honors Mason Bailey, Lucy Barnard*, Blake Barnum, Abigail Beemer*, Phoebe Birchfield, David Botsford, Maya Brandon, Denver Brill, Jackson Byers, Zacharia Byle, Abigail Byykkonen, Kacey Campbell, Kaylie Carl, Owen Carroll*, Trey Casey, Caylin Clock;, Diego Coipel, Lily Comensoli*, Hunter Coofc, Peightyn Cronk, Alydar Dico, Alliana Escamilla, Evelyn Faubert, Logan Graham, Lucas Gray, Akvila Griffith, Isak Harmon, Heath Hays, Isabella Hendershot*, Maya Herbert, Alexandria Herder, Jorden Hom, Quentine James, David Jiles, Allison Kerby, Madysen Kuestner, Sarah Lichvar, Jamqs Livingston, Olivia Meeker, Natalie Minch, Raegen Morrison*, Aiden Morton, Adeline Nickels*, Charles Nickels, Abigail Peake, Evan Porter, Raedyn Rathbun*, Ciarra Rea, Andie Reneau, Kai Richardson, Isabelle Roosien*, Aiden SaintAmour, Brennap Sensiba, Riley Shults, William Smalley, Aiden Smith, Reuben Solmes*, Lars Sorensen, Sophia Sunior, Logan Taylor Krebs, Lauren Taylor, Howard Teed*, Gavin Tinkler, Adrianne VanDenburg*, Ryan VanDorp, Audrey Vertalka, Zane Warner, Olivia White*and Aydria Willard. Honors Cole Arent, Ailah Arnone, Spencer Beerman, Brayden Bies, Makayla Birman, Dekota Blough, Ian Burfield, Gavin Carey, Jordyn Downs, Aubree English, Skylar Fenstemaker^ Carly Frazer, Alexander Haines, Anndriana Hall, Ethan Helmholdt, Jack Hill, Korey Jones, Faith Kuck, Keegan Lindsey, Camilla Loss, Ava Malik, Gareth McCarty, Kaitlyn Moore, Anika Ortwein, Luciana Pearlman, Alexie Roberts, Aubree Rowse, Grady Scharping, Colton Smith, Devin Smith, Ellyenta Smith, Landon Steward, Landen Tom, Matthew Ulrich, Katelyn VanDenberg, Preston Vandepol and Natalie Warner. Sixth grade High honors ~ Tanner Allerding, Keegan Archer, Tanner Armstrong, Corrin Baird, Jett Barnum, Ariana Beard, Zoey Bennett, Abigayl Bower, Andrew Cook, Erin Coykendall, Alexia Curths, Brianna Darling, Madisen Diekhoff, Hannah DuBois, Kaiden Dunkelberger, Samuel Fenstemaker, Benjamin Furrow, JoDee Gaskill, Isabel Gee*, Jalyn Grimes, Makaila Hawkins, Logan Henry, Rachael Hewitt, Jordan Humphrey, Micah Johnson, Isabella Kensington, Logan Kerby, Rachel King, Kalli Koning, Donald Kuck, Kennedy Lewis, Miles Lipsey, Deondre Mathis, Jordan Milanowski, Continued next page �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 21, 2019 — Page 9 Delton Kellogg Academy provides nontraditional education and columns on In the Hastn TURNING BACK THE PAGES giwiw tn tho W The Banner a century ago often featured a column, “Pioneer Days,” that reprinted bits of news from the same publication 30 and 50 years earlier. The following items were published in the Feb. 20, 1919, Banner. Many of the names remain familiar today. Some of the geograph­ ic references, such as Green Street and the Striker home, are easily placed in the mind’s eye. Union Hall, at the comer of Jefferson and State Street in the late 1900s housed the Ben Franklin store and has been the Second-Hand Comers for several years. Other references may take a bit of detective work or an old-timer with a good recall of handed-down information, such as “the Cady hill west of town,” or at which school Miss Rose Bostwick taught. See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS HALL 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits - TOWNSHIP OF BALTIMORE 2019 NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW is-.. brni PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Review will meet at the Township Hall, 3100 E. Dowling Rd. Hastings, Ml 49058, to examine and review the 2019 Assessment roll. The board will convene on the following dates for the hearing of appeals of assessments or taxable values, poverty exemptions, parcel classification appeals and/or current year qualified agricultural denials: Tuesday, March 5, 2019, 1:00 pm Organizational Meeting Hearings will be the week of March 11,2019 Monday, March 11, 2019, 9:00 am to 12 noon and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Wednesday, March 13, 2019, 12 noon to 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Thirty years ago Feb. 13,1889 : Thirteen prisoners in the county jail. The CK&S expects to have trains running 5tb Woodland by the first of May. Miss Rose Bostwick severely injured her foot by letting a stick of wood fall on it last Saturday. Miss Rose Bostwick’s pupils gathered at !her rooms Friday and announced they had 'dome to give her a birthday surprise. After a pleasant time, they adjourned to Hon. Daniel 'Striker’s home, where a fine super was served. ? Mort Replogle, while coasting on the Cady Kill west of town with other boys, had his leg Woken near the ankle. He was astride his bobs When hisuheeHstruck a large stone, with [unreadable} Dn-Lampman was called and deduced the fracture. ' ■ There seems to be good reason for believilig that the Hastings and Lowell Railroad will *be extended from Freeport to Hastings in the spring. Now gentlemen, get to grinding with some of those schemes for home manufactur­ ing. Hastings has capital enough invested in notes and mortgages to start several factories. Rev. Anna Shaw will speak in the Baptist Lhurch Monday night. Her eloquent address Uhd a fine quartette of singers should draw a d^rge crowd. In addition, our city’s favorite ginger, Mrs. Belle Hendershott, will give two solos. The Young People’s Alliance, connected ■with the Methodist church, was re-organized Wednesday night, and the following officers Were elected: President, Miss Rose Bostwick; Vice president Ralph Wooten; secretary, Miss Flora Beadle; treasurer, W.R. Cook; chorister, Dr. S.M. Fowler; organist, Miss McMichael; directors, Rev. W.M. Puffer and M.L. Cook. 5 The marriage of Miss Josie Quaife to William Barker of Ashley [Gratiot County] took place yesterday at the home of the bride’s father, Mr. John Quaife, Rev. W.M. fPuffer officiating. 1 Sheriff Baker Shriner made a trip to York State last week and returned with the Irving pair who left their little babe on Bert Walker’s doorstep. Bom Saturday to Dr. and Mrs. J.C. Andrus, Ja daughter. The following were elected delegates to the republican state convention at the county con­ vention here Thursday last: Clement Smith, Chairman; E.L. Parish, Nashville; J.R. 'Warburton, Maple Grove; Horace Watkins, Middleville; Eugene Harthorn, Orangeville; CH. Van Arman, Geo. Osborn, R.B. Messer, M.L. Cook, P.T. Colgrove and A.E. Kenaston, city; W.L. Brown, Prairieville; Herbert Lee, Nashville. -‘Personal - Allie Durkee of Nashville, was here on business Monday. Mrs. P.W. Kniskem, of Manistee, who has been visiting here for some time, returned home Monday. Grant Hendershott and wife were here yes­ terday to attend the wedding of the latter’s sister, Miss Josie Quaife. f A letter received this week form W.H. Powers, now in Marietta, Ga., states that the weather there is quite cold and that Roy is not •doing well. Feb. 20,1889 3‘;Local <?IN.T. Parker last week sold his Kentucky tare to Allegan parties for $800. uH Abner C. Parmelee, one of the earliest pio­ neer residents of Hastings, died last week in Washington, D.C. [Michigan death records 4dy he died Feb. 8,1889, in Marshall, Calhoun County, age 82.] A.E. Kenaston has purchased the Hayfbrd In addition, two years ago, when the acad­ emy began a night school, eight students were admitted, and six are currently in attendance. The students in the academy only have to come into the actual school to take their tests, so working from home is possible. Right now, the academy makes up roughly 20 percent of the high school’s population. To graduate from the academy, the students com­ plete one class at a time to increase their ability to focus on a subject and alleviate the pressures that multiple subject days can bring. In other school board news, Superintendent Kyle Corlett reported that, at this time, the district has to make up three days at the con­ clusion of the school year. The district also has open coaching posi­ tions in track, golf, and softball. 31 Looking back: Deviant deeds, injuries, prosperity ‘ Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer The Delton Kellogg Board of Education learned about the Delton Kellogg Academy at its meeting this week. The presentation explained how, for some students, the traditional demands of high school leave them feeling stranded. For those students who seek or require an alternative to conventional high school, the Delton Kellogg Academy is there for them. The academy, which runs in three 2-hour shifts a day from Monday to Thursday, has taken in a total of 83 students, with 72 still currently in attendance. The academy, headed by Sara Nevins, is open to all students i)ut requires an interview for admittance. 3 Gen. RHG Minty’s visit to Hastings in February 1869 was noted in the Banner. (History of Ireland) residence and 2 Vi lots adjoining. Consideration, $800. No. 1 white flour is being sold this week by Brit Tinkler, the grocer, for $2.25 per 100 pounds. Married in this city Thursday last, Miss Dora Kennedy to Mr. J. Walker Matthews. They left that same evening for a visit in the east. Dr. J.C. Andrus has purchased of A.E. Kenaston the 2 Vi lots front on Green Street that were part of the Hayford residence prop­ erty. Consideration $1,000. Hon. LA. Nichols, who represented the western district of Barry County in the legis­ lature 1881-2, died at the home of his daugh­ ter in Greenville Sunday. One more reporter will join the ranks of married men Wednesday when J J. Emory of the Democrat and one of the best fellows in town, will be married to Miss Belle Spaulding at the home of the bride’s parents, Mr. and Mrs. O.D. Spaulding of Hastings. {Grand Rapids Democrat) Wednesday night, Hastings Division URK of P re-elected for the ensuing year all of the old officers as follows: Sir Knight Commander, A.D. Kniskem; Sir Knight Lieutenant, Wm. H. Powers; Sir Knight Herald, Dan W. Reynolds; Sir Knight Treasurer, Dr. J. C. Andrus; Sir Knight Recorder, A. E. Kenaston. W.D. Hayes has been appointed Sir Knight Guard and Archie McCoy Sir Knight Sentinel. Sir Knight P.T. Colgrove was elected install­ ing officer. Personal Rev. W.M. Puffer and Daniel Striker went to Milo Saturday to attend the funeral of Hart Williams. Len Wightman, of New York, was the guest of his brother, R.B., of this city, the past week. Mrs. L.E. Knappen and Mrs. Wm. J. Stuart, of Grand Rapids, are now in the city, coming to attend the funeral of the infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. C.H. VanArman. Mrs. Frank Hamilton, of New York, is vis­ iting her mother, Mrs. LA. Holbrook. Mr. Hamilton will soon remove to San Francisco, where he has accepted a position with his brother-in-law, E.A. Holbrook, who is the Pacific Coast representative of the Northwestern Railway. Fifty years ago Feb. 10,1869 Local Sen. Robert J. Grant, who has been spend­ ing the recess at home, left for Lansing Monday morning to be ready for the opening session Tuesday. Myers and Reed’s harp band will give a grand ball at Union Hall Tuesday evening, Feb. 23. Friday, Gen. Minty, the popular superinten­ dent of the Grand River Valley Railroad, was in Hastings. [Born in County Mayo, Ireland, Robert Horatio George Minty gained the rank of brigadier general while in the Michigan Cavalry during the U.S. Civil War, leading what became known as the “Saber Brigade.” He returned to Michigan as GRVRR superin­ tendent before moving to California and then Arizona.] Dr. J.H. Palmer, our popular and efficient county superintendent of schools, gave an address before Fitzgerald Post GAR at the courtroom. The address gave great satisfac­ tion to all who heard it. And on such additional days as required to hear all persons who have given notice of the desire to be heard until assessment rolls have been revised, corrected and approved. rm, ±*J**^C ***** W it, wm* New-home construction was encour­ aged in Hastings in 1889. This two-story home designed by the National Building Plan Association could be built for an esti­ mated $1,800. (chroniclingAmerica.com) At the republican county convention here Saturday, Feb. 6, George K. Beamer was cho­ senchairman and S.C. PnilSTe^etffetary. J.H. Palmer was re-noniinated as county school commissioner. Hon. James A. Sweezey was nominated prosecutor for the vacancy created by the death of Frank Allen, who was elected last November. At the republican county convention, dele­ gates elected to the judicial convention, to be in Ionia, were Daniel Striker, Harvey Wright, S.P. Cady, J.H. Palmer, D.B. Pratt, C.G. Holbrook and Jerry M. Rogers. The following were chosen delegates to the state convention in Lansing on the lO^1: George M. Dewey, Richard Jones, R.J. Grant and Gilbert Striker. Feb. 17,1869 Local J.C. Bray, the president, and J.M. Nevins, secretary, of the Barry County Agricultural Society, announce a meeting in this town Monday, March 1, to arrange for a sheep shearing festival the second Thursday in June. Three fellows are in the Hotel de Mallory because they would not pay $18 fine and costs each for resisting an officer who was trying to take a prisoner to jail. It was a case of too much whiskey. Compiled by Kathy Maurer. Sources: Hastings Banner, chroniclingamerica.com, History of Ireland/stairnaheireann.net, findagrave.com. HONOR ROLL, continued from previous page Alyson Miller, Kyle Morgan, Travis Oliver, Alisandra Pearlman, Elijah Randall, Brennan Reser, Keygan Robinson, Caleb Rose, Porter Shaw, Heaven Simmet, Brandon Simmons, Alonha Sleight, Chesnhey Smith, Lily ah Solmes*, Brooklyn Strickland, Victoria Tack*, Malachi Thiel, Melany Vargas*, Alexya Vazquez, Zoe Watson, Jordyn Winters and Linda Wright. Honors Daniel Andrus, Gavin Argo, Karsyn Argo, Mason Benton, Riley Bondurant, Christian Boniface, Taylor Casey, Emma Dennison, David DePriester, Gavin DeWeerd, Garrett Dunn, Tristin Eaton, Brooklynn Fields, Sydnie Franklin, Carson Gates, Madelyn Gilbert, Andrew Haines, Miya Hamilton, Sophia Hamilton, Kassandra Harton, Addison Henney, Harmony Hess, Marisa Hilton, Paige Hoaglin, Troy Hokanson, Gage Holtrust, McKinney Jiles, Brett Johnson, Sebastion Johnson, Danica Keeny, Alan Li, Jada Love, Jamie Metzger Miller, Ashley Norris, Isabel Olmsted, Jasmine Olmsted, Katelynn Orvis, Hunter Pierce, Hayley Rasey, Gunnar Richmond, Kaylin Schild, Abigail Schoemer, Abigail Scott, Tristan Smith, Kailis Snook, Nicklas Stehr, Devlin Tait, Kaydence VanDenBerg, Ethan VanDyke, Quinn Waddell, Memphis White, Josephine Williams and Jack Yeary. Letter appeals will be accepted and must be received no later than 9:00 pm March 13th, 2019. Tentative ratios and estimated multipliers for 2019 are as follows: Agricultural 49.61% 1.00786 50.47% Commercial 0.99068 Industrial 49.20% 1.01626 Residential 45.93% 1.08861 Personal Property 50.00% 1.00000 Tentative equalization factor of 1.0000 for all classes is expected after comple­ tion of Board of Review. Chad VanSycle, Supervisor Baltimore Township Scott Anderson, Assessor Baltimore Township Baltimore Township Board Meetings are open to all without regard to race, color, nation­ al origin, sex or disability. American with Disabilities (ADA) Notice The township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to individ­ uals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven (7) days notice to Baltimore Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact Baltimore Township by writing or calling. Baltimore Township Clerk Penelope Ypma 3100 E Dowling Rd Hastings, Ml 49058 269.721.3502 TOWNSHIP OF CASTLETON 2019 NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Review will meet at the Township Hall, 915 Reed St, Nashville, Ml 49073, to examine and review the 2019 assessment roll. The board will convene on the following dates for the hearing of appeals of assessments or taxable values, poverty exemptions, parcel classification appeals and/or current year qualified agricultural denials: Tuesday, March 5, 2019, 2:30 pm Organizational Meeting Monday, March 11, 2019, 1:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 9:00 pm Tuesday, March 12, 2019, 9:00 am to Noon and 1:00 to 4:00 pm And on such additional days as required to hear all persons who have given notice of the desire to be heard until assessment rolls have been revised, corrected and approved. APPEALS ARE HEARD ON FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS; letter appeals will be accepted and must be received no later than 5:00 pm March 8, 2019 Tentative ratios and estimated multipliers for 2019 are as follows: ^Agricultural 55.69% 0.8978 gCommercial 51.39% 0.9730 .Industrial 49.52% 1.0097 Residential 46.48% 1.0757 Personal Property 50.00% 1.0000 Tentative equalization factor of 1.0000 for all classes is expected after completion of Board of Review. Cheryl Hartwell, Supervisor Castleton Township Kevin Harris, Assessor Castleton Township Castleton Township Board Meetings are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex or disability. American with Disabilities (ADA) Notice The township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven-(7) days notice to Castleton Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact Castleton Township by writing or calling. Castleton Township Clerk 915 Reed St. PO Box 679 Nashville, Ml 49073 517-852-9479 . �Page 10 — Thursday, February 21,2019 — The Hastings Banner FFA teams place at regional competition Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Hastings FFA teams traveled to Centreville High School Feb. 14 to compete in the FFA Region I Competition. The two teams and one individual all earned silver awards and fin­ ished in third, fourth and fifth places. “They represented Hastings well. I’m very proud of these kids,” FFA advisor Andria May ack said. Adrianne VanDenburg placed third in junior high public speaking. The Parliamentary Procedure Team, which included Devin Haywood, Addison Horrmann, August Malik, Wade Pennington, Emma White, Kayla Willard and Michael VanDorp, placed fourth. The Greenhand Conduct of Meetings Team of Faith Beede, Zoey Haight, Maddie McWhinney, Emily Roe, Ellen Shults, Andrew VanSyckle and Breanna Willard, placed fifth. Members of the Hastings FFA Parliamentary Procedure Team, which received fourth place and silver award at regionals are (from left) Emma White, Michael VanDorp, August Malik, Devin Haywood, Kayla Willard, Wade Pennington and Addison Horrmann. Adrianne VanDenburg received a silver award and placed third in junior high pub­ lic speaking at the FFA regional competi­ tion in Centreville. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Members of the Greenhand Conduct of Meetings Team bringing home Silver third place from Thursday’s competition are (from left) Zoey Haight, Breanna Willard, Andrew VanSyckle, Faith Beede, Emily Roe, Maddie McWhinney and Ellen Shults. (Photos provided) RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ADOPTION/SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE AMENDING CHAPTER 220 (ZONING) OF THE RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP CODE THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: TO: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that Ordinance No. 2019-166 was adopted by the Rutland Charter Township Board at its February 13, 2019 meeting. The sections of this Ordinance amend various provisions of Chapter 220 (zoning) of the Rutland Charter Township Code of ordinances, as summarized below: SECTION 1: AMENDMENT OF § 220-17-7 (PERTAINING TO FENCES AND HEDGES/WALLS SERVING AS A FENCE)—replaces all of the existing content with new content, including requirements pertaining to a zoning compliance permit for fencing, location requirements for fences, additional location requirements applicable to fencing on lake lots, fence height limits, permissible/prohibited types of fencing, maintenance/ repair and removal requirements for fencing, limitations on changes to existing fencing, exemptions for certain types of fencing from the specified requirements, definitions of fence-related terms; and applying various of the requirements for fences to any vegetative hedge or wall intended to serve as a fence or otherwise having that effect. SECTION 2: AMENDMENT OF § 220-2-2 PERTAINING TO DEFINITIONS— revises the existing definition for “Lot Line, Front” by deleting the last sentence pertaining to waterfront setback areas (now addressed in § 220-17-7.C.1 pursuant to Section 1 of this Ordinance). SECTION 3: AMENDMENT OF § 220-9-9 PERTAINING TO BUILDING DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS IN MU MIXED USE DISTRICT—revises subsection c.8 relating to enclosure/screening of refuse containers (height and view from adjoining premises/public street). SECTION 4: AMENDMENT OF § 220-17-11 PERTAINING TO BUILDING DESIGN AND ARCHITECTURAL STANDARDS APPLICABLE TO SPECIFIED TYPES OF USES IN THE AG/OS AND RESIDENTIAL DISTRICTS—revises subsection c.10 relating to enclosure/screening of refuse containers (height and view from adjoining premises/public street). SECTION 5: AMENDMENT OF § 220-18-3 PERTAINING TO DEFINITIONS OF TERMS USED IN ARTICLE XVIII (SIGNS)—revises the existing definition of “electronic message board” to use more current terminology. SECTION 6: AMENDMENT OF § 220-18-3 PERTAINING TO DEFINITIONS OF TERMS USED IN ARTICLE XVIII (SIGNS)—adds new defined terms “illumination (or illuminated)” and “visible”. SECTION 7: AMENDMENT OF § 220-18-8 PERTAINING TO GENERAL STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO OTHERWISE PERMISSIBLE TYPES OF SIGNS—revises subsections b and c with respect to sign setback/location and sign illumination, respectively, to avoid signs preventing motorists from having a clear and unobstructed view of traffic on a public street or private road, and to avoid sign illumination that obscures or interferes with an official traffic sign, device, or signal. SECTION 8: AMENDMENTOF §220-18-8.H PERTAINING TO DESIGN STANDARDS AND USE LIMITATIONS FOR ELECTRONIC MESSAGE BOARDS—adds new Subsections 4 and 5 relating to location requirements for electronic message board types of billboards where otherwise permissible in the MU District, relative to any street intersection controlled by a traffic signal light, and any residential dwelling, respectively. SECTION 9: REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES; EFFECTIVE DATE—repeals conflicting ordinances/ parts of ordinances; provides for the ordinance to take effect on the 8th day after publication or on such later date as may be required by law. This ordinance in its entirety has been posted in the office of the Township Clerk and on the Township website (www.rutlandtownship.org'). A copy of the ordinance may also be purchased by contacting the Township Clerk as indicated below during regular business hours of regular working days, and at such other times as may be arranged. - Robin J. Hawthorne, Clerk Charter Township of Rutland Rutland Charter Township Hall 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Michigan 49058 Telephone: (269) 948-2194 Yankee Springs Township OKs new guidelines for contacting township attorney Ian Watson Contributing Writer The Yankee Springs Township board nar­ rowly approved a new policy that would allow any township board member to contact the township’s attorney Catherine Kaufman, “whenever they need guidance or advice.” Prior to the vote, prior township policy required board members who wished to con­ tact the township attorney to run it by the township supervisor first. Township Supervisor Mark Englerth said that board members can, in fact, contact the township attorney if they wish, “they just need to make someone aware that they’re doing it.” Englerth opposed the new policy, which was introduced by board member Larry Knowles, saying that the change could result in an excessive amount of attorney fees for the township. “I think we need some dollar restraints,” Englerth said. Both Knowles and Township Clerk Janice Lippert disagreed with Englerth’s contention that, without a “gatekeeper” and monitoring access to the attorney, the township would see an increase in attorney fees. Before the policy was approved, Lippert added an amendment that requires all emails sent to the township attorney by board mem­ bers to be copied to all other board members. The township board approved the new pol­ icy in a 3-2 vote. Township Treasurer Alice Jansma, board member Larry Knowles, and Township Clerk Janice Lippert voted in favor of the motion, while Supervisor Mark Englerth and board member Shanon VandenBerg voted against it. What the new policy did not change was the allotted amount each member of the board is given annually to cover attorney fees accrued when they contact the township attor­ ney. The treasurer, clerk, and the two board members are each allotted $250 annually for attorney fees, while the township supervisor is allotted $500 annually. In other action, the township passed a reso­ lution decreeing that they will not impose an additional 3-percent penalty fee on late winter taxes. The resolution reads that the township will not “impose the additional 3 percent penalty fee for any taxes paid on or after Feb. 15 through Feb. 29, 2019, for tax year 2018.” Englerth recommended that board member VandenBerg be reappointed to township plan­ ning commission and that board member Knowles be appointed to the zoning board of appeals. Both recommendations were rejected by two 3-2-votes. In both cases, Englerth and VandenBerg voted in favor of the appoint­ ments and Jansma, Knowles, and Lippert voted against these appointments. The township voted to renew its contract with their IT service provider, Ocean Omega, by a 5-0 roll call vote. The township will pay $99 an hour for ser­ vice that will total $1,980 for the year because the township bought 20 hours of service sup­ port. Jansma also noted that any hours of ser­ vice not used in 2019 would transfer over to 2020. 3. The township approved by a 5-0 roll call vote the resurfacing of a multi-use racquet sports court at a total cost of $17,595. The township approved a purchase of tire tracks for the fire department’s Kawasaki Mule Utility Terrain Vehicle; the purchase will allow the vehicle to get to remote areas through rough terrain, specifically in the win­ ter. The cost for the purchase, $5,479 , was approved by a 5-0 roll call vote. Board member Knowles requested that a special meeting take place to cover the ongo­ ing development of the township’s Veterans Memorial Site and to give the public an update on its progress. The special meeting will take place at the Yankee Springs Township Hall at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 2. There is also possibility of a recess to visit the planned site of the memo­ rial by the Township Fire Hall. Deputy Fire Chief Dan Miller told the township board that the township experienced “65 fire incidents” in 2018. Miller mentioned that the fire department is working to install carbon-monoxide filters in residences in the township. The township approved a renewal contract for the Gun Lake Area Women’s Club at a cost of $2,000. The renewal was approved by a 5-0 roll call vote. After some confusion over recent language changes, the township board adopted the 2018 master plan and it will now become the master plan for 2019. The township approved a resolution that offers support to Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull to install a drainage district for the Whispering Pines develop­ ment. The township approved an ordinance that waives signage fees for any Gun Lake Winterfest signs. The township also approved the payment for the invoice register from January that totaled $23,677.88. The payment was approved by a 5-0 roll call vote. The next regularly scheduled Yankee Springs Township board meeting is at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 14. GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 21, 2019 — Page 11 Treasury: FAFSA is critical when seeking financial aid for college State aft consideration deadline is March 1 The Michigan Department of Treasury is reminding students and their families that the first step to take when applying for scholar­ ships and other forms of financial assistance is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as FAFSA. Priority consideration for state aid pro­ grams administered by Treasury’s Student Scholarships and Grants division are given to students whose FAFSA is received at the fed­ eral processor March 1 or earlier. “The FAFSA is the first step in the process of applying for financial aid,” said acting Deputy State Treasurer Anne Wohlfert, who oversees the treasury department’s student financial aid programs. “Students and fami­ lies who are seeking financial assistance are encouraged to file this free application imme­ diately.” Prior to completing the online FAFSA, the student and at least one parent must obtain a Federal Student Aid ID at fafsa.gov. This ID serves as a legal signature and confirms an applicant’s identity when accessing financial aid information through certain U.S. Department of Education websites. To get started with the FAFSA, individuals can go to fafsa.gov. More about state of Michigan scholarships and other financial assistance programs can be found on the MI Student Aid’s website, michigan.gov/mistudentaid or by calling toll-free at 888-447­ 2687. LEGAL NOTICES SYNOPSIS HOPE TOWNSHIP BUDGET WORKSHOP FEBRUARY 7, 2019 Budget workshop opened at 6:30pm Approved: Shred it day Enforcement officer position Township Park aquatic weed treatment Cemetery bid Election Inspector wage Election Chairperson wage Road Commission 4 year plan Send budget to public hearing & publish in paper Adjourned at 8:15 pm Submitted by: Deborah Jackson, Clerk Attested to by Mark S. Feldpausch, Supervisor 113161 s|nopsis LEGAL NOTICES STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 18-28078-DE Estate of Wayne Roger Miller, deceased. Date of birth: 1/27/1951. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Wayne Roger Miller, died 11/1/2018. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Diana M. Cook, personal representative or to both the probate court at 8748 S. Sprinkle Rd., Portage, Ml 49002 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 02/19/2019 Diana M. Cook 8748 S. Sprinkle Rd. Portage, Ml 49002 598-0086 113496 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on March 14, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Monte K. Sauers, a married man and Joy A. Sauers, his wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Amerifirst Financial Corporation, its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America Date of Mortgage: October 25, 2006 Date of Mortgage Recording: November 13, 2006 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $178,468.16 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Assyria, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: The East 30 acres of the South 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 10, Town 1 North, Range 7 West, Except beginning at the Southeast corner of said Section, thence West on the South Section line 511 feet 3 inches; thence North parallel with the East Section line 255 feet 6 inches; thence East to East Section line 511 feet 3 inches; thence South on East Section line 255 feet 6 inches to place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: February 14, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1375614 (02-14)(03-07) 112909 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Ritchie L. Smith and Faye L. Smith, husband and wife, to United Companies Lending Corporation, Mortgagee, dated September 11, 1998 and recorded September 17, 1998 in Instrument Number 1018002 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by The Bank of New York Mellon (f/k/a The Bank of New York), successor to JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., in trust for registered holders of Bear Stearns Asset Backed Securities 2006-2, Asset-Backed Certificates, Series 2006-2, by assignment. There ,is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Thirty-Four Thousand Seven Hundred Forty and 18/100 Dollars ($34,740.18), including interest at 9.75% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on APRIL 4, 2019. Said premises are located in the Township of Barry, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: COMMENCING AT THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF THE SOUTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION 1, TOWN 1 NORTH, RANGE 9 WEST RUNNING THENCE NORTH 50 RODS; THENCE WEST 48 RODS; THENCE SOUTH 50 RODS; THENCE EAST 48 RODS TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. EXCEPT THE EAST 330 FEET OF THE SOUTH 330 FEET THEREOF. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: February 14, 2019 File No. 19-001712 Firm Name: Orlans PC (02-14)(03-07) 113125 prairie\|lle township SYNOPSIS HOPE TOWNSHIP REGULAR TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING February 11, 2019 Budget workshop opened at 6:30 p.m. Approved: Consent agenda Salary Resolutions Adjourned at 6:37 pm SYNOPSIS Hastings Charter Township Regular Meeting February 12, 2019 Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. Seven board members present, Approved all consent agenda items Holmes Drain full payment approved Board of Review dates Library millage Approved payment of bills Dept, reports received and put on file Motion to adjourn 8:59 pm Submitted by: Deborah Jackson, Clerk Respectfully submitted, Anita S. Mennell - Clerk Attested to by, Jim Brown - Supervisor 113239 Attested to by Mark S. Feldpausch, Supervisor Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on March 21, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Alex Lowe, married man and Ceaira L. Lowe, his wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Mortgage Research Center, LLC DBA Veterans United Home Loans, its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): PennyMac Loan Services, LLC Date of Mortgage: December 9, 2013 Date of Mortgage Recording: December 18, 2013 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $122,381.45 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Orangeville, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Commencing at the Northeast corner of the Northwest 1 /4 of the Southwest 1 /4 of Section 15, Town 2 North, Range 10 West; thence South 330 feet; thence West 330 feet; thence North to Keller Road; thence Easterly along the centerline of Keller Road to the place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: February 21,2019 Trott Law, P.C. Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 500.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on March 21,2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Jolene Pasternack, an unmarried woman Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): AmeriFirst Financial Corporation Date of Mortgage: August 29, 2016 Date of Mortgage Recording: September 12, 2016 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $83,335.51 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: The South 3 rods of Lots 19 and 20 and the East 44 feet of the South 3 rods of Lot 21, City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber A of Plats, Page 1. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: February 14, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1375868 (02-14)(03-07) 113041 1376656 (02-21 )(03-14) NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Stacey G. Wyman, as a single man and Daphne Kern, as a single woman, to First NLC Financial Services, LLC, Mortgagee, dated May 20, 2004 and recorded June 1, 2004 in Instrument Number 1128516 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, successor by merger to Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association (formerly known as Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association), not in its individual or banking capacity, but solely in its capacity as Trustee for the Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors Trust, Series 2004-HE2, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Two Hundred Thirty-Five Thousand Seven Hundred Forty-Two and 38/100 Dollars ($235,742.38), including interest at 4.75% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on MARCH 21,2019. Said premises are located in the Township of Barry, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: Township of Barry, County of Barry Commencing at the West 1/4 post of Section 17, Town 1 North, Range 9 West; thence East along the East and West 1/4 line of said Section, a distance of 412.5 feet to the place of beginning; thence continuing East along said East and West 1/4 line, 99 feet; thence North parallel with the West line of said Section 17, a distance of 330 feet; thence East parallel with the said East and West 1/4 line 231 feet; thence North parallel with said Section line 275 feet; thence West parallel with said East and West 1/4 line 462 feet; thence North parallel with said West Section line 715 feet, more or less, to the North line of the Southwest 1 /4 of the Northwest 1 /4 of said Section 17; thence West along said North line 280.5 feet to the West line of said Section 17; thence South along said West Section line 792 feet, more or less, to a point which lies North 528 feet from said West 1/4 post of said Section 17; thence East parallel with said East and West 1/4 line 412.5 feet; thence South parallel with said West Section line 528 feet to the place of beginning. Subject to easement over the South 33.00 feet for parallel highway purposes. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: February 21,2019 File No. 19-001266 Firm Name: Orlans PC 113448 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTENTION PURCHASERS: This Sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, or in the event the sale is set aside, the purchaser may be entitled to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, less any applicable fees and costs, and shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s attorney. MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Kevin D. Abbott and Deborah L. Abbott, a married couple, to Habitat for Humanit, Barry County dated July 28, 2008 and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County on August 1, 2008 in number 20080804-0007867 on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Sixty-Three Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty-Eight and 72/100 ($63,888.72.) Dollars and no suit or proceedings at law or equity having been instituted to recover the debt secured by said mortgage. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on March 28, 2019. Said premises is situated in The City of Hastings, County of Barry, and The State of Michigan and is described as: Lot 1, Block 8, Kenfields 2nd Addition to the City of Hastings, according to the plat thereof, recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, Page 37, of Barry County Records. Commonly known as 836 East Clinton St., Hastings, Michigan 49058. Parcel Number: 08-55-240-054-05 The redemption period shall be six (6) months immediately following the sale the property. If the property is deemed abandoned under MCL 600.3241a, then the redemption period shall be shortened to 30 days for the date of sale. If the property is sold at a foreclosure sale the mortgagors will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the foreclosure or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period pursuant to MCL 600.3278. Dated February 19, 2019 For more information please call: Robert L. Byington Depot Law Office, PLC Attorneys for Mortgagee 222 West Apple St. P.O. Box 248 Hastings Michigan 49058 269-945-9557 113472 113162 Regular Meeting February 13, 2019 Supervisor Stoneburner called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Present: Clerk Goebel, Treasurer Pence, Supervisor Stoneburner, Trustee VanNiman & Trustee Borden Agenda and Minutes were approved. Commissioner’s report was placed on file. Public comments, if any, were received. Fire, Police and Parks Department reports were placed on file. Supervisor, Treasurer, Trustees and Clerk’s Report’s were received. Approved paying bills. Discussion of Township hall rental policy. Public comments and Board comments were received. Meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m. Submitted by: Rod Goebel, Clerk (02-21)(03-14) 113387 113260 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 18-27827-DE Estate of Larry B. Pennepacker. Date of birth: 01/01/1946. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Larry B. Pennepacker, died 05/14/2017. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Kerri L. Sellek, personal representative or to both the probate court at P.O. Box 233, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 02/18/2019 Kerri L. Selleck P.O. Box 233 Hastings, Ml 49058 269-720-8640 113395 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY ADVERTISEMENT THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, ANY INFORMATION WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. Default has occurred in the conditions of a Mortgage (the “Mortgage”) made by MISTY L. FRIDAY, a single woman, as Mortgagor(s), to Honor Credit Union (successor in interest to Post Community Credit Union by merger), as Mortgagee. The Mortgage is dated September 27, 2017 and was recorded October 27, 2017 as Instrument No. 2017-010854 of Barry County Records. The amount claimed to be due on said Mortgage and unpaid at the date of this Notice is THIRTY-FOUR THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED THIRTY-ONE AND 43/100 ($34,731.43) DOLLARS, including interest on the applicable indebtedness at the rate of 4.875% per annum. This sum will increase as additional interest, costs, expenses, and attorney fees accrue under the Mortgage and its related note and which are permitted under Michigan law after the date of this Notice. No legal or equitable proceedings have been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage, and the power of sale in the Mortgage has become operative by reason of the default. NOTICE is now given that on Thursday, March 7, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. at the place for holding the Circuit Court for the County of Barry, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the premises herein described, or some part of them, at public auction, to the highest bidder, for the purpose of satisfying the amount due and unpaid on the Mortgage, along with interest due, the legal costs and charges of sale as allowed by statute and/or the Mortgage, and any taxes and insurance that the Mortgagee pays on or prior to the date of said sale. The lands and premises mentioned and described in the Mortgage, as located in the Village of Nashville, County of Barry, and State of Michigan, are more particularly described as follows: Lot 4 and the South 10 feet of Lot 5 of ORSEMUS A. PHILLIPS ADDITION, according to the recorded plat thereof in Uber 1 of Plats, on Page 19; Address: 403 Washington Street, Nashville, Ml 49073; Tax Parcel No.: 08-52-180-004-00; together with all existing or subsequently erected or affixed buildings, improvements, and fixtures; all easements, rights of way, streets, roads, alleys, and public places, privileges, and appurtenances, public or private, now or later used in connection with the premises; and all rights to make divisions of the land that are exempt from the platting requirements of all applicable land division or platting acts, as amended from time to time. Attention Purchaser^: the foreclosing Mortgagee reserves the right to cancel the sale prior to sale or to rescind this sale at anytime. In that event, your damages, if any, will be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at the sale, plus interest. If the mortgaged property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. The length of the redemption period will be six (6) months from date of sale, unless the property is determined to be abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of sale or as otherwise provided by statute. DATED: February 7, 2019 ANDREW W. BARNES (P70571) KOTZ SANGSTER WYSOCKI P.C. ATTORNEYS FOR HONOR CREDIT UNION 317 Center Street South Haven, Ml 49090 (269) 591-6915 112583 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 18-27839-DE Estate of David Daniel Dean. Date of birth: 11/23/1934. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, David Daniel Dean, died 03/04/2018. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Kerri L. Sellek, personal representative or to both the probate court at P.O. Box 233, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 02/18/2019 Kerri L. Selleck P.O. Box 233 Hastings, Ml 49058 269-720-8640 113394 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28126-DE Estate of Hal N. Olsen. Date of birth: 07/04/1944. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Hal N. Olsen, who lived at 3401 Ashby Road, Delton, Michigan died 01/19/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Martyn Olsen & Courtney Olsen, named personal representative or proposed personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the named/proposed personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 2/12/2019 Robert L. Byington P27621 222 West Apple Street, P.O. Box 248 Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 945-9557 Martyn Olsen & Courtney Olsen 376 Stauffer Drive/420 N. Congress Hastings, Michigan 49058 113346 MIKA MEYERS PLC 900 MONROE AVENUE, N.W. GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN 49503 (616) 632-8000 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE Mika Meyers pic is attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Default has occurred in the conditions of a mortgage made by Samantha Vandenbosch, of 13 Market Street, Middleville, Michigan 49331, mortgagor, to United Bank of Michigan, a Michigan banking corporation, of 900 East Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546, mortgagee, dated November 13, 2001, recorded in the Office of Register of Deeds for Barry County, on November 21, 2001, in Instrument No. 1070113. Because of said default, the mortgagee has declared the entire unpaid amount secured by said mortgage due and payable forthwith. As of the date of this notice, there is claimed to be due for principal, all interest accruing thereafter and expenses on said mortgage the sum of $55,495.03. No suit or proceeding in law has been instituted to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof. Notice is hereby given that by Virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, and the statute in such case made and provided, and to pay said amount with interest, as provided in said mortgage, and all legal costs, charges and expenses, including attorneys’ fees allowed by law, and all taxes and insurance premiums paid by the undersigned before sale, said mortgage will be foreclosed by sale of the mortgaged premises at public sale to the highest bidder at the West door of the Barry County Courthouse, Hastings, Michigan 49058, on March 14, 2019, at 01:00 p.m. The premises covered by said mortgage are situated in the Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as follows: Commencing at the West 1/4 Post of Section 26, Town 4 North, Range 10 West, Thence South 89 degrees 18’ 55” East, along the East and West 1 /4 line of said Section 26, a distance of 693.00 feet; thence North 00 degrees 57’ 03” East, parallel, with the West line of said Section 26, a distance of 759 feet to the true point of beginning, said point of beginning being on the East line of Market Street plat as recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds in Liber 5 of Plats, on Page 89; and running thence North 00 degrees 57’ 03” East, along said East line of Market Street plat, 242.52 feet; thence South 89 degrees 02’ 27” East 164.61 feet; thence South 01 degrees 02’ 07” West 241.73 feet; thence North 89 degrees 18’ 55” West, parallel with said East and West 1/4 line, 164.33 feet to the place of beginning. Together with and subject to an easement for ingress and egress to be used jointly with others over a strip of land 33 feet in width East and West, and lying 16.5 feet either side of a line described as: Beginning at the Southeast corner of the above described parcel and running thence North 01 degrees 02’ 07” East along the East line of said parcel and the Northerly extension thereof, 483.46 feet to the South line of Market Street and the point of ending. The property is commonly known as 19 Market Street, Middleville, Michigan 49331. Notice is hereby given that the length of the redemption period will be six (6) months from the date of sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of sale. Notice is further given that if the property is sold at foreclosure sale, in accordance with MCL 600.3278, the Mortgagor will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: February 14, 2019 United Bank of Michigan, a Michigan banking corporation By: Mika Meyers pic Attorneys for Mortgagee By: Daniel R. Kubiak 900 Monroe Avenue, N.W. Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (616)632-8000 113013 �Page 12 — Thursday, February 21,2019 — The Hastings Banner Constitution contest helps Legion Father and son killed and three orators build future in car accident Doug VanderLaan Contributing Writer Already dealing with a case of nerves when she arrived in Hastings Feb. 9 for the regional finals of the American Legion’s annual National High School Oratorical Scholarship Contest, Hillsdale’s Francesca Rahe felt the pressure go up another notch when she stepped out of the car to enter Lawrence J. Bauer Post 45 on South M-37. “I saw the defending champion walking in,” Rahe said with a grimace as she recalled Aaron Siebelink’s stunning presentation last year in the state finals at the Gerald R. Ford Museum in Grand Rapids. Rahe, a sophomore at Hillsdale Academy, assessed correctly the challenge ahead of her in Saturday’s competition which would pro­ vide a $200 college scholarship to the Zone 2 region winner and a place in the upcoming March 2 state finals competition at the Gerald R. Ford Museum in Grand Rapids. There, all first-round winners will receive a $1,500 col­ lege scholarship and the eventual contest champion will receive an additional $,500 scholarship. At the national finals in Indianapolis April 5-7, the winner will receive an $18,000 scholarship. Second- and thirdplace finishers will be awarded $16,000 and $14,000, respectively. But, when the time came for Saturday’s qualifying round in Hastings, Rahe’s nervous­ ness was gone. In a carefully modulated voice, and thorough knowledge of the two U.S. Constitution Amendments she addressed, Rahe was awarded a narrow, but unanimous three-judge decision over another dramatic delivery by Siebelink, a homeschooled junior from Wyoming, and an equally impressive performance by senior Connor Bagby of Ypsilanti. “I don’t know, I just take a deep breath when I start and it seems to go away,” Rahe said of her typical pre-event jitters. “I have to learn how not to be nervous. I really didn’t think I was going to win.” The American Legion High School Oratorical Scholarship Program began with a small group of veterans at a post in Missouri 84 years ago. The program, which was driven by a desire to further awareness and knowl­ edge of the U.S. Constitution among high school students, has expanded nationwide and produced gifted students and speakers, espe­ cially evident in Hastings recently. As part of the contest format, Rahe, Siebelink and Bagby each presented an eightto 10-minute oration on a portion of the U.S. Constitution and then a second round assigned delivery of three to five minutes on one of four amendments chosen by a member of Saturday’s audience. All three contestants showed solid knowledge of their subject mat­ ter and only isolated, minor blemishes sepa­ rated them by single points on judges’ score­ cards. “I’m more of a writer,” said Bagby, who plans to study public policy at the University of Michigan or Michigan State University next fall. “I know how I want things ordered, and it causes me to sometimes pause and think about what needs to come next.” Bagby credited a forensics class at Grass Lake High School and his participation in a Model United Nations program at the University of Michigan for fueling his interest in the U.S. Constitution - and for his presen­ tation style. “Last year, I was told to pull back a bit, and I’m satisfied I did that today,” Siebelink said of his oration pattern. “I tripped on some words, but I put way more study into it this year, and now it’s all in my head.” Siebelink, who’s already looking forward Competitors (from left) Francesca Rahe, Aaron Siebelink and Connor Bagby pose with American Legion member Jim Atkinson at the completion of the Zone 2 Regional National High School Oratorical Contest finals. Ex-girlfriend steals car, another guy arrested A 23-year-old Nashville man reported his car stolen from his residence in the 8000 block of Greggs Crossing at 10:42 a.m. Feb. 15. He said his ex-girlfriend, 22, also of Nashville, had sent a Facebook message saying she was going to take his car while he was asleep. Afterward she messaged, “I took your car and you didn’t even call about it? Lol.” The next morning the man sent a message the woman and told her to bring back the car or he would call the police, and she told him to do so. An officer found the vehicle had already been impounded by the Richland Police Department the night it was stolen. A 19-year Hastings man was arrested for fleeing and alluding the police while driving the car, with the woman in the passenger’s seat. The man told officers he did not know the car had been stolen, and he thought the woman had got the victim’s permission. Officers are currently attempting to contact the woman. Driver arrested fourth time without license Contenders in the American Legion’s National High School Oratorical Scholarship Contest line up on the left as American Legion Post 45 member Jim Atkinson opens the Feb. 9 regional final round. .................. .. ; to returning to next year’s competition as a high school senior, was referring to a contes­ tant’s need to be familiar with, and prepared to address, all four amendments that are cho­ sen at random for the second-round three- to five-minute topics. Currently honing his acting skills on sever­ al Grand Rapids stages, Siebelink said he hopes to study the art at either the Julliard School in New York City or, perhaps, Chicago after he graduates in 2020. Rahe also has a future planned, although she still is preparing for it through her studies at the private Hillsdale Academy run by Hillsdale College, which has a reputation for being a leader in classical, traditional educa­ tion. That learning format was credited, in part, by Rahe for the ability she demonstrated in presenting the historic thinking of the coun­ try’s Founding Fathers in a common, conver­ sational style. “I’m playing [the role of] Caliban in The Tempest,” Rahe mentioned as another exam­ ple of her interest in classical history, “and I’ve done writing contests in the past. I want to be a famous writer.” To accomplish that goal, Rahe is setting her sights on college at either The University of Chicago or Princeton University. Bauer Post 45 member Jim Atkinson, who is chairman of the Zone 2 Education and Scholarship Department, said the Feb. 9 com­ petition may have been the closest margin of scoring in the many years the local post has hosted regional round competition. The famil­ iarity with history shown by competitors Saturday is a confirmation of the future that the American Legion has encouraged in high schoolers across America. Barry-Roubaix registration open Registration for the April 13 Barry-Roubaix is open now through April 11 or when the 3,500-racer cap is met. Barry-Roubaix tests riders against 80 per­ cent gravel roads, pavement, one mile of rough two-track, rocks, sand, mud and possi­ bly snow and ice along scenic roads of Barry County. The event attracts an average of 10,000 visitors to Hastings each year. Four race lengths are offered to challenge riders of all skill levels. There is the 22-mile Lauf “Chiller” with approximately 1,200 feet of ascent; the 36-mile Smith Optics “Thriller” with approximately 2,200 feet of ascent; the 62-mile SRAM “Killer” with approximately 3.800 feet of ascent; and the 100-mile Panaracer “Psycho Killer” with more than 6.800 feet of ascent. Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: AU real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY A joint service will memorialize the lives of Steven Kennedy and his 12-year-old son at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, at the Hastings Performing Arts Center. Kennedy, 55, and Joseph, a student of Hastings Middle School, died when their vehicle crashed into a tree on Charlton Park Road south of Center Road at 6:55 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 16. Troopers form Michigan State Police Wayland Post said it appears Kennedy lost control of the vehicle and ran off the road. Both were pronounced dead at the scene. Drugs and alcohol did not appear to have contributed to the crash. State Police accident investigators were called to the scene, and the crash remains under investigation. Barry County Sheriff’s Department and Hastings Fire Department assisted with the incident. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to Thomapple Valley Credit Union for the Kennedy family. Visitation will take place from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Hastings High School, 520 W. Steven Kennedy, 55, and his son South St. Interment will be private. Joseph Kennedy, 12, died in a car crash Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville is Saturday evening. handling arrangements. Business Services Business Services BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry wall, Hard Maple, Cherry. Paying top dollar. Call for pricing and Free Estimates. Will buy single walnut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793 painting, tile, flooring, trim, home improvements. 269­ 320-3890. FOR HIRE: SEMI-RETIRED 10ft tall insulated garage door. Call 269-838-7053. painter/handy person, equi­ table rates. 616-902-5678. DO YOU WANT QUALITY PRINTING at affordable prices? Call J-Ad Graphics at (269)945-9554. Wanted WANTED; A 9FT wide x GET EASY CASH with extra household goods and tools! Call (269) 945-9554 to sell your unwanted stuff with a classified ad in this paper. The Psycho Killer was added in 2018 to commemorate the Hastings Barry-Roubaix 10th anniversary. Early registration is recom­ mended. This race has a cap of 300 racers. There are also races in the 45NRTH Fat Bike specific categories in the 22- and 36-mile races. Participants may register online at bikereg. com/founders-brewing-co-barry-roubaix. Resources available for suicide prevention, survivors A regional help line is available to anyone contemplating suicide or for survivors who are dealing with the loss of a loved one by suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has regional counselors trained specifically to deal with survivors or suicide prevention. Call 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) or visit www. suicidepreventionlifeline .org/gethelp/loss. aspx. Local sources include Barry County Community Mental Health Authority, 269­ 948-8041 (after hours only 800-873-0511) barrycountyrecovery.com/contactus .html; or Pine Rest, 800-678-5500. An officer responded to a vehicle slide-off on M-43 Highway near Yeckley Road in Rutland Charter Township at 2:45 a.m. Feb. 13. The 28-year-old Freeport man initially denied driving the vehicle. He said his passenger had been driving, but the passenger had denied doing so. The man admitted to driving, and said he lost control due to poor road conditions. The officer noticed a recently packed marijuana pipe on the floor of the vehi­ cle. The driver said they had not been smoking and the pipe had fallen when the car went off the road. The man was arrested for his fourth offense of driving under a suspended license. Charges sought in stolen electricity After conducting an investigation on information provided by Consumers Energy, offi­ cers issued a charging request for a 28-year-old man for tampering with an electric meter and stealing electricity at a residence in the 5000 block of Thornapple Lake Road in Castleton Township. The Consumers Energy Theft Department contacted 911 dispatch after receiving two reports of tampering from the smart meter at the residence. A Consumers Energy employee discovered the meter had been removed, and estimated 2 Vi months’ worth of electricity had been stolen. The resident claimed he did not know who tampered with the meter, and said he had been living in a nearby camper without water or electricity for the previous two months. More than $400 missing in coins A 78-year-old woman went to the sheriff’s office Feb. 16 to have her coin containers fingerprinted. The woman said between $300 and $400 in loose coins were stolen from her home in the 6000 block of Pike Road on Guernsey Lake sometime after July 31,2018. The officer was unable to get an identifiable print from the containers, and they were discarded. The investigation is inactive pending further information. Nashville man taken to hospital for suspected use of bath salts An officer was dispatched to the 200 block of Phillips Street in Nashville at 8:12 p.m. Feb. 16 for a man wearing no clothes, punching and burning himself outside in 18-degree weather. The officer found the man wearing only sweatpants, and a coat a neighbor had given him after finding him outside. The officer attempted to talk to the man, but he was incoherent. He seemed in danger of falling on the ice, and the officer attempted to take him into protective custody. The officer noted the man seemed extraordinarily strong for his size, and the officer suspected he was under the influence of bath salts. An ambulance arrived and first responders managed to strap the man to a cot and take him to the hospital. The case is still under investigation. Snowmobiler crashes in downtown Nashville A man crashed a snowmobile behind the old Dollar General Store in Nashville around 2:30 a.m. Feb. 13, in an attempt to flee police officers. The man, age not given, had taken his friend’s snowmobile just moments before, after telling the man he would only drive it around the yard. Information has been forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Woman caught in skip scanning retail fraud An asset protection associate at Walmart in Hastings detained a 48-year-old Nashville woman after watching the woman skip scan items in the self-checkout at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 15. An officer and the associate found $139.24 in miscellaneous itmes the woman did not pay for, while purchasing $112.08 in items. The woman confessed to skip scanning the items, apologized and offered to pay for them. Information was forwarded to the prosecut­ ing attorney. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 21,2019 — Page 13 Lions perform well despite tough regional task Maple Valley’s Jesse Brumm works towards a take down of Hart’s Chance Alvesteffer during their 119-pound match in their team’s Division 4 Team Regional Semifinal Wednesday at Maple Valley High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Maple Valley’s David Hosack-Frizzell fights to try and score a take down of Hart’s Leo Guadarrama during the third period of their 171-pound match to open Wednesday night’s Division 4 Team Regional Semifinal at Maple Valley High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Thinking about the future of the Maple Valley varsity wrestling program put a smile on the face of coach Tony Wawiemia, even after a tough loss Wednesday in the Division 4 Team Regional Semifinals. With just one senior in the line-up this win­ ter, 189-pounder Nick Martin, the Lions won a district championship and showed some decent fight in a 65-9 loss to Hart, a team . ranked sixth in the state in Division 4. s “For a lot of them, this is their last match (of the season),” Wawiernia said. “We told them before tonight, go out and have fun. It’s your last match. You’ve got nothing to lose. They all did tonight. We are just super proud of them. We have a good group of kids, and their determination tonight was just awe| some.” I Carson City-Crystal, ranked fourth in the state in Division 4, won the regional champi­ onship at Maple Valley High School Wednesday - earning a spot in next week­ end’s state quarterfinals in Kalamazoo. Carson City-Crystal beat Martin/Climax-Scotts 60-18 in its regional semifinal, and then won its battle with Hart 59-18 in the regional final. The Lions, able to fill just eight weight classes Wednesday, didn’t have the firepower to keep up with the full Hart line-up. The Lions got a win from Matthew Slaght at 103 pounds. He bested Noah Bosley 6-1 in their match, Two weight classes later, Jesse Brumm pirmgd Hart’s Chance Alvesteffer midway through the second period of their lT9-pound match. Those were the Lions’ two victories on the night. Wawiernia saw a lot to like even in defeats. David Hosack-Frizzell, wrestling up at 171 Maple Valley’s Matthew Slaght works to keep control of Hart’s Noah Bosley during their 103-pound match Wednesday in the Division 4 Team Regional Semifinal hosted by the Lions. (Photo by Brett Bremer) pounds, fell by a single point, 5-4, to Hart’s Leo Guadarrama to open the regional semifi­ nal. Martin battled through an injured elbow in his 189-pound match with Hart’s Alex Holladay. Konnor Visger battled his way out of a cradle a couple of times against Hart’s Robbie Altland in the 125-pound match before ultimately falling 15-0. When Hart didn’t have a 145-pound wres­ tler at last weekend’s individual district tour­ nament, Lion Dillon Jorgensen volunteered to wrestle at 152 pounds just to get h. match in at the regional semifinal. He didn’t have to do that. Hart threw 145-pounder Jay den Vanderzwaag out at him Wednesday. “(Jorgensen) wanted to bump up to 152 just because he wanted another match,” Wawiemia said. “I admire that. The kid wants to bump up and wants to wrestle. We were just super happy with our kids tonight. None of them gave up. We’ve got a good nucleus for the team next year. We’re happy. It’s on to region­ al now. We’ll see if we can get a few of them through.” Slaght and Brumm have more individual wrestling ahead of them thanks to their thirdplace finishes at Saturday’s Division 4 Individual Regional Tournament in New Lothrop. Brumm will return to Ford Field in Detroit for the Individual State Finals for a second time, and Slaght will make his first appear­ ance there after getting through the regional round of the state tournament. Brumm fell 5-4 in his opening round bout with Blanchard Montabella’s Ethan Crawford, but rebounded to score a 9-0 win over St. Louis’ Craig Bebow and a 5-1 win over Alvesteffer in the blood round (consolation semifinals). Slaght scored a 13-1 win over Blanchard Montabella’s Ben Pitts to open his regional action, but then was bested 9-4 by St. Charles’ Isaiah Mullins in the semifinals. Slaght sur­ vived his blood round match, leading 7-6 when Ravenna’s Nicholas Scofield had to default due to an injury. Brumm bested New Lothrop’s Alex Wolford 11-0 in their match for third place. Slaght scored a 4-3 win over Hesperia’s Aydan Roesly in his third-place match. The Lions’ senior regional qualifier Nick Martin won his first match 5-0 against Ubly’s Shane Osantowski, but then was pinned in his final two matches by Carson City-Crystal’s Daniel Smith andMartin’s Cooper Simmons. Martin ends his season with a 34-16 record; The Division 4 Individual State Finals will be held March 1-2 in downtown Detroit. CLS guys grab Tier II lead in Hastings Brett Bremer Sports Editor It took a little finagling, but the Caledonia/ ;Lowell/South Christian varsity boys’ swim­ ming and diving team finished off an unde­ feated season of OK Rainbow Conference Tier II duals in Hastings Thursday. The CLS boys go into the conference meet with the conference lead after knocking off Wayland 101-84 in their fifth conference dual of the season, a dual that was originally scheduled for Feb. 7 in Wayland. The Wildcats end the conference duals at 4-1. “This was a tight meet. I expected it to be tight. They put on a show,” CLS head coach Trenten Babcock said. “Obviously, we came out on top, but it was really tight. It was really close. Wayland has a lot of good talent. I’ve got nothing but respect for them. I enjoyed the close races. You win some and you lose some of them. I got hyped for the kids. Some of the old swimming instincts come back.” The two teams will return to Hastings Friday and Saturday for the conference meet. Wayland also swam its dual with the Delton Kellogg/Thornapple Kellogg/Hastings boys Thursday, scoring a 125-56 win over the eve­ ning’s hosts. DK/TK/Hastings is 1-3 in conference duals, and will score its league dual with the Muskegon/Mona Shores Co-op team during the preliminary heats at the conference meet. Babcock said his guys quickly learned that Wayland came to win Thursday when the Wildcat foursome of Sean Jenison, Rory Bessinger, Garret Kloska and Jordan Sopjes took the 200-yard medley relay in 1 minute 43.73 seconds, besting the Viking team of Ty Dykhouse, Alexander Pollock, Ethan Arendsen and David Bud that touched the wall in 1:44.00. The Vikings were a little surprised to swim their best time of the season in the 200 medley relay and still not win the race. DK/TK/Hastings’ Gabe Neuman swims to a sixth-place finish in the 100-yard freestyle during his team’s OK Rainbow Conference Tier II dual with visiting Wayland Thursday in Hastings. (Photo by Brett Bremer) “Guys, they’re as fast as us,” Babcock reminded his swimmers after that first race. “We need to treat them as such. So I, figura­ tively speaking, knocked a few of them upside the head and they got out of their funk and we did what we had to do.” e Depth really got the job done. In the next race, the 200-yard freestyle, the Vikings had the top three finishers with Emmet Schmehling leading the way in 1:56.32. Zach Logan was second and Zach Burghgraef third. Andrew Tuokkola from DK/TK/Hastings was fourth overall in that race, finishing in 2:06.43 to earn a win his team’s dual with Wayland. Tuokkola had two of the four wins for his team against the Wildcats. He also finished third overall in the 500-yard freestyle in 5:39.14, behind a pair of Vikings. Schmehling won that race in 5:19.46 with Burghgraef sec­ ond in 5:28.61. CLS and Wayland each won six events in their match-up. DK/TK/Hastings’ Alex Fabiano won the 100-yard freestyle in 49.92 seconds. He is just off the Division 1 state qualifying time in both that race and the 100-yard backstroke, but he didn’t get to compete in the backstroke after being disqualified for an unfortunate false start before the swimmers were even sup­ posed to be entering the water in that race. CLS’s Dykhouse swam to victory in that 100 backstroke in 58.32 seconds. CLS also had Pollock win the 50-yard freestyle in 23.39. CLS sophomore Logan Morse took the diving competition with a score for 200.80. DK/TK/Hastings picked up points on Wayland in that event too, with Blake Sheldon second overall with a score of 194.55 and Gram Price third with 190.55 points for DK/TK/Hastings. “Even in the non-scoring heats there were a lot of close races,” Babcock said. “Everybody was getting up and getting involved in terms of cheering. There was this electric sense of tension. I told these guys, this is a preview of conference. This was the first time this season that I had actually felt that electricity going. Usually, that goes from 0 to 100 for confer­ ence. I guess it’ll go from 50 to 100 this time. I was really happy for them. I think we did what we needed to do.” Wayland had Rory Bessinger take the 200yard individual medley in 2:07.65and the 100yard breaststroke in 1:03.45 and Jordan Sopjes win the 100-yard butterfly in 53.13. DeltonKellogg/Thornapple Kellogg/Hastings’ Enno Visser swims to a fourth-place finish in the 100-yard breaststroke during his team’s dual with visiting Wayland Thursday at the CERC in Hastings. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Those two' guys teamed with Garret Kloska and Caleb Wolf to win the 200-yard freestyle relay in 1:33.33. The CLS team of Logan, Alexander Le, Bud and Burghgraef was second to the Wildcats in that 200 freestyle relay in 1:38.88. The 100-yard breaststroke was one of the best races of the evening, with Bessinger edging Pollock by 29 hundredths of a second. Sopjes, Wolf, Sean Jenison and Cooper Sidebotham won the 400-yard freestyle relay for Wayland in 3:40.18. “We didn’t have a lot of better swims, but there were some,” DK/TK/Hastings head coach Tyler Bultema said. “Without the last two days of practice and the crappy practice schedule we’ve had, they’ll keep grinding. They’ll have a good week of practice ahead.” “We have a lot of little tiny things to fix.” Correction: In incorrect pronoun was used in one of the cutlines about the Barry County Grapplers Association’s successes in Middleville in last week’s edtion of the Banner. Riley Furrow won her weight class at the TK Middleville MYWAY Tournament. Call any time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945-0554 or 1-800-870-7085 �Page 14 — Thursday, February 21, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Tough regional ahead for Lakewood ladies Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Vikings heard their name called before they were hoping to, before they were expect­ ing to, Saturday evening in a packed gymna­ sium at Chesaning High School. Heading east for the state tournament for the first time, it was a couple of familiar Lansing area foes that finished ahead of the third-place Lakewood varsity competitive cheer team at the Division 3 District Tournament - Charlotte and Portland. Lakewood was the only team in the top four at the 14-team district in Chesaning that didn’t burst into celebration when it was announced it would be moving on to the regional round of the state tournament. Certainly the Vikings are happy to be advanc­ ing and to keep their hopes of another state finals berth, but their standards are higher than a third-place district finish at this point especially considering they will head to a regional tournament at Grand Blanc Saturday that includes Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, Richmond, Flat Rock and Monroe Jefferson who were the only four teams to finish ahead of them at the 2018 State Finals. Notre Dame Prep has won the past five Division 3 State Championships. Eight of the top ten highest scoring teams in the state in Division 3 this season will be a part of the regional in Grand Blanc. Only the top four from Saturday’s regional advance to the March 2 State Finals at the DeltaPlex in Grand Rapids. Lakewood was in second place heading into round three Saturday at Chesaning and was surprised to be 7.2 points behind Portland in that final round and see the Raiders vault themselves into the runner-up spot. Charlotte put forth the best performances throughout the day, putting together a final score of 776.82 points. Portland was second at 755.56, ahead of Lakewood 753.10 and Chesaning 716.16. The top four were all fairly secure in their regional qualifying position heading into round three. Ovid-Elsie was fifth overall on the day with 697.10 points, trailing fourth­ place Chesaning by nearly 18 points heading into the final round. Charlotte scored a 235.10 in round one, a 227.02 in round two and a 314.70 in round three, the highest score of each round. Lakewood had the second best scores in rounds one and two, a 232.80 and a 213.80. The Vikings closed out the tournament with a 306.50 in round three. The Lakewood stunt groups come together during round three at the Division 3 District Tournament hosted by Chesaning Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Portland trailed the Vikings by nearly five points entering round three after scoring a 230.60 in round one and a 211.26 in round two. “Round one was probably our best round one of the season,” Martin said. “It didn’t score that way. They had no mistakes in that round.” She didn’t feel the final two rounds were nearly as clean for her girls. Lakewood had a little bit of trouble with its back tucks in round two. The Raiders had couple issues with their own back handsprings. “They can’t make mistakes. They can’t. This late in the season, you can’t make mis­ takes,” Martin said. “Now, do I think some of the scores were a little off? Yes, absolutely, but we won’t talk about that ... “You can’t make mistakes.” The Raiders were awarded a score of 313.70 in round three, finishing just a point shy of the district champions from Charlotte, to move into second place. That was the Raiders best round three score of the season so far. The Vikings had been nearly 25 points bet­ ter than Portland at the Lakewood Cheerfest Jan. 11 and were edged by the Raiders by four points in Mason Feb. 2 when Martin said her girls had a “very bad day.” Birch Run placed sixth Saturday with a team score of 692.56, ahead of Linden-Lake Fenton 659.10, Frankenmuth 640.40, Perry 622.20, Corunna 601.60, Lansing Catholic Central 591.70, Eaton Rapids 589.50, Durand 564.40 and Flint Powers Catholic 547.10. The Vikings will work to have good day Saturday at Grand Blanc in hopes of getting back to the state finals for the fifth consecu­ tive season and the sixth time in the past seven seasons. The Lakewood varsity competitive cheer team shouts out to the crowd during the conclusion of its round one routine Saturday at the Division 3 District Tournament hosted by Chesaning High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Pilgrims pull out triple overtime bailgame at LHS Brett Bremer Sports Editor Both teams had leads in regulation and in overtime. Both teams lasted a little longer thanks to a buzzer-beating three-pointer. In the end only one could win though. The Lansing Christian varsity boys’ basket­ ball team pulled out an 87-82 Greater Lansing Activities Conference victory at Lakewood High School Monday in triple overtime. The Vikings lost the Pilgrims little, quick junior point guard Justice Schafer momentar­ ily in the lane early in the third overtime ses­ sion, and his bucket in the paint put the Pilgrims up 79-78. Lansing Christian led the rest of the way, going 6-of-6 at the free throw line down the stretch, with Justice hitting a pair and Jalen Schafer knocking down four in a row. Lakewood scored a 74-47 win when the two teams met last month in Lansing. Junior guard Jacob Elenbaas had a gamehigh 32 points to lead Lakewood. He scored 15 points in the fourth quarter, and hit five threes overall in the ballgame. Elenbaas scored the Vikings’ final bucket Lakewood junior guard Bryant Makley runs into Lansing Christian’s Jakob Peters as he battles to get a shot up late in the fourth quarter of the Pilgrims’ triple overtime victory at Lakewood High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) of the third quarter and then his team’s first 13 points of the fourth quarter. He hit the second of two free throws to put Lakewood up 51-47 with 3 minutes and 12 seconds to go in regu­ lation. Viking junior guard Brent Sweet hit the first of two free throws to put Lakewood up 61-58 with 10.7 seconds to go in the fourth quarter. Pilgrim center James Felton got the rebound to teammate Weston Block who found Justice to race the ball up the court. The shouts from the Lakewood bench of “trailer, trailer,” went unheard on the court. Once Justice crossed the three-point line he dropped a pass back for Jakob Peters who buried a three as the buzzer sounded. It was one of seven threes in the ballgame for Peters who led the Pilgrims with 27 points. “I probably made the biggest mistake when I didn’t foul up three when we could have put them at the line,” Lakewood head coach Chris Duits said. “I like to let it play out. It’s just kind of a coaching philosophy. But they came down and hit the trailer and that forced over­ time. That is where I think I kind of lost it for us. “That is one we haven’t really gone over. We haven’t been in too many situations like that. We haven’t been in end of game situa­ tions where it comes down to guarding a three-pointer like that. That was kind of disap­ pointing and I kind of failed the guys on that. They played hard in overtime. We didn’t let up. We made a couple good plays.” The two teams were knotted at 64-64 at the end of the first four minutes of overtime. ]The Pilgrims jumped out to a five-point lead in the first minute and a half of the sec­ ond overtime period, and the Vikings still trailed by four points with 20 seconds to play. Lakewood senior guard Nathan Dillon was fouled with 16.3 seconds to go and hit the first of two free throws to get his team within 76-73. Bryant Makley was able to corral the missed second attempt by Dillon, and after a Viking timeout, Makley heaved up a well-de­ fended three-pointer that found its mark as time ran out to tie things again a 76-76. Lakewood was just l-of-4 at the free throw line in that fourth overtime period, with tired legs limiting their efficiency there. “Our intensity wasn’t there to start (the game),” Duits said. “We just didn’t have it tonight for a while. We started pretty slow and then we just kept plodding along. We had a couple good sets that we drew up that we executed and for the most part we played okay, but when you start giving up offensive rebounds off of free throws, that is one thing we said we can not do. No offensive rebounds off free throws and that kind of killed us down the stretch.” Jalen Schafer had 25 points for the Pilgrims, going 12-of-14 at the free throw line. The Pilgrims were 30-of-38 as a team from the line. Justice Schafer added 12 points and Block had six. Behind Elenbaas for the Vikings, Makley finished with 21 points, Dillon had nine and Sweet and Nathan DeVries had six apiece. Lakewood will close out the GLAC season with back-to-back ballgames against Stockbridge this week, hosting the Panthers Thursday and going to Stockbridge Friday. Lakewood fell 60-49 in its bailgame against visiting Leslie last Friday. Lakewood’s Austin Makley disrupts a break-away attempt by Lansing Christian point guard Justice Schafer during the first half of their GLAC match-up at Lakewood High School Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 21,2019 — Page 15 Alma erases Vikes’ big start in D3 Regional final Lakewood climbed to tenth in the state in the Division 3 rankings following their dis­ trict championship victory over Portland, but couldn’t quite get past the eighth ranked Alma Panthers Thursday. Alma edged the Vikings 38-33 in the Division 3 Regional Tournament in Alma, an event that was rescheduled from Wednesday because of the wintery weather. The regional final started at a strong spot for the visiting Vikings who built a 33-6 lead before seeing the Panthers rally for the region­ al title by winning each of the final seven weight classes. Alma’s Justin VanBlaricum pinned the Vikings’ Vem Fields in the 152- pound match to put his team in front and then Carlos Espinosa sealed the win for the Panthers by outscoring Lakewood’s Lance Childs 9-3 in the 160-pound bout to close the night. Alma did lose one team point in the dual for unsportsmanlike conduct. Lakewood opened the dual on a high note, getting a pin from Kyle Petrie in the 171pound match against Coleton Garrett. Norman Davis responded by pinning the Vikings’ Allen Shellington in the 189-pound bout, but that was the last win for the Panthers for a while. Jon Clack pinned Alma’s Gavin Fish at 215 Lakewood junior heavyweight Grant Clarkson works to pin Grand Rapids Catholic Central’s Eddie Hines in the championship semifinals Saturday at the Division 3 Individual Regional Tournament hosted by Belding High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Lakewood"senior Lance Childs works to escape the grasp of Lansing Sexton’s Joshua Henderson during the second period of their consolation match Saturday at the Division 3 Individual Regional Tournament hosted by Belding High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) pounds. Grant Clarkson pinned Alma’s Mason Everitt at 285 pounds. Zachary Gibson pinned alma’s Jordan Pannill at 103 pounds. Kanon Atwell pinned Dominic Anguanio at 112 pounds. Lakewood capped off its streak with Jordan Mclllwain scoring a 6-4 win over Alma’s Landon Bethka at 119 pounds in one of only four matches that went the full six minutes in the regional final. Alma pulled out the rest of the close deci­ sions to ultimately pull in front. The Panther team had Adam Garcia edge Lakewood’s Keegan VanAlstine 4-3 at 135 pounds; Jacob Munger best Nathaniel Graham 4-2 at 140 and the final decision from Espinosa at 160. A trio of state qualifiers from a year ago all scored pins for the Panthers, with Dametrius Castillo pinning Gabe Harkey at 130 pounds, Jarrett Ferman pinning Garrett Stank at 145 and VanBlaricum’s pin at 152. Castillo was the 119-pound individual state champion at 119 pounds a year ago. Alma started its turnaround with 125-pound­ er Solomon Rosales pinning the Vikings’ Gabe Cappon. Lakewood opened the regional tournament with a 51-27 win over Belding in the semifi­ nals. Alma won its semifinal match 55-22 over Ovid-Elsie. . ’ Clack, Carl Vehnematt, Gibson, Atwel 1, Harkey, VanAlstine, Stank and Childs had pins for the Vikings in the win over Belding, and Mclllwain added an 8-2 win over the Black Knights’ Eliot Ward at 125 pounds. Lakewood sent ten guys to the Division 3 Individual Regional Tournament at Belding Saturday, and half survived to earn spots in the Individual State Finals that will be held March 1-2 at Ford Field in downtown Detroit. Gibson and Clarkson won individual regional championships; Clack was second at 189 pounds; Atwell was third at 112 pounds; and Childs, a senior, earned his first trip to the state finals with a fourth place finish at 152 pounds. Childs fell 4-2 in overtime to West Catholic’s Jake Bozek to opeli the day and had to win two consolation matches to earn his spot in the state finals. He pinned Lansing Sexton’s Joshua Henderson and then stuck Portland’s Hunter Hoppes, a pair of pins in the third period of matches. Hoppes and Childs were tied at 2-2 heading into the third period of their b^od round (con­ Gibson, a freshman, scored a couple of major decisions before pinning Comstock Park’s Bailey Borgeld 3:09 into their 103-pound championship match. Clack, a state medalist at 171 pounds as a sophomore last winter and a state qualifier as a freshman, pinned Shelby’s Jakob Whitlow and Grand Rapids Catholic Central’s Finn Perdue to reach the 189-pound championship Saturday. Kayleb Venema from Whitehall edged Clack 13-11 in the 189-pound final. Venema had a 10-3 lead in the match before Clack scored a reversal and put Venema on his back midway through the third period. Venema was able to get back on top and hold on for the two-point win. Like Childs, Atwell had to win a blood round match to earn his spot in the state finals. Atwell was a state finalist at 103 pounds as a freshman in 2017. He scored a 9-2 win over solation semifinals) match. Childs got a quick­ Whitehall’s Sam Baustert in the consolation escape to take a one-point lead, after starting semifinals and then pinned Shelby’s Michael in the bottom position, and then fought off a Silva early in the second period of their match good shot from Hoppes with about a minute for third. Atwell also opened his day by pin­ left on the clock before ultimately scoring a ning Silva, but was bested 8-2 by Chesaning’s take down of his own and turning his foe to Jordan Rodriguez in the championship semi­ his back. finals. Bozek bested Childs once again in their Lakewood 130-pounder Harkey, Fields at match for third place. 160 pounds and Petrie at 171 pounds weren’t Clarkson, junior, had three pins on the day, able to get through the blood round. Jordan finishing off his regional title by pinning Mclllwain and Nathaniel Graham were also Jordan Tuttle from Muskegon Orchard view regional qualifiers for the Vikings this season. three minutes into their 285-pound final. TK ladies cap conference title at Hastings Bowl Brett Bremer Sports Editor While the Thornapple Kellogg varsity girls’ bowling team was still basking in the glow of clinching the OK Gold Conference champion­ ship at Saturday’s OK Green/Gold Tournament, the Wyoming boys celebrated an OK Gold conference title at Hastings Bowl Monday. The Thornapple Kellogg girls capped off their conference championship season with a 29-1 win over the visiting Wolves, while the Wyoming boys had their hands full with the TK boys in what eventually turned into a 19-17 Wyoming win. The TK ladies were 9-0-1 in their ten OK Gold Conference duals this season, and were fourth overall at Saturday’s OK Green/Gold Tournament at Park Center Lanes, behind only Unity Christian (the OK Green Champions), Byron Center and Zeeland from the OK Green. “They played really well as a team,” TK head coach Cheryl Cooper said of her girls. “They supported each other. We had really strong fourth and fifth bowlers and we man­ aged to bowl some good baker games that kept us in it.” Kaitlyn Phillips and Cheyanne Troseth are the only two seniors among the top ten on the TK girls’ team this winter. Joseph Driscoll is the lone senior boy in the program. Sophomore Carly Snyder, who led the team at the conference tournament, said improved team chemistry was evident in her second season on the TK varsity. “We just kind of started to really focus on how each other are bowling,” Snyder said. “We started cheering for each other more. Some of us came up with hand-shakes and everything just to really bond us together. If one person didn’t do as good we kept on cheering them on to keep them going.” Snyder was the individual champion at the Green/Gold Tournament, for the first tourna­ ment victory of her varsity career. She rolled a high game of 203. She had a 516 series, besting Zeeland’s Skylar Beverwyk and Unity Christian’s Rylee Bond who tied for second with 511 series. Snyder said she actually scored better as a freshman at the conference tournament, but didn’t finish quite as high in the standings. Snyder said she’d guess her average is around 164 for the season, and has seen solid improvement over the last three weeks of the season. x “I stopped looking at the scores all togeth- Thornapple Kellogg’s Trevor VanPolen sets up for a shot during his team’s final OK Gold Conference dual with Wyoming Tuesday at Hastings Bowl. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Thornapple Kellogg varsity girls’ bowling team celebrates its 2018-19 OK Gold Conference Championship as it finishes off the season of conference duals with a win over visiting Wyoming at Hastings Bowl Tuesday. Trojan teammates are Faith Foster, Allison Hess, Paige Green, Lilyann Secord-Rider, Kaitlyn Robinson, Kaitlyn Phillips, Cheyanne Troseth, Gayleigh Willard, Dalace Jousma, Carly Snyder and coach Cheryl Cooper. er,” Snyder said. “I just wouldn’t look at all until the very end. It was insane. One time I was looking and I got a 136. The other game I stopped looking and I got a 202. It was that big of a difference, and it has kept being that big of a difference, so that is pretty crazy.” She said doing it has calmed her down and allowed her to take one throw at a time. The TK boys’ team had two top ten medal­ ists at the Green/Gold Tournament, Trevor VanPolen who was fifth with a 555 series and Michael Willshire who tied for tenth with a 528 series. South Christian’s Brian Hur was the indi­ vidual champion on the boys’ side with a 624 series. He had a high game of 232 which was actually eclipsed by Zeeland’s Gabe Reyes, the tournament runner-up who rolled a 233 as part of his 584 series. Unity Christian’s girls had a final pin count of 2886 through the three regular games and four baker games at the conference tourna­ ment. Byron Center was second with a score of 2847, ahead of Zeeland 2711, Thomapple Kellogg 2592, Forest Hills Eastern 2449, South Christian 2444, Grand Rapids Christian 2428, Wayland 2289, East Grand Rapids 1979 and Wyoming 1929. The top regular game of the day for the TK ladies was a 727 and the Trojans combined for a score of 157 in their first baker game. Cooper said her girls really held their focus well Saturday. It wasn’t until then that there was even really talk of winning an OK Gold Conference championship. TK’s girls took the two baker games Tuesday in Hastings against Wyoming, roll­ ing a 128 and 152. All ten Trojans got to take part in the two regular games, with Dalace Jousma, Kaitlyn PJiillips, Cayleigh Willard, Kaitlyn Robinson, Carly Snyder, Faith Foster, Lilyann Secord-Rider, Paige Green and Cheyanne Troseth each winning one team point. TK took the opening regular game 700­ 401 and the second 561-434. Wyoming, a bowler short on the afternoon, had a 72 and an 81 in its two baker games. The Wyoming boys won Saturday’s OK Green/Gold Conference Tournament, after going into what was scheduled to be the league finale in third place in the Green Gold standings behind Zeeland and South Christian. South Christian’s third-place finish Saturday. They needed to make-up the dual with the Trojans Tuesday to finish off the conference competition. Wyoming won with a total pin count of 3342 Saturday. Zeeland was second with a score of 3320, ahead of South Christian 3232, Byron Center 3090, Thornapple Kellogg 3056, Unity Christian 2976, Forest Hills Eastern 2940, Wayland 2872, Grand Rapids Christian 2797 and East Grand Rapids 2554. The TK boys had a high regular game of 838 and a top baker game of 170. The TK boys got off to a great start in their dual with Wyoming Tuesday, with Connor Wilson, Colton Hicswa, Driscoll, Willshire and VanPolen teaming up to take the two baker games 179-138 and 175-135. The Wolves responded to win both regular games, 775-747 and 748-701, while taking seven of the ten individual points. TK got individual points thanks to a 175 from Willshire and a 169 from Driscoll in the opener and one thanks to a 137 from Nate Palmer in the final game of the day. The TK boys finish off the OK Gold Conference duals with a 6-4 record. The Trojans head to Continental Lanes in Kalamazoo this weekend for their Division 2 Regional Team and Individual competitions. �Page 16 — Thursday, February 21,2019 — The Hastings Banner Better ball-security helping DK girls win again and again It’s easier to win when a basketball team doesn’t turn the ball over 39 times in a bail­ game. That was the number of turnovers the Panthers had in loss to Kalamazoo Christian early this month. The Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ basketball team has cleaned that up quite a bit, although it is still a bit of a work in progress, to score five consecutive victories since then. The DK girls are 14-3 overall this season after a 64-45 win over Saugatuck Monday. Also part of the current five game winning streak were wins over Parchment last Thursday, 54-42, and a 62-43 win over Lawton Friday. Delton Kellogg senior center Lexi Parsons continues to put her name in the record book at DKHS. She had 22 rebounds in the win Monday, the second most by a Panther girl in a single game every. She also had a team-high 26 points. Delton Kellogg junior guard Clara Bever fires up a three-pointer from the corner during the first half of her team’s win over visiting Saugatuck Monday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg senior center Lexi Parsons is swarmed by Saugatuck girls, including Zoe Myers (10) and Erin Stannis (20) in the paint during the SAC bailgame in Delton Monday evening. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Parsons had 32 points and 13 rebounds in her team’s win over Lawton last Friday, during Winterfest at DKHS. The 32 points is the second most in a single game every by a DK girl. “She continues to work so very hard and has become a consistent force for us each and every game,” DK head coach Mike Mohn said. Junior guard Erin Kapteyn has picked up her play of late as well. She had 15 points Monday against Saugatuck, going 5-of-6 from the floor and 4-of-6 at the free throw line. She also had five rebounds, a steal, two assists and only one turnover. Delton shot 50~percent from the floor as a team, and hit two thirds of their 26 free throws. DK also had Holly McManus add eight points, five rebounds, four steals, four assists and a blocked shot. Turnovers were a little bit of an issue, as they gave the ball to Saugatuck 21 times. “They are just unforced errors which is just simply frustrating,” coach Mohn said. “We have to shore that up in a hurry.” In the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division win over Lawton Friday, DK turned the ball over only nine times. Mohn did feel like the 21 offensive rebounds his team gave up were too many though. It was only the second time all season the DK girls were outrebounded in a bailgame. Kapteyn had 12 points, four rebounds, two Delton Kellogg junior guard Erin Kapteyn is hit from the front and the back as she attacks the basket during her team’s win over visiting Saugatuck at Delton Kellogg High School Monday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) steals and only two turnovers in that win. McManus added nine points, three rebounds, three steals and five assists. Victoria Greene, who Mohn calls one of the best passing post players he has ever coached, led DK with six assists. “She knows how to get the ball to the right people at the right times to make them successfuU’ coach Mohn said. 4 t In DK’s 62-43 non-conference win over Parchment Thursday,Parsons had a team-high 15 points and 16 rebounds. Kapteyn added 12 points and three steals,. Mary Whitmore had a nice game as well, with seven points, 11 rebounds and three steals. “We still turned the ball over too many times (19) and that is an area that we really have to shore up. Eventually, that will be a decider in a game that we should be in a positiqn Maty? ,6^wio 5 roc • The rebounding edge was huge for the DK girls, who outrebounded Parchment 51 to 25. DK ends regular season at home against the Rams The Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ basket­ ball team is slated to close out the 2018-19 regular season at home against GalesburgAugusta Friday. The Panthers will then, weather permitting, get to sneak in a few days of practice before opening the state tournament in the Division 3 District Semifinals at Bronson Wednesday (Feb. 27). There is a chance its back to back ballgames against the Rams. Union City and Galesburg-Augusta meet up in the district’s only opening round match Monday. Maple Valley and Bronson match-up in the district’s first semifinal contest Feb. 27. DK was scheduled to face Martin last night in a make-up game, hoping to extend a win streak to three games. The Panthers over­ whelmed visiting Saugatuck Monday, 72-37, after celebrating Winterfest with a 64-48 vic­ tory over Lawton last Friday. DK had three guys in double figures against the Blue Devils. Carter Howland, a senior, led the way for DK with 19 points. He was 9-of13 at the free throw line and added six rebounds, three assists and two steals. Sophomore center Cole Pape had 13 points and junior forward Dawson Grizzle 11. Senior point guard Payton Warner had a team-high five rebounds, and also added three assists and four steals. Jordan Rench contributed seven points, four assists and four steals. DK was bested in a non-conference make­ up game against Parchment last Thursday, 66-44, Delton Kellogg junior center Alan Whitmore gets a shot up over Saugatuck’s Samuel Beckman in the paint during the Panthers’ win Monday at Delton Kellogg High School. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg guard Jordan Rench flies in for two points as Saugatuck’s Keiran Boerema gives chase during the first half Monday in Delton. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Trojans hold South Christian to 29 points in OK Gold victory The Thomapple Kellogg girls turned up the defensive intensity to shut down South Christian Friday in Grand Rapids. The Trojan varsity girls’ basketball team scored a 38-29 victory over the Sailors in OK Gold Conference action. TK fell 52-39 when the two teams met in Middleville last month. A steadier offensive performance also helped to limit the Sailors’ attack. “We played really well as a team on the defensive end,” TK head coach Ross Lambitz said. “We were also able to limit our turn­ overs, which limited how much they were able to get in transition. “I also felt like we did a great job on the glass, holding them to only three fast-break points and five second chance points.” TK built a 21-11 lead in the first half, and then extended its advantage to 29-15 through three quarters. Claudia Wilkinson did most of the scoring in the bailgame, putting in 18 points for TK. Paige VanStee chipped in six points and Maddie Hess four. Hess and VanStee had seven rebounds each, and VanStee added three assists and five steals. Hess had four blocked shots. Tk also got four boards from Shylin Robirds. The Trojans close out the OK Gold Conference season at home against Wyoming this Friday. TK was scheduled to host Zeeland East for a non-conference ballgame last night. The Trojans fell 56-31 to visiting Northview in a non-conference contest Tuesday. The Wildcats shot right out to a 16-8 lead in the opening quarter Tuesday and then pushed their lead to 34-15 by the half. Northview improved to 15-1 with that vic­ tory. Delton Kellogg sophomore center Cole Pape goes up with a shot in the lane during his team’s win over visiting Saugatuck Monday at DKHS. (Photo by Perry Hardin) �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 21, 2019 — Page 17 Vikes finally pull one out against Pilgrims Brett Bremer Sports Editor Every shot over the final four minutes Monday found its way through the hoop or into the Vikings’ hands. In the end, a handful of rebounds on each end helped the Lakewood varsity girls’ bas­ ketball team to finally get by Lansing Christian 45-43. “Zari (Kruger) and Olivia (Lang) were both really hitting the boards hard and we got some second chance opportunities because of that,” Lakewood head coach Marcus Urka said. “Rebounds were huge tonight. ; “It was such a back and forth game. It always seems to be. We have played four times the last two years with Lansing Christian and the biggest margin of victory has been four points. We knew we would be in for a close game. It always is. It was good to get that win finally.” Lansing Christian’s Katelyn Bontrager drilled a three-pointer to put her team up 43-37 with just under three minutes to play. Lang pulled down a pair of offensive rebounds in the next minute and put them back up and in, finishing an and-one at the free throw line the second time to pull her team with 43-42. A put-back by Kruger with , 1:25 to play moved the Vikings in front 44-43. After a Christian turnover, Viking point guard Anja Kelley was fouled with 1:08 to go. She missed the front end of her one-and-one, but Lang knocked the rebound out of the hands of a Pilgrim to save possession for the Vikings. The teams traded a few turnovers over the last half-minute of play. Lang pulled down a big defensive rebound and then knocked down a free throw to put her team up by two. “I think there was a little added motiva­ tion,” Urka said. “They sensed the despera­ tion of the moment so they were really hitting it hard. Our post players in particular really rebounded hard.” Lang led Lakewood with 15 points and Kruger had 14. Kelley and Kristine Possehn had four points apiece. Lansing Christian led 23-18 at the half, and still clung to a 33-31 lead going into the third quarter. “Lansing Christian, they always seem to hit a big three,” Urka said. “They take a lot of threes and they make a lot of threes. If they’re on they can have a quick little 9-0 run just like that. “We were trying to switch it up a little bit and keep them guessing a little bit. We played some man, we played some 1-2-2, we played some 1-3-1 to try and keep them on their toes a little bit, but they did a nice job handling it and found some open footers; Our-press was Lakewood sophomore guard Anja Kelley pressures Lansing Christian’s Cayla Ellis in the back-court during the fourth quarter of their GLAC ballgame at Lakewood High School Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Lakewood senior forward Zari Kruger works against Lansing Christian’s Jackie Moore in the post during their GLAC contest at Lakewood High School Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) key though. At halftime we had had maybe four or five turnovers'because ofIt. We^vere a little shorthanded tonight. We only had eight girls for-the -gamev with it because we were doing a nice job of getting turnovers off it and they weren’t hurt­ ing us too bad when they broke it. We did a good job executing it.” Natalie Woodland led the Pilgrims with 15 points. Mia Judd had eight points and Bontrager seven. Lakewood is now 5-11 overall this season and 3-7 in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference. The Vikings have another GLAC ballgame at Stockbridge tonight, and then will be home against Grand RrverPrep Friday. Those are the first of four games in six days for the Vikings. They host Portland Monday and then finish off the GLAC season at home against Stockbridge Tuesday. The Leslie girls clinched a share of the GLAC championship with a 57-52 win over the visiting Lakewood ladies Friday and the Blackhawks secured the outright league title with a 36-35 win over Perry Tuesday. Panther practice partners off to Ford Field Brett Bremer Sports Editor For most of three months senior Max Swift and freshman Caden Ferris were butting heads in the practice room, then heading into the individual state tournament that suddenly stopped. Delton Kellogg varsity wrestling coach Brett Bissett kept his two 215 pounders apart in the weeks leading up to their Division 3 District and Regional Tournaments. Panther 189-pounder Hunter Belew has helped make that possible. It has worked out well for all three as all three have qualified for the March 1-2 Individual State Finals at Ford Field in Detroit thanks to top four finishes at their regional tournament Saturday at Williamston. “These 3 guys wrestle each other all the time in the room,” Bissett said. “For Max and Caden it is both a blessing and a curse because they have wrestled each other so much during the season.” . “It’s great to have practice partners with the same drive and determination because they push each other every day. I always tell the kids it’s the responsibility of the practice part­ ner to make the other better. If you have a practice partner unwilling to work and push you, it’s much harder to get better at this sport.” Swift and Ferris met in the semifinals for the second Saturday in a row, with Swift scor­ ing his second win over his young teammate. Delton Kellogg’s Caden Ferris, Max Swift and Hunter Belew celebrate their state qualifying performances together at the end of the Division 3 Individual Regional Tournament at Williamston High School Saturday. He went on to place second at regionals to Constantine’s Boe Eckman, making the top steps at the medal stand match the top steps from their district tournament the previous weekend. While Swift scored a 9-3 decision over Ferris in the semifinals at districts, Ferris forced overtime in the regional semifinal. Swift got an early shot in during the first peri­ od, but Ferris got those two points back by turning Swift onto his back in the second period. Each guy added an escape and the two went into the one-minute sudden victory round knotted at 3-3. “Caden and Max’s match was a confusing one for me to watch,” Bissett said. “Caden wrestled great all day, in the Swift match he wrestled exactly how he always does, lots of pressure, lots of hand fighting and looking for the slick trip he’s got. “Swift wrestled completely out of his norm and was tying up with Caden instead of shoot­ ing from out in space. Swift has one of the fastest shots we have ever seen out of a 215 pounder and he refused to utilize it. It almost cost him the match.” The two went into two 30-second tie-break­ ing rounds still tied 3-3. Ferris was unable to get out from Swift in the opening period, and Swift notched the escape he needed to win 4-3 in the final 30-second period. The win secured Swift’s spot in the state finals. Ferris needed a blood-round (consola­ tion semifinal) victory to keep his state tour­ nament run alive. He got it by, by a 4-3 score over Fennville’s Eric Hernandez. Ferris started his day with a 5-0 win over Williamston’s Zach Painter, a district champi­ on the weekend before. Ferris scored a second win over Painter, 7-6, in the match for thirdplace at 215 pounds. While they were two one-point wins, Bissett said he dominated the matches. Swift and Belew were both the runner-up at their flight. Swift opened his day with a 16-7 major decision against Blissfield’s Matthew Bischoff. Belew pinned Dundee’s Dennis Root and South Haven’s Jackson Calvert before falling 9-5 to Blissfield’s Evan Moore in the 189-pound championship match. Delton Kellogg’ Tyler Antolovich also competed Saturday in the 119-pound weight class. He was pinned by Ida’s Hunter Assenmacher to start the day and then was edged by Noah Corradinia from Otsego 2-0 in the opening round of consolation. “Antolovich came a long way from last year getting beat out in the first round of dis­ tricts to making it to regionals,” Bissett said. “He had his second kid in a three-quarter at one point but just couldn’t get the hip bumped over. Hopefully the taste of regionals lights a fire in him and he does some work over the summer.” For those other three Panthers there is another week and a half of work to do this winter. DK cheer overtakes Lions for fourth at district Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Delton Kellogg varsity competitive cheer team was just a tenth of a point off its best round one of the season at its Division 4 District Tournament at Gobles Friday. The Panthers followed that up with their best rounds one and two of the season, adding about six points to their previous high total score of the season to earn a spot in this Saturday’s Division 4 Regional Tournament at Caledonia High School. The Panthers’ fourth-place finish came at the expense of a trip to regionals for the Maple Valley girls, who fell to fifth after entering round three in third overall .The top four teams at districts earned spots in the regional round of the state tournament. “They did exactly as planned,” Delton Kellogg head coach Zoe Reynolds said. “I did not share scores with them all evening. I truly wasn’t positive we were moving on ‘til right before they announced scores. These ladies have trusted me and worked hard to improve this season. We made a few more changes Thursday to our second round which showed Friday.” DK scored a 202.50 in round one, a 177.10 in round two and a 271.90 in round three. The other three regional qualifying teams were all over 190 in round two. The Panthers’ previous best in that round had been a 173.12 last month. “We changed out one of our skills (in round two),” Reynolds said. “We took our front walkover out and put in a near arm cartwheel. We cleaned up the round and we got our high­ est score of the season in round two.” Lawton took the district championship with a total score of 711.70. Gobles was second with 696.04 points, ahead of Lake Michigan Catholic 681.82 and DeltonKellogg 651.50. Maple Valley was fifth with a total score of 640.58, putting together a 197.70 in round one, a 184.48 in round two and a 258.40 in round three. The Lions were nearly 20 points better in round two than they had been in their previ­ ous competition. “We added our near arm cartwheel and removed our herkie in round two,” Maple Valley head coach Sarah Huissen said. “Something we have been wanting to do, but due to frequent weather cancellations we had not been able to make the change. It looked great I wished we would have made the change from the beginning of the season.” Maple Valley had a two-round total score of 382.18. The Lions were about 2.5 points ahead of the Panthers for that final regional qualifying spot and about a little less than two points ahead of Lake Michigan Catholic. “We all were very excited, but we also knew that it was close between us and the other two teams. Lake Michigan Catholic had a solid round three when we saw them in December and we were sure it would be the same. We saw Delton Kellogg at the begin­ ning of January and we were sure they would also have full choreography bonus. So, we knew we had to have a solid performance in round three because we only had half of the choreography bonus. r “Our first stunt sequence hit, but had a cou­ ple bobbles, but everything else was solid so we just had to wait for the other teams to perform and they both had solid rounds. Of course it was still emotional once we knew we came in fifth, and we shed some tears in the disappointment that our season was done, but I am incredibly proud of this team and their effort for the entire season.” The season also came to an end for most of the district’s other teams. Harftord was sixth overall with a score of 634.92, ahead of Lawrence 624.20, Union City 591.60, White Pigeon 579.34, Schoolcraft 576.96, Quincy 571.40, Bridgman 552.48, Bronson 521.80 and Bloomingdale 357.30. A different team had the top score in each round of the district. Lawton opened the day with a 221.60 in round one. Gobles had the top round two score of 203.74. Lake Michigan Catholic’s 300.90 in round three was the best finale. All three of those teams join Delton Kellogg at the regional this weekend. Lawton went on to add a 195.80 in round two and a 294.30 in round three to win the championship. “Our goal this week is to clean up all three rounds and give a solid performance on Saturday at Caledonia,” Reynolds said. “We have nothing to lose, so we are going to leave it all out on the mat.” “The girls have really adapted to the phrase: I believe in you. I believe in me. I believe in we,” Reynolds added. “They really are all about team and what is best for all.” �Page 18 — Thursday, February 21,2019 — The Hastings Banner Saxons finally earn elusive first victory Brett Bremer Sports Editor A winless Hastings varsity girls’ basketball team hit possibly its lowest point Friday, but as has been their modus operand! all season long the Saxons kept working. It all finally paid off Tuesday evening as the Hastings varsity girls’ basketball team got to run through a tunnel of its cheering fans to the locker room after a 57-48 win at Greenfield. “It is hard to imagine that one win in an almost winless season could seem this spe­ cial, but if you had been on the inside of this team as a parent, coach or player it was a really special night,” Hastings head coach Mike Engle said. The Panthers defeated the Saxons 52-18 in their first meeting of the season last month in Hastings. “I have maintained all season that this team is relentless about trying to improve every single practice, despite not being able to win a game. Their resilience and grit has been inspiring throughout the season,” Engle said. “(Tuesday) all of their hard work and perse­ verance paid off for them by upsetting a team that had beat them by 34 points the first time they played. I couldn’t be more happy for them.” Megan Deal had 25 points and five assists to lead the Saxons in the victory Tuesday. Grace Nickels chipped in 16 points and five rebounds. Hastings also got five boards from Lexi Chaffee. “Megan Deal had a break-out game for us, scoring 25 points. The second half of the sea­ son, Megan has really emerged as our primary scorer,” Engle said. The Saxons tried out a couple different offensive sets against the Panthers this time around, running both a low-four set and a high-four set against the Panthers’ match-up zone defense. More than anything though, just hitting some shots helped the Saxons on the offensive end. Hastings shot 40-percent from the floor, an improvement from the 20-percent to 25-percent they’ve been shooting on most nights. “The lid came off the basket last night,” Engle said. “Our players have been executing our offense all season long and have been getting good looks, and they just struggled to shoot well. They haven’t missed by much consistently throughout the season, and last Hastings guard Lexi Chaffee races to the hoop during her team’s 1-8 bailgame with visiting Jackson Parma Western Thursday at Hastings High School. (Photo by Dan Goggins) night the lid finally came off the basket for them.” Hastings was 8-of-10 from the free throw line as well. The Saxons and Panthers were knotted at 22-22 at the half, and Hastings pulled out to a 37-32 lead at the end of three quarters. “The win started with the defensive effort of a couple of our players,” Engle said. HCDC girls do pretty well at U of M “Pennfield has a dominant post player by the name of Alicia Lake. Three players contained her throughout the night. Ellie Youngs, Aubree Bond and Josey Nickels were able to contain her for most of the night and keep her off of the boards. “Grace Nickels locked down their top scor­ ing guard Abigail Schwartz and held her to six points.” The Saxons are now 1-16 overall this sea­ son and 1-11 in the 1-8. Hastings had dropped three games in five days leading up to Tuesday’s contest at Pennfield. Parma Western topped the host Saxons 64-27 last Thursday, and that was followed up by a tough 68-19 loss to the 2018 state runners-up from The Saxons’ Layla Lamance (10) keeps a close eye on the Parma Western point guard at the top of the key during their I-8 bailgame in Hastings Thursday. (Photo by Dan Goggins) Northwest in Jackson. Harper Creek bested the Saxons Tuesday night 50-25. “Northwest is poised to make another run deep into the playoffs this season, and it showed Friday night,” Engle said. “Our girls have been competing extremely well every game this season and Friday night was a very challenging night to endure, given Northwest’s ability to hit the three often from very deep range.” Following that defeat, Engle saw his girls as down as they have been all season long. They bounced back well though Monday at Harper Creek. The Saxons trailed that ball­ game just 23-17 at the half. The Beavers are one of the better teams in the 1-8, falling by just six in their last meeting with Northwest and playing a two-point ballgame with Coldwater earlier this season. Deal had ten points, six rebounds and four assists against the Beavers, who slowly pulled away in the second half of that bailgame. Hastings hosts Marshall for Senior/Parents’ Night Friday and then will be at home against Lowell Tuesday before finish off the regular season at home against Jackson Lumen Christi Feb. 28. , Saxons finish busy stretch with two 1-8 wins HCDC age group divers Claire Green and Abigail Schell goof off with coach Todd Bates during a break in the action at their meet at the University of Michigan’s Dick Kimball Diving Pool. Hastings Community Diving Club compet­ ed at University of Michigan last weekend, the program’s biggest most competitive dive meet since the Ohio State Meet a month ago. There were more than 100 divers compet­ ing and the HCDC athletes also had the opportunity to work their skills on dry boards as well. “I’m really proud of how we did as a team today,” HCDC diving coach todd Bates said. “We’ve not had much practice lately with all the school closings and snow days we’ve had.” HCDC’s age group divers Abigail Schell and Claire Green both placed in the top 20 and the club’s junior future champion divers had first place finishes from Abigail Dumond and Maelea Martin. The top finishes for HCDC junior future champion divers also included a runner-up finish for Bethany ButchBaker and Hella Coipel, a fourth-place finish for Jillian Brandli, a sixth-place finish for Mikenna Caris and a seventh-place finish for Annabelle Kuck. It was the first competitive meet for Coipel. ft 1 HCDC coach Todd Bates and junior divers Jillian Brandli, Nella Coipel, Abigail Dumond, Bethany ButchBaker, Mikenna Caris, Maelea Martin and Annabelle Kuck gather during their meet at the University of Michigan over the weekend. Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Saxons head into senior night coming off of back-to-back wins over Battle Creek Pennfield and Harper Creek in Interstate-8 Athletic Conference play to open the week. Hastings knocked off Pennfield 46-40 at Hastings High School Tuesday, keeping right with the Panthers and pulling ahead in the fourth quarter for the win. “Both teams looked to be exhausted from all the games back-to-back. Both teams were not shooting well and didn’t seem to have their legs. It came down to free throws,” Hastings head coach Rich Long said. Hastings took on Jackson Parma Western last Thursday, Jackson Northwest Friday, Harper Creek Monday and then Pennfield on Tuesday. Carter Cappon came through huge for Hastings Tuesday, hitting 6-of-6 free throws in the fourth quarter. Cameron Ertner thi\ew down a couple of dunks to seal the win for the Saxons. He fin­ ished with 12 points. Kirby Beck led Hastings with 15 points and Elijah Smith finished with 13 points. Pennfield didn’t have a scorer finish in double figures. Hastings closes out the regular season with an Interstate-8 Athletic Conference bailgame against visiting Marshall Friday. The Saxons will then head to Comstock for their Division 2 District Semifinal bailgame next Wednesday (Feb. 27). Hastings will play the winner of Monday’s district opener between Plainwell and Parchment at Comstock High School. Hastings overtook Harper Creek in the fourth quarter too to score a 65-58 win in Battle Creek Monday. The Saxons trailed by seven points late in the third quarter and decided to start trapping to speed up the game. The full-court pressure and trapping paid off as the Saxons went on a 26-11 run the rest of the way. Ertner once again put a dunk down in the final second to secure the game. That gave him a team-high 19 points for the night to go with nine rebounds. Cappon had a career-high 17 points. Beck ended with 16 points. The Saxons were strong from the free throw line down the stretch on Monday as well, hitting 7-of-8 during their late run. Despite a 37-35 loss at Jackson Northwest last Friday, coach Long was happy with the way his guys performed in the defensive bat­ tle with the Mounties. “I felt like our team really made a change that night. We decided to make defense an absolute priority. Not just individual intensity, but a team concept of working together as one Hastings guard Rian Allen flies between Pennfield’s Shawn Gardner (right) aijd Derek Sackitt during the first half of their Interstate-8 Athletic Conference contest Tuesday at Hastings High School. (Photo by Dan Goggins) unit to stop them from scoring,” Long said. The Saxons only allowed six points to the Mounties in the fourth quarter Beck led Hastings with 21 points, hitting five of eight three-point attempts. “We had a very good chance to tie the game in regulation but missed a tough shot,” coach Long said. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 21,2019 — Page 19 TK gets three guys through in D2 » A trio of Thomapple Kellogg seniors will be the first Trojans to wrestler at the Individual State Finals at Ford Field in Detroit after top four finishes at Saturday’s Division 2 individual Regional Tournament hosted by Fremont High School. Nathan Kinne, Christian Wright and Trenton Dutcher are the Trojans’ first individ­ ual state qualifiers since 2015. The Individual gtate Finals made the move from the Palace of Auburn Hills to Ford Field in downtown EJetroit last year. They will be held March 1-2. 'Kinne was the regional runner-up at 130 pounds, falling 2-0 to Lowell’s Dawson Jankowski in the championship match at their t&ght. '■ Jankowski is one of 13 individual state qualifiers for the Lowell Red Arrows, who are wrestling in the Division 2 Team State Finals this weekend at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek. Lowell had seven individual regional championships. Those same Red Arrows ended the team season for the Hastings Saxons in Division 2, winning their regional semifinal match up 81-0 in Byron Center last Wednesday. The Red Arrows went on to defeat Byron Center 60-9 in their team regional final. Hastings had two guys wrestling in the individual regional tournament, Tyler Dull bid Jonathan Giro’n who were both 0-2 on the day. Giro’n at 112 pounds finished the Reason with a record to 33-9, and Dull at 125 scored a 27-18 mark this season. Kinne is now 34-7 on the season. He opened his regional winning by injury default against Reeths-Pufier’s Alexander Chipman Saturday and then scored a 9-7 win over Kenowa Hills’ Nick May in the semifinals. Wright scored an 8-5 win over Hamilton’s kameron Thurston in their blood round (con­ solation semifinal) match at 171 pounds and Thornapple Kellogg state qualifiers (from left) Christian Wright, Nathan Kinne and Trenton Dutcher celebrate their top four finishes at the Division 2 Individual Regional Tournament hosted by Fremont Saturday. then lost out in a 3-1 decision to Lowell’s Derek Mohr in the match for third place. Dutcher scored a 3-1 win of his own over Fremont’s Austin Kukal in their 285-pound blood round match, and then bested holland’s Michael Landin 5-1 in their third-place bout. TK also had Carter West (215 pounds) and Ashton Corson (103 pounds) as individual state qualifiers. Both guys won one match before suffering tough blood round bouts. West was bested 11-7 by Byron Center’s Jalen Blackman to end his day. Corson was edged 6-4 by Byron Center’s Ty Whalen in their blood round match. Thornapple Kellogg senior Nathan Kinne puts Reeths-Puffer’s Alexander Chipman down to the mat during their 130-pound quarterfinal match Saturday at the Division 2 Individual Regional Tournament in Fremont. Saxons and Trojans advance in cheer tourney Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Thomapple Kellogg varsity competi­ tive cheer team checked off its two big goals for the season in the season’s final weeks. The Trojans finished in the top two in the OK Gold Conference, getting a big win in the jamboree they hosted, and then scored a thirdplace at their Division 2 District Tournament Friday at Gull Lake to earn a spot in the regional round of the state tournament after missing qualifying for regionals in 2018. Both those feats were matched by the Hastings girls this season as well, as theyTihished second in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference ahd>qualified for regionals for the third year in a row yyith their runner-up finish Friday at Gull Lake. Sturgis took the regional championship with an overall score of 720.82 Friday, best­ ing the Saxons by two thirds of a point. Hastings put together its second best total score of the year, a 720.16. TK was third with 716.94 points and Gull Lake earned the final regional qualifying spot with a score of 710.80. Mattawan was fifth with a score of 707 and Stevensville Lakeshore sixth at 705.94. Lakeshore had the lead heading into round three Friday, after a 215.50 in round one and a 209.94 in round two. That was the top round two score of the tournament, but the Lhncers managed a score of just 280.50 in round three. Round three was the Saxons’ round Friday. Hastings scored a 305.30 in round three, just having one little wobble at the very end. “They had to stay really focused, hit one at a’time and go clean,” Hastings head coach Linsey Jacinto said. “We have really been focusing on that. We don’t even run our whole round (in practice). We just run it in segments and really focus on timing and staying clean, strong and they have been doing just that.” > Hastings also scored a 216.70 in round one and 198.16 in round two. < 5“Round one, we really focused on these last fi|o weeks and it was much better,” Jacinto said. “It didn’t score as high, but when you move on you expect to get scored harder. Round one was beautiful today. They really, the timing of the jumps that we focused on and cleaning up little things they really stayed on top of today and transferred from practice into performance, which is sometimes hard to do.” .Teams haven’t had a lot of practice lately wjth all of the snow days. The Trojans extend­ ed their practice time to three hours Thursday to be ready for Friday. «“We had a snow day Tuesday and Wednesday, and we changed our whole round qfie and two Monday, so then Thursday was opr last practice and we had three hours because coach pushed times back,” TK junior flyer Ava Phillips said. “We were tired, but we gave it our all.” She said the toughest part of that was just trying to remember everything. “You really had to put your thinking caps on,” Phillips said. TK scored a 222.80 in round one and 200.94 in round two. The Trojans finished off the day with a 293.20 in round three. Those were the top scores of the season in rounds one and two for the Trojans. TK added back handsprings to their round two routine after having them out for a couple meets, mostly because of injury concerns. “They did phenomenal today,” TK’s second-year head coach Ally Clouse said. “I could not be more proud of the team that I had today. I couldn’t have asked for anything The Hastings varsity competitive cheer team celebrates learning of its runner-up finish at the Division 2 District Tournament hosted by Gull Lake High School Friday. The Saxons will head to Kenowa Hills High School Saturday for their Division 2 Regional Tournament where the top four teams earn a spot in the state finals. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hastings flyer Sammi Cole and her stunt group show off the Saxons’ strength during their round three routine Friday at the Division 2 District Tournament hosted by Gull Lake. (Photo by Brett Bremer) more. I’ve got no gripes, that is for sure. They came to compete and they showed up.” Hastings only has a few seniors on the mat this season. The Trojans don’t have any. “Last year was a year of transition for sure,” Clouse said. “From last year to this year, the amount of growth I have seen in these girls is absolutely incredible. And I have no seniors, so next year is going to be even better. Having seniors helps, but just the morale and the bond that they have, the 14 of them, it is incredible. I have not coached a team like that. This is my second year doing varsity, but before that I did middle school for four years, and I have not had a group that is this tight knit, and motivating to each other and encouraging. I am so proud to be their coach. I tell them that all the time. They’re phenomenal.” Parma Western was seventh overall on the day with a score of 672.00, ahead of Plainwell 671.02, Edwardsburg 658.00, Jackson Northwest 637.76, Wayland 606.84, Harper Creek 585.60 and St. Joseph 561.42. The Saxons and Trojans will head to Kenowa Hills for their Division 2 Regional Tournament Saturday. The top four teams earn a spot in the Division 2 State Finals. “We started talking about it at the begin­ ning,” Jacinto said. “It’s always our end goal to make it to regionals. If you keep working hard you never know what can happen. Let’s keep working hard and see where we can go.” The Thornapple Kellogg varsity competitive cheer team performs one of its jumps during round two at the Division 2 District Tournament hosted by Gull Lake High School Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) South adds second win over TK, then Gold title South Christian clinched the OK Gold var­ sity boys’ basketball championship with a 58-42 win over Wayland Tuesday, improving to 10-1 in conference play this season. The Sailors got their ninth win of the con­ ference season over visiting Thornapple Kellogg last Friday, by a 68-27 score. The Sailors scored the game’s first ten points Friday, and led 28-10 at the half. Peyton Vis had 24 points to lead South Christian and Luke Schrotenboer added 20. The Sailors shot 50 percent from behind the three-point line in the win. TK is set to close the OK Gold Conference season at home against Wyoming Friday. The Trojans were slated for a trip to Zeeland East last night after a 55-48 loss at Northview Tuesday. �Page 20 — Thursday, February 21,2019 — The Hastings Banner Delton Kellogg crowns Winterfest royalty Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer The 2019 Winterfest celebration at Delton Kellogg High School was postponed and ulti­ mately shortened by winter, itself. Originally scheduled to begin Jan. 28, the week of activ­ ities was delayed until Feb. 11 due to five consecutive snow days. And even the resched­ uled week was condensed by winter weather that led to cancellation of school. Still, students continued the tradition of class competitions throughout the short week, nominated representatives and voted on duke and duchess. Students took part in dress-up days, and court members competed in several contests during the Friday pep assembly. The final rankings for the classes were first, juniors; second, seniors; third, freshmen; fourth, staff; and fifth, sophomores. Representing the freshman class were Braeden Waller and Caitlin McManus. Sophomores were represented by Trumen Prell and Olivia Hartman. Representing the junior class were Hailey Buckner and Dawson Grizzle. Senior class representatives were Ethan Reed, Peyton Warner, Carter Howland, Gordy Mitchell, Alissa Doorlag, Lily Cooper, Delanie Aukerman and Brooke Beilfuss. Friday night, Gordy Mitchell and Brooke Beilfuss were crowned duke and duchess. “I was kind of surprised to be on court in the first place,” Mitchell said. “When I got the paper to vote for who would get on the court itself, I asked if I could vote for myself kind of jokingly, I didn’t actually think I’d ever get voted on or even go on to win, for that mat­ ter.” Gordy is the son of Kimberly Shupp and Matthew Mitchell. His favorite winter activity is complaining about the weather. In the future, he plans to be a police officer. “Getting ready was a blast,” Beilfuss said. “I got to spend time with friends and do my hair and makeup. Walking out onto the actual basketball court was amazing, though. There Gordy Mitchell and Brooke Beilfuss are crowned duke and duchess Friday evening. Seniors Peyton Warner and Delanie Aukerman represent their class. Seniors Carter Howland and Alissa Doorlag represent their class during Delton Kellogg’s Winterfest. were so many smiles and people cheering me on. Everyone was so nice, and I felt a lot of love in my heart during the whole experi­ ence.” Brooke is the daughter of Trisha Poley and Come see us for all your wedding needs. secondary education. Both the girls’ and boys’warsity basketball teams beat Lawton to cap the celebratory eve­ ning. The girls won by a score of 62-43 and the boys by 64-48. Vikings roll their way to third straight GLAC Shop your LOCAL printing company for customized • • • • • • • Brian Beilfuss. She participates in softball, competitive cheer, DK Theater Arts Company, Interact, National Honor Society and YMCA Youth Mentoring. She plans to attend Grand Valley State University and earn a degree in Thank you notes Save the date cards Wedding invitations Photos Frames Wedding favors Posters championship The Lakewood varsity bowling team finished off a perfect 8-0 Greater Lansing Activities Conference season with wins over Stockbridge and Leslie last week to clinch its third consecutive conference championship. The Viking team includes (front from left) Tyler Johnson, Ainsley McGranahan, Luke Stoneman, (back) coach John Kutas, CJ Morgan, Chris Paulik, Jagger Bossenbroek and Gary Nelson. Johnson and Morgan rolled the two highest scoring games in the history of the program this season, with Johnson tallying a 277 and Morgan a 264. The Vikings head to M-66 Bowl in Battle Creek for their Division 3 Team and Individual Regional competitions this weekend. Colored ice A disorganized spectrum of color is dispersed through an icicle, backlit by Monday's setting sun. Just after the sun set, a full moon rose in the east, generating its owh color in ice and snow crys­ tals and illuminating th$ landscape. (Photo by Kathy Maurer) 1351 N.Broadway (M-43) Hastings SEI 269.945.9105 OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00 - 5:30 Si Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-02-28.pdf 6ee463b7c39a72a733d18607873429a1 PDF Text Text Hastings Public Library 227 E State Street ———■“ Hastings discusses superintendent process See Story on Page 2 Is there an honest one among them? See Editorial on Page 4 Down one cheerleader, DK rallies See Story on Page 16 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 -= 80487911018 1070490102590508296749058195427 ™************CAR_RT Lqt**c oo3 0003 ANNER Hastings Public Library 227 E State St Hastings Ml 49058-1954 Thursday, February 28, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 9 Man arrested NEWS BRIEFS Democrats to meet Sunday The Barry County Democrats will have their next meeting Sunday, March 3, at 2 p.m. at Barry County Central Dispatch. At the meeting people associated with the school bond proposals for both the Delton Kellogg and Hastings school districts will speak about their respective bond propos­ als. Nominations also will be taken for . members of the executive committee, fol­ lowed by a vote. The Central Dispatch office is at 2600 Nashville Road. Seniors can get legal advice in Nashville March 6 The Legal Services of South Central Michigan-Battle Creek office will con­ duct interviews for legal advice and possi­ ble representation, without charge, to interested seniors Wednesday, March 6, from 11 a.m. to noon at the Nashville Friendshipcenter, 301N. Main, Nashville. Legal Services of South Central Michigan-Battle Creek office is a non­ profit organization that provides high-quality legal assistance, representa­ tion and education to low-income people in Calhoun and Branch counties and seniors in Barry, Calhoun St. Joseph and Branch counties. The advice and counsel at the senior sites is funded primarily by the CareWell Services Southwest through the Michigan Aging and Adult Services Agency. Cabin fever event set for veterans The second annual Cabin Fever Reliever Party to benefit the Barry County Disabled Veterans organization, the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans and the Hastings Elks Lodge will begin at 6 p.m. March 9 at the Elks Lodge, 102 E. Woodlawn Ave., Hastings. Music, dancing and plenty of food are planned for the fundraiser/collection. Monetary donations will be accepted at the door. Contributions of items that would serve veterans’ needs also are appreciated. Donated items will be deliv­ ered to the Grand Rapids Veterans Home by Lodge members. Money raised by a bucket raffle, draw­ ings throughout the evening and 50/50 drawings will help support the ongoing veterans and community assistance efforts of the DAV and the Elks Lodge. More than $1,000 in prizes have been donated so far, ranging from wine, meat packages and an overnight retreat for two. Last year, the Elks were able to deliver more than 1,200 items to the veterans’ home. Examples of items needed by resi­ dents of the Grand Rapids Home for Veterans include personal care products, clothing of all sizes for women and men, tennis shoes with Velcro of all sizes, and ,jC and AAA batteries. ' " PRICE 750 Crooked Lake flooding crisis gets $400,000 loan for threat against Delton middle school Taylor Owens Staff Writer A 37-year-old Plainwell man, Joshua John Raulston, was arrested after allegedly threat­ ening to bring a gun to Delton Kellogg Middle School on Feb. 21, Barry County Undersheriff Matt Houchlei said. A school employee told Barry County Sheriff’s Liaison Deputy Marti Hormann of a conversation with Raulston around 1 p.m. that day. The employee said Raulston was upset. He said his son was being bullied, and that he See THREAT, page 6 Joshua John Raulston, 37, of Plainwell, was arrested after an alleged threat to Delton Kellogg Middle School. Hastings eyes marijuana opt-out Rebecca Pierce Editor Many local municipalities are tom over the recreational marijuana law -and the City of Hastings is no exception. Monday, city council members agonized over whether to opt out of the law before tak­ ing a step in that direction by instructing the clerk to draft a proposed ordinance. “The fear is that people can come in and somehow get a toehold in your community if you’re not prohibiting it up front,” City Manager Jeff Mansfield said. “It doesn’t pre­ vent you from opting out down the road.” City Attorney Stephanie Fekkes told the council that the most current information indi­ cates 113 communities in Michigan have opted out of the recreational marijuana law thus far. The absence of regulations as far as plan­ ning and zoning for both medical and recre­ ational marijuana - and the fact that the legis­ lation is still evolving - make opting out of both for the time being an attractive option, she said. She suggested the city take that approach by ordinance. There is concern that the business regula­ tionswill not be in place until December, but there’s some disc that state Gov. Gretchen Whitmer will* be asked to fast-track some things, Fekkes said. The rationale is, if the city doesn’t opt out, then a business that has already opened its doors could be grandfathered in. The recreational marijuana law is different from the medical version, too, in that it requires communities to opt out. With the See OPT-OUT, page 3 Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull briefs county commissioners last October on the flooding crisis in the Delton area. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer A $400,000 loan from Highpoint Community Bank was approved this week to help fight the flooding crisis in Barry County. That loan brings total funding earmarked for flood relief in the county to $900,000. To date, $404,841.91 of that total has been spent in an effort to reduce water levels on Crooked Lake. But lake levels remain high. Crooked Lake, at 4 feet over the legal low level, remains his No. 1 concern, county Drain Commissioner Jim Dull said. “Right now, we’re keeping it at bay with a bunch of pumps.” In the summer of 2018, at an emergency meeting of the county board, commissioners agreed to allocate $500,000 to find a flooding solution forjthe residentsjof Crooked Lake. Fast-Tbfwtel eight months: Dull and the task force are still working on it. At a meeting on Feb. 25, the group focused on long-term solutions. But those solutions, residents were told, are at least a year out. “This type of project takes time and can’t just happen,” Engineer Brian Cenci said at the task force meeting. “We’re moving as fast as See FLOODING, page 7 City replies to citizen question on PFAS Rebecca Pierce Editor PFAS contamination reported Feb. 15 at Viking Corp, prompted a question to Hastings City Council members during public discus­ sion at their meeting Monday night. Steve Walker of Walker Music & Textiles Company, 131 W. State St., asked, “What does that mean, as a resident of Hastings, for water supply and our wastewater treatment? Is there anything there that we need to worry about?” High levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, called PFAS, were found in shal­ low groundwater at Viking, 210 N. Industrial Park Drive, state officials have reported. Lower concentrations also were found on neighboring property owned by Scotia Land Co. of Southfield where the AT&T building is located. These sites are adjacent to where, years ago, Viking tested products using a chemi­ cal-based firefighting foam, officials said. Tests did not detect these compounds in the Hastings municipal water system, state, coun­ ty and city officials have confirmed. Elevated levels of PFAS, in shallow groundwater environmental monitoring wells at Viking “may be related to our use of a com­ mon type of firefighting foam in the late 1990s and early 2000s,” Jeff Norton, vice president of marketing for Viking, said. “The firefighting foams that we use today have different chemistries than the foams we used in the past,” Norton said Friday. “Viking no longer tests with foam containing PFOA and PFOS - the chemicals that have been the See QUESTION, page 8 Memorial for a father and his son ends with one last ride ... Bowling fundraiser helps feed youngsters Hastings Bowl will transform into the wild, wild West for the fourth annual Barry County Hungry Games fundraiser to fight childhood hunger in the county. Funds raised from the event will benefit more than 400 students participating in take-home meal programs in Hastings, Delton Kellogg and Thomapple Kellogg school districts. The Hungry Games Wild, Wild West bowling balls will start rolling in three See NEWS BRIEFS, page 2 Hastings middle and elementary school students created these paper lanterns to express their grief for the loss of friend and classmate Joseph Kennedy. The luminaries were displayed throughout the Performing Arts Center Saturday during the memorial service. Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Little lights were shining Saturday for 12-year-old Joseph and his dad, 55-year-old Steven Kennedy, at the Performing Arts Center at Hastings High School. Hundreds of family, friends and community members attended. Chad Seeber, a family member, offi­ ciated. And placed throughout the center, from the entrance to the stage, were glowing paper lanterns, luminaria made by Joseph’s friends and classmates, to commemorate his spirit and how his light had touched each one of them. Each luminaria displayed a special message of farewell, love and friendship. Steven and Joseph died when their vehicle left the road and crashed into a tree on Charlton Park Road, south of Center Road, on Saturday, Feb. 16. “I lost half my family in that one moment,” Wendy Kennedy, Steven’s wife and Joseph’s mother, said. “Wrapping my head around it is hard. I still think my car is going to roll into the driveway, and I’ll see my boys getting out.” Joseph had an older brother, 21-year-old Dalton Kennedy, who survives him. Wendy said they were on their way to pick up a friend of her son to go roller skating at the Hastings Roll-A-Rama when the accident occurred. “Oh my gosh, Joseph loved roller skating. He went nearly every week, and he was pitch­ ing a fit about not being able to go Friday night,” she said. “Skating is a family thing. My mom and I both loved to skate.” Her husband was employed at Middleville Tool and Die for seven years before an injury forced him to shift his career to the construc­ tion trade. He and Wendy owned and operated See MEMORIAL, page 3 �Page 2 — Thursday, February 28, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Hastings city attacks . * infrastructure issues Barry County Commissioner Dave Jackson, who opposed proceeding with the contract Tuesday, talks to Adam Doubblestein, principal of TowerPinkster, after the commission meeting. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) County OKs $70,000 jail facilitator pact Rebecca L. Pierce Editor Despite objections from a couple of Barry County commissioners, the plan for a jail facilitator is moving forward again. In a 5-2 vote Tuesday, the county board agreed to sign a professional services contract with TowerPinkster. The work, not to exceed $70,000 plus reim­ bursable expenses, will facilitate projects for a jail and Commission on Aging building. Commissioners Howard Gibson, Dave Jackson and Jon Smelker favored tabling the action for a month until the hoard’s ad hoc committee could complete its study of the Barry-Eaton District Health Department. But that motion failed, 3-4, with Vivian Conner, Ben Geiger, Dan Parker and Heather Wing voting against it. Then, in action to approve the contract that followed, Gibson and Jackson opposed it. Smelker flipped his vote and went with the •majority. After the meeting, he said it was “no use beating a dead horse.” A vote on the plan had been postponed twice since last fall, as some commissioners argued in favor of first hearing a report from the ad hoc committee of Parker, Smelker and Wing, who had been assigned to examine the financial feasibility of the health department. Gibson asked if TowerPinkster, as a part of its work, would look at the existing health department building as a viable option for housing the Commission on Aging. Other commissioners replied that they thought so. But Jackson said he still has concerns about the price tag, pointing to the facilities study the county had done just a few years back. “It’s a lot of taxpayer money to put out there. Is our health department in the right place? Should we move our health department? This is an onion that you just start peeling back the layers ...” Jackson noted that Hastings city officials were doing a review of their local services and the cost for the review was considerably less. He suggested to other commissioners that “we take our time and put this off for 30 days and look at saving our taxpayers $15,000.” Parker disagreed, saying the delay would just be kicking the can even further down the road. Wing said, “I think part of the hang-up is the $70,000. When you look at the original contract as amended, the additional cost for the walkthrough was a few thousand. [But] what the study didn’t include is a facilities cost index report, which is TowerPinkster taking their engineers through the Friend of the Court and looking at what we should do with it. “The other money was added to the educa­ tional information part of it. When the study is done and we have to develop materials to educate the public, those funds were built into that.” Wing pointed out that those are “not to exceed” figures, saying those costs could be less - or not spent at all - so the county could reduce the amount it spends on this project. TowerPinkster is the Grand Rapids/ Kalamazoo company that previously per­ formed an assessment of county facilities in 2014-15 as part of the county’s facilities mas­ ter plan. In other business, commissioners: - Approved an annual agreement of $133,891 for economic development services between the county and the economic devel­ opment alliance and its parent organization, the county chamber of commerce, through Dec. 31. }J7 - Approved the purchase of Youth Center Juvenile Case Management Software for $3,500, with a monthly cost of $440. - Approved a $10,000 grant between the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and the Trial Court for Regional Detention Support Services. - Heard a report from Liz Lenz, coordinator for the Barry County Substance Abuse Task Force. - Met in a public hearing on the 2019-2023 Barry County Parks and Recreation five-year master plan and approved the plan as amend­ ed. - Approved claims totaling $181,194. NEWS BRIEFS continued from front page time periods, 10 a.m., 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday, March 9, at Hastings Bowl, 203 E. Woodlawn Ave. Participants may choose their preferred time slot and are encouraged to dress up in their best wild West clothing for themed photos and giveaways. Early registration is recommended to get a pre­ ferred time slot. There will also be a live trivia game. The total cost of five-person teams is $250, which includes three games of bowl­ ing, shoes and bowling balls for each partic­ ipant. Bowlers will have the opportunity to select one or more of the three participating organizations to receive their donations: Delton Kellogg’s Panther Pack program run by the Delton Area Rotary Club, Journey Church’s Hand2Hand program serving TK Schools or the Hastings Area Schools Food Services Backpack meal program. The games are open to business teams, organizations and individual groups want­ ing to help support the take-home food programs and having fun doing it. Non­ bowlers wanting to donate nonperishable food items and toiletries are invited to bring the items to the drop-off location at the event check-in inside the bowling alley. Items received in the drop-off area will be distributed to food pantries in Barry County. More information, including registration and how to donate, can be found at face­ book .com/barrycountyhungry games or by calling Diane Haines, 269-948-2044. Barry-Roubaix quickly filling up This year’s Barry-Roubaix race already has 2,900 racers signed up, according to Hastings Police Chief Jeff Pratt. When countywide responders met this week to prepare for this year’s race, they were told that the number of registrations, compared to this same time last year, exceeds last year by 1,200. The largest gravel road race, which will be capped at 3,500 racers, will get under­ way at 7 a.m. April 13. Rebecca Pierce Editor Slightly less than 10 percent of a nearly $800,000 state grant will help pay for what Hastings Director of Public Services Lee Hays called a multifaceted attack on city infrastructure. The work will involve televising and clean­ ing approximately 10,000 linear feet of sani­ tary sewer main, inspection of 1,250 storm catch basins, gutter and culvert inspections of Fall Creek at Grand, Clinton and Marshall streets, he said. What remains of the state Department of Environmental Quality Stormwater, Asset Management and Wastewater program grant will cover the $80,443 cost of the Perceptive Services Contract. The city council approved the plan at its Monday night meeting. Local labor on the project will be applied as the 10 percent local match required by the state, Hays said. The city council went on to discuss a pro­ posed Hubbell, Roth and Clark update of the wastewater treatment plant project plan, which expired in 2017. This update, at a cost of $28,800 to be paid from the fund balance in the city’s water and sewer fund, should be complete in six to eight weeks, Hays said. Then the city can apply for loans by July 1. Councilwoman Brenda McNabb-Stange pointed out that this action was not budgeted, so the city is requiring additional funds to pay for it. She asked why. City Manager Jeff Mansfield explained that the wastewater treatment project had original­ ly been scheduled for 2017. But, when the city initiated the SAW program grant in 2017, the wastewater treatment project was set back. As a result, the existing project plan is no longer certified with the state DEQ and will have to be updated for the city to be eli­ gible for funding. In addition, since the city will have to issue bonds to cover the costs of the project, to comply with those methods of funding, the project plan will have to be updated. Mansfield noted that the work the city council was considering for approval Tuesday night was not likely to lead to any infrastruc­ ture needs; instead, it would mostly be clean­ ing and additional inventorying. A rate increase would pay for the debt ser­ vice on the bonds, he said. “We looked at revenue bonds or general obligation bonds, but the interest rates far outweigh the costs.” “We now think we have a really good han­ dle on all capital improvements over probably next 10 years.” Mansfield added. “We can’t really see out farther than that. But we think that we’ll have a rate structure recommendation that will be adequate for an extended period of time.” Council members asked about replacement of lead service lines. This is something the city is working on; one lead line was replaced last month, Mansfield said. The city has a variety of options to consid­ er, he said. It can take a pay-as-you-go approach or tackle all of it over the course of a couple of years. Surprisingly, Mansfield said, the cost would be about the same with either approach. Meanwhile, DEQ rules pertaining to lead lines are still evolving. The city is not mandat­ ed to do anything until 2025. The work has to be complete by 2045, he added. “But we may want to tie it into the street analysis and deal with the streets at the same time,” Mansfield suggested. “There may be enough that are close together that it makes sense to deal with them at the same time as the streets.” “If we don’t do anything, will we be in violation with the DEQ?” Mayor Dave Tossava asked. “We will be,” Mansfield replied. “They are anticipating this project. We have dealt with most of the issues, but we need to move for­ ward.” In other action, the council authorized a contract with the state to provide electronic pollbooks at no cost for each of the city’s four wards for use in its May election. Deputy City Manager Jerry Czarnecki and Clerk/Finance Manager//Treasurer Jane Saurman discussed the new law that requires all precincts to use electronic pollbooks. These will streamline the process and allow immediate verification that voters are in the right precincts, Saurman said. But the contract was not provided to coun­ cil members in advance. “It’s the same contract the state has used since starting this program,” Czarnecki said. In the vote, McNabb-Stange was the lone dissenter. “I can’t approve a contract I haven’t read” she said. In other business, the council approved: - Payment of invoices of $48,35 tp Integrated Controls Inc. for freshwater treat­ ment plant controls upgrade; and $7,315 to GDK for brownfield cost reimbursement. - The Hastings Downtown Business Team plan to host the Spring Girls Night Oijt with music and sidewalk sales from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 2. A request from Mike Henry to reserve the ball fields at Bob King and Fish Hatchery parks in coordination with the YMCA for the baseball season. Adopting a library ordinance to allow for members of the city and Rutland Charter Township to serve on the library board. A member from Hastings Charter Township would be allowed to serve on the board if the township approves a millage request for library services in the May election. Asking city staff for more information oi natural gas rates before approving a contract. The city currently has a three-year contract with Interstate Gas Supply Inc. that expires April 1. Police Chief Jeff Pratt’s report that his department handled 507 complaints, with 21 arrests, 19 traffic accidents, 36 citations and no personal injury accidents. Community Development Director Dan King’s review of economic development proj­ ects and the need for affordable housing. Setting a workshop at 6 p.m. March 11 to discuss utility rate recommendations. Going into executive session to consider the purchase of real property. No action was taken at the conclusion of that closed session. The meeting was adjourned. Hastings closes in on superintendent candidate selection Taylor Owens Staff Writer Trust and transparency were among the biggest priorities the staff and community has for the next superintendent of Hastings Area Schools. “I heard it in nearly every single conversa­ tion in some context,” Michigan Association of School Boards Director of Leadership Development Donna Oser said during her 2 J/2-hour presentation and discussion with the board of education Monday. Oser is guiding the board in selecting the next superintendent to replace Dr. Carrie Duits, who will retire June 30. Oser presented the results of her meetings with the public, school staff groups and an online survey. There were 163 respondents to the survey, one-third of whom were staff, and 72 percent said they had lived in the district more than 10 years. In the survey, honest and ethical was listed as the most important personal characteristic for a superintendent. Other top characteristics listed were transparent, personable, approach­ able, a strong communicator, a strong listener and collaborative. Of the respondents, 41 percent said they want a very different kind of candidate from the current leadership, “one who is ready to take the district in a significantly different direction.” Only 20 percent said they wanted a candidate who “will stay the course and continue the good work of the current admin­ istration.” “There definitely is a will for change,” Oser said. The area of expertise that scored the most important in the survey was public relations, ahead of budget, curriculum, human resourc­ es, labor negotiations and facilities manage­ ment. “This is an awfully tense environment,” Oser said. She observed polarization in the communi­ ty concerning their views on the district, but also pointed to a considerable amount of ten­ sion, between the unions and the administra­ tion that the next superintendent will need to address. “It wasn’t so much personal as it was his­ toric,” Oser said. “Every group I met with I heard a litany of everything that had trans­ pired over a long period of time.” The majority of respondents, 53 percent, said the minimum level of education the next superintendent should have is a master’s degree with a certification, which was 40 points ahead of the No. 2 answer, specialist with certification. Only 8 percent of respon­ dents said the superintendent needs a doctor­ ate. “No one seemed to be too excited about a doctorate here,” Oser said. The top answer for experience in a previous position was teacher at 53 percent, building Michigan Association of School Boards Director of Leadership Development Donna Oser delivers the results of her stakeholder input meetings and survey for the next superintendent. principal was next at 37 percent and superin­ tendent closely followed at 35 percent. “It’s difficult to have credibility with edu­ cators if you have not had K-12 class experi­ ence,” Oser said. After her report, Oser asked the board what they believed were the challenges for the next superintendent. Trustee Dan Patton said the administration needs a long-term vision for the district. President Luke Haywood said facility improvements will be a challenge, since the school has fallen behind due to lack of fund­ ing. The board went over Oser’s superintendent selection criteria based on the stakeholder input, and made some changes. Oser said the criteria is in place for candidates to read and tell the board how they can meet those requirements in the interview process. Some alterations the board made were in the wording, such as changing “ability to pos­ itively impact student achievement” to “evi­ dence of successfully impacting student achievement.” The board set the salary range of the posi­ tion at $125,000 to $145,000. Superintendent Carrie Duits currently makes $134,550.The board also unanimously agreed to compel the superintendent to reside within 20 miles of the district, which is what it can legally ask of a new superintendent. “If we want to commit to somebody, they should commit to the district,” trustee Robert Pohl said. He suggested if the board does not like the initial crop of candidates, that stipula­ tion can be removed. Oser recommended the board give the superintendent a two-year grace period and a relocation fee if the board decides to require residency within 20 miles. In other business, Duits thanked the district crisis team for its work after the death of mid­ dle school student Joseph Kennedy. Duits said there were numerous examples of the work they did to help the students cope with the loss, such as putting a counselor on Kennedy’s school bus for a day. She also thanked the students who made posters and gifts to help support classmates and Kennedy’s family. “We are grateful to all who invited support for his friends and family,” Duits said. As of Monday, the district has had 13 snow days, and Central Elementary has had 14. The district will need to make up three days, and Central will need to make up four. The time cannot be made up by extending half days into full days. In the personnel report, Bambi Rickets was assigned as a substitute paraprofessional, and school bus driver Thomas Rettinger resigned. The school received a donation of $3,500 from Miller Real Estate to pay for half the cost of a baseball scoreboard, and an anony­ mous donation of $8,250 for bulkhead safety railings at the Community Education and Recreation Center pool. The next board work session will begin at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 12, in the media center of Star Elementary School. The next regular meeting will be at 7 p.m. Monday, March 18, in the performing arts center. A special meeting is planned at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 26, in the commons area of Hastings Middle School, during which the board plans to select questions and candidates for the superintendent position. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 28, 2019 — Page 3 Celebrating 60 years of caring for animals MEMORIAL, continued from page 1 A joint memorial service for 55-year-old Steven Kennedy and his 12-year-old son Joseph ends at the Hastings Area School System Performing Arts Center with one last ride on a Harley motorcycle. Escorting their cremains is Dalton, Steven’s eldest son, and Wendy, Steven’s widow. Dawn Konig (from left), Patti Richardson and Tim McGavin, volunteers with the Barry County Humane Society, discuss the shortage of pet food for distribution. Seamless Gutter Systems in Hastings for 20 years. Most recently, Steven worked part-time at Save-a-Lot in Hastings. He was bom and raised in Hastings and was a graduate of Hastings High School. Joseph attended Southeastern Elementary School in Hastings where he established a tight-knit group of friends. After the transition to middle school, he discovered his passion for music and participated in both band and choir programs. “In band, he played the clarinet, but his true love was for the saxophone,” Seeber said. Knowing what was in his brother’s heart, Dalton surprised Joseph on Christmas with a new saxophone. Joseph practiced every day, determined to make it into the saxophone section of the school band. Family time for the Kennedys was filled with adventures while exploring their home state of Michigan each year. They hunted mushrooms in the spring, visited the Coast Guard ship in Grand Haven and traveled north to go camping. Steven and Joseph shared a love of the open road and took every opportunity they could to enjoy an afternoon ride on the Harley Humane Society volunteer Mary Fisher documents the dog food given to a pet Davidson. owner who came in for help. “They were so close and always together. Even though Joseph was 12 years old, Steven Joan Van Houten During the 1990s, Humane Society mem­ would tuck him into bed every night. He Staff Writer bers recognized that, along with assisting in would read a book, or they would just talk for The Barry County Humane Society is cele­ projects at the animal shelter, there w^e other a bit. The two of them were kindred spirits,” brating its 60^ year of watching over the needs to be met in the community. she said. Wendy and SteV^ ^tould have celebrated welfare of animals in the county. Volunteers “We provide financial assistance to spay launched the organization in 1959 and remain and neuter pets and for pet niedical emergen­ their 20^ wedding anniversary on April 17. the driving force today. cies, provide and fund the ‘Pet-Meals-on- Her first wedding ring had colored stones. > “What we do in the community has expand­ Wheels’ program to help seniors feed their She had been telling him forbears that, when ed so much from what could be done back pets, and provide financial support for wild­ they reached this milestone, she wanted a “square ring with diamonds.”. Men; We’re excited to reach this milestone,” life rescue work,” Richardson said. ; Steven didn’t wait to make her dream come ^volunteer Patti Richardson said. Pet owners also can get help with pet food ? Original members of the board of directors to carry them through a difficult time, free true: Wendy opened a very special gift on '‘were: Millard R. Furman, president; Homer straw for animal beds and financial assistance Christmas morning in 2017. Inside the deli­ cate package was a square ring with dia­ <3. Bmichman, vice president; Jane Furman, is available for animal emergency situations. secretary; Ardith M. Baum, treasurer; and Getting through to pet owners about the monds. She said she can’t help but wonder if, Members Grace Denton, Valborg K. importance of spaying or neutering pets is a somehow, he knew he would not be here for Ranchman, Homer Baum, Lura Mattson and daily challenge, Fisher said, and getting the that anniversary. “He was my soulmate. Our lives were 'Alice Bauer. message out to people who are considering { The local Humane Society met and operat­ becoming pet owners to think about the about our children. They came first, and that’s out of members’ homes in the beginning, money involved in the care of an animal. She still true. If it was Joseph’s time to go, Steven initially, the organization focused on improv­ said daily expenses include dog or cat food, would never have let him go alone. And he ing conditions of the Barry County Animal cat litter, litter boxes, walking and toys to didn’t. My boys are together,” she said. The reality of Steven being gone is hitting Control. The first round of improvements keep pets healthy and occupied. If an emer­ included fans, a water heater, sign and office gency or illness occurs, the cost can be sever­ faster than accepting Joseph has died, she said. She knows they are gone, and her car is equipment. al hundred dollars. F “Back then, it was nothing more that a dog Fisher suggests: Don’t get a pet if you gone, and the cards keep coming and phone |5pund in poor condition ” Mary Fisher, cur­ know you’re going to struggle with feeding it. calls and emails with condolences, but she rent board member, said. Don’t have more pets than you can afford to looks around and sees them everywhere. She ; In the 1990s, maintaining the aging facility care for or have enough room to properly care sees them in the things they loved, like their [continued until a decision was made that a for. Get pets spayed or neutered to save future favorite shirts, their shoes by the door, a toy 'new structure was needed. The Humane animals from suffering. Once the decision is left out. “I’ve been so busy taking care of things, I Society donated $50,000, which was half of made to choose a pet, visit the Barry County ’the cost of construction, raised an additional Animal Shelter or purchase from a reputable haven’t really absorbed it all yet. I mean, my $50,000 toward the construction and put thou­ licensed and certified professional breeder. head knows, but it hasn’t completely hit my heart. There has been so many people reach­ sands of volunteer hours into the project. The Avoid puppy mills, at all costs. Barry County Board of Commissioners put in Richardson said people frequently mistake ing out, and they’re hurting. Joseph’s friends the final $50,000. Humane Society and the Barry County Animal and Dalton’s friends are our extended family. We’ve always thought of them as our chil­ After years of providing improvement to Shelter as the same organization. -the animal shelter, which still stands, a direc­ “We are two separate organizations. The dren, too. I need to be there for them. That’s tor was hired in place of the sheriff who had Humane Society often helps the animal shel­ what the Kennedys do. We take care of peo­ been in charge of operations. ter with food and other projects, and we pro­ ple. It’s what we’ve always done. I’m so Board chairman Tim McGavin, and mem­ vide additional services not available through exhausted at the end of the day, I just zone out bers Fisher, Richardson and Dawn Konig are the shelter,” McGavin said. “The Humane and fall asleep.” The outpouring of support from the com­ volunteers who are working to keep the soci­ Society in Barry County does not take in or ety’s services going and organizing fundrais­ physically care for animals. That job is for the munity and the school district has been phe­ nomenal, she said, and it’s sad that her hus­ ing events. animal shelter, and they do it well. i McGavin said Barry County Animal Shelter The Barry County Humane Society is open band and son will never know how much they Director Ken Kirsch, who was hired approxi­ from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday and Thursday. meant to the people they knew.. Stories about mately two years ago, has been doing an The office is located on the lower level of the an act of kindness, a joke at just the right amazing job taking the facility and animal Barry County Enrichment Center, 231 S. moment or a hug given when needed the most have been infused in nearly all the recent con­ :care to higher levels. He said Kirsch has Broadway. brought a wealth of experience and knowl­ Additional information is available by call­ versations she has had about them. “Joseph’s absence is deeply felt in the halls edge to his role and has a tremendous amount ing 269-945-0602, emailing barryhumaneof love and passion for the animals - and that soc@gmail.com or visiting the website barry- of our school,” said Cortney Coats, assistant has helped the cause of the Humane Society. county humane .org. ed That dichotomy concerned Councilman John Resseguie, too, who added to comments by Jarvis. “Somebody could bring this to a vote in our community,” Resseguie said. “We could have a special election if we opt out.” “Would it be like a recall where we would have to pay for it?” he asked Fekkes. “Yes,” she replied. “I totally understand why we would want to opt out until the regulations come out,” Resseguie said. “[But] the voters aren’t going principal of Hastings Middle School. “You just knew when he entered the building or a room. His energy and spirit touched everyone. I’m just heartbroken.” In continued support of the Kennedy fami­ ly, Hastings Roll-A-Rama is hosting a fund­ raiser from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., March 3, at the skating rink at 1907 S. M-37 Highway. The cost of admission is $5 per person. Activities for the evening include a raffle and silent auction with items donated by area businesses, individuals and organizations. All proceeds will be donated to the Kennedy fam­ ily“Two very precious people were taken from us,” Seeber said. “They were taken with­ out warning. Wendy lost her husband, the man she depended on in life. She felt the pain of losing her youngest son Joseph. Each mother has lost a son. A sister has lost a brother. Dalton has lost a father and a brother. We’ve all just lost.” AUDITIONS, AUDITIONS, AUDITIONS The Thornapple Players will host Muac amuydct tv'CcMftmr Guy Man UMMaw ttosarfustovwitawl OauM fetad WmM No is necessary the chorus is active and OPT-OUT, continued from page 1 'medical marijuana law, action is required opt in. Councilwoman Brenda McNabb-Stange said she would like to see ordinance language in which the city would opt out on both recre­ ational and medical marijuana. She proposed that it be drafted. Councilman Al Jarvis pointed out that, Overwhelmingly, state voters endorsed the Recreational marijuana law. Constituents say they want the law, but communities are saying regulations come first. Dalton Kennedy, 21, with his mom, Wendy Kennedy, depart after Saturday’s memo­ rial for Steven and Joseph Kennedy, who died in a traffic accident on Charlton Park Road Feb. 16. Hundreds of people went to the service at Hastings High School Performing Art Center to share memories and comfort family and friends. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) If you ore unable to attend the audition to understand that. Once we write this in stone to opt out, it’s going to be difficult to go back in and change everybody’s mind to opt in.” The motion approved by the council was to draft language for a proposed ordinance to “opt out of allowing local medical and recre­ ation marijuana facilities and establishments in the city” for the council’s consideration. Resseguie, the lone dissenter, said, “We’re going against what the voters have asked us - therefore it has the potential of costing us a lot of money.” « WlM fem jt 2b9 23 W or to set up an alter nate tfcne BEFORE the scheduled a uditlon dat >*. M 2&-J945 924g • Rs-ad through «son Monday,March 18 at 7PM.iU-heais.tls will run Monday,Tuesday,and ihur^A'iy from tg PM. 1 I,.-., wffl some extra -If. • r- h-;>r •„<!«. .s.m- not S3S2--.................................................................. ........................................ tech Rrfwwwl is Sunday. April m /w. berjirmmg on Wednesday, May I v, ith an open to th*- irabir dresi lehe.w.j I thru May 4 endincj with a 2PM rrwtinee «» Sunday. Msy •>, �Page 4 — Thursday, February 28, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you see? Temporary shelving Is there an honest one among them? Fluctuating water levels on the Thornapple River have left behind natural gauges of river height in the form of shelves of ice, like these at Tyden Park in Hastings, several times this winter. Temperatures are expected to reach the mid-30s Friday, but then, dip down to single digits several nights next week. We’re dedicating this space to a photograph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics. com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? River clean-up Banner Dec. 11, 1969 Break Ground for Project - Rolland “Bob” Lyons, Prairieville, chairman of the county board of supervisors, handles the shovel at the formal groundbreaking ceremony to officially launch the start of the waste lagoon project at the Barry County Medical Facility. The work is well underway and is to eliminate pollution of the Thornapple River by the medical facility. Hastings Township officials are cooperating with county leaders in financing the project, and are issuing $110,000 in bonds. The county is to repay them. Holwerda Heating and Plumbing of Wyoming has the contract for $31,876. At the ceremony are (from left) Luther Lenz; Charles Norris; Mrs. Peg Buerge, administrator of the medical facility; Homer Becker; Mrs. Thomas [Evelyn] Ogden; Floyd Miller; Mrs. Juanita Slocum, Hastings Township clerk; Louis Gilbert; Lyons; Roy Noffke; William Hayes; Wayne Pennock; Joe Bennett; Mrs. Beatrice Fisher, director of the bureau of social services; Ken Radant; James O’Connor, Hastings Township trustee; and Victor Eckardt. Jack O’Connor, Hastings Township supervisor, did not attend the ceremony. Eckardt, Hayes, Noffke, Becker, Pennock, Lenz, Gilbert, Lyons, Bennett and Radant are county board members. Norris, Mrs. Ogden and Miller are members of the social welfare board. Have you met? William Melvin Oakley III is the recently appointed director of the Castleton-Maple Grove-Nashville EMS Department. He grew up on the west side of Detroit in western Wayne County and attended Churchill High School. He graduated from Western Michigan University with a broadcast communications degree and has been a paramedic since 2004. Oakley has worked for the American Medical Response team for 14 years and has been an instructor since 2010. He presently lives in Clarksville, works full time for the CMGNA in Nashville and is on the board for the Rural Michigan EMS Network. He has been married to his wife, Teresa, since 2012 and has two young daughters. “What I like about my job is that there is a different challenge every day,” Oakley said. “It’s a challenge every day, but I get to help people in each of those challenges.” After all of the years he has spent in the profession, he said he thought he had pretty much seen and experienced it all. “When I took this position, I realized that there is so much I didn’t know that I didn’t know,” Oakley said. “It’s been amazing to learn.” For his hard work and commitment to the job and community, Mel Oakley is this week’s Bright Light. Best advice ever received: Love what you do, and it won’t feel like work. First job: I was a paper boy for The Observer in Livonia. Favorite book: Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink. It is great Navy Seal combat stories that translate into lessons for business Mel Oakley and life. Person I’d most like to meet: Jesus Christ because He is a great teacher and is so impressive. I’d like to see that in person. If I could have any superpower, it would be: to stretch hours or make time stand still. I would also like to have a better memory. Favorite vacation destination: Alaska because it is so wide open and beautiful. Something about me most people don’t know: I am a third; I am named after my father and grandfather. What I’d tell a high school graduate: Enjoy life now. Don’t be in a hurry. Best gift I ever received: My upbringing. I had good parents who gave me a great foundation and were good examples. Favorite dinner: Grilled steak and pota­ toes My biggest challenge: Learning any for­ eign languages. I have tried so hard, but it just doesn’t come to me. I would really like to learn Spanish so that I can use it when I am teaching. It’s really hard when you are trying to present with an interpreter. If only I could: Remember things better. When I grow up, I want to be: A grown­ up, but not yet. I’m most proud of: My family and our staff at CMGNA for keeping things together through the tough times. What I’d do if I won the lottery: Not tell a soul. Favorite cartoon character: Wiley Coyote because he is funny. He has such tenacity, and he’s creative. He fails a lot but never gives up. Favorite childhood memory: Being up north at our family property in the summers. Hobbies: Jiu-jitsu, hiking, camping with small groups of friends. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news @j-adgraphics .com. Down goes another one. Last week’s stunning news that Robert Kraft, billionaire owner of the National Football League champion New England Patriots, has been charged with soliciting prostitution at a Florida strip mall shouldn’t have been so shocking. Public figures and community leaders who’ve been given our trust are getting fingerprinted and mug-shot photographed faster than a kid can ask for an autograph these days. The big ones get the headlines, of course. I’m still reeling from the lifelong admiration I had for Bill Cosby that got tom to shreds with the uncovering of how he used his rep­ utation as “America’s Dad” to serially rape and despise women. It’s still hard to watch Tiger Woods golf and forget the mistreat­ ment he once forced his family - and ador­ ing fans - to endure. World-class cyclist Lance Armstrong even went so far as to blame teammates for the performance-en­ hancing drug scandal that he himself mas­ terminded. Give me back my disgraced Southern kitchen sweetheart Paula Dean and those tearful televised sermons of the hollow Bible-thumping Jim and Tammy Faye Bakker. I can’t even hum the tune to “I Believe I Can Fly” without seeing that sear­ ing mugshot of R. Kelly and knowing one of the greatest singers of all time couldn’t fly himself out of jail in Chicago this past week­ end. It’s not just the rich and famous who are busting our bubbles, though. Who hasn’t been betrayed in their own personal life by someone thought to be a friend, a mentor or even a parent or a spouse? It’s a lasting hurt. I still feel the disillusion from 50 years ago when a family doctor, whose advice helped me deal with the social upheaval of living away at college, made the news with a sloppy - or maybe intentional - Medicare billing scam that cost him his practice and eventually, amidst the shame, his life through suicide. Certainly, there are gradations of lying; we all do it. Our Facebook profiles give us away. On social media, people want to show their best. On a resume, we don’t list our disappointments or failures. A night out on the town usually comes after donning fash­ ionable clothes and a splash of cologne or perfume. Almost every day we cover our perceived imperfections, but most of us don’t perpetuate deception and depravity like some who calculate their lives to look admirable, upright and true. Some people in our world live a lie and it’s only right that they be called out and held accountable. Sure, maybe today is different. Scandals and lies have been part of life since Eve was enticed to eat that apple she was told would make her as wise as God. Today’s relentless and pervasive media also amplifies and drives the ratings for salacious news. So why be so hard on someone like Robert Kraft whose alleged activity at an illicit massage parlor approaches only misde­ meanor level? Or Lance Armstong? After all, he wasn’t pushing heroin or meth - his drugs were designed to bring out the abso­ lute limit of human performance. Who could fault someone wanting to be his best? I shudder in my agreement that today is, indeed, different. Maybe not for the head­ line-grabbing violators who are living lives no different than those rogue leaders and stars who came before them, but for us, all of us, who are witnessing and becoming nonchalant to the lies with which these pop­ ular frauds excuse their behavior and seek to hold their cultural status. Rachel DenHollander, the former Michigan State University gymnast and now lawyer in Indianapolis, could have been addressing them all when she delivered her victim impact statement at the Jan. 24,2018, sentencing of Larry Nassar. Nassar is the former MSU and U.S. Olympics coach, found guilty on seven counts of sexual assault on minors and accused of molesting more than 250 young women and one young man as far back as 1992. “When a person loses the ability to define good and evil,” DenHollander said in a packed Ingham County courtroom, “they can no longer define and enjoy what is truly good.” DenHollander’s counsel could also have been directed to all of us. By becoming accustomed to the seemingly constant lies peppering us every day, we ourselves become less able to determine the line between right and wrong, not only in our heroes and community leaders, but in our own lives, as well. Although Jussie Smollett, the actor from the television series “Empire,” doggedly holds to his innocence amidst charges by the Chicago Police Department that he faked an incident of racial and sexual assault by two attackers, he has a massive amount of evi­ dence to overcome, which he will be allowed to do in a court of law. But in the end, some­ one in this case - Smollett or the Chicago Police Department - will be found to have perpetrated a massive, destructive lie. That hurts all of society - most especially all of us if we just shrug it off as another day in the big city. That’s not to say there’s no room for for­ giveness, even for the most despicable of acts and especially for those violators hon­ orable and humble enough to admit their wrongdoings. True forgiveness, though, must come with justice. DenHollander has been eloquent on that aspect of the discus­ sion, too, having shared her admirable per­ sonal fortitude with an audience at Calvin College’s annual January Series Jan. 22, a lecture that was viewed by many locally via closed-circuit television at the Hastings Public Library. “Without justice, we lose sight of what is right,” maintained DenHollander who, in her victim impact statement in 2018, asked Judge Rosemarie Aquilina to sentence Nassar to the maximum 40-175 years. “I take no joy in their [his] punishment. In fact, I feel empathy for them [him]. Justice sim­ ply maintains the line of what is right. Without it, we erode our consciousness of what is right.” As part of that erosion of recognizing what is right, I worry that we’re also losing our ability to determine who among our future leaders does stand strong, steadfast and true. Many years ago, an English lady was heard to ask a Paris policeman standing at the barricades surrounding a student demonstration why he held such antipathy toward the students. “There may be a future DeGaulle among them,” the woman pointed out, referring to the former French world leader. The officer immediately replied, “Yes, but there may be a future Hitler among them, too.” Today, the Democratic Party is preparing for 20 candidates to run as the^ party’s 2020 presidential nominee. Another-candidate is considering an Independent Party run, and there may be a remote possibility of some­ one challenging President Donald Trump for the Republican Party nomination. The criti­ cal question before America in this age of sliding accountability and lying personali­ ties: “Is there an honest person among them?” Even more critical: “If there is such a person, will we even be able to recognize him or her?” The stakes are high and becoming even more critical with every fall from grace we witness in the media and in our personal lives. Americans cannot be inured to the erosion of standards and moral principles. The line between good and evil must be demarcated, liars must be called out and held to justice. Forgiveness must be extend­ ed with justice, and we must elevate, vener­ ate and protect honorable leaders - even those social notables and cultural heroes who live lives of integrity. To me, that could start with Rachel DenHollander. For a school still reeling from charges of moral turpitude and for a board of trustees appearing to have been complicit with those who hid the crimes of Larry Nassar and related staffers, Michigan State University could immediately and prominently regain an image of leadership and integrity by considering DenHollander in its current search for a new university president. “Without darkness, we cannot appreciate the light. When you diminish one, you weaken the other,” DenHollander said, com­ paring good and evil, in her January Series address Jan. 22. “If goodness exists, there is hope.” I could be wrong. Even DenHollander could be a leader who someday stumbles, but, for someone who quotes C.S. Lewis in justifying her belief in an outside moral source, I believe our faith could be wellplaced. “Justice supports and reinforces our belief in what is right,” she maintained in her January talk. “That means standards exist. When we lose our standards, justice no lon­ ger exists. C.S. Lewis argued that a man does not know he’s walking crooked unless he knows what straight is.” Rachel DenHollander is the type of leader we need in every community in America to set us straight - before another one goes down. Doug VanderLaan, Guest Columnist “When a person loses the ability to define good and evil, they can no longer define and enjoy what is truly good.” Rachel DenHollander �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 28, 2019 —- Page 5 Manager search over for Lake Odessa Politicians, media should rely on facts To the editor: I look forward to the weekly In My Opinion in The Hastings Banner, and the Feb. 14 col­ umn was especially of interest. As a journalism major in the mid-1960s, I am in total agreement with Fred Jacobs’ opin­ ion about today’s news media. The current “journalist” is quick to print or verbalize with total disregard for research, facts and the ■ truth. In my opinion, elected state and federal politicians can be included with many in the news media. Those elected stand behind a wall of microphones and expound on topics about which they have not a clue. Talking with an appearance of authority, they are merely mouthing today’s talking points. Putting it plainly, some of these elected officials offend the intelligence of those who put them in office. Their thinking must be that the public is of low intelligence and cannot possibly understand the issues and world events. We are to believe that everything is free; the government can provide it all. The prima­ ry reason for this ideology is re-election. Did we not put them in office to govern, represent, to investigate and present the facts? Bradley Wire, Shelbyville lllli Write Us A Letter . . ..■•>■__________ ___ 1- :-------------- .--t, ..................... • : —- ‘ The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: • All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer'letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced rvnow ■ ' ■ . Your Legislators: "... ■ lit . • .■ it _ _____________ _ Bonnie Mattson Staff Writer Lake Odessa Village Council members unanimously approved a motion to offer a contract to village manager candidate Patrick Reagan at a special meeting Wednesday, Feb. 13. The offer is for a full-time position starting on or about April 10, with an annual salary of $70,000. An incentive of a one-time $1,000 starting bonus to cover moving expenses also was included. Reagan will receive the same bene­ fits as other village employees under the vil­ lage’s employee handbook with the following exceptions: 120 hours of vacation each year. Unused vacation days will be forfeited and will not carry over. The village will allow attendance at professional training seminars, conferences and other programs necessary to remain informed about new management State House leadership identifies car insurance, road repairs as top priorities State Rep. Julie Calley recently announced priorities for the 2019-20 legislative term, including efforts to reduce car insurance rates, continue infrastructure improvements, improve opportunities for students and increase government transparency. Calley, of Portland, joined House Republican colleagues to unveil an action plan called “Leading the Way for an Even Better Michigan.” The document includes several priorities that will receive special emphasis in the next two years. “Michigan has made great progress in recent years, but our work is never done,” What do you 19th District State Senate, Dr' John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855­ 347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by accessing our website, www. HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the fol­ lowing week. Last week: State officials have resisted setting a drinking water standard for PFAS, saying the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency should do it. Do you think Michigan should establish a state­ wide drinking water standard for PFAS? Yes 73% No 27% Banner Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com * Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM • Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer Tanett Hodge Bonnie Mattson Taylor Owens Joan Van Houten □ Yes □ No • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker $45 per year in Barry County $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere Subscription Rates: POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber 4,5,6,1 night cruises on the St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers aboard the nostalgic replica steamboat CANADIAN EMPRESS Quebec City, Ottawa, Kingston departures...Cah now for your 2019 brochure www.StLawrenceCruiseLines.com 1 -800-267-7868 New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License #8110376 Office (269) 948-2248 & Insured Mobile (269) 838-5112 neo #2168740 PIANO ACCOMPANIST NEEDED Mary Youngs ‘Benefit Concert Saturday, March 2 7:00 p.m. At the new Publisher & CEO For this week: Fewer local governments publish legal notices. Should they be held accountable to inform taxpayers of more of their actions? CANADIAN RIVER CIRRI 253 Ontario St., Suite 200 Kingston, ON K7L 2Z4 U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. Frederic Jacobs preparation programs. The House action plan is available at gophouse .org/leading-the-way. Calley said. “Through this action plan, we reinforce our commitment to addressing Michigan’s greatest challenges through impactful reforms.” Priorities include: -Lower car insurance rates. Michigan driv­ ers now pay the highest average premiums in the nation. -Road and water system improvements. -Increased government transparency. Currently, the governor, lieutenant governor and Legislature are exempt from public dis­ closure rules. -Investments to improve schools and job ■ ii .r.u. Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Gailey, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov The Hastings Another agenda item from the special meeting saw council members vote 6-1 against selling 16.5 feet of property between 1738 and 1744 Jordan Lake Avenue. The property, which is a platted undeveloped street in the village, has been the subject of a dispute between neighbors for quite some time. The village debated the issue of abandon­ ing the property at a council meeting, but after learning that water and sewer lines run under the property, decided against it. “The village is not in the business of selling property,” council trustee Mel McCloud said. Banks was the only member in favor of selling, stating the dispute between neighbors over the property has taken up a lot of time for village staff over the past four years. “We could sell it and be done,” she said. techniques, methods, strategies or advance­ ments which would be reasonably related to the job. The offer is contingent upon completion of licensure, background checks, verification of references and receipt of proof of eligibility to work in the United States. Reagan, who lives in Crystal Falls, was one of four candidates to interview for the posi­ tion left open after current part-time village manager Julie Salman announced in December 2018 her decision to return to the private sec­ tor. Following her recommendation, the coun­ cil voted to return the position to full time. In an email to the Lakewood News Feb. 14, village council president Karen Banks said Reagan has accepted the offer, requesting a start date of April 15. “We’re excited that he’ll be joining us,” Banks said, “and look forward to helping him transition back south and into his new role.” jS for Green Street Hastings First United Methodist Church. Hours would include Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings. Some experience preferred, but will look at all levels. Possible opportunities for use of other musical talents, including pipe organ experience. Job Type: Part-time Salary: Negotiable Please call 269-908-0528 and leave a message fi HIGH SCHOOL PERFORMING ARTS CENTER “Make Your Own tlfind oftMusic ” TURN UP THE VOLUME TIME TO BILLY IDOL STEVESTEVENS FRIDAY MARCH 22 SMOKEY ROBINSON SATURDAY, APRIL 6 Featuring Local Performers of all ages! A free will offering will be taken to support The Mary Youngs Scholarship Fund through The Barry Community Foundation. LEE BRICE FRIDAY, APRIL 19 DENNIS MILLER FRIDAY, MAY 17 TICKETS ON-SALE NOW at the FireKeepers Box Office or FireKeepersCasino.com. TIME TO GET YOUR VltdlVoN” iff FIREKEEPERS BATTLE CREEK 1-94 to Exit 104 I 11177 Michigan Avenue I Battle Creek, Ml 49014 Must be 21 or older. Tickets based on availability. Schedule subject to change. �Page 6 — Thursday, February 28, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Governor blocks plans for immigration detention center in Ionia Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at ”an old country church.” Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH M-37 South at M-79, Kimberly S. Metzer, pastor. Church phone 269-945­ 4995. Church Secretary­ Treasurer, Linda Belson. Office hours, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11 am to 3 pm. Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School; 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship Tuesday 9 am Men’s Bible Study at the church. Wednesday 6 p.m. Circle of Friends (Young Adult Special Needs Group) (October thru May). PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. & S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Thursday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www,fir.stchurchh.ast.ings. org. 9 a.m. Traditional Service; 10:30 a.m. Contemporary service. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945­ 9217. cbchastings.org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945-2698. www. grace-hastings.org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran ChurchELCA Hastings. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses' _ flexfab Hum ■ Fiberglass ■ Products AMBBESMM NUttlNbftBfdpfflt 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 102 Cook Hastings 945-4700 V. Lorene Wellman WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheelchair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9: 30 a.m. Worship Time 10: 30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email h.as.tfmc@ gmafrcom. Website: www, hastingsfreeniHhx) Pastor Brian Teed, Associate GREEN STREET Pastor Andy Baird and Stu­ UNITED METHODIST dent Ministry7 Director, Emma CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, Miller. Sundays: Nursery and MI 49058. Rev. Bryce toddler (birth through age 3) Feighner Office Phone: 269­ care provided. SUNDAY FAMILY 945.9574. Email: office. MORNING greenstreeiUmc @ gmail.com. HOUR - ALL AGES AND Sunday, Schedule - The STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word a.m. Deep Blue at Home with 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. God: Pres$hool-6th Grade. Nursery Care is available Live: 7th-l^th Grade. Adult through age 4; PreK-8th Standard agd Adult Elective grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; classes. Coffee Talk: Fellow­ Sunday School for Adults at ship Hall. Rookies at 10:05 11 a.m. Upright Revolt a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 Youth Ministry (6th-12th a.m. and Children's Church grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Age 4-4th grade dismissed Community Meal every during service. Aftermath Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Student Ministry - 6:30-8:30 Facebook for weather p.m., 7th-12th grades. Wednesday: Kids Club conditions. "Under Construction”; Wed., Feb. 13-Mar. 27, 6:30-7:45 HASTINGS p.m., Kids age 4-6th grade are BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. welcome; Women's Bible Matt Moser, Lead Pastor;. Study 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thurs­ Ryan Rose, Family Life day: Adult Bible Study 10 Pastor. Sunday Services: a.m. 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Service; 6 p.m. Evening Discover God’s Grace with Service: Senior High Youth us! Holy Communion Every Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Sunday! Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., March 3 - Worship services AWANA (Children at 8 and 10:45 a.m. March 4 Kindergarten-5th Grade), - Social Activities Mtg. 6:30 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School p.m. March 5 - Executive Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Mtg. 6 p.m. March 6 - Ash Bible Study and Prayer. Call Wednesday - Supper 6 p.m. Church Office 948-8004 for Lenten Service 7 p.m. March information on MITT 7 - Clapper Kids 3:45 p.m.; (Mothers in Training Grace Notes 5:45 p.m. Pastor Together), Sports Ministries, Ken Scheck IL pastorken© Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. grace-hastings.org. Location: WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. Verlie Sadra Del Cotto 770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541 Verlie (Sue) Sadra Del Cotto passed away Wednesday, Feb. 20, 2019 in her home with family. She was born March 28, 1943 in Indiana to Fred and Dorothy Howard. Sue was raised in Kentucky until relocating to Chicago, IL then settled in Hastings, in 1966. She worked for Hastings Manufacturing for many years while putting herself through Kalamazoo Val­ ley Community College for criminal justice. Sue’s career started at the Barry Coun­ ty Sheriff’s Department in 1976, where she started off in dispatch before training to be­ come a road officer. She then finished her ca­ reer as a bailiff for the Barry County Court system, retiring in 2001, after 25 years of service to the Hastings community she loved so much. She was the first female officer to serve on the road in Barry County. Sue loved to play golf, pool, and cards with friends. She spent many hours volunteering for our community and was a longtime mem­ ber of the Hastings Elks Lodge. Sue enjoyed spending time with her family very much and will be greatly missed. Sue was proceeded in death by her parents, Fred and Dorothy, and also her beloved son, Todd Anthony Del Cotto. Sue is survived by her sister, Bonnie and brother, Fred, several nieces and nephews. Her children, Stephen (Kristy), Michael (Au­ drey), Melissa (Rich). Her grandchildren, Kayleigh, Travis (Heidi), Megan, Amber (Jackson), Chase, Jaqob (Dakota), Brooke, Levi (Tyson), Katy; Kas^ndra, Kyle, Colt, and Greyson. Her three great-grandchildren who she so dearly lovbd, Chase Ryan; Mat­ thew Steven, and Haven Emery. Also two special adopted grandchildren, Heather and Kourtney. A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, March 3, 2019 at the Hastings Elks Lodge at 102 E Woodlawn from 1-4 p.m. The family asks that in lieu of flowers do­ nations be made to the Family Support Center of Barry County. They can be sent directly to 231 S Broadway, Hastings, MI or made on­ line at familysupportbhrry.com through the donate button. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. HASTINGS, MI - Lorene Wellman, age 90 of Hastings died peacefully at home February 22, 2019. She was bom on June 11, 1928 in Bro­ ken Bow, NE to Harold and Beulah (Speer) Moore. She attended Broken Bow Public Schools. On January 1, 1946, Lorene married Neil Wellman in Battle Creek while he was serving in the military from June 1945 to No­ vember 1946. She worked for HCB from 1961 until her retirement in 1987. Lorene and Neil had two daughters, San­ dra (Larry) Gidley and Marla (David) Smith. Granddaughters, Lisa (Bryan) Travis, Christa (Shawn) Rowley, Beth (Bill) Moss, Stacey (Trent) Baker, Jennie (Jim) Stafford and Gina Lorene Pierce. Great-grandsons, Andrew Bolton, Quinton Stafford, Ben and Levi Moss, and Sam Fenstemaker. Great-granddaughters, Amelia (Dustin) Clark, Meg Travis, Emily and Tessa Fenstemaker. Great-great-grand­ daughters, Harper and Maddie Clark. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association, Pennock Hospice or a charity of one’s choice. The memorial service will be held Thurs­ day, Fe. 28, 2019 at 1 p.m. at the Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings, Pastor Todd Clark officiating. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit Www.girrBachfuneralhome.net, Francois Hercules Palma Penny Kay Lane On Tuesday, Feb. 12, 2019 Penny Kay Lane, loving daughter, mother, sister, and friend passed away unexpectedly at the age of38. Penny was bom March 5, 1980 in South Bend, IN to Larry Lane Sr. and Delila (Vaughn) Lane. Penny loved and adored her dogs, Cloud and Mesha. Penny always had a smile that would fill and brighten the darkest of rooms. Penny was preceded in death by her moth­ er, Delila Lane in 2009. Penny is survived by her father, Larry Lane Sr.; brothers, Larry Lane Jr., William (Heath­ er) Lane and Tarry Lane; children, Lila, Dar­ ren, Marcus, Jena, along with many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews and friends. Services will be held at the McCallum United Brethren Church, 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton on Saturday, March 2, 2019 at 2 p.m. HASTINGS, MI - Francois (Frank) H. Pal­ ma, of Hastings, died on February 16, 2019 at age 79. He was born on November 5, 1939 in Leon, Nicaragua, the son of Francois and Felicita (Guzma’n) Palma. He came from a large family of 14. He was proud to become an American citizen and honorably served his country in the United States Army in the 502 Infantry, Airborne Battle Group during the Vietnam War. After returning, he worked as a hair designer. Frank is survived by daughter, Lisa M. (Karl G.) Iberle; grandson, Erich (Allie) Iberle; great grandson, Camden Iberle, and grand­ daughter, Bianca Iberle. Graveside services were held on Monday, Feb. 18, 2019 at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, in Hastings, with Military Honors by the active military and the Hastings American Legion post 45. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net T% .4. & Bonnie Mattson Staff Writer ♦ Plans underway for several months to turn/ the former Deerfield Correctional Facility into an immigrant detention center have been nixed after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer imposed) stipulations that developers could not commit ; to meeting. Immigration Centers of America had sub-, mitted a proposal to the State of Michigan; Land Bank to purchase the former correction­ al facility on Harwood Road in Ionia. The approximately 50-acre facility was closed in 2016 based on declining state prison popula­ tion and the age and condition of the facility, i ICA officials said the facility would house; only male detainees facing civil charges of: being in the U.S. illegally. t “A decision by the Michigan Land Bank toi proceed with this project was made last October under Gov. Snyder’s administration,’L reads a statement issued by the governor’s office last week. “When Gov. Whitmer took office ini January, our team began a thoughtful and deliberative review process that included, input from local elected officials, community leaders, civil rights groups and ICA. From that due diligence, it was determined that ICA was unable to agree to terms that guaranteed that this facility would not be used to detain adults who had been separated from their chil-' dren or other family members and could not assure certain other conditions without ICE? [U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement] approval. > Whitmer said building more detention^ facilities won’t solve immigration issues, and> separating families doesn’t reflect Michigan, values. Therefore, she has decided that the sale of statt property in Deerfield to ICA willi not move forward. Whitmer added that it’s time for President ? Trump and Congress to work together on a; bipartisan immigration reform plan that keeps communities safe, protects American jobs,' and keeps families together. State Rep. Thomas Albert of Lowell, responded to Whitmer’s decision with a state­ ment. . “I would really like to know what the gov­ ernor’s plan is to bring 250 well-paying jobs to Ionia and how she plans to clean up the long-vacant former prison property,” Albert said. “The sale of this blighted property has been in the works for well over a year and the governor’s heavy-handed rejection came days before the sale was to be finalized. “It’s obvious the governor’s rejection was? about appeasing her political base and taking a swipe at President Trump. Like it or not, people that come into this country illegally? are going to be detained. Ionia has been ar correctional community since the mid-1800s. They deserve to have been involved in this, decision.” ~ Whitmer’s stipulations ranged from more demanding building conditions to makings religious services a requirement, Albert said. One stipulation Albert pointed out required that the facility’not house any individual who * had been separated from a family member at apprehension, during detention or at any other 5 time while in the custody of the United States. 1 This included individuals who had previously arrived as part of a family as well as adults detained and separated from children in order to be criminally prosecuted or for unlawful entry into the country. THREAT, continued ?; from page 1----------was going to bring a gun to school. Raulston was soon detained at his residence by the Barry Township and Prairieville, Township police, where he was interviewed.^ He was arrested and taken to the Barry County Jail on a charge of malicious use of a j telecommunication device. “The school district’s staff and law enforce-, ? ment take student safety extremely seriously; and will do everything possible to make sure f students are safe,” Delton Kellogg Superintendent Kyle Corlett said in a state­ ment to the Banner Wednesday. “In no way» does this incident reflect the Delton Kellogg Schools community as a whole, as we arej blessed to be surrounded by a caring and sup­ portive community.” Corlett also said the school district is grate-, ful for its relationships with the local police. “If anyone hears of any threatening remarks } in the future made towards the schools,; F whether on social media or in person, please let law enforcement and school administration. f know immediately,” Corlett said. * Traditional and Cremation Services C /WW' * Pre-Planning Services 'T • Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible Serving All Faiths Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 XX Owner/Manager 269-945-3252 • www.girrbachfuneralhome. Family Owned and Operated owXr Ementus Serving Hastings, Barry County and Surrounding Communities for SO years �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 28, 2019 — Page 7 FLOODING, continued from page 1 we can.” Cenci quoted his target for breaking ground on a long-term solution for Crooked Lake would be a year from this spring. The current long-term solutions being explored involve going north for an outlet through the Delton drain, a system of lakes, and eventually up into Fall Creek. Another option would be to go south through Indian and West Gilkey lakes. “If we go south, even going through Lower Crooked Lake, we have to lay a lot more pipe than if we went north. I think Delton drain will be cheaper in the long run, but we haven’t decided either way as of right now,” Dull said. “But the thing about going north toward Fall Creek is under the road (M-43) there is a 36-foot box square culvert, up a little further at Shultz Road it’s only a 30-foot round cul­ vert and, once you hit private property a little farther north, there is only an 18-foot culvert. “But we were going to have to fix that to rectify the outlet on Long Lake anyways.” Audrie Kirk, the state Department of Environmental Quality representative at the meeting, said the DEQ will no longer be giv­ ing out emergency permits for flooding on Crooked Lake. But she assured residents that the situation was still the top priority for the DEQ. Meanwhile, more than 80 percent of the original $500,000 allocation has been spent. Dull said the loan and the county money will be paid back through the special assess­ ment district. As drain commissioner, according to the authority entrusted to him under the state drain code, Dull has the power to make these funding calls as he seeks both short- and long­ term solutions in this case. Some residents are not pleased. “I was very surprised to hear that Jim Dull was able to take out a $400,000 bank loan for working on the Delton Crooked Lake flood­ ing situation without any other governing body approval,” resident Larry Osborne wrote on social media. “Where is the oversight to protect the taxpayers? Shouldn’t either the county or township boards (or both) be part of the approval process for such a loan?” One of his main frustrations, Dull said, is misinformation. Some county residents have expressed frus­ tration at public meetings about the $400,000plus expenditure with little to show for it. Dull said the problem some fail to realize is these high lake levels go beyond threatening people’s property. One of his concerns, Dull said, is the public health issue these high water levels are pre­ senting. “You’ve got private wells,” he said. “In Otsego, it got into their sewage systems... One of the biggest fears we had last summer was these pri vate wells. “You have to understand, a 5-inch submers­ ible well is not sealed at the top.” If the water rises to the level that it engulfs these private wells, contaminants can get in there and they go down in the aquifer. Dull said the entire lake would be polluted. At Crooked Lake, at one point last year, the water rose over a holding tank, but that, fortu­ nately was sealed. So, when someone asks Dull what he has to show for the expense, he said, first and fore­ most, protection from pollution. When he looks at the threat for such con­ tamination, he does the math. “How close? I don’t know. I looked at it and thought, ‘Six inches more and we’ve real­ ly got a mess.’ “You see, one inch of rain brings the lake up seven-eighths of an inch in 24 hours. Six inches of rain on a weekend and you get five inches on the lake. Just like that.” He snapped his fingers. From last year to this year, Crooked Lake has gone up seven-tenths of a foot. “We’ve pumped it down seven inches. “But we’re only four-tenths below the highest it was last summer and that was coming close to the danger of the wells.” Dull said he has to put people first. “We have a special assessment district. We have a legal lake level. We have designated authority.” Dull said he’s hoping to keep the cost to residents low. Although he doesn’t have an exact figure, “we can assure the bill will be split off to multiple different places,” Dull said. “There are 1,085 property owners in the on the Delton drain; there are four townships; there is MDOT (Michigan Department of Transportation); the village of Delton, the county road commission, and the county at large. “So, when you look at all these different factors, the price tag won’t be nearly as large when it finally hits the pockets of the resi­ dents.” “ Dull and his team have come up with some creative ideas to address the high lake level. He even went as far as to investigate trucking the water to California to aid in wildfire relief, or to sell the water to a bottled water compa­ ny, both options and some others came up short due to a hefty price tag or other insur­ mountable barriers. According to Dull, Thursday, the official purchase of the 23 acres, also known as the Darrell Jones property, will go through. The final cost of that purchase is $105,000. At that point, Dull’s office will engage DeWind watering to work to pump the water from Crooked Lake, below Delton Road, and into the newly bought property. Engineer Nick De Simpelare said there is a chance that the water will eventually once again infiltrate Crooked Lake, but that process would be slow and unlikely. Hydrogeologist Al Kehew said that, even in the worst geographical circum­ stances, the water would not move faster than a foot a day. According to De Simpelare, the distance between the retention pond and Crooked Lake is about 650 feet. “We’re expecting that this will take about 2 1/2 inches off the lake,” Dull said at this week’s task force meeting. At the meeting, some residents expressed some discontent with the amount of water the short-term solution would remove from the lake. “I don’t really see this as a short-term solu­ tion,” Barry Township Supervisor Wes Kahler said. “We’ve exhausted all other short-term solu­ tions available,” Cenci said. “This whole situation is getting out of con­ jfewbom babies Elias Matheny, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on February 4, 2019 to Abigail Matheny and Greg Matheny of Bellevue. Hadley Jade Sewell, born at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Rapids on February 7, 2019 at 6:57 a.m. to Tony Sewell and Heidi Bustance. Weighing 6 lbs. 15 ozs. Hank Elijah Devos, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on February 7, 2019 to Stephanie Devos and Kevin Devos of Bellevue. Brantlee John, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on February 11, 2019 to Hailee Gerber and John Branham of Plainwell. Romeo Jax Plazola, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on February 12, 2019 to Sabrina Plazola and Enrico Plazola of Hastings. Jaxson James Overbeck, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on February 12, 2019 to Stephanie Kay and Mickey Overbeck of Clarksville. Carson Lee Fields, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on February 13, 2019 to Courtney Ray and Robert Fields of Hastings. Alivia Sharon Barnum, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock to Chasity Barnum and David Barnum of Nashville. Emmalyn, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on February 14, 2019 to Maureen Mullet and Bill Mullet of Nashville. Marriage Peter George Chertos Jr., Hastings and Jessica Jo Smith, Hastings James Brian Evans, Dowling and Heather Marie Scobey, Plainwell Andrew Charles Armbruster, Lake Odessa and Hannah Mae Morrow, Ionia Stephanie Ranee Carpenter, Hastings and Duston Alan Brower, Hastings Jonathan Hugh Wilson, Woodland and Sheila May Carpenter, Woodland. Often, I need assistance with day-to-day tasks. My daughter offered to help me with my Social Security claim and wants to represent me. Is that OK? You can choose to have a representative help you when you do business with Social Security. We’ll work with your representative in the same way we would work with you. Select a qualified person, because this person will act for you in most Social Security mat­ ters. First, you will need to fill out the Appoint a Representative form at socialsecurity.gov/ forms/ssa-1696.pdf. Keep in mind that an attorney or other individual who wants to collect a fee for providing services in connec­ tion with a claim must generally obtain our prior authorization. I was wounded while on military service overseas. What are the benefits for wounded warriors, and how can I apply? Through the Wounded Warrior program, Social Security expedites processing of dis­ ability claims of current military service PUBLIC NOTICE OF HERBICIDE APPLICATION The Daltons Inc., its main office at 8857 N. Syracuse-Webster Rd., Syracuse, IN 46567, has been contracted by Barry County Road Commission to perform custom chemical vegetation control maintenance services at designated roadside guardrail locations throughout the county. In doing so, they will be broadcast applying the following EPA-registered materials: Bayer Esplanade 200SC (Indaziflam), Bayer Method 240SL (Aminocyclopyrachlor), AHigare Imazapyr 4SL, and Alligare Glyphosate 5.4. Do not enter or allow entry into treated areas until sprays have dried. This application will be completed by licensed applicators employed by The Daltons Inc., during the months of April and/or May Additional information may be requested by contacting Lex Dalton or Derek Dalton at 574-267-7511 BOARD OF REVIEW MEETING SCHEDULE THE ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP BOARD OF REVIEW will be held at the Orangeville Township Hall, 7350 Lindsey Rd. Plainwell MI 49080 on the following dates. Tuesday March 5, Organizational Meeting - 4:00pm Monday, March 11, Appeal Hearing - 9:00 am to 12:00 noon & 1:00pm to 4:00pm Tuesday March 12, Appeal Hearing -1:30 pm to 4:30 pm, & 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm Expert answers questions about benefits, payments eligibility and more Will my Social Security disability benefit increase if my condition gets worse or I devel­ op additional health problems? No. We do not base your Social Security benefit amount on the severity of your disabil­ ity. The amount you are paid is based on your average lifetime earnings before your disabil­ ity began. If you go back to work after get­ ting disability benefits, you may be able to get a higher benefit based on those earnings. In addition, we have incentives that allow you to work temporarily without losing your disabil­ ity benefits. For more information about dis­ ability benefits, read our publications “Disability Benefits” and “Working While Disabled — How We Can Help.” Both are available online at socialsecurity.gov/pubs. local and county officials, the state Department of Environmental Quality - everyone who expresses an interest in trying to work cooper­ atively toward a solution. For now, the health department is not involved. “That’s what I’m trying to avoid,” Dull said. WE APPLY EXCELLENCE SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS What is the benefit amount a spouse may be entitled to receive? If you are eligible for both your own retire­ ment benefit and for benefits as a spouse, we pay you benefits based on your record first. If your benefit as a spouse is higher than your retirement benefit, you will receive a combi­ nation of benefits equaling the higher spouse’s benefits. A spouse generally receives one-half of the retired worker’s full benefit unless the spouse begins collecting benefits before full retirement age. If the spouse begins collecting benefits before full retirement age, the amount of the spouse’s benefit is reduced by a per­ centage based on the number of months before he or she reaches full retirement age. For example, based on the full retirement age of 66, if a spouse begins collecting benefits: At age 65, the benefit amount would be about 46 percent of the retired worker’s full benefit; at age 64, it would be about 42 percent; at age 63, 37.5 percent; and at age 62, 35 percent. However, if a spouse is taking care of a child who is either under age 16 or disabled and receives Social Security benefits on the same record, a spouse will get full benefits, regardless of age. Learn more by reading our retirement publication at socialsecurity.gov/ pubs/10035.html. trol and is going to cost us taxpayers plenty,” Osborne said. Currently, 250 homes have been affected by the flooding on Crooked Lake. Dull also said that he is considering approaching the state with a request for fund­ ing for the flooding crisis in Barry County as a whole. He’s working with residents, the task force, members or veterans disabled while on active duty on or after Oct. 1, 2001. Service mem­ bers and veterans who have a Veterans Administration compensation rating of 100 percent Permanent and Total also may receive expedited processing of applications for Social Security disability benefits. Keep in mind that this expedited process applies to only the application for benefits. To be eligi­ ble for benefits, you must meet Social Security’s strict definition of disability, which means you must be unable to do substantial work because of your medical condition(s); and your medical condition(s) must have last­ ed, or be expected to last, at least one year or to result in death. You may apply online at socialsecurity.gov/ applyfordisability or call 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778). Find more information for veterans at socialsecurity.gov/people/veterans. I have been receiving my Supplemental Security Income by direct deposit for years, but I need to change my bank account. How can I do that? For SSI benefits, you can complete changes in direct deposit by calling or visiting your local field office. You also may call 800-722­ 1213 (TTY 800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. For more information regarding direct deposit, visit socialsecurity.gov/deposit. Who is eligible for Supplemental Security Income? People who receive SSI are age 65 or older, blind, or disabled with limited income and resources. Go to socialsecurity.gov for income and resource limits. The general fund of the U.S. Treasury makes SSI payments. They do not come out of the Social Security Trust Fund. What’s the best way to find out if I might be eligible for SSI? Our online Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool, or BEST, will help you find out if you could get benefits that Social Security admin­ isters. Based on your answers to questions, this tool will list benefits for which you might be eligible and tell you more information about how to qualify and apply. Find BEST at benefits.gov/ssa. If I retire at age 62, will I be eligible for Medicare? No. Medicare starts when you reach 65. If you retire at 62, you may be able to continue medical insurance coverage through your employer or purchase it from a private insur­ ance company until you become eligible for Medicare. For more information, read Medicare at socialsecurity.gov/pubs, or call 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778). Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525, or via email at vonda .vantil @ ssa .gov. The Board of Review will meet as many more days as deemed necessary to hear questions, protests and to equalize the 2019 assessments. By Board resolution, residents are able to protest by letter, provided protest letter is received by March 12, 2019 - 12:00 noon. Written protests should be mailed to; BOARD OF REVIEW 7350 LINDSEY RD. PLAINWELL MI 49080 The tentative ratios and the estimated multipliers for each class of real property and personal property for 2017 are as follows; Agricultural 48.07 % . 1.04015 Commercial 51.96% .096228 Industrial 48.89 % . 1.02264 45.62 % . 1.09602 Residential Personal...... 1.0000 J0.00 % (ADA) Americans with Disabilities Notice Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Clerk at least seven (7) days in advance of hearing. This notice posted in Compliance with PA 267 of 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act) MCLA41.72a (2)(3) and with the Americans with Disabilities Act Contacts - Clflrk - Mel Risner: 269-664-4522 Supervisor- Thomas Rook: 616-299-6019 TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE 2019 NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Review will meet at the Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Rd. Delton, Michigan 49046, to examine and review the 2019 assessment roll. The board will convene on the following dates for the hearing of appeals of assessments or taxable values, poverty exemptions, parcel classification appeals and/or current year qualified agricultural denials: Tuesday, March 5, 2019, 10:00 am Organizational Meeting Monday, March 11,2019, 1:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 9:00 pm Tuesday, March 12, 2019, 9:00 am to noon and 1:00 to 4:00 pm And on such additional days as required to hear all persons who have given notice of the desire to be heard until assessment rolls have been revised, corrected and approved. APPOINTMENTS ARE SUGGESTED; letter appeals will be accepted and must be received no later than 5:00 pm March 9, 2019 Tentative ratios and estimated multipliers for 2019 are as follows: Agricultural 52.53% 0.9518 Commercial 43.01% 1.1625 Industrial 49.61% 1.0079 46.84% Residential 1.0675 Personal Property 50.00% 1.0000 Tentative equalization factor of 1.0000 for all classes is expected after completion of Board of Review. Jim Stoneburner, Supervisor Prairieville Township Kevin Harris, Assessor Prairieville Township Prairieville Township Board Meetings are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex or disability. American with Disabilities (ADA) Notice The township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven-(7) days notice to Prairieville Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact Prairieville Township by writing or calling. Rod Goebel Prairieville Township Clerk 10115 S. Norris Rd. Delton, Ml 49046 269-623-2726 �Page 8 — Thursday, February 28, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD JONES Elaine Garlock A chili supper is planned tomorrow night, March 1, at the Freight House Museum on Emerson Street from 5 to 7 p.m. This is the second meal event at the museum for the winter season. Everyone is invited to enjoy the food, the company and the ambiance. Desserts and assorted breads will be available, along with the chili. The chili will vary from mild to intense. Saturday, March 9, the Ionia County Genealogical Society will meet at 1 p.m. with a speaker, library time and refreshments. Society members were on hand last weekend for the monthly open house of both the ICGS library and the museum. Also next week, Sunday, March 10, we revert to daylight saving time. The search for a village manager is over. Patrick Reagan was to be offered a contract for the post at a meeting Feb. 13. High school students who have been named to this month’s Circle of Excellence are Chais VanDeventer, Thomas TJ Henry, Melanie Joslin, Connor Feighan, Ellie Haddix, Grace Travis, Christia Akers, Jakeb Jackson, Hailey Mitchell and Emma Sullivan. Wrestling events are much in the current news. High school girls sports center right now on competitive cheers. Lake wood’s team has an 10 wins in a row at the conference level by winning the jamboree hosted by Leslie Feb. 7. The photos that accompanied the newspaper story show the girls on the team with all manner of gymnastic ability. TOWNSHIP OF BALTIMORE 2019 NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Review will meet at the Township Hall, 3100 E. Dowling Rd. Hastings, Ml 49058, to examine and review the 2019 Assessment roll. The board will convene on the following dates for the hearing of appeals of assessments or taxable values, poverty exemptions, parcel classification appeals and/or current year qualified agricultural denials: Tuesday, March 5, 2019, 1:00 pm Organizational Meeting Hearings will be the week of March 11,2019 Monday, March 11, 2019, 9:00 am to 12 noon and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Wednesday, March 13, 2019, 12 noon to 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm And on such additional days as required to hear all persons who have given notice of the desire to be heard until assessment rolls have been revised, corrected and approved. Letter appeals will be accepted and must be received no later than 9:00 pm March 13th, 2019. Tentative ratios and estimated multipliers for 2019 are as follows: Agricultural 1.00786 49.61% Commercial 0.99068 50.47% Industrial 1.01626 49.20% Residential 1.08861 45.93% Personal Property 1.00000 50.00% Tentative equalization factor of 1.0000 for all classes is expected after comple­ tion of Board of Review. Chad VanSycle, Supervisor Baltimore Township Scott Anderson, Assessor Baltimore Township Baltimore Township Board Meetings are open to all without regard to race, color, nation­ al origin, sex or disability American with Disabilities (ADA) Notice The township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to individ­ uals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven (7) days notice to Baltimore Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact Baltimore Township by writing or calling. if- ' Baltimore Township Clerk Penelope Ypma 3100 E Dowling Rd Hastings, Ml 49058 269.721.3502 v NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Review will meet at the Township Hall, 885 River Rd., Hastings, Ml 49058 to examine and review the 2019 assessment roll. The board will convene on the following dates for the hearing of appeals of assessments or taxable values, poverty exemptions, parcel classification ap­ peals and/or current year qualified agricultural denials: 1 :OO pm Organizational Meeting Only 9:00 am to Noon and 6:00 to 9:00 pm 9:00 am to Noon and 1:00 to 4:00 pm And on such additional days as required to hear all persons who have given notice of the desire to be heard until assessment rolls have been revised, cor­ rected and approved. APPEALS ARE HEARD ON FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS; letter appeals will be accepted and must be received no later than 5:00 pm March 8, 2019 Tentative ratios and estimated multipliers for 2019 are as follows: 1.0215 Agricultural 48.95% 54.41 % 0.9189 Commercial 44.14% 1.1328 Industrial 48.20% 1.0373 Residential 50.00% 1.0000 Personal Property Tentative equalization factor of 1.0000 for all classes is expected after completion of Board of Review. Jim Brown, Supervisor - Hastings Charter Township Kevin Harris, Assessor - Hastings Charter Township American with Disabilities (ADA) Notice The township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven-(7) days notice to Hastings Charter Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact Castleton Township by writing or calling. Hastings Charter Township Clerk 885 River Rd. Hastings, Ml 49058 269-948-9690 International Women’s Day will be observed on March 8. Around the world, spe­ cial events will celebrate the cultural, social, political and economic achievements of women. However, this last area - economic progress - is one that still causes concern, and rightfully so, because women still face gen­ der-related challenges. How can you deal with them? To begin with, you need to recognize the nature of these challenges. While many fac­ tors are actually responsible for women fac­ ing more economic pressure than men, two stand out in particular: • Gender wage gap - It’s still around, despite some progress toward equality. The U.S. Census Bureau has found that full-time, year-round working women earn about 80% of what their male counterparts earn. Other studies show a slightly smaller gap. • Caregiving responsibilities - Women typi­ cally take more, time away from the work­ force than men, both to raise children and then, later in life, to take care of aging par­ ents. These absences can result in lost wages, lower Social Security benefits and fewer con­ tributions to 401(k) and similar retirement plans. So, given these realities, what can you do to improve your own financial outlook? Here are a few suggestions: long as you have some earned income, from • Increase your contributions to your retire­ somewhere, you can still contribute to an ment plan. Every time your salary goes up, IRA. increase the amount you contribute to your • Manage retirement plan withdrawals 401(k) or similar retirement plan. At a mini­ carefully. Once you’re retired, possibly to mum, put in enough to earn your employer’s become a full-time caregiver, you can take match, if one is offered. These plans offer penalty-free - though still taxable - with­ potential tax-deferred earnings, and since drawals from your 401(k) as early as age 55, your contributions are typically made with provided you meet certain conditions. Once pre-tax dollars, the more you put in, the lower you’re 59-1/2, you can take penalty-free with­ your taxable income. drawals from a traditional IRA, though the • Invest for growth. Some studies show money will be taxable. While you can with­ that men may invest more aggressively than draw contributions you made to a Roth IRA at women - though not necessarily more suc­ any time, tax- and penalty-free, you’ll have tq| cessfully. However, while you do need to wait until 59-1/2 to take out your earning^ invest wisely, you can’t ignore the need for free of taxes and penalties. And you’ll need to growth. Consequently, you should consider find a sustainable withdrawal rate so you ca^ including a reasonable percentage of reduce the risk of depleting these accounts tooy growth-oriented investments in your retire­ early. ment and other investment accounts, with the As a society, we are still working toward j precise amount depending on your individual equality for all people - including economic i goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. equality. As a woman, however, you can’t i • Look for income even while serving as afford to wait until that day arrives, so you: caregiver. Of course, you may never become need to be proactive in seeking and maintain­ | the primary caregiver for your elderly parents ing your financial security. - but even if you do, it doesn’t necessarily This article was written by Edward Jones follow that you must forego all earned for use by your local Edward Jones Financial* income. If it’s possible, you could seek to go Advisor. If you have any questions, contactf part-time at your current job, or request some Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. type of telecommuting arrangement. And as ----STOCKS-----The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. Apple Inc. AT&T Chemical Fin Chevron Deere & Co. Exxon Mobil Flowserve CP Ford Motor Co. General Electric Co. General Motors Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP Perrigo Co. Pfizer Inc. Spartannash Comp Stryker TCF Financial Corp... Walmart Inc. Walt Disney Co Whirl Pool Corp Gold Silver Dow Jones , 174.33 31.22 45.84 119.94 163.80 78.66 45.66 8.88 10.66 40.11 188.30 136.11 55.92 112.36 48.29 43.02 19.25 . 185.24 22.81 98.69 113.50 143.28 $1,329.07 . $15.94 26,058 +3.40 +.59 -.97 +.63 +6.54 +.43 -1.57 +.05 +.53 +.58 -4.03 +.42 -1.50 +4.19 -1.26 +.42 -3.00 -.87 -.48 -3.51 -.01 +1.73 -$12.08 -.13 +167 ' HASTINGS CHARTER TOWNSHIP -2019- Tuesday, March 5, 2019, Wednesday, March 13, 2019, Thursday, March 14, 2019, Women may need to make extra financial moves QUESTION, continued from page 1-------------focus of significant media attention and which are now subject to legally enforceable drink­ ing water criterion set last year by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. “PFOA and PFOS are among thousands of compounds that are members of a family of chemicals called per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS.” Monday, Hastings City Manager Jeff Mansfield responded to Walker’s question, saying there is no reason to believe that any surface contaminants have gotten into the city drinking water supply. The source of the city’s “drinking water is extremely deep and well-protected, and under pressure,” Mansfield said. “No surface con­ taminants would get to that. Plus, it’s upstream, so the likelihood of that happening is pretty remote.” The city also has tested for PFAS, he added, and was among the first municipalities in Michigan to do so. They tested for exactly the same PFAS found in the groundwater at Viking and it was not present in the city’s water system. As far as Walker’s wastewater question, that foam was not transported to the city’s wastewater treatment facility, Mansfield said, it was taken to a facility in Holland. The DEQ said documentation shows that the foam generated during the testing was pumped from the lined testing basin by Liquid Industrial Waste Service of Holland, and ulti­ mately discharged to the Holland Board of Public Works wastewater treatment system. Scott Dean, DEQ spokesman, confirmed that there is no indication, based on what is known thus far, that the PFAS contamination at Viking is impacting the city water system or private wells. The next step, Dean said, it to drill addi­ tional wells to determine if there has been any impact on the Thomapple River. The Michigan PFAS Action Response Team is a multi-agency action team that will investigate the findings of the tests at Viking. Sheepish thinking Dr. Universe: « What’sJ^^Akshf^pls biqin? Aiden, 11 Dear Aiden, A sheep brain is about the size of a human fist and is squishy like Jell-O. In some ways, a sheep brain is very similar to a human brain. In other ways, it is quite different. I learned about sheep brains from my friend Craig McConnel, a researcher at Washington State University who is curi­ ous about ruminants, a group of animals that includes cattle, giraffes, deer, antelope and, of course, sheep. Like a lot of mammal brains, a sheep brain is made up of gray and white matter. It has folds and grooves, but not quite as many as a human brain. It’s also a little smoother. A human brain is about 10 times as heavy as a sheep brain. Of course, just because an animal has a bigger brain doesn’t mean it is necessarily smarter. A sperm whale, for example, has a brain that is about five times heavier than a human brain. Just like you and many other mammals, sheep have a part of the brain called the cerebrum. It is important for controlling movement, the senses, and thinking. Even though sheep might seem like they just stare off into space and chew grass all day, they do use their brains to think, just not on the same level as humans, McConnel said. You and a sheep also have a brain stem which helps control the flow of messages between the brain and the rest of the body. There is also a cerebellum, which mainly • f^fiM?instoan/i m9re movement —to move around with your flock. Like us, sheep are social animals. When they graze together, they often eat in groups of five or so and keep an eye on each other. One sheep usually leads the way and the rest follow. It’s an instinct or a behavior that an animal has from birth. One major difference between sheep and human brains has to do with the sense of smell. In sheep, the brain’s olfactory bulb is two or three times the size of the human olfactory bulb. It provides the sheep with a strong sense of smell, which is key for survival. A mother can use her sense of smell to find her baby in a flock. A baby can smell its way back to its mother if it gets lost. The leader of the herd can sniff out a predator, such as a wolf, and that sense of smell will allow it to warn the other sheep. Some sheep, like bighorn sheep, even have strong horns and thick skulls that help protect their heads and soft brains. Some scientists are studying them to learn about concussions. While a lot of mammals have similar things going on in their brains, each brain is little different, and sometimes those differences can help an animal sur­ vive, whether they are out on a farm or out in the wild. . . ■ ■' \ ■ , , , , . t Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University's resident scientist and writer f at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her web­ site, askdruniverse.com. . ' * , , Dr. Universe CITY OF HASTINGS ' . .. ■ ’ - ■ ■ ■ ’ ■ ■ PUBLIC NOTICE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 564 The undersigned, being the duly qualified and acting Clerk of the City of Hastings, Michigan, does hereby certify that " ri ORDINANCE NO. 564: TO AMEND CHAPTER 50 OF THE HASTINGS CODE OF 1970, AS AMENDED, TO AMEND THE LIBRARY ORDINANCE was adopted by the City Council of the City of Hastings at a regular meeting on the 28th day of February 2019. A complete copy of this Ordinance is available for review at the office of the City Clerk at City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Jane M. Saurman City Clerk ' �The Hastings Banner —- Thursday, February 28, 2019 — Page 9 . sisters and four brothers, two of whom are now in the service: Roy E. in the army of occupation near the River Rhine in Germany, and Elmer in the naval service who has been placed on inactive duty and is at home at the present. ...” Bush had joined the local International Order of Oddfellows three years prior to his death. That alliance, the Banner reported, allowed his family to get updates on Bush’s health through IOOF chapters in Syracuse and later at Fort McHenry. Four members of the Hastings IOOF chapter served as pall bearers at his Feb. 12, 1919, funeral and burial at Riverside Cemetery. Like Bush, John Harold Lake was a little older and single when he was called to report in September 1917. The Hastings native was working as a salesman and living in Lake Odessa before heading to Columbus Barracks in Ohio. He was a private, and like Powers, was in the cavalry; Lake being assigned to the 5^ Cavalry. He was transferred to Fort Bliss, Texas, promoted to private first class and cook of Troop B. That El Paso camp was not far enough away to avoid the indiscriminate reach of disease. fl look DaGk at the stories and columns on local history y In the Hastings Banner // TURNING i BACK THE L PAGES Disease continued to claim soldiers after war ended The March 6, 1919, Banner reported yet another death of a young soldier. “Word was received Saturday announcing the death at Fort Bliss, Texas, of Harold Lake, age 27, his death being due to pneumonia following influenza. He belongs to the cavalry, and has been in service on the border ever since he enlisted over 1 Vi years ago. The remains, accompanied by his brother Lester, also a member of the same cavalry regiment, are expected to arrive in Grand Rapids today, where the interment will doubtless take place. “Harold is the oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. [Bertha Clark] Burt Lake, and is one of four brothers who were in their country’s service, two of them being in France. He lived here several years, having completed the lO^1 grade in our schools when his parents moved to Grand Rapids. He was a fine type of young man, highly respected by all who knew him, and his untimely passing will bring sorrow to many friends.” Lake was buried at Oakhill Cemetery in Grand Rapids. Sources: Hastings Banner; familysearch, org; BarryCountygenweb.org; FindaGrave. com; BarryCountygenweb, Hastings American Legion historian Brian Shumway, ChroniclingAmerica .com. 113547 RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW John Timothy Bush said he wanted to enlist, hoping it would prevent his young­ er brother from being drafted. Bush remained stateside, serving in the caval­ ry, when he came down with the flu and ultimately died of pneumonia. (File photo) The numerous headstones attest to the lives lost at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas. John Harold Lake, formerly of Hastings, was among the soldiers who died there. However, he is buried at a cemetery in Grand Rapids. (El Paso Inc. photo) Kathy Maurer Copy Editor After the armistice to end the first world war was signed in November 1918, area families likely breathed sighs of relief and said prayers of thanks that their beloved soldiers had be£tv spared. However, disease which had spread quickly through close quarters in base camps and ships - offered no such truce. The Spanish flu is widely known as having wiped out millions of soldiers and civilians. Often, the flu or measles struck first and pneumonia followed, with fatal results. One of the first local men to die of disease after the war ended was George M. Powers. The son of Rollo and Lillian (McElhanie) Powers was born in Barry Township Nov. 2, 1899. His parents divorced prior to 1910. His mother remarried Frank Salsbaugh. She died in January 1914. Nashville is listed as Powers’ hometown in records compiled by the local chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution between 1918 and 1922. His “occupation” prior to the service was that of a student. He was 18 when he reported to Columbus Barracks in Ohio in May 1918. He was a private in Troop G of the 12^ Cavalry. The records give no indication he ever left the United States. Powers died of pneumonia at Camp Furlong in New Mexico. The Jan. 2, 1919, Banner had a notice of his burial. “Private George Powers, of Nashville, died of pneumonia in Columbus, N.M., and his body arrived in Nashville Saturday, Dec. 21, accompanied by Private Louis E. Larabee, of Powers’ troop. After a short service by Rev. Yinger in local undertaking rooms, the body was taken to Banfield Cemetery for burial. The Nashville company of State Guards furnished a firing squad and bearers. After the body was lowered to its last resting place, the squad fired three volleys.” Less than two weeks after that notice was printed, Prairieville lost one of its sons to disease. Pvt. George Tip Ketchum, the son of Tip and Catherine Norris Ketchum (who died less than a week after giving birth to George), had been working as a chassis assembler in the Chevrolet Motor Factory in Flint when he registered for the draft in June 1917. His number came up not quite a year later, and he reported to Camp Custer in May 1918. He was promoted to corporal with Company F of the 337^ Infantry before being reassigned to the 35^ Division of the 139^ Infantry. While stationed near St. Mihiel, France, Dec. 2, 1918, Ketchum wrote a letter to his grandmother. This was likely his maternal grandmother, Jennie (Ritchie) Norris, of Yankee Springs Township, whose husband, Mark Norris, had died the previous August. The letter was published in the Jan. 30, 1919, Banner. “I received your very welcome letter and was glad to hear that you were feeling better,” Ketchum wrote. “It must be very lonesome for you, but it won’t be long until I will be back home again. I don’t know just when they will take us back, but am in hopes it will be in a couple of months.... “Well, Grandmother, the great war is all over but the shouting, and we will do that when we get home. I got up to the front in a quiet sector, and was due for a big drive on Metz 12 hours after the armistice was signed, but am safe and sound and well and happy and am waiting to go home. ... Tell Fred and Beulah [his older brother and sister-in-law] I will be home before long to pop com and make ice cream and go fishing ...” “I am glad that none of you have the “flu” and that they have it checked ...” Ketchum died of pleuropneumonia Jan. 12, 1919, at the base hospital in Commercy, France. He initially was buried at an American cemetery in France but later was removed to Prairieville Cemetery. About a month later, another local boy fell. John Timothy Bush was working as a painter and helping on his parents’ farm before reporting to Syracuse Recruit Camp Sept. 9, 1918, where he would serve in Company B of the Ordnance Department. He was in Syracuse a short time before getting sick. He partially recovered and was transferred to Maryland but fell ill again. The Feb. 20, 1919, Banner reported his death. “Pvt. John T. Bush, son of Mr. and Mrs. Eugene [Emma Stilson] Bush, of Hastings Township, died of pneumonia following an attack of influenza at the hospital at Fort McHenry Feb. 8, 1919, age 30 years, 6 months and 32 days. “He was bom in Hastings July 15, 1888, and grew to manhood in this vicinity, and his genial jolly disposition together with many noble qualities of mind and heart, won and retained many friends. He always made his home with his parents, following the occupation of farming and working at his trade as a painter. “When the call came for men, he wanted to enlist, hoping that his younger brother might be spared from service to remain with his parents. In June 1917, he registered, together with two brothers ... He was called to the colors Sept. 6, 1918, and was sent to a training camp at Syracuse, N.Y., where he was taken ill with influenza, which developed into pneumonia before he had fully recovered, he was transferred to Fort McHenry Hospital where double pneumonia set in and left him with his fatal illness. “At Christmas time, his parents visited and found him unable to be moved. He realized that his end was near, but was brave and cheerful to the last and died a true Christian believer. “He leaves to mourn his parents, two Hastings hosting band festival Friday Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Hastings High School will host a District IQ Michigan School Band and Orchestra Festival Friday. The new performing arts cen­ ter can accommodate the 16-band competition and provide Hastings students with an oppor­ tunity to showcase the new state-of-the-art venue. The March 1 festival is free and open to the public. Hastings bands will perform, as well, beginning with the seventh-grade band at 9:T5., eighth grade at 10:45 a.m., high school concert band 1:50 and high school symphonic band at 4:25 p.m. Hastings senior Sam Waller has been in band for seven years, and has been a drum major in the marching band for the past three yeirs. He’s looking forward to Friday’s festi­ val *My freshman year, we practiced in a 45-year-old band room and performed in a 45*year-old gym. My senior year, we’re prac­ ticing in a brand-new facility and hosting a district festival in a brand-new performing arts center,” Waller said. “Having gone to other schools, we were always kind of in awe of the auditoriums that we got to play in, and now we have our own. “We, in the band, are so thankful to our community for giving us this opportunity.” Each band will perform a program of three pieces, including one from the MSBOA’s required list, before three judges. For the sight-reading portion, each band will be given a piece of music they haven’t seen before. They will have five minutes to study it before performing it to the best of their ability for a judge. The overall score is computed using a for­ mula that combines the ratings of each judge. Scores range from 1 to 5, with 1 being the highest. “In the past, our bands have had to travel to other schools to perform in their auditoriums for this event. This year, 16 bands in total will perform in our new facility,” band director Jen Pesch said. “That’s nearly 1,000 students from all over Michigan who will experience our beautiful facility. “For most, this will be their first time in Hastings. We are proud to be hosting this event and are looking forward to the festival coming to Hastings many more times in the years ahead,” Pesch said this also is the first year she and fellow director Spencer White have taken two high school bands to the festival. “Our high school band has gotten so large that we had to divide it into two different bands. So, we’re nervous but excited. We have been able to gear rehearsals and musical selections toward the ability of both bands,” she said. “This is also the first year, in many years, that the seventh-grade band is partici­ pating in festival. “There are a lot of firsts this year. We’re just hoping for no more snow, ice or any other weather days.” Other schools performing Friday include: Martin High School, Allegan L.E. White Middle School, Hopkins Middle School, Dutton Christian, Grand Rapids Montessori Middle School, Lowell Middle School, Hopkins High School, Grand Rapids West Catholic High School, Delton Kellogg High School, Hamilton High School and Wayland Union High School. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads The Board of Review will meet on Tuesday, March 5, 2019, at 1:00 pm in the office of the Assessor at Rutland Charter Township Hall, 2461 Heath Rd, Hastings, Michigan 49058 to organize and review the Assessment Roll. NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING to hear Assessment APPEALS will be held at the RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP HALL, 2461 Heath Road, Hastings, Michigan on: MONDAY, MARCH 11, 2019 1:00 pm to 4:00 pim & 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019 9:00 am to NOON & 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Also, any other days deemed necessary to equalize the Assessment Roll. PROPERTY ASSESSMENT RATIOS & FACTORS FOR 2019 CLASS Agriculture Commercial Industrial Residential Developmental Personal RATIO 43.58 54.54 41.44 47.91 50.00 50.00 MULTIPLIER 1.1473 .9167 1.2065 1.0436 1.0000 1.0000 The above ratios and multipliers do not mean that every parcel will receive the same. If you have purchased property, it will be assessed at 50% of market value. If you have improved your property such as additions, new buildings, driveways, etc., this will also reflect in the value of your property. Upon request of any person who is assessed on said roll, or his agent, and upon sufficient cause being shown, the Board of Review will correct the assessment of such property and will, in their judgment, make the valuation thereof relatively just and equal. Dennis McKelvey, Assessor RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP 2461 Heath Rd Hastings, Ml 49058 269-948-2194 Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Rutland Charter Township Clerk by writing or calling the Township. This notice is posted in compliance with PA 267 of 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act) MCLA41.72a (2)(3) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). TOWNSHIP OF CASTLETON 2019 NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Review will meet at the Township Hall, 915 Reed St, Nashville, Ml 49073, to examine and review the 2019 assessment roll. The board will convene on the following dates for the hearing of appeals of assessments or taxable values, poverty exemptions, parcel classification appeals and/or current year qualified agricultural denials: Tuesday, March 5, 2019, 2:30 pm Organizational Meeting Monday, March 11, 2019, 1:00 to 4:00 pm and 6:00 to 9:00 pm Tuesday, March 12, 2019, 9:00 am to Noon and 1:00 to 4:00 pm And on such additional days as required to hear all persons who have given notice of the desire to be heard until assessment rolls have been revised, corrected and approved. APPEALS ARE HEARD ON FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS; letter appeals will be accepted and must be received no later than 5:00 pm March 8, 2019 Tentative ratios and estimated multipliers for 2019 Agricultural 55.69% Commercial 51.39% Industrial 49.52% Residential 46.48% Personal Property 50.00% are as follows: 0.8978 0.9730 1.0097 1.0757 1.0000 Tentative equalization factor of 1.0000 for all classes is expected after completion of Board of Review. Cheryl Hartwell, Supervisor Castleton Township Kevin Harris, Assessor Castleton Township Castleton Township Board Meetings are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, sex or disability. American with Disabilities (ADA) Notice The township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven-(7) days notice to Castleton Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact Castleton Township by writing or calling. Castleton Township Clerk 915 Reed St. PC Box 679 Nashville, Ml 49073 517-852-9479 �Page 10 — Thursday, February 28, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Science Olympiad competitors are in the pink Tree removal, trimming nearly complete Hastings Department of Public Services employees remove a silver maple tree on East Mill Street Tuesday morning. City crews take down about 75 trees each year, and trim another 120, city manager Jeff Mansfield said. Only dead or dying trees that pose hazards are removed, and new trees are planted to maintain the urban forest, he added. DPS staff begins tree maintenance just after the first of the year, trimming, cutting and hauling away limbs as weather permits. Occasionally, contractors with the required skills and specialized equipment are brought in for the larger tree removals and trims. When the weather breaks, he said, crews will grind out the tree stumps and place topsoil and grass seed. Wearing their tough expressions, the all-girls team representing Hastings High School at the Holland West Ottawa Science Olympiad Invitational are (front row, from left) senior Claudia McLean, sophomore Skyler Grego, senior Allison Collins, senior Hannah Hawblitz, senior Hope Peck, (second row) junior Katie Pattok, junior Hannah Johnson, junior Audrey Byykkonen, junior Eili McFarlan, Senior Kassi Warner, (third row) sophomore Maggie Nedbalek, junior Anna Scheck, (back) senior Shelby Bolen, senior Grace Beauchamp, senior Megan Roe, senior Victoria Byykkonen, senior Kate Haywood and senior Katie Metzner. Team Pink took fifth place out of 33 teams, the highest finished by any Saxon team at that point in the season. (Photo provided) Kathy Maurer Copy Editor With 15 roster slots to fill for each of three teams and 43 students from which to choose, Hastings High School teacher and Science Olympiad adviser Marty Buehler has plenty of homework of his own to prepare for the intense competitions. He knows the strengths of most of his students, which helps when filling out that 113557 NOTICE TOWNSHIP OF HOPE Notice of Budget Public Hearing The Hope Township Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed township budget for fiscal year 2019-20 at 5463 South M-43 Hwy., Hastings, MI, on Monday, March 18, 2019, at 6:30 p.m., the Regular Board meeting to follow. THE PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE RATE PROPOSED TO BE LEVIED TO SUPPORT THE PROPOSED BUDGET WILL BE A SUBJECT OF THIS HEARING. A copy of the budget is available for public inspection at the Township hall. This notice is posted in compliance with PA267 of 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act), MCLA 41.72a (2) (3) and the Americans with Disabilities Act. (ADA) The Hope Township Board will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting upon seven days notice to the Hope Township Board. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Hope Township Board by writing or calling the following: Deborah Jackson, Hope Township Clerk 5463 S M-43 Hwy. Hastings, MI 49058 (269) 948-2464 The minutes of the meeting of the Barry County Board of Commissioners held February 26, 2019, are available in the County Clerk’s Office at 220 W. State St., Hastings, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or www.barrycounty.org. 113526 CITY OF HASTINGS NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW Notice is hereby given that the 2019 March Board of Review of the City of Hastings will meet March 5th at 10:30 AM for the Organizational Meeting to receive and review the assessment roll. Assessment appeals, Tuesday March 12th 1-4 & 6-9 and Wednesday, March 20th from 9-12 & 1-4. For an appointment, telephone 945-2468. March 27th for reports The board will meet in the Second Floor Conference Room, City Hall, 201 E. State Street, Hastings, Michigan. 23-column spreadsheet with names of 15 students mixed and matched, trying not to overload students or overlap events. Then he does it all over again for the second team of 15, and again sometimes with a dozen or so students who make up a third team. Few schools, even Class A districts, have enough Science Olympiad students for three squads, so that alone is unusual. The invitational competitions serve as sort of a practice for the kids, leading up to regionals and, hopefully, state competition. To mix it up a bit, Buehler occasionally creates a novelty team. One year, when he had 21 freshmen, he created an all-freshmen team. Another time, he let the kids take the reins, but that didn’t go over so well. He decided to try something new at the recent Holland West Ottawa Invitational: Have an all-girls team. Out of 33 teams competing that day, the Saxons’ Team Pink finished fifth. The other two Saxon squads placed ninth and 12th that day. “Other coaches and the people running that meet thought it was cool, partially because we have so many kids that I can actually pull that off, and partially because it was all girls,” Buehler said. Several of the girls on the team are seniors who have been in Science Olympiad all four years of high school. They are good role models, too, he said, and he hoped the younger students might strive for similar success in the future. “Team Pink was well received by the girls,” he said. “They did brag a bit at winning, but not much, because they always do [win], and because they are all super nice and considerate of feelings.” The Saxons have competed in five Science Olympiad invitationals this season, improving each time {see related story). Until this past Saturday, fifth place was the highest any of the Saxon squads had placed. Along with encouraging science, technology, engineering and math, educators and industry leaders also are emboldening girls to pursue careers in science. Even if only known as Team Pink for one day, the all-girls City of Hastings Operator 2 - Position Available Department of Public Services The City of Hastings is accepting applications for an Operator 2 with the Hastings Department of Public Services at the water and wastewater treatment plants. Position will be full time with benefits. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Minimum requirements include a high school diploma or GED and a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) valid in the State of Michigan. Candidate must pass a drug/alcohol screen, pre-employment physical, and background check. Competitive applicants will have a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and desire to be part of an effective team. Wage rate for the Operator 2 position varies, depending on qualifying experience. Send resume, three (3) professional ref­ erences, and completed employment application to the City of Hastings, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan, 49058. An online application can be located at: https://hastingsmi.orq/wp-content/uploads/Employment-Application-1.pdf A required application form and full job description are available upon request. Questions regarding this position should be directed to Lee Hays, Director of Public Services, 269-945-2468. The City of Hastings is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 113664 Lee Hays Director of Public Services team dovetails with that movement, and so does its success. I Ffi-Al 1*01 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY ATTENTION PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. MORTGAGE SALE - Default has be£n made in the conditions of a mortgage made by the original mortgagor, Frances Davis and Henry Davis, (husband and wife) to Argent Mortgage Company, LLC, dated August 16, 2004 and recorded August 24, 2004 under Clerk File Number 1132929, in Barry County records, Michigan and then assigned to Citifinancial Mortgage Company, Inc., dated April 11, 2005 and recorded April 18, 2005 under Clerk File Number 1144999 and further assigned to Wilmington Savings Fund Society, Fsb, as Trustee of Stanwich Mortgage Loan Trust A, dated January 17, 2017 and recorded January 17, 2017 under Clerk File Number 2017-000521, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of forty-nine thousand eight hundred thirteen and 75/100 ($49,813.75), including interest on the applicable indebtedness at the rate of 5.5% per annum. This sum will increase as additional interest, costs, expenses and attorney fees accrue under the Mortgage and its related note and which are permitted under Michigan Law after the date of this Notice. No legal or equitable proceedings have been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage, and the power of sale in the Mortgage has become operable by reason of default. NOTICE is now given that on March 28, 2019 at 1:00 P.M. at that place where circuit court is held In Barry -^County, Michigan, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the property herein described, or some part of them, at public auction, the highest bidder, for the purpose of satisfying the amount due and unpaid on the Mortgage, along with interest due, the legal costs and charges of the sale as allowed by statute and/or the Mortgage, and any taxes and insurance that the Mortgagee pays on or prior to the date of said sale. Said premises are situated in the city of Nashville, County of Barry, and state of Michigan, and particularly described as: ALL THAT CERTAIN PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATE AND BEING INT THE TOWNSHIP OF CASTLETON, COUNTY OF BARRY, MICHIGAN, AND DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS, TO-WIT: BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE EAST AND WEST 1/4 LINE OF SECTION 32, TOWN 3 NORTH, RANGE 7 WEST, DISTANT WEST 1180 FEET FROM THE EAST 1/4 POST THEREOF; THENCE SOUTHERLY 470 FEET PARALLEL WITH THE WEST LINE OF THE EAST 3/4 OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF SAID SECTION 32, THENCE WEST APPROXIMATELY 348 FEET PARALLEL WITH SAID EAST AND WEST 1/4 LINE OF SECTION 32; THENCE NORTH 2 DEG. 10’ WEST 148 FEET; THENCE NORTH 88 DEG. OT EAST 146 FEET; THENCE NORTH 1 DEG. 00’ EAST 317 FEET TO THE EAST AND WEST 1/4 LINE OF SECTION 32; THENCE EAST 202 FEET TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING, CASTLETON TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN. More Commonly Known As: 6730 East M 79 Highway, Nashville, Ml 49073 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: February 14, 2019 For more information, please call: (630) 453-6960 Anselmo Lindberg & Associates PLLC Attorneys for Servicer 1771 West Diehl Road, Suite 120 Naperville, IL 60563 File MF19010002 (02-28)(03-21) 113911 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 28, 2019 — Page 11 Saxon Science Olympiad team showing mettle i f I Looking, ahead to regional event ■ < Kathy Maurer Copy Editor « The Hastings High School Science Olympiad team completed the invitational • portion of its season Saturday in Allendale. The two Saxon squads finished third and sev­ enth out of 28 teams, winning a combined 43 : .medals or ribbons in 18 of the 23 events. ■ A national competition, Science Olympiad i challenges students in about two dozen areas •r of science, including medicine, astronomy, forensics, music, technology, engineering, J geology, chemistry biology and more. j, Studying and preparation for the competi• tions is mostly done outside of school. The I rigorous tests are taken by teams of two, or sometimes three, students. The top three finishers in each event are awarded medals in a ceremony at the end of the day, and fourth through sixth place contes­ tants receive ribbons. Generally, trophies or plaques are given to the top six teams, as well. Saturday’s finish caps off a season that started in early December and has seen the Saxons slowly move up in the rankings, coach Marty Buehler said. Hastings has improved in both the number of individual awards and team placing at the five recent competitions. To illustrate that point, he shared results list­ ing the team placings and number of medals or ribbons won by Hastings students: Portage Central, Dec. 8 - eighth, 19th and 23rd place out of 30 teams, with 13 medals and ribbons won. Haslett, Jan. 26 - sixth and 16th out of 34 teams, with 35 awards earned. West Ottawa, Feb. 2 - fifth (all girls team, see related story), ninth and 12th out of 33 teams, with 47 total awards. Frankenmuth, Feb. 9 - fifth and 11th out of 41 teams with only 14 individual awards “at the tough east-side meet.” Allendale, Feb. 23 - third and seventh out of 28 teams, with 43 individual awards. The Saxons earned team hardware in four of the five meets, he said, and Hastings stu­ dents were called up 152 times at those invitationals to receive medals or ribbons. They are now setting their sights on the WMU regional competition March 23. “Everything we have done is to help pre­ pare us for the state tournament. It is all about trying to get back on top as regional champi­ ons,” said Buehler, who has been the Saxon Science Olympiad coach for more than 20 years. The Saxons were regional champions in 2016 but finished second in 2017 and third in 2018. The top two or three teams in the region qualify for the state tournament. The Hastings team also has its collective gaze on the Hamilton Hawkeyes. “They have had to climb back against two strong and veteran regional foes in Portage Central and Hamilton,” Buehler said of his recent teams. “In fact, Hastings has yet to defeat Hamilton any of the times they have been in the same field in meets this year.” Saturday was no different, he said. Hamilton edged out Hastings to take second place. Forest Hills Central was the top finisher. The Saxons have a month to prepare for their next performance, and in that time, he said, they do not plan to sit idle. “We will hold practices and will work to continue to improve, even though in all 23 events, we are pretty good right now. The problem is that 'pretty good’ is not good enough to accomplish our goals. We don’t want any regrets,” he said. “If we learn all we can and still come up short, then we will just have to tip our hats to the competition. At that point, we can still hold our heads high and celebrate the careers of our fabulous seniors. Our seniors are amazing, and I have thor­ Grace Beauchamp and Claudia McLean continue a strong year in 34he Disease Detectives event with third-place medals. (Photo by Robert Former) Josh Brown and Allison Collins are happy to show their gold medals won in Boomilever, an engineering event. They also received thirdplace medals in Mousetrap Vehicle, another engineering competition. (Photo by Robert Former) .' Megan Roe and Abby Waller model their silver medals in Write It, Do 7 It event Saturday. (Photo by Robert Former) Kate Haywood, (from left) Megan Roe and Katie Mejzner display their silver medals for Experimental Design at the Allendale invitational. Ready for a meet in Allendale that would end in 43 medals or ribbons and a team trophy for the Hastings Science Olympiad students are (front row, from left) Zach Franklin, Hannah Radloff, Hope Peck, Allison Collins, Claudia McLean, Elli McFarland, Makayla Casarez, Josh Brown, (sec­ ond row) Kassi Warner, Lexi McDade, Grace Beauchamp, Lindsay Meeker, Megan Roe, Shelby Bolen, Abby Waller, Hannah Johnson, (third row) ^Hannah Hawblitz, Kate Haywood, Victoria Byykkonen, Katie Metzner, Anna Scheck, Audrey Byykkonen, Skyler Grego, Katie Pattok, (back) coach Marty Buehler, Gavin Patton, Matt Pattok, Noah Former, Laurin Mayer, Kirby Beck, Dane Barnes, Patrick Mallory. Missing from photo are Ella Carroll and Spencer Tyson. (Photo by Robert Former) oughly enjoyed the time I get to spend with them.” The Saxons have fielded two and some­ times three teams in meets all year. Each team may have up to 15 students, and schools can take two or three teams to the invitationals. However, only one scoring team and one non-scoring team can compete at the regional event. At the state level, only one team of 15 is allowed. At both the regional and state level, that 15-person squad is limited to seven seniors. With 14 seniors on this year’s team, that will be a hard choice, Buehler said. The entire Science Olympiad program at Hastings High School has been faithfully funded by grants from the Hastings Education Enrichment Foundation and the Youth Advisory Council of the Barry Community Foundation. Kate Haywood and Lindsay Meeker pose after winning third place in the fossils category. (Photo by Robert Former) Senior Kate Haywood and freshman Patrick Mallory finish third in Sounds of Music, which focuses on the physics of sound. (Photo by Robert Former) German exchange student Laurin Mayer and sophomore Abby Waller show their third-place Chemistry Lab medals. (Photo by Robert Former) �Page 12 — Thursday, February 28, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Grapplers do well at St. Valentine’s Day Brawl Lucas Evers (third place) celebrates a third-place finish in his weight class for the Barry County Grapplers Association Feb. 17 at the St Valentines Day Brawl. Kade Case from the Barry County Grapplers Association shows off his fourth place medal Feb. 17 in Kalamazoo. Barry County Grapplers Association; wrestlers Jace Acker (third place) and; Austin Friddle (second) don their medals^ from the St Valentines Day Brawl at: Wings Stadium in Kalamazoo Feb. 17. ; Barry County Grapplers Association wrestlers Zach Chipman (fourth), Isaac Friddle (fourth), Ethan Hoaglin (fourth) celebrate their top four finishes Feb. 17 at the St Valentines Day Brawl. Pedestrian hospitalized after being hit by truck Carson Gates (fourth) is happy with his medal-winning effort Feb. 17, wrestling for the Barry County Grapplers Association at the St Valentines Day Brawl in Kalamazoo. An officer responded to an accident on State Road near Pine Trail Drive in Irving t Township at 5:18 p.m. Jan. 22. The officer found a woman lying face down in the snow near . a mailbox. With the help of bystanders, the officer was able to roll the woman on to a blan­ ket before an ambulance arrived. The 16-year-old driver of a Chevrolet Silverado pickup C said he had attempted to stop when he saw a vehicle stopped in the road, but his brakes have been faulty since he bought the truck and they malfunctioned. Since there was an oncoming vehicle he attempted to pass the stopped truck on the right, and did not see the woman get­ ting her mail. The woman was taken to the hospital with serious but non-life threatening injuries. She did not want to press charges, and the teen was cited for careless driving and defective equipment. Multiple thefts reported near Shallow Lake Barry County Grapplers Association wrestlers Dakota Harmer (second place) and Preston Humphrey (fourth) are happy with their medal winning performances at the St Valentines Day Brawl in Kalamazoo Feb. 17. , Officers responded to multiple incidents of theft from motor vehicles and a house the night of Feb. 23 east of Shallow Lake in Hope Township. Two vehicles were broken into in ? the 8000 block of Dunkley Drive, and bank cards, Social Security cards and change were, stolen. Another resident in the 8000 block of Wertman Road said items in the vehicle had' been moved, but nothing had been taken. A 59-year-old woman .reported die theft of a . ■12-pack oF beer-from a mini-fridge on her fropt ppxch Apd^toojs ^.vehicle. The woman said her daughter noticed a vehicle pass by their residence several times around 4* a.m. A neighbor in the 3000 block of West Cloverdale Road reported hearing the crunch of footsteps on snow outside her bedroom window, but the snow had melted too much for the; officer to make out the prints. The cases are inactive pending further information. Landen Klinge (third place) and Luke Klinge (fourth) from the Barry County Grapplers Association celebrate their medal-winning efforts at Wings Stadium Feb. 17. Walmart employees report threats against store The manager of Walmart in Hastings reported one of his employees may have made ? threats against the store Feb. 10. Two employees, age 21 and 28, said a 40-year-old. co-worker suggested he may “shoot up” the store. They reported one conversation where the man said he wished he had a 3-D printer so he could make a gun that could get through * airport security. In another interaction, the man asked the two when they had days off. When asked why he wanted to know, the man replied, “Well I wouldn’t want you to be here when I shoot up the store.” When an officer contacted the man, he said the comment was meant as a joke, and he did not recall making the statement regarding the 3-D printed gun. Theofficer told the man he was not allowed to return to Walmart until he heard from his man­ ager. Information was forwarded to the prosecutor’s office. Driver arrested for operating under the influence Hunter Sutfin (first) from the Barry County Grapplers Association celebrates his championship at Wings Stadium Feb. 17 at the St Valentines Day Brawl. A 62-year-old Wayland woman was pulled over by a police officer at 9:11 p.m. Feb. 23; for failing to dim her headlights on Valley Drive near Patterson Road in Yankee Springs Township. The officer noticed the smell of intoxicants in the vehicle and reported that the woman had urinated herself. The woman said she had some wine at a church function. Mobile blood-alcohol tests showed results of 0.173,0.17 and 0.18. The woman was arrest­ ed. Her 64-year-old passenger tested 0.00, had a valid license and drove herself home after the arrest. Man tests 0.27 for operating under the influence Barry County Grapplers Association wrestler Ashtyn Denton celebrates with her fourth-place medal at the end of the St Valentines Day Brawl in Kalamazoo Feb. 17. Isaiah Wilson from the Barry County Grapplers Association shows off his bracket and medal after winning his divi­ sion at the St Valentines Day Brawl in Kalamazoo Feb. 17. A 25-year-old Wayland man was arrested on Theris Drive near Patterson Road in Yankee Springs Township at 11:26 p.m. Feb. 23. His blood alcohol level registered at 0.224 and? 0.27. He told the officer before he was tested he was over the limit and the officer would take him to jail. He was arrested. . Translator required in OWI arrest An officer was dispatched to a possible drunk driving incident on Grand Rapids Street near Cidermill Drive in Middleville at 1:21 a.m. Feb. 24. The caller said the vehicle was weaving and had stopped in the middle of the street. The officer pulled the vehicle over in? the parking lot of a nearby store. The driver, a 22-year-old Grand Rapids man, said he had . । no drugs or alcohol. The officer found there was a slight language barrier, and the man’s friend arrived to translate between English and Kinyarwanda. The man tested a 0.16 and 0.17 blood alcohol content and was arrested. Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex. handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Business Services Wanted BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, NO FEE HAUL-AWAY. Dump Hard Maple, Cherry. Paying top dollar. Call for pricing and Free Estimates. Will buy single walnut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793 BELLS CONSTRUCTION-18 THANK YOU TO all of the years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, home improvements, seamless gutters. 269-320-3890. family- friends- relatives & neighbors for all the cards, visits, food & various jobs (snowplowing) & love passed on. Ronnie was a good brother, husband, son, father­ grandfather & friend. Rest in peace Ronnie Pennington. The Family. You will never be forgotten. Wanted A 9FT wide x 10ft tall insulated garage door. Call 269-838-7053. WANTED: Woman is arrested after calling police on husband A 45-year-old woman called 911 at 5 p.m. Feb. 22 from the 7000 block of Huff Road in? <. Assyria Township to say she was having “a bad day” and wanted her husband to leave so , she could have time to herself. En route the officer learned that the woman had an outstand­ ing misdemeanor warrant for littering in Hastings, and she was arrested. ■ ;■ * runs small fee ~ will do tear­ downs! Scrap metal, unwant­ ed appliances, batteries, auto­ mobiles, mobile homes, much more! David 269-605-7905. Card of Thanks \ Riley Furrow (fourth) and Joey Furrow (third) from the Barry County Grapplers Association show off their medals after top four finishes Feb. 17 at the St Valentines Day Brawl in Kalamazoo. Warrant issued for theft of beer and cigarettes An officer was called to the Speedway in Middleville at 5:47 a.m. Feb. 13, after the? employee saw a 33-year-old Middleville man steal beer and cigarettes. Around 12:20 a.m. the man walked in, grabbed a pack of beer and left. As he was leaving, the cashier told theman he had to pay for it, and the man said, “That’s your opinion.” The cashier saw the man’s f license plate as he was leaving. The man returned at 4:07 a.m., grabbed a pack of beer, put it on the counter, and asked for cigarettes. When the cashier placed the items on the counter, the man picked them up and left. When the officer arrived at the man’s house, the man was not speaking coherently and asking odd questions. The officer asked if the man was on prescription medication, and he said he was not. The officer noticed the beer and cigarettes inside the man’s house, and requested two warrants for retail fraud for $38 in stolen goods. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 28, 2019 — Page 13 ... LEGAL NOTICES Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on March 28, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Christian L. Allwardt, married man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): First Guaranty Mortgage Corporation Date of Mortgage: November 21,2014 Date of Mortgage Recording: December 8, 2014 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $124,100.31 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Hope, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Commencing at the Northwest corner of Section 24, Town 2 North, Range 9 West; thence East 1320 feet along the North line of Section 24; thence South 300 feet for the true place of beginning; thence South 574 feet; thence East 494 feet parallel with the North line of Section 24; thence North 84 feet; thence East 226 feet; thence North 227 feet to the centerline of Gurd Road; thence Northerly along the centerline of Gurd Road to a point 300 feet South of the North line of said Section 24; thence West parallel with the North line of said Section 24 to the place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: February 28, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1377060 (02-28)(03-21) 113625 MIKA MEYERS PLC 900 MONROE AVENUE, N.W. GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN 49503 (616) 632-8000 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE Mika Meyers pic is attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Default has occurred in the conditions of a mortgage made by Samantha Vandenbosch, of 13 Market Street, Middleville, Michigan 49331, jnortgagor, to United Bank of Michigan, a Michigan banking corporation, of 900 East Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546, mortgagee, dated November T3,’20dT, prebbrded in the Office of Register of Deeds for Barry County, on November 21, 2001, in Instrument No. 1070113. Because of $aid default, the mortgagee has declared the entire unpaid amount secured by said mortgage due and payable forthwith. As of the date of this notice, there is claimed to be due for principal, all interest accruing thereafter and expenses on said mortgage the sum of $55,495.03. No suit or proceeding in law has been instituted to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof. Notice is hereby given that by virtue of the power Of sale contained in said mortgage, and the statute in such case made and provided, and to pay said amount with interest, as provided in said mortgage, $nd all legal costs, charges and expenses, including attorneys’ fees allowed by law, and all taxes and insurance premiums paid by the undersigned before sale, said mortgage will be foreclosed by sale of the mortgaged premises at public sale to the highest bidder at the West door of the Barry County Courthouse, Hastings, Michigan 49058, on March 14, 2019, at 01:00 p.m. The premises covered by said mortgage are situated in the Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as follows: Commencing at the West 1/4 Post of Section 26, Town 4 North, Range 10 West, Thence South 89 degrees 18’ 55” East, along the East and West 1/4 line of said Section 26, a distance of 693.00 feet; thence North 00 degrees 57’ 03” East, parallel, with the West line of said Section 26, a distance of 759 feet to the t(ue point of beginning, said point of beginning being on the East line of Market Street plat as recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds in Liber 5 of Plats, on Page 89; and running thence North 00 degrees 57’ 03” East, along said East line of Market Street plat, 242.52 feet; thence South 89 degrees 02’ 27” East 164.61 feet; thence South 01 degrees 02’ 07” West 241.73 feet; thence North 89 degrees 18’ 55” West, parallel with said East and West 1/4 line, 164.33 feet to the place of beginning. Together with and subject to an easement for ingress and egress to be used jointly with others over a strip of land 33 feet in width East and West, and lying 16.5 feet either side of a line described as: Beginning at the Southeast corner of the above described parcel and running thence North 01 degrees 02’ 07” East along the East line of said parcel and the Northerly extension thereof, 483.46 feet to the South line of Market Street and the point of ending. The property is commonly known as 19 Market Street, Middleville, Michigan 49331. Notice is hereby given that the length of the redemption period will be six (6) months from the date qf sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of sale. Notice is further given that if the property is sold at foreclosure sale, in accordance with MCL 600.3278, the Mortgagor will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: February 14, 2019 United Bank of Michigan, a Michigan banking corporation By: Mika Meyers pic Attorneys for Mortgagee §y: Daniel R. Kubiak 900 Monroe Avenue, N.W. Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (616)632-8000 113013 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is .hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on April 4, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Dustin C. Carroll, an unmarried man and Lauren L. Erb, an unmarried woman Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Ameri First Financial Corporation Date of Mortgage: March 21, 2014 Date of Mortgage Recording: April 2, 2014 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $95,970.39 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Charter Township of Rutland, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lots 249 and 250 of Al-Gon-Quin Lake Resort Properties, Unit No. 2, Rutland Township, Barry County, Michigan, as recorded in Liber 2 of Plats, Page 63 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: February 28, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1377366 113781 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on March 28, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Raymond L Thompson and Pamala K Thompson, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Reverse Mortgage Solutions, Inc. its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Reverse Mortgage Solutions, Inc. Date of Mortgage: June 10, 2015 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 30, 2015 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $65,098.11 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: A parcel of land in the West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 36, Town 1 North, Range 8 West, described as: Commencing at the Northeast corner of said West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4; thence South along 1/8 line 1000 feet to the place of beginning of the within description; thence continuing South along the 1/8 line 329 feet; thence due West to the West line of the East 56 acres of said West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 36; thence North on said West line 343 feet, more or less, to a point due West of the point of beginning; thence due East to the point of beginning The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a;pr, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: February 28, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1377564 (02-28)(03-21) 113844 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTENTION PURCHASERS: This Sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, or in the event the sale is set aside, the purchaser may be entitled to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, less any applicable fees and costs, and shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s attorney. MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Kevin D. Abbott and Deborah L. Abbott, a married couple, to Habitat for Humanit, Barry County dated July 28, 2008 and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County on August 1, 2008 in number 20080804-0007867 on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Sixty-Three Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty-Eight and 72/100 ($63,888.72.) Dollars and no suit or proceedings at law or equity having been instituted to recover the debt secured by said mortgage. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on March 28, 2019. Said premises is situated in The City of Hastings, County of Barry, and The State of Michigan and is described as: Lot 1, Block 8, Kenfields 2nd Addition to the City of Hastings, according to the plat thereof, recorded in Liber 1of Plats, Page 37, of Barry County Records. Commonly known as 836 East Clinton St., Hastings, Michigan 49058. Parcel Number: 08-55-240-054-05 The redemption period shall be six (6) months immediately following the sale the property. If the property is deemed abandoned under MCL 600.3241a, then the redemption period shall be shortened to 30 days for the date of sale. If the property is sold at a foreclosure sale the mortgagors will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the foreclosure or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period pursuant to MCL 600.3278. Dated February 19, 2019 For more information please call: Robert L. Byington Depot Law Office, PLC Attorneys for Mortgagee 222 West Apple St. P.O. Box 248 Hastings Michigan 49058 269-945-9557 113472 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on March 21,2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Jolene Pasternack, an unmarried woman Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): AmeriFirst Financial Corporation Date of Mortgage; August 29, 2016 Date of Mortgage Recording: September 12, 2016 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $83,335.51 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: The South 3 rods of Lots 19 and 20 and the East 44 feet of the South 3 rods of Lot 21, City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber A of Plats, Page 1. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: February 14, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1375868 (02-14)(03-07) 113041 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on March 14, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Monte K. Sauers, a married man and Joy A. Sauers, his wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Amerifirst Financial Corporation, its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America Date of Mortgage: October 25, 2006 Date of Mortgage Recording: November 13,2006 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $178,468.16 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Assyria, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: The East 30 acres of the South 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 10, Town 1 North, Range 7 West, Except beginning at the Southeast corner of said Section, thence West on the South Section line 511 feet 3 inches; thence North parallel with the East Section line 255 feet 6 inches; thence East to East Section line 511 feet 3 inches; thence South on East Section line 255 feet 6 inches to place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 6££L324Ta; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: February 14, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1375614 (02-14)(03-07) 112909 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Stacey G. Wyman, as a single man and Daphne Kern, as a single woman, to First NLC Financial Services, LLC, Mortgagee, dated May 20, 2004 and recorded June 1, 2004 in Instrument Number 1128516 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, successor by merger to Wells Fargo Bank Minnesota, National Association (formerly known as Norwest Bank Minnesota, National Association), not in its individual or banking capacity, but solely in its capacity as Trustee for the Merrill Lynch Mortgage Investors Trust, Series 2004-HE2, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Two Hundred Thirty-Five Thousand Seven Hundred Forty-Two and 38/100 Dollars ($235,742.38), including interest at 4.75% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on MARCH 21,2019. Said premises are located in the Township of Barry, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: Township of Barry, County of Barry Commencing at the West 1/4 post of Section 17, Town 1 North, Range 9 West; thence East along the East and West 1/4 line of said Section, a distance of 412.5 feet to the place of beginning; thence continuing East along said East and West 1/4 line, 99 feet; thence North parallel with the West line of said Section 17, a distance of 330 feet; thence East parallel with the said East and West 1/4 line 231 feet; thence North parallel with said Section line 275 feet; thence West parallel with said East and West 1/4 line 462 feet; thence North parallel with said West Section line 715 feet, more or less, to the North line of the Southwest 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4 of said Section 17; thence West along said North line 280.5 feet to the West line of said Section 17; thence South along said West Section line 792 feet, more or less, to a point which lies North 528 feet from said West 1/4 post of said Section 17; thence East parallel with said East and West 1/4 line 412.5 feet; thence South parallel with said West Section line 528 feet to the place of beginning. Subject to easement over the South 33.00 feet for parallel highway purposes. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: February 21, 2019 File No. 19-001266 Firm Name: Orlans PC (02-21)(03-14) 113387 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28131 DE Estate of Matthew Joel Cooper. Date of birth: June 20, 1969. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Matthew Joel Cooper, died October 10, 2018. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Stacey Cooper, personal representative or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: February 19, 2019 Willis Law Mariko C. Willis P81915 491 W. South Street Kalamazoo, Ml 49007 (269) 492-1040 Stacey Cooper 11740 Lakeway Street Plainwell, Ml 49080 (269) 366-7594 113561 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on March 21, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Alex Lowe, married man and Ceaira L. Lowe, his wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Mortgage Research Center, LLC DBA Veterans United Home Loans, its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): PennyMac Loan Services, LLC Date of Mortgage: December 9, 2013 Date of Mortgage Recording: December 18,2013 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $122,381.45 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Orangeville, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Commencing at the Northeast corner of the Northwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 15, Town 2 North, Range 10 West; thence South 330 feet; thence West 330 feet; thence North to Keller Road; thence Easterly along the centerline of Keller Road to the place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: February 21,2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1376656 (02-21)(03-14) 113448 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE BY ADVERTISEMENT THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, ANY INFORMATION WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. Default has occurred in the conditions of a Mortgage (the “Mortgage”) made by MISTY L. FRIDAY, a single woman, as Mortgagor(s), to Honor Credit Union (successor in interest to Post Community Credit Union by merger), as Mortgagee. The Mortgage is dated September 27, 2017 and was recorded October 27, 2017 as Instrument No. 2017-010854 of Barry County Records. The amount claimed to be due on said Mortgage and unpaid at the date of this Notice is THIRTY-FOUR THOUSAND SEVEN HUNDRED THIRTY-ONE AND 43/100 ($34,731.43) DOLLARS, including interest on the applicable indebtedness at the rate of 4.875% per annum. This sum will increase as additional interest, costs, expenses, and attorney fees accrue under the Mortgage and its related note and which are permitted under Michigan law after the date of this Notice. No legal or equitable proceedings have been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage, and the power of sale in the Mortgage has become operative by reason of the default. NOTICE is now given that on Thursday, March 7, 2019, at 1:00 p.m. at the place for holding the Circuit Court for the County of Barry, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the premises herein described, or some part of them, at public auction, to the highest bidder, for the purpose of satisfying the amount due and unpaid on the Mortgage, along with interest due, the legal costs and charges of sale as allowed by statute and/or the Mortgage, and any taxes and insurance that the Mortgagee pays on or prior to the date of said sale. The lands and premises mentioned and described in the Mortgage, as located in the Village of Nashville, County of Barry, and State of Michigan, are more particularly described as follows: Lot 4 and the South 10 feet of Lot 5 of ORSEMUS A. PHILLIPS ADDITION, according to the recorded plat thereof in Liber 1 of Plats, on Page 19; Address: 403 Washington Street, Nashville, Ml 49073; Tax Parcel No.: 08-52-180-004-00; together with all existing or subsequently erected or affixed buildings, improvements, and fixtures; all easements, rights of way, streets, roads, alleys, and public places, privileges, and appurtenances, public or private, now or later used in connection with the premises; and all rights to make divisions of the land that are exempt from the platting requirements of all applicable land division or platting acts, as amended from time to time. Attention Purchasers: the foreclosing Mortgagee reserves the right to cancel the sale prior to sale or to rescind this sale at any time. In that event, your damages, if any, will be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at the sale, plus interest. If the mortgaged property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. The length of the redemption period will be six (6) months from date of sale, unless the property is determined to be abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of sale or as otherwise provided by statute. DATED: February 7,2019 ANDREW W. BARNES (P70571) KOTZ SANGSTER WYSOCKI P.C. ATTORNEYS FOR HONOR CREDIT UNION 317 Center Street South Haven, Ml 49090 (269)591-6915 112583 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate N/A Estate of Robert R. Adkins. Date of birth: 03/29/1930. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Robert R. Adkins, who lived at 2382 Ottawa Trail, Hastings, Michigan, died 02/14/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate/trust will be forever barred unless presented to Susan Murphy, 8583 Woodruff Dr. SW, Byron Center, Ml 49315, named co-trustee, within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: February 22, 2019 Susan M. Murphy, Co-Trustee Robert R. Adkins Trust U/A/D 7/14/1995 8583 Woodruff Dr. SW Byron Center, Ml 49315 616-588-7509 113724 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Andrew McDiarmid, married man, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns, Mortgagee, dated November 7, 2017 and recorded November 15, 2017 in Instrument Number 2017-011542 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Mr. Cooper, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Forty Thousand Eight Hundred Thirty-Nine and 80/100 Dollars ($140,839.80), including interest at 4.5% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1.00 PM on MARCH 28, 2019. Said premises are located in the Township of Praireville, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: Lot No. 5 in Prairieville Heights, according to the plat thereof recorded in Liber 5 of plats, Page 34, Barry County Records. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to. the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: February 28, 2019 File No. 19-001320 Firm Name: Orlans PC (02-28)(03-21) 113671 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE This firm is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information we obtain will be used for that purpose. Default has occurred in the conditions of a mortgage made by KENNETH MARTIN, a single man (“Mortgagor”), to CHEMICAL BANK, a Michigan banking corporation, having an office at 333 E. Main Street, Midland, Michigan 48640-6511 (the “Mortgagee”), dated November 20, 2014, and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan on December 8, 2014, as Instrument No. 2014-011489 (the “Mortgage”). By reason of such default, the Mortgagee elects to declare and hereby declares the entire unpaid amount of the Mortgage due and payable forthwith. Mortgagee is the owner of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage. As of the date of this Notice there is claimed to be due for principal and interest on the Mortgage the sum of Sixty-Seven Thousand Two Hundred Eleven and 41/100 Dollars ($67,211.41). No suit or proceeding at law has been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage or any part thereof. Notice is hereby given that by virtue of the power of sale contained in the Mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, and to pay the above amount, with interest, as provided in the Mortgage, and all legal costs, charges and expenses, including the attorney fee allowed by law, and all taxes and insurance premiums paid by the undersigned before sale, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by sale of the mortgaged premises at public vendue to the highest bidder at the east entrance of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan on Thursday the 4th day of April, 2019, at one o’clock in the afternoon. The premises covered by the Mortgage are situated in the Township of Hastings, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and are described as follows: Commencing at the Northeast corner of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 26, Town 3 North, Range 8 West; thence South to Thornapple River; thence West 1499 feet along Thornapple River for the place of beginning; thence North 135 feet; thence West 75 feet; thence South 135 feet more or less to the bank of the Thornapple River; thence East 75 feet to the place of beginning, along with a 1994 Century Manufactured Home, serial number MY9594505AB. Together with all existing or subsequently erected or affixed buildings, improvements and fixtures; all easements, rights of way, and appurtenances; all rights to make divisions of the land that are exempt from the platting requirements of the Michigan Land Division Act, as it shall be amended; all water, water rights, watercourses and ditch rights (including stock in utilities with ditch or irrigation rights); and all other rights, royalties, and profits, relating to the premises, including without limitation all minerals, oil, gas geothermal and similar matters. Commonly known as: 3590 Bridge Park Road, Hastings, Michigan 49058 P.P. #08-06-026-046-00 Notice is further given that the length of the redemption period will be six (6) months from the date of sale, unless the premises are abandoned. If the premises are abandoned, the redemption period will be the later of thirty (30) days from the date of the sale or upon expiration of fifteen (15) days after the Mortgagor is given notice pursuant to MCLA §600.3241 a(b) that the premises are considered abandoned and Mortgagor, Mortgagor’s heirs, executor, or administrator, or a person lawfully claiming from or under one (1) of them has not given the written notice required by MCLA §600.3241 a(c) stating that the premises are not abandoned. If the premises are sold at a foreclosure sale, under MCLA §600.3278 the Mortgagor will be held responsible to the person who buys the premises at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the Mortgagee for damaging the premises during the redemption period. Dated: February 28,2019 CHEMICAL BANK Mortgagee Timothy Hillegonds WARNER NORCROSS + JUDD LLP 900 Fifth Third Center 111 Lyon Street, N.W. Grand Rapids, Ml 49503-2487 (616) 752-2000 18163563 113723 �Page 14 — Thursday, February 28, 2019 — The Hastings Banner LCTK stymies upset bid by K-zoo United Brett Bremer Sports Editor Relying too much on history will make a team history in the state tournament. Lowell/Caledonia/Thornapple Kellogg (LCTK) will get to continue its story into Thursday evening’s Division 1 Regional Semifinals at the Summit in Dimondale after a 4-2 victory over Kalamazoo United in their tournament opener Tuesday. LCTK’s back-to-back regional champion­ ships and an early-January 6-0 win over the United co-op team, made up of skaters from Kalamazoo Christian, Hackett Catholic Prep and Loy Norrix, were well in the past when the two teams skated into the third period tied 1-1 Tuesday. “It was reality. You win or you go home. It took the boys a period and a half to figure out they’re looking at the same thing, so we’re going to get their best effort,” LCTK head coach Phil Wendecker said. “We have to Lowell/Caledonia/Thornapple Kellogg senior Brendan Irons gets by Kalamazoo United senior Topher Strunk to get into the offensive zone during their Division 1 Regional opener Tuesday at The Summit in Dimondale. (Photo by Brett Bremer) LCTK senior Dallas Hainley controls the puck a step inside the blue line during his team’s 4-2 victory over Kalamazoo United Tuesday in the Division 1 Regional opener at The Summit in Dimondale. (Photo by Brett Bremer) match that and more. We have a strong group of seniors in leadership positions and for some of them our last game will be their last game. They kind of took the reigns and that was that.” “All the seniors, they were on it, especially in the third period.” LCTK scored twice in the first five minutes of the third period, and then battled through the remainder of a penalty filled period for the two-goal victory. Sophomore Andrew Davis scored LCTK’s go-ahead goal 87 seconds into the third peri­ od. Senior Brendan Irons rolled a soft pass in front of the United net that Davis was able to knock through keeper Parker Remelius. Senior Dallas Hainley also notched an assist on the play. United lost most of a power play, from a too many men on the ice call against LCTK, when one of its top scoring threats Garrett Warner was whistled for a blow to the head with 12:45 to go in the game. That was the first of nine penalties, including four for unsportsmanlike conduct against United, in the third period. LCTK capitalized five seconds into the 4-on-4, with sophomore Austin Douma set­ ting up shop in front of the United net and slamming home a pass from senior teammate Nolan Lockhart who’d carried it behind the goal before firing it toward the crease. LCTK upped its lead to 4-1 with 5:30 to go with Hainely flinging a shot through a crowd in front that found its way by Remelius. Lockhart also assisted on that goal. It was Hainley’s third point of the night. He scored LCTK’s opener with 4:19 remaining in the first period. He ripped a shot from the bottom of the right circle that slammed the net neatly behind the far post. Senior Joe Fitzgerald and junior Domonic Huver assisted on that goal. LCTK controlled the puck for much of that opening period, with United getting very lim­ ited possession in the offensive end. LCTK goalkeeper Davis Ziesemer stayed on his toes to thwart a couple of United opportunities that were created his own teammates’ turnovers at the blue line. “Davis, he didn’t get a ton of action, but he did what we needed him to do,” Wendecker said. A couple of United seniors put a cap on their varsity careers, with Tony Schiurripa finding Topher Strunk for a goal with 1:28 to go in the game. But Strunk was immediately whistled for unsportsmanlike conduct after i the goal and United spent the final minute and a half with three guys on the ice and three guys in the penalty box. The LCTK skaters are now 8-17-1 on the season. They will face East Lansing in the regional semifinals back at The Summit Thursday (Feb. 28) at 7 p.m. “We have had our ups and downs, like arty team, but the important thing is we are up'at the right time of the year, and right now is the right time of the year,” Wendecker said. “If we can carry the way we finished tonight info Thursday and as far as we go we have a lot’to be excited about.” The Capital City Capitals, made up of plac­ ers from DeWitt, St. Johns Lansing Catholic, Ionia and Mason, scored a 7-6 win over Jackson United in the second regional contest of the night Tuesday and will face the Mid­ Michigan Marauders (Holt/Grand Ledge/ Portland/Potterville) in the second regiorfil semifinal Thursday. The Regional Final at The Summit is slated for Saturday at 5:10 p.m. Should LCTK get that regional final it will be the foam on tke wrong side of history going in as both the Marauders and Capitals scored wins over LCTK in match-ups that li&$p&hed before the calendar turned to 2019. Lansing Christian sends Lion seniors out early Brett Bremer Sports Editor Senior Austin Zank got a little head start on his classmates. Zank was the first senior from the Maple Valley varsity boys’ basketball team to get to kiss the Lion at center-court on the floor of the Maple Valley High School gymnasium Thursday evening. He was whistled for his fifth foul with his Lions trailing visiting Lansing Christian 51-37 with 3 minutes and 2 seconds remaining. In about two minutes, the rest of the Lions senior regulars took their turns dropping down in the push-up position and pressing their lips to the hardwood - Noah Hansen, Dylan Wagner, Gavin Booher and Carson Hasselback. The Pilgrims would go on to close out a 57-37 win over the Lions in their Greater Lansing Activities Conference ballgame. The Lions end the GLAC season with a 2-9 record, only able to get one of their two regu­ larly scheduled match-ups in with Stockbridge. Maple Valley was down just five points with five and a half minutes to go in the third quarter Thursday. An 11-5 run by the Pilgrims to close out the quarter upped their lead to double figures, and then Lansing Christian scored the first five points of the fourth quar­ ter. The Lions never got closer than 11 points the rest of the way. Booher led Maple Valley with 19 points in the loss. Hasselback had eight and junior Jonathan Rosenberg finished with five points. Lansing Christian got 21 points from junior center James Felton, ten from Weston Block and 11 from Jalen Schafer. The Pilgrims close out the GLAC season at 3-9 having won three of their final four con- Maple Valley seniors (from left) Carson Hasselback, Noah Hansen, Dylan Wagner, Ausitn Zank and Gavin Booher look on as their teammates close out a GLAC loss to Lansing Christian in their final game of the regular season Thursday at Maple Valley High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) ference contests. They knocked off the Lions in Lansing 63-60 in overtime Saturday (Feb. 23) and pulled out an 87-82 win in triple over­ time at Lakewood Feb. 25. Maple Valley was slated to visit Bronson Wednesday for its Division 3 District Semifinal match-up to open the state postsea­ son tournament. Bronson and the Lions both drew a bye for Monday’s opening round. The district’s lone opening round contest saw Union City take a 59-43 win over Galesburg-Augusta Monday. Union City was scheduled to face Delton Kellogg in the sec­ ond semifinal of the day last night. The district final is scheduled for Friday at 6 p.m. TK girls wrap up Gold season by besting Wolves The Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ bas­ ketball team is looking to finish off a winning regular season when it visits Grandville Thursday evening. The Trojans improved to 10-9 overall on the year with a 62-52 win over Wyoming on senior night in Middleville Friday. TK built a 19-10 lead through the first quarter and held onto its lead as the tempo swung up and down throughout the reaming three quarters. The two teams combined for just 13 points in the third quarter, with TK building its lead to 41-28, and then the Wolves and Trojans combined to score 44 points in the final eight minutes of the OK Gold Conference season. Paige VanStee had 22 points, 15 rebounds and six assists to lead the Trojan attack. Claudia Wilkinson finished with 17 points, Maddie Hess ten, Terryn Cross seven and Tyah Jefferson six. Wilkinson and Jefferson chipped in six rebounds each. Cross had three assists and Corrin Replogle four. Zeeland East scored a 45-40 win over the visiting Trojans last Wednesday in a non-conference contest. The Trojans open the postseason taking on district host Otsego Monday at 7 p.m in one of two Division 2 District openers hosted by the Bulldogs. Hastings meets Plainwell at 5:30 p.m. in the first bailgame of the evening. The winner of that TK/Otsego contest will take on Comstock in the district semifinals March 6 back at Otsego High School. Maple Valley senior center Carson Hasselback (15) fights to beat Lansing Christian’s James Felton to a rebound during the second half of their GLAC match-up Thursday at Maple Valle High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 28, 2019 — Page 15 Coach Bultema takes final plunge for DK/TK/Hastings Brett Bremer Sports Editor Winners by six points on Saturday at the Community Education and Recreation Center pool in Hastings, the Wayland Union varsity boys’ swimming and diving team took the first turn to celebrate with the OK Rainbow Conference Tier II trophy. The conference co-champions, who were undefeated in league duals and second on Saturday, from Caledonia/Lowell/South Christian took the next turn - posing around the diving boards while their fans snapped photos with cellphones and cameras of the back-to-back conference champions from the balcony above. They were all in the pool before long, but it was Delton Kellogg/Thornapple Kellogg/ Hastings head coach Tyler Bultema who hit the water first to honor his 15 th and final sea­ son leading the program which has been the regular conference meet host since its incep­ tion. Bultema hung there, treading water between the celebrating Wildcats and Vikings for a bit, before climbing out of the far side of the pool - his own cell phone and shoes safely stored in the scorekeeping office of Kurt Schaaf in anticipation of such a moment. “You’re coming in with me,” Wayland head coach Seth Beat told Bultema as he went to prepare for the awards ceremony with his guys following the conclusion of the 400-yard freestyle relay in which his guys clinched a share of the conference championship. “That is how I had my very first team pic­ ture taken,” Bultema said. “We were all in the deep end during a practice one day. That is where we took our very first team picture, so that was kind of fun - to end up where it all started.” A group of his former swimmers came back to celebrate with their old coach, spending some time together before the meet. Following the diving competition Daegan Mix, Brad Gagnon, Jacob Miller and coach Bultema’s son Hunter Bultema presented Tyler with some parting gifts - a Spider-Man kickboard, a red pool noodle, a small life vest, and an engraved watch that read, “Swim fast, not half fast.” “For a few weeks I was thinking I kind of want to do something for his retirement, his last meet has to be special,” Mix said. “Because he spent so much time on us, I fig­ ured we’d give him his own time on the podi­ um and make his day special too. Then I got the idea to get all the swimmers together, all the old alumni guys, and see what we could do. We all pitched in.” Hunter shared the idea for the engraving, words he’d heard his father say time and again,.acccwdiagtoMix.^^.^^: “It was a nice way to go. I held it together,” coach Bultema said. The Wildcats on the pool deck didn’t hold it together as the final leg of the final race of the day was finishing up, leaping, shouting and hugging. Wayland didn’t put its best effort forth in the preliminary heats of the 400 freestyle relay Friday in Hastings, putting the Wildcats in lane seven for the final race of the day, with Ottawa Hills and CLS the top two seeds in Saturday’s final in the middle of the pool. The Wayland team of Jordan Sopjes, Caleb Wolf, Cooper Sidebotham and Rory Bessinger couldn’t quite keep pace with the Bengal foursome that won the race in 3 minutes 24.27 seconds, but did manage to fend off the CLS DK/TK/Hastings junior Jon Arnold cuts his way through the water during the 100yard freestyle ‘B’ Final Saturday at the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference Meet in Hastings. (Photo by Brett Bremer) team of Zach Burghgraef, Emmet Schmehling, Zach Logan and Ty Dykhouse that placed third in 3:27.84. The CLS boys needed to win, or finish two spots better than Wayland in that final race to clinch an undisputed conference championship. The Wildcats’ stopped the clock with Bessinger touching the wall in 3:25.40. The Wildcats closed out the day with 450 points, ahead of CLS 444, Ottawa Hills 431, Delton Kellogg/Thornapple Kellogg/Hastings 220, Muskegon Mona Shores Co-op 211 and Grand Rapids Union 184. “The boys did incredible,” CLS head coach Trenten Babcock said. “I knew it was going to be a tight meet going in. Wayland was really good. They did awesome at this meet. I was really pleased to be co-champions with them. I told my boys that they outclassed all of my expectations and I couldn’t have asked for a better bunch. They did really well.” The CLS boys handled the Wildcats in their dual earlier this month thanks in part to their depth. On Saturday, CLS had eight guys earn all-conference honors. Wayland had four and Ottawa Hills had five. The Wildcats had the high-end speed they needed to accumulate first-place points though. Sopjes, a senior, took the 200-yard free­ style in 1:46.13 - meeting the DI state quali­ fying time. He also met the DI state qualify­ ing mark in winning the 100-yard butterfly in 52.04. A false start in the ‘B’ final of that 100-yard butterfly may have been the difference between a Wayland and CLS win Saturday. Bessinger, another Wayland senior, met the D2 state qualifying time in winning the 200yard individual medley in 2:02.48. The Wayland foursome of Garrett Kloska, Bessinger, Wolf and Sopjes took the 200-yard freestyle relay as well, hitting the DI state qualifying mark in 1:30.16. The CLS team of Alexander Pollock, Ethan Arendsen, David Bud and Burghgraef was second in that race in 1:32.10. CLS’s lone win came from Pollock, a junior, who won the 50-yard freestyle in 22.80 seconds. DK/TK/Hastings senior Alex Fabiano set a conference record and met the DI state quali­ fying time in winning the 100-yard freestyle in 48.43 seconds. He later qualified for the DI state meet in the 100-yard backstroke with his winning time of 53.41 that set a new DK/TK/ Hastings record. He’ll cap an outstanding varsity swimming career at the Division 1 State Finals that are scheduled for March 8-9 at the Holland Aquatic Center. Coach Bultema said there was chance that Fabiano would take one last shot at a school record time in the 100-yard breaststroke at a second shave meet this week. “We tried to get him to qualify earlier, so he didn’t have to shave and taper for this, but that didn’t work out and so then we had to,” coach Bultema said. “It worked out like it is sup­ posed to. Now he gets to practice a couple more weeks and go compete one more time.” Fabiano was one of two all-conference swimmers for DK/TK/Hastings, jpined by junior teammate Andrew Tuokkola who was third in the 500-yard freestyle, sixth in the 200-yard freestyle with Fabiano, Jon Arnold and Samuel Randall to place fourth in both the 200-yard medley relay and the 400-yard freestyle relay. CLS’s Schmehling, Arendsen, Dykhouse, Bud, Logan, Alexander Le and Burghgraef all earned enough points throughout the day to win all-conference medals as well. Bud was the CLS’ team’s lone senior this winter. “Our team is lower-classmen heavy, which is good,” Babcock said. “I was very pleased about it. For a team with such youth to go in and come within six points of a team that if you look at it, was close to half seniors and they did the majority of their scoring, I don’t think is anything to sneeze at. I was really pleased with that. We had a lot of all-confer­ ence picks. Everybody contributed from the Delton Kellogg/Thornapple Kellogg/Hastings varsity boys’ swimming and diving coach checks out an engraved watch presented to him a Daegan Mix (right) and a few former alumni during his final conference meet leading the program at the Community Education and Recreation Center in Hastings Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) DK/TK/Hastings junior Andrew Tuokkola gets set to take off at the start of the 500yard freestyle Saturday during the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference Meet in Hastings. Tuokkola and senior teammate Alex Fabiano each earned all-conference honors with their performance Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) bottom on up.” . Ottawa Hills had senior Dawson Eriksen win the 500-yard freestyle in 5:04,69, a race that saw CLS’s Emmet Schmehling second in 5:17.65 and Tuokkola third in 5:30.32. Another Bengal senior, Andrew Deboer, won the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:00.83. It was Eriksen, Adam Kuzee, Judah Vandyke and Jonathan Hoffman winning the 400-yard relay for the Bengals at the end of the day. Hoffman, Deboer, Kuzee and Eriksen started the meet by breaking a year-old CLS conference record jh the 200-yard medley relay, winning in 139.43 (meeting the DI state cut in the race! That was the lone relay where the CLS boys finished ahead of the Wildcats, with the team of Dykhouse, Pollock, Arendsen and Logan second in 1:04.91 - a DI state qualifying time. Mona Shores’ Tommy Cotner won his third consecutive conference championship in, the diving competition, putting up a, score of 4^L7S-point^~Xtttnwa^ Hill^ senior Caleb Hekman was the mhner-up wim 423?l'O points. CLS and DK/TK/Hastings had two divers each among the top ten, who are all regional qualifiers. The Vikings’ Logan Morse was third and Luke Schumaker seventh. DK/TK/ Hastings had Blake Sheldon fifth and Gram Price sixth. Randall added a fifth-place time of 58.80 in the 100-yard butterfly for DK/TK/Hastings^ Others who scored for the DK/TK/Hastings team at the meet were Braxton McKenna, Gabe Neuman, Enno Visser and Erik Zimmerman. That group teamed up for a sixth-place time in the 200-yard freestyle relay. Visser added a time of 1:16.54 for sev­ enth in the 100-yard breaststroke. Hoyt sets sights on state championship Brett Bremer Sports Editor Hastings sophomore Ashland Hoyt has worked at least as hard on her bowling skills as she did to help get a varsity bowling team at Hastings High School. Hoyt captured a regional championship Saturday in the singles competition at the Division 2 Regional Tournament at Continental Lanes in Kalamazoo. Trailing 2017 Division 3 singles state champion Haley Hooper, a senior from Battle Creek Pennfield, by five pins with two games to go Hoyt threw the game of the tournament - a 269. She struck out from the fourth frame on recording seven consecutive strikes. The 269 &the highest single-game score of her varsity career. “It felt good. My balance at the line was good, my form. Everything just felt great. It was natural for me,” Hoyt said. That put her comfortably in front heading into the sixth and final game of the series Saturday, and she captured a regional champi­ onship with an overall score of 1190. Hooper w+as second with a score of 1150 and Thomapple Kellogg sophomore Carly Snyder scored the third-place spot with a score of 1143. The top ten girls from the regional, and the top ten from the boys’ singles competition, all earned spots in this Saturday’s Division 2 State Finals at Century Bowl in Waterford. “I knew that I could win, and that is what I did. I went out there and I bowled the best that I could. It was challenging, definitely, trying to see the transitions and trying to see every­ thing when things were breaking down. It was just really hard, but I worked through that and came out strong,” Hoyt strong. She said she was on a very good pair to open the tournament, and she jumped out to a good-sized lead over all of her competitors with games of 233 and 244. “The oil was still fresh. It wasn’t breaking down,” Hoyt said. She said she didn’t see the transition from the conditions on one lane to the next fast enough as she moved on to the third game. She rolled a 136 and then a 159. Hooper surged at that point, adding a 222 and a 239 to the 147 and 173 she’d opened the tournament with. “Those bad games that I had, I didn’t let it bring me down. I didn’t let them infect me. I knew that I could still bounce back,” Hoyt said. Some advice from her father Kyle on what ball to use heading into the fifth game helped spur her big 269 Ashland said. Snyder had high-games of 211, 210 and 204 among her six to score her state finals spot for the first time. Their teammates rolled well too Saturday. Another sophomore, Hastings’ Daisy Kerby, finished in tie for 20th in the singles competition with a score of 952 for the day. She had high games of 213,173 and 170, with the 213 a new varsity high for her. Hastings senior Caitlin Rose was 30th with an 894 series, sophomore Skylar Dixon placed 74th and junior Emma Vann was 93rd overall. “Emma Vann had to switch from right-hand­ ed bowling to left-handed bowling three weeks ago and was able to be there for our girls when we only had five girls for the team,” Hastings head coach Deanna Rhodes said. “I am very proud of Emma for sticking with it to make sure the girls had a full team to compete.” Thomapple Kellogg had sophomore Dalace Jousma 32nd, sophomore Cayleigh Willard 37th, junior Kaitlyn Robinson 53rd, senior Kaitlyn Phillips 58th and sophomore Lily Secord-Rider 89th in the singles event. Austin Fenstemaker led the Hastings boys in their singles competition, placing 50th with a 964 six-game series. He had a high single game of 205. The Saxons also had John Hinkle 52n, Gage Richmond 56th, Kyler Madden 78th, Cameron Eaton 95th and Wesley McClelland 96th. Hastings’ Ashland Hoyt (right) talks things over with teammate Skylar Dixon during their Division 2 Regional Tournament at Continental Lanes in Kalamazoo over the weekend. Hoyt won the individual regional championship Saturday to earn a spot in the March 2 State Finals at Century Bowl in Waterford, (photo by Will Kowalski) Thornapple Kellogg junior Trevor VanPolen was the closest of the area guys to qualifying for state, placing 16th with a 1100 series. He had high games of 209 and 225 at the tourna­ ment. Sophomore teammate Michael Willshire was 30th and TK also had Colton Hicswa 70th, Connor Wilson 73rd, and Joseph Driscoll 75th. A Pennfield senior was the runner-up in the boys’ competition as well. Sturgis senior Aaron Brown-O’Dell took the regional title with an overall score of 1298, ahead of Pennfield’s James Ruoff who closed out at 1277. Another Sturgis senior, Zachary Gage, was third with a score of 1270. An 1129 from Wyoming senior Jared Lovett was the last of the ten state qualifying performances in the boys’ meet. Pennfield captured the girls’ team regional title Friday at Continental Lanes, outscoring runner-up Coldwater by 51 pins over the course of six baker games and three regular games. The top three teams Friday earned spots in this Friday’s team state competition in Waterford. Pennfield’s girls finished with a total score of 3536, ahead of Coldwater 3485 and Byron Center 3472. Marshall placed fourth with a score of 3160, ahead of Grand Rapids Christian 3063, Thomapple Kellogg 2986, Plainwell 2913, Parma Western 2899, Niles 2818 and Sturgis 2793 in the top ten. Hastings girls placed 14th on the day. Sturgis took the boys’ title with a score of 4079, ahead of Coldwater 3854 and Pennfield in the top three Friday. Byron Center was fourth with a score of 3718, ahead of Parma Western 3713, Niles 3640, Thornapple Kellogg 3611, Wyoming 3482, Vicksburg 3382 and Grand Rapids Christian 3320 in the top ten. The Hastings boys were 16th overall. �Page 16 — Thursday, February 28, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Down one cheerleader, DK rallies Brett Bremer Sports Editor Being a team good enough to even compete in a regional wasn’t in the front of the Panthers’ minds even as the calendar turned to 2019 on the 2018-19 varsity competitive cheer season. There they were Saturday evening with half the top 24 teams in the state of Michigan in Davison 4 in black and orange, blue and gold, red and white surrounding the mat at Caledonia High School and cheering on the Delton Kellogg girls as they closed out their Division 4 Regional Tournament with one of their cleanest round three performances of the season. “From where we started, where we came from, it’s a huge change,” Delton Kellogg head coach head coach Zoe Reynolds said following her team’s 12th-place regional fin­ ish. The top four teams at regionals across the state Saturday earned spots at this weekend’s state finals at the DeltaPlex in Grand Rapids, the rest of the teams who were even still com­ peting saw their season come to an end. Delton Kellogg senior Esther Ordway said she used up most of her tears at the end of her team’s district performance, which earned the Panthers a spot in the regional tournament. “Last week at districts we didn’t know if we were moving on. I kind of had it in my head that it was my last meet and I was ready to shed tears, and when I found out that we were moving on they all came out anyway,” Ordway said. “This week, rather than being sad it is ending, I am really just proud of how far we came and how much we did.” Ordway as a top her stunt group for much of the Panthers’ round three routine Saturday, Delton Kellogg’s Kelsey Campbell starts off on a tumbling pass during her team’s round three routine Saturday at the Division 4 Regional Tournament hosted by Caledonia High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Panthers’ Carly Mersch throws her firsts forward during Delton Kellogg’s round one performance Saturday at the Division 4 Regional Tournament at Caledonia High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) a round that earned a score of 262.00 points, after an eight-point deduction. While that Delton Kellogg senior Esther Ordway stands up from her circle of teammates as th^ deduction took it from being one of the team’s senior cheerleaders are honored at the end of Saturday evening’s Division 4 Regional top round three scores of the season, the Panthers were still pretty happy with that last Tournament at Caledonia High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) turn on the mat. “I feel like when we were waiting (for all the new details. rounds one and three, and were just behincj round three) we were very nervous about the “The fact that we literally learned the round their top competition in round two. P-W fact that everyone was watching,” Ordway about ten minutes before we went on for scored a 222.80 in round one, a 212.52 in said. “When we found out we were last, ‘oh round one really, really made me proud that round two and a 312.60 in round three. no,’ there were almost tears, but I think the we still matched the scores we’ve been get­ Breckenridge had the top score of the day in nature of this sport is very uplifting. Everyone ting the past few meets,” Ordway said. “We round two at 214.34. ? is always positive, wishing you luck. It really had to change formations and ripples, the Munising was the day’s runner-up with ah helps, for sure. moves everyone did, where people did jumps, overall score of731.54, ahead of Breckenridge “It was probably the best we have done all the words, everything was different. It was 724.34 and NorthPointe Christian 723.86 in season,” she added. “I think the fact that all just a big mumble, jumble of changes right the top four. £ the teams on the side were cheering us on, that before.” Munising led Pewamo-Westphalia by half1 gave us a lot of confidence. Also, we knew DK managed a score of 200.10 in round point heading into round three, adding a that this was our last chance so why not give one and then followed that up with a score of round two score of 213.34 to its 222.50 total it everything we have.” 166.50 in round two. The Panthers had the from round one. The Munising girls added a It was a last chance that needed some last 12th-best score or round one and three, and 295.70 in round three. NorthPointe Christian were 11th in round two, a spot above Lake was the only team other than P-W to score minute changes. “One of my girls that is in all three rounds, Michigan Catholic. more than 300 points in round three, putting she got hurt and couldn’t go in (at the start of “I think round one may have been better together a score of 302.80. East Jordan was fifth overall^on the da^ round one),” Reynolds said. “You’veAgot to Jia<Whe>4iot fete th® pressure of a change,” make due. I went from 7-6-7 to 6-6-6 in every Reynolds said. “The extra anxiety of that defi­ with a score of 702.54, followed by Houghton round and you make due with what you have. nitely got to them a little bit, but not enough Lake 701.60, Lawton 692.30, Shelby 690.24, Gobles 681.90, Lake Michigan Catholic That is a part of coaching, that is a part of any that I wasn’t happy with the round.” Pewamo-Westphalia took the regional 662.52, Evart 649.04 and Delton Kellogg sport.” Esther said the Panthers had about ten min­ championship with an overall score of 747.92. 628.60. utes before the start of round one to work out The Pirates had the best scores of the day in Rams and Clippers enact revenge on DK girls Finishing second to Schoolcraft was proba­ bly the most realistic outcome for the Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ basketball team in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division this winter. The Panthers did just that, but didn’t finish off the SAC Valley season like they would have liked to. Galesburg-Augusta closed out conference play with a 57-42 win over the Panthers Friday night. That loss was on the heels of a 57-53 loss at Martin Wednesday in non-conference action. y DK emerged victorious from previous ball­ games against both teams this season. “It was a tough game as G-A took it to us and just outplayed us in almost every facet of the game,” Delton Kellogg head coach Mike Mohn said after Friday’s defeat. “We got out hustled, out worked and out coached.” At some point in the second half he just decided enough was enough. “Our second group went in and really played hard and did a pretty decent job of keeping the game within reach as we entered the fourth quarter,” Mohn said. “Abbie Bever, Clara Bever, Amber Mabie, Abbi Perry and Lauren LaBeck really tried to add a bit of energy to a pretty tough night overall for our team. My hat goes off to those gals.” Galesburg-Augusta had nine offensive rebounds on the night, and turned them into points seven times for a total of 13 points. “That is just a tough number to overcome when you are trying to climb back in a game,” Mohn said. Freshman forward Mary Whitmore did her best to keep the Rams off the glass, finishing with eight rebounds. She got seven of those on the offensive end. “Erin Kapteyn did her best to keep us in the game with a really nice fourth quarter,” Mohn said. Kapteyn had nine of her team-high 15 points in the final eight minutes. Senior center Lexi Parsons only managed to get off seven shots all game. She did make six of them. The Panthers finish off the SAC Valley season with an 8-4 record. They are 14-5 overall heading into their regular season fina­ le at home against Fennville tonight (Feb. 28). “Lexi Parsons and Victoria Greene will be playing on their home court for the last time in the regular season and the chances of it being a fairly emotional night for those two are probably pretty good,” Mohn said. “The have left quite a mark on the DK girls’ basket­ ball program over their time with us and they should be very proud of what they have accomplished. “We are better because they have been a part of us and our thanks goes out to them.” It won’t be their last shot on their home court though, as the Panthers are hosting their Division 3 District Tournament next week. The Panthers take on Union City Monday at 7 p.m. to open the state tournament. DK fell 57-53 to Martin in double overtime last Wednesday in a game in which the Panthers had an 11-point lead at the start of the fourth quarter. DK started the fourth with the basketball and had seven turnovers in their first nine possessions of the quarter while the Clippers clawed back into the game. The Panthers finished the ballgame with 28 turn­ overs. J Kapteyn had a nice offensive game with 14 points and Parsons added 12 to go along with 15 rebounds. Holly McManus scored 16 points to lead Delton offensively. DK missed 15 opportunities right at the basket, but manage to turn four of them into seven free throws. ; “The other 11 we got nothing for our efforts,” Mohn said. “That has become ah issue for us down the stretch of this season and we had better improve on it or our tourna­ ment run will be a short one. We get to whefe we want to take shots from but just can’t fin­ ish the job.” - Vikes can’t get beyond beasts of the east expires 2/28/19 1351 N. Broadway (M-43, Hastings 269.945.9105 OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00 - 5:30 Brett Bremer Sports Editor There was a lot for the Vikings to feel good about Saturday, even if the 2018-19 varsity competitive cheer season did come to an end a weekend earlier than the Lakewood girls area used to. Lakewood placed seventh at the Division 3 Regional Tournament at Grand Blanc Saturday, finishing about 16.5 points behind the fourth and final state qualifying team from Monroe Jefferson. The Vikings had finished five of their pre­ vious six seasons at the Division 3 State Finals at the DeltaPlex in Grand Rapids, ris­ ing as high as fifth a year ago. That fifth place finish left the Vikings behind the four teams that qualified from the state finals out of the regional on the east side of the state. This time, the Vikings were a part of that regional. Lake wood’s final score of 751.96 points would have been the top total, although scored through the eyes of a different set of judges, at the D3 regional held in Rockford Saturday where the Vikings have typically competed. The top nine teams at Grand Blanc scored higher than the top team at Rockford Saturday. The Vikings earned their solid total score Saturday “They had their best round one and three of the season,” Lakewood head coach Kim Martin said, and her team’s round two perfor­ mance was comparable to where it was at districts the previous week. “They had a lot of energy which is some­ thing we have been trying to get out of them all season. We had some tough competition Saturday and our round draw did not help us. We were second in round one and round three. Its never good to go that early in the round.” Richmond bested Pontiac Notre Dame Prep, the five-time defending state champi­ ons, 78u9.08 to 785.04 at the top of the stand­ ings. Richmond has finished second to Notre Dame Prep at the Division 3 State Finals in each of the past four seasons, and been in the top two in the state in D3 six times in the past seven seasons. Charlotte was third with a total score of 770.48 and Monroe Jefferson fourth at 768.50. Armada (765.46) and Croswell-Lexington (755.62) also slotted in just ahead of the sev­ enth-place Vikings. Lakewood was happy to finish ahead of Flat Rock (750.72) and Portland (750.48) who placed eighth and ninth respectively. “The girls were excited to beat Portland, and excited that we beat Flat Rock too which was a team that we anticipated would be in the top four for states,” Martin said. Lakewood trailed Flat Rock by more than seven points going into round three, but made up that gap by closing the day with a score of 308.50. The Vikings opened the district with ,4 229.80 in round one. Round two was where the Vikings slipped behind the top competi­ tors a big, scoring a 213.66. “We are sad to see the season come to ah end, but excited that they finished with thre$ very good rounds. We are hoping next year the district and regional lines look a little dif­ ferent. The sad part is some very good tean^s from our region will be staying home while the west region looked to be very easy go get out of.” , Richmond had the day’s top score in each round, a 236.90 in round one, 231.68 in round two and 320.50 in round three. Notre Dame Prep was right behind every step of the way with a 236.00 in round one, a 230.84 in rouncj two and a 318.20 in round three. Those two teams had a solid edge over their other com* petition for one of the top four spots in each round. Onsted was tenth in the final overall teanj standings with a score of 742.90, ahead of Id$ 732.02 and Chesaning 723.90. A �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, February 28, 2019 — Page 17 Saxon seniors all contribute in final home game at HHS Hastings seven seniors will always remem­ ber where they were when Marshall’s Jeremy Lucciani scored the 1000th point of his varsi­ ty basketball career. That’s because it was a big night for the Saxons as well. “It was senior night and there was a lot of emotion on the floor,” Hastings head coach Rich Long said. “Were able to get quality minutes and scoring out of our senior group and help create a lifetime memory to leave their home court.” Seniors Grayson Tebo, Ryan Flikkema and Cameron Ertner had four points each in the Hastings varsity boys’ basketball team’s 57-42 loss to the RedHawks. Connor Parmenter and Rian Allen had three points apiece. Hastings also got a great defensive effort from senior Blake Walther, who coach Long said has been solid for his team over the last few ballgames. Sophomore Kirby Beck led the Saxons in scoring for the night with ten points and The Saxons’ Grace Nickels drives towards the basket during her team’s Interstate-8 Athletic Conference contest against visiting Marshall Friday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Red Hawks and Red Arrows put Saxons' FG% in the red The Hastings varsity girls’ basketball team will close out the 2018-19 regular season at home against Jackson Lumen Christi Thursday. The Saxons lost out in a four-point bail­ game to the Titans in their earlier lnterstate-8 Athletic Coiif^^^match-up this season, one of the Saxons’ most competitive contests in what has been a string of one tough contest after another. . Marshall topped the host Saxons 52-15 in conference action last Friday in Hastings, dropping the Saxons to 1-12 in league play. Megan Deal had seven points and three assists to lead the Saxons. Lexi Chaffee and Grace Nickels had six rebounds each. Hastings hasn’t had it any easier outside of the conference. Lowell scored a 53-14 win over the Saxons at Hastings High School Tuesday night. Grace Nickels had eight points in that loss to the Red Arrows and Josey Nickels had a team-high 11 rebounds. Hastings head coach Mike Engle said the advantage in size, speed and athleticism for both the Red Arrows and the Red Hawks in the two ballgames really limited the Saxons’ chances of getting clean looks at the basket on offense. As a result, his girls had a couple of their worst shooting nights of the season. The Saxons start the Division 2 state tour­ nament with a district opener against Plainwell at Otsego High School Monday, tipping off at 5:30 p.m. Thomapple Kellogg takes on Otsego in the second district opener in Otsego Monday. The winners of those two ballgames Hastings senior Grayson Tebo fires a shot over Marshall’s Ben Lillrose during the second half of their contest Friday at Hastings High School. (Photo by Perry Hardin) -~ junior guard Elijah Smith added eight. Lucciani, a senior, reached the 1000-point plateau with 30 points for his team. His twin Hastings was scheduled to face Plainwell in the Division 2 District Semifinals at Otsego High School last night. The winner of that rebounds and four assists. final Friday. DK boys knock off Rams in regular-season finale Hastings senior Lauren Harden fires a shot over Marshall’s Dani DeVine during their 1-8 contest at Hastings High School Friday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) advance to the district semifinals back in Otsego March 6. Lakewood bowlers overtake Three Rivers for third at regional The Lakewood varsity bowling team is gbing to the state finals for the first time thanks to a third-place finish at its Division 3 Regional Tournament at M-66 Bowl in Battle Creek Friday. The Vikings burst out with a score of 1013 in the second regular game of the tournament to surge ahead of Three Rivers into third place heading into the final game of the day. Each team added up six baker games and three reg­ ular five-man games to reach their final total for the tournament, with the top three teams earning spots in this Friday’s Division 3 State Finals at Northway Lanes in Muskegon. The Vikings sat in fourth place after the first regular game, 73 pins behind third-place Three Rivers. The 1013 was the only game better than 1000 from any of the 18 teams at the tournament. Portland, which placed sec­ ond to Hopkins in the final standings, had the second-best score of the day in one of the regular games at 946. Hopkins took the regional championship with a score of 3763, ahead of Portland 3713, Hastings senior center Cameron Ertner fights to get a shot over Marshall’s Jack Luciani during the second half of their Interstate-8 Athletic Conference match-up in Hastings Friday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) The Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ basket­ ball team finished off a nine-win regular sea­ son by knocking off Galesburg-Augusta 65-36 at DKHS Friday evening. Senior Carter Howland had a team-high 15 points for the Panthers and fellow senior Cameron Curcuro finished with ten points. Delton Kellogg had ten different players score in the ballgame, half of them seniors. Keegon Kokx and Mats Van Kleef had six points each and Owen Koch two. Senior point guard Payton Warner didn’t get into the scoring column, but made things roll against the Rams in other ways. He had four assists and a team-high six steals int eh win. Curcuro dished out five assists himself. Junior forward Dawson Grizzle had a big night, finishing with seven points and 11 rebounds. Martin scored its second win of the season over the DK boys last Wednesday, 60-54. DK didn’t get anyone into double figures. Sophomore center Cole Pape led the way with nine points. Howland had seven points and Grizzle five points and eight rebounds. The Panthers were 9-11 overall this season heading into the Division 3 District Semifinal against Union City last night. Union City knocked off Galesburg-Augusta 59-43 in its district opener Monday, and sports the only winning-record of any team in the district at 14-7. Maple Valley was scheduled to meet Bronson in the district’s other semifinal match-up Wednesday. The district final is scheduled for 6 p.m. Friday. Lakewood 3668, Three Rivers 3583, South Christian 3454, South Haven 3441, Coloma 3402, Allegan 3373, Durand 3372 and Byron 3298 in the top ten. Lakewood rolled scores of 790 and 881 in the other two regular games at the end of the day. Lakewood had a high of 204 in its six baker games, one of only four baker games above 200 at the tournament. Lakewood was back at it for its individual regional competition Saturday at M-66. The top ten bowlers earned spots in the state finals. Lakewood senior Chris Paulik placed 41st to lead the Lakewood boys, put­ ting together a six-game score of 973. He had a high-game of 191. The Viking team also had Jagger Bossenbroek in 53rd place, Tyler Johnson 61st, Cj Morgan 64th, Luke Stoneman 79th and Ainsley McGranahan 97th. McGranahan had a high-game of 162 to close out the day. Stoneman rolled a 170 for his best individual game. Morgan scored a 183, Johnson a 168 and Bossenbroek a 187. See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits Delton Kellogg senior forward Dawson Grizzle leans in to get a shot up against Martin Wednesday at DKHS. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg’s Owen Koch flips up a shot between a few Martin defenders in the lane during the first half of their match-up at DKHS Wednesday (Feb. 20). (Photo by Perry Hardin) �Page 18 — Thursday, February 28, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Cheerleaders gain good experience at regional The Hastings varsity competitive cheer team throws its back handsprings during round two of Saturday’s Division 2 Regional Tournament at Kenowa Hills High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor The top teams were a cut above the Hastings and Thomapple Kellogg varsity competitive cheer teams at their Division 2 Regional Tournament at Kenowa Hills High School Saturday. The Saxons and Trojans though showed off the steady gains they made throughout the season as they finished eighth and tenth respectively at their 12 team competition where the top four teams earned spots in this weekend’s state finals. “The girls worked incredibly hard all week, and put out three beautiful rounds,” Hastings head coach Linsey Jacinto said. “We are very proud of them, and all they accomplished this year. “They are a strong group of talented ladies with a great work ethic to back it up. On the bus ride home, they were already talking about sideline, and getting ready for next year.” A lot of cheerleaders from Hastings and Thomapple Kellogg have a next year, or two, or three ahead. Saxons Brea Madden, Kyrsten Mescar, Hailey Pacillo, Katie Shook and Lainey Tomko were the only seniors on their team’s roster this winter, and Thomapple Kellogg didn’t have a senior among its 14 cheerlead­ ers. TK head coach Ally Clouse said it had been almost a month since she had put all 14 of her girls out on the mat for rounds one and three at a competition. “I wanted them all to have the experience of competing in a postseason tournament,” Clouse said, “especially because they’re so young. I have zero seniors, three juniors and the rest are underclassmen. I think it is a great experience to have this and I think the growth that we’re going to see and the team that we’re going to have in the next couple of years is going to be leaps and bounds from what we see here. So, having that postseason tournament experience already under their belts as freshmen and sophomores is going to be good to have.” DeWitt captured the regional championship Saturday, besting Mona Shores by a little more than two points 774.80 to 772.06. Cedar Springs was third with a score of 770.96 and Kenowa Hills fourth at 768.84. Those were the clear top four teams at the tournament. Forest Hills Central placed fifth with an overall score of 710.02, ahead of Fruitport 700.90, Mason 700.20, Hastings 699.62, Sturgis 697.76, Sturgis 697.76, Thornapple Kellogg 682.42, Owosso 657.78 The Hastings girls work together, getting oohs and ahhhs from the crowd, during their round three performance at the Division 3 Regional Tournament hosted by Kenowa Hills High School Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) and Gull Lake 654.32. Hastings finished just ahead of the Sturgis team that finished just ahead of the Saxons to win their district tournament the previous weekend. The Saxons scored a 214.40 in round one, a 194.32 in round two and a 290.90 in round three. TK put together a 207.80 in round one, a 194.22 in round tow and a 280.40 in round three. “I was very pleased with their round three today,” Clouse said. “Putting all 14 of them in takes a lot of work. It gives a lot more room for stunts falling or whatever. They nailed their round three. Not one thing came down. I couldn’t have asked for more than that.” TK started the season with ten girls in rounds one and three, and then went to 14 for five or six weeks, before switching back to ten girls in the rounds for the final conference meets and districts. Mona Shores led DeWitt by almost three points heading into round three. The Sailors scored a 234.20 iif round one and a 227.56 in round two - the highest score of the tourna­ ment in each of those two rounds. DeWitt -I;-..'-. ■ ' The Thornapple Kelllogg varsity competitive cheer team performs its herkie during the opening round of Saturday morning’s Division 2 Regional Tournament at Kenowa Hills High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) scored a 233.30 and a 225.50 in round two before finishing oft its win with a 316.00 in • ' round three. Mona Shores scored a 310.30 inround three. . - - ■- • ' ■ Trojan sophomores get to play above above the rim Are Your Assets At Risk — Reasons Why You May Need Help From Our Michigan Medicaid Planning Attorney Longstreet Elder Law & Estate Planning, P.C. helps clients protect their assets by developing estate plans that keeps their property safe. An asset protection plan is an important element of an estate plan. Individuals who do not take steps now to protect their assets may jeopardize their own financial security and lose the inheritance they intended to leave for their children. FOUR QUESTIONS YOU NEED TO ASK YOURSELF ABOUT ASSET PROTECTION * What is the size of your estate? If you have a large estate, your heirs may be required to pay estate taxes. Estate taxes could substantially reduce the value of your estate for your heirs. There are several estate planning tools that you can use to reduce the value of your taxable estate while protecting your assets from creditors and Medicaid recovery. Do you have a business succession plan? If you own a business, it is crucial that you have a business succession plan in place. A business succession plan can make it easier for your heirs to transfer operations of the business to another person if you become incapacitated. When you die, your business succession plan can also make it easier for your heirs to sell or transfer the business. In some cases, you may want to have the business interest transfer to a trust to be administered for asset protection. ■ Do you have a plan for incapacity? Many people overlook the need to plan for incapacity. They may have an estate plan, but they fail to take steps to ensure that they can avoid the need for a guardian or conservator. They do not utilize tools such as a Durable Power of Attorney, a Health Care Directive, or a Living Will to ensure their wishes are carried out if they become incapacitated. Without documents in place that appoints someone to handle your financial matters, make health care decisions, and provide personal care, the court will appoint someone to make these decisions for you if you become incapacitated. Do you have a long-term care plan in place? Even if you are not totally incapacitated, you may need long-term care in a nursing home or assisted living facility. Skilled nursing or assisted living facilities are expensive. The average nursing home charges between $8,000 and $12,000 per month for care. Medicare does not cover the cost of long-term care. Therefore, many people turn to Medicaid to pay for nursing home care. However, Medicaid has financial requirements to qualify for coverage. Depending on your financial situation, you may not qualify for Medicaid or Medicaid may place a lien on your assets to recoup its payments once you pass away. Your spouse or heirs could have nothing if Medicaid seizes property after your death. Our office can help you develop an asset protection plan that helps you qualify for Medicaid while protecting your assets. It is never too early to begin planning for your future. Regardless of your age or financial situation, we urge you to consult with our office. Robert J. Longstreet Longstreet Elder Law & Estate Planning P.C. 607 North Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-3495 Brett Bremer Sports Editor It wasn’t just a dunk. It was the kind of dunk where players from the bench ask the photographer on the end line if he got a photo. Where the assistant coach is checking the “film” from the camera before even getting the official scorebook in hand. Thornapple Kellogg sophomore Cole Shoobridge sprinted through a busy lane in transition and got a great little flip from fel­ low sophomore forward Austin VanElst that he grabbed and threw down with two hands to put his team up 62-43 over visiting Zeeland East. Shoobridge and VanElst had fun playing above the smaller Chix, and all the Trojans had fun snapping a four-game losing streak by besting Zeeland East 62-51 in the end. “I really was just going to tell Austin just to dribble it out,” TK head coach Michael Rynearson said. “It was a break-out, the long pass was off target a little bit. They had a guy back defending. We had the lead and the clock was running down. I was going to say Austin take it out and swing it up to the top and then I saw Cole running down the middle. Austin found him.” “Cole has had a number of opportunities to do something like that this year, but he just was tentative. Last night, Austin had two dunks (at Northview). There have been times they have finished above the rim this time that they’ve finished above the rim and we were like why didn’t you dunk that?” Shoobridge had a game-high 19 points in the win and VanElst finished with 12 points. Senior point guard Isaiah Guenther had 13 points, going 7-of-8 at the free throw line. “It is good to snap the losing streak,” Guenther said. “This was a lot of fun to do it on our home court in front of all our friends and parents. I think we have known we can play this way. We’ve competed with a lot of teams. We have had problems throughout the season with not putting things together for a full game. We did that tonight, and I think that is really the way we can play. “The young guys are coming along so well. It is going to be awesome to see them in the future. Things really turned out well tonight.” Guenther teamed up with VanElst for another one of the night’s top plays, whipping a one-handed pass from behind the threepoint line on the left wing under the hoop where the long sophomore forward snagged it and dropped in a little reverse lay-up. Guenther’s passing skills rubbing off on his young teammates will only help the Trojans in the future. Shoobridge and VanElse teamed up to get each other good looks time and again. “I think as the season has gone on, our bigto-big passing has been exceptional,” Rynearson said. “They find each other. We work on that high-low. If the other team has one big and we can bring Austin out and move that big away from the basket, then we can dump it down to our other big. We try to use that to our advantage. They find each other and they do a good job. They’re learning to move without the basketball, square up and see what is in front of them.” The Trojans also got nine points from senior center Joe Dinkel and seven form soph­ omore guard Nolan Dahley in the win. TK built a 28-21 lead in the first half Wednesday, and led 37-28 going into the fourth quarter. Zeeland never got closer than nine points in the final eight minutes. “We switched up our defenses a lot tonight,” Rynearson said. “When we threw the 2-3 zone at them early on it didn’t look like they were ready for it, probably because we hadn’t played it all year so they hadn’t seen it and hadn’t worked on it. I think just switching up that defense a little bit really helped us con­ tain (Clayton) Dykhouse. He will break you down one-on-one. It doesn’t matter who is defending him, he is going to get in the paint. If he is bound and determined to get in there, he is going to get in the paint. I think our 2-3 kind of pinched those gaps up a little bit and kept him on the perimeter a lot. “Any time you can keep that man out of the paint you’re doing a good job. He creates a lot for them. He creates easy buckets for every­ body else. They just didn’t get anything easy tonight because we did a good job on them.” Dykhouse did lead the Chix with 16 points. Teammate Trip Riemersma finished with 12 and Luke Gruppen seven. The Trojans were scheduled to open the postseason last night at Lowell High School, taking on Lansing Waverly in the Division 1 District Semifinals. Grand Ledge and DeWitt were paired up in the district’s other semifinal match-up last night. DeWitt pulled out a 29-28 overtime victory over the host Red Arrows in the opening round of the district Monday, following Waverly’s 56-48 win over St. Johns. The district final is set for Friday at 7 p.m. TK head coach expected to see the sarqe kind of up tempo play from Waverly in the district semifinal as the Trojans got to see in their regular season finale at home against Wyoming Friday. The Wolves scored a 71-50 win over the host Trojans on senior night in Middlevill|J pulling away with a 23-15 run in the third quarter that extended the nine-point lead they* built in the first half. /i" Thomapple Kellogg senior point guard Isaiah Guenther fires up a three-pointer from the wing during his team’s non­ conference win over Zeeland East Wednesday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-03-07.pdf 5c516bdc19dcd7a6117c2f94bfcd3cf0 PDF Text Text Downtown growth focus of ordinance change Does a performing arts center make sense? Another Ferris eighth as a frosh at Finals See Story on Page 2 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 14 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 804879110187 1070490102590508553949058113421 ANNER Thursday, March 7, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 10 Housing development key to economic health NEWS BRIEFS -? Set clocks ahead | this weekend Cold temperatures and snowy condi­ : tions may delay or cancel numerous activI ities, but neither can stop the clocks from I springing forward. • Daylight saving time begins at 2 a.m., j Sunday, March 10, and continues with an ! hour of extra evening light until Nov. 3. | Tornado tests will start in April Barry County Central Dispatch will be | j testing the Tornado Siren, starting at 1 p.m. ; Saturday, April 6, and the first Saturday of' ; every month after that through September. The exception to this routine, Hastings Fire Department Chief Roger Caris said, is I if the area is under a Tornado Watch or Warning or if conditions should go to a I Condition Red. I : Sen. Bizon meeting with constituents | I Sen. John Bizon, M.D., (R-Battle j | Creek), will host office hours in Hastings | on Friday, March 8. Bizon represents the 19th Senate District, which includes the counties of Barry, Calhoun and Ionia. : Office hours are open for 19th Senate District residents to express their opinions or concerns about state government or to 5 request assistance with a state issue. ; Bizon will be available to meet with constituents from 10 to 11 a.m. in the ? council chambers of Hastings City Hall, ; 201 E. State St. s More information is available by calling Bizon’s office toll-free, 855-347-8019, or I; emailing SenJBizon@senate.michigan. ! j gov. j Residents unable to attend the office ;: hours may write to Sen. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing, MI 48909-7536. Trail group meeting next week The microphone will be open to anyone wishing to reminisce about experiences on i the North Country Trail during the month­ ; ly meeting of the local Chief Noonday ; chapter. The group will gather at Delton District Library, 330 N Grove St. (M-43), on J Wednesday, March 13, at 7 p.m. i The meeting is open to anyone with an ; interest in hiking, the North Country Trail,: i helping with the trail, or meeting with hik- ’ ; iers- : ; Before the meeting, members will gathj er for dinner at Bowens Family Dining, 11176 M-43, Delton, on the south side of town at 5:30 p.m. : More information on the local group j and the trail can be found at northcountry­ ;! trail.org/cnd. From left, Barry County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Heather Wing perus­ es a map with Christian Smith, programs coordinator, and Sta^y Sheridan, principal, from Sheridan Land Consulting, after the county board meeting foe'sday. (Photos by Rebecca Pierce) Legacies and land use what’s best for Barry County? Rebecca Pierce Editor How to protect and preserve farmland and open space in Barry County is not just a phil­ osophical issue, it’s also a dollars-and-cents question. The county board of commissioners has grappled with this question in the past - and they’re grappling with it again because of a request from the Agriculture Promotion Board. That board is asking commissioners to approve an Open Space Preservation Ordinance as well as amendments to the Agriculture Preservation Ordinance. After debating the requests at its Committee of the Whole meeting on Tuesday, the com­ mission tabled action until a public meeting, tentatively scheduled for 7 p.m. March 28 at the Tyden Center in Hastings, can be held to allow for community input. Chairwoman Heather Wing was the lone dissenter in the voice vote to table the action. She said the board needs to move forward on these requests. Commissioner Dan Parker agreed that they have been “kicking the can down the road so many times” on the issue, but he supported the proposal to have a meeting so citizens See LAND, page 2 Stacy Sheridan, from Sheridan Land Consulting in Mason, discusses farmland preservation ordinances with county com­ missioners Tuesday. HMM See NEWS BRIEFS, page 2 Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Barry County’s community, its businesses and its government representatives are closing in on a plan of action to address its housing shortage. “Solving this problem can’t happen soon enough,” Dave Baum, president of Hastings Fiberglass, said during a collaborative discus­ sion held on Feb. 20 at the Dennison Center in Hastings. “We have a salesman who drives from Eaton Rapids and another employee coming in from Kalamazoo. We’ve lost out on hiring outstanding employees because there’s no place for them to live and the commute time.” That discussion led to the creation of focus groups which are now charged with formulat­ ing action plans to make Barry County more appealing to developers. The initiative is a follow-up to the Economic Development Alliance Summit held this past November where representatives from Ottawa County gave presentations on their success in creating and sustaining multilevel housing develop­ ment. Participants at that Barry County Collaborative Discussion on Feb. 20 shared experiences and opinions about what is deterring developers from investing in the county. Participant concerns were similar, but the causes and how to remove them varied. Maiya Merrick, arts and events coordinator with the City of Hastings, said she and her husband lived in their Hastings “starter” home for 13 years, even though they had the ability to move up after a few years. “It’s taken us that long to find the home we’ve moved into because we didn’t want to move away from Hastings,” Merrick said. Mayor Dave Tossava said he and his wife have thought about putting their home on the market. What stops him is the fear of selling their house and finding themselves with no place to live. A shortage of market-driven housing in the medium- to upper-income bracket is as prev­ alent as the lack of low-income housing. The concern ranges from manufacturing compa­ nies needing to hire skilled labor and fill upper administration positions to families wanting to upgrade their homes and to retirees wanting to downsize to high-end condomini­ ums. “We’ve been trying diligently for three years to find partners to develop the former Hastings Manufacturing property across the river from the Thornapple amphitheater, and deals just can’t be reached,” Larry Baum, Hasting Fiberglass Chief Executive Officer and owner of LRB, LLC., said. “Developers want to go the route of low- to moderate-in­ come housing, but that is not what this city needs. “I hear from people all the time that have parents or grandparents who are retired and want to be in a nice place where they don’ have to worry about mowing the lawn or blowing snow from their driveway. They don’t want to downgrade. They want to down­ size. Well, they don’t have anyplace to go, either. So, their homes never reach the market for families who are looking.” Baum noted that incentives are available for only multi-family residential that are low- Travis Alden, president of Barry County Chamber and Economic Development Alliance, facilitates a group discussion concerning action needed to address the county’s housing shortage. to moderate-income. There are no incentives for market-rate construction, which makes it challenging for those types of developments to happen at any scale. Lani Forbes, executive director of Barry County United Way, said, in fiscal year 2018, 113 county residents who needed assistance witfohousing weiw identified as being home­ less. Of that total, 49 were children and 64 were adults. In 2013, the BCUW assisted approximately 30 individuals identifying themselves as homeless. The number has risen every year since. “Because of the shortage of low-income housing, the rents are through the roof,” said Forbes. “There are so many families who can’t afford that.” Travis Alden, president of Barry County Chamber and Economic Development Alliance, said that a challenge for Barry County is attracting investors to develop housing here. The cost would be the same, if not more, for them to build here when com­ pared to areas closer to Grand Rapids, such as Byron Center, and the income from the sales and rentals would be higher in metropolitan markets. The question of knowing what the right balance is for available housing was asked by Rich Franklin, superintendent of the Barry Intermediate School District. He said there should also be a concern about saturating the market with housing, which would drive down property values and rent. Realtor Justin Peck said a healthy balance of housing is six months of supply - which means that, if no more homes were listed for sale, it would take six months to sell every­ thing that is already on the market. Currently, Barry County has about three months’ worth of owner-occupied residences listed - half of what would be considered a healthy level. Jim McManus, director of zoning and plan­ ning, reported that, in all of Barry County, there are fewer than 100 platted lots available on which to build. He said, ideally, there would be five years’ worth. See HOUSING, page 5 Nashville celebrates 150 days until sesquicentennial Parks board offering grants Catherine Getty, chair of the Barry : County Parks and Recreation Board, has announced that the board is again offering , its grant funding program to municipalities and school districts within Barry County. ; Grants are made available to applicants for projects that enhance recreational . opportunities within Barry County. The board will award $10,000 in grants ■ to applicants. Past awards have funded a variety of projects, such as playground equipment, sports field enhancement, i drinking fountains, walking trails, and j' prairie restoration. Grant applications will be received until the end of the day May 8. Additional information and grant appli- PRICE 750 Super songsters serenade Chase Youngs, Matt Haywood, and Chris Youngs sing backup during the Haywood/ Youngs group’s rendition of “Super Trooper” at the Mary Youngs Benefit Concert on March 2 at the Hastings Area School System’s Performing Art Center. For more about the event, see Page 3. Taylor Owens Staff Writer There are only 150 days until Nashville will celebrate 150 years as a village on August 2-4 and enthused members of the village’s Sesquicentennial Committee held a kickoff event Wednesday morning to encourage volunteers and to publicize the countdown news. Many people, though, have been working behind the scenes on the celebration for two years. Nashville Village President Mike Kenyon, one of those who’s been helping to prepare, said many members of the com­ munity remember the centennial celebra­ tion of 1969 fondly, and they looked for­ ward to the coming sesquicentennial as they got older. “Small towns are the best, and I think everyone in this room can agree,” Kenyon said to the crowd of about 20 Sesquicentennial Committee members and village employees who gathered for Tuesday’s event at the village hall. After the Nashville Historical Society started in late 2016, some members joined with other people and representatives in the community to form the Sesquicentennial Committee. The organization is made up of local elected officials, business owners, school administrators and individual volun­ teers. See NASHVILLE, page 2 �Page 2 — Thursday, March 7, 2019 — The Hastings Banner LAND, continued from page 1 Barry County Commissioners (from left) Dave Jackson, Vivian Conner and Chairwoman Heather Wing discuss scheduling a meeting on farmland preservation could attend to discuss it. “Barry County’s farmland protection strug­ gle reflects a larger, statewide problem,” Keith Schneider of the Great Lakes Bulletin News Service wrote in 2006. “Although blue ribbon studies have found that conserving the state’s farmland would curb expensive sprawl, and developing new farm business models would boost Michigan’s economy, there’s no political will to adequately fund such pro­ grams. “Even when researchers, working at the behest of Michigan’s governor, suggest inno­ vative ways of paying for such programs, the proposals are viewed as political non-starters. Meanwhile, as development pushes ever far­ ther into rural agricultural areas, only a hand­ ful of farmland preservation programs across the state are?making much progress. In Barry County, they are stalled.” Since 2007, very few agricultural proper­ ties in the county have been preserved, pri­ marily due to lack of funds, according to Paul Wing, chairman of the county’s Agriculture Promotion Board. But that can change, Wing told commis­ sioners, since the state Agriculture Preservation Fund will have money available for land preservation as of Oct. 1. That’s the first funding the state has had for this purpose since 2008, he said. “We are taking steps to take advantage of that availability,” Wing said. “After we pre­ served our first property in 2008, the econo­ my went sour. That’s why the state hasn’t had money since then.” The purpose of the Farmland Preservation Ordinance as written is to “maintain the long­ term business environment for agriculture in the county, to preserve the rural character and scenic attributes of the county, to enhance important environmental benefits and to maintain the quality of life.” The way that’s accomplished is “by acquir­ ing the development rights voluntarily offered by landowners by means of a donation, cash purchase and/or installment purchase of such rights, placing a conservation easement on the property which restricts future development.” The board was also asked during its meet­ ing on Tuesday to approve the Open Space Preservation ordinance, which would perma­ nently protect open space lands by acquiring conservation easements voluntarily offered by property owners, authorizing the cash pur­ chase, installment purchase, or donation of conservation easements. “We want to take on the purpose that we were designed to do,” Paul Wing said. “We are asking the county board to provide us with the help we need to approve the ordinance we provided to you.” Stacy Sheridan, principal of Sheridan Land Consulting, who accompanied Paul Wing to the commission meeting Tuesday, said her company has been working on farmland pres­ ervation and open space preservation for about 20 years. “Farmland preservation tends to be a very challenging issue,” she said. “It wasn’t really until the late ‘90s and early 2000’s that we saw these programs take off.” Sheridan said she is working with programs in Kent and Ingham counties. “I’m here to help you determine what’s best for Barry County,” she told commissioners. “A large part of Barry County is your agricultural base, your open space base. “We are at a really critical time. The state of Michigan has enough money in the coffers to release matching grants.” Commissioner Vivian Conner expressed concerns about funding. “We’re looking at a couple of big commitments here with jail and Commission on Aging and we don’t know how we’re going to fund that.” This issue concerning farmland preserva­ tion “kind of snuck up on us,” she said, noting that she had not heard anything from her con­ stituents. Sheridan pointed out that funding can come from a variety of sources, including property owner donations, federal matching funds and, now, the opportunity for state money, which would offer up to a 75-percent cost share. “The state, coupled with federal, is likely to get this done,” she said, noting that there also would be other benefits involved since prop­ erty owners receive tax incentives. Commissioner Dave Jackson expressed concern about the county, in effect, becoming a Realtor. Sheridan said that would not be the case. Instead, she likened the arrangement to own­ ing the mineral rights on the property. “It’s a nice mechanism to secure what you want to see happen with that property ... while allow­ ing it to remain on the tax rolls.” But Jackson said that any time a discussion includes the use of taxpayer dollars, it is pru­ dent to offer an opportunity for citizens to comment. “I’d hate to have a steady stream of people beating us up about not allowing time for public input... .If we move without allow­ ing that, thig inay come back to bite us.” Conner said she was hesitant about the idea of putting the county government into the “mix” of property ownership forever. Downtown growth focus of ordinance change Joan Van Houten Staff Writer A proposal to allow residential units on the first floor of buildings located in downtown Hastings will be on the table for the city coun­ cil Monday with a recommendation by the planning commission to approve the changes. Planning Commission member Chelsey Foster made a motion at that body’s meeting this past Monday to send the proposal to the city council. Jordan Brehm seconded. An amendment to the business district ordi­ nance will provide developers the opportunity to include more apartment rentals per building for a faster rate of return on their investments and to speed up renovation projects by elimi­ nating the need to apply for special or non-conforming use permits. Submitting a comprehensive site plan for approval will still be required. “I commend you for working on this so diligently,” Marv Helder, private developer, told the planning commission on Monday. “The change will make it possible to use obsolete buildings and turn them into some­ thing that will serve the community well into the future.” Helder plans to develop the building he owns at 118 E. Court St., which had been most recently used by the Barry County Chamber of Commerce, into residential units. But that section in downtown Hastings is cur­ rently zoned B-l, which dictates that the first floor be used for commercial space. Helder’s request in early December to change the zoning of his property spurred the planning commission to review surrounding neighborhoods, along with all other B-l dis­ tricts. “With the shortage of affordable housing, the zoning change will make it easier to develop housing needed to support growth downtown,” Helder told the Hastings Planning Commission. His Court Street property conforms to the allowed use, but Helder said he hopes to add four additional residential units in the com­ mercial space attached at the rear of the main building. Helder said he intends to buy anoth­ er building to renovate if the zoning change goes through. A prior project involved con­ verting the space above radio station WBCH A-0 designation right now, said commission member Jacquie McLean. “So, rezoning to mixed-use wouldn’t change that and that’s why I seconded the motion.” The properties listed for potential rezoning are an office on 1.8 acres at the 1215 N. Broadway location recently purchased by Habitat for Humanity, a gas station on 1.5 acres at 1335 N. Broadway, Bob King Park with 3.9 acres at 124 W. Woodlawn, a funeral home on 2.1 acres at 1401 N. Broadway, a one-half acre vacant lot at 1500 N. Broadway and a dental office on 1.2 acres at 121 W. Woodlawn. The current designation puts the office, public park and dental office as acceptable uses. The funeral home and gas station exist as lawful non-conforming uses. The request for rezoning by Habitat for Humanity was for the recently-purchased office building which will become the new location of ReStore, the organization’s retail store. The City Planning Commission expand­ ed the area to be considered to include the into six apartments which were rented almost immediately after renovation was complete. The proposed ordinance amendment that the city council will consider on Monday will not include properties with frontage or direct drive access on East State Street, Church Street from Court to Apple street, and Jefferson Street from Court to Apple Street. ■ ! w NASHVILLE, continued from page 2 Star school students aim high for recycling goal Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Star Elementary students have taken on the challenge to collect and recycle 2,135 pizza boxes. The goal is to recycle enough boxes to equal 305 feet - the height of the Statue of Liberty. The recycling challenge was launched by the Star Student Council under the supervi­ sion of Principal Amy Smelker and with the help of Hastings Township Supervisor Jim Brown, who built and provided the recycling container. “The students were very excited to take this challenge on. I think they can do it, and I think it will get the attention of other students in the other schools,” Brown said, “It would be wonderful to see student recycling pro­ grams in all our Barry County schools.” The steps in the Star School Recycling Program are simple and easy for students to follow. Step one involves eating the pizza, cleaning out the box and wiping out grease. Step two is flatten the box, fold it in half and stacking it square inside the recycling con­ tainer. And step three is tying up the bundle. Then, repeat. Residents say ‘no’ to rezoning Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Owners of properties adjacent to six parcels on North Broadway and West Woodlawn that are being considered for rezoning voiced opposition to the change at a public hearing held Monday night. The potential change was spurred by a request submitted from Habitat for Humanity which purchased a property located at 1215 N. Broadway. The common thread in three of the four statements from residents against the proposal was the potential development of apartments and office buildings should the parcels change from A-0 (Apartments and Offices) to B4, which is mixed-use. However, the current A-O zoning already allows for apartments and offices. After the public hearing closed, Planning Commission Member Lois Bowers motioned to send the proposal to the city council for final determination. “Just to clarify and address the concerns of the residents here, these properties have the Private Developer Marv Helder says the Hasting Planning Commission is tak­ ing a positive step toward creating use for obsolete buildings in the city. The amendment will allow for three- and; four-family dwelling units, multiple family dwellings with no more than eight units per building and single family attached dwellings with no more than eight attached units. The* outside appearance must also conform to the neighborhood. Actions taken by the City of Hastings to increase housing development have include^ reviews of various zoning districts and identi* lying barriers developers and builders face} The goal is to Streamline the development process to simplify and to shorten the time it takes to begin construction progress. , City Manager Jeff Mansfield said he* Community Development Director Dan King and Deputy City Manager Jerry Czarnecki have had several meetings with developer^ and construction companies that were very promising and they learned some things that the companies view as expensive obstacles^ and, at times, deal breakers. “Streets are a big issue,” said Mansfield. “We require streets to be 36-feet wide with curbs and drains, and the curbs have to be ripped out for a new driveway, which is waste of time and money for them. We really; don’t need 36-foot residential streets in ne^ developments because people don’t park on the streets. They park on their driveway and in their garage. “The ordinance is outdated. We could go with streets that are 22-feet wide.” Mansfield said he strongly suggests the planning commission make changes to the ordinance a priority. Planning Chairman Dave Hatfield said the commission will be taking a close look at possible amendments to ordinances govern­ ing housing and commercial development. ♦ surrounding five parcels, as the properties represent all the A-0 parcels between North Broadway and the mixed-use properties to the east. Rebecca Harvey, city planning consultant, presented a report to the planning commission that stated changing the chosen parcels to mixed-use conforms to the Five-Year Master Plan for the city and is consistent with the Comprehensive Community Plan. Rezoning the specified area is eoihpatible with the exist­ ing zoning to the east and is consistent with the existing use of the properties. “The subject property is largely developed with general commercial land use. Except for the vacant parcel and public parkland, the existing land use is more consistent with B-4 District land use than those allowed in the A-0 District,” Harvey said. The proposal for rezoning will be on the agenda for the next city council meeting at 7 p.m., March 11, on the tipper level of Hastings City Hall, 201 E. State St., Hastings. Barry County Commissioner Ben Geiger, Centennial Queen Cathy Mix-Haylock, Nashville Historical Society Vice President Kermit Douse and Tim Rumsey unveil the countdown clock to the Nashville Sesquicentennial August 2-4. (Photo by Brittany Snook Photography) Historical Society Vice President and Sesquicentennial Committee member Kermit Douse started Tuesday’s kickoff rally by announcing the itinerary of the event. The celebration will include a Royal Court select­ ed from local teens earlier in the summer, a talent show, a mass renewal of wedding vows, musical acts, a parade, a picnic and more. The sesquicentennial will also host the Fourth Annual Barry County Chamber of Commerce Brew Fest. Kenyon also introduced the parade grand marshal, village treasurer Lois Elliston. An employee of the village since 1976, Elliston will retire in June. Douse said the Sesquicentennial Committee was looking for a grand marshal who was a long-term resi­ dent, who was civic-minded, and elected Elliston in a secret ballot from around 12 suggested candidates. Local bearded resident Tim Rumsey also announced a beard-growing competition. There will be categories for people who shaved at the 150-day mark, and for those who kept the beards they already own. “This is going to be a fun event,” Barry County Commissioner and Sesquicentennial Committee member Ben Geiger said. “We have a whole lot of energy and ideas and sup­ port.” There will continue to be fundraisers and events leading up to the sesquicentennial, and more information is available at the Nashville zyiv auuum Nashville Village Treasurer Lois Elliston will be the Grand Marshal of the Sesquicentennial Celebration.(Photo by Brittany Snook Photography) .. . - Sesquicentennial Celebration Facebook page, and nashvillel50.org. ___________________________________________________________ _ NEWS BRIEFS continued from front page cation can be obtained by emailing the board at parks@barrycounty.org or calling 269-953-9823. Cops vs. teachers The charity Hastings Cops vs. Teachers basketball game is Wednesday, April IL at Hastings High School at 5 p.m. with tip-off at 6 p.m. All proceeds will be donated to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation to ; honor Star Elementary student Nolan Lucas* who was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at < the age of 6. ■ �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 7, 2019 — Page 3 Mary Youngs Scholarship Concert debuts at Hastings PAC Tanett Hodge Staff Writer Musical artists from ages nine to 79 offered their considerable talents to the annual con­ cert tribute held in memory of late teacher and administrator Mary Youngs Saturday evening on the stage of the newly-opened Hastings Performing Arts Center. } Lights were low, acoustics were balanced and the performers were excited as the crowd filed in and placed their donations to the scholarship fund established in Youngs’ name in open violin and guitar cases along the way. The air in the auditorium was filled with anticipation, conversation and laughter, as those who had been to all 12 of the previous Mary Youngs Concerts mingled with those who came for the first time on Saturday. “The sound is so much better here in the performing arts center,” said Michelle Duits,< who also attended the concerts -when the^ were held in the intimate auditorium of the Green Street United Methodist Church in Hastings. “This is a great venue.” Since its inception, the concert has been held to raise scholarship funds for students, involved in music and sports. Besides being a light-hearted, enjoyable time for performers and audience members alike, Saturday’s event raised nearly $4,000 to go toward supporting two Hastings High School seniors. “People were very generous,” said Steve Youngs, Mary’s husband. With this year’s donations, organizers are working toward being able to offer scholar­ ships in perpetuity. . “My husband and I had a great time,” par­ ticipant Colleen Acker said. “I’ve done the concert for about seven years now, but it is the first time my husband joined me, so it was extra special.” * UH. Approximately 500 people attended the Mary Youngs concert Saturday. Hastings Choir Director Matt Callaghan sings “New York State of Mind” at the Mary Youngs Concert. । Fred Jacobs performs “Wonderful, Childcare center open at Thornapple Manor Brook Youngs, (from left) Anna Haywood and Belle Youngs perform “Super Trooper. Finley Hyvarinen, who will be 5 on March 20, and Alice Allerding, 2, with help from Travis Alden, president of the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance, took care of the ribbon-cutting at Thornapple Manor. (Photos by Rebecca Pierce) di Angie Seeber and Doug Acker sing “Stop Dragging My Heart Around.” The childcare center allow employees to stop in to see their children while resi­ dents of the senior assisted living facility enjoy having the youngsters around. The opening of Generations, the new day­ care center at Thomapple Manor, was cele­ brated Feb. 28. A large group gathered to mark the mile­ stone as the senior assisted living facility in Hastings provides childcare services to its employees. “It was an idea shared with us by one of our employees, Karen Dull,” Administrator Don Haney said. “When she brought it to us, we thought it was a great idea. “We’re always looking for ways to make the environment even better for everyone here. What better way than to provide day­ care for children of our employees and the opportunity for our residents to watch the kids play and grow?” The center hours are from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday, for children from infants to 5 years old. Haney said providing the service benefits their employees and brings smiles to facility residents. Steve Youngs, (from left) Fred Jacobs, Chase Youngs, Chris Youngs and Tim Acker perform “Are You Lonesome Tonight.” Alice Allerding enjoys the toys in the play area at Generations, the new child­ care center at Thornapple Manor. �Page 4 — Thursday, March 7, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you see? Looking up Amid precarious state of public education, does a performing arts center even make sense? A brisk breeze on a clear, cold day seems to just snap the American flag to attention at the Barry County Courthouse. It may be frigid weather, but that flag sure looks pretty. When I first saw the new Performing Arts Center in Hastings, I thought of the Thomapple River. Something about the building’s curving lines of glass, sparkling in the sun, evoke a feeling of a river flowing through the city. In the building, keynote colors of blue and brown are evocative of the river and the earth of the banks alongside it. That first impression is striking and impressive. The immediate thought was that, when Hastings decides it’s going to do something, it sure knows how to do it right. Hastings Area Schools System voters said yes to the Performing Arts Center on Nov. 3, 2015, when they approved a 25-year school bond proposal for $44 million. The bond improved security at all the school buildings, ensured safe entrances, provided mechanical and technical upgrades at all the buildings, reconstructed a portion of the middle school, created career and technical education class­ rooms and science labs. That affirmative decision, made more than three years ago, is one that few resi­ dents are likely to appreciate yet. In fact, some don’t appreciate it at all—and perhaps they never will. Why build new facilities when structural repairs are required in the old buildings, they ask? Good question. But voters have answered that roof-repair ques­ tion, repeatedly, when they voted no on those maintenance projects. What voters supported - almost inexpli­ cably it seems, given that attitude - was career and technical education, mechanical and technical upgrades, and the Performing Arts Center. What an investment to make amid the chaos that often seems endemic to Michigan public education. Make no mistake, the business of tradi­ tional K-12 public education - especially in the heart of a rural county - is not for the faint of heart. Residents aren’t rolling in dough. Even when the economy is going strong, financial pressures are omnipresent. Take current-day realities and throw in the fact that technological change has sped up. Our educatidhaf's^steriis ard e^pect&T hot just to keep up with that change, they need to -a* * stly ahead of it. Years ago, as a reporter in another school district far away from Hastings, I covered a millage election in a small, rural community. I haven’t forgotten that superintendent sit­ ting in a darkened room, his head in his hands, awaiting the results of the vote. He was, quite literally, on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Since then, the circumstances for public schools have changed, yes, but they haven’t gotten better. They’ve just gotten more com­ plicated. Consider the fact that all the problems and We’re dedicating this space to a photograph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? Property assessment Banner March 6, 1969 Appraising Hastings Property - This team of professional appraisers is now evaluating every piece of property in Hastings for tax purposes. Gem Surveys Inc., of St. Clair, was hired last October to appraise property with the work to be completed by November. The cost to Hastings will be $25,500 for the 2,500 parcels in the municipality. The apprais­ ers are measuring all buildings, making scale drawings, inspecting the interiors of homes and listing characteristics of importance for fixing the value of a home or other structure. After information is gathered, land and building values will be set. Pictured (from left) are Hastings assessor Floyd Craig, project coordina­ tor Ed. F. Dusenberrry of Ionia, Ed Thomas of Ionia, Don Campbell, St. Clair, Ken Martin, Belding; and Ken Bush, Bruce McPherson and Earl Wisdom, all of Ionia. Have you met? Nancy Lechleitner is a familiar face at Hastings Ace Hardware. She has been a friendly, helpful employee since 1968 when what was then the True Value store was just opening its house wares department. Lechleitner began her time with the “helpful hardware folks” by sweeping floors and working the cash register at night. After two department moves and a building relocation, she said she still enjoys what she does. “I never intended to be here this long, but circumstances played out that way,” Lechleitner says. “I just enjoy the people so very much. I have met so many sweet peo­ ple.” Store manager Brian Simmons says Lechleitner never has to be told to keep busy. “Sometimes I’ll yell, ‘Lights out,’ and tell everyone to go home, and Nancy will come scurrying out of the dark,” Simmons says. “She is a hard worker and knows her house­ wares.” Besides getting to know many of the cus­ tomers, Lechleitner has also become good friends with many co-workers through the years. She still keeps in contact with several of them on a regular basis, even if they have moved elsewhere. “I love getting letters and pictures of their families and updates on how they are getting along,” she says. Lechleitner was bom and lived with her family for several years on farmland between Hickory Comers and Delton. “I was actually born in a museum,” she says. “My siblings make light of that fact.” Lechleitner was bom in Dr. Prosper Bernard’s small country hospital on the north shore of Upper Crooked Lake, a building which is now known as the Bernard Historical Museum. Within a few years, Lechleitner’s parents moved her, two sisters and a brother to Hastings. Their father worked at Bliss Manufacturing as a pattern maker, which kept him from being drafted into World War II. To this day, the family still owns property on Cobb Road and still takes time to fish on Gilkey Lake. Lechleitner attended a one-room school house, complete with outhouses, called the Hastings Center School. She says there were about 17 to 23 students in all eight grades. Nancy Lechleitner She has continued to live in the house her parents owned in Hastings, after taking care of them in their later years. Lechleitner’s sister, Judy, also lives with her, and together they enjoy gardening and bird watching. For her 51 years of friendly customer ser­ vice and family dedication, Nancy Lechleitner is this week’s Bright Light. Best advice ever received: If you do something, do it the best you can the first time, so you don’t have to do it again. First job: I always babysat when I was young, but besides that, I worked as a soda jerk at C.B. Meyers General Store on State Street in downtown Hastings. Person I most admire: Abraham Lincoln, because he was a caring person, sensitive to emotion and the needs and trials of others. He was a great leader in a very difficult time. Favorite book: The' Bible because it always has something new for every differ­ ent situation I am faced with. Favorite teacher: Mrs. Wickham from Hastings Center School. She was just so sweet. Favorite vacation destination: I like upper New England a lot. I also really enjoyed Alberta, Canada. The climate and flower gardens in Banff and the mountains in Jasper were amazing. Something about me most people don’t know: I actually learned to play the organ from a Latvian man named Mr. Grinvalds many years ago. Greatest song ever written: “A Mighty Fortress Is Our God.” What I’d tell a high school graduate: Dedicate your life to your creator and allow Him to help you make decisions in your life. Allow Him to direct your path and give Him your best so you can be an example for oth­ ers. Be willing to give of yourself for the good of others. Favorite dinner: H#stacks - start with chips, add brown rice, chili beans, guacamo­ le, salsa, lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, pep­ pers, olives, and my sister’s special cheese sauce. My biggest challenge: Trying to keep up with all that needs to be done. I’m most proud of: My wonderful par­ ents. They were God-fearing people who taught us right and wrong and were perfect examples of Godly living. Favorite cartoon character: I like Snoopy because he is funny. Favorite childhood’memory: Getting my first bicycle when I was 12 years old. My parents bought it for hie when they saved up enough money. Hobbies: Flower gardening, reading (I love reading the Bible, history, and biogra­ phies and autobiographies). I also like to fish and hike, and my sister and I love birding. Greatest thing about Barry County: The environment - the lakes and hiking trails and the people. What do you think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by accessing our website, www. HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the fol­ lowing week. Last week: Fewer local governments publish legal notices. Should they be held accountable to inform tax­ payers of more of their actions? Yes 94% No 6% The Hastings For this week: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is proposing a 45-cent increase* in fuel taxes, on top of Michigan’s current 26.3-centper-gallon tax, to create more revenue for roads. Do you support the increase? □ Yes □ No Banner Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings* Ml 49058; or email news @j-adgraphics .com. challenges that we face as a community - a vast ocean of traumas, addictions and abuses - wash up onto the shores of our schools. Now pit the school districts one against the other as they vie for every student they can get. Don’t forget the fact that staffing situations are precarious. Personnel poach­ ing is common. Top administrators and teachers are sought and lured away. Meanwhile, those beleaguered administra­ tors are counting heads, gambling that their guesswork pays off and praying they don’t lose one more student. That’s a cursory snapshot of K-12 public education today. When it comes right down to it, no school in Michigan is immune from these pressures, but some fare worse and some better. What makes the difference? The community. The community is the key to stability — and the decisions made by that community lay a solid foundation for everything that follows. That’s why this community’s decision in 2015 to build a Performing Arts Center is, so significant. Lots of other pragmatic issues, problems and realities may beset the district, but the community still decided to put its money on a graceful space where people could gather. Naysayers can nitpick past decisions, but the voters who chose to say yes had their sights clearly set on the future - and the future they chose had the potential to be inspiring. Copious research explains the value of this kind of investment. The science is there. That’s why it’s so obvious to so many com­ munities, which have parlayed the perform­ ing arts into an economic generator. Others have used it to cultivate a communitywide sensibility that encourages creativity. In some communities, these spaces become the nexus of local government and education and the arts where everything from talent shows to summits can take place. A performing arts center can engage local businesses and nonprofits and a patron base that can be as unique as the community it serves . ’ In Hastings, within two weeks of opening, the Performing Arts Center had already served riot only as a veriue for student band and concert performances, it also hosted the coriirriunity’s heartfelt outpouring of grief at the death of a 12-year-old Hastings student and his father in a tragic crash. In the space of a few days, the center showed its reason for existence. The choice for a Performing Arts Center in Hastings is truly an investment of the most positive, constructive and substantive kind. It’s an investment in the future of this community. Only one word seems appropriate here: Btavo. Rebecca Pierce, Editor CFO • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer Tanett Hodge Bonnie Mattson Taylor Owens Joan Van Houten • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 7, 2019 — Page 5 County OKs $600,00 line of credit for Intercounty Drain project Rebecca Pierce Editor A resolution for an irrevocable line of cred­ it totaling $381,000 for the Little Thomapple River Intercounty Drain was recommended for approval by the Barry County Board of Commissioners Tuesday. Three counties, Ionia, Kent and Barry, are part of the administrative consent order administered by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. Barry has the largest share - 63.5 percent. Ionia bears 36.3 percent and Kent County .37 percent of the financial assurance for the remediation project. The need for the line of credit stems from a 2014 project that went awry: The Little Thomapple River Intercounty Drain Board approved limited tree and debris removal from the river. But the work went beyond the original project scope. The state Department of Environmental Quality received complaints and ordered an immediate termination of work in the winter of 2015. The Intercounty Drain Board received a notice of violation from the DEQ, demanding remediation for damaged riverbanks and wet­ lands. Financial assurance is basically collateral borrowed from a lending institution. The DEQ will hold those funds arid release them back to the lender once the project is complet­ ed. People living in the drain district are being assessed for the cost of the project. Highpoint Community Bank will provide the county with a $600,000 line of credit at a cost of $7,500 over two years. In other business: - Frank Fiala, representing the county’s Solid Waste Oversight Committee, made commissioners aware of a multi-jurisdictional project to plan for a sustainable resource recovery program in the county. Since July 2016, Iris Waste Diversion Specialists has been serving as a part-time recycling coordinator in the county. Fiala shared a draft of a three-phase planning docu­ ment with the board and asked commissioners to consider participating in the project. In addition, Fiala told the board that the state recycling projects will receive an addi­ tional $15 million and mentioned that the county should be looking to apply for grants. Potential priorities include market develop­ ment, education/outreach campaigns, and infrastructure improvement. - Shirley Barnum of Hastings asked the county board to support efforts to bring the Barry County Health Department “home to Barry County.” “We need to have oversight of our health department’s spending,” she said, “which we do not have at this time.” --Recommended approving of replacement panels for bullet resistant vests for $6,935, as requested by Undersheriff Matt Houchlei. This cost is to be paid from diverted felons fund. - Recommended the approval of Jim Brown, supervisor of Hastings Charter Township, and Stuart Brent Cowan of Hastings, to the Solid Waste Oversight Committee. - Conducted interviews for several adviso­ ry boards and committees, with action on those recommendations at the board meeting scheduled for 9 a.m. Tuesday, March 12. HOUSING, continued from page 1 Grant will fund new high school career exploration course Carrie Duits Hastings Area Schools Superintendent In 2017, Hastings High School was award­ ed a $25,000 Reach Higher System Impact grant from the Michigan College Access Network. The grant—designed to implement a bold system’s change initiative—enables the analysis of local quantitative and qualitative data to improve college and career readiness metrics. The grant allowed the creation of a new career exploration course titled “The Science of You,” which was approved by the school board as a graduation requirement for the Class of 2022 and beyond. The course is intended for students to take in the early years of high school and will help them to under­ stand and to identify their career interests as well as career opportunities available after high school. It will also help set students on a path to success and will teach the organiza­ tional skills needed to help keep them on that path. As part of the course, students take a com­ puter assessment of their interests and apti­ tudes, YouScience, and then they spend the semester analyzing their results by exploring their personal aptitudes, understanding how they relate to everyday life, and learning how they align with recommended career path­ ways. By the end of the semester, students will have researched multiple relevant high- wage/high-demand careers, created a resume, filled out a high school four-year academic plan and produced a culminating online talent portfolio showcasing their skills, attributes and reflections from the course. Three HHS teachers—Greer Putnam, Sara Matthews-Kaye and Jason Burghardt— taught the course to 103 students in the 2018-19 school year. According to an end-of-course survey, students gave overwhelming positive responses to the course. Many students com­ mented that they were grateful to take the course early in their high school career­ allowing them to use what they learned as they planned their courses and activities for the rest of high school and beyond. The success of the class led to the proposal of “The Science of You” as a semester require­ ment for all students in their 9th grade year. We are proud of the team for the exceptional implementation of this course, and we are excited for our students to explore their inter­ ests in such a technical, focused way to ensure post-secondary success for all. We are also proud to share that our three-teacher team —along with Cathy Longstreet, Hastings High School counsel­ or-will be presenting the course content at the state Michigan College Access Network conference this month in Lansing. It’s a great day to be a Saxon! (Write Us A Letter: ) The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Know Your Legislators: Residents, local government officials and business leaders fill the Dennison Center to talk about the impact made on many lev­ els due to the housing shortage, including the economic health of Barry County. “We are in jeopardy of not having any more lots to build on in the next year, if trends con­ tinue,” McManus said. In 2018, 160 building permits were issued. The healthy number of ready-to-build lots would be 600-800. Multiple attendees of the Feb. 20 discus­ sion mentioned the infrastructure gaps that exist, hindering the goal of reaching healthy numbers of ready-to-build lots from becom­ ing a reality. An example raised was putting in roads and utilities which is a major upfront cost and which lessens the rate of return on investment for a developer. “Government and all the zoning regulations don’t make things any easier,” said Cindy Preston, director of Barry County Habitat for Humanity. “We would love to keep building in Hastings. It’s a great city. “But, in Hastings, we’re required to have a full basement under a home, an improved driveway and a garage. That adds at least $25,000 to the cost of the build. Because we’re helping low to moderate income fami­ lies to own their own homes, we need to keep the cost down as much as possible. In the city, what costs us $125,000 to build appraises at $85,000 because of unnecessary require­ ments.” Other areas of discussion included the chal­ lenges of residential density and making housing development a priority for talent attraction, health of the school systems, busi­ ness expansions and retention. Discussion turned to action items to identi­ fy measures needed to be taken to help move the initiative forward. Those steps would include convening focus group discussions with large and small developers as well as builders and investors to: identify barriers; Elementary students creatively bring Hastings to state Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Hastings will be represented by two ele­ mentary students who have moved past Madison Killian, Central Elementary, took regionals and is heading to state level art competition with her creative view of the world underwater. A white bear against a dark night sky won a blue ribbon for Christopher EspinalLopez and a chance to compete in the state level competition. regional level competition and now will be moving on to state level competition for art. Madison Killian of Central Elementary placed at regionals with her dolphin and jelly­ fish ocean scene. Christopher Espinal-Lopez of Southeastern U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. Hastings DANNER Area Locations to purchase the Hastings Banner! Hastings; One Stop Shop (Phillips 66) (M-43 North) Superette Family Fare Middleville: Speedway Middleville Marketplace Greg’s Get-lt-N-Go Middleville Johnny's Phillips 66 Gas Station (M-37 South) Gun Lake: Sam’s Gourmet Foods The Dock Store Hastings Johnny's The General Store Marathon U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. line for Congress 77 and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. Elementary placed at regionals with his ren­ dering of a white bear against the night sky. “It’s such great news. I’m very proud of all our creative students,” Natasha Offerman, art instructor, said. Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 ) Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855­ 347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. research what the ideal ratio of housing stock should be for Barry County; meet education needs in the community about the importance of housing development on all levels; research what other communities have done in the form of public and private partnerships to make infrastructure build-out more achiev­ able; consider non-traditional solutions like alternatives to traditional sewer lines; actively foster a resurgence in homegrown builders, including an emphasis on building trades pro­ grams; and create an inventory of infrastruc­ ture across all municipalities and identify areas for collaboration where incremental steps could open opportunities for residential development projects. The schedule of meetings for the focus workgroups is being created which will include a quarterly meeting for all groups to come together to debrief. Mega Bev Penn-Nook Gift Shop Phillips 66 Gas Station (W. State St.) Phillips 66 Gas Station (M-37 West) Family Fare Gas Station Walgreens Orangeville: Orangeville Fast Stop Pine Lake: Doster Country Store Prairieville: Prairieville Fast Stop Woodland: Woodland Express Cloverdale: Cloverdale General Brown’s Cedar Creek Grocery Delton: Family Fare Delton Johnny's Banfield General Store Dowling: Goldsworthys Dowling General Store FreeportL&J’s Freeport General Store Nashville: Trading Post Little’s Country Store Nashville Johnny's MV Pharmacy Nashville C Store Carl’s lake Odessa; Lake-O-Express Lake-O-Mart Lake Odessa Johnny's Carl’s Shelbyville: Town & Country �Page 6 — Thursday, March 7, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH M-37 South at M-79, Kimberly S. Metzer, pastor. Church phone 269-945­ 4995. Church Secretary­ Treasurer, Linda Belson. Office hours, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11 am to 3 pm. Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School; 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship Tuesday 9 am Men’s Bible Study at the church. Wednesday 6 p.m. Circle of Friends (Young Adult Special Needs Group) (October thru May). PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. & S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Thursday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office, greenstreetumc @ gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor; Ryan Rose, Family Life Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheelchair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9: 30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings. org. 9 a.m. Traditional Service; 10:30 a.m. Contemporary service. Follow us on Facebook. COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945­ 9217. cbchastings.org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmajl.com. Website: www. hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Associate Pastor Andy Baird and Stu­ dent Ministiy Director, Emma Miller. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAMILY HOUR - ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Preschool-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Standard and Adult Elective classes. Coffee Talk: Fellow­ ship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church Age 4-4th grade dismissed during service. Aftermath Student Ministry - 6:30-8:30 p.m., 7th-12th grades. Wednesday: Kids Club "Under Construction"; Wed., Feb. 13-Mar. 27, 6:30-7:45 p.m., Kids age 4-6th grade are welcome; Women's Bible Study 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thurs­ day: Adult Bible Study 10 a.m. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God’s Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! March 10 - Worship services at 8 and 10:45 a.m. March 11 - Outreach Mtg. 4:30 p.m. March 12 - Women of Faith 1:30 p.m.; Brothers of Grace 7 p.m. March 13 - Ash Wednesday - Supper 6 p.m. Lenten Service 7 p.m. March 16 - Church Cleaning - all day. March 23 - Pasty Sale please call by March 14 at 945-9414. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www.grace-hastings. org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings. 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 Flexfab Ow ^,be.rgl®ss " Products 102 Cook Hastings 945-4700 f—— WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, _ _ _ _ the churches and these local businesses' _ Graphics Eugene William Haywood mwiiPPimF ABWMMM 770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541 HASTINGS, MI - Eugene William Hay­ wood, age 94, of Hastings, passed away in his home March 1, 2019, with his family by his side. He was bom to Ray and Meta (Bates) Hay­ wood, August 1,1924 in Hastings. Gene grad­ uated from Hastings High School in 1943. He continued the family heritage of farming, while working various mechanical jobs in Hastings as needed to support his family. Gene, was married to Joyce Otis on June 15/1946 and together they grew the Hay­ wood family farm. Fie was accomplished in the field, dairy, repair shop, as a businessman and as a father, teaching his children about the value of hard work and love of family and friends. Gene was quick to befriend anyone he met, and Joyce was ready to serve anyone he would have invited for lunch. They lived in Florida for a short time in the 50s and later retired to St. Cloud in 1978 and managed their rental properties. Their retired summers were spent in Hastings or travelling in their motorhome. Gene loved to document and share slides and videos of their travels. Additionally, he loved reading, camping, hunting and fishing. He will forever be re­ membered for his vivid tales of their lives. They returned to Hastings full-time in 2010 to be closer to family. Eugene was preceded in death by his lov­ ing wife of 72 years; parents, and siblings, Don, Bob, Rose and Rita. Eugene is survived by his children Larry and Ellen Haywood, Mary and Dan Javor, Barbara Haywood and Bill and Melia Hay­ wood; 12 grandchildren and 18 great-grand­ children. Following their wishes, Gene and Joyce were interred with a family graveside service Tuesday, March 5, 2019. Gene and Joyce’s lives will be celebrated with a party for fam­ ily and friends from Ito 4 p.m. on May 26, 2019 at 102-106 Culbert Dr, Hastings. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. Disease screening in Hastings on April 2 Hastings Free Methodist Church will be hosting a chronic disease screening event sponsored by Life Line Screening on Tuesday, April 2 at the church facility at 2635 N. M-43 Hwy. in Hastings. Screenings will be available to check for: Plaque level in arteries related to the risk for heart disease, stroke, and overall vascular health. HDL and LDL Cholesterol levels. Diabetes risk. Bone density as a risk for possible osteopo­ rosis. Kidney and thyroid function, and more. Screenings are affordable, convenient and accessible for wheelchairs and those with trouble walking. Free parking is also avail­ able. Screening packages start at $149, but con­ sultants will be available to create individual packages based on age and risk factors. Life Line Screening’s Wellness Gold Membership Program also allows customers to get all the screenings needed with a $19.95 per month payment plan. Call 1-877-237-1287 or visit wwwdifelinescreening.com. Pre-registration for the April 2 community event is required. Michael Patrick Scott Michael Patrick Scott, 47, went into the loving arms of Jesus Monday, March 4,2019, after an apparent heart attack. He was bom Aug. 2, 1971, at Blodgett Hospital in Grand Rapids, the son of Harry “Scotty” and Patricia (McLaughlin) Scott of Middleville He brought immeasurable joy to his five siblings who, two years before his birth, had experienced the death of another baby brother. Mike followed his older broth­ ers around, to the point that, for a while, his word for “boy” was “ballgame.” The Kid, as he was affectionately called by his brothers, also developed a bit of a competitive streak. Mike attended Thomapple Kellogg Schools. In fourth grade, he was one of many students who played AYSO soccer the first year it was offered in Middleville. He also played basketball and baseball. In high school, he turned to his real passion, football. He later would enjoy coaching football at Grand Rapids Union High School, and even­ tually help coach his sons’ sports teams. He graduated from TKHS in 1989, and went on to attend Aquinas College, receiving a bachelor’s degree in business and education. He didn’t know it at the time, but his future wife, Laura Messing, was attending the same college. They would meet about six years lat­ er when a friend of Mike’s was teaching at the White Cloud elementary school where Laura was teaching, bringing them together on a “blind date” to a football game. Mike had decided to change his career and pursue certification in the field of forest­ ry, living in Kansas and New York State for a short time. After his dad had a stroke and went to a nursing home, Mike moved in with his mom, who had Alzheimer’s, to help take care of her. That also was about the time he met Laura, and a long-distance relationship began. Despite wanting to be with the new love of his life, he continued to help take care of the first love of his life. Mike and Laura were married June 15, 2002, in Port Sanilac, MI. They first made their home in White Cloud, before moving to Mauston, Wisconsin. They returned to Michi­ gan, settling in Nashville, where they restored a 100-year-old farmhouse to make a loving home for their three sons, Noah, 14; Ben, 12; and Gideon, 10. Mike became an advocate and active supporter of the community and schools, attending many local events with his family and keeping up with whatever activi­ ties the boys pursued. Mike was very social, easily striking up conversations with old friends and new ac­ quaintances. He also had a great memory for people and events. He put that to use, keeping track of his nieces and nephews (and other kids and adults, too) asking about their latest projects, upcoming exams, new jobs, sports seasons or other news. His concern for oth­ ers extended into the community, doing what he could to help, encourage or comfort oth­ ers. He also enjoyed a good laugh, perhaps even reminding others of some silly incident tucked away in his memory, one they hoped he’d forgotten. He enjoyed sports, especially Michigan State Spartans, fishing, traveling, and being involved with his sons and their interests. He went on his first family vacation when he was b weeks old, a two-week northern Michigan camping trip, and over the years, as his sib­ lings moved on, he saw much of the state and the region traveling with his parents to visit siblings. He inherited his father’s rockhound interest, looking for Petoskey stones along Lake Michigan, geodes in Eastern Kentucky; and, later, Lake Superior agates in the Upper Peninsula. In addition to Laura and the boys, he is sur­ vived by siblings Terri (Larry) Etter of Mid­ dleville, Rose (Rob) Cook of Houston, Bill (Barb) Scott of Sault Ste. Marie, Dave (Teri) Scott of Plainwell, Kathy (Tom) Maurer of Hastings; in-laws Gordon and Julie Messing (Laura’s parents) of Port Sanilac, Barbara (Rick) Koenig of Jefferstown, KY, Donna Joseph of Houston, TX, Kathryn (Neil) Bitz­ er of Clarkston, Sarah Messing of St. Louis,. MI, Randy (Jill) Messing of Port Sanilac, Gary Dobrynski of Rochester, David Mess­ ing of Hemlock; nieces and nephews Leanne (John) Padgett, Chris Etter, Tim Etter; Cody, Dillon and Cory Cook; Taylor, Brayden, Erinn and Will Scott; Kevin (Shelby), Christine, and Becky Maurer; Patrick (Nicole) Koenig, Jessica Koenig, Angela Koenig, Megan (Josh Spaulding, Derek Koenig, Peter Messing, Emily (Josh) Malone, Dana (Jesse) Aquilera, Samantha, Breana and Gabrielle Bitzer; Alexis, Marissa and Gabriel Messing; Hayden Messing; great-nieces and great-nephews Jaxson and Kalani Padgett; Adalyn Maurer; Ade­ laide Koenig and Juniper Spalding. He was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Patricia Scott, brother Steven; sis­ ter-in-law Alice Dobrynski. Donations can be made to the American Heart Association (donatenow.heart.org) 208 S. LaSalle St., Suite 1500, Chicago, IL 606041242, or a charity of one’s choice. Visitation will be Friday, March 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway, Hastings. Services will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church located at 805 S. Jeffrson Avenue, Hastings, MI, 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. | S' L ’J f n U ” Jack Nelson Lambka HASTINGS, MI - Jack Nelson Lambka, age 88, of Hastings, died on March 3, 2019 in Middleville. He was bom in Battle Creek, the son of Roy and Sydona (Jennings) Lambka. He graduat­ ed from Battle Creek Central High School. He married Beverly Fountain on March 4, 1950. He honorably served his country in the US Airforce, stationed in England. He worked at E. W. Bliss Company for 25 years and the Viking Corporation for 15 years. Jack was passionate about cars, built dune buggies, and was the president of the Corvette Club in Battle Creek. He loved doing woodworking and building. He built two houses and remodeled one. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Robert Lambka, and grandson, Bar­ rett Sherwood. . He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Beverly; twin daughters, Linda (Jim) Wright, Brenda (Brad) Sanders; grandchildren, Kristen Smith, David (Jen) Wright, DeeAnne (Na­ than) Stencel, Joshua (Vai) Sanders, Kathryn Sanders, and six greatgrandchildren. Memorial contributions may be made to Boy Scouts of America Troop 175 c/o Amer­ ican Legion Post 45, PO Box 152, Hastings, MI 49058. Services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 7, 2019 at the Girrbach Funeral Home, with visitation one hour prior. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. r J _ ’ ' J i ! J J ** .. ‘ M _ 6 il DEQ increases funding, extends grant deadline S The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Thursday announced it will increase available funding for recycling infrastructure grants from $500,000 to $3.7 million and the extend the deadline for grant applications to May 1. The DEQ originally announced this grant opportunity Nov. 21, 2018, in support of the statewide recycling goals of increasing the recycling rate and ensuring convenient recy­ cling access by supporting investment in recycling infrastructure. Given the increase in funding, DEQ is extending the application period. The recy­ cling infrastructure grant is part of the DEQ’s fiscal year 2019 sustainability grants, which also includes scrap tire cleanup grants and scrap tire market development grants. The ni increased funding has been made available by the recently established Renew Michigan Fund. ft Eligible entities include cities, villages, qi townships, charter townships, counties, tribal governments, municipal solid-waste or:>> resource-recovery authorities, nonprofit orga­ nizations, school districts, health departments, colleges or universities and regional planning . J agencies. Funding or program partners may be for-profit organizations, but such entities □b are not eligible to receive grants. The maxi- jt mum request amount per grant is $1 million. ; i Requests for funding must be received by close of business May 1. to The request for proposals and additional information about the grants program, can be found online at michigan.gov/mirecycles. �The Hastings Banner —- Thursday, March 7, 2019 — Page 7 Spectrum Health recognized for exceptional nursing Spectrum Health Grand Rapids has earned the prestigious Magnet designation for excep­ tional nursing for a third time. The American Nurses Credentialing Center Magnet Recognition Program is the highest international distinction a health care organi­ zation can receive for nursing excellence and outstanding patient care. Magnet hospitals are designated for four years. Spectrum Health Grand Rapids was initially designated in 2009 and re-designated in 2014. “The prestigious Magnet distinction recog­ nizes a culture of excellence, innovation and professionalism,” Shawn Ulreich, chief nurse executive and senior vice president of clinical operations, said. “It is considered the gold standard, and we could not achieve it without the unwavering dedication of our nurses, employees and leaders to high-quality care.” Only about 8 percent of U.S. hospitals achieve Magnet designation. Currently, 477 hospitals in the nation have Magnet designa­ tion, including 13 in Michigan. Among hospi­ tals with Magnet designation, only about 30 percent have earned the recognition three times. Research shows that Magnet hospitals con- sistently provide the highest quality of care. The standards Magnet hospitals must attain through this program demand continual improvement, according to a Feb. 27 press release. Nurses at Magnet hospitals consis­ tently outperform non-Magnet organizations with better patient outcomes and report higher patient satisfaction rates. Magnet hospitals also report increased nurse retention and increased rates of job satisfaction. “Achieving this standard of excellence for a third time is an acknowledgment of the incredible commitment of our nursing leader­ ship and staff to deliver on our Magnet prom­ ises every day,” Gwen Sandefur, Spectrum Health Hospital Group president, said. “It also helps to make Spectrum Health a true magnet for the profession of nursing, allowing us to attract expert interdisciplinary care teams with Magnet nurses at the core to provide the highest quality care to our patients.” To achieve Magnet recognition, organiza­ tions must pass a rigorous and lengthy process that demands widespread participation from leadership and staff. The process begins with the submission of an application, followed by written documen- Lakewood choral group seeking alto, tenor, bass voices Anyone looking to join an adult choir group is invited to audition with the Lakewood Area Choral Society. The choir is under the direction of Dr. Robert C. Oster. The choral group was formed in January 1986 to provide adults from, in, and around the Lakewood school district with an opportu­ nity to sing in a large, semi-professional chorus. Currently, the 100-plus-member choral society includes amateur singers representing 21 communities and 25 ZIP codes in western and mid-Michigan. The performers range in age from their 20s to over 80 and represent various and diverse occupations. “You could become one of the newest members in the choir’s 34th season,” LACS publicist Terry Trupiano said. Membership is open to anyone with choral experience who loves to sing and who is will­ ing to be dedicated and committed to the LACS family. The choir is seeking new altos, tenors and basses. Prospective new members are invited attend a “Get to Know Us - No-Commitment Rehearsal” at 7 p.m. Monday, March 11, in the choir room at Lakewood High School, 7223 Velte Road, Lake Odessa. Visitors can use the south entrance and proceed to the choir room. Detailed information regarding the choral society’s operation and voice interview spe­ cifics will be given following the rehearsal. Those interested in becoming members will have a voice interview to check range and experience. Voice interviews for altos will be from 6 to 6:50 p.m. March 18, and from 6 to 6:50 p.m. for tenors and basses March 25 at Grace Lutheran Church, 239 E. North St., Hastings. After the voice interviews, prospective new members will be invited to sit in on that eve­ ning’s sectional rehearsal. Once that is suc­ cessfully completed, payment of the annual dues will make membership official. Potential new members will receive a fold­ er of music to be rehearsed. To assist in expe­ riencing the music and camaraderie of LACS, new members will be assigned mentors who will guide them through the first season. Prospective new members are asked to con­ tact LACS executive assistant, Joanie Oster, before attending the first rehearsal via email, lacsmusic@gmail.com, or phone, 269-9677246. The choral society’s season runs from March through December each year. Rehearsals, both full and sectional, normally take place from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday evenings, making a two- to three- rehearsals a month commitment for singers. Rehearsals are kept to a minimum in July and August. Concerts generally begin in late April and conclude with a Christmas concert in December. This year’s concert schedule opens with a performance at Trinity Lutheran Church, Grand Rapids May 5. In June, the group will embark on a seven-day concert tour to St. Louis and Nashville. The trip includes visits to the Gateway Arch, Missouri Botanical Gardens, Grand Old Opry, Country Music Hall of Fame, the Hermitage (Andrew Jackson’s Home), and more. Members also will have two cruises, including a lunch cruise on the General Jackson Showboat. While the tour performance schedule is not completely set, the group will be performing at a Saturday evening mass at the Cathedral Basilica of St. Louis. LACS will perform a sacred music concert. Sept. 22 at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel in Monroe. In addition, an Oct. 6 solo concert by the Lakewood Area Acapella Choir at Grace Lutheran in Hastings also is planned. New members joining this year would be eligible to join the choir on the concert tour. Further information about becoming a new member is available at lacsmusic.org; click­ ing on “Who We Are;” and completing the online form under “Joining LACS.” tation demonstrating qualitative and quantita­ tive evidence regarding patient care and out­ comes. If scores from the written documenta­ tion fall within a range of excellence, an on-site visit is scheduled to thoroughly assess the applicant. After the on-site review, the Commission on Magnet reviews the complet­ ed appraisal report and votes to determine if Magnet recognition will be granted. More information can be found online at nursingworld.org/organizational-programs/ magnet/. Parenting tips provide support and guidance Let your child help make rules. Let your child help decide consequences for broken rules. Try to understand your child’s feelings. If your child breaks a rule, control your anger. If you lash out, apologize. Compliment your child often. Tell your child “I love you” each and every day. Through Parenting Awareness Month during the month of March, the Family Support Center of Barry County is highlight­ ing positive parenting approaches and educa­ tion to promote awareness and provide sup­ port. “We have put together some helpful parent­ ing tips to guide effective parenting as we strive to be more aware of our parenting approaches during this important month,” Executive Director Kim Metzger said in a press release which includes the following helpful suggestions: 10 Steps. tQ._C-9.Ql P.Qwn Take a deep breath. And another. Then remember you are the adult. Close your eyes and imagine you’re hear­ ing what your child is about to hear. Press your lips together and count to ten. Or better yet, to 20. Exercise to release tension. Phone a friend. If someone can watch your child, go out­ side and take a walk. Take a hot bath or splash cold water on your face. Turn on some music, maybe even sing along. Drink a glass of cold water. Tell your child “I love you” each and every day. lQ.Steps.tQ Positive Parenting Show love and affection. When necessary, take time to cool down. Compliment your child. Set basic rules and limits Develop a set of shared meanings, values, and goals. Introduce your child to books. Listen and talk to your child. Be the kind of person you want your child to be. Offer guidance. Tell your child, “I love you” each and every day. LQ-Steps to.Teach a Child Discipline: Teach and model self-control by your example. Set routine for bedtime, meals, and chores. Explain reasons for your rules. For additional parenting support and infor­ mation, contact The Family Support Center of Barry County at 269-945-5439 or through the website at www.familysupportbarry.com. H ® DEVOS PLACE ^Outfitters Expo Present this coupon at the box office for $2.00 Off 1 Regular Adult Admission. Not good with any other coupon. Photocopies not accepted. March 14-17,2019 The Midwest’s finest Sport Show in our 74th year! Thur, Mar 14,1pm-9pm Fri, Mar 15,11am-9pm Fishing Tackle, Fishing Boats, Fishing Trips 8 Fishing Features! *2.00 OFF! Hunting and Archery gear, Food Plot equipment! Book fishing & hunting trips! Meet thegup*es amd Lodge owners SPORT sum Present this coupon at the box office for $2.00 Off 1 Regular Adult Admission. Not good with any other coupon. Photocopies not accepted. Thur, Mar 14,1pm-9pm Fri, Mar 15,11am-9pm Sat, Mar 16,10am-8pm Sun, Mar 17,10am-5pm UltimateSportSliow.com 221 South Jefferson Street Hastings, Michigan (269) 945-3547 www.kamuelleraccounting.com MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License #8110376 Office (269) 948-2248 & Insured Mobile (269) 838-5112 Monday March 11, 2019 9AM to Noon and 2PM to 5PM Tuesday March 12, 2019 6PM to 9PM and Thursday March 14, 2019 6PM to 9PM Doors: 2 PM • Session: 4 PM Pre-sale available through Friday, March 22 in the Bingo Hall. DAILY SESSIONS THURSDAYS - MONDAYS • 12 PM & 6 PM CLOSED TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS ALSO CLOSED ON MONDAY, MARCH 2 Visit FireKeepersCasino.com for details. lW- If you wish an appointment call 269-721­ 8443. The statutory requirements of dates and time have been fulfilled by publication in the Battle Creek Enquirer. Id ■ , FIREKEEPERS ON Vonda VanTil account, creating one is very easy to do and Social Security Public Affairs Specialist usually takes less than 10 minutes. Tax season is here, and Social Security has If you receive benefits or have Medicare, made replacing your annual Benefit Statement, your My Social Security account is also the also known as the SSA-1099 or the SSA- best way to get your benefit verification letter; 1042S, even easier. Now you can get a copy check your benefit and payment information; of your 1099 anytime and anywhere you want change your address and phone number; using our online services. change your direct deposit information; A Social Security 1099 is a tax form request a replacement Medicare card; or Social Security mails each year in January to report your wages if you work and receive people who receive Social Security benefits. Social Security disability insurance or It shows the total amount of benefits you Supplemental Security Income benefits. received from Social Security in the previous If you’re a noncitizen who lives outside of year so you know how much Social Security the United States and you received or repaid income to report to the IRS on your tax return. Social Security benefits last year, we will If you live in the United States and you send you form SSA-1042S in the mail. The need a replacement form SSA-1099 or SSA- forms SSA-1099 and SSA-1042S are not 1042S, simply go online and request an available for people who receive Supplemental instant, printable replacement form through Security Income. your personal My Social Security account at With a personal My Social Security socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. account, you can do much of your business A replacement SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S with us online, on your time, like get a copy is available for the previous tax year after Feb. of your SSA-1099 form. Visit socialsecurity, gov to find out more. 1. If you already have a My Social Security account, you can log in to your online account Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist to view and print your SSA-1099 or SSA- for West Michigan. You may write her do 1042S. If you don’t have access to a printer, Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp you can save the document on your computer NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525, or via email at or laptop or even email it. vonda ,vantil@ ssa .gov. If you don’t have a My Social Security K. A. MUELLER ACCOUNTING The Johnstown Township Board of Review will be held on the following dates & times: BLOOMIN' BINGO BASH SUNDAY, MARCH 24 SSA-1099 Benefit Statement available online Jordan Rees Brehm, Hastings and Gloria Elena Rodriguez, Hastings Kenneth Eugene Johnson, Battle Creek and Bonnie Sue Spindler, Battle Creek Jeffrey Grant Costain, Alpena and Sarah Renee Jenkot, Hastings Attention $75,000 PRIZE BOARD SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Dorothy Cappon of Woodland will be celebrating her 90th birthday. She was bom March 13,1929. UItimateSportShow.com See over 200 Mounts in the Michigan Taxidermists Competition! DEVOS PLACE Sat, Mar 16,10am-8pm Sun, Mar 17,10am-5pm 4 11 ) Sfi f Dorothy Cappon to celebrate 90th birthday CASINO•HOTEL 114133 SWBCSA MEETING SCHEDULE 2019-2020 Announcement: James J. Goulooze, Attorney at Law MAY 28, 2019, TUESDAY AT 6:30 P.M. JUNE 25,2019, TUESDAY AT 6:30 P.M. JULY 23,2019, TUESDAY AT 6:30 P.M. AUGUST 27,2019, TUESDAY AT 6:30 P.M. Is Still Here SEPTEMBER 24,2019, TUESDAY AT 6:30 P.M. Rumors of my demise are premature. For over 30 years I have strived to protect and assert the rights of my clients. My primary focus continues to be criminal defense. If chosen to represent you, I will provide honesty, competence and the assurance that your interest comes first and that I do not act to please the court or prosecutor. NOVEMBER 26,2019, TUESDAY AT 6:30 P.M. SERVING THE LEGAL NEEDS OF BARRY COUNTY AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES All meetings located at 11191 S. M-43, Delton, MI 49046 (269) 623-3401 SPECIALIZING IN: • Criminal Defense • Felonies (including capital offenses) • Driver License Restoration • Drunk Driving • Bankruptcy • Real Estate Law • Probate Contact me at: 269-945-2255,616-765-9040 or jgoulooze@sbcglobal.net Evenings & Saturday AM Appointments Available OCTOBER 22,2019, TUESDAY AT 6:30 P.M. JANUARY 28,2020, TUESDAY AT 6:30 P.M. FEBRUARY 25,2020, TUESDAY AT 6:30 P.M. MARCH 24,2020, TUESDAY AT 6:30 P.M. APRIL 28,2020, TUESDAY AT 6:30 P.M. THIS NOTICE IS POSTED IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE OPEN MEETINGS ACT, PUBLIC ACT 267 OF 1976, AS AMENDED. ALL MEETING DATES AND TIMES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. �Page 8 — Thursday, March 7, 2019 — The Hastings Banner March Family Workshop Series scheduled Effective and creative ways for parents to approach discipline for children of all ages will highlight the March Family Workshop Series sponsored by Family Support Services of Barry County. Two separate dates and locations have been scheduled for the discussion, one on March 11 at First Baptist Church, 5215 N. M-37 in Middleville and the other on March 25 at Hastings Baptist Church, 300 E. Woodlawn in Hastings. Both sessions will be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m. and both will be preceded by dinner at 5:30 p.m. “We will be exploring discipline strategies that build the caregiver and child relationship, positively impact behavior and build resil­ ience skills,” Presenter Amy Young, Meadow Run Holistic Counseling, said in a Family Support Services press release. The Family Support Center has partnered with Barry County Transit to help provide transportation for those living within Hastings city limits. Registration is encouraged to ensure that enough meals are available. Register online at www.familysupportbarry. com or call 269-945-5439 for more informa­ tion. There will be activities for children that go along with what parents and providers are learning. The Family Workshop Series is a free train­ ing geared for parents, foster care parents, daycare providers, or others seeking guidance and education towards providing the best pos­ itive child rearing approaches. Each partici­ pant will receive a certificate of participation for 1.5 hours of training. The Family Workshop Series is a commu­ nity collaborative program brought to the residents of Barry County with the help of Barry County United Way, Barry County Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Authority, Barry County Great Start Collaborative, Family Support Center of Barry County and Kinship Support Services, First Baptist Church of Middleville, Hastings Baptist Church, Hastings Area Schools, Meadow Run Holistic Counseling, Michigan State Police, Thomapple Kellogg Schools and radio station WBCH. 113915 NOTICE The Barry County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications from volunteers to serve on the following Boards/Commissions: Agricultural Promotion Board: 1 position Natural Resource Conservation Commission on Aging Board: 3 positions Charlton Park Village and Museum Board: 1 position Mental Health Authority: 2 positions Planning Commission: 1 position ■ Zoning Board of Appeals: 1 position Applications may be obtained at the County Administration Office, 3rd floor of the Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings; or www.barrycounty.org; and must be returned no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, 2019. Contact 269-945-1284 for more information. J 113225 TOWNSHIP OF BALTIMORE 2019 NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Board of Review will meet at the Township Hall, 3100 E. Dowling Rd. Hastings, Ml 49058, to examine and review the 2019 Assessment roll. The board will convene on the following dates for the hearing of appeals of assessments or taxable values, poverty exemptions, parcel classification appeals and/or current year qualified agricultural denials: Tuesday, March 5, 2019, 1:00 pm Organizational Meeting Hearings will be the week of March 11, 2019 Monday, March 11,2019, 9:00 am to 12 noon and 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Wednesday, March 13, 2019, 12 noon to 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm And on such additional days as required to hear all persons who have given notice of the desire to be heard until assessment rolls have been revised, corrected and approved. Letter appeals will be accepted and must be received no later than 9:00 pm March 13th, 2019. Tentative ratios and estimated multipliers for 2019 are as follows: 1.00786 49.61% Agricultural 0.99068 50.47% Commercial 1.01626 49.20% Industrial 1.08861 45.93% Residential 1.00000 Personal Property 50.00% Tentative equalization factor of 1.0000 for all classes is expected after comple­ tion of Board of Review. Chad VanSycle, Supervisor Baltimore Township Scott Anderson, Assessor Baltimore Township Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD JONES Who can you trust to reduce stress of estate planning? When it’s time to do your estate planning and it’s actually never too soon to begin - you may find the process, at first, to be somewhat bewildering. You’ll have many questions: What sort of arrangements should I make? Who should get what? And when? How can you address these and other issues? You’ll need to get some help. In drawing up your estate plan, you will need to work with an attorney. And for guidance on the investments that can help fund your estate planning arrangements, such as a living trust, you can draw on the help of a financial advi­ sor. You also may want to connect with a trust company, which can help facilitate your estate plans and coordinate the activities of your legal and financial professionals. Of course, you might think that only the very wealthy need a trust company. But that’s not really the case - people of many income levels have long used these companies. As long as you have a reasonable amount of financial assets, you likely can benefit from the various services provided by a trust orga­ nization. And these services can range from adminis­ tration of a variety of trusts (such as living trusts and charitable trusts) to asset-manage­ ment services (bill-paying, check-writing, etc.) to safekeeping services (such as provid­ ing secure vaults forjewelry and collectibles). In short, using a trust company can make things a lot easier when it’s time to plan and execute your estate. A trust company can help you in the following ways: • Avoiding family squabbles — It’s unfortu­ nate, but true: Dividing the assets of an estate can cause ill will and turmoil among family Baltimore Township Clerk Penelope Ypma 3100 E Dowling Rd Hastings, Ml 49058 269.721.3502 March is Parenting Awareness month, and the Parenting Awareness-Michigan organiza­ tion is celebrating parents and caregivers who are raising children. Throughout the year, the organization promotes education and resourc­ es through state outreach and local efforts, emphasizing the importance of effective par­ enting. ' The Parenting Awareness-Michigan initia­ tive has been in existence since 1993 when it began as an awareness month to promote parenting, which is the foundation for guiding children and youth to be healthy and drug free. “Parenting is a for a lifetime and can include waves of difficulty,” said Kim Metzger, executive director of Family Support Center of Barry Count in a press release. “We need a license to drive a car, to hunt or to fish, but any one can be a parent. It is a very diffi­ cult job but can also be the most rewarding.” According to Metzger, effective parenting includes showing children love, concern, and respect at all times, giving children a safe place to live and play, helping children express their feelings appropriately and listening to what they say. Also important is giving chil- Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads City of Hastings Operator 2 - Position Available Department of Public Services The City of Hastings is accepting applications for an Operator 2 with the Hastings Department of Public Services at the water and wastewater treatment plants. Position will be full time with benefits. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Minimum requirements include a high school diploma or GED and a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) valid in the State of Michigan. Candidate must pass a drug/alcohol screen, pre-employment physical, and background check. Competitive applicants will have a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and desire to be part of an effective team. Wage rate for the Operator 2 position varies, depending on qualifying experience. Send resume, three (3)professional ref­ erences, and completed employment application to the City of Hastings, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan, 49058. An online application can be located at: https://hastingsmi.org/wp-content/uploads/Employment-Application-1.pdf A required application form and full job description are available upon request. Questions regarding this position should be directed to Lee Hays, Director of Public Services, 269-945-2468. The City of Hastings is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 113664 ------ STOCKS------- Parenting Awareness Michigan celebrates parents and caregivers Baltimore Township Board Meetings are open to all without regard to race, color, nation­ al origin, sex or disability. • American with Disabilities (ADA) Notice The township will provide necessar/reasonable auxiliary aids and services, to individ­ uals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven (7) days notice to Baltimore Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact Baltimore Township by writing or calling. members. But a trust company can act as a suit your estate-planning attorney or qualified neutral third party, thus minimizing any feel­ tax advisor regarding your situation. ings of unfairness. This article was written by Edward Jones • Providing greater control - When you for use by your local Edward Jones Financial establish an arrangement such as a living Advisor If you have any questions, contact trust, administered by the trust company, you Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. can give yourself great control over how you want your assets distributed. For example, you can specify that a certain child receive portions of your estate spaced out over sever­ The following prices are from the close of al years - a move that may appeal to you if business last Tuesday. 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You should con- Dow Jones Lee Hays Director of Public Services dren appropriate choices whenever possible, having reasonable rules that are understood by all, being responsible and teaching chil­ dren to be responsible, spending time with children and setting an example by speaking and behaving appropriately. “Parents should also work within our schools and communities to make them better for children and ask for help when they need it,” she said. The Family Support Center of Barry County works to eliminate and prevent all forms of child abuse and neglect. Free group parenting classes as well as one on one par­ enting support is available. For more informa­ tion about Parenting Awareness Michigan or for parenting support, contact the Family Support Center office at 269-945-5439 or1 through the website at www.familysupportba­ rry .com. Morning breath Dr. Universe: Why do we get morning breath? Stephanie, 10 Dear Stephanie, If you’ve ever caught a whiff of some­ one’s stinky morning breath, or even your own, you know it can be pretty rotten. We can trace the smell back to tiny culprits that live in our mouths. They are called microbes, and they live around your gums, between your teeth and on your tongue. “They like to eat what you eat,” said my friend Claire Burbick, a veterinarian and microbiologist at Washington State University. The microbes feed on leftover bits of food in your mouth. They not only help break down your food, but they also get energy from it. As they eat, grow and multi­ ply, they also release some smelly gases that might remind you of rotten eggs. When microbes eat foods rich in protein, such as meat or dairy, they tend to grow and multiply pretty fast, Burbick said. In fact, sometimes meat eaters get more stinky breath than plant eaters. Something else that adds to the stink is leftover food. If large pieces or food are stuck between teeth or in your gums, it becomes a kind of playground where microbes can grow. The mouth can get kind of gross, but it also has a way to clean itself out. One way it does this is with saliva, or your spit. It’s mostly made out of water and contains a few chemicals that help fight off bad bacte­ ria. Saliva is kind of like a built-in cleaning system. Of course, it isn’t perfect, so brush­ ing your teeth also helps. Not to mention, your family and friends will thank you for it. Whether snoring or just breathing deeply, animals and humans sometimes sleep with their mouths open. When air moves in, it can dry out the saliva in your mouth and create an environment that makes the stinky bacteria go wild. In the morning, you might wake up with particularly bad breath. You’ll probably want to brush your teeth again, sending those stinky microbes down the drain and leaving your breath fresh. Bad breath isn’t just a people problem, either. Cats, horses, cows and of course dogs get bad breath for many of the same reasons. Brushing teeth is also recommend­ ed for your pets, and they even have their own special toothpaste, Burbick said. It turns out humans have been battling bad breath for thousands of years — and they’ve come up with some creative ideas. Some researchers have found evidence that Ancient Egyptians mixed together spices and honey to create a kind of breath fresh­ ener. They also used thin twigs with frayed edges to scrub their teeth. r One of the first toothbrushes in human history was made in China. It had bristles 'B made of hog hair and inspired the plastic •3 toothbrushes humans use today. Humans also use floss, which helps get rid of bacte­ ria in places where a toothbrush might not be able to reach. There’s also gum and mouthwash to help mask morning breath — or garlic breath, or onion breath, or what­ ever kind of stinky breath might come your way. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse .com. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 7, 2019 fl look book at the stories and columns on local history In the Hastings Banner TURNING BflGK THE PAGES Eighty years of local news A favorite early March outing in Nashville some 70 years ago was a leisurely Sunday afternoon stroll to nearby sugar bushes to watch maple syrup-making. These four young men were on such an expedition when this circa-1912 photo was taken, accord­ ing to William H. Hecker (from left) others are Harry Laurent, Harry Williams and Howard Messimer. Note box camera carried by Laurent. This “Memories of the past” article by the late Susan Hinckley was published in the Maple Valley News March 5, 1985. The names ofpeople, streets, businesses and more were specific to Nashville, but the conditions, prices and sentiments - and certainly the weather - were the same throughout the coun­ ty. So, here’s a glimpse at the news this week over the course of 80 years, complete with updates on commerce, maple syrup produc­ tion, basketball and more. 1874 — Old Dr. Chapin of Maple Grove broke his leg Wednesday while trying to load a log on his sleighs, and the leg may have to be amputated. Dr. Chapin is an old man, 100 years old, and says he has been married seven tijmes. 1876 — L. Adda Nichols, Nashville’s illus­ trious poet, has her new book of poems just off the press. It is entitled, The Traveler and the Poet. ; 1878 — The committee for building the new county poor house met Thursday and awarded the building of same to S.W. Walrath and Walter Stillwell, both of Nashville, for the sum of $5,695. 1879 — B.H. Hoag, with H.M. Lee accom­ panying him, drove his team of 4-year-olds Monday from downtown Nashville to the Newton House in Hastings in exactly one hbur and 15 minutes. How is that for a 12 1/2rftile drive? 1881 — The village treasurer’s annual report shows that the village has a balance of more than $1,000, which is better than usual. 1884 — L.J. Wheeler has sold his brick house and lots to John E. Barry. Consideration, $2,000 ... D.C. Griffith has bought the lot upon which DeRiar’s oar factory, stood and has moved his evaporating works thereon. 1887 — Thursday, Editor Orno Strong packed his grip and took his exit southward, intending to do the principal cities and bring up in Florida. His impressions of the country, people, etc., will be faithfully chronicled in The News. 1892 — The Lentz Table Company is now working more than 30 hands and cannot keep up with orders. 1899 — The entertainment given at the opera house Monday evening by the Independent Order of Foresters was received very favorably by the large crowd that turned out for the occasion. Local people who took part in the program were Carl McDerby, Dell Fowler, Marie Rasey, Dr. L.F. Weaver, Mrs. J.L. Wolcott, Weta Wilkinson, Ed and Harry White and Mrs. Isabel Boise. 1900 — C.L. Glasgow reports his firm has sold 27 cutters this season. Sleighing has been excellent the past two weeks, and the only complaint is that heavy drifts have held up the trains and raised hobs with mail deliveries. 1902 — At the Literary Society meeting tonight, EE. VanOrsdal and John Purchis will favor the company with several numbers on the guitar and mandolin. 1903 — The News is installing another new Chandler & Price Gordon job press and now can claim to be the best-equipped printing establishment between Jackson and Grand Rapids. 1904 — There is excellent prospect that a House Bill will be passed, giving rural mail carriers a salary increase from $600 a year to $720. Anyone who has followed the rural carriers on their rounds this severe winter will admit they have it coming. 1906 — New maple sugar is selling at 12 cents a pound. 1911 — George VanDeventer, who has been ill with smallpox at the home of his father-in-law, J.S. Wellman, at the old Baptist chapel, has been released from quarantine, completely recovered. There were no more cases and since the place has been thoroughly fumigated upstairs and down, there is now no possible danger of further contagion. 1912 — Never before seen or heard in Nashville, moving pictures with all the talking and grand effects produced by a company of actors behind the curtain; Saturday night. Admission 10 and 15 cents. 1924 — R.H. Olin brought through a new Overland sedan from Toledo Friday. [Olin operated an auto agency in Nashville for sev­ eral years.] 1925 — Nashville’s basketball teams have been going good the past week. The boys beat Vermontville High School 17-11; both boys and girls high school teams beat Middleville without any trouble Friday night, and an all­ star team beat a Hastings pick-up team, 47-6, Saturday night. 1926 — Seth Graham has his new brick house ready for the roof, having many pleas­ ant days this winter in which to work. Matt Howell is superintending the carpenter work. 1927 — Four Mulliken men had a thrilling experience last Thursday afternoon when their Chevrolet sedan broke through the ice of Saubee Lake and sank in about 20 feet of water ... The running boards held the car up long enough to let the occupants pile out. Friday, the car was drawn to the surface by means of a derrick, which got out of order and left the machine suspended until Saturday afternoon. 1929 — Several have tapped their sugar bushes and new syrup is coming into town. Now for some good old-fashioned johnny cake and maple syrup. 1930 — The Try-Me Bottling Company, recently moved here from Battle Creek, last Thursday shipped its first truck load of TryMe beverage from the local plant in the W.A. Quick building on South Main Street. The public may see the bottling machine in action as it automatically washes the bottles, fills them with any one of several flavored drinks, caps the bottle and delivers it ready for the case. 1933 — Under a new law made immediate­ ly effective and signed by Gov. Comstock March 1, automobile and truck owners through Michigan will be permitted to pay for their 1933 license plates in half yearly install­ ments. Stickers, good until Aug. 1, are being prepared for issuancelb those'who decide take advantage of the half-year plan. 1936 — Work on the WPA-village water project continues to progress. The pumping units, which were removed from the freight depot to the pump-house last week and set in place, have been fastened and most of the pipes hooked up. The pump-house roof has been completed, and considerable cleaning up has been accomplished. 1938 — Morning Glory Rebekah Lodge Friday night received to membership Mrs. Horace Babcock by transfer from the Traverse City lodge. A chop suey lunch was enjoyed, with Mrs. Luelda Olsen and Mrs. Etta Baker as committee. 1939 — Clarice Greenfield was in Jackson Tuesday taking the examination for telegraph operator. 1949 — Roy Garlinger was one of the few local maple syrup producers who capitalized on the brief run last week. Tom Maker’s IGA store bought some of his syrup and offered it for sale Saturday at $5.95 a gallon, figuring, Tom said, that transients might grab some. A few did. 1950 — At their regular dinner meeting at Mrs. Mary White’s Monday evening, the Nashville Lions Club devoted its usual period of entertainment to a serious discussion of the road situation in this locality ... All the Lions present agreed to give at least a day’s time Page 9 Mail came into Nashville via the Michigan (later New York) Central Railroad, and seasonal winter weather sometimes hindered its arrival. In March 1900, while cutters were selling well and sleighing was excellent, the only complaint was “that heavy drifts have held up the trains and raised hobs with mail deliveries.” This undated early scene shows an arrival at the Nashville depot, which later became a freight house when the new brick station was built in 1904. apiece in working on a concerted program for bringing local needs to the attention of the state highway department. 1951 — Coach Ken Kistner started base­ ball practice Tuesday but had only part of his squad out, since some were busy gathering sap. The first game is scheduled for April 9. It is planned to play most of the home games at night on the new lighted field. 1952 — A towering old maple tree on State Street near the Leonard Kane residence was cut down Monday by the street department. Rotten at heart and beginning to lean danger­ ously, the aged giant had become a menace to nearby houses. Due to the hollow, rotting trunk, the tree failed to fall as planned and topped almost directly across the street ... Horace Babcock, driving his truck past the barricade at the comer, gave spectators a thrill when he came close to driving into the path of the falling tree. 1953 — For two hours Thursday night a portion of Nashville was blacked out when a broken power line at Sherman and Phillips streets was being repaired. Meanwhile, homes and the school gymnasium, scene of Scout Family Night, were romantically lighted by candles, with an occasional kerosene lamp showing in a window. 1954 — About three inches of heavy, wet snow fell late Saturday afternoon, and its coming was so rapid that it set a record for this winter. Driving conditions were bad Saturday night and continued so Sunday on secondary roads ... A new snowstorm Tuesday night, accompanied by high winds, drifted roads so badly that Nashville schools were closed. ATTENTION BARRY TOWNSHIP RESIDENTS BARRY TOWNSHIP REGULAR MEETING DATES •« ■ 7:00P.M. SECOND TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH Barry Township Meeting Hall 155 E. Orchard St. Delton, Ml 49046 APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER OCTOBER 8, 2019 NOVEMBER 12, 2019 DECEMBER 10, 2019 JANUARY 14, 2020 FEBRUARY 11, 2020 MARCH 10, 2020 PUBLIC HEARING @6:30p.m. 9, 2019 14, 2019 11,2019 9, 2019 13,2019 10, 2019 All meetings are held at the Barry Township Meeting Hall at 7:00p.m. unless noted otherwise. Barry Township will provide reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed material being considered at any township meeting, to individuals with disabilities upon seven days notice to the clerk. 155 E. ORCHARD STREET (MEETING HALL) 11300 S. M-43 HWY, (TOWNSHIP OFFICE) P.O. Box 705 DELTON, Ml 49046 PH 269-623-5171 OR FAX 269-623-8171 EMAIL: barrytownship@mei.net Website: barrytownshipmi.com Respectfully, Debra J. Knight, Barry Township Clerk 113547 RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP NOTICE OF BOARD OF REVIEW The Board of Review will meet on Tuesday, March 5, 2019, at 1:00 pm in the office of the Assessor at Rutland Charter Township Hall, 2461 Heath Rd, Hastings, Michigan 49058 to organize and review the Assessment Roll. NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING to hear Assessment APPEALS will be held at the RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP HALL, 2461 Heath Road, Hastings, Michigan on: MONDAY, MARCH 11, 2019 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm & 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13, 2019 9:00 am to NOON & 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm Also, any other days deemed necessary to equalize the Assessment Roll. PROPERTY ASSESSMENT RATIOS & FACTORS FOR 2019 NOTICES With a team of 4-year-old horses and accompanied by a companion, B.H. Hoag in 1879, drove his buggy from downtown Nashville to Hastings in one hour and 15 min­ utes. His speed in covering the distance rated a comment in The Nashville News. The appearance of downtown Nashville had changed quite dramatically in the 30 years elapsed from time of Hoag’s trip until this 1909 photo, but horses were still the principal means of transportation. Prairieville Township will hold a Public Hearing on proposed 2019-2020 Budget at the regular March 13, 2019 Board Meeting 6:30 p.m. NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate Estate of William H. Reynolds. Date of Birth: January 24, 1943. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, William H. Reynolds, of 5404 Ruffed Grouse Drive, Shelbyville, Ml 49344, Barry County, Michigan died January 15, 2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Judy Reynolds, Trustee of the Reynolds Family Trust u/a/d November 13, 2017, care of Law Offices of David L. Carrier, P.C., 4965 East Beltline Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525 within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: March 4, 2019 David L. Carrier P41531 4965 East Beltline Avenue NE Grand Rapids, Ml 49525 (616) 361-8400 Judy Reynolds 5404 Ruffed Grouse Drive Shelbyville, Ml 49344 (616)361-8400 114140 CLASS Agriculture Commercial Industrial Residential Developmental Personal RATIO 43.58 54.54 41.44 47.91 50.00 50.00 MULTIPLIER 1.1473 .9167 1.2065 1.0436 1.0000 1.0000 The above ratios and multipliers do not mean that every parcel will receive the same. If you have purchased property, it will be assessed at 50% of market value. If you have improved your property such as additions, new buildings, driveways, etc., this will also reflect in the value of your property. Upon request of any person who is assessed on said roll, or his agent, and upon sufficient cause being shown, the Board of Review will correct the assessment of such property and will, in their judgment, make the valuation thereof relatively just and equal. Dennis McKelvey, Assessor RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP 2461 Heath Rd Hastings, Ml 49058 269-948-2194 Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Rutland Charter Township Clerk by writing or calling the Township. This notice is posted in compliance with PA 267 of 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act) MCLA41.72a (2)(3) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). �Page 10 — Thursday, March 7, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Lion lightweights both score 6th-place state medals i Brett Bremer Sports Editor Two Lions have advanced two Ford Field each of the past two seasons, and two Lions have marched home with medals each time. Maple Valley sophomore Jesse Brumm and freshman Matthew Slaght each placed sixth in their respective weight classes over the week­ end at the Individual State Finals in down­ town Detroit. Brumm, the state runner-up at 103 pounds in Division 4 a year ago, placed in the 119-pound weight class this time around with his teammate Slaght filling the sixth spot in the 103-pound medal stand. “Matthew was both intimidated and excited about being there,” Maple Valley coach Tony Wawiemia said. “As he said at one point on Friday morning, he didn’t know if he was shaking because he was more excited or scared. In the Grand March on Friday he was very impressed on how big he thought Ford Field was. But when it came time to wrestle his first match, he was ready to wrestle.” Slaght put Rudyard’s Bradley Hall on his back in every period of their opening round match-up, scoring a take down in the opening period and then a reversal in each of the final two periods to get in the top position on his way to a 14-0 victory. Manchester’s Jared Bunn, the eventual third-place medalist at their flight ,edged Slaght 6-2 in their quarterfinal match, but the Lion freshman bounced back to defat Vandercook Lake’s Nate Crump 11-4 in the blood round to secure his first state medal. before, and he wasn’t keyed up as much as he was last year.” Brumm opened the tournament by pinning Ishpeming’s Jaeger Wilson with 27 seconds left in the second period of their match-up Friday. Clinton’s AJ Baxter ended Brumm’s chances of finishing atop the medal stand, besting him 13-6 in their championship quar­ terfinal match. Brumm rallied in the blood round to guar­ antee himself another state medal, beating Jackson Lumen Christi’s Connor Fitzpatrick 10-0 in that second round of consolation. Brumm defeated Hanover-Horton’s Randy Frailey 5-3 in their consolation round three contest, but then Brumm was pinned by Manchester’s Drew Gebhardt in their conso­ lation semifinaL Brumm got stuck twice in his final two matches, the second time to Baxter in the match for fifth-place at their weight Maple Valley sophomore Jesse Brumm heads off the mat with his father, coach Lane Brumm, following his loss to Clinton’s AJ Baxter in the match for fifth place in Division 4’s 119-pound weight class Saturday at the Individual State Finals. Brumm placed sixth over the weekend, finishing on the medal stand at Ford Field for the second time in two varsity seasons. (Photo by Brett Bremer) “Both boys came in to states determined to medal, and we were proud of both of them that they did,” Wawiemia said. “After his first loss he was more determined than ever to go Maple Valley freshman MLitthew Slaght looks to his corner for advice as he’s all tangled up with St. Charles’ Isaiah Mullins during the second period of their match for fifth place in Division 4’s 103-pound weight class Saturday at the Individual State Finals at Ford Field in downtown Detroit. (Photo by Brett Bremer) , on to place, as was Jesse. Slaght opened action Saturday with a 6-4 win over Aydan S. Roesly from Hesperia, his final victory of the tournament. He was bested 9-6 by Mancelona’s Coleton Fredrickson in the consolation semifinals and then had his season ended a bit early when he was called for an illegal slam, which the Lion coaches though should have really been a potentially dangerous violation instead, in his match for fifth-place against St. Charles Isaiah Mullins who was unable to continue after his collision with the mat. “(Slaght) was really disappointed after that match in that he was ahead of the kid 6-0. After the match, we got a compliment from another coach on how well he handled the loss and said Mathew was a class act,” Wawiemia said. “We knew that ourselves and told him how proud we wzere of him.” The Lions were pretty proud of Brumm too, who medaled with then senior Franklin Ulrich at the state finals a year ago. “Jesse came in hoping to better himself from last year (which would have meant a state championship), but was realistic, that he was glad to return,” Wawiemia said. “We have always told our underclassmen that they should be grateful for making it to states as you don’t know what can happen the next year, that you may not make it back. Jesse was a great help to'Mathew in helping him relax some, because of bdihg at states the year Barry County's first female deputy put people first Taylor Owens Staff Writer She was all about treating people fairly and with respect commented Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf in a Facebook tribute to Verlie “Sue” Sadra Del Cotto, the county’s first female deputy who passed away on Feb. 20 at the age of 75. Del Cotto started at the sheriff’s office in 1976 as a 911 dispatcher after putting herself through Kalamazoo Valley Community College and earning a degree in criminal jus­ tice. She then went through KVCC’s police academy and became an officer in 1978. Leaf worked the midnight shift with Del Cotto after he started at the department in 1989. “She was very picky on how you treated our community,” Leaf told The Hastings Banner Tuesday. Del Cotto focused on the human element of the job he recalled and would “correct” other officers if there was a hint of rudeness or robotic quality in their voice. “She was a good role model for young dep­ uties on how to treat people,” Leaf said. One morning, Del Cotto called Leaf while he was in bed and told him he was going to play euchre with her and some people from the community — and wouldn’t hear any argu­ ment about it. After they played euchre for a they’re people too,” Del Cotto said. “She seemed to know everyone, it was nothing for Sue to be handling a complaint or assisting another agency and have several people of all ages come up to her and say ‘Hi’,” Leaf said. “It was ridiculous.” Leaf never heard Del Cotto mention being the first female deputy in the county, but he feels she is an important part of the communi­ ty’s history. He said it opened the door to other female deputies by showing that a woman could do the job, and do it well. Del Cotto retired from law enforcement after 25 years of service in 2001, after work­ ing as a bailiff in the Barry County Court System. A celebration of life was held at the Hastings Elks Lodge Sunday, where Del Cotto was a longtime member, and where a standing-room-only crowd paid its last respects. Verlie “Sue” Sadra Del Cotto was the first female deputy at the Barry County Sheriff’s Office in 1978. few hours, Leaf was driving Del Cotto home when she smacked him on the arm, “See, Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY class. “Jesse never got down on himself at states, along with the rest of the year. He has just got a very positive attitude on what happens hap­ pens. However, he is very competitive and works hard in practice,” Wawiemia said. Wawiemia missed a few of those practices in the lead-up to the finals, out ill. He was happy for the work fellow coaches Lane Brumm and Trevor Wawiemia did with the guys. The Lion medalists were also helped out by their teammates. “Even though the boys went to an individ­ ual tournament, we know that it takes a team to make a good individual,” Tony said. “Whenever we asked any of them to show up for practice they were there willing and ready to wrestle.” Business Service Automotive BELLS CONSTRUCTION-18 2006 CHEVY MALIBU, excel­ lent condition, 112,000 miles, looks and drives like new. $3,800.00. Phone 269-758­ 3581. years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, home improvements, seamless gutters. 269-320-3890. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Wanted Hard Maple, Cherry. Paying top dollar. Call for pricing and Free Estimates. Will buy single walnut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793 WANTED: A 9FT wide x 10ft tall insulated garage door. Call 269-838-7053. Counties praise gov’s revenue sharing boost, cal! roads plan a *bold start’ Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proposed fiscal 2020 budget carries many positive notes for county government in Michigan, said the executive director of the Michigan Association of Counties. “Obviously, it’s great to see the 3 percent increase in county revenue sharing funds, as revenue sharing is the key promise from the state to counties to help with delivery of vital local services,” said Stephan Currie, MAC’S executive director. Whitmer’s budget, released Tuesday during a presentation in downtown Lansing, would move county revenue sharing totals to just over $228 million, up from the $221.4 million in the fiscal 2019 budget. Another positive note was the governor’s call for a significant investment in dealing with the PFAS contamination in Michigan waters. On infrastructure, Currie said counties see the governor’s proposal to raise the gasoline tax by 45 cents a “bold proposal that gets the conversation started.” The governor calls for raising $2.5 billion for roads by increasing the gas tax 45 cents by Oct. 1,2020. Money generated would go to a new “Fixing Michigan Roads Fund” for the most “highly traveled and commercially important roads” at the state and local levels, reports the Governor’s Office. Student confronted in road rage incident When a 16-year-old Delton male taking his younger sibling to Delton Kellogg Middle School at 7:45 a.m. on Feb. 22, noticed a vehicle tailgating him he tried tapping on the brakes, but the vehicle would not back off. The student, who said he was going about 40 mph around the curves due to weather conditions, reported that the vehicle passed him and then stopped in front of the student. A man, who appeared to be in his 50s, got out and walked towards him. The student drove around the man, giving him the middle finger as he did so. The man followed behind him to the middle school, where they both dropped off students. The man again approached the student, who drove off and later told his parents, who, in turn, contacted the police. The officer found the Shelbyville man by his description, and got his story. The man said he tried to pass the student because the student was driving too slow and that the student crossed the center line as if he was trying to ran the man off the road. The man said he was concerned for the safety of the children in his vehicle and got out to ask the student what his issue was. The officer pointed out the man’s actions seemed contrary to a concern for safety, and cautioned him about future such actions. Man driving with suspended license arrested A 48-year-old Hastings man was pulled over by an officer on State Road near Airport Road for driving 57 mph in a 45 mph zone at 2:30 a.m. on March 1. The man admitted to speeding in an attempt to get to work on time, and also said he had a suspended license. The officer saw the man had one prior conviction for driving under a suspended license and he was arrested. Woman injured in domestic assault A 35-year-old woman called police at 4:16 p.m. on March 1, to report a domestic assault at her residence in the 14000 block of North Avenue in Pennfield Charter Township. When officers arrived the woman’s husband had left and they noticed the woman had a bruise under her eye and blood on her thumb. The woman said she and her 40-year-old husband got into an argument about money, and he hit her in the face and pushed her into the bathtub. When the woman fell a ring on her thumb was pulled off, causing the cut. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney’s office. Safe found on roadside A resident of Jordan Road near Cunningham Road in Woodland Township called police to report a safe on the roadside at 5:15 p.m. on Feb. 11. An officer saw the safe was open, and took it back to the sheriff’s office to thaw out. There were still some personal items inside, and though the officer was unable to talk to the owner, he contacted a relative who picked up the safe. Domestic assault in the road A man called police at 7:48 a.m. on March 1 to report a possible domestic assault inside a vehicle on Pifer Road near Manning Lake Road in Barry Township. The officer arrived on scene, and located one of two vehicles involved. The 26-year-old Delton male suspect was inside with his 56-year-old mother. The man said his ex-girlfriend, 31, had come to their house to pick up their one-year-old child, and stole his phone. The man said he had illicit photos on the phone of the woman and her current boyfriend. He had been using her phone for its GPS function days before, found the photos and sent them to himself. When he real­ ized the ex-girlfriend had his phone he drove after her and forced her to stop. The man got into her vehicle, and tried to get the phone back from her. He said the encounter did not get physical, but he may have grabbed her wrist. Another officer talked to the ex-girlfriend, who said she took the man’s phone because had messaged her current boyfriend and said he would put the illicit photos on social media. She was attempting to delete the photos from his phone. She said her ex-boyfriend was aggressive, grabbed her purse and went through it, then groped her as he was trying to find the phone while their child was crying in the back seat. When the man got out of the vehicle to confront the passerby who called 911, the ex-girlfriend drove away. The officer later contacted the man’s mother, who said the man was seeking mental help. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney and Child Protective Services was notified. 17 guns stolen from house A 57-year-old man called police Feb. 1, to report 17 guns, mostly shotguns, had been stolen from his house in the 1000 block of Brown Road east of Freeport. The man said the guns were hidden in a false compartment in his cabinet, and could have been stolen any time since May 15,2013 when he last checked them. The man did not know who may have sto­ len the guns. The case is inactive pending further information. Handgun stolen from home A 69-year-old man called police at 11:53 a.m. on Feb. 22, to report a semi-automatic handgun was stolen from his residence in the 6000 block of Maplewood Drive in Hope Township. The man said the gun was sitting on top of his safe, and the theft could have happened any time since Jan. 22. The case is inactive pending further information. Man kicks through car windshield An officer responded to a domestic assault in the parking lot of the Shell gas station in Delton at 9:11 p.m. on Feb. 24. A 33-year-old woman said she was visiting her 35-year-old ex-boyfriend, who drove her back to her residence. The ex-boyfriend wanted gas money, so the woman and her current boyfriend drove to the Shell station to get change to give to the ex-boyfriend, who drove behind with the woman’s brother in his passenger seat. When the woman gave her ex-boyfriend the money, he wanted to know if the man she rode with was her boyfriend. She did not respond because she knew he would be upset, and got back into the vehicle. The ex-boyfriend began punching the vehicle, then jumped on the hood and started kicking the windshield. He kicked two holes in the windshield and shattered it. The woman’s boyfriend, 34, started backing out, and when he hit the brakes the ex-boyfriend fell off. He then jumped up and started punching the vehicle again, braking off the passenger’s side mirror. The woman’s brother, 36, said he did not want to get involved because he is on probation, and he walked away. The woman’s boyfriend corroborated her story and said there had been previous incidents with the man, and he wanted to press charges. The cashier at the Shell station said they did not see the incident, but one of the customers described it to him similar to the woman’s story. The officer went to the ex-boyfriend’s house, but he did not answer the door. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney’s office. �The Hastings Banner —• Thursday, March 7, 2019 — Page 11 LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Andrew McDiarmid, married man, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns, Mortgagee, dated November 7, 2017 and recorded November 15, 2017 in Instrument Number 2017-011542 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Mr. Cooper, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Forty Thousand Eight Hundred Thirty-Nine and 80/100 Dollars ($140,839.80), including interest at 4.5% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said >rtgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged: premises, or some part of them, at public vendue ! at*the place of holding the circuit court within Barry Ceunty, Michigan at 1:00 PM on MARCH 28, 2019. Said premises are located in the Township of* Praireville, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: Lot No. 5 in Prairieville Heights, according to the plat thereof recorded in Liber 5 of plats, Page 34, B^rry County Records. 'The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case th| redemption period shall be 30 days from the ddte of such sale. Jlf the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: February 28, 2019 Fite No. 19-001320 Fitm Name: Orlans PC (0£-28)(03-21) 113671 I I Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement ’NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 6(j0.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of th|m, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on Mjrch 14,2019: iName(s) of the mortgagor(s): Monte K. Sauers, a married man and Joy A. Sauers, his wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Amerifirst Financial Corporation, its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Federal National Mortgage Association (“Fannie Mae”), a corporation, organized and existing under the laws of the United States of America ‘Date of Mortgage: October 25, 2006 bate of Mortgage Recording: November 43,2006 jAmount claimed -due oh date of notice. $<78,468.16 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Assyria, Barry, County, Michigan, and described as: The East 30 acres of the South 1/2 of ?the Southeast 1/4 of Section 10, Town 1 North, R^nge 7 West, Except beginning at the Southeast corner of said Section, thence West on the South Section line 511 feet 3 inches; thence North parallel with the East Section line 255 feet 6 inches; thence E^st to East Section line 511 feet 3 inches; thence South on East Section line 255 feet 6 inches to ptece of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the dajte of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject rejil property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). 5f the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pifsuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at th^ rnortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage hdder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. D^te of notice: February 14, 2019 Trett Law, PC. 1375614 (0Z-14) (03-07) 112909 * . . ; Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement ^NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 6(jo.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a fate of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on March 28, 2019: 4Mame(s) of the mortgagor(s): Raymond L Timpson and Pamala K Thompson, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Reverse Mortgage Solutions, Inc. its successors and assigns foreclosing Assignee (if any): Reverse Mortgage Solutions, Inc. bate of Mortgage: June 10, 2015 bate of Mortgage Recording: June 30, 2015 ^Amount claimed due on date of notice: $65,098.11 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in fownship of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: A parcel of land in the West 1/2 of«the Southeast 1/4 of Section 36, Town 1 North, Range 8 West, described as: Commencing at the Northeast corner of said West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4; thence South along 1/| line 1000 feet to the place of beginning of the wifriin description; thence continuing South along the 1/8 line 329 feet; thence due West to the West lin£ of the East 56 acres of said West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 36; thence North on said West line 343 feet, more or less, to a point due West of|the point of beginning; thence due East to the print of beginning Jrhe redemption period shall be 6 months from the daje of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). 4f the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Clfepter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pijsuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at thQ mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Th|s notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: February 28, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 13*77564 (02-28)(03-21) 113844 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on April 4, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Dustin C. Carroll, an unmarried man and Lauren L. Erb, an unmarried woman Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): AmeriFirst Financial Corporation Date of Mortgage: March 21, 2014 Date of Mortgage Recording: April 2, 2014 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $95,970.39 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Charter Township of Rutland, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lots 249 and 250 of Al-Gon-Quin Lake Resort Properties, Unit No. 2, Rutland Township, Barry County, Michigan, as recorded in Liber 2 of Plats, Page 63 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: February 28, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1377366 ' 113781 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on March 21,2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Alex Lowe, married man and Ceaira L. Lowe, his wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Mortgage Research Center, LLC DBA Veterans United Home Loans, its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): PennyMac Loan Services, LLC Date of Mortgage: December 9, 2013 Date of Mortgage Recording: December 18,2013 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $122,381.45 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Orangeville, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Commencing at the Northeast corner of the Northwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 15, Town 2 North, Range 10 West; thence South 330 feet; thence West 330 feet; thence North' to Keller Road; thence'Easterly along the centerline of Keller Road to the place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: February 21, 2019 Trott Law, RC. 1376656 (02-21) (03-14) 113448 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTENTION PURCHASERS: This Sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, or in the event the sale is set aside, the purchaser may be entitled to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, less any applicable fees and costs, and shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s attorney. MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Kevin D. Abbott and Deborah L. Abbott, a married couple, to Habitat for Humanit, Barry County dated July 28, 2008 and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County on August 1, 2008 in number 20080804-0007867 on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Sixty-Three Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty-Eight and 72/100 ($63,888.72.) Dollars and no suit or proceedings at law or equity having been instituted to recover the debt secured by said mortgage. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on March 28, 2019. Said premises is situated in The City of Hastings, County of Barry, and The State of Michigan and is described as: Lot 1, Block 8, Kenfields 2nd Addition to the City of Hastings, according to the plat thereof, recorded in Liber 1of Plats, Page 37, of Barry County Records. Commonly known as 836 East Clinton St., Hastings, Michigan 49058. Parcel Number: 08-55-240-054-05 The redemption period shall be six (6) months immediately following the sale the property. If the property is deemed abandoned under MCL 600.3241a, then the redemption period shall be shortened to 30 days for the date of sale. If the property is sold at a foreclosure sale the mortgagors will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the foreclosure or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period pursuant to MCL 600.3278. Dated February 19, 2019 For more information please call: Robert L. Byington Depot Law Office, PLC Attorneys for Mortgagee 222 West Apple St. P.O. Box 248 Hastings Michigan 49058 269-945-9557 113472 SYNOPSIS RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP REGULAR BOARD MEETING February 13,2019 - 7:00 p.m. Regular meeting called to order and Pledge of Allegiance. Present: James, Spencer, Bellmore, Walters, Watson, Hawthorne, Greenfield Absent: None Approved the Agenda as presented Approved the Consent Agenda as presented. Accepted Ordinance #2019-166 for Second Reading and Adoption - Amendments to various sections of Chapter 220 (Zoning). Accepted the Recommendation from the Planning Commission to Commence Procedure to Amend the Rutland Charter Township Future Land Use Map. Approved the 2019 Prepayment Agreement for Algonquin Lake Algae Treatment. Approved the Fireworks Hold Harmless Agreement for Algonquin Lake. Approved Resolution #2019-242 - Amendment to the Township Investment & DeplSitory Resolution. Approved Resolution #2019-143 - Clarifying Provisions in the Rutland Charter Township Cemetery Ordinance. Meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Robin Hawthorne, Clerk STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28130 DE Estate of Parmer A. Thompson II, Deceased. Date of birth 12/21/1966. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Parmer A. Thompson II, died 12/16/2018. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Jordan Huff, personal representative or to both the probate court at 197 E. Northern Avenue, Barryton, Ml 49305 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 02/20/2019 James R. Shaull (P32945) 128 1/2 S. Cochran Avenue, P.O. Box 216 Charlotte, Ml 48813 517-543-4780 Jordan Huff 197 E. Northern Avenue Barryton, Ml 49305 989-857-9024 114139 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on March 21,2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Jolene Pasternack, an unmarried woman Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): AmeriFirst Financial Corporation Date of Mortgage: August 29, 2016 Date of Mortgage Recording: September 12, 2016 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $83,335.51 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in City of Hastings, Barr^ County, Michigan, and described as: The South 3 rods of Lots 19 and 20 and the East 44 feet of the South 3 rods of Lot 21, City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber A □f Plats, Page 1. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: February 14, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1375868 (02-14) (03-07) 113041 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on March 28, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Christian L. Allwardt, married man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): First Guaranty Mortgage Corporation Date of Mortgage: November 21,2014 Date of Mortgage Recording: December 8, 2014 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $124,100.31 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Hope, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Commencing at the Northwest corner of Section 24, Town 2 North, Range 9 West; thence East 1320 feet along the North line of Section 24; thence South 300 feet for the true place of beginning: thence South 574 feet; thence East 494 feet parallel with the North line of Section 24; thence North 84 feet; thence East 226 feet; thence North 227 feet to the centerline of Gurd Road; thence Northerly along the centerline of Gurd Road to a point 300 feet South of the North line of said Section 24; thence West parallel with the North line of said Section 24 to the place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: February 28, 2019 Trott Law, RC. 1377060 (02-28)(03-21) 113625 NOTICE OF MORTGAGEJQRE£LOSURJE SALE This firm is a debt collector ^attempting to collect a debt. Any information we ootaih will be used for that purpose. Default has occurred in the conditions of a mortgage made by KENNETH MARTIN, a single man (“Mortgagor”), to CHEMICAL BANK, a Michigan banking corporation, having an office at 333 E. Main Street, Midland, Michigan 118640-6511 (the “Mortgagee”), dated November 20, 2014, and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan on December 8, 2014, as Instrument No. 2014-011489 (the “Mortgage”). By reason of such default, the Mortgage elects to declare and hereby declares the entire unpaid amount of the Mortgage due and payable forthwith. Mortgagee is the owner of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage. As of the date of this Notice there is claimed to be due for principal and interest on the Mortgage the sum of Sixty-Seven Thousand Two Hundred Eleven and 41/100 Dollars ($67,211.41). No suit or proceeding at law has been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage or any part thereof. Notice is hereby given that by virtue of the power of sale contained in the Mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, and to pay the above amount, with interest, as provided in the Mortgage, and all legal costs, charges and expenses, including the attorney fee allowed by law, and all taxes and insurance premiums paid by the undersigned before sale, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by sale of the mortgaged premises at public vendue to the highest bidder at the east entrance of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan on Thursday the 4th day of April, 2019, at one o’clock in the afternoon. The premises covered by the Mortgage are situated in the Township of Hastings, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and are described as follows: Commencing at the Northeast comer of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 26, Town 3 North, Range 8 West; thence South to Thornapple River; thence West 1499 feet along Thornapple River for the place of beginning; thence North 135 feet; thence West 75 feet; thence South 135 feet more or less to the bank of the Thornapple River; thence East 75 feet to the place of beginning, along with a 1994 Century Manufactured Home, serial number MY9594505AB. Together with all existing or subsequently erected or affixed buildings, improvements and fixtures; all easements, rights of way, and appurtenances; all rights to make divisions of the land that are exempt from the platting requirements of the Michigan Land Division Act, as it shall be amended; all water, water rights, watercourses and ditch rights (including stock in utilities with ditch or irrigation rights); and all other rights, royalties, and profits, relating to the premises, including without limitation all minerals, oil, gas geothermal and similar matters. Commonly known as: 3590 Bridge Park Road, Hastings, Michigan 49058 P.P. #08-06-026-046-00 Notice is further given that the length of the redemption period will be six (6) months from the date of sale, unless the premises are abandoned. If the premises are abandoned, the redemption period will be the later of thirty (30) days from the date of the sale or upon expiration of fifteen (15) days after the Mortgagor is given notice pursuant to MCLA §600.3241 a(b) that the premises are considered abandoned and Mortgagor, Mortgagor’s heirs, executor, or administrator, or a person lawfully claiming from or under one (1) of them has not given the written notice required by MCLA §600.3241 a(c) stating that the premises are not abandoned. If the premises are sold at a foreclosure sale, under MCLA §600.3278 the Mortgagor will be held responsible to the person who buys the premises at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the Mortgagee for damaging the premises during the redemption period. Dated: February 28, 2019 CHEMICAL BANK Mortgagee Timothy Hillegonds WARNER NORCROSS + JUDD LLP 900 Fifth Third Center 111 Lyon Street, N.W Grand Rapids, Ml 49503-2487 (616) 752-2000 18163563 113723 MIKA MEYERS PLC 900 MONROE AVENUE, N.W. GRAND RAPIDS, MICHIGAN 49503 (616) 632-8000 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE Mika Meyers pic is attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Default has occurred in the conditions of a mortgage made by Samantha Vandenbosch, of 13 Market Street, Middleville, Michigan 49331, mortgagor, to United Bank of Michigan, a Michigan banking corporation, of 900 East Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546, mortgagee, dated November 13, 2001, recorded in the Office of Register of Deeds for Barry County, on November 21, 2001, in Instrument No. 1070113. Because of said default, the mortgagee has declared the entire unpaid amount secured by said mortgage due and payable forthwith. As of the date of this notice, there is claimed to be due for principal, all interest accruing thereafter and expenses on said mortgage the sum of $55,495.03. No suit or proceeding in law has been instituted to recover the debt secured by said mortgage, or any part thereof. Notice is hereby given that by virtue of the power of sate contained in said mortgage, and the statute in such case made and provided, and to pay said amount with interest, as provided in said mortgage, and all legal costs, charges and expenses, including attorneys’ fees allowed by law, and all taxes and insurance premiums paid by the undersigned before sate, said mortgage will be foreclosed by sate of the mortgaged premises at public sate to the highest bidder at the West door of the Barry County Courthouse, Hastings, Michigan 49058, on March 14, 2019, at 01:00 p.m. The premises covered by said mortgage are situated in the Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as follows: Commencing at the West 1/4 Post of Section 26, Town 4 North, Range 10 West, Thence South 89 degrees 18’ 55” East, along the East and West 1/4 line of said Section 26, a distance of 693.00 feet; thence North 00 degrees 57’ 03” East, parallel, with the West line of said Section 26, a distance of 759 feet to the true point of beginning, said point of beginning being on the East line of Market Street plat as recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds in Liber 5 of Plats, on Page 89; and running thence North 00 degrees 57’ 03” East, along said East line of Market Street plat, 242.52 feet; thence South 89 degrees 02’ 27” East 164.61 feet; thence South 01 degrees 02’ 07” West 241.73 feet; thence North 89 degrees 18’ 55” West, parallel with said East and West 1/4 line, 164.33 feet to the place of beginning. Together with and subject to an easement for ingress and egress to be used jointly with others over a strip of land 33 feet in width East and West, and lying 16.5 feet either side of a line described as: Beginning at the Southeast corner of the above described parcel and running thence North 01 degrees 02’ 07” East along the East line of said parcel and the Northerly extension thereof, 483.46 feet to the South line of Market Street and the point of ending. The property is commonly known as 19 Market Street, Middleville, Michigan 49331. Notice is hereby given that the length of the redemption period will be six (6) months from the date of sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of sate. Notice is further given that if the property is sold at foreclosure sale, in accordance with MCL 600.3278, the Mortgagor will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: February 14, 2019 United Bank of Michigan, a Michigan banking corporation By: Mika Meyers pic Attorneys for Mortgagee By: Daniel R. Kubiak 900 Monroe Avenue, N.W. Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 . (616)632-8000 113013 Attested to by, Larry Watson, Supervisor 114060 NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF BARRY COUNTY Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing for the following: Case Number: SP-4-2019 -The Landing on Gun Lake (Applicant); Legacy Properties of Michigan LLC (Property Owner) Locations): 11925 Marsh Road, Shelbyville, in Section 5 of Orangeville Township; 11885 Marsh Road, Shelbyville, in Section 5 of Orangeville Township; 4731 Princess Drive, Shelbyville, in Section 5 of Orangeville Township Purpose: Requesting to operate a Place of Public Assembly (Large) pursuant to Article 23, Section 2359 in the MU (Mixed Use) zoning district. MEETING DATE:March 25, 2019. TIME: 7:00 PM PLACE: Tyden Center, Community Room, 121 South Church Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Site inspection of the above described properties will be completed by the Planning Commission members before the day of the hearing. Interested persons desiring to present their views upon an appeal, either verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned time and place. Any written response may be mailed to the address listed below, faxed to (269) 948-4820, or emailed to jmcmanus@barrycounty.org. The special use application is available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.mJ (closed between 12-1 p.m.), Monday through Friday. Please call the Barry County Planning Department at (269) 945­ 1290 for further information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or call the following: Michael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 945-1284. Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk 113899 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTENTION PURCHASERS: This sate may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by the original mortgagor, Frances Davis and Henry Davis, (husband and wife) to Argent Mortgage Company, LLC, dated August 16, 2004 and recorded August 24, 2004 under Clerk File Number 1132929, in Barry County records, Michigan and then assigned to Citifinancial Mortgage Company, Inc., dated April 11, 2005 and recorded April 18, 2005 under Clerk Fite Number 1144999 and further assigned to Wilmington Savihgs Fund Society, Fsb, as Trustee of Stanwich Mortgage Loan Trust A, dated January 17, 2017 and recorded January 17, 2017 under Clerk File Number 2017-000521, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of forty-nine thousand eight hundred thirteen and 75/100 ($49,813.75), including interest on the applicable indebtedness at the rate of 5.5% per annum. This sum will increase as additional interest, costs, expenses and attorney fees accrue under the Mortgage and its related note and which are permitted under Michigan Law after the date of this Notice. No legal or equitable proceedings have been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage, and the power of sale in the Mortgage has become operable by reason of default. NOTICE is now given that on March 28,2019 at 1:00 P.M. at that place where circuit court is held In Barry -i-»County, Michigan, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the property herein described, or some part of them, at public auction, the highest bidder, for the purpose of satisfying the amount due and unpaid on the Mortgage, along with interest due, the legal costs and charges of the sale as allowed by statute and/or the Mortgage, and any taxes and insurance that the Mortgagee pays on or prior to the date of said sale. Said premises are situated in the city of Nashville, County of Barry, and state of Michigan, and particularly described as: ALL THAT CERTAIN PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATE AND BEING INT THE TOWNSHIP OF CASTLETON, COUNTY OF BARRY, MICHIGAN, AND DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS, TO-WIT: BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE EAST AND WEST 1/4 LINE OF SECTION 32, TOWN 3 NORTH, RANGE 7 WEST, DISTANT WEST 1180 FEET FROM THE EAST 1/4 POST THEREOF; THENCE SOUTHERLY 470 FEET PARALLEL WITH THE WEST LINE OF THE EAST 3/4 OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF SAID SECTION 32, THENCE WEST APPROXIMATELY 348 FEET PARALLEL WITH SAID EAST AND WEST 1/4 LINE OF SECTION 32; THENCE NORTH 2 DEG. 10’ WEST 148 FEET; THENCE NORTH 88 DEG. 01’ EAST 146 FEET; THENCE NORTH 1 DEG. 00’ EAST 317 FEET TO THE EAST AND WEST 1/4 LINE OF SECTION 32; THENCE EAST 202 FEET TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING, CASTLETON TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN. More Commonly Known As: 6730 East M 79 Highway, Nashville, Ml 49073 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sate, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sate under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: February 14, 2019 For more information, please call: (630) 453-6960 Anselrite Lindberg & Associates PLLC Attorneys for Servicer 1771 West Diehl Road, Suite 120 Naperville, IL 60563 Fite MF19010002 (02-28)(03-21) 113911 �Page 12 — Thursday, March 7, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Double-digit deficit not too much for TK ladies Troians beat district host with 22-0 run Brett Bremer Sports Editor Thornapple Kellogg sophomore guard Paige VanStee didn’t have a lot to say, over­ come by her and her teammates earning the chance to play some more basketball after Monday night. The Otsego girls and coaches who slowly trickled out of the Bulldogs’ locker room had a lot to say. “Great game.” “Great game.” “Really great game,” they said as they occasionally passed her on the way back into their gym for one last time this season. The Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ bas­ ketball team went on a 22-0 run during the second half to stun Otsego in the opening round of the Division 2 state tournament Monday at Otsego High School. The host Bulldogs led 28-15 at the half and had the lead up to as many as 14 points early in the second half before TK surged to earn a spot in Wednesday night’s Division 2 District Semifinal against Comstock back at Otsego High School. VanStee matched her varsity high with 26 points to lead the Trojans on the scoreboard, but it took a little bit of everything from everyone on the Trojan roster to get by the Bulldogs. “I’m just emotional because I love playing with these girls,” VanStee said. It all started in the second half for TK with some hustle on the offensive glass, which led to as bucket by senior guard Terryn Cross with 5:12 to go in the third quarter. Otsego’s Regan Berg stepped over the end line while inbounding the basketball, and TK turned the ensuing possession into a triple by VanStee. Suddenly a 14-point Bulldog lead was down to single digits. Otsego called a time out. “We talked (at halftime) about that obvi­ ously it was going to start by getting stops and that we needed to finish better around the rim,” TK head coach Ross Lambitz said. “15 points in the first half obviously wasn’t going to get it done. We felt like when we were able to get back on D in the first half we did a pretty good job of getting those stops.” “Give our girls so much credit for just hav­ ing the composure to get back and get the stops that they needed. Then Paige knocked Thornapple Kellogg’s Paige VanStee and Maddie Hess fight for a rebound with Otsego’s Ambreanna Powell (left) and Kaelyn Arlington (right) during their Division 2 District opener Monday in Otsego. (Photo by Brett Bremer) down a couple pretty big triples.” He said getting to look up at the scoreboard and see the deficit down to nine points was huge his girls’ psyche. “It wasn’t just one. Obviously, Paige did a ton on both ends of the floor and offensively got us really going. It was a team effort. It was Maddie Hess getting in foul trouble and Carmen Beemer coming in and fronting the post like she did and those two baskets she hit ... Savannah Bronkema came in and played phenomenal defense on their point guard, pressuring her and making them uncomfort­ able. That is what we talked about. We need­ ed them to be uncomfortable in their offense.” Thornapple Kellogg varsity girls’ basketball coach Ross Lambitz talks things over with his girls during a time-out late in the fourth quarter of their 51-49 win over Otsego in the Division 2 District opener at Otsego High School Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hess and Cross hit the offensive glass hard, with VanStee and Bronkema throughout the run. VanStee hit another triple, drove for a bucket, and then interrupted a shot by Berg at the rim on the other end. With just over two minutes to go in the third quarter, VanStee drove down the right side of the lane, forcing the defender in front of her to hesitate with a quick glance away and then stepping around for basket that got TK within 31-29. A steal by Cross led to a pull-up jumper in the lane by senior guard Shylin Robirds that tied the game at 31-31 with 1:43 to go in the third quarter. Half a minute later, Robirds hit a nearly identical shot to put TK in front 33-31. Otsego called another time out. TK led the rest of the bailgame. Lambitz said he had hoped to see his girls cut the Bulldog lead down to six or seven points by the start of the fourth quarter. Instead, the Trojans led by two points. Bronkema and fellow junior guard Claudia Wilkinson came up huge in the run as well, both on the offensive and defensive ends of the floor for the Trojans. Wilkinson finished the night with nine points. Bronkema did everything but score for her team. The two would eventually get to share a happy hug at the end of the bench after both fouled out late in the fourth quarter. Hess had to battle foul trouble throughout the night too for the Trojans. Otsego struggled to find any kind of offen­ sive rhythm in the second half, after succeed­ ing a lot in transition in the first half. A few too many times Bulldogs tried to force a drive on their own rather than working through things that had helped them build their lead when things were going well - which must have seemed like a long time ago to the Bulldogs. Beemer eventually buried a shot to put TK ahead 39-31 with 6:07 to go in the fourth quarter. Otsego senior center Mattison Rayman, who will play collegiately at Lake Superior State University next season, finally knocked down the back end of a pair of free throws to score her team’s first point since the opening moments of the second half. There were only five and a half minutes to play. Rayman fin­ ished with a team-high 21 points for the Bulldogs - 13 of those coming in the final 5:34 of the ballgame. She didn’t want her season to end either. The TK lead grew to as many as nine points, but Otsego whittled that down to 43-40 with two and a half minutes to play before TK got back-to-back buckets from Wilkinson off nice passes from Hess and VanStee. The Bulldogs surged again in the final min­ ute. Lauren Nieboer hit one free throw. Rayman hit two. VanStee missed one. Rayman powered through Cross for a bucket and com­ pleted an and-one at the line to get her team with 48-47 with 36.7 seconds to go. VanStee came up with a big bucket with 25 seconds to go and then got a defensive rebound and knocked down a free throw to push TK’s lead to four with 17.7 seconds to play. She pulled down the offensive reboiind as she missed her second attempt at the line. A shot for TK by Hess wouldn’t fall, but enough time went off the clock that the Bulldogs were only able to add a basket by Rayman, when they needed two, as the buzzer sounded. f TK improved to 11-10 overall this season with the win. The Bulldogs end the year at 16-5. “We have really good teams in our confer­ ence,” VanStee said. “That was an amazing (Otsego) team. I think it set us up for being able to handle their pressure and their defense and everything because of all those teams that we played in our conference.” Plainwell and Parchment were set to meet up in the first semifinal of the evening last night at Otsego. The district final between the two winners from Wednesday will be Friday at 7 p.m. Regional title string ends at two for LCTK skaters Brett Bremer Sports Editor Lowell/Caledonia/Thornapple Kellogg junior Domonic Huver cracked his stick across the goal post. Senior goalkeeper Davis Ziesmer took more than a few seconds to rise up off the ice back onto his skates in his crease. A few seconds was all that was left of the LCTK varsity hockey season after Capital City Capitals senior Derek Hamp stuffed the game-winning goal by Ziesemer with 6.2 sec­ onds left to play in Saturday evening’s Division 1 Regional Final at The Summit in Dimondale. The Capitals, the DeWitt, St. John’s, Lansing Catholic, DeWitt, Mason co-op, earned a spot in the state quarterfinals a 3-2 victory. LCTK senior Nolan Lockhart, on the left side of the night, deflected in a shot that came from near right point with 5:18 to go in the third period to tie the game at 2-2 on a power play. Teammates Ian Milton and Hunter Fridley, a pair of seniors, were credited with assists on the goal. The Capitals had held a 2-1 lead for more than 15 minutes of ice time before Lockhart’s goal knotted the game. The two teams were back and forth all eve­ ning, with the Capitals jumping ahead 1-0 in the first period only to be answered by LCTK early in the second. The Capitals took the lead back with three and a half minutes to go in the second period. The final three goals of the game all came on a power play. LCTK senior Ethan Green was sent to the box for interference with 1:52 to go in regulation. Cameron Van Tighem led the Capitals’ attack in the closing minutes, firing a few pucks on net. Tighem blasted a hard shot from low on the left side as the clock ticked under ten seconds to play. Lockhart blasted him, but Hamp snuck in from the comer to grab the rebound just to Ziesmer’s right. Hamp swung the puck over to the front of the net and stuck it past the LCTK keeper with a backhand sweep. Ziesmer had made 25 saves to that point. Hamp threw his arms in the air, then turned and sprinted for his bench - stumbling as he tried to move faster than his skates could carry him. He wound up under a pile of his teammates. After a LCTK time-out and 6.2 seconds, there was another pile of Capitals at the other end of the ice near keeper Ryan Gilmore’s net. It was a scene many of the LCTK boys have been a part of themselves in recent sea­ sons, winners of back-to-back Division 1 Regional titles. LCTK defeated DeWitt/St John’s in the regional final a year ago at The Summit. The LCTK line-up included ten seniors this winter, including Brendan Irons who scored his team’s opening goal eight minutes into the second period off freshman Owen Carpenter The Lowell/Caledonia varsity hockey team thanks its fans following its 3-2 loss to the Capital City Capitals in the Division 1 Regional Final at The Summit in Dimondale Saturday evening. Capital City scored the game-winning goal with 6.8 seconds on the clock in the third period to keep Lowell/Cal from its third consecutive regional championship. (Photo by Brett Bremer) and senior Ethan Green. Blake Parisian scored the opening goal of the game for the Capitals, seven and a half minutes into the contest, with an assist from Max Kuhnert. Parisian succored again with 3:29 to go in the second period to put his team in front 2-1 at the time. LCTK had 26 shots on goal in the loss. The Capital City Capitals knocked off the Mid-Michigan Marauders (Holt/Grand Ledge/ Portland/Potterville) in the second regional semifinal at The Summit Thursday - 7-0. LCTK got two goals from Lockhart, and one each from Douma, Fridley and Irons in its 5-2 win over the Eastside Stars Thursday in their regional semifinal. Dallas Hainley assisted on three goals for LCTK. Lockhart, Fridley, Carter Osborn, Austin Douma and Andrew Davis had one assist each and Ian Milton had two. Douma scored the lone goal of the first period with 2:17 to go before the intermis­ sion, and then LCTK added goals by Lockhart and Irons in the second to build a 3-0 lead. The Stars answered with two power play goals in the first eight minutes of the tfrd period to get within a goal before Fridley sparked the LCTK boys with a goal with 7:21 to go. Lockhart finished off the scoring with 1:12 to play. Ziesmer had 18 saves in the semifinal against the Stars. Saxons see season end in district loss to Plainwell LCTK senior Ian Milton flicks the puck into the offensive zone and looks to avoid a hit by Capital City’s Grant Uyl during their Division 1 Regional Final at The Summit in Dimondale Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor “Family” was the word Hastings head coach Mike Engle and his girls heard and said over and over again in the locker room fol­ lowing their 46-26 loss to Plainwell in the Division 2 District opener at Otsego High School Monday. The Saxons went into the state tournament with the hopes of adding another victory or two to the one late-season victory they earned over Pennfield. “This game was very typical of many games this season,” Engle said. “The effort was tremendous. The execution was really good and we struggled to score. This team overachieved at taking care of one another, despite only winning only one game.” The Saxons shot just 9-of-37 in the bail­ game. Senior guard Grace Nickels led the Saxons in the loss with seven points and five rebounds. Lauren Harden had five rebounds as well. Megan Deal contributed six points and five steals. Plainwell was led offensively by Vanessa Robinson and Alivia TerMeer who had 13 points apiece. The Trojans led 25-11 at the half. “They were up 14 at half,” Engle said. “I thought we made some good adjustments at halftime and got the lead down to 12 late in the third quarter. We battled the whole third quarter with them and then things just starred to get away from us.” “When Allie Homing hit a three to cut it to 12 our bench erupted,” Engle said. “Tliey never stopped believing.” Homing was one of nine seniors on the Saxon roster this winter, joining Nickels, Deal, Harden and Alexis Chaffee, Natasha Glasgow, Ellie Youngs, Chloe Park and Victoria Byykkonen. Plainwell was scheduled to face Parchment in the district semifinals back at Otsego last night. The district final will tip-off Friday at 7 p.m. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 7, 2019 — Page 13 Early Viking lead erased by the Raiders ♦ • Brett Bremer Sports Editor Senior Nathan Dillon played some of his ' ~best basketball down the stretch for the K Lakewood varsity boys’ basketball team this winter, and had a good second half to help ~ ’keep his team within striking distance of Portland Wednesday. 7 Lakewood controlled the opening minutes, but the Raiders controlled the closing ones in their Division 2 District Semifinal at Portland J/Migh School Wednesday (Feb. 27). The Portland Raiders earned a spot in the district //final by scoring a 58-45 win over the visiting ' Lakewood varsity boys’ basketball team. /*' The Vikings held the Raiders off the score1 rSoard for the first half of the first quarter, but /Eventually closed out the first half on a 22-6 / "run that saw them take an 11 -point lead into //the half. jUS(? again, had a few breakdowns,” Lakewood head coach Chris Duits said, “and then it seems like when we break down a bit O f -■ defensively it transitions into our offense. We /‘/^et flat and might make a bad pass or two, or / force a shot instead of continuing to be u patient. We thought if we were patient against .their 2-3 (zone defense) we were going to //have looks all night. When we were patient ‘ * and we got it to the free throw line we were getting really good looks and had some suc7 cess that way, but we just lost to the better lF*team tonight.” Dillon scored all ten of his points in the //second half of what proved to be his final 'varsity basketball game for the Vikings. He '/ hit a three-pointer coming out of the half and /then another midway through the third quar/ Ter. A steal and a lay-up by the senior guard ' eventually got the Raider lead down to 35-30 ^with just under two minutes to go in the third ’quarter. ‘ “He is not an aggressive kid,” Duits said of Dillon. “I have been after him since his junior t^Ayear, ‘you have the ability to really change the ‘ game when you are aggressive. You have to ^take it to the rim and beat a guy off the drib- ' ■ £ Lakewood junior guard Austin Makley rises over a crowd of Portland defenders to get a shot up during the second half of their district semifinal bailgame in Portland Wednesday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) ble. You can’t just stand in the corner and expect just to hit shots all night.’ “This last three weeks he has. I don’t know what happened, the lightbulb came on and he started to be really aggressive. He had a slow start [tonight and couldn’t make a shot early, I just kept telling him keep grinding, keep grinding, keep grinding, and then he made some shots and made a lay-up here and had a steal and did some good things for us. It just Lakewood junior guard Bryan Makley flies past Portland’s Aryan Virk during the second half of their Division 2 District Semifinal bailgame Wednesday (Feb. 27) at Portland High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) took a little while to get warmed up tonight.” When coach Duits asked Dillion why that was coming out now in his high school career, Duits said Dillon just smiled and said proba­ bly because it is his senior season. “He is a great kid, both of our seniors, Nate DeVries and Nate Dillon, are absolutely won­ derful kids ” Duits said. “They show up every day. They do everything they’re asked to do. They do it just as hard as they can do it. They don’t back-talk. They’re good students. They work hard. They’re just absolutely phenome­ nal kids ” “Big Nate” DeVries, the Vikings’ senior center, finished with two points Wednesday. The Vikings also drew things up to get him a shot at the first three-pointer of his varsity career, which rattled out. That five-point margin midway through the third quarter was as close as the Vikings were able to get the rest of the way. The Raiders upped their lead back up to 11 points early in the fourth quarter. Lakewood cut the Raiders’ advantage to as few as six points a couple of times even holding possession of the basket­ ball with the chance to trim the deficit further. Viking junior Jacob Elenbaas attacked the basket a few times in the fourth quarter, but didn’t get the whistle the Vikings were hoping for as he put up contested shots in the paint. Portland closed out the game at the free throw line, going 10-of-13 during the last 4 minutes and 31 seconds of the contest. Elenbaas had a team-high 13 points for Lakewood. Bryant Makley put in nine points and Austin Makley eight. Portland’s Owen Russell was 9-of-10 at the free throw line in the game and finished with 14 points. Aryan Virk led the Raiders with 18 points. Zac Pier had nine points and Jordan Petersen eight. “We just had some defensive breakdowns, kind of all night. We got lost on the guys in the corner. We had two guys, Russell and Virk, those are the two guys that we said we can’t leave alone. Coach (Dave) Pettit has been doing this a long time and he knows where to find the breakdowns and he’s going to take advantage of that. He coaches those kids really well. They know what to do and they’re good players. They took advantage of our breakdowns.” The Ionia Bulldogs beat Lansing Eastern 77-69 in their district semifinal bailgame to open the [night Wednesday at Portland. Clarkson continues success of Viking heavyweights Four LHS wrestlers medal at Finals Brett Bremer Sports Editor Junior Grant Clarkson added his name to the impressive tradition of Lakewood heavy­ weights over $he weekend at the Individual *$tate Finals ht Ford Field in downtown 'Jpetroit. ClarkSoirreached the semifinals of Division _ 3’s 285-pouruT^eight class Friday and then /. wrestled his way to a third-place medal during ; die consolation rounds Saturday. ’ Clarkson spent time as a freshman behind 5 Luke Tromp, a state runner-up at heavyweight \ in 2017. ; Tromp wasn’t too far behind Garrett Hyatt | and Lars Pyrzinski. Hyatt was a state champiJk on in 2012 and Pyrzinski a state medalist in ♦ ^2013, and they both were also state qualifiers L in 2011. 5 They were just a step behind Ryan ; Steverson, a three-time state medalist who ^capped off his varsity career with a state championship in 2010. 4*; Steverson entered high school just after */Cody Dupont left. Dupont was a state chamJ pion in 2006 and a state medalist in 2005. | “I’m happy,” Clarkson said. “I was really ||Jiappy with how I did. It has been a great K experience for me this year. 1 lost at districts C^last year in the blood round. I put in time >*5|uring the summer to get better with a couple ■ ^bf friends, Kris Kasper was one of them and ; Raiden MacLeod 1 think helped out a little bit. ; AVhen it came to that first time at districts this ** year I was just focusing on one match at a ■ tjme and I’ve kept that the whole way through rY" take it one match at a time it doesn’t matter ' who I wrestle just try and do my best.” Lakewood head coach Tony Harmer said f There are a couple talented young heavy^eights coming up for Clarkson to mentor “We still have an agricultural tradition out there where there is farming and we’re feed­ ing our kids well,” Harmer said. “Grant’s parents have a couple horses. He bails hay. He’s a big kid. We have a heavyweight that is coming up that is about as big as him that is in eighth grade. He’ll be a freshman a year behind hiim- When Grant i^ done that kid should come in and start being a state-placer as well. Luke Tromp, (Clarkson) had to sit behind Luke his freshman year and his soph­ omore year. Luke Tromp had to sit behind Gabe Bowen. “That is that progression that has to hap­ pen. You have to keep good numbers in the room and you have to keep good practice partners.” Clarkson was 50-5 on the season, and one of four Vikings to earn state medals over the weekend . Junior Jon Clack scored his second state medal, placing sixth at 189 pounds. Fellow junior Kanon Atwell was fourth at 112 pounds and freshman Zac Gibson placed fifth at 103 pounds. Lakewood also had senior Lance Childs wrestling in the 152-pound weight class. “Not what we wanted, but four out of five is not bad,” Harmer said. “The four that placed are going to return next year. It is only going to make our team tougher. We are going to have high expectations coming into it. A lot of the kids are echoing it’s not done, it’s not over. They’re ready for next season already. “They’ll be doing a lot of summer wres­ tling, piecing it together and just having fun with it throughout the summer. I think we get away from that too much, where it has to be drilling and high expectation, you lose sight of just hanging out with your friends. That high school career goes by so fast.” The winter wrestling season concluded for Clarkson with him beating out Montrose’s Griffin Barnette in the match for third place Saturday, a rematch of a quarterfinal match from Friday. Clarkson opened his tournament run by pinning Hillsdale’s Ryan Reiniche, and then he beat Barnette 6-3 in their quarterfinal. Michigan Center’s Brock Kuhn edged mi Clarkson 3-1 in that semifinal match Saturday evening, getting an early take down and then holding on for the two-point win. Clarkson bounced back Saturday to beat Chippewa Hills’ Colby Roosa 5-2 in the con­ solation semifinals before getting that second win over Barnette. s<(Cba3i HarmerJ^a^ just’ to leave every­ thing out on the mat andrthat is what I was trying to do today. I’m nSppy to have this experience,” Clarkson said. “My senior year goal is to take it one step further and be on the top two on the ffedium, get to the finals.” Clack was kind of hoping for that this sea­ son, but he was pinned by Madison Heights Bishop Foley’s Kendel Taylor half a minute into the third period of their quarterfinal match Friday. Clack secured a state medal by quickly pinning Leslie’s Benjamin Smieska in the blood round, and then opened Saturday with a pin of Sanford Meridian’s Jimmy Miron. Lake Fenton’s Logan Julian pinned Clack in the consolation semifinals, and then Blissfield’s Evan Moore beat out Clack 14-6 in the match for fifth at their flight. Clack opened the tournament with a pin of Essexville Garber’s Zach Basket Friday. Gibson joined Clarkson in the semifinals, opening action at 103 pounds by pinning Monroe Jefferson’s Cody Richards and then scoring a 1-0 win oyer Coloma’s Caeleb Ishmael in the quarterfinals. Richmond’s Hunter Keller beat out Gibson 8-5 in their semifinals match-up, and then Gibson fell 4-1 to Armada’s Brennan McClelland to open action Saturday in the consolation semifinals before closing out his tournament by scoring a 2-0 win over Yale’s Seth Woolman in the match for fifth. “Gibson worked with Nick Boucher for quite some time with the Hazardous (MYWAY) prd|ram;” Harmer said. “He lis­ tens well. He goes through his own matches. He analyzes video. He comes up to me, and we call him “coach” Gibson because he tells me what to do. Before his match (against Woolman) he comes up to me and goes, ‘coach we need to work top in practice more. I’m not very good on top.’ “For me, most of the time, I go, ‘yes sir,’ and then he goes out there his last match and Lakewood junior Grant Clarkson has his arm raised following his 10-4 victory over Montrose’s Griffin Barnette in the match for third place in Division 3’s 285-pound weight class Saturday at the Individual State Finals at Ford Field in Detroit. (Photo by Brett Bremer) he ridts the kid for a period and a half, 3 min­ utes and 44 seconds, and the first thing I said to him was, ‘oh yeah, we need to work top buddy,”’ Harmer said with a smile. ‘“You’re not too good at it. It just won you the match.’” Atwell had to fight all the way through consolation for his medal after falling 16-1 to Millington’s Jack Sherman to open the tour­ nament. He be|g Chippewa Hills’ teammates to secure his state medal Friday, first all-0 win over Taylor Gibson and then a pin of Daylin Wittig. Atwell stared the chase for medal placing Saturdaybeating Byron’s Zack Hall 7-4 and then Portland’s Caiden Pelc 5-2. He finally ran into Sherman gain in the match or third and fell just 6-2 the second time around. Bronson snags last lead in district semifinal with Lions their consolation round three match-up Saturday at Ford Field in Detroit. Clack placed uf*sixth in Division 3’s 189-pound weight class over the weekend at the Individual State finals. (Photo by Brett Bremer) A good-sized lead got away from the Maple Valley varsity boys’ basketball team in the second half, and the smallest of leads was wiped away in the final seconds of the Lions’ Division 3 District Semifinal at Bronson Wednesday (Feb. 27); The Bronson Vikings, the week’s district hosts, scored a 62-61 win over the Lions to eam a spot in the district finals. A three-point play by Curtis Walker put the Lions in front 61-60 with a minute to play, and the Lions held that lead for most of the final minute. Bronson inbounded the ball with 4.8 seconds to play and managed to earn a trip to the free throw line for senior forward Hudson Watta. He knocked down his two free throws to put his team in front. The Lions’ last gasp effort to get back in front was unsuccessful as the buzzer sounded. It was the first of tw?o one-point ballgames on the night, as Union City earned the chance to face Bronson in the district final by scoring a 36-35 win over Delton Kellogg in the sec­ ond semifinal of the day Wednesday. Walker, a sophomore guard, had 19 points for the Lions including seven in the fourth quarter. Lion senior center Carson Hasselback had 17 points and senior point guard Gavin Booher 13 points as they tried to extend their varsity careers into one more Friday night. Junior forward Jonathan Rosenberg chipped in eight points, hitting a pair of three-pointers. The Lions couldn’t close out the Vikings at the free throw line. Maple Valley was 7-of-8 at the free throw line through the first three quarters and then couldn’t find its stroke from the stripe in the fourth quarter hitting on just 5-of-12 attempts. A 16-9 run in the second quarter allowed the Lions to build a 27-21 lead at the half. Bronson knotted the score at 45-45 going into the fourth quarter. Watta scored ten of his 12 points in the second half for Bronson. He and Blaine Robinson each scored six points in the third quarter. Brett Sikorski knocked down a pair of threes in the Vikings’ third-quarter surge. Sikorski had eight points in that third period and a team-high 13 on the evening. Bronson also got nine points from Robinson, and eight apiece from Conor Covey and Graham Eley. Noah Hansen and Ben Benedict had two points apiece for the Lions. �Page 14 — Thursday, March 7, 2019 — The Hastings Banner A Trojan finally returns to state medal stand Brett Bremer Sports Editor There were quite a few extra hours of work in the bottom position for Thornapple Kellogg’s Christian Wright in the lead-up to his final varsity wrestling season. It was time well spent. Wright placed six in Division 2’s 171pound weight class at the Individual State Finals at Ford Field in downtown Detroit over the weekend. Some great work off the bottom helped Wright clinch a state medal and gave him the chance to wrestle under the spotlight of the championship semifinals Friday evening. “Last year, I was decent on my feet. I had a good ankle pick and I never really could get away on the bottom. I’ve developed more and been able to get off the bottom and score more from underneath this year,” he said. Wright was bested by Cedar Springs’ Ryan Ringler, the eventual state champion at 171 pounds, 15-0 in their semifinal match-up Friday, and then wrestled his way to the sixth­ place medal Saturday with tough loses to Fruitport’s Crue Cooper Flint Kearsley’s John Brown. “It was cool,” Wright said of the change to wrestle in the state semifinals. “That was a unique experience. I’m thankful for having that. It’s a sort of you made it type feeling not a sense of relief but that it all paid off. You’ve made it. You’re there.” Wright scored a 7-6 win over Brown in the championship quarterfinals of the tournament Friday, a win that guaranteed him a top eight finish at the tournament. Brown had the early lead in that match, putting Wright on his back momentarily in the first period for a 4-0 lead. Wright went into the bottom position in the second period, hoping to chip away at the deficit. “We were fortunate to have a couple of stoppages with blood time in the pretty key second period. It was as lot of ten seconds and stop, ten seconds and stop,” TK head coach Scott Szczepanek said. “We had a scenario where Christian got up to his feet, nearly scored an escape and we kind of noticed that his opponent would kind of go to the same thing to get him back down to the mat. Right after that unfolded one time there was another blood stoppage. The situation was going to come right back up. While they were cleaning up the blood, I told Christian let’s anticipate this and as you get up to your feet let’s antic­ ipate him coming in with a lot of pressure. “That is when he was able to capture it and throw the kid to his back. That changed every­ thing in the match, not just the points giving Christian a lead, but it took a really aggressive wrestlers away from what he wanted to be, which was aggressive, because it just cost him five points.” It was two points for a take down and three near-fall points, quickly following one escape point, putting Wright up 6-4. Brown evened the match with an early reversal in the third period, but Wright picked up a penalty point midway through the third and worked on the bottom until the clock expired. Wright had already scored one big win at the tournament, opening action Friday with a 59 second pin of Allen Park senior Steven McCoy, who was a regional champion. “Three out of the four kids from Christian’s region ended up all-state, one of them in the finals, one of them at fourth place and then Christian obviously at sixth place,” Szczepanek said. “It was a deep region. I talk­ ed pretty much for the first week after region­ als how much of a wild card he could be and how he could be in a position to catch some­ one off guard in the first round - which he did. “It wasn’t a fluke where he caught some­ body flat-footed. He put a solid turn on him and didn’t give him any room to breathe com­ ing off his back and finished it.” Cooper edged Wright 5-3 in overtime in their consolation semifinal match-up Saturday, and then Brown got the best of Wright 11-2 in the match for fifth place. Wright is the Trojans’ first state medalist since 2015, and he and senior teammates Trenton Dutcher and Nathan Kinne were their program’s first state qualifiers since then. The weekend felt very significant to Szczepanek. “It is not just that they hadn’t been here before, but going back to their freshman year they hadn’t been on a team that has had some­ one who has broken through that glass ceiling for them before. So, not just for Christian personally to finish all-state and for Trenten and Nate to finish at the state tournament which were goals of theirs, they brought five teammates with them a handful of which are back on the team. They now have experience wrestling with state qualifiers and all-staters. They take that back into our room. Those are important things for a team and a program at large. “I hope to build on it. They all have a team­ mate that was in the semifinals, on a bigger stage. They’re awesome accomplishments for the individuals, and they’re so big for a pro­ gram, a school and a community too.” Dutcher scored one win at the tournament, topping Ferndale’s Torian Belton 6-2 in the opening round of consolation. He fell 3-1 in overtime to Holly’s Blake Querio in the open­ ing round at 285 pounds Friday. Lowell’s Tyler Delooff ended Dutcher’s tournament with a 6-0 win in the second round of conso­ lation. Kinne was downed by Eaton Rapids’ Hayden Campbell and Linden’s Caleb White in his two bouts. Thornapple Kellogg senior Christian Wright (right) works to escape the grasp ot Fruitport’s Crue Cooper during their consolation semifinal match in Division 2’s 171| pound weight class Saturday at the Individual State Finals at Ford Field in Detroit^ (Photo by Brett Bremer) Lakewood just misses spot in match-play at D3 finals The Lakewood varsity bowling team had a tough end to the 2018-19 season at the Division 3 Team State Finals at Northway Lanes in Muskegon. After eight baker games and one regular game the Lakewood bowling team was in sixth place, in a good spot for a top eight qual­ ifying finish and a spot in the match-place round of the finals. 4 Muskegon Oakridge, Belding and Grand Rapids Catholic Central a® passed the Vikings on the scoreboard in thefpcond regular game of qualifying to bump Lakewood down to tenth overall. Oakridge and Belding jumped Caro in the standings as well, and those three teams earned the final three match-play spots. Vikings rolled a 916 in the first regular game of the tournament, and then a 760 in the second. Oakridge finished with a final qualifying score of 3235 in sixth place. Belding was sev­ enth with a score of 3195 and Caro eighth at 3161. Grand Rapids Catholic Central placed ninth with the qualifying with a score of 3142 and Lakewood had a total score of 3101 in the 18-team competition. Ogemaw Heights was the top team in qual­ ifying with an overall pin-fall of 3441, seven pins better than runner-up Gladwin. Gladwin and Ogemaw Heights met up again in the finals of the match-play bracket and Gladwin got the better of Ogemaw Heights that time to win the state championship - 1229 to 1152 i games a competition made up of two baker game and one regular game. Lakewood rolled high backer games of 213 and 210 in the qualifying. Only a handful of< teams rolled a regular game higher than the Vikings’ 916 during the qualifying. ? Another Ferris eighth as a freshman Sports Editor In a matter of seconds Delton Kellogg freshman Caden Ferris went from ending his first state tournament on his back on a mat on the Ford Field turf to a sure spot on the state medal stand. Ferris placed eighth in Division 3’s 215pound weight class over the weekend at the Individual State Finals in downtown Detroit, securing his spot among the eight state medal­ ists who got to wrestle for medal placing on Saturday by earning a 9-7 overtime victory against Sanford Meridian’s Brady Solano in the blood round (second round of consolation) Friday afternoon. Ferris scored two take downs through the first two periods of his bout with Solano, building a 5-1 lead going into the third period. Solano broke free from underneath Ferris with 25 seconds left in the bout to pull within 5-2 and that is when things got a little too exciting for the Panther freshman. “I already had a stalling call, so I didn’t want to get another, which wasn’t the smart­ est. I should have just taken it,” Ferris said. “I went pummeling in and he got me in a head­ lock straight to my back - 7 seconds left, he was beating me by two points.” “It was kind of sloppy. I was kind of hold­ ing him up and somehow I got my leg around to the back side of him and I just inched my way up,” he said of his quick reversal to even the match at 7-7 and force overtime. DK head coach Brett Bissett never even saw the reversal, just a flash of maroon to the top as his attention was shifting between Ferris’ blood round match and DK senior Max Swift’s happening just down the field. “I just thought that Tyden would never let me forget it if he beat me,” Fems said. Tyden Ferris, Caden’s big brother who is a 2018 Delton Kellogg graduate and now a member of the Central Michigan University football team, was a four-time state medalist in wrestling. Tyden was eighth at the finals as a freshman too, and followed that up with a state runner-up finish as a sophomore. Caden made sure he at least matched his brother this season with a quick take down in sudden victory overtime against Solano. “I just did a slide-by in the fist 30 seconds of overtime and won it,” Caden said. Caden was one of three Panthers wrestling in the Division 3 State Finals over the week­ end. Swift, a state medalist a year ago, went 1-2 Friday in the same 215-pound weight class Ferris was competing in. Swift pinned Whitehall’s Jarrean Sargeant in his opener, but was then bested by Lake Fenton’s Zolen Marron and Williamston’s Zolen Marron. “It was a bummer watching Swift get beat out,” Bissett said. “He was really turning it on this year. His mind was in a really good spot. His first match went really well. I’m not sure what really happened afterwards. He was a good kid to coach. He worked hard.” DK junior Hunter Belew was bested in both of his 189-pound matches, against Durand’s Sayer Robinson and Sanford Meridian’s mw HMS wrestlers win titles at Shamrock Showdown Hastings Middle School wrestlers Payton Miller (145 pounds) and Robby Slaughter (130 pounds), traveled to Oxford to wrestle in the Oxford Shamrock Showdown last7 weekend. Miller and Slaughter both finished the day 3-0 with two pins each top win their weight classes and take home Shamrock Championship singlets. ■ ‘ I Lakewood upsets Portland girls in district opener j Delton Kellogg freshman Caden Ferris (front) tries to break the grasp of Wiliamston’s Zach Painter during the consolation third round match Saturday at the Individual State Finals at Ford Field in Detroit. Ferris placed eighth over the weekend in Division 3’s 215-pound weight class. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Jimmy Miron. “Belew, it was nerves,” Bissett said. “He was pale white in the bullpen over here before his first match. Hopefully, him getting here, seeing that and getting those nerves out now, he’ll turn it on. He has a taste for it now. Hopefully, that gives him a little drive for offseason work and next season.” Painter also bested Ferris in the third round of consolation, 4-1. Ferris ran into Constantine’s Boe Eckman in the 215-pound bout for seventh place, and Eckman scored a quick pin against the DK youngster. The two losses to Painter were a little disappointing, after Ferris bested him twice at their regional tournament. Ferris started the tournament with a forfeit win over Whitehall’s Allen Powers, and then was quickly pinned by Birch Run’s Brockton Cook in their quarterfinal match. Cook went on to win the state championship at their flight. “Caden, he turned it on at the end of the year when he needed to most,” Bissett said. “Once he was a regional qualifier that is when it started kicking up,” he added. “That kid has a motor that doesn’t stop. He’s strong. I know the first time I went with him and grabbed ahold of him I was not expecting how strong he was.” Brett Bremer Sports Editor Only a week removed from a 15-point loss to the Raiders, the Lakewood varsity girls’ basketball team held Portland to seven points in the fourth quarter and rallied for a 52-49 victory in their Division 2 District opener Monday at Lakewood High School. “Our girls were extremely motivated going into tonight’s game,” Lakewood head coach Marcus Urka said. “They knew not many people were giving us a chance to win this one. They also knew that if we played hard for all 32 minutes, we’d have a shot to win it at the end. I’m so proud of the effort they gave tonight.” Olivia Lang went 7-of-8 at the free throw lien in the first half and then found her stroke from the field in the second, finishing with a team-high 22 points. She hit three threes in the second half, including two in the fourth quarter. Lakewood also got eight points from Kristine Possehn, ten from Anja Kelley and ; seven from Zari Kruger. Cally Goodman hit three three-pointers for : the Raiders too, but all of them came in the J first half - her team’s only triples of the ball- j game. She finished with ten points. Ashley i Bower led the Raiders with 12 points. Lesley \ Barker added eight and Breckyn Werner J seven. Werner scored her team’s only three J field goals of the fourth quarter. Portland led the bailgame 30-26 at the half and 42-39 heading into the fourth quarter. “Portland is a very strong team, and I have? a lot of respect for Jason (Haid) and the pro­ gram that he has developed,” Urka said. “A* See VIKINGS, page 16 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 7, 2019 — Page 15 Warriors trap slows down Trojans just enough Thomapple Kellogg sophomore center Austin VanElst tries to get pass away from trapping defenders Sabastian Washington (2), David Smith (back) and Rickey Martinez during their Division 1 District Semifinal at Lowell Wednesday (Feb. 27). (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor A triple by Thomapple Kellogg senior point guard Isaiah Guenther stretched the Trojans’ lead to nine points a minute and a half into the second half of Wednesday eve­ ning’s Division 1 District Semifinal. With the pace things were going between the Trojans and Lansing Waverly Warriors at Lowell High School that could have been an insurmountable lead. Unfortunately for the Trojans, it wasn’t. Waverly went on a 10-1 run to even things up up and then outscored the Trojans 24-18 in the fourth quarter to score a 50-44 victory and a spot in Friday night’s district final. It was a slow steady climb to the top for the Warriors. David Smith scored a bucket in the paint. Ellis Trainor had a put-back. Sabastian Washington drilled a three-pointer from the left comer. With one second left in the third quarter, Washington converted a three-point play at the free throw line and the game was tied. A free throw by Cole Shoobridge account­ ed for TK’s only point during that stretch and the offense didn’t come much easier for TK the rest of the night. “We just had a lull,” TK head coach Mike Rynearson said. “They sat in that zone and we passed it around and we either took a shot and missed and they got the rebound, or we turned it over and they took advantage on the other end. It wasn’t anything different from the first half. They ran the same zone. I guess maybe they got a little more aggressive in it.” Another three-pointer by Washington put Waverly up 29-28 early in the third quarter. Thornapple Kellogg senior point guard Isaiah Guenther beats Waverly’s RJ Martinez to the basket during the second half of their Division 1 District Semifinal in Lowell Wednesday. t(Photo by Brett Bremer) That was soon followed by a Washington steal that turned into a breakaway lay-up for team­ mate Keshaun Harris and a Harris steal that led to a bucket by Smith. The Warriors even­ tually got their lead up to seven points and then as many as eight before a couple nice moves to the basket by TK senior center Joe Dinkel got things turned around a little bit. But it was a little too late for TK. “We needed to attack it harder, maybe get it in to Austin (VanElst) at the post a little bit more often and we didn’t,” Rynearson said. “Their offensive rebounding hurt us. It was just a matter of them being more explosive and they wanted it more. When the ball was loose they went and got it and we kind of stood around sometimes. At halftime they only had 16 points, and I’d bet ya eight or ten of those were second-chance points. If we would have just rebounded and been strong we could have held them to single digits in the first half.” Guenther and the Trojan guards were pressed away from the basket by the Warriors’ trap. Sophomore guard Nolan Dahley fought to press through it and get to the basket a cou­ ple times. There were times VanElst and Dinkel went strong to the rim when they got the ball in the holes in the zone, but other times where the youngster VanElst could have looked for his own shot a bit more. Dinkel led TK with 11 points and VanElst had ten. Guenther and Shoobridge, who was slowed while recovering from an illness a bit, had eight points apiece. Dahley finished with seven. The Trojans didn’t shoot the ball particular­ ly well outside. Washington led all scorers with 14 points. The Warriors also got ten from Harris, nine from Elis Trainor and eight from Smith. DK wins last regular season, first postseason ballgames Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Panthers earned the rematch with the Rams they desperately wanted. Galesburg-Augusta “who thumped us pret­ ty good the last time we saw them,” according t6 Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ basketball coach Mike Mohn, was waiting for the winner of Monday night’s district opener between Delton Kellogg and Union City. * The Panthers knocked off the Chargers 64-40 to open the state tournament to get a third meeting of the season with their Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division foes from G-A in Delton last night in the Division 3 District Semifinals. Wednesday night’s winner will play in the district final in Delton Friday. Senior center Lexi Parsons led Delton Kellogg in the win Monday with 24 pothts, 16 rebounds and two steals. Junior guard Holly McManus added 15 points, six rebounds, four steals and three assists. ! “She really played an under control game And when she does that, we are usually suc­ cessful,” Mohn said of McManus. ; Delton Kellogg also got eight points and seven rebounds from Mary Whitmore and seven points, a steal and three assists from Katie Tobias. | The Panthers had a 50-20 rebounding edge |s a team, with 24 offensive rebounds among that total. Parsons had 11 offensive rebounds. Bronson beat out Maple Valley 56-33 in the Other district opener in Delton Monday, and was slated to take on Homer in its district Semifinal match-up last night. ; “This is just such a great time of year for high school basketball and it is pretty neat to be a part of it,” Mohn said. LThe Panthers carried out their neat senior light tradition of having the seniors speak to the crowd and thank those who helped them On their basketball journey. This year, Parsons And Victoria Greene were the two senior hon­ orees trying to hold back tears while their parents and teammates combined their own Delton Kellogg junior guard Holly McManus rises towards the rim for a shot as she blows by Fennville’s Caylee MacDonald during the second half Thursday at Delton Kellogg High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Panther freshman guard Mary Whitmore gets a shot off in between the Blackhawks’ Holly Laraway (left) and Jackie James during the Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ basketball team’s win over visiting Fennville Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) smiles and tears behind them. Getting a 51-44 victory over Fennville to close out the regular season helped the mood of the celebration a bit. Parsons had 18 points and Greene three in that victory. “I was proud of those two kids. They put up with an awful lot and they’ve won their share of games here. It was nice for them to get that win on their home court for the last time (during the regular season),” Mohn said. “They have done a nice job of being good leaders, good teammates, they encourage kids,” Mohn said. “Lexi will bark right at them. She will get after them, but she does it because she cares. She wants to win and is competitive. I’ll take that. Sometimes, espe­ cially in today’s day and age, it is not real popular to be the leader. It is not real popular to be responsible for your team. A lot of kids shy away from that.” DK also got 13 points from junior guard Delton Kellogg’s Victoria Greene passes the microphone towards fellow DK senior Lexi Parsons as she dries her eyes during the Senior Night ceremonies with their parents Thursday following the Panthers’ victory over visiting Fennville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Erin Kapteyn, eight from junior guard Lauren Lebeck and six from Whitmore. Delton had a lead as large as 11 points in the third quarter and led by ten after an early jumper by Kapteyn in the fourth quarter. But the Blackhawks surged to get within a point with 2:30 to play. Fennville guard Coryne Howard drilled three three-pointers during her team’s 17-8 run over the course of less than five minutes. Howard had seven threes in the ballgame and finished with 28 points. Delton Kellogg had to find Howard on the defensive end, and settle down a bit on the offensive end. “It is what it is, a nice win after last week. After the tough, tough win we had last week, that was a muddy win but I’ll take it because we needed one to kind of get feeling better about ourselves heading into the tournament,” Mohn said. “We showed signs of what I thought is our strength. When we move the ball and take a look into the post, we’re pretty good. If we try to jam it into the post we’re not very good.” It was Whitmore and McManus who finally righted the ship offensively. Whitmore made a nice cut into the lane and got a pass from McManus that she put up and in to push DK’s lead to 47-44 with just under tow minutes to play. A steal by McManus soon after led to her earning a couple free throws on the break, which she converted to stretch her team’s lead to five. She hit another pair at the line with 12.2 seconds to go to seal her team’s victory. Lebeck played a good role in settling things down late too coming off the bench. DK edged out of districts by Union City Delton Kellogg junior guard fires up a jump shot from the right corner late in the first half of his team’s one-point loss to Union City in the Division 3 District Semifinal at Bronson High School Feb. 27. (Photo by Luke Froncheck) Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer Down a point with 11.2 seconds on the clock, Delton Kellogg junior guard Jordan Rench inbounded a lob to big sophomore cen­ ter Cole Pape at the end of their Division 3 District Semifinal against Union City at Bronson High School Wednesday. As the final seconds started falling off the clock Pape worked to get his shot up and as it rose towards the basket the ball was greeted by the hand of Union City’s Larson Kever blocking not only the attempt at the game-win­ ning shot, but the Panthers’ season from con­ tinuing. That shot wasn’t the only one not to fall, however. Senior guard Carter Howland accounted for 16 points, but no other Delton player had more than half that total. The clos­ est being Dawson Grizzle putting six on the board to go along with his team-high eight rebounds and two assists. The Panther team had just three assists on its 16 made field goals in the contest, and shot just 2-of-ll from behind the three-point line. The Panthers shot well enough inside the arc though, just under 50 percent. Delton Kellogg only got to the free throw line twice all night long. The Chargers of Union City were led by Kever’s 22 points in their victory. Kever knocked down a three-pointer with a minute and a half to play in the ballgame that put his team up one, and ended up accounting for the final points in the bailgame as the Panthers suffered a couple of turnovers and the Chargers had a couple unsuccessful trips to the free throw line. In the first half Delton just couldn’t seem to get the ball rolling, at the end of the first quar­ ter Delton was looking at a 11-4 deficit, with their only two baskets cording at the hands of Howland. Their struggles continued into the second quarter going into halftime with a 21-13-point deficit. Delton, however, seemingly refusing to quit came out strong in the third quarter going on a 17-10 run to go up on Union city 33-31 for the first time late in the fourth quarter. That score remained for a large portion of the fourth quarter as it seemed that neither team could make a shot. Delton upped its lead to four points before Union City closed the bail­ game on a 5-0 run. Delton Kellogg got four points apiece from senior Owen Koch and junior Alan Whitmore. Senior guard Peyton Warner chipped in three points and four steals. Union City went on to clinch its first dis­ trict championship since 2002 with another tight victory in the district final Friday, 41-38 over Bronson. Delton Kellogg’s varsity boys’ basketball team talks things over during a break in the action of their Division 3 District Semifinal against Union City at Bronson Wednesday (Feb. 27). (Photo by Luke Froncheck) �Page 16 — Thursday, March 7, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Otsego bests Saxons for its 22 nd victory Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Saxons’ were the 23rd and final victim of the Otsego Bulldog varsity boys’ basketball team this season. The Bulldogs improved to 23-0 on the sea­ son with a 70-45 win over the Hastings Saxons in the Division 2 District Final at Comstock High School Friday. “This team is a really good team, let’s be honest,” Hastings senior center Ryan Flikkema said. “They had a lot of assets to go to. They were pretty close to a couple of the big schools we played along way, Parma Western and Marshall, in how they came on the floor and what they brought mentality-wise. “It was impressive to watch. I’m excited to see how they finish this year.” The Bulldogs didn’t get much more chance to show off for friends or foes, falling 63-59 to a 22-1 Benton Harbor team in the regional semifinals Tuesday. Flikkema and the Saxon seniors learned what its like to play their final ballgame Friday. Flikkema led the Saxons with 12 points, playing strong in the paint against the big, feisty Bulldogs. It was the first time in his varsity career that he has led the Saxons in scoring. He also had 11 points in the Saxons’ district semifinal victory over Plainwell last Wednesday, scoring six of those in the fourth quarter to help the Saxons to a 57-49 victory. “Flik has really come along as a senior,” Hastings head coach Rich Long said Friday night. “I am proud of everybody on the team, but it is nice to see a kid like that really step up. Last game, Wednesday night, he may not have led us in scoring, but he led us in the fourth quarter scoring, led us in that spirit, led us in toughness, got a bunch of offensive Saxon senior center Cameron Ertner rises over Plainwell’s Liam Davis for a shot during their Division 2 District Semifinal contest at Comstock High School Wednesday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) ... • . ................ - The Saxons’ J.R SaintAmour rises up between Otsego’s Jordan Ross (right) and Peyton Vanderhoff to get a shot off in transition during their Division 2 District Final at Comstock High School Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) rebounds. He really won the game for us. “Everybody did their part, but since that is not a role that he’s usually in and he did it that really shined for him. He really has come along the last four or five games and it is nice to see a senior finish strong.” Flikkema said it was just a lot of long hours in the gym, working with classmates Grayson Tebo and Cameron Ertner in the paint that got him to be at his best at the end of their time together with the Saxons. “I am just working my butt off in practice, working with my teammates playing basket­ ball with them. This season started off a little rough at the beginning and then we started pulling it together. That’s really it,” Flikkema said. The Saxon senior group this season also included Rian Allen, Connor Parmenter and Blake Walther. There wasn’t much the seniors, juniors, sophomores or freshmen on the Saxon roster could do to slow down the Bulldogs. Otsego started the game on a 24-6 run. The Saxons cut that deficit down to 11 at one point in the second quarter, but the Bulldogs surged to go into the half up 41-15. There were flashes of strong play for the Saxons, the kind of play that helped them get seven wins during the course of the season and compete in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference. “Elijah Smith attacked their press and got us some lay-ups and got us some momen­ tum,” Long said. “Grayson Tebo, another senior who hadn’t played much all season, there is no better kid for our team. He has come to me multiple times saying what can I do to help us win. He doesn’t necessarily mean score a bunch of points.” Tebo was on the floor midway through the fourth quarter, diving to rip the ball away form the Bulldogs’ Jordan Ross, and did whatever he could to keep Otsego from the rim while he was on the floor. He had a put­ back with about three minutes to go for his lone points of the ballgame. Hastings got seven points apiece from ............ Auomo The Thornapple Players will host OPEN AUDITIONS for the musical comedy Musk and Lyrics by Cole Porter Book by Guy Bolton, R G. Wodehouse, Howard Lindsay and Russel Crouse (Revised 1962 version) Hastings senior center Ryan Flikkema gets a pat on the back from head coach Rich Long as he heads to the bench for a quick breather during the second half of their Division 2 District Final against Otsego at Comstock High School Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Saxons’ Rian Allen attacks the basket after getting by Otsego’s Addison Atwater during the second half of their Division 2 District Final at Comstock High School Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) sophomore Kirby Beck and Allen. Smith, a junior guard, added five points and Ertner and junior Carter Cappon had four each. Otsego got 16 points from Charlie Woodhams, who was 6-of-7 at the free throw line. Owen Watson had 15 points and Will Eldred 13. “They’re a complete team,” Long said. “Defensively, they pressure you and make you do things you don’t want to do and offen­ sively they attack you, and attack, and attack, and attack. We just spoke about how, even with that attack mode, the first quarter I thought we played very solid defense and they just reversed it and attacked us from the other side until they wore us down. A very, very TK’s Snyder reaches quarterfinals of D2 state singles tournament Saxons’ Hoyt 29th In qualifying Thornapple Kellogg sophomore Carly Snyder was just a few pins from a spot in the state semifinals Saturday at the Division 2 Singles Finals at Century Bowl in Waterford. Snyder and Hastings sophomore Ashland Hoyt both qualified for the state singles com­ petition at their Division 2 Regional Tournament in Kalamazoo the previous week­ end. After six qualifying games Saturday, Snyder was one of 16 girls to earn a spot in the head to head competition for the state title. Hoyt finished 29th in qualifying. Snyder bested the second seed, Haslett . senior Delaney Andridge 428-411 in the open­ ing round of tournament play rolling games of 221 and 207. Snyder then ran into Cedar Springs junior Omani Morales who was rolling her way to the state championship. Morales threw a 237 to Snyder’s 187 in their first game, and then finished off the win with a 181 in the second game. Snyder rolled a 214 but couldn’t quite catch her Red Hawk foe. Snyder provided the toughest test of the afternoon for Morales, who opened tourna­ ment play with a 432-393 win over Adrian senior Helf Shayleen. I. ** Tuesday, March 12, 7PM Dennison Performing Arts Center ector - Doug Acker sic Director - Laura Si ducer - Norma Jean f /fyaw are attend Read through is on Monday, March 18 at 7PM. Rehearsals will run Monday, Thursday from 7-9:30 or 10 PM.There will be some extra dance rehearsals- dates not determined at this time. We will be rehearsing and learning choreography during spring break week. Tech Rehearsal is Sunday, April 28th. Shows are at 7PM beginning on Wednesday, May 1 with an open to the public dress rehearsal thru May 4 ending with a 2PM matinee on Sunday, May 5,2019. ofMkhigan TK* flayeH u a WITH TaMS-WiTMAPK, INC. hornapple ^^Arts Council srganiirfon proving tUafrkd to A* Barry Csvnly For cdi C26?) 945-2332 Morales bested Reeth^-Puffer freshman Karli VanDuinen 388-318 in the semifinals and then outscored Escanaba senior Lindsey Juhl 416-328 in the final. ; Warren Woods-Tower senior Miranda Walkers was the last of the 16 qualifiers to open the day, rolling a score of 1137. Snyder was 15th in qualifying with a six-game score of 1141. She had high games of 213 and, to open the day. The duo fought off Jackson Northwest junior Kaylee Hall and Walker’s jtmior/t^ mate Cassie McCarren who were both/withih ten pins of Walker at the end of qualif^ing^l Flint Kearsley junior Imari Blond was td|Ts in qualifying, opening her series with scorbs of 247, 237, 220 and 241 and then adding 191 and a 183 for her total of 1319. Hoyt had high games of 225 and 227 to close out qualifying. She finished with a si^game score of 1093. , Iw Adrian senior Jacob Harvey took the bc^s’ singles championship in Division 2 Saturday, outscoring New Boston Huron senior Zach Wyszynski 428-321 in their finals matqh-up; Wyszynski did get to celebrate < Watc championship over the weekend thoughts his New Boston Huron team took the team state title Friday in Waterford, outscoring Tecumseh 1403-1352 in the finals of the team competi­ tion which includes two baker and one regular scoring game. Tecumseh also finished as the state runr ner-up in the girls’ team competition, falling 1352 to 1239 against Flint Kearsley in the finals Friday. VIKINGS, continued from page 14 sisaciiv or have questions,please call Horma Jean at 269 945 2332 or Doug at 2&& to set up an alternate time BEFORE the scheduled audition date, PRODUCCD BF SPECML solid team. They have four or five guys who on any given night could do the bulk of their scoring and there is no one person to key ip on. They shoot well from the outside and have very solid, strong post players.” Beck had 17 points in the Saxons’ district semifinal win over Plainwell last Wednesday, and played lockdown defense on the Trojans’ star Isaac Davis. Ertner had 17 points as well, hittipg^rfew crucial buckets down the stretch. Hastings sophomore Ashland Hoyt sends her ball sailing down the alley during the Division 2 State Finals singles competition Saturday at Century Bowl in Waterford. (Photo by Will Kowalski) win over a team like that is significant, and it shows our girls what we can accomplish when we play hard and play together.” The Vikings were set to face Lansing Catholic in the district semifinals back at Lakewood High School last night. Ionia was scheduled to meet Lansing Eastern in the first semifinal of the day Wednesday. Eastern opened the state tournament with a 41-27 win over Sexton Monday. The district final is planned for 7 p.m. Friday. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-03-14.pdf 8881d3789e37137e07beef25360be524 PDF Text Text Hospital water gets Who pays to fix the roads? Local powerlifter sets third state record See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 12 «««. mmmm. Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 80487911018 1070490102590508794249058113421 c°05 C005 hastln9s Ml 49058-1134 3/30/20l9 2:36:00 PM Thursday, March 14, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 11 PRICE 750 DEQ grants expansion for local dairy farm with history of violations BRIEFS St. Patrick’s parade is Saturday The 15th annual Biggest Little St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be Saturday, March 16, in downtown Hastings. Grand Marshal Ron Kloosterman of Kloosterman’s Sports Tap Bar and Grille in Hastings will lead the green parade down Jefferson Street. The parade will step off at 1 p.m. Participants will line up at 12:30 p.m. in the alley off South Church Street, behind WBCH. The march will head south on South Jefferson Street, then west on Center Street and north on Church Street, ending where it began. The parade is open to anyone wanting to participate and is free to join. Community service organizations, schools, businesses and families are invited to be a part of the festive event. It’s time to be creative, whimsical, have some fun and celebrate the arrival of spring. The only requirement is to be wearing green. • Sign-up is available by calling WBCH, 269-945-3414. A new event this year is “Shamrockin,’” which Will at Leason Enrichment Center, 231 S, Broadway, Hastings. There is no entry fee. • The event is a fundraiser for Kyomi’s Gift, which provides support to families of children requiring extraordinary care. The event will feature music by the Kilkenny Corkers, a silent auction, and choices of select dinners. Irish trivia and other games, an Irish jig competition at 6 p.m. and a cash bar are planned, as well. Residents have new options for recycling Barry County residents with questions about how to properly dispose of or recy­ cle unwanted items have new options to get questions answered. More information has been added to the Barry County web­ site, along with an email address and a recycling hotline. BarryCountyRecycles.org features the 2Go-Zero Guide which lists options to recycle, reuse, refill or repair items and information on safely disposing of poten­ tially hazardous materials, chemicals and unwanted medications. On the website, residents will find Household Hazardous Waste Collection event news, recycling and waste informa­ tion specific to their community, general public drop-off information and more. The free recycling hotline is available to Barry County residents by calling 855-2Go-Zero (855-246-9376). Residents also may email questions to recycle@barrycounty.org. These services are provided as a result of the continued focus of the Barry County Solid Waste Oversight Committee to improve recycling and divert material from landfill disposal. Christian Yonkers Contributing Writer The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality has amended a permit allowing Prairie View Dairy in Delton to expand its existing 2,250 herd to 3,150, a 40 percent expansion. The ruling came after a public comment peri­ od last fall, in which dozens of citizens raised objections based on the farm’s past violations. Prairie View Dairy received a violation notice after a 2015 manure runoff into nearby Gilkey Lake, which resulted in a fine and consent order from the DEQ. Including the Gilkey Lake incident, Prairie View Dairy has received six new violation notices since 2015. The newly granted expansion resulted after Prairie View Dairy failed to notify the DEQ of the construction of additional animal housing and waste-storage facilities. During a July 2017 inspection, DEQ staff discovered Prairie View Dairy had expanded its herd from a permitted 2,250 head to 3,150, according to a July 20, 2018, DEQ report. Partial construc­ tion of housing and waste storage facilities already were under way, a violation of its pre-existing permit. DEQ officials urged Prairie View to submit an application to allow the expansion. Prairie View Dairy received a violation notice for the offense and submitted an updated plan to the DEQ. More animals mean more manure, a key concern for those speaking out against the expansion. Manure leaks can feed algae blooms in lakes and streams, and it was a factor in contaminated drinking water for Toledo and southern Michigan in 2014. Water tested at Gilkey Lake shortly after Prairie View Dairy’s 2015 leak exhibited elevated levels of nutrients necessary for algae blooms, according to a DEQ report. In addition to past environmental viola­ tions, many other concerns were raised in the public comment period ‘ " Significant risk to Ci Lake and other nearby water sources Potential for high nitrate levels in drinking water wells Limited fields available on which to spread waste Need for increased monitoring and account­ ability to ensure Prairie View Dairy’s waste management practices do not threaten the surrounding ecosystem The DEQ responded to several comments in its Responsiveness Summary issued four months after the close of the public comment period. The DEQ did not indicate that the expansion would negatively affect the sur­ rounding community. The expansion must adhere to state and federal regulations as stated in the permit, such as 100-foot buffers between manure and See VIOLATIONS, page 2 See NEWS BRIEFS, page 3 Delton , Kellogg varsity girls’ basketball coach Mike Mohn passes the district champfoffship trophy off to his team as it celebrates following a 37-36 victory over Bronson in the Division 3 District Final at Delton Kellogg High School Friday. It is the Panthers third district title since 2012, and the first won by the Panthers on their home court?(Photo by Brett Bremer) See story on page 16 '©IQ investigates another Coldwater-River watershed manure spill Christian Yonkers . Contributing Writer An unknown volume of manure entered the Coldwater River last Friday, visibly blacken­ ing the river a significant distance down­ stream. The spill was reported Friday eve­ ning, prompting an investigation by the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality DEQ staff traced the spill to fields managed by Brook View Dairy, a large concentrated animal feeding operation just north of Freeport, in Kent County. According to preliminary DEQ findings, Brook View Dairy applied manure to several fields north of Vedder Road and between Perry and Bell roads in Ionia County. The fields, frozen on the day of application, failed to absorb the manure, which spilled into near­ by Messer Brook. The DEQ could not verify the exact volume of the spill. Portions of the Coldwater River and Messer Creek were blackened and produced a foul odor. An impact study has been launched the Department of Natural Resources, but no immediate signs indicate a fish kill. This is the second spill on Brook View Dairy’s watch in the past year, the last being a 10,000-gallon spill in April 2018. Last Friday marked the third major spill in the Coldwater River in less than 12 months. In January, 500,000 gallons of manure leached into the watershed from fields overseen by Swisslane Dairy, another concentrated animal feeding operation just north of Brook View Dairy. DEQ staff plans to have concluded its investigation this week. Further details will be included in the report. “We are continuing to investigate Brook View Dairy’s compliance with their [National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System] CAFO permit,” Michael Worm, district super­ visor of the region’s DEQ Water Resources Division, said. “We are still working on an estimate of the amount of manure discharged to waters of the state.” Brook View Dairy representatives did not respond to a request for an interview. Liquid manure oozes from a drain leading into Messer Brook Friday, March 8. (Photo by Aaron Snell) Hastings in a fix over misspent $230,000 Free income tax assistance available Since Feb. 1, Barry County’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program has assist­ ed nearly 400 households in collecting over $625,000 in tax refunds and credits. This program, supported by the IRS, offers free tax assistance to households with an income less than $60,000. At several sites across Barry County, including at Hastings Public Library, Delton District Library and Putnam District Library in Nashville, IRS-certified volunteers provide free income tax return preparation to eligible individuals and families. Preparers help inform taxpayers about special tax credits for which they may qualify, such as the Earned Income Tax Panther pride - DK girls take district title Paige Eagle dances and sings to “Be Our Guest” during dress rehearsal Tuesday at Hastings High School’s production of “Beauty and the Beast.” (Photo by Monica Harmsen) * Beauty and the Beast’ opens tonight in Hastings Joan Van Houten Staff Writer The enchanted world of “Beauty and the Beast” will come to life tonight on the stage of Hastings Performing Arts Center. The popular Disney musical production will be the first theatrical performance at the new performing arts center next to the high school. The curtains will rise at 7 tonight and See MUSICAL, page 2 Joan Van Houten Staff Writer A $230,000 mistake by a city staff member will require Hastings to reduce funding to other projects to correct the error. City Manager Jeff Mansfield called the situation “a bad surprise.” On Monday, the city council approved a budget amendment to pay the amount to Michigan Department of Transportation, which had provided the city with a $698,000 Safe Routes to School grant. The $230,000 was spent on additional work related to that grant that had not been approved by the city council. “Changes to the initial plan were approved by a city staff member,” Mansfield said. “The additional work was approved by this person without bringing it to the city council, which is what should have happened. “We didn’t know about the extra expenses until the bills started coming in from MDOT.” Mansfield would not say who the staff member was, adding, “I’ll take the responsi­ bility because I’m the city manager and I should have been more involved in oversee­ ing the expenditures.” Attempts by The Hastings Banner to reach Lee Hays, director of public services, were unsuccessful. Hays was in charge of the MDOT projects. Mansfield confirmed that Hays resigned on March 7. The Safe Routes to School program pro­ vides communities with an opportunity to make walking and bicycling to school safer and more accessible for children, including those with disabilities, and to increase the number of children who choose to walk and bicycle. Hastings received the grant award in early 2018. Work began in April 2018 and was com­ pleted by late summer. Sidewalks, curbs and street crossings were improved and replaced around Northeastern Elementary and Central Elementary and the middle school. “From the beginning, we knew we would have to pay an additional $10,000 for some of the work not covered by the program,” Mansfield said. “... It didn’t happen all at once. It accrued over a six-month period. Mansfield said contractors working on the Hastings project were hired and paid by MDOT. MDOT engineers approved the additional work presented by the city staff member. However, none of the additional work was approved by Hastings City Council members, who were unaware that the work had gone beyond the scope of the original project. At Monday’s meeting, Council Member Al Jarvis said the entire incident is an embarrass­ ment to the council and the city. “We all have egg on our face because of See FUNDS, page 12 �Page 2 — Thursday, March 14, 2019 — The Hastings Banner $1 million transit building expansion to start April 15 Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry County Transit Manager/ Transportation Coordinator William Voigt officially notified the board of commission­ ers Tuesday that the $1 million transit build­ ing renovation and expansion in Hastings is proceeding as planned. “I promised to notify the board of the intended start date for the construction of the Barry County Transit facility renova­ tion,” Voigt wrote to Chairwoman Heather Wing. “Please be advised that the contractor, CopperRock Construction, believes the date for the groundbreaking to be on or about April 15, of this year. Completion is slated for November. “Please extend my appreciation to the full board for your support and guidance. I will be available to address the board and answer questions if desired.” “So there we go,” Wing told county com­ missioners at their meeting Tuesday. “We’ve got a groundbreaking happening pretty soon. ... That’s exciting to know that things are moving along.” Commissioners’ unanimous approval of the project last September concluded a series of contentious debates about the potential for commercial development in that location at 1216 W. State St. as well as the impact of the project on the county’s plan to locate a site and build a new jail. The current jail is at 1212 W. State St. on prop­ erty behind and adjacent to the transit facil­ ity property. Commissioner Howard Gibson noted that the contractor will have to dig out near the highway in front of the transit building to run a water suppression line for the fire sys­ tem, so the county is coordinating with the city on that part of the project. CopperRock Construction is based in Grand Rapids. In other business, the board: - Rescheduled a special committee of the whole meeting to 7 p.m. Thursday, April 11. (The board had originally set a tentative date of March 28, but Wing said there was an unforeseeable conflict with that date.) This meeting will be in the Tyden Center in Hastings. The meeting is taking place to allow public input on proposed amendments to the county’s Farmland Preservation Ordinance as well as the creation of an Open Space Ordinance. - Approved a resolution for an irrevocable line of credit totaling $381,000 for the Little Thomapple River Intercounty Drain. Three counties, Ionia, Kent and Barn. are part of the administrative consent order overseen ^Sy" the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality. Barry has the largest share - 63.5 percent. Ionia bears 36.3 per­ cent and Kent County 0.37 percent of the financial assurance for the remediation proj­ ect. - Approved the purchase of replacement panels for bullet-resistant vests for $6,935, as requested by Undersheriff Matt Houchlei. The cost is to be paid from diverted felons fund. - Appointed Jim Brown to serve in a gen­ eral public position and Stuart Brent Cowan to serve in a position representing the solid waste industry on the Solid Waste Oversight Committee for the remainder of three-year terms that began Nov. 1, 2017, and. expire Oct. 31,2020. - Appointed Nancy Kinney and Barbara Scott to serve on the Barry County Animal Shelter Advisory Board in citizen at large positions for one-year terms that begin Nov. 1 and expire Dec. 31. - Appointed Patricia Giar to serve on the Barry County Animal Shelter Advisory Board in a citizen at large position for a twoyear term that begins Nov. 1 and expire Dec. 31,2020. - Re-appointed Craig Stolsonburg to serve in the position of citizen at large, and David Jackson to serve in the position of county commissioner, on the Barry County Tax Allocation Board for one-year terms that begin April 1, and expire March 31,2020. - Reappointed David Jackson to the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority for a three-year term that began Jan. 1, and will expire Dec. 31,2021. - Reappointed Don Bowers and Ruth Perino to serve on the Barry County Community Mental Health Authority Board for three-year terms that begin April 1 and expire March 31,2022. - Appointed Robert Carr, Michael Pratt, Ken Vierzen, Steven Koerber, Randall Jonker and Cindy Koster to the Barry County Remonumentation Peer Review Board and authorized Chairwoman Heather Wing to sign the 2019 peer review agree­ ments for state reimbursements. - Reappointed Jack Nadwomik to serve on the Barry County Planning Commission for a three-year term that will begin May 1, and expire April 30,2022. - Approved Monumentation Surveyor Agreements between the county of Barry and Brian Reynolds (doing business as Reynolds Land Surveying and Mapping P.C.), Arrow Land Survey, Pathfinder Engineering Inc, Crane Land Survey, Carr and Associates LLC, Exxel Engineering, and Jonker Land Surveys PC for the 2019 contract year. - Approved $2,538,517 in pre-paid invoic­ es. - Approved $53,050 in claims. - Approved commissioner mileage reim­ bursements totaling $1,072. VIOLATIONS, from pg. 1waterways and contingency waste storage facilities. Other collateral issues, such as odor and truck traffic, are not under the purview of the DEQ and were not a factor in the decision to grant the permit. The increase at Prairie View means it will generate 27.6 million gallons of waste per year, an annual increase of 5.4 million gal­ lons, according to the Sierra Club Michigan Chapter. “They’re basically generating 25 percent more waste in an area that already has many factory farms and lots of waste being applied on various lands,” Gail Philbin, director of Sierra Club’s Michigan Chapter, said. “And there are lots of water bodies [nearby]. “It’s difficult for the environment to absorb that level of waste and maintain a healthy ecosystem.” Groups such as the Sierra Club are putting more pressure on Michigan concentrated ani­ mal feeding operations, or CAFOs. According to recent Sierra Club estimates, 300 CAFOs are in operation throughout the state. The DEQ MiWaters database shows Barry County is home to six CAFOs, among which the DEQ has posted nine violation notices since 2015. Six of those nine viola­ tions were from Prairie View. For Philbin and many Barry County resi­ dents, it’s not a question if CAFOs with past violations will breach their permits, but when. Philbin said she believes the overworked and underfunded DEQ will have trouble monitor­ ing CAFOs and enforcing the laws on the books. “Gov. Snyder may be gone, but the legacy of his DEQ and its approach to favoring pol­ luters lives on,” Philbin said. “You see it in Michigan’s struggling rural communities and compromised waterways, which are substan­ tially less protected from the public health threat of hundreds of polluting factory farms that operate with impunity across the state.” The majority of violations are called in by citizens or are self-reported by farms, Philbin said. The last time the DEQ inspected Prairie View was August 2018. “The DEQ has a lot of good people on staff, but they’ve had a lot of cuts in recent years that prohibit them from doing their job well,” Philbin said. “They’re doing the best they can to track down these issues and monitor facto­ ry farms ... but they can’t be everywhere all the time.” She said she is concerned about the over-saturation of CAFOs in places like Barry County, whose terrestrial and aquatic ecosys­ tems are particularly vulnerable to large manure spills. “It just speaks to the precariousness of the system that we have now and the need for more investment in monitoring and more stringent permits,” Philbi^ said. “If you have 300 factory farms in the state, there’s a lot that could compromise the quality of our waters.” Prairie View Dairy representatives did not respond to a quest for comments. Pictured with some of the cancer care bags are (from left) Michael Wojcik, R.N.; Laura Munjoy; Rachael Hyatt, R.N.; Brenda Gonyou, M.A.; and Janine Dalman. Donations help cancer center patients Cancer care bags recently donated to Spectrum Health Foundation at Pennock for the cancer center will provide patients with warmth, comfort and personal notes of encouragement. “Donations such as this provide our patients with items they may not have when in for appointments; to know the community is thinking of you when going through a tough treatment is encouraging,” Janine Dalman, Spectrum Health Foundation executive direc­ tor said. “These cancer care bags are deeply appreciated.” As part of a monthly project, the TK Senior Center, run by Thornapple Kellogg Community Enrichment, chose to make these goodie bags to benefit patients at the center. Each bag included a small fleece lap blanket, fleece “toasty toes” foot sack, tissues, tooth­ brush and toothpaste, mints, crossword puzzle book, ginger tea, lip balm, hand sanitizer and a card with words of encouragement. “The group of senior citizens had a won­ derful time creating these cancer care bags, knowing they would be given to patients locally,” Laura Munjoy, TK Community Enrichment administrative assistant said. “They spent the afternoon putting together the bags, making blankets and writing thoughtful notes for each individual who will receive a bag. Contents of the bags were donated by community members, and supplies were made possible with a grant from Barry Community Foundation.” In 2018, the cancer center hosted 690 pro­ vider visits, 699 infusions and 325 chemo­ therapy treatments. Any group or individual looking to support cancer patients and services with donated items or monetarily may email Janine Dalman, janine.dalman@spectrumhealth.org, or call 269-945-3651. Cash donations are used for direct patient care, transportation, food vouch­ ers and comfort items not covered by insur­ ance. Teacups (from left) Allyson Collins, Kassidy Morgan and Hailey Graham dance among cutlery and plates in “Beauty and the Beast” at the Performing Arts Center in Hastings. (Photo by Monica Harmsen) Two wolves (from left) ninth-grader Carissa Strouse and 10th-grader Aura WahlPiotrowski get last-minute instructions from choir director Matt Callaghan during Tuesday’s rehearsal. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) MUSICAL, continued from page 1 Friday, March 15, and Saturday, March 16 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at 520 W. South St. in Hastings. “We’ve gone all out with ‘Beauty and the Beast’ because it is the first musical perfor­ mance at our new performing arts center,” choir director Matt Callaghan said. “We esti­ mate the .cost of putting on the production to be about $10,000. “We wantedfit to be the best production and performance to date for our students and com­ munity.” By Wednesday, Callaghan said, nearly 1,800 tickets had been pre-sold. In the past, sales for the high school musicals have aver­ aged 700 tickets. Admission at the door is $10 per person. “Our theater program does not get any funding from the school district. It exists only because of the support of many area business­ es and organizations and our patrons that feel the performing arts brings value to the com­ munity and to the students,” Callaghan said. “Students learn to appreciate the arts and how it reflects cultural environments.” The costumes, rented from Theatrical Performance Costumes in Grand Rapids, are of professional quality, valued at more than $60,000, and have a history of their own. The costumes were first worn in a “Beauty and the Beast” production at De Vos Performing Arts Center 10 years ago. Also, it has been 10 years since “Beauty and the Beast” was performed in Hastings, directed then by Patti LaJoye. Students had the experience of a lifetime”when the costumes arrived last week. The wardrobes were carefully taken out of boxes and off racks and a room full of young actors slipped into their characters. Grace Green, who plays the teapot, Mrs. Potts, said it is the most elaborate costume she has ever seen or worn. It took two people to help her into the costume, which includes a hoop skirt and two layers. “The theater department has wanted a per­ forming arts center for so long,” Green said. “Everyone worked so hard for this. It’s such an honor to be able to reap the rewards from the efforts of many individuals and the com­ munity,” Haily Christie and Kierstyn Brisco, two of four “Silly Girls” in the show, said putting on the costumes was “the best.” “We’ve all been working so hard, and it was difficult with so many snow days. And half of our crew have been out sick with the flu,” Brisco said. “But we’re ready.” Adrianne VanDenburg, a townsperson, described the stage as amazing and wonder­ ful. It’s her first time in a musical or play. She said she is thrilled and excited to be a part of such a large production. Planning for the musical has taken a year, Callaghan said, starting with a working bud­ get. Scripts arrived in December, and the stu­ dents dove right in. The stage backdrop was designed and built by Michael Sali, the new directing manager of the center. The two-level platforms, at a cost of approximately $3,000, will help to create several special effects that patrons will appre­ ciate, he said. “Normally, we wouldn’t have spent that much, but, by using quality materials, the platforms can be reused for years,” Sali said. Sali said he considered all the scenes in the show and designed the set in January. The dungeon door opens, the upper level window sets the stage of a character falling to his death and the steps have special lighting for dramatic effect. Alex Steward, who plays the character “Lumiere,” the candlestick, described his cos­ tume as “not as uncomfortable” as he thought it Would be. “To sum up how I feel, I’m super excited about having such a big part in the first show here. It’s a pretty big deal,” Steward said. “I hope a lot of people come because I know they’ll love it and be glad they did.” The “Beauty and the Beast” cast list Belle - Sydney Pattok Beast - Gavin Patton Lumiere - Alex Steward Cogsworth - Ian Dexter Mrs. Potts - Grace Green Madame de la Grand Bouche - Anna Scheck Babette - Hannah Slaughter Gaston - Grayson Patton Lafoii - Sean Green ; Chip - Hannah Johnson Maurice - Andrew Vann Silly Girls (Gaston’s Girls) - Kennedy Allyn, Kierstyn Brisco, Haily Christie, Lindsay Meeker and Nicole Strouse Monsieur D’Arque (asylum director) - AJ Arechiga Enchantress (Beggar Woman) - Ellie Saur Narrator - Abby Waller Dance team - Abby Waller, Kennedy Allyn, Haily Christie, Keirstyn Brisco, Ellie Saur, Nicole Strouse and Lindsay Meeker. Chorus and ensemble - Corbin Ulrich, Mitchel Vann, Connor Lindsey, Xander Allerding, Dylan Gallentine, Andrew Sias., Connor Harvath, Hailey Graham, Makayla Casarez, Aleah Ritzema, Bayleecia Hilt, Carissa Strouse, Lily Faubert, Kaycie Jenkins, Elli McFarlan, Audrey Byykkonen, McKenzie Vincent, Kaitlyn Forte, Hannah Vann, Aubree Belle Donaldson, Claire Green, Chelsea Beede, Alayna Torres, Aura Wahl-Piotrowski, Emma VanDenburg, Kassidy Morgan, Allison Collins, Amy Forsberg, Brenna Klipfer, Tiffany Moyer, August Malik, Paige Eagle, Emily Simmons, Joy Aukerman, Victoria Knizak, Julia McLean, Trinity Rose, Adrianne VanDenburg and Abby Gaskill. Students playing in the pit orchestra are: Blair Anderson, Brandon Darling, Connor Frank, Zach Franklin, Kate Haywood, Jesse Hunt, Aihsley Jones, Lexi McDade, Alexis Ruthruff, Harrison Smalley, Camden Tellkamp, Brianna Vincent and Sam Waller. Students working backstage are: Ben Curtis, Ally Gonsalves, Katie Metzner and backstage manager Hannah Porter. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 14, 2019 — Page 3 Hastings FFA chapter, members win state honors Kathy Maurer Copy Editor Several Hastings students represented their chapter during the 91st FFA State Convention at Michigan State University March 6-8. This was the first time in several years that the Hastings chapter did not have a team or an individual competing at the state level. However, it also was the first time since 1994 that the local group received the National Chapter Award. And that was not the only award the local FFA members brought home. The National Chapter Award Program recognizes FFA chapters that actively implement the mission and strategies of the FFA organization. Chapters improve operations using established guidelines that Emphasize growing leaders, building communities and strengthening agriculture. Chapters are rewarded for providing educational experiences for the entire membership. During last week’s state convention, Hastings students also participated in FFA State Band, represented their school and community as delegates, received awards such as Outstanding Junior, State Degree, Gold State Degree, Dairy Proficiency and more. Unable to single out the greatest achievement, Hastings FFA adviser Andria Mayack looks on the chapter and students with collective approval. “I am most proud of all the accomplishments they received this year,” Mayack said Monday. “The snow days, the amount of other activities these kids are in and still manage to put 110 percent in FFA makes me a proud FFA momma.” FFA is one of the largest youth leadership organizations in the nation, providing students opportunities in public speaking, parliamentary procedure, business development, demonstration, marketing, record-keeping and more. The state convention provides a chance for students to interact, observe, compete, learn, and generate ideas for the future. “Memories and friendships were made, goals have been set, and this chapter is ready for next year,” Mayack said. Among the awards handed out at the convention, Hastings FFA members Jared Pennington and Devin Haywood both received the State FFA Degree. Haylee VanSyckle and Emily Mitchell received Outstanding Junior awards. Kaylee Evans, Jade Hunter, Roz Pechumer and Emily Roe represented Hastings as delegates. The State FFA Band included local musicians Zoey Haight, Addison Horrmann, Emily Mitchell, Michael VanDorp, Emma White, Breanna Willard and Kayla Willard. Hastings senior Devin Haywood had a big week during the state convention. He received a Gold State Degree, was the winner in the Dairy Proficiency Contest, placed in the top three in the Agriscience Fair and in Stars over America in Production for his supervised agriculture experience project. To top it all off, he was elected vice president of Region 1, which includes 21 chapters in 10 southwestern Michigan counties. Students are active in FFA throughout the school year and occasionally in the summer, assisting in events such as Ag Day for Barry County third-graders, Mother’s Day weekend plant sale, social activities, greenhouse projects, assistance at the Barry County Fair and more. Events and projects keep the seventh-12^ grade students connected, and the district, regional and state competitions help keep the students focused. “We are looking forward to what next year holds,” May ack said. Haylee VanSyckle accepts the National Chapter Award on behalf of Hastings FFA Chapter. Jared Pennington (left) and Devin Haywood show the FFA State Degrees they received last week. Smiling as they wear the blue and gold of FFA and represent the Hastings chapter last week at the State FFA convention are (front row, from left): Breanna Willard, Roz Pechumer, Zoey Haight, Emma White, Kaylee Evans, (back) Kayla Willard, Michael VanDorp, Addison Horrmann, Jade Hunter, Haylee VanSyckle, Jared Pennington, Emily Roe and Devin Haywood. Delegates Jade Hunter, (from left) Emily Roe and Roz Pechumer represent the Hastings FFA chapter. (Kaylee Evans was not available for the photo) Hastings High School students (from left) Kayla Willard, Breanna Willard, Michael VanDorp, Zoey Haight, Addison Horrmann, Emma White and Emily Mitchell performed last week with the Michigan FFA Band. Hastings senior Devin Haywood received Gold Stat^ Degree, was the win­ ner in the Dairy Proficiency Contest, and placed in the top three in both the Agriscience Fair ahd in the Stars over America Star in Production event. He also was elected Region 1 vice president. Hastings High School students Haylee VanSyckle (left) and Emily Mitchell received Outstanding Junior awards. NEWS BRIEFS continued from front page Teen delegates from across the state, including Kaylee Evans, Jade Hunter, Roz Pechumer and Emily Roe from the Hastings chapter, visit the state Capitol during the FFA State Convention. (Photos provided) Credit, Child Tax Credit, Homestead Property Tax Credit and Home Heating Credit. Appointments are still available at sites across Barry County. Taxpayers may call 2-1-1 to schedule an appointment. In a partnership between Davenport University, Barry Community Foundation and Barry County United Way, the local VITA program has been offering this service to residents for 10 years. �Page 4 — Thursday, March 14, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you In My Opinion see? A monument to faith Who pays to fix the______ roads? The interior of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church at 805 S. Jefferson St. in Hastings is a sight to behold. The acoustics are impressive, too. The fieldstone edifice was constructed beginning in 1911 when volunteer laborers gathered fieldstones from all over Barry County and trans­ ported them by horse-drawn drays to master stone masons John Young and W.J. Wiley at the construction site. When Bishop E.D. Kelly from Ann Arbor dedicated the finished structure on Oct. 17, 1915, he noted the spiritual connection of stones to the parishioners they’d been formed to protect. Lifelong St. Rose member Steve Youngs says, “A church building is a monument to the faith com­ munity that worships there. A building doesn’t make a church, but it does speak volumes about how we view ourselves and how we view our beliefs in God.” (Photo by Scott Harmsen) We’re dedicating this space to a photograph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? Michigan Week suspense r Banner March 12, 1964 Product of the year - The Hastings Aluminum Products Company’s Suspend-X suspended ceiling system has been selected as Barry County’s “Product of the Year” to compete in the Michigan Week contest to find the Michigan Product of the Year. Earl Clum (left) Hastings Aluminum’s advertising director, made the presentation. Marshall H. Cook (center) Hastings Mhj Company advertising director, was chairman of the local committee, and judges were Robert W. Sherwood and John C. Bay. Hal Buerge, (right) is Michigan Week cnatrman. Suspend-X is a versatile all-aluminum grid system with a full range of ceiling panels for commercial and resi­ dential installations. It “fills the bill” whether you want to lower an old ceiling, hide unsightly duct work or create a new room. A display is to be placed in the chamber of commerce window. Have you met? Julie Fox was bom and raised in Hastings. Her parents, Michael and Lorraine Hawthorne, owned U-Rent-Em Canoe Livery on West Apple Street for many years. Fox said she had a great childhood. “Growing up in a small town allowed me to graduate with the same kids I went to kin­ dergarten with,” she said. “We all recognize everyone else’s family members when we walk down the street.” After graduating from Hastings High School, Fox went to Western Michigan University where she earned a degree, with a major in business and a minor in marketing. She worked in Grand Rapids for a few years and moved to Chicago to work for a compa­ ny that called on commercial architects and designers. With her entrepreneur spirit, she took what she learned and started her own business in Chicago. Her company, One Source, sells furniture for commercial companies includ­ ing airlines, corporate offices, hospitals, uni­ versities and more. Fox’s business took off immediately and has become successful, but she missed her hometown. So, she and her husband, Jim, moved back to Michigan in 2017. Fox has been married for over 20 years and has one step-son and a niece who grew up in their home who now lives in Grand Rapids. Several years ago, Fox took over her fam­ ily’s canoe and kayak rental business on the Thornapple River, improving and expanding its offerings. She also bought the Curley Cone near Gun Lake shortly after it was moved it to a newly renovated building near­ by. She most recently added a food truck that meets the needs of several industrial compa­ nies in the area and will be stationed at the canoe livery Saturdays this summer. Fox has used her desire to “fill a need” and her business sense to improve the lives of the people around her. For her diligence, hard work, constant and personal care of her employees, and entrepreneurial spirit, Julie Fox is this week’s Bright Light. Julie Fox Best advice ever received: Never rent anything that has a motor. That was my dad’s advice. First job: I always helped at the canoe livery. I worked at Flexfab in the factory the summer before college. Persons I most admire: My parents. They made me feel like I can do anything. They had an irrational amount of confidence in me. Book I’d recommend: “Open,” written by Andre Agassi, a retired professional tennis player. I am a tennis player, so this book really resonated with me. He really hit bot­ tom, but pulled himself back up to reach new heights. He also gives back so much. Favorite teacher: Tom Freridge at Hastings High School. He was also my ten­ nis coach. He completely changed my life for the better. He let me be the manager of the team when I was younger and always hit the ball around with me when I would ask. If I could have any superpower, it would be: to read what is in people’s hearts. Favorite vacation destination: I don’t take vacations. Something about me most people don’t know: There’s not much to hide. I am pretty transparent. Greatest song ever written: Bob Seger’s “We’ve Got Tonight.” What I’d tell a high school graduate: Work hard, keep your credit clean and don’t be afraid to take risks. Do what you are inter­ ested in. Best gift ever received: A small piece of property my dad owned that I needed for business. He gave it to me for free and said, “Because you are deserving.” My biggest challenge: Not letting fear of failure stop me. If only I could ... I don’t live in the “if onlys.” What I want for Christmas: Someone to organize my keys. When I grow up, I want to be: a sports agent for women’s tennis. I’m most proud of: the people I choose to invest time and money in. I love to come across someone who wants to do something and help encourage them. What I’d do if I won the lottery: I would do the same thing, just worry less. Favorite childhood memory: Summers at the tennis courts with all the kids. I have great memories of just fooling around and having fun all day at the ‘courts. Best invention ever: The remote start for cars. jh : Hobbies: I still love to play tennis and pickleball. , Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer wofk, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news @j-adgraphids .com. 10 Fire up those wreckers and keep mixing the body fender paint because Michigan motorists seem headed for overtime in the game of “Dodge the Potholes.” Worse yet, the game looks like it may never end, given the opening political thun­ der in Lansing between the new governor’s road repair proposal and a Legislature wary of the political risk in any call for raising new revenue. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who announced a three-year, 45-cent increase in the gas tax to finally address the state’s crumbling roads while unveiling her new budget proposal last week, didn’t help herself when, while cam­ paigning for the office, she scoffed at the idea of having to raise even half that much to “fix the damn roads.” Now, she says, after taking office and assessing the problem more closely, she didn’t realize how much money it would take to get the job done. That’s a little hard to understand. In her Feb. 12 State of the State address, Whitmer reminded us of all her experience as a legis­ lator. She became a freshman member of the state House of Representatives at age 29, eventually was elected a senator and, in that time, watched three governors give that same address. As a Democratic governor, Whitmer comes with experience, enough to know that proposing a tripling of the gas tax will be dead on arrival in a Republicancontrolled House and Senate. Whitmer’s contentions are correct. The American Society of Civil Engineers gives Michigan infrastructure an overall grade of D-minus. Only 18 percent of Michigan roads are rated in “good” condition. “By one estimate, the vehicle damage due to poor road conditions costs the average motorist $562 a year in repairs. We’re pay­ ing a road tax that doesn’t even fix the damn roads,” Whitmer says, suggesting that money could be used for other needs. “If we don’t do something now over the next decade, the share of Michigan highways and trunklines in poor condition will more than double - worsening the severity of the dan­ ger and costing drivers across the state even more.” Whitmer says no one wants to raise taxes but investments in state infrastructure have been neglected for 40 years. Under her plan, Michigan’s gas tax would go up by 45 cents per gallon by Oct. 1,2020. That would raise more 'than ^$2 billion annually to fix Michigan’s crumbling roads but would leave motorists with the largest gas tax in the nation. If appKwed, Whitmer’s proposed increase would come in three 15-cents-pergallon installments, phased in every six months. Whitmer’s suggested budget also includes another politically controversial plan: an overhaul of how the state would divvy up the $2.1 billion in new annual revenue. The focus would change to highly traveled roads from the current plan that takes into consid­ eration rural communities, such as Barry County. Many Michigan motorists also are won­ dering what happened to the plan that went into effect in 2015 after lawmakers approved a package to increase the gas tax by 7.3 cents per gallon and the tax on diesel fuel by 11.3 cents per gallon, equalizing both taxes at 26.3 cents per gallon. The 2015 plan also increased vehicle registration fees and added some additional funds from the general bud­ get. That legislation also included an annual increase on fuel by 5 percent or by the rate of inflation, whichever is less. All of that was expected to raise about $880 million per year. Michigan Department of Transportation officials knew that the 2015 plan was never going to be enough to solve the problem, it would only slow the rate at which the state’s roads were deteriorating. The 2015 plan also came under attack by anti-tax groups, by associations that felt the tax would take money from other priorities such as educa­ tion and social services and even by Democrats who campaigned against the plan. Now, Whitmer has taken up the charge, maintaining that not fixing the roads, “endangers our lives and robs us of our time and our hard-earned money. It hurts our What do you businesses’ bottom lines. It jeopardizes our edge in mobility and limits our economic potential. No one wants to invest in a state that doesn’t invest in itself.” From their perspective, though, Republicans don’t consider higher taxes to address infrastructure needs as an invest­ ment. In a recent Bridge Magazine article, Laura Cox, chairwoman of the state GOP, noted that a similar proposal to raise money for roads was rejected in a landslide by state voters in 2015. She went on to say that the governor’s proposal would “break many Michiganders’ budgets. The people of Michigan deserve a real solution for this critical issue, not a tax-and-spend solution which places the burden on the state’s over­ taxed families.” Monday, Business Leaders of Michigan, the state’s business roundtable of CEOs and university presidents, released a report call­ ing Michigan’s crumbling roads and bridges “a growing threat to our state’s economic vitality.” The report, which endorsed placing the tax burden on users rather than the state budget, estimated Whitmer’s proposed gas tax increase would cost a motorist who drives 15,000 miles per year in a car that gets an average of 30 miles per gallon anoth­ er $225 per year. What that report over­ looked, though, is the impact the additional tax would have on small businesses, farm­ ers, mail carriers and others who use their own vehicles as part of their daily routine. Whitmer maintains that motorists who are averaging approximately $562 in annual road-related damage repair costs might con­ sider the additional tax for fixing the roads a value. Yet, under her proposed plan, the average cost per gallon of gas across the state would hover close to $3 per gallon or more, impacting any suggested savings. Plus, some also see the proposal as a regres­ sive tax that would hit low- to middle-in­ come workers much harder. Some also have suggested that a major tax hike could put gasoline stations near the borders of Indiana and Ohio - where fuel taxes are much lower - out of business. Michigan roads need attention, but is tri­ pling the gas tax the best way to get it done? I think not. First of all, we should restrict all gas and sales taxes paid on fuel to be used only for roads and infrastructure, something that’s never been guaranteed in Michigan’s budget funding. Based on findings from a 21st Century Infrastructure Gommission appointed by former Gov. Rick Snyder, the state needed an extra $2.6 billion per year just to maintain the roads and bridges it has today. The commission also estimated that close to $2.5 billion could be raised in total over nine years by increasing the state’ regular and diesel fuel by 5 cents per year. It esti­ mated the proposal would raise an additional $275 million the first year, $559 million in Year 2 and $825 million by Year 3, eventu­ ally nearing the $2.5 billion by Year 9. That’s just over the amount Whitmer is sug­ gesting can be raised with her proposed 45-cent gas tax over the next three years. It appears legislative leaders on both sides of the aisle in Lansing understand the impor­ tance of dealing with road funding, it just comes down to the political risk they’re willing to take to solve the problem that has plagued our state for decades. It’s time to come together with a reasonable plan - a plan that is acceptable to citizens and the business community. Whatever the eventual solution might be, though, we know it will be all of us paying the bill. Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. think? Here’s your chance to take part in an inter­ active public opinion poll. Vote on the ques­ tion posed each week by accessing our web­ site, www.HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the following week. Last week: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is proposing a 45-cent increase in fuel taxes, on top of Michigan’s current 26.3-cent-per-gallon tax, to create more revenue for roads. Do you support the increase? Yes 18% No 82% For this week: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants to overturn the thirdgrade reading retention law. She says it penalizes strug­ gling students instead of help­ ing them. Do you agree? □ Yes □ No �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 14, 2019 — Page 5 Hastings’ plan in place to remedy $13.7 million underfunding of healthcare benefit Joan Van Houten Staff Writer The City of Hastings remains on the Michigan State Treasury list as one of approx­ imately 600 counties, cities, townships and villages that have underfunded healthcare benefits for retirees. Hastings’ liability is $13.7 million, according to Jerry Czarnecki, deputy city manager. On June 30,2017, Gov. Rick Snyder enact­ ed the Protecting Local Government Retirement and Benefits Act and implemented mandatory reporting of pension and health insurance liabilities by government bodies. Michigan municipalities with liabilities were discovered to be underfunded by a total of $17.6 billion. For the first round of preliminary reporting, iniore than 110 of 490 local units of govern­ ment were identified, including the City of * Hastings. Underfunded communities were then I required to submit documentation demon­ strafing they were actively pursuing ways to l reduce the liability. Some municipalities had underfunded pensions while others, like Hastings, were underfunded in health cover­ age. The state defines “underfunded” for pen­ sions as primary units that are less than 60-percent funded in which an annual required ; contribution that is more than 10 percent of governmental fund revenues. For retirement > health care systems, the state defines “under­ -funded” as primary units that are less than 490-percent funded with an annual required contribution of more than 12 percent of gov­ ernmental fund revenues. • Hastings has been noncompliant since reporting began in 2017. City Manager Jeff Mansfield said Hastings will be compliant in 2020. Reporting is scheduled for counties, cities, townships and villages at the end of their fis­ cal year, which are not all the same. The next report for Hastings is anticipated for October. Mansfield said the city would have been compliant this year, but the report packet con­ taining the new information was not complet­ ed in time to submit to the state. He said the city has revenue from other departments that funds the staff retirement benefits in those departments, and benefit payouts have been on a “pay-as-you-go” pro­ cess. It’s not that the city can’t pay, he said. But the state looks at the percentage of contri­ bution coming from general operating fund and that doesn’t provide the entire picture. Retired and retiring city staff hired before 2002 and offered a full healthcare package will receive the benefits they were promised. In that year, however, the city eliminated the lifetime retirement healthcare package for new hires. They had to address the underfund­ ing to keep it from growing. The next step, he said, is looking at ways to pay down the lia­ bility. Among other changes, tiered level benefits are in place, measured by the length of time a person is employed by the city. A cap has been placed on the city’s contribution. In 2018, the city switched its health insur­ ance provider from Blue Cross Blue Shield to Blue Care Network. The switch has reduced the underfunded liability by $4.5 million, bringing it down to $9.2 million. Using BCN did not change the coverage. Czarnecki said the switch has benefited on The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters s^ry© as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. HM • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855­ 347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. The Hastings Bcllllldr Denoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@J-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM • Rebecca Pierce (Editor) • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere both sides of the issue because the premium has dropped. This means the city and retirees are paying less. “The way we got here was from a combina­ tion of things. We were financially impacted by the recession and major cuts in state and federal funding. We had less money to work with while life expectancy extended due to improved healthcare. On top of all that, the cost of healthcare is through the roof,” Jane Saurman, city clerk and treasurer, said. Hastings’ lifetime healthcare benefit and pension program began in 1957. As the num­ ber of retirees grew, the number of new employees contributing to the healthcare plan was not growing at the same pace. Saurman said there are two sets of informa­ tion to consider, the first obviously being the underfunding of healthcare for retirees and older employees hired before full health ben­ efits was ended. The next set is that the new strategy is working. The city is well-funded for new employees and is compliant with the percentage of the city contribution. The Protecting Local Government Retirement and Benefits Act incorporates four phases for local units to use in addressing fiscal health and the security of retirement benefits for municipal employees. The phases are transparency through reporting, identifica­ tion of potential problems, review for fiscal health, and developing a corrective action plan. Czarnecki said the problem continues to be aggressively dealt with, but it will take time to reach fully funded status. “We’ve been underfunded for years - as well as many other communities. This is noth­ ing new, and it is not unique to Hastings. It was just invisible because the state didn’t mandate where the money had to come from like they do the pension benefit,” Mansfield said. “We made a lot of changes to correct the situation long before reporting was required. No one has retired or will be retiring without getting what was promised to them.” Participants help shape vision, goals for future of the district Carrie Duits Hastings Area School System Superintendent In an effort for continuous improvement for Hastings Area School System, the board of education recently adopted the new 2019­ 2024 strategic plan. We’re excited about this plan and the possibilities it provides for our students, parents/guardians and community. Input for the strategic plan was gathered from a total of 521 people through four differ­ ent community, parent/guardian and staff forums, two student forums and an electronic survey. Using that input, a strategic planning team - comprised of 36 community members, parents/guardians, staff and students - partic­ ipated in an all-day planning retreat Oct. 22, 2018. Throughout the planning process, the com­ munity set high expectations for the district that reflect a strong desire to embrace signifi­ cant change and dramatically improve Hastings Area School System. Recurring themes during the planning process included becoming a world-class school district and having all students graduate from high school well-prepared for their next steps. Based on a review of qualitative and quan­ titative data, a new vision, mission statement and strategic goals were developed. The vision that was validated during the planning I County paying down pension liability Rebecca Pierce Editor A recent report from the Michigan Department of Treasury gives a statistical snapshot of legacy costs for public employee retiree pensions and health-care costs for municipalities, but it doesn’t quite get it right for Barry County. Overall, as far as -general fund health, the county, with a general fund budget of $17.1 million, was ranked at 61 out of 83 counties in the report. But, according to County Administrator Michael Brown, the Treasury Department does not take into account several key funds. Three of these, totaling more than $3 million, are earmarked by the county to cover data processing, vehicles and buildings if needs arise in those areas. When those funds, which operate much like rainy day funds, are added into the financial mix - as Brown contends they should be ~ the ranking for the county would place it in the top 20 statewide rather than the bottom 20. If anyone has any doubts about this, Brown can point to the S&P Global and Moody’s Investor Service ratings. “The credit position for Barry County is very strong,” Moody’s stated. “And its Aa2 rating is equivalent to the U.S. counties medi­ an of Aa2. Key credit factors include a robust financial position, a low debt burden and a somewhat elevated pension liability.” The pension liability is the concern, Brown agreed. Standard and Poor’s, which gives the coun­ ty an AA rating with a stable outlook, said: “In our opinion, a credit weakness is Barry County’s large pension and OPEB (Other Post-Employment Benefits) obligation.” “The county has been contributing above the required levels for several consecutive years in order to reduce outstanding liabili­ ties,” it read. “... The county’s pension fund­ ing ratio is a weakness. While not causing a what we’re doing. ... We have a plan. It will material change in the debt and contingent take time, particularly [with] the markets, liability profile, we feel the overall status of we’re not going to see the investment returns the pensions could cause budgetary pressure that we used to. These are issues protected by if assumptions made in determining liabilities the Constitution and bargaining agreements in place.” do not hold true.” For example, the assumed rate of return for Of the 285 people employed by the county, the plans is 8.25 gggcent, which could turn out 187 are eligible to claim a pension and 154 to be high, Standard and Poor’s said. “... are currently claimed their pensions, accord­ Officials have been consistently paying above ing to Brown. the required contributions every year; howev­ The actuarial valuation indicates that the er, the funded ratio still dropped.” county payment is designed to deal with the The county follows the state’s recommend­ pension liability at 21 years, he said. But, ed best practices for municipalities, offering since the county is making an additional pay­ new employees a hybrid plan with a 401(k) ment, the issue should be resolved sooner component along with a defined-benefit com­ than that. ponent and capping the county’s annual con­ It won’t be too soon for Michael Brown. tribution. In addition, in 2012, the county stopped paying retiree health care benefits after age 65. Most recent figures indicate that, as far as health care for all employees, the county is now overfunded by $413,341. That represents a ratio of 138.05 percent, Brown said. As for the pension, the funded ratio is 82 percent, representing an unfunded liability of $13.8 million. That’s Brown’s biggest concern. “Not that we’re in a bad spot,” he said. “It’s just that it didn’t happen overnight, and it’s not going to get solved [overnight],” These unfunded liabilities for communities around the state “continue to be headlines,” he said. “Some communities - and Barry County is one of them - are making strides and have made changes. Some communities will end up being crip­ pled by it, he said. “It’s just so severe that they can’t get out of fastings High School Presents: it,” Brown said. “I don’t want that to overshad­ ow Barry County and Taylor Owens Joan Van Houten GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. March 14,15,16 @ 7:00pm March 16 Announcement: James J. Goulooze, Attorney at Law Is Still Here Rumors of my demise are premature. For over 30 years I have strived to protect and assert the rights of my clients. My primary focus continues to be criminal defense. If chosen to represent you, I will provide honesty, competence and the assurance that your interest comes first and that I do not act to please the court or prosecutor. SERVING THE LEGAL NEEDS OF BARRY COUNTY AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES TOWARD ASH1 SPECIALIZING IN: • Criminal Defense • Felonies (including capital offenses) • Driver License Restoration •Drunk Driving • Bankruptcy • Real Estate Law • Probate Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer Tanett Hodge Bonnie Mattson Hastings High School Performing Arts Centei 525 W. South St., Hastings Pre-sale tickets POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 process is: “Hastings Area School System is a World-Class Learning Community that Supports Every Student Every Day.” The new mission of the Hastings Area School System is: “Achieving Excellence Today, for Tomorrow.” The five strategic goal statements that were developed are the Hastings Area School System will: -Increase student achievement through pro­ grams that address identified needs. -Provide an excellent learning environment that fosters a culture of collaboration, diversi­ ty and trust. -Recruit, support and retain high-quality personnel. -Continue to build effective communica­ tion and engagement opportunities with our community. -Improve facilities/operations that inspire excellence and pride. I’m very grateful for the student, staff and community involvement in the development of the new strategic plan. This plan will not only serve as a beacon for years to come but will also build in accountability measures for the board of education to revise, if necessary. I am confident that our new vision, mission and goals will be a springboard for continued improvement within Hastings Area School System. available online at irrTp;//HASTiNGSHS.SEAnouRSELF.mz Contact me at: 269-945-2255,616-765-9040 PRE SALE ENDS ON MARCH 14TH, 2019 or jgoulooze@sbcglobal.net PRICE FOR ADMISSION AT DOOR IS $10.00 FOR ALL PATRONS Evenings & Saturday AM Appointments Available �Page 6 —Thursday, March 14, 2019 —The Hastings Banner Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH M-37 South at M-79, Kimberly S. Metzer, pastor. Church phone 269-945­ 4995. Church Secretary­ Treasurer, Linda Belson. Office hours, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 11 am to 3 pm. Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School; 10:30 a.m. Morning Worship Tuesday 9 am Men’s Bible Study at the church. Wednesday 6 p.m. Circle of Friends (Young Adult Special Needs Group) (October thru May). PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Thursday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office. greenstreetumc@gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor; Ryan Rose, Family Life Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA " (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), * 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. w w w Jirslehurchhastings. org, 9 a.m. Traditional Service; 10:30 a.m. Contemporary service. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945­ 9217. cbchastings.org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www. hastm.gsfrg_emethodist.comPastor Brian Teed, Associate Pastor Andy Baird and Stu­ dent Ministry Director, Emma Miller. Sundays: Nurseiy and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAMILY HOUR - ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Preschool-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Standard and Adult Elective classes. Coffee Talk: Fellow­ ship Hall, Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church Age 4-4th grade dismissed during service. Aftermath Student Ministry - 6:30-8:30 p.m., 7 th-12th grades. Wednesday: Kids Club "Under Construction"; Wed., Feb. 13-Mar. 27, 6:30-7:45 p.m., Kids age 4-6th grade are welcome; Women's Bible Study 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thurs­ day: Adult Bible Study 10 a.m. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God's Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! March 17 - Worship services at 8 and 10:45 a.m. March 19 - Council 6 p.m.. March 20 - Lenten Supper 6 p.m. Lenten Service 7 p.m. March 21 MEF Mtg. 6 p.m. March 23 - PASTY SALE-PICK UP DAY. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www.grace-hastings. org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings. Mb * 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 Fiberglass Products 102 Cook Hastings 945-4700 Thelma Arlene Williams WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheelchair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9: 30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses' _ .0 Gordon Burdett Barlow AMIJWESMW wnw RWIRF Wl IFR Hf HodiMloels&Equipiaeiit 770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541 Gordon Burdett Barlow passed away on March 12, 2019. He was bom on May 29, 1932 in Hastings, the son of Paul and Mary (Smith) Barlow. He graduated from Hastings High School in 1952. On December 14,1957, Gordon married Jane Brownell. Gordon was an auctioneer from 1969 un­ til the late 1990S when he retired. He opened Barlow Auction House with his wife, Jane, in 1972. Gordon helped build the Gun Lake beaches from 1956 to 1959 and worked in manufacturing at Flexfab and Hastings Piston Rings. He started Barlow Realty in the mid1970s. He was also the producer and editor of Michigan Horseman’s Magazine. Gordon proudly served as a flight engineer in the Airf Force from 1952-1956. Gordon enjoyed growing and grafting trees, gardening, and collecting antiques and post­ cards. He looked forward to spending time with his family and loved having picnics with them. He was skilled at breeding and training horses on the family farm and enjoyed attend­ ing auctions and garage sales. Gordon was a member of the Hastings Area Rotary Club, the Gideons, Michigan State Auctioneers Association, and the Michigan Nut Grower’s Association. He was the presi­ dent of the Michigan State Auctioneers Asso­ ciation in 1977 and was a member of the First Baptist Church of Hastings. Gordon is survived by his wife of 61 years, Jane (Brownell) Barlow; daughters, Deborah (Tim) Wisniewski, Diane (John) Haines, son David (Deborah) Barlow; grandchildren, Sarah (Michael) Hofmann, Tyler (Hannah) Wisniewski, Michelle Krebs, Ashley (Dan) Terpstra, Brandon Haines, Alex Barlow, Dylan Wisniewski, and great-grandchildren, Molly Krebs and Olivia Terpstra. A service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 15, 2019 at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S. Broadway, in Hastings, with the fami­ ly receiving visitors at 1 p.m. Burial will oc­ cur directly after the service at the Rutland Township Cemetery on North M37 with a memorial dinner to follow at Hope Township Hall. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visitwww.girrbachfuneralhome.net. Sandra Louise (Timm) Spears passed away on March 9, 2019. She was bom on March 8, 1942 in Hast­ ings, the daughter of Gilbert and Gladys Timm. She graduated from Hastings High School in 1960. On December 14, 1973, San­ dra married James Spears. Sandra worked in quality control and re­ tired from Hastings Manufacturing in 1998. She enjoyed spending time at the casino, shopping, and painting. Sandra also loved spending time outdoors, and especially liked snowmobiling, waterskiing, dirt bikes, and attending her grandkid’s sporting events. She liked to spend time at the lake cottage and loved Clearwater Beach. Sandra was preceded in death by her par­ ents, and brother, Tex Timm. She is survived by her husband of 45 years, James B. Spears of Hastings; daughter, San­ dra Dee (Michael) Smith of Hastings; step­ children, James R. Spears of Shelbyville, Liz (Ken) Rutledge of Eaton Rapids; nine grand­ children and nine great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial contribu­ tions may be made to the Barry Communi­ ty Foundation, 231 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058, or visit https://www.barrycf.org/ funds_overview/donors/. A memorial gathering will be held on Fri­ day, March 22, 2019 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Gir­ rbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway, Hast­ ings, Michigan. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrb^chfuneralhome.net. Diana L. Zimmerman BATTLE CREEK, MI - Diana L. “Diz­ zy” (Confer) Zimmerman, age 74, of Battle Creek, passed away on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at Glenn Arbor Hospice Residence in Battle Creek. A Memorial Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 23, 2019 at St. Philip Roman Catholic Church in Battle Creek. Visitation will take place from lOuntil 11 a.m. prior to the Memorial Mass. Inter­ ment will follow at East Hickory Cemetery in Hickory Comers. The family is being cared for by Dutcher Funeral Home in Coldwater, www.dutcherfh. com Thelma Arlene Williams passed away on March 12, 2019. She was bom on May 23,' 1926, the daughter of Raymond and Ruby (Hawkins) Shultz. She was a lifelong resident of Hastings, and graduated from Hastings High School. On June 2, 1944, Thelma mar­ ried Lawrance Williams. Thelma’s career started when she par­ ticipated in a co-op program with Hastings Manufacturing while in high school. She later worked for Middleville Manufacturing and then returned to Hastings Manufactur­ ing where she retired from in 1987. Thelma enjoyed gardening and spending time with her grandchildren. It was important to her to teach each of her children to be independent, and she was extremely proud of being a great­ great grandmother. Thelma was preceded in death by her par­ ents; her husband of 33 years; daughter-in­ law, Barbara (Clark) Williams; sister, Beverly (Shultz) Birman, and brother, Don Shultz. Thelma is survived by her daughters, Sha­ ron (Williams) Hause, Shelia (John) Silowsky, Sue (Ralph) Myers; son, Steven Williams and special friend, Linda Curry; grandchildren,* Laura, Kathy, Randi, Tammy, John E., Peggy, Benjamin, and Alexander; seven great-grand­ children, and nine great-great-grandchildren; and her brother, Melvin Shultz. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Barry County Animal Shelter, 540 Industrial Park Dr, Hastings, ML , Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 14, at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway, Hastings, with a fu­ neral service at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 15, 2019 at the funeral home. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home, in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Medicare rules for those with higher income Vonda VanTil Public Affairs Specialist If you have higher income, the law requires an upward adjustment to your monthly Medicare Part B (medical insurance) and Medicare prescription drug coverage premi­ ums. But, if your income has gone down, you may use form SSA-44 to request a reduction in your Medicare income-related monthly adjustment amount. Medicare Part B helps pay for your doctors’ services and outpatient care. It also covers other medical services, such as physical and occupational therapy, and some home health care. For most beneficiaries, the government pays a substantial portion — about 75 percent — of the Part B premium, and the beneficiary pays the remaining 25 percent. If you’re a higher-income beneficiary, you’ll pay a larger percentage of the total cost of Medicare Part B, based on the income you report to the Internal Revenue Service. You’ll pay monthly Part B premiums equal to 35,50, 65, 80 or 85 percent of the total cost, depend­ ing on the income you report to the IRS. Medicare Part D prescription drug cover­ age helps pay for your prescription drugs. For most beneficiaries, the government pays a major portion of the total costs for this cover­ age, and the beneficiary pays the rest. Prescription drug plan costs vary depending on the plan and whether you get Extra Help with your portion of the Medicare prescrip­ tion drug coverage costs. If you’re a higher-income beneficiary with Medicare prescription drug coverage, you’ll pay monthly premiums plus an additional amount, which also is based on the income you report to the IRS. Because individual plan premiums vary, the law specifies that the amount is determined using a base premium. Social Security ties the additional amount you pay to the base beneficiary premium, not your own premium amount. If you’re a higher-in­ come beneficiary, we deduct this amount from your monthly Social Security payments regardless of how you usually pay your monthly prescription plan premiums. If the amount is greater than your monthly payment from Social Security, or you don’t get month­ ly payments, you’ll get a separate bill from another federal agency, such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services or the Railroad Retirement Board. You can find Form SSA-44 online at sociaBecurity.gov/forms/ssa-44.pdf. You also can read more in the publication “Medicare Premiums: Rules For Higher-Income Beneficiaries” at socialsecurity.gov/pubs/ EN-05-10536.pdf. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525, or via email tovonda .vantil @ ssa .gov. Traditional and Cremation Services Pre-Planning Services Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible Serving All Faiths Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-3252 • www.girrbachfuneralhome. Dale BiHingslev Owner/Manager za . j Family OWiled aild Operated Rav Girrbach Owner Emeritus Serving Hastings, Barry County and Surrounding Communities for SO years �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 14, 2019 — Page 7 Officials say 'zero evidence* of legionella in hospital water supply Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Spectrum Health Pennock officials announced its water supply is safe and clear of all legionella bacterium that was discov­ ered through testing in late December 2018. The testing was prompted by reports to the Barry-Eaton District Health Department that two patients had contracted Legionnaires’ disease. The Barry County hospital filed its first report that a patient was diagnosed with Legionnaires’ disease to the health depart­ ment in September 2018. A second report of a patient with Legionnaires’ was reported by the hospital in November 2018. That 92-yearold male patient died from chronic aspiration pneumonia shortly after the diagnosis, offi­ cials said. Health department and hospital officials stated neither of the cases could be directly connected to the hospital. No other cases have been reported. In a press release on March 7, hospital offi­ cials said continued water testing shows “zero evidence of the bacteria.” The health department also issued a press release stating that the temporary filters and signage installed prior to the installation of a water treatment unit have been approved for removal because the treatment unit has effec­ tively removed any presence of the legionella bacteria. “We responded immediately and aggres­ sively to remediate the problem and protect the health and safety of our patients and staff,” Angela Ditmar, president of Spectrum Health Pennock, said. “We communicated immediately with the community and our A monochloramine water treatment system is installed at Spectrum Health Pennock for long-term remediation of legionella bacteria. Don Converse (from left) and Steve Tanner, Spectrum Health Pennock plant operation team members, review features of the new water filtration system with Zach McIntosh, manager of facilities support services. patients and kept everyone informed of the situation and the remediation process. I’m very proud of the team we have here. They all worked very hard through this process.” The hospital’s first steps of remediation began Dec. 28, with installation of water fil­ ters for all showers and faucets in patient rooms and water faucets throughout the facil­ ity. Ditmar said the 60-day filters were a short­ term fix while the fresh-water supply system was being treated and monitored. Had the legionella bacteria not been eradicated by the end of the 60 days, the filters would have been replaced. The hospital then flushed out the water system and installed a monochloramine filtra­ tion system to the watermain. Monochloramine, a disinfectant commonly used for drinking water, is being released into the hospital’s water supply through the filter. According to Spectrum Health officials, water samples were being taken daily during the remediation process from several areas of the hospital to maintain an adequate concen Delton students ready to roar Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer For one night only, the Delton Kellogg High School auditorium will be transformed into the plains of Africa as middle school stu­ dents bring to life the 1994 Disney musical “The Lion King.” Two shows will be performed Friday, March 15, at 5 and 7 p.m. The show will run roughly 40 minutes and will bring audiences into the world of “The Lion King.” It will include classic songs such as “Hakuna Matata” and the Academy Award-winning “Can You Feel the Love Tonight?” as well as additional songs penned for the Broadway production, such as “Be Prepared” and “I Just Can’t Wait to be King.” Admission is $5 per person or $20 for a household family. Tickets may be purchased ahead of time at Delton Kellogg Middle School. The musical, designed for elementa­ ry-school aged performers, is based on the Broadway production directed by Julie Taymor. The Delton Kellogg cast contains approximately 40 students. “The students have gone above and beyond this year,” director Anthony DeRosa said. “There has also been excitement in the com­ munity for the new theater program. We part­ nered with Wharton Center for Performing Arts and Disney to bring this program to life at Delton Kellogg Schools.” The cast includes students ranging from third to sixth grades, whose faces glow with excitement at the prospect of performing one of their favorite movies on stage for an audi­ ence. “It just sounded really fun,” fifth-grader Airyana Antolovich (Young Simba) said. “I even own all the ‘Lion King Movies.’” The show allowed for some students who may never have had on-stage experience to come out of their shells and experience some­ thing different. “All my sports were done, and I thought that this would be really fun because my older brother does theater too,” ithird-grader Emily Stevens (Young Nala) said. .The young actors admit to being nervous, but their faces show nothing but grins and smiles when asked about their upcoming per­ formance. “I wanted to try something new,” fourth-grader Dallas Belka (Scar) said. “I’m probably most nervous for my song [‘Be Prepared’], but I’m still really excited.” Some of the students seem to have been looking for opportunities to take the stage, and this rendition of “The Lion King” seems to be their chance. ;“There hasn’t been a decent stage produc­ tion or theater company here in a while, so I figured I’d give it a shot,” sixth-grader Erik Belka (Mufasa) said. “And I mean I love ‘The Lion King’ because it’s one of my favorite childhood movies.” According to DeRosa, all the third through HCB earns five-star rating The Delton Kellogg cast of “The Lion King” gleefully takes part in one of its last practices before taking the stage March 15. sixth grade students were polled to determine the musical they’d be most interested in per­ forming. “The Lion King” came out on top out of six different options. “This is the first year of a three-year project to help build sustainable theater programs in public schools,” DeRosa said, referencing the assistance received from both Disney and the Wharton Center. “Both provided free profes­ sional development, along with teaching art­ ists to assist teachers in the district. We have been working twice a week since November.” DeRosa also outlined the roadblocks the young company had when it came to piecing the show together. “Yes, there were a lot of challenges,” DeRosa said; “We have had a third of our rehearsals cancelled due to snow days. However, students were resilient and came to learn. We accomplished a lot during rehearsal because of this. They learned Swahili and Zulu for a few of the songs. This is also the first year of our program, so there has been a learning curve for the school team. The cast includes Bethany Butchbaker, Leyna Barnes, Izzie Gruber, Bella White, Jayden Dake, Erik Belka, Lucy Lester, Sophie Lebeck, Dallas Belka, Airyana Antolovich, Emily Stevens, Rachel Stevens, Maggie Martin, Jeffery Maple, Jillian Brandli, Kaylynn Zwar, Izzie Wendland, Sydney Dykstra, Alison Adams, Doug Bassett, Jonathon Bates, Katelyn Chase, Isabella Doubledee, Wednesday Erwine, Evan Fleser, Gabriella Gonzalez, Madison Gruber, Teagan Hamlin, Alex Hasman, Taryn Jenkins, Isaiah Kellogg, AJ Lorenz, Malachi Martin, Lillie Sehy, Grace Sheaffer, Alec Sinkler, Kelsy Watson, Willow White, Aubrey Yarger and Ava Yarger. In addition to DeRosa, the production crew includes musical director Amanda Sanlnocencio, choreographer/costumes Jennifer Ferguson, producer/costumes Amy Butchbaker, and stage manager Becky Annen. The bank rating firm BauerFinancial Inc. has announced that Highpoint Community Bank (formerly Hastings City Bank), has received a five-star rating for its continued financial excellence. Not only has Highpoint Community Bank earned Bauer’s highest rating for financial strength and stability, it has maintained that top rating for 38 consecutive quarters. Earning a five-star rating indicates this bank excels in areas of capital adequacy, profitability, asset quality and much more. “What I find particularly encouraging is that it’s community banks, like Highpoint Community Bank, that are achieving this status,” Karen Dorway, president of BauerFinancial, said. “Community banks base decisions on relationships, not just on numbers. We seem to be coming to a point where human interaction is regaining importance. Technology is an invaluable tool, but only when it enhances the customer experience. Highpoint Community Bank has never lost sight of that.” Highpoint Community Bank was established in 1886 and has been building personal relationships ever since. Today, 133 years later, it operates through seven offices in Bellevue, Caledonia, Hastings, Marshall, Middleville, Nashville and Wayland and can also be found online at highpointcommunitybank .com. NOW HIRING! We have a full-time opportunity for an experienced reporter who’s a good writer, cares about community journalism, and knows AP Style. Send your resume, three references and a few examples of your best work to editor@j-adgraphics.com. NOTICE The minutes of the meeting of the Barry County Board of Commissioners held March 12, 2019, are available in the County Clerk’s Office at 220 W. State St., Hastings, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or www.barrycounty.org. 114266 Jacob Gaylord Norris, Hastings and Alexis Mikayla Nelson, Bellevue Margarita Guadalupe Lopez Chavez, Hsatings and Rene Espinal Coronel, Hastings Dillon Grady Wollberg, Bellevue and Meggan Grace Muhle, Hale Thomas George Frith, Hastings and Carolyn Sue Frith, Battle Creek Mark Henrik Beerman, Dowling and Lisa Marie Vanravenswaay, Dowling Erika Michelle Perez, Hickory Comers and Spencer Cody Robinson, Hickory Corners Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS ' Same Day Installation' License #8110376 Office (269) 948-2248 & Insured Mobile (269) 838-5112 START A PRAIRIE THIS WINTER Broadcast seed onto bare dirt or dead grass. Clip the weeds this year. MONARCH & POLLINATOR MIXES osenbaugh's Prairie Seed Farms crp and prairie experts- Custom application available with 30, 40 °r 60 a*r seeders. need more growers and custom applicators using our equipment or yours. john@prairieseedfarms.com 641-766-6790 �Page 8 — Thursday, March 14, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD JONES Elaine Garlock The column returns. Last week a tiny kid­ ney stone caused big problems for this colum­ nist. Tonight, the Lake Odessa Historical Society meets at 7 at the museum on Emerson Street. President John Waite will talk about his recent trip to Iceland, an island of volcanoes and geysers. The public is invited. Sunday, March 17, the First Congregational Church will host the Rev. Dr. Marilyn Donaldson of Portland who will be delivering the sermon. She also will be speaking in April. The church welcomes visitors to its 10 a.m. service. The striped black and white wide awning on the Rogers building on Fourth Avenue at Second Street appears to be complete. It gives weather protection to both the future ice cream shop and Delectable Delights chocolate shop. Do you remember the longtime UPS man, Kevin? He was listed last week as the surviv­ ing son of Lake Odessa High School 1945 graduate Charlotte Malcolm Mills. United Methodist Women of Central UMC met Monday at the Sebewa home of Bonnie Leak. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP 2019 Budget Public Hearing Notice The Orangeville Township Board will hold a Public Hearing on the Proposed Budget for fiscal year 2019-2020 at the Orangeville Township Hall 7350 Lindsey Rd. Plainwell Mi. 49080: Tuesday March 26, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. The Property tax Millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be the subject of this hearing. Copy of the proposed budget will be available for public inspection at the Township office. The Orangeville Township Board will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services as required by the Disabilities Act. Americans with Disabilities Act; stating that if those with disabilities notify the clerk within 10 days prior to the meeting, accommodations will be furnished to satisfy such disabilities and allow meaningful attendance. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Clerk: Mel Risner; Home -672-2324 office- 269-664-4522. Thomas Rook Supervisor Orangeville Township 616-299-6019 114422 RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP Put together a professional team to help you reach goals As you work toward achieving your goals in life, you will need to make moves that con­ tain financial, tax and legal elements, so you may want to get some help - from more than one source. Specifically, you might want to put togeth­ er a team comprised of your financial advisor, your CPA or other tax professional, and your attorney. Together, this team can help you with many types of fmancial/tax/legal con­ nections. For starters, you may decide, possibly upon the recommendation of your financial advisor, to sell some investments and use the proceeds to buy others that may now be more appropri­ ate for your needs. If you sell some invest­ ments you’ve held for a year or less and real­ ize a capital gain on the sale, the gain general­ ly will be considered short-term and be taxed at your ordinary income tax rate. But if you’ve held the investments for more than a year before selling, your gain will likely be considered long-term and taxed at the lower, long-term capital gains rate, which can be 0%, 15% or 20%, or a combination of those rates. On the other hand, if you sell an investment and realize a capital loss, you may be able to apply the loss to offset gains realized by sell­ ing other, more profitable investments and also potentially offset some of your ordinary income. So, as you can see, the questions potentially raised by investment sales “Should I sell?” “If so, when?” “If I take some losses, how much will they benefit me at tax time?” - may also be of importance to your tax advisor, who will need to account for sales in your overall tax picture. As such, it’s a good idea for your tax and financial advi­ sors to communicate about any investment sales you make. Your tax and financial advisors also may want to be in touch on other issues, such as your contributions to a retirement plan. For example, if you are self-employed or own a small business, and you contribute to a SEPIRA - which is funded with pre-tax dollars, so the more you contribute, the lower your tax­ able income - your financial advisor can report to your tax advisor (with your permis­ sion) how much you’ve contributed at given points in a year, and your tax advisor can then let you know how much more you might need to add to move into a lower tax bracket, or at least avoid being bumped up to a higher one. Your financial advisor will be the one to rec­ ommend the investments you use to fund your SEP-IRA. Your financial advisor can also help you choose the investment or insurance vehicles that can fund an estate-planning arrangement, such as an irrevocable living trust. But to establish that trust in the first place, and to make sure it conforms to all applicable laws, you will want to work with an attorney expe­ rienced in planning estates. Your tax profes­ sional may also need to be brought in. Again, communication between your various advi­ sors is essential. These are but a few of the instances in which your financial, tax and legal profes­ sionals should talk to each other. So, do what you can to open these lines of communication - because you’ll be one who ultimately bene­ fits from this teamwork. Edward Jones, its employees and financial The Michigan Department of Environmental Quality recently announced the funding of $2.5 million in grants to develop new uses for used vehicle tires across the state and to sup­ port increased law enforcement activities within the city of Detroit. When illegal dumping in the environment occurs, scrap tires pose both a fire hazard and a human health risk as a mosquito breeding ground. These grants help reduce or eliminate instances of illegal dumping, support proper collection and handling, and begin to define scrap tires as a commodity, rather than a waste material. The recently awarded scrap tire grants support building sustainable markets for recy­ cled tire materials in Michigan. Grants have traditionally included support for essential equipment and materials that aid in the estab­ lishment of new markets, including various manufacturing processes, implementation and testing of paving materials, energy genera­ tion, and other innovative approaches. These grants contribute to a more sustain­ able business model for the scrap tire industry through increased market opportunities for scrap tire processors, end users, and manufac­ turers. The DetroiFPolice Department was award­ ed a $232,000 grant. The city of Detroit cov­ ers 142.9 square miles, and the dumping of scrap tires is a significant issue. The grant has NOTICE OF ZONING PUBLIC HEARING AT APRIL 3. 2019 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE the Rutland Charter Township Planning Commis­ sion will hold a public hearing at its regular meeting on April 3, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rutland Charter Township Hall located at 2461 Heath Road, within the Charter Township of Rutland, Barry County, Michigan. The purpose of this public hearing is to consider the following: 1. On application of the YMCA of Barry County, the proposed amendment of the Zoning Map of Rutland Charter Township, as made part of Chapter 220 of the Rutland Charter Township Code by § 220-3-2, so as to rezone the following five parcels from the MDR Medium Density Residential, HDR High Density Residential and CR Country Residential zoning districts to the PRC Parks/Recreation/Camps District: • Parcel no. 13-050-076-00. • Parcel no. 13-001-020-15. • Parcel no. 13-070-002-00. • Parcel no. 13-002-014-00. •Parcel no. 13-002-002-00. 2. The proposed amendment of § 220-15-1 of the Rutland Charter Township Code (Schedule of Regulations) to add a new footnote 7 pertaining to the minimum yard requirements in the PRC Parks/Recreation/Camps District, authorizing the Planning Commission/Zoning Administrator to approve a reduced lake-side setback for accessory buildings/structures pursuant to certain standards. Written comments concerning the above matters may be mailed to the Rut­ land Charter Township Clerk at the Rutland Charter Township Hall at any time prior to this public hearing/meeting, and may further be submitted to the Plan­ ning Commission at the public hearing/meeting. The Rutland Charter Township Code, Master Plan, existing Zoning Map, and the Tentative Text of the above-referenced proposed Zoning text amendment(s), and a map showing the property proposed for rezoning, may be examined by contacting the Rutland Charter Township Clerk at the Township Hall during regular business hours on regular business days maintained by the Township offices from and after the publication of this Notice and until and including the day of the hearing/meeting, and further may be examined at the hearing/ meeting. The Planning Commission reserves the right to modify any of the pro­ posed text/map amendments at or following the hearing/meeting and to make its recommendations accordingly to the Township Board. Rutland Charter Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services at the meeting/hearing to individuals with disabilities, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered, upon reasonable notice to the Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township Clerk as designated below. Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Rutland Charter Township 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 948-2194 ____ O 1qtacvc LJ VlviJ ____ The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. Apple Inc. AT&T Chemical Fin Chevron Deere & Co. Exxon Mobil Flowserve CP Ford Motor Co. General Electric Co. General Motors Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP Perrigo Co. Pfizer Inc. Spartannash Comp Stryker TCF Financial Corp. Walmart Inc. Walt Disney Co Whirl Pool Corp Gold Silver Dow Jones 180.91 30.63 42.84 123.90 159.14 80.00 44.54 8.57 9.76 38.62 184.00 139.18 54.16 113.62 47.18 41.73 16.64 190.80 21.52 98.37 114.73 141.01 +5.38 +.68 -2.60 +.61 -2.31 -.19 +.76 -.20 -.13 -.66 unchngd +41 -.61 +1.92 -2.53 -1.16 -1.59 +.87 -1.22 +.03 +.73 -.90 $1,301.92 $16.40 25,555 +$14.09 +1.18 -252 DEQ awards $2.5 million for scrap tire program BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN TO: advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor If you have any questions, contact MarkD. Christensen at 269-945-3553. Understanding phobias Dr. Universe: Why do we get phobias? Ryan, 13, Hillarys, Western Australia Dear Ryan, We all experience fear in our lives. It is a useful tool that helps humans and other animals survive. I happen to be afraid of dogs, thunderstorms and water. But fears are quite different from phobias. A phobia is an intense fear of an object or situation, often one that you actually don’t need to fear. It can create a lot of anxiety. It can cause your heart rate to speed up, make it hard to breathe, and trigger nervousness, vomiting, sweating or dizziness. Phobias usually fall into four groups. That’s what I found out from my friend Jake Zimmerman, who teaches abnormal psychology and is getting his Ph.D. at Washington State University. One of the groups is animal phobias. This includes things like dogs, insects and spiders. Another group is environmental phobias, like fear of heights, storms and water. Body phobias include fear of things such as getting shots or seeing blood. Finally, there are phobias related to situations such as flying in an airplane, riding an elevator or going to the dentist. Just as there are many kinds of phobias, there are many reasons why someone might develop one. Zimmerman explained that a person’s chance of developing a phobia can sometimes be passed down from previous generations. Just as we get our hair color and eye color from information that’s passed down to us through our parents’ genetic code, we also can get a code that makes us more likely to develop intense anxiety or phobias. Zimmerman added that phobias might develop from a person’s negative experience with an object or situation. For example, if you were bit by a dog, it could lead to a phobia. But a phobia also may come from observation — seeing something bad or scary happen to someone else or maybe even on the television. A lot of people tend to have phobias about animals or nature. Your human ancestors really did have to watch out for poisonous snakes, spiders and big animals with sharp teeth. An authentic sense of fear helped them survive. “We are descendants of people who didn’t get too close to the edge,” Zimmerman said. While some phobias are really intense, they can often be treated by slowly and repeatedly exposing people to the object they fear. Zimmerman said that for most people, a phobia will develop pretty early in life — before age 15. It’s common to fear something when you are young and then eventually stop fearing it as you get older. We’ve come up with quite a long list of names for phobias. Basophobia is a fear of falling, mysophobia is the fear of germs, thalassophobia is fear of the ocean, cynophobia is the fear of dogs, and coulrophobia is the fear of clowns — just to name a few. Oh, and ailurophobia? That’s a fear of cats. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University's resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. three goals: to increase DPD’s capability to inspect tire shops independently of MDEQ; to continue implementation of preventative measures by purchasing and installing camer­ as at known dumping locations; and to pre­ vent future dumping by raising awareness in the tire industry, among scrap tire haulers and in the community. The City of Mackinaw Island will receive $61,772 to be used for the development of a closed-loop system for collecting, processing and utilizing waste glass generated on Mackinaw Island as aggregate for use in road repairs, in conjunction with scrap tire rubber material containing GreenDeck Repair Solution. GreenDeck material containing Michigan scrap tires and glass generated on Mackinaw Island will be utilized as aggregate to repair approximately 900 feet of Market Street and study how well it resists rutting. Cobalt Holdings LLC, of Sturgis was awarded $491,250 to be used for expansion and processing improvements including replacing a 20-year-old shredder, adding a second shredder, installing a new rasper and upgrading a cracker mill. Processing is esti­ mated to increase monthly by 25 to 35 percent with these improvements. Entech Inc., Middlebury, Ind. will receive $1,237,561 to be used for installation of two tire shredding systems and auxiliary equip­ ment to process high wire chips. The chips will be processed into wire, tire derived fuel chips and crumb rubber. Wire recovered from this process will be melted and sold as ingots to foundries in Michigan and other Midwestern states. The facility estimates annual capacity of 50,000 to 70,000 tons of wire/chip produc­ tion (50,000 tons would be equivalent to approximately 4.5 million passenger car tires). The Marquette County Solid Waste Management Authority is earmarked for a $202,296 grant. Funds will be used for the installation of two tire shredders. MCWMA is centrally located in the Upper Peninsula and is a licensed solid waste disposal facility. Scrap tires will be processed and utilized as daily cover at the landfill. Additional market opportunities for processed tire material will also be explored. Kent County Road Commission will receive $241,876. This will fund a project utilizing advanced surface-treated ground tire rubber-modified asphalt to be done in con­ junction with Michigan Technological University. The project will be paving Cascade Rd. from Burton St. to 28th St. (Cascade Township), equating to a half mile with a width of 60 feet. Half of the project will uti­ lize polymer-modified asphalt emulsion to be compared with the half that will utilize emul­ sified rubber. The project will use more than 3,200 scrap tires. Scrap Tire Market Development Study was awarded $50,000. A request for proposals will be offered to secure third-party development of a scrap tire market study. The purpose of this study is to help determine where future Market Development Grant funds are best directed to develop scrap tire commodity mar­ kets other than TDF, and ensure the continu­ ing success of the Scrap Tire Regulatory Program. More information about Michigan’s Scrap Tire Program can be found at michigan.gov/ scraptires. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 14, 2019 — Page 9 and columns o m the Hast TURNING BflGK THt PAGES 1917 Banner shared stories of early wagon, stagecoach travel : 1836 SETTLEMENT. .FOUNDED IN < ■ ■ . ‘OOLA'OOS - . IS ' : '■ ' NEAR HERE,ON THE BANKS OF THIS RITE .OOWN TO iTO,;OS ' TRADERS AS IN THE 0TTrf\T»g^iffl«O ■■ ■ ■ THE RED MEN FROM ---------ERECTED- 'WIgWMS AND BURIED TH E < -------- ----- BA RRY COUNT Y PION EER ■ SOCII ERE C T ED TH IS ■ MI MOR IA L INi* • r. . 1914 '."-I?.--.-. ■. The Bull’s Prairie settlement is indicated by a marker above the Thornapple River in Rutland Township. The prairies of Barry County attracted set­ tiers looking to homestead here. The flat, rich lands of Scales Prairie near Middleville and Bull’s Prairie, now the site of the county fair­ grounds, were the first occupied. They were accessible by early stages that traversed the routes from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo and to Battle Creek. < Some of that early stage travel information has been preserved, and people today can still step into the Bristol Inn at Historic Charlton Park, which once housed or fed weary stage travelers between Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. Some early stories are not as well known. A chance encounter, a pair of skeptic stage driv­ ers, and a hungry crew that helped mobilize a wagon transporting food were revealed in a March 15, 1917, Banner: When First wagon came to Hastings Was hauled over trail by oxen from Bull’s Prairie Brought food for men working on tavern Interesting historical incidents related by Joseph Bray, Thornapple Twp. pioneer Joseph Bray, one of the pioneer residents of Thomapple Township, now residing northeast of this city, recalls several interesting incic dents of early history in Barry County as related to him by participants. None of them [the incidents] have ever before appeared in print. They gave interesting glimpses of life । when this county was first opened for settle­ ment. On June 12, 1835, Elias Hill, afterward ; known as Squire, and Henry Leonard, both i landlookers from the East, crossed the beauti­ ful piece of land known as Scales Prairie and stood on the riverbank where the village of , Middleville now stands. They were charmed with the scene and so greatly pleased with the quality of the land that they decided to obtain government patents for the tract. ' On the prairie, they saw Indian women k hoeing com with clumsy hoes that resembled mattocks. The corn was of good quality, and the newcomers were sure they had found just the right kind of land they wanted. On every side were great oak trees several feet in diam­ eter. The prairie appeared like a park, for the trees stood two or three on an acre, or in irreg­ ular groups, offering distant views of great beauty. The travelers were afoot, and they started immediately for the distant land office in Bronson, now Kalamazoo. Their route lay through Allegan, where they stopped for the night at a tavern. In the evening, a stranger named Brown, an elderly man, arrived and applied for lodgings. The country was full of landlookers and the hotel was crowded. Here, two men formed one of those chance acquain­ tances that often determine the fortunes of life. There were no beds for Brown or Hill, two of the oldest men in the crowded tavern. The proprietor, noting that some of the young men had beds, made two of them give up their couch to Hill and Brown. Then began a friendship between the two men, both of whom were afterward known as “Squire.” They soon discovered that they were both residents of the same county in New York. Mr. Brown confided in his companion that he was looking for government land. Mr. Hill told him about the land he had seen on the Thornapple that day. “If you will buy a piece of it,” Hill said, “and are not satisfied with it, I will buy it of you when I return home, since I haven’t the money with me now.” Such was the confidence in those days that Mr. Brown bought the land. Mr. Hill pur­ chased a tract of 400 acres at $1.25 per acre. This land today is of great value. Henry Leonard also bought a large tract, and when he and Hill returned to take up their claims, they opened their homes and accom­ modated travelers, for the famous “Gull Trail” between Gull Comers - now Richland - and Grand Rapids lay across their lands. This was the ancient land of the red men, and it became a state route as soon as the country was opened for settlement. Mr. Brown also came and took up his land and lived there many years. He was the father of Alva Brown, now a well-known resident of Grand Rapids. His farm is now owned by A.L. Cridler. Henry Leonard’s tavern near the old river ford about three-quarters of a mile below Peter McNaughton was the proprietor of the Oak Grove House, which served travelers on the stage road between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. Middleville, was a stopping place for stages, which were driven through the river at this place. As the country became settled, a bridge was built and the road improved near the tav­ ern. The bridge was regarded with suspicion by stage drivers, who were reluctant about giving up their customary dash through the river at the ford. Edward Campau and a man named Nesbitt, of Ada, were two of the prin­ cipal drivers on the road. Mr. Leonard, who had labored hard to have the bridge built, desired to have the drivers make use of the bridge. He urged Mr. Campau to make the first trip across the new structure. When Campau and Nesbitt were driving to Middleville the next day, Campau proposed that they should cross the bridge. Nesbitt declined and took the road to the ford. Suspecting that there was a trick of some kind, Campau whipped up his horses and dashed full speed along the new road and across the bridge to the tavern. The mail, which he had brought with him, was half sort­ ed when Nesbitt’s stage came racing up to the tavern. Campau, however, had so effectively demonstrated the superiority of the new route, that it was used thereafter. The first wagon was driven into the Hastings settlement by George Cisler, brother of the late Joseph Cisler, of Middleville. Cisler was in the employ of A.E. Bull, who had sold his store at White Pigeon and taken up 1,000 acres of land tn Rutland and Irving. Mr. Bull had, when he first came, a supply of flour, crackers and salt pork for sale. In the Hastings settlemerif were some men from Marshall who were working on a log house for Slocum H. Bunker, the first settler. They ate all of their provisions and were very hun­ gry. They had heard that Mr. Bull had a supply of provisions at his settlement, and one of them went afoot to Bull’s prairie to find out if he could find the means of relieving the fam­ ine. Bull and Cisler loaded a wagon with some crackers and pork and soon started along a trail on the north side of the river for Hastings. This trail was the original course of the pres­ ent road. The oxen made their ways with dif­ ficulty along the path. Many times, the wagon nearly tipped over, but the greatest obstacles encountered were the small spring runs and their miry beds. The wheels sank to their hubs, and Bull and Cisler assisted the patient animals in tugging and pulling the wagon. Cisler kept silent like a model employee, while Bull swore at the difficulties encoun­ tered in the new country. Progress was very slow. Darkness came, and the group of workmen LEGAL NOTICES STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FILE NO. 19-28147-NC In the matter of Matthew Merle Smith. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS including: whose address(es) is/are unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on March 27, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at 206 W. Court St., #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge Hon. William M. Doherty P41960 for the following purpose: Petition for a Name change of Matthew Merle Smith to be changed to Matisyahu Shalom Goldstein. * Matthew Merle Smith 717 Wild Pond Court Middleville, Ml 49333 (269) 953-0978 114292 Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads in Hastings grew hungrier and hungrier. They became impatient and sent several of their number out on the trail to meet Bull and his supplies. They greatly assisted in getting the wagon across the miry places, and the party arrived in the settlement very late at night. The men rushed upon the food and estab­ lished a long-remembered record for the amount of pork and crackers they ate, or rath­ er devoured. This was the beginning of wheeled transportation into Hastings. Mr. Bray resided for many years upon the fertile land of Scales Prairie, upon which he settled in 1856 or 1857. He paid for it the sum of $4 per acre. Land on the prairie now sells for $150 and more per acre. Randy Gladstone, who has been active with the Barry County Historical Society, posted an obituary for Phebe Campau on the website findagrave.com. The obit was published in the 1908 Michigan Pioneer and Historical Society book. Some readers, may be surprised to learn of Mrs. Campau’s connection to Barry County. was spent among the sand dunes of the Gun Lake vicinity. Her pioneer life was in the Yankee Springs “tavern,” where at times 100 people have stopped overnight. The tavern was “seven stories,” all on the ground. It was there she met her husband, one of the stage drivers between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. It was there she was married and from there she went to her husband’s home on that same route a mile south of Whitneyville on the road from Grand Rapids to Hastings, where Campau drove for a time. Mrs. Campau was a frequent visitor in Hastings, where she renewed the acquaintances of early life and where she was always a welcome guest. She leaves an only son, FrankE. Campau*, cashier of the Farmers State Bank of Alto, and a sis­ ter, Mrs. M.M. Hoyt of Kalamazoo, and sev­ eral cousins still living in this county. Mrs. Campau was a communicant of Emmanuel church, Hastings. She was kindhearted, gen­ erous and sympathetic, greatly loved by her neighbors and will be deeply mourned by a large circle of friends.” “Mrs. Phebe Elizabeth Campau, wife of the late Edward Campau, died Feb. 11, 1907, at her home in Alaska, Kent County. She was one of the pioneers of the state. Bom in Wethersfield, Wyoming County, N.Y., July 12,1827, she came to Michigan with her par­ ents in 1836 and settled with them at Yankee Springs, Barry County. Phebe Lewis was the daughter of Yankee Bill Lewis of Yankee Springs, who used to keep “tavern” at the Springs, the halfway house between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. Here, early life The headstone for Edward Campau lists his lifespan of 1825-1906. The above article does not say when the Middleville bridge was built, but Campau must have been fairly young when he drove the stagecoach, given that the Hills were in Middleville in the mid19308. Edward Campau and Phebe Lewis were married in 1846, five years before Yankee Bill Lewis died. The Campaus are buried at the Alaska Cemetery in Kent County. 114268 RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED AMENDMENT OF 2005 MASTER PLAN (FUTURE LAND USE MAP) AT APRIL 3, 2019 MEETING Please take notice the Rutland Charter Township Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on a proposed amendment of the 2005 Rutland Charter Township Master Plan at its regular meeting on April 3, 2019, at 7:30 p.m., at the Rutland Charter Township Hall/offices located at 2461 Heath Road, within the Charter Township of Rutland, Barry County, Michigan. The purpose of this public hearing is to receive public comments on a proposed amendment of the Rutland Charter Township 2005 Master Plan Future Land Use Map. This proposed Future Land Use Map amendment involves four parcels which presently have a Medium Density Residential or High Density Residential planning classification on the existing Future Land Use Map: parcel nos. 13-050-076-00, 13-001-020-15, 13-070-002-00, and 13-002-014-00. The area of all four of these parcels owned by the YMCA of Barry County is proposed to be changed to the Parks/Recreation planning classification on the Future Land Use Map. Note: a fifth contiguous parcel also owned by the YMCA of Barry County (parcel no. 13-002-002-00) presently has a Parks/Recreation planning classification on the existing Future Land Use Map. The proposed amendment of the Future Land Use Map, if approved by the Township, will assign the same planning classification (Parks/Recreation) to all of the subject parcels associated with the Camp Algonquin summer camp. This proposed amendment of the Future Land Use Map is related to a pending application of the YMCA of Barry County to rezone all five of these parcels to the Parks/Recreation/Camps District on the Zoning Map, which is also scheduled for public hearing at this Planning Commission meeting. Subsequent to this public hearing, at the same meeting or at a different meeting, the Planning Commission will consider whether to approve the proposed amendment of the Master Plan and submit it for approval by the Rutland Charter Township Board, which has reserved the right of final approval of all matters pertaining to the Master Plan. The Planning Commission and Township Board reserve the right to revise the proposed amendment of the Master Plan as submitted for public hearing before final approval, to the extent allowed by law. The proposed amendment of the Master Plan, and the legal descriptions of the parcels under consideration, may be examined by contacting the Clerk of Rutland Charter Township at her office during regular business hours on regular business days until and including the day of the hearing/meeting, and further may be examined at the hearing/meeting. Written comments concerning the proposed amendment of the Master Plan may be submitted to the Rutland Charter Township Planning Commission c/o the Rutland Charter Township Clerk at any time prior to this public hearing/ meeting leaving sufficient time for the receipt and distribution of same to the Planning Commission, and may also be submitted to the Planning Commission at this public hearing/meeting. Necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services will be provided at the hearing/meeting to individuals with disabilities, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered, upon reasonable notice to the Rutland Charter Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Rutland Charter Township Clerk. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION c/o Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Rutland Charter Township 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 948-2194 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 14, 2019 — Page 9 HI VllU IIUVIHII t- TURNING BACK THE PAGES 1917 Banner shared stories of early wagon, stagecoach travel •tM- NEAR'.HEREWASTHEBULLSyP a.e.bl'i i> or Massachusetts; 'EAR HERE, ON THE BANKS OF THIS RIA ■?AW1 Tv t;tt . RABERS THE RED MEN -FROM TIMES IMMEMORI ERECTED WIGWAMS, PLANTED GARDE! THE ' V / BARRY COUNTY PIONEER. SOC ERECTED THIS MEMORIAL IN < . - , V ' 1 .■■■■’■' ■ <vvT-’ V’-v; v/v V'. j TV ■ ’ ;v- ;. s?vvv. ' : -■ ■ ■ The Bull’s Prairie settlement is indicated by a marker above the Thornapple River in Rutland Township. side were great oak trees several feet in diam­ eter. The prairie appeared like a park, for the trees stood two or three on an acre, or in irreg­ ular groups, offering distant views of great beauty. The travelers were afoot, and they started immediately for the distant land office in Bronson, now Kalamazoo. Their route lay through Allegan, where they stopped for the night at a tavern. In the evening, a stranger named Brown, an elderly man, arrived and applied for lodgings. The country was full of landlookers and the hotel was crowded. Here, two men formed one of those chance acquain­ tances that often determine the fortunes of life. There were no beds for Brown or Hill, two of the oldest men in the crowded tavern. The proprietor, noting that some of the young men had beds, made two of them give up their couch to Hill and Brown. Then began a friendship between the two men, both of When First wagon came to Hastings whom were afterward known as “Squire.” Was hauled over trail by oxen from They soon discovered that they were both Bull’s Prairie residents of the same county in New York. Mr. Brought food for men working on tavern Brown confided in his companion that he was looking for government land. Mr. Hill told Interesting historical incidents related by Joseph Bray, Thornapple Twp. pioneer him about the land he had seen on the Thornapple that day. Joseph Bray, one of the pioneer residents of “If you will buy a piece of it,” Hill said, Thomapple Township, now residing northeast “and are not satisfied with it, I will buy it of of this city, recalls several interesting inci­ you when I return home, since I haven’t the , dents of early history in Barry County as money with me now.” related to him by participants. None of them Such was the confidence in those days that [the incidents] have ever before appeared in Mr. Brown bought the land. Mr. Hill pur­ print. They gave interesting glimpses of life chased a tract of 400 acres at $1.25 per acre. , when this county was first opened for settle­ This land today is of great value. ment. Henry Leonard also bought a large tract, On June 12, 1835, Elias Hill, afterward and when he and Hill returned to take up their known as Squire, and Henry Leonard, both claims, they opened their homes and accom­ 1. landlookers from the East, crossed the beauti­ modated travelers, for the famous “Gull Trail” ful piece of land known as Scales Prairie and between Gull Corners - now Richland - and stood on the riverbank where the village of Grand Rapids lay across their lands. This was , Middleville now stands. They were charmed the ancient land of the red men, and it became with the scene and so greatly pleased with the a state route as soon as the country was quality of the land that they decided to obtain opened for settlement. Mr. Brown also came government patents for the tract. ' and took up his land and lived there many On the prairie, they saw Indian women years. He was the father of Alva Brown, now v hoeing corn with clumsy hoes that resembled a well-known resident of Grand Rapids. His mattocks. The corn was of good quality, and farm is now owned by A.L. Cridler. the newcomers were sure they had found just Henry Leonard’s tavern near the old river the right kind of land they wanted. On every ford about three-quarters of a mile below The prairies of Barry County attracted set­ tlers looking to homestead here. The flat, rich lands of Scales Prairie near Middleville and Bull’s Prairie, now the site of the county fair­ grounds, were the first occupied. They were accessible by early stages that traversed the routes from Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo and to Battle Creek. < Some of that early stage travel information has been preserved, and people today can still step into the Bristol Inn at Historic Charlton Park, which once housed or fed weary stage travelers between Battle Creek and Kalamazoo. Some early stories are not as well known. A chance encounter, a pair of skeptic stage driv­ ers, and a hungry crew that helped mobilize a wagon transporting food were revealed in a March 15, 1917, Banner: Peter McNaughton was the proprietor of the Oak Grove House, which served travelers on the stage road between Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. Middleville, was a stopping place for stages, in Hastings grew hungrier and hungrier. They was spent among the sand dunes of the Gun which were driven through the river at this became impatient and sent several of their Lake vicinity. Her pioneer life was in the place. As the country became settled, a bridge number out on the trail to meet Bull and his Yankee Springs, “tavern,” where at times 100 was built and the road improved near the tav­ supplies. They greatly assisted in getting the people have stopped overnight. The tavern ern. The bridge was regarded with suspicion . wagon across the miry places, and the party was “seven stories,” all on the ground. It was by stage drivers, who were reluctant about arrived in the settlement very late at night. there she met her husband, one of the stage giving up their customary dash through the The men rushed upon the food and estab­ drivers between Kalamazoo and Grand river at the ford. Edward Campau and a man lished a long-remembered record for the Rapids. It was there she was married and from named Nesbitt, of Ada, were two of the prin­ amount of pork and crackers they ate, or rath­ there she went to her husband’s home on that cipal drivers on the road. er devoured. This was the beginning of same route a mile south of Whitneyville on Mr. Leonard, who had labored hard to have wheeled transportation into Hastings. the road from Grand Rapids to Hastings, the bridge built, desired to have the drivers Mr. Bray resided for many years upon the where Campau drove for a time. Mrs. Campau make use of the bridge. He urged Mr. Campau fertile land of Scales Prairie, upon which he was a frequent visitor in Hastings, where she to make the first trip across the new structure. settled in 1856 or 1857. He paid for it the sum renewed the acquaintances of early life and When Campau and Nesbitt were driving to of $4 per acre. Land on the prairie now sells where she was always a welcome guest. She Middleville the next day, Campau proposed for $150 and more per acre. leaves an only son, Frank E. Campau, cashier that they should cross the bridge. Nesbitt of the Farmers State Bank of Alto, and a sis­ declined and took the road to the ford. Randy Gladstone, who has been active with ter, Mrs. M.M. Hoyt of Kalamazoo, and sev­ Suspecting that there was a trick of some the Barry County Historical Society, posted eral cousins still living in this county. Mrs. kind, Campau whipped up his horses and an obituary for Phebe Campau on the website Campau was a communicant of Emmanuel dashed full speed along the new road and findagrave.com. The obit was published in the church, Hastings. She was kindhearted, gen­ across the bridge to the tavern. The mail, 1908 Michigan Pioneer and Historical Society erous and sympathetic, greatly loved by her which he had brought with him, was half sort­ book. Some readers, may be surprised to learn neighbors and will be deeply mourned by a ed when Nesbitt’s stage came racing up to the of Mrs. Campau’s connection to Barry County. large circle of friends.” tavern. Campau, however, had so effectively demonstrated the superiority of the new route, “Mrs. Phebe Elizabeth Campau, wife of the The headstone for Edward Campau lists his that it was used thereafter. late Edward Campau, died Feb. 11, 1907, at lifespan of 1825-1906. The above article does The first wagon was driven into the her home in Alaska, Kent County. She was not say when the Middleville bridge was Hastings settlement by George Cisler, brother one of the pioneers of the state. Bom in built, but Campau must have been fairly of the late Joseph Cisler, of Middleville. Wethersfield, Wyoming County, N.Y., July young when he drove the stagecoach, given Cisler was in the employ of A.E. Bull, who 12, 1827, she came to Michigan with her par­ that the Hills were in Middleville in the midhad sold his store at White Pigeon and taken ents in 1836 and settled with them at Yankee 19308. up 1,000 acres of land in Rutland and Irving. Springs, Barry County. Phebe Lewis was the Edward Campau and Phebe Lewis were Mr. Bull had, when he first came, a supply of daughter of Yankee Bill Lewis of Yankee married in 1846, five years before Yankee Bill flour, crackers and salt pork for sale. In the Springs, who used to keep “tavern” at the Lewis died. Hastings settlement were some men from Springs, the halfway house between The Campaus are buried at the Alaska Marshall who were working on a log house Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids. Here, early life Cemetery in Kent County. for Slocum H. Bunker, the first settler. They 114268 ate all of their provisions and were very hun­ RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION gry. They had heard that Mr. Bull had a supply of provisions at his settlement, and one of BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN them went afoot to Bull’s prairie to find out if he could find the means of relieving the fam­ NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED AMENDMENT ine. OF 2005 MASTER PLAN (FUTURE LAND USE MAP) AT Bull and Cisler loaded a wagon with some APRIL 3, 2019 MEETING crackers and pork and soon started along a trail on the north side of the river for Hastings. Please take notice the Rutland Charter Township Planning Commission will This trail was the original course of the pres­ hold a public hearing on a proposed amendment of the 2005 Rutland Charter ent road. The oxen made their ways with dif­ Township Master Plan at its regular meeting on April 3, 2019, at 7:30 p.m., at ficulty along the path. Many times, the wagon the Rutland Charter Township Hall/offices located at 2461 Heath Road, within nearly tipped over, but the greatest obstacles the Charter Township of Rutland, Barry County, Michigan. encountered were the small spring runs and The purpose of this public hearing is to receive public comments on a proposed their miry beds. The wheels sank to their amendment of the Rutland Charter Township 2005 Master Plan Future Land hubs, and Bull and Cisler assisted the patient Use Map. This proposed Future Land Use Map amendment involves four animals in tugging and pulling the wagon. parcels which presently have a Medium Density Residential or High Density Cisler kept silent like a model employee, Residential planning classification on the existing Future Land Use Map: parcel while Bull swore at the difficulties encoun­ nos. 13-050-076-00, 13-001-020-15, 13-070-002-00, and 13-002-014-00. tered in the new country. Progress was very The area of all four of these parcels owned by the YMCA of Barry County is slow. proposed to be changed to the Parks/Recreation planning classification on the Darkness came, and the group of workmen Future Land Use Map. Note: a fifth contiguous parcel also owned by the YMCA of Barry County (parcel no. 13-002-002-00) presently has a Parks/Recreation planning classification on the existing Future Land Use Map. The proposed amendment of the Future Land Use Map, if approved by the Township, will assign the same planning classification (Parks/Recreation) to all of the subject parcels associated with the Camp Algonquin summer camp. This proposed amendment of the Future Land Use Map is related to a pending application of the YMCA of Barry County to rezone all five of these parcels to the Parks/Recreation/Camps District on the Zoning Map, which is also scheduled for public hearing at this Planning Commission meeting. Subsequent to this public hearing, at the same meeting or at a different STATE OF MICHIGAN meeting, the Planning Commission will consider whether to approve the PROBATE COURT proposed amendment of the Master Plan and submit it for approval by the COUNTY OF BARRY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING Rutland Charter Township Board, which has reserved the right of final approval FILE NO. 19-28147-NC of all matters pertaining to the Master Plan. The Planning Commission and In the matter of Matthew Merle Smith. Township Board reserve the right to revise the proposed amendment of the TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS including: Master Plan as submitted for public hearing before final approval, to the extent whose address(es) is/are unknown and whose allowed by law. interest in the matter may be barred or affected by The proposed amendment of the Master Plan, and the legal descriptions the following: of the parcels under consideration, may be examined by contacting the Clerk TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on March of Rutland Charter Township at her office during regular business hours on 27, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. at 206 W. Court St., #302, regular business days until and including the day of the hearing/meeting, and Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge Hon. William M. further may be examined at the hearing/meeting. Doherty P41960 for the following purpose: Petition for a Name change of Matthew Merle Written comments concerning the proposed amendment of the Master Plan Smith to be changed to Matisyahu Shalom may be submitted to the Rutland Charter Township Planning Commission c/o Goldstein. the Rutland Charter Township Clerk at any time prior to this public hearing/ Matthew Merle Smith meeting leaving sufficient time for the receipt and distribution of same to the 717 Wild Pond Court Planning Commission, and may also be submitted to the Planning Commission Middleville, Ml 49333 at this public hearing/meeting. (269) 953-0978 114292 Necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services will be provided at the hearing/meeting to individuals with disabilities, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered, upon reasonable notice to the Rutland Charter Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Rutland Charter Township Clerk. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION c/o Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Rutland Charter Township 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 948-2194 LEGAL NOTICES Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads �Page 10 — Thursday, March 14, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Kiwanis honors young citizens at local schools Central Elementary School’s citizens of the month are (front, from left) Sienna Gunn, Kylee Sinclair, Nathan Traver and Lilly Coykendall. Joining them for the photo are teachers (back) Jill Smith and Chris Andrews. Johnnie Jacobs (left) and John Gustafson (right) are citizens of the month at St. Rose School. They are pictured with secretary Kelly Maurer. The Kiwanis Club of Hastings honors young citizens of the month at Hastings schools throughout the school year. Snow days interfered with some of the recognition but didn’t stop youngsters from being stellar students. The citizens of the month are selected by fifth grade teachers at the elementary schools, sixth grade teacher at St. Rose, and by teachers at all grade levels at the middle school. Citizens of the month for December and January include: Central Elementary - Lilly Coykendall, daughter of Michael and Lisa Coykendall; Sienna Gunn, daughter of Ashlee and Rickie Gunn; Kylee Sinclair, daughter of Cameron Clinton and Scott Sinclair; and Nathan Traver, son of Jeffrey Traver and Stacey Martin. Northeastern Elementary - Daniel Jensen, son of Mike and Debbie Jensen; Jaden Marble, daughter of Rodger Marble and Julie Marble; Maylee Olin, daughter of Shawn and Michelle Olin; and Malachi VanEngen, son of Casey and Kailey VanEngen. Star School - Carlos Gonzalez-Perez, son of Felipe Gonzalez and Maribel Perez; Esther King, daughter of Michael King and Cynthia King; AJ Kohmescher, son of Eric and Sarah Citizens of the month at Hastings Middle School include (front row, from left) Devlin Tait, Heaven Simmet, Natalie Minch, Haiden Simmet, Jack Kensington, Joe Goggins, counselor Pam Cole; (back) Marisa Hilton, Jordyn Winters, Lily Comensoli, Olivia White and Gabrielle Horrmann. (Erin Daniels was not available for the photo.) Teachers (left) Katie §anchez and (right) Stacey Cook are pictured with Southeastern Elementary School’s citizens of the month (from left) Tanner Hill, Jalynn Fletcher, Parker Stephens and Odin Twiss. Kohmescher; and Bayley Smith, daughter of John Smith and Amanda Smith. St Rose - John Gustafson, son of Angie Solomon and Steve Funk; and Johnnie Jacobs, son of Sara and John Jacobs. Southeastern Elementary - Jalynn Fletcher, daughter of Dominique Fletcher; Tanner Hill, son of Rachelle and Michael Hill; Parker Stephens, son of Jerry Edmonds and Heather Worm; and Odin Twiss, son of Adam and Sunshine Twiss. Hastings Middle School - Lily Comensoli, daughter of Mark and Tonya Comensoli; Erin Daniels, daughter of Scott and Melissa Daniels; Joe Goggins, son of Mike and Cheryl Goggins; Marisa Hilton, daughter of James and Kimberly Hilton; Gabrielle Horrmann, daughter of Robert and Marti Horrmann; Jack Kensington, son of Jon and Trisha Kensington; Natalie Minch, daughter of Kevin Minch and Kristina Riggs; Haiden Simmet, son of Ryan Simmet and Jamielee Lancaster; Heaven Simmet, daughter of Ryan Simmet and Jamielee Lancaster; Devlin Tait, son of Gordon and Toscha Tait; Olivia White, daughter of Edward and Karen White; Jordyn Winters, daughter of Craig and Shawn Winters. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Public Hearing will be held by the Prairieville Township Zoning Board of Appeals on April 3 2019 at 7:00 P.M. at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, within the Township. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the item(s) to be considered at this public hearing include, in brief, the following: 1. A request from Mike Pruis, property owner, 5718 N 7th St., Kalamazoo, Ml 49009, for a variance to allow for the construction of a new single-family dwelling. The applicant is requesting relief from the core living area requirement set forth in section 3.1 “Definitions” #27.b. “Single Family Dwellings”. The subject site is located across the street from 11118 Long Point Dr.- Parcel # 08-12-290-054-01 and is located in the R-2 zoning district. 2. Such other and further matters as may properly come before the Zoning Board of Appeals for this meeting. All interested persons are invited to be present or submit written comments on this matters) to the below Township office address. Prairieville Township will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the hearing upon five (5) days notice to the Prairieville Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Prairieville Township Clerk at the address or telephone number set forth above. Jim Stoneburner, Township Supervisor 11461, Star Elementary School’s citizens of the month, joined by teachers Tammy Nemetz, (left) and Matt Kingshott, are (from left) Esther King, Bayley Smith, AJ Kohmescher and Carlos Gonzalez-Perez. Citizens of the month at Northeastern Elementary are (from left) Daniel Jensen, Jaden Marble, Maylee Olin and Malachi VanEngen. They are pictured here with teachers Alyssa Fein (left) and Rachelle Wezensky. (Photos provided) �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 14, 2019 — Page 1 f LEGAL NOTICES — STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Trust In the Matter of Patricia L. Blough Irrevocable Trust No. 1 u/t/a dated March 16, 2009. Date of birth: March 28, 1927. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Patricia L. Blough, Trustee, died August 25, 2018 leaving the above Trust in full force and effect. Creditors of the decedent or against the Trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or trust will be forever barred unless presented to Susan L. Stuart and Phillip R. Blough, co-Trustees, within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: March 11,2019 Rhoades McKee PC Stephanie S. Fekkes P43549 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-1921 Susan L. Stuart and Phillip R. Blough c/o Rhoades McKee PC 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)945-1921 114582 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Trust In the Matter of Roy Blough, Jr. and Patricia L. Blough Trust dated September 17, 1998. Date of birth: March 28, 1927 - Patricia L. Blough. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Patricia L. Blough, surviving Trustee, died August 25, 2018 leaving the above Trust in full force and effect. Creditors of the decedent or against the Trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or trust will be forever barred unless presented to Susan L. Stuart, Trustee, within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: March 11,2019 Rhoades McKee PC Stephanie S. Fekkes P43549 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-1921 Susan L. Stuart c/o Rhoades McKee PC 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-1921 114581 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FILE NO. 19-028143-CA In the matter of Kenneth Swainston. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS including: Edward Thomas Swainston whose address(es) is/ are unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at 1:45 p.m. at 206 W. Court, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge William M. Doherty P41960 for the following purpose: Petition for appointment of conservator. Date: 03/07/2019 Paul D. Tripp P82451 202 South Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-9585 Kenneth Swainston 307 High Street Middleville, Ml 49333 (269)838-1661 114663 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 18-27892-DE Estate of Mary Alice VanDerMolen, Deceased. Date of birth: May 29, 1938. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Mary Alice VanDerMolen, Deceased died May 12, 2018. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Marilyn Reckline, personal representative or to both the probate court at 206 W.Court Street, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: March 7, 2019 Willis Law Samuel R. Gilbertson P81324 491 W. South Street Kalamazoo, Ml 49007 (269) 492-1040 Marilyn Reckline 8393 Cleveland Avenue Baroda, Ml 49101 (269) 369-9901 114398 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28129-DE Estate of John Oliver Burdick, Sr. Date of birth: 05/28/1949. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, John Oliver Burdick, Sr., died 01/14/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to John Oliver Burdick, Jr. personal representative or to both the probate court at 206 West Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: March 7, 2019 Patrick S. Hirzel P23884 835 Golden Avenue Battle Creek, Ml 49014 269-963-8484 John Oliver Burdick, Jr. 11120 S. Wacousta Road Eagle, Ml 48822 517-743-1944 114397 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28146-DE Estate of Beatrice O. Swainston, Deceased. Date of birth: 04/02/1925. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Beatrice O. Swainston, died 12/17/2018. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Victoria J. Dawson, personal representative or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Ste. 302 Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 3-7-19 Robert J. Longstreet P53546 607 N. Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-3495 Victoria J. Dawson 11251 W. Garbow Road Middleville, Ml 49333 (616)821-2633 114531 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 2016-1467-DE Estate of Phillip David Jones. Date of birth: 03­ 19-943. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Phillip David Jones, died 01-05-2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Stephen D. Schultz, personal representative or to both the probate court at 206 West Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: March 6, 2019 George T Perrett (P42751) 202 N. Riverview Drive Parchment, Ml 49004 269-349-7686 Stephen D. Schultz 3871 Kirby Road Battle Creek, Ml 49017 269-719-6797 114371 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE This firm is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information we obtain will be used for that purpose. Default has occurred in the conditions of a mortgage made by KENNETH MARTIN, a single man (“Mortgagor”), to CHEMICAL BANK, a Michigan banking corporation, having an office at 333 E. Main Street, Midland, Michigan 48640-6511 (the “Mortgagee”), dated November 20, 2014, and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan on December 8, 2014, as Instrument No. 2014-011489 (the “Mortgage”). By reason of such default, the Mortgagee elects to declare and hereby declares the entire unpaid amount of the Mortgage due and payable forthwith. Mortgagee is the owner of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage. As of the date of this Notice there is claimed to be due for principal and interest on the Mortgage the sum of Sixty-Seven Thousand Two Hundred Eleven and 41/100 Dollars ($67,211.41). No suit or proceeding at law has been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage or any part thereof. Notice is hereby given that by virtue of the power of sale contained in the Mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, and to pay the above amount, with interest, as provided in the Mortgage, and all legal costs, charges and expenses, including the attorney fee allowed by law, and all taxes and insurance premiums paid by the undersigned before sale, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by sale of the mortgaged premises at public vendue to the highest bidder at the east entrance of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan on Thursday the 4th day of April, 2019, at one o’clock in the afternoon. The premises covered by the Mortgage are situated in the Township of Hastings, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and are’ described as follows: Commencing at the Northeast corner of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 26, Town 3 North, Range 8 West; thence South to Thornapple River; thence West 1499 feet along Thornapple River for the place of beginning; thence North 135 feet; thence West 75 feet; thence South 135 feet more or less to the bank of the Thornapple River; thence East 75 feet to the place of beginning, along with a 1994 Century Manufactured Home, serial number MY9594505AB. Together with all existing or subsequently erected or affixed buildings, improvements and fixtures; all easements, rights of way, and appurtenances; all rights to make divisions of the land that are exempt from the platting requirements of the Michigan Land Division Act, as it shall be amended; all water, water rights, watercourses and ditch rights (including stock in utilities with ditch or irrigation rights); and all other rights, royalties, and profits, relating to the premises, including without limitation all minerals, oil, gas geothermal and similar matters. Commonly known as: 3590 Bridge Park Road, Hastings, Michigan 49058 P.P. #08-06-026-046-00 Notice is further given that the length of the redemption period will be six (6) months from the date of sale, unless the premises are abandoned. If the premises are abandoned, the redemption period will be the later of thirty (30) days from the date of the sale or upon expiration of fifteen (15) days after the Mortgagor is given notice pursuant to MCLA §600.3241 a(b) that the premises are considered abandoned and Mortgagor, Mortgagor’s heirs, executor, or administrator, or a person lawfully claiming from or under one (1) of them has not given the written notice required by MCLA §600.3241 a(c) stating that the premises are not abandoned. If the premises are sold at a foreclosure sale, under MCLA §600.3278 the Mortgagor will be held responsible to the person who buys the premises at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the Mortgagee for damaging the premises during the redemption period. Dated: February 28, 2019 CHEMICAL BANK Mortgagee Timothy Hillegonds WARNER NORCROSS + JUDD LLP 900 Fifth Third Center 111 Lyon Street, N.W. Grand Rapids, Ml 49503-2487 (616)752-2000 18163563 113723 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTENTION PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid.amQunt tendered at sale, plus interest. MORTGAGE §AI2fc - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by the original mortgagor, Frances Davis and Henry Davis, (husband and wife) to Argent Mortgage Company, LLC, dated August 16, 2004 and recorded August 24, 2004 under Clerk File Number 1132929, in Barry County records, Michigan and then assigned to Citifinancial Mortgage Company, Inc., dated April 11, 2005 and recorded April 18, 2005 under Clerk File Number 1144999 and further assigned to Wilmington Savings Fund Society, Fsb, as Trustee of Stanwich Mortgage Loan Trust A, dated January 17, 2017 and recorded January 17, 2017 under Clerk File Number 2017-000521, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of forty-nine thousand eight hundred thirteen and 75/100 ($49,813.75), including interest on the applicable indebtedness at the rate of 5.5% per annum. This sum will increase as additional interest, costs, expenses and attorney fees accrue under the Mortgage and its related note and which are permitted under Michigan Law after the date of this Notice. No legal or equitable proceedings have been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage, and the power of sale in the Mortgage has become operable by reason of default. NOTICE is now given that on March 28,2019 at 1:00 P.M. at that place where circuit court is held In Barry -i-Oounty, Michigan, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the property herein described, or some part of them, at public auction, the highest bidder, for the purpose of satisfying the amount due and unpaid on the Mortgage, along with interest due, the legal costs and charges of the sale as allowed by statute and/or the Mortgage, and any taxes and insurance that the Mortgagee pays on or prior to the date of said sale. Said premises are situated in the city of Nashville, County of Barry, and state of Michigan, and particularly described as: ALL THAT CERTAIN PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATE AND BEING INT THE TOWNSHIP OF CASTLETON, COUNTY OF BARRY, MICHIGAN, AND DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS, TO-WIT: BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE EAST AND WEST 1/4 LINE OF SECTION 32, TOWN 3 NORTH, RANGE 7 WEST, DISTANT WEST 1180 FEET FROM THE EAST 1/4 POST THEREOF; THENCE SOUTHERLY 470 FEET PARALLEL WITH THE WEST LINE OF THE EAST 3/4 OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF SAID SECTION 32, THENCE WEST APPROXIMATELY 348 FEET PARALLEL WITH SAID EAST AND WEST 1/4 LINE OF SECTION 32; THENCE NORTH 2 DEG. 10’ WEST 148 FEET; THENCE NORTH 88 DEG. 01’ EAST 146 FEET; THENCE NORTH 1 DEG. 00’ EAST 317 FEET TO THE EAST AND WEST 1/4 LINE OF SECTION 32; THENCE EAST 202 FEET TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING, CASTLETON TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN. More Commonly Known As: 6730 East M 79 Highway, Nashville, Ml 49073 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: February 14, 2019 For more information, please call: (630) 453-6960 Anselmo Lindberg & Associates PLLC Attorneys for Servicer 1771 West Diehl Road, Suite 120 Naperville, IL 60563 File MF19010002 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTENTION PURCHASERS: This Sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, or in the event the sale is set aside, the purchaser may be entitled to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, less any applicable fees and costs, and shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s attorney. MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Kevin D. Abbott and Deborah L. Abbott, a married couple, to Habitat for Humanit, Barry County dated July 28, 2008 and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County on August 1, 2008 in number 20080804-0007867 on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Sixty-Three Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty-Eight and 72/100 ($63,888.72.) Dollars and no suit or proceedings at law or equity having been instituted to recover the debt secured by said mortgage. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on March 28, 2019. Said premises is situated in The City of Hastings, County of Barry, and The State of Michigan and is described as: Lot 1, Block 8, Kenfields 2nd Addition to the City of Hastings, according to the plat thereof, recorded in Liber 1of Plats, Page 37, of Barry County Records. Commonly known as 836 East Clinton St., Hastings, Michigan 49058. Parcel Number: 08-55-240-054-05 The redemption period shall be six (6) months immediately following the sale the property. If the property is deemed abandoned under MCL 600.3241a, then the redemption period shall be shortened to 30 days for the date of sale. If the property is sold at a foreclosure sale the mortgagors will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the foreclosure or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period pursuant to MCL 600.3278. Dated February 19, 2019 For more information please call: Robert L. Byington Depot Law Office, PLC Attorneys for Mortgagee 222 West Apple St. P.O. Box 248 Hastings Michigan 49058 269-945-9557 113472 (02-28) (03-21) 113911 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28150-DE Estate of Gary P. Arnold. Date of birth: 11 /23/1936. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Gary P. Arnold, died 10/25/2017. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Mary M. Arnold, personal representative or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 03/11/2019 William D. Howard P36886 25 Ionia Ave. SW, Suite 230 Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (616) 235-6000 Mary M. Arnold 1330 East State Road Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-4980 114685 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28145-DE Estate of Clarence E. McCulligh. Date of birth: 10/06/1927. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Clarence E. McCulligh, died 04/07/2018. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Karen R. Watson, personal representative or to both the probate court at 2741 Quakezik, Hastings, Michigan 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 03/07/2019 Robert J. Longstreet P53546 607 N. Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-3495 Karen R. Watson 2741 Quakezik Hastings, Ml 49058 (616)862-3486 114532 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Andrew McDiarmid, married man, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns, Mortgagee, dated November 7, 2017 and recorded November 15, 2017 in Instrument Number 2017-011542 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Mr. Cooper, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Forty Thousand Eight Hundred Thirty-Nine and 80/100 Dollars ($140,839.80), including interest at 4.5% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on MARCH 28, 2019. Said premises are located in the Township of Praireville, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: Lot No. 5 in Prairieville Heights, according to the plat thereof recorded in Liber 5 of plats, Page 34, Barry County Records. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: February 28, 2019 File No. 19-001320 Firm Name: Orlans PC (02-28)(03-21) 113671 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on March 28, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Christian L. Allwardt, married man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): First Guaranty Mortgage Corporation Date of Mortgage: November 21, 2014 Date of Mortgage Recording: December 8, 2014 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $124,100.31 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Hope, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Commencing at the Northwest corner of Section 24, Town 2 North, Range 9 West; thence East 1320 feet along the North line of Section 24; thence South 300 feet for the true place of beginning; thence South 574 feet; thence East 494 feet parallel with the North line of Section 24; thence North 84 feet; thence East 226 feet; thence North 227 feet to the centerline of Gurd Road; thence Northerly along the centerline of Gurd Road to a point 300 feet South of the North line of said Section 24; thence West parallel with the North line of said Section 24 to the place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: February 28, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1377060 (02-28)(03-21) 113625 SYNOPSIS ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING March 5, 2019 Meeting called to order 7pm, ail board members present with Michelle Ritchie absent, 11 guests. Pledge of Allegiance • • Motion approved Feb. 5th board meeting minutes. Motion approved Feb. 19th BCRC special meeting minutes Motion approved payment of $8538.37 and any other bills forthcoming in March Department Reports Public Comment Motion approved 2019 JC Wheeler Library agreement ‘ Motion approved retention of Bloom Sluggett, PC for drafting ordinance Motion approved to table discussion of Orangeville Township Gun Lake Bubbler Ordinance Motion approved Barry County Road Commission 4-year budget of $185,000 Motion to adjourn 8:42 pm Submitted by: Mel Risner/Clerk . Attested to by: Tom Rook/Supervisor H4283 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 2018-28052-DE Estate of Marilyn M. Nelson, deceased. Date of birth: 01/18/1936. . TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Marilyn M. Nelson, died 08/10/2018. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Susan Goss, personal representative or to both the probate court at 206 West Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49068 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. • Stacey M. Lott (P68809) . 130 East Columbia Avenue Battle Creek, Michigan 49015 269-963-8222 . . Susan Goss 9337 Tasker Road Bellevue, Michigan 49021 114555 STATE OF MICHIGAN IN THE BARRY COUNTY TRIAL COURT­ DISTRICT DIVISION NOTICE OF SALE HON. WILLIAM M. DOHERTY. File No. 15-1217-GC ‘ GIRRBACH FUNERAL HOME, Plaintiff, vs. ELWIN H, WOOD JR,, Defendant. DAVID H. TRIPP (P29290) . 202 South Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 • Attorney.forPLajn.tjff_______. * Pursuant to and by virtue of a Judgment of the 56-B District Court in the County of Barry, State of Michigan, made and entered on October 26, 2015, and an Order to Seize Property issued January 3, 2017, showing $12,815.94 due and owing plus interest Sheriffs fees, costs and attorney’s fees and the Notice of Levy recorded in the Barry County Register of Deeds in Barry County Record # 2019-001569 in a certain case pending in the 56-B District Court wherein Girrbach Funeral Home, Inc.; Plaintiff and Elwin H. Wood, Jr., is the Defendant, notice is hereby given that I shall sell at public sale to the highest bidder, at the East steps of the courthouse situated in the City of Hastings, County of Barry, on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at 2:00 p.m., the following described property: All that certain piece or parcel of land situated in the Township of Hastings, County of Barry, State of Michigan, described as follows: LOT 4 OF BROOKFIELD ACRES ACCORDING TO THE RECORDED PLAT THEREOF. PARCEL# 08-06-130-004-00 COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 1968 BROOKFIELD DRIVE, HASTINGS, MICHIGAN 49058 Dated: 3-12-2019 Mark Sheldon, Barry County Deputy Sheriff Drafted by: David H. Tripp (P29290) 202 South Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-9585 Q:/IDHT Closed files\Girrbach Funeral Home\Elwin Wood\Notice of Sale 3-6-19.doc -114640 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on March 28, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Raymond L Thompson and Pamala K Thompson, husband and wife . Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Reverse Mortgage Solutions, Inc. its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Reverse Mortgage Solutions, Inc. Date of Mortgage: June 10, 2015 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 30, 2015 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $65,098.11 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: A parcel of land in the West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 36, Town 1 North, Range 8 West, described as: Commencing at the Northeast corner of said West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4; thence South along 1/8 line 1000 feet to the place of beginning of the within description; thence continuing South along the 1/8 line 329 feet; thence due West to the West line of the East 56 acres of said West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 36; thence North on said West line 343 feet, more or less, to a point due West of the point of beginning; thence due East to the point of beginning The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 606.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: February 28, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1377564 (02-28)(03-21) 113844 ■ ’ , �Page 12 — Thursday, March 14, 2019 —- The Hastings Banner , Maple Valley powerlifter sets third state record Maple Valley’s four high school powerlifters Quentin Faynor (from left), Britani Shilton, Breanna Seavolt and Cameron Wells gave a student report at the meeting of the Maple Valley Board of Education Monday. All four qualified for the Michigan High School Power Lifting Association State Meet this season, which was held last weekend at Ionia High School. (Photo by Taylor Owens) Taylor Owens 5 Staff Writer . Maple Valley jwiocQuentin Faynor set a new state record;^ 370 pounds for bench press in his weight ^las^at the Michigan High School Powerlifting Tfibciation State Meet Saturday at Ionia’fflgl|SchooL But on the deal Ifft his 530-pound lift proved a bit more tfiaftltis body could handle and he passed out. Faynor lifted the weights, dropped them, and the||fell backwards. ■T could see what wts happening,.but I couldn’t stop it,” Faypgvsaid. Things went bi^ek when he hit the floor and he woke up about . fO seconds later to a group of coaches afouftd him. Faynor simled when talking about the Experience, and said it showed how much he pushed himself. He’s shooting for an even heavier total when he is a. senioi^hexT year. Ultimately Faynor took second in his 220pound weight class after combining his 370 bench press and 530 dead lift with his 425 pound squat, for a 1325 total. He took second place to Kaleb Ba^fe'n.of Ionia, who had a 141^otal, witlj aSSSfench press. It is Faynor’s thirft state record, after break­ ing the records for bench press and total weight for junior varsity in his 207-pound weight class last year. Faynor’s bench press in 2018 was 335 pounds and he put together a total lift of 1300 pounds. All four members of the Maple Valley var­ sity powerlifting team qualified for the state meet. This was first year powerlifting was officially considered a varsity sport at the school. Lion senior Britani Shilton took seventh in her women’s varsity 155-pound weight class with a 620 pounds total; senior Breanna Seavolt took 18th with a 530 pound total m the women’s varsity 132-pound weight class. First-year powerlifter Cameron Wells topk 28th place with a 455 total in the same weight class as Seavolt. ** Lakewood’s Alicia Wemette placed in tile top ten in her varsity 123-pound weight class, putting together a total lift of 515 pounds, y Crossing guard injured by thrown ice A 73-year-old crossing guard was struck in the face by a piece of ice thrown by a Hastings student around 3:10 p.m. Feb. 20 at the comer of South Broadway and West Green Street. The woman said she was helping a student when an ice ball hit her in the side of her face,: leaving a red mark near her eye and cheek. An officer saw three boys who matched the* woman’s description his, and he soon located the boys at the Shell station. When the officer! asked about the ice, two of the boys, 13, pointed at the third, age 14. The boy said he threw the ice ball into the air without intending to hit any certain person, based on a dare from one ■ of the other boys. He said he did not see what the big deal was. The officer contacted the boy’s grandmother, and the crossing guard arrived at the Shell station. The crossing guard said someone could have been seriously injured, and she wanted to press charges. The offi­ cer contacted the mother of the boy who had made the dare, and said he would send infor­ mation on both boys to the prosecuting attorney. The boy’s mother said she did not know how her son could be in trouble for daring someone to do something, and the officer said he was just as directly responsible as the boy who threw it. Woman arrested for driving under the influence of methadone An anonymous caller notified officers of a possible driver under the influence in the Hastings McDonald’s drive-thru at 1:45 p.m. Feb. 22. The officers saw the 26-year-old, female driver pull onto the curb at the drive-thru. When speaking to the woman, officers saw. her 2-year-old son in the back seat. The woman said she had just picked up her son from daycare. The officers reported the woman acting strangely, and the woman said she felt strange from taking her methadone prescription. She said it was her daily prescription, but she had taken recently begun taking a higher dose. The woman failed multiple sobriety tests,, and she was arrested. An employee of her son’s daycare was nearby, and the officers had the’ employee take the child away from the area so he would not see the arrest. The woman was taken to Spectrum Pennock Hospital where she had blood drawn for testing, and then was taken to jail. : Man refuses to come clean in DU I A caller reported seeing a man drink what appeared to be alcohol inside his vehicle at the Wash King Laundry Mat on East Woodlawn Avenue in Hastings at 11:52 a.m. Feb. 24. The officer found the vehicle in the parking lot based on the license plate, and saw two cans of beer in the passenger seat. The officer spoke to the man inside the laundry mat and asked if he had been drinking or had alcohol in his vehicle. The man said he did have any alcohol, but he had a few drinks two hours earlier. The officer asked the man if he was going to keep lying to him or tell him about the two cans of Bud Light in his passenger-side seat. The man replied they were actually cans of Busch Light, but they were from a week ago. The officer asked the man to spit out his chewing tobacco and take a Breathalyzer test. That blood-alcohol test had a result of 0.218. He was arrested for driving under the influence, his third offense. ’ Stamp collection worth $114,000 missing Maple Valley junior Quentin Faynor competes in the dead lift during the MHSPLA State Meet at Ionia High School Saturday. (Photo provided) Temporary power shutoff planned in Middleville To safely make electrical repairs to a sub­ station, about 2,400 Middleville area cus­ tomers will experience a three-hour power interruption beginning early Saturday. Beginning approximately 2 a.m., Consumers Energy officials said, 2,399 cus­ tomers will be interrupted to make repairs to an electrical substation that serves por­ tions of the village of Middleville and sur­ rounding areas. Those areas include Thomapple, Irving and Rutland townships in Barry County and southeastern Caledonia Township in Kent County. Consumers Energy has mailed all cus­ tomers postcards with the outage informa­ tion. The general area affected is bordered to the north by 100th Street, M-37 to the south, Wood School Road to the east and Ashley Lane to the west. Customers with questions about this scheduled outage may call Consumers Energy, 800-805-0490 (businesses) or 800­ 477-5050 (residential customers). FUNDS, continued from page 1 Wanted Help Wanted Business Services WANTED: A 9FT wide x ADMINISTRATIVE ASSIS­ TANT- Barry County Friend BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, of the Court Administrative Assistant. General office sup­ port including but not limited to receiving payments, an­ swering the telephone/ front window and providing guid­ ance or referring the customer to the appropriate personnel. This position supports all functions of this Office. In addition to providing general direction and support, this position requires the indi­ vidual to be self-motivated while working within a team environment. Computer skills and excellent customer service skills are essential. Full time. $14.54/ per hour, plus bene­ fits. Please send cover letter and resume by March 18,2019 to: Ms. Daisey Cherniawski; 102 S. Broadway; Hastings MI 49058. Or email: dcherniawski@barryco.org No phone calls please. Hard Maple, Cherry. Paying top dollar. Call for pricing and Free Estimates. Will buy single walnut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793 10ft tall insulated garage door. Call 269-838-7053. PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspapei are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980 The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, home improvements, seam­ less gutters. 269-320-3890. GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. this,” Jarvis said. Steps are being taken to ensure it never happens again, Mansfield said. The first step will be to take a closer look at how the overspending occurred. The next will be setting a system to assist staff with staying within project budget guidelines. The council will have to decide which proj­ ects to cut back to make up for the payments to MDOT. Mansfield stated that, although it was unex­ pected, the additional work was completed and the city will enjoy the benefits of it. However, paying for that work will mean a reduction in planned projects this summer. There will be fewer seal coating projects and possible fewer streeFi^iprovement projects to make up for the $23ft,(t)0 that should not have been spent. The city’s debt will be paid as the invoices are received from MDOT. In other action, a workshop took place to the city council meeting to discuss the planned expansion and upgrade to the wastewater treatment facility, ^pjroval was given to Iglesia Nueva Jerusalem Church to collect donations at a gathering and service at Thornapple Plaza, and approval of the annual Flexfab 5k run on Saturday, June 29. A 67-year-old man in the 11000 block of Parmalee Road in Caledonia Township called officers March 4 to report his $114,000 stamp collection was missing from his house. The man said he had a fire in late October, and renovations took place until mid-January. The man had 12 numbered boxes that were stored outside his house during renovations, and the two boxes with the stamps went missing during that time. The man said the stamps were collected over 50 years from countries around the world and had 114 sheets, each worth about $1,000. The man said the owner of the restoration company told him the stamps were likely thrown away during the cleaning. The officer asked the man why he hadn’t kept the/ stamps with him, instead of storing them. The man said hindsight is 20/20, and he probably should have done that. He said it was possible the stamps were thrown away, instead of stolen, like he had originally thought. Man arrested for second OWI while on bond for first An officer noticed a driver who failed to dim headlights for oncoming vehicles, and stopped the driver State Street near Washington Street in Hastings at 1:06 a.m. March 9. The' 31-year-old driver from Burton took a breath test with a result of 0.14. The officer arrested the man, but the driver refused to take a second breath test at jail. He said he would only submit to blood tests, which he did. The man was out on bond for an operating while intox­ icated arrest March 1 in Genesee County. Teen arrested for OWI after accident An officer saw a vehicle traveling 77 mph in a 55-mph zone near Middleville March 8, but lost the vehicle after turning around to catch up. The officer came upon the vehicle in the ditch in Woodschool Road near Sisson Road at 7:50 a.m. The 17-year-old Holland res­ ident initially denied driving the vehicle, but admitted to doing so after a passerby and the passenger said he was the driver. He took a breath test with a result of 0.11, and was arrest­ ed. The man’s 19-year-old passenger was cited for minor in possession of alcohol after he was tested with a 0.14 result. Man arrested for OWI with dealership vehicle An officer stopped a vehicle without a license plate at 12:53 a.m. March 10 on M-179 Highway near Water Lily Lane in Yankee Springs Township. The driver, 44 of Grand Rapids, said the vehicle belonged to the dealership he worked for, and the temporary plate fell out of the review window. He registered a 0.097 blood alcohol level, and was arrested.^ He refused to take another breath test in jail and had a blood test instead. Man narrowly avoids phone scammer A 34-year-old man in the 800 block of East Baseline Road in Bedford Township called police after an attempted phone scam March 5. The man said he had been repeatedly con­ tacted by someone with a Middle Eastern accent who said his Social Security number had been used to rent a vehicle in Texas which was found with 22 pounds of cocaine inside. The caller said he needed money transferred with Google Play cards to resolve the issue. The' man purchased a $500 Google Play card, but gave the caller the wrong number. When the caller became angry and demanded more cards, the man became suspicious and called police. An officer told the man to block the number and keep an eye on his financial state­ ments. Couple steals $181 in Walmart merchandise An employee at Hastings Walmart stopped a man in the vestibule attempting to leave with a shopping cart full of unpurchased merchandise at 5:10 p.m. March 4. The man ran into the. parking lot and got into a red Saturn Vue. Security footage showed a woman had pushed out her own cart full of merchandise worth around $181 moments earlier, and was loading ft into the vehicle when the man ran out, and the couple drove away. The man appeared to be in his late 30s with a beard and orange jacket. The woman was in her late 20s with medi­ um-length blonde hair and a fur coat. The incident remains under investigation. M �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 14, 2019 — Page 13 Barry County explores the land of OZ ? Local government officials and staff, business owners, investors and developers attend a seminar at the Tyden Center in Hastings to learn | about the Opportunity Zone located in the City of Hastings and Hastings Charter Township. i I Joan Van Houten . > Staff Writer j “This is a very real opportunity. It’s my | directive to work with the Barry Community I Foundation and the City of Hastings to figure I out how best to utilize this opportunity in । Barry County to see some very nice develop­ * ments happening in the community,” Travis i Alden, president of the Barry County Chamber | of Commerce and Economic Development, | said. । Several Barry County business owners, local government officials, representatives J from non-profit organizations and private developers were present at an Opportunity Zone informational session Tuesday. The prei; sentation was given by Tim Mroz, vice presij dent of strategic planning for The Right Place } located in Grand Rapids. I The Right Place is a private, non-profit * economic development organization working i for the economic growth of West Michigan » fq>r more than 30 years. It aids businesses by " helping with start-up or development projects * including the search for site location , connecJ tions to services and product supply chains needed, business tours and consultation on i state and local business incentives. There is S np fee for their services. | Opportunity.Zo.nes are areas designated as * being eligible locations for investors to J receive federal incentives for funding devel­ opment projects. In Michigan, every county but one that was not named has an Opportunity Iq Zone. The qualifying tract of land in Barry County ' is in the City of Hastings and Hastings ; Township. The parcel is outlined by North Broadway Street to approximately i Campground Road, runs along Sager Road to J the east boundary, approximately one-mile ' past Charlton Park Road. The east boundary j runs south past M-79 Highway to Coats Grove Road, and then back to North Broadway j Street. » The zones are low-income census tracts as " determined with the New Markets Tax Credits J legislation. The tracts are designated by the J governor of the state or territory in which it is J located. The designations stay in place for 10 5 years, beginning in 2018. Governors had 90 days from its enactment in January to submit ", nominations in writing to the United States I treasury secretary. Governors were given broad discretion when choosing their designations, but were fc advised by Congress to select a tract within, or adjacent to, a low-income community. In * an adjacent tract to a low-income community, } the median family income cannot exceed 125 ; percent of the median income within the com­ * munity. » In Michigan, the Michigan State Housing ■ Development Authority operates the "Opportunity Zone program; 1,152 census i tracts were eligible. However, only 25 percent ! could be chosen for certification, which meant 288 tracts qualifying, per program rules. j “This is a financial investment tool - a pri;; vate business deal between two parties where * one invests in the other’s development project r with the expectation of a return,” Mroz said. | “This program is strictly for investors, and not " one awarded to companies or communities.” : The Opportunity Zone program offers J investors three incentives for putting their J money to work rebuilding economically dis। tressed communities: ■. . ' ■ Tim Mroz, vice president of strategic planning for The Right Place, gives a presen­ tation at the Tyden Center about Opportunity Zones. (Photos by Joan Van Houten) Chelsey Foster, community president of commercial lending with Commercial Bank (left), and Brad Johnson, certified public accountant, learn about how investors may benefit by having their capital work to develop low-income areas. Revenue Service. Fund owners may choose to invest on their own or invest in a larger fund. Developments qualifying for investment loans fall within a wide range of potential projects, such as high-growth startups, main street businesses, real estate, manufacturing facilities, brownfield redevelopment, entre­ preneurship incubators and accelerators, rent­ al housing and affordable housing. Details about Opportunity Zones, rules and regulations are available at the MSHDA web­ site at https://www.michigan.gov/mshda. The qualifying tract of land in Barry County is in the City of Hastings and Hastings Township. The parcel is outlined by North Broadway Street to approximately Campground Road, runs along Sager Road to the east boundary, approximately one-mile past Charlton Park Road. The east boundary runs south past M-79 Highway to Coats Grove Road, and then back to North Broadway Street. A temporary deferral where an investor can defer capital gains taxes until 2026 by putting and keeping unrealized gains in an Opportunity Fund. A reduction where the original amount of capital gains that an investor has to pay deferred taxes is reduced by 10 percent if the Opportunity Fund investment is held for five years and another five percent if held for seven years. An exemption where any capital gains on investments made through the Opportunity Fund accrue tax-free as long as the investor holds them for at least 10 years. According to Mroz, the entire program is about capital gain. “You cannot take private dollars you already have in a bank account and use it to invest. It is only about money that qualifies as capital gain,” Mroz said. An example he gave was the sale of stock purchased at $10 per share which is then sold at $100 per share. The profit is capital gain. Capital gain must have been earned before 2018 to qualify. From the day the capital gain is received, there is a six-month window to choose a project and invest the gain, meaning, the money must be placed in an Opportunity Fund and actively working. Opportunity Funds are investment vehicles organized as corporations or partnerships for the purpose of investing in a qualified Opportunity Zone property and geared toward new development and business projects. Funds must hold at least 90 percent of their assets in the chosen property and will be audited twice yearly. If si private owner or public developer already owns a building, obtaining funding through the program becomes more difficult. “If it’s a brand new purchase, you don’t own il: yet, and you’re looking to purchase something, you’re in the best spot you can be,” Mroz said. “If you’ve owned the building for 10 years, to possibly be eligible for fund­ ing, the project must be substantial improve­ ment. If you go one or two steps beyond completely gutting the building, you need to seek legal counsel because some things quali­ fy, and some don’t.” Opportunity Funds are not dispersed as grants. They are considered an investment loan. Fund accounts can be created by any­ one. Working with an attorney, qualifying capital gain can be placed in an Opportunity Fund and documented with the Internal i Colts clinch spot in final with 110 threes against TK ladies jh i The Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ basi ketball team couldn’t slow down Daisy Ansel J and the rest of the Colts in its Division 2 District Semifinal at Otsego High School ■ Wednesday. r Ansel had 30 points as her Colts scored a " 60-41 win over the Trojans. She added 11 " rebounds and five assists as well. Comstock drilled ten three-pointers to pull away from the Trojans. It was the Colts who had the big second half in the semifinal, after TK’s thrilling sec­ ond-half comeback against Otsego two days prior, outscoring TK 35-21 in the final two quarters. Comstock’s Abby House added 17 points and eight rebounds. The Trojans end the year at 11-11 overall. Plainwell bested Parchment 69-26 in the first district semifinal of the day Wednesday in Otsego, and the Plainwell Trojans followed up that win by besting Comstock 47-39 in Friday night’s district final. Nicholson set to join GRCC softball program next season Hastings senior Rylee Nicholson signs her National Letter of Intent to join the Grand Rapids Community College softball program while her parents and Saxon coaches look on in the Hastings High School library in January. Nicholson was an all-district utility player as a junior last spring for the Saxons, who also earned an all-conference academic award in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference. Nicholson is primarily a catch­ er. “She is a strong leader,willing to learn and then teach to the other girls with her drive and energy she has earned her a spot as a captain of the varsity team,” coach Mike Davis said. Monday was the opening day of softball practice around the state. Hastings begins games March 28 at home against Portland. �Page 14 — Thursday, March 14, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Centreville makes DK its 23rd victim Brett Bremer Sports Editor . Basketball can be really simple. “They scored too many and we didn’t score enough. End of story,” Delton Kellogg head coach Mike Mohn said as he walked out of the locker room at Bronson High School Monday evening. Beating Centreville is far from simple. Nobody has done it yet this season. The Bulldogs brought an end to the 2018-19 tour­ nament run for the Delton Kellogg Panthers, besting them 56-35 in the Division 3 Regional Semifinals Monday and improving to 23-0 on Delton Kellogg seniors Lexi Parsons (50) and Victoria Greene are greeted by their coaches and teammates as they head to the bench for the final time late in their team’s loss to Centreville in the Division 3 Regional Semifinals at Bronson High School Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Delton Kellogg junior guard Abbie Bever keeps a close eye op Centreville guard Kenleigh West-Wing at the top of the key during the first half bf their Division 3 Regional Semifinal at Bronson Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) the season in the process. Samara Schlabach had a team-high 17 points for Centreville, but it was junior center Joanna Larsen who was the real big problem for the Panthers. Larsen put in put in 15 points and made it extremely tough for anyone other than DK senior center Lexi Parsons to do anything around the basket on the other end of the floor. “She is a good player. She is athletic. She isn’t just a big. She runs the floor. She shoots well. She’s a good player. The fact that she is a junior is even more crushing,” Mohn said. “We were teasing them, saying we were going to check her birth certificate. She looks like she is about 30 and plays like that. She is a special player and that is a nice team. “They have kids who can shoot. I thought we closed out a couple times really well and it didn’t matter. They just tore the nets off. That is a pretty good team. They have a lot of piec­ es of the puzzle.” Centreville closed out the first quarter with a 10-2 run to build a 15-7 lead and pushed its lead to double-digits with the help of a couple three-pointers from senior guard Whitney Morris early in the second. It was 31-14 Centreville at the half and then the Bulldogs scored the first six points of the second half. “A district championship and second place in the league, that’s not a bad year,” Mohn said. “I’d just assume go a little further. It’s a teachable opportunity. It is educational athlet­ ics. That is why we’re in it. We used a lot of life lessons at half-time. We didn’t talk much X’s and O’s. We talked about real life. “When you run into a buzz saw what are you going to do, pack it in and go oh this is tough or keep battling? They’re going to be spouses, they’re going to be mothers at some point in time, they need to take their time doing that, but that is when the real doo-doo hits the fan and hopefully they learn stuff here that 10-15 years down the road they go, ‘oh, that’s right. That is why we did that,’ when they’re dealing with their own personal lives, their own families, their own careers. “We talk about not settling all the time. That has been our mantra from day one. No matter what the score is, you can’t settle. Your Delton Kellogg junior forward Katie Tobias looks for an open teammate as the Panthers run their offense during the second half against Centreville Monday at Bronson High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) next possession has to be your best posses­ sion.” < DK managed a little 8-0 spurt of its own, but that only cut the Bulldog lead down to 15 points and they would go into the fourth quar­ ter with a 20-point lead. Parson’s had a team-high 13 points in her final game for Delton Kellogg, walking off the floor in the closing moments with fellow senior Victoria Greene. Junior guard Erin Kapteyn had seven points for Delton Kellogg and junior guard Abigail Perry finished with six points. < DK ends the season with an 18-6 overall record. Centreville was set to take on Niles Brandywine in the regional finals at Bronson High School last night. Brandywine (22-2) scored a 49-38 win over Kalamazoo Christian in its regional semifinal Monday. Lansing Catholic pressures Vikings into district defeat Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Lakewood varsity girls’ basketball team pulled off one upset but couldn’t stun the Cougars in the Division 2 District Semifinals at Lakewood High School Wednesday. The Vikings couldn’t quite match the effort of their district win over Portland last Monday as they returned to their home floor one more time to take on Lansing Catholic in the district semifinals, falling 41-25 to the Cougars. Lansing Catholic used its pressure defense to race out to a 17-5 lead in the opening quar­ ter. Lakewood got to within ten points with the opening bucket of the second quarter, but the Cougars extended their lead from there throughout much of the evening. . While Lakewood managed to get through the Cougars’ pressure into the offensive end as the game progressed, turnovers started to pile up as the Vikings tried to force passes too many times in an effort to get looks at the basket. “It was weird. We just did not have the same energy we had Monday night. It was surprising,” Lakewood head coach Marcus Urka said. “ Leading up to the game, we met in my room before the game, and they seemed ready to go. Credit Lansing Catholic for sure. We knew they would press and I thought that we would handle it much better than we did. We just did not make crisp passes and did not see the court very well.” Lansing Catholic got eight points apiece from Jordan Pence and Lauren Hanes, seven from Devan Buda and six each from Marycate Heberlein and Kayla Sanford. “The first half, we let them drive to their right too many times. That was on the scout­ ing report,” Urka said. “They just still man­ aged to get around us and finish.” Junior forward Olivia Lang led Lakewood with six points. Senior center Zari Kruger had five and junior guard Kristine Possehn and sophomore guard Anja Kelley added four each. The Vikings’ five seniors, Patsy Morris, Emma Sullivan, Isabela Acker, Haven Bosworth and Kruger didn’t take curtain calls to exit the floor one final time. They spent the final minutes of the ballgame on the floor together. “They were the last five on the floor at the end there. I talked to them on the bench and asked if they wanted to finish on the court or on the bench. They said they wanted to com­ pete and play until the last buzzer,” Urka said. “That is kind of what I expected. That is kind of how they will be remembered. They were very competitive. They’ll have a nice memory from that win over Portland, but it would have been nice to take it a couple steps further.” Lansing Eastern scored an upset of its own Wednesday as the 4-18 Quakers knocked off the 10-11 Ionia Bulldogs 49-41 in their semi­ final match-up. Lansing Catholic scored a 60-24 win over the Lansing Eastern girls in the district final at Lakewood High School Friday. Lakewood senior center Zari Kruger works to get a shot over Lansing Catholic’s Kayla Sanford (22) and Olivia Hughes (30) as her Viking teammates Patsy Morris (left) and Emma Sullivan (right) look on during the second half Wednesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Fabiano finishes varsity swim carreer in DI backstroke finals Lansing Christian forward Marycate Heberlein is wrapped up by Lakewood’s Sophie Duits (right) and Olivia Lang as she wrestles a defensive rebound away during the first half of their Division 2 District Semifinal at Lakewood High School Wednesday (March 6). (Photo by Brett Bremer) ' Delton Kellogg/Thornapple Kellogg/ Hastings senior Alex Fabiano capped off one of the best varsity careers in the history of the program by scoring a couple points at the Division 1 Lower Peninsula State Finals Saturday in Holland. Fabiano raced in the preliminaries of the 100-yard freestyle and the 100-yard back­ stroke at the state finals, Friday, earning a spot in the ‘B’ Final of the 100-yard backstroke with a 13th-place time of 53.75 seconds. He was just over a quarter of a second faster than the 17th-place finisher who missed opt on a spot in Saturday’s finals at the Holland Aquatic Center. Fabiano placed 15th in that 100-yard back­ stroke Saturday, turning in a time of 54.09 seconds. Birmingham Brother Rice senior Liam McDonnell won the state title in the back­ stroke with a tiime of 50.19, beating our run­ ner-up Ian Allen from Walled Lake Central who finished the race in 50.98. Fabiano was 23rd in the 100-yard freestyle preliminaries Friday, touching the wall in 49.10. Forest Hills Central senior Henry Schutte won the 100-yard freestyle in 44.82 and the 50-yard freestyle in 20.46, a race in which he set the DI state record in at the 2018 Finals. Fabiano’s two points put DK/TK/Hastings in a tie for 32nd place at the state finals. Holland West Ottawa beat out Detroit Catholic Central for the state championship, 248 to 240 at the top of the standings. Hudsonville was third with 164 points, ahead of Saline 148, Ann Arbor Skyline 138, ann Arbor Pioneer 136, Harrison-Farmington 125, Forest Hills Central 118, Northville 118 and Birmingham Brother rice 116.5 in the top ten. There were a few familiar faces from the Ok Rainbow Conference Tier II scoring at the finals. Muskegon Mona Shores Co-op seinor Tommy Cotner was sixth in the diving competition. The Caledonia/Lowell/South Christian team of Ethan Arendsen, David Bud, Zach Burghgraef and Alexander Pollock placed 24th in the prelim’s of the 200-yard freestyle relay with a time of 1:31.90 and CLS also had the team of Ty Dykhouse, Pollock, Arendsen and Zach Logan 27th in the 200-yard medley relay with a time of 1:41.30. West Ottawa had the team of Derek Maas, Khadin Soto, Gavin Temple and Kevin Maas win the 200-yard medley relay in 1:31.01, and the team of Jamahl Hogan, Sam Smith, Derek Maas and Soto win the 400-yard freestyle relay in 3:05.84. Derek Maas, a senior, was a four-time state champion as well as a part of the Panthers’ winning team performance. He won the 200yard individual medley in 1:46.70 and the 100-yard butterfly in 48.02. Freshman Kevin Maas teamed with Temple, Hogan and Smith to place second in the 200yard freestyle relay in 1:25.74 - behind the winning team from Harrison Farmington. Soto was the runner-up in the 100-yard breast­ stroke in 55.33, behind Northville’s Travis Nitkiewicz (55.27). �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 14, 2019 — Page 15 Grapplers get medals at final regular season tournaments Thomas Cook, Joey Furrow and Riley Furrow celebrates championships in their division for the Barry County Grapplers Association at the MYWAY Tournament in Belding Sunday. Zac Chipman is happy about a runnerup finish in his division for the Barry County Grapplers Association at the Team Blackhawk MYWAY Tournament in Leslie Sunday. Kade Case shows off a second-place medal he won wrestling for the Barry County Grapplers Association Sunday at the Belding MYWAY Tournament. Kenden Richter shows off a medal from a fourth-place finish for the Barry County Grapplers Association in Belding Sunday. Myles Drake has a medal from a runner-up finish for the Barry County Grapplers Association Sunday at the Southwest GREIGHTS MYWAY Tournament at Battle Creek Lakeview. Karter Case is happy about a runner-up finish for the Barry County Grapplers Association in Belding Sunday. Jace Acker is excited about winning his weight class while wrestling with the Barry County Grapplers Association ‘Sunday at theFREIGHTS MYWAY Tournament at Battle Creek Karter Hill celebrates a win in his weight class for the Barry County Grapplers Association in Belding Sunday. Max Schnurstein (left) placed third and Patton Boomer fourth for the Barry County Grapplers Association Sunday at the Southwest GREIGHTS MYWAY Tournament at Battle Creek Lakeview. Hunter Sutfin celebrates a victory for the Barry County Grapplers Association Sunday at the Southwest GREIGHTS MYWAY Tournament at Battle Creek Lakeview. Barry County Grapplers Association wrestler Preston Humphrey is happy with his championship medal after a win Sunday at the Southwest GREIGHTS MYWAY Tournament at Battle Creek Lakeview. Carson Gates placed second and April Gates fourth in their divisions wrestling with the Barry County Grapplers Association Sunday at the Southwest GREIGHTS MYWAY Tournament at Battle Creek Lakeview. The Grapplers Association also got runner-up medals from Isaac Friddle and Dakota Harmer at the meet and a third-place finish by Aden Armstrong. Jordan Humphrey is happy to win his division for the Barry County Grapplers Association Sunday at the Southwest GREIGHTS MYWAY Tournament at Battle Creek Lakeview. Logan Kerby is happy with his thirdplace medal that he won wrestling for the Barry County Grapplers Association Sunday at the Southwest GREIGHTS MYWAY Tournament at Battle Creek Lakeview. Vape devices, including Juul, at core of parent awareness plan Some devices disguised as flash drives Tough classes, sports and music practices, social events, family obligations, college applications — middle and high school stu­ dents have enough on their plates. Enter: Juul, a vape* device disguised as a computer-flash drive. Imagine how hard it is to avoid vape devices, also known as e-cigarettes, when 1 in 5 Barry County teenagers are using them. The Barry County Tobacco Reduction Coalition is taking a stand to say “Enough is enough” to the e-cigarette epidemic. Joining thousands of activists across the country par­ ticipating in Kick Butts - and Juuls - Day March 20, the TRC is encouraging local kids, teens, parents and educators to commit to setting aside just 10 minutes of their day to know the truth about vapes, including Juuls. Kick Butts Day is a national day of youth advocacy sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids. There are well over 15,000 flavors of e-cig­ arettes and cigars, with flavors such as butter crumble, berry, bubble gum, cotton candy, gummy bear, grape and menthol. These fla­ vors are meant to attract kids into trying tobacco products — 81 percent of youth e-cigarette users started with a flavored prod­ uct. Tobacco and e-cigarette companies, includ­ ing Juul Labs, see kids and teens as their “replacement smokers/’ and use flavors to make their products more appealing to begin­ ners, to keep them going back for more. Most notably, flavors hide the fact that the devices contain nicotine, and lots of it - each Juul pod has as much nicotine as is in 20 cigarettes. Nicotine is one of the most addictive sub­ stances and interferes with healthy brain development (development that may continue into the mid-20s). Before kids and teens real­ ize it, they can have “NicoTeen brain” and a lifelong addiction. This has been the story for 3.6 million youth who now use e-cigarettes, including Barry County middle and high school stu­ dents with bright futures ahead of them. More information on Juul and other vape devices can be found at stillblowingsmoke, org, e-cigarettes.surgeongeneral.gov, thetruth. com or truthinitiative.org. Anyone who is try­ ing to quit may visit thisisquitting.com/ or ecomeanex.org for text-based assistance. �Page 16 — Thursday, March 14, 2019 — The Hastings Banner No star. No sweat. DK wins district Brett Bremer Sports Editor Lexi Parson’s right leg vibrated up and down at nearly the speed of a humming bird wing on the bench during the last 47.6 sec­ onds Friday. She gasped. She cheered. She threw both hands up to her head. In the closing moments someone came down from the stands to hand her a brown paper bag to prevent hyperventi­ lation. It’s tough for a senior not to be on the court in a state tournament game. The Panthers earned the chance to take the court again in the regional round of the state tournament with a 37-36 victory over Bronson in the Division 3 District Final at Delton Kellogg High School Friday. It’s the pro­ gram’s first district title since back-to-back championships in 2012 and 2013, and the first time the Panthers have clinched a district championship on their own home court. Parsons, who sits near the top of the Panthers’ all-time scoring and rebounding lists, had to sit for the final 47.6 seconds Friday after picking up her fourth and fifth fouls in quick succession late in the fourth quarter. Parsons had already spent the entirety of the second quarter on the bench after being whistled for he second foul of the ballgame in the closing moments of the first quarter. “It was tough, but I knew the girls would pull through,” Parsons said. “We have been waiting and preparing for this game specifi­ cally all week. We just had so much energy coming in we were so positive. They knew what we needed to do. We needed to shut down the outside shooter and the big girl, so that is what we did and we were successful. It was a tough game, but we came out on top and that is all that matters.” The Panthers were a little shaky at first with their senior leader on the sideline. The Bronson Vikings got the next eight rebounds after Parsons went to the bench in the first half. But the Panthers fixed that up. DK had a one-point lead when Parsons went to the bench with a little less than a minute to play in the opening quarter, and only trailed by one when she stepped back onto the floor to start the second half. Bronson did get its lead up to Delton Kellogg junior guard Holly McManus dribbles past Bronson’s Alanna Mayer during the second half of the Panthers’ win over the Vikings in the Division 3 District Final at DKHS Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) as many as six points during the second quar­ ter. The “outside shooter”, senior guard Kiera Lasky hit four three-pointers in the ballgame and led the Vikings with 14 points, but had just three points in the second half. Junior center Keona Salesman, “the big girl,” fin­ ished with 13 points, but Delton Kellogg junior forward Katie Tobias held her to just two points in the second half. “I just wanted to stay on her and not really even let her get the ball at all,” Tobias said. “But whatever I could do to just not let her get an opportunity to score. Delton Kellogg freshman guard Mary Whitmore fights to try and get a shot over Bronson junior center Keona Salesman during the first half of their Division 3 District Final at DKHS Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) “I just had to keep my head in the game. When I got into a lot of foul trouble to be smart in what I was doing, just keep my head in the game and not anywhere else.” While Parsons is taller, bigger and more experienced than Tobias, it is the junior for­ ward who matches up with opponent’s top post threats on a regular basis. Parsons said Tobias has a knack for getting in opponent’s heads. “(Tobias) just was phenomenal defensive­ ly,” DK head coach Mike Mohn said. “She took (Salesman) right out of the game. She just brings it. Good stuff. “She is our best defender. She is our nasti­ est, gnarliest kid. She doesn’t mind mixing it up, sometimes a little bit too much, but she brings a whole different level of energy to our team and our kids feed off it and it is phenom­ enal. She is as valuable as anyone on our team Delton Kellogg junior Abbigail Perry fires up a shot from the right corner during the second half of her team’s win over Galesburg-Augusta in the Division 3 District Semifinal at DKHS Wednesday (March 6). (Photo by Perry Hardin) because she brings that to us.” Junior guard Lauren Lebeck provided a spark in the second quarter for the Panthers. Junior guard Erin Kapteyn attacked the basket in the half-court to as needed. Junior point guard Holly McManus was excellent for much of the evening knowing when to push and when to settle things down a little. McManus led Delton with 13 points. “(McManus) is our point guard. She is our quarterback. She takes the ball and just goes with it. Sometimes she drives me nuts, but I’ll tell you what - keep driving me nuts, please. She is relentless, has no fear, sometimes I wish she did. She attacks. She rebounds. She just has a nose for the basketball rebounding. How many big rebounds did she get for us? Just huge. You can go right down the list. That was a great team win.” Parsons had eight points in the bailgame; Kapteyn six and freshman Mary Whitmore contributed five. Bronson led by as many as five points in the third quarter before DK finished strong again to get within 30-28. The Panthers dom­ inated the first seven minutes of the fourth quarter going on a 7-0 run to take a five-point lead of their own at 35-30. > The last minute wasn’t pretty for the Panthers, but it wound up being adequate. Delton was just 2-for-8 at the free throw lin§* in the final minute, and after shutting out tfe Vikings for seven minutes allowed a couple of quick lay-ups that had the Vikings within 36-35 with 22.1 seconds to go. “We still have to play defense,” Mohn reminded his girls during a time-out. Mohn said it was a recommitment to defense over the final couple weeks of the regular season that made the district run pos­ sible “4; Freshman guard Mary Whitmore finally knocked down a free throw for DK to put her team up 37-35 with 13.3 to play. Bronson freshman Karissa Gest went to the free throw line with nine tenths of a second left with the chance to tie the bailgame, but missed the first of her two free throws. She hit the second to get her team within a point, buL DK managed to get the ball into the hands of Kapteyn to wipe away the final fractions of a; second. It was Delton Kellogg’s 18th victory of the season. The Panthers returned to action in the* Division 3 Regional Semifinals Centreville in Bronson Monday and were bested 56-35 by; the undefeated Bulldogs. Delton Kellogg got to the district final with a 54-36 win over Galesburg-Augusta in the district semifinals Wednesday, March 6. The Rams and Panthers split their two Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division ballgames this season. The Panthers’ 15-point loss to the Rams Feb. 22 at Galesburg-Augusta High School was a bit of a turning point in the season for the DK girls - part of back-to-back losses to teams the Panthers had previously beaten this season. ' Mohn said his team recommitted to defense following the loss. The Panthers’ three district opponents averaged less than 38 points per game. The Delton Kellogg High School student section splills on the the court to celebraate with its varsity girls’ basketball team following the Delton Kellogg girls’ 37-36 victory over Bronson in the Division 3 District Final at Delton Kellogg High School Friday. It is the Panthers third district title since 2012, and the first won by the Panthers on their home court. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Delton Kellogg junior guard Erin Kapteyn blows by a Galesburg-Augusta defender along the baseline during the second half of the Panthers’ district semifinal victory Wednesday (March 6). (Photo by Brett Bremer) Delton Kellogg Schools Kindergarten Roundup ’« Monday, March 25, 2019 3:30 & 6:00 p.m. Enrollment packets available in the Elementary Office starting March 6. If you pick up paperwork early, bring it back with you on the 26th!! The Roundup will be “Open House” style at the Elementary School The Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ basketball team celebrates a Division 3 District Championship after a 37-36 win over Bronson in the district final Friday at Delton Kellogg High School. Delton teammates are (front from left) Lauren Lebeck, Lexi Parsons, Erin Kapteyn, (back) coach Mike Powell, Clara Bever, Amber Mabie, Mary Whitmore, Abbie Bever, Holly McManus, head coach Mike Mohn, Victoria Greene, Katie Tobias, Abbigail Perry and program assistant Emale Tack. (Photo by Brett Bremer) � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-03-21.pdf a18f5b82d7c26209c89cdb3d8537eda0 PDF Text Text NMMHaMMNHNHHHMM Hastings Schools bond request on May ballot MNMHHMMMMNNNMMMHmHaNHMpMMMnHHMBHMMMaHMHMMMHMM Farmland preservation Leffort needs support See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 18 MMMNNMMHMNHMHMMMMMMMMHMHHMHMNiaMMIMMNMMHMHMHMMNIHMMMN All-County wrestlers and bowlers named See Stories on Pages 16 and 17 "If W M'l *1 WfWWIimi •' ■ l|88fc. ■• 1070490102590509035149058113421 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 Sanner Thursday, March 21, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 12 80487911018 = PRICE 750. EPA approves new injection well in Barry County Christian Yonkers Contributing Writer After nearly three years of debate, the hotly contested Swanson 4-7 well in Johnstown Township has been authorized for conversion to a Class II deep injection well. The decision came March 4 after lengthy deliberation by the Environmental Protection Agency, which was responsible for reviewing and granting the permit. The permit allows Arbor Operating, a Michigan oil and gas producing company, to convert Swanson 4-7, a non-producing well initially drilled for oil, into an injection well for waste brine disposal. Only Arbor Operating may inject brine from any of its production wells into Swanson 4-7. Arbor Operating may utilize the well for injection purposes once all applicable permit requirements have been met, after which the EPA will authorize injec­ tion. MN mBM MHHi cause outage in Hastings A Consumers Energy spokesman reported 1,519 customers in Hastings lost power Wednesday from approxi­ mately 9 a.m. to 1:50 p.m. “The problem was a regulator at the I Hastings substation failed. We almost immediately had several crews in the area to fix the problem,” Terry DeDoes said. City Manager Jeff Mansfield said the city hall, and most of the city’s other facilities, received power from a backup I generator. Arbor Operating operates three wells in Barry County, including Halbert 1-7, Swanson 3-7, and Swanson 5-7. According to Drilling Edge, Arbor Operating has leases on wells in counties throughout Northern Michigan, none of which have been completed using hydrau­ lic fracturing. However, hydraulic fracturing waste would be permitted for injection into Swanson 4-7 if Arbor Operating chooses to do so. Swanson 4-7 is the second deep injection well permitted in Barry County. Hope Oil Corp, has been injecting waste brine into a deep injection well in Hope Township since the ‘80s. The EPA opened a public comment period for Swanson 4-7 on Sept. 20, 2016. The EPA received enough public interest to reopen the public comment period and put a public hear­ ing on the calendar, which took place April 19, 2017, at the Hastings Public Library. State Rep. Julie Calley invites resi­ dents to attend her office hours in two communities March 26. Calley, R-Portland, will present a leg­ islative update and then meet with resi­ dents one on one if they have individual concerns at the following locations: -The Village of Lake Odessa, Page Memorial Building, 839 Fourth Ave. in Lake Odessa, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. -The Barry County Courthouse, Commissioners’ Chambers, 220 W. State St. in Hastings, from 1 to 2 p.m. “I deeply appreciate the insight and feedback that I receive during office hours,” Calley said. “I am grateful for engaged community members.” No appointment is necessary. Residents unable to attend scheduled office hours may send their questions and ideas to Calley via email to JulieCalley@house.mi.gov or call her, 517-373-0842. Moon escorts first day of spring Wednesday’s full Moon was a bit exceptional. According to the Farmer’s Almanac, the March full moon is particularly spe­ cial because it reached its peak on the same day as the spring equinox, March 20. The last time the full moon and the I spring equinox coincided this closely |- (four hours apart) was in March 2000, | but the last time they occurred on the same date was March 20, 1981. This full Moon is also a Supermoon, meaning the Moon will be nearly at its closest to Earth for the month of March. It’s the year’s third, and final, of three straight full Supermoons. This means that the Moon appears to be brighter and bigger than normal, provided the night sky is clear and dark, like it was. ful ~ ifgroundwater introduced iftto groundwater sources. sources. However, it deemed that geology, engineering | and construction of the well, and operating and monitoring standards will be sufficient to protect drinking water. According to the EPA, the lowest aquifer in the vicinity is 473 ft. below the surface, 1,500 ft. above the sand­ stone formation where Swanson’s brine is to be injected, which the EPA deems a suitable buffer between the injectate and the drinking water. “The EPA has found that injecting fluids deep underground is safer than other methods of disposal, such as allowing disposal in landfills or treatment and storage,” the EPA said in its response. Comments regarding depreciated home values, traffic, and other environmental and community concerns were outside of the See WELL, page 14 ————————— ' ■ o Chau?* twjj Shwitej W 0 Ctavewiafe Oowlinq-. UfittOH ’J. Swanson 4-7 is located approximately a quarter mile northeast of the intersec­ tion of Bristol and Manning Lake roads in Barry County’s Johnstown Township. (Courtesy of Google Maps) Musical at new performing arts center ‘wows audience - and its directors Joan Van Houten Staff Writer “Beauty and the Beast,” the first theatrical event at Hastings schools’ new performing arts center, raised about $30,000 and blew ticket sales from prior years into never-never land. The first two nights of the performance were sell-outs, school officials said. A total of about 3,000 tickets were sold. In previous years, ticket sales for the musi­ cal averaged 700, according to Matt Callaghan, who directed the musical. “We splurged for the first show because of the importance of the new performing arts center,” Callaghan said. “We really wanted to See MUSICAL, page 2 Rep. Calley in town March 26 130 people packed a room on the sec.About .people packed ond floor of the library and 38 of them provid ed comments. The two public comment periods lasted 70 days. Including the public hearing, the EPA received more than 300 comments on the injection well. A slew of comments were posted online, expressing views ranging from concerns about radioactive waste to earthquakes. The greatest concern expressed was about the well’s perceived risk to drinking water. The EPA determined that no significant environmental impact should result from the proposed injection. “The comments did not raise significant issues to modify EPA’s determination that the permit application and draft permit federal Underground Control requirements,” said EPA administrative assistant Deborah Miller. The EPA conceded that brine can be harm- The clever set at Hastings High School’s “Beauty and The Beast” production at the new performing arts center, allowed for sig­ nificant costume changes on stage at critical moments. Here, Belle (Sydney Pattok) weeps as the Beast (Gavin Patton) succumbs to wounds from his fight with Gaston - who, in real life, just so happens to be his twin brother, Grayson. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) State overpays $50 million in road funding - and wants it back Joan Van Houten Staff Writer A statewide overpayment of $50 million will end up cutting monthly allocations to Michigan’s county road commissions and local governments this year. Michigan counties and local government officials are looking at a collective reduction of $31 million because, last December, the state made a multimillion-dollar mistake. Barry County, for example, received an overpayment of $152,000 and is scheduled to have the next 10 monthly allocations reduced by $15,200. “It came at an unexpected time. It’s money we’re supposed to get - just not all at once,” Brad Lamberg, professional engineer at Barry County Road Commission, said. “But we didn’t have to cut any road projects, and that’s great.” The total amount of the statewide over­ payment is $50 million, but the Michigan Department of Transportation chose to pay back its $19 million portion in one lump sum. An MDOT spokesman said the state “bore the brunt” of the funding mishap. “The overpayment was statewide. Other counties may be freaking out, but we aren’t,” Jake Welch, Barry County Road Commission director of operations, said. “Our annual budget, which was set at the end of 2018, remains the same. “The state will reduce our next 10 checks, but we’re still OK. The overpayment was money we weren’t expecting anyway.” The city of Hastings also has been affect­ ed by the state’s mistake. The city received a $16,000 overpayment and will have its disbursement reduced by $1,600 for 10 months. City officials are already dealing with their own $233,000 mistake in overspending on the Safe Routes to School grant project. As a result, the city owes MDOT for work that exceeded the scope of what state grant funds had been designated to cover. “With the Safe Routes to School project, all the work was completed. We just didn’t plan for having to pay out that much,” said Jerry Czarnecki, deputy manager. To balance the city’s error, road and street projects planned for the summer will be scaled back and the bills from MDOT will See OVERPAYS, page 3 Hastings High School names top honors students The top students in the Hastings High School Class of 2019 were recognized and awarded certificates of achievement Monday at the Hastings Area Schools Board of Education meeting at the performing arts cen­ ter. Nine seniors earned grade point averages above 4.0, designating them as the top honors students. They are: Katherine Haywood, daughter of Matt and Jennifer Haywood. Kate said she feels fortunate to have been involved with academics, music and sports throughout high school. She is a member of the band as well as Science Olympiad and the math team. She has enjoyed her time on the varsity swim team, making all-conference three years and serving as a team captain her senior year. Kate also has participated in var­ sity tennis since her freshman year, playing both doubles and singles. She has volunteered as an assistant coach As students were honored Monday evening, they were joined by their parents (trcm left): Andrew Maurer with parents Tina and John Maurer; Mary Youngs, with parents Katie and Chris Youngs; Katura Metzner, with parents Nancy and Carl Metzner; Alexis McDade, with her sister Kyliegh Arnold and parents and step-parents Catherine Arnold and Michael McDade, Kari McDade and Anthony Trabalka; Kate Haywood, with parents See HONORS, page 13 Jennifer and Matt Haywood; Kassidy Olson, with parents Kelli and Rick Lawrence; Grace Nickels, with parents Lin and Mike Nickels; Noah Former, with parents Karelyn and Robert Former; and Hope Peck, with father Tom Peck. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) �Page 2 — Thursday, March 21,2019 — The Hastings Banner MUSICAL, continued from page 1 wow the community and highlight our theat­ rical program. We spent about $10,000. It’s much more than we’ve ever spent.” Callaghan said the program is supported by the community through ticket sales and contributions from local businesses, organiza­ tions and families. Without this support, he said, the school program could not exist. Michael Sali, the new director of the per­ forming arts center, said the production was a “welcomed stress” and that it was exciting to be part of such a quality production. A lot of work by many people made it hap­ pen, he said. “We were hoping to sell at least 2,000 tick­ ets and we went much over that,” Sali said. “It was a great joy to see how the community wanted to support the students and the arts center.” Mrs. Potts (Grace Green), Chip (Hannah Johnson), and Babette (Hannah Slaughter) welcome Bell’s father, Maurice (Andrew Vann), to the Beast’s enchanted castle. “Be Our Guest,” with dancing cutlery, plates and a candlestick called Lumiere (Alex Steward) entertains Belle (Sydney Pattok) and the audience. Mrs. Potts (Grace Green) and Madame de la Grand Bouche (Anna Scheck) get acquainted with Belle (Sydney Pattok). Chip (Hannah Johnson), Mrs. Potts (Grace Green) and Belle (Sydney Pattok) sing “Be Our Guest.” The Beast (Gavin Patton) questions his fate as the rose, designed by senior Andrew Maurer, drops a petal. Belle (Sydney Pattok) greets the trans­ formed Beast (Gavin Patton). Enchantress (Ellie Saur), at top, removes the curse as Belle (Sydney Pattok) and the Beast (Gavin Patton) rejoice. Belle (Sydney Pattok) dances with the irrepressible Lumiere (Alex Steward). OVERPAYS, continued from page 1---------- The Disney’s production signature cos­ tumes, including Belle’s bright yellow gown, drew “oohs” and “ahhs" from the audience when Belle (Sydney Pattok) first stepped on stage in it. GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. The Beast (Gavin Patton) and Belle (Sydney Pattok) share a dance. be paid as they come in, he said. The state’s multimillion-dollar error was caused by a $178 million computer system launched in 2017. State transportation offi­ cials say a delay in entering critical informa­ tion, such as report changes and year-end accounting adjustments, affected funding payments. A letter was sent out last week to county and local governments to explain the overpay­ ment and how the funds would be recouped. As stated in the letter, there are “variables involved” that the department has no control over. Michigan distributes gas tax, vehicle regis­ tration fees and other road funding revenue through a formula devised in 1951. It reserves 39.1 percent for state trunk lines while send­ ing 39.1 percent to county road commissions and 21.8 percent to cities and villages. Barry County’s monthly allocation average for 2019 was $569,000. With the reduction, monthly allocations to the county will be approximately $553,800. In comparison, in 2018, the monthly allocation was $609,000. To add to the budgetary challenges, severe winter weather didn’t help the road commis­ sion. ’ In the winter of 2017-18, maintenance/ work - including snowplowing and road treat­ ment - cost the county road commission $1,358,000. This winter, that work added up to $1,569,000. Meanwhile, costs to maintain paved and gravel roads continue to climb, Lamberg said. The county is responsible for 590 miles of two-lane paved roads and 480 miles of twolane gravel roads totaling 1,070 miles. With two lanes, the miles needing repair £ and maintenance doubles to 2,140 miles as Michigan faces pothole season. According to Welsh, the cost of mainte- < nance work for one mile of paved road, con­ sisting of filling in potholes and chip sealing,; is $20,000. ' The cost to remove old asphalt and recon­ struct a one mile stretch of paved road is $1.5 million, he said. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 21,2019 — Page 3 Crowd braves cold and snow at St. Patrick’s Day parade Taylor Owens Staff Writer Though the Biggest Little St. Patrick’s Day parade was one of the coldest in its 15-year history, organizer and WBCH Administrator Sue Radant said participation was good. The parade began at 1 p.m. Saturday down Jefferson Street, and showcased local busi­ nesses, organizations, governmental depart­ ments and anyone else who decided to show up wearing green. “It’s kind of a fun, show-up, silly quirky parade,” Radant said. “We were really happy with the response.” . The parade is a joint effort between the WBCH staff and the business owners on South Jefferson Street. Nashville residents spread the word about the Nashville Sesquicentennial Celebration this summer at the 15th annual Biggest Little St. Patrick’s Day Parade Saturday. (Photos by Taylor Owens) Proposed city water system upgrades may increase utility bills The American Legion leads the parade, with the Hastings Police Cadets close behind. John Resseguie tries to bring death to winter in his John Deere colored truck. The 2019 Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival Queen Josey Terpening enjoys her first parade after being crowned. Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Planned upgrades in the city of Hastings Water and Waste Water Treatment plants will trigger a corresponding increase in residents’ monthly utility bills. Currently, the average monthly bill for city water service is $16.76 and sewer service is $34.59, according to City Manager Jeff Mansfield. Tom Traciak from Baker-Tilley, an account­ ing and advisory firm with experience moni­ toring costs for water system upgrades, spoke to the city council during a workshop last week. He projected an annual sewer rate increase of $1.20 to $1.50 for a typical home­ owner in Hastings. By 2027, a household sewer bill in Hastings would likely average $43.77, Traciak said. Funding for $9.45 million in improvements to sewer and water systems would come from a combination of city accounts, grants, a state revolving loan program and a bond, he said. A bond and a revolving loan mean the city would take on some debt. “I’ve worked with many communities in Michigan. Hastings is on the low end of the medium sewer rate,’* Traciak said, noting that the medium range for sewer service in Michigan is $35 to $55 per month. “Even with an increase, you’re still in the high range of the low average. You wouldn’t even be in the median range,” he told council members. Final decisions on the details of the draft proposal for the projects will be made this month and submitted to the Department of Environmental Quality for its Stormwater, Asset Management, and Wastewater (SAW) Program. Key improvements will be the installation of a headworks system at Hastings Wastewater Treatment Plant and improvements to fresh­ water supply lines. The headworks of a wastewater treatment plant is the initial stage of a complicated pro­ Tve worked with many communities in Michigan. Hastings is on the low end of the medium sewer rate. Even with an increase, you’re still in the high range of the low average. You wouldn’t even be in the median range,” Representatives from local businesses, qrganizations and schools march in the parade, dressed in green, and handing out candy to parade-goers. Parade marchers grab T-shirts to throw into the crowd of onlookers at the parade. raising Wobbly won’t do er service is more R A cast iron pole near the corner of North Church and State streets, which was discovered to be wobbly in its base, gets special attention Tuesday. Here, Hastings Department of Public Services Superintendent of Streets and Construction Jim James and John Wiersma from DVT Electric Inc. in Wyoming discuss the necessary fixes. James said the city conducts routine fall and spring inspections of city streets and infrastructure for this very reason. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads cess to reduce the amount of pollutants com­ ing into domestic and industrial wastewater. It also would screen out solid organic and inor­ ganic material, keeping it from entering the treatment system. The complete treatment process includes preliminary treatment, primary treatment, secondary treatment and often tertiary treat-; ment, which is the final stage before discharg­ ing the water. Tertiary treatment involves sterilizing water to remove potentially harm-7 ful contaminants that may remain. Then the water is ready to be released into a river, such* as the Thornapple. Currently, the city’s wastewater treatment facility does not have a headworks system. As7 a result, they experience ongoing problems with excessive sand and foreign items, such as marbles, towels and syringes, entering the treatment system. The objects have contribut- i ed to the wear and breakdown of several mechanical components and present a safetyf hazard for staff. Planned improvements to the city’s fresh water supply lines include removal of existing lead lines going into buildings, such as resi­ dential properties, from the water main. The state mandates lead lines must be removed from the water main to the building and inside the building if the pipe goes inside. Communities must begin removing lead­ lines no later than 2025. The project must be * completed by 2045. The total amount needed for the sewer proj­ ect is $7.35 million. The projected amount for removal of lead water supply lines is $2.1 million. City Council member Jim Cary asked if projected costs include work for only contrac­ tors or also for the city public service crew. “The work will be done with contractors. The city crew already have their hands full,and there’s too much work involved with the project to put on them,” said Jerry Czarnecki,7 deputy city manager. X Mansfield said the council should decide; whether to approve the outline of the proposal and, if approved, incorporate the plan into the* city budget. “I think the plan is great,” said council member Brenda McNabb-Stange. “We’ve needed this for a long time.” e heart of how we opera/.e. Wl transaction or guidance on finandfil o experience here will leave you feeling working with the right team. Ourgoa for over 130 yearn, is your finan FDIC highpointcoi .280 Tom Traciak from Baker-Tilley, an accounting and advisory firm, presents an outline on projected costs for two major water and waste water projects to Hastings City Council. Tom Traciak, Baker-Tilley �Page 4 — Thursday, March 21,2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you In My Opinion see? The birds are back and we’ve got ‘em Farmland preservation effort needs county support Birds are returning with the warm weather, so spring is right around the corner - right? Although not migratory, this swan was spotted last Thursday on Mud Creek, near State Road. (Photo by Taylor Owens) We’re dedicating this space to a photograph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? Looking to the rainbow Banner Dec. 20, 1971 Herbert Moyer (right) discusses rehearsal plans with Hastings High students selected for leading roles in the choir’s 19th annual operetta (or Broadway musical), “Finian’s Rainbow.” Chris Jagielo (left) will portray Susan, the principal dancing role in the show. Chris danced the ballet sequence in last year’s “The King and I.” Mike Kasinsky, who also appeared in last year’s show, plays the title role of Finian McLonergan. The romantic leads are to be played by newcomer to the choir Maria Braendle, as Sharon, and Tom Mayo, as Woody. Tom is a veteran of “The Kind and I.” Steve Johnson (not in photo) plays the principal comic role of Og, a leprechaun. The musical will be presented Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Feb. 24, 25 and 26, in Central Auditorium. Have you met? Tammi King has been a first grade teacher in Maple Valley School District for 32 years. The former Tammi Morgan grew up on a farm in Au Gres, a small town on Lake Huron about an hour north of Saginaw. Her family was close-knit, she said, with her grandparents living across the street and many other immediate family members liv­ ing within a mile radius. She said she takes pride in the values and beliefs her family instilled in her as a child. “Many of my favorite childhood memo­ ries revolve around the time spent with my grandparents,” King said. “I share my grand­ ma’s love of nature, gardening, woodwork­ ing, sewing, ceramics and doing crafts.” At a young age, King had a great desire to become an elementary education teacher. She began babysitting an infant at the age of 10 and became one of the youngest 4-H camp counselors at 14. Many of her family members were teachers or worked at the school. “It was natural for me to pursue a teaching degree,” she said. She attended Saginaw Valley State University after graduating from Au GresSims High School and received a bachelor of arts degree in education. King worked as a substitute teacher and coached cheerleading, volleyball and track in Hastings before accepting a kindergarten job at Maple Valley. Prior to teaching first grade, she taught kindergarten and young fives/ kindergarten for 14 years. “Then I decided it was time for a change,” she said. “I love both grades, but really enjoy watching the excitement when my first grade students learn to read,” King said. “It’s amaz­ ing what their little minds can soak up in just one school year!” She said the best part of being a teacher is building lasting relationships, not only her Tammi King students, but with their families. “I strive to build a classroom environment that allows children to feel safe to be the unique individuals that they are, giving them the opportunity to learn and grow at their own individual rates and reach their full potentials,” she said. King met her husband, Dan, at Saginaw Valley, where she was a cheerleader and he played football. They were married in July of 1984 and have four children: Ashtin, Bradan, Carson and Danielle. “Our family continues to grow,” King said. “Danielle is married to Zack Nurenberg and they have gifted up with two beautiful grandsons, Elijah and Elliott. Ashtin married Lacee Boone last September, and Carson is getting married to Becca Sadler in December.” For her unending commitment to children, Tammi King is a Barry County Bright Light. I am most proud of: My family and the relationship, values and beliefs they share. My children and grandchildren are the great­ est gifts from God that I have ever received. They are my pride and joy. Person I most admire: My husband, Dan King ... for the respect and trust he has earned and the lifelong relationships he has built in the community throughout his many years working as a banker and in his current position as community development director for the City of Hastings. Greatest song ever written: “Imagine” by John Lennon. Favorite meal: Alaskan crab legs, a good steak, baked potato and asparagus. Favorite vacation destinations: Maui, Hawaii, and Longboat Key, Fla. The beach and ocean are my Heaven on Earth, My biggest challenge: As an educator, it is to reach each child at an individual level. It is also important for me to build positive parent, child and teacher relationships, con­ ducive to the education of each individual child. I would tell a high school graduate: To reach for the stars, never give up on your dreams, and use each obstacle as a stepping stone ... learning and growing as you soar. Best parts of the communities where I live and work: The people I encounter and work with every day. I love the small-town atmosphere ... I’m home. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Progress always comes at a price and, as exciting as it is to see Barry County and our surroundings areas grow, our county leaders have some big decisions ahead of them. The place we call home has always seemed so vast with its thousands of acres of farmland and seemingly endless vistas of scenic and recreational areas. The economic growth on which we depend to keep our community attractive and viable, though, could change Barry County quicker than a developer can put a “for sale” sign onto a piece of property. Today’s quickening pace of progress should be the warning bell for us to think seriously about how we want to plan our future. This is not a new challenge, but it is one that’s lain dangerously dormant for more than 30 years as the country fought through an economic slowdown and is now finding new financial strength. The issue first came to a head in Barry County during the late 1980s when experts at Michigan State University and our local Extension service convinced a group of local citizens that preserving the unusually rich and productive farmland just might be one of our county’s most important tasks. Developers from the area’s larger sur­ rounding cities had their eyes on our sizable tracts of land lying so close to their borders and recognized their value for suburban housing and bedroom community living. The movement to raise a voice in this development discussion was called Barry County Futuring and reflected a concern “to preserve the past while planning for a beau­ tiful future.” The committee that emerged from that futuring discussion started as a grassroots partnership of individuals and organizations and became known as the Barry Community Land Partnership. Its mission was to research and prepare a draft proposal for a local farm­ land preservation program that would put Barry County in a better position to receive matching grants from the state for that effort. The group’s mission was not to stop the energy of the surrounding expansion, but rather to direct it in a way that was beneficial to Barry County. j “As we watched what was happening all around us, new homes and double-wides were appearing just down the road,” recalled the late Ken Jones, a member of the task force. “The march of development from Grand Rapids to Caledonia, to Middleville got us worried.” Jones and others were concerned that Barry County could lose its natural habitat, that development of its farmland open spac­ es could change the landscape of our county forever. The MSU experts helped us realize the importance of protecting farmland from larger developers, especially on the county’s northern borders where a vein of some of the most fertile soil in the Midwest runs from south Kent County along M-50 through Woodland and down into Calhoun County. Left unchecked, that prize of nature could easily turn into large housing and commer­ cial developments - especially if we remain oblivious to the pressure of progress and the appetite of real estate development. Again, some 30 years from those initial warnings of the Futuring Committee, farm­ land protection stood front and center at last week’s county board meeting when repre­ sentatives of the Agricultural Promotion Board were on hand to discuss an Open Space Preservation Ordinance and amend­ ments to the existing Agriculture Preservation Ordinance. Although a wagon full of blue-ribbon studies confirming the Futuring Committee’s work of 30 years ago have found that con­ serving the state’s farmland could curb expensive sprawl and that developing new farm business models could boost Michigan’s economy, there’s no political will today to adequately fund such programs, leaving large productive farms vulnerable to devel­ opers. Farmers who struggle to manage budgets each year on questionable crop forecasts and fluctuating livestock prices can hardly be blamed for being attracted to developers’ multimillion-dollar offers for their property. Farmland preservation programs fight that temptation by paying farmers comparable development rights for their land in exchange for farmers placing property into permanent conservation easements that restrict future development. The farmer continues to live on and work the property with the security of annual development rights payments from the farmland preservation program. After some discussion at their meeting last week, commissioners tabled any action on enhancing and ensuring that program in Barry County until a public meeting could be held to accept comments from the public. “We’ve kicked the can down the road so many times,” Commissioner Dan Parker said of the delay in taking definitive action on farmland preservation. Yet Parker sup­ ported having a public meeting, along with every commissioner except farmer and board Chairwoman Heather Wing. “Barry County’s farmland protection struggle reflects a larger, statewide prob­ lem,” Keith Schneider of the Great Lakes Bulletin News Service wrote in 2006, a sen­ timent that local preservationists are work­ ing hard to alter. “We can change that,” said Paul Wing, chairman of the county’s Agricultural Promotion Board. “The state Agriculture Preservation Fund will have money avail­ able later this year for farmland preserva­ tion. It’s the first time since 2008, and we are taking steps to take advantage of that avail­ ability.” The farmland preservation effort could use more help from the county. The impor­ tance of timing and the closing of the plan­ ning window are triggering the urgency. The purpose of the Farmland Preservation Ordinance is to “maintain the long-term business environment for agriculture in the county, to preserve the rural character and scenic attributes of the county, to enhance important environmental benefits and to maintain our quality of life.” That mission needs to be put into action. Ag advocates indicate there’s a critical mass of farm acreage necessary within a commu­ nity for farming to remain successful. As farms are converted to non-farm uses, the businesses that support farmers, such as equipment sales and grain elevators, can’t stay in business, forcing the remaining farm­ ers to obtain services from greater distances. Plus, the loss of some farms in a community threatens the viability of other farmers. Conservation easements and the purchasing of developmental rights would limit land usages by protecting it from development. Farmland preservation is a joint effort of non-governmental organizations and local governments to set aside and protect the area’s farmland for generations. A wellknown and widely used process is a state program formerly known as PA 116, which worked to protect small family farms, food systems and stewardship of land and water quality. Ag experts maintain the importance of keeping enough fertile land available for farming so that we don’t H^'becoming dependent on other nations to1 feed our pop­ ulation. There are other ways to slow develop­ ment, such as zoning requirements, but, in the end, we must find a way to compensate property owners for the loss in their ability to develop their land. And, because we all benefit from protecting farmland, we must find a reasonable solution that is in our best interests. Asking for citizen comments before coun­ ty commissioners make any final decisions on an issue that has simmered for more than 30 years, though, seems like another brick in the wall of avoidance. Complicating the matter even more today is the county’s idle­ ness in addressing other pressing matters. “This issue concerning farmland preser­ vation kind of snuck up on us,” Commissioner Vivian Conner said. “We’re looking at a couple of big commitments here with the jail and Commission on Aging, and we don’t know how we’re going to fund that.” In recent months, meetings also have been held in the community to discuss the lack of adequate housing, which makes farms and large tracts of land even more vulnerable to developers. Preserving farmland becomes even more important then, especially if the state has money in the Agriculture Preservation Fund - as referenced by Paul Wing - to fund programs that have been on hold since 2008. The county’s Agriculture Promotion Board is asking commissioners to approve ail Open Space Preservation Ordinance and amendments to the Agriculture Preservation; Ordinance. It’s time for county officials to; make a decision on this important issue that,’ if no action is taken, could threaten farmland throughout the county. ; “Agriculture is the most healthful, most; useful and most noble employment of man,”’ Founding Father George Washington said. Protecting our farmland is a noble act that needs to be addressed by our elected leaders J We’re not asking them to venture into the, real estate business; we’re asking them to* support an industry that is the foundation of civilization, a stable economy, and the effort to retain our county’s beauty and open spac-i es. • Fred Jacobs, CEO,' J-Ad Graphics Inc.; �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 21, 2019 — Page 5 Donation to FFA will raise level of animal science education Health board meeting is next week To the editor: Taxpayers of Barry County who are inter­ ested in bringing the Barry-Eaton District Health Department home to Barry County should be aware that commissioners will be discussing this issue March 26 at the regularly scheduled meeting. There also will be a health board meeting March 28 at the health department building in Hastings. These meetings are important for those wish to have the opportunity to express their views on the wasteful spending of tax money. The Barry County Board of Commissioners meeting will be Monday, March 25, at 9 a.m. in the courthouse, Floor M, 220 W. State St., Hastings. The health board meeting is Thursday, March 28, at 9:30 a.m. in the Barry-Eaton District Health Department building, 330 W. Woodlawn Ave., Hastings. Shirley Barnum, Hastings 2016 Third Grade Reading Ordinance is necessary To the editor: The new governor called the 2016 ordi­ nance to require all third graders to be reading at third-grade level “destructive.” I personally don’t think that she understands the history behind this ordinance. Since 2012, a signifi­ cant percentage of third graders have not read well - over 50 percent in Hastings and up to 80 percent in some larger cities. This ordi­ nance, finally passed in 2016, required all state schools to hold back any third graders not reading at grade level in 2019. It sounds What do you drastic, but four years of declining reading levels necessitated this action. The governor did say funding for literacy coaches (reading improvement specialists) would be tripled, so she knows what has to be done to stop this decline in reading skills. The ordinance will ensure that it happens, and the schools need that push to get it done. Jim Atkinson Barry County Literacy Council Hastings think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by accessing our website, www. HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the fol­ lowing week. Last week: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer wants' to overturn the third-grade reading retention law. She says it penalizes struggling students instead of helping them. Do you agree? For this week: Some lawmakers want to make it illegal for minors to possess vaping products and for retailers to sell e-cigarettes to minors. Others say these products should be classified and regulated the same as tobacco. Do you think these products should be regulated like tobacco? Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Hastings FFA received a $331,639 dona­ tion to enhance the program at the high school. The donation was announced by Superintendent Carrie Duits at the board of education meeting Monday. “The Hastings FFA, FFA Alumni and the Agriculture Education Program would like to use these funds to increase the educational experiences and opportunities of the students, in the area of animal science through the addi­ tion of an animal facility,” Duits said. The site selected for the new facility is southeast of the agriculture classroom and greenhouse, across the paved access to the back-parking area on a hill east of the softball field. “We are working with Thrun Law Firm to complete the state process for construction that includes stamped drawing, state review and competitive bidding,” Duits said. Preliminary design concepts have been presented to the board’s property committee. The finance committee has reviewed the plan, and the agriscience program is seeking board approval for the project, in concept. Final plans will be presented to the committees once completed. Ed Domke, career and technical education program chairman, will be actively involved with the design concept. Board president Luke Haywood commend­ ed Domke on the hard work he has put in to make the animal facility a reality and congrat­ ulated Domke on reaching his goal. In other action, the board accepted the donation of $8,228 from the Hastings Education Enrichment Foundation. Funds are to be used to defray costs of several student programs and activities. The board also accepted a donation of $3,500 from Kloosterman’s Sports Tap for the purchase of a softball scoreboard. The administration announced the retire­ ment off Danny Blair, maintenance III, dis­ trictwide, retiring March 29 after 26.5 years of service; Carol Carroll, healthcare I para­ professional, at the middle school, retiring June 5 after 20.25 years of service; and Steven Loomis, social studies teacher, retiring Ed Domke, career and technical education director, is commended by Hastings Board of Education for his dedication and work that led to the construction of a new animal education facility for students. June 5 after 25.25 years of service. Joel Gerber will be reassigned to mainte­ nance III, district-wide, beginning March 30, due to the retirement of Blair Personnel appointments included Ashley Carley, substitute paraprofessional;. Jason Burghardt, varsity baseball coach; Adam Case, middle school girls track coach; Steve Collins, middle school boys track coach; Mike Davis, varsity softball coach; James Doran, junior varsity golf coach; Marshall Evans, freshman baseball coach; Andrew Haines, junior varsity girls tennis coach; Kourtney Kendall, junior varsity girls soccer coach; Anthony Knop, assistant high school girls track coach; James Murphy, assistant high school boys track coach; Melinda Nickels, varsity boys track coach; Morgan Pletcher, assistant middle school track coach; Tim Schoessel, varsity girls soccer coach; SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY Denied Benefits? Unable To Work? We Can Help! Do you qualify for Advocating on We §imptf| the disability benefits? mm your behalf mm nrocess & strive CaUfo^rp^ with applications, M ' forcuick . evalnatbr.-^ ’ M|L~ & hearings BS approval* □ Yes □ No •• ' Bill Gordon & Associates, a nationwide practice; represents clients before the Social Security Administration. Member of the TX & NM Bar Associations. Mail: 1420 NW St Washington D.C. Office: Broward County, FL. Services may be provided by associated attorneys licensed in other states. The process for determining each applicant's disabiljty benefits varies greatly, and can take upwards of two years. SALE The Hastings BcUUlCl" Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO * NEWSROOM * Rebecca Pierce (Editor) • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere Taylor Owens Joan Van Houten POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 114706 - NOTICE - To Members of Hastings Mutual Insurance Company, Hastings, Michigan: Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Hastings Mutual Insurance Company will be held at the Home Office, 404 East Woodlawn Avenue, Hastings, Michigan, on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The annual meeting agenda includes a ballot for the election of the following Directors: Joseph J. Babiak, Jr., Douglas J. Finn, Kellie M. Haines, and Norice Thorlund Rasmussen. Michael W. Puerner, Secretary SATURDAY, MARCH 23, 2019 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. BCEC - LEASON-SHARPE HALL 231S. BROADWAY, HASTINGS MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber K. A. MUELLER ACCOUNTING New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 #8 & Insured 221 South Jefferson Street Hastings, Michigan (269) 945-3547 www.kamuelleraccounting.com Announcement: James J. Goulooze, Attorney at Law Is Still Here Rumors of my demise are premature. For over 30 years I have strived to protect and assert the rights of my clients. My primary focus continues to be criminal defense. If chosen to represent you, I will provide honesty, competence and the assurance that your interest comes first and that I do not act to please the court or prosecutor. SERVING THE LEGAL NEEDS OF BARRY COUNTY AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES Michael Hallifax I thought ofyou today But that is nothing new. Thought about you yesterday And days before that too. I think ofyou in silence And sometimes speak your name. All I have are memories and Your picture in a frame. Your memory is a keepsake From which I’ll never part God has you safely in his arms, But I have you in my heart. SPECIALIZING IN: • Criminal Defense • Felonies (including capital offenses) • Driver License Restoration •Drunk Driving • Bankruptcy • Real Estate Law • Probate Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer Tanett Hodge Bonnie Mattson 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 - STATE CLOTH IN The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Call anv time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad Helping llfCOs Get The Benefits They Deserve (844)474-0037 Yes 45% No 55% Krista Schueller, junior varsity softball coach; Julie Severns, varsity girls tennis coach; Melinda Shults, assistant middle school track coach; Jason Sixberry, junior varsity baseball coach; and Brian Teed, varsity girls track coach. Shawn Watkins, English teacher at the high school, has resigned and his employment with the district will end March 28. A special board of education workshop to prepare for superintendent candidate inter­ views is scheduled for 6 p.m. March 26, in the commons area of Hastings Middle School, 232 W. Grand St., Hastings. The meeting is open to the public. The next regular monthly meeting of the board is at 7 p.m. April 15, in the commons area of Hastings Middle School. Contact me at: 269-945-2255,616-765-9040 or jgoulooze@sbcglobal.net Evenings & Saturday AM Appointments Available ~ Love you always Nan. A special thank you to Roy. Thanks to everyone for the cards, hugs, and support through this past year. Also to the person who came to the hospital and said a special prayer, who I never got to thank. �Page 6 — Thursday, March 21,2019 — The Hastings Banner Sewer main breaks in Middleville Worship Together Tanett Hodge Staff Writer A sewer main on State Street in Middleville collapsed Saturday night, sending sewage out onto the road through the manholes. Raw, untreated wastewater entered the vil­ lage storm sewer and eventually made its way into the Thomapple River. Village wastewater treatment plant operator Charlie Miller esti­ mated that about 5,000 gallons of untreated wastewater escaped the line. The old clay tile pipe was too deep to be dug up by village crews, so the village con­ tracted a company from Grand Rapids to use a vacuum truck to clean out the manhole. “We started working on it Saturday eve­ ning,” Miller said, “arid realized we needed some help. The excavators and contractors worked through the night and up until about 4 p.m. Sunday.” ...at the church of your choice Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship. 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E, State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer, ! Phone 269-945-4995. J hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings ’ at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastifigsopeumc. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: Coffee 10:31-11:46; Connection. Nursery, Children’s ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Thursday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. . ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office, greenstreetumc @ gmail. com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor; Ryan Rose, Family Life Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages| 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheelchair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9: 30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058fe(269) 945-5463. www.firs.tchurchh,as tings. org, 9 a;m. Traditional Service; 10:30 a.m. Contemporary service. Follow us on Facebook. Phoebe Jane Perez COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945­ 9217. cbchastings.org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS, MI - Phoebe “Bonnie” Jane Perez, age 80, passed away in Hastings on March 17, 2019. ” Bonnie was bom June 28, 1938 in Battle Creek, the daughter of Elsie Mae Kidder. She was a 1976 graduate of Hastings High School and was married to Camilo Garcia Perez for many years. Bonnie took care of people her whole life as a CNA at various nursing homes and also through home healthcare for over 30 years. She lovedtodcbatepoFfics, helping anyone who needed it, spendwith family and playing pranks on qnsuspe^ting victims. She loved listening to^ountry music, especially Johnny Cash. She was a very hard worker and loved taking care of everyone. Bonnie was preceded in death by her son, Mark Hassett; her mother Elsie Mae Kidder; son-in-law, Thomas Olivarri Montes; and sis­ ter Rosie Kovar. She is survived by daughters, Anna (Eric) Pifer-Perez, Mariana Perez-Montes; son, Patrick Josaitis; grandchildren whom she adored, Jada (Andrew) . Thomason, Janelie Pifer, Joshua Pifer, Leslie Josaitis, Jason Jo­ saitis, and Joshua Hassett, great-grandchil­ dren whom she adored; sisterS, Marie De­ witt, Mary Ann Powers, Ruthi Sommers, Lori (Brian) Reinke, and brother, Ernest Powers, and many cousins and close friends. A memorial service will be held Satur­ day, March 23, 2019 at 2 p.m. with a visita­ tion held one hour prior at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, Michigan with a luncheon to follow In honor of her favorite color, the family requests visitors to wear purple in memory of Bonnie. Services provided by Girrbach Funeral Home, Hastings, Michigan. To leave online condolences visit www.girrbachfuneralhome. net. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God’s Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! March 24 - Worship services at 8 and 10:45 a.m.; New member Class 9:30 a.m.; Use of Property Mtg. 2-3:30 p.m.; Youth Group 6 p.m. March 26 - Council 6 p.m. March 28 - Lenten Supper 6 p.m. Lenten Service 7 p.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@ grace-hastings.org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945-2698. www. grace-hastings.org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran ChurchELCA Hastings. David Janies MacBeth Products MIMlWmilf 102 Cook 770 Cook Rd. Hastings Hastings 945-4700 945-9541 PLAINWELL, MI - David James Mac­ Beth, age 51, of Plainwell went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Thursday evening, March 14, 2019. He was bom in Battle Creek on November 27, 1967, the loving son of Richard E. and Victoria L. (MacBeth) Grant and graduated from Plainwell High School with the Class of 1986. David worked for more than 18 years at Marshall Plastic Film in Martin and in 2016, retired from Georgia Pacific in Parchment. David married his high school sweetheart, CfiriSitie T. “Chris” Juntas at the Richland Presbyterian Church on August 28, 1993; she survives. He is also survived by his children, Kylee (Braden) Smith of Jackson and Dylan Mac­ Beth of Plainwell; his parents, Richard and Victoria Grant of Battle Creek; his grand­ mother, Edith Walsh of Battle Creek; Chris’ parents, Norm (Nita) Junglas of Middleville and Sylvia Wolf of Kentwood; siblings in­ clude Richard (Chris) Grant, Sissy (Craig) Koch, Jasen (Brittney) Grant and James, Martin (Kellie), Nick (Andrea), and Kimber­ ly (Anthony) Junglas; and many aunts, un­ cles, cousins, nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his grandpar­ ents, David MacBeth, Richard and Gertrude Grant, and Laura Junglas. A very fun, loving and faithful man, Da­ vid was always a true gentleman and made a friend everywhere he went. He was very handy and could build anything, even build­ ing his own home. A true outdoorsman, Da­ vid enjoyed hunting, fishing, drag racing, off-roading in his Jeep and doing wheelies on his bicycle but most of all he loved spending time with his family and friends always look­ ing for the next new adventure. David was a proud member of the Dauntless Jeep Club and an active member of the Radiant Church in Richland for more than 15 years. The family will receive friends 5 to 8 p.m., Thursday, March 21 at the Farley Estes Dowdie Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Rich­ land Chapel 9170 East D. Ave. (M-89) Rich­ land. Celebration of life services will be held 11 a.m. Friday, March 22, 2019 at the Radiant Church 8157 East DE Ave., Richland, MI 49083 where a luncheon will follow. Inter­ ment will follow at Memorial Park Cemetery in Battle Creek at 2 p.m., Friday. In lieu of flowers, please consider making donations to David’s family, C/O Chris Mac­ Beth. Personal messages for the family and/ or favorite memories of David may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com. NOTICE / RadA Hhongs 945-9554 Karl Anders, of Delton, will celebrate his 85th birthday on March 26. He was born March 26,1934. A card shower would be appreciated in his honor. Cards may be sent to Karl Anders, 6984 Guernsey Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. No gifts please. Joan Haywood is turning 90! HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www, hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor, Brian Teed, Associate Pastor Andy Baird and Stu­ dent Ministry Director, Emma Miller. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAMILY HOUR - ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Preschool-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Standard and Adult Elective classes. Coffee Talk: Fellow­ ship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church Age 4-4th grade dismissed during service. Aftermath Student Ministry - 6:30-8:30 p.m., 7th-12th grades. Wednesday: Kids Club "Under Construction"; Wed., Feb. 13-Mar. 27, 6:30-7:45 p.m., Kids age 4-6th grade are welcome; Women's Bible Study 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thurs­ day: Adult Bible Study 10 a.m. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, _ _ _ _ _ _ the churches and these local businesses' _ Hastings Karl Anders will celebrate 85th birthday WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am K 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Because it was a small volume, spread out over time, the public should not be concerned, Miller said, adding that he’s not aware of any line collapsing like that in the past. He specu­ lated that the place where the sewer main collapsed was possibly where, in the past, someone had hooked in, cracked the clay pipe and it finally just gave way. “The DEQ has been alerted and the correct paperwork filled out,” Miller said. “It’s back to life as normal.” Director of Public Works Alex Belson said separation is maintained between the water and sewer lines to prevent contamination in the case of a break. “The water main is also pressurized at 40-70 [pounds per square inch] so that it is constantly pushing out and nothing can get into it,” Belson said. 113915 The Barry County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications from volunteers to serve on the following Boards/Commissions: ■ 1 Agricultural Promotion Board: 1 position Natural Resource Conservation Commission on Aging Board: 3 positions Charlton Park Villagl and Museum Board: 1 position Mental Health Authority: 2 positions Planning Commission: 1 position Zoning Board of Appeals: 1 position Applications may be obtained at the County Administration Office, 3rd floor of the Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings; or www.barrycounty.org; and must be returned no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, 2019. Contact 269-945-1284 for more information. Joan Haywood is turning 90 on March ’ 24! Help her celebrate with a birthday card. ’ Cards may be sent to her c/o 2900 Thornhills Ave. SE, Apt. 323, Grand * Rapids, MI 49546. 1 Dick Clark to celebrate 89th birthday Dick Clark of Hastings will be5 celebrating his 89th birthday on March 23, 2019 at Thornapple Manor. He was bom March 23,1930. A card shower would be appreciated in his honor. Cards may be sent to Richard Clark, 2700 Nashville Rd., Hastings, MI 49058. No gifts please. , HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Thursday, March 21 - Barry County Baby Cafe, 10 a.m.-noon; Novel Ideas Book Club discusses “1984” by George Orwell, 12:30­ 2:30 p.m.; Movie Memories group hosts Movie Buff Awards and watches 1946 film starring Hedy Lamarr, George Sanders and Louis Hayward, 5 p.m. Friday, March 22 - preschool story time1, 10:30-11:30 a.m. ‘ Monday, March 25 - Quilting Passions Crafting Group, 10 a.m.-l p.m.; Creative? Haven Writing Group, 6:30; Attorney General Consumer Education, “Don’t Be Scammed Online,” 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 26 - toddler story time, 10:30-11:30 a.m.; Great Decisions foreign' affairs discussions, 1:30-4 p.m.; mahjongg 5:30; chess, 6; genealogy club, 6-8 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269-' 945-4263. * Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 21, 2019 — Page 7 Yankee Springs board continues to spar over veterans monument project Pausing for a photo after speaking to fourth grade students are (from left) Kenny Smith, Claire Anderson, Olivia Hanson, Maddie McMasters, Shelby Lindquist and Grace Green. (Photos provided) Hastings TATU leaders deliver message to fourth-graders Two groups of specially trained Teens Against Tobacco Use leaders from Hastings High School recently completed another year of TATU presentations for Hastings fourth­ grade students at Central, Northeastern, Southeastern, Star and St. Rose elementary schools. The presentations were designed by the students to be fun, interactive and education­ al, focusing on making the healthy decision to be nicotine-free. Fourth-graders learned about the harmful chemicals in cigarette smoke, health problems associated with tobacco and nicotine use, the cost of smokihg, and the impact of nicotine on blood vessels. TATU is a program of Barry County Substance Abuse Prevention Services/Barry County Community mental Health Authority and is funded in part by the Barry Community Foundation, Tobacco Settlement Funds. Hastings TATU is coordinated by Kelli Newberry, HHS Students Against Destructive Decisions advisor. TATU has been active in Hastings Area Schools since 2001. Hastings High School TATU leaders (from left) Lauren Sensiba, Lucas Richards, Valeria Arias, Callie Lear, Elizabeth Gonsalves and Kennedy Newberry show one of the props they used to deliver a nicotine-free message. SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Resources for women in a career or job outside the home. Some may Vonda VanTil work for a few years, leave the labor force to Social Security Public Affairs Specialist March is Women’s History Month. It’s a raise children, and eventually return to work. time when we reflect on the achievements and Others may choose not to work outside the contributions of our nation’s remarkable home. Whether they work, have worked, or women. Many of these heroes might be peo­ have never worked outside the home, women ple close to you: mothers and daughters, aunts should understand how Social Security can and grandmothers. Each of them plays a spe­ help them and their families. If you’ve worked and paid taxes into the cial role in our lives as they provide love and Social Security system for at least 10 years support. Social Security plays an important role in and have earned a minimum of 40 work cred­ providing economic security for women. its, you may be eligible for your own benefits. Nearly 55 percent of the people receiving Once you reach age 62, you may be eligible Social Security benefits are women. In the for your own Social Security benefit whether 21st century, more women work, pay Social you’re married or not and whether your Security taxes, and earn credit toward month­ spouse collects Social Security or not. If ly retirement income than at any other time in you’re eligible and apply for benefits on more than one work record you generally receive our nation’s history. Women face greater economic challenges the higher benefit amount. We have specific information for women at in retirement. First, women tend to live longer than men. A woman who is 65 years old today socialsecurity.gov/people/women you can can expect to live, on average, until about 87, share with friends and family. Giving this gift while a 65-year-old man can expect to live, on of knowledge can change the life of a woman average, until about 84. Second, women often you care about. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist have lower lifetime earnings : ian men. And, third, women may reach retirement with for West Michigan, You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp smaller pensions and other assets than men. i Today, women have challenging choices to NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525, or via email make. Some may spend their entire adulthood tovonda ,vantil@ssa .gov. Doug VanderLaan Contributing Writer A six-year battle to get the current veterans memorial built and ready for a May 26 dedi­ cation at the Yankee Springs Township fire station continued this week. The latest skirmish in the ongoing spat took place at Thursday’s township board meeting and resulted in little more than each side solidifying its position. On one side stand who want to continue the project and, on the other side, those who also value the effort but want a defined plan in place for the project to ensure the work is done well. “I’ve said from the beginning, bring a saw, a shovel or a hammer, or get out of the way.” Supervisor Mark Englerth said during the fray. “I’m a little disappointed for the people who’ve carried the load. One, we got the site set, we put the monument up, and we brought the board out there.” Though Englerth said after Thursday’s meeting that not all board members even bothered to make the site visit, if they had they would have seen the progress and evi­ dence of the “heavy lifting” that still needs to be done. Planning stakes mark the 60-foot radius of the design and yards of top dirt await finished landscaping. All has been accomplished through the donations of time, labor, and materials by a long list of volunteers ranging from excava­ tors, cement contractors, fund-raising benefit auctioneers, and cash donors who resident Ron Heilman named during the meeting’s public comment period. “With just those on this list, we’ve saved approximately $5/200,” Heilman said, “and that doesn’t include the private donations of materials and time. My point here is that there’s still a lot of work to do and I encour­ age anyone who’d like to help.” In clarifying Heilman’s remarks involving financial figures and the fact that, though the township provided the land on which the vet­ erans memorial is being constructed, no town­ ship funds can be or are involved in the proj­ ect, Trustee Alice Jansma later re-directed discussion to the agenda item stated. “Mr. Knowles [Trustee Larry] asked for a defined site plan,” Jansma said. “Do we have a detailed site plan?” “I’m not saying the direction we’re going is not right,” Knowles said. “I saw that render­ ing and it was beautiful, but people are asking me, why is it [the present construction] so different from what we saw? I have nothing to show them.” Knowles referenced a concept drawing that appeared to be a 2017 preliminary rendering that was used during a special meeting held by the township on March 2 to provide a vet­ erans memorial update . “I think we should supply a plan, put it through the Planning Commission, and then go for it,” Knowles said. “V^iat you’re build­ ing off is nothing. Right now, people still don’t know what direction we’re going.” Knowles pointed to Heilman’s announce­ ment during the public comment period that the Hastings chapter of the Disabled American Veterans had offered $1,500 to the veterans memorial project for construction of a flag­ pole. Heilman asked for board approval of the DAV gift, but also asked for board direction on the number Of different flags [and poles] to be placed and their direction. “That’s the problem,” said Knowles after the meeting, “the drawing shows only two flag poles. How many flag poles are we going to have? People keep asking me if something was approved and nothing was approved. We don’t have a plan.” At the March 2 meeting, Knowles also mentioned that he can find no record of a project budget, either. “This thing never had a devised plan, it’s moved and it’s evolved,” Englerth said of the idea that came together, in part, through the inspiration of the late township constable and Barry County Undersheriff Jim Orr, who died in 2016. “What we, what Jim Orr, envisioned may not be what we have today, but what we do have we should be proud of. “Even when you have a good idea, other options sometimes appear. For God’s sake, I hope this is never completed. I hope it gets added to every year -1 hope in 10 to 20 years there are more park benches and that there’ll be even more landscaping.” In an effort to answer the call for a defined plan, Englerth presented three proposal illus- Thursday evening’s rainbow showcases the ongoing work at the Yankee Springs Veterans Memorial. (Photo by Doug VanderLaan) u trations from Patten Monument on lettering discussion at its June 14 meeting regarding for the back of the monument. Each is priced the township newsletter which hasn’t been at $7,300 and range from a quote by Abraham published since 2017. “It’s not fair for resi­ Lincoln to simple messages asking for God’s dents to read only what’s in the paper,’* blessing on veterans and on America. Also Marcukaitis said. “There’s so many positive included in Englerth’s submission of 23 things happening that I’d like to put in that names of veterans already purchased for newsletter.” The board agreed to a ready-toplacement. print date of May 15 for the revived edition Englerth counseled that discord should not with a copy filing date of May 1 and possibly reflect on the patriotic purpose of the project. earlier - “or I’ll be your worst nightmare,’* “We are blessed with how society reflects Marcukaitis said. respect for our veterans,” Englerth said. “Now Agreed to issue a request for proposal for a you’re seeing veterans memorials springing construction manager to direct the upcoming up in every community and it’s setting a prec­ office renovation project. edent for our young people.” Again deferred discussion on trustee That wasn’t enough to mollify thoughts appointments to the planning commission and about the lack of a plan, however, for one zoning board of appeals because, according to township resident who shouted his objections Englerth, “the board is still at a deadlock’J mid-board discussion from the back of the after turning down resolutions for both posi-* room. tions by 3-2 votes at its Feb. 14 meeting. “Is government supposed to follow the Voted 4-0 [Clerk Janice Lippert was absent same rules it sets for its citizens?” Bruce from Thursday’s meeting] to formalize watei; Campbell asked. “If I have a project on my system specifications as recommended by property, I have to have a site plan designed Don DeVries of Fleis & VandenBrink. and then approved before I can begin the proj­ Unanimously approved a countywide solid ect.” waste resolution presented by Frank Fiala. For Trustee Shanon VandenBerg, the rancor Approved on a 4-0 vote $25,000 for crack became overwhelming. and seal maintenance by the Barry County “Are you guys done?” asked VandenBerg, Road Commission at the township hall, fire directing his attention to Englerth and station and township park. Knowles. “Enough is enough, this has got to Tabled a proposal for further discussion stop. We’re all working on a wonderful proj­ presented by Scott Havens for irrigation ser­ ect. This is s-—. You ought to be ashamed.” vices in the area of the veterans memorial and “Of what?” shot back Knowles, to which the township fire station. Englerth attempted to offer a closing com­ Unanimously approved funding for street­ ment. lights at the corner of Bass Road and Patterson “Government is not always supposed to get and also at the drive leading into Yankee along and agree,” Englerth said. “When we’re Springs Meadows. all done fighting and bickering we’re sup­ Set a meeting regarding a water system posed to come together. The board[ is divided, ordinance update for 6 p.m. May 13. but I think we’ll get there.” Deferred a meeting of the Yankee Springs “So, we’re not committed to a site plan,” Election Commission - made up of Englerth, Knowles responded. Jansma and Lippert - called primarily to dis­ “We’re going to work very hard to be on cuss handling of the May bond issue request the same page and working together,” Englerth for Delton Kellogg Public Schools for Yankee; concluded. Springs and Orangeville townships. The school district is in both townships. In other business, the board: Deferred a discussion Englerth intends to Received an update from County have regarding contrary personal perspectives Commissiorier Dan Parker who distributed between he and Lippert on remarks received and encouraged the board to apply for recre­ by Lippert concerning Englerth at a January ation grant funds of up to $10,000 from the joint township meeting. Barry County Parks and Recreation The Yankee Springs Township Board will* Department. When he was informed by hold its next regularly scheduled meeting Jansma that the township had been approved Thursday, April 11, beginning at 7 p.m. at the" for grant last year and never received its township hall, 284 N. Briggs Road. funds, Parker apologized, asked if the intend­ ed project had been completed and pledged to resolve the issue. Parker also provided an update on discussions regarding the BarryEaton District Health Department and a possi­ ble withdrawal from the partnership and on progress on broadband communication issues in the county. Pledged to resident and park proponent Sandy Marcukaitis it would take action on providing electricity to the township park, in hopes that it could be done in planning for sewer services at the location. “We need elec­ Justin James Dean, Hastings and Veronica^ tricity out there, we’ve lost so many young Charles Gerdts, Hastings trees,” Marcukaitis said. “It’s time to take Tempess Lajoi Massey, Wayland and* action, we don’t have a committee for any­ Michael Eugene Williams thing anymore.” Joshua Michael Gilbert, Hastings and Marcukaitis also reminded the board of Desiree Marie Kowalewski, Hastings SPECIAL MEETING NOTICE The Committee of the Whole of the Barry County Board of Commissioners will conduct a special meeting on Thursday, April 11,2019, at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of considering amendments to the Agriculture Preservation Ordinance, and adoption of an Open Space Preservation Ordinance. Public input is encouraged. The meeting will be held at the Barry County Tyden Center located at 121 S. Church St., Hastings, MI 49058. For more information contact Barry County Administration at (269) 945-1284 or visit ww^nycounty.org. NOTICE MAPLE GROVE TOWNSHIP A public hearing on the proposed Maple Grove Township budget for the coming fiscal year, April 1, 2019 through March 31, 2020 will be held in conjunction with the annual meeting at the township hall, 721 Durkee St., Nashville, on Monday, March 25, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will also be a subject of this meeting. Copies of the approved budget may be obtained at the township hall. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or ser­ vices should contact Susie Butler, Clerk by writing 9752 Evart Road, Nashville, or by phoning 517-852-1859. A special meeting of the Maple Grove Township Board will be held immediately following the annual meeting. Susie Butler, Maple Grove Township Clerk 115060 �Page 8 — Thursday, March 21,2019 — The Hastings Banner Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD JONES Elaine Garlock Happy spring. It is great to be able to walk out of the house without having to don boots, mittens and a heavy coat. Last week, several churches observed Ash Wednesday, March 13, with appropriate ceremonies, music and scriptures. The local historical society met Thursday, March 14, with an even dozen present at the museum on Emerson Street. President John Waite spoke on his recent trip to Iceland in company with his son for a four-day journey to the land of ice, volcanoes and endless nights in winter and constant sunlight in summer. The highest temperature is usually 40 degrees. The island has some beautiful churches of very modem design and lots of sheep, he said. The chief industry is tourism. Future plans include a rummage sale in April, the veterans recognition in May and a celebratory Depot Day in July. The Tri-River Museum group met Tuesday at Grattan, which is west of Belding and north of Lowell. At a memorial gathering at Lakeside Cemetery Saturday, the Rev. Mark Jarvie officiated. Several members of the Kent County portion of the Ericksen family attended, along with Abbie Anderson of Grand Haven. At a recent memorial service at a Fremont church for the late James Morse, several members of the Garlock family attended. Morse was a descendant of the pioneer Steeby family of Leighton Township. 59 Health department: Know the truth behind vape devices, including Juul Tough classes, sports and music practices, social events, family obligations, college applications — middle and high school stu­ dents have enough on their plates. Enter: Juul, a vape device disguised as a computer flash drive. Imagine how hard it is to avoid vape devices, also known as e-cigarettes, when 1 in 5 Barry County teenagers are using them. The Barry County Tobacco Reduction Coalition is taking a stand to say “Enough is enough” to the e-cigarette epidemic. Joining thousands of activists across the country par­ ticipating in Kick Butts - and Juuls - Day March 20, the TRC is encouraging local kids, teens, parents and educators to commit to setting aside just 10 minutes of their day to know the truth about vapes, including Juuls. Kick Butts Day is a national day of youth advocacy sponsored by the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids. There are well over 15,000 flavors of e-cig­ arettes and cigars, with flavors such as butter crumble, berry, bubble gum, cotton candy, gummy bear, grape and menthol. These fla­ vors are meant to attract kids into trying tpbacco products — 81 percent of youth e-cigarette users started with a flavored prod­ uct. Tobacco and e-cigarette companies, includ­ ing Juul Labs, see kids and teens as their “replacement smokers,” and use flavors to make their products more appealing to begin­ ners, to keep them going back for more. Most notably, flavors hide the fact that the devices contain nicotine, and lots of it - each Juul pod has as much nicotine as is in 20 cigarettes. Nicotine is one of the most addictive sub­ stances and interferes with healthy brain development (development that may continue into the mid-20s). Before kids and teens real­ ize it, they can have “NicoTeen brain” and a lifelong addiction. This has been the story for 3.6 million youth who now use e-cigarettes, including Barry County middle and high school stu­ dents with bright futures ahead of them. More information on Juul and other vape devices can be found at stillblowingsmoke, org, e-cigarettes .surgeongeneral .gov, thetruth. com or truthinitiative.org. Anyone who is try­ ing to quit may visit thisisquitting.com/ or ecomeanex.org for text-based assistance. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Public Hearing will be held by the Prairieville Township Planning Commission on April 11, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, within the Township. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the item(s) to be considered at this public hearing include, in brief, the following: 1. A request from Derek and Renee Humphreys, property owners, 14229 Doster Rd. Plainwell, Ml 49080, for a Special Land Use/Site Plan Review, to allow for the construction of an equestrian riding arena for personal use as set forth in section 6.6 “A” Agricultural District C.11. The subject site is located at 14229 Doster Rd Parcel # 08-12-030-005-45 and is located in the A zoning district. 2. Such other and further matters as may properly come before the Planning Commission for this meeting. All interested persons are invited to be present or submit written comments on this matters) to the below Township office address. Prairieville Township will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the hearing upon five (5) days notice to the Prairieville Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Prairieville Township Clerk at the address or telephone number set forth above. Jim Stoneburner, Township Supervisor 115084 • BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP BUDGET PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE The Baltimore Township Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed township budget for the fiscal year 2019-2020 at the Baltimore Township hall located at 3100 E. Dowling Rd., Hastings, Ml on Thursday, March 28, 2019 at 6:00 p.m. THE PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE RATE PROPOSED TO BE LEVIED TO SUPPORT THE PROPOSED BUDGET WILL BE A SUBJECT OF THE HEARING. A copy of the budget is available for public inspection by calling the Township Supervisor, Chad VanSyckle, @ 269-838-0536. This notice is posted in compliance with Public Act 267 of the 197£ amended MCL 41,72a (2) (3) and the Americans with Disabilities Act. The Baltimore Township board will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting upon Ten (10) days notice to the Baltimore Township Board. NOTE: Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or service should contact the Baltimore Township Clerk by writing or calling Penelope Ypma, 6200 Henry Rd., Hastings, Ml 49058. Telephone 269-945-3228. Penelope Ypma Baltimore Township Clerk 114939 What should you do with an inheritance? If you were to receive a sizable inheritance, what should you do with it? This money could help you achieve some of your import­ ant financial goals - so you’ll want to think carefully about your choices. Of course, everyone’s, needs are different, so there’s no one “right” way to handle a large lump sum. But here are a few sugges­ tions that may be useful: • Pay offsome debts. Depending on the size of your inheritance, you may want to consider paying off some, if not all, of your debts, such as car loans, personal loans and student loans. You might even consider paying off your mortgage, but you may not want to, as you might be able to get a better return on your money by investing it. Also, if all your money is tied up in a house, you’ll typically have less liquidity than you would get from your investments. • Contribute more to your retirement accounts. You may now be able to afford to contribute more to your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan, as well as to your IRA. These accounts offer tax ben­ efits plus an array of investment choices, so they are excellent ways to build resources for retirement. • Save for college. If you have children, or grandchildren, whom you would like to some­ day send to college, you might want to put as when to take Social Security, how much to some of your inheritance into a college sav­ withdraw each year from your retirement ings vehicle, such as a 529 plan, which pro­ accounts, and so on. vides tax benefits and gives you great flexibil­ You’ll also need to consult with your tax ity in distributing the money. advisor, because some inherited assets, such • Build an emergency fund. If you haven’t as an IRA, could have tax implications. already built an emergency fund containing Your loved ones worked hard, and probably six to 12 months’ worth of living expenses, invested for many years, to leave a legacy for you may be able to do so now, using part of you. So, to honor their memory, do whatever your inheritance. Keep the money in a liquid, you can to handle your inheritance wisely. low-risk account, so that it’s readily available This article was written by Edward Jones to pay for unexpected costs. Without such a for use by your local Edward Jones Financial fund, you might be forced to tap into your Advisor. If you have any questions, contact Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. long-term investments. Above all else, you may want to get some help. If you don’t already have one, a finan­ cial professional can recommend ways of The following prices are from the close of. using the money to help you meet your goals. For one thing, you could further diversify business last Tuesday. Reported changes are\ r your investments, which is important, because from the previous week. 186.53 +5.62 ' Apple Inc. diversification can help reduce the effects of 30.68 +.05 \ market volatility on your portfolio. (Keep in AT&T Chemical Fin 42.93 +.09 ' mind, though, that diversification can’t pre­ Chevron 125.28 +1.38 vent all losses or guarantee profits.) +1.83 " 160.97 And a financial professional can help you Deere & Co. +.87 ‘ 80.87 Exxon Mobil determine how much your plans could change 45.16 +.62 Flowserve CP due to the inheritance. To name just one pos­ 8.70 +.13 + sibility, you might be able to move up your Ford Motor Co. 10.19 +.43 . General Electric Co. retirement date. If so, you’d need to adjust 38.27 -.35 General Motors many aspects of your financial strategy, such ------ STOCKS------- Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP Perrigo Co. Pfizer Inc. Spartannash Comp Stryker TCF Financial Corp. Walmart Inc. Walt Disney Co Whirl Pool Corp Gold Silver Dow Jones ‘Waterfall’ reaction powers gadgets Dr. Universe: Why do gadgetyneftf batteries? How do they work? ? pfy Shereen and Jasmine, 8, Florida Dear Shereen and Jasmine, Batteries can power up all kinds of gad­ gets. To find out how batteries work, I decided to visit my friend and materials engineer Min-Kyu Song. He makes batter­ ies in his lab at Washington State University. As you might know, materials are made up of atoms - and atoms have tiny parts called electrons. If you’ve ever felt a spark when you touched a doorknob, you’ve felt electrons making the jump between your body and the door. If you look at a battery, perhaps the kind you’d find in a television remote, you might see a little negative sign (-) on one end. That end of the battery is called an anode. Song explains that an anode can be made up of different metals. In a battery, an anode is usually made up of a material that contains a lot of energetic electrons, like the zinc in a AA battery. An anode is on a mission to give some of its electrons away. At the opposite end of the battery is a part that wants to take some of those electrons. It is marked with a plus sign (+) and called a cathode. Cathodes also can be made of different materials, such as manganese oxide. But these materials don’t contain as many ener­ getic electrons as the metal that makes up our anode. The third part of the battery is a liquid or solid mixture of chemicals called an electro­ lyte. The electrolyte contains some electri­ cally charged particles called ions. You actually have electrolytes in your blood. You also can find them in sports drinks. If a battery just sits on the counter, even if it has all of these three parts, you may notice it doesn’t do much. That’s because the electrolyte, which can sometimes be an acidic salt solution, blocks any electrons from moving around inside the battery. It isn’t until we attach a wire, like copper, to each end of the battery, that a chemical and electrical, reaction will start. Electrons will start flowing. You might think of it as an endless, cycling waterfall - the many electrons from the anode start flowing down the wire to the cathode that takes them all in, then some of the ions carry the charges through the elec­ trolyte, back to the anode, and up the wire again. We also can add parts like a lightbulb or a motor along the wire to make them work. When the chemical reaction is over, we eventually end up with a dead battery. In Song’s lab, engineers experiment with different materials to help invent new, more powerful batteries. They also are looking for ways to keep some batteries from burning up, creating even safer batteries for us to use in the future. Just imagine, without batteries, we’d have to plug in all our electronics with wires and cords. Cats everywhere might be enter­ tained, but it would probably become a big tangled mess. Batteries help us store energy in the form of chemicals so we can use all kinds of gadgets. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. NOTICE TO BIDDERS BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION 184.13 138.44 54.41 117.65 49.24 42.30 16.31 196.12 21.44 99.85 110.00 132.21 +.13 -.74 +.25 ■+4.03 +2.06 +.57 -.33 +5.32 -.08 r +1.48 -4.73 -8.80 $1,306.63 $15.47 +$4.71 ? 25,887 -.93 ’ +332 LEGAL 11 Vf 11, • NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF BARRY COUNTY Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public hearing for the following: Case Number V-4-2019 - Kevin Stowell/Stowell Builders (Applicant); Timothy & Tamara Hodge (Property Owners) • Location: 646 Eagle Point Road, Lake Odessa, in Section 4 of Woodland Township. Purpose: Request a variance to construct a 7x13 4 addition as well as a 29x17 addition and a 24x40 attached garage to a home with a 6 ft side yard setback (the minimum is 10 ft) resulting in a front yard setback of 10 ft (the minimum is 20 ft) in the RL (Recreational Lakes) zoning district. Case Number V-5-2019 - Larry Haske (Applicant); Philamena Haske (Property Owner) Location: 3757 England Drive, Shelbyville, in* Section 6 of Orangeville Township. Purpose: Request a variance to construct a 24x22 addition to an existing home with an existing side yard setback of 4.3ft (the minimum is 7 ft) in the RL (Recreational Lakes) zoning district. Meeting Date: April 08, 2019. Time: 7:00 PM;121 South Church Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Site inspection of the above described properties< will be completed by the Zoning Board of Appeals 4 members before the hearing. Interested persons desiring to present their views upon an appeal, either verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned time and place. Any written response may be mailed to the address listed below, faxed to (269) 948-4820, or emailed to jmcmanus@barrycounty.org. The variance applications are available for publid inspection at the Barry County Planning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058,during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed between12-1 p.m.) Monday - Friday. Please call the Barry County Planning Department at (269) 945-1290 for further information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing. impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring ‘ auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or calling the following: Michael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 945-1284. Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk 114707' Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry County Road Commission, 1725 West M-43 Highway, P.O. Box 158, Hastings, MI 49058, until 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, April 10, 2019 for the following items. Specifications and additional information may be obtained at the Road Commission Office at the above address or at our web site at www.barrycrc.org. Bituminous Mixtures Crack Seal Blocks Culverts Scraper Blades Dust Control The Board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive irregularities in the best interest of the Commission. BOARD OF COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BARRY David D. Solmes Frank M. Fiala D. David Dykstra Chairman Member Member GET ALL THE NEWS OF DADDV PAITIUTVI Dniui i L/LzUIM lil Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. �Page 12 — Thursday, March 21, 2019 ~ The Hastings Banner Wireless glitch hampers Robo-Saxons in Richland Hastings drive team members Ethan Dunn, Andrew Shaver, Grayson Tebo and Cody Dunn confer with an alliance part­ ner. The Hastings Robo-Saxons competed in the FIRST Robotics Competition at St. Joseph High School March 7-9 and Gull Lake High School March 14-16. The team placed 13th at St. Joseph and 27th at Gull Lake. The Robo-Saxons had hopes to improve their placing at the Gull Lake event, but loss of wireless communication in two matches moved the team down with no chance to recover, advisor Ed Domke said. “The Robo-Saxons learned a tremendous amount of information in designing a robot that was multifunctional and up to the task of placing hatch panels and cargo on the cargo ship and rocket,” he added. Forty teams compete at each event with 80 qualifying matches. In each match, the RoboSaxons had two alliance robots from other schools randomly selected that compete against three other randomly selected robots. In addition to designing, building and pro­ gramming the robot from scratch in a sixweek period, team members also must be able to control, or drive, the bot in a speedy and efficient manner to score as many point as possible in a 2 !6-minute window of time. In between matches, teams must fix broken parts and diagnose problems that may have occurred during the match. This fast-paced event is fun to watch and draws a large crowd, Domke said. For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology ~ more commonly known by its acronym of FIRST - is an organization that Hastings drive team members Andrew Shaver, Grayson Tebo, Thomas Carpenter/ Andrew Maurer and Cody Dunn watch the competition as they wait on deck for the" next match. Grayson Tebo readies the robot for a match. (Photos provided) has been running this competition for 30 years. Out of all the teams across the world, Michigan makes up the largest percentage, with 20 percent of the teams, Domke said. FIRST Robotics Competition is considered the ultimate sport for the mind. High school student participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have,” according to the firstinspires.org website. In essence, it combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited resources and an intense six-week time limit, teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team brand, hone teamwork skills and build and program industrial-size robots to play a diffi­ cult field game against like-minded competi­ tors. It’s as close to real-world engineering as a student can get. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team. In addition to learning valuable science, technology, engineering and mathe­ matics and life skills, participants are eligible to apply for $80 million in college scholar­ ships. Domke pointed out that in FIRST Robotics competitions all skill levels are welcomed and needed, technical or non-technical. The Hastings Robo-Saxons team includes (front row, from left) Andrew Maurer, Andy Shaver, Grayson Tebo, (middle) mentor Nick Larabee, Ethan Dunn, Thomas Carpenter, Isaiah Shaver, (back) Matt Sherman, Cody Dunn and Jacob Neil. (Missing from the photo are student John Hinkle and mentors Matt Christman, Rob Neil, John, Maurer, Jeff Denny and Ed Domke. Three Hastings BPA students advance to national leadership conference Corbin Hunter (left) and Roger Roets placed fifth in the state web design team com­ petition. Corbin Hunter (left) accepts second place fundamentals of web design award. (Photos provided) Three young men qualified to represent Hastings High School at the Business Professionals of America National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, Calif., in May after successfully placing in the state conference over the weekend. Competitions began in January when sever­ al Hastings High School students put their skills to the test at the Region 1 Business Professionals of America Leadership Conference at Davenport University. Hastings students walked away with 13 Region 1 awards. Eight students qualified to attend last weekend’s state conference: Isaac Evans (fourth in entrepreneurship), Scott Fischer (fourth in network administration using Microsoft), Noah Former (fourth in computer security, fourth in PC servicing and troubleshooting), Corbin Hunter (third in information technology concepts, third in management, marketing and human resources concepts, first in fundamentals of web design, and first in website design team) Abby Larabee (second in administrative support team), Maggie Nedbalek (second in adminis­ trative support team), Roger Roets (first in website design team), Teight Tumes (first in C++ programming, first in Java program­ ming.) At the state leadership conference March 14-17, at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids, students participat­ ed in business-related events and competed for the top spots and the chance to go the BPA National Conference. “This event is the ultimate event for our student members,” co-advisor Bob Carl said of the national conference. Qualifying for the national BPA leadership conference were Teight Tumes, who placed fourth in C++ programming; Corbin Hunter, who took second in fundamentals of web design; and Corbin Hunter and Roger Roets, who placed fifth in the web design team event. The Hastings chapter of BPA also was rec­ ognized at the state leadership conference for a substantial increase in membership this year. Two students, Corbin Hunter and Abby Larabee, qualified to attend the state leader­ ship conference through the Statesman Torch Award program. Business Professionals of America’s Torch Awards Program frames and guides BPA members’ leadership and service to their chapter and community. Students complete activities in the seven Torch catego­ ries: leadership; service; cooperation; knowl­ edge; friendship; love, hope and faith; and patriotism. A Statesman is defined as “one who is a leader in the promotion of the public good and in national affairs.” The Statesman BPA State Finalists from Hastings High School include (seated, from left) Maggie Nedbalek, Abby Larabee, (standing) Jessica Gaskill, Corbin Hunter, Noah Former/ Isaac Evans, advisor Bob Carl, Scott Fischer, Roger Roets, advisor Jason Burghardt’ and Teight Turnes. Teight Turnes (left) receives the fourth-place award in C++ computer programming; Torch Award is given at the state level to del­ egates who earn 50 points in each Torch cate­ gory. Business Professionals of America is the national career/technical student organization for students preparing for careers in the busi­ ness world. The organization encourages members to excel in tomorrow’s business careers and to function in the community as responsible citizens. Development of occupa­ tional, leadership, teamwork, organizational*, and communication skills are all tested in the Workplace Assessment Skills Program . The Hastings Chapter of Business Professionals of America has competed since 1986. Hastings High School business teachers who helped the students prepare are Jason Burghardt and Bob Carl. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 21, 2019 — Page 9 fl look back al the stories and columns on local history In the Hastings Banner TURNING BACK THE PAGES < Looking back at March 1939 news A similar photo of Pennock Hospital was captioned: The City of Hastings added facilities for maternity patients at the hospital and approved its operating room, with assistance from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. (File photo) For the March 23, 1989, Banner, local historian and “Time to Time” columnist Esther Walton looked back half a century at the news from 1939. She found then, as is the case now, 80 years later, that some topics continue to be in the news. Other headlines were truly indicative of that era hovering between the Great Depression and World War II. In the March 2, 1939, Banner, rumblings about Germany and the forthcoming second world war warranted these comments in an article titled “German explains Hitler’s method ” “We read much these days about Hitler and Germany, information from that country is so censored that little of it can be accepted A speech was given by Dr. Segar, who was compelled to flee from Germany. His comments about Germany were thus: “It is a terrorized nation. The Germans never had much experience in self-rule under the Kaisers. They were subjects, rather than citizens. Now they are completely dominated by force and fear of Hitler and his secret police.” The article told about the repression of German citizens and the loss of their rights. It was a rather interesting article about the beginnings of World War II. A second front-page article provided a look back at old records from the courthouse. It used to be the custom at the Rotary Club that during a members’ birthday month, he gave a history of himself and what he did. This information came from such a vignette: “Supervisors used to begin sessions at 5 and 6 im.” The article told of an unnamed Barry County official who was giving his “birthday greetings” from this interesting article. Here are a few items: “From the supervisors’ proceedings in the 1840s, one finds it was often the custom after a day’s session to adjourn ‘til 5 or 6 o’clock the following morning, showing they must have arisen with the cock’s crow in the good old days.” After the first courthouse was burned in 1846 and before the second one was erected, the proceedings of the board of supervisors show that a resolution was passed, “that Nathan Barlow Jr. occupy the courthouse square in the spring and summer of 1847 for the purpose of sowing said ground with oats and seeing it down with clover seed.” On Jan. 4, 1855, the sheriff of the county was instructed “to keep the fence around the courthouse square in repair and to keep the gate locked, except when the court was in session, so as to exclude there from all cattle, hogs and other domestic animals.” Another little goodie: Jan. 5, 1855, the board appointed a committee to purchase a poor-farm site for the use of the superintendent qf the poor and to use their discretion in the Ideation and purchase thereof. “As a result, the present site was selected and was the beginning of the Barry County home” [known today as Thomapple Manor] It seems the W.K. Kellogg Foundation ^yas Barry County news every week. This time the paper told about the foundation equipping the hospital with a laboratory and X-ray service. The city council passed resolutions “calling for the construction of tarmac paving, curb and gutter for several streets in this city.” The streets named were West Madison, South Dibble, North Hanover, Thom, South Church, West South and North Boltwood. Generally, the work was only one or two blocks on each street. Oil well drilling was still big news, with another test well sunk “on the Moxon farm in Thornapple Township. Oil had been found in two other nearby wells, one on the Henry Simmons estate near Parmalee and one over the line in Kent County. These wells were not big producers. In fact, one was never completed, why it wasn’t completed wasn’t explained in the article. On an inside page was an article telling that the Barry County Fair Association had decided that the Barry County Fair would be held for five days instead of four. Under public forum: “We sometimes wonder, as we drive along State Street during some not-too-busy times of the day, if all the merchants and clerks do not drive their cars to work and park them in front of the places of business. Perhaps a cure for this would be a time limit on parking on the main street. Often, as we have gone ’round and ’round looking for a hole into which to duck with the car, we have wondered if some of the farmers haven’t felt that they would get to the store quicker if they left the car at home and hoofed it in.” This article should be filed under “So what is new?” as the current [1989] city council is dealing with almost the same downtown parking problems today. The Grange listings included notices of the Irving, Star, Glass Creek, Maple Leaf and Welcome granges. The March 9 issue started with a list of dairymen who gathered to elect officers in their cow testing associations and to organize a third association that would serve more than 75 Barry County farmers, “making the largest number of herds ever on test in Barry County.” A small article gave the names of the 21 postmasters who served in office here. Many of them were people who later became mayors of the City of Hastings. Starting with the first, Willard Hayes, and going down in order, they were Henry Goodyear, William C. Hoyt, John Roberts, Herman I. Knappen, Nathan Barlow Jr., Robert Grand, John W. Stebbins, John M. Nevins, William E. Powers, William R. Cook, John C. Ketchum, William J. Field and Lorenzo Maus. The Youth Council had its annual meeting and listed the groups it supported and the organizations served. The council declared, “the major objective for the coming year will be an effort to develop more local councils to take charge of youth work in the various communities.” One article, titled “Says railroads are handicapped,” gave the background of the regulations of the railroads and how in 1939 the regulations were causing the railroad to lose business and not be competitive with the Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads “transportation of freight for hire over the highways.” The article said, in part, “Since then (regulation of railroads), however, the picture has changed. Internal combustion engines and the automobile were developed. Then, as was only natural, vehicles were developed to transport freight as well as passengers, and the railroads no longer had a monopoly. Good roads were demanded and built at the expense of the public. The transportation of freight for hire over the highways of this nation and this state increased enormously ...” The piece went on to say, “Thus the railroads are now in the position of competing as a privately owned industry with a form of transportation whose way of communication [that is the highways] are being financed in a generous manner by the public.” So today, when we wonder whatever happened to the railroads, this article gave many of the answers. This small humorous item also appeared on the front page of the March 9 issue: Larry Towe, able editor of the Jonesville Independent, seems to think it strange there is an open season in Barry County for farmers’ hides. He says: “Farmers and butchers up in Barry County are fair and legal game. Their hides are being purchased, along with skunks, on the open fur market. At least, the reliable Hastings Banner says so in an ad. It reads: T handle thousands (wonder who’s left to do the milking) of farmers’ hides as well as butchers’ hides. Also have taken a larger order for skunk. The skunk market is stronger ... ’ Barry County sure must raise some tall-smelling woods’ kitties, if even the market is stronger.” “After all, Larry, when one considers the high cost of government and all the regulations and restrictions being imposed on farmers nowadays, is it surprising that they occasionally feel driven to the act of offering their hides for sale? If you are surprised that the skunk market is stronger than any other, it is probably safe to assume that you have been fortunate enough to keep free from contact with these little white-striped kitties. I might add too that we in Barry County are fortunate because our skunks are confined to the four­ footed variety that roams the woods. “Your comment, too, in another indication of how widely Banner ads are read.” ———“——~~ ~ ~ ' 114830 Prairieville Township Boardj Regular scheduled meetings are held on the 2nd Wednesday at 6:30 P.M, unless otherwise posted: April 10 May 8 June 12 July 10 August 14 September 11 October 9 November 13 December 11 January 8 February 12 March 11 Prairieville Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed material being considered at the hearing, to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon four (4) days notice to the Prairieville Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Prairieville Township Clerk at the address or telephone number listed below. Rod Goebel, Clerk, Prairieville Township 10115 S. Norris Road, Delton, Ml 49046 (269) 623-2664 Advertisement for Bids for Hastings Area Schools Project Description Southeastern Elementary, 1300 S East Street, Hastings, Ml 49058 2019 Roof Project. Proposals may be mailed or delivered in person to: Mr. Dale Krueger Facilities Supervisor, Hastings Area Schools 232 W Grand Street, Hastings, Ml 49058 Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting A mandatory pre-bid meeting and project walk-through will be held on Tuesday, March 26th, 2019 @ 10:00 am (local time). The meeting will convene at: Southeastern Elementary, located at above address. Bid Information Proposals must be received prior to 10:00 AM (local time) on Tuesday, April 9th, 2019 at the above referenced address. Proposals will be publicly opened and read aloud promptly after 10:00 am. All bids received after 10:00 AM on the bid date will not be accepted and will be returned to the Bidder unopened. Proposals and Award The Project will utilize one (1) prime contractor. The contract for construction will be a direct contract with the Owner and executed on AIA Document A201 (1997 edition) “Standard Form of Agreement between Owner & Contractor”. Project administration will be the responsibility of Mr. Dale Krueger. Plans and Questions Bidding Documents will be available for distribution at mandatory pre-bid meeting. Contact Mr. Dale Krueger, Project Coordinator to reserve a set of bid documents. All questions regarding the bidding procedures, and drawing/specification intent are to be directed to the Project Coordinator. Bid Security A Bid Security by a qualified surety authorized to do business in the state where the Project is located and in the amount of five percent (5%) of the Base Bid shall accompany each proposal. The Bid Security may be in the form of a Bid Bond, Cashier’s Check, or Money Order. Personal checks are NOT acceptable. Bid may not be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days after the bid date. Successful Bidders may be required to furnish Surety Bonds as stated in the Project Specifications. NOTICES SYNOPSIS Hastings Charter Township Regular Meeting March 2019 Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. Seven board members present, Approved all consent agenda' items Approved increasing County Rd Repair plan for next four years Approved firm of Walker, Fluke & Sheldon for 2018 audit Begin procedure for Ordinance Prohibiting Recreational Establishments Approved payment of bills Dept, reports received and put on file Motion to adjourn 8:26 pm Respectfully submitted, Anita S. Mennell - Clerk Attested to by Jim Brown - Supervisor 115083 STATE OF MICHIGAN JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY SUMMONS: ORDER TO APPEAR (CHILD PROTECTIVE PROCEEDINGS) CASE NO. 18009163-NA 206 W. COURT ST., STE 302 HASTINGS, Ml 49058 (269) 945-1390 02/02/2018 In the matter of Charleigh Bronkema Petition#: 18009496 TO: Kori Bronkema 9205 Lindsey Rd. Plainwell, Ml 49080 YOU ARE ORDERED to appear in person before the court for a hearing on the allegations in the attached petition. The appearance of the child(ren) named above is not necessary. The date, time and place of the hearing are: 4/16/2019 at 1:30 p.m. at Barry County Trial Court Family Division 206 W. Court Ste., Ste. 302 Hastings, Ml 49058 The purpose of the hearing is: to rule on a request that your parental rights over the child(ren) be terminated. RIGHTTO ATTORNEY: As a respondent you have the right to be represented by the attorney. If you want an attorney, you should hire one immediately so the attorney will be ready on the hearing date. If you want an attorney but are not financially able to hire an attorney, you should contact the court immediately about a court appointed attorney. RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JURY: If you want a jury to decide the facts at the trial, you must file a written request with the court within 14 days after the court gives notice of the right to jury trial or 14 days after an appearance by an attorney, whichever is later, but no later than 21 days before trial. There is no right to a jury at a termination of parental rights hearing. RIGHT TO TRIAL BY JUDGE: Either a Judge or a referee may decide the facts at a trial without a jury. If you want a judge to decide the facts at the trial, you must file a written request with the court within 14 days after the court gives notice of the right to a judge or 14 days after an appearance by an attorney, whichever is later, but no later than 21 days before trial. If you require special accommodations to use the court because of a disability or if you require a foreign language interpreter, please contact the court immediately to make arrangements. WARNING: You are notified that this hearing may result in a temporary or permanent loss of your rights to the child(ren). FAILURE TO APPEAR may subject you to the penalty for contempt of court, and a bench warrant may be issued for your arrest. Date: 2-26-19 Judge William Michael Doherty P41960 Familial Disclosure All bidders must provide familial disclosure in compliance with MCL 380.1267 and attach this information to the bid. The bid shall be accompanied by a sworn and notarized statement disclosing any familial relationship that exits between the Owner or the employee of the bidder and any member of the board, intermediate school board, or board of directors or the superintendent of the school district, or chief executive officer of the public school. The District shall not accept a bid that does not include this sworn and notarized disclosure statement. Iran Business Relationship Affidavit All bidders must comply with the Iran Economic Sanctions Act. Bidders must provide a signed copy of Iran business relationship affidavit. Owner’s Rights The Owner reserves the right to reject any or all proposals, and to waive informalities, irregularities, and/or errors in the bid proposals, which they feel to be in their own best interest. TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the following is a summary of Ordinance No. 167 which was adopted by the Prairieville Township Board at a regular meeting on March 13, 2019. ORDINANCE 167 ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENTS REGARDING SIGNS AND FENCES SECTION I AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE IV, SECTION 4.18 SIGNS. This section revised to provide a purpose, general sign regulations, prohibited sign regulations, a description of exempt signs, district regulations, temporary sign and changeable copy sign regulations, nonconforming sign regulations, abandoned sign regulations, sign permit application process and requirements and a violation section. SECTION II AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE III, SECTION 3.1 DEFINITIONS. Subsection 83 is revised to provide a new definition of sign and to include various definitions regarding types of signs (including graphic depictions), sign area and sign height. SECTION III AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE IV, SECTION 4.32, FENCES, WALLS AND SCREENS. This section is revised to provide maximum height for a fence, wall or screen, to require zoning compliance and to provide appearance requirements. SEVERABILITY. SECTION IV severable. The provisions of this Ordinance are SECTION IV _REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES/EFFECTIVE DATE, All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. This Ordinance shall take effect eight (8) days after its publication. Ic PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the full text of the Ordinance has been posted in the Office of the Prairieville Township Clerk at the address below and that a copy of the Ordinance may be purchased or inspected at the Township Clerk’s office during regular business hours of regular working days following the date of this publication. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Rode Goebel, Clerk 10115 S. Norris Road Delton, Michigan 49046 (269) 623-2664 �Page 10 — Thursday, March 21, 2019 — The Hastings Banner BlilglSll i4a^ - Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on April 18,2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Eric V Bartlett, a single man and Megan Daniels, a single woman, as joint tenants Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Success Mortgage Partners, Inc. its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): The Money Source Inc. Date of Mortgage: May 24,2018 Date of Mortgage Recording: May 30,2018 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $244,485.99 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Woodland, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: A strip of land 30 rods wide off the East side of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of . Section 28, Town 4 North, Range 7 West. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: March 21, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1379398 (03-21 )(04-11) 114930 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACTOUR OFFICE ATTHE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTENTION PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by the original mortgagor, Frances Davis and Henry Davis, (husband and wife) to Argent Mortgage Company, LLC, dated August 16, 2004 and recorded August 24, 2004 under Clerk File Number 1132929, in Barry County records, Michigan and then assigned to Citifinancial Mortgage Company, Inc., dated April 11, 2005 and recorded April 18, 2005 under Clerk File Number 1144999 and further assigned to Wilmington Savings Fund Society, Fsb, as Trustee of Stanwich Mortgage Loan Trust A, dated January 17, 2017 and recorded January 17, 2017 under Clerk File Number 2017-000521, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of forty-nine thousand eight hundred thirteen and 75/100 ($49,813.75), including interest on the applicable indebtedness at the rate of 5.5% per annum. This sum will increase as additional J interest, costs, expenses and attorney fees accrue under the Mortgage and its related note and which are permitted under Michigan Law after the date of this Notice. No legal or equitable proceedings have been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage, and the power of sale in the Mortgage has become operable by reason of default. NOTICE is now given that on March 28,2019 at 1:00 P.M. at that place where circuit court is held In Barry ^County, Michigan, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the property herein described, or some part of them, at public auction, the highest bidder, for the purpose of satisfying the amount due and unpaid on the Mortgage, along with interest due, the legal costs and charges of the sale as allowed by statute and/or the Mortgage, and any taxes and insurance that the Mortgagee pays on or prior to the date of said sale. Said premises are situated in the city of Nashville, County of Barry, and state of Michigan, and particularly described as: ALL THAT CERTAIN PIECE OR PARCEL OF LAND SITUATE AND BEING INT THE TOWNSHIP OF CASTLETON, COUNTY OF BARRY, MICHIGAN, AND DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS, TO-WIT: BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE EAST AND WEST 1/4 LINE OF SECTION 32, TOWN 3 NORTH, RANGE 7 WEST, DISTANT WEST 1180 FEET FROM THE EAST 1/4 POST THEREOF; THENCE SOUTHERLY 470 FEET PARALLEL WITH THE WEST LINE OF THE EAST 3/4 OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF SAID SECTION 32, THENCE WEST APPROXIMATELY 348 FEET PARALLEL WITH SAID EAST AND WEST 1/4 LINE OF SECTION 32; THENCE NORTH 2 DEG. 10’ WEST 148 FEET; THENCE NORTH 88 DEG. 01’ EAST 146 FEET; THENCE NORTH 1 DEG. 00’ EAST 317 FEET TO THE EAST AND WEST 1/4 LINE OF SECTION 32; THENCE EAST 202 FEET TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING, CASTLETON TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN. More Commonly Known As: 6730 East M 79 Highway, Nashville, Ml 49073 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: February 14, 2019 For more information, please call: (630) 453-6960 Anselmo Lindberg & Associates PLLC Attorneys for Servicer 1771 West Diehl Road, Suite 120 Naperville, IL 60563 File MF19010002 (02-28) (03-21) 113911 w mi FW/^TTMd 1 1 JIL^wto^JKZ/ihii^ jL^Lb^ '-'X NOTICE Schneiderman & Sherman, PC., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE -Linda McGinley, an unmarried woman, granted a mortgage to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”), solely as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated July 12, 2011, and recorded on July 18, 2011, in Document No. 201107180006877, and modified on August 28, 2017, recorded September 14, 2017, in Document No. 2017-009331,and assigned by said mortgagee to JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Eighty-Six Thousand One Hundred Eighty-Seven Dollars and Twenty-Three Cents ($186,187.23). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, At the East doors of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan, at 01:00 PM o’clock, on April 18, 2019 Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: LOT 26, NORTH RIDGE ESTATES NO. 2, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, TILED IN LIBER 6 OF PLATS, PAGE(S) 17, RECORDS OF BARRY COUNTY, STATE OF MICHIGAN The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 600.3241, in which case the redemption period shall be 1 month, or under MCL 600.3241a 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the. MCL 600.3241 a(b) notice, whichever is later, or extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of Act 236 of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman, P.C. 23938 Research Drive, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1379848 (03-21 )(04-11) 115122 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE This firm is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information we obtain will be used for that purpose. Default has occurred in the conditions of a mortgage made by KENNETH MARTIN, a single man (“Mortgagor”), to CHEMICAL BANK, a Michigan banking corporation, having an office at 333 E. Main Street, Midland, Michigan 48640-6511 (the “Mortgagee”), dated November 20, 2014, and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan on December 8, 2014, as Instrument No. 2014-011489 (the “Mortgage”). By reason of such default, the Mortgagee elects to declare and hereby declares the entire unpaid amount of the Mortgage due and payable forthwith. Mortgagee is the owner of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage. As of the date of this Notice there is claimed to be due for principal and interest on the Mortgage the sum of Sixty-Seven Thousand Two Hundred Eleven and 41/100 Dollars g>67,211,41). Nq suit or proceeding at law has been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage or any part thereof. Notice is hereby given that by virtue of the power of sale contained in the Mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, and to pay the above amount, with interest, as provided in the Mortgage, and all legal costs, charges and expenses, including the attorney fee allowed by law, and all taxes and insurance premiums paid by the undersigned before sale, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by sale of the mortgaged premises at public vendue to the highest bidder at the east entrance of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan on Thursday the 4th day of April, 2019, at one o’clock in the afternoon. The premises covered by the Mortgage are situated in the Township of Hastings, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and are described as follows: Commencing at the Northeast corner of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 26, Town 3 North, Range 8 West; thence South to Thornapple River; thence West 1499 feet along Thornapple River for the place of beginning; thence North 135 feet; thence West 75 feet; thence South 135 feet more or less to the bank of the Thornapple River; thence East 75 feet to the place of beginning, along with a 1994 Century Manufactured Home, serial number MY9594505AB. Together with all existing or subsequently erected or affixed buildings, improvements and fixtures; all easements, rights of way, and appurtenances; all rights to make divisions of the land that are exempt from the platting requirements of the Michigan Land Division Act, as it shall be amended; all water, water rights, watercourses and ditch rights (including stock in utilities with ditch or irrigation rights); and all Other rights, royalties, and profits, relating to the premises, including without limitation all minerals, oil, gas geothermal and similar matters. Commonly known as: 3590 Bridge Park Road, Hastings, Michigan 49058 P.P. #08-06-026-046-00 Notice is further given that the length of the redemption period will be six (6) months from the date of sale, unless the premises are abandoned. If the premises are abandoned, the redemption period will be the later of thirty (30) days from the date of the sale or upon expiration of fifteen (15) days after the Mortgagor is given notice pursuant to MCLA §600.3241 a(b) that the premises are considered abandoned and Mortgagor, Mortgagor’s heirs, executor, or administrator, or a person lawfully claiming from or under one (1) of them has not given the written notice required by MCLA §600.3241 a(c) stating that the premises are not abandoned. If the premises are sold at a foreclosure sale, under MCLA §600.3278 the Mortgagor will be held responsible to the person who buys the premises at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the Mortgagee for damaging the premises during the redemption period. Dated: February 28, 2019 CHEMICAL BANK Mortgagee Timothy Hillegonds WARNER NORCROSS + JUDD LLP 900 Fifth Third Center 111 Lyon Street, N.W. Grand Rapids, Ml 49503-2487 (616) 752-2000 18163503 113723 qr rtf STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 2019-28137-DE Estate of Phillip David Jones. Date of birth: 03­ 19-1943. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Phillip David Jones, died 01-50-2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Stephen D. Schultz, personal representative or to both the probate court at 206 West Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: March 6, 2019 George T. Perrett (P42751) 202 N. Riverview Drive Parchment, Ml 49004 269-349-7686 Stephen D. Schultz 3871 Kirby Road Battle Creek, Ml 49017 269-719-6797 115064 SYNOPSIS PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Regular Meeting March 13,2019 Supervisor Stoneburner called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Present: Clerk Goebel, Treasurer Pence, Supervisor Stoneburner, Trustee VanNiman & Trustee Borden Agenda and Minutes were approved. Commissioner’s report was placed on file. Public comments, if any, were received. Budget Hearing Approved 2019-2020: General Appropriations Act and Budget Personnel Pay Schedule Township Meeting Schedule, Holiday Schedule Investment Policy Fire, Police and Parks Department reports were placed on file. Supervisor, Treasurer, Trustees and Clerk’s Report’s were received. Approved paying bills: $61,413.28 Approved budget adjustments and Hall Rental Policy Approved Zoning Ordinance Amendment Approved Special Assessment Public Hearing Date Public comments and Board comments were received. Meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m. Submitted by: Rod Goebel, Clerk 114914 STATE OF MICHIGAN IN THE BARRY COUNTY TRIAL COURT­ DISTRICT DIVISION NOTICE OF SALE HON. WILLIAM M. DOHERTY. File No. 15-1217-GC GIRRBACH FUNERAL HOME, Plaintiff, vs. ELWIN H, WOOD JR., Defendant. DAVID H. TRIPP (P29290) 202 South Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 Attorney for Plaintiff Pursuant to and by virtue of a Judgment of the 56-B District Court in the County of Barry, State of Michigan, made and entered on October 26, 2015, and an Order to Seize Property issued January 3, 2017, showing $12,815.94 due and owing plus interest Sheriffs fees, costs and attorney’s fees and the Notice of Levy recorded in the Barry County Register of Deeds in Barry County Record # 2019-001569 in a certain case pending in the 56-B District Court wherein Girrbach Funeral Home, Inc.; Plaintiff and Elwin H. Wood, Jr., is the Defendant, notice is hereby given that I shall sell at public sale to the highest bidder, at the East steps of the courthouse situated in the City of Hastings, County of Barry, on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at 2:00 p.m., the following described property: All that certain piece or parcel of land situated in the Township of Hastings, County of Barry, State of Michigan, described as follows: Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on March 28, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Christian L. Allwardt, married man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): First Guaranty Mortgage Corporation Date of Mortgage: November 21,2014 Date of Mortgage Recording: December 8, 2014 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $124,100.31 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Hope, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Commencing at the Northwest corner of Section 24, Town 2 North, Range 9 West; thence East 1320 feet along the North line of Section 24; thence South 300 feet for the true place of beginning; thence South 574 feet; thence East 494 feet parallel with the North line of Section 24; thence North 84 feet; thence East 226 feet; thence North 227 feet to the centerline of Gurd Road; thence Northerly along the centerline of Gurd Road to a point 300 feet South of the North line of said Section 24; thence West parallel with the North line of said Section 24 to the place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: February 28, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1377060 (02-28)(03-21) 113625 LOT 4 OF BROOKFIELD ACRES ACCORDING TO THE RECORDED PLAT THEREOF. PARCEL# 08-06-130-004-00 COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 1968 BROOKFIELD DRIVE, HASTINGS, MICHIGAN 49058 Dated: 3-12-2019 Mark Sheldon, Barry County Deputy Sheriff Drafted by: ' David H. Tripp (P29290) 202 South Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-9585 Q:/IDHT Closed files\Girrbach Funeral Home\Elwin WoodXNotice of Sale 3-6-19.doc 114640 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTENTION PURCHASERS: This Sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, or in the event the sale is set aside, the purchaser may be entitled to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, less any applicable fees and costs, and shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s attorney. MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Kevin D. Abbott and Deborah L. Abbott, a married couple, to Habitat for Humanit, Barry County dated July 28, 2008 and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County on August 1, 2008 in number 20080804-0007867 on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Sixty-Three Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty-Eight and 72/100 ($63,888.72.) Dollars and no suit or proceedings at law or equity having been instituted to recover the debt secured by said mortgage. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on March 28, 2019. Said premises is situated in The City of Hastings, County of Barry, and The State of Michigan and is described as: Lot 1, Block 8, Kenfields 2nd Addition to the City of Hastings, according to the plat thereof, recorded in Liber 1of Plats, Page 37, of Barry County Records. Commonly known as 836 East Clinton St., Hastings, Michigan 49058. Parcel Number: 08-55-240-054-05 The redemption period shall be six (6) months immediately following the sale the property. If the property is deemed abandoned under MCL 600.3241a, then the redemption period shall be shortened to 30 days for the date of sale. If the property is sold at a foreclosure sale the mortgagors will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the foreclosure or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period pursuant to MCL 600.3278. Dated February 19, 2019 For more information please call: Robert L. Byington Depot Law Office, PLC Attorneys for Mortgagee 222 West Apple St. P.O. Box 248 Hastings Michigan 49058 269-945-9557 113472 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on March 28, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Raymond L Thompson and Pamala K Thompson, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Reverse Mortgage Solutions, Inc. its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Reverse Mortgage Solutions, Inc. Date of Mortgage: June 10, 2015 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 30, 2015 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $65,098.11 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: A parcel of land in the West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 36, Town 1 North, Range 8 West, described as: Commencing at the Northeast corner of said West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4; thence South along 1/8 line 1000 feet to the place of beginning of the within description; thence continuing South along the 1/8 line 329 feet; thence due West to the West line of the East 56 acres of said West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 36; thence North on said West line 343 feet, more or less, to a point due West of the point of beginning; thence due East to the point of beginning The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: February 28, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1377564 (02-28)(03-21) 113844 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on April 18, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): L. Robert Ragucky and Carolyn J. Ragucky, Husband and Wife Original Mortgagee: Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Champion Mortgage Company Date of Mortgage: February 28, 2003 Date of Mortgage Recording: March 11, 2003 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $193,336.53 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lots 13 and 14 of Oak Grove, qs recorded in Liber 3 of Plats, Page 43 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: March 21,2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1379761 (03-21)(04-11) 115105 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Andrew McDiarmid, married man, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns, Mortgagee, dated November 7, 2017 and recorded November 15, 2017 in Instrument Number 2017-011542 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Mr. Cooper, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Forty Thousand Eight Hundred Thirty-Nine and 80/100 Dollars ($140,839.80), including interest at 4.5% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in saib mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on MARCH 28, 2019. Said premises are located in the Township of Praireville, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: ................ Lot No. J5 in Prairieville Hf^ht^ according to the plat thereof recorded in Liber 5 of plats, Page 34, Barry County Records. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: February 28, 2019 File No. 19-001320 Firm Name: Orlans PC (02-28)(03-21) 113671 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Donald R. Collard and Bonnie L. Collard, husband and wife, tenants by entity rights survivorship, to Beneficial Michigan Inc., Mortgagee, dated October 19, 2006 and recorded October 26, 2006 in Instrument Number 1171944 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by U.S. Bank National Association, as indenture trustee, for the holders of the CIM Trust 2017-4, MortgageBacked Notes, Series 2017-4, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Fifty Thousand Two Hundred Forty-Two and 59/100 Dollars ($50,242.59), including interest at 6.39% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on MAY 9, 2019. Said premises are located in the Township of Orangeville, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: COMMENCING AT THE EAST QUARTER POST OF SECTION 17, TOWN 2 NORTH, RANGE 10 WEST FOR PLACE OF BEGINNING; THENCE WEST 440 FEET TO THE CENTER OF LINDSEY ROAD; THENCE NORTH EAST ALONG SAID ROAD 200 FEET; THENCE EAST TO A POINT DIRECTLY NORTH OF POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE SOUTH TO PLACE OF BEGINNING. EXCEPTING THEREFROM: COMMENCING AT THE EAST 1/4 POST OF SECTION 17, TOWN 2 NORTH, RANGE 10 WEST FOR PLACE OF BEGINNING; THENCE WEST 440 FEET TO THE CENTER OF LINDSEY ROAD; THENCE NORTHEAST ALONG SAID ROAD 200 FEET; THENCE EAST TO A POINT DIRECTLY NORTH OF POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE SOUTH TO PLACE OF BEGINNING The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: March 21,2019 File No. 18-005612 Firm Name: Orlans PC (03-21 )(04-11) 114918 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 21, 2019 — Page 11 Hastings’ plan for prosperity RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ORDINANCE SUBMITTAL TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE proposed Ordinance #2019-167 as appended hereto was introduced for first reading by the Rutland Charter Township Board at its March 13, 2019 meeting. This proposed ordinance will be considered for adoption by the Township Board at a regular meeting on April 10, 2019 commencing at 7:00 p.m. at the Charter Township Hall. Rutland Charter Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven (7) days’ notice to Rutland Charter Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD Rutland Charter Township Hall 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Michigan 49058 Telephone: (269) 948-2194 Robin J. Hawthorne, Clerk Charter Township of Rutland Dave Hatfield, chairman of Hastings Planning Commission, leads a Joint Planning Commission workshop to dis­ cuss the city’s Five-year Master Plan with surrounding community officials. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP n RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP ORDINANCE NO. 2019-167 (proposed) 3f ADOPTED: Joan Van Houten Rebecca Harvey, city planning consultant, discusses the next phase in setting a Staff Writer A strategy outlining growth has entered its five-year plan for Hastings with members of the planning commission. second phase in Hastings and, soon, as a part of that process, public input will be sought. In Michigan, a community is not required nity which complement a high quality of life a basis for the zoning ordinances reviewed to plan or to zone. However, a documented is important in attracting the talent needed to and amended by the city. This document will provide an outline for Five-Year Master Plan is required if a com­ sustain and grow the economic environment. Natural resources and recreation opportuni­ the city to plan and prepare for the future munity wants to engage in the use of zoning. “The zoning ordinance is the primary ties help create the high quality of life that needs of residents and to address current and mechanism to implement the master plan. attracts both businesses and talent to a com­ emerging needs. “What a master plan does is identify what There must be a reason for the zoning. It must munity. Much of the area’s tourism, which be designed to achieve something,” Planning forms an important part of the community’s the situations are for a community, both good economy, is driven by recreation and recre­ and bad. It brings about awareness by identi­ Consultant Rebecca Harvey said. 'r The master plan for the City of Hastings ational access to the Thornapple River and fying questions to answer or problems to will be the guide for growth and development. surrounding natural resources. This view sup­ solve. It also identifies positive things to high­ It will explain Hastings as a community, detail ports the “Hasting on the Thornapple” identi­ light and continue to improve on,” Harvey said. amenities, insight into the future the commu­ ty the city has been working to establish. One of the areas on the “good” list is The plan outline states providing public nity and how it will get there. It will also create an identity for the city intended to be services, such as affordable water and sewer, Hastings has a wide variety of programs orga­ easily recognizable by non-residents, outside well-maintained roads and high-tech infra­ nized by various groups. The larger special structure like Wi-Fi and broadband, also are events are highlighted by the Barry-Roubaix businesses and organizations. > “Hopefully, by the time we get through it necessary to support new investment and Killer Gravel Road Race, the Thomapple Jazz Festival, the Gus Macker basketball tourna­ Ml, there will be projects around town we can development. The fifth element is effective leadership by ment and Summerfest. There also are seasonal point to and say it’s happening because we went through this,” Dave Hatfield, planning local elected and appointed officials. weekly events like the Community Concert commission chairman, said. Maintaining the balancing act that requires Series at Thornapple Plaza, the Farmer’s Hastings has chosen to arrange its master strong relationships between the public, com­ Market, playing at the Spray Plaza and Fridays plan into two components. Part one is the munity stakeholders and their representatives at the Fountain. Recreation opportunities also are a strength community, which involves the review and is critical to the next action-oriented phase. analysis of the existing conditions within the Work with the public, developers, neighbor­ for the city with five municipally owned ing communities, and many others ensure that parks, canoe and kayak livery, bike trails and City of Hastings. the multi-use Riverwalk Trail with several Part two is action, which outlines the future the interests of the community are served. land use plan, transportation plan, Zoning plan t . Ju^l^i^gvfor^^two. ofjlie master plan, scenic overhangs providing easy access to and actidii-pb detailed strategies will th©~steermg committee has completed Misetis- shore fishing. Widiiil^orl distance1 tocity specify the various programs and policies that sion about the housing initiative and is in the are camping, fishing, swimming and hiking the city will undertake to reach the goals and process of addressing industrial development, opportunities in Yankee Springs, and fishing, swimming, hiking opportunities at Charlton Hatfield said. objectives of the master plan. “With each of the elements, we must go Park. “We’ve narrowed it down to five strategic Harvey also described the master plan as areas that we want to focus on. What we’re through a number of steps, starting with the doing in the second part of the master plan is steering committee, and then going to the “the place” where details are fleshed out with going back and, one by one, looking at those planning commission and then sharing it with the questions, determining the hurdles and limitations being experienced. areas and creating action plans to acquire the the city council,” he said. Some people don’t feel the city needs to Members of the steering committee are desired results,” Hatfield said. The five elements being examined are the Hatfield; Jeff Mansfield, city manager; Dave grow, he said. “Others, like our major employers, are say­ economy, community, infrastructure, natural Tossava, mayor; Thomas Maurer, planning commission member; and Dan King, commu­ ing if the community isn’t growing, we can’t resources and recreation and leadership. fill their need for additional employees, and According to the draft of the first part of the nity development director. The long-range plan examines past trends they can’t grow, and they will have to go project - to grow the economy - a plan needs to be in place to attract a skilled and knowl­ and makes projections for the next five to 20 someplace else,” Hatfield said. The changes needing to be made for growth edgeable workforce to support existing busi­ years. These projections are more accurate for nesses. The presence of skilled labor also will the short term and are the reason a master plan isn’t going to be popular with everyone, he help to create and attract high-paying and is reviewed every five years. It will be used by said. There is a lack of developed lots. property owners, developers, and outside Creating more will mean losing green space sustainable jobs. Creating vibrant places within the commu­ agencies to guide decision-making and will be and wooded land. There will be people strong­ ly against that because they enjoy seeing those areas. However, the city is feeling the negative effects on many levels because of the housing shortage and, to build houses, land is needed. “Our job as city officials, though, is to do the best we can at coming to a compromise that addresses everybody’s interests and con­ cerns, or changing the community consensus and help them understand that certain things need to take place if the community is going to continue to grow so our businesses, both manufacturers as well as retailers, continue to prosper,” Hatfield said. Zoning decisions being made at the plan­ ning commission level have already been partly influenced by the future goals of the master plan, such as the recent decision to recommend changing the zoning on six lots at the intersection of North Broadway and Woodlawn. The question being asked by the planning commission is, “Does this change fit in with the desired result of the master plan?” A draft of part two of the plan is expected to be presented to the planning commission in May or June with the adoption process to begin in June or July. “We’re trying to discipline ourselves to Hastings Mayor Dave Tassova, Mayor Pro Tern Bill Redman and Director of Public Services Lee Hays participates in a discussion about planning for the future of move this along as quickly as we can, but we’re more interested in doing this right than Hastings. doing it fast,” Hatfield said. Water’s Edge Financial LLC Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF® (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinancial.com Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you Jeffrey A. Keessen AIF® Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC COUNTY OF BARRY, STATE OF MICHIGAN Karen Hayward Administrative Assistant Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads EFFECTIVE: ORDINANCE TO COMPLETELY PROHIBIT MARIHUANA ESTABLISHMENTS WITHIN RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP PURSUANT TO MICHIGAN REGULATION AND TAXATION OF MARIHUANA ACT This Ordinance is enacted pursuant to the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (initiative legislation approved by the voters as Proposal 1 at the November 6,2018 general election) to completely prohibit any “marihuana establishment” as that term is defined in the Act and herein within the boundaries of Rutland Charter Township. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDAINS: SECTION 1 LEGAL AUTHORITY This Ordinance is enacted pursuant to the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (initiative legislation approved by the voters as Proposal 1 at the November 6, 2018 general election) to completely prohibit any “marihuana establishment” as that term is defined in the Act and herein within the boundaries of Rutland Charter Township. This Ordinance is also enacted pursuant to the authority granted to the Township Board by MCL 42.15 to enact such ordinances as may be deemed necessary to provide for the public peace and health and for the safety of persons and property therein, and by MCL 41.181 to adopt ordinances regulating the public health, safety, and general welfare of persons and property. This Ordinance is intended to reflect and advance the previous policy position of the Township Board under the Michigan Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MCL 333.27101 et. seq.) to not allow marihuana-related facilities within Rutland Charter Township, in the manner now required by the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act to continue that policy position. SECTION 2 COMPLETE PROHIBITION OF MARIHUANA ESTABLISHMENTS WITHIN RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP Marihuana establishments shall be and hereby are completely prohibited "within the boundaries of Rutland Charter Township, to the fullest extent of the law. SECTION 3 DEFINITIONS A. For purposes of this Ordinance the term “marihuana establishment” is defined exactly as defined in Section 3(h) of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, to mean “a marihuana grower, marihuana safety compliance facility, marihuana processor, marihuana microbusiness, marihuana retailer, marihuana secure transporter, or any other type of marihuana-related business licensed by the department”. B. For purposes of this Ordinance the term “marihuana grower” is defined exactly as defined in Section 3(i) of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, to mean “a person licensed to cultivate marihuana and sell or otherwise transfer marihuana to marihuana establishments”. C. For purposes of this Ordinance the term “marihuana safety compliance facility” is defined exactly as defined in Section 3(o) of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, to mean “a person licensed to test marihuana, including certification for potency and the presence of contaminants”. D. For purposes of this Ordinance the term “marihuana processor” is defined exactly as defined in Section 3(l) of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, to mean “a person licensed to obtained marihuana from marihuana establishments; process and package marihuana; and sell or otherwise transfer marihuana to marihuana establishments”. E. For purposes of this Ordinance the term “marihuana microbusiness” is defined exactly as defined in Section 3(k) of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, to mean “a person licensed to cultivate not more than 150 marihuana plants; process and package marihuana; and sell or otherwise transfer marihuana to individuals who are 21 years of age or older or to a marihuana safety compliance facility, but not to other marihuana establishments”. F. For purposes of this Ordinance the term “marihuana retailer” is defined exactly as defined in Section 3(m) of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, to mean “a person licensed to obtain marihuana from marihuana establishments and to sell or otherwise transfer marihuana to marihuana establishments and to individuals who are 21 years of age or older”. G. For purposes of this Ordinance the term “marihuana secure transporter” is defined exactly as defined in Section 3(n) of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, to mean “a person licensed to obtain marihuana from marihuana establishments in order to transport marihuana to marihuana establishments”. H. For purposes of this Ordinance the term “department” is defined exactly as defined in Section 3(b) of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, to mean “the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs” of the State of Michigan (capital letters added for proper noun correctness). I. For purposes of this Ordinance any other term used in any of the foregoing defined terms that is itself defined in the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, or any administrative rules promulgated by the department to administer and implement the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act pursuant to Section 8 or otherwise of that Act, is defined exactly as therein defined. SECTION 4 SEVERABILITY The provisionsWf this Ordinance are hereby declared to be severable, and if any clause, sentence, word, Section or provision is declared void or unenforceable for any reason by any court of competent jurisdiction, such declaration shall not affect any portion of this Ordinance other than the part declared to be invalid. SECTION 5 EFFECTIVE DATE AND NON-REPEAL A. This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon publication as provided by MCL 42.22.* B. This Ordinance is not intended to repeal any provision of any other existing ordinance of Rutland Charter Township. Robin Hawthorne Rutland Charter Township Clerk �Page 12 — Thursday, March 21, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Wireless glitch hampers Robo-Saxons in Richland Hastings drive team members Ethan Dunn, Andrew Shaver, Grayson Tebo and Cody Dunn confer with an alliance part­ ner. The Hastings Robo-Saxons competed in the FIRST Robotics Competition at St. Joseph High School March 7-9 and Gull Lake High School March 14-16. The team placed 13th at St. Joseph and 27th at Gull Lake. The Robo-Saxons had hopes to improve their placing at the Gull Lake event, but loss of wireless communication in two matches moved the team down with no chance to recover, advisor Ed Domke said. “The Robo-Saxons learned a tremendous amount of information in designing a robot that was multifunctional and up to the task of placing hatch panels and cargo on the cargo ship and rocket " he added. Forty teams compete at each event with 80 qualifying matches. In each match, the RoboSaxons had two alliance robots from other schools randomly selected that compete against three other randomly selected robots. In addition to designing, building and pro­ gramming the robot from scratch in a sixweek period, team members also must be able to control, or drive, the bot in a speedy and efficient manner to score as many point as possible in a 2 ^-minute window of time. In between matches, teams must fix broken parts and diagnose problems that may have occurred during the match. This fast-paced event is fun to watch and draws a large crowd, Domke said. For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology - more commonly known by its acronym of FIRST - is an organization that Hastings drive team members Andrew Shaver, Grayson Tebo, Thomas Carpenter/ Andrew Maurer and Cody Dunn watch the competition as they wait on deck for the next match. Grayson Tebo readies the robot for a match. (Photos provided) has been running this competition for 30 years. Out of all the teams across the world, Michigan makes up the largest percentage, with 20 percent of the teams, Domke said. FIRST Robotics Competition is considered the ultimate sport for the mind. High school student participants call it “the hardest fun you’ll ever have,” according to the firstinspires.org website. In essence, it combines the excitement of sport with the rigors of science and technology. Under strict rules, limited resources and an intense six-week time limit, teams of students are challenged to raise funds, design a team brand, hone teamwork skills and build and program industrial-size robots to play a diffi­ cult field game against like-minded competi­ tors. It’s as close to real-world engineering as a student can get. Volunteer professional mentors lend their time and talents to guide each team. In addition to learning valuable science, technology, engineering and mathe­ matics and life skills, participants are eligible to apply for $80 million in college scholar­ ships. Domke pointed out that in FIRST Robotics competitions all skill levels are welcomed and needed, technical or non-technical. The Hastings Robo-Saxons team includes (front row, from left) Andrew Maurer, Andy Shaver, Grayson Tebo, (middle) mentor Nick Larabee, Ethan Dunn, Thomas Carpenter. Isaiah Shaver, (back) Matt Sherman, Cody Dunn and Jacob Neil. (Missing from the photo are student John Hinkle and mentors Matt Christman, Rob Neil, John, Maurer, Jeff Denny and Ed Domke. Three Hastings BPA students advance to national leadership conference Corbin Hunter (left) and Roger Roets placed fifth in the state web design team com­ petition. Corbin Hunter (left) accepts second place fundamentals of web design award. (Photos provided) Three young men qualified to represent Hastings High School at the Business Professionals of America National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, Calif., in May after successfully placing in the state conference over the weekend. Competitions began in January when sever­ al Hastings High School students put their skills to the test at the Region 1 Business Professionals of America Leadership Conference at Davenport University. Hastings students walked away with 13 Region 1 awards. Eight students qualified to attend last weekend’s state conference: Isaac Evans (fourth in entrepreneurship), Scott Fischer (fourth in network administration using Microsoft), Noah Former (fourth in computer security, fourth in PC servicing and troubleshooting), Corbin Hunter (third in information technology concepts, third in management, marketing and human resources concepts, first in fundamentals of web design, and first in website design team) Abby Larabee (second in administrative support team), Maggie Nedbalek (second in adminis­ trative support team), Roger Roets (first in website design team), Teight Tumes (first in C++ programming, first in Java program­ ming.) At the state leadership conference March 14-17, at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in downtown Grand Rapids, students participat­ ed in business-related events and competed for the top spots and the chance to go the BPA National Conference. “This event is the ultimate event for our student members,” co~advisor Bob Carl said of the national conference. Qualifying for the national BPA leadership conference were Teight Tumes, who placed fourth in C++ programming; Corbin Hunter, who took second in fundamentals of web design; and Corbin Hunter and Roger Roets, who placed fifth in the web design team event. The Hastings chapter of BPA also was rec­ ognized at the state leadership conference for a substantial increase in membership this year. Two students, Corbin Hunter and Abby Larabee, qualified to attend the state leader­ ship conference through the Statesman Torch Award program. Business Professionals of America’s Torch Awards Program frames and guides BPA members’ leadership and service to their chapter and community. Students complete activities in the seven Torch catego­ ries: leadership; service; cooperation; knowl­ edge; friendship; love, hope and faith; and patriotism. A Statesman is defined as “one who is a leader in the promotion of the public good and in national affairs.” The Statesman BPA State Finalists from Hastings High School include (seated, from left) Maggie Nedbalek, Abby Larabee, (standing) Jessica Gaskill, Corbin Hunter, Noah Formers ' Isaac Evans, advisor Bob Carl, Scott Fischer, Roger Roets, advisor Jason Burghardt and Teight Turnes. 1 Teight Turnes (left) receives the fourth-place award in C++ computer programming: Torch Award is given at the state level to del? egates who earn 50 points in each Torch cate­ gory. Business Professionals of America is the national career/technical student organization for students preparing for careers in the busi­ ness world. The organization encourages members to excel in tomorrow’s business careers and to function in the community as responsible citizens. Development of occupa­ tional, leadership, teamwork, organizational*, and communication skills are all tested in the Workplace Assessment Skills Program. The Hastings Chapter of Business Professionals of America has competed since 1986. Hastings High School business teachers who helped the students prepare are Jason Burghardt and Bob Carl. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 21,2019 — Page 13 County board favors plan to relocate Friend of the Court Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry County commissioners agreed to proceed with a project to relocate the Friend of the Court office to the Courts & Law build­ ing. During Tuesday’s committee of the whole meeting, from which Commissioners Vivian Conner and Ben Geiger were absent, the board agreed to recommend appointing an ad hoc committee of two commissioners, Conner and Jon Smelker, to develop a budget and plan for the move. Chairwoman Heather Wing pointed to the recommendations from the 2015 Master Facilities Plan, when the county renovated the Tyden Center in 2016 and the Michigan State University Extension office was relocated there to make space for the Friend of the Court in the Courts & Law Building. County Administrator Michael Brown told commissioners that the bonds that financed the capital acquisitions and subsequent reno­ vations to the Friend of the Court building Vgill be paid off in 2021. ■* The purpose of the ad hoc committee will be to work with necessary county staff and Landmark Design Group PC to prepare a plan aiid budget for relocating the Friend of the Court offices. “It would begin the process” Brown said, “and bring back a recommendation to this board with a plan to move the Friend of the Court offices, with a time frame for that, a budget and ultimately get permission to bid that project out. “There is not a budget at this point for this project,” he said. “That is part of the task that this committee would be undertaking, work­ ing with Landmark Design, which has done some preliminary design in the past relative to placing FOC in that location.” The board had refrained from the Friend of the Court relocation up to this point, Brown said, based on the reimbursement the county Barry County Administrator Michael Brown answers questions from county commissioners about a project to relocate the Friend of the Court office to the Courts and Law Building in Hastings. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) received from the state from the debt that cur­ rently exists on the FOC building. That is due to the expire in 2021. “We’re getting very close to that debt being finished up, so it seems now would be the time to take a look at the potential of moving, what the cost would be, how we would go about that,” Brown said. “There are some other variables that exist: We now have indi­ gent defense that’s in the Courts & Law Building. We believe that that should remain. “The goal is to keep those programs that function within the court system - to the degree we can - in that building as well as those programs that have a more heightened security requirement to keep them in that building that’s a little bit more secure.” Brown noted that county officials will be looking at whether any of the project could be done “in house.” “Is it manageable enough? If we can, we have some talented staff,” he said, noting that the challenge will be tasking county staff members to a fixed project that will remove them from their current responsibilities for a fixed time. The question is whether someone else could fill in for that staff member or could some of the duties go undone. These are questions for the ad hoc commit­ tee to address. In answer to commissioner questions, Brown said the county is not obligated to go with Landmark. Commissioner David Jackson asked why this project hadn’t moved forward sooner. “It has been talked about for a number of years,” Brown replied. “And it has been a desire of the courts.” But past county administrations had con­ cerns about there not being enough room, he noted. Court officials believe there is enough space in the building to accommodate Friend of the Court offices, Brown said, adding how important it is for the court to have staff in one location. This project is small, Wing said. “Since 2015, it was definitely in our sights from the master plan. It’s important to keep the progress working. It’s not a big budget item,” she said. “We already have the funds.” Next week, the county board will meet Monday, instead of Tuesday. The meeting is scheduled for 9 a.m. Monday, March 26, in the commission chambers in the county court­ house in Hastings. The public is welcome to attend. HONORS, continued from page 1 for the Hammerhead Swim Club for six years, currently serves on the board for Leadership Barry County, is a member of the Barry Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council, is a member of the Hastings Key Club and a volunteer for the YMCA of Barry County’s Y Mentors program. She plays her flute in a church musical group and at com­ munity concerts. While at the high school, Kate was part of a science research team that traveled to Dominica. After graduation, Kate plans to attend Kalamazoo College to pursue an undergradu­ ate degree in science and mathematics. She plans to swim on the K-College women’s s^in| |eam and take part in the music pro­ gram. She said she is happy to have had the opportunity to work with the youth of the community, specifically as a coach for the . Hammerhead Swim Club. Noah Former, son of Robert and Karelyn Former. Noah participated in Science Olympiad for four years and received numerous awards at invitational and regional competitions. Last year, he placed first at the state competition for the Game On computer coding and game design event. He also has been in in Business Professionals of America for four years, and at the regional competition in 2016, placed third in computer security, in 2017 he placed third in computer security and second in PC servicing and trou­ bleshooting, and in 2018, placed second in computer security. * Noah was in choir all four years of high school, was a member of the Varsity Singers for the past three years, and was a member of tlje Quiz Bowl, math and robotics teams. He also played soccer for two years and has been on the golf team for three years. Last summer, he was the lead developer on a cryptocurrency project based on Ethereum blockchain. * After graduation, Noah plans to pursue a degree in computer science at Michigan State University. Katura Metzner, daughter of Carl and Nancy Metzner. Activities Katura has participated in include the fall play as stage manager and the spring musical, marching band as assistant trombone section leader, jazz band, steel drum band, art society, math team, Science Olympiad, and National Honor Society. She received the AP Scholar with Honor Award, the Science Department Award her sophomore year, various awards for Science Olympiad events, and Highest Academic Honors her freshman and junior year. * After graduation, Katura plans to attend Michigan State University or University of Michigan to obtain a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. The thing that she most proud of while attending HHS is being a part of the award-winning Science Olympiad team alongside her friends. Alexis McDade, daughter of Kari McDade and Anthony Trabalka and Michael McDade and Catherine Arnold. Throughout high school, Alexis has been in many activities she has grown to love. As a junior, she was accepted into the National Honor Society. She has been a member of Students Against Destructive Decisions club for four years, two of which she has been president; a member of the marching band for four years, including section leader as a soph­ omore and a drum major as a junior and senior. Alexis has taken a large role in Science Olympiad for the past four years, and has competed at regional and state level, some of which she has medaled. She is a part of steef drum band, worked backstage for the play, backstage and pit orchestra for the musical, Teen Against Tobacco Use, the math club, and more. After graduation, Alexis plans to attend a four-year university to major in mathematics. She is unsure where to settle yet, but Michigan is a front-runner for her. With a math degree, she hopes to find a right fit for a career. While attending Hastings High School, she is most proud of the character development she has witnessed in her peers and herself. Seeing how they have changed individually and yet collectively amazes her, she said, because she never thought such changes would occur in school. She and her friends have gone through just about everything together: Tragedy, accom­ plishments, elatedness and more. Alexis is proud of how far they have come, and she cannot wait to see where it takes them. Andrew Maurer, son of John and Tina Maurer. Andrew has been involved in a variety of things throughout high school. This includes being an officer in Key Club, a part of the FIRST Robotics Team, participating on the math team, helping build props for the spring musical, getting involved with a bowling league and playing on the freshman and junior varsity baseball teams. He has received the Kiwanis Student of the Month award, top honors and perfect atten­ dance all throughout high school, the math department award, and a co-captain award in baseball. After graduation, Andrew plans to earn a degree in mechanical engineering at Western Michigan University, with a backup plan to go to Kellogg Community College for two years while working part time, and then transferring to a university. While in high school, he has been proud of multiple things, but he is most proud of suc­ cessfully challenging himself. He feels he has prepared for the future by challenging himself with classes that made him work hard and analyze things in ways other classes don’t. Hope Peck, daughter of Thomas Peck and Sandra Smith. While at Hastings High School, Hope has participated in many activities. All four years, she was involved in Science Olympiad, was a member of Art Society and was able to do many projects to better the community. In her junior year, she was inducted into National Honor Society for having outstand­ ing grades and meeting the volunteer and leadership requirements it entailed. She has been on the soccer team and represented Hastings High School in the Rotary Club. In addition, she was able to create a mural for the Walldorff restaurant in Hastings, something she is most proud of accomplish­ ing. After her two months of hard work, the colorful mural hangs outside the restaurant. She said it was an honor to be able to create something so special for her hometown. Kassidi Olson, daughter of Kelli and Rick Lawrence and the late Carl Olson. Kassidi has been involved with Key Club since her sophomore year, and this year she is vice president. She has been a part of SADD since her freshman year, second year as the secretary and historian for junior and senior year. She has helped vith the Red Cross blood drive since her sopfembfo year. She attended the Allegan and Barry County Youth Summit her sophomore year. Kassidi was accepted in National Honor Society her junior year and has volunteered at Thornapple Valley Church for four years lead­ ing the fourth and fifth grade age group. She volunteers in the kindergarten classroom at Southeastern Elementary, working with the special-needs children and students struggling in the classroom. She received the history award as a fresh­ man and received the Kiwanis student of the month award as a junior. She was named academic all-conference for varsity softball and received top honors and the scholar athlete award. Kassidi plans to attend Grand Valley State University and in biomedical sciences and eventually attend to medical school. The one thing she says she is most proud of while attending Hastings High School is step­ ping outside of her comfort zone to be able to serve those in need in her community while creating many real and lasting friendships. Grace Nickels, daughter of Mike and Lin Nickels. Grace has participated in volleyball, bas­ ketball and soccer for four years and has served as a captain in all three. She has been active in student council for four years and is currently serving as executive board presi­ dent. She has been a member of the National Honor Society for two years and is the current secretary. Grace has filled her high school career by being an active participant in the Key Club for four years, SADD Club for four years, Interact Club for four years, Science Olympiad for two years, Y Mentors for two years and Barry County Youth Advisory Council for four years. Apart from school, Grace is an active mem­ ber of the Lakewood Community 4-H Club and has shown animals and exhibits at the Barry County Fair for the past 10 years. She is an active participant in Hastings Young Life. After graduation, Grace plans to attend college to pursue a degree in nursing. The one thing Grace is most proud of while attending Hastings High School is her involve­ ment in nine service clubs and being able to serve her fellow students, school and commu­ nity. Mary Youngs, daughter of Christian and Katherine Youngs. Mary has been a dedicated team member of the swim and dive team. She set two records and was named most valuable player for three consecutive years. She also is on the varsity tennis team and is a member of the math team. Mary’s plan after graduation is to earn a degree in mathematics at the University of Michigan. The one thing she is most proud of is set­ ting the dive records for her school. The January and February Key Club students of the month from Hastings High School are freshman Grace Kurr and junior Blake Harris. The two are joined by their mothers, Anne Wilcox-Kurr (left) and Rebecca Harris (right), as well as Kiwanis presi­ dent Dr. Bob Becker. (Photo provided) Kiwanis honors HHS Key Club students of the month The Kiwanis Cli|b of Hastings recently recognized the Key Club Student of the Month for January and February. Club presi­ dent Bob Becker presented the awards to two outstanding members of Hastings High School Key Club. After students are selected, they and their parents are invited to be introduced at a Kiwanis Club meeting. Students also choose where a $50 club donation will be given in their honor. Taking honors for the month of January was junior, Blake Hanis, son of Rebecca and Kenneth Harris. During Blake’s first year as a Key Club member he has made strides in bringing attention to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. In honor of his sister, Blake donated his award money to that orga­ nization. He plans to continue to make a difference in the lives of others both through community projects with the Key Club and his commit­ ment to educate those around him about the challenges faced by those with juvenile diabe­ tes. The February Key Club Student of the Month is freshman Grace Kurr, the daughter of Anne Wilcox-Kurr. When the Key Club decided to make toys for the Barry County Animal Shelter, Grace found her passion in helping make a difference at the shelter. She enjoys learning about all of the differ­ ent opportunities to impact the community through service with the Key Club. Grace selected the Barry County Animal Shelter to receive her Kiwanis donation. Hastings Kiwanis Club members congratu­ late these two young adults and look forward to what these two young people, with their: attitudes of service to others, will bring to the future of the community. Bands converging at Hastings PAC Friday The stage at the new Hastings Performing Arts Center will be filled with musicians ranging in age from teens to 80s for a mass band celebration. Here, the Thornapple Wind Band hosts the Olivet College Wind Ensemble in February. (File photo) Hastings High School band students will be joined by two community ensembles Friday night for a special event at the new perform­ ing arts center. The Thornapple Wind Band and the Thomapple Jazz Orchestra will join the high school symphonic and concert bands for an unprecedented musical collage beginning at 7 p.m. March 22. “This concert is going to be an evening of fun and celebration,” said Spencer White, one of the district’s band directors. “We are so thrilled to have our new performing arts cen­ ter, and we wanted to bring together our ‘community’ of bands to celebrate its grand opening. “Hastings is exceptionally fortunate to have a community that offers band from sixth grade all the way through retirement. We are unique in the fact that we don’t have just one, not two, but three thriving community ensem­ bles [counting the summertime Hastings City Band]. And all the groups work hand in hand with the school band department. We are all part of the ‘band family,’ we are all ‘tradition of excellence,’ we are all ‘Hastings Bands.’” Admission is free, and the public is invited. A mass antiphonal brass choir performance of John Williams’ “Liberty Fanfare” will start the concert. Each band will perform two or three selections. In between each gerformance will be nar­ rations about the Brich band history of Hastings. These narrations will be performed by master of ceremonies Dr. Bob Oster. In addition, the high school flutes, clarinets and saxophones will all be performing a selection, too. “Thornapple Jazz Orchestra is excited to be a part of this celebration,” said Joe LaJoye, retired Hastings school band director who also led the city band and Thomapple Wind Band. “We have always been a close exten­ sion of the school band experience with all of our members having had a positive experi­ ence as youth in their own school band expe­ riences. “We welcome the opportunity to continue to grow culture in our community through our music in this wonderful new venue, the Hastings Performing Arts Center.” Dave Macqueen had a chance to direct the Thornapple Wind Band in the new performing arts center last month, and he said he is look­ ing forward to this event. “The Thomapple Wind Band was started 23 years ago as a place for former band musi­ cians to have a chance to continue their musi­ cal experience,” Macqueen said. “After a Hastings City Band season ended, a group of players met at Joe and Patti LaJoye’s house to talk it over. What came out was a new tradi­ tion of music in the Hastings area. “We are proud to be a participant of this concert,” he said of Friday’s performance. A special presentation is planned in honor of the late Arthur Steward in recognition of his years of leadership and service for the" Hastings bands and the Michigan School Band and Orchestra Association. Also, the Hastings Symphonic Band wilL debut a new musical work entitled “Magna Carta.” It was written for the bands by local musician Mark Ramsey to celebrate the grand; opening of the new performing arts center. * “This concert is a celebration,” White said. Call 269-945-9554 any time for Hastings Banner classified ads �Page 14 — Thursday, March 21, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Watercraft registration available online Michigan watercraft owners choosing to renew their registration online are using a new system that offers enhancements and options designed to make renewing as seamless as possible, Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson said. “Fast, dependable service is our pledge to Michiganders,” Benson said. “We know you’d rather spend your time on the water, so we’re exploring ways to improve the renewal process.” CARS e-Services, at ExpressSOS.com, was unveiled in February and replaces the Department of State’s 1960s mainframe com­ puter system. The new system provides a customer-focused model that aligns to how people expect to interact with the secretary of state office. For example, each customer’s information is kept in a central record, unlike the old mainframe, which stored data across multiple servers. CARS e-Services provides three options for renewing watercraft: -An online express option for quick renew­ als. -An online authenticated renewal process, which allows residents to access their custom­ er record and conduct other transactions along with their watercraft renewal. They also may print a copy of their renewed registrations. -A new option to renew at a secretary of state self-service kiosk at select retail and city buildings. (Check the branch office locator at Michigan.gov/SOS for kiosk locations. The use of online renewal is gaining in popularity, Benson said. In fiscal year 2018, which ran from Oct. 1,2017 to Sept. 30,2018, about 57,000 watercraft registrations were renewed online, compared to about 53,000 in the previous year. As customers become more comfortable with the benefits of online renew­ al, the number of transactions is expected to continue to rise, she said. About 797,000 current watercraft registra­ tions are on file with the secretary of state. More than 252,000 watercraft renewal notices were mailed this month. Watercraft registra­ tions are renewed every three years and expire March 31 of the third year. All watercraft, including those on privately owned lakes and waterways, must be regis­ tered, except for the following: -Watercraft 16 feet or less, propelled by oars or paddles that aren’t used for rental or commercial purposes. -Non-motorized canoes and kayaks not used for rental or commercial purposes. -Rafts, surfboards, sailboards and swim floats, regardless of length. -Watercraft registered in another state and used only temporarily in Michigan. months of jail time will be suspended upon successful completion of probation and K-PEP after jail time. The probation fee is $480. Assessments are payable at $75 a month. Charges of assault with bodily harm and domestic violence were dismissed. Steven Mark Abbott Jr., 33, of Hastings, pleaded no contest to larceny in a building. He was found guilty and sentenced by Judge Amy McDowell to serve six months in jail, with credit for 21 days served. He also was ordered to serve 18 months of probation and pay $6,383 in fines and costs, with $5,800 of that as restitution. The balance of Abbott’s jail time will be suspended upon successful com­ pletion of probation, payment of $2,100 and continued payments. He was ordered to pay the $2,100 by 5 p.m. March 1 or report to jail. His probation will terminate after six months, providing full payment has been made. A res­ titution hearing can take place within 30 days if requested. Probation oversight fees are $360, with assessments payable at $300 a month. A charge of breaking and entering a building with intent to commit larceny was dismissed. Theresa Marie Brittain, 48. of Parchment, was found guilty of larceny in a building. She was sentenced by Judge McDowell to serve 64 days in jail, with credit for 64 days served; 12 months of probation; and ordered to pay $458 in fines and costs, and oversight fees of $240, with assessments payable at $75 a month. She is not allowed to have any fire­ arms, must have Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring device for 60 days, men­ tal health treatment and substance abuse assessment as recommended, a self-help group two times a week and comply with all other terms of probation. A charge of first-de­ gree home invasion was dismissed. Andrew Joel Brown, 33, of Lansing, was found guilty by Judge Michael Schipper of assaulting a police officer and fourth-degree fleeing and eluding a police officer. Charges of third-degree fleeing and eluding a police officer, resisting and obstructing a police offi­ cer and reckless driving were dismissed. Brown received concurrent sentences of 16 to 24 months in prison and was ordered to pay $2,236 in fines and costs. Darci Stanton Ezinga, 49, of Hastings, pleaded no contest to stealing a financial transaction device and was found guilty by the court. Ezinga was sentenced by Judge McDowell to serve 90 days in jail, with credit for one day served, ordered to pay $258 in fines and costs and was placed on probation for 18 months. Sixty days of jail time will be suspended upon successful completion of probation. Ezinga was ordered to participate in a self-help group three times a week, per­ form 15 hours of community service each week and receive substance abuse assessment with treatment, as recommended. Oversight fees were waived. Assessments are payable at $10 a month. Bruce Kendall Finkbeiner, 58, of Middleville, was found guilty of operating a vehicle while intoxicated, third offense. He was sentenced by Judge McDowell to 90 days in jail, with credit for 61 days served, and was ordered to pay $783 in fines and costs. He will be released and remaining jail time will be terminated upon payment of his full assess­ ment. A charge of operating a vehicle on a suspended license was dismissed. John Harvey-Burton High, 23, of Delton, was found guilty of receiving and concealing stolen property, a 2003 Honda motorcycle. He was sentenced by Judge McDowell to 30 days in jail, with credit for three days served and was ordered to pay $1,058 in fines and costs, including a DNA assessment of $60. High also was ordered to serve 36 months of proba­ tion and enter and complete the Barry County Adult Drug Court program. Charges of pos­ session of a controlled substance, marijuana, as a second or subsequent offense, and unlaw­ ful license plate/registration or certificate of title were dismissed. Zachary Ryan Kelley, 21, of Battle Creek, was found guilty of domestic violence and interfering with electronic communication. He was sentenced by Judge McDowell to a concurrent 90 days in jail on each count, with credit for 64 days served. Kelley was ordered to serve 18 months of probation. In addition, he must pay $758 in fines and costs, a proba­ tion fee of $360, participate in a Cognitive Outreach Group and complete the Alternative Directions program while in jail, as well as comply with all terms of probation. A charge of domestic violence was dismissed. Cecil Douglas Lovely, 36, homeless, was found guilty of assault with intent to do bodi­ ly harm. He was sentenced by Judge McDowell to serve nine months in jail, with credit for 147 days served, and to pay $583 in fines and costs. He was placed on probation for 24 months; ordered to receive anger man­ agement and mental health counseling as recommended, as well as substance abuse and attend a self-help group three times a week. Lovely was ordered to have no contact with the victim and to complete the Kalamazoo Probation Enhancement Program. Three Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.’’ Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available. on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Wanted Help Wanted WANTED: A 9FT wide x 10ft tall insulated garage door. Call 269-838-7053. MENTAL HEALTH/SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER PEER SUPPORT SPECIAL­ IST. Barry County Commu­ nity Mental Health Authority, a progressive provider of Mental Health and Substance Abuse services in Hastings, Michigan is looking for a part time Peer Support Specialist to join our team of individ­ uals dedicated to working with clients in pursuit of their recovery. A Peer Support Specialist will support, men­ tor and provide assistance to beneficiaries to achieve com­ munity inclusion, participa­ tion, independence, recovery, and productivity. Interested individuals must be in re­ covery from severe mental illness and have received or are receiving services from the public mental health sys­ tem. Check us out at: www. barrycountyrecovery. com Email: jobs@bccmha.org or contact us at 500 Barfield Drive, Hastings, MI 49058. No phone calls please. EEO Employer. Business Services BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, home improvements, seam­ less gutters. 269-320-3890. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Hard Maple, Cherry. Paying top dollar. Call for pricing and Free Estimates. Will buy single walnut trees. Insured, liability & work­ man's comp. Fetterley Log­ ging, (269)818-7793 Call anytime to place your Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945-9554 or 1-890-870-7085 Cameron Robert-Scott McHenry, 25, of Kalamazoo, was found guilty of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine/ Ecstacy, and receiving and concealing stolen property, a GMC Jimmy vehicle. McHenry has prior multiple felony convictions in Allegan, Van Buren and Kalamazoo counties. Judge McDowell sentenced him to 12 to 48 months in prison, with credit for 169 days served. McHenry was ordered to pay $266 in fines and costs. A charge of operating a vehi­ cle on M-43 while his driver’s license was suspended was dismissed. Shawn David Moored, 28, of Caledonia, pleaded no contest to a charge of larceny of $1,000 or more. He was found guilty and sen­ tenced by Judge McDowell to serve 30 days in jail, with credit for 29 days served, ordered to pay $3,842; nearly $3,600 of that amount is restitution. The balance of the jail sentence will be suspended upon the successful com­ pletion of 12 months of probation. Probation fees were waived. Charges of possessing bur­ glar’s tools and breaking and entering, or entry without breaking, were dismissed. Nicholas Jon Olczak, 39, of St. Clair, was found guilty of possessing a controlled sub­ stance, methamphetamine. He was sentenced by Judge McDowell to six months in jail, with credit for 19 day swerved , and 24 months of probation. Jail time will be suspended upon successful completion of the Re-entry Independence through Sustainable Efforts drug court program. Olczak was ordered to pay $438 in fines and costs. His probation fee is $480; with assessments payable at $75 a month. His driver’s license will be suspended for 60 days and restricted for 365 days. Steve Martin Patterson Jr., 40, of Hastings, was found guilty of breaking and entering a building with intent to commit lar­ ceny. He was sentenced by Judge McDowell to serve 12 months in jail, with credit for one day served, and to pay $1,072 in fines and costs, which includes $490 in restitution. Patterson was ordered to serve 36 months of probation and pay oversight fees of $360. He was ordered to serve 90 days in jail then be to released to the WRAP program with nine months of jail suspended and to comply with all other terms of probation. A second charge of malicious destruction of a building of more than $200 but less than $1,000 in damages was dismissed. Cameron Shawn Summers, 27, of Otsego, was found guilty of domestic violence and interfering with electronic communication causing injury. He was sentenced by Judge McDowell to concurrent jail terms of six months and 75 days, respectively, with credit for 75 days served on each count. He was ordered to pay $658 in fines and costs and placed on 18 months of probation. The bal­ ance of Summers’ jail time will be suspended upon successful completion of probation and approval of residence by the adult probation officer. Included in the sentence are anger-management and substance-abuse counseling and a self-help group twice a week. No contact with the victim or the vic­ tim’s residence is allowed. A probation fee of $360 is payable in assessments of $75 a month. Charges of interfering with electronic communication and domestic violence were dismissed. GET ALL THE UEIITG NLWa AC Or WELL, continued from page 1 EPA’s purview and were not considered in the EPA’s final response summary. Arbor Operating will be responsible for ensuring the well integrity and self-monitor­ ing and reporting to the EPA. The company is required to conduct a mechanical integrity test every five years, a pressure test on a weekly basis, and monitor fluid loss on a quarterly basis. Arbor Operating must report any loss of pressure or liquid to the EPA and suspend further injection until the cause is remediated and passes EPA mus­ ter. Following a 2015 earthquake near Kalamazoo, significant concern was placed on whether a similar quake would damage Swanson 4-7. The EPA determined the 2015 quake was too deep to affect injection wells, citing that the 2015 earthquake did not com­ promise the integrity of any injection wells in the region. The EPA requires well operators to conduct an integrity test immediately after a seismic event and cease injection if well integrity is in question. The EPA determined that human-in­ duced earthquakes would not be a factor con­ sidering the injection pressure of Swanson 4-7. Radioactive waste is not allowed in Class II injection wells such as Swanson 4-7. “Brine” is defined as drilling fluids, water, naturally occurring well brine, and other wastes associ­ ated with oil and gas exploration. Any such fluid expelled from a production well is allowed to be injected into Swanson 4-7. Brine may include trace amounts of naturally occurring radioactive isotopes. An EPA study estimated Class II injection well failure rates over the past five years is no higher than 5 percent each year. The over­ whelming majority of well failures resulted from annulus leaks into the injection zone rather than casing leaks into areas above the injection zone. Despite the EPA’s reassurance, many still doubt the safety of Swanson 4-7. Is one mechanical integrity test every five years real­ ly enough, they asked. Others wondered if Arbor Operating could be trusted to self-mon­ itor and report. Others questioned if the sand­ stone injection zone a sufficient buffer between groundwater and brine. Arbor Operating declined to comment on its plans for Swanson 4-7, and the EPA isn’t privy to future plans for the well. “It is not known if Arbor [Operating] will convert the existing well or request authoriza­ tion (from EPA) to inject into the converted well, as this would be a business decision made by the company,” said EPA Region 5 engineer Allan Batka, who wrote the Swanson 4-7 permit. Although Arbor Operating has a permit to inject in hand, it doesn’t necessarily mean waste brine will start being injected into the ground of Johnstown Township. The compa­ ny could choose to let the well sit - or it could make good on its investment to convert the well for waste storage. Working families eligible for Michigan Earned Income Tax Credit Working families and individuals with low to moderate income who receive a federal Earned Income Tax Credit can receive a 6 percent matching tax credit from the State of Michigan, according to the Michigan Department of Treasury. To qualify, individuals must meet certain requirements and file a federal income tax return, even if no tax is owed or there is no requirement to file a return. If a federal EITC is granted, the state of Michigan will provide a 6 percent supplemental EITC when the tax­ payer files his or her state income tax return. “Eligible Michiganders should file a state tax return to redeem this important tax cred­ it,” said Deputy State Treasurer Glenn White, who oversees Treasury’s Tax Administration programs. “This puts extra income in the pockets of individuals and families in most need.” The amount of the federal EITC depends on income, filing status and number of quali­ fying children claimed as dependents on the taxpayer’s federal income tax return. The EITC reduces the amount of tax owed and may provide a refund. During the 2017 tax year, almost 748,600 claimants received the Michigan EITC, total­ ing more than $112 million, with an average credit amount of $150. The state treasury department estimates that thousands of Michiganders who are eligi­ ble for both the federal and state EITCs do not claim them each year. More information about the EITC is avail­ able online at irs.gov/eitc. More information about Michigan income taxes can be found at michigan .gov/incometax. Woman cashes fraudulent $1,250 check A 63-year-old Delton man called police to report a fraudulent check cashed at Cedar Creek Grocery where he works. The employee said a 41-year-old Shelbyville man he knew asked him to cash a friend’s check March 10. The check was for $2,500, and the employee said he would cash half the check that day, and the other half the next day if it was valid. The man found out that the check was not valid the next day and called the police. He provided secu­ rity footage of the individuals, including the 30-year-old Shelbyville woman who wrote the check. The officer contacted the man who asked the employee to cash the check. The man said he did not know the check was fraudulent and he was angry because he had asked the employee to cash the check as a favor. He provided a phone number and location of the woman. Nephew kicked out for alleged stealing A 37-year-old woman in the 2000 block of Cherry Valley Road in Thomapple Township called police after she found possible stolen property left behind by her husband’s 20-yearold nephew. The woman said the nephew had moved in with them last fall. In December, they discov­ ered speakers missing from their house. They asked him to leave recently due to behavior issues around their children. After he left, they found a Playstation 4, and, when he was contacted, the nephew would not tell them where he got it. Man arrested for threatening sister with knife A 37-year-old woman in the 400 block of Welcome Road in Carlton Township, called police at 10 p.m. March 15 to report her 32-year-old brother grabbed a knife, threatened to kill her and her dog and lunged at her. The woman told police they had gotten into an argument after her dog was sprayed by a skunk. She said her brother has a history of mental illness. The siblings’ parents said they had seen the incident and their son did, at one point, have a knife, but they refused to say any more. The man was arrested. He has six prior charges or convictions for assault or attempted assault. Woman arrested at Hastings Police Dept. A 24-year-old woman went into the Hastings Police Department at 8:15 a.m. March 19 to pay off a parking ticket. The woman said she was being harassed because it was her second ticket, and she demanded to know who the officer was. The woman left the station and an officer saw her drive out of the parking lot at a high rate of speed without stopping. The woman returned later in the day, and, when the officer attempted to talk to her about her driving, she became agitated. The officer told the woman to relax, but she got louder. The officer told the woman she was about to go to jail, but she continued. When the officer attempted to arrest her, she threw herself on the ground, screaming and flailing. She was arrested for disorderly conduct. Expired license leads to warrant arrest Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. An officer stopped a vehicle at 5:32 a.m. March 18, on East Mill Street near Jefferson Street for an expired license. The officer found the 41-year-old man had an outstanding misdemean­ or warrant with the Hastings Police for failure to attend a hearing, and he was arrested. �The Hastings Banner —- Thursday, March 21,2019 — Page 15 Grapplers get group of 13 into state finals The Barry County Grapplers Association ^ sent 22 young wrestlers to the MYWAY Southwest Regional at the Wings Event • Center in Kalamazoo Saturday, and 13 earned spots in the upcoming state finals. The club’s Logan Kerby, Hunter Sutfin and y Logan Klinge won regional championships. Klinge took the 2004-2003 High School 128-pound championship by winning two , close decisions., 4 Kerby pulled out an overtime win in his „ 2007 Youth 85-pound championship. ? S utfin closed out his tournament champion­ ship run with a quick pin in the 2010 Youth 52-pound final. The remainder of the club’s top four placers who qualified for the state finals are Dakota Harmer, Vincent Stamm, Isaiah Wilson, Carson Gates, Luke Klinge, Austin Friddle, Aden Armstrong, Zachary Chipman, Cameron Humphrey and Jordan Humphrey. The Barry County Grapplers Association had 18 of its 22 wrestlers place in the top six in their weight class. The MYWAY State Finals will be held March 29-31 back at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo. 5555555555555555555555JW555 Vincent Stamm celebrates a fourth­ place finish in his division at the MYWAY Southwest Regional Tournament Saturday at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo. Jordan Humphrey (third place), Cameron Humphrey (second) and Preston Humphrey (fifth) celebrate their medal-winning performances at the MYWAY Southwest Regional Tournament Saturday at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo. Remsing will work to become a rower Eastern Michigan Austin Friddle (second place), Riley Furrow (sixth), Hunter Sutfin (first) Luke Klinge ; ^second) are happy about their medal-winning performances at the MYWAY Southwest . Regional Tournament Saturday at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo. Barry County Grapplers Association wrestlers Aden Armstrong (second place), Zachary Chipman (second) and Logan Kerby (first) show off their medals after reaching the finals of their respective divisions Saturday at the MYWAY Southwest Regional Tournament at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo. Maple Valley senior Gena Remsing signs her National Letter of Intent to join the Eastern Michigan University Women’s Rowing team while surrounded by her varsity basketball teammates in the Maple Valley High School gymnasium. High School rowing teams are few and far between in this area. Collegiate rowing coaches have to find other avenues to fill their boats, and many times volleyball players have the right mix of size, strength and flexibility to make good rowers. Eastern Michigan University saw the potential in Maple Valley High School senior Gena Remsing, and Remsing signed her National Letter of Intent to join the Eagles’ program, surrounded by her varsity basketball teammates in the Maple Valley Jr/Sr High School gymnasium Feb. 26. Remsing said she ultimately chose rowing at Eastern Michigan University rather than attempting to play basketball at a smaller col­ lege or to row at a larger one because they have a great business school, she loved the atmosphere there and the campus, and they gave her a very generous scholarship offer. Remsing is a part of an eight-member 2018-19 signing class for the Eagles’ rowing program this winter. “Gena has an athletic background that will transition to rowing right away,” EMU head rowing coach Kemp Savage said. “She really impressed us on her visit with her outgoing personality and drive.” The EMU program was in Alabama early this month for a scrimmage to open the spring schedule. The Eagles will go on the road to challenge Indiana University the weekend of March 23. Gena is the daughter of James and Angela Remsing. Hamilton and Cougars capture 2019 NAIA National Championship Isaiah Wilson shows off a medal from his fourth-place finish Saturday at the MYWAY Southwest Regional Tournament at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo. Logan Klinge is happy about his championship Saturday at the MYWAY Southwest Regional Tournament at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo. Carson Gates is happy about his third place their finish at the MYWAY Southwest Regional Tournament Saturday at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo. Benjamin Furrow is pleased with his fifth-place medal from the MYWAY Southwest Regional Touranment Saturday at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazo. Thornapple Kellogg graduate Tom Hamilton helped lead the Spring Arbor University Men’s Basketball team to its first-ever NAIA National Championship this season. Hamilton and the Cougars scored an 82-76 over Oregon Tech in Sioux Falls, South Dakota March 12, in what was the fifth game the Cougars had played in 7 days. “It’s surreal right now,” SAU head coach Ryan Cottingham said after his team’s victory. “You dream about this as a player and a coach and you never really think it’s going to hap­ pen. I’m at a loss for words right now, because this is a special group of young men, who love each other and play with great passion. We played at an incredibly high level these past five games, and we couldn’t even really soak it in because of how quick the turnaround was for each game. I knew these guys were cham­ pions before we even got here, but now we get to celebrate. Everything just clicked for us here in Sioux Falls,” Hamilton averaged over 11 points per game for the second season in a row this winter. He started 79 games over the course of his fouryear career with the Cougars, including all 37 ballgames this season. He shot 48.8 percent from the field this season and naerly as well from behind the three-point arc -47.1 per­ cent. Hamilton was secnod on the team in min­ utes, steals, assists’ and third in points this season. He led the squad with a 3.8 assist to turnover ratio. Hamilton had five points and four assists in Spring Arbor senior guard Tom Hamilton runs the offense for the Cougars during the NAIA Division II National Championship game against Oregon Tech in Sioux Falls, SD. (Photo courtesy Spring Arbor University) the National Championship. The Cougars came out of the gate strong. Luke Barber shot the game’s opening three-pointer, giving SAU an early lead. Paul Marandet and Brandon Dumell followed with points of their own to put the Cougars at 8-0 in the opening three minutes. The Hustlin’ Owls caught up in the beginning of the first half, but the game continued to go in SAU’s favor as the second half got underway. The Cougars hit three of four three-point opportu­ nities in the first five minutes of the half. The Owls rallied at the end but the Cougars pre­ vailed with a phenomenal showing in their first championship game. See COUGARS, page 18 �Page 16 — Thursday, March 21, 2019 — The Hastings Banner State finalists among county’s best female bowlers Bret Bremer * Sports Editor 5 The very best varsity bowlers in Barry bounty this winter capped off their season at the Division 2 Singles State Finals early this month, one representative from Thomapple Kellogg’s varsity girls’ bowling team and one from the newly formed Hastings varsity girls’ team. The Thomapple Kellogg girls took the championship this winter in the OK Gold Conference, finish atop its OK Gold competi­ tion at the OK Gold/Green Conference Tournament at the end of the season. ; The TK girls were sixth at their regional tbumament as a team at the end of the season, ftist three spots back of qualifying for the state finals with a program that included just two seniors. Hastings will really get rolling next winter when the Saxons get to compete in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference for the first time. Here are the 2018-19 All-Barry County Girls’ Bowling first and second teams. All-Barry County Girls’ Bowling 2018-19 First Team Ashland Hoyt, Hastings: After playing an instrumental role in getting Hastings High School varsity boys’ and girls’ bowling team, Hoyt finished her first varsity season at the Division 2 State Finals after winning an regional singles championship in Kalamazoo at the end of her sophomore season. Hoyt had an average score of 162 during the season, rolling a high-game of 244. She finished in 29th place in the qualifying rounds of the state finals. Carly Snyder Caitlin Rose Ashland Hoyt Carly Snyder, Thomapple Kellogg: Snyder, a sophomore, won the individual champion­ ship at OK Gold Conference Conference tournament this season - helping lead the Trojan team to a conference championship. Snyder put together an average of 161 over the course of the season and qualified for the Division 2 State Finals for the first time in her varsity career. Snyder was 15th in qualifying at the state finals and reached the quarterfinals of the singles match play tournament. She was named first team all-state in Division 2. Dalace Jousma, Thornapple Kellogg: Jousma put together an average of 146 through the course of the regular season, upping that total a little in her six regional contests at the end of the season with highs of 180 and 170. Jousma, a sophomore, rolled a 177 to help the Trojan team clinch the OK Gold Conference championship at the conference tournament at the end of the season. Caitlin Rose, Hastings: Rose had a 140 average during her senior season this winter. She was one of the Saxons’ team captains. “She came to Hastings from Las Vegas a really good bowler and was instrumental in helping the girls work hard and encouraged team support,” Hastings head coach Deanna Rhodes said. Kaitlyn Phillips, Thornapple Kellogg: Phillips had an average score of 125 through­ out the season, and ended the year with a 58th-place finish in qualifying at her team’s Division 2 Regional Tournament at the end of the season. Phillips, one of two Trojan seniors this sea­ son, closed out her final varsity regular season by rolling a 163 at Hastings Bowl. All-Barry County Girls’ Bowling 2018-19 Second Team Cayleigh Willard, Thornapple Kellogg: : Willard put together an average score of 123. She was the Trojans’ third-best scorer at their Division 2 Regional Singles Tournament, placing 37th in qualifying with a pin count of < 861 over the course of six games. She had highs of 164 and 152 at the regional tourna­ ment. Kaitlyn Robinson, Thornapple Kellogg: A junior, Robinson rolled a high game of 151 at her team’s Division 2 Regional Singles Tournament at the end of the season. She had an average score of 122 overall for the season. Daisy Kerby, Hastings: New to the sport of bowling, Kerby improved throughout her first . varsity season. She had an average score of", 114 throughout the season. By regionals she was well above that. Kerby placed 20th at her team’s Division 2 Regional Singles competition in Kalamazoo, rolling a high game of 213. She also scored a 170 and a 173 at her final competition of the season. All-Conference bowlers fill all-county first team Brett Bremer ...... Sports Editor With Hastings joining the ranks of varsity bowling teams across the county this is the inaugural edition of the All-Barry County Boys’ and Girls’ First and Second Teams. ’ It was a pretty great winter for the three local boys’ teams. Lakewood won its third consecutive Greater Lansing Activities Conference championship, sweeping through an undefeated conference season. The Vikings went on to score a third-place finish at the Division 3 Regional Tournament they hosted at M-66 Bowl in Battle Creek, earning a spot in the state finals as a team for the first time ever. The Vikings placed tenth in qualifying at the Division 3 State Finals in Muskegon to dap off the season, finishing just two places out of a spot in the match play bracket at the finals. z Thomapple Kellogg had one of the top teams in the OK Gold Conference this winter, and Hastings will look forward to rolling in a conference of its own next year as it officially enters the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference bowling competition. Here are the 2018-19 All-Barry County Boy’s Bowling First and Second Teams. All-Barry County Boys’ Bowling ? 2018-19 First Team - Tyler Johnson, Lake wood: A senior, Johnson set a schopl record with his highgame of 277 this season. He had a team-high two-game series of 475 as well. He closed out the season with an average game score of 182, and was 14-2 in his head-to-head match-ups throughout the course of the winter. Johnson was names first team all-confer­ ence in the GLAC. CJ Morgan, Lakewood: A junior, Morgan was the Vikings’ top non-senior this winter, putting together an average score of 173. He had a high of 264 on the season, putting together a 450 two-game series high. He had a high-game of 183 in the singles competition at the Vikings’ Division 3 Regional Tournament. He was named first team all-conference in the GLAC this season. Chris Paulik, Lakewood: Paulik capped off his senior season by rolling with the Vikings in the Division 3 Team State Finals. He led the Vikings in the Division 3 Regional Singles Tournament with a 41st-place finish. He had a county-high average score of 182 per game this season, and went 12-4 in headto-head match-ups facing off almost exclu­ sively against opponents’ top bowlers. He led his team in games over 200 on the season and was named first team all-conference in the GLAC. Trevor VanPolen, Thornapple Kellogg: Michael Willshire VanPolen was the top bowler for the Trojans at the OK Gold/Green Championship at the end of the season, placing fifth to earn a spot on the all-tournament team. He had a 555 3-game series at the event with a high-game of 225. VanPolen, junior, had a scoring average of 165 for the season and averaged 183 pins per game in TK’s Division 2 Regional Singles competition at the end of the year. He placed 16th at regionals, missing out on a spot in the state finals by just 29 pins over the course of a six-game series. Michael Willshire, Thomapple Kellogg: Willshire was the number two for the Trojans at their Division 2 Regional Singles competi­ tion at the end of the year, finishing in a tie for 30th-place overall. He had an average score of 175 over the course of the season. Willshire scored a spot on the all-tourna­ ment team at the OK Gold/Green Tournament at the end of the regular season, placing tenth overall. He had a high-game of 188 on the day. He rolled a 247 in a late-season dual with Zeeland. All-Barry County Boys’ Bowling 2018-19 Second Team Jacob O’Keefe, Hastings: O’Keefe had a team-high average of 164 as a junior this win­ ter for the first-year Saxon program. O’Keefe, a long-time bowler with his fam­ ily at Hastings Bowl, rolled a 161 and 169 in the Saxons’ dual with Hudsonville this sea­ son. Jagger Bossenbroek, Lakewood: A senior, Bossenbroek had an average score of 162 for the season with a high of 190. He was his team’s second best scorer at its Division 3 Regional Singles tournament, roll­ ing a high game of 187. He was named first team all-conference in the GLAC this season. John Hinkle, Hastings: A junior, Hinkle placed 52nd at the Saxons’ Division 2 Regional Singles competition, rolling a highgame of 206 among his six games on the day which was his highest total of the season. Hinkle put together a scoring average of 152 this season. He teamed with Ashland Hoyt from the girls’ team to score a runner-up finish at the Marshall Scotch Doubles Tournament. Joseph Driscoll, Thornapple Kellogg: Driscoll put together an average score of 152 throughout the course of the winter for the Trojans in his senior season. He closed out his high school career by rolling a 173 in his final game at his team’s Division 2 Regional Singles competition. In back-to-back duals in January he rolled a 223 and a 207 against Unity Christian and a 234 and 201 against South Christian. Luke Stoneman, Lakewood: A sophomore, Stoneman finished the season wth an average score of 147. Stoneman had a high-game of 213 this win­ ter and was named first team all-conference in the GLAC. Trevor VanPolen Delton set to expand PSAT testing Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer The Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test is coming to Delton Kellogg Middle School where, for the first time, eighth-graders will be expected to take the test. Middle school Principal April Margaritis spoke to the board of education during its March 18 meeting, saying the test will help show how career ready middle school stu­ dents are before they move on to high school. Also, because the test prepares students for the SAT they will take their junior year, she said it will allow for the students to see the value in the test. Superintendent Kyle Corlett said the PSAT will take the place of the MSTEP for eighth graders. Margaritis also said that, unlike the MSTEP, the PSAT had strict requirements for the testing atmosphere for students. She said the middle school was preparing for rules, such as students having to sit at least four feet apart or that each student in a spe­ cific room must face the same direction. In other business, Corlett reported that he and his fellow finance committee members are scrutinizing the budget to allocate funds from programs that have been discontinued. For example, $1,000 in a high school choir budget was moved to the band program since there is no high school choir. “We’re trying to really tighten things up,” Corlett said. Marsha Bassett, member of both the school board and the Delton Kellogg Education Foundation, gave an update on the current standing of the DKEF. Thirty-six seniors applied for DKEF scholarships, which is a decrease from last year’s 41 applicants. Bassett also reported that planning for the DKEF’s spring gala is in full swing. The gala, scheduled for Saturday April 27, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Gilmore Car Museum, will feature Barry County Commissioner David Jackson as master of ceremonies and two keynote speakers. The purpose of the gala is to raise awareness of the foundation and its goals. Corlett reported that the district currently needs to make up four days cancelled due to severe winter weather conditions. If the state makes no additional changes to the current snow-day policy, which only for­ gives a certain number of days to school districts, the final day of school for Delton Kellogg students will be June 13. The board appointed: Jason Fleser as the assistant varsity track coach. Bruce Campbell as the JV softball coach. Wes Wandell as JV boys golf coach. The board also unanimously voted to approve the addition of Parchment into the Southwestern Athletic Conference. Corlett also reported that Johnny’s/Shell Gas station donated some cases of assorted drinks to the schools. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 21,2019 — Page 17 All-county wrestling team filled with state medalists Max Swift Andrew Miller Christian Wright Brett Bremer Sports Editor Every varsity wrestling team in the county had highs and lows throughout the course of the 2018-19 season. Hastings and Thornapple Kellogg opened the season in Middleville with the Trojans scoring a 60-15 victory over the Saxons during the annual Battle of Barry County event in December. The season closed out for the Trejatr^ Saxons in the Division 2 Team District Finals bh^k in Middleville in February. ' Hastings was one .of three county team’s to win a district championship in 2019, with Lakewood taking a title in Division 3 and Maple Valley in Division 4. Lakewood captured the county’s lone con­ ference championship during the 2018-19 season, sweeping the Greater Lansing Activities Conference duals and winning the league tournament. Thornapple Kellogg never got the chance to capture another OK Gold Conference ♦ A. 1 championship. The Trojans were a perfect 4-0 in conference duals, but never got to wrestler Forest Hills Eastern in a dual and OK Gold Conference Tournament was canceled due to weather. Part of the sting was taken off as a trio of Trojans qualified for the Individual State Finals, the first TK state qualifiers since 2015. The county sent 13 wrestlers to Ford Field this season, and each of those grapplers found d spot bn the All-Barry^ County teams'this1 winter. Of those 13, eight were state medalists this season. Here are the 2018-19 All-Barry County Wrestling First and Second Teams. All-Barry County Wrestling 2018-19 First Team 103 - Zac Gibson, Lakewood: Gibson fin­ ished off his freshman wrestling season on the medal stand at Ford Field, placing fifth in Division 3’s 103-pound weight class at the Individual State Finals. Gibson put together a record of 47-9 on the season. He was the GLAC Champion at his Jon Clack weight class and.Wo Woii a* regional' Me "as well. 112 - Kanon Atwell, Lakewood: Atwell qualified for the Individual State Finals for a second time in his varsity career this season, placing fourth in Division 3’s 112-pound weight class. Atwell compiled a record of 48-13 overall this season. He was the GLAC Champion at 112 pounds. 119 - Jesse Brumm, Maple Valley: Now a two-time state medalist. Brumm closed out his sophomore season by placing sixth in Division 4’s 119-pound weight class. He was the state runner-up at 103 pounds as a fresh­ man. Brumm was the GLAC Champion at his weight class. He finished off his sophomore season with a record of 47-6 overall. 125 -- Andrew Miller, Hastings: A four-year varsity wrestler, Miller compiled 98 varsity victories. He was 27-12 as a senior this win­ ter, a campaign highlighted by being named the Most Valuable Wrestler at the Saxons’ annual LH Lamb Memorial Tournament. He placed fourth at the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Championship at his weight class and was one win shy of earning a spot as an individual regional qualifier in Division 2. 130 - Nathan Kinne, Thomapple Kellogg: One of TK’s three senior state qualifiers, Kinne compiled a record of 36-9 this winter. Three of those nine defeats were to fellow state qualifier Dawson Jankowski from Lowell. He was the runner-up to Jankowski at both their Division 2 District and Regional Tournaments. 135 - Gabe Trick, Hastings: A junior in his first season as a high school wrestler, Trick put together an overall record of 31-10. Trick placed third at his weight class at the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Championship at the end of the regular season and was one win shy of being an individual regional qualifier at his team’s Division 2 District Tournament. 140 - Nathaniel Graham, Lakewood: Graham was an individual regional qualifier this season in Division 3, wrestling his way to a record of 24-12 overall. Graham medaled in third place at the GLAC Championship this season at his weight class. 145 - Jacob Pennington, Hastings: A senior, Pennington capped off his varsity career by winning 16 matches this season. Pennington took the championship at his weight class early in the season at the Saxons’ annual LH Lamb Tournament. He wrestled foes from 145 pounds on up to 160 through­ out the season for the Saxons. 152 - Lance Childs, Lakewood: The Vikings’ lone senior state qualifier, Childs put together a record of 37-15 this season. Childs was the GLAC champion at 152 pounds this winter. 160 - Vem Fields, Lakewood: Fields took the GLAC Championship this winter, and put together an overall record of 34-18. He was a runner-up at his team’s Division 3 DistrictTournament, earning a spot in the regional round of the individual state tourna­ ment. 171 - Christian Wright, Thornapple Kellogg: The first Trojan state medalist since 2015, Wright placed sixth in Division 2’s 171pound weight class at the Individual State Finals. A senior, Wright was 39-12 this season. 189 - Jon Clack, Lakewood: Clack scored his second state medal this winter, placing sixth in Division 3’s 189-pound weight class at the Individual State Finals. He was third at his weight class as a sophomore at the indi­ vidual finals. Clack was 47-6 overall this season. He was the GLAC champion wrestling up at 215 pounds at the conference tournament. He was a district champion and a regional runner-up. 215 - Max Swift, Delton Kellogg: A state qualifier for the second year in a row, Swift was 41-12 as a senior this winter. Swift was a runner-up at both regionals and districts this season, and was named sec­ ond-team all-conference in the Southwestern Athletic Conference thanks to a third-place finish at the conference tournament. 285 - Grant Clarkson, Lakewood: Clarkson was the county wrestler finishing highest atop the medal stand at the Individual State Finals this season, placing third in Division 3’s 285pound weight class. Clarkson, a junior, compiled a record of 50-5 on the season. He was the GLAC cham­ pion at heavyweight, and won district and regional championships on his way to the state finals. All-Barry County Wrestling 2018-19 Second Team 103 - Matthew Slaght, Maple Valley: Slaght went 35-15 in his freshman season, placing sixth in Division 4’s 103-pound weight class at the Individual State Finals in Detroit. Slaght was the 103-pound champion at the Lion’ Jesse Snow Memorial Tournament this season, and added a couple runner-up tourna­ ment finishes as well. He was second to Lakewood’s Gibson at the GLAC Championship. 103 - Ashton Corson, Thomapple Kellogg: Corson was 35-8 as a freshman this winter for the Trojans. He placed third at the Kent County Championships at his weight class in December and waAnly bested twice more during the course ofihe regular season. Corson was an individual regional qualifier in Division 2 thanks to a third-place district finish. 112 - Jonathon Giro’n, Hastings: Giro’n had an outstanding sophomore season in the Saxons’ line-up, going 33-9. He was an individual regional qualifier in Division 2, placing third at his team’s district tournament. He was the runner-up in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference at 112 pounds this winter. 125 - Ethan Reed, Delton Kellogg: Reed was 32-14 in his senior season, upping his varsity career win total up to 129. Reed was named first team all-conference in the SAC. 125 - Jordan Mclllwain, Lakewood: Mclllwain was the GLAC champion at 12T pounds in his junior season this winter and an individual regional qualifier in Division 3. Mcillwain put together a record of 28-18 on the year. 130 - Gabe Harkey, Lakewood: A regional qualifier in Division 3 this winter, Harkey reached the blood round of the regional tour­ nament before bowing out a win shy of a state finals spot. Harkey was the GLAC runner-up at 130 pounds this season as a junior. He had a 22-15 record for the season. 135 - Matthew Middleton, Thomapple Kellogg: Middleton was 28-12 as a freshman this season. Middleton was a perfect 4-0 in the OK Gold Conference duals for the Trojans this season. 145 - Garrett Stank, Lakewood: Stank was 27-16 as a sophomore this winter. ;> Stank was the runner-up at 145 pounds in the GLAC this season. ’152 - TyleFDulF,Hastings: “A junior, Dull compiled a 27-18 record this winter. Dull placed third at the Interstate-8 Athletic^ Conference Championship and followed that up with a fourth-place district finish to earn a spot in the regional round of the individual state tournament. 160 - Kenny Smith, Hastings: A senior* captain for the Saxons, Smith earned a record of 25-9 this winter. Smith had a big pin for the Saxons’ in the district victory over Thornapple Kellogg. 171 - Kyle Petrie, Lakewood: Petrie was a regional qualifier in Division 3 for the Vikings this winter thanks to a third-place finish at his team’s district tournament. Petrie finished the season with 20 victories, and needed just one more at his individual regional tournament to score a spot in the state finals. 189 - Hunter Belew, Delton Kellogg: A sophomore, Belew was an individual state qualifier this season. He was a runner-up at both individual districts and individual regionals. Belew compiled a record of 25-8 on the year. 215 - Caden Ferris, Delton Kellogg: Ferris finished his freshman season by placing eighth in Division 3’s 215-pound weight class at the Individual State Finals. Ferris was 36-19 overall this season and was second-team all-conference in the SAC Valley. 215 - Carter West, Thomapple Kellogg: West put together a record of 20-8 this season as a sophomore. West was an individual regional qualifier in Division 2. He was a runner-up at his team’s individual district tournament. 285 - Devin Dilno, Hastings: One of the* Saxons’ senior captains, he had a big win for his team in its district final with Thomapple Kellogg to open the postseason. Dilno compiled a record of 24-10 this sea­ son 285 - Trenton Dutcher, Thornapple Kellogg: Dutcher placed fourth at districts and then third at regionals to become an indi­ vidual state qualifier for the first time at the end of his senior season. Dutcher was 35-11 overall this season. See next week’s Hastings Banner for All-Barry County basketball, swimming and cheerleading teams. �Page 18 — Thursday, March 21, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Bond is on May ballot for Hastings school district Five-month wait capped with rainbow A double rainbow appeared Hastings Township and elsewhere Thursday afternoon after a rainfall. The National Weather Service thermometer in Hastings reached 61 degrees that day, the first time it surpassed 60 degrees since Oct. 14, 2018. (Photo by Taylor Owens) Joan Van Houten Staff Writer It’s official: A bond for 0.7 mills to raise $9.99 million for Hastings Area School System will be on the ballot on May 7. “We had community input sessions and conducted surveys and listened to what resi­ dents said were priorities,” Superintendent Carrie Duits said. “We focused on their con­ cerns, and those priorities are on this bond.” For 2019, the bond proposal has been pared back to the projects the school board and administrators consider to be the most essen­ tial repairs and upgrades with input from “community members who voiced concern about the scope of a previous proposal.” The proposal includes projects at all six school buildings in the district. Residents of Hastings school district is scheduled to have a decrease of 0.4 mill in 2020. If the bond proposal passes, the rate will be 0.7 mill, or 0.3 mill higher than the current rate. According to Tim Berlin, assistant superin­ tendent of operations, at a .07 mill rate, an owner of home having a market value of $100,000 and a taxable value of $50,000 would pay $35 per year. A homeowner whose property has a market value of $140,000 and a taxable value of $70,000 would pay $49 per year. The maximum number of years the bond may be outstanding is 12 years. The estimated average annual millage anticipated to retire the debt in that time period is 1.56 mills, or $1.56 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation. The levy will begin at 0.7, however, the rate will increase during the 12 years and, by the end of the life of the bond, a home with a taxable value of $50,000 would have a tax of $78 annually, and a home with a $70,000 tax­ able value would be $109.20 a year. Project plans call for complete roof replace­ ments for Southeastern Elementary and Northeastern Elementary, partial roof replace­ ment Star Elementary and Central Elementary, Hastings Middle School’s 1997 portion of the roof and Hastings High School’s 1970 portion of the roof . Other projects listed are window replace­ ments at Southeastern and Northeastern, flooring at Southeastern, Northeastern, Central and Star elementary, interior doors at Southeastern, Northeastern and Central ele­ mentary and Hastings High School, bath­ rooms and locker rooms at the middle and high schools, and cafeteria and lockers at the; highschool. fC Overall costs of projects listed on the bond proposal, by building, are: $887,580 at Central Elementary; $1,268,975 at Northeastern Elementary; $1,257,278 at Southeastern Elementary; $482,895 at Star Elementary; $1,603,250 at Hastings Middle School; and $4,369,138 at Hastings High School. According to the Hastings School Board of Education, the school district does not expect to borrow from the state to pay debt service on the bond, and the district has no outstand­ ing loans. The total amount of qualified bonds the district currently has outstanding i< $40,650,000. State law prohibits spending bond proceeds for repairs or maintenance costs, teacher, administration or employee salaries or other operating expenses. Bond funding can only be used for projects listed on the proposal. The ballot language reads: “Shall Hastings Area School System, Barry and Calhoun Counties, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Nine Million Nine Hundred Ninety Thousand Dollars ($9,990,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds there­ fore, for the purpose of remodeling school buildings, including roof replacements?” Additional information about the 2019 bond proposal is available online at www. hasskl2.org, by emailing bondinfo@hasskl2. org or contacting a building principal by call­ ing 269-948-4400. Itemized Hastings school district bond projects Central Elementary $118,600 remodel toilet rooms $105,610 replace corridor doors $100,935 replace carpet $388,919 partial roof replacement $63,906 design and construction contin­ gency $60,355 construction management and costs $53,255 architect and engineer costs Northeastern Elementary $72,076 replace corridor doors $88,885 replace carpet $346,095 replace windows and metal panels $528,124 roof replacement $91,366 design and construction contin­ gency $86,290 construction management and costs $76,139 architect and engineer costs Southeastern Elementary $71,412 replace corridor doors $68,250 replace carpet $342,904 replace windows and metal panels $523,250 roof replacement $90,524 design and construction contin­ gency $85,495 construction management and costs $75,437 architect and engineer costs Star Elementary $79,927 replace carpet $308,398 partial roof replacement $34,766 design and construction contin­ gency $32,837 construction management and costs __ $26,579 architect and engineer costS' Hastings Middle School $680,000 remodel plumbing, new toi­ lets, sinks, tile and partitions $593,600 partial roof replacement $115,435 design and construction con­ tingency $109,021 construction management and costs $96,195 architect and engineer costs Hastings High School $1,272,000 remodel plumbing, new toi­ lets, sinks, tile and partitions $1,265,110 partial roof replacement $100,000 replace lockers $212,000 replace corridor doors $500,000 remodel existing servery and cafeteria $100,000 remodel existing cafeteria $368,170 design and construction con­ tingency $293,174 construction management and costs $258,683 architect and engineer costs COUGARS, continued from page 15 ROBOTIC PRECISION IN EXPERIENCED HANDS If you or a loved one has been experiencing knee pain that doesn't go away, it may be time for a knee replacement. Our experienced surgeons at Bronson Orthopedic Specialists are the pioneers of robotic-assisted surgery in southwest Michigan, and have performed more than 1,000 partial and total knee replacements with this technology. Robotic assistance helps achieve precise positioning of the knee implant based on your body type and without exposure to radiation. It can help improve the function, feel and potential longevity of your new joint. Why go anywhere else for knee surgery when you can experience the precision of robotics right here in Battle Creek. Call (877) 704-3133 BRONSON bronsonhealth.com/KneeRobotics Battle Creek Thornapple Kellogg graduate Tom Hamilton and the Spring Arbor University Men’s Basketball team celebrate winning the NAIA National Championship after an 82-76 victory over Oregon Tech in the finals of the NAIA Division II Tournament March 12 in Sioux Falls, SD. (Photo courtesy Spring Arbor University) Brandon Dumell was a key player for the Cougars in the championship game. Dumell, a sophomore from Fort Wayne, Indiana, com­ pleted his evening with a career-high 32-point performance, along with eight rebounds, to lead SAU. Junior guard Paul Marandet had 16 points and five assists. Junior forward Jeff Beckman snagged 10 rebounds and added eight points, while senior guard Luke Barber had nine points and four rebounds. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-03-28.pdf dcc56ba3de2f258690cd8d4c4d7683bb PDF Text Text North Broadway repairs start soon Superintendent search train going off the rails? See Story on Page 2 See Editorial on Page 4 Saxons beat 2018 state champs in first 1-8 dual See Story on Page 15 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 H 1070490102590507257149058113421 •**CAR-RT LOT**C 005 C005 ********* Richard Hemerling 421 N Taffee Dr H“,nSS“'49K8’11343/30,20192:36:00PM PRICE 750 Top seven invited to interview for Hastings superintendent NEWS BRIEFS Vietnam traveling wall in Battle Creek Friday In honor of National Vietnam War Veterans Day March 29, veterans, their friends and family members, and the pub­ lic are invited to pay tribute to those who served during the Vietnam War. The Battle Creek VA Medical Center will welcome veterans and guests from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will be in the auditorium, Building 6, at the VA Center, 5500 Armstrong Road, Battle Creek. Information on VA services will be available. The Michigan Traveling Wall is provided by Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 73 of Holland. County board cancels April 2 meeting ANNER Thursday, March 28, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 13 = 804879110187 . The regularly scheduled April 2 Barry County Board of Commissioners Committee of the Whole meeting has been cancelled due to a lack of business. ? The next meeting of the board will be Tuesday, April 9, at 9 a.m. in the county courthouse. The public is welcome to attend. Headstone cleaning topic of historical society meeting Caring for family cemetery markers will be discussed at the Barry County Historical Society’s meeting beginning at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 2, at the Elks Lodge, 102 E. Woodlawn Ave. Kermit Douse, of Nashville, a member of the Nashville Sesquicentennial Committee, will speak about the village’s effort to clean some of the old headstones in Lakeview Cemetery in preparation for the August celebration. The village’s interest in the cemetery came with the discovery that an early village member, Emory Parady, was one of the men rewarded for the capture of John Wilkes Booth, President Abraham Lincoln’s assassin. The public is invited to attend the meet­ ing to learn about the group’s work in the cemetery and how to clean family head­ stones of fungus, dirt and other deposits. Joan Van Houten Staff Writer The pool of candidates has been narrowed to seven in the search for a new superinten­ dent for Hastings Area Schools System. The candidates, chosen from a list of 23 applicants, have been contacted for public interviews in mid-April. Donna Oser, director of leadership devel­ opment and executive search services with Michigan Association of School Boards, led the Board of Education workshop Tuesday that focused on choosing the final candidates and the questions that will be asked in the first round of interviews. Names of applicants were withheld to pro­ tect their privacy during this part of the search process. In closed session, applicants were assigned numbers chosen randomly for board discussion when the session reopened. The names of applicants who accept an offer to be interviewed will be released to the public immediately after they accept. The interviews are open to the public. The first round is in two parts with four candidates to be interviewed beginning at 5 p.m., April 17, and three to be interviewed beginning at 5:30 p.m., April 18, at the Hastings Middle School Commons, 232 W. Grand St. Each candidate has 50 minutes to respond to 17 questions chosen by the board members which are the same for all the candidates in this round. However, board members can ask follow-up questions. Finalists will be invited for a second inter­ Donna Oser, from the Michigan Association of School Boards, answers questions from Hastings Area Schools Board of Education members about the process for interviewing superintendent candidates. view scheduled for April 25. The location, time, number of questions and time limits have not yet been established. In this round, board members can customize their questions for each candidate and ask follow-up ques­ tions. The questions were not disclosed. According to Oser, that was the decision of the school board. “You had a really interesting candidate pool, and I’m not just saying that,” Oser said. “You had a lot of applicants that, sure, maybe had building-level administrative experience, but also had a long, successful military expe­ rience that was very interesting or they’re an elected official serving their community in another way. “So, putting their public education experi­ ence with other valid experience, I found it to be very challenging.” Five years ago, the district’s search for a superintendent was conducted with help from Michigan Leadership Institute, a consulting organization group serving K-12 school dis­ tricts and public institutions. School board President Luke Haywood said the change to MASB was because of the guidance provided through the evaluation process and in creating criteria. Oser, who oversees the MASB leadership and executive search department, was asked to be directly involved with the superinten­ dent search in Hastings because of her experi­ ence and ability to support the school board through the search and hiring process. She said MASB emphasizes and stresses the importance of transparency through open meetings. However, privacy is an issue that’s taken seriously. Some aspects of the process are different now than they were when the district hired its current superintendent, Carrie Duits, accord­ ing to board member Louis Wierenga. “The biggest difference is the open meet­ ings,” he said. “The last time, our meetings, like this one, were closed. We chose the can­ didates in a private meeting and, at the end of that, we called them to see if they would come. This time, we chose the candidates, and Donna will contact them.” Current board members Dan Patton, Valerie Slaughter and Wierenga were involved in the last search. Haywood said the top criteria for the next superintendent is experience, such as admin­ istrative and central office experience, a demonstrated ability to connect with staff and the community and strong communication skills. Oser said she commends every member of the school board and felt they did a good job in accessing the information about the appli­ cants they received. She was impressed by how quickly they began sorting through the applications hey received last week. “I hope people [at the workshop] weren’t disappointed about the information we couldn’t share,” Haywood said. “We’re doing the best we can at this while protecting the privacy of the applicants and the integrity of the process.” Names of the candidates who have agreed to be interviewed for the superintendent opening will be released Thursday and available on The Hastings Banner Facebook page at www.facebook.com/hastingsbanner. No-wake lake triggers impassioned response at Prairieville parks meeting Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer Ideas about implementing a no-wake lake policy and closing the Upper Crooked lake public access, both related to rising water levels, provoked passionate opposition during the Prairieville Parks and Recreation board at its March 25 meeting. The board also heard public comment from bass fisherman seeking reinstatement of tour­ naments, which were suspended last summer due to the high water. “I mean people want to be out there,” Crooked Lake resident Steve Simpson said. “The wake that boats are creating by people Vehicles must slow down in this stretch of M-43 near Delton where water is pooling across the road. out there having fun is minimal to what God is doing to me. “All you have to do is have a windstorm and blow 20 miles an hour all day. That’s doing a lot more damage than the guy driving one wake boat out there in the middle of the lake and I get one little wave up on my shore. I mean, come on, you’re getting mad at that guy ’cause it’s nice and calm that day, but the next day when it rains all day, there are white­ caps hitting you all day. “People want to have fun, that’s why they See NO WAKE, page 3 County board in accord about health department Rebecca Pierce Editor The Barry-Eaton District Health Department isn’t going to split up - at least not for the foreseeable future. A three-commissioner ad hoc committee of Dan Parker, Jon Smelker and Chairwoman Heather Wing, presented its findings Tuesday - and those findings did not persuade their fellow commissioners that any drastic chang­ es would be necessary. In fact, no action was taken. And commis­ sioners who had demanded the study several months ago expressed satisfaction with the outcome. “We were charged with reviewing the three counties, which we did,” Wing said, “... and we’re here to answer any questions that you may have.” The committee reviewed budgets from three counties of comparable size (Ionia, Shiawassee and Tuscola), reviewed the BarryEaton District Health Department budget, and determined the minimum requirements for a public health department. In her presentation to the board, Wing reviewed the minimum requirements for essential local public health services. These include immunizations, infectious disease control, sexually transmitted disease control and prevention, hearing screening, vision ser­ vices, food protection, public and private groundwater supply and onsite sewage man­ agement. Community health departments also oversee state accreditation programs pertain­ ing to HIV and sexually transmitted diseases; hearing and vision; food service in collabora­ tion with the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development; immuni­ zation; onsite waste water in collaboration with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality; Women, Infants and Children food and nutrition services; as well as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program. The Barry-Eaton health department serves a population of 169,000 (60,586 for Barry, representing 36 percent of the total, and 109,027 for Eaton County, representing 64 percent of the total). The annual budget is nearly $7 million, with Barry at $447,502 (38 percent) and Eaton, at $715,800 (62 percent). There are 58 full-time equivalent employees on staff and the cost per resident, overall, is $6.86 - or, by county, is $7.39 for Barry and $6.57 for Eaton, which also acts as the fidu­ ciary. The department provides a total of 34 programs and services, which is the most of the departments studied. Ionia County has a single health depart­ ment that serves a population of 64,291 and a total budget of $1.8 million, which ends up costing the county $60,000 in a general fund appropriation. The department has 21 full­ time equivalent employees and a general fund cost per resident of 93 cents. It provides 18 programs and services. Shiawassee County has a single health department serving a population of 68,446 and a health department budget of $2.5 mil­ lion, a general fund appropriation of $245,625 and a staff of 33 full-time equivalents. The general fund cost per resident is $3.59. It pro­ vides 32 programs and services. Tuscola County, with a population of 52,764, has a single health department but shares its health officer with Huron County. It has 26.11 full-time equivalents, and the bud­ get is $3.1 million. The county’s general fund appropriation is $333,600 and the cost per resident is $6.32. It provided 15 programs and services. Members of the ad hoc committee conduct­ ed interviews with representatives of all the departments and noted that direct compari­ sons are difficult since each department is slightly different as far as service delivery and, sometimes, in how it is funded. Parker noted that the health officers in two of the other counties studied had worked with the Barry-Eaton District Health Department in the past and, when they were asked if Barry County should go it alone, they advised the county would be better off “staying where you’re at.” Commissioner Vivian Conner asked Parker if they had given any reason why. “Basically, they thought it would take too much to try to divide it up now after 50 years,” Parker replied. Smelker said he took their advice to mean that Barry County’s health department is bet­ ter off with the current arrangement since it has more programs and better services than other comparable counties that operate as a single entity. These other counties “do above and beyond the minimum, but nowhere near the programs” offered by Barry and Eaton counties, he said. Wing noted that the accreditation process is exhaustive. “There’s a huge list of steps that a health department has to go through to be accredited. For us to do that on our own or to re-create a health department - it’s not an easy process. I think you would have to have staff in place for a number of months to create programs, to do the documentation to be able to submit to be accredited for grants. ... “I don’t think we could go down to the health department and say, on April 1, we’re going to fly on our own.” Hiring, obtaining the necessary equipment, establishing policies and procedures, and seeking accreditation “would take a very long time,” she said. “I think it would be bigger than building a new jail.” “Look at the budget of our health depart­ ment,” Wing said, pointing to the depart­ ment’s $6.9 million total budget. Of that amount, Barry County contributes less than 10 percent of the total budget; the remainder, after Eaton County’s contribution, is grant money. “That’s a lot of money that we don’t pay,” she said. “To do that, you have to have an accredited health department.” Concerns about the operation of the health department that were mentioned by commis­ sioners Tuesday included the level of public participation in the programs provided, better See HEALTH DEPARTMENT, pg. 3 �Page 2 — Thursday, March 28, 2019 — The Hastings Banner City council OKs acting director of public services Everyone is asked to stay away from a section of North Broadway which was closed after fill material was washed away and the road collapsed. Hastings Chief of Police Jeff Pratt helps Jim Cary, city council member, try on a bullet-proof vest. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Hastings Deputy City Manager Jerry Czarnecki was appointed Monday to serve as the city’s acting director of public services while the city works to fill that vacancy. The Michigan Department of Transportation requires that the city appoint a street adminis­ trator to serve in several roles related to the administration of local and major street fund­ ing. Councilwoman Brenda McNabb-Stange said she was opposed to the appointment. “Jerry is supposed to be learning the city manager job,” she pointed out. “We’ve got three more months with Jeff. I don’t think he (Jerry) should be taking on a whole other job he has to learn. We appointed him as deputy city manager, and he was going to do special projects that Jeff could not handle, and now Jeff’s taking them back. “Here we are giving him another job to learn, and he doesn’t know the city manager s job yet. He doesn’t have the experience, and yet you keep giving him a different job he doesn’t have experience in,” McNabb-Stange said. , City Manager Jeff Mansfield said Czarnecki has been involved with the Safe Routes to Schools project for several months and worked closely with Lee Hays, the former director of public services, in resolving the budgeting issues. Hays recently resigned from that post. “It’s not an ideal situation, I agree. In a perfect world, things would be different, but we’re not in a perfect world,” Mansfield said. McNabb-Stange, who cast the lone dissent­ ing vote, said a better choice would have been someone from the public works department. Mansfield said there is no one else who would know the administrative side as well as Czarnecki. In other business, approximately $200,000 will be spent to replace filter media at Hastings Water Treatment Plant. On Monday, the city council accepted the quote provided by Tonka Water and approved the expenditure. “We did reach out to two other companies that work with filter media. Upon receiving the specifications, neither company respond­ ed with a quote,” said Jerry Czarnecki, deputy city manager. Tonka Water will provide materials, remove old filter media, and install new media at the quoted price of $183,729, which includes a crew for removal and installation of the media into two high-pressure filters at the treatment plant. Water filter media is a filtration material, such as sand and gravel, used to remove sus­ pended solids from drinking water. There is an additional cost of $7,900 to have a technician on site for the project. With rental equipment, the project will be close to the estimate, Czarnecki said. City staff will complete the backwashing and chlorinating that will follow the media replacement, and all processes are expected to meet state See DIRECTOR, page 6 Repairs to North Broadway could begin this week Bonnie Mattson Staff Writer A section of North Broadway is still closed after portions of the road collapsed last week over a culvert between Freeport and Vedder roads just south of the Barry-Ionia county line. A 16-by-10-foot culvert that was installed in 1964 has been inspected and is intact, Barry County Road Commission Managing Director Brad Lamberg said. The road collapse, due to erosion of fill material around the culvert, presents a hazard to pedestrians as well as motorists, Lamberg said. The road commission continues to ask people to stay away from the area, since even walking on the pavement could cause further collapse. 'k .The culvert through; wbjch the Coldwater River flows ’ was , inspect^ last week and found to be sound. After water levels dropped 1 Vi feet this week, crews were able to remove brush and debris from one end of the culvert. A second inspection of the culvert is planned, Lamberg said. Millbocker and Sons, a bridge and road construction company from Allegan, has been contracted for the repairs. That company has rebuilt several bridges in Barry County, including Charlton Park Road, Lawrence Road and the downtown Middleville bridge. Fill work could begin yet this week, Lamberg said. Repairs could be completed in a matter of North Broadway between Vedder and Freeport roads is impassable, and residents are asked to avoid the area. weeks, Lamberg said. Asphalt remains the biggest issue, since asphalt companies are not open yet. “I hate to have high-speed traffic using a gravel-filled repair,” he said. “Hopefully, we can get some asphalt in soon.” We do the lifting. You get the money. Get $50 for your fridge. There’s nothing easier than letting Consumers Energy pick up your appliance and send you a rebate. Give us a working fridge or freezer and we’ll give you $50. Throw in a working dehumidifier or air conditioner and we’ll give an additional $15*. Save energy, help the environment and make money. Schedule your free pickup by calling 888-990-2246. *Umlt of four small appliances per year. Air conditioners or dehumidifiers may only be included with the recycling of a refrigerator or freezer. ................... ... Heavy equipment has been brought in to remove debris and make sure vehicles do not try to cross the Coldwater River on North Broadway. (Photos by Bonnie Mattson) < .............................................. Consumers Energjfr ....... .............. CountonUs® ........... Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 28, 2019 — Page 3 Crooked Lake high water continues - as do efforts to lower the level Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer Water levels are still high on Crooked Lake and opinions still differ as to why. Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull said two weeks ago the lake level was at 927.35 feet, which is within an inch and a half of the highest water level on the lake last year. The lake is 17 inches higher than it was in May 2018. Some residents and concerned citizens are questioning the cause of the flooding, point­ ing to the opening of the culvert below Floria Road as the key factor. Dull is adamant that the impact of the open­ ing of that culvert is minimal. The water level on Crooked Lake went up three-tenths of an inch after the culvert was opened in 2017. In 2018, after the culvert was closed due to the increased water levels on the lake, the water continued to go up, rising an additional nine-tenths of an inch, he said. Mud Lake, where the water came from as a result of the opened culvert, is at a higher level than it was before the culvert was initial­ ly opened in 2017, Dull pointed out. Over the past 20 years, experts have observed a steady increase in rainfall. But the flood water problems didn’t come solely from heavy rains or the opening of the culvert below Floria Road, he said. Water levels are high everywhere, includ­ ing most of the Great Lakes. Lake Michigan is up four feet, Dull said. Many bodies of water in Michigan seem to be as much as three to four feet higher than they were 10 years ago. As far as Crooked Lake, Dull attributes the high water to several contributing factors: a steady increase in rainfall, sewer authorities increasing additions to Crooked Lake through the drain, the Delton village drain, and the Floria Road culvert. Some 197 of 250 properties on Crooked Lake are affected in some way, from land­ scaping to flooded basements. “We’re not saying that 197 houses are unlivable, we want to make that clear,” Dull said. According to Engineer Nick De Simpelare, the flooding isn’t necessarily all coming from a shrinking shoreline; some of the problems are from the rising groundwater levels. At the monthly Crooked Lake task force meeting on Monday, March 25, Dull reported that the Michigan Department of Transportation ordered the removal of the sandbag dam between Glasby Lake and Crooked Lake where M-43 highway winds between the two lakes. MDOT cited the reason for the order as the need to restore drainage as well as the preven­ tion of highway flooding and any other dan­ gerous conditions. As far as flooding relief efforts, a permit application to allow pumping from the lake over Delton Road to the Darrell and Beverly Jones property in Barry Township will soon be submitted to the state Department of Environmental Quality. Dull and his engineers view this strategy as both a guaranteed short-term and possible long-term solution. In the short term, the pumping is expected to reduce the level of the lake by about two inches. “We had to re-do the permit because if we use the (Darrell Jones) property for the per­ manent long-term solution, we’ll need a much larger pipe - not just for the short-term pump­ ing, but for the long term as well,” Engineer Brian Cenci said According to Cenci and DEQ Representative Audrie Kirk, the permitting process will take about 20 days. As for a long-term fix, the earliest that a remedy could be in place is November 2021, Cenci said. Their goal is to have the permit for the long-term solution by the end of the year. The long-term solutions being explored are a possible infiltration system to the south and putting the water into the Delton drain to the north. The Jones property and the Delton Marsh would be used as holding areas before slowly releasing water north into the chain of lakes to the northeast, he said. “The most impactful thing of this entire thing is the initial draw-down of the lake,” Cenci said, “getting it to that level we want it to be at and want to keep it at in the future. “Let’s just say its at 927.5 now and we want it to be at 925.5. That two feet of water is Signs at the Prairieville Township lake access warn of a series of issues - from aquatic invasive species to high lake levels. going to be the most impactful thing to start. Because it’s going to be how long are we going to be able to draw that down. “We can’t just open a socket and let it all flood downstream. It must be a controlled draw-down. To do that, the better thing for us is to go to the north and to some of those areas where there is retention available - like in that Shultz Lake area. That initial draw-down will be the most impactful thing in this whole proj­ ect. To start drawing that water down will take six to nine months.” According to Cenci, being able to hold water to the north will allow for an easier process for building infiltration beds to the south. Drawing the water down will create space for construction. “Where we stand right now is looking at having the option to go both ways,” Cenci said. “It’s not like going both ways will be twice as expensive, we may not have to put in a larger infiltration system if that draw-down can get down to a certain level. “It will also give us a backup. We can say we have a system that takes the water initially to the south. But we could get a certain type of rain event and we get rain for five days whereas the infiltration beds to the south can only hold rainwater from three days. “That extra two days, after the beds to the south fill up, can then go to the north. It’s really looking that we will proceed forward with going both to the north and to the south. The worst thing we can do on this project only having one option.” Aquatic invasive species could play a major factor in the prospective long-term solution time frame, he pointed out. According to Cenci, tests must be done to determine the invasive species on Crooked Lake as well as the invasive species on the lakes where they hope to move the water. If there is any differentiation in the invasive species, a filtration system will have to be put in place to ensure that those species don’t spread to other lakes. Those studies will begin this spring with Progressive AE doing that vegetation research. They will be testing all the lakes that would be involved in both the long-term solution to the north as well as to the south. The testing will occur all through April and into May. “We know there are invasive species, but we’re hoping that all the lakes have the same ones,” Cenci said. Cenci also spoke to the fact that the taxpay­ ers will see no bill on their taxes regarding any aspect of the Crooked Lake flooding cri­ sis until December 2020, at the earliest. If that date is missed, the first time any bill will be seen would then be pushed back to the follow­ ing year, December 2021. Dull said that his office is still exploring the possibility of utilizing irrigation systems for farmland south of Crooked Lake to help relieve some of the water levels as another potential short-term fix. During the recent task force meeting, chair­ woman Sharon Ritchie responded to recent questions regarding why the task force meet­ ings don’t run like any other local or county board meeting. . “The task force is a work group comprised of experts in specialized areas created as a result of an unexpected and unanticipated need to acquire knowledge on how best to respond to that need,” Ritchie said. “The task force is collective and addresses the objec­ tives. “The objective of the task force is fiy, through public and private resources, develop short- and long-term solutions. The task force is not part of a local, county, or state organiza­ tion or their rules regarding meeting format. As a result, at each of these meetings there-is no public comment. We do want to know the opinions, ideas, and concerns of the public and try to express them here. The public voice is important.” Dull mentioned that exploration into the possibility of Federal Emergency Management Agency funding also is taking place. “Last year, we were told FEMA wouldn’t get involved in this,” Dull said. “From what I’m understanding, we can maybe at least get help on the cost.” All meeting summaries are posted on the Prairieville and Barry townships websites. The next meetings are on April 24 and May 20, both at 5:30 p.m., at Prairieville Township Hall. Council approves payment on Safe Routes to Schools project Joan Van Houten Staff S A $50,168.80 final invoice for the Safe Routed to Schools engineering( services was accepted and approved for payment by Hastings City Council on Tuesday. The amount is for a portion of the services received by Williams and Works, a project engineering and design firm. “This is about the engineering part of the project. It is separate from the construction part which is where we discovered the budget issues,” Jerry Czarnecki, deputy city manager, said. On March 11, the city council approved payment of unexpected expenditures of $233,521 more than the grant of $698,000, which was awarded by the Michigan Department of Transportation. The city received the grant award in early 2018 for improvements to sidewalks and crosswalks leading to area elementary and middle schools. The overspending was discovered when the city began getting bills from the state for addi­ tional construction work that had been approved by a city staff member without knowledge or consent of the city council. Money for the debt repayment will come from funds intended for improvement projects planned for summer. “In reviewing the Safe Routes to Schools project, there are some engineering costs that were either previously approved by the coun­ cil with purchase orders or would have been additional costs because the work was required by the state as part of this project,” Czarnecki said. These estimates are approximate costs and not set in stone. “There ‘ are many factors that comb into play, like weather arid conflicts in work scheduling, that cause delays and additional travel expenses for work crews. When things like this happen, costs go up,” Czarnecki said. Original purchase orders approved by the city council included engineering and project design totaling $134,400. Thus far, $95,739.90 has been paid, leaving a balance of $38,700.10. This amount was planned for in the project budget. However, two items surpassed cost esti­ mates that the city used when creating a bud­ get for those services. Williams and Works provided the estimates and performed the work. The first was for construction staking, a process of using stakes to mark where the construction work will happen. The original estimate for this service was $12,000. The cost at completion was $15,297.28 which left a correction of $3,297.29 to be paid by the city. The second item was for materials testing, a process for checking that materials used, such as concrete, gravel and asphalt, will stand up to usage. The original estimate for this service was $10,500, which the city had budgeted for. The city has already paid $2,295.94 for materials testing as part of a previous invoice. The cost for state required materials testing for a project of this scope was $20,967.35, leaving a balance of $8,171.41 still to be paid. However, City Manager Jeff Mansfield said there was a misunderstanding between the city and Williams and Works related to material testing. Shortly after the work was completed, the firm imormed the city they had incurred $70,000 in Expenses for provid­ ing the service due to expanded projects and asked to be compensated for the full amount. Czarnecki said he has had a conversation with Dave Austin from Williams and Works, and it was agreed that they will only be paid for materials testing costs that were anticipat­ ed by the city. “Is it usual for companies like Williams and Works do a contract that they turn around and charge us for the staking? Why were they charging us for that? I mean, they had to do that for people to come in and know where to put the cement in and other work,” Councilman Don Bowers said. Mansfield explained that MDOT required construction staking to be done by the engi­ neer. The city does require a contractor to their own staking on certain jobs. The con­ tractor is then responsible to pay for the stak­ ing, and then bill the city. However, it was not an option in this project and the city is respon­ sible for directly paying for the service. He said, either way, the city would be paying the cost because there is “no free lunch.” “If they did their job correctly, everything would have been included that we’re arguing about here and there. I hope we never do a contract like this. I’m very disappointed in this,” Bowers said. Councilman Don Smith said if the compa­ ny had room to move from the $70,000 down to agreeing to receive $50,168.80, it was too HEALTH DEPARTMENT, continued from page 1 communication between the health depart­ ment administrators and the county board, and reducing mileage costs incurred by health department staff members traveling from one county to the other. Parker agreed that improvements could be made and said he plans to bring those ideas to the attention of the health department board. David Jackson, who, with Commissioners Ben Geiger and Parker, represent the county on the health board, said, “I know there has been a healthy skepticism by some of this board of our health department... Did you get your questions answered? Do you feel better about the process? Are you OK with our health department?” Smelker replied that his concerns had been addressed, costs were explained and questions were answered to his satisfaction. He said, other than the fact that the department is “a little administrative top-heavy,” he was satis­ fied with the findings. Shirley Barnum of Hastings, who was in the audience and has asked the board to sup­ port splitting up the health department, said she has not changed her mind. “We’re just going to have to fight harder because they’re so afraid it’s going to take so many millions of dollars ... and it’s not, it’s not,” Barnum said after the meeting. “Employees that are here will stay here. People that know how to write grants will stay here. We can eliminate so many of those things that they do because they’re duplicated here.” In other action, commissioners approved: a state Department of Agriculture Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program appli­ cation (more commonly known as PA 116) for Spring Creek Farm in Sections 2,14 and 21 of Johnstown Township. appointing Smelker and Conner to serve on a special committee for the purpose of relo­ cating the Friend of the Court office to the Courts and Law building. transfers, disbursements and claims total­ ing $96,313. The next meeting of the county board will be at 9 a.m. April 9 at the county courthouse in Hastings. The public is welcome to attend. (The April 2 committee of the whole meeting has been cancelled due to a lack of business to conduct.) great a variation in price. “I understand it was work required by the state, and that’s great, and I think we owe them the money for it, but I’d like to see us be more strict. I work commercial jobs, too, and I get locked into my stuff. If I miss it, I’m screwed,” Smith said. “I’d like to see that they don’t have the room to move from $50,000 to $70,000. If the larger amount was what they had to get paid, then they would fight for that.” Councilwoman Theresa Maupin-Moore said she had heard from approximately four people who were not happy with the grading of their driveways and sidewalks in front of their homes and asked if those problems had been fixed. “They have been fixed and other problems as well, and that was part of the additional costs for construction services,” Mansfield said. The motion to approve payment of the invoice was made by Smith and supported by Councilwoman Brenda McNabb-Stange. The council had a unanimous vote with comments by Councilman Al Jarvis who said he would like to vote no but would vote yes, and from Bowers who said he also would like to vote no but “I’ll vote yes to get us out of here.” NO WAKE, continued from page 1 buy here. I bought low, maybe I didn’t win this year. But, you know what? I used to talk about all I have to do is walk five feet out and I don’t have to walk down steps and I can just jump in the lake. Well, now I take two steps and I can jump in the lake. That’s just the way it is. It’s not the guy in the wake boat that’s destroying your property, it’s God. So, unless you can stop the rain and the wind blowing, there isn’t nothing you can do about a couple of boats in the middle of the lake.” Simpson’s remarks were followed by applause from the crowd. The bass fisherman spoke during the public comment period. Most of the tournament directors who spoke said they would comply to a no-wake rule if it were put in place, their only request is to ensure that other people on the lake have to oblige, as well. “I was going through your minutes from last fall and saw that you had suspended bass tournaments in the summer, which immedi­ ately got my attention because I did not see anything about any other restrictions for any­ one else,” bass fisherman Dan Kimmel said. “I consider bass tournament anglers the pub­ lic. We’re not an entity. We’re not a corpora­ tion. Most of us are just a club group or a bunch of guys just getting together. “I’m concerned about the legality of restricting any user group more than another user group. I’ve fished bass tournaments for around 25 years, and it’s a really great group of guys, and I just hate to see us limited just because we happen to like to fish a lot.” Kai-Valley Bass Club Director Kevin Wilder also talked to the board about how fishermen are asked not to create a wake while speedboats are going right by them. According to Michigan Department of Natural Resources representative Matt Diana, the bass tournaments on Crooked Lake are not a detriment to the bass population. He also said the number of bass in the area generally is determined by the amount of food available to them. According to some residents, once a lake has a no-wake ruling, it is extremely difficult to make the transition back to allowing a wake. Diana said a wake restriction would not be issued if it is likely to be repealed in a few * NOTICE" DUE TO THE HIGH LAKE LEVEI PLEASE OBSERVI NO WAKE SPEED WITHIN 100 OF SHORELINE' *MICHI6AN PUBLIC ACT 4 SECTION 324.80146, (3) High lake levels are creating pressure for no-wake zones. years. “The views expressed during an hour of public comment were only in favor of keeping the launch site open and not imposing a no-wake ordinance,” parks and recreation chairman John Hoek said. “To my surprise, there was no interest in working together as a lake community to elicit concrete support from several community’s entities (DNR, the two townships, the lake association, the parks commission, etc.) to help deal with the current [crisis]. ■ < “One lake resident called the effort to do so ‘having an agenda,’ [and] stated that the com­ mission knew what the residents wanted and then informed me that my time had expired. “No one expressed a dissenting opinion — again to my surprise — and the meeting ended,” Hoek said. “I think that will prove to be unfortunate.” No action was taken by the board following the public comment period, which lasted more than an hour. �Page 4 — Thursday, March 28, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you see? Sappy spring Is the superintendent search train going off the rails? It’s that time of year for maple syrup producers. Sap buckets are hung, sugar shacks have been boiling and residents are getting ready to enjoy fresh maple syrup this spring. These maple trees on Center Road in Hastings Township were soaking up the three days of sunshine this week and filling buckets to the brim with sap ready to be boiled to deliciousness. (Photo by Tanett Hodge) You lose an hour of your life, you never get it back. I lost an hour of my life at the Hastings Area Schools System Board of Education workshop meeting Tuesday. The purpose of the meeting was for the school board to review the candidates for superintendent and to determine the ques­ tions that they should be asked during upcoming public interviews. This is one of the most important tasks any school board can perform. A school district superintendent fulfills a critical role in a community. This leader can do more to change the way a commu­ nity views the schools than you might imagine. This job presents a difficult chal­ lenge. The person who is picked will lead the elected board, administer a complex organization and, most importantly, help to build community and nurture the dis­ trict’s relationship with that community. Given the importance of that leadership role, the questions that are asked of these candidates are critical. In the news busi­ ness, we know a lot about good questions - and asking the right ones is a tremen­ dous skill. Generally, the questions I’ve heard asked thus far during this process are suit­ able for screening the candidates. These are the kinds of questions that should be asked before the candidates are even seri­ ously considered. Right now, the board, under the direc­ tion of Donna Oser, director of leadership development and executive search ser­ vices for the Michigan Association of School Boards, needs a quick course cor­ rection. Last night, of 23 candidates submitted, Oser whittled them down to seven. She asked the school board to give her their top five and they went through the list. When they got done, all seven board mem­ bers supported one candidate, two candi­ dates had the support of six school board members, and one candidate had five. The rest had a lackluster two or fewer. Oser suggested adding at least three more candidates, so the last three who were added had the support of only two board members. Minority support from the board sure doesn’t lay a strong founda­ tion for a new superintendent, so it seems a waste of time, if not counterproductive, to even suggest their inclusion. The elaborate code used to indicate can­ didates and the hushed exchanges among board members made the notion that this We "re dedicating this space to a photograph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? Exchange officers Banner Jan. 16, 1964 Officers installed - Leland L. Hamp (right) has been installed as president of the Hastings Exchange Club, succeed­ ing Earle L Forthman (left). Harry M. Askin, of Marshall, (center), state presi­ dent of the Exchange Club, conducted the installation and complimented the local organization on achievements, particularly the presentation of the Freedom Shrine to Hastings High School. Club members hope to present all high schools in Barry County with a Freedom Shrine. Other officers are Richard R. Welton, vice president; Nelson R. Allen, secretary; Howard M. Trumball, treasurer; and new board of control members William Stedman, Denis F. Hagan and Richard B. Carl. was a public session laughable. We under­ stand the need for confidentiality, but the degree to which this secrecy was extended was ridiculous. The public input should be invited and welcomed throughout this process. To top it all off, when school officials came to the portion of the meeting when they were going to divulge the questions, they wouldn’t let people see them. That was purpose of the session in the first place. And it goes to the heart of finding a strong candidate. According to Oser, the board didn’t want to disclose or debate the questions in open session. But the problem with this approach is that it doesn’t ensure any pro­ ductive exchange as a basis for these upcoming interviews. How can the pro­ cess encourage public input when the public is excluded? Sharing information at this point will not undercut the process. School officials should make every effort to keep those doors open. Perhaps it was fortunate that only a few citizens who weren’t directly connected to the school district attended this meeting. As I sat there, I was glad that only a few had to experience it. But my purpose in writing this is not to discourage public participation. In fact, I want to encourage people to make an effort to attend the first round of candidate interviews at 5 p.m. April 17 and 5:30 p.m. April 18 at the Hastings Middle School commons area. My purpose for writing this is to tell school officials and their superintendent search expert to correct the course they’re on. To them I say: Make a concerted effort to involve the community and do not steep this search in such an arcane and ridicu­ lous process that you exclude the very people who need to be a part of it. I Write Us A Letter: Have you met? Jerry Welsh has a heart for veterans. Born and raised in Montana, he went into the U.S. Air Force at the age of 17. During his four years of military service, he was a para-res­ cue pilot and then transferred to medical logistics. He spent 30 months in the Middle East between 1973 and 1975. “As a young man, my eyes were quickly opened to the world around me,” Welsh said. “I learned a lot very quickly. I had no idea what was happening at the time, but when I looked back on it later, I could see how things were gearing up for trouble.” After Welsh’s service in the armed forces, he went to Montana State University and used the GI Bill to earn a business degree with emphasis in economics and marketing. He went to work for a hospital in Three Rivers for a year and a half and moved to Middleville in 1980 for a job opportunity at HPS. Welsh led HPS through a period of growth, including a doubling of the balance sheet, a quadrupling of membership, sales and a national partnership for medical contracting. He learned to work with primarily nonprofit organizations as a contract negotiator. During his time at HPS, he did extensive master’s work at several universities, earning certifi­ cations in public administration, metrics and score-carding. He retired as CEO in 2011. Because of his appreciation for veterans, and remembering the struggles they have after returning home, his desire, after retir­ ing, was to work with veterans and help them with employment-transition issues. He vol­ unteered in many forms to assist veterans, but eventually ended up coming out of retire­ ment to work for a mandatory program set up by the government, that consisted of a threeto four-day employment workshop. During this time, recently returned veterans were mandated to take the workshop that consisted of a full day of seminars on basic finance skills. Welsh then would do a three-day tran­ sition seminar on resume-writing, how to use social media to connect with possible employers, basic marketable skills in the workplace, and more. He worked with well over 1,500 service members transitioning from the military to the civilian workforce. “I loved seeing the glimmer of hope in their eyes,” Welsh said. “In my giving to them, I learned so much from them also.” During these years, he became interested in helping to initiate and complete the Middleville Veterans Memorial. Welsh retired for a second time in June 2018, because he and Sheryl, his wife of almost 30 years, love to travel. He is still contacted to fill in, sometimes at the drop of a hat, when he is needed to present to veter­ ans. And he gladly does it. “I have met some of the most amazing people,” he said. “I have traveled all over the place, and the stories I’ve heard are incredi­ ble.” Because of his ongoing work with veter­ ans of all ages, Jerry Welsh is a Barry County Bright Light. Favorite movie: I really like Hallmark movies. I also like the true sappy movies like “Apollo 13,” “I Can Only Imagine,” “Numbers” and such. Best advice ever received: Learn to lis­ ten. I have been working on that for years. Person I most admire: Abraham Lincoln - I just finished his biography and was amazed at how he took such a dysfunctional situation and turned it around. If I could have any superpower, it would be: to cure and end cancer, hunger and hate. They are such unnecessary evils. Favorite vacation destination: If we are talking about wildlife, it would have to be the Serengeti in Tanzania, Africa. We lived there during the migration, and it was incredible. I also love Alberta, Canada, for its amazing wildlife. If we are talking about the most unique place, it would have to be the Falkland Islands off the coast of Buenos Aires and the mountains of New Zealand and the U.S. And even though I am not Catholic, the most inspiring place we have been was the Vatican, especially St. Peter’s Basilica. You can just feel that something important started there. Greatest song ever written: Whitney Houston’s T Will Always Love You.’ What I’d tell a high school graduate: Do something in your life that helps/impacts others. Add to other people’s lives. If I were president: I would ban lobby­ ing. Favorite dinner: It wouldn’t be so much about the actual food, but anytime I can eat with people I enjoy or I am getting to know, it’s great. . Favorite website: Linkedln, because I can still work with veterans. Best invention ever: Language. Hobbies: Of course, travel. Greatest thing about Barry County: The people. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. What do you think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the ques­ tion posed each week by accessing our website, www.HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the following week. Last week: Some lawmakers want to make it ille­ gal for minors to possess vaping products and for retailers to sell e-cigarettes to minors. Others say these products should be classified and regulated the same as tobacco. Do you think these products should be regulated like tobacco? Yes 85% No 15% For this week: A New York county has temporarily banned unvaccinated children from public places to try to prevent the spread of measles. Do you think this is a good idea? □ Yes □ No �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 28, 2019 — Page 5 More information makes for better public notices GUEST COLUMN Playin’ the odds - at the office Called my bookie the other day, looking for some action on the NCAA basketball tourna­ ment and got quite the surprise from Vito. The ’conversation went something like this (I had to change the names so my boss doesn’t find out I was using company time, his computer and his phone to work on my NCAA bracket): Vito: Yo, Benelli’s Waste Haulin.’ ; Anonymous (me): Hey, Vito, put me down for $50 bucks on Michigan State to win the *whole shootin’ match. Vito: Can’t take your bet. Anonymous: What? You cashed me out last weekend when I bet that green would be the dominant color at the Biggest Little St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Hastings. Vito: Yeah, well we’re outta college basket­ ball, can’t get a big enough pot anymore. Too many office pools now, people don’t need a bookie. Your office doesn’t have one? Anonymous: Well, yeah, of course it does, but there’s no chance of winning. Half the people who get into our pool don’t know any­ thing about college basketball, they play it like it’s a lottery ticket. Geez, the lady who won it last year couldn’t tell a screen from a storm window. She made her picks on which team had the cuter mascot. Vito: I know. Used to be a cold, hard game. Did ya’ see The Mellman Group, that opinion research bunch out of Washington, D.C., says ’54 million Americans were in a March Madness pool last year? That’s one in every four adults! And we’re not even talkin’ ‘bout those fantasy football and baseball leagues, "either. The American Gaming Association says $10 billion is goin’ into pools like yours at the office this year. People don’t even con­ sider it gamblin’ anymore, it’s “just havin’ fun with friends.” Anonymous: But it’s illegal. ; Vito: And you’re callin’ me? Talk about ^gambling going mainstream, kid, did ya’ hear Warren Buffet, that billionaire from Nebraska, is again offerin’ the annual bracket challenge to his employees at Berkshire I lathaway? He promised to pay $1 million a year for life to any employee who successfully predicts all the teams that get into the Sweet 16 - and he’s got 390,000 employees! Nobody’s done it,but hot even a bookie plays those odds. ! Anonymous: Yeah, but you bookies can’t be doing bad. I see that math professor Jonathan Mattingly at Duke University has the odds of picking a perfect bracket at one in 2.4 trillion. The only one who’s even gotten close is Alex Hermann, a 17-year-old kid from Illinois who perfectly picked the first two rounds in 2010. Mathematicians said that was one chance in 13,460,000. There are reports that a former Michigan man playing under “Center Road” pulled it off this year. Vito: So, even a teenager can gamble these days. I suppose this March Madness isn’t all bad, it brings a lot of people together. Doesn’t matter your age, your race, your gender - I see a lot of people all just having a lot of fun together. Anonymous: I think that’s why my boss doesn’t discourage our office pool - though I do have my door closed while I’m talking to you. I think he knows that we’ve all been bombarded with so much bad news that March Madness gives us the chance to turn it all off, ya’ know, focus on our brackets, and just enjoy each other’s fun. Who even paid attention to the Mueller Report when it came out Sunday? Everybody was calculating three-point shooting percentages before that day’s games started. The boss says he’s not much of a sports fan, but even he filled out a bracket to get in on all the excitement. Vito: Yeah, even a non-sports fan has gotta love watchin’ these games. There are so many interestin’ stories about these teams and their players. Anonymous: How about Tacko Fall, the 7-foot-6 center from the University of Central Florida? He left Senegal at age 16 to play basketball in Texas. Hadn’t seen his mother for seven years until she surprised him when UCF played Cincinnati. That was a tear-jerker game before it even started. Vito: I like the one about Michigan State freshman Aaron Henry gettin’ verbally pelted by Coach Izzo, during a timeout that had the whole country watchin’ and feelin’ like a neglectful bystander. Asked later how bad the vicious-looking reprimand was, Henry tells a reporter, “I’ve heard worse at home.” Anonymous: Well, I’m sure sports can build men and women athletes into admirable adults. Vito: Of course! Sure, soipe of them are just bidin’ their time until a professional team offers more money than we’ll ever win gam­ blin’ (or workin’), but how many of all these college athletes actually go pro? Only a small percentage of them. The rest will get a college degree, go on to excel in some endeavor, and use their treasured sports memories to inspire others. Anonymous: C’mon, Vito, don’t go over­ board. Most of these kids are getting a free education, free meals, and they’re traveling the world. Vito: Hey, haven’t ya’ heard about this Operation Varsity Blues? Would you rather be rootin’ for a bunch of college kids whose par­ ents paid bribes - up to $6 million I hear - to get their kids into top schools? Some even said their kids earned their way by being a star in a sport they never played. Anybody who’s playin’ on an NCAA college basketball team worked hard to get there, and many of ’em had to overcome livin’ in poverty to succeed. People love college sports because they’re inspired by the players’ enthusiasm. Anonymous: So that’s why they shouldn’t be paid, like some people have suggested? These athletes are bringing in millions to their schools. It looks a little hypocritical to me that they shouldn’t be compensated to some level for the attention - and alumni support - they bring to their schools. College sports is big money. Vito: That’s exactly the point! The passion fans see on the court or on the field is attribut­ ed to the fact that no money’s involved. Paying student athletes will detract from the purity of the game, it’ll ruin the magic. Keepin’ money out of their college lives takes us back to when the games were played for the pure joy of competition. Anonymous: So, what about me now? You sound like you’re talking your way right out of the business. I’m going to miss placing my bets with you. I kind of liked those secret conversations and dropping my money off behind the dumpster every Friday. Vito: Don’t worry, kid. There’ll always be somethin’. How about I give you 100-1 on the Tigers in the World Series? Best odds you’re gonna find. They got a good-looking mascot, too. Doug VanderLaan, Guest Columnist \% NOTICE The minutes of the meeting of the Barry County Board of Commissioners held March 26, 2019, are available in the County Clerk’s Office at 220 W. State St., Hastings, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or www.barrycounty.org. 115142 PUBLIC NOTICE MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 2019 GRAND REGION HERBICIDE PROGRAM The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) hereby provides notice to the public, including property owners adjacent to state highways, of the 2019 Herbicide Application Program treatments for roadside rights of way within Mason, Lake, Osceola, Oceana, Newaygo, Mecosta, Muskegon, Montcalm, Ottawa, Kent, Ionia, Allegan, and Barry counties. Applications will take place between April 2, 2019, and December 3, 2019. herbiqdeso^cation^ Non-Selective Applications: (guardrail, pavement/shoulder cracks and edges, barrier walls, concrete bridge slopes, invasive plants) ANY INDIVIDUAL OR COMBINATIONS OF THE HERBICIDES LISTED BELOW: Roundup Pro Concentrate (Glyphosate), Method 240SL (Aminocyclopyrachlor), Plateau (Imazapic), Milestone (Aminopyralid), Escort XP (Metsulfuron Methyl), Arsenal Powerline (Imazapyr), Rodeo (Glyphosate), Esplanade 200 SC (Indaziflam), Polaris (Isopropylamine Salt of Imazapyr), Selective Applications: (broadleaf weeds in turf areas, brush control, plant growth regulator, invasive plants) ANY INDIVIDUAL OR COMBINATIONS OF THE HERBICIDES LISTED BELOW: Weedestroy AM-40 (2, 4-Diclorophenoxyacetic Acid), Milestone (Aminopyralid), Escort XP (Metsulfuron Methyl), Telar XP (Chlorsulfuron), Vastlan (Triclopyr Choline, Acetic Acid, Choline Salt), Garlon 4 Ultra (Triclopyr-2-Butoxyethyl Ester), Vista XRT (Fluroxypyr), Plateau (Imazapic), Imazapic (Imazapic), Method 240SL (Aminocyclopyrachlor). Adjuvants: (drift control, water conditioning, surfactants) 41-A (Polyacrylamide and Polysaccharide Polymers), Nu-Film-IR (Poly-l-p-Menthene), Improve (Nonionic), Condition (Ammonium Sulfate), Sunset MSO (Methylated Seed Oil Blend and Emulsifiers), Cygnet Plus (Limonene, Methylated Vegetable Oil, Alkyl Hydroxypoly Oxyethylene). METHaDjQFAPPLIGATIQN: All applications will be ground or foliar applied by vehicular­ mounted fixed boom or hand spray gun equipment. The herbicides will be tank-mixed or injected for each application. SPECIAL MEETING All applications will be made by certified pesticide applicators. For further information, contact: Tom Kitcey, Resource Specialist Michigan Department of Transportation 1420 Front Ave., N. W. Grand Rapids, MI 49504 616-451-8881 This notice is published per Reg ulation 637 Act No. 451, Public Acts of 1994, as amended. • Information on how a borrower can con­ tact the lender and attorney for the foreclosing property • Information for borrowers in active mili­ tary service • The statement: “This firm is a debt collec­ tor attempting to collect a debt. Any informa­ tion we obtain will be used for that purpose” • Information on how the borrower can reference the Michigan State Housing Development Authority’s website for infor­ mation about local resources; and • Information about auction sales and bid­ ding process, including closing time. The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Triston Cole (R-Antrim County), would align Michigan with a number of other states that require notices contain a range of information critical to consumer protection. Good public notices are integral to demo­ cratic governance and stem from the right to “due process of law” guaranteed by the feder­ al and state constitutions. Due process of law protects Americans’ rights from arbitrary or wrongful actions. Public notices play a vital role in both sub­ stantive and procedural due process because they provide a window into government actions and also afford notice to citizens of actions about to take place, so they may exer­ cise their constitutional right to be heard. Importantly, notification not only informs the individual or entity most directly affected, but also the general public, which has an interest in knowing how public powers are being used. Requiring more information in foreclosure notices ensures that Michigan residents are more aware and better armed with knowledge to protect their rights. The state legislature would do right by their constituents to pass HB 4306. Gas hike, by any name, is gouging To the editor: There is summer blend and Winter blend (which are put in the same holding tank), refinery pres, supply/demand, that are told to us as reasons to raise gas prices. Why? Why should keep raising fuel prices? The economy is good, so people can afford to travel more - yet we are penalized for using too much fuel by raising prices. Then the win­ ter blend and summer blend are put in same tank, yet we are told prices up because of which blend they are getting. Refinery fires: Why are we penalized since our gas is refined elsewhere, not here?. We use imported fuel, not fuel we get here in the U.S. or, if we do, it is very minimal. This gouging by the gas companies has got to stop. If Consumers Energy can do it, so can Shell, Exxon, Marathon, Speedway, etc. Deb James, Hastings NOTICE The Committee of the Whole of the Barry County Board of Commissioners will conduct a special meeting on Thursday, April 11,2019, at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of considering amendments to the Agriculture Preservation Ordinance, and adoption of an Open Space Preservation Ordinance. Public input is encouraged. The meeting will be held at the Barry County Tyden Center located at 121 S. Church St., Hastings, MI 49058. For more information contact Barry County Administration at (269) 945-1284 or visit wy^ban^countyjorg. Announcement: James J. Goulooze, Attorney at Law Is Still Here Rumors of my demise are premature. For over 30 years I have strived to protect and assert the rights of my clients. My primary focus continues to be criminal defense. If chosen to represent you, I will provide honesty, competence and the assurance that your interest comes first and that I do not act to please the court or prosecutor. SERVING THE LEGAL NEEDS OF BARRY COUNTY AND SURROUNDING COUNTIES SPECIALIZING IN: Do not enter treated areas until the spray has dried. Brad Thompson Detroit Legal News At a time in our democracy when disinfor­ mation, half-truths and intentional misdirec­ tion are rampant, it cannot be more critical to find reliable methods of maintaining an informed citizenry. Public notices have served as one such method since before the country’s founding. Under the current and outdated Revised Judicature Act, foreclosure notices are required to contain only the names of the par­ ties to the mortgage, a description of the prop­ erty and the current amount due under the mortgage, but it had been a long-standing practice in the industry to include additional non-statutory language to assist borrowers, lenders and the public. In the past few years, however, due to litigation against attorneys placing foreclosure notices, much of that valuable language has been stripped out. The lawsuits claim notices violate the Federal Fair Debt Collection Act when the notices include non-statutory language, even if the language is helpful. This has resulted in foreclosure notices that offer the only barest of informa­ tion and do not adequately protect the home­ owners, potential bidders and other members of the public. A citizenry is better informed through good public notice and the current requirements for foreclosure notices in Michigan are inade­ quate toward that objective. Michigan House Bill 4306 currently in the Michigan House of Representatives would amend the Act to require additional informa­ tion with the aim of protecting the borrower and potential bidders for the property. The bill would require a foreclosure notice include the following information consistent with the industry’s prior practice and incorporate best practice language from around the country: • The street address of the property • Criminal Defense • Felonies (including capital offenses) • Driver License Restoration • Drunk Driving • Bankruptcy •Real Estate Law • Probate Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml, 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855­ 347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. . President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. The Hastings Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM * Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Contact me at: 269-945-2255,616-765-9040 or jgoulooze@sbcglobal.net Evenings & Saturday AM Appointments Available Banner Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer Tanett Hodge Bonnie Mattson Taylor Owens Joan Van Houten POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: RO. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 �Page 6 — Thursday, March 28, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together DIRECTOR, continued from page 2 ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingsopeumc. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Thursday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office. greenstreetumc@gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor; Ryan Rose, Family Life Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5 th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheelchair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9: 30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. wwwMiLstchurchhastings. org. 9 a.m. Traditional Service; 10:30 a.m. Contemporary service. Follow us on Facebook. COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945­ 9217. cbchastings.org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gm.ajl.com. Website: www. hastingsfreemethodistcom. Pastor Brian Teed, Associate Pastor And} Baird and Stu­ dent Ministry Director, Emma Miller. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAMILY HOUR - ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Preschool-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Standard and Adult Elective classes. Coffee Talk: Fellow­ ship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church Age 4-4th grade dismissed during service. Aftermath Student Ministry - 6:30-8:30 p.m., 7th-12th grades. Wednesday: Kids Club "Under Construction"; Wed., Feb. 13-Mar. 27, 6:30-7:45 p.m., Kids age 4-6th grade are welcome; Women's Bible Study 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thurs­ day: Adult Bible Study 10 a.m. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God’s Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! March 31 - Worship services at 8 and 10:45 a.m.; New Class member a.m.; 9:30 Family Promise Potluck 9:30 April 1 - p.m. Social April 2 p.m. April Activities 6:30 p.m. Executive Mtg. 6 3 - Wednesday Lenten Supper 6 p.m. Worship Service 7 p.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@grace-hastings. St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www.grace-hastings. org. Facebook: Lutheran Grace Church-ELC A Hastings. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, _ _ _ _ _ _ the churches and these local businesses' _ J Graphics 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 rm 102 Cook Hastings 945-4700 work, the project would also interfere with the use of the park by the YMCA for spring soc­ cer,” Czarnecki said. City staff recommended rejecting the bids. However, they asked the council to approve changing the scope of the the project. “We plan to post a request for proposals to remove the tennis courts and replace the roof on the bathroom and pavilion by the baseball field. The removal of the tennis courts is something we would like to complete before Spectrum Health Pennock does the work to the parking lot at Fish Hatchery,” Czarnecki said. “Our projects will require bringing in heavy equipment that could potentially dam­ age the new surface of the parking lot.” The plan would be to bring a proposal for LeNora Kenfield WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am org. Location: 239 E. North WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. requirements. Testing will occur before the filters are put back into service. The project involves having one filter at a time out of service. Anticipated completion time is between five to six weeks. The city council also rejected two bids responding to a request for proposals for con­ struction of a new restroom at Fish Hatchery Park. The bids, received March 8, were more than the budgeted amount of $75,000. McGraw Construction bid $131,000. Pel Construction bid $105,821.18. “The bids were just for reconstruction of a new restroom, but did not include demolition of the old restroom. They also did not include demolition of the tennis courts that was a part of the project proposal. With the timing of the LeNora Kenfield passed away on Sunday March 24, 2019 at Carveth Village at the age of 99. She was bom on December 8,1919 in Hast­ ings, to Wesley and Arlie Pew. She graduated from Hastings High School in 1938. LeNora was a longtime volunteer at the Seventh Day Adventist Community Center and at Pennock Hospital. Surviving are her children, Dr. Rich­ ard (Sandra) Kenfield of Yorba Linda, CA, Frank (Connie) Kenfield of Hastings, Mi­ chael (Laura) Buckland of Otsego, Sally (Stephen) Mulder of Kentwood and Nancy (David) Chapin of Battle Creek; daughter-in­ law, Mary Jane Taffee of Hastings; a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank; son, Thomas; and sister, Anamae Bar­ num. LeNora’s family received friends on Wednesday March 27, 2019 at Lauer Fam­ ily Funeral Home - Wren Chapel, 1401 N. Broadway Hastings until the time of services with Minister Jeff Dowell officiating. Inter­ ment Fuller Cemetery. Please share condo­ lences with the family at www.lauerfh.com. HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Thursday, March 28 - Barry County Baby Cafe, 10 a.m.-noon; Movie Memories group watches 1968 film starring Peter O’Toole, Katherine Hepburn, Anthony Hopkins and Terry Nigel, 5 p.m. Friday, March 29 - preschool story time, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Overdrive Celebrates Big Library Read with unlimited check-outs of “Homes: A Refugee Story” April 1-15 Monday, April 1 - Quilting Passions, 10 a.m.-l p.m.; library board meeting, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 2 - spring break-out, Legos, 10:30-noon; Great Decisions foreign affairs discussions, 1:30-4 p.m.; mahjong, 5:30-8; open chess, 6-8; p.m. Celebrate National Library Week and “Read Down Your Fines” April 7-13. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. Z*"* 1R /i - -A Products !■■■ RUTLAND, MI - Wilma Joy (Reynolds) McMillan, age 83, passed away on March 25, 2019 at her home in Rutland Township. Wilma was bom on April 15,1935 to Leon­ ard Berkley Reynolds and Charlotte (Maze) Reynolds in Stockton, Utah. She was the middle of seven children and gave her parents plenty of challenges. At 14, her father passed away, so she grew up tough and feisty. Her young life was filled with baseball and church activities. She^met and married the man of her dreams, Robert (Bob) Miles McMillan, whom she loved and honored all her. life. They had three children: Debra (Gutgsell), Robert, and Laity. Wilma worked at Hastings Manufacturing in the ‘60s but felt most fulfilled as a wife, mother and grandmother for most of her life. She and Robert built their own home in Al­ gonquin Lake area. Priceless memories were enjoyed by all because of many vacations shared. Some of the favorites were boat rid­ ing, camping, bonfires, and traveling west to visit extended family. She worked for a few school years at Algonquin school as the noon recess lady, where she liked to play ball with the kids. This worked out well, as she was a wonderful Grandma to her nine grandchil­ dren and 16 great-grandkids. Wilma will be welcomed by those who went before her. Her parents, one sister, onebrother, her sweetheart Bob, her son-in-law Bernd Gutgsell, one grandson (Darren Greg­ ory) and his wife, Chelsea. The surviving members of her family in­ clude four sisters in Utah, Debra Gutgsell, Robert Lee (Jacqueline) McMillan, and Larry Ray McMillan, Aaron (Lori) Gregory with five children in Manassas, VA, Kari Anne (Bret) VanZanten with three children of Hast­ ings, Sherri (Paul) Roberts with six children in California, Marie Gutgsell of Hastings, Sara (Chawn) Guernsey with one child of Vicksburg, Jessica (Joe) Kolanowski with one child of Fruitport, Travis (Becca) McMil­ lan with two children of Hastings, and Alex McMillan of Maryland. Wilma was an active, lifelong member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and lived that life, and desired for oth­ ers to do likewise. Indeed, she followed the admonition of the Savior to “Come Follow Me”. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, March 30, 2019 with a visitation one hour prior at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 505 N Airport Rd, Hast­ ings, MI 49058. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution can be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Founda­ tion, https://www.cff.org/Get-Involved/Donate/ or 2265 Livemois Road, Ste 410, Troy, MI 48083. Services provided by Girrbach Funeral Home, Hastings, Michigan. To leave online condolences visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. * Traditional and Cremation Services * Pre-Planning Services • Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible Serving All Faiths Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted MUneHiMmi 770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541 328 S. Broadway. Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-3252 • www.girrbachfuneralhome. Dale Billingsley Owner/Manager j j j Family OWiled and Operated Ray Girrbach Owner Emeritus Serving Hastings, Barry County and Surrounding Communities for 50 years both projects for less than the amount budget­ ed for the original plan. Czarnecki said staff could then combine the remaining amount with the $65,000 proposed for restroom improvements at Fish Hatchery Park for the next fiscal year and revisit replacement of the restroom. Looking into the cost of milling the tennis courts and repurposing the material for other projects is one option, Czarnecki said. If the courts are demolished, the public service crew would remove the broken asphalt sections and stack them at another location. McNabb-Stange asked what the savings would be on milling the courts. Czarnecki said he did not have an answer, but he plans on finding out. “I would like you to show us what the num­ bers are,” McNabb-Stange said. She asked Czarnecki to provide the council with the costs of each option and which would be most advantageous for the city. Czarnecki said he would get the informa­ tion. Six parcels in the area of North Broadway have been rezoned after a second reading of the draft amendment. The parcels had been in an Apartment-Office designated district but are now within the Business West district. The rezoned properties are located at 1215 N. Broadway St., 1335 N. Broadway St.^ 1401 N. Broadway St., 121 W. Woodlawn Ave., 124 W. Woodlawn Ave. and 102 E. Woodlawn Ave. Areas in the downtown business district also have been rezoned to allow for residen­ tial units on the main floor of buildings. The first reading of four draft ordinances provided by City Attorney Stephanie Fekkes relating to temporary “opting-out”’ of permit­ ting marijuana establishments and facilities in the city. The second reading is scheduled for April 8. In Czarnecki’s Department of Public Works report, he informed the city council that he will be meeting with Ryan Excavating to dis­ cuss concrete work the council has already approved. A plan will be developed to assess conditions and address work needed for side­ walks, approaches and curbs. The DPW will begin working on opening the parks at the beginning of April. Contractor B&L Outdoor will begin work in the parks on April 1. Czarnecki anticipates having all parks open by April 8. He also reported the Michigan Department of Transportation, the Department of Environmental Quality and the MDOT; MDEQ and the engineering firm Prien and Newhof have concerns with the possible impact on the wetlands from the boardwalk extension. “We will be meeting to look at the option of bringing the path up to the road. This side­ walk will be added to the remaining contract for sidewalks this spring,” Czarnecki said. Hastings’ compost site will be open as soon as site conditions allow. The key pad and elec­ tric gate have been installed and signage is being placed at the site to inform residents on the procedures to access the site. A code for the site will be reset each Monday morning. Residents will need to call City Hall during office hours to obtain the code and residents will be asked for their address to verify that they live within the city. The cite will be accessible from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., seven days a week. This will allow access on the weekends. The new system was put in place because of ongoing problems with nonresidents and contractors using the facility. Cameras also have been installed to discourage violations and misuse of the site. Hastings Police Chief Jeff Pratt presented two new bulletproof vests recently received by the department and thanked the council for the support for the city’s law enforcement members. Jim Cary, council member, tried on a vest and remarked about the weight of the law enforcement gear. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 28, 2019 — Page 7 Hubert Hunt celebrates 90th birthday Hastings Fire Department responds to Hastings Central Elementary School after a fire alarm Wednesday evening. No students were in the building at the time. (Photos by Taylor Owens) Faulty air compressor sets off alarm at elementary school An air compressor in the basement seized up, and the belt burned, causing smoke which set off the alarm. Taylor Owens Staff Writer The Hastings Fire Department was called to Central Elementary just before 5:30 p.m. Wednesday after a fire alarm went off. Director of Maintenance Dale Krueger said an air compressor in the basement malfunctioned. The compressor works the pneumatics of the heatings system and, when it malfunctioned, it burned a belt and set off a smoke alarm. Principal Sarah Geukes said only one teacher and the custodial staff were in the building when the alarm went off. The air pump of the compressor seized, but the belt continued to spin. The friction it created caused smoke and that set off an alarm. A portable air compressor will be used until either the air pump is repaired, or the entire compressor is replaced, Krueger said. There is a half day of school Thursday, and no school Friday because of spring break, which continues through next week. SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Expert answers questions related to benefits, disability, enrollment Can I delay my retirement benefits and receive benefits as a spouse only? How does that work? It depends on your date of birth. If you were bom on or before Jan. 1,1954, and your spouse is receiving Social Security benefits, you may apply for retirement benefits on your spouse’s record as long as you are at your full retirement age. You then will earn delayed retirement credits up to age 70, as long as you do not collect benefits on your own work record. Later, when you do begin receiving benefits on your own record, those payments could very well be higher than they would have been otherwise. If your spouse also is full retirement age and does not receive bene­ fits, your spouse will have to apply for bene­ fits and request the payments be suspended. Then you can receive benefits on your spouse’s Social Security record. If you were born on or a^erTari. '2, 1954, and wish to receive benefits, you must file for all benefits for which you are eligible. Social Security will determine the benefits you are eligible for and pay you accordingly. For individuals bom on or after Jan. 2,1954, there is no longer an option to select which benefit you would like to receive, even beyond your full retirement age. Widows are an exception, since they can choose to take their deceased spouse’s benefit without filing for their own. For more infor­ mation, visit socialsecurity.gov. Pm trying to figure out the best time to retire based on my future earnings. How can I calculate my own retirement benefit estimate? We suggest you use our Retirement Estimator at socialsecurity.gov/estimator. The Retirement Estimator produces estimates based on your actual Social Security earnings record, so it’s a personalized, instant picture of your future estimated benefit. Also, you can use it to test different retirement scenarios based on what age you decide to start benefits. For example, you can find out your estimated monthly payments if you retire at age 62, 70, or any age in between. Try it out now at socialsecurity.gov/estimator. My uncle states he is considered to be 70 percent disabled through the VA, Does Social Security rate my disability on a percentage scale? Social Security does not rate individuals on a percentage scale for disability benefits. For Social Security purposes, a disability is defined as a medical condition(s) that must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least one year or ends in death; and the condition must prevent you from performing substantial work. For more information regarding dis­ ability benefits, please visit socialsecurity, gov/benefits/disability. It's hardfor me to get around because ofmy disability. Can I apply for disability benefits from home? Yes. In fact, the best way to apply for dis­ ability benefits is online. Our online disability application is convenient and secure. You may apply for benefits online at socialsecurity.gov/ applyfordisability. If you do not have internet access, you may call us, 800-772-1213, (TTY 800-325-0778) to schedule an appointment to visit your local Social Security office to apply. However you decide to apply, begin by look­ ing at our Disability Starter Kit at socialsecu­ rity .go v/disability/disability_starterJdts.htm. It will help you prepare for your application or interview. What is the definition of disability for chil­ dren filing for Supplemental Security Income? Social Security has a stric: definition of disability for children under the SSI program. A child who is under age 1: s considered disabled if he or she has a physical or mental condition (or a combination of conditions) resulting in “marked and severe functional limitations,” (meaning the condition seriously limits the child’s activities); and the condition has lasted, or is expected to last, at least one year or is expected to result in death. To decide whether a child is disabled for SSI purposes, we look at medical and other information (such as information from schools, parents and caregivers) about the child’s conditions, and we consider how the condition affects his or her daily activities. We consider questions such as: What activities is the child not able to do or is limited in doing? What kind of and how much extra help does the child need to perform age-appropri­ ate activities — for example, special classes at school, medical equipment? Do the effects of treatment interfere with the child’s day-to-day activities? Read Benefits for Children with Disabilities, at socialsecurity.gov/pubs, for additional information on how we decide if a child under age 18 is disabled. I didn't enroll in Medicare Part B back when my Part A started a few years ago. Can I enroll now? It depends. The general enrollment period for Medicare Part B, medical insurance, begins Jan. 1 and runs through March 31. Keep in mind that although there is no month­ ly premium for Medicare Part A, there will be a premium for your Medicare Part B. In most cases, that premium goes up each 12-month period you were eligible for it and elected not to enroll. If you are covered by a group healthcare plan based on your employment or the employment of a spouse, you may qualify for a special enrollment. Special enrollments may be processed at any point during the year, but require proof of coverage. To find out more about Medicare, visit medicare.gov or ssa.gov/benefits/medicare/. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Gratia^ Rapids MI 49525, or via email tovonda .vantil @ ssa .gov. Sharon Maurer celebrating 80 years Friends and neighbors are encouraged to join in wishing Sharon Maurer a happy 80th birthday March 30. A native of Grand Rapids, Sharon has made Hastings and Barry County her home since the early 1960s. She worked as a nurse at Thomapple Manor for more than 30 years, helped coordinate funeral luncheons at St. Rose Catholic Church for more than 25 years and has given back to the community in numerous other ways. She and her husband, Tom, are the parents of seven children. They also have 15 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, with another on the way. Anyone wanting to bestow wishes on this loving, giving, nurturing lady is encouraged to send a birthday card. The family of Hubert Hunt are happy to announce he will be celebrating his 90th birthday on March 29,2019. His has lived his entire life at the Hunt family farm on Bird Road in Baltimore Township. Hubert graduated from Hastings High School in 1946. He served in the Air Force 604 aircraft warning squadron during the Korean Conflict. When Hubert returned to Barry County after his military service, he began his career as a farmer on his family’s farm. Soon after he married the love of his life, Pauline Ruth Cheney. He and Pauline had five children: Deborah, Brian, Stacy, Kevin and David. Hubert also enjoys 12 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Hubert’s family will be celebrating his birthday at a joint Cheney/Hunt family potluck reunion at Charlton Park on Sunday, July 28, 2019, beginning at 11am. All friends and family are welcome to attend. If you would like to send Hubert a card to celebrate his birthday, he will receive them at: 7110 Bird Road, Hastings, MI 49058. CITY OF HASTINGS ~ PUBLIC NOTICE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 566 The undersigned, being the duly qualified and acting Clerk of the City of Hastings, Michigan, does hereby certify that ORDINANCE NO. 566: TO AMEND CHAPTER 90 OF THE HASTINGS CODE OF 1970, AS AMENDED, TO AMEND SECTIONS 90-1 DEFINITIONS; 90-471 PURPOSE SECTION; 90-473 SPECIAL USES AND ADD SECTION 90-477 BUILDING FOR STANDARDS FOR RESIDENTIAL DWELLINGS AND 90-478 GENERAL DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS FOR RESIDENTIAL USES IN THE B-1 CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT. was adopted by the City Council of the City of Hastings at a regular meeting on the 25th day of March 2019. A complete copy of this Ordinance is available for review at the office of the City Clerk at City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. William Alan Ryszka, Middleville and Zdena Pranjic, Middleville Ryan Lee RicketSon, Middleville and Megan Anne Stuive, Jenison NOTICE TO BIDDERS BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry County Road Commission, 1725 West M-43 Highway, RO. Box 158, Hastings, Ml 49058, until 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, April 9, 2019 for the following items. 90’ X 150’ Concrete Floor Approximately 250 cyd of 6 sack fiber reinforced 4,000 psi Specifications and additional information may be obtained at the Road Commission Office at the above address or at our web site at www.barrycrc. org. The Board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive irregulari­ ties in the best interest of the Commission. BOARD OF COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BARRY David D. SolmesChairman Frank M. Fiala Member D. David Dykstra Member Jane M. Saurman City Clerk NOTICE TO BIDDERS BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry County Road Commission, 1725 West M-43 Highway, P.O. Box 158, Hastings, MI 49058, until 10:30 A.M. Wednesday, April 10, 2019 for the following items. Specifications and additional information may be obtained at the Road Commission Office at the above address or at our web site at www.barrycrc.org. Bituminous Mixtures Crack Seal Blocks Culverts Scraper Blades Dust Control The Board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive irregularities in the best interest of the Commission. BOARD OF COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BARRY David D. Solmes Frank M. Fiala D. David Dykstra Chairman Member Member EQUIPMENT FOR SALE CITY OF HASTINGS PUBLIC NOTICE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 565 The undersigned, being the duly qualified and acting Clerk of the City of Hastings, Michigan, does hereby certify that ORDINANCE NO. 565: TO AMEND CHAPTER 90 OF THE HASTINGS CODE OF 1970, AS AMENDED, TO AMEND THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY LIMITS - FOR PROPERTIES ALONG WOODLAWN AND BROADWAY. was adopted by the City Council of the City of Hastings at a regular meeting on the 25th day of March 2019. A complete copy of this Ordinance is available for review at the office of the City Clerk at City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Jane M. Saurman City Clerk Delton Kellogg School District is accepting sealed Bids for the following equipment: • 1999 Dodge 3/4 4x4 pickup, V8 gas with snow plow 387KF26Z8XM524481 $1,000.00 minimum bid • 1978 Ford 3/4 ton 2wd pickup V* gas F25HLCD3054 $500.00 minimum bid • Coats 6401 wheel balancer $3,000.00 minimum bid • Coats HIT 5000 tire changer $3,000.00 minimum bid Interested persons should submit a sealed bid to: Superintendent, Delton Kellogg Schools 327 N. Grove Street Delton, Ml 49046 Mark the envelope “BID.” Bids must be received by 1:00 p.m. on April 11, 2019 to be considered. Successful bidder must pay the merchandise and remove same from Delton Kellogg Schools within five (5) days of notification. Notification will be made after the Board meeting of April 15, 2019. Items may be seen at the Delton Kellogg Bus Garage between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. weekdays. ............... ■■HUI.. . ..... ...... �Page 8 — Thursday, March 28, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD Elaine Garlock There will be a rummage sale at the _ museum on Emerson Street Friday, March 29, and Saturday, March 30. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. This is sponsored by the Lake Odessa Area Historical Society. A News from the freeway area will be welcome for many people is that the Comer Landing is going to open in the future. It will be called Linda’s Comer Landing. This is on the comer of M-66 and Grand River Avenue, just a short distance north of theI-96 Freeway. A job fair was scheduled for last weekend. There is not yet a date set for the opening. A new sign on a store front which formerly housed Garlingers’ Market and also Stranger’s market back in the day now announces a tanning salon coming. The Lake Odessa Community Library has a new exhibit. Thiss time the feature is a collection of artwork by high school students. Library events coming include family story time for all ages April 3 at 10:30 a.m. and a spring break program for ages 11 and up April 4. The library will be closed April 19 and 20 for Easter weekend. Hope Township Board Meeting Schedule for 2019-2020 Fiscal Year Monday, April 8, 2019 Monday,May 13, 2019 Monday, June 10, 2019 Monday, July 8, 2019 Monday, August 12, 2019 Monday, September 9, 2019 Monday,October 14, 2019 Monday,November 11, 2019 Monday,December 9, 2019 Monday, January 13, 2020 Monday, February 10, 2020 Monday,March 16,2020.. .Budget Hearing 6:30 pm 6:30 pm 6:30 pm 6:30 pm 6:30 pm 6:30 pm 6:30 pm 6:30 pm 6:30 pm 6:30 pm 6:30 pm 6:30 pm Time for some financial spring cleaning Spring is here - and for many of us, that means it’s time for some spring cleaning. This year, in addition to tidying up your home, why not try brightening your financial envi­ ronment? Some of the same moves you make to clean your surroundings may apply to your finances. Consider these suggestions: • Get rid of clutter. When you go through your closets, attic, basement or other areas, you may find many items you no longer need. You might be able to sell some of these things or find other ways of disposing of them. And as you review your portfolio, you might also encounter “clutter” in the form of investments that may be redundant to others you own. If so, you might consider selling these invest­ ments and using the proceeds to purchase new ones, which may help you broaden your port­ folio. • Protect yourselffrom hazards. As you go about your spring cleaning, you may well encounter hazardous substances, such as cleaning agents, paints, batteries, pesticides and so on, which you don’t need anymore and which may pose potential health risks. You can reduce the possible danger from these materials by recycling or disposing of them in an environmentally safe way. Your overall financial situation has hazards, too, in the form of illness or injury preventing you from working, or, in your later years, the need for some type of long-term care, such as an extended stay in a nursing home. To protect yourself, you may need appropriate insurance, including disability and long-term care. • Find new uses for existing possessions. All meetings held at the Hope Township Hall, 5463 S M-43 Hwy, Hastings MI 49058. Office phone: 269-948-2464. JONES Meeting minutes available at the Township office. When you are sprucing up your home, you financial situation can help you gain a more may rediscover uses for things you already positive outlook for tomorrow. have. Who knows - perhaps that treadmill Th is article was written by Edward Jones that’s been gathering dust in your garage for use by your local Edward Jones Financial could actually be employed again as part of Advisor If you have any questions, contact your rededicated exercise regimen. And you Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. might be able to get more mileage out of some of your existing investments, too. Suppose, for instance, that some of your stocks are paying you dividends, which you The following prices are from the close of take as cash. If you don’t really need this business last Tuesday. Reported changes are income to support your lifestyle, you might from the previous week. consider reinvesting the dividends so that you Apple Inc. 186.79 +.26 can own more shares of the dividend-paying AT&T 31.39 +.71 stocks. Over the long run, increased share Chemical Fin 39.93 -3.00 ownership is a key to helping build your port­ Chevron 124.13 -1.15 folio. Deere & Co. 157.60 -3.37 • Establish new habits. Spring cleaning Exxon Mobil 80.96 +.09 doesn’t have to be just about physical activi­ Flowserve CP 44.18 +.98 ties - it can also involve a new set of habits Ford Motor Co. 8.76 +.06 on your part. For example, instead of placing General Electric Co. 10.10 -.09 your unread magazines in an ever-expanding General Motors 36.87 -1.40 ' pile, try to read and recycle them quickly. You Home Depot Inc. 189.34 +5.21 • can also develop some positive habits as an Johnson Johnson 138.57 +.13 ■ investor, such as “paying yourself first” by Kellogg Co. 57.57 +3.16 . regularly putting some money in an invest­ Microsoft CP 117.91 +.26 ment account each month, even before paying Perrigo Co. 47.44 -1.80 all your bills. You can also avoid some bad Pfizer Inc. 42.42 +.12 habits, such as overreacting to market down­ Spartannash Comp 16.08 -.23 turns by selling investments to “cut your loss­ Stryker -.04 196.08 es,” even though those same investments may TCF Financial Corp. 20.10 -1.34 . still have strong growth potential and may Walmart Inc. 98.32 -1.53 still be suitable for your needs. Walt Disney Co 110.14 +.14 Doing some spring cleaning can make you Whirl Pool Corp 130.95 -1.26 ’ feel better about your living space today. And applying some of these techniques to your Gold $1,315.81 +$9.18 i Silver $15.31 -.16 Dow Jones 25,658 -229 ' ----- STOCKS------ Regular Township Office Hours for Treasurer, Clerk and Supervisor: Wednesday’s 9am -12 noon and 1:15pm - 3pm or by appointment This notice is posted in compliance with PA267 of 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act), MCLA 4L72a (2) (3) and the Americans with Disabilities Act. (ADA). The Hope Township Board will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabil­ ities at the meeting upon 7 days notice to the Hope Township Board. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Hope Township Board by writing or calling the following: Deborah Jackson Hope Township Clerk 269-948-2464 115147 PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PUBLIC HEARING ON THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL GILMORE POINT PINE LAKE ROAD PAVING PROJECT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, OWNERS OF LAND WITHIN THE GILMORE POINT PINE LAKE ROAD PAVING PROJECT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 18-1 AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Township Supervisor and Assessor have prepared and filed in the office of the Township Clerk for public examination a special assessment roll covering all properties within the GILMORE POINT PINE LAKE ROAD PAVING PROJECT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 18-1 benefitted by the proposed road paving project, which project will include paving of the road, along with associated activities such as, but not limited to, grading and drainage work. The costs of the project are as shown on the estimate of costs on file with the Township Clerk. The assessment roll has been prepared for the purpose of assessing costs of the project within the aforesaid special assessment district, as is more particularly shown on plans on file with the Township Clerk at the Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, within the Township. The assessment roll is in the total amount of $33,600. The costs, including administrative costs, are proposed to be raised by a new special assessment. The assessment against each parcel in the special assessment district will be approximately $400 per year, for a period of six years, 2019- 2024 inclusive. Additionally, the Township Board reserves the right to levy a lesser assessment in any year that there are more funds in the special assessment district fund that then amount needed. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Supervisor and Assessing Officer have reported to the Township Board that the assessment against each parcel of land within said District is such relative portion of the whole sum levied against all parcels of land in said District as the benefit to such parcel bears to the total benefit to all parcels of land in said District. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Prairieville Township Board will meet at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, Delton, Michigan, on Wednesday April 10,2019 at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of reviewing the special assessment roll and hearing any objections thereto. The roll may be examined at the office of the Township Clerk during regular business hours of regular business days until the time of the hearing and may further be examined at the hearing. . ■ PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that an owner or party in interest, or his/ her agent, may appear in person at the hearing to protest the special assessment or may file his/her appearance and protest by letter before the hearing, and in that event, personal appearance shall not be required. Any person objecting to the assessment roll shall file his/her objection thereto in writing with the Township Clerk before the close of the hearing or within such other time as the Township Board may grant. The owners or any person having an interest in real property who protests in writing at or before the hearing may file a written appeal of the special assessment with the State Tax Tribunal within 30 days after confirmation of the special assessment roll. ■ Prairieville Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed material being considered at the hearing, to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon seven (7) days’ notice to the Prairieville Township Clerk at the address below Rod Goebel, Clerk Prairieville Township 10115 S. Norris Road Delton, Ml 49046 (269) 623-2664 Plankton, always going with the flow Dear Dr. Universe: How many different types ofplankton are there? Are there freshwater plankton? Arielle, 11 Dear Arielle, We can find millions and millions of plankton in bodies of water all over the world - from oceans, rivers and lakes to ponds and mud puddles. That’s what I found out from my friend Julie Zimmerman, a scientist with the Aquatic Ecology Lab at Washington State University. In the lab, researchers can use powerful microscopes to get an up-close look at these tiny creatures. There are three main types of plankton, Zimmerman said. One of the groups is phy­ toplankton. They convert sunlight into energy through a process called photosyn­ thesis, which helps them grow. Phytoplankton are actually quite similar to land plants, but are much smaller, and are the main producers of the oxygen we all breathe. In fact, scientists estimate phytoplankton produce more oxygen than all the land plants, including the big oxygen producers in the rainforests. They come in lots of shapes and sizes, Zimmerman said. Under a microscope, we can see how some look like the Eiffel tower, a string of pearls, railroad tracks, zig-zags, corkscrews or stars. Zimmerman also told me about another group called zooplankton. These animal plankton eat the phytoplankton and other animal plankton. Copepods, a cousin of crabs and the most abundant zooplankton, may be one of the most abundant animals on Earth. Daphnia are Zimmerman’s favorite plankton. They are related to copepods and are found in freshwater lakes and rivers. They have the ability to grow large, pointy helmets, tail spines, and even neck teeth if they sense predators. She says they are adaptable and also pretty cute. The third group of plankton are bacterio­ plankton. These are the recyclers, Zimmerman said. They break down organ­ isms and other animal waste to make nutri­ ents, or food, for some of the plant plank­ ton. While the plankton within each of these groups have their differences, they also have some similarities. Zimmerman explained that plankton can’t swim against the current like fish can. Instead, these organisms drift wherever the current takes them. “Plant or animal, single-celled or multi­ celled, big or small, plankton all have one thing in common,” Zimmerman said. “They go with the flow.” In fact, the world plankton actually comes from the Greek word “planktosf which means to wander or drift. When Zimmerman dips her plankton net from a research boat into Willapa Bay, she is curious to learn more about the plankton communities. Back at the lab, the team can look at what the plankton eat, how they grow, and see what species might be mov­ ing around to new places. Zimmerman also studies plankton that live in the Columbia River and Vancouver Lake. She reminded me that the amount of plankton we find can change, depending on the season or the place. When she goes out to the lake in summer, she can sometimes find a million tiny plankton in just a single teaspoon of water. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. Treasury says principal residence exemption doesn’t expire Inaccurate posts being shared on social; msdja^eading misinformation The Michigan Department of Treasury is e reminding Michiganders that a principal resi- . dence exemption - known as a PRE - does not expire. Inaccurate posts being shared on social media are claiming that Michigan taxpayers , will experience a surge in property taxes due to their principal residence exemption expir­ ing after 25 years. In return, the state treasury department and local assessors are experienc­ ing a surge in inquiries from residents who are trying to verify this misinformation or submit ; unneeded paperwork. f “Simply put, there isn’t an expiration date on a principal residence exemption,” said act­ ing Deputy State Treasurer Anne Wohlfert, who oversees treasury’s state and local finance programs. “Homeowners who have claimed a principal residence exemption do not have to refile the required form unless they move.” A PRE exempts a residence from the tax levied by a local school district for school operating purposes up to 18 mills. To qualify for a principal residence exemption, a person must be a Michigan resident who owns and occupies the property as a principal residence. More information about property taxes can be found at michigan.gov/propertytax. GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF® (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinancial.com Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 28, 2019 — Page 9 276 growing barley, $2,029 [Blank] growing hay $70,295 [Blank] growing corn, $12,737 2,439 growing potatoes, $54,029 2,617 raising cattle, $172,087 1,100 raising sheep, $109,162 1,606 raising hops, $151,633 138 growing strawberries, $5,058 612 growing grapes, $3,700 1,431 growing clover seed, $7,816 17 growing beets, $4,314 200 growing other crops, $47,930 [Blank] miscellaneous, $15,047 Ketcham also revealed how the income was spent. Retail trade took about 60 percent of the county’s income. The farm population made up 53 percent of the census, and 42 percent of the trade was farm trade. The average person’s income in 1939 was spent as follows: Food, 30.9 percent, general stores, 1.3 percent, general merchandise, 6.2 percent; furniture, 3.7 percent; lumber and hardware, 1.4 percent; drugs and toiletries, 3.9 percent; and others, 8.7 percent. Ketcham finished his article with, “The first 20 percent of the farm people have 48 percent of the county’s income; the second, 24 percent; the third, 14 percent; the fourth, 10 percent; and the fifth, 4 percent. The lead article in the March 30 issue said, “But one criminal case on the circuit court calendar for the April term of court.” There were 24 non-jury civil cases, two jury civil cases; about 40 chancery cases, with one of these divorce cases being listed only as “A. vs. A.” Eight hundred Barry County youths announced their annual Achievement Day program to be at the Hastings High School gymnasium and auditorium. The exhibits were the results of the winter 4-H club work. “Dresses of all types made by the girls and a large assortment of handicraft articles made by the boys will be on display.” The program featured a style review in which the girls wore the dresses they made. Eight new drilling outfits were working in Barry County, all hopeful of hitting “pay dirt.” Two wells were being driven in Johnstown Township, three in Thornapple Township and one each in Hastings, Irving and Prairieville townships. Reports of wells 1,850-1,900 feet deep “had been driven, which produce oil at a rate of about 50 barrels a day.” This interesting obituary ran in the second section of the March 30 issue: “Mrs. Sarah Isaac, more familiarly called fl look Dock at the stories and columns on local history in the Hastings Banner TURNING BACK THE PAGES Looking back at March 1939 news, conclusion For the March 23 and 30, 1989, Banner, local historian and “Time to Time” columnist Esther Walton looked back half a century at the news from March 1939. She found then, as is the case now, 80 years later, that some top­ ics continued to be in the news. Other head­ lines were truly indicative of that era hovering between the Great Depression and World War II. This continuation has some surprising farming statistics and death notices for Civil War veterans and a 112-year-old Pottawatomi woman. Some electronic wonders we now take for granted were still marvels in 1939. For instance, the March 16, 1939, front page of the Banner had an item telling about a Trans­ Atlantic telephone call. It was thought to be “probably the first trans-Atlantic telephone conversation in this county.” The telephone call was to the Jack Stem residence on South Broadway. The telephone company made front-page news a second time when it was announced that the phone company was moving its upstairs office to the McOmber building at 139 E. Court St. [Phil’s Galley restaurant in 2019.] “This places the business office on a ground floor, where it will be more convenient to the customers,” the article reported. Dr. H.C. Peckham, a Civil War veteran, died at his home in Freeport at the advanced age of 93. He was one of the last three living Barry County Civil War veterans. According to the article, “He was the only Barry County veteran to attend the joint reunion of the two armies at Gettysburg last summer...” The Easter Seals sale was getting started. Money from Easter Seals helped crippled children, and the article stated, “There are 92 of them; of whom 20 are victims of infantile paralysis [polio] ...” The chairman of the crippled children’s seal sale was Dr. Frederick Taylor, who reported, “One-half of the money received from these seals will remain in Barry County. ... Forty percent of the seal sales goes to the state crippled children’s society to help in the general work for Michigan’s crippled chil­ dren, and 10 percent to the national society’s funds.” The March 23, 1939, Banner had a list of candidates in each of the county’s 16 town­ ships. Apparently running for township office was about as popular as today, since in eight townships there was only one ticket in the field. Sarah Isaac, pictured here in a brochure for Middleville’s 1934 centennial at age 108, died in March 1939, two months before she would have reached 113. (Historic Charlton Park photo) keep up to date until the new edition is printed! O Do you qualify for disability benefits? Call for a FREE evaluation © mm Advocating on your behalf hm with applications, appeals & hearings^® © simplify the process & stnVe for approval* Helping 1000s Get The Benefits They Deserve Bill Gordon & Associates, a nationwide practice, represents clients before the Social Security Administration. Member of the IX & NM Bar Associations. Mail: 1420 NW St Washington D.C. Office: Broward County, FL. Services may be provided by associated attorneys licensed in other states. re process for determining each applicant's disability benefits varies greatly, and can take upwards of two years. New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 114706 - NOTICE To Members of Hastings Mutual Insurance Company, Hastings, Michigan: Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Hastings Mutual Insurance Company will be held at the Home Office, 404 East Woodlawn Avenue, Hastings, Michigan, on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The annual meeting agenda includes a ballot for the election of the following Directors: Joseph J. Babiak, Jr., Douglas J. Finn, Kellie M. Haines, and Norice Thorlund Rasmussen. Michael W. Puerner, Secretary PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Public Hearing will be held by the Prairieville Township Planning Commission on April 11, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, within the Township. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the item(s) to be considered at this public hearing include, in brief, the following: 1. A request from Derek & Renee Humphreys, 14229 Doster Rd. Delton, Ml 49080, for a Special Land Use permit/Site Plan Review to allow for the construction of a horse-riding stable for personal use pursuant to section 6.6 “A Agricultural District” C.7. The subject site is 14229 Doster Rd Delton, Ml 49080. - Parcel # 08- 12-030-005-45 and is in the A-Agricultural District zoning district. 2. Such other and further matters as may properly come before the Planning Commission for this meeting. All interested persons are invited to be present or submit written comments on this matter(s) to the below Township office address. Prairieville Township will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the hearing upon five (5) days notice to the Prairieville Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Prairieville Township Clerk at the address or telephone number set forth above. Jim Stoneburner, Township Supervisor 115533 . a. Bi -- ------- .3 A ■ • - ---------------- ------- - — ■---------------- 115144 ft -ft ft ft ’ - ' Denied Benefits? Unable To Work? We Can Help! Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber Sarah Isaac BIRTH 14 Jun 1826 Chatham, Chatham-Kent Municipality^ Ontario, Canada DEATH 26 Mar 1939 (aged 112) Bradley, Allegan County, Michigan, USA BURIAL Bradley Indian Mission Cemetery Wayland, Allegan County, Michigan, USA MEMORIAL ID 144921607 • View Source widow of Thomas. She was Pottawatomie, mother of Nancy Ke-she-go-que. Eliza Brich, housekeeper; her boy, Henry. Ah-me-kose, farmer, and his wife, Ko-so-mqua; his chil­ dren, Ida and Emma. White Pegeon, farmer; Julia, his wife; his son, John Pegeon, laborer; his wife, Martha; his child, Elliott. NOTICE OF APRIL10, 2019 TOWNSHIP BOARD PUBLIC HEARING ON CREATING SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT, TREATMENT PLANS, AND COST ESTIMATES SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING The Banner ran a column called “Backward Glances - Bits of Yesterday” when space was available. Here are a few selections from that column: March 10, 1909 Barry County rural teachers are well paid. The average is pay is $40 a month, ranging from $28 up to $65. March 9, 1899 ' Dr. C.S: McIntyre of Woodland has sold his drug stock to H.E. French of Mulliken ... “A Standard Oil Company station is soon to be established at this place. We have not learned who will be in charge of it. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN 2019-2023 PQDUNK LAKE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (AQUATIC VEGETATION CONTROL) The Woodland Township Parks Committee had selected eight acres on the south side of Jordan Lake for a park and was asking voters to decide whether the township should pur­ chase the land. Arthur Lathrop was the nominee for county school commissioner. [Esther Walton believed Lathrop was the last elected county school commissioner. After he retired in the 1950s or 1960s, the office no longer was an elected one.] Joseph Klugh, 93, one of the two remaining Civil War veterans living in Hastings, died, and his obituary was listed in the paper. John Ketcham, who at one time was con­ gressman, spoke to the Barry County Junior Farm Bureau on “farm marketing.” He gave some statistics on how many of the 2,974 farmers in the county earned their living. Here is his list of the different forms of agriculture and the income from each type: 2,565 in milk production, $737,648 1,038 in wool production, $55,294 2,524 in egg production, $177,289 2,674 raising poultry, $88,544 999 growing beans, $112,676 [Blank] truck farming, $245,248 362 in forestry, $24,642 1,460 in fruit production, $24,394 1,707 growing wheat, $134,792 1,547 growing oats, $10,537 Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads “Aunt Sarah,” passed away at the home of her nephew, Henry Birch of Bradley. She was the oldest American Indian living in this section of the state, being 112 years old last summer. In spite of her advanced years, she has contin­ ued the weaving of baskets, and last summer attended the Pioneer Picnic at Charlton Park, bringing a display of her work with her. Mrs. Isaac was the widow of the Rev. Isaac, who served the Indian Mission Church in Bradley 1" Annual ■. • SPRING * • CRAFT SHOW • indoor shopping event featuring Crafters & Vendors and their unique products. W Saturday, March 30th 111am-3pm at the Post Lawrence J. Bauer American Legion Post 45 2160 S. M37 Hwy., Hastings • 269-945-4973 ft I -E TO: THE RESIDENTSAND PROPERTY OWNERS OF RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP, ® BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN; OWNERS OF PROPERTY ABUTTING OR ft HAVING DEEDED ACCESS TO PODUNK LAKE IN LAND SECTfQNS-^6, AND34OF RUTLANDCHARTERTOWNSHIP;ANDANYOTHER INTERESTED,’ftt PERSONS: ft PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that as a result of petitions signed by the record owners of lands I|r abutting Podunk Lake (including the channel) or having deeded access to Podunk Lake in prf Land Sections 26, 27, and 34 of Rutland Charter Township the Township Board proposes E to create a special assessment district for the eradication and/or control of aquatic weeds d and plants in Podunk Lake in 2019-2023 and finance such improvements by special as- & sessments on the properties within the special assessment district. The Special Assessment District within which the foregoing improvements are proposed || to be undertaken and within which the cost thereof is proposed to be specially assessed || is described as follows: All lands abutting Podunk Lake (including the channel) or having deeded access to Podunk Lake in land sections 26, 27, and 34 of Rutland Charter Township, Barry County, State of Michigan. The Township Board has passed a Resolution March 13, 2019 tentatively declaring its intention to proceed with the process to create the petition-requested special assessment district for the 2019-2023 lake improvement program and the resulting special assessments on the benefited properties, and has found the petitions for same to be in compliance with statutory requirements; and pursuant to a related petition of the property owners has implemented the process to cancel/terminate in its entirety the May 11, 2011 Lake Management Systems Equipment Lease with Lake Savers, LLC in accordance with the Addendum of that Equipment Lease. The Township Board has received plans for the anticipated 2019-2023 aquatic vegetation control program, and an estimate of the costs of the five-year program in the amount of $45,000 ($9,000 average per year). If this improvement program is approved these cost estimates may be subject to annual redetermination/revision to reflect actual costs incurred/property transactions. The Township Board presently believes a revenue surplus from previously imposed special assessments for the improvement programs undertaken in 2016-2018 should be sufficient to cover the legal/administrative costs associated with the proposed 2019-2023 program. A public hearing on the proposed 2019-2023 improvement program, including the plans and the estimated costs of same, the special assessment district proposed to be created for the assessment of the costs of such improvement, and any objections to the petitions, will be held at the Rutland Charter Township Hall at 2461 Heath Road, Hastings, Michigan on Wednesday. April 10, 2019 in conjunction with a regular meeting of the Township Board commencing at 7:00 p.m. At this hearing/meeting the Board will also consider any written objections to any of the foregoing matters which are filed with the Board at or prior to the time of the hearing, as well as any corrections or changes to the plans, estimate of costs, or to the proposed special assessment district. The program plans, estimate of costs, the boundaries of the proposed special assessment district, and the petitions, may be examined at the office of the Township Clerk and may further be examined at the public hearing. . If the Township Board determines to proceed with the proposed 2019-2023 program, a second public hearing will be held at a later date to be set by the Township Board (tentatively scheduled for May 8, 2019) for the purpose of reviewing and hearing objections to the proposed allocation of the costs of the project among the various properties included in the special assessment district (tentatively $166/year for lake lots, $138/year for channel lots, and $64/year for back lots with deeded access). Appearance and protest at such a second public hearing or as otherwise allowed by 1962 PA 162, as amended, is required in order to preserve a right to appeal the amount of any such special assessment to the Michigan Tax Tribunal after the confirmation of a special assessment roll. Formal notice of any such second public hearing will be published in a newspaper and mailed to affected property owners as required by law. E |l. || U' [r |T H E 0 K 11, || |r |r K ;t E || LI i.|; K K |F B |T E H B -I || H B E i ]• B| K 11 I | K The foregoing hearings and all proceedings associated with these special assessment t matters will be conducted in accordance with and pursuant to 1954 PA 188, as amended, i the Michigan Open Meetings Act, and any other applicable law. Bf Rutland Charter Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services at the meeting/hearing to individuals with disabilities, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered, upon reasonable notice to the Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township Clerk as designated below. Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Rutland Charter Township 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Ml 49058-9725 (269)948-2194 K Jt Ip | I |Tf ft K IK �Page 10 — Thursday, March 28, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Hastings wins regional Science Olympiad meet, preparing for state Two Hastings teams had the highest score in the Codebusters competition Saturday. The scoring team of (from left) Patrick Mallory, Matt Pattok and Lexi McDade took first, and the alternate team of Grace Beauchamp, Noah Former and Braxton McKenna scored high enough to earn second place unofficially. Seniors on the Hastings High School Science Olympiad team, most of whom have been in the program all four years, include (front row, from left) Victoria Byykkonen, Allison Collins, Lindsay Meeker, Grace Beauchamp, Claudia McLean, Hannah Radloff, Sam Waller, (middle) Noah Former, Shelby Bolen, Katie Metzner, Kate Haywood, Megan Roe, Kassi Warner, Lexi McDade, Hope Peck, Hannah Hawblitz and Spencer Tyson. They are joined (back, from left) by HHS alumna and current MSU Science Olympiad member Emalee Metzner, coach Marty Buehler, and HHS alumna and current WMU Region 10 volunteer coordinator, Naomi VanDien. (Photos by Robert Former) Assembling in a banquet room at WMU as they have for the past four years, Hastings seniors Noah Former and Lindsay Meeker are ready for the awards ceremo­ ny to begin. Katie Metzner (left) and Anna Scheck took first place in the Designer Genes competition. Kathy Maurer Copy Editor After inching higher in the standings at Science Olympiad competitions since early December, Hastings High School finally took first place at the Region 10 meet at Westen) Michigan University Saturday. Students had a month off between the last invitational event and the regional competi­ tion, and the teens used that down time well, coach Marty Buehler said. “Kids came to practices, worked after school, on their own time, etc., so I was pretty happy with that,” he said. “It made the differ­ ence as we caught our main competition and kind of blew by them.” Hamilton and Portage Central were the main competition. Hamilton had placed ahead of Hastings each time the Saxons and Hawkeyes faced each other the past several months, so Saturday’s victory was extra sweet. The lowest score wins, and the Saxons fin­ ished with 61 points, followed by second-place Katie Pattok and Josh Brown take sec­ ond place in the Mission Possible build event. Lexi McDade (left) and Megan Roe took first place in the Disease Detectives event. Portage Central with 72 points and Hamilton High School in third with 79 points. In region­ al terms, that is a big difference, Buehler said. In fact, the last time Hastings won the region­ al was in 2016, when it edged out Portage Central by a single point, 61-60. Saturday, Portage Northern placed fourth with 95 points. Holland Christian was fifth with 112 points, and TK was sixth with 122 points. Hopkins, Hackett, Athens and Comstock rounded out the field. “We were champions in 2015 and 2016 when the current seniors were freshmen, but dropped to second in 2107 and third in 2018 against a dominant Portage Central and an up-and-coming Hamilton team,” Buehler said. That 2016 team included 21 freshmen and 12 seniors. Most of the freshmen have remained in Science Olympiad since then, and now as seniors have followed with suc­ cesses of their own. . “[It’s] one of the largest and best class of seniors to ever do Science Olympiad” Buehler said. As a teacher, he is well aware of the periph­ eral knowledge students gain as they study and prepare for Science Olympiad events. And he’s not afraid to remind the teens that slackers don’t win. Most of the students are self-driven anyway, involved in other activi­ ties, such as sports, band, choir, the musical and other clubs. Many of them are in Advanced Placement classes, too. But they voluntarily take on the extra challenges of Science Olympiad. As a competitive coach, he readies his team as they head in to compete, and he keeps a silent tally as awards are handed out. Out of the 23 events, Hastings took first place in seven Saturday, and second place in eight events. Senior Kate Haywood ended the day with four medals. “We had to be perfect in order to win, and we almost were,” Buehler said. “We placed in the awards in all but one event - Fermi Lab. Our German exchange student, Laurin Mayer, was very ill in the morning so we left Stopping for a photo before the awards ceremony, students on the Hastings High School Science Olympiad team include (front row, from left) Hannah Radloff, Hope Peck, Sam Randall, Grace Beauchamp, Katie Metzner, Shelby Bolen, Kassi Warner, Lexi McDade, Makayla Casarez, Abby Waller, Josh Brown, Megan Roe, Gavin Patton, Zach Franklin, (second row) Hannah Hawblitz, Audrey Byykkonen, Braxton McKenna, Noah Former, Spencer Tyson, Sam Waller, Elli McFarlan, Maggie Nedbalek, Victoria Byykkonen, Karsyn Daniels, Claudia McLean, Kate Haywood, Kirby Beck, Matt Pattok, (back) coach Marty Buehler, Blake Harris, Anna Scheck, Patrick Mallory, Allison Collins, Hannah Johnson, Katie Pattok, Lindsay Meeker and Dane Barnes. Called to the award podium for the Protein Modeling event are (from left) Dane Banes, Lexi McDade, Karsyn Daniels, Sam Waller, Kassi Warner and Victoria Byykkonen. The scoring team of Barnes, McDade and Warner placed second, while the alternate team of Daniels, Waller and Byykkonen finished in fourth place. him home and asked a sharp freshman to step in ...” Medals are awarded in first through third place, and ribbons for fourth through sixth. Still, the two-person Fermi-Lab team placed seventh - one spot shy of being announced during the awards ceremony. Results from the regional, listed by event, Hastings students, and their placing, (along with alternate team score placements), includ­ ed: Anatomy and physiology - Kassi Warner and Lindsay Meeker, sixth place. Astronomy - Katie Pattok and Elli McFarlan, fifth place. Boomilever - Spencer Tyson and Josh Brown, second place. (Non-scoring team of Braxton McKenna and Zach Franklin, sec­ ond; and Blake Harris and Shelby Bolen third.) Chemistry lab - Anna Scheck and Dane Barnes, sixth. (Kirby Beck and Sam Randall, first.) Circuit lab - freshmen Patrick Mallory and Matt Pattok, second. (Noah Former and Braxton McKenna, third.) Codebusters - Patrick Mallory, Matt Pattok and Lexi McDade, first. (Noah Former, Braxton McKenna and Grace Beauchamp, second.) Designer Genes - Anna Scheck and Katie Metzner, first. (Audrey Byykkonen and Hope Peck, fourth). Disease Detectives - Lexi McDade and Megan Roe, first. Dynamic Planet - Lexi McDade and Hannah Johnson, second. (Allison Collins and Sam Randall, sixth.) Experimental design - Kate Haywood, Megan Roe and Katie Metzner, first. (Sam Waller and sisters Victoria and Audrey Byykkonen, fourth.) Forensics - Katie Metzner and Hannah Johnson, third. Fossils - Kate Haywood and Lindsay Meeker, first place. (Hannah Hawblitz and Kirby Beck, fifth; and Hannah Radloff and Zach Franklin, sixth.) Geologic mapping - Kate Haywood and Anna Scheck, third. (Kirby Beck and Allison Collins, fifth; and Blake Harris and Hannah Radloff; sixth) Herpetology - Lindsay Meeker and Elli McFarlan, third. (Hannah Hawblitz and Hope Peck, fifth; Makayla Casarez and Hannah Radloff, sixth.) Mission Possible (Rube Goldberg devices) - Katie Pattok and Josh Brown, second. Mousetrap Vehicle - Josh Brown assisted by Spencer Tyson, second. (Grace Beauchamp assisted by Claudia McLean, sixth.) Protein Modeling - Dane Barnes, Lexi McDade and Kassi Warner, second. (Karsyn Daniels, Sam Waller and Victoria Byykkonen, fourth.) Sounds of Music - Kate Haywood and Patrick Mallory, first. (Siblings Abby Waller and Sam Waller, fourth.) Thermodynamics - Dane Barnes and Katie Pattok, third. (Sam Randall and Kirby Beck, third) Water quality ~ Katie Metzner and Megan Roe, first place. Wright Stuff - Spencer Tyson assisted by Josh Brown, second place. (Blake Harris assisted by Shelby Bolen, fourth.) Write It, Do It ~ Kassi Warner and Megan Roe, fourth. (Abby Waller and Claudia McLean, second; and Audrey Byykkonen and Victoria Byykkonen, fifth.) The hard work isn’t over. The 15 students and one alternate for the state team have to prepare for the toughest competition of the season. The state Science Olympiad will be April 27, when the top 60 high school teams from across the state vie for honors in the same 23 categories. School size doesn’t mat­ ter, so Hastings students will be up against Class D to Class AA schools. Buehler has been there before and has been known to get a little excited as his students are called up to receive their hard-earned medals. He’s ready to see that again. (The Science Olympiad program at Hastings High School is made possible through grants from the Hastings Education Enrichment Foundation and. the Youth Advisory Council of the Barry Community Foundation.) . �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 28, 2019 — Page 11 LEGAL NOTICES The three teams placing in the Boomilever build-it event Saturday were (from left) Josh Brown and Spencer Tyson, the scoring team, second; Zach Franklin and Braxton McKenna, second; and Shelby Bolens and Blake Harris, third. (Photos by Robert Former) . Anna Scheck (from left) and Kate Haywood took third place in the geologic mapping Contest for the scoring team, followed by alternates Allison Collins and Kirby Beck, Jifth; and Blake Harris and Hannah Radloff, sixth. Hastings awarded again and again, in science competition Kathy Maurer t Placing at the top in the fossils division were (from left) Zach Franklin and Hannah Radloff, sixth; Kirby Beck and Hannah Hawblitz, fifth; and the scoring team of Kate haywood and Lindsay Meeker, first. Knowledge of herpetology paid off for Makayla Casarez, Hannah Radloff, who scored well enough to finish in sixth place Saturday; Hannah Hawblitz and Hope Peck, who earned fifth place; and Lindsay Meeker and Elli McFarlan, the scoring team, who finished in third. ♦v Knowing how to give and receive instructions for the Write It, Do It, competition resulted in awards for (from left) Megan Roe, Abby Waller, Audrey Byykkonen, Claudia McLean, Kassi Warner and Victoria Byykkonen. Warner and Roe took fourth for the scoring team. Waller and McLean earned second-place medals, and the Byykkonen sisters placed fifth. Copy Editor Two by two and sometimes by two again, Hastings High School students were called to the podium Saturday to accept awards in the Region 10 Science Olympiad competition at Western Michigan University. The regional meet follows months of invi­ tational opportunities where students are test­ ed in various areas of science through written exams or by seeing how their pre-buil| struc­ tures measure up in performance tests. At invitational events - which serve as practices but still have the allure of medals and trophies - all of the teams compete on the same level. At the regional event, schools may have more than one 15-member squad, but only one team is considered the official scoring team. And that scoring team determines whether the school qualifies for the state com­ petition. Marty Buehler has been coaching Science Olympiad at Hastings High School for more than 20 years. So, he is used to deciding who goes on what team. The goal is to match stu­ dents with their strengths while balancing the team and filling all 23 event slots to ultimate­ ly earn the most points. Because all teams are considered scoring teams at invitational meets, he has a little more flexibility when creating teams. He has had an all-freshmen team, and in January watched as an all-girls team earned the high­ est finish for Hastings at that point in the year. During the regional competition Saturday, many of the students on the non-scoring teams did well enough to earn awards, which were awarded separately. Sometimes, all three Hastings squads were called up to receive their placement awards 7- medals for first through third place, ribbons for fourth through sixth place. “We are deep,” Buehler said of the roster that includes 17 seniors. “I have had a lot of participants before, but not really so many who were capable of being just as good on the scoring team.” Buehler has had 30, 40 and even 45 stu­ dents - enough for three teams in recent years. But when deciding on the official 15-person scoring team in the past, he usually could narrow his options to 17 or 18 students. This year, that top group numbered about 25 stu­ dents, he said. He even wondered after the regional meet, given how well the students had prepared, if a second team could have earned a chance at the state competition. “I don’t think I would have won the meet, but I might have been able to qualify for state if I would have used a completely different 15 kids - it would have been tough, but maybe ” The speculation is interesting, but being about to lead yet another team to the Michigan Science Olympiad competition is far more exciting. (See related story for full results) Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on April 18, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Eric V Bartlett, a single man and Megan Daniels, a single woman, as joint tenants Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Success Mortgage Partners, Inc. its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): The Money Source Inc. Date of Mortgage: May 24, 2018 Date of Mortgage Recording: May 30, 2018 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $244,485.99 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Woodland, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: A strip of land 30 rods wide off the East side of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 28, Town 4 North, Range 7 West. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: March 21,2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1379398 (03-21 )(04-11) 114930 NOTICE Schneiderman & Sherman, P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE -Linda McGinley, an unmarried woman, granted a mortgage to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“ME RS”), solely as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated July 12, 2011, and recorded on July 18, 2011, in Document No. 201107180006877, and modified on August 28, 2017, recorded September 14, 2017, in Document No. 2017-009331,and assigned by said mortgagee to JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Eighty-Six Thousand One Hundred Eighty-Seven Dollars and Twenty-Three Cents ($186,187.23). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgag^ will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, At the East doors of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan, at 01:00 PM o’clock, on April 18, 2019 Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: LOT 26, NORTH RIDGE ESTATES NO. 2, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF, FILED IN LIBER 6 OF PLATS, PAGE(S) 17, RECORDS OF BARRY COUNTY, STATE OF MICHIGAN The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 600.3241, in which case the redemption period shall be 1 month, or under MCL 600.3241a 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 600.3241 a(b) notice, whichever is later, or extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of Act 236 of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman, P.C. 23938 Research Drive, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1379848 (03-21 )(04-11) 115122 STATE OF MICHIGAN IN THE BARRY COUNTY TRIAL COURT­ DISTRICT DIVISION NOTICE OF SALE HON. WILLIAM M. DOHERTY. File No. 15-1217-GC GIRRBACH FUNERAL HOME, Plaintiff, vs. ELWIN H. WOOD JR„ Defendant. DAVID H. TRIPP (P29290) 202 South Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 Attorney for Plaintiff______ Pursuant to and by virtue of a Judgment of the 56-B District Court in the County of Barry, State of Michigan, made and entered on October 26, 2015, and an Order to Seize Property issued January 3, 2017, showing $12,815.94 due and owing plus interest Sheriffs fees, costs and attorney’s fees and the Notice of Levy recorded in the Barry County Register of Deeds in Barry County Record # 2019-001569 in a certain case pending in the 56-B District Court wherein Girrbach Funeral Home, Inc.; Plaintiff and Elwin H. Wood, Jr., is the Defendant, notice is hereby given that I shall sell at public sale to the highest bidder, at the East steps of the courthouse situated in the City of Hastings, County of Barry, on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at 2:00 p.m., the following described property: All that certain piece or parcel of land situated in the Township of Hastings, County of Barry, State of Michigan, described as follows: LOT 4 OF BROOKFIELD ACRES ACCORDING TO THE RECORDED PLAT THEREOF. PARCEL# 08-06-130-004-00 COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 1968 BROOKFIELD DRIVE, HASTINGS, MICHIGAN 49058 Dated: 3-12-2019 Mark Sheldon, Barry County Deputy Sheriff Drafted by: David H. Tripp (P29290) 202 South Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-9585 Q:/IDHT Closed files\Girrbach Funeral Home\Elwin Wood\Notice of Sale 3-6-19.doc 114640 Call any time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 SYNOPSIS RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP REGULAR BOARD MEETING March 13,2019 - 7:00 p.m. Regular meeting called to order and Pledge of Allegiance. Present: James, Spencer, Bellmore, Walters, Watson, Hawthorne, Greenfield Absent: None Approved the Agenda as amended Approved the Consent Agenda as amended. Accepted Ordinance^ 12019-167 for First ReadingAn Ordinance to Completely Prohibit Marijuana Establishments within Rutland Township. Ayes: Walters, James, Greenfield, Watson. Nays: Hawthorne, Bellmore, Spencer. Motion carried. Approved Resolution #2019-244 - Intent to Proceed with the New Podunk Lake Weed Assessment. Motion carried unanimously. Approved a Permit Application and a $25 Fee for Temporary Events. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 7:48 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Attested to by, Larry Watson, Supervisor 115469 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on April 18, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): L. Robert Ragucky and Carolyn J. Ragucky, Husband and Wife Original Mortgagee: Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Champion Mortgage Company Date of Mortgage: February 28, 2003 Date of Mortgage Recording: March 11,2003 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $193,336.53 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lots 13 and 14 of Oak Grove, as recorded in Liber 3 of Plats, Page 43 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: March 21, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1379761 (03-21X04-11) 115105 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or somd part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on April 25,2019: Namefs) of the mortgagor(s): Joseph E. Post and . Susan E. Post, Husband And Wife ■ Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for GMAC Mortgage Corporation, Its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Ditech Financial LLC FKA Green Tree Servicing LLC Date of Mortgage: April 24,2003 Date of Mortgage Recording: July 28,2003 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $145,743.59 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 24 of Northridge Estates #2, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Uber 6 of Plats on Page 17. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real • property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: March 28,2019 • Trott Law, P.C. 1380282 (03-28)(04-18) 115417 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Donald R. Collard and Bonnie L. Collard, husband and wife, tenants by entity rights survivorship, to Beneficial Michigan Inc., Mortgagee, dated October 19, 2006 and recorded October 26, 2006 in Instrument Number 1171944 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by U.S. Bank National Association, as indenture trustee, for the holders of the CIM Trust 2017-4, MortgageBacked Notes, Series 2017-4, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Fifty Thousand Two Hundred Forty-Two and 59/100 Dollars ($50,242.59), including interest at 6.39% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on MAY 9, 2019. Said premises are located in the Township of Orangeville, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: COMMENCING AT THE EAST QUARTER POST OF SECTION 17, TOWN 2 NORTH, RANGE 10 WEST FOR PLACE OF BEGINNING; THENCE WEST 440 FEET TO THE CENTER OF LINDSEY ROAD; THENCE NORTH EAST ALONG SAID ROAD 200 FEET; THENCE EAST TO A POINT DIRECTLY NORTH OF POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE SOUTH TO PLACE OF BEGINNING. EXCEPTING THEREFROM: COMMENCING AT THE EAST 1/4 POST OF SECTION 17, TOWN 2 NORTH, RANGE 10 WEST FOR PLACE OF BEGINNING; THENCE WEST 440 FEET TO THE CENTER OF LINDSEY ROAD; THENCE NORTHEAST ALONG SAID ROAD 200 FEET; THENCE EAST TO A POINT DIRECTLY NORTH OF POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE SOUTH TO PLACE OF BEGINNING The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned tn accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: March 21, 2019 File No. 18-005612 Firm Name: Orlans PC . (03-21 )(04-11) 114918 �Page 12 — Thursday, March 28, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Man arrested for theft, threatening ex-girlfriend with gun A header by Thornapple Kellogg freshman Ainsiey Oliver flies towards the goal following a corner kick during the Trojans’ 2-0 victory over visiting NorthPointe Christian Friday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Freshmen already helping TK soccer score victories A 27-year-old Hastings woman called police to report her ex-boyfriend threatened her with a gun outside of Red’s Sports Bar and Grill in Middleville. The woman said the 23-year-old Middleville man met her in the parking lot to retrieve his personal items from her vehicle, but the woman had already removed them. The woman said the man pulled a pistol and pointed it at her and himself, threatened to shoot her, physically assaulted her and stole her phone. After he left, the woman went back to her car about an hour later and. found it had been vandalized. Officers went to the man’s grandmother’s house in the 6000 block of Parmalee Road in Irving Township, where he had previously resided, and found a vehicle matching the one the woman said he had used to leave the parking lot. Officers asked the woman at the door, who said it was her mother’s house, if the man was there, and she replied she did not know and would check. The woman said she did not find him, but consented when officers asked to search the residence. In the basement, officers tried to open a storage room door and could feel the man pushing back from the other side. The officers managed to open the door and arrest the man. Another officer went to the vehicle and spoke to the owner, who said he drove to the man to the bar and to the house. The driver said he did not see the man with a gun, but believed the man had one. The officer searched the vehicle and found a .45 caliber pistol, which the woman said belonged to her father and had been stolen from their residence. The gun was not loaded when officers found it. The man said he did not threaten the woman; he said he was just there to borrow her phone and he did not vandalize her car. Later, officers watched security footage from cameras in the parking lot and saw the man point what looked like a gun at the woman and assault her. Charges have been requested for felonious assault, felony firearm, violation of bond conditional release, concealed weapon, armed robbery, felon in possession of fire­ arm, possession of stolen property, larceny of a building and malicious destruction of property. Road rage leads to vehicle damage Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Thornapple Kellogg varsity girls’ soc­ cer team is 2-0 after opening the 2019 season with shut out victories over NorthPointe Christian Friday and Grand Rapids Catholic Central Monday in Middleville. Senior Ellie Adams scored from long range to open the scoring in the first half of her team’s 2-0 win over the Mustangs Friday, and then found the forehead of freshman team­ mate Ainsiey Oliver with a corner kick in the second half to score their team's second goal. After burying the one shot from close to 35 yards out, Adams kept firing away from long rang and testing the Mustangs' keeper. “It was a gorgeous, gorgeous ball,” TK head coach Joel Strickland said of Adams’ A 61-year-old Hastings man was driving on M-43 near Kingsbury Road in Hope Township when a vehicle passed and then stopped abruptly in front of him. The man said a woman put her head out the driver’s side window and began yelling in his direction, although he could not make out what she said. The woman put the vehicle into reverse and backed her burgundy Chevrolet S-10 truck into his vehicle, then drove away. The case is inactive with no suspect currently identified. Multiple convictions for driving with suspended license An officer stopped a speeding vehicle with a defective headlight at 6:46 a.m. March 22 on M-66 Highway near Davenport Road in Woodland Township. The 32-year-old Nashville woman’s license had been revoked, and she had six prior convictions related to driving with a suspended license. She also had a warrant for failure to appear in court on driving while license suspended hearing. The woman’s family members arrived to pay her bond of $570 so she would not be arrested. Man arrested for threatening brother with BB gun Thornapple Kellogg’s Madison Raymond battles with NorthPointe Christian’s Rayannah Pitsch for possession of the ball as they race through the midfield Friday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Thornapple Kellogg’s Ellie Adams heads to the corner with the ball for a corner-kick midway through the second half of the Trojans’ season-opener against NorthPointe Christian in Middleville Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) goal. “She is really good as far as possession, she can get around a few people, and that shot is dangerous. Every time she has it you’re hoping she’ll take it because she has that.” Oliver is one of four freshmen working their way into the line-up for the Trojans this spring. She got her head on another ball in the opening minutes against the Cougars Monday, heading a long free kick from Adams over to teammate Savannah Bronkema in the box. Bronkema put it past the GRCC keeper for what would be the lone goal in a 1-0 TK vic­ tory. In the other net, TK’s freshman goalkeeper Tristen Cross scored shut outs in her first two varsity contests with a lot of solid defensive assistance from Bronkema, Haley Chapin, Julia Curtis and Kassidy Niles. That Trojan defense was put to the test by the Cougars in the second half Monday, get­ ting good help from midfielders Adams, Grace McNabnay and Elizabeth Meyering through­ out the evening. The Trojans were scheduled to take on Gull Lake in Richland last night. Calhoun County hires new public defender The county’s newest department, the Public Defender’s Office, hired David Makled to lead as Calhoun County Chief Public Defender. This position is responsible for the devel­ opment, implementation and oversight for this new office, following recent legislation setting new indigent defense standards state­ wide. Budgeted increases related to the creation of this office will be funded by the state. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Hard Maple, Cherry. Paying top dollar. Call for pricing and Free Estimates. Will buy single walnut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793 BARRY COUNTY 2019 AN­ TIQUE SHOW: Saturday, April 6th, 9am-4pm, Sunday, April 7th, 10am-3pm. Barry County Expo Center, 1350 N. M-37, Hastings. 60 exhibitors, great selection of antiques. $4 Admission, Free Parking. Buying military items. BELLS CONSTRUCTION-18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, home improvements, seam­ less gutters. 269-320-3890. Wanted WANTED: A 9FT wide x 10ft tall insulated garage door. Call 269-838-7053. Man arrested for operating under the influence An officer stopped a vehicle on Marsh Road near England Road in Orangeville Township just after midnight March 24 for crossing the line multiple times. The vehicle failed to stop for more than a half-mile after the officer turned on lights and sirens. The 29-year-old Shelbyville man claimed he was looking for a safe place to pull over. He admitted to having about eight beers and an expired license. The man had a 0.168 and 0.16 blood alcohol level and was arrested. Woman hits mailbox during OWI traffic stop An officer pulled over a vehicle with defective brake and registration lights on Apple Street near Industrial Park Drive in Hastings at 1 a.m. March 23. The 42-year-old Hastings driver, who had a suspended license and a prior conviction for driving without a license, was arrested. The passenger, 31 of Hastings, had a warrant from Allegan County for failure to appear at a pretrial hearing and also was arrested. Man alleges assault by possible father PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: Community Notice An officer who stopped a vehicle on Marsh Road near Joy Road in Orangeville Township at 9:16 p.m. March 22 detected an odor of marijuana coming from vehicle. The officer found a bag of marijuana in the vehicle, and cited the 20-year-old Battle Creek man for speeding and possession of marijuana. The man showed signs of being under the influ­ ence while driving, the officer reported. Two arrested after traffic stop CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 Business Services Minor cited for marijuana possession An officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle weaving in its lane and crossing the center line on Marsh Road near Keller Road in Orangeville Township at 10:14 p.m. March 22. While the vehicle was coming to stop, it crashed into a garbage barrel and mailbox. The 57-year-old Richland woman said she had consumed three beers before driving and refused to take a blood alcohol test. She failed multiple field sobriety tests, and her blood was drawn for testing after she was arrested. This office will provide a high level of indigent defense services, so constitutional guarantees are upheld, rights are protected and due process is implemented fairly, equal­ ly, equitably, and consistently. Makled currently works as an Attorney Referee in the 37th Circuit Court and will assume the role after a transition plan is in place. He received his bachelor’s and law degrees from the University of Michigan and has over Banner CLASSIFIEDS All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. Two officers were dispatched to the 12000 block of Bernie Court in Yankee Springs Township at 1:23 p.m. March 24 when a 46-year-old man said his brother, 42, may have been under the influence of methamphetamine and threatened him with a gun. The man said they were in an argument over their mother’s car when his brother lifted up his shirt to show a black pistol in his waistband. The brother denied showing a pistol, and both men consented to allow the house to be searched. The younger brother did not consent to a search of their mother’s room. The officers contacted the mother, who gave permission to search her room, and the officers found a pipe with white powder consistent with metham­ phetamine and a black pistol BB gun. The brother admitted his DNA may be on both items. He was placed under arrest for felonious assault and possession of methamphetamine. David Makled 25 years of experience that will serve the County well. Commissioner Derek King was appointed by former Governor Rick Snyder to represent counties on the Michigan Indigent Defense Commission, which oversees the implemen­ tation of these offices statewide. Regarding Makled’s hiring, King said, “I look forward to Makled’s leadership of this important office. Public defenders serve a critical role to make sure that citizens of our community have access to a fair justice sys­ tem as set forth in the 6th Amendment.” A 26-year-old Hastings man said his father punched him three to four times in the face while he was in his car at midnight March 19 in the 11000 block of Keller Road in Orangeville Township. The man said he dropped off a 19-year-old male to his grandpar­ ents’ house to pick up his items because the teen was moving out. When the man returned to pick him up, he saw the passenger talking to his father, who lives nearby. The man said the father walked over to his vehicle and punched him three to four times in the face. The man said his attacker is his father, but the father denies it and said he is waiting for the results of a DNA test. The man said his father was angry at the man for calling Child Protective Services on the father for smoking methamphetamine around his girlfriend’s children. The father said he only punched the man because he had threatened him with a knife, but the officer noted the man’s story changed multiple times. The driver’s face was severely bruised and he had a large amount of blood on his shirt when officers spoke with him. Information was forwarded to the prosecutor’s office. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 28, 2019 — Page 13 Scots K Trojans 19 times in opener Brett Bremer * Sports Editor ’ It opens with an immaculate inning. Nine pitches. Nine strikes. Three outs. Caledonia junior pitcher Luke Thelen drove in the first two runs of the 2019 varsity base­ ball season with a ground ball in the top of the •first inning and then struck out three Trojans ion nine pitches in the bottom half of the inning at Thomapple Kellogg High School ^Monday. The Fight Scots went on to a 5-0 ^victory, with Thelen earning the win thanks to two perfect innings on the mound. « Thelen struck out all six Trojan batters he "faced, and the four Caledonia pitchers com­ bined to record 19 strikeouts in all. ’ “(Thelen) threw a lot of strikes, obviously. ‘He has made great strides in the offseason with his mechanics,” Caledonia head coach Pat Gillies said. “He put in a lot of time in down at Diamonds. That is really showing what he can do.” Andrew Taylor also struck out six Trojans in two innings, throwing the third and fourth for the Scots. He did plunk TK’s Reese Garbrecht with a pitch with one out in the bottom of the third. Garbrecht, the Trojans’ first base runner of the season, stole second before Taylor retired the side. Aaron Henry struck out four in two innings of relief, and Jack Snider closed out the ballgame with three strikeouts in the bottom of the seventh inning. “It is tough. No one has been outside. It is tough on both teams. This was our first time outside. You never know what you’re going to The Trojans’ Brian Davidoski takes a cut at a pitch during the bottom of the fifth inning of his team’s season opening bailgame against the Caledonia varsity baseball team Monday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Levi Vanderheide pitches for the Trojans during their season opener against .Caledonia Monday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) get. We were very pleased,” coach Gillies said. “We did a lot of really good things. We ran the bases well, and we swung the bat real­ ly well for the conditions. We have great kids who have worked hard in the offseason and we are really looking forward to this year.” JD Gillies, Tyler Verburg and Cole Hebert had Caledonia’s three hits, all singles. Hebert, Jack Snider and Jake Kibbey each had an RBI. Verburg knocked a two-out single into right field in the top of the third, stole second, and then came around to score on a single into left by Hebert. The Scots put together five walks to score their two insurance runs in the top of the sev­ enth inning - three walks to start the inning loaded the bases and two more with two out brought runners home. Thelen’s offseason work wasn’t rare among his teammates. “Most of them play travel ball,” coach Gillies said. “I should say all of them play travel ball. I have a slew of kids at Diamonds and Elite and Sluggers. They just put a ton of time in. As a high school coach, it is hard because they are doing things for their sum­ mer team and they’re working out for me arid I try to balance it. The kids understand that. They’re on both teams and they spend some time working out with them and some time working out with us, and it works pretty well.” Caledonia has seven guys back who saw significant varsity action last spring. “We really like our chemistry and we’re looking forward to this year,” coach Gillies said. “There is a lot of laughing and a lot of kids that are playing catch with different part­ ners. They stretch with different partners. When I see them in the hallways they’re not just always with their same friends. It is the little things like that you notice as a coach that makes you think these kids really like each other - which is half the battle.” It was a well-played contest for a chilly March afternoon. It was the first time the Fighting Scots had gotten any baseball activi­ ty in outside this season. The TK boys had a quick practice on their field Sunday. There was just one error in the bailgame, which didn’t factor into the scoring. “We have five sophomores in the starting line-up. We’re young. What I did like, we communicated well. We only made one error. We got out of a couple jams, pitching wise, but the fact of the matter is we have to throw more strikes,” TK head coach Jack Hobert said. “In varsity baseball you have to throw strips. You have to get ahead of guys. But overall, I think weTl be fine. We’ll get it. I’m confident of these kids. We’ve just got to play.” A single by Isaiah Postma was the lone hit for the host Trojans. TK starting pitcher Levi Vanderheide struck out seven Scots in his four innings on the mound, walking three and allowing three sin­ gles. Jordan Hey and Vanderheide each walked once for TK. Hobert was happy to get that first bailgame out of the way. Now he’s looking forward to a little time to work on things like defensive plays and pick-off plays, and all the kinds of things there just haven’t been time for yet. “It was not bad baseball. We just didn’t put the ball in play. A lot of that was their pitcher (Thelen). That’s a pretty pitcher. Not many kids are going to hit him. “He threw hard. We won’t face many kids like that. They’re few and far between.” TK returned to action Tuesday at Hamilton, falling 8-6. TK scored three runs in the top of the first inning, but saw the Hawkeyes match that mark in the bottom of the third. Hamilton then took a one-run lead in the bottom of the fifth. This time the Trojans answered with three runs in the top of the sixth only to have Hamilton nudge back in front with four runs in the bottom half of the inning. TK had seven hits in the bailgame, includ­ ing a pair of singles by Evan Sidebotham. Colson Brummel and Jordan Hey both dou­ bled and drove in two runs each. Postma and Alex Bonnema also both singled and drove in one run. TK’s other hit was a single by Vanderheide. Vikes win at No. 1 spots, Trojans win dual Brett Bremer Sports Editor An experienced first singles player like Lakewood senior Megan Wakley will take Advantage of any opportunity she can find to score a point. On match point in her contest with Thomapple Kellogg’s new first singles play­ er, senior Karlie Raphael, Wakley knocked lier serve return to the Raphael’s backhand porner, but not forcefully enough to prevent Raphael from getting around behind it to smack a forehand back towards Wakley. Wakley sought out that comer again on her hext shot, putting the ball a little bit deeper into the comer with a little more speed. Raphael’s backhand shot back down the line » , landed just a smidge wide to end their first match of the 2018-19 varsity season. Lakewood took the first singles and first doubles flights in a non-conference dual in Middleville Tuesday, but the Trojans won everywhere else for a 6-2 victory. Wakley scored a 6-3,6-2 win over Raphael in their match. “Karlie was super nice today,” Wakley said. “She is a sweetheart. I always like play­ ing nice people. Her forehand was definitely stronger than her backhand, so I tried to hit to her backhand more,” Wakley said. Raphael noticed that too on Tuesday. She said it was as little out of character for her to struggle with her backhand the way she did. Raphael was back out on the court running Thornapple Kellogg junior Sydney VanGessel knocks a backhand shot back at Lakewood’s Chloe Makley during their second singles match Tuesday afternoon in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) through some things with coach Philippe Sylvestre as everyone else was headed home Monday as afternoon turned to evening. She worked a lot with Sylvestre during the winter, both in the gym and in the weight room. She put in almost five hours a day in practice many times during the weekdays last summer, and it has helped her earn a future spot in the Spring Arbor University Women’s Tennis program. Raphael was the Trojans’ fourth singles player a year ago, so she is making a big jump up. “I feel like, to me, all that matters is that I play a good game of tennis,” Raphael said. “Winning or losing doesn’t matter. I just want to play a good game of tennis. Today went pretty different than what I thought it was going to be, but it was still good.” Wakley didn’t get to put in nearly the work in the offseason Raphael did. She dealt with an injury after her junior season and didn’t really even start getting back into the swing of things until December. Wakley felt like she played much better Tuesday than she had in her team’s scrimmag­ es with Grandville and Hudsonville last Friday. “I moved a lot better than I did during our scrimmage, so that was good. I was moving my feet a bit more. I felt more confident with my shots,” Wakley said. “The extra practice Monday probably helped the whole team. We played some chal­ lenge matches and that got us moving a little bit. TK won the rest of the singles matches in straight sets. Junior Sydney VanGessel, last year’s third singles player for TK, scored a 6-3,6-1 over Chloe Makley. Rachel Chesnutt bested Lexi Veitch 6-1,6-1 at third singles. TK’s Brooke Thompson bested Lakewood’s Richelle Chrzan in the longest match of the afternoon, a two-setter that lasted nearly two hours before Thompson finished off a 7-6(1), 6-3 win. Thompson swept through their first-set tie­ breaker, and had a 5-0 lead in the second set before Chrzan rallied to win three games. She fought off a few match points over the course of those three games before Thompson proved just a bit more consistent in the end. Lakewood’s win in the first doubles match took a super tie-breaker to decide after the Lakewood senior first singles player Megan Wakley hits a forehand shot back at Thornapple Kellogg’s Karlie Raphael during their match Tuesday afternoon in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Viking team of Haylee Marks and Laura Krikke split sets with TK’s Taylor Myers and Kylie Vreeland 7-5, 2-6. The Lakewood duo edged TK’s team 10-8 in the super tiebreaker to decide the match. Thomapple Kellogg’s Holly Bashore and Josie Thompson scored a 6-2, 6-2 win over Lakewood’s Kendra Kines and Kristen Finsaas at second doubles. The TK fourth doubles team of Nancy Hoogerf and Kristina Cuison downed the Vikings’ Betsy Foltz and Sierra Cappon6-0, 6-0. TK’s team of Daisy Nowinsky and Caleigh Zoet at third doubles had a 4-0 lead over Lakewood’s Lauren Haag and Emmi Chase before the Viking duo had to retire from the match because of an injury. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads �Page 14 — Thursday, March 28, 2019 — The Hastings Banner 2019 ALL-BARRY COUNTY SPORTS TEAMS County hoops team includes district champs, all-league honorees Brett Bremer Sports Editor Everyone of the five Barry County varsity girls’ basketball teams scored one big victory late in the 2018-19 season. The Maple Valley girls knocked off visiting Webberville in their final home game of the regular season. The Hastings girls knocked off a Pennfield team that had defeated them by more than 30 points in their first meeting of the season. The Lakewood girls avenged a regular sea­ son loss to Portland by knocking off the Raiders at Lakewood High School in the opening round of their district tournament. The Thomapple Kellogg girls put together a 22-0 second half run to wipe out a dou­ ble-digit halftime deficit against Otsego to win their district opener at Otsego High School. The Delton Kellogg girls won their third district championship, clinching a title on their home court for the first time in the histo­ ry of their program. The Panthers were the lone county team to finishing with a winning record, going 18-6 overall, eventually falling in the Division 3 Regional Semifinals to a then unbeaten Centreville squad. DK also finished second to Schoolcraft The Thomapple Kellogg girls finished the season right at .500, 11-11, thanks in part to their district win over Otsego. Ali-Barry County Girls’ Basketball 2018-19 First Team Megan Deal, Hastings: A senior guard, Deal led Hastings in scoring this season with 7.7 points per game and had a team-high 36 assists. She was also the Saxons’ top three throw shooter, knocking them down at 76 percent. Deal was named honorable mention all-conference in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference. She had 25 points in her team’s victory over Pennfield late in the season. Maddie Hess, Thomapple Kellogg: The Trojans’ senior center scored 6.3 points and pulled down 6 rebounds a game this winter, while adding 1 assist, 2.2 steals and two blocked shots a game as well. She was named honorable mention all-conference in the OK Gold. “Maddie brings so much to the court that does not show up in the stat book,” head coach Ross Lambitz said. “She is an anchor on the defensive side of the ball. While she averaged two blocks per game, she altered countless others. When Maddie is in the game, teams rarely get a good look from in the paint.” Anja Kelley, Lakewood: The Vikings’ sophomore point guard was named honorable mention all-conference in the GLAC this win­ ter. Kelley averaged 4.1 assists per game as well as 7.7 points. She was a team captain this season, and had a big double-double with 11 points and 10 assists in her team’s victory over Belding. Zari Kruger, Lakewood: Lakewood’s senior center, she was named first team all-confer­ ence in the GLAC this season. Kruger averaged 11.2 points and 9.9 rebounds per game this season as a team cap­ tain, and had double-doubles in Viking victo­ ries over Maple Valley, Belding and Lansing Christian. Lexi Parsons, Delton Kellogg: A senior center in her third varsity season, Parsons was named all-conference in the SAC Valley Division for the second time this winter. She led the SAC in scoring at 17.5 points per game. She also averaged 12.3 rebounds a contest and 1.1 blocked shots. She shot 60 percent from the floor. She ends her career at Delton Paige VanStee Lexi Parsons Kellogg top five in the career scoring, rebounding and blocked shot lists. She also shattered the program record for career and season field goal percentage. Paige VanStee, Thornapple Kellogg: A sophomore forward, VanStee averaged a dou­ ble-double with 13.1 points and 10.5 rebounds a game this season. She also contributed 2.5 assists, 3.5 steals and 1.2 blocks per game. She was named first team all-conference in the OK Gold. She led TK in points, rebounds and steals “She is an extremely efficient player,” coach Lambitz said. “She recorded a positive efficiency rating in eery game this season. In addition to her offensive accolades she is a phenomenal defensive player.” Ashlyn Wilkes, Maple Valley: A leader on and off the court for the Lions according to head coach Landon Wilkes. “Hard-worker and willing to do what it takes to see other around her get better. Ashlyn has been asked to play multiple positions and never ques­ tioned the decision. Has worked hard to improve her game,” coach Wilkes said. Wilkes led her team on the court averaging 11.6 points per game. She had 128 rebounds and 18 assists on the season, as well as 50 steals and 17 blocked shots. All-Barry County Girls’ Basketball 2018-19 Second Team Erin Kapteyn, Delton Kellogg: A junior shooting guard, Kapteyn was named all-con­ ference in the SAC Valley this winter - her second varsity season. Kapteyn averaged 8.5 points, 5.75 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal per game. Kapteyn is a four-sport athlete, who also com­ petes in volleyball, softball and track and field, and sports as 4.1 GPA. Olivia Lang, Lakewood: A junior forward, Lang averaged 7.7 points and 5.2 rebounds per game this season. She combined the abil­ ity to play in the paint with a good touch from behind the three-point line. Lang had some of her biggest performances in big games, scoring double figures in wins over Maple Valley, Stockbridge and Lansing Christian. Holly McManus, Delton Kellogg: The Panthers’ junior point guard averaged 8.3 points, 5.85 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 2.15 steals per game this season. She had a sea­ son-high of 20 points. She led her team with 15 three-pointers this winter. Patsy Morris, Lakewood: A senior guard, Megan Deal Morris was named honorable mention all-con­ ference in the GLAC. She averaged 7.2 points, 4.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game. Grace Nickels, Hastings: A senior guard, Nickels led the Saxons in rebounds with 64 and steals with 37. She had a season high of 16 points in her team’s late-season win over Pennfield. Hastings head coach Mike Engle said Nickels was his team’s best defender and always drew the assignment of guarding opponents’ top guard or forward. Shylin Robirds, Thornapple Kellogg: The Trojans’ senior point guard started all 20 games of the regular season for the TK team that placed second in the OK Gold Conference. “Shylin is a great defender, both on and off the ball. She always ins in the right position and helps others with her great communica­ tion and leadership,” coach Lambitz said. Britani Shilton, Maple Valley: A senior, Shilton averaged 8.2 points per game, while pulling down 84 rebounds, adding 46 steals and 18 assists. “(Shilton) is a hard-worker and willing to do what it takes to see other around her get better,” coach Landon Wilkes said. “She has show good leadership to the underclassman throughout her career.” Claudia Wilkinson, Thornapple Kellogg: Wilkinson, a junior guard, was named honor­ able mention all-conference in the OK Gold this winter. She averaged 9.7 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist and 1.8 steals a game, and bumped that scoring average up to 11 points per game in conference play. “Claudia is the definition of a two-way player,” coach Lambitz said. “She was second on our team in scoring and was one of our best defensive players. She was always tasked with defending the best perimeter player oh the opposing team.” r County’s top swimmers improved throughout the winter Brett Bremer Sports Editor Many personal records were set throughout the course of the 2018-19 varsity boys’ swim­ ming and diving season by the athletes from Delton Kellogg, Thornapple Kellogg and Hastings who once again teamed up. The program also had one of its best swim­ mers ever set a few more school records. The DK/TK/Hastings boys continued to perform well in the OK Rainbow Conference Tier II this winter, finishing fourth at the con­ ference meet behind a few very talented teams. The program will see some changes in the future as head coach Tyler Bultema, who has been with the program since its inception, announced his retirement from coaching at the end of the season. Here are the 2018-19 All-Barry County Boys’ Swimming and Diving First and Second Teams. All-Barry County Boys’ Swimming & Diving 2018-19 First Team Alex Fabiano, DK/TK/Hastings: A senior, Fabiano capped off his varsity swimming career at the Division 1 State Finals once again, placing 15th in the 100-yard back­ stroke with a time of 54.09 seconds. He also qualified for the state finals in the 100-yard freestyle. Alex Fabiano He was the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference champion in both of those events this season. He set a conference record with a time of 48.43 to win the 100-yard freestyle at the conference meet. Gram Price, DK/TK/Hastings: Price had a high of 191 points in a six-dive competition Gram Price and 319.85 in an 11-dive competition as a sophomore. Price placed sixth in the diving competition at the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference meet at the end of the season. Samuel Randall, DK/TK/Hastings: A soph­ omore, Randall had his best time of the sea­ son in the 100-yard butterfly at the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference Meet. He placed fifth in the event in 58.80 seconds - finishing the race in less than a minute for the second time in his varsity career. Randall was also a part of fourth-place fin­ ishes in the 200-yard medley relay and the 400-yard freestyle relay at the conference meet. Blake Sheldon, DK/TK/Hastings: A fresh­ man diver, Sheldon had the team’s top finish in the event at the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference Meet - placing third with a score of 312.75 points in the 11-dive competition. He had a high six-dive score of 194.55 points this season and a high 11-dive score of 319.85 points. Andrew Tuokkola, DK/TK/Hastings: One of the Trojans’ best distance swimmers, Tuokkola had a top time of 2:01.08 in the 200-yard freestyle and 5:30.32 in the 500yard freestyle. That time in the 500-yard freestyle was good for third-place at the conference meet in that race. He was one of two DK/TK/Hastings swimmers to earn all-conference honors. That top 200 freestyle time put him in sixth place at the conference meet in that race. Enno Visser, DK/TK/Hastings: Visser fin­ ished off his senior swim season by placing seventh in the 100-yard breaststroke at the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference Meet ion the 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 1:16.54. That was just off his season best time of 1:16.38 in the race. Visser had a season-best time of 30.37 sec­ onds in the 50-yard freestyle this season. All-Barry County Boys’ Swimming & * Diving 2018-19 Second Team ' 1 Jon Arnold, DK/TK/Hastings: Arnold was one of the DK/TK/Hastings team’s top freestylers this winter, setting best times of 25.53' seconds in the 50-yard freestyle and 57.87 in the 100-yard freestyle. That time of 25.53 earned him 13th in the 50 freestyle at the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference Meet at the end of the season. He also added a 15th-place time in the 100-yard freestyle at the conference meet, and was a part of fourth-place finishes in the 200-yard medley relay and the 400-yard medley relay at the conference meet. Braxton McKenna, DK/TK/Hastings: A junior, McKenna placed 13th in the 200-yard individual medley at the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference Meet with a time of 2:47.24. McKenna had a season best time of 2:45.75 in the race. He also helped the team to a sixth­ place finish in the 200-yard freestyle relay at the conference meet. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, March 28, 2019 — Page 15 Good mix of seniors, underclassmen among county’s best eagers Gavin Booher Kirby Beck (left) and Isaiah Guenther Brett Bremer Sports Editor There were outstanding performances on the hardwood this winter from the Barry County varsity boys’ basketball teams even if it didn’t always turn into victories on the Scoreboard. None of the county’s five MHSAA squads managed a winning record this winter. Delton Kellogg won a county-high nine ballgames. Hastings had seven wins, including the couniy’s only victory in the postseason. Maple Valley finished the season with four , wins ^besting GLAC rival Lakewood twice. The Vikings' 2nd TK TTojans fimshed with three victories apiece. The All-Barry County teams this winter are a good mix of seniors and underclassmen who Will look to come back strong next year to help their programs move forward. Here are the 2018-19 All-Barry County Boys’ Basketball First and Second teams All-Barry County Boys’ Basketball 2018-19 First Team Kirby Beck, Hastings: Beck had a huge sophomoreseason for the Saxons, leading the team with 14 points per game and adding five rebounds a game as well. The big, strong guard was named all-con­ ference in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference this winter. Gavin Booher, Maple Valley: The Lions’ senior point guard showed off a good mix of attacking the basket and getting a good touch on his outside shot this winter. Booher averaged 17 points and 6 rebounds per game this season, while adding 3.3 assists and 3 steals a game. Joe Dinkel, Thornapple Kellogg: The Trojans’ senior center averaged 9.1 points and 4.6 rebouids per gafrie this winter. '^as a t^m ca^m wr^S Trojans this season. Jacob Elenbaas, Lakewood: A junior, Elenbaas played his third varsity season this winter and was a team captain. He averaged 12.7 points and 6.2 rebounds per game. He was voted honorable mention all-conference in the GLAC. “(Elenbaas) has continued to be our most consistent and versatile player, and played all five positions on the court at different points of the season,” coach Chris Duits said. Cameron Ertner, Hastings: The Saxons’ senior center averaged ten points and seven rebounds a game this season. Ertner was named honorable mention all-conference this winter in the Interstate-8. Isaiah Guenther, Thomapple Kellogg: The Trojans’ senior point guard averaged 12.6 points and 3.1 assists per game. He shot 86 percent from the free throw line. A team captain, Guenther was named all-conference in the OK Gold for the second time. Guenther sports a 4.3 GPA and has plans to study computer science at Cornell University after high school graduation. Carter Howland, Delton Kellogg: A senior guard, Howland was named honorable men­ tion all-conference in the SAC Valley this winter. Howland averaged 11.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 2.8 steals per game. “He loves the game and has a great ability to anticipate the next pass when playing. defense. One of our team captains, he will be missed next year,” said DK head coach Jason Howland. All-Barry County Boys’ Basketball 2018-19 Second Team Dawson Grizzle, Delton Kellogg: A junior forward, Grizzle averaged^6.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and l .5 assists per game this winter. “Dawson loves the game and gets it done on both ends of the court,” coach Howland said. “Looking forward to having him back next year. He is a great kid to be around.” Carson Hasselback, Maple Valley: The Lions’ senior center showed off all the moves in the post this season, finishing at 17 points and 9.5 rebounds per game. Hasselback also contributed 1 blocked shot an 1 assist a game. Bryant Makley, Lake wood: The Vikings’ leading scorer as a junior this season, Makley Trojans and Saxons open at Grand Valley State University The Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ and boys’ track and field teams opened their 2019 season indoors at Grand Valley State University’s Lake Challenge this week. : The Thomapple Kellogg boys’ team had three top 20 finishes in their Division 1-2 meet Wednesday. Senior Jordan Roobol placed 14th in the 200-meter dash with a time of 24.33 seconds and placed 17th in the 400meter dash with a time of 55.10. Fellow senior Conroy Stolsonburg was 14th in the shot put with a mark of 40-7, add­ ing two inches to his personal record from a year ago. The Hastings boys had a few top ten finish­ es in the field, and a couple more near top ten marks. Senir Haydn Redxmond was ninth in the long jump with a mark of 19-9. Sophomore Kirby Beck placed tenth in the pole vault at 10-0 and 11th in the high jump at 5-8. Junior teammate Lucas Lumbert finished tied for tenth with Beck in the pole vault at 10-0. Saxon junior Jacob O’Keefe was tied for Beck at 11th in the high jump, also clearing the bar at 5-8. Niles senior Jordan Brown won that 200meter dash, hitting the finish line in 22.71. He was the only guy to finish in less than 23 seconds. He also won the 400-meter dash in 51.18. Nathan Walker, a sophomore from Fremont, won two events as well taking the 1600-meter run in 4 minutes 29.70 seconds and the 800-meter run in 2:00.64. Stolsonburg was one of 16 guys to get a mark of mover than 40 feet in the shot put, an event won by Kenowa Hills senior Myles Kerner with a mark of 53-9. The Thornapple Kellogg girls took the (rack Thursday and performed well, earning three medals. Kaylee Spencer was a two-time medalist placing sixth in the 60-yard dash with a time of 8.38 and joining Kelsey Smith, Stephanie Pitsch and Kendal Snyder for a Sjixth-place time of 7:40.27 in the 4x600-meter relay. The TK girls’ team also had Claudia Wilkinson place fourth in the high jump with a top leap of 5-0. TK varsity girls’ track and field coach Maggie Wilkinson was also pleased with Georgia Kaboos’ early-season time of 2:41 in the 800-meter run. “All of the girls did well and supported each other to the end,” coach Wilkinson said. Lion ladies have a few top ten performances at CMU The Maple Valley varsity track and field teams competed for the first time this spring on the first day of spring, Wednesday at the Central Michigan University High School Invitational. Senior Britani Shilton had the top individu­ al finish for the Lion program in the CMU Indoor Athletic Center, placing third in the 60-meter hurdles with a time of 10.65 sec­ onds. The Lion girls’ team had four top ten fin­ ishes in the Division 3-4 competition Wednesday. Sophomore Ashlyn Wilkes and senior Breanna Seavolt tied for seventh in the high jump, both clearing the bar at 4 feet 3 inches. Junior teammate Elizabeth Colyer also cleared 4-3, placing 14th in the event. Wilkes added an eighth-place time of 1 minute 9.44 seconds in the 400-meter dash. The Maple Valley girls were 14th in a field of 17 Division 3-4 teams. Kingsley beat out Central Montcalm 126.92 to 126 at the top of the standings. Reed City was third with 51.5 points, ahead of St. Louis 50.42, Harbor Beach 45, Manton 43.5, Carson City-Crystal 37, Pine River 37, Lakeview 25.5 and Lake City 23.42 in the top ten. Shilton was just behind a pair of Kingsley girls in that 60-meter hurdles race. Junior Brittany Bowman won the race in 10.02 with senior Jacie King right behind in 10.52. Reed City sophomore Abbigail Kiaunis was the lone two-time champ in the girls’ meet, winning the 400-meter dash in 1:05.12 and the 1600-meter run in 6:00.57. The Maple Valley team also had Selena Cruz 39th in the 400-meter dash and Jamie Steele, Mara Pena and Elena Erchiga all fin­ ished among the top 50 in the 200-meter dash. The top performance from the Maple Valley boys came from junior Anthony Raymond who cleared the bar at 9-6 in the pole vault to place sixth in that event. The Lion team also had senior Tristin Clark 23rd in the long jump at 16-7. On the tack, Maple Valley was paced by junior Grant Mohler’s 25th-place time of 1:04.29 in the 400-meter dash. Senior team­ mate Jadenipat Yenjai was 41st in that race. The Lions’ Kyle Rose, Tyler Smith and Jordan Thornton were all in the top 50 in the shot put. Kingsley senior Collin Graham won two races in the boys’ D3-4 meet, taking the 400meter dash in 53.14 and tfte 800 in 2:11.58. Reed city won the boys’ Division 3-4 title with 98.5 points, ahead of runner-up Mancelona 94.37, Kingsley 75.87, Pine River 53.37, Carson City-Crystal 45.37, Lake City 44.37, Ovid-Elsie 41.37, Central Montcalm 35.37, St. Louis 34 and Manton 33 in the top ten. The Maple Valley boys placed 17th. The Ionia boys and Chippewa Hills’ girls won championships in the Division 1-2 com­ petitions Wednesday at CMU. Carter Howland averaged 14.3 points per game. He shot 81.2 percent from the free throw line and knocked down 50 three pointers. He was named honor­ able mention.all-conference in the GLAC. “Bryant is a gym rat who loves to work on his game. That work in the offseason has helped him transform from a guy that plays spot minutes and contributes occasionally, to being his team’s number one scoring option,” coach Duits said. Cole Pape, Delton Kellogg: A sophomore center in his second varsity season, Pape aver­ aged 8.9 points and 5 rebounds a game. “The future is bright for Cole, with some time and effort he will be a bright spot for our program in the coming years,” coach Howland said. ^He is a force in the paint.” ~ Cole Shoobridge, Thomapple Kellogg: A sophomore forward, Shoobridge scored more than 20 points twice this season and finished with a pair of double doubles. He averaged 9.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. “Cole’s size and length have been a huge addition to our team this year,” TK head coach Mike Rynearson said. “His rebounding, scoring ability in the paint, three-point shot and ability to alter opponents’ shots with his length have made us a much better team.” Elijah Smith, Hastings: A junior guard, Smith handled much of the Saxons’ ball han­ dling duties this season. Smith averaged eight points per game, with the ability to knock down a jump shot and get to the basket. Austin VanElst, Thornapple Kellogg: Another tall, long sophomore who have creat­ ed a rare presence in the paint for the Trojans this season, VanElst scored 20 points in a couple of games this season and also is an excellent defender around the basket. VanElst averaged 9 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. Curtis Walker, Maple Valley: Walker was one of the Lions’ senior leaders this winter, doing all the little things on both ends of the floor. Walker averaged 5 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 1 steal a game this season. Hastings boys beat defending state champs in first 1-8 dual Coldwater won the 2018 Division 2 Lower Peninsula Boys’ Track and Field State Championship, on the heels of a runner-up finish in 2017. The Hastings varsity boys’ track and field team opened the 2019 outdoor season by best­ ing the Cardinals in their Interstate-8 Athletic Conference dual in Coldwater Tuesday. Hastings’ new varsity boys’ head coach Brian Teed, who also returns to lead the girls’ program this spring said his guys had good balanced scoring for all three phases of the team in their 89-71 victory. The Hastings girls also won Tuesday, 82-78 over the Cardinals. “They had balanced scoring, but particular­ ly dominated in the sprints and jumps,” Teed said. The Hastings boys were boosted by a sweep of the relay races. The team of Jon Arnold, Blake Harris, Braden Tolles and Aidan Makled won the 3200-meter relay in 9 minutes 30.90 seconds. Jason Haight, Logan Wolfenbarger, Haydn Redmond and Hunter Allerding won the 400-meter relay in 47.16 seconds. It was Wolfenbarger, Redmond, Kirby Beck and Allerding winning the 800meter relay in 1:30.09. Hastings had the team of Dane Barnes, Beck, Ken Smith and Makled win the 1600-meter relay in 4:03.91. Beck also won the pole vault, clearing 11 feet 6 inches. He was the runner-up in the high jump, clearing 5-6, and finishing behind teammate Jacob O’Keefe who cleared the bar at 5-8. Greyson Tebo had a big runner-up fin­ ish for the Saxons in the shot put with a mark of 40-1.75. O’Keefe added a winning time of 17.91 in the 110-meter high hurdles. Redmond had a runner-up finish in the long jump and the 200-meter dash, while Allerding added a runner-up time in the 100-meter dash and a third-place finish in the 200. Coldwater junior Matt Gipple was the day’s top sprinter, winning the 100 in 11.69 and the 200 in 23.95. He also took the long jump with a mark of 19-9. Hastings swept the three scoring places in the 400-meter run, with Jacob Arens winning in 1:00.05, just ahead of teammates Dane Barnes and William Roosien. Makled won the 800-meter run for the Saxons in 2:19.90. Riley Gillons matched Gipple’s perfor­ mance in the girls’ meet, winning the 100meter dash for the Saxons in 13.78, the 200 in 28.36 and the long jump with a mark of 15-3.5. Hastings took all the jumps. Josey Nickels won the high jump by clearing 4-11 and Hannah Johnson won the pole vault at 8-6. Running and jumping went well too for the Saxons, with Allison Teed taking the 100meter hurdles in 18.45 and Erin Dalman the 300-meter low hurdles in 55.80. Dalman, Teed, Gillons and Grace Nickels teamed up to win the 800-meter relay for the Saxons in 1:56.88. Lakewood ladies beat Black Knights by five runs, twice The Lakewood varsity softball team swept its season-opening double header with visit­ ing Belding Tuesday, scoring 8-3 and 5-0 victories. Morgan Stahl threw both games for the Vikings. She struck out nine and allowed just one hit through five innings in game two. In the opener, Stahl struck out 17 in seven innings, giving up just three hits. “Morgan Stahl pitched a great game. She had good command of all her pitches. Morgan and (catcher) Hannah Slater were on the same page all night and it showed in the number of K’s Morgan had,” new Lakewood varsity softball coach Rory Treynor said. Ashton Livermore reached base in all four of her at-bats in the opener and stole three bases. “As a coach when you have a lead off hitter like Ashton it is one less worry because you just trust she is going to get on base one way or another and did that very thing tonight,” Treynor said. Both Emily Campeau and Maddie Mussehl collected a hit in the opener, while driving in two runs each. �Page 16 — Thursday, March 28, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Cheerleaders strived to be some of state’s best once again Brett Bremer Sports Editor Lakewood was the only Barry County var­ sity competitive cheer team to win a confer­ ence championship in the winter of 2018-19, but every single team in the county had its high points throughout the season. Hastings and Thomapple Kellogg both won one of their conference jamborees during the season, the Saxons in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference and the Trojans in the OK Gold/ Green Conference. Lake wood, Hastings and Thornapple Kellogg were three of the four county teams to earn a spot in the regional round of the state tournament, joining Delton Kellogg in getting within a step of the state finals. It was a rare winter season that none of the county teams made the state finals. The Trojans and Saxons ran into tough competition in Division 2 and the Vikings went to the east side of the state for regionals for the first time and were bested by the tradi­ tional state powerhouses from over there. The Maple Valley girls missed out on qual­ ifying for regionals, a goal the Lions have yet to accomplish, but they were as close as they ever have been - getting edged out by the DK girls for one of the top four spots at their Division 4 District Tournament. Every team grew as the season went on. Here are the 2018-19 All-Barry County Competitive Cheer First and Second Teams. All-Barry County Competitive Cheer 2018-19 First Team Ireland Barber, Hastings: A junior in her third varsity season, Barber has been a part of all three rounds in all three seasons. “She is an amazing back spot and is a rue competitor. She is a rock for her team. She cheers with great passion and bleeds blue and gold,” said head coach Linsey Jacinto. Alexis Brown, Lakewood: A senior with three years of varsity experience for the Lakewood ladies. Brown was named first team all-conference in the GLAc and second team all-district. Shannon Brown, Hastings: A new cheer­ leader as a junior this season, she worked incredibly hard to earn a spot in all three rounds. Coach Jacinto said she is a stand-out in round one and a powerhouse base in round three. She worked to perfect her skills in round two all year long. Riley Hall, Thomapple Kellogg: A junior flyer for the Trojans. Hall was named all-conference in the OK Gold/Green once again while competing in all three rounds for TK. Jessalyn Hawkins, Lakewood: A sopho­ more in her second varsity season, Hawkins was named academic all-state this season. Hawkins was also honored as a first team all-conference, first team all-district and hon­ orable mention all-region cheerleader. Esther Ordway Lainey Tomko Savana Leonard, Hastings: A sophomore in her second varsity season. She was a big part of all three rounds this season for the Saxons. A flyer in round three, she improved her skills in that round all season long while put­ ting together beautiful skills in round two and showing great precision in round one. Dixie Moorman, Lakewood: Moorman was first team all-state as a junior, and added another first team all-conference, first team all-district and second team all-region perfor­ mance as a senior this winter. She helped lead her team to three state finals appearances over the course of her four varsity seasons at Lakewood High School, and was named the Lansing State Journal Competitive Cheerleader of the Year in 2018. Morgan Neff, Lakewood: A junior in her second varsity season for the Vikings. Neff was named first team all-conference in the GLAC and first team all-district in Division 3. Esther Ordway, Delton Kellogg: A senior in her second varsity season, Ordway was in all three rounds for the Panthers this year. She earned first team all-conference in the SMCCC, first team all-district, and honorable mention all-region in Division 4. “An all around great cheerleader and lead­ er, she was my main flyer this season, but also has many great tumbling skills,” coach Zoe Reynolds said. Ava Phillips, Thomapple Kellogg: One of three Trojan juniors this winter, Phillips was a flyer and a big part of all three rounds for TK. Phillips was once again named all-confer- ence in the OK Gold/Green this winter. Grace Roth, Lakewood: A junior flyer in her third varsity season. Roth was named first team all-conference in the GLAC, second team all-district and was an academic all-state honoree as well this winter. Liberty Tetzlaff, Thomapple Kellogg: A sophomore in her second varsity season for TK. Tetzlaff was named all-conference in the OK Gold/Green for the second time this win­ ter. Lainey Tomko, Hastings: “She has left a legacy for the Saxon cheer program,” coach Jacinto said of her senior base. Tomko has been a three-year varsity cheer­ leader, competing in all three rounds this season. Coach Jacinto said she is strong in round one, fights hard in round two and is a main base in round three. McKayla Weiler, Maple Valley: A four-year varsity cheerleader, Weiler was named first team all-conference in the GLAC this winter and second team all-district. A flyer in round three, Weiler competed in all three rounds for the Lions. “McKayla is an outstanding cheerleader and will be missed next season. She is a team player and is always willing to do what is necessary for her team to be successful,” coach Sarah Huissen said. “She is also goal oriented, encourages her teammates to do their best and has great work ethic. She also has level jumps, great flexibility and has strong gymnastic skills that include a front walkover and a back walkover.” ROBOTIC PRECISION IN EXPERIENCED HANDS If you or a loved one has been experiencing knee pain that doesn't go away, it may be time for a knee replacement. Our experienced surgeons at Bronson Orthopedic Specialists are the pioneers of robotic-assisted surgery in southwest Michigan, and have performed more than 1,000 partial and total knee replacements with this technology. 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Bazan was named all-conference in the OK Gold/Green this winter after earning honor­ able mention all-conference honors as a fresh­ man. Anna Benedict, Thornapple Kellogg: Benedict was a key part of all three rounds as a freshman for TK this winter. Benedict was named all-conference in the OK Gold/Green Conference. Elizabeth Colyer, Maple Valley: A junior this winter, Colyer was named first team all-conference in the GLAC and first team all-district as well. She is in her third year as a varsity cheerleader, and has been an individ­ ual academic all-state cheerleader in each of her three varsity seasons. “She competed in all three rounds this sea­ son and was a flyer in round three,” coach Sarah Huissen said. “Elizabeth is an outstand­ ing cheerleader^ She has level jumps, great flexibility and has strong gymnastic skills that include a front walkover, back walkover, val­ dez, back handspring, front handspring, and a back tuck. Elizabeth is very outgoing, enjoys challenging herself by learning new skills, and is goal oriented. She has a strong work ethic and works hard to give her best effort to her team.” Austynn Fears, Maple Valley: A junior, Fears was named second team all-conference in the GLAC this season and second team all-district as well. A base who competes in all three rounds, she has been a member of the varsity team in all three of her high school seasons. “Austynn is an outstanding cheerleader and gives her best to her team each time she is out on the mat,” coach Sarah Huissen said. “She is a great work ethic and is always working to improve her skills. She has beautiful level jumps and strong gymnastic stills that include a back walkover.” Hailey Gibson, Lakewood: Gibson had a great junior season for the Vikings, her second on the varsity team. She was named honorable mention all-con­ ference in the GLAC and honorable mention all-district in Division 3 as well. Sydney Kuntz, Hastings: A Saxon freslfman who came into the year expected to earn a spot in round two, and wound up earning a spot in all three rounds for her team. “She made great improvement in round one, has confident skills in round two and worked hard to become a strong base in round three,” coach Jacinto said. < Jenah Miller, Delton Kellogg: A junior in her first varsity season, Miller was in all three rounds for the Panthers. She was named first team all-conference in the SMCCC. “She stepped up and pushed herself to get new gymnastics skills and learned new tricks' as a flyer also,” coach Reynolds said. Carly Mursh, Delton KelloggrAjunior in her second varsity campaign, Mursh was named all-conference in the SMCCC and honorable mention all-district in Division 4./ “Carly was a great all-around go-to kid that could be moved and put into any team mem* ber’s spot and make it work, even ten minutes before a meet,” coach Reynolds said. Maggie Nedbalek, Hastings: A sophomore in her first full season on the varsity, aftej being moved up for the state postseason as g freshman. ? Maggie competed in all three rounds this season. “She worked hard to perfect her stunts and rocked it out,” said coach Jacinto. Katie Reeves, Thomapple Kellogg: A soph­ omore backspot for the Trojans this winter. Reeves had a role in all three rounds. She was named honorable mention all-con­ ference in the OK Gold/Green Conference ,. ■ ' ■ • 7 this season. i Alyssa Saylor, Lakewood: Saylor, a junior^ was a member of the Viking varsity for the second straight season. Saylor was named second team all-confer­ ence in the GLAC this year. ; Zoey Thomas, Thornapple Kellogg: Thomas had an outstanding freshman season for the Trojans, earning a spot on the varsity. Thomas was named honorable mention all-conference in the OK Gold/Green this season. \ Brynn Tumes, Hastings: A sophomore in her second varsity season, Turnes competed in all three rounds for the Saxons this winter and made the swap from being a base to a flyer in round three. “Brynn truly embraced her new position and improved well beyond expectation,*’ coach Jacinto said. Vikings’ seventh inning rally conies up a little bit short Lakewood had six hits and Belding five Tuesday at Lakewood High School, but the Black Knights outscored the Vikings 6-3 to win the first varsity baseball game of the sea­ son for the two teams. Belding pitchers struck out 14 batters in the bailgame. The Vikings did all right at the start. Nate Dillon walked in the bottom of the first inning and came in to score on a first-pitch single off the bat of Jacob Elenbaas. Belding scored two runs in the top of the third inning and added three in the sixth, and had a 6-2 lead going into the bottom of the seventh when the Vikings tried to mount a comeback. Lakewood loaded the bases with nobody out, but could only push one run across. Pitcher Reese Caudy took the loss for the Vikings. He went five innings, allowing three runs, one earned, on two hits. He struck out. Nathan DeVries went 2-for-4 at the plate to lead Lakewood in hits also scored a run. Elenbaas and Caudy were both l-for-4 with an RBI. Bryant Makley went l-for-3, and Dillon walked three times, scored a run and had two stolen bases. Game two was called for darkness before it was official. The Vikings (0-1, 0-0) are off to spring training in Gulf Breeze, Fla. next week and return to action with a league double header at home against Maple Valley April 9. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-04-04.pdf d1ba8b1ae12fd2656779cca46ff88331 PDF Text Text Cops play teachers for diabetes research Where’s the joy I in reading? I Delton spring sports ; teams previewed See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 2 See Stories on Pages 14-15 IMNMNttlMMMIIIINNMM Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 The HAsy: ss ANNER Thursday, April 4, 2019 VOLUME •*** Lsv ^.e qo 6s PRICE 750 recreational marijuana: To opt in - or not - bedevils local government I Taylor Owens HM M-43 closed through Monday A Michigan Department of Transportation road crew is working on M-43 in Barry County’s Hope Township through Monday, April 8. Lanes are closed on the highway at Cloverdale Road. Tornado siren testing begins Barry County Central Dispatch will be testing the tornado siren, starting Saturday,:ApriJ 6, at 1 p.m. Testing then will continue the first Saturday of every month through September. If the area is under a tornado watch or I warning the siren will not be tested. GFWC to learn I about Women at Risk | Staff Writer Without any guidance from the state level, many local governments in Barry County are opting out of allowing recre­ ational marijuana dispensaries and grow operations - for now. When Proposal One to allow recreational marijuana in Michigan passed last November, there were a lot of questions about how it would be regulated. Many of those questions remain unanswered. “There’s no easy answers to any ques­ tions related to marijuana right now,” 804879110187 Hastings City Manager Jeff Mansfield said. Mansfield said he has seen conflicting information when it comes to a number of issues regarding how a local government can decide what kind of recreational mari­ juana establishments it will allow. The Hastings City Council voted to opt out of allowing recreational marijuana facil­ ities, and will have its second reading of the draft ordinance Monday. The ordinance will expire May 30, 2020, which means the council will have to make the decision whether to opt in or out again, once it has the regulations. The Middleville Village Council, Yankee Springs, Odessa and Vermontville township boards and many more across the state have all opted out. Some, like the Middleville Village Council, plan on revisiting the ordinance later just as Hastings intends to do, while others like Odessa Township do not. Others, such as Nashville and Caledonia, are still researching the impact of the ordi­ nance. BarryRoubaix: Ready to roll See MARIJUANA, page 2 The GFWC Hastings Women’s Club I will meet at noon Friday, April 5, at the Barry County Commission on Aging. Th^/General Federation of Women’s Clubs ’ is dedicated to community improvement by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. Meetings begin at noon the first Friday of each month, featuring speakers presenting local volunteer information and topics that impact the community, fol­ lowed by a 1 p.m. luncheon and fellowship. The April 5 meeting will feature a speaker from Women at Risk, discussing human trafficking of women and chil­ dren. Visitors and new members are welcome to this or any other meeting . The COA is at 320 W. Woodlawn Ave., Hastings. Anyone seeking more information or wanting to make reservations may call club president, Joann Logan, 269-945­ 9782. Family Promise ribbon-cutting set Family Promise of Barry County is ready for its grand opening. A ribbon-cut­ ting ceremony is planned Monday, April 8, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. at Hope United I Methodist Church, 2920 S. M-37. Hastings. A tour of the newly renovated day center will follow. The public is invited. Anyone with questions may call 269­ 953-6189. Trail group planning hike The Chief Noonday Chapter of the North Country Trail Association is spon­ soring a free, guided hike Saturday, April 6, at 10 ajn. Participants can go on a nine-mile or four-mile out-and-back hike on scenic country roads. Hikers should park and meet at the Dolan Nature Sanctuary parking lot on Woodschool Road/Baker Avenue north of 108th Street, Freeport. The hike will begin and end at the Dolan Nature Sanctuary, 10350 Baker Ave. SE, Freeport, and proceed to the Maher Audubon Sanctuary. Participants can commiserate after the hike at the River Dog Tavern, 117 W. Main St., Middleville. Further information is available by calling Jane Norton, 269-808-7334, or emailing jane_a_norton@yahoo.com. The chapter website, which also has information, is northcountry trail .org/ cnd/index.htm. See NEWS BRIEFS, page 5 j I I I I I j Phil Hurless stands with the bike he’ll be riding in the Barry-Roubaix next week. Rebecca Pierce Hastings in Disney parade Ninety-five members of the Hastings High School band march through Disney World in Orlando Friday afternoon, March 29. The Saxons, directed by Spencer White and Jen Pesch, departed for Florida early Wednesday, traveling straight through on charter buses, and arrived Thursday morning. The students, all of whom had paid their way, had a day to explore Epcot theme park Thursday, before gearing up for Friday’s parade. “The kids did great,” White said. “The weather was beautiful! And the crowd real­ ly enjoyed our musical selections of ‘Mickey Mouse,’ ‘Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious ’ and ‘Zip-A-Dee-Do-Da.’” The four days at Disney quickly passed, and the entourage made the long trip back home, returning to Hastings Monday night. (Photo by Paul Kline) Editor Phil Hurless, 57, of Hastings will ride in The Founder’s Brewing Co. Barry-Roubaix April 13 in Barry County. He’s got a Trek bicycle, and he’s registered for what is billed as the world’s largest gravel road race. Hurless will have plenty of company: Every year, thousands of cyclists come to Hastings for the annual competition that has inspired a loyal following of cyclists and heightened awareness of the need for rideable and walk­ able communities. This year, for the 11^ Barry Roubaix, reg­ See BARRY-ROUBAIX, pg. 3 Hastings superintendent interviews set April 17-18 Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Seven candidates for superintendent of the Hastings Area School System, selected for in-person interviews by the board of educa­ tion, will face a first round of questions April 17-18 at the Hastings Middle School com­ mons. The seven chosen from 23 applications include two Barry County educators: Matt Goebel in the Hastings school district, and Lucas Trierweiler in the Delton Kellogg dis­ trict. Of the five remaining candidates, two are superintendents. All the candidates are public school educators in Michigan. Other candidates are: Kent Cartwright, Petoskey Public Schools’ chief financial offi­ cer; Gerard Morin, Southgate Community Schools’ director of human resources; Daniel Remenap is a high school principal for Allendale Public Schools; Jonathan Whan is Grant Public Schools superintendent; and Steve Wilson is Constantine Public Schools superintendent. Candidate names and resumes were released by the school board on March 28 after applicants accepted offers for inter­ views. Here, in alphabetical order, is a synop­ sis of experience and qualifications taken from resumes they submitted: Kent Cartwright has worked for Petoskey Public Schools in Emmet County since 2000. He is responsible for the business and opera­ tions of the 2,850-student district, which has a $31 million general fund, $4.5 million debt service, a $1.5 million sinking fund and $1 million food service fund. As chief financial officer, Cartwright has responded to state school funding issues by investigating, planning, communicating with other administrative personnel and imple­ menting more than $13 million in revenue enhancements and cost-saving measures for the district with an “emphasis on minimal negative impact” to student education. Since joining the Petoskey school district, he has worked with the superintendent and school board on community engagement activities to raise support of a regional enhancement millage that passed and gained community support for 10 operating millages, three sinking funds and three bond millages. He implemented and supervised construction related to the district’s sinking fund program and three bond projects. The combined mill­ age projects exceeded $80 million with 98 percent completed on time and on budget. Cartwright’s educational background includes certification as a specialist in educa­ tional leadership in 2017 from the University of Michigan, a master’s degree in business administration in 2002 from Grand Valley State University and a bachelor of science in business administration in 1986 from Central Michigan University. He has been a certified public accountant since 1996 and received chief financial officer certification from Michigan School of Business Officials in 2013. He is working toward obtaining a doctorate in educational leadership from University of Michigan and expects a dissertation defense this spring. Cartwright was a member of the United States Army, served in Iraq and is a veteran of Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He was an executive officer and platoon leader, support­ ing his team in successfully completing all assigned missions during combat operations. His responsibilities also included designing and implementing training resources pro­ grams to improve flexibility, planning and efficiency for overseeing a 700-man military team. He received an honorable discharge in 1994. Matthew Goebel is the assistant superin­ tendent of achievement, with central office responsibilities for Hastings schools since See INTERVIEWS, page 3 Hastings superintendent interview schedule The top applicants vying for superintendent of Hastings Area School System will be interviewed at the Hastings Middle School Commons. The public is welcome to attend. The interviews will be conducted in the following order: Wednesday, April 17 ’ 5 to 5:50 p.m. - Steve Wilson, superintendent at Constantine Public School District, St. Joseph County. 6 to 6:50 p.m. - Lucas Trierweiler, Delton Kellogg Schools high school and alternative school principal and director of special education services. 7: 10 to 8 p.m. - Kent Cartwright, chief financial officer for Petoskey Public Schools in Emmet County. 8: 10 to 9 p.m. - Matthew Goebel, assistant superintendent of achievement for Hastings Area School System. , Thursday, April 18 5: 30 to 6:20 p.m. - Gerard Morin, director of human resources for Southgate Community Schools, Wayne County. 6: 30 to 7:20 p.m. - Jonath|jn Whan, superintendent of Grant Public Schools, Newaygo County. 7: 30 to 8:20 p.m. - Daniel Remenap, Allendale Public Schools high school principal, Ottawa County. �Page 2 — Thursday, April 4, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Cops play teachers for diabetes research Hastings City Police Sergeant Kris Miller (left) shows the Lucas family around a police cruiser. Shown (from left) are: Nolan Lucas, his sister Addison, mother Leah and father Nick Lucas. Nolan Lucas tries on one of the shirts printed to commemorate the third annual cops versus teachers basketball game. Taylor Owens Staff Writer The annual cops versus teachers charity basketball game will return at 6 p in. April 10, at Hastings High School. The game will fund­ raise for the Juvenile Diabetes Research FoundaWon, in honor of Hastings Star Elementary student Nolan Lucas. Eight-year old Nolan Lucas was diagnosed with diabetes just after he turned 6, his mother Leah said. He began quickly losing weight and was excessively thirsty. His parents took him to DeVos Children’s Hospital, where he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes. His mother said there was nothing they could have done differently to prevent Nolan from having diabetes. He did not have a poor diet, was not overweight and did not have a family history of diabetes, but his immune system attacked his pancreas, killing beta cells that produce insulin. “I hope that, by spreading awareness, par­ ents can identify the symptoms before their children are permanently damaged or in need of hospitalization,” Leah Lucas said. “Diabetes screening is not a part of every well-child visit. The symptoms that we saw came on over several months and they seemed unrelated to one another. “It would have been easy for us to blow off for another couple of months - but, if we had, we may not have Nolan here today.” Nolan now wears a continuous glucose monitor that checks his glucose level every five minutes, and must have six to eight shots a day. “For the most part, Nolan takes it all in stride,” Leah Lucas said. “He doesn’t let it stop him in school or out - he plays soccer for the YMCA, rides his bike, and plays hard with his friends, just like any other 8-year-old boy.” After Nolan was nominated to be honored at the game by Star School social worker Megan Vanwyk, he and his family were able to choose the non-profit recipient of the fund­ raiser. “We chose JDRF over other diabetes non-profits because they have supported us on our journey,” Leah Lucas said. “Within days of diagnosis, we received emails and phone calls from JDRF and parents who have been there. Instead of feeling alone, we entered into a community of families that knew exactly City focuses on foundation for housing development Joan Van Houten Staff Writer A panel discussion focused on housing issues, in accordance with the city of Hastings Master Plan update, is scheduled for 7-8:30 p.m., April 9, in the Community Room of the Hastings Public Library, 227 E. State St., Hastings. McKenna, the consulting firm, will invite panel representatives from the banking, real estate sales, construction trades, and home improvement sectors of the housing economy. “The anticipated audience is city council, planning commission, zoning board of appeals, Rutland Charter Township, and city staff,” Dan King, Hastings community devel­ opment director, said. “The Master Plan steer­ ing committee continues to work on Part Two of the Master Plan update. “There will likely be more community engagement events as we move through the process.” King updated the council on information he presented last month related to the Opportunity Zone development area when he spoke about discussions happening with developers and investors. ;“We have met with a developer interested in the Royal Coach site that could possibly take advantage of the capital gains tax incen­ tives an Opportunity Fund and corresponding Opportunity Zone would offer. There is also a developer interested in the vacant former Moose site and has expressed strong interest in pursuing an Opportunity Fund for a project on that site,” King said. “As a city and com­ munity, we continue working to encourage housing development and are seeing progress being made.” In the March community development report, King gave a brief summary of the cur­ rent activities of the department to the city council. At the request of the council from its Feb. 25 meeting, King included information on housing related fair markpt rental rates in Barry County. “This information is also used by both Michigan State Housing Development Authority as well as the Michigan Economic Development Corp, for their housing pro­ gram. Low Income Housing Tax Credits also follow these guidelines,” King said. The data shows that, in fiscal year 2018 for Barry County, fair market rental rates were $541 for an efficiency, $619 for a one-bed­ room, $785 for a two-bedroom, $1,142 for a three-bedroom and $1,258 for a four-bedroom unit. For fiscal year 2019, fair market rental rates averaged $634 for an efficiency, $696 for a one-bedroom rental, $894 for two bed­ rooms, $1,266 for three bedrooms and $1,365 for a four-bedroom rental unit. Fair market rent figures assume that the landlord pays water, sewer and garbage pick­ up and use a utility chart to calculate deduc­ tions for the tenant paid services. According to the United States Census Bureau, Barry County had a population of 60,586 in 2017 with the median household income of $57,312. Eight percent of the households in the county were considered to be at poverty level. Statistics for 2018-19 are not available yet. Hastings Police Sgt. Kris Miller shows Nolan and Addison Lucas a bulletproof vest. how we felt.”5 It was important for Nolan to choose the foundation because he wants a cure to be found, she added. “Although he rarely complains - he does struggle with the thought of diabetes being a huge part of the rest of his life,” she said. Previous cops versus teacher basketball games have featured officers from the Hastings City Police, Barry County Sheriff’s Department and Michigan State Police. They have donated their funds to non-profit organi­ zations for cystic fibrosis and leukemia. The first game raised $6,000, and the second raised $10,000. As of Tuesday, Hastings City Police Sgt. Kris Miller said they had raised almost $9,000, and he believes it will reach nearly $10,000 after the game. Kids who are nominated for the basketball game get to tour the Hastings City Police Department with Sgt. Miller and check out the equipment, which the Lucas family did on March 22. The family also will be part of a presentation during halftime at the game. “The outpouring of community support and love for Nolan has been incredible,” Leah. Lucasj |aid. “He’s really an amazing kid and it’s awesome to have the community reinforce it.” MARIJUANA, continued from page 1 The Nashville Village Council had its first discussion on the issue during a March 28 meeting, and did not come to any conclusions. The Caledonia Planning Commission formed a three-person subcommittee on March 25 to gather information on the issue. Many local officials are trying to have their decisions reflect how residents voted in the November election, but that approach won’t work in Caledonia, where the vote was tied, 376-376. Hastings residents favored the proposal, 1,657 to 1,254. The proposal - voted into law by 55.89 percent of Michigan residents who voted last fall - states that “a municipality may com­ pletely prohibit or limit the number of mari­ huana establishments within its boundaries.” It defines a municipality as “city, village or township.” Many local governments have had recom­ mendations from their attorneys or the Michigan Townships Association to opt out for the time being. The'townships association sent an example of an ordinance that could be used to opt out. Planning Consultant Rebecca Harvey recommended that Hastings opt out, and Mansfield said city officials generally agreed with their legal counsel. Nashville resident and former State Rep. Mike Callton wrote the Medical Marijuana Facilities Licensing Acf ’ and is serving as a consultant for the rdc|eational marijuana industry. Callton said he has called more than 150 municipalities in Michigan to find out what they’re doing about the law. Callton has found that most are opting out for now, many are still waiting, and about a dozen have opted in or are seriously consider­ ing it. The state Licensing And Regulatory Affairs (LARA) has four work groups, each made up of about 15 people, representing businesses, law enforcement, licensing experts and more to put the regulations together, he said. Callton said he has heard that LARA’s plan is to have a draft version of the regulations available around June, and have it finished by December, so that it can take affect Dec. 6. Mansfield and Middleville Village Manager Duane Weeks recently received similar infor­ mation, but it has not been officially announced. “I give the advice that you need to opt out before Dec. 6, but you can always opt back in,” Callton said. By drawing up ordinances to opt out, local governments aren’t closing the door to chang­ ing that decision in the future. However, he said, if they do nothing, they could be stuck. For example, if a city, town­ ship or village has taken no action by Jan. 1, 2020, and someone begins building a grow operation or dispensary in that municipality, Callton said they would likely have weak legal standing to stop them. Even if a majority of a municipality’s con­ stituents supported the statewide proposal, local governments are being cautious about opting in to allowing facilities before they know how these businesses can be controlled or regulated. “It’s hard to quantify what we don’t know,” Weeks said. Like Mansfield, Weeks said he has heard a number of different accounts about what those regulations will be, but said he has yet to talk to anyone who truly knows. Callton said his understanding is that the regulations will likely parallel the current medical marijuana regulations. He also said municipalities that choose to opt in will be able to choose how many facilities to allow. But local governments face many other questions about recreational marijuana. During the most recent Nashville Village Council meeting, trustee Gary White asked if the council should look into further regulating how marijuana should be kept secure at resi­ dences. Nashville Police Officer Chris Underhile said one resident has a plant in their yard secured by chicken wire. “Any 2-year-old could get in there,” Underhile said. Even so, the presence of the plant is techni­ cally legal under the new law. Callton, who was at the meeting, said it was the first time he had seen a local government discuss that particular question, but it was likely to become more of an issue as the weather gets warmer. But issues like how residents keep their marijuana locked up, or even odor control, is something these communities may soon have to answer. Callton suggested that government officials talk to legal counsel about how they can reg­ ulate marijuana plants beyond what already is addressed in Proposal One. “This might become a big question very soon,”he said. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, April 4, 2019 — Page 3 BARRY-ROUBAIX, continued from page 1 INTERVIEWS, continued from page 1 2013. In his position, he has collaborated and assisted in all curriculum, instruction and assessment implementation, planned, orga­ nized and wrote grants for all state and feder­ al programs and supervised special education programs in the district. Goebel’s experiences include organizing Michigan’s Integrated Behavior and Learning Initiative, planning collaboratively with the bond steering committee, architects and build­ ing management team and planning and orga­ nizing the district improvement process. He has served as chief compliance officer, executive director for the multi-tiered system of support program, and on the district crisis team. Goebel supervised several student ser­ vices, such as the homeless student liaison, foster care liaison and homebound program. He regularly met with administration and grade-level chairmen using data to drive instructional practices. From 2010-2013, he was the elementary principal at Orchard View in Muskegon, where he led school improvement team activ­ ities, including the school improvement plan­ ning, comprehensive needs assessment and school-wide title planning. He implemented the response to the intervention program and an in-house data warehousing system. Goebel was the high school principal in the Muskegon School District, 2007-2010, where he was responsible for planning all state stan­ dardized testing and leading the steering com­ mittee in the school improvement process. He wrote a successful Michigan Education Association grant proposal for professional development for school staff. From 2001-2007, he was a secondary spe­ cial education teacher with Grandville Public Schools in Kent County and supervised an average caseload of 20 students with disabili­ ties. He was the special education liaison for the high school to the director of the interme­ diate school district. Goebel is certified as school administrator at elementary and secondary levels, and pro­ fessional education at elementary and second­ ary levels to include all subjects, cognitive impairment and emotional impairment. He has a bachelor of science from the social sciences division of Grand Valley State University where he majored in psychology and special education and minored in elemen­ tary education certification for the emotional­ ly and cognitively impaired. Gerard Morin has been director of human resources at the central office of Southgate Community School District in Wayne County since 2016. Morin’s current responsibilities include recruiting and hiring staff, processing griev­ ances and overseeing employee disciplinary and discharge issues, negotiating collective bargaining agreements and overseeing evalu­ ation systems'fbr teachers, administrators and support staff. He has gained central office and administrative level experience in this post. His prior positions include principal at Lafayette Elementary in Lincoln Park, 2012­ 2016, assistant principal at Lincoln Park Middle School, 2004-2016, and assistant prin­ cipal, 2004-2012. He also was assistant prin­ cipal of John Glenn High School in Westland, 2001-2002, and has teaching experience. Morin has a master of science degree from Eastern Michigan University’s College of Business, with a major in human resources and minor in organizational development, master’s of education from Wayne State University’s School of Education, with a major in educational leadership, and a bache­ lor of science from the University of Michigan-Dearborn School of Education, where he majored in mathematics and minored in science studies. He has received a state of Michigan admin­ istrator certificate for central office and ele­ mentary and secondary administration. Morin served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve and honorably discharged in 2002. Daniel Remenap is a high school principal at Allendale Public Schools in Ottawa County where he leads 750 students and a staff of 40. Before his position with the Allendale dis­ trict, he was an English, math and leadership teacher at Grandville High School in Kent County, from 1996 to 2006. While at Grandville, Remenap developed courses based on state benchmarks, devel­ oped leadership curriculum and courses and served on multiple school committees. He also served as assistant high school principal at Spring Lake Public Schools District, Spring Lake, from 2006 to 2009. He was responsible for reducing discipline refer­ rals, professional development activities, assisted administration with budget and staff­ ing and served on the district strategic plan­ ning team. His accreditations include the State of Michigan School Administrator certificate, a specialist degree in educational leadership from Grand Valley State University and a master’s degree in educational leadership and a bachelor of science degree in secondary education. He is currently working on a doc­ torate in educational leadership. Remenap has been associated with the Allendale Public Schools Foundation, Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals and the Grand Valley State University Administrator Advisory Board. Lucas Trierweiler is the high school and alternative school principal and director of special education services with Delton Kellogg schools. He has worked as director of Special Education Services from 2014 to 2017, the curriculum director from 2014 to 2017, the Title IX coordinator from 2014 to 2018 and is presently the 504-compliance officer, a position he took in 2011. His accomplishments at Delton Kellogg include a redesign of the alternative education school, DK Academy, resulting in an enroll­ ment increase from 20 students in 2014 to 77 students in 2016 and a graduation increase from 23 percent to 47 percent. Trierweiler collaborated with teachers to increase aca­ demic offerings at the high school and created a four-year rotation cycle of courses to allow students to pursue classes geared toward their educational development plan, including additions to the Career Technical Education program. Trierweiler’s prior positions include princi­ pal at Kent Education Center High School, 2010 to 2011, special education teacher at the Kalamazoo County Juvenile Home School, 2006 to 2010, and facilitator at the Institute for New Leadership in Kalamazoo, April 2010 to October 2010. He is a United States Army veteran where he was a combat medic. He was honorably discharged in 1999 after four years of service. Trierweiler received his special education director certification at Western Michigan University in 2019, completed the Navigate Leadeilnip program which is a central offite endorsetrient for superintendents through the Michigan Association of Superintendents and Administrators, and attended the Superintendent Preparation Series Academy in 2014 at the Michigan Leadership Institute. Other accreditations include completion of a kindergarten through 12^“grade principal leadership series, a master’s degree in clinical teaching in special education, teacher educa­ tion post-baccalaureate and a bachelor of sci­ ence and biology. ..... Jonathan Whan is the superintendent of Grant Public Schools in Newaygo County. Grant is a rural school area with an annual budget of $17.5 million, 1,830 students and 200 employees. The district has five learning buildings and five support facilities and serves a student population that includes 56 percent who qualify for free and reduced lunch with an at-risk population of more than 70 percent. As superintendent, Whan’s responsibilities and experience include education leader for the district covering curriculum, professional development, assessment and school improve­ ment. He is the chief executive officer for day-to-day operations of the district, human resource director, chief negotiator with teach­ er support and staff unions and district spokes­ man for media needs and communication with the community and parents. He has experience as a grant coordinator for federal, state and local funding and district budgeting. Previously, Whan served as assistant super­ intendent at Bedford Public Schools in Temperance, Monroe County, from 2010 to 2012. He was responsible for instruction, cur­ riculum, professional development, assess­ ment and school improvement and coordinat­ ed and implemented student service pro­ grams, such as special education, home-bound services, homeless liaison and health services. He also served as a high school principal at Godwin Heights in Wyoming County, 2003 to 2010, and as assistant principal at Central Montcalm High School in Stanton, 1998 to 1999. He was a member of a facilities and tech­ nology committee for planning bond proposal campaigns. Additional experience and com­ munity involvement include district represen­ tative at Kent Intermediate School District and county level meetings, member of district school improvement team, district curriculum council and district technology committee, supervision of instruction, curriculum align­ ment, assessments, technology integration and school improvement and development and management of overall budget and opera­ tion of the buildings. Whan’s education and certifications include Michigan Administrative Certificate, superin­ tendent, 2016, through the Michigan Association of School Boards, specialist of arts certificate with emphasis on central office administration, 2003, from the Michigan Administrative Certificate central office, a Michigan Administrative Certificate elemen­ tary-secondary K-12 and a Michigan Professional Education Certificate for sec­ ondary 6-12 math and history. He earned a master of arts in educational administration in 1997 from Central Michigan University with an emphasis on secondary education leadership and a bachelor of sci­ ence in education in 1993 from Central Michigan University. Steve Wilson is superintendent of Constantine Public School District in St. Joseph County where he supervises 30 teach­ ers and educational assistants and oversees development and evaluation of curricular programs and materials. He has been with the district since 2006, as superintendent since 2016 and as assistant superintendent from 2014 to 2016. Before becoming a school administrator, Wilson was the principal of Riverside Elementary in Constantine from 2010 to 2014. The responsibilities in those positions included recommending policy and program decisions to the school board, developing administrative rules and procedures to imple­ ment board policy, and ensuring compliance with appropriate sfate^ and federal constitu­ tional and statutory rules and regulations. His experience includes implementing pol­ icy and procedure changes from the school board and state and federal levels, preparation of school budget and working with the busi­ ness manager in managing budgets and pur­ chases and maintaining current files on legal and financial developments of educational legislative reform. He has led curriculum development and improvements, classroom evaluations, stan­ dardized testing analysis and program man­ agement, evaluation and budgeting. He con­ tinues to work with central office personnel to coordinate grant writing, mandated reports, capital outlay and improvement projects and conducts inspections of the buildings, grounds and equipment. Wilson’s education and credentials include a master’s of educational administration in 2010 from Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, master’s of art in educational curric­ ulum and instruction in 2005 from the University of Saint Mary in Leavenworth, Kansas, and a bachelor of art in secondary education in 1997, with a major in social stud­ ies and minor in physical education and recre­ ation, from Olivet College. Vinnie’s is moving up - literally Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Major renovation and expansion at Vinnie’s Wood Fire Saloon in Hastings got the city planning commission go-ahead Monday. The project includes an addition of a sec­ ond floor, a rooftop dining area and patio and an outdoor kitchen. The site plan for the property at 133 E. State St., submitted by Todd Porritt, a repre­ sentative of the restaurant who was not pres­ ent at the Hastings Planning Commission meeting, was approved by the board. “I think the site plan looks great, and I think it will be great for Hastings,” commission member Jordan Brehm said. “I remember when the restaurant first opened. A lot of peo­ ple went there, but everyone complained it was too packed, too crowded and not enough seating. “This will answer that.” As part of the project, a new second floor space will provide more dining area with additional seating on a rooftop patio that will be available for use seasonally. The first floor will have a dining area and the addition of an enclosed outdoor kitchen with a wood stove. An elevator will be installed on the main level for access to the second story and the roof. During discussion about the project, with the addition of the outdoor cooking area and the elevator that will expand the first floor at the back of the structure, the footprint of the building was questioned. Commission member Tom Maurer, who ran the meeting in Chairman Dave Hatfield’s absence, asked if the addition would encroach on the alley behind the building and if the building would meet setback requirements. “It’s a public alley so he would have to remain in the confines of his property line,” City Manager Jeff Mansfield, who also is planning commission secretary, said. City Planning Consultant Rebecca Harvey said that, according to the current ordinance, the property is in a district that allows a set­ back of zero to no more than 20 feet. “Can’t we table this, and he can come here and explain all of this? I’m not comfortable with all of these unknowns,” commissioner member Lois Bowers said. “If he really wants this to go ahead, I would think he would come.” Deputy City Manager Jerry Czarnecki, who serves on the planning commission, said that, in the area on East State Street where the Walldorff Brewpub and Bistro stands, along with several other businesses, the buildings go right to the property lines. Also, there are many structures downtown that do not con­ form to current ordinances for those areas, he said. Also discussed was the existence of a retaining wall separating the property from the alley that the addition will not be permit­ ted to cross. Adding to some confusion was a lack of boundary lines on the site plan. Brehm made a motion to approve the site plan, subject to compliance with the setback and design standards outlined in the down­ town facade ordinance. Commission member John Resseguie seconded the motion. The action was approved all planning com­ mission members who were present: Mayor Dave Tossava, Chejsey Foster, Bowers, Maurer, Czarnecki, Brehm and Resseguie voting for it. Commissioner member Jacquie McLean and Hatfield were absent. Vinnie’s Wood Fire Saloon opened in Hastings in 2012. The restaurant is known locally for its wood-fired food menu that includes specialty pizza. BARRY-ROUBAIX APRIL 13th 2019 I HASTINGS, MICHIGAN GREENWARE* SMITH FOX SUBARU 45N Hot off J-Ad Graphics’ presses today: The essential guide to the Barry-Roubaix ii£ available at Hastings downtown merchants. istration for 3,500 riders sold out March 8. That’s the largest number of participants the race has had thus far. Race organizers established a transfer group to connect interested racers with cur­ rent registrants who were looking to transfer their registration so latecomers might have some hope of participating. Meanwhile, weeks before the race, weather permitting, cyclists have been checking out the race routes. A “course recon” group ride of the 22-mile and 36-mile courses is planned to start at noon Sunday from the Hastings Ace Hardware parking lot at 200 S. Boltwood. The day of the race, events will start early at Church and Center streets in downtown Hastings. The race is run in waves, with tentative start times of 7 a.m. for the 100-mile panaracer “Psycho Killer,” 10 for the first wave of the 62-mile Sram “Killer,” 10:08 for the first wave of the 36-mile Smith Optics “Thriller,” and 10:34 a.m. for the first wave of the 22-mile Lauf “Chiller.” Rick Plite of Grand Rapids started the race in 2009 in the Long Lake area of Yankee Springs Township. An avid bike racer, Plite said he got the idea for the race after riding in the area with friends. He saw the hills of Barry County as a great track for a challenge. The first race drew 278 participants and swiftly grew to the point that, now, registration fills up almost as soon as it opens up. Plite attributed much of the growth in the race to the growth in gravel racing in general. Barry-Roubaix was the first gravel race in Michigan. Scott TenCate, race co-director, joined Plite in 2013. This is the sixth year the event has taken place in Hastings. “I tell you what we really love is the city of Hastings,” TenCate said. “The first year, there was some skepticism. But they saw the level of execution and what it did for the city and, since then, it has been remarkable. “We love the passion of the city and to see the residents embrace this event.” According to event organizers’ rough esti­ mates, the Barry-Roubaix generates an eco­ nomic impact of about $750,000 for the com­ munity. That’s according to a 2017 study they did based on numbers of participants, how far they traveled to get to Hastings, how long they stayed and what activities they were involved in during their stays, he said. This year, the race could have grown to 4,000 participants, TenCate said, but their ’ goal is to manage the growth carefully to* ensure the safety of riders and the community as well as a positive sponsorship experience. “We want to continue to manage it well and grow it at a reasonable pace,” he said. The trend toward gravel road cycling con­ tinues to grow across the county, he added. “It doesn’t look like it’s slowing down.” The Barry-Roubaix does not attract many professional cyclists because^ it’s not a sanc­ tioned event, he noted, but it does attract a lot of people who love cycling. Gravel racing can accommodate multiple different kinds of bikes, and can give a road-racing type of experience, but with less traffic and better scenery. The Barry-Roubaix features hills like “Long Tall Sally,” “Deep Lake Climb,” “Cowpie Hill,” “Dastardly Drake,” and “The Schnoz.” Combined elevations range from 1,200 feet for the 22-mile route, 2,200 feet for the 36-mile route, to 3,800 feet for the 62-mile course, to about 5,700 feet for the 100-mile route. For Hurless, who grew up in Hastings, loves the history and knows the terrain, to participate in the Barry-Roubaix has special, meaning. His father worked for the county for 39 years so a cycling trip through the highways and byways of Barry County will bring back memories, he said. “I’m kind of excited and kind of nervous,” Hurless admitted. A 34-year employee of J-Ad Graphics in Hastings, he has been getting a lot of encour­ agement and some good-natured kidding from co-workers about signing up for the 100-mile so-called “Psycho Killer” ride, but he’s ada­ mant. “I’m only doing the 22 miles,” he said. �Page 4 — Thursday, April 4, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Tn My Opinion Did you If only fish could fly Where’s the joy in reading? NTIM, but Pm feeling OTL when it comes to, OMG, understanding text message lan­ guage. IMO, it makes me feel like it's a CWOT to try to be text-literate. Kids tell me it's as E123, but EM? KMN! It's TMIfor me RN. It might not be 2F4U but, AFAIK, I'm too old to learn* Sometimes, an overzealous cast can propel fishing tackle way beyond the fishing hole. Here, it went into the trees above the boat ramp at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Clear Lake boat access site. Then it’s best to cut bait - literally. And, in this case, the early bird must’ve got the worm. (Sorry, we couldn’t resist.) We're dedicating this space to a photograph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news @j-adgraphics .com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Did you remember? Stellar record Banner April 6,1961 Outstanding Citizen - Barry County has many outstanding citizens and civic leaders, but none more loyal than Harvey Allerding, who was photo­ graphed at Carlton Center Monday cast­ ing his ballot. Harvey has voted in every election in Carlton Township for the past half-century and has never lost a vote nor has he ever missed a Republican township caucus. Harvey, the son of Mr. and Mrs. George [Cora] Allerding, was born on his parents’ farm Feb. 22,1890. He now owns that farm and has lived in Carlton all 71 years of his active life. He has been chairman of Carlion election boards for the past five elections. In the photo with him are Mrs. Ray [Violet] Smith (center) and Mrs. Frank [Joyce] Weinbrecht, who worked on the board. (Photo by Barth) Have you met? Pat Powers is a quiet but powerful influ­ ence in the village of Nashville. He has been a resident of Nashville all of his life and is proud of it. He was bom to Jim and Elaine Powers, who at one time owned the Citgo/ Shell station in Nashville. His father later owned a mechanic shop on Main Street across from the Marathon station. Pat Powers graduated from Maple Valley High School in 1977 and attended Kellogg Community College for automotive repair certification. He worked for his father for the next 16 years and then was asked to consider becoming a bus mechanic for the Maple Valley School District in 1989. Powers has since worked for the schools for 30 years and now holds the position of man­ ager of transportation and director of opera­ tions. He oversees the safe transport of all Maple Valley students every day, wherever they may travel. He oversees a staff of bus drivers, mechanics and office staff and each day determines if the buses are in good shape and the roads are safe for drivers and passengers to travel on. He addresses every parent, student, driver and teacher concern in able to keep all students at their safest. “Every day is a problem-solving situa­ tion,” he said. “It’s a challenge each day.” Powers has also been a volunteer fire­ fighter in the community firehouse for 40 years. “I joined in 1979 when I was only 20 years old,” Powers said. “They were short on members, and I was in town during the day, so I volunteered when they asked me if I was interested.” He has held all officer positions from chief on down. “Now I am just a firefighter ... with seniority,” he said with a laugh. Powers has been married to his wife, Linda, for 13 years, whom he met at the bus station when she was a driver. “Just to be clear,” he said, “we didn’t date lounge and restrooms and filled the pop and cigarette machines. Favorite vacation destination: My favorite is always the next vacation. What I’d tell a high school graduate: Pat Powers until after she resigned.” The two love to travel and ride their Harleys. They often can be found laughing at life. Powers has two grown children, Tom and Melinda, from his first marriage and three step-children, Tommy, Lindsay and Ryan. Powers takes his roles in the community seriously and is held in high regard by many in the area. As his father before him, Powers is respected and appreciated by those who know him personally and those who don’t. For his leadership and dedication to his community, Pat Powers is a Banner Bright Light. Best advice ever received: Well, I take all advice I get and apply it to my life. If it works, it works. If it doesn’t, I don’t do it again. I guess my motto in life is don’t ever be afraid to try something. First job: I worked for my dad in the shop at 14 years old. I cleaned the office, You are always learning. Even when you’re 60, you are still learning. Never stop taking opportunities to learn. Best gift I ever received: Grandbabies. Favorite dinner: Any dinner with my extended family. My biggest challenge: Growing old. Persons I most admire: My father and my mother, because they taught me so much and made me who I am today. The greatest president; I think Franklin Delano Roosevelt was a great president because he led during a really overwhelm­ ing era. When I grow up, I want to be: Retired, so I can enjoy life more fully. I’m most proud of: All the veterans I know that have given their all for the coun­ try. My son is a veteran, my father was a veteran and I am very proud of them and many more. Favorite childhood memory: Playing ball games with all my neighborhood friends. Hobbies: Riding motorcycles and build­ ing things - cars, houses.^projects. Greatest thing about Barry County: All the fire departments that work together. We have an association that meets to help make each other the best we can be. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. said. “How do you know the joy of reading if you can’t read?” That’s a conundrum with which the state in its dust-storm drive to boost reading scores had better grapple as the pressure intensifies on more than half of our third graders who can’t meet expectations. Even if the third grade reading mandate is suc­ I’m understanding how more than half of cessful, what will we have accomplished if Michigan’s third graders must feel as they we educate a generation not interested in face the prospect of going back to school reading because there’s no joy in it? next year in the same grade because they Gary Schmidt doesn’t seem that worried. haven’t mastered the art of reading at grade He’s been bringing the joy of reading to level. As frustrating as it is for me to under­ school-age kids - and an exploding number stand the younger generation’s text messag­ of adult readers I since he won the 2004 ing language, the pressure on a third-grader Newbery Award for his young adult novel, when the retention requirement of the state’s Lizzie Bright and the Buckminster Boy. 2016 reading mandate kicks in this fall gives “I didn’t learn to read until I was in the me chill bumps - and I’m not the one who’s fourth grade,” said Schmidt who’s been a going to be held back with a bunch of professor of English at Calvin College incoming second graders while the rest of where, since 1985, he’s been teaching - and my class moves on to fourth grade. demonstrating - how to bring the joy of DGMW (sorry, that’s short for “don’t get reading to others. me wrong”), I consider the 2016 “read-orSchmidt didn’t get a good reading start at flunk” mandate a noble effort to improve the his elementary school on Long Island unfortunate and embarrassing position of the because he was placed in the lowest track of most advanced society in the world ranking a “Smart, Average, Stupid” assessment sys­ seventh in the world in its ability to read. My tem where reading skills were not empha­ concerns, though, go deeper and far beyond sized among students not judged to have the politics and the funding that will be “successful” characteristics. So, Schmidt needed to pull off this latest education estab­ can relate to what half of Michigan’s lishment elixir. I’m more worried that, as the third-graders will be feeling next year when opening text message-influenced paragraph they return to the same grade. above suggests, reading itself may be dying. Schmidt’s rescue came in the interest of Who needs reading today? People com­ one of the “Smart track” teachers, Miss municate just as well, maybe even better Kabakoff, who took in him. She not only than, the world ever did. Conversations are taught Schmidt how to read, but she demon­ immediate, information is instantly avail­ strated a love for reading that kindled a able, and advice to solve most any problem lifelong passion. comes in words, sounds and video over an “It’s possible to create the conditions internet source that can fit into a back pock­ under which the joy of reading can occur,” et. Schmidt attested. “If a book doesn’t create “It’s definitely complicated things,” Jim joy, you’ve got to start minimally. Different Atkinson, president of the Barry County books interest kids in different ways. A Literacy Council, told me. “I suppose, if all teacher needs to know what book will work your journals and instruction manuals were for what kid. Obviously, you’re not going to written in this way (text message-speak), give a book about hatchets to a kid with an maybe we’d be all right.” anxiety disorder.” The statistics, though, still alarm him. But books still form the bedrock of National numbers indicate that 20 percent of Schmidt’s reading philosophy, and he’s con­ Barry County residents are functionally illit­ vinced that social media and the language of erate, and 58 percent of third graders cannot text does not even enter into the drive of read at grade level. Research shows that, if young people for a good story. the deficit isn’t addressed at the third grade “When I speak to students, they’re filled level, most students never will reach grade with questions, they’re eager to ask you level reading. At his Barry County Literacy stuff,” Schmidt said. “I never use any tech­ Council; office, Atkinson Typically sees, nology in rpy presentatjQp^Jfft^^re ppd adults who’ve reached their frustration limit, tell stories - and they’re riveted ” and he’s not happy about how the situation That’s proven by the volume of mail has occurred. Schmidt receives, letters and notes to which “I ask them, ‘How did this happen?’ and he faithfully responds. One touching missive they usually tell me their parents took them came this week from a student at an alterna­ to school and told the people there they tive high school who wrote after reading couldn’t read,” Atkinson said. “The school Orbiting Jupiter that, “I gotta say that I don’t typically said, ‘Just keep them coming to hate reading, but it’s not too hard to find a school and we’ll see they get their high book you dislike. This is not the case for school diploma.’” your book.” What they usually get is a Certificate of Schmidt’s book was just the reading moti­ Completion, indicating they showed up vator that student needed, likely suggested every day, which is good for future employ­ by a teacher. It’s the method that may be the ers mostly concerned about hiring a depend­ most effective in addressing our literacy able employee. It carries no endorsement crisis. that the student can read. “We need to model the joy of reading,” “The Certificate of Completion is basical­ said Schmidt, who remembers well his ly a school district’s thank-you to the student teachers reading to their class. “Do you for showing up every day and for allowing think teachers will take 20 minutes to read to the school district to collect their foundation their class when they have to teach to a test grant funding,” a frustrated Atkinson said. because their salaries may be based on class That’s why he thinks this fall’s retention test results?” requirement is a great start since it comes Maybe we need to listen to the children. with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s No wiser words may have been spoken than intent to triple the number of literacy coach­ those of a young girl who was asked this es in the schools. past Martin Luther King Jr. Day what advice “A literacy coach will be right there when she might have received from the great civil a problem is detected,” Atkinson said. “The rights leader had she known him. coach can then point out to the parent where “He would tell me to get off Facebook the problem is, can send a book home with and get my face in a book,” she said with a the student, and can ask the parent to work smile. with the child on the problem.” I hope we’re all listening. FC Well and good, in theory. Atkinson con­ cedes that the process of teaching a student Doug VanderLaan, - even the adult student who shows up at the Guest Columnist county literacy office - involves an intensive *NTIM = Not that it matters; OTL = Out remediation process. What may not come with that effort is my greater concern: how to lunch; OMG - Oh, my God; IMO = In my to teach the joy of reading. How many folks opinion; CWOT = Complete waste of time; today pick up a book for the pure joy of E123 = Easy as one, two, three; EM = reading - especially those operating from a Excuse me; KMN = Kill me now; TMI = Too much information; RN = Right now; 2F4U deficit who now look at reading as a chore? = Too fast for you; AFAIK = As far as I “I don’t have an answer,” Atkinson know; FC = Fingers crossed. What do you think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by access­ ing our website, www.HastingsBanner. com. Results will be tabulated and report­ ed along with a new question the follow­ ing week. Last week: A New York county has temporarily banned unyaccinated children from pub­ lic places to try to prevent the spread of measles. Do you think this is a good idea? Yes 89% No 11% For this week: If the 2020 census includes a ques­ tion about citizenship, it will be the first time since 1950 that all U.S. households have been asked a citi­ zenship question. Those who oppose it say it goes against the constitution­ al requirement to count each person, citizen or noncitizen. The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to decide this month. Do you think the citizen­ ship question should be included? □ Yes □ No �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, April 4, 2019 — Page 5 EPA isn’t listening to the people To the editor: Let the school board do its job To the editor: Picking a new Hastings school superinten­ dent is an important task. Most citizens do not have the skills required to make such a deci­ sion. That is why we elect a school board. They should consider public opinion during the selection process. However, any decision-making body becomes increasingly ineffective as direct participation increases. That is the point of electing representatives. Let them do their job. It is humorous to scold the school board for employing a superintendent search firm. That is how executives in every profession are hired. Just because the “ask around” method worked for the last search should not suggest that it is a real strategy. HASS is a very nice small district. It is most likely not the type of superintendent position the majority of school system admin­ istrators aspire to. Hastings has a decidedly mixed track record in community support of education. It is a similar position to the coach of a low mid-major college athletics program with lackluster donor support. Candidates will most likely be those on the rise who want to continue to rise, maybe a late bloomer, or the steady but unspectacular. Every so often, someone will break those molds due to family ties or a unique personal­ ity and be excellent for many years. We should hope for that to happen again, but the available candidate pool is beyond the control of the school board. By all accounts, Carl Schoessel was a great superintendent and is a terrific person. He retired. Barry Sanders didn’t come back to the Lions, and unless Mr. Schoessel tells us all otherwise, he isn’t coming back either. We should come to grips with that and stop the editorial insinuations otherwise. Jeremy Boge, Hastings The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. 1 — 1—--- -------------- ■ ■ I read about a new injection well in Barry County. How can they say it’s a safer way to dispose of the brine? How do they know what will happen years from now? It is said no significant environmental impact should result from the proposed injection. It doesn’t say for sure, it says “should.” That sounds iffy to me. I didn’t know about the meetings, but I guess my opinion wouldn’t have mattered because all the others didn’t either. It sounds like the EPA is going to allow these operations to police themselves. I don’t think the EPA operates in our best interests. When they put the sewer in by Osborne Road, I wrote to them and went to the meet­ ings before it went in. There was news about how important wetlands are, and should be protected, but they put this sewer in right by them. They don’t listen to the people. I’m 82, so it may not affect me in years to come, but their opinions could affect my grandchildren to come. I hope we’re not pay­ ing them a lot, because I don’t feel that they are acting in our best interests. Big business wins again. ? Know Your Legislators: Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov Zelma Armintrout, Delton Recognize a con man by the actions, not the claims To the editor: Thursday night at a rally in Grand Rapids, President Trump said, “I support the Great Lakes. Always have. They are beautiful. They are big, very deep. Record deepness, right? And I am going to get, in honor of my friends, full funding of $300 million for the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, which you have been trying to get for over 30 years. So, we will get it done.” As I longtime environmental activist, I find this particular lie especially offensive. Mr. Trump has not always supported the Great Lakes. All three of the budgets he submitted to Congress, including the most recent one, had cuts of fundings the GLRI of 90 per­ cent. For three years, he has proposed reduc­ ing the appropriation for the Great Lakes from $300 million to $30 million. It was only through the concerted efforts of most of the representatives and all of the senators from the Great Lakes states, that full funding has been restored each time. So, when he comes to Michigan and claims that now he will “get it done” after 30 years, he is only making a campaign promise that he will reverse the very cut that he proposed. We should recognize the con man for what he is. Dowling Public Library gets a new metal roof Dowling’s historic public library at 1765 E. Dowling Road got a new metal roof last week, thanks to the Amish workers at Alternative Roofing Solutions. The crew started the work on Monday, March 25, and finished up Saturday, March 30. The company based in Nashville specializes in metal roofs. The cost for the new roof, about $19,000, was covered by the library millage. The library purchased this building, the former Dowling United Methodist Church, in 1989 and had to make a lot of alterations before moving in. The previous roof was in place for more than 25 years. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Planning commission adapts to digital distribution Dr. Kenneth M. Komheiser, Plainwell 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855­ 347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ '2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room ■720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ '9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress •and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. The Hastings BSUIUCT Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM • (Editor) (Copy Editor) Rebecca Pierce Kathy Maurer Brett Bremer Tanett Hodge Bonnie Mattson Taylor Owens Joan Van Houten • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 KBS sustaining Kellogg’s vision In celebration of Will Keith Kellogg’s birthday, both the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary and W.K. Kellogg Manor House are offering free admission Sunday, April 7, during their Sustaining the Vision open houses. From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., the bird sanctu­ ary will be open free of charge for visitors to explore the trails around Wintergreen Lake. During the same hours, the Manor House will be offering free tours of W.K. Kellogg’s historic former summer home with docents portraying W.K. Kellogg and his wife, Dr. Carrie Staines Kellogg. Guests will be treated with cake to celebrate Kellogg’s birthday, and a scavenger hunt is planned for kids to enjoy. The bird sanctuary is at 12685 E. C Ave., Augusta. More information about the sanc­ tuary can be found at birdsanctuary.kbs. msu.edu. Questions may also be sent to birdsanctuary@kbs.msu.edu, or by calling 269-671-2510. The Manor House is at 3700 E. Gull Lake Drive, Hickory Comers. More infor­ mation about the manor house can be found by visiting conference.kbs.msu.edu, email­ ing conference@kbs.msu.edu or calling 269-671-2400. Petra Foster gets to see how it feeis for her dad Chelsey, a member of Hastings Planning Commission, when he takes his place on the commission. Mayor Dave Tossava extended the invitation for Petra to sit in an empty seat beside him. When the meeting began, she took a seat at the reporters’ table. Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Hastings Planning Commission moved quickly through a light April 1 meeting agen­ da. The city has switched from paper to digital distribution of agenda packets to commission members, and adjusting to the use of internet technology has caused some trouble. A few of the members had problems with omitted pages or downloading the digital file only to have several pages show up blank. “I didn’t get anything at all,” commission member Lois Bowers remarked, saying it might be due to the older browser on her home computer. City Manager Jeff Mansfield said the agen­ da and agenda packet is posted on the city website and is accessible to planning commis­ sion members and the general public. Previously, the city had printed and deliv­ ered a full agenda packet to each board mem­ ber or had them available before the meeting. Chairman Dave Hatfield had asked that the Planning Commission consider different options to how they have been distributing information related to the meetings. He said a change was needed to allow additional time for staff review and to better accommodate applicants. “We waste time and money to have packets printed when maybe two or three are actually needed,” Jerry Czarnecki, deputy city manag­ er, said. Mansfield said the cost was more than $5 per packet to produce and deliver. There will need to be some “tweaking” to the new digital delivery system, but the change will reduce the cost of meetings. Staff and planning commission members will receive an email with a link to the web­ site page where the agenda and packet can be viewed online or downloaded. The informa­ tion will be posted on the Friday before a Monday meeting. . In other actions, a document with updates' on projects approved by the planning com­ mission was reviewed. The projects are: Construction of an office building by Advantage Plumbing, creating an outside play area by Community Action, townhouse construction by Ravenna Holdings, LLC, and construction of a new surgical cen­ ter by Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital. The current projects were approved in; February. A new project site plan for Vinnie’s; Wood Fire Saloon received approval Monday. Rebecca Harvey, city planning consultant,gave an update on the progress in part two of the city’s five-year master plan. Steering com­ mittees are developing action plans for improving availability of housing in the city. She said a draft of the housing action plan will be available sometime later this month. �Page 6 — Thursday, April 4, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together Orangeville Township proceeds with bubbler ordinance ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, \ no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church.” Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. ' Give us the pleasure of meeting you! GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH | j | 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingsopeumc. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Thursday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269<145.9574. Email: office. greenstreetumc@ gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor; Ryan Rose, Family Life Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kinderg arten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www. firstchurchhastings. org. 9 a.m. Traditional Service; 10:30 a.m. Contem­ porary service. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945­ 9217. cbchastings.org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www. hasdug^reemethodist Pastor Brian Teed, Associate Pastor Andy Baird and Stu­ dent Ministry Director, Emma Miller. Sundays: Nursery and tidier (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAMILY HOUR - WELCOME! ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Preschool age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Stan­ dard and Adult Elective class­ es. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church age 4-4th grade dismissed during service. Aftermath Student Ministry - 6:30 p.m., 7th-12th grades & Semester Growth Gro||s.. Wednesday: Wom­ en's Bible Study 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday: Adult Bible Study 10 a.m. Easter: April 18th Thursday Brunch 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 20th, Community Wide Egg Hunt 10 a.m. Rain or Shine. Sun­ day, April 21st Easter Break­ fast, 9:15-10:15 a.m. and Worship at 10:30 a.m. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God’s Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! April 7 - Worship services at 8 and 10:45 a.m.; New member Class 9:30 a.m. April 8 - Outreach 4:30 p.m. April 9 - Women of Faith 1:30 p.m. (Mallard Pond); Brothers of Grace 7 p.m. April 10 - Wednesday Lenten Supper 6 p.m. Worship Service 7 p.m. Thursday, April 11 - Choir 6:45 p.m. Pastor Ken S check II. pastorken@grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www.grace-hastings. org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses' _ Mb ® 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 102 Cook Hastings 945-4700 The crowd at the Orangeville Township meeting listens carefully to the reading of the proposed bubbler ordinance. Tanett Hodge Staff Writer Tuesday night’s Orangeville Township board meeting was packed with more than 40 people in attendance as the board gave the second reading of the proposed bubbler ordi­ nance to regulate the use of bubblers on Gun Lake in the township. “We have made two adjustments from the first reading,” Supervisor Tom Rook, said. “We’ve rewritten the verbiage to include not just bubblers, but anything that causes open water.” Rook warned the audience that this was not going to be a five-hour-long meeting, and there would be no arguing. He said he would read the ordinance and then take questions and comments from the group afterward. “We are here to get something done posi­ tively for the safety of the residents of the lake,” he said. “It is the board’s intention to vote to proceed on this this evening or to get additional clarification, if needed.” Rook read through the ordinance as the crowd listened. The ordinance stated that its purpose was to provide safety to residents and users of the lake during the winter when ice is present. It is also to protect the natural resources and habitats of the lake, maintain navigability of winter activities and prevent and avoid impairment of property values. Residential bubblers, according to the ordi­ nance, will no longer be allowed in the town­ ship. No grandfathered bubblers may remain. Licensed commercial marinas (three boat slips or more) that lawfully existed as of Feb. 1 may have bubblers or turbines along present docks or piers only T th y -follow specified regulations listed in the ordinance. The ordinance! states that the, tparina owner must apply for and receive a bubbler permit from the township zoning administrator, ensuring all standards, laws and requirements are met. The mechanism may not cause any open water or weakened ice any farther than 10 feet from the dock, pier, boat or other structure protected by the bubbler. The owner of the marina must place signs along the ice within 10 feet of open water or weakened ice. Size and placement of such signs are listed in the ordinance. The owner must also keep in effect, at all times, liability insurance in the amount of at least $2 million, should anyone drown or be injured due to the open or weakened ice due to the bubbler. The owner of the marina also must keep,, within 100 feet of the item, a buoyant life preserver, a lightweight ladder at least 10 feet in length and a 20 feet long light metal pole. The ordinance also addressed riparian rights of the neighboring properties within 500 feet of a marina using a bubbler. It states that a bubbler may not cause significant, neg­ ative impact upon the area of Gun Lake, including the natural environment. Audience comments included questions about how the township planned to enforce the ordinance, concerns about whether offend­ ers would be fined and what kind of follow-up would take place. Board members remained confident and reassured attendees that infractions would be taken seriously. Comments were expressed about the under­ standing of where riparian lines are. It was recommended to stipulate what a survey would have to show to be able to adhere to the ordinance. Rook said he would contact the township’s lawyer regarding how the riparian lines are drawn and how far out they go. Another resident asked if the village would consider raising the fine to $500 a day. Trustee Bob Perino said he would rather get an opinion from the attorney before making a motion on that subject. Other questions involved the violation pro­ cess and how it worked. The board responded that if any expectations of the ordinance are not met, a marina owner would be fined $100 for each first violation. Subsequent violations would be $200 for each offense each day. Township clerk Mel Risner clarified that each day during which any violation contin­ ues shall be deemed a separate offense. The public asked how they would contact the township in regard to a violation of the ordinance. “First of all,” Rook said, “I’ve got know about it.” “Do we have to address it at a meeting like this,” an audience member asked, “or.can we just call the [township office]?*’ Rook instructed the residents to call one of the board members if they saw a violation, and they would take the next step. The next step would be to notify the marina owner and give the owner 15 days to cease action causing the violation, or the permit would be revoked. A public hearing would be scheduled 15 days from that point. If infrac­ tions are not corrected, the marina’s bubbler permit may be revoked. The public-comment portion of the meet­ ing ended with the board making a motion to proceed with the ordinance as presented and wait to hear if Jim McManus, Barry County Planning and Zoning administrator, approves. The board will ask the township attorney his advice about raising the violation fees, but would like to get the ordinance in place as soon as possible, no matter what the fee. The crowd clapped and thanked the board for its work on the ordinance. “I am very appreciative of the seriousness that you guys have taken and the work you all have done on this,” Larry Knowles of the Gun Lake Area Sewer and Water Authority said before leaving. $25 million awarded to schools to improve safety The Michigan State Police announced that 135 public school districts, 66 non-public schools, 20 public charter schools and nine intermediate school districts I regional educa­ tional service agencies will receive $25 mil­ lion in state grants from the 2019 Competitive School Safety Grant Program to improve the safety and security of students, staff and school buildings through the purchase of tech­ nology and equipment. Local schools receiving grants with no matching funds required include St. Rose Catholic School in Hastings, $6,935; Thomapple Kellogg in Middleville, $135,045; Lakewood Public Schools, $126,442; Martin Public Schools, $15,473; and Plainwell Public Schools, $62,406. “Safety for our children should always be a top priority,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. “Every parent should have the peace of mind that their children are receiving an education that allows them to achieve their dreams under the safest possible conditions.” Grant applications were reviewed by a committee that included representatives from the MSP, Michigan Association of Chiefs of Police, Michigan Sheriffs’ Association, Michigan Department of Education, Michigan Association of Non-Public Schools and other school safety professionals. In total, 366 applications were received, requesting over $46 million in funding for security enhancements. Per the appropriation, priority was given to applicants who had not received school safety grant funds in the past. A complete list of award recipients is avail­ able at michigan.gov/cjgrants. Grant recipi­ ents will have until June 1, 2020, to spend their awards. Lyle Edward Holley passed away Friday morning, March 29, 2019. He went from the embrace of his loving family and into the em­ brace of his Savior, Jesus Christ, and those who love him and went on before him. Lyle was bom on January 7, 1924 in Mid­ dleville, the son of William Edward and Glad­ ys Vera Ellsworth. He was a 1942 graduate of Kellogg High School. Lyle proudly served with the U.S. Army in WWII at the rank of sergeant. He also served in the Air Force Reserves in 1952, retiring in 1976 as senior master sergeant. He was employed by Oli­ ver Corporation in Battle Creek and worked at Michigan Air National Guard as a Jet En­ gine Technician. Lyle and his wife Leota also owned Cereal City Tom’s Vending Machine Business from 1973-1983. On January 29, 1944, he married his high school sweetheart, Leota Bassett, and was blessed with 50 years of marriage. Lyle was a member of the Misfits Car Club and attended Hickory Corners Bible Church. He enjoyed spending time with his family, antique car shows, reading and Big Band music. Lyle wintered at Lazy Days Retirement Village in N. Fort Myers, FL. Lyle was preceded in death by his wife, Le­ ota, parents William Edward and Gladys Vera Holley; brothers and sisters, Francis Eugene Holley, Pauline (Polly) Britton Rivers, Wil­ liam Ellsworth Holley, Robert Harold Holley, and daughters-in-law, Brenda (Finney) Hol­ ley, and Kathleen (Barnard) Holley. He is survived by his children, Barry (Ju­ lie) Holley ofAugusta, Ronald (Mary) Holley of Hastings, Craig (Myrna) Holley of Bellev­ ue, Christopher (JoAnn) Holley of Poway, CA; grandchildren, Reka Holley, Ronald Holley II, Renee (Dan) Gresly, Ryan (Kait­ lyn) Holley, Regan Holley, Riston Holley, Ashleigh (Jake) Braman, Michael Holley, Jeffrey (Megan) Holley, Matthew Holley, Brent (Tina) Johnson, Scott Johnson, Jeff * Johnson, Emily Zudwig, Adrian Zudwig; 13 great-grandchildren; loving companion Pa­ tricia Horsman; Mike Horsman, and Susan (Stanley) Richards. Memorial contributions may be made in Lyle’s memory to the Hastings City Band c/o Thomapple Arts Council, 231 S Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 or by visiting https:// thomapplearts.org/donate/. Funeral services were held Monday, April 1, 2019 at Hickory Comers Bible Church, 13720 Kellogg School Rd, Hickory Comers, MI, with Rev. Jeff Worden officiating. Interment at Riverside Cemetery. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home, Hastings. To leave an online condolence, vis­ it www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. Jacklyn Tressa Main Fiberglass Products Aimnmiiroimf AMKSMM 770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541 Call anv time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 Jacklyn “Jacki” Tressa Main, of Hastings, died on April 3, 2019 in Grand Rapids. Services will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Hastings Free Methodist Church 2635 M-43, Hastings, MI 49058 with visitation one hour prior. To leave online condolences visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. Services by Girrbach Funeral Home. �The Hastings Banner —- Thursday, April 4, 2019 —- Page 7 SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Many services available online Vonda VanTil Social Security Public Affairs Specialist For generations, Social Security has been evolving to meet changing needs. We cele­ brate National Social Security Month in April by letting you know what you can do online with a My Social Security account. Replacing a lost or stolen Social Security number card has never been easier. You may request a replacement SSN card online in most states. There’s no need to sit in traffic or visit a local office or Card Center. As long as you’re only requesting a replacement card, and no other changes, you may use our free online service from anywhere. All you need to do is log in to or create a My Social Security account at socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. You also can get a copy of your Social Security 1099 (SSA-1099) or Benefit Statement, which is a tax form Social Security mails each year in January. It shows the total amount of benefits you received from Social Security in the previous year so you know how much Social Security income to report to the IRS on your tax return. If you live in the United States and you need a copy of your SSA-1099 or 1042S, simply go online and get an instant, printable replacement form with a My Social Security account at socialsecurity, gov/my account. Another important thing you can do is check the status of your Social Security bene­ fit application or claim. This feature can be accessed anywhere you can log in to your My Social Security account. Knowing the status of your pending claim is important for a num­ ber of reasons, and now you can get the up-todate status when you want it. Replacing documents and checking status can be time-consuming, but Social Security has made it as easy as possible. Share what you can do online with friends and family with a My Social Security account at socialse- curity.gov. If you already receive Social Security ben­ efits (retirement, survivors or disability) and you have a bank account, you can start or update your direct-deposit information online by using the My Profile Tab in your personal My Social Security account. In most cases, you are required to receive federal benefits electronically, so when you choose direct deposit, we will electronically deposit your funds directly into a bank account. If you receive Social Security benefits or are enrolled in Medicare and getting ready to move, you can easily change your address online in your personal My Social Security account. Finally, if you need a benefit verification letter - often called a budget letter, a benefits letter, a proof of income letter or a proof of award letter - you can instantly access this letter online in your personal My Social Security account. If you do not already have an account, the first thing you need to do is create one at Social Security.gov/myaccount. Securing your identity and personal information is important to us. We protect your information by using strict identity verification and securi­ ty features. The application process has builtin features to detect fraud and confirm your identity. Replacing documents and checking status can be time-consuming, but Social Security has made it as easy as possible. Share what you can do online with friends and family with a My Social Security account at socialsecurity.gov. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525, or via email to vonda .vantil@ssa .gov. Phyllis Olmstead to celebrate 90th birthday Phyllis Olmstead, of Hastings (formerly of Lake Odessa), will be celebrating her 90th birthday. She was bom April 9,1929. Her family would like to invite friends and family to help her celebrate on Sunday, April 7, from 2 to 4 p.m. at Pleasant Valley United Brethren Church, M-50, Lake Odessa. Bob Frey to celebrate 99th birthday We would like to invite family and friends to join Bob Frey as he celebrates his 99th brithday April 11th at 2 p.m. at Hastings Rehab (formerly MagnumCare), 240 E. North Street in Hastings. A card would be appreciated if you cannot attend. jfewbom babies DeAnna Lorraine Rice, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on February 18, 2019 to Stacey Rice and Cory Rice of Woodland. Micala Therese Torres and Ethan Matthew Torres of Hastings. Jordyn Leigh Jenkins, bom at Spectrum Evan John Miller, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on March 7, 2019 to Savannah Miller of Hastings. ***** Aerika Marie Soya, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on March 7,2019 to Katlynn Marie Soya and Daniel Michael Soya of Nashville. Health Pennock on February 22, 2019 to Angela Lester and James Jenkins of Hastings. Hayden Luka Booms, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on March 11, 2019 to Melanie S. Booms and Jeffrey A. Booms of Hastings. Waters, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on March 13, 2019 to Sabrina Garrett and Russell Waters of Delton. Kyler John Julian Emmanuel Torres, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on February 21, 2019 to 114706 - NOTICE State News Roundup Dean William McNutt, Hastings and Bonnie Ellen Mutschler, Middleville Linda Lou Carson, Middleville and David Earl Taylor, Middleville Brandon David Aspinall, Hastings and Carrie Catherine Root, Hastings Mark Steven Garrett, Hastings and Kara Anne Klein, Battle Creek James Leroy Trine, Hastings and Leigh Ellen Flynn, Hastings Amy Ann Piper, Hastings and Larry Daniel Winchel, Hastings To Members of Hastings Mutual Insurance Company, Hastings, Michigan: Notice is hereby given that the Annual Meeting of Hastings Mutual Insurance Company will be held at the Home Office, 404 East Woodlawn Avenue, Hastings, Michigan, on Wednesday, April 10, 2019, beginning at 9:00 a.m. The annual meeting agenda includes a ballot for the election of the following Directors: Joseph J. Babiak, Jr., Douglas J. Finn, Kellie M. Haines, and Norice Thorlund Rasmussen. Michael W. Puerner, Secretary FULL TIME ROAD WORKER The Barry County Road Commission has an opening for a full time Truck Driver/Road Worker position. A high school diploma or GED is required along with a Michigan commercial driver’s license with A&N endorsements and a current Medical Card. Applications can be picked up at the Barry County Road Commission office (phone 269-945­ 3449) at 1725 W. M-43 Hwy. Hastings, Ml between 6:45 AM & 3:15 PM or found on our website at www.barrycrc. org. A complete job description will be provided at the time of application. Applications will be accepted until April 17, 2019. Hourly probationary wage will start at $19.12 per hour. The Barry County Road Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer. - Nessel urging awareness of sexual assault Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel kicked off Sexual Assault Awareness Month on Monday and is sharing information daily to raise awareness and urge the community to act on behalf of victims. According to her office, 99 percent of sexual offenders will walk free. “The statistics are staggering when it comes to those already impacted by sexual assault and the likelihood of the numbers to come,” Nessel said. “It’s imperative that we stay edu­ cated and devoted to this cause as it’s sadly not an uncommon occurrence in Michigan or globally. My office is committed to doing what we can to prevent these acts of violence, seeking justice for victims, and ultimately motivating Michigan residents to recognize that sexual assault is a crime.” “Sexual Assault by the Numbers” is a new section on Nessel’s home page to educate the community on the seriousness of the issue, how it impacts the community at large, and what can be done about it. Additionally, posts via the AG’s official Facebook and Twitter pages include resources. The Michigan Sexual Assault Hotline is equipped with trained advocates ready to sup­ port those in need. It’s reachable any day of the week by calling 855-VOICES4. More information is available at michigan.gov/ voices4. Toll increased at International Bridge Tolls at the International Bridge in Sault Ste. Marie increased April 1. The passenger vehicle cash tolls will increase from the current $3.50 (in U.S. dol­ lars) per trip to $4. Regular commuters receiv­ ing a full discount will see an increase from $2.45 to $2.80 per trip. Commercial rates will increase from $4.50 to $5 per axle. Canadian dollar rates, with equity adjustments, also changed correspondingly. The increase, approved in November 2013, was prompted by the Sault Ste. Marie Bridge Authority Board of Directors’ review of the operational and capital improvement project needs of the bridge for the next 30 years. This is the second and final toll increase approved at that time as part of the Authority’s longrange business plan. Previously, the base rate increased from $3 to $3.50 April 1,2014. “Capital improvement projects are expect­ ed to total about $9.4 million in the next 10 years and up to $50 million (U.S. dollars) over the next 15 years to keep the bridge and plaza facilities structure y sound and opera­ tionally safe,” Peter Petainen, general manag­ er of the International Bridge Administration, said. “All toll revenue is dedicated to cover­ ing the capital costs, maintenance and opera­ tions for the bridge. The money is used to ensure the bridge is safe and available for use by all customers. This is an investment in the sustainable future of our vital link between the U.S. and Canada.” Petainen also noted the toll increase is an investment in the communities on both sides of the crossing, as well. “We put about $6.2 million back into the local economy on an annual basis, split equal­ ly between both Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.” No further changes to the base rate toll are currently planned. Future rate changes would require board action and public hearings. Canadian dollar rates will continue to fluctu­ ate up or down every six months depending on the average six-month exchange rate. The operation and maintenance of the International Bridge is totally self-funded, primarily through bridge tolls. It is not subsi­ dized by any state, provincial or federal gov­ ernment entity. More information can be found on the IBA website, Michigan.gov/IBA and at saultbridge.com. Detroit Metro in nation’s top third Out of the 75 busiest airports in the U.S., Detroit Metro Airport ranks the 23rd best in the nation when it comes to on-time performance, with just less than 1 percent (0.98 percent) of all flights being canceled for all of 2018. The new ranking comes from InsureMyTrip. The data included newly updated informa­ tion on cancellations for all U.S. airports last year by the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. As for other airports, Salt Lake City had the best record. New York’s LaGuardia had the worst track record, winter storms a factor, forcing many flights to be cancelled last winter. Looking ahead, InsureMyTrip predicted the grounding of Boeing 737 Max jets will inflate cancellation rates for many airports nation­ wide when 2019 percentages are calculated. 115904 SEASONAL HELP The Barr/’Couffly-Road Commission is hiring for temporary seasonal general laborer positions. Starting hourly pay range will be $11- $13 per hour, no benefits. Applicant must be at least 18 years of age, have a valid Driver’s License, and be able to pass a drug test. Applications can be picked up at the Barry County Road Commission office located at 1725 West M-43 Highway, Hastings between 6:45 AM - 3:15 PM, or on our website at www.barrycrc. org. The Barry County Road Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer. COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT The Barry County Community Mental Health Authority FY 2018 Program Policy Guidelines data is available for public view and comment at 500 Barfield Drive, Hastings, Ml 49058. This document will be available until April 19, 2019. Questions may be directed to Richard Thiemkey at 948-8041 HAVE YOU BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH LUNG CANCER» MESOTHELIOMA? Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads , ARE YOU AN ASBESTOS VICTIM? Please call us for a FREE consultation Call today 1-800-547-4189 City of Hastings Position Available: Director of Public Services The City of Hastings is a dynamic, exciting and growing community in search of a Director of Public Services. This position reports to the City Manager and directs and coordinates all public works related services. Responsibilities include operations; construction improvements; maintenance of City infrastructure and City owned properties; oversight of parks and recreation facilities, wastewater collection and treatment system, water treatment and distribution system; and employee work activities Preferred qualifications for applicants are as follows: -Bachelor’s degree in civil engineering (Professional Engineering License preferred), construction management, project management, or other related discipline; -Knowledge of technical software such as GIS, Roadsoft, Autocad, etc.; and -Technical confidence, enthusiasm, and a commitment to superior customer service. -Starting annual salary between $56,000 and $74,000 dependent on qualifications and experience. Please find the full job description on our website - www.hastingsmi.org. Email cover letter, resume and salary history to: lparmenter@hastinqsmi.org or mail to: City of Hastings, Lori Parmenter, 201 E. State Street, Hastings, Ml 49058. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Review of application will begin April 18, 2019. Jerry Czarnecki Deputy City Manager �Financial FOCUS • TT^ni e H T" TT B.. "'1 Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD Elaine Garlock The respite program at Central United Methodist Church returns today at 1:30 p.m. for the first time after a winter recess. This is open for caregivers to bring their charges for an afternoon of supervised games and recre­ ation. Rita Bigelow may be contacted for further details, or the church office. The pro­ gram will take place twice a month. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Representatives from the American Red Cross will be in town for a blood drive Monday, April 8, at the Central United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall on Fourth Avenue. The blood drive will be from noon to 5:45 p.m. The Lake Odessa Area Historical Society will meet Thursday, April 11, at 7 p.m. at the museum on Emerson Street. The Ionia County Genealogical Society will meet at 1 p.m. Saturday, April 13, at the museum. Sunday, April 14, the Rev. Dr. Marilyn Danielson will be the guest pastor at First Congregational Church. Service time is 10 a.m. A coming event is the Annual CROP Walk for Hunger Sunday, April 28. More details to follow. Program Assistant The Barry Community Foundation (BCF), is a local nonprofit organization bridging resources for community based needs, ideas and initiatives that benefit Barry County. BCF is in search of a highly motivated and organized individual with a minimum of two years of work experience related to providing program support. The Program Assistant position is a full-time position with occasional evening responsibilities. Try to avoid ‘Titanic’ investment mistakes It’s been 107 years this month since the tragedy of the Titanic. Of course, this disaster has fascinated the world ever since, leading to books, movies, musicals and, ultimately, a successful search for the big ship’s remains. On the positive side, commercial shipping lines learned a great deal from the Titanic, resulting in safer travel across the oceans. And as an investor, you, too, may be able to draw some important lessons from what hap­ pened on that cold April night more than a century ago. So, to avoid some “titanic” investment mis­ takes, consider the following: • Create a financial strategy with a solid foundation. Although considered a technolog­ ical marvel, the Titanic had some real struc­ tural, foundational flaws - such as compart­ ments that weren’t fully watertight. To with­ stand the inevitable rough seas ahead, your investment strategy needs a strong founda­ tion, based on your needs, goals, family situa­ tion, risk tolerance and time horizon. • Be receptive to advice. The Titanic’s crew had received plenty of Marconi wireless warnings from other ships about ice in the area. Yet they did not take precautions, such as slowing down. When you invest, you can benefit from advice from a financial profes­ sional - someone who can caution you when you’re making dangerous moves, such as pur­ suing inappropriate investments, which could ultimately damage your prospects for success. • Be prepared for anything. The Titanic had far fewer lifeboats than it needed, resulting in a tragic loss of life that could have been pre­ vented. As an investor, you need to be pre­ pared for events that could jeopardize your financial well-being, and that of your family. So, at a minimum, you need to maintain ade­ quate life and disability insurance. And it’s also a good idea to build an emergency fund containing six to 12 months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liquid, low-risk account. • Don’t overreact to perceived threats. When the iceberg loomed directly ahead, the Titanic’s crew frantically tried to steer clear of it. While this move was understandable, it inadvertently hastened the ship’s demise, because it exposed a more vulnerable part of the hull to the huge ice mass. When you The desired candidate also has: • Ability to work effectively and independently within their work area. • Must have ability to work with MS Office Software programs with emphasis on word, database management, and related software programs. • An established reputation of honesty and integrity. • Demonstrated exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. • Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced changing environment. • Dedication to community service and improvement. Attn: Annie Halle Human Resources Barry Community Foundation Dr. Universe: How many peas would fit in the sun? Keegan, 8 231 S. Broadway Hastings Ml 49058 115147 PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PUBLIC HEARING ON THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL GILMORE POINT PINE LAKE ROAD PAVING PROJECT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, OWNERS OF LAND WITHIN THE GILMORE POINT PINE LAKE ROAD PAVING PROJECT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 18-1 AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Township Supervisor and Assessor have prepared and filed in the office of the Township Clerk for public examination a special assessment roll covering all properties within the GILMORE POINT PINE LAKE ROAD PAVING PROJECT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 18-1 benefitted by the proposed road paving project, which project will include paving of the road, along with associated activities such as, but not limited to, grading and drainage work. The costs of the project are as shown on the estimate of costs on file with the Township Clerk. The assessment roll has been prepared for the purpose of assessing costs of the project within the aforesaid special assessment district, as is more particularly shown on plans on file with the Township Clerk at the Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, within the Township. The assessment roll is in the total amount of $33,600. The costs, including administrative costs, are proposed to be raised by a new special assessment. The assessment against each parcel in the special assessment district will be approximately $400 per year, fora period of six years, 2019-2024 inclusive. Additionally, the Township Board reserves the right to levy a lesser assessment in any year that there are more funds in the special assessment district fund that then amount needed. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Supervisor and Assessing Officer have reported to the Township Board that the assessment against each parcel of land within said District is such relative portion of the whole sum levied against all parcels of land in said District as the benefit to such parcel bears to the total benefit to all parcels of land in said District. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Prairieville Township Board will meet at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, Delton, Michigan, on Wednesday April 10, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of reviewing the special assessment roll and hearing any objections thereto. The roll may be examined at the office of the Township Clerk during regular business hours of regular business days until the time of the hearing and may further be examined at the hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that an owner or party in interest, or his/ her agent, may appear in person at the hearing to protest the special assessment or may file his/her appearance and protest by letter before the hearing, and in that event, personal appearance shall not be required. Any person objecting to the assessment roll shall file his/her objection thereto in writing with the Township Clerk before the close of the hearing or within such other time as the Township Board may grant. The owners or any person having an interest in real property who protests in writing at or before the hearing may file a written appeal of the special assessment with the State Tax Tribunal within 30 days after confirmation of the special assessment roll. Prairieville Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed material being considered at the hearing, to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon seven (7) days’ notice to the Prairieville Township Clerk at the address below Rod Goebel, Clerk Prairieville Township 10115 S. Norris Road Delton, Ml 49046 (269) 623-2664 invest, you might also be tempted to overreact when facing perceived dangers - for example, if the financial markets plunge, you might think about selling your stocks. This is often a bad idea, especially if you’re taking a big loss on your sales. If your investments are still fundamentally solid, you might well be better off by staying patient and waiting for the mar­ kets to recover. • Give yourself time do reach your goals. Edward J. Smith, the Titanic’s captain, appar­ ently wanted to break speed records on the Atlantic crossing - and this desire may have contributed to his somewhat reckless passage through fields of ice. As an investor, you could also run into problems if you rush toward a goal. To illustrate: If you wanted to retire at 65 with a certain amount of money, but you didn’t start saving and investing until you reached 55, you’d likely have to put a lot more away each year, and possibly invest a lot more aggressively, than if you had started investing when you were 30. Put to work some of the Titanic’s lessons they might help you improve your chances of smooth sailing toward all your important financial goals. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. If you have any questions, contact Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. ---STOCKS----The following prices are from the close of Peas in the sun Send resume, along with a cover letter, by April 12, 2019 to: JONES Dear Keegan, Our sun is so massive, you could fit more than 1 million earths ftfcide of it. To find out how many peas would fit inside the biggest object in our solar system, I decided to ask my friend and. mathematician Kimberly Vincent at Washing loirS t ate University. Vincent and her students said that to fig­ ure out how much of something can fit inside the sun, we need to know the volume of the sun. The volume is how much space something takes up. One group of Vincent’s students worked to solve your question by estimating the volume of a pea is about 1 cubic centimeter. That’s the volume of a cube measuring 1 centimeter on each side. We also need to know the volume of the sun. We can calculate this in kilometers. The Pacific Ocean, for example, has a volume of about 700,000,000 cubic kilometers. The volume of the sun is about 1,410,000,000,000,000 cubic kilometers, or more than 2 million Pacific Oceans. It’s also important to know there are 100,000 centimeters in a kilometer, and 1,000,000,000,000,000 cubic centimeters in a cubic kilometer. That means we can also say the volume of the sun is about 141,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 cubic centimeters. To find out how many times a pea can fit in the sun, we divide the volume of the sun by the volume of a pea. Here’s a quick challenge on a smaller scale. If the volume of a tennis ball is 148 cubic centimeters and a pea is 1 cubic centi­ meter, how many peas could fit inside a tennis ball? ( You can use a calculator to type in 148 1.) Using a similar calculation, students esti­ mated you could fit about 141,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 peas in the sun. To me, it sounded close to a zillion peas. But it turns out a zillion isn’t a real number. A number with two groups of three zeroes is a million. A number with three groups of three zeroes is what we call a billion. Then there’s trillion, quadrillion, quintillion, and finally sextillion (seven groups of three zeroes). We could estimate 141 sextillion peas could fit in the sun. After sextillion comes septillion, octil­ lion, nonillion, decillion, and it goes on and on. These big numbers are useful when we want to make estimates or measure the size of the universe, the space between stars, or finding out how much water fills up a lake or ocean. Vincent’s students also reminded me that sometimes we can approach an answer to a question in different ways. Maybe you have a different sized pea or you want to use inch­ es or feet in your calculations. A few of the students were also thinking outside the box with your question. One of the students said that no peas would fit in the sun because the sun is a nuclear reactor and would make the peas disintegrate. Another student said it depends on how you hold the pea — if you hold it close to your eye, it might just take one to fill up, or cover, the whole sun. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her web­ site, askdruniverse.com. EQUIPMENT FOR SALE Delton Kellogg School District is accepting sealed Bids for the following equipment: • 1999 Dodge 3/4 4x4 pickup, V8 gas with snow plow 387KF26Z8XM524481 $1,000.00 minimum bid • 1978 Ford 3/4 ton 2wd pickup V* gas F25HLCD3054 $500.00 minimum bid • Coats 6401 wheel balancer $3,000.00 minimum bid • Coats HIT 5000 tire changer $3,000.00 minimum bid Interested persons should submit a sealed bid to: Superintendent, Delton Kellogg Schools 327 N. Grove Street Delton, Ml 49046 Mark the envelope “BID.” Bids must be received by 1:00 p.m. on April 11, 2019 to be considered. Successful bidder must pay the merchandise and remove same from Delton Kellogg Schools within five (5) days of notification. Notification will be made after the Board meeting of April 15, 2019. Items may be seen at the Delton Kellogg Bus Garage between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. weekdays. business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. Apple Inc. 194.02 +7.23 AT&T 31.63 +.24 Chemical Fin 42.40 +2.47 Chevron 124.93 +.80 Deere & Co. 162.12 +4.52 Exxon Mobil +.42 81.38 Flowserve CP 46.69 +2.51 Ford Motor Co. 9.01 +.75 General Electric Co. 10.24 +.14 37.81 +.94 General Motors 194.31 +4.97 Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson 137.71 -.86 Kellogg Co. 56.35 -.122 Microsoft CP 119.19 +1.28 Perrigo Co. 47.54 +.10 Pfizer Inc. 42.91 +.49 15.90 , Spartannash Comp -.18 Stryker 195.17 -.91 TCF Financial Corp. 21.29 +1.09 Walmart Inc. 96.94 -1.38 Walt Disney Co 111.96 +1.82 Whirl Pool Corp 134.59 +.364 Gold Silver Dow Jones $1,291.64 $15.20 26,179 -24.17 -.11 +521 Patients may notify health professionals they don’t want opioids Patients may now fill out a state form that directs health professionals and emergency medical services personnel to not administer opioids to them. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services made the nonopioid directive form available to the public on its website Thursday in response to a new state law. The nonopioid directive is part of the state’s mul­ tifaceted plan to address the opioid epidemic. “This law helps ensure nonopioid options to pain management are considered in the medical treatment of Michigan patients,” said Dr. Debra Pinals, MDHHS medical director of Behavioral Health and Forensic Programs. “Providing this supportive tool for patients to notify their health professionals that they are seeking alternatives for pain treatment is crit­ ically important for those who are most at risk of misusing opioids, including those with a history of an opioid disorder.” A link to the directive form can be found under “additional resources” at the bottom of the “find help page” on Michigan’s Opioid Addiction Resources website, michigan.gov/ opioids, along with other information. The nonopioid directive can be filled out by the patient or a person’s legal guardian or patient advocate. Once submitted, the direc­ tive must be included in the patient’s medical records. There are exceptions in the law, such as a provision that a prescriber or a nurse under the order of a prescriber may administer an opioid if it is deemed medically necessary for treatment. Public Act 554 of 2018 amended the Public Health Code to provide for the form and required MDHHS to make it available on its website by March 28. Michigan has been significantly affected by the national opioid epidemic. The number of annual opioid-related overdose deaths in the state has more than tripled since 2011, from 622 to 2,053. As part of the state-gov­ ernment-wide plan to address the issue, MDHHS has developed an action plan that is focused on prevention, early intervention and treatment. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, April 4, 2019 — Page 9 , fl look back at the stories and columns on local history j In the Hastings Banner // TURNING / BflGK THE £ PAGES Editor recalled characters from Hastings’ past The headstone of Strang Dibble lists his birth year as 1825. He died 110 years ago today. (Findagrave.com photo) Esther Walton shared this article in the Jan. 26, 1989, Banner, with the following introduction: Usually small towns have small tolerances for people who-Udn’t' “fit the mold:’’ People who, by dress, intelligence or lack of it, or a peculiar bent of ideology seem different to the rest of the population. In most of these cases, persons made to feel uncomfortable with their surroundings move to a different location, generally a large city, where they are less noticed. Hastings, historically seems to be more tolerant of these unusual and unique persons. In 1949, ML. Cook wrote an article portraying several people who gave the community more life and sparkle and what happened when they interacted. He called his article, “Aunt Caroline and Strang Dibble."’ Here it is for your reading enjoyment. Folks who are very much belpw par mentally are not usually widely known in a community like Hastings. But 40 or 50 years ago [1900], if anyone mentioned 44Aunt Caroline” or “Strang Dibble” in any Hastings group, every member knew them. That was not because either had been guilty of wrong­ doing. They never harmed anyone, and no one feared either of them. Neither paid any attention to the other. I doubt if they ever spoke to one another. Aunt Caroline, as everyone called her, was the wife of Henry German. Her husband was a visionary sort of person. He rarely spoke to anyone. He had a nice garden and raised a lot of chickens. He and his wife seemed to get along very well with each other. Mr. and Mrs. German had no children. They earned enough and grew enough on their own premises, so they had needed food without public aid. “Social welfare” was unknown in those good old days. If they were alive now, government agencies would provide for them. They lived in a little shack some distance southeast of the Central School grounds. There was a considerable area in their part of the Fourth Ward that was then called “Bumblebee Plains.” There then were a few unpainted houses, surrounded with grubs [unkept shrubs and plants]. Now it is one of this city’s choices residential districts. Aunt Caroline was, in her peculiar way, quite social minded. She wasn’t a member of any club or social group, and very rarely called at any home. But if there was a public gathering where everyone was invited, she was almost invariably present. She would usually be at Methodist socials, the Methodist church services, Sunday school, prayer meetings and class meetings. She was sure to be at the annual Barry County Pioneer meeting, at all temperance meetings, then frequently held. She had a pleasant smile for all who greeted her. No one knew her age; but her face was wrinkled and her hair gray. She was of medium height and ample waist line. Her face gave no evidence of cosmetics. She could easily prove herself innocent of using lipstick or penciling her eyebrows. She did not go to a beauty parlor to get a hair-do, but it was always properly combed and done up by herself. She was not “dressy,” but her clothes and the shawl she wore were clean. She could not be accused of wearing tight, com-breeding high-heeled shoes. Those she wore were big, wide, low-heeled and made of leather. Mr. German seemed to prefer the quiet of his own home. He would go downtown for groceries, or walk to the place where he had a job. I never saw the two together. His clothing showed wear, but was clean. He was considered a “crackpot” mentally. When Dr. Samuel Dickie was the superintendent of our schools, he told me that This photo shows the wheat harvest, reportedly in 1900, when it was very dry. The grain had been harvested early in the morning, when the dew was heavy. (File photo) on one occasion Mr. German cornered him on State Street, and put up to him an absurd mathematical proposition. He said he could demonstrate, as I recall it, that two added to two makes five. Dr. Dickie was not convinced by German’s arguments. Aunt Caroline’s loyalty to the Methodist church was outstanding. She was present at every Sunday service, morning and evening, including Sunday school. She was always at the prayer meetings, also at all regular or special gatherings on weekends, days or evenings. She always gave her “testimony” at prayer or class meetings. When she rose to speak, those present knew exactly what she would say, for it was always the same. In those days, Daniel Striker was a leader of the local Methodist church. He had been county clerk for six or eight years, and was at one time secretary of state for Michigan. He was for many years president of the Hastings National Bank, very loyal and liberal in his support of the church, also very regular in his attendance at all of its services. During the four years that Rev. Wesley Hunsburger was pastor of the Hastings Methodist Church, he held revival services each winter. They added many new members to his church. Among these was a woman whose free-love affairs with men had given her an unsavory reputation in Hastings. Another was Eph Batterson, who was noted for his antipathy to any kind of work. He had been a Union soldier and was receiving a small pension, so he had become a total abstainer from any and all kinds of labor. He improved every chance to sit down. When anyone would listen, he would tell about the great part he played in putting down the rebellion. When he opened on the subject, everyone who knew him would make a quick getaway. At that time, too, there was another noted character in Hastings. He was Francis Graves, the tall, thin, cadaverous bewhiskered publisher of the Hastings Plaindealer, a little, four-page sheet, 9-by-12 inches in size. He was a master at ridiculing or criticizing any person or group he might select for that purpose. It was said that he had, early in life, been a reporter on a New York daily that was given to much ridicule and criticism of city and national politicians. Francis Graves knew how to set type. He had an old job press and enough type for the small sheet he printed. He did all of the typesetting and printing, and he and his wife also lived in the upstairs room of an old dilapidated wooden building on the north side of State Street. Graves had some way of getting the Plaindealer into the hands of his subscribers. Many took it because they enjoyed reading his jibes at persons, especially those who were interested in politics or held any city or county office. He often lambasted city aidermen, the mayor and city police; also some of the county officers, and the editors of the Banner and Hastings Journal. There were many other local citizens whom he delighted to ridicule. For some reason, he had taken a dislike to the Rev. Wesley Hunsberger. He was never mentioned by that name in the Plaindealer, which always referred to him as “the Rev. Wesley Humbugger.” Graves knew no one would every thrash him for his slurs and ridicule. He was so well along in years and so frail looking that it would be cowardly to attack him physically. He knew he was safe from bodily harm. He would not be sued for libel because he owned nothing that anyone in his right mind would desire. His paper was not so much abusive, but how it could and did ridicule and poke fun at folks. In the winter of his last year in Hastings, the Rev. Hunsberger began his final series of revival services here. Soon after these meetings started, the Plaindealer had the following comments on them: “The Rev. Wesley Humbugger had started another revival in the Methodist gospel shop. He ought to know better. That noted lady (mentioning by name the free-lover woman) has left Hastings. Eph Batterson had gone away, too. Can he expect the Lord to get up a revival in his church with only Dan Striker and Aunt Caroline?” Strang Dibble, the other subject, was never married. He would attend church Sundays, but would never appear at church socials nor at weekday church gatherings. But he could be counted on to attend the county fair, Fourth of July celebrations and any public event that would draw a crowd of folks to Hastings. For a few pennies, he would dance in the most awkward manner you ever saw. That pleased youngsters, and their elders liked the performance, too, so Strang would keep at it. Relatives cared for him until he was well along in years. When none of his kin were left who felt under obligation to feed and clothe him, he was taken to the county home. But he would be present at the fair or the Fourth of July celebration while at that home, for the managers knew no harm would come to him nor would he harm anyone else. He enjoyed these events so much that they didn’t have the heart to refuse his request to attend them. Kind-hearted Thomas Heney offered to take Strang into his own farm home, close to the city, just across the town line in Rutland Township. Strang could be trusted to do part of the chores and care for the garden. And that probably compensated for the food and clothing Mr. Heney gave him. He was not troublesome in any way, but few homes would have been opened to him. Strang always seemed very happy at Heney’s. He was always treated kindly there. He would readily do any job Mr. Heney assigned him. He usually had little to say and always seemed cheerful. One year, while living with the Heney’s, during the late spring and all the summer months, the weather was very hot and dry. Wheat and oats were large crops, but because of the drought, they were harvested while the heavy dew was on them, in the early hours of the morning, so the grain would not shell while it was being cut, shocked or drawn to the stack or barn. One day, while Heney and his workers, including Strang, were eating together, they fell to discussing the very dry season, and what might be done to end it. It had already done serious harm in all the states of the Middle West, as well as Michigan. Com was sure to be a poor crop, and the ground was so dray and hard that it was almost impossible to plow it for the next year’s wheat crop. Mr. Heney finally made this suggestion for ending the drought. //I believe all the priests and preachers ought to pray for rain.” To the surprise of all, Strang, who rarely spoke at such a time, said in a loud voice, and with much emphasis, “’T won’t do no good!” Mr. Heney replied, “Strang, why do you say it would do no good to have all the minister pray for rain?” “’Cause,” Strang said, “the moon ain’t right.” “Aunt Caroline” and Henry German, so her age still remains unknown. The lovable Strang Dibble, however, was listed in a few census records. He was bom in Pennsylvania, the son of Clement and Elizabeth Dibble. They died in the 1850s, in their mid- to late 50s. When, exactly, Strang was bom is not answered in the census records. The 1880 U.S. Census shows him living at county poor farm, age 38, giving him a birth year of 1842. By the 1894 state census, he was living in Rutland Township and was listed as a laborer for the Heney’s. He was said to be 60 at the time of the census, giving him a birth year of about 1834. For the 1900 U.S. Census, he was 71. His birth month is listed as unknown, but his birth year is 1829. Thomas Heney’s birth year in that census is 1828, so the two were close in age. However, Dibble’s headstone, which was provided by Heney at Rutland Cemetery, lists his birth year as 1825. That would make Dibble 84 years old when he died 110 years ago today, April 4, 1909. Prepared by Kathy Maurer. Sources: Hastings Banner, familysearch.org, findagrave.com and migenweb.org/barry Little can be found online today about NOTICE TO BIDDERS BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry County Road Commission, 1725 West M-43 Highway, P.O. Box 158, Hastings, Ml 49058, until 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, April 9, 2019 for the following items. 90’ X 150’ Concrete Floor Approximately 250 cyd of 6 sack fiber reinforced 4,000 psi Specifications and additional information may be obtained at the Road Commission Office at the above address or at our web site at www.barrycrc. org. The Board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive irregulari­ ties in the best interest of the Commission. BOARD OF COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BARRY David D. SolmesChairman Frank M. Fiala Member D. David Dykstra Member RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN 2019-2023 PODUNK LAKE IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM (AQUATIC VEGETATION CONTROL) 115144 NOTICE OF APRIL10, 2019 TOWNSHIP BOARD PUBLIC HEARING ON CREATING SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT, TREATMENT PLANS, AND COST ESTIMATES TO: THE RESIDENTSAND PROPERTY OWNERS OF RUTLAND CHARTERTOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN; OWNERS OF PROPERTY ABUTTING OR HAVING DEEDED ACCESS TO PODUNK LAKE IN LAND SECTIONS 26, 27, AND 34 OF RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP; AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that as a result of petitions signed by the record owners of lands abutting Podunk Lake (including the channel) or having deeded access to Podunk Lake in Land Sections 26, 27, and 34 of Rutland Charter Township the Township Board proposes to create a special assessment district for the eradication and/or control of aquatic weeds and plants in Podunk Lake in 2019-2023 and finance such improvements by special as­ sessments on the properties within the special assessment district. The Special Assessment District within which the foregoing improvements are proposed to be undertaken and within which the cost thereof is proposed to be specially assessed is described as follows: All lands abutting Podunk Lake (including the channel) or having deeded access to Podunk Lake in land sections 26, 27, and 34 of Rutland Charter Township, Barry County, State of Michigan. The Township Board has passed a Resolution March 13, 2019 tentatively declaring its intention to proceed with the process to create the petition-requested special assessment district for the 2019-2023 lake improvement program and the resulting special assess­ ments on the benefitted properties, and has found the petitions for same to be in compli­ ance with statutory requirements; and pursuant to a related petition of the property owners has implemented the process to cancel/terminate in its entirety the May 11, 2011 Lake Management Systems Equipment Lease with Lake Savers, LLC in accordance with the Addendum of that Equipment Lease. The Township Board has received plans for the anticipated 2019-2023 aquatic vegeta­ tion control program, and an estimate of the costs of the five-year program in the amount of $45,000 ($9,000 average per year). If this improvement program is approved these cost estimates may be subject to annual redetermination/revision to reflect actual costs incurred/property transactions. The Township Board presently believes a revenue surplus from previously imposed special assessments for the improvement programs undertaken in 2016-2018 should be sufficient to cover the legal/administrative costs associated with the proposed 2019-2023 program. A public hearing on the proposed 2019-2023 improvement program, including the plans and the estimated costs of same, the special assessment district proposed to be created for the assessment of the costs of such improvement, and any objections to the petitions, will be held at the Rutland Charter Township Hall at 2461 Heath Road, Hastings, Michigan on Wednesday, April 10, 2019 in conjunction with a regular meeting of the Township Board commencing at 7:00 p.m. At this hearing/meeting the Board will also consider any written objections to any of the foregoing matters which are filed with the Board at or prior to the time of the hearing, as well as any corrections or changes to the plans, estimate of costs, or to the proposed special assessment district. The program plans, estimate of costs, the boundaries of the proposed special assess­ ment district, and the petitions, may be examined at the office of the Township Clerk and may further be examined at the public hearing. If the Township Board determines to proceed with the proposed 2019-2023 program, a second public hearing will be held at a later date to be set by the Township Board (tenta­ tively scheduled for May 8, 2019) for the purpose of reviewing and hearing objections to the proposed allocation of the costs of the project among the various properties included in the special assessment district (tentatively $166/year for lake lots, $138/year for channel lots, and $64/year for back lots with deeded access). Appearance and protest at such a second public hearing or as otherwise allowed by 1962 PA 162, as amended, is required in order to preserve a right to appeal the amount of any such special assessment to the Michigan Tax Tribunal after the confirmation of a special assessment roll. Formal notice of any such second public hearing will be published in a newspaper and mailed to affected property owners as required by law. The foregoing hearings and all proceedings associated with these special assessment matters will be conducted in accordance with and pursuant to 1954 PA 188, as amended, the Michigan Open Meetings Act, and any other applicable law. Rutland Charter Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services at the meeting/hearing to individuals with disabilities, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered, upon reasonable notice to the Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township Clerk as designated below. Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Rutland Charter Township 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Ml 49058-9725 (269) 948-2194 �Page 10 — Thursday, April 4, 2019 — The Hastings Banner LEGAL NOTICES Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on April 18, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): L. Robert Ragucky and Carolyn J. Ragucky, Husband and Wife Original Mortgagee: Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Champion Mortgage Company Date of Mortgage: February 28, 2003 Date of Mortgage Recording: March 11, 2003 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $193,336.53 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lots 13 and 14 of Oak Grove, as recorded in Liber 3 of Plats, Page 43 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: March 21, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1379761 (03-21X04-11) 115105 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on May 9, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Timmy Rosenburg, a single man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any); Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Date of Mortgage: June 6, 2012 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 12, 2012 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $124,085.45 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: The Southeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 8, Town 3 North, Range 8 West, City of Hastings Barry County, Michigan The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultuial purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: April 4, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1381105 (04-04)(04-25) 115957 NOTICE NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS COMMUNICATION IS FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT, AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. IF YOU: ARE A DEBTOR IN AN ACTIVE BANKRUPTCY CASE; ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF A BANKRUPTCY STAY; OR, HAVE RECEIVED A DISCHARGE IN BANKRUPTCY AND YOU HAVE NOT REAFFIRMED THE DEBT, THIS NOTICE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY. IF YOU ARE NOWON ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY OR HAVE BEEN IN THE PRIOR ONE YEAR, PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW. Default has been made in the conditions of a Mortgage made by Premier Consultation and Asset Management, LLC to LendingHome Funding Corporation dated June 16, 2017 and recorded June 20, 2017 in Instrument No. 2017-006200, Barry County, Michigan. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of $130,148.53. Under the power of sale contained in said Mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the Circuit Court and/or for conducting such sales for the County of Barry, Michigan at 1:00PM on May 2, 2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: Land situated in the Township of Rutland, County of Barry, State of Michigan, described as follows: Township of Rutland, County of Barry Lot(s) 401, 402, 403 and 404 of Al-Gon-Quin Lake Resort Properties Unit No. 2 according to the plat thereof recorded in Liber 2 of Plats, Page 63 of Barry County Records. Said property is commonly known as 2752 Chippewa Trail, Hastings, Ml 49058. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. TO ALL PURCHASERS: The foreclosing mortgagee can rescind the sale. In that event, your damages, if any, are limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. Please be advised that any third party purchaser is responsible for preparing and recording the Sheriff’s Deed. Dated: March 29, 2019 Brock & Scott, PLLC 5431 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: 844-856-6646 File Number: 19-03387 (04-04)(04-25) SYNOPSIS HOPE TOWNSHIP PUBLIC HEARING & REGULAR TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING March 18, 2019 Special meeting opened at 6:30 p.m. Amended agenda approved. Budget Public Hearing opened at 6:31 p.m. No Comments were made. Public hearing closed at^:30 p.m. 2019-2020 Budget adopted. Regular meeting opened.-at 6:36 p.m. Approved: Consent agenda. Resolution 2019-4 Depositories for Hope Township public monies. Resolution 2019-5 Designate Primary Bank Depository. Resolution 2019-3 Treasurer’s Tax Motions. Resolution 2019-7 2019-2020 Township Board Meeting schedule. Resolution 2019-6 General Appropriations Act. Audit engagement letter. Library Grant. Payment of bills through March 31,2019. Cemetery contract. Cemetery prices. Zoning Board of Appeals appointments. Planning Commission appointment. Budget Transfer. Adjourned 7:09 p.m. Submitted by: Deborah Jackson, Clerk Attested to by: Mark S. Feldpausch, Supervisor 115618 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on May 2, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Jacob Sias, a married man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for VanDyk Mortgage Corporation its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Mr. Cooper Date of Mortgage: August 26, 2015 Date of Mortgage Recording: September 1, 2015 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $76,284.12 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Village of Freeport, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot(s) 3, Block 10 of MAP OF THE VILLAGE OF FREEPORT according to the plat thereof recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, Page 22 of Barry County Records. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. DATE OF NOTICE: APRIL 4, 2019 TROTT LAW, P.C. 1381106 (04-04) (04-25) 115956 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Donald R. Collard and Bonnie L. Collard, husband and wife, tenants by entity rights survivorship, to Beneficial Michigan Inc., Mortgagee, dated October 19, 2006 and recorded October 26, 2006 in Instrument Number 1171944 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by U.S. Bank National Association, as indenture trustee, for the holders of the CIM Trust 2017-4, MortgageBacked Notes, Series 2017-4, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Fifty Thousand Two Hundred Forty-Two and 59/100 Dollars ($50,242.59), including interest at 6.39% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on MAY 9, 2019. Said premises are located in the Township of Orangeville, Barry County Michigan, and are described as* COMMENCING AT THE EAST QUARTER POST OF SECTION 17, TOWN 2 NORTH, RANGE 10 WEST FOR PLACE OF BEGINNING; THENCE WEST 440 FEET TO THE CENTER OF LINDSEY ROAD; THENCE NORTH EAST ALONG SAID ROAD 200 FEET; THENCE EAST TO A POINT DIRECTLY NORTH OF POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE SOUTH TO PLACE OF BEGINNING. EXCEPTING THEREFROM: COMMENCING AT THE EAST 1/4 POST OF SECTION 17, TOWN 2 NORTH, RANGE 10 WEST FOR PLACE OF BEGINNING; THENCE WEST 440 FEET TO THE CENTER OF LINDSEY ROAD; THENCE NORTHEAST ALONG SAID ROAD 200 FEET; THENCE EAST TO A POINT DIRECTLY NORTH OF POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE SOUTH TO PLACE OF BEGINNING The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: March 21,2019 File No. 18-005612 Firm Name: Orlans PC (03-21 )(04-11) 114918 PUBLICATION NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Trust Estate STATE OF MICHIGAN, COUNTY OF BARRY In the Matter of the J. Roger Flanigan and Janice M. Flanigan Trust dated March 26, 2001, amended and restated August 2, 2013. Decedent’s date of birth: 08-19-1931. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Your interest in this matter may be barred or affected by the following: The decedent, Janice M. Flanigan, lived in Barry County, Woodland, Michigan, and died January 21, 2019. Creditors of the deceased are notified that all decedent’s assets were held by the Trustee at decedent’s death, and the decedent has no probate estate. Creditors of the deceased are further notified that all claims against the trust estate will be forever barred unless presented to: Jayne M. Flanigan, Trustee and/or the attorney’s office representing Jayne M. Flanigan as Trustee within 4 months of the publication of this notice. This notice is published pursuant to MCL 700.7608. If a probate estate is opened in the future for the decedent, this notice is intended to satisfy the requirements of MCL 700.3801. Notice is further given that the trust estate will be thereafter assigned and distributed to the persons(s) entitled to it. Date: 3-21-2019 Longstreet Elder Law & Estate Planning, PC Robert J. Longstreet P53546 607 North Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-3495 Jayne M. Flanigan RO. Box 18 Woodland, Ml 48897 115905 STATE OF MICHIGAN IN THE BARRY COUNTY TRIAL COURT­ DISTRICT DIVISION NOTICE OF SALE HON. WILLIAM M. DOHERTY. File No. 15-1217-GC GIRRBACH FUNERAL HOME, Plaintiff, vs. ELWIN H, WOOD JR., Defendant. DAVID H. TRIPP (P29290) 202 South Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 j^tomexforPlaintiff............. . Pursuant to and by virtue of a Judgment of the 56-B District Court in the County of Barry, State of Michigan, made and entered on October 26, 2015, and an Order to Seize Property issued January 3, 2017, showing $12,815.94 due and owing plus interest Sheriffs fees, costs and attorney’s fees and the Notice of Levy recorded in the Barry County Register of Deeds in Barry County Record # 2019-001569 in a certain case pending in the 56-B District Court wherein Girrbach Funeral Home, Inc.; Plaintiff and Elwin H. Wood, Jr., is the Defendant, notice is hereby given that I shall sell at public sale to the highest bidder, at the East steps of the courthouse situated in the City of Hastings, County of Barry, on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at 2:00 p.m., the following described property: All that certain piece or parcel of land situated in the Township of Hastings, County of Barry, State of Michigan, described as follows: LOT 4 OF BROOKFIELD ACRES ACCORDING TO THE RECORDED PLAT THEREOF. PARCEL# 08-06-130-004-00 COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 1968 BROOKFIELD DRIVE, HASTINGS, MICHIGAN 49058 Dated: 3-12-2019 Mark Sheldon, Barry County Deputy Sheriff Drafted by: David H. Tripp (P29290) 202 South Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-9585 Q:/IDHT Closed files\Girrbach Funeral Home\Elwin Wood\Notice of Sale 3-6-19.doc 11464O NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF BARRY COUNTY Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing for the following: Case Number: TABLED SP-11-2018 - Menck Sand & Gravel LLC (Applicant); Carla ReidChristle (Property Owner) Location: 11374 Cobb Road, Delton, in Section 11 of Barry Township. Purpose: Requesting a special use permit to operate a mine for sand and/or gravel per Article 23, Section 2351 in the RR (Rural Residential) zoning district. MEE™gDATE:April 22, 2019. JIME: 7:00 PM PLACE: Tyden Center, Community Room, 121 South Church Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Site inspection of the above described property will be completed by the Planning Commission members before the day of the hearing. Interested persons desiring to present their views upon an appeal, either verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned place and time. Any written response may be mailed to the address listed below, faxed to (269) 948-4820, or emailed to jmcmanus@barrycounty.org . The special use application is available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed between 12-1 p.m.) Monday through Friday. Please call the Barry County Planning Department at (269) 945­ 1290 for further information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or call the following: Michael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 945-1284. Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk 115651 Boaters urged to sign up for boating education class The Barry County Sheriff’s Office is urg­ ing boaters to enroll in a boating education course this spring. A free class will be offered June 29 at Shady Shores Resort at Gun Lake. To sign up or for more information, call the sheriff’s department at 269-948-4805. A boating safety course provides critical boating knowledge that anyone who plans to get out on the water should have, and better prepares boaters for the risks they may face while boating. U.S. Coast Guard statistics indicate that, of the accidents where the level of operator edu­ cation was known, 81 percent of boating deaths occurred on boats where the boat oper­ ator had never received boating education instruction. “Education is the key to having a safe and enjoyable day on the water,” said Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf. “Even though the operator has the ultimate responsibility for the safety of the vessel, its crew and passengers, everyone who plans to be onboard should consider taking a boating safety course ta prepare for their time on the water. y “If a boater has taken a boating safety edu­ cation course the likelihood of their time spent on the water being a safe and enjoyable experience is much greater.” The sheriff’s office is partnering with the National Association of State Boating Law* Administrators to inform boaters about the benefits and necessity of taking a boating' education course. In Michigan, those bom on or after July 1, 1996, may legally operate a boat only if they5 have been issued a boating safety certificate and have it on board. Those bom before July 1, 1996, may legally operate a boat without restrictions. Those at least 16 years of age4 and bom after Dec. 31, 1978, may legally* operate a personal watercraft only if they have obtained a boating safety certificate. Keldon Thomas Butcher, 23, of Delton, was found guilty of assaulting, resisting or obstructing police officers Feb. 13, 2018, in Barry Township. He was sentenced by Judge Amy McDowell to 85 days in jail, with credit for 85 days served. He was ordered to pay $483 in fines and costs due Sept. 13, and to comply with all terms in the pre-sentence investigation report. was placed on probation for 36 months for a> fee of $360. The balance of his jail time was suspended upon the successful completion of his probation. He was ordered to enter and successfully complete the Kent County Drug5 Court, with the fee of $700 payable to Kent County. Assessments are payable at a rate of' $50 per month beginning April 15. Jeremy Scott Dunklee, 27, of Hastings, was found guilty of two counts of assaulting, resisting or obstructing police officers Sept. 9, 2018, in Hastings. He was sentenced by Judge McDowell to pay $575 in fines and costs. Kristoffer Dustin Hadley, 47, of Hastings, was found guilty of possessing the controlled substance methamphetamine and assaulting a police officer Nov. 9, 2018, in Hastings. He also was convicted of being a second-time habitual offender. He was sentenced by Judge Michael Schipper to serve nine months in jail, with credit for 125 days served and to pay $1,166 in fines and costs. He was ordered to participate in the Swift and Sure Sanctions program at a cost of $40 per month. Adult probation was recommended along with a probation fee of $720. Daniel Paul Hall, 39, of Grand Rapids, was found guilty of possessing a controlled sub­ stance, less than 25 grams of a narcotic, in Hastings. He was sentenced by Judge McDowell to 90 days in jail, with credit for 50 days served. His driver’s license was suspend­ ed for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. He was ordered to pay $483 in fines and costs and Aaron Richard Hilliker, 26, of Nashville*' was found guilty of possession of a controlled substance, marijuana, as a second-time offender in Nashville May 24, 2018. He was sentenced by Judge McDowell to five days in jail, with credit for five days served. He was ordered to pay $823 in fines and costs. His driver’s license was suspended for 60 days and restricted for 305 days. Dalton Joseph King, 20, of Hastings, was» found guilty of possessing a controlled sub-| stance, methamphetamine, third-degree flee-; ing a police officer, and operating a vehicle; while impaired Dec. 2, 2018, on East I Woodlawn Avenue in Hastings. He was sen-} tenced by Judge Schipper to concurrent terms i of 270 days in jail on the first two convictions ; and 102 days on the third, with credit for 102 ; days served. He was ordered to pay $2,716 in j fines and costs and ordered to enjer and sue-J cessfully complete the county’s adult drug court program with fees of $40 per month and probation oversight fees of $360. Probation may be transferred to Tennessee, if approved. Charges of assaulting, resisting or obstructing‘ a police officer, possession of marijuana and operating a vehicle with a suspended driver’s" license were dismissed. NOTICE TO BIDDERS 079 BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION The Barry County Road Commission is offering for sale nine pickups: (6) 2018 GMC % ton Crew Cab SLE pickups, (1) 2018 GMC Vi ton Crew Cab SLE pickup w/topper, (2) 2018 GMC 1 Ton Crew Cab SLE pickups w/plows. Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry County Road Commission, 1725 West , M-43 Highway, P.O. Box 158, Hastings, MI 49058, until 10:30 AM, Tuesday, April 16, 2019 for the following items. Please mark outside of bid envelope with truck number i.e #700080. Specifications and additional information may be obtained at the Road Commission Office at the above address or at our website www.barrycrc.org. NOTE: All trucks have approximately 13,000­ 30,000 miles and will continue to be driven until sold. ‘\ (1) 2018 GMC Vi ton Crew Cab Pickup Truck w/topper # 700080 5.3 Liter, 6 Speed Automatic Transmission 4x4, Air, Cruise, PW & Locks, Keyless remote, Heated mirrors Summit White Orange Title Minimum Bid $29,900 (6) 2018 GMC 74 ton Crew Cab SLE Pickups j 4WD Duramax Diesel, Allison Transmission Air, Cruise, PW & Locks, Keyless remote, Heated mirrors ■ . i 1 -Summit White Truck # 700010- Orange Title , 1 -Summit White Truck #700140-Green Title Minimum Bid $43,400 -i 1-Cardinal Red Truck # 700120- Orange Title 1-Cardinal Red Truck # 700020- Green Title Minimum Bid $43,400 1 -Black Onyx Truck #700100-Green Title 1-Black Onyx Truck# 700040-Orange Title 1 Minimum Bid $43,400 (2) 2018 GMC 1 ton Crew Cab SLE Pickup Truck w/plow 4WD Duramax Diesel, Allison Transmission Air, Cruise, PW & Locks, Keyless remote, Heated mirrors *) 1 -Cardinal Red Truck # 700370-Green Title 1 -Summit White Truck #700170-Orange Title With 9’2 Boss Power V Plow ; Minimum Bid $47,500 . 115963 The board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive irregularities in the best interest of the Commission. ; Note: We have trucks with both orange and green titles, the orange titles are Municipal Titles not Salvage Titles. I �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, April 4, 2019 — Page 11 Pinwheel gardens are blooming for children The pinwheel is the nationally recognized symbol for child abuse and neglect preven­ tion. In April , which is child abuse prevention month, pinwheel gardens will be springing up across Barry County and throughout Michigan to raise awareness of the importance of child abuse and neglect prevention. Kids Count Michigan reports that in Barry County in 2017, 1,639 children were in fami­ lies investigated by Child Protective Services and, as a result, there were 222 confirmed cases of abuse, neglect or both. Of the con­ firmed cases, 136 children were between the ages of 0-8. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention determined that the average life­ time cost per child victimized is $32,648 in childhood health costs. Child maltreatment can be linked to emotional, behavioral and physical health problems such as aggression, conduct disorder, delinquency, antisocial behavior, substance abuse, intimate partner violence, teenage pregnancy, anxiety, depres­ sion and suicide. Nationally, according to the CDC, an esti­ mated $80 billion annually could be saved by implementing prevention strategies. For more information, questions and resources, contact the Family Support Center of Barry County at 269-945-5439 or www. famlysupportbarry.com. A celebration of Prevention Awareness Day is scheduled for 11 a.m., April 25 at the state capital in Lansing. Legislators and child ser­ vice organizations will attend. The event is open to the public. JL NOTICE TO CREDITORS Trust In the matter of the Eugene W. Haywood Trust dated October 20,1980. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Eugene W. Haywood, born August 1, 1924, who lived at 114 East Grant Street, Hastings, Michigan died March 1,2019 leaving a certain trust under the name of the Eugene W. Haywood Trust, and dated October 20, 1980, wherein the decedent was the Settlor and Larry E. Haywood was named as the trustee serving at the time of or as a result of the decedent’s death. Creditors of the decedent and of the trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or against the trust will be forever barred unless presented to Larry E. Haywood, the named trustee at 1045 Solomon Road, Hastings, Michigan within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: March 27, 2019 Robert L. Byington P-27621 222 West Apple Street, P.O. Box 248 Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-9557 Larry E. Haywood 1045 Solomon Road Hastings, Michigan 49058 115908 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28166-DE Estate of Michael D. Chadderdon. Date of birth: October 18,1950. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Michael D. Chadderdon, died February 28, 2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Paula L. Chadderdon, personal representative or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, #302, Hastings, Ml 49058-1857 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: April 1,2019 Law Office of Kathleen F. Cook Kathleen F. Cook P31842 121 S. Cochran Ave. Charlotte, Ml 48813 (517) 543-7643 Paula L. Chadderdon P.O. Box 143 Cloverdale, Ml 49035 (269)908-9422 115944 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Trust In the matter of the Joyce M. Haywood Trust dated October 20,1980. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Joyce M. Haywood, born June 17, 1927, who lived at 114 East Grant Street, Hastings, Michigan died February 1, 2019 leaving a certain trust under the name of the Joyce M. Haywood Trust, and dated October 20, 1980, wherein the decedent was the’ Settlor and Larry E. Haywood was named as the trustee serving at the time of or as a result of the decedent’s death. Creditors of the decedent and of the trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or against the trust will be forever barred unless presented to Larry E. Haywood, the named trustee at 1045 Solomon Road, Hastings, Michigan within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: March 27, 2019 Robert L. Byington P-27621 222 West Apple Street, P.O. Box 248 Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-9557 Larry E. Haywood 1045 Solomon Road Hastings, Michigan 49058 115907 NOTICE OF REGISTRATION FOR THE ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, MAY 7, 2019 BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN DELTON KELLOGG SCHOOLS HASTINGS AREA SCHOOLS MARTIN PUBLIC SCHOOLS HASTINGS CHARTER TOWNSHIP LIBRARY TO THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS: The Barry County Townships of Assyria, Baltimore, Barry, Carlton, Castleton, City of Hastings, Hastings Charter, Hope, Irving, Johnstown, Maple Grove, Orangeville, Prai­ rieville, Rutland Charter, Woodland, Yankee Springs, and Bedford Township in Calhoun County COUNTY OF BARRY STATE OF MICHIGAN PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that any qualified elector of the above named jurisdictions who is not already registered, may register to vote at the office of the Township or City Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement ^NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on April 25,2019: Name® of the mortgagor®: Joseph E. Post and Susan E. Post, Husband And Wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for GMAC Mortgage Corporation, its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Ditech Financial LLC FKA Green Tree Servicing LLC Date of Mortgage: April 24, 2003 Date of Mortgage Recording: July 28, 2003 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $145,743.59 . Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in ,City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 24 of Northridge Estates #2, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 6 of Plats on Page 17. : The redemption period shall be 6 months from the d$te of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: March 28, 2019 Trp*tt Law, P.C. 1380282 (03-28)(04-18) 115417 JHL JhL Clerk; the Office of the appropriate County Clerk; a Sec­ retary of State branch office, or other designated state agency. Registration forms can be obtained at www. mi.gov/vote.and mailed to the Township or City Clerk. Voters who are already registered may update their regis­ tration at www.expressSOS.com. The last day to register in any manner other than in-per­ son with the local clerk is Monday, April 22, 2019. After this date, anyone who qualifies as an elector may register to vote in person with proof of residency (MCL 168.492) at the following: SYNOPSIS ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP BOARD BUDGET MEETING MARCH 19, 2019 Meeting called to order 7pm. All board members present, absent Trustee Perino. Fire Chief Ribble present, no other guests. Public comment: None Chief Ribble presented fire department budget Budget discussion Motion approved public budget hearing on Tuesday, March 26, 2019 Motion to adjourn 9:10 pm Submitted by: Mel Risner/Clerk Attested to by: Tom Rook/Supervisor 115647 SYNOPSIS ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING March 26, 2019 Meeting called to order 7pm. All board members present, absent Trustee Perino. No guests Pledge of Allegiance Public Comment: none Motion approved Resolution 0319-1 Board Comments: none Motion approved 2019-2020 budget Motion to adjourn 7:18 pm Submitted by: Mel Risner/Clerk Attested to by: Tom Rook/Supervisor 115646 PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the following proposals will appear on the ballot: DELTON KELLOGG SCHOOLS GENERAL OBLIGATION UNLIMITED TAX BOND PROPOSAL FOR BUILDING AND SITE PURPOSES IN THE AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED $23,215,000 Full text of the ballot proposition may be obtained at the administrative offices of Delton Kellogg Schools, 327 North Grove Street, Delton, Michigan 49046-970, telephone: (269)623-1500. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE THAT THE BONDS OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT, IF APPROVED BY A MAJORITY VOTE OF THE ELECTORS AT THIS ELECTION, WILL BE GENERAL OBLIGATION UNLIMITED TAX BONDS PAYABLE FROM GENERAL AD VALOREM TAXES. HASTINGS AREA SCHOOLS GENERAL OBLIGATION UNLIMITED TAX BOND PROPOSAL FOR BUILDING PURPOSES IN THE AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED $9,990,000 Full text of the ballot proposition may be obtained at the administrative offices of Hastings Area School System, 232 West Grand Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058­ 2298, telephone: (269)948-4400. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE THAT THE BONDS OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT, IF APPROVED BY A MAJORITY VOTE OF THE ELECTORS AT THIS ELECTION, WILL BE GENERAL OBLIGATION UNLIMITED TAX BONDS PAYABLE FROM GENERAL AD VALOREM TAXES. MARTIN PUBLIC SCHOOLS OPERATING MILLAGE RENEWAL PROPOSAL EXEMPTING PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE AND OTHER PROPERTY EXEMPTED BY LAW 18.6524 MILLS FOR 2 YEARS Municipality Address Regular Business Hours Hours on Saturday, May 4 Hours on Tuesday, May 7 Annette Terry Assyria Township 15897 Wing Road Battle Creek, Ml 49017 By appt. (Consolidated w/ Johnstown Twp. for this election only) 9:00 am - 5:00 pm 7:00 am - 8:00 pm Penelope Ypma Baltimore Township 310 E. Dowling Road Hastings, Ml 49058 By appt. 9:00 am - 5:00 pm 7:00 am - 8:00 pm Debra Knight Barry Township 11300 S. M-43 Hwy, Delton, Ml 49046 Tuesday 9 am------Wednesday 9 am - 5 pm 8;00 am —4:00 pm 7:00 am - 8:00 pm Amanda Brown Carlton Township 85 Welcome Road Hastings, Ml 49058 Tuesdays - 9 am - noon (Hosting Irving & Woodland for this election only) 8:00 am - 4:00 pm 7:00 am-8:00 pm Marcia Scramlin Castleton Township 915 Reed Street Nashville, Ml 49073 Wednesday - 9 am-4:30 pm (Hosting Maple Grove for this election only) 9:00 am - 5:00 pm 7:00 am -8:00 pm Shall the tax limitation on all taxable property within the Charter Township of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, be increased and the Township be authorized to levy a millage in an amount not to exceed 1.6 mills ($1.60 on each $1,000 of taxable value), of which 1.5667 mills is a renewal of the previously authorized millage that expired In 2018 and .0333 mill is new additional millage to restore the millage rate previously authorized, for ten (10) years, 2019 to 2028 inclusive, to provide funds for ail library purposes authorized by law? If approved, the estimate of the revenue the Township will collect in the first year of levy (2019) is approximately $142,000. Revenue from this millage will be disbursed to the Hastings Public Library. Sample ballots may be viewed at www.mi.gov/vote. 7:00 am - 8:00 pm MONDAY, APRIL 22,2019 LAST DAY FOR VOTER REGISTRATION OTHER THAN IN-PERSON Persons with speolai needs as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Full text of the ballot proposition may be obtained at the administrative offices of Martin Public Schools, 1556 Chalmers Street, Martin, Michigan 49070-0241, telephone: (269) 672-7194. CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF HASTINGS LIBRARY MILLAGE PROPOSAL Anita Mennell Hastings Charter Twp 885 River Road Hastings, Ml 49058 Tuesdays 9 am- noon; 1 pm - 4 pm 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Jane Saurman City of Hastings 201 E. State Street Hastings, Ml 49058 Monday - Friday 8 am - 5 pm; 7:00 am - 3:00 pm Act should contact the appropriate cleric’s office. This notice is given as required by law (MCL 168.498(3)). 7:00 am -8:00 pm NOTICE OF PUBLIC ACCURACY TEST Deborah Jackson Hope Township 5463 S. M-43 Hwy. Hastings, Ml 49058 Monday - Friday 9 am- noon/1:15 pm - 3 pm 8:00 am -4:00 pm 7:00 am - 8:00 pm Notice is hereby given that a Public Accuracy Test for the May 7,2019 election will be conducted by the clerks of the named townships on the voting equipment pursuant to MCL 168.798 at the addresses noted on the following dates: Sharon Olson Irving Township 3425 Wing Road Hastings, Ml 49058 Monday - Friday 9am -4 pm (Consolidated w/Carlton Twp. for this election only) 8:00 am -4:00 pm 7:00 am - 8:00 pm April 18,2019 at 3:00 pm at BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP HALL 3100 E. Dowling Road, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Monday & Wednesday 8 am - 4 pm or by Appt. (Hosting Assyria & Bedford for 8:00 am - 4:00 pm 13641 S. M-37 Battle Creek, Ml 49017 Sheri Babcock Johnstown Twp. Townships participating in the April 18,2019 date: Baltimore Township 7:00 am - 8:00 pm April 25,2019 at 10:00 am at BARRY TOWNSHIP HALL 155 E. Orchard Street. Delton, Michigan 49046 Townships participating in the April 25,2019 date: Barry Township April 16,2019 @ 10:00 am at CARLTON TOWNSHIP HALL this election only) 85 Welcome Road, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Townships participating in the April 16, 2019 date: Carlton Township, Irving Township & Woodland Township Susan K. Butler Maple Grove Twp. 721 Durkee Road Nashville, Ml 49073 By appt, only (Consolidated w/Castleton Twp for this election only) 9 am - 5 pm Melody Risner Orangeville Twp. 7350 Lindsey Road Plainwell, Ml 49080 Mon. - Wed. - Friday 9:30 am - 1:30 pm 9:00 am - 5 pm 7:00 am - 8:00 pm Townships participating in the April 24,2019 date: Castleton Township & Maple Grove Township Rod Goebel Prairieville Twp. 1015 S. Norris Road Delton, Ml 49046 Mon - Thursday 9 am - 5 pm 8:00 am - 4 pm 7:00 am - 8:00 pm April 18,2019 @ 10:00 am at the CITY OF HASTINGS 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Robin Hawthorne Rutland Twp. 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Ml 49058 Monday - Thursday 9 am - 3 pm 8:00 am -4 pm 7:00 am-8:00 pm Nanc| Stanton Woodland Twp. 156 S. Main Woodland, Ml 48897 Tuesday 4 pm - 8 pm 7:00 am - 3:00 pm 7:00 am - 8:00 pm Janice C. Lippert Yankee Springs Twp 284 N. Briggs Road Middleville, Ml 49333 Mon - Thurs - 9 am -3 pm Friday 9 am - noon 8:00 am -4:00 pm 7:00 am - 8:00 pm Joyce Feraco Bedford Twp. 1115 S. Uidriks Drive Battle Creek, Ml (Consolidated w/ Johnstown Twp. for this election only) Mon - Thurs. 7:30 am - noon 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm - Closed Fridays 8*00 am - 4:00 pm 7:00 am - 8:00 pm April 24,2019 @ 2:00 pm at CASTLETON TOWNSHIP HALL 911 Reed Stre< P0 Box 679, Nashville, Michigan 49073 Participating in the April 18,2019 date: City of Hastings Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on April 18, 2019: ,Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Eric V Bartlett, a single man and Megan Daniels, a single woman, as joint tenants «Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Success Mortgage Partners, Inc. its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): The Money Source Inc. Date of Mortgage: May 24, 2018 Date of Mortgage Recording: May 30, 2018 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $244,485.99 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Woodland, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: A strip of land 30 rods wide off the East side of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 28, Town 4 North, Range 7 West. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: March 21,2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1379398 (03-21) (04-11) 114930 April 24,2019 @ 11:00 am at HASTINGS CHARTER TOWNSHIP HALL 885 River Road, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Townships participating in the April 24,2019 date: Hastings Charter Township April 18,2019 @ 1:00 pm at HOPE TOWNSHIP HALL 5463 S. M-43 Hwy., Hastings, Michigan 49058 Townships participating in the April 18,2019 date: Hope Township 7:00 am 8:00 pm April 10,2019 © 10:00 am at JOHNSTOWN TOWNSHIP HALL 13641 S. M-37 Hwy., Battle Creek, Michigan 49017 Townships participating in the April 10, 2019 date: Johnstown Twp, Assyria Township & Bedford Twp. (Calhoun Co) April 23,2019 © 10 am at ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP HALL PAMELA A. PALMER, BARRY COUNTY CLERK on behalf of; 7350 Lindsey Road, Plainwell, Michigan 49080 Townships participating in the April 23, 2019 date: Orangeville Township & Yankee Springs Township Baltimore Township Penelope Ypma Township Clerk Barry Township Deb Knight Township Clerk Carlton Township Amanda Brown Township Clerk Castleton Township Marcia Scramlin Township Clerk City of Hastings Jane Saurman City Clerk Hastings Charter Township Anita Mennell Township Clerk Hope Township Deborah Jackson Township Clerk Johnstown Township Sheri Babbock Township Clerk Orangeville Township Melody Risner Township Clerk Prairieville Township Rod Goebel Township Clerk Rutland Township Robin Hawthorne Township Clerk April 18,2019 @ 10:00 am at PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP HALL 10115 S. Norris Road, Delton, Michigan 49048 Townships participating in the April 18,2019 date: Prairieville Township Citizen of th.e United States At least 18 years of age 7, 2019 Resident of IMichigan and the township/city where you are applying to vote. April 16,2019 © 10:30 am at RUTLAND TOWNSHIP HALL 2461 Heath Road, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Townships participating in the April 16,2019 date: Rutland Township * The Public Accuracy Test is conducted to demonstrate that the program and the computer that will be used to tabulate the results for the election have been prepared in accordance with law. MONDAY, APRIL 22,2019 LAST DAY FOR VOTER REGISTRATION OTHER THAN IN-PERSON Persons with special needs, as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act, should contact the City or Township Clerk. Persons who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired may place a call through the Michigan Relay Center TDD#1800-649-3777. This notice is given as required by law (MCL 168.498(3). �Page 12 — Thursday, April 4, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Barry County Grappiers win seven state medals in Kalamazoo Barry County Grapplers Association member Max Schnurstein shows off his medal after a sixth-place finish in his 55-pound weight class over the weekend at the MYWAY State Finals at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo. Barry County Grapplers Association wrestler Zach Chipman is happy about his sixth-place finish in the 90-pound weight class at the MYWAY State Finals last weekend in Kalamazoo. Logan Klinge wears the fourth place medal he earned in his 112-pound weight class, wrestling for the Barry County Grapplers Association at the MYWAY State Finals in Battle Creek last weekend. Barry County Grapplers Association wrestler Dakota Harmer celebrates win­ ning the title in his 54-pound weight class over the weekend at the MYWAY State Finals in Kalamazoo. Barry County Grapplers Association wrestler Austin Friddle stands on the podi­ um after a runner-up finish in his 77-pound weight class over the weekend at the MYWAY State Finals in Kalamazoo. Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: AH real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. Business Service Community Notice BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Hard Maple, Cherry. Paying top dollar. Call for pricing and Free Estimates. Will buy single walnut trees. Insured, liability & work­ man's comp. Fetterley Log­ ging, (269)818-7793 BARRY COUNTY 2019 AN­ TIQUE SHOW: Saturday, April 6th, 9am-4pm, Sunday, April 7th, 10am-3pm. Barry Coun ty Expo Center, 1350 N. M-37, Hastings. 60 exhibitors, great selection of antiques. $4 Admission, Free Parking. Buying military items. BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, home improvements, seamless gutters. 269-320­ 3890. Wanted WANTED: A 9FT wide x 10ft tall insulated garage door. Call 269-838-7053. See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. Area residents among latest MSP graduates New troopers assigned to local BQSt Michigan’s newest troopers will soon report to work at Michigan State Police posts across the state after graduating from the 135th Trooper Recruit School Wednesday afternoon. MSP Director Col. Joe Gasper adminis­ tered the Oath of Office to 101 new troopers during the ceremony at the Lansing Center. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer delivered the keynote address. “I’m proud to recognize the graduates of the 135th Trooper Recruit School who are joining the ranks of the Michigan State Police today,” Whitmer said. “There is no greater calling than service to others, and it is my honor to support you as you commit your­ selves to a career of public service right here in our great state of Michigan. I wish each of you a long, safe and rewarding career with the Michigan State Police.” In his address to the graduates, Gasper said, “As you leave here today, I encourage you to seek to be what I call the ‘quiet professional.’ Listen first and show kindness, treating every­ one with dignity and respect.” Mitchell Kneibel of Middleville has been assigned to the Lakeview Post, which covers Gratiot, Ionia and Montcalm counties. The newest troopers at the Wayland Post, which includes Barry County, will be Jamison Burress of Hamilton, Patrick Gaudard of Richland and Austin McKenzie of Flushing. (Gaudard received the Team Building Award Wednesday.) The Marshall Post will add the most new troopers, including Kaitlyn Bielecki of Mancelona, Kleo Hinson of Clinton Township, Anna Humes of Ann Arbor, Jacob Owen of Jackson and Tracey Smith of Marshall. Other new troopers from the area have completed training and will begin their careers soon. Brandon Hall of Charlotte has been assigned to the Caro Post. Conner Grosteffon of Battle Creek will join the Paw Paw Post. Austin Kelley of Allegan will be at the Alpena Post. The 135th Trooper Recruit School began Sept. 23,2018, at the MSP Training Academy in Lansing. For the past 28 weeks, recruits received training in firearms, water safety, defensive tactics, patrol techniques, report writing, ethics, cultural diversity and implicit bias, first aid, criminal law, crime scene pro­ cessing and precision driving. As part of the department’s commitment to community outreach and service, the recruits organized a holiday toy drive in partnership with the Marine Corps Reserve “Toys for Tots” and raised $8,400 for Guardian Angels Medical Service Dogs. The class also helped to prepare a meal for the Commission on Aging’s Meals on Wheels program. Persons interested in learning more about a career with the MSP may visit michigan.gov/ mspjobs for information on how to apply. The next trooper recruit school is anticipated to begin in June. Including the newest troopers, 1,285 troopers are assigned statewide. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits I ■ Hastings Public Library 227 E State Street Hastings Ml 49058 i « I I ; 1 " ■ ' - 3t ' ' . Barry County Grapplers Association wrestler Hunter Sutfin celebrates winning the title in his 52-pound weight class over the weekend at the MYWAY State Finals in Kalamazoo. Barry County Grapplers Association wrestler Jordan Humphrey celebrates his fourth-place finish in his 65-pound weight class over the weekend at the MYWAY State Finals at the Wings Event Center in Kalamazoo. Man arrested for assault over politics Two officers were dispatched to a domestic assault in progress in the 500 block of Broadway in Middleville at 3:19 a.m. March 27. A 45-year-old woman said she was hit and choked by her 46-year-old boyfriend, who also is her ex-husband. She had a chipped tooth and multiple bruises. The man corroborated the woman’s story and said both had been drinking, and got into an argument over politics. He was arrested. Woman’s car attacked by dogs A 20-year-old Dowling woman was driving on Cooper Road near North Avenue in Johnstown Township around 10 p.m. March 29 when she saw two dogs run out of a yard and into the road. She stopped her car and said the dogs started scratching and biting at her front bumper, causing damage. Travel trailer stolen A 82-year-old woman called police around 10 a.m. March 29 after she noticed a travel trailer was missing from her property in the 5000 block of Lawrence Road in Maple Grove Township. The woman said the white 18- by 20-foot 1998 Shasta Flite is worth between $1,000 and $1,500 and had pots and pans, clothes and a space heater inside. Woman injured by exploding window A 71-year-old woman called police around noon March 30 from her car on Wing Road, south of Huff Road, in Assyria Township. The woman was delivering newspapers with her 49-year-old daughter when the front passenger window of her 2007 Ford Escape exploded. The daughter was hurt when a piece of glass got in her eye. An off-duty nurse stopped and flushed the glass out of the woman’s eye. The officer was unable to confirm what had caused the window to explode in an area with only cornfields on either side. No further action was taken. J Man crashes while driving with 0.244 blood alcohol content An officer responded to a crash at 6:45 p.m. March 30 on Baseline Road near 48th Street in Johnstown Township, where the Johnstown Fire Department had already arrived. A driver had lost control of a vehicle on a curve and crashed, igniting the vehicle. The pas­ senger fled the scene on foot and was not found. The driver, 26, of Delton, had a 0.244 blood alcohol content and was arrested. Man arrested for assault with knife Two officers responded to domestic assault around 8 p.m. March 29 in the 2000 block of Onyx Court in Rutland Charter Township. A 25-year-old woman said her boyfriend was angry because he believed the wiring of the garage door had been changed, and it must have meant another man was at the house and she was cheating on him. The 30-year-old man admitted to drinking before the incident, but said he did not brandish a knife. Officers noted he made a number of statements that were nonsensical or indicated that he might be a danger to himself or others. The woman said he threatened to hit her, and waved a but­ terfly knife around, taunting her with it. She also said they have had physical altercations in the past. The man was arrested. Man tries solicits probation officer for meth Two police officers assisted two probation officers at a residence in the 12000 block of South Marsh Road in Orangeville Township just before 3 p.m. March 28. A 60-year-old man had sent his probation officer a text message indicating he had just purchased a gram of something, and was looking to sell some of it. The officers found marijuana and 3.8, grams of methamphetamine in the man’s house. The man admitted he had attempted to send the message to a friend, but had sent it to his probation officer on accident. He was arrested. Lake cottage vandalized A 50-year-old man called police March 27 after he found five windows broken at his cottage in the 300 block of Donna Drive on Jordan Lake in Woodland Township. The man asked a neighbor if he saw anything, and he told the man a group of teenage boys from down the street had been playing near the house. The officer contacted the three boys, and one 12-year-old boy from Clarksville admitted he had broken the windows. Woman finds four tires slashed A 26-year-old woman called police at 8:04 a.m. March 27, after she found all four tires of her vehicle had been slashed outside her residence in the 7000 block of Cedar Creek Road in Hope Township. At 5 p.m. the day before, the tires were undamaged, she said. She told police that another woman had threatened to slash her tires for being too friendly with her boyfriend while she was in jail, but that woman was still in jail at the time of the inci­ dent. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, April 4, 2019 — Page 13 Michigan 2019 fishing license season opened %* Lions score some runs, still swept by Pennfield in opener Brett Bremer . Monday The 2019 fishing license season kicked off Monday in Michigan - as well as the new fishing regulation cycle. All 2019 fishing licenses are good for all species and are valid through March 31,2020. Anglers can choose from eight options that include Resident annual ($26), Nonresident annual ($76), Senior annual (resident 65 or older or residents who are legally blind - $ 11), 24-hour (resident or nonresident - $10), 72-hour (resident or nonresident - $30), Resident hunt/fish combo (base, annual fish­ ing, two deer - $76), Senior resident hunt/fish combo (base, annual fishing, two deer - $43) dr a Nonresident hunt/fish combo (base, annu­ al fishing, two deer - $266). A few new regulations began on Monday. The statewide daily possession limit for yellow perch has been reduced to 25 (except as noted in the Fishing Guide). The daily possession limit for lake trout and splake combined in Lake Huron lake trout management unit MH-1 has been reduced from three to two. In addition to bass tournaments, walleye loumaments and muskellunge contests are required to register with the Michigan Fishing Tournament Information System. Drop-shotting is allowed on drowned river mouths (also known as Type F waters) but is limited to single-pointed hooks measuring one-half inch or less from point to shank. Faith Stauffer of Hastings capped off the summer of 2018 by hauling in this 21-inch pike on Algonquin Lake. The winter’s ice has receded and the Michigan DNR 2019 fishing license season opened Monday. Sports Editor Pennfield pulled out two close ballgames to sweep its season-opening doubleheader with the Maple Valley varsity softball team at Maple Valley Jr/Sr High School Wednesday. The Panthers pulled out a 9-6 win in game one and then bested the Lions 10-9 in game two. Kaycie Schrader pitched both games for the Lions, striking out iJBtotal in the two contests. She was one of the stand-outs on the night for the Lions along with catcher Eli Heinze, shortstop Ava Robinson and third baseman Kelsey Meyers. “For the first game of the season, I’m pretty proud of the girls,” Maple Valley head coach Mary Lesage said. “They had a good game and we saw tons of improvement compared to last year. Having one day on the dirt prior to the first game makes it challenging. You can only do so much in the gym.” The Lions will keep working and keep teaching. Lesage said her team is made up of roughly half girls with varsity experience and half girls who have never played before. “The season will be a big building year and hopefully building a team for future years to come,” Lesage said. t She was happy with the way her girls hit alii around on the afternoon. I Pennfield built an 8-0 lead through its first three trips to the plate in game one, but the Lions got right back in the bailgame with five runs in the bottom of the third inning. Robinson and Heinze had two hits each in* the opener and Meyers, Addison Ramey andj Alexis McCool added one each. The Lions had leads of 4-3 after one inning and 6-4 after two in game two, but the Panthers put together their own five-run inning in the top of the third to move ahead .] Pennfield tacked on a big insurance run in the, top of the fifth to up their lead to 10-6 before: the Lions rallied for three runs in the bottom] half of the inning. Robinson, Meyers, Heinze and Rebecca; Fairfield had the four Lion hits. Fairfield; drove in two runs \ LARGE OF small, We Ship All! Calendar set: Hastings Live fills summer with free entertainment •> Joan Van Houten , . Staff Writer Hastings Live concert and entertainment series will fill stage and street with music for •family friendly summer fun, starting June 5. The entertainment in downtown Hastings is free. .* “We have have lots of great performers this year,” Maiya Merrick, city of Hastings’ arts •and events coordinator, said. “We even have Joshua Davis for a Friday Night Feature con­ cert. We’ve tried to book him for a few years Jnow, so this is quite exciting. * '“It’s time to start marking your calendars •and saving the dates.” : Several performers have already been Scheduled, she said, and others will be added jsoon. ; Friday Night Features, every Friday at 7:30 cat Thomapple Plaza r. June 28 - Josh Davis I July 5 - Kari Lynch : July 19 - The Accidentals August 2 - Luke Winslow King August 9 - Rev. Payton’s Big Damn Band S * ; Fridays at the Fountain, every Friday at noon at the Courthouse Lawn June 14 - Elvis James McKay July 5 - Kilkenny Corkers City Band Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. at the Thomapple Plaza : June 5 - Beatles and Jazz J June 12 - A Night on Broadway June 19 - Disney Magic June 26 - Marches July 3 - A Tribute to America Next Time, Ship Your Luggage! We make it simple, convenient and stress-free. ; j ' | Community Concert Series, Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. at the Thomapple Plaza July 24 - Tyler Roy i Playing at the Spray Plaza, Children’s Entertainment every Thursday at 11 a.m. : July 18th- Stormy the Magician | GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. Hastings Public Library 227 E State Street Hastings Ml 49058 sunshine -—^Pack & Ship 1351 N.Broadway (M-43) Hastings OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:30 - 5:30 Authorized Shipping Outlet ■ �Page 14 — Thursday, April 4, 2019 — The Hastings Banner ■ SPRING SPORTS Ui Hill W wl Wil 1 W •PREVIEWS llJLi w IJLi Vw «J ■ .... . . ............................ .... . '■ ■. . ■ ■ . . ■ . . . . ■ - . ■ . • ■ ■ . . ■ ■. ■ . . ■ DK baseball facing some of state’s best again Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Panthers have that district thing down now. The Delton Kellogg varsity baseball team won its first two district championships ever in 2017 and 2018. While adding a third straight district title at the end of the season is certainly one of the goals the DK boys hope to tick off their list this spring, there is a title drought they’d like to do something about as well. The Panthers plan to be competitive in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division this spring and will be chasing their first conference championship since 1976 this spring. There are 11 district champions back from the team that went 16-16 last spring, a group that includes senior outfielder Max Swift, senior third baseman Cameron Curcuro and senior first baseman Keegon Kokx, along with senior catcher Owen Koch, senior out­ fielder Shawn Haight, senior shortstop Riley Roblyer, senior infielder/outfielder Carter Howland and senior outfielder Brendon Chilton. The underclassmen returning are junior first baseman Kaleb Post and sopho­ more outfielder Hunter Belew. “We will be very athletic and most of our guys can pitch,” Delton Kellogg head coach Jesse Lyons said. “With eleven returning players from last year’s team we have a lot of experience. Seven of the returning seniors are entering their third year on varsity and going for their third district championship in a row.” Lyons is in his seventh season lead the DK program. The key additions to his squad this spring are senior first baseman Mats van Kleef and sophomore second baseman Blake Thomas. Lyons said the biggest challenge to his team so far is the lack of practice time out­ doors. The DK boys did get their first two ballgames in last week, splitting a double­ header with Comstock. Kokx and Roblyer got the two starts Wednesday, and Post threw a couple innings as well. Swift, Curcuro, Haight, Warner, van Kleef and Thomas will all likely take turns on the mound as well throughout the year. The conference title drought has quite a bit to do with the kind of competition the Panthers face year in and year out. Schoolcraft comes into the season ranked seventh in the state in Division 3. Hackett Catholic Central is third in the state in Division 4 in the preseason rankings, with Kalamazoo Christian not too far behind in seventh place. The Panthers have some time yet to prep for those match­ ups, whjch all happen in the first couple weeks of May. The Delton boys are scheduled to return to action Tuesday at home against Paw Paw and then will open the SAC Valley season at home against Constantine April 11. Hastings will host the Panthers for the annual Hastings Invitational April 13. The 2019 Delton Kellogg varsity baseball team. Team members are (front from left) Shawn Haight, Brendon Chilton, Hunter Belew, Blake Thomas, Riley Roblyer, Payton Warner, (back) Max Swift, Cameron Curcuro, Kaleb Post, Keegon Kokx, Carter Howland, Owen Koch and Mats van Kleef. DK has talent spread around girls’ track and field team are two of the top returnees for the team in the Sports Editor middle distance races, and both earned High-end speed is one of the few things the all-conference honors a year ago as a part of Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ track and field their program’s conference runner-up 3200team might be lacking a bit heading into the meter relay team along with senior distance spring of 2019. runner Marion Poley. The Panther program brings back some of Ashley Elkins, now a senior, is one of the its best throwers, junipers and distance run­ Top high jumpers in the SAC, and senior ners this spring for new head coach Katie throwers Lexi Parsons and Victoria Greene return for the Panthers as well. Parsons fin­ Ingle. The group of returnees is led by junior Erin ished top six in both the shot put and the dis­ Kapteyn who owns the school record int eh cus at the conference meet a year ago. Elkins pole vault at 9 feet 10 inches, and also is a cleared 4-8 in her first try at the high jump state qualifier in the hurdles. She placed sec­ when the DK girls opened the season at Grand ond in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley State University’s indoor Laker in the 300-meter low hurdles a year ago and Challenge March 22. She had a top junior of placed third in the 100-meter hurdles, and 4-10 as a junior, so she enters the year in a also won the pole vault with her record-set­ good spot. Coach Ingle said she also expects good ting leap. Seniors Hannah Austin and Rachelle Brown contributions from freshman distance runner Brett Bremer Halena Phillips, who was one of the top racers on the DK varsity girls’ cross country team in the fall, as well as senior sprinters Klara Mattsson and Abbie Bever who are new to the varsity track and field team. Ingle said her team’s goals for the spring are to do as well as it can in the SAC Valley Division, and to take one meet at a time. Saugatuck should be a powerhouse in the SAC overall once again, with tough competi­ tion from Schoolcraft and Constantine in the SAC Valley. The DK girls finished the 2018 SAC season tied with Constantine for the runner-up spot, well behind Saugatuck, at the SAC Championship Meet. The Panthers host Galesburg-Augusta, Fennville and Martin in the first conference meet of the season Wednesday, April 10, and then will go to the Otsego Relays April 12. Ashley Elkins Panthers’ experience should allow them to raise expectations Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Panthers might just do as well as their confidence allows them to this spring. A young roster improved throughout the spring for new varsity softball coach Duane Knight in 2018, winning a district champion­ ship at the end of the season and coming within just a couple runs of a regional cham­ pionship. “As we got better as a team, our pitching and defense was a lot better,” Knight said. “We allowed five runs in five games in the state tournament.” Four of those five runs came in the regional final loss to Central Montcalm. Knight said one of the keys to this season will be how much his girls trust their skills, playing confidently and also moving on when errors or mistakes do happen. It is a big group of district champions returning for Delton Kellogg, led by six all-district ballplayers including junior catch­ er Katie Tobias who was first team all-confer­ ence in the SAC Valley and fished as an hon­ orable mention all-state award winner. Junior pitcher Erin Kapteyn joined Tobias on the all-region team as a sophomore last spring. Tobias had a .646 batting average last spring, hitting ten home runs and driving in 52 runs. Also back are junior infielder Lily Timmerman, junior shortstop Hailey Buckner, senior outfielder Delanie Aukerman and senior designated hitter Izzy Adams. Timmerman and Kapteyn were both honor­ able mention all-conference in the SAC Valley and both had a batting average over .400 a year ago. Kapteyn was just a couple ticks shy of .500 at .496. DK has five girls back who drove in at least 20 runs last spring. The Panthers will also hope for more solid contributions from the sophomore trio of Chloe Colwell, Josie Lyons and Lizzy Fichtner who can fall fit in all over the diamond, and junior Ashton Ingersoll who joined the varsity for districts last spring. The pitching staff will once again be led by Kapteyn and Buckner, with Colwell contrib­ uting in the circle as well. Knight said his girls worked hard on pitching in the offseason. The Delton Kellogg girls were 20-13 over­ all last season and 6-6 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division. They’ll look to improve on both of those marks this season. Coach Knight said the first week p£ games will give a good glimpse of what the season could be like. The Panthers open the season at home against Paw Paw Tuesday and then will begin the SAC Valley season at home against Constantine April 11. DK follows up those ballgames with a trip to the Hastings^ Invitational April 13. The top teams in the SAC Valley this spring are likely to be Schoolcraft and Kalamazoo Christian, a pair of teams the DK girls take the road to face in May. Delton Moose Lodge 269.623.2112 5420 Moose Lodge Dr. (2 miles north of Delton on M43) OPEN 7 DAYS, M-F at 3pm, 12pm Sat & Sun, Food Served every day Members & Guests TUJAX TAVERN 103 S. Grove St. Delton (269) 623*8310 Katie Tobias 117 S. Grove St., Delton, Ml 623.5777 Scrapaloo SCRAPBOOK STORE Store Hours: Monday thru Saturday 10am-6pm 9929 S. M-43, Delton, MI 49046 Phone: 269-623-7310 scrapaloo@yahoo.com �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, April 4, 2019 — Page 15 Golfers getting good instruction from new coaching staff Brett Bremer 1? Sports Editor The Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ golf team will be right into the swing of things when it returns from spring break. The Panthers host duals with Comstock April 10 and Marcellus April 12, at Mullenhurst, and then will take on Maple Valley April 15. That all leads up to the opening Southwestern Athletic Conference East Division jamboree of the season, hosted by Schoolcraft April 16. The Panthers have a new coaching duo this spring, although it is made up of a couple familiar faces. Jim Hogoboom takes over the varsity program, with Wes Wandell on board as the JV coach. The DeltonKellogg boys were fifth in the SAC East a season ago, and fifth overall at the 12-team SAC Championship tournament. The Panthers went on to earn a sixth-place finish at regionals at the end of the season. A trio of juniors were a part of that regional line-up and return for their senior season. Alijandro Guevara led the Panthers at that regional with an 87, his best 18-hole round of the season. He is one of three returning guys Amber Mabie who had a nine-hole average in the 40s last spring. That group also includes seniors Tanner Janowski and Damian LaFountaine. All three had their score count in every varsi­ ty match they played in last spring. Janowski had a lo\$ nine-hole round of 38 in a dual at Mullenhiirst a year ago, and he was among the Panthers’ top four scorers in all 12 of his varsity matches during the sea­ son. Senior Drew Ketola also returns for the Panthers this season. He was just a couple strokes behind the other three returnees throughout much of last spring. Coach Hogoboom said he is looking for­ ward to contributions from senior exchange student Dominik Waase and senior Noah Phommavongsa, who is out for golf for the first time. Hogoboom is happy to have coach Wandell by his side. “He comes to us after a 40-year career as a PGA Certified Teaching Pro. Our guys are getting great instruction and we are making daily progress,” Hogoboom said. “For sure See GOLF, page 16 Damian LaFountaine Last year's youngsters turn Into leaders for DK soccer Brett Bremer Sports Editor More than half of the 2018 Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ soccer team was made up of freshmen and sophomores. < Those girls, with a year or two of varsity experience in their cleats now, will look to win double digit contests again and fight for a Steftithwestern Athletic Conference (^tfampionship. The team was 11-6-2 a year ago, and went 5-2-1 in the conference, good for third place in the final league standings. . Back for the Panthers are junior Gabby Petto who could see time on defense and at forward in her third varsity season. The attack also includes junior forward Holly McManus , another player entering her third varsity sea­ son. Junior Amber Mabie returns to lead the rpidfield and junior Cassidy Tobias i^tums to fead the defensive unit. J “We have solid players at every level of the field, so the core of our team is strong,” DK iWd coach Alan Mabie said. Mabie is enter­ ing his seventh season leading the Panther girls’ program. While there are a lot of girls back on the varsity roster from a year ago, there weren’t too many additions. Coach Mabie has just 16 girls out for the sport. “To be successful, we need to stay healthy,” coach Mabie said. The small group of additions is highlighted by freshman defender Caitlin McManus, exchange-student Sannah Solstrand in the midfield and sophomore forward Briana Warner. The Delton Kellogg girls are scheduled to host Holland Black River Tuesday and then the Kalamazoo Area Home School team April 12.. The Southwestern Athletic Conference season starts when the DK girls travel to Coloma April 15. Coach Mabie said he expects Kalamazoo Christian to once again be the topTeam in the conference. The Panthers take on the Comets May 8 in Kalamazoo. www.mei.net BUCKLAND AGENCY 11235 Sprague Rd, Delton 623-5115 3 E. Orchard, Delton 623-4058 HOW. Center, Suite B, Hastings 948-3720 WestMichiganLakes.com THE HASTINGS BANNER NAPA OF DELTON Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Newcomers performing well for DK boys’ track and field CHAPPLE EALTY INC. 1351 N. M-43 Hwy, Hastings 9939 m-43 Hwy, Delton, MI Larger inventory, more in-stock parts 623-4804 945-9554 GROVE STREET CAFE M-43 Hwy. across from Delton Schools Try Our Pizza Take & Bake, To Go, Dine-in 623-3777 juliea@mei.net • 269.838.2902 10075 South M43 Hwy, Delton, Ml 49046 SIMPLY SWEETS, 623-8047 QI @TrueDesignApparel DELTON FAMILY PHARMACY GO GO AUTO PARTS 7709 Kingsbury Rd. Delton 338 Grove St. (M-43)Delton (269) 623-2775 623-5250 LYONS SEPTIC TANK SERVICE 3840 Harrington Rd. Delton 623-2089 • 945-5379 Fast Reliable Service For Over 50 Years DELTON FLORAL & GIFTS 10120 S. Wall Lake Rd (M-43) Delton 623-5353 WILLIAMS-GORES FUNERAL HOME SMITH & DOSTER SALES & SERVICE 133 Orchard, Delton 114 Grove (M-43) Delton 623-5461 623-5111 Dawson Grizzle Brett Bremer Sports Editor Freshmen legs led the Delton Kellogg var­ sity boys’ track and field team in a couple events at the team’s opening meet of the sea­ son, the Grand Valley State University indoor Laker Challenge March 22. Freshman Amon Smith III clocked the fast­ est time by a Panther in the 1600-meter run, 5 minutes 8 seconds. Freshman teammate corey Moore led the team in the 60-meter high hur­ dles. Another youngster, sophomore Cole Pape, placed fourth in the shot put with a mark of 43-1 at the meet. That’s a good sign as the Delton Kellogg boys’ team tries to chase another Southwestern See TRACK, page 16 Katie & Christy’s mid-Lakes Screen Printing Monogramming • Tanning Salon DELTON POLE BUILDING Home also to The Cottage Shoppe 623-8340 10036 M-43, Delton midlakes@mei. net-https://mid-lakes. net 121 E. Orchard, Delton, Ml NEW: Shop our ON-LINE Store on our new Web-Site! B 623*3300 �Page 16 — Thursday, April 4, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Panthers split first doubleheader with Comstock The Delton Kellogg varsity baseball team opened up its 2019 season by splitting a dou­ bleheader with Comstock Wednesday in Kalamazoo. The Panthers were bested by the Colts 3-2 in the opener before bouncing back for a 6-0 win in five innings. DK pitcher Riley Roblyer tossed the dark­ ness shortened complete game shut out in game two, striking out five through five innings. The Colts managed five hits and got two walks, but couldn’t bring a baserunner around against Roblyer. Delton Kellogg pounded ten hits in the win, scoring once in the first, three times in the second and then twice in the top of the third inning. Payton Warner got the scoring started for Delton Kellogg, leading off game two with a single and moving to second on a Colt error. He scored on a fly ball by Cameron Curcuro. Warner also had one of the big hits of the second inning, an RBI single. Warner was 2-for-2 and also walked once in the win. Delton Kellogg’s three-run second started with two outs. Shawn Haight walked and Carter Howland singled. Haight scored on a single by Warner. Howland and Warner then scored on a two-run double off the bat of Owen Koch. Max Swift singled, stole a base and eventu­ ally scored on a balk in the third inning. Teammate Kaleb Post added an RBI ground­ out in the inning. Swift and Roblyer both had two singles in the victory. Comstock scored single runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth to win the opener Wednesday. Delton Kellogg’s Payton Warner dives safely back to the bag at first as a pick-off throw comes his way during the Panthers’ season opener against Comstock Wednesday in Kalamazoo. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Warner singled and stole second and third in the top of the seventh inning of game two, and scored on a pop-out by Curcuro, but DK couldn’t get a second runner on in its final chance of the bailgame. Warner also scored his team’s first run in the top of the first. Howland had two singles in the game one loss for DK. Keegon Kokx, Koch and Warner had DK’s other hits. Kokx started on the mound and allowed just one unearned run through four innings. He struck out seven and walked one while giving up one hit. Post was hit with the loss, allowing three runs, two earned, in two innings. He struck out two and walked three. Comstock had seven hits in its victory. The Delton Kellogg boys return to action Tuesday at home against Paw Paw, and then will be home for a SAC Valley Division dou­ bleheader with Constantine April 11. Keegon Kokx pitches for the Panthers during their season-opening bailgame against Comstock Wednesday at Comstock High School. (Photo by Perry Hardin) GOLF, continued from page 15-------------------- Riley Roblyer puts his bat on the ball for the Panthers’ during their season-opening doubleheader against the Colts Wednesdy at Comstock High School. (Photo by Perry Hardin) MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING HOMEOWNERS WANTED! Kayak Pools is looking for DEMO HOMESITES to ,--r = PMs Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber display our new maintenance-free pools. Save thousands of $$$$ with this unique opportunity. * New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation CALL HOW! 800.31.KAYAK OFFER ENDS SOON - (52925) Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 www.kayakpoolsmidwest.com | USE CODE: 607D419 : Hastings the best move a first year coach could make was to hire a genuine golf expert.” The coaching duo has a lot of students, with 17 guys out for the team. While Janowski might be a clear No. 1 player for the Panthers, there are four or five guys who could lead the team in scoring on any given day. The Panthers hope to compete in the SAC East Division, a tough task with Kalamazoo Christian, Hackett Catholic Prep and Schoolcraft returning strong players as usual. Schoolcraft was eighth a year ago at the Division 3 State Finals, but did have a senior filled line-up. Hackett and Christian placed third and fourth respectively at the Division 4 State Finals. The Fighting Irish have the most returnees of any of those top three SAC East teams. Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 DANNER Area Locations to purchase the Hastings Banner! Walgreens Hastings? One Stop Shop (Phillips 66) (M-43 North) Superette Family Fare Tom's Market ' Phillips 66 Gas Station (M-37 South) Hastings Johnny's The General Store Marathon Middleyille: Speedway Middleville Marketplace Greg’s Get-It-N-Go Middleville Johnny's Gtm Lqfce: Sam’s Gourmet Foods The Dock Store Orangeville: Orangeville Fast Stop Mega Bev Penn-Nook Gift Shop Phillips 66 Gas Station (W. State St.) Phillips 66 Gas Station >37 West) Family Fare Gas Star nn Pine Lake: Doster Country Store Prairieville: Prairieville Fast Stop Hastings Public Library 227 E State Street Hastings Ml 49058 Wbodfaadr Woodland Express CJoverdale: Cloverdale General Brown’s Cedar Creek Grocery Delton: Family Fare Delton Johnny's ...... .............. . ... A.. Banfield: Banfield General Store Dowling: Goldsworthys Dowling General Store Freeport: L&Js Freeport General Store Nashville: Trading Post Little’s Country Store Nashville Johnny's MV Pharmacy Nashville C Store Carl's /Ok Lake Odessa: Lake-O-Express Lake-O-Mart Late Odessa Johnny's Carl’s Shelbyville: Town & Country Delton Kellogg second baseman Carter Howland fires towards first during the season opening doubleheader against Comstock Wednesday at Comstock High School. (Photo by Perry Hardin) TRACK, continued from page 15 Athletic Conference Valley Division title this spring. “We will be relying heavily on our juniors and seniors who have that veteran experi­ ence,” DK head coach Dale Grimes said. “In addition, there are several senior rookies, including exchange students, who show great work ethic and potential to contribute signifi­ cantly to the team. We also have a strong group of underclassmen who have already shown potential to earn significant points in several key events.” The DK boys were 6-0 in SAC Valley duals a season ago and placed fourth overall at the SAC Championship meet. Pape is one a few key additions from that squad. The senior returnees include distance runners Ashton Pluchinsky, Kendal Pluychinsky and Sam Arce and sprinter Justin Trantham. The group of junior returnees includes sprinters Alex Leclercq and Dawson Grizzle, distance runner Matthew Lester and thrower Alan Whitmore. The sophomore class includes hurdler Hunter Marshall and sprinter Bradley Bunch. The team is also looking for good contribu­ tions from more newcomers than just Smith and Moore. Another freshman, Caden Ferris, will look to make an impression in the throws. The group of junior newcomers includes Alan Rogers and Jaden Ashley in the jumps. Rogers will also make a go at the hurdles while Ashley competes in distance races. Ashley flew 19-0 to lad the DK boys in the long jump at GVSU, placing tenth in the event. The Panther program also added seniors Drew Ketola, Mads Clausen, Mikolas Dumas, Henrik Wetterdal and Dominik Waase this spring. Waase and Dumas both placed in the top ten in the 60-yard dash at GVSU “The team this year is very well balanced in terms of the number of athletes per grade and each class is represented by several members who will undoubtedly contribute to the scor­ ing,” coach Grimes said. Grimes is entering his 17th season leading the program. As has been for many of those seasons, the Panthers will be challenged for a conference championship once again by the boys from Constantine in the SAC Valley. Schoolcraft and Hackett Catholic Central have strong teams returning this season as well. The Panthers were supposed to open the SAC Valley season before spring break against the Hackett Fighting Irish, but that meet has been moved to May 6. The Panthers host Fennville, Martin and Galesburg-Augusta Wednesday and then will go to the Otsego Lions Relays April 12. Constantine will host both the SAC Valley Division Championship and the SAC Championship at the end of May. “Overall in the SAC, annually strong teams such as Watervliet, Gobles and Saugatuck Will certainly add to the challenging competitive nature of the conference,” Grimes said. . Call 269-945-9554 any time for Hastings Banner classified ads � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-04-11.pdf 23b71931b0bd3a509be11cfd64000b31 PDF Text Text Bob Wenger served county in many ways Love letter to a county courthouse Hastings spring sports previewed See Story on Page 10 See Editorial on Page 4 See Stories on Pages 13-15 804879110187 1070490102590500182549058195427 NEWS BRIEFS Specter of spring rain spurs anxiety in flooded areas Costs surpass halfjriiUipn mark Rebecca Pierce Editor Costs to fix flooding in the Delton area reached $544,102 as of March 25, with no resolution in sight. Voterregistration deadline nearing Anyone planning to cast a ballot in the May 7 election who has not already reg­ istered to vote must do so by Monday, April 22. Those wishing to register must be at least 18 years old, a citizen of the United States and not be serving a sentence in jail or prison. Also, an individual must be a resident of Michigan and the city or township where he or she is applying to register for at least 30 days before elec­ tion day. Registration status, city or township clerk information, and polling locations can be found at mi.gov/vote. Forms are available online and can be submitted to the applicable township, city or county clerk’s office or the se cretary of state office. Flute Choir, Wind Band to share music Barry County has a newly formed flute choir whose members invite the commu­ nity to hear the mellow sounds of the flute family Friday, April 12, at 7:30 p.m. The flute choir will present a concert in combination with the Thornapple Wind Band at the Hastings Performing Arts Center, 520 W. South St, Hastings. Members of the Barry County Flute Choir include Alicia DeVroy, Kim Domke, Sharon Jones, Jane Kalin, Denise Miller, Terri Neeb, Stephanie Proulx, Martha Stoetzel, Sarah Taylor and Joanne Tobias. They are mainly from Barry County, and some have been playing together for more than 30 years through Hastings City Band, Thomapple Wind | Band, community weddings, funerals and other celebrations. More information on the flute choir is available by emailing Terri Neeb, terrineeb@yahoo.com, or calling Kim | Domke, 269-908-0024. The Thomapple Wind Band has been providing free concerts to the community for more than 20 years. Friday’s concert will wrap up the band’s 2018-19 season. । । COA hosting fiddlers’ jamboree The Michigan Fiddlers Association I will return to the Barry County Commission on Aging Saturday, April 13, for a day of music, food and dancing. “This should be an outstanding event See NEWS BRIEFS, page 2 Crooked Lake, involves 1,100 property own­ ers. When Dull provided his 2018 annual report to the county board of commissioners Tuesday, the talk was dominated by questions about flooding. “So every lake that doesn’t have an outlet is experiencing high-water issues and flooding issues,” Commissioner David Jackson, who lives in Delton, said at the conclusion of See FLOODING, page 2 Royal Coach property to get assessment grant Joan Van Houten Pancakes on garden club agenda Anyone who has wondered what hap­ pens to the sap from inaple trees before it is bottled as syrup can get answers Thursday, April 11, at the Thornapple Garden Club meeting. Rodney Pennock will share information about making syrup. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Episcopal Parish House, 315 W. Center St., Hastings. A pancake dinner, with maple syrup, will be ready at 6, followed by the presentation at 7 p.m. The busi­ ness portion of the meeting will follow the presentation. Pennock is a fourth-generation syrup maker from Nashville. The public is welcome at the meet­ ing. A donation is requested for the pan­ cake and sausage meal. Members are reminded to bring dona­ tions for the Hastings Food Bank. ; Membership information for the club can be obtained through club co-president Janet Smith, 269-795-9109, or mem­ bership chair Rose Ann Lipsch, 269-945­ 3242. “It’s going to be really bad the next month because of spring rains,” Drain Commissioner Jim Dull predicted Tuesday. “That’s what everybody’s bracing for.” His biggest fear, he said, is a power outage. “We’re going to lose a lot of houses that quick if we have a power outage.” Right now, pumps are keeping high water under control. “When pumps go off, if it happens, the water will just overtake everything,” he said. The Watson Drain District, which includes Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull briefs county commissioners Tuesday on efforts to address widespread flooding problems. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Staff Writer A $63,000 Renew Michigan Fund brown­ field grant was awarded for site assessment of the former Royal Coach property at 325 North Hanover Street in Hastings. “This is a big deal ” Dan King, Hastings community development director, said. “We’ve been working very hard for the past year to draw investors to this property, and I’m confident we’ll see the results of that work very soon. “There are three major development groups showing a very strong interest now ard having the assessment to determine if remediation is needed fully paid for will go a long way.” The grant for the eight-acre parcel will be available once the contract is signed by an authorized representative of the city and the state Department of Environmental Quality. Larry Baum, local businessman and philanthropist, retains the option to pur­ chase and develop the building and grounds at Mill Street in Hastings and has invested the 15 percent matching funds required by the DEQ. Another investor is being sought to join in developing the property because of the size and scope of the work involved, -------------------------------- ------- - -------- “This is a big deal. We’ve been working very hard for the past year to draw investors to this property, and I’m confident we’ll see the results of that work very soon." Dan King, Hastings community development director which will include residential and possibly commercial and retail space. King said the Royal Coach site has many attractive attributes for investors. The prop­ erty is in walking distance to downtown with access to entertainment, shops and restaurants, is located on the river, close to the trail system, and there is a large area usable for parking. Owned by Hastings Manufacturing Company, the Royal Coach property is approximately 8 acres along the Thomapple River with two warehouse buildings, a for­ mer fire-suppression equipment building, paint shop and fuel dispenser building. The See ROYAL COACH, page 5 What’s next for Thornapple Plaza? Laser lights Joan Van Houten Staff Writer The Baum Family Foundation has pledged another three years of support for the Thomapple Plaza with a $35,000 donation for improvements and upgrades. The foundation funded the $1.2 million for the development and construction of the plaza and donated the facility to the City of Hastings in April 2016, along with funding to support Friday Night Features for the next three sum­ mers. This latest windfall from the Baum family for the plaza will allow for the purchase and installation of a digital sign for announce­ ments about upcoming events and entertain­ ment. Concession upgrades will include three stainless steel sinks to bring the venue up to code for food service, a new water heater and an awning to shield food servers from the sun. And that isn’t all. Larry Baum has yet another surprise in store for Hastings: Laser lights at the plaza. Baum mentioned his plan at the Hastings Rotary Club meeting Monday, saying this will be another great addition. “My wife and I were driving around during Christmas, and there were wreaths and lights and decorations down the main street. It looked wonderful. We turned the comer and drove by the plaza. Other than the security lights, it was bare. “It was sad to see it that way and not being used.” Since then, Baum said he has been thinking about what could be done to make better use of the facility beyond summer entertainment. His idea of laser lights came from the enter­ tainment industry. “Bands use them at concerts all the time,” he said. See PLAZA, page 3 Local teen is world’s strongest powerlifter Rebecca Pierce Editor Hastings High School graduate Skyler Brandt, 19, measures his accomplishments in kilograms and pounds. Brandt set a world record for a teen by lift­ ing a combined total of 2,033 pounds at the American Powerlifting Federation Illinois State Championships, March 30-31 at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Ill. The competition involves squat, bench and dead­ lift. He put together an 837.7-pound squat mark, a 457.6-pound bench press and a 738.5 pound deadlift in Illinois. At 5 feet 10 inches and 340 pounds, he’s a super heavyweight competitor who’s serious about his goal: To beat his own record before he turns 20 on Sept. 16. “As a teenager, I want to break 2,100 pounds with my total,” he said. “There’s no recorded teen who has done that.” It’s a goal that takes a lot of discipline and dedication and a structured environment, he said. “Mentally, I’ve got to bring intensity to this all the time. There’s so many things to being my size in the first place: I’ve got to eat. I’ve Skyler Brandt, 19, of Bellevue, holds the world record for a teen powerlifter. (Photo provided) got a pretty hard diet. I’m eating every 3 or 4 hours every day.” And, with the size of muscles he carries, he’s got to stay hydrated all the time. See POWERLIFTER, page 8 Peloton preps for Killer Gravel Road Race Riders roll out of the parking lot at Ace Hardware in downtown Hastings Sunday during the Race Course Recon group ride in preparation for this Saturday’s annual Founders Brewing Co. Barry- Roubaix Killer Gravel Road Race. Roughly 3,500 cyclists will take to the course on the gravel roads between Hastings and Yankee Springs Saturday morning beginning at 10 a.m. The event includes 22-mile, 36-mile, 62-mile and 100-mile competitions. (Photo by Brett Bremer) �Page 2 — Thursday, April 11,2019 — The Hastings Banner Lakefront residents in Barry Township call for solutions? A driveway for this property is under water. j Barry County Commissioner David Jackson, who lives on Long Lake, addressed the Barry Township board Tuesday evening. . Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer East Shore Drive in Delton is under water. As she walked along the road near her home, Crooked Lake resident Valeria Huffman said the situation now is already worse than last summer. Although she doesn’t live in a place where her home is in danger, she said her neighbors can’t afford to wait any longer. There are por­ tions of the road where the water stretches onto residents’ properties and essentially con­ nects the swamp, behind Delton Kellogg High School, with Crooked Lake. “It’s pretty scary,” she said. The concern over Crooked Lake flooding carried over to the Barry Township board meeting this week where residents stood to sfpeak about their growing concerns. Resident Joy Bassett said this is the worst she’s ever seen it. “This is a desperate emergency,” Bassett said. Others who spoke expressed confusion as to why the road couldn’t be sandbagged, stop­ ping the water from encroaching onto the road. “I know it would have been a lot of sand­ bags, but at least then it would be a wet street instead of a flooded one,” lake resident Rick Barta said. “When people drive through there, all they’re doing is putting water into other people’s properties. “The road is shot. I understand that lake life in cyclable, it goes down and it goes up. But something happened in the fall of 2017. I pulled my boat lift out at the end of October 2nd I had 12 feet of sandy beach. Two weeks later, it was in the water again. All we want to know is what happened.” County Commissioner Dave Jackson, who lives on Long Lake in Delton, attended the meeting and said he had checked out the situ­ ation on East Shore Drive. “The swamp and the lake are as high as Fve seen them,” Jackson said. “I have a truck and I didn’t want to drive through it. The lake is as high as I’ve seen it.” ' Ken Tomlin, lake resident and owner of Stoney Point Campground, spoke about his concerns regarding the amount of water being put into Crooked Lake. Tomlin estimated that about 350 gallons of water per day per household flows into Crooked Lake, which has no outlet. , The current state of flooding on East Shore Drive is worse than residents say they can recall. The concern over the state of Crooked Lake is shared by the township board, as trustees expressed their desire for solutions and answers. “We need feet off the lake — not inches,” Supervisor Wes Kahler said. “I know solutions need to be done,” Trustee Lee Campbell said. “We need to fix the prob­ lem. But, at the end of the day, everyone in Barry Township, Prairieville Township, and Orangeville Township are going to flip the bill for this. “I want people to know that it’s not Barry Township board, it’s Barry County drain com­ missioner.” Residents expressed agreement with that sentiment, with some calling for accountabil­ ity from the drain commissioner as far as the8 funds being used for the flooding project. “There isn’t a process ill a place where the drain commissioner has W answer to anyone but the voters - so, in 2020, you have a vote,” Jackson told them. “I think everybody would like more accountability with their money.” Jackson also spoke to residents, and the Barry Township board about his concerns as far as a lack of public participation in the Crooked Lake Task Force meetings. “Task force meetings are informational, but I feel it would be helpful to have a question-and-answer period at the start or end of the meeting,” Jackson said. “I think the fear is that there is a lot of angst and anger over the money being spent without solutions. “You’re fighting Mother Nature every step of the way. Water is high everywhere right now and they can only do so much.” Jackson added, “I think it would be helpful for people to be able to ask questions and get some honest dialogue back and forth. Between the people who are being affected and the people who are cutting the check versus hav­ ing a closed session n>eting where nothing is said.” The sandbag dam at Glasby Lake has been partially removed per the order of Michigan Department of Transportation, Drain Commissioner Jim Dull said in a later inter­ view. According to Dull, the remaining por­ tion of the structure will remain in place until this summer when there is a proposed plan to replace the culvert below M-43 and attach the two bodies of water. Dull also spoke to the concern of residents who are saying the boats are coming right up to the shoreline on Crooked Lake and pushing water onto their properties. The best way to deal with this is for people to keep boats from coming right up to the shore. He suggested obtaining a raft and anchoring it 15 feet from the shoreline which then, by law, makes boats unable to create a wake in that area. Excavation is currently in progress on the Darrell Jones property and the pumping per­ mit is currently going through the process with the DEQ, he added. With East Shore Drive under water, it’s connecting Crooked Lake with the swamp, behind the high school. \ Barry Township trustees Lee Campbell and Teresa Schuiteboer listen to lake resir dents during their regular meeting. ’? Dull said he is still working with farmers to short-term solution to reducing high lake lev­ explore prospective irrigation options as a els this spring. ’• FLOODING, continued from page 1 Dull’s presentation. “Exactly,” Dull replied. “Balker Lake, West Gilkey, Indian, Pine Lake, Shelp Lake, Crooked Lake, Long Lake, Wall Lake, Cloverdale Lake - every one of them. “The only thing we can figure is because, one, groundwater is way up. I believe Lake Michigan is four feet above where it was a few years ago. The DEQ’s point is we get a lot more rain in a shorter time, so we don’t get the absorption.” But a variety of other factors also contrib­ ute to high-water issues, he added. And it’s not simple. Dull compared the flooding problem at Crooked Lake, which has no outlet for the water, to a bowl. The bowl is already full, he said, then start adding the sewer authority, more homes, more roads, the Delton village drain. “You start adding all that,” he said, “and it’s an accumulated effect over 10 years. “Even if it’s only one inch a year, it’s still 10 inches in 10 years.” Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads The sewer authority is bringing water in from outside of the Watson Drain district, which includes Crooked Lake. More people are living there and more houses create more non-permeable surfaces. Even farmers tiling their fields have an impact. But, even with these developments over the years, lake levels also have cycles. “That’s exactly what the graphs show,” Dull said, noting that he has documentation from the early 1900s. “Crooked Lake has a five-foot swing in the [lake level] cycle. It’s about 30 years apart. Guess what? We’re about five feet off.” Dull mentioned that a March 25 meeting with the state Water Resources Division may provide some hope as far as resolving Crooked Lake flooding. Previously, the state Department of Environmental Quality would not allow water from the lake to be pumped to the north. Dull said he has since been told that, if only some of the water is moved to the north and not flooding anything out in the process, they may be able to use that as a long-term outlet, he noted. The other choice would be to go three or four miles to the south and install an infiltra­ tion bed. Moving the water to the north would knock down the cost. “It’s still not going to be cheap,” Dull said. State officials were told, if the county is forced to move the water to the south, it would turn a $2-$3 million project into a $10 million project. Dull said the point was made that the coun­ ty is “working with taxpayers’ money and we don’t have a choice to walk away.... We don’t have that option. We can’t put people out of their houses to fix flooding solutions.” Depending on where the property is locat­ ed, some lakefront residents are not upset about high water, Dull mentioned after the meeting. For some property owners, higher water levels eliminate weeds along the lakefront and make for better boating and fishing. So, these particular property owners are not pleased about being assessed for efforts to lower water levels. At the board meeting, Jackson asked Dull about a project to raise the elevation of M-43 near Cloverdale Road, which was recently closed by flooding. Dull confirmed that his department is work­ ing with the county road commission to raise the road. “The problem with building the road up is that it’s on a swamp,” he pointed out. “The more weight you put on it, the lower the road actually goes.” Once the road is built up enough, Dull indi­ cated they will probably put a culvert under M-43 to relieve the swamp on the east side of the highway. Dull also reviewed progress on a variety of projects, from the Holmes Drain at the comer of Charlton Park and Center roads, the Fineview Drain that had flooding damage at Fineview Bluff where one man’s house was washed away, the Cloverdale Drain where flooding affected M-43, and the Shallow Lake Drain, the Clear Lake Drain and the Messer Brook to the Thomapple River where the road commission will be replacing the bridge at Charlton Park Road with a new 38-foot struc­ ture. NEWS BRIEFS continued from front page for April,” Ken Moore, MFA president and Middleville resident, said. “These jambo­ rees are as much fun for the audience as they are for the musicians. Folks can join us for an hour or two, or for the whole day. Musicians come in from all over Barry County and Southwest Michigan.” Fiddlers will be playing from 1 to 4 p.m. Open mic will be from 4 to 5:30 p.m. A dinner break from 5 to 6 will be followed by square dancing from 6 to 7:30. There will be plenty of music and dancing, orga­ nizers said, and instruments will include fiddles, guitars, mandolins, dulcimers, bass fiddles, piano and more. Drinks and snacks will be available for purchase throughout the day, and pizza will be ready at 4, courtesy of the Michigan Fiddlers Association. Admission to the jamboree is free, but freewill offerings are appreciated. Proceeds at the door will be split 50/50 between the MFA and the COA. The Commission on Aging is at 320 W. Woodlawn Ave., Hastings. More informa­ tion is available by calling Judy Moore, 269-795-3143. Rep. Calley to meet with residents State Rep. Julie Calley welcomes resi­ dents to office hours in four communities in April. Calley, of Portland, will give a legislafive update to attendees. Then, if residents have individual concerns, she will take one on one meetings. Calley will meet with constituents on the following dates: -Friday, April 12, from 11 a.m. to noon at Revival Cafe and Market, 75 N. Bridge St. in Saranac. -Monday, April 15, from 11 a.m. to noon at The Local Grind, 117 S. Grove St. in Delton. -Monday, April 22, from 11 a.m. to noon at city hall, 259 Kent St. in Portland. -Monday, April 22, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Hastings City Hall, 201 E. State St. “The recent budget proposal has sparked substantial feedback, and I am eager to hear from more community members,” Calley said. No appointment is necessary. Residents unable to attend scheduled office hours may send their questions and ideas to Calley via email at JulieCalley@house. mi.gov or by calling her at 517-373-0842. , . m f i �□ The Hastings Banner — Thursday, April 11,2019 — Page 3 Family Promise program begins Tanett Hodge Staff Writer Monday evening, a excited and supportive crowd gathered at Hope United Methodist Church on M-37, to celebrate the official opening of Family Promise of Barry County. Family Promise’s mission is to end home­ lessness, one family at a time, by providing hospitality, lodging and support during crisis times, keeping families together and helping to them recover. The Family Promise day center will be housed at Hope United Methodist Church, where the ribbon-cutting took place. The event attracted many of the supporters who were involved in making the project a reality. “We are so excited,” Martha Gibbons, pro­ gram director, said. “So much work has gone into this,” Gibbons said 12 churches in the area stepped up and offered to be host sites for the program. “We are hoping to get a few more,” Jeff Gibbs, president of the Family Promise board, said. The crowd was asked to make their way to the outdoor playground, where members of the board welcomed and thanked everyone for supporting the dream of Family Promise in Barry County. State Rep. Julie Calley, R-Portland, praised Sue Larghi receives a plaque from Jeff Gibbs, president of the board, in honor of her late husband, Steve, who was the driving force in bringing Family Promise to Barry County. the effort, planning and action of the people involved, speaking of the prevalence of men­ tal illness and how it is connected to home­ lessness. Family Promise board members cut the ribbon Monday and begin their first week of the intake process Tuesday. Pictured (cen? ter, from left) are Sue Larghi, Martha Gibbons, Jeff Gibbs and Kim Metzer, surrounded by supporters. cheered, the crowd was invited to tour the “But you don’t wait for government to step bers stood by her side. The Rev. Kim Metzer, pastor of Hope facility and see the rooms dedicated to the up,” she said. “Those who are leading this program, those who are volunteering, those Church and board member for Family program for everyday use. A caseworker and who are offering their churches, you are the Promise, spoke of how the concept began computer room, a family room, men’s and more than 30 years when a woman simply women’s bathrooms, a laundry room, an answer.” office/study room and a conference room “This is a huge testament to how Barry gave someone a sandwich. “It starts with the small things,” she said. were prepped and ready for their first families County gets things done,’LTravis Alden, Barry Bishop David Bard and District next week. 3 County Chamber of Commerce president, Superintendent Jerry DeVine of the Michigan A playroom also was provided, stocked* said. Gibbs took time to honor Stephen Larghi, United Methodist Church spoke and congrat­ with toys courtesy of the Youth Advisory who died in July 2018 , by presenting his wife, ulated the efforts of the community. They Council of Barry County. Guests were invited to enjoy refreshments Sue, with a plaque in remembrance of all his prayed for the center and the work as it goes and fellowship in the church gym after the" work toward the goal of this mission. Sue forward. After the ribbon was cut and observers tours. accepted the plaque tearfully, as board mem­ KAMA provides opportunity for youth and area businesses Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Students having no plans to pursue a col­ lege degree after graduation are excelling in a program designed to provide pre employment training and career options. The training focuses on career and technical education and, with the Kellogg Advanced Manufacturing Assembly program, many students can zero in on the direction best suited for them. ; “It’s a great program. We have two good employees wc hired last year, and I’m hoping for a couple more this year,” Dave Baum, president of Hastings Fiberglass, said. Manufacturing assembly simulation is the capstone of the course and will be conducted at the former Hastings Fiberglass building on Cook Road. The class was previously held at TNR Machine, Inc, a local CNC machine shop that donated space in their CNC training building. “We’ve recently completed a curriculum revision project of the simulation course that is a part of KAMA. This change will allow us to better align curriculum with industry need and offer more options of instructional modal­ ity,” Levi Good, director of workforce solu­ tions at Kellogg Community College, said. .Changing location was necessary to accom­ modate larger work cells that was brought in from the KCC trades program in Battle Creek. The cells are for the lab simulation part of the class. The equipment allows students to learn advanced manufacturing concepts in a hands on application. Last year, students designed and assembled mini-cars, evaluated performance and calcu­ lated necessary changes to enhance perfor­ mance. This year, the students are assembling a steel garden cart. Baum approved use of an area in their old building when he received a call from Fred Jacobs, CEO of J-ad Graphics. “He said the program had a problem with needing a bigger space. So I said OK. They were going to bring in tables and chairs for the class part of it, but we already had that for them in the old cafeteria,” Baum said. The KAMA program is a full semester dual enrollment course and began in the last school semester of 2016-17. Student enrollment was low but rose to 16 high school seniors last year with 15 of them completing the course. This year, 18 seniors enrolled and are on their way to earning eight cgUgge^-cvedits JJhmugh Kellogg Community College and an opportu­ nity to interview with several area manufac­ turing companies. KAMA also has an accelerated six week summer course designed for graduates and young adults. Last summer, nine graduates enrolled. All the students completed the cur­ riculum which helped them launch their careers with job offers from major manufac­ turers in Barry County. “We’re partnered with West Michigan Works to offer young adults training the pro­ gram provides. It gives them a chance to get bn their feet, earn college degrees and have the opportunity to interview with local manu­ facturing companies,” Mike Schneiderhan, Barry County workforce development coordi­ nator, said. For high school seniors, there is no cost to enroll because the course is supported dual enrollment funds. The accelerated summer program, for graduates and young adults, Schneiderhan said they need to use other funding resources. “I want people to start by registering. Just register, and we’ll find a way to get through the rest,” he said. The foundational courses revisit basic math skills required for manufacturing, understand­ ing safety standards, such as lockout-tag out, basic lifting techniques and understanding OSHA 10 safety requirements. Other classes in the program teach skills related to writing resumes, preparing for job interviews and workplace writing, and softer areas of employment, such as financial litera­ cy, professionalism and time and stress man­ agement. Students experience a real manufacturing environment in the shop where and learn to recognize and use basic tools, work visual controls and understand phrases, words and acronyms common in manufacturing dialog. They also are exposeci to trouble-shooting problems, leam simple Methods for recogniz­ ing the cause of a problem and implementing solutions. Teamwork is a strong focus in the curricu­ lum with multiple construction builds requir­ ing students to work together to solve prob­ lems, put improvements in place and con­ structively share ideas. “The manufacturers are telling us the younger employees seem to lack an under­ standing of what it takes to keep a job, like showing up on time and every day,” Schneiderhan said. “We are also hearing about a lack of very fundamental skills, like taking a measurement and basic math. KAMA helps students address those issues and fill the gaps.” He said the program helps to create a high­ ly skilled workforce and plays a role in keep­ ing graduates in their hometown where they can build a successful career. According to data from the Michigan state website, mischooldata.org, in 2017-18, Hastings had 82.21 percent of high school students graduate and 50.9 percent of gradu­ ates enrolled in postsecondary education within six months. Delton Kellogg had 85 percent graduate and 50 percent enroll in postsecondary; Thomapple Kellogg had 93 percent graduate and 68 percent postsecond- ary enrollment; Maple Valley had 88 percent graduate and 45 percent postsecondary enrollment. Statewide, postsecondary enrollment in 2017-18 was 60.3 percent which documents a steady decline in students continuing their education within six months of graduating. The state data shows that in 2013-14, postsec­ ondary enrollment was 65.7 percent; 65.6 percent in 2014-15; 64.7 in 2015-16; 64.1 percent in 2016-17. That is a 3.1 percent drop from last year to this year alone. “It’s difficult to know why enrollment has been declining, but from I’ve been seeing in my position, the economy in Michigan is good and there are a lot of jobs. Graduates are choosing to go straight into the workforce instead of college,” Craig Stolsonburg, busi­ ness solutions representative with West Michigan Works, said. Stolsonburg also said many employers are choosing to become more involved in build­ ing a strong skilledjworkforce by providing training, paying fori the education while an employee is being trained and creating apprenticeship programs. Going Pro in Michigan is a campaign adopted by the state. According to the Pure Michigan Talent Connect website, Michigan skilled trades are often careers requiring less schooling and far less debt than a four-year degree. Jobs are in demand in fields such as health care, information technology, advanced manufacturing, construction and automotive work. Skilled-trades jobs offer an array of opportunities for high school and community college students. Employers in Michigan are seeking people to fill these roles. Wages for professional trade careers are 45 percent higher than other occu­ pations, even those requiring a four-year degree. The median annual salary for skilledtrades occupations is $51,000. The program has received strong support from area manufacturing and assembly companies, each willing to consider employing; individuals completing the course. Basic computing was new to the curricu^ lum this year and the financial literacy class was expanded to include additional compo­ nents. The interview process also has change^ from previous years. The new format was created with help from the Barry County Economic Development Alliance and input from area human resource^ departments. The interview process will be a< 1 p.m., June 3, in the community room at the, Tyden Center, 121 S. Church St, Hastings, q Area businesses interested in meeting potential employees with basic employment and soft skills training are invited to attend and can register by calling the Economic Development Alliance at 269-945-2454 or by email at mike@mibarry.com. 5 Participating businesses will each have two to three minutes to talk to the group of pro­ spective employees about their company^ When the presentations are finished, the grad­ uates will visit the stations of the companies they are interested in. “Some of the companies will offer an inter-? view right away, and others may have a sigm up sheet. It’s completely up to them. Most of them though will want to schedule a time to have the interviews at their facility,”' Schneiderhan said. An open house is scheduled for 1 p.m^ May 3, at the old Hastings Fiberglass build­ ing, 770 Cook Road, Hastings. Program stu­ dents will demonstrate their projects, discus^ what they’ve learned and share how the pro­ gram has affected them personally. Hastings Public Library Stete Street Hastings Ml 49058 PLAZA, continued from page 1---------The equipment Baum is considering involves installing a 10-foot-high and 20-foot­ wide screen on the back wall of the plaza stage. Special lighting equipment will be mounted high on the stage posts and the con­ trol panel will be at Hastings City Hall. The laser lights are programmable and can be used for holiday displays as well as other applications. This also would have sound to add music to a holiday light show. In his search for the right system, Baum went to Orlando, to a company that specializ­ es in laser light equipment. They agreed to allow him to rent the system and, if it per­ forms as it should, he plans to purchase it and donate it to the plaza. “We want to see more and better use of the plaza,” he said. “This is an experiment. Hopefully, things will work out the way we hope it will. “It’s a place that should be utilized beyond the summer months,” he said. Baum said he expects the system to be installed by the end of April or early May. Concerts at the Thomapple Plaza are free with first-come-first-served seating with space for lawn chairs and blankets. Last year, the free entertainment attracted more than 1,000 visitors at several of the Friday night concerts. “My wife and I are fortunate we can do what we can,” Baum told Rotarians. “We’re not sitting on our laurels. ... All of you make the city of Hastings as great as it is.” Our Orthopedic Experts Will See You Now! Battle Creek • Marshall Our specialists have all the experience and advanced training required to treat a wide variety of bone and joint conditions. From robotic-assisted joint replacement to arthroscopic surgery to nonsurgical approaches and more. And, if you need surgery, we operate at one of the nation's safest hospitals — Bronson Battle Creek. Same Day Appointments (877) 704-3133 ©BRONSON bronsonhealth.com/SameDay Orthopedic Specialists �-3 £ Page 4 — Thursday, April 11,2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you see? Proof is in the posies Love letter to a county courthouse building Temperatures may tease in the early days of spring, rising into the 70s, then dropping back into the 30s. But spring flowers are irrefutable proof that a new season has, indeed, arrived. These daffodils serve as beaming evidence alongside the Barry County Courthouse Tuesday morning. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) We’re dedicating this space to a photograph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? On board . , • " ' ' , i <■ bl Hi ~C4 ? or la qi Banner April 13,1961 New chairman, new members - Merle Bradfield (right) who is starting his ninth year as Prairieville Township supervisor, Tuesday succeeded Woodland Supervisor Victor Eckardt as chairman of the Barry County Board of Supervisors. Here, he is joined by the three new members of the board who were elected in the April 3 balloting. Pictured (from left) are Wilbur Uldricks, Republican, who won the nomination for supervisor of Johnstown Township over Ford Stevens, and then we elected Monday of last week; Forest Foley, Democrat, who defeated Howard Ferris as Rutland’s supervisor by a margin of one vote 201­ 200; and Almond W. Weber, Republican, who was elected in Hope Township to succeed Democrat George Eddy. Eddy refused to run to succeed himself, but consented to take the office of treasurer. Eddy received 200 votes - more than any other candidate on either party. (Photo by Barth) Have you met? Chris Silverman and his family moved to Barry County from Holland when he was in fourth grade. He was a quiet, shy pastor’s kid who tried to fly under the radar for the most part. He graduated from Hastings High School in 1987 and tried to join the U.S. Navy, but his answer to a question on one of the final forms kept him from his dream. An honest answer and knee pain kept him from being admitted. Instead, he attended Kellogg Community College for a bit and started working for a conversion company in Battle Creek. He began in the factory side and did all aspects of the job, including fabricating, welding, electric and hydraulics to convert vehicles for handicap use. Eventually, he found his way to the sales side and discovered he had a knack for it. He worked for 10 years in that business before it closed its doors. Silverman then got into the car business and worked in sales, moving to finance and management and stayed in the business for 12 years before hearing about an opportunity at J-Ad Graphics. He applied for a sales posi­ tion there and has been with the company ever since. Having always been interested in the armed forces, Silverman looked for a way to be involved with veterans and supporting them. He is heavily involved with the Hastings American Legion, joining the Legion Riders under the Sons of the American Legion. He has held the office of the presi­ dent, now called the director and was com­ mander of the Sons for a couple years, where he enjoys supporting veterans’ activities and families and promoting fundraisers. Silverman and his wife, Robin, have been married 21 years and have four children and six grandchildren. “Being a grandparent is way better than being a parent,” he said. For his behind-the-scenes work, Chris Silverman is this week’s Banner Bright Light. Best advice ever received: Only take found it yet, but we keep looking. My wife and I love to take motorcycle rides all over the place. We’ve seen many cool places, but haven’t found a favorite yet. Something about me most people don’t know: I am actually pretty shy. Because of Chris Silverman advice from people who have achieved what you want to achieve. First job: I was a cook at Chick-N-Fin in Hastings. Favorite TV program: “Knight’s Fall” on the History Channel because I enjoy his­ tory and action. Person I most admire: Maybe not when I was young, but now I admire my dad most. So much of who I am came from how he raised me. Everything I do, I realize he had an influence in. Favorite teacher: Mrs. [Audrey] Renner. She was my fourth grade teacher at Central Elementary. I remember she invited us over to her house to go swimming at the end of the school year. If I could have any superpower, it would be: To be able to fly, but teleporting would even be faster. Favorite vacation destination: I haven’t what I do for a living, I have to talk to people and put myself out there, but I really am quite introverted. Favorite song: “Gone Away” by The Offspring Favorite dinner: Definitely my mom’s homemade beef Stroganoff. It’s my all-time favorite meal. I’m most proud of: My family What I’d do if I won the lottery: I would buy a lot of hunting land and also help my family members with their debt. I would take care of my mom, so she would never have to worry about anything again. Favorite cartoon character: I don’t have a favorite, but I used to watch them all. I could do impersonations of a bunch of them when I was younger. Favorite childhood memory: I have so many good ones. Waking up on Christmas morning and going downstairs to check under the tree is a great one. Hobbies: I am an avid hunter. I like to golf, fish and ride motorcycles. Greatest thing about Barry County: Detroit architect Albert E. French is responsible for one of Barry County’s most beautiful landmarks: The county court­ house. Standing smack-dab in the middle of a picturesque square in downtown Hastings, it is a remarkable structure. It has the power to sock unsuspecting newcomers in the solar plexus. Since I started working for the Banner, I have fallen in love with this building. Most folks who’ve lived here all their lives are probably scratching their heads right about now as they read this, trying to figure out what’s the big deal. It’s certainly not the first courthouse building in Hastings: Two came before it. The first was destroyed by fire. The second, a white frame structure, survived the devas­ tating fire that swept through the city in 1886. That disaster must’ve been one of the reasons people here started talking about replacing the courthouse building with a brick structure. And that’s where French came in: He designed the three-story red brick rectangu­ lar building with a central square tower and a complex system of hip roofs. It sits on a rock-face foundation and combines what’s described as “late Victorian, Queen Anne and Richardsonian Romanesque” elements. What all that means to me, frankly, is that it has quite a personality. For someone with no great understanding of architectural design other than to appreci­ ate it, this building is a feast for the eyes. That rock-face foundation says some­ thing about the county founders. My guess? It says they intended it to be built to last. The cut stone frames on the windows and entrances, the decorative tiles and brick­ work accents show an attention to detail and an artistry intended to impress the beholder. The arched entrance portals underscore the building’s purpose. The most ornate entryway is on the north side, with flanking Romanesque columns and the inscription Barry County carved above the arch. It says: All who enter here, know that this is place of*lofty democratic ideals where elected officials convene and the people’s work is done. The building, which, in the 1890s, cost about $47,000 to build, says people here care about local government. They wouldn’t have supported building this structure and preserving it if they didn’t value what it represents. With all that said, it’s hard to believe the future of the courthouse building was in jeopardy 55 years ago. At that time, cities were tearing down old historic buildings to make way for more efficient modem structures. In Barry County, in 1964, a proposed $1.46 million bond issue would have financed a new courthouse complex and jail that would have required demolition of the old building. The concept called for a three-story courthouse attached to three two-level buildings housing various county agencies and offices. Three other buildings opposite the site would have housed a new jail, an admissions building and the sheriff’s resi­ dence. The buildings would have been con­ nected by glass vestibules to provide shelter for pedestrians and offer an unobstructed view of the entire site. The jail and court­ house would have been connected by an underground tunnel to provide security for transporting prisoners. The property around the current court­ house would have been turned into a park­ ing lot and a parking ramp would have been attached to the new jail. A promotional brochure called this “a vote for civic progress.” “The contemporary design of the build­ ing will make use of modem materials and The Barry County Courthouse, which recently marked 125 years, is a remark­ able structure - serving as a historic link with the past and a tribute to the political will of a people who said, “Heck, no, we’re keeping this building.” (Photo by Scott Harmsen) will feature a fireproof reinforced concrete structure,” it said. “The high, sloping exteri­ or walls will be faced with buff-colored limestone and will feature long, vertical glass panels to dramatize the dominant character of the design.” That proposed courthouse was billed as “an attempt to preserve the traditional and historic public identification of this site as a symbol of the center of county govern­ ment.” The brochure even took a dig at the Albert French-designed courthouse, saying the new structure would be “marked by simplicity and dignity rather than by elegant flamboyance.” Boy, did they get that wrong. And the people of Barry County said exactly that when they rejected it. They like elegant flamboyance. They appreciate it and they are still maintaining it. In 1991, a $1.35 million renovation and remodeling project added an elevator, made the building handicap accessible, updated mechanical and electrical systems, added space and replaced the roof. The building was rededicated on June 22, 1991. Since then, thousands of dollars have been spent on projects to maintain the build­ ing, ensure safety and upgrade the structure; through it all, the historic character has been preserved. But the historic record with regard to this courthouse has been a bit cavalier. When it comes to marking milestones, I should set the record straight: A Michigan historic site marker for “Early Hastings” says the courthouse was completed in 1892. Actually, the work on the courthouse began in 1892, was completed in 1893. According to the Hon. W.W. Potter, in “History of Barry County f the building was ready for occupancy in January 1894. Clearly, the people of Barry County love this building, but I thought I was likely the only one who appreciated the gorgeous light in the county commissioners’ chambers on the mezzanine. I swear it’s impossible to get a bad photo in that place. Then, a few months ago there was some news story that prompted a visit to the courthouse from a TV crew. I remember the look on the face of the camera man as he walked into the board chambers. He stopped suddenly as if he’d run into a wall. “Ahhh,” he said as he absorbed the ambience of that light-filled space. I just smiled. Rebecca Pierce, Editor The people. I am all over the county every day, and people here look me in the eye and say ‘Hello’ everywhere I go. They are genu­ ine. You don’t find that very many other places. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news @j -adgraphics .com. What do you think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by accessing our website, www.HastingsBanner. com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the following week. Last week: See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits If the 2020 census includes a question about citi­ zenship, it will be the first time since 1950 that all U.S. households have been asked a citizenship ques­ tion. Those who oppose it say it goes against the constitutional requirement to count each person, citizen or noncitizen. The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to decide this month. Do you think the citizenship question should be included? Yes 67% No 33% For this week: To ensure a faster tally, some states are allowing their election officials to open absentee ballots early and start counting the votes cast before Election Day. Should Michigan adopt this approach? □ Yes □ No �Page 16 — Thursday, April 11,2019 — The Hastings Banner 1-8 title chase already underway for HHS boys Brett Bremer Sports Editor | The Saxons are poised to make a leap into (Mie of the top spots in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference this season. | Jumpers will help power that leap. Hastings had a guy in the top four in the long jump, the b(gh jump and the pole vault at the 1-8 Championship Meet a year ago, and two guys in the top six in all three of those events, ifaydn Redmond won the conference champic^iship in the long jump with a mark of 20 feet 4-inches for the Saxons. That was the top jump of his varsity career, and he is back for his senior season this spring. Kirby Beck, now a sophomore, placed fourth in the high jump and fourth in the pole vault at the conference meet. Teammate Lucas Lumbert, now a junior, placed fifth in the pole vault. Both Lumbert and Beck set new per­ sonal records in the pole vault at that confer­ ence meet, clearing the bar at 11 feet 6 inches. Hastings also brings back talented junior pole vaulter Dane Barnes and junior long jumper Logan Wolfenbarger. Wolfenbarger was sixth in the 1-8 in that event a year ago. Jumpers need to take advantage of good speed, but the Saxons have good speed on the track as well. Junior sprinter Hunter Allerding should be one of the conference’s best sprint­ ers once again. He was the league runner-up in the 100-meter dash in 11.36 seconds last year, and he also placed fourth in the 200meter dash. The sprint crew also includes senior Haydn Redmond and sophomore Keegan Olson. The Saxons also bring back senior Grayson Tebo and sophomore Sam Randall in the throws and junior distance races Aiden Makled, Jon Arnold and Blake Harris. Junior Jacob O’Keefe leads the returning hurdle crew. Saxons open soccer season against G.R. Union tonight t Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Hastings varsity girls’ soccer team has a number of new additions that are working their way into the line-up this spring. 4 Saxon head coach Tim Schoessel said the girls’ unfamiliarity with each other at the start will be one of the team’s biggest challenges in the early going. ’ Hastings was scheduled to open its season last night against Grand Rapids Union at Baum Stadium at Johnson Field. The Saxons have three non-conference ballgames on the slate to start to gel before the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference season begins with a visit from Coldwater April 16. Hastings will host Ionia tonight (April 11) and then will be on the road at Otsego Tuesday before open­ ing league play. m Schoessel does see the group he has as solid through the middle so far. Leading the list of returnees for Hastings includes junior goalkeeper Kayla Morris, senior center defender Jessica Thompson, senior Megan Deal who could see time at forward, midfield or wing, and senior outside cjefender Victoria Byykkonen. 2 Hastings will look to get a boost from over£eas, adding foreign exchange students Galina Schiller, Ida Andersen and Emma Mathiesen. i Coach Schoessel said he also expects good contributions from junior outside defender Qracie Gillions. j^ With solid improvement throughout the spring the Saxons have a chance to finish in the middle of the 1-8 standings. Marshall and tfarma Western are expected to be the league’s tpp couple teams this spring. Aiden Makled Hastings head coach Brian Teed really likes the balance his team has, covering all the . events. Improvements in the throws and the hurdles could vault the Saxons all the way to the top of the conference. The group of newcomers lending their tal­ ents to the Saxon program this spring include senior sprinter Connor Peterson and freshmen sprinters Dillon Neal and Victor Ramirez, sophomore hurdler Christian Stacy, freshman distance runner Carter Rosenberger and fresh­ man jumper Braden Vertalka. “We are excited about this group of boys,” Teed said. “They were very competitive last year and only lost two key scorers. We are expecting them to finish in the top three in the league this spring.” Megan Deal I k I 4 k * Hpharmacy Hastings 400 W. State St., Hastings Easy parking, access off Park St. 269-945-3777 r real estate MILLER REAL ESTATE 149 W. State St, Hastings 269-945-5182 Staht Pediatrics 300 Meadow Run Dr., Hastings South of Hastings on M-37 www.sQuthside4kids..tCQm HODGES JEWELRY 122 W. State St, Hastings 269-945-2963 EDWARD JONES 1375 W. Green St., Suite 3, Hastings 269-818-0070 269-945-3553 FIRST REHAB AND SPORT © PHYSICAL THERAPY 4624 N. M-37 Hwy, Ste. A (Located in the Marketplace Food Center Plaza) 269-795-4230 • info@1strehabpt.com www.1strehabpt.com 221 N. Industrial Park, Hastings 269-945-2479 269-818-1020 Andrew R. Cove, AAMS Financial Advisor 421 W. Woodlawn, Hastings www.brightstart-pediatrics.com BROWN’S CARPET ONE & CUSTOM INTERIORS HASTINGS NAPA 122 N. Jefferson Rd. Hastings 269-948-9696 1510 N. Broadway (M-43 Hwy), Hastings 269-945-3906 Bank of Michigan 1500 W. M-43 Hwy, Hastings 269.948.2905 foie BARRY COUNTY LUMBER 225 N. Industrial Park Dr. Hastings 269-945-3431 3305 W. Quimby Rd, Hastings and Lakewood GREEN LIGHT DRIVING SCHOOL LLC 208 N. Main (M-66) Nashville 517-852-0000 Mercantile’ mercbank.com JOE & BARB’S SEPTIC SERVICE 269-945-4240 NORTHLAND OPTICAL Dr. Scott Bloom D.O. ▲ Hastings Is off to a great start already hav­ ing defeated Coldwater, the team that won the conference meet a year ago by nearly 30 points over runner-up Harper Creek and went on to place second at the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals. Harper Creek will be in that fight for a top spot in the conference once again, along with Jackson Parma Western and the Saxons. Hastings was scheduled to take part in the Lakewood Quad yesterday and will return to 1-8 action hosting Jackson Northwest and Jackson Lumen Christi April’16. The Saxons’ get a couple of their toughest 1-8 tests out of the way in April, traveling to Harper Creek April 23 and hosting Parma Western April 30. LITTLE CAESAR’S Home of the Hot & Ready Pizza! 216 N. Broadway, Hastings 269-948-2824 pefformance Quick Lube 430 W. STATE ST, HASTINGS 269-948-8558 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, April 11, 2019 — Page 5 Hiring workers with autism is good business, not charity ROYAL COACH, continued from page 1 Brian Calley ; • ’ J ; ’ * ! I » J ; ; ■ t ! J ; > ‘ I ; } • i I ; ; ! * Guest Commentary Imagine this: You sit down for a job inter­ view, wearing a pressed suit or dress, every hair in the right place. Big smile, ready to talk about the skills that make you right for the position. As the interviewer begins, he looks up and says, “Let’s talk about your weakness­ es. Why aren’t you a very good writer? Why should I have to deal with this problem at my company?” For many, this might seem unthinkable. However, for someone with autism attempting to enter the workforce, this is exactly the reception they receive. While we build our lives to highlight individual strengths, too often people with autism are immediately and unfairly judged by their perceived shortcomings. It is time to change our view and tap into this highly skilled workforce. Michigan can’t afford to leave these passionate and talented people behind. I am the first to admit, I am also guilty of focusing on shortcomings. When my daughter, Reagan, was first diagnosed with autism, I was unsure of what she would be able to accomplish. I immediately focused on her disability, instead of celebrating her abilities. Luckily, I have had many chances as Reagan’s dad to be amazed. Every day, she shows me how wrong my gut reaction was, and I am so proud of her many talents. She is an avid read­ er of things that interest her, which span from oceanography and whales to the lives of pop music artists like Taylor Swift. Though I’m amazed by what she knows and the connec­ tions she makes, like any parent, I’m worried about her future job opportunities. Brian Calley of Portland is the presi­ dent of the Small Business Association of Michigan. He served as Michigan’s lieu­ tenant governor from 2011 to 2019. As lieutenant governor from 2011 to 2019 and a member of the Autism Alliance of Michigan board of directors, I’ve proudly worked side by side with advocates, legisla­ tors and friends to change how people with autism are treated in Michigan. • In the past decade, we’ve made enormous progress. Because of the work of AAoM and autism advocates across our state, behavioral therapy for someone with autism is now cov­ ered by health insurance including Medicaid. This was a huge step in attracting therapists to (Write Us A Letter: I ' • The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: • All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not toe published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Michigan to ensure those in need received early support. We also helped change the school experience for someone with autism by eliminating restraints and supporting inclu­ sive teaching practices. This is a strong start, but we can do more. People with autism are an amazing, untapped pool of talent who are patiently waiting for the right job. Waiting patiently for an open-minded employer is not enough. We can change this, but it involves widening our view of the right workforce. During my time as lieutenant governor, I had the opportunity to work with and learn from companies doing innovative things to recruit diverse talent. For example, Meijer has found great success by hiring people with autism by focusing on what an employee can do and excels at and tailoring jobs and responsibilities to fit the person. This is what everyone wants in the workplace: To be understood and have the opportunity excel. I want to be clear, I am not advocating for businesses to consider hiring people with autism as a form of charity. People with autism should have the same opportunity as anyone else to excel and thrive in the right position. Making a more inclusive workplace is not a concession, it is an innovative busi­ ness opportunity. Michigan businesses lead the world in innovation, let’s bring this spirit and knowledge to change who and how busi­ nesses hire. With the talent and workforce shortages Michigan is currently facing, there has never been a better time to ask employers to think about how to get the right employees in the door. Whenever I talk about employment and autism, I always think about a young man I met who excelled at math. Through a program supporting employment for people with autism, he started an internship with a compa­ ny to review warranty claims. During the course of the internship, he helped the compa­ ny save thousands of dollars. It’s safe to say, they were pleased. Ultimately, he was hired as a full-time staff member doing the same work. During a visit to the company, I had the opportunity to meet him and I asked him if he was still finding thousands of dollars in sav­ ings. His answer was simple: “No. Millions.” To him, this was not extraordinary. It was his job. Stories like this are remarkable, but they shouldn’t be. They should be common, because anyone with autism can succeed in the right position, just like anyone without autism. We just need to open our minds and help connect the right opportunities. Like any parent, it is my dream that when Reagan goes into her first job interview, she will be measured by what she can do, as opposed to what she cannot do. There are many Michiganders facing the same uphill battle as Reagan. Let’s find a way to bring them into the fold, so we can all benefit. The former Royal Coach property, owned by Hastings Manufacturing, is the focus of a brownfield redevelopment project being helped along by a $63,000 Michigan Department of Environmental Quality assessment grant. property also includes paved parking areas, vegetation and wooded areas as well as Butler Creek. The parcel was developed prior to 1890 for manufacturing furniture and automotive parts and named the Royal Coach. When manufac­ turing in the building ceased in early 1960, Hastings Manufacturing used it for storage. The company also operated an industrial landfill from approximately 1955 to 1982, depositing foundry sand, metal debris and concrete in the landfill. When that was closed, it was capped and covered with grass. An assessment will provide information about any contamination. Assessment funding is for brownfields, which are properties known or suspected of having contaminants in the ground or build­ ings. If asbestos, metals or chemicals are found, they must be removed or remediated before construction and improvements to the property can begin. King worked closely with Casey Smith, senior project geologist with SME, a develop­ ment consulting firm, to create a proposal and apply to the state in January. With the grant awarded and a signed con­ tract in place, a plan describing the proposed work must be submitted and approved prior to further any activities on the property. King said he will continue working with Smith through this step that is a part of the grant agreement. “WeTl be working with the city to get a better handle on the environmental conditions ■ Hastings Area Schools is in need of Know Your Legislators: Substitute Bus Driver I Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). ■ State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING For Multiple Routes. Paid training provided and a $500 sign-on bonus. Licensed Master Plumber i Licensed Journeyman Plumber If interested please call 269-948-4418 New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation । 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855‘ 347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, ‘ P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House : Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, ; phone (616) 451-8383. Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 € Mini Golden 1 I : ; ; ; L U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 2339150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. The Hastings BunilCI* Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... & Insured SEASONAL PART TIME EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (Mid May to Mid September) BOAT WASH STATION MANAGER Loving and Cuddly. Born February 23, 20 Will be vet checked, vaccinated wormed w Upper Crooked Lake Park, Delton, MI ^Must possess supervisory skills *Must possess basic building and equipment maintenance skills *Can effectively interact with the public $16.00/hour $1200 I $1000 To request application Materials Call 269-567-0769 by April 25, 2019 ‘517-852-1 * ** - 116421 Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j~adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM • Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer Tanett Hodge of that site so it can be better marketed for redevelopment,” Smith said. The work plan must include a description of the proposed activities, a budget and a schedule for each phase of the assessment project. However, the state may approve, modify and approve or require amendments. The city is required to submit quarterly progress reports with supporting documenta­ tion of eligible project expenses. The state will not pay for work done outside of the time period of the start date to the end date, which is January 31, 2020, or outside the scope of the accepted proposal. The city is responsible to pay all applicable taxes and fees that are the result of receiving the grant and for all local, state and federal permits required. “Brownfield assessment grants are vitallo attracting developers to properties that would otherwise be unusable. It lays out what will need to be done for remediation which helps developers analyze costs and work them into a budget,” King said. The city has other resources to further encourage development, such as the Downtown Development Authority that works with the city and developers to help investors recoup some or all of the money spent on remediation. King noted that Walgreen’s, at the intersec­ tion of Broadway and State streets, Thomapple Plaza amphitheater and Ace Hardware loca­ tions all were brownfield developments. . Taylor Owens Joan Van Houten • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 SEASONAL HELP The Barry County Road Commission is hiring for temporary seasonal general laborer positions. Starting hourly pay range will be $11- $13 per hour, no benefits. Applicant must be at least 18 years of age, have a valid Driver’s License, and be able to pass a drug test. Applications can be picked up at the Barry County Road Commission office located at 1725 West M-43 Highway, Hastings between 6:45 AM - 3:15 PM, or on our website at www.barrycrc. org. The Barry County Road Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 115903 FULL TIME ROAD WORKER The Barry County Road Commission has an opening for a full time Truck Driver/Road Worker position. A high school diploma or GED is required along with a Michigan commercial driver’s license with A&N endorsements and a current Medical Card. Applicafcns can be picked up at the Barry County Road Commission office (phone 269-945­ 3449) at 1725 W. M-43 Hwy. Hastings, Ml between 6:45 AM & 3:15 PM or found on our website at www.barrycrc. org. A complete job description will be provided at the time of application. Applications will be accepted until April 17, 2019. Hourly probationary wage will start at $19.12 per hour. The Barry County Road Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 115904 �Page 6 — Thursday, April 11,2019 — The Hastings Banner When still on this side of heaven, Bob was, asked how many grandchildren he had. His reply, “I have a football team, a water boy, a manager, and four cheerleaders.” As for great-grandchildren, Bob was bless-* ed w ith an abundance of them and he is well on his way to filling up a stadium. o We want to give this amazing man the final K word. When asked how he wanted future gen­ erations of his family to remember him, hisanswer? “As ‘Bob.’” Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingsopeumc. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling. MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, Ml 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Thursday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office. greenstreetumc@gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor; Ryan Rose, Family Life Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings, org, 9 a.m. Traditional Service; 10:30 a.m. Contem­ porary service. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945­ 9217. cbchastings.org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www, hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Associate Pastor Andy Baird and Stu­ dent Ministry Director, Emma Miller. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAMILY HOUR - WELCOME! ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Preschool age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Stan­ dard and Adult Elective class­ es. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service; 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church age 44th grade dismissed during service. Aftermath Student Ministry - 6:30 p.m., 7th-12th grades & Semester Growth Groups.. Wednesday: Wom­ en’s Bible Study 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday: Adult Bible Study 10 a.m. Easter: April Graphics flexlab ■ ■ will WMV® Hastings 945-9554 HASTINGS, MI - Richard “Dick” Keith Hart, age 91, of Hastings, died on April 7, 2019, in Hastings Township. He was born in Hastings, on March 6,1928, the son of Russell Wellington and Lynn Ora (Lawton) Hart. He graduated from Delton High School. He married Ardith Laurene Shook on July 3, 1948. He was a foreman at E.W. Bliss Company and retired in 1988 af­ ter 41 years and then worked as a consultant where he traveled ail over the United States and Mexico. He was a member of St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church where he served on several committees and was a lifelong mem­ ber of the Knights of Columbus. He loved traveling and the outdoors where he would hunt, fish, ice fish, and hunt for mushrooms. He was Scout Master in the Boy Scouts. He enjoyed bowling, golf, singing, and listening to county western music. He could talk to anyone and was known and liked by many in tow n. Dick was preceded in death by wife, of 69 years, Ardith; daughter, Susan Cole; parents; brothers, Russell Hart, Jr. and Roxie Hart, and sister, Joy Lew is. He is survived by son, Doug (Liz) Hart, daughters, Leslie (Bob) Guernsey, Linda (Russ) DeVries; grandchildren, Catherine (Jay) Hart-Jasma, Anne-Marie (Jamie May) Hart, Michael (Becca) Hart, Corin (Andy) Swartz, Roxanne (Tim) Spence, Becky Jo (Justin) Pace, Erii VJi rsb, Michelle (Chris) Olmsted, Heather.AVafHEi, ChaftXGeorgiann) Watson, Andrew Cow: 20 great-grandchil­ dren; sisters-in-law, Maxine^Hart, Audrey Burdick, Melva Shook, and Joyce Shook, son-in-law Robert Cole and another special son, Agustin Canales Lopez de Mungia, ex­ change student from Mexico. Visitation will be held Thursday, April 11, 2019 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Girrbach Funer­ al Home 328 South Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Funeral mass 11 a.m. on Friday, April 12, 2019 at the St. Rose of Lima Church, 805 S. Jefferson St., Hastings, MI 49058. Fr. Stephan Philip, celebrant. Interment at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Lutings. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Rose of Lima Church, 805 S. Jefferson, Hastings, MI 49058. Arrangements by Girr­ bach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God’s Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! Him Products itwitt.wimF AWORLDWIDESUPPLIEROF HotlioeTools&Equipment 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Ij 18th Thursday Brunch 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 20th, Community Wide Egg Hunt 10 a.m. Rain or Shine. Sun­ day, April 21st Easter Break­ fast, 9:15-10:15 a.m. and Worship at 10:30 a.m. April 14 - Passion Sunday Worship Services at 8 and 10:45 a.m. April 15 - LACS rehearsal 6 p.m. April 17 Council Mtg. 6 p.m. April 18 - Maundy Thursday Service 7 p.m. April 19 - Good Friday Cross Walk - meet at church 9:30 a.m.; Good Friday Service 7 p.m. April 20 Easter Vigil Service 7:30 p.m. Pastor Ken S check II. pastorken@grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www.grace-hastings. org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings. 102 Cook 770 Cook Rd. Hastings Hastings 945-4700 945-9541 >4 Jacklyn Tressa Main FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, _ _ _ _ _ _ the churches and these local businesses' J Richard Keith Hart GRAND RAPIDS, Ml - William R. “Bill” Lord, age 95, of Grand Rapids, bom January 4, 1924 in Battle Creek, w ent to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 7, 2019. Bill loved fishing, golfing, hunting, playing bridge and wood working. He was very in­ terested in mission trips to Peru, Aruba and Alaska. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife LaRae of 74 years: sons, Jeff Lord, Gary (Mary) Lord, Bruce (Pam) Lord; grandchil­ dren, Megan, Aren, Katie, Rachel, Alex, Matt and Adam along w ith 14 great grandchildren; sister, Phyllis Barton; brother-in-law, David (Diana) Dean; many nieces and nephews. The family w ishes to thank the staff of Samaritas and Hospice of Michigan for their wonderful care of Bill. A memorial service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Gideons International or Samaritas Senior Living. Arrangements by Stroo Funral Home, Grand Rapids, Ml 49508 If you are reading this .and wondering if you knew7 Bob Wenger, we'll make this easy for you - you didn’t. Bob Wenger wasn’t the type of person those w ho met him would soon forget. Robert “Bob” Verne Wt \ 87, of Middleville, died on Saturday, April 6, 2019 at his home on Bender Road. He decided he did all the damage he coukl this side of heav­ en. Visitation services will be held April 11 from 2 to 4 and again from 6 to 8 p.m. at Beeler Gores Funeral Home. A funeral service will take place April 12, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the United Methodist Church in Middleville. In lieu of flowers, Bob's family request me­ morial contributions be . Middleville United Methodist Church or the Travis Wenger Memorial Schokirship Fund. Much of what follows was written by Bob himself, or as he put it, This story of my life is being WTitten by a minid that forgets.” I started out life on MJarch 26, 1932 being born at home on 76th Sti eet in Gaines Twp., Kent County. My brother Chris was born August 11, L93j§ not far Ironi w here I xvas bom. To get back to my life, my dad (Verne), my mother (Beatrice), m hr other Chris, and my Uncle Joe moved to Indiama for one year, and then back to Michigan. Vlorn, Dad, Chris and I lived in the Caledonia area until 1940. In the fall of 1946, I started high school at TK; what a big jump for v cou ntry boy! One of my biggest worries w as to ^member my locker number. As time w ent oi i, new friends were made and I started to lea rn the ropes of high school. Being a farm box; Ag and shop were my favorite classes. After learning the rop es of high school I noticed the difference bet w een boys, and girls, As time passed and shopp ing around, I picked out thi s special eethejart that fliy£d wesj of mjfridl , . ' tp.wrL Her Wljy v>as Helen and I were martled in 1953 and xve had six children; Christina, Martin. Phil, Mary, Dan, and Thad. In I960, we moved to the farmstead of Helen’s folks’ (Bill and Blanche Cridler) located on Cherry Valley. With the help of Helen and the family, I was able to get involved w ith Farm Bureau, Cale­ donia Farmers Elevator, two State Co-Ops, and the Thomapple Kellogg School Board. I think the proudest accomplishment was when I received the American Farmer Degree from the FFA, the only one that TK ever had - I owe my Ag teacher Elton Lawrence a big thanks. I also owe TK schools a lot, they have provided myself, my children, my grand­ children, and now great-grandchildren an education that sets them up for success. An­ other accomplishment I’m proud of is having received the Thomapple Kellogg School’s Alumni of the Year. After being involved w ith different organi­ zations in agriculture. 1 started go downhill -1 got involved in politics. I served 12 years on the Barry County Board of Commissioners. ()ne of my proud­ est accomplishments there was my role in helping create a county wide 911 system. They told me when I retired I'd have more time to relax. I don’t know about that. Helen and I were snowbirds for a while. We would spend four months in Arizona and the rest of the year here in Middleville, making you folks glad we spent at least four months in Arizona. The favorite thing about being a father, grandfather, and great grandfather is seeing the kids’ different personalities I am proud of them all. Quite a group! The hardest thing was the death of my grandson Travis. We were in Arizona when I got the phone call - that knocked the wind out of my sails. And that is almost all Bob had to say about his life. From here, we the living add a bit more. Bob was proceeded in death by his parents Verne and Bea, his grandson Travis, and his beloved wife Helen. Bob led a life we she r ah aim to live. He lived well, laughed often, and loved much. We all miss him terribly, but we find our­ selves not so much saddened by his passing but rather joyful we got to li \ e in an age that had Bob Wenger in it. It doesn’t get much better than knowing you had Bob Wenger as a friend. About the only thing better than being able to call Bob your friend was the priv eg calling him Pop­ pa Bob..., a privilege accorded to a lucky fewt There are six in this world that would say, “Now, come on, we got to call him Dad.” Okay, but Poppa Bob ne\ er rmMe any of his grands clean out barns. Bob is survived by hi six children, Christi­ na (Edward) Gibson, Martm (Sheri) Wenger, Phillip (Rebecca) Wenger, Mary t Douglas) Newman, Daniel (Anne) Wenger, and Thadd­ aeus Wenger. ci I> 'A Jacklyn “Jacki” Tressa Main, age 60, passed away April 3, 2019, at Spectrum^ Health-Butterworth Hospital. ' She w^as born December 12, 1958, to Rich-: ard and Barbara (Norton) Main. Jacki attend-1 ed Hastings Area Schools, graduating from blastings High School in 1977. She often said that due to riding the bus to school and the of­ ten-changing school neighborhood lines, that she had attended every elementary school in the district. When she got to the middle school melting pot, she already knew many * of the students in her grade from these moves,"'* w hich gave her an advantage over others who’ knew only their friends from one elementary. Jacki was a quiet soul, preferring the com­ pany of a few close friends rather than a large crow d of people. She was a talented and ere- ‘ ative quilter and crafter. She began sewing' at a young age in the 4-H program where her*1 mother was a leader. The skills she learnedc there blossomed into the ability to craft and sew beautiful handmade quilts for her broth­ ers, nieces and nephews, as well as decorat­ ing her own life with them. Jacki also had a love of flowers and garden-' ’ ing, which led to her completing a bachelor 8 of science degree in biology in 1992, while working full time, from Grand Valley State* ’ University. 4 -i Jacki w’orked for many years in the Neo- # natal Intensive Care Unit of the then, But- * terworth Hospital, in Grand Rapids, as an* administrative assistant. She was in charge 1 of coordinating the paperwork of incomings1 and discharged babies from the unit, as well 1 as working with the medical staff in this ca-'A pacity. From there she expanded her horizons and moved to Denver, CO, to work for The11 Conservancy, part of the Colorado Depart- ' ment of Public Health and Environment, us­ ing her knowledge of biology and working to J improve the ecology of the state. When fund- ; ing for the program was drastically cut, Jac- ki then began to work with students helping ’ them with loans and grants to pay for colleger' Eventually, however, she missed being closd 1 to family and moved back to Hastings, inter­ viewing for her current job as a credentialing 1 specialist, doing the first Skyped interview on her iPad, that her supervisor had ever done, for Spectrum Health-Pennock. When she decided to come back to Hast- r ings, her criteria.for a place to live was that itM had to have a yard she could fill with plants ' and flowers! This she did, freely sharing her j knowledge of biology and plants to anyone * who asked. At the same time, Jacki used her crafting skills and abilities to make creative decorations for the house and the garden, for herself and others. Her gardens and yard were a source of great pride. Jacki was preceded in death by her father, Richard J. Main. She is survived by her mother, Barbara M. Main; her brothers, Bob (Ellyn) Main of Hastings, and Ron Main of Spokane, WA. She is also survived by nieces, Ashley Main of Issaquah, WA, Caitlin Main of Portland, and Sarah Main of Grand Rapids, nephews Cody (Katie) White of Lisle, IL, and Kyle u (Franki) White and great-niece, Kelby White^ of Comstock Park. . *A Funeral services for Jacki were held on Sat­ urday, April 6, 2019, at Hastings Free Meth- 3 odist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or to a chari- ] ty of your choice. Arrangements were made J by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To J leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. Call 269-945-9554 tor Hastings Banner classified ads .. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, April 11,2019 — Page 7 Hastings Middle School announces honor roll ‘ Hastings Middle School has released its honor roll for the third quarter of the 2018-18 academic year. Students earning a grade point average of 3:0 to 3.49 for the marking period earn honors. Those with a 3.5 to 4.0 GPA are high honors, with an asterisk* denoting students who earned a 4.0 GPA. ; Students on the list for the quarter include: Eighth grade High honors Sophia Ahearn, Taylor Arens, Valentina Arias, Lauren Arnold*, Joy Aukerman, Reed Balderson*, Abigail Barton*, Isobelle Bergeron, Saanj Bhakta, Eve Bishop, Mekih Botsford, Alivia Cassini, Bailey Cook, Ericka Critzer, Grace Curtis, Erin Daniels, Caitlyn Dickerson, Cassidee Easey, Valery Eaton, Tessa Fenstemaker, Zara Franklin, Joseph Goggins, Zachary Gole, Janesa Hasman, Ellysa Hawkins-Dix, Anna Haywood*, Ethan Henry, Jocelyn Hernandez-Hernandez, Anden Hines, Gabrielle Horrmann, Karie Jones, Jack Kensington, Daniel King, Nathan Kohmescher, Harley Marlette, Graycee McCarty, Lawrence McKenna, Julia McLean*, Tyler Oliver, Molly Patton*, Madeline Pratt, Isaiah Randall, Ashton Rasey, Cailin Redman, Peighton Reser, Mackenzi Rivera, Marissa Roberts, Megan Rowley, Natalee Sanders, Jonathan Schantz, Emily Simmons, Robert Slaughter, Cohen Smith, Isabelle Storm, Noah Strimback, Ella Tellkamp, Kearan Tolles, Madeline Traver, Johannes Turnes, Lillian Ulrich, Lillian Van Ooy, Caleb Waller and Aiyanah Wemigwans. Honors Dylan Brisco, Elijah Brisco, Joseph Brisco, Jackson Casey, Kathryn Clark, Brinna Cobb, Calli Cusack, Cameron Danks, Allyson Day us, Layton Eastman, Victoria Eberhart, Leah Fields, Justus Forell, Elena Friddle, Abby Gaskill, Ceziah-Desiree Jung, Lauren Lamphere, Trenton Lipsey, Dylan Lumbert, Amber Markley, Zacharee Mason, Addison Mays, Payton Miller, Noelia Moreno, Madison Nino, Devin Pacillo, Amber Rabideau, Andrea Rhodes, Trinity Rose, Cole Smith, Isaac Stanton, Alexander Steward, Lanny Teunessen and Macy Winegar. Seventh grade High honors Cole Arent, Mason Bailey, Lucy Barnard*, Blake Barnum, Abigail Beemer*, Phoebe Birchfield, Dekota Blough, Maya Brandon, Denver Brill, Ian Buriield, Jackson Byers, Zacharia Byle, Abigail Byykkonen, Kacey Campbell, Kaylie Cairl, Owen Carroll*, Trey Casey, Caylin Clock, Diego Coipel, Lily Comensoli*, Hunter Cook, Alydar Dico, Jordyn Downs, Alliana Escamilla, Evelyn Faubert, Logan Graham, Lucas Gray, Heath Hays, Isabella Hendershot, Maya Herbert, Alexandria Herder*, Jorden Hom, David Jiles, Allison Kerby, Madysen Kuestner, Sarah Lichvar, Olivia Meeker, Natalie Minch, Raegen Morrison, Aiden Morton*, Adeline Nickels*, Charles Nickels*, Abigail Peake, Raedyn Rathbun*, Ciarra Rea, Isabelle Roosien, Aiden SaintAmour, Brennan Sensiba, Riley Shults, William Smalley, Reuben Solmes, Lars Sorensen, Landon Steward, Sophia Sunior, Logan Taylor Krebs, Lauren Taylor, Howard Teed*, Gavin Tinkler, Adrianne VanDenburg, Preston Vandepol, Ryan VanDorp, Audrey Vertalka, Zane Warner, Ojivia White* and Aydria Willard. Honors Kampbell Andrews, Ailah Arnone, Spencer Beerman, Brayden Bies, Makayla Birman, David Botsford, Peightyn Cronk, Ajibree English, Skylar Fenstemaker, Carly Frazer, Akvila Griffith, Alexander Haines, Anndriana Hall, Isak Harmon, Ethan Helmholdt, Quentine James, Keegan Lindsey, Camilla Loss, Ava Malik, Astrid Mendoza, Kaitlyn Moore, Anika Ortwein, Luciana Pearlman, Bailey Pennock, Lillian Pepper, Makayla Pickett, Evan Porter, Lila Rea, Andie Reneau, Kai Richardson, Alexie Roberts, Aubree Rowse, Grady Scharping, Devin Smith, Ellie Smith, Paxson Strong, Patricia Sue, Vikasini Survi, Eastin Tibble, Landen Tom, Matthew Ulrich, Katelyn VanDenberg and Abigail Wheeler. Sixth grade High honors Kierstin Abbott, Tanner Armstrong, Corrin Baird, Jett Barnum, Ariana Beard, Zoey Bennett*, Riley Bondurant, Abigayl Bower, Taylor Casey*, Andrew Cook, Alexia Curths, Brianna Darling, Hannah DuBois, Kaiden Dunkelberger, Brooklynn Fields, Benjamin Furrow, JoDee Gaskill, Isabel Gee*, Jalyn Grimes, Miya Hamilton, Sophia Hamilton, Addison Henney, Logan Henry, Rachael Hewitt, Jordan Humphrey, Brett Johnson, Micah Johnson, Danica Keeny, Isabella Kensington, Logan Kerby, Rachel King, Kalli Koning, Dawson Lewis, Kennedy Lewis*, Alan Li, Deondre Mathis, Jordan Milanowski, Alyson Miller*, Kyle Morgan, Ashley Norris, Travis Oliver, Isabel Olmsted, Alisandra Pearlman, Hayley Rasey, Keygan Robinson, Caleb Rose, Heaven Simmet, Brandon Simmons, Alonha Sleight, Lilyah Solmes*, Brooklyn Strickland*, Victoria Tack, Melany Vargas*, Alexya Vazquez, Quinn Waddell, Zoe Watson, Memphis White, Isabelle Wickham and Jordyn Winters. Honors Tanner Allerding, Daniel Andrus, Keegan Archer, Gavin Argo, Mason Benton, Aubrie Billings, Christian Boniface, Olivia Bouchard, Erin Coykendall, Madison Deal, Emma Dennison, Madisen Diekhoff, Garrett Dunn, Trinity France, Sydnie Franklin, Alexander Galaviz, Rachel Garrett, Carson Gates, Madelyn Gilbert, Izabell Gonsalves, Baylie Guernsey, Andrew Haines, Kassandra Harton, Makaila Hawkins, Harmony Hess, Marisa Hilton, Ethan Hoaglin, Paige Hoaglin, Gage Holtrust, Meya Hughes, McKinney Jiles, Sebastion Johnson, Nicholas Kane, Clara King, Donald Kuck, Matthew Leffew, Miles Lipsey, Brennan Lohn, Kyle Lumbert, Mia Miller, Keegan Nicholson, Jasmine Olmsted, Draven Pennock, Hunter Pierce, Seth Pirtle, Elijah Randall, Brennan Reser, Kaylin Schild, Abigail Schoemer, Abigail Scott, Heather Shakespeare, Anna Shaver, Porter Shaw, Chesnhey Smith, Tristan Smith, Kailis Snook, Nicklas Stehr, Brycen Stephens, Malachi Thiel, Ethan VanDyke, Dylan Vaughan, Madison Vickery, Jada Voigt, Keedan Wilkins and Linda Wright. State News Roundup State board narrows list for next superintendent The Michigan State Board of Education has narrowed the list of applicants for the next state superintendent to five candidates. “It was a difficult decision to narrow it down to five because we had so many highly qualified candidates. It was a really tough choice,” State Board of Education President Casandra E. Ulbrich said. “They have varying degrees of backgrounds. We’re going to have a really diverse group of people with very different backgrounds.” After reviewing all 51 applicants with its hired executive search firm, Ray & Associates, the state board agreed to bring in the follow­ ing candidates April 22 and 24 for public interviews. Jeanice Swift, superintendent, Ann Arbor Public Schools Michael Rice, superintendent, Kalamazoo Public Schools Randy Liepa, superintendent, Wayne RESA G. Eric Thomas, chief turnaround officer, Georgia Board of Education Brenda Cassellius, immediate past Minnesota commissioner of education At the April 24 meeting, the state board will select those who will become finalists. Those finalists will sit in for a public interview May 7, after which the board is expected to select the next state superintendent. In addition to preliminary discussions with state board members on what skills and attri­ butes they’d like to see in the next state super­ intendent, Ray & Associates conducted con­ versations with education stakeholders and top policymakers in Michigan, as well as background checks of the applicants. “We wanted to make sure we had a lot of different perspectives,” Ulbrich said. “This has been a very open, transparent, and inclu­ sive process.” The April 5 selection discussion was con­ ducted in closed sessions to respect those applicants who requested confidentiality in the initial phase of the process. Applications came in from 11 states. The state board of education is granted the responsibility to appoint a state superinten­ dent by the Michigan Constitution. The state superintendent is the principal executive offi­ cer of the Michigan Department of Education and is chairperson of the state board without the right to vote and shall be responsible for implementing its policies, and has all the powers and duties provided by law. The state superintendent is responsible for the day-to-day management, supervision, and leadership of the Michigan Department of Education. The superintendent is responsible for developing cooperative working relation­ ships with other government departments; the governor’s office; the state legislature; and constituent groups, in service of SBE policy and the Michigan’s Top 10 in 10 strategic plan for improving education. This top education position became open last spring upon the death of State Superintendent Brian Whiston. Chief Deputy Superintendent Sheila Alles was appointed interim state superintendent by the state board at that time. Consumers Energy reports cause of January fire Consumers Energy Friday submitted its report to the Michigan Public Service Commission on the fire Jan. 30 at the Ray Compressor Station in Macomb County. “The incident at our largest storage supply site occurred during historically high natural gas demand due to extreme cold temperatures and prompted the company to ask customers to dial back their thermostats and conserve natural gas use in their homes and business­ es,” read a statement issued by Consumers Power April 5. After the company’s two-month internal investigation - confirmed by a third-party consultant - the fire was found to be caused by a combination of factors. A plume of natu­ ral gas released by the safety fire-gate system was the fuel source. Air outside of the plant mixed with the natural gas due to high winds. And, extremely hot equipment caused the natural gas-air mixture to ignite. “Consumers Energy’s review found no evi­ dence of failure to properly maintain our equipment, according to the statement. “We look forward to working with the MPSC as they complete their own independent analysis on the cause of the fire and our subsequent response. “The fire at the Ray Station was precipitat­ ed by a safety venting fire-gate process that is proven safe and effective. However, under unique and extreme weather conditions, the process became hazardous. We plan to address the issue at the Ray Compressor Station and implement new procedures across our natural gas fleet to further enhance resiliency and help avoid failure in these extraordinary cir­ cumstances. “We appreciate and thank our customers across Michigan for all they did to help Consumers Energy and their neighbors during the unprecedented January event,” the state­ ment concluded. Consumers Energy provides natural gas and/or electricity to 6.7 million of the state’s 10 million residents in all 68 Lower Peninsula counties. DNR shooting range closed through Aug. 31 After years of planning, site evaluation and opportunities for community input, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources is moving forward with construction on improvements at the Echo Point shooting range at Allegan State Game Area in Allegan County. The site is closed to public use and entry for the duration of construction, April 10 through Aug. 31. Improvements will include a new parking lot, accessible pathways, new structures and benches for shooters, new berms and ricochet baffles to improve safety, and sound abate­ ment measures to decrease the sound impact to surrounding properties. These improve­ ments are possible through funding via grants from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund, as well as the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. “The DNR is looking forward to investing in the community and developing a safe, fun shooting location that residents and visitors can enjoy,” Lori Burford, shooting range spe­ cialist for the DNR, said. Until range construction is complete, any­ one looking for a comfortable, quality target shooting experience may use one of the DNR’s seven staffed ranges in southern Michigan. In addition, many state game areas and state forest lands, including other portions of the Allegan State Game Area, also may be used for target shooting. The DNR encourages state forest and game area users to remember that these public lands are multiuse properties managed for a variety of habitat, resource management and recre­ ational purposes. To ensure safety and respect for Michigan’s natural resources, users should review the shooting range rules before visit­ ing any shooting range or target shooting on state-managed land. For the latest information on the closures of DNR facilities, visit Michigan.gov/ DNRClosures. 405 N. M-37 Highway Hastings, MI 49058 www.firstchurclihastings.org (269) 945-5463 HOLY WEEK Maundy Thursday Worship Service Maundy Thursday With Communion - 7pm Good Friday Heather Marie Martin, Hastings and Loren Eugene Patch, Hastings ’Brian Matthew Hannan, Ravenna, Jennifer Ann Carpenter, Middleville James Russell Case, Middleville and Susan Jane Bordewyk, Middleville .. ......................... ... Outdoor Experience: Labyrinth Walk Open sunrise to sunset Indoor Experience: “Walk the Week” Good Friday Meditation Stations open 11am— 3pm GET ALL THF A A A NFU742 a wAZiWCZP RARRV D/U1K Y Easter Sunday OT COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. Traditional Service 9 am Brass Ensemble Contemporary Service 10:30 am SIMHY Join us for one, or all of these special Holy Week events. All are welcome! �t .Page 8 — Thursday, April 11,2019 — The Hastings Banner Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD ! Elaine Garlock The Lake Odessa Area Historical Society will meet tonight, April 11, at 7 p.m. at the 1 museum on Emerson Street. The public is • invited. j - The Ionia County Genealogical Society will | meet Saturday, April 13, at 1 p.m. There will |3 be a speaker, library time, refreshments and * J conversation. The Tri-River Museum group will meet J Tuesday, April 16. The next event for this Ingroup will be the annual Spring Into the ^Past the first weekend of May. Participating 3 museums will be open both Saturday and . Sunday with hours 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. Next will be busy times at most local churches with Maundy Thursday observances, Good Friday, and then Easter April 21. The Red Cross was in town for a blood drive Monday at Fellowship Hall on Fourth ^Avenue, Lake Odessa. There were 49 successful donors with some of them being double reds. As reported earlier, new houses are being * built facing Carlon Drive just outside town in । ?the Willow Brook area and also at the north jjend of Pineview Drive. In addition, a new Habitat for Humanity house has started on I 1 Fourth Avenue in the 1500 block. This is on the site of the former Dahms house. The lot has been vacant in recent years but the grass has been cut and a sign has indicated that a house was coming. Last week forms were in place for a poured foundation. This week the forms are gone. Last Saturday Bonnie Leak was the guest of honor at a surprise delayed birthday party planned by her children. Son Chris and wife Ronda of the Dayton, Ohio, area were present, as was daughter Joanne and husband of Sebewa Township. Friends, relatives, church friends filled the fellowship hall at Central United Methodist Church for a meal, congratulations and congenial company. Her daughter Pamela Coleman in California was not able to attend. The respite program that ran for several years at Central United Methodist Church is resuming on a limited scale with twice each month under the leadership of Rita Bigelow. With hours of 1 to 4 p.m., this gives a short break for caregivers who might like to go shopping or do other errands while their loved ones are receiving attention and care in a friendly setting with games and other fun events for the afternoon. Call the church office for details. 116448 CITY OF HASTINGS Jr. ■fit JONES What can you do with your tax refund? We’re getting close to the tax-filing dead­ line. For many of us, this means it’s that time of year when we get our biggest financial windfall - a tax refund. If you have recently received a refund, or are expecting to get one in the next few weeks, what should you do with it? Of course, you could just spend the money on something you want, but if you’d like to maximize the financial benefits from your refund, you might want to consider other options, including the following: • Invest the money. In 2018, the average tax refund was about $2,700. For this year, it might be somewhat lower, due to changes in the tax laws and the failure of taxpayers to adjust their withholdings in response. However, if you were to receive in the neigh­ borhood of $2,700, you’d be almost halfway to the annual IRA contribution limit, which, in 2019, is $6,000. (If you’re 50 erf older, you can put in up to $7,000). If you have already “maxed out” on your IRA, you could use your refund to fill in gaps you may have in other parts of your investment portfolio. • Pay insurance premiums. Let’s face it nobody really likes paying insurance premi­ ums. Yet, if you have anyone depending on you, you will certainly need life insurance, and possibly disability insurance as well. And if you want to help protect your financial resources later in life from threats such as an extended - and hugely expensive - stay in a nursing home, you also may want to consider long-term care insurance. Your tax refund could help pay for some of these premiums, boosting your cash flow during the months you would normally be making these pay­ ments. • Contribute to a college fund. It’s never too soon to begin saving for college, which has grown increasingly expensive over the last several years. So, if you have young chil­ dren, you may want to think about investing some or all of your refund into a college-sav­ ings account, such as a tax-advantaged 529 plan. • Pay off debts. You might be able to use your refund to pay down some debts - or per­ haps even pay off some of your smaller ones. The lower your monthly debt load, the more money you will have available to invest for the future. Keep in mind, though, that you might not want to look at all debts in the same way. For example, putting extra money toward your mortgage might help you pay it off faster, but you’ll also be funding an asset - namely, your house - that might not provide you with the same liquidity as you can get from investments such as stocks and bonds. • Help build an emergency fund. By build­ ing an emergency fund containing six to 12 months’ worth of living expenses, you can help yourself avoid dipping into your long­ term investments to pay for large, unplannedfor bills, such as a major car repair or an expensive dental procedure. Your tax refund could help build such a fund, with the money ideally being placed in low-risk, liquid vehi­ cles. Clearly, you can help yourself make prog­ ress toward a number of your financial goals with your tax refund - so put it to good use. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. If you have any questions, contact Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. ----STOCKS----The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. Apple Inc. AT&T Chemical Fin Chevron Deere & Co. Exxon Mobil Flowserve CP Ford Motor Co. General Electric Co. General Motors Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP Perrigo Co. Pfizer Inc. Spartannash Comp Stryker TCF Financial Corp. Walmart Inc. Walt Disney Co Whirl Pool Corp Gold Silver Dow Jones 199.50 31.75 42.87 125.54 158.83 81.93 47.66 9.21 9.22 38.86 200.90 135.57 57.16 119.28 50.80 42.84 16.40 195.97 21.57 98.69 116.86 134.78 +5.48 +.12 +.47 +.61 -3.29 +.55 +.97 +.20 -1.02 +1.05 +6.59 -2.14 +.81 +.09 +3.26 -.07 +.50 +.80 +.28 +1.75 +4.90 +.19 $1,304.62 $15.30 26,150 +$12.98 +.10 -.29 PUBLIC NOTICE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 567 It! POWERLIFTER, continued from page 1 he undersigned, being the duly qualified and acting Clerk of the City of Hastings, Michigan, does hereby certify that ir ORDINANCE NO. 567: THE CITY OF HASTINGS ORDAINS: SECTION I. Article IV of Chapter 22, of the Code of Ordinances, City of Hastings, Michigan, is added to read as follows: CHAPTER 22 - BUSINESSES ARTICLE IV. - RECREATIONAL MARIHUANA was adopted by the City Council of the City of Hastings at a regular meeting on the 08th day of April 2019. A complete copy of this Ordinance is available for review at the office of the City Clerk at City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Jane Saurman City Clerk CITY OF HASTINGS PUBLIC NOTICE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 570 The undersigned, being the duly qualified and acting Clerk of the City of Hastings, Michigan, does hereby certify that ORDINANCE NO. 570: THE CITY OF HASTINGS ORDAINS: SECTION I. Section 90-780, of Article IX, of Chapter 90, of the Code of Ordinances, City of Hastings, Michigan, is added to read as follows: CHAPTER 90- ZONING ARTICLE IX- SUPPLEMENTARY DISTRICT REGULATIONS Section 90.800 Marihuana Establishments. was adopted by the City Council of the City of Hastings at a regular meeting on the 08th day of April 2019. A complete copy of this Ordinance is available for review at the office of the City Clerk at City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Jane Saurman City Clerk 116507 PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Skyler, son of Scott and Jana Brandt, helps his dad with his logging business when he isn’t training. He says that may be one of the reasons he’s so strong. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) “Plus, with these really hard workouts. I’ve got to recover. So I’ve got to get my eight hours every night.” He might only train three times a week, but his dedication to powerlifting is a daily thing. “I couldn’t do it if I didn’t maintain my size and how I eat.” When asked what he eats, he smiles. “Beef, eggs and milk - and a lot of it. Rice and pota­ toes and then I throw shakes on top of that to kind of fill in the cracks.” He’s also trying protein shakes or high-cal­ orie mass-gainer shakes now. He used to try to stay lighter and compete in the 308-pound category. Now he’s at 340 pounds. As a kid, he always looked up to The Hulk. And, since he was 13, he has worked with his father, Scott, for Brandt Logging in Bellevue. Those logging projects help build strength and agility. Someday, he said he would like to be a sponsored athlete who can compete and TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Public Hearing will be held by the Prairieville Township Zoning Board of Appeals on May 1,2019 at 7:00 P.M. at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, within the Township. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the item(s) to be considered at this public hearing include, in brief, the following: 1. A request from Jeff Dekoning of Eaglecrest Homes, agent for property owner Amy Hamiliton,11172 Long Point Dr, Ml 49080, for a variance to allow for the construction of a single-family dwelling failing to meet the rear yard setback requirements pursuant to sections 4.24 “Waterfront Lots” and 6.17 “Non­ conforming lots of record”. The subject site is 11172 Long Point Dr. Plainwell, Ml 49080. - Parcel # 08-12-290-015-00 and is in the R-2 Residential District zoning district. 2. Such other and further matters as may properly come before the Zoning Board of Appeals for this meeting. All interested persons are invited to be present or submit written comments on this matters) to the below Township office address. Prairieville Township will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the hearing upon five (5) days notice to the Prairieville Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Prairieville Township Clerk at the address or telephone number set forth above. Jim Stoneburner, Township Supervisor CITY OF HASTINGS 5 PUBLIC NOTICE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 569 The undersigned, being the duly qualified and acting Clerk of the City of Hastings, Michigan, does hereby certify that ORDINANCE NO. 569: THE CITY OF HASTINGS ORDAINS: SECTION I. Section 90-1, of Article I, of Chapter 90, of the Code of Ordinances, City of Hastings, Michigan, is amended to include the following definitions: CHAPTER 90-ZONING was adopted by the City Council of the City of Hastings at a regular meeting on the 08th day of April 2019. A complete copy of this Ordinance is available for review at the office of the City Clerk at City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Jane Saurman City Clerk coach. ( For now, his goal is to break his own record. Hastings elementary students to entertain at Performing Arts Center Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Hastings elementary students are preparihg for their spring concert that will take place at the Performing Arts Center at Hastings High School for the first time. Each elementary school will perform indi­ vidually on four different nights: Northeastern Elementary is at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 16; Star Elementary is 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 17; Southeastern Elementary is 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23; and Central Elementary is 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 24. The concerts are free and everyone is wel­ come to attend. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, April 11,2019 — Page9 fl look lack at the stories and columns on local history In the Hastings Banner TURNING BACK THE PAGES Greusel achievements extended well beyond sense of humor This column, in early 2018, featured a series of “biographies” of men from all cor­ ners of the county. The features were first published in late 1890 and early 1891, except one. Sylvester Greusel was omitted from the reprinting. Some readers with knowledge of local history may recall Greusel as the leader of the nearly comic pursuit of the legendary Carter Lake Snake. That was a reflection of the good-humored side of Greusel. But his many undertakings reveal an accomplished businessman and loyal civic leader - who sort of accidentally settled in Hastings. The following was printed in the Feb. 5,1891, Banner. It will be a revelation to many to learn that the only Mugwump party in the nation that is organized for active operations resides and does business in the city of Hastings. At first, it consisted of but one person, the subject of this sketch, Mr. Sylvester Greusel. One of the requisites for membership is that the applicant must have done time in every other political party. Another is that the appli­ cant must be voted for by ballot, and the ballot absolutely clear, before he can be familiarized with the sublime mysteries and deep secrets of Mugwumpery. The appalling ceremony of initiation into this order has deterred many. The severe tests named above have kept out many more; while the frightful oaths administered by the Grand Chief, binding a man to forever absolve him­ self from all other parties, be true to the hon­ ored principled of Mugwumpianism, and thereafter vote when he wanted to, for whom he desired, or not vote at all, has terrified sev­ eral otherwise acceptable men from becoming members in good standing. The party, at pres­ ent, numbers three, with our subject as Grand Adorable Mogul. Not a numerous party you say? And yet the fate of empires has rested upon one man; and it will be well, before any fore­ cast is made of political probabilities, to keep in mind this Mugwump party, with its oath­ bound devotees, secretly banded together for the purpose of doing as they please. What of the leader? He hails from Detroit, the city Boss Jacob owns, and was bom there in May 1846. As soon as he could stand alone, he gnawed on pretzels, filed his teeth on Barley biscuit, stole kraut from the family barrel, polished his vocal organs on his favor­ ite Limburger “Kase,” and talked, fought and got spanked for it in the German language. In due time, he went to the public school and - vindicated the power and strength of nature and Germany in many a hard-fought battle in which St. Patrick’s kids came out badly wor­ sted seconds. At the age of 15, after he had acquired good training of mind and music, he was appren1 ticed to a Detroit machinist, served out his four years, and then started out for himself. His ability and expertness as a workman, his reliability and faithfulness, easily secured for him the steady progress in his vocation. He rose step by step until the foremanship of one of the largest machine shops in Detroit was offered to him, and accepted, and he contin­ ued in this important position for five or six years, having and retaining the full confi­ dence of his employers, and the hearty good­ will of the men under hm. He became a member of the local Blacksmiths and Machinists Union when but 18 years of age, passed through the various offices, and was finally elected a delegate to the national convention of the union. His zeal as a worker, his interest in the union [and] his ability as a man commended him to the favor­ able consideration of the national organiza­ tion, of which he was made successively third and second vice president and later president. In the latter capacity, he edited the Blacksmiths and Machinists Magazine, the national organ of the union. His connection with this order brought him into national prominence and gave him an acquaintance with Powderly and other great leaders of labor organizations. He took a whirl at politics, entering into it with zeal and determination that distinguishes him and is peculiarly characteristic. Becoming dissatisfied successively with the republican r, party, his first political love, he later on worked with the democrats; couldn’t stand the rottenness of that kind of city politics, and then went in on his muscle in the labor party. The party polled 3,000 votes one fall, and the Sylvester Greusel, known more for leading a safari to hunt down the legend­ ary Carter Lake Snake in September 1893, was a Detroit native who learned the machinist trade as a teenager and later became a shop foreman, union lead­ er, councilman, mayor, business owner and more. next spring, our subject ran on the labor ticket for city treasurer. He refused to have a slip printed, saying he wanted to see how well the laboring classes, who had a majority of the votes in Detroit, would stand together, and that he desired none to vote for him who did not vote the whole labor ticket. The old party leaders set their eye on the labor party on that eventful spring, put up schemes, offering this and that labor leader a soft snap to “stay by the old party once more.” Result, Greusel and the whole labor ticket received just 115 of the 20,000 votes cast. That made a Mugwump of our subject. And now he votes for the best men on any ticket, remembers his friends on Election Day, and you will catch a weasel asleep when you find him absorbed in politics or taking more than a passing interest in them. He has had enough, and knows it, and prefers his position as leader of the trio of Mugwumps to any position within the gift of the people. Ten years ago now he was on his way to Milwaukee to accept a good position there, and was induced by J.L. Wilkins to stop off at Hastings. He liked the town, the people and the prospect for business. He never went to Milwaukee - that is, not that year - but returned to Detroit, got his family and belong­ ings, returned to this city and established a machine shop. From the very start, a good business was done, and the small shop grew into the Hastings Engine & Iron Works of today, a model institution and prosperous. Mr. Wilkins later on sold his interest in the business, which was reorganized, with W.E. Powers, D.S. Goodyear and F.H. Barlow as equal partners with Mr. Greusel. In 1886, the concern was burned, entailing a severe loss. But new ground was bought, a much larger building erected, with complete equipment for busi­ ness. The energy and push, the organizing ability, honesty and business sagacity of Mr. Greusel Sylvester Greusel developed a long list of accomplishments in his nearly 90 years. has made the concern what it is today. You may look the state over and find not another town situated as Hastings was to shipping facilities and conveniences as a manufactur­ ing town, with such an institution as the Engine & Iron Works that begins to do the business of this concern. It is remarkable and a unique exhibition of what business pluck and enterprise may accomplish in the face of great odds. The Engine & Iron Works not only do the work usually performed in machine shops, but at the most extensive manufacturers of plow points and plow repairs in Michigan, besides manufacturing sleigh shoes, furnaces, etc. There is not a more ardent Knight of Pythias living than our subject. He has filled nearly every chair in Barry Lodge, was twice chancellor commander, is a member of the Hastings Division and the local section of the endowment rank. In his lodge work, he puts the same energy and push as in all others, and is a wheelhorse in local, and for that matter, state Pythianism. He is a public-spirited citizen, alive to securing whatever will build up Hastings. His work as chairman of the Improvement Committee was most thorough and effective. And though it subjected him to some criticism which he keenly felt, no critic could say that his work had not been of the most distin­ guished character, and Hastings is today indebted to him more than to any other citizen for the splendid work accomplished. And his work was never more appreciated than now. Our subject is some pumpkins in the dra­ matic line also. When Barry Lodge wanted to entertain the people, and graphically show to the public the inner workings of the fraternity, they selected a play known as “The Ancient Order of Hercules” and our subject was the “Highly Illustrious Grand Highunkadunk.” Well, the people to this day laugh when they think of the realistic presentation of the play by our friend. Again, in the “Deestrick Skule,” he was one of the boy scholars. It was worth the price of admission to see Greusel perform. And he paralyzed the school and pulverized the audience by numerous requests to the teacher “to go aout.” But his friends never can forgive him for one attempt he made to lead the singing of that closing ode in the lodge room. It was something “fearful and wonderful.” Mr. Greusel is a good deal of the practical joker, as several people can attest. We could entertain our readers with many of them, but space forbids. But despite his keen love of fun, he loves his business more, and his ambi­ tion and energy seem wrapped up in the pros­ perity of the institution he founded and whose business success is due to his labor and abili­ ty. He is a most cordial friend to his friends, delights in their friendship, keeps it as a sacred trust, and has hosts of friends, but has no use for an enemy except to leave him severely alone. If we had two dozen such men as he in this community, Hastings would be a record breaker in it progress in population and prosperity. Depicted here in a handmade comic image, Sylvester Greusel had a reputation his sense of humor. Greusel’s glowing report reaches many The following report, released in September 1910, would be reprinted in newspapers across the country for the next several months. The Fairmont West Virginian, the Pensacola Journal, the Hattiesburg News, Norwich Bulletin and Detroit Times were among the papers that assured their readers’ Post Toasties were made in a clean, safe plant. Labor inspector commends Postum Plant Lansing, Mich., Sept. 21 - the pure food factories of the Postum Cereal Co. Ltd. of Battle Creek, which are visited by from 15,000 to 18,000 tourists annually, entertained an unexpected visitor the other day in the person of Sylvester Greusel, Michigan State Factory Inspector. With practiced and unsparing eye, this state official investigated the great group of factory buildings where Postum Cereal, Grape-Nuts and Post Toasties are manufactured. The result of his visit was shown by the following special report which he made to the Michigan State Labor Commission: Mr. Richard Fletcher, Commissioner of Labor and Statistics, Lansing. Dear Sir: I have this day (Sept. 20, 1910), carefully inspected every department of the Postum Cereal Co. Ltd, Battle Creek, and I think they are entitled to an especially complimentary report for the following reasons: FIRST. All the mechanical appliances of this splendid factory are in perfect condition - everything safeguarded. SECOND. The sanitary conditions are Of the best. Everything is furnished employees: fresh water, washrooms, dressing and toilet rooms. THIRD. With the large number of persons employed in the breakfast-food department, there have been no accidents. FOURTH. I find the statistics of the wages paid men and women are the highest I have found in any factory I have inspected in Michigan. FIFTH. They do not employ any child labor under 16 years of age. It is a model institution in every respect. Yours respectfully, > (Signed) Sylvester Greusel, state inspector Source: ChroniclingAmerica .org. Water’s Edge Financial LLC Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF® (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinancial.com Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you Jeffrey A. Keessen AIF® Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC Karen Hayward Administrative Assistant Notice of Drainage Board Meeting For Determination of Practicability GIBSON AND TRISKETT INTERCOUNTY DRAIN (Barry and Eaton Counties) DATE: May 1,2019 TIME: 6:00 p.m. LOCATION: Greusel was 45 when the above piece was written, and he lived another 44 years, giving him opportunity for greater pursuits. The April 29, 1910, Paw Paw Northerner reported a new appointment: “Sylvester Greusel of Hastings, factory inspector for the fifth district, appointed to succeed Isaac Bloem of Kalamazoo, has started upon his duties. He is well qualified for the position, being a practical factory and machine man.” (See accompanying story.) A 1911 publication identified him as the state factory inspector. The 1910 annual report of the Chicago, Kalamazoo and Saginaw Railway listed Greusel as the general freight agent and the general passenger agent. He eventually was elected to office, serving as mayor for the City of Hastings in 1894­ 1895. Marshall Cook, longtime co-editor of the Banner, wrote about Greusel in 1956: “He was, in fact, the successful manager of the Engine and Iron Works plant here. Greusel took an active and useful part in civic affairs and served as councilman and mayor. He lived in the days before radio and television, when people had to make their own fun - or go without it. Sylvester was obviously the sort of fellow who liked to take life with liberal sprinklings of fun and humor.” Greusel died Feb. 3,1935, four months shy of his 90th birthday. He is buried at Riverside Cemetery. Compiled by Kathy Maurer. Sources: Hastings Banner, barry.migenweb.org, chron­ iclingAmerica.org. family search.org, findagrave.com. for Assyria Township Hail 8094 Tasker Road Bellevue, Michigan The Gibson and Triskett Intercounty Drain Drainage Board will meet at the above date, time and location to consider the petition, dated July 2, 2018, for maintenance and improvement of an intercounty drain, located in Assyria Township, pursuant to Chapter 8 of Public Act 40 of 1956, as amended, to determine the sufficiency of signatures on said petition, to go over the route of the intercounty drain, and to further determine whether the maintenance and improvement of the intercounty drain is practicable. Proceedings conducted at this public meeting will be subject to the provisions of the Michigan Open Meetings Act. Public comment will be received at the meeting from anyone owning lands liable to an assessment,, or whose lands will be crossed by the drain, or any municipality affected. Written comments may be submitted prior to the meeting, or additional information may be obtained from the following offices: Jim Dull Barry County Drain Commissioner 220 W. State Street Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-1385 Richard Wagner Eaton County Drain Commissioner 1045 Independence Boulevard Charlotte, Michigan 48813-1095 517-543-3809 Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in the meeting should contact the Drain Commissioner of their County at the number listed above or through the Michigan Relay Center at 7-1 -1 (TDD) at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance. Dated: April 4, 2019 Christine Kosmowski, Deputy For Gary McDowell, Director Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development 116156 �Page 10 — Thursday, April 11, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Hastings says ‘no’ to recreational marijuana in the city - for now Joan Van Houten Staff Writer r The city of Hastings voted Monday to gdopt the opt-out ordinances that will prohibit marijuana establishments or sales of recre­ ational marijuana in the city. The vote was unanimous. The ban will be effective until May 30, 2020, when the city will decide whether to extend the ban or opt in. Many local governments in Barry County afe opting out of allowing recreational mari­ juana dispensaries and grow operations - for now. When Proposal One to allow recreational Marijuana in Michigan passed last November, there were a lot of questions about how it vyould be regulated. r Many of those questions remain. In other business, routine maintenance of downtown parking lots in Hastings will add qp to $43,650 this year, city council members learned at their meeting Monday. The Downtown Development Authority will contribute $15,962 toward the assess­ ment charged to the businesses that benefit ftpm use of the spaces. _A? If approved, the 2019-20 cost to property owners in the Special Assessment District will $27,688. The city council scheduled a first public hearing for 7 p.m., April 22, at Hastings City Hall, 201 E. State St.. In another matter, Randall Schaefer, chairrfian of the Hastings Cable Access Committee, requested the council approve a budget amendment of $6,537.18 for three projects the committee has identified as necessary improvements. The first of the projects is replacing the Microphones in the council room. Schaefer said the microphones do not transmit well, creating static noises and cutting out, and the volume of the microphones cannot be changed individually. “It all goes up or it all goes down,” he said. The second project is cleanup of the studio which is located in the council room. Schaefer described tangled mounds of excess wires which are safety hazards and negatively affect the broadcast; also, some of the new equip­ ment is wired through dead equipment. He said this work will be an ongoing, multi-year process. Karen Jousma, program director with the Family Support Center of Barry County (shown), and Kim Metzger, exec­ utive director, accept Mayor Dave Tossava’s proclamation Monday of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month for the Hastings. Jousma is holding a bouquet of pinwheels to represent the playful inno­ cence that all children deserve. The final project is replacing the council room whiteboard. “When the council is viewing the white­ board, the broadcast audience can’t see what the council sees. What they see is a dark room with shadows talking,” Schaefer said. The cable access committee proposes replacing the whiteboard with two 50-inch television screens that will make it possible to broadcast written or drawn information, such as site plans, diagrams and graphs. Schaefer said the company AVI quoted $33,037.18 for the three projects. The com­ mittee has a current budget of $24,500 and can transfer $2,000 from a different account. The balance is what the committee is request­ ing. Approximately $48,000 is in the budget for next year to replace the remaining analog equipment. “We’re only getting $13,000 a year in fran­ chise fees from WOW, and we’re spending $50,000 on this just for next year on top of $33,000 for this year,” McNabb-Stange said. Schaefer said the estimate for replacing the last of the analog equipment is on the high side, and if replacing all of it at once is the issue, they could replace the components over time. “That’s not it. I’m concerned about spend­ ing $80,000 in something we get $15,000 a year for. It doesn’t make sense to me,” McNabb-Stange said. The council took no action on the requested amendment pending further breakdown of project costs and estimates. The cable access committee will work with city staff on creat­ ing the necessary reports. In other action, the council approved a con­ ducting a workshop to discuss the draft 2019­ 20 municipal budget at 5:30 p.m., April 22, at Hastings City Hall. - A special budget meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m., April 29 at City Hall to discuss the Wastewater Treatment Plant improvements. A public hearing will take place at the council meeting at 7 p.m., May 13. - The council approved closing on two properties: a parcel being purchased from Bliss and a parcel being sold to Advantage Drain for development. - The resignation of Ken Schroeder from the Zoning Board of Appeals was accepted. Schroeder will be moving to Grand Rapids. - Mayor Dave Tossava made a proclama­ tion recognizing April 2019 as Child Abuse Prevention Month for the city and presented to proclamation to Kim Metzger, executive director of the Family Support Center of Barry County, and Karen Jousma, program director. The council also approved planting pinwheel gardens in the city to mark the month. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads at TcY> R( 3c R&r bn pn be OU NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING CITY OF HASTINGS The City of Hastings will hold a public hearing on the proposed Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) Im­ provements Project for the purpose of receiving com­ ments from interested persons. ■ipI bn br ru 9^ ni □if to bn bh sv bo ae Ab be or JG ui io r pr iu: rrii Ja pi The hearing will be held at 7:00 p.m. on May 13, 2019 at Hastings City Hall, at 201 E. State Street, Hastings, Michigan, 49058. The City of Hastings Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) improvements project will address current operational issues and replace equipment that has sur­ passed their useful life. Low interest rate funding is being pursued through the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality Clean Water State Revolving Fund Program. A Project Plan has been developed with outlines the recommended improvements and impacts. The project will involve the construction of a new Headworks Building with raw wastewater pumping, grit removal, and fine screening, replacement of the return and waste activated sludge pumping/distribution systems, improvements to primary treatment and thickener tanks, replacement of UV equipment, admin­ istration building renovations, and site improvements. The “No Action” Alternative does not address the oper­ ation and maintenance issues at the Wastewater Treat­ ment Plant and was not selected. The cost to construct the selected alternative is estimated at $9,800,000. The proposed project includes temporary disruption due to the required construction, including noise and dust generated by the construction work. The long­ term effects will improve performance of the facilities, reduce operation and maintenance costs, and ensure high quality effluent before discharging to the Thor­ napple River. The estimated cost to users for the construction proj­ ect will be approximately an additional $4.00 to $6.00 per month per residential unit. Because several bonds are nearing the end of their payment schedule and the available current reserve funds, it is anticipated that the City can mitigate impacts to user rates. Future rate increases may be necessary to finance the construction as outlined in the Project Plan. NOTICE r1. o 1 3r The minutes of the meeting of the Barry County Board of Commissioners held April 9, 2019, are available in the County Clerk’s Office at 220 W. State St., Hastings, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or www.barrycounty.org. 116067 HAVE YOU BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH LUNG CANCER ARE YOU AN ASBESTOS VICTIM? Please call us for a FREE consultation TIME TO TURN UP THE VOLUME LEE BRICE FRIDAY, APRIL 19 DENNIS MILLER FRIDAY, MAY 17 Hastings City Hall 201 E. State Street Hastings, Michigan 49058 Hastings City Hall Attention: City Clerk 201 E. State Street Hastings, Michigan 49058 Middleville’s Bob Wenger served county in many ways He was a man known to many. He was a longtime dairy farmer, an accomplished pub­ lic servant, a Hometown Hero and a Banner Bright Light. Robert “Bob” Verne Wenger, 87, of Middleville, died at his home Saturday. Visitation will take place today from 2 to 4 p.m. and again at 6 to 8 p.m. at the Beeler Gores Funeral Home. The funeral service is planned for 11 a.m. Friday at the United Methodist Church of Middleville . On Tuesday, Barry County Commissioners noted Wenger’s death and the subsequent loss to the county during their invocation at the start of the meeting. Wenger was a county commissioner for District 2 from 1989 to 1998. One of his proudest accomplishments during his public service, he said, was his role in helping to create a countywide 911 system. When 911 became a reality, “that was the one thing that touched everyone in Barry County,” he said. “This was a helpful entity to help the people in distress, and it was for everybody ... That was a countywide blessing for emergencies ... It’s been looked up to in the state of Michigan. [Officials from] every county except one or two came and visited our 911.” Wenger served as chairman of the 911 Board for about six years. He also served on the Thomapple Kellogg Board of Education for eight years and was chairman of the citizens committee for the construction of the high school. He led a ren­ ovation committee at the Middleville United Methodist Church as well. His interest in history brought him to the pages of local newspapers several times in recent years. He had acquired Native American artifacts, including many arrowheads found on freshly plowed fields. He and a couple of friends restored a train depot bench in 2017, despite the friends’ belief that the historic piece was hopeless. “It turned out better than I thought it would be,” Wenger said of the waiting bench that was rebuilt with mid-1850s cypress wood from a water tower that once stood above the depot. ’ Wenger was one of several residents at year later who attended a village meeting asking that Middleville’s train depot be preserved. He suggested using it as a museum to serve as a link to the village’s past. He’s restored several pieces of farm machinery, and could be found each year not far from the shining implements at the Barry County Fair. While he served on the county board of commissioners, Wenger also was a member of the Barry-Eaton District Health Department ROB THOMAS CHIP TOOTH TOUR SPECIAL GUEST: ABBY ANDERSON THURSDAY, MAY 30 TICKETS ON-SALE NOW at the FireKeepers Box Office or FireKeepersCasino.com. TIME TO GET YOUR ^^^1 FIREKEEPERS fl If CASINO'HOTEL BATTLE CREEK I-94 to Exit 104 | 11177 Michigan Avenue | Battle Creek, Ml 49014 Must be 21 or older. Tickets based on availability. Schedule subject to change. Bob Wenger Board. During his lifetime of public service, Wenger served the community in ways that were not always seen but, most assuredly, were felt. Tammy Pennington, executive director of the county Commission on Aging, said, “He was on our board of directors for a number of years and made a lot of contributions toward the programs you see today at the Commission on Aging.” When Wenger was born in 1932, his par­ ents lived northwest of Caledonia. Their home was a half-mile from his family’s homestead where four generations had lived before. He later attended Thornapple Kellogg High School, was president of the student council and received the American Farm degree from the National FFA in 1952. This is the only American Farm degree presented to a TK student. His father was a farmer and, after Bob graduated, he went into farming with his dad. He met his future wife, Helen Cridler, at school; he was in the class of 1950 and she was in the class of 1951. They raised six children: Christina (Edward) Gibson, Martin (Sheri) Wenger, Phillip (Rebecca) Wenger, Mary (Douglas) Newman, Daniel (Anne) Wenger, and Thaddaeus Wenger. Wenger was preceded in death by his wife, and grandson Travis. His family wrote: “He lived well, laughed often and loved much. We all miss him terri­ bly, but we find ourselves not so much sad­ dened by his passing, but rather joyful we got to live in any age that had Bob Wenger in it.” SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Financial Literacy Month is perfect time to plan for future Vonda VanTil Copies of the plan detailing the proposed project are available for inspection on the City of Hastings website (hastingsmi.org) at the following location: Written comments submitted before the hearing re­ cord is closed on May 13, 2019 will receive responses in the final Project Plan. Written comments should be sent to: Bob Wenger watches as crews load straw into a baler he brought to the Barry County Fair in 2014. Always ready to step in and help, he also drove to Indiana during the week to pick up a load of fresh sweet corn for the Taste of Barry County, since local corn was not yet ripe. Social Security Public Affairs Specialist With April being Financial Literacy Month, there’s no time like the present to begin saving for your financial future. The earlier you start saving, the more you can accrue in a 401(k) individual retirement account and other types of IRAs. Social Security helps secure your future, but Social Security is only one part of a more complete retirement plan. Financial literacy includes having access to not just the correct general information, but also to your personal financial information. You can open your own personal My Social Security account at Social Security.gov/ myaccount/ and quickly have access to your information from anywhere. There, you can do many things, but the most important thing is to view your Social Security Statement. Your Social Security Statement is an easyto-read personal record of the earnings on which you have paid Social Security taxes and a summary of the estimated benefits you and your family could receive, including potential retirement, disability, and survivors’ benefits. Once you have an account, you can view your statement at any time. You’ll want to verify that your recorded earnings are correct, because your future benefits are based on your recorded earnings. We also offer the online Retirement Estimator at Social Security.gov/benefits/ retirement/estimator.html that provides immediate and personalized benefit estimates based on your earnings record. The Retirement Estimator is an interactive tool that allows you to compare different retirement scenarios like future earnings and different retirement ages. ! One sure way to stay on top of your financial future is to join the more than 38 million people who have opened their own; My Social Security account at Social Security? gov/myaccount/. The sooner you start planning for retirement, the better off you wili be. I Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email to vonda .vantil @ ssa .gov. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, April 11, 2019 — Page 11 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, That the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on May 9, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Craig Artis and Roxanne L. Artis, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mac-Clair Mortgage Corporation Foreclosing Assignee (if any): MidFirst Bank, A Federally Chartered Savings Association Date of Mortgage: May 8, 2001 Date of Mortgage Recording: May 23, 2001 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $68,058.65 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 36 of Country Acres, according to the recorded plat thereof in Liber 5 of Plats on Page 64. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: April 11, 2019 Trott Law, PC. 1381539 (04-11)(05-02) 116235 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on April 18, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Eric V Bartlett, a single man and Megan Daniels, a single woman, as joint tenants Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Success Mortgage Partners, Inc. its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): The Money. Source Inc. Date of Mortgage: May 24, 2018 Date of Mortgage Recording: May 30, 2018 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $244,485.99 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Woodland, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: A strip of land 30 rods wide off the East side of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 28, Town 4 North, Range 7 West. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: March 21,2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1379398 (03-21 )(04-11) c Al 1 114930 STATE OF MICHIGAN IN THE BARRY COUNTY TRIAL COURT­ DISTRICT DIVISION NOTICE OF SALE HON. WILLIAM M. DOHERTY File No. 15-1217-GC GIRRBACH FUNERAL HOME, Plaintiff, ' vs. ELWIN H, WOOD JR., Defendant. DAVID H. TRIPP (P29290) 202 South Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 Attorney for Plaintiff_______ ‘ Pursuant to and by virtue of a Judgment of the 56-B i District Court in the County of Barry, State of Michigan, made and entered on October 26, 2015, and an Order to Seize Property issued January 3, 2017, showing $12,815.94 due and owing plus interest Sheriffs fees, costs and attorney’s fees and the Notice of Levy recorded in the Barry County Register of .Deeds in Barry County Record # 2019-001569 in a certain case pending in the 56-B District Court wherein Girrbach Funeral Home, Inc.; Plaintiff and Elwin H. 'Wood, Jr., is the Defendant, notice is hereby given that I shall sell at public sale to the highest bidder, at the East steps of the courthouse situated in the City of Hastings, County of Barry, on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at 2:00 p.m., the following described property: ; All that certain piece or parcel of land situated in the Township of Hastings, County of Barry, State of ‘Michigan, described as follows: LOT 4 OF BROOKFIELD ACRES ACCORDING TO THE RECORDED PLAT THEREOF. PARCEL# 08-06-130-004-00 COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 1968 BROOKFIELD DRIVE, HASTINGS, MICHIGAN 49058 Dated: 3-12-2019 Mark Sheldon, Barry County Deputy Sheriff Drafted by: David H. Tripp (P29290) 202 South Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-9585 Q:/IDHT Closed files\Girrbach Funeral Home\Elwin VVood\Notice of Sale 3-6-19.doc 114640 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28144-DE Estate of Betty M. Usborne. Date of birth: 12/11/1933. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Betty M. Usborne, died 11/20/2018. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Barbara Buehler, personal representative or to both the probate court at 206 West Court Street, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 04/04/2019 Nathan E. Tagg P68994 202 South Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2900 Barbara Buehler 6750 Buehler Road Freeport, Ml 49325 (616)710-8230 116237 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Trust In the matter of Richard G. Furlong, Trust dated September 24, 2002. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Richard G. Furlong, born September 7, 1927, who lived at 5164 Thornapple Lake Road, Hastings, Michigan died March 8, 2019 leaving a certain trust under the name of the Richard G. Furlong Trust and dated September 24, 2002, wherein the decedent was the Settlor and Russell Furlong was named as the trustee serving at the time of or as a result of the decedents death. Creditors of the decedent and of the trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or against the trust will be forever barred unless presented to Russell Furlong the named trustee at 630 Sherman Street, Nashville, Michigan within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: April 4, 2019 Robert L. Byington P-27621 222 West Apple Street, P.O. Box 248 Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-9557 Russell Furlong 630 Sherman Street Nashville, Michigan 49073 517-852-1891 ~ Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on April 18, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): L. Robert Ragucky and Carolyn J. Ragucky, Husband and Wife Original Mortgagee: Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Champion Mortgage Company Date of Mortgage: February 28, 2003 Date of Mortgage Recording: March 11,2003 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $193,336.53 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lots 13 and 14 of Oak Grove, as recorded in Liber 3 of Plats, Page 43 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: March 21,2019 Trott Law, P.C. • Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on May 9, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Timmy Rosenburg, a single man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Date of Mortgage: June 6, 2012 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 12, 2012 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $124,085.45 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: The Southeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 8, Town 3 North, Range 8 West, City of Hastings Barry County, Michigan The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: April 4, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1379761 (03-21X04-11) 1381105 (04-04)(04-25) 115105 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Donald R. Collard and Bonnie L. Collard, husband and wife, tenants by entity rights survivorship, to Beneficial Michigan Inc., Mortgagee, dated October 19, 2006 and recorded October 26, 2006 in Instrument Number 1171944 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by U.S. Bank National Association, as indenture trustee, for the holders of the CIM Trust 2017-4, MortgageBacked Notes, Series 2017-4, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Fifty Thousand Two Hundred Forty-Two and 59/100 Dollars ($50,242.59), including interest at 6.39% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on MAY 9, 2019. Said premises are located in the Township of Orangeville, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: COMMENCING AT THE EAST QUARTER POST OF SECTION 17, TOWN 2 NORTH, RANGE 10 WEST FOR PLACE OF BEGINNING; THENCE WEST 440 FEET TO THE CENTER OF LINDSEY ROAD; THENCE NORTH EAST ALONG SAID ROAD 200 FEET; THENCE EAST TO A POINT DIRECTLY NORTH OF POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE SOUTH TO PLACE OF BEGINNING. EXCEPTING THEREFROM: COMMENCING AT THE EAST 1/4 POST OF SECTION 17, TOWN 2 NORTH, RANGE 10 WEST FOR PLACE OF BEGINNING; THENCE WEST 440 FEET TO THE CENTER OF LINDSEY ROAD; THENCE NORTHEAST ALONG SAID ROAD 200 FEET; THENCE EAST TO A POINT DIRECTLY NORTH OF POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE SOUTH TO PLACE OF BEGINNING The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: March 21,2019 File No. 18-005612 Firm Name: Orlans PC (03-21 )(04-11) 114918 Hastings Public Library 227 E State Street Hastings Ml 49058 115957 Notice of Foreclosures by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on May 9, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Theresa Marie Degennaro Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): The Bank of New York Mellon fka The Bank of New York as trustee for the Certificateholders of CWABS Inc., AssetBacked Certificates Series 2007-2 Date of Mortgage: January 12, 2007 Date of Mortgage Recording: January 23, 2007 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $96,252.06 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Irving, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Beginning at a point on the East-West quarter of Section 22, Town 4 North, Range 9 West, Irving Township, Barry County, Michigan, distant Westerly 495.00 feet, more or less from the East quarter post of said Section 22, being the Northwest corner of the East 30 acres of the East half of the Southeast quarter of said Section 22; thence Southerly 679 feet parallel with the East line of said Section 22; thence Westerly 385.00 feet; thence Northerly 679.00 feet to said East-West quarter line of Section 22; thence Easterly 385.00 feet to the point of beginning. Subject to all conditions, restrictions and easements of record. The Grantor Grants to the Grantee the right to make zero (0) Division under Section 108 of the Land Division Act, Act No. 288 of the public Acts of 1967, as amended. This property may be located within the vicinity of farm Land or Farm operation generally accepted agricultural and management practices which may generate noise, dust, odors and other associated conditions may be used and are protected by the Michigan Right to Farm Act. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: April 11, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1381528 (04-11 )(05-02) 116236 Manager Rob Robinson will officially open the launch at 15475 South M-43 Highway in Hickory Comers. The gate will be open during the grand opening celebration The project was completed for renova­ STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 18-27896-DE Estate of Wyman W. Clagett. Date of birtFj: 9/16/1921. TO ALL CREDITORS: NO KNOWN CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Wyman W. Clagett, died March 24, 2018. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barrel Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on April 25, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Joseph E. Post and Susan E. Post, Husband And Wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for GMAC Mortgage Corporation, its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Ditech Financial LLC FKA Green Tree Servicing LLC Date of Mortgage: April 24, 2003 Date of Mortgage Recording: July 28, 2003 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $145,743.59 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 24 of Northridge Estates #2, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 6 of Plats on Page 17. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: March 28, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1380282 (03-28)(04-18) 115417 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on May 2, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Jacob Sias, a married man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for VanDyk Mortgage Corporation its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Mr. Cooper . Date of Mortgage: August 26, 2015 Date of Mortgage Recording: September 1,2015 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $76,284.12 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Village of Freeport, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot(s) 3, Block 10 of MAP OF THE VILLAGE OF FREEPORT according to the plat thereof recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, Page 22 of Barry County Records. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). » If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. ., This notice is from a debt collector. DATE OF NOTICE: APRIL 4, 2019 TROTT LAW, P.C. 1381106 (04-04)(04-25) 115956 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE STEPHEN L. LANGELAND, P.C. A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTENTION PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. MORTGAGE SALE - Default has occurred in a Mortgage made by Jeffrey D. Jackson and Richelle L. Jackson to First Community Federal Credit Union n/k/a Advia Credit Union dated Jone 15, 2004 and recorded on June 24, 2004 at Document No. 1129792 Barry County Records. No proceedings have been instituted to recover any part of the debt, secured by the mortgage or any part thereof and the amount now claimed to be due on the debt is $72,949.47. The Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the property at public auction to the highest bidder, for cash, on May 9, 2019 at 1:00 p.m., local time, at the East door of the Barry County Courthouse, Hastings, Ml. The property will be sold to pay the amount then due on the Mortgage, together with interest at 5.8% per annum, legal costs, attorney fees, and also any taxes or insurance or other advances and expenses due under mortgage or permitted under Michigan law. The land is located in the County of Barry, State of Michigan and is described as: COMMENCING AT THE WEST 1/4 POST OF SECTION 31, TOWN 1 NORTH, RANGE 10 WEST, PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, THENCE EAST 1350 FEET ON THE EAST-WEST 1/4 LINE, THENCE SOUTH 382.84 FEET ON THE NORTH AND SOUTH 1/8 LINE TO THE PLACE OF BEGINING; THENCE SOUTH 382.83 FEET TO THE NORTH LINE OF M-89; THENCE NORTH 70 DEGREES 28’ WEST 211.31 FEET ALONG HIGHWAY; THENCE NORTH 315 FEET (ALSO RECORDED AS 315.74 FEET); THENCE EAST 200 FEET TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. Which has the address of: 12792 M-89, Plainwell, Ml 49080 During the six (6) months following ng the sale the property may be redeemed, unless determined to be abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241(a), in which case the redemption period shall be thirty (30) days from the date of sale. ADVIA CREDIT UNION Dated: April 8, 2019 By: Stephen L. Langeland (P32583) BUSINESS ADDRESS: Stephen L. Langeland, P.C. Attorney at Law 6146 W. Main St., Ste. C Kalamazoo, Ml 49009 269/382-3703 116294 unless presented to David W. Clagett, personal representative or to both the probate court at 2280 Woodruff Rd., Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. David W. Clagett 2280 Woodruff Rd. ‘ Hastings, Ml 49058 269-945-0758 116470 w NOTICE I NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS COMMUNICATION IS FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT, AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. IF YOU^ ARE A DEBTOR IN AN ACTIVE BANKRUPTCY CASE; ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF A BANKRUPTCY STAY; OR, HAVE RECEIVED A DISCHARGE IN BANKRUPTCY AND YOU HAVE; NOT REAFFIRMED THE DEBT, THIS NOTICE IS! FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLEECTADEBT FROM YOU PERSON ALLY— IF YOU ARE NOW ON ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY OR HAVE BEEN IN THE PRIOR ONE YEAR, PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW. Default has been made in the conditions of a Mortgage made by Premier Consultation arid Asset Management, LLC to LendingHome Funding Corporation dated June 16, 2017 and recorded June 20, 2017 in Instrument No. 2017-006200, Barry County, Michigan. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of $130,148.53. Under the power of sale contained in said Mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the Circuit Court and/or for conducting such sales for the County of Barry, Michigan at 1:00PM on May 2, 2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: Land situated in the Township of Rutland, County of Barry, State of Michigan, described as follows: Township of Rutland, County of Barry Lot(s) 401, 402, 403 and 404 of Al-Gon-Quin Lake Resort Properties Unit No. 2 according to the plat thereof recorded in Liber 2 of Plats, Page 63 of Barry County Records. Said property is commonly known as 2752 Chippewa Trail, Hastings, Ml 49058. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. TO ALL PURCHASERS: The foreclosing mortgagee can rescind the sale. In that event, your damages, if any, are limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. Please be advised that any third party purchaser is responsible for preparing and recording the Sheriff’s Deed. Dated: March 29, 2019 Brock & Scott, PLLC 5431 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: 844-856-6646 File Number: 19-03387 (04-04)(04-25) 115963 CITY OF HASTINGS PUBLIC NOTICE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 568 The undersigned, being the duly qualified and acting Clerk of the City of Hastings, Michigan, does hereby certify that Prairieville Township celebrates Gull Lake boat launch opening Prairieville Township Parks and Recreation is proud to announce the grand opening of the boat launch at Gull Lake. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 13. Park NOTICE TO CREDITORS TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Neva Brandt (date of birth October 22, 1919), Settlor of the Morris and Neva Brandt Trust Agreement dated July 26, 2007, who lived at 9521 South Clark Road, Nashville, Michigan 49073 died March 16, 2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the Trust will be forever barred unless presented to the current Trustee, Larry Brandt, whose address is 7650 South M-66 Hwy., Nashville, Michigan 49073, or to the attorney for the Trustee, Kathleen F. Cook, at 121 South Cochran Ave., Charlotte, Ml 48813 within 4 months of the date of publication of this notice. Date: April 9, 2019 Law Office of Kathleen F. Cook Kathleen F. Cook P31842 121 S. Cochran Ave. Charlotte, Ml 48813 (517)543-7643 116426 tion and repair after many years of wear and damage. The launch and park are available for a fee for boaters, fishing, swimming, picnicking. ORDINANCE NO. 568: THE CITY OF HASTINGS ORDAINS: Chapter 53, of the Code of Ordinances, City of Hastings, Michigan, is added to read as follows: CHAPTER 53 -RECREATIONAL MARIHUANA was adopted by the City Council of the City of Hastings at a regular meeting on the 08th day of April 2019. A complete copy of this Ordinance is available for review at the office of the City Clerk at City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Jane Saurman City Clerk �Page 12 — Thursday, April 11, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Focus group tackles housing shortage Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Removing barriers to increasing available liousing in Hastings was the issue for a hous­ ing focus group Tuesday at a meeting at the Hastings Public Library. The focus group is Part Two of the city’s five-year master plan. “This session is not intended to focus on further definition of the problem; that has been established. This session is intended to be an opportunity for housing partners to sort through potential solutions as a team,” Rebecca Harvey, the city planning consultant, said. Participants of the focus group are: Chelsey Foster, Commercial Bank and Hastings Planning Commission member; Rob Ranes, High Point Community Bank; Tony Coughlin, Coughlin Home Improvement Co.; Mark Hewitt, Miller Real Estate; Tom Wiswell, Barry County Lumber; and Tracy Baker, At Home Real Estate. Community participants included: Mayor Dave Tossava; Dan King, director of commu­ nity development; Al Jarvis, city council member; Jeff Mansfield, city manager; and Travis Alden, president of Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance. Harvey facilitated the meeting and opened with several statements pulled from an article in The Reminder, a J-ad Graphics publication. She said the article is accurate in its depiction of the housing shortage situation when it reported, “A lack of available housing across all price points is limiting our growth as a county and inhibiting business expansion.” Harvey posed three questions as discussion points: The competition for existing housing stock is due, in large part, to the high cost of new housing construction. She asked the group: Are there options that can be explored within a sector to reduce the costs related to new housing construction? Local government cannot impact mortgage rates, the labor shortage or wages, but can they play a role in affecting housing costs, real estate prices, and the availability of build­ ing sites? Is there the ability to partner across sectors to establish a “housing voice” in Lansing to speak to needed legislative improvements? “The cost of lumber has climbed and doesn’t fluctuate much. The cost of cement and shingles just keeps going up and never comes down. There isn’t enough skilled labor and the wages go up. There’s no way around that,” Coughlin said. Hewitt said his experience when working with buyers of existing homes is that it contin­ ues to be a frustrating time for them. They go to see a new listing immediately and, while they’re there, five people come in behind them. After walking through the home, they want to make an offer then and there and are told an offer has already been accepted and far above the asking price. For new construction, Jarvis said he has been working to plat land he owns, and that alone is an expensive task. Add in the cost of putting in the infrastructure required, 1-acre parcels would need to sell for approximately $50,000. This would be an expense before construction of a house could even begin. “The city is not a profit business. Platting and putting in infrastructure is expensive, and we just don’t have the funding for that,” Mansfield said. The discussion about how to lower the cost of building single-family houses changed direction when comments from participants included multi-unit rentals and condomini­ ums. A question they were asked was “would the cost of construction be less if multi-unit residential building were built instead of sin­ gle family homes and individual condomini­ ums?’ Coughlin said yes. “We need to change the public perception of renting. It’s OK if you don’t want to build or buy your own home. It’s OK to rent. There’s nothing wrong with being a renter,” Hewitt said. The issue of housing is across the board. There are waiting lists at local apartment complexes and senior living facilities along with people wanting to buy houses. However, two- and three-story condominiums and apartment rent units within or near the down­ town district would provide options that have not been available. Ranes said he believes condos in multi-unit buildings would sell, and he’s confident bank­ ing institutions will be willing to work with buyers on mortgages for purchasing. Building Members of the Hastings’ housing focus group meets Tuesday to create an action plan to remove barriers to the growth of avail­ able housing. Members of the group are (from right): Chelsey Foster, Rob Ranes, Tony Coughlin, Mark Hewitt, Tom Wiswell and* Tracy Baker. density in walking distance to downtown and all of the amenities there, it would benefit the local businesses and the city. The government has been reviewing and changing sections of zoning and building ordinances to remove barriers put in place decades ago. Mansfield said recent changes have been made to the downtown district ordinances that allow main floor residential rental units. Prior changes opened the door for apartments to be built on the upper levels of commercial buildings on the main strip. Downtown building sites already have the infrastructure in place, such as water, sewer and electricity. The final discussion of the session focused on establishing an emphasis in Lansing on the need for action on the housing shortage. Would partnerships with other communities, developers and businesses - with all their voices - make a difference with legislators? The consensus was the process would not see results for years, and the need to address the issue is immediate. The work group will continue toward cre­ ation of an action plan for changes that are necessary to grow the local housing market. Woman arrested after sleeping in road An officer was dispatched to South Marsh Road near Saddler Road in Orangeville Township at 10:43 p.m. April 6 on a report of a woman lying in the road. The caller, a 57-year-old Plainwell man, had seen the 57-year-old Richland woman lying in the road. When officers approached, the woman appeared to be intoxicated. She told the man to leave her alone and then moved to the ditch and laid back down. The woman gave three false names and dates of birth before the officer was able to identify her. She was out on bond for an operating while intoxicated incident that took placed a month prior and was out on bond, under condition of zero alcohol use. She refused to take a breath test and was arrested. Nearly $7,000 in jewelry stolen A 47-year-old woman called police Feb. 28 to report a bag of jewelry missing from her home in Barry Township. The woman had recently moved to the residence, and said some­ one from the moving service had stolen the jewelry from a box in her bedroom. A repre­ sentative of the moving company told the woman they had spoken to their employees and assured her none of them had taken the jewelry. They pointed out that service workers from a TV company were also there. The jewelry is valued at $6,690. The case is inactive pend­ ing further information. Three caught in Walmart retail fraud An officer was dispatched to Walmart in Hastings at 2:45 p.m. March 29 where three people had been detained after they tried to leave the store without paying for items. Two of the suspects, women 18 and 20 of Hastings, were seen on camera skip scanning items, while the third person, a 17-year-old from Delton, stood back keeping watch. In total, the group put $115 worth of items through the self-checkout without paying. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Man assaulted in jewelry theft Two officers responded to a verbal disturbance in the 12000 block of Roughys Drive in Yankee Springs Township at 3:35 p.m. March 30. A 68-year-old woman said a 34-year-old woman who had been staying at the residence stole her jewelry and assaulted a 30-year-old man who was living there when he tried to stop her. The man had a black eye and scrape on his forehead. The suspect denied stealing the jewelry and consented for police to search her purse and they did not find the missing items. Information was forwarded to the pros­ ecuting attorney. Warrant arrest for man yelling obscenities A 38-year-old woman in the 10000 block of South Norris Road in Prairieville Township called police at 4 a.m. April 3 to report her 49-year-old ex-boyfriend was driving past her house yelling obscenities while she was smoking outside. Officers made contact with the man at his residence in the 11000 block of Keller Road, and found the man had a warrant for misdemeanor assault. He was arrested. Vandalism reported at riverfront park The Hastings Department of Public Works notified city police of graffiti in Bliss Riverfront Park the morning of April 5. There was spray paint and marker on multiple picnic tables under the pavilion, around the parking partitions and platforms overlooking the river. There was also evidence of a vehicle doing doughnuts in the park. The case was closed due to a lack of suspects. ■ ■ . ■■ . . ' ■ Banner CLASSIFIEDS . CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 Wanted Business Service Help Wanted WANTED: A 9FT wide x XOft tall insulated garage door. Gall 269-838-7053. BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, home improvements, seam­ less gutters. 269-320-3890. BARRY COUNTY COMMU­ NITY Mental Health Author­ ity a progressive provider of Mental Health and Substance Abuse services in Hastings, Michigan is looking for a qualified individual to join our team as a Case Manager. Qualified individuals will have a Master's Degree in Social Work. Demonstrated experience working with chil­ dren with mental illness and intellectual disabilities is help­ ful, QIDP preferred. If you would like the opportunity to work on your own and with a team within a multifaceted and dynamic environment, this may be the position for you. Check us out at www. barrycountyrecovery.com. Email jobs@bccmha.org or contact us at 500 Barfield Drive, Hastings, MI 49058. No phone calls please. EEO Employer. PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act *and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to -make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with * parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper ’.are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. -The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Hard Maple, Cherry. Paying top dollar. Call for pricing and Free Estimates. Will buy single walnut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793 Pets EXCELLENT DOG GROOM­ ER now working at Uncle Ted's Freestone Kennels. For appointments call 616-558­ 0889. Help Wanted NOW HIRING: INSTALL­ ERS, ASAP. Will train, no experience required. 616-988­ 9996. Three departments respond to Vermontville grass fire Fire departments from Charlotte, Vermontville Township and Castleton­ Maple Grove-Nashville responded to a field fire on Kinsel Highway just west of Ionia Road Wednesday evening. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Motorcyclist severely injured in crash with deer A 57-year-old man was airlifted to Spectrum Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids after a motorcycle collision with a deer while traveling south on Shriner Street toward South Hanover Street in Hastings at 2 a.m. April 7. The man was not wearing a helmet and sus­ tained a severe head injury. Man arrested for possession of methamphetamine An officer saw a 39-year-old man standing at the window of a house with a flower vase in his hands in the 500 block of North Michigan Avenue in Hastings at 2:31 a.m. April 6. The officer had previously arrested the man for domestic assault at the residence March 6, and knew he was not to be on the property or have contact with the resident. The man’s vehicle was on the property, and officers searched it before they had it impounded. They found several needles, a small bag of methamphetamine and a hydrocodone pill. The man was arrested. A --0L ’ ; ^■"X <X1 X X Owner/Manager * Traditional and Cremation Services • Pre-Planning Services 9 Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible • Serving All Faiths * Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted s. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-3252 • www.girrbachfuiieralho<ne. Family Owned and Operated oXtaX Serving Hastings. Barry County and Surrounding Communities for 50 years �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, April 11,2019 — Page 13 HMS earns several awards at Science Olympiad regional Hastings Middle School Science Olympiad team members include (front row, from left) Tina Arias, Julia McLean, Sophie Haywood, Graycee, McCarty, Erin Daniels, JoDee Gaskill, Bella Kensington, (back) Lily Comensoli, Abigail Byykkonen, Anna Haywood, Abby Gaskill, Caleb Waller, Jack Kensington and Rachel Feldpausch. (Missing from the photo are Jorden Horn, Nate Kohmescher and Kearan Tolles) Tina Arias (left) and Julia McLean are all smiles as they compete in Mystery Architecture. The pair ended up taking second place. ♦ The Hastings Middle School Science Olympiad team finished its season March 24 in the regional competition at Western Michigan University. The Saxon team fin­ ished in fifth place overall with contributions from everyone on the 15-member roster. Students across the country are tested in 23 areas of science, ranging from electronics and forensics to pathology and aerodynamics, from geology to computers, meteorology to architecture and more. The Hastings team started meeting in December 2018, and students independently worked on their events after school and during their advisory classes. In preparation for the regional meet at WMU, the squad entered its first competition in February West Ottawa High School in Holland. At the invitational and regional competi­ tions, students taking first through sixth place are called up to receive either a medal (firstthird) or ribbon (fourth-sixth). Hastings placed in the top six'Tn IB event at the WMU regional meet. Anna Haywood and Jack Kensington received first-place medals for the Battery Buggy event. Several Saxons earned second-place med­ als, including Nate Kohmescher and Kearan Tolles in Density Lab, Tina Arias and Julia McLean in Mystery Architecture, Anna Haywood and Erin Daniels in Road Scholar and Graycee McCarty and Anna Haywood in Water Quality. Many more medals went to third-place ,fin­ ishers Graycee McCarty and Erin Daniels in Dynamic Planet, Rachel Feldpausch and Anna Haywood in fossils, Anna Haywood and Rachel Feldpausch in herpetology, Jorden Nate Kohmescher and Caleb Waller get ready to test their ultra-lightweight plane in the elastic-launched glider competition. (Photos by Jennifer Haywood) Hom and Bella Kensington in Potions and Poisons, and Julia NJcLean and Kearan Tolles in Write It, Do It. Fourth place filishers included Bella Kensington and Sophie Haywood in Circuit Lab, Caleb Waller and Nate Kohmescher in elastic-launched gliders, and Abigail Byykkonen and Sophie Haywood in Roller Coaster. Hastings Public Library 227 E State Street Hastings Ml 49058 Jack Kensington and Graycee McCarty took fifth place in Disease Detectives. Rounding out the awards were sixth-place finishers Abigail Byykkonen and Tina Arias in thermodynamics, Lily Comensoli and Abigail Byykkonen in anatomy and physiolo­ gy, Erin Daniels and Jack Kensington in Crime Busters, and Nate Kohmescher and. Caleb Waller in meteorology. Hastings Public l ibrary 227 E Stafc eet Hastings U * j058 ; Jack Kensington and Anna Haywood compete in the Battery Buggy event at WMU, Ultimately taking first place. NOW AVAILABLE IN HASTINGS Penske offers clean, well-maintained moving trucks of various sizes to best serve your needs. Penske has over 2,000 locations nation-wide for your convenience. Call Sunshine Pack & Ship today or go on-line to order your next truck. sunshine Pack & Ship 1351 N M 43 Hwy, Hastings, Ml 49058 Phone: (269)948-9610 FREE Unlimited miles on one-way truck rental. (some restrictions apply) Jorden Horn and Abigail Byykkonen test their pre-built apparatus in the Roller Coaster event at the West Ottawa Invitational. �Page 14—-Thursday, April 11,2019 — The Hastings Banner Lakewood ladies sweep doubleheader with Lions Brett Bremer Sports Editor A couple of Greater Lansing Activities Conference varsity softball teams saw some pretty encouraging things in their season opening doubleheader at Lakewood High School. The Lakewood girls picked things up with their bats a bit in game two to finish off a sweep with visiting Maple Valley Tuesday, scoring 6-2 and 19-0 victories over the Lions. The Maple Valley girls were happy to be in a ballgame with the host Vikings, keeping mistakes to a minimum for the most part. The Vikings had a 5-0 lead through four innings in the second game before the Lions switched some parts around and wound up surrender­ ing 14 runs in the top of the fifth inning to end the bailgame early. The Lions and Vikings were hoping to get their third GLAC ballgame in last night, mov­ ing the contest up a day based on the weather forecast for Thursday. There wasn’t much worrying about the weather for the Lakewood girls last week, getting a lot of practice in under the sunny skies of Gulf Shores, Alabama. I still think we’re on Alabama time. The last couple innings, the bats started waking up. We’ve only had the one practice since we got back from Alabama. It took us a game to get there. “I think our hitting is going to be fine. The swings are there. When you travel you’re so tired it is almost like you need a vacation from your vacation. We had the one practice yester­ day and we looked a little sluggish. The first four innings today were a little sluggish as well, but we kind of woke up a little bit.” The Vikings and Lions were knotted at 2-2 through the first five innings of game two. A lead-off triple by Morgan Stahl got the go-ahead rally started for the Vikings in the bottom of the sixth. A shtyn Livermore brought her home with a one-out single and Emily Campeau added a two-run single in the fourrun rally. Campeau also drove in a run with a sacri­ fice fly in the bottom of the second inning of game one. Livermore singled twice and walked twice in the ballgame. “Ashtyn Livermore, we’ve had four games and she has been on base every single time. She hasn’t gotten out. One way or another she is always on base and we can always count on her starting a rally for us,” Lakewood head coach Rory Treynor said. Maddie Mussehl drove in the Vikings’ first run in the bottom of the first. Morgan Stahl got the two pitching wins for the Vikings, throwing all 12 innings. She had 15 strikeouts , in the opener and ten more in game two while no-hitting the Lions for five innings. Livermore and Sullivan scored four runs each for the Vikings in game two. Livermore had a single and a double. Sullivan and Campeau had three hits each, including two doubles for Campeau who drove in five runs. Livermore, Sullivan and Savannah Stoepker had two RBI each. Ava Robinson had a two-run double to plate the Lions’ two runs in the top of the second inning of game one, after walks by Lexi Booher and Gracelynn DePyper. Karlie Dahms and Eliana Heinze also both singled for the Lions in game one. Lion junior pitcher Kaycie Schrader struck out three in the opener. She gave up seven walks and five hits. She threw the first four Morgan Stahl pitches for Lakewood during game two of the Vikings’ sweep of visiting Maple Valley Tuesday at Lakewood High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Maple Valley shortstop Ava Robinson fires the ball towards first during game two pf her team’s GLAC doubleheader at Lakewood High School Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) ; innings of game two, and then came on in relief to finish off the ballgame. Schrader was really happy to have solid defense behind her, and was able to show off some much improved pitching control in her third varsity season. Trojans from Plainwell top TK with seven-run fifth Plainwell busted open a one-run bailgame with seven runs in the bottom of the fifth inning against visiting Thornapple Kellogg Thursday. The Plainwell varsity baseball team topped the visiting Trojans from TK 10-4 in its return from spring break. TK managed just two hits off of Plainwell two TK hits. Hey drove in two runs with his single into right field in the top of the third. The first two TK batters of the inning, Garbrecht and Carter Stahl, each reached on an error. A couple more Plainwell errors helped TK’s Evan Sidebotham advance around the bases in the inning as well. Stahl twice reached base on walk, the only starting pitcher Liam Davis, who struck out seven and walked one in four innings. The four runs against him were unearned. Plainwell scored three times in the bottom of the first innings and led until TK put together its four-run surge in the top of the third. Reese Garbrecht and Jordan Hey had the Lakewood ladies finish even Calhoun Christian with Eaton Rapids Greyhounds a goal better The Lake wood varsity girls’ tennis team over Isabella Villanueva and Emma Riley in earned a 4-4 tie at Eaton Rapids Tuesday their first doubles match. The Vikings weren’t far from getting a than Lions afternoon. Lakewood senior first singles player Megan Wakley and the first doubles duo of juniors Laura Krikke and Haylee Marks kept their records perfect for the year with wins, and the Vikings added secnod and third singles points as well. Wakley knocked off the Greyhounds’ MacKenzie Wyman 6-3,6-4 in their first sin­ gles match. Viking senior second singles player Chloe Makley scored a 6-1,6-1 win over MacKenzie Caksackker. Lakewood senior third singles player Lexi Veitch scored a 6-1,7-5 win over Emma Price. Krikke and Marks scored a 6-4, 6-3 win - match clinching point at the other four flights. Kara Hill pulled out a 7-5, 6-4 win for the Greyhounds’ Richelle Chrzan in the fourth singles match. The Lakewood fourth doubles team of sophomore Chayse Karrar and freshman Emmi Chase picked up a set, but fell to the team of Ashton Parker and Alyssa Kopulos 6-2, 3-6,6-4. The Vikings’ second and third doubles team were both edged 6-4,6-4. Lakewood will host its annual Lakewood Invitational on the courts at Lakewood High School and Ionia High School Saturday. The Maple Valley varsity girls’ soccer team fell 4-3 to visiting Calhoun Christian Tuesday in Nashville. The Lions got goals from Lauren Upright, Cassie Linn and Megan Valiquette. Upright scored the opening goal for theLions. Lin was helped by an assist from team­ mate Olivia Williams. Valiquette’s goal came with seven minutes to play, on a header off an assist from Allison McGlocklin. The Lions take on Greater Lansing Activities Conference foe Lansing Christian this afternoon back at Fuller Street Field in Nashville. • ______ PERSONALIZED MUGS HAPPY EASTER MEMA FOR LL OCCASIONS Up to 2 pictures - please allow a week for turn around time 1351 N. Broadway Pack &Ship (M-43) Hastings 269.945.9105 OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00 - 5:30 two walks for the TK boys on the afternoon. Davis also drove in three runs for Plainwell. Plainwell’s Caleb Harrington was 2-for-3 with a pair of doubles and two RBI. Levi Vanderheide started and took the loss for TK, allowing seven runs on four hits and nine walks. Dawson Hamming threw 1.2 innings of relief. Nick Tiller threw three innings of hitlless relief for the Plainwell Trojans, striking qut ten and earning the win. The TK boys are scheduled to return to action Saturday at Hastings’ annual Barry County Invitational. Solstrand scores twice as DK girls score first win The Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ soccer team scored its first victory of the season Tuesday, pulling out a 3-2 win over visiting Holland Black River. Sannah Solstrand scored two goals for the Panthers. Holly McManus assisted on one of Solstrand’s goals, and scored herself off an assist from Lauren Stoetzel. Black River scored the lone goal of the first half, ten minutes into the bailgame. Solstrand scored her two goals in the first 11 minutes of the secnod half to move her team in front by a goal, and McManus gave her team a two-goal lead with ten minutes to play. T^e Black River^girls pulled^within a goal in the final minute of play. The Panthers held Black River to just five shots on goal in the ballgame. DK is now 1-1 overall this season. The Panthers were downed 6-1 by Three Rivers March 27 in their season opener. Amber Mabie scored the lone goal for Delton in that defeat. Delton returns to action Friday at home against the Kalamazoo Home School team. DK girls score double-digit wins in doubleheader with Paw Paw Delton dominated its openers. The Delton Kellogg varsity softball team scored 14-4 and 15-0 victories over visiting Paw Paw to open the season Tuesday at Delton Kellogg High School. Hailey Buckner got the complete-game shut out in the four-inning contest to close the evening, striking out four and walking four while giving up just two hits. Aubrey Aukerman had three singles and five RBI in the game-two victory for DK. Lily Timmerman doubled and drove in three runs. Delton Kellogg had eight hits in all in game two, and worked ten walks. Izzy Adams drove in two runs. Chloe Colwell and Erin Kapteyn also drove in runs. Delanie Aukerman and Buckner each tri­ pled once and Kapteyn and Timmerman both doubled. In the season opener, Katie Tobias belted three doubles and drove in two runs to lead the Panther attack. Buckner had a triple and a single and two RBI. She scored three runs. Delanie Aukerman matched her three runs, walking three times and coming around to score. Josie Lyons had a team-high three RBI. DK had nine hits in game two, with Aubrey Aukerman, Timmerman, Lizzy Fichtner and Lyons all hitting singles. Timmerman drove in one run. Kapteyn got the win in the circle. She struck out 12 in six innings, while walking five and allowing four hits. DK doesn’t move runners around in loss to Paw Paw Paw Paw pulled out a one-run win over Delton Kellogg Tuesday afternoon in the two teams’ return from spring break. The Paw Paw varsity baseball team knocked off DK 2-1, scoring a run in the top of the seventh, in the opening game of their non-conference doubleheader at Delton Kellogg High School. Paw Paw had a 4-0 edge when game two was called for darkness. Delton Kellogg stating pitcher Keegon Kokx held the Paw Paw boys to one run on four hits and one walk through five innings. He struck out three. Three Paw Paw pitchers combined to hold Delton Kellogg to two hits, but the DK Panthers did work six walks while only strik­ ing out four times. Delton Kellogg had at least one baserunner on in every inning, but only managed to plate the one run - and that came without the benefit of a hit. Walks by Shawn Haight, Carter Howland Riley Roblyer loaded the bases for Delton Kellogg in the bottom of the third inning, and Owen Koch was hit by a pitch to drive in the lone Delton Kellogg run. A couple of ground balls ended the Delton Kellogg threat in the third. A pair of walks accounted for the only Paw Paw base runners over the next three innings, and the second was wiped out by double play that ended the top of the sixth inning. Brian Thomas walked for Delton Kellogg to lead off the bottom of the sixth, and moved to third on a ground ball by Cameron Curcuro and a wild pitch, but Paw Paw managed to strand him at third base. A lead-off walk turned into the winning run for Paw Paw in the top of the seventh. Tyler Wressel, Zack Callahan, Caleb Bowen and Nolan Beck had the four hits for Paw Paw, with Beck and Michael Hiestand each driving in a run. DK had singles from Koch and Warner, both singles. Curcuro took the loss in relief of Kokx. He didn’t allow a hit, but walked three guys and struck out one. DK is scheduled to host a Southwestern Athletic Conference doubleheader with Constantine tonight (April 11) and will return to action at the Barry County Invitational hosted by Hastings Saturday. �softball a couple of its best bats back I* >S ? • ViO > / ♦ The Hastings Banner — Thursday, April 11,2019 — Page 15 Brett Bremer Sports Editor Penciling the namesStephanie Vanravenswaay and Kelsey Heiss into a line­ up is a good way for a varsity softball coach to start each afternoon That’s how Hastings head coach Mike Davis gets to do it when he chooses this spring. .. Vanravenswaay and Heiss had the two best s batting averages of any Saxon hitters last spring, with Vanravenswaay batting .414 for the season and Heiss sitting at a .395 clip. Vanravenswaay also showed off some power knocking two home runs, a pair of triples and seven doubles. She had the second-best slug­ ging percentage of any Saxon a year ago and a team-leading 31 RBI. The Saxon varsity softball team should be strong up the middle, with Heiss in center­ field, Vanravenswaay at shortstop and senior catcher Rylee Nicholson returning as well. Sophomore Aubree Highway could see time at catcher this spring as well. She is one of two sophomores joining the varsity team that is also adding outfielder Tandra McKinstry. The Saxons were 5-27 overall last spring, and coach Davis said that with some improve­ ment the team is shooting to get that mark much closer to .500. In all, the team has seven returning seniors trying to make that happen. How the Saxon team’s pitching is able to improve will play a big role in the success of the season. “We must play as a team and play great defense to back up the pitching issues we have,” coach Davis said. There is no more time for the Hastings var­ sity softball team to prepare for the start of the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference season. The Saxons are scheduled to open conference play at home against Coldwater this afternoon (April 11). Coach Davis said he expects Parma Western, Jackson Northwest and Pennfield to be the top contenders for an 1-8 champion­ ship. The Saxons will host their annual Barry County Invitational Saturday and then return to 1-8 action at home against Jackson Lumen Christi Tuesday. Coverage of local high school sports in this paper is made possible by these sponsors. Show your appreciation by supporting these local businesses! 10 VI. Pat Doezema Managing Broker Realtor® 269.838.1469 pdoezema@greenridge.com 306 S. Jefferson Street Hastings, MI 49058 COURT-SIDE OF HASTINGS DEWEY’S AUTO BODY 122 W. Mill St. 1111 W. Green, Hastings 312 E. Court, Hastings www.deweysautobody.com www.courtsideinc.com 269-945-3412 s Insurance for all of your needs. PRECISION AUTO BODY REPAIR 327 W. Apple St. Hastings 819 E. 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M-43 Hwy., Hastings 269-945-9554 THE GENERAL STORE 118 South Jefferson St. Hastings 269-945-1848 David was joy KHBB FABM BUREAU INSURANCE* Michigan’s Insurance Company Horkemo 4600 N. M-37 Hwy. Middleville Automotive & Trailer Sales 269.205.2613 HARKEMAAUTO.COM LYNN DENTON 139 W. State St., Hastings 269-945-4520 800-443-5253 www.thelynndentonagency.com �Page 16 — Thursday, April 11,2019 — The Hastings Banner ■ * ' ' 1-8 title chase already underway for HHS boys Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Saxons are poised to make a leap into one of the top spots in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference this season. | Jumpers will help power that leap. Hastings had a guy in the top four in the long jump, the high jump and the pole vault at the 1-8 Championship Meet a year ago, and two guys in the top six in all three of those events, ifaydn Redmond won the conference champicfiship in the long jump with a mark of 20 feet finches for the Saxons. That was the top jtmp of his varsity career, and he is back for his senior season this spring. Kirby Beck, now a sophomore, placed fourth in the high jump and fourth in the pole vault at the conference meet. Teammate Lucas Lumbert, now a junior, placed fifth in the pole vault. Both Lumbert and Beck set new per­ sonal records in the pole vault at that confer­ ence meet, clearing the bar at 11 feet 6 inches. Hastings also brings back talented junior pole vaulter Dane Barnes and junior long jumper Logan Wolfenbarger. Wolfenbarger was sixth in the 1-8 in that event a year ago. Jumpers need to take advantage of good speed, but the Saxons have good speed on the track as well. Junior sprinter Hunter Allerding should be one of the conference’s best sprint­ ers once again. He was the league runner-up in the 100-meter dash in 11.36 seconds last year, and he also placed fourth in the 200meter dash. The sprint crew also includes senior Haydn Redmond and sophomore Keegan Olson. The Saxons also bring back senior Grayson Tebo and sophomore Sam Randall in the throws and junior distance races Aiden Makled, Jon Arnold and Blake Harris. Junior Jacob O’Keefe leads the returning hurdle crew. Saxons open soccer season against G.R. Union tonight A * Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Hastings varsity girls’ soccer team has a number of new additions that are working their way into the line-up this spring. 4 Saxon head coach Tim Schoessel said the girls’ unfamiliarity with each other at the start will be one of the team’s biggest challenges in the early going. j Hastings was scheduled to open its season last night against Grand Rapids Union at Baum Stadium at Johnson Field. The Saxons have three non-conference ballgames on the slate to start to gel before the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference season begins with a visit from Coldwater April 16. Hastings will host Ionia tonight (April 11) and then will be on the road at Otsego Tuesday before open­ ing league play. _ Schoessel does see the group he has as solid through the middle so far. J* Leading the list of returnees for Hastings includes junior goalkeeper Kayla Morris, senior center defender Jessica Thompson, senior Megan Deal who could see time at forward, midfield or wing, and senior outside (^fender Victoria Byykkonen. 5 Hastings will look to get a boost from over&s. adding foreign exchange students Galina Schiller, Ida Andersen and Emma Mathiesen. i Coach Schoessel said he also expects good contributions from junior outside defender Grade Gillions. **With solid improvement throughout the spring the Saxons have a chance to finish in the middle of the 1-8 standings. Marshall and l/arma Western are expected to be the league’s tpp couple teams this spring. Aiden Makled Hastings head coach Brian Teed really likes the balance his team has, covering all the . events. Improvements in the throws and the hurdles could vault the Saxons all the way to the top of the conference. The group of newcomers lending their tal­ ents to the Saxon program this spring include senior sprinter Connor Peterson and freshmen sprinters Dillon Neal and Victor Ramirez, sophomore hurdler Christian Stacy, freshman distance runner Carter Rosenberger and fresh­ man jumper Braden Vertalka. “We are excited about this group of boys,” Teed said. “They were very competitive last year and only lost two key scorers. We are expecting them to finish in the top three in the league this spring.” Megan Deal 4 ■ Hastings' is off to a great start already hav­ ing defeated Coldwater, the team that won the conference meet a year ago by nearly 30 points over runner-up Harper Creek and went on to place second at the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals. Harper Creek will be in that fight for a top spot in the conference once again, along with Jackson Parma Western and the Saxons. Hastings was scheduled to take part in the Lakewood Quad yesterday and ,will return to * 1-8 action hosting Jackson Northwest and Jackson Lumen Christi April l6. The Saxons* get a couple of their toughest 1-8 tests out of the way in April, traveling to Harper Creek April 23 and hosting Parma Western April 30. fA i K & Hastings H PHAipiACY 400 W. State St., Hastings Easy parking, access off Park St. 269-945-3777 MILLER REAL ESTATE 149 W. State St, Hastings 269-945-5182 Sfcuti Pediatrics *3 1375 W. Green St., Suite 3, Hastings 269-818-0070 www.brightstart-pediatrics .com 300 Meadow Run Dr., Hastings BROWN’S CARPET ONE & CUSTOM INTERIORS South of Hastings on M-37 221 N. Industrial Park, Hastings www,sQuthsid.e4kids_,cQ.m 269-945-2479 269-818-1020 HODGES JEWELRY 122 W. State St, Hastings 269-945-2963 EDWARD JONES Andrew R. Cove, AAMS Financial Advisor 421 W. Woodlawn, Hastings 269-945-3553 FIRST REHAB AND SPORT © PHYSICAL THERAPY 4624 N. M-37 Hwy, Ste. 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STATE ST, HASTINGS 269-948-8558 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, April 11, 2019 — Page 17 Saxon coach excited to see team mature Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Hastings varsity girls’ track and field team has added a couple very talented groups in the past couple of seasons and are poised to give the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference’s top teams a good run. The Saxons are off to a good start already, scoring ’ a victory over Coldwater before spring break. “We were very young and inexperienced last year,” Hastings head coach Brian Teed said. “We are still very young, but have added some maturity and leadership.” Some of the Saxons top returning athletes will look to continue to grow after getting that first varsity season in last spring. I Sophomore Riley Gillons was Hastings’ duly state qualifier a year ago, earning a spot ifr the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals in the long. She had a top leap of 16 feet 10.25 inches as a freshman to win the title at the Metro Health Sports Medicine Scholarship Invite after winning the 1-8 title in the event with a jump of 16-9. Gillons also took the 1-8 championship in the 100-meter dash with a personal record time of 13.21 seconds and placed third in the 1-8 in the 200meter dash with a PR of 27.96 seconds. Sophomore Josey Nickels returns as well in the hurdles and the high jump. She cleared the bar at 5-0 in the high jump a year ago, set a personal record of 18.89 seconds in the 100meter hurdles at the 1-8 Championship Meet, earning an eighth-place finish in the event, and also finished the 300-meter low hurdles in under a minute a handful of times. The group of junior returnees is led by another very good Saxon hurdler, Erin Dalman. Coach Teed said he expects Dalman to move into the top ten scorers in the history of Hastings girls’ track and field sometime this spring. She fourth in both hurdles races at the 1-8 Championship last spring, after setting PRs with times of 17.21 in the 100-meter hurdles and 50.41 in the 300 hurdles in a late-season meet with Coldwater. She was also the conference’s runner-up in the high jump, who went over 5-2 as a freshman before clearing 5-0 a couple more times as a sophomore. Hastings also brings back junior throwers Kiersten Bailey and Ireland Barber, junior pole vaulter Hannah Johnson, junior sprinter Abby Larabee, senior sprinter Jessica Gaskill, junior distance runner Abby Zull, and senior distance runners Lynnsey Thayer and Allison Collins. Teed said getting improvements out of his distance group will be key for the Saxons success. The team is adding some talent from its freshman class once again in thrower Maddie Miller, distance runner Carissa Strouse, jump­ er Kali Grimes, hurdler Allison Teed, vaulter Sydney Kuntz and sprinters Hailey Graham, Hastings has one of many experienced 1-8 golf teams f Brett Bremer Sports Editor Marshall will host the opening Interstate-8 Athletic Conference boys’ golf jamboree of the season Wednesday at Marshall Country Club. That’ll be the first competitive round of the spring for the Hastings varsity boys’ golf team. The Saxons bring back a pair of all-confer­ ence honorable mention honorees from last season, juniors Alex Taylor and Josh Yi. Hastings brings back all five of its regional competitors from a year ago, with the return of senior Isaiah Taylor, junior Josh Brown and sophomore Will Jensen. Junior Alex Steward also saw time in the varsity’s top six a year ago. “The entire varsity lineup from last year returns, four of them for their third year, so we have experience and should be comfortable vHth how varsity golf is conducted,” Hastings h!ead coach Bruce Krueger said. “If we have four quality scores at every competition, we will be competitive,” he ahded. ‘ Hastings isn’t the only tenm with experi­ ence in the 1-8 this spring. Marshall placed 12th at the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals a year ago, with four sophomores and a junior in its line-up. Jackson Lumen Christi was fifth in Division 3' a year ago and had three sophomores and one junior playing at the finals. Those two teams will be very tough again, ^apd coach Krueger said expects Parma v^estern to be especially strong as well. He s^icKfocus and commitment will determine how good the Saxon team can be in the con­ ference this spring. , “These are very busy young men with njany other activities and jobs, and they will have to make golf a priority to improve,” Krueger said. , The Saxons will follow up that first confer­ ence jamboree by going to the Delton Kellogg Invitational at Mullenhurst April 18 and the Thomapple Kellogg Invitational at Yankee Springs April 19. The Saxons don’t currently have a home meet on the schedule. Rylie Gillons Bailey Lewis and Kali Grimes. Hastings could also expect contributions from varsity newcomers juniors Liz Keeler and Savanah Starrett and senior Grace Nickels. Harper Creek and Parma Western appear to be the top two foes the Saxons have yet to see in the Interstate-8 this spring, after the big opening win over the Coldwater Cardinals. The Saxons were scheduled to go to Lakewood for a quad yesterday and will host an 1-8 tri with Jackson Northwest and Jackson Lumen Christi Tuesday. Saxons experienced and adding young talent Alex Taylor Hastings baseball begins 1-8 season with doubleheader today Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Hastings varsity baseball team will look to improve on three-win season from a year ago, with seven returning ballplayers from last year’s line-up back this spring. That group of returnees includes senior first baseman Phillip Morris, who was one of the team’s top hitters and pitchers in 2018. He led the Saxons in home runs, doubles, RBI and slugging percentage as a junior, while also recording two of the team’s three wins on the mound. He was named the team’s pitcher of the year. Fellow infielders senior second baseman Bryce Darling, sophomore third baseman Drew Markley, junior first baseman Ethan Bennett and sophomore shortstop Ethan Caris return as well for the Saxons this spring. Senior catcher Spencer Tyson and sophomore outfielder Carter Hewitt return as well. Hewitt and Caris are a couple of the team’s top returning batsmen along with Morris. Caris had one of the team’s better batting averages a year ago and showed the ability to work a walk as well, tying for the team lead. That allowed him to be one of the team’s runs scored leaders as well. Darling, Markley, Bennett, Caris and Hewitt all got a handful of appearances on the mound a season ago for the Saxons as well. The group of Saxon newcomers includes senior Gabe Trick, juniors Carter Cappon, Gabe Stolicker and Rigdeon Pederson and sophomore catcher Grant Huver. The Hastings boys are slated to open the season with a doubleheader against Coldwater in Hastings this afternoon, and will be at home again Saturday for the annual Barry County Invitational. The Saxons host Jackson Lumen Christi for a doubleheader Tuesday. Libby Jensen Brett Bremer Bryce Darling Sports Editor Kate Haywood, Lauren Harden and Libby Jenson filled the second, third and fourth sin­ gles spots for the Hastings varsity girls’ tennis team in the spring of 2018, and each is climb­ ing one rung up the ladder this spring. Who will slot where in the line-up is still being worked out. The Saxons won’t play their first competitive matches until Saturday at the Lakewood Invitational, where head coach Julie Sevems said her team will get to set the pace for its season. “They are all great athletes and work hard to get better everyday,” Sevems said of her three returning singles players. “They push one another and keep each other competi­ tive.” They’re joined by freshman Brooke Youngs who has played a lot of tennis over the past few years, competing in USTA tournaments. Sevems is looking forward to her making the singles line-up even stronger. In all, the Saxon team brings back ten of its to pl2 players from a year ago. The group also includes seniors Allie Homing, Gretchen James, Megan Roe, Belle Youngs, Claire Anderson and Whitney Carlson. They have all been playing doubles since their freshman year. “They are able to work as teams and can be flexible with their positions,” Sevems said. Junior Shannon Brown, another hard-work­ er who can partner with anyone to make a solid team according to her coach, helps to round out the doubles line-up. The Saxons have set some lofty goals for the season, both on the court and off. The team had 11 of its 12 varsity players earn aca­ demic all-state honors. On the court, Sevems said her girls are shooting for a top two finish in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference. Getting into the top two in the 1-8 won’t be easy. Jackson Lumen Christi placed third in the state a year ago in Division 4 and the Parma Western girls qualified for the finals in Division 3. The Saxons have another tough task at the end of the season, heading to the Division 3 regional tournament hosted by Grand Rapids Christian. “We have been moved to a Grand Rapids region and will not have matches with those teams or have common opponents. It will be difficult when regionals arrive to seat play­ ers.” Hastings will play its first 1-8 dual at home April 15 and then travel to Ionia for a non-conference dual April 16. That is just half of a busy week. Hastings hosts Lumen Christi April 17 and then will go to the Grant Invitational April 20. �Page 18 — Thursday, April 11,2019 — The Hastings Banner Vikes win opener, but Game 2 left in limbo Lakewood junior Bryant Makley drives a single into Centerfield during the bottom of the sixth inning of game two against Maple Valley Tuesday at Lakewood High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) in play. We did a lot of good things in game one. No errors in that first game, and the whole doubleheader we had one,” Lakewood head coach Brad Tacey said. Six Lakewood batter reached base before the Lions got the first out of the bottom of the first of game one. Jacob Elenbaas had an RBI single and Nathan DeVries managed an inside the park home run to plate his team’s next two runs. DeVries was 3-for-3 with two RBI and two runs scored in the game. The Vikings had eight hits in all, including two from Carson Brett Bremer Sports Editor Just how to piay a three-game series is being tested in this opening week of Greater Lansing Activities Conference baseball. The league has had teams play a double­ header against each opponent since its incep­ tion, but this season is moving to play a dou­ bleheader at one site on Tuesday afternoons followed by a single game on Thursday at the opposite site. Lakewood and Maple Valley opened the GLAC season at Lakewood I ligh School with the Vikings winning the opener 11-1 in five innings. Game two was knotted at 3-3 when the umpire called the game due to darkness after the final out of the sixth inning. Lakewood head coach Bind Tacey said he was unsure if the game would count as a tie or if it would be finished during when the two teams were scheduled to meet back up later in the week. Even when to meet up was in ques­ tion Tuesday as the threat of snow and rain in the forecast for Thursday had the schools pushing to move the final contest of the set to Wednesday in Vermontville. The ultimate plan was to finish the tie bail­ game last night at the home of the Lions. “In game one we took what they gave us. If they were going to walk us we took the walk, and when they threw us strikes we put the ball Lakewood head coach Brad Tacey discusses a call with the home plate umpire during game two of his team’s GLAC doubleheader with visiting Maple Valley Tuesday; afternoon at Lakewood High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Blakely who had two RBI. Brady Gawne and Nate Dillon both also singled. Gawne drove in one run. Lakewood pitcher Reese Caudy no-hit the Lions in the five-inning ballgame. He struck out eight and walked three. Gavin Booher brought home Jonathan Rosenberg with a groundout for the Lions’ lone run in the top of the third inning. Lakewood took a 3-0 lead with two runs in the first inning and one in the third of game two. The Lions answered with three runs in the top of the sixth inning. “We started to put hits together and get guys on base,” Maple Valley head coach Bryan Carpenter said. “It is just seeing pitching, seeing live arms and getting in that routine and being in a game. For us, that is huge, just getting these guys seeing someone else,” he added. Both teams just returned to the state after spring break trips south to get some good practice in outside of a gym. Plans being made for chances to state hockey, basketball and soccer tournaments Austin Zank pitches for the Lions during the top of the sixth inning of game two at Lakewood High School Tuesday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) An adjustment to the Ice Hockey Tournament schedule was the most notable action taken by the Representative Council of the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) during its annual Winter Meeting March 22 in Grand Rapids, while a number of additional topics were discussed in advance of expected votes at its next meeting. The Council heard updates on proposed seeding plans from the Basketball and Soccer Committees, along with a summary of how seeding currently is utilized in boys lacrosse and team wrestling. The Council also dis­ cussed a Football Committee recommenda­ tion that would change the strength-of-schedule formula used to determine qualifiers for the MHSAA 11-Player Playoffs, and reviewed results of a survey of varsity head coaches on the topic. Both seeding proposals and the football strength-of-schedule proposal will be WELCOMING Bryan Kamps, MD Now accepting new patients Bryan Kamps, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon. After earning his medical degree from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Dr. Kamps completed a transitional internship at Blodgett Memorial Medical Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, two years general surgery training at Michigan State University in Lansing, Michigan, and his residency in orthopaedic surgery at McLaren Regional Medical Center in Flint, Michigan. Dr. Kamps has over 21 years experience in orthopaedic surgery. Before coming to Spectrum Health he was a surgeon at Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services in Gallup, New Mexico. He also was a surgeon for the U.S. Army Reserve with tours of duty in Bosnia, Afghanistan and Germany. Dr. Kamps is a Fellow of the American Academy of Bryan Kamps, MD Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. Dr. Kamps is relocating his practice from Spectrum Health Grand Rapids to the Orthopedic & Pain Clinic in Hastings. Spectrum Health Pennock Orthopedics & Pain Center 840 Cook Road Hastings, Ml 49058 269.945.9520 SPECTRUM HEALTH Pennock -------------------------------------------------------|||| - — - W : * Accepting new patients | Newly expanded hours | findadoctor.spectrumhealth.org •_ fll 4h • 1 4^ W I i A voted upon in May. The Winter Meeting frequently serves as an opportunity for the Council to discuss items expected to come up for action at its final meeting of the school year, scheduled for May 5-6. However, a proposal from the MHSAA’s Ice Hockey Committee required immediate action as it affects the 2019-20 regular and postseason, and schools are in the midst of building their schedules for that sport. The Council approve^ a proposal that will change the number of^veeks for the MHSAA Tournament m ice hockey from two to three, spreading the maximum of six games that may be played from the start of Regionals through Finals over 20 days instead of the previous 13. This change goes into effect with the 2019-20 tournament. The dates for the start of the regular season and Finals (second Saturday in March) will remain the same, as will the total number of regular-season games allowed. However, the MHSAA Tournament will begin on the third Monday before the Finals instead of two weeks before. In advance of the new sport-specific trans­ fer rule taking effect with the 2019-20 school year, the Council considered possible adjust­ ments that may need to be made beforehand, including ones regarding residential changes. The possible changes would go into effect with the new transfer rule and will require action at the Spring Meeting. The Council heard a report on mental health initiatives being formulated by staff, which has conducted a pair of meetings and received valuable input from a variety of par­ ties with interest and expertise in this area. The Council also received an update on how other states are considering esports and report­ ed responses staff has received from school administrators and others with current or potentially future involvement. The Representative Council is the legisla­ tive body of the MHSAA. All but five mem­ bers are elected by member schools. Four members are appointed by the Council to facilitate representation of females and minorities, and the 19th position is occupied by the Superintendent of Public Instruction or designee. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-04-18.pdf 980752895f0b5c22a4d351b95de35715 PDF Text Text Hastings Public Library 227 E State Street I laatings Ml1 0060 ——■■■■■ Interviews begin for Hastings superintendent Has space exploration lost its luster? 4 Panthers take softball, baseball invitationals See Story on Page 3 See Editorial on Page 4 See Stories on Pages 18 & 19 Devoted to the Interests Since 1856 80487911018 1070490102590507719749058195427 CAR-RT LOT C 003 C003 Hastings Public Library 227 E State St Hastings Mi 49058-1954 Thursday, April 18, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 16 PRICE 750 Liberty Bell award winner is Hastings physician City begins spring pick-up Crews from the City of Hastings are picking up yard debris this week. Residents are asked to place leaves or other compostable yard debris immedi­ ately behind the curb, but not in the street. Residents who have questions may call the city hall, 269-945-2468, during week­ day business hours. Sportsmen’s Outreach banquet is April 27 Dr. Lawrence Hawkins is this year’s Liberty Bell Award recipient. The Barry County Bar Association, which bestows the award, made the announcement Wednesday. . Hawkins is a longtime Hastings physician whose decades of dedicated service have con­ tributed to the community well-being in sub­ stantive ways, colleagues said. He is one of the original partners of Thomapple Valley Physicians and a member of the Pennock Hospital staff. He has served in many active capacities in the community as a medical doctor, including chief of pediat­ rics, as a member of the hospital’s medical executive committee, and as president of the Barry County Medical Society. Hawkins started the first hospice care in Barry County and later as director of the Spectrum Health Pennock Hospice. When he was honored by Spectrum Health Pennock in 2016, he was praised for his “ser­ vant heart.” That is the kind of contribution the Liberty Bell is intended to honor. Hastings attorney and Barry County Bar Association president Robert Byington said that, while the award often is given to a judge or a lawyer, it also can be bestowed on a per­ son who meets the criteria of having contrib­ uted to good government in the community and embodied civic responsibility. The county Bar Association honor is pre­ sented during its annual Law Day observance in Hastings. Nationally, Law Day was instituted in 1957 by the American Bar Association, conceived as a celebration of the nation’s legal system. Since then, thousands of communities across the country host Law Day programs annually. “Law Day gives us the tools to build a shared concept of justice and the role the courts and law plays,” Byington said at last year’s observance in Hastings. The Constitution provides a framework for the separation of powers between the execu­ tive, judicial and legislative branches, and grants exclusive duties and responsibilities of each, Byington said. Law Day’s theme is a reminder of the safe­ guard designed to sway concentration of power in any one branch, he said. The award will be presented to Hawkins during the Law Day program at Leason Sharpe Hall in the Barry Community Enrichment Center in Hastings May 1. A reception will begin at 11:15 a.m., followed by lunch at noon. The theme of this year’s event is “Free Speech, Free Press, Free Society.” Dr. Lawrence Hawkins Hastings township is focal point for library millage request The Sportsmen’s Outreach Team, a local nonprofit organization that provides hunting and fishing opportunities for vet­ erans, children with special needs and seniors with disabilities, will hold its eighth annual banquet Saturday, April 27. The banquet will be from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Barry Expo Center, 5778 N. Middleville Road (M-37), Hastings. The doors will open at 5 p.m. Activities will include an auction. The dinner will be by donation only, but guests are encouraged to give what they can afford. For planning purposes, orga­ nizers ask for RSVPs by Monday, April 22. Those who cannot make it but still wish to donate to the Sportsmen’s Outreach Team may call Brock Neeson, 616-337-1721; Dan Erskine, 616-891­ 1126; Al Palmer, 269-945-4397; or Terry Morris, 616-238-3305. HHS Alumni starting to plan for annual banquet The Hastings High School Alumni Committee has begun planning for the 132nd alumni banquet Friday, Aug. 23. The committee continues looking for representatives from the 1974, 1984, 1994 and 1999 classes to attend its meet­ ings and help with the planning, since these are the honored classes this year. An Important part of each banquet is recognizing a former Hastings High School graduate as the Alumnus of the Year. Nominations are being accepted until the deadline of July 15. If someone has previously been nominated, but wasn’t chosen, their name and qualifying information may be resubmitted for con­ sideration. Lois Bowers may be called at 269-945­ 9657 for further information. Nomination letters should be sent to Lois Bowers, 102 E. Clinton, Hastings, MI 49058. Sportsmen’s Outreach banquet is April 27 The Sportsmen’s Outreach Team, a local nonprofit organization that provides hunting and fishing opportunities for vet­ erans, children with special needs and seniors with disabilities, will hold its eighth annual banquet Saturday, April 27. The banquet will be from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Barry Expo Center, 5778 N. Middleville Road (M-37), Hastings. The doors will open at 5 p.m. Activities will include an auction. The dinner will be by donation only, but guests are encouraged to give what they can afford. For planning purposes, orga­ nizers ask for RSVPs by Monday, April 22. Those who cannot make it but still wish to donate to the Sportsmen’s Outreach Team may call Brock Neeson, 616-337-1721; Dan Erskine, 616-891­ 1126; Al Palmer, 269-945-4397; or Terry Morris, 616-238-3305. Rolling through Barry County A group of cyclists corners the curve on M-43 at Cloverdale Road. See story on page 2. Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Hastings Public Library and its supporters are campaigning in Hastings Charter Township to urge approval of a May 7 millage renewal request. The millage request was on the November 2018 ballot and passed in Rutland Charter Township, but lost in Hastings Charter Township by 13 votes. “What’s unique to this vote (is) it’s only for Hastings Township,” said Tim McNally, Yes for Hastings Library Committee chairman. The Hastings Public Library’s request is for a renewal of $ 1.60 on every $ 1,000 of assessed property value. Approval would restore the original millage for 10 years. For a property owner whose house has a value of $50,000, the tax would be $80 annually. A home valued at $100,000 would be assessed $160 annually. The loss of that millage would represent 20 percent of the library’s revenue. If the millage request fails, all Hastings Charter Township library cards would expire on June 30, 2019. Then residents of Hastings Charter Township who want a Hastings Public Library card would have to pay the non-resi­ dent fee of $100 per year per household. See MILLAGE, page 13 Hastings junior wins Barry-Roubaix youth division Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry-Roubaix race organizers called it an incredible day. Social media posts raved about the “great people, great volunteers, great community and some incredible roads.” The annual “world’s largest” killer gravel road race in Hastings swept through the city Saturday and tested more than 3,000 cyclists against rolling gravel roads, one mile of rough two-track, rocks and sand as they traversed the scenic roads of Barry County. Michael Simonson took first place in the 100-mile “Psycho Killer,” with a 19.25 mph pace to finish the race in 5 hours, 11 minutes, and 39 seconds. Mat Stephens won the 62-mile “Killer” with a 22.67 pace to finish in 2:44:04. Jamison Sheppard set a pace of 21.65 to finish the 36-mile “Thriller” in 1:39:45. And Nate Van Belois clocked a pace of 19.48 to finish the 22-mile “Chiller” in 1:07:45. Hastings’ own Blake Harris, 17, captured first place in the youth division with a pace of 17.56 to finish the 22-mile “Chiller” course in 1:15:09. “Biking is an amazing experience,” Harris said in a text to the Banner. “It’s like running except for it’s much more refreshing and you’re going farther. It’s a good way to relieve stress in your life as well as embrace the outdoors. I love it.” “In the past, Blake has collaborated with Marty Mayak of the Trilanders and some other Hastings High School students, Rigden Pederson, Josh Brown, and Jon Arnold,” according to his mother, Becky Harris. “However, Blake does this activity independently. He is not part of a race team. He is self-driven and practices on his own, committing a lot of time to biking the dirt roads of Barry County.” Blake has had the desire to participate in the race since he was young, growing up watching the bikers on the roads near his home, she said. Since this is the ll^1 year for the race, Blake would have been 6 when the first race took place in Barry County. “When I was really little I remember looking out the window of our car and watching all the bikers fly by while we waited to pass,” he recalled. “And setting up lemonade stands in front of my house with my sister. I have been inspired by the race ever since.” This year, more than 3,500 cyclists registered to ride, the largest number of participants the race has had thus far. ROUBAIXf F 5 13 Blake Harris, 17, wins first place in the youth division of the Barry-Roubaix Saturday in Hastin9s- From left are: BenJamin Hanson, second place; Blake Harris, first place; E|i Cranston, third place; and Mason Verbison, fourth place. �Page 2 — Thursday, April 18, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Barry-Roubaix gets kudos from participants, city Hastings City Manager Jeff Mansfield saw the Barry-Roubaix race from more than one perspective: As a city official and as a participant. Both views were positive. Some of the cyclists set a pace that helped groups stay together. After crossing the finish line, cyclists are routed to an area blocked off near the Barry County Courthouse. The four courses ranged in distance from 22 to 100 miles, making cyclists grateful to reach the finish line. As one cyclist was overheard saying to another: “I love it at the end!” Some intense stretches of the race take athleticism and mental toughness. Many cyclists expressed appreciation to observers who cheered them on. Green Street United Mett .' * • ‘ r.feen St ♦ Hastings “I’ve spoken with the DPS crew and mem­ bers of the police department, and nothing significant was reported,” Mansfield said. “I rode that day in the 36 mile. I had a great experience and a really great day. It was a little chilly and windy, but we had fabulous road conditions. “The racers were very polite and friendly. This is the fifth Barry Roubaix I’ve raced in and, honestly, it is the best so far. I can’t say enough what a great day I had.” The race drew competitors from across Michigan, as well as Indiana, Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Colorado, Arizona and elsewhere. “Registration was sold out weeks before the event with 500 people on a waiting list,” Mansfield said. “Even the 100-mile course was sold out. I know organizers want the event to grow, but very controlled and sys­ tematically. It’s important maintain the high quality of the event. “However, I have to say these guys do an amazing job with keeping everything under control and providing a fantastic experience for everyone.” While endurance and fitness were evident during the race, creativity could be found among team names when cyclists registered. Self-deprecating labels included Fat Daddy, Second Chin, Bonkers Cycling and Let’s Not Crash This Year (a tandem team). Other team names were associated with the sport or equipment, such as Rock ‘n’ Road Team Yogurt, Midpack Attack, Spandex Mafia or The Shift. Other team names reflect­ ed personalities or nationalities, such as Little Belgium, Rough Riders or simply Intent. A couple with the last name Trout riding in the tandem division registered under the team name “Trouts on the Fly.” Some women competitors raced under team names of Real Women Tri and Dusty Dames. The latter, Dusty Dames, included local residents Leah Bridgman, Catie Case, 269.945.9574 greenstreetumc.faith Becky Newton, Lauren Tripp, Jenna Vanenk and Colleen Watson. Team results are based on the average times of the individual racers. Among the local Dusty Dames, Watson finished seventh in her age group, and Tripp placed eighth in her age division. Some other local top 10 finishers in their age divisions included Patrick Homacek, Tina Frank and Terry Sensiba who won their divi­ sions; Jim Everett, second; the tandem team of Clay Edger and Matt Toburen, fourth; Skyler Tripp and Ken Stoepker, fifth; Diane Ebaugh, sixth; Jon Anderson, eighth; Mike Schneiderhan, ninth; and Tom Strumberger and Joshua Brown, 10th in their respective divisions. (Hometowns are not listed in results, so some top 10 finishers may have been overlooked.) “I think the bike courses will be popular now year-round,” Mansfield said. “With the popularity of races in our area, like the BarryRoubaix, and clear signs on the 22-, 36- and 64-mile trails, I really think we’ll see people from all over take advantage.” The Barry-Robaix Killer Gravel Road Race brings thousands of cyclists to downtown Hastings Saturday. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, April 18, 2019 — Page 3 Interviews begin this week for Hastings superintendent Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Four applicants being considered for super­ intendent of Hastings Area School System began the interview process Wednesday night. Three more applicants are scheduled for inter­ views tonight. These seven candidates were chosen by the school board from a list of 23 applicants. The search began in January after current Superintendent Carrie Duits announced her retirement. On Wednesday, the interviews were con­ ducted during a special workshop open to the public at the Hastings Middle School com­ mons, 232 West Grand St. The first of seven applicants interviewed Wednesday were: Steve Wilson, superinten­ dent at Constantine Public School District, St. Joseph County; Lucas Trierweiler, Delton Kellogg High School principal and director of special education services; Kent Cartwright, chief financial officer for Petoskey Public Schools in Emmet County; and Matthew Goebel, assistant superintendent of achieve­ ment for Hastings. The next three candidates will be inter­ viewed tonight at the same location. The first interview will take place from 5:30 to 6:20 p.m., with Gerard Morin, director of human resources for Southgate Community Schools, Wayne County; then from 6:30 to 7:20 p.m. with Jonathan Whan, superintendent of Grant Public Schools, Newaygo County; and, in the last interview, from 7:30 to 8:20 p.m. with Daniel Remenap, Allendale Public Schools high school principal, Ottawa County. According to Donna Oser, deputy execu­ tive director of Michigan Association of School Boards, the board will likely decide tonight in open discussion which candidates to invite back for final interviews. Finalists will be interviewed from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on April 25 in the middle school commons. It’s been five years since the Hastings school district has sought a new superinten­ dent. Gary Rider, the regional president of Michigan Leadership Institute, conducted that process. In that search, after reviewing 36 applications in closed session, the school board narrowed the number of serious con­ tenders to six, which included Duits, who wa$ hired and began as superintendent on July 1* 2014. Look for more in-depth coverage of this week’s interviews and finalists in The Reminder on Saturday and next week in thd Banner, * Workgroup participants say housing shortage solutions needed soon Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Housing workgroups have met for their first sessions to begin tackling the housing shortage in Barry County. “While we at the Chamber and Economic Development Alliance are convening these workgroups, it is important to state that the scope of each group’s efforts will be driven by those groups. I think we all acknowledge that to really ‘move the needle’ on housing in our ^community, it will require a concerted group effort,” Travis Alden, president, said. The groups are: zoning, infrastructure and land use, building the business case, commu­ nication and public awareness, and quantify­ ing needs. The initial meetings were about creating a foundation that will lead to and support action. Discussions included revisiting hurdles — with some obstacles being greater than others. A major challenge often discussed is finding ways to attract developers to the county. Building costs, types of housing and a lack of platted land tends to be a common theme when barriers are listed. The collaborative discussion and work­ groups are follow-ups to the Economic Development Alliance Summit that took place in November. At the summit, Ottawa County officials gave presentations on success in cre­ ating and sustaining multilevel housing devel­ opment. Experiences shared by group participants about the problems caused by a lack of hous­ ing were similar, but ideas about how to remove the barriers were varied. Discussions touched on finding ways to lower develop­ ment costs related to platting land, examining the feasibility of attached townhouses, condo and multi-family apartments. An example raised as a possibility to address infrastructure and financial barriers would be to put in roads and utilities, which are major upfront costs, and removing other barriers that lessen the rate of return for devel­ opers. Another option discussed was to start in a centralized area and expand outward, such as downtown Hastings and the county annex. This would mean more of a focus on renova­ tions to existing buildings, building two-story duplexes on existing city lots and possible changes to current ordinances. Finances continue to improve for Hastings school district Joan Van Houten Staff Writer ; The Hastings Board of Education accepted financial statements presented by Tim Berlin, assistant superintendent of operations, Monday. The reports included revenues and disbursements of the district’s sinking fund. Receipts for the sinking fund showed a balance of $588,326 on June 30,2018. Added to that amount was $552,920 from tax reve­ nues and $585 interest for a bfj&nce of $1,141,831. Disbursements were $25,865 for hew metal doors at the high school, $6,430 for fencing at Central Elementary, $15,672 for fencing at the middle school, $32,456 for gym floor refinishing and upgrading at the middle school, $3,905 for asbestos abatement at Central, $1,551 for parking lot patching at the high school, $2,500 for tridium heating con­ trols at Star Elementary, $2,900 for commer­ cial garage doors at the high school, $3,650 for roof repairs at Northeastern Elementary, $631 for roof repairs at Southeastern Elementary, and $76 to Barry County for tax abatement. Disbursements totaled $95,681. As of March 31, the balance of the sinking fund is $1,046,150. Berlin reported that the district’s final bal­ ance at the end the school year will be slightly more than $3 million. “We also gained six students at $14,000 per student between the spring and fall student count that we’ll get partial credit for. Financially, our district did well this year,” Berlin said. The acceptance and release of students from other school districts, regardless of con­ tiguity, has been the past practice of Hastings Area School System. Now, it’s official. At a meeting conducted in August 1993, the board approved participation in a school of choice program as provided by what was then a new law. The provision allowed stu­ dents residing in adjoining districts to transfer between the districts without release from the sending districts. However, the board had an “unofficial” schools of choice arrangement in effect with Delton-Kellogg schools well before the 105c of P.A. 119 of 1999 was put in place. Since then, another law amending section 105c has taken effect permitting school dis­ tricts to accept schools of choice enrollment applications from students, regardless of local district contiguity and without bringing the requests to the board. On Monday, the board approved participa­ tion in the amendment to 105c P.A. 297 of 2000 and authorized the administration to implement the plan with the understanding that the administration will maintain files on all the transfer requests Ind provide periodic reports. In other actions, new appointments were approved for Amy Collins, high school CTE career development parapro; Kelsi Harden, middle school tennis coach; Seth Ray, district wide substitute maintenance; and Larry Warren, districtwide Maintenance I. Also, the board was informed by the admin­ istration that Rebekah Laduke, Sally Sweet and Stephanie Wenger will receive continuing tenure as of June 2019. e Superintendent Carrie Duits accepted the resignation of substitute bus driver Victor Schermerhorn. A presentation was given by Mike Goggins, assistant high school principal, and Adam Case, athletic director intern, about the school district’s application to the Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association’s Exemplary Athletic Program. The program was established in 1998 to iden­ tify and give public recognition to outstanding athletic programs statewide, provide a frame­ work that encourages high school athletic administrators to voluntarily engage in self-assessment and compare their current program to established exemplary criteria, facilitate communication and sharing of best practices, and encourage continued improve­ ment in high school athletic programs. Luke Haywood, board president, asked Goggins if student input, positive or negative, was a source for areas of strengths and areas needing improvement. “I’m more interested in what students had to say about what they want,” Haywood said. Goggins said it was a major part of the information process. “Student voice is very much a part of our district master plan,” Duits said. Hastings school bond projects scheduled through summer Joan Van Houten Staff Writer More than $1 million in contracts were awarded by Hastings Board of Education for the district’s summer improvement projects. Funding for the work is part of the $44.59 million bond voters approved in November 2015. The projects will include districtwide mechanical upgrades and construction of a bus loop at the middle school. “Hopefully, the bus loop will help ease the 'congestion during student pick-up and drop­ off,” Tim Berlin, assistant superintendent of operations, said. The bus pick-up and drop-off route will come off Church Street to the back of the building and circle back around. Contractor awards for the bus loop project are approved for $161,550 to E&L Construction, general trades; $226,000 to Hoffman Bros Inc., site work; $41,690 to Burggrabe Masonry for pavement; and $14,883 to Lumen Electric Inc., electrical work. The total amount is $444,123. Contractor awards for districtwide mechan­ ical upgrades are approved for $451,410 to LJ Trumble Builders LLC, general trades; $140,900 to Ecker Mechanical Contractors Inc., for mechanical units and installation; and $30,795 to Lumen Electrical Inc. for electrical work. Mechanical upgrades include heating, cooling, and installation of new, energy-effi­ cient lighting. Berlin said the projects, which total $1,067,228, will begin in late June or early July. Completion is anticipated for late August before the start of the 2019-20 school year. Other equation in the mix included whether to focus on specific locations for develop­ ment, whether to focus on specific types of housing, such as low-income, market-value housing or senior housing, such as senior liv- ing communities. Whatever is decided, they said, the short­ age is having an impact on the county in many ways - and action is critical sooner rather than later. Lani Forbes, executive director of Barry County United Way and Volunteer Center5, said the need for housing exists on every level. > Collaborative group assesses potential impact of Opportunity Zones Joan Van Houten Staff Writer A collaborative group is trying to assess how to effectively utilize an Opportunity Zone for Barry County. The City of Hastings, Barry Community Foundation and Barry County Chamber of Commerce have teamed up to determine effective planning strategies to spur develop­ ment in the designated area. Opportunity Zones are areas designated as eligible locations for investors to receive fed­ eral incentives for funding development proj­ ects. Barry County, and every other county but one in Michigan, has an Opportunity Zone. The federal program created hundreds of thousands of zones across the country. The qualifying tract of land in the county is in the City of Hastings and Hastings Township. The parcel is outlined by North Broadway Street to approximately Campground Road, runs along Sager Road to the east boundary, approximately one mile past Charlton Park Road. The east boundary runs south past M-79 to Coats Grove Road, and then to North Broadway Street. “We’re in the initial stage of discussing the possibilities and uses allowed by existing county, city and township codes and ordi­ nances. We want to be in a great position to attract investors and developers because we’re competing with every Opportunity Zone in every state,” Bonnje Gettys, president and CEO of Barry Community Foundation, said. “We have the possibility to positively impact all of Barry County. “It’s not just for Hastings or just for Hastings Township. It’s for everyone.” Gettys said it’s important to understand what the Opportunity Zone could do for Barry County, based on what they know so far. “What I’m finding interesting is that it has created this sense of urgency in creating a template of what we’re looking for. What is it we want it to look like?” she said. Whether the focus should be on mixed housing neighborhoods, or commercial or industrial development needs to be consid­ ered, Travis Alden, president of the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance, said. The focus will depend on the area, he said. The zone in Barry County is large geo­ graphically and includes a traditional down­ town and riverfront development ranging from manufacturers to houses and industrial parks. Alden said he believes making best use of the Opportunity Zone will be a two-pronged process: The first is to determine what specif­ ic project is best for a particular parcel and then market that to investors and developers who work in those project areas. Prong two is to look at the opportunities to create local opportunity funds for “John Q,” a Hastings resident - and others like him - who might have $5,000 or more of capital gains to invest and then work together to crowdsource a development project. “Different areas in the zone will be attrac­ tive to different investors. There are areas that would be great for agricultural purposes and another area that may be great for alternative energy facilities like the ones Jim Brown [Hastings Township supervisor] mentioned*. The best possible uses can be specifically stated and marketed to fund owners,” Hastingl City Manager Jeff Mansfield said. One barrier right now is the fact that the federal government has not set the rules. Alden said the set of rules everyone is operat­ ing on are still drafts and not a final version. The unknowns are unattractive to investors. * Gauging the success of the program also will be a challenge. A commercial developer or a manufacturer can buy a property in the industrial district but how the development is financed would never be known. They are nol required to disclose how the project ij financed. ; But an Opportunity Zone could have advam tages: Since the funding is reinvested, in holding a project for 10 or 20 years, the prop­ erty could double in value and selling it would mean no capital gains taxes would have to be paid by the investor. The collaboration would result in a pro* spectus which is much like what is used by investment firms to show their clients why they should invest in a specific area. The pro* spectus would be used to market the Barry County Opportunity Zone to draw the atten­ tion of investors and developers. Others may have branches ... we have roots. Highpoint Community Bank adds value to the communities we serve by supporting our local non profit organizations with both our time and funding. We are proud to have supported the following in 2018: Algonquin Lake Community Association Allegan Search and Rescue American Cancer Society American Legion Post #45 American Legion Post #140 Barry Community Foundation Barry County 4H Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance Barry County Commission on Aging Barry County Community Mental Health Barry County Crop Walk Barry County Fair Barry County Farm Bureau Barry County Substance Abuse Barry County Transit Barry County United Way and Volunteer Center Bellevue Antique Tractor Show Bellevue Athletic Boosters Bellevue Elementary PTO Bellevue Good Samaritans Bellevue High School Bellevue Lions Club Caledonia Community Schools Caledonia Education Foundation Calhoun County Ag and Industrial Society Calhoun County Senior Services CASA for Kids, Inc. Charlton Park Village Foundation City of Hastings City of Marshall Delton Founders Festival Delton Kellogg Little League Delton Summer Music Series Family Support Center Fountain Clinic highpoint COMMUNITY BANK -w; ■ i ------------------- ;------------ 1 Freeport District Library Green Gables Haven Gun Lake Business Association Gun Lake Winterfest Gun Lake Women's Club Hastings Area Schools Hastings Athletic Boosters Hastings Band Boosters Hastings Downtown Business Team Hastings Education Enrichment Foundation Hastings High School Class of 2019 Hastings New Year's Community Celebration Hastings Public Library Hastings Rotary Club Hastings Summerfest Run Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Historic Charlton Park Kent County Youth Fair Kiwanis Club of Caledonia Area Kiwanis Club of Hastings Lakewood Area Choral Society Little Lambs Preschool Maple Valley Athletic Boosters Maple Valley Memorial Scholarship Fund Maple Valley Schools Maple Valley Youth Football Marshall Area Community Services Marshall Area Economic Development Marshall District Library Marshall Exchange Club Marshall Rotary Club Marshall United Way Marshall Women's Philanthropic Circle Michigan Colleges Alliance Michigan State Police Michigan State University . Athletics Middleville Boy Scout Troop 105 Middleville Lions Club Middleville Rotary Club Moline Christian School Nashville Car Show Nashville Hunger Walk Northeastern PTO Pierce Cedar Creek Institute Spectrum Health Pennock Foundation Spectrum Health Pennock Health and Wellness Center Spiritual Care Consultants St. Rose of Lima School Thornapple Area Enrichment Foundation Thornapple Area Parks and Recreation Thornapple Arts Council Thornapple Kellogg Athletic Boosters Thornapple Kellogg Class of 2019 Thornapple Kellogg Schools Thornapple Kellogg Summer Soccer Camp Thornapple Players Village of Middleville Wayland Area Chamber of Commerce Wayland Downtown Development Association Wayland Kiwanis Wayland Main Street Wayland Union Schools YMCA Camp Manitou-Lin YMCA of Barry County XSiJ Member j£ SS FMC I > highpointcommunitybank.com | 1-888-ti22-2280 �Page 4 — Thursday, April 18, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you In My Opinion see? A no-brainer fundraiser - on wheels Has space exploration lost its luster? Just like Lloyd and Harry from the hit movie “Dumb & Dumber,” Chelsey Foster, representing Imagination Library of Barry County, and Jon Sporer, representing YMCA of Barry County B. Bus Mobile Library, suited up in baby blue and orange matching tuxedos, and rode in the 22-mile BarryRoubaix Killer Gravel Road Race on April 13. The “Books for Barry with Lloyd and Harry” fundraiser challenged the commu­ nity to help hit a combined goal of $5,000, then the funds would be split evenly between the two child literacy causes. The community came through, and the news was announced last Thursday that the goal had been surpassed, with a total of $6,500 in funds raised, including pledges. Now that’s pretty smart. Do you remember? Ready to ride Banner Nov. 14, 1968 Provide toys - Hastings Jaycees Roger Raber and John Hall make final adjustments on toys the Jaycees donat­ ed to the Hastings Special Education School here. Cement for the project was donated by the Barry Ready-Mix Company. Have you met? Shannon (Ritzer) Pinkster grew up in Kalamazoo. She remained in that city through college, graduating from Western Michigan University. “I really went there because they had an amazing marching band,” said Pinkster, who played the clarinet. “I didn’t really know what I wanted to study, but I knew I wanted to march.” She enjoyed being in the band and graduated with a public history degree, completing an internship at Historic Charlton Park in the process. After graduating, she worked part-time for the Kalamazoo Valley Museum and part-time for her father, but kept in contact with staff at Charlton Park. After being offered a job, she moved to Hastings in 2012 to become education and programs director at Charlton Park. She married Zach Pinkster in 2014 and moved to Wyoming when he took a job in Grand Rapids. She continues to work for the park and recently became the curator of collections and exhibits. She and her husband are expecting their first child to make his entrance into the world any day now. Pinkster said she likes the variety of things that she gets to be involved in at Charlton Park. “Being a small museum, I get to assist the staff with everything,” she said. “It’s never the same thing every day. The students that come through are always different and nature, of course, surprises you all the time.” Pinkster said she loves her job because she has a passion for helping people understand how the past affects them. For her passion to teach local history to people of all ages, Shannon Pinkster is a Barry County Bright Light. First job: “Breadstick Girl” at Fazoli’s restaurant. Favorite TV program: “Chopped.” It makes me want to become a better cook ... though I don’t want to do the dishes. Shannon Pinkster Person I most admire: My husband. He has a knack for going with the flow and not letting things bother him too much if they don’t go according to plan. Favorite book: “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen. I read it at least once every couple of years. Favorite teacher: It’s a tie between Rick Cahow, Kalamazoo Central High School. He was such a wonderful history teacher, I really credit him with awakening my passion for the subject. And Dan Stout, Kalamazoo Central. When he took over the band program, he helped me become more confident in my playing abilities, and still encourages me to stay involved in music. Person I would like to have met: Robin Williams. If I could have any superpower, it would be: Teleportation, for sure. Favorite vacation destination: My parents’ house. They live on a small lake, and it’s just so peaceful out there, no matter what season. What I’d tell a high school graduate: “This is only the beginning. Enjoy the journey and make time for a little fun.” Best gift ever received: Our dog, Grade. It was our gift to each other a couple years ago, and she’s been such a blessing. Favorite dinner: Pretty much anything cooked on the grill, with asparagus, broccoli or potatoes. What I’d do if I won the lottery: Take my husband out for a nice dinner, pay off student loans and/or the house, put some away for retirement, and maybe take a small vacation. Favorite childhood memory: Family vacations, especially our trip to the East Coast. We went to Gettysburg, stayed with extended family, and visited the Statue of Liberty from the New Jersey side. My siblings and I all distinctly remember standing there in awe of the statue and the New York skyline and my dad saying something along the lines of, “Let’s take a moment to appreciate all of this. Being here, getting to experience the history in person, being together - you never know when it might all be gone.” He had said that to us before during earlier family trips, but that time was particularly poignant to all of us, because this trip was taken just a few months before 9/11. Hobbies: Reading (if I can make the time), taking walks with my dog, Zumba, a fitness class called Strong by Zumba. Greatest thing about Barry County: I’m pretty partial to Historic Charlton Park. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving personality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. There was no breeze, but my shirt was fluttering and the vibration under my feet was moving up my legs straight to my chest, which was pounding like a rock band’s amplifier. All that my mind was telling me, though, was that every American should experience an event like Space X’s launch last week of a 27-engine mega rocket from the same launch pad at the Kennedy Space Center where the Apollo moon mission began 50 years ago. My wife and I were staying just 45 min­ utes away from Titusville last week, the site from which Elon Musk’s Space Exploration Technologies Corp, was launching its com­ munication satellite on April 10. We couldn’t miss the chance to see such a dramatic event, along with thousands of other specta­ tors. Although it was not a manned space flight and despite it being scrubbed one day because of the weather, the technology was something to be seen. The Space X Falcon 9 megarocket featured the company’s new souped-up Block 5 rockets, power plants with the ability to “facilitate reusability.” Where previous versions were intended to be used two or three times, the Block 5 is capable of flying as many as 10 times with virtually no refurbishment between flights. The “reuse” feature added even more drama to the titanic launch when, shortly after the liftoff blast, sonic booms thundered through the air as the rocket’s two side boosters returned to the NASA launch site and touched down in unison at nearby land­ ing sites. A third booster landed on a drone­ ship somewhere in the nearby Atlantic Ocean. All had successfully escorted the cargo on the start of its mission: placement of an Arbsat-6A high-capacity telecommu­ nications satellite that will deliver televi­ sion, radio, Internet and mobile communica­ tions to customers in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe. This launch really warmed my heart after it returned to its normal beat. For those of us who grew up in the 1960s, space exploration was uncharted territory and was as much about dreams and adven­ ture as it was the possibilities that might come from it. In those early days, kids dreamed of becoming astronauts or working somewhere in the space industry. They were intrigued with programs like the popular cartoon The Jetions or more dramatic pro­ grams like Star Trek, Lost in Space and Star Wars. It was all part of another world, a new genre of fiction - until we realized how our real world was changing after the announce­ ment by President John F. Kennedy before Congress on May 25, 1961, to send an American safely to the moon by the end of the decade. “We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard,” Kennedy said. “Because the goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our energies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone, and one which we intend to win.” Kennedy characterized space as a new frontier, invoking the pioneer spirit that dominated our country since its beginning. Kennedy’s message created a special pas­ sion and excitement and hope that Americans could achieve these lofty goals. But now that we’ve done it, now that we’ve walked the moon, driven a golf ball on it and even maneuvered its landscape in a lunar rover, I wonder if space has lost its luster. Have Americans lost the excitement that space exploration offers? Since the beginning of America’s space program, not everyone has been in support of the endeavor. Many early doubters felt that we should spend the money here on earth and not on some crazy idea that we might land a man on the moon. In fact, a Gallup poll at the time of Kennedy’s announcement indicated that more than 58 percent of Americans were opposed, yet the young, energetic Kennedy persisted. The faith that Congress cautiously put in Kennedy’s dream, its courage and its vision was answered when Alan Shepard became the first American in space on May 5,1961, What do you and when John Glenn became the first American to circle the earth three times in 1962. Kennedy’s ultimate goal was reached in 1969 when Apollo 11 Commander Neil Armstrong stepped off the lunar module’s ladder onto the Moon’s surface and planted an American flag for all to see 227,547 . miles from Earth. Today, scientists and those close to the space programs are concerned over our country’s lack of interest in space explora­ tion. What’s happened to the vision of put­ ting a man on the moon and the countless benefits we’ve achieved from space explo­ ration? Man’s arrival on the moon has real- ’ ly been only a small part of the benefits that have accrued from realizing that dream. Our return-on-investment is realized > every day from the products we enjoy and5 the knowledge we’ve gained to the immense ! improvements from which we benefit thanks > to computers, medical devices, agricultural science, and weather management. Sixty years ago, leaders were willing to step up to the challenge and lead us to some of the most astounding advances man has ever experienced on this earth. Today’s pocket calculators are just as powerful as the computer systems that got us to the moon. Yet, today our political leaders seem fixated on leading by polls and struggles over power rather than taking risks, and challenging the status quo. “If I could get one message to you,” said ! former President Lyndon B. Johnson, who ' followed Kennedy to the Oval Office, “it ; would be this: The future of this country and » the welfare of the free world depends upon * our success in space. There is no room in i this country for any but a full cooperative, ' urgently motivated all-out effort toward ’ space leadership. No one person, no one company, no one government agency, has a monopoly on the competence, the missions, or the requirements for the space program.” That’s why I had to be in Titusville to see ; last week’s launch. I had to be a part of something that has made such an impact on * our lives, something that Kennedy felt we could achieve, but didn’t live long enough to see. This wasn’t the first time I was able to be on hand to view an actual launch. The first time was in April 2014 when NASA sent up a weather satellite. I was also on hand in 1 February 2003 when the Space Shuttle Columbia disintegrated upon reentering Earth’s atmosphere, killing all seven crew » members. I’ve known and I’ve seen the risks. But like Americans who remember the challenge that Kennedy put before us and who have seen the wonders that space t exploration has brought us, I also realize how vital it is that we work with thoughtful courage and not fearful safety. Today, with private investors like Space X leading the way, America is returning to the pioneering outreaches of space. Thanks to courageous entrepreneurs, our country is ready again to embrace the prom­ ise that the frontier of space can offer man­ kind. That’s even evident in the tiny town of Titusville which, when I visited for the first in time in 2004, was no more than a ghost town because of the cuts NASA was mak­ ing. Today, with the revived interest in space exploration from private investors, Titusville is again alive with a new mall and numerous stores and breweries. The revival of space exploration is already benefiting everyone. The Space X launch was an amazing site to behold. It’s time that we, as a nation, join with private investors to once again set a vision for the future and “go” for launch. Fred Jacobs, CEO J-Ad Graphics, Inc. think? Here’s your chance to take part in an inter­ active public opinion poll. Vote on the ques­ tion posed each week by accessing our web­ site, wwwHastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the following week. Last week: To ensure a faster tally, some states are allowing their election officials to open absentee ballots early and start counting the votes cast before Election Day. Should Michigan adopt this approach? Yes 54% No 46% For this week: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer cut $2.5 million in the budget for a commer­ cial site to launch satellites. Critics call it pork politics and say the grant was rushed through a lame­ duck legislature. Proponents say an active spaceport would attract high-tech industries. Is a commer­ cial satellite launch site in Michigan a good idea? □ Yes □ No j �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, April 18, 2019 — Page 3 Keep reporting all sides of the story without fear or favor: Taxpayers have responsibility to maintain schools the schools. Also, as owners of the school, we need to treat it as we would our own property, and not neglect it when they fall into disrepair. If the roof on your home were failing, would you ignore it? I would expect that you would take the necessary steps to fix the problem. It is the responsibility of the taxpayers in the Hastings school district to address the issues with our school facilities by voting 44Yes” May 7. To the editor, The taxpayers in the Hastings school dis­ trict are the owners of the school. People a long time ago realized that an educated populace benefitted society as a whole, whether directly or indirectly. As own­ ers, it is our responsibility to ensure that the school is fulfilling its responsibility to educate our children properly in a safe environment. This responsibility that we all share as Hastings school district taxpayers requires consistent participation. There are ample opportunities to attend school board meetings, school board work sessions, public forums and to volunteer in Ben Eastman, Hastings To the editor, I feel compelled to respond to your recent correspondent who criticized your comments in certain articles concerning the Superintendent search at Hastings Community Schools. Having held various elected offices over the years I always believed that it was important to seek and consider elector’s input before making decisions that in any way affected or effected community progress or development. The search for a school super­ intendent is a very important process that should not be developed in secrecy behind closed doors or without every aspect of the candidates’ credentials being available to the residents of any community within the laws currently in effect. Hastings area schools are a perfect example of how involvement, or the lack of it can allow the ship of management to drift into dangerous waters. Take for instance our grand performing arts center as an example. Students should have available to them a venue where their abilities can be developed. Where the arts, acting, music, oratory, debate and community can be developed. That seemed to be the original scope of the devel­ opment of the site. Now we have moved on to it becoming a “destination site” for who knows what. Education is not an entertain­ ment business and that business should not detract from or consume the funding available for education. We have recently learned that the presence of this facility requires a full-time manager, at a salary in the mid forty thousands. Obviously, this position is necessary; but was not addressed publicly until the facility opened. When we consider this hiring; we are then faced with the daily cost of maintenance and eventual repair. Credible experts have informed me that given its’ size, scope and equipment annual costs for this necessary item could run into the many tens-of-thousands annually. In retrospect then, we must question how this will be cared for. I use the current millage request for ten million dollars for roof repair and other minor updates as a comparison. Will the performing arts center fall into the same state of neglect and repair as the roofs on three major build­ ings in the school district? Was it, poor man­ agement, neglect, or as some would have it; the failure of voters to properly consider their obligation to the school district that resulted in these issues? No matter how you evaluate the past; if the community was fully involved by the administration at every step these situ­ ations would be less likely to happen. In this millage request there are included nearly 2 million dollars in “soft money”. These dol­ lars are set aside for cost over-runs, engineer­ ing and other eventualities. In this case we are dealing with a carefully described re-roof and repair of the roofs on three buildings: These problems have been known and described over the years. They are basic pro­ cesses that have no hidden costs. If engineers and architects can not proscribe and adequate­ ly predict the installation of doors in a public building then we should move on! The Question! What happens to the cost over run “soft money” if unused? Is it returned to the tax payers? This question is similar to the one raised when the Board Chair reported the sav­ ings of $800,000 when interest was renegoti­ ated on previous obligations. Was it returned to the taxpayers? I don’t think so. If my commitment and payment of taxes do not grant me the right to comment on thq overall operation of any public entity then the democratic process has fallen into serious disrepair. I can only say, that I hope you will continue your fair, open, and even-handed reporting of the facts that affect the outcomes of every life in the community taxpayer or not! We appreciate hearing all sides of every story! Gerald SchmiedickeJ Hastings ‘Yes’ vote ensures quality school buildings Write Us A Letter: X___________________ >_______ ____ _________ s' The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: *AII letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. ...... ‘ • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. 1 11 1 ........ . .......................................""""... ........................................... ..................................................... Know Your Legislators: Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Galley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855­ 347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. To the editor, A useful sinking fund or a Band-Aid dis­ penser? Maintaining a status quo of quality and proactive planning or achieving a status quo of deterioration and reactive planning? Both of these questions will be answered May 7 when our community votes on a 0.7mill bond proposal for our community schools. By coming together and supporting this bond, the infrastructure issues of our various district buildings will be simultaneously and comprehensively addressed. This proposal will bring all of our district buildings into a good state of repair, paving the way for the already approved sinking fund to do the job it was intended to do: major maintenance. If you feel strongly about maintaining our buildings, voting “yes” on the bond proposal will give you the opportunity for input on the direction of sinking fund money over the next six years. A “yes” vote on the bond assures the sinking fund will be spent maintaining the status quo of quality buildings and proactive planning, maximizing the annual $500,000plus the community has already provided. What a powerful tobt ^us tecomes. What a bright future it provides. Conversely, if the bond proposal is voted down and infrastructure needs are left to degrade and worsen, no community input will be needed. This powerful fund will become nothing more than a Band-Aid dispenser. Funds will be entirely consumed each year, putting bandages on the worst of the infra­ structure needs without truly correcting them. A “no” vote on the bond assures the sinking fund will be spent achieving a status quo of deterioration and reactive planning. At the end of the remaining six years of this wonder­ ful gift the community has given itself, we will be in the same place we are today with buildings in need of simultaneous and com­ prehensive repairs. How much more expen­ sive will the inevitable work become! What a waste of precious resources. What a depress­ ing future it yields. Let’s support quality and proactive plan­ ning, showing the pride we have in our com­ munity schools. Let’s pass the targeted bond to take immediate and comprehensive action on the obvious infrastructure needs of our buildings. Once done, let’s engage and enjoy the power the sinking fund money provides us to maintain our hard-fought quality. Please consider the two futures carefully. It is my hope you will join me in support of the bond proposal with an optimistic eye on the , future and an emphatic “yes” on May 7. ; Brad Tolles; Hastings Program Assistant The Barry Community Foundation (BCF), is a local nonprofit organization bridging resources for community based needs, ideas and initiatives that benefit Barry County. BCF is in search of a highly motivated and organized individual with a minimum of two years of work experience related to providing program support. The Program Assistant position is a full-time position with occasional evening responsibilities. The desired candidate also has: • Ability to work effectively and independently within their work area. • Must have ability to work with MS Office Software programs with emphasis on word, database management, and related software programs. • An established reputation of honesty and integrity. • Demonstrated exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. • Ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced changing environment. • Dedication to community service and improvement. Send resume, along with a cover letter, by April 26, 2019 to: Attn: Annie Halle Human Resources Barry Community Foundation 231 S. Broadway Hastings Ml 49058 U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. The Hastings BsinilCl* Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... - Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Publisher & CEO Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Hank Schuuring CFO Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County * NEWSROOM • $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere (Editor) (Copy Editor) Rebecca Pierce Taylor Owens Joan Van Houten James Atkinson, Hastings • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Frederic Jacobs Brett Bremer Tanett Hodge Bonnie Mattson To the editor, This millage request to repair or replace damaged infrastructure in our schools is vital­ ly important for the health of our students. Broken bathrooms, leaking roofs, mold in ceilings or walls are health hazards that must be fixed. It is time for the community to come forward to correct these health hazards. Please vote “yes” on this bond proposal for the health and welfare of our students. Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Kathy Maurer Approval of Hastings millage request is vitally important ' Rhoades McKee Expands to Hastings POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 rhoades mckee attorneys Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads Business Law Family Law & Divorce Estate Planning & Probate Real Estate & Construction Services Human Resources & Employment Law Dispute Resolution & Litigation Services �J Page 6 — Thursday, April 18, 2019 — The Hastings Banner ■I ■ | Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. i Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter th * Adams, contact 616-690­ v: 8609. b HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old countiy church." Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. ■I,- n; U GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingsopeumc. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Thursday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office, greenstreetumc @ gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor; Ryan Rose, Family Life Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kinderg arten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway^ Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings, org, 9 a.m. Traditional Service; 10:30 a.m. Contem­ porary service. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945­ 9217. cbchastings.org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmai.Lcom. Website: www. hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Associate Pastor Andy Baird and Stu­ dent Ministry Director, Emma Miller. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAMILY HOUR - WELCOME! ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Preschool age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Stan­ dard and Adult Elective class­ es. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church age 4-4th grade dismissed during service. Aftermath Student Ministry - 6:30 p.m., 7th-12th grades & Semester Growth Groups.. Wednesday: Wom­ en's Bible Study 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday: Adult Bible Study 10 a.m. Easter: April 18th Thursday Brunch 9:30 a.m. Saturday, April 20th, Community Wide Egg Hunt 10 a.m. Rain or Shine. Sun­ day, April 21st Easter Break­ fast, 9:15-10:15 a.m. and Worship at 10:30 a.m. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God's Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! April 21 - Easter Sonrise service at 8 a.m.; Easter Breakfast between services; Easter Day service at 10:45 a.m. April 22 - Earth Day Cleanup at the church property. April 23 - Youth Committee Mtg. 6-7:30 p.m. Pastor Ken S check II. pastorken@grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www.grace-hastings. org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings. Flexfob Hnh 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 Fiberglass Products 102 Cook Hastings 945-4700 Stephen Leroy Pennington HASTINGS, MI - Ann McPhail, age 86, of Hastings was called home to heaven on Mon­ day, April 8, 2019. She was bom in Cassnovia, the daughter of James and Emma Afton on September 30, 1932. She married Roland McPhail on March 6, 1954, where they resided in Muskegon, and then eventually moving to Hastings. Roland and Ann raised three sons in the Hastings area. Stephen, Gregory and Bradley, who all eventually married and gave her sev­ en grandchildren, all of whom she cherished! A loving mother and grandmother Ann en­ joyed attending her grandchildren’s sports and school activities. In her spare time after retirement she enjoyed golf, playing cards, line-dancing, aerobic classes, reading, cro­ cheting and just being surrounded by family and friends. Ann was a dedicated accounting/payroll supervisor for Viking Manufacturing, retiring in 1994 after 29 years. She followed up retire­ ment working for ERA Reality as a secretary/ realtor assistant. She was an active member with the Unit­ ed Methodist Church, serving the commu­ nity pantry and for funeral lunches. She also prepared dinners and volunteered for the Welcome Woods dinner banquets. She en­ joyed helping others, as this was her passion! She will be fondly remembered and greatly missed by all of her family and friends whose lives she impacted. Ann was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Roland and her sons, Stephen and Greg. Surviving are her son Brad; sister, Joann (Jerry) Hills* brother, Lawrence (Francis) Afton; daughters-in-law, Sandra (Bourboriais) and Cindy (Richards). Grandchildren include: Kevin, Spencer, Allison, Samantha, Ryan, Rachel, Emily McPhail, Jon Sherman, ■ Jennette Sherman and Julie Dennison; with great granddaughter Brooklyn McPhail. Honoring Ann’s request the family will have a private Celebration of Life at a later date with the immediate family. The family has entrusted Lauer Family Fu­ neral Home with arrangements.. Please share condolences or memories with Anna’s family at www.lauerfuneralhomes.com. HASTINGS, MI - Stephen Leroy Penning­ ton, age 62, of Hastings, passed away unex­ pectedly April 13, 2019. Steve was bom on March 13, 1957 in Hastings, the son of Lloyd and Susan Pen­ nington. He graduated from Hastings High School in 1975. Steve was co-owner and operator of Pennington Construction, for the past 40 years, with brother, and best friend, Mike Pennington. Steve married Judy Johnson on December 18, 1987 and they enjoyed 20 years of mar­ riage until her passing on August 13, 2007. Steve married Beverly Wood on February 21, 2014 and they have enjoyed the last five years together. Steve loved the great outdoors. He en­ joyed hunting, fishing, golf, and lately riding his bike and fishing in Florida. Steve also en­ joyed bowling, which he did for many years with friends and family, and going to the ca­ sino. After Steve retired, he enjoyed spend­ ing winter months in Florida with his wife, Beverly. He enjoyed spending time with his two children who live in Florida as well and spending time with family and friends. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd and Susan Pennington; first wife, Judy Pennington; brother, Michael Pennington, and daughter, Jessica Merrill Pennington. Steve is survived by his wife, Beverly Pennington of Hastings; daughter, Natalie Pennington and fiance’ Joe Lynch of Win­ ter Park, FL; soil, Ryan Pennington of Palm Beach Gardens, FL; step-daughter, Erika Wood of Middleville; step-daughter, Alex­ is (Blake) Newbold of Middleville; sisters, Sandy (Dave) Nichols of Hastings, and Te­ resa (Jay) Beckwith of Newberry,; brother, Joe Pennington of Punta Gorda, FL; five step-grandchildren, many aunts, uncles, niec­ es, nephews, cousins and friends. Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 18, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Girrbach Funer­ al Home. Interment will take place at Irving Township Cemetery. A luncheon will follow burial at the Hastings Elks Lodge. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association or a Charity of One’s Choice. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, vis­ it www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses- _ ■ Ann McPhail MKSMM 770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541 HASTINGS, MI - Virginia May Brew, age 93, formerly of Battle Creek, on April 14, 2019 in Hastings Township. She was bom in Hillman, on February 19, 1926, the daughter of Leonard and Agnes (Lintz) Orm. She grad­ uated from Hillman High School in 1944 and attended Normal School for teaching. Virginia taught at Country School in the 1940’s in Hillman,. She also worked in nurs­ ing, and during World War II, she assisted in the war effort as a “Rosie the Riveter” for Boeing. She married Warren Brew on July 15, 1946. They resided in Battle Creek and were married for 56 years. Virginia was preceded in death by her hus­ band, Warren in 2003; her parents, Leonard and Agnes; sister, Barbara (Orm) Reetz; and brother, Donald Orm. She is survived by her daughters, Aleta (Robert) Griffin of Delton, Loralee Brew, and Claudia Brew, both of Hastings and sons, Larry Brew and Jason Brew, both of Bat­ tle Creek; also eight grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be held Friday, April 19,2019 at 4 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway, Hastings, with visitation an hour prior. Interment at Fort Custer Ceme­ tery, Augusta. Memorial contributions may be made to Great Lakes Hospice Foundation online at http://www.greatlakeshospicefoundation.org/ donate or 900 Cooper Street, Jackson, MI 49202 or Thornapple Manor, 2700 Nashville Road, Hastings, MI 49058. ? Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. Robert Carnevale HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Thursday, April 18 - Baby Cafe, 10 a.m.noon; Novel Ideas Book Club discusses “Orphan’s Tale” by Pan Jenoff, 12:30 p.m.; Movie Memories watches a 1955 film starring Ernest Borgnine, Betsy Blair and Esther Minciotti, 5-8 p.m. Friday, April 19 - preschool story time, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, April 20 - Dungeons & Dragons and board game group, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, April 22 - Quilting Passions, 10 a.m.-l p.m.; attorney general consumer edu­ cation program on identity theft, 6:30 p.m.; Creative Haven Writing Group, 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 23 - toddler story time, 10:30-11:30 a.m.; mahjong, 5:30-8; chess club, 6-8 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. VERO BEACH, FL - Robert Carneva­ le, age 79, of Vero Beach, FL, passed away peacefully, March 26, 2019 with his family at his side. Known to most as just “Bob”, to many as “Mr. C.” and as “Bob-Bob” to his beloved grandchildren, he was bom in Philadelphia on August 16, 1939. Bob’s life was truly a miracle, as he was bom severely premature, and wasn’t expected to survive. His mother, Florence Carnevale, defied the doctors and took him home, con­ fident that he would survive and thrive under her care, which he did. His father, Adolfo Carnevale was an Ital­ ian immigrant who came to the United States at the age of 17, with only $8 to his name. Adolfo died when Bob was only 3 years old, leaving Florence to raise him and his older sister, Ines. Family and friends were constant­ ly present in Bob’s younger years, which is likely why family and friends were so import­ ant throughout his life. After graduating from Central High School in Philadelphia, Bob joined the U. S. Army at age 17, in 1958. Bob served active duty for two years in Germany, and several years in the reserves upon his return. Bob met Judith Lawrence in 1961 and they had their first date in Bob’s 1955 T-Bird. That began a lifelong love affair with Judy and was the start of one of Bob’s other passions, the classic car hobby. That same T-Bird is still part of Bob’s car collection. Bob and Judy soon married and had a daughter, Robyn, and a son, Bruce. Family and friends were ever-present in their lives as they raised their family in Oreland, PA, and in their dream home, Sleepy Hollow in Gwyn­ edd. Bob joined Bradford White Corporation in 1961, thinking it would be a temporary job. After proudly receiving his business degree from Penn State University at night, while working full time, he earned positions of in­ creasing responsibility at Bradford White. In 1992, he led the team that acquired Brad­ ford White as employee owners. Bob was the visionary leader of Bradford White and remained its chairman of the board until his death. Bob was also recognized as an icon who always gave back to the industry. One of his favorite sayings was: “There’s no water like hot water!” Bob and Judy moved to Vero Beach, Flori­ da in 2009. To everyone’s surprise, the relax­ ing Vero lifestyle suited Bob. He cherished his time and many new friends in Vero. Bob is survived by Judy, his wife of 56 years; his daughter, Robyn Betterly (Mark); his son, Bruce (Audrey), and his nine beloved grandchildren; Laura, Mark Ryan, Julia, Rob­ by, Jack, Tommy, James, Charlotte, and Sara. He is also survived by his sister, Ines Eastburn of Oreland, Pa. In lieu of flowers, our family asks that you make a blood donation if you are able, or if not, please donate to one Bob’s favorite char­ ities: The Wissahickon Valley Boys and Girls Club or Crossover Mission, Vero Beach, FL. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, April 18, 2019 — Page 7 BUSINESS BRIEFS Edward Jones ranks highest in investor satisfaction Pastor Ken Scheck leads Good Friday Cross Walk participants along State Street in downtown Hastings. People of all ages are encouraged and invited to take a turn at carrying the cross Friday, beginning at 9:30 a.m. (Photo provided) Good Friday cross walk is tomorrow : Grace Lutheran Church of Hastings invites ’ the community to participate in the Good Friday Cross Walk April 19. The walk will begin at 9:30 a.m. from Grace Lutheran Church, 239 E. North St. “We walk in the streets of Hastings, remind­ ing us of how Jesus walked in the streets of Jerusalem to the place of crucifixion,” Pastor Ken Scheck said. “Good Friday is not just another work day or day off, it is an opportu­ nity for us to focus on the journey of our Lord’s crucifixion and resurrection. During the walk, we will stop, read Scripture and offer prayers as we open our minds to Jesus’ journey, which gave us life.” Scheck said everyone is invited to experi­ ence this walk of renewal. Participant Gary Golnek said he has great memories of the community cross walk. “I have been participating in the cross walk for 15 or more years,” Golnek said. “I like the time to reflect on the cross and what it really means. It’s all about Holy Week and the even­ tual outcome: Love happened.” “It means a lot to me to witness in our com­ munity that it is not just another Friday,” added participant Kim Domke. “Good Friday is special. It really comes down to the mes­ sage that the love of God is poured down on us, whether we look up to catch it with a smile, or with our head bent down, we still get it. “We have walked in sunshine, rain and even the snow,” Domke added. “So come dressed for the weather.” The 2 lZ>-mile walk usually takes 1 hour and 15 minutes to 1 hour and 45 minutes. Those who cannot walk the entire route are invited to walk as long as they are able. A vehicle will follow the walkers to offer a ride or assis­ tance, as needed. Everyone wanting to carry the cross may take a turn. People of all ages are encouraged to participate. Strollers are welcome, but no bicycles. A time of visiting and refreshments will be provided at the church after the walk. Anyone with questions may call the church, 269-945-9414, or Kim Domke, 269-908­ 0024. Narnia comes to Barry County Christian School stage Joan Van Houten Staff Writer “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” musical will feature students of Barry County Christian School on April 27. “The cast and crew have been spending many hours rehearsing during the week and Saturday mornings for this exciting show. The kids are very excited to perform this classic story for the community,” Angie Greenfield, assistant director, said. The musical will be at 6:30 p.m. at the Barry County Christian School, 2999 McKeown Road, Hastings. Adult and senior tickets are $7 and tickets for children under 12 are $5. The fantasy novel was written by C.S. Lewis and published in 1950. Set in Narnia, the evil White Witch rules over talking ani­ mals and mythical creatures. The youngest of four siblings, Lucy, discovers a way into Narnia through an enchanted wardrobe in a bedroom of an old country house where her family lives. Eventually, Lucy’s siblings join in her trav­ els and adventures as they fight to save the mystical land they have come to love with their new friend, the lion Aslan. Greenfield said the production has been an exciting project for the school. Principal Brandon Strong and the entire BCCS shop class have put in long hours to create the set of Narnia. Sandy Greenfield took measure­ ments, searched for just the right materials, designed and sewed costumes to create a symbolic Namian look, and the athletic direc­ tor and three parents will be performing with the elementary, middle and high school stu­ dents. Lead characters are: Rick Voloski as Aslan the lion; Rachel Voloski as the White Witch; Angie Thompson as Mrs. Beaver; Dale Thompson as Mr. Beaver and Edmund; Jessica Halder as Lucy; Caleb Halder as Peter; Ella Schultz as Susan; Kevin Schultz as Tumnis; Darius Jerue ia Fenris Ulf and Father Christmas; Sedona Jones as the unicorn; and Gene Greenfield as Centaur. Students in supporting roles are: Constance Voloski, Jazmyne Smith, Mikaila Thompson, Brody Schultz, Aundrea Strong, Tristan Strong, Kara Hendrick, Hannah Moore and Lynn Moore. Costume design: Sandy Greenfield Set design: Nick Reitz, Brandon Strong and students of the BCtS shop class Makeup and hair: Kendra Bumgardner and Cheyenne Martin Lead director: Nicole Reitz Assistant directors: Angie Greenfield and Heather Schultz SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Online services still accessible when traveling your personal My Social Security account to Vonda VanTil Get your benefit verification letter (includes Social Security Public Affairs Specialist With summer nearing, you might be plan­ Medicare and SSI); check your information, ning a vacation or trip. Social Security is here benefits, and earnings record; change your for you when you’re traveling, whether it’s address and telephone number; start or change just a state away or when you are overseas. your direct deposit; request a replacement Our online services page directs you to a Medicare card; get a replacement SSA-1099 wide variety of useful links at SocialSecurity. or SSA-1042S for tax season; or report wages gov/onlineservices/. if you work and receive Disability Insurance Through our online services, you can: benefitsor Supplemental Security Income. Create a My Social Security account today -Apply for Social Security benefits. at SocialSecurity.gov/myaccount/ to take -Get your Social Security Statement. -Request a replacement Social Security advantage of these easy-to-use features. Also, share our online services page with friends card. and family, who might not know how easy -Appeal a decision. and secure our website is. -Find out if you qualify for benefits. Some of these features require you to have a My Social Security account, which is some­ Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist thing everyone should have, no matter what for West Michigan. You may write her do stage they are in their working lives. Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp If you already receive Social Security ben­ NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email to efits or Medicare, you can create or log in to vonda ,vantil@ssa .gov. Financial services firm Edward Jones ranks highest in investor satisfaction with full-ser­ vice brokerage firms, according to the J.D. Power 2019 U.S. Full Service Investor Satisfaction Study, the firm recent­ ly announced. The study measures overall investor satis­ faction with 18 full-service investment firms based on eight factors, including financial advisor, account information, investment per­ formance, firm interaction, product offerings, commissions and fees, information resources, and problem resolution. The firm scored 853 in overall satisfaction, 18 points over the industry average. “What a great honor it is to be recognized for what matters most, which is making a difference in the lives of our clients,” Edward Jones Managing Partner Penny Pennington said. “We illustrate the value of the Edward Jones client experience every day and help our clients achieve financially what is most important to them. We can bring something truly special to clients who experience us. This is why we exist.” Edward Jones ranked highest in investor satisfaction by J.D. Power in 2015 (tied), 2012, 2010, 2009, 2007-2005, and in a tie in 2002, when the study began. The satisfaction study is based on respons­ es from more than 4,629 investors who pri­ marily invest with one of the 18 firms includ­ ed in the study. The majority of the study was fielded in December 2018. More information can be found at jdpower. com/awards. Area employers among ‘Best and Brightest’ The 2019 list of “West Michigan’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For” is out and includes several area employers. “Only companies that distinguish them­ selves as having the most innovative and thoughtful human resources approach can be bestowed this honor,” according to a press release. Companies are grouped by size and evalu­ ated in several categories, such as compensa­ tion, enrichment, engagement and retention, education and development, communication, diversity, work-life balance, community ini­ tiatives and more. Among the winners are the following orga­ nizations either based in the area or with local branches: Cherry Health, Flexfab, Hastings Mutual Insurance Company, Highpoint Community Bank, Mercantile Bank of Michigan, Padnos, SpartanNash and United Bank of Michigan. The selected companies will be honored May 7 at the J.W. Marriott in downtown Grand Rapids. The winning companies also compete for 13 elite awards, and one will be named Best of the Best Overall. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN 2019-2023 PODUNK LAKE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (AQUATIC VEGETATION CONTROL) NOTICE OF MAY 8, 2019 PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED 2019-2023 SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN; OWNERS OF PROPERTY ABUTTING OR HAVING DEEDED ACCESS TO PODUNK LAKE IN LAND SECTIONS 26, 27 AND 34 OF RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP; AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Supervisor/Assessing Officer of Rutland Charter Township has reported to the Township Board and filed in the office of the Township Clerk for public examination a pro­ posed special assessment roll/special assessment column in the regular tax roll pertaining to the 2019-2023 Podunk Lake Improvement Project Special Assessment District (Aquatic Vegetation Control) as created and approved by the Township Board on April 10, 2019 (Resolution No. 2019-245). This proposed special assessment roll proposes to allocate the costs of an aquatic vegetation control program for 2019 through 2023 in the approximate total amount of $45,000 over the five-year program (approximately $9,000 per year) to the various lots and parcels within the District as follows (in each instance treating multiple contiguous lots/parcels under the same ownership as a single assessment unit): • $830.00 to each lot/parcel abutting Podunk Lake ($166.00 per year). .. • $6.90.00 to each lot/parcel abutting primarily the channel of Podunk Lake ($138.00 per year). • $320,00 to each lot/parcel abutting neither Podunk Lake nor the channel but having deeded access to Podunk Lake ($64.00 per year). The special assessments for each of years 2019-2023 will be subject to annual redetermination by the Township Board when the actual costs of the yearly program and any relevant administrative costs are known. Any such annual redetermination of costs and assessments will be made at a regular meeting of the Township Board in April-May of each year, or thereabouts, without further notice or hearing except as may be required by law or as may be further determined by the Township Board; provided that the allocation of individual special assessments resulting from any such annual redetermination shall be based on the same allocation method used for the initial 2019-2023 special assessment roll. Unpaid assessments will be subject to interest at a rate to be determined by the Township Board not exceeding 8.0% per annum (tentatively 3.0%). Note: the special assessments on the proposed 2019-2023 special assessment roll do not include any amount for legal/administrative costs associated with this five-year project, because the Township Board has determined a revenue surplus from previously imposed special assessments for the lake improvement programs undertaken in 2016-2018 should be sufficient to cover those costs. In 2020-2023 the Township Board may further consider whether any then-remaining surplus from the previous special assessments should be applied in whole or in part as an offset/credit to the special assessments that would otherwise be imposed in those years for the 2019-2023 project. A public hearing on any objections to the proposed special assessment roll will be held at the Rutland Charter Township Hall at 2461 Heath Road, Hastings, Michigan, on Wednesday. Mav 8. 2019 in conjunction with a regular meeting of the Township Board commencing at 7:00 p.m. Pursuant to this public hearing the Township Board may approve and confirm the proposed special assessment roll as submitted, or may approve the proposed special assessment roll with revisions, or may direct a new roll to be made. The proposed special assessment roll, and the project plans, estimate of costs, the boundaries of the 2019-2023 Podunk Lake Improvement Project Special Assessment District, and the Resolution of the Township Board creating the Special Assessment District and directing the Supervisor/Assessing Officer of the Township to make the proposed special assessment roll, may be examined at the office of the Township Clerk and may further be examined at the public hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE THAT APPEARANCE AND PROTEST AT THIS HEARING IS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO APPEAL A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT TO THE MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL AN OWNER OR PARTY IN INTEREST OR HIS OR HER AGENT MAY APPEAR IN PERSON AT THIS HEARING TO PROTEST A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT, OR MAY FILE AN APPEARANCE OR PROTEST BY LETTER WITH THE TOWNSHIP CLERK BEFORE THE CLOSE OF THE HEARING OR WITHIN SUCH FURTHER TIME AS THE TOWNSHIP BOARD MAY GRANT, IF ANY, AND IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES A PERSONAL APPEARANCE AT THE HEARING SHALL NOT BE REQUIRED. THE OWNER OR ANY PERSON HAVING AN INTEREST IN THE REAL PROPERTY WHO PROTESTS IN PERSON OR IN WRITING AS PROVIDED ABOVE MAY FILE A WRITTEN APPEAL OF A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT WITH THE MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL WITHIN 35 DAYS AFTER THE CONFIRMATION OF THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL (OR SUCH OTHER PERIOD OF TIME AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY LAW). The foregoing hearings and all proceedings associated with these special assessment matters will be conducted in accordance with and pursuant to 1954 PA 188, as amended, the Michigan Open Meetings Act, and any other applicable law. Rutland Charter Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services at the meeting/hearing to individuals with disabilities, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered, upon reasonable notice to the Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township Clerk as designated below. Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Rutland Charter Township 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2194 116981 Hastings Public Library Stafe Street Hastings Ml 49058 �Page 8 — Thursday, April 18, 2019 — The Hastings Banner ----- — Taka QAeMa ,—, , — ---------------------------------------------------------------- - --------- , —— — Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD JONES Elaine Garlock The Ionia County Genealogical Society met Saturday, April 13, at the Museum on Emerson Street with the usual attendance. The speaker was James Jackson who entertained his audience with many helpful ideas. Much of the material he showed was on the lineage of the author Laura Ingalls Wilder who wrote the famed “Little House” books such as “Little House in the Big Woods., “Little House on Plum Creek,” etc. For those who had read the books, it was like old-home week with names Grace, Mary, Carrie, Pa and Ma, Almanzo, Caroline, DeSmet, Nellie Oleson and others. Refreshments were served and library time continued for the next two hours. Visitors received help from members on their own family searches. Central United Methodist Church had an unusual service Sunday with a Biblical drama hosted by reporter Sam McNeill who had interviews with Biblical characters who were party to the Palm Sunday events. The service included music by Carol Reiser and Lori McNeill, Marilyn Noffke, personages Nanette Biang, Del Kostanko and others. The chancel choir sang from the northside pews. The church will have a Holy Thursday Seder Meal April 18 followed by the Holy Thursday service at 7 p.m. The Good Friday service for the Lakewood community will be Friday, April 19, at 1 p.m. The Rev. Ben Ridder of Harvest Community Christian Reformed Church will deliver the message with participation by other pastors of the community and music by the chancel d#ir of the host church. The Lakfejvood Ministerial Society hosts this annual service. The offering taken will benefit its fund, which provides basic needs of very needy people J who are carefully screened to provide rent assistance, heating expense help and other basic necessities. This service was begun to eliminate the previous practice of people in need going from church to church, seeking help from each. The community Easter Egg Hunt will take place at the village park on Fourth Avenue Earth Day offers valuable lessons to investors near M-50 Saturday, April 20. About 20 entities are providing assistance on this fun project that draws hundreds of children, plus accompanying adults. The local police department is prominent as are church groups. There are usually face painters, balloon artists and many more entertaining venues. Snacks are usually handed out. Plus, the big draw is the hunt for eggs, with smaller children having their own event where there is less competition than when the children who are 7 and older take to the grounds to do their own hunting. A shiny new bicycle is the top prize for some lucky youngster. Saturday, April 27, is another annual event that draws scores of patrons - The Festival of Tables sponsored by Friends of the Library at St. Edward’s Family Center from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is worth the price of admission to see just the tables with their unique settings, decorations, chair ornamentations, silverware and more. The brochure indicates that one can stomp with the Stone Pile Cloggers at this year’s festival. Raffle tickets will be available. The annual top prize for this day has ranged from an Alaska cruise to a $200 gift certificate at a local grocery and equally unique top prizes. The annual CROP Walk will be Sunday, April 28. It is sponsored by Lakewood Community Services, a coalition of local churches that combined efforts many years ago to provide services beyond the capability of any one church. Their efforts include the CROP Walk, which provides some of the funding for the Christmas Basket project, fire relief and several other benefits for the needy. Individual walkers will collect pledges, share a light meal, have a senddff for the walk, which is well marked with a choice of three lengths. Always there are joggers who finish in record time, followed by the walkers who may take a leisurely stroll to complete the tour, and others who are brisk about their business. Funds raised are sent to the headquarters of CROP. At a later date 205 percent of the funds are returned to the Lakewood community for use in local purposes to relieve hunger issues. On April 22, millions of people will observe Earth Day by participating in events that support environmental protection. As a citizen, you may want to take part in a local celebration. And as an investor, you can learn a few lessons from the themes of Earth Day. Here are a few of them: • Avoid a toxic investment environment. A recurring topic of Earth Day is the necessity of reducing toxins from our air, water and land. And, while you might not think of it in those terms, your portfolio can also contain some “toxic” elements in the form of invest­ ments that may be hindering your progress, or, at the very least, not contributing to it. For instance, you might own some investments that, for one reason or another, have consis­ tently underperformed, or are now too aggres­ sive for your risk tolerance, which can change over the years. In these cases, you might be better off selling the investments and using the proceeds for other, more appropriate ones. • Look for sources of renewable energy. Efforts to protect our environment include a push for more renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind. As an investor, you, too, can look for “renewables” in the form of investments that keep paying you back in one way or another. Of course, the most basic example would be a bond, which pays you regular interest until the bond matures and Brian Matthew Hannan, Ravenna and Jennifer Ann Carpenter, Middleville Jerry Lloyd Edgecomb, Hastings and Renee Kathleen Bishop, Hastings David Earl Stephens, Lake Odessa and Heidi Lynn Anderson, Lake Odessa Matthew Ray Shuck, Stafford,: VA and Kacee Alease McPeters, Stafford, VA Brian Randall Grubius, Delton and Kristina Kathleen Lyngvar, Delton you get your principal back, provided the ing some of the same techniques, you can issuer doesn’t default, which is generally improve your investment environment, too. unlikely with an investment-grade bond. This article was written by Edward Jones However, you also may want to consider for use by your local Edward Jones Financial another type of renewable - dividend-paying Advisor. If you have any questions, contact stocks. By reinvesting these dividends, you Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. can increase the number of shares you own and share ownership is a good way to help build your portfolio. Some companies have The following prices are from the close of paid, and even increased, their dividends business last Tuesday. Reported changes are many years in a row, but keep in mind they’re from the previous week. not obligated to do so. Apple Inc. 199.25 -.25 • Plant seeds of opportunity. Some Earth AT&T 32.25 +.50 Day events involve planting trees - many of Chemical Fin 44.01 -1.86 which won’t be fully grown for decades. Chevron 121.17 -4.37 When you invest, you are planting seeds in Deere & Co. 164.56 +5.73 the form of investments you hope will grow Exxon Mobil 81.20 -.73 over the years. Of course, you will likely see Flowserve CP 49.11 +1.45 some volatility along the way, but over the Ford Motor Co. 9.36 +.15 long term, investments with strong fundamen­ General Electric Co. 9.14 -.08 tals may reward you for your patience. General Motors 39.66 +.80 Apart from these ideas, you also can con­ Home Depot Inc. 204.47 +3.57 nect the idea of helping protect the environ­ Johnson Johnson 138.02 +2.45 ment with investing for your goals. Through Kellogg Co. 58.39 +1.23 socially responsible investing, you can screen Microsoft CP 120.77 +1.49 out investments in companies whose products Perrigo Co. 50.60 -.20 you find objectionable, while supporting busi­ Pfizer Inc. 40.92 -1.92 nesses whose work you believe helps contrib­ Spartannash Comp 16.86 +.46 ute to a better world. And you can find invest­ Stryker 189.04 -6.93 ments, such as mutual funds that emphasize TCF Financial Corp. 22.19 +.62 social responsibility, whose returns are com­ Walmart Inc. ( 102.93 +4.24 petitive, so you don’t have to sacrifice growth Walt Disney Co 129.90 +13.04 potential for your principles. Whirl Pool Corp 137.78 +2.57 In the nearly 50 years since Earth Day cele­ brations began, we have taken steps to Gold $1,276.51 +$28.11 improve many aspects of our physical world, Silver $15.08 -.22 although the work continues. And by follow­ Dow Jones 26,453 +303 ------ STOCKS------ Jiewborn babies Lawson Lyle Merlau, born at Bronson Hospital, Kalamazoo on March 1, 2019 to Dustin and Alicia Merlau of Plainwell. TWINS - Jacob Arthur Converse and Jesse Robert Converse, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on March 22, 2019 to Danielle Converse and Nic Converse. Aurora Jones, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on March 25, 2019 to Jesalee Jones and Seth Jones of Charlotte. Abel Loren Endsley, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on March 29,2019 to Ashley Smith and Josh Endsley of Freeport. •Off $10,000 PRIZE BOARD KING & QUEEN BINGO ? 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Call our office today to schedule your appoint­ ments. 225 S M37 Hwy, Suite 2 Hastings, MI (269) 945-3401 I % I Thomas M. Hoffman. M.D.J Every house begins with a design SHINING BRIGHTER TOGETHER Open to tin Mik Mayl.rWpm TM»tvAIISeats$7 Dear Dr. Universe: How do houses get built? OWL School students, United Kingdom Dear OWL School students: Humans have built all kinds of houses throughout history. During the Ice Age, humans made their homes in big caves. A few thousand years later, people figured out how to fire up a hot oven and bake their own clay bricks. A lot of the first houses* made of these bricks didn’t even have front doors. To get in the house, you climbed up a ladder to the roof and used another ladder to get down inside. “As soon as humans left their caves and started settling in cities, architecture has been with us,” my friend Mona Ghandi said Ghandi is an architect and researcher at Washington State University. An architect is someone who designs buildings and super­ vises their construction. She said you, too, can be an architect. First, you will need an idea. Think of a house you want to build and sketch it out on paper. After the initial idea and sketch, you can either develop your design on paper or try using a digital design software. Next, evaluate your design. Ask a bunch of questions, such as: Will your house stand up to the weather? How does its design fit into the neighborhood? Does it meet city regulations and codes? Then you can adopt your design. That means you take it from imagination to reality. “There is no end to design,” Ghandi said. “You can always make it better and better. The only thing that stops it is a deadline.” It takes a whole team of architects, car­ penters, plumbers, electricians; structural engineers and construction workers to build a house. We also need to think about materi­ als. If you want to make a small house on your desk at school, you might use scraps of paper or foam boards. If you want to start a little bigger, maybe you can work with your class to build a structure made of cardboard boxes. Ghandi also reminded me that not every­ one has a house. But she and her students are working to change that. She worked with her students to build a piece of architecture for homeless people that folds up like an accor­ dion and can be unfolded into a small shelter. That shelter can take up to eight different configurations. It will give people a place to keep their belongings and have protection from the weather. People also can take it with them, wherever they go. Ghandi said the best part about architecture is that you can make things to help people live a better life. Whether you live in a tall brick apartment building, a house made of mud and straw, a tiny house, a farmhouse in the country or a house on wheels, there’s a good chance houses will look much different in the future. What do you think houses will look like the future? Wha| materials will we use to build them? What kinds of things will the house be able to do? Tell us about your ideas or send us your designs sometime at Dr. Universe @ wsu .edu. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University's resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her web­ site, askdruniverse.com. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, April 18, 2019 — Page 9 t fl look back at the stories and GOlumiis on local history In the Hastings Banner 'TURNING BACK THE PAGES Banners provided glimpse back in time Though the Chicago, Kalamazoo and Saginaw railroad never reached its eastern namesake, the train transported local residents for several decades. (File photos) The April 25,1918, Banner took a glance back at news from the 1860s to 1880s in a column headlined “Mirror of Old Times in Hastings.” They were identified as “items of interest from the Banner of corresponding dates 30, 40 and 50 years ago.” The columns sometimes were categorized as local news or personal, although some of the “local’ information could sound, a bit personal. So, readers can take a look back at happenings here before automobiles, telephones and Social Security - and also try to decipher whether the news was good or bad. Forty years ago April 17,1878 Local Greenbacks are now worth 100 cents on the dollar in gold. Ice cream social at Good Templars hall Monday evening next. Hon. Frank A* Hooker, the new circuit judge, is winning golden opinions for his work on the bench. He succeeded Judge VanZile, who resigned April 1. Miss Mary A. Whetstone of Rutland has a quilt that is made up of 896 blocks, each block containing eight pieces, or a total of 7,168 pieces. Hon. Clement Smith is building a fine home on State Street on the comer of Hanover in the second ward. Our fellow citizen John W. Custer is doing a wonderful work in the temperance cause in Calhoun County. At Marshall, he added 270 names to the red ribbon roll. At the meeting of Pioneer Hose and Engine Co. No. 1 Tuesday evening, the following officers were elected: J. Harry Anderson, foreman; W.M. Scudder, assistant foreman; Irving L. Cressey secretary; Baker Shriner, treasurer. Fifty years ago April 15 1868 Local The Methodist quarterly meeting will be at their church in this village next Sunday, conducted by Presiding Elder Rev. J.W. Bangs. The next meeting of the Hastings Literary Association will be Wednesday evening next at the Chess Club room. Mrs. Lent, wife of Squire Lent, of Prairieville, while in the act of making a bed, had her clothes set on fire by a stove near the bed April 5. She was so badly burned that she died the following Tuesday morning. A Gen. U.S. Grant Club was organized at Middleville last week. Following are the members: Harvey Wright, John F. Emory, L.R. Baker, M.R. Rundage, J.R. Russell, A. H. Slocum, James M. Flanagan, J.SA. Williams, Amos Beach, Aaron Clark Jr., John Beach, Aaron Clark, Amos Wakefield, C.S. Cranston, A.H. Ellis, Thos. Cranston, J.D. Hubbard, James Gibbs, Wm. J. Cobb, A.L. McDowell, Geo C. Worth, Geo. C. Deitrich, Lorenzo W. Payne, Wm. O. Sylvester, H. Vredenburg, Fred W. Collins, Fred Alexander, A.A. Mend, Elijah H. Wade, J. Barrell, A. Clark, S.G. Webster, W.T. Larkin, Joseph Bond, H.H. Stowell, Alfred D. Badcock, Sherman Corsett, Alfred B. Corsett, L.T. Mosely, Geo. Alexander. Thirty years ago April 18,1888 Local Twin sons were born to Mr. and Mrs. Archie Ayers Wednesday. A.D. McElwain gave a private hop[?] in Union Hall Thursday evening. A new passenger coach has been purchased by the CK&S and is now making regular trips. The tea given by the ladies of Emmanuel church Thursday evening netted them $20, being unusually large. Morgan Jones, C.W.H. Cassady, C.A. Hough and O.E. Gillman are all preparing to build new houses in the second ward. If April doesn’t settle down to decent weather before long, the early garden will make a mighty poor record this spring. It looks as though Hastings papers cannot have their usual April local about “the Mental Health/ Substance Use Disorder Peer Support Specialist Barry County Community Mental Health Authority, a progressive provider of Mental health and Substance Abuse services in Hastings, Michigan is looking for a part-time Peer Support Specialist to join our team of individuals dedicated to working with clients in pursuit of their recovery. A Peer Support Specialist will support, mentor and provide assistance to beneficiaries to achieve community inclusion, participation, independence, recovery, and productivity. Interested individuals must be in recovery from severe mental illness and have received or are receiving services from the public mental health system. Check us out at www.barrycountyrecovery.com. Email jobs@ bccmha.org or contact us at 500 Barfield Drive, Hastings, MI 49058. No phone calls please. EEO Employer. courthouse yard is carpeted in green.” Grass will not grow when the thermometer hangs around the zero mark. Morris H. Burton has purchased the Ryerson farm in Hastings township. The consideration was $7,500. The democratic city caucus was held in the courtroom last night to elect delegates to the county convention. The following were chosen: First Ward, Luke Waters, Robert Dawson, D.R. McElwain; Second Ward, Fred Barlow, Chas. Hotchkiss; Third Ward, J.S. Goodyear, N. Barlow, Gilbert Matthews; Fourth Ward, A.' H. Johnson, W.S. Goodyear, Jas. Clark, Dan W. Reynolds. The city council seems quite favorably disposed toward building a water tower on the heights in the first ward as an addition to the water works system. Such a plan will cost the city $5,000. But the city has $3,000 left of the bond sale of $30,000 water bonds, so that but little would need to be added to our taxes. Ten permits have so far been issued for use of the city water this week, making 54 in all, from which a yearly revenue of $600 will be derived. Mr. Rowe, of the Detroit Ball Team, speaking of Charley Baldwin to a Detroit Tribune reporter recently, said: “Talk about your left-handed pitchers,” just before the game today. “Baldwin can give them all points. He is the greatest general of them all. The Lady has all the curves that Ramsey possesses and with a lot of judgment to help them out. Kilroy and this man Smith, of Cincinnati, are not in the same class with him.” “That’s right,” supplemented Brouthers, the big first baseman. “If I know anything about pitchers, Baldwin is the greatest left­ hander since the days of Richmond, and he is far ahead of the latter.” Personal Mrs. Clement Smith spent Sunday in Nashville. A.J. Bowne intends starting a bank in California. Milo L. Williams and wife visited in Olivet last week. O.D. Spaulding went to Detroit Monday to buy new goods. Henry Ford and family will leave Tuesday for New Mexico. Frank Brooks will start this week for Breckenridge, Colorado. Silas Stafford attended circuit court in Allegan last week. Miss Ada Michael has resigned her position as clerk for Stauffer and Crawley. Miss Nora Matthews has taken her place. John Bessmer and family attended the Eckert-Garlinger wedding in Woodland Wednesday. F.G. Goodyear was called to Coldwater Saturday by the serious illness of his wife, who is there on a visit to her father, Gen. Parkhurst. Hon. Daniel Striker and wife left this morning to attend the general conference of the Methodist church, which will convene in New York City in June. They will spend the intervening time visiting relatives in New York State. City delivery wagons likely were once the source of goods and news. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ORDINANCE SUBMITTAL TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that proposed Ordinance #2019-168 appended hereto was introduced for first reading by the Rutland Charter Township Board at its April 10, 2019 meeting. This proposed ordinance will be considered for adoption by the Township Board at its next regular meeting on May 8, 2019 commencing at 7:00 p.m. at the Charter Township Hall. Rutland Charter Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven (7)Jiays’ notice to Rutland Charter Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDINANCE # 2019-168 (proposed) ADOPTED: EFFECTIVE: An Ordinance to amend the Zoning Map of Rutland Charter Township as incorporated into Chapter 220 (Zoning) of the Rutland Charter Township Code by the rezoning of property in land Section 2 of the Township from the CR Country Residential, MDR Medium Density Residential and HDR High Density Residential zoning classifications to the PRC Parks/Recreation/Camps District zoning classification; and to amend § 220-15-1 of the Rutland Charter Township Code (Schedule of Regulations) with respect to the minimum yard requirements applicable in the PRC Parks/Recreation/ Camps District. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN Women's Giving Circle will meet May 1 The Women’s Giving Circle of Barry County will meet Wednesday, May 1, at Yankee Springs Golf Course, 12300 Bowens Mill Road, Wayland. Dinner will begin at 6 p.m. The first speaker of the evening will be Jennifer Christiansen, executive director of Lighthouse on the Lake Center. She will tell the members how donations totaling $8,180 from the previous meeting will be used to enhance its offerings. The second speaker will be Carol Mantle from the Barry County Humane Society. The philanthropic group, which meets quarterly, is open to all women. Members pay for their own meals and agree to donate $50 to the selected charity ($30 for those under 30). RSVPs for this meeting must be received by Wednesday, April 24, via email to NanGoodin@aol.com or by phone, 616-891 0325. Information will be emailed to interested women, who may join the Women’s Giving Circle at any time. The Women’s Giving Circle of Barry County Michigan also has a Facebook page. HAVE YOU BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH LUNG CANCER« MESOTHELIOMA? ARE YOU AN ASBESTOS VICTIM? Please call us for a FREE consultation Call today 1-800-547-4189 ORDAINS: SECTION I REZONING OF PROPERTY IN LAND SECTION 2 The Zoning Map of Rutland Charter Township as incorporated into Chapter 220 (Zoning) of the Rutland Charter Township Code is hereby amended to rezone from the CR Country Residential, MDR Medium Density Residential and HDR High Density Residential zoning classifications to the PRC Parks/Recreation/Camps District zoning classification the following parcels in land Section 2: • Parcel no. 13-050-076-00. •Parcel no. 13-001-020-15. • Parcel no. 13-070-002-00. •Parcel no. 13-002-014-00. • Parcel no. 13-002-002-00. SECTION II AMENDMENT OF § 220-15-1 (SCHEDULE OF REGULATIONS) OF RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP CODE § 220-15-1 of the Rutland Charter Township Code (Schedule of Regulations) is hereby amended to add a footnote 7 to the part of the Schedule pertaining to the minimum yard requirements (“front” yard column) applicable in the PRC Parks/ Recreation/Camps District, and add the related text for the new footnote reading as follows: “(7) The generally applicable minimum front yard (lake-side) setback requirement for detached accessory buildings/accessory structures on lake lots in the PRC Park/Recreation/Camps District may be reduced to not less than 5’. The exercise of this setback reduction authority shall be made by the Planning Commission pursuant to the standards for special land use approval (§ 220-20-3) and/or the standards for final site plan approval (§ 220-21-5.B) in any circumstances where the proposed accessory building/structure is subject to special land use and/or site plan approval(s). In any other circumstances, where neither special land use nor Planning Commission site plan approval is required, this setback reduction authority shall be exercised by the Zoning Administrator in accordance with the review and approval criteria for the administrative site plan review process as specified in § 220-21-7.B-D.” SECTIONIH REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES/EFFECTIVE DATE All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this Ordinance are hereby repealed. This Ordinance shall take effect eight (8) days after publication or on such later date as may be required by law. Robin Hawthorne, Clerk <986 Rutland Charter Township �Page 10 — Thursday, April 18, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Ballots from 1970s find a home with Freeport Historical Society Rebecca Pierce Editor Irving Township Clerk Sharon Olson offi­ cially presented some historic documents from the 1976 presidential election - pad­ locked wooden boxes containing paper bal­ lots - to the Freeport Historical Society. The presentation was made during last week’s township board meeting. The ballots were taken to Irving Township Hall after being discovered at the Freeport District Library about a year ago. “It was when a new roof was being installed on a portion of the library,” Olson said. “They were cleaning out a small closet and found two old ballot boxes. I guess no one knew what should be done with them, so they were brought here.” The boxes are worn and look much older than the documents they contain. They have slots for inserting ballots and the boxes were closed, secured with padlocks. Their existence is a mystery, Olson said, because when villages managed their own election ballots, the ballots could be legally destroyed after 22 months - and usually were. Perhaps they were saved because of the significance of the year - 1976 - the bicenten­ nial. Also, a West Michigan man - Gerald R. Ford - was the presidential candidate on those ballots, and that brought the national race closer to home. In any case, Olson said the township board is planning to take the two large official OFFICIAL GENERAL ELECTION, TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, W6 TOWNSHIP OF IRVING NAMES COUNTY OF BARRY, MICHIGAN OF OFFICES VOTED FOR: Electors of dent and Vice President ,e United States „— SIDENTIAL CRESSIONAL Freeport Historical Society Vice President Sherry Graham, (from left) with Irving Township Clerk Sharon Olson, Barry County Commissioner Jon Smelker of Freeport, who is president of the historical society, and his wife, Colleen, who is the historical society secretary, accept the township’s contribution Wednesday evening. “X” marks the spot on an official ballot from the Nov. 2, 1976, general election show­ ing Republicans Gerald R. Ford and Robert Dole as the winners in the presidential race in Irving Township. (Photos by Rebecca Pierce.) ballots and frame them to decorate the walls of the township hall at 3425 Wing Road. ‘Appreciation’ taking center stage April 24 This box was filled with paper ballots from the November 1976 presidential election. RDAncoDn lAfmTE WATER BALLOT HEATERS 200 Lafayette St., Middleville Ml 49333 This ballot box was disapproved by the county board of canvassers May 19, 1970. Thursday, April 25, 2019 from 1 PM to 3 PM 200 Lafayette St., Middleville Ml 49333 Interested potential employees will have the Come Join Us For Our On-Site Hiring Event! opportunity to meet with the General Foreman of Maintenance, Maintenance Supervisors and Human Resources. Bradford White Corporation offers great wages and a fantastic compensation and benefit package: • Comprehensive medical, Rx, and dental coverage for employees and dependents with NO employee contributions ($0.00 out of your paycheck). This could result in up to a $3.00/hour increase in your take home pay. • Life Insurance and AD&D Plans at no additional costs • 401k Plan with 50% employer match • Annual $1,000 attendance bonus available • License Electrician starting at $26.20/hour, plus overtime and shift premium • Machine Repair DOL starting at $26.00/hour, plus overtime and shift premium Now Hiring: License Electrician Machine Repair DOL RSVP by emailing your name to jobfairfSbradfordwhite.com to reserve your spot and receive additional information. *Must be 18 or older, able to successfully complete pre-employment physical, hair sample drug screen and background check When the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance launched the annual Administrative Professionals Appreciation Luncheon two, years ago, the organization wasn’t sure what to expect. “We just knew that we wanted to provide an opportunity for our member businesses and organizations, large and small, to convey their appreciation for their administrative staffs, who contribute so much to the economic suc­ cess of Barry County,” Travis Alden, chamber and alliance president, said in a press release. The event has been a hit, with 80 attendees in 2017 and nearly 100 last year from all over the area, he said. Participants represented’ local manufacturing firms, school districts^ small offices, nonprofit organizations and more. “The feedback has been extremely positive, and we’re committed to holding it, and improving it, annually,” said Kim Martin, business manager at the chamber and EDA and the event’s organizer. “We’re excited to put on the upcoming luncheon, which is a great way for local employers to show thenstaff that they appreciate them.” :> The luncheon will be April 24, Administrative Professionals Day, which is a? nationally recognized day to express thanks^ for the often-unsung heroes of businesses and organizations throughout the country. ‘ Registration and buffet lunch will begin at' 11:30 a.m., with the program kicking off at noon at Grace Community Church in Nashville. Lunch will be catered by Mexican Connexion, and Moo-Ville Creamery will provide a sundae bar. Along with the meal, attendees will be, treated to a panel discussion focused on work­ life balance, featuring four panelists with> diverse and unique perspectives on the topic:* Sheryl Lewis-Blake, retired CEO of Spectrum Health Pennock; Rebecca DeHaan, director of human resources at Thornapple Manor; MattThom, talent acquisition specialist at Hastings Mutual Insurance; and Lyndsey Fischer, assist tant principal at Thomapple Kellogg Middle^ School “I’m thrilled to host this panel at the lun­ cheon,” Alden said. “A panel is a great format for an event like this, and will keep the discus7 sion casual and relatable. It’s especially rele-^ vant in today’s fast-paced work environmentp where making time for family, recreation and? community involvement is really tough. I’itr really looking forward to this and can’t thank5 our panelists enough for volunteering to be a part of it.” Event sponsors Barlow Florist, Graced Community Church, Highpoint Community* Bank, Greenridge Realty Hastings, Hastings!* Mutual Insurance, Photographic Memory anj^ Thornapple Credit Union and several door? price sponsors have stepped up to make sure’ each attendee leaves the event with a gift?* including a flower. “The community has been very generous with door prizes for the luncheon, and last year we were able to give every single attend dant a gift,” Martin said. “We’re hoping to be’ able to do that again this year, and are looking, for a few more door prizes to make that pos­ sible.” Registration to attend the event will beopen through Sunday, April 21. Advance reg­ istration is required by calling the chamber^ 269-945-2454; or online at https://tinyurL! com/BCAdminLunchl9. The cost to attend is? $3°. • “We encourage supervisors and manager's to attend with their administrative team-* mates,” Martin said. “It really is an easy, yet meaningful, way to show you appreciate your" co-workers.” �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, April 18, 2019 — Page 11 LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE TO CREDITORS TRUST ESTATE TO ALL CREDITORS: The Settlor, Don Steinbrecher (date of birth: 8-14­ 1934, who lived at 7250 Assyria Rd., Nashville, Michigan, died March 17, 2019. There is no personal representative of the settlor’s estate to v^hom Letters of Administration have been issued. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the Don Ray and Mary Lois Steinbrecher trust dated, 10-12-2012 as amended, will be forever banned unless presented to Debra Heffron, Successor Trustee, within four months after the date of publication. Notify by mail - 5420 Beckley Rd, #312, Battle Creek, Ml 49015. Notice is further given that the Trust will thereafter be assigned and distributed to the persons entitled to it. Date: 4-15-19 Qebra Heffron 5420 Beckley Rd. #312 Battle Creek, Ml 49015 116942 £ NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Christopher A. Hildebrant and Kelly M. Hildebrant, husband and wife, joint tenants, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns, Mortgagee, dated July 21,2016 and recorded July 27, 2016 in Instrument Number 2016-007383 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by First Guaranty Mortgage Corporation, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Seventy-Four Thousand Six Hundred Twenty and 98/100 Dollars ($74,620.98), including interest at 4% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part df them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on MAY 16, 2019. Said premises are located in the Township of Baltimore, Barry County Michigan, and are described ^s: PARCEL 1: BEGINNING 8 RODS EAST OF THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SECTION 34, T2N, R8W, BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, THENCE NORTH 40 RODS; THENCE EAST 4 RODS; THENCE SOUTH 40 RODS; THENCE WEST 4 RODS TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. • PARCEL 2: BEGINNING 12 RODS EAST OF THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SECTION 34, T2N, R8W, BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, THENCE NORTH 40 RODS; THENCE EAST 4 RODS; THENCE SOUTH 40 RODS; THENCE WEST 4 RODS TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. r The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of ^uchsale, If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: April 18, 2019 File No. 19-003927 Firm Name: Orlans PC (04-18)(05-09) 117077 h Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a;sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on May 9, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Theresa Marie Degennaro 'Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): The Bank of New York Mellon fka The Bank of New York as trustee for the Certificateholders of CWABS Inc., AssetBacked Certificates Series 2007-2 Date of Mortgage: January 12, 2007 .Date of Mortgage Recording: January 23, 2007 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $96,252.06 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Irving, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Beginning at a point on the East-West quarter of Section 22, Town 4 North, Range 9 West, irying Township, Barry County, Michigan, distant Westerly 495.00 feet, more or less from the East quarter post of said Section 22, being the Northwest corner of the East 30 acres of the East half of the Southeast quarter of said Section 22; thence Southerly 679 feet parallel with the East line of said Section 22; thence Westerly 385.00 feet; thence Northerly 679.00 feet to said East-West quarter line of Section 22; thence Easterly 385.00 feet to the point of beginning. Subject to all conditions, restrictions and easements of record. The Grantor Grants to the Grantee the right to make zero (0) Djvision under Section 108 of the Land Division Act, Act No. 288 of the public Acts of 1967, as amended. This property may be located within the vicinity of farm Land or Farm operation generally accepted agricultural and management practices which may generate noise, dust, odors and other associated cqnditions may be used and are protected by the Michigan Right to Farm Act. ’ The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. ' This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: April 11,2019 Tfott Law, P.C. 1381528 (04-11)(05-02) 116236 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 2019-28176-DE Estate of Raymond George Ayers. Date of birth: 07/15/1961 TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Raymond George Ayers, died On or after 02/23/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Ryan James Ayers, Nicole Marie Kozik-Ayers, Antonette Leo Casey, personal representatives or to both the probate court at 206 West Court St., Ste. #302, Hastings, Ml 40958 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 4/11/2019 Kendra R. Rozboril P82365 40950 Woodward Ave., Ste. 130 Bloomfield Hills, Ml 48304 248-792-9193 Ryan James Ayers 2071 Highfield Rd. Waterford, Ml 48329 248-202-7716 Nicole Marie Kozik-Ayers 2025 S. Railroad St., Lawton, Ml 49065 Ph. No. 269-569-3169 Antonette Lee Casey 2045 Highfield Rd. Waterford, Ml 48329 Ph. No. 248-731-8073 116834 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on April 25, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Joseph E. Post and Susan E. Post, Husband And Wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for GMAC Mortgage Corporation, its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Ditech Financial LLC FKA Green Tree Servicing LLC Date of Mortgage: April 24, 2003 Date of Mortgage Recording: July 28, 2003 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $145,743.59 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 24 of Northridge Estates #2, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 6 of Plats on Page 17. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: March 28, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1380282 (03-28)(04-18) 115417 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on May 16, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Donald L. Fuller, a married man and Shirley Fuller, his wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC Date of Mortgage: July 22, 2011 Date of Mortgage Recording: July 26, 2011 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $54,401.86 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Assyria, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: A parcel of land in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 34, Town 1 North. Range 7 West, described as: Beginning at a point on the East and West 1/4 line of Section 34, Town 1 North, Range 7 West, distant North 89 degrees 32 minutes 09 seconds East, 1943.12 feet from the West 1/4 post of said Section 34, said point of beginning also being South 89 degrees 32 minutes 09 seconds West, 215 feet from the pld centerline of Highway M-66, as previously located in 1934, and being South 89 degrees 32 minutes 09 seconds West, 253.18 feet from the centerline of Highway M-66, as relocated in 1966; thence North 08 degrees 36 minutes 26 seconds West, 113.14 feet (previously recorded as 105 feet), to the Southwest corner of lands conveyed in Liber 244 of Deeds, on Page 174, Barry County Records; thence North 86 degrees 27 minutes 05 seconds East, along the South line of said lands conveyed in Liber 244 of Deeds, on Page 174, a distance of 173.21 feet to the Northwesterly line of a clear vision area for Highway M-66, as conveyed in Liber 307 of Deeds, on Page 375, of Barry County Records; thence South 40 degrees 04 minutes 25 seconds West, along said Northwesterly line, 159.64 feet, to said East and West 1/4 line; thence South 89 degrees 32 minutes 09 seconds West along said East and West 1/4 line, 53.18 feet, to the place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: April 18, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1382410 (04-18) (05-09) 116980 SYNOPSIS PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Regular Meeting April 10, 2019 Supervisor Stoneburner called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Present: Supervisor Stoneburner, Clerk Goebel, TreasurerPence, Trustee VanNiman, Trustee Borden, Attorney Catherine Kaufman Agenda and Minutes were approved. Public comments were received. Fire, Police and Parks Department reports were placed on file. Supervisor, Treasurer, Trustees and Clerk’s Reports were received. Approved Bills Gilmore Point Public Hearing, approved Resolution Approved Ordinance 168: Hindering/Obstructing Approved Ordinance 169: Anti-Blight Approved Ordinance 170: Marihuana Opt-Out Approved Resolution to Vacate identified streets in plat of Bay View Resort Approved Resolution to support the Barry County Resource Recovery Project Approved Resolution to oppose Township officials moved to non-partisan ballot Approved Resolution regarding Watercraft Controls on a portion of Upper Crooked lake Public comments and Board comments were received. Meeting adjourned at 8:39 p.m. Submitted by: Rod Goebel, Clerk 116777 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on May 2, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Jacob Sias, a married man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for VanDyk Mortgage Corporation its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Mr. Cooper Date of Mortgage: August 26, 2015 Date of Mortgage Recording: September 1,2015 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $76,284.12 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Village of Freeport, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot(s) 3, Block 10 of MAP OF THE VILLAGE OF FREEPORT according to the plat thereof recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, Page 22 of Barry County Records. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a d^bt collector. DATE OF NOTICE: APRIL 4, 2019 TROTT LAW, P.C. 1381106 (04-04)(04-25) 115956 NOTICE OF FQRECLQSyRESALE STEPHEN L. LANGELAND, P.C. A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTENTION PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. MORTGAGE SALE -- Default has occurred in a Mortgage made by Jeffrey D. Jackson and Richelie L. Jackson to First Community Federal Credit Union n/k/a Advia Credit Union dated June 15, 2004 and recorded on June 24, 2004 at Document No. 1129792 Barry County Records. No proceedings have been instituted to recover any part of the debt, secured by the mortgage or any part thereof and the amount now claimed to be due on the debt is $72,949.47. The Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the property at public auction to the highest bidder, for cash, on May 9, 2019 at 1:00 p.m., local time, at the East door of the Barry County Courthouse, Hastings, Ml. The property will be sold to pay the amount then due on the Mortgage, together with interest at 5.8% per annum, legal costs, attorney fees, and also any taxes or insurance or other advances and expenses due under mortgage or permitted under Michigan law. The land is located in the County of Barry, State of Michigan and is described as: COMMENCING AT THE WEST 1/4 POST OF SECTION 31, TOWN 1 NORTH, RANGE 10 WEST, PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, THENCE EAST 1350 FEET ON THE EAST-WEST 1/4 LINE, THENCE SOUTH 382.84 FEET ON THE NORTH AND SOUTH 1/8 LINE TO THE PLACE OF BEGINING; THENCE SOUTH 382.83 FEET TO THE NORTH LINE OF M-89; THENCE NORTH 70 DEGREES 28’ WEST 211.31 FEET ALONG HIGHWAY; THENCE NORTH 315 FEET (ALSO RECORDED AS 315.74 FEET); THENCE EAST 200 FEET TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. Which has the address of: 12792 M-89, Plainwell, Ml 49080 During the six (6) months following ng the sale the property may be redeemed, unless determined to be abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241(a), in which case the redemption period shall be thirty (30) days from the date of sale. ADVIA CREDIT UNION Dated: April 8, 2019 By: Stephen L. Langeland (P32583) BUSINESS ADDRESS: Stephen L. Langeland, P.C. Attorney at Law 6146 W. Main St., Ste. C Kalamazoo, Ml 49009 269/382-3703 116294 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Trust TO ALL CREDITORS: The Settlor, John W. Lawrence. DOB: 02/03/2019 SSN: xxx-xx-6410, who lived at 4949 Ridgewood Street, Richland, Michigan died February 3, 2019. There is no personal representative of the settlor’s estate to whom Letters of Administration have been issued. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the John W. Lawrence Trust dated 5/19/1975 as amended, will be forever banned unless presented to John W. Lawrence, Jr. CoTrustee(s) within 4 months after the date of publication. Varnum LLP Christopher J. Caldwell P64928 Bridgewater Place; PO Box 352 Grand Rapids, Ml 49501 616/336-6000 John W. Lawrence, Jr. c/o Christopher Caldwell - Bridgewater Place; PO Box 352 Grand Rapids, Ml 49501 116622 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 2019-28181-DE Estate of Charles W. Pearson, Deceased. Date of birth: 03/25/1959. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Charles W. Pearson, died 05/24/2017. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Margrete A. Irish-Pearson, personal representative or to both the probate court at 206 West Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Michigan 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 04/15/2019 Darrell L. Price (P41161) 130 East Columbia Avenue Battle Creek, Michigan 49015 269-963-5583 Margrete A. Irish-Pearson 1030 Willow Street Celina, Ohio 45822 512-963-7137 116979 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on May 9, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Timmy Rosenburg, a single man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Date of Mortgage: June 6, 2012 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 12, 2012 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $124,085.45 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: The Southeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 8, Town 3 North, Range 8 West, City of Hastings Barry County, Michigan The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: April 4, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1381105 (04-04)(04-25) 115957 NOTICE NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. MORTGAGE SALE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Benjamin B. Buehler, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for E Mortgage Management LLC (original lender) as Mortgagee, dated January 16, 2015, and recorded on January 26, 2015, in/under Official Instrument Number 2015-000699, in Barry County Records, Michigan and last assigned to WEI Mortgage, LLC, as assignee, documented by an Assignment of Mortgage dated March 14, 2019, and recorded on April 1, 2019, in/under Official Instrument Number 2019-002508, in Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due and owing as of April 4, 2019, the sum of ONE HUNDRED ELEVEN THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED SEVENTY SIX and 80/100 Dollars ($111,876.80). Notice is hereby given that under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on Thursday, June 6, 2019. Said premise is situated at 4700 Fighter Road, Hastings, Ml 49058 in the Township of Carlton, Barry County, Michigan, and is described as: THE LAND LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS: LAND SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF CARLTON, COUNTY OF BARRY, STATE OF MICHIGAN: A PARCEL OF LAND IN THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION i9, TOWN 4 NORTH, RANGE 8 WEST, DESCRIBED AS: COMMENCING AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SAID SECTION 19; THENCE EAST 474 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 369 FEET; THENCE SOUTHWEST TO A POINT 550 FEET SOUTH OF THE PLACE OF BEGINNING; THENCE NORTH OT THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. The redemption period shall be six (6) months (180 Days) from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. Pursuant to Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, if the property is sold at foreclosure sale, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder under MCLA 600.3278 for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: April 9, 2019 For More Information, please call: Matthew R. Reinhardt Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. Attorneys for Servicer 255 South Orange Avenue, Suite 900 Orlando, Florida 32801 (855) 287-0240 (04-18) (05-09) 116861 SYNOPSIS Hastings Charter Township Regular Meeting April 9, 2019 Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. Six board members present, Approved all consent agenda items Approved payment of bills Dept, reports received and put on file Motion to adjourn 8:02 pm Respectfully submitted, Anita S. Mennell - Clerk Attested to by Jim Brown - Supervisor 117035 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate Estate of William J. Higley, deceased. Date of birth: 7/3/1950 TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, William J. Higley, deceased, died January 21, 2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Margaret A. Higley, personal representative or to both the probate court at 206 West Court St., #302, Hastings and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: April 10, 2019 Michele C. Marquardt P39165 211 E. Water St., Ste. 401 Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007 (269) 343-2106 Margaret A. Higley 7257 Head Road Delton, Michigan 49046 (269)623-6028 116779 STATE OF MICHIGAN IN THE BARRY COUNTY TRIAL COURT­ DISTRICT DIVISION NOTICE OF SALE HON. WILLIAM M. DOHERTY. File No. 15-1217-GC GIRRBACH FUNERAL HOME, Plaintiff, vs. ELWINKWOOP JR.,, Defendant. DAVID H. TRIPP (P29290) 202 South Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 Attorney for Plaintiff_______ Pursuant to and by virtue of a Judgment of the 56-B District Court in the County of Barry, State of Michigan, made and entered on October 26, 2015, and an Order to Seize Property issued January 3, 2017, showing $12,815.94 due and owing plus interest Sheriffs fees, costs and attorney’s fees and the Notice of Levy recorded in the Barry County Register of Deeds in Barry County Record # 2019-001569 in a certain case pending in the 56-B District Court wherein Girrbach Funeral Home, Inc.; Plaintiff and Elwin H. Wood, Jr., is the Defendant, notice is hereby given that I shall sell at public sale to the highest bidder, at the East steps of the courthouse situated -in the City of Hastings, County of Barry, on Thursday, May 2, 2019 at 2:00 p.m., the following described property: All that certain piece or parcel of land situated in the Township of Hastings, County of Barry, State of Michigan, described as follows: LOT 4 OF BROOKFIELD ACRES ACCORDING TO THE RECORDED PLAT THEREOF. PARCEL# 08-06-130-004-00 COMMONLY KNOWN AS: 1968 BROOKFIELD DRIVE, HASTINGS, MICHIGAN 49058 Dated: 3-12-2019 Mark Sheldon, Barry County Deputy Sheriff Drafted by: David H. Tripp (P29290) 202 South Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-9585 Q:/IDHT Closed files\Girrbach Funeral HomeXEIwin Wood\Notice of Sale 3-6-19.doc 114640 NOTICE NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS COMMUNICATION IS FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT, AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. IF YOU: ARE A DEBTOR IN AN ACTIVE BANKRUPTCY CASE; ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF A BANKRUPTCY STAY; OR, HAVE RECEIVED A DISCHARGE IN BANKRUPTCY AND YOU HAVE NOT REAFFIRMED THE DEBT, THIS NOTICE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY. IF YOU ARE NOW ON ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY OR HAVE BEEN IN THE PRIOR ONE YEAR, PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW. Default has been made in the conditions of a Mortgage made by Premier Consultation and Asset Management, LLC to LendingHome Funding Corporation dated June 16, 2017 and recorded June 20, 2017 in Instrument No. 2017-006200, Barry County, Michigan. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of $130,148.53. Under the power of sale contained in said Mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the Circuit Court and/or for conducting such sales for the County of Barry, Michigan at 1:00PM on May 2, 2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: Land situated in the Township of Rutland, County of Barry, State of Michigan, described as follows: Township of Rutland, County of Barry Lot(s) 401, 402, 403 and 404 of Al-Gon-Quin Lake Resort Properties Unit No. 2 according to the plat thereof recorded in Liber 2 of Plats, Page 63 of Barry County Records. Said property is commonly known as 2752 Chippewa Trail, Hastings, Ml 49058. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. TO ALL PURCHASERS: The foreclosing mortgagee can rescind the sale. In that event, your damages, if any, are limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. Please be advised that any third party purchaser is responsible for preparing and recording the Sheriff’s Deed. Dated: March 29, 2019 Brock & Scott, PLLC 5431 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: 844-856-6646 File Number: 19-03387 (04-04)(04-25) 115963 �Page 12 — Thursday, April 18, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Clerk’s misinformation doesn’t change Yankee Springs board position Ian Watson Contributing Writer Despite an admission by Yankee Springs Township Clerk Janice Lippert that she mis­ spoke when providing information that led to the board’s removal of Supervisor Mark Englerth as its representative on the Gun Lake Area Sewer and Water Authority board Jan. 10, board members chose not to revisit the issue at their meeting last Thursday. Prior to the removal vote Jan. 10, Lippert informed her colleagues that she been in con­ tact with the other three members of the four-member GLASWA board, all of whom she claimed had told her Englerth had been disruptive and was causing turmoil on the GLASWA board. A motion by Lippert at the Jan. 10 meeting to remove Englerth as the board’s GLASWA representative was approved, 3-2. A subse­ quent 3-2 vote appointed Treasurer Alice Jansma as Englerth’s replacement. Lippert, Jansma and Trustee Larry Knowles voted to approve both motions. Englerth and Trustee Shanon VandenBerg voted against both. After subsequently being confronted by Englerth, Lippert read from a prepared state­ ment at Thursday’s regular board meeting, saying, “I misspoke, I did not speak directly to each member of the GLASWA board.” Lippert’s statement, a copy of which was provided to the Banner, continued: “I only repeated the numerous comments and com­ plaints that were overheard at the P.O., gro­ cery store, etc. And I still believe it is to the best interest of our users of the Sewer and Water services will be better served by Alice Jansma remain on the GLASWA board.” Englerth did not mince words in his response to Lippert’s statement. “What you told this board and this public was not the truth, period,” Englerth said, add­ ing that he had approached the GLASWA board after his removal and “asked all three members if they had talked to you [Lippert] ... and they said no they had not.” Englerth concluded by telling Lippert that what she did was not respectful and wasn’t true. VandenBerg joined Englerth’s refutation of Lippert’s actions, highlighting how the board made a decision based on false information and saying the “accusations were not so.” VandenBerg then called for a motion to remove Jansma as the Yankee Springs repre­ sentative to the GLASWA board. “We have an obligation to step up to the plate and give him [Englerth] his job back,” VandenBerg said. Janice C. Lippert 12725 Park Drive Wayland-Ml 49348 April 11,2019 TO: Yankee Springs Township Board I have been following the GLASWA Board minutes, especially the January 3rd, 2019. Page 2 “under New Business” ... attached and I will quote: “Chairman Leep informed the Board of a request by Detective Kimbel to voluntarily surrender the GLASWA owned mobile phones, phone numbers, access codes, and email addresses. Mr. Rook Stated he believed the issue was closed after the GLASWA Board decided they had no desire to pursue any investigation. Mr. Leep asked Mark Englerth to describe involvement with this investigation and Mr. Englerth did not answer the question. Mr. Leep shared the email request from Detective Kimbel with Board and asked why Mr. Englerth’s township email was copied on the email while no other Board members’ emails were. Mr. Englerth did not answer the question. Mr. Leep asked Mr. Englerth if his involvement in the investigation was as a GLASWA Board member, Yankee Springs Township Supervisor, or a private citizen. Mr. Englerth explained that the investigation was proceeding with or without his involvement. Mr. Leep asked Mr. Englerth if there is a written report describing the charges against the Director that might also provide insight as to what specifically the Detective is looking for on the phones. Mr. Englerth replied that there was no written report. Mr. Leep stated that before surrendering the GLASWA phones he would like to see a report from the Sheriff’s Department to know who is asking to continue this investigation, what the Detective is looking for, and any other information that could provide insight in his vague request. Mr. Leep made a motion to request a report from the Sheriffs Department regarding the complaint status as pertains to phones, individually or as a whole. Mr. Van Yolkin burg supported the motion and if passed after a 4-0 roll call vote.”... I misspoke, I did not speak directly to each member of the GLASWA Board. I only repeated the numerous comments and complaints that were overheard at the PO; grocery store,Etc. And I still believe it is to the best interest of our users of the Sewer and Water services will be better served by Alice Jansma. Her strong financial background, and her communication skills to all Board members on any given subject. No “behind the back comments will be made by her”. No further comment is necessary. If any Board member disagrees with this in chments: GLASWA 19 GLASWA Letter Alice Jansma mu H 81 ■ 880 The motion was not seconded by any of the other Yankee Springs board members, so it did not proceed. When asked why she didn’t second VandenBerg’s motion, Jansma replied, “I think I could do a better job,” adding that, “it’s not about the job, but serving the people.” Knowles also defended the decision to ing to sheriff’s office statement. Phillips was not wearing a lifejacket, although one was found floating nearby. Fishing gear also was found at the scene. The cause of death has not been confirmed, but foul play is not suspected. Sheriff’s deputies were assisted by the Castleton Maple Grove Nashville Emergency Medical Service. Pe BELLS CONSTRUCTION-18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, home improvements, seamless gutters. 269-320-3890. EXCELLENT DOG GROOM­ ER now working at Uncle Ted's Freestone Kennels. For appointments call 616-558­ 0889. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Hard Maple, Cherry. Paying top dollar. Call for pricing and Free Estimates. Will buy single walnut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793 Help Wanted NOW HIRING: INSTALL­ ERS, ASAP. Will train, no experience required. 616-988­ 9996. Sardex® is the greaseless & odorless way to treat mange and kill fleas!!! At Tractor Supply (www.happyj ackinc. com) A 5 3-year-old man noticed the license plate on his Chevrolet Tahoe had been replaced around 9 a.m. March 31 in the 2000 block of Coats Grove Road in Hastings Charter / " Township. The man saw the month of the expiration was incorrect, and called the police. After checking the plate in a police database, the officer found it was not registered, which ?! indicated it had been reported lost or stolen. The man said his son, 28, drives the vehiclej" U and his son’s ex-wife also has a Tahoe around the same year, that did not have a plate, and4 A thought she may have taken his. The officer ran the plate of the ex-wife’s Tahoe and found1 it was registered to a Ford F250. No further action was taken. mt n remove Englerth as the board’s representative to GLASWA because the underlying reason behind the vote still stands, even if some of the information was false. When asked following Thursday’s meeting if she thinks she owes Englerth an apology, Lippert replied, “Nope, I will not apologize.” During a phone conversation Friday, Lippert added, “Mark Englerth is the one who should apologize to the township.” Englerth’s claims about Lippert misstating her alleged conversations with GLASWA board members have been verified by the Banner. Chairman Glenn Leep and GLASWA colleagues Thomas Rook and Roger VanVolkinburg all stated that they had not directly reached out to anyone at Yankee Springs Township about Englerth’s behavior. In other action Thursday, the board: Approved a special meeting for Wednesday, April 17, at 6 p.m. to finalize and accept the site plan for the veterans memorial, as well as artwork design for the memorial. Approved a premium payment of $3,488 to insurance provider Bumham and Flower and a renewal date extension to coincide with the end of the township fiscal year June 30. Approved a resolution related to poverty exemption income guidelines and asset tests which brings the township in line with the federal poverty guidelines and which will allow the township supervisor and a board of review to exempt an individual from public charges by “reason of poverty” as the resolu­ tion reads. Approved the posting of an advertisement for a construction manager to oversee township office renovations. Heard Englerth’s announcement that the township’s clean-up day will be Saturday, May 4, beginning at 9 a.m. at the fire station. Englerth recommended that participants bring boots and trash bags for the four-hour project. The rain date for the event will be May 5 at 9 a.m. To support the effort, the township board also approved the expenditure of up to $500 in order to cover the cost of a dumpster, if needed. In the past, the dumpster cost has been donated. Questions about the clean-up day can be directed to Englerth by calling 269-838-1289. Battle Creek man dies in Thornapple Township crash A 76-year-old Battle Creek man died after a two-car collision around 2 p.m. Sunday in Thomapple Township, Michigan State Police said. The man was traveling on M-37 south of 108th Street, with two female passengers, ages 77 and 9, when a 19-year-old Middleville man lost control of his vehicle and crossed the centerline, causing the collision. The Battle Creek man was pronounced dead at the scene. His two passengers were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Troopers said the initial investigation indi­ cates the crash was caused by speed. State police were assisted by the Caledonia Fire Department and Thomapple Township Emergency Services. Q Man repeatedly steals Tide Pods A manager of the Dollar General near Gun Lake called police at 1:10 p.m. April 8 to, . report a man was stealing Tide detergent pods. Employees said the man had been in the " store two days prior and hid something under his coat when he left. The man was gone/ when police arrived, but they saw footage of him stealing merchandise. Employees called \ i? police again April 9 to report they had detained the man in the parking lot, and he had more Tide pods in his possession. When officers arrived, the 57-year-old Kalamazoo man said/ he had previously stolen air fresheners in addition to Tide pods. Information was forward­ ed to the prosecutor’s office. . /f lt Gas pump may be source of credit card fraud A 59-year-old Wayland man called police to inform them of credit card fraud on his, account. His card had been used to buy gas, food and Detroit Tigers tickets, although the, bank refunded his money. The man said he recently used a self-pay pump at a gas station> in Portage, and believed it may have been tampered with, allowing someone to steal hiss credit card information. The officer called the gas station to inform them, and the case was < closed. i y $400 welder stolen A 28-year-old man reported his welder, worth $400, had been stolen from his residence j in the 6000 block of Mullen Road in Hope Township on April 5. The man said his former " tenants damaged the windows of his camper when they moved out, and believed they may • have stolen the welder. The officer told the man without information on the welder such as ‘ a serial number of distinguishing marks, it would be nearly impossible to prove if it was ' his welder if it was discovered. \ -j b Grandson steals money to buy cookies In the prepared statement she read to the Yankee Springs Township Board Thursday, Clerk Janice Lippert conceded that her statements to the board on Jan. 10 were incor­ rect. Business Services All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. Attach to Board Minutes At the January 10th, 2019 Regular Board meeting, I made a motion to replace Mark Englerth as Yankee Springs Township Representative to the GLASWA Board. Supported by Larry Knowles. The motion passed 3-2. Lansing man found dead in Thornapple Lake PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: 1 License plate taken off vehicle The body of Edward Louis Phillips, 69, of Lansing, was found next to a boat in Thornapple Lake about 200 yards off shore at Camp Thornapple. Barry County Sheriff’s Deputies recovered the body of 69-year-old Edward Louis Phillips of Lansing from Thomapple Lake Tuesday morning. They received the call at 8:23 a.m. and went the area of Camp Thomapple, where the body was floating at the surface of the lake, next to a boat about 200 yards from shore. “It appeared the victim fell overboard and was unable to get back into the boat,” accord­ POLICE ' A 56-year-old woman reported her 12-year-old grandson had stolen $80 from her purse* in the 3000 block of Woodruff Road in Rutland Charter Township March 19. The woman 1 called her grandson’s middle school, and an administrator found the boy had over $100 on" *T his person. He said he did not know why he stole the money, but he had used some of it to buy cookies. His grandmother said she wanted to press charges. ‘ Man removes electronic tether r- A 48-year-old Delton man removed his mandatory electronic monitoring device at 5 p.m. March 26. The man’s parole officer told him to show up at his probation office the next day, but he did not do so, and the Barry County Sheriff’s Office was notified. The man was located near Leila Arboretum in Battle Creek, where he had removed his monitoring device. False report of indecent exposure A 52-year-old man notified police he had seen a man exposed while pumping gas and, paying inside at the Thomapple Trading Post at 7 a.m. April 11. An officer spoke to a/ 56-year-old employee who said she knew the suspect and had not observed what the com­ plainant had described. An officer viewed security footage and found no evidence of the 9 man exposing himself. The officer notified the complainant of the investigation findings and said no further action would be taken. Carnevale remembered for his ■ ■ ■ ■ down-to-earth giving nature Joan Van Houten Staff Writer A. Robert Carnevale, 79, longtime chair­ man of the board for Bradford White Corp., died on March 26 in Vero Beach. People in Middleville remember him as a proud father and a down-to-earth person. Carnevale served as president, chief execu­ tive officer and chairman of Bradford White, the largest employer in Barry County, from 1991 to 2009. In 2009, he stepped away from the oversight of daily operations but remained chairman until the day he died. “Bob was really proud of his children. He’d often share stories about them when in small groups. During the time I was with Bradford White, his son Bruce was working in sales,” Mike Bremer, Thomapple Township supervi­ sor, said. Bremer was an employee of Bradford White for 17 years. Bremer added that Carnevale was quick-witted, made a point to address people by name, was always smiling and truly cared about the people who worked for the compa­ ny. “He chose to grow the company here because of the workforce,” Bremer said. “They had tried to move ahead in other areas around the country, but couldn’t get enough employees to expand the company.” Bradford White has approximately 1,600 employees and is working to add more. Carnevale’s life has been described as a miracle. Born severely premature, doctors told his parents their son would not survive. His mother, Florence, defied the doctors and took him home. He thrived and survived under her her care. His father, Adolfo, was an Italian immi­ grant who came to the United States when he was 17 with $8 to his name. Carnevale was only 3 when his father died, leaving his moth­ er to raise him and his older sister, Ines. Carnevale graduated from Central High School in 1958 in Philadelphia, and joined the U.S. Army 3r^ Infantry Division at the age of 17. He served on active duty in Bamberg, Germany. Shortly after receiving an honor­ able discharge, he began his career with i ^9 Bradford White as an inside order entry clerk,,y while completing his education in nigh|fn school to earn his business degree. , As a native of Philadelphia, where ther{| Bradford White corporate offices are located, he and his wife, Judy, maintained roots in the area. ■ “He took great joy in spending time with// Judy, his children and nine grandchildren/’ Carl Pinto, Jr. said. “Bob will be rememberedi y for his passion for classic cars and the love of; 3 his employees and the industry in which hf worked for well over 50 years. Most of 4j?}fn Bob will be remembered for his giving spirit,^0 as he always asked those he knew to help;q those less fortunate.” One of America’s oldest and most respect^>rf ful names in the industry, Bradford White-jj began as the Pennsylvania Range Boiler Go. which opened in 1881. In 1968, Pennsylvania-,^ Bradford joined with White Products ofin Middleville, and what resulted was the emer7 8 gence of a new company, Bradford White q Corp. The company has grown to over sl»p/ million square feet of manufacturing and dis* tribution capability. . f jg “The company is where they’re at because of Bob,” Bremer said. “He was the one who took a leap of faith and took Bradford White out of retail space and sold only to wholesaL(rn ers and professionals in the field. Everything took off after that. , “Essentially, his dedication to the company and commitment to providing employees with good wages, benefits and work environment,^ has helped many Middleville and Thomapple residents to have homes and provide for theix^q families.” Carnevale is survived by Judy, his wife of* 56 years, his daughter Robyn Betterly (Mark), his son Bruce (Audrey), and his nine grand­ children: Laura, Mark, Ryan, Julia, Robby, Jack, Tommy, James, Charlotte, and Sarah. , The family asks that blood donations are made in lieu of sending flowers or a donation be sent to The Wissahickon Valley Boys and i Girls Club or Crossover Mission, both located J in Vero Beach. I �The Hastings Banner —- Thursday, April 18, 2019 Page 13 County board majority backs land preservation ordinances Editor Barry County commissioners voted 5-2 Thursday, April 11, to recommend approval an ordinance that will allow property own­ ers in Barry County to protect and preserve farmland and open space in perpetuity. ’ The action on the two proposals will take ;ace at the 9 a.m. board meeting April 23 in the county courthouse. *The naysayers, Commissioners Jon Speiker and Vivian Conner, disagreed with the proposals for different reasons. * Auction under these ordinances will be gov­ e ned by a seven-member board with the fol­ lowing makeup: three members representing agriculture, one representing conservation, ofce representing real estate and development, ojie representing the planning commission aid one representing local government. A nonvoting county commissioner would act as Si liaison to this board. Smelker opposed this arrangement, saying tlje county commissioner should have a vote. Conner’s concerns focused more on the potential financial cost to the county, by giv­ ing this power in perpetuity to certain individ­ uals without taking into consideration other county residents. She pointed out during the discussion that the makeup of the board gov­ erning these ordinances would be very “ag weighted.” * Stacy Byers, from Sheridan Land Consulting in Mason, had addressed the board NJarch 7 and spoke again at the April 11 meet­ ing. She told Conner that members appointed to this board need to understand agriculture. {“If they’re going to saying ‘yes ‘to this person, ‘no’ to this person, they definitely need to have some background in agriculByers said. % Board chairwoman Heather Wing agreed with Byers. ?“I do not have a problem with it being heavily weighted. I think some people just don’t get farmland. They don’t understand what we do or why we do it.” Representatives from the county’s agricul­ ture community would be better qualified to s^rve on this board than someone “who doesn’t have a clue,” she said, adding, “How many times have we seen somebody appoint­ ed to a board because they have a bone to pick with someone on the board? ... I think farmers are the best ones to defend why they pick one property over another [for preservation].” I The Agriculture Promotion Board raised tips issue about a month ago when representatiyes asked the county board to approve an Ojpen Space Preservation Ordinance as well as amendments to the Agriculture Preservation Ordinance. | Since 2007, few agricultural properties in the county have been preserved, primarily due td lack of funds, according to Paul Wing, chairman of the county’s Agriculture Promotion Board: ' ' |But that can change, he told commissioners in March, since the state Agriculture servation Fund will have money available fdr land preservation as of Oct. 1. That’s the Paul Wing, chairman of the county’s Agriculture Promotion Board, answers a ques­ tion about the proposed ordinance at the April 11 meeting at the Tyden Center. first funding the state has had for this purpose since 2008, he said. “We are taking steps to take advantage of that availability,” Paul Wing said. “After we preserved our first property in 2008, the econ­ omy went sour. That’s why the state hasn’t had money since then.” The purpose of the Farmland Preservation Ordinance is to “maintain the long-term business environment for agriculture in the coun­ ty, to preserve the rural character and scenic attributes of the county, to enhance important environmental benefits and to maintain the quality of life.” The way that’s accomplished is “by acquir­ ing the development rights voluntarily offered by landowners by means of a donation, cash purchase and/or installment purchase of such rights, placing a conservation easement on the property which restricts future development.” The board also was asked to approve the Open Space Preservation ordinance, which would permanently protect open space lands by acquiring conservation easements volun­ tarily offered by property owners, authorizing the cash purchase, installment purchase, or donation of conservation easements. “We want to take on the purpose that we were designed to do,” Paul Wing said. “We are asking the county board to provide us with the help we need to approve the ordinance we provided to you"' '‘u“* “Farmland preservation tends tp be a very challenging issue,” Byers tolcl the board March 7. “It wasn’t really until the late ‘90s and early 2000s that we saw these programs astings teams take wins at Lakewood track quad Lakewood sophomore Nathan Alford ran to victory in the 3200-meter run Wednesday at the Vikings’ own Lakewood Quad. The Lakewood foursome of Isaac Eggers, Payne Hanna, Denny Sauers III and Garrett Zuver were able to follow that up by finishing in the runner-up spot in the 1600-meter relay, a few seconds ahead of the Hastings team in that race, but it wasn’t enough to chase down thej Saxon team as a whole. The Hastings varsity boys’ and girls’ track and field teams both earned the victories Wednesday. The Viking boys gave the Saxons a run, falling 124-120. Potter’s House Christian was third with 60 points and Grand RiVer Prep forth with 30. Hastings was well in front in the girls’ medt, outscoring the runner-up Vikings 165­ 94, ahead of Potter’s House 40 and Grand River Prep 29. Alford had a pair of wins for the Lakewood boys, taking the 3200-eter run in 10:42.60 and the!600-meter run in 4:58.95. The Lakewood boys also had two wins in the field. Josh Denda took the shot put with a mark of 41 feet 8 inches, while also recording a rtmner-up throw of 91-11 in the discus. Gaitett Stank won the pole vault for the Vikings, clearing 11-0. Lakewood took the two sprint relays with Stank a part of both of those wins. He teamed with Chase Salgat, Sauers and Hanna to win the 400-meter relay in 47.49 seconds. Stank, ZuVer, Eggers and Ezra Rynd won the 800meter relay 1:41.11. Zuver added a winning time of 56.07 in the 400-meter run and Sauers won the 300-meter intermediate hurdles in 46.93 seconds. Hastings’ Jacob O’Keefe and Potter’s Hdbse’s Shelton Rodriguez joined Alford as a twb-time individual winner in the boys’ com­ petition. Rodriguez won the 100-meter dash in 11.49, with Salgat second and Hanna third in that race, and the 200-meter dash in 22.93. Salgat’s time of 11.69 in the 100 is a new personal record for the Viking senior. O’Keefe won the 110-meter high hurdles in 18.37 and the high jump by clearing 5-8. Hastings had the only three scorers in the high jump. Freshman Braden Vertalka tied O’Keefe for first at 5-8 and sophomore teammate Kirby Beck also cleared 5-8 to place third. The Lakewood ladies matched the boys’ two relay wins. The team of Hokulani Ka’alakea, Sophie Duits, Gracie Travis and Chloe Haight won the 400-meter relay in 56.52 seconds and the team of Patsy Morris, Kristine Possehn, Brooke Bouwens and Haight won the 1600-meter relay in 4:50.71. Haight won the 100-meter dash in 13.91 and placed second in the 200 in 29.73 behind Grand River Prep’s Ronnie McMillan who won in 27.86. Morris had a winning time of 1:06.69 in the 400-meter run and Bouwens won the 300meter low hurdles in 53.29. Hastings had seven different girls win individual events. Junior Hannah Johnson was the only two-time winner, taking the pole vault at 8-0 and the 8oo-meter run in 3:02.21. Half of Hastings’ individual event wins^ came from freshmen. Carissa Strouse won the 1600 in 6:25.33, Allison Teed the 100-meter hurdles in 17.35, Maddie Miller the shot put at 29-8.5 and Kali Grimes the long jump at 13-3. The Saxons also had Erin Dalman win the high jump at 5-0 and Allison Collins take the 3200-meter run in 15:32.28. Dalman, Savanah Starrett, Teed and Grace Nickels won the 800meter relay in 2:00.75 and the team of Abby Zull, Strouse, Johnson and Collins won the 3200-meter relay in 12:15.34. See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. 2 J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS “1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits take off.” She said she rs working with programs in Kent and Ingham counties. “I’m here to help you determine what’s best for Barry County,” she told commissioners. “A large part of Barry County is your agricul tural base, your open-space base. “We are at a really critical time. The State of Michigan has enough money in the coffers to release matching grants.” Byers pointed out that funding can come from a variety of sources, including property owner donations, federal matching funds and, now, the opportunity for state money, which would offer up to a 75-percent cost share. “The state, coupled with federal, is likely to get this done,” she said, noting that other benefits also would be involved since property owners receive tax incentives. In other business during a committee of the whole meeting Tuesday, April 16, the commis­ sioners: * Interviewed the county’s Chief Public Defender Kerri Selleck for an opening on the mental health board; John LaForge of Delton for an opening on the planning commission board, and Catherine Gramze and Gerald Schmiedicke, both of Hastings, for a position on the Commission on Aging. * Voted to recommend approval of the issu­ ance of fidelity bonds for county road corn 'iiiissibhers. r * Voted to recommend a Homeland Security Grant Program Intergovernmental Funding agreement and a Hazard Mitigation grant pro­ gram funding request. * Recommended a resolution to accept 2019 county equalization values and a new position request for a property appraiser­ * Recommended to approve a new post to replace a GIS coordinator and renewal of a tower agreement with MEI Telecom. * Voted to recommend approval of capital budget approved funds for an animal control training barn. The board will meet Tuesday, April 23 , at 9 a.m. in the mezzanine of the Barry County Courthouse. GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. Stacy EJyers from Sheridan Land Consulting in Mason discusses farmland and open space preservation ordinances with county commissioner Dan Parker at the April 11 meeting. (Photos by Rebecca Pierce) ROUBAIX, continued from page 1 —-----------------•For Blake, it’s the fourth year he has participated in the event. And each year, he has steadily progressed) In 2016, he finished 16th among youth cyclists. His time was 1:33:47. In 2017, he came in 10th among the youth participants with a time of 1:39:01. In 2018, he made it on the podium, finishing fourth among the youth cyclists with a time of 1:15:25. This year, he finished first among the youth cyclists. In that classification, he was 20th out of 600 participants and 18th out of 417 male cyclists in that group. The toughest part about biking is the HILLS,” he wrote in a text message, “especially in the gravel road races and single tracks. You must remain very focused, slowly pushing your way to the tops of the hills and swerving between trees in the single tracks. “In the Barry Roubaix, the 22-mile may be the shortest distance, but it is much harder than the 36. There is more incline per mile, meaning the hills just keep coming. To practice, I take full advantage of having the biggest gravel road race right in my local town. I practice biking the course as many times as I can - sometimes twice per day.” The junior at Hastings High School is on the varsity track team and cross-country teams, Becky Harris added. “He loves these long-distance events.... He is very determined. He hopes to compete at state for cross-country in the fall during his senior year (as he did this year) - only he wants to be one of the top 30 finishers.” And he still has a goal of being the overall winner of the Barry-Roubaix. MILLAGE, continued from page 1 1 he cards also would have limited use. According to the Lakeland Library (^operative Policy, non-resident cards allow the user to check out items only from its home library and cannot inter-loan from other libraries in the cooperative. Non-resident cards also do not have digital download priv­ ileges for ebooks, e-audios, movies and mag­ azines. Stacks of brochures and flyers were handed out to committee members at their meeting Ap il 11 arid an organized approach to engag­ ing township residents was discussed. Supporters of the library millage renewal signed up to knock on doors in designated locations, focusing on areas of greater popula­ tion density. ’ Vote YES” yard signs also were distributed at the meeting with each member taking several — one for themselves and oth­ ers for family and friends. - Library Director Peggy Hemmerling said several people have volunteered to be a part of a letter-writing campaign to local media and some have already begun to work on their letters. The brochures and flyers contain informa­ tion about the services provided by the library along with books and the services that will be minimized or removed if the millage renewal fails. Current services available to the City of Hastings, Rutland and Hastings charter towndim residents include children’s music, early literacy programs, reading and LEGO club and homework resources. Teens can find graphic novels, compete in Dungeons and Dragons, join the Anime Club and a gathering Mother’s Day MOREL GIFT CREATE A MOREL GARDEN IN YOUR BACK YARD • provide the seed and easy to use instructions for preparing an outdoor Morel Habitat. sow the seed, maintain the Morel Habitat, and pick and enjoy pounds of fresh Morels place. Adults have access to movies, book discus­ sion groups, large print books, e-books and can borrow books from other libraries. Audio books also are available and a new auto-re­ newal program was recently added. Other amenities include use of electronic resources and several downloadable options such as television series, full music albums and magazines. The library provides meeting rooms, employment resources, history and genealogy resources and a used book store. The library is open six days a week, Monday to Saturday, with free 24-hour Wi-Fi daily. Should the renewal request fail, library officials are considering changing their ser­ vices for the city and townships to work with­ in a smaller budget. Reductions may include a five-day schedule, eliminating two employees and cutting the book and other materials bud­ get by 25 percent and the computer budget by 50 percent. Hoopla downloads and the Wall Street Journal may be eliminated and availability of meeting room space reduced. There would most likely be fewer programs for children and adults, officials said. “This isn’t just a city library. It’s a commu­ nity library with valuable services for every­ one,” Hemmerling said. “If the renewal doesn’t pass, the entire community is affect-’ ed. “I really want to thank everyone who has volunteered so much of their time and effort into supporting our library.” Call 269-945-9554 tor Hastings Banner ads $32.95 + $8.40 S/H — (707) 829-7301 GOURMET MUSHROOMS . R O. BOX 515 CN9 * GRATON, CA 95444 1 www.gmushrooms.org Allow 1-4 weeks for delivery-- Spawn Guaranteed MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation #8110376 Office (269) 948-2248 & Insured Mobile (269) 838-5112 Hastings Area Schools is in need of Substitute Bus Driver For Multiple Routes. Paid training provided and a $500 sign-on bonus. If interested please call 269-948-4418 | �Page 14 — Thursday, April 18, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Hastings soccer squad wins one of its first four Coldwater edged the Hastings girls 1-0 in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference opener for both teams on Pierce Field Tuesday in Hastings. The Cardinals scored in the first ten min­ utes of play, and then traded scoring chances with the Hastings varsity girls’ soccer team over the course of the next 70 minutes to no avail. Hastings head coach Tim Schoessel said he had some girls settling into new positions Tuesday, and some miscommunication led to the early goal. “We got things under control and it was a stalemate throughout the rest of the game,” Schoessel said. Kayla Morris and Sydney Pattok combined for eight saves sharing the time in goal for Hastings. The Saxons fell to 1-3 overall this season with the loss. Grand Rapids Union bested the Saxons 5-0 last Wednesday to open the season. “We had lots of new people in the mix and really had no continuity working for us on the field,” Schoessel said. “We made some adjust­ ments at half and showed some signs of life, but just could not contain there offense.” Hastings followed that up by scoring a 3-0 win over visiting Ionia Thursday. Megan Deal scored the first goal of the season for the Saxons in the second half. Coach Schoessel said getting that first goal opened things up more for the Saxons. Kathleen Ahearn was able to take a pass from teammate Emma Mathiesen and put into the back of the net for goal number two. Ahearn was one of four J V players brought up to help in the contest. The last goal was a cross from BreAnn Micklatcher, another JV player working the wing, onto the feet of Katie Pattok who wasted no time in sending into the back of the net for their team’s final gaol. “We brought up some JV players and insti­ tuted them into the mix,” Schoessel said. “This seemed to help position wise and sub wise. We have a pretty talented group of JV players at the moment.” Hastings went on the road to Otsego Monday and fell 8-0 in a tough non-conference match. “This started out okay and then got messy real fast,” Schoessel said. “Otesgo was a very fast, good footwork team and it didn’t take long for them to figure out where our weak­ nesses are. We stacked the defense, but they were able to put three goals in in the first half.” The Bulldogs were able to find the net five more times in the second half as the Saxons eventually wore down. The Saxons’ Megan Deal moves the ball up the sideline during her team’s 1-8 contest with visiting Coldwater Monday evening inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field. (Photo by Perry Hardin) “I will say that the defense did a great job holding on as long as they did because Otsego was in our end the whole game. 1 believe they out shot us 22-1,” Schoessel said. Moms had 14 saves in goal. Hastings is scheduled to host Plainwell Friday and then return to Interstate-8 Athletic Conference action at home against Jackson Lumen Christi Tuesday. Hastings’ Galina Schiller looks to make a pass through the midfield as she’s defended by Coldwater’s Jayda Kelly Monday in Hastings. (Photo by Perry Hardin) DK golfers fourth at their first conference competition Delton Kellogg’s Drew Ketola hits his tee shot on number four at Mullenhurst Friday during the Panthers’ dual with Marcellus. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg senior Sonnah Solstrand maneuvers the bail away from Kalamazoo Homeschool’s Olivia Whitmer during the Panthers’ 4-0 win over the Cougars Friday in Delton. (Photo by Perry Hardin) The Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ golf team placed fourth at the first Southwestern Athletic Conference divisional jamboree of the season Tuesday at Old Mill Golf Course. Tanner Jankowski led the Delton Kellogg team, shooting a 42. Alejandro Guevara shot a 43 for the Panthers. DK scored a 181 as a team. For the Panthers, it was their second even in two days. The Delton Kellogg boys bested Maple Valley 177-224 on the back nine at Mullenhurst Monday. Guevara led the Panthers with a 40 and Drew Ketola added a 43. Delton Kellogg took on Marcellus at Mullenhurst in a cold wind Friday and scored a 203-216 win. Guevara had the low7 round for the day with a 44 and teammate Damian LaFountaine added a 45. The Panthers are slated to host their own Delton Kellogg Invitational at Mullenhurst today, April 17, weather-permitting. Hastings Public Library 227 E State Street Hastings Ml 49058 Coloma scores final two goals to pull even with Panthers Delton Kellogg’s Landen Bock chips the ball up onto the green on number four at Mullenhurst Friday during the Panthers’ dual with Marcellus. (Photo by Perry Hardin) See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J d Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits The opening Southwestern Athletic Conference contest of the season for the Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ soccer team ended in a 3-3 tie at Coloma Monday. Delton Kellogg held the lead in each half. Holly McManus put the Panthers ahead in the first half before the Comets tied the ballgame at 1-1 just before the break. Amber Mabie scored on a penalty kick and Briana Warner scored, off an assist by McManus, to put Delton Kellogg in front 3-1. Coloma responded with two quick goals to tie the game. Grace Gagliardo, Cali Grenon and Emma Vandermolen scored the three goals for the Comets. Delton Kellogg is now 2-1-1 overall this season. The Panthers scored a 4-0 non-conference win over the Kalamazoo Homeschool team last Friday. McManus scored three goals and assisted on a score by Warner in the victory. Mabie had a pair of assists for DK and Sannah Solstrand added one. The Delton Kellogg girls were scheduled to visit Fennville last night and will be back in action Saturday at the Loy Norrix Invitational. The Panthers are home again Monday taking on Saugatuck. Delton Kellogg sophomore Briana Warner dribbles by Kalamazoo Homeschbol’s Grace Visser during their match-up Friday in Delton. (Photo by Perry Hardin) »* fiFT ATI THF OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, April 18, 2019 — Page 15 Duo wins super tiebreaker putting TK tennis ahead ’ The Thornapple Kellogg varsity girls’ tenhis team won its second non-conference dual of the season Wednesday, pulling out a tight dual with visiting Mona Shores 5-3. The Trojans swept the four singles flights ’■ and managed to pull out one of the four very tight doubles matches. The number two team of Holly Bashore and Caleigh Zoet secured -the point the Trojans needed to get the victory : -as a team by besting the Sailors’ duo of Emily ‘ Tieb and Linden Gentzkow 5-7, 7-5, (11-9) playing a super tie-breaker in place of a third set. ' They were the final four varsity players on the courts in Middleville, deciding whether s the match would end in a TK win or a draw. ; Even the super tiebreaker was extended, typi­ cally played to ten but requiring a team to win by two points. The third doubles match, that finished up just before the second doubles match, was ' extended as well with the Mona Shores duo of Michaela Sander and Holli Brus pulling out a 7-5, 3-6, (10-4) win over the Trojan team of Josie Thompson and Daisy Nowinsky. Karlie Raphael at first singles had the toughest test of any of the Trojan singles play­ ers, but managed a 7-5, 6-2 victory over Sophie Scheuerle for her first victory in the top singles spot. Sydney VanGessel won 6-0, 6-0 for TK at second singles; Rachel Chesnutt won 6-0,6-1 at third singles and Brooke Thompson scored a 6-2, 6-1 win at number four. All for doubles matches were close ones. The Mona Shores team of Makyla Lieb and Riley Trygstad scored a 6-3, 6-3 win over TK’s Kylee Vreeland and Taylor Myers at number one while the Mona Shores team of Gabbi Aiderman and Lena Peisker bested TK’s Lydia Cole and Kristina Cusion 6-1,7-5 at number four. TK followed up that performance by win­ ning the annual Lakewood Invitational Saturday, besting runner-up Hastings 22-16 at the top of the standings. Lakewood was third at the six-team tournament with 13 points. The Trojans got victories in the top three singles flights and the bottom three doubles flights to score the championship. Raphael bested Ionia’s Brooke Gregory 6-4, 6-2 in the first singles championship match. VanGessel took the second singles title and Chesnutt won at number three. 117036 An ordinance granting to Consumers Energy Company its successors and assigns, the right, power and authority to construct, maintain and commercially use electric lines consisting of towers, masts, poles, crossarms, guys, brac­ es, feeders, transmission and distribution wires, trans formers and other electrical appliances on, under, along and across the highways, streets, alleys, bridges, water­ ways, and other public places, and to transact a local elec­ tric business in the TOWNSHIP OF CARLTON, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, for a period of thirty (30) years. TOWNSHIP OF CARLTON BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDAINS: Hastings second singles player Kate Haywood knocks a forehand return during her three-set contest against Coldwater’s Faith Hererdeen Monday afternoon at f Hastings High School. (Photo by Perry 9 Hardin) B. Consideration. In consideration of the rights, power and authority hereby granted, said Grantee shall faithfully perform all things required by the terms hereof. C. Extensions. Grantee shall construct and extend its Electric System within the Township, and shall fur­ nish electric service to applicants residing therein in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regu­ lations. SECTION III HOLDHARMLESS The Grantee shall at all times keep and save the Township free and harmless from all loss, costs and expense to which it may become subject by reason of the construction, maintenance and operation of the structures and equipment hereby authorized. In case any action is commenced against the Township on account of the per­ mission herein granted, said Grantee shall, upon notice, defend the Township and save it free and harmless from all loss, cost and damage arising out of said permission. Providing further, that this hold harmless agreement shall not apply to any loss, cost, damage or claims arising solely out of the negligence of the Township, its employees or its contractors. Furthermore, in the event that any loss, cost, damage or claims arise out of the joint negligence of the Township, its employees or its contractors, this hold harm­ less agreement shall not apply to the proportional extent of the negligence of the Township, its employees or its con­ tractors. Notwithstanding any provision contained in this Ordinance, nothing in this Ordinance shall impair any liabil­ ity protection afforded the Township pursuant to law. SECTIONIV REVQCAJJQN The franchise granted by the Ordinance is subject to revocation upon sixty (60) days written notice by the party desiring such revocation. SECTION V SECTION.il USEOF-PUBLJC RIGHTS-OF-WAY BY GRANTEE The Saxons’ Brooke Youngs steps up to return a shot against Coldwater’s top player, Meredith Grife, during their first singles match in Hastings Monday afternoon. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Lions give Eagles too much help in GLAC bailgame 7 ’ Olivet opened its Greater Lansing Activities Conference set with the Maple Valley varsity baseball team Tuesday by scoring a 6-2 win in Vermontville. The Eagles were helped by five Lion errors that aided in the scoring of four unearned . runs. Maple Valley starting pitcher noah Hansen » struck out five and allowed five hits and six ' walks through his five innings of work. Only one of the five runs against him was earned. Nick Osborne allowed one run in an inning and a third of relief work, giving up three hits. Lane Morris struck out one of the two batters he faced to finish off the Eagles in the top of way or other public place, the Grantee shall provide the Township with notice, including a description of the work to be performed, in advance of such work. This notice requirement shall not apply to the installa­ tion of electric services on privately owned property nor to any other work performed on such privately owned property. Nothing herein shall preclude the Grantee from immediately commencing construction or repair work within any street, alley, bridge, water­ way or other public place when deemed necessary due to an emergency or service restoration, and in such case, the Grantee shall notify the Township of such work if reasonably practical. SECTION I -GRANT_Q.F NON-EXCLUSIVE. RIGHTS A. Grant and Term. The Township of Carlton, Barry County, Michigan (“Township”), grants to Consumers Energy Company (“Grantee”), its successors and assigns, subject to the terms and conditions set forth below, the non-exclusive right, power and authority to construct, maintain and commercially use electric lines consisting of towers, masts, poles, crossarms, guys, braces, feeders, transmission and distribution wires, transformers and other electrical appliances (hereinafter “Electric System”) on, under, along and across the highways, streets, alleys, bridges, waterways, and other public places (hereinafter also referred to as “Public Ways”), and to transact a local electric business within the Township for a period of thirty (30) years. The Saxons finished in a 4-4 tie with Coldwater Monday in a dual filled with close matches. Harden scored a 6-3, 6-4 win over Melissa Vozar and Jenson earned a 6-2, 6-3 win over Kelly Warner at third and fourth singles for Hastings. The Saxons also got a 6-4,7-5 win from the first doubles team of James and Homing over Mikaela Daoud and Payton Molnar. Brown and Morgan earned a 6-2,6-0 win for Hastings over Brynn Niedzwiecki and Victoria Hammond at fourth doubles. The Saxon duo of Homing and James took the first doubles championship Saturday at the Lakewood Invitational, and the Hastings team finished in the runner-up spot behind Thornapple Kellogg. Homing and James bested the top duo from Wayland 6-4, 6-3 in the first doubles champi­ onship after a semifinal victory over Lakewood’s Laura Krikke and Haylee Marks. The Saxon fourth doubles duo of Lexi McDade and Grace Beauchamp also reached the championship round, falling to Thomapple Kellogg’s Daisy Nowinsky and Kristina Cusion 6-0, 6-2 in the final after wins over Lansing Christian and Lakewood to open the tournament. Beauchamp and McDade were up from the JV with Hastings’ regular second doubles duo out for the day. Jenson was the lone Saxon singles player to reach the finals, besting the top players from TK and Wayland on her way to a march with Lakewood’s Richelle Chrzan in the fourth singles final where Chrzan scored a 6-4, 6-1 win. That was the lone flight championship for the Lakewood ladies. Thomapple Kellogg won the top three sin­ gles flights and the bottom three doubles flights, earning the day’s championship with a total of 22 points. Hastings was second with 16 points, ahead of Lakewood 13, Wayland 9, Ionia 8 and Lansing Christian 2. the seventh. Gregg Richardson and Noah Hansen led the Maple Valley attack with two hits each. All five Lion hits were singles. Nick Osborne had one, driving in the two Maple Valley runs in the bottom of the fourth inning after the Eagles had already built a 4-0 lead. Olivet had a 3-1 lead when game two was called for darkness in the bottom of the fifth inning, but the Lions were putting together a rally with the bases loaded and one out. The two teams are scheduled to finish off that ballgame and play the final contest of their three-game league set Thursday (April 18) at Olivet High School. Monday, falling 8-0 in its OK Gold Conference opener at East Grand Rapids. The Pioneers won all eight flights in straight sets. The tightest match of the afternoon came at fourth singles, where TK’s Brooke Thompson was edged by EGR’s Mya Gauri 7-5, 6-2. TOWNSHIP OF CARLTON ORDINANCE NO. CT2019-7 CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY ELECTRIC FRANCHISE ORDINANCE ADOPTED: APRIL 8, 2019 EFFECTIVE: MAY 8, 2019 Hastings girls net first win, top Ionia 7-1 The Hastings varsity girls’ tennis team picked up its first victory of the season at Ionia Tuesday, knocking off the host Bulldogs 7“L ' The Saxons swept the three doubles flights and picked up a trio of singles wins in the non-conference dual, just after seeing the Bulldogs Saturday at the Lakewood Invitational. * Kate Haywood scored a 7-6(3), 6-4 win for ; the Saxons at second singles over Ionia’s Taylor Kirby. s The Saxons’ third and fourth singles play­ ers were a bit more dominant, with Lauren Harden scoring a 6-1, 6-1 win over Gracie Cochran and Libby Jenson downing Anna * Brown 6-3, 6-1. Cochran had defeated Harden in two tough ; .sets, 7-6(5), 6-4 in the semifinals of the third t singles flight Saturday. Ionia’s Brooke Gregory, who Hastings head coach Julie Sevems called a “seasoned” first singles player, won her match with the Saxons’ Brooke Youngs 6-1,6-2. Severns said Youngs played one of her best matches of the year in defeat. ; Hastings took all four doubles matches in straight. The team of Allie Horning and Gretchen James won 6-2, 6-0 at number one. Belle Youngs and Megan Roe won 6-1,6-3 at ■ number two. The team of Whitney Carlson ? and Claire Anderson won 6-3,4-6,7-6 (13) at number three. Shannon Brown and Cassidy Morgan scored a 6-0, 6-2 win at fourth dou­ bles. \ In addition to the dual with Ionia Tuesday wid the Lakewood Invitational Saturday, the Saxons hosted Coldwater for an Interstate-8 Athletic Conference dual Monday and were scheduled to take on Jackson Lumen Christi ; in league action yesterday afternoon (April 17). On the doubles’ side, TK got champion­ ships from Bashore and Zoet at number two, Josie Thompson and Nancy Hoogwerf at number three, and Nowinsky and Cusion at number four. TK was bested for the first time this season A. No Burden on Public Ways, Grantee and its contrac­ tors, subcontractors and the Grantee’s Electric System shall not unduly burden or interfere with the -pre^nt-orfuture use of any of the Public Ways with­ in the Township. Grantee shall install and maintain its Electric System so as to cause minimum interfer­ ence with the use of the Public Ways. No Public Way shall be obstructed longer than necessary during the work of construction or repair to the Electric System. Grantee’s cable, wires, structures and equipment shall be suspended or buried so as to not endanger or injure persons or property in the Public Ways. B. Restoration of Public Ways, Grantee and its contrac­ tors and subcontractors shall within a reasonable time restore, at Grantee’s sole cost and expense, any portion of the Public Ways that is in any way dis­ turbed, damaged, or injured by the construction, oper­ ation, maintenance or removal of the Electric System to as good or better condition than that which existed prior to the disturbance. In the event the Grantee, its contractors or subcontractors fail to make such repair within a reasonable time specified by the Township, the Township shall, among other remedies, be entitled to have the repair completed and Grantee shall pay the costs for such repair. C. Easements. Any easement over or under property owned by the Township in fee shall be separately negotiated with the Township. Grantee agrees, to the extent practicable under project parameters, to evalu­ ate the use of its existing easement corridors for the placement of Electric Systems within the Township. x $0 Sc D. Electric System Placement. Unless an emergency, before any construction of a new Electric System is installed within the Township right-of-way, Grantee shall review the construction project with the Township Supervisor to obtain local input. For new Electric System installations within the public right-of-way Grantee agrees, to the extent practical, to work with affected property owners regarding preferred place­ ment of necessary infrastructure on their property within the public right-of-way. E. Compliance with Laws. Grantee shall comply with all applicable laws, statutes, ordinances, rules and reg­ ulations regarding its Electric System, whether feder­ al, state, or local, now in force. Nothing herein shall be construed as a waiver by Grantee of its existing or future rights under state or federal law. O © CJ1 5F 3 Tree Clearing. Grantee may clear trees upon and overhanging the Public Ways so as to prevent trees from coming in to contact with the Electric System in accordance with the tree clearing standards of Grantee and the applicable requirements of the Michigan Public Service Commission. Except in an emergency, no clearing shall be done in the Public Ways without previously informing the Township. G. Street Vacation. Grantee accrues no rights under this franchise which would impair the rights of the Township to vacate or consent to the vacation of a Public Way. H. Company Representative. The Grantee shall desig­ nate an employee to act as a representative to respond to inquiries from the Township regarding the administration of this franchise and the obligations and services herein. The Grantee shall provide the Township with the person’s name and telephone number. Grantee shall be entitled to charge the inhabitants of the Township for electricity furnished at the rates approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission, to the extent it or its successors,- have authority and jurisdiction to fix. and. regulate electric rates and promulgate rules regulating such service in the Township. Such rates and rules shall be sub­ ject to review at any time upon petition being made by either the Township acting through the Township Board or by Grantee. SECTION VI TOWNSHIP JUBI.SDLGILQN Said Grantee shall be and remain subject to all ordinanc­ es, rules and regulations of the Township now in effect. SECHONVU MICHIGAN.JeiLBJJC^EBVIC.E.CQMmSJQN Grantee shall, as to all other conditions and elements of service not addressed or fixed by this Ordinance, remain subject to the rules and regulations applicable to electric service by the Michigan Public Service Commission, or its successor bodies to the extent such jurisdiction applies. SECIIONVHL ASSIGNMENTOF FRANCHISE Grantee shall not assign this Franchise to any other per­ son, firm or corporation without the prior written approval of the Township Board. The Township shall not unreasonably withhold its consent to an assignment if the Assignee is financially able to carry out the Grantee’s obligations under this Franchise. The assignment of the Franchise to a sub­ sidiary, division, or affiliated corporation of the grantee or its parent corporation shall not be considered an assignment requiring the consent of the Township Board. Grantee shall reimburse the Township for reasonable actual costs incurred in the review of a request by the Grantee for approval. SECTIQNJX. SEVERABILITY The various parts, sections and clauses of this Ordinance are hereby declared to be severable. If any part, sentence, paragraph, section or clause is adjudged unconstitutional or invalid by a court or administrative agency of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the Ordinance shall not be affected thereby. SECHONX REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES All Ordinances or parts of Ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. SECTION XI EFFECTIVE DATE This Ordinance shall take effect thirty (30) days after adoption by the Township Board and publication thereof. We certify that the foregoing Franchise Ordinance was duly enacted by the Township board of the TOWNSHIP OF CARLTON, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, on the (8th day of April, 2019. Attest: Notice. Before commencing construction or repair work on its Electric System which will require excava­ tion in or the closing of any street, alley, bridge, waterAmanda Brown, Township Clerk �Page 16 — Thursday, April 18, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Getting one at a time doesn’t get it done for Saxons The Hastings varsity softball team just couldn’t quite turn a run into a rally in game one against visiting Jackson Lumen Christi Tuesday. The Saxons scored single runs in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh innings of its Interstate-8 Athletic Conference doublehead­ er with the Titans. Lumen Christi managed two three-run outbursts, one in the top of the fifth and one in the top of the sixth to score a 6-5 win. The Titans followed that up with a 12-5 win in game two of the doubleheader to drop Hastings to 0-4 in the 1-8 so far this spring. Three Saxon errors helped the Titans score four unearned runs in game one. Two of those errors and three of the unearned runs came in the Titans’ three-run fifth. Saxon pitcher Rayna Honsowitz gave up just two earned runs in the complete game effort. She struck out eight, walked four and gave up six hits. A double by Rylee Nicholson was the lone extra-base hit for the Saxons, who had six hits in all. Tandra McKinstry singled twice and drove in one run. Kelsey Heiss and Hannah Bloomberg had Hastings’ other two RBI. Bloomberg, Stephanie VanRavenswaay and Brea Madden each singled once in the bail­ game. Hastings played error free ball in game two, but the Titans turned six hits and 14 walks into a dozen runs. At-bat for the Saxons, Bloomberg doubled. VanRavenswaay had a pair of singles, and Lexi Chaffee and Kenzie Maki-Mielke each singled once. Maki-Mielke drove in two runs and Chaffee one. Madden and Nicholson teamed up in the circle for the Saxons. Coldwater scored 14-6 and 18-9 wins for the Saxons last Thursday in Hastings. Chaffee and VanRavenswaay both had a single and a double in the 14-6 loss to open the afternoon. Paige Woem had three singles and drove in two runs. Nicholson had two RBI as well. Heiss was 4-for-4 and scored four runs for the Saxons out of the leadoff spot in game two. Bloomberg had a double, two singles and three RBI. VanRavenswaay and Nicholson had two singles each. VanRavenswaay and Aubree Highway had two RBI each and Nichouulson drove in one run. Madden and Nicholson teamed up in the circle for the Saxons again in game two. TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the following is a summary ^of Ordinance Nos. 168, 169 and 170 which were adopted by the Prairieville Township Board at a regular meeting on April 10, 2019. ORDINANCE NO. 168 PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP OBSTRUCTING OR PROVIDING FALSE INFORMATION TO POLICE OFFICERS ORDINANCE SECTION I TITLE. This Ordinance shall be known as the Prairieville Township Obstructing or Providing False Information to Police Officers Ordinance. SECTION II OBSTRUCTING POLICE OFFICERS. This section prohibits an individual from obstructing, hindering, opposing, and/or providing false or misleading information to any member of the Prairieville Township Police Department or any other peace oilicer in lawful discharge or his or her duties. SECTION III PENALTY. A violation of this Ordinance shall be a municipal civil infraction punishable by a fine of not more than $500. SECTION IV repealed. SEVERABILITY. SECTION V EFFECTIVE/REPEAL. This ordinance is effective thirty (30) days following publication, after adoption. Conflicting Ordinance provisions are repealed. Conflicting Ordinance provisions are ORDINANCE NO. 169 PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP ANTI-BLIGHT ORDINANCE SECTION I PURPOSE. The purpose of the Ordinance is to prevent, reduce or eliminate blight within Prairieville Township. SECTION II CAUSES OF BLIGHT OR BLIGHTING FACTORS. This section lists the causes of blight or blighting factors within the Township. SECTION III ENFORCEMENT AND PENALTIES. A person who violates this Ordinance is responsible for a municipal civil infraction, subject to a compliance order and other remedies authorized by law. A table listing fines for violations of this Ordinance is provided. SECTION IV REPEAL. Conflicting Ordinance provisions are repealed. SECTION V EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance is effective thirty (30) days following publication, after adoption. Thornapple Kellogg freshman Ainsley Oliver (14) celebrates scoring the Trojans’ game-tying goal in a crowd of disappointed Pioneers 15 minutes into the second half Thursday in Middleville. TK scored a second goal about ten minutes later to earn a 2-1 OK Gold Conference win over the East Grand Rapids girls. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Strickland becomes TK ladies’ winningest coach Brett Bremer Sports Editor The first come-from-behind victory of the 2019 Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ soccer season is also the 113th victory for head coach Joel Strickland. A pair of goals less than ten minutes apart in the middle of the second half vaulted the Trojans to a 2-1 victory over East Grand Rapids in their OK Gold Conference opener inside Bob White Stadium on a cold, windy Thursday evening. The win moves Strickland a victory ahead of former TK head coach Steve Evans who guided the TK ladies to 112 wins from 1990 through 2002. In Strickland’s eight plus seasons, the Trojans have compiled a 113-38-15 record overall and finished with a winning record in seven of his eight campaigns while winning three conference and two district champion­ ships. “It is special, it really is,” Strickland said. “I didn’t think the day would come, but hon­ estly it is pretty neat just to say that you’re in that position. I’ve had the opportunity to coach incredible players, which obviously is helpful. Aridreallw.my assistants have been incredible over the years, several of them from Erick Rodas to Tom Strumberger and Alaina Pohl, who is still one of my assistants to this day, and Ben Sleeman this year. It has been great.” He said the success is more about all the things his girls do in the offseason than any­ thing else - playing on travel teams, playing indoor, coming in for tech training. He gets a stream of girls ready and willing to buy into the program. “(Coach Strickland) is honest with us,” said Monica Bluhm, who scored the go-ahead goal against EGR with 16:08 to play. “He says ‘hey, listen, this is what you have got to do. This is what you have got to work on. We ORDINANCE NO. 170 PROHIBITION OF RECREATIONAL MARIHUANA ESTABLISHMENTS ORDINANCE SECTION I TITLE. This Ordinance shall be known as the Prairieville Township Prohibition of Marihuana Establishments Ordinance. SECTION II DEFINITIONS. Words used in this Ordinance shall have the definitions as provided for in Initiated Law 1 of 2018, MCL 333.27951, et seq. SECTION III NO MARIHUANA ESTABLISHMENTS. All marihuana establishments are prohibited within the boundaries of Prairieville Township. SECTION IV VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES. A violation of the Ordinance is a nuisance per se and a municipal civil infraction. The Township may seek injunctive relief as well as other remedies under law. The Ordinance shall be enforced by the Ordinance Enforcement Officer or other person designated by the Township Board. SECTION V SEVERABILITY. The provisions of this Ordinance are severable. SECTION VI REPEAL. Conflicting Ordinance provisions are repealed. SECTION VII EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall take effect 30 days after publication, after adoption. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the full text of the above Ordinances are posted in the Office of the Prairieville Township Clerk at the address below and that a copy of the Ordinances may be purchased or inspected at the Township Clerk’s office during regular business hours of regular working days following the date of this publication. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Rod Goebel, Clerk 10115 S. Norris Road Delton, Michigan 49046 16946 (269)623-2664 Thornapple Kellogg defender Elizabeth Meyering passes the ball out of the back end during the first half of her team’s victory over visiting East Grand Rapids Thursday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Thornapple Kellogg’s Carmen Beemer turns away from a pair of East Grand Rapids defenders, setting up the Trojans’ first goal in a 2-1 win over the Pioneers Thursday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) have to go together as a team.’ But he says it in a respectful way. He is not one of those coaches like, ‘hey, you did this wrong!’ “No matter what you do there is always praise. ‘Hey nice job. Get it next time. Keep doing that. Hey, you were so close, do it again.’ There is more positive reinforcement, so we are all like ‘yeah, we can do this.’” Bluhm is a junior, entering her third season on the Trojan varsity. She said she plays soc­ cer year round and does 4H in the summer and that fills up most of her free time. She’s been in the CATS FC program for eight or nine years. She said nearly all of her team­ mates are involved in some kind of club or travel program. Strickland was honest with his girls at half­ time Thursday. TK controlled much of the first half against the Pioneers, and managed a handful of comer kicks and couple solid out­ side blasts from Ellie Adams, but couldn’t find the back of the net. “It felt like the first half we played okay at times, but not great honestly. We had opportu­ nities. We didn’t take advantage of those. We wanted to come out in the second half and really play hard and physical, and they really did that against us. They came out, I felt like, stronger and more prepared than our girls. “What was great about our team was the resilience, not stopping, especially being down a goal. That is always hard. For them to do the things that we’ve been talking about and get a win that’s great.” EGR came out strong in the second half. Pioneer freshman Audrey Williamson beat a couple of TK defenders at the top of the box and poked a pass to the right side that sopho­ more teammate Natalie Dwortz finished off eight and a half minutes into the second 40 minutes. One of the talented new additions to the TK program, freshman midfielder Kiah Nichols, earned the assist on both of the Trojan goals. “It started with our defense and worked up to our holding mids and they did a good job of finding Kia in the middle there,” Strickland said. “She just did a perfect job of attacking it and finding the slot and giving that ball up both times.” The first goal came with 25:38 to play* Adams carried it up the right sideline and centered a pass to. Carmen Beemer at the top of the Pioneers’ goal box. Beemer turned towards, with a couple defenders between her back and the goal, and passed the ball over to Nichols on the left side of the box. Nichols shot it in for fellow freshman Ainsley Oliver to finish off. Nine and a half minutes later, Nichols got the ball to Bluhm on the left side of the EGR net and Bluhm ripped a high shot to the near side that blew through the Pioneer keeper’s fingertips and into the upper 90. Bluhm said she and her teammates just needed to slow down a little bit and work together a little better. “After the first goal we all kind of started getting it back together. It was kind of like ‘oh, hey, there it is, let’s go,”’ she said. For the most part, the Trojan defense was solid, preventing EGR from challenging keeper Tristen Cross much. The Trojans are now 3-2 overall this season and 1-1 in the OK Gold conference after a 3-1 loss to visiting Grand Rapids Christian in Middleville Monday. Maddie Raymond rifled a shot through the hands of the Eagle goalkeeper in the first min­ ute of play, and Bluhm was there to deflect the rebound into the back of the net with a header. The Trojans were the ones who were over­ taken this time though. TK held the lead f6r 70 minutes before the Eagles scored three times in the final ten minutes to score the victory. The Eagles got a fortuitous bounce off the post that found the center of the box where the Eagles got a shot off in a scramble to tie the game at one. ** A Trojan turnover and a bit of miscommu­ nication allowed the Eagles to get a go-ahead goal with five minutes to play, despite solid pressure at the other end by the TK ladies. The Eagles notched one more goal with the Trojans pressed forward to score. TK was scheduled to visit South Christian for another conference contest last night. EGR sweeps doubleheader with TK boys East Grand Rapids pulled out a pair of dou­ ble digit victories over the Thomapple Kellogg varsity baseball team Tuesday to open the OK Gold Conference season in Grand Rapids Tuesday. The Pioneers bested the Trojans 11-1 in the opener of their conference doubleheader and then took a 16-0 win in game two. EGR took the 11-1 opener in four innings. Levi VanderHeide had both Trojan hits in the loss. EGR won game two in four innings as well. Mat McNee singled for the Trojans lone hit. The Trojans and Pioneers were scheduled to meet up in Middleville on Wednesday afternoon, in a bailgame moved from Thursday due to the weather forecast. The Trojans take on Grand Rapids Christian next week in the OK Gold, hosting a double­ header Tuesday and going to Grand Rapids for one Thursday. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, April 18, 2019 — Page 17 Vikings score back-to-back non-league wins Brett Bremer Sports Editor ’ Things turned around on the scoreboard in The second half for the Lakewood varsity girls’ soccer team Monday against visiting Alma, and are starting to turn around in the •win/loss standings as well. The Vikings scored a 4-3 win over the vis­ iting Alma Panthers. Senior midfielder Haven Bosworth and sophomore forward Anja Kelley scored two goals each to get the Vikings their second consecutive victory. The Lakewood ladies also scored an 8-1 victory on the road at Ionia Saturday, and are now 2-4 overall this season after a 3-0 loss to Leslie in Greater Lansing Activities Conference action Tuesday evening. Alma led 2-1 for much of the first half and into the second Monday, before Bosworth finished off an assist from Kelley six minutes ’into the second half to knot the score at 2-2. J ♦ Kelley put the Vikings in front for the first time in the second half by carrying the ball through the midfield ripping a low shot under the Alma keeper from about 25 yards out with 17 minutes and 55 seconds to go in the bail­ game. She added an insurance goal a little over a minute later, lifting a foot to perfectly deflect a comer kick from teammate Vendela Spangang over the head of the Panther keeper. “The first half wasn’t so great,” Lakewood head coach James LeVeque said. “In the first half, we played more kickball. We would dribble into pressure and instead of turning and looking for a drop, or looking for a square ball and possessing and shielding and whatnot we were just kicking the ball into any space jve saw in any direction we wanted and trying to chase it down. It wasn’t soccer. It was kick­ ball. . “That got better in the second half. In the second half we possessed the ball more. We passed the ball more. We locked the ball down into their defensive third a lot more because we were patient with the ball which allowed more of our girls to step up into the attack.” The comer kick Kelley scored on was one erf many in the second half. At one point, the Vikings put together a string of four consecu­ RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE TO COMPLETELY PROHIBIT MARIJUANA ESTABLISHMENTS WITHIN RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP PURSUANTTP MICHIGAN REGULATION AND TAXATION OF MARIHUANA ACT TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE the following ordinance was adopted by the Rutland Charter Township Board on April 10, 2019: RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP COUNTY OF BARRY, STATE OF MICHIGAN RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP ORDINANCE NO. 2019-167 ADOPTED: APRIL 10, 2019 EFFECTIVE: APRIL 18, 2019 ORDINANCE TO COMPLETELY PROHIBIT MARIHUANA ESTABLISHMENTS WITHIN RUTLAND-CHARTER TOWNSHIP EURSUANT TO MICHIGANJBE-GULAI8QMAND. TAXATION OF MARIHUANA ACT This Ordinance is enacted pursuant to the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (initiative legislation approved by the voters as Proposal 1 at the November 6,2018 general election) to completely prohibit any “marihuana establishment” as that term is defined in the Act and herein within the boundaries of Rutland Charter Township. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDAINS: SECTION! LEGAL AUTHORITY Lakewood freshman defender Marissa Wernette clears the ball away from danger during the Vikings’ 4-3 win over visiting Alma Monday afternoon at Lakewood High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) tive corners, but couldn’t quite steer one onto the Panther net. Lakewood held that 4-2 lead until Alma Lakewood freshman midfielder Morgan Mussel works to turn the ball back towards the goal box in the offensive end during the Vikings’ 4-3 win over visiting Alma Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) pulled within one on a counter attack with three minutes to play. Jenna Fletcher booted the ball through the Viking defense and Kennedy Davis ran onto it and converted her breakaway attempt. Bosworth scored the first goal of the game just 78 seconds in, finishing off an assist from teammate Alicia Wernette. “We got a through ball to Wernette up the right sideline. She drove up hard, turned in, got inside of her girl. The goalie started com­ ing out and she passed the ball across the six to Haven who just one-touched it into the comer of the net” LeVeque said. “It was just a thing of beauty, an absolutely perfect soccer goal. It was very well done.” The Panthers answered with a goal by Tamanda Store .iuid one by Davisdhat was assisted by Store in the first 23 minutes of the first half. Store proved a bit difficult for the Vikings to handle in the middle of the field. The Vikings focused on trying to keep her from turning to her right and finding open team­ mates streaking up the sideline. For the most part, the Vikings were better at limiting that in the second half. The Vikings were still settling into a new formation, one they played a bit of last season while also moving some girls around on the field. Senior captain Collette Sharp moved back to the middle of the Viking defense to provide some speed along the back line, and she is still settling into that role. “We put three ball-controllers in the middle of the field, and you saw it in the second half when they were working give-and-go’s and working good triangles and whatnot, and then they incorporate the outside mid’s a little bit which helps.” Lakewood is still working freshman goal­ keeper Ellie Minard into the action as well. She played the first half in net and then moved senior Zari Kruger into the goal in the second half. Coach LeVeque first put in the defensive changes in practice Friday, and they got to try them in competition for the first time Saturday at Ionia. Kelley had three goals in that win over the Bulldogs, and Bosworth and Sharp two each Saturday. Bosworth had two assists and Aubrey Brearley had a goal and an assist. This Ordinance is enacted pursuant to the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act (initiative legislation approved by the voters as Proposal 1 at the November 6,2018 general election) to completely prohibit any “marihuana establishment” as that term is defined in the Act and herein within the boundaries of Rutland Charter Township. This Ordinance is also enacted pursuant to the authority granted to the Township Board by MCL 42.15 to enact such ordinances as may be deemed necessary to provide for the public peace and health and for the safety of persons and property therein, and by MCL 41.181 to adopt ordinances regulating the public health, safety, and general welfare of persons and property. This Ordinance is intended to reflect and advance the previous policy position of the Township Board under the Michigan Marihuana Facilities Licensing Act (MCL 333.27101 et. seq.) to not allow marihuana-related facilities within Rutland Charter Township, in the manner now required by the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act to continue that policy position. SECTIONS COMPLETE PROHIBITION OF MARIHUANA JESTABUSHMENTS WITHIN. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP Marihuana establishments shall be and hereby are completely prohibited within the boundaries of Rutland Charter Township, to the fullest extent of the law. SECTIONS A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. DEFINITIONS For purposes of this Ordinance the term “marihuana establishment” is defined exactly as defined in Section 3(h) of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, to mean “a marihuana grower, marihuana safety compliance facility, marihuana processor, marihuana microbusiness, marihuana retailer, marihuana secure transporter, or any other type of marihuana-related business licensed by the department”. For purposes of this Ordinance the term “marihuana grower” is defined exactly as defined in Section 3(1) of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation ofMarihuana Act, to mean “a person licensed to cultivate marihuana and sell or otherwise transfer marihuana to marihuana establishments”. For purposes of this Ordinance the term “marihuana safety compliance facility” is defined exactly as defined in Section 3(o) of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, to mean “a person licensed to test marihuana, including certification for potency and the presence of contaminants”. For purposes of this Ordinance the term “marihuana processor” is defined exactly as defined in Section 3(l) of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, to mean “a person licensed to obtained marihuana from marihuana establishments; process and package marihuana; and sell or otherwise transfer marihuana to marihuana establishments”. For purposes of this Ordinance the term “marihuana microbusiness” is defined exactly as defined in Section 3(k) of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, to mean “a person licensed to cultivate not more than 150 marihuana plants; process and package marihuana; and sell or otherwise transfer marihuana to individuals who are 21 years of age or older or to a marihuana safety compliance facility, but not to other marihuana establishments”. For purposes of this Ordinance the term “marihuana retailer” is defined exactly as defined in Section 3(m) of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, to mean “a person licensed to obtain marihuana from marihuana establishments and to sell or otherwise transfer marihuana to marihuana establishments and to individuals who are 21 years of age or older”. For purposes of this Ordinance the term “marihuana secure transporter” is defined exactly as defined in Section 3(n) of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, to mean “a person licensed to obtain marihuana from marihuana establishments in order to transport marihuana to marihuana establishments”. For purposes of this Ordinance the term “department” is defined exactly as defined in Section 3(b) of the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, to mean “the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs” of the State of Michigan (capital letters added for proper noun correctness). For purposes of this Ordinance any other term used in any of the foregoing defined terms that is itself defined in the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, or any administrative rules promulgated by the department to administer and implement the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act pursuant to Section 8 or otherwise of that Act, is defined exactly as therein defined. SECTION 4 SEVERABILITY Delton Kellogg track teams open SAC season at home ; The Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ track and field team bested visiting Martin, GalesburgAugusta and Fennville in the first Southwestern Athletic Conference competitions of the spring season. The DK girls won their two match-ups, finishing ahead of GalesburgAugusta and Martin. The Delton Kellogg boys were powered by three relay victories, taking the 400-meter relay in 49.52 seconds, the 1600-meter relay in 4 minutes 7.11 seconds and the 3200-meter relay in 9:46.00. DK sophomore Cole Pape swept the top spot in the two throws, setting a new personal record with a mark of 121 feet 2 inches in the discus and getting a mark of 42-10 in the shot put. Dawson Grizzle won two individual events for the Panthers too, setting a PR with his winning jump of 5-8 in the high jump and adding a first place time of 55.95 seconds in the 400-meter run. Delton Kellogg senior Mads Clausen won the 300-meter intermediate hurdles in 47.30 seconds and Jaden Ashley won the long jump for Delton at 18-2. The Panthers had the four highest marks in the pole vault, with senior Kendal Pluchinsky leading the way with a personal record vault of 10-6. Teammate Alex Leclercq, a junior, was second at 10-2. The Delton Kellogg girls took two field event victories. Senior Ashley Elkins won the high jump at 4-10 and senior Lexi Parsons Hastings Public Library 227 E State Street Hastings Ml 49058 took the shot put at29-9. Parsons added a run­ ner-up throw of 87-1 in the discus. Senior Klara Matteson had a good meet for the Panthers, winning the 100-meter dash in 14.17 and the 200 in 29.67. Delton Kellogg had a pair of freshmen as the only scorers in the 100-meter hurdles, with Alyssa Dowdy winning in 23.18 and Emily Dake second in 23.56. The Panthers closed out the evening by winning the 1600-meter relay in 5:11.13. Delton Kellogg is scheduled to be a part of the Otsego Lions Relays Friday and then head to Lawton for another SAC competition April 17. The provisions of this Ordinance are hereby declared to be severable, and if any clause, sentence, word, section or provision is declared void or unenforceable for any reason by any court of competent jurisdiction, such declaration shall not affect any portion of this Ordinance other than the part declared to be invalid. SECTIONS EFFECTIVE DATE AND NON-REPEAL This Ordinance shall take effect immediately upon publication as provided by MCL 42.227 B. This Ordinance is not intended to repeal any provision of any other existing ordinance of Rutland Charter Township. * Upon taking effect this Ordinance shall be added to the Rutland Charter Township Code Appendix at A249 A. This ordinance in its entirety has been posted in the office of the Township Clerk and on the Township website (wwwjnjtto A copy of the ordinance may also be purchased by contacting the Township Clerk as indicated below during regular business hours of regular working days, and at such other times as may be arranged. Robin J. Hawthorne, Clerk Charter Township of Rutland Rutland Charter Township Hall 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Michigan 49058 Telephone: (269) 948-2194 �Page 18 — Thursday, April 18, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Plays at the plate get Panthers by Vikes Delton Kellogg junior catcher Katie Tobias spins to tag out Lakewood’s Emily Campeau at home plate in the bottom of the nirjtti inning of the Panthers’ 4-2 win over the Vikings at Hastings High School Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) • Junior Erin Kapteyn fires a pitch for the Panthers during their 4-2 win over Lakewood Saturday at the Barry County Invitational in Hastings. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor ; The international tiebreaker rule, putting a ‘base runner on second base to start an inning, 5 was the spark the Delton Kellogg and Lakewood offenses needed to be able to < decide a champion. 5 The Delton Kellogg varsity softball team i scored a 4-2 victory over the Vikings in nine innings to clinch the championship at the annual Barry County Invitational in Hastings. ! Delton Kellogg junior pitcher Erin Kapteyn and Lakewood sophomore pitcher Morgan Stahl traded zeros through the first seven I innings of regulation, and the coaches and umpires decided to implement the tiebreaker as soon as they got to extra innings. “Had we not done that hard telling how many innings this game could have went,” :said Lakewood interim head coach Brent ;Hilley, who took over the program last i Thursday. The change sparked the offenses, but didn’t decide things right away. Both teams scored two runs in the eighth inning to send the game into the ninth. While Delton Kellogg head coach Duane Knight wouldn’t have called his team’s defense flawless by any means, the Panthers did throw out three Lakewood run­ ners on the base paths to secure the victory. Delton Kellogg took a 2-0 lead in the top of the eighth inning. The Panthers popped a bunt up and Stahl recorded a strikeout to keep Delton Kellogg’s Lizzy Fichtner standing on second base with two out, but Lily Timmerman belted an RBI single into Centerfield to plate Fichtner. Timmerman went to second on the throw home and then scored a second DK run when Lakewood finally lost a battle with the stiff wind that was blowing in from right Cen­ terfield all day long. The Vikings right fielder and second baseman collided on a pop-up that could have ended the inning. Delton Kellogg centerfielder played what could have been a one-out RBI single by Lakewood’s Ashtyn Livermore into a triple at Hastings’ Lexi Chaffee gets a jump off third base as teammate Rylee Nicholson puts the ball in play during the top of the fourth inning against Lakewood Saturday at the Barry County Invitational. (Photo by Brett Bremer) the start of the bottom of the eight, but later Colwell made a play with her arm and one with her bat to make up for it. Lakewood’s Emma Sullivan beat out an infield hit that brought home Livermore to tie the game at 2-2, and stood at second base as the win­ ning-run with one out. Emily Campeau sin­ gled into Centerfield for the Vikings, but Colwell fired a strike to catcher Katie Tobias at the plate who had her glove down waiting as Sullivan attempted to score from second. Tobias then fired to third to gun down Campeau who had been trying to advance on the throw in. “That was fun,” Tobias, the Panthers’junior catcher said. “That is probably the most excit­ ing part of the game for me sometimes. It was something. “(The throw from Colwell) was right on line. It was a perfect throw. I saw the girl in my peripheral vision. I knew it as going to be close, but we had her.” Delton Kellogg finally got a couple of bunts down, something they’d struggled at throughout the ballgame, to get the lead again in the top of the ninth inning. Tobias started on second, went to third on a perfect sacrifice by Erin Kapteyn, and then scored on a bunt by teammate Aubrey Aukerman. Aukerman was safe at first, colliding with the Lakewood defender at the bag which allowed the throw to get away. Aukerman advanced to second, went to third on a passed ball, and then scored on an infield hit by Colwell. Campeau started the bottom of the ninth on second for the Vikings, but was thrown out trying to score when the Panthers hesitated on what turned into an infield single for Lakewood’s Hannah Slater. Slater took sec­ ond on the play at the plate, and eventually moved over to third on an infield single by Savannah Stoepker that put runners at the comers with one out for the Vikings. Kapteyn got the final two Lakewood batters to pop up on the infield though, stranding the two Lakewood runners and clinching the champi­ onship. Kapteyn struck out 16 Vikings while walk­ ing two and giving up eight hits. The triple by Livermore was Lakewood’s lone extra-base hit in the bailgame. Hastings’ Stephanie VanRavenswaay slides safely in with a steal of second Ms Lakewood shortstop Emma Sullivan and second baseman awaits the throw and second baseman Madalynn Wickerink looks on. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Stahl took the loss despite striking out 13 and not walking a batter. Both teams had eight hits in the ballgame. “That was probably the best team we have faced so far,” Tobias said. “In the beginning it was just strikeout after strikeout for both of them. It was really a pitchers’ game at first, but as the game went on it evolved into a hitter’s game.” “(Kapteyn) was hitting her spots so well. Her curveball was working. Everything was working. Everything I called she would do. She was having a good day. Tobias doubled and Timmerman had a pair of singles for DK. Aubrey Aukerman, Kapteyn, Haily Buckner and Colwell each singled once for Delton. Livermore tripled and singled for Lakewood. Sullivan had a pair of singles. Stahl, Campeau, Slater and Stoepker each singled once. “We’ve got to tighten up our defense;” Knight said. “We started out slow hitting. We have been hitting the ball really well. We’ve played four games and all of them but one have been by a mercy.” The Panthers hit the ball well to start the day, knocking 17 hits in an 18-0 win over the Hastings Saxons. Continued next page The Delton Kellogg varsity softball team celebrates its championship at the Barry County Invitational in Hastings Saturday after a 4-2 win over Lakewood in nine innings to close out its day. (Photo by Brett Bremer) , �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, April 18, 2019 — Page 19 Panthers pitch, hit and run to win invitational The Delton Kellogg varsity baseball team celebrates its championship Saturday at the Barry County Invitational in Hastings after scoring wins over Thornapple Kellogg and Hastings. The Saxons5 Ethan Bennett sprints out of the batters box as the ball gets by the Lakewood catcher on a swinging third-strike during the top of the third inning of their bailgame Saturday morning at the Barry County Invitational. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor \ The bats thawed out, they ran wild on the base paths, they didn’t make a single error, and the Panthers got a couple great pitching ^performances from Riley Roblyer and Keegon Iwkx to win the Barry County Invitational in Imstings Saturday. ; ,The Delton Kellogg Panthers bested the JhOst Saxons 9-0 in the championship game >after a 6-2 win over Thomapple Kellogg to Jopen the tfernOTnemTlidStmgs reached the championship game by starting the day with a jl?-2 victory over the Lakewood Vikings. “We had been hitting the ball hard, even ■against Paw Paw andvonstantine, but it had been right at people. The second game against Constantine (Thursday), the ball started to fall in. It is coming around. I think that gave them ja little energy boost coming into the touma>meh|, Delton Kellogg head coach Jesse Lyons said. “We’re finally getting some of .them to drop in here.” Delton Kellogg stretched a 1-0 lead to 6-0 with five runs in the top of the fourth inning against the Saxons in the championship game, and then added three runs in the top of the fifth. The tournament rules call for a mercy with a team up eight after five innings or more, so when the Saxons failed to score against DK pitcher Keegon Kokx m the fifth innings the Panthers were crowned the cham­ pions. Kokx struck out three in five innings in the championship game, allowing five Saxon sin­ gles. Riley Roblyer got the start in the Panthers’ bailgame with Thomapple Kellogg add struck out 12 in six innings, allowing two runs on two hits and four walks. Kokx fin­ ished off the contest on the mound with a g^rfect inning of relief work in which he stack out two. “Keegon pitched really effectively. Riley kept TK pretty off balance with his curveball. ♦They both were throwing strikes,” Lyons said. hat really helps if we can do that. I think we fended up only walking five on the day.” । ’Behind them, the Delton Kellogg defense didn’t make an error all day long. * Lyons had his team down for 15 stolen xBases on the day. * “We have quite a bit of speed on this team ‘and we have been stealing quite a few bases,” Lyons sadd. “It was nothing really that we saw The Saxons’ Bryce Darling slides safely into home to score on a wild pitch as Lakewood pitcher Bryant Makley tries to snag a throw from catcher Jayce Hansen during the top of the third inning Saturday morning in Hastings. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Colson Brummel pitches for Thornapple Kellogg during its match-up with Lakewood in the consolation game Saturday at the Barry County Invitational. (Photo by Brett Bremer) ............... particularly against Railings, or TK, but we’re going into each game with the mindset to be aggressive on the bases until the catcher, the pitcher or the combination stops us. That is the biggest thing, get them moving, espe­ cially in this early part of the year when everybody hasn’t had time to get out and practice a whole lot. Let’s take advantage of the small ball stuff while we can.” The double by Curcuro was the lone extra base hit for the Panthers in the championship game and finished with two RBI. Riley Roblyer singled twice, drove in one run and scored three times. Owen Koch and Keegon Kokx singled for DK as well. Koch had one RBI. Ethan Caris singled twice for Hastings in the loss to Delton Kellogg, and Carter Hewitt, Bryce Darling and Phillip Morris had the Saxons’ other three singles. Cater Cappon started for the Saxons and gave up four runs, three earned, in three innings. He struck out one, walked one and allowed three hits. Darling, Ethan Bennett, Caris and Rigden Pederson threw in relief for the Saxons. Payton Warner, Max Swift, Kokx and Curcuro had two hits each in the Panthers’ 6-2 win over Thomapple Kellogg. Swift had a single and a double and two RBI. Koch, Post and Carter Howland drove in one run each. Koch, Roblyer and Post each had one single. The lone hits for TK were singles by Isaiah Postma and Alex Bonnema. Hastings opened the tournament with a 17-2 three-inning win over Lakewood. Viking pitchers struggled to find the strike zone as Hastings walked nine times in the three innings while knocking five hits. Darling was 2-for-3 at the plate for the Saxons and scored three times. Drew Markley scored three runs as well, and drove in three. Markley, Hewitt and Gabe Stolicker had Hastings’ other three hits. Hewitt and Stolicker had two Rbi each and Caris, Darling, Bennett and Cappon had one RBI apiece. The Saxons scored 14 runs in the bottom of the second inning with just three hits. It all started with Bennett rushing out of the batters’ box after a swing and miss for strike three^ He beat out the throw to first from the backstop. Bennett was hit by a pitch in his next plate Continued from previous page ’ Fichtner was 3-for-4 with two doubles, two ‘runs and two RBI for the Panthers against the ‘Saxons. She was one of seven DK girls with •multiple hits and one of sixth with multiple 'rBi. Timmerman was 2-for-4 with four RBI against the Saxons. Buckner, Kapteyn, jDelanie Aukerman and Aubrey Aukerman <had two hits each, and Josie Lyons had three. Lyons and Delanie each doubled once. Kapteyn and Delanie had three RBI each, and 'Buckner and Aubrey Aukerman had two RBI each. * Buckner Started in the circle for DK, strik?ing out seven and walking one in three finnings. Colwell finished off the Saxons with ftwo strikeouts in her one inning pitching. ■ Singles by Tandra McKinstry and Lexi Chaffee were the two Saxon hits. 'Lakewood defeated Hastings 18-6 in the final game of the tournament. ‘ “I was pleased after an emotional hard fought loss that we were able to refocus come back out and play with a purpose,” coach Hilley said. “We moved our starting defense around and the kids adjusted and played well.” Campeau started pitching for the Vikings and earned the win, striking out five. She gave up four hits and walked four. Slater had two doubles to lead the Lakewood offense, while Stahl, Olivia Lang, Stoepker, Maddie Mussehl, Livermore and Sullivan each sin­ gled. Hastings got two singles each from McKinstry and Stephanie VanRavenswaay, and one each from Kelsey Heiss, Rylee Nicholson and Hannah Bloomberg. McKinstry had two RBI and VanRavenswaay and Kenzie Maki-Mielke drove in one run apiece. The tournament had one fewer team than usual, with Thomapple Kellogg traveling to Otsego for a tournament instead Saturday. The tournament was rained out a year ago. The Panthers were happy to get it in, and get the victory. “It is really good. Even though our first couple games weren’t against the best teams it has helped our confidence. We expect more than last year, and all the girls are wanting more out of this year and you can already tell that. It is going to be a fun year.” DK improved to 6-0 with the two victories. The opened Southwestern Athletic Conference play with a doubleheader against Constantine Thursday, scoring 16-6 and 12-6 wins over the Falcons. Buckner had a three-run home run in the opener, going 2-for-3 and driving in four runs. Kapteyn had the big bat in game two, going 2-for-3 with a double, a triple and four RBI. Buckner had three more hits, including a dou­ ble and three RBI in that second game. appearance of the inning. He swung and missed at strike three a second time in the inning, in his third plate appearance, this time the Viking catcher Jayce Hansen was able to block the pitch and throw out Bennett at first for the final out of the inning. Nate Dillon, Jacob Elenbaas, Hansen and Hunter Kemp all singled for the Vikings in the loss. Hewitt got the win on the mound for the Saxons, allowing two runs on four his and a walk in three innings. He struck out four. Thomapple Kellogg bested Lakewood 2-0 in the consolation game, getting a complete game shut out from Colson Brummel. He struck out eight and walked two for the Trojans, while allowing four hits. Matt McNee doubled twice and drove in one run for TK. Brummel, Jordan Hey and Reese Garbrecht had the Trojans* other three hits. Elenbaas, Casey Henney and William ' Storm each singled for the Vikings. Saxon baseball falls in first four 1-8 ballgames Jackson Lumen Christi rallied from a 4-1 deficit to keep the Hastings varsity baseball team winless in Interstate-8 Athletic Conference play Tuesday evening in Hastings. The Titans swept their double header in Hastings, scoring 4-2 and 7-4 victories at Johnson Field. The Saxons had a 4-1 lead through three innings as the sun began to complete its decent in game two. The Titans began chip­ ping away, scoring a run in the fourth inning, one in the fifth and then two in the top of the sixth inning to nudge in front. Lumen Christi tacked on two more runs in the seventh inning to pull out the 7-4 victory. Hastings outhit the Titans 7-4 in that game two defeat, and the fourth inning was the only one in which the Saxons didn’t have at least one base runner. Philip Morris, Ethan Caris, Drew Markley, Bryce Darling, Spencer Tyson and Tigden Pederson and Grant Huver had the seven Saxon hits Darling had the Saxons’ lone RBI, driving in his team’s second run in the bottom of the first inning. Carter Hewitt started on the mound for the Saxons, going four innings. He allowed three runs, two earned, while striking out three and walking three. He gave up just one hit. The Titans managed three runs against Darling over his two innings on the bump, with three hits and three walks. Darling struck out one. Pederson finished off the final inning for the Saxons, walking two and allowing one unearned run in the seventh. Brock Fitzpatrick went the full seven innings to get the win for the Titans, striking out seven and not walking a batter. Just two of the four runs against him were earned. He did hit two batters. Hunter Denton and Jack Kelley both drove in two runs for the Titans. Cade Gregory, Connor McIntire, Brody Dalton and Hunter Denton had Lumen Christi’s four hits. Dalton struck out ten Saxons over five innings on the mound in game one, earning the win. He walked three and allowed two runs, just one earned. Gregory closed things out over the final two innings, striking out four. A RBI-single by Caris off Gregory in bot­ tom of the sixth was the only hit for Hastings. Caris also scored the Saxons’ first run in the fourth. He led off the inning with a walks and advanced around with the help of a steal and a couple sacrifices. Morris started and took the loss for Hastings, allowing four runs on four hits and five walks through 5.2 innings. He struck out five. Caris threw 1.1 innings of hitless relief with one strike out. Dalton had two hits for the Titans. Gregory doubled and Joe Barrett tripled. Barrett and Gregory each scored once and drove in one run. Hastings is now 0-4 in the 1-8 this spring. Coldwater swept its league doubleheader with the Saxons Thursday in Hastings scoring 14-2 and 9-5 wins. A single by Morris was the only hit for the Saxons’ in the game one defeat. Hewitt was 2-for-3 in game two, with a pair of doubles and an RBI. Markley doubled and drove in a run as well. Huver singled twice and Caris also had a hit for Hastings. Markley, Darling and Huver had one RBI each. �Page 20 — Thursday, April 18, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Saxons pick up speed, remain undefeated Saxon junior Jon Arnold winds his way to a fourth-place finish in the 1600-meter run Tuesday inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Saxons performed better than head coach Brian Teed expected Tuesday, and many of them better than they ever had before. The Hastings varsity boys’ and girls’ track and field teams both knocked off Jackson Northwest and Jackson Lumen Christi in Interstate-8 Athletic Conference contests inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field Tuesday. The Saxon teams are now both 3-0 in the 1-8 this spring, and improved to 6-0 overall with the victories. A group of 47 different Saxons scored in the meet, and there were 67 personal bests recorded among the Saxon athletes. For the Hastings boys, it started early in the afternoon. A trio of Saxon hurdlers each ran their fastest race ever in the 110-meter high hurdles. Junior Jacob O’Keefe won the race in 17.64 seconds, with sophomore Christian Stacy second in 18.82 and sophomore Sam Randall third in 21.53. Randall and Stacy also turned in their fastest 300-meter intermediate hurdle times late in the meet, behind O’Keefe’s winning time of 49.99 seconds. The Saxon boys’ team got three other per­ sonal records in winning performances. Senior Haydn Redmond won the 200-meter dash in 23.26 seconds and classmate Greyson The Saxons’ Haydn Redmond takes off with the baton after getting a handoff from teammate Logan Wolfenbarger in the 400-meter relay Tuesday during their team’s 1-8 competition with Jackson Northwest and Lumen Christi. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Tebo took the discus with a mark of 119 feet three inches. Junior William Roosien won the 400-meter relay in a personal record time of 55.51, with junior Dane Barnes second in that race in a personal record time of 56.49. The three fastest Saxons in that 400 set new personal records, with sophomore Jacob Arens fourth in 59.18. The only other guy to finish the race in less than a minute was Northwest freshman Landon Rambadt who ATTORNEY The Problems of Using Joint Accounts with Right of Survivorship in Michigan WHY DOES SOMEONE CHOOSE A JOINT ACCOUNT? In some cases, a person may choose a joint account as a simple way to transfer assets upon death to another person. 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The Hastings girls’ team had the top two finishers in each of those events. Junior Hannah Johnson was the runner-up in the pole vault at 8-0. Senior Audryana Holben set a new personal record with a long jump mark of 13-1.5, and junior teammate Savanah Starrett was third in that event at 12-5. The Hastings girls managed just five wins overall on the day. Teed won the 100-meter hurdles in 30.00 and junior Erin Dalman the 300-meter low hurdles in 54.82. Hastings had the top three scorers in both races, with Dalman second and Josey Nickels third in the 100 hurdles and Teed second and Nickels third in the 300 hurdles. The Saxon girls won their two duals handi­ ly though, besting Northwest 95-66 and Lumen Christi 113-44. Dalman had the Hastings girls’ other victo­ ry, clearing the bar at 5-1 in the high jump. Teammate Josey Nickels was second in that event at 4-10. That leap of 5-1 is Dalman’s highest high jump since freshman year when she cleared 5-2 at regionals to earn a spot in the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals. “She seems to be getting her groove back, so that’s a good thing,” Hastings head coach Brian Teed said of his state qualifying high jumper. The Hastings boys bested Northwest 109­ 54 and Lumen Christi 143-14. Hastings still has a couple of its toughest tests of the conference season ahead, visiting Harper Creek April 23 and hosting Parma Western April 30. The Saxons will see tough competition Friday as well as they host their own Hastings Invitational. Hastings won the first three relays of the evening Tuesday. The team of Logan Wolfenbarger, Redmond, Kirby Beck and Hunter Allerding took the 800-meter relay in 1:37.48. Jason Haight, Wolfenbarger, Redmond and Allerding won the 400-meter relay in 46.59. Hastings also had the foursome of Jon Arnold, Tyler Dull, Braden Tolles and Aidan Makled win the 3200-meter relay in 9:11.49. Makled led the Saxon distance crew, win­ ning the 800-meter run in 2:13.26 and the 1600-meter run in 4:59.60. Arnold placed fourth in the 1600 and added a runner-up time of 11:21.69 in the 3200. Tolles set a new per­ sonal record with his fourth-place time of 12:08.92 in the 3200. Tebo added a runner-up mark of 37-10 in the discus to his win in the shot put. Beck won the high jump for Hastings at 6-0, with O’Keefe setting a PR in second at 5-10. Freshman teammate Braden Vertalka was third in the high jump at 5-8. Beck was the runner-up in the pole vault at 10-6. Redmond won the long jump at 19-10.5. Jackson Northwest senior sprinter Jalen Case Tuesday, who placed sixth in the 100meter dash and the 200-meter dash at the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals a year ago, won the 100-meter dash in 11.36 seconds. Northwest won every race the Saxon boys’ didn’t. Mounties’ senior Bryce Alfred won the Hastings freshman Allison Teed tries to get over the bar at 9-0 after setting a new personal record with a winning vault of 8-6 in the pole vault during the Saxons’ 1-8 match-up against Jackson Northwest and Lumen Christi Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hastings’ Josey Nickels (right) gets the baton into the hand of teammate Grace Nickels for the final leg of the 1600-meter relay during their team’s I-8 match-up with Jackson Northwest and Lumen Christi inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) 3200-meter run in 11:18.71 and placed second in the 1600. The Northwest team of Zach Sommer, Landon Rambadt, Nolan Ulch and Case won the 1600-meter relay in 3:56.65, a race in which the Saxon boys’ dropped the baton. JNW senior Jamal Case won the shot put with a personal record mark of 46-11. Northwest senior Madi Hernandez won the throws in the girls’ meet, getting a mark of 33-1.5 in the shot put and 89-6 in the discus. Lumen Christi won the girls’ 1600-meter relay and 3200-meter relay, and the Mounties won the 400-meter relay and the 800-meter relay, with Hastings second in all four relays. Lumen Christi also had each of those win­ ning relay teams anchored by freshman Faith Smith, who also won the 1600-meter run in 5:44.82 and the 3200-meter run in 12:20.54. Allison Rand was a part of those two win­ ning Lumen Christi relay teams as well. Sjhe took the 400-meter run in a personal record time of 59.34 and added a winning time of 2:29.57 in the 800-meter run. 3 The Lakewood teams both took champidnships at last Wednesday’s Lakewood Quad, outscoring the host Vikings, Potter’s Hodse Christian and Grand River Prep. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-04-25.pdf 9e447cd3bf7a9d54f0bd48d3d65e9afe PDF Text Text Surgical center moves forward Board search produces promising school leader See Story on Page 2 See Editorial on Page 4 Saxon bats busy in 1-8 win in Jackson See Story on Page 17 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 80487911018 1070490102590507962749058195427 ( LOT**C 003 rnm Hastings Public Library C°°3 227 E State St Hastings Ml 49058-1954 llMOlii ANNER Thursday, April 25, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 17 PRICE 750 Remenap chosen as Hastings superintendent Habitat vendors added to spring tree sale After decades of successful spring tree sales, Barry Conservation District has decided to shake things up a bit. For the first time, the conservation district will host five additional organizations at a spring tree and habitat sale at Charlton Park April 26 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and April 27 from 9 a.m. to noon. For years, the annual tree sale has offered a variety of native species for pur­ chase as a way to build funds for their operations. Visitors to the sale this year will be able to get free advice on grass­ land plantings, trees, forest management, wildlife habitat and native plants. Many items will be available for purchase from all groups, including tree seedlings, polli­ nator wildflower packs, and switchgrass seeds. A variety of food plot seed will also be available, including glyphosate-resistant corn and soybeans, clovers, brassicas, sunflowers, oats, rye, peas, turnips, rad­ ishes, sorghums, buckwheat, millets and more. More information can be found at barrycd.org. Dangers of social media topic of free workshop Michigan State Trooper Blaine Bachman will lead a discussion at the April Family Workshop about commonly used social media applications. The dis­ cussion will provide information on the intended use, hazards of each application and safety procedures parents can imple­ ment. Parents and guardians will learn the ins and outs of specific social media outlets, such as Facebook, Snapchat, ASK.FM, dating apps and several more websites, and the influence social media is having on children. The workshop will be Monday, April 29, at Hastings Baptist Church, 309 E. Woodlawn Ave., and will begin with a free dinner at 5:30 p.m. The free program will be from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Childcare is available at no charge. For residents within Hastings city lim­ its, transportation to the workshop with Barry County Transit is available with registration. Registration can be completed online at familysupportbarry.com or by calling 269-945-5439. Household hazardous waste collection is May 4 Barry County’s annual household haz­ ardous waste, medication collection and free tire drop-off event is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 4, at the Barry Expo Center, 1350 N. M-37 in Hastings. A grant from the Michigan Department of ; Environmental Quality provided the funding for a one-time-only tire drop-off event. The collection service is free, but there is a 10-tire limit per car. It is firstcome, first-served until the trailers are full. No tires from business vehicles will be accepted. Items that cannot be accepted include asbestos, electronics, latex paint, propane tanks, commercially generated waste, radioactive material, explosives, unknown wastes, console and projection televi­ sions, speakers in wooden cases or tires heavily caked with dirt. The event is sponsored by the Barry County Solid Waste Oversight Committee. Additional information is available by calling 269-789-4107. See NEWS BRIEFS, page 2 Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Daniel Remenap is Hastings Area School System’s next superintendent. “I’m all in,” the Allendale High School principal said when he received the offer from board President Luke Haywood. Haywood called Remenap at 11:15 p.m. ""..................... ..................... ........................................... Tuesday after the final interviews. Remenap was chosen over two other candi­ dates - Steve Wilson, superintendent of Constantine Public Schools, and Jonathan Whan, superintendent of Grant Public Schools. A “soft poll” of the board members to nar­ row the list of candidates from three to two .................. “I was offered a contract by Ravenna, and I’m here today anyway. That should say something about where I want to be.” Daniel Remenap, Hastings Area School System incoming superintendent BVIRBIIMIRIIHMR Daniel Remenap, the incoming super­ intendent for Hastings Area School System, talks to residents during a meetand-greet at the middle school. The superintendent selection process, which started in January, was sometimes fraught with frustration. Here, on April 18, as the school board struggled to narrow the number of finalists, school board member Dan Patton makes a point during the debate on how many finalists to invite back. (Rebecca Pierce photo.) turned into the final vote when all seven votes were for Remenap. “He was my favorite by far,” Janette Kogge, an audience member and resident of Hastings, said. “His enthusiasm and passion for kids will be good for morale and for Hastings.” Remenap had a final interview Monday for superintendent of the Ravenna school district. Of the two districts, he said he wanted to be a part of Hastings. “I was offered a contract by Ravenna, and I’m here today anyway,” Remenap said before the interviews began. “That should say some­ thing about where I want to be.” His deadline to accept the offer in Ravenna was noon Wednesday. Board trustee Valerie Slaughter said she See SUPERINTENDENT, page 2 School officials apprehensive about state funding Taylor Owens Staff Writer The state government will be putting school districts in a tight spot if it does not have its budget done this summer. Michigan schools must approve their bud­ gets for the next fiscal year by June 30. However, while state sources make up nearly 80 percent of many local school dis­ tricts’ funding, the state’s own budget dead­ line is not until Sept. 30. If the state does not have its budget figured out and passed by the end of June, district officials will have to write their own budgets based on best guesses of how much their dis­ tricts will receive per pupil, in at-risk funding and more. Under the previous eight years of former Gov. Rick Snyder’s administration, the state had the budget finished by early June, so school officials were notified then how much they would receive in funding. Now school officials are hearing from the trade organization Michigan School Business Officials that the state budget may not be passed until the fall, possibly after the 2019­ 2020 school year has started. “Which is a scary thought,” Hastings Assistant Superintendent of Operations Tim Berlin said. Without the numbers, school administra­ tors are making their budgets on their best guess about how much the state will allocate in funding. “It just makes it so hard, because it’s so uncertain,” Berlin said. Lakewood Finance Director Clare Colwell said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s proposed bud­ get would mean a $180 increase in per pupil funding for each student at local districts, but that’s still just a proposal. He said he would likely budget that increase at closer to $120 per pupil. Then, if the schools receive the full $180 per pupil that has been proposed, it could be added into programs later. Last year, the schools received $7,871 per pupil. “If you’re guessing wrong, it can really hurt your budget,” Maple Valley Finance Director Darryl Sydloski said. Maple Valley ended the 2017-2018 school year in a deficit of $75,000, and a had an unexpected drop in student enrollment at the beginning of the current school year. As a result, the district doesn’t have much flexibil­ ity with its general fund. If per pupil funding comes in significantly lower than is budgeted, coupled with another large drop in expected enrollment, Sydloski said the school could face having to lay off one or two teachers. He is preparing multiple budgets based on different per pupil funding amounts and student enrollments to prepare for different eventualities. Berlin said Hastings may not be able to hire the personnel they need in time for the next school year because they don’t know how much money they Will receive. “By waiting, they’re hurting not just Maple Valley, but schools all across the state of Michigan,” Maple Valley Superintendent Katherine Bertolini said. To add to their financial dilemma, the dis­ tricts typically have to borrow money to get by until they receive state funds. Maple Valley ended up paying 1.7 percent interest on loans last year, further adding to the cost of operation to ensure cash flow. “Most school districts have to borrow any­ way because we don’t receive our first state aid payment until Oct. 20, nearly two months after school has started,” Berlin said. “The uncertainty of knowing what we will receive may affect the amount of borrowing ,but not the necessity of it.” To add to the cost, interest rates are expect­ ed to increase, Sydloski said. Bertolini encouraged residents to call their legislators and urge them to ensure that the state budget passes in time. Colwell explained that the school budget is connected to other issues at the state level such as the infrastructure plan. Whitmer’s proposed gas tax for infrastructure would free up funding currently used for roads, and then it could be used for education. But, first, Whitmer’s budget must pass the state House and Senate. “All three have different plans and they all think theirs is the best, and of course we will sit on the sidelines and see what we get,” Colwell said. State Rep. Julie Calley said she has spoken with the House leadership and they under­ stand the importance of passing the budget in time for schools. The Legislature received the proposed bud­ get a month later than usual, but Calley said it was understandable and not unusual for an administration that just took office in January. The government has issues, to work out — such as what to do about the sales tax on gas if a new 45-cent tax is proposed, but Calley said passing the state budget after the June 30 deadline would be a “worse-case scenario.” “I would say we are still very much focused on getting it done by summer,” Calley said. Sens. Tom Barrett and John Bizon were in session and unavailable for comment, but a representative for Barrett’s office said they were hopeful the Legislature could continue the practice of passing the budget before June 30. x Administrators will likely know more next week, when they attend the Michigan School Business Officials annual conference and receive an update on the state of the Legislature. Hillsdale dean shares wisdom with seniors Rebecca Pierce Editor About half of the young men graduating from Hastings High School this year who attended a Hastings Rotary Club tribute Monday will attend a university. The rest plan to enter the workforce, enroll in community college, start their own busi­ ness or enlist in the military. That’s what the group of more than 40 young men answered Monday during the Rotary program when they were asked what they intended to do after high school. The preferences of the group came pretty much in this order: Four-year colleges were the predominant answer, and that answer was given by about half the gathering. After that, at least eight said they intend to enter the workforce immediately after high school, and some of those students were con­ fident about where they would be employed See SENIORS, page 7 Hastings seniors gathered Monday include (front row, from left) Richard Reaser, Andrew Maurer, Devin DeMatto, Jalen Simmons, Corbin Sackrider, Jon Haywood, Thomas Carpenter; (second row) Roger Roets, Corbin Hunter, Sam Waller, Garrett Gibson, Andrew Shaver, Devin Haywood, Matthew Sherman, Dylan Mead, Alexander Clow, Jack Horton, Bryce Darling, Jeffrey Morgan, Conner Peterson, Kenny D. Smith, Braeden Lowell, Nicholas Simonton, Juan Vargas, Ben Stafford, Joseph Faubert; (back) Dylan Schaffer, Noah Former, Ryan Flikkema, William Hubbell, Matthew Stiles, Jaden Parker, Cody Dunn, Antonio Ramirez, Joseph Kidder, Jacob Pennington, Jacob Gay, Blake Walther, Cameron Ertner, Matthew Jacob, Hunter Poe, Isaac Evans, Spencer Tyson and James Miller. �Page 2 — Thursday, April 25, 2019 — The Hastings Banner SUPERINTENDENT, continued from page 1 was happy he accepted their invitation to join Hastings school district. His references had outstanding things to say about him as a team member, leader, and his interaction with the students, she said. Remenap is the only candidate of the three finalists who is not a superintendent. However, his educational experience, involvement in the community and hands-on approach to dis­ trict successes and opportunities for improve­ ment had an impact on the board members. “Throughout his interviews, he stressed ‘every student, every day,’ and that hit home with me,” Slaughter said. “He emphasized that morale is driven by attitude and attitude is a choice.” Trustee Dan Patton said he appreciated Remenap’s comment: “Model with passion and love for kids everyday.” Remenap wrapped up his interview Tuesday night by informing the board that, although they listed living in the district as an import­ ant requirement, he would not be able to immediately meet that criteria. “I have every intent to do so,” he said, “but, when I was a kid, my family moved a lot because my dad was an educator and worked for different districts. I promised myself that my children would not have to do that. They would start school and graduate from the same district. “My youngest daughter is a junior next year. I want to assure you that our intent is to move to Hastings, and there is no doubt that will happen. Until then, I’ve made arrange­ ments to have a place to stay here when it’s needed, and I promise you I will be here.” “I’ll be here so much that you’ll wonder if I ever left,” Remenap said. Donald Watruba, executive director of the Michigan Association of School Boards, told school board members that it is common to have a delay in superintendents moving to their new district, and Remenap’s lack of experience as a superintendent is not unusual. More than two-third of superintendents hired have not held the position previously, he said. Remenap’s communication skills impressed residents at the meeting who said they appre­ ciated his candor, experience and humor. “I had a different candidate as my top choice but, after hearing each of them again, I’ve changed my preference. It’s for Remenap - by far,” resident Larry Bass said. The search for a new superintendent began shortly after Superintendent Carrie Duits announced her retirement, effective June 30. A public announcement was made Jan. 28. The board’s goal was to have the position filled and the next superintendent in place by July i t Initially, seven candidates were chosen by t^ board from a list of 23 applicants.The first interviews occurred on April 17 and 18, then Mifeeandrdates being considered were nar­ rowed to three. Haywood said the next phase will be con­ tract negotiation, which will take place soon. Lauren Metcalf, member of the Barry County Substance Abuse Task Force, shows Hastings City Council members several vaping products confiscated from students at Hastings Middle School. Don Wotruba, executive director of Michigan Association of School Boards, answers questions from trustee Mike Nickels. Daniel C. Remenap 10-plus years of high school administration 10-plus years of classroom teaching, varsity coaching and student advocacy. High school principal - Allendale Public Schools, 2009-present Assistant high school principal - Spring Lake Public Schools, 2006-2009 English, mathematics and leadership teacher - Grandville High School, 1996-2006 Community activities | professional organizations Allendale Public Schools Foundation, chairman 2010-11, 2013-14, 2018-19 Allendale Public Schools Foundation Hall of Fame, chairman 2010-present Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals, 2009-present Allendale Rotary Club member, 2009-present Grand Valley State University Administrator Advisory Board GVSU Guest Speaker for numerous educational leadership classes Catechist/volunteer St. Pius X, Grandville Numerous youth coaching volunteer experiences Education and certifications Ph.D., educational leadership, in progress, Western Michigan University State of Michigan School Administrator Certificate Central Office Certification Specialist degree in educational leadership, July 2013 Grand Valley State University 4 Masters in educational leadership, March 2p03 Grand Valley State University Bachelor of science in secondary education, May 1996, University Major: English; Minor: Mathematics Construction of $12 million surgical center moves forward Joan Van Houten Staff Writer A $12 million surgical center will be con­ structed in Hastings with the improvements to the Fish Hatchery Park parking lot as the first step. Milling and resurfacing will begin as soon as arrangements are made, according to Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital officials. “The approvals will allow us to get started on the parking lot which needs to be done before construction begins,” Alan Kranzo, Spectrum Health director of real estate, said. Spectrum will pay the city’s costs associated with the agreements, including attorney fees. On Monday, the Hastings City Council approved two agreements with Spectrum Health Pennock that make it possible for the construction project to move forward, but the approvals did not happen without debate. Brenda McNabb-Stange, council member, said she had a concern that there was nothing in the agreement that would protect the city from legal liability from allowing the hospital use of several parking spaces. “With the hospital employees parking at Fish Hatchery, there’s going to be a lot more traffic. They agreed to construct a sidewalk into the park, but, if someone gets hit by a car, the city would be liable,” McNabb-Stange said. “I want to see indemnity for the city for injuries to the hospital employees or someone who gets hit by one of their employees.” City Manager Jeff Mansfield said the agreements were sent to the city’s insurance company to make sure it met their conditions for coverage. In January, the council discussed and gave tentative approval to lease the parking spaces and sell a narrow parcel of land to the hospital upon which its entrance and exit to the west side of its parking area encroaches. After working with Attorney Emily Green of Rhodes and McKee on the wording for the agreements, Mansfield said the Fish Hatchery Park parking rental agreement has been changed to a license agreement and the land parcel sale agreement was changed to an ease­ ment agreement. The parcel is a part of the park. The changes were made at the attorney’s suggestion. The license agreement provides (he hospi­ tal with non-exclusive use of approximately 75 parking spaces in the Fish Hatchery park­ ing lot in exchange for improvements and maintenance of the entire parking lot and maintenance of other improvements, such as additional lighting that will be added for secu­ rity. The initial term of the license is 10 years with up to nine renewal periods of 10 years each. The agreement can be terminated by either party with one year’s notice. There will be pro-rated reimbursement for the hospital’s expenditures for certain improvements if the city initiates the termination. The change from a sales agreement to cre­ ating an easement was to avoid the possibility of a lot line dispute or a substantial financial cost to the city. “As we were preparing the sales agreement, it was noted that the hospital property is with­ in an official plat while the Fish Hatchery property is not. This created significant issues related to lot line relocation that would require a plat amendment or the creation of a non-con­ forming lot which is a violation of the city code,” Mansfield said. The easement agreement gives the hospital the right to use the easement area in perpetu­ ity. This will stay in place, subject to termina­ tion of the hospital’s use of the area or if the property is redeveloped for some purpose other than a community hospital. McNabb-Stange said the agreements were well-written, and she was pleased with that, but that was not what brought about her con­ cern. She said the easement agreement has specific provisions that indemnify the city, and she would like to see the same wording added to the license agreement. City attorney Stephanie Fekkes said that would be “an easy fix,” and McNabb-Stange said she was satisfied with that, but Bill Redman, mayor pro-tem, was not. “I think we should have all of the informa­ tion before we vote on this,” Redman said. The delay would be a significant problem for Spectrum, Mansfield said, and the agree­ ments captures the “concepts we talked about” previously. Several parking spaces would be lost at the hospital due to the westside addition. The parking areas at Fish Hatchery would be used from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. by first-shift employees and would not interfere with sports games and most events, they said In lieu of rent, Spectrum Health Pennock will pay for improvements at a “ballpark” cost of $150,000 to $200,000. Improvements will include milling and resurfacing the entire parking lot, adding several lights and cameras for safety, and installing lighting and cameras on a path between the parking area and the hospital. Al Jarvis, council member, made a motion to approve the license agreement, and Don Smith, council member, supported that motion. Mayor Dave Tossava, Jarvis, Smith, and council members Therese Maupin-Moore, John Resseguie, Brenda McNabb-Stange, Don Bowers and Jim Cary voted in favor of the motion. Redman voted against it. Bowers proposed approval of the easement agreement and Maupin-Moore supported that action. The council approved that action with a unanimous vote. Spectrum Health Pennock first announced development of a new surgical center in part­ nership with the Spectrum Health Foundation at Pennock’s 95th anniversary celebration in June 2018. The 19,000-square-foot surgical center addition will be located on the west side of the existing structure and will include private halls, private rooms and a separate drive-up entrance and exit, providing patients with what hospital officials are characterizing as a discreet experience during their most vulnera­ ble times. The facility also will include three operating rooms, 15 private patient rooms, five recovery bays and two endoscopy suites. In addition to improved patient flow and privacy, Angela Ditmar, president of Spectrum Health Pennock, said the operating rooms will increase in size to accommodate modem tech­ nology that current rooms no longer support. The spaces will increase from 400 square feet to 600 square feet, which is the industry stan­ dard today for operating rooms. The project is being funded primarily through private donations to the Spectrum Health Foundation at Pennock. The founda­ tion committed $8 million and received $3.5 million in pledges. The amount meets the 80-percent matching funds required to be eli- Continued next page Determination for special parking assessment delayed Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Determination of the necessity for a down­ town special parking assessment district in Hastings is on hold because of a delay in the required posting of a scheduled public hearing notice. Another public hearing is scheduled for 7 p.m., May 13, Hastings City Hall, 201 East State St. “The special assessment isn’t for improve­ ments. It’s for maintenance,” City Manager Jeff Mansfield said. The assessments began in the early 1980s when parking meters in the city were taken out. Funds raised with the meters were used to maintain the parking areas which included snow removal and repairs. When the meters were removed, it was decided that a special assessment district was needed to help pay for continued maintenance and should come from those benefiting from the spaces. The itemized list of direct costs of routine maintenance totaling $43,650 include: $7,000 for full-time DepattmMt of Public Service employees; $6,000 for prorated fringe bene­ fits; $750 for supplies of repair and mainte­ nance projectsrfl2,400 for contractual ser­ vices; $5,000 for administrative services,; $4,000 for utilities; and $8,500 for equipment rental. The Downtown Development Authority will pay $15,962 of the assessment. The total assessment to property owners in the parking assessment district for 2019-20 will be $27,688. The schedule for the procedures set by the city staff is on April 23, the city clerk will publish a notice of the May 13 public hearing related to the certified roll for the special assessment and will mail notices to property owners located within 300 feet of the assess­ ment area. The assessor will prepare and certify roll by May 13 and forward it to Jane Sourman, the city clerk and treasurer, who will provide it to the city council on May 13, the day of the public hearing. After public comments, the council may confirm the roll, annul, confirm with amend­ ments, or send it back to Sourman for revi­ sion. Once set, the special assessments will be added to the 2019 summer tax bill. In council comments, Bill Redman, mayor pro-tem, announced that Sue Rose from the Barry County Emergency Dispatch, died over the weekend after a long battle with brain Voters can register up to Election Day Monday, April 22, was the deadline to register by mail to cast a ballot in the May 7 election. Those who wish to register now may still do so up to - and even on - Election Day, but they must do so in person. Registration status, city or township clerk information, and polling locations can be found at mi.gov/vote. Forms are available online and can be submitted to the applicable township, city or county clerk’s office or the Secretary of State’s office. Anyone wishing to register must be at least 18, a citizen of the United States and not be serving a sentence in jail or prison. Also, an individual must be a resident of Michigan and the city or township where he or she is applying to register for at least 30 days before Election Day. Those wishing to register in person must cancer. Rose had been with the 911 service since 1991. In other action: * The council agreed to a request submitted by the Barry County Substance Abuse Task Force to consider adoption of an ordinance to regulate the use of vaping devices and related products within city limits. “This year to date, 38 students have been caught with vaping devices at school. The majority of the students are sixth-graders. We have a big problem, and we’re asking you to give us options, outside of school detentions and suspensions,” Beth Stevens, principal of Hastings Middle School, said. Council member Al Jarvis asked Stevens about parents’ reactions when they’re notified by the school about their child and vaping. Stevens said there have been all kinds of reactions. “Some are shocked. Others say they prefer vaping to smoking. I’ve had some say they were the ones who bought it for their child,’* Stevens said. The process of creating an ordinance best suited for the city was placed under the direc­ tion of city staff. * Randall Schaefer, Hastings cable access committee chairman, returned to the council with an amended request to approve the expenditure of $20,119.18 for two major upgrade projects for the production and cham­ ber rooms. The committee money will come from a fund balance of $25,500 in the com­ mittee account. ’ The council approved his request for coun­ cil room microphone replacement and studio room cleanup for this fiscal year. ; At the last council meeting, Schaefer, oil behalf of the cable committee, requested more than $6,000 above the cable funds for three projects; replacement of microphones in the chamber, studio room clean-up and replace­ ment of certain analog equipment, and replacement of the white board. The projects were cut to two - replacement of the microphones and studio room clean-up! The whiteboard project will be revisited next year. * The council approved requests from Hope Network’s to have an open house on May 30 for the American Legion Post 45 to have its annual Memorial Day parade and ceremony, and for the use of the volleyball courts at Fish Hatchery Park and the Hastings Skate Park. have with them identification with name and registered address on it, including a photo ID, a current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or a government-issued identify­ ing document. COA hosting pancake supper Friday To “start things rolling” for its Meals on Wheels fundraiser, Barry County Commission on Aging will offer a pancake supper Friday, April 26, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the COA. The public is welcome to stop by to enjoy pancakes, sausage, potatoes, orange juice and coffee for $6 in advance, or $8 at the door. Children 4 and under can eat for free. Tickets can be pre-purchased at the COA front desk. The all-you-can-eat supper will be pre­ pared by Jim and J.D. from the Freeport Fire Department. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, April 25, 2019 — Page 3 County board celebrates outstanding employees Rebecca Pierce Editor 1 Ten employees were commended Tuesday for their service to Barry County during the board of commissioners meeting at Tyden Center in Hastings. The employees honored were: April Staines, chief deputy register for the register of deeds office, with five years of service, was praised by colleagues for her gift of diffusing problems. She is a positive think­ er and team player, who is honest, dependable and, most of all, funny, they said. Amanda Miller, deputy clerk for the dis­ trict court, was recognized for five years of Service. Her positive attitude and willingness |o step up and assist in any way possible were noted. She is focused and always willing to expand on her knowledge, works profession­ ally with peers and the clients they serve, her colleagues said. She is a hard worker, pro­ vides quality service, is a great listener, posi­ tive and friendly, they said. William Voigt, transit department manager/coordinator, was praised for five years of service. The commendation noted that, under his direction, transit ridership has seen a sig­ nificant increase in previous years. The department has adopted the philosophy, “What if we can.” Employees and clients are his real inspiration, he said. Colleagues describe him as invested, positive, empathet­ ic, honest and proactive. Aaron Staines, information systems department network administrator, has given 10 years of service to the county. He was praised for being willing to learn whatever is necessary to perform the task at hand, thus saving the county many thousands of dollars by being able to complete projects in-house. He was initially hired as an information tech­ nology technician and progressed to network administrator, where he has become an inte­ gral part of building out the county network, factoring in security, efficiency and cost. “He’s always willing to help, providing full support around the clock,” IT department head David Shinavier said, “including an occasional midnight visit to the sheriff’s department to restart a server. He shows up every day with a great attitude and usually a good story.” He engenders a level of trust built on a foundation of honesty and care. This trust was recently substantiated by his election as president of the Barry County Employees Association. Co-workers described him as “dedicated, enthusiastic, affable, reliable, fun to work with and super smart.” Corrections deputy Eric Vanvalkenburg, has served the county sheriff’s office for 10 years. He was praised for being quick to share his knowledge. In addition to his duties and responsibilities with the corrections division, he also fills a vital role with the department’s dive team as a surface technician. Colleagues said he is noted for his sense of humor and ppen-mindedness. He was praised for being confident, efficient, cheerful, supportive and earing. , Corrections deputy Thomas Steensma has been with the sheriff’s office for 10 years. In addition to his daily duties, he took on the role of corrections training officer and use of force instructor to assist in the education of new hires. Colleagues describe him as meticulous, easygoing, a pleasure to work with, having a positive attitude and a demeanor that lifts spirits and relieves stress. In addition to his work with the sheriff’s office, he serves as police chief in Freeport. Co-workers say he is knowledgeable, productive, committed, con­ siderate, dependable and accommodating. Deputy Don Wilgus, with the sheriff’s office for 10 years, is a full-time road deputy and field training officer. Colleagues described him as dependable, easygoing, polite, patient, professional and adaptable. Detective-Sgt. Janette Maki, who has worked for the sheriff’s office for 20 years, joined the department as part-time dispatcher, moved up to the uniformed service division as a canine handler, then was assigned to the detective bureau and promoted to detective sergeant in 2015. She is known for her leader­ ship, for taking on complicated investigations, including homicides and difficult child abuse complaints. This year, she earned Ray Hoffman Child Advocate of the Year award from the Safe Harbor Children’s Advocacy Center in Allegan. She was praised by col- Among the 10 Barry County employees who received awards for their work are (from left) William Voigt, manager/transportation coordinator for the county transit department; Mary Hermenitt, office manager, prosecutor’s office; Amanda Miller, dep­ uty clerk, district court; April Staines, chief deputy register, register of deeds; and Aaron Staines, network administrator, land information/IT services. Sheriff’s office corrections deputies Eric Vanvalkenburg, Thomas Steensma, and Melinda Backus; Deputy Don Wilgus; and Detective-Sgt. Janette Maki are not shown. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce.) Corrections Deputy Eric Vanvalkenburg of the county sheriff’s office is recognized for 10 years of service. Mary Hermenitt, office manager of the prosecutor’s office, is praised for being “the backbone” of that office. She has served the county for 25 years. leagues for her tenacity, professionalism, ded­ ication, knowledge, thoroughness, confidence and attention to detail. Sheriff Dar Leaf called Maki “a fine exam­ ple of our employees who go the extra mile to make sure that the citizens of Barry County are being well-served.” Maki, Steensma and Wilgus could not attend the meeting to accept their awards, Leaf said. Corrections deputy Melinda Backus, with the sheriff’s office for 15 years, was honored for her years of service and praised for her peaceful demeanor, being resourceful, honest and up-front, kind-hearted, creative, relaxed, frank, persistent and practical. Mary Hermenitt a 25-year employee, much of that time in the prosecutor’s office, was called the “backbone of the prosecutor’s office.” Co-workers said she is respectful and professional, courteous and kind. They describe her as patient, compassionate, effi­ cient, amazing, thoughtful, self-reliant, funny and vital, loyal and respectful, personable and dependable. AT LEFT: Chairwoman Heather Wing, commissioners Howard Gibson and Jon Smelker listen to the program Tuesday at the Tyden Center in Hastings. Our Orthopedic Experts Will See You Now! Continued from previous page gible to apply for government grant funding. Part of the original 1923 building remains at the center of the Spectrum Health Pennock surgery department, which is 13,000 square feet and located on the third floor of the in-pa­ tient hospital. Endoscopy services are across the street in the Wellness Center building. When the hospital was built, it was designed to accommodate in-patient care. Over the decades, advancements have changed the needs of the community and in-patient care has shifted from 80 percent to 20 percent of patients needing hospital stay. With that shift from inpatient to outpatient care, surgeries that traditionally took patients days in the hospital for recovery are now occurring with same day discharge. The goal of the new surgical facility is to provide better and more efficient care, greater convenience for patients and families with the addition of a separate entrance, and a higher level of privacy created through the planned layout. “The city won’t receive money from the agreements, but we certainly benefit from them,” Mansfield said. Aaron Staines, information technology services’ network administrator, is commend­ ed for his service to the county by board Chairwoman Heather Wing. Battle Creek • Marshall Our specialists have all the experience and advanced training required to treat a wide variety of bone and joint conditions. From robotic-assisted joint replacement to arthroscopic surgery to nonsurgical approaches and more. And, if you need surgery, we operate at one of the nation's safest hospitals — Bronson Battle Creek. * Same Day Appointments (877) 704-3133 ©BRONSON bronsonhealth.com/SameDay Orthopedic Specialists �Page 4 — Thursday, April 25, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you In My Opinion see? Things are looking up Board leadership produces promising school leader A hot air balloon on a perfect spring day like Wednesday was an exclamation mark against a bright blue backdrop. This one was spotted from Green Street floating high in the cloudless sky above Hastings Middle School. It hardly seems possible that, mere weeks ago, resi­ dents were hunkered down, bracing for another frigid blast. (Photo by Bobbie Wilkins.) Do you remember? Home show winners Banner April 28,1980 Brown’s Custom Interiors again took first place in the Hastings Home Show’s home furnishings division. Pictured (from left) are Hazel and George Brown, Barbara DeDecker, Reva Johnson and Marlene Smith. Victorian Gallery was the first-place winner in the institutional division, and Fox Pleasure Pools took first place in the construction and build­ ing materials division. Awards were pre­ sented by chamber of commerce presi­ dent John Johnston. Have you met? Stephanie Rae Glass never dreamed her life would revolve around the art world. She was bom in Georgia and moved, with her mother Barb (Haywood) Wright, back to Hastings when she was 4 years old. “My mom was very much into crafting, painting, drawing, sewing,” Glass said, add­ ing that she had not interest in art, whatsoev­ er. “My friends would come over to my house and would end up crafting with my mom, while I would be outside riding horses or playing. “In seventh grade, art was required in school, and I had the most awesome teach­ er,” she said. “Mr. [Paul] Simon opened my eyes to the fact that art was a very wide sub­ ject and involved all kinds of mediums. I loved it that year.” But after that short stint, Glass didn’t touch art again. She was always outside play­ ing or working with horses. She was busy in 4-H: showing dogs, horses, cows, goats, public speaking and judging. She was also involved in open shows and competitive trail riding and did dog and horse training on the side. One day as an adult, she needed a head­ band and couldn’t find what she wanted. She was a stay-at-home mom at the time and funds were low, so she decided she would try to make it herself. Her mom, who is now one of her closest friends, bought all the supplies needed to make some cotton headbands and asked Glass if she would like to learn how to sew them. “I told her ‘No,’” Glass said. “I wanted to figure it out myself. I had no idea how to run a sewing machine, but I was bound and determined to learn - on my own.” And she did. Cotton headbands led to leather headbands, which she also taught herself to create. “My mom gave me six of her leath­ er-working tools, and the rest is history,” she said. Glass decided to try to sell the headbands she made and she found out people really wanted them. Then headbands turned into purses, wal­ lets, wristbands, backpacks, smartwatch bands, boots, hats and much more. Stephanie now owns a business in the art trade world, Wildflower Leatherworks, and she specializes in custom leather creations. Her collections reflect the Southwest feel of the mesas she loves so much. “My mom traveled a lot as a kid and col­ lected road maps and magazines from her travels,” she said. “I was inspired by those and just always felt a draw toward that south- Stephanie Rae stands by her rack of leather supplies and some finished prod­ ucts. western style.” She also was invited to display her prod­ ucts at the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas for the first time last year. “It was a privilege to be part of the NFR. It is like the Super Bowl of rodeo,” Glass said. “I feel very blessed to be invited to showcase my line there.” Several of her items are featured in the Hastings Public Library showcase this month. For her determined attitude, hard work and steadfast character, Glass is a Banner Bright Light. Favorite movie: I’m not much of a TV or movie watcher because I’d much rather be using my hands. Sitting still drives me crazy, but one of my favorite movies would be “The Searchers.” “Run, Appaloosa Run” is also a favorite. First job: Picking strawberries for a local hobby farm. Favorite TV program: It’s a tie. I grew up loving “Bonanza,” and my favorite now that I’m an adult would be “McLeod’s Daughters.” It’s about women running a cat­ tle station in Australia and the hardships they faced. I love rooting for strong women. Person I most admire: I’ve been so very blessed with amazing people in my life. But I tend to look up to strong, independent women. JoBeth Bridleman for her tenacity and fearlessness; my aunts for their strength, faith and love for their family; my mother because she’s just simply amazing; and my many 4-H moms for everything they were and are; and, last but not least, my grandma. Favorite book: I love all Zane Grey books. My grandpa got me hooked on them when I was in middle school. I also like “The Jungle” by Upton Sinclair. Favorite teacher: Hands down, my all­ time favorite was Mr. Paul Simon. He was my seventh grade art teacher, who showed me that we all are artists in our own way. Person I’d most like to meet: Amelia Earhart. If I could have any super power it would be: To be able to create more time in the day to accomplish everything on my list. Favorite vacation destination: My wild child and I love exploring the Hocking Hills, Ohio, area; it’s close and full of caves, water­ falls and Indian artifacts. But my dream is to go to Monument Valley in Arizona someday. Something about me most people don’t know: I’m pretty much an open book about everything, but a lot of my customers had no idea that I hated art and all things crafting for a majority of my life. Greatest song ever written: This isn’t a fair question, because I love music. It’s on almost all day long. I have a ton of favorites, mostly country Christian or classic rock, but not the radio country you hear nowadays. Best gift ever received: The way I grew up. I never lacked for friends, 4-H moms, or things to do. When I grow up, I want to be: Still happy doing what I love doing. I’m most proud of: The life that my 7-year old son and I have fought for. What I’d do if I won the lottery: Build myself a pretty little shop of my own, get a little house, and invest the rest. Favorite childhood memory: The fair, riding horses, and summer camping trips with my grandparents. Greatest thing about Barry County: The fair, of course. I also love the live music at the plaza in Hastings and the neve-ending events our county hosts. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news @j-adgraphics .com. There is no greater responsibility for a school board than the selection of a new superintendent and, with the selection this week of Daniel C. Remenap, principal at Allendale Public Schools to be its next administrative leader, the board of the Hastings Area School System has met that duty in laudable fashion. A superintendent is a board’s only employee, occupying the sole position over which a board has oversight. The superin­ tendent carries out the culture, the rigor, and the inspiration that a school board desires for its district. As its head administrator, the superintendent is the chief executive officer of the district, defining the path to student achievement, instructional excellence, and a community of parents and citizens dedicat­ ed to the success of the entire system. It’s imperative, then, that a school board takes the necessary time and makes the cru­ cial consideration of the right person for that job. After attending two grueling evenings of interviews with seven different candidates last week, I think the Hastings board did a fine job in selecting Remenap as its replace­ ment for Dr. Carrie Duits who will retire at the end of the school year. In the rigorous interview process, Remenap capably demonstrated that as a “transformational leader” he has the kind of experience and expertise that makes him ready to take on the challenge of following in Duits’ foot­ steps. Still, it will not be an easy job - no super­ intendent’s position is. In fact, no job in education today carries the rewards, the freedoms, or the economic security the field once did. That just makes the superinten­ dent’s job even more crucial. He or she must inspire teachers and students, principals and parents in a world that’s become overrun with state-mandated assessments and teach­ ing to a test rather than teaching to a moment. Superintendents are also expected to oversee the budget and put procedures in place to maintain fiscal accountability. As CEO, he or she must work closely with the board to ensure that all students are learning and achieving at the highest levels possible. The superintendent also must work with the teacups in the district to set best practices to maximize student achievement. And they even have to assist board members - many of whom are not education professionals to put a plan in place whereby board mem­ bers can effectively measure the superinten­ dent’s progress. The greatest superintendents, though, are dedicated to the principle that “what’s best for the students is what’s best for the dis­ trict.” That’s why I believe the Hastings board has so diligently positioned the dis­ trict with Remenap. His emphasis on accountability and getting the most out of “all our kids” makes him a great choice for our next superintendent. The new position does not come gift­ wrapped, however. Looming ahead is the May 7 election for a bond of 0.7 mills to raise $9.99 million for a number of mainte­ nance projects that were scratched from previous millage elections. Among Remenap’s first agenda items will be dealing with leaking roofs and other maintenance issues throughout the district’s buildings. Whether or not voters support the current bond proposal, it’s really not fair to expect the new superintendent to deal with leaky roofs rather than concentrating on setting goals for the first 100 days. I think it’s in the best interest of the district for voters to support the bond proposal, even though they might not agree on how we got here. Roofs are leaking, and we’ve already put a lot of money into remodeling with enhanced security measures in all buildings. Putting on my CEO’s hat. I don’t think it’s a good idea to bring in a new superinten­ dent and expect that person to figure out how he’s going to fix the leaky roofs and deal with other maintenance issues and still be expected to handle all of the other issues facing a new superintendent. We should make it clear that we expect Remenap to oversee the projects, keeping the soft costs included in the current bond proposal to a minimum. If the May 7 bond proposal passes, Remenap still will be charged with carrying out a long, distracting plan. The bond pro­ posal will include a number of projects at all six school buildings in the district. Complete roof replacement is planned for Southeastern and Northeastern Elementary schools. Star and Central Elementary will each have par­ tial replacement, and the 1997 portion of the roof at the middle school and the 1970 por­ tion of the high school roof also will be replaced. Other projects listed in the bond proposal are window replacements at Southeastern and Northeastern; flooring at Southeastern, Northeastern, Central and Star, along with doors at several elementary buildings; bath­ room renovations and lockers at the middle and high school; and cafeteria serving areas, along with lockers, at the high school. Whatever the bond election outcome, Remenap and the entire school system should keep in mind the words of Nelson Mandela that, “Education is the most pow­ erful weapon, which you can use to change the world.” With today’s fast-growing econ­ omy, it’s imperative that we do our best to prepare our students for the world of work. Under Duits’ leadership, the district has increased enrollment, built a new middle school, increased security at all buildings,’ completed remodeling projects'at-the high school, and constructed a state-of-the-art­ performing arts center. Based on what’s been done and what needs to be done in the near future, I think the board made a wise. choice in selecting Remenap as its next; superintendent of the Hastings Area School System. Welcome to Hastings, Mr. Remenap. Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. After attending two grueling evenings of interviews with seven different candidates last week, I think the Hastings board did a fine job in selecting Remenap as its replacement for Dr. Carrie Duits who will retire at the end of the school year. In the rigorous interview process, Remenap capably demonstrated that as a “transformational leader” he has the kind of experience and expertise that makes him ready to take on the challenge of following in Duits’ footsteps. What do you think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each weekby accessing our website, www.HastingsBanner. com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the following week. Last week: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer cut $2.5 million in the budget for a commercial site to launch satellites. Critics call it pork politics and say the grant was rushed through a lame-duck legislature. Proponents say an active spaceport would attract high-tech industries. Is a commercial satellite launch site in Michigan a good idea? No 64% Yes 36% For this week: When elected officials are out of town, they are not pre­ cluded from joining meetings remotely via computer. Michigan law with regard to remote interactivity. Should elected officials connected remotely to meetings be allowed to vote on board actions? □ Yes □ No » i I f i i » I i I I I i ! 1 i �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, April 25, 2019 — Page 5 School bond request is May 7 - you decide To the editor: The school district is asking for the sum of $9,990,000 for this bond. According to Tim Berlin, assistant superintendent of operations, the rate for the new millage will be 0.07. It will take 12 years to pay back the bond. The levy will begin at 0.07 mills and increase during those 12 years to 1.56 mills. Your taxes will steadily increase as well. Of this $8,990,000, approximately $2,000,000 will be used for contingency fees, architect fees and engineering fees for replacing structures already in place. Do we really need to pay $2,000,000 for oversight? Let’s pare the list down to needs, not wants. We need the roofs replaced. We do not need lockers, carpeting, and a new cafeteria; those are wants. The tennis courts, track, and bleachers that were deemed unsafe last year are not on the list, so did they suddenly become safe and no longer in need of repair? Which list of needs, repairs, and wants do we believe? The Hastings Area School System is just hired a new superintendent. Will the school board lead the new superintendent or will the superintendent lead the board? It would be best if the board, the superintendent, and the residents of the school district worked togeth­ er to move our district in the right direction. Taxpayers should be able to observe and con­ sider this transition before they are asked to give up more of their hard-earned income. The current focus on brick and mortar needs to shift to education. It’s time for small­ er class size and more teachers. Our children need to be able to read. Pick any subject taught in a classroom and, if you can’t read, you will not be able to understand or learn anything presented to you. Let’s be a school district that truly is for children and their edu­ cation. If the new millage passes, your taxes will go up. If the new millage does not pass, your taxes will remain about the same. You decide. Vote on May 7. Terry Greenfield, Hastings The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Vote ‘yes’ for library services Vote no on May 7 Hastings school bond request To the editor: Hastings Township residences can retain all the wonderful services of the Hastings Public Library by voting “yes” May 7 to renew the millage supporting those services. All Hastings Township people who enjoy the local library can insure that they will con­ tinue to have all the present privileges there with a “yes” vote. Make time to vote on this important issue. To the editor: The following first paragraph from “In My Opinion,” dated Thursday, Nov. 9,2018, from The Hastings Banner is: “One of the most aggravating things about [the school board] are leaders who do not listen to their constitu­ ents, especially after taxpayers have already said 4no’ to a plan leaders are bent on follow­ ing.” The only word I changed was government for school board. I think you are on our side more than you realize. Notice now many mortgage sales and fore­ closures appear in your paper after taxes are due Feb. 14. There are 13 mortgage defaults in the Feb. 28 Banner. These defaults are a weekly occurrence. I would much rather pro­ vide my children with a place to live than a school that cost $44 million. I have heard from a reliable source that 9 Beverly O’Donnell, Hastings Property values, school support grow together To the editor: Being a father of two young children just getting in the Hastings Area School System, lifelong Hastings resident and Hastings Realtor, I find it very important to support the school district with the upcoming millage. One of the most important questions we get from buyers looking to purchase in our area is “How is the school system, and do the local residents support it?” My children and my business benefit greatly from a strong, finan­ cially supported school system. Look at districts north of us and how their property values have increased, right along with support for their schools. My business relies on the dream of allow­ ing all to benefit from home ownership. Your 4 Yes’ vote solidifies your commitment to con­ tinued value in your school system and subse­ quently the property you own here. Go Saxons!” Justin Peck, Hastings Local Democrats endorse ballot proposals To the editor: On Sunday, March 3, the Barry County Democratic Party voted to endorse the Delton Kellogg Schools j^oud. an4 the Hastings Area School System bond after hearing from both districts’ superintendents and speakers from the Yes for Hastings committee. The Barry County Democratic Party also voted to endorse the Hastings Public Library millage after hearing from the library director. These proposals will be on ballots in corre­ sponding districts on Tuesday, May 7. Sheena Eastman, Hastings Charter Township U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616)451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. The Hastings Banner Suzanne Willison, Hastings SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Agency helps ‘people like me' Vonda VanTil Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Part of what makes our nation unique is our diversity. Social Security touches the lives of nearly all Americans; so, we’re accustomed to serving a diverse population. Online, our “People Like Me” pages help inform the many different people we help. From people with disabilities to students and military vet­ erans, Social Security is here for you. These pages are easy to share with friends and family or on social media. Here are just a few that might speak to you or someone you love. Do you know someone who is just starting his or her career? Now is the best time for them to start preparing for retirement. The sooner we begin to save, the more we’ll have when we reach retirement age. Share this page with a young worker you know. Social Security.gov/people/earlycareer. We proudly serve wounded warriors and veterans. They made sacrifices to preserve the freedoms Americans treasure. Many of them do not know they might be entitled to bene­ fits. Share our resources with them to make sure they are getting the benefits they deserve. Social Security.gov/people/veterans. Social Security plays an important role in providing economic security for women. Nearly 55 percent of the people receiving Social Security benefits are women. Women face greater economic challenges in retire­ ment. First, women tend to live longer than men. A woman who is 65 years old today can expect to live, on average, until about 87, while a 65-year-old man can expect to live, on average, until about 84. Second, women often have lower lifetime earnings than men, which usually means lower benefits. And, third, women may reach retirement with smaller pensions and other assets than men. Share this page with someone who needs this informa- tion and may need help planning for their golden years. Social Security.gov/people/ women. These are just a few People Like Me pages that are tailored to a specific group’s needs. If you didn’t see your own, check out our home page at Social Security.gov/people. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email to vonda.vantil@ssa.gov. HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Thursday, April 25 - jazz festival, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Friday, April 26 - jazz festival, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday, April 27 - jazz festival, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday, April 29 - Quilting Passions, 10 a.m.-l p.m. Tuesday, April 30 - toddler story time, 10:30-11:30 a.m.; chess club, 6-8; mahjong, 5:30-8; genealogy club, 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 1 - Super Battle of the Books, 6-8 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855­ 347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. percent of Barry County residents are at pov­ erty level or below. And I have heard that many students qualify for meals provided at the school. At this point, I wish to thank the people who thought of this and the ones who work so hard to make it happen. Renters are probably paying more taxes than anyone else. Landlords must make a profit. Taxpayers are presented with facts con­ cerning the amount of money we will be paying on our taxes until 2040 by experts in this area. Remember also that the school board will be asking for more than that on a continuous basis. They just do. Vote “No” Tuesday, May 7. Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber We I value the comforts, Dve and security of home Luminate Home Care, LLC aspires to consistently be known and valued for providing the highest standard of in-home care services: for enhancing the lives we touch, inspired by humble servanthood; and for being the provider-of choice in the community. Dressing / Showers / Hygiene Assistance with mobility issues and transfers • Respite/end of life doula services • Transportation to appointments, events, shopping Light housekeeping Meal planning and preparation New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 • • • • Laundry Companionship Med reminders Med set up and management by licensed nurse • Handyman services Luminate Home care SHINING BRIGHTER TOGETHER 930 Fourth Ave. Lake Odessa Ml. 48849 616-755-0938 * www.luminatehomecare.com HAVE YOU BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com LUNG CANCER or wy ..... ■ TAMS WffWiWC Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM • Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer Tanett Hodge Taylor Owens Joan Van Houten ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 MESOTHELIOMA? ARE YOU AN ASBESTOS VICTIM? Please call us for a FREE consultation Call today 1-800-547-4189 May 5,2:00pm Tickets: Adults $10 Senlor'Student $S OpentothePuMc UfWSnCOwfSw May 1,7.00pm Tickets: AllStats $7 �Page 6 — Thursday, April 25, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy.(M-37at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingshopeumc. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children’s ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Thursday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office. greenstreetumc@gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor; Ryan Rose, Family Life Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings; MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. wwwJirstchurchhastings, org, 9 a.m. Traditional Service; 10:30 a.m. Contem­ porary service. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945­ 9217. cbchastings.org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmaiLcom. Website: ww Pastor Brian Teed, Associate Pastor Andy Baird and Stu­ dent Ministry Director, Emma Miller. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAMILY HOUR - WELCOME! ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Preschool age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Stan­ dard and Adult Elective class­ es. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. and Children’s Church age 4-4th grade dismissed during service. Aftermath Student Ministry - 6:30 p.m., 7th-12th grades & Semester Growth Groups.. Wednesday: Wom­ en’s Bible Study 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday: Adult Bible Study 10 a.m. April 28 - Services at 8 and 10:45 a.m. April 29 Congregational Care Mtg. 3 p.m. May 1 - Security Mtg. 4: 30 p.m. May 2 - Clapper Kids 3:45 p.m.; Grace Notes 5: 45 p.m.; Folk Choir 7:15 p.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken @ grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www. grace-hastings. org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. Mi Hw Produ’cts 102 Cook Hastings 945-4700 Robert Franklin Hayes was bom on July 6, 1935, and passed away into the arms of his Savior on Friday, April 19, 2019, surrounded by his family. He was 83 years old. Bob was bom in Izard County, AR to Wil­ liam and Bernice (Rose) Hayes. He moved with his parents to Michigan at a very young age and was raised on a farm in Freeport, along with his eight younger siblings. He graduated from Middleville schools in 1954. In his youth, Bob developed a love and pas­ sion for the outdoors. He enjoyed hunting and fishing and spent as much time as he could outside, exploring nature. During his teen years, he would sometimes travel back to Arkansas with his parents to visit friends. It was during one of these vis­ its that Bob met and fell in love with a sweet country girl named Wilma Taylor. They wrote letters back and forth until Bob gradu­ ated from Davenport College in the spring of 1956. Bob and Wilma were married on April 14, 1956. Together they built their home and family in Freeport, and later on, Hastings. They had five children together; Larry, Deb­ ra, Sandra, Stephen and Cynthia. Bob earned his way through the Dale Car­ negie program while working at Bradford White in Middleville. During this time, he - also worked as a door-to-door salesman, sell­ ing everything from eggs to lightbulbs. Bob worked very hard to get ahead and provide for his growing family. Finally, in 1962, Bob combined his love for the outdoors with his skills as a salesman and opened a small gun shop next to his home on Wood School Road in Freeport. He built a 9x12 building where he opened with 16 guns, a few boxes of ammunition and some reloading supplies. Within a few years, he quit working at Bradford White to focus on building his business full-time. After expand­ ing the business to include fishing and acces­ sories, Bob and Wilma purchased property in Hastings and built a larger building for their business. Bob’s Gun & Tackle Shop is located in this same location today. Bob and Wilma, along with their children, worked long hours to grow the family business. Sadly, they lost their daughter Sandra in 1971 at the age of 10 and Bob lost his wife Wilma to cancer in 1992. When Bob was in his 60’s, he decided to semi-retire from working at the store and he handed over management responsibilities to his children. It was during that time that he made the decision to accept Christ as his Sav­ ior. Shorty after, Bob was set up on a blind date by one of his children where he met and eventually married Geraldine Damm on Oc­ tober 8,2005 after a brief courtship. Geri was exactly what Bob needed. Together they en­ joyed going to auctions, thrift stores and local restaurants, with a daily trip to Bob’s Gun & Tackle to check in and see how things were going. Eventually Bob developed dementia but was able to live out his remaining years at his Wyatt Millard Cook home with his wife Geri. He was blessed to be able to receive 24 hour care by several won­ derful caregivers over the past 4.5 years, but his family would like to acknowledge Kim­ berly Johns and Kelli Young for their excep­ tional love and care for Bob. Bob was preceded in death by his wife Wil­ ma Hayes; daughter, Sandra Hayes; grandson, Derek Williams; parents, William and Bernice Hayes; sister, Helen Hayes; brother, Kenny Hayes and brother, Richard Hayes. He is survived by his wife, Geraldine (Damm) Hayes of Hastings; son, Larry (Jen­ nifer) Hayes of Hastings; daughter, Debra (James II) Williams of Hastings; son, Stephen (Jennifer) Hayes of Hastings; daughter, Cyn­ thia (Gregory) Faubert of Hastings; 19 grand­ children and four great-grandchildren. Bob is also survived by brother, Raymond (Lin­ da) Hayes of Freeport; sister, Pauline (Mike) Schaendorf of Wayland; brother, David (Vic­ ki) Hayes of Freeport; sister, Lois (Jamie) Carr of Battle Creek; sister, Virginia (Ken) Berryhill of Battle Creek; brother, Michael (Sue) Hayes of Freeport and many nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in memory of Robert F. Hayes at www.alz.org. Visitation will be held at Thomapple Valley Church, 2750 S. M-43 Hwy, in Hastings on Monday, April 29 from 4 to 7 p.m. Funeral services will also be held at Thor­ napple Valley Church in Hastings on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at 11 a.m. Arrangements by Lauer Family Funer­ al Home 1401 N. Broadway in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, please visit www. lauerfh.com. Achsah M. Blochowiak Arlo Lee Mead SHELBYVILLE, MI - Arlo Lee Mead pf Shelbyville, passed away unexpectedly on April 20, 2019 at his home. He was 85 years old. Arlo was bom in Hastings, on October >7, 1933 to Lee and Carol Mead. The family re­ located to Big Rapids, where he spent most of his childhood and graduated from Big Rapids High School in 1951. He would later join the U.S. Army and served in Germany during the Korean War. < Professionally, Arlo worked in various roles in accounting and management. Upon retirement, he spent 35 years wintering -in Deming, N.M., where he developed many close friendships. He was a member of the local Moose and Elks lodges, where he put his love of cooking to good use in preparing community meals. r A gentle, generous, and good-humored man, he enjoyed entertaining friends and family, whom he amused with lavish holiday decorating, decadent and unusual dishes, and empty threats of “broccoli pie” for young grandchildren. । Arlo was a lover of art and culture, and his extensive travel throughout the United States and Europe inspired sophisticated tastes in classic cinema and music. On special occa­ sions, he could be found cutting a rug on the dance floor with his effortless Charleston afid jitterbug, to the delight of onlookers. He had undeniable and unique flare as a fine artist, from his ornate penmanship to his oil paint­ ings, which he especially enjoyed up to his passing. } He is survived by his sister, Colleen Misko; son, Colin Mead; daughter, Lori (Bill) Haselden; granddaughters, Aleshia (Max) Howell and Alaina (Zeb) Truer; and great-grandsons, Zane and Clark. Visitation with the family will take place at Williams-Gores Funeral Home on Monday, April 29, at 10 a.m. with funeral servicesvat 11 a.m. Following interment at Prairieville Cemetery, a luncheon will be served at the Barry Township Hall adjacent to the funeral home. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral. com to share a memory or to leave a condo­ lence message for Arlo’s family. Suzanne Kay Rose GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God's Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses' _ 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 Robert Franklin Hayes HMKSMBf 770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541 DELTON, MI - Wyatt Millard Cook, age 15, passed away unexpectedly on April 17, 2019. Wyatt was bom May 15, 2003 in Kalama­ zoo, the son of Kenneth and Elizabeth (Wy­ att) Cook. A tenth grader at Delton Kellogg High School, Wyatt was involved in the Delton Kellogg Theatre Arts Company and also played soccer. He enjoyed playing games on Xbox, fishing, hunting, and reading. Wy­ att especially enjoyed spending time with his family at gatherings and events. Wyatt is survived by his parents; sisters, Sarah Cook and Mary Cook; grandparents, Gerald Lee and Marian Cook, Richard (Gail Lauzzana) Wyatt, and Janet Crosby; uncles, Mark (Su) Calkins^ Mike Calkins, David Cook, Gordon (Lisa) Cook, Matt (Cheryl) Wyatt, Jeff (Kim) Jones, Emile (Cara) Lauz­ zana, and Julian (Palma) Lauzzana; special friend, Payton Beckwith, and many cousins. Wyatt’s memorial service was conducted, Wednesday, April 24, 2019, at Hickory Cor­ ners Bible Church, Pastor Jeff Worden offi­ ciating. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral. com to share a memory or to leave a condo­ lence message for Wyatt’s family. Arrangements made by Williams-Gores Funeral Home. LAKE ODESSA, MI - Achsah “Axie” M. Blochowiak, age 91, of Lake Odessa, passed peacefully at her home on November 19,2018. Axie was bom in Portland to William and Violet (Courtney) Haas. She was an active member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary at the Jackson Mutschler Post in Lake Odessa. Axie had worked at many different businesses here in Lake Odessa including the D&C and Lake O Cannery along with housekeeping and laundry. She married Eugene “Jim” in 1945 and he preceded her in death in 1997. Axie will be dearly missed by her daughter, Judy (Marv) Morgan; grandchildren, Christina Shafer and Angela Morgan; great­ grandchildren, Naeole Rieger, Kyle (Ashleigh) Rieger, Aaron Morgan, Alissa Morgan and Alan Shafer; great-great-grandson, Remington Rieger; foster children, William (Linda) Allen and Pauline (Phillip) Vroman. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; brothers, Bernard and Gaylen; great­ grandchild, Sarah Shafer. Cremation has taken place and a celebration of Axie’s life will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2019 at VFW Post 4461, Lake Odessa. Donations to the VFW Alta Mae Scholarship Fund would be greatly appreciated. Online condolences can be left at www.koopsfc.com HASTINGS, MI - Suzanne Kay Rose, age 69, of Hastings, passed away on April 20, 2019. She was bom in Hastings on January 28, 1950, the daughter of Loren and Ione (Clem) Pierce. She graduated from Hastings High School. Suzanne worked for Barry County Central Dispatch -911 as an office administrator for 27 years. She was an active member of St. Rose of Lima Church. She loved spending time with her kids and grandchildren, and also loved her cats. She enjoyed cooking Aid having Sunday dinners for her family. Suzanne was preceded in death by her par­ ents and nephew, Jeff Spencer. She is survived by her sons, Stephen and Jim Lesick; daughter, Jackie (Elliott) Perez; grandsons, Gavyn Mead, Jamison Lesick, Andre Perez, and granddaughter, Isabella Pe­ rez; sister, Sharon (Ken) Langford; brother, Steve (Peggy) Pierce, and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Friday, April 26, 2019 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home, 128 S. Broadway, Hastings. Funeral Mass, Saturday, April 27, 2019 at 11 a.m. at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 805 S. Jefferson St, Hastings. Interment at Mt Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Rose of Lima Catholic School. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, April 25, 2019 — Page 7 Larry A. Jackson Gretchen Vandervoort OFFICE OF THE BARRY COUNTY DRAIN COMMISSIONER NOTICE OF DAY OF REVIEW OF DRAINAGE DISTRICT BOUNDARIES AND DAY OF REVIEW OF APPORTIONMENTS Gretchen was bom September 17, 1925, in ; Battle Creek, and went to be with the Lord in Cher home on Monday, April 22, 2019 at her ■, home, at the age of 93. It was very import­ ant to Gretchen to be in her own home until the end. She said The Lord’s Prayer often > and wondered aloud to friends what Heaven '*>vould be like. " She was preceded in death by her father, Dr. William V Vandervoort; her mother, Ella, sisters, Ella Belle and Katherine, and brother, John. f» She and her family moved to the Hastings area in 1941. She received her diploma from Hastings High School, after which, she joined • the Cadet Nurse Corps., and spent three years in the Detroit area learning to become a nurse hfo help the WW II effort. She worked at sev­ eral hospitals during her career and kept up - with medical advancements throughout her - life. She was an expert knitter and made many of her own unique, warm, and colorful <blothes. - Gretchen was a staunchly independent '■woman. She had a big happy family that ^included cats, dogs, ducks, geese, and any j other wild creature that happened into her k yard, or that she encountered on her daily Walks through the forest and fields. She put more miles on her feet and her bike than she ever put on her vintage Jeep or her pick-up 6 truck. She was driven by curiosity and new * adventures. She always had time to talk with - you. Hardly a day went buy that she wasn’t 7 seen on her country gravel road chatting with neighbors. She also had many friends at local ^ stores and businesses. <5 Few things in life gave Gretchen more '•pleasure than putting her hands into the fer­ tile black dirt of her vegetable and flower gardens. Her curiosity and adventurous spirit ' ’ led her to plant something new and unusual t ^ach year. Conservation and preservation of 4 the land meant everything to her. Gretchen was appreciative of the loving ’care she received from her caregivers, and Great Lakes Caring Hospice during the last ^ months and days of her life. She will be interred by Daniels Funeral ~ Home at the Barryville Cemetery in the fami’ Jy plot at 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 26,2019. Funeral arrangements have been entrust­ ed to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details please visit our website at ' www.danielsfuneralhome.net 5■ ■ . MIDDLEVILLE, MI - Larry A. Jackson, of Middleville, bom April 18, 1947, died unexpectedly on Monday, April 15, 2019, at the age of 71. Larry was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Nancy A. Jackson (Zwiers); their children, Scott (Julie) Jackson, Holly Jackson, and Stacy (Ed) Hall; and grandchildren, John G. Meengs V, Avery Jackson, Nicholas Jackson and Ryan Jackson. He is also survived by his dear friends at the Barry County Sheriff’s Department. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank A. and Betty J. Jackson, and Nancy’s parents, Marvin and Theresa Zwiers. Larry always put his family first, often turning down promotions in the early years of his career to make sure that his children grew up in close proximity to their grandparents. He eventually left employment with Federal Express to feed his entrepreneurial spirit. Since the early 1990s, he owned and operated many successful business ventures. Through those business ventures, he touched the lives of many. Several years ago, he worked tirelessly to rebuild a vehicle as an auction item to benefit the Phoenix Society for Bum Survivors. While he enjoyed success as a business owner, his true passions were fishing and being on the water with Nancy, going for long rides with Nancy in their Mustang convertible, and sharing time with family and friends. He was a gun collector and firearms trainer. He was a founding member of the Barry County Sheriff’s Auxiliary, where he was instrumental in implementing and establishing the church safety training program for Barry County and throughout the state. When Nancy and Larry first moved from Grand Rapids to Middleville in the 1970s, he was one of the first certified EMTs in Barry County^ serving » the Thofhapple Township Fire Department 1 ’ 1 Whether he was caring for Nancy, or offering a listening ear ahVPquiet strength to family and friends, Larry’s giving spirit was experienced by all who knew him. Even in death, his giving nature continued. He surprised his family by signing up to be a Gift of Life donor. Through his gifts, others have a renewed chance at life. Through their grief, Larry’s family and friends may take comfort in his favorite verse, Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Consistent with Larry’s wishes, cremation has taken place and memorial services will not be held. A celebration of life will occur at a late date where his family and friends will gather to share stories of his life, legacy, and countless memories of the good times. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in his honor to Gift of Life Michigan, 3861 Research Park Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108. DATE: May 8, 2019 TIME: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. LOCATION: Barry County Courthouse - Floor 3 220 West State Street Hastings, Michigan 49058 QUESTIONS: (616) 755-6179 Please leave a detailed voicemail. Ail calls are returned in the order received. The Day of Review is an opportunity to review the Drainage District boundaries of the Drains listed below and the appor­ tionment of benefit with the Drain Commissioner or a staff member. A map of the proposed Drainage District boundary revisions can be found on the Barry County website at: http://www.barrycounty.org/public_information/public_notices.php. The Drain Commissioner, engineers, and/or other staff members will be available to assist individuals throughout the day, and make revisions where necessary. There is no need to schedule an appointment for a specific time on the Day of Review. A general description of the lands by section number proposed to be added or deleted from the Drainage Districts as recommended by a licensed professional engineer or surveyor for each of the Drains is as follows: Drain Name Municipalities Allarding Intercounty Drain Coldwater River Intercounty Drain Carlton Township Castleton Township Hastings Township Woodland Township Carlton Township : ‘ . ■ ■ — J ;• - -WWi Hl .• „ J Irving Tpwnship Village of i Freeport ‘ Village of Woodland Carlton Township Feheley and Extension Intercounty Drain Geiger Intercounty Drain Little Thornapple River Intercounty Drain Portions of Sections Added 3, 4 “5“ 1, 2, 3, 4 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 33, 34, 35, 36 1, 4, 5, 9,12, t 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, 23, 24 1,6 them. When there’s a problem in his students’ lives, there are two unacceptable ways to deal with it, he said: “Ignore it and just carry on like it’s not there. Push it away until it reaches a point where it can’t be ignored anymore. Then comes the shutdown. You literally shut down. There’s no resolution.” Peterson recommended, when there’s a problem, to find a middle ground between two harmful extremes. “If you take the good parts from both sides, it gets you in the middle.” “Be honest,” he said. “Go get help.” 5 Irving Township 2 Castleton Township Hastings Township Woodland Township 6 2 1, 2, 3, 4 1, 11, 21, 32 GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. Shelihorn and Reahm Intercounty Drain Wolford & Moore Intercounty Drain " " J - -- - - Carlton Township 19, 28, 33, 34 Irving Township 1, 12, 13, 14, 24 1 Village of Freeport Village of Woodland Woodland Township Carlton Township 5, 9, 15 15, 16, 21, 22 SENIORS, continued from page 1 ; and what they would be doing. ; . Every year, Rotary hosts a luncheon for | young men who are graduating from Hastings [ High School, providing a program designed with them in mind. This year, Hillsdale College Dean of Men Aaron Petersen addressed a full house in the Walldorff ball­ -room. - “In my job as dean of men, I deal with young men,” Petersen told them. “The one lathing that I’ve found, the single most import>ant factor is their family of origin. Their ,,3tory.” —... He asked the seniors to think about the I most significant events in their lives and how r those milestones have shaped them. Those key events determine, in large part, who they are and what they will become, Petersen said He suggested they write down all the jobs they could see themselves doing and then think through each of those options, consider­ ing how those jobs would appeal most specif­ ically to what they like to do. j Then he discussed virtues and vices in life and urged them to be aware of these. ■j “We’re a judge of what’s good or bad,” he said, explaining how those judgments should be made based on honest assessment. p Peterson also touched on justice and cour­ , age, prudence and temperance. j *, His advice to young men is to strive to do the right thing and exercise a disciplined । choice at little moments - like not hitting the —snooze button on the alarm clock when it’s , time to get up. Exercising prudent choices can -hjelp to develop positive behavior patterns that help with bigger decisions later on, he told Portions of Sections Removed ”573 I, 2, 11, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29, 31, 32 19, 20, 21, 28, 33, 34, 35, 36 1, 12, 13, 14, 23, 24 1 21, 22 1,2 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 1,3 - Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in the Day of Review should contact the Drain Commissioner’s Office at the number noted above (voice) or through the Michigan Relay Center at 7-1-1 (TDD) at least 24 hours in advance of the Day of Review to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance. You may appeal the Drain Commissioner’s decision to revise the district boundary to the Barry County Circuit Court with­ in ten (10) days. You also may appeal the Drain Commissioner’s determination of apportionments to the Barry County Probate Court within ten (10) days. . Jim Dull Barry County Drain Commissioner �Page 8 — Thursday, April 25, 2019 —- The Hastings Banner aka Oilatia Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD Elaine Garlock Saturday is the date for the Festival of Tables at St. Edwards Family Center sponsored by Friends of the Library. The viewing of decorations is great besides a tasty meal and > entertaining program. - The public is invited to the April 30 event . at 6 p.m. at Lakewood High School when the 2019 class of inductees go into the Lakewood Hall of Fame. This year’s nominees are Lois Frantz, the late Michael O’Mara, Mary Roessler and Jill VanZyl. The village has a new manager, Patrick Reagan who attended his first council meeting last week. A reception open to the public had been held the previous week. At the same meeting, announcement was made that the village had been named a Tree City USA for the 33rd year. As part of the acknowledgment, Arbor Day will be observed today at the beach. Another village event will be Clean-up Days on May 9 and 10. Items that will be accepted include furniture, sinks, tubs, bikes, lumber and dry wall. Last week was busy at the churches in the community. Central United Methodist Church had its Holy Thursday service but had to skip the planned Seder meal because the kitchen was not available due to longer time for installation of new drains than planned. The service, in a cozy space beneath the balcony, included hymn singing, communion and selected scriptures. The Lakewood community Good Friday service was April 19 at Central United Methodist Church, sponsored by the Lakewood Ministerial Association. Pastors who took part were Rev. Marilyn Danielson, representing First Congregational Church; Rev. Rebecca Ebb-Speese from Zion Lutheran; Rev. Kathy Smith of Woodland United Methodist Church and the host pastor Rev. Dominic Tommy, plus Rev. Ben Ridder of Harvest Community Church who brought the message. Marilyn Noffke was organist. After a rainy week, Easter Sunday was a bright, beautiful day. Lilies graced the chancel areas. Many churches had visitors. Joyful singing plus choirs added to the great music of the day. The CROP Walk for the Lakewood community is Sunday, April 28. The theme is “End Hunger, One Step at a Time. Participants walk for this one day to support those who must walk every day, often for long distances, to provide their most basic needs of wood and water. People are urged to pledge dollar amounts for the walkers. Total funds are submitted to the state CROP organization. Then 25 percent of the funds are returned to the Lakewood community to support local hunger needs through the Christmas Basket project, fire relief and other channels of support. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Public Hearing will be held by the Prairieville Township Planning Commission on May 9, 2019 at 7:00 RM. at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, within the Township. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the item(s) to be considered at this public hearing include, in brief, thn following: 1. A request from Randy and Karen Butler, property owners, 3625 Highgate Ave SW., Wyoming, Ml 49509, for a for a single parcel re-zoning. The subject sitq is located at 12520 Pine Lake Rd, Parcel # 08-12-006-005-70 and is currently zoned A -Agricultural. The applicant is request a re-zoning to R1 -Residential. 2. Such other and further matters as may properly come before the Planning Commission for this meeting. All interested persons are invited to be present or submit written comments on this matter(s) to the below Township office address. Prairievilfe Township will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services such as signers cfor the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the hearing upon five (5) days notice to the Prairieville Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Prairieville Township Clerk at the address or telephone number set forth above. Jim Stoneburner, Township Supervisor JONES Fixed annuity could extend lifespan of retirement accounts It’s almost impossible to save too much for retirement. After all, you could spend two, or even three, decades as a retiree. And retire­ ment is not cheap even if you maintain a relatively modest lifestyle, some of your expenses, especially those involving health care, may continue to rise over the years. Consequently, you will need several sources of reliable income - one of which might be a fixed annuity. Fixed annuities are essentially contracts between investors and insurance companies. When you purchase a fixed annuity, the insur­ er will guarantee the principal and a minimum rate of interest. This means the money you invest in a fixed annuity is designed never to drop in value. (However, this guarantee is based on the claims-paying ability of the insurer that issues the annuity.) You can structure a fixed annuity to pay you for a certain number of years or for your entire lifetime, which is the route many peo­ ple choose. This is advantageous not only because of what it provides you - income for life - but because it also may allow you to take out less money each year from your other retirement accounts. Here’s some background: Once you turn 70%, you are required to begin taking with­ drawals from your traditional IRA and your 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retire­ before you reach 59%, you likely will face a ment plan. (This requirement does not apply 10% penalty. And annuities can have tax to Roth IRAs.) You must take out a minimum implications, so before you start taking with­ amount, based on your age and account bal­ drawals, you will want to consult your tax ance, but you are free to exceed that amount advisor. each year. But the more you withdraw from Is a fixed annuity appropriate for you? these accounts, the faster they are likely to be There’s really no one correct answer because depleted. So, when you reach retirement, it’s everyone’s situation is different. However, if a good idea to establish an appropriate annual you consistently max out your IRA and withdrawal rate, based on your retirement 401(k) contributions, and you still have plan balances, Social Security, lifestyle, lon­ money left to invest for retirement, you might gevity expectations and other factors. You want to think about an annuity. An income may want to work with a financial profession­ stream you can’t outlive - and that may help al to determine a withdrawal rate that’s suit­ you protect your other retirement accounts able for your needs. is worth considering. If you can count on the income from a Edward Jones is a licensed insurance pro­ fixed annuity, you might be able to take out ducer in all states and Washington, D.C., less each year from your traditional IRA and through Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P., and in 401(k), giving these accounts more tax-de­ California, New Mexico and Massachusetts ferred growth opportunities. Plus, if you don’t through Edward Jones Insurance Agency of withdraw all the money from these accounts California, L.L.C.; Edward Jones Insurance during your lifetime, you can include the Agency of New Mexico, L.L.C.; and Edward remainder in your estate plans. Jones Insurance Agency of Massachusetts, A fixed annuity’s potential to help you L.L.C. extend the lifespan of your IRA and 401(k) This article was written by Edward Jones can clearly be of value to you. Still, a fixed for use by your local Edward Jones Financial annuity does carry some issues about which Advisor. If you have any questions, contact you should be aware, such as surrender Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. charges for early withdrawals, along with other fees. Also, if you take withdrawals STOCKS Andersonville Prison topic of Civil War history talk The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. Apple Inc. AT&T Chemical Fin Chevron Deere & Co. Exxon Mobil Flowserve CP Ford Motor Co. General Electric Co. General Motors Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP Perrigo Co. Pfizer Inc. ■ ■ Spartannash Comp Stryker TCF Financial Corp. Walmart Inc. Walt Disney Co Whirl Pool Corp Gold Silver Dow Jones 207.48 32.10 43.62 122.02 167.76 83.38 50.15 9.50 9.33 39.83 206.05 139.90 58.43 125.44 49.56 / 39.42 fV. 16.46 186.96 21.90 103.07 133.36 139.93 +8.23 -.15 -.39 +.85 +3.20 +2.18 +1.04 +.14 +.19 +.17 +1.58 +1.88 +.04 +4.67 -1.04 -1.50 -.40 -2.08 -.29 +.14 +3.46 +2.58 $1,272.48 $14.95 26,656 -$4.03 -.13 +203 The Lansing/Sunfield, Camp 17, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War will host a free Civil War history presentation on Andersonville Prison at 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 30. The program will be at the Sunfield United Brethren Church, 8436 Grand Ledge Highway, (M-43) Sunfield. The church is west of the intersection of Sunfield Highway and M-43 on the north side of the road. The presenter will be Bruce Butgereit. Andersonville is considered one of the most notorious Confederate prison camps of the Afiierican Givif War. At the May 30,1904, dedication of the MeWiy erected Andei son ville prison Michigan ^Monument, Gen. James H. Kidd, 6th Michigan Cavalry, declared, “It is a far cry from Michigan to Georgia, but Michigan will not forget or cease to honor the men that filled the ranks of her volunteers ...” Then, 100 years later, at the rededication of the newly restored Michigan Monument May 30,2004, a contingent of residents of Michigan proved Gen. Kidd’s words were true. The presentation will begin with a video documentary of the prison by Kevin Fry, a long-time historian of Andersonville prison. The presentation by Butgereit will follow, highlighting the rededication ceremony of the Michigan monument in 2004. Butgereit is a past commander of the Michigan Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States and past commander of the Department of Michigan, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War. He has coordinated the restoration of 14 Civil War memorials, including the Michigan Monument at Andersonville. Tfe currently serves* as executive director of History Remembered, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting historic preservation and restoration through educational programs. The presentation is free. More information is available on the Curtenius Guard, Camp 17, Sons of Union of the Civil War website http://suvcw. org/017/017home.htm, on the Announcement link. 17SR0 Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF® (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinancial.com Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you FRIDAY, APRIL 26,H • 8 AM-5 PM SATURDAY, APRIL 27™ • 9 AM-12 NOON Cash & Carry 50-lb. Cube SALT NEW LARGE SIZE BAG! 50-lb ,,,, Red-Out* J-J57 CUBE... ’/s Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC better water, pure and simple.® owM^EmeriLs Serving Hastings, Barry County and Surrounding Communities for 50 years • __ 11745- NOTICE TO BIDDERS BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION Tree, Brush & Limb Removal Specifications and additional information may be obtained at the Road Commission Office at the above address or at our web site at www. barrycrc.org. 269-945-5102 OPEN DAILY 8-5; SAT. 9-12 Denker Family PwSTl Owned & Operated ~ Rick Denker, Owner S4 Family Owned and Operated Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry County Road Commission, 1725 West M-43 Highway, P.O. Box 158, Hastings, Ml 49058, until 8:00 A.M. Tuesday, May 7, 2019 for the following items. 1-800-852-3098 141 E. Woodlawn Ave. Hastings 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-3252 • www.girrbachfuneralhome. Owner/Manager High Purity Water Softener Salt AMs Traditional and Cremation Services Pre-Planning Services Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible Serving All Faiths Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted Maxine Robertson to celebrate 100th birthday Maxine Robertson, of Middleville, will be turning 100 on April 28, 2019. She was born April 28,1919. She will be celebrating her birthday on April 28, 2019 at 7027 State Rd., Middleville, MI from 1 to 4 p.m. No gifts please. Karen Hayward Administrative Assistant Amy Jo McKay, Middleville and Jeffrey Steven Galloway, Middleville Dawn Marie Bobmsma, Middleville and Douglas John Devries, Comstock Park Andrew Joseph Andree, Middleville and Ashley Rae Henning, Grand Rapids Jamie Eugene Dill, Delton and Michele Lynn Krumrei, Delton The Board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive irregularities in the best interest of the Commission. BOARD OF COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BARRY David D. Solmes Chairman Frank M. Fiala Member D. David Dykstra Member �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, April 25, 2019 — Page 9 y^aS'W'Q® fl look Back at the stories and columns on local history TURNING BACK THE PAGES posts of this city, Middleville, Freeport, Bowens Mills, Cedar Creek and Orangeville. It was voted to have the reunion in Hastings, the time to be decided later. Hereafter, Cedar Creek will receive its mail supplies semi-weekly from Cloverdale and Hickory Comers, and tri-weekly from Delton. Personal Wm. Wood arrived from California Monday night. Mrs. W.P. Kniskem and daughter are visit­ ing at A.D. Kniskems. Valentine Leins and wife started for Germany Sunday night. Len and Chas. Salisbury are now7 with a Kalamazoo orchestra. Grand Chancellor Colgrove went to Saginaw yesterday to organize a K of P lodge. A.J. Bowne, Major Watson and President Bush, of the CK&S, were in the city Friday. Luke waters was elected president of the Mother’s Day MOREL GIFT CREATE A MOREL GARDEN IN YOUR BACK YARD We provide the seed and easy to use instructions for preparing an outdoor Morel Habitat. You just sow the seed, maintain the Morel Habitat. and pick and enjoy pounds of fresh Morels West Michigan Wheat Association at its Grand Rapids meeting last week. Ed. Bailey, H. Clarke and Bob Green went to Charlotte yesterday to play on the Charlotte team against the Jacksons. Miss Viola Willison is filling the position of second assistant in the high school this week, cased by the illness of Miss Flora Beadle. NOTICE www.gmushrooms.org The minutes of the meeting of the Barry County Board of Commissioners held April 23, 2019, are available in the County Clerk’s Office at 220 W. State St., Hastings, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or www.barrycounty.org. Allow 1-4 weeks for delivery— Spawn Guaranteed 117188 $32.95 + $8.40 S/H — (707) 829-7301 GOURMET MUSHROOMS R O. BOX 515 CN9 * GRATON, CA 95444 Banner provided glimpse back in time SPECIAL ELECTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A SPECIAL ELECTION WILL BE HELD IN THE: COUNTY OF BARRY STATE OF MICHIGAN TUESDAY, MAY 7, 2019 FOR DELTON KELLOGGSCHOOLS HASTINGS AREA SCHOOLS MARTIN PUBLIC SCHOOLS CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF HASTINGS LIBRARY MILLAGE PROPOSAL THE PLACES HOLDING THE ELECTION IN SAID MUNICIPALITIES ARE INDICATED BELOW: BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP Precinct 1 BARRY TOWNSHIP Precinct 1 & 2 11300 S. M-43 Hwy., Delton, Ml 49048 (Consolidated for this election only) CARLTON TOWNSHIP Precinct 1 Consolidated w/lrving & Woodland Twps. for this election only, 85 Welcome Road, Precinct 1 Consolidated w/Maple Grove Twp. for this election only, 915 Reed Street, Nashville, 3100 E. Dowling Rd., Battle Creek, Ml 49017 Hastings, Ml. CASTLETON TOWNSHIP Ml 49073 This undated photo shows State Street in downtown, looking west. After fires in 1867 and 1886, downtown buildings were largely built of brick. The April 25,1918, Banner took a glance back at news from the 1860s to 1880s in a column headlined “Mirror of Old Times in Hastings.” They were identified as “items of interest from the Banner of corresponding dates 30, 40 and 50 years ago.” Items from mid-April were reprinted in the April 18 Banner. News bits from late April are reprinted below. The columns sometimes were categorized as local news or personal, although some of the “local’ information could sound a bit per­ sonal. So, readers can take a look back at hap­ penings here before automobiles, telephones and Social Security - and also try to decipher whether the news was good or bad. Forty years ago April 24,1878 Local We have never seen vegetation so far advanced in the month of April in Michigan as it is today. A valuable horse belonging to D.R. Whitney, of Johnstown, was stolen last Friday night. The many friends of A.E. Taylor, formerly of this city, will be pleased to learn that he has been appointed chief roadmaster of the Northern Pacific Railroad Co. for the Minnesota and Dakota division. The Young Men’s School of Oratory elect­ ed the following officers for the ensuing term: President, Joseph Clarkson; vice president, James Butler; secretary, John R. Allen; trea­ surer, Edmond O. Dewey; marshal, LeRay Orr; prudential comm. Hdnry B. Wewey [sic], Glenn Greenfield, James Butler; critic Alpha Carter. Zerah Shepard, the drayman, is building a large bam on the east side of his lot on State Road St. The rapid rise of the river has submerged and will probably destroy the footbridge across the Thornapple at the foot of Jefferson Street. [The footbridge spanning the abrupt elevation change on North Jefferson Street must have survived that particular flood. Built just after the Civil War, the Jefferson Street footbridge was condemned in 1884 for not having a handrail. After a handrail was pro­ vided, the bridge was used until 1900.] The social event of the past week was the marriage last evening of Gary G. Spaulding, late aiderman of the third ward, to Miss Ophelia Hogle. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Levi Master, pastor of the Methodist church, at the residence of the bride’s mother in the second ward. They left that evening for Detroit on a brief wedding trip. Fifty years ago April 22,1868 Messrs. Russell and Nevins and F.D. Ackley have commenced the erection of new brick blocks for their own uses in the burned district. From Cole’s comer to Bessmer’s store, it will be solidly built up with brick. [The first big fire in downtown Hastings destroyed several buildings. Another fire in 1886 resulted in more damage, including destruction of the Spalding factory. The com­ pany, which is still known today for its sport­ ing goods, produced mainly baseball bats and croquet mallets at the Hastings plant. After the devastating fire, the operations were relo­ cated to Chicago.] A fine address was given by Rev. George Taylor at Union Hall Monday on behalf of the Soldiers and Sailors Monument Association. Following are the qualified teachers of Barry County who hold certificates from the county superintendent of schools: Viola L. Botsford, Orangeville post office. Addie C. Joslin, Myra C. Joslin, Mary A. Boardman, Lillie Gates, Annette A. Gates, John McEwan, Octavia Leroy, Lewis Curtis, Katie Wakefield, Hannah Yarronton, Ella Balcom, Fannie Miles, Giles Shepherd, Middleville post office. Fannie Honfstatter, Calista L. Cain, Lois Andrus, Emily E. Holmes, Alexina K. Crosby, Jane Hall, Emogene Burt, Millie Ellis, B.F. Gaskill, C.M. Atkins, Marian Butler, Emma Bentley, Mary A. Sisson, C.W. Cramer, Geo. W. Cramer, Mary J. Orr, Emma J. Brumfield, E.M. Parsons, Lida Cabot, Hattie Spaulding, C.F. Cooper, Fred V. Young, Clarissa Cole, Sarah Barlow, Lucius Russell, Hastings post office. Abbie Pratt, Irving post office. Sarah Williams, Libbie Cowles, Frank Dewey, Hannah Webster, Bedford post office. Anna M. Flower, Rubie A. Barnum, Geo A. Barden, Henry Stinchcomb, Mary E. Land, Woodland. Harriet L. Stanley, Hickory Corners post office. Nettie Briggs, Lida A. Powers, Assyria post office. • Mary S. Couch, Sarah S. Wing, North Irving post office. Sarah Mapes, Gun Lake post office. Hettie Smith, Fillmore post office. Mary C. Ferris, Johnstown post office. Thirty years ago April 25,1888 Local Prospects very poor for wheat this year in Barry County. R.B. Richards has bought the Solon Bentley place on West Green St. Al. Hams has purchased of P.T. Colgrove a house and lot in the fourth ward. A bicycle and Henry Cook had a mix-up Friday, in which Henry came out second best with a badly sprained ankle. Monday saw the first sure sign of spring - a hand organ on the street. On and after May 1, there will be a regular mail service on the CK&S. This will be appre­ ciated greatly. Tuesday was Matt Young’s 50^ birthday. Neighbors and Brothers of the Knights of Pythias Lodge helped him to remember the occasion with great pleasure. At last, Barry County has a pension board. It consists of Drs. Drake of this city, Young of Nashville and Elliott of Hickory Comers. J.G. Runyan, the well-known boot and shoe dealer of this city, has recently moved his stock into the building recently vacated by Baughman & Buell. A meeting was held in this city Saturday to decide on the time and place for the next Barry County Soldiers Reunion. Representatives were present from the GAR CITY OF HASTINGS Wards 1,2,3 & 4 HASTINGS CHARTER TWP Precinct 1 Hastings Baptist Church, 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings, Ml 49058 855 River Road, Hastings, Ml 49058 HOPE TOWNSHIP Precinct 1 5463 S. M-43 Hwy., Hastings, Ml 49058 JOHNSTOWN TOWNSHIP Precinct 1 Consolidated w/Assyria Twp. & Bedford Twp. (Calhoun Co.) for this election only, ORANGEVILLE TWP. Precinct 1 Consolidated w/Yankee Springs Twp. for this election only; 7350 Lindsey Rd., Precinct 1 Precinct T& 2 1015 S. Norris Road., Delton, Ml 49046 246 Heath Road, Hastings, Ml 49058 (Consolidated for this election only) 13641 S. M-37, Battle Creek, Ml 49017 Plainwell, Ml 49080 PRAIRIEVILLE TWP. RUTLAND TOWNSHIP' TO VOTE ON THE FOLLOWING PROPOSITIONS LISTED BELOW: DELTON KELLOGG SCHOOLS GENERAL OBLIGATION UNLIMITED TAX BOND PROPOSAL FOR BUILDING AND SITE PURPOSES IN THE AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED $23,215,000 Full text of the ballot proposition may be obtained at the administrative offices of Delton Kellogg Schools, 327 North Grove Street, Delton, Michigan 49046-970, telephone: (269) 623-1500. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE THAT THE BONDS OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT, IF APPROVED BY A MAJORITY VOTE OF THE ELECTORS AT THIS ELECTION, WILL BE GENERAL OBLIGATION UNLIMITED TAX BONDS PAYABLE FROM GENERAL AD VALOREM TAXES. HASTINGS AREA SCHOOL SYSTEM GENERAL OBLIGATION UNLIMITED TAX BOND PROPOSAL FOR BUILDING PURPOSES IN THE AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED $9,990,000 Full text of the ballot proposition may be obtained at the administrative offices of Hastings Area School System, 232 West Grand Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058-2298, telephone: (269) 948-4400. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE THAT THE BONDS OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT, IF APPROVED BY A MAJORITY VOTE OF THE ELECTORS AT THIS ELECTION, WILL BE GENERAL OBLIGATION UNLIMITED TAX BONDS PAYABLE FROM GENERAL AD VALOREM TAXES. MARTIN PUBLIC SCHOOLS OPERATING MILLAGE RENEWAL PROPOSAL EXEMPTING PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE AND OTHER PROPERTY EXEMPTED BY LAW 18.6524 MILLS FOR 2 YEARS Full text of the ballot proposition may be obtained at the administrative offices of Martin Public Schools, 1556 Chalmers Street, Martin, Michigan 49070-0241, telephone: (269) 672-7194. CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF HASTINGS LIBRARY MILLAGE PROPOSALShall the tax limitation on all taxable property within the Charter Township of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, be increased and the Township be authorized to levy a millage in an amount not to exceed 1.6 mills ($1.60 on each $1,000 of taxable value), of which 1.5667 mills is a renewal of the previously authorized millage that expired in 2018 and .0333 mill is new additional millage to restore the millage rate previously authorized, for ten (10) years, 2019 to 2028 inclusive, to provide funds for all library pur­ poses authorized by law? If approved, the estimate of the revenue the Township will collect in the first year of levy (2019) is approximately $142,000. Revenue from this millage will be disbursed to the Hastings Public Library. THE POLLS OF SAID ELECTION WILL BE OPEN AT 7 O’CLOCK A.M. AND WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL 8 O’CLOCK P.M. ON THE DAY OF ELECTION. Absent voter ballots must be mailed to voters no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 3, 2019. Registered voters may contact their local Clerk to obtain an application for an absent voter ballot. For any other questions relating to the election process, please contact your local Clerk: ASSYRIA TOWNSHIP Annette Terry 269-968-3329 (H) 269-967-8032 (C) BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP Penny Ypma 945-3228 BARRY TOWNSHP Deb Knight 623-5171 CARLTON TOWNSHIP Amanda Brown 945-5990 CASTLETON TOWNSHIP Marcia Scramlin 517-852-9429 CITY OF HASTINGS Jane Saurman 945-2468 HASTINGS CHARTER TWP Anita Mennell 269-953-6026 HOPE TOWNSHIP Deborah Jackson 948-2464 IRVING TOWNSHIP Sharon Olson 231-373-4784 JOHNSTOWN TOWNSHIP Sheri Babcock 269-721-3710 MAPLE GROVE TOWNSHIP Suzi Butler 517-852-1859 ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP Melody Risner 664-4522 PRAIRIEVILLE TWP Rod Goebel 623-2726 RUTLAND TOWNSHIP Robin Hawthorne 948-2194 THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP Cindy Willshire 795-7202 ext. 203 WOODLAND TOWNSHIP Nancy Stanton 616-813-4893 YANKEE SPRINGS TOWNSHIP Janice Lippert 269-795-9091 BEDFORD TWP (CALHOUN CO) Joyce Feraco 269-965-1999 PAMELA A. PALMER, COUNTY CLERK �Page 10 — Thursday, April 25, 2019 — The Hastings Banner State News Roundup Sale of historic state fairgrounds wraps up Returning the former state fairgrounds into productive use for the community and tax rolls nears completion as Magic Plus LLC closed on its 16-acre property acquisition Monday, Michigan Land Bank Fast Track Authority director Josh Burgett said. The City of Detroit will close on the remaining 142 acres of property later this month. Tm proud of the collaborative work we’ve done with Magic Plus and the City of Detroit to bring new jobs and economic opportunities to the community,” Burgett said. “The state fairgrounds is one of the largest developable properties in Detroit, and we’re excited for the economic prosperity this brings to their community and Michigan taxpayers.” The fairgrounds have stood vacant for almost 10 years and have cost taxpayers $1 million a year to maintain the property. In March 2018, the Michigan Land Bank Board of Directors approved the sale to Magic Plus LLC and the City of Detroit. Magic Plus will develop the Woodward Avenue frontage in a comprehensive develo p.m. ent project. City officials will explore different develo p.m. ent options to ensure the project creates real economic opportunities for Detroiters as well as ensure the project benefits the sur­ rounding neighborhoods. This public/private partnership is the result of a shared vision to create jobs and provide commercial destina­ tions for new employees and current residents of Detroit. “We are pleased to see this deal with Magic Plus close, as it paves the way for the redevelo p.m. ent of this strategically located Woodward Avenue property. We also look forward to closing on the city’s purchase of the other 142 acres of the State Fairgrounds property in the next several weeks,” said Thomas Lewand, City of Detroit Group Executive for Jobs and Economic Growth. The site hosted the Michigan State Fair from 1905 until 2009. The property was trans­ ferred to the Michigan Land Bank in 2012. Name sought tor new ORV park in Oakland County The creation of a new ORV park in south­ eastern Michigan is moving forward. The park will be located in a former sand and gravel mining operation in Groveland and Holly townships. It is a collaboration between the Department of Natural Resources Parks and Recreation Division and the Oakland County Parks and Recreation Commission and will be jointly managed by both agencies. In 2017, the DNR purchased 235 acres in preparation for the park, with the help of a $2.9 million grant from the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund. Earlier this month, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners approved a 20-year operating agreement with the DNR. Hastings students form a “walking school bus” one rainy morning as part of the new Safe Routes to School program. (Photo provided.) The Michigan State Fair was a destination for many people from 1905 until 2009. (Photo provided.) The park will be open to all types of ORVs, including full-size vehicles, side-by-sides, all-terrain vehicles, ATVs and motorcycles. It’s slated to open summer 2020. Part of the planning process includes nam­ ing the new park, and the state wants to know what residents think. Everyone’s invited to submit their ideas by April 26 at Michigan, gov/dnr. Parades planned across Mackinac Bridge A handful of special parades allow partici­ pants to travel across the 5-mile Mackinac Bridge. These events are fun not only for the participants, but for visitors in downtown Mackinaw City, as well, organizers said. Parades this summer will include: Friday, April 26 - Jeep the Mac. Last year, more than 800 Jeeps participated in this annu­ al trek. This year’s crossing will begin at 3 p.m. in St. Ignace with all Jeeps heading south into Mackinaw City before looping around to return to the Upper Peninsula. Saturday, July 20 - Mustang Stampede. Celebrating the classic Ford muscle car first introduced in 1964, dozens of cars will be on display from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Conkling Heritage Park. Bridge parade will begin at 4:30 p.m. Dinner will follow, with live music and awards ceremony. Saturday, Aug. 3 - Mini on the Mack (minionthemack.com). Participants can help break the English-held world record for largest-ever Mini Cooper Parade during this bi-annual event (the current record of 1,450 is held by the Surrey Mini Club Owners in the UK). In 2017, 1,328 cars participated in the Straits area event (up from 1,319 in 2015), and this year hopes to be the biggest group to date. Saturday, Aug. 24 - Corvette Crossroads. Hundreds of Corvettes are will be display at the Mackinaw Crossings Mall parking lot from 10 a.m. to 2, with awards in a variety of categories presented at 3 p.m. The procession lines up at 6, with the crossing of the Mackinac Bridge at 7 p.m. All Corvettes in town are welcome to cross the Mackinac Bridge. Friday, Sept. 6 - Antique Tractor Crossing (mackinacbridgecrossing.com). First held in 2008 (with 614 participants), this parade fea­ ture all makes, models, shapes and sizes of vintage tractors and farm equipment from around the country and beyond. Line-up will begin in downtown Mackinaw City at 9 a.m., with the procession traveling across the bridge to downtown St. Ignace, ending at the Little Bear Arena. Last year, more than 1,300 trac­ tors joined in the parade. Safe Routes to School program takes off in Hastings Hastings Area School System recently received a grant to participate in the Safe Routes to School program, and retired Hastings teacher Tim Newsted has been cho­ sen to serve as the district’s coordinator. “The goal for our program is to encourage walking and biking to school, and to celebrate a sense of community pride and school spir­ it,” Newsted said. Safe Routes to School is a nonprofit orga­ nization that works to advance safe walking and bicycling to and from schools, and strives to create healthy communities for everyone. Established in 2006 in North Carolina, Safe Routes to School has grown into a nationwide program. In Hastings, a “walking school bus” initia­ tive is currently underway, assisted by the Hastings City Police Department. As a part of that effort, Hastings students gather together then walk to school in large groups as a source of exercise and meeting with friends; Also, a special event, Walk-Jog-Run Day, will take place at the Hastings High School track Saturday, May 4, from 9 a.m. to noon. All Hastings students are welcome and encouraged to attend. Individual choice of walking, jogging and/or running will present an opportunity for all participants to exercise Keep your friends and relatives informed and up to date with all the local news from Barry County. Send them... The Hastings BANNER To subscribe, call us at: 269-945-9554 BARRY COUNTY HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE, MEDICATION COLLECTION, AND *FREE TIRE DROP-OFF! Saturday, May 4th, 2019 from 9:00 a,m. -1:00 p.m. Barry County Fairgrounds, 1350 N. M-37 Hwy. Household Hazardous Waste Including aqueous acids and bases; oil-based paints; reactives; solvents; aerosol cans; automotive liquids; pesticides (liquids and solids); automotive batteries; alkaline, nickel-cadmium and/or silver oxide batteries; liquid cleaners; heavy metal solutions;.mercury-containing articles; motor oil. Lsnit of 10 We Cannot Accept: Medications Asbestos; electronics, latex paint (when dry it can go to the landfill); propane tanks, commercially generated waste; radioactive material; explosives; unknown wastes; console and projection televisions; speakers in wooden cases; tires heavily caked with dirt. need to be in their original containers with the name of the drug clearly labeled. Cross out any personal information on the containers. Help keep your home, environment and community safe. ELECTRONICS NOT ACCEPTED DISPOSE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS AND MEDICATIONS SAFELY Don't pour paint, solvent, medicine, automotive oil or chemicals down the drain or dump them in the trash where they may end up in our drinking water and lakes! Tire Drop-Off FREE thanks to to a grant from the > a ONE TIME ONLY free tire-drop off event JE LIMIT OF 10 TIRES PER CAR • HOUSEHOLD TIRES ONLY (NO BUSINESS TIRES) First come, first serve until all trailers are full Questions? Please call (269) 798-4107 Sponsored by the Barry County Solid Waste Oversight Committee with thanks to the Barry County Fair Board. Waste Management. Barry-Eaton District Health Department, Barry County Substance Abuse Task Force, Sheriff’s Dept.. City of Hastings Police Dept, and Local Pharmacies with friends. The local Trilanders club will assist, and participation prizes will be award­ ed. No registration is necessary, and the event is free of charge. Students are invited to stay as long as their schedules allow. Another upcoming event in conjunction with Safe Routes to School is the National Bike to School Day Wednesday, May 8. Students are encouraged to ride bicycles to school that day. Central Elementary and Hastings Middle School students are invited to tale their bikes to the far end (900 block) of West Madison Street at 7:30 a.m. The group, escorted by Hastings City Police, will ride bikes to school together. Northeastern Elementary students should^ meet at the Lifegate Community Church park­ ing lot with bicycles ready to go for a 7:30 a.m. departure time, accompanied by Hastings City Police. Further information about the Safe Routes to School program can be found on the national website, saferoutesinfo.org. I AI LcviAL NOTICES NOTICE TO CREDITORS Social Security Number of Decedent: XXXXX-1423. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Your interest in the estate may be barred or affected by the following: The decedent, William O. Castelein, date of birth March 4, 1934, whose last address was 3857 Yeckley Rd., Hastings, Ml 49058 died on March 24, 2019. -' The decedent was the settlor of the Castelein Trust, May 16, 2001. There is no personal representative of the settlor’s estate to whom Letters of Authority have been issued. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the trust estate will be forever barred unless presented to the current acting trustee (whose name and address appear below) of the Trust within four (4) months of the date of publication of this notice. The current acting trustee is: Nancy J. Henson, 3857 Yeckley Rd., Hastings, Ml 49058. Notice is further given that the trust estate will be thereafter assigned and distributed to the persons entitled to it. Dated: April 9, 2019 Attorney for Trustee: David G. Ledbetter, P43671 Law Offices of David G. Ledbetter 1695 Service Road NE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 (616)459-3333 117373 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS / Trust In the matter of: The Stephen L. Pennington Trust, Dated February 22,2005, as amended March 9,2017. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent^ Stephen L. Pennington, who lived at 1000 Willits Road, Hastings, Michigan 49058, died on Aprilj 13, 2019, leaving a certain trust under the name of Stephen L. Pennington and Judy A. Pennington Trust, dated February 22, 2005, wherein the decedent was the Settlor and Natalie S. Pennington and Ryan S. Pennington, were named Successor Co-Trustees serving at the time of or as a result of the decedent’s death. Creditors of the decedent and of the trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or against the trust will be forever barred unless presented to Natalie S. Pennington and Ryan S. Pennington, the named Successor Co-Trutees, at Tripp & Tagg, Attorneys at Law, 202 South Broadway, Hastings, Michigan 49058 within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 4-23-19 Nathan E. Tagg (P68994) 202 South Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2900 Natalie S. Pennington and Ryan S. Pennington 1780 Wellham Street, #133, Orlando, FL 32814 9601 Capedon Ave., Apt. #308 Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 117569 �The Hastings Banner —- Thursday, April 25, 2019 — Page 11 LEGAL NOTICES Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on May 9, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Timmy Rosenburg, a single man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Date of Mortgage: June 6, 2012 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 12, 2012 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $*124,085.45 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated ip City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: The Southeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 8, Town 3 North, Range 8 West, City of Hastings Barry County, Michigan The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: April 4, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on May 23, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Albert E. Tossava and Margaret Tossava, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC. Date of Mortgage: March 25, 2016 Date of Mortgage Recording: April 1,2016 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $73,769.75 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Village of Woodland, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Commencing 80 rods North of the Southwest corner of Section 15, T4N, R7W, for the place of beginning; thence East 16 rods; thence South 5 Rods; thence West 16 rods; thence North 5 rods to the place of beginning, Barry County Records. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: April 25, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1381105 (04-04)(04-25) 1383098 (04-25) (05-16) 115957 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on May 2, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Jacob Sias, a married man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for VanDyk Mortgage Corporation its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Mr. Cooper Date of Mortgage: August 26, 2015 Date of Mortgage Recording: September 1,2015 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $76,284.12 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Village of Freeport, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot(s) 3, Block 10 of MAP OF THE VILLAGE OF FREEPORT according to the plat thereof recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, Page 22 of Barry County Records. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. ‘ This notice is from a debt collector. DATE OF NOTICE: APRIL 4, 2019 TROTT LAW, P.C. 1381106 (04-04)(04-25) 115956 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on May 16, 2019: - Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Donald L. Fuller, a married man and Shirley Fuller, his wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC Date of Mortgage: July 22, 2011 Date of Mortgage Recording: July 26, 2011 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $54,401.86 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Assyria, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: A parcel of land in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 34, Town 1 North. Range 7 West, described as: Beginning at a point on the East and West 1/4 line of Section 34, Town 1 North, Range 7 West, distant North 89 degrees 32 minutes 09 seconds East, 1943.12 feet from the West 1/4 post of said Section 34, said point of beginning also being South 89 degrees 32 minutes 09 seconds West, 215 feet from the old centerline of Highway M-66, as previously located in 1934, and being South 89 degrees 32 minutes 09 seconds West, 253.18 feet from the centerline of Highway M-66, as relocated in 1966; thence North 08 degrees 36 minutes 26 seconds West, 113.14 feet (previously recorded as 105 feet), to the Southwest corner of lands conveyed in Liber 244 of Deeds, on Page 174, Barry County Records; thence North 86 degrees 27 minutes 05 seconds East, along the South line of said lands conveyed in Liber 244 of Deeds, on Page 174, a distance of 173.21 feet to the Northwesterly line of a clear vision area for Highway M-66, as conveyed in Liber 307 of Deeds, on Page 375, of Barry County Records; thence South 40 degrees 04 minutes 25 seconds West, along said Northwesterly line, 159.64 feet, to said East and West 1/4 line; thence South 89 degrees 32 minutes 09 seconds West along said East and West 1 /4 line, 53.18 feet, to the place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: April 18, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1382410 (04-18)(05-09) 116980 117450 SYNOPSIS RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP REGULAR BOARD MEETING April 10, 2019-7:00 p.m. Regular meeting called to order and Pledge of Allegiance. Present: James, Spencer, Bellmore, Walters, Watson, Hawthorne, Greenfield Absent: None Approved the Agenda as presented Approved the Consent Agenda. Accepted Ordinance #2019-167 for Second Reading & Adoption- An Ordinance to Completely Prohibit Marijuana Establishments within Rutland Charter Township. Ayes: Walters, James, Greenfield, Watson. Nays: Hawthorne, Bellmore, Spencer. Motion carried. Approved Resolution #2019-245 - Special Assessment District Podunk Lake Improvement Project. Motion carried unanimously. Approved Resolution #2019-246 - Amendments to the Zoning Department Fee Schedule. Motion carried unanimously. Accepted First Reading of Ordinance #2019-168 Amendments to the Zoning Map of Rutland Charter Township. Motion carried unanimously. Approved Resolution #2019-247 - Amendments to the 2005 Master Plan Future Land Use Map. Motion carried unanimously. Meeting adjourned at 8:01 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Attested to by, Larry Watson, Supervisor 117481 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Ronald L. Gibbs, a married person, to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. successor by merger to Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Inc., Mortgagee, dated July 1, 2003 and recorded July 28, 2003 in Instrument Number 1109587 Barry County Records, Michigan. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Thirty-Four Thousand Three Hundred Sixteen and 59/100 Dollars ($34,316.59), including interest at 5.5% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on MAY 23, 2019. Said premises are located in the Township of Prairieville, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: Lot 20 of Supervisors Plat of Prairieville according to the recorded plat thereof, as Recorded in Liber 2 of Plats on Page 74Also the North 74.25 Feet of the West 165 feet of Lot 22 of Supervisors Plat of the Village of Prairieville, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 2 of Plats on Page 74. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: April 25, 2019 File No. 19-001314 Firm Name: Orlans PC (04-25)(05-16) 117587 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on May 23, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Rhea A. Campbell, A Single Person Original Mortgagee: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): None Date of Mortgage: April 24, 2012 Date of Mortgage Recording: May 2, 2012 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $39,658.53 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Hope, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Parcel C: Parcel of land located in the Northeast 1/4 of Section 26, Town 2 North, Range 9 West being more particularly described as Commencing at the Northeast corner of said Section; thence South 0 degrees 45 minutes 54 seconds West 624.65 feet along the East line of said Section for the place of beginning; thence continuing South 0 degrees 45 minutes 54 seconds West 237.32 feet thence South 89 degrees 53 minutes 19 seconds West 466.70 feet; thence North 0 degrees 45 minutes 54 seconds East 237.12 feet; thence North 89 degrees 51 minutes 51 seconds East 466.70 feet to the East line of said Section to the place of beginning. Reserving the East 33 feet thereof for Road Right of Way purposes along Cedar Creek Drive. The redemption period shajl be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless'^etermiriM abandoned in NOTICE NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS FIRM IS ADEBTCOLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. MORTGAGE SALE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Benjamin B. Buehler, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for E Mortgage Management LLC (original lender) as Mortgagee, dated January 16, 2015, and recorded on January 26, 2015, in/under Official Instrument Number 2015-000699, in Barry County Records, Michigan and last assigned to WEI Mortgage, LLC, as assignee, documented by an Assignment of Mortgage dated March 14, 2019, and recorded on April 1, 2019, in/under Official Instrument Number 2019-002508, in Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due and owing as of April 4, 2019, the sum of ONE HUNDRED ELEVEN THOUSAND EIGHT HUNDRED SEVENTY SIX and 80/100 Dollars ($111,876.80). Notice is hereby given that under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on Thursday, June 6, 2019. Said premise is situated at 4700 Fighter Road, Hastings, Ml 49058 in the Township of Carlton, Barry County, Michigan, and is described as: THE LAND LEGALLY DESCRIBED AS: LAND SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF CARLTON, COUNTY OF BARRY, STATE OF MICHIGAN: A PARCEL OF LAND IN THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SECTION i9, TOWN 4 NORTH, RANGE 8 WEST, DESCRIBED AS: COMMENCING AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF THE NORTHWEST 1/4 OF SAID SECTION 19; THENCE EAST 474 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 369 FEET; THENCE SOUTHWEST TO A POINT 550 FEET SOUTH OF THE PLACE OF BEGINNING; THENCE NORTH OT THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. The redemption period shall be six (6) months (180 Days) from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. Pursuant to Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, if the property is sold at foreclosure sale, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder under MCLA 600.3278 for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: April 9, 2019 For More Information, please call: Matthew R. Reinhardt Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, PA. Attorneys for Servicer 255 South Orange Avenue, Suite 900 Orlando, Florida 32801 (855) 287-0240 (04-18) (05-09) 116861 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE STEPHEN L. LANGELAND, P.C. A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTENTION PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. MORTGAGE SALE -- Default has occurred in a Mortgage made by Jeffrey D. Jackson and Richelle L. Jackson to First Community Federal Credit Union n/k/a Advia Credit Union dated June 15, 2004 and recorded on June 24, 2004 at Document No. 1129792 Barry County Records. No proceedings have been instituted to recover any part of the debt, secured by the mortgage or any part thereof and the amount now claimed to be due on the debt is $72,949.47. The Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the property at public auction to the highest bidder, for cash, on May 9, 2019 at 1:00 p.m., local time, at the East door of the Barry County Courthouse, Hastings, Ml. The property will be sold to pay the amount then due on the Mortgage, together with interest at 5.8% per annum, legal costs, attorney fees, and also any taxes or insurance or other advances and expenses due under mortgage or permitted under Michigan law. The land is located in the County of Barry, State of Michigan and is described as: COMMENCING AT THE WEST 1/4 POST OF SECTION 31, TOWN 1 NORTH, RANGE 10 WEST, PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, THENCE EAST 1350 FEET ON THE EAST-WEST 1/4 LINE, THENCE SOUTH 382.84 FEET ON THE NORTH AND SOUTH 1/8 LINE TO THE PLACE OF BEGINING; THENCE SOUTH 382.83 FEET TO THE NORTH LINE OF M-89; THENCE NORTH 70 DEGREES 28’ WEST 211.31 FEET ALONG HIGHWAY; THENCE NORTH 315 FEET (ALSO RECORDED AS 315.74 FEET); THENCE EAST 200 FEET TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. Which has the address of: 12792 M-89, Plainwell, Ml 49080 During the six (6) months following ng the sale the property may be redeemed, unless determined to be abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241(a), in which case the redemption period shall be thirty (30) days from the date of sale. ADVIA CREDIT UNION Dated: April 8, 2019 By: Stephen L. Langeland (P32583) BUSINESS ADDRESS: Stephen L. Langeland, P.C. Attorney at Law 6146 W. Main St., Ste. C Kalamazoo, Ml 49009 269/382-3703 116294 accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: April 25, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1383125 (04-25)(05-16) 117456 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Trust In the matter of: The Robert V. Wenger Trust, dated February 16, 1998, as restated October 23, 2009 and amended March 26, 2018. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Robert V. Wenger, who lived at 4335 Bender Road, Middleville, Michigan 49333, died on April 6, 2019, leaving a certain trust under the name of Robert V. Wenger Trust, dated February 16,1998, as restated October 23, 2009, and amended March 26, 2018, wherein the decedent was the Settlor and Christina Jo Gibson and Martin P. Wenger were named as Successor Co-Trustees serving at the time of or as a result of the decedent’s death. Creditors of the decedent and of the trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or against the trust will be forever barred unless presented to Christina Jo Gibson and Martin P. Wenger, the named Successor Co-Trutees, at Tripp & Tagg, Attorneys at Law, 202 South Broadway, Hastings, Michigan 49058 within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Trust In the matter of: The Helen J. Wenger Trust, dated February 16, 1998, as restated October 23, 2009. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Helen J. Wenger, who lived at 4335 Bender Road, Middleville, Michigan 49333, died on April 29, 2013, leaving a certain trust under the name of Helen J. Wenger Trust, dated February 16, 1998, as restated October 23, 2009, wherein the decedent was the Settlor and Christina Jo Gibson and Martin R Wenger were named as Successor Co-Trustees serving at the time of or as a result of the decedent’s death. Creditors of the decedent and of the trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or against the trust will be forever barred unless presented to Christina Jo Gibson and Martin P. Wenger, the named Successor Co-Trutees, at Tripp & Tagg, Attorneys at Law, 202 South Broadway, Hastings, Michigan 49058 within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 4-23-19 Nathan E. Tagg (P68994) 202 South Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2900 ' Christina Jo Gibson and Martin P. Wenger 1431 Oronoco Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 3247 Bender Road, Middleville, Ml 49333 703-217-1459 117567 Date: 4-23-19 Nathan E. Tagg (P68994) 202 South Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2900 Christina Jo Gibson and Martin P. Wenger 1431 Oronoco Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 3247 Bender Road, Middleville, Ml 49333 703-217-1459 117568 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Christopher A. Hildebrant and Kelly M. Hildebrant, husband and wife, joint tenants, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns, Mortgagee, dated July 21,2016 and recorded July 27, 2016 in Instrument Number 2016-007383 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by First Guaranty Mortgage Corporation, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Seventy-Four Thousand Six Hundred Twenty and 98/100 Dollars ($74,620.98), including interest at 4% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on MAY 16, 2019. Said premises are located in the Township of Baltimore, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: PARCEL 1: BEGINNING 8 RODS EAST OF THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SECTION 34, T2N, R8W, BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, THENCE NORTH 40 RODS; THENCE EAST 4 RODS; THENCE SOUTH 40 RODS; THENCE WEST 4 RODS TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. PARCEL 2: BEGINNING 12 RODS EAST OF THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SECTION 34, T2N, R8W, BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, THENCE NORTH 40 RODS; THENCE EAST 4 RODS; THENCE SOUTH 40 RODS; THENCE WEST 4 RODS TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold ^foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: April 18, 2019 File No. 19-003927 Firm Name: Orlans PC (04-18) (05-09) 117077 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on May 9, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Theresa Marie Degennaro Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): The Bank of New York Mellon fka The Bank of New York as trustee for the Certificateholders of CWABS Inc., AssetBacked Certificates Series 2007-2 Date of Mortgage: January 12, 2007 Date of Mortgage Recording: January 23, 2007 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $96,252.06 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Irving, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Beginning at a point on the East-West quarter of Section 22, Town 4 North, Range 9 West, Irving Township, Barry County, Michigan, distant Westerly 495.00 feet, more or less from the East quarter post of said Section 22, being the Northwest corner of the East 30 acres of the East half of the Southeast quarter of said Section 22; thence Southerly 679 feet parallel with the East line of said Section 22; thence Westerly 385.00 feet; thence Northerly 679.00 feet to said East-West quarter line of Section 22; thence Easterly 385.00 feet to the point of beginning. Subject to all conditions, restrictions and easements of record. The Grantor Grants to the Grantee the right to make zero (0) Division under Section 108 of the Land Division Act, Act No. 288 of the public Acts of 1967, as amended. This property may be located within the vicinity of farm Land or Farm operation generally accepted agricultural and management practices which may generate noise, dust, odors and other associated conditions may be used and are protected by the Michigan Right to Farm Act. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: April 11,2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1381528 (04-11)(05-02) 116236 NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF BARRY COUNTY Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public hearing for the following: Case Number V-6-2019 Steven Eric Denzel (Applicant); Charles & Joy Padgett (Property Owners) Location: 4172 West Joy Road, Shelbyville, in Section 6 of Orangeville Township. Purpose: Request a variance to construct a 34x36 home with a 24x36 attached garage that will result in a front yard setback of 7 ft (the minimum is 10 ft) and a total lot coverage of 72% (the maximum is 40%) in the RL (Recreational Lakes) zoning district. Case Number V-7-2019 Thomas & Debra Littlepage (Property Owners) Location: 4341 Pickerel Cove Road, Shelbyville, in Section 6 of Orangeville Township. Purpose: Request a variance to construct a 14x35 deck that will have an 11 ft rear yard setback (the minimum is 25 ft) in the RL (Recreational Lakes) zoning district. MEETI.NS.PATE: May 13, 2019. T I M E : 7:00 PM PLACE: Tyden Center, Community Room, 121 South Church Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Site inspections of the above described properties will be completed by the Zoning Board of Appeals members before the hearing. Interested persons desiring to present their views upon an appeal, either verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned time and place. Any written response may be mailed to the address listed below, faxed to (269) 948-4820, or emailed to imcmanus@barrycounty.org. The variance applications are available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed between 12-1 p.m.) Monday - Friday. Please cal! the Barry County Planning Department at (269) 945-1290 for further information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or calling the following: Michael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 945-1284. Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk 117230 NOTICE NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS COMMUNICATION IS FROM A DEBT COLLECTOR. THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT, AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. IF YOU: ARE A DEBTOR IN AN ACTIVE BANKRUPTCY CASE; ARE UNDER THE PROTECTION OF A BANKRUPTCY STAY; OR, HAVE RECEIVED A DISCHARGE IN BANKRUPTCY AND YOU HAVE NOT REAFFIRMED THE DEBT, THIS NOTICE IS FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND SHOULD NOT BE CONSTRUED AS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT FROM YOU PERSONALLY IF YOU ARE NOW ON ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY OR HAVE BEEN IN THE PRIOR ONE YEAR, PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW. Default has been made in the conditions of a Mortgage made by Premier Consultation and Asset Management, LLC to LendingHome Funding Corporation dated June 16, 2017 and recorded June 20, 2017 in Instrument No. 2017-006200, Barry County, Michigan. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of $130,148.53. Under the power of sale contained in said Mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the Circuit Court and/or for conducting such sales for the County of Barry, Michigan at 1:00PM on May 2, 2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: Land situated in the Township of Rutland, County of Barry, State of Michigan, described as follows: Township of Rutland, County of Barry Lot(s) 401, 402, 403 and 404 of Al-Gon-Quin Lake Resort Properties Unit No. 2 according to the plat thereof recorded in Liber 2 of Plats, Page 63 of Barry County Records. Said property is commonly known as 2752 Chippewa Trail, Hastings, Ml 49058. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. TO ALL PURCHASERS: The foreclosing mortgagee can rescind the sale. In that event, your damages, if any, are limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. Please be advised that any third party purchaser is responsible for preparing and recording the Sheriff’s Deed. Dated: March 29, 2019 Brock & Scott, PLLC 5431 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403 PHONE: 844-856-6646 File Number: 19-03387 (04-04)(04-25) 115963 �Page 12 — Thursday, April 25, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Multiple counterfeit bills found in Lake Odessa Hastings Middle School seventh grade students performing in the solo and ensem­ ble festival are (front row, from left) Ellie Smith, Lily Comensoli, Lucy Barnard, Madysen Kuestner, Kaylie Carl, Riley Shults, (back) Zach Byle, Olivia Meeker, Jordan Horn, Ally Herder, Lauren Taylor and Abby Wheeler. (Photos provided) Nearly 40 HMS students take part in festival Taylor Owens Staff Writer Three identical counterfeit $100 bills were discovered by Union Bank in Lake Odessa over the past two weeks, Police Chief Kendra Backing said. The bills were discovered by the bank when three separate businesses made deposits to the bank on April 11 and April 18. Union Bank released a diagram on their Facebook page showing how businesses can spot the bills. The counterfeits are actually $10 bills that were printed over to be $100 bills, and can pass the marker test performed by retailers. But each bill has black spots on the right edge of the front, fading on the portrait, the securi­ ty strip in the wrong place and a watermark featuring Alexander Hamilton instead of Benjamin Franklin. Backing reached out to officers at neigh­ boring police departments, who said they have not yet seen cases involving those spe­ cific counterfeits. Lake Odessa Police obtained security foot­ age of at least one suspect involved in two of the cases, and will be releasing photos from the footage on the Lake Odessa Police Facebook page, along with a way for citizens to submit tips. State Police accepting drug disposals Eighth grade musicians taking part in the solo and ensemble festival include (front rowf from left) Emily Simmons, Julia McLean, Saanj Bhakta, Izzy Bergeron, Valentina Arias, Karie Jones, Ella Tellkamp, Noelia Moreno; (middle) Abby Barton, Elena Friddle, Maddie Traver, Graycee McCarty, Katie Clark, Ethan Kendall, Vai Eaton, Amber Rabideau, Zara Franklin; (back) Taylor Arens, Isaiah Randall, Anden Hines, Dan King, Joe Goggins, Christian Owen, Anna Haywood, Alivia Cassini and Joy Aukerman. Hastings Bands sent 38 seventh and eighth grade students to the recent Michigan School Band and Orchestra District 10 Middle School Solo and Ensemble festival. The event provides an opportunity for young musicians to perform a selection of their choice before judges, as individuals or small groups. “All the students performed great and rep­ resented our bands, school, and community wonderfully,” Hastings band director Spencer White said. Participants included eighth-graders Taylor Arens (trumpet), Valentina Arias (flute), Joy Aukerman (bass clarinet), Abby Barton (marimba), Sannj Bhakta (clarinet), Izzy Bergeron (flute), Alivia Cassini (bass clari­ net), Katie Clark (tenor saxophone), Vai Eaton (French horn), Zara Franklin (clarinet), Elena Friddle (trumpet), Joe Goggins (alto sax), Anna Haywood (oboe), Anden Hines (flute), Karie Jones (flute), Ethan Kendall (alto sax), Dan King (alto sax), Graycee McCarty (trum­ pet), Julia McLean (snare), Noelia Moreno (clarinet), Christian Owen (flute), Amber Rabideau (clarinet), Isaiah Randall (trom­ bone), Emily Simmons (trombone), Ella Tellkamp (flute) and Maddie Traver (trum­ pet). Seventh grade musicians included Lucy Barnard, French horn; ZAch Byle, saxophone; Kaylie Carl, clarinet; Lily Comensoli, French horn; Ally Herder, French horn; Jordan Horn, saxophone; Madysen Kuestner, baritone; Olivia Meeker, saxophone; Riley Shults, trumpet; Ellie Smith, French horn; Lauren Taylor, flute; and Abby Wheeler, clarinet. Saxon golfers place sixth at first Interstate-8 outing Marshall bested Parma Western by two strokes to win the opening Interstate-8 Athletic Conference varsity boys’ golf jamboree of the season Wednesday at Marshall Country Club. Hastings placed sixth in the final standings. Marshall’s boys scored a 156, ahead of Parma Western 158, Lumen Christi 161, Harper Creek 166, Coldwater 167, Hastings 170, Jackson Northwest 190 and Pennfield 194. Will Jensen led the Saxons with a 40 and Josh Yi and Josh Brown each shot a 41. Hastings also got 48s from Isaiah Taylor and Alex Steward. Marshall was led by junior Matt Flynn who fired a 36 and junior Haydon Chapman who scored a 38. Cail Quist added a 40 for the Red Hawks and Konner Voigt a 42. Lumen Christ got 38s from senior Tanner Schnell and junior Conor Spencer. Parma Western’s Sean Vann scored a 36 and his teammate Brett Potter a 39. The Saxons were fifth at the seven-team Thomapple Kellogg Invitational at Yankee Springs Golf Course Friday. Caledonia took the day’s victory with a 316, ahead of Wayland 319, Byron Center 320, Zeeland East 331, Hastings 333, West Ottawa 343 and Thornapple Kellogg 350. The Saxons’ Alex Taylor tied for seventh place overall with a 78. Brown scored an 83, Isaiah Taylor an 85 and Jensen an 87. Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: Ail real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise ‘‘any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. For Sa Sardex® is the greaseless & odorless way to treat mange and kill fleas!!! At Tractor Supply (www.happyj ackinc. com) Business Services BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Hard Maple, Cherry. Paying top dollar. Call for pricing and Free Estimates. Will buy single walnut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793 Business Services BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, home improvements, seam­ less gutters. 269-320-3890. Michigan State Police are asking residents to dispose of expired, unused and unwanted pills during National Prescription Drug TakeBack Day this Saturday, one of two annual events held in partnership with the Drug Enforcement Administration and other law enforcement agencies. “Taking a few minutes to go through your home and discard these medications is some­ thing small that can have a huge impact,” director of the Michigan State Police Col. Joe Gasper said. “The devastation caused by opi­ oid and prescription drug abuse, accidental poisonings and overdoses is real. “We urge you to do all you can to help us fight this crisis.” Michigan State Police’s 30 posts will par­ ticipate in the one-day “Take-Back” effort from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 27, by serving as drop-off points. Ail collected pills will be destroyed, with no questions asked. Liquids, inhalers, patches and syringes cannot be accepted. The State of Michigan is using every avail­ able tool to combat the opioid epidemic. The collaborative efforts of state agencies ampli­ fies Michigan’s efforts related to prevention and treatment of patients, education of health professionals and enforcement of over-pre­ scribers. Efforts include: * A “one-stop shop” website, michigan. gov/opioids, with all helpful information and resources on the epidemic. * Providing online resources for patients, health professionals and communities about prevention and treatment of opioid abuse. * The Michigan Automated Prescription System provides real-time prescription data and resources to better assess a patient’s risk for substance use disorder. * Assistance with proper drug disposal of unwanted medications. * Michigan State Police posts serving as drug-take back sites and providing the Angel Program for individuals struggling with addiction. More information about opioids and the additional steps residents can take to protect themselves and loved ones is available at michigan .gov/opioids. National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day takes place twice a year, in April and October. During the October 2018 effort, state police posts collected nearly 950 pounds of prescrip­ tion drugs. Studies show that a majority of abused pre­ scription drugs are obtained from family and friends, including from the home medicine cabinet. Further, disposing of unused medi­ cines by flushing them down the toilet or throwing them in the trash can pose safety and health hazards. Additional collection sites across the state can be found by going to dea.gov. Anyone who is unable to participate on National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day can anonymously surrender their prescription drugs at any state police post, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., excluding holi­ days. Pet EXCELLENT DOG GROOM­ ER now working at Uncle Ted's Freestone Kennels. For appointments call 616-558­ 0889. Help Wanted NOW HIRING: INSTALL­ ERS, ASAP. Will train, no experience required. 616-988­ 9996. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Delton Kellogg students involved in “All I Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten” include (front row, from left): Anna Bassett, Kaitlyn McCrae, Jazzmine Harmon, Alexis Bolton; (second row) Hannah Maple, Lauren Grubius, Grace Blackburn, EmHy Eichelburger, Sam Maple, Alexis Chandler; (third row) Taylor Carter, Karlin Bemus, Slater Stanton, Brooke Beilfuss, Luke Froncheck, Genel Homister; (back) Jack Baker, Joseph Gherardi, Elijah Leonard, Gavin Poley, Hailee Baker and Janiah Hill. Delton students’ ‘Kindergarten’ show opens tonight Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer The Delton Kellogg Theater Performing Arts Company will take the stage tonight to present “All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten.” Shows will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 25, through Saturday, April 27. The play is based on Robert Fulghum’s bestselling book of the same title. The show provides an evening of theatrical storytelling in revue format, with monologues, dialogues, and multiple-voice narration that uses live piano underscoring. The stories range from the whimsy of childhood to the wisdom of old age. Director and DKHS teacher Jessica Broussard is assisted by Delton Kellogg Elementary School teacher Meghan Boer. Performances will be in the high schopl auditorium. Tickets are $5 in advance (available at the high school office) or $7 at the door. Teenager hospitalized after THC vape Officers were dispatched to Roll-A-Rama in Hastings for a possible overdose at 9:11 p.m. April 19. Officers found an 18-year-old Hastings resident unconscious on the ground. Several teenagers at the scene said the young man had used laced marijuana, and the 18-year-old Battle Creek man who had given it to him had fled on foot. The teen was taken to Spectrum Health Pennock, where he told an officer he had been using THC oil in his vape pen and was unaware of how strong it was. No further action was'taken. . ■ . • * Ukrainian man arrested for OWI An officer stopped a driver who failed to dim his headlights at 10:09 p.m. April 19 on; M-37 near Brogan Road in Baltimore Township. The 28-year-old man is a Ukrainian citi­ zen with a Mexican work visa who said he was in the United States on a business trip. He failed multiple sobriety tests and had a 0.126 and 0.114 Breathalyzer test. He was arrested. Man’s truck stolen from driveway A 47-year-old man called police at 1 a.m. April 20 to report someone stole his truck from; his driveway in the 6000 block of Wood School Road in Irving Township. The man said he had been drinking in his garage with friends and, about a half hour after they left, some­ time after midnight, he heard his truck start. The white 2011 Chevrolet Silverado was backed out and driven north on Wood School Road. The man said only close friends were at his house, and he did not suspect any of them. The keys were in the ignition at the time.; Woman finds bag of needles on roadside A 75-year-old woman found a bag of used needles while cleaning along the roadside at 6:45 p.m. April 20 in the 1000 block of Coats Grove Road in Hastings Charter Township. An officer collected the needles and disposed of them at the Barry County Sheriff’s Office. Fiance arrested in domestic assault A 24-year-old woman called police at 6:42 p.m. April 20 to report her fiance was being physically abusive at their residence in the 4000 block of Farrel Road in Carlton Township. The woman said the man attempted to force her out of the residence. The 23-year-old man said they fought over control of the phone, and he unintentionally hit her in the head with his knee. He was arrested. Woman arrested for distribution of meth An officer pulled over a vehicle for driving 76 mph in a 55 mph zone at 3:10 p.m. April 11 on Maple Grove Road near North Avenue in Maple Grove Township. The officer found the 36-year-old woman had a warrant for her arrest in Calhoun County for possession of dangerous drugs. The officer searched the woman’s vehicle and found eight grams of sus­ pected methamphetamine, 30 plastic bags and an electronic scale. She was arrested. Man arrested for domestic violence A 21-year-old man called police at 12:56 p.m. April 17 to report his brother, 27, was fighting with his mother, 44, at their residence in the 1000 block of Charlton Drive in Castleton Township. At the time of the call, the fight was verbal, but when police arrived, it had become physical. According to the police account, the mother asked the man who called the police to remove his brother from the house, and a fight started, during which his brother threatened their mother with a claw hammer. The 27-year-old was arrested. Woman reports $13,826 in fraudulent checks A 34-year-old woman went to the Barry County Sheriff’s Office April 9 to report 10* fraudulent checks had been cashed on her family’s business account. The checks totaled $13,826 and were brought to the woman’s attention by her bank. The case is under inves­ tigation. Woman arrested for driving to court under the influence Hastings City Police arrested a 49-year-old woman after she appeared in court at 4:26 p.m. April 22 for a divorce proceeding and seemed to be under the influence. The woman admitted to drinking before driving to court. She was found to have a 0.126 blood alcohol content. She was arrested. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, April 25, 2019 — Page 13 Prairieville Diner to close for good Sunday Betty Irons mans the coffee station at the diner in this 1950s photo she provided. At one time the Priarieville Diner had a drive-thru and car hops. For many years, it was open 14-16 hours a day. Currently, Prairieville Family Inn (pictured above) will be open from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Sunday. Brenda Brigance (left) and Betty Irons pose for a picture in their diner during their final week of operation. These ladies have been an inspiration to the Prairieville com­ munity. Tanett Hodge Staff Writer After 44 years as a community staple, Prairieville Family Diner will be closing its doors. The last day of operation for the long-standing business will be Sunday, April 28. The diner on the comer of Delton and Norris roads has been lovingly owned the entire time by the Irons family. Gordon and Betty Irons began a furniture auction business in the building many years ago, but found that a restaurant was better suited to them. “How would you like a little coffee shop for you and the girls?” Gordon Irons asked his wife Betty in 1975. “Forty-four years later, here I am,” Betty Irons said. At 14 years old, Brenda (Irons) Brigance began working for her parents in the auction house. A few years later, she began cooking in the restaurant. She and her sister, Linda, along with many grandchildren, have helped to keep the restau­ rant hopping. At one time, the diner employed 15 people. Today, Brigance and Irons are a two-wom­ an crew. Brigance cooks all the homemade meals herself, and Irons waits the tables. Irons, now 82, said it is definitely a family business, and by that, she means more than the staff. “This is where family and friends meet and eat,” Irons said. “The regulars have become family also.” “We’ve offered homemade food and extended family for many years,” Brigance said. The community will miss the two ladies who have kept the diner running for so long after Gordon’s unexpected death in 1998 at age 61. One patron said these are the hardest working ladies she’d ever met. Several said they weren’t sure where they will eat their daily and weekly meals. Customers at the diner said Brigance and Irons have given the place the personal touch. Patrons all agree that the draw is not just the food, which is great in itself, but the connec­ tions that are made in the diner. “The people are what have kept us here for so long, even on hard days,” Brigance said. “We will miss our customers because they have become our family.” Brigance said it is difficult to see every­ thing they have worked for just stop. For years, the diner has offered a free Christmas buffet dinner to everyone in the community. “We usually have over 100 people here on that day,” Brigance said. “But we love it, and they deserve it. • The ladies said the diner is the busiest on the weekends. “We are all so family-like that people get up and bus their own tables when it gets real­ ly busy, to help us out,” Irons said. With heavy hearts, the women will be sell­ ing much of the diner’s equipment Sunday. The two will continue to live in Prairieville and keep tabs on all of their friends. Commissioners delay action on COA appointments A manure truck and the area surrounding the leak are vacuumed by septic cleaners. Manure truck crashes on M-37 Taylor Owens Staff Writer A farm semi-truck filled with manure tipped over while turning left from M-37 to Adams Road near Middleville around 2 p.m. Tuesday, Thornapple Emergency Service Chief Randy Eaton said. There were no injuries and the truck did not break open, but there was leakage from the j top of the tank. Sewage vacuum trucks arrived to stop the leak and drain the truck. Eaton said the Michigan Department of Transportation also was on the scene and will decide what to do about any residue that may remain in the ditch after the cleanup. Adams Road was shut down for the clean­ up, and M-37 was briefly shut down to move equipment. ^as7f/n Sfafe hastln9s Ml 49osg No injuries were reported in the single-vehicle crash on Adams Road and M-37 near Middleville Tuesday. Rebecca Pierce Editor An unexpected postponement to fill vacan­ cies on the Barry County Commission on Aging board started a squabble Tuesday and prompted a 4-3 vote that ultimately held up the action. “The reason I moved to table this is because the Barry County Commission on Aging is a very important board and we had made a commitment to seeking out the most qualified individuals to serve,” Commissioner Ben Geiger said in a statement after the county board meeting, “and right now we don’t have a full slate so we can’t make a good decision.” Geiger said a six-week postponement will help the commissioners make a good deci­ sion. “Thousands use COA services every year,” Geiger told commissioners Tuesday. “Having only three applications for the COA board tells me we need to do a better job of advertis­ ing these important positions. “I appreciate everyone that has applied so far, and encourage anyone interested in the future of the COA to apply as well.” The COA has a 12-member board with staggered three-year terms, except for the county commissioner who serves a one-year term. One vacant post expires Dec. 31, and two vacant positions expire Dec. 31,2021. At its April 18 Committee of the Whole meeting, the board agreed to recommend approval of Catherine Gramze of Hastings to fill out that partial post and Gerald Schmiedicke, also of Hastings, to fill one of the three-year vacancies, so one vacancy remained. The third candidate, Nelly Shepard, a retired office manager from Hastings, who was not able to keep her interview appoint­ ment with the board because of a death in her family, was rescheduled for an interview with the board in May. Geiger made the motion Tuesday to act on the recommendation, with support from Vivian Conner, then he proposed postponing the action. The motion caught some other commis­ sioners flat-footed. County Administrator Michael Brown sought to clarify the action, asking if Geiger wanted to postpone the action or table it. Then Commissioner Dan Parker said to Geiger, “Because you want to have ...” “I want to have more applicants,” Geiger said. Conner pointed out, “We did have three positions. We did have three applicants. There is another position to be filled. We have filled two, that leaves one.” “Let’s do it all at the same time,” Geiger replied. Parker said the COA needs these board members, adding he didn’t favor holding off on the action. When a voice vote was taken, not all com­ missioners spoke, so a roll call was taken and postponement won in a 4-3 vote, with David Jackson, Conner and Parker voting against it and Chairwoman Heather Wing, Jon Smelker, Howard Gibson and Geiger for it. Action on the COA appointments will be scheduled for the May 28 board meeting. In other action, the board approved amend­ ments to the Barry County Farmland Preservation Ordinance and the creation of the Barry County Open Space Preservation Ordinance. Both were approved 5-2, with Conner and Smelker opposed, as they have voted in past actions on this issue. They disagreed with the proposals for dif­ ferent reasons. Action under these ordinances will be gov­ erned by a seven-member board with the fol­ lowing makeup: three members representing agriculture, one representing conservation, one representing real estate and development, one representing the planning commission and one representing local government. A nonvoting county commissioner would act as a liaison to this board. Smelker opposed the arrangement, saying the county commissioner should have a vote. Conner’s concerns focused more on the potential financial cost to the county, by giv­ ing this power in perpetuity to certain individ­ uals without taking into consideration other county residents. She pointed out during the discussion that the makeup of the board gov­ erning these ordinances would be very “ag weighted.” In other action, the commissioners: * Heard a presentation from Erin Moore, Michigan State University Extension District 7 director, who offered a program update. * Appointed Chief Public Defender Kerri Selleck on the mental health board for a threeyear term that began April 1, , and expires March 31,2022; and appointed John LaForge of Delton to the planning commission for a three-year term that begins May 1, 2019, and expires April 30, 2022. * Approved a Homeland Security Grant Program Intergovernmental Funding agree­ ment and a hazard mitigation grant program funding request. * Accepted 2019 county equalization val­ ues and a new position request for a property appraiser. * Approved a new post to replace a GIS coordinator and renewal of a tower agreement with MEI Telecom. * Approved the request from sheriff’s office employee Julie Jones to allow her to purchase seven months of generic service with the Municipal Employees Retirement System. Smelker cast the lone “no” vote �Page 14 — Thursday, April 25, 2019 — The Hasting State lawmakers in listening mode on Crooked Lake flooding Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer State Rep. Julie Calley met with constitu­ ents at the Local Grind in Delton on Monday, April 15. The local coffee shop was filled and concerns about Crooked Lake flooding domi­ nated the conversation. Calley brought state Sen. John Bizon along. Bizon had been attending an education presentation at Delton Kellogg High School with Rep. Calley that day. “What I’d prefer to do is briefly talk to you,’* Calley told the gathering, “and then have you talk back at me about your lake con­ cerns. I want to recognize the problems that are right here in your community. “I know you’ve heard this before from many different individuals but more role in this is not big,” Calley said in regard to the Crooked Lake flooding. “I don’t have a lot of authority in the area. “My job in this, the senator’s as well, is to jump in if we think the state department is holding you back.” “Right now, the DEQ, DNR, and MDOT are all involved in this so you’re playing with three different departments,” she pointed out. “If they seem to be problematic, if they seem to be creating a barrier to success, that’s when we step in and say wait. “But, when it comes to local issues, we don’t have authority. We want to work with your drain commissioner and help get a solu­ tion.” Calley scheduled the meeting for 11 a.m. to noon. She ended up staying until 1:30 p.m. to hear all the concerns about Crooked Lake and to talk with residents. Banner Runs aplenty in Panthers’ sweep of Harper Creek girls The Panthers scored 39 runs in a double­ header sweep at Harper Creek High School Monday afternoon. The Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ softball team scored 16-4 and 23-11 wins over the Beavers in Battle Creek. Lily Timmerman was 2-for-3 with a single and a double, driving in three runs and scoring three herself. Aubrey Aukerman went 2-for-5 with a pair of RBI . Lizzy Fichtner was 3-for-5 with an RBI. Erin Kapteyn, Fichtner, Izzy Adams, Haily Buckner and Lauren Lebeck scored two runs apiece. Chloe Colwell, Ashton Ingersoll, Adams and Chloe Colwell had one RBI each. Adams’ one hit was a triple. Kapteyn pitched the Panthers to the open­ ing win, striking out 12 in six innings. She walked three and gave up four hits. Only one of the Beavers’ four runs was earned. Delton Kellogg extended a 7-4 lead with nine runs in the top of the sixth inning. Delton Kellogg jumped right into game two, scoring ten runs in the bottom of the first inning. The Panthers had nine extra base hits in game two, including a double and a triple each by Aubrey Aukerman, Buckner and Kapteyn. Fichtner doubled twice and Ingersoll once. DK had 20 hits in all. Lexi Blain, Fichtner, Kapteyn, Aukerman and Buckner had three each. Buckner and Aukerman had five RBI each and Kapteyn drove in three runs. The Panthers are scheduled to host two Southwestern Athletic Conference ballgames with Galesburg-Augusta this afternoon (April 25) and then travel to a tournament in Otsego Saturday. Bulldogs best Lakewood ladies on IHS tennis courts Ionia edged the Lakewood varsity girls’ tennis team in 5-3 in a dual at Ionia High School Monday. The Bulldogs pulled out a few very compe­ tition singles matches to clinch the match, with Taylor Kirby besting Chloe Makley 7-6(2), 0-6, (10-7) at second singles, Gracie Cochran pulling out a 6-4, 6-4 win over Lexi Veitch at third singles, and Brooke Gregory besting Megan Wakley at number one. Richelie Chrzan had the lone singles win for Lakewood taking a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Ellary Musser. The Vikings’ won the top two doubles flights. The team of Laura Krikke and Hay lee Marks scored a 6-2, 6-0 win over Pauline Manker and Tabbatha Martin. Kendra Kines and Kristen Finsaas scored a 6-4,6-9 win over Tiffany Ferguson and Linn Crabau. Ionia took the third doubles match 6-2, 6-0 and the fourth doubles match 6-3, 6-4. The Vikings joined Wayland and Kelloggsville at the Kelloggsville Invitational Saturday. The Vikings swept the singles matches with Wakley, Makley, Veitch and Chrzan all going 2-0 on the day without drop­ ping a single set among them. The Viking first doubles team of Krikke and Marks, the second doubles team of Finsaas and Kines, and Betsy Foltz and Lauren Haag at number three all won their bouts with the girls from Kelloggsville. The Vikings were scheduled to host Lowell for a dual Wednesday afternoon and will host Grand Ledge this afternoon. Saxon tennis gives up only two games against Mounties The Hastings varsity girls’ tennis team scored an 8-0 victory over Jackson Northwest in an Interstate-8 Athletic Conference dual Monday afternoon. The four Hastings singles players gave up just one game all afternoon, with Brook Youngs at first singles, Lauren Harden at number three and Libby Jensen at number four all won 6-0, 6-0. Kate Haywood at sec­ ond singles scored a 6-1, 6-0 win over Northwest’s Meghan Cambum. The Saxons also gave up just one game on the doubles side. Allie Homing and Gretchen James at first doubles scored a 6-0, 6-0 win, as did the team of Whitney Carlson and Claire Anderson at number three. The Saxon second doubles team of Shannon Brown and Belle Youngs scored a 6-1,6-0 win. Hastings’ fourth doubles team of Kassidy Morgan and Olivia Hanson won by default. # The Saxons came into the dual having just; scored a runner-up finish Saturday at the1 Grant Invitational. Jensen took the championship at fourth singles and James and Horning earned the first doubles title. It was the second invite" title for the Saxon first doubles team. Carlson and Anderson at third doubles and the fourth doubles team of Brown and Kassidy Monroe placed second at their flights, as did Harden at third singles. “The doubles teams have done a great job keeping their playing competitive and work­ ing on their net game,” Saxon head coach Julie Sevems said. Hastings returns to action at home against Harper Creek in a conference match this afternoon. Beemer puts returns rebound to give TK ladies 1-0 win at FHE The Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ soc­ cer team bounced back from back-to-back OK Gold Conference defeats to score a 1-0 conference win at Forest Hills Eastern Monday. With health issues hampering many of the Trojans, the TK team was only to dress 15 girls for the tilt in Ada. Carmen Beemer scored for the Trojans in the second half, finishing off the rebound of a shot by teammate Maddie Raymond. After multiple attacks all evening long Raymond cut inside and fired a shot that the Eagle keep­ er deflected. Beemer was in the right spot to finish the play. The Trojan attack led by Beemer, Raymond, Savannah Bronkema, Bree Bronkema and Sierah Adams gave the Hawks’ defense fits all evening long. The Trojans got great play in the midfield from Ellie Adams, Kiah Nichols and Emma Bainbridge. Tristen Cross earned the shut out in goal for the Trojans, with great defensive effort from Kassidy Niles, Haley Chapin, Julia Curtis, Grace McNabney and Sydney Coffman. The Trojans are now 4-3 overall this season and 2-2 in the OK Gold. They were slated tb visit Wyoming last night in conference action and will go to Grand Ledge for a non-conference contest Friday. The South Christian girls scored a 4-1 win over the Trojans in Grand Rapids Wednesday. TK head coach Joel Strickland said his girls did a great job coming out and finding possession and controlling the tempo from the start - finding a few different opportunitiesfib put something on goal but South’s defense remained strong and effective all night long?? The Sailors scored twice in each half, get­ ting its first three goals on crosses into the box that were headed into the Trojans’ net. South Christian scored its final goal on a sej piece with eight and a half minutes to go in the ballgame. TK finally got on the scoreboard two min­ utes later, with Niles playing a free kick into the box that the Sailor keeper bobble^. Ainsley Oliver found the ball at her feet and knocked it over to Beemer who slotted it into the comer of the goal. Eagles keep TK baseball team winless in conference play ■MMnRWMMMMraMMMIMMIMMMMIMMMMaMMMWMMMMWM.* We’re a full-service marketing and print communications company ready to help you grow you’re company. Over 70 years of experience with an experienced staff of talented designers, printers and marketing specialists to serve you. j Grand Rapids Christian dropped the Thornapple Kellogg varsity baseball team to 0-4 in the OK Gold Conference with a 10-2 win in Middleville Tuesday afternoon. The Eagles took a 7-0 lead in the ballgame with two runs in the top of the first inning and five more in the top of the third inning. A total of five TK errors helped the Eagles score five unearned runs in the ballgame. Grand Rapids Christian did outhit TK 11-2. The two Trojan hits were an RBI double by Carter Stahl and a single by Jordan Hey. They scored the two Trojan runs in the bottom of the fifth inning. The Eagles tacked on three runs in the top of the seventh to extend their lead. Colson Brummel started on the mound for TK and allowed ten runs, five earned, in six innings. He struck out two, walked one and gave up ten hits. Grand Rapids Christian pitcher Luke Elzinga struck out seven and allowed just one hit in his six innings on the mound. He threw the first four innings for the Eagles and then the final two after TK scored its pair of runs. The Eagles had a 7-3 lead in game two when it was postponed due to darkness. The Trojans will meet back up with the Eagles tins afternoon in Grand Rapids. The East Grand Rapids Pioneers took the series finale against the Trojans in Middleville last Wednesday, besting the Trojans 16-1. Evan Sidebotham scored the Trojans’ lone run, coming around from second base on a single by Brummel in the bottom of the third inning. The singles by Sidebotham and Brummel in the inning were the Trojans’ only two hits of the ballgame. East Grand Rapids had 16 hits in the win, including three home runs. FRIEIIM© _ OATION • GRAPHIC DESIGN • WEB DEVELOPMENT/DESIGN r •DIRECT MAIL * ' ■ ■■ ■' •<RROMOTIONAL products Building relationships with our customers is what we do. Contact us for your printing needs... such as business cards, envelopes, newsletters, brochures and more. Building marketing strategies together to fit your business needs. Lakewood varsity boys’ golf team celebrates its championship at the annual Ionia County Shootout Saturday at Morrision Lake Country Club. The Vikings bested runner-up Ionia by 45 strokes for the title. 'A Dominant performance for Vikes at annual Ionia County Shootout 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings, Ml 49058 269.945.9554 Toll Free: 800-870-7085 www.j-adgraphics.com Graphics No one was close to the Lakewood boys at the annual Ionia County Shootout at Morrison Lake Country Club Saturday. The Lakewood boys bested runner-up ionia by 45 strokes to win the championship. The Vikings put together a score of 341, ahead of Ionia 386, Portland 398, PewamoWestphalia 404 and Belding 412. The Vikings won despite Ionia’s Tyler Hausserman earning medalist honors with a 71. Lakewood’s top two players were each ten strokes back of Hausserman, with Caleb Farlee and Trevor Simon each shooting an 81 on the par-69 track. Lakewood also got an 88 from Austin Makley and a 91 from John Hewitt. Belding’s Mason Anderson was the run­ ner-up individually, shooting a 79. Portland was led by an 88 from Ethan Getchell. > The Vikings followed up that performance by scoring a 177-188 win over Ionia in the Midday nine at Centennial Acres Monday?1 Simon and Hewitt each shot a 43 to lead the Vikings. Farlee scored a 45 and Makley and Zac Collison each scored a 46. Hausserman led the Bulldogs, earning the day’s medalist honors, with a 38. �Hastings Public Library 227 E State Street Hastings Ml 49056 Hastings Banner — Thursday, April 25, 2019 — Page 15 Vikings second to host Saranac at Saturday invitational \ The Lakewood varsity girls’ track and field } team won three of the four relay races and nearly chased down host Saranac for the championship Saturday at the Saranac Invitational. The Saranac girls edged the Lakewood ladies 130-19 for the championship. The Lakewood boys were third on the day with 143 points, behind the champions from Ovid EJsie (163) and runner-up Fulton (149). The Maple Valley boys were sixth and girls’ ninth on the day. The Lakewood team of Madisyn Case, Madelyn Hibbs, Grade Travis and Brooke Bpuwens won the 800-meter relay for the Lakewood ladies in 1 minute 58.04 seconds. Case and Travis teamed with Hokulani Ka’alakea to win the 400-meter relay in 56.31 I seconds. Lakewood closed out the day with j Haight, Bouwens, Patsy Morris and Kristine i Possehn winning the 1600-meter relay in : 4:29.74. j , Bouwens had the lone individual win on ’ the track for the Lakewood girls, winning the [ 300-meter low hurdles in 52.01. She was also third in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 19.02, behind Ka’alakea (18.26) and the ^amp from Maple Valley, Britani Shilton who won in 17.39. Shilton added a runner-up time of 54.36, a new PR, in the 300-meter low hurdles. Senior sprinter Andrea Fresno Velazquez -who won the 100-meter dash in 12.96 and the ■ 200 in 28.18, setting a new personal record in reach race, led the Saranac girls. She added a -winning leap of 15-2 in the long jump too, another PR. West Michigan Lutheran junior Maggie Eastland set new personal records in winning the 800-meter run in 2:40.14 and the 1600meter run in 5:43.84. Sophomore Abigail Price who won the 3200-meter run in 14:48.48 for the Saranac girls also was a part of her team’s win the 3200-meter relay. Fulton senior Lyndsi Wolfe won the discus with a mark of 122-9.75, a new PR, and won the high jump at 4-8. She was one of three girls to clear 4-8 in the high jump. Maple Valley sophomore Ashlyn Wilkes was the runner-up in that event. Fulton was third in the girls’ standings with 82 points, ahead of Ovid-Elsie 73, Grand River Prep 57, Vestaburg 54, West Michigan Lutheran 49, Libertas Christian 43 and Maple Valley 41. Haight was third in both sprints for the Vikings, finishing the 100 in 13.47 and the 200 in 28.68. She had a Lion on her heels in both races, with Shilton fourth in the 100 in 13.83 and Wilkes fourth in the 200 in 29.61. Vikings went 3-4 in the 400-meter run, with Morris third in 1:06.70 and Possehn fourth in 1:08.39. Jamie Steele had a sixth-place time of 2:49.38 for the Lions in the 800-meter run. Lakewood welcomed back sophomore dis­ tance runner Emily Apsey who turned in a third-place 3200-meter time of 15:09.25. Saranac was fourth in the boys’ standings with 105 points, ahead of Grand River Prep 50, Maple Valley 15, Libertas Christian 12 and Vestaburg 10. Josh Denda and Payne Hanna had the Vikings’ lone wins in the boys’ meet, with taking the shot put with a mark of 39-6 and Hanna winning the pole vault at 12-0. Denda was also fifth in the discus at 92-.5, Lakewood’s Hokulani Ka’alakea runs to a seventh-place finish in the 200-meter dash Saturday at the Saranac Invitational. She set a new personal record in the race with a time of 30.35 seconds. (Photo by Brett Bremer) it just behind teammate Josh Cronk who was jump at 6-0, with Biddinger second in the high jump also clearing 6-0. fourth at 100-3.5. Fulton junior Nate Alwood was a two-time Maple Valley’s top finish of the day came from AJ Raymond who was third in the pole individual event winner as well, taking the 200-meter dash in a personal record time of vault at 10-0. Nathan Alford, a sophomore, had runner-up 22.77 and the 400-meter dash in 51.09. Fulton won the 400-meter relay, the 800finishes in the distance races. He set a new personal record with his time of 4:49.52 in the meter relay and the 1600-meter relay. Ovid1600-meter run and finished the 3200 in Elsie finished in the top three in all three 10:33.70. He couldn’t quite keep pace with relays, winning the 3200-meter relay - a race Saranac’s best in the end of each race. Saranac in which the Fulton boys placed sixth. The Lakewood and Maple Valley teams senior Noah Spiece won the 1600 in 4:47.13 and sophomore Grayson Rasmus took the returned the Greater Lansing Activities Conference action Tuesday. 3200 in 10:27.30. The Lakewood track teams went to Perry Senior Chase Salgat was second for the Vikings in the 100-meter dash in 11.51 and where the Viking boys scored an 80-56 win third in the 200 at 23.60, setting a new person­ and the Viking girls were bested 81-56 by the al record in both races. Hanna added a third- Ramblers. Stank set a new personal record in the long place time of 11.74 in the 100. Maple Valley’s Tristin Clark placed sixth in jump with a winning mark of 18-9.5 and the the 100 in 11.99 and .eighth in the 200 in Lakewood boys won the 400-meter relay the 24.41 —«—-— sOO-meter relay and the i 1600Tnetef relaylo Personal record performances from fresh­ finish off the Ramblers. men led the Vikings in the hurdles. Tyson The Lions went to Stockbridge Tuesday Raffler was eighth in the 110-meter high hur­ where the Panthers scored a 96-39 win in the dles in 18.68 and Denny Sauers III fifth in the boys’ competition and an 83-44 win in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles in 45.16. girls’ meet. »■ Raffler added a personal record time of 48.28 to place eighth in the 300 hurdles. Lake wood sprinters were second in both the 400-meter and 800-meter relay races. The team of Salgat, Garrett Stank, Sauers and Hanna finished the 400-meter relay in 46.24 and the team of Ezra Rynd, Isaac Eggers, Zuver and Stank placed second in the 800meter relay in 1:39.66. Stank had a third-place finish in the long jump for the Vikings at 18-5.75, and Salgat Delton Kellogg notched its first was right behind in fifth with a personal Southwestern Athletic Conference victory of record mark of 17-10.75. the spring varsity girls’ soccer season Monday, Fulton senior Braydan Biddinger won the knocking off visiting Saugatuck 6-0 in Delton. long jump at 19-4.5 and also took the 110Holly McManus scored three goals in the meter high hurdles in 15.97. first half for the Panthers, and added a second Ovid-Elsie senior Weston Kvalevog won half assist as her team improved to 1-1-1 in the 800-meter run in 2:08.11 and the high the conference. Sannah Solstrand also scored in the open­ ing half for Delton Kellogg, and then added a second goal in the second half. Caitlin McManus also scored a second half goal for DK. Maple Valley’s Tristin Clark races towards the finish line at the end of the 800-meter relay Saturday at the Saranac Invitational. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Maple Valley’s Ashlyn Wilkes rounds the run in the 200-meter dash Saturday during the Saranac Invitational. (Photo by Brett Bremer) McManus hat-trick helps DK ladies to first SAC soccer win Lakewood’s Denny Sauers III takes off with the baton for his leg of the 1600-meter relay at the end of the Saranac Invitational Saturday afternoon. (Photo by Brett ^Bremer) Sweep of throws part of Panthers’ powerful performance at Lawton । -The Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ and girls’ \ (Jack and field teams scores Southwestern ♦ Athletic Conference victories at Lawton High ; School Wednesday (April 24). * ;The DK boys scored an 83-54 victory while J the DK girls topped the host Blue Devils ;>-48. ; \ “<The throwers piled up big points for the Panthers, with the DK teams sweeping the J scpring places in the shot put and the discus in J the girls’ competitions. DK senior Lexi Parsons had her season best dhrow in the discus of 89 feet 2.5 inches and a iseason best mark of 31-3 in the shot put to win the two events. Senior Victoria Greene was second in both throws for the DK girls and freshman Glori Stanton third. '^Sophomore Cole Pape led the DK boys in the throws with a mark of 42-0 to win the shot put and a mark of 118-4 to win the discus. DK senior Henrik Wetterdal set a new personal record with a second-place put of 36-10.5 and Jttnior teammate David Sinkler was third in that event at 36-10.5. DK junior Alan . Whitmore and freshman Caden Ferris each Recorded a new personal record in the discus to place second and third in that event, - Whitmore at 114-9 and Ferris at 106-5.5. Dk junior Jordan Rench also won the high jump for the DK boys at 5-8 and the long Jump with a personal record leap of 20-2. DK Junior Jaden Ashley added a runner-up leap of 19-1.25 in the long jump, a PR of his own. Senior Nicolas Dumas from the DK boys team and Klara Mattsson from the DK girls team swept the top spots in the sprints. Dumas won the 100-meter dash in 12.07 and the 200 in 23.74. Mattsson took the 100 in 14.53 and the 200 in 29.31. The DK boys also had junior Dawson Grizzle win the 400-meter dash in 55.28 and senior Ashton Pluchinsky take the 3200-meter run in 11:59.25. The DK boys’ team of Micah Ordway, Ashley, Sam Arce and Matt Lester wont he 3200-meter relay in 10:05.02 and the team of Ashley, Mads Clausen, Grizzle and Rench took the 1600-meter relay in 3:48.25. The DK girls also took wins in the jumps Wednesday, with senior Ashley Elkins clear­ ing 4-3 in the high jump and junior Abbie Bever setting anew PR of 12-7.5 to win the long jump. On the track, the DK 3200-meter relay team of Hannah Austin, Rachelle Brown, Marion Poley and Halena Phillips won in 11:46.60 and the Panthers took the two sprint relays as well. Melanie Monroe, Jeni Steele, Emily Dake and Clara Bever won the 400meter relay in 1:00.23 and the team of Matteson, Steele, Dake and Abbie Bever won the 800-meter relay in 2:08.46. Phillips, a freshman, won the two distance races for the DK girls. She took the 1600 in 6:33.23 and the 3200-meter run in 14:36.43. Two different DK freshmen won hurdles races. Dake won the 100-meter hurdles in 22.43 and Alyssa Dowdy won the 300-meter low hurdles in 1:01.02. Guevara and Ketola lead DK golfers at jamboree The Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ golf team placed, fourth at the Southwestern Athletic Conference division jamboree they hosted at Mullenhurst Monday. Alejandro Guevara and Drew Ketola each shot a 42 to lead the Delton Kellogg team. Hackett Catholic Central, one of the top teams in the state in Division 4 as usual, won the jamboree with a score of 154. The Delton Kellogg boys are scheduled to be a part of Parchment’s Coaches & Kids Scramble at Eastern Hills Friday and then will head to Kalamazoo Christian for a SAC con­ test Monday. Gabby Petto and Amber Mabie had assists for Delton Kellogg. The Panthers are now 3-2-1 overall on the season. Delton fell for the first time in conference play last Wednesday at Fennville, 2-1. Holly McManus scored in the first half to put DK up 1-0, but Fennville rallied with two second half goals. The host Blackhawks out­ shot the DK girls 13-5 in the match. DK was slated to host Constantine last night in another SAC bailgame. Vikings get complete game victories from Dillon and Caudy Lakewood senior pitcher Nathan Dillon tossed the first complete game of his varsity pitching career, holding Leslie two two earned runs in a 7-4 Greater Lansing Activities Conference win at Lakewood High School Tuesday. Leslie took a 4-1 lead in the top of the fourth inning, but the Vikings rallied for five runs in the bottom half of the inning to pull in front. Dillon struck out eight and walked one while throwing 99 pitches. He allowed five hits, all of them singles. Hitting in the lead-off spot, Dillon was 2-for-3 and scored a run while walking once. He stole four bases. Lakewood’s eight hits were all singles, including three by Carson Blakely and two by Hunter Kemp. Kemp and Bryan Makley had two RBI each. Makley had one hit. Lakewood tacked on one more run in the bottom of the sixth. Lakewood is now 5-5 overall this season and 5-2 in the GLAC. The Vikings are sched­ uled to head to Leslie this afternoon for a doubleheader. The Vikings made up a couple of ballgames at Perry Monday afternoon, splitting the two ballgames. Lakewood rallied from a 3-0 deficit in a ballgame that was suspended from last week to tie the game at 3-3, but the Ramblers drove in a run in the bottom of the sixth inning in what ended as a 4-3 Rambler win. Casey Henney got the start last week for the Vikings and pitched very well, especially once the suspended game was resumed Monday. Henney threw five innings, allowing two earned runs on three hits, walks and struck out 12. Brady Gawne came in to pitch the sixth inning, allowing one unearned run on two hits. He struck out one. William Storm, Dillon and Nathan DeVries all had singles with an RBI in the loss to lead the Lakewood offense. Dillon had two steals. Kemp went l-for-2 with a run scored and stole two bases too. Jacob Elenbaas singled, stole a base and scored a run. Jayce Hansen went 1- for-3 at the plate. Reese Caudy tossed ac complete game shutout in game two Monday, a 7-0 Viking win. He allowed just two hits while striking out ten and walking two. At the plate, Caudy went 2-for-4 with an RBI. DeVries had a hit, an RBI and two stolen bases. Henney singled and stole a base as well. Dillon had a single, and Rbi and a run scored. Gawne tripled and scored twice. Kemp singled and scored a run. Elenbaas was 1-for-3 with an RBI, a stolen base and two runs scored. Blakely added two RBI as well. �Page 16 — Thursday, April 25, 2019 —- The Hastings Banner TK ladies best South Christian then win another invite The Thomapple Kellogg varsity track and field teams opened the OK Gold Conference season in a meet that was shortened by a few events by thunder Wednesday. Both leaders were far enough in front that the points from the 3200-meter run and 1600meter relay wouldn’t have changed the final outcome. The TK ladies scored a 112-11 vic­ tory over the South Christian girls, and the Sailor boys scored a 93-30 win over the Trojans. The TK girls won every race on the track and four of the five field that were scored. Dalace Jousma took the discus at 91 feet 4 inches, setting a new personal record. Junior Claudia Wilkinson took the high jump at 5-0, sophomore Paige Zellmer the pole vault at 7-6 and freshman Anna Benedcit the long jump at 14-7.75. Sophomore thrower Tia TenHaaf was the top scorer for the South Christian girls, plac­ ing second int eh discus at 84-5 and third in the shot put at 28-10. The team of Audrey Meyering, Kendall Snyder, Jessica Durkee and Georgia Kaboos started things off on the track by winning the 3200-meter relay in 11 minutes 8.27 seconds. Aubrey Shepherd, Benedict, Zellmer and Kaylee Spencer took the 800-meter relay in 1:57.56 and the 400-meter relay in 55.33. Wilkinson won the 100-meter hurdles in 187.83 and sophomore Kylie Smith the 300 low hurdles in 51.65. Wilkinson took the 800meter run too in 2:40.55. Durkee won the 1600 for TK in 6:03.97 and Jacklyn Morgan the 400 in 1:06.20. Spencer breezed to victory in the 100 in 13.67 and the 200 in 28.53. Caden Goudzwaard won the 100-meter dash for the TK boys in their match-up with the Sailors, finishing in 12.20. Trojan sopho­ more Cameron Gavette took the 110-meter hurdles in 18.60. Those were the two lone wins for the TK boys on the track. TK senior Conroy Stolsonburg won the shot put at 43-4, a new personal record, and took the discus at 119-10. South Christian junior Hudson Oetman won the 200 in 24.84 and senior Josh DeVries took the 400 in 54.71, with Oetman second. Micah VanderKooi won the 800-meter run for South Christian in a personal record time of 1:58.18 and the 1600-meter run in 4:50.23. Senior Gidean Sall took the 300-meter intermediate hurdles for the South Christian boys in 45.45, a new personal record. DeVries was one of three Sailors to win field events, taking the pole vault at 14-0. Connor Dykema won the high jump at 5-8 for the Sailors and Luke Beauchamp the long jump at 19-7.25. The TK teams returned to action Friday at the Wayland Invitational, and the TK ladies took a Friday evening invite title for the sec­ ond week in a row by outscoring runner-up Jenison 908.5 to 821.5 at the top of the stand­ ings of the seven-team meet. Jenison bested Wayland 857.5 to 805 at the top in the boys’ meet. The TK boys were fifth overall. Spencer set a new personal record in win­ ning the 100-meter dash in 12.80, and a new PR in a runner-up finish in the 200-meter dash at 26.74 seconds. Morgan won the 400 for Tk in 1:05.10. The TK 3200-meter relay team of Meyering, Snyder, Durkee and Kaboos won their race in 10:47.74. TK got one victory in the field, from Wilkinson, who won the high jump at 5-1. The TK boys were led by a runner-up time of 17.64 from Gavette in the 110-meter high hurdles and a number of third-place finishes including ones from Nick Bushman in the 1600-meter run (4:49.43), Gavette in the 300 hurdles (45.60), Stolsonburg in the shot put (45-.75) and Cole Shoobridge in the high jump (5-6). Thornapple Kellogg’s Caden Goudzwaard takes off at the start of the 200-meter dash during the Trojans’ OK Gold Conference dual in Middleville against South Christian Wednesday afternoon. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Trojans were slated to visit Wayland Thornapple Kellogg sophomore Paige Zellmer gets herself over the bar at 7 feet 6 again last night for an OK Gold Conference inches in the pole vault Wednesday during the Trojans’ OK Gold Conference victory dual. over South Christian at Bob White Stadium in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hits keep coming for TK in sweep of Eagles Brett Bremer Sports Editor A two-run double by Shylin Robirds deep to center field made the Trojans 9-for-9 at reaching base to open the top of the fifth inning of game two against Grand Rapids Christian in Middleville Tuesday. The Thomapple Kellogg varsity softball team had its first nine batters of the inning reach base and eventually score, putting 15 runs on the scoreboard in the inning, in what turned into a 20-1 win over the Eagles. TK took the day’s opener 17-1 and is now 4-0 in the OK Gold Conference this season. TK swept its two games to open the confer­ ence season last week at East Grand Rapids, and went 2-1 in its three ballgames at the Otsego Tournament Saturday. The Trojans are now 6-1 overall after having its first week of the season wiped out by rain. “We are still moving kids around a little bit, trying to figure out where we think they’re the best for our team and we’re going to continue to do that,” TK head coach Tom Hudson said. “It’s a work in progress. The kids know they’re going to moved around, shifted around and we’re working on that team chemistry a lot and being good teammates. The kids are working really hard.” TK led game two 5-1 against Grand Rapids Christian entering the top of the fifth inning Tuesday. Mo Sprague opened the inning with a single into left field. Bella Vantil followed with a second single into left. Bre Lake brought them both home with another single into left field. Ashley Snyder reached on an Eagle error. Kara Burbridge singled in a run, after Lake had scored on a passed ball, driving in Snyder who had advanced to third. Carly Grummet walked and Maleah Bailey reached first on a bunt that the Eagles failed to record an out on to load the bases up. Paige Vanstee followed up a two-run single into center field. Bailey and Vanstee came home on Shylin Robirds’ double. The Eagles finally got the first out of the inning when Sprague flew out to center field. Robirds took third on the fly ball and prompt­ ly came home on a single by Vantil. The Eagles got a second fly out before Elly Postma singled in a run, Grummet reached on an error in which Snyder scored, Bailey sin­ gled in a run, Vanstee belted a two-run double and Robirds drove in a run with a bunt single Thornapple Kellogg’s Paige Vanstee slides safely in with a steal of second base during the top of the third inning of game two against Grand Rapids Christian in Middleville Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) on which TK added a second run thanks to an Eagle error. Sprague managed a third hit in the inning before the Eagles got out number three. The Eagles got two on in the bottom of the fifth, but Vanstee finished off the victory from the circle. The Trojans outhit the Eagles 16-3 in that ballgame, with Vanstee, Robirds and Sprague recording three hits each. Robirds drove in five runs and Lake and Vanstee had three RBI each. The Trojans got two strong pitching perfor­ mances on the afternoon. Vanstee struck out six and walked four in five innings, allowing one run on three hits. Lake got the win in the circle in game one, striking out seven in four innings. She walked one and gave up five hits. “Our pitchers are working extremely hard,” Hudson said. “Our catchers are working as well. Pitchers and catchers put a ton of time in, more than people think - they all are. It is obviously good to get some wins but we real­ ize too we’ve got a long way to go.” Sprague had three hits including a two-run home run in the bottom of the fourth inning that gave the Trojans a walk-off win as the mercy rule went into effect. She had five RBI total in the opener. Grummet singled, doubled and drove in four runs in game one. Lake doubled and had one RBI. Robirds and Bailey each drove in a run as well for the Trojans. TK took a base when it had an opportunity all evening, recording six stolen bases in Stockbridge gets two complete games in pair of wins over Valley Saxon softball falls in two ballgames at Northwest Jackson Northwest swept its Interstate-8 Athletic Conference doubleheader with visit­ ing Hastings Tuesday, taking a pair of 15-0 victories. A single by Kelsey Heiss was the lone hit for the Saxons in the doubleheader, in game two. All nine Saxons who went to the plate in game one struck out. Northwest tallied ten more strikeouts in game two. The Saxons are slated to return to action at home against Ionia next Thursday, May 2. Stockbridge swept its Greater Lansing Activities Conference doubleheader with vis­ iting Maple Valley Tuesday afternoon, taking a pair of six-run victories over the Lions. Stockbridge pitcher Alex Rose shut out the Lions in a 6-0 Panther victory in game one. He struck out eight over seven innings, allow­ ing two hits and walking two. The Lions got singles from Noah Hansen and Lane Morris in the loss. Morris also walked once. Hansen started on the mound and took the loos, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks. He struck out five in three innings. Nick Osborne allowed three runs in 2.1 innings of relief work. He struck out two, walked one and gave up six hits. Gregg Richardson got the final two outs for the Lions, giving up one hit and one walk. Stockbridge took game two 8-2, building a 6-0 lead before the Lions scored two runs in the top of the fourth inning. Richardson had an RBI single for the Lions, after Booher reached on an error, to plate the Lions first run. Hansen singled to move Richardson to second and he eventually scored on a fly ball by Morris. Six different guys singled for the Lions in game two, Booher, Austin Zank, Richardson, Hansen, Morris and Ben Benedict. Booher started and took the loss, allowing six runs, three earned, on six hits and four walks. He struck out three. Morris and David Hosack-Frizzell threw in relief for the Lions. Aiden Trost went the distance on the mound for the Panthers, striking out seven. Just one of the two runs against him was earned. Alex Rose was l-fo-r2 with two RBI and two walks for the Panthers out of the lead-off spot. Brody Canfield was 2-for-3 with an RBI and a walk. Canfield, Jeremy Pilch, Daniel Ballagh, PJ Loso and Aiden Trost drove in one run apiece for the Panthers in game two. Thornapple Kellogg’s Carly Grummet knocks a single to the left side during her team’s 15-run fifth-inning outburst against Grand Rapids Christian in game two of their doubleheader in Middleville Tuesday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) game one and then adding eight more in game two. Vanstee stole six bases in game two alone. She singled into Centerfield with two outs int eh top of the fourth inning of game two, stole second, stole third and then scored on a wild pitch to put TK up 4-0 at the time. Sprague had two steals in each game. Trojans take tight one with South for first Gold victory The Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ ten­ nis team won its third 5-3 decision of the season and picked up its first OK Gold Conference victory of the season Monday at South Christian High School. The Trojans dominated the top three singles matches, with Karlie Raphael scoring a 6-1, 6-2 win over Maddie Wieringa, Sydney VanGessel scoring a 6-1, 6-1 win over Eden VanderWeele at second singles, and Rachel Chesnutt scoring a 6-0, 6-0 win over Hannah Jonsma at number three. South Christian took the top two doubles flights in straight sets, and the Sailors’ Lacie DenHartig scored a 6-2, 6-3 win over TK’s Brooke Thompson in the fourth singles match. The two teams were knotted at 3-3 with the third and fourth doubles matches left on the court. Each of those matches went to a tie-breaker in the opening set, with the Trojan duo of Nancy Hoogwerf and Josie Thompson scoring a 7-6(7) win at third doubles and the Sailor team of Naomi Baker and Grace Huizengh scoring a 7-4(4) win over TK’s Kristina Cuison and Daisy Nowinsky at fourth doubles. The team of Hoogwerf and Thompson had a long road to its victory, battling back from a 5-1 deficit to win that opening set. They won 12 of the next 15 games, winning the tiebreak­ er and scoring a 6-2 win in the second set. Nowinsky and Cuison took the second set of their match 6-4 and the third 6-3 after a marathon final game where they had five match points before pulling off the victory. TK is now 1-2 in OK Gold Conference duals. , The Trojans also won a 5-3 non-conference match on the road at Hamilton last Friday. TK won two super tiebreakers, and finished off a two-set win with anther tiebreak to pull off the very close match with a good Hamilton team. The Trojans’ super tiebreaker victories came at first and third doubles. The Team of Kylee Vreeland and Taylor Myers at first dou­ bles earned a 6-4, 4-6, (10-8) win. Hamilton had a 3-1 lead early in the super tiebreaker before Myers and Vreeland went on a run to the victory. Hamilton never let down though, battling back from 9-5 down to get within 9-8 before TK finished off the match. Josie Thompson and Hoogwerf at thii;d doubles won 6-4, 2-6, (10-8). The Trojan fourth doubles team of Nowinsky and Cuison scored a 6-2, 7-6(4) win in their match. TK took the top two singles flights in straight sets; securing the five points for a team win. Raphael bested Alaina Copeland 6-1, 6-4 at number one and VanGessel bested Kassie Lamar 6-2,6-1 at number two. Hamilton’s Kara Aardema scored a 4-6. 6-3, (12-10) win over TK’s Chesnutt at third* singles. The Hawkeyes also earned a close 6-3, 7-5 win over TK’s Holly Bashore and Caleigh Zoet at second doubles. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, April 25, 2019 — Page 17 Defense holding up as best it can for Saxon soccer I I Jackson Lumen Christi scored a 7-0 victory bver the Saxon varsity girls’ soccer team in an Interstate-8 Athletic Conference match in Jfastings Tuesday. The Titans scored five goals in the first half with their high output, fast offensive attack. Hastings head coach Tim Schoessel said defensive captain Jessica Thompson got her (lefense calmed down in the second half and the Saxons stepped up their game along the back line. I “We got a little bit better control through the midfield to give us a couple of looks at (heir net but nothing to show for it,” Schoessel said. » “I was happy to see this group not hang their heads and just accept defeat which they could have easily done going into the second fialf but they accepted the challenge from (heir coach to push through the entire game which they fulfilled by only allowing two goals, one being a PK,” he added. Hastings goalkeeper Kayla Morris had 16 saves in the bailgame. Morris had nearly twice as many saves last Friday in a 5-0 loss to visiting Plainwell on Pierce Field. She made 28 saves. Plainwell fired 33 shots on goal and took more than 40 shots on the evening. “(Plainwell is a) good team, moved the ball left to right well and had a decent offensive attack.,” Schoessel said. The visiting Trojans scored three times in the first half and two in the second. “We were on defense the whole game basi­ cally trying to hold them off,” Schoessel said. “Our defense is doing well, but can only hold on for so long with the constant pressure, so I am not disappointed in the outcome. Jessica Thompson and her defense has held up well.” The Hastings girls return to Interstate-8 Athletic Conference action at Jackson Northwest Friday evening and then will go to Charlotte Saturday morning for a non-confer­ ence bailgame. The Saxons’ Gracie Gillons tries to get the ball away as Plainwell’s Allison Hawkes closes in during their match-up on Pierce Field at Hastings High School Friday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Saxon bats busy in 1-8 win The Saxons’ Victoria Byykkonen fights through the midfield with the ball during her team’s non-conference bailgame with visiting Plainwell Friday on Pierce Field in Hastings. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Harper Creek teams hand Hastings first 1-8 defeats The Hastings varsity boys’ and girls’ track and field teams were bested for the first time in an Interstate-8 Athletic Conference dual this season Tuesday at Harper Creek High >; Saxon first baseman Philip Morris slaps a tag on a Wayland baserunner at the bag at first during their teams’ non-conference ctoubleheader in Hastings Wednesday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) The Hastings varsity baseball team scored its* first Interstate-8 Athletic Conference win of the season Tuesday, knocking off the Northwest Mounties in Jackson 8-3 in game one of their doubleheader. Game two was paused in the bottom of the fourth inning with the Saxons leading 9-4 because of darkness. Hastings improved to 1-4 in the conference with the opening victory. Philip Morris got the pitching victory and led the Saxon offensive attack, going 3-for-4 at the plate with a double and a triple and five RBI. On the mound, Morris stuck out six in five innings while walking nine. He allowed two runs - one earned. . Hastings had six hits in the bailgame, add­ ing singles by Carter Hewitt, Drew Markley and Bryce Darling. Markley also walked three times and scored four runs. Ethan Caris scared three times, walking once in the bail­ game. The Saxons also scored a 12-1 non-confer­ ence win at Kelloggsville Friday. Hewitt, Darling and Spencer Tyson had two hits and two RBI each in the win over the Rockets. Darling tripled once. Markley had a triple as well, and Hewitt and Morris each doubled once. ' Markley and Morris had one RBI each. Caris and Markley each scored three runs. Caris, out of the lead-off spot, walked four times. Hastings had 13 walks as a team. Caris started and got the win for the Shxons, striking out four and walking one in three innings. He gave up one run on three hits. Carter Cappon threw two scoreless innings of relief, striking out two and walking two. He gave up one hit. Wayland came to Hastings for a non-confefence doubleheader last Wednesday. The Wildcats took the opener 11-1, and game two was brought to postponed with the Wildcats leading 3-0 due to thunderstorms that rolled through the area. ‘ Hastings had eight hits in the game one loss, all singles. Hewitt was 2-for-3 and Scored the Saxons’ lone run. Morris had Rigden Pederson pitches for the Saxons during their non-conference doubleheader with Wayland in Hastings Wednesday afternoon. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Hastings’ lone RBI. Jamie Snyder went the distance on the mound for the Wildcats, striking out four in six innings. He didn’t walk a batter. Hastings will host Harper Creek for an 1-8 doubleheader Tuesday. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads The Harper Creek girls, who have won eight consecutive conference championships, including everyone since the foundation of the 1-8, scored a 104-58 win over the Saxons. The Harper Creek boys scored a 92-71 victo­ ry. Both Saxon teams are now 3-1 in the 1-8 this spring. The Saxon boys had much of their scoring success in the sprints and jumps. Sophomore Kirby Beck took the pole vault, clearing the bar at 11 feet 6 inches. He also tied freshman teammate Braden Vertalka for first in the high jump as both guys cleared 5-10. Vertalka set a new PR with that winning jump. Hastings had the three highest flyers in the pole vault with Lucas Lumbert second at 11-6 and Dane Barnes third at 10-0. Haydn Redmond, a Saxon senior, won the long jump with a mark of 19-5.5, and also won the 200-meter dash in 23.51 seconds. Saxon junior Hunter Allerding won the 100-meter dash in 11.87. Redmond, Allerding and Beck teamed with Logan Wolfenbarger to win the 800-meter relay in 1 minute 37.77 seconds, and the team of Beck, Barnes, William Roosien and Aidan Makled won the 1600-meter relay in 3:46.79. Saxon junior Jacob O’Keefe set a new per­ sonal record with his time of 17.51 in the 110meter high hurdles, but that was the only point the Hastings boys won in the hurdles. Hastings head coach Brian Teed said it was a mixed bag from his guys; they set 19 new personal bests overall but also were a bit flat at times throughout the dual. Harper Creek had five different guys win individual races on the track. Jeffery Holden took the 400-meter run in 54.29, Nico Grillo the 3200 in 10:41.32, Brandon Juliano the 110 hurdles in 16.16 and Gavin Tooman the 300meter intermediate hurdles in 45.28. The Beavers’ freshman Brayden Shifflett won the 1600-meter run in 4:57.28 and the 800-meter run in 2:12.29. Harper Creek also had two different throw­ ers take wins. Michael Crinion won the discus at 118-0 and Jeff McDaniels the shot put at 44-7.75. Saxon teammates Erin Dalman and Allison Teed led the way for the Hastings’ girls, going 1-2 in the two hurdles races. Teed won the 100-meter hurdles 17.62 with Dalman second in 18.73. Dalman won the 300-meter low hur­ dles in 53.29 with Teed second in 54.74. Those two also joined Savanah Starett and Grace Nickels to win the 800-meter relay in 1:56.81, the lone relay win for the Hastings girls. Dalman added a winning jump of 4-10 in the high jump too. The Saxon girls were 1-2 in the pole vault, with Hannah Johnson winning at 8-0 and Teed also clearing 8-0 to place second. Junior Ireland Barber won the discus for the Saxons with a personal record throw of 84-1. The Beavers swept the three scoring places in the 100-meter, 200-meter, 400-meter, 800- meter and 1600-meter runs. The only individ­ ual point for the Saxons in a running race came from freshman Carissa Strouse who set a new PR with her time of 13:00.08 in the 3200. Alysa Wager won the 100 for the Beavers in 13.58, the 200 in 28.22 and the 400 in 1:04.20 turning in her fastest time of the sea­ son in each of the three races. Sarah Berning wont he 800 for the Beavers in 2:42.22, and Julianna Adams won the 1600 in 5:45.76 and the 3200 in 12:42.74. The Saxons hosted another talented Battle Creek team Friday. Battle Creek Lakeview had its boys’ and girls’ teams win champion­ ships at the Hastings Invitational. The Lakeview boys outscored Fruitport 1065.6 at the top of their nine-team standings. Lakeview bested Vicksburg 1043 to 854.5 at the top of the girls’ ten-team standings. The Hastings girls were fourth on the day and the boys fifth. Allison Teed had the lone win for the Hastings teams, taking the 100-meter hurdles in 13:00.46. The Saxons had runner-up finishes in both the boys’ and girls’ pole vault. Johnson was second in the girls’ competition at 8-0, with Teed also clearing 8-0 to place third and Nickels getting over the bar at 6-0 to place eighth. Beck was the runner-up in the boys’ pole vault at 11-6, with teammates Barnes and Lucas Lumbert both clearing 10-0 to place eighth and ninth respectively. Teed ran a personal record time in both hurdles races, also finishing second in the 300-meter low hurdles in 51.63. Dalman was fifth in the 300 hurdles and sixth in the 100 hurdles. Nickels contributed a fourth-place time in the 400-meter dash and a tenth-place time in the 200-meter dash for Hastings. Strouse was sixth in the 3200-meter run, with teammate Allison Collins right behind in eighth place. Collins added a ninth-place time in the 1600meter run. Hastings had three girls in the to five in the shot put, with Barber third at 28-10, ahead of Maddie Miller in fifth and Kiersten Bailey in fifth. Barber was sixth in the discus and Bailey seventh. Redmond had a runner-up finish for the Hastings boys in the 200-meter dash with a personal record time of 23.18. Allerding was tenth in that 200 and also placed ninth in the 100-meter dash. Makled was sixth for the Saxons in the 800 and the 1600, and Roosien placed seventh in the 400. Jacob Arens added a personal record time in the 400 to place tenth in that event. Grayson Tebo was eighth in the shot put for the Hastings’ boys at 36-5, with teammates Lumbert tenth and Sam Randall 11^. Tebo added a third-place distance of 116-8 in the discus. Hastings had three top ten guys in the high jump, led by O’Keefe and Beck who tied for fifth at 5-6. Vertalka cleared 5-3 to place sev­ enth. Logan Wolfenbarger was fourth in the long jump for Hastings at 19-4, with Redmond behind in sixth place at 18-2.54. �Hastings Public Library 227 E State Street Hastings Ml 49058 Page 18 — Thursday, April 25,2019 — The Hastings Banner will vote YES! on May 7 because... “It’s time to fix, not patch, the roofs. As an investor of Commercial property:'home mo-fc in Hastings, one of the qualifiers ■ for ■ to do sc. Tde todk a good investment is^ a strong school system. Being property funded -arid' J- 'V;u di h '-d' properly managed is equally important. To assist in the tuning, I will be ■ aUze/vS iW pau t.o iom/o toe ntds :)M voting YES on the nhillage request. -Tom Kramer, Local Investor The district can’t wait any longer. I see the damage being done every time I’m in Northeastern.” -Marc Richardson, Parent As a realtor in the Bastings Area on the upcoming millage. Better schools in return give a higher real estate Value to the homes- all of my sellers want higher values in their homes. -Mark Hewitt, Miller Eteal Estate Owner/ Broker We feel strongly about supporting our schools, and a must to assure a solid education, is that our buildings are safe and in good repair. If our school roofs • are jeopardizing our students’ safety, it is a priority and should be corrected. We urge all to pass this current bond issue for the well-being of our children in this school district. -Doug and Margaret DeCamp, Business Owners out students. Let's capitalize on the* JNKSOUt facility improvements by protecting everything underneathi with As I have been going through the school system, I have sat through several classes where we had to place trash bins in the middle of the room to catch the rain water. My teachers iterally mb*e iv-j f-x: • ■ the leak and the trash bin and would continue to teach like that for weeks at a time. Will Roosien, Junior at Hastings High School We moved to Hastings my son's Freshman year of High School in 2016. One of the deciding factors that made us say YES to Hastings was the constructi©® to the schools, I remember thmking that Ha; stings must be going places, and 1 wc my child to be part of that. community is behind education, then that's the community for us -Jodi Peralta, Pare t Ww m www new roofs. -Dale D. BLrueger, Director of MaintenanceHastings Area School System In order to preserve and properly care for our current school buildings so that all students, including my grandchildren, can attend school in healthy, solid environments conducive to learning, I am Just as a healthy body needs a functional fitness program, a healthy school system needs functional buildings. A strong school system is vital to a healthy community. Help us build a stronger Hastings by voting YES on May 7. -Andrew Courtright Owner TriFit & CrossFit Numinous I will vote YES for the school bond because I love all of the great new educational opportunities our school offers the students of our district I believe our children are the future of our community. We need to give them every opportunity to succeed in our ever-changing work environment, even if this will only benefit the generation of children after mine. -Jamie Murphy, Coach & Teacher I will vote YES because I believe in what is best for EACH and EVERY child of our ; ■ ^vesting in children, did: : j1 children, 1I fo knb1 its'’ my coworkers, >n, my barista, my wait<;a ^ywilldWsnd, as much ( futures need W community! They ALL truly deserve to go to a school that is up-to-date & safe, with roofs that don’t leak, and with bathrooms and locker rooms that are clean and functional. We, as the adults of this community, who CAN vote, owe this ■ to our children! - Amy Beck, Pediatrician Improvements throughout the District addressed by this bond Roof replacement and repair Flooring replacement Bathroom repairs Window and door replacement MS & HS locker room renovations HS cafeteria/servery improvements -Jane Arnold, Grandparent and HHS Grad - I will vote YES because my family understands the importance of supporting educational initiatives. A thriving community can be traced back to a thriving school system. A safe and clean learning environment will provide our children the ability to focus on being students, and not dodging buckets of rainwater in the hallway! -Jon Sporer, Executive Director of Y This bond is for .7 mills and would collectively raise 9.9 million dollars for multiple needs in our district. A homeowner with a home valued at $100,000, with an taxable value of $50,000, would pay $35 per year or $3 per month. 1 p 1 tVotd For more information contact a building principal, call 269-948-4400, email bondinfo@hassk12.org or visit www.hasskl 2 .org. 232 W. Grand Street, Hastings, Ml 49058 Parent voting, “Yes,” on May 7th. Due to recent changes in Michigan voting |aws all voters can now vote absentee without stating a reason. t Voters can vote now by / requesting absentee ballot in person at your polling place and vote right then! Check with your township office or at iWe Hastings City Hall for hours and information. This advertisement is paid for with donations by the supporters of "Yes For Hastings!" P.O. Box 331, Hastings, Ml 49058 � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-05-02.pdf f8a90389c8c1783c591a8990b591d989 PDF Text Text 250,000 chickens lost in fire Nurses Week a special time for special people DK girls victorious at Don Knight Invite See Story on Page 2 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 16 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 804879110187 1070490102590508206649058195427 ANNER rn***************CAR-RT LOT**C 003 0003 Hastings Public Library 227 E State St Hastings Ml 49058-1954 Thursday, May 2, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 18 PRICE 750' State-of-the-art trades training center a boon for area 'This will serve generations of Michigan residents^ Rebecca Pierce Editor A $15 million state-of-the-art skilled trades training center in Wayland formally opened its doors Monday as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow and hundreds of representatives from communities, companies and schools gathered there to applaud the private sector for fueling the initiative. The Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights formally opened the doors of the new 67,000-square-foot facil­ ity with a grand opening ceremony, rib­ bon-cutting and tour. The center, paid for by the MRCCM, is serving 300 apprentices now with plans to grow that number to between 450 and 500, officials said. “The skilled training center in Wayland is the kind of state-of-the-art educational facility we need in Michigan that will prepare the next generation of skilled trades profession­ als,” Whitmer said. “We are grateful to the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights and their business partners for investing in the workforce of tomorrow. Although the 67,000-square-foot state-of-the-art center in Wayland has been in use since January, the official grand opening for the facility took place Monday. See TRADES, page 3 Hastings doctor receives Liberty Bell Award Gov. Gretchen Whitmer praises the private sector for its commitment to training workers in skilled trades in Michigan. This year’s prestigious Liberty Bell Award went to Dr. Lawrence Hawkins, a longtime Hastings physician whose dedicated service has made a difference in the lives of residents and the well-being of the community at large, bar association members said. The award was presented by his daughter, Rebecca Hawkins, during the Law Day program at Leason Sharpe Hall in the Barry Community Enrichment Center on Wednesday. Hawkins addressed the gathering and was joined by his wife and daughters for the program. Shown here are (from left) daughters Rebecca Hawkins and Sarah Freiberg, wife Diane Hawkins, Hawkins, president of the Barry County Bar Association Robert Byington, Hastings City Attorney Stephanie Fekkes, and Barry County Chief Court Judge William Doherty. Rotary honor students share music, athletic pursuits J-Ad News Service Eleven Hastings High School seniors were honored Monday during a special program by the Hastings Rotary Club. “Your commitment to academics, sense of community and fellowship, integrity for what’s right, and belief in all individuals, are being honored here today,” Hastings High School Principal Teresa Heide told the students during her keynote speech. “How special it is for all of us to be witness to all of you and your accomplishments.” Heide quoted South African political leader and philanthropist Nelson Mandela who once said that “education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” “I would like to go on record and say ‘How true,’” she added. “I challenge you: How will you take your education and change the world, whether on a large scale like Mandela or smaller scale, like our very own teachers? What will you do to change the world? What will you do to share your love of learning? “This love, I challenge you, needs to continue into tomorrow, into life. Don’t lose what you now own. Continue to grow this habit and love of learning, so that you, too, can change the world, whatever that may look like for you.” The students were chosen by their teachers to receive the Rotary Club’s honor student designation, Heide said. She thought back to her own experience as a Rotary Honor Student. Since that day, “what I have learned is that the things you have done to get here are so very important; the characteristics and core Among the Hastings High School students honored by the Rotary Club are (from left) Ryan Flikkema, with parents Valerie and Bob Flikkema; Devin Haywood, with parents Renee and Luke Haywood; Juan Vargas, with parents Epifania Felix and Benjamin Vargas; Grace Nickels, with parents Lin and Mike Nickels; Claire Anderson, with parents Laura and Jon Anderson; and Elisabeth Youngs, with parents Stacey and Chase Youngs. They are pictured with Rotary Club president Emily Doherty. values that your teachers saw in you,” she said. “What I have also learned is that these experiences are the building blocks to what will come. It’s really what you do after this luncheon and your days at Hastings High School that will matter the most.” Heide introduced students and their parents and shared some information about their accomplishments: Claire Anderson, daughter of Jon and Laura Anderson. Among her activities and awards, Anderson has been student council class (vice president, executive board vice president), Circle of Giving group leader, National Honor Society president, Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Program staff member, and Habitat for Humanity volunteer through youth group. She is a member of the steel drum, band, Teens Against Tobacco Use, Interact Club, Allegan-Barry Youth Summit, Girls Inspire Responsible Lead high school leader for Northeastern, play/ drama productions^ Impact Team member, special-needs swim See ROTARY, page 7 Hastings seniors honored by the Rotary Club Monday include (from left) Jessica Thompson, with parents Brenda and Peter Thompson, Allison Collins, with parents Amy and Steve Collins; Kate Haywood, with par­ ents Jennifer and Matt Haywood; Belle Youngs, with mother Katie Youngs; and Sam Waller, with parents Erin and Marc Waller. They were introduced by high school principal Teresa Heide (right). 89061’’ IIAI souijseH la&ilS eras 3 LZZ Ajejqn O!IQnd sBuijsen �Page 2 — Thursday, May 2, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Using special programing, Tanner Armstrong is building a virtual rollercoaster for his unique rollercoaster car. New technology sparks creative thinking for middle school students A fire at Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch Tuesday evening burned for more than five hours and killed approximately 250,000 hens. (Photo by Amy Jo Parish) 250,000 chickens die in Herbruck’s fire Taylor Owens Staff Writer * A single-structure fire at Herbruck’s Poultry Ranch in Berlin Township Tuesday killed approximately 250,000 hens, Herb Herbruck Said in a statement. Seven departments responded to the fire at a poultry bam on Portland Road at 6:18 p.m. Tuesday, and cleared the scene at 12:30 a.m. Wednesday morning, Berlin-Orange Fire Chief Matthew Bennett said. No people were injured in the fire. The cause of the fire - the fifth at the farm in the past 16 years, Bennett said - is likely to be under investigation for several weeks. The bam that burned down Tuesday was three to four times the size of the structure that burned in February 2018, Bennett said. Although the bam was connected to other buildings, firefighters were able to keep the fire from spreading, using about 500,000 gal­ lons of water in the process, he said. The structure was not equipped with fire suppres­ sion, though the farm did install a large water tank and pump for fires within the past few years. “We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our hens,” Herbruck said. “We have been working closely with the fire department, and an investigation of what started the fire is under way.” Herbruck went on to say the farm is fully operational, and the fire would not affect its ability to serve its customers. Bennett, who has been on the department for about 30 years, has been to every fire at the farm. The cause of the 2018 fire was not fully determined, although Bennett said it was likely electrical. Previous fires were at the manure bam, but Bennett said the farm made some structural changes to the building and there have not been fires involving that bam since then. The fire chief said fires are uncommon at farms like Herbruck’s, but the law of averages has not been good at this farm. “It’s something we can’t put our finger on; if it was, we would have fixed it by now,” Bennett said. Berlin-Orange Fire Department was assist­ ed by departments from Ionia, Grand Ledge, Portland, Sunfield, Lake Odessa and Clarksville. Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Miniature cars came to life for Hastings Middle School students using new technology purchased for their class. Computer science instructor William Renner credited Barry Community Foundation’s Wilson H. Craig Jr. Fund and Hastings Education Enrichment Foundation for the school being able to purchase the vital learning tools for students. “The kids are learning so much. It’s import­ ant for them to be familiar with many differ­ ent areas of technology,” Renner said. “They’re really geeked out about what they’re able to do.” Students have been using a Tinkercad pro­ gram to design their own rollercoaster cars. Ashley Vandyk admires the tiny roller­ coaster car she designed and created. Future of Hastings library on ballot Tuesday Taylor Owens * Staff Writer . Hastings Charter Township voters will have Second chance to vote on the Hastings Public Library millage May 7. The lO year millage restmation passed in the City of Hastings and Rutland Charter Township in the August 2018 election, but was voted down in Hastings Charter Township by 13 votes, 151-438, ;stail^^ fails again, the library would lose $130,000 in funding, which represents 20 percent of its budget. “That’s going to impact everyone who is going to use the library,” said Kelli Newberry, former Hastings library board member and treasurer of ‘Yes for Hastings Library.’ The library would have lay off two staff members, close on Mondays and have less materials for activities and events, she said. The millage restoration will be 1.6 mills, which represents $1.60 per $1,000 of taxable value. , j Newberry’ said she heard from a number of people in the township who said they did not vote for the millage because they assumed it would pass. Yes For Hastings Library is funded by the Friends of the Hastings Public Library and individuals from both townships and the City of Hastings. About a dozen volunteers cam­ paigned door to dbor, handed out brochures, used social media and put out campaign signs to ediic&e pdojMe oft Ae/fihillag^ . ^T think we’re fdflihg pretty positive,” Newberry said. “We heed’ people to get out and vote.” Delton Kellogg students weigh in on May 7 bond request Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer On Tuesday, May 7, voters in the Delton Kellogg Schools district will cast their ballots on a proposed millage. The district is asking residents for $23 mil­ lion to fund improvements in transportation and technology. That request also includes a plan to rebuild the older part of the elementa­ ry school - the so-called “36” building. A turf football field also is on the list of improve­ ments. Students’ reactions to the proposal are mixed, but the turf football field got the most reaction. ; “Turning the football field into a turf field for both football and soccer would be benefi­ cial for both the athletes and the school,” Pelton Kellogg junior Amber Mabie said. “A turf field would provide much better practic­ ing and playing conditions for athletes - no big holes, dirt patches, or poor drainage that leads to large pools of water all over the field.” “This would also be one of the first things newcomers would see when looking to send their child to the district. A clean-cut turf field would give a great first impression. With the number of students playing sports dropping, improving the fields would be a great motiva­ tor for kids to try out or stick with the sports. It would also be a pro for many parents of potential DK students.” • “I think the bond sounds great. I wish they would have added the soccer field to the foot­ ball field before I graduated but I’m glad future generations will be able to enjoy the facilities, assuming the bond passes,” Delton Kellogg senior Joseph Gherardi said. “The turf provides a level ground which is easier to march on,” sophomore Kaitlyn McCrae said. “At marching band competi­ tions most other schools have turf fields. When we march on those fields, we aren’t as good as we are on our home field because we’re not use to the turf. “Having the turf will provide us the ability to march better. If we were to go on to march in college, students will then have experience inarching on turf.” “Improving the playing fields, locker rooms, and bathrooms would mean a lot to the belton students,” sophomore Caitlin O’Meara said. “Being able to improve the playing fields will help the Delton athletes to increase performance and become better at their respective sports.” However, not all students agreed. Some see other pressing issues throughout the school and see the field as more of a luxury than a need. “I really don’t think our school needs a turf field when we have other things that need to be taken care of,” junior Ashton Ingersoll said. “Yes, it would be nice for the football team and band to play on, but there are other things that our school should be focusing on more than that. “Our theater program needs help because of all the cuts that had to be made.... Also, we could use the money to rtlove stuff around so we can pay teachers mbre and get better school supplies.” Delton Kellogg senior Ethan Reed said, “I think it’s going to be very hard for voters this year. Yes, they (the school) is saying that the bond won’t up the taxes, but really taxes are already up from the last bond - and since the school didn’t come through with everything they said on the last bond, it is hard to believe everything they want to do with this one.” Mabie also expressed her opinion on the proposed work on the 1936 portion of ele­ mentary school. : “It is very important that something be done for the old part of the elementary school. A minimal number of rooms, if any, in this section of the school are being used. It is unsafe, unused, and inefficient as facilities are still run despite the lack of use. “I understand that it holds historical value to the town, and I believe that this should be upheld. Therefore, redoing this section of the school to build a modern and efficient inside with the same outer appearance as it has now would be a great compromise for the oppos­ ing sides of keeping the building versus rebuilding it.” The school district levied 4.9 mills in 2018 and, the way school officials are planning this request, if approved, the bond would end up maintaining the current levy. The rate would not increase or decrease; it would continue at 4.9 mills for the next five years. The current levy originates from a bond passed in 2013 where the bond was set for 15 years and increased taxes by 1.5 mills. The 2019 proposal would extend that same increase until 2026. Without approval of a bond proposal next week, the district would levy 3.32 mills this year. Incoming superintendent supports Hastings request on May 7 ballot Joan Van Houten Staff Writer A bond request for 0.7 mills to raise $9.99 million for roof replacements and other build­ ing repairs at the Hastings Area School System in on the May 7 ballot. Hastings’ new superintendent, Daniel Remenap, won’t be stepping into that role until July 1, “but I’ll say that we need to focus on repairs the district needs. These things need to be fixed. General funds should go to students’ learning, and every dollar taken out of that fund for major repairs means that much less for our students.” Remenap is currently principal at Allendale Public Schools. The bond proposal request has been pared back for this year to the projects the school board and administrators consider to be the most essential repairs and upgrades. If it passes, a complete roof replacement is planned for Southeastern Elementary and Northeastern Elementary. Star Elementary and Central Elementary will have partial replacements of the roofs. Hastings Middle School’s 1997 portion of the roof and Hastings High School’s 1970 portion of the roof also will be replaced. Other projects included in the request are window replacements at Southeastern and Northeastern, flooring at Southeastern, Northeastern, Central and Star elementary, interior doors at Southeastern, Northeastern and Central elementary and Hastings High School, bathrooms and locker rooms at the middle and high schools, and cafeteria servery and lockers at the high school. “People need to understand how a healthy school district improves the community and raises property values,” Remenap remarked. “If the general funds are depleted, it will affect the entire community.” The estimated millage that will be levied in 2019 for the proposed bonds is 0.70 mill, which is $0.70 on each $1,000 of taxable val­ uation, a 0.30 mill net increase over the prior year’s levy. The maximum amount of time the bond may be outstanding is 12 years. The estimated average annual millage anticipated to be required to retire this bond debt is 1.56 mills, which is $1.56 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation. Regardless of the decision voters make on May 7, Remenap said immediate needs will be prioritized. If the proposal fails, he and administrative staff will work together to “brainstorm” and identify other possible options to fund repairs, he said. “We can’t let the roofs continue leaking. The damage will get much worse and cost much more to repair. Health-wise and finan­ cially, it’s not good for the students.” Hastings Middle School sixth grader Tate Warner enjoys using 3-D printing to bring designs into reality. Then the cars were printed on 3-D printers purchased with funds from HEEF. “I thought it was cool that, in a computer, I got to make something I could hold in my hand,” sixth-grader Heaven Simmet said. Classmate Andrew Haines said the best part for him was designing something from pure imagination. Renner’s students created their designs at the end of February, went on to other projects, and then printed their creations in the end of March. In mid-April, they started the virtual reality programming. . . Students are currently in thp process of importing the design files of their cars into a computer program and will soOn be able to see their cars in action on a virtual rollercoast­ er. Cookies sweeten tonight’s Girls’ Night Out Legal advice available for senior residents Hastings Girls’ Night Out returns Thursday, May 2, from 5 to 8 p.m. in down­ town Hastings, and downtown merchants are ready to welcome the ladies of Barry County. New this year is the Cookie Crawl Passport to benefit a local charitable orga­ nization. Passport holders will receive a fresh baked cookie from each participating busi­ ness and will be able to join in on the scav­ enger hunt activity. The entire amount raised from passport sales will go to Family Promise of Barry County, a nonprofit orga­ nization helping families by providing shel­ ter, food and assistance in building a more secure future. Complete^ passports must be returned to Walker Music and Textiles to be entered into a drawing for prizes donated by local mediants. The winners’ names will be drawn the following morning. The Legal Services of South Central Michigan-Battle Creek office will conduct interviews for legal advice and possible representation, without charge, to interest­ ed seniors Wednesday, May 8, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at Delton Faith United Methodist Church, 503 S. Grove Street (M-43), Delton. Legal Services of South Central Michigan-Battle Creek office is a nonprofit organization that provides high-quality legal assistance, representation and educa­ tion to seniors in St. Joseph, Branch, Calhoun and Barry counties. The agency seeks to ensure that its clients are given equal access to the justice system. The advice and counsel at the senior sites is funded primarily the CareWell Services Southwest through the Michigan Aging and Adult Services Agency. Fashion show to benefit Delton Moose A spring fashion show and luncheon from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday will help raise funds for activities supported by Women of the Delton Moose Lodge. Clothing from Previously Pink in Hastings will be worn by area residents. The luncheon, provided by the Women of the Moose, will include chicken crois­ sant sandwiches and complementary fare. Additional direct sales items, jewelry and more will be available for purchase. Tickets are $5 and are available by call­ ing Jill, 269-623-2112. The Moose Lodge is off of M-43 north of Delton at 5420 Moose Lodge Drive. Mystery author to visit Barry County May 9 The One County, One Book initiative will come to a close with a visit from mys­ tery author Allen Eskens at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 9, in the Barry Community Enrichment Center Leason Sharpe Hall. Eskens will discuss his murder mystery novel “The Shadows We Hide,” which was the focus of book clubs across the county, and is available at all local libraries. Eskens will talk about his inspirations for the book, which is a sequel to his debut novel, “The Life We Bury,” and follows protagonist Joe Talbert, as he uncovers the murder of the man who may have been his father in a small town in Minnesota. Eskens has received numerous awards, including the Minnesota Book Award, Rosebud Award, Silver Falchion Award and was recognized as a finalist for the Edgar Award. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 2, 2019 — Page 3 TRADES, continued from page 1 U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow addresses the gathering during the grand opening cer­ emony of the skilled trades training center in Wayland. (Photos by Scott Harmsen) “On behalf of the State of Michigan, we’re excited to see the Wayland training center produce the highly skilled, highly trained pro­ fessionals who are going to build our bridges, upgrade infrastructure and fix our damn .roads.” ! Stabenow applauded the MRCCM, busi­ ness and industry for its leadership and for investing private dollars to make the center a reality. The center will provide opportunities for “great jobs with great wages,” she said. “This is a commitment by those involved ... to invest in the future of our state and invest in our middle class.” “Our skilled training center in Wayland is Resigned to take hardworking men and women and turn them into dedicated professionals, trained in the hard skills of carpentry, millwrighting and floor laying as well as the soft skills of communication, leadership and team­ work,” MRCCM Executive Secretary Treasurer Mike Jackson said. “The men and women who will go through our training cen­ ter are taking a step into a rewarding, chal­ lenging and good-paying career. “They’ll be earning while learning, with state-of-the-art equipment, tangible, relevant curriculum, and teachers who are experts in their fields. There is no better hands-on edu­ cation for a carpenter, millwright or floor layer.” ' United Brotherhood of Carpenters Second General Vice President David* Tharp mended the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights for understanding the need for the center and having the courage to step forward and make it happen. “This will serve generations of Michigan residents,” he said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for our folks “Our skilled training center in Wayland is designed to take hard­ working men and women and turn them into dedicated professionals, trained in the hard skills of carpen­ try, millwrighting and floor laying as well as the soft skills of communi­ cation, leadership and teamwork,” Mike Jackson, MRCCM Executive Secretary Treasurer who live in Barry County,” Richard Franklin, Barry Intermediate School District superin­ tendent, said. “It’s so close. And it’s a world­ class thing. People who go through that pro­ gram are positioned for in-demand full-time jobs. ... It’s almost unbelievable that a place like that exists.” Franklin noted that the center serves adults as well as high school graduates “This is for grownups,” he said. “This can be their transition plan for getting seriously into the trades in a very marketable way. “I am really excited ... It belongs to the whole state, but it’s right in our back yard.” The center is part of a statewide effort to train and educate workers to fill thousands of job openings in Michigan’s high-demand ters are planned for Detroit and Marquette. WMMlRPW t , and an$U can apply to become an apprentice carpenter or millwright. Applicants need a high school diploma or a GED to qualify. Apprentices do not pay tuition. They are paid during their apprenticeships, and receive health care and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, Donna Pardonnet and Mike Jackson cut the ribbon at the skilled trades training center in Wayland Monday. Pardonnet is the executive director of Architectural and Construction Trades Michigan and chairwoman of the Training Fund. Jackson is the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights executive secretary treasurer. pension benefits while they study and train. Jeff Taylor of Hastings, who is a represen­ tative of the MRCCM, said putting the build­ ing there “has created a lot of dialogue con­ cerning opportunities of an apprenticeship versus a college degree. Taylor said 700 people are registered to attend a job fair next Tuesday at the center. Of those, 30 contractors will be hiring people on the spot. An open house is scheduled Saturday, June 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 pm. and the public is welcome. Apprentices at the Wayland training center get hands-on experience and go through realworld simulations, using methods and tools that include some of the most advanced in the construction industry, instructors at the center said. Highly trained skilled trades professionals are in high demand in Michigan, and experts anticipate the current shortage of such work­ ers to continue well into the next decade. Skilled trades professionals, such as car­ penters and millwrights, account for more than 500,000 jobs in Michigan, state officials say. Every year, busjnes§^nee<n^,QQ0 work­ ers to fill job openings in the skilled trades. Careers in skilled trades typically do not require four-year-college degrees and pay well above Michigan’s median income. “This is a great day for Michigan,” Whitmer said. “This will serve generations of Michigan residents,” United Brotherhood of Carpenters Second General Vice President David Tharp said. Crooked Lake flooding update set for June 8 Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer The scope of the flooding at Crooked Lake will be addressed at a special public meeting at noon Saturday, June 8, at Delton Kellogg High School. Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull announced the meeting when the Crooked Lake Task Force met Monday. The purpose of the June 8 meeting will be to review the scope of the flooding and actions to combat it. Residents also can ask questions. On Monday, Audrie Kirk of the Michigan’s Environment, Great Lakes and Energy depart­ ment, and engineer Brian Cenci of ENG reported that the permitting process was in place for pumping water off Crooked Lake and into the Delton Retention Center (former­ ly the Jones property.) Some residents requested a public meeting regarding the specific permit being reviewed for pumping across Delton Road. Cenci said it could be 60 to 90 days before pumping will begin. Once pumping begins, it will take an estimated 30 days to fill the property. Cenci called the retention center a staging area for a long-term solution. Dull and engineers also explained why tak­ ing water to farmers for irrigation was no longer being explored. It would cost about $440,000 to take less than two inches off the lake, Dull said. “It’s double the cost of the Delton Retention Center for half the solution,” Cenci remarked. Roughly 80 Crooked Lake residents packed Prairieville Township Hall for the task force meeting from 5:30 to 7 p.m. A question-and-answer period afterward continued until 9:30 p.m. “I, for one, greatly appreciate that gesture and appreciate the officials that stayed,” resi­ dent Larry Osborne said. “Listening to the questions and subsequent answers was very satisfying and I feel it helped a lot towards reducing the frustration brewing in the com­ munity with this situation. “I hope there are more opportunities for this to happen.” Osborne has repeatedly called for the pub­ lic’s voice to be heard during the task force meeting process and said he was pleased to see that opportunity finally given to residents. State Sen. John Bizon attended the meet­ ing, accompanied by Calhoun County Drain Commissioner Fred Heaton, who consulted — Another citizen asked when Crooked Lake is expected to go back down to its legal level of 922.75 feet. “Not in my lifetime." - Jim Dull, Barry County Drain Commissioner with Dull prior to the meeting. “This is someone who has 40 years of experience with drains and moving water around,” Bizon said. “This is someone whom I trust dearly. He has done marvelous things for Calhoun County compared to our prior water commissioner, who was very reliant on engineering studies. He [Heaton] gets the job done for us, and we are ever so happy that he is with us.” “I’ve been an excavating contractor forev­ er,” Heaton said. “I was elected drain com­ missioner for a reason. Things have improved greatly. To answer the question of whether to get a second opinion, I would not get a second opinion because of the cost involved in it. “You must have complete trust in whom you’re working with; the same with contrac­ tors. Everyone must work together complete­ ly, otherwise you’re just fighting yourself.” “I had a long talk with Jim [Dull] today, and he explained your situation,” Heaton added. “You’ve got a real road to go here, but if you do work together, this can be complet­ ed. You just need a little more cooperation with the DEQ, hopefully, just smooth things out and move forward.” State Rep. Julie Calley also attended. During the question-and-answer portion of the meeting, many residents voiced a desire to find the cause of the flooding. “There is no one thing that caused this,” Cenci said. “It’s death by a thousand paper cuts.” Several residents also said several roads surrounding the lake have flooded to the point where mail is no longer being delivered to some households. “Can you guarantee that emergency vehi­ cles can reach us?” one resident asked “There is no guarantee emergency services will get down your road,” Dull said. Another citizen asked when Crooked Lake is expected to go back down to its legal level of 922.75 feet. “Not in my lifetime,” Dull said. “We are not intending to take this water all the way down to 922.75 feet. “Our job is flooding control and trying to prevent people fron^losing their homes. It’s a lot tougher to get a permit from the DEQ say­ ing we’re going to take five feet off the lake instead of 2 1/2.” Hastings’ Save-a-Lot closing its doors Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Save-a-Lot in Hastings will open its doors tomorrow for the last time. The discount grocery store is going out of business after 17 years in Hastings. The news came as a shock to some employees. According to a manager of Hastings’ Save-a-Lot who asked to have his name withheld, corporate administrators knew they would be closing the store months in advance and put a gag order on the top managers until well after Easter. Employees have had plenty to say about that decision, but preferred to remain unnamed. “It’s unfair that they waited so long to tell us the store was closing,” one employee said. “It’s unfair to us and to our customers who have been loyal and coming to this store for years.” Another employee said she was “very upset” about how the corporate management handled the entire situation. “What am I The last day of operation for the Hastings’ Save-a-Lot store is Friday, May 3. supposed to do now? If I knew sooner, I (Photo by Taylor Owens.) could have been looking for another job and John Leppink, founder, opened the first makes all the difference.” maybe would have one by now. And it’s not just me. I’m worried about the others here Leppink’s market in 1939. He began with a According to Forbes Magazine, Leppink slaughterhouse in Belding that grew into a Inc. bought into the Save-a-Lot franchise who are in the same boat.” Though the corporate office chose to keep butcher’s shop. Dry goods were added short­ chain in 2017 for $1.37 billion through the ’ the closing quiet, rumors have been circulat­ ly after the shop opened and eventually private firm Onex Corp, based in Canada. ing throughout the community for weeks. became the first Leppink’s grocery. Supervalu, then owner, had been looking to ♦ “We’ve been shopping there for years sell the chain that had approximately 1,400 The Banner made several attempts to reach Arianna (Leppink) Meinke, marketing because of the quality of the products. I’m stores in 37 states, the Caribbean and Central manager of Leppink Inc., owners of the sorry to see it go,” Hastings resident Joe America. Save-a-Lot chain, weeks ago when the Williams said. At that time, the business was performing In an article published by the (Greenville) well with revenue rising 26 percent the pre­ rumors began. She did not respond. Others at the company directed all media inquiries Daily News on January 26,2013, coinciding vious year. However, since 2018, Leppink with the 85^ anniversary of Leppink’s Food has closed dozens of stores across the coun- ' to Meinke. Leppink Development was given the Centers, Ransom Leppink, John’s grandson, ty, including every store in the Midwest. The f green light to construct Save-a-Lot, on the said, “Running a small-town grocery store closings have been attributed to falling cost comer of M37 and Heath Road, by Rutland requires not just a good understanding of the of food and lower distribution of govern­ Charter Township in 2003. It opened its local customer base, but also a desire to help ment food assistance to low-income fami- ■ doors the same year and became a staple in the community grow and thrive. It is this lies. the community. connection to each location’s hometown mat �Page 4 — Thursday, May 2, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you see Marching to a different piper National Nurses Week - a special time for special people The Glen Erin Pipe Band marches in the Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival Parade Saturday. The Celtic band is comprised of pipers and drummers who hail from all around mid-Michigan. Do you remember? Honorable Henry Banner Nov. 6, 1947 Assembled for ceremony - Members of the Barry County Bar Association and state probation department officials gather for a formal pose taken immediately following the official ceremony honoring C.H. “Henry” Osborn, who is retiring, as a Barry County official. Pictured (seated, from left) are Probate Judge Phil Mitchell; Floyd C. Williams, chief probation officer of Kalamazoo County and president of the Michigan Probation and Parole Association; Osborn; Circuit Judge Archie McDonald; Ralph Hall Ferris, state director of probation; (standing) Carroll C. Davidson, field supervisor of Barry and Eaton counties; Attorney Paul Siegel; Sheriff Leon Doster; Municipal Judge Adelbert Cortright; Attorney L.E. Barnett; Prosecuting Attorney J. Franklin Huntley; and Fred C. Bates, District 3 supervisor of probation of Grand Rapids. The accompanying article said Osborn had cared for hundreds of youngsters and wards of the court through a system of home placement that had saved the county thousands of dollars. Osborn reportedly was surprised at the honor ceremony, saying he had always tried to do his duty to the state and the court to the best of his ability. “It will be the first time in more than 30 years that the neat, trim man whose spectacles cover a pair of still-twinkling eyes will be without an official county office,” the article read. Have you met? Martha Gibbons was bom and raised in Hastings, but has literally been around the world. Bom to Jan McKelvey and Tom Gibbons, she attended Hastings schools and went off to the big world of college. “It was the farthest I had ever been from home at that point,” Gibbons said. After graduating from Grand Valley State University in 2001, Gibbons taught English at Hastings High School from 2001 to 2012. “I just loved teaching,” she said. “And I just loved Hastings.” While she was perfectly happy to continue there, Gibbons took part in a mission trip to China through Ada Bible Church one year. She fell in love with China and after two more trips, decided she wanted to live there full-time. From 2012 to 2015, she lived in China and taught at Ludong University in the coastal city of Yan Tai. “I would have never dreamed I would do something like this,” Gibbons said. “I was always the kid who stuck close to home and cried for my mom at YMCA camp. I even surprised myself.” While she was in China, she felt a desire to understand the Bible more and decided to return to the States and take master’s classes. “I hadn’t grown up in church and felt like I still had so much to learn about knowing God and sharing that with others,” Gibbons said. She attended Moody Theological Seminary from 2015 to 2018 and taught English in China Town in Chicago while going to school. She left Moody with a master’s degree in discipleship and spiritual formation and took a job with the Salvation Army in Grand Rapids as the director of the commu­ nity center. She didn’t plan to return to the Barry County area, but felt that it was where she was supposed to be. “This place is part of who I am, and God is using my gifts and talents to help the com­ munity here now,” she said. Gibbons was appointed the director of the new Family Promise of Barry County pro­ gram this year and said it is going very well. Because she has a heart for people and strives to promote their best interests wher- Martha Gibbons ever she lives and whatever she does, she is a Banner Bright Light. Best advice ever received: It is a quote from David Augsburger. ‘Being heard is so close to being loved that for the average per­ son, they are almost indistinguishable.’ Listening gives a person dignity, and a lot of relationships would be better if we would listen to each other. Advice to high school students: Surround themselves with those who care about them; find true friends. Like Dr. Seuss says in “Oh, the Places You’ll Go,” they must learn to “un-slump themselves” when they get knocked down. And that takes time to do, so be patient. Favorite childhood memory: When I was 10 or 11, most of my cousins were girls, and my paternal grandma started our family girls’ week. She called us the Gibby Girls. We would spend a whole week in the sum­ mer at her house and do crafts, bake and just be together and have fun. Later it became just a weekend, but I have so many fond memories of those times. What I am most proud of: That my faith is bigger than my fears, doubts or concerns. If I would have stayed in my comfort zone, I would have missed out on so much. I thank God for that all the time. Favorite movie: “Hotel Rwanda” - it is based on a true story about the ethnic cleans­ ing against the Tutsi minority. The main character, Paul, is compelled to allow refu­ gees to take shelter in his hotel. Favorite vacation destination: I love anything on the water. The cruises I have been on were wonderful. If I won the lottery: I would invest in more housing opportunities for Barry County. We need it so badly. If I were president: I would change the way we do health care in this country. First job: I babysat a lot when I was young, but when I was 15 or 16,1 organized loan files at Hastings Savings and Loan, which is now Commercial Bank. Book I’d recommend: “A Tale of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens If I could have any superpower: I would like a magic wand that would allow me to fix problems for people. Favorite food: I love trying cuisines from other countries. I like Italian, Mediterranean, Israeli, Thai and real Chinese food. Hobbies: Playing with my nieces (The Besties) and my nephew, reading (especially mysteries) and traveling. Best thing about Barry County: I think it is how well the citizens take care of each other here. In my current job, I see how that works and how beneficial it is to all. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Few people in today’s cold, bottom-line world are still valued for how they make others feel. Florence Nightingale may be considered the pioneer of modem nursing due to her founding of the first school of nursing in London back in 1860, but my guess is that people who’ve cared for, comforted and healed the ill and needy have been with us forever. The compassion and the understanding, support and commitment it takes to be a nurse is a true gift and certainly one society is fortunate to have in those among us. In hospitals, senior care facilities, doctor’s offices and hospice homes, the men and women who fill these positions feel the responsibility for the care and treatment of each and every patient. Nurses also are involved in medical research and take part in a wide range of non-clinical functions that also are part of our huge medical indus­ try. That’s why it will be such an honor to celebrate National Nurses Week May 6-12. Around the world, 29 million people serve as nurses and midwives, of which 3.9 mil­ lion work in the United States dedicating their lives to the health of others. On the last day of that special week, May 12, we’ll mark Nightingale’s birth in Florence, Italy, in 1820. The use of her Nightingale Pledge as a model of the high standards and princi­ ples that professionals follow today truly sets her place as the founder of modem nursing. As valued as the profession is today, though - especially given the pressures that are changing similarly caring roles, such as doctors and teachers - nursing also is facing threats from our high-pressure, bottom-line society. The American Nurses Association says that, due to the long hours, difficult situations and pressures nurses face every day on the job, registered nurse jobs will be available through 2022 than in any other profession in the United States. Causes for the shortage are numerous and concerning to health officials across the country as they look at the numbers. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects more than 1.1 million additional nurses will be needed to fill the growing demand. ANA officials indicate that, from 2016 to 2026, employment opportunities for nurses are growing faster than all other occupations. One thing is for sure: An aging popula­ tion will put even more demands on nursing care. Currently, the U.S. has the highest number of citizens over age 65 - more than at any other time in our history. Even more concerning is that, like other professions, the nursing workforce also is aging. According to the ANA, approximately 1 million registered nurses are over age 50, or one-third of the workforce that will be retir­ ing in the next 10 to 15 years. It’s imperative that we focus attention on steering more students in the direction of healthcare careers, especially in nursing. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has indicated that the demand for nurses in the U.S. will increase another 26 percent by 2020, which means the demand for nurses will be greater than the supply. In 2016, the BLS reported more than 30 million positions available, and, of those, 61 percent were employed by state, local and private hospitals. These numbers are important knowing that hiring skilled nurses in a hospital is critical to good health care, especially when one realizes that medicine and treatment is only part of the healing art. “As a nurse, we have the opportunity to heal the heart, mind, soul and body of our patients, their families and ourselves,” Maya Angelou, author and poet, said. “They may forget your name, but they will never forget how you made them feel.” Nurses also play a vital role in the process as case managers, clinical instructors and counselors to patients, helping them navi­ gate the halls of the healthcare system. Nurses also are traffic cops and cheerlead­ ers, helping us when we need it most. So, as we celebrate this special National Nurses Week, let’s remember to say ‘Thanks’ to nurses and students as they contemplate a wonderful career choice that provides all kinds of opportunities for those who like to work with people. t “We often think of nursing as giving* meds on time, checking an X-ray to see if the doctor needs to be called, or taking an admission at 2 a.m. with a smile on our face,” Erin Pettengill, R.N. and missionary, said. “Too often, we forget all the other things that make our job what it truly is caring and having a desire to make a differ­ ence.” Those special qualities draw so many to nursing, but, like other skilled professions, nursing tops the list of jobs that could have a devastating impact on the healthcare industry and those who need its services if we don’t concentrate as a nation on getting more young people into the profession. “When a person decides to become a nurse, they make the most important deci­ sion of their lives,” Margaret Harvey, Ph.D., RN and president of Chamberlain College of Nursing, said. “They choose to dedicate themselves to the care of others.” The American Association of Colleges of Nursing is working with schools, policy makers, nursing organizations and the media in an effort to bring attention to this health­ care concern. The AACN is leveraging its resources to shape legislation, identify strat­ egies and form collaborations to address the shortage. Each of us, though, needs to accept the responsibility of getting the mes­ sage to young people looking for great opportunities, encouraging them to enter the nursing field and dedicate their working years to helping others. That’s a responsibil­ ity that must go beyond just words, much like the indomitable Nightingale insisted on more than 150 years ago. “I think one’s feelings waste themselves in words,” said Nightingale, a true social reformer in 1800s London, “they ought all to be distilled into actions which bring results.” ' Thank you, nurses. Everywhere. (See the May 4 Reminder for a special section on nurses) Fred Jacobs, CEO J-Ad Graphics, Inc. “When a person decides to become a nurse, they make the most important decision of their lives. They choose to dedicate themselves to the care of others.” Margaret Harvey, Ph.D., RN and president of Chamberlain College of Nursing What do you think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by accessing our website, www. HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the fol­ lowing week. Last week: When elected officials are out of town, they are not precluded from joining meetings remotely via computer. Michigan law with regard to remote interactivity. Should elected officials con­ nected remotely to meetings be allowed to vote on board actions? Yes 65% No 35% For this week: Two Michigan lawmakers have introduced resolutions to make sandhill crane hunt­ ing legal in Michigan to reduce damage to agriculture crops by the large birds. Should sandhill cranes be added to the list of game species? □ Yes □ No �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 2, 2019 — Page 5 Continue telling all sides of the story To the editor: Approve proposal to keep school system strong replaced soon, regardless, just as if it was your own home. We will have to scrape together what we can and try and patch leaks and kick the can down the road some more. Ultimately, student learning is affected by forcing us to pull resources away from stu­ dents and staff in order to make the necessary repairs and balance the budget. There are not enough funds in the sinking fund to replace all of the roofs that need attention in the district and by continuing to spend money patching problems is not necessarily the best use of resources. If we do not address these issues now, the costs associated with these replace­ ments will continue to escalate in the future. The school is the backbone of our commu­ nity and having strong schools makes our local community thrive. Supporting this pro­ posal is not only protecting our investment in brick and mortar but, more importantly, investing in our students which are the future of our community. To the editor: On May 7, we have an important ballot proposal for the Hastings Area School System that will make a large impact on students in our district. As many of you are aware, we several many critical needs such as roofs, doors, windows and bathrooms that must be addressed in our aging school facilities. After listening to community members in several forums, the board of education put together a bare-bones proposal that addresses “basic needs” that must be fixed to protect our investment in school buildings in order to prevent them from deteriorating further. We looked at input from over 500 surveys from community members and structured the cur­ rent proposal with common priorities. Although the district has many additional needs, the Board of Education worked with many community members to come up with a proposal that impacted our community mem­ bers’ wallets as minimally as possible to chip away at these needs, costing approximately $35 per year on a house valued at $100,000. Over the past several months, we have been asked what happens if the bond does not pass? Unfortunately, the roofs still have to be I feel compelled to respond to the reader who recently commended your paper for its “fair, open and even-handed reporting of the facts ...” and concluded by saying “we appre­ ciate hearing all sides of every story.” I totally support hearing every side of every story. Since the Hastings school district has again put on the May 7 ballot a 0.7-mill bond pro­ posal, it has given voice to the extreme “no” and “yes” voters. These folks are dug in, and nothing will change their vote. It mirrors, on a much smaller scale, the situation this country finds itself in with the extreme Democrat and Republican voters. Hundreds of millions of dollars will be spent on television ads for the 2020 election. These ads will be designed to reach, educate and convince the huge block of independent voters who don’t necessarily follow politics with the fervor of the aforementioned extreme voters. Your paper, as the No. 1 source of Barry County news, has an opportunity and an obli- To the editor: [Write Us A Letter: Know Your Legislators: Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855­ 347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. The Hastings Banner News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County • NEWSROOM• (Editor) (Copy Editor) Rebecca Pierce Kathy Maurer Brett Bremer Tanett Hodge Taylor Owens Joan Van Houten $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 Editor’s Note: The Banner endorsed the Hastings Area School System millage propos­ al in the April 25 edition, and the reasons for the endorsement were given in the opinion column published in that edition. ing other vital needs as well, including updat­ ing some of the bathrooms and replacing worn carpeting, some of which is damaged from the leaking roofs. We’ve all heard the case for supporting this bond, and waiting for another push next year won’t make it any cheaper, I can guarantee. Please consider voting ‘yes.’ and if you’re still on the fence, reach out to a principal or school administrator and they can show you the need, firsthand. Let’s make sure our schools reflect the vibrancy of the rest of the community. Eric Kohmescher, Hastings To the editor: , I would like to write in response to Terry Greenfield’s letter in the April 25 Banner. He discussed wants versus needs. First, I would like to address his comment regarding the condition of the sports facilities. They were removed from this bond because the school board was forced to address the roofs and other needs first, not because the problems went away. The tennis courts are not fixed, or “magi­ cally” repaired. They are still unsafe and still in need of repair. We have had coaches from other teams refuse to allow their players td play on some of the courts. Last week, my daughter was in the middle of a match (on one of the “good” courts) when her opponent ran backwards to hit a ball, got her heel stuck in a crack and fell flat on her back. At another point during this same match, the same girl twisted her ankle in a crack. Luckily, she did not have a serious injury. Like the tennis courts, the basic needs addressed in this proposal, identified by the school board, will not go away. Mr. Greenfield mentions that new carpet is a want. Could you imagine having 300-plus kids use the carpet in your home every day for over 20 years? This is the case in our schools. The carpets in our elementary schools are in desperate need of replacement. Although the majority of this bond will be used to address the roofs, other basic needs are included, and none of these problems will go away. They will only get worse. We must take action. It is our responsibility, as citizens, to provide our students with a safe environment - one that is optimum for learn­ ing. I urge you to vote “yes” May 7. Jennifer Johnson Haywood, Hastings Reader says to fix the roofs To the editor: The Hastings school system has an acute roof problem, and no one, either the board of education or the school administration, has a clue as to how much it will cost to fix the roofs properly. The board and administration stated in three different articles in the Banner what the cost would be to fix the roofs and, each time, the amount was different. The first article stated: 445,270 square feet of roofs for repair and replacement would be $11 per square foot; or $4,897,970. The second article stated a majority of the proposed $9.9 million bond issue was needed for the roofs. A majority could be from onehalf to nearly all of the $9.9 million. Would it be $6 million, $7 million, $8 million? Who knows? The third article said the cost to repair the roofs would be $3,607,401. So the remaining $6 million-plus would be used for whatever the administration wanted. Remember the taxpayers approved $44 million in the last bond issue for new buildings, upkeep and repair in 2016; also a sinking fund which provided over $2 million for maintenance over the last four years but with all $46 million, no new roofs or roof repair. I would approve a millage, and I think other taxpayers would also approve a millage to cover only the repair and provide new needed roofs where needed, if the following procedure was followed. Hire a consulting team consisting of an architect, a civil engineer, with structural knowledge, and a roofing contractor, independent of anyone who bids on the new roofs, and have the above-mentioned people come up with a detailed plan to permanently fix the roofs. Once this is done, proceed with bids from three roofing contractors that are capable of handling this large job. Then carefully study the bids and select one bid, not necessarily the lowest bid, but the one that would do the best job. When this amount is known, ask the taxpayers to approve a bond issue, for only this amount, to repair all the roofs once and for all. I would hope the new school superintendent will put a priority on the upkeep and maintenance of all the Hastings school buildings and properties. Vote no on the $9.9 million bond issue, but vote yes on a bond issue to only fix the roofs completely. Our new governor used a phrase in her election campaign, which was “fix the damn roads.” I say “fix the damn roofs.” Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 John Llewellyn, Hastings Vote ‘yes’ for a fresh start for Hastings schools Downtown Hastings is vibrant and alive with growth. Home sales are strong. Businesses are prospering and the communi­ ty, as a whole, really seems to be in full stride. The schools have a new superintendent who, by all accounts, will be a real asset to Luke Haywood, president, on behalf of the our community and challenge the district to Hastings Area School System Board of live up to its full potential. Let’s welcome him Education in with a fresh start and end this yearly bond proposal push by supporting this iteration of the bond which has been trimmed back to the essentials based on what we the community of Hastings told the district we would support. Hastings area residents have the oppor­ tunity to support a bond next week Tuesday that will resolve the roof issues while address- The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: ! ‘All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. : • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. gation to not only report on the May 7 ballot in a fair and balanced manner, but to either endorse or not endorse the issue and report the reasons behind your decision. In doing so, you will be able to reach, educate and con­ vince those “independent” voters who don’t follow school district issues as thoroughly as the hard “yes” and “no” voters. Let’s remember the headline that was post­ ed for the article I have referenced: “Keep reporting all sides of the story without fear or favor.” By doing so, you will only reinforce the paper’s claim of being “Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856.” Athletic facilities do not ‘magically’ repair themselves Jim King, Assyria Township Editor ’s note: Roof repair requests have been rejected by Hastings school district voters four times in the past five years. The bidding process can’t begin until the public approves a bond. Roof repair projects must include fees in the application with the state treasury department, and any remaining funds must go back to facility improvements identified on the ballot. In this case, school officials are concerned about increasing costs while waiting for the approval of the proposal - that may consume the required fees. But, if any funds remain, repairs to bathrooms, flooring and lockers, which were cut back in the last application, would be considered. Jakob Alan Evans, Plainwell and Amy Marie White, Plainwell Riley Evan Ochs, North Vernon, IN and Nicole Lynne Hunt, Middleville Katie Lynn Force, Middleville and Steven William Kennicott, Middleville Deann Renee Grabemeyer, Middleville and Nicholas Charles Grabemeyer, Middleville Dr. Scott Koenigsknecht, (left) deputy state superintendent, visits the Barry Intermediate School District classrooms guided by Barry ISD Superintendent Rich' Franklin. State superintendents visit Michigan intermediate school districts Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Dr. Scott Koenigsknecht, deputy state superintendent, paid a visit to Barry Intermediate School District Friday as part of a new state initiative to build relationships between state and local administrators and staff. “The teachers have really appreciated the visits, and so have I,” Koenigsknecht said. “It’s been an amazing experience for me. I think the visits are having a positive impact. It gets us out of our state offices where our heads are buried in paperwork and into the classes where the teachers and students are hard at work. It reminds us of why we do what we do.” Franklin guided the tour through the West Learning Center at the Barry ISD, Star Elementary, Hastings Middle School, and Delton Kellogg Elementary. Say ‘yes’ to schools Clips from the Strand to be featured To the editor: I was deeply saddened to see “Vote NO to School Millage” yard signs on a recent trip to Hastings. Say “no” to a road millage. Say “no” to parks and recreation millage. Say “no” to an emergency services millage. Say “no” to a jail millage. Say “no” to transit millage. Say “no” to Commission on Aging millage. But, please, say “yes” to your schools. I would vote “yes” on all of the above requests. Neither Lansing nor Washington are going to take care of our local issues. It’s up to us. Mike Bremer, Middleville at next historical society meeting Several years ago, a canister of film was discovered that contained clips of Barry County life. The Barry County Historical Society helped place the film in the hands of the Charlton Park Foundation which approved and financed its digitalization. “Last October, the converted film was shown to a packed house at Charlton Park,” Diane Hawkins of the Barry County Historical Society said. “If you wish you had been there to see it, you now have the opportunity.” Charlton Park staff will share the film at the Hastings Public Library Tuesday, May 7, at 5:30 p.m. “If your family took home movies, it is; possible that they gave some of them to the Strand Theater to convert into these film clips,” Hawkins said. “Did you summer at, one of Barry County’s lakes? You might see; yourself on film. Did you work at ‘The Bliss?’ There are lots of shots of Bliss workers creat­ ing their renowned presses. Sports, the Bluegill Festival, and many more Barry County happenings can be seen next Tuesday evening. Join us, grab a bag of popcorn and settle in to enjoy the show.” �Page 6 — Thursday, May 2, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together \ ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at ’’an old country church." Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com, We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings t at 10:30 for worship! Find n •: Us On , Facebook! @ x^hastingshopeumc. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Thursday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office, greenstreetumc @ gmail. com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor; Ryan Rose, Family Life Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kinderg arten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings, org, 9 a.m. Traditional Service; 10:30 a.m. Contem­ porary service. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945­ 9217. cbchastings.org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “Ah Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www, hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Associate Pastor Andy Baird and*$fe* dent Ministry Director, Emma Miller. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAMILY HOUR - WELCOME! ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE ■ 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Preschool age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Stan­ dard and Adult Elective class­ es. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church age 4-4th grade dismissed during service. Aftermath Student Ministry - 6:30 p.m., 7th-12th grades & Semester Growth Groups.. Wednesday: Wom­ en's Bible Study 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday: Adult Bible Study 10 a.m. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. Fl&ffab Hum Products 102 Cook Hastings 945-4700 Dr. John G. Den Hartog, age 89, went to be with his Savior on Palm Sunday April 14, 2019 at Agrace Hospice Care in Fitchburg, WI. He was bom October 26, 1929 to Mr. and Mrs. Walter Den Hartog in Hospers, IA. He went to Northwestern College in Or­ ange City, IA, the university of Iowa in Iowa City, IA, and spent two years with the Navy and two years with the Marines as a corps­ man. He finished premed at the University of Iowa, went to the University of South Dakota for two years of medical school and finished medical school with honors back at the Uni­ versity of Iowa. During his time in the Ma­ rines he married nurse Marilyn Haeffle. After medical school he interned and took a residency at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Rapids. . In October 1963, Dr. Den Hartog, Marilyn and their two-year-old son Daniel went to Eritrea/Ethiopia for medical mission work with the Othodox Presbyterian Church. A hospital was built in Ghinda, Eritrea where Dr. Den Hartog treated many patients. Another son, Steven, was bom in 1964. They spent eight years there when a civil war began with Ethi­ opia making it impossible to return. They returned to Hastings and Dr. Den Hartog worked as a surgeon at Pennock Hos­ pital for 20 years. They retired and moved to Holland then to Oakwood Village in Madi­ son, WI five years ago. He is survived by his beloved wife of 66 years, Marilyn; sons Daniel and Steven; sis­ ter Cprrine; six grandchildren Peter, Dietrich, John Paul, Joshua, Anna and Sophie and many nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held on Satur­ day, June 1, at 11 a.m. at the chapel at Oak­ wood Village followed by a light lunch (6205 Mineral Point Rd., Madison, WI 53705). In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dr. John G. Den Hartog’s name may be made to BRIDGE Ministries, 6019 McPherson Rd. Ste. 8, Lar­ edo, TX 78041 (www.bridgeminlaredo.org). Please share a memory at www.CressFuneralService.com Brice DeJong Discover God’s Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! May 5 - Services at 8 and 10:45 a.m.; Lunch and Musical following second service. May 6 - Social Activities Mtg. 6:30 p.m.. May 7 - Executive Mtg. 6 p.m. May 9 - Clapper Kids 3:45 p.m.; Grace Notes 5:45 p.m.; Folk Choir 7:15 p.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www.grace-hastings. org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings. MIHMW 770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541 Jon Michael McComb Stanton William Sheridan Sr. __ i GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses’ - 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 Dr. John G. Den Hartog Brice DeJong, of Hastings, passed away un­ expectedly on April 26, 2019 in Kalamazoo, County at age 24. He was bom in Kalamazoo, Michigan on July 26, 1994. He graduated from Hastings High School in 2012 and from Western Michigan University in 2019. He has helped many with his donation to Gift of Life. He was preceded in death by his grand­ parents, Ymen and Patricia DeJong and great grandfather, John Gorski. He is survived by mother, Valerie (Scott) Hubbert; father, John (Brandy) DeJong; brother, Zach DeJong; sisters, Kourtney Hubbert, Kiersten Gahan, Psaia DeJong, and A’Della-May DeJon; grandparents, Dale and Martha Morris, and Lenay Lawrence; aunt, Marlene (Chris) O’Reilly; many other aunts, uncles, cousin Arianna O’Reilly, and many beloved friends. Memorial visitation will be held at Girrbach Funeral Home, Friday, May 3, from 6 to 8 p.m. Funeral Mass, 11 a.m., Saturday, May 4, 2019 at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church 805 South Jefferson Street, Hastings, MI 49058. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Barry County Animal Shelter 540 N Industrial Park Drive, Hastings, MI 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, vis­ it www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. At home, in the early morning hours on Saturday, April 13, 2019 Jon Michael Mc­ Comb Mike stepped into the loving arms of his Heavenly Father after an eight month bat­ tle with brain cancer. He was 55. Mike began his life on April 23, 1963 in Battle Creek, bom to his parents, Harold and Vivian (Moser) McComb. After graduating in 1981 from Delton High School, Mike received a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University. Mike was an accomplished architectural draftsman/ project coordinator. Working at TowerPinkster for the last 10 years was a job he never tired of - always looking forward to the chal­ lenge each new project would bring. On April 22, 1989, a day he never forgot, Mike married Becky Alsbury. Together for 30 years they built their lives around God and family. They have two sons, Justin and Nathaniel. He felt his boys were one of his greatest accomplishments, raising them to be the wonderful, Christian young men they are today. He was so very proud of them. Mike was an active member in the Nazarene and Free Methodist churches for his entire life. He served in many leadership roles, and was willing to help in any area he was needed. He particularly like running the sound system at the Hastings Free Methodist Church. Always willing to share his knowledge, Mike participated in Michigan Industrial Technology Education Society (MITES) as a judge at the regional and state level of the student competitions. He also volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, helping to build houses. Mike was an avid sports fan: He cheered for Michigan State University (Go Green!), rooted for the Detroit Tigers, and stuck with the Lions. Church softball season was also an anticipated event. He would prepare all spring to be ready to play first base. He is survived by his wife Rebecca (Als­ bury) McComb; his sons, Justin (Katie) Mc­ Comb of Pennsylvania and Nathaniel Mc­ Comb of Kansas; his brother, Max (Ellen) McComb of Illinois; nephew, Jonathan (Ni­ cole) McComb of Missouri and their daugh­ ter, Hayden. While distance kept them apart, never was more love expressed than when he would send a text, picture or phone call. Mike was all about family. Being unselfish and knowing his body might provide answers to this terrible cancer called glioblastoma, Mike willed his body to Michigan State University for medical re­ search. Instead of flowers we are asking you make a donation to the Hastings Free Methodist Church Building Fund. Visitation will be held at the Hastings Free Methodist Church, 2635 M-43, Hastings 49058 on Friday, May 24, 2019 from 5 to 7 p.m. and Saturday, May 25, 2019 from 11 a.m. to noon with a celebration of life service beginning at noon. A luncheon at the church will follow. Pastor Brian Teed will be offici­ ating. Please join the family and friends for a cel­ ebration of life for Wayne Roger Miller on May 18, 2019 from 1 to 4 p.m. at 5847 W. Irving Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Stanton “Stan” William Sheridan, Sr. en­ tered his eternal rest on April 28, 2019. He was bom on October 22, 1955 to Do­ lores and William Sheridan in Hastings. Stan worked for E&L Transport where his work took him all over the country. He met hi§ first wife, Debra Smith, in Kansas City, MO where they had their first son, Stanton (32). They later settled in Racine, WI where their second child, Michael (27), was bom. Stan later married his second wife, Carol Burke, in 2011. He loved the music of the ‘60s and ‘70s, motorcycles, muscle cars, spending time outdoors and driving the open roads. He also loved riding his many Harley Davidson motorcycles and spending time with his fam­ ily and friends. Stan was very proud of his two sons. Stan J is an occupational therapist in New Jersey, ’ and Michael is serving his country as a United; States Marine. Stan was also the proud grand­ parent of four grandchildren, Harper (4), Lin-1 coin (2), Noah (2), and Ani (3 months). , Stan is survived by his wife, Carole; sons, ’ Stan (Macrina) and Michael, and his four grandchildren. Stan is also survived by his brothers, Michael (Mikki) Sheridan of Co­ lumbus, IN, Thomas Sheridan of Hastings; sisters, Susan Smith of Hastings, and Karen (Raymond) Yanus of Houston, TX and sever­ al nieces, nephews, and cousins. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2019 at Girrbach Fu­ neral Home, 328 South Broadway St, Hast­ ings. Luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Shatterproof, an organi­ zation dedicated to ending the devastation of addiction. Donations can be made via phone at 1-800-597-2557 or online at shatterproof, org. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. Choral society to open 34th season in Grand Rapids The Lakewood Area Choral Society, under the direction of founding artistic director and conductor, Robert C. Oster, will open its 34th season 4 p.m. Sunday, May 5, at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2700 Fulton St. E, in Grand Rapids. « The choir will perform a variety of sacred and secular choral music, accompanied by* pianist Susan Morton. Sacred selections include “How Great Thou Art” arranged by Dan Forrest; “My Shepherd Will Supply My Need” by Craig Courtney; Molly Ijames setting of “Abide with Me;” two selections by composer Joel Raney, “Softly and Tenderly” and “The Music of Your Love,” led by assistant conductor Ronni O’Toole; and a new setting of the Navy hymn, “Eternal Father Strong to Save,” by Robert C. Oster. The choral society also will perform three classical selections, “Gloria In Excelsis” by Mozart from his “12th Mass,” featuring solo, quartet members Cindy Olson, Mary Kuhlman, David Parker and Paul Kuhlman; “Hallelujah” from Beethoven’s “Mt. of Olives,” and Franz Schubert’s “Omnipotence” featuring soprano soloist Kristen Kennedy. Secular selections will include “One World” by Mark Hayes; “I Cannot Count the Stars” by Eugene Butler, featuring violinist David Parker; and a special premier of “Forget Not the Heart,” an original choral composi­ tion written for the choir by Oster. The text for this piece was given to Oster by the Ed Reiser family. Ed is an emeritus member of the choral society, and the poem was written by his great aunt Anna Reiser (1861-1949). In lieu of tickets, a freewill offering will be taken. The concert is open to the public. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 2, 2019 — Page 7 Hastings Area School SH00LBUS® Community encouraged to attend HASS events this spring Dr. Carrie Duits Spring is here, and with it comes many endof-the-year activities throughout Hastings Area School System. I encourage all commu­ nity members to attend these events, exercise our civic duties and celebrate our students’ accomplishments. This Friday, May 3, at 4 p.m. we will host the first annual CommUNITY Games at Johnson Field. This collaborative event will include community and school teams, com­ peting in games such as tug-of-war, Minute to Win It and field goal kicks - just to name a few. The Saxon Spirit Bus will be there, as well as the Hastings High School Marching Band, cheerleaders and, of course, Victor E. Saxon. Don’t miss this fun opportunity to share in the spirit of the Hastings community. I encourage you to get out and vote next Tuesday, May 7, throughout the county. I believe we have narrowed the focus of our facility needs to the highest priorities on this particular bond proposal. If passed, the bond will provide HASS the ability to fix roofs and repair doors and windows and other critical needs at schools throughout the district. In addition, the bond will allow for the renova­ tion of the Hastings High School cafeteria servery, which will enable students to obtain food more efficiently. Spring sports are in full swing, and there is a lot to be excited about, since our stu­ dent-athletes are amazing to watch. The spring sports schedule was included on the newslet­ ter a couple of weeks ago and is updated weekly on our website. Come cheer on our Saxons. Next Friday, May 10, at 8: a.m. in the high school cafeteria, we will be hosting our annu­ al Senior Decision Day Celebration, where seniors will enjoy breakfast with their parents, be honored for their post-secondary choices and awarded several prizes. They will then board school buses and participate in the tra­ ditional visit to their elementary schools in full cap and gown. Our elementary students are always excited to see their alumni and to share in celebrating their upcoming gradua­ tion. This year’s honors night is Thursday, May 23, at 7: p.m. at the Hastings Performing Arts Center. Seniors will be recognized for their accomplishments and scholarships they have been awarded. Graduation is the following night, Friday, May 24, at 7 p.m. in the high school gymnasium. This is a very special night as we recognize and celebrate our seniors’ accomplishments over the past 13 years. I invite you to come and join us in cel­ ebrating their ultimate goal before they head off to college, the military or the workforce. It’s a great day to be a Saxon! SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Expert answers questions about benefits, enrollment and more Can I delay my retirement benefits and receive benefits as a spouse only? How does that work? It depends on your date of birth. If you were born on or before Jan. 1,1954, and your spouse is receiving Social Security benefits, you may apply for retirement benefits on your spouse’s record as long as you are at your full retirement age. You then will earn delayed retirement credits up to age 70, as long as you do not collect benefits on your own work record. Later, when you do begin receiving benefits on your own record, those payments could very well be higher than they would have been otherwise. If your spouse also is full retirement age and does not receive bene­ fits, your spouse will have to apply for bene­ fits and request the payments be suspended. Then you can receive benefits on your spouse’s Social Security record. If you were bom on or after Jan. 2, 1954, and wish to receive benefits, you must file for all benefits for which you are eligible. Social Security will determine the benefits you are eligible for and pay you accordingly. For individuals born on or after Jan. 2, 1954, there is no longer an option to select which benefit you would like to receive, even beyond your full retirement age. Widows are an exception, since they may choose to take their deceased spouse’s benefit without filing for their own. For more infor­ mation, visit socialsecurity.gov. I'm trying to figure out the best time to retire based on my future earnings. How can I calculate my own retirement benefit estimate? We suggest you use our Retirement Estimator at socialsecurity.gov/estimator. The Retirement Estimator produces estimates based on your actual Social Security earnings record, so it’s a personalized, instant picture of your future estimated benefit. Also, you can use it to test different retirement scenarios based on what age you decide to start benefits. For example, you can find out your estimated monthly payments if you retire at age 62, 70, or any age in between. Try it out now at socialsecurity.gov/estimator. My uncle said he is considered to be 70 percent disabled through the VA. Does Social Security rate my disability on a percentage scale? Social Security does not rate individuals on a percentage scale for disability benefits. For Social Security purposes, a disability is defined as a medical condition(s) that must have lasted, or be expected to last, at least one year or end in death; and the condition must prevent you from performing substantial work. For more information regarding dis­ ability benefits, visit socialsecurity.gov/benefits/disability. It's hardfor me to get around because of my disability. Can I apply for disability benefits from home? Yes. In fact, the best way to apply for dis­ ability benefits is online. Our online disability application is convenient and secure. You may apply for benefits online at socialsecurity.gov/ applyfordisability. If you do not have internet access, you may call us, 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778), to schedule an appointment to visit your local Social Security office to apply. However you decide to apply, begin by look­ ing at our Disability Starter Kit at socialsecu­ rity .gov/disability/disability_starter_kits .htm. It will help you prepare for your application or interview. What is the definition of disability for chil­ dren filing for Supplemental Security Income? Social Security has a strict definition of disability for children under the SSI program. A child who is under age 18 is considered disabled if he or she has a physical or mental condition (or a combination of conditions) resulting in “marked and severe functional limitations” (“marked and severe functional limitations” means that the condition very seriously limits the child’s activities); and the condition has lasted, or is expected to last, at least one year or is expected to result in death. To decide whether a child is disabled for SSI purposes, we look at medical and other information (such as information from schools, parents and caregivers) about the child’s condition(s), and we consider how the condition affects his or her daily activities. We consider questions such as: What activities is the child not able to do or is limited in doing? What kind of and how much extra help does the child need to perform age-appropriate activities—for example, special classes at school, medical equipment? Do the effects of treatment interfere with the child’s day-to-day activities? Read “Benefits for Children with Disabilities” at socialsecurity.gov/pubs for additional information on how we decide if a child under age 18 is disabled. I didn't enroll in Medicare Part B back when my Part A started a few years ago. Can I enroll now? It depends. The general enrollment period for Medicare Part B, medical insurance, begins Jan. 1 and runs through March 31. Keep in mind that although there is no month­ ly premium for Medicare Part A, there will be a premium for your Medicare Part B. In most cases, that premium goes up each 12-month period you were eligible for it and elected not to enroll. If you are covered by a group healthcare plan based on your employment or the employment of a spouse, you may qualify for a special enrollment. Special enrollments may be processed at any point during the year, but require proof of coverage. To find out more about Medicare, visit medicare.gov or ssa .gov/benefits/medicare/. Vonda Van Til is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids Ml 49525 or via email to vonda .vantil@ ssa .gov. ROTARY, continued from page 1 instructor, Hastings High School Drumline captain section leader, five-year Hastings High School Marching Band member, Students Against Destructive Decisions, Winterfest committee (assembly leader), homecoming planning committee, school blood drive donator, girls varsity tennis team, girls varsity swim team, prom committee, high honor roll, Scholar Athlete, varsity letter and sportsmanship award in swimming, varsity letter in tennis. After graduation, Anderson plans to attend Michigan State University to study Spanish and business, and focus on project management. When asked what is the source of the most pride for her at Hastings High School, Anderson took a broader approach, saying the opportunities for students to get involved are numerous. “Students are given many opportunities to get involved through clubs, class projects, school trips, etc.,” she said. Allison Collins, daughter of Steve and Amy Collins. Her activities and awards have included cross country (captain and MVP two years, state qualifier senior year), track and field (captain two years, distance MVP and Guts Award one year), winter running club, marching band (section leader of bass drums, West Michigan’s drumline of the year sophomore year), steel drum band, Key Club (treasurer junior year, president senior year), Science Olympiad, play, musical, symphonic band, math team, National Honor Society. After graduation, she intends to attend Spring Arbor University. She plans to study education and will be on the track team on an athletic scholarship. Collins said she is most proud of her senior year in cross country and qualifying for the state meet. Ryan Flikkema, son of Bob and Valerie Flikkema. His activities and awards during high school have included soccer and basketball (soccer team captain sophomore year), track team freshman year, YMCA Summer Playground Program, YMCA basketball and soccer referee, and YMCA soccer and basketball clinics volunteer. Flikkema plans to attend Kellogg Community College to begin physical therapy studies and play on the KCC basketball team. He said he is most proud of “the people I’ve met and the friends I’ve made,” while in high school. Devin Haywood, son of Luke and Renee Haywood. He has been active in the FFA, participating in leadership contests since middle school. He has competed in the agriscience fair for two years at the state level, and this past year was a finalist at the National Convention where he finished in ninth place. He was named the top Outstanding Junior in dKTsfate of Michigan, and has earned several individual and team FFA awards. He also served Region 1 FFA as the regional sentinel and was recently elected as the Region 1 state vice president. He was among the top 12 finalists in the nation in the DELO tractor Restoration Competition twice, and won reserve champion in the nation in 2018. He also has been in with 4-H, showing dairy and beef cattle for 10 years. He serves as a dairy teen superintendent, assisting the superintendent with fair activities. In high school, he has been on the student council four years, and is currently the senior class president. Haywood has been involved in many activities, including homecoming and Winterfest. He has been a three-sport athlete for all four years, competing in football, wrestling and track. After graduating, he plans to attend MSU for dairy management and then the University of Northern Ohio for diesel mechanics. His ultimate goal is to return to the family dairy farm to be among the sixth generation to farm. “One of the things that I am most proud of is being elected as the FFA Region 1 State vice president this past year,” he said. “This allows me to serve the members of the Michigan FFA and the Association that has given me so much over the past years.” Kate Haywood, daughter of Matt and Jennifer Haywood. She has been involved with academics, music and sports throughout high school. She is a member of the band, Science Olympiad, math team, Key Club and National Honor Society. Haywood has been on the varsity swim team, (all-conference for three years, team captain senior year). She also has been on the varsity tennis team since her freshman year. She has volunteered as an assistant coach for the Hammerhead Swim Club for six years; serves on the board for Leadership Barry County; is a member of the Barry Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council; and volunteers for the YMCA of Barry County’s Y-Mentors program. She performed in the pit orchestra for the high school musical. She plays her flute in a church musical group and at community concerts. During high school, Kate was also part of a science research team that traveled to Dominica. Kate is happy to have given back to her supportive community. After graduation, she plans to attend Kalamazoo College to pursue a degree in science and mathematics. She plans to swim on the K College women’s swim team, participate in the music program, and volunteer her time whenever possible. Grace Nickels, daughter of Mike and Lin Nickels. She has participated in volleyball, basketball and soccer for four years and served as a captain in all three. She has been active in student council for four years (currently executive board president). She has been a member of the National Honor Society for two years (current secretary). She also has been an active participant in the Key Club for four years, SADD Club for four years, Interact Club for four years, Science Olympiad for two years, Y Mentors for two years and Barry County Youth Advisory Council for four years. Apart from school, Nickels is an active member of the Lakewood Community 4-H Club and has shown animals and exhibits at the Barry County Fair for the past 10 years. She is an active participant in Hastings Young Life. After gradation, Nickels plans to attend college to pursue a degree in nursing. She is most proud of her involvement in nine service clubs and being able to serve her fellow students, school and community while attending Hastings High School. Jessica Thompson, daughter of Brenda and Peter Thompson. Her activities and awards include soccer (captain, All-Conference, All-District and All­ Academic Conference) volleyball (captain, All-Academic Conference), National Honor Society, Honor Guard, Teens Against Tobacco Use for three years, leading the Barry County Youth Summit for two years, and participating in other clubs, such as Moose Awareness, Key Club, Interact Club, and Students Against Destructive Decisions. While participating id these events, she has worked part-time at a day care and is a student intern at Hastings Fiber Glass Products. She also received a scholarship from the Horatio Alger Association. Thompson plans to attend Hope College to major in social work and minor in sociology. “The one thing I am most proud of while attending Hastings High School is getting moved up my freshman year of varsity soccer to play for districts,” Thompson said. Juan Vargas, son of Benjamin Vargas and Epifania Felix. His athletics activities have included cross country, track and field, and swimming. He also has been involved in student council, the SADD Club (president and vice president), art club (president), as well as marching and symphonic bands. After graduation, Vargas plans to attend Ferris State University. “The one thing I’m most proud of was trying out different types of sports and clubs while attending high school,” Vargas said. Samuel Waller, son of Marc and Erin Waller. Among his activities and awards are junior class president, National Honor Society (vice president), student council (executive board secretary), marching band (drum major) and symphonic band. He plans to study law and government at the University of Michigan. Waller said he is most proud of leading the marching band to its 60th consecutive Division I rating at the MSBOA District Marching Festival last fall. Elisabeth Youngs, daughter of Chase and Stacey Youngs. She has been in National Honor Society for two years, earned Academic All­ Conference, as well as team captain for the girls’ varsity basketball team and has been on the high honor roll for all four years. She also provides vocals and guitar music in her church choir and for community concerts. After graduation, she plans to attend Aquinas College to pursue a degree in secondary education with a major in English. “I am most proud of being able to be a part of the girls’ basketball program for four years and being voted as a captain of the team my senior year,” Youngs said. Mary “Belle” Youngs, daughter of Christian and Katherine Youngs. Her activities and awards include being on the varsity tennis and swim teams (two years All-Conference dive award, swim team captain, and setting two school diving records); Math Department Award (sophomore year), Choir Department Award (junior year);; math team captain; Youth Advisory Council;; National Honor Society; and church choir. She plans to earn a degree in mathematics from the University of Michigan. She said she is the most proud of being able to grow with her friends and see everyone mature during their four years at Hastings High School. City of Hastings NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE PROPOSED 2019/2020 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET The Family of BOB WENGER extends our deepest thanks to all those who looked after him since Helen’s passing six years ago and held our hands and hearts as we sent him off to join her. The outpouring of love at the visitation and memorial service was a testament to the impact he made on so many lives. Thank you to Faith Hospice, Beeler-Gores Funeral Home and the Middleville United Methodist Church for their compassionate care for Bob and his family. As Paul Harvey wrote: God looked down on his planned Paradise and said ‘I need a caretaker. So God made a farmer. God said, 7 need someone willing to get up before dawn, milk cows, work all day in the fields and milk cows again. I need somebody who'll bale a family together with the soft strong bonds of sharing.” So God made a farmer. The City of Hastings will hold a Public Hearing for the purpose of hearing written and/or oral comments from the public concerning the annual budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020. The public hearing will be held at 7:00 PM on Monday, May 13, 2019 in City Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. The City Council will consider the budget as proposed by the City Manager and presented to City Council on April 22, 2019. The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing. All interested citizens are encouraged to attend and to submit comments. A copy of this information, the entire proposed budget, and additional background materials are available for public inspection from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday at the Office of the City Clerk, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. The City will provide necessary reasonable aids and services upon five days notice to the City Clerk at 269.945.2468 or TDD call relay services 800.649.3777. Jane M. Saurman City Clerk �Page 8 — Thursday, May 2, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD JONES ; Transportation will be the theme for the Tri-River Network museum tour Saturday and Sunday. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 5 p.m. Sunday. The Lake Odessa Museum on Emerson Street will be the host spot for the Lake Odessa Area Historical Society. Exhibits will highlight train travel, automotive transport and maybe even some boats. This is a free event, and local residents are invited to attend along with visitors from the tri-river area. t The local historical society will host its annual cemetery walk at 7 p.m. Thursday, May 9, at Lakeside Cemetery. The public is invited to attend along with society members. The Women’s Fellowship will meet at First Congregational Church at 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, with a guest speaker. The annual Festival of Tables was at St. Edward’s Family Center Saturday, April 27. The tables had a wide variety of themes rang­ ing from Campbell’s Soups to New Year’s Day and the Ionia County Democratic Party. The entertainment was provided by a trio of doggers. There were door prizes aplenty. Members of Lakewood High School National Honor Society were the servers, along with library board members and Friends of the Library. Spring has sprung. Many trees are showing green leaves. Daffodils and hyacinths are in full bloom. Peony bushes have stalks a foot high. Rhubarb plants have grown up 12 inch­ es. The Habitat House on Fourth Avenue North last week had its studding and sheeting in place. This week, the rafters are in place. HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Thursday, May 2 - Baby Cafe, 10 a.m.noon; Movie Memories watches a 1946 film starring Robert Alda, Andrea King and Peter Lorre, 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, May 3 - preschool story time, 10:30-11 a.m. Monday, May 6 - Quilting Passions, 10 a.m.-l p.m.; board of directors meeting, 4:30­ 6 p.m. Tuesday, May 7 - toddler story time, 10:30­ 11:30 a.m.; open chess, 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 8 - Friends of the Library meeting, 6:30-7:30 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. 117675 NOTICE The Barry County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications from volunteers to serve on the following Boards/Commissions: Charlton Park Village and Museum Board: 1 position Commission on Aging Board: 3 positions Mental Health Authority: 1 position, must be a primary or secondary consumer Parks & Recreation: 1 position Zoning .Board of Appeals: 1 position Applications may be obtained at the County Administration Office, 3rc* floor of the Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings; or www.barrycounty.org under the tab: How do I apply for; and must be returned no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday May 20, 2019. Contact 269-945-1284 for more information. NOTICE TO BIDDERS BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry County Road Commission, 1725 West M-43 Highway, P.O. Box 158, Hastings, Ml 49058, until 8:00 A.M. Tuesday, May 7, 2019 for the following items. Tree, Brush & Limb Removal Specifications and additional information may be obtained at the Road Commission Office at the above address or at our web site at www. barrycrc.org. The Board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive irregularities in the best interest of the Commission. BOARD OF COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BARRY David D. Solmes Chairman Frank M. Fiala Member D. David Dykstra Member NOTICE OF ADOPTION 11809 OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION ORDINANCE BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN Should you borrow from your 401(k)? If you work for a business that offers a 401(k) plan, consider yourself fortunate, because a 401(k), with its tax advantages and variety of investment options, is a great way to save for retirement. But what if you need to tap in to your plan before you retire? Is it a good idea to borrow from your 401(k)? To begin with, you need to determine if a loan is even available. You can only borrow from your 401(k) if you’re still working for the company that offers the plan, but even so, you’ll have to check with your human resources area to determine if loans are allowed. If they are, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons before taking action. On the “pro” side, it’s pretty easy to get a 401(k) loan - there’s no formal loan applica­ tion and no minimum credit score required. Plus, you’re only borrowing from yourself, and you can generally repay the loan with automatic paycheck deductions, typically over a five-year period. However, you’ll also encounter some “cons” when taking out a 401(k) loan, partic­ ularly concerning taxes. If you had not bor­ rowed from your 401(k), the money you took out could have been growing on a tax-de­ ferred basis, assuming you used pre-tax dol­ lars to fund your plan, and your withdrawals will only be taxed once. But when you bor­ row from your plan, you will have to repay it, along with interest, with money you’ve earned - and been taxed on - and then, when you withdraw it later, you’ll pay taxes on it again. Furthermore, if you leave your employer before fully repaying your loan, the outstand­ ing balance likely will be taxable, although you may have a grace period in which to pay it off and avoid taxes. And perhaps even more important, taking money from your 401(k), even if you repay it later, will almost certainly slow the growth potential of your account - which, in plain terms, means you may have less money avail­ able for retirement. Of course, if you encounter an emergency, and you have nowhere else to turn, you may incurring taxes (although the earnings on need to borrow from your 401(k). And some these contributions could be taxable if you plans allow hardship withdrawals for medical take the money out before you’re 59/> and expenses and other needs, although you’ll still you’ve had your account less than five years). be taxed on the amount you withdraw. In any case, you work hard to build your But you’d probably be better off if you can 401(k) - so, no matter where you are in life, prepare, well in advance, for situations in think carefully about how you will use the which you need immediate access to a sizable money. sum. One way of doing this is to build an This article was written by Edward Jones emergency fund containing six months’ to a for use by your local Edward Jones Financial year’s worth of living expenses, with the Advisor. money kept in a liquid, low-risk account. You also might find some resources in the part of This article was written by Edward Jones* your investment portfolio held outside your for use by your local Edward Jones Financial 401(k). For example, you can always with­ Advisor If you have any questions, contact draw contributions to a Roth IRA without Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. *., ----- STOCKS------ The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. Apple Inc. AT&T Chemical Fin Chevron Deere & Co. Exxon Mobil Flowserve CP Ford Motor Co. General Electric Co. General Motors Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP Perrigo Co. Pfizer Inc. Spartannash Comp Stryker TCF Financial Corp. Walmart Inc. Walt Disney Co Whirl Pool Corp Gold Silver Dow Jones 200.67 30.96 43.93 120.06 165.63 80.28 49.03 10.45 10.17 38.95 203.70 141.20 60.30 130.60 47.92 40.61 16.17 188.19 22.13 102.84 136.97 138.82 -6.81 -1.14 +.31 -1.96 -2.13 -3.10 -1.12 +.95 +.84 -.88 -2.35 +1.30 +1.87 +5.16 -1.64 +1.19 -.29 +1.95 +.23 -.23 +3.61 -1.11 $1,283.79 $15.02 26,593 +$11.31 +.07 -63 Reading into dizziness Dear Dr. Universe: I have a question for you. Why do you get dizzy when you read on the road? Rebecca, 10 Dear Rebecca, Without even thinking about it, humans can use their eyes, ears, sense of touch, and brain to keep their balance. But sometimes these senses get a little mixed up. Imagine you are in the car reading your favorite book. All of a sudden, the road starts winding. As you look down at your book, your eyes focus on the pages. The book doesn’t appear to be moving, so the eyes send a signal to your brain that you could be sitting still. At the same time, something is stirring in your inner ears. Lots of tiny little hairs called cilium are inside your ears doing an important job. They help you sense how your head is moving in the world. You also have some fluid that moves around these tiny hairs to help you with your sense of balance. The way this fluid passes over the hairs can send different messages to your brain. It might let you know if you are upside down, right-side up, spinning, falling or, perhaps, on a winding road. It’s part of a network you use to sense your movement in the world that scientists call the vestibular system. That’s what I found out from my friend Robert Catena, a Washington State University researcher who studies all the ways the body maintains balance. When you are reading in the car, he told me, sometimes the vestibular system and the visual system are sending different messages. “That’s what makes us dizzy,” Catena said when I visited him at the Gait and Posture Biomechanics Lab. “We have two bits of information that are in conflict with each other.” Catena added that it’s also easier to get' dizzy if you aren’t the one driving. That’s’ because it’s harder for a passenger to predict the twists and turns of the road. You may have noticed you also can get dizzy just from spinning yourself around. If’ you were on a merry-go-round at a play-’ ground, the fluid inside your ears would also8 be circulating around and around. The fluid in your ears has inertia, so it keeps moving inside your ears for a short period of time after you get off the merrygo-fbund. The eyes say you are on the ground, but the fluid in your inner ear keeps moving and you feel dizzy. I also found out that if you traveled to space, the vestibular system would work a' bit differently. It is actually kind of hard to1 get dizzy in a place where there is very little gravity. * After a couple days of floating around the International Space Station, that fluid also would start floating around inside your ears. The brain would adapt to this new environ­ ment, and you wouldn’t feel too dizzy orsick. I don’t know about you, but I think space sounds like a great place to read af book. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe? Send an email to Washington State* University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her web-' site, askdruniverse.com. MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING THORUfiPPLE . P I H Y .1 H S , Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation #8110376 Office (269) 948-2248 & Insured Mobile (269) 838-5112 Please take notice that the Barry County Board of Commissioners approved of an Open Space Preservation Ordinance in accordance with PA 451 of 1994 on April 23, 2019 to protect open space land in Barry County in order to preserve the rural character and scenic attributes of Barry County by acquiring Conservation Easements voluntarily offered by property owners. The Ordinance shall be effective May 20, 2019. A copy of the Ordinance can be obtained at the Barry County Clerk’s Office, Barry County Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings, Ml 49058, or at www.barrycounty.org. 100150 Public Notice Sealed Bid Auction for Surplus Vehicle Barry County is accepting sealed bids for the following: 1) 2008 Dodge Charger 2B3KA43678H114950 mileage: 120571 NOTICE OF AMENDMENT FARMLAND PRESERVATION ORDINANCE BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN Please take notice that on April 23, 2019, the Barry County Board of Commissioners approved of amendments to the Farmland Preservation Ordinance, an ordinance to protect farmland by acquiring the development rights voluntarily offered by landowners. The Ordinance shall be effective May 20, 2019. A copy of the Ordinance can be obtained at the Barry County Clerk’s Office, Barry County Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings, Ml 49058, or at www.barrycounty.org. All items sold AS-IS and available for visual inspection at the Barry County Sheriff’s Department. May 2-4,7:00pm MmS,2$0pm Tkkets:A(Mts$10 Senior'Stu&nt $8 to PuW/c DmssRebearsai | j Afayl,7.-«pm Stott $7 j Barry County reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any irregularities in any bid, and to award the bid(s) in a manner that the County deems to be in its best interest, price and other factors considered. All sealed bids must be clearly marked on the outside of the sealed envelope as follows: Barry County Administrator c/o 2019 Spring Surplus Auto Auction 220 W State St Hastings, MI 49058 With your bid, please include your name and address, phone number, number and description of item you are bidding on. Bids will be accepted until 12:00pm on Friday, May 13, 2019. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 2, 2019 — Page 9 fl look back at the stories and columns on local history In the Hastings Banner TURNING BACK THE PAGES ( Harvard, Eisenhower administration among workplaces of former HHS teacher Kathy Maurer Copy Editor “A superintendent of schools who has come farther faster than anyone else in the busi­ ness,” is how The Saturday Evening Post described Chicago School Superintendent Herold C. Hunt. The article, published Oct. 7, 1950, and titled ‘Toughest School Job in the Country,’ must have made for some pretty exciting reading by students who’d attended Hastings High School in the mid-1920s. That same Mr. Hunt may well have been their history teacher. A twin bom in Northville Feb. 8, 1902, Hunt and his two sisters and parents - George and Kate (Herold) Hunt - moved to Holland when he was 7. His dad was a railroad freight agent, according to the 1910 U.S. Census, and young Herold was working as a newsboy. He later would work at a newspaper and never Outgrew his interest in journalism. Hunt graduated from the University of Michigan in 1923. His first teaching job was at Hastings High School. He also taught jour­ nalism. The 1925 Hastings yearbook credited Hunt with helping add a journalism class to the high school curriculum in 1924. “Fortnight,” the school paper, earned first place in Class B at the Michigan Intcrscholastic Press Association under Hunt’s guidance that first year. Hunt also served as assistant high school principal before departing in 1927 to become principal and later superintendent for St. Johns schools. He continued his own education, earning a master’s degree from U-M in 1927 and a doc­ torate from Columbia University in 1940. Kalamazoo and New Rochelle, N.Y., were the next posts for Hunt before he accepted a challenge in Kansas City. “Under the rule of Boss Tom Pendergast, the public school system of Kansas City had sunk to a discouragingly low level before Hunt took over,” Louis Foley and Edward E. Keener wrote in an article for the February 1954 the Phi Delta Kappa International mag­ azine. “His service there must have been a first-class apprenticeship for the bigger and tougher problems awaiting him in Chicago.” When it was announced in March 1953 that Hunt had resigned as general superintendent of the Chicago schools to accept a professor­ ship at Harvard University, the news attracted nationwide attention, Foley and Keener wrote in their introduction. “For Hunt’s achievements in revolutioniz­ ing the school system of Chicago had already become well-known,” according to Foley and Keener. “Anyone at all interested in education had learned of what Superintendent Hunt had managed to accomplish; he had taken an extremely tough assignment and carried it through to astonishing success. “When Herold Hunt was made superinten­ dent there in 1947, school conditions were so bad in so many ways, the system so demoral­ ized, that the name of Chicago had become a byword among educators everywhere. In a few short years, Hunt was able to change all that. The entire personnel of the system, com­ prising more than 21,000 persons, had become imbued with a new spirit and were working together as never before. The citizens of Chicago, parents and taxpayers had been aroused to a deep concern for the welfare of their children’s schools. The public had been made thoroughly conscious of its interests and responsibilities in the community’s common cause of education ...” The Windy City, however, couldn’t keep a grip on its favorite superintendent. “Hunt’s request, made to the school board at an executive session, caught them by sur­ prise, according to Chicago newspapers,” the March 19, 1953, Banner reported. “Board President W.B. Trayner said he asked Hunt if the trustees could do anything to induce him to remain in Chicago.” The board of education reluctantly agreed to release Hunt from his $30,000 annual sala­ ry. Board members were not the only ones sorry to see Hunt go. “Chicago teachers - 8,000 - are asking the school board to induce Hunt to stay,” the Banner reported. Finances likely weighed heavily in Hunt’s decision. He was, at the time, the second-high­ est-paid superintendent in the country. The New York City post paid $32,000, the Banner noted, adding “Hunt will take a cut in pay at Harvard.” The March 12, 1953, Chicago Tribune A newsboy by age 8 and later a reporter, Herold Hunt maintained an interest in journalism his entire life. Here, in a photo from the 1925 Hastings yearbook, Hunt poses with students who took first place in Class B in a school newspaper competition - the first year the class was added to the curriculum. Hunt would continue to see successes in his life. talk about Horace Mann, who did so much to establish public schools in this country and to promote public educat i. “Mann was bom 135 years ago Monday Continued on next page RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN 2019-2023 PODUNK LAKE IMPROVEMENT PROJECT (AQUATIC VEGETATION CONTROL) NOTICE OF MAY 8, 2019 PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED 2019-2023 SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL TO: Superintendent posts in Kalamazoo, Kansas City and Chicago were steps in the career progression of Herold Hunt, whose first teaching job was at Hastings High School. Hunt also taught in the Harvard Graduate School of Education and was appointed by President Dwight Eisenhower to be undersecretary of Health, Education and Welfare. reported that Hunt would be the first person to hold the Charles W. Eliot Endowed Chair in the Harvard Graduate School of Education. The position had been offered to Hunt by Harvard officials a year earlier, according to the Tribune. However, Hunt had declined because the offer was made too soon after the Chicago board had granted him a new fouryear contract and a $5,000 pay raise. The newly created position, Hunt, 51, told the Tribune “appealed to me strongly because of a long professional desire to assist in the train­ ing of school administrators before my retire­ ment.” That appeal likely grew stronger in the months following the initial offer from Harvard. “You are needed both by Harvard and by all of American public education in that post,” Harvard President Dr. James B. Conant reportedly wrote in a Jan. 9, 1953, letter to Hunt. “You can, as a professor here, have a national influence at a crucial time.” Hunt’s national influence didn’t end in that Massachusetts city. In 1955, President Dwight Eisenhower tapped Hunt as the undersecre­ tary of Health, Education and Welfare. He served in that capacity for two years before returning to the teaching staff at Harvard. He wrote or co-authored several books, including “Successful High School Teaching;” “Evaluation in Higher Education;” “Philosophy and the American School: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Education;” “Good Morning Teacher; Chicago Public Schools; A Handbook of Helpful Information for the New Teacher;” “The Practice of School Administration: A Cooperative Professional Enterprise;” and “Democracy Needs No Interpretation.” He also served as president of the American Association of School Administrators, was chairman of the American Council on Education was an officer with the National Congress of Parents and Teachers, trustee for the Education Testing Service and served on the national board of the Boy Scouts of America. In the mid-1930s, Hunt served as a district governor for Rotary service clubs, while living in St. Johns, and later in Kalamazoo. Although his time in Hastings was brief and early in his career, Hunt didn’t forget the community. He was the commencement speaker in 1949, while he was living in Chicago. He made a visit to Hastings 88 years ago this week and spoke to the Rotary Club. But he didn’t talk about himself, at least not according to the May 6,1931, Banner account. Instead, he turned the spotlight on Horace Mann and Benjamin Franklin, two men he likely learned more about as he furthered his own education. “Herold Hunt, principal of the St. Johns High School, who will be superintendent of the same school beginning next year, was the speaker at the noon luncheon of the Hastings Rotary Club Monday. He gave an interesting THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN; OWNERS OF PROPERTY ABUTTING OR HAVING DEEDED ACCESS TO PODUNK LAKE IN LAND SECTIONS 26, 27 AND 34 OF RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP; AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Supervisor/Assessing Officer of Rutland Charter Township has reported to the Township Board and filed in the office of the Township Clerk for public examination a pro­ posed special assessment roll/special assessment column in the regular tax roll pertaining to the 2019-2023 Podunk Lake Improvement Project Special Assessment District (Aquatic Vegetation Control) as created and approved by the Township Board on April 10, 2019 (Resolution No. 2019-245). This proposed special assessment roll proposes to allocate the costs of an aquatic vegetation control program for 2019 through 2023 in the approximate total amount of $45,000 over the five-year program (approximately $9,000 per year) to the various lots and parcels within the District as follows (in each instance treating multiple contiguous lots/parcels under the same ownership as a single assessment unit): • $830.00 to each lot/parcel abutting Podunk Lake ($166.00 per year). . . . ' .... . * • $690.00 to each lot/parcel abutting primarily the channel of Podunk Lake ($138.00 per year). • $320.00 to each lot/parcel abutting neither Podunk Lake nor the channel but having deeded access to Podunk Lake ($64.00 per year). The special assessments for each of years 2019-2023 will be subject to annual redetermination by the Township Board when the actual costs of the yearly program and any relevant administrative costs are known. Any such annual redetermination of costs and assessments will be made at a regular meeting of the Township Board in April-May of each year, or thereabouts, without further notice or hearing except as may be required by law or as may be further determined by the Township Board; provided that the allocation of individual special assessments resulting from any such annual redetermination shall be based on the same allocation method used for the initial 2019-2023 special assessment roll. Unpaid assessments will be subject to interest at a rate to be determined by the Township Board not exceeding 8.0% per annum (tentatively 3.0%). Note: the special assessments on the proposed 2019-2023 special assessment roll do not include any amount for legal/administrative costs associated with this five-year project, because the Township Board has determined a revenue surplus from previously imposed special assessments for the lake improvement programs undertaken in 2016-2018 should be sufficient to cover those costs. In 2020-2023 the Township Board may further consider whether any then-remaining surplus from the previous special assessments should be applied in whole or in part as an offset/credit to the special assessments that would otherwise be imposed in those years for the 2019-2023 project. A public hearing on any objections to the proposed special assessment roll will be held at the Rutland Charter Township Hall at 2461 Heath Road, Hastings, Michigan, on Wednesday, May 8, 2019 in conjunction with a regular meeting of the Township Board commencing at 7:00 p.m. Pursuant to this public hearing the Township Board may approve and confirm the proposed special assessment roll as submitted, or may approve the proposed special assessment roll with revisions, or may direct a new roll to be made. The proposed special assessment roll, and the project plans, estimate of costs, the boundaries of the 2019-2023 Podunk Lake Improvement Project Special Assessment District, and the Resolution of the Township Board creating the Special Assessment District and directing the Supervisor/Assessing Officer of the Township to make the proposed special assessment roll, may be examined at the office of the Township Clerk and may further be examined at the public hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE THAT APPEARANCE AND PROTEST AT THIS HEARING IS REQUIRED IN ORDER TO APPEAL A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT TO THE MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL. AN OWNER OR PARTY IN INTEREST OR HIS OR HER AGENT MAY APPEAR IN PERSON ATTHIS HEARING TO PROTEST A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT, OR MAY FILE AN APPEARANCE OR PROTEST BY LETTER WITH THE TOWNSHIP CLERK BEFORE THE CLOSE OF THE HEARING OR WITHIN SUCH FURTHER TIME AS THE TOWNSHIP BOARD MAY GRANT, IF ANY, AND IN SUCH CIRCUMSTANCES A PERSONAL APPEARANCE AT THE HEARING SHALL NOT BE REQUIRED. THE OWNER OR ANY PERSON HAVING AN INTEREST IN THE REAL PROPERTY WHO PROTESTS IN PERSON OR IN WRITINGAS PROVIDED ABOVE MAY FILE A WRITTEN APPEAL OF A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT WITH THE MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL WITHIN 35 DAYS AFTER THE CONFIRMATION OF THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL (OR SUCH OTHER PERIOD OF TIME AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY LAW). The foregoing hearings and all proceedings associated with these special assessment matters will be conducted in accordance with and pursuant to 1954 PA 188, as amended, the Michigan Open Meetings Act, and any other applicable law. Rutland Charter Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services at the meeting/hearing to individuals with disabilities, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered, upon reasonable notice to the Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township Clerk as designated below. Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Rutland Charter Township 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2194 116981 �f^age 10 — Thursday, May 2, 2019 — The Hastings Banner pontinued from previous page---------------------------------- - -----------------------------|jay 4, 1796] on a farm near the little town If Franklin, Mass. That place was named for Benjamin Franklin, who, in recognition of the choice of his name, gave the town a fine library of 500 volumes. Mr. Mann always credited the books he read from this library as OFFICE OF THE BARRY COUNTY DRAIN COMMISSIONER 1)7288 NOTICE OF DAY OF REVIEW OF DRAINAGE DISTRICT BOUNDARIES AND DAY OF REVIEW OF APPORTIONMENTS 14 a- DATE: May 8, 2019 .if' TIME: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Ih;. LOCATION: Barry County Courthouse - Floor 3 220 West State Street Hastings, Michigan 49058 QUESTIONS: (616) 755-6179 Please leave a detailed voicemail. All calls are returned in the order received. *0 . The Day of Review is an opportunity to review the Drainage District boundaries of the Drains listed below and the appor­ tionment of benefit with the Drain Commissioner or a staff member. A map of the proposed Drainage District boundary revisions can be found on the Barry County website at: http://www.barrycounty.org/public_information/public_notices.php. The Drain Commissioner, engineers, and/or other staff members will be available to assist individuals throughout the day, and make revisions where necessary. There is no need to schedule an appointment for a specific time on the Day of Review. S'* rtb> r . A general description of the lands by section number proposed to be added or deleted from the Drainage Districts as recommended by a licensed professional engineer or surveyor for each of the Drains is as follows: 5 Drain Name Municipalities Allarding Intercounty Drain Coldwater River Intercounty Drain Carlton Township Castleton Township Hastings Township Woodland Township ■ Ofc Carlton Township £. bi.w J dr ■ lr; 30 Irving Township f’WftOiH Of : Io ' ’■■■■’ '■ . V br. k” be cf S’. JR 0 nt to bh et ni Feheley and Extension Intercounty Drain Geiger Intercounty Drain Little Thornapple River Intercounty Drain ■ Village of Freeport Village of Woodland Carlton Township Castleton Township Hastings Township Woodland Township Evicted residents attempt break-in 1, 2, 3, 4 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 1,2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 33, 34, 35, 36 1 " 1, 4, 5, 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, 23, 24 1,6 Shellhorn and Reahm Intercounty Drain Wolford & Moore Intercounty Drain Tenants claim landlord stole 72 pairs of shoes S, 6, IS"" Two officers were dispatched to the 5000 block of Thomapple Lake Road in Castleton Township for property theft at 3:19 p.m. April 16. A 33-year-old woman and two men, 33 and 47, said they were being evicted, found some property missing and suspected their land­ lord. An officer contacted the 76-year-old landlord and her 53-year-old daughter, who said they did take the property, but a judge had allowed it, and they presented the legal paper­ work. The officer told the landlord the paperwork stated they could notify the tenants of eviction after April 15 - not take control of the property. The landlord said she would return the property. The tenants contacted police three days later and said the landlord only returned some of their property. The landlord claimed she returned all of it. The property allegedly still missing included 72 pairs of shoes, clothes and tools claimed to be worth almost $10,000. The officer forwarded the information to the prosecutor’s office. Man crashes with 0.17 BAC Officers were dispatched to South Charlton Park Road near M-79 in Hastings Township for a single-vehicle crash at 5:48 a.m. April 21. A 22-year-old Nashville man admitted he had had too much to drink and should not have tried to drive. He said he believed he fell asleep at the wheel and missed the curve. He submitted to a Breathalyzer test with 0.17 blood alco­ hol content. He was transported to the hospital for minor injuries, and information was for­ warded to the prosecuting attorney. 5 Jealousy sparks teenage assault al XJ t ....... - 2 z A 44-year-old Hastings woman called police to say her 15-year-old son had been assault­ ed by an 18-year-old male friend while he was out the previous night. Officers talked to the son, who said his friend had thrown him on the ground and punched him while they were at another friend’s house, but they talked it over afterward and reconciled. Officers talked to the suspect, who admitted to throwing and punching the younger teen, and said it came from jealously over a girl his friend had spent time with. The victim’s mother said she wanted to press charges. 6........... Fight breaks out over noise complaint 1, 2, 3, 4 1, 11, 21, 32 Carlton Township 19, 28, 33, 34 Irving Township 1, 12, 13, 14, 24 1 Carlton Township An officer responded to the Thomapple Lake Estates at 6:48 p.m. April 9 when a 26-yearold male and 32-year-old female said they had been locked out of their residence. They received an eviction notice seven days earlier, but said when they arrived home on the sev­ enth day to move out their items, they found it locked and their belongings outside. The officer told the two it was a civil issue and left, only to be called back five minutes later because the they were trying to kick the door down. A 32-year-old woman who was a friend of the residents had also ripped out cables and torn pieces off the side of the home. She was arrested on an outstanding warrant. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. 16, 16, 21, 22 01 Village of Freeport Village of Woodland Woodland Township elected to congress where he continued to work for public education. From 1853 to 1859, he was president of Antioch College and made a wonderful record there. His books and his reports as secretary of the state board of education of Massachusetts for 12 years are classics. They have given direction to American thought on public education since his day. “One of his outstanding sayings was, ‘One should never wish to die until he has won some victory for humanity.’ “Horace Mann made one of the greatest contributions to mankind by his work as an educator, and by the sacrifices he made to win people of Massachusetts to support a modem system of public education, so greatly needed in his day but which, thanks to him, has become the accepted duty of every state and a responsibility for every citizen.” Hunt took his last breath less than an hour’s drive from where Mann took his first. Hunt died Oct. 17, 1976, in Lexington, Mass. He was 74 and survived by his wife, Isabel (Wright), whom he’d married in Missouri, and one child, Douglas. Sources: Hastings Banner, Hastonian year­ book, Chicago Tribune, New York Times, Phi Delta Kappa International, Wikipedia, Google Books and familysearch.org. T rr Irving Township Portions of Sections Removed 3, 4 Portions of Sections Added 3, 4 the foundation for his interest in education and for helping him to make something of his life. “His early education was very meager, but he was determined to have the advantages of college training, and so attended Brown University, working hard to put himself through it, and became a lawyer. He practiced law at Dedham and at Boston. He naturally drifted into politics, became a member of the state Legislature, served as representative and as a state senator. It was he who drafted the laws to establish the first state board of educa­ tion in 1837. It became the law of Massachusetts and the first of its kind in this country. “Having set up the framework for such a body as the state board of education, it became necessary to have someone as its sec­ retary who would organize it and put it upon a working basis. Horace Mann was chosen as such secretary. He gave up a lucrative law practice and accepted this position at a small salary. He soon became the foremost educa­ tion authority of this country and is accorded the honor of having established our American system of public education. “He was secretary of the Massachusetts state board of education for 12 years, closing his labors in 1848. At the age of 56, he was 1, 2, 11, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28, 29, 31, 32 19, 20, 21, 28, 33, 34, 35, 36 1, 12, 13, 14, 23, 24 ~T~ 21,22 L2 1, 2, 3, 4, 9, 10, 11 1,3 An officer was dispatched to a fight reported in the 1000 block of North East Street at 9 a.m. April 15. A 19-year-old man said his 28-year-old neighbor and his 28-year-old girlfriend assaulted him with a gun. The man said he had yelled at the neighbor because he was revving his engine loudly that morning. The neighbor allegedly attacked the teen, and the neighbor’s girlfriend jumped in and punched him. However, the neighbor said the fight started when the teen kicked him in the back, and his girlfriend jumped in to separate the two when he fought back. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney, and warrants were requested for assault for all three individuals, but they were denied. RannorCI A^TFTFD^ .oanrier ijzil/O CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 For Sale Pets Recreation 2005 SUZUKI C90T, 1500cc, Black, 23k miles, newer tires, Mustang Seat. Very good con­ dition, $3,775. Call after 3pm (269)953-3232 ___________ EXCELLENT DOG GROOM­ 2005 SUZUKI C90T, 1500cc, Black, 23k miles, newer tires, Mustang Seat. Very good con­ dition, $3,775. Call after 3pm (269)953-3232 Sardex® is the greaseless & odorless way to treat mange and kill fleas!!! At Tractor Supply (www.happyj ackinc. com) Business Services BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in the Day of Review should contact the Drain Commissioner’s Office at the number noted above (voice) or through the Michigan Relay Center at 7-1-1 (TDD) at least 24 hours in advance of the Day of Review to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance. You may appeal the Drain Commissioner’s decision to revise the district boundary to the Barry County Circuit Court with­ in ten (10) days. You also may appeal the Drain Commissioner’s determination of apportionments to the Barry County Probate Court within ten (10) days. Jim Dull Barry County Drain Commissioner Oak, Hard Maple, Cherry. Paying top dollar. Call for pricing and Free Estimates. Will buy single walnut trees. Insured, liability & work­ man's comp. Fetterley Log­ ging, (269)818-7793 BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, home improvements, seam­ less gutters. 269-320-3890. ER now working at Uncle Ted's Freestone Kennels. For appointments call 616-558­ 0889. Help Wanted SUNNY CREST YOUTH RANCH, Sunfield, MI is host­ ing a Job Fair on Thursday, May 9th, 2019 from 1pm4pm. Seeking full & part­ time workers for neglected & abused boys ages 10-18. A positive attitude a must. $12.25-15.00 an hour. If inter­ ested call Wes VanDenburg 616-558-7464. BARN HELP WANTED: MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH HORSES. LOCATED IN HASTINGS. CONTACT: 269-207-4218 OR zlpowell@ yahoo.com. PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate < which is in Violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. BQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 2, 2019 — Page 11 LEGAL NOTICES -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------L.----------------------------------------------------- - -------------------------- s STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28161-DE Estate of Anna M. Busher. Date of birth: July 28, 1936. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Anna M. Busher, died February 27, 2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate and the Anna M. Busher Trust dated November 4, 2004 will be forever barred unless presented to Highpoint Community Bank, personal representative and trustee or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: April 30, 2019 Stefanie S. Fekkes P43549 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 269-945-1921 Highpoint Community Bank 150 W. Court Street Hastings, Ml 49058 269-945-2401 118128 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28192-DE Estate of Michael Charles Oliverio. Date of birth: 08/31/1955. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Michael Charles Oliverio, died 10/26/2018. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Kimberly Oliverio-Moore, personal representative or to both the probate court at 206 West Court St., Suite 302, Hastings and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 04/26/2019 Paul D. Tripp P82451 202 S. Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 269-948-2900 Kimberly Oliverio-Moore 19 Montford Street Battle Creek, Ml 49017 269-339-6070 117908 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28127-DE Estate of Lee G. Denton. Date of birth: 07/28/1944. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Lee G. Denton, died 01/02/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Sandra Kozan, personal representative or to both the probate court at 206 West Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 04/24/2019 Robert L. Byington P-27621 222 West Apple Street, P.O. Box 248 Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-9557 Sandra Kozan P.O. Box 283 Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-8860 117906 FORECLOSURE NOTICE THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE Default has occurred in a Mortgage made on August 19,2010 (the “Mortgage”) by Stuart A. Gingell Jr. (“Mortgagor”) to Lakestone Bank & Trust, f/k/a Lapeer County Bank & Trust Co. (“Mortgagee”). The Mortgage was recorded on September 15, 2010, in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan, at Instrument Number 201009150008561. As of the date of this Notice, there is claimed to be due and unpaid on the Mortgage the sum of SeventyThree Thousand Five Hundred Eighty and 05/100 Dollars ($73,580.05) in principal, accrued interest, and late fees and costs. No suit or proceeding has been instituted to recover any part of the debt secured by the Mortgage, and the power of sale contained in the Mortgage has become operative by reason of such default. On Thursday, May 30, 2019, at 1:00 p.m., at the Barry County Courthouse, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan, which is the place for holding mortgage foreclosure sales for Barry County, Michigan, there will be offered for sale and sold to the highest bidder, at public sale, for the purpose of satisfying the amounts due and unpaid on the Mortgage, together with the legal costs and charges of sale, including attorneys’ fees allowed by law, the real property located in the Township of Castleton, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and described in the Mortgage as follows: A parcel of land in the Northeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 14, Town 3 North, Range 7 West, described as: Beginning at the Northeast corner of said Section 14, Thence South 343 feet; Thence North 89 degrees 27’ West 508 feet; Thence North 343 feet; Thence South 89 degrees 27’ East 508 feet to the place of beginning. Excepting therefrom any part thereof lying North of an open ditch which runs near the line between Sections 11 and 14. Commonly known as: 40 S M 66 Highway, Nashville, Ml 49073; Tax I.D. #: 08-05-014-010-00 The redemption period shall be six (6) months from the date of the sale unless the property is deemed abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be thirty (30) days after the foreclosure sale or when the time to provide the notice required by subdivision MCL 600.3241 a(c) expires, whichever is later. If the property is sold at a foreclosure sale, you will be responsible to the person who buys the property at the foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder if you damage the property during the redemption period. MILLER JOHNSON Attorneys for Lakestone Bank & Trust, f/k/a Lapeer County Bank & Trust Co. By: Rachel L. Hillegonds (P67684) 45 Ottawa Avenue SW, Suite 1100 Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (616) 831-1700 Dated: May 2, 2019 118098 NOTICE TO CREDITORS LeNora J. Kenfield Trust Please take notice that LeNora Jane Kenfield, born December 8, 1919, died on March 24, 2019. Her last address was 690 West Main Street, Middleville, Michigan 49333. Creditors of the decedent or the Trust are notified that all claims against the decedent and Trust will be forever barred unless presented to Sally Mulder, at the address below, within four months after the date of publication of this notice. This notice is given pursuant to the Michigan Estates and Protected Individuals Code. Sally Mulder 2310 Charleston Ct. SE Kentwood, Ml 49508 Date of Publication: May 2, 2019 Prepared by: Christopher D. Matthysse Mika Meyers PLC 900 Monroe Avenue NW Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 616-632-8000 117905 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on May 23, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Albert E. Tossava and Margaret Tossava, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC. Date of Mortgage: March 25, 2016 Date of Mortgage Recording: April 1,2016 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $73,769.75 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Village of Woodland, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Commencing 80 rods North of the Southwest corner of Section 15, T4N, R7W, for the place of beginning; thence East 16 rods; thence South 5 Rods; thence West 16 rods; thence North 5 rods to the place of beginning, Barry County Records. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: April 25, 2019 , Trott Law, P.C. 1383098 (04-25) (05-16) 117450 NOTICE OF FORECLOSURE SALE STEPHEN L. LANGELAND, P.C. A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE AT THE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTENTION PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. MORTGAGE SALE -- Default has occurred in a Mortgage made by Jeffrey D. Jackson and Richelie L. Jackson to First Community Federal Credit Union n/k/a Advia Credit Union dated June 15, 2004 and recorded on June 24, 2004 at Document No. 1129792 Barry County Records. No proceedings have been instituted to recover any part of the debt, secured by the mortgage or any part thereof and the amount now claimed to be due on the debt is $72,949.47. The Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the property at public auction to the highest bidder, for cash, on May 9, 2019 at 1:00 p.m., local time, at the East door of the Barry County Courthouse, Hastings, Ml. The property will be sold to pay the amount then due on the Mortgage, together with interest at 5.8% per annum, legal costs, attorney fees, and also any taxes or insurance or other advances and expenses due under mortgage or permitted under Michigan law. The land is located in the County of Barry, State of Michigan and is described as: COMMENCING AT THE WEST 1/4 POST OF SECTION 31, TOWN 1 NORTH, RANGE 10 WEST, PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, THENCE EAST 1350 FEET ON THE EAST-WEST 1/4 LINE, THENCE SOUTH 382.84 FEET ON THE NORTH AND SOUTH 1/8 LINE TO THE PLACE OF BEGINING; THENCE SOUTH 382.83 FEET TO THE NORTH LINE OF M-89; THENCE NORTH 70 DEGREES 28’ WEST 211.31 FEET ALONG HIGHWAY; THENCE NORTH 315 FEET (ALSO RECORDED AS 315.74 FEET); THENCE EAST 200 FEET TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. Which has the address of: 12792 M-89, Plainwell, Ml 49080 During the six (6) months following ng the sale the property may be redeemed, unless determined to be abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241(a), in which case the redemption period shall be thirty (30) days from the date of sale. ADVIA CREDIT UNION Dated: April 8, 2019 By: Stephen L. Langeland (P32583) BUSINESS ADDRESS: Stephen L. Langeland, P.C. Attorney at Law 6146 W. Main St., Ste. C Kalamazoo, Ml 49009 269/382-3703 116294 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Ronald L. Gibbs, a married person, to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. successor by merger to Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Inc., Mortgagee, dated July 1, 2003 and recorded July 28, 2003 in Instrument Number 1109587 Barry County Records, Michigan. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Thirty-Four Thousand Three Hundred Sixteen and 59/100 Dollars ($34,316.59), including interest at 5.5% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on MAY 23, 2019. Said premises are located in the Township of Prairieville, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: Lot 20 of Supervisors Plat of Prairieville according to the recorded plat thereof, as Recorded in Liber 2 of Plats on Page 74Also the North 74.25 Feet of the West 165 feet of Lot 22 of Supervisors Plat of the Village of Prairieville, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 2 of Plats on Page 74. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: April 25, 2019 File No. 19-001314 Firm Name: Orlans PC (04-25)(05-16) 117587 FORECLOSURE NOTICE THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE Default has occurred in a Mortgage made on March 17, 2001 (the “Mortgage”) by Michelle Collette (“Mortgagor”) to Highpoint Community Bank, f/k/a Hastings City Bank, a Michigan banking corporation (“Mortgagee”). The Mortgage was recorded on March 23,2001, in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan, at Instrument Number 1057155. As of the date of this Notice, there is claimed to be due and unpaid on the Mortgage the sum of EightyNine Thousand Four Hundred Forty-Three and 47/100 Dollars ($89,443.47) in principal, accrued interest, and late charges. No suit or proceeding has been instituted to recover any part of the debt secured by the Mortgage, and the power of sale contained in the Mortgage has become operative by reason of such default. On Thursday, May 30,20T9;at 1:00 p.m., at the Barry County Courthouse, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan, which is the place for holding mortgage foreclosure sales for Barry County, Michigan, there will be offered for sale and sold to the highest bidder, at public sale, for the purpose of satisfying the amounts due and unpaid on the Mortgage, together with the legal costs and charges of sale, including attorneys’ fees allowed by law, the real property located in the Township of Thomapple, County of Barry, Michigan, and described in the Mortgage as follows: The West 300 feet of the East 1/2 of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 32, Town 4 North, Range 10 West. More commonly known as: 11878 Bass Road, Middleville, Michigan 49333; Tax Parcel Number: 08­ 14-032-001-00 The redemption period shall be six (6) months from the date of the sale unless the property is deemed abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be thirty (30) days after the foreclosure sale or when the time to provide the notice required by subdivision MCL 600.3241 a(c) expires, whichever is later. If the property is sold at a foreclosure sale, you will be responsible to the person who buys the property at the foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder if you damage the property during the redemption period. MILLER JOHNSON Attorneys for Highpoint Community Bank, f/k/a Hastings City Bank By: Rachel L. Hillegonds (P67684) 45 Ottawa Avenue SW, Suite 1100 Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (616) 831-1700 Dated: May 2, 2019 118002 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Mitchell Kantner, an unmarried man, to Fifth Third Mortgage - Ml, LLC, Mortgagee, dated August 28, 2012 and recorded August 30, 2012 in Instrument Number 2012-003999 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by Fifth Third Bank, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Sixty-One Thousand Thirty-Six and 9/100 Dollars ($61,036.09), including interest at 3.625% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on MAY 30, 2019. Said premises are located in the Township of Irving, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: A parcel of land in the Northeast 1/4 of Section 32, Town 4 North, Range 9 West, described as: Commencing at the North 1/4 post of said Section 32; thence East in the center of Grange Road 389 feet for a place of beginning; thence East on the centerline of said road 125 feet; thence South 734 feet; thence West 125 feet; thence North 734 feet to the place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: May 2, 2019 File No. 19-002588 Firm Name: Orlans PC (05-02)(05-23) 117842 ; ;—1 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Trust In the matter of : THE STEPHEN L. PENNINGTON AND JUDY A. PENNINGTON TRUST, DATED February 22, 2005, as amended March 9, 2017. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Stephen L. Pennington, who lived at 1000 Willits Road, Hastings, Michigan 49058, died on April 13, 2019, leaving a certain trust under the name of Stephen L. Pennington and Judy A. Pennington Trust, dated February 22, 2005, wherein the decedent was the Settlor and Natalie S. Pennington and Ryan S. Pennington were named as Successor Co-Trustees serving at the time of or as a result of the decedent’s death. Creditors of the decedent and of the trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or against the trust will be forever barred unless presented to Natalie S. Pennington and Ryan S. Pennington, the named Successor Co-Trustees, at Tripp & Tagg, Attorneys at Law, 202 South Broadway, Hastings, Michigan 49058 within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Nathan E. Tagg (P68994) 202 South Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2900 Natalie S. Pennington 1780 Wellham Street, #133 Orlando, FL 32814 and Ryan S. Pennington 9601 Capedon Ave., Apt. #308, Palm Beach Gardens, FL 33418 118030 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement auction at the place of holding the circuit court within NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on May 16, 2019: 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Donald L. Fuller, a a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of married man and Shirley Fuller, his wife them, at public auction at the place of holding the Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on Registration Systems, Inc. May 9, 2019: Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Lakeview Loan Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Theresa Marie Servicing, LLC Degennaro Date of Mortgage: July 22, 2011 Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Date of Mortgage Recording: July 26, 2011 Registration Systems, Inc. Amount claimed due on date of notice: $54,401.86 Foreclosing Assignee (if any): The Bank of New Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated York Mellon fka The Bank of New York as trustee in Township of Assyria, Barry County, Michigan, and for the Certificateholders of CWABS Inc., Assetdescribed as: A parcel of land in the Northwest 1/4 of Backed Certificates Series 2007-2 Section 34, Town 1 North. Range 7 West, described as: Date of Mortgage: January 12, 2007 Date of Mortgage Recording: January 23, 2007 Beginning at a point on the East and West 1/4 line of Amount claimed due on date of notice: $96,252.06 Section 34, Town 1 North, Range 7 West, distant North Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated 89 degrees 32 minutes 09 seconds East, 1943.12 feet in Township of Irving, Barry County, Michigan, and from the West 1/4 post of said Section 34, said point described as: Beginning at a point on the East-West of beginning also being South 89 degrees 32 minutes quarter of Section 22, Town 4 North, Range 9 West, 09 seconds West, 215 feet from the old centerline of Irving Township, Barry County, Michigan, distant Highway M-66, as previously located in 1934, and Westerly 495.00 feet, more or less from the East ' being South 89 degrees 32 minutes 09 seconds West, quarter post of saidSectioni22, being the Northwest 253.18 feet from the centerline of Highway M-66, corner of the East 30 acres of the East half of the as relocated in 1966; thence North 08 degrees 36 Southeast quarter of said Section 22; thence minutes 26 seconds West, 113.14 feet (previously Southerly 679 feet parallel with the East line of said recorded as 105 feet), to the Southwest corner of Section 22; thence Westerly 385.00 feet; thence lands conveyed in Liber 244 of Deeds, on Page 174, Northerly 679.00 feet to said East-West quarter Barry County Records; thence North 86 degrees 27 line of Section 22; thence Easterly 385.00 feet to minutes 05 seconds East, along the South line of said the point of beginning. Subject to all conditions, lands conveyed in Liber 244 of Deeds, on Page 174, restrictions and easements of record. The Grantor a distance of 173.21 feet to the Northwesterly line of Grants to the Grantee the right to make zero (0) a clear vision area for Highway M-66, as conveyed Division under Section 108 of the Land Division Act, in Liber 307 of Deeds, on Page 375, of Barry County Act No. 288 of the public Acts of 1967, as amended. Records; thence South 40 degrees 04 minutes 25 This property may be located within the vicinity of seconds West, along said Northwesterly line, 159.64 farm Land or Farm operation generally accepted feet, to said East and West 1/4 line; thence South 89 agricultural and management practices which may degrees 32 minutes 09 seconds West along said East generate noise, dust, odors and other associated and West 1 /4 line, 53.18 feet, to the place of beginning. conditions may be used and are protected by the Michigan Right to Farm Act. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the responsible to the person who buys the property at mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage for damaging the property during the redemption holder for damaging the property during the period. redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: April 18, 2019 Date of notice: April 11,2019 Trott Law, P.C. Trott Law, RC. 1382410 1381528 (04-18)(05-09) 116980 (04-11)(05-02) 116236 City of Hastings Position Available: Police Officer The Hastings Police Department, an equal opportunity employer, is seeking qualified applicants for a full time Police Officer position. The primary responsibilities of this position include maintaining the high quality of life for all City residents, businesses and visitors. This will be accomplished not only by our proactive approach to enforcing the state laws and city ordinances, but also through our high quality customer service. Qualifications: * Must be 21 years of age * Possess an Associate’s degree * Be MCOLES licensed or eligible to be licensed * Excellent writing and communication skills * Must pass an extensive background investigation Please submit resume and cover letter to Chief Jeff Pratt 201 E. State St. Hastings Ml 49058 or jpratt@hastingsmi.org. Resumes will be accepted through May 10, 2019. 117909 — Jeff Pratt Chief of Police City of Hastings NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Hastings City Council will hold two (2) public hearings on Monday, May 13, 2019 at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers, sec­ ond floor of City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan. The purpose of the Public Hearings are for City Council to hear comments and (1) make a determi­ nation on the necessity of improvements and the establishment of a special assessment district; and (2) the establishment of a final assessment roll for the Downtown Parking Special Assessment District for 2019. The City will provide necessary reasonable aid and services to disabled persons wishing to attend these hearings upon seven days notice to the Clerk of the City of Hastings, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Telephone 269/945-2468 or TDD call relay services 800/649-3777. 117997 Jane M. Saurman City Clerk �Page 12 — Thursday, May 2, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Saxon state Science Olympiad team finishes 16th out of 60 The 2019 Hastings High School Science Olympiad state team gathers for a quick photo near the Sparty statue on the MSU campus. Pictured (front, from left) are Noah Former, Anna Scheck, Josh Brown, Katie Metzner, Kassi Warner, Elli McFarlan, Abby Waller, Sam Randall, Patrick Mallory, Matt Pattok, coach Marty Buehler: (back) Laurin Mayer, Megan Roe, Lexi McDade, Kate Haywood and Spencer Tyson. Most of the 3,500 seats at the MSU Auditorium are filled as the top 10 contenders are called up to receive medals during the awards ceremony to cap off the Michigan Science Olympiad state finals. Kathy Maurer Copy Editor A team of 15 Hastings High School stu­ dents finished in 16th place among 60 schools of all types and sizes Saturday during the Michigan Science Olympiad state finals in East Lansing. The top 60 schools in Michigan qualify for the event by finishing at the top of their respective regions. I Led by teacher and coach Marty Buehler, nearly 45 Hastings High School students have taken part in .Science Olympiad this year. Research, construction and studying began in the fall. Students progressively improved at invitational competitions in the winter, and took first place at the regional event in March, edging out rivals Portage Central and Hamilton high schools. Those two schools hgd bested the Saxons in previous competi­ tions. Science Olympiad challenges students in various areas of science, either in written exams, testing of pre-built devices or a com­ bination of both methods. Up to 15 students per squad work in teams of two or three in the 23 science events. So, most students have to study and prepare, outside of school, for up to four events. Early Saturday morning, Buehler and 15 students headed to Michigan State University. Some of the students who finished at the top in regional competition did not attend the state event, and instead prepared for prom, which also was that night. So, Buehler said, he took some youngsters in their place. “ Unofficially, Hastings finished in third place among Class B schools in the state, he said. “I really felt like we could have finished 10th as a team,” Buehler said Monday. “We had beaten all of those [Class B] teams during the year, but 16th is a respectable finish. It was a good season.” Noah Former and Laurin Mayer took sixth place in Source Code, a computer program­ ming event. Other top 10 performances were given by Abby Waller and Megan Roe in Write It, Do It; Sam Randall and Katie Metzner in forensics; and Josh Brown and Spencer Tyson in Boomilever. Though no award is given for placing in the top third or half in the various events, such finishes quietly contribute to the overall team score. Other Hastings students competing Saturday included Kate Haywood, Patrick Mallory, Lexi McDade, Elli McFarlan, Matt Pattok, Anna Scheck and Kassi Warner, Northville High School (with a student population of 2,378) took first place in the state, followed by Ann Arbor Pioneer (2,094 students) in second, Troy High School (2,422 students) in third place, and Grand Haven (2,032 students) taking fourth place. As the top finisher, Northville will advance to the national tournament at the end of May in Ithaca, N.Y. Hastings (805 students) and Hamilton (783) have been evenly matched competitors for several years. Hamilton may have benefited from Hastings’ youth at the state event where the Hawkeyes finished in 12th place. Portage Central finished at 29th, garnering 673 points. The battle for the 12th to 20th place finish­ es was close - a mere 20 points - but both rural schools held their own against much larger urban contenders. The lowest score wins, and the final results showed Hamilton with 481 points; Holt (1,752 students) 13th with 483 points; Utica Stevenson (2,663), 14th with 487 points; Utica Eisenhower (2,689), 15th with 490 points; Hastings, 16th with 493 points; Plymouth Canton (2,212), 17th with 497 points; East Lansing (1,108) 18th with 483 points; Troy Athens (2,026) 19th with 500 points; and Plymouth Salem (2,090) in 20th place with 501 points. Noah Former (pictured) and Laurin Mayer took sixth place in the state in the Source Code event. Mayer, a German exchange student, went to the prom instead of the awards ceremony. In contrast, the difference between first and 11th place was 340 points - 121 to 461 points, respectively. Buehler refers to Science Olympiad as an awesome learning experience, and said it would not be possible for Hastings students to take part in it without the support of the Barry Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council and “bread and butter, super-support­ ing” Hastings Education Enrichment Foundation. Lakewood teams in middle of pack at Parma Western , The Lakewood boys were fourth and the girls fifth at Parma Western’s Ralph Rice var­ sity track and field invitational Friday. " Parma Western, one of the top teams in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference, took the championship in both the boys’ and the girls’ meets. The host Panthers won the boys’ title with 202 points, ahead of Adrian 110.5, Charlotte 78, Lakewood 58, Jonesville 40, Michigan Center 23.5, Jackson Northwest 23 and Leslie 18. Lakewood’s Chase Salgat was one of the top sprinters at the meet, winning the 100meter dash in 11.71 seconds and placing sec­ ond in the 200-meter dash in 24.20. Parma Western had three guys in the top six in each of those races. Salgat also set a new personal record by flying 18-1.75 in the long jump, placing seventh. Parma Western sprinters won the 4x55-meter relay, the 4xl00-meter relay and the 4x200-meter relay. Salgat teamed with Garrett Stank, Denny Sauers III and Payne Hanna for a runner-up time of 46.08 in the 4x 100-meter relay for the Vikings. Hanna was the pole vault champion, clear­ ing 13-3, his highest tally of the season. Lake wood senior Josh Denda had his best mark of the season in the shot put to place sixth at 43-8.5. Viking sophomore Nathan Alford was the runner-up in the 3200-meter run in 10 min­ utes 22.65 seconds behind Jonesville junior Carson Laney who finished in 10:10.77. Parma Wester won the girls’ meet with 146.5 points, ahead of Jackson Lumen Christi 85, Jonesville 67.5, Jackson Northwest 59, Lakewood 52, Adrian 51, Charlotte 45, Leslie 31 and Michigan Center 17. While there weren’t any guys who man­ aged to win two individual events Friday, three girls pulled off the feat. Adrian sopho­ more Marr Day’Anna took the long jump at 16-4.5 and the high jump at 4-11. Lumen Christi senior Allison Rand won the 1600meter run in 5:36.26 and the 800-meter run in 2:27.31. Northwest sophomore sprinter Ja’Cariel Reynolds won the 100-meter dash in 12.96 and the 200 in 27.37, setting a new PR in each race. Lakewood junior Chloe Haight led her team in the springs, placing fifth in the 100 in 13.65 and seventh in the 200 in 29.45. Viking senior Brooke Bouwens had a big day in the hurdles, placing second in the 300meter low hurdles in a personal record time of 51.64 and third in the 100-meter hurdles in a personal record of 17.94. Her freshman team­ mate Hokulani Ka’alakea placed second in the 100 hurdles in 17.83. Haight and Bouwens teamed with Patsy Morris and Kristine Possehn to win the 4x400-meter relay in 4:22.88. Madisyn Case, a junior, set a new personal record in the 800-meter run for the Lakewood ladies, finishing in 2:47.05. The top finish for the Lakewood ladies in the field was a sixth-place mark of 13-5 in the long jump by Morris. Senior Saxons who stayed for awards ceremony, the fourth and final time for some' of them, are (from left) Noah Former, Lexi McDade, Katie Metzner, Kassi Warner, Megan Roe and Kate Haywood. Lions hope for dry day to honor former coach Lenz Maple Valley will honor former long-time head coach Larry Lenz by retiring his number 17 in a ceremony during the annual Ken Beardslee Wooden Bat Tournament at Griswald Field in Vermontville May 11. Current Lion varsity head coach Bryan Carpenter hopes any alumni who played for coach Lenz, as well as all Lion baseball alum­ ni, will be able to attend the special day. The event was scheduled to take place last spring, but was postponed due to rain. Lenz had two stints leading the Lion pro­ gram, from 1968-1976 and then he returned from 1981-1985. The Lions had a 191-86 record under his leadership, winning six con­ ference championships and four district titles. He guided the Lions to the Class C State Championship Game in 1975, where the Lions were downed by Bronson. The Lions will host Ionia, Melvindale and Jackson Northwest for the tournament. The opening game is slated for 9 a.m. The ceremony is scheduled to be held after the first game of the tournament, at approximately 11 a.m. Brummel shuts down Sailors after opening inning, TK wins South Christian put the ball on the barrel in the first inning to take a 2-0 lead over the visiting Thomapple Kellogg varsity baseball team, but Trojan starter didn’t allow the Sailors another hit the rest of the way. The Trojans scored their first OK Gold Conference win of the season Tuesday, com­ ing from behind for a 4-2 victor}/ in Grand Rapids. Brummel went the distance on the mound, striking out five and walking four in seven innings. He allowed a double and a pair of singles in that opening frame. The Trojans got a run back in the third inning and Reese Garbrecht and Jordan Hey each drove in a run in the top of the fourth inning to put TK in front. TK tacked on a fourth run in the top of the sixth. Half of the Trojans’ runs were unearned as the Sailors committed four errors in the ballgame. TK was also helped by five six walks. Hey, Levi Vanderheide and Alex Bonnema had the three Trojan hits, all singles. Carter Stahl walked twice and scored one of TK’s four runs. Matt McNee, Hey and Bonnema also scored. TK is now 1-6 in the OK Gold this season. The Trojans are scheduled to host the Sailors for two ballgames this afternoon. The Trojans host their annual TK Wooden Bat Invitational Saturday morning, beginning at 10 a.m. The Trojans will take on Delton Kellogg in the day’s opener. The tournament Saturday also includes a pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Thornapple Kellogg High School cafeteria to support the TK baseball program. The cost is $5 per person. Tickets can be purchased at the door or at the TK athletic Office. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 2, 2019 — Page 13 ‘Anything Goes’ with Thornapple Players, beginning tonight Ellie Youngs (from left), Jennifer Craven, Izzy Bergeron, Tom Johnson, Amber Miller, Matthew Thelen, Emily Hayward, Amy Youngs dance and sing on stage. Rhonda Smith from Thornapple Credit Union helps sophomore John Solmes understand areas of his budget during the annual Hastings High School Reality Fair. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) Grown-up finances surprise many students Joan Van Houten Madalyn Anderson (from left), Dan Braker, Kathleen Welch and Julian Kratochvil rehearse for the Thornapple Players’ production “Anything Goes.” Joan Van Houten Staff Writer The Thornapple Players will present “Anything Goes,” the first show performed by the group 20 years ago. The antics will hit the stage at 7 p.m. tonight, and 2 p.m. Saturday, May 5, at the Dennison Performing Arts Center, 231 S. Broadway, Hastings. Adult tickets are $10 and senior and student tickets, up to 18 years old, are $8. “This is our 20th anniversary. We have sur­ vived longer than any community theater group in Hastings, thanks to the support of our community, donors, patrons, advertisers and audiences,” producer Norma Jean Acker said. Acker and her husband, Doug, Rose Anger, 'Shirlee Holston, Terry Dennison and Carol Satt&ty are the only cast and crew members from tnbxfirst performance to be part of this one in different capacities. In the humorous musical tale, Billy, the lead character, falls madly in love with, Hope, a beautiful girl he meets in a taxi. He learns she is boarding the ship S .S. American, and he sneaks aboard. Billy’s boss and co-worker Reno also is on the ship, and Reno has fallen madly in love with Billy. He doesn’t feel the same for her. Hope, the girl he does love, is engaged to a British aristocrat, but that won’t stop Billy from trying to win her hand. Billy creates a plan to shake Reno and cap­ ture the heart of the girl of his dreams - all without hurting anyone’s feelings. Cast members for Thomapple Players are Reno Sweeney - Kathleen Welch; Hope Harcourt - Madalyn Anderson; Bonnie Amber Miller; Mrs. Harcourt - Shirlee Holston; Chastity - Amy Young; Charity Yvette Stone; Purity - Emily Hayward; Virtue - Ellie Youngs; Billy Crocker - Michael Moray; Moonface Martin - Dan Braker; Sir Evelyn Oakleigh - Julian Kratochvil; Elisha J. Whitney - Jeri Weinbrecht; Steward - Terry Dennison; Purser - Julie Coon; Captain Steve Youngs; Reporter - Jennifer Zech; Camera person - Jennifer Craven; Bishop Dobson - Doug Acker; Ching-Cheryl Swinkunas; Ling - Amber Klinge, Sailor/ Ensemble - Matt Thelen and Tom Johnson;; Teen passengers/Ensemble - Izzy Bergeron and Amy Forsberg. Pit orchestra members are Bill Johnson, trumpet; Gary Robbe, keyboard; Karl Soule, saxophone; Mark Hurless, trombone; Beth Lepak, bass guitar; Rosemary Anger, clarinet; Doug Acker, banjo and guitar; and Laura Soule, percussion. The production crew includes Doug Acker, director; Laura Soule, vocal music director; Carol Satterly, costumer; Tammy Johnson, costumer; Carol Svihl, house manager; Norma Jean Acker, producer; Kimberly Rodriquez, choreographer; Dale Svihl, set builder; Dee Lowell, lights; Sam Pattok, lighting intern; Terri Schray, backstage crew; Lydia Yonkers, crew; Jennifer Zech, stage manager; Rick Hemerling, sound; and Lynette King and Jordan Dimock, hair and makeup. Tickets are available at Progressive Graphics, 115 S. Jefferson St., by calling Thornapple Arts Council at 269-945-2002, or at the door before performances. DK boys take title with help from coach Trierweiler The Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ golf team took the championship Friday at the Parchment Coach/Players scramble, shooting a 100 in a format that included team scramble scores added to player-only scramble scores and a coach individual score on every other hole. The Delton Kellogg boys won by nine strokes over the runners-up from Kalamazoo Central at the nine-team event at Eastern Hills Country Club. The Delton Kellogg varsity foursome included seniors Alejandro Guevara, Damian LaFountaine, Drew Ketola and Tanner Janowski. Delton Kellogg head coach Jim Hogoboom said it was a fun format. Delton Kellogg assistant coach and high school principal Lucas Trierweiler teamed up with the boys for the victory. Pape and Rench lead DK boys in the field at Allegan Invitational The Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ track and field team scored a seventh-place finish at the 18-team Allegan Invitational Friday. Junior Jordan Rench had a couple of the top individual finishes for the DK boys earning a runner-up finish in the high jump by clearing 6 feet 2 inches, a new personal record. He also placed third in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles with a personal record tie of 42.60. Sophomore Cole Pape added a personal record throw of 140 feet 10 inches int eh dis­ cus to place third in that event for the DK boys. He added a tenth-place mark of 41-6.5 in the shot put as well. DK also got a top ten finish in the field from senior Kendal Pluchinsky who was sixth in the pole vault at 10-9. Senior Nicolas Dumas was top ten in the sprints for the DK boys, setting new personal records in the 100-meter dash and the 200- meter dash. He set a personal record of 11.59 in the prelim’s of the 100 and 23.78 in the prelims of the 200, then went on to place sixth in the 100 (11.61) and sixth in the 200 (24.01). The top finish for the DK girls at the invi­ tational was an eighth-place jump of 7-6 by senior Lily Cooper in the pole vault. DK freshman Halena Phillips and Hannah Austin both set new personal records in the 1600-meter run, with Phillips 20th in 6:16.99 and Austin 25th in 6:33.81. Berrien Springs took the championship in the boys’ meet with 122.16 points, ahead of St. Joseph 97.5, Wayland 79.16, Otsego 67.33 and Plainwell 52 in the top five. Hamilton won the girls’ meet with 84 points, ahead of St. Joseph 78, Otsego 70, Berrien Springs 66 and Thornapple Kellogg 57 in the top five. The DK girls were 18th on the day and the Thornapple Kellogg boys 17th. Staff Writer The annual reality fair was a reality check for Hastings High School students Tuesday. “I’m really surprised at how seriously the students are taking this,” Jillian Foster, from Thornapple Credit Union, said. “When they realize their budget isn’t enough to get the things they need, they make plans on ways to bring in additional income. I’ve also heard kids make comments about things they want, like a pet, and how they now know they can’t afford to take care of one. I’ve also had them ask if they can change careers.” Rhonda Smith, marketing and financial educator assistant at Thornapple Credit Union, said the students chose the careers they are interested in and researched the careers and salary. They receive help with deducting taxes. What’s left is the budget for the manth^ .. . . . . _ .. Several booths were set up in the gymnasi­ um, each representing a need or want, such as housing, food, transportation or one-time purchases like a television. Along with their careers and income, students are provided with credit cards of varying amounts and starting balances in checking accounts. “We also give them a credit score, but that’s done randomly. Some get really good credit and others aren’t so lucky,” Smith said. “Credit affects pretty much everything - loan and credit card interest, insurance and being able to rent an apartment.” Sophomore John Solmes said the event is better for him than career cruising because the reality fair is based on solid facts. It made sense for him, he said, and he could clearly see how different things will be from being 16 and only paying for his own gas. Solmes said he knew that buying a house would be expen­ sive, but the cost of appliances shocked him. “It’s cool and sucks at the same time,” said classmate Caleb Salois, whose career was a small-business entrepreneur. “It’s cool getting to learn all these things, but it sucks because it takes a lot of money.” Sophomore Bate Ray said he appreciated more what his parents go through. Nate Ray and Caleb Salois are learning if Wi-Fi will fit into the budget they have to live on based on the careers they chose for themselves. , The event was in the high school gymnasium and was organized and sponsored by Thomapple Credit Union, Charities chosen for Bill Porter Memorial Golf Outing The 16th annual Bill Porter Memorial Charity Golf Outing will be Friday, June 21, at the Legacy of Hastings (formerly Hastings Country Club.) The cost is $50 per person or $200 per team. Registration begins at 8, with a shotgun start at 9 a.m. However, in the past few years, turnout has been so high, the event required two shotgun starts, one at 8 a.m. and the sec­ ond at 1 p.m. So, if more than 36 teams regis­ ter, the shotgun start time may change Regardless of tee-up time, lunch will be served at noon. Prizes will be awarded and the winning charities announced after the last of the golf­ ers have finished their rounds. Usually, four charities are chosen to com­ pete for a portion of the funds raised, howev­ er, competition was still among this year’s slate of proposals. The committee announced in an April 25 press release that they simply could not choose between them and decided to split the money five ways. First place will receive 45 percent, second place 20 percent, third place 15 percent, and fourth and fifth place will each receive 10 percent. The selected recipients are Barry County YMCA, St. Rose of Lima School, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, Imagination Library and Family Promise of Barry County. Votes cast by golfers during the event, and the pub­ lic may purchase votes in advance of the out­ ing to determine in what order the selected charities will receive funding. In addition to those four charities, the Family Support Center of Barry County will receive $500 and have the opportunity to share information about the organizations at the event. Applications submitted by the chosen char­ ities asked for funding for expansion or enhancement of their programs. Barry County YMCA expects to use funds to expand the community outreach to include CATCH Summer Playground in Delton and pilot a new program called Y on the Fly, which is a neighborhood program to engage youth in active play, healthy lifestyle educa­ tion and food. Barry County Imagination Library is orga­ nized by Rotary clubs of Delton, Hastings and Middleville. Their goal is to expand the abili­ ty to reach more kids from birth to age 5. Currently 1,150 children receive free books in the mail on a monthly basis. To reach the ulti­ mate goal of reach the 3,600 eligible children, it would cost $54,000 per year. Pierce Cedar Creek Institute has a goal to secure the funding necessary to extend the existing deck on the back side of the visitor center to the south end of the building. This would provide guests with barrier-free access to the deck when the visitor center is closed, but would keep the property open for guests to explore. St. Rose of Lima School understands that both science and math curricula prepare stu­ dents for high-demand jobs in the future. School officials would like to expand the STEM class offerings to include robotics, specifically a Lego League, to the students grades 2-6. They would then compete region­ ally in a national program that measures cre­ ativity and problem-solving using science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Family Promise of Barry County provides hospitality, mentoring and networking to homeless families with the goal of gaining greater stability and permanent housing. Since the program just opened to the public, funds would be used to provide operational costs associated with this work. The Bill Porter Memorial Charity Golf Outing has redistributed more than $400,000 to local nonprofit organizations since the first event in 2004. Sponsorships contribute to the funds raised, and are available through the Bill Porter Memorial Charity Golf Outing Facebook page or by Bonnie Gettys at the Barry Community Foundation or Lani Forbes of the Barry County United Way. Sponsorships, ranging from $100 to $3,000, are being sought for this outing which has continually provided needed funding for many organizations by creating a giving circle for golfers. Forbes and Gettys encourage local resi­ dents to sign up, buy votes or secure sponsor­ ships soon, noting that this is the only golf outing that benefits a number of nonprofit organizations at the same time. Golfers sup­ port the community while having fun, net­ working with other business and residents, and through sponsorships, promote their own business, as well. Golf team registrations are available from any of the participating charities or by calling Gettys, 269-945-0526, or Forbes, 269-945­ 4010. , Hastings Public Library 227 E State Street Hastings Ml 49058 �Page 14 — Thursday, May 2, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Vikings fight off Scots to win Denny Richardson title Brett Bremer Sports Editor The bags were busy, but there wasn’t much action at home plate Saturday afternoon. The Lakewood varsity baseball team won its own Denny Richardson Memorial Invitational Saturday, for the first time since 2016, besting Caledonia 2-1 in the championship game. Reese Caudy, Casey Henney and Jayce Hansen teamed up on the mound for the Vikings in the championship game and got the job done as they needed to with some excel­ lent help from their defense. Caledonia had at least one base runner on in six of the seven innings. The Fighting Scots had two on in the bottom of the second, load­ ed the bases in the bottom of the fourth, had runners on second and third in the bottom of the fifth, had two on after scoring their lone run in the bottom of the sixth, and got a oneout double in the bottom of the seventh to put the tying run in scoring position. “Look, that is without a doubt the best baseball game we’ve played this season,” Lakewood head coach Brad Tacey said. “It wasn’t the cleanest we’ve played, but it defi­ nitely was the best. We’ve got guys diving all over the outfield making plays, pitchers work­ ing out of big trouble situations and guys stepping up and succeeding in spots they’ve never been in before. I preach to them con­ stantly about picking each other up and they did that today and then some.” Bryant Makley drove in a run with a sacri­ fice fly in the top of the second for the Vikings, after Hunter Kemp walked and went first to third on a single by Carson Blakely. Nathan DeVries added a two-out RBI single in the top of the third. Caudy got the start on the mound and earned the win for the Vikings with three shut out innings, he struck out five and didn’t allow a hit or a walk. Henney took over in the bottom of the fourth. He worked around a single and a pair of walks in the inning, and then fought for the final out after an error, a walk and a wild pitch had Scots on second and third. Jack Snider doubled to lead off the bottom of the sixth. Henney got a pop-out to first to hold Snider at second, but then had to be replaced on the mound by the sophomore Hansen. Hansen saw his first action of the year on* the mound when he had to come in to relieve Henney after an injury . Hansen man­ aged to work out of trouble, inducing a fly ball and recording a strike out, but the lone Scot runner came in on an error by the Viking defense on a throw following the fly out. Coach Tacey thought the seventh inning was something really special. “We had bases loaded, nobody out and didn’t score. In a tight ball game like that, that could have been demoralizing to a lesser team. But instead of moping that a call or a bounce didn’t go our way, those boys sprinted out of the dugout and went out and got three outs to get them the win. That’s what you do when bad things happen, just go out, play and find a way.” The Vikings loaded the bases with nobody out in the top of the seventh, looking to extend their 2-1 lead, but the Scots gunned down a Lakewood runner at home for a force out with a nice stretch by the Caledonia catcher and then Nathan Dillon hit a rocket that was caught by the Caledonia first baseman who turned and stepped on the bag for a double play to end the threat. “What about Jayce Hansen?,” Tacey said. “Things could not have gone more wrong for him on Thursday and two days later he gets thrown into a one-run championship game to pitch for the first time as a varsity player. And how does he respond? He goes and grinds us out a five-out save. Unreal. That kid is men­ tally tough, tough as nails and I’m pretty excited that we’ll have him around for the next three years.” Lake wood opened its day with an 11-6 win over Saranac. Hunter Kemp was 2-for-3 with three RBI and two runs scored in that opener. DeVries was 2-for-2 with a single, a double and three runs scored. Hansen went l-for-3 with a run and three RBI. Brent Sweet tripled and drove in two runs and scored one. Caudy and Carson Blakely both singled, with Blakely driving in a run and scoring one. Caudy scored twice. Dillon got the win on the mound. He struck out six in 5.1 innings, allowing five runs on nine hits and two walks. Henney closed out the game on the mound, giving up one run on one hit and a walk. Henney struck out one. The Vikings split a Greater Lansing Activities Conference doubleheader at Leslie Thursday, winning game one 8-4 and falling 2-0 in game two. Elenbaas and Sweet had two doubles each in game one, with Elenbaas driving in two runs and scoring three times. Sweet had one run and one RBI. Dillon and Caudy both sin­ gled three times. Caudy scored two runs and Dillon one. Kemp, DeVries and William Storm all singled and had one RBI. Bryant Makley contributed a double3. Leslie pitcher Anthony Smieska shut down the Vikings in game two, a five-inning affair. He struck out ten and walked one. Sawyer Stoepker had Lakewood’s lone hit. The Lakewood varsity baseball team celebrates its championship after wins over Caledonia and Saranac at the Denny Richardson Memorial Invitational at Lakewood High School Saturday afternoon. Casey Henney pitches for the Vikings’ in the bottom of the fourth inning of his team’s 2-1 win over Caledonia Saturday at the Denny Richardson Memorial Invitational at Lakewood High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Athletic director wants Hastings schools on ‘exemplary’ list Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Hastings athletic department is being con­ sidered for inclusion in the Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association’s Exemplary Athletic Program. Mike Goggins, athletic director, said the dis­ trict has applied once before, but was told more information was needed. The state program was established in 1998 with a directive to identify and give public recognition to outstanding athletic programs, provide a framework that encourages high school athletic administrators to voluntarily engage in self-assessment by comparing themselves to set exemplary criteria, facilitate communication and sharing of best practices among administrators throughout the state and encourage continued improvement in high school athletics programs. “We have an exceptional athletics program in Hastings and growing numbers of students participating,” Goggins said. Intern Adam Case, along with 10 other staff members, assisted in preparing the second application, which included sections on poli­ cies and practices, demographics, communi­ cation, personnel, and supporting documents. The completed application was sent to the Michigan High School Athletics Association on Feb. 1. According to the study done in data collec­ tion for the application, records showed that student athletes reached a higher GPA average by their senior year than students not partici­ pating, Case said. In Hastings schools, 45.5 percent of stu­ dents participated in athletics and 39 percent participated in at least two sports. There are 23 varsity level sport opportunities and 21 sub-varsity opportunities. Co-ed varsity level bowling was recently approved by the school board. In a student survey asking for suggestions to improve the sports program, the top two suggestions were upgrades or new purchases of the facilities and equipment, and for coach­ es to receive formal training in the sport they teach. The surveys also showed new opportunities students wanted were Lacrosse, men’s volley­ ball, boxing, hockey, dance, gymnastics, and archery. Lions shoot up to third at Perry’s GLAC golf jamboree Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Maple Valley varsity boys’ golf team had its best Greater Lansing Activities Conference finish of the season Thursday at the league jamboree hosted by Perry at Glenbrier. The Lions placed third Thursday, putting together a score of 192. Maple Valley had been fifth or sixth at each of the first three conference jamborees. Maple Valley was led by Owen Bailey’s 44. Carson Hasselback shot a 46, Buck Schrader a 48 and Kenny Curtis added a 54 for the Lions. The scores from Bailey, Hasselback and Schrader were the first scores in the for­ ties for the Lions so far in GLAC action this spring. “Their short game has definitely improved from 100 in, and putting,” Maple Valley head coach Drew Johnson said. “We spend most of our practice time on the chipping green, it’s nice to see all their hard work rewarded.” The Lakewood boys were bested for the first time in Greater Lansing Activities Conference action this season last week, fall­ ing by a few strokes to Leslie at the league jamboree hosted by Perry and at the one host­ ed by Maple Valley at The Legacy in Hastings Tuesday (April 23). The Blackhawks bested the Vikings 168­ 172 at Glenbrier. Maple Valley was third with its 192, ahead of Lansing Christian 195, Perry 201 and Olivet 237. Wilhelm Warborn led the Leslie team to the win with a 41. The Blackhawks also got a 41 from Cannon Risner, a 43 from Trevor Huttenlocker and a 44 from John Cranmore. Lakewood was led by Austin Makley, who fired his best varsity round, a 39. He was the day’s medalist shooting birdies on number four and number six. Maison Neustifter also shot a personal best for the Vikings, a 49. John Hewitt matched Neustifter’s 49 for the Vikings and Lakewood also got 42s from Caleb Farlee and Trevor Simon. Perry’s Blake Woerner and Lansing Christian’s Sam Havey each scored a 41 to lead their teams. Saxons show improvement Saturday morning in Charlotte A good night’s rest made a big difference for the Saxon varsity girls’ soccer team last weekend. Things didn’t chance much on the score­ board, but Hastings head coach Tim Schoessel was happy with the way his girls played in a 4-1 non-conference loss at Charlotte Saturday morning after a rough 4-0 Interstate-8 Athletic Conference defeat against Jackson Northwest Friday evening. “This was a much better the game, thank goodness for a new day,” Schoessel said after Saturday’s contest. “The girls played much better and actually moved the ball well.” Megan Deal fired a shot in from 24 yards out for the Saxons in the first half. Charlotte went into the intermission with a 2-1 lead before adding two goals in the second half. Kayla Morris had 11 saves in goal for the Saxons in the loss. “As a team we had nothing working and made mistake after mistake. All facets of the team were off, we weren’t covering on defense and could not find any offense, and struggled to control the middle,” Schoessel said after his team’s 4-0 loss to the Mounties’ Friday in Jackson. Northwest scored two goals in each half to secure the win. Hastings was scheduled to host Harper Creek last night. They will return to action at home against Ottawa Hills Tuesday. Lakewood’s Hunter Kemp gets a jump off of second base in front of Caledonia shortstop Jack Snider during the Vikings’ 2-1 win over the Fighting Scots in the championship game of Saturday’s Denny Richardson Memorial Invitational. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Trojan golfers sixth at Wayland’s Gold jamboree The Thornapple Kellogg varsity boys’ golf team placed sixth at the OK Gold Conference jamboree hosted by Wayland at Orchard Hills Golf Course Wednesday afternoon. The host Wildcats took the day’s champi­ onship with a score of 147. Forest Hills Eastern was second with a score of 153, ahead of East Grand Rapids 159, Grand Rapids Christian 161, South Christian 173, Thomapple Kellogg 178 and Wyoming 217. Daniel Hannapel led the TK team, shooting a 41. The Trojans also got a 44 from Blaine Rison, a 45 from Nate Jansma and a 48 from Tyler Sandborn. Wayland had its top four finish in the top five in scoring on the day. The Wildcats’ Rory Myers and Forest Hills Eastern’s Brad Smithson each scored a 35 to finish atop the standings. The Wildcats also got 37s from Rory Bessinger and Tyler Omness and a 38 from Carson Sevigny. Will Robson from East Grand Rapids and Matthew Emerine from Forest Hills Eastern tied Sevigny for fifth on the day. Livermore leads off more Viking victories Lakewood senior Ashtyn Livermore is playing like a four-year varsity senior. The Vikings’ lead-off hitter was 8-for-8 at the plate in her team’s Greater Lansing Activities Conference doubleheader at Leslie Thursday. She stole six bases and belted a two-run home run in game two, her first over the fence as a varsity Viking. Lakewood improved to 12-1 overall and 9-Q in the GLAC with 16-0 and 18-1 wins over the host Blackhawks. Viking catcher Hannah Slater belted her second home run of the season in game one. She had three hits in that bailgame. Morgan Stahl got the two pitching wins. She struck out nine in game one, allowing two hits in five innings. Emma Sullivan and Emily Campeau had three hits each in that opening bailgame, and Kyleigh Comer belted a double and a single. Stopeker had two hits as well. Stahl struck out nine more Blackhawks in game two, in four innings. She allowed three hits and didn’t walk a batter. Sullivan, Stoepker, Maddie Mussehl and Olivia Lang had two hits each. Celeste Yaw and Comer had one hit each. Lakewood opened its three-game series at home against Leslie Tuesday (April 23), tak­ ing a 15-0 win over the Blackhawks in four innings behind a no-hit performance from Stahl in the circle. The Vikings two league ballgames with Stockbridge that were planned for Wednesday this week have been postponed. Lakewood is scheduled to visit Charlotte for a doublehead­ er today (May 2) and then host the Stockbridge girls Friday. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 2, 2019 — Page 15 Zank hopes to help Thunder engineer wins Brett Bremer Sports Editor Family traditions had Maple Valley senior Austin Zank expecting to head off to college at Ferris State University in the fall, or maybe Michigan Tech. Zank’s father and grandfather both graduat­ ed from Ferris State University. He had a couple cousins who played football at Michigan Tech. The outstanding engineering programs at both schools was key too. A trip to Trine University in Angola, Ind. got him looking in a new direction though, and Zank officially decided to become a member of the Trine Thunder when he signed his National Letter of Intent to join the Trine football program Thursday in the Maple Valley Jr/Sr High School gymnasium. It was the Thunder’s engineering program 'that drew him to Trine as much as their foot­ ball program. “I have always liked Legos and I really liked designing things, so that is kind of where that clicked together and it just fit me perfectly,” Zank said. “I took a couple classes on it online and I really enjoy it.” He has been taking computer aided drafting classes through the Edgnuity.com program at Maple Valley, and does some of his own woodworking away from school. Trine, being a Division III NCAA program, doesn’t offer athletic scholarships but the academic awards Zank has earned with his G.P.A. and testing scores will cover much of the cost of attend­ ing Trine. He was one of just two Greater Lansing Activities Conference football play­ ers to be named academic all-state honorable mention last fall, joined by teammate Gavin Booher. “When we sent film on him they jumped at the chance at getting him,” Maple Valley var­ sity football coach Marty Martin said. “They are reloading at the outside linebacker posi­ tion and the tight end position, so their hope is that maybe they can plug him in at one of those two positions. They play a 3-4 defense like we do, so playing the outside linebacker position is very familiar to him. They like the fact that he was a tight end in the wing-T offense and that he was also a running back last year. They like his diversity.” Speed, intelligence and strength all came together for Zank to earn him the chance to play at Trine. He was a first team all-confer­ ence selection in the GLAC last fall, record­ ing 40 tackles and eight sacks for the Lions They really like the ability for him to maybe play fullback, tight end, outside line­ backer. He is fast enough to maybe play strong safety or middle linebacker. ^Offensively, he rushed 111 times for 704 yams^and eight touchdowns while adding 14 receptidns for 400 yards and three more TDs. He was a three-year varsity football player, Wildcats get only goal in OK Gold win over TK girls Wayland brought an end to a three-game winning streak by the Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ soccer team with a 1-0 win in Middleville Tuesday afternoon. The Wildcats and Trojans moved their OK Gold Conference match-up because of water on the field in Wayland Tuesday, but by the time the game began the rain had stopped. The Trojans possessed the ball well early and created a few scoring chances that they were unable to convert on. Those misses proved costly as the Wildcats scored 25 min­ utes into the half with the help of some mis­ communication by the Trojan defense, and a Wildcat attacker found space to loft a shot from 25 yards out over the Trojan keeper and into the net. The Trojans are now 6-4 overall this season and 3-3 in the OK Gold. Sierah Adams, Ainsley Oliver and Maddie Raymond scored two goals each in an 8-0 win in Wyoming last Wednesday. Kiah Nichols and Ellie Adams each scored against the Wolves. Kassidy Niles and Ellie Adams had two assists each wile teammates Julia Curtis, Nichols and Raymond had one each. In between the two conference contests , the Trojans scored a 3-1 win at Grand Ledge Friday. The Trojans opened the game with the wind at their backs and sailed right in for their first goal less than three minutes in, with Ellie Adams assisting on a goal by Sierah Adams. Sierah beat a defender one on one and placed a shot in the back of the net. It took the Comets less than four minutes to find the equalizer on a shot that seemed to sail on the wind and the two teams went into the half tied 1-1. Ellie Adams assisted on another goal about 15 minutes into the second half for TK, play­ ing a through ball ahead to Olivet who beat the Comet keeper. Seven minutes later, Sierah Adams scored her second goal, off an assist by Raymond. The Trojan defense limited Grand Ledge to just five shots on goal all game. Maple Valley senior Austin Zank signs his National Letter of Intent to join the Trine University Football program in the Maple Valley Jr/Sr High School gymnasium Thursday as his parents Jeff and Kelly Zank look on along with Lion varsity football coach Marty Martin (right). (Photo by Brett Bremer) and also spent two seasons on the varsity boys’ basketball and baseball teams. “I wasn’t really intending on going there, but then when I went there it just fit perfect­ ly,” Zank said of his visit to Trine. “Everything just clicked. The coaching staff was really nice. Everybody was personable. It was a lot like our school.” While coaches like Zank’s versatility, he said he is hoping to settle into a spot as an outside linebacker if possible. “I enjoy the heck out of it,” he said of play­ ing OLB. You need football knowledge, you have to know what is going on. You have to know the footwork for it. If you’re cross­ legged and someone hits you, then you’re going to obviously topple over. You have to be strong with your feet and you have to have a strong core because you’re going to get hit for days, especially with where we play you get hit by guards. You have to be definitely committed to the weight room.” Zank has been lifting since seventh grade. He reached his goal of not missing a single offseason lifting session last summer. The Lions reached the state playoffs at the end of his junior and senior seasons, winning a pre-district ballgame over Hartford to open the 2017 postseason before falling in tight 14-8 ballgame at Saugatuck in which Zank caught his team’s lone touchdown. Big wins were some of his favorite times on the football field with the Lions, a 41-20 win at Stockbridge his junior year and a 46-8 thumping of Lincoln Alcona last October. He should have a chance to do more win­ ning at Trine. The Thunder have put together back-to-back undefeated conference champi­ onship seasons in the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association. Coach Martin was excited to have his first ballplayer signing a National Letter of Intent. The Lions have had a couple ballplayers walk on in Division III in recent years, but coach Martin said the last Lion really recruited from the football program was Riley Fisher who played tight end and offensive line at Alma College from 2012-15. Fisher took over as the running backs coach at Manchester University in 2016. Trine opens the 2019 football season at Manchester Sept. 5. Top Viking doubles teams score wins over Grand Ledge girls The Lakewood varsity girls’ tennis team picked up a pair of doubles victories in a 6-2 loss to visiting Grand Ledge Thursday. Lakewood’s first doubles team of Laura Krikke and Haylee Marks continued its fine season with a 6-2, 4-6, 6-1 win over the Comet team of Ally Sears and Jenny Hueiskamp. The Viking second doubles duo of Kendra Kines and Kristen Finsaas scored a 6-2, 6-1 win over Grand Ledge’s Shelia Sun and Shelby Smego. The third and fourth singles matches both went to a super tiebreaker at the end of the afternoon, with Grand Ledge pulling out the victories at both flights. The Comets’ Claire Feldkamp scored a 6-4, 4-6, (10-7) win over the Vikings’ Lexi Veitch at number three. Ashton Goodwin scored a 2-6,6-3, (10-8) win for Grand Ledge over Richelie Chrzan at fourth singles. Delton Kellogg’s Amber Mabie steps up to take the ball away from Constantine’s Cameran McMillin in the midfield during their SAC match-up in Delton Wednesday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Four Panthers score in shutout of Constantine The Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ soccer team improved its Southwestern Athletic Conference record to 2-1-1 with a dominant performance over visiting Constantine Wednesday. The Delton Kellogg girls scored an 8-0 win over the visiting Falcons, holding Constantine to just three shots on goal. Holly McManus had four goals and an assist in the victory. Caitlin McManus, Sannah Solstrand and Amber Mabie assisted on one of her goals. Gabby Petto had two goals, with assists from Solstrand and Holly McManus. Briana Warner- scored off mn assist from teammate Luz Martinez as well. Kassie Wilson added an unassisted goal. Delton moved its record to 4-2-1 with the victory. The Panthers had their conference contest with Hackett rained out Tuesday. DK was slated to visit Watervliet last night and will host Lakewood for a non-conference ball­ game Friday. Delton Kellogg’s Briana Warner looks to drop a pass back to a teammate during her team’s Southwestern Athletic Conference victory over visiting Constantine Wednesday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) BARRY COUNTY HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE, MEDICATION COLLECTION, AND *FREE TIRE DROP-OFF! Saturday, May 4th, 2019 from 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. Barry County Fairgrounds, 1350 N. M-37 Hwy. Household Hazardous Waste ling aqueous acids and bases; oil-based paints; reactives; solvents; aerosol cans; automotive ids; pesticides (liquids and solids); automotive batteries; alkaline, nickel-cadmium and/or ver oxide batteries; liquid cleaners; heavy metal solutions; mercury-containing articles; motor oil. UffikeflO gallons per vehicle We Cannot Accept: Asbestos; electronics, latex paint (when dry it can go to the landfill); propane tanks, commercially generated waste; radioactive material; explosives; unknown wastes; console and projection televisions; speakers in wooden cases; tires heavily caked with dirt. ELECTRONICS NOT ACCEPTED Medications need to be in their original containers with the name of the drug clearly labeled. Cross out any personal information on the containers. Help keep your home, environment and community safe. DISPOSE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS AND MEDICATIONS SAFELY Don't pour paint, solvent, medicine, automotive oil or chemicals down the drain or dump them in the trash where they may end up in our drinking water and lakes! Tire Drop-Off FREE thanks to to a grant from the [p ®Wi*This is a ONE TIME ONLY free tire-drop off event LIMIT OF 10 TIRES PER CAR • HOUSEHOLD TIRES ONLY (NO BUSINESS TIRES) First come, first serve until all trailers are full Questions? Please call (269) 798-4107 Sponsored by the Barry County Solid Waste Oversight Committee with thanks to the Barry County Fair Board, Waste Management, Barry-Eaton District Health Department. Barry County Substance Abuse Task Force. Sheriff's Dept.. City of Hastings Police Dept, and Local Pharmacies �Page 16 — Thursday, May 2, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Panthers continue to pound the softball The Delton Kellogg girls scored 52 runs in fliree games Saturday to take the title at ‘Otsego’s annual Don Knight Memorial ‘Invitational. X The Panthers bested the host Bulldogs 16-3 :in the championship game of the tournament, Rafter an 18-7 win over South Christian and an 18-3 win over Godwin Heights. W. The tournament is named in honor of for­ mer coach and athletic director Don Knight, the brother of Delton Kellogg head coach jjpuane Knight. Lizzy Fichtner and Katie Tobias each belt­ ed a two-run home run in the top of the sev- enth inning of the championship game. The Panthers scored five runs in their final turn at the bat to extend their lead to 16-2 before the Bulldogs tacked on a run in the bottom of the seventh. The two home runs were two of 19 hits for the Delton Kellogg girls in the finale. They showed off their extra-base power with Aubrey Aukerman knocking a single, a dou­ ble and a triple. Fichtner, Erin Kapteyn and Tobias each had a triple, and Izzy Adams and Lily Timmerman each doubled off of Bulldog pitching. Aukerman and Fichtner were both 3-of-5 at w The Delton Kellogg varsity softball team celebrates its championship Saturday at Otsego’s Don Knight Memorial Invitational after wins over Godwin Heights, South Christian and Otsego. The tournament is in honor of former athletic director and Otsego softball coach Don Knight, the brother of DK head coach Duane Knight. I. I I '* the plate. Tobias was 4-of-5 with four RBI. Timmerman, Kapteyn and Josie Lyons had two hits each. Lauren Lebeck had two RBI and Aukerman, Kapteyn and Lyons drove in one run apiece. Kapteyn got the win in the circle pitching for DK, striking out nine in seven innings. She gave up two earned runs on nine hits and three walks. Tobias was 3-fo-r3 at the plate with two triples, four RBI and two walks in the win over South Christian. Izzy Adams doubled and had seven RBI. Timmerman and Aubrey Aukerman had three hits apiece. Fichtner and Haily Buckner had two RBI each. Delanie Aukerman tripled, and Fichtner and Adams both had a double. ■ The Saxon fourth doubles team of Cassidy Morgan and Shannon Brown finished off an 8-0 sweep of visiting Harper Creek for the Hastings varsity girls’ tennis team Thursday in Hastings. Morgan and Brown bested the Beaver team of Abigail Echtinaw and Makena Wilson 6-0, 2-6,6-2. The second set at fourth doubles was the lone set the Beavers won in their Interstate-8 Athletic Conference dual. A”ll the girls played hard and put forth an amazing effort,” Hastings head coach Julie Sevems said. Brook Youngs won her second conference first singles match of the season, besting Julia hooker 6-0, 6-2 for Hastings. Kate Haywood scored a 6-3, 6-1 win over Abby Williams at Delton Kellogg’s Josie Lyons drives the ball during game one of her team’s double­ header sweep of visiting Galesburg-Augusta Thursday at Delton Kellogg High School. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Lion softball squad bested by some of GLAC’s top teams The Lions’ pitching went sour after that though, and some errors didn’t help. Olivet opened up the game with a nine-run outburst. A sore shoulder didn’t help starting pitcher Kaycie Schrader, who was replaced by Lexy Booher in the circle in the fourth inning. Stockbridge swept its pLAC set with the Lions last week, scoringj!2-0 and 17-0 wins against the visiting Lions Tuesday before tak­ ing game three 18-0 at Maple Valley High School Thursday. “Stockbridge is a power house with their bats and the pitching on Stockbridge’s part is the best we have seen all season,” Lion head coach Mary Lesage said after her team’s loss to the Panthers Thursday. Heinze was the only baserunner for the Lions Thursday, reaching on a walk. Donate A Boat or Car Today! Delton Kellogg varsity softball coach Duane Knight urges Ashton Ingersoll to get to third base during their team’s game one victory over visiting GalesburgAugusta Thursday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Augusta Thursday afternoon. Fichtner and Tobias homered in the 19-4 three-inning win to close the day. Izzy Adams doubled twice and drove in two runs to lead the DK offense in the 10-0 game one win. Hastings girls sweep all eight flights in 1-8 win over Beavers ? ! „ A good start at Olivet Wednesday afternoon \vas the highlight of the week for the Maple Valley varsity softball team against some of the Greater Lansing Activities Conference’s toughest teams. The Olivet girls scored a 16-2 win over the Maple Valley girls at Maple Valley High School Wednesday. It was a bailgame that was tied 2-2 when the Lions scored a pair of runs in the top of the third inning. Eli Heinze drove in one run for the Lions and then scored the other, stealing home on a delayed steal. The Lion surge started with Ava Robinson walking in the third. She went to second on a sacrifice bunt from Addison Ramey and then came home on a hit by Heinze. Heinze moved around the bases thanks to a pair of walks. Delton Kellogg outhit the Sailors 17-11 in the bailgame. DK opened the day with 14 hits against Godwin Heights. Tobias had two triples and three RBI. Buckner was 2-for-3 with three RBI and three runs scored. Timmerman doubled and singled and scored twice. Lyons and Lebeck had two hits and two RBI each. Fichtner also drove in two runs. Chloe Colwell got the win for DK in the circle, striking out six in three innings. She allowed one earned run on five walks and one hit. DK went into the weekend having scored 10-0 and 19-4 wins in Southwestern Athletic Conference action against visiting Galesburg- second singles. Hastings got a 6-3, 6-0 win from Lauren Harden over Adrianna Duff at third singles. Libby Jenson scored a 7-6(1), 6-0 win over Mary Welks at fourth singles. The top Three Sawn doubles teams all closed out their matches with 6-0 wins in the second set. Allie Homing and Gretchen James scored a 6-1,6-0 win for Hastings over Grace Weller and Kelly McCafferty at number one. Coach Sevems said she liked the aggres­ siveness she saw from all of her doubles teams. Megan Roe and Belle Youngs scored a 6-3, 6-0 win for Hastings at second doubles and the team of Whitney Carlson and Claire Anderson won 6-2, 6-0 at number three. Hastings second singles player Kate Haywood smacks a serve during her win over Harper Creek’s Abby Williams Thursday afternoon at Hastings High School. (Photo by Dan Goggins) HOMEOWNERS WANTED! Kayak Pools is looking for DEMO HOMESITES to Kayak "2-Night Free Vacation! I00700WAT CALL NOW! 800.31.KAYAK OFFER ENDS SOON (2628) www.boatangel.com \ sponsored by boat angel outreach center: display our new maintenance-free pools. Save thousands of $$$$ with this unique opportunity. (52925) www.kayakpoolsmidwest.com | USE CODE: 6070519 STOP CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN ■MHi . $10,000 PRIZE BOAR KING & QUEEN BINGO ^tVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY 4 Doors: 4 PM* Session: 6 PM DAILY SESSIONS THURSDAYS - MONDAYS • 12 PM & 6 PM CLOSED TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS Visit FireKeepersCasino.com for details. LUNG CANCER « * m IStiSSSKHT MESOTHELIOMA? ARE YOU AN ASBESTOS VICTIM? II v.r<tr TIME TO GET YOUR VI (ffV ON FIREKEEPERS casino-hotel BATTLE CREEK I-94 to Exit 104 | 11177 I'.5 ., nigan Avenue | Battle Creek, Ml 49014 Must be present and playing bingo to win. Schedule subject to change. Management reserves al! mints. Please call us for a FREE consultation Saxon first doubles player Allie Horning readies at the net as teammate Gretchen James hits a serve during their win over the top doubles team from Harper Creek Thursday in Hastings. (Photo by Dan Goggins) �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 2, 2019 — Page 17 Parma Western sprints by Saxon squads in 1-8 duals It was wet and cool, but it didn’t slow down the Parma Western Panthers enough for the Saxons to keep pace in their Interstate-8 Athletic Conference duals inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field Tuesday. The Panther varsity boys’ and girls’ track and field teams scored wins to drop the Hastings teams to 3-2 in the conference so far this season. The Parma Western boys scored a 116-47 win over the Saxons and the Parma Western girls scored a 92-60 victory. The Hastings girls got three of their four wins in the field events. Freshman Maddie Miller won the shot put at 30 feet 2.5 inches, setting a new personal record in the event. Sophomore Maddie McMasters took the dis­ cus with a personal record throw of 77-.5, with sophomore teammate Daisy Kerby also setting a PR in the event to place second at 73-6.5. Erin Dalman won the high jump, clearing the bar at 5-0. Hastings also had Allison Teed win the 100-meter hurdles in 17.45 seconds. Haydn Redmond took a pair of wins for the Hastings boys, finishing the 200-meter dash in 23.40 and the long jump with a leap of 18-11.5. Redmond also joined Braden Vertalka, Kirby Beck and Hunter Allerding to win the 800-meter relay in 1:40.29. * Beck added a victory in the pole vault, Clearing 10-6. The girls’ pole vault was can­ celed because of the weather Tuesday. The Hastings’ boys also got a win from junior Aidan Makled in the 3200-meter run. He set a new personal record in the race, fin­ ishing in 10:49.78. The Saxons’ Hannah Johnson splashes through the puddles as she rounds a turn on the track during her team’s Intestate-8 dual with Parma Western in Hastings Tuesday. (Photo by Dan Goggins) Hastings has two in 30s at Pennfield’s golf jamboree Hastings turned in its top finish of the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference boys’ golf season so far, shooting a 165 at the jamboree hosted by Pennfield Thursday to finish in the runner-up spot. Parma Western took the day’s victory with a score of 157. Lumen Christi was third, a shot behind the Saxons with a 166. Marshall was right behind with a 167, ahead of Coldwater 171, Harper Creek 172, Pennfield 207 and Jackson Northwest 208. Alex Taylor led Hastings with a 36 that matched Lumen Christi’s Tanner Schnell for the low round of the day. Will Jensen had a 39 for the Scots, Isaiah Taylor a 44 and Josh Brown a 46. The Saxons’ fifth and sixth golfers weren’t too far back with Josh Brown scoring a 46 and Josh Yi a 47. Western was led by a 37 from Sean Vann and a 39 from Brett Castro. Brett Potter added a 40 for the Panthers and Jadon Engle and Jon Shaw each shot a 41. Marshall’s Harrison Chapman and Harper Creek’s Jack Kyger also finished under 40 with 38s. Trojans through toughest of OK Gold Conferenceslate • - ■ Hastings’ Kirby Beck gets over the bar during the Saxons’ Interstate-8 Athletic Conference dual with visiting Parma Western Tuesday inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field. (Photo by Dan Goggins) TK ladies win at Wayland twice, at dual and invite The Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ track and field team improved its OK Gold Conference record to 2-0 with a 90-47 victory in Wayland Wednesday. All four Trojan relay teams cut times during the event, with the Trojans winning three of the four relay races. The Trojan team of Audrey Meyering, Kendall Snyder, Jessica Durkee and Georgia Kaboos opened the after­ noon with a winning time of 10 minutes 44.99 seconds in the 3200-meter relay. The Trojan team of Stephanie Pitsch, Trysta Hilton, Claudia Wilkinson and Jacklyn Morgan won the 1600-meter relay at the end of the evening in 3:3043. -— TK also had the 400-meter relay team of Aubrey Shepherd, Anna Benedick Paige ZellmeF and Kay lee Spence? win the 400meter relay in 43.77 seconds. The Wildcat foursome of Mackenzie Wolf, Khylea Wells, Madelyn rrobst and Corrina Courser won the 800-meter relay in 1:52.01. Courser won all four events she took part in, taking the 100-meter dash, the 100-meter hurdles and the 300-meter low hurdles as well. Courser, a junior, edged TK senior Kaylee Spencer for the win in the 100-meter dash. Courser set a new personal record of 13.05 to beat Spencer’s time of 13.20. Spencer took the 200-meter dash win in 27.02, with senior teammate Morgan second I na new personal record time of 29.15. Morgan also wont he 400-meter dash in 1:04.01. Maddie Butler took the 800-meter run for TK in 2:45.99. The Wildcats’ Rylee Cronkright won the distance races, taking the 1600-meter run in 5:41.88 and the 3200-meter run in 12:17.81. TK girls won the three jumping events, with Wilkinson taking the high jump at 5-2, Paige Zellmer winning the pole vault at 8-0 and Kylie Smith taking the long jump at 14-3. Wayland junior Jessica Hortman took the throws, winning the shot put at 29-4 and the discus at 90-11.5. The TK teams also ran at Wayland Friday (April 19) as a part of the Wildcat Invitational, where the TK ladies earned the champion­ ship. Wayland bested the TK boys 102-35 on the evening in their OK Gold dual Wednesday. Thomapple Kellogg junior Nick Bushman matched Cronkright’s two distance wins. He took the 1600 in 4:57.92 and the 3200 in 10:55.38. TK’s other two wins came in the field where sophomore Cole Shoobridge won the Olivet and Stockbridge best Lions in GLAC series finales Olivet scored eight runs in the bottom of the first inning and went on to 9-3 win over the visiting Maple Valley varsity baseball team in a make-up game Friday at Olivet High School. The Eagles only had three more hits than the Lions in the ballgame, but a hit batter, a walk, a Lion error and a dropped third strike helped the Eagles keep their rally alive in that opening frame. Olivet scored seven of its eight runs in the first inning after two were out. Lion starting pitcher Noah Hansen was charged with eight Auns in two innings on the mound, but only tWo of them were earned. He struck out four and walked one while giving up six hits. Lane Morris threw four innings of relief for the Lions, allowing just one unearned run on four hits and a walk. He struck out three. Gavin Booher was 2-of-4 out of the lead­ off spot for the Lions, with a single and a double. He scored one run. Austin Zank dou­ bled once and scored two runs. Gregg Richardson, Hansen, Nick Osborne and Morris had the Lions’ other hits. Morris drove in two runs. The Eagles ten hits included a double and nine singles. Stockbridge finished off its GLAC set with the Maple Valley boys with a 3-2 win Thornapple Kellogg first singles player Karlie Raphael knocks a forehand return back at her opponent from Otsego during the Trojans’ dual with the Bulldogs Thursday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ ten­ 6-1, 6-1 at number three and Brooke nis team bounced back from a tough 7-1 Thompson took a 6-2, 6-1 win over Emma defeat at the hands of Forest Hills Eastern in Owens at number four. TK is now 1-3 in OK Gold Conference an OK Gold Conference dual in Ada Wednesday to score a 7-1 non-conference duals. Forest Hills Eastern bested the TK victory over Otsego in Middleville Thursday ladies in Ada Wednesday, 7-1. Cuison and Nowinsky at fourth doubles earned TK’s lone afternoon. Trojan head coach Larry Seger liked the win, 6-3, 6-1. “Our first doubles continues to show the improved doubles play he saw against the most doubles improvement, but other doubles Bulldogs. “Generally we did a better job at the net flights are playing solid tennis as well,” Seger and were more consistent,” Seger said. “Serve said. “Forest Hills Eastern has some of the percentage and quality of the serves are also state’s best players at the first two singles flights and won those two matches without improving.” Taylor Myers and Kylee Vreeland won a dropping a game.” He said his girls made a good run at third 6-0,6-0 match at first doubles for the Trojans, Holly Bashore and Caleigh Zoet won 6-1,6-3 and fourth singles, with Brooke Thompson at number two and TK’s Daisy Nowinsky and playing a great match before falling 10-7 in a Kristina Cuison scored a 6-0,6-0 win at num­ super tiebreaker. Chesnutt also put together extended rallies as her match progressed. ber four. “We are through the toughest part of our The third doubles match was a tight one, with the Otsego team scoring a 6-4, 6-3 win schedule with a 4-3 record and a tournament championship,” Seger said after the defeat. over Josie Thompson and Nancy Hoogwerf. ; TK swept the four singles matches in His girls are now 5-3 after the win over straight sets, with fast-paced competitive Otsego. “The three losses are to teams that matches at the top two flights. Karlie Raphael have a top five state ranking. Three of the four scored a 7-6(5), 6-2 win over Lauren Layman wins are by a 5-3 scores. We are excited to see at number one and Sydney VanGessel took a what the second half of the season brings.” The Trojans other two losses were to Grand 7- 5,6-4 win over Kasina Hess at number two. Rapids Christian and East Grand Rapids. TK’s Rachel Chesnutt beat Jean Podwell high jump by clearing the bar at a personal record height of 5-9 and the pole vault where sophomore Logan Caruso set a new PR by clearing 8-6. Senior Seth Sevenski-Pompa won the 400meter run for the Wildcat boys in 51.50, the 200-meter dash in 22.97 and the 100-meter dash in 11.73, and also anchored the Wildcats’ winning 800-meter relay team. Thursday, scoring single runs in the top of the sixth and seventh innings to pull ahead after the Lions took a 2-1 lead when Booher scored on a Blackhawk error with two out in the bot­ tom of the fifth. The Lions wiped out a 1-0 Stockbridge lead in the bottom of the third inning. Booher walked, stole second, went to third on a ground out by Zank and came in to score on an RBI single by Richardson. Hansen, Booher and Richardson had two hits apiece. Hansen and Richardson each dou­ bled once. Morris and Ben Benedict also had hits for the Lions. Zank started on the mound and limited Stockbridge to two unearned runs on five hits and a walk. He struck out four. Richardsori took the loss in relief, allowing a run on one hit and a walk in the seventh. He struck out one. The Lions were 0-3 against the Panthers in GLAC bailgame this season, and took one of three from the Olivet boys. The Lions have been rained out so far this week trying to get in GLAC ballgames with Leslie. The Lions are slated to host the Blackhawks for two games Friday in Vermontville and then will be on the road for a league doubleheader at Lansing Christian Monday. Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 Hastings BannerI Area Locations to purchase the Hastings Banner! Hastings; One Stop Shop (Phillips 66) (M-43 North) Sunerette UuUvlwUv .. Family Fare ■ Tom's Market Phillips 66 Gas Station (M-37 South) Hastings Johnny's The General Store Marathon Mega Bev Penn-Nook Gift Shop Phillips 66 Gas Station (W. State St.) Walgreens L&J’s Middleville: Speedway Middleville Marketplace Greg’s Get-It-N-Go Middleville Johnny’s Gun Lake: Sam’s Gourmet Foods The Dock Store Pine Lake: Doster Country Store Prairieville: Prairieville Fast Stop Phillips 66 Gas Station (M-37 West) Family Fare Gas Station Freeport Woodland Express Woodland: Cloverdale: Cloverdale General Brown’s Cedar Creek Grocery Delton: Family Fare Delton Johnny’s • Banfield: Banfield General Store Dowling: Goldsworthys Dowling General Store Nashville: Trading Post Little’s Country Store Nashville Johnny’s MV Pharmacy Nashville C Store Cans Lafce Odessa: Lake-O-Express Lake-O-Mart Lake Odessa Johnny's Carl’s Shelbyville; Town & Country Hastings Public Library 227 E State Street Hastings Ml 49058 �8906V IVM Page 18 — Thursday, May 2, fia'slings Banner'' nCpii Deltoii boys sweep set with Rams The Delton Kellogg varsity baseball team Swept its Southwestern Athletic Conference doubleheader with visiting GalesburgAugusta Thursday, scoring 8-2 and 2-0 victo­ ries. Game two was called after six innings due to darkness. Keegon Kokx shut out the Rams from the mound for Delton Kellogg. He allowed one hit and one walk while striking out nine. Delton Kellogg had just four hits, a double by Owen Koch and singles from Payton Warner, Max Swift and Kokx. Koch and Kokx had one RBI each. Swift and Koch scored their team’s two runs. Galeburg-Augusta got the opening run in the top of the first in game two, but the DK boys busted out for six runs in the bottom of the third inning and upped their lead to 8-1 before the visiting Rams added a final run in the top of the sixth. Carter Howland, Warner and Swift, the first three DK batters in the bottom of the third inning all walked, and then Koch was hit by a pitch to bring home DK’s first run. After a Ram pitching change, DK put together a sin­ gle by Riley Roblyer, a double from Cameron Curcuro, a walk by Shawn Haight. Howland, batting for the second time in the inning, capped off the rally with a two-run double in to left field. Howland and Roblyer had two hits each in the twin. Curcuro and Howland had two RBI each, and Koch and Kokx had one RBI each. Swift and Koch each scored two runs. Roblyer went the distance on the mound, striking out 11. He gave up one run on five hits and one walk. The Delton Kellogg boys head to Middleville Saturday for Thornapple Kellogg’s annual Wooden Bat Invitational. A pancake breakfast begins at Thornapple Kellogg High School at 8 a.m. and the first bailgame between the Trojans and Panthers starts at 10 a.m. Delton Kellogg’s Payton Warner drills a single during his Delton Kellogg’s Keegon Kokx pitches during the Panthers’ game two win over visiting Galesburg-Augusta Thursday evening team’s game two win over visiting Galesburg-Augusta Thursday at Delton Kellogg High School. (Photo by Perry Hardin) at Delton Kellogg High School. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg third baseman Cameron Curcuro fires to first for an out as his teammates look on during game two of their doubleheader with visiting GalesburgAugusta Thursday afternoon. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Hastings Community Diving Club junior divers (front from left) Aubrey Yarger, coach Todd Bates, Maelea Martin, Jordan Price, (back) Abigail Dumond, Bethany ButchBaker, Mikenna Caris, Jillian Brandli, Annabelle Kuck and Nella Coipel show off their ribbons and medals from the 2019 Tulip City Invitational. HCDC has a few top finishes at Tulip City Invitational Paid for by Yes for Hastings Library, PO Box 401, Hastings, Ml 49058 Hastings Community Diving Club had some success at the Tulip City Invitational Dive Meet the weekend of April 13-14. Aubrey Yarger won a first place medal and Tulip City Trophy in the 11 & under age group, a competition she had to learn a new dive for to be eligible to compete as the meet did not offer a 9 & under event. HCDC head coach Todd Bates was very proud of the club’s ath­ letes who made exceptional improvements in their diving skills. Some athletes had new dive lists, others were competing in more advanced levels while some were competing in their first ever dive meet. There were more than 90 divers in all at the competition. “It was a long day and tough day of competition particularly for the older age group divers and I was so proud of how they compet­ ed,” Bates said. HCDC’s Gram Price placed fourth and Alex Salinas eighth in their first ever 16-18 age group competition. Sophia Scott and Abigail Schell placed seventh and ninth respectively in the 14-15 age group. HCDC Future Champions Maelea Martin and Abigail Dumond placed first, Bethany ButchBaker and Jillian Brandli placed second, Nella Coipel placed third, Jordan Price placed fourth, Annabelle Kuck fifth and Mikenna Caris eighth. The Hastings Community Diving Club had teen/senior divers (from left) Gram Price, Abigail Schell, coach Todd Bates and Alex Salinas competing at the Tulip City Invitational in Holland last month. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-05-09.pdf 37f4feec5fe47396a119e2cd8d639c66 PDF Text Text County moves toward ‘seamless’ 911 system Skilled trades education now reality See Story on Page 5 See Editorial on Page 4 Delton girls dominate five straight foes Devoted to the Interests of Barry Court 804879110187 1070490102590508448049058195427 ***’**'*'**'CAR-RT LOT**C 003 C003 Hastings Public Library 227 E State St Hastings Ml 49058-1954 ANNER PRICE 750 Thursday, May 9, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 19 Hastings school bond request fails Time to go back to the drawing board* new schools chiefsays Garden club to learn about invasive plants, trees Garlic mustard and Japanese knotweed may come to mind when someone men­ tions invasive species. But what about certain maple trees and honeysuckle bushes? Fallon Januska from the Barry, Calhoun and Kalamazoo Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area will discuss invasive species with the Thornapple Garden Club Thursday, May 9. Attendees will find out what other plants are on the list and what they can do to help control the pests. The meeting, which is open to the public, will begin at 6:30, followed by the presentation at 7 p.m. at the Emmanuel Episcopal Parish House, 315 W Center St., Hastings. Citizen help is needed to stop the spread of invasive plants when working or playing outside; preventing establishment through gardens, pets, outdoor gear, and firewood; reporting the presence of invasive species to help with early detection; and by planting native habitat to support wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and pollinators. Barry-Calhoun-Kalamazoo CISMA is funded by the Michigan Invasive Species Grant Program and works to educate, survey, prioritize and treat invasive species. : J Joan Van Houten Staff Writer A $9.99 million bond proposal for Hastings Area School System failed Tuesday by 200 votes. The Barry County clerk confirmed the unofficial count of 3,828 total votes, with 1,814 yes and 2,014 no votes cast. “It’s the will of the community,” Dan Remenap, the new superintendent who starts June 1, said.“We have to go back to the draw­ ing board and work hard to find a way to get things done.” Once he officially starts his role as superin­ tendent, Remenap said his first step will be to meet with operations and administrative staff to prioritize the maintenance areas that need immediate attention. The projects that were intended for comple­ tion under the school bond proposal were complete roof replacement for Southeastern and Northeastern elementary schools, and partial roof replacements for Star and Central elementary schools. Additional roof replace­ ment included the 1997 portion of the roof at the middle school, and the 1970 portion of the roof at the high school. Other projects in the proposal were window replacements at Southeastern and Northeastern elementary; flooring at Southeastern, Northeastern, Central and Star elementary; interior doors at Southeastern, Northeastern, Central and the high school; bathrooms and locker rooms at the middle and high schools; and a cafeteria servery and lockers at the high school. Funding the projects may take some ereative thinking, Remenap said, but he’s confident that, as a team, they will succeed. “Every challenge is an opportunity, and open communication is so important,” he said. “We are going to be an open book. I’m See REQUEST, page 2 Unofficial election results • Out of 713 total votes cast on Hastings Township Library millage question, 393 voted yes and 320 voted no. The Hastings Public Library asked for a 1.6 millage renewal/increase for 10 years to provide library services to township resi­ dents. • Out of 1,687 total votes cast on the Delton Kellogg schools proposal, 1,057 voted yes and 630 voted no. Delton schools asked for $23.2 million for building and site, educational technology and districtwide improvements. • Out of 3,828 total votes cast on Hastings schools proposal, 1,814 voted yes and 2,014 voted no. District voters were asked to approve 0.7 mills to raise $9.9 million for repairs to all school buildings to be paid off in 12 years. A previous 0.4 millage will be paid off in 2020; approval would have meant taxpayers would have had a 0.3 mill increase in taxes. > ; I I | g I I I Trail group meeting, hiking this week The Chief Noonday Chapter of the ; North Country Trail will hike through Circle Pines Saturday, May 11, beginning at 11 a.m. Hikers should park and meet at Circle Pines Center, 8650 Mullen Road, Delton. Participants may choose between an outand-back 10-mile hike or a four-mile trek on a natural surface. Circle Pines will be hosting an event with guests that weekend, so hikers are asked to park on the north side of the house or on the powerline road. After the hike, participants will meet at the Curley Cone restaurant, 12850 W. M-179 Highway, Wayland. Additional information is available by ; calling Jane Norton, 269-808-7334, or emailing jane_a_norton@yahoo.com. The website northcountrytrail .org/cnd/index. htm also has information. Water closes roads, reaches new highs at Crooked Lake Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer Geese were swimming arourid on M-43 on Wednesday afternoon. ■ The water level on Crooked Lake is so high it’s closing the roads. 1 Currently, M-43, East Shore Drive, Oak Drive and some other roads near the lake are water covered. “I can still ger through, but. I’m-in a fourwheel drive truck,” Barry Township Police Chief Mark Doster said. “People just need to use their intelligence as far as the wake they’re creating and the possibility of water coming into their vehicles. “Four or six more inches and I won’t be able to get through. It’s going to get tough. Residents just need to go real slow and be aware of the wake they’re creating.” Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull said the highest lake level there last year was 927.5 and that was for a short duration at the end of May. “We’re at 927.75 or more now,” Dull said. “This water is three inches higher than what our sandbag dam was all winter. That’s how bad it is. It’s probably going to be worse.” More rain is in the forecast. “One of my biggest concerns is whether or not emergency vehicles can make it down my road when it’s flooded,” Crooked Lake resi­ dent Kim Devries said. Dull said police and fire officials have told him that they can still make it down the flood­ ed roads. “Emergency services said they can See WATER, page 3 Jack Griffin of Delton is shown here in the middle the street at the bottom of his driveway on East Shore Drive. (Photos by Scott Harmsen.) HHS alumni tickets available in June Amazon warehouse expected to affect traffic, need for school funds Tickets for the 2019 Hastings High School Alumni Banquet will be available beginning June 15. For many years, the i banquet was in early June. In recent years, it has been moved to the last Friday in August. Many alumni recently have asked when tickets will be available. After June 15, tickets, $25 each, will be ! available for purchase at Hastings Public ■ Library, The General Store or from any alumni board member. The nomination deadline for Alumnus of the Year is July 15. Lois Bowers may be called, 269-945-9657 for further infor­ mation. --- --- ——------------- ---- - -Thornapple Kellogg ‘We anticipate there’s school officials going to be increased considering bond reguest This 855,000-square-foot Amazon fulfillment center sits on about 104 acres of land in Gaines Township. Hunter Dood Staff Writer If Thornapple Kellogg school officials are correct, the opening of the Amazon fulfill­ ment center in Gaines Township will increase student enrollment in the district. Amazon, the e-coihmerce powerhouse, is finishing its 855,000-square-foot fulfillment center on the comer of 68^ Street and Patterson Avenue in southeastern Kent County, a Gaines Township official confirmed this week. The land was purchased from Steelcase Inc., and the building sits on approximately 104 acres, Matt McKeman, assistant planner for planning and zoning in Gaines Township, said. The warehouse, announced nearly a year ago, is expected to add as many as 1,000 jobs. Reports have indicated it will open in the fall. “It is my best opinion that we will see growth in enrollment,” Thornapple Kellogg Superintendent Rob Blitchok said. The school district, which includes activities of all sorts.’ Adam Paarlberg, Gaines Township Planning Commission Chairman Middleville and parts of Gun Lake and Freeport, has been growing every year, Blitchok said. > Now school officials expect that Amazon warehouse will only add to that growth. Blitchok said the district is considering asking voters to approve a bond request to help pay for additional classrooms to accom­ modate the growth. That bond wouldn’t increase residents’ tax rate, he noted, but it would keep the rate at the See AMAZON, page 2 �Page 2 — Thursday, May 9, 2019 — The Hastings Banner 73rd Senior Girls’ Tea hosts special guest AMAZON, continued from page 1 The Amazon warehouse is expected to have a direct impact on schools and traffic in the region. same level for a longer period of time. The expected increase in property values in the Thornapple Kellogg school district would allow them to extend the district debt levy for another three to five years without changing the tax rate. If the school district were to vote for a bond, he said, it would be for approximately $36 million, which would be raised in that three- to five-year timeframe. “It’s a good problem to have,” Blitchok said. “We’re going to take this challenge head-on.” However, Paul Wing, the chairman of the Agriculture Preservation Board in Barry County, said he sees reason for concern. The Barry County Board of Commissioners recently approved amendments to the coun­ ty’s farmland preservation ordinance and cre­ ated an open space preservation ordinance to protect against unrestricted development. “We need to develop, but not on good farm­ land,” Wing said. “So, I am concerned about [Amazon] being on potential farmland.” Caledonia Township officials acknowledge the Amazon facility will have an impact on their community from a growth perspective, but they have not come up with any definite proposals in their planning documents to address the project. “We haven’t made it a specific agenda iteftf,” township planning commission chair­ man Adam Paarlberg said. “Of course, there’s going to be a spillover [from the growth] into our township.” Tim Bradshaw, a township trustee who also serves on the planning commission, is a repre­ sentative in a group known as the Four Comers, consisting of officials from the City of Kentwood as well as the townships of Caledonia, Gaines and Cascade. They meet periodically to discuss issues of mutual con­ cern in the four communities. “It hasn’t been a focus, honestly,” Bradshaw said of the group’s discussions. “I think all of the communities are going to be surprised. “With 1,000 new jobs, it’s going to create at least a short-term housing boom,” he said. “All of these people need to live somewhere.” “The second (impact) is the traffic all around the entire area is going to change, drastically; - a thousand trips [for employ­ ees],” Bradshaw said, “not to mention all the trucks” that will be using M-37 and other nearby roads. Amazon added a fulfillment center in a much larger city, Kenosha, Wis., in 2015 and Kenosha Development Coordinator Brian Wilke said they haven’t had many issues with it; Amazon officials did everything they said they would. But traffic can be an issue around the shift change and around the holidays, he said. “We’ve had county sheriffs out directing traffic at times. We didn’t expect that,” Wilke said. In Gaines Township, McKeman, the plan­ ning and zoning department official, said Amazon had improvements in mind for the area to create better traffic flow. Amazon suggested the Kent County Road Commission re-stripe lanes on eastbound 60^ Street and 68& Street at M-37, creating a shared through/right-tum lane at those inter­ sections. All road work is being funded by Amazon, he said. Gaines Township officials concluded that the improvements made in the traffic impact study conducted by Amazon “should ade­ quately address traffic concerns and result in acceptable levels of service.” “Truck traffic won’t be noticeable,” Gaines Township Supervisor Robert DeWard said. According to the Gaines Township staff report from the Amazon approval hearing, the warehouse added a new spine road to “ensure segregation of delivery truck traffic from car traffic.” According to DeWard, those trucks will be traveling north on M-37 away from Barry County and toward M-6 and the airport. Brad Lamberg, managing director of the Barry County Road Commission, said he doesn’t foresee Amazon warehouse traffic becoming an issue for this county. “I don’t see a big impact on county roads in Barry County,” Laniberg said. “If anything, people will try to ayqid M^7 more than they already do.” Keynote speaker Morgan Johnson (from left) is accompanied by Joanne Guernsey Carrie Duits and Theresa Heide. Seniors Kassidy Morgan (left) and Megan Roe are honored at the annual Senior Girls’ Tea at Hastings Baptist Church. Youngsters celebrate First Communion Fifteen students made their First Holy Communion at St. Rose in Hastings Sunday, May 5, including (front row, from left) Conner Heald, Cheyenne Smith, Jacelyn Goodroe, Myles Drake, Addelynn Nurenberg, Eliot Selleck; (second row) Evelyn Webb, Lucy Sporer, Kellen Boge, Levi Pyrzinski, Parker Smith, Alyssa MacLeod, Isabella Perez; (third row) Logan Smith, Dayne Sharrar; (back) teacher Diane Bennett, Father Stephan Philip, Deacon Gene Haas and teacher Jackie Tolles. “Such a gorgeous day for the sac­ rament,” said Principal Lori Pearson, who provided this photo. Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Hastings High School seniors Kassidy Morgan and Megan Roe were honored at the annual Senior Girls’ Tea hosted on May 1, by the GFWC Hastings Women’s Club at Hastings Baptist Church. The seniors were each awarded a scholar­ ship of $1,000 toward their continuing educa­ tion by Marilyn Oaster, director of the execu­ tive board. The keynote speaker was Morgan Johnson, Barry County United Way volunteer center director. “When I was young, I never imagined I would be where I’m at today and doing what I’m doing,” Johnson said. Johnson’s presentation, titled “Celebrate the Journey,” walked the audience through a timeline of her life as she emphasized that every momentous occasion for her happened right in her hometown community of Barry County. She graduated from Hastings High School; became engaged and married her high school sweetheart; gave birth to her chil­ dren at Pennock Hospital; and built a success­ ful career with the United Way, where she is able to help the families in her community Co have better lives and meet basic needs. “My message to these young women is that everything they could want and need is right in their own back yard,” Johnson said. “They can be successful here and have the love and support of their families around them every day.” The 73rd senior girls’ event featured the attendance of Joanne Guernsey, a 1946 grad­ uate of Hastings High School, who had pre­ sented Johnson with a scholarship in 2004. Guernsey was involved in launching the first senior tea event at the close of World War IL COUECTOR'S KORRER Best Of REQUEST, continued from page 1 excited about talking to the residents of the school district and hearing what they have to say - positive and negative - and learn what we need to do to get support for the work needing to be done at our schools. “There’s a solution. It’s just going to take a little more work to find it. I’m not a defeatist.” Luke Haywood, president of the school board, said the result of the election was dis­ appointing but solutions must be found. “The administration and district staff are committed to providing the best learning environment for our students, and that means the board is going to have to make some tough decisions,” Haywood said. No decisions will be made until the board meets with district staff and Remenap and begin discussions to identify critical needs. Before this election, Hastings schools have had six bond requests on the ballot since 2010. Of those, voters have approved two: An August 2010 request for $3.2 million passed by 105 votes. A November 2015 bond request for $44.59 million passed with a 207-vote margin. The four other requests, in May 2015 for $55 million; in November 2017 for $19.5 million and $10.5 million; and August 2018, $11.1 million, were defeated. School officials have said that these requests were intended to address roof repair issues as well as remodel­ ing, equipping and re-equipping school facili­ ties, along with other needed improvements. COINS COLLECTIBLES FIRST PLACE! ____ S&M Brent Marrs- Publisher. The foliaSerffin^-Stendaol �The Hastings Banner —- Thursday, May 9, 2019 —- Page 3 WATER, continued from page 1 still get to every resident if need be. The fire chief is checking it every couple of days.” “This has become a health and human safe­ ty issue,” resident Deb Engelhardt said. Resident Jack Griffin said he’s lived on Crooked Lake for 30 years. He’s got sandbags around his deck and is running a pump to move the water from behind the sandbags back into the lake. Power outages are a major concern, he said, since that means the pumps aren’t working. In some locations, residents are no longer receiving mail delivery from the post office because mail carriers can no longer get safely through the water. According to the U.S. Postal Service office in Delton, the condition below the road is deteriorating creating much larger potholes and more dangerous driving conditions. The Delton post office is currently holding mail for a 30-day period or until the water recedes. Post office boxes also are available to resi­ dents who are no longer getting mail, but that is at the resident’s expense. Doster said that, as the water on the roads gets higher, the effect a car can have increas- es. Just like a boat on a lake, if a car travels through a flooded road, it creates a wake and a series of waves that push water onto proper­ ties and sometimes even into homes. Residents say ducks are swimming where backyards used to be. There are no beaches ~ just water where land used to be. This car slowly plows through the water over East Shore Drive in Delton. This section of the road is covered in water that has overflowed from a swampy area to the east of the road. Preparations are being made to lower the lake level by pumping the water to the north side of Delton Road at Stoney Point Drive. Hastings Township passes library millage Taylor Owens Staff Writer After rejecting a 10-year renewal of the Hastings Public Library millage in August 2018, Hastings Township passed the mill­ age Tuesday by 73 votes. The unofficial results were 393 to 320. “I’m ecstatic,” Hasting Public Library Director Peggy Hemerling said. “We are very grateful that the voters turned out and chose to retain their library services. “We will do everything we can do to meet their needs and be the library that sup­ ports our community.” If Hastings Township had voted the 1.6mill renewal down a second time, the library would have lost $120,000 from its annual budget, which would have led to cuts in staff, programs and hours of opera­ tion. A campaign committee, “Yes for Hastings Library,” formed late last year. With dona­ tions from residents and the Friends of the Hastings Public Library, it organized a getout-the-vote initiative. Volunteers went door to door, posted campaign signs and educated people on how libraries are funded and what would happen if the millage failed. Once Hastings Township residents real­ ized the fail i re of the millage would mean a loss in services for them, they wanted to vote for the millage, Hemerling said. The difference between that 13-vote loss and Tuesday’s 3 vote win proved their efforts were successful, Hemerling said. Library service will remain unaffected, since the conseq 4 ces for patrons due to the initial millage failure would not have gone into effect until this summer. But, as of Jan. 1, Hastings Township lost its two seats on the Hastings Public Library Board. Now, with the millage approved, those seats will be restored in July. Jack Griffin has sandbags piled on his seawall on the lake side of his deck. The pump attached to the green hose pumps water back into Crooked Lake. The water goes up and under his deck. His dock usually goes straight out into the lake from the seawall. No Election Day glitches this time, clerk reports Tuesday^ elector • h' Barry-County went “flawlessly,” Barry Cbunty Clerk Pamela Palmer said Wednesday. Out of roughly 45,000 registered voters in the county, Palmer said 5,542 votes were cast. She said turnout was fairly light across the county’s 14 precincts. “Everything went well. I didn’t have any clerks call in glitches. We’ll see how the can­ vassers do.” The Board of Canvassers will start review­ ing county election results Thursday after­ noon, she said. Palmer didn’t have a final count on how many absentee ballots were cast, but she said there were a few voters in each of 11 precincts who registered to vote on Election Day. November’s election was problematic for clerks in Barry County because of technical glitches that impended the process. Same-day voter registration and no-reason absentee voting were among changes to Michigan’s election law that were approved by voters in 2018. Four requests appeared on ballots in Barry County. The unofficial results showed: • Out of 713 total votes cast on Hastings Township Library millage question, 393 voted yes and 320 voted no. • The Hastings Public Library asked for a 1.6 millage renewal/increase for 10 years to provide library services to township residents. • Out of 1,687 total votes cast on the Delton Kellogg schools proposal, 1,057 voted yes and 630 voted no. Delton schools asked for $23.2 million for building and site, education­ al technology and districtwide improvements. • Out of 3,828 total votes cast on Hastings schools proposal, 1,814 voted yes and 2,014 voted no. • District voters were asked to approve 0.7 mills to raise $9.9 million for repairs to all school buildings to be paid off in 12 years. A previous 0.4 millage will be paid off in 2020; approval would have meant taxpayers would have had a 0.3 mill increase in taxes. In the part of Barry County that is in the Martin school district, 16 total votes were cast on the Martin schools proposal: 10 voted yes and 6 voted no. (That request, for operating millage, was approved districtwide, 200-51.) Delton-Kellogg bond extended to 2026 Taylor Owens Staff Writer The Delton-Kellogg bond proposal passed by a 427-vote margin Tuesday, 1,057 to 630, and will generate $23,215,000 for dis­ trict-wide improvements over the next 10 years. The bond is projected to maintain the dis­ trict’s current tax rate but not increase it. School officials said it will be used for recon­ struction of the elementary school, roofing replacements, kitchen upgrades, restroom remodeling, locker room upgrades, technolo­ gy devices and infrastructure, new buses, drainage improvements and artificial turf at the football stadium. “The community’s approval of Delton Kellogg’s bond proposal is a testament to the community’s ongoing support of our students and staff,” Superintendent Kyle Corlett said. “I am very excited for our students and for the future of the district, as the bond will support some immediate needs - and needs we’ll face over the next couple of years. “On behalf of Delton Kellogg schools, I would like to thank all of the taxpayers. We will work on communicating updates with bond work as soon and as often as possible.” The bond will maintain the previous levy of 4.9 mills that voters approved in 2018 - and extends it until 2026. “Our school needs it,” school employee Becky Tobias said. “I’ve been there a long time - and we need it.” “We had done our best to educate the voters in our community on the facts of this bond through social media, mailings, and commu­ nity forums,” physical education teacher Mark Nabozny said. “There is no question our school system needs these improvements to sustain a safe, healthy educational environ­ ment for our students and staff. “At the same time, this bond will make the necessary improvements and upgrades to our facilities to, not only attract new students, but sustain our student count.” Luke Froncheck contributed to this report. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Water plant power A new generator is installed Tuesday morning at the Hastings water treatment plant and for one of the groundwater wells that supplies water to the plant for treatment and distribution. The city has had to rely on a portable generator to power one of the supply wells and pump water directly into the distribution system in the case of a power outage, City Manager Jeff Mansfield said. “This new generator will supply power to the groundwater well that feeds the plant, and to the full water treatment plant itself,” he said, “allowing complete treatment of water in the event of major power interruption.” The new generator will automatically activate in the event of a power failure, providing more reliable backup and an uninterrupted supply of water into the distribution system during power outages. The installation of the generator is the last step in a program of comprehensive upgrades to the control system at the water plant that has been underway for several years now, he said. �Page 4 — Thursday, May 9, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Opinion see? Did you Bovine New training center makes skilled takes trades education a reality a break This large cow was just resting in the rain near a pond on West Cloverdale Road just off M-43. Hey, it’s OK to lounge around occa­ sionally. No need to gawk. Just moove on. (Sorry, we couldn’t resist. Do you remember? Legion baseball Banner May 31,1978 Officers of the American Legion Post 45 present a check to Bernie Oom for the summer baseball program. Pictured (from left) are Carl Conrad, baseball chairman, holding the trophy won last year by the high school-age Legion team; Lyle Newton, finance officer, pre­ senting the $900 check; Coach Oom; and Roy Wilcox, post commander. The Legion provides most of the financial support for six teams participating in three leagues. Last year, 94 boys took part in the program in Hastings. The baseball program is run by the Youth Council. Have you met? Keith Beebe is a quiet, unassuming man with a heart of gold. He was born in Wyandotte, and lived in River Rouge, Lincoln Park and Trenton during his child­ hood. After graduating from Trenton High School in 1960, he immediately entered the U.S. Army, where he became a radio relay operator. As he was finishing his three years of duty, just six months from his release date, he was sent to Germany. Then, when those six months were over, he was ready to board a ship and head home. But as it came into port, the vessel started taking on water. He had to wait another 45 days in Germany for the next ship. “That was so crazy,” Beebe said; “just when you think you get to go home.” He eventually made it back to Michigan and went into the graphics business, where he designed and digitized logos. Beebe loved his job, but his heart was not in graphic design. He didn’t know it yet, but he loved to volunteer. He began volunteer work on the east side of the state. He dedicated several years to a women’s abuse shelter in Detroit, taking phone calls and connecting those in abusive situations to the people and resourc­ es they needed. He also was part of a pro­ gram that educated the court-appointed bat­ terers in abusive situations. “This experience got me interested in vol­ unteering,” Beebe said. “And then it never stopped.” Throughout his adult life and in his spare time, he has donated hundreds of hours for others in many different capacities. Beebe moved to Barry County in 2002 and began to volunteer at the Red Cross after he saw an advertisement in the Reminder in 2005. He was part of the disaster team and went to house fires to assist in whatever way he could. He can tell of many disaster stories, including the 2014 flood in Detroit and how wonderful the people and police force of Inkster were in cooperating to get things done. He also helped with flooding in Ionia, serving meals and distributing clean-up kits. He found that he especially enjoyed the Red Cross’ transportation service. He worked with others from to procure Red Cross vehi­ cles and “set up shop” in the Gun Lake area. The volunteer forces grew and a need was met in Barry County for many years. When the Red Cross stopped offering transportation services, Beebe knew they had to find another option. Too many people at the office overseeing all of the volunteers and making sure the office and drivers com­ municate well. He sets up the drives for the upcoming week and emails details to drivers. “If I can’t do something for someone else, it’s not worth doing,” Beebe said. Because of his heart for people and his compassionate ways, Keith Beebe is this week’s Bright Light. Keith Beebe were not going to be able to get to doctor appointments, cancer treatments, dialysis and other vital medical appointments. Barry County Transit was a wonderful benefit, but it only operated inside the county, and many of the appointments of the clients were out­ side those boundaries. The small, giving group of transporters found Hope Network, a Grand Rapids-based nonprofit organization. Hope Network offered transportation services, and Beebe was a vital part of bringing them to Barry County. “I counted up the hours, and Keith has affected 110 volunteers’ lives in his 13 years here,” office manager, Judy Loofboro said. “He has changed their lives with his giving.” Beebe worked with MichiganWorks and other job-training programs during the reces­ sion of 2008 to get people back into the work force as they volunteered for Hope Network during that time, Loofboro said. He and his wife Sharon have been married for nearly 31 years, and he has three grown children from his first marriage. Beebe has received several awards for his volunteer efforts, including the 2008 Transportation Volunteer of the Year through the Red Cross, the 2012 Volunteer of the Year award through the United Way, and the 2016 Senior Citizen of the Year Award through the Commission on Aging. In his 70s now, Beebe spends many hours Favorite movie: “Windtalkers.” It’s real history of an untold story. Best advice you ever received: “Go in the service.” It made me grow up. First job: I delivered newspapers when I was young and pumped gas at a gas station. Then I worked for Revere Copper and Gas in River Rouge. Then I moved up to making $1.25 an hour at Holt Graphics, where I was a keyline artist and made business forms. Person I’d most like to meet: Jesus, just to know for sure He is real. Something about me most people don’t know: Most people know all about me. I don’t hide anything. What I’d tell a high school graduate: Be yourself. Don’t try to be someone you are not. It doesn’t matter what other people think about you. Favorite dinner: Rack of ribs and my wife’s potato salad. My biggest challenge: To find someone to do my job so I can retire someday. The greatest president: J.F. Kennedy, but he never got a chance to show what he could do. What I’d do if I won the lottery: Pay bills, fix up and pay off my house, give 10 percent to my church, give to my family, and go around town buying meals and paying for gas for people anonymously. I’d like to be able to pay for everyone in the restaurant when I leave a place. Hobbies: Gardening and fishing, but I don’t have much time to do either. Greatest thing about Barry County: That you can go five miles in any direction and you are on a lake. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Do something wonderful for community and you can count on a politician taking credit, even when government had nothing to do with the successful project. The politicians who were among the more than 300 people at last week’s open house of the $15 million state-of-the-art skilled trades training center in Wayland passed out splendid compliments and grand accolades - all well-deserved. The amazing 67,000-square-foot facility funded by the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights is set up to offer adults, high school graduates and GED-qualified individuals 300 apprentice­ ship programs leading to thousands of job openings in Michigan’s skilled trades indus­ try. Those programs also come with the chance to earn money while the student learns. For years, our state has allowed a skilled trades deficit to build, to the point that a growing list of jobs is waiting to be filled. Experts say that businesses will need around 15,000 workers each year to fill the open­ ings in skilled trades. As educational leaders continue to focus on college-focused curric­ ulums, however, we’ve not addressed this critical shortage or provided the opportuni­ ties for young people to secure the employ­ ment skills needed to provide for their futures. Now, with the new training center in Wayland as a fantastic option for Barry County students and with two more such training centers scheduled for Detroit and Marquette, maybe there’s some light at the end of the skilled trades education tunnel. Leaders across the state and nation have been warning educators since the 1980s to get non-college bound students job-ready skills, yet politicians and their state-mandat­ ed education system have continued with the mantra that, to be successful, a student needs to go to college. That’s what made the remarks from politicians and education leaders at last week’s open house so ironic. “This building represents one of the great things happening in our state and it didn’t cost the taxpayers a dime,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. “It’s about opening up path­ ways to prosperity and integrity in work and not bankrupting our young people in the process of getting skills. “This is a place you can come and find your passion and leave with some money in the bank, zero debt, a guaranteed job and a great quality of life. We at the state didn’t do anything to contribute to this, but we at the state will benefit from this and that’s why I’m here.” That’s the problem. The state’s politicians and education leaders didn’t do anything to make a project like this happen. In fact, they oftentimes made it more difficult due to their lack of real knowledge about the importance of supporting kids not cut out for college. Yet they still continue to push the message that the only pathway to suc­ cess is through college. As a state representative from 2001 to 2006 and a state senator until 2015, the gov­ ernor’s message, like those of other politi­ cians and education leaders, has been less about skilled trades training programs than it has been about college. In her State of the State address less than three months ago, Whitmer acknowledged that “Michigan is behind where students have a post-secondary degree,” and she pledged to take the state from 44 percent of adults with a diploma to 60 percent with a college degree or skills certification by 2030. The structure of that future, though, can’t remain in the traditional education model. The future for Michigan industry and one solution to its employment problems rests on training centers like the one opening in Wayland. “Our skilled training center is designed to take hardworking men and women and turn them into dedicated professionals, trained in the hard skills of carpentry, millwrights and floor laying as well as the soft skills of com­ munication, leadership and teamwork,” said MRCCM Executive Secretary Treasurer Mike Jackson at last week’s open house. According to the United States Department of Labor, the number of appren­ tices has increased by more than 400,000 after a lull in recent years. Meanwhile, in just 2014, more than 170,000 new candi­ dates entered active apprenticeship pro­ grams, with hundreds of new apprentice programs established nationwide. Michigan is one of the leading states with more than 1,000 registered apprenticeship programs and over 18,000 active apprentices in train­ ing. So why the sudden excitement over a program that’s been around for years? Because apprenticeships actually pay some­ one to learn, unlike traditional degree pro­ grams that cost a lot of money and leave students with heavy debt. Plus, the vocational careers and trades that require apprentices are in high demand. For example, from 2012 to 2022, the Bureau of Labor predicts exceptional growth in industries such as: Construction trade work­ ers by 22 percent; health technologist and technicians by 24 percent; installation, < maintenance and repair occupations by over 10 percent; and construction-related work­ ers by at least 12 percent. The starting pay, bonuses and other perks also put a renewed > emphasis on the apprenticeship programs’ As our economy continues to move from * an industrial- to a knowledge-based econo­ my, skilled trades have become even more; critical to manufacturers as they try to com­ pete in this high-tech global economy. Employers are looking for candidates who demonstrate the ability and eagerness to learn the skills necessary to compete for the thousands of jobs left unfilled. Apprenticeship programs are a great way to engage students in hands-on learning while giving them the opportunity to experience a number of trades. Too many Americans tend to view school Career and Technical Education classes and apprenticeships as a path for the lowest level student. Interestingly enough, the Department of Labor recently signed a dec­ laration of intent with Switzerland to estab- * lish apprenticeship programs based on that country’s model. The Swiss model engages students at 15 or 16 years of age, by prepar­ ing them with 21st century skills for high-demand, high-skilled jobs, and allows them to pursue higher education (including university degrees) and training. In Switzerland, approximately 70 percent of Swiss students presently choose to do an apprenticeship while only 25 percent choose a traditional university. The Swiss caution against looking at its model as a way to deal * with unemployment or to get kids off the street. Instead, the model should be consid­ ered as a way to build up the next generation and create innovation. That sounds like the ’ America of the 1950s and 1960s when young men and women looked to the trades as a sound career choice that allowed them to earn a good living and maintain steady employment. Another interesting concept with the Swiss model is its heavy involvement from employers. Rather than looking to govern­ ment, businesses lead the effort to develop the future talent, much like what the MRCCM 13 doing at the Wayland facility. In Barry County, a workforce develop­ ment group of local citizens has put together a number of training programs in coopera­ tion with local industries, such as an auto­ motive training program at the Gilmore Car Museum; an advanced manufacturing assembly training program in cooperation with Kellogg Community College and local industry; a culinary arts program in cooper­ ation with the Barry Community Foundation and Hastings schools; and a welding pro­ gram is available at Hastings schools in cooperation with KCC that can be taken after school with additional classes in Battle Creek location. High schools throughout the county also offer CTE training programs for those students looking for job skills. With the cost of attending college on the increase isn’t it imperative that we step up the focus on giving students some addition­ al options for success? The new skilled trades training center in Wayland gives me hope that giving our youth work-ready skills is a good invest­ ment. Fred Jacobs , CEO J-Ad Graphics, Inc. VERIFIED, TRUSTED, RECOGNIZED COLLECTORS KORNER, LLC Valid through 03-2019 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 9, 2019 — Page 5 Watershed group to learn about CAFOs equivalent of the sewage from a city of 75,000-150,000 people every year. “The council is not considering whether or not CAFOs are the most appropriate way to operate dairy farms,” member Dr. Kenneth Kornheiser said. “But we are concerned about the proper disposition of all that manure in a location with many valuable lakes and wet­ lands and where most of our citizens still derive their drinking water from wells.” Scheduled to speak are Bruce Washbum, environmental quality analyst for Southwest Michigan, Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, on the regulatory framework for CAFO manure management; and Lynn Henning, Goldman Environmental Prize winner, Michigan family farmer and field coordinator for the Socially Responsible Agricultural Project on citizen responses to CAFOs. Nomination and election of officers and board members will take place after the pre­ sentation. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. Light refreshments will be served. The Four Township Water Resources 'Council will hold its annual meeting starting at 7 p.m. Monday, May 13, in the auditorium of the Stack Building at the Kellogg Biological Station on the east shore of Gull Lake. Watersheds in the four-township area Barry and Prairieville in Barry County, and Richland and Ross townships in Kalamazoo County - have had productive livestock and crop farms for generations. As with many other industries, a gradual process of consoli­ dation means numerous small family farms are being replaced by a few much larger fanfts. The largest livestock farms are referred to as CAFOs - concentrated animal feeding operations. There are currently two dairy CAFOs and one beef CAFO in the four town­ ships. According to the United States Department of Agriculture, manure from a dairy milking 200 cows produces as much nitrogen as is in the sewage from a communi­ ty of 5,000-10,000 people. The two dairies in the Four Townships milk more than 3,000 cows. This means they produce the manure AN UNNAMED SOURCE IN A POSITION TO KNOW LEAKED THIS DOCUMENT TO ME ON THE CONDITION OF ANONYMITY.1! ScMEBODYfe ■EEN WATCHII' tx>much NEWg„„ County moves toward ‘seamless’ law enforcement, 911 system $206,229 software would out sheriffs office and Central Dispatch on. same system Rebecca Pierce Editor A $206,229 public safety software platform may ultimately put the Barry County sheriff’s office in sync with the county’s Central Dispatch operation. Tuesday, county commissioners unani­ mously recommended upgrading the records and jail management systems for the sheriff’s office with money from the county’s data pro­ cessing fund. The proposed purchase of the Records Management System and Jail Management System from CentralSquare Technologies in Sioux Falls, S.D., will be an action item on the board agenda next Tuesday. In April, Barry County’s Central Dispatch accepted a bid of $214,000 from CentralSquare for the Zuercher (pronounced Zer-ker) plat­ form for use as the computer-aided dispatch System, director Stephanie Lehman said. Central Dispatch is an authority with a mill­ age specific to 911. Central Dispatch will go live with the Zuercher system in January 2020, Lehman Said. By upgrading to Zuercher in the same time frame, the county would save on the cost of integrating the system, Undersheriff Matt Houchlei told commissioners. Plus, it would allow the sheriff’s office to be on a system compatible with Central Dispatch that would improve efficiency, responsiveness and ser­ vice to residents, he said. Information sharing between law enforce­ ~ — —— ment agencies would be “seamless,” he said. The Zuercher system is supported 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year. Routine upgrades are accomplished in the cloud, rather than having to physically down­ load upgrades into each individual laptop as is required with the current Superion system, Houchlei said. Other bids were more expen­ sive and nowhere near as robust, he noted. “We spent a lot of time in demos to deter­ mine what would work best for us,” Houchlei said, mentioning the around-the-clock support offered with the Zuercher platform. “When something goes wrong ... if a midnight depu­ ty has a problem in corrections or on the road, they can call this company and somebody will actually answer the phone. ...We’re very impressed with how the technology has improved.” Mecosta, Osceola, Wexford counties cur­ rently use this system, Lehman said. And Monroe approved a contract at the same time as Barry County’s Central Dispatch. When commissioners asked if platform performance had been checked with counties currently using the product, Houchlei con­ firmed that one of his lieutenants reached out to find out their experiences, turrent users were satisfied, he said. Some law enforcement agencies in the county use the same system as the sheriff’s office. Those that use Superion - Barry, Prairieville and Woodland townships and Nashville Police Department - will have to —————— Know Your Legislators: Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855­ 347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1 -202-224-3121. The Hastings Banner Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@J-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@J-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM • (Editor) (Copy Editor) Rebecca Pierce Kathy Maurer Brett Bremer Tanett Hodge Taylor Owens Joan Van Houten • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 make a choice, Houchlei said. They will need to decide whether to continue with Superion or go with Zuercher. Currently, each one has a $600 to $900 maintenance cost, he said. If they decide to continue to pay the licensing and maintenance fees, they could stay on Superion. The county will cover their licens­ ing fees for the time being. But Houchlei said the sheriff’s office would continue to cover those fees through the Zuercher platform as an incentive for the townships to be on the same program as the county. Both records management and jail manage­ ment systems would include not only core functionality, such as report writing and inci­ dent documentation functions, but administra­ tive, personnel and records functionality as well, he said. The system will support acci­ dent reporting, eCitations, crime mapping, records search capabilities, record linking, audit trails and receipt and deposit functions, equipment tracking, and service dog manage­ ment. The system currently in use at Central Dispatch isYfdm~1593, Lehman said. The Superion system used by the sheriff’s office is 10 years old. While that platform will still be supported, it will no longer be upgrad­ ed, Houchlei said. Lehman said the Zuercher is a more stable and secure platform than what the county cur­ rently uses. “Right now, we’re operating on disparate systems,” she said. With the new platform, Central Dispatch and the sheriff’s office would share one database, but not all users of the system would have access to everything. “Potentially going forward with the jail functionality, crossover, old facility, new facility, tying in - is this going to be a seam­ less transition?” Commissioner David Jackson asked. “...We’re not going to come back in five years and say’ Zuercher doesn’t like the color of our bricks, so we need to spend another $200,000’?” Houchlei said the only change that would be required by a new, larger jail facility might be the need for more units. Lehman noted that the issue of data conver­ sion is huge for Central Dispatch, which will have to convert the old data into the new sys­ tem. The system would have two servers, one housed at 911 and the other at the courthouse. Each one will hold 5 terabytes of data. The county is currently paying $47,675 for annual maintenance and licensing fees for Superion. The maintenance cost for the Zuercher product would be $50,293 annually. Houchlei said the $2,618 difference in annual maintenance costs would be for “a lot better product.” “It’s pretty spectacular,” he said. “We’re looking forward to being on the same page with Central Dispatch.” • Board Chairwoman Heather Wing pointed out that the equipment Central Dispatch has is “very antiquated” for an environment that often can be stressful. “If there’s something going on, you need to have that seamless interface,” she said. “... I’m excited that this is one product that’s going to go from start to finish. I’m happy that you guys found it and found it at a reasonable cost.” In other business, the board: - Interviewed Nelly Shephard of Hastings, a retired office manager, for a vacant position on the Commission on Aging board. The 12-member COA board has two vacant seats that expire Dec. 31,2021 and one vacant posi­ tion that expires Dec. 31 of this year. These vacancies were advertised, and two applicants have been interviewed. A recommendation was made to appoint those two applicants, but the board voted to postpone the action and consider more appointments at its May 28 board meeting. In the meantime, the openings were re-advertised with an application dead­ line of May 20. -Recommended approval, as requested by the community corrections administrator Tammi Price, of a fiscal year 2020 Office of Community Corrections grant application. - Recommended approval of a $48,222 expenditure to repair a broken chiller unit at the sheriff’s office and jail facility. - Recommended the appointment of James French of Middleville to serve on the Barry County Jury Board for the term beginning What do you May 1, 2019, and ending April 30, 2025, as recommended by county Chief Judge William Doherty. - Recommended approval of the 2020 bud­ get calendar and a Municipal Employees’ Retirement System of Michigan resolution establishing authorized signatories for the county. think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by accessing our website, www. HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the fol­ lowing week. Last week: Two Michigan lawmakers have introduced resolutions to make sandhill crane hunting legal in Michigan to reduce damage to agriculture crops by the large birds. Should sandhill cranes be added to the list of game species? Yes 37% No 63% For this week: Michigan has the highest auto insurance rates in the U.S. A state Senate plan would allow residents to opt out of unlimited medical cov­ erage, as long as they have health insurance to cover their medical costs. Do you think that’s a good idea? □ Yes □ No The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: • All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Multiple Company Job Fair Thursday, May 16, 2019 For High School Seniors • 12-2 p.m. All Barry County graduating seniors entering the world of work after high school Hastings High School Aux Gym For All Others • 5-7 p.m. Any student or community member looking for summer or long-term work Hastings High School Hallway near PAC Attendees: Dress appropriately for the job you are applying for/Bring resume. Companies: If have not signed-up yet, there is still time. Contact Ed Domke, CTE Director at edomke@hasskl2.org �Page 6 — Thursday, May 9, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at ”an old country church.” Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920S.M-37 Hwy.(M-37at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingshopeumc. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Thursday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office, greenstreetumc @ gmail. com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor; Ryan Rose, Family Life Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings. org. 9 a.m. Traditional Service; 10:30 a.m. Contem­ porary service. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945­ 9217. cbchastings.org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmaiLcom. Website: www. hastingsfreemethodist,com. Pastor Brian Teed, Associate Pastor Andy Baird and Stu­ dent Ministry Director, Emma Miller. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAMILY HOUR - WELCOME! ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Preschool age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Stan­ dard and Adult Elective class­ es. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church age 44th grade dismissed during service. Aftermath Student Ministry - 6:30 p.m., 7th-12th grades & Semester Growth Groups.. Wednesday: Wom­ en's Bible Study 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday: Adult Bible Study 10 a.m. Hastings High School students attending the BPA national conference are (from left) Abby Larabee, Teight Turnes, Corbin Hunter, advisor Bob Carl, Roger Roets and Jessica Gaskill. Hastings business students take part in national leadership conference Students from Hastings High School attended the Business Professionals of America 2019 National Leadership Conference in Anaheim, Calif May 1-5. Hastings BPA chapter members Jessica Gaskill, Corbin Hunter, Abby Larabee, Roger Roets and Teight Turnes joined nearly 6,000 conference delegates to compete in national level business skills competitions and attend leadership development, workshops, general sessions and national officer candidate cam­ paigns and elections. In addition to having the opportunity to compete on the national stage and learn from leading business professionals, students had the opportunity to experience Anaheim, Calif., and the surrounding areas! “Each year, the national leadership confer­ ence offers our stucMfc the opportunity to showcase their skill!* add compete against other students from across the country, and be recognized for their dedication and hard work they have put forth through the year,” chapter co-advisor and teacher Bob Carl said. “This GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God's Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! May 12 - Services at 8 and 10:45 a.m. May 13 - Outreach Mtg. 4:30 p.m. May 14 Women of Faith, Mallard Pond 1:30 p.m.; Brothers of Grace, Fish Fry at 6:30 p.m. (church). May 16 - Clapper Kids 3:45 p.m.; Grace Notes 5:45 p.m. May 18 Progressive Dinner 5:30 p.m. Pastor Ken S check II. pastorken @ grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www. grace-hastings. org. Facebook: \ Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings. Abby Larabee and Corbin Hunter take part in the Ambassador Torch Award ceremo­ ny. Hunter also placed 15th in the nation in the Fundamentals of Web Design compe­ tition. (Photos provided) This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses' _ Traditional and Cremation Services Pre-Planning Services Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible Serving All Faiths Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted Mb Hw ■ ■ WWBBWMW® year, we had five students who excelled throughout the year and represented our local chapter of Business Professionals of America from Hastings.” Chapter parliamentarian Jessica Gaskill competed in several open events. Chapter president Corbin Hunter took 15th place in the nation in the Fundamentals of Web Design competition and is an Ambassador Torch Award recipient. Treasurer Abby Larabee also was an Ambassador Torch Award recipient. BPA member Teight Turnes finished 18th in the nation in the C++ Programming competi­ tion. Business Professionals of America is a pre­ mier career and technical student organization for high school, college, and middle school students preparing for careers in business, finance and management information system and other related fields. Financial bontributions from several local businesses helped make the trip to California affordable for all students, Carl said. Fiberglass Products AMWIMfWOF MlkH&Iqulpint 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 102 Cook 770 Cook Rd. Hastings Hastings 945-4700 945-9541 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-3252 • www.girrbachfuneralhome. Owncr/Managcr Family Owned and Operated OwXr tariL Serving Hastings, Barry County and Surrounding Communities for 50 years Pamela Headley Hobert Pamela Headley Hobert was bom March 19, 1953 to Eugene and Velma Headley. Pam’s struggle with the wicked disease ALS is over and now is sleeping in her Lord. Wait­ ing for Resurrection day and seeing her SaV­ ior Jesus! In all His glory! Pam passed away May 5, 2019, with her loving husband by her side. Proceeding her in death were her mother, Velma (Wickwire) Headley, and father, Eu­ gene Headley, and two younger brothers who also died from the same wicked disease, ALS, Wade and Keith Griner. 1 Pam graduated from Hastings High School in 1971 and married Benjamin Healy. On February 14, 2004, she married Carl A. Hob­ ert, Jr. She worked as a nurses’ aide at Thomapple Manor through high school and up until she started her family in 1973. Most of her life, she worked at Pennock Hospital in Hastings as a nurses’ aide, and later trained to work as a lab aide and phlebotomist, with further training to reprocess and sterilize surgical instruments in CSR, finally taking the state test for Pharmacy Technician, and worked in Pennock Hospital outpatient pharmacy. Lat­ er she studied to become a certified massage therapist. She is survived by the two loves of her life, her sons, and two daughters-in-law that were like daughters to her. Matthew (Deann) Healy, their children Megan and Austin, and Jason (Abby) Healy and their children Lexi Jo, Paige and Easton, two step-sons, Chad Hobert, and Josh (Amy) Hobert and their son, Howard. Pam is also survived by two sisters, Valerie Donahue (Joe), and Babette (Gary) Roberts. Four brothers, Rodney (Pam) Gri­ ner, Tom (Carolyn) Headley, Ronald (Renee) Headley, John (Caroline) Headley and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her loving, faithful husband, Carl Hobert, who lovingly cared for her until the end. Pam always had a happy smile on her face and loved working with the public. She tru­ ly loved people, and loved her Lord Jesu^ showing her faith in Him to the end. Pam presently attended the Hastings Seventh Day Adventist Church, a Christian Bible-based church, where she and Carl were baptized in 2005. Previous to that, she attended Wesley Chapel SDA Church and East Pasco SDA Church in Florida, Country Chapel United Methodist Church in Dowling, TVC in Podunk Lake, and Grace Church in Nashville! MI. Pam requested no flowers, but donations t| ALS research. There is no cure for this diC­ ease, and her hope is for future sufferers to have hope. A memorial service will be held on Sun­ day, May 19, 2019 at 1 p.m. at the Hastings Seventh Day Adventist Church, 904 Terry Lr| Hastings, MI 49058. Arrangements by Girdbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuner* alhome.net. ; �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 9, 2019 — Page 7 Postal employees asking community to Stamp Out Hunger Keith Latham studies some white pine trees at Tyden Park to add to his painting Wednesday morning. Latham is one of several plein air, or outdoor, artists visiting Barry County this week. Barry County is artists’ focal point this week Kathy Maurer Copy Editor Art is in the air as outdoor artists converge on Barry County this week as part of a plein air artist retreat at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. Keith Latham of Brighton took advantage of overcast skies Wednesday morning when he set up his easel and paints at Tyden Park in Hastings. He had filled the canvas with a meadow and forest scene the previous day and was using the white pines on the south side of the park as models to add to his work. Latham, a North Carolina native, majored in art at Western Carolina University but spent little time behind an easel for the next few decades. He took up painting about 10 years ago, inspired by Bob Ross and Heiner Herding. He’s been a member of the Michigan Plein Air Artists, based in Milford, for the past three years and now makes it a point to paint every Saturday. He said he really enjoys the natural beauty and rural backdrop of Barry County. “Getting lost is fun here,” he said in the crisp 45-degree air. “I’ve met so many nice farmers and people who live in the country,” he added. Whether he sets up in a field, along a road­ way, in a park or elsewhere, Latham said people often stop and ask what he’s doing. He’s met a lot of people that way. Such distractions may add to the time it takes him to finish a painting. “I’m the most indecisive painter in the world,” he said. “I’m the slowest one in the group.” Five artists from the Milford group are here this week, Latham said. The Plein Air Artists of West Michigan, who have had painting events in Barry County in the past, also are taking part in the retreat. With the help of sponsors, volunteer organizations and U.S. Postal Service employees in 10,000 communities nationwide, the National Association of Letter Carriers will conduct its 27th annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive - the nation’s largest single-day food drive - Saturday, May 11. “We’re proud to continue this community tradition as we prepare for the 27th annual food drive,” Postmaster James Carlin said. “We’re asking residents for their support to help make this another successful year. It’s easy to make a donation: Simply leave a bag of nonperishable food items by the mailbox to help your neighbors in need.” Last year’s drive resulted in carriers collecting 71.6 million pounds of food from local communities in all 50 states. Since the drive began in 1993, total donations have surpassed 1.6 billion pounds of food. The food drive has become the nation’s largest one-day campaign to collect food for distribution to needy families. To donate, customers should leave their non-perishable food donations in a bag near their mailboxes Saturday, May 11, before the letter carrier arrives. In the days leading up to the food drive, letter carriers will be delivering special bags (along with the mail) that may be used to make donations. Food collected during Saturday’s drive will be delivered to local community churches, food banks and food pantries for distribution. While all non-perishable donations are welcome, foods that are high in protein, such as canned tuna, salmon, beans and peanut vegetables; whole-grain, low-sugar cereals; macaroni and cheese dinners; and 100 percent fruit juice also top the list of most needed items. Additional information about this year’s Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive can be found at nalc .org/community-service/food-drive. Brianna Lynn Schnittker, Middleville and Bradley Dale Wilkerson, Middleville Dakota Wayne McGee, Plainwell and Rachel Grace Elizabeth Ort, Plainwell Elizabeth Marie Bowen, Middleville and Carl Edward Merchant, Middleville Charles Joseph Young, Delton and Laurie butter, are most needed. Canned fruits and Ann Shultz, Delton Mikaela Renee Mason, Wayland and Brian Allen Bouma, Wayland Catherine Lee Curtis, Woodland and Bruce Stephen Holton, Mulliken Andrew Richard Montague, Nashville and Karly Elizabeth Hamlett, Nashville HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE GET ALL THE NEWS OF Ryder Jean Pennington, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on April 3, 2019 to Amanda Pennington and Michael Pennington of Lake Odessa. BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Grace Jo Reiglerm, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on April 9, 2019 to Kirstin Reigler and Levi Reigler of Freeport. Hastings Banner. Stanley Janies Reigler, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on April 9, 2019 to Kaley Reigler and Brandon Reigler of Freeport. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. David Ray Bender, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on April 14, 2019 to Anna Bender and Robert Bender Jr. of Nashville. Thursday, May 2 - Baby Cafe, 10 a.m.noon; Movie Memories watches a 1946 film starring Robert Alda, Andrea King and Peter Lorre, 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, May 3 - preschool story time, 10:30-11 a.m. Monday, May 6 - Quilting Passions group meets, 10 a.m.-l p.m.; board of directors meeting, 4:30-6 p.m. Tuesday, May 7 - toddler story time, 10:30­ 11:30 a.m.; open chess, 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 8 - Friends of the Library meeting, 6:30-7:30 p.m. More information about these and other events can be obtained by calling the library, 269-945-4263. MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License //8H0376 Office (269) 948-2248 & Insured Mobile (269) 838-5112 SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS * 1W 11, 2019 Teaching the next generation Vonda Van Til Social Security Public Affairs Specialist We celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week the week and honor all of the educators who are preparing students for the future. Social Security knows that a well-informed instruc­ tor is usually the best one suited to educate others. That’s why we have online resources that are easy to access and share. Social Security’s Educator Toolkit is a rich resource for teachers and advocates. Our Information for Educators page contains information and resources to engage students and to educate them on Social Security. It includes infographics and handouts for each lesson plan, links to Social Security webpag­ es, talking points and quiz questions and answers. Here’s a brief sample appropriate for high school students: Start the discussion by asking students what they think they know about Social Security and if they think Social Security is important to them as high school students. Capture key words and phrases on the board or screen to keep for future discus­ sion. You can access the toolkit at Social Security, gov/thirdparty/educators .html. It’s important for students to understand why Social Security was created and why it is essential to their lives today and in the future. This knowledge and understanding will pro­ vide students a strong base on which to build their financial future. Young workers also can see how Social Security directly relates to them at our stu­ dents website, Social Security.gov/people/ students. At Social Security, we appreciate informed people speaking about our programs and ben­ efits in a thoughtful and informed way. We value and welcome the efforts all teachers make to educate America’s young people. Vonda Van Til is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email to vonda .vantil @ ssa .gov. NOTICE OF ADOPTION 1,809 OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION ORDINANCE BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN 10am-3pm Central Elementary Gym HAVE YOU BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH Shop Vendors, Crafts & Food Too LUNG CANCER« TIME TO RAISE THE CURTAIN MESOTHELIOMA? ARE YOU AN ASBESTOS VICTIM? NOTICE OF AMENDMENT FARMLAND PRESERVATION ORDINANCE BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN Please take notice that on April 23, 2019, the Barry County Board of Commissioners approved of amendments to the Farmland Preservation Ordinance, an ordinance to protect farmland by acquiring the development rights voluntarily offered by landowners. The Ordinance shall be effective May 20, 2019. A copy of the Ordinance can be obtained at the Barry County Clerk’s Office, Barry County Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings, Ml 49058, or at www.barrycounty.org. Call today 1-800-547-4189 THURSDAY, MAY 30 BRAD PAISLEY THURSDAY, AUGUST 1 TICKETS ON-SALE NOW DR. THOMAS HOFFMAN at the FireKeepers Box Office or FireKeepersCasino.com. of HASTINGS TIME TO GET YOUR VU<f‘V0N” '«!■ ■• Please take notice that the Barry County Board of Commissioners approved of an Open Space Preservation Ordinance in accordance with PA 451 of 1994 on April 23, 2019 to protect open space land in Barry County in order to preserve the rural character and scenic attributes of Barry County by acquiring Conservation Easements voluntarily offered by property owners. The Ordinance shall be effective May 20, 2019. A copy of the Ordinance can be obtained at the Barry County Clerk’s Office, Barry County Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings, Ml 49058, or at www.barrycounty.org. Please call us for a FREE consultation ROB THOMAS CHIP TOOTH TOUR SPECIAL GUEST: ABBY ANDERSON SB FIREKEEPERS CASINO'HOTEL BATTIE Would Like to Welcome CREEK I-94 to Exit 104 | 11177 Michigan Avenue | Battle Creek, Ml 49014 Must be 21 or older. Tickets based on availability. Schedule subject to change. BOARD CERTIFIED NURSE PRACTITIONER DELLA HUGHES-CARTER DNPRN BC-GNP Della comes to the practice with 35 years of nursing experience, with the last eight years as a Nurse Practitioner. She received her Doctorate Degree from the University of Southern Indiana and her NP Masters Degree from Michigan State University. She is also an Assistant Professor at Grand Valley University. Della will start accepting new patients in May of 2019. Call our office today to schedule your appoint­ ments. 225 S M37 Hwy, Suite 2 Hastings, MI (269) 945-3401 THOMAS M. HOFFMAN, M.D. �Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD JONES Financial gifts can brighten anyone’s Mother’s Day Elaine Garlock Happy Mother’s Day to families evei j where. The Lake Odessa Area Historical Society will meet tonight at Lakeside Cemetery for the annual Cemetery Walk. Impersonators will interpret the stories of certain long-gone citizens. Some societies host such events as a way to raise funds. This is free. Visitors meet on the west side, looking for a row of cars to know in which section to meet. The historical society will have its annual veterans observance later in the month. This year’s honorees will be from World War I. The museum will be open over Memorial Day weekend. The Tri-River Museum group will meet Tuesday, May 20, in Ada. The host group will show the new addition to its building. Over the weekend, the local historical society was one of about 30 museums open to the public with no entry fees. This was a good chance to tour a group of museums. The Lake Odessa museum had visitors from Kentwood, Middleville and Portland besides a few local visitors. Members who served as hosts were Lynda Cobb, Thelma Curtis, Gayle Peacock, Elaine Garlock, Nancy Cunningham, Marian Hams, Jane Shoemaker, Alan Goodemoot, Christy Ericksen and Yvonne Cobb. Albums of railroad photos were on display in keeping with the transportation theme for the weekend. Most visitors were surprised to learn that Lake Odessa hosted a prisoner of war camp during World War II. It was on the grounds of the Lake Odessa Canning Company. The mess hall built for their use was kept for more than 10 years for other uses by the company. The Ionia County Genealogical Society will meet Saturday, May 11, at 1 p.m. at the museum on Emerson Street. United Methodist Women of Central United Methodist Church will have their annual spring breakfast Saturday, May 11. The speaker’s topic will be Beatrix Potter who wrote the “Peter Rabbit” books for children. Here is a fascinating story. The Habitat house on Fourth Avenue North is progressing rapidly. Early this week, the roof was on and the walls are covered with sheathing. Even two windows are in place. From now on much of the work will be in the interior, unseen by the passing public. Hastings schools represented at state level Mother’s Day is fast approaching. This spe­ cial holiday reminds us of the joy we receive from the powerful bond between mother and child. To help mark the occasion, you may want to consider making certain financial gifts, including the following: For your mother: • IRA contribution - If your mother is still working, she is eligible to contribute to an IRA, but she might not always fully fund it so you may want to help. You can’t contribute directly to your mother’s IRA, but you can write her a check for that purpose, though, of ---STOCKS-— The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. Apple Inc. AT&T Chemical Fin Chevron Deere & Co. Exxon Mobil Flowserve CP Ford Motor Co. General Electric Co. General Motors Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP Perrigo Co. Pfizer Inc. Spartannash Comp Stryker TCF Financial Corp. Walmart Inc. Walt Disney Co Whirl Pool Corp Gold Silver Dow Jones 202.86 30.53 43.36 118.27 157.76 76.72 49.63 10.38 10.11 38.53 197.77 139.97 57.12 125.52 48.94 40.83 15.91 187.53 21.86 101.30 133.44 137.75 +2.19 -.43 -.57 -1.79 -7.87 -3.56 +.60 -.07 -.06 -.42 -8.93 . -1.23 -3.15 -5.08 +1.02 +.22 -.26 -1.38 +.27 -1.54 -3.53 -1.07 $1,284.46 $14.91 25,965 +$.67 -.11 -628 course, she can use the money however she likes. In 2019, the contribution limit for a tra­ ditional or Roth IRA is $6,000, or $7,000 for individuals 50 or older. (A Roth IRA does have income limits that can reduce the contri­ bution amount or eliminate it altogether.) • Insurance premium - If your mother has life, disability or long-term care insurance, why not offer to pay some of the premiums this year? Long-term care premiums, in par­ ticular, can be quite costly, especially for older policyholders. • Introduction to a financial professional If your mother doesn’t already work with a financial professional, consider introducing her to yours, or to someone else who is rec­ ommended by friends or relatives. A financial advisor can help your mother move toward her retirement goals - and, at some point, also can work with legal and tax professionals to assist your mother with her estate plans. For your children: • 529 plan contribution - If your children are still of school age, you may want to con­ tribute to a college savings vehicle. One pop­ ular choice is a 529 savings plan. When you invest in this plan, your earnings can grow tax-free, provided the money is used for qual­ ified educational expenses. (Be aware, though, that withdrawals not used for quali­ fied education expenses may be subject to federal and state taxes, as well as an addition­ al 10% penalty.) As the 529 plan owner, you have flexibility in using the money. For example, if you’ve designated one of your children as the 529 plan’s beneficiary, and that child decides not to pursue any higher education, you can switch the beneficiary designation to another child or to yourself. You can choose the 529 plan offered by any state, but your contributions might be tax deductible if you invest in your own state’s plan. Tax issues for 529 plans can be com- plex, so, before investing, consult with your tax advisor. • Shares of stocks - Giving stock shares to children is a good way to help them learn some of the basics of investing. You can track the progress of their stocks with them, and even do some research together about why prices may be going up or down. By getting children involved early, you may help instill a lifelong interest in investing. • Charitable gifts - Many children are now concerned about various social issues. You can help encourage this involvement - and possibly an appreciation of the value of philanthropy - by making a gift to a charita­ ble group whose work aligns with your child’s interests. We don’t need to exchange presents on Mother’s Day to show our appreciation for one another, but certain financial gifts can help provide needed support - and even some valuable life lessons - for your loved ones. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. If you have any questions, contact Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. Kentwood woman sentenced in fatal Middleville crash Marlisa Janelie Valenzuela of Kentwood will serve a prison sentence for the death of Middleville resident David Stevens. Valenzuela, 22, was intoxicated while driv­ ing north on Patterson Avenue at Windy Ridge Court in Thomapple Township Aug. 4, 2018. Stevens, 68, was riding a motorcycle and was in the road, waiting for traffic to clear before turning into a driveway. Valenzuela told police she had looked down at her phone and did not have time to stop before hitting Stevens. She pleaded no contest and was sentenced recently by Judge Michael S chipper to serve 24 to 180 months in prison. She also was ordered to pay $998 in fees. Charges of a moving violation causing death, possession of marijuana/synthetic equivalents, and having an open container in a vehicle were dismissed. Clarksville man dies in crash Pulls and stretches Dear Dr. Universe: Why does it hurt when we pull a muscle? Dakota, 12 Matt Goebel and Dora Leonard are two of five staff members from Hastings Area Schools who were invited to give a presentation at a state-level education conference. Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Hastings Area School System was repre­ sented in April by five staff members chosen to speak at the Michigan’s Integrated Behavior and Learning Support Initiative conference. The MIBLSI is an Individuals with Disabilities Education Act grant funded initia­ tive through the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education. The staff members chosen were Matt Goebel, assistant superintendent of student achievement; Dora Leonard, Hastings High School teacher and Multi-tier System of Support teacher consultant; Hastings Middle School teachers Melinda Shults, Tony Knop, and Shari Barker. Shults and Knop presented on the Promoting Adolescent Reading Success grant initiative that involves a sequence of up to six interven­ tion programs for students who struggle with deciphering or comprehending informational text. Hastings district PARS interventionists developed an interactive experience for the conference, inviting participants to be the student. Barker presented on the key role reading intervention strategies play in secondary Multi-tier System of Support implementation. Three high-impact strategies were featured and participants saw each strategy in action and learned how to successfully scale up implementation across all grade levels of mid­ dle school. Goebel and Leonard were among the pre­ senters who have worked to set up systems for communication. District leaders from Hamilton Community Schools and Hastings Area School System shared their learning and provided example products to illustrate how their districts have ensured communication with all district stakeholders. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Would anyone take their old coins, stamps, pocket watches, or gold and silver jewelry to a business that does not display this Better Business Logo? Dear Dakota, Our big, strong, stretchy muscles can help us run, jump and play. But sometimes these muscles stretch a little too far, and it can really hurt. Before we get into the part about pain, it helps to know what makes up a muscle: Fibers. You can imagine these fibers kind of like a handful of uncooked spaghetti noodles. Of course, muscle fibers are much thin­ ner than noodles. You can have millions of fibers in a muscle. That’s what I found out from my friend Bert Tanner, a researcher at Washington State University who knows a lot about both engineering and muscle biol­ ogyYou also have muscle tissue, Tanner said. You can think of the tissue kind of like play-dough that holds together all of the fibers, or noodles. Altogether, you have about 600 different muscles in your body. It turns out these fibers are also what we call muscle cells. Cells are like building blocks. The whole huipan body is made up of lots of different cells, including hair cells, eye cells and skin cells. When you pull a muscle, you are actually tearing some of the muscle cells. That’s what I found out from David Lin, a researcher at WSU who is curious about engineering and biology, too. Lin told me that when the cell tears, the cell signals some pain sensors in your body to start firing away. These nociceptors send a message to your spinal cord and the brain. They help you know that you are in pain and that you should avoid any more dam­ age. Even though these muscle cells can rip, tear and pull, they also do a pretty good job at repairing themselves, Lin said. And while too much stretch may cause a muscle strain, a healthy amount of stretching can sometimes do the body good. When we stretch our muscles, it can help clear our mind and let us focus on our body. I also like to stretch out my muscles when I wake up from a nap. Maybe you do this when you wake up, too. Humans can stretch out their muscles during yoga or after playing sports. When they do this, it can release some chemicals called endorphins to the brain, which can make the person feel happy. You could even take a quick stretch break right now. Everyone’s muscles are a little different, so you want to do the stretches that are best for you. Maybe you’ll reach up to the sky, make your arms wide or touch your toes. While humans have some pretty strong muscles, some animals in our world have super strong muscles. If you were a kanga­ roo rat, your muscles could help jump 10 times your own hip height. You also could jump and land on really rocky surfaces without pulling a muscle. Lin is studying the behaviors of these animals to inspire new ideas for design and engineering. It turns out we can learn a lot from nature and even our own muscles, when we ask big questions. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University's resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse .com. Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF® (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinancial.com This Firm has, and maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau. There Ain't no sense in going anywhere else!!!!! Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you Jeffrey A. Keessen AIF® Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC A 32-year-old Clarksville man, James Timothy Flynn, died in a one-vehicle crash on Usbome Road north of Brown Road at 2:51 p.m. May 6. James Timothy Flynn was killed when the 2003 Ford 250 truck he was driving crashed into a tree, police said. When Barry County Sheriff’s deputies arrived at the scene, they found the truck fully engulfed in flames. “Preliminary investigation shows the vehi­ cle was southbound on Usborne Road. Then the vehicle drifted across the left side of the roadway, where it traveled approximately 150 feet and struck a tree,” Undersheriff Matt Houchlei said in a press release Tuesday. The accident remains under investigation. Deputies were assisted at the scene by Freeport and Woodland Township fire depart­ ments and Hastings Mercy Ambulance. Pickup driver sought in Lake Odessa hit-and-run Ionia County sheriff’s deputies responded, to a call about a person lying in a road near Lake Odessa and learned the individual had been the victim of a hit-and-run accident. Police were dispatched to the area of Jordan Lake and Bonanza roads around 9:20 p.m. Monday, May 6, according to a press release from the sheriff’s department. The man said he had been riding a bicycle south on Jordan lake Road, when a pickup, traveling west on Bonanza Road, crossed the intersection in front of him, and the bicyclist could not avoid an impact with the truck. He was wearing a helmet and reflective riding gear. The man was taken to Spectrum Butterworth with non-life-threatening injuries. Although the exact make and model of the vehicle is unknown, it is said to be a dark color, about the size of a Ford Fl50 and may have damage on the front passenger door. Anyone with further information regarding, this crash may call Deputy Foster at the Ionia County Sheriff’s Office, 616-527-5737, extension 527. Life EMS, the Lake Odessa Fire Department and Ionia County Central Dispatch assisted police at the scene. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 9, 2019 — Page 9 , fl look back at and columns on In the Has TURNING BflGK THE PAGES Series of misfortunes could not darken life of Civil War vet with his cavalry company when the war ended and the troops were disbanded, so he did not receive an honorable discharge, although he had served 3 Vi years. Because of his crippled hands, friends have tried to get him a soldier’s pension, but they always have run up against the fact that they could not find a record of his enlistment, nor was there any record that he had been dis­ charged from the Army. As a result of this unfortunate situation, he has never been able to get a pension, although he had given 3 Vi years to save the Union. He spent five months in Libby prison. He said one cannot imagine the terrible suffering he endured, as did all the Union soldiers in that terrible place. All the prisoners had to eat while he was there was corn meal, uncooked. It was difficult to get water that was fit to drink. He finally made his escape and rejoined his regiment. Mr. McLaughlin was engaged to a young woman in Ovid when he began his Army ser­ vice. They agreed that when he returned they would be married. As soon as he could arrange, after the war was over, he married this woman, and they lived together until about 13 years ago, when she died. They never had any children. He is a mason by trade, but has been unable to work for some time. His injured hand was always a severe handicap. Work at this trade could not be carried on in cold months. He did the best he could when he had an opportunity to work, but was unable to accumulate prop­ erty. Mr. McLaughlin has lived in Barry County for about 13 years. Part of that time, he was in the county home, another inmate there was Charles Sawyer, the Belgian, who now lives with him and has for about five years. McLaughlin draws an old-age pension of $16 per month. Mr. Sawyer gets occasional jobs and always works when he can find something to do. Between them, they manage to get along nicely in this little home, the use of which is generously donated by the owner, Mr. Todd. His pal is a good cook and prepares break­ fasts and suppers for the two. Mr. McLaughlin is able to get his own dinner. He has a fine philosophy of life. He is not a pessimist and rarely looks on the dark side of life. He appreciates his partner, and they have a good time together. His eyesight will not permit him to read much, and his limited education hinders him from reading newspapers or books. He likes to visit with folks, and is a friendly, kindly man who has tried to do his part in the work of life. He has had hard things to contend with, but they have never made him sour nor critical of his fellow man. So, in spite of his handicap of 99 years and the fact that he never has been able to get a pension from the government, he has no harsh criticisms to offer. He is thankful he can get along as well as he does on the small old-age pension he receives. It is too bad he cannot have a soldier’s pension also. He merits it, but the red tape in Washington, his own advanced years and the fact that his Army friends and officers who knew about his Army record had all passed oh, will probably make it impossi­ ble for him to ever get a pension for his war service. *Winans was a captain in the 3r^ Michigan Infantry. Internet searches not available in 1989 lead to a little more information today. McLaughlin died in December 1943, at 103 years old. He was buried in the Irving Township Cemetery. Next to him is Lena McLaughlin, (1867­ 1926). However, she was bom after the Civil War. So, perhaps she was his second wife. She had died 13 years earlier, as the article indi­ cated. The 1940 Census shows McLaughlin living with Charles “Sohier,” perhaps the spelling before the Anglicized version of Sawyer. McLaughlin is 99 and Sohier/Sawyer is 54. In the 1945 plat map, A G. Todd is listed as owning 120 acres on the north side of Center Road where it intersects Mathison Road, and Alden Todd owns 120 acres on the south side of Center Road, east of Mathison. The Grand Rapids Herald McLaughlin’s obit Dec. 20, 1943. printed Hastings Man Dies at 103 Hugh McLaughlin, Barry County’s Oldest Resident, Is Dead Hastings - Barry County’s oldest resident, Hugh McLaughlin, died Sunday morning in Pennock Hospital at the age of 103. He resid­ ed in Hastings. Mr. McLaughlin was born July 26, 1840, on a boat that was bringing his parents to the United States, from Ireland. On last July 19, he fell from a railroad bridge about 18 feet to the banks of the Thomapple River and was uninjured. Mr. McLaughlin claimed that he was a Civil War veteran, but long ago gave up trying to officially establish that he served in the war. He said he enlisted as a cook in the Michigan division and then was transferred to active duty, serving in the Bull Run, Lookout Mountain and Gettysburg battles. There are no survivors. Funeral services will be Wednesday in St. Rose Church, followed by burial in Irving Cemetery. The rosary will be recited at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Walldorff Funeral Home. Compiled by Kathy Maurer. Sources: Hastings Banner, Barry.migenweb.org, findagrave.com, oldthirdmichigan.org, familyse­ arch.org, Grand Rapids Herald. Secondhand Corners closing after 30 years in business Secondhand Corners is preparing to close after 30 years in Hastings. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) Hugh McLaughlin endured hardship, but remained resilient and content - and agile - into his second century. (File photo) One of the last veterans of the Civil War yvas featured in the May 25,1939, Banner. He reportedly fought for the Union Army in both battles of Bull Run, Gettysburg and others in Virginia, Tennessee and Kentucky. His was a tale of missed documentation - and a direct hit to his hand in the Battle of Gettysburg that limited his abilities. “If only” seemed a theme in his life, from the day he was born, but it did not define how he lived. Probably the oldest man in Barry County, and a very interesting character, is Hugh McLaughlin, who will be 99 July 26. He lives about two miles east of the city on what is known as the Center Road. Though badly crippled from injuries received while serving in the Union Army in the Civil War, he is still able to move around to a much greater extent than one would think possible of a man of his age. Naturally, his memory is impaired, but he can recall many things that happened during his life. He resides in a little home with Charles Sawyer, a good friend who is a Belgian. McLaughlin was wounded at the Battle of Gettysburg, a ball crashing through his left hand, making it difficult for him to use it. since the fingers are stiff. He served in the 3rc* Michigan Cavalry, the captain of his company being George Winans*. One reminder of his Army service is a big bunch on the lower right side of his back, caused by the kick of a cav­ alry horse. Mr. McLaughlin was born on a ship about two miles out from New York City, when his parents were on their way to America. His mother died as a result of childbirth. He relates that his father first settled in Pontiac. The father again married. He remem­ bers that he was placed as a child with differ­ ent families by his father. In some instances, the people who took him in became ill or died, and in those cases, he again lived with his father, but only for a short time in each instance. Mr. McLaughlin said he had to work for his hiving when a mere boy, and worked hard. He had an opportunity to go to school, but for only a few weeks. His teacher became the wife of Capt. Winans. When the Civil War broke out, he was working for Mr. Winans. He wished to enlist, but he was not then 21 years of age, and the authorities did not feel they could accept him until he was of age. However, he was deter­ mined to join the Army and expressed a will­ ingness to go with Capt. George Winans’ company, which was recruited in Ovid. He was permitted to go, although he could not then enlist. (It was possible to join the Army before 21, if with signed parental per­ mission, which, in this case, he apparently could not get.) He then went south with Capt. Winans’ company and at first was given only such work as he was accustomed to do, such as chores around the camps, etc. However, he wanted to be and considered himself a soldier in the regular Army; and to all intents and purposes, he was a regular sol­ dier. Although he has no proof of his enlist­ ment, he wore the Union blue. He served in the first and second battles of Bull Run. He was with his company in battles in Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia. His company later was a part of the force of Gen. Sherman in his famous march to the sea. The wound he received at Gettysburg became more troublesome, so he was put in a hospital. He cannot remember the name of it, nor its location now. When they could do no more for him and because he was so weak and could not give satisfactory service with his crippled hand, he desired to go back to Michigan to rest up, intending to again enter the Army. However, before he could re-enlist, the Civil War ended. He received the pay of a regular soldier, which was $16 per month. He was not present Joan Van Houten Staff Writer “Retirement sale; store closing; everything must go” is a sign of changing times for downtown Hastings. Secondhand Comers is going out of busi­ ness after 30 years on the comer of State and Jefferson streets. News of the closing came with the announcement that Karen Heath’s husband and co-owner of the store, Rick, is retiring. The building is for sale. Karen Heath said they have shown the property to two interest­ ed buyers with three more viewing appoint­ ments scheduled. Secondhand Comers is located in the first brick business building in the City of Hastings. The three-story building was erected in 1866 and was called the Union Block because there was a united effort by three different business interests in building it. The men behind the construction were W.S. Goodyear and Nathan Barlow of the firm Goodyear & Barlow; D.G. Robinson and R.B. Wightman of the firm Robinson & Wightman; and L.A. Holbrook, attorney. According to History of Barry County by W.W. Potter, the building extended for three fronts on the main street. Goodyear and Barlow owned the east third of the building, Robinson and Wightman owned the middle third and Holbrook owned the west portion. The Heaths have utilized all three floors of the building for their business. “Owning a store like this was Rick’s dream. In fourth grade, he was pulled into the princi­ pal’s office because he had been going to the dime store and buying up all the squirt guns. They found out he was selling them to class­ mates at school. He was truly meant to be in this business,” Heath said, laughing. Shortly after they married, the Eaton Rapid natives moved to Texas where he attended college and she worked in the corporate world. While there, they began purchasing real estate and renovating property as invest­ ments. When it came time to make the big jump into opening a resale store, they both knew that Michigan was where it was going to hap­ pen. The choice was between Jackson and Hastings. After visiting both locations, Hastings was the winner. “I’ve always landed where the community is progressive and looking forward. That’s how it is here. We’re all working and pushing to make this a better city,” Heath, who is also the chairwoman of the Downtown Business Team, said. “It was pure panic for me when we made the decision to go after Rick’s dream. It meant quitting our jobs, packing up our two daughters and leaving a place that had been our home. “It’s the same feeling closing as it was when we opened.” The Heaths arrived in Hastings in 1989 and lived in a small 800-square-foot home that didn’t work well for their family. Shortly before 1991, they purchased the historic and iconic Daniel Striker House; a Queen Annestyle home built in the 1880s. The structure, still stands on the corner of Jefferson and Green streets. They again packed up with their daughters, Emily and Heather, and, this time, their camp­ ing gear, and moved into the house that had no heat, running water or a working bath­ room. They immediately began renovations. “When Rick got the water on and the toilet working, it was so exciting to us that we all stood around to watch the first flush. It was so funny,” Heath said. For several months after, renovating their home and preparing to open the resale store consumed their life. They lived in that house for 11 years. Friends and family warned Heath about the difficulty in working with a spouse every day, but she said she has always had that figured out. She said the beginning of operating the business together was tough because they were “tripping over each other.” They had to separate responsibilities and create their own space. The Heaths have seen and stumbled across many unique and interesting items in their searches and they each had their favorites. Heath’s favorite item she kept for herself is a three-foot-long sailing ship considered to be tramp art or prison art. Because of the limited materials in prison, the art was created by using whatever was available. The ship has three sails attached with jew­ elry findings, and the body is made of wooden coffee stirring sticks. It was made with “incredible detail” like the captain’s cabin which has furniture and lighting. Rick has a large collection of tin wind-up toys and developed a passion for unique glassware. She said he is always on the prowl to find more. In an era of online shopping with eBay and Amazon, Secondhand Comers adjusted its sales and marketing strategy. “Brick and mortar retail are not dead - just different. It’s a matter of understanding that the sales system must change, and you make that change by researching what is being pur­ chased online and what is purchased at a store,” she said. “Smaller items are perfect for online sales, but some things, like a recliner, people want to sit in, size it up and know how it feels when sitting on it. It’s recognizing that, with changing times, we must change, too. I think Rick and I did it right.” The downtown district supports several restaurants, shops and service businesses and there is “so much cool stuff’ in the shops downtown, she said. Her husband is jumping head-first into retirement, Heath said, and she imagines he will spend a lot of time taking care of his chickens. The chickens are his, but the eggs are hers, she joked. “Rick’s an avid hunter, too. Muzzle load­ ers, rifles, bow - it doesn’t matter to him. He’d wrestle deer if there was a season for it,” Heath said. Her husband is ready for retirement, but that’s not for her. She is looking for the right position and hasn’t determined yet if it will be necessary for her to step down from her role as chairwoman of the Downtown Business Team. “We love Hastings and just finished build­ ing our forever home right here. We definitely plan on continuing our lives in this great com­ munity,” Heath said. “We’ve been so very fortunate to have such wonderful customers, great friends and a real connection with the city. I hope we’ve been good stewards. “We’re grateful for the life we’ve built here.” Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads �Page 10 — Thursday, May 9, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Potterville police chief faces felony charges Case assigned to Barry County prosecutor Woman arrested for driving under the influence An officer stopped a vehicle at 1:37 a.m. May 4 on Bass Road near Patterson Road in Thomapple Township after the driver failed to obey a stop sign. The driver, a 29-year-old Newaygo woman, said she did does not drink while driving, but she had a 0.12 blood alcohol content on a Breathalyzer test. She was arrested. Man arrested for driving while smoking marijuana An officer was dispatched to a suspicious vehicle near the water tower on Sherman Street in Middleville at 7:32 p.m. May 3. The officer found a car pulled over with the lights off, though the vehicle was running. The 19-year-old male Hastings driver was smoking marijua­ na when the officer arrived, and said they had smoked before driving to the tower. The man was arrested and the marijuana seized. Hit-and-run leads to arrest An officer responded to a hit-and-run incident on Grand Rapids Street and Cider Mill Drive in Thomapple Township at 12:47 a.m. Jan. 3. The driver slid through a stop sign and struck two vehicles at the intersection, before parking in front of a store on Grand Rapids Street, and leaving on foot. The officer tracked the license plate to a residence in the 800 block of Pinecreek Drive. The driver of the vehicle, a 50-year-old Middleville man, was at the residence, and said he left the scene because he did not have a valid license. He was arrested. Taylor Owens Staff Writer Potterville City Police Chief Shane Bartlett was arraigned Wednesday, May 1, on three felony charges for misconduct in office, lying to an officer and falsifying a police report. The charges stem from a lengthy investiga­ tion by the Michigan State Police that began with a sexual assault complaint made by Bartlett’s wife, Kellie, against an Eaton County Sheriff’s deputy. Barry County Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt is charging that Shane Bartlett aided and abetted his wife in falsifying the report. Pratt was appointed by the state attorney general’s office to handle the case when Eaton County Prosecutor Douglas Lloyd recused himself, since Lloyd’s office works with the officers involved. Investigators said suspicions about a state­ ment by the police chief arose early in the sexual assault case, but it has taken several months to analyze the police chief’s phone and office computer records. According to the Barry County prosecutor, while Kellie Bartlett was working as a clerk for the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office in late 2015, she and a deputy began a relationship. The deputy ended the relationship in spring 2017, and requested that Kellie Bartlett cease contact with him. When Kellie Bartlett continued to contact him, the deputy told his superiors, and a team was assigned to investigate Kellie Bartlett for stalking. Kellie Bartlett ceased working for the department in December 2017 and in January 2018 contacted the Michigan State Police to file the sexual assault complaint against the deputy, which she alleged occurred in March 2017. Following an investigation, the stalking and sexual assault cases were turned over to Eaton County Prosecutor Douglas Lloyd, who recused himself, and the case was turned over to the Barry County Prosecutor’s office in spring 2018. Kellie Bartlett was charged with multiple felony counts in September 2018, including two counts of using a computer to commit a crime, two counts of identity theft, three counts of unauthorized access to a computer, conspiracy and one count of false reporting of a felony. Misdemeanors include two counts of stalking, one count of intentional dissemina­ tion of sexually explicit visual material and two counts of using a computer to commit a crime. The case against Kellie Bartlett is pending in Eaton County Circuit Court. Customer flees after attempting to steal carpet cleaner A woman was stopped by an asset protection associate while attempting to steal items from Hastings Walmart at 8:50 p.m. April 30. The employee said the woman took price tags off towels and put them on a carpet cleaner, cleaning supplies and yam, then paid a dollar per item at the self-checkout. The associate stopped the woman and grabbed the cart, but the suspect fled. The store provided security footage to the police, and the investigation contin­ ues. Mechanic claims hit-and-run vehicle was stolen An officer responded to a hit-and run-incident in the 1000 block of Star School Road in Hastings Township April 26. The officer traced the vehicle to a 60 year-old-woman, who said the vehicle had been at a man’s house for repairs for the previous three weeks. Witnesses to the incident said a man was driving. The officer went to the 50-year-old man’s house in the 2000 block of M-37 and asked him about the incident. The man said when he went to work on the vehicle that morning, it was gone. He said the keys were in the vehicle, but hidden under some papers. He said he knew who took the vehicle and would get it back, but he wanted to take the blame. He said he would not give the name of the driver because he was taught “not to rat people out.” The next day the officer went back to the man’s residence and the man said the vehicle had been returned. The man showed the officer the vehicle, which had been covered up behind his bam. The man gave a first name of the driver of the vehicle, and said he would have the driver meet with the officer. When the officer made contact with the man again May 6, he admitted to driving the vehicle, getting in the accident, and fleeing the scene due to his suspended license. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attor­ ney. Mother finds meth in son’s clothes Two officers were dispatched to the 12000 block of Roughys Drive in Yankee Springs Township at 10:31 p.m. May 3, for violation of a controlled substance. A 68-year-old woman said she was cleaning her 30-year-old son’s room and found a small bag she believed to contain methamphetamine in the pocket of a shirt in his closet. The son was lodged at the Barry County Jail at the time, and refused to talk to officers about the bag. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Man arrested for OWI at laundromat A 35-year-old woman called police to report an intoxicated man at the Middleville Laundromat. The woman said the man had fallen multiple times, and when the officer arrived the man was lying on the ground in front of the main entrance. The 70-year-old Middleville man said he was fine, but admitted to drinking throughout the day. He said he had fallen because the doors were not big enough for a person and a laundry basket to fit through. The man tested with a 0.152 BAC. He was arrested and taken to the hospital before being trans­ ported to the Barry County Jail. Arrest for OWI and warrant after crash A 42-year-old Delton woman called police to say she had swerved to miss a deer on Delton Road near Sunshine Road, and gone off the road and hit a tree at 3:28 a.m. April 30. The officer noticed the smell of alcohol, and the woman admitted to drinking during dinner. The woman had a 0.101 breath test, and was arrested for operating under the influence and a Barry County warrant for failure to appear in court. Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 For Sale Recreation Garage Sale 2005 SUZUKI C90T, 1500cc, 2005 SUZUKI C90T, 1500cc, MEGA MOVING GARAGE Black, 23k miles, newer tires, Mustang Seat. Very good con­ dition, $3,775. Call after 3pm (269)953-3232 Black, 23k miles, newer tires, Mustang Seat. Very good con­ dition, $3,775. Call after 3pm (269)953-3232 Sale- Fri.-Sat., May lOth-llth, 2019, 10am-6pm, Months Planning. Yard statues, bird bath, books, DVDs, bookcases, furniture, outdoor patio set, antique trunk, Keurig, 1g lad­ der, camping, lanterns, pots, collectables, much more. 1881 Secluded Acres, Hastings (off Star School). For Rent FOR RENT: 2-BEDROOM PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Apartment between Delton & Hastings. No pets. $600 month. 269-908-0190 269­ 908-9167. Garage Sale MOVING SALE- 2045 Wood­ ruff Rd., Hastings. Fri.-Sat., May lOth-llth, 2019, 8am5pm. GARAGE SALE: 2510 Tanner Lake Rd, Hastings. Fri. May 17th, 9am-5pm. Sat. May 18th, 2019,9am-3pm. Tupperware, Maxine collectibles, Red Bird collection, large bird bath, yard donkey with cart, X360 John Deere mower and more. Business Services BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Hard Maple, Cherry. Paying top dollar. Call for pricing and Free Estimates. Will buy single walnut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793 BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, home improvements, seam­ less gutters. 269-320-3890. HOUSE CLEANING- Tired of spending your weekends cleaning? Call Carlene to do it for you! 269-615-0076. Shane Bartlett was arraigned on charges including a common-law offense of miscon­ duct in office, which is a felony with a maxi­ mum penalty of five years in prison and/or a $10,000 fine; lying to a peace officer in a violent crime investigation, a felony with a maximum penalty of four years in prison and/ or a $5,000 fine; a false report of a felony, a felony with a maximum penalty of four years in prison and/or $2,000 fine. His bail was set at $10,000. Potterville City Manager Aaron Sheridan placed Shane Bartlett on paid administrative leave May 1, pending review of the issue by the Potterville City Council. “Until the city’s review is complete, we will have no further comment on this matter and would direct any additional inquiries to the Barry County Prosecutor’s Office,” Sheridan said. He also appointed Potterville City Police Officer Richard Barry as interim police chief, after consulting with the mayor and city attor­ ney. “I have found Officer Barry to be an extremely helpful and skilled officer, and he has my full confidence in his skills, training, education and experience necessary to per­ form the duties of the position,” Sheridan said. The city management has also requested additional police coverage from the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office. for one day served, and ordered to pay $1,058 in fines and costs. She was to be released from jail April 23, with 15 days of jail time sus­ pended and no probation ordered. A probation fee of $120 was set. i Steven Mark Abbott Jr., 33, of Hastings, pleaded no contest to larceny in a building, stealing a cement mixer and other tools/equipment from a shed in the 1400 block of East Center Road, Hastings, June 8, 2016. He was found guilty July 11, 2018, and sentenced by Judge Michael Schipper to serve six months in jail, with credit for 21 days served, and placed on probation for 18 months. He was ordered to pay restitution, which was amend­ ed to $4,200 April 5. A charge of breaking and entering a building with intent to commit lar­ ceny was dismissed. Darik Robert Anderson, 40, of Battle Creek, pleaded guilty to operating a vehicle on M-66 in Assyria Township while he was impaired. He has prior felony convictions of attempted malicious destruction of property over $100 and attempted unarmed robbery, both in Calhoun County. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve 180 days in jail, with credit for 50 days served and placed on proba­ tion for 36 months. Fines and costs of $1,058 and oversight fees of $360, payable at $10 a month, were assessed. Elijah Lee Campbell, 20, of Nashville, pleaded guilty to unlawfully driving away a motor vehicle Dec. 16,2018, in Maple Grove Township. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve 18 to 60 months in prison, beginning April 17, to be served concurrently with other prison sentences. He was ordered to pay $2,852 in fines and costs. Nicole Teresa Chatman, 40, of Hastings, pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine. She was sen­ tenced by Judge Schipper to 92 days in jail, with credit for 92 days served, and ordered to pay $448 in fines and costs. Her driver’s license was suspended for 305 days and restricted for 60 days. She was placed on pro­ bation for 18 months, with oversight fees of $180, and was instructed to verify where she is living. Jerry Mark Edmonds Jr., 33, of Hastings, pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, and was sen­ tenced by Judge Schipper to 15 to 60 months in prison, beginning April 11, with credit for 133 days served, and ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs. In a separate case, Edmonds pleaded guilty to fleeing from a police officer who was directing him to stop on Broadway Avenue in Hastings Nov. 21, 2018. Judge Schipper ordered a concurrent sentence of 23 to 120 months in prison, with credit for 133 days. Edmonds was ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs. A charge of reckless driving was dismissed. Mitchell Lee Gahan, 30, of Hastings, pleaded guilty to assaulting, resisting and/or obstructing a police officer; possessing a con­ trolled substance, methamphetamine; and refusing to obey a traffic officer Oct. 19, 2018, in Thomapple Township. He was sen­ tenced by Judge Amy McDowell to serve 90 days in jail on the assault charge and four days each on the other two charges, with credit for 86 days served. The balance of his jail time will be suspended upon successful completion of nine months of probation. Gahan was ordered to pay $883 in fines and costs with probation oversight fees of $180. Assessments are payable at $250 a month beginning May 15. He may be released from probation after four months if the assessments are paid in full. Craig Alan Grudzinskas, 40, of Jenison, pleaded guilty to operating a motor vehicle on Marsh Road near 124th Avenue, in Yankee Springs Township while his license was sus­ pended. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to jail for time served. He was ordered to pay $200 in fines and costs. A charge of altering, with fraudulent intent, a registration plate issued by the Michigan Department of State was dismissed. Daniel Lee Hammond, 43, of Vermontville, pleaded guilty to possession of the controlled substance methamphetamine, and assaulting a police officer. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve four days in jail, with credit for four days served. He was ordered to serve 18 months of probation and pay $1,775 in fines and costs, in addition to oversight fees of $180. Additional charges of possessing meth­ amphetamine, assaulting a police officer, operating a motor vehicle without a license and violation of license restoration laws were dismissed. Debbie Ann Harrington-Peuler, 50, of Delton, pleaded guilty to operating a vehicle on Miller Road in Hope Township Dec. 27, 2018, with a blood alcohol content of 0.08 as a third-time offender. She was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve 104 days in jail, with credit for 104 days served. She was placed on probation for 36 months and ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs with $360 in oversight fees payable at $10 a month. A charge of oper­ ating a vehicle on a suspended license was dismissed. Jeremy Ray Hanse, 29, of Hastings, plead­ ed guilty to possessing the controlled sub­ stance, Dilaudid, in Hastings Aug. 31, 2018. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve six days in jail, with credit for six days served and pay $998 in fines and costs. His driver’s license was suspended for 30 days and restrict­ ed for 150 days. Dakota Ronald Arthur Henion, 24, of Hastings, pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, as a second-time offender. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve two days in jail, with credit for two days served, and ordered to pay $325 in fines and costs. He was placed on probation for 12 months and ordered to pay $120 in oversight fees, payable at $10 a month. A second charge of methamphetamine possession was dismissed. Adam Joseph Johnson, 30, of Battle Creek, pleaded guilty to possession of a con­ trolled substance, methamphetamine, Feb. 7, 2019, in Thornapple Township. He was sen­ tenced by Judge Schipper to one day in jail, with credit for one day served and $1,058 in fines and costs. He was placed on probation for 12 months and ordered to pay oversight fees of $240. A charge of operating a vehicle on a suspended license was dismissed. Tyler Austin Olds, 23, of Battle Creek, pleaded guilty to larceny in a building, steal­ ing a PlayStation and video games Sept. 16 or 17, 2018, in Hastings. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 27 days in jail, with credit for 27 days served, and ordered to pay $1,088 in fines and costs. He was placed on probation for 12 months and ordered to pay oversight fees of $120. A charge of false pretenses less than $200 was dismissed. Steve Martin Patterson Jr., 40, of Hastings, pleaded guilty on March 21, 2018, to breaking and entering a building with intent to commit larceny. He was ordered to pay $1,073 in fines and costs by Jan. 10. He owed a balance of $583, so his probation was revoked and he was remanded to prison. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve 23 to 120 months in prison, beginning April 24, with credit for 107 days served. A charge of malicious destruction of a building was dis­ missed. Richard Glenn Pettigrew, 57, of Dimondale, pleaded guilty to larceny of $200 or more and was sentenced by Judge Amy McDowell to 90 days in jail, with credit for one day served. Pettigrew was ordered to pay $4,895 in fines and costs and oversight fees of $240. The balance of jail time was suspended upon successful completion of 24 months of probation. He was ordered to report to the collections department within 14 days to set up payments. If all assessments are paid in full, he will be released from probation. Cheryl Marie Powers, 58, of Middleville, pleaded guilty to first-degree retail fraud Dec. 17,2018, in Rutland Charter Township, steal­ ing property priced at $200 or more from Walmart. She was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve 30 days in jail, with credit Sierra Dawn Pyle, 21, of Hastings, plead­ ed guilty to possession of a controlled sub­ stance and was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve two days in jail, with credit for two days served, and ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs. Her driver’s license was suspended for 60 days and restricted for 305 days. A second controlled substance charge was dis­ missed. William Lawrence Reynolds, 52, of Dowling, pleaded guilty to operating a vehicle while impaired as a third-time offender. He was sentenced by Judge McDowell to two days in jail, with credit for two days served and ordered to pay $1,033 in fines and costs by 5 p.m. May LA second charge of operat­ ing a vehicle while intoxicated was dismissed. Erick Edmond Rodas, 45, of Middleville, pleaded guilty to delivery/manufacture of 45 kilograms of marijuana, or its synthetic 5equivalent, 20-200 plants Nov. 28, 2018, in Middleville. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve one day in jail, with credit for one day served. He was ordered to pay fines and costs of $998 by April 26. His driv­ er’s license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. A second delivery/ manufacture charge with intent to deliver the marijuana plants was dismissed. Deric William Thomas, 38, of Bellevue, pleaded guilty to receiving and concealing stolen property, a trailer worth more than $1,000 but less than $20,000, Sept. 26, 2017, in Assyria Township. He was sentenced by Judge McDowell to serve 12 months in jail, with credit for two days served. Thomas also was ordered to pay $976 in fines and costs. Probation oversight fees of $360, payable at $75 per month, will be assessed beginning June 1. The jail sentence will be suspended upon successful completion of 36 months of probation. Thomas may be released from pro­ bation after 12 months if all assessments have been paid in full. Brandon Michael Ulrich, 22, of Nashville, pleaded guilty to unlawfully driving away a motor vehicle Jan. 14 in Nashville. He has a prior felony conviction of carrying a con­ cealed weapon in Barry County. Ulrich was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve 90 days in jail, with credit for 55 days served. He was ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs and $120 in probation oversight fees. Marlisa Janelie Valenzuela, 22, of Kentwood, pleaded no contest to operating a vehicle while intoxicated, causing death, on Patterson Road in Thomapple Township Aug. 4,2018. She was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve 24 to 180 months in prison and was ordered to pay $998 in fees. Charges of a moving violation causing death, possession of marijuana/synthetic equivalents, and having an open container in a vehicle were dismissed. Jackie Dillon Webb, 29, of Bitely, pleaded guilty to fleeing a police officer, third offense; assaulting, resisting and/or obstructing a police officer; and operating while intoxicated causing serious injury April 2, 2018, in Rutland Charter Township. She was sen­ tenced by Judge Schipper to 365 days in jail on each charge to be served concurrently, with credit for 90 days served. She was ordered to pay $2,734 in fines and costs. A charge of operating a vehicle with a suspended or revoked license was dismissed. Matthew Dey Wickerink, 26, of Woodland, pleaded guilty to assault with intent to do great bodily harm less than murder or by strangulation, and domestic violence in Woodland Township Dec. 24, 2018. He has prior felony convictions for domestic assault and a felony conviction of attempted assault with the intent to murder. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 365 days in jail on the assault charge and 108 days for the domestic violence charge, with credit for 108 days served. He was ordered to pay $1,848 in court costs and fines. Charges of malicious destruc­ tion of a building costing at least $200 but less than $1,000, and malicious destruction of personal property less than $200 were dis­ missed. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 9, 2019 — Page 11 MHSAA adopts tournament changes in three sports The addition of seeding at the District level in basketball and soccer and multiple adjust­ ments to the process used to select the playoff field for 11-player football were among the most notable actions taken by the Representative Council of the Michigan High School Athletic Association during its annual Summer Meeting, May 5-6 in Gaylord. The Spring Meeting of the 19-member leg­ islative body of the Association’s more than 1,500 member schools is generally the busiest of its three sessions each year. The Council considered 26 committee proposals and dealt with a variety of eligibility rule, postseason tournament and operational issues. Beginning with the 2019-20 school year, girls and boys basketball and soccer will employ a seeding process to place the top two teams in every District on opposite sides of that bracket, guaranteeing those two teams .could not play each other before the District championship game. The two teams to be seeded in each District will be determined using a Michigan Power Ratings computer formula based on regu­ lar-season results against other MHSAA Tournament-eligible teams and opponents’ strength of schedule. (Games against out-of­ state or non-MHSAA opponents will not count in the MPR formula.) The MHSAA will draw all brackets two weeks before the start of District play. After the top seeds are deter­ mined and separated to opposite sides of the ^racket, the draw process will place the remaining teams on the bracket based on a randomly-selected order determined earlier in the season. However, the draw process does not guarantee the seeded teams will receive byes or serve as home teams. - The MPR is being used this spring to seed the Boys Lacrosse Tournament. Separate seeding proposals were recommended to the Council by the MHSAA committees for both soccer and basketball. J The changes to the 11-Player Football Playoffs selection process were proposed by the MHSAA Football Committee and are designed to reward teams that play more suc­ cessful opponents. Beginning with the 2020 season, eight divisions will be determined before the season, and 32 playoff qualifiers from each division will be selected at the end bf the regular season based on playoff-point average - there no longer will be automatic qualification based on win total. The adjusted playoff points formula will award bonus points for all opponents’ wins, regardless of whether the team beat or lost to those oppo­ nents. Currently bonus points are awarded only if the team defeated an opponent. More points also are awarded for defeating teams from larger divisions . The Football Committee proposed these changes believing the bonus points received for a “good loss” - combined with the elimination of automatic qualifiers will be enough incentive for teams to sched­ ule more successful opponents, easing the annual difficulty in football scheduling and taking away arguably the most cited reason for the breakup of leagues and conferences. Also on recommendation by the Football Committee, the Council approved an enroll­ ment limit of 215 students for teams to be eligible for the MHSAA 8-Player Playoffs. This too will take effect for the 2020 season. Currently, a school must be Class D to be eligible for the postseason, or in a one-year grace period if it grew larger than Class D for the current school year. While the Class D Enrollment line changes annually, the 8-player line of 215 students will remain static year to year. The grace period also will remain for schools that might receive a one-year enroll­ ment bump before falling back below 215 students. . The Council also approved a committee recommendation to add limited video review of scoring plays or potential scoring plays, or of turnovers or potential turnovers at MHSAA Football Finals for both the 11 and 8-player formats. This process will be available at Finals only because of the availability of cam­ era coverage provided by broadcasts of those highest-level games of the tournament. Although all scoring and turnover plays could be reviewed, a play will be reversed only when there is indisputable video evidence showing the original call was incorrect. Continuing its focus on safety in football, the Council also approved a committee rec­ ommendation to adopt revised definitions and limits on contact allowed during preseason practices and practices after games have begun. Beginning with this 2019 football sea­ son, teams will be allowed no more than six hours of full-pads collision contact per week during the preseason and no more than 30 minutes of collision contact during a week of in-season (after games begin) practice. “Collision” is defined as contact at game speed, with the execution of full tackles at a competitive pace, taking players to the ground. t However, while “collision” contact will be limited, “thud” contact will be unlimited. “Thud” is defined as full speed but above the waist only, with no player taken to the ground and no winner or loser. Thud contact is not considered collision contact. The revised defi­ nitions of “collision” and “thud” and related time limitations are products of collaboration tietween the MHSAA, Michigan High School Football Coaches Association and Practice Like Pros, a national movement dedicated to safety in high school football. The recommen­ dation was brought to the Football Committee by leadership of the Michigan High School Football Coaches Association and further defines the degree and amount of practice contact following similar practice safety changes approved by the Council for football in 2014 and 2017. The new sport-specific transfer rule will take effect with the 2019-20 school year, and the Council approved a series of correspond­ ing changes. Most notably, the Council approved a change to the athletic-related (links) rule to not grant immediate eligibility with a residential change if a student follows a coach from his or her former school to a school where the coach has been newly hired. The Council also approved a sport-specific penalty for the athletic-motivated transfer rule so that a student would not be eligible during the current school year in the sport played the previous school year if that student was con­ firmed to have made an athletic-motivated transfer. The Council additionally approved clarifi­ cations under the sport-specific transfer rule for multi-school districts which have schools that are both geographical boundary schools and schools which are district-wide, for stu­ dents transferring to nonpublic or charter schools and for students who have taken part in international student exchange programs and chosen to stay in Michigan. To provide consistency for officials’ juris­ diction across all sports, the Council approved the addition of wording that allows an official to disqualify a student or coach following the conclusion of a contest - but before the offi­ cial has left the facility and/or grounds - if that student or coach commits an offense worthy of ejection and disqualification against the official. (Example: A player or coach ver­ bally berates an official while following that official to his or her vehicle.) This penalty also would include the next-day-of-competition suspension. This does not apply if the official has remained at the facility and encounters the offense while as a spectator for another event. Here is a summary of other notable actions taken by the Representative Council at the Spring Meeting, which will take effect during the 2019-20 school year unless noted: Regulations • The Council approved an increase from $25 to $40 as the maximum value for any award (trophies, medals, plaques, etc.) that an athlete may receive for participation in an athletic event without conflicting his or her amateur status. Sport Matters • In track & field, the Council approved a Cross County/Track & Field Committee rec­ ommendation to allow Upper Peninsula and Lower Peninsula Regional competitions to be conducted on Thursdays, in addition to the current Fridays and Saturdays, to provide for more flexibility for tournament hosts and par­ ticipants when up against other school activi­ ties and collegFehtfahcFeT^*^Mihg dates. •Also in track & field, the Council approved a recommendation to allow for use of a double waterfall mark and step-up start in the 800, 1,600 and 3,200 meters, beginning in 2020 when those events will begin employing a one-turn stagger. • In golf, a committee recommendation was approved allowing golfers to use cell phones during play in four circumstances - to call a coach or tournament administrator for a health and safety issue, for use in inputting scores for live scoring or other scoring applications, to contact a rules official with questions, and for use as a distance-measuring device. • The Council approved a Golf Committee recommendation setting the maximum allow­ able score at 12 strokes per hole, in part to help improve pace of play. • The Council also approved a Golf Committee recommendation to allow for a Lower Peninsula Regional to be played any day, Monday through Saturday, during the week reserved for that round of the tourna­ ment. Similar to track & field, this allowance was made to increase scheduling flexibility. • In girls competitive cheer, the Council approved a committee recommendation allowing for non-braced static inversions at the high school level only with the following stipulations: the original base or spotter main­ tains constant contact with the flyer, prior to the static inverted position the flyer must originate from below shoulder level, and the inversion must dismount to the cheering sur­ face, cradle, any waist-level position or a non-inverted stunt at shoulder level. Also, twists from inversions and inversions released to extended level are illegal. • The Council also approved a recommen­ dation to allow for the review and possible restructuring of the girls competitive cheer format as early as the 2020-21 season, keep­ ing athlete safety and efforts to increase par­ ticipation as the primary focuses. • In girls gymnastics, the Council approved a committee recommendation solidifying lan­ guage stating that when four judges are con­ tracted for a meet in which two events are conducted simultaneously, a total of 28 gym­ nasts may compete per event in a double-dual or quad meet, with up to 14 per school per event (for schools with A and B teams). • In boys lacrosse, the Council approved a committee recommendation allowing for a multi-team tournament option of playing two full games (four 12-minute quarters) with a possible four-minute sudden-victory overtime period, instead of three running-time games (25-minute halves) with no overtimes allowed. • In soccer, the Council approved a recom­ mendation to allow for multi-team tourna­ ments to be played not only on non-school days, but on days not followed by a school day. Continued next page LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE TO CREDITORS AT&T Mobility, LLC is proposing to construct a 199foot overall height telecommunications structure located at 10197 W. Garbow Road, Middleville, Barry County, Michigan (N42° 44’ 20.0”; W85° 29’ 24.3”). The proposed facility is anticipated to be lighted with FAA lighting style E. AT&T Mobility, LLC invites comments from any interested party on the impact the proposed undertaking may have on any districts, sites, buildings, structures, or objects significant in American history, archaeology, engineering, or culture that are listed or determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places under National Historic Preservation Act Section 106. Comments pertaining specifically to historic resources may be sent to Environmental Corporation of America, ATTN: Dina Bazzill, 1375 Union Hill Industrial Court, Suite A, Alpharetta, GA 30004. Ms. Bazzill can be reached at (770) 667-2040 x. 1111 during normal business hours. Comments must be received within 30 days of the date of this notice. V0531/KLD. 118561 FORECLOSURE NOTICE THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE Default has occurred in a Mortgage made on August 19,2010 (the “Mortgage”) by Stuart A. Gingell Jr. (“Mortgagor”) to Lakestone Bank & Trust, f/k/a Lapeer County Bank & Trust Co. (“Mortgagee”). The Mortgage was recorded'on September 15, 2010, in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan, at Instrument Number 201009150008561. As of the date of this Notice, there is claimed to be due and unpaid on the Mortgage the sum of SeventyThree Thousand Five Hundred Eighty and 05/100 Dollars ($73,580.05) in principal, accrued interest, and late fees and costs. No suit or proceeding has been instituted to recover any part of the debt secured by the Mortgage, and the power of sale contained in the Mortgage has become operative by reason of such default. On Thursday, May 30, 2019, at 1:00 p.m., at the Barry County Courthouse, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan, which is the place for holding mortgage foreclosure sales for Barry County, Michigan, there will be offered for sale and sold to the highest bidder, at public sale, for the purpose of satisfying the amounts due and unpaid on the Mortgage, together with the legal costs and charges of sale, including attorneys’ fees allowed by law, the real property located in the Township of Castleton, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and described in the Mortgage as follows: A parcel of land in the Northeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 14, Town 3 North, Range 7 West, described as: Beginning at the Northeast corner of said Section 14, Thence South 343 feet; Thence North 89 degrees 27’ West 508 feet; Thence North 343 feet; Thence South 89 degrees 27’ East 508 feet to the place of beginning. Excepting therefrom any part thereof lying North of an open ditch which runs near the line between Sections 11 and 14. Commonly known as: 40 S M 66 Highway, Nashville, Ml 49073; Tax I.D. #: 08-05-014-010-00 The redemption period shall be six (6) months from the date of the sale unless the property is deemed abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be thirty (30) days after, the foreclosure sale or when the time tCLprovide .required by subdivision MCL 600.3241 a(c) expires, whichever is later. If the property is sold at a foreclosure sale, you will be responsible to the person who buys the property at the foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder if you damage the property during the redemption period. MILLER JOHNSON Attorneys for Lakestone Bank & Trust, f/k/a Lapeer County Bank & Trust Co. By: Rachel L. Hillegonds (P67684) 45 Ottawa Avenue SW, Suite 1100 Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (616) 831-1700 Dated: May 2, 2019 118098 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on May 16, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Donald L. Fuller, a married man and Shirley Fuller, his wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC Date of Mortgage: July 22, 2011 Date of Mortgage Recording: July 26, 2011 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $54,401.86 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Assyria, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: A parcel of land in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 34, Town 1 North. Range 7 West, described as: Beginning at a point on the East and West 1/4 line of Section 34, Town 1 North, Range 7 West, distant North 89 degrees 32 minutes 09 seconds East, 1943.12 feet from the West 1/4 post of said Section 34, said point of beginning also being South 89 degrees 32 minutes 09 seconds West, 215 feet from the old centerline of Highway M-66, as previously located in 1934, and being South 89 degrees 32 minutes 09 seconds West, 253.18 feet from the centerline of Highway M-66, as relocated in 1966; thence North 08 degrees 36 minutes 26 seconds West, 113.14 feet (previously recorded as 105 feet), to the Southwest corner of lands conveyed in Liber 244 of Deeds, on Page 174, Barry County Records; thence North 86 degrees 27 minutes 05 seconds East, along the South line of said lands conveyed in Liber 244 of Deeds, on Page 174, a distance of 173.21 feet to the Northwesterly line of a clear vision area for Highway M-66, as conveyed in Liber 307 of Deeds, on Page 375, of Barry County Records; thence South 40 degrees 04 minutes 25 seconds West, along said Northwesterly line, 159.64 feet, to said East and West 1/4 line; thence South 89 degrees 32 minutes 09 seconds West along said East and West 1 /4 line, 53.18 feet, to the place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: April 18, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1382410 (04-18)(05-09) 116980 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Ronald L. Gibbs, a married person, to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. successor by merger to Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Inc., Mortgagee, dated July 1, 2003 and recorded July 28, 2003 in Instrument Number 1109587 Barry County Records, Michigan. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Thirty-Four Thousand Three Hundred Sixteen and 59/100 Dollars ($34,316.59), including interest at 5.5% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on MAY 23, 2019. Said premises are located in the Township of Prairieville, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: Lot 20 of Supervisors Plat of Prairieville according to the recorded plat thereof, as Recorded in Liber 2 of Plats on Page 74Also the North 74.25 Feet of the West 165 feet of Lot 22 of Supervisors Plat of the Village of Prairieville, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 2 of Plats on Page 74. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: April 25, 2019 File No. 19-001314 Firm Name: Orlans PC (04-25) (05-16) 117587 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on June 13, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Matthew Palmer, married man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Pingora Loan Servicing, LLC Date of Mortgage: January 29, 2016 Date of Mortgage Recording: February 4, 2016 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $120,470.65 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Hope, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Commencing at the center 1/4 post of Section 18, Town 2 North, Range 9 West; thence South 660 feet along the North and South 1/4 line of Section 18; thence East 500 feet parallel with the East and West 1/4 line of Section 18 for the true place of beginning; thence continuing East 325 Teet along the same course; thence North 880 feet, more or less, parallel with said North and South 1/4 line to the centerline of Keller Road; thence Westerly 345 feet, more or less, along said centerline; thence South 760 feet, more or less, parallel with said North and South 1/4 line to the place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: May 9, 2019 Trott Law, RC. 1384335 (05-09)(05-30) 118555 FORECLOSURE NOTICE THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE Default has occurred in a Mortgage made on March 17, 2001 (the “Mortgage”) by Michelle Collette (“Mortgagor”) to Highpoint Community Bank, f/k/a Hastings City Bank, a Michigan banking corporation (“Mortgagee”). The Mortgage was recorded on March 23,2001, in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan, at Instrument Number 1057155. As of the date of this Notice, there is claimed to be due and unpaid on the Mortgage the sum of EightyNine Thousand Four Hundred Forty-Three and 47/100 Dollars ($89,443.47) in principal, accrued interest, and late charges. No suit or proceeding has been instituted to recover any part of the debt secured by the Mortgage, and the power of sale contained in the Mortgage has become operative by reason of such default. On Thursday, May 30,2019, at 1:00 p.m., at the Barry County Courthouse, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan, which is the place for holding mortgage foreclosure sales for Barry County, Michigan, there will be offered for sale and sold to the highest bidder, at public sale, for the purpose of satisfying the amounts due and unpaid on the Mortgage, together with the legal costs and charges of sale, including attorneys’ fees allowed by law, the real property located in the Township of Thornapple, County of Barry, Michigan, and described in the Mortgage as follows: The West 300 feet of the East 1 /2 of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 32, Town 4 North, Range 10 West. More commonly known as: 11878 Bass Road, Middleville, Michigan 49333; Tax Parcel Number: 08­ 14-032-001-00 ' The redemption period shall be six (6) months from the date of the sale unless the property is deemed abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be thirty (30) days after the foreclosure sale or when the time to provide the notice required by subdivision MCL 600.3241 a(c) expires, whichever is later. If the property is sold at a foreclosure sale, you will be responsible to the person who buys the property at the foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder if you damage the property during the redemption period. MILLER JOHNSON Attorneys for Highpoint Community Bank, f/k/a Hastings City Bank By: Rachel L. Hillegonds (P67684) 45 Ottawa Avenue SW, Suite 1100 Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (616) 831-1700 Dated: May 2, 2019 118002 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee for any reason. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest, and the purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Notice is hereby given that the below mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the Circuit Court of Barry County at 1:00pm on June 6, 2019. Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): George A. Magoon, a single man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Homecomings Financial, LLC f/k/a Homecomings Financial Network, Inc., its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): PHH Mortgage Corporation Date of Mortgage: February 20, 2007 Date of Mortgage Recording: February 28, 2007 Amount claimed due on mortgage on the date of notice: $44,832.10 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in the City of Hastings , Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Lot 7, Block 4 of the Lincoln Park Addition to the City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, as recorded in Liber 7 of plats, page 55, Barry County Records. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or upon the expiration of the notice required by MCL 600.3241 a(c), whichever is later; or unless MCL 600.3240(16) applies. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: 05/09/2019 Potestivo & Associates, P.C. 309878 (05-09)(05-30) 118556 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on May 23, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Albert E. Tossava and Margaret Tossava, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC. Date of Mortgage: March 25, 2016 Date of Mortgage Recording: April 1, 2016 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $73,769.75 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Village of Woodland, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Commencing 80 rods North of the Southwest corner of Section 15, T4N, R7W, for the place of beginning; thence East 16 rods; thence South 5 Rods; thence West 16 rods; thence North 5 rods to the place of beginning, Barry County Records. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: April 25, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1383098 (04-25)(05-16) ...... 117450 NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF BARRY COUNTY Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing for the following: Case Number: SP-6-2019 - Levi Lambright (Property Owner) Location: 3702 Fruin Road, Bellevue, in Section 14 of Johnstown Township. Purpose: Requesting a special use permit for a Major Home Occupation pursuant to Article 23, Section 2339 in the RR (Rural Residential) zoning district. Case Number: SP-7-2019 David Kidder (Applicant); David & Helen Kidder (Property Owners) Location: 6231 Rook Road, Plainwell, in Section 18 of Orangeville Township. Purpose:Requesting a special use permit for a Major Home Occupation pursuant to Article 23, Section 2339 in the RR (Rural Residential) zoning district. Case Number: SP-8-2019 -Calhoun Conser­ vation District (Applicant); City of Battle Creek (Property Owner) Location: 5475 Baseline Road, Bellevue, in Section 31 of Assyria Township. Purpose: Requesting a special use permit to operate a Park pursuant to Article 23, Section 2356 in the OR (Conservation Reserve) zoning district. MEETING DATE: May 28, 2019. TOAE: 7:00 PM PLACE: Tyden Center Community Room, 121 South Church Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Site inspections of the above described properties will be completed by the Planning Commission members before the day of the hearing. Interested persons desiring to present their views upon an appeal, either verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned place and time. Any written response may be mailed to the address listed below, faxed to (269) 948-4820, or emailed to James McManus, Barry County Planning Director, at jmcmanus@barrycounty.org. The special use applications are available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed between 12-1 p.m.) Monday through Friday. Please call the Barry County Planning Department at (269) 945­ 1290 for further information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or call the following: Michael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 945-1284. Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads �•: Page 12 —Thursday, May 9, 2019— The Hastings Banner Saxon two-milers finish off Marshall girls in 1-8 dual The Hastings varsity girls’ track and field team upset Marshall on the road, 82.5 to 79.5 Tuesday to improve its Interstate-8 Athletic Conference record to 4-2 on the season. It was the 3200-meter duo of Allison Collins and Carissa Strouse that finally sealed the victory for the Saxons, with one race to go at the end of a back and forth afternoon. Marshall sophomore Maliyah Gore won the 3200-meter run in 12 minutes 31.70 seconds, but the two Saxons set new personal record times with their second and third place finishes. Collins, a senior, came in at 12:44.10 and the freshman Strouse at 12:56.10. The Red Hawks’ fourth place points and points from a' 1600-meter relay victory weren’t enough to overtake the Saxons. The Hastings boys were bested by the Red Hawks 107-55, falling to 3-3 in the conference this season. The Saxon track teams return to conference action at home against Pennfield for Senior Night Monday. The throwers were hugely important in the Saxon girls’ win at Marshall. Freshman Hastings junior Jacob O’Keefe (center) gets off to a good start in the 110-meter hurdles, a race he would go on to win in a personal record time of 17.2 seconds. (Photo by John Hendler) Hastings’ Hunter AHerding beats Marshall’s Carl Bates to the finish line at the end of the 400-meter relay Tuesday at Marshall High School. (Photo by John Hendler) Maddie Miller wont eh shot put at 28-2 and junior Ireland Barber the discus with a new personal record throw of 87-7. Hastings girls filled the five scoring places in the discus and four of the five in the shot put. Senior Chloe Park was the runner-up in the shot put at 27-6.5 and set a new personal record with her third-place throw of 70-9 in the discus. Hastings also got 1-2 finishes from Erin Dalman (4-10) and Josey Nickels (4-8) in the high jump and Hannah Johnson (8-0) and Allison Teed (7-0) in the pole vault. Teed had the Saxons’ only individual wins on the track. She won the 100-meter hurdles in 16.80 seconds and the 300-meter low hurdles in 51.90. The Red Hawks’ Gore won the 1600-meter MHSAA, continued from previous page • The Council also approved a committee recommendation in soccer removing a rule that previously required District and Regional Finals to begin after 5 p.m. on SAT and ACT national testing days. • In diving, the Council approved a Swimming & Diving Committee recommen­ dation requiring divers who enter MHSAA Qualifying Meets to provide a name of a des­ ignated MHSAA-certified coach to serve on the judging panel. After volunteers are accept­ ed from the list, a random draw of those des­ ignated coaches will fill out the rest of the seven-judge panel. • In tennis, the Council approved two com­ mittee recommendations regarding MHSAA Tournament play. The first requires any lineup substitution be made before the end of the last scheduled coaches meeting prior to play to allow for the automatic redrawing of a brack­ et if a seeded player is unable to play. The Council also approved the allowance of three coaches on the first day of MHSAA Finals, when play often takes place at many courts and at multiple sites. In the case of multiple sites, an additional coach may be added for each site (ail coaches must continue to meet MHSAA coaching requirements). On the sec­ ond day of the Finals, only two coaches are allowed. • Additionally in tennis, the Council approved a committee recommendation allowing coaches who are on-court for coach­ ing purposes during matches to text coaches or players not engaged in matches, as long as it is not disruptive to play. The Council also approved a committee recommendation allowing coaches at the subvarsity and middle school levels to offer coaching at any time during a match as long as the coach remains off court and does not disrupt the flow of play. In an effort to increase recruitment of young officials, the Council approved a staff proposal to expand the Student Officials Legacy Program to include freshman and sophomore students at least 14 years of age. These underclassmen will be allowed to offi­ ciate with a mentor official at the junior high/ middle school level only. The Council also discussed various other topics, including work by the Multi-Sport Task Force toward a possible awards program and the MHSAA’s growing efforts as a pre­ senting sponsor at junior high/middle school events and at high school events that have ties to MHSAA member schools but are not MHSAA-sponsored sports (that is by compe­ tition rules, governance, etc.). The Council also reviewed reports on membership, with 750 senior high schools and 810 junior high/middle schools in 2018­ 19 plus 56 elementary schools with 6th-grader participation; cooperative programs, with 313 programs for 552 teams during 2018-19; eli­ gibility advancement applications, which totaled three for this school year; the use of Educational Transfer Forms, out-of-state practice requests, school violations, atten­ dance at athletic director in-service work­ shops and Coaches Advancement Program sessions, officials’ registrations, rules meet­ ings attendance and officials reports submit­ ted for the past three sports seasons. The Association’s $11.9 million budget for the 2019-20 school year also was approved. The Representative Council is the 19-member legislative body of the MHSAA. All but five are elected by member schools. Four members are appointed by the Council to facilitate representation of females and minorities, and the 19th position is occupied by the Superintendent of Public Instruction or designee. run in 5:50.40 and was the runner-up in the 800-meter run behind freshman teammate Laraya Wamsley. Marshall senior Olaide Olapade won the 100-meter dash in 12.70 and the 200 in 27.00. Zemiah White took the 400meter dash in 1:06.70. The two teams split the four relays. The Saxon team of Dalman, Sydney Kuntz, Teed and Grace Nickels won the 800-meter relay in 1:54.30. Collins and Strouse teamed with Abby Zull and Johnson to win the 3200-meter relay in 12:17.80. The Hastings boys won just one individual race on the track. Junior Jacob O’Keefe won the 110-meter high hurdles in 17.20 seconds, a new personal record. He ran his fastest 300meter intermediate hurdles race of the season The Saxons’ Grace Nickels comes down the home stretch in the 800-meter relay during her team’s 1-8 victory at Marshall Tuesday. (Photo by John Hendler) too, placing second in that race in 48.70. The Hastings boys took the two sprint relays. The team of Jason Haight, William Roosien, Lucas Lumbert and Hunter AHerding won the 400-meter relay in 47.20 and Braden Vertalka, Kirby Beck, AHerding and Dane Barnes teamed to win the 800-meter relay in 1:3 8.10. The two races were decided by half a second or less. FHE wins first two OK Gold ballgames with the Trojans The Thomapple Kellogg varsity baseball team fell to 1-9 in the OK Gold Conference with a pair of losses to visiting Forest Hills Eastern Tuesday in Middleville. The Hawks scored 11-1 and 5-1 wins in their league doubleheader, a day after the Trojans were bested 7-0 at South Christian in the finale of their conference set with the Sailors. Colson Brummel went the distance on the mound for the Trojans in the game two loss to the Hawks. He held FHE to four hits and two walks through seven innings. Just two of the five runs against him were earned. TK outhit the Hawks 5-4 in the ballgame, but couldn’t put enough of them together. Brummel singled twice and scored his team’s only run in the bottom of the third inning, after the Hawks took a 2-0 lead in the top half of the inning. Isaiah Postma, Matt McNee and Evan Sidebotham had tK’s other three hits. McNee had his team’s lone RBI. Dylan Podbevsek, Brummel and Jordan Hey each walked twice. Mason Fitzpatrick went the distance on the mound for the Hawks, striking out eight and walking six. The Hawks pounded 11 hits in the opener, including four doubles. TK got singles from Podbevsek, Carter Stahl, Postma, Brummel and Samuel McKeown. Hey scored the Trojans’ lone run. South Christian pitcher Jerad Berkenpas shut out the Trojans on one hit and one walk through six innings Monday in their team’s make-up game in Grand Rapids. He struck out 12. Brian Davidoski took the loss on the mound for TK. Postma came on in relief in the second inning and threw the final 4.2, giving up just four hits and one walk. He gave up one run and struck out one. A double by Hey and a single by Brummel were the lone Trojan hits. Ryan Dykstra led the Sailor attack. He was 2-for-3 with a double, a walk and two RBI. TK is scheduled to finish its set with Forest Hills Eastern in Ada this afternoon. Dux outdo Saxons with wooden bats in Zeeland The Hastings varsity baseball team knocked off Allendale to reach the championship game of the Zeeland West Family Fare Wooden Bat Tournament Saturday. Hastings bested the Falcons 9-6 before fall­ ing to the Dux 10-1 in the tournament cham­ pionship game. The Dux had 11 hits in the championship game, with multiple hits from Trevor Kilsiunski, Kody Borners, Aden DeGraaf and Kam Visser. Visser scored both wins on the mound for his team, allowing the Saxons just two hits and one run through his four innings. He struck out five and walked one. Branch McGeehan and Nielsen O’Brien each threw scoreless relief for the Dux in the win. Carter Cappon scored the lone run for the Saxons, putting his team up 1-0 in the top of the second inning. He singled, stole second, went to third on an error and came home on a ground out by teammate Gabe Trick. The Dux answered with three runs in the home half of the inning, added two more in the bottom of the third. The Dux pulled away with four runs in the bottom of the sixth. Singles by Trick and Carter Hewitt were the other two hits for the Saxons in the cham­ pionship game. The host Dux opened the tournament with a 15-0 three-inning victory over Allegan. The Saxons overcame a 4-1 deficit after two innings in their opener with Allendale. Hastings pulled ahead 5-4 with three runs in the top of the fourth. Allendale answered with a run in the bottom half before Hastings tacked on two runs in the fifth and sixth innings. Phillip Morris started on the mound and got the win for Hastings. He struck out seven in six innings, walking three and allowing eight hits. Allendale managed six runs against him, but only three were earned. Ethan Caris threw a scoreless, hitless inning of relief for the Saxons. Hewitt had a bit morning, going 4-for-5 with a pair of doubles. He drove in two runs and scored one. Grant Huver and Drew Markley also each doubled once for Hastings. Morris had two RBI and Cappon, Huver and Ethan Bennett had one RBI apiece. Bennett and Gabe Stolicker both singled twice. Pioneers find late equalizer to draw with Trojans at EGR TK honors ten future college student-athletes Thornapple Kellogg High School honored its college bound senior athletes with a signing day ceremony Monday afternoon in the high school auditorium. The group of honorees included (front from left) Kassidy Niles (Aquinas, soccer), Ellie Adams (Muskegon Community College, soccer), Kara Burbridge (Spring Arbor, softball), Shylin Robirds (Cornerstone, softball), (back) Karlie Raphael (Spring Arbor, tennis), Denick Kim (Davenport, rugby), Haley Chapin (Aquinas, soccer), Michael Moore (Adrian, football) and Anna Morgan (Cornerstone, soccer). Missing from photo is Alex Fabiano (Calvin, swimming). (Photo by Brett Bremer) Thomapple Kellogg senior attacker Maddie Raymond had shots glance off the post twice off of comer kicks during the second half at East Grand Rapids Monday, but the Trojans couldn’t find the goal in a 1-1 draw with the Pioneers. The Trojans controlled the play for much of the evening, but neither defense allowed many quality chances early. The Trojan defense led by Kassidy Niles, Julia Curtis, Sydney Coffman, Grace McNabney and Elizabeth Meyering kept East Grand Rapids in check throughout the first half. The Trojans took a 1-0 lead 9:12 into the second half. Ainsley Oliver beat a defender around the left side and crossed a ball into the box. Sophomore Kennedy Young was there to put the ball in the back of the net. TK continued to dominate possession and shots, but EGR found the equalizer with just 10 minutes left. A Trojan goal kick was hit wrong and landed at the feet of an EGR play-* er. She beat a defender and found an opening with a shot at the near post to tie the game up 1-1. The draw puts the Trojans at 6-5-1 overall this season and 3-3-1 in the OK Gold Conference. The Trojans were scheduled to visit Grand Rapids Christian yesterday after­ noon. TK goes to Northview for a non-conference ballgame Saturday morning and then will host South Christian Monday and Forest Hills Eastern Wednesday for OK Gold Conference games. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 9, 2019 — Page 13 TK singles players tough in win over Wildcats Hastings’ Gretchen James lobs the ball back over the net during the opening set of her first doubles match with teammate Allie Horning at Lakewood High School Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Saxons best Lakewood, close 1-8 duals with win Lakewood had the top singles player and the top doubles team on the day, but the Hastings varsity girls’ tennis team made it two wins in two days by knocking off the Vikings 2 at Lakewood High School Tuesday. 6The Saxons weren’t far from notching a sweep of the doubles matches as the Vikings won a good battle at first doubles with the team of Laura Krikke and Haylee Marks pull­ ing out a 6-4,2-6,6-3 win over the Saxon duo of Allie horning and Gretchen James. It was the second tremendous battle of the season between the two top doubles teams. Horning and James pulled out a super tiebreaker, after two close sets, to win their meeting last month at the Lakewood Invitational. Hastings’ Belle Youngs and Megan Roe scored a 6-1, 6-2 win at second doubles against Lakewood’s Kendra Kines and Kristen Finsaas. The Saxon team of Whitney Carlson and Claire Anderson won 6-2, 6-3 over Lakewood’s Betsy Foltz and Lauren Haag. The Hastings team of Shannon Brown and Cassidy Morgan scored a 6-2, 6-0 win over Lakewood’s Emmi Chase and Sierra Cappon at fourth doubles. The closest of the four singles matches was number three where the Saxons’ Lauren Harden bested Lakewood’s Lexi Veitch 6-3, - ' ’ ....... ........ ’ 6-3. Hastings got a 6-2,6-1 from Kate Haywood over Chloe Makley at second singles and a 6-0,6-2 win from Libby Jenson over Richelie Chrzan at number four. Chrzan had bested Jenson when the two girls met last month at the Lakewood Invitational. Lakewood first singles player Megan Wakley hits a serve during her win over the Saxons’ Brook Youngs Tuesday afternoon at Lakewood High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Saxons’ Libby Jensen knocks a forehand back across the net during her fourth singles win in Hastings’ 6-2 victory at Lakewood High School Tuesday afternoon. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Lakewood senior Megan Wakley bested the Saxons’ Brook Youngs 6-6-Q at first sin­ gles. " It was the second straight victory for Hastings to open the week. The Saxons also scored an 8-0 Interstate-8 Athletic Conference victory Monday against visiting Pennfield to finish the conference duals with a 3-3-1 record. Brook Youngs, Haywood, Harden and Jenson won their four singles matches in straight sets. The doubles matches were very competi­ tive with the team of Brown and Morgan scoring a 4-6, 6-4, (10-7) win in their fourth doubles match against Hannah Davis and Delaney Hollins. Horning and James won 6-4, 7-5 at first doubles. Belle Youngs and Roe won 6-4, 6-2 at number two and Carlson and Anderson took a 6-3, 6-3 win at number three. The Saxons had dropped a couple of tough Interstate-8 Athletic Conference duals to close out last week, falling 8-0 at Marshall after a 1 loss at Parma Western Wednesday. 7Haywood got the lone win in the dual with Parma Western, taking the second singles match 7-6,7-6(5) against Rachel Polich. The fourth singles and first doubles match­ es also went three sets, and the Saxon second doubles team pushed its Panther foes to a tie­ breaker in the second set before falling. Parma Western’s Tavia Hess scored a 6-3, 5-7, 6-3 win over Jenson in the fourth singles match “She had a long match and played tough throughout her entire match,” Hastings head coach Julie Sevems said. She said her. girls are looking forward to getting another shot at some of the Parma Western girls when they meet up for the 1-8 Championship Tournament that will be hosted by Pennfield and Harper Creek High Schools May 21. Hastings is scheduled to visit Thomapple Kellogg for a non-conference dual Tuesday. Titans second over Saxons at Coldwater’s jamboree Jackson Lumen Christi edged the Hastings varsity boys’ golf team on a fifth-score tie­ breaker to earn the runner-up spot at the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference jamboree hosted by Coldwater Wednesday. Marshall won the day’s competition with a score of 153. Jackson Lumen Christi and Hastings each finished with a 167-team score. Coldwater was fourth with a 172, ahead of Harper Creek 183, Pennfield 206 and Jackson Northwest NTS. ” Alex Taylor led the Saxons with a 40. Will Jensen and Josh Brown each scored a 42 and Josh Yi added a 43. Isaiah Taylor was right behind that group for the Saxons with a 47. Lumen Christi had a fifth score of 46. Conor Spencer led the Titans with a 37 and Tanner Schnell fired a 39 and Matt Saunders a 45. Owen Campbell, Carter Mazur and Andrew Varner all shot 46s to tie for fourth on the Titan team. Marshall had three guys in the 30s to take the win, led by Matt Flynn’s 37u. Carl Quist and Haydon Chapman each shot a 38. The Red Hawks also got a 40 from Harrison Chapman. Coldwater was paced by senior Alec Keplinger’s 38, and Parma Western got a 38u from Sean Vann and a 39 from Jon Shaw. Thornapple Kellogg first doubles player Kylee Vreeland hits a serve against the top doubles team from Comstock Park Saturday at the Thornapple Kellogg Invitational. (Photo by Brett Bremer) It is here already, the final week of the 2019 varsity girls’ tennis regular season. The Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ ten­ nis team has a busy few days ahead, traveling to South Christian for the OK Gold Conference Championship Saturday, play host to Plainwell Monday and Hastings Tuesday, and then trav­ el to Grand Rapids Christian Thursday (May 16) for its Division 3 Regional Tournament. The Trojans were scheduled to visit Wyoming Wednesday for their final OK Gold Conference dual after improving their league record to 2-3 with a 6-2 win against visiting Wayland Tuesday. The TK ladies were dominant in their sin­ gles matches for the most part. Karlie Raphael at number one, Sydney VanGessel at number two and Rachael Chesnutt at number three dropped just two games combined. Brooke Thompson got off to a slow start at fourth singles, but recovered for a 7-6(5), 6-1 win over the Wildcats’ Emily Johnson. “Our doubles teams continue to improve, but we are still struggling with finding proper TK third singles player Rachael Chesnutt knocks a forehand return back at Caitlyn Pranger from the TK 2 Team that was a part of Saturday’s Thornapple Kellogg Invitational in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) court position at times,” TK head coach Larry Seger said. Holly B ashore and Caleigh Zoet at second doubles scored a 6-0, 6-3 win and Kristina Cuison and Daisy Nowinsky at number four scored a 6-1,6-2 win. “(They) are playing solid tennis. Both teams are getting better at extending points and being patient. Net play is improving, but we still need to improve at a faster pace to close out a successful season,” Seger said. Wayland’s Ashleigh Graham and Kenna Morse pulled out a 3-6, 7-6, 6-4 win over TK’s Taylor Myers and Kylee Vreeland in the first doubles match. The Wildcat duo of Lauran Drew and Sydney Hielkema bested TK’s Josie Thompson and Nancy Hoogwerf 6-1,6-3 at number three doubles. TK moved its overall record to 8-3 with the win. TK had teams place first and third at its own TK Invitational Saturday in Middleville. All eight flights won championships for the TK varsity team, finishing the day with 24 points to runner-up Cedar Springs’ total of 15. A second TK team was third, ahead of fourth-place Comstock Park. Coach Seger said Lydia Cole, Lilia Nelson, Caitlyn Pranger and Joselynn Lasch all played some great singles matches to help the second team to a third-place finish. TK girls beat Eagles for the first time The Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ track and field team earned its first-ever OK Gold Conference victory over Grand Rapids Christian at Grand Rapids Christian High School Tuesday. The Trojans were 1-2 in the scoring at the conference quad hosted by the Eagles, besting the hosts while falling to the league-leading East Grand Rapids and Forest Hills Eastern girls. The conference gets together again this weekend for the conference championship, back at Forest Hills Eastern High School where field events will be held Friday and running events Saturday. The TK ladies end the conference duals with a 4-2 record, behind the 6-0 East Grand Rapids girls and the 5-1 Hawks from FHE. East Grand Rapids defeated FHE in their dual at Grand Rapids Christian Tuesday 77-60. The TK ladies were bested 92-45 by FHE and 103-34 by EGR. The TK boys were 0-3 on the afternoon, falling 105-32 to Grand Rapids Christian, 102-35 to East Grand Rapids, and 80-57 in the dual with Forest Hills Eastern. The Trojans were at their best against some of the toughest competition they will see all season. The TK girls’ foursome of Jacklyn Morgan, Stephanie Pitsch, Claudia Wilkinson and Kaylee Spencer shaved 11 seconds of their previous season best time in the 1600meter relay to close out the evening’s compe­ tition, finishing in 4 minutes 17.89 seconds in third place. Spencer had already run her fastest 400meter dash time ever, 1:00.34, to place second in that race. She won the 100-meter dash in 13.14 and the 200 in 26.93. Wilkinson set new personal records in both the hurdles races, finishing second in the 100meter hurdles in 16.99 and second in the 300meter low hurdles in 48.65. She also won the high jump by clearing 5 feet. TK senior Ellena Keener set a new person­ al record with a fifth-place long jump mark of 14 feet 7.5 inches. She was also fourth in the discus with a throw of 74-9. Teammate Paige Zellmer placed third in the pole vault at 9-0, her highest vault of the season. All three of those performances were good for first-place points in the dual with the Eagles. TK opened action on the track with the 3200-meter relay team of Jessica Durkee, Georgia Kaboos, Maddie Butler and Kendall Snyder placing third in 10:24.77, taking about eight seconds off of its previous fastest time of the season. Kaboos and Durkee both set new personal records in winning performances in the dual with the Eagles. Kaboos was seventh overall in the 800-meter run with a time of 2:35.87 and Durkee sixth overall in the 1600-meter run with a time of 5:47.80. The Trojan boys’ lone victory came in dis­ cus where senior Micheal Moore set a person­ al record with a throw of 121-11. He was also sixth in the shot put at 35-6. Senior teammate Conroy Stolsonburg was the shot put run­ ner-up with a mark of 43-2.25 and also placed sixth in the discus at 109-5. Jordon Roobol had a couple of the top fin­ ishes for the TK boys at the quad, placing fourth in the 200-meter dash in 24.57 and third int eh 400-meter run in 54.85. He was also seventh in the pole vault at 9-6, with sophomore teammate Logan Caruso right behind in eighth with a personal record vault of 9-0. Junior Nick Bushman ran his fastest races ever to place sixth in the 1600-meter run (4:44.29) and fifth in the 3200-meter run (10:34.70). TK sophomore Cameron Gavette was fifth in the 110-meter high hurdles in 18.15 and sixth in the 300-meter low hurdle sin 46.64. Sophomore teammate Cole Shoobridge near­ ly caught him in the 300 hurdles setting a new personal record with a seventh-place time of 46.99. Shoobridge had a runner-up leap of 5-10 in the high jump. The TK girls scored a 106-31 win at Wyoming last Wednesday to match EGR, FHE and Grand Rapids Christian’s girls 3-0 records heading into this week’s quad. Spencer was a champion in all four of her events in the dual with the Wolves, winning the 100-meter dash in 13.29 seconds, the 200meter dash in 28.55 and the 400-meter dash in a personal record time of 1 minute 1.97 sec­ onds. Spencer also teamed with Shepherd, Trysta Hilton and Morgan to win the 800-meter relay in 1:53.53. The TK ladies won three of the four relay races. The team of Butler, Kaboos, Audrey Meyering and Durkee won the 3200-meter relay in 11:20.38 and Claudia Wilkinson, Stephanie Pitsch, Morgan and Hilton teamed to win the 1600-meter relay in 4:38.93. Durkee and Meyering both won individual races. Durkee won the 1600-meter run in 6:04.23 and Meyering the 3200-meter run in 14:42.22. Meyering, Kaboos and Durkee ran along together with Butler in the 3200-meter relay - finishing in the top four spots with four hundredths of a second difference between the front and back of the pack. The TK ladies swept the scoring places in the 3200, the 1600, the 400, the 200 and the 100-meter hurdles. Hilton took the 100 hur­ dles in 18.07. Wilkinson won the 300-meter low hurdles for TK in 51.17. In the field, Wilkinson took the high jump by clearing 5-0, Zellmer led a TK sweep of the pole vault by clearing 8-6, and Dalace Jousma won the shot put with a mark of 28-11. The Wolves edged the TK boys 75-62. The TK boys are now 0-3 in OK Gold duals. A sweep of the pole vault points helped the TK boys keep pace with the Wolves for much of the afternoon. TK senior Roobol won with a season best vault of 9-0. Freshman Matthew Smith was second and sophomore Caruso was third. Both guys cleared 8-6. The TK boys won three of the five field events. Shoobridge set a new personal record in winning the high jump at 5-10. Stolsonburg won the shot put with a mark of 41-8. The Trojan boys’ team of Bushman, Logan Moore, Brennan Lutz and Eric Archer won the 3200-meter relay in 9:57.65. Bushman also took the 1600-meter run in 4:53.20 and the 3200-meter run in 10:56.55. Gavette won the 110-meter high hurdles for TK in 18.16. Wyoming senior Brandon Ratliff ran the fastest 100-meter dash of his varsity career to win that race in 11.67 .He also took the 200meter dash in 23.81 and was a part of wins by the Wolves in the 400-meter relay and the 800-meter relay. One stroke separates TK’s top four at Kent Country Club CJ Crabtree shot a 44 to lead the Thomapple Kellogg varsity boys’ golf team at the OK Gold Conference jamboree hosted by East Grand Rapids at Kent Country Club Monday. The Trojan team placed sixth on the day. The six Trojans were all within five strokes of each other. TK’s 2-3-4 scorers all tied with a 45, a group consisting of Nate Jansma, Blaine Rison and Daniel Hannapel. Wayland took the day’s championship with a score of 149, ahead of Forest Hills Eastern 154, South Christian 156, East Grand Rapids 165, Grand Rapids Christian 174, Thomapple Kellogg 179 and Wyoming 211. Forest Hills Eastern’s Brad Smith was the day’s individual medalist with a 36. Wayland put four guys in the top ten led by teammates Tyler Omness and Rory Bessinger who each scored a 36. The Wildcats also got a 38 from Carson Sevigny and a 39 from Rory Myers. Forest Hills Eastern’s Alex Emerine and South Christian’s Austin Montsma matched Bessinger’s 38 to tie for fourth individually. �Page 14 — Thursday, May 9, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Delton girls dominant against five straight foes The Panthers were expecting things to get much tougher last night. The Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ soccer team was set to hit the road to take on ■ Kalamazoo Christian Wednesday evening in a Southwestern Athletic Conference match-up. ’ The Comets came into the week ranked sec­ ond in the state in Division 4. The Delton Kellogg girls have been on a roll lately, improving their overall record to 7-3-1 by winning five straight. They out­ scored their opponents 38-1 in those five ballgames, a stretch culminating in Monday night’s 8-0 SAC victory over visiting Lawton. Holly McManus had three goals and an assist and Sannah Solstrand had two goals and two assists to lead the way for the Panthers. Gabby Petto added two goals and an assist, Amber Mabie had three assists and Briana Warner scored for Delton as well. The Panthers outshot the Blue Devils 30-1 on the evening. The Panthers moved their SAC record to 4-1-1 with the win. Delton scored an 8-0 non-conference victo­ ry over Lakewood on Pierce Field at Hastings High School Friday. The game was moved to Hastings because of flooding at “The Swamp” in Delton. McManus scored six goals and Petto two. Petto, Mabie and Solstrand had two assists Delton Kellogg junior Evelyn Zettelmaier steps in to prevent a shot by Lakewood’s Haven Bosworth during the second half of their non-conference match-up on Pierce Field in Hastings Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Delton Kellogg junior Gabrielle Petto sprints past Lakewood senior defender Kayla Hall on her way to the goal during the second half of the Panthers’ win over the Vikings on Pierce Field in Hastings Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) each and McManus one. The Vikings had a bit more success creat­ ing chances than the Blue Devils did, manag­ ing 13 shots to the Panthers’ 24. Last Wednesday, the Panthers scored an 8-1 SAC victory at Watervliet. McManus had four goals and an assist. Mabie had three assists. Petto had one goal and one assist. Briana Warner and Kaya Warner each scored once, as did Solstrand. Kassie Wilson and Briana Warner had one assist each. Victoria Smith scored the lone goal for Watervliet, in the first half. Those three victories came on the heels of an 8-0 win over Constantine and a 6-0 victory over Saugatuck. Olivet has scoring touch Lions lack Brett Bremer Sports Editor Goals have been tough to come by lately for the Maple Valley varsity girls’ soccer team. Lion head coach Richard Seume said his girls had a chance to score four or five goals in a 1-0 win over Perry April 26. One goal was enough against the Ramblers on that eve­ ning, but the Lions haven’t scored since then. Stockbridge scored four times in the second half to best the visiting Lions 4-0 Thursday. Olivet scored an 8-0 win over the Maple Valley girls at Fuller Street Field in Nashville Monday evening. “They played hard,” Seume said of his girls after the loss to the Eagles. “That (Olivet) team is going to challenge Lansing Christian this week. They’re seniors, and they’re expe­ rienced.” Olivet had eight different girls score in the ballgame. Becka Pliley had a goal and four assists. Sam Maduri, Mary Hedrick, Kelsey Francisco, Betsie Williams, Marlee Masters, Emily LaSalle and Codee Harmison each scored for the Eagles. Harmison, a freshman, scored her first var­ sity goal to end the game with 13 minutes and 16 seconds on the clock. The Lions were unable to clear an Eagle comer kick from in front of their net. A scrum ensued and eventu­ ally the ball found Harmison’s feet in some space and she was able to knock it past Lion keeper Sydney Skelton. Skelton, a freshman, is getting more com­ fortable in the net. The Eagle bench comment­ ed a few times that the game could have been over sooner had it not been for a few nice saves by Skelton, but she likely had a couple of balls she would have liked to have made better plays on as well. The Eagles scored five of their goals in the action following a comer kick. The Eagles used their speed to get behind the Lion defense on a couple of occasions and convert­ ed one PK late in the first half. Skelton did a nice job to get her hands on a one-on-one chance by the Eagles’ Hedrick late in the second half, but couldn’t quite deflect it all the way clear of the net. “We’ve done a lot better on our through Maple Valley senior Cassie Linn waits for the chance to settle the ball in front of Olivet’s Ellie McGarry during their Greater Lansing Activities Conference contest at Fuller Street Field in Nashville Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) balls in our offense, we just haven’t put the ball in the net. We haven’t figured out that last little bit,” Seume said. “Finding the back of the net has been our biggest challenge this year.” The Lions were without four regular start­ ers Monday, and Seume said his team often has a couple of freshmen up on the attack. There isn’t any real goal-scoring experience on the Lions’ roster. Emile Hoegstrom, an Maple Valley’s Hannah Hulsebos (27) works to get the ball off the feet of Olivet’s Ellie McGarry during the first half of their GLAC contest on Fuller Street Field in Nashville Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) exchange-student, took the bulk of the Lions’ shots a year ago. “In the years to come, they’ll benefit from the day’s like today,” Seume said. The Maple Valley girls were scheduled to visit Carson City-Crystal last night. They will be at Portland Friday and then host Comstock for Parent’s Night at Fuller Street Field Tuesday. Viking track teams take wins over Leslie and Stockbridge The Lake wood varsity boys’ and girls’ track and field teams each were 2-0 on Senior Night at Unity Field Tuesday, scoring Greater Lansing Activities Conference victories over Leslie and Stockbridge. The Lakewood girls knocked off Stockbridge girls 100-37 and scored a 117-14 win over Leslie. The Lakewood boys downed the Leslie boys 101-32 and defeated Stockbridge 101-32. The meet also included athletes from Perry and Lansing Christian, making up duals along with the Vikings, Panthers and Blackhawks. The Lakewood boys were led by their sprinters. The team of Chase Salgat, Garrett Stank, Denny Sauers III and Payne Hanna won the 400-meter relay in 46.01 seconds and the team of Ezra Rynd, Isaac Eggers, Garrett Zuver and Gavan Shong won the 800-meter relay in 1:41.50. Hanna ran his fastest 100-meter dash of the season, winning in 11.49. Salgat, the run­ ner-up in the 100, won the 200-meter dash in 24.36. Hanna also won the pole vault at 13-0. The Lakewood boys won three of the four relays, with the 3200-meter relay team of Heath Carter, Owen Rickerd, Oliver Beswick and Nathan Alford first in 9:15.58. Against the Leslie and Stockbridge teams, Lakewood also got wins from Andrew Finsaas in the high jump (5-0), Alford in the 3200meter run (10:15.86), and Carter in the 800 (2:19.67). The Lakewood girls’ team had the four­ some of Chloe Haight, Kristine Possehn, Brooke Bouwens and Patsy Morris win the 1600-meter relay in 4:22.43. In the competition with Leslie and Stockbridge, Lakewood’s Haight won the 100-meter dash in 13.39 and the 200 in 27.81, a new personal record in the 200. Morris set a new PR in winning the 400-meter dash in 1:05.10. Case won the 800 in 2:47.03. Lakewood had the three fastest hurdlers in their duals. Freshman Hokulani Ka’alakea won the 100-meter hurdles in 18.06 and senior Brooke Bouwens the 300-meter low hurdles in a personal record time of 51.59 after finishing second in the 100 hurdles in 18.28. Lakewood freshman Victoria Wickerink set a new PR in both races, placing third in the 100 hurdles in 18.98 and second in the 300 hurdles in 57.78. Another Lakewood freshman, McKenzie Tobin, was third in the 300 hurdles in a personal record time of 1:01.20. The Lakewood team of Ka’alakea, Sophie Duits, Grade Travis and Haight won the 400meter relay in 54.37 and the team of Madisyn Case, Duits, Travis and Bouwens won the 800-meter relay in 1:55.71. The Vikings had the top thrower in each event, with junior Isabell ZyIstra taking the shot put at 25-11 in the dual with Stockbridge and Leslie, and senior Gracie Fahmi winning the discus at 76-2. Helen Collar took the pole vault for the Vikings at 7-0. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 9, 2019 — Page 15 Hackett Catholic Prep gives Panthers a rare challenge The Panthers found themselves in a bail­ game for the first time in nearly a month Monday and came through with three runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to pull in front for d 7-5 win over visiting Hackett Catholic Prep. The Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ improved to 8-0 against Southwestern Athletic Conference foes and 17-0 overall with a sweep of their conference doubleheader in Delton. The Panthers took the opener 11-1 and then rallied late to win game two 7-5. The Iasi time a team was within single digits of the Panthers in the scoring column at the end of a ballgame was in the championship game of the Barry County Invitational in Hastings when the DK girls scored a 4-2 win over Lakewood April 13. Hackett scored four runs in the opening •inning of game two in Delton Monday and led .5-3 after three innings. The game stayed that way until the Panthers scored three times in ’the bottom of the sixth to pull in front. ; i Erin Kapteyn hit a one-out single into left >field. She and Liizy Fichtner both came around to score as the Irish threw the ball .around a bit, putting the Panthers in front, and ;then Josie Lyons capped the scoring with an inside the park home run into center field. Delanie Aukerman followed with a triple, but Was stranded at third. Aubrey Aukerman singled twice and drove in a run for Delton in the win. Hailey Buckner had Delton Kellogg’s only other hit. Aubrey Aukerman and Fichtner each drove in one rpn. Buckner got the win in the circle for Delton Kellogg. She struck out seven in seven innings while allowing five runs on four hits and six walks. Kapteyn and Katie Tobias each belted a home run in the Panthers’ 11-1 five-inning win in game one. Tobias was 3-for-3 with three RBI. Aubrey Aukerman was 2-for-3 with two runs and two RBI. Fichtner had one hit, two runs and two RBI as well. Kapteyn drove in two runs. Buckner had their team’s other hit. Kapteyn held the Irish to two singles, earn­ ing the win. She struck out four and walked four. Hailey Buckner pitches for the Panthers during game two of their doubleheader sweep of visiting Hackett Catholic Prep Monday afternoon. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg’s Josie Lyons (2) has her helmet collected by teammate Aubrey Aukerman (3) as the Panthers’ celebrate Lyons’ inside the park home run in the bottom of the sixth inning of game two against Hackett Catholic Prep Monday. The Panthers bested the Irish 7-5 in game two after an 11-1 win in game one. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Harper Creek shuts out Saxons at Baum Stadium The Saxons’ Katie Cook works to clear the ball off the feet of Harper Creek’s Anna Gandy during their Interstate-8 Athletic Conference ballgame inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field Wednesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Harper Creek had eighLdifferent girls score, goals as the visiting Beavers scored an 8-0 win over the Hastings varsity girls’ soccer team inside Baum Stadium |at Johnson Field Wednesday. The Hastings girls trailed 5-0 at the half, and the Beavers scored three more times in the first six and a half minutes of the second half to finish off the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference bailgame early. Payton Monroe, Meredith Coon, Hailey Peguero, Marlene Bussler, Carinna Baird, Sydney Thompson, Maddie Alexander and Lauren LaFleur scored the eight Harper Creek goals. The Beavers controlled possession in the Saxons’ end throughout much of the contest, and their first goal was one of their nicest. Monroe and Emma Tager started a little giveand-go about 30 yards out from the Saxon net, and Monroe found space a step inside the top of the 18 to knock a shot by the Saxon keeper Kayla Morris. The Saxons managed to get a few shots on goal, including one off a comer kick five and a half minutes into the second half, but the the Harper Creek keeper was never challenged too much. Hackett Catholic Prep, ranked sixth in the state in Division 4, scored a 6-0 win over the Hastings girls Friday. Hastings was scheduled to return to confer­ ence play at Parma Western last night. The Saxons have a tough one on the schedule for Friday, taking on the Marshall team ranked tenth in the state in Division 2 in Hastings. The Saxons will visit Lakewood for a non-conference contest Monday. Hastings defenders Alani Seder (9) and Jessica Thompson (5) team up to clear at Harper Creek corner kick away from the Beavers’ Mackenzie Jordan (2) in front of goalkeeper Kayla Morris duri+ng their 1-8 match inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field Wednesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Panthers pick up final points in dual with Irish Hastings senior Megan Deal fires a shot towards the Harper Creek goal during the first half of their Interstate-8 Athletic Conference match Wednesday in Hastings. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ track and field team scored the final 14 points of the evening for a 14-point win over visiting Hackett Catholic Prep Monday afternoon. Ashton Pluchinsky led a sweep of the top three spots in the 3200-meter run for the Panthers, winning in 11 minutes 24.94 sec­ onds. Matt Lester was the runner-up in 12:14.56 and Micah Ordway third in 12:17.75. The Delton Kellogg team of Alex Leclercq, Bradley Bunch, Sam Arce and Dawson Grizzle finished things off by winning the 1600-meter relay in 3:55.02 - giving their team a 75-61 win. The two teams were tied at 61-61 before those final two races on the track. The DK and Hackett teams split the four relay races. The Panthers won the 3200-meter relay to start the afternoon as well, with the team of Jaden Ashley, Arce, Ashton Pluchinsky and Lester finishing in 9:07.37. Grizzle took the 400 for the Panthers in 55.91 and Ordway the 1600 in 5:06.28. Jordan Rench won the 200-meter dash for DK in 23.86 after finishing as the runner-up in the 100. In the field, Delton Kellogg got a winning throw of 138-5 from Cole Pape in the discus and a winning mark of 44-8.5 in the shot put. Kendal Pluchinsky won the pole vault at 10-6 and Grizzle took the high jump at 5-3. The Hackett Catholic Prep girls’ team for­ feited its dual to the Delton Kellogg girls. The Panthers were scheduled to take on Kalamazoo Christian in a league dual last night. They will go to an invitational at Gobles Friday and then head to Schoolcraft for the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division Championship Monday. �Page 16 — Thursday, May 9, 2019 - The Hastings Banner DK and TK boys both downed by West Catholic at wood bat invite West Catholic allowed just three runs all day in besting Thomapple Kellogg and Delton Kellogg to win the Trojans annual Wood Bat Tournament and Pancake Breakfast Saturday in Middleville. The Falcon varsity baseball team bested the host Trojans 10-1 in the day’s opener and then earned the tournament trophy with 6-2 win over the Delton Kellogg boys. Thornapple Kellogg avenged a loss to Delton Kellogg’s varsity baseball team last month at Hastings’ Barry County Invitational by besting the Panthers 8-5 to close out the day. Jordan Hey was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, after three consecutive two-out walks for the Trojans, in the top of the fifth inning to snap a 5-5 tie between the Trojans and Panthers in the day’s finale. A couple of Delton Kellogg errors com­ bined with a Samuel McKeown walk and a single by Isaiah Postma allowed the Trojans to add two runs to their lead in the top of the sixth. Delton Kellogg outhit the Trojans 5-3 in ballgame. TK got three singles, one each for Postma, Nolan Dahley and Kaiden Pratt. McKeown, Colson Brummel and Pratt had one RBI each for TK and Hey drove in two runs. Singles by Maxwell Swift, Keegon Kokx, Cameron Curcuro, Blake Thomas and Carter Howland were the five hits for the Panthers. Swift had two RBI and Payton Warner and Thomas one each. Dawson Hamming and Levi VanderHeide spilt the time on the mound for the Trojans. Hamming allowed five runs, three earned, in 3.2 innings. He struck out two and walked three. VanderHeide threw 2.1 innings of hitless, scoreless baseball. He struck out three and walked three. Curcuro took the loss for the Panthers, allowing five runs on three hits and two strike outs. He walked six in five innings. Mats Van Kleef struck out one, walked one and gave up two hits in an inning of relief for the Panthers. Swift was 2-for-3 at the plate for DK in the contest with West Catholic. He scored one Graduation Invitations to fit every style Delton Kellogg’s Payton Warner hustled back to the back at second to avoid a pick-off during the top of the fifth inning against West Catholic Saturday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) run. Kaleb Post and Curcuro both doubled and Owen Koch singled for DK. Curcuro had their team’s lone RBI. Brummel was 2-for-3 with a double and a single in the opener with West Catholic for TK. Alex Bonnema, VanderHeide and Brian Davidoski had TK’s other three hits. Matt McNee had TK’s lone RBI. Hackett Catholic Prep scored a 10-6 win over the Delton Kellogg boys in a Southwestern Athletic Conference bailgame in Delton Monday. Both teams pounded 13 hits. Delton Kellogg led 5-4 after six innings, but the Irish pulled in front with two runs in the top of the seventh. Curcuro and Shawn Haight put together back-to-back doubles to pen the bottom of the seventh for Delton Kellogg to tie the game at 6-6, but Haight was eventually stranded at third. The Irish went on to score four runs with two out in the top of the eight and then secure the victory. Swift was 3-for-5 with two runs scored for the Delton Kellogg boys. Warner, Riley Roblyer and Kokx had two hits each. Roblyer drove in two runs and Koch, Kokx and Haight had one RBI each. ■ Maxwell Swift pitches for the Delton Kellogg Panthers during their match-up with Grand Rapids West Catholic Saturday at Thomapple Kellogg’s wood bat invitational in Middleville Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Irish pitchers struck out 16 Delton batters in the ballgame. Game two was postponed with the Irish leading 3-2 through four innings. DK golfers have best conference finish yet at Lawton Check out all our Special Services: Business Gards Greeting Cards * Big Prints & Posters Photo Books • Folding & Laminating Custom Rubber Stamps Plastic Binding and more! 1351 N.Broadway (M-43) Hastings 269.945.9105 g OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00 - 5:30 ©1 Thornapple Kellogg catcher Carter Stahl fires to first to finish the out against a West Catholic strike out yicjim during the top of the third inning of their opening game at the Trojans’ annual wood bat tournament Saturday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ golf team placed third at the Southwestern Athletic Conference jamboree hosted by lawton at Lake Cora Tuesday, shooting a season-low 170. It was the first time in recent memory for the Panthers finishing ahead of the Kalamazoo Christian Comets at a conference event, something the Delton Kellogg boys were excited about. Hackett Catholic Prep won another jambo­ ree with a low round off 147. They were led by Will Verduzco’s 34. Damian LaFountaine led the Delton Kellogg team with a 40. Deiniol Jones shot a 41, Landen Boze a 44 and Alejandro Guevara' a 45. The Delton Kellogg boys are scheduled to be a part of the Pennfield Invitational Friday. They will head to the Lawton Invitational Saturday. The Southwestern Athletic Conference gets together again at the jambo­ ree hosted by Constantine May 16. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-05-16.pdf 6438a09ee6b224e18c6c67587793fc26 PDF Text Text I Pennock begins parking lot improvements State legislators keep nightmare rolling DK boys undefeated in SAC Valley again See Story on Page 2 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 14 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 8048791101 Hastings pub(jc Lib ANNER Thursday, May 16, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 20 PRICE 750 MM Who’s watching CAFOs? Poppy days return Thiirerlav Thursday in Mastin Hastings Rebecca Pierce Editor They call them “Flint farms.” Lynn Henning of Lenawee County said that’s how some refer to concentrated animal feeding operations that have contaminated water in their communities. Henning said she comes from a Michigan family farm that was surrounded by 13 of these operations. Representing the Socially Responsible Agricultural Project, she spoke at the annual meeting of the Four-Township Water Resources Council Inc. Monday at the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station on Gull Lake. American Legion Auxiliary Poppy Days mark the nearing of Memorial Day, and this is the 99^ year the Legion has distributed poppies in remembrance of war dead. Financial donations serve the needs of I active-duty military members, their fami­ lies and veterans in a variety of ways. American Legion veterans will be f; accepting donations at Kmart, Family Fare and Walmart in Hastings from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday, May 16, through Saturday, May 18. I Women’s club to learn about invasive species I I Dr. Kenneth Kornheiser is the founder and vice president of the council and presi­ dent of the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) ft The Barry Conservation District and Pierce Cedar Creek Institute will host a shoreline workshop Saturday, May 18, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Recreation and development along the lakes of Barry County can cause erosion and reduce natural habitat. Restoring natu­ ral shorelines can protect property from high wave energy and erosion, while promoting water quality for recreation and wildlife habitat for fisheries. Attendees will learn how to get the shoreline to work for them be designing it to protect against erosion, maintain water I quality and provide great habitat, all while looking beautiful. Due to grant funding, the workshop is being offered for $10 including lunch. Space is limited. Those who would like to register may call David, 269-908-4099. Crooked Lake and the channel between Lower and Middle Crooked lakes, north of Milo Road. One beef CAFO is on AB Avenue near M-43; and a smaller swine operation is on Parker Road, south of Milo, he said. “According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, manure from a dairy milking 200 cows produces as much nitrogen as is in the sewage from a community of 5,000 to 10,000 people,” a council newsletter noted. “The two dairies in the four townships milk over 3,000 cows. “This means they produce the manure equivalent of the sewage from a city of 75,000 to 150,000 people every year.” The topic of CAFOs was chosen for the . annual meeting to focus on concerns “about proper disposition of all that manure in a loca­ tion with many valuable lakes and wetlands and where most of our citizens still derive their drinking water from wells,” Kornheiser said. One of the issues that gave rise to the topic was the expansion of one of the large dairies in the region, he said. The council received notification from the See CAFOs, page 3 Hunter Dood StaffWriter Threats of higher tariffs between the United States and China are of intense interest to Barry County farmers. That’s because soybean, pork and beef pro­ ducers here are likely to take a hit if tariff hikes take effect June 1, local agriculture experts say. The U.S. has already raised tariffs from 10 percent to 25 percent on $200 billion in imports from China. On Monday, China announced a plan to raise its tariffs from 5 percent to 25 percent on $60 billion of American goods. “The tariffs will very likely effect Barry County farmers,” said Barry County Farm Bureau President Mick Kokx. “I don’t know how much, but they could have some effect on it because there are a lot of soybeans pro­ duced in Barry County.” According to the National Agriculture Statistics Service, Barry County produced nearly 1.6 million bushels of soybeans in 2018. “I think it will effect the soybean sales with China,” Kokx said. “Now, hopefully, we can move those soybeans somewhere else.” The American Soybean' Association’s Soy Stats indicates that the U.S. exports near­ ly $12.4 billion in soybeans to China. The next closest is Mexico, with about $1.6 billion in soybeans. Soybeans aren’t the only concern for farm­ ers here. According to the National Agricultural Statistics Service Census in 2017, Barry County had 254 beef cattle farms, the highest number for a county in Michigan, as well as the highest number of beef cows, 3,147. “All producers are being effected by the trade discussions that are currently going on, and the tactics being used are affecting all of our producers,” said Executive Director of the Michigan Corn Growers Association Jim Zook. “The biggest impact is the uncertainty See TARIFFS, page 5 On the verge of submersion I J COA Walkathon ready to cook up somefun See NEWS BRIEFS, page 2 ships in Barry County, and Ross and Richland townships in Kalamazoo County. “The four-township area watersheds have had productive livestock and crop farms for generations,” its newsletter notes. “As with many other industries, there has been a grad­ ual process of consolidation with numerous small family farms being replaced by a few much larger farms.” Dr. Kenneth Kornheiser is the founder and vice president of the council and president of the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council. Kornheiser told the audience of about 65 people that these large concentrated animal feeding operations, or CAFOs, produce a lot of manure in a small area. “Manure is riot just feces; it’s mixed with other material, most of it organic, natural material that, for the farmer, is a source of economic value.” Farmers havefo feed their livestock. If they grow food, they have to fertilize it, Kornheiser said. ‘‘Manure completes that cycle. [But] if you have a lot, it can potentially contaminate groundwater.” In the four townships, there are currently two dairy CAFOs, one on Cressey Road, just west of Lockshore Road, and one on Parker Road, along the east shoreline of lower Tariff threat has local farmers bracing for impact Charlton Park venue for shoreline ■ workshop r A silent auction has been taking place at the Barry County Commission on Aging on Woodlawn Avenue in Hastings and will continue until May 18 at 10 a.m. The cooking-themed gift baskets up for bid can ; be viewed on the Barry County COA Facebook page. The end of the silent auc­ tion marks the beginning of the COA’s largest fundraiser for the Meals on Wheels program An apron contest is planned during the upcoming walkathon. Participants are encouraged to find or create an apron and The council is a nonprofit organization cre­ ated to educate and support the watersheds that pass through Barry and Prairieville town- I Member Sue Gray, chair of the conser­ vation committee, will give a presentation on invasive species at the next GFWCHastings Women’s Club meeting Friday, May 17. The meeting will begin at noon, with lunch and fellowship at 1 p.m. Linda Clayton, president of the Guiding Harbor Foundation, will share information on Girls Town. The club also will make donations to the Hastings Public Library and the Barry County YMCA. The General Federation of Women’s Clubs is dedicated to community improve­ ment by enhancing the lives of others through volunteer service. Monthly meet­ ings are at the Commission on Aging, 320 W. Woodlawn Ave., Hastings, and feature speakers presenting local volunteer infor­ mation and topics that impact the commu­ nity. Reservations and more information can be obtained by calling club president, Joann Logan, at 269-945-9782. I About 65 people in the audience listen to the program at the annual meeting of the Four-Township Water Resources Council Inc. Monday at the W.K. Kellogg Biological Station. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) I Pumps and prayers sustain Cloverdale Lake residents Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer Cloverdale Lake is 6 feet closer to his house, lake resident Jim Farrah said. Meanwhile, Crooked Lake is more 5.1 feet above its established level, Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull said. At the current 927.8 feet, the lake is at its highest level yet since flooding in the Delton area was deemed a crisis about a year ago. Three roads in that area are covered by water, with many more on the verge of sub­ mersion as water levels continue to rise: See FLOODING, page 2 Cloverdale Lake resident Robert Crossman fishes off his back porch as the water continues to rise. (Photo by Luke Froncheck) �Page 2 — Thursday, May 16, 2019 — The Hastings Banner FLOODING, continued from page 1 East Shore Drive along Crooked Lake is covered by eight inches of water; Hughes Road near Crooked Lake is water-covered; and M-43 near Cloverdale Lake is under water and closed in the affected area. With no long-term solution in sight, resi­ dents are turning to store-bought pumps and prayers. “It’s really up to God,” Cloverdale Lake resident Robert Crossman said. “He’s the one that brought us all the water through the rain, and He’s going to have to be the one to take it away.” Crossman estimated he’s about 11 inches from needing to start putting sandbags in place to protect his house. The high-water level on Cloverdale Lake has already made one house inhabitable, and many more are facing a similar fate. Jim Farrah, who has lived on Cloverdale Lake for 40 years, said this is the highest water level he’s seen. “The only outlet for our lake is a 10-inch plugged pipe on the north end of the lake,” Farrah said. “They need to clean that culvert out.” Dull said the culvert below Guernsey Lake Road is too small and needs to be replaced Water is creeping closer to residences on Cloverdale Lake. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Residents say the culvert beneath Guernsey Lake, shown here, is obstructed, which has an impact on the lake level. (Photo by Luke Froncheck) before Cloverdale Lake water levels will go down. When that happens, they will be able to pump water off the swamp adjacent to Cloverdale Lake and, hopefully, alleviate the flooding on M-43. Until then, motorists need to follow the detour. Although the flood water has not yet reached Farrah’s residence, the water level has eliminated what used to be his beach and creeped up roughly 10 feet from the original shoreline. An old railroad tie in his backyard is currently buried under more than a foot of water, and that sits about 10 feet from shore. A year ago, the railroad tie was the demarca­ tion between the water and the beach. “I don’t think I’ll have to water my tomato plants this year,” Farrah said, joking about his small tomato garden that may end up being engulfed by the rising water. Farrah’s house sits near the portion of M-43 that has been closed because of flooding. He said some motorists are disregarding the blockade that is supposed to close the road. They just opt to drive through the flooded portion of the highway. Cloverdale Lake’s only outlet is a 10-inch culvert on the north side of the lake that runs under Guernsey Lake Road and empties into Long Lake. The culvert was installed in 1992. Rob Young said he was one of the residents who pushed for the installation of the culvert almost 30 years ago. “The county provided the piping, but told us we could put it in ourselves,” Young said. “So, me and a group of five others each put in $5,000 to pay for the digging labor to install the culvert.” According to Young, much of the flooding on Cloverdale Lake would be alleviated by The North Charlton Road bridge over the Little Thornapple River is closed. The river is overflowing its banks upstream from the bridge. There is some damage to the pave­ ment at the intake of the culvert that goes under the road. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) replacing an 80-foot stretch of the culvert. “The water coming out of the culvert right now is taking up about 35 percent of the pipe,” Young said. “It should be around taking up about 75 percent of the pipe. “I feel sorry for all these people here who are being affected by this,” Young said. Dull said anyone who needs help because of flooding should contact his office. “If you have a problem or know anyone that does have a problem, give me a call and I’ll come out and see what I can do,” he said The drain commissioner’s office number is 269-945-1385. The next Crooked Lake Task Force meet­ ing will be at 5:30 p.m. Monday, May 20, at the Prairieville Township Hall. Pennock begins improvements to Fish Hatchery parking lot Joan Van Houten Staff Writer The start of the construction of a $12 mil­ lion surgical center has begun with improve­ ments to the parking lot at Fish Hatchery Park in Hastings. Entrance to the park is closed until the resurfacing is completed. The Hastings City Council approved two agreements with Spectrum Health Pennock April 22 making it possible for the construc­ tion project to move forward. Spectrum will pay the city’s costs associated with the agree­ ments, including attorney fees, a license agreement for use of the Fish Hatchery Park parking lot and an easement for a path from the parking lot to the hospital. “The approvals will allow us to get started on the parking lot, which needs to be done before construction begins,” Alan Kranzo, Spectrum Health director of real estate, said. The license agreement approved by the council provides the hospital with non-exclu- sive use of approximately 75 parking spaces in the neighboring parking lot in exchange for improvements and maintenance of entire parking lot and maintenance of other improve­ ments, such as additional lighting to be added for security. The cost of improvements is roughly $150,000 to $200,000. The initial term of the license is 10 years, with up to nine renewal periods of 10 years each. The agreement can be terminated by either party with one year’s notice. The hospi­ tal would receive prorated reimbursement for its expenditures for certain improvements if the city were to terminate the agreement. Several parking spaces will be lost at the hospital due to the west side addition of the new surgical center. The parking areas at Fish Hatchery Park will be used from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. by first-shift hospital employees and will not interfere with sports games and most events. Parking lot improvements are underway at Fish Hatchery Park. The improvements are related to the new surgical center being constructed by Spectrum Health Pennock. Jordan Lake residents, fishermen call for lake treatment changes Hunter Dood Staff Writer The Jordan Lake Improvement Board invit­ ed concerned residents to discuss chemical treatment of the lake on Friday - and those residents responded. “I feel like you’re disrupting the peaceful use of my home and its amenities - and one of those amenities is the lake,” lake resident David Fillion said. “It is lowering my proper­ ty values and it’s affecting people, real peo­ ple.” Jordan Lake has an established lake plan, which includes paying PLM Lake and Land Management to treat the lake, Ben Geiger, chairman of the Jordan Lake Improvement Board, said. That plan, put in place by Bill Walker, for­ mer chairman of the lake improvement board, was to apply chemical treatment to kill aquat­ ic plants so that residents could use the lake to water ski. PLM was paid about $62,000 last year to spray copper sulfate and chelated cop­ per to control aquatic plants and algae and conduct other water tests. “Mr. Walker never cared about the fish,” fisherman James Brace of Sunfield said. “We’re not asking for that much,” Fillion added. “All we’re asking for is: Don’t use copper sulfate and chelated copper at the same time. Copper sulfate is an irritant to fishes’ lungs. “You’re not giving the fish the opportunity to spawn.” Fillion and Brace said the fish typically spawn between May 15 to June 15, so chemi­ cal spraying should occur after that. PLM Western Michigan Lakes Manager Jaimee Conroy said the lake was treated May 16 and June 1 of last year. PLM is spraying the lake for invasive plants on May 15 this year and, if needed, an algae spray next week. The second spray is scheduled for the “end of the week of June 3,” he said. Fillion said he was successful in his request for a targeted monitoring test in 2017 when the state Department of Environmental Quality came to Jordan Lake and conducted a sediment survey. The DEQ found that Jordan Lake had copper levels as high as 30 milli­ grams per dry sediment. “The ground sediment of copper is high,” Brace pointed out. “You’re building up a lot of copper in Jordan Lake,” Fillion said. “When copper builds up in the sediment, it begins to affect the ethnic layer of the sediment where you have micro bio-life. Once you’ve done that, you sterilize the bottom of the lake.” Geiger said the health of the lake is moni­ tored by PLM. “I don’t think we can depend on PLM Lake and Land Management,” Fillion said. “To be perfectly honest with you, PLM’s credibility is shot with me.” Fillion said he believes Jordan Lake could attract more people if the fishery was better maintained. PLM also treats Houghton Lake, which attracts many fisherman throughout the year - and derives a lot of income from fish­ ing. Fillion pointed out that Houghton Lake takes care of its fishery. “We’re not doing that here,” Fillion added. “The only thing that has been done to Jordan Lake to improve the fishery was the 1,500 black crappie that I volunteered to put in the lake last year.” The board needs to find a balance between the fishermen and those who use the lake for water sports, Geiger said. “Just push (treatment) back,” Brace said. Fillion suggested Geiger and other board members attend a training by the DEQ and Michigan State University. The training would educate them on dissolved oxygen contents, water clarity testing and weed identification. “We don’t trust you, Ben, to do the right thing,” Fillion said. Geiger said his feelings were hurt by that comment and asked residents to judge him based on his results, which he said he believes are positive. Unless plans for chemical treatment change, Fillion told Geiger he would be judged on whether or not PLM is back spray­ ing during the spawning season. Hastings Interact students run Rotary Club meeting Monday, the weekly Hastings Rotary Club meeting was provided by the Interact students from Hastings High School. The pro­ gram featured exchange students who spoke about their experiences in America. Pictured (front row, from left) are Emma Mathieseo, Erin Dalman, Galina Schiller, Maggie Nedbalek, Victoria Knizak, Abby Larabee, Claire Anderson, Kenny Smith; (back) Ida Andersen; Grayson Patton, Gavin Patton, Laurin Mayer John Solmes, Katey Solmes, and Hastings High School teacher Jason Burghardt;. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce.) �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 16, 2019 — Page 3 CAFOs, continued from page 1 * Lynn Henning of Lenawee County comes from a Michigan family farm that was surrounded by 13 CAFOs. She is a field coordinator for the Socially Responsible Agricultural Project. ^Sierra Club and found violations with manure applications during the winter that ran off into water and contaminated West Gilkey Lake, south of Alto. “We provided public comment,” Kornheiser 'said. At the end of the public comment period, There was a response in every case, he said, kwhich was helpful to understand what was "going on. But, ultimately, they found that these operations were all under general per­ mits. And, if CAFOs are under general per­ mits, “as long as they comply with a general *rule, they will be allowed to continue.” Bruce Washburn, environmental quality analyst for Southwest Michigan, Michigan Susan Boudeman listens to presenters during the program on CAFOs at the annual meeting of the Four-Township Water Resources Council Inc. Monday at The W.K. Kellogg Biological Station. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Department of Environmental Quality which is now called the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy - said a general permit is typically a permit that most facilities can operate under, “and it cov­ ers about 80 percent of our farms.” And, in some cases, a farm operation may not require permitting if it doesn’t handle the manure directly. For example, three farms in the region use an operator who manages the manure for all three, he said. “They move a lot of manure in a hurry.” Permits are typically redone every five years, Washbum noted, and 2020 is the year for that, so changes may be made. Kornheiser also mentioned generally accepted management practices, or GAMPs, which are enacted by the state Legislature. GAMPs typically pre-empt local laws, he added, but part of what is in those GAMPs are statements that new agriculture enterprises must be in agriculturally zoned districts. There are other references to zoning in the GAMPs, Kornheiser pointed out, even though GAMPs say they pre-empt local zoning. “What is in flux is the actual continued reference to zoning,” he said. “A governor-ap­ pointed commission will make recommenda­ tions to change the GAMPs. And there is an interest in having all references to zoning removed. Should zoning be eliminated from GAMPs?” Permit revisions and zoning references in GAMPs were not the only questions posed during the program. Washbum described the regulatory frame­ work that dictates his responsibilities regard­ ing CAFOs and how manure is supposed to be handled. “We have to work within the confines of the laws that we’re given,” he said. “Our law is to protect surface water.” A resident’s well on a property adjacent to a CAFO would not be considered under sur­ face water regulations, Washbum pointed out, since a well is considered groundwater. Farms wouldn’t come under groundwater regula­ tions until they reached 5,0000 animal units. Washbum said he’s responsible for three counties and 60 farnls. “I cannot be at 60 places at once,” he said. “That’s why I like this interaction.” “If you see something that doesn’t make sense,” he told them to give him a call. The role being described for residents was something Lynn Henning called “citizen sci­ entists,” which she said are needed to effec­ tively police CAFOs. She urged people to be Washbum’s “eyes and ears on the ground.” One listener in the audience said, “So it looks like there’s two things: There’s regula­ tion and the quality of those regulations and what they cover, and then there’s enforcement part. “What I’m hearing loudly is, if we don’t become citizen scientists and collect data, it may not be addressed by the state,” he said. “So, which is the bigger problem: Is it that we don’t have adequate regulations or we don’t have adequate enforcement of those regula­ tions?” The audience erupted in laughter and some­ one shouted, “Both!” Henning said she believes Michigan is moving toward a compliance system rather than an enforcement system. At one time, the state responded promptly to violations. “They don’t have the staff to do that today,” she said. Henning reviewed the worst cases in Michigan, the so-called “stench alerts” for CAFO emissions, the blood worms in the stormwater outlets, air quality issues and health concerns. In answer to a question about where Michigan rates compared to other states, she said many other Midwestern states are worse. “I think we should be the example for the entire country,” Henning said, adding, “I think we can do a lot better.” Afield coordinator for Socially Responsible Agricultural Project and a Goldman Environmental Prize winner, she encouraged audience members to reach out if they have questions or need help. SRAP works on donations, she said, so they can “go in and help educate communities.” Monitoring CAFO operations requires a need for baseline testing, photographs, water monitoring and more. “We’ll map out every field for every CAFO and watch how they land apply [manure] ...” Henning said. “We can do this and teach you how to do this so you can watch your own community.” Kornheiser expressed the opinion that tax­ payers brought the situation upon themselves by seeking an environment with fewer regula­ tions. “Your tax dollars pay foe the regulation you deserve,” he said. As a result, “you get what you don’t pay for.” At the conclusion of the meeting, Jeff Smith, one of the audience members, stood and told the group: “What we’re all taking from this is we have to regulate ourselves.” March and April Key Club Students of the Month from Hastings High School honored by the Hastings Kiwanis Club are Madison McWhinney (front, left) with parents, Stephanie and Jes McWhinney; and Taylor Owen (front, right) with parents, Julie and Perry Owen. Kiwanis president Dr. Bob Becker, (back, left) presented the awards. (Photo provided) Kiwanis Club awards HHS freshmen The Kiwanis Club of Hastings recently honored Hastings High School Key Club students of the month for March and April. Selected students and their parents are invited to a Kiwanis lunch meeting, introduced, and allowed to choose what organization will receive a $50 donation in their name. The March student was freshman Madison McWhinney, daughter of Stephanie and Jes McWhinney. During her first year as a Key Club member, she said it was the smartest thing she has done. “It has given me many opportunities to do such fun and meaningful stuff,” McWhinney said. One of her favorites is the work the club has done with the animal shelter, which is why she choose the the Barry County Animal Shelter to receive the donation in her name. The April student of the month was freshman Taylor Owen. The daughter of Perry and Julie Owen, she also has enjoyed many of the activities of Key Club, including the UNICEF collection, Imagination Library, visiting seniors at Thomapple Manor and making toys for the Barry County Animal Shelter. Her Kiwanis award donation will be given to Green Gables domestic shelter. Final downtown parking toll approved by city Joan Van Houten Staff Writer A second public hearing to solicit comment regarding the necessity for the Downtown Special Parking Special Assessment District was held at the Hastings City Council meet­ ing Monday. An initial public hearing was held April 22, but an error in the required notices for the hearing required rescheduling. There was no public comments and the council adopted the resolution formalizing the finding that a Downtown Parking SAD is necessary. A public hearing was also held to solicit comment regarding the final roll for the Downtown Parking SAD. There was no pub­ lic comment and the council adopted the res­ olution approving the assessment roll. The costs to be assessed are for ongoing maintenance of the downtown parking lots and will be assessed against properties bene­ fiting from their use and maintenance. The assessed costs are for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. The direct costs of routine maintenance are; $7,000 for the full-time labor of the Department of Public Service employees, $6,000 prorated for employee fringe benefits, $750 for maintenance and repair supplies, $12,000 for contractual services, $5,000 for administrative services, $4,000 for utilities, and $8,500 for the equipment rental fund. The total assessment is $43,650 of which the Downtown Development Authority has committed to pay $15,962. Assessment to property owners in the special assessment district will be $27,688. Distribution of the assessment is based on the building area, whether the building is active, use factors, existence of onsite park­ ing, net building total, distance factor, and the effective net total. The assessment calculations start with the building square footage multiplied by 80 per- NE|WS BRIEFS continued from front page /wear it during the walk. A $25 gift card and a baking set will be given to the person with the best overall apron. A $20 gift card will be given to the participant with the funniest apron. Prizes will be awarded at a luncheon after the walk for the youngest walker, wis­ est walker, the team that raises the most money, and individual who raises the most money. Prizes range from gift cards to hand­ made afghans. Registration will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday. The walk will start at 10 a.m. Volunteers will hand out items such as cookies, baking mixes, squishy trinkets, bottled water and more at stops along the route. No one will leave empty-handed, and 100 percent of all money collected will stay in Barry County. Bizon to visit Hastings May 20 Sen. John Bizon, M.D., R-Battle Creek, will host office hours in Barry County May 20. Office hours are open to residents of the 19th Senate District to express their opin­ ions or concerns about state government or to request assistance with a state issue. Bizon will be available to meet with con­ stituents between 10 and 11 a.m. in the Hastings City Hall council chamber, 201 E. State St., Hastings. The 19th Senate District includes Barry, Calhoun and Ionia counties. More information is available by calling Bizon’s office toll-free, 855-347-8019, or emailing SenJBizon@senate.michigan. gov. Residents unable to attend the office hours may write to Sen. John Bizon, P. O. Box 30036, Lansing, MI 48909-7536. cent that is multiplied by the use factor which equals the active building total. The use factor relates to whether the build­ ing is in use and the type of business being operated to determine how frequently parking spaces are used by one business compared to another. The rating is from zero to two. “For instance, a restaurant will have many more customers using parking spaces than an accounting office,” Krista Tietz, assistant assessor, said. The next part of the calculation takes onsite parking into account. A business with one private parking space is able to subtract 200 from the active building total or if there are two parking spaces, subtract 400. This equals the net building use. The net building is multiplied by the per­ centage of the distance from the customer entrance and exit to a parking space which gives the effective net amount. Example: assessment assignment calcula­ tion 3,186 (building square footage) multiply by 0.8 = 2,549 (building area) 2,549 multiply by 1.0 (use factor/type of business) = 2,549 (active building) 2,549 subtract 800 (four parking spaces) = 1,749 (net building area) 1,749 multiplied by 0.8 (distance factor) =1,399 (effective building net). Final step: divide district effective net building area with 1,399 effective net = assessment value. &V■ GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. Hastings High School seniors Kate Haywood and Jack Horton show their awards. Haywood received a Congressional Medal of Merit, and Horton received his appointment to the U.S. Military Academy. (Photo by Jennifer Haywood) Two Hastings students honored by congressman Rep. Justin Amash (R-Mich.) recognized the 2019 service academy appointees and student Congressional Medal of Merit recipients from Michigan’s Third District at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum May 4. Jack Horton, son of James and Cindy Horton, received appointment to the United States Military Academy. Senior Katherine Haywood, daughter of Matt and Jennifer Haywood, received a Congressional Medal of Merit. Lakewood senior Allen Gibson also received a Congressional Medal of Merit, but was not able to attend the ceremony. Applicants to the service academies require a nomination from an authorized nominating source, which includes members of Congress. To assist with the nominating process, Amash assembled a committee of military and civic leaders who reviewed applications, interviewed potential nominees, and made recommendations. The Congressional Medal of Merit recognizes high school seniors who have demonstrated exemplary citizenship and academic excellence. Recipients were nominated by their principals or guidance counselors. • Governor appoints local residents Two Hastings residents have been selected by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to serve on advisory committees. Barry Wood has been asked to serve on the Michigan Veterans’ Trust Fund Board of Trustees, and Cathy Longstreet will serve on the Governor’s Educator Advisory Council. The Michigan Veterans Trust Fund was created in 1946 from $50 million in postwar reserve funds to provide grants for the emergency needs of veterans. The Michigan Veterans Trust Fund Board of Trustees governs grant policies and adjudication, county committee appointments, and expenditure from trust earnings. Wood is a former U.S. Navy and U.S. Army Intelligence officer and a member of the American Legion. He worked for several years as a supervisor at Hastings Mutual Insurance Company from which he retired in 2014. He was reappointed to the Michigan Veterans’ Trust Fund Board of Trustees to represent the American Legion. His term will expire Feb. 25, 2022. Cathy Longstreet will serve on the Governor’s Educator Advisory Council. The newly created council will review and make recommendations regarding legislation, identify and analyze issues impacting the effectiveness of the state’s education system, identify best practices in public education, and provide other information or advice relevant to public education. Longstreet is a counselor at Hastings High School, chairwoman of the K-12 Counseling Department, and an instructor at Michigan College Access Network’s school counselor post-secondary planning course. She earned her masters in counselor education degree from Western Michigan University, masters in the art of teaching from Aquinas College, and bachelor of arts in psychology from Alma College. Her term on the Governor’s Educator Advisory Council will expire May 9, 2021. �Page 4 — Thursday, May 16, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you In My Opinion see? State legislators keep nightmare rolling A lot of teeth Shawn Shoop caught a largemouth bass with this lamprey stuck to the side of it in Thornapple Lake last week. Barry-Calhoun-Kalamazoo Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area Coordinator Fallon Januska took a look at some photos of it. She determined it was a chestnut lamprey, which is native to Michigan, not the larger invasive sea lamprey which affects Great Lakes’ fish populations. We’re dedicating this space to a photograph taken by read­ ers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? Before cellphones Banner Oct. 25, 1973 Fran Morris, supervisor of the emer­ gency unit at Pennock Hospital, demon­ strates how she would talk with the city’s police ambulance, receiving information on the type of case being brought to the hospital. With her is Margaret.Musbach, receptionist. Not only can ambulance crews talk with hospital personnel, they also can talk with physicians at any tele­ phone in the community through a tele­ phone arrangement in the hospital’s emergency room. Williams Ambulance Service in Delton and the Nashville ambulance service also have similar mobile units in their vehicles. Ambulance workers also can talk with many other Michigan hospital units. Pennock Hospital is one of 25 designated regional hospitals in Michigan to function during disasters or emergencies and provide a communication link between hospitals, ambulances and other agencies. The new communication system enables ambulance attendants to inform hospital personnel and physicians about the arrival of critically injured or acutely ill patients. Have you met? Louis Cizauskas was raised on the west side of Grand Rapids and at age 18, joined the U.S. Army. His three older brothers, all in the armed forces, told him not to enlist, but to volunteer for the draft. So being the obedi­ ent little brother he was, he took their advice. Two weeks later, he got his draft letter and went overseas. He spent 13 months overseas in Korea, where he was present to see the captured sailors of the U.S.S. Pueblo spy ship released. “You know that show ‘MASH’?” Cizauskas said. “Where that takes place, Uijeongbu, South Korea, is a real city north of Seoul. It’s where I was stationed.” Cizauskas said he was a pole lineman, but that his time in the army was really pretty mellow. After 20 months in the service, he returned to Michigan and attended college on the GI Bill. He attended Grand Rapids Junior College (now GRCC) and Ferris University and received his associate degree in the liber­ al arts, getting what he called a well-rounded education. He married his wife, Diane in 1973, and they had two children. The Cizauskases live just over the Barry County line in Bowne Township, where they have planted themselves for 30 years now. Twenty-five years ago, Diane was wanting a change in her occupation as a legal secre­ tary, and their neighbor, who ended up becoming their daughter’s father-in-law, was selling the Superette on Michigan Avenue in Hastings. Cizauskas decided to buy it for his wife, and she made a lifestyle shift that has provided Hastings with a stable business ever since. After many years in the wholesale paper business, being part of Jaycees and teaching catechism at his church, Cizauskas began to think about what he would do if his job situ­ ation were to change. The industry was mor­ phing, and he was a little concerned. He began to plan just in case, and one day, after 28 years at the same job, his company was bought out and his position was eliminated. He decided to buy the laundromat on Court Street and begin a new adventure. “I worked all day, seven days a week for the first three to four months, just to learn how everything functioned,” Cizauskas said. Now he knows everything there is to know about running a laundromat. Hastings Launder Center has provided people of the area a place where they can be comfortable as they do their laundry. Lou Cizauskas “We are just a big family here,” Tama Allerding, long-time employee said. “The longevity of the employees here proves that we have the best boss in the world.” Every day, Cizauskas gets up at 3:30 a.m., gets himself ready, goes to the Superette and takes care of things like trash and other daily duties and heads over to the laundromat to open it by 7 a.m. “I have such a great team that runs things and keeps everything so clean,” he said. “At this point, I am pretty much on call all the time, but I have more freedom because of the people that work with me.” Cizauskas and his wife now take time to attend sports and other activities of their six grandchildren. When asked what he likes the best about owning the businesses, he answered that the variety of people he meets and the chance to talk with them and interact has been the highlight. They hope to eventu­ ally be able to travel when they retire. For his contributions to the community, Louis Cizauskas, is a Banner Bright Light. Best advice ever received: Be content but never satisfied. First job: Cutting grass and weeding in the family garden. I got paid a few bucks for that. Favorite TV program: “Cheers” - I like humor. Favorite book: I like any self-help books. Favorite teacher: That would be my sci­ ence teacher, Rocky Stone, in ninth grade at Harrison Park Jr. High. He just made it inter­ esting and he seemed to know so much. Person I’d most like to meet: Gen. George Marshall, who basically ran World War II. He is so respectable and did so much for the country. If I could have any superpower, it would be: Being invisible would be kind of nice. What I’d tell a high school graduate: Get skilled in a trade. You can take it any­ where you go. It’s something that is not going to be taken over by computers. It’s also very satisfying to see the fruits of your labor. Favorite dinner: Pizza with everything but anchovies. My biggest challenge: Just getting out of bed at my age is a challenge. The greatest president: Eisenhower was a great leader who did a lot for the country. He was quiet and unassuming, but got the job done. I’m most proud of: My kids. What I’d do if I would won the lottery: Not tell anyone. Retire and travel. Favorite cartoon character: I’ve really been liking the “Pickles” comic strip. I also like Bugs Bunny. Favorite childhood memory: There are so many of them. Just being a kid with noth­ ing to worry about, hanging out with my buddies at the park and playing in the creek were some of the best times. Hobbies: Playing in the dirt at my house because we just remodeled and there is lots of landscaping to do. I like to putz around the house and yard. Greatest thing about Barry County: As a business owner, it’s really an easy place to do business. We have great programs, people and infrastructure to support local business. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news @j-adgraphics .com. Remember all of those campaign promis­ es we heard six months ago? Did we really think any of them might happen this time or that this group of supposed leaders would prove themselves less inept than the charla­ tans they’ve just replaced? It’s no wonder that less than half of our citizens don’t even bother to vote. Frustration with politics accelerated again last week after our state legislators failed to come up with an acceptable bill that would fix the state’s auto insurance nightmare once and for all, as many of them had promised. The inability of elected officials to solve even the simplest but most critical of prob­ lems reminds me of former President Ronald Reagan who once, amusingly, said, “I’m from the government and I’m here to help.” Well, one thing’s for sure: This group of legislators is no different than those that have come before, they sure are not helping. Today, Michigan drivers pay more for auto insurance than residents of any other state in the nation, an estimated $1,200 more per year. Yet, Michigan legislators remain inept at coming up with a plan to reduce premiums and still maintain needed cover­ age for citizens. Experts say the high cost of premiums is primarily due to the state’s no-fault insurance system that includes pro­ viding accident victims unlimited coverage for medical bills, wages and living expenses, even in permanently catastrophic situations. In 1978, the state legislature created the Michigan Catastrophic Claims Association, a nonprofit, unincorporated entity to ensure that permanently disabled auto accident vic­ tims and the families that depended on them would be financially supported for the remainder of the accident victim’s life. We, as citizens of the only state in the country to have such a program, should be proud of the commitment we’ve made to forever protect people who suffer permanent, debilitating injuries. The problem is that the MCCA has become the prime culprit behind our auto insurance rates soaring out of control. Last week, Michigan state senators passed a plan that would effectively eliminate the MCCA. But before letting politicians do a hit-andrun on an effective and caring program, citi­ zens should be asking if the problem isn’t more about state legislators’ lack of over­ sight of the MCCA rather than the amount drivers are being charged for auto insurance. Last week’s bill passed by the Senate doesn’t reform the plan, it just reduces the coverage to the insured, by allowing drivers to opt out of unlimited medical benefits and choose from a selection of lesser plans. The Senate plan would allow drivers to choose a level of coverage or no coverage for those who have health insurance in place. The new plan would effectively eliminate the MCCA, resulting in an immediate savings on auto rates, but would continue to cover people who are currently in the system. The bill also creates an Automobile Insurance Fraud Task Force within the Michigan State Police to investigate fraud by medical providers, attorneys and others who take advantage of insurers. It all sounds good, but legislators failed to deal with some of the real issues that are driving up the costs - such as motorists with terrible driving records, out-of-control med­ ical costs and rates that are determined based on where drivers reside. Plus, the MCCA is run by insurance companies with little or no oversight from the general public or the leg­ islature. These are the issues that are driving up rates, making it nearly impossible for a growing number of residents to even afford auto insurance. I know personally a young man who was looking to buy a used car just to get back and forth to work, but the insurance costs were going to be more than he paid for the car. Based on a report by Insure.com, Michigan has the most-expensive auto insurance rates in the nation, which averages $2,611 per year depending on where you live, with Detroit coming in at an average of $5,464. That’s almost $2,000 higher than New Orleans, which has the second highest rate in the nation. The report also indicates that outof-state residents save an average of $1,154 What do you per year over the cost for insurance in Michigan. So, what’s driving up the costs? To start, Michigan insurance law limits the ability of auto insurers to negotiate prices from health care providers, and it is the only state to offer unlimited coverage, while other no-fault states have caps on spending. In Michigan, crash victims are protected with unlimited lifetime coverage of all of their medical bills, plus drivers are provided up to $5,700 per month for lost wages. And, if the accident is a fatality, the victim’s family can receive that amount for three years, depending upon what they would have received from a vic­ tim’s earnings and fringe benefits. In addi­ tion, auto accident victims are entitled to up to $20 per day in replacement services to pay for routine household tasks they can no lon­ ger do, like housekeeping or yard work. Currently, Michigan drivers pay $192 per vehicle to fund the statutory MCCA. On July 1, the fee is slated to increase to $220. In 2017, the average cost of a personal injury protection claim in Michigan was more than six times the national average, with costs increasing nearly twice as fast as in others states, according to the Insurance Research Council. “Bodily injury liability claims are becom­ ing more frequent,” the IRC reported. And bodily injury liability claims also are becom­ ing more frequent due to attorney involve­ ment in auto injury claims. The increase in claims is partly due to a 2010 Michigan Supreme Court decision lowering the thresh­ old for determining when an individual can seek compensation for “pain and suffering” caused by a crash. The IRC report also indicates that Michigan has a large amount of fraud in the no-fault system, with people declaring med­ ical issues are more serious than they truly are. Why not? The MCCA has more than $18 billion in assets for the taking. So, because the state doesn’t set price controls or fee schedules on medical costs and is not dealing with rising attorney involvement and more auto-related lawsuits, Michigan’s auto insurance costs are out of control. “The more you observe politics, the more you’ve got to admit that each party is worse than the other,” the late actor and humorist Will Rogers said. During the recent race for governor, Michigan voters listed escalating auto insur­ ance rates as one of the top issues on their list. They expected state leaders to dive in and deal with a failing system that has allowed premiums to increase at unreason­ able rates. Yet, based on the most recent actions from state legislators, it’s apparent that they aren’t fixing the system - they’re just reducing the protection and benefits by putting more of the risk back on drivers. That’s their idea of fixing a broken sys­ tem. I think it’s time our elected leaders go back to the drawing board and review how the plan works, who oversees the benefits and the payments made, and how the medi­ cal and insurance companies benefit from this convoluted system that protects big cor­ porations from losses. It’s also time for citizens to get educated, angry, organized and express their opinions, outrage and ideas. Our elected leaders are failing to fix a system that can be efficient, less costly, and still caring. Could there be anything else as critical that our elected leaders are failing to fix? Oh yes, the roads. Time’s a’wasting. Let’s get to work. Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the ques­ tion posed each week by accessing our website, www.HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the following week. Michigan has the highest auto insurance rates in the U.S. A state Senate plan would allow residents to opt out of unlimited medical coverage, as long as they have health insurance to cover their medical costs. Do you think that’s a good idea? Yes No Due to website changes, votes on last week’s question were not recorded. We are running the question again. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 16, 2019 — Page 5 Award-winning author Allen Eskens shares his life story County board learns about road funding Barry County Road Commission Managing । Director Brad Lambert provided the depart­ . ment’s annual report to county commissioners ' Tuesday. Expenditures were $15 million in 2018, he : said. * Looking ahead, they are planning to gravel * 2,500 yards in each of the county’s 16 town­ ! ships this year, Lambert said. j The main source of the county road com{ mission is the Michigan Transportation Fund, ‘ which is comprised of state fuel taxes and i vehicle registration fees. The funds are dis­ ! tributed using the following formula: 39.1 I percent for the state and county and 21.8 per| cent for cities and villages. As far as the proposed 45-cent hike in * Michigan’s fuel tax, Lambert said the issue । has got people talking, which is good. But, J under that plan as proposed, 73 percent of the * funding would go to the state which would J mean less funding for the county. Under the current fuel tax, at 26.3 cents per * gallon, the road commission receives $5.3 million, Lambert said. If the 45-cent hike were to be enacted as proposed, the county road commission would receive $1.95 million. The state Senate Fiscal Agency has estimat­ ed that each cent increase in the fuel tax would raise about $46 million annually to fix roads, so a 45-cent hike would raise close to $2.1 billion for roads. However, the formula would result in less funding for the county roads and more for state roads. In other action, the board approved: • The purchase of an integrated public safe­ ty software platform commensurate with cur­ rent technological advances to the law enforcement Records Management System and Jail Management System from CentralSquare Technologies for $206,229 with funds to be paid from the Data Processing Fund. • A $48,222 expenditure to repair a broken chiller unit at the sheriff’s office and jail facil­ ity. • The appointment of James French of Middleville to serve on the Barry County Jury Board for the term beginning May 1, 2019, and ending April 30, 2025, as recommended by county Chief Judge William Doherty. • The 2020 budget calendar and a Municipal Employees’ Retirement System of Michigan resolution establishing authorized signatories for the county. • A Municipal Employees’ Retirement System of Michigan resolution establishing authorized signatories. • The fiscal year 2020 Office of Community Corrections grant application, as proposed by community corrections administrator Tammi Price. • Payment of invoices amounting to $5,104,806.93, claims of $112,794.66 and commissioner reimbursements for mileage for $659.63. The board also heard a report from Frank Fiala on the success of the Household Hazardous Waste pickup at the Barry County fairgrounds on May 4. Tragedy brings two friends together again ; To the Editor: « Who could imagine two separate tragedies ! would help reunite two long-lost friends? ! Linda Curtis and Michelle Johnson had devel! oped a strong friendship, working as co-work• ers at the same nursing facility and sharing a residence in Traverse City with Michelle’s »parents. They had many fun experiences and I stuck together, supporting each other whenev! er needed. " But with a job transfer and a need to tend to J her own parents, Linda moved to Hastings to »be closer to family. Michelle remained in ! Traverse City. The two hoped to stay connectj ed to each other despite the distance. It wasn’t J long that both women found love and got ’ married, their lives growing busier with new • children. . Linda married a Navy man, Richard Curtis, I and had two children, Ryan and Kelly. And ; Michelle married her husband, Santiago, and ? was blessed with three children, Christopher, »Shawna, and Samantha. Michelle and Linda s attempted to continue contact with the occa! sional phone call, but as life moved forward ■ and got busier, the two lost connection. Many years passed, nearly 20 years, when ^tragedy struck for Linda and her family. In । October 2017, she received the news no par­ i ent ever wishes to hear: Two Marine officers ; arrived at her doorstep to give the solemn ; news of the passing of her son, Ryan. He was an active duty Marine who died unexpectedly. » A while after the funeral, as Linda and her ! family tried find a new normal in their ; now-shaken world, she attempted to reach out Ho those she’d lost contact with. She thought I of Michelle and the fond memories she had and looked to the Yellow Pages and internet searches in hopes of reconnecting. ’ She learned that Michelle and her husband • had divorced and moved their separate ways, ‘ leaving Linda unsure of how to contact her. It Michelle Johnson and Linda Curtis are lifelong friends who found each other again after tragedy touched both their lives. (Photo provided.) wasn’t until she was filing old photos that she happened upon a photo Michelle’s sori, Christopher Johnson. Hoping she had hit a bit of luck, she began searching for Christopher in hopes that he could lead her to Michelle. It wasn’t until she searched the internet with Christopher’s name that her heart sank. She had found his obituary. Christopher also had passed unexpectedly in a car crash in March 2017, seven months prior to Ryan’s passing. Devastated to learn that her friend also had (write Us A Letter: lost her son, she knew she had to find her. Linda made a phone call to the funeral home that had provided the obituary and expressed her need to contact Michelle. Within three hours, Linda received a call from Michelle. They were both thrilled to have finally made contact, but grief-stricken to hear of the oth­ er’s plight. They have since continued more faithfully contacting and supporting one another, both having dealt with similar circumstances. And, after 20 years apart, the two finally met face-to-face again, proving that love and friendship creates a bond that neither time, distance nor heartache can break. Linda Curtis, Hastings The Hastings Banner Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker $45 per year in Barry County $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere Subscription Rates: • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer Tanett Hodge Taylor Owens Joan Van Houten POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 ' 11 " i in . classes. While in theater, he started hanging around kids who were going to go to college and it inspired him to work harder to get into college. Eskens was accepted into the University of Iowa where he studied theater. He found a hidden talent in dance while at Iowa. He began studying classes such as ballet and tae kwon do. Eskens sprained his ankle and real­ ized he couldn’t do what he wanted to in the dance field, so he decided to change his major to journalism and transfer to the University of Minnesota. At Minnesota, Eskens studied hard and received “almost straight As.” Then Eskens decided to go to law school. He graduated from law school at Hamline University and practiced law for 25 years. After starting his law career, he immediately realized something was missing - his creative side. That’s when Eskens decided to write his first short story. His short story eventually turned in to a chapter, then a manuscript. It took him 20 years to finish, but he wasn’t happy with it. “I put it aside and wrote my second manu­ script,” Eskens said. “I was going to write whether I got it published or not because it was what I enjoyed doing.” His second manuscript became his first novel. His first novel took him 28 years to finish. “I rewrote the entire manuscript because I grew so much as a writer over that time,” Eskens said. Eskens said he believes his writing “evokes emotion” from his readers and credits that to his penchant for day dreaming and making fiction a part of his life. “Finding your passion is a key to a happy life,” Eskens said. “If you find something you truly love doing, you never work a day in your life.” . i i.i i. I i ii i i i . . . . J i-r "ii:n .i.j i.l, ii. i. . l. . . _— f Know Your Legislators: ) V_________________ ________ y Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Galley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855­ 347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. TARIFFS, continued from page 1----------------------------------------------------------------------- , “I understand the trade imbalance that he (President Trump) is trying to correct, and I realize it hurts us, but I just hope he knows what he is doing.” Tom Wing The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. »In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Best-selling author Allen Eskens gave a talk on his book “The Shadows We Hide” on Thursday night at the Barry County Enrichment Center. That book is the sequel to his debut novel “The Life We Bury,” which was an Edgar Award finalist. His debut novel was released in 2014 and won him three awards: Barry Award for best paperback original, Rosebud Award for best first mystery, and Silver Falchion Award for best first novel: tradition­ al. He is currently writing a screenplay for his debut novel, which had the movie rights sold. Eskens was brought to the Barry County Enrichment Center by the Barry County libraries. The libraries received a donation from the Women’s Giving Circle of Barry County, said Hastings Public Library director Peggy Hemerling. Barbara Haywood, the coordinator of adult services and marketing at the Hastings Public Library, said this is the first time in 12 years that the libraries have brought in an author. “People are very excited that an author is here,” Haywood said. Eskens credits his first-grade teacher for creating his career in writing. “I was looking at my report cards and on the back she wrote: ‘Allen dreams too much when he should be getting work done.’ ” Eskens describes himself as a day dreamer - and that is where he finds his novel ideas. “My path wasn’t the same as most authors,” he said, adding that he wasn’t the best student in school, either. “I was the kid you don’t want your kid to be around,” Eskens said. “I was just trying to get done with my four years and work con­ struction.” Eskens’ first passion was theater. He credits his fifth-grade teacher for getting him involved in the play. He participated in the school play during his freshman year and learned how to express his creativity through his theater in the market.” “Once you lose a customer, it is very hard to get them back,” Zook said. A higher tariff would cause the price of goods to increase, he pointed out. Then, if the parties that are selling the product don’t reduce their costs to importers, it could reduce consumption of that product. In the past, Zook said, when a tariff or embargo is placed on them, countries have sought to develop trade with other countries. And, when situations like this arise, it forc­ es countries to make contingency plans to get the goods and resources that they need. That’s one of the hoped-for outcomes of this high-tariff talk: Development of other trading partners who consume a lot more of what is produced here. “I understand that President Trump has a good reason for doing this,” Barry County farmer Tom Wing said. “I understand the trade imbalance that he is trying to correct, and I realize it hurts us, but I just hope he knows what he is doing.” Wing sees China as a huge asset for the agriculture market here, pointing out that China buys more from the U.S. than the U.S. buys from China. But deals with China have hurt farmers in the past - and are likely to hurt farmers here in the future, he said. “There was a $2 drop in dairy in August of 2018 because China backed out of a dairy contract,” said Wing, who has a dairy farm. “(It was) one of the bigger drops in the history of the futures market in such a short period of time.” Trump announced plans this week to take the highest year, the biggest purchase that China has ever made with our farmers, which is about $15 billion, and provide something reciprocal for farmers to ensure that they do well amid tariff volatility. Kokx said he hopes Trump gives money from the tariffs to farmers who would be harmed by a decrease in consumption from China. The tariffs are not yet in place yet, but are expected to take effect June 1. Until then, negotiations on a trade deal between the U.S. and China could still occur. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. ATTENTION ADVERTISERS! Would you like to advertise in a historical issue for Hastings Graduates? Hastings High School Graduating Class of 2018 Advertise in our special insert that will be distributed in the May 30, 2019 Hastings Banner. Contact your Advertising Representative today! 269-945-9554 ads@j-adgraphics.com Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 The Hastings 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 269-945-9554 �Page 6 — Thursday, May 16, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingshopeumc. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office, greenstreetumc @ gmail. com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor; Ryan Rose, Family Life Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. Mb 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 IVnl 102 Cook Hastings 945-4700 Robert Lewis Stadel HASTINGS, MI - Joseph Vernon Burk­ holder of Hastings passed away on May 9, 2019, at the age of 95. Joe was a loving, com­ passionate man who was always a gentleman, loved his family unconditionally and was a friend to many. He was bom on April 15, 1924 in Pedrick­ town, NJ, the son of Clay and Ruth (King) Burkholder. Joseph attended grade school in Portsmouth, Ohio and graduated from Hast­ ings High School in 1942. Before serving in the Army during WWII, Joseph was a drill press operator. After the war, he worked for his father at Burkholder Chevrolet in Hastings. Later, he joined the EW Bliss Company as a Sales Engineer for 30 years. In 1948, Joseph married Barbara Shannon, and they enjoyed 61 years of mar­ riage. Joseph enjoyed golf, bowling, fishing and watching sports. He loved playing card games such as bridge, cribbage and euchre. Joseph also liked traveling and dancing. He was a member of the Hastings Country Club and Elks Club. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings and served as a trustee. He was also a Past President of the Hastings Kiwanis Club. Joseph was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara (Shannon) Burkholder; his parents; his brother and sister-in-law, Clay and Joan Burkholder; brother-in-law, William Morgan, and great grandson, Christopher Hawthorne. He is survived by his children, Nancy (Bill) Bradley of Hastings, Robin (Martin) Hawthorne of Hastings; grandchildren, Tami (Lee) Kyle, Shawn (Jan) Hawthorne, Chris (Kikki) Hawthorne, Matt (Beth) Bradley, Shannon (Chris) Ewert, Erin (Steve) Lepper, and 12 great-grandchildren; sister, Jean (Wil­ liam) Morgan, and his nephews. A celebration of life will be Monday, May 20, 2019 at the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings, 405 M-37, Hastings, MI 49058 at 11 a.m., with a visitation one hour prior. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Hast­ ings-Noah’s Ark Preschool or the American Cancer Society. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfimeralhome.net. Robert Lewis Stadel was called home on May 9, 2019. He was bom in Carlton Township the youngest of five children bom to Roy and Maude (Sirrine) Stadel. Bob attended Wood­ land High School where he excelled in foot­ ball, baseball and discovered what would be his lifelong passion for woodworking. He also received a full baseball scholarship to MSU, but chose to serve his country by join­ ing the Army. Bob joined the Army in 1956 and then married Carol Myers. They were married 36 years until her passing. He then was blessed with love and happiness again when he mar­ ried Marsha (McCormick) Stadel on June 5, 1993. In 1976, Bob received a degree in industrial engineering from Kellogg Com­ munity College. Bob was a member of St. Edward’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Bob is survived by his wife, Marsha; chil­ dren, Debra Eddy, Douglas, David and Dar­ yl and his wife Melanie Stadel. In addition to step-children, Maureen, Jim and his wife, Bambi, John and his wife Theresa McCor­ mick. He was blessed with 15 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. He is also sur­ vived by one sister, Eleanor and her husband, Norman Barry and sister-in- law, Ruth Stadel. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Genevieve Francisco and brothers, Charles and Dean Stadel. Visitation was held with a funeral mass following at St. Edward’s Catholic Church, Lake Odessa, on Monday, May 13, 2019 with a luncheon afterward. Private burial followed. In lieu of flowers the family requests do­ nations be made in Bob’s memory to: St Ed­ ward’s Catholic Church Lake Odessa, MI or Emmanuel Hospice Grand Rapids, MI at www.emmanuelhospice.org. Online condo­ lences can be left at www.koopsfc.com. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings. org. 9 a.m. Traditional Service; 10:30 a.m. Contem­ porary service. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945­ 9217. cbchastings.org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www. hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Associate Pastor Andy Baird and Stu­ dent Ministiy Director, Emma Miller. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAMILY HOUR - WELCOME! ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Preschool age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Stan­ dard and Adult Elective class­ es. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church age 4-4th grade dismissed during service. Aftermath Student Ministry - 6:30 p.m., 7th- 12th grades & Semester Growth Groups.. Wednesday: Wom­ en's Bible Study 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday: Adult Bible Study 10 a.m. The Incredible Race Vacation Bible School, Wednesday & Thursday, June 12th & 13th from 9 a.m.-l:15 p.m. for children age 4 thru 6th grade. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God’s Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! May 19 - Services at 8 and 10:45 a.m.; Bells ringing both services; Youth Gruop 6 p.m. May 20 - LACS rehearsal 6 p.m. May 21 - Council Mtg. 6 p.m. May 23 - Clapper Kids 3:45 p.m.; Grace Notes 5:45 p.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken @ grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www. grace-hastings. org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses' _ ■ Joseph Vernon Burkholder Fiberglass Products nmWMPPIM MWKMM 770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541 ZEPHYRHILS, FL - Theodore (Ted) Frank Bustance, age 77, of Zephyrhills, FL, went home to the Lord on Monday, April 15, 2019. He was born October 3, 1941 in Freeport, the second son of Carl and Dorothy Bustance. He is survived by his wife, Susan Bustance; son, Scott Theodore Bustance and daugh­ ter-in-law, Diane Bustance; sister, Michelle and a brother, Cliff and sister-in-law, Karen Bustance. HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Thursday, May 16 - Baby Cafe, 10a.m.noon; Novel Book Ideas discusses Allen Eskens’ “The Life We Bury,” 12:30-2:30; Movie Memories watches a 1965 movie based on the book “Dr. Zhivago” part 2, the conclu­ sion, 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, May 17 - preschool story time, 10:30-11 a.m.; teen advisory board planning, 5-7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 18 - board game group meets in the Michigan Room, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Friends of the Library hosts a Victorian Tea, 2-4 p.m. Monday, May 20 - Quilting Passions, 10 a.m.-l p.m.; Lego club, 4-5 p.m. (adults must be accompanied by a child); Learning @the Library, sign language class, 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 21 - toddler story time, 10:30-1130 a.m.; mahjong, 5:30-7:30; open chess, 6 -7:30 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. Ionia County grows closer to installing wind turbines Taylor Owens Staff Writer The Odessa Township Board unanimously passed an ordinance to allow windmills at a distance of 1.25 times their height from a non-participating parcel during a meeting Monday. The decision followed months of discus­ sion and extensive public input during hear­ ings and from letters. Leeward Renewable Energy, owned by Canadian company OMERS, is working on a Tupper Lake wind project in Ionia County, across Sebeway, Odessa and Campbell town­ ships. Sebewa Township does not have any ordi­ nances that prevent windmills from being built, and Campbell Township would only have power lines, not windmills. Bulling said he believes Leeward Renewable Energy will likely bring its ordinance to Sebewa Township, and ask for a similar version of the ordinance to be approved. The development started in 2009 under TCI Renewables, and the project was purchased by Leeward in 2017. The project would likely construct 50 to 60 wind turbines across the three townships, and around 17,000 acres are currently under contract, with negotiations for more ongoing. During a public hearing in February, John Wucherley, the senior director of develop­ ment at Leeward, told attendees the tax reve­ nue for the project is projected to be $15 million over the 30-year life cycle of the wind farm, and would pay out $35 million to the landowners. The board received input from over 100 people who attended meetings, wrote letters or spoke to board members personally. The decision on the 15-page ordinance largely came down to a single variable: the minimum distance a windmill could be from a non-participating property. The ordinance could have either allowed for a minimum distance of 1.25 times or 4 times the height of the windmill. The ordi­ nance also limits the height to no more than 499 feet. Supervisor Dave Bulling said 4 was a largely arbitrary number, because anything much higher than 1.25 times the height would have been so restrictive it would have effec­ tively prevented a company from building windmills. Bulling noted Leeward Renewable Energy, which has plans to build windmills in the township, was not happy with the 1.25 times the height, and had wanted the number to be lower. Bulling said he did not know when wind­ mills would be built in the township, or if they ever will be, but said the earliest would be 2020. Leeward Energy, a Toronto-based cor­ poration, is looking at installing up to 30 windmills in Odessa Township, although nei­ ther the company nor any residents will say where the windmills might go. Bulling said he’s talked to a number of residents who said they’re thinking about signing up to have windmills on their property, but they are reluctant to say if they have. Before the vote was held, nearly 20 resi­ dents who attended the meeting had one final opportunity to voice their opinions and con­ cerns on the issue. Many said they were opposed to the wind­ mills, because they believe they will ruin the natural landscape and are afraid it would drop their property values, disturb underground drainage and more. “I’m fully against it myself,” resident Chad Jones said. “I think these things are going to be way more intrusive to our view, to our way of life here... If they go in, who’s going to want to buy my house?” Resident Dan Bowers said he believed 4 times the height would not be enough of a restriction. “We’ve got line of sight for miles here, you’re going to see every single one of them,” Bowers said. He wants to build a residence on the edge of his property and said if someone builds a windmill in an adjacent property first, the residence would be almost underneath the windmill. “It’s a limitation of our use of our proper­ ty,” Bowers said. Other residents said they were not neces­ sarily for or against the turbines, but voiced concerns and asked questions about the spe­ cifics of the ordinance. Trustee Von Goodemoot said there is no public consensus on the issue and, whatever the board chose, there would be unhappy peo­ ple. “I can tell you this is the single biggest issue I’ve struggled with personally on this board,” Bulling said, pointing out that Odessa is not a zoned township. Legally, the township did not have to weigh in with regulations on the wind turbines, but Bulling said they chose to because they knew it would be a hot-button issue. “For me, it comes down to property use and what you can do with the property that you own,” Bulling said. “We don’t regulate farms or cell towers... Telling somebody what they can’t do with the property they own and pay taxes on, I do struggle with that a lot.” “I’ve been working for months trying to balance the rights of property owners,” Treasurer Sharon Rohrbacher said. Rohrbacher pointed out that wind turbine companies must get a comprehensive permit from the township to cover sound, color, height, location, decommissioning, a limit of three per square mile and more . The ordinance requires a turbine company to set up an escrow account in case of damag­ es that will be in force for up to two years after construction is completed. The ordi­ nance also requires a financial and environ­ mental impact study to be completed. “It is full, absolutely full, of requirements for the turbine companies,” Rohrbacher said. The company will be responsible for decommissioning the turbine, or fixing any underground damage that could be damaged in the process. Although the township board does not have details on the value of a wind turbine that might be installed in Odessa Township, Bulling said a turbine installed elsewhere can reach upwards of $1 million. The township would receive money from property tax and millages that would apply to the turbines, up to 30 of which are being considered for Odessa Township. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 16, 2019 — Page 7 SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Rep. answers questions about eligibility, retirement ID theft and more I saw a poster that advised people 65 or over with limited income and resources to apply for Supplemental Security Income. Next "month I’ll turn 65, and I thought I’d be eligi­ ble for SSI. I planned to apply until my neigh­ bor told me I probably would be turned down because I have children who could help sup­ port me. Is this true? Whether your children are capable of help­ ing to support you does not affect your eligi­ bility. SSI eligibility depends solely on your income and resources (the things you own). If you have low income and few resources, you may be able to get SSI. However, if you are receiving support from your children or from anyone living inside or outside of your home, it may affect your eligibility or the amount you can receive. Support includes any food or shelter that is given to you or is received by you because someone else pays for it. Learn more about SSI at Social Security.gov/ssi. I get disability benefits and so does my cousin. Her children receive benefits on her record. I took an application for my children to receive benefits, but I was told they were not eligible for payment. Why is this? There are a few different reasons why a child might not receive benefits from a parent when the parent receives disability benefits. A child must be unmarried, below the age of 18 or younger than 19 and 2 months and still enrolled in high school. A child also may receive benefits if he or she was disabled before age 22. If these conditions are met and benefits are still not payable, it is possible that the parent is receiving the maximum amount payable by law on his or her own benefit. Additionally, if workers’ compensation is involved, the amount due the children may be held as part of the parent’s workers’ compen­ sation offset. For specific details regarding your own record, contact your local Social Security office or call 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-328-0778) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. / have been collecting disability benefits for a few years, but I’m getting healthy enough to work again. Can I return to work while get­ ting Social Security disability benefits? Yes, you can return to work while receiving Social Security disability benefits. We have special rules to help you get back to work without lowering your initial benefits. You may be able to have a trial work period for nine months to test whether you can work. If you get disability benefits and your condition improves or you return to work, you must report these changes to us. Call 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778) or contact your local Social Security office. You can find your local office by visiting Social Security.gov/locator. What is the benefit amount a spouse may be entitled to receive? If you are eligible for both your own retire­ ment benefit and for benefits as a spouse, we will always pay you benefits based on your record first. If your benefit as a spouse is higher than your retirement benefit, you will receive a combination of benefits equaling the higher spouse’s benefits. A spouse generally receives one-half of the retired worker’s full benefit unless the spouse begins collecting benefits before full retirement age. If the spouse begins collecting benefits before full retirement age, the amount of the spouse’s benefit is reduced by a percentage based on I worked for the past 10 years and I now have my 40 credits. Does this mean I get the maximum Social Security retirement benefit? Probably not. The 40 credits are the mini­ mum number you need to qualify for retire­ ment benefits. However, we do not base your benefit amount on those credits; it’s based on your earnings over a lifetime of work. To learn more about how you earn Social Security credits and how they work, read or listen to our publication How You Earn Credits, avail­ able at Social Security.gov/pubs. the number of months before he or she reach­ es full retirement age. For example, based on the full retirement age of 66, if a spouse begins collecting benefits at age 65, the bene­ fit amount would be about 46 percent of the retired worker’s full benefit; at age 64, it would be about 42 percent; at age 63, 37.5 percent; and at age 62, 35 percent. However, if a spouse is taking care of a child who is either under age 16 or disabled and receives Social Security benefits on the same record, a spouse will get full benefits, regardless of age. Learn more by reading our retirement publication at Social Security.gov/ pubs/10035.html. My child, who gets Social Security, will be attending his last year of high school in the fall. He turns 19 in a few months. Do I need to fill out a form for his benefits to continue? Yes. You should receive a form, SSA-1372BK, in the mail about three months before your son’s birthday. Your son needs to com­ plete the form and take it to his school’s office for certification. Then, you need to return Page 2 and the certified Page 3 to Social Security for processing. If you can’t find the form we mailed to you, you can find it online at Social Security.gov/forms/ssa-1372.pdf. I know that Social Security’s full retirement age is gradually rising to 67. But does this mean the “early” retirement age will also go up by two years, from age 62 to 64? No. While it is true that under current law the full retirement age is gradually rising from 65 to 67, the “early” retirement age remains at 62. Keep in mind, however, that taking early retirement reduces your benefit amount. For more information about Social Security bene­ fits, visit Social Security.gov/planners/retire. Someone stole My Social Security number, and it’s being used repeatedly. Does Social Security issue new Social Security numbers to victims of repeated identity theft? Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in America, so you aren’t alone. If you’ve done all you can to identify and fix the problem, including contacting the Federal Trade Commission, but someone is still using your number, Social Security may assign you a new number. If you decide to apply for a new number, you’ll need to prove your iden­ tity, age and U.S. citizenship or immigration status. You’ll also need to provide evidence you’re having ongoing problems because of the misuse of your current Social Security number. You can read more about identity theft at Social Security.gov/pubs. How do I report a change of address if I’m getting Supplemental Security Income? A person receiving SSI must report any change of address by calling our toll-free number, 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778), or by visiting a local office within 10 days after the month the change occurs. You cannot complete a change of address online. You should report your new address to Social Security so you can continue to get mail from Social Security when necessary, even if you get your benefits electronically by direct deposit or Direct Express. Learn more about SSI at Social Security.gov/ssi. Vonda Van Til is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email to vonda .vantil @ ssa .gov. jCewborn babies Barry County safe from measles outbreak - for now Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Barry County was not affected by the recent measles outbreak in Oakland County and the contagious disease has been con­ tained, according to a report by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Oakland County had 43 confirmed cases, state officials said. The last case in the measles outbreak was reported on April 17. The MDHHS is required to wait until the gestation period has passed to state the outbreak is over. That date is May 28. “Cases of measles have increased across the country with the most cases being seen since 2000 when it was widely considered to be eradicated in the U.S., but there are several factors that may be contributing to the increase in the numbers we’re seeing. First, it very well may be that we are a victim of our own success,” Lynn Sutfin, of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, said. In the past, vaccinations controlled the highly contagious disease so effectively that the public rarely heard about measles. But a growing number of parents have chosen not to have their children vaccinated, she said. Also, some adults don’t know if they had been vaccinated. In addition, international travel to and from countries still having trou­ ble with measles outbreaks can contribute to the spread of the disease. Sutfin suggests that adults who can’t find their childhood vaccination records talk to their doctors about what to do and if getting the vaccinations again would be safe for them. She said people should be aware that mea­ sles is highly contagious, so people traveling to another country should research the loca­ tion and find out about the presence of conta­ gious diseases. “Talk with your doctor when traveling out­ side of the states or if you have questions or concerns about vaccinating your child,” Sutfin said. “With how easy it is to travel to other countries and the outbreaks frequently present overseas, there’s no guarantee that this is the last we’ll see of the measles or way to know if or when we’ll be dealing with another out­ break here.” The symptoms of measles generally appear seven to 14 days after a person is infected. Measles most often begins with a high fever, cough, runny nose and red, watery eyes. A rash breaks out three to five days after symp­ toms begin. Additional information is available at www. cdc .gov/measles/index .html. Jeff Buehl subject of Saturday roast Jeff Buehl will be the focus of the Hastings Community Music School’s third annual Roast and Toast Fundraiser Saturday, May 18, in the Walldorff Ballroom beginning at 7 p.m. Buehl is a lifelong Hastings resident and an active volunteer in the community. He’s been involved with the Hastings Area Schools bands for 20 years, the National FFA Band for 19 years, Hastings City Band for more than 20 years and the Thornapple Jazz Orchestra for 20 years. He currently serves on the boards of directors for the arts council, Hastings Education Enrichment Foundation, music school, band boosters, Riverside Cemetery and the Hastings Zoning Board of Appeals. Tickets may be reserved by calling the Thornapple Arts Council, 269-945-2002. Some tickets will be available at the door, but seating is limited. The $20 per person tickets include a heavy hors oeuvres buffet. A cash bar as well as coffee and soft drinks will be available. Music will be provided by the Thomapple Jazz Orchestra and the Hastings Heartbeats. The evening will include a 50/50 raffle and a dessert auction. All proceeds will go for pro­ gramming and scholarships for the music school. NOTICE TO BIDDERS " BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION The Barry County Road Commission is offering for sale: (1) 2018 GMC % ton Crew Cab SLE pickup. and Joe Pruden of Hastings. Jaxson Lucas Tossava, bom at Torrance Memorial Hospital on April 10, 2019 to Luke and Karen Tossava of Lawndale, CA. Weighing 8 lbs. and 19 inches in length. Welcomed bpme big brother Aadyn, age 9. Lincoln Daniel Wilcox, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on April 19, 2019 to Melissa Wilcox and Adam ^ilcpx of Hastings. Bensyn Joseph-Foster Seume, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on April 16, 2019 to Chloe Ayers and Briar Seume of Vermontville. Ashton ■' James, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on April 16, 2019 to Janae Nickerson of Middleville. Ryleigh Mae Genther, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on April 17, 2019 to Anastacia Davidson and Justin Lyn Genther of Hastings. Grace Lorraine, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on April 18,2019 to Heather Pruden Evangeline Joy, bom at\ Spectrum Health Pennock on April 21, 2019. to Alicia Miller and James Miller of Clarks vflle. 118911 The board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive irregularities in the best interest of the Commission. Note: This truck does have an orange title - this is a Municipal Titles not a Salvage Title. Wyatt Jamerson Omans, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on April 25, 2019 to Tianna Omans 517-852-9819 or present in person at 735 Reed St., Nashville, MI H I J I MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License #8110376 Office (269) 948-2248 & Insured Mobile (269) 838-5112 LUNG CANCER * MESOTHELIOMA? ARE YOU AN ASBESTOS VICTIM? 4WD Duramax Diesel, Allison Transmission Air, Cruise, PW & Locks, Keyless remote, Heated mirrors Lane Levi Kenyon, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on April 22, 2019 to Melissa Kenyon and Travis Kenyon of Bellevue. Call... Nashville Assembly of God fip The minutes of the meeting of the Barry County Board of Commissioners held May 14, 2019, are available in the County Clerk’s Office at 220 W. State St., Hastings, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or www.barrycounty.org. (1) 2018 GMC % ton Crew Cab SLE Pickup 1-Summit White Truck # 700010- Orange Title Minimum Bid $41,000 This is an unparalled opportunity to enhance your lifkwh performing vital work. Not a salaried position but the perks are out of this world and include I peace, joy and kindness, to mention a few. Potential for everlasting life. NOTICE Specifications and additional information may be obtained at the Road Commission Office at the above address or at our website www.barrycrc.org. NOTE: Truck has approximately 30,000 miles and will continue to be driven until sold. Jazzmine Richmond, bom' at Spectrum Health Pennock on April 21, 2(J19 to Mi^ika Weston and Gregory Richmond of Hastings. WANTED - CHURCH MEMBER. 1 Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry County Road Commission, 1725 West M-43 Highway, P.O. Box 158, Hastings, Ml 49058, until 10:30 AM, Tuesday, May 28, 2019 for the following items. Hastings Area School System Hiring for Substitute Maintenance RCEIReCDCnG WCCpGion For Hastings Area Schools Employees The Hastings Area School’s Board of Education is sponsoring a reception honoring those staff members who retired earlier this school year, or who will be leaving the Hastings Area School System at the end of this school year. The reception is scheduled to begin at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, May 20th in the Performing Arts Center of Hastings High School, 520 W. South Street. The presentation of certificates honoring those who are retiring will begin at 6:30 p.m. Please join us as we honor the many years of service these individuals have given to the Hastings Area School System. As of this time the retirees who will be honored are Maintenance: Danny Blair 26.5 years of service Must be able to pass Criminal Back Ground Check. Starting rate of pay $9.50 per hour Paraprofessional: Carol Carroll 20.25 years of service Superintendent: Carrie Duits 5 years of service Teachers: Steven Loomis 25.25 years of service Please call us for a FREE consultation If interested please apply at ADMINISTRATION OFFICES 232 West Grand St., Hastings Ml Transportation: Charles Converse 8 years of service �Page 8 — Thursday, May 16, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD JONES Elaine Garlock The Tri-River Museum group will meet at 10 a.m. May 21, at the Ada Museum, which has recently expanded. The museum on Emerson street will honor the Veterans of the Year at 7 p.m. The host historical society held its May meeting last week. However, it was at the museum instead of the cemetery. Even so, some people had not considered the weather truly inclement so they went to the cemetery frist and belatedly arrived at the meeting. They heard the stories of the first lady buried in the local cemetery, the first sexton, and stories of other notable persons who lie at Lakeside Cemetery. Sunday, Mother’s Day restaurants were really crowded. Apparently lots of families felt that Mother should not be in the kitchen on this day. The genealogy society met Saturday with a good attendance. They experienced an excellent program by Keith Hudson of Greenville. He had photographs of depots in Ionia and Montcalm counties, along with copies of timetables, tickets and other memorabilia. He was even able to add one photo to his collection. In the depot, he was shown a photo from 1904 of a Pere Marquette engine on the new iron trestle over the Grand River at Grand Ledge. He already had a photo of the same engineer with his engine on which was mounted a huge snow plow in front of the Greenville depot. A lady in attendance was the granddaughter of the engineer who ran from Grand rapids eastward on all his runs. The Grand Ledge trestle replaced a wooden structure. At the time, an editor of the Lake Odessa paper mused in the Wave, “when do we get a new trestle over Tupper Creek instead of the wobbly wooden thing we have?” The Habitat house on Fourth Avenue is progressing daily. It now has windows on all sides and one door opening with workers on the job every day. Saturday’s spring breakfast at Central United Methodist Church’s fellowship hall was attended by more than 30 people to hear Brynda Filkins of Charlotte and her story of the author Beatrix Potter who wrote the several stories of Peter Rabbit. The tables were decorated with many rabbit items, figurines, plates and other decorative figures. The morning included a brunch catered by Andrea Gentner, devotional time by Teri Catt and congenial company. One local touch is that when Mrs. Filkins attended Houghton College in New York, one of her instructors was the late Iola Haller, P.h.D., who grew up near here and retired at her home on Sixth Avenue. The congregation at Central United Methodist Church Sunday was treated to a surprise lunch instead of the usual coffee-hour fare. Marilyn Noffke and helpers, plus Ray Wildman and friends had a remarkable spread waiting for churchgoers as they made their exit. Next Sunday graduates from high school and college will be recognized. Time to ‘cycle’ through some investment ideas If you’ve noticed an increase in bicycle-re­ lated events lately, it may be because May is recognized as “Bike Month” - and some cit­ ies even observe a specific Bike Week. Of course, bicycling is good exercise and an environmentally friendly method of transpor­ tation, but it can also teach us some lessons about investing. Here are a few to consider: • Put the brakes on risky moves. To keep themselves safe, experienced cyclists regular­ ly do two things: They keep their brakes in good shape and they don’t take unnecessary risks, such as whipping around blind curves. As an investor, you can combine these two actions by putting your own “brakes” on risky moves. For example, if you’re tempted to buy some hot investment you heard about, you may want to think twice before acting. Why? In the first place, most “hot” investments don’t stay hot for too long, and may be cool­ ing off by the time you hear of them. And even more important, they might not be appropriate for either your risk tolerance or your need to diversify your portfolio. When you invest, you can’t eliminate all risks, but you can reduce them by avoiding impulsive moves and sticking with a disciplined, long­ term strategy based on your needs and goals. • Get regular financial tune-ups. Avid cyclists keep their bikes in good shape through regular maintenance. When you invest, you usually don’t need to make a lot of drastic moves, but you should periodically “tune up” your investment portfolio, possibly with the help of a financial professional, during regular reviews. Such a tune-up may involve any number of steps, but the main goal is to update your portfolio so it reflects where you’re at in life - your goals, risk toler­ ance, earnings and family situation. • Protect yourself from bumps in the road. All serious bicyclists - and all bicy­ clists serious about keeping their heads intact - wear helmets when they are riding, because they know the dangers of rough terrain. 117675 NOTICE The Barry County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications from volunteers to serve on the following Boards/Commissions: Charlton Park Village and Museum Board: 1 position Commission on Aging Board: 3 positions Mental Health Authority: 1 position, must be a primary or secondary consumer Parks & Recreation: 1 position Zoning Board of Appeals: 1 position Applications may be obtained at the County Administration Office, 3r<^ floor of the Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings; or www.barrycounty.org under the tab: How do I apply for; and must be returned no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday May 20, 2019. Contact 269-945-1284 for more information. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING ON SPECIAL LAND USE APPLICATION AT JUNE 5, 2019 MEETING TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE the Rutland Charter Township Planning Com­ mission will hold a public hearing at its regular meeting on June 5, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rutland Charter Township Hall located at 2461 Heath Road, within the Charter Township of Rutland, Barry County, Michigan. The items to be con­ sidered at this public hearing include the following: 1. The application of Jon Sporer on behalf of the Hastings Area YMCA for special land use approval of a “summer camp” and related accessory uses on the following five parcels: parcel numbers 13-001-020-15, 13-050-076-00, 13-002-002-00, 13­ 002-014-00, and 13-070-002-00. The application is request­ ing land use approval for the existing summer camp known as “Camp Algonquin”, which presently has nonconforming use status because it was established before the special land use approval requirement for “summer camp” land uses was in effect, as presently provided by § 220-13-3.G of the Rutland Charter Township zoning ordinance for property in the Park/ Recreation/Camps District, as the subject property is now zoned. The applicant is also requesting land use approval for certain proposed improvements to the existing Camp Algon­ quin, as detailed in the site plan and other materials supporting the special land use application. Following the public hearing the Planning Commission may discuss and decide this special land use application at this meeting. Written comments concerning the above matters may be mailed to the Rutland Charter Township Clerk at the Rutland Charter Township Hall at any time prior to this public hearing/meeting, and may further be submitted to the Planning Commission at the public hearing/meeting. The Rutland Charter Township Code, Zoning Map, Master Plan, and the above­ referenced special land use application may be examined by contacting the Rutland Charter Township Clerk at the Township Hall during regular business hours on regular business days maintained by the Township offices from and after the publication of this Notice and until and including the day of the hearing/meeting, and further may be examined at the hearing/meeting. Rutland Charter Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services at the meeting/hearing to individuals with disabilities, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered, upon reasonable notice to the Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township Clerk as designated below. Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Rutland Charter Township 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 948-2194 Likewise, you need to protect yourself from the bumps in the road that could impede your progress toward your objectives. For starters, life insurance can help your family meet some essential needs - pay the mortgage, educate children, and so on - in case something were to happen to you. And you may need disabili­ ty insurance to replace your income temporar­ ily if you became injured or ill and can’t work for a while. Also, you might want long-term care insurance, which can help you guard against the potentially catastrophic costs of an* extended stay in a nursing home or the ser-. vices of a home health care worker. • Don’t stop pedaling. When going long distances, bicyclists ride through rain, wind, sun and mosquitoes. They elude angry motor­ ists and they change flat tires. In short, they persist in reaching their destinations. As an investor, you will pursue some goals that you may not reach until far in the future, such as a comfortable retirement, so you too need to demonstrate determination and persistence by continuing to invest, in good markets and bad, through unsettling political and global events - and even despite your own occasional doubts. Whether you’re an avid cyclist or not, fol­ lowing these principles can help keep your financial wheels moving along the road to* your goals. Th is article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. If you have any questions, contact Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. ... STOCKS---- The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. Beaming at lasers Dr. Universe: How do lasers work? Manna, 12, India Dear Manna, Humans use lasers for everything from scanning barcodes and putting on light shows to performing delicate eye surgery and measuring the distances between objects in space. "X Cats also like to chSe lasers, but I wasn’t sure how they world. I asked my friend Chris Keane, a physics professor at Washington State University. Keane came to WSU from the National Ignition Facility at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory where he helped work on a laser as big as a football stadium. First, we have to know a bit about light. Whether it’s light from our sun or your flashlight, light travels in tiny bundles called photons. It normally radiates out in all directions from its source, like the Sun, for example. It turns out we also can find light energy stored in the atoms, or building blocks, that make up materials inside a laser pointer. We can use different materials in lasers, but some popular ones are gases such as neon and helium. You may have seen neon atoms at work in a bright, glowing sign. You may also have filled up a balloon with helium atoms to make it float. Atoms like these are sometimes really excited. Other times they are at rest, or at their ground state. One way we can make some of these atoms really excited is to give them a source of energy, something like really strong flash of light or a jolt of elec­ tricity from the battery in a laser pointer. Keane explained that under just the right conditions, you can get more excited atoms than resting atoms inside the tube of your laser pointer. When scientists were experi­ menting with different kinds of laser mate­ rials, they made excited helium atoms col­ lide with resting neon atoms. Atoms will normally emit photons when they transition from a particular excited state to a resting state. When excited atoms outnumber resting atoms, the first atom to emit light will trigger a kind of chain reac­ tion and a lot of light will build up inside the pointer. Two mirrors in a laser pointer help keep the chain reaction going. It’s a different process, but in a way, it reminds me of how we plug a guitar into an amplifier to increase its volume. But with lasers, instead of amplifying sound, we amplify light. LASER actually stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. The opening on one end of the laser is the light’s way out. It doesn’t radiate in all directions, but builds up in one very straight, focused point we usually see as a bright red dot. We don’t find lasers in nature. We have to make them in factories or labs. But there are naturally occurring “light amplifiers” in our universe. These are similar to our lasers on earth, except they don’t have any mir­ rors. We usually find them out in big clouds of gas where there are more excited atoms than resting atoms, which results in some brilliant light. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP 909C ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Public Hearing will be held by the Prairieville Township Zoning Board of Appeals on June 5, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, within the Township. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the item(s) to be considered at this public hearing include, in brief, the following: 1. A request from John Walters, property owner, 7338 Deerhill Dr. Clarkston, Ml 48346., for a variance to allow for the construction of an attached garage and an addition to a single-family dwelling failing to meet the front and rear yard setback requirements pursuant to sections 4.24 “Waterfront Lots” and 6.17 “Non-conforming lots of record”. The subject site is 10852 Long Point Dr. Plainwell, Ml 49080. - Parcel # 08-12-340-005-00 and is in the R-2 Residential District zoning district. 2. Such other and further matters as may properly come before the Zoning Board of Appeals for this meeting. All interested persons are invited to be present or submit written comments on this matter(s) to the below Township office address. Prairieville Township will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the hearing upon five (5) days notice to the Prairieville Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Prairieville Township Clerk at the address or telephone number set forth above. Jim Stoneburner, Township Supervisor Apple Inc. AT&T Chemical Fin Chevron Deere & Co. Exxon Mobil Flowserve CP Ford Motor Co. General Electric Co. General Motors Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP Perrigo Co. Pfizer Inc. Spartannash Comp Stryker TCF Financial Corp. Walmart Inc. Walt Disney Co Whirl Pool Corp Gold Silver Dow Jones 188.66 31.09 41.73 121.64 147.11 75.81 49.15 10.24 10.32 37.04 191.62 136.82 57.17 124.73 49.70 40.66 15.62 184.18 20.84 100.29 133.20 129.08 -14.20 +.56 -1.67 +3.37 -10.65 -.91 -.48 -.14 +.31 -1.49 -3.15 -3.15 +.02 -.79 +.76 -.17 -.29 -3.35 -1.02 -1.01 -.24 -8.67 $1,297.18 $14.85 25,532 +$12.72 -.06 -432 Barry Township tackles weeds Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer The process for obtaining aquatic plant control special assessment districts in Barry Township may be more difficult in the future. During Tuesday’s regular board meeting, the township voted 3-1 to approve a resolu­ tion that raises the number of property owners needed to enact special assessment districts. State standards require that petitions are signed by a majority of landowners, but town­ ships are given the option to specify a specific percentage. Township officials increased the number from 50 percent to 60 percent of lake property owners who would be required to approve the creation of a special assessment district. Signatures on a petition would be valid for up to a year. Trustee Lee Campbell was absent due to illness and trustee Teresa Schuiteboer cast the only dissenting vote. In other action, the board: * accepted the $1,600 bid by SCOPE* Projects Inc. for landscaping work, planting flowers and pulling out trees at the new town­ ship offices. “Let’s make Delton look even better,” Schuiteboer said. Unanimously passed an ordinance to pro­ hibit recreational marijuana establishments in the township. Approved the hire of Clayton Mumy for the Hickory Corners Fire Department and Bryan Keeler for the township police department. “He has excellent credentials and were really; excited to have him back,” Barry Township Police Chief Mark Doster said of Keeler whowas previously employed by the township police department. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 16, 2019 — Page 9 continued for a couple more weeks before the close of 1945. World hunger was foremost on the minds of Americans when the food center ran this message in its May 30, 1946, ad: “The presi­ dent’s Famine Emergency Committee asks us to conserve wheat and fat products so that 500 million people will escape starvation. We can do this easily by cutting down on waste, and by serving more of the plentiful foods ...” The food center continued to serve the Nashville community for a couple more years after that message appeared. Feldpausch man­ agement formally announced the discontinu­ ance of its Nashville store in The Nashville News Nov. 25, 1948. fl look bacK at the stories and columns on local hlsto In the Hastings Banner TURNING BACK THE PAGES Nashville was first step in Felpausch food chain Marriage o Licenses The Hastings-based food center chose Nashville as the site of its first branch which was opened in the fall of 1936. The store was in what was formerly John Appelman’s grocery in the Buxton Block, seen at right in this circa-1927 photo. the Nashville Food Center, and his wife, Phyllis, was an employee. Lawrence Hecker was manager of the meat department, which also employed Mrs. Ruth Rice and Miss Marguerite Swift part-time. Ernest Appelman, Jr. was another part-time employee When Mr. Babcock was called away to serve with the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II, Phyllis filled her husband’s post as store man­ ager. Other managers during the food center’s dozen years in Nashville (in addition to those already named) include Harold Parker and Max Myers. Throughout the Great Depression years of the late 1930s and up to its closing in 1948, the food center was a regular advertiser in The Nashville News. During those war years in the early to mid-1940s one might find in the store’s ads messages reflecting the adversity of the times. For example, a note in the food center ad June 22, 1944, said: “Thanks to the thousands who have cooperated by using their own shopping containers. Your continued cooperation will be appreciated.” By this time, another grocery store - Bill Spohn’s Sunnyside Market - had joined the others on North Main Street, and its ad appeared in that same issue of The Nashville News, along with ads by Munro’s Grocerteria. Thompson’s Market and the Kroger store. By mid-November 1945, with the war over, many service men and women were returning home, rationing and price controls were end­ ing, and the Nashville Food Center noted in its holiday ad: “Let’s all enjoy our peacetime feast of Thanksgiving. We have so much to be thankful for.” The store, according to the ad, was stocked with all of the traditional holiday food. “There should be plenty for everyone, and [our] ‘below ceiling’ prices will save you money.” Two weeks later, in a full-page ad on Page 2 of The News, the food center announced a “point-free food sale,” explaining that “points are off on practically every item in our store.” Listed among the point-free beef prices were round steak at 36 cents a pound and sir­ loin (“shop early or late, we’ll have them”) at only 35 cents per pound. The point-free sale Kaylee Jean Tuin, Middleville and Derek Robert Ketchum, Middleville Matthew Lee McMann, Hastings and Amanda Jo Barton, Hastings Andrew Douglas Rodd, Hastings and Hannah Joy Fish, Freeport Thomas Richard Williams, Marshall and Brittney Shae Sutherland, Hastings Syndiasia Marie Hart, Wayland and Matthew Scott Sleet, Wayland Tracy Ladonna Vogel, Bellevue and James Daniel Reed, Bellevue Jennifer Anne Quillen, Delton and Gary Luke O’Dell, Delton Thomas Allen Rowse, Hastings and Sarah Marie Allbright, Hastings Gabriel Gene Hayford, Wayland and Laura Ashley Grove, Wayland David Ryan Vandermark, Middleville and Brittany Marie Black, Middleville Calla Jayne Sebright, Hastings and Jeremiah Forbes Bryson, Hastings RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE AMENDING ZONING MAP AND AMENDING CHAPTER 220 (ZONING) OF RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP CODE By the time the Hastings Felpausch grocery store was facing west on Michigan Avenue in this circa-1960 photo, the company had already opened - and permanent­ ly closed - its first store outside of Hastings. The Hastings store and the entire busi­ ness continued to expand, remaining along Michigan avenue, but with its entrance facing east. (File photo by Leo Barth) Nashville writer and historian Susan (Murphy) Hinckley compiled the following column on the Felpausch grocery chain for the May 12, 1987, Nashville News. The col­ umn may have been prompted by news the previous week that Carl's Supermarket own­ ers Don and Jeannette Joseph had just pur­ chased their third grocery store, Fate's Family Fare in Lake Odessa. Carl's stores still oper­ ate in Nashville and Lake Odessa, but all Felpausch operations were bought out by Spartan about 20 years later and either closed or converted to Family Fare or D&W stores. As most of our readers know, Felpausch Food Center, a rapidly expanding Hastingsbased grocery chain, now has stores in several cities and towns in our area. But how many of our readers recall that the first branch of the food center was in Nashville? Roman Feldpausch’s father and uncle entered the grocery business in 1911, with the F&F Meat Market. Roman would buy out his uncle’s share of the market in 1928. Five years later, the Feldpausches began to expand the business, and Nashville was the first expansion. “The original Food Center was opened by Roman Felpausch in Hastings 11 years ago last November,” The Nashville News reported in a local business review published Dec. 28, 1944. “Three years later, in November 1936, he opened his Nashville store in the former Appelman grocery, at the corner of Main and Washington streets.” The first manager of the Nashville Food Center was William Thomas, who was related by marriage to the Feldpausch family. (Note: The “d” in the family name was dropped from the spelling of the company title). Thomas was succeeded as the manager in July 1939 by Herbert Wise who had been head of the store’s meat department. Other Nashville Main Street stores dealing in groceries at the time the food center opened included the Kroger Store (since 1929); Ray Thompson’s grocery (formerly Kraft & Son); and the long-standing Munro’s Grocerteria (the early Brumm’s grocery which Colin T. Munro purchased in 1905). When Nashville News editor-publisher Donald F. Hinderliter wrote his thumbnail historical sketches of Nashville business plac­ es in December 1944, he noted of the food center: “During the eight years since [its establishment here], Mr. Feldpausch has fre­ quently remodeled and enlarged the store and has constantly added better fixtures, until today it really is a model food store. A new produce bar, with mirrored back and indirect lighting, is one of the latest improvements. Attractive low-style shelving, twin checking lanes, fluorescent lights and one-way doors are some of the features added in the last year.” Also within the previous year, the report continued, Feldpausch had acquired the build­ ing next door to the food center to use as a storeroom and office space, and had moved the meat department to the extreme back of the main store building, giving considerably more room. At that time, Ivan Babcock was manager of TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that at the May 8, 2019 meeting of the Rutland Charter Township Board the following Ordinance No. 2019-168 was adopted. The original ordinance may be inspected or a copy purchased by contacting the Township Clerk, Robin Hawthorne, 2461 Heath Road, Hastings, MI 49058-9725, (269) 948­ 2194, during regular business hours of regular working days, and at such other times as may be arranged. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDINANCE # 2019-168 ADOPTED: May 8,2019 EFFECTIVE: May 24,2019 Marshall Greenleaf celebrates 90th birthday Marshall Greenleaf, from Hastings, turns 90 on May 17,2019. Marsh graduated from Nashville High School in 1947, served in the Air Force during the Korean War and retired from the Hastings Post Office in 1984. Cards can be sent to Marshall Greenleaf, 2403 Heath Rd., Hastings, MI 49058. An Ordinance to amend the Zoning Map of Rutland Charter Township as incorporated into Chapter 220 (Zoning) of the Rutland Charter Township Code by the rezoning of property in land Section 2 of the Township from the CR Country Residential, MDR Medium Density Residential and HDR High Density Residential zoning classifications to the PRC Parks/Recreation/ Camps District zoning classification; and to amend § 220-15-1 of the Rutland Charter Township Code (Schedule of Regulations) with respect to the minimum yard requirements applicable in the PRC Parks/Recreation/Camps District. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDAINS: SECTION I REZONING OF PROPERTY IN LAND SECTION 2 The Zoning Map of Rutland Charter Township as incorporated into Chapter 220 (Zoning) of the Rutland Charter Township Code is hereby amended to rezone from the CR Country Residential, MDR Medium Density Residential and HDR High Density Residential zoning classifications to the PRC Parks/Recreation/Camps District zoning classification the following parcels in land Section 2: • Parcel no. 13-050-076-00. • Parcel no. 13-001-020-15. • Parcel no. 13-070-002-00. • Parcel no. 13-002-014-00. • Parcel no. 13-002-002-00. SECTION II AMENDMENT OF § 220-15-1 (SCHEDULE OF REGULATIONS) OF RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP CODE § 220-15-1 of the Rutland Charter Township Code (Schedule of Regulations) is hereby amended to add a footnote 7 to the part of the Schedule pertaining to the minimum yard requirements (“front” yard column) applicable in the PRC Parks/Recreation/Camps District, and add the related text for the new footnote reading as follows: “(7) Grace Pennock Tarbet to celebrate 95th birthday Roman Feldpausch made many improvements to the food center he opened in Nashville, including the addition of a mirrored produce counter, special lighting, twin check-out lanes and one-way doors. This early undated photo of the storefront appar­ ently predates those changes, which were reported in The Nashville News in a December 1944, business recap. Grace Pennock Tarbet will be celebrating her 95th birthday on May 19, 2019. She grew up on the Pennock Family Farm, what is now called Moo-ville in Nashville and also has family ties to Pennock Hospital. Grace now lives at Thonapple Manor Cottages (Lighthouse side). Please send her a birthday card wishing her a birthday blessing. The generally applicable minimum front yard (lake-side) setback requirement for detached accessory buildings/accessory structures on lake lots in the PRC Park/Recreation/Camps District may be reduced to not less than 5’. The exercise of this setback reduction authority shall be made by the Planning Commission pursuant to the standards for special land use approval (§ 220­ 20-3) and/or the standards for final site plan approval (§ 220-21-5.B) in any circumstances where the proposed accessory building/structure is subject to special land use and/or site plan approval(s). In any other circumstances, where neither special land use nor Planning Commission site plan approval is required, this setback reduction authority shall be exercised by the Zoning Administrator in accordance with the review and approval criteria for the administrative site plan review process as specified in § 220-21-7.B-D.” SECTION III REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES/EFFECTIVE DATE All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this Ordinance are hereby repealed. This Ordinance shall take effect eight (8) days after publication or on such later date as may be required by law. Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Rutland Charter Township �Page 10 — Thursday, May 16, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Kiwanis honors students as citizens of the month The Kiwanis Club of Hastings recently recognized the citizens of the month at Hastings schools. Teachers choose which students receive the honor for behavior, respect, cooperation and other traits. Fifth­ graders from the elementary schools are Teacher Katie Sanchez, (from left) Nick Rosenberg, Ellie Hill, Nathan Auten, Hayle Rivera, teacher Stacy Cook and Kiwanis president Bob Becker pause for a citizen of the month photo at Southeastern Elementary. Hastings Middle Scholl citizens of the month for February and March include (from left) Hayley Rasey, Sydnie Franklin, Victoria Tack, Micah Johnson, Aiden Morton, Diego Coipel, Cole Arent, Tyler Oliver, Mekih Botsford, Graycee McCarty, Jocelyn HernandezHernandez. (Missing from photo is Charlie Nickels.) NOTICE OF ORDINANCE ADOPTION 8 HOPE TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF HOPE TOWNSHIP, BAB^_J^UJ±Ty^MLCHIGAN, AND ANY.. OTHER... INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the following is a summary of Ordinance No. 88 which was adopted by the Township Board of Hope Township at a Township Board meeting held May 13, 2019. QRPiNANGE No. 88 - RECREATIONAL MARiHUANAOPTOUT SECTION I TITLE, This Ordinance shall be known as the Hope Township Prohibition of Marihuana Establishments Ordinance. SECTION II DEFINITIONS, The Ordinance adopts all definitions provided for in Initiated Law 1 of 2018, MCL 333.27951 et seq. SECTIONJH mjVIARl^^ This section prohibits marihuana establishments within the Township. SECT1ONJV VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES. This section provides for penalties related to violation of the Ordinance. SECIJOKV SEVERABILITY. The provisions of this ordinance are severable. ■SE.CT.I.QN..VI EFFECTIVE. DATE. This Ordinance shall take effect upon publication after adoption. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the full text of Ordinance No. 88 is on file in the Office of the Hope Township Clerk at the Township Hall address below for inspection by the general public. Deborah Jackson, Clerk Hope Township 5463 S. M-43 Highway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2464 PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENTS TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a public hearing concerning proposed text amendments to the Prairieville Township Zoning Ordinance will be held on June 13, 2019 commencing at 7:00 p.m. at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, within the Township, as required under the provisions of the Michigan Planning Enabling Act, Michigan Zoning Enabling Act and the Zoning Ordinance for the Township. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the item(s) to be considered at said public hearing include, in brief, the following: 1 Zoning Ordinance text amendments, including the addition/deletion of certain sections and the amendment of certain sections as follows: a. Amendment of Section 3.1, Definitions, to add definitions regarding solar farms and solar panels. b. Addition of Section 4.44, Solar Panels, which section will include provisions for attached and free standing solar panels and the review process. c. Addition of Section 6.12-6 Solar Farms, which section provides a purpose and scope for installation of solar farms, provisions for solar farms including siting, underground transmission lines, maximum height, glare, battery storage system, permit process and removal process. Citizens of the month for February and March at Central Elementary School (front, from left) Taylin Wierenga, Gracie Wilson, Amore Pummill and Korbin Williams, are pictured with (back) teachers Jill Smith and Chris Andrews and (right) Kiwanis president Bob Becker. .. eligible, as are middle school students. Earning the citizen of the month honor for February and March at their respective schools are: Central Elementary - Amore Pummill, daughter of Joshua and Sabrina Pummill; Taylin Wierenga, son of Lisa Hamp; Korbin Williams, son of Heather Jones; and Gracie Wilson, daughter of Katie Gould and Adam Wilson. Northeastern - Olivia Bucher, daughter of Stephanie and Yon Bucher; Madison Chipman, daughter of Martha and Scott Chipman; Ethan Holman, son of Tiffany Zimmer and Dan Holman; and Caleb Kilmer, son of Jenelle and David Kilmer. Southeastern Elementary - Nathan Auten, son of Michelle and Mike Auten; Ellie Hill, daughter of Jeremy and Tracy Adams; Hayle Rivera, daughter of Sara and Daniel Rivera; and Nick Rosenberg, son of Jimmy Rosenberg and Kelly Hull. Star School - Jayla Ellwood, daughter of Randy Ellwood and Randy Padilla; Madison Elzinga, daughter of Nate and Jenny Elzinga; Carisa Rosenberger, daughter of Shawn and Ruth Rosenberger; and Katelyn Smith, daughter of Jonathon and Sirena Smith. Hastings Middle School - Cole Arent, son of Kevin Arent and Candice Elliot; Mekih Botsford, son of Kirbee and Joey Diekhoff; Diego Coipel, son of Heather and Rudy Coipel; Sydnie Franklin, daughter of Amber Franklin; Jocelyn Hernandez-Hernandez, daughter of Remigio Hernandez and Laura Hernandez-Virgilio; Micah Johnson, son of Brad Johnson; Graycee McCarty, daughter of Joseph and Courtney Stevens; Aiden Morton, son of Stephen and Megan Morton; Charlie Nickels, son of Mike and Lin Nickels; Tyler Oliver, son of Stacey and Eric Oliver; Hayley Rasey, daughter of Jeremy and Lacey Rasey; and Victoria Tack, daughter of Amy RoushTack and Brain Tack. Teacher Matt Kingshott is pictured with Kiwanis Citizens of the Month for February and March (from left) Jayla Ellwood, Carisa Rosenberger, Madison Elzinga and Katelyn Smith, as is Kiwanis president Bob Becker. (Photos provided) The Prairieville Township Planning Commission and Township Board reserve the right to make changes in the above mentioned proposed amendment(s) at or following the public hearing. Anyone interested in reviewing the proposed text amendments may examine a copy of the same at the Prairieville Township Hall during regular business hours of regular business days hereafter, until the time of said hearing and may further examine the same at said public hearing. All interested persons are invited to be present at the aforesaid time and place. Prairieville Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon four (4) days’ notice to the Prairieville Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Prairieville Township Clerk at the address or telephone number listed below. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION Rod Goebel, Township Clerk Prairieville Township Hall 10115 S Norris Road Delton, MI 49046 (269) 623-2726 GET ALL THF NFWS OF BARRY ■ mi T'MTTVt JI w ..HL X • Subscribe to the Hastings Call 269-945-9554 for more information. February and March citizens of the month are honored at Northeastern Elementary. Pictured (from left) are teacher Alyssa Fein, Olivia Bucher, Ethan Holman, Caleb Kilmer, Madison Chipman, teacher Rachelle Wezensky and Kiwanis president Bob Becker. See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 16, 2019 — Page 11 LLCiAL NOlICL j More than 190 Hastings High School seniors attend the Decision Day event to cel­ ebrate their commitment to postgraduate education or career plans. Big plans after the big day for Hastings senior class Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Hastings High School graduating class of 2019 celebrated commitments to postgraduate plans at Decision Day on May 10. More than 190 senior students attended the event and were recognized for their choices on the next step to building a secure and suc­ cessful career. ’ “This is an emotional moment for me. I’ve watched these students learn and grow from when they were in middle school. They are an amazing group of young adults,” Superintendent Carrie Duits said. Duits is retiring on May 31. State Rep. Julie Calley, R-Portland, the featured speaker, shared some of what she has learned from her experiences. Most import­ ant, she said, “Don’t be afraid to fail or to make a mistake because you will do both.” Calley said success comes with the lessons learned from falling and getting back up. “My plan is to go to college and come back to work on our family farm with my brother, my dad and my grandpa. I’ve always known that’s what I would do,” graduating senior Devin Haywood said. Student Counselor Cathy Longstreet said she was excited to see so many students attend. It was the largest turnout thus far for Decision Day, she said, which indicates to her that encouragement to think and plan for the future is making a difference for seniors. Opportunities the students have committed to included traditional two- and four-year col­ lege degrees, military service, advanced man­ ufacturing assembly training, carpenters and millwrights programs, career and technical education and certification, and entering the “world of work.” Margie Haas, coordinator for Barry Career Access Network, said all the choices provide postgraduate*education; even when choosing to go directly into the workforce. Many employers offer tuition reimbursement, spe­ cialized training and apprenticeship programs where certifications can be earned. The Hastings school district provides a growing list of career technical education programs, such as welding, construction, electronics, computer programing, and culi­ nary arts. CTE courses offer other opportuni­ ties and choices to students who may have decided traditional college is not for them. “I am so proud of our kids. This is truly a very special, talented group of students,” high school Principal Teresa Heide said. The students attending Decision Day and their commitment after graduation are: Concordia University, Ann Arbor - Rian Alien and Whitney Carlson. U.S. Marines - Paul Coppock and Bryce Darling. Michigan State University - Claire Anderson, Noah Former, Devin Haywood, Elizabeth Jensen, Kenzie Maki-Mielke, Roger Roets, Dylan Schaffer and Blake Walther. Hope College - Jessica Thompson. Concordia University, Wisconsin - Lynnsey Thayer. West Point - Jack Horton. Kellogg Community College - Miranda Armstrong, Cora Carpenter, Alexis Chaffee, Shannon Culp, Jarrod Endsley, Joseph Faubert, Olivia Feldt, Ryan Flikkema, Amber Fox, Matashe Glasgow, Ocar Conzalez-Perez, Sean Green, Mikayla Guernsey, Cameron Haight, Tobin Haines Jr, Daisy Hannan, Sadie Hannan, Hannah Hawblitz, Hanna Hayes, Jaden Hickmand, Keely Jackson, Matthew Jacob, Arthur Kensington, Desiree Rowalewski, Shaelee MacLeod, Brea Madden, Nathan Madden, Andrew Maurer, Qylan Mead, Kyrsten Mesecar, Shiann Molette, Luke Morgan, Mackenzie O’Toole, Hailey Pacillo, Chloe Park, Emmalee Peck, Connor Peterson, Miya Phillips, Kasandra Pittman, Caitlin Rose, MacKenzie Rosenberg, Sohpia Smith, Grayson Tebo, Jordan TTiompson, Makaela Twigg, Spencer Tyson, Allison Vastine, McKenzie Vincent, Dakota Work, and Trinity Yoder. Kellogg Advanced Manufacturing Assembly Training - Prescot Bower, Jonathan Haywood, James Miller, Merlyn Olsen, and Seth Ray. Eastern Michigan University - Hannah Porter. Grand Valley State University - Lauren Harden, Audryana Holben, Gretchen James, Kassidy Morgan, Grace Nickels, Kassidi Olson, Mitike Slagstad, and Katelyn Solmes. Kalamazoo College - Katherine Haywood. University of Michigan - Victoria Byykkonen, Alexis McDada, Claudia McLean, Katura Metzner, Hope Peck, Megan Roe, Samuel Waller, and Mary Youngs. U.S. Air Force - Maxwell Richards and Andrew Shaver. Ferris State University - Ry lee Andrews, Alfredo-Jose Arechiga, Thomas Carpenter, Alexander Clow, Garrett Gibson, Hunter Poe, Hayden Redmond, Zarek Rudesill, Alexis Ruthruff, Matthew Sherman, Kenneth Smith, and Juan Vargas. Exchange students - Galina Schiller, returning to Germany; Ida Andersen, return­ ing to Norway; and Emma Mathiesen, return­ ing to Norway. Adrian College - Cameron Ertner and William Hubbell. Lansing Community College - Blair Anderson and Jacob Pennington. Saginaw Valley State University - Kaitlyn Elliot. Lake Superior State University - Jessica Gaskill. Michigan Carpenters and Millwrights Training Center - Kyle Potter. Grace Christian University - Clarissa Parish. Grand Rapids Community College Shelby Bolen, Megan Deal, Kelsey Heiss, Alicia Hernandez, Gabrielle Nicholson, Rylee Nicholson, and Joseph Tinkler. Central Michigan University - Olivia Hanson. Southwestern Michigan College - Jamison Getch. Michigan Career and Technical Institute Brady Corrion, Joseph Kidder, and Corbin Sackrider. Davenport University - Corbin Hunter and Teight Turnes. World of work - Meghan Borton, Thomas Burke, Tyler Chaney, LaKotah Claspill, Devin DeMatto, Jacon Gay, Breann Hall, Rylee Hayes, Devyn Heath, Wesley Heniser, Aaron Johns, Jace Kill, Saebien Krebs. Ashton Lawens, Deagan Leask, Braeden Lowell, Isaac Luedecking, Wesley McClelland, Donoven Melchert, Andrew Miller, Philip Morris, Cody Murphy, Rickey Myer, Jaden Parker, Connor Parmenter, Chelsey Powers, Antonio Ramirez, Richard Reaser, Brandon Reese, Alicia Rivera, Nathan Schild, Kaitlyn Shook, Jalen Simmons, Matthew Stiles, Isaiah Taylor, Emmalee VanSyckle, Paige Woem, Cade Wright, and Carmen Zalewski. Michigan Technological University - Cody Dunn. Mid Michigan College - Stephanie VanRavenswaay. Northwestern Michigan College - Haliegh Burfield and Devon Dilno. St. Mary’s College - Grace Beauchamp. Western Michigan University - Lindsay Meeker, Catherine O’Brien, Sydney Pattock, Hannah Radloff, Benjamin Stafford, and Kassaundra Warner. Spring Arbor University - Allison Collins. Kalamazoo Valley Community College Maggie Spencer, Bailey Summers, and Hailey Wilcox. Aquinas College - Nicholas Simonton and Elisabeth Youngs. Aveda Institute - Sadie Maitland and Haley Stuart. University of Mississippi - Allie Homing. Iowa State University - Lainey Tomko. U.S. Navy - Julia Ehredt and Breana Leonard. State Rep. Julie Calley, R-Portland, attends the Hastings High School’s annu­ al Decision Day and is presented with the flag from her alma mater. SYNOPSIS PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Regular Meeting May 8, 2019 Supervisor Stoneburner called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Present: Supervisor Stoneburner, Clerk Goebel, Treasurer Pence, Trustee VanNiman, Trustee Borden Agenda and Minutes were approved. Commissioner’s report was received. Public comments, if any, were received. Fire, Parks, and Police reports were placed on file. Supervisor, Trustee, Treasurer and Clerk reports were received. Approval of Pine Lake Association Fireworks Display Permit Approval of Resolution 19-12: Establishing Prairieville Township Improvement Revolving Fund Adjourned 7:32 pm Submitted by: Rod Goebel, Clerk 118920 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on May 23, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Albert E. Tossava and Margaret Tossava, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC. Date of Mortgage: March 25, 2016 Date of Mortgage Recording: April 1,2016 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $73,769.75 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Village of Woodland, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Commencing 80 rods North of the Southwest corner of Section 15, T4N, R7W, for the place of beginning; thence East 16 rods; thence South 5 Rods; thence West 16 rods; thence North 5 rods to the place of beginning, Barry County Records. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: April 25, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1383098 (04-25)(05-16) 117450 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee for any reason. In that event, your damages,nrany, sTTalt be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest, and the purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Notice is hereby given that the below mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the Circuit Court of Barry County at 1:00pm on June 6, 2019. Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): George A. Magoon, a single man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Homecomings Financial, LLC f/k/a Homecomings Financial Network, Inc., its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): PHH Mortgage Corporation Date of Mortgage: February 20, 2007 Date of Mortgage Recording: February 28, 2007 Amount claimed due on mortgage on the date of notice: $44,832.10 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in the City of Hastings , Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Lot 7, Block 4 of the Lincoln Park Addition to the City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, as recorded in Liber 7 of plats, page 55, Barry County Records. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or upon the expiration of the notice required by MCL 600.3241 a(c), whichever is later; or unless MCL 600.3240(16) applies. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: 05/09/2019 Potestivo & Associates, P.C. 309878 (05-09)(05-30) 118556 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on June 13, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Randy Miller and Patti Miller, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Household Finance Corporation III Foreclosing Assignee (if any): U.S. Bank Trust, N.A., as Trustee for LSF10 Master Participation Trust Date of Mortgage: August 12, 2005 Date of Mortgage Recording: August 19, 2005 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $121,499.48 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 12, Block 16 of Lincoln Park Addition, according to the plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, page 55, Barry County Records The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: May 16, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1384910 (05-16)(06-06) 118923 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate Estate of Richard L. Reid. Date of birth: 09/10/1950. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Richard L. Reid, died 03/27/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Jason M. Reid, personal representative or to both the probate court at 4212 Buehler Rd., Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. David G. Ledbetter P43671 1695 Service Road NE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 616-459-3333 Jason M. Reid 4212 Buehler Rd. Hastings, Ml 49058 269-838-0345 118921 FORECLOSURE NOTICE THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE Default has occurred in a Mortgage made on March 17, 2001 (the “Mortgage”) by Michelle Collette (“Mortgagor”) to Highpoint Community Bank, f/k/a Hastings City Bank, a Michigan banking corporation (“Mortgagee”). The Mortgage was recorded on March 23,2001, in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan, at Instrument Number 1057155. As of the date of this Notice, there is claimed to be due and unpaid on the Mortgage the sum of EightyNine Thousand Four Hundred Forty-Three and 47/100 Dollars ($89,443.47) in principal, accrued interest, and late charges. No suit or proceeding has been instituted to recover any part of the debt secured by the Mortgage, and the power of sale contained in the Mortgage has become operative by reason of such default. On Thursday, May 30,2019, at 1:00 p.m., at the Barry County Courthouse, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan, which is the place for holding mortgage foreclosure sales for Barry County, Michigan, there will be offered for sale and sold to the highest bidder, at public sale, for the purpose of satisfying the amounts due and unpaid on the Mortgage, together with the legal costs and charges of sale, including attorneys’ fees allowed by law, the real property located in the Township of Thornapple, County of Barry, Michigan, and described in the Mortgage as follows: The West 300 feet of the East 1/2 of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 32, Town 4 North, Range 10 West. More commonly known as: 11878 Bass Road, Middleville, Michigan 49333; Tax Parcel Number: 08­ 14-032-001-00 The redemption period shall be six (6) months from the date of the sale unless the property is deemed abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be thirty (30) days after the foreclosure sale or when the time to provide the notice required by subdivision MCL 600.3241 a(c) expires, whichever is later. If the property is sold at a foreclosure sale, you will be responsible to the person who buys the property at the foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder if you damage the property during the redemption period. MILLER JOHNSON Attorneys for Highpoint Community Bank, f/k/a Hastings City Bank By: Rachel L. Hillegonds (P67684) 45 Ottawa Avenue SW, Suite 1100 Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (616) 831-1700 Dated: May 2, 2019 118002 FORECLOSURE NOTICE THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE Default has occurred in a Mortgage made on August 19,2010 (the “Mortgage”) by Stuart A. Gingell Jr. (“Mortgagor”) to Lakestone Bank & Trust, f/k/a Lapeer County Bank & Trust Co. (“Mortgagee”). The Mortgage was recorded on September 15, 2010, in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan, at Instrument Number 201009150008561. As of the date of this Notice, there is claimed to be due and unpaid on the Mortgage the sum of SeventyThree Thousand Five Hundred Eighty and 05/100 Dollars ($73,580.05) in principal, accrued interest, and late fees and costs. No suit or proceeding has been instituted to recover any part of the debt secured by the Mortgage, and the power of sale contained in the Mortgage has become operative by reason of such default. On Thursday, May 30, 2019, at 1:00 p.m., at the Barry County Courthouse, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan, which is the place for holding mortgage foreclosure sales for Barry County, Michigan, there will be offered for sale and sold to the highest bidder, at public sale, for the purpose of satisfying the amounts due and unpaid on the Mortgage, together with the legal costs and charges of sale, including attorneys’ fees allowed by law, the real property located in the Township of Castleton, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and described in the Mortgage as follows: A parcel of land in the Northeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 14, Town 3 North, Range 7 West, described as: Beginning at the Northeast corner of said Section 14, Thence South 343 feet; Thence North 89 degrees 27’ West 508 feet; Thence North 343 feet; Thence South 89 degrees 27’ East 508 feet to the place of beginning. Excepting therefrom any part thereof lying North of an open ditch which runs near the line between Sections 11 and 14. Commonly known as: 40 S M 66 Highway, Nashville, Ml 49073; Tax LD. #: 08-05-014-010-00 The redemption period shall be six (6) months from the date of the sale unless the property is deemed abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be thirty (30) days after the foreclosure sale or when the time to provide the notice required by subdivision MCL 600.3241 a(c) expires, whichever is later. If the property is sold at a foreclosure sale, you will be responsible to the person who buys the property at the foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder if you damage the property during the redemption period. MILLER JOHNSON Attorneys for Lakestone Bank & Trust, f/k/a Lapeer County Bank & Trust Co. By: Rachel L. Hillegonds (P67684) 45 Ottawa Avenue SW, Suite 1100 Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (616) 831-1700 Dated: May 2, 2019 118098 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28197-DE Estate of Bonnie Jean Pierce. Date of birth: 8/2/1924. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Bonnie Jean Pierce, died 10/27/18. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Brenda A. Cole, personal representative or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 05/6/2019 James J. Goulooze P44497 PO Box 542 Hastings, Ml 49058 269-945-2255 Brenda A. Cole 163 Howell St. Hillsdale, Ml 49242 517-437-4339 118924 STATE OF MICHIGAN BARRY COUNTY TRIAL COURT FAMILY DIVISION PUBLICATION AND NOTICE OF FRIEND OF THE COURT ANNUAL STATUTORY REVIEW PUBLIC NOTICE ANNUAL REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE RECORD OF THE FRIEND OF THE COURT Under Michigan law, the Chief Family Judge annually reviews the performance record of the Friend of the Court. The review will be conducted on or about July 1, 2019. This review is limited by law to the following criteria: •Whether the Friend of the Court is guilty of misconduct, neglect of statutory duty, or failure to carry out the written orders of the court relative to a statutory duty; • Whether the purpose of the Friend of the Court Act are being met; • Whether the duties of the Friend of the Court are being carried out in a manner that reflects the needs of the community. Members of the public may submit written comments to the Chief Family Judge relating to these criteria. Send your written comments, with your name and address to: Honorable William M. Doherty Barry County Trial Court, Family Division e 206 W. Court Street Hastings, Michigan 49058 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on June 13, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Matthew Palmer, married man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Pingora Loan Servicing, LLC Date of Mortgage: January 29, 2016 Date of Mortgage Recording: February 4, 2016 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $120,470.65 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Hope, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Commencing at the center 1/4 post of Section 18, Town 2 North, Range 9 West; thence South 660 feet along the North and South 1/4 line of Section 18; thence East 500 feet parallel with the East and West 1/4 line of Section 18 for the true place of beginning; thence continuing East 325 feet along the same course; thence North 880 feet, more or less, parallel with said North and South 1/4 line to the centerline of Keller Road; thence Westerly 345 feet, more or less, along said centerline; thence South 760 feet, more or less, parallel with said North and South 1/4 line to the place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: May 9, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1384335 (05-09)(05-30) 118555 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Ronald L. Gibbs, a married person, to Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. successor by merger to Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, Inc., Mortgagee, dated July 1, 2003 and recorded July 28, 2003 in Instrument Number 1109587 Barry County Records, Michigan. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Thirty-Four Thousand Three Hundred Sixteen and 59/100 Dollars ($34,316.59), including interest at 5.5% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on MAY 23, 2019. Said premises are located in the Township of Prairieville, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: Lot 20 of Supervisors Plat of Prairieville according to the recorded plat thereof, as Recorded in Liber 2 of Plats on Page 74Also the North 74.25 Feet of the West 165 feet of Lot 22 of Supervisors Plat of the Village of Prairieville, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 2 of Plats on Page 74. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: April 25, 2019 File No. 19-001314 Firm Name: Orlans PC (04-25)(05-16) 117587 �J Page 12 — Thursday, May 16, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Trojans led by pair of 42s at Wyoming’s OK Gold jamboree maple valley BASEBALL 1968-1976 1981-1985 191-86 RECORD Lions retire coach Lenz’s #17 Scot Lenz and Greg Lenz unveil the sign that will honor the legacy of their father Larry Lenz, former Maple Valley varsity baseball coach who wore the number 17 while leading the program in the 60’s, 70's and 80’s as current Lion head coach Bryan Carpenter (right) looks on. The Maple Valley program retired coach Lenz’s number 17 during a ceremony between games of the annual Ken Beardslee Wood Bat Invitational at Griswold Field in Vermontville Saturday. The Maple Valley boys fell in their two games at the tournament, 7-1 against Jackson Northwest and 7-4 against Ionia. DK softball suffers first defeats of the spring The Delton Kellogg girls have some adver­ sity to deal with for the first time. The Panthers’ win-streak to open the season was brought to an end at 20 by the Gull Lake girls Saturday at the Lakewood Invitational, and now the DK girls are in the midst of a four-game losing streak. Coloma scored 7-2 and 13-0 wins over the Delton Kellogg girls in a Southwestern Athletic Conference crossover match-up Monday afternoon. After the 7-2 loss to Gull Lake Saturday, the Delton Kellogg girls were downed by host Lakewood 5-4 to finish out the day. Delton Kellogg opened its tournament run Saturday with a 17-5 win over Elk Rapids, hours after sweeping a Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division doubleheader against Lawton 7-0 and 19-1 Friday afternoon in Lawton. The two wins over the Blue Devils moved the Panthers’ record to 8-0 in the SAC Valley this spring. They are scheduled to head to Kalamazoo Christian for another SAC Valley doubleheader this afternoon. In the 7-0 win over Lawton, Katie Tobias belted a home run for the Panthers and Erin Kapteyn and Lily Timmerman were both 2-for-4 with a double and a triple. Lizzy Fichtner was 2-for-3 with a pair of singles. Tobias drove in two runs and Fichtner, Kapteyn, Josie Lyons and Delanie Aukerman had one RBI each. Kapteyn got the win pitching for the Panthers, striking out 12 in the complete game shutout. She walked two and gave up four hits. Kapteyn had two more triples in her team’s 19-1 win in game two, and a double. She drove in four runs. Fichtner was 3-for-4 as well, with four RBI. Izzy Adams had two sin­ gles and three RBI. Tobias homered and drove in three. Timmerman was 2-for-3 with a dou­ ble and an RBI. Timmerman, Haily Buckner and Fichtner each scored three times. Buckner, Aubrey Aukerman and Chloe Colwell each singled once, and Ashton Ingersoll hit a double. Coloma pitcher Megan Koenigshof held the Delton Kellogg girls to two runs on four total hits in the 12 innings of the doubleheader Monday. Man’s leg amputated after farm accident Taylor Owens Staff Writer A 21-year-old Hastings man was air-lift­ ed to an area hospital and his leg was ampu­ tated above the knee following a farm accident at Citizens L.L.C. Elevator in Vermontville at 2:20 p.m. Tuesday. Vermontville Township Fire Chief Jeff Wetzel said the employee’s leg was caught in an augur, and he had to be extricated from the machine. Further details aboift the incident are still under investigation, Wetzel said. The department was assisted at the scene by Vermontville Township EMS, Castleton Maple Grove Nashville EMS, Eaton Area EMS and Bellevue Community Fire Department Assistant Chief and EMT Jacob Gunn-Jackson. Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 For Rent Garage Sale FOR RENT: 2-BEDROOM Apartment between Delton & Hastings. No pets. $600 month. 269-908-0190 269­ 908-9167. A TON OF TREASURERS & few pounds of trifles. Fri & Sat only, May 17th & 18th, 2019. 9am-5pm. In the park­ ing lot behind Reynold's Land Surveying, 138 W. State St, Hastings. FOR RENT: 2 bedroom apart­ ment, $750.00 month, pet friendly, in Hastings. 269­ 818-7854. PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. Business Services HOUSE CLEANING- Tired of spending your weekends cleaning? Call Carlene to do it for you! 269-615-0076. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Hard Maple, Cherry. Paying top dollar. Call for pricing and Free Estimates. Will buy single walnut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793 BELLS CONSTRUCTION-18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, home improvements, seamless gutters. 269-320-3890. Pets LOST DOG: “EMMA”, BEAGLE, 9 MONTHS OLD, TRI-COLOR, PINK COLLAR WITH ID TAG. NEAR HEATH & IRVING ROADS. REWARD! $500.00. 269-945-2705, 269-838-2350. Help Wanted LOCAL AGRIBUSINESS LOOKING for responsible individuals to add to their grain team. Duties will include but are not limited to grain handling, record keeping, maintenance of equipment and quality control. Qualified candidates must be detail oriented with a strong work ethic. Agricultural background preferred but not required. Pay scale based on experience. Send resumes to: clenz@citizenselevator.com or apply in person at Citizens Elevator in Charlotte. The Trojans’ top guys each scored a 42 as the OK Gold Conference gathered for the jamboree hosted by Wyoming at Gleneagle Golf Club Thursday. Nate Jansma and Daniel Hannapel tied for the team lead for the Trojans with 42s on the soggy course in Hudsonville. Derek Winger and Tyler Sandborn each scored a 47 for the Trojans who were sixth once again as a team. Forest Hills Eastern won the days event with a score of 154. East Grand Rapids was second with a 158, ahead of Wayland 162, Grand Rapids Christian 164, South Christian 164, TK 178 and Wyoming 216. Alex Emerine from Forest Hills Eastern had the day’s low round, leading the Hawks with a 35. EGR’s Dominic Luciani was sec­ ond with a 36. Wayland’s Rory Bessinger and Rory Myers each shot a 37 to tie for third individually. Matthew Emerine from Forest Hills Eastern, Grand Rapids Christian’s Connor McKnight, South Christian’s Chad VanderHorst and Sam Wieneke each shot a 39. Forest Hills Eastern added 40s from Ben Abare and Aidan Lancaster. East Grand Rapids got a pair of 40s, one each from Will Robson and Sam Penney. The OK Gold Conference was schedule together again when Forest Hills Eastern host­ ed the league at Egypt Valley yesterday. The conference championship is slated for Monday at Thornapple Pointe. Thornapple Kellogg’s CJ Crabtree sends his tee shot sailing over the fairway on number one during the OK Gold Conference jamboree at Gleneagle Golf Course in Hudsonville Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Thornapple Kellogg’s Daniel Hannapel rolls a putt towards the cup on number three at Gleneagle Golf Course Thursday during the OK Gold Conference jamborete hosted by Wyoming. (Photo by Brett Bremer) PRs get TK ladies to third-place finish in Gold The sun finally came out and the Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ track and field team broke out many of its best runs, jumps and throws of the spring Thursday and Friday at Forest Hills Eastern High School. The TK ladies set 18 new personal records on their way to a third-place finish in the OK Gold Conference Championship, their best conference finish since the most recent realignment of the OK Conferences. “We were blessed with great nights for run­ ning and jumping. The girls came out and left everything on the field,” TK head coach Maggie Wilkinson said. Trojans won two individual events in the girls’ meet. ClauMia Wilkinson, a junior, cleared the bar at 5 feet 2 inches to win the high jump. Senior Kaylee Spencer set a new personal record in finishing the 100-meter dash in 12.59. Both girls earned all-confer­ ence honors for their victories. Claudia Wilkinson also placed fourth in both hurdle events. She set a new personal record to finish fourth in the 100-meter hur­ dles in 16.76. She finished the 300-meter low hurdles in 51.56. Kylie Smith and Trysta Hilton were both in the top eight in both hur­ dles races as well, with Smith setting new personal record with a fifth-place time of 17.55 in the 100 hurdles and 51.56 in the 300 hurdles. Hilton set a new PR in an eight-place finish (52.82) in the 300 hurdles and also placed sixth in the 100 hurdles. TK also had three girls in the top six in the pole vault, a group led by Paige Zellmer who was third at 9-0. Liberty Tetzlaff cleared 8-0 to place fifth and Stephanie Pitsch placed sixth at 7-6. Sophomore Dalace Jousma led the TK ladies in the throwing event, placing sixth in the discus (78-0) and eighth in the shot put (27-9.5). The TK 4x400-meter relay team of Jacklyn Morgan, Pitsch, Wilkinson and Kendall Snyder placed third in 4:24.54 and the team of Snyder, Maddie Butler, Georgia Kaboos and Jessica Durkee placed third in the 3x800-meter relay with a time of 10:22.13. The Trojans also got personal records in top eight performances from Ellena Keener in the long jump (sixth, 14-9.5), Audrey Meyering in the 3200-meter run (seventh, 12:25.66), Kaboos in the 800 (seventh, 2:34.71), Morgan in the 400-meter run (fourth, 1:02.32) and Aubrey Shepherd in the 100-meter dash (eighth, 13.5). The East Grand Rapids girls won the meet with a total score of 204 points, ahead of Forest Hills Eastern 146, TK 84.5, Wayland 74, Grand Rapids Christian 54, South Christian 35 and Wyoming 31.5. The boys’ title went to Grand Rapids Christian that won Friday with 148.5 points. East Grand Rapids was second with 109 points, ahead of Wayland 102, Wyoming 98, Forest Hills Eastern 76.5, South Christian 71 and Thornapple Kellogg 26. Wayland junior Corrina Course and East Grand Rapids sophomore Hannah Bodine were the two girls to win multiple individual events. Course took the 200-meter dash in 26.94 seconds and won the two hurdles races, finishing the 100-meter hurdles in 15.25 and the 300-meter low hurdles in 47.28. Bodine took the 400-meter dash in 1:00.33 and the 800-meter run in 2:16.57. The East Grand Rapids girls won all four of the relay races. Bodine was a part of the 4x400-meter and 4x800-meter wins. East Grand Rapids’ Evan Bishop was the only guy to win multiple individual events, taking the 1600-meter run in 4:29.13 and the 3200-meter run in 9:39.01. The top finish for the TK boys came from sophomore Cole Shoobridge who was the runner-up in the high jump at 5-10. Trojan senior Jordon Roobol was fifth in the 400-meter run for TK in 53.86 and sixth in the 200-meter dash in 23.92. TK had two seniors in the top eight in the shot put with Conroy Stolsonburg fourth at 40-9.5 and Michael Moore eighth at 37-9. j Nick Bushman, a junior, was eighth for th| TK boys in the 3200-meter run in 10:42.70. * I i Pedestrian causes issues after taking drugs A 27-year-old woman called police at 12:37 p.m. May 2, to report a man whoCappearec^ to be under the influence of drugs walking in the middle of the road in the 14000 block of Kellogg School Road north of Hickory Corners. The caller said the man was staggering through both lanes of traffic and almost walked into oncoming vehicles. The man walked into a residence and then to a nearby gas station, she said. The 31-year-old Battle Creek matf later told the police that people were out to get him, and he was trying to get home. The mail said he had recently taken a dose of heroin, but the officer believed the man to be on meth­ amphetamine. An ambulance arrived and medics sedated the combative man before he wa^ taken to the hospital. A woman who owned a house that the man had briefly walked into said she did not want to press charges. Narcan and CPR used for heroin overdose A 42-year-old woman called 911 to report her 38-year-old brother had overdosed orL heroin and was unconscious in the 800 block of Vickery Drive in Baltimore Township. Before emergency personnel arrived, the woman had given the man a dose of Narcan arid * performed CPR. When an officer arrived, the man was conscious and talking, but refused^ to be taken to the hospital, so first responders left the scene. The officer noted multiple? previous incidents of the man overdosing on heroin. Lr Four officers arrest resistant man A 30-year-old man called police to report a suspicious 37-year-old Sunfield man in his" yard in the 3000 block of Middle Lake Drive in Hastings Charter Township. The coril-* plainant said the man’s vehicle had stalled in the road near his driveway, and the man was" throwing cigarettes in his yard, yelling at the resident and acting aggressively toward him. When an officer arrived, the man refused to give his name, and said he did not have identi­ fication. He repeated the officer’s questions back to him, and made multiple attempts to get:, into the officer’s vehicle. The officer called for back-up and attempted to take the man inter custody. The man resisted, and the officer used a stun gun on the man multiple times with little to no effect. The officer also used pepper spray. After three other officers arrived, theJ were able to take the man into custody following a struggle. Man ODs in vehicle while parked in road An officer responded to a suspicious person who had parked a vehicle in the middle of East Sager Road in the 3000 block in Hastings Township at 10:11 p.m. May 7. A passer-by. had knocked on the window, but the driver was not fully responsive and was acting strange­ ly. When the officer arrived, the 45-year-old Battle Creek driver was slumped over in the* driver’s seat. He passed out repeatedly while he was treated by EMS and given Narcan. A syringe was found in the vehicle that tested positive for methamphetamine. The man was taken to the hospital. v Gas siphoned while vehicle owner is in jail An officer responded to a report of larceny and vehicle vandalism in the 7000 block of South M-43 Highway at 1:49 p.m. April 8. A 56-year-old man told the officer he had recerit^ ly been released from jail for bond violation, and he went with a friend to pick up his vehi-' cle at a friend’s residence. When the two arrived, they found the vehicle was lifted up on a jack and a garden hose had been connected to a gas line underneath. A 32-year-old woman58 at the residence told the officer her 23-year-old friend had siphoned gas from the vehicle to6 put in her vehicle. Another friend arrived and hooked up the gas line back to the vehicle and it was returned to the owner. Information was forwarded to the prosecutor’s office. Man arrested for assaulting mother An officer responded to a verbal dispute between a 68-year-old woman arid her 30-year-' old son over a phone charger at 6:44 a.m. April 27, in the 12000 block of Roughys Drive in. Yankee Springs Township. The phone charger had been returned by the time an officer arrived. The mother said her son might be on drugs. The officer advised her to call if there* were any more issues, and the woman said she was leaving the house for a while. The offi-' cer received another call at 11 a.m. from the woman, who said her son had assaulted her and damaged her house. The officer found the door to the house had been hit and kicked, and the house had been vandalized. The mother said when she tried to clean up the mess, hef son began arguing with her, pushed her and hit himself repeatedly. The officer arrested the* man for domestic assault. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 16, 2019 — Page 13 Vikes sit second after GLAC jamborees Brett Bremer Sports Editor Lakewood freshman Trevor Simon has aspirations of owning the school record for a low round by the end of his varsity golf career. The Vikings’ best nine-hole round ever is a 34 fired by Brad Elliott, a 2005 Lakewood graduate, at Groesbeck. “He’s not lacking in confidence, let’s just say that,” Lakewood head coach Carl Kutch said of Simon. “He has some personal goals there.” It would have taken a school-record round for a Viking to earn medalist honors at the final Greater Lansing Activities Conference jamboree Thursday on the Sunrise nine at Centennial Acres. Leslie’s Cannon Risner, playing in the group with Simon, shot a 33 Thursday - leading the Blackhawks to a 156- 167 win over the host Vikings. Simon led the Viking team with a 39, his personal best nine-hole varsity round to date. “His ball striking has been really sharp,” Kutch said. “Obviously today ball carry, in the conditions that was at a premium today because you’re not going to get a roll or any special bounces. You’re kicking mud around basically. He is hitting the ball well.” Simon was one-over stepping onto his final tee-box, on number seven. He said everything was working for him except the putter “as usual.” He has been playing in tournaments during the summers for a few years now, and he is usually pretty solid with the putter. He expects that to come back as things warm up and dry out and he gets a few more shots in on the greens. The Lakewood boys won the first two con- Lakewood freshman hits his tee shot on number seven on the Sunrise nine Thursday at Centennial Acres in Sunfield. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Lakewood’s John Hewitt watches his ball head towards the green on number six during the GLAC jamboree hosted by the Vikings on the Sunrise nine at Centennial Acres in Sunfield Thursday afternoon. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Pair of three-set doubles wins get Vikes victory over Greenville The Lakewood varsity girls’ tennis team closed out the regular season with a 5-3 win over visiting Greenville Tuesday. The Vikings won the top three singles flights in straight sets. Lakewood senior Megan Wakley earned a 6-0, 6-1 win over Chloe VanTassell at first singles and senior Chloe Makley scored a 6-2, 6-1 win over Alison Weller at number two. Viking junior Lexi Veitch bested Wendy Lin 6-2,6-1. Lakewood took a pair of three-set victories on the doubles side to earn the team win. The Lakewood first doubles team of Laura Krikke and Haylee Marks bested Anna Kitts and Rachel Doyle 6-4,5-7,6-0. The Viking duo of Kendra Kines and Kristen Finsaas scored a 6-1, 6-7(5), 6-3 win over Rylie Gorby and Brittney Thorton at second doubles. The Vikings three defeats were all in close two-set matches. Greenville fourth singles player Kelsey Lester scored a 6-4, 6-4 win over the Vikings’ Richelie Chrzan. The Greenville team of Abbie Spencer and Naomi Worden bested Lakewood’s Betsy Foltz and Lauren Haag 6-3, 6-4 at third dou­ bles, and the Yellow Jackets’ team of Grace Jones and Rachel Gyumek bested Lakewood’s Emmi Chase and Sierra Cappon 6-3, 6-4. The Vikings are back in action today at the Division 3 Regional Tournament hosted by Grand Rapids Christian. ference jamborees of the season, and then finished second to Leslie at each of the last four. The Vikings sit two points behind the Blackhawks in the overall GLAC standings, a deficit they can make up by finishing a spot above the Blackhawks at the GLAC Championship Tournament that will be held May 18 at Forest Akers East Golf Course on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing. Lakewood also got a 41 from Austin Makley, a 43 from Caleb Farlee and a 53 from Zac Collison Thursday. Behind Risner for Leslie, John Cranmore shot a 43, Wilhelm Warbom a 44 and Trevor Huttenlocker and Garrett Mays each scored a 45. Lansing Christian was third with a 190, ahead of Maple Valley 205, Olivet 206 and Perry 212. Lansing Christian got a 46 from Sam Havey and 47s from Isaac Haley and Davis Garrett. The Maple Valley boys were led by a 47 from Buck Schrader and a 49 from Owen Bailey. Olivet got a 49 from Nick Heikkita. Maple Valley head coach Drew Johnson knows his young team is not quite ready to challenge those top teams for a conference championship just yet, but he hopes to get them there over the next few springs. “All of a sudden things have just started clicking. Everyone wants to compete with each othejLto be better ” Johnson said. “This year I kind of mixed things up in practice. I made everyone kind of compete with each other. We play a lot of games to compete for positions. I think that has helped.” Maple Valley senior Carson Hasselback sends an iron shot flying towards the green on number seven on the Sunrise nine at Centennial Acres Thursday afternoon. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Maple Valley team has finished as high as third at a conference jamboree this season, also besting Lansing Christian at the jamboree at Hankerd Hills. The Maple Valley boys also had Carson Hasselback add a 53 and Kenneth Curtis a 56. The Lakewood Vikings head to Diamond Springs in Hamilton for their regional tourna­ ment May 29. They got a good tune-up round in there Friday, placing fifth at the Hamilton Invitational. Simon tied for sixth individually with a 77, hitting ten of 18 greens in regulation and 12 fairways. Lakewood also got an 80 from Farlee, an 82 from Makley and a 99 from Maison Neustifter. Byron Center took the day’s championship with a score of 309, ahead of Hackett Catholic Prep 329, Grand Rapids Catholic Central 333, Wayland 334 and Lakewood 338 in the top five. The Thomapple Kellogg boys were tenth on the day with a team score of 350. Daniel Hannapel led the Trojans with an 82 and Nate Jansma fired _an 85. The TK team also got a 91 from Derek Winger and a 92 from Blaine Rison. Teammate CJ Crabtree was right behind with a 93. McManus scores seven goals as DK downs Schoolcraft girls Delton Kellogg’s varsity girls’ soccer team fired 31 shots on goal and nine of them found the net in a 9-1 victory over visiting Schoolcraft Monday. The Panthers improved their Southwestern Athletic Conference record to 5-2-1 with the win over the Eagles, and were set to take on Hackett Catholic Prep in the final game of the conference season last night. Holly McManus scored seven goals for the Delton Kellogg girls, getting assists from teammates Briana Warner, Amber Mabie, Sonnah Solstrand, Gabby Petto, Alex Carter and Selina Pinter. Solstrand and Amber Mabie each scored once. Mabie finished off a free kick for her goal, and Solstrand con­ verted off an assist from Warner. Hannah Thompson scored the lone goal for the Eagles. Goals weren’t so easy to come by Saturday as the Panthers took part in a tournament hosted by Olivet. The DK girls were downed 3-0 to open the day and then bested host Olivet 1-0 in game two. Kiaya Warner scored off an assist from Solstrand for DK in the win over Olivet. Kalamazoo Christian shut out the DK girls 6-0 in a SAC Valley ballgame in Kalamazoo last Wednesday (May 9). Kim Lipscomb was busy in goal for Delton making ten saves. Only Wayland girls stand between TK and Gold title Brett Bremer Sports Editor The OK Gold Conference championship race started with a split between the Wayland andThomapple Kellogg varsity softball teams ‘ in Wayland in 2018. The conference title will come down to the doubleheader that closes out the conference season in 2019, Monday in Middleville. Thomapple Kellogg improved to 10-0 in J the OK Gold Conference with 15-4 and 17-2 wins against the Wyoming Wolves, in Wyoming, Tuesday. Wayland was 7-1 in the conference heading into a May 15 double­ header with Grand Rapids Christian. The Trojans take on Kenowa Hills in a iion-conference doubleheader at home this afternoon. Paige VanStee was 3-for-4 with a double and two triples and five RBI in the Trojans’ 17-2 win in three innings in game two against the Wolves Tuesday. Bella VanTil went 3-for-3, with a double and two singles. Mo Sprague tripled twice, scoring twice and driving in two runs. Ashley Snyder, Carly Grummet and Maleah Bailey had two hits each as well for TK. Snyder drove in three runs and Bailey two, and each had a double. TK had 14 hits as a team. Bre Lake got the win in the circle, striking out five in three innings. She gave up three hits and two walks. TK took game one 15-4, pounding 13 more hits. Lake drilled a three-run home run to left field to plate the Trojans’ final three runs in the top of the fifth. VanStee was 3-of-4 with a double, four RBI and three runs. Sprague had a single, a double and five RBI. Lake was 2-four-4. Grummet was 2-for-2 with three runs and an RBI. Shylin Robirds and Bailey also had RBI for the Trojans. Lake pitched for the Trojans, giving up ten his and one walk. She struck out four in the five-inning contest. The Trojans split a tough non-conference double header at Gull Lake Monday, falling 9-1 in the opener to the Blue Devils before scoring a 17-8 win in game two. TK had 15 hits in its game two win. Lake homered twice and VanStee homered as well to lead the TK attack. Lake drove in six runs and VanStee five. Snyder was 3-for-4 at the plate with two runs and an RBI. She doubled twice. VanTil was 4-for-4 with a double. She scored one run and drove in one. Bailey, Grummet, Sprague and Julianna VanMeter also had hits for TK in the win. VanStee earned the pitching win. Gull Lake ace Lauren Esman held TK to one hit while striking out 15 in the opener. She didn’t walk a batter and the only run against her was unearned. Lake took the loss in the circle for the Trojans, allowing five earned runs. Delton Kellogg’s Alexandria Carter settles the ball in the midfield during her team’s SAC victory over visiting Schoolcraft Monday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg’s Luz Martinez pushes past Schoolcraft’s Hannah Kelecava with the ball during their SAC contest in Delton Monday afternoon. (Photo by Perry Hardin) �Page 14 — Thursday, May 16, 2019 — The Hastings Banner DK boys finish third straight undefeated SAC Valley season The Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ track and field team celebrates its third straight Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division championship after winning the SAC Valley Division Championship meet Monday at Constantine. Brett Bremer Sports Editor Nicolas Dumas and Dominik Waase hit the finish line 1-2 in the 100-meter dash and the 200-meter dash for the Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ track and field team at the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Divisional Meet at Constantine High School Monday. They were the only two guys to finish the 100-meter dash in less than 12 seconds, with Dumas winning in 11.72 and Wrasse the run­ ner-up in 11.99. The Delton Kellogg boys’ team was the only one to surpass the 100-point mark at the conference meet, clinching the Valley Division championship for the third consecutive sea­ son by adding Monday’s title to an undefeated spring of SAC Valley duals. The Panthers haven’t been defeated in the SAC Valley in a dual or the championship meet since 2016. The DK boys scored 150 points, handily defeating runner-up Schoolcraft that finished with 94 points. Constantine was third with 90, ahead of Kalamazoo Christian 89.5, Lawton 49.5, Galesburg-Augusta 31 and Hackett Catholic Prep 21. The Delton Kellogg girls were third on the day with 79 points, behind Constantine (144) and Schoolcraft (112). In the 200-meter dash at the end of the day Dumas won in 24.09 with Waase second in 24.56. Having a couple top scorers in an event wasn’t rare for the Panthers Monday. Delton Kellogg sophomore fires off a throw in the shot put during his team’s dual with Kalamazoo Christian at Delton Kellogg High School Wednesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Delton Kellogg’s Lily Cooper tries to get over the bar at 8 feet during the Panthers’ SAC Valley dual with visiting Kalamazoo Christian Wednesday evening. She won the pole vault by clearing 7-6 successfully. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Delton Kellogg’s Justin Trantham (left) reaches back to get the hand-off from teammate Bradley Bunch for the final leg of the 4x100-meter relay Wednesday during their team’s dual with visiting Kalamazoo Christian. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Delton Kellogg junior Dawson Grizzle hit the finish line in 54.78 seconds, nearly two and a half seconds ahead of his nearest com­ petitor, to win the 400-meter dash. Sophomore teammate Bradley Bunch was fourth in that race and senior teammate Kendal Pluchinsky sixth. DK senior Sam Arce placed fourth in the 800-meter run and freshman teammate Amon Smith III was sixth in that race. Smith led the DK boys in the 1600 with a fourth-place time and junior teammate Matt Lester was sixth in that race. In the 3200-meter run, Lester was fourth with senior teammate Ashton Pluchinsky fifth in 11:17.3 8. Lester, Arce, Ashton Pluchinsky and Smith III teamed up for the DK boys’ lone relay win on the day, taking the 4x800-meter relay in 9:05.83. Junior Jordan Rench scored a runner-up finish for the DK boys in the 110-meter high hurdles in 16.45 and placed third in the 300meter intermediate hurdles in 42.95. Sophomore Cole Pape added a third-place finish in the shot put and fifth in the discus for the DK boys, a pair of events won by Kalamazoo Christian senior Josh Hoogenboom. Delton had two guys in the top five in each of the other three field events. Rench was the runner-up in the high jump, clearing the bar at 5 feet 8 inches, with Grizzle also clearing 5-8 to place third. Rench was third in the long jump (19-4.5) and senior Mads Clausen fourth (17-3). Alex Leclercq and Kendal Pluchinsky tied for fourth in the pole vault at 10-0. Dumas and Hoogenboom were two of four guys to win two individual events. Lawton senior Harrison Maynard won the 110 hurdles in 16.11 and the 300 hurdles in 41.69. Galesburg-Augusta senior Toby Lear took the 1600-meter run in 4:50.77 and the 3200-meter run in 10:45.25. The lone win for the DK girls came from senior Klara Mattsson in the 100-meter dash. She won that race in 13.78, besting Schoolcraft junior Gabi Saxman by two hundredths of a second. Saxman won the 200-meter dash for the Schoolcraft girls, with teammate Halle Phelps second and Mattsson third. Saxman and the Schoolcraft girls also got the best of Mattsson and the DK girls in the two sprint relays. The DK team of Mattsson, Abbie Bever, Maddie Pape and Lily Cooper was second in the 4x 100-meter relay in 57.97 and Emily Dake, Cooper, Bever and Mattsson finished second in the 4x200-meter relay in 2:03.72. DK also had the team of Rachelle Brown, Marion Poley, Hannah Austin and Halena Phillips place second, to Galesburg-Augusta, The Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ and girls’ track and field teams take a moment to honor their seniors during the final home track meet of the season Wednesday. The Panthers scored SAC Valley victories over the Kalamazoo Christian boys’ and girls’ teams on the evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) in 11:17.43. Lexi Parsons had a runner-up finish for the DK girls in the shot put with a mark of 30-0 and fellow senior Victoria Greene was third in the discus for DK with a throw of 88-1. Senior Ashley Elkins made a third-place leap of 4-6 in the high jump for DK. Bever was sixth in the long jump (13-2) and Cooper fifth in the pole vault (7-0). DK had a couple of freshmen near the front of the hurdle pack. Alyssa Dowdy was sixth in the 100-meter hurdles in 21.94 and Emily Dake fifth in the 300-meter low hurdles in LuOl.OO. Constantine senior Cassie McNamara won both of the girls’ hurdles races. She took the 100 hurdles in 17.37 and the 300 hurdles in 51.03. Galesburg-Augusta junior Lauryn Coleman won the two distance races, taking the 1600meter run in 5:43.30 and the 3200 in 12:27.11. DK had Phillips fourth and Hannah Austin sixth in the 1600, and teammate Marion Poley added a sixth-place run in the 3200. Austin was sixth and Phillips eighth in the 800-meter run. The Galesburg-Augusta girls were fourth on the day with 61 points, ahead of Lawton 57, Kalamazoo Christian 50 and Hackett Catholic Prep 20. Delton Kellogg closed out the conference duals at home last Wednesday, with the Panthers scoring wins over the Kalamazoo Christian Comets. The DK boys improved to 6-0 in conference duals with their 73.5-63.5 win. The DK boys were powered by a sweep of the four relay races, and a big ten-point swing happened at the end of the 4x800-meter relay when the winning Kalamazoo-Christian team was disqualified for obstructing an opposing runner. “If we win the conference meet, that’s three conference championships in a row. We like to continue the tradition. On the board in there, that is the most conference titles out of anything,” DK senior sprinter Justin Trantham said, after helping his team earn victories in the 4xI00-meter and 4x200-meter relay races. “There is always a heavy weight on our shoul­ ders that this is what we’re known for.” A sweep of the relay races powered the Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ track and field team to a 78.5-58.5 victory over visiting Kalamazoo Christian in the final Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division dual of the season Wednesday. The win caps a third straight undefeated season (6-0) of SAC Valley duals for the DK boys, who will run for their third straight SAC Valley Division championship Monday at Constantine. Dumas, Leclercq, Bunch and Trantham won the 4x 100-meter relay in 47.84 and the team of Dumas, Alan Rogers, Grizzle and Trantham won the 4x200-meter relay in 1:40.08. Delton Kellogg’s Smith, Ashton Pluchinsky, Arce and Lester won the 4x800-meter relay. DK’s 4x400-meter relay team of Kendal Pluchinsky, Arce, Bunch and Grizzle won their race in 3:49.49. DK head coach Dale Grimes finagled his line-up as best he could to get those wins, with Bunch moving from the 4x200 to the 4x100, with Rogers stepping in to fill the hole in the 4x200. He said Kendal Pluchinsky i;an the best 400 of his high school career leading off that 4x400-meter relay. It was another good day for Dumas, who took the 100-meter dash in 11.46 and the 200 in 23.52. Rench won the high jump for DK at 6-0, won the 300-meter intermediate hurdles in 41.78 and the 110-meter high hurdles in 16.68. The Delton Kellogg boys swept those 300 hurdles, with Corey Moore second and Rogers third. Kendal Pluchinsky led a DK sweep of the pole vault, clearing 11-0. Grizzle added a winning time of 56.31 in the 400-meter dash for DK. The DK girls improved to 4-2 in the SAC Valley with an 82-50 victory over the visiting Comets as well. Parsons led a sweep of the shot put for the DK girls with a mark of 30-2.25 and also won the discus at 87-10. Jeni Steele won the 100-meter dash for the DK girls in 15.33 and Abbie Bever took the 200-meter dash in 31.12. Hannah Austin won the 800-meter run for DK in 2:52.87. Lily Cooper won the pole vault by clearing 7-6. DK also got a personal record time of 6:11.71 from freshman Helena Phillips in the 1600-meter run. Delton Kellogg teams won the 4x 100-me­ ter relay, the 4x200-meter relay and the 4x400-meter relay in the dual with the Kalamazoo Christian girls. DK girls’ coach Katie Ingle said she has been happy with the sprint relays all year, but things really started to click Wednesday knowing who to have running which leg of which race and getting the hand-offs down. “We’re dealing with a few who haven’t run relays, and one who hasn’t run track before, so we’re kind of just trying to get them used to what they need to do,” Ingle said. The Delton Kellogg teams return to action Friday at their Division 3 Regional Meet host­ ed by Saugatuck. DK pitchers allow just two unearned runs at invitational The Delton Kellogg varsity baseball team only gave up two runs in two games to take the championship at the Kelloggsville Invitational Saturday. The Panthers opened the day with a 13-1 win over Hastings before clinching the title with an 8-1 win over the host Rockets. Keegon Kokx got the win in the opener, giving up just one unearned run in the third inning. He struck out two and walked three while giving up two hits. Riley Roblyer threw three scoreless innings of relief for the Panthers, not giving up a hit while striking out four and walking one. Roblyer teamed up with Kokx in the open­ er on the mound for the Panthers as well. Roblyer tossed three innings, striking out three and walking one. He allowed two hits and one unearned run. Kokx threw the final there innings, giving up one hit and striking out one. Warner sparked the DK offense from the lead-off spot against Kelloggsville, going 2-of-3 with a single and a triple. He scored three runs and drove in two while walking once. Blake Thomas had a pair of singles, Koch tripled, Max Swift doubled and Kokx, Cameron Curcuro and Kaleb Post each sin­ gled once. Swift, Koch and Post had one RBI each. Thomas and Swift had three hits each as the Delton Kellogg boys pounded ten hits in the contest with Hastings. Swift doubled once and drove in three runs. Warner had two RBI and Thomas and Carter Howland drove in one run each. Shawn Haight singled twice. Haight, Thomas and Howland scored three runs each and Kokx scored twice. Delton Kellogg returned to action Monday, falling 8-5 and 16-1 in a doubleheader at Coloma. Last Friday, SAC Valley foe Lawton scored a 12-1 win over the visiting Panthers in game one of their conference doubleheader and led game two 4-3 before it was called due to darkness. Last Wednesday, the Panthers split a dou­ bleheader at Fennville, winning game one 15-4 before falling 14-11 in game two. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 16, 2019 — Page 15 Tough 1-8 foes hand Saxons a few more league defeats < “ The Saxon varsity softball team fell to 0-12 Jin the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference with flosses to visiting Harper Creek Monday and ^Marshall Tuesday. • The Beavers scored 10-2 and 18-0 wins »over the Saxons at Hastings High School Monday and the Red Hawks bested the IHastings girls 15-5 and 13-2 in their two Jgames Tuesday afternoon. 1 Stephanie VanRavenswaay had a single, a ’double and an RBI in the 13-2 loss to the ^RedHawks to start the day Tuesday, and Kelsey Heiss singled and drove in a run for the Saxons. Marshall pitcher Kaylee Gwin held the Saxons to three hits in the five-inning ball­ game, striking out seven and walking five. Helped by four Hastings errors, the RedHawks scored eight unearned runs. Saxon pitcher Rayna Honsowitz struck out five and walked five. The Red Hawks had ten hits. VanRavenswaay doubled and Kelsey Heiss, Rylee Nicholson, Lexi Chaffee, Brea Madden and Aubree Highway had singles in the 15-5 Hastings second baseman Hannah Bloomberg slaps a tag on Harper Creek’s 13 as she steals second base during game two of their I-8 doubleheader at Hastings High gphool Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Hastings girls also fell 15-0 and 13-1 in a pair of conference ballgames at Parma Western last Wednesday. five-inning loss in game two. Nicholson, Chaffee, Madden and Paige Woem each had an RBI. Heiss scored two runs. The RedHawks turned a 6-4 lead to 15-4 with nine runs in the top of the fourth inning. They finished the ballgame with 16 hits. Harper Creek had a big inning in game two of its doubleheader with the Saxons too, scor- ing 11 times in the top of the third inning. Hannah Bloomberg, Heiss and Madden singled in the three-inning loss for the Saxons. Bloomberg had one RBI. Rylee Nicholson pitches for the Saxons during game two of their 1-8 doubleheader against visiting Harper Creek Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Saxons’ Aubree Highway takes off to steal second base during the bottom of the second inning of game two Monday against Harper Creek at Hastings High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Saxons and Trojans set for tough D3 regional The Trojans and Saxons have a tough task rihead. Thomapple Kellogg and Hastings closed out the season of duals together in Middleville TfUesday with the host Trojans scoring a 6-2 win over the visiting Saxons. They will see each other again today on the courts at East Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids (liristian for their Division 3 Regional Tournament. ' The tournament includes three of the top six teams in the state, No. 4 Forest Hills Eastern, No. 5 Grand Rapids Christian and No. 6 Grand Rapids Catholic Central. Forest Hills Eastern and Grand Rapids Christian just finished ahead of the Trojans, in second and third respectively behind the third ranked team in the state in Division 2 East Grand Rapids, Saturday at the OK Gold Conference Tournament. “ ‘ Whatever happens at regionals, the Trojans and Saxons are pretty pleased with their teams to date. — “This group of girls doesTfot only give it their all on the court, but know the meaning of being a student-athlete,” Hastings head coach Julie Sevems said. “These girls are all a great testimony to working hard in the classroom rind also being able to take their talents out of the classroom and participate in sports, musi*c41s, clubs and hold down jobs.” ' Sevems was pleased to report singles play­ ers Kate Haywood, Lauren Harden and Libby ■Jensen, and her top two doubles teams all earned seeds at the regional tournament. Harden had the Saxons’ lone singles win in the dual with the Thornapple Kellogg girls Tuesday, pulling out a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 win over TK’s Rachel Chesnutt. The Saxon first doubles team of Allie Homing and Gretchen James scored a 6-4, 7-5 win over the TK team of Taylor Myers and Kylee Vreeland. “Our first doubles team played a great match and came up just short,” TK head coach Larry Seger said. “We felt that the first doubles team was the strongest point in the Hastings line-up. The match was very com­ petitive with both teams doing a great job of extending, pojnts„ and working the court angles. Both teams were solid from the base­ line and aggressive at the net.” The TK second doubles team of Holly Bashore and Caleigh Zoet scored a 7-5, 6-4 win over Belle Youngs and Megan Roe at second doubles. The TK team of Daisy Nowinsky and Kristina Cuison scored a 6-2, 7-5 win over Hastings’ Lexi McDade and Kassidy Morgan at number four. The third doubles match was close as well, with the TK duo of Josie Thompson and Nancy Hoogwerf scoring a 7-6(2), 6-3 win over Whitney Carlson and Claire Anderson. “Third doubles has been in a slump since a great win at South Christian,” Seger said. “Better net play and much better court posi­ tion paid off for a team that has been working hard to improve their game.” Thomapple Kellogg first singles player Karlie Raphael scored a 6-2,6-0 win over the Saxons’ Brook Youngs at first singles, and Saxons take opener from Beavers in 1-8 doubleheader Things finally dried out and the Saxon varfsity baseball team managed to get in ten games in seven days. The stretch culminated in back-to-back Interstate-8 Athletic Conference doublehead­ ers with Harper Creek and Marshall. The Saxons took the first of those four ball­ games in Hastings Monday, besting the Harper Creek boys 8-3. Hastings had just seven hits in the win, and put four of them together in the bottom of the £jfth inning to score its final two runs of the Hallgame. Carter Hewitt doubled to lead off the inning. Ethan Caris moved him to third with a single to the left side. Phillip Morris followed with a double of his own, scoring Hewitt, but Caris was out trying to score from second (after a stolen base). Morris was stuck at second base with two out after a fly-out, but Carter Cappon knocked a single to the right side to bring him home. n Hewitt and Morris had tw o hits each in the ballgame. Morris and Bryce Darling had three RBI each. Hewitt, in the lead-off spot, also walked once and scored three times. Caris scored two runs, singling and walking twice. {Morris got the win on the mound, striking out four and allowing four hits in 5.1 innings. He walked four. He gave up two earned runs “arid three total. " Rigden Pederson closed out the win on the mound with one strike out and one hit allowed in 1.2 innings. Harper Creek took game two of the set 14-8. Marshall then came to Hastings Tuesday to,.score 18-4 and 9-2 wins over the Saxons. .Morris belted a two-run home run in the 18-4 iefeat to open the afternoon land Cappon had two hits for the Saxons. Hastings split its two ballgames at the Kelloggsville Invitational Saturday, knocking off the host Rockets 10-3 before falling to Delton Kellogg 13-1 to close out the day. Hewitt got the win on the mound in the contest with Kelloggsville, striking out seven in five innings. He allowed three runs, two earned, on two walks and two hits. Ethan Bennett threw a scoreless inning of relief for the Saxons. Hewitt also went 2-for-3 at the plate with a double, a single, a walk, an RBI and two runs Caris, Markley, Morris, Cappon, Pederson and Grant Huver had Hastings other six hits. Caris, Bryce Darling and Huver had two RBI each. Gabe Stolicker scored two runs. Caris had a pair of singles and Hewitt one in the Saxons’ loss to the Delton Kellogg boys, with Hewitt driving in the Saxons’ lone run to tie the game at 1-1 in the bottom of the third. Delton Kellogg exploded for four runs in the fourth, fifth and sixth innings to earn the victory. Hastings split a doubleheader with Barry County Christian last Thursday, taking game two 6-5 after a 7-1 loss to the Eagles in the opener. Jackson Parma Western scored 9-0 and 10-0 wins over the Saxons in Jackson last Wednesday (May 8). The Hastings boys and Barry County Christian Eagles team up to host an Invitational this weekend, with ballgames Friday after­ noon and during the day Saturday. Hastings has a ballgame against the Crusaders baseball team this afternoon in Hastings. The Saxons were scheduled to host Marshall for two ball­ games yesterday (May 14). Plainwell Monday. The TK ladies didn’t drop a set in the dual. The Trojans close out the season of duals with an 11-3 record. The Trojans’ three loses were to the three teams that finished ahead of them Saturday at the OK Gold Conference Tournament. East Grand Rapids took the day’s champi­ onship with 54 points, ahead of Forest Hills Eastern 44, Grand Rapids Christian 39, Thomapple Kellogg 32, South Christian 27, Wayland 17 and Wyoming 10. The Trojans held their seed at every flight _ani.pkkedjip_ a few unexpected points. with TK ladies, who scored an 8-0 win over Brooke Thompson upsetting the fourth seed Karlie Raphael earned a 6-1, 6-0 win over Kate Haywood for TK at second singles. The fourth singles match extended through three sets with Brooke Thompson earning a 6-7(6), 6-3, 6-0 win for the Trojans over Libby Jensen. Hastings will have some tennis beyond the regional tournament. The Saxons will take part in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Championship Tournament May 20. Coach Sevems said her girls have their eye on a run­ ner-up finish, which would be their best yet since joining the conference. from Grand Rapids Christian, 6-3, 6-2 in the fourth singles flight, and the first doubles team of Myers and Vreeland scoring a upset­ ting the top duo from Wayland 6-2,6-3. The fourth doubles team of Cuison and Nowinsky had the best finish of the day for the TK ladies, placing second at their flight with wins over South Christian and Forest Hills Eastern before falling to the top seeded team from East Grand Rapids in the finals. TK scored an 8-0 win in its final OK Gold Conference dual of the season last Wednesday at Wyoming, ending the conference duals with a 3-3 record, TK didn’t drop a set all afternoon. Hastings holds Marshall girls in check for much of 1-8 match Hastings faced back-to-back contests against the top two teams in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference and had reason to be pleased heading into the weekend. The Saxons held Marshall to one goal for nearly an hour before the Red Hawks broke through for a 6-0 victory inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field in Hastings Friday, two days after the Saxons suffered a tough loss to Parma Western on the road in Jackson. “I was very proud of the girls,” Hastings head coach Tim Schoessel said of Friday night’s bailgame. “They played extremely well against a state-ranked Marshall team with a ton of fire power.” He said his girls played with teamwork they did not display in an 8-0 loss to Parma Western Wednesday, a game that ended early in the second half. He said the contest with Marshall was his girls’ best game of the sea­ son, by far. The Red Hawks led 1-0 at the half, and the Saxons talked at the half about what kind of motivation Marshall would come out with in the second half. The Hastings girls continued to hold the Red Hawks, who are ranked ninth in the state in Division 2, in check for most of another 20 minutes. Parma Western scored three goals in the first five minutes of the ballgame Wednesday The Saxons’ Kathleen Pattok bumps Marshall’s Mallory Tucker off the ball in the midfield during their Interstate-8 Athletic Conference contest at Hastings High School Friday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hastings’ Natasha Glasgow works to chase down Marshall’s Olivia Zulewski during their Interstate-8 Athletic Conference match Friday inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field. (Photo by Perry Hardin) and pushed its lead to 7-0 at the half. “They were really fast and had great ball control, and we were definitely not in sink as a group,” Schoessel said. The Saxons couldn’t carry the momentum into a Monday afternoon match-up at Lakewood, falling to the host Vikings 4-0. Lakewood scored three goals in the first half. “Lakewood was tough for us because this became the let down game after the great game they played against Marshall. We had several missing and made several bad mis­ takes,” Schoessel said. He liked the improved teamwork his girls showed in the second half. The Saxons were scheduled to visit Pennfield last night and will be back in action Friday, opening the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference tournament on the road. They will play another conference tournament game May 20. �Page 16 — Thursday, May 16, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Hastings handles Pennfield and Potter’s House in final 2019 duals The Hastings varsity boys’ and girls’ track and field teams cruised to a couple of victo­ ries Monday inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field as they rev up for the biggest meets of the season in the days ahead. Hastings finished off the season of Interstate-8 Athletic Conference duals with the boys scoring a 117-46 win over Pennfield Monday and the girls scoring a 123.5-36.5 win. The Hastings teams also faced The Potter’s House Christian Monday in a non-conference match-up, with the boys scor­ ing a 135-22 win and the girls scoring a 126­ 25 victory. The Saxons travel to Mason for their Division 2 Regional Meet Friday and then will host the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Championship in Hastings Tuesday. Haydn Redmond, Aidan Makled and Kirby Beck won two individual events each for the Hastings boys. Redmond took the 200-meter dash in 23.67 seconds and the long jump with a mark of 19 feet 1 inch. Beck won the high jump at 5-10 and the pole vault at 11-0. Maided was the distance champ, taking the 3200-meter run in a personal record time of 10:29.70 while also winning the 1600-meter run in 4:50.40. Makled also teamed with Jon Arnold, Braden Tolles and Blake Harris to win the 4x800-meter relay in 9:05.80. Beck and Redmond were both a part of four wins on the day. They teamed with William Roosien and Dane Barnes to win the 4x400-meter relay in 3:53.06. Beck,Redmond, Roosien and Hunter Allerding won the 4x200-meter relay for the Saxon boys in 3:53.06. Hastings won all five field events in the boys’ meet. Lucas Lumbert won the shot put with a mark of 34-5 and teammate Sam Randall won the discus with a throw of 93-7 - a new personal record. Randall was the run­ ner-up in the shot put. Ben Curtis was second in the discus for the Saxons and third in the shot put. The Saxon boys swept both the high jump and the pole vault. Braden Vertalka was sec­ ond in the high jump, clearing 5-10 and Jacob O’Keefe third at 5-8. Barnes and Lumbert tied for second in the pole vault, both clearing 10-6. O’Keefe also won the 110-meter high hur­ dles in a personal record time of 17.07 sec­ onds. Barnes tok the 400-meter dash in 56.79. Ireland Barber, Grace Nickels, Hannah Johnson and Allison Teed won two individual events each for the Saxon girls in the dual. Nickels won the long jump with a mark of 14-3 and the 200-meter dash in 29.12 - a new personal record. She was also the runner-up in the 400-meter run. Barber took the throws with personal record marks in each. She threw the discus 91-5 ad got a mark of 29-4 in the shot put. The Saxons also set personal records in runner-up perfor­ mances in the throws, with Chloe Park going 28-9 in the shot put and Maddie McMasters 88-8.5 in the discus. ’ Johnson won the 800-meter run in 2:51.97 and the pole vault by clearing 8-0. Teed was the runner-up in the pole vault at 7-0 while also winning the 100-meter hurdles in 16.96 and the 300-meter low hurdles in 51.99. Allison Collins took the 1600-meter run for the Saxons in 6:33.76 and Carissa Strouse won the 3200-meter run in 13:56.52. Collins was second in the 3200 and Strouse the run­ ner-up in the 1600. Those two teamed with Abby Zull and Johnson to win the4x800-me- Saxon junior Lucas Lumbert works his way over the bar at 10 feet 6 inches in the pole vault during his team’s wins over visiting Pennfield and Potter’s House Christian Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) ter relay in 12:24.75. The Hastings girls won all four relay races. The team of Erin Dalman, Savanah Starrett, Teed and Nickels won the 4x200-meter relay in 1:55.22. Kali Grimes, Sydney Kuntz, Audryana Holben and Starrett won the 4xl00-meter relay in 55.46. The Saxon 4x400-meter relay team of Kali Grimes, Zull, Johnson and Starrett won the last race of the day in 4:47.03. Dalman won the high jump for the Saxons, clearing 5-0. Jensen one-over for HHS at last 1-8 jamboree Hastings junior Abby Zull takes off at the start of the 4x800-meter relay Monday inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field during her team’s double dual against Pennfield and Potter’s House Christian. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hastings senior Chloe Park earns a runner-up finish in the shot put with a personal record mark of 28 feet 9 inches during her team’s double dual with Pennfield and Potter’s House Christian Monday inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field. (Photo by Brett Bremer) ousands c : s e years : The Saxons’ Braden Vertalka flies over the sand in the long jump during his team’s double dual against Pennfield and Potter’s House Christian in Hastings Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) others ich of them has unique backgrounds ai e r a. ' The Hastings varsity boys’ golf team heads to Bedford Valley Golf Course today for the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference champion­ ship. The Saxons placed fifdrafthe final confer­ ence jamboree of the season Wednesday at Cascades Golf Course. Will Jensen fired a one-over-par-38 to lead the Hastings team. Marshall won the day’s event with a scores of 155. Parma Western was second with a 159, ahead of Jackson Lumen Christi 162^ Coldwater 166, Hastings 174, Harper Creek 190, Jackson Northwest 195 and Pennfield 213. Alex Taylor scored a 43 for the Saxons; Josh Yi a 45 and Josh Brown a 48. The Saxons’ four and five were right behind, with Isaiah Taylor scoring a 49 and Alex Steward^ 50. Coldwater’s Alec Keplinger and Marshall’s Matt Flynn each shot an even-par-37. Marshall had three guys in the 30’s, with Carl Quilt scoring a 38 and Haydon Chapman a 39. The Saxons were back in action Friday at the Pennfield Invitational at Riverside Golf Course, placing second behind the Marshall boys at the event in which had each team put together three twosomes. Each twosome played six holes of alternate shot golf, six scramble holes and six best-ball holes. " Marshall topped the Saxons 222-235 at the top of the standings . Kalamazoo Christian wai third with a score of 241, ahead of Portage Central 244, Harper Creek 247, Parchment 253, Delton Kellogg 268, St. Philip 270, Charlotte 282, Maple Valley 301, Union City 305 and Pennfield 308. The Saxon team of Alex Taylor and Jensen scored a 70, the second best round of the tour­ nament. Yi and Isaiah Taylor combined fr a 78 and Brown and Steward scored an 87. Hastings opened this week by scoring a 158-192 win over Ionia at Shadow Ridge East Monday. Brown shot a 38 and Jensen a 39 to lead the Saxons. Alex Taylor added a 40 and Yi a 41. GET ALL THE BARRY COUNTY! highpoint FDIC Highpoint, ommunitybank.com [ 888-422-2280 COMMUNITY BANK Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-05-23.pdf d768bf4e3dbfa8e9515289651d315184 PDF Text Text ________ P^liG l ihrary BCC Wins^afe/ Delton Kellogg presents top 10 Memorial Day: Reminder of responsibility See Story on Page 3 See Editorial on Page 4 Saxon tournament See Story on Page 14 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 1070490102590500423049058195427 804879110 Hastings PuTJb^**0 °°3 C°°3 227 E State St ANNER Hastings Ml 49058-1954 Has i ii’NviS Thursday, May 23, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 21 PRICE 750 Crooked Lake residents file suit against drain commissioner Rebecca Pierce Editor Ten Crooked Lake property owners have filed suit against Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull, claiming that his actions in 2017 caused flooding that has made their homes uninhabitable. The show cause complaint, filed May 14 in Barry County Circuit Court, is asking the court to order Dull and the Watson Drain Drainage District to immediately begin emi­ nent domain proceedings and compensate them for the loss of their homes. A show cause hearing is scheduled for 9 a.m. Wednesday, May 29, in Judge Amy McDowell’s courtroom. Robert and Sharon Ritchie, Michael and Sandra Golembiewski, David and Ann Skender, David and Leslie Bolton, Mark Nelson, and Jill Sterling, who own property adjacent to Upper Crooked Lake, filed the complaint. “I’m disappointed that these people have chosen to pursue this option,” Dull said Wednesday, adding that he could not com­ ment further. The action brought against Dull and the Watson Drain Drainage District claims that ?the massive increase in Upper Crooked Lake’s lake level” occurred because of the replacement of a culvert on Floria Road, Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull gives the county board of commis­ sioners an update on flooding Oct. 16, 2018. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) which allowed water in the upper portions of the Watson Drain District, such as Mud Lake and others, to enter Upper Crooked Lake. “In a relatively short amount of time, Upper Crooked Lake’s lake level increased from 922.75 feet to 927.5 feet above sea level,” the complaint states. Since these residents can no longer live in their homes, according to the complaint, the drain commissioner should start eminent domain proceedings by making good-faith offers on their properties so that they may move and obtain new housing. “Upper Crooked Lake is known as a ‘seep­ age lake.’ It has no natural outlet,” the com­ plaint points out. “Defendant Drain Commissioner’s replacement of the Floria Road culvert, which allowed upper portions of the Watson Drain District to drain into Upper Crooked Lake, was like turning on a plugged bathtub’s faucet and allowing the water to run.” The suit also claims that Dull publicly post­ ed his determinations of the condemnation values of the plaintiffs’ properties on the Prairieville Township website. “Despite admitting that these properties have been effectively condemned (but with­ out the payment of just compensation), he failed to initiate eminent domain proceed- See SUIT, page 3 2 \ Rain-wrapped tornado touches down in county Preparation is Memorial Day tradition, too Last Thursday, Riverside Cemetery in Hastings was green. By that evening, veter­ ans’ graves were bedecked with red, white and blue, courtesy of Hastings scouts and high school football players. The cemetery is ready for the Lawrence J. Bauer American Legion Post 45 annual Memorial Day parade May 27. Every year, young people take responsibility for placing the flags. Scouts decorate veterans’ graves in a much-appreciated tradition. Here, Felicity Eddy from Delton, a member of Cub Scout Pack 3175 in Hastings, is among the group who decorated the graves. And this year, for the first time, Hastings High School football players helped out. They said they felt a part of something bigger than themselves. For details on area Memorial Day obser­ vances, turn to Page 10. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Two farm accidents have tragic results Taylor Owens Rod Crothers’ three barns, which contained farm equipment, were destroyed when a tornado touched down by Barryville Road Sunday. (Photo by George Hubka) Hydrologist says this region is getting about two yearsL worth of rain in one year Taylor Owens Staff Writer An EF-0 tornado with winds around 80 mph touched down for three minutes at 6:25 p.m. Sunday, just southwest of Maple Grove. The tornado traveled from Barryville Road, where it knocked down three bams, traveled northeast across East Cloverdale Road and ended at Marshal Road, taking down trees and a power line in its wake, the National Weather Service reported. NWS Grand Rapids Meteorologist Ernie Ostuno surveyed the damage Sunday after the tornado hit. He said this type of tornado is common in Michigan, weak and short. Most tornados in Michigan are small and last only a few minutes, Ostuno said, because this area does not have the conditions of The Plains states, where a mix of cool and warm air from the Gulf region mix to create super cells. The last tornado in Barry County was of similar size and strength, an EF-0, near Little Long Lake in Prairieville Township on Sept. Hastings City Council Trustee John Resseguie shows the damage from a tree which fell in his backyard minutes after the storm ended. 1, 2018. Its winds reached 75 mph and uprooted trees. The EF-0 refers to the Enhanced Fujita Scale, which is used to grade the strength of tornados from 0 to 5. According to NWS, a 0 tornado is defined by wind gusts that reach from 65 to 85 mph. An EF-5 tornado has wind speeds over 200 mph. Wind speeds are esti- See TORNADO, page 2 Staff Writer Two farm tragedies in the space of three days last week were a rare occurrence in Barry County, emergency responders said. A Vermontville man died and a Hastings man lost his leg in two separate accidents. Robert Othmer, 72, died around 10 a.m. Thursday, May 16, on Coats Grove Road near M-66. Michigan State Police said Othmer was working inside a silo at a privately owned farm when he became trapped in the com. Family members were unable to pull him from the silo. On Tuesday, May 14, a 21-year-old Hastings man was airlifted to an area hospi­ tal and his leg was amputated above the knee following a farm accident at Citizens LLC Elevator in Vermontville at 2:20 p.m. Vermontville Township Fire Chief Jeff Wetzel said the employee’s leg was caught in an auger, and he had to be extricated from the machine. In 22 years of service, Castleton Maple Grove Nashville Fire Department Assistant Chief Wayne Gould said he could not recall incidents like these. Over the years, Gould said his department has dealt with fires from silos or hay, but has had few calls for farm accidents like the ones that happened last week. The state of Michigan averages about 19 deaths each year due to farm activities, according to Craig Anderson, manager of agricultural labor and safety services pro­ gram with Michigan Farm Bureau. But the average age of the victims is ris­ ing. Anderson said older farmers have slower reaction times and may have more confi­ dence in their equipment, even if the equip­ ment has become worn over the years. With the price of produce falling over the past few years, due to international trade variables and tariffs, fewer farmers are buy­ ing and updating equipment, Anderson pointed out, which can lead to more acci­ dents. Agriculture safety can be difficult to pre­ dict and regulate, he added, because there are so many more variables in farming than other industries. More than 200 crops are grown in Michigan and that requires different types of equipment. Weather conditions create chal­ lenging variables and, often, farmers work alone. When a farm death or significant injury occurs, the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration conducts an investigation, the length of which varies greatly, depending on the circumstances. “Most would say you need to have a heightened sense of awareness, because the risk in many cases is not directly predict­ able,” Anderson said. Safety regulations in agriculture also can be hard to create and regulate, because it is an industry yet there are many family farms. For example, most grain augurs are required to have a guard, he said, but some may not if employees are expected to main­ tain a distance from the equipment. OAnderson said safety regulations at com­ mercial farms and elevators are typically more detailed than they are at family opera­ tions. And misconceptions do exist about the agriculture industry’s safety standards, he said, because these safety standards are not taught as a part of traditional education. His office hosts training seminars and provides information to farmers to increase safety awareness, Anderson noted. �Page 2 — Thursday, May 23, 2019 — The Hastings Banner TORNADO, continued from page 1 A map by the National Weather Service shows the path of the tornado. Winds up to 80 mph hit really the broadside of these barns, knocking them off their foundations so they collapsed. mates determined by the damage a tornado causes. Because the tornados in Michigan are smaller, the warning time tends to be shorter. And high-humidity tornados can be rain­ wrapped, like the tornado Sunday, meaning the funnel itself cannot be seen, which can make them more dangerous. While the tornado destroyed three barns including Rod Crothers’ farm equipment, which was insured, other bams and even vehi­ cles close by remained untouched. Ostuno said the wind likely hit those bams on their proverbial broadside, which knocked them off their foundations and they collapsed. Barry County 911 dispatch reported some downed trees and power lines, and dispatched the Barry County Sheriff’s Office to the destroyed bams. A tree collapsed on the property of Hastings City Council Trustee John Resseguie on East Thom Street, crushing a new truck bed and breaking the window of a van he was fixing. It also poked a hole in the roof of his garage, and tore down the power line to the garage. Resseguie said he was lucky, since he nor­ mally has two tractors he parks in the spot where the tree fell, but they happened to be elsewhere when it fell. Ostuno wasn’t the only scientist from the NWS Grand Rapids office checking the situa­ tion in Barry County this week. Hydrologist Andy Dixon went to Crooked Lake Monday to check on the flooding there. Dixon said the entire midwestem United States — and southwestern Michigan in partic­ ular - has experienced far more rainfall than usual for the past six years. The average rain­ fall for the area before 2013 was about 35 inches per year, but the annual average since then has added an extra 20 to 30 inches. Dixon said it is almost to the point where southwestern Michigan has two years’ worth of rain per year. Dixon said there is no specific reason for the extra rainfall, and it is likely a combina­ tion of long term climate cycles overlapping to increase rainfall across the region. Meanwhile, Dixon said he does not see any sign of the rainfall letting up soon. Even if it did, Dixon said groundwater lev- els are slow to react, and it will take years of significantly less rainfall for the water level to return to where it was before. “You don’t snap your fingers and thingsmagically go back to normal,” he said. School district honors retirees Superintendent Carrie Duits receives a congratulatory hug for her upcoming retirement from school board member Louis Wierenga. Steve Loomis, retiring Hastings High School teacher, receives a fond farewell from Principal Teresa Heide at the retirement reception. Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Retirees of Hastings Area School System were honored for their service at a reception Monday. The five retirees have served the district a total of 84.75 years. The names and years of service of the staff and administration retiring are: Superintendent Carrie Duits, five years; Carol Carroll, middle school paraprofessional, 20 years; Dan Blair, maintenance, districtwide, 26.5 years; Charles Converse, transportation, eight years; and Steven Loomis, teacher, Hastings High School, 25.2 years. Duits and Loomis were present at the reception. Carroll, Blair and Converse were unable to attend. The event took place at the Hastings High School Performing Arts Center. Teresa Heide, high school principal, intro­ duced Loomis and described him as “an incredible educator of 25 years.” Loomis attended Western Michigan University for his bachelors degree, then went on to earn a masters degree. His career began with long-term substitute teaching jobs in neighboring districts until he was hired to teach in Hastings. “In all those years, you grew up from the new teacher you once were,” Heide told him. “You learned about kids and how to help them navigate the thrilling years of high school and social crisis that they inevitably go through. You made incredible friends and acquaintanc­ es along the way. You figured out when to battle for your convictions and when to wave the white flag. You taught not only the stu­ dents, but all of us as well. “You are truly an amazing man and educa­ tor. We at Hastings High School wish you all the best in your future endeavors and urge you to continue teaching in all you do. You will be greatly missed.” Heide announced that he has obtained a job at Gun Lake Golf Course and suggested golf enthusiasts drop by to say hello, Loomis’ jok­ ingly responded: “I’m just mowing lawn, and The Board of Education members and Hastings school district superintendent attending a retirement reception for school staff are (from left, front row): Mike Nickels/ Superintendent Carrie Duits, Valerie Slaughter, (back) Louis Wierenga, Dan Patton/ Jennifer Eastman and Luke Haywood. School board member Rob Pohls was absent. I’m not stopping for anyone.” Next to speak was Luke Haywood, presi­ dent of the Board of Education, who intro­ duced Duits. “It was truly a blessing to our community to have Carrie return to her alma matter near­ ly five decades after she graduated to finish her career and leave an everlasting impression on our district,” Haywood said. “She stepped in to lead our district and help our administra­ tion team; get us back on track, putting us in the good position we are in today.” Haywood credited Duits with students being safer because of the new security entrances at all the schools ,\; students having more opportunities because of the improve­ ments at the high school that include the per­ forming arts center and the expanded and renovated Career Technical Education spaces, such as the engineering and design lab and renovated science labs. “As board members, we could not have asked for a better person with such high char­ acter, integrity and determination to lead our district the past five years. We have sailed together through a few rough storms, but have enjoyed so many moments of success and. triumph for our district and our students;” Haywood said. Duits said she plans to remain in Hastings after her retirement begins June 1. “I’m not going anywhere,” she said. “I will; always be here to help in any way I can.” . School board gives janitorial company one more chance Joan Van Houten Staff Writer The Hastings Board of Education has opted for a one-year contract for custodial services with Grand Rapids Building Services even though the company offered a two-year exten­ sion with no cost increase. The reason? Principals at the district’s schools are not sat­ isfied with the services being provided. In a letter sent by GRBS to Tim Berlin, assistant superintendent of operations, the company has taken steps to remediate the problems. According to the letter written by Jason Doncis, vice president of GRBS, they have been experiencing problems of their own as far as employee retention. He credited Michigan’s low unemployment rate, increases in minimum wage and online job search opportunities. “GRBS has made an intentional effort to keep wages as competitive as we can. We also implemented bonus programs encouraging and rewarding attendance and longevity to impact overall consistency and work ethic,” Doncis wrote. In the GRBS contract proposal, the compa­ ny would bill $25 per hour for community use of facilities if additional services outside the normal scope is needed. Activities such as fundraisers or sporting events that are not school related would be billed, as would com­ munity weekend events. The proposal further stated that fundraisers, practices, locker room use or coming in when teams travel for any reason - or any other event that falls within these categories would be billed hourly “with the expectation that these are pass-through costs to the vari­ ous groups” that should be billed by the school district. “I don’t think we should go with a two-year contract unless they can show the issues we’ve had with them are taken care of,” Dan Patton, school board trustee, said. Luke Haywood, board president, asked the principals and teachers in attendance if they can come up with a way to rate the company’s performance. They said they believe they could come up with a plan. The board will propose a one-year contract with future extensions based on performance. In board comments, Mike Nickels spoke of the disappointment that the recent school bond request failed. “First, I want to thank the members of the community that did support our bond propos­ al. But it’s unfathomable to me that the major­ ity of our community voted no. Right beneath the article in The Banner about the bond fail­ ing is how Amazon will bring more students to Thomapple Kellogg schools, and their need for school funding ju$t in anticipation of that,” Nickels said. He voiced his frustration over the possibil­ ity of TK schools building a bond proposal with the “anticipation” of families moving into their district. The failed bond request for 0.7 mills to raise $9.99 million for fastings Area School System was on the ballot on May 7. The bond proposal was pared back to only those proj­ ects that the school board and administrators considered the most essential repairs and upgrades. In other actions, the school board accepted financial gifts from community organizations and businesses. The Hastings Education Enrichment Foundation’s Board of Directors donated $4,206 for projects, activities, materials and field trips for students during the school year. Trailblazer Events Inc., organizer of the Barry Roubaix gravel road race, donated $1,400 to benefit the track team that volun­ teered to help at the event. The Kiwanis Club of Hastings donated $500 to the Roe Reading Room. The reading room was established at the high school to honor Carrie Roe who taught English at the high school for 17 years before she died of cancer in 2012. The Athletic Booster Club, to support spring sports and reduce the costs for stu­ dents, donated an additional $1,000 to pur­ chase a volleyball machine and $2,500 for scoreboards. Also, $1,500 was donated by Gentex Corp, in Zeeland to purchase STEM materials at Central Elementary. A donation of $300 to support the GIRLS program at Star Elementary was made by John Johnston. Casey O’Casey donated a non-functioning electronic scooter to the Career Technical Education Engineering Design program for a project. The students diagnosed and repaired the scooter that has an approximate value of $500. The scooter will remain in the CTE* department for student use. The school board accepted changes to staff­ ing. Appointments included: Raechel Eckelbecker, bus driver, transportation; Amanda Farmer, food service, Star Elementary; Nikki Todd, substitute food ser­ vice, districtwide; Jillian Zull, weight room attendant, Community Education and Recreation Center. Lynette Kaiser has been reassigned to the general paraprofessional position at Hastings Middle School. A leave of absence due to medical reasons was accepted for Lauren Batenburg, middle school math teacher; Britney Curtis, high** school healthcare paraprofessional; and Jenna Ware, Southeastern Elementary special edu­ cation teacher. Staff resignations were accepted for Sally Kinney from food service at Star Elementary; Douglass Sutton, bus driver and paraprofes­ sional at the middle school; and Heather Tolsma, elementary lunch paraprofessional at Northeastern Elementary. �4- The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 23, 2019 — Page 3 Pelton Kellogg presents top 10 Hannah Austin, valedictorian Marion Poley, salutatorian Joseph Gherardi Anna Bassett Lily Cooper Jaylene Gan Esther Ordway Victoria Greene Hailey Walker Lauren Grubius Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer Delton Kellogg High School has announced tfie top 10 of the class of 2019. Hannah Austin, valedictorian, daughter of Abraham and Sarah Austin. She was on the cross country and track and field teams all four years, serving as captain of both her senior year. She was awarded National Merit Finalist for 2019 and was named Miss Delton 2018. Austin also served ^treasurer of the Interact Club, was in quiz bowl and the Green Team and was in the National Honor Society. i Austin plans to attend Andrews University to major in sustainable horticulture to later pursue a career in agriculture, specializing in either horticulture or plant science and genetics. Anna Bassett, daughter of Stuart and Fvlarsha Bassett. She took part in the Delton Kellogg Theater Arts Company and band all four years. She was on the diving and cross-country teams, running at the state meet her freshman year. Bassett was a member of National Honor Society. She was dual-enrolled in Kendall College of Art and Design, Cross Country. She also has illustrated a children’s book. Bassett plans to attend Michigan State University next year to study arts and humanities. ~ JLily Cooper, daughter of Tim and Michelle Cooper. While in high school she was involved in student council, starting as a freshman representative, eventually serving as executive president her senior year. She was in National Honor Society, quiz bowl, Interact Club, on the yearbook staff and was in robotics, driving the Delton robot her senior year. She also played volleyball and was on the track team. She dual-enrolled and will graduate with two associate degrees from Kellogg Community College, taking an estimated 90 credit hours. Cooper plans to attend the University of Michigan to study statistics. Jaylene Gan, daughter of Christopher Gan and Melanie Fletcher. She has attended the Battle Creek Math and Science Center. In addition to academic excellence, Gan also was in the Delton Kellogg Kickline, performing at the annual Delton Follies. She served on the student council and played soccer, softball and ran cross country. Gan plans to attend the University of Michigan to major in neuropsychology. Joseph Gherardi, son of Mike and Terri Gherardi. He played varsity soccer for four years, is in the National Honor Society and is involved in quiz bowl. He also attended the Battle Creek Math and Science Center. Gherardi plans to attend Michigan Technological University in the fall, pursuing a degree in audio production and technology. Victoria Greene, daughter of Melissa and Ed Greene. Greene played varsity basketball for three years, and was on the track and swim teams, being named most improved for the latter. She also was involved with robotics, FFA and the Green Team and was inducted into the National Honor Society. Greene plans to attend Grand Valley State University next year to pursue a career in the medical field. Lauren Grubius, daughter of Becky Newton and Brian Grubius. She is a four-year member of the Delton Kellogg Marching Band, being selected as Drum Major for her senior year and winning best field commander during the Hastings band invitational. She was also awarded the Merit and Conductors award in band. Grubius also has participated in the Delton Kellogg Follies, serving as the kickline captain and performing numerous musical selections throughout her time in the high school follies. She is also currently working as a music tutor, as well as being a member of National Honor Society. Grubius plans to attend Eastern Michigan University in the fall. Marion Poley, salutatorian, daughter of Robert Poley and Melissa Hoyt. Poley is a four-year student athlete in cross country and track, and also took the stage in numerous Delton Follies. She was a captain in track for two years, and a regional medalist and a state qualifier. She served on the student council and was a member of the National Honor Society and the Green Team. Poley plans to attend Grand Valley State University to pursue a career in nursing. Esther Ordway, daughter of Joseph and Kelly Ordway. Ordway was awarded team most valuable player, Academic All-Conference and Team All-Conference for cheerleading. She was on homecoming court and won prom queen her senior year. She also played volleyball, was inducted into the National Honor Society, and is on the Green Team. Ordway plans to attend Kalamazoo Valley Community College in the fall with intentions of transferring to Western Michigan University after two years to study in the medical field. Hailey Walker, daughter of Lois Trantham and Matt Walker. M-66 work set to begin Tuesday M-66 north of Lake Odessa and on the south side of Nashville will be closed Tuesday as'crews begin two major projects. Both projects by the Michigan Department of Transportation require total closure of sec­ tions of the highway through August. Work in Nashville, involving replacement of the bridge at Quaker Brook, is expected to continue through Aug. 2. The official detour for northbound traffic will be M-79 into Hastings then north and east on M-43 back to M-66. Resurfacing of M-66 in Ionia County has an estimated completion date of Aug. 31. The $10 million project will include resurfacing of the highway from M-50 to 1-96, including new concrete curb and gutter, improved drain­ age, new guard rails and culverts. Traffic along that stretch will be directed west on a detour along Jordan Lake Road in Lake Odessa, north to Portland Road and back east to M-66. She participated in the YMCA’s youth mentoring program : and Delton Kellogg’s academic tutoring program. She also was on the sideline and competitive cheer teams and worked as a dietary aide at the Laurels of Bedford Rehabilitation Center. Walker plans to attend Empire Beauty School to study cosmetology. Delton Kellogg raises substitute teacher pay Taylor Owens £1 r The Delton Kellogg Bdard of Education voted to raise substitute teacher from $75 to $85 in a regular meeting Monday to help fill more vacancies. The school had an 84-percent success rate in obtaining substitutes this year. Superintendent Kyle Corlett said Hastings schools pay $85 per day and Thomapple Kellogg schools pay $90. Trustee Robert Houtrow said Delton Kellogg should also raise its pay to $90 because, he pointed out, it costs more to pay staff teachers to fill the absence for the day if they do not obtain a substitute, and abstained from the vote. Trustees Marsha Bassett and Jessica Brandli were absent, but the remaining four board members voted in favor of the motion. Corlett said the change is expected to cost $2,000 annually, and would cost almost another $1,000 to raise the amount to $90. He pointed out that there are a number of factors which lead to a failure to fill vacan­ cies, such as teachers posting substitute requests the night before or morning of the day they are needed, and Delton Kellogg’s rural location. But he said the school has a number of reliable regular substitutes he does not want to lose to other school districts because they pay more. Corlett said the administration and board could review the raise in a year to judge its success and determine if changes need to be made. The raise also will affect half-day and long-term substitute positions. Trustee Kelli Martin said it was the first raise in substitute teacher pay since the early 2000s. Elementary School Principal Karmin Bourdo presented on the new after-school student programs this year. She polled stu­ dents on what they would like for an activity after school every Tuesday and found coding and board games to be popular picks. The school hosted six weeks of coding and six weeks of board games, with at least 30 stu­ dents participating every week. Bourdo also discussed two reading pro­ grams the elementary test piloted in kindergarten through fourth grade to replace the current program which has been in place since 2007. The administration chose to enter nego­ tiations with Houghton Mifflin Harcourt to use the program for six years. It will be pilot­ ed in fifth- through eighth-grade classrooms this fall. Bourdo the program was chosen in large part because the teachers and students had the best experience with the technology and communication with the company. The board appointed trustee Jim McManus to vote for candidates for the Barry Intermediate School District Board. There are two candidates for two seats: Delton Kellogg Food Service Director Sharon Boyle and for­ mer Hastings and Delton Kellogg Superintendent Carl Schoessel. The board voted to accept the BISD gener­ al fund budget after it was presented by BISD Superintendent Rich Franklin. Paraprofessional Bryce Shaner resigned after her husband accepted a job in Wisconsin and JV boys’ basketball coach Jesse Lyons resigned to spend time with his daughter who wili play JV girls’ basketball. In other business, Tim Goggins was appointed a summer school credit recovery teacher. Title One summer school teachers appointed were: Heather Tack, Matraca Tolan, Katie LeBeck, Shasta Waller, Ben Munsell, Sunday Bosworth, Ahsley Stanton, Chelsea Matousek, Kirsten Herpst and coordinator Jennifer Ferguson. The board approved a pilot chemistry class, “Chemistry in the Earth System,” for students who struggle with the mathematic aspects of chemistry, and added marine engines to the small engines curriculum after an engine and parts were donated by area businesses. A budget hearing will take place at 6:45 p.m. June 10, with the regular board meeting to follow at 7 p.m. in the elementary school media center. SUIT, continued from page 1 ings.” The property owners bringing the action against Dull and the drainage district allege that, by his actions, he, in effect, “took pos­ session” of their properties by rendering them uninhabitable without payment of just com­ pensation. Dull, as drain commissioner, is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Watson drainage district, which is connected to Upper Crooked Lake and has a direct impact on it. The drainage district is a corporate body that may sue or be sued, the complaint notes. About 1,085 property owners live in the Watson district and would bear the cost of any court finding for the plaintiffs. The Ritchies’ attorney, Michael Perry at the Fraser Trebilcock law firm in Lansing, in an April 26 email message to Dull’s attorney, Douglas Kelly at Clark Hill PLC in Birmingham, requested that Dull “immediate­ ly commence the eminent domain process under Michigan’s Uniform Condemnation Procedures Act.” “When determining the amount of just compensation, I trust that the Barry County Drain Commissioner will abide by the consti­ tutional obligation to pay 125 percent of the fair market value of the property which com­ prises Mr. and Mrs. Ritchie’s principal resi­ dence,” Perry wrote. According to the complaint, the Ritchies own a residence at 11333 Oak Drive and three parcels nearby or adjacent to that lot. The other residences involved in the complaint are: The Golembiewskis at 11345 S. Oak Drive, the Skenders at 7135 Division Ave., the Boltons at 7105 Division Ave., Mark Nelson at 11430 Peninsular Drive, and Jill Sterling at 11436 Peninsular Drive. According to the determinations of con­ demnation values posted on the Prairieville Township website, One of the Ritchies’ par­ cels was valued at $224,200. For the other properties involved in this complaint, the fol­ lowing values were posted: $171,800 for Bolton, $312,200 for Skender, $219,800 for Golembiewski, $138,600 for Sterling and $197,600 for Nelson. Under the rules governing eminent domain, a good-faith offer of just compensation for the property is made. Then, if one or more of the plaintiffs were to reject that offer, Dull would begin condemnation action and deposit the amount of the good-faith offer, which would be held until the court ordered payment of the escrowed funds to the plaintiffs. The Ritchies and their fellow plaintiffs allege that their flooding problem dates back to 2017 when Dull, as drain commissioner, “ostensibly for the public benefit of the citi­ zens of Barry County, affirmatively changed and altered the drainage pattern of the Watson Drain, by way of replacing the Floria Road culvert, which in turn has resulted in an excessive and uncontrolled increase of the lake level of Upper Crooked Lake.” The complaint notes that the legal lake level, established by the circuit court in 1942, was 922.75 feet above sea level. In 2005, the court re-established the legal lake level at 922.75 feet above sea level and allowed for a 12-inch seasonal variation. On June 23, 2018, the lake was at 927.40 feet above sea level, the complaint states. As of April 29, 2019, the level was 927.5. feet, it notes. “Water is entering Plaintiffs’ homes through their floors,” the plaintiffs’ attorney wrote. “Despite pumping between 90,000 and 130,000 gallons of lake water per day from their home, the Ritchies are unable to stem the continued invasion of their home by water from Upper Crooked Lake. ... “The Golembiewski, Skender, Bolton, Nelson and Sterling plaintiffs have pumped, and continue to pump, thousands of gallons of lake water per day from their properties ... [They] have used multiple tiers of sandbags and pumps in what has proven to be a futile effort to stem the flooding of their proper­ ties.” These residents “have suffered, are suffer­ ing and will continue to suffer real and sub­ stantial harm because they can no longer safely reside in their residences,” the com­ plaint states. Attempts to reach Perry and Kelly for fur­ ther comment were unsuccessful. �Page 4 — Thursday, May 23, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you Iii My Opinion see? Where the geese are going Memorial Day: Reminder of responsibility Looking north on M-43, the barriers at the intersection of Cloverdale Road block the traffic - but not the geese. They’re making themselves at home. To see them in action, go to: https://vimeo. com/335276089 (Photo by Scott Harmsen) We’re dedicating this space to a photograph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news @j-adgraphics .com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? Leaving for duty Banner Oct. 13, 1966 Fathers, mothers, sisters, brothers, sweethearts and friends were on hand Monday to bid “Godspeed” to ,the 30-man contin­ gent that left by chartered bus for Detroit to begin military duty to the nation. They were invited to enjoy a smorgasbord provided by the American Legion and VFW auxiliaries of Hastings and the Freeport VFW Auxiliary as the first “going away” sponsored by the new Barry County Send-Off Association. (The young men included Thomas A. Brill, Danny L. Cheeseman, Clarence H. Cheney, Stephen J. Converse, Steven K. Dunn, Richard W. Feltzer, Thomas J. Gibson, Norman R. Gray, Wilson E. Guernsey Jr., Vance M. Higdon, Daniel E. Hutchings Jr., Daniel M. Javor, Charles C. Johnson, Randy J. Knapp, Dennis R. Krosschell, Ronald J. Larabee, Darwin A. McClelland Jr., Douglas R. Miller, Daniel L. Moon, Michael A. Murphy, David E. Neeson, Larry G. Norris, Allen E. Peters, Edward L. Phillips, David E. Quada Randy H. Raymond, Jerry L. Reese, James H. Rine, Charles S. Reigler Jr., Kenneth N. Rheynard, Robert J. Royer, Charles E. Schleh, William D. Swartz, Dennis R. Timm and Paul R. Visscher. Most of the men were 19. A few were 18, and, at 22, Gray was the old-timer in the group.) Have you met? Norman Barlow has always loved flowers. His mother was a gardener, and by the time he was 6, she had taught him all the Latin names for flowers. Around that same time, he remembers growing strawberries and sell­ ing them and bouquets of freshly cut flowers from his little red wagon, as he pulled it up and down his neighborhood streets in Hastings. In 1954, his parents, Eugene and Norma Barlow, opened their floral business from their home at 1501 S. Jefferson St. They glassed in the front porch of the family home for more space, but eventually had a new building constructed at 1505 S. Jefferson for their business because it grew so fast. Norman Barlow graduated from Hastings High School in 1959 and built his first green­ house, beginning his life’s work with a nurs­ ery and garden center. He began a full-time garden center in 1963 and started studies at Western Michigan University in education, psychology and history. In October 1966, Barlow married Carole Nelson and they had the first of their four children. He opened a flower shop on Main Street in Middleville in 1968. In 1985, they opened Barlow’s Boutique in downtown Hastings. Two years later, the boutique on South Jefferson caught fire. The insurance company did not pay for the dam­ ages, and the Barlows were devastated. “But people came from out of the wood­ work to help us,” Barlow said. “And God was faithful.” With all the assistance, they were able to re-open their business the next day on State Street. Six months later, they moved to their present building at 109 W. State St. In 2010, he received the internationally recognized degree of Certified Floral Designer through Michigan State University. Barlow Florist has now been in business for 65 years. Throughout the years, he has been involved in the community in many ways. He has been president of the Barry County Historical Society, the Hastings Exchange at the Grace Brethren Church was so faithful and obedient to whatever God told him to do. I admire that greatly, and I never even went to church there. Book I’d recommend: The Bible. I espe­ cially love Psalms. Favorite teacher: Ms. Helen Wade, my first-grade teacher. She was so good to me. Person I’d most like to meet: John Wesley, English theologian and evangelist in the Methodist movement. He never gave up, and he loved people fiercely. If I could have any superpower, it would be: I have it - the power of Jesus Christ. What I’d tell a high school graduate: Norm Barlow Club, the chamber of commerce and the Hastings Rotary Club. He has been a board member of Spiritual Care Consultants, First Baptist Church, Living Waters Church and the Michigan Unit of Teleflora. He was ordained as a minister in 2017 and is present­ ly working on ministry training in Forgotten Man Ministries. For his commitment to the community and his positive outlook on life, no matter the circumstances, Norm Barlow is a Banner Bright Light. Favorite Movie: “It’s a Wonderful Life.” At Christmas time, my daughter in the U.P. would call and we would watch it at the same time miles apart. Best advice ever received: My mother told me to always be sure I was right and then go ahead. I still try to live that out. First Job: At 10 years old, I was paid by Pauline Clement to weed her garden. Person I most admire: Rev. Russ Sarver Dream big and go after it. Favorite dinner: Baked chicken. My biggest challenge: Loving people unconditionally. It’s sometimes difficult. The greatest president: John F. Kennedy, because he was not afraid to do what was right. When I grow up, I want to be: As young as I can for as long as I can. I’m most proud of: Our children and “adopted” children. We have taken many children into our home and we are Mom and Dad to a lot of kids who are not our blood. Favorite childhood memory: In 1944, Dad was in the service and Mom and I had our “secret” we indulged in. Even though we didn’t have much, Mom would take me to a streetcar diner in Dowling and we would have hot chocolate together. It’s a great memory. Favorite cartoon character: Snoopy Hobbies: The work I do is my hobby. It’s a great thing to love what you do. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news @j-adgraphics .com. Every war that’s ever fought goes for­ ward with the goal of never having to fight again. That’s why Memorial Day is so import­ ant. It gives us the chance to honor the men and women who gave their lives with that goal in mind. Their lives became a gift to every one of us who lives here today, a sacrifice for our future as a free nation. As we prepare to celebrate this Memorial Day, though, it would appear we may be stepping on the memory of the life sacri­ fice those brave and honorable people made for us. According to 2017 data from the Pentagon, 71 percent or more of Americans between age 17 and 24 are ineligible to serve in today’s United States military, even if they wanted to. Putting it another way, more than 24 million of the 34 mil­ lion people in that age group cannot join the military services due to a lack of edu­ cation, obesity or other problems such as criminal history and drug use. The numbers add up to a squandering of the blessings we’ve been given, physical evidence of our disregard for the men and women who left their jobs, homes and families to ensure our freedom. Even worse, this generation and the generation that raised it has thrown America into a full-blown crisis. “This is not just an Army problem,” retired Lt. Gen. John Bednarek said, “it’s not even a joint problem for all the ser­ vices. This is a national issue tied to the security of the United States of America.” According to the 2017 Pentagon report, titled “Mission: Readiness Group,” “If only 29 percent of the nation’s young adults are qualified to serve, and if this trend continues, it is inevitable that the U.S military will suffer from a lack of man­ power, a manpower shortage in the armed forces that will directly compromise our national security. “Since the U.S. economy continues to grow, the military is competing along with American business and industry for quali­ fied candidates. Unless we help more young people get on the right track today, our future military readiness will be at risk.” The nation is already at risk. When a growing number of young peo­ ple have inadequate education, criminal record issues or obesity and health chal­ lenges, they also can’t - and don’t - fill thousands of jobs across the country. Among the causal factors in the alarming numbers is modem home life. The U.S. Census Bureau indicates there are 11 million single-parent families in America today — all, no doubt, wearily striving to provide the nurturing and indi­ vidual attention all children need. In fami­ lies with children under age 18, the bureau says more than 80 percent of the homes are headed by single mothers. The Pew Research Center reports that fewer than half (46 percent) of U.S. chil­ dren younger than 18 are living in a home with two married heterosexual parents in their first marriage. This is a marked change from 1960 when 73 percent of chil­ dren fit the description of living in a “tra­ ditional” family. One of the largest shifts in families is that 34 percent of children today are living with an unmarried parent, up from just 9 percent in 1960. Growing numbers of children today are living with a grandparent - a statistic that has become more prevalent in recent years. These issues are impacting not just the military and our workforce - they are evi­ dence of a growing failure in families across the country to raise children with the ability to become functioning adults who can finish high school, find a job or enlist in the military. These issues should concern all Americans - especially since our politicians fail to focus on the real problems facing our nation. So, what’s the answer? Education is a fundamental place to start. Eligibility to serve in all branches of the armed forces requires a high school diploma or general equivalency diploma. This qualification ensures that recruits possess the minimum level of education, a basic understanding of written and cogni­ tive skills, and enough “stick-to-itiveness” to complete an organized program. This basic standard already eliminates one in four people between age 17 and 24 because they have neither certification. We need to empower public educators to adopt learning options that fit a stu­ dent’s unique needs - more hands-on and skills-training options that keep students interested in staying in school. The American Institutes for Research suggests we need to focus on smaller class sizes, supportive teacher relationships, engaging curriculum and higher student expecta­ tions with greater ability to customize a child’s education. We also must address the drug epidemic f and, often related, the criminal record of our youth. Use of illegal or recreational drugs or contributing to their distribution can result in various crimes, some of which can even include felonies and mis­ demeanors. In 2016, a third of Americans age 18 to 25 had used marijuana within the past year, and more than 50 percent over their lifetime. The opioid epidemic has now created a public health emergency, yet another societal breakdown to which once again - public officials have failed to provide answers and leadership. Addressing obesity and the lack of physical fitness in this country is another troubling concern, with numbers continu­ ing to move in the wrong direction. By 2020, the obesity rate in America could be S more than 50 percent, which means only two in 10 young people would qualify for 3 the military. Based on recent data from a National Health and Nutrition survey, one in three adults is obese right now, as are one in six children age 2 to 19. In 1956, President Dwight Eisenhower established the President’s Council on ' Youth Fitness in recognition then of a lack of fitness in our country’s youth. Since then, every presidential administration has emphasized the importance of nutrition > standards, physical education classes and t; focusing on healthy families. Today’s ( numbers, however, indicate we’re losing the battle for preparing healthier, educated and focused youth to enter the military or , the work force, which is creating the cur- , rent crisis. ,s Lowering the standards won’t solve the crisis, either - something we’ve come to see too much of in many parts of our soci­ ety and an issue the U.S. Army’s current ) Recruiting Commander Maj. Gen. Jeffrey , Snow recently addressed. (» “We don’t want to sacrifice quality,” Snow said. “If we lower the quality, yes, we might be able to make our mission, but that’s not good for the organization. The . American public has come to expect a;; qualified army that can defend the nation. I don’t think the American public would like us to lower the quality of those joining the ariny if they knew it?s going td impact i our ability to perform the very functions ' > our nation expects us to do.” Snow added that that there could be a c chance to avert the crisis, but he also cau- : tioned that it will take a committed and ', universal effort. j “I don’t think it’s a challenge that we can’t overcome,” Snow said, “yet it will : require persistent engagement at the local, . state and federal level, along with the greater population to come to grips with the seriousness of the situation.” It’s important this weekend that we take *4 the time to celebrate and memorialize the people who fought and gave their lives, but we also need to understand the signifi- t cance of the situation and be willing as a nation to do what’s necessary to change a trend that carries a slow but devastating impact on every one of us. .. “America is a better place because of ’ the service and sacrifices of countless men i and women,” Army Gen. Martin E. j Dempsey said at a 2015 Memorial Day celebration in Washington, D.C. “In Arlington and other cemeteries around the | world, we honor the patriot dreams of ; America’s sons and daughters, those who were willing to fight in every clime and in every place, who were willing to risk and give their lives for our nation’s ideal. “So, on this Memorial Day, let us | remember those who made the ultimate ; sacrifice for this great nation and show that America stands firmly for those who pro- j tect her. Let’s renew and rededicate our- ; selves to the ideas of our nation, its free- ! dom, its responsibility, and its patriot dreams undimmed by human tears.” That great message from Dempsey is j one that should convince every American celebrating Memorial Day of our own responsibilities to do what’s best for the nation. We need to expect more from our young people. We need to be better parents • and grandparents, community leaders and ; communicators. And we need to demand more from our political leaders who seem to cater to our wants rather than to the need to deal with the difficult problems that will ultimately determine what America looks like in the coming years. Happy Memorial Day. Fred Jacobs, CEO,J J-Ad Graphics Inc. J �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 23, 2019 — Page 5 Ingredients of ‘a dream job' I To the editor: i In honor of our seniors graduating, I would ‘like to discuss careers. And, more specifically, ;‘a dream job.’ “ What does that truly mean? Some people may say follow your passion. I Others may say that the two key elements J include easy tasks accompanied by a high J salary. ; Over two decades of research, there has been no conclusion as to what makes a job a I dream job. । But, instead, six key ingredients have been ’found, none of which include income or fol­ lowing your passion. In fact, following your ’passion may lead you astray. ! For example, Steve Jobs was passionate ! about Zen Buddhism before technology. ; So, rather than following your passion, develop a passion by doing work you find enjoyable and meaningful. The key is to get good at something that helps other people. So, the bottom line in finding your dream job is to do something you’re good at; do work that helps others; and do something that makes you feel good. Or, in other words, as former Spectrum Health Pennock President Sheryl Lewis Blake would say: “If you are doing what you love, you will never work a day in your life.” Erin Dalman, Hastings Editor’s note: This item was presented by graduating senior Erin Dalman to the Hastings Rotary Club on May 13, 2019. THE PEN IS MIGHTY GRATEFUL TO THE SWORD Suit against drain commissioner not necessary To the editor: It’s dumb trying to settle things in court. I can be an impartial witness, if needed, ° since Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim ' Dull and I have worked together and I have J done my own research and findings. ’ I went to the Praireville Township meeting last night, hoping I could resurrect the Indian »Lake overflow site, with tile under Milo Road to determine an official court setting as the J official height to Lower Crooked Lake for the June 6 meeting. • I also still believe a settling basin next to ^Indian Lake, in an abandoned gravel pit, could be used to filter water. (I think state Department of Environmental Quality and Gull Lake residents would accept this “clean” water.) Have the court find this to settle the ; suit. This could become a feasible plan, which would then allow a request for state and fed­ eral funds through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Clean Water funds from the federal government to help drainage district residents not foot the bill forever. This is the way nature should.-have com­ pleted the job - if God had asked us, . They also should request that a flood plan be established for Upper Crooked Lake, so people would have to get flood plan insurance so they cannot sue again for building in a flood plain. Charles Krammin, Hastings Board leaves volunteer candidates in limbo « To the editor: ; I have just finished reading the draft min­ utes of the May 14, 2019, Barry County Commissioners meeting. Near the end of that communication, it was noted there was no “unfinished business.” On April 23, 2019, at I the last full meeting of the board, : Commissioner Ben Geiger improperly moved ! to table an item. ’ Robert’s Rules, by which the board deter­ * mines proper parliamentary procedure, does J not recognize such an action as appropriate. ' The action was taken because he believed, ; apparently, that two potential candidates for ; appointment to the Commission on Aging ; were not qualified. Later, on May 14,2019, at • the next regular board meeting, it was decided 'that no “unfinished” business existed. Even though the commissioners were unaware of their improper action, it seems they should have realized there was unfinished business, taken it off the “table” and disposed of the item appropriately. Those two candidates were left in limbo, having no idea if they were to be considered for service; if they should reapply or devote their energies to other public service - possi­ bly to educate the board chairwoman in the niceties of parliamentary procedure - which would be one of those qualifications that should be required of public servants, as stat­ ed in a recent public comment at the most recent meeting. Commissioners move third COA candidate forward Barry County commissioners agreed at their committee of the whole meeting Tuesday to recommend approval of Nelly Shephard to serve on the county Commission on Aging board for a three-year term. The COA board has two vacant seats that expire Dec. 31,2021, and one vacant position that expires Dec. 31 of this year. These vacan­ cies were advertised, and three applicants were interviewed - Gerald Schmiedicke, Catherine Gramze and Nelly Shephard, all of Hastings. But the board postponed filling the seats and re-advertised for more candidates with an application deadline of May 20. Action on the vacancies is now expected at the May 28 board meeting. “The reason I moved to table this is because the Barry County Commission on Aging is a very important board, and we had made a commitment to seeking out the most qualified individuals to serve,” Commissioner Ben Geiger said in a statement at the time, “and right now we don’t have a full slate, so we can’t make a good decision.” The county board is running behind on making these appointments - a process that was further delayed when Geiger made his motion to postpone filling the openings. In other business, the board: • Will be seeking bids on a plan to upgrade the courthouse parking lot for up to $100,000. Commissioners agreed to discuss the project in more detail at their next meeting, when additional drawings and canopy options will be provided. • Members were reminded that Charlton Park Day will take place Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Also, the Charlton Park Steam Engine Show is scheduled again for July. • Heard from Sharon Zebrowski, who asked the commissioners to discuss the purpose of specific county boards and committees and their expectations of committee members. • Rescheduled Tuesday’s meeting with Tim Vandermark on equalization taxable value reports to June 4. Know Your Legislators: Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855­ 347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. Gerald Schmiedicke, Hastings Donate A Boat or Car Today! What do you ’ j j ■ । think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by accessing our website, www.HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the following week. I M Last week: 5 I ! Michigan has the highest auto insurance rates in the country. A plan approved by the state Senate would allow residents to opt out of unlimited medical coverage to reduce rates, as long as they have other health insurance that would cover their medical costs. Do you think that’s a good idea? Yes 83% No 16% The Hastings For this week: The Odessa Township Board recently approved an ordinance to allow windmill farms on an undis­ closed location in a 17,000-acre area across three townships. Some people oppose the project, saying it could harm property values. Tax rev­ enue is estimated at $15 million over the 30-year life of the wind farm. Do you think this project is a good idea? □ Yes □ No Banner "2-Night Free Vacation!” LUNG CANCER« M0-700WAT (2628) www.boafaugel.com \ sponsored by boat angel outreach centers MESOTHELIOMA? STOP CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber ARE YOU AN ASBESTOS VICTIM? Please call us for a FREE consultation Call today 1-800-547-4189 New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 #8110376 & Insured Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Hastings Banner, Inc, The Professional and Personal Choice for A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 Accounting and Tax Services News and press releases: news@J-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@J-adgraphics.com Our knowledge and diverse experience allow us to provide well-crafted Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO •NEWSROOM • Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer Tanett Hodge Taylor Owens Joan Van Houten • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. yet easily-executed solutions. Our team approach provides personal service and attention to detail that our clients can count on. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 Walker. Fluke & Sheldon, jRRBk pit certified public accountants Hastings • Ionia • Richland 269.945.9452 for an appointment today. �Page 6 — Thursday, May 23, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. 4887 Goats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at ’’an old country church.” Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingshopeumc. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children’s ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office. greenstreetumc@gmail.com: Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor; Ryan Rose, Family Life Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH HASTINGS, MI - Mary Jane Hayner, age 78 of Hastings passed away on May 15,2019. Mary Jane was bom on May 15, 1941, the daughter of Duane and Ethel (Stanton) Miller. Mary Jane attended Hastings Area Schools, graduating in 1959, and also completed cos­ metology school. On June 23, 1961, Mary Jane married her high school sweetheart, David Hayner, and they enjoyed 52 years of marriage. They spent their first three years of marriage in California where Dave was in the Marine Corp. They had an interesting life together, experiencing many different places. Mary Jane worked alongside her husband as the owners and operators of Aztec Pawn Shop in New Mexico. They once spent a summer in Seward, Alaska where she volunteered at the Chamber of Commerce. She also worked for 17 years for the Hastings Area Schools in food service. Mary Jane and Dave enjoyed riding their BMW motorcycle, including a trip to Cali­ fornia and back. They also found joy in the opportunity to be lighthouse keepers at Grand Traverse Lighthouse. Her greatest love in life were her grandchildren and great-grandchil­ dren. Mary Jane was preceded in death by her loving husband, David Hayner; her parents, Duane and Ethal Miller; sister, Shirley, and brothers, Raymond and Terry Miller. Mary is survived by her daughter, Tammy (Jim) Markle and her son, Damien Jadian; three grandchildren, Amanda (Isaac) Smith, Tom (Chrissie) Williams, and Kristin (Ryan) Argo, and eight great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life will be held Sat­ urday, May 25, 2019 at the Grace Lutheran Church, 239 E North St, Hastings, at 11 a.m., with a visitation one-hour prior. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachftmeralhome.net. Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings. org. 9 a.m. Traditional Service; 10:30 a.m. Contem­ porary service. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945­ 9217. cbchastings.org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www. hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Associate Pastor Andy Baird and Stu­ dent Ministry Director, Emma Miller. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAMILY HOUR - WELCOME! ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Preschool age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Stan­ dard and Adult Elective class­ es. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church age 4-4th grade dismissed during service. Aftermath Student Ministry - 6:30 p.m., 7th- 12th grades & Semester Growth Groups.. Wednesday: Wom­ en's Bible Study 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday: Adult Bible Study 10 a.m. The Incredible Race Vacation Bible School, Wednesday & Thursday, June 12th & 13th from 9 a.m.-l:15 p.m. for children age 4 thru 6th grade. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God's Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! May 26 - Services at 8 and 10:45 a.m. May 27 - Office Closed. Memorial Day. May 28 - Summer Office Hours Begin. Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@gracehastings.org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945­ 9414 or 945-2645, fax 269­ 945-2698. www.gracehastings.org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran ChurchELCA Hastings. 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, _ _ _ _ _ _ the churches and these local businesses' _ J GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Graphics p"ducte AMMIlESlIfflBtF HatUaeTtxfc&Equtpasa^ 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 HASTINGS, MI - Linda K. Greenfield, age 72, of Hastings, peacefully passed away sur­ rounded by her family on May 21, 2019. Linda was bom on September 5, 1946 in Hudson, the only child of Jim and Virginia Jensen. On August 14, 1965 she married the love of her life, Ken Greenfield. In 1966 she fell in love again, with the arrival of her son, Brandon. Growing up, Linda spent years in dance classes and performed many types of dance. She had fond memories of the years she spent at the Hastings Airport when her father was the manager. She looked forward to the annu­ al Dawn Patrol when small planes would fly in from surrounding areas. A graduate of Hastings High School, Linda worked several years as a waitress at Pleasant Point Restaurant. She went on to work for the Hastings Area Schools as a bus driver for 28 years. She took great pride in her years driv­ ing students to school, sporting events and field trips. Linda had many hobbies including garden­ ing, all types of crafting, outdoor sports, com­ petitive archery, decorating, bird watching along with being a Tigers and NASCAR fan. She loved to travel and took many vacations with Ken including adventures to Alaska, Ha­ waii, the Caribbean and Churchill, Canada to see polar bears in the wild. Her favorite trips included anywhere there was a sunny beach. Her greatest enjoyment came from spending time with her family and she relished in being Grandma Linda to her grandsons, Lucas and Cole. In her early 60s Linda experienced a stroke that changed many things in her life, but she continued to face life and its challenges. Ken, her constant companion and caregiver, made sure she had access to all the things she loved; her family, friends, the great outdoors, out­ ings and most of all, comfort. When words escaped her, her legendary variety of facial expressions said it all. Her lasting example of compassion, acceptance and perseverance will live on. Linda was preceded in death by her par­ ents, Jim and Virginia Jensen and her beloved in-laws, Pat and Mauri Greenfield. She is survived by her husband, Ken; her son, Brandon (Tiffany) Greenfield of Hast­ ings; grandsons Lucas and Cole; aunt and uncle, Norma and Clare Root of Morenci; brother-in-law, Gene (Sandy) Greenfield and sister-inlaw, Jody (Stan) Stockham; many nieces, nephews and cousins. She is also survived by dear friends, Larry, Peggy and Frankie Taylor and Missy Baker, who rode her bus as a child and built a relationship over the years, never forgetting to call “Mrs. Greenfield” on her birthday and Christmas. The super heroes in Linda’s life, were the physical therapists, nurses, doctors and med­ ical staff who treated her with respect and compassion year after year. The staff at Spec­ trum Health Pennock brought peace and com­ fort to Linda and her family during her final journey, for which they are forever grateful. In lieu of flowers, it is requested donations be made in honor of Linda to The Barry Com­ munity Foundation to either the Hastings Ed­ ucation Enrichment Foundation Fund or the Thomapple Manor Fund. Visitation was Wednesday,May 29, 2019, with a memorial service that followed at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway Street, Hastings, MI 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541 Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. Elton_____________________ Decker ________________ । LYNDON, KS - Elton Decker, age 86, ’ passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2019 at J his home near Lyndon, KS. He was bom on January 27, 1933 in Vermontville Township, MI, the son of Ard and Ina Hamilton Deck- hI er. Elton grew up in Michigan and had lived ... in Haven, KS before moving to rural Lyndon in 1967. Elton served four years in the United States Air Force after high school. He then served in the Kansas Air National Guard at Forbes Field in Topeka until his retirement in 1993 at the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. He was* a bus driver for the Lyndon School District for 17 year. He was one of the initial orga- ! nizers of the Osage County Recycling Center. Elton was a member of the Lyndon Ameri­ can Legion Post #125, the National Guard j Chiefs Group, life member of the Kansas Air National Guard Museum, National Associa­ tion of Retired Federal Employees, member : of the Sunflower Steppers, Osage Oranges Camping Group, Kansas Bluegrass Associa- ~ tion, Kansas Honey Producers, the Northeast Kansas Bee Keepers Association, volunteer for the Red Cross and served on the Vassar Water Board. On November 25, 1954, Elton was married to Cherie Gennett in Clay Center, KS. Cherie preceded him in death on June 11, 2010. El­ ton married Mickey Brewer in 2013. Elton was also preceded in death by is pafipO ents, Ard and Ina; and his stepmother, Iza £ Decker. Elton is survived by his four children, Terry . Herdlicka of Humble, TX, Danny Decker and Andrew Decker, both of Lyndon and Dana McNabb of San Diego, CA; his brother, Lar­ ry Decker of Nashville, MI; eight grandchil­ dren, and 13 great-grandchildren. Funeral services for Elton will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, May 24, 2019 at the Feltner Funeral Chapel in Lyndon, KS. Burial will be in the Vassar Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until service time. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kansas National Guard Museum or to Lyn,- . don High School (for the Honor Flight Pro- K gram), sent in care of Feltner Funeral Home, 818 Topeka Avenue, Lyndon, KS. 66451. On- . ■ line condolences for the family may be left at , feltnerfuneralhome.com. ' fOH 6 SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Agency honors, supports military members Vonda Van Til Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Every year, on Memorial Day, the nation honors service members who have given their lives for our freedom. Social Security acknowledges the sacrifice of our military’s service members, and we honor these heroes and their families who may need help through the benefits we provide. Widows, widowers and their dependent children may be eligible for Social Security survivors benefits. You can learn more about those benefits at Social Security.gov/survivors. It’s also important to recognize those ser­ vice members who have been wounded. Social Security offers benefits to protect vet­ erans when an injury prevents them from returning to active duty or performing other work. Wounded military service members also can receive expedited processing of their Social Security disability claims. For exam­ ple, Social Security will expedite disability claims filed by veterans who have a 100 per­ cent permanent and total compensation rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Both the VA and Social Security have disabil­ ity programs. You may find that you qualify for disability benefits through one program but not the other, or that you qualify for both. Depending on the situation, some family members of military personnel, including dependent children, and, in some cases, spouses, may be eligible to receive Social Security benefits. You can get answers to commonly asked questions and find useful information about the application process at A Social Security.gov/woundedwarriors. . Service members also can receive Social * Security in addition to military retiremeilt benefits. The good news is that your military retirement benefit generally does not reduce' your Social Security retirement benefit. Learn more about Social Security retirement bene­ fits at Social Security.gov/retirement. Thfe •: Military Service page of our Retirement ^Planner is available at Social Security.gov/planners/retire/veterans .html. »n/s You also may want to share this informa­ tion with a military family who might not* know about these benefits. In acknowledg­ ment of those heroes who died for our coun- hE try, those who served, and those who serve today, we at Social Security honor and thank J you. E Vonda Van Til is the public affairs special-1 * ist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email to vonda .vantil @ ssa .gov. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads jf isr.-rf HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD Mary Jane Hayner « CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) Linda K. Greenfield dkr•« « ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 23, 2019 — Page 7 ALMA. COLLEGE ALIM lA COLLEGE ----------------------- Norman Boomer to celebrate 90th birthday Hastings resident given award at Alma Erin Goggins of Hastings recently received the Alma College Outstanding Community Engagement Award. She was one of nine students nominated for the award by campus organizations. Portland resident Kennedy Hilley, a graduate of Lakewood High School, was among the finalists. Goggins is pictured with President Jeff Abernathy. (Photo provided) j/ewbom babies at Butterworth Hospital on April 15, 2019 to Ashley Elzinga and Jeremy Marble of Lowell. Weighing 8 lbs. 9 ozs. and 20.5 inches long. Welcomed hortie by big sister Scarlett, age 2. Proud grandparents are Steven and Sharon Elzinga of Hastings and Chuck and Janet Marble of Hastings. Isla Kay Marble, bom Harrises to celebrate golden anniversary Ronald and Beverly Harris will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary on Friday, May 31, 2019. They were united in marriage on May 31, 1969 in Lansing, Mich. Their children include: Melissa (Harris) and Shawn Bain of Lansing, Mich., Ronald and Kim (Prindle) Harris of Nashville, Mich., John and Sarah (Murphy) Harris of Nashville, Mich., Amanda Harris of Nashville, Mich., Christina Harris and Charlie Stevens of Shelbyville, Mich. They have 11 grandchildren, four great­ grandchildren. There will be a private reception hosted by their children. at Spectrum Health Pennock on May 6, 2019 to Colleen Anne Shellenbarger and Tyler James Arata of Hastings. Health Pennock on May 6, 2019 to Nicole Marie Ricketts and Richard Lee Weitzel of Hastings. " 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-3252 • www.girrbachfuneralhome. Dale Billingsley Owner/Manager Ann Marie Hartman, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on May 6, 2019 to Shpylynti Krebs and William Lee Hlrtman of Freeport. Paisly J Ray Girrbach Owner Emeritus Specifications and additional information may be obtained at the Road Commission Office at the above address or at our website www.barrycrc.org. NOTE: Truck has approximately 30,000 miles and will continue to be driven until sold. (1) 2018 GMC % ton Crew Cab SLE Pickup 4WD Duramax Diesel, Allison Transmission Air, Cruise, PW & Locks, Keyless remote, Heated mirrors Stormie Barbara Jean Ramos, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on May 8, 2019 to Kasandra Carol Morgan and Flavio Ramos Jr. of Nashville. Lynden Case, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on May 11, 2019 to Alexi Knapper and Hayden Case of Delton. HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Chad Allan Phelps, Delton and Crystal Marie Hoffman, Delton Hannah Marie Swehla, Woodland and Austin Gregory Duits, Woodland Joshua Allen Wymer, Middleville and Mackenzie Leigh Craymer, Middleville NJelany Jordyn Schwab, Hastings and Cody Robert Redman, Hastings Douglas John Meisel Jr., Plainwell and Jacqueline Marie Wood, Plainwell Adam Charles Cogswell, Nashville and Katjiryn Frances Esther Rose Edwards, Nashville Jesse Adam Gunnell, Hastings and Sarah Ann Okamoto, Hastings Michelle Michael Bonarski, Battle Creek and.Kirstian Leon Myers, Battle Creek Scott Lincoln Ruby, Noblesville, IN and Emily Susan Paxton, Indianapolis, IN Cameron Lamar Hall, Elkhart, IN and Sara Alice Lyvers, Elkhart, IN Rebecca Josephine Allen, Hastings and Micah Allen Reed, Hastings. a. Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry County Road Commission, 1725 West M-43 Highway, RO. Box 158, Hastings, Ml 49058, until 10:30 AM, Tuesday, May 28, 2019 for the following items. Alessandra Rose Santana, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on May 3,2019 to Cassandra Wolf and Tony Santana of Barry County. ax Family OWHCd aild Operated The Barry County Road Commission is offering for sale: (1) 2018 GMC % ton Crew Cab SLE pickup. Damon Marfin James Arata, bom Health Pennock on April 26, 2019 to Emily Flessner and Jeremy Flessner of Woodland. '' -J • Traditional and Cremation Services • Pre-Planning Services 9 Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible • Serving All Faiths * Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted NOTICE TO BIDDERS 98 BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION Pennock on May 6,2019 to Lakota Markham and Gage Crane of Battle Creek. Jaxon Otto Weitzel, bom at Spectrum "R /i Alice Hause is turning 90 on May 23 2019. She was bom and raised in South Haven. She was married to Clarence Hause for 67 years. She worked many years at Hastings Manufacturing retiring in 1988. If you see Alice please wish her a Happy Birthday. Serving Hastings, Barry County and Surrounding Communities for SO years Amelia Crane, born at Spectrum Health Brenlee Hope Flessner, bom at Spectrum Norman Boomer will be celebrating 90 years on May 28, 2019. He waas bom May 28,1929. If you would like to send Norm a card to celebrate his birthday, his address is 5265 E. M-79, Nashville, MI 49073. Alice Hause to turn 90 Thursday, May 23 - Baby Cafe, 10 a.m.noon; Movie Memories group watches 1954 film starring Robert Mitchum, Marilyn Monroe and Rory Calhoun, 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, May 24 - preschool story time, 10:30-11 a.m. Monday, May 27 - library closed for Memorial Day. Tuesday, May 28 - toddler story time, 10:30-11 a.m.; mahjong, 5:30-7:30; chess club, 6-7:30; genealogy club, 6-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 29 - attorney general’s consumer education program on online safety, 6:30-7:30 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. Leona Smith to celebrate 98th birthday Leona Smith, of Middleville, will be celebrating her 98th birthday on May 29, 2019. She was born May 29,1921. A card shower would be appreciated in her honor and may be sent to Leona Smith, Thornapple Manor/The Cottages #708, 2580 Nashville Rd., Hastings, MI 49058. No gifts please. 1-Summit White Truck # 700010- Orange Title Minimum Bid $41,000 The board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive irregularities in the best interest of the Commission. Note: This truck does have an orange title - this is a Municipal Titles not a Salvage Title. BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ORDINANCE ADOPTION TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the following is a summary of an Ordinance which was adopted by the Township Board of Baltimore Township at regular meeting held on May 14,2019. ORDINANCE TO AMEND BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP MEDICAL MARIHUANA FACILITES ORDINANCE (2017-2) David Makley celebrates 80th birthday David Makley, of Woodland, turned 80 on May 22, 2019. He was bom May 22, 1939. A card shower would be appreciated in his honor. Cards may sent to 6120 E. Carlton Center Rd., Woodland. See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. | J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS i 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits SECTION I. AMENDMENT OF SECTION III OF MEDICAL MARIHUANA FACILTIIES ORDINANCE. Subsection 1(a) is amended to authorize not more than a total of 4 growers in the Township. All other parts of Section III remain unchanged. SECTION II. severable. SEVERABILITY. The provisions of this Ordinance are SECTION III. REPEAL. This section provides that all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this Ordinance are repealed. SECTION IV. publication. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance is effective upon PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the full text of the Ordinance has been posted in the office of the Baltimore Township Clerk at the address set forth below and that copies of this Ordinance may be purchased or inspected at the office of the Baltimore Township Clerk during regular business hours of regular working days following the date of this publication. , Penelope Ypma, Clerk BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP 3100 E. Dowling Road Hastings, MI 49058 (269) 721-3502 119526 �" .............. ' ' ' 1 ! . ' Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD JONES .................. ................... " ....... ...................... Elaine Garlock The annual tribute to veterans will begin at 7 p.m. tonight at the Lake Odessa Area Historical Society meeting. Veterans being memorialized tonight are Laverne Demeray and Olin Luther, both casualties in World War I. In 1920, a joint funeral was held for them. An army transport truck was used for bearing their caskets from Central Methodist Episcopal Church to Lakeside Cemetery. The public is invited to this annual event. Members of both families are expected to attend. Military uniforms and other souvenirs from wars past will be on display through Monday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday; 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday; and noon to 5 p.m. Monday following the service at Lakeside Cemetery. Cemetery flags honoring those who served their country in time of war were placed May 11. A scout unit comprised of boys and girls assisted members of the VFW post in placing the flags. The Habitat for Humanity house is progressing. Porch posts replacing planks are in place as is a permanent front door. Workmen are on the job every day. The Tri-River Museum group met at the Averill Museum in Ada Tuesday. The visiting group was happy to see for the first time the addition to its museum which includes meeting room complete with projection equipment, shades, shelves and more. The addition makes it possible for them to rearrange all their exhibits into different rooms and make other improvements. At least 36 people attended. The next meeting will be at the Welch museum in Sunfield. The July gathering will be at Outreach Christian Church north of Lake Odessa with the annual catered lunch and an entertaining program. ............ ...... ...... .... . ................. ORDINANCE PROHIBITING MARIHUANA ESTABLISHMENTS Ordinance No. 2019-01 At a meeting of the Hastings Charter Township Board, Barry County, Michigan, held at the Township Hall on May 14, 2019, at 7:00 p.m., Board Member William Wetzel moved to introduce the following Ordinance for first reading, posting, and publication prior to subsequent final adoption, which motion was seconded by Board Member James Partridge: An Ordinance to prohibit marihuana establishments within the boundaries of Hastings Charter Township pursuant to the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, Initiated Law 1 of 2018, as amended. HASTINGS CHARTER TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDAINS: SECTION 1: TITLE. This Ordinance shall be known as and may be cited as the Hastings Charter Township Prohibition of Marihuana Establishments Ordinance. SECTION 2: DEFINITIONS. Words used within this Ordinance shall be con­ strued to have the same meaning as provided in the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, Initiated Law 1 of 2018, as amended, MCL 333.27951 et seq. SECTION 3: NO MARIHUANA ESTABLISHMENTS. All marihuana establish­ ments are prohibited within the boundaries of Hastings Charter Township pursu­ ant to the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, Initiated Law 1 of 2018, as amended. SECTION 4: VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES. 1. Any person who disobeys, neglects, or refuses to comply with any provision of this Ordinance, or who causes, allows, or consents to any of the same shall be deemed to be responsible for a violation of this Ordinance. A violation of this Ordinance is deemed a nuisance per se. 2. A violation of this Ordinance is a municipal civil infraction, punishable by a fine of $5,000.00, along with any costs, direct or indirect expenses, or attorney’s fees that the Township incurs in connection with that infraction. In addition, the Township may seek injunctive relief against persons alleged to be in violation of this Ordinance and any other relief available at law or equity. 3. Each day during which any violation continues shall be deemed a separate offense. 4. This Ordinance shall be administered and enforced by such person (s) as designated by the Township Board from time to time. SECTION 5: SEVERABILITY. The provisions of this Ordinance are hereby declared to be severable. If any clause, sentence, word, section, or provision is hereafter declared void or unenforceable for any reason by a court of competent jurisdiction, it shall not affect the remainder of such Ordinance which shall con­ tinue in full force and effect. SECTION 6: REPEAL. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. Local residents are invited to celebrate the official kick-off to summer at the 13th annual Charlton Park Day Saturday, May 25, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. “In celebration of Irving Charlton’s legacy and all our supporters in Barry County, we will be celebrating the park’s 83rd year with activities and displays all around the village, along with crafts, and treats,” park director Dan Patton said. “Watch master craftsmen in action in the blacksmith shop and fiber spin­ ning in the township hall. Sample cookies and bread baked on a wood stove in the Sixberry House and the Bristol Inn. Popcorn and balloons, courtesy of the Hastings Rotary Club and Charlton Park Village Foundation, will be available outside of the Upjohn House. The steam-driven sawmill will be in opera­ tion, he said, and the 1885 Westinghouse Steam traction engine may make a couple of rounds. Cowboy Tommy and His Fancy Roping Tricks will be featured at 12:45 p.m. The park’s trams will take guests on rides around the park between noon and 2:30 p.m. Barry County’s Central Dispatch, Transit, road commission, Commission on Aging, Mid-Michigan Color Guard and others will be attending with goodies and information. Fingerprinting for children will be provided by the sheriff’s posse. WBCH 100.1 FM will host a live remote broadcast, as well. Representatives from the Michigan Longbow Association, Civil War re-enact­ ment, Barry County Youth Day and Charlton Park Gas and Steam Engine Club will pro­ mote upcoming park events. The mission of Charlton Park Day is to honor Barry County residents who have sup­ ported the park for the past 83 years. “Thanks to generous community members and local businesses, the entire day is free to everyone,” Patton said. “Stop by for lunch and bring your appetite.” Free grilled hot-dogs, chips, ice cream and bottled water will be provided to all visitors while supplies last. “The park is now open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, so stop by to swim, boat, picnic or hike today,” Patton said. Historic Charlton Park is southeast of Hastings at 2545 S. Charlton Park Road. Additional information is available online at charltonpark.org or by calling 269-945-3775. ■ . ....... . ......... ......... . ■ ........ . . .......... . ........ .................. . . , STOCKS The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. Apple Inc. AT&T Chemical Fin Chevron Deere & Co. Exxon Mobil Flowserve CP Ford Motor Co. General Electric Co. General Motors Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP Perrigo Co. Pfizer Inc. Spartannash Comp Stryker TCF Financial Corp. Walmart Inc. Walt Disney Co Whirl Pool Corp Gold Silver Dow Jones 186.60 32.41 41.52 121.34 138.89 76.25 50.63 10.24 9.96 37.13 191.45 138.12 56.54 126.90 48.79 41.67 13.88 185.45 20.94 101.12 134.09 132.50 -2.06 +1.32 -.21 -.30 -8.22 +.44 +148 unchngck -.3$ +.09 -•11 +1.3(N -.631 +2.17 +.09, +1.01 -1.74' +1.27. +-1(S +.83v +M_ +3.42t- $1,274.68 $14.49 25,877 -$22.50' -.36 +345,,- it! Seeds and seasonal sense Dr. Universe: How do plants know when it’s spring? Hannah, 3 Dear Hannah, When we see little green plants sprouting up from the soil, it is indeed a sign that spring has arrived. To find out how they know to grow, or germinate, I asked my friend Camille Steber. In her U.S. Department of Agriculture lab at Washington State University, she stud­ ies the source of almost all plants: Seeds. A seed holds pretty much all the informa­ tion a plant needs to know how to grow. The shell that holds all the seed parts inside even contains food for the plant. But the seed is very dry and needs to sense clues from out­ side to know when to germinate at the right time. You may have heard that some living things go dormant or hibernate in the winter, grizzly bears and some kinds of frogs, for example. They stay dormant to save energy and survive the season. Seeds can go dormant, too — and they can’t germinate until spring. For a seed to know when it’s the right time, it first has to experience a cold and wet season. In the winter and fall, rain and snow pro­ vide a lot of water for the seed. Maple tree seeds, for example, need to experience a couple of months of cold weather before they are ready to germinate. A change in temperature is one signal that helps plants know when to grow. As plants sense temperatures rising, they release a combination of chemicals called hormones. The hormones help tell the seed to start producing different parts, such as 2 roots, stems and leaves. ,,, The length of the day is another way plant knows when to grow. Just like youq eyes have receptors that can sense light an$. help you see, plants also can sense light. ) j As Earth travels around the sun in its. orbit, the length of days and nights changes^ from season to season. Plants can sens^ when the days are shorter in the winter. They also can sense when days are longer in the. spring and many begin to grow. There are some exceptions, though. The Christmas cactus, a plant that comes fro% rainforests in Brazil, flowers when days aye* short and nights are long. The ability to bloom in winter when days are shorter helps them keep from flowering when it is too hot. You can persuade the cactus grow by putting it in a dark closet. A plant’s ability to sense these changes in temperature and daylight has to do with its genetic code, or DNA. DNA tells your hair and eyes to be a certain color — or when to have a growth spurt. Just as your genetic code is different from your friends’, a daffo­ dil, a tulip, or a daisy are also different. One of the first flowers to bloom in the spring where I live is the crocus. It’s a bell­ shaped flower that comes in yellows and purples. What flowers are popping up in your neighborhood? Tell us about it at Dr. Universe @ wsu .edu. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. PUBLIC NOTICE OF HERBICIDE APPLICATION The Daltons Inc., its main office at 8857 N. Syracuse-Webster Rd., Syra­ cuse, IN 46567, has been contracted by Barry County Road Commission to perform custom chemical vegetation control maintenance services at designated roadside guardrail locations throughout the county. In doing so, they will be broadcast applying the following EPA-registered materials: Bayer Esplanade 200SC (Indaziflam), Bayer Method 240SL (Aminocyclopyrachlor), Alligare Imazapyr 4SL, and Alligare Glyphosate 5.4. Do not enter or allow entry into treated areas until sprays have dried. Gall 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads 119681 , .................... .................................. ....... . If you want to help pay for your children’s some tax breaks for state residents. (The tax college educations, you might want to consid­ issues for 529 plans can be complex, so you’ll er contributing to a 529 plan. With this plan, want to consult with your tax advisor about your earnings grow federally tax-free, as long your situation.) Investing in your own state’s as the withdrawals are used for qualified plan also might provide access to financial aid higher education expenses such as tuition and and scholarship funds, along with possible room and board. Yet, you may have heard protection from creditors. some things about 529 plans that are keeping • “A 529 plan will destroy my child’s you from investing in one. However, these chances for financial aid. ” While a 529 plan concerns may be more myth than reality - so could affect your child’s financial aid pros­ let’s take a look at a few of them. pects, it might not doom them. And the bene­ • “I need a lot of money to contribute to the fits of building significant assets in a 529 plan plan. ” This myth has essentially no truth to it. could outweigh the potential loss of some Typically, only a modest amount is required needs-based financial aid. to open your 529 plan, and you can generally Before investing in a 529 plan, you’ll want transfer small sums to it from your checking to explore it thoroughly, as you would any or savings account. investment. You can find details about a 529 • “If my child doesn 7 go to college, I lose plan’s investment options, share classes, fees, out on the money I’ve put in. ” expenses, risks and other information in the This myth runs counter to one of the 529 plan’s program description or offering state­ plan’s greatest benefits: flexibility. If you’ve ment, which you should read carefully before named one child (or grandchild) as a benefi­ making any purchasing decisions. ciary of a 529 plan, and that child or grand­ But, in any case, don’t let “myths” scare child decides against pursuing higher educa­ you off from what could be one of your best tion, you can simply change the beneficiary to college-savings vehicles. another eligible family member. Furthermore, Edward Jones, its financial advisors and if none of your intended beneficiaries will employees cannot provide tax or legal advice. need the 529 plan, you can name yourself the This article was written by Edward Jones beneficiary and use the money to take classes for use by your local Edward Jones Financial or receive some other type of qualified educa­ Advisor. If you have any questions, contact tion opportunity. In a worst-case scenario, in Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. which the money is never used for education, you will be taxed on the earnings portion of the withdrawals - but had you never contrib­ uted to a 529 plan, the funds would have been taxed, anyway. (However, you might be sub­ ject to a 10% penalty tax, in addition to regu­ lar income taxes, again on the earnings por­ tion of the withdrawals.) • “I have to invest in my own state’s plan. ” Not true. You’re free to invest in the 529 plan of any state, no matter where you live. But it could be advantageous for you to invest in your own state’s plan, as you might receive SECTION 7: EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall take effect 30 days after notice of its adoption is published in a local newspaper. Published by Order of the Township Board Hastings Charter Township, Barry County, Michigan Anita Mennell, Hastings Charter Township Clerk 269-948-9690 ..................................... ...... Take a closer look at myths surrounding 529 plans Charlton Park Day kicks off season with free fun HASTINGS CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN . ......... . This application will be completed by licensed applicators employed by The Daltons Inc., during the months of May and/or June. Additional information may be requested by contacting Lex Dalton or Derek Dalton at 574-267-7511 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 23, 2019 — Page 9 fl look back at the stories and columns on local history In the Hastings Banner TURNING BACK THE PAGES . Cooks gave history lesson behind Banners origins May marks the anniversary of the first Bgnner to hit the streets; the 163rd milestone passed quietly earlier this month. J The 100th year was marked by a four-sec­ tion recollection of the first 10 decades. Brothers Marshall L. and William R. Cook looked back on the early days for the centen­ nial edition's “Banner Begins Life in Exciting Year" and “A Brief History of the Banner's First 10 Decades" published May 3,1956: L Slavery Question Rises to Inflame Civil War Danger The year 1856 was an exciting time for a newspaper to be born. America was laying the groundwork for a rapid westward expansion. Slavery presented an issue that seemed to defy orderly political solution. ; President Franklin Pierce was completing his last year in office. Plans for a transconti­ nental railroad and the opening of the vast Northwest Territory for settlement held top priority in the domestic policies of his admin­ istration. Three years earlier, the United States had acquired 50,000 square miles of territory (fcnown as the Gladsden Purchase) to help Secure a southerly route to California through the lowest mountain passes. The purchase price was $10,000. t ' To encourage migration to the Northwest = and to assist the project of a central route to The Pacific, the Kansas-Nebraska bill was •enacted in 1854 with the president’s sanction. i This bill was in line with policy regarding ^westward expansion. At the same time, it ^effectively nullified the uneasy truce regard|ilg the expansion of slavery into new territo­ ries that had been in effect since the Missouri ;Compromise of 1820. Two new areas, Kansas ?<£nd Nebraska, covered by this compromise j Were now to be opened for settlement with the ; question of slavery to be settled by popular vote. This was like throwing kerosene on the ^smoldering embers of a fire. I Civil war virus spreads I ‘So, by 1856, many acts of violence had occurred along the Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska borders that aroused anger and hatred on both sides of the Mason-Dixon line. The virus of civil war was spreading. The breakdown of the Missouri Compromise in 1854 also sounded the death knell of the old Whig party, with its odd assortment of pro-slavery and anti-slavery elements. But even as the old Whig organization was break­ ing apart, a new party, the Republican party, was developing rapidly in the Northern states. Members of this party held their first conven­ tion in Jackson July 6,1854. All who opposed the extension of slavery were welcome. The new party set out to make itself heard throughout the land and sought to establish newspapers sympathetic to the Republican point of view. In line with this policy, a group of Republicans established the Hastings Republican Banner with Dr. Charles S. Burton as editor, to compete with the Barry County Pioneer, a Democratic party journal that had begun publication here in 1851. So, evidence indicates that local conditions had little to do with the establishment of the Banner in Hastings. It did not come in response to a demand from potential subscrib­ ers for more local news or at the request of Barry County merchants for a new advertising medium, although the backers of the Banner hoped to win support from both sources and thus keep their venture in the black. Actually, it was the pressure of national events centered far away from the quiet for­ ests and placid lakes of Michigan that brought a new four-page weekly to the little back­ woods county-seat village of Hastings. The same 1956 centennial edition had a lengthy article entitled “A Brief History of the Banner's First 10 Decades." Barry County, despite its comparative iso­ lation from the outside world, was caught in the back-swirl of raging issues that were push­ ing this young nation straight toward civil war. Newspapers followed the pioneers into the new villages and settlements of Michigan, Main Street Hastings in the 1850s - Pictured is a portion of State Street as it appeared in the late 1850s. the frame house stood on the site of the present [1956] Roth and Sons Company, 117 W. State. Driving the buggy was Henry Hoyt of Kalamazoo. Standing second from left is Dr. William Upjohn, pioneer doctor here, whose nephew (of the same name) founded the Upjohn Company, of Kalamazoo. The man in the plug hat was Alvin Bailey, pioneer sawmill operator. The dam of the pony shown was one upon which Mrs. “Yankee Bill” Lewis rode into Barry County. usually to support a political point of view. C.S. Burton and Co. were listed as the pro­ prietors of the Republican Banner, which first appeared here May 1, 1856, with Dr. C.S. Burton as publisher and Norman Bailey as editor. It is possible that the “and Co.” consist­ ed of John W. Stebbins, Samuel T. McNair, Hiram Greenfield and J.S. Van Brunt, who, along with Burton, were members of the Hastings Republican committee. The publication office was on the second floor of the Rower Block, whose address was given as “comer of State and Church” - which corner was not specified. Dr. C.S. Burton was the first homeopathic physician in Hastings. (His son, Clarence M. Burton, who graduated from the school here and later from the University of Michigan, was proprietor of the Wayne County abstract office and a recog­ nized authority in the title and abstract field. A noted Michigan historian, his collection of source material on Michigan history. The Burton Historical Collection is housed in the Detroit Public Library.) No copies of the first three issues of the Banner were saved. The old file of “Volume I” that has been preserved carefully through the years begins with issue No. 4, published May 22,1856. Makeup on the first issue of the Banner corresponded with a pattern typical of most local journals then published. Page 1 con­ tained a few columns of advertising, fiction, (often a continued story) and short features of no particular news value. Page 1 was the “lit­ erary” page. Page 2 contained the editorial barbs along with state news, political articles, Washington items and news of the national and territorial governments. Page 3 contained a few items of local news sandwiched between columns of advertising and news of Great Britain and Europe. Page 3 was the local and foreign page - a quaint combination. Page 4 usually was fairly solid with advertising and as such [was] the editor’s “bread and butter page.” This general style was followed in most village weekly publications for several decades. Locally, it was the pattern until the early 1880s. Several changes in ownership and manage­ ment occurred during the first two years of publication. This may have been because the businessmen backing the publication found more profitable investment opportunities for their limited capital and were willing for oth­ ers to take their turn in sharing the burden. Since subscriptions were often paid for in produce, and money was scarce, these local journals had a difficult struggle to keep out of the red. The 1956 article on the Banner’s history was extensive, enough to fill this column for a couple of weeks, and maybe it can be contin­ ued in a future issue. Though the above para­ graph may have been a better place to stop, the following paragraph may be of interest to anyone who remembers State Street business­ es in the late 1900s. The Cooks, in a paren­ thetical comment, were able to connect a business in 1856 to a business in 1956: With no word or explanation, the Dec. 11 issue of 1856 listed R.J. Grant and Co. as proprietors (RJ. Grant was a pioneer mer­ chant here whose son operated a men’s cloth­ ing store that successively became Grant and Chidester, Chidester’s Clothing Store, Hiler and Baird’s, Baird’s Clothing, and finally Cleveland’s) with A. E. Willis publisher and George Mills editor. NOTICE OF BUBBLER ORDINANCE ADOPTION ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY. MICHIGAN On May 14, 2019, the Township Board for Orangeville Township adopted anew Ordinance that will be applicable on Gun Lake within Orangeville Township called the “Orangeville Township Bubbler Ordinance.” A summary of that new Ordi­ nance is as follows: Section 1 - TITLE The Ordinance shall be known and may be cited as the “Orangeville Township Bubbler Ordinance.” Hastings Charter Township Section 2- LEGISLATIVE FINDINGS; PURPOSE HIRING Ilf Library Board Representatives (z) u HOPE^f network r Barry County Volunteer Transportation Service 109 N. Church Street, Across from the Spray Plaza & ♦ Due to the successful passage of the Library Renewal the township is accepting applications for the township representation on the Library Board. Application, job description and wage available online and at the Township Hall. Applications must be received by June 11, 2019 Anita Mennell - Clerk clerk@hastingstownship.com Ph. 269-948-9690 Fax 269-948-9917 Cyp&t Free Hot Dogs Snacks r and r Drinks 4 *8 II I > Celebrate with us 10 years in our office on Church St. > Learn about the Mission and Services of the Hope Network in Michigan •> Tour our offices and vehicles > Meet our Volunteers: Drivers and Office Workers > Explore Volunteer opportunities , > I For more information call 269.331.6007 • • • • • •• •• Section 4 - PROHIBITION ON BUBBLERS Except as allowed in Section 5 of the Ordinance, the use of bubblers in or on Gun Lake is expressly prohibited. The Ordinance allows the limited and regulated use of bubblers for lawful commercial and other marinas on Gun Lake subject to various regulations, requirements and condi­ tions. This section indicates which commercial and other marinas can use bubblers, the allowed scope of usage, how bubblers can be used, insurance requirements, life saver requirements, required Township permits, revocation of Township bubbler permits and various other matters and regulations regarding commercial and other marinas and the use of bubblers. 10:00 - 3:00 P 1:00 to 2:00 Hastings Heartbeats ’ k. Section 3 - DEFINITIONS This section defines the words or phrases bubbler, bubbler system mechanism, lake and marina for purposes of the Ordinance. Section 5 -COMMERCIAL MARINAS AND BUBBLERS Thursday, May 30, 2019 9 Music at the Spray Plaza This section contains various findings by the Orangeville Township Board, as well as specifying several purposes for the Ordinance. In general, the Township Board finds that bubblers at lakes can be dangerous, adversely affect property values and have significant other negative impacts. Some of the purposes of the Ordinance include lessening dan­ gers, enhancing public safety and winter navigability, protecting the environment of Gun Lake and other matters. LEGAL NOTICE ASPLUNDH TREE EXPERT CO. LLC Section 6 - SEVERABILITY Should a court invalidate any provision of the Ordinance, the remainder of the Ordinance shall remain in effect. Section 7- PENALTIES; ENFORCEMENT A contractor for ITC will be commencing with this year’s Herbicide Program. A violation of the Ordinance is a municipal civil infraction. This section also addresses fines and other penalties, subsequent offenses, aiding and assisting, Township remedies, the nature of the remedies, who may enforce the Ordinance, the fact that a violation of the Ordinance is a nuisance per se and various other matters regarding the enforcement of the Ordinance and the penalties and remedies thereunder. We will be spraying in the following Counties: Barry County Section 8 - EFFECTIVE DATE 119456 3 $ Call 269-945-9554 any time lor Hastings Banner classified ads The new Ordinance shall become effective upon the expiration of 30 days after this notice appears in the newspaper. A full copy of the new Ordinance may be reviewed, inspected or purchased at the Or­ angeville Township offices located at 7350 Lindsey Road, Plainwell, Michigan 49080 during normal business hours (Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) or by contacting the Township Clerk at (269) 664-4522. The Ordinance shall take effect upon the expiration of 30 days after this notice appears in the newspaper. Any questions should be directed to the Township Clerk. Respectfully submitted by, Mel Risner Orangeville Township Clerk (269)664-4522 119243 �Page 10 — Thursday, May 23, 2019 — The Hastings Banner In memory of Wendy : A fundraiser for pancreatic cancer research gets its start in Hastings Rusty Blakely (left) and his son Owen attend the first annual 5k benefit to sup­ port pancreatic cancer research. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) Joan Van Houten Staff Writer A 5k run fundraiser for pancreatic cancer research Saturday was a first-time event in Hastings with approximately 150 runners and walkers in the race. Rusty Blakely organized the event to honor his wife, Wendy, who died of the disease on May 23, 2018. Saturday was her birthday. “Wendy is still the passion in my life,” Blakely said. “She was an exceptional, posi­ tive human being. Pancreatic cancer is a terri­ ble way to die, and no one should have to suffer the way she did.” Blakely and his wife grew up and graduat­ ed in Nashville, which is why he chose to have the run in Barry County with friends and family nearby. Wendy was a registered nurse and Nicole Lewis, a volunteer at the fundraiser, had worked with her at Pennock Hospital, and they were friends. Lewis described Wendy as a very nice person, a good and caring nurse and “she always had a positive attitude always.” Mary Mead whose granddaughter, Cashel Shute, ran in the race, came to support Shute. She had also experienced a personal loss with the recent death of her daughter, Kimberly Musser, who died of an aneurism. Kim Barnes is the second runner to cross the finish line in the 5k fundraiser event. “Kim was an organ donor. So, even after she died, she was still helping people. Her donation has helped save the lives of four people so far, and they say there may be more soon,” Mead said. “Kim always supported and volunteered for things like [this fundrais­ er] to help people.” Cancer also has touched Mead’s life. Her mother died at the age of 54 of lung cancer. She said she is a strong supporter of cancer research to find a cure. The first runner to cross the finish line was Wayne Oom from Caledonia. He didn’t know Blakely or his wife. However, he heard about the race from friends who did and was encouraged to sign up. “I join runs and marathons all the time. I enjoy hometown races, and I’m all for sup­ porting a good cause like this one. There are good people all around me, and I’m happy to be a part of helping.” Kim Barnes, a Hastings resident, was the Approximately 150 people participated in the fundraiser to fight pancreatic can­ cer. second runner to reach the finish line. She also participates in race events. Although she did not know the Blakely family, she was close to someone who died of cancer. She prefers local runs - and especially the events that help local people - for a good cause. “Cancer touches everyone,” she said. Blakely’s son, Owen, came from Florida to stand by his dad at the very first 5k fundraiser. “My mom would be happy to be fighting this disease,” he said. “She was always help­ ing people, and her positive outlook touched a lot of people’s lives. It’s great to be back here to see how supportive and caring the commu­ nity is, and it’s really great to be around friends.” “I’m just continuing what she did in her life - helping people. This is only the first 5k run. We’re making it an annual event, and we hope to have at least 300 racers next year,” Blakely said. He said he intends to donate all funds raised to Johns Hopkins Medicine. And he said he hopes to create an endowment fund in Communities ready for Memorial Day observances Several local communities will be honoring their war dead this weekend. Two Orangeville and Sunfield - will conduct cere­ monies Sunday afternoon. The others will have parades and observances Monday. Local ceremonies include: SUNDAY, May 26 Orangeville The 12th annual Memorial Day ceremony in Orangeville is planned for 2 p.m. Sunday, May 26, at the memorial site next to the Orangeville Township Hall, 7350 Lindsey Road. The ceremony will honor Orangeville area residents who served in the U.S. Armed Forces in all wars, beginning with the Civil War. An alternate site at the Baptist Church in Orangeville has been chosen in case of rain. Sunfield The Memorial Day ceremony in Sunfield will begin at 3 p.m. Sunday inside at the Sunfield United Brethren Church on M-43. The event is hosted by the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War 1861-1865. Derrick Knight, a former sergeant with the U.S. Marines, will be the guest speaker. MONDAY, May 27 Caledonia Caledonia American Legion Post 305 members will visit several cemeteries in the area where the graves of veterans have been decorated with U.S. flags. The schedule Monday will include Alaska Cemetery at 9 a.m.; Blain, 9:45; Dutton, 10:30; and Holy Comers at 11:15 a.m. A parade to honor all local veterans will begin at noon on Main Street and proceed to Caledonia Cemetery for a formal ceremony, gun salute and more. Lunch at the American legion Post, 9548 Cherry Valley SE (M-37) will follow. Hastings The annual Memorial Day parade hosted by the Lawrence J. Bauer American Legion Post 45 in Hastings will step off at 9:30 a.m. Monday. Participants will begin gathering at 8:30 a.m. at the comer of Boltwood and State streets. The parade will be led by the Legion’s Color Guard, followed by the Co-Op Honor Guard, Legion members, other veterans, National Guard and Reservists, the Legion Auxiliary, Legion Riders, the DAV chapter, Scouts, the Hastings Area Schools marching band and other participants. The parade will head north on Broadway to the veterans memorial where two wreaths will be placed: one honoring all veterans and one honoring the POW-MIA soldiers. A rifle salute will follow the placing of the wreaths. The parade will then stop on the bridge to place a wreath in the Thomapple River to honor those who served or are serving at sea. Another rifle salute will follow. Riverside Cemetery will be the final stop at the GAR Monument at the end of the Avenue of Flags. There, Memorial Day services will be conducted, including a speech and rifle salute. The grave of the most recently buried vet­ eran will receive the final wreath and honors. Hickory Corners The day’s activities begin with a pancake breakfast at the Hickory Corners Fire Department from 7 to 9:30 a.m. Monday. The parade will step off at 10 a.m., starting at the west end of town at Cadwallader Park, continuing east and end at the East Hickory Corners Cemetery. Parade coordinator Chris Reed said, depending on the weather, the parade can have up to 150 participants, including the Shriners Mini-T’s, Delton Kellogg and Gull Lake high school bands. Tractors, firetrucks, floats, classic cars, Scout troops, 4-H clubs and others often join the parade. Weather permitting, the Hooligans Flight Team will provide a flyover, he said. Immediately following the parade, memo­ rial services will be conducted at the ceme­ tery, honoring departed military members. The guest speaker will be retired Col. Frank J. Walker. A chicken barbecue will follow at Simmonds-Williams American Legion Post 484. Lakewood area VFW Post 4461 will be in Clarksville at 8:30 a.m. Monday for the parade, which will start off at the north end of town near the library. The Lakewood High School band will play. The parade will conclude at the Clarksville Cemetery at 9 a.m. with a gun salute. Members of the VFW then will go to Woodland at 10 a.m. for a service with speech by Barry County Chief Judge William Doherty, reading of the veterans’ names by District 5 County Commissioner Ben Geiger, and gun salute at the Woodland Memorial Cemetery The final stop will be Lake Odessa at 11 a.m. at Lakeside Cemetery for a service and gun salute. Middleville The parade in Middleville will begin at 10:30 a.m. Monday from the Thornapple Valley Church parking lot (20 State St.) to Larkin Street to West Main, with a brief stop at the bridge. The parade will continue to Mt. Hope Cemetery for the day’s ceremonies. Nashville Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Recreation Business Services FOR SALE: 1985 Seabrite - BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Inboard I Outboard, $2,500.00. 2015 Harley Electra Glide, like new, $21,000.00. Call 269-953­ 2463. SUMMER SPLASH!! AD­ VENTURE Awaits Camp­ ground Camping—full hookup or water and electric only. Swimming, fishing, water slide, kid's playground, beach, vol­ leyball court, diving platform, water bull riding. 50 mile Paul Henry Thornapple Trail starts here for hiking and biking. River tubing on the Thomapple River 1-2 hours. Beach Party Pavilion, Camp Store, Recre­ ation Center rental, Saturday Night Movies! Come have fun with us! 3266 N. Ionia Rd, Sycamore Lane, Vermontville, Ml 49096. Phone 919-249-8712. Hard Maple, Cherry. Paying top dollar. Call for pricing and Free Estimates. Will buy single walnut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793 BELLS CONSTRUCTION-18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, home improvements, seamless gutters. 269-320-3890. Nashville will celebrate Memorial Day at noon with short ceremony on the bridge over the Thomapple River downtown. The parade will then proceed south Main Street, stopping briefly at the fire bam to honor first respond­ ers. Marchers will then be bused to Lakeview Cemetery where VFW Post 8260 members will have a flag-raising and short ceremony. Prairieville One of the final parades to get underway will be in Prairieville. The parade will step off at 1 p.m. Monday from the south end of town and head north to the Prairieville Cemetery for a memorial service. Featured speakers will be Pastor Steve Small of Lighthouse Baptist Church and Pastor Roger Claypool of Solid Rock Bible Church. Members of the Delton VFW and Daughters of the American Revolution will participate, and the Delton Kellogg marching band will join the parade and attend the service. Vermontville A ceremony honoring the United States Navy and Marines will take place at the Ionia Road Bridge at 9:30 a.m. Monday. A short parade will proceed to downtown at 10 a.m., followed by a service in front of the Vietnam Memorial in the park, and then a service at Woodlawn Cemetery. Jennifer Enu, her daughter Camryn, her sister Rebecca Duits, her son Jak and husband Spencer, participated as a family in the race to raise funds for pancreatic cancer research. Spencer Duits and his niece Camryn were the first walkers to reach the finish line. Rebecca Duits said she grew up with Olivia, Rusty Blakely’s daughter, was her best friend, and she considered Blakey and his wife Wendy as her second mom,r. and dad. -,c his wife’s name. However, to do that, he must first raise $100,000 to make it a permanent endowment account. As Blakely returns to Florida today, he will remember that it’s the one-year anniversary of his wife’s death. f But he also takes with him the memory of a new 5k fundraising event in Hastings where her memory was honored. , Fight in bank parking lot leads to arrest Three officers were dispatched to a fight in progress in the parking lot of Fifth Third Bank in Hastings at 7:10 p.m. May 20. Officers attempted to subdue a 26-year-old Battle Creek man for fighting with a 39-year-old Hastings man, but he resisted. The man spit in an officer’s face and refused to move into a patrol vehicle. He was transported to the Barry County Jail and then to the hospital for being highly intoxicated and possibly on other : drugs. Driver ignores road closure, punctures tire A 59-year-old Hastings man went into the Barry County Sheriff’s Office May 15 to report damage to his vehicle. The man said he drove around road closed barricade on M-43 Highway near Cloverdale Road the week prior and punctured his tire on a board with nails in the road. He returned to the area later and found the board lying in the grass near the road. The man said the cost of replacing his tire was $50. The officer went to the property where the 76-year-old resident said he had issues with people driving on his property so Michigan Department of Transportation crews put up new blockades to prevent intrusion. The resident said he had not put a board with nails on the grass to prevent people driving on his lawn. The officer told the driver the issue would not have happened if he had not driven around the sign, and if the officer had seen him do so, he could have stopped the man for failure to obey a traffic control device. The officer pointed out that the driver had “no trespassing” signs on his own property, and asked him if they were suggestions or were actually intended to keep people out. The driver said he understood and would use the detour in the future. ; 4 5P < * Radio Flyer wagons missing A 76-year-old woman reported three vintage red Radio Flyer wagons were stolen from a shed in her backyard on Barnum Road in Woodland Township between May 12 and 15. The woman did not know who might have taken them and said they were each worth around $25. The case is inactive. Bullet hits house, no suspects A 47-year-old Middleville woman called police May 18 to report that a bullet had hit her house in the 7000 block of Moe Road in Thomapple Township the night before. The woman said she had been sitting on her porch when she heard something hit her house. An officer investigated and found damaged siding with a .22 caliber round below it about two feet from the house. The woman said she did not hear a gunshot, so the officer believed the shot came from far away. It is not believed any of her neighbors shot the round. Woman reports brother’s meth lab A 62-year-old Battle Creek woman called police at 10:32 a.m. May 14, to report her 57-year-old brother had an active meth lab on the porch of his house in the 6000 block of East Dowling Road in Maple Grove Township. The woman said she told her brother she was calling the police and he flushed an unknown substance down the toilet and put a box of what appeared to be drug paraphernalia in his truck. The Michigan State Police were called to the scene to dispose of the lab, and it tested posted positive for meth. The man has not been located. Break-ins reported in Johnstown Township A 44-year-old Delton woman called police to report a break-in at a home and outbuild­ ings she owns on Vickery Drive in Johnstown Township May 19. It did not appear any­ thing was taken. A door handle was broken off, and muddy shoe prints were in the house. A bottle of liquor also was left behind. The woman said someone recently broke into her neighbor’s house. The case was closed with no suspects. jq nq �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 23, 2019 —- Page 11 Hastings student earns record 15 industry certifications Hastings High School career and technical education courses offer industry-recognized certifications to students in multiple areas, including agriculture, computer programming, digital/multimedia design, culinary arts, engineering, construction trades, business management and operations, finance, insurance, marketing and entrepreneur ship. In most cases, students earn one certification per CTE course, saving students time and money gaining these certifications aft|r high school. Senior Corbin Hunter is an exception to this generalization, teacher and mentor Bob Carl said. Hunter is graduating from Hastings High School with 15 certifications - all earned through the business and technology CXE courses. Hunter has earned multiple Microsoft Office Specialist certifications: Office Word 2016, Office Word 2016 Expert, Office Excel 20*16, Office Excel 2016 Expert, Office PowerPoint 2016, Office Outlook 2016. All of the above combined certifications earned Hunter a Microsoft Office Specialist Master certification. He also has earned several Microsoft Technology Associate certifications: Windows Operating System Fundamentals, Mobility and Device Fundamentals, Software Development Fundamentals, HTML5 Application Development Fundamentals, Introduction to Programming using HTML and CSS, Introduction to Programming using JavaScript, Database Administration Fundamentals, and Security Fundamentals. Through the work of acquiring these certifications, Hunter was able to successfully compete in Business Professionals of America coijipetitions at regional, state and national levels - earning 15th place in the nation for Fundamentals of Web Design. As the world moves to a global economy with easier movement of employees and ■ n il .111 n ■ • 1 If . I. LEGAL NOTICES Hastings senior Corbin Hunter has earned 15 professional certifications while in high school. (Photo provided) increased competition, a technology skills gap can be felt in almost every country. The 2018 IT Skills and Salary Report from Global Knowledge confirms that skills gaps are a global concern. In a survey of 14,300 information technology professionals worldwide, more than two-thirds of the IT decision-makers, reported a gap between their teams’ skill levels and the knowledge required to achieve organizational objectives. “The increased need to match employer needs with workforce skills points out the value of certification,” said Carl, who also co-advises Hastings’ Business Professionals of America chapter. Academic college is not the only path to post-secondary education. For students with a skill set and passion in any number of technical disciplines, there is a way to accelerate the process of completing one’s studies and earn certification. College credit also can be acquired by proving professional certification. “Certifications makes a resume stand out,” Carl said. “Certification, particularly entry­ level certification, helps to build a skilled workforce that meets the needs of local employers and government tech initiatives.” LEGAL NOTICES .. .. .. .. . NOTICE TO CREDITORS In re: Leahbelle L. Dawe Revocable Trust TO ALL CREDITORS: On May 1, 2012, Leahbelle L Dawe, born September 10,1926, who lived at 4184 Bristol Oaks Drive, Dowling, Michigan 49050, created the Trust as Settlor. Settlor died April 23, 2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the Trust will be forever barred unless presented to Donald J. Dawe, the Successor Trutee, at 2238 Lacey Road, Dowling, Michigan 49050, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Michigan 49058, and the Successor Trustee within 4 months after May 23, 2019, the date of publication of this notice. Date: May 23, 2019 Robert L. Humbarger (P23099) 3 Heritage Oak Lane Battle Creek, Ml 49015 (269)979-3990 119524 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28164-DE Estate of Samuel G. Glover. Date of birth: 10/30/1950. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Samuel G. Glover, died 03/05/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Kathryn L. Salladay & Rebecca W% Gardner, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 04/19/2018 Robert L. Byington P-27621 222 West Apple Street, P.O. Box 248 Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-9557 Kathryn L. Salladay 13252 Tamarack Road, Lakeview, Ml 48850 Rebecca W. Gardner 16458 Shaftesbury Lane, Macomb, Ml 48004 989-289-0175 119534 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Lukas Laughry, married man, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns, Mortgagee, dated August 7, 2015 an$ recorded August 26, 2015 in Instrument Number 2015-008400 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by Fifth Third Bank S/B/M to Fifth Third Mortgage Company, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Eight Thousand Seven Hundred Forty-Five and 25/100 Dollars ($108,745.25), including interest at 4.25% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on JUNE 20, 2019. Said premises are located in the City of Hastings, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: Lot 18 and Outlet C of Plats of Broadway Heights, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 3 of Plats, Page 48, Barry County Records. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: May 23, 2019 File No. 19-004655 Firm Name: Orlans PC (05-23) (06-13) 119629 ... .———I. . ... . , .. .1 SYNOPSIS ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING May 14, 2019 Meeting called to order at 7 p.m. All board members present with Trustee Perino absent with notice. Fire Chief Ribble absent with notice and 7 guests. Pledge of Allegiance. Motion approved April 2 meeting minutes with Treasurer’s corrected March balance. Motion approved to pay $16,003.53 and any other bills forthcoming in May. Department reports. Public Comment: Joel Kapteyn presentation for paving of Winchester Drive. New Business: Lucas Spoor lighting requestdenied. No motion on Orangeville Township Resolution for Barry County Resource Recovery Project. Old Business: Ordinance 0519-1 approved. Board Comment: Scrap Tire Clean-Up total 1,267 tires. Motion to adjourn 8:04 p.m. Submitted by: Mel Risner/ Clerk Attested to by: Tom Rook/Supervisor 119242 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Trust Estate Estate of Glenn A. Zettelmaier. Date of birth: 12/22/1939. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Glenn A. Zettelmaier, who lived at 5203 Herbert Road, Hickory Corners, Ml 49060 died 03/31/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Elizabeth Petto, named Trustee(s) within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Danielle Streed P45668 480 W. Lovell Kalamazoo, Ml 49007 (269) 276-0055 Elizabeth Petto Trustee(s) 11375 Kingsbury Delton, Ml 49046 269-377-9356 119235 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee for any reason. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest, and the purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Notice is hereby given that the below mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the Circuit Court of Barry County at 1:00pm on June 6, 2019. Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): George A. Magoon, a single man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Homecomings Financial, LLC f/k/a Homecomings Financial Network, Inc., its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): PHH Mortgage Corporation Date of Mortgage: February 20, 2007 Date of Mortgage Recording: February 28, 2007 Amount claimed due on mortgage on the date of notice: $44,832.10 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in the City of Hastings , Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Lot 7, Block 4 of the Lincoln Park Addition to the City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, as recorded in Liber 7 of plats, page 55, Barry County Records. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or upon the expiration of the notice required by MCL 600.3241 a(c), whichever is later; or unless MCL 600.3240(16) applies. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: 05/09/2019 Potestivo & Associates, P.C. 309878 (05-09)(05-30) 118556 ...... STATE OF MICHIGAN BARRY COUNTY TRIAL COURT FAMILY DIVISION PUBLICATION AND NOTICE OF FRIEND OF THE COURT ANNUAL STATUTORY REVIEW PUBLIC NOTICE ANNUAL REVIEW OF PERFORMANCE RECORD OF THE FRIEND OF THE COURT Under Michigan law, the Chief Family Judge annually reviews the performance record of the Friend of the Court. The review will be conducted on or about July 1, 2019. This review is limited by law to the following criteria: • Whether the Friend of the Court is guilty of misconduct, neglect of statutory duty, or failure to carry out the written orders of the court relative to a statutory duty; • Whether the purpose of the Friend of the Court Act are being met; • Whether the duties of the Friend of the Court are being carried out in a manner that reflects the needs of the community. Members of the public may submit written comments to the Chief Family Judge relating to these criteria. Send your written comments, with your name and address to: Honorable William M. Doherty Barry County Trial Court, Family Division 206 W. Court Street Hastings, Michigan 49058 FORECLOSURE NOTICE THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE Default has occurred in a Mortgage made on August 19,2010 (the “Mortgage”) by Stuart A. Gingell Jr. (“Mortgagor”) to Lakestone Bank & Trust, f/k/a Lapeer County Bank & Trust Co. (“Mortgagee”). The Mortgage was recorded on September 15, 2010, in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan, at Instrument Number 201009150008561. As of the date of this Notice, there is claimed to be due and unpaid on the Mortgage the sum of SeventyThree Thousand Five Hundred Eighty and 05/100 Dollars ($73,580.05) in principal, accrued interest, and late fees and costs. No suit or proceeding has been instituted to recover any part of the debt secured by the Mortgage, and the power of sale contained in the Mortgage has become operative by reason of such default. On Thursday, May 30, 2019, at 1:00 p.m., at the Barry County Courthouse, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan, which is the place for holding mortgage foreclosure sales for Barry County, Michigan, there will be offered for sale and sold to the highest bidder, at public sale, for the purpose of satisfying the amounts due and unpaid on the Mortgage, together with the legal costs and charges of sale, including attorneys’ fees allowed by law, the real property located in the Township of Castleton, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and described in the Mortgage as follows: A parcel of land in the Northeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 14, Town 3 North, Range 7 West, described as: Beginning at the Northeast corner of said Section 14, Thence South 343 feet; Thence North 89 degrees 27’ West 508 feet; Thence North 343 feet; Thence South 89 degrees 27’ East 508 feet to the place of beginning. Excepting therefrom any part thereof lying North of an open ditch which runs near the line between Sections 11 and 14. Commonly known as: 40 S M 66 Highway, Nashville, Ml 49073; Tax I.D. #: 08-05-014-010-00 The redemption period shall be six (6) months from the date of the sale unless the property is deemed abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be thirty (30) days after the foreclosure sale or when the time to provide the notice required by subdivision MCL 600.3241 a(c) expires, whichever is later. If the property is sold at a foreclosure sale, you will be responsible to the person who buys the property at the foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder if you damage the property during the redemption period. MILLER JOHNSON Attorneys for Lakestone Bank & Trust, f/k/a Lapeer County Bank & Trust Co. By: Rachel L. Hillegonds (P67684) 45 Ottawa Avenue SW, Suite 1100 Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (616) 831-1700 Dated: May 2, 2019 118098 SYNOPSIS Hastings Charter Township Regular Meeting May 14, 2019 Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. All board members present, Approved all consent agenda items Accepted Ordinance #2019-01 first reading Ordinance Prohibiting Marihuana Establishments Hiring of Library Board Representatives Library Agreements pending Approved payment of bills Dept, reports received and put on file Motion to adjourn 7:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Anita S. Mennell - Clerk Attested to by Jim Brown - Supervisor SYNOPSIS HOPE TOWNSHIP REGULAR BOARD MEETING May 13, 2019 Meeting opened at 6:30 p.m. Approved: Consent agenda. Guernsey Lake weed control 5 year renewal Ordinance 88 Prohibition of Marihuana Establishments Guernsey Lake Fireworks permit Adjourned at 7:05 p.m. Submitted by: Deborah Jackson, Clerk Attested to by: Mark S. Feldpausch, Supervisor 119238 NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF BARRY COUNTY Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public hearing for the following: Case Number V-8-2019 Mary Hsu (Property Owner) Location: 14457 Daisy Hill Street, Battle Creek, in Section 30 of Johnstown Township. Purpose: Request a variance to construct a 12x11 addition to a home that is 3.4 ft from the side property line (the minimum is 10 ft) in the RL (Recreational Lakes) zoning district. MEETING DATE:June 10, 2019. TIME: 7:00 PM PLACE: Tyden Center Community Room, 121 South Church Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Site inspections of the above described property will be completed by the Zoning Board of Appeals members before the hearing. Interested persons desiring to present their views upon an appeal, either verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned time and place. Any written response may be mailed to the address listed below, faxed to (269) 948-4820, or emailed to Barry County Planning Director James McManus at jmcmanus@barrycounty.org. The variance application is available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Please call the Barry County Planning Department at (269) 945-1290 for further information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or calling the following: Michael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 945-1284. Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk 119240 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on June 13, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Randy Miller and Patti Miller, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Household Finance Corporation III Foreclosing Assignee (if any): U.S. Bank Trust, N.A., as Trustee for LSF10 Master Participation Trust Date of Mortgage: August 12, 2005 Date of Mortgage Recording: August 19, 2005 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $121,499.48 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 12, Block 16 of Lincoln Park Addition, according to the plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, page 55, Barry County Records The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: May 16, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1384910 (05-16)(06-06) 118923 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on June 13, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Matthew Palmer, married man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Pingora Loan Servicing, LLC Date of Mortgage: January 29, 2016 Date of Mortgage Recording: February 4, 2016 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $120,470.65 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Hope, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Commencing at the center 1/4 post of Section 18, Town 2 North, Range 9 West; thence South 660 feet along the North and South 1/4 line of Section 18; thence East 500 feet parallel with the East and West 1/4 line of Section 18 for the true place of beginning; thence continuing East 325 feet along the same course; thence North 880 feet, more or less, parallel with said North and South 1/4 line to the centerline of Keller Road; thence Westerly 345 feet, more or less, along said centerline; thence South 760 feet, more or less, parallel with said North and South 1/4 line to the place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: May 9, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1384335 (05-09)(05-30) 118555 FORECLOSURE NOTICE THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE Default has occurred in a Mortgage made on March 17, 2001 (the “Mortgage”) by Michelle Collette (“Mortgagor”) to Highpoint Community Bank, f/k/a Hastings City Bank, a Michigan banking corporation (“Mortgagee”). The Mortgage was recorded on March 23,2001, in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan, at Instrument Number 1057155. As of the date of this Notice, there is claimed to be due and unpaid on the Mortgage the sum of EightyNineThousand Four Hundred Forty-Three and 47/100 Dollars ($89,443.47) in principal, accrued interest, and late charges. No suit or proceeding has been instituted to recover any part of the debt secured by the Mortgage, and the power of sale contained in the Mortgage has become operative by reason of such default. On Thursday, May 30,2019, at 1:00 p.m., at the Barry County Courthouse, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan, which is the place for holding mortgage foreclosure sales for Barry County, Michigan, there will be offered for sale and sold to the highest bidder, at public sale, for the purpose of satisfying the amounts due and unpaid on the Mortgage, together with the legal costs and charges of sale, including attorneys’ fees allowed by law, the real property located in the Township of Thomapple, County of Barry, Michigan, and described in the Mortgage as follows: The West 300 feet of the East 1/2 of the Southwest 1/4 of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 32, Town 4 North, Range 10 West. More commonly known as: 11878 Bass Road, Middleville, Michigan 49333; Tax Parcel Number: 08­ 14-032-001-00 ' The redemption period shall be six (6) months from the date of the sale unless the property is deemed abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be thirty (30) days after the foreclosure sale or when the time to provide the notice required by subdivision MCL 600.3241 a(c) expires, whichever is later. If the property is sold at a foreclosure sale, you will be responsible to the person who buys the property at the foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder if you damage the property during the redemption period. MILLER JOHNSON Attorneys for Highpoint Community Bank, f/k/a Hastings City Bank By: Rachel L. Hillegonds (P67684) 45 Ottawa Avenue SW, Suite 1100 Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (616) 831-1700 Dated: May 2, 2019 118002 The Gun Lake Area Sewer Authority is accepting applications for a Maintenance Technician The position is full time with benefits. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Minimum requirements include a high school diploma or GED and a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) valid in the State of Michigan within two months of hire. Candidate must pass a drug/alcohol screen, pre-employment physical, and background check. Competitive applicants will have a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and desire to be part of an effective team. The wage rate for the Maintenance Technician position varies depending on qualifying experience. Send a resume, three (3) professional references, and completed employment application to our office located at 12588 Marsh Rd. Shelbyville, MI 49344 or email glasa@gnffilakesewer.org with the subject line “Job Application”. Job descriptions and applications can be picked up at our office or found online at www.gunlakesewer.org/job-postings. Please contact Larry Knowles, GLASA Director, with any questions regarding this position, 269-672-5588. �Page 12 — Thursday, May 23, 2019 — The Hastings Banner TK tennis team a point shy of qualifying for D3 State Finals The Thornapple Kellogg varsity girls’ ten­ nis team was just a couple points shy of state ranked Grand Rapids Catholic Central at the Division 3 Regional Tournament hosted by Grand Rapids Christian Thursday, and only one shy of qualifying for the state finals. Catholic Central scored enough points to be an additional state qualifier behind the region’s top two teams, Forest Hills Eastern and Grand Rapids Christian. FHE won the regional championship with 25 points ahead of the Eagles’ 24. Catholic Central was third with 19 points, ahead of TK 17, Lakewood 5, Hastings 2, Ionia 2, Kelloggsville 1 and Kenowa Hills 1. Saxon fourth singles player Libby Jensen scored a 6-2,6-3 win in her quarterfinal match with Ionia’s Anna Brown, before falling to Forest Hills Eastern’s Palak Rekhani who was the eventual runner-up at the flight. Thomapple Kellogg’s Brooke Thompson upset top seeded Ainsley Micus 3-6, 6-0, 6-2 in the semifinals at the flight, and scored a 3-6, 7-5, 3-0 (Def) win over Rekhani in the Comet pitcher Koning shuts out DK in SAC Valley showdown Thomapple Kellogg defender Elizabeth Meyering carries the ball through the midfield during her team’s 10-0 win over visiting Wyoming inside Bob White Stadium in Middleville Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Seniors play big part in TK’s 10-0 win over Wyoming A group of seven Thomapple Kellogg seniors played the final regular season game Monday, helping the Trojan varsity girls’ soc­ cer team to a 10-0 OK Gold Conference vic­ tory over visiting Wyoming. Out of a combined 10 goals and eight assists on the evening half of those points came from seniors. The Trojans opened up the scoring just two minutes into the game when Ellie Adams played a great corner kick into the box where Maddie Raymond was there to put it in to go up 1-0. The scoring would continue from there with Sierah Adams scoring twice in a two minute period. Those goals were assisted by Carmen Beemer and Haley Chapin. At the 12:42 mark, freshman Kiah Nichols would score one of her two goals for the Trojans on another comer kick from senior Ellie Adams. At the 23:08 mark, Terryn Cross would get taken down in the box ton a PK which she put past the Wolves’ keeper to make the score 5-0. Nichols scored her second goal of the night, on an assist from Ainsley Oliver, just a few minutes later. Ellie Adams found the net as well, from about 20 yards out, off an assist from Sierah Adams After her goal in the course of play, Ellie Adams continued her great work on comer kicks but this time she didn’t need any help as she bent one into the back of the net., Emma Bainbridge and Kassidy Niles would get the final two goals of the night for the Trojans before the halftime whistle, thanks to assists from Beemer and Ellie Adams. The group of Trojan seniors includes defenders Niles, Sydney Coffman and Bree Bonnema, and midfielders Ellie Adams, Haley Chapin, Raymond and Cross. The Trojans were scheduled to return to action last night, hosting Hastings for a Division 2 District opener in Middleville. Thornapple Kellogg’s Kennedi Young rolls a pass into the center as she comes through the midfield during the first half of the Trojans’ 10-0 win over visiting Wyoming Monday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Kalamazoo Christian handed the Delton Kellogg varsity softball team is first defeat of the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division season Thursday in Kalamazoo, edg­ ing the Panthers 2-0. Comet pitcher Jayme Koning shut out the Panthers on three hits and one walk in her complete game victory. She struck out five for her team that is ranked sixth in the state in Division 4. Katie Tobias doubled and Hailey Buckner and Lauren Lebeck both singled for the Panthers in the defeat. The Comets managed just four hits, includ­ ing an RBI double from Megan Snook in the bottom of the first inning. Koning drove in her team’s second run with a ground out in the bottom of the third inning after a pair of sin­ gles and a walk loaded the bases with one out. Kapteyn took the loss in the circle for DK, allowing the two runs on four hits and four walks. She struck out five. The Delton Kellogg girls bounced back to score 17-1 and 16-5 wins at Pennfield Saturday and 9-2 and 15-10 wins at Plainwell Monday. Those four victories moved Delton Kellogg’s record to 24-5 on the season, snap­ ping what was a five-game losing streak. The Delton Kellogg girls were scheduled to got to Schoolcraft for a SAC Valley double­ header last night and will back in action against Parchment Friday. fourth singles championship match. The Trojan team got at least one victory at every flight. “We felt that 15 points were possible if we won all matches where we were favored and two matches where our opponents were slightly favored,” Thomapple Kellogg head coach Larry Seger said. “If we could score 15 points we would still need three upsets to qualify for state by scoring 18 points. We got all fifteen points and added two upsets.” Thomapple Kellogg senior first singles player Karlie Raphael reached the semifinals where she was bested 6-1,6-0 by the top seed, Catholic Central’s Claire Danko. Raphael bested Hastings’ Brook Youngs 6-4,1-0 (Def) in their quarterfinal match-up. Lakewood also got a point at first singles, with senior Megan Wakley scoring a 6-1,6-2 win over Kenowa Hills’ Gracyn DeMann in the opening round. Wakley was bested 6-1, 6-1 by Danko in the quarterfinals. Forest Hills Eastern first singles player Leah Palladino bested Danko in the first sin­ gles championship match, scoring a 6-7(2), 6-1, 6-1 win. Thomapple Kellogg second singles player Sydney VanGessel scored a 6-1,6-1 win over ionia’s Taylor Kirby in the quarterfinals. Rachel Chesnutt at third singles earned a spot in the semifinals with a 6-2, 6-1 win over Hastings’ Lauren Harden. Lakewood’s Richelie Chrzan defeated Kelloggsville’s Yaret Hernandez 6-0, 6-0 in her opening round match at fourth singles. Lakewood and Thomapple Kellogg each got a win at first doubles. The Trojan team of Taylor Myers and Kylee Vreeland scored a 6-0, 6-0 win over the top duo from Kenowa Hills before falling to the eventual regional champions from Grand Rapids Christian in the quarterfinals. Lakewood’s Laura Krikke and Haylee Marks scored a 6-4, 6-2 win over Allie Horning and Gretchen James fron) Hastings in the quarterfinals before falling tp the team from Grand Rapids Christian in the semi’s. The second doubles regional champions from Forest Hills Eastern scored wins over the Lakewood second doubles team in the quarterfinals and the Thomapple Kellogg sec­ ond doubles team in the semifinals. TK’s teani of Caleigh Zoet and Holly Bashore scored a 6-0,6-0 win over Kenowa Hills in the quarter­ finals before falling to the Hawks. Kendra Kines and Kristen Finsaas scored an opening round 6-1, 6-2 win over the team froin Kelloggsville before being bested by the FHE duo at the flight. The Trojan third doubles team of Nancy Hoogewerf and Josie Thompson scored a 6-2, 6-2 win over Kelloggsville’s duo in the quar­ terfinals before falling to the top seeded team from Catholic Central in the semifinals. TK’s Kristina Cuison and Daisy Nowinsky scored a 6-2, 6-0 win over the fourth doubles team from Kelloggsville in the quarterfiriafe before pushing the Grand Rapids Christian team to three sets in the semifinals. The Eagle duo went on to win the fourth doubles flight. Lakewood’s team of Sierra Cappon and Emmi Chase scored a 7-6(4), 6-1 win over Ionia’s fourth doubles duo in the opening round before falling to Catholic Central in the quarterfinals. Wilkes medals in three events at Lions’ D3 regional Maple Valley sophomore Ashlyn Wilkes scored in three events to lead the Maple Valley varsity girls’ track and field team at its Division 3 Regional Meet hosted by Bath Friday. Wilkes set a personal record with her fifth­ place time of 1 minute 5.30 seconds in the 400-meter dash and placed sixth in the 200meter dash in 28.36. She also cleared 4 feet 10 inches to place sixth in the high jump. Wilkes was behind Pewamo-Westphalia sophomore Sophie Thelen in her two med­ al-winning performances on the track. Thelen had a huge day for the P-W girls, winning the 100-meter dash in 12.73, the 200 in 26.20 and the 400 in 59.62, her fastest times of the sea­ son in all three events. She also helped the Pirates win the 4x200-meter relay in 1:47.40. Wilkes was one of two Lions to earn a regional medal in the high jump, with junior teammate Elizabeth Colyer seventh in the event at 4-5. Britani Shilton, a senior, placed in both hurdles races for the Lions. She was fifth in the 100-meter hurdles in 17.62 seconds and seventh in the 300-meter low hurdles in 54.69. Freshman Jamie Steele added a sev­ enth-place time of 5:49.53 for the Maple Valley girls in the 1600-meter run, setting, a new personal record in that race. j Stockbridge freshman Rylee Tolson matched Thelen’s three individual victories, taking the 1600-meter run in 5:10.71, the 800meter run in 2:22.98 and the 3200-meter run in 11:32.29. pj Pewamo-Westphalia junior Annabelle Schafer won the two hurdles races, taking the 100 hurdles in 15.84 and the 300 hurdles in 48.74. j Byron sophomore Sarah Marvin won two individual events as well, taking the shot put at 41-10.5 and the discus at 128-10. Both the Pewamo-Westphalia boys’ and girls’ teams won regional titles on the day, with the P-W girls outscoring Byron 150­ 106.5 at the top of the standings. The Maple Valley girls were tenth with 19.5 points. *■. A Pewamo-Westphalia defeated New Lothrop 128.5 to 100 at the top of the boys’ standings. P-W senior sprinter Cameron Wirth and junior thrower Nathan Spitzley won two indi­ vidual events each for the Pirates. Spitzley took the discus at 157-5 and the shot put at 53-6. ’ Wirth won the 200-meter dash in 22.78 and the 400-meter run in 49.79. Four days after winning regional champi­ onships at Mason, the Parma Western varsity boys’ and girls’ track and field teams took victories at the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Championship Tuesday inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field in Hastings. The Hastings girls took a pair of conference championships in the field, with junior Ireland Barber winning the discus with a personal record throw of 102 feet 3.5 inches and Erin Dalman clearing 5 feet in the high jump. Ireland also had a personal record mark in the shot put Tuesday, placing eighth at 30-2.5. Hastings freshman Allison teed was the 100-meter hurdle champion, winning the finals race in 16.93 seconds with her team­ mate Dalman fourth in that race in 17.93. Parma Western won the girls’ meet with 142 points, ahead of Coldwater 98, Hastings 65, Jackson Lumen Christi 62, Marshall 57, Jackson Northwest 47, Harper Creek 40 and Pennfield 16. Hastings put three girls in the top eight in the pole vault, a group led by junior Hannah Johnson who was fourth at 8-6. Freshman Allison Teed was fifth at 8-6 and freshman Sydney Kuntz eighth at 7-0. The Saxon team had two in the top eight in the long jump, with freshman Kali Grimes seventh at 13-7 and senior Audryana Holben eighth at 13-6.5. Dalman was a part of the Saxons’ top relay finish, joining Savanah Starrett, Teed and Grace Nickels in earning a third-place time of 1 minute 53.34 seconds in the 4x200-meter relay. Dalman and Teed both also scored in the 300-meter hurdles, with Teed third in 50.60 and Dalman seventh in 52.83. Saxon senior Allison Collins set a new per­ sonal record in the 3200-meter run with a fourth-place time of 12:29.57, and freshman teammate Carissa Strouse placed fifth in that race in 12:33.48. Collins also had a sev­ enth-place time of 5:47.96 in the 1600-meter run. " Nickels had an eighth-place time of 29.1J in the 200-meter dash for the Saxons as well. The Saxon boys’ team had a pair of run­ ner-up finishes at the meet. Senior Haydn Redmond was second in the 200-meter dash in 23.61 and sophomore Kirby Beck wascthe runner-up in the pole vault with a personal record jump of 12-6. Saxon freshman Braden Vertalka also reached a personal record height, clearing 6-0 in the high jump to place fifth. Junior team­ mate Jacob O’Keefe was sixth in the high jump at 5-9. The Hastings boys’ had a pair of third-plaqe finishes in relay races. The team of Redmond, Beck, Hunter Allerding and William Roosien placed third in the 4x200-meter relay in a tijne of 1:36.19. Roosien, Aidan Makled, Dane Barnes and Redmond placed third in the 4x400-meter relay in 3:41.08. Hastings had two in the top eight in a cou­ ple of sprints. Allerding was seventh in jthe 200-meter dash in 25.04. Roosien placed sixth in the 400-meter run in 55.68 and Barnes seventh in the 400 in 55.72. Makled added a fourth-place time -of 2:07.15 in the 800-meter run and a fourth; place time of 4:44.40 in the 1600-meter rtmj O’Keefe was fifth for the Saxons in the 110* meter high hurdles in 17.64. Parma Western outscored the Marshall boys 149.5 to Marshall 110 at the top of th| standings, with Harper Creek third with 834 points, ahead of Jackson Northwest 54| Coldwater 54, Hastings 48, Pennfield 24 and Jackson Lumen Christi 4. Panthers close regular season by Hastings girls win trio of outscoring conference titles at 1-8 Meet Calhoun Christian Delton Kellogg ended the 2019 varsity girls’ soccer regular season with a 7-1 win at home Thursday over over Calhoun Christian. Holly McManus scored two quick goals after a 30 minute weather delay, off assists from teammates Sannah Soldstand and Amber Mabie. The game had been going for just six minutes when it was interrupted by the weath­ er. McManus scored four more goals in the second half with Mabie and Solstrand earning another assist each and Kiaya Warner assist­ ing on two goals. Mabie tallied a goal for the Panthers as well, off an assist form Lauren Stoetze!. The Panthers outshot their guests 42-4. DK was scheduled to visit Olivet yesterday for its Division 3 District opener. The Panthers ended the regular season with an overall record of 10-6-1. DK was 5-3-1 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference this spring, falling 6-4 to Hackett Catholic Prep last Wednesday in the final game of the conference season. Mabie scored on a penalty kick with two minutes left in the first half and on a long shot with 30 seconds left in the bailgame. It was Hackett that did the early scoring, building a 3-0 lead in the contest before Solstrand assisted on a goal by McManus to get their team on the scoreboard. DK trailed 3-2 at the half, but Hackett opened the second half by building its lead back up to 5-2 before Warner fired the kick­ off following Hackett’s fifth goal over the defense and McManus chased it down to score her second goal of the game. I �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 23, 2019 — Page 13 Trojans snap Wildcats conference title string The Thornapple Kellogg varsity softball team celebrates its 2019 OK Gold Conference championship after 6-3 and 6-0 victories over visiting Wayland Monday capped off a perfect 12-0 conference season by the Trojans. Team members include (front from left) Carly Grummet, Kara Burbridge, Brea Lake, Shylin Robirds, Audrey Mulder, assistant coach Jon Greenman, Bella VanTil, Paige VanStee, Julianna VanMeter, Mo Sprague, Anna Harmens, Natalie O’Riley, Ashley Snyder, Maleah Bailey and head coach Tom Hudson. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Thornapple Kellogg’s Ashley Snyder slides safely in with a steal of third as the Wayland third baseman applies a tag during the top of the fourth inning of game one Monday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor / The Thomapple Kellogg varsity softball Team finished off an undefeated OK Gold Conference season with a doubleheader ^weep of visiting Wayland Monday - finish­ ing off conference play a perfect 12-0. The Trojans, who shared the conference title with the Wildcats a year ago, snapped Wayland’s string of 13 consecutive confer­ ence titles by winning game one 6-3 and fin­ ished off the perfect conference season with a 6-0 victory in game two. Wayland had a 3-0 lead after three innings in game one, but once the Trojans shook their §ariy butterflies they held the Wildcats score­ fess for 11 straight innings. Brea Lake earned the two pitching wins for TK with lots of help from both her infield and outfield defense, and Paige VanStee came on to get a save in game one, recording the final four outs. Ashley Snyder and Kara Burbridge singled with one out and their team down 3-2 in the bottom of the fourth inning of game one. They both scored on a two-out single into left by Maleah Bailey, and VanStee followed with a -double to right that scored Bailey from sec­ ond. TK added a final run when Shylin Robirds beat out a bunt, colliding with the Wildcat second baseman covering the bag at -fest. The ball got away and VanStee came in to score. b / TK never trailed again. . ‘‘Wayland is traditionally very good, and Very well coached. When you get a win against them, it’s great. We’ve got great respect for everybody. Today things went our < tway. We worked hard for it,” TK head coach Tom Hudson said. Wayland scored a run in the top of the first inning of game one, on an infield single, a sacrifice and another single into right field. The Wildcats had runners on second and third with one out, after a Trojan error, but VanStee snagged a line drive at shortstop and then picked off the Wildcat runner who had strayed too far from the bag at second to tag up in time. The Wildcats added two more runs in the Thornapple Kellogg’s Brea Lake pitches during game one of her team’s doubleheader sweep of OK Gold Conference rival Wayland Monday afternoon in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) top of the third with the help of a Trojan error that put runners on first and third. The Wildcat on third managed to steal home as the Trojans tried to chase down her teammate between first and second. A couple fielder’s choices and a single into center field brought home the Wildcats’ second run of the inning. “Sometimes the ball goes in your glove and sometimes it doesn’t,” Hudson said. “You’ve got to learn to play through it. That is why you play seven innings and not one. They held their composure pretty good. We always tell them, if we play perfect that is awesome. But, you can’t let one run turn into two. They hung pretty tough. They did. “Maybe early on, who knows what it was. They survived it and had some breaks defi­ nitely go our way late in a few of those innings and had some seeing-eye hits. It’s pretty neat for these kids that is for sure.” TK answered quickly with two runs in the bottom of the third inning. VanStee and Robirds walked with one out and then stole second and third together. A deep fly out by Mo Sprague brought them both home. “I never lost confidence at all in my team. When it comes to coming out, the first couple innings, it is up and down, but then we usual­ ly pull it together. We have one really good inning and then for the rest of the night we’re pretty solid,” TK senior centerfielder Burbridge said. “I’m never really worried about this team.” The Trojan defense was outstanding the rest of the night, and just a little wildness by Lake and VanStee in the circle threatened the Trojan lead once they had it. The Wildcats worked three walks in the sixth and two more in the seventh. VanStee ultimately got a strike out to end both innings. TK scored twice in the top of the third, twice im the top of' the two more times in the top of the seventh to win game two. Ashley Snyder had a two run single in the seventh. VanStee and Carly Grummet also drove in runs for TK. “I definitely think it is a lot better than shar­ ing,” Burbridge said of winning the confer­ ence title outright this season. “Sharing was okay, because we fought really hard last year, but this year we were the team. We were the team to beat, and it felt really good to be that.” Robirds described the feeling of sharing the conference title a year ago as a little “eh.” With a smile she said this outright title had her feeling, “dang!” The two seniors, Burbridge and Robirds, are both forward to making some more good memories throughout the postseason with their teammates. Robirds and Burbridge are two of four Trojan seniors this spring, joining Lake and Grummet. The TK girls will face Hastings in a Division 2 Pre-District bailgame at Hopkins Tuesday afternoon. The winner of that contest moves on to face Marshall in the June 1 District Semifinals back at Hopkins. Comets shut out DK boys in SAC Valley ballgame The Kalamazoo Christian team ranked fifth in the state in Division 4 scored a 7-0 win over the visiting Delton Kellogg boys in Southwestern Athletic Conference action Thursday. Comet pitcher JJ Gasaway fired six score­ less innings, striking out three and allowing just five Delton Kellogg hits. Carter Howland was 2-for-2 for the Panthers, and Keegon Kokx, Cameron Curcuro and Owen Koch each singled once. Josh Egberts was 3-for-4 at the top of the Kalamazoo Christian line-up, driving in one run and scoring two. Michael Moralez and Gasaway had two hits and two RBI each. Riley Roblyer took the loss for the Panthers, striking out two and walking one in five innings. He allowed five earned runs on 12 hits. Pennfield scored 6-4 and 3-0 runs over the visiting Delton Kellogg boys Saturday. Roblyer was 3-for-4 at the plate with a dou­ ble and a run in the 6-4 loss to start the day in Battle Creek. Max Swift had two hits for Delton Kellogg and Koch, Curcuro and Kokx had one each. A double by Curcuro was one of six DK hits in game two’s shut out loss. Blake Thomas singled twice and Hunter Belew, Kokx and Payton Warner also had hits for DK. Delton was 9-14 overall this season head­ ing into SAC Valley ballgames at Schoolcraft last night. Lions get walk-off walk in eighth against Ramblers Maple Valley scored a 4-3 walk-off win over visiting Perry in game one of its Greater Lansing Activities Conference doubleheader in Vermontville Monday. Noah Hansen and Lane Morris singled to open the inning. Nick Osborne sacrificed the two of them to second and third. Cordell Frank walked to load the bases before the Ramblers threw out Hansen at the plate on a fielder’s choice. Left with the bases loaded and two out in the bottom of the eighth, the Lions’ Blaze Sensiba walked to drive in the winning run. Gregg Richardson drilled a two-run home run to right field to plate the Lions’ first two runs in the bottom of the first inning. He was 2-for-4 in the ballgame. Morris had two hits as well and scored a run. Austin Zank and Hansen also had hits for the Lions. Hansen had one RBI. Osborne got the win in relief for the Lions, coming on to record the final two outs in the top of the eighth. Hansen went the first 7.1, striking out six and walking four. He gave up three hits and all three runs against him were unearned. Perry took a 4-2 win in game two, breaking a 2-2 tie with two runs in the top of the fifth inning, which proved to be the final inning of the game. Booher was 2-for-3 at the top of the line-up for the Lions, driving in one run. Osborne and Frank each singled once. Zank went the distance on the mound, allowing two earned runs on five hits, two strike outs and two walks. Vikes earn spot in GLAC Championship tourney Brett Bremer Sports Editor ‘ Senior Haven Bosworth opened her final contest on the Lakewood High School varsity soccer field with a goal about five minutes in and closed the bailgame with a goal with five minutes to play Wednesday against visiting Maple Valley. J The Vikings earned the fourth seed for Saturday’s Greater Lansing Activities Conference Tournament with a 3-0 victory over the Lions that bumped their record up to 3-3 in conference play this season. Lakewood had a tough day Saturday at Lansing Christian, falling 5-0 to the host Pilgrims in the opening round of the confer­ ence tournament and then 2-1 to Olivet in the consolation game. Head coach James LeVeque had all nine of his seniors out on the field for the opening minutes of the bailgame against Maple Valley Wednesday, including a handful who wouldn’t typically be in the starting line-up. They were 6iit there to celebrate Bosworth’s opening goal - scored on a breakaway that she carried in from near midfield. Bosworth scored her second goal when a Ball in a crowd in front of the Lion net deflect- Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads ed out to her higher in the 18-yard box and with a little space she ripped a shot back in to the net. Lakewood honored its nine seniors, Bosworth, Vendela Spangang, Sara Vukasinovic, Kayla Hall, Isabela Acker, Collette Sharp, Lana Thompson, Jordan Wells and Zari Kruger Sophomore Natalie Lang scored the Vikings’ second goal 9 minutes and 15 sec­ onds into the second half, lofting a shot from the top right comer of the 18-yard box over Maple Valley keeper Sydney Skelton and just inside the near post. Skelton made a handful of nice saves, and the Lions had some possession in the offen­ sive end, but never challenged Lakewood goalkeeper Kruger much. LeVeque said he saw the Lions gaining confidence early though. The Vikings got the early goal, but didn’t put much other pressure on the Lion net at the opening of the bailgame. “In my opinion, they played a better funda­ mental game than we did today,” LeVeque said. “We played kickball today. We didn’t pass well. We didn’t make good runs. We didn’t play together. We were terrible in the middle third of the field. They seem to know how to get out of their defensive end and they pass the ball around pretty well. We just had better athletes as a whole.” The Lions were happy to welcome back a handful of girls who had been out of the line­ up in time for the conference tournament and upcoming districts. The Lakewood ladies were scheduled trav­ el to Belding Wednesday afternoon (May 22) for a district quarterfinal match-up with the Black Knights. Maple Valley was scheduled to travel to Byron for its Division 4 District opener Wednesday. Maple Valley goalkeeper Sydney Skelton can’t quite get to a Lakewood shot as it heads towards the net during the second half of her team’s GLAC match at Lakewood High School Wednesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Lakewood senior Lana Thompson looks to get the ball settled as Maple Valley’s Cassidy Thompson closes in during their GLAC contest at Lakewood High School Wednesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) �Page 14 — Thursday, May 23, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Eagle offense comes to life to win shared tourney Barry County Christian School’s Caleb Vanderbilt slides safely into home as Hastings catcher Grant Huver awaits a throw during the top of thee seventh inning of the final game of the Eagle/Saxon Invitational Saturday in Hastings. (Photo by Brett Bremer) 9*‘- The Barry County Christian School’s varsity baseball team celebrates its championship at the Eagle/Saxon Invitational after scoring wins over Battle Creek Central, West Michigan Aviation and Hastings at the four-team round-robin tournament over the weekend. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Barry County Christian School varsity baseball team scored one-run victories over Battle Creek Central and West Michigan Aviation over the weekend and then knocked Hastings shortstop Bryce Darling secures the ball on a short hop during his team’s win over West Michigan Aviation as part of the Eagle/Saxon Invitational. (Photo by Perry Hardin) off Hastings 13-4 at Johnson Field Saturday to win the Eagle/Saxon Invitational for the first time. The Eagles pounded 16 hits, scoring in six of the seven innings, to best the Saxons in what was ultimately the championship game of the four-team round-robin tournament. Eagle pitcher Jenner Rodammer struck out nine Saxons through five innings to earn the win in the tournament’s final game. Hastings opened its tournament run with a 7-6 win over West Michigan Aviation Friday at Hastings High School and then bested Battle Creek Central 7-1 at Barry County Christian while the Saxons’ diamond dried out Saturday. The Eagles scored a 4-3 win over Battle Creek Central Friday before besting West Michigan Aviation 5-4 Saturday morning. “That is a good weekend for us,” Barry County Christian head coach Brandon Strong said. The Eagles were a perfect 6-0 in the Great Lakes Six, clinching the conference champi­ onship the previous weekend. They have won three out of four against Stockbridge this season, and have a couple more ballgames against MHS AA foes Thursday at NorthPointe Christian and Friday against Charlotte at Cornerstone University. “As our program has improved, we have been trying to schedule higher up teams, but unfortunately that also works against us some­ times. We now have some teams that will no longer play us, because it doesn’t help them I guess,” said Strong. The Eagle program includes Barry County Christian School athletes as well as some home school student-athletes from around the area. The Eagles have about 30 guys in the program at the moment, hosting JV and varsi­ ty squads. Jax Rodammer and Trent Gamaat are the ; only two seniors on the team this spring. Gamaat earned the win on the mound against West Michigan Aviation Saturday, allowing just three hits. “We have a very popular home school pro­ gram at this point. We’re pretty well known. Having these home school kids playing with us, there has just been a real positive atmo­ sphere,” coach Strong said. “We have a good group of well-disciplined kids. I think that is what it comes down to. A good group of well-disciplined kids that love to play base­ ball.” Pitcher Jenner Rodammer threw the first five innings against the Saxons for the Eagles, allowing two runs on two hits. He walked five and had the nine strike outs. He helped his own cause at the plate, going 4-for-5 with a triple and two RBI. He also scored two runs. Jax Rodammer was 3-for-5 with two dou­ bles, two RBI and two runs. Caleb Vanderbilt had a single, a double and two RBI and two runs scored too. Tyler Stanton, Justin Reitsma and Mitch Noe each also smacked a double for the Eagles. Trent Gamaat and Noah Smith both singled once. Reitsma scored two runs. Noe, Luciano Delavechia, Reitsma and Stanton had one RBI apiece. Stanton also walked twice. Levi Poortenga walked once Jenner Rodammer pitches for the Barry and scored a pair of runs. County Christian School varsity baseball BCCS snapped a 1-1 tie with four runs in team during the championship game of the top of the second inning and then added Saturday’s Eagle/Saxon Invitational at three in the third, two in the fourth, one in the Hastings High School. (Photo by Brett sixth and two runs in the seventh inning. The Bremer) Eagles committed just one error in the ball­ game. One Saxon error and a pair of walks started Pederson had a two-run single in his only 'J that big four-run inning for the Eagles in the at-bat of the afternoon. Carter Cappon also top of the second. Saxon starting pitcher had an RBI for the Saxons. Carter Hewitt got a strike out with the bases Five of the Eagles runs were unearned as. loaded for the second out of the inning, but the Saxons committed three errors in the ball­ Vanderbilt drilled an RBI single into left field game. Hastings was back in action Monday and and Jenner Rodammer drilled a two-run sin­ gle into Centerfield. Vanderbilt scored the Tuesday. Pennfield closed out the Interstate-8 final run of the inning on a steal of home. Athletic Conference season with 10-1 and Ethan Caris had a solid tournament finale 15-6 wins over the Saxons in Battle Creek for the Saxons, going 3-for-4 at the plate with The Otsego Bulldogs scored 12-3 and 6-0 a run and an RBI. Carter Hewitt walked three wins over the Hastings boys Monday in a times and scored a pair of runs. Rigden non-conference doubleheader in Otsego. ■ • H DK’s Pape, Dumas and Rench reach state qualifying marks Delton Kellogg sophomore Cole Pape ripped off a throw of 141 feet 3.5 inches to win the discus at the Division 3 Regional Meet hosted by Saugatuck High School Friday. It was one of three state qualifying perfor­ mances for the Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ track and field team as it earned a third-place finish at the meet. Pape scored in both of the throwing events, also placing fifth in the shot put with a mark of 42-10.5. Delton Kellogg senior foreign exchange student Nicolas Dumas qualified for the Division 3 Lowe Peninsula State Finals, which will be held June 1 at Comstock Park High School, placing third in the 100-meter dash at the regional in 11.41 seconds. Junior teammate Jordan Rench qualified for the finals int eh 300-meter intermediate hurdles with a time of 42.26 seconds. Rench and Dumas both scored in two indi­ vidual races. Rench was also third in the 1 IO­ meter high hurdles with a time of 16.42. Dumas was sixth in the 200-meter dash in 24.12. Fellow sprinter Dominik Waase placed sixth for the Panthers in the 100-meter dash in 11.89. Dumas and Waase also teamed with Bradley Bunch and Justin Trantham for a seventh-place time of47.39 for the Panthers in the 4x 100-me­ ter relay. Dumas, Waase, Bunch and Trantham added an eighth-place 4x200-meter time of 1:37.94. Delton Kellogg’s boys scored in all four relay races .Amon Smith II, Ashton Pluchinsky, Sam Arce and Matt Lester finished seventh in the 4x800-meter relay in 9:13.88. Bunch Kendal Pluchinsky, Dawson Grizzle and Trantham placed eighth in the 4x400-meter relay in 3:45.08. Rench scored in all four of his individual events, placing fifth in the long jump at 17-11.5 and third in the high jump at 5-5. Rench tied teammate Dawson Grizzle for third in the high jump. Grizzle just missed out on qualifying for state in a couple of events, also placing third in the 400-meter dash in 53.90. Mads Clausen was a second scorer in the long jump for the DK boys, placing eighth with a mark of 17-4.25. DK also had two scorers in the pole vault, with Kendal Pluchinsky fourth at 11-0 and Alex Leclercq fifth at 10-3. Saugatuck’s boys and girls both won regional championships Friday on their home track. Saugatuck’s boys finished the day with 110.5 points, ahead of Kent City 82, Delton Kellogg 72.5, Western Michigan Christian 59.5, Calvin Christian 58, Montague 49.5, North Muskegon 49, Ravenna 49, Black River 47, Wellspring Prep 28, NorthPointe Christian 19, White Cloud 16, Wyoming Lee 10 and Newaygo 8. The Saugatuck girls compiled 163.5 points, ahead of Kent City 135, Montague 96.5, Calvin Christian 45, NorthPointe Christian 41, White Cloud 39, Western Michigan Christian 28, Black River 26, Newaygo 26, Delton Kellogg 22, Wellspring Prep 15, Ravenna 15 and North Muskegon 8. Senior Ashley Elkins had the top finish for the Panthers in the high jump, placing fourth by clearing the bar at 4-8. Seniors scored in four field events for the DK girls, with Lily Cooper fifth in the pole vault at 7-3, Victoria Greene sixth in the discus in 88-5 and Lexi Parsons eighth in the shot put at 28-75. Delton Kellogg had two top-eight finishes in the relays. Rachelle Brown, Marion Poley, Hannah Austin and Halena Phillips placed fifth in the 4x800-meter relay in 11:23.48 and the team of Emily Dake, Cooper, Abbie Bever and Klara Mattsson placed sixth in the 4x200-meter relay in 2:02.29. Mattsson had the only medal winning per­ formance in an individual race on the track for the DK girls, placing sixth in 13.69. Holland Black River freshman Kylee Poulton swept the two sprints in the girls’ meet, winning the 100-meter dash in 12.86 and the 200-meter dash in 27.21. It was a feat matched by Calvin Christian senior Caleb Schutte in the boys’ meet who won the 100 in 11.01 and the 200 in 22.24. There were a few two-time winners in the boys’ meet, with Saugatuck senior Corey Gorgas taking the 1600-meter run in 4:19.24 and the 3200-meter run in 9:43.98 and his senior teammate Brad Dunn winning the 1 IO­ meter high hurdles in 14.66 and the 300-meter intermediate hurdles in 40.18. Kent City senior Lauren Freeland was a two-time winner on the track in the girls’ meet, taking the 800-meter run in 2:14.37 and the 1600-meter run in 4:56.85. Delton Kellogg also saw the Saugatuck teams win Southwestern Athletic Conference Championships Tuesday in Constantine. The Saugatuck boys and girls both won the SAC Championship Meet, with the boys outscoring Hackett Catholic Prep 120-81 at the top of the standings and the girls’ scoring a 189-96 win over Constantine. The DK boys were third with 75.5 points and the DK girls seventh with 43.5. Dumas and Mattsson were the conference’s two fastest sprinters, with Dumas winning the boys’ 100-meter dash in 11.83 and Mattsson the girls’ 100 in 13.54. The Delton Kellogg boys’ team had a third place finish in all five of the field events. Pape was third in the shot put at 44-5 and the discus at 136-6. Rench was third in the high jump at 6-0 and in the long jump at 19-1.75. Kendal Pluchinsky placed third in the pole vault at 11-0. Delton Kellogg also got a third-place finish from the 4x800-meter relay team of Smith III, Ashton Pluchinsky, Arce and Lester that came in at 8:54.58. The DK girls’ team got a fourth-place fin­ ish from the 4x400-meter relay team of Brown, Cooper, Austin and Phillips that fin­ ished its race in 4:553.14. Phillips also had a fourth-place time of 6:12.29 in the 1600-meter run, just ahead of Austin who was fifth in 6:17.10. Dk got a fifth-place high jump of 4-8 from Elkins and a sixth-place pole vault mark of 7-6 from Cooper. The Delton Kellogg girls’ team of Brown, Marion Poley, Austin and Phillips also placed fifth in the 4x800-meter relay with a time of' 11:22.11. Lakewood golfers second to Leslie at GLAC Championship Leslie held onto the top spot in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference standings by outscoring the Lakewood varsity boys’ golf team by ten strokes at the conference champi­ onship meet Saturday at Forest Akers East Golf Course on the campus of Michigan State University. Trevor Simon led the Lakewood boys with a 77. Lakewood also got an 82 from Caleb Farlee, an 84 from Austin Makley and a 91 from John Hewitt. “Our team broke out of the gates a little off, but they dug in and played some excellent golf down the stretch,” Lakewood head coach Carl Kutch said. “These players gave a great effort today.” Simon, Makley and Farlee all earned first team all-conference honors for their perfor­ mance, and Hewitt earned a spot on the all-conference second team. Leslie put together a team score of 324 Saturday, ahead of Lakewood 334, Lansing Christian 371, Maple Valley 396, Perry 401 and Olivet 415. Maple Valley’s Owen Bailey joined Hewitt on the all-conference second team. He led the Lions with an 86 Saturday. Maple Valley also got a 95 from Buck Schrader, a 103 from Carson Hasselback and a 116 from Kenneth Curtis. Leslie got a league-leading 74 from Cannon Risner, and the Blackhawks also added an 82 from Trevor Huttenlocker, an 83 from Nathan; Beachey and an 85 from Wilhelm Warbom. The Lakewood boys were back in action at the Battle Creek Lakeview Invitational at Cedar Creek Monday, and Simon had the highlight of the day hitting a hole-in-one bn number six. < “It was playing about 180 yards and he hit his 6-iron,” Kutch said. Simon fired a personal best round 76 tb earn a medal at the tournament, tied for sixth overall. Lakewood also got a personal besf round of 78 from Makley that put him in a tie1 for eighth. Farlee shot an 85 and Hewitt an 88 for the 4 Vikings. “Austin and Trevor were striking the ball so well today, hitting many greens in regula­ tion,” Kutch said. “The greens were soft and they were throwing darts. It was also nice to see John shoot in the 80’s for the first time. We have been looking for that fourth score and it will be key down the stretch.” 1 The Vikings’ team score of 327, which put them seventh out of 17 teams at the event, was a season low 18-hole round for the pro­ gram. z �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 23, 2019 — Page 15 Pennfield bests Saxon girls in final 1-8 doubleheader Hastings was bested by Pennfield in the final Interstate-8 Athletic Conference ball­ games of the season Tuesday in Battle Creek. The Panthers defeated the Saxon varsity softball team 7-3 and 13-5. Hastings’ Rayna Honsowitz was 2-for-3 with a pair of singles, an RBI and a run scored in the 7-3 loss to open the afternoon .Kelsey Heiss and Aubree Highway each doubled in the bailgame for Hastings, and Hannah Bloomberg, Brea Madden and Chelsea Beede each singled. Heiss and Bloomberg had one RBI each. Hastings outhit the Panthers 13-12 in game two, but the Panthers took advantage of seven walks and three Saxon errors. Bloomberg had a pair of doubles and two RBI. Highway was 3-for-4 with a triple and an RBI. Honsowitz singled twice and drove in two runs and Rylee Nicholson had three sin­ gles. Madden, Shelby Bolen and Beede each singled once for the Saxons. The Saxons went into the conference finale following a couple of tough non-conference doubleheaders. Plainwell scored 17-1 and 16-7 wins over the Saxons in Hastings Wednesday. Otsego knocked off the visiting Saxons 10-0 and 16-1 in a pair of ballgames Monday. The Saxons’ Chelsea Beede rips a double during the bottom of the fifth inning of game one against visiting Plainwell Wednesday at Hastings High School. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Hastings shortstop Stephanie VanRavenswaay tags out a Plainwell baserunner at third during game one of their non-conference doubleheader at Hastings High School Wednesday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Top Saxons score 1-8 honorable mention nods Saxon sophomore Will Jensen watches a shot fly from the fairway on number 14 at Bedford Valley Thursday during the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Championship. (Photo by Brett Bremer) ------------------------------- I Hastings junior Josh Yi sends his ball flying towards the green on number 13 during the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Championship at Bedford Valley Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor It became pretty clear to Hastings varsity boys’ golf coach Bruce Krueger that Marshall and Parma Western would be battling it out for an Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Championship throughout the course of the spring. Jackson Lumen Christi had a pretty firm hold on the third spot in the conference stand­ ings. He and his Saxons would be in a battle with everyone else for fourth place. The Saxons earned that fourth spot through­ out the course of the conference jamborees and held serve at the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Championship Thursday at Bedford Valley Golf Club. Saxon junior Alex Taylor and sophomore Will Jensen earned honorable mention all-con­ ference honors, each shooting an 81 at the 18-hole event Thursday. Hastings didn’t have the ultra low scores needed to compete for a conference champi­ onship, but the entire varsity line-up returning helped everyone be fairly consistent through­ out the conference season. “It has been a blast. It is so fun playing with them. I like how we communicate well and play together,” Taylor said of having the team’s top six golfers together for a second season in a row. “When someone is down, someone else is there to pick us up.” 'Taylor “wasn’t super thrilled” with his 81 Thursday, “but overall it was okay,” he said. “Twas happy with the way I was driving the b$ll and chipping. Average holes, pars. I was able to make a lot of pars today.” Taylor said he worked out a kink in his chipping with a little help from Jensen mid­ way through the season. “I was just chipping bad and chunking a lot of shots. One of my friends came up and said you’re just decelerating through the ball and helped me with that,” Taylor said. Jensen said it was his putting getting better at this point in the season that helped him score as well as he did Thursday. “I made a few putts for birdies. I made a 40-footer on number 7.1 made a 10-footer on 11. That was good. Other than that I just played pretty consistent. I didn’t make too many mistakes, but I didn’t play outstanding,” Jensen said. Hastings also got an 83 from junior Josh Yi and an 86 from junior Josh Brown. Marshall clinched the conference champi­ onship with a team score of 313, ahead of Parma Western 321, Lumen Christi 327, Hastings 331, Harper Creek 342, Coldwater 343, Jackson Northwest 385 and Pennfield 393. “There were several of us competing for fourth and we managed to stay in there all the away through,” Krueger said. “It is not a bad total day. I’m not disappointed. They all had opportunities to have scored better, but every golfer here will tell you what they could have done better. That is the way it works. I am satisfied.” Marshall’s Hayden Chapman and Parma Western’s Sean Vann tied for medalist honors at Bedford Valley, each scoring a 76. Marshall’s Matt Flynn was third with a 77. “It has been a blast. It is so fun playing with them. I like how we communicate well and play together.” Hastings junior Alex Taylor, on having the team's top six varsity players back Carl Quist and Harrison Chapman each scored an 80 for the Redhawks. Parma Western also got a 79 from Brett Casto and Lumen Christi was led by Conor Spencer’s 78. The Saxons were a part of he Battle Creek Central Invitational at Cedar Creek Golf Club Monday in temperatures in the 40s with strong, gusty winds and drizzle that lasted until mid-morning. Marshall won that day too, scoring a 314. Gull Lake was second with a 318 and Mattawan beat out Portage Northern on a tie­ breaker for third, both scoring a 319. Portage Central was fifth with a 320 at the 12-team event. Hastings placed eighth with a 337, also behind a 322 from Coldwater and a 327 from Lakewood. Jensen led the Saxons with a 79. Yi scored an 84, Taylor an 85 and Brown an 89. Hastings girls bested by Pennfield and Coldwater in 1-8 tourney The Hastings varsity girls’ soccer team was bested by Pennfield and Coldwater 4-0 in its two Interstate-8 Athletic Conference tourna­ ment games to close out the regular season. Pennfield bested the Saxons 4-0 Friday, scoring three goals in the second half to pull away. Hastings head coach Tim Schoessel said his girls put together a solid first half. Coldwater scored three runs in the first half of their bailgame Monday. “They scored again quickly in the second half and then we stepped up our game some­ what in the second half and made a contest out of it, but we were in a big hole that we weren’t going to be able to climb out of,” coach Schoessel said. “We had several goods shots but nothing was able to find the net.” Hastings was scheduled to visit Thomapple Kellogg last night for its Division 2 District opener against the host Trojans. Hastings junior Alex Taylor fires his ball up towards the green on number 14 at Bedford Valley Thursday during the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Championship. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Trojans come from behind for nine-inning win over Wayland Thomapple Kellogg opened its OK Gold Conference set with the Wayland varsity baseball team by splitting the league double­ header with the Wildcats in Middleville Friday. Wayland took game one 2-0 behind the pitching of senior Zach Reed who who went the distance, striking out eight and walking one. He allowed three hits, a pair of singles by TK’s Evan Sidebotham and one from Colson Brummel. Wayland got two runs, one unearned, of of TK started Dawson Hamming in the top of the first and that was it for the scoring. Hamming threw a complete game as well, holding Wayland tow four hits. He struck out five and didn’t walk a batter. TK took a 5-4 walk-off win in game two in nine innings. Wayland led the ballgame 4-1 through three innings, before TK rallied for a run in the fourth and two in the bottom of the fifth to even up the bailgame. Carter Stahl and Reese Garbrecht singled to lead off the bottom of the night for TK, and Jordan Hey walked to load the bases. Alex Bonnema drilled a hard ground ball into left field to score Dylan Podbevsek from third, who had come in to run for Stahl. Matt McNee and Isaiah Postma had two singles each for the Trojans, with Bonnema, Brummel, Levi VanderHeide, Stahl and Garbrecht finishing with one each. Bonnema had two RBI and Sidebotham and McNee had one RBI each. Wayland finished off the series with a 10-3 win over the Trojans in Wayland Monday afternoon. Stahl singled, doubled and scored a run in the loss. Bonnema had a hit, two walks and two runs scored. McNee singled and drove in a run and Brummel had an RBI as well. Wyoming closed out a three-game sweep of the Thomapple Kellogg boys with a 12-7 win in Middleville Thursday afternoon. The Trojans fell behind 11-1 through three innings, but tried to claw their way back into the contest. TK scored three runs in the bot­ tom of the fifth and three in the bottom of the sixth to pull within 11-7 before the Wolves tacked on more more run in the seventh. TK had six hits, by six different players int eh bailgame. Bonnema, Postma and McNee all doubled for the Trojans and VanderHeide, Brummel and Garbrecht singled. McNee and Bonnema had two RBI each, and Brummel and Postma each drove in one run. VanderHeide scored twice. After the Wolves struck for 11 runs, nine earned, off TK starter Brian Davidoski through three innings, Postma came on to throw four innings of relief in which he gave up one unearned run on a hit and a walk. He struck out three. �Page 16 — Thursday, May 23, 2019 — The Hastings Banner High jumps and fast 400s highlights from D2 regional Brett Bremer Sports Editor Hastings junior Erin Dalman and Thomapple Kellogg junior Claudia Wilkinson have both been a part of the high jump com­ petition at the state finals before. They earned the right to try and get over the bar on the infield in Zeeland at the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals once again after finishing 1-2 at the Division 2 Regional Meet hosted by Mason Friday. Dalman, who qualified for the state finals in the high jump as a freshman, and Wilkinson who was a state qualifier in the event last year as a sophomore, were two of eight girls to clear 4 feet 10 inches in Mason Friday, but the only two to get over the bar at 5-0. Dalman added one more successful jump, clearing 5-2. She cleared 5-3 as an eighth grader, and managed 5-2 a couple times as a freshman, but hadn’t been over the bar again at 5-2 since her regional performance as a freshman. “I’m back up to where I was freshman year,” Dalman said. “It is really just like a mental game. It is a little bit of working out. It’s form, and a lot of adrenaline.” “I figured out my form a bit better, to bring my hips up and get over the bar a little bit easier.” She said she didn’t come into the regional meet expecting to get back over 5-2 “In the moment, the mentality was there. It just happened,” Dalman said. A 5-1 leap at an Interstate-8 Athletic Conference dual in mid-April had been her season-best jump before Friday. Wilkinson, who qualified for the state finals in the high jump, the 300-meter low hurdlers and with the Trojan 4x400-meter relay team, also has a PR of 5-2 in the high jump which is a mark she’s met a few times this spring including in a winning perfor- Lakewood’s Nathan Alford works his way to the finish in the 3200-meter run during the Division 2 Regional Meet hosted by Mason High School Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Saxon junior Ireland Barber builds up energy for a throw in the discus competition during the Division 2 Regional Meet hosted by Mason High School Friday. She tied for eighth in the event with a throw of 95 feet 10 inches. (Photo by Brett Bremer) mance at the OK Gold Conference Championship May 10. She’s been over 5-0 consistently throughout the spring. The top two finishers in each regional event, as well as others who met pre-deter­ mined state qualifying times and distances earned spots in the June 1 State Finals. Thornapple Kellogg had six state qualify­ ing performances. Senior sprinter Kay lee Spencer won her team’s lone regional cham­ pionship, taking the 100-meter dash in 12.72 seconds, finishing eight hundredths of a sec­ ond ahead of Marshall senior Olaide Olapade who was the runner-up in the race. Spencer also qualified for the state finals with a run­ ner-up time of 59.99 in the 400-meter dash, her first time finishing the race in less than a minute. She was even a bit faster than that on the final leg of the Trojans 4x400-meter relay. Spencer was second to Eaton Rapids’ Arianna Sysum in the 400-meter dash, but made up a 5-meter gap between herself and Sysum during the anchor leg of the 4x400, after getting the baton from Wilkinson. Spencer finally passed Sysum with about 60 meters to go in the race. The Eaton Rapids team still managed to qualify for the finals based on its third-place time (4:11.55). The TK ladies shaved nearly 7 seconds off their previous best time in the race - with the team of Stephanie Pitsch, Jacklyn Morgan, Wilkinson and Spencer finishing in 4 minutes 11.18 seconds. Wilkinson said the 4x400 is her least favor­ ite of the three events she qualified for the state finals in, “because it is the hardest.” She said she thought her 400-meter leg went “better than expected.” “I just wanted to run fast for my team, and literally nothing else.” Spencer said it was a life goal to finish a The Saxons’ Hunter Allerding gets the baton from teammate Lucas Lumbert for the final leg of the 4x100-meter relay Friday at the Division 2 Regional Meet hosted by Mason High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hastings freshman Kali Grimes flies to an eighth-place finish in the long jump at the Division 2 Regional Meet hosted by Mason High School Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) 400-meter run in less than a minute. “I told one of my teammates before, I am not letting (Sysum) beat me twice so get me the baton before her,” Spencer said of the lead-up to the 4x400-meter relay, “but I didn’t and I was like I’m not doing this. I can not lose twice.” She said she tried to pass Sysum about 100 meters into their lap, as there was an opening to the inside, but then thought better of it. She didn’t want to chance a fall or getting disqual­ ified trying to squeeze through. “So, I waited until the last corner. That is when you’re supposed to, if you can get them. I did it, and I don’t know, God carried me because I don’t know how I did that. It was really awesome. I was really proud of every­ one. It was a good time.” She said her split in the relay was clocked at 57.8 seconds according to her coaches. “That is really insane for me. I was really, really pleased. I was really happy for the girls on my team,” Spencer said. The Parma Western foursome of Ashley Oliver, Lilli Luma, Riley Robertson and Alyna Lewis capped off their team’s regional championship performance by winning the 4x400 in 4:09.39. The Parma Western girls beat out Mason 93-76 at the top of the girls’ standings. Coldwater was third with 65.5 points, ahead of Thornapple Kellogg 65, Olivet 56, Wayland 49.5 Harper Creek 41.5, Eaton Rapids 40, Jackson Northwest 39, Charlotte 32, Hastings 31.5, Marshall 27, Portland 17, Pennfield 16 and Lakewood 13. The Parma Western boys’ also won the team regional title Friday, beating Wayland 130 to 82 for first place. Olivet was third with 75.5 points, ahead of Marshall 66.5, Coldwater 48, Mason 44, Harper Creek 41, Charlotte 36, Jackson Northwest 33, Lakewood 28, Hastings 23.5, Eaton Rapids 23, Portland 14.5, Thomapple Kellogg 12 and Pennfield 6. The area will have two representatives at the state finals in the pole vault in Division 2. Lakewood senior Payne Hanna was the run­ ner-up in the boys’ pole vault, clearing the bar at 13-4. Only four guys in all of Division 2 went higher than that at their regional meet last weekend. One of them was Eaton Rapids’ junior Quentin Henderson who cleared 14-4 to win the regional title. Thornapple Kellogg sophomore Paige Zellmer was also a regional runner-up in the pole vault. She cleared 9-3, a season best hurdles Friday at the Division 2 Regional Meet hosted by Mason High School. (Phofo by Brett Bremer) vault for her. Parma Western senior Emalee de La Grange won the girls’ pole vault by clear­ ing 9-6. Another local pole-vaulter, Hastings fresh­ man Allison Teed, medaled in the event with a seventh-place jump of 8-6. The top eight in each event Friday scored for their team and won regional medals. The top performances for the Hastings boys came from senior Haydn Redmond who was fourth in the long jump with mark of 20-1 and fifth in the 200-meter dash in 23.70. Lakewood senior Chas Salgat medaled in the two sprints, finishing eighth in the 200 in 24.96 and seventh in the 100-meter dash in 11.72, just ahead of Hastings junior Hunter Allerding who was eighth in 11.86. Redmond teamed with William Roosien, Aidan Makled and Dane Barnes for a fifth­ place finish in the 4x400-meter relay for the Saxons with a time of 3:39.79. Lakewood’s team of Isaac Eggers, Garrett Zuver, Denny Sauers III and Hanna was eighth in that race in 3:43.36. Thomapple Kellogg senior Jordon Roobol just beat out Lakewood senior Zuver for sev­ enth in the boys’ 400-meter dash, with both guys setting a new personal record. Roobol was seventh in 53.28 and Zuver eighth in 53.59. A Saxon, a Trojan and a Viking also medaled in the boys’ distance races. TK junior Nick Bushman was fourth with a PR of 4:38.06 in the 1600-meter run with Saxon junior Makled setting a new PR too with his sixth-place time of 4:38.74. Lakewood soph­ omore Nathan Alford set a new PR in the 3200-meter run, placing fifth in 10:07.74. Lakewood boys scored in all four relays. The team of Heath Carter, Owen Rickerd, Oliver Beswick and Alford was seventh in the 4x800-meter relay in 9:03.03, not to far behind the Hastings foursome of Jon Arnold, Braden Tolles, Blake Harris and Makled that placed sixth in 8:50.67. The Lakewood team of Salgat, Stank, Sauers III and Hanna was fourth in the 4xl00-meter relay in 45.19 and the team of Salgat, Eggers, Zuver and Stank placed fifth in the 4x200-meter relay in 1:34.82. The Saxon team of Roosien, Redmond, Kirby Beck and Hunter Allerding was seventh in that 4x200 in 1:36.14. The top performance for the Thomapple Kellogg boys came in the high jump, where sophomore Cole Shoobridge placed fourth by clearing 6-0 for the first time at the end of his first competitive track and field season. Spencer was joined by her 4x400-meter teammate Morgan as a medalist in the 400meter dash. Morgan, a senior, placed fourth in that race in 1:03.53. TK freshman Jessica Durkee was sixth in the 1600-meter run with a personal record time of 5:36.32. Hastings had two girls set new PRs in the 3200-meter run, freshman Carissa Strouse who was sixth in 12:30.58 and senior Allison Collins who was seventh in 12:31.86. The Saxon freshman Teed was a three-time regional medalists, placing third in the 100meter hurdles in 17.03 and joining teammlW Dalman, Savanah Starrett and Grace Nickels for a fourth-place time of 1:52.48 in die 4x200-meter relay. All three local schools at the regional scored in that girls’ 4x200, with the Lakewood team of Brooke Bouwens, Sophie Duits, Grade Travis and Chloe Haight sixth in I: 52.61 and the TK team of Anna Benedict, Trysta Hilton, Ellena Keener and Aubrey Shepherd eighth in 1:56.59. Haight and Bouwens also teamed with Patsy Morris and Kristine Possehn to place sixth in the 4x400-meter relay in 4:22.39. Possehn and Morris joined Madisyn Case and Emily Fortier for a seventh-place time of I1: 12.71 in the 4x800-meter relay. The TK team of Georgia Kaboos, Jessica Durkee, Kendall Snyder and Maddie Butler was fifth in that race in 10:18.16. Lakewood’s team of Hokulani Ka’alakea, Duits, Travis and Haight was eighth in the 4x 100-meter relay in 53.83. Haight also added a season-best time of 13.38 to place seventh in the 100-meter dash. Teed and Wilkinson weren’t the only local girls to medal in the hurdles. Thomapple Kellogg’s Hilton was sixth in a PR of 17.57 in the 100-meter hurdles and Lakewood’s Ka’alakea also set a new PR with a sev­ enth-place time of 17.69 in the race. TK soph­ omore Kylie Smith was eighth in the 300meter low hurdles in a personal record time of 51.27. In the field, Hastings junior Ireland Barber set a new personal record of 95-10 in the dis­ cus to place eighth and teammates Grace Nickels and Kali Grimes placed seventh and eighth respectively in the long jump with Nickels flying 14-7.5 and Grimes 14-4.5. ���Hastings Banner - Graduation issue, 2019 - page 2 Rian alien alyssa diked Ida Qndetsen Cfiacie Qtnold Thomas Buike Ji Victotia Byykkonen Tylei Chaney Shannon Culp Kaitlynn dlioH Palsy Campbell alexandei Clow Btyce Dailing Jatiod tatdsley Blait dndetson Claite dndetson Shelby Bolen llleghan Boiton Whitney Cailson Coia Caipentei allison Collins Paul Coppock Btady Coition Pevon Pilno Cody Punn Julia fktedf Olivia Teldt Ryan Flikkema Hlegan Peal Pevin PelHalto Cameton tablet Isaac tvans Piescot Bowex Haliegh Butfield dlexis Chaffee �Hostings Banner • Graduation Issue, 2019 - page 3 Roah Foimex Clmbei Fox Catiett Gibson Ratasha Glasgow Jamison Goetsch Oscax Gonzalez-Peiez Sean Gieen Tobin Haines Jr ftxeann Hall Palsy Hannan Jon Haywood Katheiine Haywood Wesley Henisei Cilicia Hernandez Jaden Hickman s*a Howaid William Hubbell Coibin Huntei Keely Jackson ftatonJohns Qiegoiyjones Clithui Kensington Qwdtyana Holben fflattkewjacob Pevyn Heath Jack Hoiton Gietchen James tlizabethjensen �Hastings Banner - Graduation Issue, ;w&wt Saebien Kxeb; dskton Cawens Peagan Ceask Bxeana Ceonaxd frtaeden Cowell Isaac Cuedecking Jace Kill Shaelee MacCeod friea Madden flatkan Madden Sadie Maitland Kenzie Maki-Mielke Emma Matkiesen dndxew Mautex Wesley McClelland Cllexis.McPade Claudia McCean Ponoven Melckext Kyxsten Mesecax Katuxa Metznex Clndxew Millex James Millex Shiann fTlolette Jeflxey Moxgan Kassidy Moxgan Philip Moxxis Cody Muxpky Gabxielle Hickobon Rylee nickobon Gxace Hickeb Catherine O'Bxien Clarissa Paxish Ckloe lAixk Jaden Paxkex Maxy Muxpky Connot f\ix!nentet Kassidi Ota Sydney Pattok Emmalee fVck �Hastings Banner - Graduation Issue, 2019 - page 5 . ,_n. i Kasandxa Pittman Gxianna Planck Huntex Poe Hannah Padloff dntonio Pamixez Seth Pay Pichaxd Peasex Megan Poe Connex Petexson • ? • Hannah Poxtex Haydn Pedmond HlacKertzie Rosenbexg Qndxew Shaver Kyle Pottex Chebey Powexi Bxandon Peese Maxwell Pichaxds Cilicia Pivexa Zaxek Pudesill Cdexis Puthxuff Coxbin Sackxidex Matthew Shexman i Katelyn Solmes MB •: Jalen Simmon Richolas Simonton benjamin Staffoxd Matthew Stiles Pogex Poets CaitVmRose Rathan Schild Galina Schiller Kenneth Smith 'fcx Maggie Spencer Haley Stuart �Hastings Banner - Graduation Issue, 2019jgge_6 Joxdan Thompson Gxayson Tebo Mikaela Twigg Samuel Wallet Blake Waltkex Kassaundxa Waxnex Txinity yodex Desiree Kowalewski Harkema Automotive & ha-ef Soles 4600 M. M-37 Hwy., Middleville Juan Vaxgas Spencex Tyson Dylan Mead Paige Woexn Maty youngs Cuke Moxgan Dakota Woxk McKenzie Vincent Cade Might Caxmen Zalewski mackenzie O’Toole allison Vaitine »v CREEKSIDE VISION A HEARING \ Rx Won. Fat heating. Faf heatth 1761 W. M-43 Hwy., Hasting* �■ Hastings Banner - Graduation Issue, 2019 - page 7 Numerous students given awards, scholarships Hastings High School students attend honors night where several receive scholarships toward their continued education. The event was at the high schools new performing arts center. Approximately $200,000 in scholarships was awarded to Hastings High School seniors at the honors assembly May 23 in the new performing arts center. *The scholarships are possible because of the generosity of our local businesses, foundations, schools and individuals who support our students/ Principal Teresa Heide said. Students were recognized for achlevementsandaccompllshments, such as maintaining a high grade point average or demonstrating outstanding performance in a specific field of study, such as agriculture or business. Department Awards Student of the year awards, by department, include: Agriculture, food and natural resources - Devin Haywood. Business - Corbin Hunter. Construction trades Arthur Kensington. Culinary arts - Breana Leonard. Engineering design - Thomas Carpenter. Face the Wind Award - Jaden Parker. Fine arts - Juan Vargas. Language arts - Megan Roe. Math - Andrew Maurer. Science - Katura Metzner. Social studies - Samuel Waller. Spanish - Claire Anderson. Participation awards Outstanding attendance Brady Cordon, Luke Morgan, Richard Reaser and Joseph Tinkler. Outstanding attendance all four years - Andrew Maurer and Benjamin Stafford. MSU Outstanding Junior Award Lainey Tomko. Senior Foreign Exchange Student Recognition - Ida Andersen, Emma Mathiesen, Galina Schiller. Congressional Medal of Merit Katherine Haywood. Presidential Appolniment to the United States Military Academy Jack Horton. Athletic awards Saxon Scholar Athlete awards - 'Claire Xnderson, Grace Beauchamp, Victoria Byykkonen, Whitney Carlson, Allison Collins, Katherine Haywood, Kelsey Heiss, Allie Horning. Jack Horton, Gretchen James, Elizabeth Jensen, Breana Leonard, Lindsay Meeker, Kassldy Morgan, Kassldl Olson, Sydney Pcttok, Megan Roe, Nicholas Simonton, Lynnsey Thayer, Jessica Thompson, Lainey Tomko, Blake Walther, Elisabeth Youngs and Mary Youngs. Victoria Byykkonen, Allison Collins, Katherine Hpywood, Allie Horning, Ryan Fiikkema and Ellie Youngs present "Remtm ber When,” a graduation tradition. Hastings graduating class members take their seats before commencement ceremonies begin. Kassldy Morgan, Grace Nickels, Lynnsey Thayer, Jessica Thompson, Lainey Tomko and Mary Youngs. Saxon Scholar Athlete Awards and MHSAA Farm Bureau Scholar Athlete Awards - Lauren Harden, Rylee Nicholson, Grace Nickels and Katelyn Solmes. George “Buzz" Youngs athlete awards - Cameron Ertner and Grace Nickels. Local scholarships Many of the following scholarships have specific criteria that must be met by the recipients. Some require admission to a particular university and/or field of study, such as attending Western Michigan University or studying engineering. The majority of the scholarships require that the student complete an application process. Some of the awards are chosen by the donors, and others are selected by a committee. L.H. Lamb Memorial scholarships Lynnsey Thayer, Stephanie VanRavenswaay, Juan Vargas. Girrbach Family Memorial Scholarship - Ryan Flikkema. Woody Wyngarden Memorial Scholarship - Hope Peck. Thornapple Credit Union Certificate of Scholarship Gretchen James. First Presbyterian Church of Hastings Scholarship - Katelyn Solmes. FFA Alumni Scholarship Devin Haywood. College Initiative Scholarship Dylan Schaffer. Kellogg Community College Foundation scholarships - Shannon Culp (KCC Foundation Scholarship); Ryan Flikkema (Ernestine Greenman Scholarship, Richard T. and Ethel Denton Groos Scholarship); Shlann Molette (Maxine V. Williams Scholarship, Richard T. and Ethel Denton Groos Scholarship, Hastings City Bank Scholarship); Halley Paclllo (Richard T. and Ethel Denton Groos Scholarship); Emmalee Peck (Richard S. Poole Memorial Scholarship, Lewis Weimer Family Scholarship) Mlya Phillips (KCC Foundation Scholarship); McKenzie Vincent (Richard T. and Ethel Denton Groos Scholarship, KCC Foundation Scholarship). Hastings Athletic Boosters scholarships - Allison • Collins and Ryan Flikkema. Barry County Substance Abuse Task Force Youth Scholarship Grace Nickels. Eldon P. Willard Scholarship Katherine Haywood. TEAM Barry County Scholarship - Katherine Haywood. Mary Youngs Music and Athletic Memorial scholarships - Katherine Haywood and Elisabeth Youngs. Coach and Kathleen Clarey Scholarship - Mary Youngs. Gies Family Scholarship - Mary Youngs. Marshall Seger Scholarship Megan Roe. GFWC Hastings Women’s Club “Jumpstart Your Future" scholarships - Kassldy Morgan and Megan Roe. Barbara Colleen Hooten Memorial Scholarshlp-Hastings Claire Anderson. Charles Baldwin Speakers Club Scholarship - Megan Roe. Hastings Education Association scholarships - Victoria Byykkonen, Whitney Carlson. Allison Collins, Hannah Hayes, Gretchen James and Samuel Waller. Carrie Roe Memorial scholarships - Alfredo-Jose Arechlga and Hannah Porter. Hastings Education Enrichment Foundation scholarships Hastings Car Club Scholarship Isaac Evans. �Hastings Banner - Graduation Issue, 2019 - page Helen Mott scholarships-Claudia McLean, Lynnsey Thayer and Blake Walther. Howard and Leona VanDellc scholarships - Claire Anderson and Mitike Slagstad. Robert Casey Scholarship Elisabeth Youngs. Herbert J. Reinhardt Scholarship - Katura Metzner. Jerry Lee Morton Memorial Scholarship - Allie Horning. Gladys Cairns scholarships Lauren Harden, Katherine Haywood and Mary Youngs. Ruth Tangerstrom Memorial scholarships - Jessica Gaskill and Mikaela Twigg. Hastings Kiwanis Club scholarships - Andrew Maurer and Kassidi Olson. Hastings Mutual Insurance Company Scholarship - Noah Former. Vai ”Bub" Bennett Springer Scholarship - Isaac Evans. Dana Burgess/Hastings High School Alumni Association scholarships - Rian Allen and Zarek Rudeslll. Brad and Karin Johnson Scholarship - Kassldy Morgan. George Wibalda Scholarship Grace Beauchamp. Hastings Rotary Club scholarships - Grace Nickels and Lainey Tomko. Rosellen E. and Paul E. Siegel scholarships - Victoria Byykkonen, Alexis McDade and Megan Roe. Beatrice Fisher Wollin Scholarship - Jessica Thompson. Willard G. Pierce and Jessie M. Pierce Scholarship - Hannah Hawblitz. Andrea M. Storrs scholarships Gretchen James and Roger Roets. Carl and Loretta Schoessel Community Service and Leadership scholarships - Lindsay Meeker and Kenneth Smith. College scholarships Senior academic honors and scholarships reported by the graduates include: Grace Beauchamp - Saint Mary's College Dean’s Scholarship for Academic Achievement, Saint Mary’s College Donors Scholarship. s University Crimson Scholarship. Allison Collins - Spring Arbor Alexis Ruthruff - F©rr,s state University Trustee Scholarship, Spring University Crimson Scholarship. Arbor University Cross Country and Nicholas Simonton - Aquinas Track and Field Scholarship. College Monsignor Bukowski Ryan Flikkema Kellogg b . . Community College Athletic Scholarship. Ben Stafford - Western Michigan Scholarship for basketball. University Bronco Merit Scholarship. Lauren Harden - Grand Valley Lynnsey Thayer Concordia State University Laker Scholarship. University Wisconsin Presidential Audryana Holben - Grand Valley Scholarship. State University Laker Scholarship. Jessica Thompson - Horatio Alger Corbin Hunter - Davenport Association National Scholar. University Platinum Scholarship. Elisabeth Youngs - Aquinas Gretchen James - Grand Valley College St. Thomas Aquinas State University Laker Scholarship. Lindsay Meeker Western Scholarship, Aquinas College Alumni Scholarship. Michigan UniversityPresident’s Academic Excellence Scholarship. Rylee Nicholson Grand Rapids Community College Foundation Scholarship, Grand Rapids Community College Athletic Scholarship for women's softball. Grace Nickels - Grand Valley State University Award for Excellence. Kassidi Olson - Grand Valley State University Award for Excellence Hannah Porter- Eastern Michigan University Education First Opportunity Scholarship. Zarek Rudeslll - Ferris State Superintendent Carrie Duits breaks into a dance during herfarewell address. She high-fives administrators and board members on stage with her. Honor Cord Recipients National Honor Society Members Blue and White Cords 125:174 GPA Blue and Gold Cords iZ5zl22£EA Alfredo-Jose Arechiga -Ryan Flikkema Garrett Gibson Mikayla Guernsey Hannah Hayes Claire Anderson Grace Beauchamp Victoria Byykkonen Whitney Carlson Allison Collins Audryana Holben Lauren Harden Double White Cords William Hubbell Kelsey Heiss -l.Qz3.24 GPA Corbin Hunter Allie Homing Blair Anderson Elizabeth Jensen Jack Horton Miranda Armstrong Breana Leonard Gretchen James Shelby Bolen Kenzie Maki-Mielke Claudia McLean Hallegh Burfield Shiann Molette Lindsay Meeker Cody Dunn Julia Ehredl Luke Morgan Jeffrey Morgan White and Gold Cords EoriY-Collftge Desiree Kowalewski Dylan Mead : Luke Morgan Mackenzie O'Toole Allison Vastine Kaitlynn Elliott Cameron Ertner Isaac Evans Rylee Nicholson Catherine O'Brien Mackenzie O'Toole Kassidy Morgan Sydney Pattok Megan Roe Olivia Feld! Hailey Pacillo Emmalee Peck Amber Fox Hannah Radloff Lynnsey Thayer Olivia Hanson Maxwell Richards Jessica Thompson Hannah Hawblitz Roger Roets Lainey Tomko Devin Haywood Caitlin Rose McKenzie Vincent Ashton Lowens Zarek Rudesill Samuel Waller Brea Madden Alexis Ruthruff Kassaundra Warner Nolhon Madden Andrew Shaver Nicholas Simonton Benjamin Stafford Dylan Mead Mitike Slagstad Gabrielle Nicholson Kenneth Smith Chloe’ Perk Conner Peterson Kalelyn Solmes Double Gold Cords 4.0 GPA and above lQP.-Hpn.ors Bailey Summers Noah Former Hannah Porter Isaiah Taylor Katherine Haywood Dylan Schaffer Juan Vargas Matthew Sherman Blake Walther Andrew Maurer Alexis McDade Kaitlyn Shook Elisabeth Youngs Katura Metzner Mikaela Twigg Grace Nickels Trinity Yoder Kassidi Olson Hope Peck Mary Youngs Claire Anderson Grace Beauchamp Victoria Byykkonen Allison Collins Lauren Harden Katherine Haywood Kelsey Heiss Audryana Holben Allie Homing Jack Horton Gretchen James Alexis McDade Claudia McLean Lindsay Meeker Katura Metzner Shiann Molette Kassidy Morgan Grace Nickels Catherine O'Brien Kassidi Olson Sydney Pattok Emmalee Peck Hope Peck Maxwell Richards Megan Roe Katelyn Solmes Lynnsey Thayer Jessica Thompson Lainey Tomko Samuel Waller Kassaundra Warner Elisabeth Youngs Mary Youngs Rotary Top 10 Honors Claire Anderson Allison Collins Ryan Flikkema Devin Haywood Katherine Haywood Grace Nickles Jessica Thompson Juan Vargas Samuel Waller Elisabeth Youngs Mary Youngs �rt T HF r B Hastings Banner - Graduation Issue, 2019 - page 9 20 n j Hastings Mjgh School graduates become alumni Joan Van Houten, Staff Writer The Varsity Singers, led by Matthew Callaghan, perform "All the Things You Are. Members of the Hastings High School 2019 class walked into the gymnasium as students Friday. May 24. and walked out as graduates and the newest alumni. One hundred seventy­ seven graduates will be entering the world of work or continuing their education. The symphonic band, led by conductor Spencer White, opened commencement with "Pomp and Circumstance" by Sir Edward Elgar, followed by the “Star-Spangled Banner" by Francis Scott Key. The Varsity Singers, led by conductor Matthew Callaghan, performed “All the Things You Are" arranged by Kirby Shaw. Principal Teresa Heide welcomed families and friends of the students. “I'm so very proud of each and every one of our graduates," Heide said. "Thank you, parents, grandparents, family and friends for helping make them who they are today." Senior Katherine Haywood addressed her classmates. "Different people in our lives can impact who we are today. Anything is possible when you have the right people backing you." Haywood said. "Today is the start of a new adventure. Whatever you do, I urge you to continue creating the positive changes we’ve experienced here in Hastings." Another song arranged by Kirby Shaw. "Bridge Over Troubled Water," was performed by senior choir members, and the symphonic band performed "Curtain Call." Students Claudia McLean and Samuel Waller introduced the keynote speakers, Sara Matthews-Kaye and Michael McCann, Hastings High School teachers. Their speech was about "lies" people tell themselves, such as saying a task is too hard and using that "lie" as an excuse to not try. education members who were with her on stage. The end comment of the evening was made by student Grace Nickels. The graduation tradition of "Remember When" was presented by Ryan Flikkema and Elisabeth Youngs. Their back-andforth delivery reflected on the successes, challenges, humor and loss they and their classmates have faced in school. The final song as the 2019 graduates exited was "Fanfare and Recessional" by James Ployhar performed by the symphonic band. Superintendent Carrie Duits, who will retire June 30, presented the diplomas, assisted by students Allison Collins and Benjamin Stafford. The tassel ceremony was led by student Mltike Slagstad. Duits had the gymnasium filled with laughter during her farewell address as she used songs from the 1970s to send a message to the graduates to stay positive, even when times get tough, and to hold on to the great feeling and memory of what it means to be a Saxon. "It’s always a great day to be a Saxon," Duits said. Duits' speech closed with the playing of the song "September" by Earth, Wind and Fire. Surprising everyone in the gymnasium, Duits broke out in a dance, high-fiving the administration and board of Keynote speakers Sara Matthews-Kaye and Michael McCann use humorous banter to remind graduates that anything is possible if they don't listen to the "lies" that can creep up in their own minds, such as, "This is too hard, so I'm not going to even try. �I Hastings Banner - Graduation Issue, 2019 - page 10 Rylee Nicholson, standing with her dad. Wayne, said "I can t helie\c this day is ready here.’ nan Vargas smiles as he stands between his parents. Epifama Felix and Juan Diego Vargas. Juan is the first <>J his family to graduate in the United States. HU mother immigrated to the United States and settled in Michigan ~0 years ago and has lived m Hastings for 16 years Graduate Grac e Nickels lakes her walk across the stage; passing her dad, Mike Nickch, Hastings Board of Education member,as he grins from ear to car. �Hastings Banner - Graduation Issue, 2019 - page 11 —-------- ....— . .11 »■; COURI-SiDE OF HASTINGS DEWEY’S AUTO BODY 122 W. Mill St 1111 W. Green, Hastings www.deweysautobody.com McDonald's SCREIN PRINTING ft EMBROIDERY www.courtsldeinc.com performance Quick Lube 430 W. STATE ST, HASTINGS 269-948-8558 — MacLEOD CHIROPRACTIC PRECISION AUTO BODY REPAIR 327 W. Apple St. Hastings 819 E. Railroad St. Hastings 269-948-3170 269-948-9472 O UnionBank' Your life. Your bank. HASTINGS Lake Odessa BRIAN’S TIRE & SERVICE 235 S. Jefferson. Hastings 269-945-9549 __ — KING’S ELECTRONICS & APPLIANCES 130 W. State, Hastings 269-945-4284 • - f ffB FARM BUREAU COMMUNITY BANK 1-888-422-2280 PROGRESSIVE GRAPHICS 115 S Jefferson St, Hastings 269-945-9249 INSURANCE9 Michigan's Insurance Company * . • -■ T VNN DENTON 139 W. Stale St.. Hastings 269-945-4520 800-443-5253 www.theiynndentonagcncyxom 4w Pat Doezema WELTON’S HEATING & COOLING Managing Broker Realtor" 269.838.1469 401 N. Broadway, Hastings 269-945-5352 GREENRIDGE REALIY HASTINGS 306 S. Jefferson Street llashnjjK. Mt 49058 GIRRBACH FUNERAL HOME JOE & BARB’S SEPTIC SERVICE 328 S. Broadway, Hastings 3305 W. Quimby Rd, Hastings 269-945-3252 269-945-4240 — "/•"T .... —... THE HASTINGS BANNER Devoirtl tn the interr its of Harry County since 1856 1351 N. M-43 Hwy., Hastings THE GENERAL STORE 118 South Jefferson Street, Hastings, Ml 269-945-9554 269-945-1848 ® ® Nestings H PHARMACY 400 W. State St., Hastings Easy parking, access off Park St. 269-945-3777 MILLER Miller REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE HASTINGS NAPA 149 W. Suite St, Hastings 269-945-5182 first rehab and sport PHYSICAL THERAPY 4624 N. M-37 Hwy, Ste. A 269-818-0070 Mercantile Rank of Michigan HODGES JEWELRY 122 w. State St. Hastings 269-945-2963 HASTINGS NAPA 269-948-9696 269.948 2905 mercbank.com Mark D. Christensen. /VIALS Financial Advisor 421 W. Woodlawn, Hastings 122 N. Jefferson Rd. Hastings 1500 w. M-43 H vy. FTMC -------- ------- - BROWN’S CARPET ONE & CUSTOM INTERIORS 269-945-2479 221 N. Industrial Park. Hastings LUMBER 225 N. Industrial Park Dr. Hastings 269-945-3431 GREEN LIGHT DRIVING SCHOOL LLC 208 N. Main (M-66) Nashville 517-852-0000 269-795-4230 • info tf1strohabpt.com wvjvj.l5trchabDt.com 269-945-3553 www.brightstart-pediatncs.com 269-948-9696 iloc '-'-. JIM AtT’.rU*FoodC EDWARD JONES 1375 W. Green St., Suite 3, Hastings 122 N. Jefferson Rd. Hastings BARRY COUNTY NORTHLAND OPTICAL Dr. Scott Bloom 1510 N. Broadway (M-43 Hwy). Hastings 269-945-3906 k^AD VANTAGE PLUMBING & DRAIN - (269) 945-0300 ~ BARRY COUNTY LUMBER 225 N. Industrial Park Dr. Hastings 269-945-343 OF HASTINGS. INC. '.I.- 312 E. Court, Hastings - 269-945-3412 Insurance for all of sour needs. LITTLE CAESAR’S Home of the Hot A Reads Pizza! 216 N. Broadway, Hastings 269-948-2824 300 Meadow Run Dr.. 1 Listings South ot Ha Stines on M-37 269-8 8-1020 �Hastings Banner - Graduation Issue, 2019 - page 12 ACADEMIC TOP HONORS (in alphabetical order) Kassidi C. Olson Hope V. Peck Mary I. Youngs Alexis D. McDade Katura M. Metzner Grace K. Nickles Noah D. Former Katherine M. Haywood Andrew C. Maurer FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS Galina Schiller Emma Winther Mathisen Ida Moller Andersen STUDENT COUNCIL EXECUTIVE HOARD Grace Nickels Claire Anderson Samuel Waller Hannah Johnson President Vice-President Secretary Public Relations SENIOR CIASS Devin Haywood Mitike Slagstad Lainey Tomko Megan Roe Public Relations Conner Peterson Aiderman President Vice-President Secretary Jeffrey Morgan Juan Vargas Aiderman Aiderman JUNIOR HONOR GUARDS Abigail Larabee William Roosien HI Shannon Brown Erin Dalman Luke E. Haywood Valerie A. Slaughter Jennifer L. Eastman President Vice-President Secretary Louis F. Wierenga, Jr Dr. Carrie P. Duits Superintendent Matthew J. Goebel Asst. Superintendent of Achievement Robert Tim Berlin Asst. Superintendent of Operations Teresa G. Heide Principal, Hastings High School Joel M Smith Assistant Principal, HHS Michael K. Goggins Athletic Director/Asst. Principal Stephen E. Hoke Special Program Administrator Beth A. Stevens Principal, Hastings Middle School Richard (Scott) Allan Dan Baker AnnMarie Beemer Teresa Borton Marty Buehler Jason Burghardt Matthew Callaghan Robert Carl Steve Collins Steve Crozier Jennifer Delaphiano James Dixon Edward Domke James Doran Elizabeth Eggers Michael Engle Marshall Evans Casey Gergen Amanda Gurtowsky Andrew Haines Daniel Hayward Jason Hoefler Kelly Ibarra Mike Key Laura Kingma Dora Leonard Treasurer Michael A. Nickels Daniel F. Patton Robert P. Pohl Cortney L. Coats Asst. Principal, Hastings Middle School Dana L. Stein Principal, Southeastern Elementary Eric K. Heide Principal, Northeastern Elementary Sarah R. Geukes Principal, Central Elementary Amy S. Smelker Principal, Star Elementary Matthew W. Moore Director of Food Services Dale D. Krueger III Director of Maintenance Cathy Longstreet Steven Loomis Sara Matthevvs-Kavc Andria Mayack Michael McCann Steve Merring James Murphy Robert Navlor Kelli Newberry Jacqualynn Northrop Natasha Offerman Jennif er Pesch Angela Pcymbroeck Jeanette Pickard Greer Putnam Kristina Riggs Krista Schueller Justin Straube Kimberly Sweeris Joann VandenHoul Daniel Volk Shawn Watkins Austin W'egener Spencer While Jill Withey Mara Casado - College Adviser OH*«.e and Amy Collins Kristi Erb Cheryl Northrop Teresa Mitchell Trustee Trustee Trustee Britney Curtis Barb Henn Deb James Debby Sutfin Shelley Winegar � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-05-30.pdf f9ee4173dd6fbaedf2d0df8cf3e0b3ea PDF Text Text Airport management receives FOIA requests Lake flooding seeps closer to us all See Story on Page 5 See Editorial on Page 4 DK shuts out district soccer See Story on Page 15 . ........ """". .............. .............. ........ . .. . .... ■■■■. .............. Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 1070490102590500665149058195427 -- 804879110187 : w*.m.************CAR-RT LOT“C 003 C003 Hastings Public Library 227 E State St Hastings Wil 49058-1954 1 UNGS Thursday, May 30, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 22 NEWS BRIEFS Hope Network open house is today Hope Network has given Hastings citi­ zens hope for 10 years and will celebrate with an open house from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, May 30. The community is invited to learn more about Hope Network by touring the office at 109 N. Church St. (behind Miller Real Estate), viewing vehicles used for transpor­ tation, and talking with volunteers. The party will close down part of Church Street and extend into the Spray Plaza that day. Free hot-dogs, chips and lemonade will be available, along with entertainment by the Hastings Heartbeats from 1 to 2 p.m. Hope Network, a Grand Rapids-based nonprofit, faith-centered organization, helps people with various types of disabili­ ties live independent lives. The organiza­ tion provides numerous services for people with brain or spinal cord injuries, mental illness, developmental disabilities, drug and alcohol addictions and other disadvan­ tages. Hope Network Volunteer Transportation Service program is Hastings is actively seeking caring volunteers to join the team. Volunteers can expect flexible scheduling, a* supportive, mission-minded environment^ and the chance to meet new people and make a difference in their lives. Anyone wanting more information may attend the open house May 30 or call 269­ 331-6007. . PRICE 750 Judge dismisses Crooked Lake residents lawsuit Boring to begin Thursday, to create pipeline into holding basin Rebecca Pierce Editor A lawsuit against Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull and the Watson Drain District was dismissed Wednesday by Circuit Judge Amy McDowell. “It’s very unfortunate that this occurred,” McDowell said of the flooding at Crooked Lake. “I don’t think it’s unusual when you see this weather happening everywhere. Unfortunately, it doesn’t seem like homeown­ ers have a very quick and efficient legal rem­ edy to address that.” “I’m required to apply the law as stated in the statute and the act, and that’s the only result that I can come to,” she said. “For those reasons, your motion ... is dismissed.” Ten Crooked Lake property owners Robert and Sharon Ritchie, Michael and Barry County Judge Amy McDowell dismissed the complaint after a two-hour hearing Wednesday. Sandra Golembiewski, David and Ann Skender, David and Leslie Bolton', Mark Nelson, and Jill Sterling, who own property adjacent to Upper Crooked Lake - filed the suit against Dull, claiming that his actions in 2017 caused flooding that made their homes uninhabitable. If the case had continued, some other prop­ erty owners expressed an interest in joining the suit, the plaintiffs’ attorneys mentioned. After the judge’s decision, no one involved - on either side of the.issue - expressed satisA faction with the of the case. Th^ plight of the homeowr^rs was mentioned numerous times. Dull said borings would begin Thursday that would allow water to be pumped from Crooked Lake into a holding basin created for Rare warblers in focus this weekend A little denim-blue bird will be the main attraction this weekend - enough of an attraction that people from all over the Midwest will be drive down narrow gravel roads in Rutland Township, not stopping until they get to a grassy parking lot on Havens Road. Michigan Audubon’s Cerulean Warbler Weekend is Friday to Sunday, May 31 to June 2. The warbler, named for its cerulean shade of blue, is rare. One of the best places to see it is at the Otis Farm Sanctuary and the neighboring Barry State Game Area. Guests also can expect io hear frogs drumming, see dragonflies soaring, and walk through many habitats, such as restored oak savanna. Species highlights include grasshopper sparrow; alder, Acadian and willow flycatchers; yel­ low-throated and blue-headed vireos; hood­ ed warblers; and, of course, cerulean war­ bler. More information, including registration, is available at michiganaudubon.org/newsevents/signature-events/cerulean-warbler-weekend. ANNER Attorney Stephon Bagne tells Judge Amy McDowell that lakes are flooding everywhere and Drain Commissioner Jim Dull’s actions are not the reason. (Photos by Scott Harmsen) that purpose. Engineer Brian Cenci said this process should lower the lake level enough to provide some relief to homeowners who are inches away from having to abandon their homes. The lawsuit only distracted from the prob­ lems facing lakeside property owners, some court observers pointed out. This is not the way to solve the problem, attorney Stephon Bagne of Birmingham said. “The way to solve this problem is to get the water out of there. This is not going to - help. r” &ull saMa crew will begin boring under the road Thursday to create a pipeline from ” ~ Crooked Lake that will allow water to be pumped into a holding basin on Delton Road. He also mentioned a 10 a.m. June 8 infor­ mational meeting at the Delton Kellogg Middle School gymnasium. The show cause complaint, filed May 14, had asked the court to order Dull and the Watson Drain District to immediately begin eminent domain proceedings and compensate the 10 property owners for the loss of their homes. Wednesday’s hearing involved about 90 minutes of argument between the plaintiffs’ attorneys, H. Kirby Albright and Michael Perry from Lansing, and Dull’s attorneys Douglas Kelly of Lansing and Stephon Bagne from Birmingham. The 10 Crooked Lake residents alleged that “the massive increase in Upper Crooked Lake’s lake level” occurred because of the See DISMISSES, page 7 Lake residents puzzled by lawsuit against drain district Luke Froncheck Attorney H. Kirby Albright of Lansing presents the case on behalf of 10 Crooked Lake residents who brought the suit against Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull and the Watson Drain District. Staff Writer Carp are spawning where yards used to be. Streets have become rivers. M-43 at Cloverdale remains closed to traffic. Pumps are running nonstop. Thousands of sandbags haven’t stopped flood waters. And the steady onslaught of rain continues. Lawsuit or no, Crooked Lake residents agree that the rising water presents a dilem­ ma of major proportions. Some place the blame on Drain Commissioner Jim Dull, some place it on God, and some find themselves somewhere in the middle. The flooding crisis that has overtaken this community reached a new level this week: the Barry County Circuit Court. Ten resi­ dents took their plight to the legal system in search of a solution. See PUZZLED, page 4 Tributes to fallen heroes highlight Memorial Day observances Rebecca Pierce Editor Hundreds of people came together in com­ munities across Barry County this past Memorial Day weekend to honor the sacrific­ es of the military men and women who served and died. “These fallen heroes represent the character of a nation that has a long history of patrio­ tism and honor - a nation that has fought many battles to keep our country free,” said chaplain Roy Copeland of the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4461. That VFW Post participated in three events on Monday - the 65th annual Memorial Day service in the Clarksville Cemetery, the obser­ vance in the cemetery in Woodland and in See TRIBUTE, page 2 Rep. Calley to be in town June 3 State Rep. Julie Calley will welcome residents to office hours in two communi­ ties Monday, June 3. Calley, R-Portland, will give a legislative update to attendees. Then, if residents have individual concerns, she will take one-onone meetings. She will meet with constituents in Middleville, 100 E. Main St., from 11 a.m. to noon; and at the Barry County Courthouse, Commissioners’ Chambers, 220 W. State St., Hastings, from 1 to 2 p.m. “Accountable representation requires consistent feedback,” Rep. Calley said. “Office hours present an opportunity for productive dialogue with those whom I serve.” No appointment is necessary. Residents unable to attend scheduled office hours may send questions and ideas via email aHulieCalley@house.mi.gov or by calling 517-373-0842. See NEWS BRIEFS, page 3 Medal of Honor recipient U.S. Army Specialist 5th Class James McCloughan (left), spoke at the Memorial Day service at the Orangeville Veterans Memorial on Sunday, May 26. His is shown with Master of Ceremony Alvin Warren (center) and U.S. Marine Charles Gentry as they place a wreath on the memorial. Volunteers hold the flag for Nashville VFW Post 8260 member Greg Dunkelberger (center) to raise during a ceremony at Lakeview Cemetery in Nashville Monday. (Photo by Taylor Owens) �page 2 — Thursday, May 30, 2019 — The Hastings Banner TRIBUTE, continued from page 1 American Legion Post 45 marches down Broadway to Tyden Park. Lakeside Cemetery in Lake Odessa. Lakewood High School band and flag team performed and the VFW post honor guard and Ladies Auxiliary provided support during the program. The Clarksville program featured a song by Lance Corp. Arthur “Butch” Briseno, who was bom and raised in Clarksville. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1966-69. Briseno wrote the lyrics and Janet and Joni Michaud wrote the melody for “Freedom’s Call,’ which he sang while he accompanied himself on an acoustic guitar. “They rest in peace forevermore on God’s eternal shore,” he sang. “For freedom we are thankful, now and forevermore.” Traditions were observed at each commem­ oration with a wreath ceremony, a 21-gun salute, floral tributes and the playing of taps. President Deb Aldrich of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary placed a white flower for courage United States Army Vietnam veteran Micheal Murphy salutes as his grand­ daughter six-year-old Willow Grace Ray places her hand over heart during the playing of TAPS. The Memorial Day ceremony in Hastings included a wreath tossed into Thornapple River to honor American Navy personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice and paid the ultimate price to protect their country. Keynote speaker Steve Carr, commander of American Legion Post 45, said in his speech, “Labels that we hurl today like democrat, republican, red state and blue state matters little when facing mines and machine gunfire while charging a beach. Politics are irrelevant to a family that hears the words ‘We regret to inform you’.” and a red flower to symbolize everlasting remembrance. In Woodland, Barry County Chief Judge William Doherty addressed the audience gathered at the cemetery. “We stand here in the midst of patriots,” Doherty said, “...they were called to be part of something larger than themselves. And they rose to the occasion.” In the audience, Joshua Campeau, 19, of Lake Odessa, listened. He stood in the sun­ shine in his U.S. Navy service dress whites. He said he had recently enlisted and will be deployed in about a week on the USS Ronald Reagan bound for Japan. His mother, Michelle Campeau of Lake Odessa, expressed pride in her son. His father and his grandfather both served in the Navy, she said. Clearly, they set an example for this young man. Rev. Bruce Barker, the pastor from Faith Bible Baptist Church, referred to the example set by all those who have served the country when he gave the Memorial Day address in Lake Odessa. He urged following that exam- Cabel Pollet, six-year-old cub scout, places a memorial wreath at the headstone of the most recent veteran to be buried at Riverside Cemetery. pie of “service and sacrifice... for the cause of enriching the life we have for generations to come. ...” “The land of the free will only remain that way as long as it is the home of the brave.” GET ALL THE NEWS OTnA DDV COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. Four-year-old Chloe Otto, of North Carolina, visits her grandpa, Jerry Welsh, over Memorial Day weekend and salutes the Middleville Veteran’s Memorial after the parade downtown. (Photo by Tanett Hodge) Veteran and pastor Roger Claypool of Solid Rock Bible Church speaks to those gathered at the Prairieville Cemetery. (Photo by Luke Froncheck) �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 30, 2019 — Page 3 Delton Kellogg honors seniors on their last day Jaylene Gan, Luke Froncheck, Lily Cooper and Hannah Austin watch fellow class­ mates after being awarded the Michigan Competitive Scholarship Acknowledgment of Oustanding Academic Achievement. Hunter Dood A boy reads one of the tombstones during the Prairieville Memorial Day proceed­ ings. (Photo by Luke Froncheck) Staff Writer Seniors at Delton Kellogg spent their last day of high school receiving recognition for their hard work over the past four years. The tribute began with those who received bronze honors (3.00-3.49 grade point aver­ age), silver high honors (3.50-3.84 GPA) and gold highest honors (3.85-4.00 or higher GPA). The students also were presented with their senior honors cords. Valedictorian Hannah Austin and salutatorian Marion Poley received Senior Scholarship awards. Carla Poignard presented National Honor Society members with their awards. And 52 Delton Kellogg students received the Senior Citizenship award. “This was an outstanding class in regard to citizenship,” Principal Lucas Trierweiler said. Students were honored for their leadership with the Senior Leadership award and/or the Senior Service award. Following the ceremony, students who received scholarships were honored. “This class has earned over $1.8 million in scholarship offers,” Trierweiler said, includ­ ing scholarships awarded by various colleges of universities. A variety of scholarships were mentioned, such as the Advia Foundation Youth Scholarship, Calhoun Area Career Center Outstanding Senior in Aviation Exploration Program and the Woody Wyngarden Memorial Scholarship. Valedictorian Hannah Austin received the Andrews University ACT/SAT scholarship totaling $115,968. Austin plans on studying sustainable horticulture at Andrews University. “This means so much to us,” Austin said. Lauren Grubius and Connie High embrace during the Delton Kellogg Senior Tribute. (Photos by Hunter Dood) “It makes us feel appreciated to be recognized for what we’ve done.” Each high school department honored a student with an award. Student-athletes were honored for all of their accomplishments as well as their schol­ arships. Athletes who were honored through­ out their career with post-season recognition were again recognized for their hard work. Lauren Grubius received multiple awards and scholarships - most notably a $83,760 scholarship from Eastern Michigan University. “A lot of us have known each other since kindergarten, so we’ve become a family, more or less,” Grubius said. Lily Cooper, winner of the Advia Foundation Youth Scholarship, said she plans to study statistics at the University of Michigan. And her opinion of the Delton Kellogg High School Class of 2019? Cooper summed it up in one word: Great. Delton-area Memorial Day services honor heroes Luke Froncheck Staff Writer A People lined the streets in Hickory Comers and Prairieville during Monday’s Memorial Day parades. Firetruck sirens wailed and marching bands played as children scattered along the edge of the procession as candy was thrown from passing vehicles. Both Delton Kellogg and Gull Lake high school bands performed during the Hickory Comers parade; Delton Kellogg also per­ formed in the Memorial Day parade in Prairieville. A ceremony followed the parade in Ptairieville. The audience gathered around a micro­ phone as three individuals spoke about the importance of remembering and honoring those who have fought for the United States. The Delton Kellogg band began the service by performing the national anthem. “I’ve never seen a group of students that put so much time into honoring the veterans Of their community,” veteran and Delton Kellogg Band Booster President Will Eichelberger said. “I was thinking about what to mention today,” Lighthouse Baptist Church Pastor Steve Smail said during the service. “I was thinking about the fact that we live in a soci­ ety, a world, of heroes. “At many times, we look up to different people for different things. Many times, peo­ ple look to sports heroes, Hollywood heroes, musicians, and some even look to the Marvel comic superheroes as their heroes.” “The real heroes in society today are those Serving all around the world making sure that our freedoms are protected,” Smail said. “They gave their lives as a sacrifice for those that love, for the country that they love, to the flag that they love, for the soldiers standing next to them. “That, to me, is a real hero - someone who is willing to give up their life for the good of others.” t Smail went on to speak about Pvt. Martin Treptow, an American World War I veteran. According to Smail, Treptow left his job as a small-town barber in 1917 to go serve his country in France. “He served his country faithfully,” Smail said. “One day he was carrying a message between battalions and he was killed by machine gun fire. After Pvt. Treptow was killed, a diary was found in which he inscribed the following: ‘America must win this war; therefore, I will work, I will save, I will sacri­ fice, I will endure, I will fight cheerfully and do my utmost as if the issue of the whole struggle depended on me alone.’ ” “This is the spirit of a hero,” Smail said, “someone who took personal responsibility, personal accountability, to make sure he did what he had to do to give all that he could to make America great. He gave his life - paid the ultimate price. That, my friends, is a hero.” Smail then posed the question: “How can we honor heroes like Treptow in the greatest way?” “We can have days like today to remember those who served,” he said. “We can go to cemeteries and see the stones of people who have fallen in the past. “But another way we can honor those fallen soldiers is that we do the same thing that Treptow did,” Smail continued. “He personal­ ly took responsibility for making America a great country, even at the cost of his own life. “Sadly, today America has become so divided. May we as people today do as Pvt. Treptow did. May we make a personal chal­ lenge to ourselves to say that we will do all we can to make sure America can be as great as it can be. I encourage you to take the challenge with me: To know and love our neighbors. May we be people that stand united as the people of the United States of America.” Veteran and pastor Roger Claypool of Solid Rock Bible Church also spoke to those gath­ ered at the Prairieville Cemetery. “I assure you today that I am not a hero,” he said. “But there are many heroes here today. I got drafted back in 1966 and served two years. I got tired of taking orders, so I got out. I left the military for 18 years, but the military never left me. I’m proud that I could serve. “Veterans are people who answered the call when they were c^c/4 ^^eterans are people who went where t told to go and did what they were told to do^ Claypool said. “They were willing to lay their lives down for our country. They died so ihat we could remain free.” Following Claypool’s woMs Tommy Baldwin, a veteran and member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 422, also spoke to the importance of honoring those who have served. “Veterans are aware of the danger, but yet they respond without hesitance to the call of duty,” Baldwin said. “The United States will always honor those who go forth in defense of our nation, the true guardians of freedom and justice for all.” Members of VFW Post 422 honor guard fired three volleys to honor those who have fallen in the defense of the United States. A member of the Delton Kellogg band closed with a single trumpet playing taps and a prayer led by Smail. The service was great, said David Roe, a veteran in attendance. “I’m glad to have everyone out,” Prairieville Township Supervisor Jim Stonebumer said. “We’re honored to thank our veterans for their service by doing this for them.” NEWS BRIEFS continued from front page Historical society hosting coin dealer The Barry County Historical Society will hear coin dealer Pat Mullen speak about “Coin Values: Just the Facts” Wednesday, June 5, at 6 p.m. in the Hastings Public Library’s community room. Mullen will share what makes a coin valuable, some interesting facts about rare coins, and then give collectors or heirs ideas about selling or transferring coins to family members. A longtime collector himself, Mullen found that sharing his expertise had turned into a full-time business, Mullen Coins, near the Gerald R. Ford Airport. He has traveled extensively, gathering knowledge about coins and currency. His one caution for people wanting to learn about the value of a coin is: “Do not attempt to clean the coins in any way. Cleaning the coins will immediately lower their value.” Hastings City Band kicks off summer concerts Hastings City Band will kick off the Hastings Live concert season at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 5, at the Thomapple Plaza in downtown Hastings. The program is “Beatles and Jazz.” Hastings City Band was founded in 1857 and is one of the city’s oldest and most trea­ sured traditions. Musicians in the band range in age from high school to seasoned senior musicians. Together, they perform five pops concerts, each featuring a crowd-pleasing theme. The band’s annual “Tribute to America” concert the week of July 4 has become one of Hastings Live’s biggest events. Hastings Live is funded in part by the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. Local sponsors include the Baum Family Foundation, Barry County Lumber, Flexfab and Highpoint Community Bank. Band director Sara Knight presents Julia Hawkins with a band award. HASTINGS BANDS' "BOWLING FOR BANDS" EVENT A HUGE SUCCESS!! The Hastings Bands would like to thank the following individuals and businesses for their support of the Hastings Bands’ 2019 “Bowling for Bands” event to raise funds for a new sound system: *Maestro Level ($500 or more) Bennett Travel, LLC Flexfab Horizons International *Virtuoso Level ($200-$499) Bell Title of Hastings Girrbach Funeral Home Gole Dental Group PC Southside Pediatrics PC The General Store Thomapple Credit Union *Soloist Level ($100-$199) Advantage Plumbing & Drain Bradford White Corporation Delton Pole Building Supplies Dewey’s Auto Body Family Tree Medical Associates Hastings Rotary Club Haywood Studios Highpoint Community Bank J-Ad Graphics Kevin Beck-Edward Jones Kiwanis Club of Hastings Les’s Sanitary Service Meyer Music Miller Real Estate PFCU Rivergate Family Campground Riverside Screw Machine Prod­ ucts, Inc. Scott Bloom, OD, PLC Studio AIM Thomapple Lake Trading Post Woodland Auto Body, LLC *Drum Major Level (up to $99) Affordable Metal Roofing, LLC Carbon Green BioEnergy Gee Law Firm Hastings NAPA Kreative Kids Childcare McKeough Brothers, Inc. Mid-Michigan Insurance Group Morgan Electrical Services, Inc. Parkview Motel Patty Woods Reynolds Heritage Land Surveying & Mapping Thomapple Valley Family Health Union Bank Door Prizes provided by Chris and Jennifer Stafford Greenmark Equipment Thank you to the community for your support of the Hastings Bands’ largest, yearly fundraiser! �Page 4 — Thursday, May 30, 2019 — The Hastings Banner PUZZLED, continued from page 1------------ Lynwood Whitney DOWLING, MI - Lynwood Whitney, age 82, went to be with Jesus on Thursday, May 16, 2019 with family by his side. Whit was bom September 15, 1936 in Holland, to Manville and Edna (Gerber) Whitney. He married his grade school sweetheart, Hazel Jeanette Reneau on April 26, 1957. He graduated from Hastings High School in 1955. Whit was an electrician from the time he was old enough to pull wire with his dad. He joined Whitney Electric Service started by his parents when Whit was just 14 years old and he spent more than 50 years in the trade. He had his master electrician license and took great pride in that and in his work. Whit was a family man. So much so that Whitney of Middleville, Terry Weiler of when he was offered the opportunity to go pro Hastings, Deb (Scott) Daniels of Delton. Ten as a baseball pitcher, he turned them down grandchildren, David (Jill) Daniels, Bryan because he did not want to be away from his (Amy) Daniels, Clayton (Jess Mol) Daniels, family. He loved baseball and was on the Julie (Alan Johnson) Daniels, Tiffany Daniels, Hastings High School Saxon team throughout Bethany Daniels, Timothy (Julie Huynh) his high school years. He also played softball Whitney, Carter (Makenzie) Whitney, Alison on a ‘senior’ softball team later in life. His Whitney, Shannon Whitney, 13 great grand­ favorite team was the Detroit Tigers and he children; a very special ‘daughter,’ Marilyn attended several of their games. Whitney; sister, Yvonne (Sue) Baremore and His most favorite ball to watch play was brother, Stanley Whitney. youth teams. He was a Little League baseball He was preceded in death by his loving coach for many years and talked about that wife, Jean of 54 years; parents, Manville and often. He loved bowling and golf and was Edna; sisters, Maxine Sootsman Pickerel and on many leagues throughout his life. He did Betty Jean Chase. them all very well. He especially enjoyed A memorial service to celebrate Lyn’s snowmobiling at their camp in Dublin, and at life will be held on Saturday, June 1, 2019 his parents in McMillian, and the surrounding at 11 a.m. at Living Waters Church, 1302 S. area of the Upper Peninsula. Hanover St., Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Gary He joined the Hickory Comers Masonic Newton officiating. Lodge in 1962 and later transferred to the In lieu of flowers, donations can be made Bedford Lodge. He was a lifetime member of to the Alzheimer’s Association at alz.org the Masonic Lodge. or by mail to 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Lyn is survived by his children, Dennis Chicago, IL 60601 Robert L. Reed Barbara Jean Sprague Robert L. Reed passed away February 26, 2019. He was bom October 15, 1930. A celebration of life service will be held on June 8, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Depot Museum, 1117 Emerson St., Lake Odessa. Join fami­ ly and friends to share stories and memories; luncheon to follow. NASHVILLE, MI - Barbara Jean Sprague, age 80, of Nashville, passed away peaceful­ ly Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at the Thomapple Manor. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfimeralhome.net. Have you “I am very confident that the decision to file this lawsuit was not entered into without considerable thought by the folks who have — or are about to — lose their homes,” Crooked Lake resident John Hoek said. Hoek, who is not personally involved in the lawsuit, has been a regular attendee of the Crooked Lake Task Force meetings. “They are dealing with contaminated wells, filling, and placing thousands of sandbags, paying thousands of dollars to operate multi­ ple pumps, traversing flooded roads and being denied mail delivery and garbage removal services. “There is an urgent need for a resolution.” The lawsuit, which was brought against Dull and the Watson Drain District, left some residents perplexed as to why the suit was brought against the district as a whole and not just the drain commissioner. “There is an urgent need for a resolution.” John Hoek, Crooked Lake resident “I don’t understand the lawsuit,” Barry Township Trustee Teresa Schuiteboer said earlier this week. “There is the drain commis­ sioner, who is bonded and has insurance, but they added the Watson Drain (to the lawsuit). So now, if the judge goes in favor of the plain­ tiff, we all have to pay for the purchase of their homes.” “At this point, I hope the judge denies the sales,” she said. “Then they should come back, but only against the Drain Commission.” If the judge had approved the lawsuit, it would have set up “a windfall of people want­ ing to sue to make them buy their homes.” Schuiteboer said. Barry Township resident Larry Osborne doesn’t live on Crooked Lake, but he’s a member of the Watson Drain District. “While I understand the frustration of those involved with the lawsuit, I don’t like the fact that the lawsuit includes the Watson Drain District,” Osborne said. “That means that, not only will those landowners pay the bill of resolving the flooding issue, but, if the lawsuit is successful, they will also pay for the con­ demnation of the homes. “I also don’t understand the 125 percent of fair value asking price. That amount is sup­ posed to only be for property taken via emi­ nent domain for public use.” Crooked Lake resident Kenny Tomlin said the money from the Watson Drain district should go toward a potential solution. “This is ridiculous,” Tomlin said of the lawsuit. “The money should be going to repairs. Everyone on the lake is affected. I have water in my basement and that’s never happened before.” “The flooding was caused by God,” resi­ dent Charles Krammin said. “The lawsuit should be dismissed.” The lawsuit filed by the 10 Crooked Lake residents was dismissed Wednesday morning. met? Bom and raised in Hastings, Steve Carr graduated from Hastings High School in 1965. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1966 and became a weapons control specialist. His family has served the country for many gen­ erations. “We have had someone in our family in the military from the Revolution to Vietnam,” Carr said. After tech school in Denver, Carr was sta­ tioned the majority of his time in the service at Eglin Air Force Base in Fort Walton Florida, where he worked on aircraft elec­ tronics. He belongs to the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War in Sunfield and is presently commander of the Hastings American Legion Post 45. He said he has been part of the Legion for six years and is headed into his second year as commander. He is also part of the Honor Guard and Color Guard and helps publish the newsletter for all the members. Carr has helped to refurbish the hall on M-37 Highway south of town, where they serve past and present veterans and families with support, camaraderie and activities. “We are celebrating 100 years this year,” Carr said. “The Lawrence J. Bauer Post was started by the army after World War I in 1919. We just received a World War II M-5 anti-tank gun on loan from the Army. We placed it in the yard in front of the legion hall as a remembrance.” Carr said members of the Legion are firm believers in giving back to the country. “Veterans don’t ask for help,” he said. “We like to give back to them in some small way when we can.” The Legion installs ramps for disabled veterans, replaces furnaces when needed, provides Christmas presents for families of veterans in need, supports vets with resourc­ es for medical and mental health and pro­ motes veterans affairs and the emergency Theory” Person I most admire: Abraham Lincoln because he made the country what it is. He had the guts to stand up to wrong and dealt with it with no animosity or malice. I’d like to meet him to hear his stories in person. Favorite teacher: Victor Camp, physics teacher, and Al Francik, my chemistry teach­ er at Hastings High School. Favorite vacation destination: The Rocky Mountains. What I’d tell a high school graduate: Steve Carr fund through drives and fundraisers. Carr and his wife, Janet, were married for more than 40 years before her death in 2009. They raised three children, Carr now has three grandchildren. He went back to school and acquired his business degree in 2005 and worked in upper management at Simpson Industries and Metaldyne Corporation in Middleville for his entire career. For his service to the country and commu­ nity, Steve Carr is this week’s Bright Light. Best advice ever received: Listen before you speak. First job: It was in a tiny grocery store on Michigan Avenue called Northside Grocery. Favorite TV program: “Big Bang Remember where you came from. Remember your roots. Favorite dinner: Prime rib. My biggest challenge: It was when I was getting my degree and holding down a full­ time job. Favorite website: nasa.org because space fascinates me. It’s a “leveler” because it helps me realize how very small we are. When I grow up, I want to be: An astro­ naut. If I won the lottery: I would give part of it to the Legion, part to the Sons of Union Vets, part to the American Cancer Society, part to the American Heart Association and then probably buy a muscle car. Favorite childhood memory: Playing catch with my dad. Hobbies: I play the mountain dulcimer, and I love to garden. I have a lot of dahlias. Greatest thing about Barry County: It is rural and everyone knows everyone else. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Crooked Lake flooding seeps closer to us all Since 2017, we’ve been watching neigh­ borhoods on Lower Crooked Lake slowly sinking under water. Sandbags, pumps and prayers are barely keeping up with the lake’s rising levels, and now, for some resi­ dents, the water has snuck past those lines of defense. For months, residents have continually complained to Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull and pleaded for consideration from county commissioners. Through their attorney, the homeowners said their homes have become uninhabit­ able and asked the court to force Dull to begin eminent domain proceedings, a pro­ cess by which a government takes posses­ sion of private property through compulso­ ry purchase. By making “good-faith” offers on the damaged properties, the county, through Dull, could have allowed home­ owners to find suitable housing and ended their nightmare. “I’m disappointed that these people have chosen to pursue this option,” Dull said at the time the suit was filed. By statute, a drain commissioner has the power to levy taxes, borrow money and set policy - powers that even the governor does not have. But those powers are relatively meaningless in the face of the Crooked Lake flooding crisis. The Crooked Lake situation has dominat­ ed his work as drain commissioner, and he’s spent countless days and nights planning, excavating and visiting with the homeown­ ers. But a thorn from Mother Nature also has made his office a victim in the situation. The suit alleged that a “massive increase in Upper Crooked Lake level” occurred because, in an effort to aid similar situations at Mud Lake and others in the Watson Drain District, Dull replaced a culvert on Floria Road. That hoped-for solution has, along with at times excessive rain, added more water to Crooked Lake and even closed portions of roads, including M-43. In an effort to reduce Crooked Lake’s rising level, Dull has been pumping water into a holding area for several months. He’s purchased adjacent land to pump even more water into a containment area that is pres­ ently under construction. The tab for county taxpayers has, already surpassed $500,000 - and it’s not coming soon enough to save these long-desperate homeowners. As the rest of us stand on higher ground watching the Crooked Lake drama, I see three areas about to sweep us all into the stream. One, empathy for the victimized home­ owners has been easy up to this point, but sympathy may soon be coming from our pocketbooks. In all parts of the county, stormwater is designed to flow through drains, natural or artificial creeks or ditches, and pipelines. The territory served by a spe­ cific drain is known as a watershed and is organized as a drainage district. Within these districts, the drain commissioner can levy tax assessments or direct construction and maintenance of drains and culverts. Crooked Lake is part of the Watson Drain District and drain district homeowners would be held responsible through special taxation to cover the cost of eminent domain proceedings for the 10 owners of flooded properties. A determination of condemna­ tion values for the properties that were part of the lawsuit was estimated between $6 million and $10 million. Plus, the county could have been forced to tear down the houses and left with a non-buildable area. 1 According to law, as stated in the complaint, ' the county would have been required to abide by a constitutional obligation to pur­ chase the properties at 125 percent of fair market value. The possible financial havoc for the ‘ county leads to my second concern: How ' can we be assured this same situation will not occur again on another lake or water-bor­ dering area? Hydrologist Andy Dixon of the National Weather Service office in Grand Rapids was in Barry County and on Crooked Lake last week. According to Dixon, the * entire Midwest - and southwestern Michigan, in particular - has experienced far more rainfall than usual for the past six years. The average rainfall for the area ‘ before 2013 was about 35 inches per year,1 but the average since then has added an extra 20 to 30 inches. Dixon said it’s almost to the point that this area is experiencing ’ two years’ worth of rain per year. Meanwhile, he said, he doesn’t see any " letup in rainfall on the horizon, and main­ tains that the ground is saturated to the point that it will take years for water levels to return to normal. And it’s not just us. At a recent meeting in Traverse City, state and federal officials were on hand to discuss the high levels of Lake Michigan. Federal officials predict extremely high water this spring and sum­ mer, a continuation of the past two years of levels above long-term averages. Lead forecaster Lauren Fry and physical scientist Deanna Apps of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers spoke about long-term patterns in water levels and what affects the lakes’ total net volume - the “net basic sup­ ply,” seasonal fluctuations, and other fac­ tors that influence changes. Net water volumes in the Great Lakes are affected by inflow from upstream water bodies, precipitation and watershed runoff, as well as evaporation rates and outflow into downstream lakes. Fry said Lake Superior has experienced six consecutive years of above-average net volumes, while Apps pointed out levels measured currently are already above the record mean set in 1986. That raises my third concern and logical conclusion: This problem is bigger than all of us, and we need to figure out solutions for the continuing high water plaguing our state. The drain commissioner cannot be held as a scapegoat. This role is often over­ looked until there is a crisis, such as the one at Crooked Lake. These homeowners have suffered enough. Hopefully, the measures being taken now will begin to alleviate the high water they’re facing every day. In the meantime, let’s all pray for a warm and dry summer. Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. How can we be assured this same situation will not occur again on another lake or water-bordering area? Andy Dixon, NWS hydrologist, was in Barry County and on Crooked Lake last week. According to Dixon, the entire Midwest - and southwestern Michigan, in particular has experienced far more rainfall than usual for the past six years. What do you think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the ques­ tion posed each week by accessing our website, www.HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the following week. Last week: The Odessa Township Board recently approved an ordinance to allow windmill farms on an undisclosed location in a 17,000acre area across three townships. Some people oppose the project, saying it could harm property values. Tax revenue is estimated at $15 million over the 30-year life of the wind farm. Do you think this project is a good idea? Yes 81% No 9% For this week: Federal law prohibits inmates from receiving treatment under Medicaid or Medicare while in prison, so the cost of that care falls upon the state Department of Corrections. A new law will allow the state to parole certain medically frail prisoners so they can obtain care at medical facilities or nursing homes that accept federal health programs. Is this a good idea? □ Yes □ No i ' I I ! ■ • ! �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 30, 2019 — Page 5 What’s exceptional about America I ' Kenneth Kornheiser J I often hear or read references to American exceptionalism. The statements come from all sides of the political spectrum in the United States. I take pause when I hear a claim that it is the American people themselves that are exceptional. Sometimes people say out of military patriptism that the American soldier is braver or a more capable fighter than soldiers of other countries. The American soldier is credited with fighting to protect our freedoms. Sometimes it is praise for the generous spirit of Americans, that we are always will­ ing to help our fellow human beings. It is in bur nature to help other countries as well. We saved the Allies in Europe during World War I and saved the whole world during World War II, not because we had a large armed force and and even greater capacity for indus­ trial and technical production but because of our moral superiority. And it is especially common these days to hear that “Americans are better than that” or that “this is not who we are” when our poli­ ties don’t seem to be so generous and fair. It is as if we are only Americans when we live up to our ideals. I get frustrated when I hear those claims, but it approaches the truth in one very important way. It is not really true that Americans are a unique people. We are human beings very much like human beings every where, com­ plicated mixtures of generosity and greed, honesty and duplicity, benevolence and feroc­ ity, bravery and cowardice. We possess all of the human traits both individually and as a nation. . Soldiers of all nations can serve bravely, unselfishly and for sincere patriotic motives, even our enemies. There is not a country or COMMENTARY group in the world, nor even terrorist cells and gangbangers, who don’t believe their fight is just. Ultimately when people bear arms in combat, their strongest motive is to protect one another, regardless of the cause they serve. What is exceptional about Americans how­ ever is the set of ideals we aspire to, especial­ ly given the history of our ideals. The creation of the United States was signaled by a Declaration of Independence which stated “that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalien­ able Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Although we may take these statements for granted now, these were very novel ideas at the time. They were not “self-evident” to most of the world’s people yet. Once the United States were independent, the founders created a Constitution which established a democratic republic with three equal branches of government specifically to balance and check the potential abuses of power. And a Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the Constitution, was demand­ ed by many of the States to add additional protections to prevent those potential abuses before they would ratify the Constitution. This was also something new to the world. So among the things that have made America exceptional is the set of ideals which were held up to motivate the colonialists to rebel and the system of government that was set up “in Order to form a more perfect Union, fwrite Us A Letter: V ' .................................. The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Know Your I Michigan Legislature i Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. iPhone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), ■Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855;347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, :P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House 'Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225■5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ ‘2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 19150. ’ - President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. The Hastings Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone; (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@J-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring , CFO • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County • NEWSROOM• . Rebecca Pierce (Editor) $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer Tanett Hodge Taylor Owens Joan Van Houten POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity”. A democracy is a government by the people and a republic is a government of the repre­ sentatives of the people. But the creation of this democratic republican government, con­ strained to protect the rights of the inhabitants of the country, was necessary because Americans are like people everywhere with the capacity for greed, dishonesty and abuse of power. The institutions of our government were established precisely because the found­ ers recognized that Americans were funda­ mentally just like other people. It is hard to see how there is even a unique American people with a unique American character. We have come from so many lands with so many different cultural heritages and genetic backgrounds. Even the Native Americans are culturally and ethnically diverse rather than a uniform people. We should not forget, that Americans have not always lived up to our ideals, even from the very beginning. The authors of the Declaration of Independence and framers of the Constitution included slave owners. The original Constitution declared slaves to be equivalent to only 3/5 of a person and they were denied the very Constitutional rights which were promised to all “persons”. The Declaration states that “all men are created equal”. It was not just a figure of speech that women were not included. In the Eighteenth Century, men rarely considered women to be their equals and they were not given the right to vote. There are many historic examples of fail­ ures to live up to our ideals. During the Civil War, half the country was fighting to protect the right to own slaves and in the other half rich men could buy their way out of serving in the military draft. During what is arguably the most necessary of wars, the Second World War, American armed forces were still segre­ gated by race and Japanese Americans, the majority of whom were citizens, were interned in concentration camps. It is not necessary for me to catalog all the times we Americans have not lived up to our ideals. But it is necessary that we don’t forget them or ignore them. The American ideals are still worth striving for, however difficult that may be, and worth fighting for when neces­ sary. Tb quote the words of Winston Churchill, who led England through the Second World War: “Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form Government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” The United States was not the first democracy in history but it is American ideals that we hold so dear, that people all over the world look to and try to achieve for themselves here and abroad, and that we strive to perfect and live up to ourselves. We shouldn’t fool ourselves that we are people better than anyone else, but we shouldn’t set­ tle for less than our ideals. Dr. Kornheiser, one of the founders of the Four-Township Water Resources Council Inc. where he serves as vice president, is president of the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council. What’s needed for Crooked Lake? A revamped drain code To the Editor: I do understand frustration of the Crooked Lake residents who are suing. Who knows, maybe this is what’s needed to finally get our state legislators to revise the state drain code which has had no major re-codification since 1956. After all, it is the drain code that has allowed us to get in this mess - and it’s not the first time. The code has allowed work to be dispersed without bids and decisions to be made without the approval or input of land­ owners or even township officials. And remember, the drain commissioner is the only elected office in Michigan that can directly levy taxes and borrow money without a vote of the people because of the powers given to them by the drain code. I’ve written my legislators, how about you? Larry Osborne, Delton People should show more kindness and respect for their fellow citizens To the editor: This past week I have been watching the world we live in. I have seen kindness and I have seen hate and rudeness toward fellow citizens. Thank you to the ones who showed kind­ ness and respect. I also have seen disrespect from the ones in charge who had attitudes and acted in an unprofessional or disrespectful manner to their neighbors and fellow citizens. I see that we live in a world of hate toward our own people. We must treat our own people with respect, how we want to be treated. People wonder why we have acts of vio­ lence toward others. But you can’t fix stupid: You reap what you sow, whether you believe it or not. So stop and think. Be kind and respectful to your fellow man. Elden Shellenbarger, Hastings Amash no longer represents voters in this district To the editor: I am an independent voter who has voted for Congressman Justin Amash three times, but I will not vote for him again because of his statement that President Trump should be impeached. Mr. Amash is the only Republican to sup­ port impeachment. His decision was based upon his interpretation of the highly complex “Obstruction of Justice” law, and he posted his legal conclusions on Twitter. As an attor­ ney, it’s clear to me that he doesn’t understand the law. Corrupt intent, an essential element of Obstruction, is absent from Mr. Amash’s conclusions. Further, I don’t remember Mr. Amash complaining about Obstruction of Justice a few years ago when Democrats defied subpoenas by destroying emails, hard drives, and cell phones. In the past, I respected Mr. Amash for vot­ ing according to his own principles rather than bowing to party politics. But now he has chosen to place himself at the center of a political circus, joining forces with leftists like U.S. Reps. Jerry Nadler (D-NY) and Rashida Tlaib (D-Detroit). They have wel­ comed Mr. Amash into their camp with open arms. It is ironic that Mr. Amash, who told us that he was above party politics, has reduced him­ self to being a political tool of the Democratic Party. I have to conclude that Mr. Amash no lon­ ger represents my interests, nor those of most of his voters here in West Michigan. Fortunately, we can vote Mr. Amash out of office next year. State Rep. Jim Lower, R-Greenville, has announced that he will run in the Republican primary against Mr. Amash in 2020. I will definitely make a donation to Mr. Lower’s campaign and vote for him next year. Joe Shea, Middleville Hastings airport management scrutinized through FOIAs by hangar lessee Joan Van Houten Staff Writer The operation of the Hastings City/Barry County Airport in Hastings is being scruti­ nized by a hangar lessee who is making multiple Freedom of Information Act requests. Thousands of pages of documents have been provided to Michael Dantuma, a Grand Rapids attorney representing Tomi Cordova who leases a hanger at the airport, airport officials said. The documents include finan­ cial records, copies of leases, emails received from the state and an inventory of all airport property and equipment. Airport Manager Mark Noteboom said approximately six FOIA requests have been filed with one of them from a private inves­ tigator, Ronald L. Neil from Lair Investigations LLC. Dantuma confirmed that Neil works with his law firm and also represents Cordova. “I have no idea what the endgame is for all of this information,” Noteboom said at an airport board meeting on May 26. Cordova was not at the meeting. However, in a post-meeting interview, Dantuma spoke on Cordova’s behalf as his legal counsel. “What we’re after is a waiver that should have been obtained for non-aviation related business conducted at the airport,” Dantuma said. “We’ve haven’t found one yet. We’ve received response to our requests from local government agencies and state agencies, including the Michigan Aeronautics Bureau, that say it doesn’t exist. There are no waiv­ ers for the non-aviation related businesses that have been operating at airport.” Cordova is concerned that mismanage­ ment of the facility would harm the airport, Dantuma said. He said Noteboom had been leasing out hangars for auto and camper storage and has allowed a non-aviation related metal fabrica­ tion company to operate on airport grounds for years. “We get inspected by the state every year,” Noteboom said. “As a matter of fact, our 2019 state inspection is next week. They are very thorough and look at everything. If they see something wrong, they tell us, and we only get a certain amount of time to make it right. “I don’t think these guys understand the way things have been. The state allows air­ ports to lease hangars for storage if the han­ gars are owned by the airport, and it’s sitting empty, as long as priority is given to the airplanes. If someone needs a hangar for their plane, the person leasing storage space has to leave, and they know this before they sign the lease. As for the metal fabrication business, this one of the businesses on the list of state exceptions, and they are allowed to be here.” Storage renters are charged more than for airplane storage and so are commercial busi­ nesses, he noted. The Barry County taxpayers used to con­ tribute $90,000 a year to support airport operation. Today, the airport is self-suffi­ cient - taxpayers contribute nothing, accord­ ing to Noteboom. The latest FOIA requests were made to Barry County in care of County Administrator Michael Brown on April 25 and 26 by Dantuma. The April 25 request was for “any and all waivers, proposed, filed and/or authorized,” that waives the Airport Grant Assurance requirements. The assurance program pro­ vides grants to the airport. Acting outside of those requirements would jeopardize fund­ ing, airport officials said. The April 26 FOIA requested information related to all airport business conducted by the airport and Noteboom on city, county and personal electronic devices “by way of phones and computers” to provide services on behalf of the airport. The letter sent to Brown by Dantuma stat­ ed, “In accordance to the Freedom Information Act, we hereby make demand that any electronic device utilized by Mr. Noteboom be preserved” and that Noteboom be directed not to alter, delete, change or modify any electronic evidence. “I spoke with an attorney, and I’m not required to hand over my personal cell phone and computer information,” Noteboom said. In the request dated April 25, and directed to Brown, Neil asked for records pertaining to business at the airport using the cell phone number belonging to Noteboom and any additional electronic devices such as storage devices owned or used by Noteboom. Neil requested information for the years 2014 through 2018 and the current year 2019. Dave Tossava, the city’s representative on the board, said the situation has gotten out of hand and is beginning to impact the airport financially. “I think it’s time to bring the airport attorney in for a closed session to talk about what we can do to put this to an end,” he said. The motion was approved and the closed session will be scheduled for the next board meeting. Cordova has not filed a formal complaint or grievance, and Dantuma said it may never get to that point. According to official documents and Noteboom, all FOIA requests related to the airport have been directed to Barry County. The City of Hastings, the airport board members and the Barry County Commissioners have not received requests from Dantuma, Neil or Cordova. �Page 6 — Thursday, May 30, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together 4 ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingshopeumc. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office. greenstreetumc@gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor; Ryan Rose, Family Life Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m.^ AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings. org, 9 a.m. Traditional Service; 10:30 a.m. Contem­ porary service. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945­ 9217. cbchastings.org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. Movin’ on up ■ Banner May 28, 1970 . Briefing session - Hastings High students will move into the new $6.2 million school next fall, and during the last days of this* school year, they were familiarized with the large structure. Here, Principal Robert VanderVeen is briefing freshmen on the loca-i tion of the various departments, after which they were taken on tours by guides. This photo was taken in the new gym. * HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www, hasting.^ Pastor Brian Teed, Associate Pastor Andy Baird and Stu­ dent Ministry Director, Emma Miller. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY Did you see MORNING FAMILY HOUR - WELCOME! ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Preschool age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Stan­ dard and Adult Elective class­ es. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church age 4-4th grade dismissed during service. Aftermath Student Ministry - 6:30 p.m., 7th-12th grades & Semester Growth Groups.. Wednesday: Wom­ en's Bible Study 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday: Adult Bible Study 10 a.m. The Incredible Race Vacation Bible School, Wednesday & Thursday, June 12th & 13th from 9 a.m.-l:15 p.m. for children age 4 thru 6th grade. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God's Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! June 1 - RELAY FOR LIFE @ TYDEN PARK 11 A.M.11 P.M. June 2 - Services at 8 and 10:45 a.m. June 3 Social Activities Mtg. 6:30 p.m. June 4 - Executive Mtg. 6 p.m. June 5 - Girl Scout Mtg. at the church 5:30-7 p.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St, Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www.grace-hastings. org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings. A tree fell onto the East State Road near North Michigan Avenue in Hastings around 12:30 a.m. Tuesday. The falling tree,, also took down a power line and pole. Homes and businesses on the north side of town lost power, but it was restored around, 3:30 a.m. The tree was cleaned up by Tuesday afternoon. b We’re dedicating this space to a photograph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please.., include information su'ch as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. The Professional and Personal Choice for Accounting and Tax Services Our knowledge and diverse experience allow us to provide well-crafted This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses' _ A ■ exfob V»» 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 W 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 Hhashhgs p'StsSS Products MmOMMf MWIIESBIW RotlineloolsS■hpipent 770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541 yet easily-executed solutions. Our team approach provides personal service and attention to detail that our clients can count on. ml Walker. Fl('ke& Sheuxin, pic Mk CERTIFIED PUBUC ACCOUNTANTS Hastings • Ionia • Richland Call 269.945.9452 for an appointment today. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 30, 2019 — Page 7 DISMISSES, continued from page 1 2017 replacement of a culvert on Floria Road, which allowed water in the upper portions of the Watson Drain District, such as Mud Lake and others, to enter Upper Crooked Lake. Kelly disputed this claim, pointing to a large photograph showing Crooked Lake and the Floria Road culvert. “The culvert here is between Pleasant Lake and Mud Lake and Upper and Lower Crooked - there’s flooding on both sides of this cul­ vert,” Kelly said. “And it has nothing to do with the culvert. “Damned if you do, damned if you don’t. You can open that culvert and flood more or close it and flood more upstream. “What we did want is to maintain the status quo. That’s all.” The property owners bringing the action against Dull and the drainage district alleged that, by his actions, he, in effect, “took pos­ session” of their properties by rendering them uninhabitable without payment of just com­ pensation. “There’s no way around the fact that Mr. Dull has discretion,” Judge McDowell said before issuing her decision. “That’s the nature of his job as drain commissioner to make determinations of what’s appropriate or not not only to the size of the project but to the extent of it and to whether or not he feels a taking is appropriate.” Dull, as drain commissioner, is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Watson drainage district, which is connected to Upper Crooked Lake and has a direct impact on it. The drainage district is a corpo­ rate body that may sue or be sued, the com­ plaint noted. About 1,085 property owners live in the Watson district and would bear the cost of any court finding for the plaintiffs. Since the 10 residents say they can no lon­ ger live in their homes, the suit claimed, they demanded that the drain commissioner start eminent domain proceedings by making good-faith offers on their properties so that they may move and obtain new housing. “I’ve worked in hundreds of drain proj­ ects,” Kelly told the judge. “We’ve always listed options. One of them is sometimes is to condemn properties.” In the case of Crooked Lake flooding, “that option was rejected in favor of another option, that is to take the water elsewhere. “It’s cheaper and more cost-effective for the people who have to pay for all of this. The people that have to pay for all of this are those in the district. Condemning those properties would cost their neighbors over $6 million, over $10 million. That alternative was reject­ ed.” A number of properties on both lakes are impacted by flooding, Bagne said. If the judge had ordered eminent domain proceedings, “This is what would happen,” he said. “There’s no magical pot of money. The only Engineer Brian Cenci answers ques­ tions following the dismissal of the law­ suit. (Photos by Scott Harmsen) source of funding to pay for anything that’s being asked for is the people who are taxpay­ ers that own land in this district.” Some people built their houses higher up, he pointed out, and some chose to build on lower ground near a lake that has no outlet. “And because it has no outlet, it’s predictable - when you get crazy weather - that it could Drain Commissioner Jim Dull speaks to reporters after the hearing. Attorney Douglas Kelly represented Drain Commissioner Jim Dull and the Watson Drain District. flood.” “We’re very sympathetic to these people,” Bagne noted. “That’s why Mr. Dull is the one person working the hardest to try and fix this situation. “But what they’re asking is that the low-ly­ ing [property owners] get bought out at the cost of all the other people and the money that goes to it means there’s no money to get the water out of there, which means the water continues to rise.” And if the water continues to rise, more properties would have to be bought out, which eventually would mean the assess­ ments get so high no one can afford to live there, Bagne said. The district and Dull don’t have a magic pot of money, he told the judge. “Mr. Dull has tried to find that magical pot of money. He’s sent letters to the DEQ and Gov. Whitmer and (U.S. Rep.) Justin Amash advising them of the situation to see if they would come in with relief funds.” Dull is limited as to what he can do, Bagne said. But, as far as the assertions in the lawsuit that the Floria Road culvert and Dull are the culprit, there is “no legal basis for it. No fac­ tual basis. No evidence in the record to sup­ port that this is the case.” “Everywhere you look, there’s flooding,” from the Mississippi River to the Saginaw River, he said, gesturing toward the window. “I have never seen the waters on Lake Michigan so high. It’s flooding. “The cause is not Jim Dull. The cause is not the district. The cause is not the culvert. The cause is an act of God. “And the person who’s attempting to fix this problem is Jim Dull.” Outside Sales Representative Protected Territory The plaintiffs and their supporters from Crooked Lake attended the court proceedings Wednesday morning. Concert in the Hayfield is tonight Even for a rural area, the Concert in the Hayfield is unusual. Louis and Mary Wierenga annually open their farm to hundreds of people who bring their own chairs to listen to music by the com­ bined school and community band and the Thomapple Jazz Orchestra. Mixed in with brass and woodwinds is the sound of a passing tractor pulling a wagon load of guests, the smell of hot dogs sizzling oil the grill, and the sight of guests jockeying to bid on silent auction items. The taste of ice cream adds to the charm. “This fun family event is for the whole community,” Spencer White, co-director for the Hastings school band program, said. The event from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 30, is a fundraiser for the Hastings band program, but it is open to anyone from any district and free of charge. A Grand Rapids area native, White didn’t take Louis Wierenga seriously several years ago when Wierenga first suggested hosting a fundraising concert in a farm field. But Wierenga persisted, and White eventually realized it was more than a suggestion. This will be the seventh concert in the hay­ field, which brings together students in eighth to ll^1 grades, recent alumni and adult musi­ cians. The Thomapple Jazz Orchestra will perform separately, and then all musicians will play as one mass band. Hastings alumni also join the performance. In fact, any adult musicians who want to play in the band are invited to the practice Wednesday from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Hastings High School band room. But it’s not all about music. The Wierengas also have lined up numerous items for the silent auction - some big items. Area implement dealers will have equip­ ment available, provided minimum bids are met, including a: - Four-wheel drive TX John Deere Gator from Greenmark Equipment in Hastings. - Case 55C Diesel compact tractor with loader and front-wheel assist from Janson Equipment in Charlotte. - 2019 Dodge Ram 2500 heavy-duty extended-cab four-wheel drive pickup with a Cummins diesel engine from Youngs Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Ionia. - Country Clipper XLT zero-turn lawn mower from Maple Valley Implement in Nashville. If the minimum bids on these items are met, the band program will get any amounts above that minimum, Wierenga said. Numerous individuals, families and busi­ nesses also have contributed services, prod­ ucts and gift cards for the silent auction, including: - Four tickets to an MSU home football game - Restaurant, bakery and ice cream parlor gift certificates - Handcrafted wooden semi-truck - Rocking motorcycle - John Deere farm toys - Lawn chairs - Jewelry - Potted flowers - Farm-related home decor items - Stadium seat - MSU pillow and blanket - Lawn fertilizer - Plot seed for deer More items are being donated, Wierenga said; concert-goers will see several items not listed. In the past several years, the Wierengas have offered a “Day on the Farm” pass to the highest bidders. The winners have opted to • Use your sales abilities to do well for your family and good for the communities around you. • Work for an 80 year old, successful, family owned company. • Represent Christian based community programs built upon sound family values. Travel 3 to 4 nights per week with expense reimbursement. • Build and maintain a protected, renewable territory with high earnings potential and excellent home office support while making a REAL difference! bring their families^ouyOarvest time to help with chores, ride in a combine and eacli lunch on the farm. The silent auction and cash donations have brought in well over $25,000 for the bands in the past six years, Wierenga said. Anyone wishing to donate a silent auction item may call 269-945-6102. The farm is at 2704 N. Charlton Park Road, just north of Coats Grove Road. In case of rain, all activities will be moved into a large new storage bam next to the field. Handicapaccessible restrooms will be available. White said guests should bring lawn chairs, blankets, cash and smiles. Apply at: tiny.cc/applycsa County Transit 269-948-8531 TAVERN In Downtown Hastings The City of Hastings will be the venue this summer for the newest trolley route. Every Friday night, June 7 through August 23, the trolley will ring through the streets from 6;00 pm to 9:00 pm. Catch it at any of rhe schools in the city limits, any city parks, and other designated stops, or just flag it down on its route. All rides are FREE! Compliments of the local businesses listed in this brochure. CEkllFIED PVBUC ACCOUNTANTS 269-945-9452 highpoint 888.422.2280 h. Hastings I 1Mb SNSOHASCE COM " 269-9454770 269-9454400 . START 6:00 WAum Fluke a -Sheldom plc Hastings & Gun Lake COURT HOUSE 6:00 6:50 7:40 8:30 1st Ward Park 6:03 6:53 7:43 8:33 Northeastern School 6:05 6:55 7:45 8:35 Bob King Park 6:08 6:58 7:48 8:38 Tyden Park 6:11 7:01 7:51 8:41 COURT HOUSE 6:17 7:07 7:57 8:47 County Seat 6:19 7:09 7:59 8:49 Southeastern School 6:24 7:14 8:04 8:54 2nd Ward Park 6:26 7:16 8:06 8:56 High School 6:31 7:21 8:11 9:01 Middle School 6:34 7:24 8:14 9:04 Fish Hatchery Park 6:37 7:27 8:17 9:07 Dairy Queen 6:41 7:31 8:21 9:11 OF HASTINGS Please be at the stops 1.0 minutes prior. Pickup times may vary plus or minus 10 minutes. If you would like more information about Barry County Transit Services please call (269)948-8098 www.barryc0untytransit.com 269-945-4174 Barry County Transit would like to thank the City of Hastings, and the sponsoring merchants for their help in making this service possible. THE GENERAL STORE 269-9454848 III 269-945-3777 269-795-9289 �Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD JONES Elaine Garlock The summer reading program at the Lake Odessa Community Library begins next week with family story time starting June 6 and continuing until Aug. 1. This season is geared to children ages 2 to 5. The next group of children from kindergarten through eighth grade starts June 12 and runs through July 31 at 10:30 a.m. The teen program runs from June 13 to July 25 at 2 p.m. Another library upcoming event is the appearance of author Sharon Kennedy, who will discuss and sign her book “Struggle & Strength” Tuesday, June 4 at 5:40 p.m. This is the story of eight ordinary women whose lives were must unusual. The Ionia County Genealogical Society will meet Saturday, June 8 next week, at 1 p.m. at the museum on Emerson Street. Visitors are always welcome. The meeting will include a speaker and library time until 5 p.m. Central United Methodist Church has reverted to its summer schedule of having morning worship service at 9:30 a.m. The village will see a greatly increased amount of traffic on Jordan Lake Avenue/ Highway for several weeks while there is a detour on M-66 three miles east for all northbound traffic while a major road project takes place. On M-66 Southbound traffic will stay in its lanes most of the way with minor shifts as the work progresses. The northbound vehicles will be rerouted on M-50 west to Jordan Lake Avenue and then north to 1-96 on Grand River Avenue. Friday evening, May 24, the local historical society held its annual tribute to veterans, at the local museum. Members of the VFW post were on hand with flab bearers. The honored veteran was the late Olin Luther who died in France. He and his family moved to the village where his father Rev. Alexander Luther was appointed to Central Methodist Episcopal Church in June 1907. His oldest sister, Blanche, was hired as a music teacher for the Lake Odessa school. His siblings Earl and Clara were in school grades ahead of him. When his father was assigned to a church at Paw Paw in 1910 Olin chose to stay in Lake Odessa to continue in school here. He lived with sister Blanche and her new husband, Benjamin Carter, on a farm on Harwood Road. Olin was inducted into the army a few years after his schooling and lost his life in summer 1918. Historical Society President John Waite researched the Luther story and had surprising details to share with his audience, which included four Luther relatives. These were Thelma Walkington of Sebewa Township whose grandparent was a cousin of Olin, her aunt Leora Stutes of Lansing who likewise had a cousin relationship and Rick and Glen Drullinger of the Lansing area, who were grandson and great grandson of the Carters. Some Luther items were displayed, and the program included reading a letter Olin had written just days before his death. He was rated as a musician, playing a Sousaphone in a band and also playing taps and reveille, as needed. The museum was open Saturday, Sunday and Monday with the greatest number of visitors Monday. Hostess Thelma Curtis had arranged a nice spread of refreshments for the visitors. The Memorial Day service at Lakeside cemetery was well attended. This takes place now on the east side of Cemetery Road. The Lakewood High School band played several numbers. Members of the VFW and Auxiliary placed flowers in red, white and blue at the memorial. Chaplain Roy Copeland read the order’s memorial service. Rev. Bruce Barker presided and gave the day’s message. The VFW regulars fired the gun salute, and taps were played. Numerous folding chairs were in place for the convenience of the audience, but dozens of others stood in the shade of the evergreens along the driveway. A long freight train came minutes later, but by its coincidental timing avoided disrupting the service. This week the local library is playing host to the first and second graders of Lakewood schools. They get a walk through the library and get to hear some of the services available for their use and enjoyment. Planting on farm fields is being delayed this spring because of the high moisture content of the soil. This may be a year for lots of barley being planted. Vacation and retirement: different goals require different investment strategies To achieve any of your financial objectives, you need to save and invest - that much is clear. But just how you save and invest may differ from goal to goal. Let’s look at two common goals to see the differences in your savings and investment strategies. The first goal we’ll consider is a dream vaca­ tion - one lasting a couple of weeks or more, possibly to an exotic locale. So, for the invest­ ments you’ve designated to fund this vacation, you need two key attributes: liquidity and low risk. The liquidity requirement is pretty self-ex­ planatory - you want to be able to get to your vacation funds exactly when you need them, and you don’t want to be slapped with some type of early withdrawal or tax penalty. The low-risk part of your vacation strategy means you want investments that won’t drop in value just when you need to sell them to use the proceeds for your trip. However, you need to be aware that those types of stable-value invest­ ment vehicles likely will not offer much growth potential. As you may know, the investments with the greatest possible rewards are also those that carry the highest degrees of risk. Yet, by STOCKS Apple Inc. AT&T Chemical Fin Chevron Deere & Co. Exxon Mobil Flowserve CP Ford Motor Co. General Electric Co. General Motors Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP Perrigo Co. Pfizer Inc. Spartannash Comp Stryker TCF Financial Corp. Walmart Inc. Walt Disney Co Whirl Pool Corp 178.23 31.93 39.19 118.31 137.57 72.61 47.81 9.78 9.36 34.85 191.55 137.07 54.56 126.07 44.65 41.90 12.52 181.78 19.79 102.42 132.62 122.50 -8.37 -.48 -2.33 -3.03 -1.32 -3.64 -2.82 -.46 -.60 -2.76 +.10 -1.05 -1.98 -.83 -5.14 +.23 -1.36 -3.47 -1.15 +1.30 -1.47 -1.00 $1,279.41 $14.37 25,347 +$4.73 -.10 -530 CITY OF HASTINGS PUBLIC NOTICE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 572 The undersigned, being the duly qualified and acting Clerk of the City of Hastings, Michigan, does hereby certify that was adopted by the City Council of the City of Hastings at a regular meeting on the 28th day of May 2019. A complete copy of this Ordinance is available for review at the office of the City Clerk at City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Jane M. Saurman City Clerk 120237 Travis Ryan Converse, Hastings and Corinne Elizabeth Buchanan, Nashville Ross William Vandermeer, Middleville and Molly Cay Wilson, Middleville Jack Matthew Zyskowski, Middleville and Brianna Lauren Shields, Middleville Lisa Ann Brant, Hastings and Patrick Dean Cullers, Hastings Thomas Duane Hamilton, Caledonia and Graycen Lynae Bailey, Middleville Max Daniel Myers, Hastings and Sarah Elizabeth Brasher, Hastings Matracia Marie Tolan, Middleville and Tyler Lee Bourdo, Plainwell Keith Robert Stoudt II, Hastings and Christina Marie Main, Hastings Katelyn Marie Krzesowiak, Middleville and Clay Scott Reigler, Middleville Logan Trent Murphy, Grand Rapids and Rebecka Elizabeth Thaler, Middleville Andrew James Ouding, Delton and Amber Christine Okeley, Delton CITY OF HASTINGS PUBLIC NOTICE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 573 The undersigned, being the duly qualified and acting Clerk of the City of Hastings, Michigan, does hereby certify that ORDINANCE NO. 573; TO AMEND SECTION 5838(o) OF ARTICLE II OF CHAPTER 54 OF THE HAST­ INGS CODE OF 1970 - VAPING DEVICES AND RELAT­ ED PRODUCTS DEFINITIONS was adopted by the City Council of the City of Hastings at a regular meeting on the 28th day of May 2019. A complete copy of this Ordinance is available for review at the office of the City Clerk at City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Jane M. Saurman City Clerk 120236 financial markets just when you need to start selling investments to help fund your retirement. Nonetheless, you won’t want to give up all growth investments, even during your retire­ ment years. You could spend two or three decades as a retiree, and over that time, inflation could take a big toll on your purchasing power. To counter this effect, you will need to own some investments that have the potential at least to equal, and ideally outpace, the cost of living. The examples of taking that extensive vaca­ tion and enjoying a long retirement illustrate the importance of recognizing that you will have many goals in life - and you’ll need to prioritize^ and plan for them, sometimes following signiffcantly different investment strategies. When you do, you’ll give yourself a better chance of reach­ ing your destinations. * Edward Jones, its financial advisors and* employees cannot provide tax or legal advice.. a This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor If you have any questions, contact Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. Gold Silver Dow Jones ORDINANCE NO. 572: TO ADD SECTION IV TO CHAPTER 54 OF THE HASTINGS CODE OF 1970 REGULATING THE USE OF VAPING DEVICES AND RE­ LATED PRODUCTS starting to invest early enough in more conser­ vative investments, and putting away money regularly, you may be able to compensate for the lack of growth opportunities. Now, let’s turn to your other goal - retire­ ment. When you are saving for retirement, your primary objective is pretty simple: to accumu­ late as much money as you can. Consequently, you will need a reasonable percentage of your portfolio devoted to growth-oriented invest­ ments. But what’s a reasonable percentage? There’s no one-size-fits-all solution - the amount of growth investments in your portfolio should be based on several factors, including your age, risk tolerance and projected retirement lifestyle. Furthermore, this percentage may need to change over time. When you’re just starting out in your career, you may be able to afford to take on the greater risk that comes with having a higher percentage of your portfolio in growth investments. But as you get closer to retirement, you might want to begin shifting some dollars toward more conservative vehicles - you don’t want to be over-exposed to the volatility of the HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Thursday, May 30 - Baby Cafe, 10 a.m.noon; Movie Memories group watches a 1951 film starring Loretta Young, Barry Sullivan and Bruce Cowling, 5-7:30 p.m. Friday, May 31 - preschool story time, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Monday, June 3 - Quilting Passions, 10 a.m.-l p.m.; library board of directors meet­ ing, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 4 - toddler story time, 10:30­ 11:30 a.m.; chess, 6-7:30; mahjong, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 5 - Barry County Historical Society learns about history and value of coins 6-7:30 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. Whale of a brain Hi Dr. Universe: Are whales smart? Tishawnie P., 9, Massachusetts Dear Tishawnie, Whales can learn to do all kinds of amaz­ ing things. Humpback whales learn how to blow bubbles and work together to hunt for fish. Dolphins, a kind of toothed whale teach their babies different sounds. It’" kind of language the young dolphin know for life. But to find out just how smart whales really are, I asked my friend Enrico Pirotta, a Washington State University researcher who studies how blue whales make long journeys across the ocean. Before he revealed the answer to your question, he shared a bit more about intelli­ gence. Usually people talk about intelli­ gence as the ability to learn something and apply what they learn, he said. It can be tricky to compare our intelligence with other animals, but it’s something some sci­ entists think about. “There is not an IQ test we can do with whales,” Pirotta said. Whales have instincts. They follow their moms, go to the surface to breathe, but they also can learn. They have a pretty high level of intelligence when compared to a lot of other animals, he added. Pirotta told me that if we were in Australia, we might even see some dolphins who learn to carry sea sponges on their beaks. They do this to protect their beaks from getting poked by critters or sharp piec­ es of coral while they search around for food in the sand. It’s also important to note that what we know about whale intelligence comes most­ ly from studying those in captivity, espe­ cially dolphins. We still don’t know as much about wild whales, but Enrico said the studies we do have are showing that the wild whales are likely just as intelligent. Whales have pretty big brains. In fact, the largest brain on the planet belongs to the sperm whale. The sperm whale brain weighs about five times as much as a human brain. But just because you have a big brain esn’t necessarily make you smarter. However, we do know that animals that ; nave a big brain compared to their body do tend to have a certain kind of intelligence. .t One particular thing scientists look at when studying intelligence has to do with special cells that help animals process information. They are called spindle neurons and they’ve been found in humans, elephants and apes, too. Scientists have found connections between these parts and an animal’s ability to learn and apply knowledge. Pirotta also said some animals, like whales, also appear to have something called emotional intelligence. They can • show signs of empathy, grief, joy and play­ fulness. All of these learned behaviors, types of intelligence, and signs of teamwork have led scientists to think about groups of whales in new ways, too. “We now believe this qualifies as a form of culture,” Pirotta said. Who knows? Maybe one day you will use your own human intelligence to study whales and help us learn more about whale culture and what’s going on inside their brains. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse .com. CITY OF HASTINGS PUBLIC NOTICE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 571 The undersigned, being the duly qualified and acting Clerk of the City of Hastings, Michigan, does hereby certify that ORDINANCE NO. 571: TO AMEND CHAPTER 42 OF THE HASTINGS CODE OF 1970, AS AMENDED, TO AMEND SECTION 42-3 - PERMISSIBLE DAYS AND HOURS FOR DISCHARGE OF FIREWORKS was adopted by the City Council of the City of Hastings at a regular meeting on the 28th day of May 2019. A complete copy of this Ordinance is available for review at the office of the City Clerk at City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Jane M. Saurman �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 30, 2019 — Page 9 TURNING BACK THE PAGES Nashville had assortment of inventors In the heyday of these two great geniuses, Henry Ford (left) and Thomas A. Edison, Nashville also was turning out its share of inventive minds. It was an age when con­ sumers needed virtually everything — from the low-cost, mass-produced Model T autos that Ford engineered to the electric light and phonograph developed by Edison, who patented 1,093 inventions in his lifetime. Edison died in 1931; Ford in 1947. This article by the late Susan Hinckley was published in the Maple Valley News May 1, 1984, and may be of interest to Banner read­ ers. “Necessity is the mother of invention,” so the saying goes. Whether that ancient Latin proverb holds true in describing works of early Nashville inventors is not, conclusively proved. But it appears that some local inventions were designed to fill a definite need, at least as envisioned by the creator. One of Nashville’s pioneer general mer­ chants had his own concept of necessity, as recorded by The Nashville News in early December 1878, “L.L. Loomis has installed in his store a revolutionary bit of equipment. It is a revolving cabinet that permits a custom­ er to remain seated on a stool at the counter and view a great variety of merchandise dis­ played in a large revolving cabinet.” Loomis, noted The News, had applied for a patent on the rig and “believes he has some­ thing that will eventually be common in many stores.” Another local inventor of that era was William D. Shields, who in 1902 began con­ struction of the home on South State Street now known as the Azor Leedy place. Four years earlier, Shields had bought the former Powles Woolen Mill, adjacent to the future site of his home, and converted it into one of the^best woodworking plants operating in this area at this time. (The mill building is still standing just east of the Leedy home and is commonly remembered as the first location of the Farmers’ Co-operative Creamery.) Some time before his 1898 conversion of the.; mill, Shields was making local headlines for1 an innovative windmill design. A News account of early May 1881 told of the inven­ tion: “For the past year, W.E. Shields has been working on a windmill constructed on new scientific principles, by which it is claimed greater power can be obtained, according to the’ size of the wheel made; besides it can be changed in five minutes from a pump to power mill for gearing. ^The one he has on exhibition at his resideilce on Sherman Street is already sold to Mr Lake of Vermontville. Mr. Shields has the papers filed to obtain a patent.” Some Nashville inventions were developed A device for making glue joints accu­ rately and expeditiously in a cabinet shop was invented in 1887 by Isaac Newton Kellogg of Nashville. An inscription on the patented machine (visible at top and right) reads, “Columbian, I.N. Kellogg, Nashville, Mich.” Kellogg’s planing mill was just north of the Thornapple River bridge on the east side of Main Street. in connection with the creator’s trade, and truly were mothered by necessity. A prime example is the glue jointing machine devised by Isaac Newton Kellogg, who in the late 19th century owned and operated Kellogg’s Planing Mill just north of the Thornapple River bridge. The Kellogg mill, headquartered in a large brick building on the east side of the street, specialized in all sorts of planing, resawing, matching and all branches of wood turning, plus manufacture of custom-made scrolls, brackets, windows and doors used in the con­ struction of many area homes. “LN. Kellogg is working on a machine that is intended to fill a long-felt need in the cabi­ net shop,” The News reported in February 1887. “It is a machine for making glue joints Nashville native Elmer Cross (standing second from right) is credited with inventing the first music-holding piano bench. A fore­ man at the old Lentz Table Factory, he also built three homes in Nashville. In this circa 1912 photo, he is seen at a gathering of his wife’s family. Pictured are (seated, from left) Ida Bergman, Shorty Purchis, Charlotte and LaNola Cross, Pauline Squiers, uniden­ tified boy, Mildred and Max Purchis (standing) Leah Walrath, John, Ed, Mabel, Ida and Frank Purchis; Elmer; and his wife, Fern (Purchis) Cross. These early 1900s photos by a professional photographer in Muir, Ionia County, apparently was designed to show the versatility of a hanging lantern —perhaps the invention of the man in the scenes. Finding a ready market for a newfangled item, no matter how marvelous, was a diHjpult step for many amateur inventors. accurately and expeditiously. Mr. Kellogg believes he has a good thing anM will patent it.” Alfred C. Buxton, an early! Nashville machinist and gunsmith, might well have been considered an inventor in conjunction with the manufacture of custom machines at his Engine and Iron Works in the 1880 Buxton Block on Main Street at Washington. In his half-century career that began with the hand-crafting of firearms, Buxton special­ ized in turning out vertical balance engines, wood lathes, emery grinding machines, steamboat engines and a multitude of other mechanical marvels. His wide trade made him one of Nashville’s most prosperous business­ men before his death in 1924. Finding a ready market for a patented invention — no matter how marvelous — was a crucial step for some developers. The News noted in March 1906: “Rueben C. Smith has begun manufacture of a patented bench for husking and tying corn fodder, which promis­ es to go over big, provided he can sell (hem.” Farming offered many opportunities for ingenuity. “Farmer Beigh, from south of town, has invented a wagon hub wrench and applied for a patent oi same,” The News reported in March 1880. And this item, from October 1885: “W.T. Barker and David Lobddl of this village are procuring a patent on a wheat meter, which gives prima facie evideice of being a good thing. It is a very ingenims arrangement that may be attached to eithe- side of a threshing machine and registers wife accuracy the num­ ber of bushels of wheat theshed. It is arranged in such a manner as to aitomatically turn the stream of grain from one ?ag to another as the bag contains the requisitenumber of pounds.” One Nashville inveitor who may be remembered by many pnsent-day villagers is the late Elmer Cross, who was born in Nashville in 1874. He ded in Sept. 1955 in Kalamazoo, where he esided the final 25 years of his life. While living in Nashville, Cross had been a forenan in the finishing department of the LentzTable Company and had built three homes n Nashville. In his obituary, The News notel that Cross “invent­ ed the first music-holdiig piano bench, and also held a patent on a table lock.” In addition to all of tie practical and pro­ gressive inventions that came out of early Nashville, some scarce]/ went beyond the daydream category. Otters bordered on the ridiculous. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads News editor Orno Strong took pains to describe one such far-fetched contrivance in a December 1887 report: “An invention was explained to us this week by a subscriber which he thinks will put him in the orchestra with Jay Gould and the rest of the Anarchist targets. “It is nothing more than a vehicle with axles bent to allow a horse to travel directly under, sheltered from the sun and rain. The driver will sit in front and the passengers will sit sideways on seats that are lengthwise over the horse’s back. There will be a steering apparatus and an arrangement with wide bands under the horse, so that going downhill the animal can be lifted bodily off his feet and given a rest while the whole outfit coasts. “The lifting arrangements will also be handy in case the horse tries to run away, since a turn of the crank raises him from the ground and holds him suspended in mid-air.” Needless to say, this seems to be the first and last word Strong published on that sub­ ject. 119901 NOTICE OF ORDINANCE ADOPTION BARRY TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF BARRY TOWNSHIP. BARRY COUNTY MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTEE) PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the following is a summary of Ordinance No. 66 which was adopted by the Township Board of Barry Township at a Township Board meeting held May 14, 2019. ORDINANCE No. 66 - PROHIBITION OF RECREATIONAL MARIHUANA ESTABLISHMENTS ORDINANCE SECTION I SECTION II TITLE. This Ordinance shall be known as the Barry Township Prohibition of Marihuana Establishments Ordinance. DEFINITIONS. The Ordinance adopts all definitions provided for in Initiated Law 1 of 2018, MCL 333.27951 et seq. SECTION III SECTION IV NO MARIHUANA ESTABLISHMENTS. This section prohibits marihuana establishments within the Township. VIOLATIONSAND PENALTIES, This section provides for penalties related to violation of the Ordinance. SECTION V SEVERABILITY. The provisions of this ordinance are severable. SECTION VI EFFECTIVE DATE, This Ordinance shall take thirty days after publication after adoption. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the full text of Ordinance No. 66 is on file in the Office of the Barry Township Clerk at the Township Hall address below for inspection by the general public. Debra Knight, Clerk Barry Township 11300 S. M-43 Highway Delton, MI 49046 269-623-5171 �Page 10 — Thursday, May 30, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Delton Kellogg Academy experience paves way for students’ future Hunter Dood Staff Writer Delton Kellogg Academy seniors received their diplomas this week, culminating four or more years of work. The Academy graduated 21 students this Jason Smith, Seth Roush and Jesse Ray smile as the ceremony begins. (Photo by Hunter Dood) year, all of whom are unique individuals, Academy teacher Sara Nevins said. Delton Kellogg High School and Academy Principal Lucas Trierweiler said the moment represented a milestone in student persistence and hard work over the years. “This is a tremendous accomplishment,” he told them. “You should be proud of yourself - I know I am.” The Delton Kellogg Academy is an alterna­ tive to high school for its students. According to Trierweiler, in traditional high school, stu­ dents’ lives revolve around their schooling. But students in the academy face challeng­ es in their lives that other students may not have to face, making necessary the need for a more individualized approach. So, at the academy, school revolves around students’ lives, Trierweiler said. Nevins said the Academy provides online schooling for the students. But students are able to come in twice a week to get help if they need it. “Some students came in twice a week; some didn’t come in until they took their final exam,” Nevins said. “It’s completely individ­ ualized.” Trierweiler stressed the importance of building relationships with the students because it isn’t “all about school.” “The teachers actually cared and made sure you got your work done,” graduate Gavin Fugate said. Nevins said she enjoyed seeing the stu­ dents’ faces when they finished their class because they were full of “joy.” “I was completely exhilarated when I fin­ ished my last class,” Fugate said. “I felt the weight pulled off of my shoulders because I secured my future.” Trierweiler told the students that they made their lives easier. It might not have been the easiest path, he said, but these students “saved (their) future/’ The Academy runs in three two-hours shifts a day from Monday to Thursday. Students come to the school to take any tests. A total of 83 students are attending or previously attend­ ed the DK Academy, Of that number, 51 are still in attendance. Students move their tassels from right to ieft in celebration of graduating. (Photo by Hunter Dood) COA seats filled, but recruitment needs revamp, commissioner says Rebecca Pierce Editor A protracted process to fill vacancies on the Barry County Commission on Aging board concluded Tuesday with approval of the three candidates who had been proposed for the posts from the start. However, the county board of commission­ ers swapped terms so that Gerald Schmiedicke, who had originally been picked for a threeyear term, was approved for a partial term of six months ending Dec. 31. The other two, Catherine Gramze and Nelly Shephard, were OK’d for three-year terms ending Dec. 31,2012. These three appointments had been moving forward weeks ago when Commissioner Ben Geiger proposed delaying action until they could re-advertise for more candidates. Action was postponed and more candidates were sought, but no one else applied. No specific concerns were expressed in questions to candidates during cursory public interviews. And commissioners were unani­ mous in their approval of Gramze and Shephard to three-year terms. But, when it came to a vote on Schmiedicke, he got a partial term by one vote. In the 4-3 decision, commissioners David Jackson, Dan Parker, Jon Smelker and Vivian Conner voted in favor of appointing him while Howard Gibson, Heather Wing and Geiger opposed it. “I didn’t feel he was a good fit for the board,” Geiger said after the meeting. During the meeting, however, Geiger chose not to discuss any particular candidate. Instead, he chose to focus on the process. “I think we need to look at some of the ways this board has failed in recruitment,” Geiger said. “Part of it is my fault. I’ll take the blame for it. I led this board down a path of revamping our appointments’ process. When we had a leadership change, we kind of let off the gas. This county has 10,000 seniors - and we can’t get any more applicants after re-ad­ vertising?” “I think our strategy of recruitment is flawed,” he told fellow commissioners. “We need to go back and look at some different options. I started this process and, in the com­ ing weeks, I’m going to come back to the board with a proposal on how we can change our investment strategy. “Instead of spending money on re-advertis­ ing, we might look at some targeted Facebook advertisements.” “So that’s the crux of this matter,” Geiger said. “That’s what really brings us here today. I don’t like appointing people because there’s nobody else. Choosing between one person or no person isn’t a choice at all. “To make good decisions, we need choic­ es.” Parker said he agreed, but added that all commissioners have an important role to play in the process. “We all have a choice here to ask someone to run,” he said. “All of the people on the board had a choice to ask people to run. And that kind of multiplies the idea of choices.” Conner said Parker’s point was a good one. “I try to get the word out as much as possi­ ble,” she said. “There are good people out there who don’t know.” Gibson noted that the COA board has 12 members and suggested reducing the size of the board should be considered. Smelker said he agreed with both Geiger and Gibson, “but today isn’t the day it should be changed.” In other business, during public comment the board heard from David Fillion of Lake Odessa, who expressed concern about Geiger and his leadership of the Jordan Lake Improvement Board. Geiger is president of that board. “You’ve heard the testimony of lake resi­ dents and concerns of citizens at two meetings this year who asked that they delay the spray­ ing of copper compounds while fish are spawning,” Fillion told Geiger, noting that Michigan Department of Natural Resources documentation indicates it is highly likely the chemical spraying to control weeds at Jordan Lake is spraying too close to spawning beds. “The permit you hold requires that you do not spray within 20 feet of known or suspect­ ed spawning beds.” Fillion said he went to the county board in search of a resolution to this years-old issue. “We are looking for good responsible gov­ ernment,” Fillion told Geiger. “You are short of our expectation in this regard. ... We are looking to remove wasteful spending. “Contrary to your belief, the board doesn’t just exist to spend the money.” After the meeting, Geiger told reporters he is comfortable with the management of Jordan Lake, which is subject to a lot of competing interests. “Our aim is to keep the lake healthy and safe for everybody,” he said. “Where there’s an opportunity to change our practices a little bit to accommodate a request, we’ll under­ stand that.” In other action, the board: • Referred replacement of the parking lot of the historic Barry County Courthouse back to the committee of the whole for a final review of some revisions to the plan before seeking bids on the project. • Approved claims totaling $81,705. The next meeting of the county board will DK boys beat their seeding at Div. 3 Team State Finals The Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ track and field team went in ranked 11 th and came out tenth at the 13-team Division 3 MITCATeam State Finals in Clare Saturday. “We were missing a few athletes for vari­ ous reasons, but those who were there defi­ nitely competed well,” Delton Kellogg head coach Dale Grimes said. “It was a great way to complete an incredible season as a majority of kids had a best performance of the season at some point during the meet.” Teams can put three athletes in individual events and one relay team in each of the four relay races and everyone scores for their team at the MITCA State Finals. Sophomore Cole Pape had the top individ­ ual performances for the DK boys’ team, winning the discus with a throw of 135 feet 9 inches and placing fifth in the shot put at 46-1.25. DK had tow guys in the top 20 in both of the throws. Henrik Wetterdal was 18th in the shot put at 37-9.25 and Alan Whitmore 19th int eh discus at 108-0. Delton Kellogg had two top ten guys in the pole vault. Kendal Pluchinsky cleared 11-6.5 to place seventh in the event and Alex Leclercq got over the bar at 10-9.5. to place tenth. The top relay team for the Delton Kellogg boys at the event was the 4xl00-meter relay team of Nicolas Dumas, Bradley Bunch, Dominik Waase and Justin Trantham that placed ninth in 46.69 seconds. The team of Amon Smith III, Ashton Pluchinsky, Sam Arce and Matt Lester scored a tenth-place finish in the 4x800-meter relay with a time of 9:01.45. Ashton Pluchinsky scored a 15th-place time of 11:09.09 in the 3200-meter run for the DK boys. Dumas had a pair of top 15 finishes in the sprints, placing 14th in the 200-meter dash with a time of 24.60 seconds and 15th in the 100-meter dash in 12.09. Teammate Dominik Waase was 14th in the 100 in 12.01. Other guys who scored at the meet for the Delton Kellogg team were Alan Rogers, Hunter Marshall, Mads Clausen, David Sinkler and Drew Ketola. Clare won both the boys’ and girls’ champi­ onships on the day, fairly handily. Clare’s boys scored 1459 points, to finish ahead of Berrien Springs with 1391, Shepherd 1322.5, Adrian Madison 1316.5, Kingsley 1196, Mancelona 1071.5, Dundee 1032, Warren Michigan Collegiate 1025, Caro 1023, Delton Kellogg 822.5, Reed City 796.5, Ovid-Elsie 773.5 and Hanover-Horton 533. The Clare girls outscored Kingsley 1430 to 1358 at the top of the standings in their 14-team competition. Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: AH real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. 945-9554 Garage Sale Recreation YARD SALE- SAT, June 1, 2019 9am-3pm. 314 S. Park St, Hastings. Benefits Thor­ napple Garden Club. SUMMER SPLASH!! AD­ VENTURE Awaits Camp­ ground Camping—full hook­ up or water and electric only. Swimming, fishing, water slide, kid's playground, beach, volleyball court, diving plat­ form, water bull riding. 50 mile Paul Henry Thornapple Trail starts here for hiking and biking. River tubing on the Thornapple River 1-2 hours. Beach Party Pavilion, Camp Store, Recreation Center rent­ al, Saturday Night Movies! Come have fun with us! 3266 N. Ionia Rd, Sycamore Lane, Vermontville, MI 49096. Phone 919-249-8712. HUGE GARAGE SALE 8688 Chain O Lakes Dr. Delton. May 31'st-June 1st, 2019. Fri­ day-Sat. 9am-? Business Services BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, home improvements, seam­ less gutters. 269-320-3890. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Hard Maple, Cherry. Paying top dollar. Call for pricing and Free Estimates. Will buy single walnut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793 be at 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 4, for the committee of the whole on the mezzanine of the county courthouse. The public is welcome to attend. Clay- pigeon thrower among items missing A 55-year-old Schererville, Ind., man called police at 3:29 p.m. May 27 to report multi­ ple buildings had been broken into in the 10000 block of Bowens Mill Road in Yankee Springs Township. The man went to the residence, a vacation home owned by multiple parties, to mow the lawn. He discovered four different doors to the house and outbuildings were broken. A clay-pigeon thrower and push mower were missing. The incident is . believed to have occurred between May 10 and May 24. Police called for wood theft A 60-year-old woman told police she had received information a 40-year-old man was cutting a fallen tree on her property and taking the wood in the 9000 block of Enzian Road in Orangeville Township at 2:16 p.m. March 11. The man told the responding officer that he had permission from the Barry County Road Commission and the Prairieville Police Department to cut the tree. It had fallen five months earlier and was rolling into the road­ way. The officer explained to the man that permission to cut the tree was not the same as permission to give the wood away. The man became angry and left. The officer contacted a Prairieville officer who said the man once assisted him in removing a fallen tree in the road, but he had not given the man blanket permission to cut trees across the township. Man arrested for pushing wife and son Police arrested a 27-year-old Wayland man for domestic assault at 8:40 p.m. May 25 in the 8200 block of 108th Street in Caledonia Township. The man’s 33-year-old fiancee said he had been drinking and pushed her and her 13-year-old son onto a sofa inside their trail­ er. The man admitted to doing so and submitted to a Breathalyzer test with a 0.154 result. Items stolen from home while occupant in jail A 52-year-old man called police at 3:14 p.m. May 14 to report he had recently been released from jail and discovered multiple items were missing from his house on Dusty Lane in Hastings Township. The man said a man and woman, both 39, had been living at his residence and moved out during the eight months he was in jail. He had served them an eviction notice before going to jail, but they continued to live at the residence. The man claimed the couple took his surround sound system, chainsaw, vacuum cleaner, towels, silverware, chairs, motorcycle parts and a couch and racked up an energy bill of almost $3,000. Beer and gloves stolen from Dollar General Two officers were dispatched to the Dollar General store in Nashville at 8:52 a.m. May 18 for stolen gloves and beer. The store manager showed the officer surveillance footage of three unknown people who entered the store at 8:36 a.m. and took a pair of latex work gloves and an eight-pack of beer before immediately exiting the store. The suspects, who reportedly looked to be between 16 and 20 years old, drove off in an older Chevrolet Venture van with a loud exhaust. The officers were contacted by an employee of the Shell Station across the street, who said the three individuals went into the gas station five sep­ arate times and were acting suspiciously. The employee took down their license plate, but it did not match with any registered plates. The incident remains under investigation. Student breaks open refrigerator, steals drinks A 12-year-old student broke open a refrigerator at Delton Kellogg Middle School April 24 and stole approximately 15 drinks. The student told his teacher he needed to use the bathroom, left class then told the custodian in the cafeteria the soap dispenser in the bath­ room was broken. While the custodian was gone, the student pried open the refrigerator and stole a number of drinks. The student brought the drinks back to class and started handing them out to the other students. When the teacher asked where he obtained the drinks, the student said he had bought them over the past few days. However, he was unable to explain how they were all still cold. It is unknown if the student was also respon­ sible for breaking the soap dispenser. Damage to the refrigerator is estimated to be $50. Off-road vehicle crash injures two An officer was dispatched to a crash involving an off-road vehicle at the comer of Herbert and Kellogg School roads at 1:33 p.m. May 19. An 18-year-old Kalamazoo woman was pinned under a Polaris Ranger Crew and had a severe laceration on her arm. The woman said she got into the vehicle with a 20-year-old Battle Creek driver not know­ ing he was intoxicated at the time. The woman was thrown from the vehicle as it rounded a comer too fast, and it rolled on top of her. While interviewing witnesses, the officer discovered another 18-year-old Kalamazoo woman had hit her head and fractured three vertebrae in the crash. The officer was unable to contact the driver, who had left the scene, or his father. The incident remains under investigation. Both individuals were treated by emergency medical personnel. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 30, 2019 — Page 11 Hastings Charter Township’s back on the library board Joan Van Houten ( Staff Writer .liastings Charter Township will be repre­ sented on the Hastings Public Library Board beginning July 1, thanks to the 1.6-mill renewal approved by voters in May. ‘The renewal was rejected last August, which caused the township to lose two seats on the board. qQCity Attorney Stephanie Fekkes prepared an. amended version of the Joint Library Board Agreement for the city council Monday that reinstates the township as a party to the agreement. The city council unanimously approved it. Soils and Materials Engineers provided a draft agreement to provide environmental services for the former Royal Coach building in accordance with the recently awarded Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy grant. “SME played a critical role in the prepara­ tion of the grant application and has complet­ ed similar work for us for many years,” City Manager Jeff Mansfield said. The council approved awarding the con­ tract to SME by a unanimous vote. Council member Al Jarvis was absent from the meet­ ing. Hastings will amend the city’s fireworks ordinance to reflect the State of Michigan amended laws governing the permitted dis­ charge of certain fireworks during the year. The state has changed the dates for when the discharge of of fireworks can be prohibited by municipalities. The allowable dates and times for discharg­ ing fireworks in the city are 11 a.m. Dec. 31 to 1 a.m. Jan.l; 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. on the Saturday and Sunday immediately preceding Memorial Day; 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. on June 29 and 30, and July 1, 2, 3 and 4; 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. on July 5 if the date falls on a Friday or Saturday; 11 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. on the Saturday and Sunday immediately preced­ ing Labor Day. In other actions, the city council approved a request made by Shannon Everett to close the drive serving Tyden Park to vehicle traffic during the annual Very Barry event and a request by the Summerfest Committee for a number of accommodations made each year for the annual event. The council also approved a request sub­ mitted by Michael Bamaart on behalf of the Walldorff Brewpub and Bistro for permission to close a portion of South Jefferson Street adjacent to its building. The request included being allowed to serve alcohol outside in con­ junction with an anniversary event planned for Saturday, July 20. City wrestles with deed provision for hospital parking lot n Joan Van Houten Staff Writer I improvements to the parking lot at Fish Hatchery Park are underway. cl But a provision in the original deed, which may affect the licensing Hastings City Council approved for Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital to use 75 parking spaces in the park, MU Hastings city staff hustling to remove it. sPA “reverter” provision included in the deed that transferred the parcel from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (formerly the Michigan Department of Natural Resources) to the city may have an impact on the license to Spectrum Health Pennock that would allow hospital employees to park at the Fish Hatchery. “What we recommend is approval to use th&same license agreement once the issue is resolved. The only things that would need to be done is adding new signature lines and dh^nging the date,” City Manager Jeff Mansfield said. .^Monday, the city council approved use of jhe original license agreement by majority Aote. Council members Brenda McNabbJStange and Bill Redman voted against the motion to approve it. ■ “Well, you know I can’t vote yes on some­ thing I haven’t even read,” McNabb-Stange jsaid. t Redman has had a strong stance against the ; lospital being given the right to use parking spaces in a city park meant for residents to use and enjoy. Council member Al Jarvis was absent. t4We will continue to work to try to get this reverter provision eliminated, but, in the interim, we would recommend that the employees of Spectrum Health Pennock be allowed to park in areas of the parking lot that are not subject to the provision,” city manager Jeff Mansfield said, and he informed the council that most of the property that is now Fish Hatchery Park did not have the provision in the deeds. The reverter provision on the parcel which consists of the parking spaces licensed to Spectrum Health Pennock - may be legal cause for the property to be transferred back to the state. The provision specifies the prop­ erty is to be used by the City of Hastings. Designated use given to any other agency could possibly be grounds to revert the parcel deed. Mansfield said the city staff is working around the clock to get the provision removed, and he believes it will be, but it will take time. “It’s a lengthy process and could take six months to a year to resolve,” Mansfield said. The city council approved two agreements with Spectrum Health Pennock April 22, making it possible for a $12 million con­ struction project of a new surgical center to move forward. Spectrum agreed to pay the city’s costs associated with the agreements, including attorney fees, a license agreement for use of the Fish Hatchery Park parking lot and an easement for a path from the parking lot to the hospital. A groundbreaking ceremony for the new surgical center is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. June 5, on the west side of Spectrum Health Pennock, 1009 W. Green St., Hastings. Pennock awarded Critical Access Hospital designation improve access to health care by keeping essential services in rural communities. CAHs Staff Writer The Critical Access Hospital Designation receive certain benefits, such as cost-based" (recently was granted to Spectrum Health reimbursement for Medicare services. Also in PeiHipck by the Centers for Medicare and 1997, Congress created the Medicare Rural ^dicaid Services. The CAH designation is Hospital Flexibility Program providing grants to support new and existing CAHs. given to eligible rural hospitals. “An additional benefit of pursuing CAH “This is a designation Spectrum Health ennock achieved that will ensure Pennock status was the conversion of any semi-private hospital provides the highest quality of care patient rooms into private rooms, which Into the foreseeable future by reducing the enhances patient satisfaction and privacy, ^ap between the cost of care and reimburse­ reduces noise for the patients and improves ment received,” Spectrum Health Pennock infection control measures,” Dalman said. Marketing manager Janine Dalman said. To be eligible, hospitals must have 25 or The Critical Access Hospital designation fewer beds, be located more than 35 miles |kak created by Congress in 1997 in response from another hospital, maintain an annual o a string of rural hospital closures during the average length of stay of 96 hours or less for 198ps and early 1990s. acute care patients, and provide around-theThe designation is designed to reduce clock emergency care seven days a week. inancial vulnerability of rural hospitals and ‘ Joan Van Houten t Irvl 1.1 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on June 27, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Donald F Clum and Kathleen L Clum, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mainstreet Saving Bank, FSB Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Lake Michigan Credit Union Date of Mortgage: March 11,2010 Date of Mortgage Recording: March 16, 2010 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $20,148.85 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Hope, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot(s) 1, 3 and 4, Lakewood Estates, according to the recorded Plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 4 of Plats, page 19, Hope Township The redemption period shall be 1 year from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a. if the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: May 30, 2019 Trott Law, PC. SYNOPSIS RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP REGULAR BOARD MEETING May 8, 2019-7:00 p.m. Regular meeting called to order and Pledge of Allegiance. Present: James, Spencer, Bellmore, Walters, Watson, Hawthorne, Greenfield Absent: None Approved the Agenda as presented Approved the Consent Agenda. Accepted Ordinance #2019-168 for Second Reading & Adoption. An Ordinance to Amend the Zoning Map of Rutland Charter Township. Approved Resolution #2019-248 - Confirming the Special Assessment Roll for the 2019-2023 Podunk Lake Improvement Project. Approved a contract quote for pest control with Aardvark Pest Control and a carpet cleaning quote with Key Cleaning. Approved quotes for a new shed, electrical work and LED lighting for the Rutland Charter Township Cemetery. Approved a Hold Harmless Agreement and Temporary Event Permit for PPI Michigan Fireworks. 1386141 (05-30)(06-20) NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Lukas Laughry, married man, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns, Mortgagee, dated August 7, 2015 and recorded August 26, 2015 in Instrument Number 2015-008400 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by Fifth Third Bank S/B/M to Fifth Third Mortgage Company, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Eight Thousand Seven Hundred Forty-Five and 25/100 Dollars ($108,745.25), including interest at 4.25% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on JUNE 20, 2019. Said premises are located in the City of Hastings, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: Lot 18 and Outlet C of Plats of Broadway Heights, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 3 of Plats, Page 48, Barry County Records. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: May 23, 2019 File No. 19-004655 Firm Name: Orlans PC (05-23)(06-13) 119629 120040 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on June 13, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Randy Miller and Patti Miller, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Household , Finance Corporation III Foreclosing Assigh^^XT'^^-'U.S. Bank Trust, N.A., as Trustee for LSF10 Maste? Participation Trust Date of Mortgage: August 12, 2005 Date of Mortgage Recording: August 19, 2005 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $121,499.48 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 12, Block 16 of Lincoln Park Addition, according to the plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, page 55, Barry County Records The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: May 16, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1384910 (05-16)(06-06) 118923 Respectfully submitted, Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Attested to by, Larry Watson, Supervisor Hastings Charter Township HIRING Library Board Representatives (z) Due to the successful passage of the Library Renewal the township is accepting applications for the township representation on the Library Board. Application, job description and wage available online and at the Township Hall. Applications must be received by June 11, 2019 Anita Mennell - Clerk STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28189-DE Estate of Richard L. Reid. Date of birth: 09/10/1950. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Richard L. Reid, died 03/27/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Jason M. Reid, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 05/23/2019 David G. Ledbetter (P43671) 1695 Service Road NE Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503 • (616) 459-3333 Jason M. Reid 4212 Buehler Rd. Hastings, Ml 49058 • (269) 838-0345 120122 119918 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee for any reason. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest, and the purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Notice is hereby given that the below mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the Circuit Court of Barry County at 1:00pm on June 6, 2019. Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): George A. Magoon, a single man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Homecomings Financial, LLC f/k/a Homecomings Financial Network, Inc., its successors and assigns Fpreclosing Assignee (if any): PHH Mortgage Corporation Date of Mortgage: February to, 2007 bate of Mortgage Recording: February 28, 2007 Amount claimed due on mortgage on the date of notice: $44,832.10 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in the City of Hastings , Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Lot 7, Block 4 of the Lincoln Park Addition to the City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, as recorded in Liber 7 of plats, page 55, Barry County Records. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or upon the expiration of the notice required by MCL 600.3241 a(c), whichever is later; or unless MCL 600.3240(16) applies. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: 05/09/2019 Potestivo & Associates, P.C. 309878 (05-09)(05-30) 118556 NOTICE The minutes of the meeting of the Barry County Board of Commissioners held May 28, 2019, are available in the County Clerk’s Office at 220 W. State St., Hastings, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or www.barrycounty.org. 119756 City of Hastings clerk@hastingstownship.com Ph. 269-948-9690 Fax 269-948-9917 PUBLIC NOTICE LEGAL NOTICE New lawyer sworn in by Barry County chief judge ASPLUNDH TREE EXPERT CO. LLC Abigail L. Stover is sworn in to the practice of law in Hastings May 17 in Barry bounty Chief Judge William Doherty’s court. Stover was born in Flint and attended dale High School, graduating in 2010. She received a choir and orchestra scholarship and attended Alma College, graduating in 2013. She then spent a year volunteering or AmeriCorps Volunteers in Service to America, providing learning projects for vari­ ous school systems in mid-Michigan. Then she attended Western Michigan University’s Oooley School of Law, graduating in 2017. She and her husband, Ryan, live in Caledonia. She has worked at Longstreet Elder Law and Estate Planning, PC, in Hastings since 2018. She focuses on estate planning, elder law and Medicaid planning pervices. A contractor for ITC will be commencing with this year’s Herbicide Program. Notice is hereby given that City of Hast­ ings will hold a bike sale from 9:00 am until Noon on Friday, June 7,2019 in the garage next to City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings. The purpose of the sale is to reduce the City’s inventory of unclaimed lost and/or stolen bikes. If you are interested in further details, please contact the City of Hastings (telephone number 269-945-2468 or TDD call relay ser­ vices 1-800-649-3777). We will be spraying in the following Counties: Barry County Jane M. Saurman City Clerk 119456 120235 �Page 12 — Thursday, May 30, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Wayland wins Pre-District with Saxons in five innings Goals tough to come) by as TK girls get by Saxons in district The Trojans opened the state postseason with a 2-0 win over visiting Hastings Wednesday in Middleville. The TK ladies dominated from the very start and with some very strong play from the defense didn’t give up a single shot all night long. It was their fifth consecutive shut out and ninth overall on the season. The Saxons did play one of their best ballgames of the season to hold down the Trojan attack on the other end. “I was extremely impressed with the effort that was happening on the field,” Hastings head coach Tim Schoessel said. He has been impressed all season long by how his girls’ step up against their toughest competitors. Unfortunately, the Saxons weren’t always at their best in some of their more winnable ballgames. After several shots sailing wide and high along with some solid goalkeeping from Hastings, the TK girls got on the scoreboard at the 13-minute mark. Raymond beat a defender on the left side of the field and played a ball across the net where Oliver was making a run towards the near post and Hastings sophomore catcher Grant Huver watches the ball fly off his bat towards Centerfield for the final out of Tuesday afternoon’s D2 Pre-District loss to Wayland at Hopkins High School Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Wayland pitchers Zach Reed and Kaden Snyder combined to shut out the Saxon varsi­ ty baseball team in its Division 2 Pre-District ballgame at Hopkins High School Tuesday. Reed got the win for the Wildcats, limiting the Saxons to two hits through the first four innings of his team’s 10-0 victory. Kaden Snyder came on to get the final three outs of the ballgame, allowing a hit and a walk. Reed struck out five and walked one. Singles by Bryce Darling and Grant Huver were the two hits for the Saxons in the sea­ son-ending defeat. Drew Markley walked once and stole a base. Phillip Morris drew the start on the mound for the Saxons and took the loss. He gave up three earned runs (seven total) in his three innings, striking out two and walking three. Hastings sophomore Ethan Caris fires a pitch towards the plate during his team’s loss to Wayland in the Division 2 Pre-District ballgame at Hopkins High School Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Wayland had eight hits in the bailgame, scoring two runs in the first, two in the second and then five in the top of the fourth before adding on a tenth run in the top of the fifth. The Wayland boys will face Allegan in the first district semifinal game of the day Saturday back at Hopkins High School. The host Vikings take on Thomapple Kellogg in the tournament’s second semifinal ballgame. The district championship game is slated for a 2 p.m. start. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads It wasn’t exceptional. A walk, a stolen base and a single into right field. Those three plays pushed across a run in the bottom of the first inning for Bronson in its Division 3 Pre-District game against the Maple Valley varsity baseball team in Vermontville Tuesday. Maple Valley pitcher Noah Hansen and Bronson pitcher Brett Sikorski were excep­ tional though, each throwing up zeroes the rest of the afternoon as the Bronson boys scored a 1-0 victory over the Lions to earn a spot in Saturday’s district semifinals. Hansen struck out six and walked six in six innings, allowing just the one first-inning sin­ gle. Sikorski went 6 and 1/3 innings for the Vikings, striking out ten Lions and walking five. A single by Maple Valley’s Gregg Richardson was the only hit for his team. Hudson Wotta had the RBI single that pushed in the lone run for the Vikings, who were this spring’s Big 8 Conference PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION REQUEST FOR BIDS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The City of Hastings, Michigan is soliciting bids for the pro­ vision of polymer, alum, and sodium permanganate for use at the City’s Wastewater Treatment Plant in the processing of bio-solids. Bid proposal forms and specifications are available at Hastings City Hall. The City of Hastings reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any irregularities in the bid proposals, and to award the bid as deemed to be in the City’s best interest, price and other factors considered. Sealed bids will be received at the Office of the City Clerk, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 until 9:00 a.m. on Friday June 7, 2019 at which time they will be opened and publicly read aloud. All bids will be clearly marked on the out­ side of the submittal package “Sealed Bid - Wastewater Chemicals”. Jerry Czarnecki Deputy City Manager 120240 TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF PRAIRIEVILLE TOWN­ SHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Public Hearing will be held by the Prairieville Town­ ship Planning Commission on June 13, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. at the Prairieville Town­ ship Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, within the Township. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the item(s) to be considered at this public hearing include, in brief, the following: 1. A request from Linda Kepner, property owner, 14811 Lockshore Rd., Hickory Corners, Ml 49323, for a Special Use/Site Plan to allow for the operation of kennel pursuant to section 6.6 “Agricultural District” C. Special Land Uses #12. The subject site is located at 14811 Lockshore Rd., Parcel # 08-12-026­ 007-41 and is currently zoned A -Agricultural. 2. Such other and further matters as may properly come before the Planning Commission for this meeting. All interested persons are invited to be present or submit written comments on this matters) to the below Township office address. Prairieville Township will pro­ vide necessary auxiliary aids and services such as signers for the hearing im­ paired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the hearing upon five (5) days notice to the Prairieville Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Prairieville Township Clerk at the address or telephone number set forth above. 120208 REQUEST FOR BIDS Drinking Water Treatment Chemicals The City of Hastings, Michigan is soliciting bids for the provi­ sion of chlorine, fluoride, and poly-ortho phosphate for use at the City’s Drinking Water Treatment Plant. Bid proposal forms and specifications are available at Hastings City Hall. The City of Hastings reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any irregularities in the bid proposals, and to award the bid as deemed to be in the City’s best interest, price and other factors considered. Sealed bids will be received at the Office of the City Clerk, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 until 9:00 a.m. on Friday June 7,2019 at which time they will be opened and pub­ licly read aloud. All bids will be clearly marked on the outside of the submittal package “Sealed Bid - Water Chemicals”. Jerry Czarnecki Deputy City Manager • Jim Stoneburner, Township Supervisor 120001 CITY OF HASTINGS 190959 One run enough for Bronson in Pre-District with Lions | CITY OF HASTINGS Wastewater Treatment Chemicals ■* * she put the ball into the net. At the 21-minute mark, the Trojans added a second score on a comer kick. Bainbridge played a ball into the box where Monica Bluhm used her head to play it back across the front of the net. Nichols was there to put it in to go up 2-0. ‘'Jessica Thompson and Emma Mathiesen had gome stand out performances on defense to keep this game close, and we had Megan Deal, Katie Shook and two freshman BreAnn Micklatcher and Bri Barnes that rotated in and out at center mid that helped on defense and try and keep the middle con­ tained pushing the play to the outside as much as possible,” coach Schoessel said. Saxon goalkeeper Kayla Morris was pep­ pered all night but held her own in net. Thomapple Kellogg was scheduled tc3 travel to Byron Center last night for its Division 2 District Semifinal match-igx against OK Gold foe Grand Rapids Christian? The Eagles scored 3-1 and 3-2 wins over th^ TK girls during their run to an 11-1 confefence performance that earned them the 2019 OK Gold Conference Championship. y" DELTON KELLOGG SCHOOLS NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED 2010-2020 DODGET PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on June 10, 2019, at 6:45 o’clock p.m. at 327 N. Grove Street, Rm.# 46, Delton, Michigan, the Board of Education of Delton Kellogg Schools will hold a public hearing to consider the District’s proposed 2019-2020 budget. The Board may not adopt its proposed 2019-2020 budget until after a public hearing. A copy of the proposed 2019-2020 budget, including the proposed property tax millage rate, is available for public inspection during normal business hours at the Superintendent’s Office, 327 N. Grove Street, Delton, Michigan. The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing. This notice is given by order of the Board of Education. Jessica Brandli Secretary Champions. S Maple Valley had two on with two ou|$ the first inning. Richardson singled ar Hansen followed with a walk, but Sikorski got his second strike out of the game to end the threat. yog The only other Lion to reach base through the next four innings was Austin Zank, who worked a two-out walk in the top of the tlifrd only to be picked off of first three pitches* later. Zank walked again in the top of the sixth with two out, but was stranded at first. rrp Hansen and Nick Osborne both walked^ the top of the seventh for the Lions, putting two on with one out and forcing Sikorski ffoiff the mound. Reliever Kameron Haviland* struck out the final two Maple Valley winndfs? to earn the save. <' 5 Perry bested the Lions 11-1 at Perry High­ School last Wednesday to close the Greater Lansing Activities Conference season. ’ Hansen had the only two hits for the Lions/ driving in his team’s lone run in the top of’-th^ first inning. ' Maple Valley ended the GLAC season with an 8-10 record. 1 Air Zoo commemorating ' D-Day with exhibits, special events •­ The Air Zoo’s newest exhibit, “D-Day En Route by Plane and Parachute,” opens to the public today, May 30. Beginning Friday, May 31, in addition to this new exhibit, guests of the Air Zoo in# Portage will have the opportunity to meet and interact with a local reenactment troop known as the 101st Airborne and see “Yankee LaJy,” the Yankee Air Museum’s pristinely restored Boeing B-17. Tours and flights will be available for purchase through Yankee Air Museum. , The Allied invasion of northern Frappe; June 6,1944 the largest seaborne invasion s in world history — required air power and, defense for success. As America reflects on the 75th anniversary of D-Day this year, tjhe, Air Zoo presents an exhibition that explores, the invasion through the lens of all things 4^ Visitors will see D-Day through the eyej&; of POWs, glider pilot Darlyle Watters and paratrooper George Rosie; and through, artifacts from the Air Zoo’s collection,j including aircraft in the Flight InnovatippJ Center, such as the P-47 Thunderbolt, C-47 Skytrain, and WACO CG-4A. Z Local and Michigan-based companiesj who supported air power and defense wil| be: featured, such as Gibson Guitars. Visitors will ■ learn hovr essential pilots, planes aftH parachutes were to Allied success. The 101st Airborne (Dog Company ? Reenactment Unit) will visit the Air ZoeN Friday and Saturday, May 31 and June lj in: full dress and toting artifacts. The 1012^ Airborne is a platoon-sized unit whose veteran members currently from Kalamazoo,? Metro Detroit and Ohio serve or served inj the U.S. Army, U.S. Coast Guard, Marine^ Corps or Michigan National Guard. They* portray Dog Company from the second battalion of the 506th Parachute Infant^, Regiment, and, along with Easy Company and Fox company, have 80 members between the East Coast and Michigan. S j The Air Zoo, at 6151 Portag^JlcSi,: Portage, is a Smithsonian-affiliated aerospace? and science experience with more than rare air and space craft, inspiring interactive; exhibits, indoor amusement park rides, full-" motion flight simulators, hands-on science-? based education programs, and more? Information on hours, tickets and more can be found at visit airzoo.org. �The Hastings Banner -- Thursday, May 30, 2019 — Page 13 f* Olivet teams finish off GLAC victories at Unity Field Lakewood’s Emily Apsey surveys the race ahead of her as she rounds a turn in the 1600-meter Wednesday at the GLAC Championship hosted by the Vikings. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Lakewood’s Grant Zuver takes off with the baton after getting a hand-off from lead runner Chase Salgat early in the 4x100-meter relay Wednesday at the GLAC Championship. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Vikings’ Denny Sauers III files over a hurdle in the 300-meter intermediate hurdle race Wednesday during the GLAC Championship hosted by Lakewood High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) ,Lakewood senior Chase Salgat and Maple Valley senior Tristin Clark rounded the comer m^blue during the 200-meter dash late in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference Championship at Lakewood’s Unity Field yfeflnesday. jThe other five guys coming around the corner were decked out in the green and white Qf, Olivet. Eagle junior Chase Garcia ran the fastest 200 of his varsity track and field career to win the conference title in the 200 with a time of 23.40. Salgat was pushed to his fastest 200 ever as well, placing second in 23.57. Maple Valley’s Clark was fourth in the race, with Olivet boys placing third, fifth, sjxth and seventh. Depth like that helped the Eagles win all four relay races Wednesday and finish off an undefeated GLAC season by winning the conferencKchampionship meet. Both the Olivet boys’ and girls’ teams were a perfect 6-0 in conference duab this season and capped off conference championship seasons with wins Wednesday. ~— The Lakewood boys were secdhd^o the Eagjes in the GLAC this spring, and second Wednesday being outscored by the Eagles 206-99. Perry was third in the boys’ standings with 86 points, ahead of Leslie 58, Stockbridge 51 and Maple Valley 22. Clark was also fifth in the 100-meter dash for the Lions with a time of 12.46 seconds. He was the conference runner-up in the long jump, flying 18 feet 6.75 inches. Olivet’s girls were challenged a bit more Wednesday, but managed to beat out Perry 169-158 at the top of the standings. Stockbridge was third with 58 points, ahead of Lakewood 49, Leslie 41, Maple Valley 35 and Lansing Christian 12. Olivet’s Garcia won the 100-meter dash in 11.81, finishing just ahead of the Vikings’ Salgat (11.97) and Payne Hanna (11.99) who were second and third respectively. Garcia also anchored championship 4x 100-meter and 4x200-meter relay teams for the Eagles. Lakewood was second in both of those races, with the team of Salgat, Garrett Stank, Denny Sauers III and Hanna finishing in 45.68 sec­ onds in the 4x100 and the team of Salgat, Sauers III, Garrett Zuver and Stank finishing the 4x200-meter relay in 1 minute 35.99 sec­ onds. Lakewood took three championships in the boys’ meet. Hanna cleared the bar at 13 feet 6 inches in the pole vault to win that event. Stank won the long jump, flying 19-2. Zuver set a new personal record of 52.33 seconds to win the 400-meter run. Zuver was a stride ahead of a trio of Olivet boys who all also ran a personal record to place second, third and fourth in that 400. Zach Griffith, the runner-up, was just three hundredths of a second behind Zuver. The next two Eagles were still within seven tenths of a second of Zuver. Lakewood sophomore Nathan Alford scored in the two distance races, placing sec­ ond in the 3200-meter run in 10:38.49 and fourth in the 1600-meter run in 4:45.29, a new personal record. Sauers III had a fourth-place time of 45.22 in the 300-meter low hurdles for the Vikings. Freshman Connor Feighan led the Lakewood boys in the shot put, setting a new personal record with a mark of 35-7.5. Junior Josh Cronk led the Viking boys in the discus unleashing a throw of 107-7, a new personal record, to place fifth. Olivet had a freshman sweep the sprints in the girls’ meet, Kennedi Hewitt, who won the 100-meter dash in 13.29 and the 200 in 27.41. Lakewood junior Chloe Haight was fourth in that 200 in 28.OT^iiT’:fTW’^'fhe‘ fOO in 14.01. Haight helped the Viking girls to their lone victory of the afternoon, teaming with Kristine Possehn, Brooke Bouwens and Patsy Morris to win the 4x400-meter relay in 4:18.43. Stockbridge freshman Rylee Tolson won the longest three runs of the day, taking the 3200-meter run in 11:56.33, the 1600-meter run in 5:21.95 and the 800-meter run in 2:23.21. Perry senior Elizabeth Gramza won the 100-meter hurdles in 16.52 seconds and the 300-meter low hurdles in 49.61, while adding a winning vault of 10-3 in the pole vault. Her teammate Katie Grooms edged Maple Valley’s Ashlyn Wilkes to win the 400-meter run in 1:03.30. Maple Valley senior Britani Shilton set a new personal record of her own in the 100meter hurdles, finishing third in that race in 17.14, and also placed fifth in the 300-meter hurdles in 54.95. Lakewood’s Brooke Bouwens was in the top six in both hurdles races, placing third in the 300 hurdle sin 51.65 and sixth in the 100 hurdles in 18.19. Teammate Hokulani Ka’alakea was fifth in those 100 hurdles in a personal record time of 17.39. Lakewood had a pair of top six finishes in the field. Senior Grade Fahrni was sixth in the discus at 77-6 and Duits, a sophomore, was sixth in the high jump at 4-6. Maple Valley’s Wilkes won the high jump, clearing 5-0, for her team’s lone conference title. She also placed sixth in the 200-meter dash in 28.80. Maple Valley freshman Hannah Kinney set a new personal record in the shot put the for Lions, placing fourth in the shot put wth a mark of 27-11.5. She also scored a fifth-place finish with a throw of 78-7 in the discus. Lion senior Mckayla Weiler added a fifth-place mark of 14-1.1 in the long jump. Maple Valley had a few guys score in the field events as well, with freshman Derek Myers third in the high jump at 5-4 behind a pair of Olivet guys. AJ Raymond placed sixth in the pole vault at 11-0. Raymond also placed sixth in the 1 IO­ meter high hurdles in a personal record time Maple Valley senior Tristin Clark closes in on the finish lime at the end of the 200meter dash Wednesday at the GLAC Championship hosted by Lakewood High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) of 18.50. Vikes can take title for their own today Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Vikings are Greater Lansing Activities Coriference champions. They’ll take the field one more to decide whether or not they have to share that title with the Stockbridge girls. 'The Lake wood varsity softball team clinched a share of the 2019 GLAC Championship by sweeping its doubleheader at Olivet Wednesday afternoon, improving its record to 13-1 in the conference. 'Stockbridge is currently 12-2 in the confer­ ence. The two teams will play their third bailgame against each other at Stockbridge this* afternoon. That conference tilt comes two days after the Vikings fell 6-4 to Portland in their Division 2 Pre-District ballgame in Ionia Tuesday. Lakewood pitcher Morgan Stahl and her defense only allowed three runs in their threegame series with Olivet last week week, shut­ ting out the Eagles 7-0 in the opener at Lakewood High School Monday before scor­ ing 2-1 and 10-2 wins at Olivet Wednesday. The Vikings took the opener of the double­ header Wednesday 2-1 in eight innings. “This was our fourth extra inning game this season so our kids knew what to expect,” Lakewood head coach Brent Hilley said. Emily Campeau opened the top of the eighth inning on second base for the Vikings and moved to third on a single by Hannah Slater. Campeau raced home from there on a sacrifice bunt by Kyleigh Comer, avoiding the tag at the plate with her slide to put her team in front. “I trusted Hannah to put the ball in play without having to sacrifice bunt and she deliv­ ered,” Hilley said. “We were fortunate to have Emily starting out on second for us. She is a fearless base runner and made an incredible slide at home away from the tag on the bunt from Kyleigh Comer. All three players did their job to perfection to push the run in.” Maddie Wickerink also singled in the eighth for the Vikings, but her team wasn’t able to keep advancing Slater around the bases, leaving little error for margin in the home half of the eighth. Olivet pushed its runner from second to third in the bottom of the eighth, but two con­ secutive strikeouts by Stahl closed the game. “Morgan came in and made it difficult for them to bunt with her pitch placement. That forced them into swinging away and she closed them out with strike outs,” Hilley said. Stahl struck out 14 in the bailgame, allow­ ing two hits and one walks. Lakewood scored its first run on the first pitch of the ballgame, a home run from Ashtyn Livermore. Olivet pitcher Shyann Truax settled in after that, striking out 11. Truax also led off the bottom of the fourth inning with a double and came around to score her team’s lone run on a sacrifice bunt and a passed ball. That win guaranteed the Vikings the chance to play one more game for the conference title, and the 10-2 victory in game two Wednesday guaranteed them at least a share of the conference title. Stahl struck out nine in that win, limiting the Eagles to four hits. She didn’t walk a bat­ ter. Sullivan had two hits and three RBI in the nightcap. Livermore had a hit and two stolen bases. Campeau, Slater and Comer had one hit each. A two-run home run from Truax accounted for Olivet’s two runs. HOMEOWNERS WANTED! Kayak Pools is looking for DEMO HOMESITES to display our new maintenance-free pools. 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TIME TO GET YOUR ON' FIREKEEPEBS CAS I NO ♦ HOTEL I-94 to Exit 104 | 1'1177 Michigan Avenue | Battle Creek, Ml 49014 Must be present and playing bingo to win. Schedule subject to change. Management reserves all rights. �Page 14 — Thursday, May 30, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Vikes finish GLAC title run with sweep of Olivet Lakewood had two chances to get the one victory it needed to clinch the outright Greater Lansing Activities Conference Championship at Olivet High School Wednesday. The Vikings took one win and then two, finishing off a sweep of their three-game series with the Eagles, to end the conference season at 15-3. “That’s a great win against a good ball team,” Lakewood head coach Brad Tacey said of his team’s 4-3 win in the opener. “They needed to sweep us to tie for the league and we needed just one win to take the title out­ right. I told my guys all week that the pressure was on them, just play loose, pick each other up and good things will happen, we didn’t play flawless but it didn’t matter. “This team has really come together of these past three weeks and does a great job of staying focused and in games. A lot of that credit goes to our captains Reese Caudy, Nate Dillon and Nathan DeVries. They’ve been tremendous leaders all season and the young­ er guys have responded and stepped up. Very proud of this team.” Pitcher Brady Gawne got the start and threw a complete game on only 78 pitches in the opener for the Vikings, picking up his team-leading seventh win in his fifth com­ plete game of the year. He allowed nine hits, but just one earned run. He walked one and struck out one. The Vikings opened up the game in the first inning getting two runs when DeVries dou­ bled in Caudy and Jacob Elenbaas. Lakewood tacked on two more in the top of the sixth on a pair of clutch hits when Carson Blakely singled in Hunter Kemp and Brent Sweet dou­ bled in Blakley with two outs in the frame to put the Vikings up 4-2. Olivet scored single runs in the first and third innings. The Eagles threatened a come­ back in the bottom of the seventh, getting a run on an error and had runners on the comers with two outs when Gawne induced a fly out to right center that Dillon raced to haul in for the final out. Gawne helped his cause offensively by going 2-for-3. Elenbaas was 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored. Kemp went l-for-3 with a run scored. Caddy was l-for-3 with a double and a run scored. Nathan DeVries went l-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Blakley was l-for-3 with an RBI and a run scored. Jayce Hansen had a sacrifice fly that drove in a run and Sweet went l-for-3 with a double and the go ahead RBI. Lakewood pulled away for a 9-1 win as game two wore on. The Eagles scored with the help of an error in the bottom of the first inning of game two, but the Vikings tallied two runs in the top of the third, four in the fourth and then added three more in the top of the seventh. Lakewood had ten hits in that game-two win. Dillon tossed another gem, getting his fifth win and third complete game of the season on just 82 pitches. Dillon gave up just one unearned run on four hits, two walks and six strike outs. “Nate (Dillon) and Brady (Gawne) were really dealing today. They both just pound the strike zone and they’ve done it all year. The way we’ve been playing, anytime our number one, two or three pitchers are on the mound the guys feel like we’re gonna go out and get a win,” Tacey said. “We’re playing with con- The Lakewood varsity baseball team celebrates the 2019 Greater Lansing Activities Conference Championship after scoring a 4’3 win in its GLAC finale at Olivet High School Wednesday. fidence and determination defensively and that’s a great thing to have heading into dis­ tricts.” The bats were led by Caudy who went 3-for-5 with two RBI. Elenbaas was 2-for-4 with three RBI. Dillon went 2-for-3 with a double, two RBI and two runs scored. Sweet was 2-for-3 with an RBI and three runs scored. Bryant Makley had a sacrifice fly to drive in a run. Casey Henney was 1-for-l with a run scored. DeVries and Blakely both sin­ gled with Blakely scoring a run. Kemp fin­ ished l-for-2 with a stolen base and a run scored. “That’s a great way to finish out the regular season and capture the league title. We put ourselves in a hole to start out league play, getting behind Stockbridge and Olivet early in the season but credit these boys. They got focused, starting figuring this game out and won 9 straight league games to win it all. Very proud of these guys, very.” Lakewood ends the season at 22-13 overall. South Christian bested the Vikings 4-1 in a Division 2 pre-District ballgame at Lakewood High School Tuesday. The Sailors scored four runs in the top of the fifth inning with their first three batters of the frame all reaching on an error. South Christian added a pair of singles in the inning. That was all the offense South Christian pitcher Jerad Berkenpas as he scattered six Viking hits while striking out nine and not' issuing a walk. Out of the lead-off spot in the batting order, Berkenpas was l-of-3. He scored one os his team’s runs and drove pne in. ~. DeVries had a big final bailgame for the Vikings, going 3-for-3 with a double and a" pair of singles. He drove in his team’s lone run in the bottom of the sixth. Caudy took the loss on the mound despite not allowing a single earned run. He struck out five and walked three while allowing seven singles. Dillon, Hansen and Blakely had the Vikings’ other three singles in the loss. Delton girls win four in a row to close regular season Delton Kellogg’s Owen Koch rips a double late in his team’s game one loss to visiting Parchment Friday at Delton Kellogg High School. (Photo by Perry Hardin) DK boys downed in final regular season match-ups Parchment and Schoolcraft swept double­ headers with the Delton Kellogg varsity base- Kaleb Post pitches for the Delton Kellogg Panthers during game one of their non-conference doubleheader with Parchment Friday at DKHS. (Photo by Perry Hardin) ball team to close out the 2019 regular season. Schoolcraft closed out Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division play by scoring 11-1 and 6-1 wins over the visiting Panthers last Wednesday (May 22). Riley Roblyer had a two-out RBI double into left field to drive home the Panthers’ lone run in game one. That was one of seven Delton Kellogg hits in the 11-1 five-inning defeat. Shawn Haight also doubled. Keegon Kokx, Cameron Curcuro and Payton Warner each singled once and Max Swift had a pair of singles. Warner was hit by a pitch in the top of the fifth and scored hits team’s lone run. Singles by Kaleb Post, Blake Thomas and Warner each singled once in the game two defeat. Thomas had an RBI single in the top of the fourth for the Panthers’ lone run. Parchment scored 15-1 and 13-0 wins over the visiting Parchment Panthers Friday. Shawn Haight doubled and scored the Delton team’s lone run in game one. It was a six-hit performance for DK in the 15-1 defeat. Warner, Swift, Owen Koch, Post, Haight and Brendon Chilton all singled. Curcuro had two singles and Koch one in Delton’s game two loss to Parchment. The Delton Kellogg boys will be back in action at Union City Saturday, taking on Union City in the Division 3 District Semifinals at noon. Bronson and GalesburgAugusta meet in the district’s first semifinal match-up at 10 a.m. The Delton Kellogg varsity softball team closed out a 28-7 regular season with 13-2 and 13-3 wins over Comstock in Kalamazoo Tuesday afternoon. . The Panthers close out the regular season on a four-game winning streak. They head to Union City for their Division 3 District Semifinal match-up with Bronson Saturday. Game time is set for noon, following the 10 a.m. contest between Maple Valley and Union City. Maple Valley opened the state tournament with a 3-2 win over Galesburg-Augusta in Nashville Tuesday. Aubrey Aukerman was a perfect 4-of-4 at the plate for the Delton Kellogg girls in their 13-3 win over Comstock to open their day Tuesday. She had one run and one RBI. Lizzy Fichtner, Lily Timmerman Delanie Aukerman and Lauren Lebeck had two hits each. Katie Tobias and Fichtner drove in two runs each. Timmerman scored three runs out of the lead-off spot. Chloe Colwell and Lebeck scored two runs each. Aubrey Aukerman, Delanie Aukerman and Timmerman each doubled once. Erin Kapteyn got the win, striking out ten Colts and walking three in five innings. She allowed two earned runs on two hits. Aubrey Aukerman had another solid per­ formance in game two, tripling and driving in two runs. Izzy Adams and Fichtner had three hits Delton Kellogg’s Lily Timmerman is called out at the plate as she slides by Parchment catcher Sydney Beatty during game one of their non-conference doubleheader at Delton Kellogg High School Friday afternoon. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg shortstop Aubrey Aukerman hauls in a pop-up as teammate Lizzy Fichtner looks on during game one of their non-conference doubleheader with visiting Parchment Friday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) each in the second game, with Fichtner belt­ ing a double. Kapteyn had two hits and scored three runs. Hailey Buckner had a team-lead­ ing three RBI. Timmerman also drove in two runs. Tobias, Adams and Kapteyn had one RBI each. Colwell tossed a complete game to get the win in game two, striking out nine and walk­ ing two. The two Comstock runs were unearned. She allowed just two hits. The Delton Kellogg girls also scored 7-0 and 10-9 non-conference wins over visiting Parchment last Friday. Tobias was 3-for-3 with a home run and two RBI in the opener, while Kapteyn shut out the Parchment girls on two hits. Kapteyn struck out 11 and walked two in seven innings. Kapteyn struck out another 11 in game two to earn the second win as well, but the Parchment girls did manage 11 hits in that contest. Delton Kellogg scored a run in the bottom of the sixth to tie the game at 7-7. A dropped third strike and three consecu­ tive singles allowed Parchment to regain a 9-7 lead in the top of the seventh inning, but Kapteyn got out of the jam by striking out't'he final three Parchment batters. The first two Delton Kellogg batters struck out to open the bottom of the seventh, but Timmerman got her team within a run with ’a solo home run to center field. Aubrey Aukerman followed with a double. Parchment walked Tobias. That brought up Fichtner who; belted a walk-off double into left field. Schoolcraft closed out the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division season by scoring 6-5 and 7-1 wins over the Delton; Kellogg girls in Schoolcraft last Wednesday (May 22). . * The Delton Kellogg girls were 6-3 in “the SAC Valley this season. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, May 30, 2019 — Page 15 DK girls shut out first two district foes Delton Kellogg’s Caitlin O’Meara works to settle the ball in the midfield during her team’s Division 3 District opener against district host Olivet Wednesday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg’s Caitlin McManus works to keep Olivet’s Marlee Masters from getting a shot off during their Division 3 District opener at Olivet High School Wednesday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) The Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ soccer team will look to graduate to the regional round of the Division 3 state tournament this afternoon, before the graduation ceremony at Delton Kellogg High School. The Panthers earned a spot in the Division 3 District Final at Olivet High School today by scoring an 8-0 win over Comstock in the district semifinals Tuesday evening in Olivet. The Delton Kellogg girls will kick off their Delton Kellogg’s Cassidy Tobias turns around Olivet’s Betsie Williams in the midfield during their Division 3 District opener at Olivet High School Wednesday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) district final at 3 p.m. against Leslie. The Leslie girls scored a 5-0 win over Parchment in their district semifinal ballgame Tuesday. Holly McManus scored four goals and Gabby Petto three in the Panthers’ victory. Alex Carter tacked on Delton Kellogg’s final goal of the bailgame against Comstock. Amber Mabie had four assists for DK. Sannah Solstrand had two assists and Selina Pinter had one. DK outshot the Colts 19-5 in the bailgame. Delton Kellogg opened the state tourna­ ment with a hard-fought 1-0 win over the district hosts from Olivet. McManus scored with just over two min­ utes left in the contest, off an assist from freshman defender Caitlin McManus. HCDC divers perform well at Kalamazoo Klassic Hastings Community Diving Club (HCDC) received many accolades the weekend of May 18 with its travel team competing in the Kalamazoo Klassic. “We just kept winning medals throughout all the levels and events. I was proud of how they competed. There were little hiccups here and there, but it didn’t impact the results. I couldn’t be happier,” HCDC head coach Todd Bates said. Future Champion 1-meter Awards for the HCDC divers included a first place gold medal at level two for Nella Coipel, a first place gold medal at level three for Jillian for Abigail Dumond, a setond place silver medal at level seven for Maelea Martin, a third place bronze medal at level three for Jordan Price, a fifth place ribbon at level three for Mikenna Caris and sixth place ribbon at level three for Annabelle Kuck. Future Champions 3-meter competition Sophia Scott put together a great dive list for her first 3-meter competition of the year and earned the first place gold medal in level eight. Scott also competed at regionals in Kentucky a few weeks previous and qualified qualified for the Zones. In the Age Group 9-and-under 1-meter competitions Aubrey Yarger scored a gold medal, In Age Group B, 1-meter 14/15 girls’ competition Scott scored a silver medal and Abigail Schell a bronze. In the final event of the meet, the Age Group A 1-meter 16/18 girls’ contest Alex Salinas and Rebecca Zoetewey received bronze medal and a fourth place ribbon respectively. “The divers have been working so hard for this recognition all season long. I am also excited to announce that five members of our team have qualified for AAU Nationals which will be held in Riverside California in mid July this year,” Bates said? That group includes Blake Sheldon, Claire Green, Schell, Scott and Yarger. “It was one our our team goals for some divers this year and we have accomplished what we set out to do,” Bates said. The program has set up a GoFundMe account to help the divers offset costs. Anyone who would like to donate can go online to www.gofundme.com/help-us-get-to-aau-diving-nationals-in-cali. Coach Bates can be contacted at 248-227­ 7718 for more information. The club gathers at the at the CERC in Hastings on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings from 6 to 7:30 throughout the year. Zones and Nationals qualifier Sophia Scott from the Hastings Community Diving Club is all smiles with with coach Todd Bates after winning her 3-meter event at the Kalamzoo Klassic the week­ end of May 18. ItHpDC senior divers (from left) Sophia Scott, Alex Salinas, coach Todd Bates, Abigail Sfchell and Rebecca Zoetewey celebrate their performance May 18 at the Kalamzoo Klassic competition. HCDC junior divers (front from left) Annabelle Kuck, Mikenna Caris, Jordan Price, Jillan Brandli. Maelea Martin, Aubrey Yarger, (back) coach Todd Bates, Abigail Dunond and Nella Coipel celebrate with their medals and ribbons at the conclusion of theKalamzoo K'assic the weekend of May 18. Call any time to place your tastings Banner classified ad 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7065 Delton Kellogg seniors plan to be collegiate student-athletes Delton Kellogg High School honored its seniors who have committed to collegiate athletic programs during a ceremony May 21 at the high school. The group included (front from left) Sam Arce (Olivet, track and field), Lexi Parsons (Kellogg Community College, basketball), Jayden Haas (Davenport, E-Sports), Riley Roblyer (Concordia, football) and Payton Warner (Jackson College, soccer). (Photo by Brett Bremer) �Page 16 — Thursday, May 30, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Walks work against Saxons in district loss to TK Brett Bremer Sports Editor Aubree Highway doubled and came home on a two-out single by teammate Chelsea Beede in the top of the second inning for the Hastings varsity softball team in its Division 2 Pre-District loss to Thomapple Kellogg at Hopkins High School Tuesday. Hastings had five hits in the contest, only one fewer than the Trojans, but it’s Thornapple Kellogg advancing to Saturday’s district semifinals after scoring a 16-1 win over the Hastings girls. Saxon senior pitcher Brea Madden couldn’t seem to find a spot around the plate that the umpire liked. She hit Trojan lead-off batter Paige VanStee in the top of the first inning and then walked eight of the next ten batters she faced. TK had six runs across in the first inning before it got its first hit, an RBI single into left off the bat of Mo Sprague. TK upped its lead to 11-0 in that opening inning, getting a tworun single from Bre Lake and a two-run dou­ ble off the bat of Bella VanTil. The Trojans added one run in the second inning and then four in the third to end the game early. Lake added another two-run sin­ gle in the third inning, following doubles by VanStee and Shylin Robirds and a Saxon error. Another hit batter and a couple of walks moved the final Trojan runner around to home. Hastings opened the game with back-toback singles from Rylee Nichols and Kelsey Heiss. Stephanie Vanravenswaay knocked a single through the right side in the third inning. “The girls hit great. The girls hit great. The fielding was good. We have always played great defense,” Hastings head coach Mike Davis said after the loss. “We made the fewest errors we have in my six years as head coach or assistant. Every time they came on the field you know it was going to be high-spirited win or lose,” he added. The Saxons were held winless this spring, but it wasn’t for a lack of effort. Like Tuesday, pitching was an issue for much of the season. “Brea was my starter and she did great. She played hard this whole year,” Davis said. “She is my most improved player right there this year.” “I wish I had her for another year. Last year, she said to me I think I want to pitch. I said okay, we’ll put you in a couple.” The Saxons had a couple of regular pitchers a year ago though so she didn’t get much action. “She pitched a little bit in the summer league for us. I told her to focus on it this year for winter. When she came up her first prac­ tice, I’m like who are you and where did Brea go to? She did good. She did good working on that, and her batting came around. Us coaches already nominated her for the most improved player.” The Saxon team, led by a group of eight seniors, never let the losses get to them too bad this spring. Coach Davis said after a loss his girls were always looking towards the next challenge. “The girls never got down on themselves for losing. Yes, they wanted to win. They strived to win. They played hard to win,” Davis said. VanStee pitched for the Trojans Tuesday. She struck out three in her three innings in the circle and didn’t walk a batter. The TK girls take on Hopkins in the first semifinal of the day back at Hopkins Saturday. Wayland and Allegan meet in the second dis­ trict semifinal match-up, with the district championship game to follow at about 2 p.m. The Saxons’ Tandra McKinstry drives the ball to the right side during the bottom of the third inning against Thornapple Kellogg in Hopkins Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Thornapple Kellogg’ Shylin Robirds gets a jump off second in the top of the third inning of her team’s D2 Pre-District bailgame at Hopkins High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Saxon senior Brea Madden unleashes a pitch during her team’s Division 2 Pre­ District ballgame against Thornapple Kellogg in Hopkins Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Vikes beat Belding D three times in district opener hiqhpomt COMMUNITY BANK Haven Bosworth and Aubrey Brearley chased down through balls and made plays to get by the Belding keeper in the second half to spark the Lakewood varsity girls’ soccer team in a 3-0 victory in last Wednesday’s (May 22) Division 2 District opener in Belding. Bosworth put the finishing touches on the Lakewood victory, ripping a shot off the crossbar with about 12 minutes to play. The ball ricocheted down off the Black Knights’ keeper’s face and into the goal. Lakewood traveled to Lansing Catholic Tuesday to face Williamston in the district semifinals, falling 8-0 to the Hornets. Lakewood and Belding were scoreless for more than 50 minutes Wednesday afternoon. Both teams had a few scoring chances in the first half, but it was the Black Knights who started out controlling the play in the second half. “They were able to lock the ball into our attacking third, but were not able to generate many quality chances,” Lakewood head coach James LeVeque said. “Bela Acker played lock down defense on Belding’s top scorer (Lyndsi) Kreiger and shut her down.” Bosworth got a through ball from Anja Kelley about 12 minutes into the second half and went one-on-one with the Belding sweep­ er, turning her inside-out resulting, in a break­ away goal to give Lakewood a 1-0 lead. Brearley chased down another through ball about ten minutes after that, and dribbled around the Black Knights’ keeper who came out of her net to make an aggressive play on the ball. Brearley knocked the ball into the open net after beating the keeper. Williamston will meet Portland in the distict final. The Raiders also scored an 8-0 win in the district semifinals at Lansing Catholic Tuesday, besting the Perry Ramblers. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-06-06.pdf 60730d88255a1357801b809dfc4fdb0f PDF Text Text Ha*ini MWWMWMMWBWWIlWriW Flexfab invests in its hometown When ordinary people became heroes See Story on Page 3 See Editorial on Page 4 Or$ Ha™ ^te TK teams'tWa,Jj district titles See Stories on Pages 12 & 13 MH ■■■■■■HHBWtWMHHHaMHMnMKMM Devoted, to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 804879110187 1070490102590500907649058195427 ,.„„„,CAR_RT LOT„C 003 COO3 ANNER Hastings Public Library 227 E State St Hastings Ml 49058-1954 Thursday, June 6, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 23 PRICE 750 County gets $300,000 federal grant Joan Van Houten Taylor Owens Staff Writers Barry County is one of five Michigan sites that were picked to receive federal grant money for brownfield redevelopment. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced Wednesday that $300,000 will be awarded to the county in an assessment grant. “The grant encompasses all of Barry County so properties anywhere in the county can be assessed,” Casey Smith, senior project geologist with SME, said. “In the application, Hastings downtown riverfront was listed as a priority for assessment, followed by priority and potential development properties in other Barry County communities.” This grant is intended to pay for assess­ ments of properties suspected of being con­ taminated by asbestos, lead and various chemicals, to determine the extent of contam­ ination and the scope of the remediation, Smith said. These grant funds cannot be used for cleanup. EPA officials said 149 communities across the country were chosen to receive these grants. Of those, five were in Michigan: Barry County, Detroit, Genesee County Land Bank Authority in Flint, Lansing, and Wayne County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. “We are targeting these funds to areas that need them the most,” EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said. “Approximately 40 percent of the selected recipients are receiving brownfields grants for the first time, which means we are reaching areas that may previ­ ously have been neglected.” EPA Regional Administrator Cathy Stepp said, “Many communities are ready to move forward with redevelopment, they just lack the funding to get started. “Our brownfield grants can jump-start the process and provide much-needed support to begin the assessment and cleanup process.” Part of the grant awarded to Barry County will be used to determine whether any envi­ ronmental contamination exists at properties in downtown Hastings and whether cleanup is required before the sites can be redeveloped, Stepp said. The county’s plans for the sites include new parks with connections to Hasting’s Riverwalk trail and affordable new housing constructed with support from other federal and state grants, EPA officials noted. According to the EPA, the money will be divided into two parts, $200,000 for hazard­ ous substances, and $100,000 for petroleum for the Hastings Manufacturing and former E.W. Bliss Landfill priority sites in the down­ town Hastings Riverfront area. The funds will go toward site assessments and the preparation of cleanup plans for the See GRANT, page 3 Wet fields hamper farming Hunter Dood ;; Flooding is focus of Saturday meeting in Delton An informational meeting for the pub­ lic about flooding concerns in the Watson Drain District will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 8, in the Delton Kellogg Middle School Gymnasium, 6325 Delton Road, in Delton. The meeting is intended to allow resi­ dents of the drain district to hear updates and ask questions. For those who are attending and have questions, Barry County Drain Commission Jim Dull is asking, if possi­ ble, for questions to be submitted in writ­ ing before the meeting so they can pre­ pare answers to questions. If those who attend are unable to sub­ mit their questions in advance, Dull said they will do their best to answer any questions that are submitted on Saturday. Staff Writer Cold, rainy weather is hurting farmers in Michigan. “I’ve been farming for the better part of 50 years, and I haven’t seen anything like this before,” Hastings producer Louis Wierenga Jr. said. In most cases, it’s been too wet to plant and, some of what has been planted is getting ruined by flooded fields, Wierenga said. The United States Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service’s weekly crop and weather report released Monday indicated Michigan farmers are well behind the average date for getting corn and soybean crops in the ground. That report said the five-year average for planted corn crop by this time should be over 80 percent, but the state average is just over 40 percent. Soybeans should be about 75 per­ cent planted by this time, but only about 30 percent have been planted. “I have about a third of my com planted, still have a couple hundred acres of com to plant and 300 acres of soybeans to plant,” said West Green Street by Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital will be closed to traffic on Thursday, June 6, from the entrance to Fish Hatchery Park to the east side of the hospital. This section of the road will be closed beginning at 8 a.m. and remain closed until completion of the installation of sewer lines. The sewer lines will serve the hospital’s surgical wing that is slated for construction. Walnut Street will be open for people who need access to the hospital. I See FIELDS, page 3 Hastings farmer Louis Wierenga Jr. said, in this section of a field he planted over the Memorial Day weekend, the corn will likely die because of flooding. (Photo by Hunter Dood) High winds knock trees down Luke Froncheck West Green Street closure Friday Wierenga, who farms approximately 960 acres. He said he still aims to grow about a third each of com, beans and alfalfa. “The weather is still challenging,” Barry County Farm Bureau President Mick Kokx said. Joel Stoepker, department manager of the Caledonia Farmers Elevator Agronomy, said the weather has been frustrating. Farmers can’t rush the planting process, and conditions must be right to plant, he said. “Every time it’d get close to get back in the fields, it would rain again,” CEF Agronomy salesman Mark Lawless said. Kokx said the Hastings area has “forgiv­ ing” soil because u is sandy. The loam dries faster after a rain, lhe soil in the north­ east corner of Barry County is heavier and takes longer to dry after a heavy rain, so farm­ ers there are farther behind than the rest of the county, he added. Still, the weather here hasn’t been as bad as StaffWriter High winds, large hailstones and heavy rain deluged southern Barry County Saturday eve­ ning, knocking down trees and briefly knock­ ing out power. In at least 65 locations in the county, downed trees that night made some roads impassable, according to motorists and coun­ ty officials. Prairieville, Johnstown, and Hope town­ ships were particularly hard hit, Road Commission Managing Director Brad Lamberg said. Collectively, nine road com­ mission employees worked 94 hours remov­ ing trees and clearing blocked roads. “We had a lot of trees down and several crews out working,” he said, adding that it ended up costing the road commission $8,796 to clean up the debris littering the roads. Andrea Honor, a National Weather Service meteorologist in Grand Rapids, said wind speeds reached 42 mph. Barry County received an estimated 1.89 inches of rainfall. “We got a lot of water, but our farm weath­ ered the storm pretty well,” said Barry County Board of Commissioners Chairwoman Heather Wing, who lives in District 7, which covers Assyria, Johnstown, Baltimore and Maple Grove townships. That area was among the hardest hit in the county. The storm also impeded travel with poor visibility due to a combination of heavy rain and high winds. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration estimates that straight-line winds of 75 to 89 mph can uproot trees, See TREES, page 3 Very Barry Event offers family fun The 10th annual Very Barry Family Event will be at Tyden Park June 8, from 9 a.m. to noon. Free bicycle helmets for all children will be available. A free breakfast and a bike raffle will also be provided. Children may bring their own bicycles and try the bike rodeo and receive a free T-shirt. Each family will receive fun, edu­ cational information and activities to take home, as well as books for the children. More than 20 area agencies will host an activity for the children and provide information to parents, guardians and caregivers about local resources available to them during trying times. The park entrance will be blocked to vehicle traffic but participants will be allowed to walk in. Parking will be avail­ able at all of the Hastings City parking lots, and the trolley will provide free rides to and from Tyden Park. The event is sponsored by the Barry Great Start Collaborative. See NEWS BRIEFS, page 7 Spectrum Health Pennock surgical wing moving ahead One last high school hug A ground breaking ceremony was held yesterday for the construction of a $12 million surgical wing at Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital. Angie Ditmar, president, thanks the donors of the Spectrum Pennock Foundation, Baum Foundation, DeCamp Foundation, the Coleman family and many others supporting the project. Throwing some dirt at the ground breaking are (from left) Jeff Mansfield Jim DeCamp, Cheryl Sinclair, Maggie Coleman, Margaret DeCamp, Earlene Baum, Dave Baum, Nathan Tagg, board chair, Dan King, co-chair of the Spectrum Pennock Foundation, Dave Tossava, mayor, Noah Shneider with CSM Construction, Andrew Parson, surgeon, Ditmar, Steve Marzolf, chief nursing officer, Todd Champion, with CSM Construction and (back) David Potter, Spectrum Health project manager. See The Reminder for the full story. (Photo by Joan Van Houten) Jayden Haas is the last student from the band to thank Delton Kellogg High School band director Sara Knight with a big hug. Haas had just played for the last time as a member of the high school band. For more about the event, turn to Page 2. (Photo by Hunter Dood) �Page 2 — Thursday, June 6, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Delton Kellogg Class of 2019 says farewell to high school Joseph Gherardi and Jayden Haas watch as their classmates file in for graduation. (Photos by Hunter Dood). Salutatorian Marion Poley speaks to fellow graduates during Friday’s Delton Kellogg ceremony. Hunter Dood Staff Writer Ninety Delton Kellogg High School seniors finished their 13-year educational journey with a fond farewell to staff and peers. Principal Lucas Trierweiler said the Class of 2019 led by example. “They weren’t the most vocal class, but they led by doing the right thing.” It was a tight-knit group. “A lot of us have known each other for all 13 years, so we kind of just became family,” said Lauren Grubius, who plans on attending Eastern Michigan University in the fall. Valedictorian Hannah Austin said they were “one big family” who had their ups and downs - but they always ended up figuring things out. “This is a special group,” Superintendent Kyle Corlett said. Class vice president Luke Froncheck described his peers as a “bunch of goofballs” who proved to the teachers that they were still good students. “Teachers kind of accepted who we are - and probably celebrate us graduating just as much as we are — if not more,” Froncheck said. “Our class was diverse in terms of person­ alities,” Joseph Tyner agreed. Salutatorian Marion Poley asked her class­ mates to follow their dreams and stay moti­ vated to achieve their goals. “Live in the moment and make it count,” Poley said. Corlett told students to focus on purpose, give others grace, have grit and be self-reliant. “Know who you are, and don’t let others decide for you,” Corlett said. Students walked across the gym floor and received their diploma from school board member. After all had received their diplomas, stiP dents walked out of the gym for the last time as students and, on the field outside the build ing, threw their caps in the air. “Always move forward,” Austin said, “and don’t forget to smile.” “Congratulations, Class of 2019,” Lexi Parsons said. “It’s been fun, but now it’s done.” Power outage during recent storm ] tests lake residents’ pumping system Delanie Auckerman receives her diploma. A crew from Cordes Trenching in Comstock Park works at the Crooked Lake site Friday. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Luke Froncheck See a Doctor Online 24/7 Getting sick is never convenient, but getting care should be! Now you can have a video visit with a doctor from the comfort of your home on your phone, tablet or computer. • Get a diagnosis, treatment plan and prescription, if needed, within minutes. • Ideal for a cold, sinus infection, rash, pink eye, and more. • $59 (less if covered by your insurance). Visit bronsonhealth.com/videovisit to download our app and start your online visit now. Video Visit Contributing Writer The pumps went off for 15 seconds during the storm this past weekend and that was all it took, Crooked Lake resident Sharon Ritchie said. The lake was up to her house. “We have a whole-house generator,” Ritchie said. “In the time it took for the gen­ erator to kick in, the water was already right up to our house. Our pumps just can’t keep up.” “I pumped 109,000 gallons of water on Saturday,” Ritchie’s husband, Bob, said. “Right now, I’ve got seven layers of sandbags keeping the water back.” One of their neighbors on Oak Drive also had a generator system that kicked in during the storm, but another didn’t have those preparations in place. So the two with gener­ ators hooked up their neighbor and kept those pumps working, too. “A lot of people are one power outage, or one sandbag dam collapse, away from being done,” Sharon Ritchie said. Even though the power on East Shore Drive stayed on during the storm, residents on the flooded road are now facing a rising water crisis from two directions: From the lakefront and from the water-covered roads around many of those houses. Since parts of those roads are now under the water, road conditions have deteriorated. In one stretch, the road condition is so poor that residents filled a bathtub-sized pothole with sandbags so their cars wouldn’t be fur­ ther damaged as they attempt to get through. “My biggest fear is that the water will meet in the middle,” East Shore Drive resident Deb Engelhardt said. “I’ve always wanted a lake house, but I never wanted the lake in my house. My crawlspace is flooded and we’re constantly having to pump. Everyone has lost land.” “The Barry County Board of Commissioners called this a crisis a year ago and, here we are, worse off than last year - with no hope,” she said. A crew from Cordes Trenching in Comstock Park installed a pipeline under Delton Road on Friday. County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull said pumps will be delivered and installed this week. Once that happens, some of the water from Crooked Lake will be pumped into a retention pond to the north of Delton Road on property formerly owned by Darrell and Beverly Jones. This process is intended to lower the water level on Crooked Lake to provide some relief to homeowners who are inches away from having to abandon their homes, he said. This is only a short-term solution, but Dull is hop­ ing it will buy them some time to work out a long-term plan, such as an underground reten­ tion pond that could be installed to gravity feed the water from the Jones property to the Delton drain on Pine Lake Road. Meanwhile, lakefront residents are finding a few ways to overcome some of the challeng­ es. East Shore Drive resident Cheryl McCrorey built a make-shift walking path above the water so she can get to and from her car. The water around her house is about 2 feet deep now, she said. Ken Tomlin, owner of Stoney Point Campground, has been living on Crooked Lake since 1966 when he and his parents moved there. He was 10. According to Tomlin, the campground is almost always full and, currently, he has five vacant spots out of 28. “This flooding is killing me,” Tomlin said. “I’ve never lost trailers.” The water is nasty, looks bad, and ha's become a breeding ground for leeches and mosquitos, Deb Engelhardt said. Roughly 10 to 12 houses on the lake have become unin­ habitable because of the rising flood waters, she said. Bob Ritchie said they are treating black mold in their basement. Sharon Ritchie is allergic to the chemicals they must use to treat the mold, so she must leave any time the treat­ ment is taking place. “This is beyond crazy,” Sharon Ritchie said. “We could fish out of our kitchen right now. “This is our world. We haven’t been on a vacation together in three years because someone always has to be here, babysitting the pumps. “But we’re so appreciative of the road com­ mission for providing us with all the sand and bags. They’re a blessing.” An informational meeting about these flooding issues will take place at 10 a.nl. Saturday, June 8, at the Delton Kellogg Middle School Gymnasium. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 6, 2019 — Page 3 Flexfab makes strategic investment in its hometown s• Joan Van Houten Staff Writer A renovation project at Flexfab is a strate­ gic investment that’s intended to attract up-and-coming millennials to the company in ;Hastings, a company official said. Bill Rohr, vice-president of human resourc­ es, said their strategy includes extensive reno­ * vations and state-of-the-art technology. The construction at the building on M-43 ;on the west side of Hastings is focused on the administrative area where sales, engineering and human resource departments are located as well as an addition to the original building. The renovated area will have larger offices ; with more offices to be added, a larger confer­ ence room and a new break room. All of the ;new spaces will be furnished with clean-line, modem furniture. “The decision was made to improve our current location after considering two other options. One option was moving our opera­ tions to Cook Street, or ask ourselves: is Grand Rapids our next place to go?” Rohr said. Rohr said that millennials push away from •confined spaces and older technology, and thorough research was completed before the design stage. The new spaces are designed to have many more windows to open up the rooms and major upgrades to the office equipment, like internet access, computers and computer pro­ grams, is planned. Construction began in February and Jim DeCamp, president of sales and marketing, said the project is expected to be completed by the end of October. Doug DeCamp and a close friend, Bill Pierce, started Flexfab in a deserted 7,000-square-foot building in their hometown of Hastings in 1961. The company was built on proprietary processes of compounding, calendaring, extruding, molding, and bonding silicone rubber, organic rubber, and reinforc­ ing materials and, in 1963, they won their first federal government contract to sew hoses for heating and cooling systems. Today, the company reaches worldwide with more than 1,000 employees, including 450 at 150,000-square-foot headquarters in Hastings. They also operate facilities in Brazil, China, and England to provide their products faster and more efficiently to cus- This drawing shows how Flexfab building, on M-43 on the west side of Hastings, will look after renovation is complete. tomers outside of the United States. “Just like most other manufacturers across the country, we struggle with attracting degreed, certified and uncertified employ­ ees” DeCamp said. Providing a modem, open work environ­ ment and state-of-the-art technology and FIELDS, continued from page 1 it has been in other Midwestern states such as Illinois, Iowa, Ohio and Nebraska. Kokx said farmers in those states are farther behind than farmers in Michigan. “The weather is a detriment to livestock farmers, too,” Wierenga said. “They can’t handle manure because it’s been too wet.” According to the National Weather Service, summer weather reports are suggesting that Michigan will see closer to normal tempera­ tures and rainfall in the coming months. “We need heat, it’s been too cold,” Kokx said. “More sunshine and dry weather is what we need,” Wierenga said. Stoepker said grain elevators have already seen an increase in price of corn from farm­ ers. equipment, he said, is “absolutely a strategic move.” GRANT, continued from page 1 areas. The application was submitted in late January, and Barry County representatives were notified Wednesday that their applica­ tion was among five in Michigan that were selected. Smith said he and Dan King, Hastings community development director, had worked closely for several months to prepare the application. The next step will be for the county to send out requests for proposals for services that will include engineering, material assessment and environmental consultants, he said. After assessments are completed, Smith said Michigan has a brownfield cleanup grant that could be considered. The chances of receiving that grant will be much higher if an assessment has already been done and data has been collected, he pointed out. “But that’s a ways into the future,” Smith said. “There’s still a lot of work to be done on the assessment side of things.” The federal brownfield grant funds will be available in October. --------------------- - --------------------------- ‘Tve been farming for the better part of 50 years, and I haven’t seen anything like this before.” Louis Wierenga Jr. Can I Keep My Estate Plan and Probate Estate Private? Stubble from last year’s corn remains well into this year’s growing season in many area fields, like this one in Castleton Township. '* J The weather has created far-reaching impli­ cations, Lawless said. It affects the entire ■agricultural chain. The rain hasn’t allowed hay farmers to get onto the fields to cut, which could make them miss a cutting in the fall, and lose a cutting for (the year, Wierenga said. i That hay is a staple part of the winter diet for most livestock. Prevented planting is a protection given to farmers for the crops they purchase. According to the USDA, prevented plant­ ing is “when adverse weather prevents plant­ ing, a prevented planting payment is made to compensate for the producer’s pre-planting costs generally incurred in preparation for planting the crop.” The final planting date for prevented plant­ ing insurance for com is June 5. June 15 is ’the final planting date for soybeans. Farmers are expected to give notice to their insurance agency within 72 hours if they were Unable to plant their com due to preventative conditions. WILLS ARE NOT PRIVATE ' UPON DEATH Tractors sit idle in many fields. Soil compaction can cause long-term damage. TREES, continued from page 3-----------f depending on the size and type of tree and its environment. On Saturday, the environment may have played a role, Honor said. Even though wind speeds didn’t exceed 50 mph, heavy rain and wet ground meant the earth was so saturated that the storm could, literally, pull some trees out of the ground. It’s difficult to say whether the county will experience any more severe weather in the near future, Honor said. “It is our severe weather season so even though we can’t predict exactly, it’s possible for continuing thunderstorms to occur,” she said. • Honor added that it looks like the lower half of Michigan, Barry County included, is expected to receive above average precipita­ tion for the month of June. For some individuals, privacy in all aspects of their lives is very important for them. Unfortunately, when you die, you may not have a choice in whether your personal finances and desires for your estate remain private unless you take steps now to keep your estate private. When you pass away, your executor or personal representative must take the original copy of your will to the probate . court to open a probate estate. The will is filed with the court and becomes a part of the permanent estate record. After an estate is opened, the administrator of your estate must complete certain probate forms that provide a list of your heirs and an inventory of your property. The forms that the administrator completes also become part of the estate record. Probate estates are considered public record, meaning anyone can view the records for your probate estate. Sadly, the public nature of estate proceedings can cause conflicts between family members who may be unhappy at receiving very little or nothing from your estate. In other cases, someone may review your probate estate to take advantage of certain heirs. If you do not want family members or the general public to have access to your estate plan, you must take steps now to keep your financial information private, even after your death. There are several ways that you can keep your information private by avoiding probate. WAYS YOU CAN AVOID PROBATE Transferring property directly to heirs outside of probate is one of the best ways to keep your estate private after your death. There are two very important tools you may want to consider — beneficiary designations and trusts. ♦ Beneficiary Designations With beneficiary designations, you can pass property directly to another person outside of probate. Not all financial accounts allow for beneficiary designations. However, for all accounts that permit a beneficiary, you can avoid probate by naming a beneficiary. Common examples of accounts with beneficiary designations include: • Life insurance policies • Retirement accounts • Health Savings Accounts • Some Bank Accounts • Annuities You should work closely with our office to identify which accounts allow for a beneficiary designation. ♦ Trust Agreements A large tree blocks West Hobbs Road .in Johnstown Township. It took more than two hours to clear that road Sunday. (Photo by Luke Froncheck) With a trust agreement, you can leave property to an heir just like a will with one major difference. Trust agreements are not probated and are not part of the public record. If you utilize a trust, you may be able to avoid probate for all or most of your assets. A few assets may not be able to be placed in a trust; however, some of those assets have beneficiary designations. If you have a trust, there could be very little or no property to probate thereby keeping your estate private after your death. Most individuals use a Revocable Trust Agreement (Living Trust) or an Irrevocable Trust Agreement Both trusts offer various benefits, as well as certain disadvantages. You should consult with an estate planning attorney before executing any trust agreement to ensure that you are choosing WWst option for you and your A Revocable Living Trust can be altered or voided during your lifetime. Assets in the trust pass directly to the beneficiaries of the trust without the necessity of going through probate. However, the disadvantage of a living trust or revocable trust is that the trust does not protect your assets from your; creditors. Therefore, your creditors can file claims against the assets in the trust to collect unpaid debts. With an Irrevocable Trust Agreement, you cannot change the terms of the trust after it has been signed. The assets held by the trust cannot be removed from the trust. Once you die, the trust is administered according to the terms you outlined in the trust. You might direct that the irrevocable trust is used to fund several different irrevocable trusts to support your heirs. You have the choice of how the assets in the trust are managed or distributed after your death. Another benefit of an Irrevocable Trust Agreement is that it protects the assets in the trust from your creditors. In most cases, the trust can also protect the assets from the creditors of your heirs. This benefit is significant if your heirs have many creditors or you believe there could be substantial claims filed against your probate estate. When you die, a trustee you appoint in the trust agreement assumes control of the trust to administer the assets according to the terms of the trust. Only the trustee and the beneficiaries of the trust ever know the terms of the trust or the property held by the trust. Therefore, using a Irrevocable Trust Agreement can give you the flexibility you desire to provide for your loved ones after your death without making your financial affairs a matter of public record. CHOOSING YOUR ESTATE PLANNING TOOLS CAREFULLY The above discussion of how to avoid probate is a general overview. You should consult with an estate planning attorney before you begin executing any documents to create a will or a trust agreement. If you value personal privacy, we want to help you protect your privacy even after your death. Contact Longstreet Elder Law & Estate Planning at 269-945-3495. Your consultation is strictly confidential. Robert J. Longstreet Longstreet Elder Law & Estate Planning P.C. 607 North Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-3495 �Page 4 — Thursday, June 6, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you see? No nap at commencement D-Day - when ordinary people became heroes Mortarboards at graduation ceremo­ nies for Maple Valley seniors Friday ref­ erence television shows such as “The Office” and “Diners Drive-ins and Dives” and one even suggests it’s time for a nap. We ’re dedicating this space to a photograph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? Not at commencement The June 8, 1944, Banner rec­ ognized six Hastings seniors who were not able to attend gradua­ tion since they were already serv­ ing in the military. The paper mentioned that one student-sol­ dier was not included and that the photos were courtesy of the HHS annual publication. The 1944 Hastings High School yearbook actually named eight young men - and the photos are much clear­ er. So, the images are again bor­ rowed from the yearbook, with two additions from the Banner article. The young men are (top, from left) Jack O’Donnell, F2/c, Navy; Pvt. Richard C. Rasey, Marines; Jack Buholtz, S1/c, Navy; Pfc. Richard C. Thomas, Army; (bottom)Ted Banash S2/c, Navy; A/S Charles L. Stadel, Army Air Corps; and Jack Delnaay, S2/c, Coast Guard. Not pictured in either publication was G. Robert Carpenter, Ptr.3/c, Navy. Have you met? Jim Deters has led a life of variety. He was bom in Kalamazoo to parents who were both teachers, but at the age of 6 his parents became missionaries for the Christian Reformed Church and the family moved to Nigeria. Deters said he remembers pythons in the carport, scorpions in the bedroom and cobras in the yard. “My school bus was a bush plane to boarding school in Jos, Nigeria,” he said. “It was 200 miles away, but if we drove, it took four days to get there because of the horrible conditions of the dirt roads, hippos attacking the barge in the river, and other crazy things.” A civil war in Nigeria got as close as his schoolyard. His family eventually returned to Michigan - taking three months to tour such places as the Great Pyramid of Giza, the Sphinx, Bethlehem, the Parthenon, Nazareth and more - before settling in Grand Rapids. He completed college in Iowa, touring with a college choir and band to 46 states and seven provinces in Canada. He taught in northwest Indiana and later in Kalamazoo before being called to be a mis­ sionary in the Dominican Republic where he experienced abject poverty, hurricanes and more. The varied, sometimes unhealthy, con­ ditions he’d experienced in his life caught up to him and he was given a 50/50 chance of surviving three days after being diagnosed with advanced stages of congenital heart failure. He returned to Michigan, rested as pre­ scribed, worked again as a principal in the Kalamazoo area, had a ventricular device implant and ultimately underwent a heart transplant just after moving to the Gun Lake area. The transplant was a success, and he has lived to enjoy his blended family of five chil­ dren and his six grandchildren. He has volunteered at food pantries, home­ less missions and now drives for Hope Network in Hastings. He volunteers at many other medical-related entities. He is a certi- First job: When I was 14,1 worked at the Ace Hardware in my neighborhood. I learned how to do everything there. It was a great life experience. Person I most admire: My mother. She has such a zest for life and an optimism that is contagious. She is generous, wise and such a strong Christian. If I could have any superpower, it would be: to find a way to end poverty. Favorite vacation destination: I live on Gun Lake. I’m on vacation every day. But I do love the U.P. It’s where I go to retreat ever since I had a license to drive. What I’d tell a high school graduate: Go Jim Deters fied volunteer for Gift of Life, Michigan. Gift of Life coordinates all organ, tissue and cornea donation and transplants in the state. “I speak in hospitals at new nurse and nursing student orientations, drivers ed class­ es, donor rallies and help recruit donors at area secretary of state offices,” Deters said. “I may or may not return to schoolhouse education, but I am enjoying life again with improving health.” For his tenacity, his giving nature and his willingness to see the positive in things, Jim Deters is this week’s Bright Light. Best advice ever received: My first wife’s father told me one time to never underesti­ mate the power of the ministry of presence. I will never forget that. It is so important to just be there sometimes. It’s hard for me not to try to fix things, but I am learning to be present for people. to college. It broadens your life experience. Best gift I ever received: The promise of eternal life. My biggest challenge: While I was living with the ventricular device in my heart, I had a stroke. It damaged my occipital lobe in my brain. Now I have a problem with recogni­ tion and memory. Sometimes I see letters and numbers backwards. That can be a struggle. Favorite childhood memory: Easter sun­ rise service at the top of the mountain in Jerusalem. It was amazing. Hobbies: I like to walk trails, boat, swim, volunteer and play with my grandkids. Even out of an ordinary life, the power to save the world can emerge. I hope Americans, after celebrating Memorial Day last weekend, have saved enough reverence and admiration for the ordinary people who, 75 years ago today, launched the invasion historians consider to be the action that led to the end of World War II. D-Day - June 6, 1944 - was the first day of one of the largest amphibious invasions ever undertaken in history. More than 5,000 ships, 13,000 warplanes and 160,000 troops from the Allied forces of Great Britain, United States, and Canada landed on five French beaches, and, by the end of the day, had broken through Nazi forces choking France and threatening England. On the beaches of Normandy, the Allied army of ordinary men established a foothold and slowly began to turn the tide against Adolph Hitler and his evil Nazi army. Unfortunately, the D-Day invasion came at a great price, with more than 9,000 Allied soldiers and paratroopers either killed or wounded in a horrific battle for which we will be forever grateful for the willingness of soldiers to give their lives in the name of freedom. “They fight not for the lust of conquest,” President Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “they fight to end conquest, they fight to liberate.” And liberate these ordinary people did, with a great cost of lives but with the pur­ pose of protecting democracy around the world and saving it from Hitler who, as dic­ tator, had killed more than 6 million Jews and was intent on conquering the entire world. Most of us can’t imagine what these young men - many of them teenagers experienced as they hit the beaches and faced the onslaught. So many were gunned down, swept away, mutilated or died in those first hours of the assault. Yet, they soldiered on in their quest to liberate northwestern Europe and stop the Nazi occupation. Women, too, were an integral part of the attack, some flying support missions over­ head, hundreds of other serving as nurses and tending to the personal devastation. For the remaining World War II veterans, D-Day or their experiences elsewhere in Europe breaking the Nazi grip brings back memories of one of the worst times in their lives. Many of those who are still with us are reminded of some of the most tragic situa­ tions they’ve ever faced. For all their lives, most of these men and women kept the memories to themselves and only as they’ve aged have they begun to tell their stories. The terrible situations they saw perpetrated on so many people during the war help us to understand the pain and suf­ fering they were willing to endure to protect our freedoms. Unfortunately, those stories are fading in number as more than 1,000 World War II vets die each day, and a force that once numbered 16 million now stands at 2.5 million. We recently interviewed Hastings author Hans (Moederzoon) van Kuilenburg, who, as a 10-year-old girl living in The Netherlands, witnessed Nazi troops march­ ing down her Amsterdam street and survived the German occupation and its threats to her way of life. In “Silent Heroes,” she tells the stories of working with the underground resistance movement, of passing information about the people hiding Jewish families, and of other secrets that, if caught by the Nazis, would have cost her her own life. “The townspeople didn’t have a chance,” van Kuilenberg said. “Due to their large tanks and huge numbers of troops, the Germans were in control, and anyone who questioned them would be killed.” It was, she said, the worst time in history. We’ve videotaped van Kuilenberg’s story and plan to make it available for viewing. As I’ve met with veterans who served in World War II, I hear that same emotion as they tell their stories and provide anyone listening a better understanding of what these soldiers faced in one of the world’s most abhorrent battles. The words of President Ronald Reagan carried that same spirit when, in June 1984, he traveled to Normandy to commemorate the 40th anniversary of D-Day and delivered what’s said to be one of his most memorable speeches. “These are the boys of Pointe du Hoc,” said Reagan, referring to the 100-foot promontory Allied forces scaled to take out entrenched Nazi machine gun nests. “These are the men who took the cliffs. These are the champions who helped free a continent. These are the heroes who helped end the war.” Many surviving veterans say the real heroes died that day. But they all were heroes focused on defeating the Germans, no matter what it took. Two weeks ago, we cited a Pentagon report in this space stating that 71 percent or more of Americans between age 17 and 24 are ineligible to serve in today’s Untied States military, even if they wanted to, because of a lack of education, obesity, or other problems, such as criminal history and drug use. Those numbers add up to a squan­ dering of the blessings we’ve been given, physical evidence of our disregard for the men and women who left their jobs, their homes and their families to ensure the free­ doms we all enjoy today. Recent political dialogue, as candidates position themselves for the next election, has revolved around the role of government in our lives and to what degree its control should be exercised. All of us should be carefully evaluating the implications of that discussion. “It has been said that democracy is the worst form of government,” Prime Minister Winston Churchill once said in an address to the British House of Commons, “except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” I suggest all Americans take the time to view some of the special documentaries available over the next few days about D-Day and the details of World War II. We’ve marginalized history and the impact it’s had on our lives. Every student should be required to read about World War II to get a better understanding of the horrific situa­ tions so many experienced. It’s hard for our young people to imagine what these soldiers experienced as they hit the beach to take on the mighty German army that was waiting for them. The Germans had built a formidable wall of concrete, barbed wire, machine guns, mines and artillery. Nazi SS Panzer divisions were hidden in the hills awaiting the Allied attack. The operation was considered high risk, and the outcome was by no means cer­ tain. Yet Allied planners knew it was neces­ sary to weaken Hitler’s hold on Europe and the importance of the outcome at this stage of the war. Today, D-Day marks the defining moment when Allied forces pushed back the Nazis and began an assault that would weaken the German forces and lead to Germany’s sur­ render May 8,1945. Today, world leaders, along with President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania, will pay their respects above the sandy beaches of Normandy during the anniversary cele­ bration of the D-Day invasion. This special celebration marks the importance of the alliance of nations and the sacrifices so many men and women were willing to make for us all in the name of freedom. When former television newsman Tom Brokaw was researching his book, “The Greatest Generation,” he toured many of the battle sites, remembering, “On the beaches of Normandy, I began to reflect on the won­ ders of these ordinary people whose lives were laced with the markings of greatness.” Americans owe so much to these men and women, members of the “Greatest Generation.” It’s a generation that will never be repeat­ ed. Let’s remember those who gave so much. And for those who are still with us, let’s provide a warm thanks for their service and their unquestioned willingness to step out of an ordinary life to help save the world. Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. Greatest thing about Barry County: Absolutely the nature and woods. I love the trails we have in the Gun Lake area. The natural preserves, state game area and Yankee Springs in general is amazing. See the June 8 Reminder to read more about Deters. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics .com. What do you think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by accessing our website, www.HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the following week. Due to an error, last week's poll question did not appear on the Hastings Banner web site so we are repeating the question. Last week: Federal law prohibits inmates from receiving treatment under Medicaid or Medicare while in prison, so the cost of that care falls upon the state Department of Corrections. A new law will allow the state to parole certain medically frail prison­ ers so they can obtain care at medical facilities or nursing homes that accept federal health pro­ grams. Is this a good idea? Yes No > » . , » J J �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 6, 2019 — Page 5 County’s taxable value is up Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry County is growing in value to the [Joint that the Headlee Amendment rollback was triggered in all but five local units of government this year, the county equalization director said Tuesday. Tim Vandermark told the county board of Commissioners that taxable value in the coun­ ty is up: 2.46 percent for agricultural property; 4.47 percent for commercial property; 5.02 percent for industrial property; and 4.89 per­ cent for residential property. “So, it’s pretty good news,” Vandermark said. “It’s definitely higher than the statewide average, based on the numbers I’m seeing so far.” As he explained, Headlee dictates that if the assessed value of property increases at a rate greater than inflation - after subtracting new Construction and deducting losses - then the millage rate has to be rolled back enough to account for the increase. In this way, the total taxable property yields the same gross revenue, adjusted for inflation. For example, this year’s calculation for the County, which grew from a taxable value of ^2.162 billion last year to a taxable value of $2,260 billion this year, included a millage-re­ duction fraction of 0.999. I Thomapple Kellogg Schools and the Barry Intermediate School District also saw small reductions, he said. ■ And slight rollbacks were taken in every local unit in the county with the exceptions of Carlton, Castleton, Hastings Charter and Thornapple townships and the City of Hastings, Vandermark said. “The market has been increasing,” Vandermark told the board, confirming that the county has been seeing accelerated growth in recent years. “I would definitely say, com­ paring Barry County to Eaton County, typical­ ly the values have increased a little bit more over here.” Vandermark has worked as equalization director for both Barry and Eaton counties for the past six years. Barry County property values have shown consistent growth over the past five years and it’s not the first time Headlee has been applied. Meanwhile, in Eaton County, a Headlee rollback has yet to be applied, he said “New construction has been picking up pretty steadily ... [with] some new projects going on now. The impact of Grand Rapids, I would say, has been a positive impact in the northwestern part of the county, when you get up by the Thomapple [Township], Middleville area. They’ve got some positive things going on there. It’s definitely helped out,” Vandermark said. “It sounds like more jobs coming into Middleville; they’re looking at another expansion there potentially.” In an interview Wednesday, he specifically mentioned Bradford White Corporation, the water heater manufacturer in Middleville, as a big boon to the economy. Development in Grand Rapids is “pretty hot,” Vandermark added. He pointed out that property taxes in Barry County are quite a bit lower than Kent County, so people may choose to work in Grand Rapids and live in Barry County. The top 10 property owners in Barry County - by taxable value - are Consumers Energy with $61.94 million in taxable value across 110 parcels; Bradford White Corp, with $21.83 million in taxable value in 22 parcels; Carbon Green Bioenergy LLC with Write Us A Letter: The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but There are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. I The requirements are: • All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone ; number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. ; • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. ; • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. ' • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not ■ be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted i unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined ‘ by the editor. ■ • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published > or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Taxable values in Barry County exceed the state average, Equalization Director Tim Vandermark said Tuesday. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) $16 million in taxable value in two parcels; Hastings Mutual Co. with $6.7 million in taxable value in three parcels; Middleville Road LLC with $4.6 million in taxable value in 43 parcels; Lockshore LLC with $4.3 million in taxable value in 44 parcels; Hastings Center LLC with $4.1 million in taxable value in six parcels; Viking Properties LLC with $3.67 million in taxable value on four parcels; Vander Dussen Properties LLC with $3.6 mil­ lion in taxable value in 18 parcels; and Kamminga & Roodvoets Inc. with $3.6 mil­ lion in taxable value in two parcels. The top 10 taxable property values in the county are Bradford White Corp., with $17 million; Carbon Green Bioenergy LLC, with $12 million; Consumers Energy with $5.5 million; Hastings Mutual Insurance Co. with $5.46 million; Consumers Energy with $5 million and $3.59 million, respectively; Kamminga & Roodvoets Inc. with $3.5 mil­ lion; Carbon Green Bioenergy LLC with $3.41 million; Consumers Energy with $3.28 million and Middleville Road LLC with $3.27 million. At the conclusion of Vandermark’s presen­ tation, the county board unanimously recom­ mended approving the equalization forms Tuesday, June 11. If commissioners approve that information at that next board meeting, it will instruct that these equalization forms be sent to all local treasurers so collection of summer taxes may commence. Call to place your Hastings Banner ad 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF® (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinancial.com Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you Jeffrey A. Keessen AIF® THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs 1 Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO 7 i i . Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County • NEWSROOM• (Editor) (Copy Editor) Rebecca Pierce Kathy Maurer Brett Bremer Tanett Hodge 1 Taylor Owens Joan Van Houten $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere THANK YOU TO COMMUNITY PARTNERS Barry County Central Dispatch - 911 Burkey Sales and Service Barry County Commission on Aging Charlton Park Gas & Steam Club Barry County Road Commission Charlton Park Village Foundation Barry County Sheriff’s Posse Dan & Melissa Patton Barry County United Way Edward Jones - Andrew Cove Charlton Park Gas & Steam Club GreenMark Equipment - Hastings Charlton Park Volunteers Haskin Electrical LLC - Gary Haskin Hillbilly’s Heavenly Hog - Hastings Mutual Insurance Company . Rob Garrett John Resseguie - Hastings City High Point Bank Council Maxi Muffler Plus, Inc. Miller Real Estate Keith Murphy Rick & Julie Moore Michigan 3rd Civil War Reenactors Keith & Carolyn Murphy Michigan Longbow Association Progressive Graphics - Doug Acker Rotary Club of Hastings Mike & Sue Snyder Village, Museum & Recreation Area Historic ’harlton Park 2545 S. Charlton Park Rd., Hastings, MI 49058-8102 Ph: 269-945-3775 Fax: 269-945-0390 www.charltonpark.org BDevoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 Hastings DANNER! Area Locations to purchase the Hastings Banner! Hastings: One Stop Shop (Phillips 66) (M-43 North) Superette Family Fare Phillips 66 Gas Station (M-37 South) Hastings Johnny’s The General Store Marathon Mega Bev Penn-Nook Gift Shop Phillips 66 Gas Station (W. State St.) POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 Walmart of Hastings Machinery Club Tom’s Market • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Walker, Fluke & Sheldon, PLC Barry County Historical Society U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. I. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 Thornapple Lake Trading Post Barry County Steam, Gas & Antique 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855­ 347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. Russ Yarger Shirley V. Barnum Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. hhone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml jt8933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov The Hastings BantlCl* Karen Hayward Administrative Assistant With grateful appreciation to all of the members of our community who generously supported the 13th annual Charlton Park Day on May 25th. Thank you for making this event free and possible for over a 1,000 families and neighbors from Barry County! Please join us again this summer for more family fun! Affordable Metal Roofing Son Smith t Know Your Legislators U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC Phillips 66 Gas Station (M-37 West) Family Fare Gas Station Walgreens Middleville: Speedway Middleville Marketplace Greg’s Get-It-N-Go Middleville Johnny's Gun Lake: Sam’s Gourmet Foods The Dock Store Pine Lake: Doster Country Store Prairieville: Prairieville Fast Stop Woodland: Woodland Express Cloverdale: Cloverdale General Brown s Cedar Creek Grocery Delton: Family Fare Delton Johnny’s Banfield: Banfield General Store Dowling: Goldsworthys Dowling General Store Freeport: L&J’s MA Trading Post Little’s Country Store Nashville Johnny's MV Pharmacy Nashville C Store Carl's Lake Qdgssa: Lake-O-Express Lake-O-Mart Lake Odessa Johnny's Carl’s Shelbyville: Town & Country �Page 6 — Thursday, June 6, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingshopeumc. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office, greenstreetumc @ gmail. com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor; Ryan Rose, Family Life Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings. org, 9 a.m. Traditional Service; 10:30 a.m. Contem­ porary service. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945­ 9217. cbchastings.org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www. hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Associate Pastor Andy Baird and Stu­ dent Ministry Director, Emma Miller. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAMILY HOUR - WELCOME! ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Preschool age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Stan­ dard and Adult Elective class­ es. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church age 4-4th grade dismissed during service. Aftermath Student Ministry - 6:30 p.m., 7th-12th grades & Semester Growth Groups.. Wednesday: Wom­ en's Bible Study 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday: Adult Bible Study 10 a.m. The Incredible Race Vacation Bible School, Wednesday & Thursday, June 12th & 13th from 9 a.m.-l:15 p.m. for children age 4 thru 6th grade. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God’s Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! 10:45 a.m.; Congregational Picnic after second service @ Pholosky's. June 10 Outreach Mtg. @ 12 p.m.; Flute Choir 7 p.m. June 15Neighborhood Canvassing 10 a.m.-noon. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www.grace-hastings. org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings. CL- exfob H™ Products AMMWJMM HotlkieWs&Eqiiipment 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 HASTINGS, MI - John E. (Jack) Gergen passed away on June 3, 2019 in Hastings. Jack was bom October 5, 1944 to Henry and Eileen Heidt Gergen, in Pinehurst, NC, where Henry was stationed during WWII. Af­ ter the war, the young family returned to their hometown of Beaver Dam, WI, where Jack was raised. Jack attended St. Patrick’s Catholic School through eighth grade and graduated from Beaver Dam High School in 1963. He played football and wrestled during his school years, was a chorus member, and enjoyed perform­ ing in the school’s musicals. He was also ac­ tive in the Boy Scouts of America earning the rank of Eagle Scout. In 1968, Jack was graduated from the Uni­ versity of Wisconsin with a double major in agriculture and biology and worked as an agronomist for the Co-Operative Extension in Wisconsin, New York, and Michigan. Lat­ er he worked in the seed industry and then managed his own seed business. Jack proudly served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1969-1971. Before he left for basic training, he married the “girl across the street”, Alice Mary Paquette, his child­ hood pal, then girlfriend and then loving wife of 50 years. Jack was a lifelong sportsman, and favor­ ite days were spent duck hunting as a child on his grandmother’s farm, and later with his children and then grandsons. A loyal Packer, Badger and MSU fan, game days were cel­ ebrated with joy and zest. Jack also partic­ ularly enjoyed spending time at the Gergen cottage with family and friends; a day on the beach, a nightly gathering around the camp­ fire or a lively round-table board game. Jack was never far from his two loving Brittany Spaniels, Caly and Lily. Family and friends will forever remember and cherish Jack’s kindness, his wit and his ability to turn life’s simple pleasures into last­ ing treasured memories. Jack is survived by his wife Alice; their children and families, John Gergen, his wife Missy and their two sons, Morgan and Pey­ ton, Medusa, NY; Alison Bowen, her husband Cole and their three children, Elie, Cole John and Gracie, DeWitt; and Matthew Gergen, his wife Casey and their three children, Claire, Michael and Caroline Hastings. Jack is also survived by his siblings, Margaret Wahlen, Virginia Westland and William Gergen, and sisters-in-law Laurie Propst and Linda Kirsh, along with many loving nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday, June 6, at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway, Hastings. A prayer service will be held at 6 p.m. with military honors presented by the Hastings American Legion Post 45. Memorial Mass is 11 a.m. on Friday, June 7, 2019 at St. Rose of Lima Church, 805 S Jefferson Street, Hastings. Donations in Jack’s honor can be made to St. Rose School in Hastings. DOWLING, MI - Raymond L. Inman, Jr., age 74, died May 30, 2019 at Stone Ridge As­ sisted Living in Bellevue, with his wife of 55 years by his side. He was born June 29,1944 in Battle Creek, the son of Raymond L. Inman, Sr. and Phyllis Mae (Little) Inman. Ray graduated from Hastings High School in 1962, where he played football. He worked as a Millwright at E.W. Bliss in Hastings for 19 years, and then he worked at D & S Ma­ chine Repair in Hastings for 25 years, retiring in 2007. He married Mary Crawley on June 29, 1963. He was a former member of the Moose Lodge in Hastings; he enjoyed reading, fish­ ing, hunting and tinkering in his garage. As a couple they enjoyed bowling, golfing, and winters in Bradenton, FL. Survivors include his wife, Mary Inman of Dowling; three daughters, Kim (David) Guer­ rero of San Antonio, TX; Susan Kay (Curt) Jacob of Hastings; Cheryl (Rob) Luna of Hastings; two brothers, Phillip (Grethel) In­ man of Delton and Chris Inman of Georgia; 10 grandchildren, Seguin, Raven, Cullen and Alexis Guerrero, Katie, Matthew and Adam Jacob, Raymon, Riley, and Mya Luna. He was preceded in death by his parents. Funeral services were held Wednesday, June 5, 2019 in the Bachman Funeral Chapel with Deacon Brian Ferris officiating. Burial was at the Dowling Cemetery in Baltimore Township. Memorial tributes may be made to Great Lakes Caring Hospice or the Stone Ridge As­ sisted Living, 4825 Fruin Road, Bellevue, MI 49021 Arrangements by the Bachman Hebble Fu­ neral Service, a member by invitation Select­ ed Independent Funeral Homes. (269)965­ 5145 www.bachmanhebble.com. HASTINGS, MI - Donald Clair Springer, age 95, of Hastings, went to be with the Lord on May 31, 2019. Donald was bom on April 30, 1924 in Bowens Mills, the son of James Harold and Gertrude (Anders) Springer. He graduated from Delton High School in 1942. Donald was a U.S. Navy Pilot, serving in World War II and retired from the Navy Re­ serves in 1963. He worked for E.W. Bliss in ’ the 1950s 1960s and 1970s. In 1976 he went to Marion Power Shovel and retired to Flor­ ida in 1984. On August 21, 1947, Donald married Max­ ine Bennett, and they enjoyed 71 years of marriage. Donald attended the First Presbyterian Church in Hastings; Marion, OH; and Venice, • FL. He was a member of the American Le­ gion Post #45, and the Coin Club in Venice,: Florida. Donald and Maxine loved traveling; all over the United States and overseas. Both being pilots, Maxine and Donald served as the second managers of the Hastings Airpark from 1949 through 1954. In retirement, Maxine and Don have trav­ eled extensively, visiting all 50 states and Alaska twice. Outside the United States, they have cruised throughout the Panama Canal, visited their exchange student daughter in Finland and made multiple trips to Canada to vacation and visit friends. Donald was preceded in death by his par­ ents; brothers, James and Francis; sister,: Gloria (Springer) Russell; son, Vai Ben­ nett Springer; nephew, Phillip Springer and great-granddaughter, Kyomi Linai Culpep­ per. Donald is survived by his wife, Maxine (Bennett) Springer; daughters, Janice Spring­ er Miller and Sue (Michael) Murphy; grand­ children, Michael Dean (Brooke) Miller,’ Amanda Dubay, Micah (Jesi) Murphy, Chad (Maggie) Murphy, Jamie (Amy) Murphy, Shana (Cliff) Bush, Catherine Hawthorne, Meghann (Tony) Russell; 21 great-grand­ children, and one great-great-granddaughter, Claire Marie Miller. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, June 6, 2019 at Girrbach Funer­ al Home, 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, with a visitation one-hour prior. Interment with military honors presented by the Hastings American Legion Post 45 and active Navy at Riverside Cemetery in Hastings following the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Vai “Bub” Bennett Springer Scholarship at the Hastings Education En­ richment Foundation (HEEF) or Kyomi’s Gift, www.kyomisgift.org through the Barry Community Foundation. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. John Edwin Arnold June 9 - Services at 8 and This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses' _ A■ Donald Clair Springer John E. Gergen 770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541 HASTINGS, MI - Martha Spivey of Hast­ ings, passed away on June 3, 2019 at the age of 74. Martha was bom on August 18, 1944 in Indio, CA, the daughter of Charlie and Pearl (Gibson) Hinkle. Martha was employed at Myrtle Point Care Center, retiring in 1993. She loved spending time with her family, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and enjoyed kindness rocks, windchimes, and wildlife in Oregon. Martha was preceded in death by her par­ ents; her sister, Doris, and her brothers, Carl and Floyd. She is survived by her daughters, Denise (Jason) Deabay, Rebecca Mack; her son, Charles Debs Spivey; grandchildren, Kim, Zach, Jayden and Harley Deabay, Tia Steihoff, Misty Toland, Jeremy and Troy Demont, Charles Patrick Spivey; her sister, Florence Mills, and brother, Claude Hinkle, and many great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2019 at 1 p.m. at Girr­ bach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway, Hast­ ings. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. A memorial service for John E. Ar­ nold will be held on Saturday, June 15, 2019 at Faith United Methodist Church, Delton. Service will begin at 11 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 6, 2019 — Page 7 Parks and recreation grant recipients announced BUSINESS BRIEFS Rebecca Pierce Editor i. Three applicants will share in a total $10,000 in grant funding for parks and recre­ ation projects in Barry County this year. They are: • Barry Township, which received $5,000 to create a playground in William Smith Park. • Village of Freeport, which received ©,000 to increase the accessibility of rgstrooms in CJ Moore Park. ; • Hastings school district’s Central Elementary School, which received $2,000 for playground improvements. : Ron Welton, administrator for the county’s parks and recreation board, told county com­ missioners Tuesday that 10 requests totaling $31,000 were received from municipalities and school districts seeking grants that were made available this year. - The aim of the grants was to increase opportunities for county residents and visitors to get out and enjoy outdoor spaces and activ­ ities, he said. • “The parks and recreation board thanks Tammi Price, program manager with the county’s Adult Specialty Courts Office, explains the Swift and Sure Sanctions probation program. Spectrum Health Pennock gets A grade Ron Welton, county parks and recre­ ation board administrator, announced grant recipients Tuesday. (Photos by Rebecca Pierce) those who applied for their interest in improv­ ing outdoor recreation and encourages their continued participation in future parks and recreation board granting opportunities.” In other business, commissioners: • Recommended approval of an amend­ ment to the 2019 contract to the Swift and Sure Sanctions program. The change in the contract is to allow for an additional grant amount of $3,000 to bring total grant funding to $123,000. • Recommended approval to buy a replace­ ment server for the county register of deeds office for $7,630, as described by David Shinavier, the county’s information technolo­ gy director. • Discussed the renewal of liability, vehicle physical damage and property and crime insurance coverage through the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority to begin July 1 and run through July 1, 2020, at a cost of $396,465. SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Spectrum Health Pennock has been recog­ nized for efforts to protect patients from harm and meeting the highest safety standards in the United States. The hospital was awarded an 4 A’ grade from the Leapfrog Group in its spring Hospital Safety Grade program. Leapfrog is a national organization work­ ing to improve health care quality and safety. Grades of A, B, C, D or F are assigned to hospitals based on performance in preventing medical errors, infections and other harm to patients. “Receiving and 4 A’ rating for another year speaks to our dedication and efforts in advancing patient safety,” CEO Angela Ditmar said. “It solidifies our hard work and credits the incredible asset we have with our employees who provide trusted, exceptional health care to improve health, inspire hope and save lives in Barry County.” Leah Binder, president and CEO of The Leapfrog Group, said being recognized nationally as a 4 A’ hospital is and accomplish­ ment the entire community should take pride in. “Hospitals that earn this grade are making it a priority to protect patients from prevent­ able medical harm and error,” Binder said. Fekkes joins Rhoades McKee Hastings city attorney Stephanie Fekkes has joined the firm of Rhoades McKee, which has expanded its legal services to Hastings, Barry County and surrounding communities. “We look forward to providing comprehen­ sive services to Hastings and the surrounding communities. Centrally located between Grand Rapids, Lansing, and Kalamazoo, Hastings offers us a unique location to con­ nect with individuals and businesses in these West Michigan communities,” Paul McCarthy, Rhoades McKee president, said. “With key industry and employment sectors in manufac­ turing, healthcare and construction, this expansion provides Rhoades McKee the opportunity to expand services to new clients as well as serve existing clients efficiently at a more convenient location. “We have plans to remodel and expand the office to accommodate additional attorneys and staff.” Fekkes has more than 25 years of experi­ ence in the practice of law and advocacy for the betterment of families and businesses in Barry County. Highpoint Community Bank gets superi­ or rating Highpoint Community Bank has achieved another Superior Five-Star Rating from BauerFinancial, a national bank-rating firm. In the 30-plus years Bauer has been analyzing banks, increasingly complicated investments have increased, along with burgeoning regu­ lation, according to a BauerFinancial press release. Each has added another hurdle when it comes to earning a five-star rating from Bauer, yet none have been a problem for Highpoint Community Bank, it noted. The bank has helped grow the community with prudent lending and innovative solutions without compromising its own financial health in the process. “This is the beauty of community bank­ ing,” Karen Dorway, president of BauerFinancial, said. “The success of a com­ munity bank directly correlates to the success of the community it serves. Community banks don’t need exotic investment instruments to make money for their shareholders. They much prefer to invest in local businesses and reap the benefits along with their neighbors.” Highpoint Community Bank has earned and maintained Bauer’s top five-star rating for 39 consecutive quarters. NEWS BRIEFS continued from front page Missions conference scheduled at Inter­ Lakes Church Inter-Lakes Baptist Church, 10247 South M-43, Delton, will host a missions confer­ ence June 9-12. Speakers will include the Piper family telling about their ministry before leaving for New Zealand to continue their work, the Tingson family who are missionaries head­ ing to Australia, and Nate Hudson, a mis­ sionary traveling to Brazil. They will share their stories about how the testimony of the death, burial and resur­ rection of Christ is being given to the world. “It has been a number of years since the last missions conference at Inter-Lakes, so we are very excited to share this event with our community,” Pastor Tim Moody said. “Christ first gave the mission of testifying of His story to his personal disciples. And through thousands of years of history their testimony of good news is still changing lives.” The schedule is available on the Inter­ Lakes Baptist Church Facebook page. Traditional and Cremation Services Pre-Planning Services Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible Serving All Faiths Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted ^328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-3252 • www.girrbachfuneralhome. Owner/Manager Family Owned and Operated Emertais Serving Hastings, Barry County and Surrounding Communities for 50 years Connect with Social Security on Social Media Vonda Van Til Social Security Public Affairs Specialist We strive to keep you informed with accu­ rate and helpful information. Over the past decade, Social Security’s communications strategy has evolved to include electronic messages through our social media channels. You can share Social Security information, including links to our online tools, with a click of a button. Using Facebook, we reach millions of peo­ ple on a platform they’re familiar with and comfortable navigating. We can cross genera­ tional divides as we encourage users to share their personal experiences with Social Security programs, such as disability, survi­ vors and retirement benefits. You can follow us and repost our articles at facebook.com/ Social Security. Our newest social media outlet is our Instagram account. As we do on Facebook, we share stories and resources that can help you and your loved ones. Check out our new Instagram page at Instagram.com/Social Security. Have you seen us on YouTube? Our diverse collection of videos covers veterans’ benefits, online services, retirement, Social Security sCams and much more. We also offer more ■ in-depth instructions about filing disability claims. Some of our videos are in Spanish, as well. You may view and easily share our vid­ eos at youtube.com/Social Security. Twitter is another powerful tool we use to keep people informed. We use it to announce new My Social Security features and other service or program changes. You can join our many followers at twitter.com/Social Security. Check out our blog, Social Security Matters. You can subscribe and read up-todate columns about programs, policy and people like you who are helped by Social Security every day. Read more at blog .Social Security.gov. Connecting with us on social media helps you share important information and knowl­ edge with the people you care about. Follow along and share our pages with someone who you want to positively affect today. See all of our social media channels at Social Security, gov/socialmedia. Vonda Van Til is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email to vonda .vantil @ ssa .gov. Thursday, June 6 - Baby Cafe, 10 a.m.noon; Movie Memories watches a 1938 film starring Luise Rainer and Fernand Gravet, 5 p .m. Friday, June 7 - preschool story time, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Saturday, June 8 - summer reading pro­ gram begins (prizes for kids, teens and adults) Monday, June 10 - Quilting Passions, 10 a.m.-l p.m. Tuesday, June 11 - toddler story time, 10:30-11 a.m.; chess, 6-7:30; mahjong, 5:30­ 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 12 - summer reading program: Stormy the Magician, 2-3 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. Accounting and Tax Services Our knowledge and diverse experience allow us to provide well-crafted yet easily-executed solutions. Our team approach provides personal service and attention to detail that our clients can count on. KB CERTIFIED PUBUC ACCOUNTANTS Hastings • Ionia • Richland Call 269.945.9452 for an appointment today. (M thaxkyci. UlSUWSEIF • ~ ; C; 'J HASTINGS BAND BOOSTERS 2019 Hayfield Concert A big THANK YOU to the volunteers who set up, cooked, cleaned and helped in any way! A huge THANK YOU to all who came!! ----------------------- - --------------- - -------------—■—■ HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE The Professional and Personal Choice for Marriage Lucas Ford Cheney, Nashville and Braelyn Elaine Molson, Nashville Bryan Jon Kars, Freeport and Katelyn Mary Wormmeester, Alto James William Michael Davis, Hastings and Sara Chavez, Hastings Trevor Richard Garbe, Hastings and Abigail Grace Hamer, Hastings Taylor Lynn Bender, Hastings and Adam Patrick Smith, Hastings Zachary Taylor Kuperus, Freeport and Audra Lou Boorsma, Byron Center Linda May Bonnell, Hastings and Harold S anford Rogers, Hastings Julie Marie Poortvliet, Middleville and Dragan Markov, Zrenjanin, Serbia Amy Elizabeth Miller, Middleville and John Robert Zahm, Middleville Gary & Barb Osterink Jim Decker & Pheasants Forever GreenMark Equipment Janon Equipment Caledonia Farmer’s Elevator Zook Farm Equipment Maple Valley Implements Harvest Energy Solutions Dianna Teague & Young Ionia Highpoint Community Bank Pat Morris & New Walker Pharmacy Miller Real Estate & Mark Hewitt Kent Oil & Propane Dr. Carrie Wilgus & Southside Pediatrics Delton Pole Building Supplies Lynn Denton & Farm Bureau Insurance Friends of Hastings Library Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park Greenstone Farm Credit Services Union Bank Padnos Barlow Florist Kloosterman’s Sports Tap Gilmore Jewelry Floral Designs of Hastings Mary Hesterly Dale Kruger Tom’s Market Commercial Bank Kathy Maurer Brad Carpenter - Parking Court-Side Screen Printing Seasonal Grille King’s Electronic Appliances & Mattresses Previously Pink Hungry Howie’s Meyer’s Bakery & Beanery Sugar Ribbon The General Store Gary & Lyn Bleyer Ken Sprague Carbon Green Bio Energy David Selby Brian Frank Mary Moore Brenda Altoft Marsha Mellen LG Seeds Wolgast Construction Services Dewey’s Auto Body & Dave & Tracy Solmes Rick & Denise Chamberlain Mexican Connexion Endsley Welding Repair & Fabrication Gilmore’s Car Museum Cherry Valley Greenhouse Walldorff Brewpub & Bistro State Grounds Coffee J-Ad Graphics Kerkstra Portable Restroom Services, Inc. Bettye Moyer Thornapple Jazz Orchestra Mark Morton John & Elizabeth Lenz WBCHAM/FM Radio The Hastings Banner Matt Moore & Mitch Gillons Hastings Area Schools - Food Service Kathy Eilar - Hastings Area Schools Transportation Historic Charlton Park Moo-Ville Deb Bennet Jack & Judy’s Country Kettle Emily Mitchell - FFA President Progressive Graphics Forman’s Legendary Ice Cream Service Lillian Wierenga Katlin Rhoades “tents” Endsley Charlais Farm Hastings FFA Louis & Mary Wierenga & Maple Knoll Farms Daniel White Spencer White & Jennifer Pesch & Mass Band Lloyd Kilmer �Page 8 — Thursday, June 6, 2019 — The Hastings Banner T”"'’ • T T *1 Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD Elaine Garlock The Ionia Genealogical Society will meet Saturday, June 8, at 1 p.m. at the museum on Emerson Street. Visitors are always welcome. There will be a speaker, library time until 5 p.m. and refreshments. The Red Cross was in town Wednesday for a blood drive. William and Jewel Eckstrom of Naples, Fla., are visiting in town for several days. The Reed memorial service is to be on June 8. Snowball bushes had been at their best during the past week, just before the heavy rain, which causes many of the white petals to fall to the ground. Rhododendron bushes are likewise at their showiest. There appears to be the start of another dwelling on the south side of Tupper Lake Road east from Jordan Lake Avenue in the extreme northeast corner of a farm parcel. Another house and pole bam at the opposite comer, east of Jerry’s Tire, is from the same rural property. Last week, the start amounted to some excavation. This is close to the west end of Tupper Lake. June 14 will be the national observance of Flag Day. Only seven flags were on Fourth Avenue on Memorial Day. One would hope that next week’s day will have a greater showing of flags. Some years ago, the VFW had a successful drive to collect funds to JONES Do you have a business succession strategy? purchase all new flags to fly on national holidays of patriotic nature. What happened to them? Possibly it was a matter of neglect or forgetting on lat week’s omission. Today, June 6, is the 75th anniversary of D-Day. Who can remember? One memory from an oldster is that the town’s fire whistle blew in the early morning. It had been announced that when news of the invasion of France happened, such a notice would be given. People knew the day was coming but the big question was “when?” An English relative related that in the days preceding the invasion, her house was on a road with much travel. The huge tanks came rolling past. Some of them were higher than the roof of her house. She parked her children by front windows to see the spectacle. Never again would they see such a display of military might so close. There was excitement but also dread because none of us knew what to expect as our young men were already in England and now likely in France. Work has begun on a further expansion of the counter drain project of 1996. Long drainage piles have been piled at the west end of Johnson Lane. They will be laid in an open ditch which often has stagnant water and mosquitoes at the east edge of Twin City property. The ditch is to be filled so the industrial property owners, Johnson and Catt, should have relief from their 23-year problem. If you own a business, you’ve always got plenty to think about: sales, marketing, employees, competition, industry trends, con­ sumer preferences - the list goes on and on. It’s easy to get so caught up in your work that you might not take time to think about retire­ ment. But if and when that day arrives, you’ll want to be prepared - which means you need a business succession plan. And you will have to put considerable thought and effort in selecting such a plan, because you’ve got several choices. You could keep the business in your family. You could offer it to an employee or an outsider. You could design a plan that will take effect while you’re alive or after you’ve passed away. Your decision should be based on sev­ eral factors, including your family situation, the nature of your business, and your overall financial position (including the composition of your investment portfolio), but, at the out­ set of your search, you may want to know about some popular succession strategies, including: • Giving the business away - You can leave your business to your children, but if you transfer it during your lifetime, you may be able to obtain some valuable benefits. For example, by relinquishing control gradually, you can be reassured that your children will be able to manage the business on their own. This strategy may also offer tax benefits. You can give your business away outright, but you may want to consider using a trust or family limited partnership, both of which may allow you to control the business for as long as you want, while still receiving a regular income stream. • Selling the business outright - You can always sell your business outright whenever you like - right now, when you retire or some time in between. Of course, any sale brings tax considerations. • Using a buy-sell arrangement to transfer the business - Instead of simply selling the business in a traditional transaction, you could employ a buy-sell agreement. With this arrangement, you can generally determine when, to whom, and at what price you can sell it. If you would like to keep the business in your family, you may be able to fund the buy-sell agreement with life insurance, so family members could use the death benefit to buy your ownership stake. • Buying a private annuity - When you buy a private annuity, you can transfer the busi­ ness to family members, or someone else, who will then make payments to you for the rest of your life, or, possibly, for your lifetime and that of a second person’s. In addition to potentially providing you with a lifetime income stream, this type of sale can remove assets from your estate without triggering gift or estate taxes. These and other techniques can be com­ plex, so before deciding on what is best for your situation, you’ll want to consult with your tax, legal and financial advisors. By tak­ ing your time and getting the professional help you need, you can make a successful succession choice. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor If you have any questions, contact Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. ----STOCKS----The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. Apple Inc. AT&T Chemical Fin Chevron Deere & Co. Exxon Mobil Flowserve CP Ford Motor Co. General Electric Co. General Motors Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP Perrigo Co. Pfizer Inc. Spartannash Comp Stryker TCF Financial Corp. Walmart Inc. Walt Disney Co Whirl Pool Corp Gold Silver Dow Jones 179.64 31.48 40.20 117.30 145.62 73.59 48.36 9.92 10.00 35.73 195.25 133.73 54.60 123.16 44.15 42.23 11.99 186.45 20.08 102.56 134.82 125.81 +1.41 -.45 +1.01. -1.01 +8.05 > +.98 +.55 . +.14 > $1,325.46 $14.85 25,332 +$46.05 +•46 v -15 J. +.64 +.88 +3.70 -3.34 +.04 -2.91 -.50 +.33 -.53 X +4.47 +.29 +.14 . +2.20 ' +3.31 S Hastings Planning Commission gets update on master plan Joan Van Houten Staff Writer The Hastings Planning Commission received an update on the pi ogress of the city’s five-year master plan at its meeting Monday. The scope of the plan encompasses areas of city development including residential densi­ ty, manufacturing, commercial, recreation and creating a strong identity. The project began in early 2018 and is expected to take several months to complete. “I’ll say this again. From a timing perspec­ tive, I think it’s more important get it right not get it done quickly,” chairman Dave Hatfield said. Phase One of the plan, which is complete, identifies the city’s assets and infrastructure, strengths and weaknesses and areas for improvement. Rebecca Harvey, city consultant, outlined planned Spectrum Health Pennock surgical center. City staff and Spectrum representa­ tives are in regular contact with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy to remove a revert clause on the Fish Hatchery Park parcel that is licensed to the hospital for use for employee parking. “We don’t foresee a problem, but it will take some time,” King said. “In the meantime, the project is moving forward.” King said the improvements to the Fish Hatchery parking lot made by Spectrum Health Pennock have made a big difference in the aesthetics and condition. A sidewalk has been constructed from the park entrance fol­ lowing the drive into the park, additional lighting has been installed in the parking lot for added security and the lot has been milled and resurfaced. Spectrum Health Pennock paid for all the improvements as part of the license agree- the work being accomplished by focus groups on Phase Two of the project, which is the action phase. These are the strategies in the second phase: Housing development, busi­ ness growth, infrastructure and partnership and collaboration, with work tasks developed under each category. Each work task list includes a public input element. The first two strategies were to be com­ pleted this month, but work tasks took longer than the estimated six-month period. Harvey estimated that they will be complete some­ time in July. “We believe that the last two strategies won’t take as long and should be completed by fall,” Harvey said. “Everything is coming together well, and I’m really pleased with that.” In other business: • Dan King, community development director, gave a report on the progress of the Call 269-945-9554 any time for Hastings Banner classified ads MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License #8110376 Office (269) 948-2248 & Insured Mobile (269) 838-5112 h* BEST METAL ROOF! 'f American < Metal Roofs TURN UP THE VOLUME BRAD PAISLEY fe THURSDAY, AUGUST 1 JOHN FOGERTY MY 50 YEAR TRIP SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 GEORGE THOROGOOD AND THE DESTROYERS GOOD TO BE BAD TOUR • 45 YEARS OF ROCK Permanent • Beautifu Call Now for a FREE Estimate TIME TO SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 _ 844-METAL-R00FS 844-638-2576 AmericanMetalRoofs.com 6140 Taytrt,Flllff»1875 Lansing 8<l,CH<M'nE| TICKETS ON-SALE NOW at the FireKeepers Box Office or FireKeepersCasino.com. TIME TO GET YOUR VI (<tVoN" ■• 11 BATTLE CREEK I-94 to Exit 104 | 11177 Michigan Avenue | Battle Creek, Ml 49014 Must be 21 or older. Tickets based on availability. Schedule subject to change. ment. The hospital also agreed to lot mainte­ nance. “It’s a a win-win situation. It’s safer and the park has gotten a definite facelift,” King said. • Gerry Czarnecki, deputy city manager, said the new iPads for the city council and city planning commission have been received. A training session on how to access the infor­ mation and link to city files will be planned for a council workshop meeting. “I think that will be a good step for us going forward and certainly save a few trees,” Hatfield said. . • The next order of business was discussion about the addition of one service bay at Wilder’s Auto Service at 1510 Star SchoolRd. The project had been approved by the planning commission at a prior meeting. , Czarnecki said the business has met all of the requirements and the staff does not have any concerns about the project. Human preservation Dr. Universe: How do you make mummies? Michael, 7, Arizona Dear Michael, When we think of mummies, we might imagine the kind from ancient Egypt wrapped up in linen. But there are lots of ways to make mummies — and they can even form in nature. That’s what I found out from my friend Shannon Tushingham, an archaeologist at Washington State University and director of the WSU Museum of Anthropology. In ancient Egypt, priests were usually in charge of making a mummy. They used a special hook to pull out the brain. They put the brain in a jar to help preserve it. They put the lungs, liver, intestines, and stomach in jars, too. But the heart was left in place. The ancient Egyptians believed the heart, not the brain, was the center of someone’s being and intelligence. They also used a lot of salt to preserve the body, more linens to help the body keep its shape, and several yards of linen strips to wrap the body from head to toe. “They had this down to a science,” said Tushingham, who was inspired as a kid when she got to see King Tut’s mummy. The whole process of making a mummy would take about 70 days. But the making of a mummy was about more than just pre­ serving a body. The ancient Egyptians also believed they were preparing someone for an after-life. Along with the jars of organs, people would place items with the mummy like furniture, food, games and other things their loved one might enjoy. The mummy also might get a decorative mask or be put in a stone case called a sarcophagus. We have learned a lot about the process from hieroglyphics, the symbols that Egyptians used to write. The stories they wrote also tell us about mummified ' baboons, beetles, falcons, crocodiles and lots and lots of cats, which they worshiped. J Tushingham said we also can find mum­ mies out in nature. One mummy archaeol­ ogists get excited about is Otzi, otherwise ’ known as the Iceman. He died in the mountains about 5,000 " years ago and his body has been well-pre- ’ served. They even found a little bit of brain tissue. You can see his tattoos, and archeol­ ogists even studied his hair, which had ' clues about what he liked to eat. Researchers also have found mummies in bogs, or wetlands that have a lot of moss. These bogs can be found everywhere from Denmark to Florida, and sometimes conditions can be just right to mummify a body. These mummies have been called “bog bodies.” While we’ve found mummies in Egyptian tombs, we’ve also found them underground. The hot, dry conditions and chemistry of the dirt can help preserve J bodies, too. Tushingham added that arche­ ologists take great care when working with mummies or any kind of remains. The bodies are sacred, she said, and we are still finding them today. Perhaps one day you’ll become an arche­ ologist and find mummy or study hiero­ glyphics to’help us learn even more about " life in the past. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. ' �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 6, 2019 — Page 9 fl look back at the stories and columns on local TURNING BflGK THE PAGES News of D-Day success drew quiet response Kathy Maurer Copy Editor No big headlines - in fact, no headlines at all - referenced D-Day in the June 8, 1944, Banner. Two days after the Allied invasion along the northeast coast of France, word was out on what would be one of the most pivotal battles in World War II. Sources later would say more than 150,000 men from a dozen countries, conveyed by 5,000 ships and 10,000 air­ planes, took part. Though the collective action already was known by civilians as D-Day, and some peo­ ple speculated it would lead to the end of the war, its full significance was not yet known those early days in June 1944. People today, understanding the importance of the opera­ tion, may imagine two-or three-word head­ lines in excessively large font like “Allies storm Normandy.” Newsrooms at the time didn’t know what people know today, so such a headline may not even have been consid­ ered. The response instead was stoic, prayer­ ful and a little bit speculative. The only mention of D-Day in that issue of the Banner was in the editorial, which had no headline, just “Editorial.” Two weeks later, editor/owners Marshall and William Cook published another editorial with the same sim­ ple label attempting to piece together D-Day events. The June 8, 1944, editorial may have provided a glimmer of hope to some by encouraging the community to prepare for a post-war economy: Hastings probably behaved like a typical American community on “D-Day.” There was no excitement, no hilarity, no demonstration except for the unfurling of flags in the busi­ ness district. Churches were open for prayer, and some held special services at noon. No one needed that special pause ushered in by blasts of the fire siren and the ringing of bells to encourage wishes of Godspeed and good luck for the rfien of the Allied armies who at that moment were moving in on Hitler’s “Fortress Europe.” There was neither excitement nor hysteria in* evidence. All of us were tremendously interested, of course, and eager for any new bit of information that had the earmark of authenticity. But the feeling seems to prevail that this early news was not of great signifi­ cance; that reports of early successes were riice, but not necessarily indicative of what might follow; that the success or failure of this effort to capture and secure one or more beachheads would be determined not by bril­ liant opening maneuvers, but rather by the ability to beat back the powerful Nazi counter attacks that would follow in several days after Hitler’s generals had determined where the ihajor Allied attacks were aimed. Military experts who seem to have a rather Uncomplimentary opinion of public reactions might have been surprised at the rather calm and widespread acceptance of this fact. People here, like the people everywhere in the United States, were wondering what fate might have in store for fellows we all knew as store clerks, mechanics, students, etc., who had been training these past several months with Allied armies somewhere in England. The coast of France was no longer thou­ sands of miles away when the first flash of “D-Day” came over the air. What is Hastings doing about planning for the post-war period? Several independent projects are being considered, and at least two of them are already financed, in part. But today, there has been no overall planning, no general survey of the community to list proj­ ects that might be possible and useful. It is a fact that both state and federal agen­ cies are accumulating reserves to be used on public and semi-public works projects to help tjde over the expected period of unemploy­ ment between the demobilization of the armed services and full-scale changeover to private production again. We might have here one or more projects that would fit in with these state ahd federal plans. At least it is certain that the community with the most complete and var­ ied listing of possibilities will get “first call” on any federal or state aid that may be forth­ coming. It is not the purpose of this article to discuss Whether these schemes for federal and state add are, in the long run, economically sound. Instead, they must be accepted as realities things that actually are. The community that is slow or negligent about getting set on its plans will not get as much consideration as the com­ munity that has given careful thought to this problem. It is true that the war is not yet over, and opinion seems to be that it will drag on for many months to come. However, plans and surveys take time, and it is not too soon to begin now to prepare them. Who is to take the leadership in these sur­ veys and plans? That is a practical question but not a tremendously difficult one. There are several possible answers. It is obviously too big a job for any one organization or group. However, there are plenty of service groups and organizations here who could han­ dle the problem competently by working together - possibly through a joint-member­ ship committee. The Hastings Chamber of Commerce, Rotary and Kiwanis clubs have all done good work, the Women’s club has a history of public-spirited activity, the school board should be represented since the health, happiness and welfare of young people here will be one guide in making plans; the city council might be represented in an unofficial capacity so that plans and discussions could be mutually known (since council approval is usually required in projects of this sort; the organizations of service men, such as the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, should be represented. These are a few suggestions. Many others might be named - the PTA, for example. But the point is that there are already organiza­ tions and groups here competent to handle this job - if they could get together. In a small community like ours, where the resources are limited, it is doubly important that we do get together, since we are not big enough or strong enough to enjoy the doubtful luxury of waste[d] effort. All of this may sound visionary to some, but it can be accepted as a fact that the com­ munity that does get together with itself in this manner on questions of post-war planning will be the one to receive greatest benefit from any and all state and federal plans that will be forthcoming. The June 15, 1944, Banner had no editori­ al. In its place was a short story announcing that a new war bonds drive was beginning and strongly encouraging readers to support it heartily. Barry County’s quota was $919,000. “It’s an unusual coincidence that the Invasion of Europe and the Fifth War Loan drive got underway at almost the same time. We know what sort of a job the boys are doing over there. “Will we do as well back here? ...” In the June 22, 1944, Banner the Cooks attempted to piece together the major opera­ tion from two weeks earlier: Getting a picture of the invasion of Europe from the accounts of individual war reporters reminds one of that fable of the blind men who tried to describe an elephant - each was accurate in detail but failed to give an ade­ quate overall picture of the animal itself. This is no criticism of the reporters. They did a splendid job and took personal risks almost as great as the G.I. Joes in the attack­ ing force. Their descriptions were accurate and vivid. Never before has a military opera­ tion been covered so completely from the news standpoint. However, many readers back here failed to consider that even the best of reporters can, after all, cover only a minute fraction of a beachhead nearly 100 miles long [it was closer to 50 miles long - still a formi­ dable stretch] and a total battle area of many hundred square miles. It was interesting to listen to comment up and down the street here the day following the invasion. Opinions and optimism varied according to the type of report heard. At some points along the coast, the going was compar­ atively easy - reports from these areas caused some to feel that the Nazi’s Westwall was a myth and that the boys would soon be march­ ing through what was left of Berlin. At a few points, the beach defenses were the stiffest yet encountered anywhere (except possibly at Tarawa) and reports from these areas prompt­ ed some to conclude that the full truth of the invasion was being kept from the U.S. public. As a matter of fact, all of these reports were probably accurate and complete. Nothing is A war bonds drive, illustrated here in the June 15, 1944, Banner, began about the same time as the D-Day invasion. — Military experts who seem to have a rather uncomplimentary opinion of public reactions might have been surprised at the rather calm and widespread acceptance of [the absence of excitement and hysteria]. People here ... were wondering what fate might have in store for fellows we all knew as store clerks, mechanics, students, etc., who had been training these past several months with Allied armies somewhere in England. bring the defeat of Germany - rather it will merely give the Allies a firm foothold from which further and more damaging attacks can be launched. ... Cook brothers, June 8, 1944 being withheld that does not conflict with the question of military security. By piecing together individual reports that have appeared in newspapers and over the radio, the following facts seem evident: Landings were made with unexpected ease at a few points, with unbelievably few casual­ ties. Casualties at other landing points were in line with the most pessimistic predictions. Overall, landings wereynade with fewer losses than those who did the planning had figured. The Westwall was no myth. It turned out to be a well-planned, well-organized defense in depth which could bring every foot of the coast under a deadly fire ranging from machine guns up to combination of machine guns, mortars, rocket batteries and cannon. Overall losses were kept to a minimum by great teamwork and good co-ordination between all branches of the service. Air bom­ bardment first hit the coast defenses and began the softening-up process. Paratroops and glider-born rangers hit at key areas behind the defense lines some hours before the first waves of landing craft pushed shoreward under protection of heavy naval bombard­ ment. Low-flying pursuit craft and fighter bombers worked with the troops to reduce or disrupt enemy strong points. Results, natural­ ly, were not uniformly good everywhere. In general, the Nazi defenders did not give way to panic, but stood up well before the terrific combination of fire power directed against them, and the Allied invaders had to fight their way in. Although commentators often refer to a “time schedule,” it is probably that one does not exist - at least in the ordinary sense of the term; that is, no definite time has been allotted for the taking of any particular objective. Any schedule that does exist has reference to the order in which objectives will be taken. After Bayeux was stormed, for example, the Allied commanders knew where to direct the next attack. Thus, any reference to being ahead or behind schedule in the invasion is inaccurate. No decisive battles have occurred yet at the beachhead, and it may be days before one does develop. It is not evident as yet whether German defensive strategy is to merely con­ tain the invading force or to attempt to drive the Allies back into the sea. It is premature to say that the Allied posi­ tion on the Normandy coast is invincible. However, in view of the fact that the Nazis were unable to reduce the beachhead at Anzio under conditions that were much more favor­ able to the German attackers than the situation that now exists in France, it is probably that the Allies will be able to withstand any attack directed against them. Stalin was not exaggerating when he termed the European invasion of Normandy the greatest cross-water military operation in all history. Many of those who wondered why the Allies did not strike sooner now have their answer: It required more specialized equip­ ment, more specialized troops and greater advance preparation than any other campaign ever undertaken in this war. It is clear now why Hitler’s military advisors never under­ took a cross-channel invasion: they didn’t have the staff to do it with, in spite of their overwhelming military strength at the time. Final victory at the beachhead will not TKtEPNOMtS TO INOU6M GO ROUND ; rg r- i , # g • ft . ? . = h *1 « *. rh"4? ® : 4 ■ -? ■' - » . ■ W I 4 “’ - , MW* ’ I * »4 « * *4 i h" * - ?4>4 r? ■ ■ H « ' \ 4 I fr* h-nr f ‘A *: 4 s®* s •U W m -■ **» $ * f MICHIGAN 1111 * •*' /n ' . JI ■ r r * - C O M M IO ftllPHOMI »<r «• WW * Ads like this one in the June 15, 1944, Banner reminded residents why new telephones were not available. Banner dialed in on phone shortage A series of ads were published in the Banner in the summer of 1944, illustrating to readers why orders for new telephones were not being filled. The June 29, 1944, Banner also had a short article, “Cannot Get 70 New Phones Wanted Here.” “The American Telegraph and Telephone Co. has requests for the installation of nearly 1 million new telephones in this country, which it is unable to supply because it cannot get the phones to install. The Western Electric Co., which is owned by the A T & T Co., is busy to its limit in supplying war materials for the army and navy, so it cannot produce the phones and connections desired by the parent company. “The Michigan Bell Telephone Co. reports that it has orders for 75,000 phones it cannot install for the reason given above. Manager Beck, of the local exchange, has about 70 applications for new phones here that he cannot supply because of inability to get the instruments.” NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF BARRY INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT THERE WILL BE A PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE PROPOSED 2019-2020 BUDGET AT THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF BARRY INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT: DATE OF MEETING PLACE OF MEETING JUNE 11, 2019 BARRY ISD ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE HOUR OF MEETING 8:00 A.M. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF THE SUPERINTENDENT’S OFFICE (269) 945-9545 BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MINUTES ARE LOCATED AT: A COPY OF THE PROPOSED 2019-2020 BUDGET INCLUDING THE PROPOSED PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE RATE IS AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION DURING NORMAL BUSINESS HOURS AT: BARRY ISD ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE 535 WEST WOODLAWN AVENUE HASTINGS, MI 49058-1038 BARRY ISD ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE 535 WEST WOODLAWN AVENUE HASTINGS, MI 49058-1038 PURPOSE OF MEETING: 1. Public discussion on the proposed 2019-2020 budget. The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing. The Board may not adopt its proposed 2019-2020 budget until after the public hearing. 120686 Secretary, Board of Education Barry Intermediate School District �Page 10 — Thursday, June 6, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Wastewater treatment plant project moving forward $9.8 million is estimate for Improvements Joan Van Houten Staff Writer It’s time to fix the Hastings Wastewater Treatment Plant, city officials say. The price tag is $9.8 million. City Manager Jeff Mansfield said the cost of breakdowns, repairs and replacing equip­ ment, piece by piece, has been excessive. Improvements would have a substantial impact on those costs. Plus, a failure could release sewage and other contaminants into Thomapple River. To add to the urgency, the state has been wanting the city to upgrade the treatment plant for a long time, Mansfield noted. A draft plan was completed and presented to the Hastings City Council on May 13. The presentation was made by Dennis Benoit and Doug Urquhart, consulting engineers with Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc. On July 1, an application for a 2-percent interest loan will be submitted to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy as a priority project, said Gerry Czarnecki, who has been appointed the proj­ ect manager. A tentative project award would occur in February 2020. Estimated project completion would be October 2021. Council member Don Bowers expressed concern about the cost to the city and city residents. According to the plan, additional cost to city residents would be $10.25 a month. But Benoit said there may be a few projects in the plan that could be put off, but not many. “The systems are old, and most of the equipment and mechanical components are at the end of their lifespan,” Benoit said. The treatment plant was originally con­ structed in the 1930s. The city operates and maintains 450,000 linear feet of sanitary sewer - the majority installed between 1940 and 1960 with limited installation from 1970 through 2008. The city of Hastings covers approximately 3,392 acres. The Wastewater Treatment Plant receives wastewater discharges from the city, portions of Hastings Township, including por­ tions around Leach and Middle Lakes, Rutland Township along M-43 immediately west of the city limits, and Carlton Township. According to the report submitted by the consulting company, the collection system moves approximately 1 million gallons per day that is treated by the city’s wastewater treatment plant. “The planned improvements will not expand capacity because the current system hasn’t even reached half of the capacity it has,” Benoit said. “The improvements are to make the operation more efficient and upgrade equipment before they fail.” Because there is no preliminary solid and grit removal system at the plant, the wear on equipment causes the need of constant repairs making routine maintenance and operations a nightmare for the plant staff, Operations and Maintenance Specialist George Holzworth said. “Basically, what we have now is a grinder and bar screens. The grinder only chews things up and sends them along. The current system is unconventional,” Holzworth said. “Technology is so much more advanced now.” According to the project plan, a headworks building for a preliminary treatment process that provides fine screening, raw sewage pumping, and grit removal, is a priority. The plant has never had this system. The result of the lack of screening at the start of the treatment process has meant sig­ nificant wear and breakdowns of the equip­ ment from sand and grit. Non-sewage items like rubber balls, rags and syringes also have entered the system, contributing to the break­ downs, and have created safety hazards for the plant employees. This primary treatment facility - called a headworks system - is the industry standard and would immediately benefit the operation and reduce labor required for operations and maintenance, Holzworth said. The new headworks facility for the city would be located across from the entrance drive of the wastewater treatment plant. “In the end, it’s much cheaper on the con­ struction and engineering side to put the head­ works outside of the main plant,” Holzworth said. “You just don’t know what you’re going to run into or the damage that may be caused by moving things around.” Benoit said the benefits of a headworks include an operationally friendly layout, less cost as the new work will not be constructed within existing infrastructure, buildings that are up to current codes and new infrastructure capable of serving the city for the next 50 years. From the headworks screen, sewage flow will be directed to a new, self-cleaning wet well equipped with four suction lift pumps that will allow the wet well to be drawn from daily down to the bottom where the debris and solids will be removed. The pumps will then discharge the material to a grit removal tank adjacent to the building. The improvement plan also notes that the treatment plant does not have an odor control system. Most of the odors from the plant come from the effluent raw sewage channel and accumulated material in the screening on the channel floor. A headworks building and updated aeration system would provide con­ tinuous ventilation, eliminating most of the odor issues because this portion of the cleans­ ing process will be more manageable. The estimated project cost of the head­ works building is $3.78 million, which includes provisions for future installation of a biological odor control system, should it be needed, to reduce odors from the wet well and grit tank in the headworks building. According to a report contained in the improvement plan, the method of distributing sludge between the treatment process and sludge waste is ineffective and makes control of the sludge breakdown difficult. Proposed changes include demolition of the distribution boxes along with the piping and valves. “Given their age and condition, two prima­ ry sludge pumps and one thickened sludge pump need to be replaced,” Urquhart said. New piping, flow meters and control valves would be added along with a new sludge wasting system. All existing piping in the basement of the service building that does not need to be replaced would be prepped and repainted. With the installation of the raw sewage pumping to the headworks building, the existing raw sewage wet well and dry well would no longer be needed so it would be filled in. The estimated project cost of these improve­ ments is $1.17 million. Among other projects in the plan would be the installation of a high-efficiency tur­ bo-blower, replacing the existing ultraviolet disinfection system, adding new suction lines from final settling tanks and improvements in primary settling tanks, Presently, there is limited access and park­ ing on the wastewater treatment plant site. With the construction of a new headwork building, the proposal includes a new drive­ way and parking area. Various utilities would be replaced, includ­ ing a gravity sewer to the new headwork building, pressurized effluent water, primary settling tank influent, and potable water lines. With the expansion of the treatment plant, North Cass Street to the north of West Apple Street would be abandoned and replaced with a new drive for access to the dog park behind the plant. The changes proposed in the layout and construction would require stormwater improvements that include new catch basins > drains, and a detention area located to the northwest of the plant. The estimated project cost for these improvements is $1,262 million. “To date, there have been no negative impact to the Thornapple River. However, without the construction of the proposed proj­ ect, the water quality of the Thomapple River watershed would be degraded as equipment fails and operations suffer,” Benoit said. The total estimated project construction cost of the improvements is $8,702,000, with approximately $1.1 million to Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc. for engineering, legal and finan­ cial consulting services. Hastings Live summer music series underway Old favorites and new tunes will be heard at the Thomapple Plaza, Hastings Spray Plaza and the Barry County Courthouse lawn this summer as part of the Hastings Live summer concert series. Hastings Live includes Hastings City Band, Community Concerts, Fridays at the Fountain, and Friday Night Features concerts, as well as the Playing at the Plaza children’s entertain­ ment series. The season opened this week with the first concert by the oldest group. The Hastings City Band, formed in 1857, gave its first con­ cert of the summer Wednesday. The stages are busy Wednesday through Friday evening, and this year’s schedule includes several tribute bands. So, area residentsr and visitors not only can enjoy the free concerts, they can hear the likes of Queen, Bob Seger, Tom Petty and the Beatles. Other times, guests can enjoy country, jazz, pop, oldies and more musical genres, depending on the date or the stage. Friday Night Features Fridays, 7:30p.m. Thornapple Plaza The biggest Hastings Live concerts usually are the Friday Night Features. These concerts showcase some of the region’s finest up-and-coming performers along with established artists. Friday Night Feature concerts start at 7:30 p.m. at the Thornapple Plaza. The rain venue will be announced. The line-up includes: June 14 - Valerie Barrymore and the Foundations of Funk. June 21 - The Insiders, a Tom Petty tribute band. June 28 — Josh Davis. July 5 — Kari Lynch Band. July 12 — Katmandu, a Bob Seger tribute band. July 19 — The Accidentals. July 26 — Nicholas James and the Bandwagon. Aug. 2 — Luke Winslow-King. Aug. 9 — Rev. Peyton’s Big Damn Band. Aug. 16 — The Army Band. . Friday Night Features are sponsored by the Baum Family Foundation. Highpoint Community Bank is the special sponsor for The Accidentals. Hastings City Band Thursdays, 7:30 p.m. Thornapple Plaza Hastings City Band has been entertaining audiences for more than 150 years. All Hastings City Band are held on Wednesday at the Thornapple Plaza and start at 7:30 p.m. The rain venue will be announced. The city band’s performance schedule includes: June 5 — Beatles and jazz. June 12 — A Night on Broadway. June 19 — Disney Magic. June 26 — marches. July 3 — A Tribute to America. Community Concerts Wednesdays, 7:30 p.m. Thornapple Plaza Community Concerts feature some of the area’s finest local talent. All Community Concerts are held on Wednesday evening at the Thornapple Plaza and start at 7:30 p.m. The rain venue will be announced. This year’s Community Concert line-up includes: July 10 — The Blue Leafs. July 17 — Dede and the Dream. July 24 — Tyler Roy. July 31 — Grumpy Old Men. Aug. 7 — The Goldberrys. Aug. 14 — The Dacia Bridges Project. Aug. 21 — Geez Louise. Fridays at the Fountain Courthouse lawn, noon Fridays at the Fountain concerts start at noon on the Barry County Courthouse lawn. In the event of inclement weather, the con­ certs will be canceled. The line-up includes: June 14 Elvis James McKay. June 21 — Hastings Heartbeats zydeco band. June 28 — Davesr@ 7. July 5 — Kilkenny Corkers. July 12 — Jessie Wolhuls. July 19 — Chuck Whiting. July 26 — Community Music School. Aug. 2 — Jonah Evans. Aug. 9 — David Lloyd. Playing at the Plaza Thursdays, 11 a.m. Hastings Spray Plaza Playing at the Plaza is a children’s music, entertainment and education series. Entertainment will include: June 13 — mime Rob Reider. June 20 — Cooperfly Puppet Troupe. June 27 — Thomapple Players. July 11 — John Ball Zoo. July 18 — Stormy the Magician. July 25 — Drumming with Dede. Aug. 1 — Hands and Feet Music. Aug. 8 — Kalamazoo Exotic Animals. Summerfest Hastings Live at Summerfest is the last concert series of the summer. All concerts will be at the Thornapple Plaza Friday and Saturday Aug. 30 and 31. A rain venue will be announced. The line-up includes: Friday, Aug. 23 4-5 p.m. — Ellie Youngs. 5:30-7 p.m. — Jake Kershaw. 7:30-9 p.m. — Saved by the 90s. Between sets: Clark Lewis. Saturday, Aug. 24 2-3 p.m. — SilentBark. 3:30-5 p.m. — Toppermost-A Beatles trib­ ute band. 5:30-7 p.m. — Kari Holmes. 7:30-9 p.m. — Simply Queen, a Queen tribute band. Between sets: Expressions Dance Studio. Hastings Live is funded in part by the Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs and the National Endowment for the Arts. Driver arrested with BAC of 0.41 Police were alerted that a driver was weaving across the road, approaching Hastings on West State Road at 3:55 p.m. May 25. An officer stopped the vehicle on Woodlawn Avenue in Hastings after seeing it cross into the oncoming lane. The 51-year-old driver said he had about seven beers. The officer asked the man to perform sobriety tests and the man replied, “What’s the sense? I’m drunk.” The man took a Breathalyzer test with a result of 0.343, and was taken to the hospital where a blood test showed he had a 0.41 blood alcohol con­ tent. He was then taken to jail on his third operating-while-intoxicated offense. Intoxicated driver arrested in Middleville An officer stopped a vehicle with a loud exhaust at the corner of Main Street and Broadway in Middleville at 2:40 a.m. June 2 . The officer smelled intoxicants in the vehi­ cle. The 35-year-old Wayland woman registered a 0.141 blood alcohol content and was arrested. Car theft turns into hit-and-run Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. For Sale Business Services Use Skim Balm® to treat dogs BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry wall, & Cats for "hot spots" & skin allergies without steroids. At Tractor Supply (www. kennelvax.com) GET EASY CASH with extra household goods and tools’ Call (269) 945-9554 to sell your unwanted stuff with a classified ad in this paper. painting, tile, flooring, trim, home improvements, seam­ less gutters. 269-320-3890. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Hard Maple, Cherry. Paying top dollar. Call for pricing and Free Estimates. Will buy single walnut trees. Insured, liability & work­ man's comp. Fetterley Log­ ging, (269)818-7793 EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Drugs involved in death following police pursuit A 45-year-old Kalamazoo man died after a police chase that ended near Hastings Sunday evening. Emmett Township Department of Public Safety officials said they received a call at 4:20 p.m. that a man slumped over the wheel of his vehicle in the 900 block of East Michigan Avenue in Battle Creek. An ambu­ lance arrived first, and emergency medical responders said they believed the man was under the influence of drugs. But, when police officers approached, the driver fled the scene, striking one of the med­ ics with his vehicle. A police pursuit followed through Battle Creek into Barry County and neared Hastings before it ended. During the chase, police said, the driver was throwing controlled substances from the vehicle. He was taken into custody without further incident, but then he began to exhibit signs of physical distress. He was placed in an ambu­ lance and subsequently went into cardiac arrest and died. The incident is under investigation by the Michigan State Police. An officer was dispatched on a complaint of a stolen vehicle at 6:40 p.m. May 30 in the 11000 block of Stagecoach Drive in Johnstown Township. A 44-year-old Battle Creek man called police to say a vehicle he gave to his daughter was stolen while she was in the hos­ pital. At the residence of the daughter, a roommate told the officer a 37-year-old Dowling man had taken the vehicle. The officer then received a call regarding an accident involving a vehicle that matched the description of the stolen vehicle. The officer talked to the 36-year-old Lansing woman and 37-year-old Lansing man who had been in the accident involving the vehicle. They described the suspect, and said he had fled the scene. The officer found the suspect back at the residence on Stagecoach Drive. The man told the officer he was not driving at the time, but a woman he could not name had crashed the vehicle and driven away. The man was arrested for taking the vehicle, leaving the scene of an accident and three warrants for child neglect from Calhoun County along with one warrant for failure to appear in court from Battle Creek. Minor arrested for drinking before driving An officer observed a vehicle crossing the centerline on Yankee Springs Road near Deep Lake Road in Yankee Springs Township at 3:16 p.m. June 1. The officer smelled intoxi­ cants in the vehicle, and the 18-year-old Wayland driver tested for a 0.071 blood alcohol content, and his 20-year-old male passenger from Allegan tested at 0.139. The driver was arrested and processed, then released. Employee arrested for embezzlement A 41-year-old Hastings business owner called police May 28 to report one of his employees embezzling at the 400 block of Timberwood Drive. The man said $100 was missing from his employee clipboard, and that he never had issues with missing money until he hired the 29-year-old Hastings man. The officer interviewed the employee who confessed to taking the money before taking the $100 bill out of his vehicle and returning it to the business owner. The officer arrested the man, who also had a warrant for embez­ zlement from January. Man reportedly drove 125 mph while under the influence Police were called on a vehicle traveling 125 miles per hour on M-43 near the Hastings Walmart at 11:29 p.m. June 1. An officer who pulled over the vehicle on Center Street smelled intoxicants. The 22-year-old Hastings driver denied speeding or reckless driving, but admitted to having a loud exhaust. He tested at a blood alcohol content of 0.116. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 6, 2019 — Page 11 Vikings finish season as outright GLAC champs Brett Bremer Sports Editor - Typically the state champions are the only girls who get to celebrate on the final day of the season. But this wasn’t a regular season for the Lakewood varsity softball team, and it wasn’t a regular finale. , The Vikings clinched the outright Greater Lansing Activities Conference Championship by scoring a 13-1 win at Stockbridge in a make-up game at Stockbridge High School Thursday afternoon, two days after suffering a 5-3 loss to Portland in a Division 2 Pre­ District game to open the state tournament. Lakewood closes out the GLAC season with a 14-1 record, with that one defeat com­ ing May 3 by a 3-2 score against Stockbridge. The Vikings and Panthers split their confer­ ence doubleheader at Lakewood High School in early May, with the Vikings taking the opener 1-0 in eight innings. Stockbridge was hoping to earn a share of the GLAC Championship Thursday, coming into the ball game with a 12-2 league mark with one-run losses to the Vikings and Olivet the only blemishes on its record. The season had an unusual beginning as well, with Brent Hilley taking over as interim head coach after new head coach Rory Treynor stepped down just a couple games into the spring. “My first meeting with the team as head coach I let them know that we were picked to finish fourth in the GLAC,” Hilley said. “That didn’t sit well with them. That was a big moti­ vation for this team, especially the seniors. We knew we had the two teams picked to finish at the top late in the season. We had to win every league game leading up to the series with Stockbridge and Olivet to give us a chance. Our senior leadership kept the team focused to do exactly that. This team was determined to bring the GLAC title back to Lakewood.” Lakewood swept its GLAC series with Olivet last week. “All year long we have been able to sustain a tough loss and bounce back to play well the game after. We lost a tough pre-district game to Portland on Tuesday. Our team captains did a great job getting the team ready to play for the league title with just a day in between. “I certainly didn’t expect the offensive showing we had against one of the top pitch­ ers in the Lansing area (Emily Breslin). Stockbridge had two losses in league both by 1 run from us and Olivet. To come to their field in front of a large Stockbridge crowd and put up 13 runs was incredible. Our kids played hard from the first to last pitch.” Lakewood pitcher Morgan Stahl won the duel with Breslin, allowing just five hits. She walked one and struck out seven to set a new single season strike out record of 323 at Lakewood High School. Stevie Spetoskey struck out 317 for the Vikings in 2006. The two teams were knotted at 1-1 after one inning. Lakewood snapped the tie with two runs in the top of the third and then added six runs in the top of the fourth inning and four in the top of the fifth to finish off the five-inning win. . Senior centerfielder Ashtyn Livermore was 2-for-4 out of the lead-off spot for the Vikings with a pair of doubles. She stole two bases, scored two runs and drove in two runs. Hannah Slater had three singles and Emma Sullivan two for the Vikings. Emily Campeau doubled once and Savannah Stoepker, Maddie Mussehl, Olivia Lang, Morgan Stahl and Kyleigh Comer each singled once. • Sullivan drove in three runs and Stoepker and Comer had two runs and two RBI each. Stahl got the chance to set the new strike out record at Lakewood by setting down ten Portland Raiders in the Pre-District ballgame May 28. Lakewood ends the season with an overall record of 23-8. LEGAL NOTICES The Lakewood varsity softball team celebrates its outright Greater Lansing Activities Conference Championship after a 13-1 victory at Stockbridge Thursday to prevent the Panthers from earning a share of the conference title. Lakewood team members include seniors (front from left) Maddie Wickerink, Savannah Stoepker, Emma Sullivan, Jenna Warner, Maddie Mussehl and Ashtyn Livermore, as well as (back) head coach Brent Hilley, Hannah Slater, Emily Campeau, Morgan Stahl, Olivia Lang, Kyleigh Comer and coach Liz Campeau. Missing from photo is Celeste Yaw. DK/Martin boys qualify for trip to Katke STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28203-DE Estate of Margaret A. Strachen, Deceased. Date of birth: 08/16/1932. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Margaret A. Strachen, died 12/04/2012. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Deborah A. Gaus, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 1017 Mel Ave., Lansing and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 05/29/2019 Nicholas Garlinghouse P72150 4121 Okemos Road, Suite 10 Okemos, Michigan 48864 (517) 381-2663 Deborah A. Gaus 1017 Mel Ave. Lansing, Michigan 48911 (517)393-8781 120335 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on June 27,2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Donald F Clum and Kathleen L Clum, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mainstreet Saving Bank, FSB Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Lake Michigan Credit Union Date of Mortgage: March 11, 2010 Date of Mortgage Recording: March 16, 2010 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $20,148.85 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Hope, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot(s) 1, 3 and 4, Lakewood Estates, according to the recorded Plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 4 of Plats, page 19, Hope Township The redemption period shall be 1 year from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: May 30, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1386141 (05-30)(06-20) Seniors Tanner Janowski, Alejandro Guevara, Damion LaFountaine, Drew Ketola and Dominik Waase and head coach Jim Hogoboom from the Delton Kellogg/Martin varsity boys’ golf team celebrate qualifying for the Division 3 Lower Peninsula State Finals Wednesday at their Division 3 Regional Tournament hosted by Schoolcraft. The Delton Kellogg/Martin varsity boys’ golf team will compete in this weekend’s Division 3 Lower Peninsula State Finals at Katke Golf Club in Big Rapids after a third place finish at its regional tournament hosted *by Schoolcraft at the Olde Mill Golf Course “Wednesday (May 29). A group of five seniors, Tanner Janowski, Alejandro Guevara, Damion LaFountaine, Drew Ketola and Dominik Waase scored a 367 to earn the final team state qualifying spot ‘at the regional, finishing five strokes better than their SAC Valley rivals from Constantine who finished in fourth place. Guevara led the Panthers with a 90 at the 16-team regional, finishing in 11th place indi­ vidually. Janowski shot a 91, Waase a 92 and Ketola a 94 to contribute DK/Martin’s other scoring rounds. Schoolcraft won the regional championship with a team score of 355 and Dowagiac was .second with a 363. Constantine’s Brendon Patmalneks did qualify for the state finals as an individual earning medalist honors on the day with a score of 77. Maple Valley placed tenth at the regional as a team, getting 97s from freshman Owen Bailey and sophomore Christian “Buck” Schrader. Hillsdale’s Mitch Blank scored a 78 and Quincy’s Lawson Tell scored an 84 to earn the other two individual state qualifying spots. Constantine scored a 372 as a team, ahead of Hillsdale 375, Buchanan 378, Parchment 389, Hopkins 389, Berrien Springs 419, Maple Valley 420, Olivet 422, Quincy 429, Coloma 467, Niles-Brandywine 487, Comstock 538 and Watervliet NTS. Schoolcraft was led by a 79 from Parker Lawrence and an 85 from Max Desmond to capture the regional title. The Eagles also got a 95 from Myalz Berkheiser and a 96 from Bret DenHarder. Dowagiac got an 84 from Drew Phillips and an 89 from Matt Mosier. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads 120040 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on June 13, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Randy Miller and Patti Miller, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Household Finance Corporation III Foreclosing Assignee (if any): U.S. Bank Trust, N.A., as Trustee for LSF10 Master Participation Trust Date of Mortgage: August 12, 2005 Date of Mortgage Recording: August 19, 2005 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $121,499.48 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 12, Block 16 of Lincoln Park Addition, according to the plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, page 55, Barry County Records The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: May 16, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1384910 (05-16)(06-06) 118923 NOTICE SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN PC., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE - At Home R.E. LLC , granted a mortgage to Visio Financial Services, LLC, Mortgagee, dated January 31, 2018, and recorded on February 15, 2018, in Document No. 2018-001514, and assigned by said mortgagee to Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, d/b/a Christiana Trust, not in its individual capacity but soley as Owner Trustee of Residential Credit Opportunities Trust II, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Seventy-Three Thousand One Hundred Sixty-Five and 81/100 Dollars ($73,165.81). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the East doors of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on July 11, 2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: THE NORTH 62 FEET OF LOT 712 OF THE CITY, FORMERLY VILLAGE OF HASTINGS, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, ACCORDING TO THE RECORDED PLAT THEREOF, EXCEPT COMMENCING 70 FEET NORTH OF THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 712; THENCE NORTH 4 FEET; THENCE WEST 15 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 4 FEET; THENCE EAST 15 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING The redemption period will be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period will be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 600.3241 a(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of Act 236 of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, d/b/a Christina Trust, not in it's individual capacity but soley as owner Trustee of Residential Credit Opportunities Trust II Mortgagee/ Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman P.C. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1387000 (06-06)(06-27) 120808 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Lukas Laughry, married man, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns, Mortgagee, dated August 7, 2015 and recorded August 26, 2015 in Instrument Number 2015-008400 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by Fifth Third Bank S/B/M to Fifth Third Mortgage Company, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Eight Thousand Seven Hundred Forty-Five and 25/100 Dollars ($108,745.25), including interest at 4.25% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on JUNE 20, 2019. Said premises are located in the City of Hastings, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: Lot 18 and Outlet C of Plats of Broadway Heights, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 3 of Plats, Page 48, Barry County Records. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: May 23, 2019 File No. 19-004655 Firm Name: Orlans PC (05-23)(06-13) 119629 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on July 11,2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Michael Benson aka Micheal Benson and Stacey Benson, Husband and Wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Selene Finance LP Date of Mortgage: December 4, 2007 Date of Mortgage Recording: December 12,2007 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $123,714.44 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 4 and the West 8 feet 9 inches of the North 72 feet of Lot 5 of Block 7 of Lincoln Park Addition to the City, Formerly Village of Hastings, according to the recorded plat thereof as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats on Page 55. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: June 6, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1386517 (06-06)(06-27) 120441 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee for any reason. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest, and the purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Notice is hereby given that the below mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the Circuit Court of Barry County at 1:00 pm on July 11, 2019. Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Teresa M Cheeseman and Anthony E Cheeseman wife and husband Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Nationstar Mortgage LLC, its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Mr. Cooper Date of Mortgage: July 10, 2013 Date of Mortgage Recording: July 22, 2013 Amount claimed due on mortgage on the date of notice: $102,368.04 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in the Township of Rutland, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Lots 283 and 305 of Algonquin Lake Resort Properties Unit No. 2, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 2 of Plats on page 63. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or upon the expiration of the notice required by MCL 600.3241 a(c), whichever is later; or unless MCL 600.3240(16) applies. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: 06/06/2019 Potestivo & Associates, P.C. 310371 (06-06)(06-27) 120806 NOTICE CARLTON TOWNSHIP BUDGET HEARING Notice is hereby given that the proposed budget for Carlton Township for the 2019-2020 fiscal year will be submitted for consideration at a public hearing on Monday, June 10, 2019 at 6:30pm. THE PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE RATE PROPOSED TO BE LEVIED TO SUPPORT THE PROPOSED BUDGET WILL BE A SUBJECT OF THIS HEARING. The proposed budget is available for inspection at the Township Hall at 85 Welcome Rd. Hastings Ml 49058. Immediately following the public hearing a Township Board meeting will be held to consider adoption of the 2019-2020 fiscal year budget. Amanda Brown Carlton Township Clerk �Page 12 — Thursday, June 6, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Wild walk-off gets TK another district title After celebrating with teammates behind home plate, Thornapple Kellogg senior Evan Sidebotham (6) rushes to find some more out in the infield after scoring the winning run in the Trojans’ 6-5 walk-off victory against Allegan in the Division 2 District Final at Hopkins High School Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Thornapple Kellogg shortstop Isaiah Postma works to get the ball out of his glove to fire to first after forcing out a Hopkins baserunner at second during their Division 2 District Semifinal at Hopkins High School Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Evan Sidebotham strode a couple of steps off the bag at second and Levi Vanderheide worked his own lead off of first. Allegan pitcher Jayden Smith fired a low strike in on Thomapple Kellogg senior Matt McNee, working the count full after being in a 3-1 hole with their teams knotted at 5-5. McNee knocked Smith’s next offering towards the Tigers’ second baseman Tristan Jacobs - not quite hard enough to be a line drive and not quite high enough to be a pop up. That’s when all heck broke loose. The Thomapple Kellogg varsity baseball team clinched its third consecutive district championship, taking a 6-5 walk-off win over the Allegan Tigers in the Division 2 District Final at Hopkins High School. McNee’s batted ball glanced off the Tigers’ second baseman, who spun around to snag it. ”1 was looking from second,” Sidebotham said. “I had myself turned around. It hit off (Jacobs’) glove and then it hit the ground. I looked to Dylan (Podbevsek) and he was just sitting on the bag (at third) and then he took off for a little bit, and then he got back. I was confused.” From the Tigers’ dugout along the third baseline, the angle where the Allegan fans and Podbevsek were watching from, it appeared Jacobs had spun and snagged the deflection out of the air. Podbevsek initially broke for home from third, then turn back to the bag to tag up. Jacobs fired to Tiger catcher Hayden Kruithoff at the plate, forcing out Podbevsek. Sidebotham knew Podbevsek had been forced out at the plate, and broke safely for third. With his entire bench in his ear screaming for him to throw to first, thinking Jacobs had made the catch initially, Kruithoff fired the ball to first expecting to double off Vaderheide who’d rushed to second. “They were all confused if he caught the ball or if he didn’t catch the ball,” Sidebotham said. “I took advantage of the confusion and I just took off. My coach didn’t say go or don’t, but I just took off. At home plate I kind of just moved out of the way and got in.” It took a moment before the Trojans erupt­ ed in celebration and many of the stunned Tigers headed for their dugout still wondering what had happened or upset by it. The umpires made no signal for an infield fly. “That last play, I swear he caught it,” Podbevsek said. “I was all ready to sprint home, but then I saw him catch the ball and I was like I have got to go back. It was just the one thing that I had to do. Next thing I know, he throws down to home and I realize I messed up. “Then I see Evan coming up the sideline, just cookin’! When he touched that plate I knew it was all over. I was about to cry. There is no better feeling in the world. That was amazing. Seeing my coach like that, back-to- back-to-back, that must be a great feeling.” Before long, Sidebotham was lifted off the turf with his fists raised to the sky by Colson Brummel, who had been awaiting his turn in the batter’s box. Brummel, a junior, is the only Trojan play­ er who has been a part of the 2017, 2018 and 2019 district championships. Podbevsek, McNee, Sidebotham and Jordan Hey are the Trojans’ four seniors this spring, all a part of a district championship baseball team for the second time. TK was scheduled to head back to Hopkins Wednesday for its regional semifinal match­ up with Otsego, with the winner of that ball­ game moving on to Edwardsburg for regional final and super regional (formerly state quar­ terfinal) ballgames Saturday. The district wins over Hopkins (19-9) in the semifinals and Allegan (4-23) in the final were just the fifth and sixth wins of the season for the TK boys, who upped their record to 6-23 on the way to the district title. Allegan defeated Wayland 11-5 in its district semifinal Saturday morning before storms moved in postponing the rest of the tournament to Monday afternoon. “We were definitely the underdogs in this too for sure. We only had like five wins on the season, six wins,” Sidebotham said. “We had the mentality to come out. We had the heart to do it. The goal we set at the start of the season was to three-peat at districts, which had never been done at our school before. We came out and just got it done. We played with our hearts.” The Trojans and Tigers were back and forth throughout the late afternoon. Allegan took a 2-0 lead in the top of the first inning, only to have the Trojans jump in front with three runs in the bottom half of the innings. Allegan evened things up at 3-3 with a run in the top of the second. From there, Allegan pitchers Kruithoff and Smith and the TK starter Brummel matched zeroes until Allegan snapped the tie with two runs in the top of the sixth. TK got those two back in the bottom half of the sixth to send the game into the seventh tied at 5-5. Brummel allowed five runs, four earned, on six hits and five walks through six innings. He struck out four. Levi Vanderheide came on to start the seventh and walked the first batter he faced, bringing coach Hobert out of the dug­ out to quickly replace him. Isaiah Postma took over on the mound and promptly struck out the first two batters he faced and then got a pop-up that Sidebotham snagged in foul territory in front of the Allegan dugout. Postma is one of four sophomores in the Trojans’ regular starting line-up, and one of nine on the team. McNee was 3-for-4 with a walk and two runs in the win. TK had six hits in all, with Postma, Sidebotham and Brummel each sin­ gling once. TK also managed nine walks. Vanderheide had his team’s lone RBI. Sidebotham and Alex Bonnema scored two runs each. Smith, Kruithoff and Mason Sousley had two singles each for the Tigers. Kruithoff2for-3 with a walk and three RBi to lead the way. He scored once. Smith scored a pair of runs. Podbevsek started that seventh inning rally with a walk. Bonnema got a bunt down to sacrifice him over to second. The Tigers intentionally walked Sidebotham to set up forces around the bases. Vanderheide reached on an error to load the bases. “They just play hard. These kids have worked hard all year. Don’t even look at our record. We’re a better baseball team that what our record is,” TK head coach Jack Hobert said. “We just come together. These guys wanted another one. That’s three in a row. “We had great practices leading up to this weekend, you could see the kids were really focused. You can’t look at the record, if you look at the record you’re going to go ah, it’s a fluke, but these kids are better than that. they, just finally put it together. I always say dis­ tricts are a brand new season. Forget about everything else and that is what they did.” TK opened the afternoon in Hopkins with a 7-1 win over the host Vikings. , Junior pitcher Dawson Hamming held the k Vikings to one unearned run on four hits and/ four walks. He struck out two in the complete game win. TK had just three hits, a pair of singles byBrummel and one from Postma. The Trojans., made the most of six walks and six Hopkins. errors. . Brummel was 2-for-4 with a run and two RBI. Postma scored one run and drove in one. Sidebotham walked twice and scored twice.. Bonnema also walked once and scored a run. > Vanderheide scored once for the Trojans as well. j■ Brummel and Hey had one stolen base apiece. ,. Ezran Tehennepe was 3-for-4 at the platefor Hopkins, with a double and a pair of sin-' gles. Thornapple Kellogg senior Mathew McNee gets a jump off first as Allegan firstJ baseman Baylee Schafer breaks off the bag with the pitch during their Division 2Z District Final at Hopkins High School Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Rench captures first state medal in 300-meter hurdles Delton Kellogg junior Jordan Rench captured his first state medal Saturday at the Division 3 Lower Peninsula Track and Field Finals hosted by Jenison High School. Rench ran to a seventh-place fin­ ish in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles, hitting the finish line in 42.26 seconds. The top eight in each event at the state finals earn all-state honors. Rench was one of three Panthers to qualify for the finals, joining Nicolas Dumas who ran in the 100meter dash and Cole Pape who com­ peted in the discus. Rench set a new personal record in the hurdles race at the finals, and was six tenths of a second faster at the finals than he had been when he qualified for the state finals with a fourth place finish at regionals last month. Saugatuck senior Brad Dunn won that regional race, and Saturday’s state finals race. He took the 300meter low hurdles state champion­ ship in 40.18 seconds. His freshman teammate Benny Diaz was third in 40.77, just behind Roscommon senior Brenden Coulter who was the runner-up in 40.60. Dunn also won the 110-meter high hurdles Saturday in 14.63 sec­ onds, besting Caro senior Nathan Furst who hit the line in 14.64. Ithaca managed to edge the Saugatuck boys 45-44 for the team state championship, with PewamoWestphalia tied for second with Saugatuck with 44 points. Harbor Springs was fourth with 43 points. New Lothrop and Kent City tied for fifth with 33 points each. The Saugatuck boys were only about a second behind winning a state championship in the end. The team of Dunn, Connor Seifert, Benny Diaz and Collin Yarde closed out the long day in Jenison with a ninth-place time of 3 minutes 31.75 seconds in the 4x400-meter relay, the final race of the Finals. The time was .81 seconds behind the eight­ place time of the New Lothrop team that finished in the final scoring spot. The Pewamo-Westphalia girls took the championship in their com­ petition on the day, outscoring St. Charles 45 to 37.50 at the top of the standings. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads Delton Kellogg junior Jordan Rench earned all-state honors with a sixth-place finish in the 300-meter intermediate hurdles Saturday at the Division 3 Lower Peninsula Track and Field Finals hosted by Jenison High School. (File photo) �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 6, 2019 — Page 13 Trojans end 19-year district title drought Thornapple Kellogg varsity softball coach Tom Hudson passes off the district championship trophy to senior Kara Burbridge following the Trojans’ 11-5 victory over Wayland in the Division 2 District Final at Hopkins High School Monday afternoon. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Bella VanTil muscled the ball over the left Centerfield fence to take away Wayland’s only lead in her first at-bat. Ashley Snyder drilled a two-run home run over the left field fence and a solo homer to center in her final two at-bats to make sure the Wildcats never got the lead again. Those three home runs, by juniors in their third varsity season, powered the Thomapple Kellogg varsity softball team to an 11-5 victo­ ry over OK Gold Conference rival, and long­ time nemesis, Wayland in the Division 2 District Final at Hopkins High School Monday. Thornapple Kellogg head coach Tom Hudson passed off the district championship trophy to senior Kara Burbridge, after accept­ ing it from athletic director Brian Hammer, add it wasn’t too long afterwards that the TK ladies took their trophy out onto the baseball field at Hopkins High School to celebrate alongside the TK varsity baseball team that captured its third consecutive conference championship Monday. It is the first district championship for the TK ladies since 2000. Wayland also won a Division 2 district championship in 2000 one of 16 district titles for the Wildcats in the past 20 seasons. 'TK will travel to Edwardsburg Saturday for its Division 2 Regional Tournament where it will take on Vicksburg in the regional semifirrals at 10 a.m. Olivet and Stevensville Lakeshore meet in the tournament’s other semifinal match-up. Wayland got the jump on the TK ladies in the top of the second inning Monday, pushing across a run on four straight singles, including a couple of the bunt variety. TK managed to retire a pair of Wildcats on the base-paths without too much damage done. It was a sce­ nario that played out again and again through­ out the afternoon. TK starting pitcher Bre Lake set the Wildcats down 1-2-3 in the first inning, but the Wildcats managed to keep the base paths busy the rest of the day - stranding eight runners on base over the final six innings. That 1-0 Wayland lead didn’t last long. VanTil hit a solo home run with one-out in the bottom half of the second to tie the game. She said she had a bit of a fire in her, thinking the Trojans should have gotten out of the first inning without giving up a run. “I kind of just went at bat, cool and calm, breathing in, breathing out,” VanTil said. “It is always Wayland, our rivals, so I just wanted to get in there and just smack it. I saw that first pitch right down the middle and I just took a swing at it. It felt good. I rounded first and I see it over.” “It was pretty cool.” Snyder reached on a Wayland error right after the home run and eventually scored on a two-out RBI double from Carly Grummet to give the Trojans their first lead at 2-1. — The game-was- eventually 4-4 going into the bottom of the fifth inning before VanTil and Snyder started a five-run Trojan rally. VanTil doubled down the left field line with Thornapple Kellogg’s Bre Lake pitches during her team’s 11-5 win over Wayland in the Division 2 District Final at Hopkins High School Monday afternoon. (Photo by Brett Bremer) one-out and then trotted home on Snyder’s first home run of the ballgame. Burbridge then beat out a bunt single, Grummet doubled, and Burbridge scored on an RBI groundout from Maleah Bailey. Paige VanStee doubled home Bailey and then came home to score when the Wildcat centerfielder dropped a deep fly-ball from Shylin Robirds. TK 5-6-7-8 hitters VanTil, Snyder, Burbridge and Grummet scored nine of the Trojans’ 11 runs in the bailgame. “We have been pretty consistent lately. They moved the ball and hit it hard through the tournament and before it. You never rest,” Hudson said. “There were things happening on both sides. They saw the ball pretty good today and they hit it well. It’s good for them.” “It’s a good feeling for those kids and for the school.” VanTil and Snyder said a lot of work, both offseason work and extra time during the sea­ son, went into making the Trojan line-up a dangerous one from top to bottom. VanTil was 3-for-4 with two runs, two RBI and two doubles in die bmkgame, hitting out of the number five spot for the Trojans. Her home run was her first of this season. “We work offseason and on-season,” Thornapple Kellogg’s Ashley Snyder leaps a bat on her way to the plate to give her team a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the second inning against Wayland Monday. Snyder homered in her final two at bats in the [ /ision 2 District Final to help the Trojans’ secure the district championship with an -5 win over the Wildcats at Hopkins High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) VanTil said. “Coach (Jon) Greenman is always there for us, Tuesday and Thursday, and even Monday and Wednesday during offseason through the fall. Everybody wants to work hard, because we want that championship. We want to win. We want to be that team that makes'a difference in TK. “I think everybody understands that con­ cept of working hard, and hard work that will pay off. We have put in so much time and so much effort. Even people who were in sports in the winter, they came in and they worked hard, they did the weekends. They put in the time. They put in the effort and it really shows when we come out and play a tight, tight game.” Wayland? put togetherthreestraight singles Continued next page Union City ends Lions’ tournament run with big inning Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Union City bats came to life in the top of the sixth inning to pull away from the Maple Valley varsity softball team in the Division 3 District Semifinals in Union City Saturday. The host Chargers scored eight runs in the top of the sixth and then finished off of the 14-2 victory. Addie Ramey scored both Lion runs. She single to lead off the bottom of the second, stole second and third, and then came home and an RBI ground out off the bat of team­ mate Kaycie Schrader. Ramey was hit by a pitch in the bottom of the fourth, stole second and third, and came home on a wild pitch for the second run. The Chargers led 5-0 in the bailgame, scor­ ing twice in top of the first inning and three Maple Valley’s Addie Ramey takes off to steal second as a pitch flies towards the plate and Union City first baseman Hannah Blair looks on during the bottom of the second inning of their Division 3 District Semifinal in Union City Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Junior Kaycie Schrader pitches for the Maple Valley varsity softball team during its loss to Union City in the Division 3 District Semifinals in Union City Saturday morning. (Photo by Brett Bremer) more runs in the top of the second. It is the final varsity ball game for three Lion seniors, Elie Heinze, Sarah Lowndes and Gaia Consolazione, as well as sophomore exchange student Annika Braendbjerg. Lion head coach Mary Lesage saw the sea­ son as another solid one in building up the program. “You have to start from the bottom up though,” Lesage said. “They developed more of the throwing skills, the defensive skills, we still have some work to do with pitching developing a few more because Kaycie (Schrader) will be a senior next year.” No one grew as a softball player more than the centerfielder Braendbjerg, who Lesage said is a soccer player in her home country of Denmark, but wanted to try something in America that she doesn’t get to back home. “She was determined,” Lesage said. “She has wheels. She finally figured out how you catch a ball, even though it’s the Statue of Liberty catch, she’s catching those fly-balls. It is coming.” Braendbjerg had a couple nice catches in Centerfield during the district defeat. The Lions will have to find a new center­ fielder next season though, and a new catcher with Heinze graduating. Heinze singled in the bottom of the fourth inning and went to sec­ ond on a wild pitch, but was caught trying to steal third. She also singled in the bottom of the sixth. “Elie hit probably the best that she has hit all season today,” coach Lesage said. “We told her to adjust her hands, adjust her foot a little bit and come off the plate a couple of inches. Whether or not that is what is going on, mentally it helps them to refocus.” Karlie Dahms had a single in the bottom of the sixth as well for the Lions. Union City went on to fall 10-0 to Delton Kellogg in the district final. �Page 14 — Thursday, June 6, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Goal 50 part of Panthers’ first district victory The Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ soccer team celebrates its first-ever district championship after a 3-0 victory over the Leslie Blackhawks Thursday in the Division 3 District Final at Olivet High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor She couldn’t think of anything to do but scream after she scored her 48th goal of the season. She headed in a beautiful cross on a comer kick for her 49th. Delton Kellogg junior Holly McManus ripped a spot by the Leslie keeper from near the penalty shot for her 50th goal of the sea­ son and turned to celebrate with her team­ mates as they trotted back to midfield. There was still nearly three quarters of the Division 3 District Final left at Olivet High School Thursday afternoon, but those three goals by McManus in the first 23 minutes of play were the only three goals in a 3-0 victory by the Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ soccer team over Leslie - earning the Panther pro­ gram its first-ever district championship. The Panthers traveled to Livonia Clarenceville for their Division 3 Regional Semifinal match-up Tuesday, falling 1-0 to Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard to end the season with a 13-7-1 overall record. Delton Kellogg foreign exchange students Sonnah Solstrand and Selina Pinter, the only two seniors from Delton Kellogg on the team, Rustled off after team photos at the district final to begin preparations for their graduation ceremony at DKHS. The district final’s start time was pushed up to 3 p.m. to accommodate the team’s two seniors from Delton. Kassandra Wilson, one of four girls’ from Martin who have been playing for the co-op team, was the only other Panther senior this spring. Solstrand earned the assist on McManus’ first goal of the game. Junior defender Gabby Petto, who was charged with keeping a watch­ ful eye on Leslie’s top attacker Emma Smieska throughout the afternoon, booted the comer kick that McManus headed home for the sec­ Delton Kellogg junior attacker Holly McManus fights to get in front of Leslie defender Samantha Shaw (2) to get to the ball during their Division 3 District Final Thursday at Olivet High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Delton Kellogg defender Evelyn Zettelmaier arrives in time to take the ball of the toes of Leslie attacker Emma Smieska during their Division 3 District Final at Olivet High School Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Delton Kellogg senior exchange student Sonnah Solstrand moves the ball through the midfield during the Division 3 ' District Final against Leslie Thursday at-Olivet High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) ond goal of the game. Junior midfielder Amber Mabie sent the pass ahead, earning an assist, on the final tally. McManus, Amber Mabie, Petto and defend­ er Cassidy Tobias are four juniors who have contributed regular minutes to the Panther varsity since their freshmen season. “A lot of us juniors have played together since we were four, really young, and a few others from Martin have been playing togeth­ er since a really young age too,” McManus said. “I think it is one of the best things. It is the first time in Delton history and I’ve been able to do it playing with them. I have been playing with them my entire life. Coach Mabie has been my coach since I don’t even know when - a long time ago.” Coach Mabie said his daughter Amber and McManus played together on a Premier team based out of Portage last fall, and he saw a significant increase in her skills leading into this 50-goal campaign. The 50 goals is a sin­ gle-season record at DK. Amber set a new single-season assists record at DK with 25. “(McManus) has great instincts to get to the ball and she’s flat out fast,” coach Mabie said. “She has really come a long way just since last year with controlling it when she goes. It used to be it was just kick it real far and run. Now she actually is using foot skills to get by people and dribble it and placing the ball, getting a head on the ball to get a goal. She does really well on set corner kicks. She got one tonight. We had a couple the last game. She gets help from her teammates getting her the ball in the right spot.” Petto, sophomore Evelyn Zettelmaier, Tobias and the rest of the Delton Kellogg «WSline wer^;.pressured a lot, especially throughout the second half, but kept much of that pressure off of sophomore goalkeeper Kim Lipscomb. The Blackhawks fired 11 shots on goal. The defenders deflected away two of those, and Lipscomb made nine saves. Smieska had a few runs in on goal thwarted by last second arrivals by DK defenders, and the Panthers did a solid job of keeping her from finding clear footing to get a shot off on the numerous occasions she had too look for one around the to of the 18. “I think our defense was really talkative and communicated really well,” McManus said. “They didn’t give up at all. We knew they were going to be fast from the get-go. We watched them play earlier this week. We warned them and they stuck to it.” Coach Mabie agreed with his junior attack­ er’s assessment of the defense. “We watched (the Blackhawks) play when they played Parchment,” coach Mabie said. “We knew (Smieska) was the player theywanted to get the ball to, whether she scored or she fed somebody else, she was the one that started everything. I kept Gabby next to her and our defense stepped up big. They’ve stepped up big all year, but they really stepped up big and stayed in line. “We talked about how they like to run girls from the back side and we tend to forget they are there, and then they run across and score a goal. They didn’t do that today. They were ready to play today. We left school at 12:30 or something, but they were ready to go. The whole team played well.” With Amber in the group, coach Mabie said he has been coaching a handfill eflhe juniors on the team since they were a part of U6 and U8 AYSO teams. He said from there girls spent time playing at River Oaks in Kalamazoo and in Plainwell. He helped coach the team: Amber and McManus played for last fall. Kim Flaherty scored the only goal for Gabriel Richard in Tuesday’s regional semifi­ nal, midway through the first half. Goalkeeper Lainey Garbarz earned the shutout. Wilkinson and Spencer medal for TK ladies at D2 Finals Storms and delays made things tough on everyone for the most part at the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals in Zeeland Saturday, but Adrian sophomore Marr Day’Anna managed to breeze through the high jump competition to win the state cham­ pionship in the event. Thornapple Kellogg junior Claudia Wilkinson was one of five girls to tie for sec­ ond place in the event Saturday, earning all­ state honors in the event for the first time. Of the 20 competitors in the girls’ high jump, 18 made it over the bar at 4 feet 11 inches to open the day Saturday. Only half of those that remained cleared 5-2. Day’Anna flew over the bar on her first attempt at 4-11, 5-2 and 5-4 to win the state title. Wilkinson and the four others who tied for second place cleared the bar at 4-11 and 5-2 on their first attempt at each height, but couldn’t successfully compete a try at 5-4. Wilkinson had to wait through one 20-minute delay for an athlete to return from a run­ ning event before getting her jump in at 4-11. There was another two-hour delay because of lightning that postponed the athletes attempt­ ing to get over the bar at 5-2. Wilkinson was one of two Trojans to earn all-state honors Saturday for a top eight fin­ ish. Senior teammate Kaylee Spencer placed sixth in the 100-meter dash with a time of 13.09 seconds in another event fraught with delays. “She was just about to race when they sent the entire stadium to shelter for two hours to wait out the storm,” TK head coach Maggie Wilkinson said. “When we returned she had to warm up again and was rushed a bit to get started again. She stayed focused and really ran well to get out of prelims and into the finals.” In all, the state finals lasted nearly 12 hours. There were three different delays for lightning. “The girls did an amazing job and I could not be more proud of them,” coach Wilkinson said. “The weather and delays made for a very long day, but some wonderful bonding time.” Wilkinson also qualified for the state finals int eh 300-meter low hurdles, placing 16th in the event with a time of 49.08 seconds. Spencer added an 14th-place time of 1 minute 1.33 seconds in the 400-meter dash. The two medal-winning performances earned 7.2 points for the Trojan team, putting it in 30th place as a team on the day. Corunna bested Holland Christian 54-49 at the top of the girls’ standings to give the Cavaliers the state championship. Zeeland East was third with 37 points and East Grand Rapids fourth with 33, ahead of Bridgeport 31, Allendale 28, Frankenmuth 25, Forest Hills Eastern 23, Grand Rapids Catholic Central 23 and Williamston 22 in the top ten. Spencer and Wilkinson also teamed with Jacklyn Morgan and Stephanie Pitsch to place 19th in the 4x400-meter relay with a time of 4:13.17. Continued from previous page and a ground out to score one run in the top of the third, but TK answered with a lead-off double from senior Robirds and an RBI single by VanTil for a 3-2 edge. Burbridge scored on a pair of Wildcat over­ throws to lead off the bottom of the fourth after a ground ball to the right side. Wayland evened the ballgame at 4-4 with two runs in the top of the fifth. Wayland’s Kayla Reed led off the inning with a single and scored on a one-out double from Kennedy Cole. Cole came around to score on an RBI single from Rya VanderKooi - her second RBI of the ballgame. After TK took its 9-4 lead, Wayland tacked on one run against VanStee who came on in relief in the top of the sixth. She walked two and gave up an RBI single to Kayla Reed. Snyder homered again with two out in the bottom of the sixth, her sixth home run of the season. TK tacked on a final run with Burbridge singling into center and coming around on an RBI double from VanStee. “I’m so excited. I’ve wanted this, especial­ ly beating Wayland in the finals, it is so excit­ ing,” Snyder said. “They’re our arch nemesis. We have always been rivals, especially in softball. We tied with conference champs with them last year, so.” “It was a little nerve-wracking of course, but I knew that we could pull it off,” Snyder added. Lake returned to the circle in the seventh for TK. VanderKooi beat out an infield single, but Lake got a pair of fly-outs before her final pitch blew by the bat of a Wildcat batter into the glove of catcher Mo Sprague for a stike out to end the bailgame. Lake threw six innings for TK, allowing four runs on 12 hits. She struck out three and didn’t walk a batter. The Trojans and Wildcats shared the 2018 OK Gold Conference championship, with the Wildcats besting the TK ladies for a district championship at the end of the season. The Trojans captured the OK Gold Conference championship outright this spring with a sweep of a doubleheader with the Wildcats last month in Middleville. It was coach Hudson’s Wyoming Rogers team that ended the TK tournament run in 2000, besting the Trojans 9-0 in the regional finals on its way to one of six state finals appearances under Hudson’s guidance. His Golden Hawks won three state champion­ ships during his time with the program. The Trojans got their district semifinal in Saturday morning, besting host Hopkins 11-1 before storms moved through the area post­ poning the remainder of the district tourna­ ment to Monday afternoon. Wayland scored a 10-0 win over Allegan in its district semifinal match-up Monday . । 7 Lake belted a two-fun home run in the first inning to get things started for TK Saturday. Sprague had a single, a double and an RBI. Snyder had a single, a double and two RBI. Bailey knocked a two-run double. VanStee singled once, drove in two runs, scored two runs and stole two bases. Robrids drove in one run as well in the win over the Vikings. Their teammate Paige Zellmer also quali­ fied for the state finals in the pole vault, fin­ ishing her day with a top vault of 9-3. All three TK individual state qualifiers, Zellmer, Spencer and Wilkinson earned academic all­ state honors this season. Another vaulter, Lakewood senior Payne Hanna, was the area’s lone boy at the state finals. He finished 17th in his competition, clearing the bar at 12-10. Zeeland West won the Division 2 boys’; state championship with 53 points, ahead of Yale 37, Fruitport 33, Dearborn Divine Child 27, Corunna 26, Zeeland East 23, Coldwater 22, Wayland 20, Parma Western 19.5 and Forest Hills Eastern 19 in the top ten. Gold champs find net in final minutes of overtime The outcome was a bit better with each successive meeting, but never quite the result the Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ soccer team was hoping for in its three match-ups with OK Gold Conference champion Grand Rapids Christian this spring. The Eagles brought an end to the Trojans’ season with a 1-0 overtime victory in the Division 2 District Semifinals Wednesday in Byron Center. More than 95 minutes into what would prove to be a 100-minute contest Wednesday, an Eagle found the ball at her feet just outside the box. Trojan freshman keeper Tristen Cross, who played well all evening long, stuffed the shot. Her save rebounded beyond the end line, giving the Eagles a comer kick. Grand Rapids Christian junior Elizabeth Williams served a beautifully driven ball in front where sophomore teammate Becca Burrows got a head on it to redirect it into the Trojan net - breaking the scoreless deadlock about four minutes before it was forced into a penalty kick shootout to determine the winner. With just 4 minutes remaining and fatigue setting in the Trojans would try and push for one more chance, but would not find the equalizer. TK head coach Joel Strickland said his girls battled all evening long. “With heads held high they were able to walk off the field knowing they had left every­ thing on it,” he said. The Eagles won the first meeting between the two teams 3-1 in Middleville, and then scored a 3-2 victory over the Trojans in Grand Rapids late in the regular season From the very beginning Wednesday, TK’s defense locked in and limited the Eagles chances of scoring. The Eagles’ best opportu­ nities came from well outside the box for much of the afternoon. On the other end, the Eagles defensive backs remained strong like they have all year long and limited the attack of the Trojans. With great midfield play and possession of the ball the Trojans were able to find some gaps in the Eagles defense for a couple of great opportunities. Exhausted from a long season and extra time the Trojans dug deep and found a couple of opportunities early in the second overtime. A few breakaway chances were squandered by a bad first touch that would play right into the Eagle keeper’s hands. TK’s defense would remain strong, and although the back line of Kassidy Niles, Julia Curtis and Sydney Coffman would not conie out of the game they seemed to push through the fatigue. The Trojans finish their season at 10-8-2. The Wildcats patiently waited for their start Wednesday to score a 2-1 win over the host Byron Center Bulldogs in their semifinal match, and then knocked off the Grand Rapids Christian girls 2-1 in the district final Friday. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 6, 2019 — Page 15 Panthers clinch district with 30th victory Brett Bremer Sports Editor \ Decisions. Decisions. * The first thought was for a “we’re number one” celebration, with a single finger waving aloft. The second thought was for a two-fingered salute for back-to-back district champion­ ships. ; The final choice for team photos after the pelton Kellogg varsity softball team captured its second straight Division 3 District thampionship was for a three on the right hand and a zero on the left, signifying their 30 Wins so far this season. ; Delton Kellogg defeated district host Union City 10-0 in six innings in the district champi­ onship game Saturday, improving to 30-7 on Hie season with their two wins on the day. ‘ Panther junior pitcher Erin Kapteyn struck but ten Chargers, scattering five hits and a walk in the shut out victory. She threw all 13 innings for her team Saturday from the circle, earning the two wins. ! Delton Kellogg took an 8-4 win over Bronson in the district semifinals, after a 14-2 win by the Union City girls over Maple Valley to open the day. Junior catcher Katie Tobias was 4-of-8 at the plate with four runs scored and five RBI in the two games for the Panthers, belting a pair of home runs over the right field fence in the opener to push her team past the Vikings. Delton Kellogg returned every starter from its 2018 district championship team, that put together a 20-13 record, adding talented fresh­ man Aubrey Aukerman who opened the year as the team’s centerfielder and moved to shortstop late in the season because of an injury to Hailey Bucker - who has been the team’s DH in recent games. “It builds stronger bonds with people,” Tobias said of bringing back such a big group of ballplayers. “We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses more. We know how they like to be picked up and how they react to different situations. We understand each other more I feel.” The Panthers understand that Kapteyn typ­ ically gets better as a day wears on. “(Kapteyn) threw very well,” Delton Kellogg head coach Duane Knight said. “She could have hung her head after that first inning. They hit some balls decent and her defense failed her a little bit, but she has been doing that all year. If you’re going to get to her you’ve got to do it early. She gets stronger as the game goes.” Bronson took a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning of its semifinal bailgame. Kapteyn walked the first two batters she faced, hit the next one, and then gave up an RBI single and a run-scoring sacrifice fly. Another run scored on a DK error. Kapteyn only allowed one more walk and two singles the rest of the way against the Vikings until a home run by Karissa Gest in the top of the seventh inning. That home run accounted for the only run allowed all day by the Panthers after the three-run outburst in the day’s opening inning. “She has grown a lot with her pitches,” Knight said of Kapteyn. “She goes to a pitch­ ing coach weekly and trains with that. She has improved so much. That curve ball is out­ standing that she throws. She’s got to work on that change-up a little bit. It’s a little fast.” Delton Kellogg’s bats responded right away against Bronson. Aukerman singled and Tobias doubled with one out in the bottom of the first. They were still at second and third after a pop-out, but the Bronson shortstop bobbled a grounder by Kapteyn and they both came around to score. DK took the lead for good on Tobias’ tworun home run in the bottom of the third. Aukerman had a lead-off single in the inning and scored on the home run. Tobias was orig­ inally called out trying to advance to second on the hit as there was some initial confusion as to whether the ball was fair, foul or gone. An umpire’s conference determined it was a home run off the foul pole. Bronson got the next two batters out in the bottom of the third, but then a hit batter, an error and a walk loaded the bases. Bronson pitcher Lynsey Smith got DK’s Delanie Aukerman to strike out to end the threat, but the ball got away from the Viking catcher and with the Vikings throwing the ball around Hailey Buckner, Josie Lyons and Lauren Lebeck all came around to score. Tobias blasted a home run over the left Centerfield fence to make it 8-3 Delton in the bottom of the fourth inning. “The first inning with Bronson I was a little scared,” Knight said. “I was like man, this is not a good time to be doing this, but we got steady and got back into the game. We started hitting and our catcher has led us all year, pounding the ball.” Delton Kellogg scored two runs in the bot­ tom of the third, six in the bottom of the fifth, and then two more in the bottom of the sixth to end the district final with Union City early. DK had 12 hits in the district final, includ­ ing a two-run double by Tobias, an RBI single from Buckner, and an RBI double from Kapteyn that knocked the glove off of Union City third baseman Morgan Sanders in that fifth inning surge that put their team up 8-0. Union City quickly got the first two outs in the bottom of the sixth, but then Izzy Adams singled into left. Buckner followed with a single into left and the ball got away from the Chargers as they fired it back into the infield and Adams raced all the way around to score while Buckner slid safely into third. Lizzy Fichtner singled into right field to score Buckner and give the DK girls a walkoff ten-run win. Aubrey Aukerman, Buckner, Josie Lyons and Chloe Colwell had two hits each in the district final for DK. Tobias, Buckner and Kapteyn had two RBI each. Lily Timmerman walked once and drove in a run. Adams walked twice and Fichtner once. Aubrey Aukerman had one RBI, Fichtner one and Lyons one. Delton Kellogg will head to Coloma for its Division 3 Regional Tournament next Saturday, where they are will face the defend­ ing state champions from Coloma in the regional semifinals at noon. The Comets took two from the Panthers in a SAC crossover doubleheader last month, on what was not the Delton girls’ finest after­ noon. They expect to be better the second time around. Schoolcraft has also earned a spot in the regional, and will take on Centreville in the first regional semifinal of the day Saturday at 10 a.m. The Delton Kellogg varsity softball team celebrates back-to-back district championships after a 10-0 win over Union City in the Division 3 District Final in Union City Saturday. Team members are (front from left) Lily Timmerman, Hailey Buckner, Josfe Lyons?;'T5eTanre •Aukerman,TrTrTKapteyn, Lexi Blain? Maddie RossT(back) Izzy Adams, Ashton Ingersoll, Lizzy Fichtner, Katie Tobias, Lauren Lebeck, Aubrey Aukerman and Chloe Colwell. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Delton Kellogg’s Aubrey Aukerman slides safely into third base during the bottom of the first inning of her team’s 8-4 win over Bronson in the Division 3 District Semifinal in Union City Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) ‘Delton Kellogg’s Lizzy Fichtner accepts her district championship medal from delton Kellogg High School athletic director Mike Mohn following the Panthers’s 10-0 six-inning win over the host Chargers in the Division 3 District Final in Union City Saturday* Fichtner’s RBI single in the bottom of the sixth inning gave the Panthers a walk-off win. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Delton Kellogg junior catcher Katie Tobias watches the ball fly towards the right field corner for a two-run home run that gave the Panthers a 4-2 lead over Bronson in the bottom of the third inning of their Division 3 District Semifinal in Union City Saturday. The DK girls went on to an 8-4 win over the Vikings. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Vikes’ top scorers just shy of final state qualifiers Lakewood senior Caleb Farlee and sophomore Trevor Simon were just a few strokes behind the final individual state qualifiers at the Division 2 Regional Tournament hosted by Hamilton at Diamond Springs Golf Course Wednesday. .^Farlee led the Vikings with a a 78 to finishing off an outstanding varsity career at Lakewood, while Simon scored a 79 to finish 9ff an outstanding first varsity season. Byron Center won the regional championship, putting together a team score ©f 303 at the 18-hole event East Grand Rapids was second with a 310 and Wayland third with a 315. The top three teams and top |hree individuals not on those teams at regionals across the state this week earned spots in the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals next weekend. t Hastings was seventh as a team at the ?yent, led by an 83 from junior Alex Taylor and an 84 from junior Josh Brown. v‘Our placing today was right where I expected it to be, although I thought we should have shot a lower score,” Hastings head coach Bruce Krueger said. “There were some lapses in focus and some less than successful choices made under tough course conditions, but overall a successful day.” The Saxon team also got an 88 from sophomore Will Jensen and an 89 from junior JoshYi. Ionia senior Tyler Hausserman was the individual regional championship, firing an impressive 68. Zeeland East’s Davis Courtright scored a 72 and Allegan’s Remi Franklin a 75 to also qualify for the state finals. Grand Rapids Catholic Central was fourth as a team with a score of 323, ahead of Grand Rapids Christian 325, Holland Christian 332, Hastings 344, Zeeland East 346, Lakewood 350 and Thomapple Kellogg 354 to round out the top ten at the 19-team event. Austin Makley, a junior, added an 88 for the Vikings and fellow junior Maison Neustifter scored a 105. Thomapple Kellogg junior Nate Jansma led his team with a score of 85 and senior teammate Daniel Hannapel scored an 87. Trojan senior Blaine Rison was right behind his teammates with a 90 and sophomore CJ Crabtree added a 92. The regional champions from Byron Center were led by Connor Tear’s runner-up score of 72, a total that was matched by East Grand Rapids’ Will Robson and Courtright. The Bulldogs also got a 73 from Tanner Moore, a 77 from Alex Locke and an 81 from Brayden Elzinga. East Grand Rapids also got a 75 from Domonic Luciana, a 79 from Jack Seufert and an 84 from Sam Penney. Wayland was led by Rory Myers’ 74 and a 75 from Tyler Omness. Carson Sevigny added an 81 for the Wildcats and Rory Bessinger an 85. The Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals will be held June 7-8 at Forest Akers West Golf Course on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing. Making $50 Has Never Been Easier It pays to recycle. Let Consumers Energy pick up your working fridge or freezer, and we’ll send you a $50 rebate. Get even more when you recycle your air conditioner or dehumidifier along with your fridge or freezer*. We’ll handle the recycling, you’ll handle the reward. Schedule your free pickup by calling 888-990-2246. 'Limit, of four small appliances per year, Air conditioners or dehumidifiers may only be included with the recycling of a refrigerator or freezer Consumers Energy Count on Us& �Page 16 — Thursday, June 6, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Bronson boys beat up on Delton Kellogg in district final • 4 Delton Kellogg senior catcher Owen Koch leaps out from behind home plate to field a sacrifice bunt and throw out a Union City runner at first during the top of the sixth inning of their Division 3 District Semifinal match-up in Union City Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Delton Kellogg S chools Recognized by “U.S. News & World Report's in America's Best High School Rankings 2018 " “A small schoolfeel... Big school opportunities.” CHOOSE TO SUCCEED - CALL DELTON KELLOGG SCHOOLS Applications can befound at www.dkschools.org - 269-623-1501 Participating in Schools of Choice. School qf Choice application window is June 10 to September 6th. DKS PROGRAMS OFFERINGS Recently passed $23 million bond for technology and facility updates, including artificial turf fbotballfield-— iPads for all Kindergarten and 1st grade students Chromebooks for all 2nd-12th grade students New reading curriculum Kindergarten through 8th grade Elementary specials including Art, Music, STEM, PE Elementary afterschool program offered Preschool for 3 and 4 year olds Middle School Robotics and Drama Clubs offered College Prep Offerings • Rigorous academic courses • Twelve Advanced Placement course offerings that students may receive college credit for (AP courses listed below) • Newly designed modem science lab facilities • Multiple elective courses in all core content areas • New high tech computer labs equipped with MAC workstations • Fine arts courses including ceramics, drawing, painting, computer graphics, digital photography • Partnership with Koopers Marine and Yamaha for Marine engines repair • Dual enrollment opportunities with multiple colleges • Partnership with Battle Creek Math & Science Center > AWARD WINNING BAND >1:1 TECHNOLOGY PROGRAM - ALL Students have an iPAD or Chromebook Specialty Courses Offered • • • • • • • • Forensics Anatomy Physiology Astronomy Green Science Web Design Video Editing Electronic Publishing AP Courses Offered • • « • • • • • • • • • Delton Kellogg senior Keegan Kokx pitches during his team’s 2-1 victory owr host Union City in the Division 3 District Semifinals Saturday. Kokx earned the win in the semifinal, limiting the Chargers to three hits. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Bronson was the only thing that rained on the district Saturday of the Delton Kellogg boys. The Vikings scored an 11-1 win over the Panthers in the Division 3 District Final Saturday, preventing a district three-peat by the DK varsity baseball team. Delton Kellogg senior pitcher Keegon Kokx was phenomenal in the opener, holding Union City (14-16) to one run on three hits in a 2-1 Delton Kellogg victory in the district semifinals. Kokx took care of the offense as well, drill­ ing an RBI single to score Cameron Curcuro from second with two out in the bottom of the fourth inning against the Chargers. Kokx played a big part in his team’s second run as well, in the bottom of the six. Riley Roblyer earned a lead-off walk and went to second on a perfect sacrifice bunt by Owen Koch. Kokx followed with a single into right field that moved Roblyer to third. Kokx took off to steal second base after Union City subbed ace Larson Kever onto the mound to try and get out of the jam. The throw to thjjd from the Bronson catcher trying to catch Roblyer off the base got away though, and Roblyer raced home for a huge insurance run. Kever struck out the two batters he faced, stranding Kokx at second, but the damage had been done. Union City starter Brendan Stuchell was solid. The two runs against him were unearnp& He only allowed three hits and three waits in five innings while strilting^outdbur. Back-to-back singles and a ground-ball in the top of the seventh got the Chargers one run, but Kokx stranded the tying runner at first in the end. The 27-11 Bronson Vikings pushed a 5-1 lead to an 11-1 victory with six runs in the bottom of the sixth inning of the district final* Back-to-back walks to open the inning were followed by a three-run home run off the bat of senior Hudson Wotta in the sixth for the Vikings. Bronson scored its first two runs in the bottom of the first inning and then tacked pii two more int eh bottom of the fourth. Delton Kellogg had the bases loaded with one out in the top of the third inning, after a walk by Carter Howland, a single by Payton Warner and a single by Curcuro, but managed to push across just one run on a wild pitch. Curcuro was 2-for-3 in the defeat. Warner singled once, walked once and scored his team’s only run. Howland walked twice in the ballgame. DK ends the season with a 10-19 record. Literature and Composition Language and Composition Macro Economics Micro Economics Biology US History World History European History Art Environmental Science Statistics Calculus Offerings in the Trades • Cedar Creek Machine School college credits and specific training in machining via KCC (Kellogg Community College) at TNR Machining ’ Building Trades program articulated with Lansing Community College that allows students to earn 12 college credits and earn Construction certification, with a complete home being built every two years • RMTC- Regional Manufacturing Training Center, which is module based learning in trades including welding, robotics, HVAC, electrical, and others • KAMA program partnership with KCC and local manufacturing sites with employment opportunities upon completion » Trades programs including woods, metals, and automotive Extra Curricular Activities • • • • • • • • • • • Seventeen varsity sports competing in the Southwest Michigan Athletic Conference Robotics Club • Theatre and Follies • Equestrian Club • Outdoor Club • Green Team Student Council * Ski Club • Qiiii Bowl Interact Club through Rotary International Girls Softball - District Champions 2019 Girls Soccer - District Champions 2019 Boys Track and Field - Valley Division Champions 2019 Football - District Finalist in MHSAA playoffs 2018 Boys Baseball - District Champions 2018 Girls Swimming and Diving - Conference Champions 2018 Girls Basketball - District Champions, Honorable Mention Academic All State 2019 HS Robotics - Qualified for State Competition 2018 Delton Kellogg senior Max Swift takes a cut at a pitch during his team’s 2-1 win over Union City in the Division 3 District Semifinals in Union City Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-06-13.pdf 99287af90a09e4df23e8534da6ee4d98 PDF Text Text .te I tiKm ''a^gsM/49Q5; Mental health dominates county board meeting Growth of fake news is harming nation , J 9 49Q5t DK runners don t get home against Comets See Story on Page 6 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 14 m Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 804879110187 1070490102590501148349058195427 ANNER Hsings Public Librafy 227 Estate St y Hastings Ml 49058-1954 Thursday, June 13, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 24 NEWS BRIEFS Garden club hosting Extension specialist Drain fields need protection. And even just growing grass above a drain field still requires occasional mowing. But Beth Clawson, a specialist with Michigan State University Extension, has an alternative: Plant a flower bed. She’ll be speaking Thursday at the Thornapple Garden Club meeting, explaining why a flowerbed may work better than grass. The public is welcome at the meeting at the Episcopal Parish House, 315 W. Center St., Hastings. The meeting will begin at 6:30 with refreshments; the pre­ sentation will start at 7 p.m. The business part of the meeting will follow the pre­ sentation. Membership information for the club can be obtained through club president Janet Smith, 269-795-9109, or member­ ship chair Rose Ann Lipsch, 269-945­ 3242. Hastings Live kicks off fully this week Hastings City Band presented its sec­ ond concert, “A Night on Broadway” last night at the Thomapple Plaza in down­ town Hastings, kicking off the first full week of Hastings Live. The summer concert series provides free music for residents and visitors Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays. The first Playing at the Plaza program of the season is at 11 a.m. today, June 13, at the Spray Plaza. Mime Rob Reider will entertain youngsters and their families as he has been doing for 40 years. Fridays at the Fountain will kick off at noon June 14 with “Elvis” James McKay. Performances are on the lawn of the Barry County Courthouse. The first of the Friday Night Features will welcome vintage rhythm and blues funk band Valerie Barrymore (aka Queen of Funk) and the Foundation of Funk at 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Thomapple Plaza. All concerts are free, and guests should bring their own chairs or blankets for seating. State recommends program removal from BISD Luke Froncheck Staff Writer The Michigan Department of Education, calling into question financial practices by the Barry Intermediate School District, is recom­ mending that the Great Start Readiness Program be removed from district manage­ ment. The recommendation was triggered by a fiscal review of early childhood programs at the BISD. “Numerous internal financial control and noncompliance issues were identified,” Martin Ackley, director of the MDE’s Office of Public and Governmental Affairs, said. “MDE is recommending another intermediate school district take over the financial and administrative responsibilities for the Great Start Readiness Program and Great Start Collaboratives in Barry County. “This move will not diminish the delivery of early childhood programs and services to the families and children of Barry County. “Barry ISD has the right to respond to and appeal the findings within 30 days,” Ackley said. Superintendent Richard Franklin said the Barry ISD has until June 20 to appeal, but that decision has not yet been made. “We’re ready and willing to fight for the GSRP program,” Franklin said. “We think the program is important, and another ISD won’t be able to deliver it as well as we do. We are the best ones to do it. I’m not aware of anoth­ er ISD that wants to come in and take it. “We don’t believe we’ve done anything wrong.” The Great Start Readiness Program has a staff of 16 and serves pre-kindergarten stu­ dents from Delton Kellogg and Hastings school districts. The MDE fiscal review summary stated: “Given the significant mismanagement of the GSRP funds as documented during this fiscal monitoring spanning two program years, in addition to the exhaustion of GSRP funding with no provision for the start of the 2019-20 school year, the Program Office recommends the funding allocation for the Barry ISD catchment area be awarded to an ISD with geographic proximity and demonstrated capacity to operate/manage successful, high-quality GSRP classrooms.” Franklin disagreed with the state’s findings. “If they’re alleging that we overspent, they only give us X amount of dollars,” he said. “If we overspent, we’re spending our dollars. “We can’t overspend state dollars because they only give us so much.” In its review, MDE reported a total of $129,059 in questioned costs and $34,849 in misclassified costs. It also stated that, in response to the expect­ ed shortfall for funding in the 2018-19 grant year, the Barry ISD reported freezing discre­ tionary spending in February, as well as — “We can’t overspend state dollars because they only give us so much.” Richard Franklin, BISD Superintendent reducing the hours of associate teachers. In addition, no further supplies were to be pur­ chased, plannea staff professional develop­ ment was canceled, and the Early Childhood Contact contract would not be renewed, effec­ tive June 30. The fiscal review also stated that, although sufficient funds are available to meet payroll obligations for teaching staff for this school See BISD, page 9 YMCA gets final approval for $1.2 million project Joan Van Houten Staff Writer The Rutland Charter Township Planning Commission gave its final approval of a spe­ cial use permit for YMCA Camp Algonquin. With the permit, a $1.2 million improve­ ment project will launch about one year after the plan was publicly announced. “When this property was originally being developed, it was zoned parks and recre­ ation,” Barry County YMCA executive direc­ tor Jon Sporer told the planning commission. “Six months ago, the area was rezoned medi­ um-density residential, and that included Camp Algonquin. We needed the special-use permit from the Rutland Planning Commission to allow us to offer the types of services and activities the camp is meant to do. And we couldn’t start the improvements until we were given that permit.” Improvements had been scheduled to begin in mid-October 2018 and completed just before the start of summer camp activities. But zoning issues delayed construction for nearly a year after two years of planning and fundraising. The project is now scheduled to begin in late August and expected to be com­ pleted by the end of this year with small details remaining to be completed next spring. See YMCA, page 12 Improvements at Camp Algonquin are scheduled to begin in October. Garage Works combines classic cars with career possibilities HHS alumni gearing up for banquet The Hastings High School classes of 1944 and 1969 will celebrate significant anniversary years at the Aug, 23 alumni banquet. The class of 1944 will mark its 75th year since graduation, and the class of 1969 will celebrate its 50th year since that milestone. Members of these classes - and all others from Hastings High School - are invited to attend the alumni banquet the Friday of Summerfest, Aug. 23, at the First Presbyterian Church. Tickets will be available June 15 at Hastings Public Library, the General Store on South Jefferson Street, and from alumni board members for $25 per ticket. Nominations are open for Alumnus of the Year, which will be presented at the banquet. Any Hastings graduate may be nominated. Those wishing to nominate an alumnus are encouraged to send a letter detailing the reason for the nomination. Supporting letters also may be sent for the nominee. The letters will then be reviewed by the alumni board, which will select for Alumnus of the Year. Letters must be submitted by July 15 to Lois Bowers, Board President, 102 E. Clinton, Hastings, MI 49058. PRICE 750 Baums digging for hospital expansion Dave Baum and his mother, Earlene Baum, lift shovels at the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Baum Surgical Center at Spectrum Health Pennock in Hastings. See story, page 2. Garage Works, a program launched by the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners, celebrated this year’s graduates with a special ceremony Monday, when the high school age participants received their certificates. Shown here, front row (from left) are: Larry Roberts, Michael Briggs, Sarah Wheeler, Jackson McCarty, Pharoah Clark and Merlyn Olsen. In the back row (from left) are: Clara McFarlan, Jager Dome, Jacob Onderlinde, Jacob Brenke, Ethan Olmstead, Eli Beck, Cole Leonard and Cody Whitman. Not shown are J. J. Lammers, Isaac Miller, Morgan Kimber and Crystal Crookshank. Since 2009, dozens of students have graduated from the after-school program. For more information on the Garage Works program see Saturday’s edition of The Reminder. (Photo by Luke Froncheck) �Page 2 — Thursday, June 13, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Construction of $12 million surgical center underway Sheryl Lewis Blake, past president of Spectrum Health Pennock, and Fred Jacobs, .CEO of J-ad Graphics, at the groundbreaking ceremony. Jim DeCamp and his mother Margaret attend the groundbreaking ceremony at W" ■*' ■' • Spectrum Health Pennock in Hastings. Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Bulldozers and backhoes are moving earth at Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital, prepar­ ing for the construction of a $12 million stateof-the-art surgical center. A formal ground­ breaking took place last week at the site to commemorate the start of construction. The projected completion date is late summer 2020. Spectrum Health Pennock first announced development of a new surgical center in part­ nership with the Spectrum Health Pennock Foundation at Pennock’s 95th anniversary celebration in June 2018. Angela Ditmar, president, said the project would not have been possible without the support of the community. She thanked the Spectrum Health Foundation Pennock that committed $8 million and another $3.5 mil­ lion in pledges. The hospital has raised 84 percent of the funding goal and launched a campaign to raise the remaining $68,000 needed. “I want to thank the Baum Foundation, DeCamp Foundation, the Coleman family and the many others who have played a huge role in making this center a reality for Barry County residents,” Ditmar said. “I wish I could thank everyone by name, but that would take the entire day and more.” The speakers at the groundbreaking event included representatives from the Baum, DeCamp and the Coleman families, surgical staff and the Spectrum Health Pennock Foundation. Janine Dalman, executive director of Spectrum Health Foundation Pennock, listed new and expanded care offered by the hospi­ tal in recent years through philanthropy such as dialysis at the Baum Center for Health, cancer care, robotic surgery, the family birth­ ing center and telemedicine. “It is because we are now a part of the Spectrum Health Foundation, we can say that 100 percent of gifts made to Spectrum Health Pennock remain here. “And, because of philanthropy, we can help the underserved with transportation costs, nutrition and diabetes counseling and the cost of medications,” Dalman said. “And now, this surgical center is being funded through a combination of hospital reserves, Pennock Foundation reserves and new philanthropy.” Dave Baum, speaking on behalf of his father Larry, who could not be present, said, “When Pennock became Spectrum Health Pennock, a friend asked my dad if he was going to continue supporting the hospital even though the name changed. If you know my dad, you know he has no filter. He said, ‘Why wouldn’t I? I don’t care whose name is on it.’ A rendering of the future surgical center shows the private entrance to the facility. A drawing of the planned operating rooms shows the layout of the new state-of-the-art equipment and the aded room surgical staff will have. “This effort is extraordinary and much needed.” Jim DeCamp, DeCamp Foundation Dan King, community development director, shares how his fight with cancer was the catalyst for becoming involved with the Spectrum Health Foundation Pennock. He has always been a big supporter of provid­ ing the best health care in Barry County.” The 19,000-square-foot surgical center will be situated on the west side of the existing structure. It will have private halls, private rooms and a separate drive-up entrance and exit, providing patients a discreet experience during their most vulnerable time, Ditmar said. There will be three operating rooms, 15 private patient rooms, five recovery bays and two endoscopy suites. In addition to improved patient flow and privacy, the operating rooms will increase in size to accommodate the advanced technolo­ gy equipment that the existing rooms cannot support, and the spaces will increase from 400 square-feet to 600 square-feet which is the current industry standard. Angie Ditmar, president of Spectrum Health Pennock, thanks the contributors who made the new surgical center possi­ ble. Dr. Andrew Parsons said the state-of-theart center will greatly affect the ability to attract highly skilled surgeons and provide the best in outpatient surgery care. Jim DeCamp, representing the DeCamp Foundation, said, “This effort is extraordinary and much needed.” Several parking spaces will be lost at the hospital due to the westside addition of the new surgical center, and 75 parking spaces at Fish Hatchery will be used Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. by first-shift hospital employees. In lieu of rent for the parking spaces, Spectrum Health Pennock is paying for sever­ al improvements to the parking lot at the Fish Hatchery that are nearly complete. Improvements include milling and resur­ facing the entire parking lot, adding several lights and installing lighting and cameras on a path between the parking area and the hospital for safety and security. The cost to complete the Fish Hatchery project is approximately $200,000. “At the time I was approached to become co-chair of the Spectrum Health Foundation Pennock, I wasn’t really sure it was some­ thing I wanted to take on, but not long after being asked, I was diagnosed with stage three colon cancer. It was a turning point for me. Going through what I did and seeing how my family was affected, I decided I could bring value to the foundation using that experience, and I could act and advocate for patients,” Dan King, Hastings community development director, said. “This surgical center will be a tremendous resource for our residents.” When Dalman spoke, she took the opportu­ nity recognized past board chairman Mike O’Mara who dedicated nine years to the foun­ dation. When he left the board in September 2018, he became a member of the surgical center capital campaign committee. O’Mara died in December 2019. Dalman said, “Mike was a mentor to me. He knew how to run a meeting and was instrumental when we began the deci­ sion-making path to integrate with Spectrum Health Foundation - a decision that has given us access to greater resources to grow philan­ thropy in Barry County. “I spoke with Paige, his wife, shortly after he passed away. I remember her laughing and saying Mike was large in many ways - and giving of himself to others was one of the ways he was large. On behalf of the founda­ tion board, I would like to say. ‘Thank you, Mike, for your dedication and for being large for Pennock.’ ” Gergen named city’s director of public services Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Hastings native Matthew Gergen is the new director of Hastings Department of Public Services. The city council Monday selected Gergen to fill the position that opened after former director Lee Hays resigned in March. “Myself, Deputy City Manager Jerry Czarnecki and Chief [Jeff] Pratt interviewed several applicants, and we agreed Matt is the person for this job and a terrific addition to the team,” city manager Jeff Mansfield said. “So, our recommendation is to approve Matt as the director of our public service depart­ ment.” Gergen has a bachelor’s degree in construc­ tion management from Michigan State University. “He has extensive experience in the field of commercial construction,” Mansfield said. Gergen was employed with Rockford Construction and Lakewood Construction for several years as a project superintendent working on large projects in the private and public sectors. “I’ve known Matt a long time,” council member Don Smith said. “He’s a good guy, and I think he is a great choice.” The motion to approve was unanimously approved. Therese Maupin Moore was absent from the meeting. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 13, 2019 - Page 3 Flooding woes, costs spur Watson Drain residents’ questions After attaching the intake portion of the pipe to the blue plastic barrel, Tyler Schut rows out into the lake to place it a short way from shore. The pipe is supported by the blue barrel. The pipe that carries the Crooked Lake water under Delton Road, at left, is attached to two sections of pipe that move the water to the diesel-powered pump that forces it uphill to the basin that holds the water. Luke Froncheck Staff Writer More than $544,102 has been spent thus far on attempts to stem the flooding on Crooked Lake, about 225 residents were told at a pub­ lic information meeting Saturday. The session lasted nearly four hours as Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull and engineers Brian Cenci and Nick DeSemplare reported on the status of the proj­ ect in the Watson Drain District. “All I do is work on drain projects,” Cenci said. “I’ve worked for 15 different county drain commissioners over the last 19 years. I’ve worked on over 200 different petition projects like this. “Drain projects take a long time. I can say this is probably the most difficult and chal­ lenging one from an engineering, legal, and political perspective as far as easements and such.” The office of the drain commissioner pro­ vided a handout that projected all those who would foot the bill for the drain project. An at-large assessment would include the Michigan Department of Transportation for benefits to state roads. Barry County would be assessed for benefits to county roads. Barry, Hope, Prairieville, and Orangeville townships would be assessed for benefits to public health. And all property owners within the drain district for “benefits derived” would pay an assessment. “If you’re included in the district, under the initial notice that means that you may be lia­ ble for an assessment at the end,” Cenci said. “That initial district was over expansive to include all properties who may benefit. Any person who contributes water runoff to the problem will pay under the Drain Code. Properties that benefit more from the work or the solution pay a higher assessment.” A lawsuit, filed by 10 Crooked Lake prop­ erty owners in March and dismissed in Barry County Circuit Court on May 29, created some concerns among county officials about how questions should be answered. “It’s hard to remember the goal of draining the pond when you’re up to your tail in alliga­ tors,” Barry County resident Charles Krammin said at the June 8 meeting. That meeting, which took in the Delton Kellogg Middle School Gymnasium, provid­ ed residents with information from the project team. A focal point of the discussion conduct­ ed by the engineers was the pumping into the detention basin created on the former Darrell Jones property north of Delton Road. “We expect it to lower Upper Crooked Lake about 3 inches,” Cenci said in an inter­ view with The Hastings Banner Monday, “but that is assuming very little infiltration from our retention area. If it stays like it has been or we get better infiltration, we may get closer to 4 inches of relief from the water in Upper Crooked Lake. “In the case of the Delton Road property, based on geotechnical borings and some of the initial earth excavation for creation of the impoundment area, we anticipated getting a decent infiltration rate from our pumped water down into some of the sand and gravel seams within that are present within our impoundment area.” “In reality, to start off, we’re getting better results than we anticipated for infiltration,” Cenci said. “In roughly three days of pumping at around 1,200 gallons per minute, we have not noticed an increase in the base water level of the unregulated pond in the middle of the retention impoundment area that we’re pump­ ing into.” Cenci and Dull worked with DeWind Dewatering of Zeeland. “DeWind handles all the work associated with their pumps, 24/7...the refueling, main­ tenance, etc,” Cenci said. “If it breaks down or a belt snaps then they are on it immediately at any time of day or night - and that is important when you’re running high-volume flood relief pumps for emergency situations like we are.” One of the questions asked by residents of the Watson Drain District was what caused the flooding. A major impact on Crooked Lake, Cenci told the gathering Saturday, is the develop­ ment on and around the lake over the last 100 years. Even if each house built or reconstruct­ ed added only l/100th of an inch to the lake yearly, he said, as more and more houses have been built, that number has continued to rise and contribute to the water level. As more development occurred, the natural flood relief areas began to disappear, he said. Cenci provided aerial photos of Crooked Lake dating back to 1938 to show the devel­ opment has changed the lake. “The little changes add up.” In addition, he said, nine of the last 14 years have received above-average rainfall which was cited as an additional contributor to the problem. “Upper Crooked Lake is essentially a bath­ tub with no drain,” Cenci said. “We need to push through the bathtub. Without interven­ tion, the water level can only go down through infiltration and evaporation. It’s death by a 1,000 paper cuts.”, \ The presenters at the meetihg said a long­ term solution still being explored would com­ bine a surface water release to the north through the Delton Drain and the installation of infiltration ponds to the south. “We’re trying to find the solution that gets the biggest bang for our buck,” Cenci said. “It has to work. It has to have fail-safes.” Cenci said there will more than likely be another informational meeting when a more concrete plan for a long-term solution is in place. He said they now have a system in place that gives Dull and the engineers updates on the lake level every five minutes. Sandbags are available to residents at the Barry County Road Commission, 1725 West M-43, or at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 South Norris Road. Sand is available at the Delton Road (former Jones property) con­ struction site. Residents who need help filling or carrying sandbags are encouraged to call 2-1-1 for assistance. At the conclusion of the meeting, residents were given the opportunity to ask more ques­ tions and make comments. “I thought it was way too much history,” East Shore Drive Resident Deb Engelhardt Tyler Schut of DeWind Dewatering in Zeeland tightens the piping the runs north under Delton Road, foreground, to the intake manifold that will combine the two intake pipes that will be floating in Crooked Lake, shown in the background. said after the meeting. “It was nothing to do with our current crisis. It basically was a seminar on Crooked Lake history and build­ ing issues regarding the Watson Drain. You could tell that a majority of people felt the same way as over 75 percent of a packed gymnasium left halfway through the presenta­ tion.” “I think it was very obvious that they (Dull and his team of engineers) were very guarded or cautious about what or how they responded to questions that were submitted,” she noted. “Hard to believe that Mother Nature has put over 7 feet of water in our lake in a relatively short period of time.” Q&A from Watson Drain Informational meeting Here are some of the questions (in bold­ face) covered at Saturday’s meeting for Watson Drain District residents. The answers, some of which are condensed here, were given by Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull, Watson Drain District Attorney Doug Kelly, ENG Engineer Brian Cenci, and ENG Engineer Nick DeSemplare. Why would we be taxed when we do not live on the lake? We are taxed as agricul­ tural with farm land all around us. We chose not to live on the lake! Brian Cenci: “If you’re included in the dis­ trict under the initial notice, it means you may be liable for an assessment at the end. That initial district was over expansive to include all properties that may benefit. Anyone who contributes water is partially responsible for the problem and, under the Drain Code, helps pay. Assessments are based on benefits derived. Properties that benefit more, or have a larger problem, having a larger benefit, pay more.” The water from Crooked Lake pours out of the pumping system onto a plastic sheet, then into the basin that will hold the excess water. In a document dated 4-29-18 a map shows a green line showing existing Watson Drain District Boundary (1,760 acres) and a red line showing a proposed Watson Drain Drainage Boundary (6,850 acres). Was this increase in area of the Watson Drain Boundary approved? If so, when? By whom? What was the process? Brian Cenci: “That map is essentially the map provided to the Board of Determinations . It was a three- member board that decided whether the petition proceeded forward or not under the Michigan drain code. Jim (Dull) had nothing to do with it. We (ENG) proposed the boundaries for those who may be liable for an assessment. We did go beyond what we thought the boundary was to make sure that, when we got done with the solution, if some­ one received a benefit from the solution they would then pay for the cost of it. If we don’t notice people up front, we can’t assess them at the end. That district is going to get smaller because there will be properties that have zero assessment.” How many inches is this pumping plan on Upper Crooked Lake going to drop the water level on Lower Crooked Lake? Brian Cenci: “A little over 3 inches” Being that decisions made by elected officials have rendered my property use- See QUESTIONS, page 7 �Page 4 — Thursday, June 13, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you In My Opinion see? A garage door works Growth of sfake news’ is harming nation A Cope’s gray tree frog was not green ’ Saturday when this photo was taken, nor was it on a tree. It seemed to prefer the ■ shady side of a fiberglass garage door. The Cope’s species can change color from gray to green to mottled, more closely resembling tree bark. We’re dedicating this space to a photo­ graph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? Going abroad Banner May 13, 1965 To go abroad - Nine Hastings High School students are scheduled to go abroad during the summer under the Rotary Club’s exchange program. The students, who pay some of their own expenses, include (seated, from left) Carolyn Bachelder, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Elwood Bachelder, 134 W. Clinton, going to Holland; Gayle Barlow, daugh­ ter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Barlow, Leach Lake, to Germany; Evelyn vonReis, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Erik vonReis, 1402 S. Broadway, Ireland; Carol Sweet, . daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Stewart Sweet, 721 W. Madison, Denmark; (standing) Lee Belfield, son of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Belfield, 888 W. Walnut, going to Finland; Jan Springer, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Springer, 236 W. South St., to England; Kay Halbert, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Halbert, Route 4, Battle Creek, to Spain; Kathy Gaskill, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Gaskill, Dowling, to Japan; and Mark Engle, son of Mr. and Mrs. Vernon "Snap” Engle, Woodlawn Ave., to Sweden. Have you met? Bob Branch was born and raised in Hastings and graduated from Hastings High School in 1948. He still holds the school’s record for the 220-yard dash. He was all­ state four years in a row and was all-state in the high jump as a freshman. He was the first freshman in school history to place in a state track meet. “I specifically remember the horrible, ugly, white uniforms we had to wear for track,” Branch said. “I’m pretty sure they were Navy reject underwear. We had the best team in the worst uniforms.” But those years made good memories for Branch. He recalls wonderful times running on the half-mile dirt track at the old fair­ grounds, now the Kmart Plaza. Branch and many other record holders were recently recognized during a presentation of two record boards at Hastings High School. “It was nice to meet some younger record holders like Tom Duits and Ryan Burgdorf, and learn of their accomplishments,” Branch, now 88, said. ‘ Branch attended Kalamazoo College and was drafted into the U.S. Marines during the height of the Korean War. He was in boot camp at Parris Island, S.C., where he said it was a growing, maturing experience. “I’m not sorry I got drafted,” Branch said. * “I’m proud to have been a part of it.” Branch did not go overseas, but was assigned to do office work for an air wing at Cherry Point, N.C. He will proudly tell sto' ries of his baseball team being base champs. He was transferred to Miami and helped to reopen the Opa-Locka base and get it run­ ning again. In 1955, he married Leslie Hawthorne and ? went on to be the father of five children. He worked for Citizens Insurance Company, where he started as a claims adjuster and ended up being claims manager of the Western Michigan office in Grand Rapids for more than 20 years. He took up running again at age 42 and completed several lOKs. He continued to run into his 50s, but had to stop because of health problems and surgeries. For his service, longevity and long-stand­ . ing track record, Branch is this week’s Bright Light. Favorite movie: “Heaven Can Wait,” Person I’d most like to meet: Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain) because of his sense of humor. He seems like he would be enjoyable to interact with. Favorite vacation destination: The Black Hills are very diverse, and the Badlands are so interesting. I was completely surprised by them both. They were no what I expected. But I really am working on my “bucket list” now. I plan to visit Yosemite this fall. Greatest song ever written: The “StarSpangled Banner” still gives me goosebumps when it’s played. What I’d tell a high school graduate: Bob Branch with Don Ameche and Gene Tierney. It’s a 1940s comedy I saw the first time at the Fox Theater in Detroit. I got to go in the projec­ tion room and watch it with my dad. He owned the Strand Theater in Hastings when I was a child. Best advice ever received: When I was in the service, my father told me to always do my best. First job: I worked at the YMCA as a counselor the first year it was open. Bob King was the director at that time, and I worked there for over seven years. He was a great guy. He was also my baseball and track coach at HHS. Favorite TV program: Turner Classic Movies Favorite teacher: My favorite teacher wasn’t at school. He was my first boss at Citizens Insurance. His name was Jack Rice and he was the most patient man I have ever met. I was such a rookie. My second boss was very different, but also a great teacher. His name was Dick Brewer. The choices you make dictate the life that you lead. Best gift I ever received: My wife, Leslie. She passed away in 2016. We were married 61 years. If I could change one thing: I would have shorter term limits on everyone in govern­ mental position. I’m most proud of: My family; my chil­ dren. They were all raised in Grand Rapids. Three still live in Michigan, one in Minnesota and one in Mississippi. Favorite childhood memory: We lived across from Central School and I played on the playground like it was my own. I remem­ ber the little white school house and the coal yard. When I was about 10 years old, I was sledding down the snow-covered coal pile and suddenly couldn’t stop. I went directly through the opening into the school base­ ment boiler room. It about gave me a heart attack. I quickly looked around to see if any­ one was there to witness and then ran upstairs and out of that building as fast as I could. I thought for sure I was going to get in trouble. Something about me most people don’t know: I can’t tell, because then everyone would know (grin). Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email riews@j-adgraphics.com. As a newspaper publisher from a family that’s been in the business for nearly 75 years, I find it frustrating to be unfairly judged by Americans who look at all news organizations as purveyors of “fake news.” That’s not a term I - or any citizen of a free country - should take lightly. In a report issued in 2016 and titled “Many Americans Believe Fake News is Sowing Confusion,” the highly respected Pew Research Center stated that more Americans view made-up news as a bigger problem for them than concerns about terrorism, illegal immigration, racism or sexism. What’s passed off as news today, after experts dig into the information, often is found to be part of slick and contrived mar­ keting campaigns. Rather than a factual examination of issues, this “news” is expertly crafted to promote a specific agen­ da or philosophy. It emanates from opinion rather than a careful consideration of facts. And it divides people. To our detriment, it also distracts us from the bigger concerns to which we should be directing our atten­ tion and resources. As wonderful as social media has been in providing a voice to even the least pow­ erful among us, sites like Facebook are raising concerns about the credibility of the news we receive. According to the Pew report, four in 10 Americans - 38 percent - say they are finding more made-up news and information in what they read, hear and see. Another 51 percent say they some­ times do. Thankfully, Pew also reported that survey respondents said they’ve become much more selective on what they consider to be honest information and from where it comes. I hope that’s true because if Americans cannot determine consistently relevant and reliable sources of accurate news, this becomes a country ruled by the viewpoints of those with nefarious agendas and sus­ pect motives that don’t serve the good of us all. “Whenever the people are well-in­ formed, they can be trusted with their own government,” Thomas Jefferson said. But when a growing number of people feel they can’t trust their sources of information or they have questions about the news they’re getting, it leads to a disconnect between government and its citizens. As the threat becomes more prevalent, it also drives a wedge between individuals, neighbors and even families. The divide is starkly evident in the grow­ ing distrust among political leaders in the current investigations into Russian involve­ ment and obstruction of justice in the 2016 presidential election. Investigative fatigue and the filtering of what’s fake and what’s genuine news is growing among Americans who’d prefer that Congressional leaders work together to solve the issues that impact their lives, such as drug addiction, affordable health care, violent crime, and illegal immigration. A growing number of citizens feel that the debate fueled by “fake news” is detrimental to the country’s dem­ ocratic system, and they want it fixed. The silver lining for real journalists in this cloud of anger, though, is that, accord­ ing to the Pew Report, the news media holds the solution. “U.S. adults blame political leaders and activist groups who are far more responsi­ ble than journalists for the creation of made-up news which they feel is intended to mislead the public,” the report conclud­ ed, “even though Americans do not see journalists as a leading contributor of made-up news and information, 53 percent think they have the greatest responsibility to reduce it.” What do you That’s a daunting mandate, but one responsible journalists welcome with affir­ mation and with their commitment to fact-driven, honestly-presented work. In today’s fast-paced, digital world of communication, it’s become harder for people to distinguish between facts and opinion, which is fueling many of the rea­ sons for the declining trust. There is room for both in the national debate and on the pages and the airwaves and screens of all media. This is an opinion column, for example, readers should see as representative of my perspective and my biases. It’s part of a newspaper that also carries reported facts of court proceedings, school board meet­ ings and public notices of upcoming events. Readers also find feature articles on indi­ viduals of note, of musical presentations and athletic contests. There is a distinct difference between facts and opinions in a newspaper - and all of media. Readers need to be discriminat­ ing enough to see a clear line between the two. The danger comes when the opinion of writers and editors seeps into those news and feature accounts. That’s where today’s discriminating reader and citizen must be more vigilant than ever. “Let us not forget that government is ourselves not an alien power over us,” for­ mer President Franklin D. Roosevelt said. “The ultimate rulers of our democracy are not a president and senators and congress­ men and government officials, but the vot­ ers of this country.” Locally, our staff of journalists works hard each day to keep on top of the news that is - or should be - important to our readers. We spend hours each week cover­ ing local issues, such as the environment, clean water, crime, housing and local edu­ cation and school sports. Plus, we attend a number of meetings each week so we can report back to our readers what our elected officials are doing. We are less concerned with being the first to report an event or concern than we are taking the time to fully check information to be sure we are giving our readers a high level of confidence in what we print. To me, “fake news” is an oxymoron like “jumbo shrimp” or a “bankrupt million­ aire” - it can’t be both. To suggest it is means reporting the news is no different from the advertising of fish at the market to make a sale to vulnerable shoppers. It remains incredibly important that communities understand the importance local media can have on creating a strong community, the dedication it brings to keeping citizens informed, engaged and active in our communities. It’s an import­ ant piece that can determine what kind of community we live in in the future. At J-Ad Graphics, we will continue to focus on the news that is relevant and valu­ able to our readers while maintaining a high level of scrutiny over the information we print so that our readers can be assured the news they receive in our publications is factual and comes from an unbiased source that is dedicated to informing our readers. Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the ques­ tion posed each week by accessing our website, www.HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the following week. Last week: Federal law prohibits inmates from receiving treatment under Medicaid or Medicare while in prison, so the cost of that care falls upon the state Department of Corrections. A new law will allow the state to parole certain medically frail prison­ ers so they can obtain care at medical facilities or nursing homes that accept federal health pro­ grams. Is this a good idea? Yes 80% No 20% For this week: Now that state law has legalized the use of marijua­ na, should all previous con­ victions for recreational mari­ juana use be expunged? □ Yes □ No �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 13, 2019 — Page 5 Federal grant ‘a really big deal’ for Barry County Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Last week’s announcement that Barry County was one of five in Michigan chosen to receive federal money for brownfield redevel­ opment was greeted with joy by those who worked to request it. “This is great news. We’ve applied for this grant for a couple years. So we’re pretty thrilled about being chosen,” Michael Brown, county administrator for Barry County, said. The county is one of five sites in Michigan and 36 in a six-state region chosen to receive a federal grant as part of the government’s brownfields redevelopment program. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced on June 5 that $300,000 will be awarded to the county in an assessment grant. Funds will be available in October. Brown attributes the success of the appli­ cation partly to the $63,000 brownfield assessment grant awarded to the City of Hastings for the former Royal Coach proper­ ty owned by Hastings Manufacturing. The city received the grant from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. “Hastings riverfront is a target area that is also included in the recently designated opportunity zone in Barry County,” Brown said. Other Michigan sites awarded brownfields grants were: Detroit, Genesee County Land Bank Authority in Flint, Lansing, and Wayne County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority. There are 10 regions nationally and Michigan is in region five along with Wisconsin, Indiana, Minnesota, Illinois and Ohio. According to the EPA, thousands of brownfield redevelopment grant applications are submitted each year with the majority ----------------- --------------------------------“The Hastings downtown riverfront assessment of properties included in the application made an impact. The EPA would want to have properties on waterfronts to be assessed and cleaned up. Also, redevelopment of those sites will definitely create a positive economic impact on many levels.” Yolanda Bouchee, EPA environmental assessment department section chief coming from region five. Travis Alden, president of the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economical Development Alliance, said Barry County received an assessment award in 2016 and, because of those funds, millions of dollars were generated for the county that would oth­ erwise not have happened. “We’re very excited for Barry County,” Alden said. “Because of the assessments com­ pleted with the last round of funding, several sites were identified, assessed and cleaned up and attracted developers and start-up business owners. The redevelopment of those proper­ ties has greatly improved the economics of our county. “Now, we have the opportunity to do it again, and that’s a really big deal.” The brownfields assessment funding, avail­ able in October, will be directed at assessing properties suspected of having environmental (Write Us A Letter: The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: • All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We preferletters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. ■——— — —— — -- ((Know Your Legislators: Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Galley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855­ 347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. The Hastings BcUUlCI* Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@J-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO * NEWSROOM • Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer Tanett Hodge Taylor Owens Joan Van Houten • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 contamination in the ground. The grant is for assessment only, not for cleanup. “We clean up major contaminations all over the country, but we can’t be every­ where,” Yolanda Bouchee, section chief of the environmental assessment department, said. “The problem is most communities don’t have the money to assess properties only sus­ pected of being contaminated but know better than anyone else which properties need to be looked at.” The brownfields redevelopment grant pro­ gram was established in 1995 to assist com­ munities in assessment and cleanup of unus­ able property to make them more attractive to investors and developers, Bouchee said. Property assessment of sites suspected of being contaminated is a large expense that developers consider before moving forward with project plans. “Developers tend to veer away from unknowns,” she said. “They could put a lot of money into assessing a site and find there is no contamination. They could also find there is contamination, but the cost of remediation is out of line with their project budget. “We want to help CQmmunities remove this obstacle.” “Getting the grant is difficult for communi­ ties because this is a national competition,” she added. “So the application needs to stand out. The proposal must show a need and the ability to assess the properties specified. Applications from each region are scored, and then goes to the national evaluation process. “What it comes down to is that the score has a cut-off. The applications making the cut get a grant.” “It’s a difficult process,” Bouchee said, “but worth it in the end, “This grant is leverage when applying for other grants and funding. It shows there is strong potential for the area, and that is encouraging to other funding resources like remediation grants.” In 2018, a total of 149 sites nationwide were awarded federal funding. To improve the odds of walking away a winner, several criteria must be met and spe­ cific information about the sites of interest must be included in the application, Bouchee said. “The Hastings downtown riverfront assess­ ment of properties included in the application made an impact,” she said. “The EPA would want to have properties on waterfronts to be assessed and cleaned up. Also, redevelopment of those sites will definitely create a positive economic impact on many levels.” Alden said he worked with Casey Smith, senior project geologist with SME, for sever­ al months to develop the proposals for the application. SME is a multi-service engineer­ ing and consulting firm in Grand Rapids. Smith said the goal set for the Barry County application was to show that the com­ munity has the need for grant funding to help spur economic growth, clean up contaminated sites, reduce blight, and provide healthy com­ munities. “Demographic data is important, such as demonstrating where disproportionate impacts are occurring like with seniors or minorities in substandard housing, lack of local, walkable grocery stores and proximity of residents to contaminated sites,” Smith said. “We focused on the Downtown Hastings Riverfront as the priority area for this grant because the area has a significant amount of remaining blight, and the largest upside potential from redevelopment and revitaliza­ tion. “However, the grant funds can also be used in other areas throughout Barry County.” Part of the grant awarded to the county will be used to determine whether any envi­ ronmental contamination exists at properties in downtown Hastings and whether cleanup is required before the sites can be redevel­ oped. The county’s plans for the sites include new parks with connections to Hastings Riverwalk trail and affordable new housing constructed with support from other federal and state grants. According to EPA officials, the money will be divided into two parts: $200,000 for hazardous substances, and $100,000 for petroleum for the Hastings Manufacturing and former E.W. Bill Landfill priority sites in the downtown Hastings Riverfront area. Barry County has its own brownfield rede­ velopment program, but it was not active for several years. However, Alden said since the program was “rebooted” two years ago, there has been a growing interest in old commercial properties. Development has not gone beyond the interest phase because of the costs associ­ ated with assessment and cleanup, he said. In the past four years, interest from inves­ tors considering major development projects started strong but declined as cost of startups continued to rise, he added. With the grant award in hand, developing detailed proposals of specific brownfield site assessments will begin, including a budget for each project. When completed, they will be submitted to the EPA. The county will issue a request for proposal for services such as engi­ neering, material assessment and environ­ mental consultants. According to Bouchee, the EPA does not monitor the projects. It does monitor where and how the grant money is being spent. “For us, this is a two-pronged process,” Alden said. “The first goal is to get sites cleaned up that are currently unusable. The second prong is redevelopment of those sites which is in the best interest of our communi­ ties. “I want to remove any barriers we can to jumpstart these projects.” T1SW0? NW WFY SXWER5 V&Y' POSIEP (T CN RYSBCCK, -5WREP A PIC FOR IN5IA&IWA, ANP -S0C YO) A 94APOWY,. W MXI 4U5TWaNTAHUe? CITY OF HASTINGS 121373 PUBLIC NOTICE Noxious Weeds and Vegetation Notice is hereby given that noxious weeds and vegetation as defined by Section 38-100 to Section 38-106, Division 4, article II, Chapter 38 of the City of Hastings Code of Ordinances, as amended, not cut during the growing season may be cut by the City of Hastings or is designated rep­ resentative, and the owner of the property shall be charged with the cost thereof. Noxious weeds, and grasses more than eight (8) inches in height, dead bushes, and bushes infested with dangerous insects and infectious dis­ eases must be cut and removed from the property. Any owner who refuses to destroy and remove such material may be subject to a Civil Infraction and fine, and the City or its designated representative may enter upon the land as many times as necessary, and destroy and remove such material and charge the cost to the property owner. Any expense incurred by the City shall be reimbursed by the owner of the land. Unrecovered costs shall be levied as a lien on the property and shall be collected against the property in the same manner as general taxes. The City, through its Code Compliance Officer, shall have the right to enter upon such lands for the purpose of cutting down, destroying, or removing noxious weeds or vegetation and shall not be liable in any action of tres­ pass. Jane M. Saurman, City Clerk PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Public Hearing will be held by the Prairieville Township Zoning Board of Appeals on July 3, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, within the Township. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the item(s) to be considered at this public hearing include, in brief, the following: 1. A request from Hickory Builders, contractor for Jon Dattilo, property owner, 11990 Oakridge Rd. Plainwell, Ml 48346., for a variance to allow for the construction of addition of a deck to a single-family dwelling failing to meet the front yard setback requirements pursuant to sections 4.24 “Waterfront Lots”. The subject site is 10852 Long Point Dr. Plainwell, Ml 49080. - Parcel # 08-12-190-021-00 and is in the R-2 Residential District zoning district. 2. Such other and further matters as may properly come before the Zoning Board of Appeals for this meeting. All interested persons are invited to be present or submit written comments on this matters) to the below Township office address. Prairieville Township will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the hearing upon five (5) days notice to the Prairieville Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Prairieville Township Clerk at the address or telephone number set forth above. <2^25.Jim Stoneburner, Township Supervisor LIMITED TAX PLEDGE NOTICE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that there will be a meeting of the Board of Education of Hastings Area School System., Barry and Calhoun Counties, Michigan, At said meeting, the Board of Education will consider for approval its proposed State Aid Note (Limited Tax - General Obligation). The proposed State Aid Note (Limited Tax - General Obligation), if issued, will contain the limited tax full faith and credit pledge of Hastings Area School System, Barry and Calhoun Counties, Michigan. DATE OF MEETING: June 24,2019 PLACE OF MEETING: Hastings Middle School 232 West Grand Street, Hastings, Michigan HOUR OF MEETING: 7:00 o’clock, pin. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION; 269-948-4400 BOARD MINUTES ARE LOC ATED AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION: Hastings Middle School 232 West Grand Street, Hastings, Michigan Jennifer Eastman Secretary, Board ofEducation �Page 6 — Thursday, June 13, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Af-W* •■Sas ' Wi HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 'U"7/ HfJM' rl'Nv r b, fhXi 3 -r S ■ 7 v-i .'*>7 M;r ’*<?'» 3 ?f e uc . iOr: •ji/'Ot <rmc & S: t l£ jfoo 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingshopeumc. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. P Rebecca Pierce ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) ■ b Vaping, self-harm, isolation top concerns in county Worship Together T MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH - ■« - . 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ b 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10:31-11:46; Coffee L Connection. Nursery, ■ Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office. greenstreetumc@gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor; Ryan Rose, Family Life Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kinderg arten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings. org. 9 a.m. Traditional Service; 10:30 a.m. Contem­ porary service. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945­ 9217. cbchastings.org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH MORNING FAMILY HOUR - WELCOME! ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Preschool age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Stan­ dard and Adult Elective class­ es. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church age 4-4th grade dismissed during service. Aftermath Student Ministry - 6:30 p.m., 7th- 12th grades & Semester Growth Groups.. Wednesday: Wom­ en's Bible Study 6:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday: Adult Bible Study 10 a.m. The Incredible Race Vacation Bible School, Wednesday & Thursday, June 12th & 13th from 9 a.m.-l:15 p.m. for children age 4 thru 6th grade. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God’s Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! . June 15- Neighborhood Canvassing 10 a.m.-noon. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www.grace-hastings. org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. A ■ Graphics 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 Cornelius Joseph Ahearn III “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www, hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Associate Pastor Andy Baird and Stu­ dent Ministry Director, Emma Miller. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, _ _ _ _ _ _ the churches and these local businesses:_ j Editor Overwhelming problems with vaping in the schools, youngsters who are struggling, seniors who are isolated, and inmates with mental illnesses are major challenges facing the Barry County Community Mental Health Authority. Requests for mental health services in the county showed steady growth in 2018, CMH Executive Director Richard Thiemkey told Barry County commissioners Tuesday in his annual report. During the review, Thiemkey said he and his staff have seen steady growth in demand for mental health outpatient therapy and co-occurring (mental health and substance abuse) services. “We have also seen an increase in demand for children’s services such as autism, home­ based, case management, outpatient and wraparound service.” As part of its community needs assessment process, Thiemkey said, three key questions were asked to identify the most significant mental health needs not currently being ade­ quately addressed in the community; what trends have been identified that CMH should be aware of; and, based on these answers, what are the top concerns or priorities. Thiemkey identified his organization’s key priorities as: • Services to schools because of increased anxiety and depression among younger stu­ dents, who may have issues with suicide ide­ ation. Self-harm is on the increase, he said. • Psychiatric care due to increased need and a provider shortage in the region - particular­ ly a need for more doctors who provide ser- pSts mwHffflOf 1699 W. M43 Highway, 770 Cook Rd. Hastings, Ml 49058. Hastings 945-4700 945-9541 HASTINGS, Ml - Cornelius “Con” Joseph Ahearn III passed away on June 6, 2019 at the age of 88. Cornelius was bom on November 14,1930, the son of Cornelius and Margaret (Toddish) Ahearn, in Menominee. He attended high school at Our Lady of Lourdes School in Marinette, WI and college at St. Norbert School in De Pere, WI. Cor­ nelius proudly served in the U.S Navy and was honorably discharged in February of 1955. On September 8, 1956, Cornelius mar­ ried Marjorie Bums at St. Joseph’s Church in Marinette, WI. Cornelius worked in the insurance indus­ try, retiring in 1990 from Hastings Mutual Insurance. He served with the Barry County Commission on Aging - Meals on Wheels for 18 years. Cornelius was a member of the St. Rose Catholic Church and the Knights of Co­ lumbus. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, read­ ing, IPad games and chocolate. Cornelius was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Kathleen Knudsen; grandson, Christopher Ahearn; sisters, Ruth Metivier and Janet Payant, and brother, Den­ nis Ahearn. Cornelius is survived by his wife,Marjorie of 62 years; his children, Alice (Jeffery) Mor­ rill, Jean Ahearn, Cornelius (Brenda) Ahearn, Maureen (Russell) Knorp, Dan (Cathy) Ahearn, PJ (Michelle) Ahearn, and Shawn (Mindy) Ahearn; his grandchildren, Brandon Morrill, Caitlin Morrill, Bethany (Nathan) Stowe, Brooke (Keith) Oleneack, Cornelius (Tiffany) Ahearn, Jonathan Ahearn, Jack Ahearn, Thomas (Chelsea) Ahearn, Joseph Ahearn, Daniel (Sierrah) Knorp, Natalie (Ryan) Burger, Michael (Ashley) Ahearn, Chelsea (Donald) Myers, Matthew (Heidi) Ahearn, Shannon Ahearn, Steven (Britta­ ny) Ahearn, Kyle (Paige) Ahearn, Kathleen Ahearn, Sophia Ahearn, and 14 great-grand­ children. In lieu of flowers, donations in Cornelius’ honor can be made to the Barry County Com­ mission on Aging, 320 W. Woodlawn Ave., Hastings, MI 49058 (http ://www.barry county. org/commission_on_aging_new/donations. php) or the St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 805 S Jefferson St, Hastings, MI 49058 A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 13,>2019 at Girrbach Funer­ al Home, 328 S Broadway Street; Hastings, MI 49058, with a visitation one hour prior. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. vices to youngsters. • Substance use disorder services because of the increase in marijuana usage and vaping. “Sometimes, kids get a mixed message, even adults,” he said, “with the recent change in laws. And we’re seeing a huge change in vap­ ing in schools. That’s a huge need.” • Mentally ill individuals being incarcerat­ ed and individuals arrested. • And the need to raise community aware­ ness of local mental health services. These priorities were identified after a communitywide questionnaire was shared with about 75 CMH partners in the communi­ ty, Thiemkey said. Their effort to partner with schools and the intermediate school district is intended to develop more adequate and timely services. “A lot of [school] counselors are not clinical; they’re more academic. That’s a gap we’re trying to help the schools close.” Thiemkey said his agency currently is seek­ ing doctors who will meet the needs of the community. “We do currently engage in tele-psychiatry. It works well. It seems to work well for the younger generation. With technology, they’re not as put off by that. “But, still, best-case scenario, we would like a doc available that serves all populations that’s good at entering things right in the entire medical record.” The goal is to develop community resourc­ es that would be appropriate and still have “that warm handoff” for that individual, he said As far as services to inmates, “We need to do more,” he said. “We need to assess as soon as they are in the jail for mental health needs and continue a discharge plan and connect them with mental health services as soon as they exit the jail.” For substance abuse disorder service, Thiemkey and his staff are continuing to look at evidence-based programs that would bene­ fit individuals. He said his department’s Signs of Suicide program has been a tremendous success in the schools, and it will continue. In his answer to a question from Commissioner Vivian Conner, he confirmed that the suicide rate has gone up among seniors and farmers. Commissioner David Jackson asked for the best way to connect someone who’s at risk of self-harm with the county mental health authority services. “First of all, the data actually shows, if you engage that person and you actually use the word ‘suicide,’ the ‘S’ word is not a bad word,” Thiemkey said. “If you actually ask them that question, the percentage of individ­ uals that actually complete [the action] goes down. “I would say: The first thing is to engage them; to let them know that you care for them. Ask them open-ended questions. Let them know that you want to help them help them­ selves, then say: ‘Here’s one way we can do that together.’ Don’t make it like something they have to do or that they’re going to take that journey alone. ‘Let’s take this step togeth­ er. I heard that there are some good people at this place.’” In 2018, CMH served 2,011 county resi­ dents, according to the annual report. In the cost breakdown, 51.4 percent of the agency’s expenditures covered services for intellectual and developmental disabilities; cost of service for mental illness represented 23.4 percent for adults and 12.2 percent for children; sub­ stance abuse disorders were 6.4 percent of the costs and 6.6 percent of the budget was for administration. Requests for CMH services came from 1,083 people in the county. Of those, 983 were scheduled for assessments and 708 met eligibility criteria. Thiemkey said some stigma still may be attached to the services they provide - so they need to strive to overcome that view. “If we can connect with young individuals who are struggling,” he said. “... We all carry computers in our pocket. I think part of that... there’s more of this comparison. It just makes it harder than when I was in middle school or high school; if I struggled with something, or if I acted a fool, pretty much me and a couple of my buddies were the only ones who knew that. “Now, pretty much the whole world knows about it. So, there’s that extra pressure on our kids today. Even more so, we need to let them know ‘You’re normal.’ ‘You’re OK.’ ‘This is a safe place.’ “So that’s what we trying to do. But we need to do a better job of that.” As far as services to inmates, “We need to do more,” he said. “We need to assess as soon as they are in the jail for mental health needs and continue a discharge plan and connect them with mental health services as soon as they exit the jail.” In other business, the commissioners voted to approve: •A total of $10,000 in grant funding for the following parks and recreation projects this year, including: • $5,000 to create a playground in William Smith Park in Barry Township. • $3,000 to the Village of Freeport to increase the accessibility of restrooms in CJ Moore Park. • $2,000 for the Hastings school district’s Central Elementary School for playground improvements. • An amendment to the 2019 contract to the Swift and Sure Sanctions program. The change in the contract is to allow for an addi­ tional grant amount of $3,000 to bring total grant funding to $123,000. • The purchase of a replacement server for the register of deeds office for $7,630. • Renewal of liability, vehicle physical damage and property and crime insurance coverage through the Michigan Municipal Risk Management Authority to begin July 1 and run through July 1, 2020, at a cost of $395,227. • Pre-paid invoices in the amount of $3,055,127. • Claims of $43,054. • Commissioner reimbursements for mile­ age totaling $633. Barry Township considers changes in petition requirements Luke Froncheck Staff Writer More changes could be coming soon to requirements for petitions in Barry Township. The idea came in response to a change that was made to the township petition process regarding weed control on lakes. That change raised the percentage of the property owners required to petition for change in the proposed district to 60 percent. Barry Township resident Al Graves asked the board of trustees to consider a similar measure for sanitary sewer expansion peti­ tions. “It’s just the proper thing to do,” Graves said. “It just seems fair.” “It’s a good idea,” township Clerk Deb Knight said. Board members decided to check legal requirements regarding petitions before mak­ ing any immediate changes. In other business, the board decided to seek more bids in regard to a tree trimming and removal project on township property. Only one bid was received. The township will seek additional bids before deciding on the project. The board also discussed low-priority calls to the Hickory Comers Fire Department. According to Knight, an unnamed firefighter said the department has been repeatedly called to the same houses. Board members took no action. SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Spruce up financial plan Vonda Van Til Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Now that tax season is over, it’s probably a good time to evaluate some financial “best practices” for the rest of the year. A good spring-cleaning can clear out the clutter to let you see a clear path for your future. Social Security is always here to help. Even if you just started working, now is the time to start preparing for retirement. Achieving the dream of a secure, comfortable retirement is much easier with a strong financial plan. Start early Our online retirement planning resources are helpful to people at any stage of their career. Our many calculators, Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool, and disability resources are all available at Social Security, gov/planners. From here, you can read and download publications and also email and share with colleagues, friends, and family. Remember, the earlier you start, the better chance you have at saving what you need. Be informed We’re often asked, “What’s the best age to start receiving retirement benefits?” The answer is that there’s no single “best age” for everyone and, ultimately, it’s your choice. The most important thing is to make an informed decision, based on your individual and family circumstances. To help you make that decision, see our retirement publications at https://SocialSecurity.gov/ pubs/?topic=Retirement. Estimate benefits Knowing the amount of money you could get is pivotal in planning your finances. With the Retirement Estimator, you can plug in some basic information to get an instant, personalized estimate of your future benefits. Try out different scenarios, such as higher or lower future earnings amounts and various retirement dates to see the various potential effects on your future benefit amounts. Visit Social Security.gov/benefits/retirement/ estimator.html. Social Security can help you spring into action and take control of your future with the proper planning tools. Share these online resources with friends and family so they, too, will have the tools. Vonda Van Til is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email to vonda.vantil@ssa.gov. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 13, 2019 —Page 7 St. Rose students put lessons to work during fishing field trip Third and fourth grade students at St. Rose School in Hastings recently wrapped up a fishing class with a field trip allowing them to put the lessons to use. Local fishing instructor Ron Martin led the eight-week class, which was made possible, in part, through a grant from the Barry Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council. “The fishing class and field trip was every­ thing we hoped it would be,” teacher Katie Youngs said. “The students learned how to catch fish and so much more. Mr. Ron Martin taught them about caring for the environment, the trouble of invasive species and fish adap­ tations, among many other things.” Sudents learned how to tie flies, tie a hook onto a line, bait a hook, and cast, she said. They also learned how to remove a fish from the line and carefully return it to the lake. The classes ended with a field trip to Chase Farm Lake in Coats Grove. Students were able to put all that they learned into action. “At first, many students were reluctant to even touch a worm,” Youngs said. “By the end of the trip, most students had gotten over this fear and were confidently baiting their own hooks. Students bonded and helped each other when lines were caught on weeds or a fish was needing to be taken off the hook. I’m happy to say that each student caught several fish, with a few students catching more than 10. “It was a beautiful day and a fabulous trip - all made possible through the funding of the Barry Community Foundation and St. Rose Parents’ Club,” she said. The funds were used to pay Martin and to Health Pennock on May 10, 2019 to Katie Lynn Heifner and Kenneth Carl Heifner of Lake Odessa. bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on May 18, 2019 to Farrah Salazar and Dylan Bishop of Lake Odessa. Wyatt Orion James Bishop, Kairi Kay Brooks, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on May 18, 2019 to Chrystal Boniface and Anthony Brooks of Hastings. Reila Fairris, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on May 22, 2019 to Kellsey Fairris and Jake Fairris of Bellevue. Why is Crooked Lake so important when the rest of us are all swimming too? Brian Cenci: “Jim has other petitions that are all being addressed, not just this one. But Crooked Lake is at the lowest area in the dis­ trict.” The money that is being spent on Jones property, will it benefit the people on Pleasant, Mud and Glasby lakes? Brian Cenci: “To some extent, yes, being that it will release the pressure from Upper Crooked Lake. It will benefit to some extent, but not as much.” What are these lake levels and what is normal for these lakes? Fourth-grader Owen Boge shows a bluegill he caught. (Photo provided) purchase equipment needed for the trip. “This was a worthwhile event in many dif­ ferent ways,” she said. “.. .The students devel­ oped a deeper respect for Michigan lakes and wildlife that will likely stay with them for the rest of their lives.” to Tiphany Hedges and Nathan Hedges of Hastings. Ava Lynn Marr, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on May 29, 2019 to Renee Lynn Marr of Hastings. Levi-Arthur Hedges, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on May 23, 2019 Zegan Nick DeSemplare: “I wouldn’t say there is a normal. They’re always rising and falling. In general, there isn’t a normal.” If you own more than one piece of prop­ erty, are you taxed more than once? Brian Cenci: “All the properties essentially yes, it’s not based on if you own 10 proper­ ties, you only get one assessment. Each prop­ erty is looked at on its own and assessed on its own.” Is Jones Lake going to be public? Doug Kelly: “I don’t know that it’s a lake and we haven’t visited that yet. It’s emergen­ cy relief, we can take this on some other time down the road.” Jim Dull: “The Jones property is not a pub­ lic lake, it’s owned by the district. The only people that have the right to be in there are the Drain Commissioner and their employees. We don’t want people trouncing through there and getting themselves hurt.” The state drain code allows for expendi­ tures for “maintenance and repair” of existing drains if an emergency situation Underclassmen awards were given Tuesday, June 4, at Hastings High School. Recipients were determined by administrators . and faculty in. the various departments. Additionally, select students Maddie Louise McKeough, bom at were recognized for their outstanding Spectrum Health Pennock on May 31, 2019~ attendance. McKeough and Cullen to Lindsay Among the honorees, by class, were: McKeough of Hastings. Freshmen Resources available for suicide prevention, survivors A regional help line is available to anyone contemplating suicide or for survivors who are dealing with the loss of a loved one by suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has regional counselors trained specifically to deal with survivors or suicide prevention. Call 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255) or visit www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/gethelp/ loss.aspx. Local sources include Barry County Community Mental Health Authority, 269­ 948-8041 (after hours only 800-873-0511) barrycountyrecovery.com/contactus .html; or Pine Rest, 800-678-5500. exists without following the normal proce­ dural flow, such as issuing bids. Please explain how you justify considering the work taking place on the Delton road proj­ ect as “maintenance and repair” when it’s obviously new construction? Doug Kelly: “The provision is under sec­ tion 196 of the Drain Code, ‘Cannot exceed $5,000 per mile per drain, except in emergen­ cies.’ We do have an emergency.” Without posting bids for the Delton road project work, how can you be sure you achieved the best cost results for the drain­ age district? Doug Kelly: “I can’t, but I’m sure we did because the Drain Commissioner did a lot of the work.” What objective do you need to achieve before the petitioned Watson Drain District work changes from short term I emergency to long term and starts following the rules of a typical petitioned project? Doug Kelly: “We have an active petition. We are following the project. The only emer­ gency work is the Jones property.” The state Drain Code does not define the term “benefit.” What criteria will you use to determine the “benefit” each property within the Watson Drain District will receive from the proposed work so that you can determine the appropriations percent­ age to be assigned? Brian Cenci: “It doesn’t define what benefit is. It actually says ‘benefit derived.’ It depends on if you’re on the lake. The size of your property. We have to look at each property and see how much impervious land is on it. Is it running off more water than another proper­ ty? Where is it located relative to the drain or lake? Karol and Mary Lou Owen (Mathews) of Richland, MI are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary on June 14, 2019. They were united in marriage in Hastings, ML Their children and spouses include Kurt and Michelle Owen of Mattawan, MI; Kathy and Jim McNally of Lancaster, PA; Kim and Wayne Merriman of Mattawan, MI. They have five grandchildren. Please join us by celebrating with a card or note mailed to PO Box 404, Richland, MI 49083. Why aren’t you pursuing eminent domain of the cornfields around West Gilkey Lake? Benefit the public (lakefront owners) at the expense of the few (farmers) is the reason for eminent domain. West Gilkey Lake would be a storage I retention pond, like the Darrell Jones’ property, with no pumping, just gravity feed. And it could accept a lot more water. Nick DeSemplare: “A couple of things: First off, those would be regulated lakes, unlike the Jones property that is unregulated. Bringing water over to those areas would be a temporary solution in our eyes. Going through eminent domain for something that wouldn’t benefit you in the long run would be time-con­ suming colossally. Property owner interest in the long term solution is crucial.” How many townships do you currently expect to assess for the cost of the Delton road project and is it true those townships will have to increase taxes in order to pay for those costs? Brian Cenci: “The Delton Road project is simply part of the overall work for the Watson Drain District. There will be four townships that are assessed overall at the end. They will be assessed based on benefit to public health. We will look at each of the four townships and what their contribution is.” Brian Cenci: “The Drain Code says based on ‘benefit derived.’ Property owners are not 100 percent responsible. There are four town­ ships, the county, and the state and property owners take on what’s left. The value of a home doesn’t come into play when we look at it.” Administrators’ award - Ellen Shults Art award - Lindsey Herron Band award - Zachary Franklin Choir award - Emma VanDenburg Agriculture, food and natural resources Emily Roe Business - Wyatt Holman Construction trades - Jackson DuBois English - Hannah Vann Spanish - Kali Grimes Mathematics - Patrick Mallory Science - Matthew Pattok Social studies - Zachary Franklin Outstanding attendance Riley Bies, Mason Denton, Ethan Malik, Patrick Mallory, Carissa Strouse. Sophomores Juniors Administrators’ award - Aubreanna Highway Art award - Juliet Bradfield Band award - M. Grace Green Choir award - Haily Christie Agriculture, food and natural resources Jade Hunter Business - Scott Fischer Construction trades - Austin Fenstemaker Engineering design - Ethan Dunn English - Kierstyn Brisco Spanish - Ella Carroll Mathematics - Samuel Randall Science - Abigail Waller Social Studies - Nathaniel Birchfield Outstanding attendance Kierstyn Brisco, Maya Harris, Brittany Holmes, Morgan Howell, Ashland Hoyt, Daisy Kerby, Bailey Nye, Grayson Patton, Gilibaldo Perez-Hernandez, Zackary Perry, Justice Pyle, Eric Ramey, Nicholas Stafford, Steven Van Ooy. Foreign exchange student recognition Victoria Knizak POSITION OPENING Administrators’ award - Erica Davis Art award - Connie Ricketts Band award -- Alexander Steward ; Choir award - Makayla Casarez Agriculture, food and natural resources Emily Mitchell Business - Abigail Larabee Construction trades - Carson Fouty Engineering design - John Hinkle English - Camden Tellkamp Spanish - Shannon Brown Mathematics - Anna Scheck Science - Joshua Brown Social studies - Alayna Vazquez Outstanding attendance \ Hannah Johnson, Joseph Kalmink, Jessica Mueller, Bailey Musculus, Steve Schnur, Zachary Schnur, Kenneth Smith, Abby-Zull. Foreign exchange student recognition Laurin Mayer. The school year ended June 5, and the final honor roll of the year will be released soon. See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS Barry County IT Department Desktop Support Technician Base Pay: 17.58/Hr. 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits Send resume to: David Shinavier, IT Coordinator, 121 S. MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Church St., Hastings, MI 49058; dshinavier@barrycounty.org. Posting Dates: June 10, 2019 until filled Full job description available at http://www.barrycounty.org/public_information/ career_opportunities.php Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License #8110376 Office (269) 948-2248 & Insured Mobile (269) 838-5112 121370 Karol and Mary Lou Owen to celebrate 60th anniversary Brian Cenci: “It’s in the neighborhood of 1,325. We include all the properties in the district even if they are exempt. Some proper­ ties are tax-exempt but not exempt from drain assessments. Churches are a good example. They just receive a zero benefit, but we include them because they have land.” To be sure, I don’t feel property off Parker Road in the Ruble Subdivision should incur any additional cost/taxes to address flooding issues on the other side of the lake. We all on this end have seen our property (market) values nosedive over the last 10+ years, after all, while not realizing any significant tax break! And no one is willing to address our issue with weed con­ trol! Barry County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We hire only U.S. Citizens and lawfully authorized alien workers and comply with the American’s with Disabilities Act. Tyler Thomas Austin, Shelbyville and Taylor Nicole VanPutten, Shelbyville Maria Lynn Lambert, Middleville and francis Allen Ladousier, Middleville Tom E. May, Nashville and Ashley Nicole Forest, Nashville Angelo Vincent Rinna, Portage and Renee Michelle Wolthuis, Delton Lee Gaylord Gould, Nashville and Jessica Renee Haines, Nashville Janis Karlis Laurens, Middleville and Mara Laura Leimanis, Middleville Larry Edwin Sherer, Dowling and Michelle Renee Dalrymple, Winnemucca, NV Danielle Lee Clay, Bellevue and Lance Michael Stevens, Bellevue Roger Dale May II, Ionia and Crystal Marie Wilkerson, Middleville Zane Joseph Reynolds, Hastings and Nicole Lynn Smith, Hastings April Marie Bennett, Delton and Tyler John Card, Delton You were notified that the Watson Drain District properties list posted on the town­ ship websites include duplicates of proper­ ties as well as properties that are tax exempt, such as schools (Delton and Michigan State University) and the Bernard Museum. Has this list been cor­ rected and what is the current number of properties located within the Watson Drain District? HHS awards underclassmen Savannah Rae Griffin, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on May 29, 2019 to Rhonda Van Ooy and Wade Griffin of Hastings and Charlotte, respectively. Katie Louise Walsh, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on May 23, 2019 to Kayla Lynn Guerin and Brandon Michael Walsh of Hastings. less, who is going to make me whole in my losses? Where is FEMA? I will be filing a lawsuit to make sure that the people accountable for creating this mess are held accountable! And STOP saying this situa­ tion was created by Mother Nature, that’s a LIE! Brian Cenci: “Everyone here is part of the problem. When you look at the aerials you can see all the little small changes. Add them all up and it makes a difference.” Doug Kelly: “I’m not going to comment on litigation.” Newborn babies Kennedy Lynn Heifner, born at Spectrum QUESTIONS, continued from page 3 - fHfc ' £ C Boomers celebrate > 70 year anniversary BEST METAL ROOF! *0* American jfc Metal Roofs j Norman Boomer and Doris Richards were united in marriage on June 4,1949 at the Presbyterian Church in Hastings, MI. They have made their home in the Hastings and Nashville area, where they j raised their four children, Vicki, Steve, Lori and Dave. Their family j has now grown to 10 grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and five | great great grandchildren, making this a 5 generation family. God is so good, and we are so blessed J , 1 Callmm Now for a FREE Estimate 844-METAL-R00FS 844-638-2576 AmericanMetalR n �TT"1* • I TO Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD Elaine Garlock This is the season for graduation open hopses. Those scheduled for Sunday past encountered unexpected rain. Fathers’ Day is Sunday. Bring on the neckties and fishing equipment. The respite program has returned to Central United Methodist Church, open to the community. This runs from 1 to 4 p.m. under the direction of Rita Bigelow. For details, call Central United Methodist Church during morning office hours. This gives caregivers a short break in their care giving. The deadline for reservations for the Lake Odessa Alumni banquet is this week. The committee in charge for the past 20-plus years announced on the invitations that this will be the last such event. Each year they have asked for volunteers to assist them and had no response, so this will be the final banquet. Likely class reunions will continue. In recent years graduates from the later Lakewood years have been included, and several have attended. The programs and decorations have featured both color schemes. Because of overlapping hours, the county genealogy society met at First Congregational Church Saturday. James Moses of Lansing was the speaker. He related many facets of old photographs including dating of revenue stamps attached to photos toward the end of the Civil War and the years immediately following. His program included examples of props, hair styles, beard styles, ladies ’ fashions and more. This is a way of dating pictures. Beauty bushes are at their best this week. Snowball bushes lost their white blossoms almost overnight. Some spirea are coming into their best season. United Methodist Women of Central UMC met Monday for lunch at a local restaurant. The president and secretary of the former Lansing district, now renamed to include the new boundaries, from Leslie met with them to brief the members on some of the changes in structure since the West Michigan and the Detroit conferences merged. Twelve district have been redrawn to form five districts. The major fall event will be at Hastings’ Green Street Church, which is convenient for Lake Odessa members but a bit far for those in Owosso or St. Louis. Tickets are available for the next chicken barbecue to be at Central UMC July 12. The chicken will be prepared by High’s Barbecue service of Indiana. Water ’s Edge Financial LLC Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF® (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinancial.com Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you Jeffrey A. Keessen AIF® Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC Notice of Public Hearing TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF PRAIRIEVILLE AND BARRY TOWNSHIPS, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Public Hearing will be held by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division on July 15, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. at Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, Delton, within the Township of Prairieville. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the item to be considered at this public hearing is a proposal to Establish Local Watercraft Controls and a SLOW/NO WAKE designation for UPPER CROOKED LAKE. All interested persons are invited to be present or submit written comments on this matter to the above Township office address. Prairieville Township will provide necessary auxiliary aids and ser­ vices upon five (5) days notice to the Prairieville Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact: Rod Goebel, Township Clerk Prairieville Township Hall 10115 S Norris Road Delton, Ml 49046 121M5 (269)623-2726 CITY OF HASTINGS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING MICHIGAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDING FOR DOWNTOWN RENTAL REHAB The City of Hastings will conduct a public hearing on June 24, 2019 at 7:00pm in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 for the purpose of affording citizens an opportunity to examine and submit comments on the proposed application for a CDBG grant through MEDC. The City of Hastings proposes to use $300,000 CDBG funds to construct five apartments at 118 Court Street. 51% of the apartments will benefit low-moderate income residents, and will have rent restrictions per HUD regulations. The owner of the building is required to contribute a minimum of 25% of the total project costs toward construction. Zero persons will be displaced as a result of the proposed activities, since this project consists of new construction only, and there are no occupants. Further information, a copy of the City of Hastings’ community development plan, and the CDBG application is available for review. To inspect the documents, please contact Dan King, Community Development Director for the City of Hastings, at City Hall, 201 East State Street in Hastings. Comments may be sub­ mitted in writing through 5:00pm on June 24t*1, or made in person at the public hearing. The City of Hastings has previously been funded with CDBG money for three rental rehab programs. Each program was extremely successful, and provided the community with a total of nineteen apartments in the downtown. Citizen views and comments on the proposed application are welcome. The City will provide reasonable and necessary aids and services for persons with disabilities upon five days’ notice to the City Clerk by calling 269.945.2468 or TDD call relay services at 800.649.3777. City of Hastings Jane M. Saurman, City Clerk 269-945-2468 JONES Tools are great for Father's Day - and for investors If you’re a dad, you may well be pleased to of investments capable of providing growth unwrap some tools as Father’s Day gifts. Of potential over time, within the context of your course, it might be a stereotype that all men individual risk tolerance. • Review your work - Once you’ve finished are handy at repairs; women certainly can be every bit as good when it comes to building your bookshelf, you occasionally may need to and fixing things. In fact, the construction make some minor adjustments or repairs in process is valuable for anyone to learn - and response to slippage, cracks or other issues the same skills that go in to creating and that can develop over time. As an investor, mending physical objects also can be applied you also may need to tweak your financial to financial projects - such as working toward strategy periodically and adjust your invest­ ment mix - not necessarily because some­ a comfortable retirement. thing is broken, but to accommodate changes Here are a few of those skills: • Diagnosing the challenge - A good crafts- in your life, such as a new job, new family person knows that the first step toward situation and new goals. Furthermore, over accomplishing any outcome is to assess the time, your risk tolerance may change, and this challenge. So, for example, if you want to needs to be reflected in your array of invest­ build some bookshelves right into the wall, ments. Consequently, conducting an annual you’ll need to locate the wall studs, determine portfolio review with your financial profes­ if you have adequate space for the shelving sional should be a priority. you want and allow room for future expan­ Tools are a big deal on Father’s Day. But sion. Similarly, if you want to retire at a cer­ the construction-related tasks they represent, tain age, you need to consider the key vari­ physically and symbolically, go beyond any ables: your current and future income (How one holiday and can be used by anyone inter­ much can you count on from your retirement ested in working toward a solid financial plans?), where you’ll live (Will you downsize future. or relocate? Will you rent or own a house or This article was written by Edward Jones condominium?) And what you’ll do as a retir­ for use by your local Edward Jones Financial ee (Will you travel extensively or stick close Advisor. If you have any questions, contact to home? Will you do some type of work for Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. pay or pursue your hobbies and volunteer?). • Assembling the right tools and materials To put together your bookshelf, you will need the right tools - saw, hammer, drill, sander and so on - and the right building materials plywood, nails, screws, glue, brackets, mold­ ings and so on. And to work toward a com­ fortable retirement, you’ll also need the right tool - in the form of a long-term financial strategy, based on your specific retirement goals, risk tolerance and time horizon - along with the appropriate materials - the mix of investments you use to carry out that strategy. These investments include those you’ve placed in your IRA, your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan, and those held outside your formal retirement accounts. Ideally, you want a diversified mix ----STOCKS-----The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. Apple Inc. AT&T Chemical Fin Chevron Deere & Co. Exxon Mobil Flowserve CP Ford Motor Co. General Electric Co. General Motors Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP Perrigo Co. Pfizer Inc. Spartannash Comp Stryker TCF Financial Corp. Walmart Inc. Walt Disney Co Whirl Pool Corp Gold Silver Dow Jones 194.81 32.11 38.96 121.17 150.00 74.84 49.36 9.92 10.12 36.20 198.01 139.78 55.66 132.10 43.99 42.67 11.55 194.81 19.67 107.94 135.08 130.31 +15.17 +.63 -1.24 +3.87 +4.38 +1.25 +1.00 unchngd +.12 +.47 +2.76 +6.05 +1.06 +8.94 -.16 +.44 -.44 +8.36 -.41 +5.38 +.26 +4.50 $1,326.81 $14.77 26,049 +$1.35 -.08 +717 Dance moves people HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Thursday, June 13 - Baby Cafe and story time, 10 a.m.-noon; Movie Memories watches a 1953 film starring Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds, 5 p.m. Friday, June 14 - preschool story time, 10:30-11 a.m.; summer reading program for students in sixth-12th grades to make galaxy necklaces and space craft, 3:30-5 p.m. signup required. Saturday, June 15 - board games and Dungeons and Dragons, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, June 17 - Quilting Passions, 10 a.m.-l p.m.; Lego club, 4-5 p.m. (adults must be accompanied by a child); sign language class, 6 p.m. Tuesday, June 18 - toddler story time, 10:30-11 a.m.; Fab Lab (third-fifth grades): Galaxy jars and solar system necklaces, 2-3 p.m.; chess, 6-7:30; mahjong, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, June 19 - summer reading program hosts animal friends from John Ball Zoo, 2-3 p.m.; acoustic jam session open to the public, 5-7 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate The Leah J. Abbott Trust dated: Oct. 24, 2000. Decedents date of birth: Dec. 10, 1921. NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Leah J. Abbott, who lived at (1821 N. East St., Hastings, Ml 49058) died April 25, 2019. The decedent, Grantor, established the Leah J. Abbott Trust - dated October 24, 2000.. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate and trust will be forever barred unless presented to James J. Wickham, trustee, at 10718 Davenport Rd., Woodland, Ml 48897. 269-367-4091 within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Successor Trustee James J. Wickham 10718 Davenport Rd. Woodland, Ml 49058 121375 Dear Dr. Universe: Why do we dance? Helen H., 11, California Dear Helen, If we traveled around the world, we would see all kinds of dancers. We might see clas­ sical ballerinas in Russia. We might see break dancers performing on the streets of New York City. We might even see tango dancers in Argentina. While the exact reasons we dance remain a mystery, there are a few theories about it. That’s what I found out from my friend Ed Hagen, an anthropologist at Washington State University who has researched the roots of dance. In nature, we actually see a lot of animals dancing. It’s not just humans. Bees do a kind of waggle dance where they step in a fig­ ure-eight pattern. This movement helps them communicate important information. It lets other bees know where to find the best pol­ len to make honey. Birds, especially male birds, will often flutter their bright and beautiful feathers to attract a mate. Dolphins also will make graceful leaps together and twirl around in the ocean to attract a partner. This process of using dance to find a mate is part of something called courtship, Hagen said. Dance also may be part of courtship in humans. A good dance could be a signal that your partner is intelligent, has the ability to perform a skill, and might even be able to pass these traits down to the next generation. Of course, people still dance even if they aren’t looking for a mate. One other idea about why humans dance is that early humans used movement to signal that a cer­ tain place was part of their territory. A lot of animals, such as lions and coy­ otes, also use movement or sound to signal to others: “This is our land. Don’t mess with us.” While dancing may be rooted in courtship or protecting what’s yours, we dance for many reasons today - celebration, competi­ tion and even exercise. I also talked to my friend Kaila Evenoff, coach of the WSU Crimson Girls dance team, to find out more. “Dance is a form of expression and a form of art,” she said. “We can convey our emo­ tions into movement without talking.” We can plan, or choreograph, these move­ ments, too. When the team performs at foot­ ball games, they help lift the crowd’s spirits. They also compete against other dance teams around the country to see who has the best skills. Even if you aren’t a professional dancer, dancing can be a good form of exer­ cise, too. It helps the body produce endor­ phins, or brain chemicals, that make us feel happy. “It is really enjoyable,” Hagen said. “That opens the question, ‘Why is it enjoyable?”’ The types of dances we do change throughout time, too. In fact, humans come up with new dance moves all the time. I’ll have to see if I can come up with any good ones. Maybe one day you can put on your danc­ ing shoes and thinking cap to help us learn even more about what it means to dance. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University's resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her web­ site, askdruniverse .com. County Volunteers Needed The Barry County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications from volunteers to serve on the following Boards/Commissions: Solid Waste Management Committee: 1 position, recycling industry Charlton Park Village and Museum Board: 1 position Mental Health Authority: 3 positions, must be a primary or secondary consumer Parks & Recreation: 1 position Veterans’ Affairs Committee: 1 position Zoning Board of Appeals: 1 position Applications may be obtained at the County Administration Office, 3rd floor of the Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings; or www.barrycounty.org under the tab: How do I apply for; and must be returned no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday July 1,2019. Contact 269-945-1284 for more information. 120616 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 13, 2019 — Page 9 , fl look DaGlt at the stories and columns on local history j In the Hastings Banner // TURNING I BflGKTHE X PAGES JX Streets, City Band, leaders in 1939 news and gutter to be laid. The tarmac surfacing plans for this year call for 19 blocks of black topping ... When the program of black topping and cement paving for this year shall be completed, our city will have 8 Yi miles of tarmac paving. Pennock Hospital had admitted 46 patients during the month of May. Of that number, there were eight births, with twin girls bom to Mr. and Mrs. William Streeter of Middleville. A report on Hitler was given by Dr. Pollock in an address at Central Auditorium for the PTA. In his speech, he told about being in Germany in 1932, making a study of the government. He went to hear a speech by Hitler. “The man Hitler appeared at that time to be somewhat of a soapbox orator, and his shouting and waving of arms didn’t prove of sufficient interest to hold Dr. Pollock, who left before the speech was concluded,” the article reported. It went on to say, “Dr. Pollock stressed the tremendous effect that the regimentation of Germany is having on its youth. He said it had stifled all originality in the world of art, science and culture in general. “Pollock went on to say that Hitler had accomplished something that no ever German had ever been able to do, not even Frederick the Great, namely, the unification of Germany. Pollock said he was impressed by what Hitler had done, but he “was an American and out of Known today as the city garage wa built in the 930s to house the county road department. The city reported in June 1939 that it would have 8 1/2 miles of paved streets by the end of the year. sympathy with Hitler’s methods and i als.’” At that time in our history, none of us knew exactly what Hitler was doing and even when a man of Dr. Pollock’s stature, who went to study Germany, did not get to see the facts. It was hard to fathom exactly what Germany was doing under Hitler. The report does make some interesting reading 50 years later. To be continued ... BISD, continued from page 1 Pennock Hospital, which had been built about 15 years earlier, had 46 patients during the month of May 1939, with eight births, including twin girls. (Photos from “A Look Back,” 1987 Hastings history publication) Fifty years after their publication, local historian Esther Walton paged through issues of the Banner from June 1939, gathering bits of news. The May 4,1989, Banner included a column by Walton, looking back on the news from what now is 80 years ago. Bold headlines June 1, 1939, declared “Dawn to Dusk Drive for Youth Funds County-Wide Push Begins - Ends Wednesday, June 7.” The article gave the purpose for the day, to raise $5,500 to meet the estimated budget. The day started with a breakfast served by the Campfire Girls, and the 122 committees vied with each other for the best percentage of quota. In state news, the governor of Michigan, Luren D. Dickinson, proclaimed the period of June 1 to 10 inclusive, as “Michigan Days for Michigan Prosperity.” This promotion was the forerunner of Michigan Week, now held the second week of May. The program for Hastings High School’s commencement week was printed, and the activities started Sunday, June 4, with baccalaureate service and ending with the projected graduating exercises to be held in Central Auditorium. The Hastings High School Alumni Association members were planning their 57th annual banquet to be in the gymnasium Friday, June 9. Plans for the Bluegill Festival were well underway. Organizers were planning “to cover the entire street” where the events and program would be held, with a large tent roof and sidewalls that can be let down in case of rain. An unusual day in court presented material for the paper. The case centered around an 18-month-old girl who had been taken care of by a couple since her birth. The mother had paid for the service and wanted her daughter back. The couple did not want to part with the baby they had raised since her birth. The result of the trial was the baby was returned to her mother. This is how the trial ended: “During the hearing, Mrs. G. (the caretaker) wept as she walked the aisles in the rear of the courtroom with the child in her arms. When the case was decided, both women were in tears, as were most of the spectators in the courtroom. A scene that would have been appealing in a moving picture was the final act, when the mother, who no doubt appreciated the love and care that had been so freely given to her little one by the caretaker, sat down by the latter, put her arms about her and tried to comfort her. Both were in tears, as were nearly all the onlookers. The judge had to decide in favor of the mother, for that is the law applicable to the case ...” The Hastings City Band went to Battle Creek and joined the Metropolitan Club Band of that city for a concert on the lawn of the W.K. Kellogg Auditorium. Lewis Hine and Jay Currier were the band directors. Floyd H. Barry, mayor of Battle Creek, gave the welcome. The paper reported, “He is a former Hastings resident and a graduate of our local high school. After graduation, he went to Battle Creek, where he successfully engaged in the coal business. He was elected mayor last spring and is doing a job directing the affairs of our neighboring city. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Barry, were well-known citizens of the Martin Corners community.” Both bands presented the same concert a few days later in Hastings. Aiderman John Hewitt presented a plan to city council for new boulevard lighting in the business district. The matter was referred to the lighting committee. In another action by the city council .city engineer Bert Sparks, who was 70 years old, was granted permission to employ and assistant. The assistant was Allen Brumm of Nashville. Under local news was this tidbit: “They are agitating the need of a motorcycle cop over in Allegan. We advise them to come over to Hastings and see how fine that problem has been worked out here, by having one.” The city council had a progress report on street improvements. “So far, 5,472 feet of curb and gutter have been laid and 3,465 square feet of sidewalk constructed. There are still five blocks of curb year, no funding remains to conduct recruit­ ment and enrollment activities or to open classrooms and begin school for the 2019-20 school year. This was confirmed by Barry ISD associate teacher Shay Payne following Tuesday’s board meeting at the ISD administrative office. “Our assistant’s hours were cut when we came back from spring break,” Payne said. “The GSRP staff received a letter in May about reasonable assurance to return to work [in the fall]. “It felt like it contradicted itself several times throughout the letter, about funding and whether or not we’d be able to return to work. So, I didn’t feel like it was reasonable assur­ ance.” “I’m not sure that I will have a job, and I’m not comfortable that I do,” Payne added. “But my intention is to come back here. “I do love the ISD and I love the program that the GSRP stands for.” During the public comment portion of the board meeting, Jenny Krammin stood and said she is a GSRP teacher. “However, I’m concerned that the money that’s being spent with the GSRP program has forced me to look for other positions because my reasonable assurance for next year isn’t guaranteed. It appears my job may be farmed out to another ISD.” . “I am required to be evaluated and to be effective, if I’m ineffective I lose my job,” she added. “As an educator, I strive very hard to be effective. So, it is my recommendation and my verbal evaluation that he [Franklin] has performed ineffectively. Any other person who is involved in the budget has performed ineffectively. “I recommend that he be held accountable just like I would be,” Krammin said. Concerns about accountability and finan­ cial management dominated the meeting, when board members discussed a projected $700,000 variance in budget projections for the coming year. Based on that variance outlined in the pro­ posed preliminary budget, the intermediate school district is projecting a 17~percent decrease in its special education fund balance, from 25 percent to 8 percent. “Not that I’m a math whiz, but ... if that carries one more year, it can’t be absorbed,” board Vice President Robert Becker said. Franklin attributed one reason for the vari­ ance between expenditures and revenue to the proposed purchase of a new bus in the coming school year, which will cost the district about $120,000. He pointed out that it’s a one-time purchase. “My question is: Are we missing revenue that is maybe expected to show up,” Becker asked. “If so, that’s great. If not, where are the expenses that we can cut to absorb [the differ­ ence]?” “We budgeted revenue low because there is no state budget,” Franklin replied. “There is nothing close to a state budget this year. I don’t know how much that could factor in there.” “Right now, we have the budget flat,” chief financial officer Cindy Larson said. “I don’t expect it to stay flat. I expect the revenue to increase, but, at this point, I can’t say that it’s going to increase, so I [kept the budget] Pat.” “There should be a plan,” Becker said. “Even after ail the expenses are looked at, and revenue from the state comes in and it’s a $500,000 or $400,000 [variance], that’s still a lot of money. Even $400,000 for two or three years is not sustainable.” “We’re budgeting for the worst case and hoping for best case,” Franklin said. Privatization of bus service also was dis­ cussed. Parents and bus drivers alike attended the meeting to express concerns. Bus driver Charles Converse said, “I know we’re the bottom line. ... But we [current Barry ISD bus drivers] work with these stu­ dents every single day. ... We all work so hard.” “I have a child in the Barry ISD,” parent and GSRP employee Roxanne Artis said. “She rides Robin’s bus. I want it to be known that I highly oppose privatization ... My child is severely autistic, and any kind of changes to her routine is detrimental to her education. These drivers are from our community, not from somewhere else, from our community. They love our kids. If you guys do this privat­ ization, I just can’t even begin to understand why. It doesn’t just affect me, it affects any­ one else who has children riding these buses. “They’ve developed a rapport with us as parents and with the students. I’d give up my job [with GSRP] if my kid gets to keep their driver.” Becker said the transportation committee does not have a recommendation regarding potential privatization of bus service. “I’m comfortable with the current state of the ISD,” Franklin said in a later interview. “I’m concerned about threats to programs, but I’ve seen tough times look worse than where we are now - and they got better.” “We will continue to work as frugally as possible to find anything to enhance reve­ nue.” Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads County Transit 269-948-8531 TAVERN In Bowotown Hastings The City of Hastings will be the venue this summer for the newest trolley route. Every Friday night, June 7 through August 23, the trolley will ring through the streets from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Catch it at any of the schools in the city limits, any city parks, and oilier designated stops, or just flag it down on its route. All rides are FREE! Compliments of the .local businesses listed in this brochure. ▼13 fl I IS U Ride Downtown for Dinner l w smyjew ^ewsculptures r i " > r i i I r 1 r j Shop Get Some Ice Cream Have Coffee or Drinks Visit the Park... Town 269-945-4400 START 6:00 Blker. Fluke a Sheldon, plc CKRTfflEP PUBLIC ACCOUNWKTS 269-945-9452 highpoint 888.422.2280 Hastings COURT HOUSE 6:00 6:50 7:40 8:30 1st Ward Park 6:03 6:53 7:43 8:33 Northeastern School 6:05 6:55 7:45 8:35 Bob King Park 6:08 6: 58 7:48 8:38 Tyden Park 6:11 7: 01 7:51 8:41 COURT HOUSE 6:17 7:07 7:57 8:47 County Seat 6:19 7:09 7: 59 8:49 Southeastern School 6:24 7:14 8: 04 8:54 2nd Ward Park 6:26 7:16 8:06 8: 56 High School 6:31 7:21 8:11 9: 01 Middle School 6:34 7:24 8:14 9:04 Fish Hatchery Park 6:37 7:27 8:17 9:07 Dairy Queen 6:41 7:31 8:21 9:11 OF HASTINGS 269-945-4174 Please be at the stops 10 minutes prior. Pickup times may vary plus or minus 10 minutes. If you would like more information about Barry County Transit Services please call (269)948-8098 269-945-1770 Hastings & Gun Lake ww'w.banycountytransit.com Barry County Transit would like to thank the Ci(y ofHastings, and the sponsoring merchants for their help in making this service possible. THE GENERAL STORE 269-945-1848 Hphaijmacy 269-945-3777 269-795-9289 �Page 10 — Thursday, June 13, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Three Hastings fifth-graders awarded $1,125 Joan Van Houten Staff Writer I Prizes totaling $1,125 were awarded to .Hastings fifth-grade students for placing in .the annual essay contest sponsored by the ’American Legion. The prizes were awarded to -three students: two at Southwestern ^Elementary and one at Northeastern "Elementary. * The contest guidelines stated the z nount of .the awards would be $75 for first place, $50 Tor second place and honorable mention for third place. The winners were shocked to learn the amounts they received. i Star Elementary student Lucas Waterman earned first place. He received $75 and an additional $500 for his essay. i Star Elementary student Ashlyn Bailey earned second place. She received $50 and an additional $300. Megan Ramey, a student at Northeastern Elementary, earned third place. She received an honorable mention. However, she was sur­ prised to learn she also received an unexpect­ ed $200. ~ “The kids won out of over submissions to 37 American Legion Posts. They should be very proud of themselves ” William Roush Post 45 Americanism officer, said. The contest originated with the Disabk Lucas Waterman, a student at Star Elementary, receives a $75 award from the American Legion for placing first with his Americanism essay. He is stunned as he learns from Charles Alexander, Post 484 and district commander, that he is receiving an additional $500. American Veterans association, and when they decided to end the program, Roush worked to bring it to the American Legion. This was the Legion’s first year. The essay topic was, “What does it mean to be an American citizen?” The first- and sec­ ond-place winning essays are: Why I Love Being an American Citizen By Lucas Waterman Steve Caris, commander of Pos- 45 in Hastings, presents an honorary mention to Megan Ramey, a student at Norueaster Elementary School. Ramey earned third place in the Legion’s annual essay contest. Also present is Charles Alexander, Post 484 and district commander, to surprise her with a $200 check. If I was a citizen from a different country, would I be happy? Well, if I was, I probably wouldn’t be as lucky that I am an American citizen. I love being an American citizen because I have religious freedom, freedom from dictators, and freedom of speech. These are just some of the reasons I love being an American citizen. First, I love being an American citizen because I have religious freedom. Religious freedom means that I can believe any religion I want. In some countries, you have to believe in a certain religion. For example, in Myanmar, you have to believe in the Buddhist religion. In America, I can be any religion I want. Next, I love to be an American citizen because I have freedom from dictators. In America, 1 have a right to do whatever I want besides breaking the law. In some other coun­ tries, they have to do what dictators say. I don’t want to point fingers, but North Korea has a dictator named Kim Jong-un “The Supreme Leader.” He dictates and makes the citizens of North Korea do what he wants. Kim does not let people protest or they will be put to death. This is only one of many coun­ tries that have a dictator. I am glad that America is not controlled by a dictator. Lastly, I like being an American because I Star Elementary student Ashlyn Bailey receives a $50 award for placing second in an essay contest. She is surprised by an additional award of $300. Charles Alexander, Post 484 and district commander, presented her awards. have the right to speak out loud. In America, I am allowed to protest and prove my point to the three branches of government once I’m 18. The branches are the Legislative branch, the Judicial branch and the Executive branch. Americans can speak out loud and say what they think is right. It is hard to believe that people can’t prove their point to the govern­ ment in different countries. In conclusion, I love being an American citizen because of American rights. These rights are the freedom of speech, freedom from dictators, and religious freedom. If you live in a different country, you should move to America because of its great freedom. This is why I love being an American citizen. Why I am Proud to be an American Citizen , By Megan Ramey Why I am proud to be an American citizen is that we have the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights helps us with the govern­ ment. Here in America we have more job opportunities than other countries. We have education that is valued with the other states and the education is for the children and help with teaching the children. And children have a bunch of schools that they could go to around and across the United States. Compared to China and America, China makes computers that is technology. Teachers and schools provide the education that the students need. When there is an emergency, the police help and protect other people. Luckily, we don’t have any kings or queens to be told what to do here in America, we have freedom and, luckily, we’re not England. Whenever we need something from scratch we have many resources all around us! People in America can have the democracy to vote - even though we have a law stating that we can’t vote until we’re 18 or older. We have the Declaration of Independence. We have internet for people who want to look up something or watching Youtube. Freedom of speech and our religion helps us know why we’re free to do anything. The three branches help us with checks and balances. With the judicial branch is the judge in a courtroom. The legislative branch is the part about making and writing the laws. The executive branch is when the president decides what laws to execute. All of the branches provide detail and information to have the citizens be safe on the roads and or anywhere. All of this information helps us know the laws, the ability to vote, the three branches keep everyone safe! All of these ideas coming together make something unique. The presi­ dent has the rights for the three branches and other people Our police force keeps anyone safe from danger. All of this infomation com­ ing together to make a Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and the democ­ racy to vote! Students learn a lot in scavenger hunt Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Second-graders were on a quest last week for the annual community scavenger hunt. Southeastern Elementary students visited sev­ eral downtown Hastings businesses and coun­ ty and city facilities to get as many stamps on their scavenger hunt passports as they could. Christopher Espinal-Lopez, (from left) Lexi Heydenberk, Ember Smith, Andrew Bywater and Kelton Ogden learn how it feels to sit in a holding cell at the Barry County Courts and Law Building. They are eager to leave the room. Barry County Judge Michael Schipper invites Lexi Heydenberk to sit in his seat and pound the gavel. “It’s really a lot of fun, and we learn a lot about the places we go to,” student Amber Smith said. The students walked around town in groups of five with a teacher or parent volunteer. Smith’s group was led by Kristen Laubaugh. No items were being collected. However, the students received a bag and several businesses handed out little gifts, such as note paper and pens. During their visit to the Barry County Courts and Law Building, students experi­ enced walking through a metal detector for the first time. All five went through without a beep. In an upstairs courtroom, they were greeted by District Court Judge Michael Schipper who explained how a criminal courtroom works. Students Christopher Espinal-Lopez, Kelton Ogden and Andrew Bywater sat at the plaintiff’s table, and Smith, Lexi Heydenberk and Laubaugh sat at the defendant’s table. The students asked the judge several ques­ tions, such as if he has a gavel. Schipper said he does, but doesn’t use it much. The young visitors were excited when he invited them through the gate and up to the bench. Each student was given a chance to sit in his seat, say something they thought a judge would say in a courtroom and pound the gavel. (“Order in the court” was a favorite.) “OK, now I’m going to show you some­ thing, but it’s a secret so you can’t tell your other classmates,” Schipper said as he led them to an area just outside of the courtroom to the holding cells. “This is where the defendants have to stay while they wait for their turn in the court­ room. It’s very small. We also have cameras so we can keep watch and make sure they’re OK,” Schipper said. The five scavenger hunters stepped into the holding cell and sat side-by-side on a metal bench. They didn’t stay more than a minute before quickly leaving the room. They were led to an adjacent holding cell where the “secret” was waiting for them. As the students entered the dark room, Schipper turned on the light to reveal a skeleton with long gray hair and a wicked grin. The “prison­ er,” Schipper said, had been waiting a very long time. The children laughed at the prop Schipper uses during Halloween. They promised to keep the secret. “This is really a great way for the kids to learn about our local businesses and about their community. And they always have fun walking around town,” Laubaugh said. Other locations visited by the students included the firehouse, city hall, the Cookie Store and Seasonal Grille. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 13, 2019 — Page 11 Students artists recognized by state Joan Van Houten Staff Writer The artwork of two Hastings students was included on the ‘best in state’ list. Their work was honored at state level and is now part of the state’s top pieces. Madison Killian, who recently finished fourth grade at Central Elementary, used col­ ored chalk to portray a family of dolphins and jellyfish and titled it “Under the Sea.” Her masterpiece is listed as one of the top 15 piec­ es in the state. Killian said she used skills she learned in art class about the different ways to manipu­ late chalk when creating art. She first drew the picture with pencils, and then added glue to her lines and used chalk to fill it in with dif­ ferent techniques, her art instructor is Natasha Offerman. Recent seniors Alicia Rivera and Chloe Park created pieces now included in the top 100 in Michigan. They worked with art instructor, Amanda Gurtowski. Rivera’s piece, “Strength and Power,” interprets time in creating art and the emo­ tions translated. “The more emotion used, the better the project turns out. Also, the great thing with using emotion is the project doesn’t have to look perfect - because nobody is perfect,” Rivera said. Park titled her piece “Mended Heart.” “The message I am trying to convey in making this piece of art is that everyone goes through heartbreak, whether it’s a breakup, loss of a family member or the separation of your parents. The string represents our strength to help us cope with our tragedies,” Park said. Senior Chloe Park created “Mended Heart” to reflect the importance of emo­ tion and strength to overcome a broken heart. Her artwork is among the top 100 submissions to Michigan’s art competi­ tion. Madison Killian’s work titled “Under the Sea” placed among Michigan’s top 15 art submissions. 1 F-F' AM Senior Alicia Rivera’s piece “Strength and Power” portrays the time and emotional investment in creating art. Bring on the flags Friday is Flag Day Flag Day incorporates citizenship, freedom, Armed Forces, Americans of all ethnic­ ities, and Old Glory itself. (File photo) Americans have recognized June 14 as Flag Day since President Woodrow Wilson made a proclamation before World War I. Members of the Hastings Rotary Club are responsible for placing the flags at businesses throughout the city several times a year, including Flag Day. The national office of the American Legion recently released information on the impor­ tance of the flag and Flag Day. “Today, we are honoring not just our flag, but also what it symbolizes,” according to information provided by the Legion. “We are honoring freedom. We are honoring the free­ dom to worship as we please, to speak as we please and to vote as we please. We are hon­ oring the hardworking men and women who have made this the greatest and most success­ ful country that the world has ever known.” Flag Day is America’s Day, the statement proclaimed. “It represents the rural countryside, the concrete city and the beautiful coastal shore. It represents the middle class, a class that was created because the GI Bill allowed millions to achieve the American Dream. It represents white Americans, African Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans and every ethnicity in which its sons and daughters earn the proud title ‘American Citizen.’ “Simply put, the Flag represents us. We owe it to our children - bom and yet-to-be bom - to continue to fly it high and proud.” Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28210-DE Estate of Grace M. Alberts, Deceased. Date of birth: 3/23/1927. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Grace M. Alberts, died 2/25/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Marthys Alberts, 3410 Senora Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, Ml 49508, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. State Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: May 30, 2019 Kenneth E. Tiews P25874 250 Monroe Avenue NW, Suite 100 Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (616) 459-7100 Marthys Alberts 3410 Senora Ave. SE Grand Rapids, Ml 49508 (616) xxxx-7575 120882 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19Estate of Jacklyn Tressa Main a/k/a Jacki Main, Deceased. Date of birth: 12/12/1958. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Jacklyn Tressa Main a/k/a Jacki Main, died 04/03/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Robert L. Main, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 West Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: May 17, 2019 William D. Renner, II P29832 28 West Chicago St., Ste. 3H/P.O. Box 159 Coldwater, Ml 49036 Robert L. Main 1215 Country Club Drive Hastings, Ml 49058 269-804-1308 120813 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28170-DE Estate of Jeffery Stoney. Date of birth: 01/01 /1944. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Jeffery Stoney, died 02/25/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Victoria Voges, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 06/07/2019 April Alleman P81156 2157 Commons Parkway Okemos, Ml 48864 Victoria Voges 6083 Jeannette Street Haslett, Ml 48840 517-896-9300 121060j Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on July 11, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Michael Benson aka Micheal Benson and Stacey Benson, Husband and Wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic RegTstratiWSystems^Hnc./'as^ndmineeTbrlehUer^ and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Selene Finance LP Date of Mortgage: December 4, 2007 Date of Mortgage Recording: December 12,2007 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $123,714.44 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 4 and the West 8 feet 9 inches of the North 72 feet of Lot 5 of Block 7 of Lincoln Park Addition to the City, Formerly Village of Hastings, according to the recorded plat thereof as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats on Page 55. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: June 6, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1386517 (06-06)(06-27) 120441 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Lukas Laughry, married man, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns, Mortgagee, dated August 7, 2015 and recorded August 26, 2015 in Instrument Number 2015-008400 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by Fifth Third Bank S/B/M to Fifth Third Mortgage Company, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereoTThe sum of One Hundred Eight Thousand Seven Hundred Forty-Five and 25/100 Dollars ($108,745.25), including interest at 4.25% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on JUNE 20, 2019. Said premises are located in the City of Hastings, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: Lot 18 and Outlot C of Plats of Broadway Heights, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 3 of Plats, Page 48, Barry County Records. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: May 23, 2019 File No. 19-004655 Firm Name: Orlans PC (05-23)(06-13) 119629 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on June 27, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Donald F Clum and Kathleen L Clum, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mainstreet Saving Bank, FSB Foreclosing . - Assignee (if any): Lake Michigan Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee for any reason. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest, and the purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Notice is hereby given that the below mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the Circuit Court of Barry County at 1:00 pm on July 11, 2019. Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Teresa M Cheeseman and Anthony E Cheeseman wife and husband Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Nationstar Mortgage LLC, its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Mr. Cooper Date of Mortgage: July 10, 2013 Date of Mortgage Recording: July 22, 2013 Amount claimed due on mortgage on the date of notice: $102,368.04 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in the Township of Rutland, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Lots 283 and 305 of Algonquin Lake Resort Properties Unit No. 2, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 2 of Plats on page 63. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or upon the expiration of the notice required by MCL 600.3241 a(c), whichever is later; or unless MCL 600.3240(16) applies. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: 06/06/2019 Potestivo & Associates, P.C. 310371 NOTICE SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN PC., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE - At Home R.E. LLC , granted a mortgage to Visio Financial Services, LLC, Mortgagee, dated January 31, 2018, and recorded on February 15, 2018, in Document No. 2018-001514, and assigned by said mortgagee to Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, d/b/a Christiana Trust, not in its individual capacity but soley as Owner Trustee of Residential Credit Opportunities Trust II, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Seventy-Three Thousand One Hundred Sixty-Five and 81/100 Dollars ($73,165.81). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the East doors of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on July 11, 2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: THE NORTH 62 FEET OF LOT 712 OF THE CITY, FORMERLY VILLAGE OF HASTINGS, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, ACCORDING TO THE RECORDED PLAT THEREOF, EXCEPT COMMENCING 70 FEET NORTH OF THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 712; THENCE NORTH 4 FEET; THENCE WEST 15 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 4 FEET; THENCE EAST 15 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING The redemption period will be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period will be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 600.3241 a(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of Act 236 of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, d/b/a Christina Trust, not in it's individual capacity but soley as owner Trustee of Residential Credit Opportunities Trust II Mortgagee/ Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman P.C. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1387000 (06-06)(06-27) 120808 (06-06)(06-27) 120806 Date of Mortgage: March 11, 2010 Date of Mortgage Recording: March 16, 2010 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $20,148.85 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Hope, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot(s) 1, 3 and 4, Lakewood Estates, according to the recorded Plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 4 of Plats, page 19, Hope Township The redemption period shall be 1 year from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: May 30, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1386141 (05-30) (06-20) 120040 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on July 11,2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Matthew Fahling, an unmarried man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): AmeriFirst Financial Corporation Date of Mortgage: January 21,2015 Date of Mortgage Recording: January 26, 2015 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $140,614.65 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Yankee Springs, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: That part of the Northwest 1/4, Section 4, Town 3 North, Range 10 West, Yankee Springs Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: Commencing at the North 1/4 corner of Section 4, Town 3 North, Range 10 West; thence South 00 degree 55 minutes 34 seconds East, 2104.06 feet, along the West line of the Northeast 1/4 of Section to the point of beginning; thence North 89 degrees 02 minutes 31 seconds East 390.00 feet; thence South 00 degree 55 minutes 34 seconds East 252.00 feet; thence South 89 degrees 02 minutes 31 seconds West 390.00 feet to the West line of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 4; thence North 00 degree 55 minutes 34 seconds West 252.00 feet along said West line to the point of beginning. Subject to highway right of way for Norris Road. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: June 13, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1387107 (06-13) (07-04) 120858 �Page 12 — Thursday, June 13, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Hastings Middle School announces honor roll Hastings Middle School has released its final honor roll of the 2018-19 academic year. To qualify, students must earn a grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Those with a GPA of 3.5 or higher are named to the high honors list. Students with a 4.0 GPA for the marking period are denoted with an asterisk. ‘ Eighth grade High honors Sophia Ahearn, Taylor Arens, Valentina Arias*, Lauren Arnold, Joy Aukerman, Reed Palderson, Abigail Barton, Isobelle Bergeron, iSaanj Bhakta, Eve Bishop, Mekih Botsford, Joseph Brisco, Alivia Cassini, Brinna Cobb, Bailey Cook, Grace Curtis, Calli Cusack, Erin Daniels, Allyson Dayus, Cassidee Easey, "Valery Eaton*, Justus Forell, Zara Franklin, Abby Gaskill, Joseph Goggins, Zachary Gole, Janesa Hasman, Ellysa Hawkins-Dix, Anna Haywood, Ethan Henry, Jocelyn HernandezHernandez, Anden Hines, Gabrielle Horrmann, Ceziah-Desiree Jung, Jack Kensington, Nathan Kohmescher, Dylan Lumbert, Harley Marlette, Addison Mays, Graycee McCarty, Lawrence Cole McKenna, Julia McLean, Payton Miller, Molly Patton*, Amber Rabideau, Isaiah Randall, Ashton Rasey, Cailin Redman, Peighton Reser, Mackenzi Rivera, Marissa Roberts, Megan Rowley, Natalee Sanders, Jonathan Schantz, Emily Simmons, Robert Slaughter, Cohen Smith, Cole Smith, Isaac Stanton, Isabelle Storm*, Elia Tellkamp, Kearan Tolles, Madeline Traver, Johannes Tumes, Lillian Ulrich, Lillian Van Ooy, Caleb Waller, Aiyanah Wemigwans and Macy Winegar. Honors Dylan Brisco, Elijah Brisco, Jackson Casey, Zachary Chipman, Kathryn Clark, Ericka Critzer, Cameron Danks, Caitlyn Dickerson, Layton Eastman, Victoria Eberhart, Tessa Fenstemaker, Collin Fouty, Elena Friddle, Kirsten Harvath, Xander Holtrust, Karie Jones, Jayden Karsen, Lauren Lamphere, Trenton Lipsey, Hayden Long, Amber Markley, Noelia Moreno, Madison Nino, Berlin Olcheske, Tyler Oliver, Devin Pacillo, Samuel Pattok, Madeline Pratt, Chase Rathburn, Andrea Rhodes, Ella Saxton, Cameron Seeber, Bayne Signeski, Cayden Snow, Noah Strimback, Hope Taggart, Lanny Teunessen, Cadence Vanderhoff and Briana Vincent. Seventh grade YMCA, continued from page 1 Sporer said 80 percent of the money needed has been raised, with most of it coming from the camp endowment fund as well as three major gifts from the Dick Foster Estate, the 'Judith Feldpausch Estate, and the DeCamp Foundation. Future meetings are being planned to discuss how to raise the remaining 20 percent. “I want to thank the many people involved in making this happen. It took a lot of hands, a lot of time and a lot of work to get us here,” jSporer said. “We are still welcoming opportu­ nities for donors to assist us in completing the project.” Design of the improvements was by Slocum Architects, the same company the YMCA worked with when the main lodge was built in early 2000. Designed improvements will dra­ matically change the look of the Algonquin Lake shoreline in front of the camp. The improvements include new docks, a boathouse, sandy beach, construction of a footpath and extension of the boardwalk. A bathroom facility also will be constructed closer to the activity area so younger children will feel more confident about using the restrooms by themselves and will have a shorter distance to travel. A retaining wall will be added for children’s safety and to protect the shoreline. Barry County YMCA was formed in late 1916 by six men concerned about the need for 4a youth program in the county. By the end of the conversation, the six men, including Emil Tyden, Aben Johnson and Marshall Cook, had pledged enough money to hire a YMCA direc­ tor and finance a youth program. In the 1920s, developers created a plan to combine Long, Little Dollar, Kurtz, and Dowd fakes into one large basin called Algonquin Lake, however, the Great Depression of 1929 changed their plans. Aben Johnson of Hastings Manufacturing was one of the investors who received land on the lake. Upon acquiring the land, he approached others and proposed that a YMCA summer camp be built. With money raised from the sales of sur­ plus World War I 20-mm shells, Johnson, Howard Frost and Bill Bradford, the YMCA camp committee chairman, put up four tents, a Quonset hut and two outhouses. Camp Algonquin was bom. High school coach Bob King was hired in 1946 as camp director. When asked what his first challenge was, King replied, “Just getting there.” Only a wooded path led to the camp at that time. What started with four tents for camping has evolved to hundreds of programs and activities for families and children and cabins for overnight stays. The facility is operated as Sixth grade An officer was dispatched to M-79 near Charlton Park Road on a report of a vehicle with flashers and a man trying to flag down passing cars at 10:17 p.m. June 7. The man, whose age was not given, told the officer he had a flat tire and ran out of gas, but a friend was on his way to help. The officer asked the passenger if she had identification and she did not, but when the officer looked up her name, he learned she had four warrants. The 30-yearold Hastings woman was arrested for two warrants for contempt of court in Hastings, one bench warrant from Mason and a dangerous-drugs warrant from Battle Creek. Teens break in to gas station and concession stand Barry County officers were called out to a burglary at Lakewood High School at 3:47 May 19. A cash register for the concession stand near the football field had been taken out of the building, and was found on the ground at the nearby Jordan Lake Trail. A scale and various types of candy also were stolen. Three teenagers, age 14,16 and 17 from Sunfield were already suspects for a break-in and theft of vape cartridges that took place the same night at the Marathon gas station in Lakewood. The teenagers admitted their involvements in the incidents. They broke open the cash register, but no cash was inside. The cost of the damage to Lakewood’s equipment is valued at $670. The current boathouse replaced the original in 1980 and will now be replaced with a larger one that will provide more storage space and greater use of the shoreline and water activities. a summer camp - not a campsite. Sporer said, “There is nothing in this proj­ ect about creating a public campground. That is not what we are doing, and there are no cle at $3,500, the couple claimed other places had offered them at least $5,000. “The lady called me a scammer, and I was like, ‘Oh, OK, whatever,’” Smith said. “Her title was inside, on my desk, and she said, ‘Take your scammin’ black ass back inside and go get my title.’ I said, ‘You’re not going to talk to me that way, if you want your title you can go get it yourself.’ I was taking off, walking back inside the building. I got inside, and she was behind me. I handed her the title and she backhanded me. She hit me so hard it Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. High honors Tanner Allerding, Keegan Archer, Tanner Armstrong, Jett Barnum, Ariana Beard, Zoey Bennett*, Christian Boniface, Abigayl Bower, Taylor Casey, Andrew Cook, Brianna Darling, Hannah DuBois, Kaiden Dunkelberger, Benjamin Furrow, JoDee Gaskill, Isabel Gee*, Jalyn Grimes, Baylie Guernsey, Andrew Haines, Rachael Hewitt*, Marisa Hilton, Jordan Humphrey, Micah Johnson, Nicholas Kane, Danica Keeney, Isabella Kensington, Logan Kerby, Rachel King, Kalli Koning, Donald Kuck, Kennedy Lewis, Miles Lipsey, Khrystina Lyttle, Deondre Mathis, Jordan Milanowski, Alyson Miller, Kyle Morgan, Ashley Norris, Travis Oliver, Elijah Randall, Hayley Rasey, Keygan Robinson, Anna Shaver, Porter Shaw, Brandon Simmons, Lily ah Solmes*, Brooklyn Strickland*, Victoria Tack, Malachi Thiel, Melany Vargas, Alexya Vazquez, Quinn Waddell, Zoe Watson, Memphis White and Linda Wright. Honors Daniel Andrus, Mason Benton, Riley Bondurant, Olivia Bouchard, Alexia Curths, Madison Deal, Emma Dennison, Madisen Diekhoff, Brooklyn Fields, Rachel Garrett, Carson Gates, Madelyn Gilbert, Izabell Gonsalves, Miya Hamilton, Sophia Hamilton, Isabella Harvath, Makaila Hawkins, Logan Henry, Ethan Hoaglin, Troy Hokanson, Gage Holtrust, Meya Hughes, McKinney Jiles, Brett Johnson, Dawson Lewis, Angel Livingston, Kyle Lumbert, Keegan Nicholson, Kaiden Ogden, Jasmine Olmsted, Alisandra Pearlman, Seth Pirtle, Brennan Reser, Dillen Roll, Abigail Schoemer, Abigail Scott, Heather Shakespeare, Heaven Simmet, Alonha Sleight, Tristan Smith, Ethan VanDyke, Dylan Vaughan, Madison Vickery, Isabelle Wickham, Deagan Wilkins and Jordyn Winters. Flat tire leads to warrant arrest plans to go in that direction. We are a camp providing services and fun, educational activ­ ities to children and their families. “That is what the YMCA is about.” Nashville woman charged with assault, ethnic intimidation Shelly Lynn Hueckel, 47, of Nashville, has been charged with misdemeanor assault and battery and felony ethnic intimidation by a Kent County prosecutor. Hueckel allegedly struck Terrance Smith, a car salesman of Betten Baker GMC in Lowell, and used racial slurs. Smith, who is African American, said Hueckel and a man went to the dealership around 12:30 p.m. April 24, and asked how much their 2005 Ford F-150 would be worth as a trade-in. When Smith appraised the vehi­ High honors Mason Bailey, Lucy Barnard*, Blake Barnum, Abigail Beemer*, Phoebe Birchfield, Dekota Blough, Maya Brandon, Denver Brill, Jackson Byers, Zacharia Byle, Abigail Byykkonen*, Kaylie Carl, Owen Carroll*, Trey Casey, Caylin Clock, Diego Coipel, Lily Comensoli*, Peightyn Cronk, Alydar Dico, Alliana Escamilla, Logan Graham, Lucas Gray, Alexander Haines, Heath Hays, Isabella Hendershot, Maya Herbert, Alexandria Herder*, Jorden Hom, David Jiles, Allison Kerby, Madysen Kuestner, Sarah Lichvar, Olivia Meeker*, Natalie Minch, Kaitlyn Moore, Raegen Morrison, Aiden Morton, Adeline Nickels*, Charles Nickels, Abigail Peake, Evan Porter, Raedyn Rathbun*, Ciarra Rea, Andie Reneau, Kai Richardson, Isabelle Roosien, Aiden SaintAmour, Brennan Sensiba, Riley Shults, William Smalley, Reuben Solmes*, Lars Sorensen, Landon Steward, Sophia Sunior, Logan Taylor Krebs, Lauren Taylor, Howard Teed*, Gavin Tinkler, Adrianne VanDenburg*, Preston Vandepol, Ryan VanDorp, Audrey Vertalka, Zane Warner and Oliva White. Honors Cole Arent, Ailah Arnone, Brayden Bies, Makayla Birman, Ian Burfield, Kacey Campbell, Hunter Cook, Jordyn Downs, Aubree English, Evelyn Faubert, Kimber Fenstemaker, Skylar Fenstemaker, Akvila Griffith, Anndriana Hall, Quentine James, Demensia Johnson, Keegan Lindsey, Alison Mater, Mia Maya Santos, Gareth McCarty, Astrid Mendoza, Anika Ortwein, Bailey Pennock, Lila Rea, Jameson Riordan, Alexie Roberts, Aubree Rowse, Grady Scharping, Devin Smith, Patricia Sue, Matthew Ulrich, Hunter Uptgraft, Natalie Warner and Aydria Willard. Business Services Garage Sale BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. YARD SALE!- FURNITURE, housewares, plants. Friday 6/14/19 9am-5pm, Sat. 6/15 9am-3pm. Proceeds go to: Superhero's Young Men's Group. 1905 N Broadway St., Hastings. BELLS CONSTRUCTION-18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, power washing, home im­ provements, seamless gutters. 269-320-3890. GARAGE/MOVING SALEFri. June 14, 2019, 8am-4pm. 7198 River Glen Dr., Caledo­ nia. Down sizing- Household and yard items. For Sale Use Skim Balm® to treat dogs Cats for "hot spots" & skin allergies without steroids. At Tractor Supply (www.kennelvax.com) knocked the glasses off my face. She was still swinging and hitting me, and then she called me the ‘n word’ three or four times. Then she and her husband left, and we called the police. The officer was like, ‘Are you sure you don’t know this lady?’ because he couldn’t believe that she did this just because I told her what her trade-in was worth.” Lowell Police Officer James Reamsma contacted Hueckel, who initially said she did not call Smith names. “She later stated that he had called her ‘an ignorant b—’ and she told him ‘get your lazy black ass inside and give me my title, I’m not buying from you.’” Reamsma wrote in his report. “She also stated that she may have said, ‘You’re a lazy n---- .’I asked her if she had struck him and she stated that she ‘slid [through] to grab her title and he bumped against her.’ When told she had struck him and knocked off his glasses, she stated Tn the heat of the moment, I may have.’” Hueckel was initially charged only with assault and battery, but after the incident was reported, the Kent County prosecutor’s office added a new charge. “This office received a number of questions regarding charges which had been filed in an incident which occurred at a Lowell car deal­ ership in April of this year,” Kent County prosecutor Chris Becker said. “After looking at the report submitted by the Lowell Police Department, with additional follow-up from that department, it was determined that a more serious charge was appropriate given what had occurred.” In addition to the misdemeanor assault and battery charge punishable by 93 days and/or $500, Hueckel was charged with ethnic intim­ idation June 10, a felony punishable by two years’ imprisonment and/or a $5,000 fine. Hueckel turned herself in to Lowell Police May 14, and is set for a pre-trial at 9 a.m. Tuesday, June 25. Guns lost and found after break-in An 83-year-old woman called police at 12:15 p.m. May 23 to report a break-in at her home on Greggs Crossing Road in Castleton Township. The woman found dents on her garage door where it looked like someone had pried open the door to get into the house. The woman, who had just returned from Florida where she had been since January, said she was missing two 12-gauge shotguns and trail camera. She believed her 17-year-old grandson had been using her house for parties while she was gone. She had the locks changed by a family member, and the break-in occurred soon after. She left a voicemail for police June 7 saying she had located the guns but did not say where. The incident is under investigation. Woman aims for aquarium, hits boyfriend with nunchucks A 45-year-old man called police at 10:44 p.m. June 6 to report his girlfriend hit him with nunchucks at their residence in the 6000 block of Thornapple Lake Road in Castleton Township. The man said they had been arguing, and his 43-year-old girlfriend poured the beer he had just bought down the sink. He went outside where he was setting up for a garage sale, and his girlfriend attempted to smash an aquarium with a pair of nunchucks, but she “grazed his head.” The man had a small bump on his head, and said his girlfriend immediately apologized, but he said was tired of arguing and “called 911 to scare her.” He did not want to press charges, but information was forwarded to the prosecutor’s office. Arrest for hit and run with suspended license A 24-year-old Delton man was arrested after leaving the scene of accident at 8:01 a.m. June 4 at the comer of Stevens and Moor roads in Hope Township. Witnesses said he was traveling on Stevens Road at a high rate of speed when he lost control on the curve. His vehicle veered off the road into a ditch, hit a utility marker and struck several logs. Witnesses said he seemed under the influence and he threw something out into the grass after he got out of the vehicle. Another individual picked up the man and drove away. Officers tracked the license plate on the vehicle second vehicle, which belonged to the man’s step-brother in the 8000 block of Hayward Road in Orangeville Township. The man was arrested for careless driving, leaving the scene of an accident and driving without a license. Unable to break in to house, woman vandalizes porch A 52-year-old man called police at 7:30 p.m. March 31 to alert police his wife, 49, was attempting to gain entry into his house in the 12000 block of Merlau Avenue in Prairieville Township. The woman had recently been arrested for domestic assault, and her bond required her to leave the residence. The man said she had called him a few days previous­ ly asking about his weekend plans, and he told her he would be out of the house. Through a security camera, he was able to see her trying to get into the house. When she was unable to get inside, she took some items from an outdoor kitchen, tried and failed to get into the garage and instead defecated on the back porch. The man was unsure if she had actually done so, and he had a friend drive by the house, where he found the remains and sent the man a picture, which he forwarded to police. Information was sent to the prosecuting attorney. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 13, 2019 — Page 13 Five Panthers hit final putts at D3 Finals Alejandro Guevara, one of five seniors in the line-up for the Delton Kellogg/Martin varsity boys’ golf team at the Division 3 Lower Peninsula State Finals, shaved 16 strokes off his score at Katke Golf Course on the campus of Ferris State University from his first trip to the state finals. Guevara qualified for the state finals as a sophomore along with the Delton Kellogg/ Martin team that placed 17th at the finals in 2017. He scored a 111 Friday to open the 2019 State Finals and then cut that number down to 96 on day two for a 36-hole total of 191. The DK/Martin team was one spot back from that 2017 finish, placing 18th in head coach Jim Hogoboom’s first spring leading the program. Damion LaFountaine, the Panther team’s only other player back from that 2017 finals appearance, scored a 100-102-202 to finish just off his pace from his sophomore state finals rounds at Katke. The other three members of the DK/Martin team played their first state finals rounds and their last varsity rounds over the weekend. Tanner Janowski led the way for the team with a 96-85-181. DK/Martin also got a 99-109-208 from Dominik Waase and a 121-114-235 from Drew Ketola. “Although the team was disappointed that they didn’t play better over the two day tour­ Riders pedal up the hill on Main Street in downtown Middleville during one of the first 36 editions of the National 24-Hour Challenge. The event returns to the roads of Barry County Saturday and Sunday, kicking off at Thornapple Kellogg Middle School at 8 a.m. Saturday, and covering a loop from there to Lakewood Middle School, Baseline United Methodist Church and the Delton Library before returning to Middleville and the Yankee Springs area for its afternoon and overnight loops. (File Photo) National 24-Hour Challenge takes off Saturday morning The National 24-Hour Challenge board and volunteers have been hard at work. Rider packets are ready for pick-up, the scoring website is loaded and ready, routes have been checked, socks have arrived, fruit will be delivered, and neutral support facili­ ties have been created. The 37th Annual National 24-Hour Challenge will roll across Barry County Saturday and Sunday. Registration closes for theannual event at 6 p.m. Friday, June 14 at BikeReg.com. ■ The race starts at 8 a.m. sharp Saturday morning, takihgcff from Thomapple Kellogg Middle School in Middleville. The event opens with the Middleville Rotary Spaghetti Dinner, open to the public, at the TKMS cafeteria Friday from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tickets are $7 in advance and $8 at the door. Number pick-up and door prize displays will be in the TKMS entry way from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Friday. Late number pick-up begins at 6 a.m. Saturday and runs until 7:30 a.m. There will be a pancake breakfast open to the public from 6 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. The ride finishes at 8 a.m. Sunday morning (Father’s Day). A drawing for door prizes will be held at 8:30 a.m., followed by the awards ceremony at 9 a.m. Riders typically begin arriving in Middleville Friday afternoon for the event, to set up tents and campers on the Thomapple Kellogg school grounds . Participants begin Loop One, a more than 120 mile loop along rolling-to-hilly miles through Barry County. The loop has three outlying checkpoints, at Lakewood Middle School in northwest Barry County, at Baseline United Methodist Church in southwest Barry County, and at the Delton Library before rid­ ers cruise through the Yankee Springs recre­ ation area on their way back into Middleville. After the riders depart TKMS in the morn­ ing, their crews leave on an alternate route to meet their riders at the various checkpoints. Riders who complete the opening loop move on to a 24-mile Loop Two that winds from TKMS out to Yankee Springs and back. Riders cover the loop at least once, and can cover loop two as many times as possible until 7:15 p.m. Saturday when the night loop opens. The night loop, Loop Three, is a 7.6-mile loop that stays open through 8 a.m. Sunday morning with riders moving south along Bender Road, west on Adams Road, north on Cheny Valley Road and east , on Finkbeiner Road while making swings through the TKMS checkpoint. More than 150 volunteers team up to make the event run smoothly each summer. Delton Kellogg to offer free breakfast to students Luke Froncheck Staff Writer All Delton Kellogg students will be offered free breakfast to start the school day, starting next year. The announcement was made during Monday’s regular school board meeting. “We’re in good shape,” Superintendent Kyle Corlett said. “For breakfast, the state will give us reimbursement based on our per­ centage of free and reduced lunch students. For lunch, they just go by how many families automatically qualify. The plan for next year is to provide free breakfast for all students in every building. We’ll see how this year goes and, depending on that, we’ll consider expand­ ing it next year.” “Really, it’s a no-risk,” board vice president Jim McManus said. “We have a big enough fund balance that it’s worth a shot to see where we eoftie inanyways.” “Previously, the students would have to wait on the buses in the morning until the school opened up,” Corlett continued. “Now, if we have free breakfast, the students can ail get breakfast before school. Maple Valley Youth Basketball will host its annual Kevin Rost Basketball Camp for boys and girls from Young 5’s through eighth grade. The summer camp will run in two sessions during its two week run. The camp for Young 5’s through fifth graders will be held Monday through Thursday June 17-20 and June 24-27, from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. each day. A sack lunch will be provided. The camp for sixth through eighth graders will run from Monday through Friday each week, June 17-21 and June 24-28, from 9 a.m. until noon each day. A sack lunch will be pro­ vided. The camp will be held in the two gyms at Maple Valley High School. The cost to partic­ ipate is $20 per player. Each player will receive a T-shirt and basketball, as well as lunches each day. There is a $50 maximum charge per family/household. Sign-up forms will be available at the camp. There are some scholarships available upon request. Cost: $20 per player. Includes camp, tee shirt and basketball & sack lunch. *$50 maximum per family/household. Sign up forms available on site at camp. (Scholarships upon request) The fun basketball day camp is designed to be affordable to all as well as teach and improve the fundamental skills of basketball. Players of all skill levels are welcome, from first time players to veterans of the game. Players may be divided by skill level as well as grade throughout the camp. The emphasis with the younger, less expe­ rienced players will be basic dribbling, pass­ ing, defense and “perfect shot” techniques on eight-foot rims for younger players. The drills are designed to be fun and enjoyable. The older/more skilled player will be in the big gym learning more advanced drills and skills. They will be running drills such as a three-person weave, Washington, rebounding, boxing out, 3-on-2, 2-on-l, fast breaks, shell drill, shuffle drills and playing some games each day. This gym will be more up-tempo and challenging. Contact MV Youth Basketball Coordinator Tony Joostbems with any questions by phone at 269-838-8131 or by email at tjoostbems@ yahoo.com. More information can also be found on the MV Youth Basketball Facebook page, Bulldogs best TK ladies in five in regional semifinal Vicksburg brought an end to the 2019 sea­ son for the Thomapple Kellogg varsity soft­ ball team Saturday in the Division 2 Regional Semifinals at Edwardsburg High School Saturday. The Bulldogs downed the I rojans 10-0 in five-innings in the first of two regional semi­ finals in Edwardsburg Saturday. Stevensville Lakeshore knocked off Olivet 10-2 in the second semifinal of the day Saturday, and then the Lakers finished off the day with a 5-2 win over the Vicksburg girls to earn a spot in the state quarterfinals. The Thornapple Kellogg girls won their first district championship since 2000 to earn their spot in the regional tournament. “Studies show students do better academi­ cally after breakfast.” In other action, the board increased the cost of lunches in the elementary school by 15 cents for the 2019-20 school year. Delton is currently projecting a 5.5 percent general fund balance based on the information at Tuesday’s budget hearing. “Our goal is to get above 6 percent so we can give staff raises,” Corlett said. “We’ve been experiencing steady growth in recent years.” The board also announced that the district will be switching from PNC bank to Highpoint Community Bank. “We were losing money the last few years with PNC,” Corlett said. “We both recognized we needed to eliminate that. With Highpoint, “there are no fees and there is a free courier service,” he added. “We would still be making interest on the money we already have in the bank. Super nice peo­ ple, too. We wanted to stay local. “They do a nice job of being involved in the schools.” ( Ponate A Boat or Car Today! Boa^Angel PUBLIC NOTICE HISTORIC CHARLTON PARK "2-Night Free Vacation!” S0070040AT (2628) Youth basketball camp returns for two weeks in late June nament it was a great experience to cap off their season,” said Hogoboom. He said Janowski performed well on the course’s lightning quick greens to score his 85 on Saturday. Hanover-Horton’s Jack Brockie won the individual state championship in Division 3, shooting a 73-69-142 over the weekend. Cheboygan’s Zachary Gildner and NorthPointe Christian’s Erik Fahlen tied for second with total scored of 146. Fahlen led the Mustangs to the team state championship. NorthPointe Christian put together a two-day score of 624. Big Rapids had a five-stroke lead over the Mustangs (308-313) after the tournament’s first 18 holes, but shot a 319 to the Mustangs’ 311 Saturday to fall three strokes back at 627. Grosse He was third with an overall score of 664, ahead of Napoleon 672, West Catholic 676, Elk Rapids 677, Jackson Lumen Christi 679, Ann Arbor Father Gabriel Richard 680, South Christian 684, Leslie 692, Shepherd 712, Cheboygan 723, Frankenmuth 724, Schoolcraft 735, Dowagiac 756, Monroe St Mary Catholic Central 758, St. Louis 758 and Delton Kellogg/Martin 782. Behind Fahlen for NorthPointe Christian, Sam Nelson shot a 76-82-158 and Lance VanErmen an 81-77-158. Luck Schrock chipped in an 83-79-162 and Ben Ng an 85-82-167. www.boatangel.com \ sponsored by boat angel outreach center: STOP CRIMES A&AINST CHILDREN Historic Charlton Park’s Public Beach and Recreation Area will be NOTICE The minutes of the meeting of the Barry County Board of Commissioners held June 11, 2019, are available in the County Clerk’s Office at 220 W. State St., Hastings, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or www.barrycounty.org. closed on Sunday, June 16, 2019 during the 38th Annual Father’s Day Car Show. The public is advised that South Charlton Park Road, from M-79 to River Road will be closed on Sunday, June 16, 2019 from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m., except to residential and event traffic. Residents and event visitors may proceed north­ bound only on Charlton Park Road. 120811 CITY OF HASTINGS CITY OF HASTINGS REQUEST FOR BIDS REQUEST FOR BIDS Extrication Equipment Parking Lot Repair The City of Hastings is requesting sealed bids for the replacement of Extrication Equipment. The Fire Department is located at 110 E. Mill St., Hastings, Ml 49058. The City of Hastings is requesting sealed bids for the repair of the parking lot at the Hastings Fire Depart­ ment. The Fire Department is located at 110 E. Mill St., Hastings, Ml 49058. Bid proposal forms and specifications are available at the address listed below. The City of Hastings reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any irregularities in the bid proposals, and to award the bid as deemed to be in the City’s best interest, price and other factors considered. Bid proposal forms and specifications are available at the address listed below. The City of Hastings re­ serves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any irregularities in the bid proposals, and to award the bid as deemed to be in the City’s best interest, price and other factors considered. Sealed bids will be received at the Office of the City Clerk/Treasurer, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 until 9:00 AM on Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at which time they will be opened and publicly read aloud. All bids must be clearly marked on the outside of the submittal package “Sealed Bid - Sealed bids will be received at the Office of the City Clerk/Treasurer, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 until 9:00 AM on Tuesday, June 25, 2019 at which time they will be opened and publicly read aloud. All bids must be clearly marked on the outside of the submittal package “Sealed Bid - Fire Department Parking Lot Repair. Fire Department Extrication Equipment. Roger Caris Roger Caris �Page 14 — Thursday, June 13, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Comets keep DK runners from reaching home - Coloma learned a year ago the near perfec­ tion it takes to advance deep into June on its yvay to winning the 2018 Division 3 State Championship. The Comets kept their 2019 tournament run going a little longer with a 1-0 victory over the Delton Kellogg varsity softball team in the Division 3 Regional Semifinals in Coloma Saturday. The Panthers outhit the Comets 7 to 2 on the afternoon, but couldn’t get a runner to the plate despite threatening several times. Coloma got out of a bases-loaded, no-out jam in the bottom of the second inning, and then carried that momentum to put together a single, a walk and a ground out, along with a couple stolen bases, to score the game’s only run in the top of the third inning. Delton Kellogg second baseman Lily Timmerman scoops up a ground ball during her team’s 1-0 loss to Coloma in the Division 3 Regional Semifinals at Coloma High School Saturday afternoon. (Photo by Perry Hardin Delton Kellogg pitcher Erin Kapteyn tags out Coloma’s Hannah Mathis after catching her in a rundown between third and home during their Division 3 Regional Semifinal Saturday in Coloma. (Photo by Perry Hardin) The Delton Kellogg end the season with a record of 30-8. The Coloma girls suffered their own one-run defeat Saturday, 3-2 to the Panthers’ Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division rivals from Schoolcraft - who will take on Dundee in the state semifinals this afternoon (3 p.m. at Michigan State University) after a 14-6 win over Grandville Calvin Christian Tuesday in the state quarter­ finals. Coloma junior Megan Koenigshof singled to center to open the top of the third inning against the Panthers Saturday. She stole sec­ ond and third base as teammate Hannah Mathis worked a walk to put runners on the comers. Mathis took second with teammate Megan Neubecker at the plate. Neubecker advanced Koenigshof to score with a ground-ball to Panther third baseman LizzyrFichtner. ■ The Panthers managed a double play on a fly ball into right field, as Mathis failed to tag up at third, to get out of the inning without any more damage. Hailey Buckner, Erin Kapteyn and Chloe Colwell put together consecutive singles to open the bottom of the second inning for the Delton Kellogg girls. Koenigshof got a strike out for the first out of the inning. DK’s Lauren Lebeck got a bunt down with one out, but it was scooped up by Koenigshof who fired home to force out Buckner. Lilly Timmerman flew out to the Comets’ second baseman to bring an end to the inning. Timmerman had a lead-off single in the bottom of the first inning, and a sacrifice bunt and a ground out got her to third, but a Koenigshof strike out ended that DK chance. The chances kept coming for the Delton Delton Kellogg’s Chloe Colwell gets a bunt down the third baseline during her team’s Division 3 Regional Semifinal match-up with Coloma Saturday in Coloma. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Kellogg girls. Katie Tobias and Fichtner worked back-to-back walks with one out in the bottom of the third. Lebeck and Timmerman knocked back-to-back singles into center field to open the bottom of the fifth. In the top of the seventh, Kapteyn singled with one out and moved to second on a sacri­ fice bunt by Colwell. She promptly stole third, but after fouling off four straight 3-2 offerings the Panthers’ Josie Lyons grounded out to the Comet first baseman to close out the bailgame. All seven Delton Kellogg hits in the ball­ game were singles. Kapteyn was 2-for-3 and Timmerman 2-for-4. Kapteyn struck out seven in seven innings in the circle, walking five and allowing two singles. Koenigshof struck out seven as well, walk­ ing two in the complete game victory. Come see us for all your wedding needs. Shop your LOCAL printing company for customized • Thank you notes • Save the date cards • Wedding invitations • Photos • Frames • Wedding favors • Posters Rick Moore, founding board member of Thornapple Trail Association (from left), accepts a $3,600 check from Jerry Bolthouse, co-owner of Ace Hardware, for the development of area trails. Blair Miller, association president, also attends to show board’s appreciation. Ace Hardware helps raise funds for trail development Joan Van Houten Staff Writer More than 3,000 competitors and as many spectators visit Hastings each year for the annual Barry-Roubaix Killer Gravel Road Race, and owners of Ace Hardware have found a way to use the race’s popularity to help the community. Terry and Levi Bolthouse, owners of Ace Hardware at 200 S. Boltwood St., pro­ heck out all our Special Services: Business Cards Greeting Cards Big Prints & Posters Photo Books Custom Rubber Stamps Plastic Binding and more! ................ 1111 ■ hi in i mi in ■■■■iiiiimii i in 11111 on.in 1351 N.Broadway (M-43) Hastings 2fiq OAR <11(1*5 OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00 - 5:30 in vide parking spaces in the store parking lot to the Thomapple Trail Association to raise funds for trail development. This year, the parking spaces raised $3,600. “This is our largest fundraiser of the year, and we are eternally grateful to Jerry and Levi for their philanthropy,” Blair Miller, associa­ tion president, said. “Barry-Roubaix organiz­ ers Scott Tencate and Matt Acker make our spaces known to riders when they sign up and, because of that connection, we sell out in a matter of hours. We couldn’t be more appre­ ciative of the luxury of this support from them.” The Thomapple Trail Association is a non­ profit organization that works to maintain, support and develop the Paul Henry Thomapple Trail system. Additional informa­ tion is available at thomappletrail.com. LHS has six honored among GLAC’s best softball players Senior captains Ashtyn Livermore, Emma Sullivan and Savannah Stoepker and sopho­ more pitcher Morgan Stahl were all named first team all-conference in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference from the Lakewood varsity softball team this spring. Senior Maddison Mussehl and sophomore catcher Hannah Slater were named to the all-conference second team. Livermore, a four-year varsity starter in her second season as a team captain. She finished the conference season with a .630 batting average and a .650 pn-base percentage. She hit five doubles, two triples and four home runs, with two of those home runs coming off all-league pitcher Shyann Truax. She also stole 25 bases this season while playing stel­ lar defense in center field. Sullivan had the highest batting average in the league at .638, with an incredible .702 on-base percentage. A three year varsity start­ er, Sullivan had a 98 percent fielding average at third base this spring. Another three-year varsity senior, Stoepker, hit .411 in league play. Hitting out of the three spot, Stoepker struck out only three times throughout the entire conference season. She had a big day in the Vikings’ opener against Stockbridge this season, going 4-for-4 with the game-winning RBI in the eighth inning after throwing out the would-be go-ahead runner from Stockbridge before extra innings began. Stahl, in her second season in the circle pitching for the Vikings, threw every league game for her team. She led the GLAC with 164 strikeouts. She had a 0.90 ERA, with a record of 14 wins and 1 loss. Offensively, she hit .371. Stahl’s battery companion, Slater, caught every league game this season and allowed only one passed ball. She picked off five bas­ erunners and handled pitch-calling duties this spring. Slater hit .500 with nine doubles and two home runs. Mussehl, a senior in her second varsity season, was named to the all-conference sec­ ond team after hitting .487 with four doubles and one home run. She had 30 put outs with just one error in league play at first base. She only struck out twice throughout the entire conference season. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-06-20.pdf c3a3a46c0791a3e4b88ac5a3e50c6f6e PDF Text Text County honors longtime 911 administrator Facebook makes us all the same 2 4-Hour Challenge makes up for lost time See Story on Page 2 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 12 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 = 804879110187 1070490102590501403149058113421 CAR-RT LOT C 005 C005 Richard Hemerling 421 N Taffee Dr Hastings Ml 49058-1134 6/30/2020 9:47:00 AM ANNER Thursday, June 20, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 25 PRICE 750 The trouble with time Barry ISD to appeal state decision Moo-Ville hosting chamber event today The Barry County Chamber of Commerce will host a family-friend­ ly evening of networking at Moo-Ville Creamery in Nashville on Thursday, June 20, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Guests will learn about Moo-ville’s growth, tour the production facility, visit the petting zoo and enjoy some tasty treats - while networking with other chamber members. Visitors also will get a sneak peek at the Nashville Sesquicentennial Celebration event lineup. Families are welcome. Moo-ville Creamery is at 5875 S. M-66, Nashville. The cost is $5 per person for chamber members and their families; $10 for non-members. Disney fills Hastings Live schedule Hastings Live will start the week of June 16 with Disney, with puppets, home­ grown zydeco music, and a Tom Petty tribute band thrown in to the mix, provid­ ing something for everyone. The Hastings City Band will present “Disney Magic” for its third concert of the five-week series Wednesday, June 19. All the City Band’s concerts begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Thomapple Plaza. The rain venue is the performing arts center at Hastings High School. Cooperfly Puppets will return to the Hastings Spray Plaza at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 20. Puppeteer Kevin Kammeraad loves to perform, write, draw, sing, create and wonder about possibilities. He is an award-winning artist, performer and chil­ dren’s author who loves to collaborate with other artists. Fridays at the Fountain will host Hastings Heartbeats, a zydeco band at noon June 21. The concerts are on the Barry County Courthouse lawn. Attendees should bring their own chairs. Hastings Heartbeats plays music bom in southwest Louisiana that blends rhythm and blues and indigenous Creole music. The Insiders, a Tom Petty tribute band, will be the Friday Night Feature at 7:30 p.m. June 21 at Thomapple Plaza Families or anyone else wanting to enjoy an outdoor movie can view the Disney movie “Up” at dusk Saturday, June 22, for Movies on the Lawn. More information can be found at https://downtownhastings.com/events/ or facebook .com/hastingsmi .org. Garden Thyme Market Saturday Changes are coming to Thornapple Garden Club’s Garden Thyme Market, which has been moved to Saturday, June 22. The market also will feature some new vendors. It still will benefit the club’s “Walk Gently on this Good Earth” scholarship fund, features plants and garden-related items and will be on the Barry County Courthouse lawn in Hastings from 9 a.hi; to 4 p.m. New vendors include Richard and Monica Kennett of One of a Kind Crafts and Karen Pleyte, who owned Bluebird on the Moon in downtown Hastings from 2010 to 2017 until she retired. The club also has changed its format for its annual event, A Day in the Garden, which will be Saturday, July 20, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, south of Hastings. Co-hosted by the garden club and the institute, it will include speakers, workshops, tours, lunch and more. Information can be found at CedarCreeklnstitute .org or Facebook. com/ThomappleGardenClub. See NEWS BRIEFS, page 3 Luke Froncheck Staff Writer The Barry Intermediate School District will appeal a state recommendation that the Great Start Readiness Program be removed from its administrative and financial con­ trol. A fiscal review of the Barry ISD conduct­ ed by the Michigan Department of Education in April found “numerous internal financial control and noncompliance issues,” accord­ ing to a summary letter received by the ISD on June 3. Barry ISD Superintendent Richard Franklin said the state’s claims are “ridicu­ lous” and “a bizarre misrepresentation of the facts.” The fiscal review conducted by the state is incorrect, Franklin said. “Their numbers are so off that we would have to do forensic accounting to back into those numbers,” he said. “...This is a sorry piece of work.” The GSRP program employs 16 teachers and serves 130 students across Delton and Hastings. The Barry ISD has been receiving the grant for the program since the 2011-12 school year and has been running the pro­ gram directly in Hastings since the 2013-14 school year and in Delton since the 2014-15 school year. Both state education officials and Franklin say the GSRP program will contin­ ue to be offered in its present locations next year, but they differ on where the program will be based and who will be running it. State officials are recommending that the program be given to another ISD with the ability to provide the service. “If the programs were to be taken from us, they would be taken from Delton and Hastings,” Franklin said. “If their recom­ mendation is another ISD, who is going to do it? Who is going to come here and be able to do the job cheaper or better than we are?” See APPEAL, page 2 The four-faced tower clock in the Barry County Courthouse is going to require repair to get the south face back on time. (Photos by Scott Harmsen) Floodwaters create health and safety concerns Luke Froncheck Staff Writer As water levels on Crooked Lake remain high, residents are continuing to combat the flood waters encompassing their homes. Sandbags and pumps have become part of the landscape of Crooked Lake. However, there are also potential unforeseen health and safety concerns laying beneath the flood waters. According to the Barry-Eaton County Health Department’s website, “If flood waters rise above the top of the well head, the well can become contaminated with flood water and all of the harmful contaminants floodwa­ ters contain. The well must then be disinfect­ ed by a well driller and water should not be consumed until lab tests have shown it is safe to drink. During flood events or times of ele­ vated seasonal high water, saturated soil con­ ditions beneath a sewage system can reduce or eliminate the oxygen (02) present leading to inadequately treated sewage. Harmful pathogens can then be transported great dis­ tances and can even contaminate the drinking water well for your own home!” According to Drain Commissioner Jim Dull, there is no water over the well heads of residents now, but a couple are approaching that point. Scott Monroe, general manager of the South West Barry County Sewer Water Authority, stated the biggest problem the sewer authority has been facing is coming from residents who have plugged their sump pumps into the sewer authority’s lines. Monroe also reported that, to his knowledge, there haven’t been any issues with sewer overflow or leakage on Crooked Lake due to the increased intake from sump pump connec­ tions. “The potential threat isn’t high because it is a sealed unit,” Monroe said. Others don’t completely share that confidence. “My concern is that, if the pumps go out, the sewer authority wouldn’t be able to replace them and seal them up tight,” Drain Commissioner Jim Dull said. Dull, who doesn’t work directly with the sewers or septic tanks, stated that his view on the matter is strictly observing from an out- The proposal would involve replacing all the clock drives, requiring the installa­ tion of new clock hands as well as the rental of a lift to install the clock hands. Rebecca Pierce Editor Tim Neeb has a lot of time on his hands and it’s a problem. Every spring and fall, Neeb, the Barry County custodial and maintenance supervisor, and his crew have to reset the time of the county courthouse tower clock. Since the clock’s controller is obsolete, Neeb and his staff must reset the time twice every spring and fall to synchronize it with Daylight Savings Time. Last spring, when they were handling this task, all of a sudden, the clock’s electronic controller malfunctioned, throwing the clock face drive mechanisms into fast-forward mode. The hands on the four big clock faces spun out of control, stopping only when the clocks were off by six hours. The custom clock mechanism has four-way distribution gearing, drive rods, universal joints, couplings, dial gears with extended shafts, and hand sets for the four-faced tower clock. “One of those four motors has gotten very worn out,” Neeb told county commissioners at Tuesday’s committee of the whole meeting; “To my recollection, it’s 20 years old.” The old controller has no provision for power outages, he said. Plus, since it was pro­ grammed 20 years ago, it changes on its own at the wrong time. “A week or two later, we have to adjust it again,” he said. “It’s very difficult to adjust the clock faces. And it’s even more difficult to adjust those with the trees.” After the malfunction, when they were finally able to set the clock faces to the proper time, three of the clock faces reset to the cor­ rect time. But the south tower clock was off - slow by approximately 10 minutes. The clock manufacturer, The Verdin Company in Cincinnati, sent a service techni- See TIME, page 5 See FLOODWATERS, page 2 Schools guess at budgets as state deadline looms Taylor Owens Staff Writer The mandated deadline for school districts to submit their budgets to the state of Michigan is June 30, but the state isn’t even close to telling schools how much funding they will receive to draw up those budgets. “I have not heard anything hopeful,” said Hastings Finance Director Tim Berlin. State sources make up nearly 80 percent of local school districts’ funding, much of it in per pupil allowance, but schools do not yet know how much they will receive in per pupil funding for the 2019-20 school year. Regardless, districts are rushing to comply with the required deadline by putting together budgets based on their best guessing. “You’re kind of throwing darts at a bulletin board,” Delton Kellogg Finance Director Andy Nurenberg said. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, the Senate and House of Representatives each have their own plans for school funding, and schools are stuck waiting to see what they will receive. Since the deadline for the state government to file its budget isn’t until Oct. 1, school admin­ istrators aren’t holding their breath for quick answers. So, school district financial officials are basing their best guessing on reports they receive from organizations like the Michigan School Business Officials. Maple Valley Finance Director Darryl Sydloski said he has heard schools may not know how much funding they will receive until this fall. Even if the state passes the bud­ get next month, administrators said it likely won’t make an impact until deep into the school year when the schools are passing bud­ get amendments. “Earlier is always better,” Lakewood Superintendent Randall Fleenor said. “We’ve been used to that over the past seven years, but with the changeover [to a new governor] that naturally slows this process down, but not this much.” Most districts are basing their budget esti­ mates around the House budget proposal because it represents the lowest increase in funding. Administrators said its better to bud­ get conservatively and add items to the budget later on than to have to make cuts. Berlin said if Hastings received additional funding, it would likely fill open teaching positions and add additional literacy coaches to help with the coming third grade reading law. Schools already have to make projections for how many students they will have the next school year when budgeting, so having to guess how much they will receive per student compounds the issue. See DEADLINE, page 5 Hastings’ Rob Deming picked for Rotary Red Rose honor Longtime Hastings businessman Rob Deming - shown here with his wife, Sue - was named this year’s Hastings Rotary Club Red Rose recipient. See story on Page 3. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) �Page 2 — Thursday, June 20, 2019 — The Hastings Banner APPEAL, continued from page 1----------------------------------------------------------------------Last week, state education officials said that moving the GSRP program to the man­ agement of another ISD “will not diminish the delivery of early childhood programs and services to the families and children of Barry County.” “For the sake of the families and students affected by the circumstances in this issue with Barry ISD, the Michigan Department of Education would like to facilitate the process to have as little impact on students and pro­ gram staff, and provide as much certainty as quickly as possible for families heading into the next school year. Barry ISD and its attor­ neys have been in contact with us on this matter,” Director of the Office of Public and Governmental Affairs MDE Martin Ackley said. The state’s fiscal review of the GSRP pro­ gram reported a total of $129,059 in ques­ tioned costs and $34,849 in misclassified costs. Several GSRP teachers told The Hastings Banner that, after a spending freeze was put in place in February, they paid for classroom supplies out of their own pockets. The teach­ ers also said a $300 stipend given to them for classroom supplies was taken back before any of it could be spent. “The money is gone because we spent it on exactly what we said,” Franklin said. “We believe we’ve been in complete compliance with the state’s rules. We feel targeted by the state. If the state wants to have these pro­ grams, they need to pay for them because I’m not about to have the taxpayers of Barry ISD have unfunded mandates on them.” The state fiscal review makes “no allega­ tions of misconduct,” he pointed out. “Nobody is saying a crime has been committed. Unfortunately, when people hear anything about finances, they assume something scan­ dalous is happening. “If this report was 100 percent accurate, What would be troubling is the fact that they’re saying we aren’t coding things cor­ rectly, that we aren’t booking things correctly. But there are no allegations that somehow kids didn’t get service or teachers didn’t get paid because someone bought a yacht down in the Caribbean. Franklin said, “We have done nothing mor­ ally wrong. We also haven’t done anything incorrect. If they can show us we didn’t code something right, we will happily recode it. Reclassifying budget items isn’t a criminal proceeding, it’s a technical compliance issue. I don’t even see that, but, if that’s what it comes down to, no problem. “But, if that’s what it comes down to, how does it justify something as dramatic as removing quality programs that have been serving children and families in the Hastings and Delton areas?” State auditors showed up at the ISD unan­ nounced, the superintendent added. The normal procedure for audits is to be given a 30-day notice with requests from the state as to the desired information and special requirements for the coming financial review, he said. The review was conducted on five pro­ grams; two are being recommended for removal, he noted. “If you don’t ask the right questions or you don’t look at all the information to answer the questions, it’s almost certain that you’ll draw incorrect conclusions,” Franklin said. “The auditors didn’t ask us about any of things they’re citing. If they had, we could have shown them correctly how to read our books. “For them to come down here, and be like this was some investigation of a crime scene, was just ludicrous. Their methodology would typically only be used by a state agency that was investigating a department where they believed something terrible was going on.” As it stands, local ISD officials aren’t sure where they stand in the appeals process, which was referred to in a letter, sent by the GSRP office in MDE, informing them of the problems and the states recommendation. “The appeal process they outline in that letter doesn’t match the Michigan Department of Education guidelines,” Franklin said. Barry ISD Board President Elizabeth Matteson, speaking for the board, said it is waiting to hear back from its auditors and lawyers. “We’re concerned about the kids,” she said following Tuesday’s budget meeting. At that special meeting, the board approved its budget for the 2019-20 school year on a 4-0 vote. Trustee Teresa Stonebumer was absent. The board’s projects $1,900,865 in expen­ ditures and $1,828,091 in revenue in the gen­ eral fund. Putting the ISD at a projected 6% fund balance for that fund. In the special fund, the ISD projects $5,483,100 in revenues and $5,621,029 in expenses. Leaving a projected fund balance of 15 %. Since last Tuesday’s board meeting, Franklin and Chief Financial Officer Cindy Larson revisited the initially proposed budget, which was tabled last week. The budget was more conservative in expected revenue and less conservative in expected expenditures. The updated budget took what had been a projected $700,000 difference in the special fund, fund balance from 2018 to 2019 and brought the figure down to $347,000. Franklin explained that the change occurred because they took out a lot of the contingency money they had put in place for building and site improvements. “We need to look farther out than year to year,” Board Vice President Bob Becker said. “We are not really in healthy financial situa­ tions.” The budget was passed with the assumption that the GSRP program will continue under the management and administration of the Barry County ISD. Charlton Park Road to see bridge in 2020 Water runs over Charlton Park Road on June 4. (Photos by Hunter Dood) County honors longtime 911 administrator Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry County commissioners paid posthu­ mous tribute to Suzanne Rose, a longtime Central Dispatch 911 administrator, who died on April 20. “I was privileged to work with your Mom,” board chairwoman Heather Wing told Rose’s children, Jackie Perez and Jim Lesick, on Tuesday at the committee of the whole meet­ ing at the courthouse. Rose worked for Barry County Central Dispatch - 911 as an office administrator for 27 years. Rose was bom in Hastings on Jan. 28, 1950, the daughter of Loren and Ione (Clem) Pierce, and graduated from Hastings High School. She accepted the post of administrative assistant at Central Dispatch on Nov. 9,1992, and held that position until her retirement on April 30, 2018. Rose was the first employee hired by the first director when Barry County Central Dispatch was established, Stephanie Lehman, director of Barry County 911, said. “Most of the administrative procedures we have in place today, she helped to establish.” Rose’s service extended to the Barry County Central Dispatch Administrative Board, to the Barry County Central Dispatch Technical Advisory Committee, and to all members of the Barry Central team and the citizens and visitors of Barry County. , “Suzanne successfully completed many certifications over the course of her tenure, including Emergency Medical Dispatch certi; fication, Law Enforcement Information Network certification, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation certification and Dispatcher/ Telecommunicator Manager Training, which allowed her to assist the telecommunicators when the need arose,” a county board resolu­ tion reads. The resolution honors Rose for her com­ mitment, dedication and service. “Her com­ mitment to service extended to the Central Dispatch Administration Board, the Technical Advisory Committee, as well as the individual committees within the board.” “Sue had a keen attention to detail and superior accounting skills ” Lehman said. “She loved the bookkeeping and budgetary aspects of her position and the 9-1-1 indus­ try.” “Suzanne was a beloved member of the public service community,” the resolution reads. “Within her long career she undoubted­ ly crossed paths with hundreds of profession­ als within the field of police, fire, EMS, and 9-1-1 association. Words used to describe Suzanne by some of the individuals are: kind, compassionate, devoted and dignified.” Prior to recommending approval of the res­ olution honoring her service, county commis­ sioners shared their memories of Suzanne Rose with her children. “She was a great lady,” Wing said as she presented them with the resolution. Commissioner Jon Smelker said he learned about 9-1-1 from Rose. “There are people alive today who wouldn’t be because of Sue’s leadership,” Commissioner Stephanie Lehman, director of Barry County 911, (from left) with Suzanne Rose’s children, Jackie Perez and Jim Lesick, at the county board of commissioners’ meeting Tuesday. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) North Charlton Park Road sees cracks in the road where the Little Thomapple River flowed over the road. Suzanne Rose Ben Geiger said. “She was devoted to her job and the safety of this community - and we’re all the better for it. “She won’t be forgotten.” Little Thomapple River water flooding North Charlton Park Road south of Carlton Center Road may soon become a distant memory thanks to a state grant for bridge construction and major culvert renovation to begin in 2020. The road has been closed since May 1 due to seasonal flooding separate from the high water crisis plaguing nearly all of Barry County this year. The road is flooding partly due to the culverts being “totally plugged up,” according to Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull who adds that there are “four culverts there and only one is oper­ ational” at this time. Barry County Road Commission Managing Director Brad Lamberg said the county applies for “critical bridge funding” every year. It received notice in 2017 of the grant that will allow for construction in 2020. The project plans to replace the culverts that are currently there with a bridge “to allow more water to pass,” said Lamberg. “This project isn’t associated with the high waters this year,” Lamberg said. He added that the road commission has been actively pursuing ways to fix the problem for “at least five years now.” Charlton Park Road is considered a “prima­ ry road” for the county, Barry County Road Commission Director of Operations Jake Welch said. He added that approximately 1,500 cars use Charlton Park Road per day and that the county has received minimal neg­ ative feedback due to the closing. “It’s a middle-of-the-pack for primary roads in the county,” Welch said. The project will cost approximately $696,000. Welch said that the grant covers 85 percent of the costs, so the road commission will pay approximately $100,000 for the proj­ ect. Dull said the road commission plans to run a bypass tube under the road to redirect some of the water, while not losing the water. He added that the commission plans to “armor up Farrel Road with steel sheet piling” to help prevent damage. The road has been reopened this week. However, rain expected over the next five days could effect future traffic and planning. FLOODWATERS, continued from page 1 side perspective. “Maybe it’ll never happen, but you have to think about the things that could happen and that’s one of them. It’s our job to protect the public health.” Monroe added that, in the event of a sew­ age spill from SWBCS, the appropriate response would be to sandbag around the area affected and pump the contaminated water out. Barry-Eaton County Health Department media representative Sarah Surna reports that septic tanks are inspected once upon their installation. They are not inspected again unless a local government or individual files a complaint or requests an inspection. Inspections also can occur when significant change is made to a property. Surna also said the response of the Health Department in the face of a potential sewage leak would depend on the individual situation. But the health department hasn’t been notified of any issues regarding sewage leaks from personal septic tanks. The Health Department reports that “most (an estimated 90%) of the residents on Crooked Lake are serviced by SWBCS (South West Barry County Sewer Authority) the other 10% of residents have personal septic tanks which are regulated by the health department.” The Health Department’s website recom­ mends that those affected by flooding don’t drink water from a well that has been covered by flooding. It also recommends that residents don’t pump their septic tanks during flooded or saturated field conditions. According to the website, “At best, pumping the tank is only a temporary solution. Under worst conditions, pumping it out could cause the tank to try to float out of the ground and may damage the inlet and outlet pipes. The best solution is to plug all drains in the basement and drastically reduce or stop water use in the house.” Electric Shock Drowning also poses a The Barry County Road Commission has been using gravel to raise East Shore Drive in Delton. The construction was done to combat the estimated 18 inches of flood water that covered the road as a result of the rising waters on Crooked Lake, located adjacent to the road. The water was greatly impeding on residents getting to their properties and mail carriers making deliveries. threat for residents experiencing flooding. According to the Department of Natural Resources, ESD is “the result of a person coming into contact with an electrical current in the water. Stray voltage can come from boats or docks with faulty wiring, frayed cords, and devices not approved as shore- or marine-rated. It can cause complete loss of muscle control, the inability to move and, ultimately, lead to drowning.” “Pumps pose a significant threat, if not wired and maintained to appropriate stan­ dards,” ESD Prevention Association Director Kevin Ritz said. “Irrigation pumps have been involved in multiple fatalities that I am per­ sonally aware of. The best practice is to shut off power anytime water and electricity mix” Although ESD can occur virtually in any location where electricity is provided near water, the majority of ESD deaths have occurred in public and private marinas and docks, the DNR’s website reports. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 20, 2019 — Page 3 DNR ‘No Wake’ hearing July 15 Luke Froncheck Staff Writer Should part of Crooked Lake be designated a “no wake” zone? A July 15 public hearing, set by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, will allow public comment on that possibility beginning at 7 p.m. in Prairieville Township Hall. The township board adopted a no wake resolution in May. Clerk Rod Goebel says the initial resolution passed by the township was intended to make a portion of Crooked Lake - not the entire lake - a no wake zone. Residents on Crooked Lake have expressed differing opinions on no wake plans. Some have said this may benefit those who face flooding because of potential damages when boaters operating at certain speeds pass too close to their property. Wakes are the waves left behind as a boat moves through the water. The faster the boat travels, the larger the wake. “People want to have fun, that’s why they buy here,” Crooked Lake resident Steve Simpson said during a March meeting. “It’s not the guy in the wake boat destroying your property, it’s God. So, unless you can stop the wind from blowing, there isn’t anything you can do about a couple of boats in the middle of the lake.” According to the DNR, the public hearing is intended to address the proposed no-wake zone on the “far west bay of Upper Crooked Lake.” The slow/no wake area would begin at the mouth of the West Bay and involve the waters between Delton Road and Parker Road. The proposed no-wake area would be for that area alone and not Upper Crooked Lake in its entirety, officials said. In other business at their June 12 meeting, township officials also considered a potential switch from the current credit card-based sys­ tem to one based on petty cash transactions. Treasurer Judy Pence said it would be easi­ er to track checks and eliminate bank fees with petty cash transactions. According to Pence, the receipts from petty cash transac­ tions would come to her for reimbursement. Also, to access the township’s one remaining credit card, Pence would have to sign off on its use. “I’m nervous about petty cash,” Supervisor Jim Stonebumer said, “but it’s worth a shot.” Trustee Richard VanNiman raised concerns about potential emergency situations in which a card may be needed but those authorized to approve its use can’t be reached. “Just because we’ve had this system for a long time doesn’t mean we can’t switch,” Pence said. After discussion on the proposed switch, the township board denied the proposal by a 3-2 vote, with Stonebumer, VanNiman and Breanna Borden voting as a majority over the votes of Pence and Goebel. “It seems like we need to do a little more work on this,” Stonebumer said, but a motion to do further research on the proposed change and come back at a later date to discuss it failed as well. Pence also proposed consolidating the township’s banking system. Currently, the township has accounts at two banks. Pence’s proposal would move all accounts to a single bank. She said the idea was based on a recom­ mendation from the auditor and would save the township money. No action was taken on this proposal. The township also received a letter from the Gull Lake Dam Association stating that repairs, costing $700,000, will be taking place on the Gull Lake Dam. The association is requesting that the township pay $10 per lake­ front footage that the township holds on the lake. “We’ve been good neighbors (to Gull Lake),” Stonebumer said. The board took no action on the letter, opt­ ing to research how much lakefront the town­ ship owns on Gull Lake and how much of that ownership is shared with the state of Michigan. In other action, Goebel was named the township’s Freedom of Information Act coor­ dinator. Rich Furlong takes part in a flag retirement ceremony held on June 14. The Hastings Elks Club performs the ceremony every year on Flag Day. Elks conduct flag retirement ceremony Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Several American flags were retired by the Hastings Elks Club on Flag Day, June 14, following a presentation honoring the flag’s long and rich history. The flag retirement is considered a solemn ceremony and most often involves incineration. “It’s not flag burning for the sake of getting rid of it,” said Elks Club member Alma Czinder. “The ceremony is the respectful way to retire our U.S. Flag.” Master of Ceremonies Chuck Bunge opened the ceremony and spoke about the flag being present at the major milestones in America’s history and military conflicts. Bunge and Elks member Rich Furlong con­ ducted the retirement ceremony. “The flags are brought to the Elks Club throughout the year by residents and groups who want them properly interred,” explained Furlong. “We feel a sense of responsibility to make sure our U.S. flags are retired from ser­ vice in a respectful and meaningful way.” According to the United States Flag Code, “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, should be destroyed in a dignified way, pref­ erably by burning.” Flag retirement is the term used to describe the dignified way of destroying the United States flags that have reached the end of their service life. Deciding when to retire a flag is left to the discretion of the owner. However, proper eti­ quette is to clean and restore the flag’s origi­ nal appearance and to mend a tattered flag at the early stages of wear. Any person or group may retire flags. The accepted practice is that the ceremony be con­ ducted in private at a non-public location and should be a solemn, dignified event. As a private club with an enclosed area on its prop­ erty, the Hastings Elks Club has become an acceptable location for the annual flag retire­ ment ceremony. An option to placing an entire flag into an open fire is to separate the blue star field from the stripes, then separate the stripes from each other before placing it into the fire. The blue and star field should remain intact as it sym­ bolizes that the unity of the American union should never be broken. Hastings Rotary Club President Emily Doherty with Red Rose recipient Rob Deming, his wife Sue, and club Secretary Carl Schloessel. (Photos by Rebecca Pierce) Hastings’ Rob Deming picked as Rotary Red Rose recipient The Deming family and friends (from left) are: Peng Lor, brother Richard Deming, parents Dick and Audrey Deming, Red Rose recipient Rob and Sue Deming, son Drew and daughter Shelby. - i Hastings businessman Rob Deming - with the passion and the memories of his selected Deming to receive the award this described as a silent leader who can always be youth. Having the car return to Hastings to be year. “For these car guys, it was one of the? counted on to volunteer and help when asked restored by the family who had originally proudest moments in their lives - especially - is this yea/’s Hastings Rotary Club’s Red worked on the car brought a boyhood reminis­ because they restored this historic vehicle.” Rose recipient. cence to life. The restoration project was one Deming joined Rotary in 2006 and served “I don’t think there’s any doubt in anyone’s of pride for everyone at Deming Auto on the club’s board of directors. He has been mind that Rob exemplifies service above Collision as they restored and repainted the a Paul Harris fellow; also he was a Rotary self,” Rotary Club secretary Carl Schloessel car. They carefully followed the photos to Hero in 2018. said as he announced the award at the club match the details, making sure the artistry “I saw you early Saturday morning along meeting Monday in the Walldorff Ballroom in came through in the fresh paint and clean M-43 picking up your flags - you set them out downtown Hastings. contours of the colors. for Flag Day and were taking them in,” Jacobs The program celebrated the life of Deming, Moss found a 1966 Ford 4 Cam engine in a said to Deming during Monday’s program? who was bom in Hastings in 1957. His father bam in New Jersey that he had restored and “And you’ve done a great job each year in opened an auto body shop in Hastings when shipped to Deming’s to be installed in the car heading up the clean-a-highway program. You Deming was 3 weeks old. to make it ready to run the track once again at made it fun for those who participated and Deming graduated with the Hastings High Indy. gave the club some credit for doing a fine job School Class of 1976, then Ferris State That happened in 2017 when the vintage each year.” • University’s Class of 1980, where he discov­ race car led a ceremonial pace lap at The Deming was praised for his service as a ered his passion for working on cars. Brickyard where Deming and his father, Dick, regular volunteer at the concession stand and That passion soon led to his first project, a were invited by Moss to place the honorary for always being willing to help whenever Chevrolet Vega, which came to him as a Indy 500 Museum gold-wing decal on the asked. wreck - but a great buy at $200. Then Deming body. He also took on the responsibility of work­ bought something better to work on: a 1984 “The decal from the motor speedway muse­ ing with the club’s Interact students. Porsche. He joined the West Michigan Porsche um signifies the vehicle’s status as part of the “You’re one of those members who doesnTj Club and purchased a 1970 Porsche 91 IS and historic Indy car exhibition for 2017,” said ask for any special credit,” Jacobs said. “ YoS made it track-ready with plans to race it. He Fred Jacobs, CEO of J-Ad Graphics and a do it as a dedicated Rotarian. You’ve serve® also is a member of the Vintage Sports Car member of the Red Rose committee that your community and our club well.” J Racing Association. Deming and his wife, Sue, purchased the business from his father in 1994. Today, Deming Auto Collision celebrates more than 62 years of continuous service to the commu­ nity. One of the highlights of Deming’s life has been his work with Pennsylvania race car collector Mike Moss in the restoration of a historic car. That car, which Moss purchased from a Kansas family, bore the number 72 and was driven by Gordon Johncock, a former Hastings racer who went on to win the Indianapolis 500 in 1973 and 1982. Hastings residents are invited to an open house being held in honor of Jeff Mansfifeld,. * For Moss, the car was a way to connect Hastings city manager, who will retire June 30 after 19 years of serving the city. The open p house will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 24, in the second-floor conference room at i Hastings City Hall, 201 E. State St. The Hastings City Council meeting will begin at 7 p.m. ’ in the adjacent council chamber. NEWS BRIEFS continued from front page Open house Monday for Mansfield GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Correction Fundraising numbers provided last week by Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital for the Baum Family Surgery Center were incorrect. The total that remains to be raised for the project is $695,000, which amounts to 15 percent of the total fundraising goal of $4.5 million. j Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. Hastings school board meetings rescheduled < The regular Hastings Area Schools Board of Education meeting scheduled for Monday has been changed to June 24. A budget hearing is scheduled for the same evening at 6:45 p.m., and the board of education meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the commons at Hastings Middle School, 232 W. Grand St., Hastings. The board meeting for July has also been rescheduled. The meeting will be at 7 p.m. July 22, in the middle school commons. ! I \ * * * * Laws change for use of fireworks : Sheriff Dar Leaf reminds residents of Barry County that Michigan’s Fireworks Law recently changed, and those changes affect when local communities must allow use of legal fireworks by residents. Prior to the change, there were 30 days per year on or around holidays that local governments were legally bound to allow use of fireworks. Now, there are 12 days. The new law allows the use of legal fireworks: Dec. 31 until 1 a.m. Jan. 1 - Saturday and Sunday of Memorial Day weekend until 11:45 p.m. - June 29 to July 4 until 11:45 p.m. for Independence Day and July 5 if the holiday falls on a weekend - Saturday and Sunday of Labor Day weekend until 11:45 p.m. J * i * �Page 4 — Thursday, June 20, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Facebook makes us outstanding - just like everyone else Raise the roof? Barry County Transit Manager Bill Voigt said the construction on the garage expansion is on track to finish in October. While there was an error in the one of the plans regarding the height, the site manager caught the issue and Voigt said it has not caused any issues with cost, and even with the rain, the project is on schedule. „ “We’re really happy with the construction,” Voigt said. (Photo by Taylor Owens) We’re dedicating this space to a photograph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058; or email news@j-ad‘ graphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? 999999999999 Celebrating the flag Banner June 20, 1974 < Flag Day ceremony - Members of the Hastings Elks celebrate Flag Day Saturday, June 15, with a banquet and impressive «ceremonies. Photographed before the ceremony are (from left) Harold Tasker; Farrell Anderson, esteemed loyal knight; Robert " Wade, secretary; A.J. Young; Roy Schlachter, organist; Ray Cooley, the exalted ruler; Elton Sanderson, delegate to the grand ' lodge; Ron Bodenmuller, esquire; and Gordon Sheldon. i I I Have you met? Hastings resident Carl Atkinson has his hands in many community organizations. From the American Legion to the Scouts, * church leadership to coaching Little League, n Atkinson has made a difference in the lives of many people. * Atkinson was bom in the Traverse City * area and moved to Comstock Park when he was 4. He graduated from Comstock Park High School in 1960 and went to Grand Rapids Junior College then to Western Michigan University, earning a bachelor’s degree in manufacturing administration in 1966. The day after he graduated, he got his draft notice in the mail. Although he had secured an engineering job before graduating, he was expected to fulfill his duty and went into the U.S. Navy. He married Betty Nichols in 1967 and went into active duty in 1968. He was stationed in Norfolk, Va., as a yeoman, work­ ing in office administration with confidential materials. “I guess you could say I had access to top-secret information,” Atkinson, now 77, said during an interview. He left the Navy after two years of active duty and two years of reserve duty, and he and his wife parented two sons, moving to Hastings in 1970. He worked for Viking Corporation as an engineer for 31 years, gained his master’s degree and was an adjunct professor for Western Michigan University’s industrial engineering program. He has been on the board of Barry Eaton Calhoun County Workforce Development and on many committees and forums to bet­ ter life in the area. He is involved in Hastings Church of the Nazarene and held several positions of leadership there. He is part of the Legion Honor Guard and is on the Michigan Department of Americanism committee. He has been the Hastings Legion’s charter orga­ nization representative for the Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA groups for the past eight years. He has been involved in advisory committees and Friends of Scouting for Carl Atkinson years. “My father started the first Cub Scout troop at Stocking Elementary when I was a child,” Atkinson said. Atkinson was a scout himself for many years and is a great supporter of the scouts to this day. For his service to his church, his commu­ nity and his country, Carl Atkinson is a Banner Bright Light. Best advice ever received: Be yourself and keep trying. Don’t give up. First job: I pedaled the daily “Morning Herald” in Grand Rapids. Favorite TV program: MASH Favorite teacher: Mrs. Nelson was my fourth-grade teacher at Stocking Elementary. I remember feeling like she thought I was special. Person I’d most like to meet: Winston Churchill. He was a world-renowned leader. I respect his leadership in a tough time. Favorite vacation destination: I love to visit lighthouses, so I’ve been to many beau­ tiful locations in Michigan, Florida, Key West. Something about me most people don’t know: I am a short guy, so most people wouldn’t believe I did the hurdle and the high jump in high school track. I also won the end-of-the-year decathlon, where we competed in every event in track. What I’d tell a high school graduate: You are going to fail and fall down. Just get back up. Failure is inevitable. Best gift ever received: My Christian heritage. The greatest president: Abraham Lincoln. My great-grandfather served in the Civil War, so I have done a lot of research on it and read a lot about Abe Lincoln. He did what he thought was right, no matter what. I admire that. I’m most proud of: I was the first on both sides of my family to graduate with a fouryear degree. Favorite childhood memory: I went to Union High School as a junior higher in the early 1950s. Mr. Timmerman was the foot­ ball coach, and Union was really good at that time. He allowed me to be the assistant train­ er and I got to travel with the team of high schoolers and go all over. It made me feel very cool as a junior high kid. Hobbies: I have collected root beer mem­ orabilia and lighthouses, but now I am trying to get rid of them, because all they are doing is collecting dust. I spend my time volunteer­ ing and being with my family. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news @j -adgraphics .com. Something’s gone wrong. I signed up for Facebook last week. Since it was launched more than 15 years ago, I’ve been one of the last Facebook holdouts, clinging to the principles of higher social media and journalism standards, but, in a moment of weakness and relentless pressure from the rest of the world 10 days ago, I thought it might be good to come in from the cold. I’m tired of being an immi­ grant in a digital world populated by young­ er people who’ve grown up as natives in this vast and intimidating territory of technolo­ gyWhat was I thinking? They told me Facebook would take me to the far reaches of American culture and affluence, that it would introduce me to people I’d like and want to be more like. I’d have hundreds of new friends. Now, after 10 days, I think I’m part of the world’s largest high school. It’s like the guy whose Facebook page last week gushed all over his wife wishing her happy birthday. Guess he couldn’t have gotten her a card or told her himself, but, with Facebook, he tells the whole world what a wonderful husband he is and what a special wife he has. Funny thing is, it’s the same couple I saw down at the local brew­ pub the other night who sat opposite each other on barstools at the table, got their phones out, and never spoke to each other through the whole meal. Lucky they’ve got Facebook to communicate with each other and enhance their image. That’s why the whole thing reminds me so much of high school. From their research, neuroscientists and sociologists tell us that just before adolescence, the prefrontal cor­ tex - the part of the brain that governs our ability to reason, grasp abstractions, control impulses and self-reflect - is still in the midst of developing. Self-image and the identity we are working out is especially in flux. “During times when your identity is in transition, it’s possible you store memories better than you do in times of stability,” said Laurence Steinberg, a Temple University developmental psychologist who’s consid­ ered to be one of the country’s foremost researchers on adolescence. Our self-image from those years, in other words, is espe­ cially adhesive. So, too, are our preferences. “There’s no reason why, at the age of 60, I should still be listening to the Allman Brothers,” Steinberg said during the time of his study in 2013. “Yet, no matter how old you are, the music you listen to for the rest of your life is probably what you listened to when you were an adolescent.” So, that makes high school the time and the place from which most of us retain deep memories - and, possibly, self-image wounds, a subject writer Jennifer Senior explored in some depth for New York Magazine in a January 2013 piece titled “Why you never truly leave high school.” “If humans really do feel things most intensely during adolescence, and if, at this same developmental moment, they also happen to be working out an identity for the first time - ‘sometimes morbidly, often curi­ ously, preoccupied with what they appear to be in the eyes of others as compared with what they feel they are,’ as the psychoana­ lyst Erik Erikson wrote - then it seems safe to say this: Most American high schools are almost sadistically unhealthy places to send adolescents.” “High schools are big, there has to be some way of sorting people socially,” said Robert Faris, a sociologist at the University of California-Davis. “Absent established hierarchies and power structures (apart from the privileges that naturally accrue from being an upperclassman), kids create them on their own, and what determines those hierarchies is often the crudest denominator What do you Doug VanderLaan, Guest Columnist think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by access­ ing our website, www.HastingsBanner. com. Results will be tabulated and report­ ed along with a new question the follow­ ing week. Last week: Now that state law has legalized the use of marijuana, should all previous convic­ tions for recreational marijuana use be expunged? Yes 50% No 50% stuff - looks, nice clothes, prowess in sports rather than the subtleties of personality ... It’d be nice if kids could be captured by all their characteristics. But that’s not realis­ tic.” Now, through the brilliance of Facebook, there’s a way to restructure those hierar­ chies. As the last-chair clarinet player in my high school band - and the only male clari­ netist - I can use Facebook to tell all those shame bullies how I now write guitar riffs for the Lynard Skynard Band (a bit of a stretch, but I do play guitar). No different a stretch, though, than the skinny kid who stumbled through cross-country in Red Ball Jets and horned-rim glasses and now is always a top finisher with the international runners at the Amway River Bank Run. Or the shy little library aide with acne and plain dresses who’s in the running for the Miss USA title. A lot of us have scores to settle and hurts to overcome from adolescent memories seared into our minds. The problem is we can’t shut up talking about it. Now Facebook offers us a platform on which we can post only the best of our lives and truly live up to Garrison Keillor’s description of Lake Wobegon “where all the women are strong, all the men are good-looking, and the chil­ dren are above average.” Image campaigns do carry a cost, howev­ er, and provide further proof of Facebook’s propensity to replicate the ugliest of high school days. In March, the American Academy of Pediatrics warned of “Facebook depression” in children and teens who view status updates, wall posts, and photos that make them feel unpopular. Bullying, com­ paring themselves with others, and feelings of self-worth all can contribute to depres­ sion. “While bullying and peer pressure were common problems for children and teens well before the advent of the Internet, social networking sites have made it impossible for kids to escape from these problems when not in school,” according to the report. “Internet access at home and on cellphones can expose an adolescent to these issues all day long - and even all night.” For adults whose self-image formation came in those same years, I would submit that Facebook is still our high school. My own recent wandering off the cliff into the Facebook morass came with the simple wish for more information about subjects in which I am interested. Maybe I’ll still find nirvana, but my 10-day sojourn isn’t taking me to intellectual heights, espe­ cially with the Millennial and Gen-Z crowd - the younger generation to whom I thought it would be good to connect. “I asked the young gal who cuts my hair where she rates The Beatles,” posted a col­ league of my generation. “She told me The Beatles were Paul McCartney’s best backup band.” “That’s nothing,” another Baby Boomer who was wearing a Beatles T-shirt told me outside Walmart when I related the story to him. “There’s a kid at work who told me he went to hear a Wings concert and “that Paul McCarthy isn’t as good a guitarist as what you said he was.” So, why would I want more friends like that? Or why have any friends, for that mat­ ter? A 10-day Facebook ordeal is telling me it’s time to head back to Curmudgeon Mountain. Like my old buddy Tom always told me, the more friends you have, the more weddings and anniversary parties, graduation open houses and funerals you have to go to. Thank you, Facebook. I’m out of high school - for good. For this week: Michigan senators are considering legislation that would allow people, such as librarians and teachers, to administer treatment for opiod over­ doses and, if they’re trained to do so, would protect them from civil liability. Do you think it’s a good idea to place people who are not medical profes­ sionals in positions where they deter­ mine when these drugs should be administered? □ Yes □ No �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 20, 2019 — Page 5 Guest commentary TIME, continued from page 1 Filling Michigan’s skills gaps is vital for small businesses As I’ve toured the Great Lakes Region and met with representatives from small business­ es across Michigan, I’ve heard countless times about many not being able to grow (and sometimes sustain) because of their inability to find skilled workers to fill the job opportu­ nities. Not only is this hurting the small busi­ nesses, it’s also affecting economic develop­ ment. With that in mind, the U.S. Small Business Administration has launched a competition focused on helping small businesses have the human capital pipeline they need to succeed through the Makerspace Training, Collaboration and Hiring (MaTCH) Pilot Competition. The goal is to assist both those entrepreneurs just starting out and those bur­ geoning businesses working to take their operations to the next level. By providing a total of $1 million to help existing makerspaces create or expand job-specific and life skills training, the MaTCH competition aims to address the job placement gaps faced by U.S. businesses. Makerspaces are uniquely positioned to increase workforce development efforts. These entrepreneurial and training hubs pro­ vide new paths for vocational and technical education, build new job skills, and generate apprenticeship opportunities in new and growing maker industries. The MaTCH competition reaffirms the SBA’s commitment to cultivating access to entrepreneurship and supporting innovation. And it will empower a stronger connection between the maker’s community and job cre­ ation, ultimately providing an added econom­ ic boost to communities across our nation and here in Michigan. Its goal is to have all MaTCH program graduates prepared for their own entrepreneurial journey or placed in positions with previously identified employ­ ers that need skilled labor. With the evolution of our manufacturing hubs, incorporation of new technologies such as 3-D printing and fabrication innovation, and creative craft, makerspaces and education are vital to our region’s vibrant economic path forward. We’ve made great strides in small business growth here and will benefit from even more makers, artisans, entrepreneurs and inventors. I encourage you to join me in helping small businesses start, grow and expand, and rein­ forcing the “Made in America” maker move­ ment. Find out more about the MaTCH com­ petition, including the entry form - which is due July 8 - rules and requirements, at www. sba.gov/match. Rob Scott, U.S. Small Business Administration’s Great Lakes Regional administrator The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Galley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855­ 347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. The Hastings Banner Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@J-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@J-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT * Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County • NEWSROOM • Rebecca Pierce (Editor) $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer Tanett Hodge Taylor Owens Joan Van Houten POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 Both of the designs under consideration for an upgraded parking lot at the county courthouse would involve a canopy over the existing ramp. cian to look at the system. They found that the clock drive on the south side needs to be replaced. Neeb brought this information to the com­ missioners’ committee of the whole meeting Tuesday, asking for permission to repair and update the tower clock. He’s proposing the purchase of one control­ ler instead of facing the prospect of having to replace the other three at some time in the near future. “The advantage is that each one of the clocks would always say the same time - even if they’re off.” “All four of them would be the exact same time all of the time. That way, if it’s off, it’s easier to adjust for all four.” The price quoted for the work does not include the lift that will be needed to do the work. And, with a new central clock motor, the shafts will be different and new hands will need to be installed on each of the clock faces. “It will still strike the time, but it will be much more efficient,” Neeb said. Other features of the clock tower -- the color of the faces, lighting and bell tone should not be affected, he said. The controller itself is computerized for the playing of music. And the clock tower houses the origi­ nal bell, which gongs one tone. “The original bell is still up there and that’s what rings every hour,” Neeb said. “The com­ puterized part of it I don’t believe is going to come with an interface to hook into the wi-fi so that we could control it with our phones. (But) I don’t know that that’s an issue.” The tower clock has four drives and each individual drive costs about $7,000 plus labor to install. A quote for $12,700 would include a new drive for just the south clock face, an updated controller, and labor to complete the repair. A quote for $18,990 would update the con­ troller, remove all the individual drives and replace them with a single unit that would control all the faces. Doing this would help ensure that all the clock faces show the same time. Replacing all the clock drives would require the installation of new clock hands as well as the rental of a lift to install the clock hands, which was not included in the quote. Neeb asked for $21,000 out of the building rehabilitation fund to repair and update the tower clock. Commissioners all recommended approval of his request. In other business involving the historic courthouse, the board is considering a pro­ posed redesign of the courthouse parking lot. The parking lot is more than 20 years old. The design under consideration would extend the lot about 8 feet to the east. It would include a new sidewalk along the north edge of the lot for pedestrian traffic, and the shrubs that currently hide mechanical equipment would be replaced with decorative fencing. The new design would remove the current middle entrance and both outside entrances would be configured to current standards. The public sidewalk on the south side of the lot would be replaced between these new entranc­ es and the green space between the sidewalk and road would be regarded for better drain­ age. Two possible designs were offered to the board for its consideration. Commissioners agreed to recommend that bids be sought on these designs. DEADLINE, continued from page 1 “You really can’t count students until you see the whites of their eyes,” said Thomapple Kellogg Assistant Superintendent Craig McCarthy. “A lot of things are still up in the air with the budget.” Local school districts would see a $180 fund increase with the House proposal, which is about the same as the governor’s proposal, but funding is more*c^plex than just the per pupil increase. The House proposal would eliminate the $25 in additional funds for high school students and would not provide addi­ tional at-risk funding. Each of the three pro­ posals funds the schools in different ways, with the governor’s proposal representing the highest increase. But the governor’s proposal would also rely heavily on the passage of the gas tax, which has not had much traction in the legislature. “We’re dealing with a lot of these spinning plates and unknowns,” Fleenor said. But he added he was feeling optimistic since the three plans had at least a $180 increase. Previous years have had an increase around $120, and Lakewood budgeted for less. If the increase is $180 or higher, Fleenor said apart of it will go to staff. Schools also saw cuts to their federal fund­ ing, which hits multiple programs, even if federal sources only represent around five percent of school districts’ budgets. Hastings had a Title 1 funding drop from $430,000 to $375,000. The school had to cut back on sup­ plies such as books and hours for elementary school literacy coaches. With the third grade reading law going into effect this fall, forcing the retention of third grade students who can­ not prove they are not more than one year behind in reading, the cuts come at a difficult time. Other schools have been able to absorb the funds without cutting programming. Delton Kellogg was unable to find a candidate for an open position last year, which would have been paid for with Title 1 funding, so it is able use those leftover funds to cover this year’s cuts. Berlin said the federal government cuts came from a philosophy that states should be funding those programs, but Michigan has not picked up the slack. Next to other state’s funding for K-12 edu­ cation, Michigan ranks near the bottom, according to an education policy report released by Michigan State University in January. “After adjusting for inflation, total K-12 education funding declined by 30 percent between 2002 and 2015,” the report stated. “Seventy-four percent of this decline was due to declining state support for schools. Per­ pupil revenue declined by 22 percent during this same period.” The report, by MSU professors and researchers, found Michigan ranked last for funding growth since 1995, and last in profi­ ciency growth from 2003 to 2015. “While the number of at-risk students has increased significantly, inflation-adjusted at-risk funding per at-risk student has plunged MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber by over 60 percent since 2001,” researchers said. “The state underfunds special education, forcing districts to redirect $500 per general education student to make up the difference.” Meanwhile, the report pointed out, the state’s requirements and expectations for edu­ cation have been going up, and it has asserted more control over curriculum, student assess­ ment and personnel policies. Call any time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 #8110376 & Insured OEST MEWL ROOF! American Jhr Metal Roofs Call Nowfor a FREE Estimate 844-METAL-R00FS 844-638-2576 Are you looking for a career opportunity in Early Childhood Education with a community organization that offers professional development and a great benefit package? If you answered YES, then Community Action is for you! Now Hiring ParaprofessionaFs/Subs, and Early Childhood Teachers ! Locations: http://careers.caascm.org/c Albion, Battle Creek, Delton, Hastings, Marshall, Sturgis, Three Rivers. Apply today! | Scan me Www.caascm.org Dedicated to helping people achieve and maintain independence. Community Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer. �Page 6 — Thursday, June 20, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... : • ‘ , ' ‘ CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingshopeumc. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office, greenstreetumc @ gmail. com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor; Ryan Rose, Family Life Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings. org, 9 a.m. Traditional Service; 10:30 a.m. Contem­ porary service. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945­ 9217. cbchastings.org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmaiLcom. Website: www, hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAM­ ILY HOUR WELCOMES ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Pre­ school age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Stan­ dard and Adult Elective class­ es. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church age 4-4th grade dismissed during service. Sunday Evening Youth Group, Wednesday Mid-Week and Thursday Bible Study will resume in the fall. Thursday Brunch: June 27th & Aug. 8th at 9:30 a.m. Rummage Sale July 18-20. Thursday, 3-7 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m.-5p.m. & Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Backyard VBS, 6-8 p.m. for children ages 4-6th Grade. Monday, July 15th at Meadowstone Com­ munity Playground, Balsum Drive and Saturday, July 20 at 821 N. East St. Join us for a great time! GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God's Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! . June 23 - Services at 8 & 10:45 a.m. June 24 - LACS 6 p.m. June 25 - Youth Committee Mtg. 6-7:30 p.m. June 28 - Whitecaps Baseball Game BOG. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@gracehastings.org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945­ 9414 or 945-2645, fax 269­ 945-2698. www.gracehastings.org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran ChurchELCA Hastings. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, _ _ _ _ _ _ the churches and these local businesses: J A Graphics Products 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 AWOwESIMEIlOf 770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541 Jean Ann Coffman DOWLING, MI - Jean Ann Coffman, age 63, of Dowling, passed away Sunday, June 16, 2019 at Bronson Battle Creek. She was bom October 31, 1955 in Bat­ tle Creek, the daughter of Donald Gene and Mary Ann (Guthrie) Coy. Jean graduated from Hastings High School. She enjoyed gar­ dening and socializing with friends. She is survived by her son, Ed Coffman IV; mother, Mary Coy; and sister, Robin (Terry) Traister. She was preceded in death by her father, Donald Gene Coy and her brother, Donald David Coy. A memorial service will be held on Friday, June 21, 2019 at 11 a.m. at the Pleasantview Family Church with Pastor Steven S. Olm­ stead officiating. A private family burial will be held at a later date. Memorial tributes may be made to Pleas­ antview Family Church. Arrangements by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service. (269)965­ 5145 www.bachmanhebble.com Free nicotine patches, gum or lozenges available The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services can help residents with free nicotine patches, gum or lozenges through Sept. 30. The offer is part of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Tips From Former Smokers campaign, featuring real people who are living with the effects of smoking-related diseases and secondhand smoke exposure. Up to eight weeks of free nicotine patches, gum or lozenges are available to Michigan residents who call the Quitline, 800-QUITNOW (800-784-8669). Enrollment is avail­ able 24 hours a day, seven days a week. “CDC’s Tips campaign reminds people of the harmful effects of smoking and connects them with important resources like the Michigan Tobacco Quitline,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health. “As a physician and public health professional, I know all too well the t&ible toll of smoking. MDHHS is committed to helping Michiganders quit tobacco products and reduce their risk of tobacco-related illnesses like cancer and heart disease.” Smoking remains the leading cause of pre­ ventable death and disease in the United States. It kills about 480,000 Americans each year. For every person who dies from a smok­ ing-related disease, at least 30 more people suffer at least one serious illness from smok­ ing. Nearly 68 percent of smokers say they want to quit. Tobacco users interested in quitting are urged to call 800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669) or to visit Cdc.gov/tips for free help quitting and to view the personal stories from the campaign. The Michigan Tobacco Quitline is an evi­ dence-based service providing free telephone and online coaching and text messaging. More than 140,000 Michigan residents have used the Quitline or the online coaching pro­ gram to help them in their journey towards a tobacco-free life. More information is available by calling 800-QUIT-NOW or visiting Michigan.gov/ tobacco. Pauline Star Rohm 535323484823489148535331234889534853 Greta Ann (Chapman) Erbes passed away Thursday, June 13, 2019. She was bom on September 23, 1935 to Gertrude (Bowman) and Otis Chapman in Sparta. She graduated from Sparta High School in 1953. In 1954, she married her high school sweetheart, John S. Erbes. To­ gether they had two daughters, Dawn (Harry) Dempsey and Diana (Monty) Norwood. As a military wife, Greta moved with her family many times during her husband’s 20­ year career. She held top secretarial and ad­ ministrative assistant positions throughout her professional career in addition to rais­ ing her family. After her husband’s retire­ ment from the military in 1975, they settled in Hastings, where she worked for Hastings Aluminum until the company moved to an­ other state. Greta was an active member of the First United Methodist Church, the 7 Hastings Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star (OES) of Michigan and as a grand offi­ cer with the Order of the Eastern Star (OES) Michigan Grand Chapter. Greta also volun­ teered her time with the Hastings Community Library and Thomapple Manor. Greta was preceded in death by her hus­ band, John, in 2015. She is survived by her sisters Marlene Jack­ son and Roxanne Chapman, her brother Greg­ ory Chapman, her two daughters and spouses along with her five grandchildren, Emmett (Gail) Dempsey, Robin (Doug) Witte, Brian Dempsey, John Norwood and Joey Norwood, as well as four great grandchildren Henry, Maggie, Molly and Wesley. The family will greet friends on Thursday, June 20, from 10-11 a.m. at the Green Street United Methodist Church, 209 W Green Street, Hastings, with the funeral starting at 11a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a do­ nation to the Green Street United Methodist Church or Hospice of Michigan. Services provided by Girrbach Funer­ al Home. To leave online condolences visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads DELTON, MI - Pauline Star Rohm, age 71, of Delton, passed away on Sunday, June 16, 2019 at Ascension Borgess Hospital with her loving family at her side. Pauline was bom on October 23, 1947 in Moorestown, the daughter of the late James Murphy and Ruthmary (Bliss) and Carl Lightfoot. She loved to read, paint, sew and was a very crafty person. Pauline also loved her dogs and wildlife. She was an avid camper and enjoyed fish­ ing; as well as card games, dominoes, and watching NASCAR. Pauline fought a courageous battle against Laryngeal Cancer and through her fight made many friends through online throat cancer support groups. On February 20, 1972, she married the love of her life, Hubert G. Rohm, Sr., who survives. Pauline is also survived by her chil­ dren, Garry Rohm, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. James Mcwhorter and family, Elinor (Kenny) Aus­ tin, Ernie (Betty Sue) Rohm and Lorri (Phil­ lip) Jones; 12 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; sister, GayLee (Tom) Kelley; sister-in-law, Marty Fisher; and special cous­ ins, Dawne (John) Jill and families. She was preceded in death by her brother, David Fisher. A family memorial get-together will be held on Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 3050 Cloverdale Rd., Delton from 3-5 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Throat Cancer Foundation. Summer meal locations listed Children up to age 18 will be able to eat lunch for free every weekday until Aug. 16. Lunch will be served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hastings Middle School and Southeastern Elementary, and transportation is available from four locations. They include, Baltimore Terrace at 1485 Sandy Circle Drive, pickup at 10:50 a.m., drop off at 12:45 p.m.; Barry’s Resort at 2875 S Charlton Park Road, pickup at 11:05 a.m., drop off at 12:35 p.m.; Northeastern Elementary at 519 East Grant Street, pickup at 11:25 a.m., drop off at 12:15 p.m.; and the Community Center at 520 West South Street, pickup at 11:45 a.m. and drop off at 1:05 p.m. No lunches will be served the week of July 4. Adults enrolled in special education can eat for free up to age 26. All other adults can purchase lunch for $4. Traditional and Cremation Services Pre-Planning Services Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible Serving All Faiths Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-3252 • www.girrbachfuneralhome. Mae Lyn Roede, Freeport and Zachary Sorby Duits, Freeport Susan Dee Stahlhood, Bellevue and Michael Allen Knight, Bellevue Ryan Michael Nevins, Charlotte and Kortney Jae Davis, Nashville Chris W. Bontrager, Shelbyville and Marlene Kay Beechy, Shelbyville Tatton Edward Workman, Normal, IL and Hallie Marie Ross, Middleville Ronald William Johnston, Westminster, CO and Taylor Blaine Doremire, Westminster, CO April Louise Cusack, Delton and Nicholas Levi Birgy, Delton Kathryn Anne Deneau, Hickory Comers and Thomas John Gills, Hickory Comers Jeremy Kyle Redman, Hastings and Abbey Rayle McKeough, Hastings Bridget Amber Edwards, Hastings and Matthew Michael Kuhlman, Hastings Lori Ann Wasikowski, Plainwell and Michael David Morgan, Plainwell Jennifer Nicole Primm, Nashville and David Michael Hammond, Nashville Darrin Mark Reid, Woodland and Rebecca Jo Miller, Woodland Ashley Jeanne Weinbrecht, Hastings and Austin Stewart Morris, Hastings Austin James Davis, Hastings and Elizabeth Marie Somervell, Potterville Owner/M anager Family Owned and Operated owTer Emerkus Serving Hastings, Barry County and Surrounding Communities for 50 years Denoted io the Interests of Ban? County Since 1856 HmsDANNER will have early deadlines in recognition of the July 4th Holiday. - CLOSED 4TH OF JULY Advertising Deadline... Tuesday, July 2nd at Noon News Content Deadline... Tuesday, July 2nd at Noon Classified Deadline... July 2nd at 3:00 p.m. Papers will be in the newsstands Wed., July 3 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 20, 2019 — Page 7 HHS students raise the bar at MITES competition Andrew Maurer (left) earned first at state with his design and construction of a drag­ ster, and Brody Hubbell took second in the same category. Dylan Meade received first place at regional and state meets with his beehive project. Joan Van Houten Staff Writer Students in the Hastings High School career and technical education classes recent­ ly competed in the Michigan Industrial and Technology Education Society regional and state competitions. Hastings CTE students submitted 110 proj­ ects to compete in regionals, and 70 of those projects qualified for the state competition. Of the 70 projects, 30 placed in the top 10 at the state competition. “It was an exceptional year for our CTE department as a whole,” Hastings teacher and CTE director Ed Domke said, “and the suc­ cess at MITES competition was just icing on the cake for the hard work our CTE students have been putting in.” In regionals, hosted by Battle Creek Lakeview High School, Hastings students competed against students from Barry, Branch and Calhoun counties. The top four finishers from each category qualified for the state competition at Shanty Creek Resorts in Bellaire. Kira Torrez project was in the category of basic electrical devices and wiring. She took first place at regional. She earned second place at state that won her a $3,000 scholar­ ship from MIAT College of Technology. Torres also earned first place at regional and fifth at state in commercial photography. Matt Sherman took first at state with his architectural framing scaled-model and 3-D rendered drawing of a pole bam. “Matt’s work was impeccable and very detailed. It’s just amazing to see,” Domke said. Sherman participated in the construction trades program and was on the crew that built a full-size pole bam build. He is donating his scaled model to the construction trades pro­ gram to help teach younger trades students what goes into building a pole structure. Construction Trades Instructor Jason Hoefler said Hastings’ CTE department saw great success this year. He attributes the suc­ cess to the benefits students gained from the use of the new engineering and CAD lab, and also by being involved in programs and other competitions like robotics, Business Professionals of America, culinary class, FFA and the agriscience curriculum. Hoefler said he is pleased with the awards his students received, but he is especially proud of how the students juggle everything - sports, homework, jobs, family, the job site bam build - and still put time, pride and craftsmanship in their MITES projects. “Our construction trades students pick proj­ ects to work on when the weather keeps us from our job site,” Hoefler said. “They don’t focus on the projects every day, but they take a lot of pride in competing against programs at other schools that focus on their MITES projects for a semester and even the entire year. Those kids are not having to build and complete a large barn at the same time” Hoefler said. “Our students raised the bar for career and technical education in Michigan,” Other instructors involved in the CTE pro­ grams are Rich Pouja, construction trades program paraprofessional, Jason Burghardt in the business department, Andria May ack in the FFA and agriscience and Justin Straube in the culinary program. Students placing at the MITES state and regional competitions and the categories are: Blake Harris, traditional animation, first place in the category and the Grand Award for the entire animation division Matt Sherman, engineering and design, first place at state Philip Morris, Logan Wolfenbarger and Isiah Taylor, construction trades, first place at regionals and state Dylan Meade, construction trades, first place at regional and state Devin Haywood, construction trades, Devin Haywood placed second at state level with his Michigan Adirondack chair. Blake Harris won first place in the traditional animation category at the MITES state level competition and the Grand Award for the entire animation division. placed second at state Alex Clow, construction trades, third place at state In the construction trades group category, the Hastings team placed second at state with a table constructed by Philip Morris and Logan Wolfenbarger, a cedar planter box con­ structed by Rian Allen, a window coffee table constructed by Max Richardson, a burnt wood outdoor table constructed by Wes McClelland and Tyler Kaiser, and a bar top pallet table constructed by Donoven Melchert. Other place winners were: Hailey Pacillo, safety poster, first at region­ al and fifth at state, commercial photography, third at regional and fifth at state Jason Haight, product development, third at regional, sixth at state Clayton Carey, instructional aide, first at regional, sixth at state Nic Simonton, single-color graphic design, first at regional, sixth at state. Simonton also took a second place at regional and fourth at state in commercial photography Ben Stafford, commercial architectural working drawing, first at regional, seventh at state Nate Flikkema, single-part pictorial draw- Kira Torrez ranked first at regional and third at state in commercial photography with her digitally-modified photograph. Torrez also took second at regionals and ninth as state for her event poster design. Isiah Taylor (from left), Phiip Morris and Logan Wolfenbarger placed first at the MITES regionals and state competitions with their river table and benches project. Celebrating with them in the back row are Rich Pouja, program paraprofessional and Jason Hoefler, program director. ing, first at regional, seventh at state Logan Nye, architectural single-family res­ idence working drawing, first at regional, eighth at state Ben Curtis, new project development, sec­ ond at regional, eighth at state Daniel Sanford, product development drawing, second at regional, 10th at state Ethan Dunn, single machined part, second at regional, 10th at state John Hinkle, single-part detailed mechani­ cal drawing, third at regional, eighth at state Josh Brown, single-part pictorial drawing, third at regional, ninth at state; bridge design and construction, sixth at state Blake Walther, single-part pictorial draw­ ing, fourth at regional, seventh at state Isaac Evans, construction trades, first at’ regional, third at state I Rigden Pederson, construction trades, first at regional, third at state Roger Roets, digital animation, fifth at state Matt Sherman took first at state with his architectural framing-scaled model and 3-D rendering of a pole barn. Sherman participated in the construction trades pole barn build and is donating the scaled model to the construction trades program to help teach younger trades students what goes into building a pole structure. �Page 8 — Thursday, June 20, 2019 — The Hastings Banner H.ane OJelia Financial FOCUS Smart financial moves for ‘gig’ economy workers Elaine Garlock Next week marks the start of the Lake Odessa Fair. On all the approaches to the town, we staked signs along the roadside advertising the several aspects of the fair. Gone are the days of horse races and other features we remember from years past. Instead there have been bounce houses. Cotton candy still has the same allure, though. The planters that line Fourth Avenue have a new color scheme. The centerpiece, the thriller, is one tall canna plant. They are in a variety of colors. Loyal citizens come around almost nightly, depending on the rainfall pattern, with a small tractor and the second person uses a water wand to water all the planters. The comer shop that has been undergoing changes in recent months appears to be mostly finished. There is now new signage to announce that within is an ice cream shop. It is painted in a yummy lemon color and the awning is alternating panels of black and white. We await the word of when the doors open. The chicken barbecue at Central United Methodist Church will be Friday, July 12. Tickets are on sale now. The final alumni banquet for graduates of Lake Odessa High School is Saturday, June 29. Probably there will continue to be reunions of individual classes. The last such graduates finished high school more than 50 years ago. Since then, the school has been Lakewood High School. George and Judy Johnson are anticipating arrival of their son, Ben and his wife who have been overseas in recent years. The Tri-River Museum group met Tuesday morning at the Sunfield Welch Museum with more than 30 present. Plans are underway for the annual fall bus trip and the July luncheon with a program on a trip on the Lincoln Highway in an antique car. First Congregational Church has announced that the Rev. Marilyn Danielson of Portland is assuming the role of co-pastor along with Rev. Mark Jarvie, who plans to retire at the end of the year. He has held the post for 16 years. The Lake Odessa Fair parade will be Wednesday at 6 p.m. The parade always includes a band from school, floats, bicycles a few horses and lots of farm equipment and .firetrucks with plenty of noise. Another feature is tossed candy. Most youngsters bring along a plastic bag for scooping up the goodies. The local post office is having a celebratory event Friday, June 28, with notable people from the postal service for the renaming ceremony of the post office to honor the late Donna Sauers Besko who was the first female mail carrier in Michigan. This will be at 11 a.m. A reception will follow the post office. Not that long ago, most people worked for some type of an organization, such as a busi­ ness or the government or a school district. But today, more and more workers are going their own way and joining what’s known as the “gig” economy. If you will be one of them, you’ll want to make the right moves to advance your financial goals in what can be a challenging work environment. But first, you may find some comfort in knowing the prevalence of gig work. About 36 percent of U.S. workers are now gig work­ ers, according to a study from the Gallup organization, which defines the gig economy as one made up of a variety of arrangements independent contractors, online platform workers, contract workers, on-call workers, temporary workers and freelancers. People join the gig economy for many reasons, but most of them, like you, could benefit by con­ sidering these actions: • Establish your own retirement plan. When you’re a full-time employee, your employer may offer a 401(k) or similar retirement plan. But as a gig worker, you need to save for your own retirement. Fortunately, you’ve got a lot of attractive options. Depending on your cir­ cumstances, you might be able to open a SEP- -------STOCKS------The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. LIMITED TAX PLEDGE NOTICE PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that there will be a meeting of the Board of Education of Hastings Area School System, Bany and Calhoun Counties, Michigan. At said meeting, the Board of Education will consider for approval its proposed State Aid Note (Limited Tax - General Obligation). The proposed State Aid Note (Limited Tax - General Obligation), if issued, will contain the limited tax lull faith and credit pledge of Hastings Area School System, Barry and Calhoun Counties, Michigan. DATE OF MEETING: June 24,2019 PLACE OF MEETING: Hastings Middle School 232 West Grand Street, Hastings, Michigan HOUR OF MEETING: 7:00 o’clock, p.m. TELEPHONE NUMBER OF PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION: 269-948-4400 BOARD MINUTES ARE LOC ATED AT THE PRINCIPAL OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION: Jennifer Eastman Secretary, Board ofEducation TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTEREST­ ED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the following is a summary of Ordinance No. 168, which was adopted by the Prairieville Township Board at a regular meeting held on June 12, 2019. SECTION I REZONING PROPERTY IN LAND SECTION 6. This section rezoned the following described property in Land Section 6 from “A, Agricultural District” zoning classification to “R-1 Low Density Residential District” zoning classifica­ tion. This property is approximately 2.3 acres in size and is located at 12520 Pine Lake Road. The property is more particularly described as: SEC 6, T1 N,R10W, COM AT THE NW COR SEC 6, TH S ALG W LI OF SD SEC 1267.71 FT. TH S 88D 31M 40S E , 1763.07FT; TH S 27D 21M 07S E, 19.65FT; TH S89D 39M 44S E, 295.52FT TO THE POB: TH N 86D 55M 39S E,473.57FT TO THE CENTER LI OF GRAHAM RD; TH S 05D 19M 19S E ALG CENTER LI 170.63 FT TO THE CENTER LI OF PINE LAKE RD; TH S 51D 41M 41S W ALG SD CENTER LI 291.04 FT; TH N 38D 42M 12S W 416.34FT TO POB. (10T) SECTION II SEVERABILITY. The provisions of this ordinance are severable. SECTION III. REPEAL/EFFECTIVE DATE. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are'hereby repealed. This Ordinance shall take eight days after publication after adoption. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the full text of this Ordinance has been posted in the Office of the Prairieville Township Clerk at the address set forth be­ low and that a copy of the Ordinance may be purchased or inspected at the office of the Prairieville Township Clerk during regular business hours of regular working days following the date of this publication. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Rod Goebel, Clerk 10115 S. Norris Road Delton, Michigan 49046 (269) 623-2664 121884 Apple Inc. AT&T Chemical Fin Chevron Deere & Co. Exxon Mobil Flowserve CP Ford Motor Co. General Electric Co. General Motors Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP Perrigo Co. Pfizer Inc. Spartannash Comp Stryker TCF Financial Corp. Walmart Inc. Walt Disney Co Whirl Pool Corp Gold Silver Dow Jones 198.45 32.44 40.21 122.93 159.38 75.74 49.84 10.10 10.42 36.70 207.48 140.23 55.50 135.16 43.87 43.07 11.42 198.18 20.22 109.65 139.24 141.79 -3.64 +.33 +1.25 +1.76 +9.38 +.90 +.48 +.18 +.30 +.50 +9.47 +.45 -.16 +3.06 -.12 +.40 -.13 +3.37 +.55 +1.71 +4.16 +11.48 $1,338.90 $15.10 26,465 +$12.09 +.33 +416 Union City man dies Hastings Middle School 232 West Grand Street, Hastings, Michigan IRA or even a “solo” or “owner-only” 401(k), with your retirement plan, you will need to which offers many of the same features of an meet your own protection needs if you work employer-sponsored 401(k). Both these plans in the gig economy. In addition to purchasing allow you to make pre-tax contributions, enough life insurance to protect your family, which can lower your taxable income. Plus, you also may want to consider disability your earnings can grow on a tax-deferred insurance. A financial professional can help basis. (Keep in mind that taxes will be due you determine what types of coverage, and upon withdrawal, and any withdrawals you how much, you require. make before you turn 59 % may be subject to • Keep track of your expenses. If you do a 10% IRS penalty.) your gig work out of your home, you may be • Create an emergency fund. Working in the able to deduct some of your expenses - phone gig economy can bring rewards and risks. lines, utilities, internet, newspapers, equip­ And one of those risks is unpredictable - and ment, mileage and so on - from your taxes. often uneven - cash flow. This can be a cause Consequently, you will need to track all these for concern during times when you face a costs. And you will need to consult with your large unexpected expense, such as a major car tax advisor on what can, and can’t, be repair or medical bill. To avoid dipping in to claimed as a business necessity. your long-term investments to pay for these These aren’t the only moves you may need costs, you should establish an emergency to make as a gig worker - but they can help* fund containing at least six months’ worth of provide you with a steady path in a world in living expenses, with the money kept in a liq­ which you can’t always tell what lies around uid, low-risk account. the comer. • Address your protection needs. Many This article was written by Edward Jones, companies provide some life insurance as a for use by your local Edward Jones Financial, benefit to their employees, though the cover­ Advisor. If you have any questions, contact age is often inadequate. But, as is the case Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. in two-car collision A 58-year-old man, Philip Hanshaw of Union City, died in a head-on collision in Johnston Township June 12, the Barry County Sheriff’s Office reported. A second driver, Rebecca Rouse of Delton, was hospitalized with nonlife-threatening injuries, police said. Rouse was traveling north in a 2002 Chevrolet Trailblazer on Banfield Road near Baseline Road at about 3:25 p.m., when Hanshaw’s southbound 2006 Saturn Ion crossed the cen­ terline, leading to a collision. Both drivers were wearing seatbelts, and the crash remains under investigation. HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Thursday, June 20 - Baby Cafe, 10 a.m.noon; Novel Ideas Book Discussion of “The Only Woman in the Room” by Marie Benedict, 12:30-2 p.m.; Movie Memories watches a 1951 film starring David Niven, Vera-Ellen and Cesar Romreo, 5 p.m. Friday, June 21 - preschool story time, 10:30-11 a.m.; teen video game, Smash Brothers, noon-2 p.m. Saturday, June 22 - Anime club, noon-2 p.m. for students in grades 6-12; Movies at the Plaza, sponsored by Thomapple Credit Union, 9:30 or dark. Monday, June 24 - Quilting Passions, 10 a.m.-l p.m. Tuesday, June 25 - toddler story time, 10:30-11 a.m.; fab lab: balloon sculptures with Mr. Jim, 2-3 p.m.; chess, 6-7:30; mah­ jong, 5:30-7:30 p.m.; genealogy club, 6 p.m. Wednesday, June 26 - summer reading program: space food, 2-3 p.m.; Barry County Substance Abuse Task Force community overdose prevention training and Narcan dis­ tribution 6-7:30 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. ^Doctor Universe Litterbugs Dr. Universe: Why do people litter? Jenny, 11, California Dear Jenny, There is a lot of litter on our planet, but it hasn’t always been that way. For most of human history, people made stuff out of things they found in nature. They might make tools out of rocks or sticks. These things break down and become part of the soil again. It wasn’t until the invention of new mate­ rials, such as plastic, that we started creating more litter. In fact, along with the rise of these new materials came the word “litter­ bug.” That’s what I found out from my friend Erik Johnson. He’s a sociologist at Washington State University who is curious about culture, the ways people interact and live together, and how that shapes a human being. If you were eating a candy bar and the wind blew the wrapper out of your hand, you might chase after it and find a trash bin. But not everyone will make the same deci­ sion. They might let the wrapper blow away — or just toss it on the ground. Humans make lots of different choices, including what they buy at the store. A lot of that stuff ends up being junk. It breaks or you don’t need it anymore, so it ends up being litter. It no longer has any value to you. In some states, you can return bottles and cans in exchange for money. Not surprising­ ly, places where you could get cash for your cans and bottles tend to have less litter. Johnson said research has found that peo­ ple will litter if they don’t have a garbage or recycle bin nearby. If they have a bin nearby, they are much less likely to litter. He also said people tend to litter in places where there is already litter. If litter is a nor­ mal sight and something a lot of people do, other people will follow along with a similar action. One of the biggest sources of litter on our planet is cigarette butts. They are small, but they really add up. They can also add toxins, such as arsenic, into the earth and water, which can poison places animals call home. It’s also important not to toss apple cores, banana peels, or other food on the road or sidewalk. While fruit probably won’t cause any harm to the environment, it might attract a critter that doesn’t know a road can be dangerous. Yes, it’s true that people litter. It’s much easier to litter than to take time and energy to find a proper bin for it. But it’s also true that a lot of people pick up litter. They also want to find ways to repurpose our litter. Some of my friends at WSU are looking at how to make fuel out of things such as plastic bags, milk cartons and water bottles. Maybe you can help us come up with an idea to prevent littering — or other ways to help keep our planet healthy and beautiful. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her web­ site, askdruniverse.com. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED 2019-2020 BUDGET PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on Monday, June 24, 2019 at 6:45 p.m. in the Commons Area of Hastings Middle School, 232 West Grand Street, Hastings, Michigan, the Board of Education of the Hastings Area School System will hold a public hearing to consider the system’s proposed 2019-2020 budget. The Board of Education may not adopt its proposed 2019-2020 budget until after the public hearing. A copy of the proposed 2019-2020 budget, including the proposed property tax millage rate, is available for public inspection during normal business hours at 232 West Grand Street, Hastings, Michigan. The property tax millage rate, proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget, will be a subject of the hearing.1. This notice is given by order of the Board of Education. Jennifer Eastman, Secretary Hastings Board of Education �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 20, 2019 — Page 9 look back at the stories and columns on local Barry County commissioners agonize over how to recruit BflGK THE PAGES Camps, roads and Kellogg donations add to 1939 news ; The opening of the Chief Noonday and Long Lake (pictured) camps was big news in late June 1939. (File photo) The May 25, 1989, Banner extended the review of news in June 1939, compiled by local historian Esther Walton. A glimpse back at news from early June 1939 was published in last week's Banner. I The end of June is the start of summer, and the Banner of June 22, 1939, was filled with the upcoming summer events. Perhaps the most newsworthy item was the opening of two government camps. We know these camps now as Chief Noonday and Long Lake. The most important National Park proj­ ect was the opening of Murphy’s Point on Gun lake. The article on the projected opening said, “In the government park in Yankee Springs, there is now being constructed a large bathing beach project. It will be a part of the Yankee Springs Park development... Murphy’s Point, a peninsula that separates east and west Gun Lake, will be quite an attraction. A bathhouse 70 by 40 feet is being built and will be ready for the public by July 1, and an attendant will be in charge at all times. The ground has been cleared, and there are paths open to West Gun Lake, where the water is clear and shallow. This will be a favorite place for children. Picnic grounds will be open soon, and out­ door fireplaces are to be built.” The article concluded with, “It is to be regretted that the county road commission is not right now in a position to tarmac the road ... A beginning was made ... the government requested that this road be put into condition so it can be traveled without occupants of cars being compelled to swallow so much dust.” Unbeknownst to the local citizens, a world War was looming and the road would not be paved for several years, after the war had ended. Around town, the playground program committee planned to open the first day in the city of Hastings. High on their list was the special section the playground program would have in the Bluegill Festival. Wheels and Pets was the theme and “any­ thing on wheels or any kind of pets or both is all that a boy or girl needed in order to enter the parade.” The regular playground activities had 171 boys and girls registered. Baseball, softball and tennis were being offered. The Youth Council had raised $2,500 to date to assist the various community organi­ zations. Boy Scouts, Campfire, YMCA, Girls Reserve, 4-H and other smaller groups were assisted from the fund. The school board, looking ahead, was hold­ ing summer registration for kindergarten. The board also bought, for $1,500, 50 lots in the Lincoln Park addition for an athletic field, now known as Johnson Field. What must have been a relief was the announcement that the paving on M-37 would be completed between Hastings and Middleville. To celebrate the opening of the paving, “a gathering is being planned to be held in Middleville on the evening when this addition to paving M-37 is formally opened by the State Highway Department.” Members of the group planning the event were hoping Murray D. VanWagoner would be present [VanWagoner served as state high­ way commissioner until he was elected gover­ nor in 1940]. A banquet was being planned, with the dinner price set at 75 cents a plate. A statement telling the future said, “That trunkline highway is important and will be increasingly used by the general public ...” The last issue for the month of June 1939 listed two articles about the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and what it was doing to improve the health and welfare of Barry County. The first article talked about 350 school teachers and 40 superintendents in several counties who were going to attend summer school to train in child growth and development, child hygiene and secondary school curriculum. The second article told about how much money the W.K. Kellogg Foundation had expended in the county from the time of inception to that day. According to the column, “when the pro­ posal was first made some years ago to the board of supervisors that this county should cooperate with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation in establishing a county health service, the supervisors sanctioned the proposition by a narrow majority. Several of them were skepti­ cal. They felt that it could not be true that such an organization would be prepared to do what was suggested and finance its own undertak­ ing for the benefit of the people of this county. There has never been any controversy about it since that first time. The foundation has ever since had the unanimous approval of the supervisors, because that organization did all they said they would and much more.” The piece listed the permanent improve­ ments: Kellogg Agricultural (near Gull Lake) $123,409 toward the construction. Thomapple Kellogg School (Middleville) toward construction, $84,760. Woodland Township School (Woodland) for addition, $49,769. Nashville Public School (Nashville) for improvements, $38,152. Delton Kellogg (Delton) toward improve­ ments, $39,517. This was only the start of the W.K. Kellogg contribution to the county. They gave $92,954 to Pine Lake and another $63,385 to Clear Lake Camp. “We are unable to give actual figures for the foundation’s gift to Camp Kitanniwa, [a former Campfire Girls camp on Bird Road in Baltimore Township] but it must have cost at least $50,000, making a total investment in camps $206,339.” The story continued with, “These figures are only part of the money the W.K. Kellogg Foundation has spent in this county for the benefit of its people, particularly its children and young people. It maintains a public nurse in each office at the schools, and another on its staff to carry on its extensive health work. It pays the salary of its sanitary engineer and office staff and other worker, to say nothing of the director of the Barry County Health Unit, Continued next column Vice Chairwoman Vivian Conner was adamant that all candidates who apply should come before the full board. Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry County Commissioners agree that there are plenty of opportunities for residents to serve on boards and committees in the county. But sometimes there aren’t enough quali­ fied candidates seeking to serve. Commissioners speculated about the rea­ sons: Is it poor communication of the oppor­ tunities to serve the county? Is it the way those opportunities are being communicated? Is it the process itself that discourages involve­ ment? Can commissioners do more to engage citizens and interest them in serving? “How do we get more people to serve on boards and commissions?” Commissioner Ben Geiger asked his fellow commissioners at the committee of the whole meeting Tuesday. “How do we make it easier? How do we make it friendlier?” The traditional process starts with vacan­ cies being advertised in the local newspaper. Interested individuals apply for a specific vacancy. Then applicants appear before the commissioners’ committee of the whole. “Appearing here in this seat is intimidating for many,” Geiger said. “This appears more like a congressional hearing than a friendly interview process.” Another problem is that applications are only good for a specific vacancies so, if an applicant isn’t chosen for one board, they must reapply for another opportunity. “You might be good in other places,” Geiger pointed out. “But, if you’re not good for a particular vacancy, you have to start the process all over again. “What are the chances that you’ll apply again if you just got rejected?” Even though some boards meet at night, these interviews are conducted during the daytime hours when people are working, he added. “That, in and of itself, is probably a reason why some people aren’t applying.” One of the biggest reasons people don’t apply for these opportunities to serve on a board is that they don’t know what the job involves, Geiger added. “We need a little more handholding to get people into the sys­ tem. We need a friendlier process.” Geiger proposed changing the application from one for a specific vacancy to an applica­ tion of interest. He also urged shifting the advertising mes­ sage from filling vacancies to finding leaders. “We need to make a call for people to serve.” He suggested incorporating Facebook ads along with newspaper advertising. Dan Parker pointed out that public service isn’t necessarily easy. “ If they get in a board meeting, and they have to make some deci­ sion, they may have to take some of the same pressure that they get here when talking to us. That’s part of getting initiated into public ser­ vice.” “Yes, we don’t want to set people up for failure,” Geiger said. “We need to advertise for public servants that don’t want to be poli­ ticians.” “What I keep hearing is I’d like to serve but I’m not a politician. Well, good! Our citizen boards are manned by everyday folks who just want to give back.” From previous column Dr. Robert Harkness. “The work of the county health department is not based on how cheap the job can be done. It maintains a high type of health educa­ tion in rural village and city schools. Its many activities are all beneficial to the county, which has not been asked to put up a cent for it, except to pay the rental for the office occu­ pied by the health unit in this city. We pre­ sume to say that, including the items first stated in this article in the W.K. Kellogg Foundation has expended in Barry County for the benefit of its people well toward a million dollars, including the maintenance of its camps, and the end is not yet. It is no wonder that, in the recent referen­ dum vote taken in this county, there was prac­ tically a unanimous approval by its voters of the foundation’s work and confidence in its plans,” the article concluded. Commissioner Dan Parker said con­ cerns about making the process so easy that it becomes misleading about the role of serving on boards and commissions, which often isn’t easy. Chairwoman Heather Wing favored an interview committee outside the public spotlight to make it less intimidating for the candidates. Geiger said they would continue to incor­ porate newspaper advertising “but I think we can make jazzier advertisements.” Vivian Conner said she doesn’t favor changing the way they pick applicants. “I don’t want three commissioners making a decision on who is picked. I think it should be up to all of us.” “You think this is intimidating?” she said of the interview before commissioners. “Wait until you get on a board.” She also said these changes suggest that residents aren’t capable of handling the pro­ cess. “They are very capable. It sounds like we have to help our residents fill out an appli­ cation. I don’t think that’s so. Applicants need to come before the full board. I think our residents are totally capa­ ble. They just need more education. I don’t want to change the interview process.” Commissioners differed on whether the proposed application should mention back­ ground checks and criminal records. Geiger said he has already created a Facebook page to handle the solicitations, which would be managed by him or the coun­ ty information technology department. “Professionally, I’ve worked in this arena. We would use it as a launch page.... I have some­ thing on ice in anticipation of this.” That concerned Wing, who emphasized that content on Facebook would need tight control. Geiger assured her that it wouldn’t present a problem since it wouldn’t involve any cam­ paign finance issue because they wouldn’t be advocating for a specific ballot issue. “It would be clear from the Facebook advertise­ ments that this is just encouraging people to See RECRUIT, page 10 HASTINGS CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING MARIHUANA ESTABLISHMENTS ORDINANCE NO. 2019-01 ADOPTED JUNE 11, 2019 EFFECTIVE JULY 22, 2019 At a meeting of the Hastings Charter Township Board Township, Barry County, Michigan, held at the Township Hall on June 11, 2019, at 7:00 p.m., Board Member Brown moved to finally adopt the following Ordinance, which motion was seconded by Board Member Partridge: An Ordinance to prohibit marihuana establishments within the bound­ aries of Hastings Charter Township pursuant to the Michigan Regulation and Taxation ofMarihuana Act, Initiated Law 1 of2018, as amended. HASTINGS CHARTER TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDAINS: SECTION 1: TITLE. This Ordinance shall be known as and may be cited as the Hastings Charter Township Prohibition of Marihuana Establishments Ordinance. SECTION 2: DEFINITIONS. Words used within this Ordinance shall be construed to have the same meaning as provided in the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, Initiated Law 1 of 2018, as amended, MCL 333.27951 et seq. SECTION 3: NO MARIHUANA ESTABLISHMENTS. All marihuana establish­ ments are prohibited within the boundaries of Hastings Charter Township pursuant to the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marihuana Act, Initiated Law 1 of 2018, as amend­ ed. SECTION 4: VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES. 1. Any person who disobeys, neglects, or refuses to comply with any provision of this Ordinance, or who causes, allows, or consents to any of the same shall be deemed to be responsible for a violation of this Ordinance. A violation of this Ordinance is deemed a nuisance per se. 2. A violation of this Ordinance is a municipal civil infraction, punishable by a fine of $5000.00, along with any costs, direct or indirect expens­ es, or attorney’s fees that the Township incurs in connection with that infraction. In addition, the Township may seek injunctive relief against persons alleged to be in violation of this Ordinance and any other relief available at law or equity. 3. Each day during which any violation continues shall be deemed a separate offense. 4. This Ordinance shall be administered and enforced by such other person (s) as designated by the Township Board from time to time. SECTION 5: SEVERABILITY. The provisions of this Ordinance are hereby declared to be severable. If any clause, sentence, word, section or provision is hereafter declared void or unenforceable for any reason by a court of competent jurisdiction, it shall not affect the remainder of such Ordinance which shall continue in full force and effect. SECTION 6: REPEAL. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. SECTION 7: EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall take effect 30 days after notice of its adoption is published in a local newspaper. ROLL CALL VOTE: YEAS: Brown, Phillips, Mennell, Murphy, McNally, Partridge and Wetzel NAYS: None ABSENT/ABSTAIN: None ORDINANCE DECLARED ADOPTED Published by Order of the Township Board Hastings Charter Township, Barry County, Michigan Anita Mennell, Hastings Charter Township Clerk 269-948-9600 �Page 10 — Thursday, June 20, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Shipley plays first LPGA rounds at Meijer Classic Brett Bremer Sports Editor \ An eagle on number five at Boulder Creek helped earn Hastings High School alumnus Gabrielle Shipley a spot in her first ever LPGA golf event. . She scored another eagle, on number 18, at the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give Friday just down Rogue River Road at Blythfield Country Club as she finally got to make her first appearance in the LPGA tour­ nament. ‘ Shipley, the 2016 NCAA Division II National Champion at Grand Valley State University and 2011 Division 3 MHSAA Lower Peninsula Champion while playing for Hastings High School, finished at 6-over-par ^hooting a 73-77 in her first LPGA event last weekend. She had to play her two 18-hole rounds of the tournament back-to-back Friday after rain pushed her tee time too far back Thursday to finish even a single hole in the 144-woman tournament. r A group of 15 women at even par through two rounds missed the cut for the final two rounds of the tournament. Brooke Henderson won the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give for the second time in three years, finish­ ing off her 72 holes at 21-under-par Sunday. Shipley said her last appearance at the Meijer Classic was was an intern at Blythfield Country Club, helping to set up for the event and running the tournament merchandise tent. She scored a 3-under 69 to win the Meijer Classic Qualifier at Boulder Creek Golf Club June 10 to earn her spot in an LPGA tourna­ ment for the first time. The top two golfers from the qualifier, out of a field of 35, earned spots in the Meijer Classic. A pair of women finished at 2-under, with Selena Costabile winning a playoff hole to join Shipley in the Meijer Classic. Shipley found the cup from 140 yards out on the par-four fifth hole at Boulder Creek for the eagle at the Classic Qualifier, a shot the proved vital at the end of the day. Playing professionally on the Symetra Tour New deputy joins Barry County Sheriff’s Office On Tuesday, a new deputy joined the Barry County Sheriff’s Office. The oath of office was administered to Deputy Trevor Schild during the Barry County Board of Commissioners’ committee of the whole meeting in the mezzanine of the county court­ house in Hastings. Joining Dep. Schild following the ceremony are family members (from left) his grandfather Ron Zeldhouse, his father Randy Schild, Dep. Schild, his girlfriend Taylor Lanting and his mother Vicki Schild. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) , Gabrielle Shipley, former collegiate national champion and high school state champion, played in her first LPGA event last weekend, finishing 6-over-par through two rounds of the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give at Blythfield Country Club Friday. (File photo) this spring Shipley has finished as high as 47th at an event. She has played on a couple of different professional circuits over the past three years since graduating from GVSU while also working through the levels of the LPGA qualifying school. Shipley bounced back from a double bogey on number 13 to birdie number 14 early Friday at the Meijer Classic, and then fol­ lowed that up with consecutive pars on 15,16 and 17. She moved herself to one-under momentarily with her eagle on the par-5 18th. Consecutive bogies on five, six and seven during round two set her back a bit, but she closed out her tournament appearance by dropping in a birdie putt on 18. Mud Run, dodgeball, volleyball events at Lake O. Fair The lineup for this year’s Lake Odessa Fair, June 26 through 30, includes active events for sports and fitness enthusiasts. In the past 10 years, some of the fair’s most popular events have been those that challenge strength and endurance. The annual Mud Run will take place on Sunday, June 23, before the fair begins and is designed for all ages. The first race of the event will be the Puddle Jumpers for children from ages 3 to 6. The race will start at 1 p.m. and costs $5 per child. The race is designed to suit young chil­ dren, but it is recommended that an adult assist them through the course. The Kids Run will involve children from the ages of 7 to 12 beginning at 1:30 p.m. The adult team competitive and team recre­ ational races follow, beginning at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. respectively. This course is made with Garage Sale Recreation Help Wanted GARAGE SALE- Thurs.Fri., June 20th-21st, 2019, 8am-5pm. Toys, name brand clothes, books and more! 212 W. North St., Hastings. SUMMER SPLASH!! AD­ VENTURE Awaits Camp­ ground Camping—full hookup or water and electric only. Swimming, fishing, water slide, kid's playground, beach, volleyball court, diving platform, water bull riding. 50 mile Paul Henry Thornapple Trail starts here for hiking and biking. River tubing on the Thornapple River 1-2 hours. Beach Party Pavilion, Camp Store, Recreation Cen­ ter rental, Saturday Night Movies! Come have fun with us! 3266 N. Ionia Rd, Syca­ more Lane, Vermontville, MI 49096. Phone 919-249-8712. INDUSTRIAL CLEANING: Full or Part-time employment for self-motivated individual. Monday thru Friday starting at 4:30pm. Apply in person to Quality Hardwoods, Inc., 396 Main St., Sunfield, ML No phone calls please. Candi­ dates must submit to and pass a pre-employment drug test. Quality Hardwoods supports a drug-free workplace. PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. Business Services BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, power washing, home im­ provements, seamless gutters. 269-320-3890. WATER WELL DRILLING Company seeking full and part-time help. Will pay com­ petitive wages. 40 hrs plus overtime offered. Preferred CDL with valid drivers li­ cense. Job expectations in field of fabrication, operation of heavy equipment and laborer available. Random drug and alcohol screening will be re­ quired. Apply in person. Ew­ ing Well Drilling, Inc., 10076 Nashville Hwy., Vermontville, Michigan 49096.517-726-0088 obstacle after obstacle of mud challenges. While the race itself is 2.5 kilometers, it fea­ tures obstacles intended to challenge the run­ ners. The fee to register online is $25, if complet­ ed by June 22. After June 22, the price to register on-site on the day of the event is $30. Check-in for the event will begin at 12:15 p.m. Dodgeball action is set for 6 p.m. Thursday, June 27. The event offers peewee through adult divisions. Teams may have up to seven players, but only five may play at one time. This event has become one of the fair’s most popular events for participants. The cost is $25 for youth teams and $30 for adult teams. Sand volleyball also is returning this year: The youth volleyball tournament for ages 13 to 17 will take place at 3 p.m. Friday, June 28. The youth tournament is six vs. six. The cost per team is $15 per person. The fair also will feature two separate adult volleyball tournaments for ages 13 and up. The adult tournaments are four vs. four. The first tournament will be an “into the night tournament” starting at 3 p.m. Saturday, June 29. The tournament will play through dusk and feature glow balls. The second tourna­ ment is set to start at 9 a.m. Sunday, June 30. For more information or to register, email info@lakeodessafair.org. RECRUIT, from page 9 Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry County Road Commission, 1725 West M-43 Highway, P.O. Box 158, Hastings, Ml 49058, until 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, July 2, 2019 for the following items. Specifications and additional information may be obtained at the Road Commission Office at the above address or at our web site at www.barrycrc.org. 12,000 lb Tracked Skid Steer 18,000 1b Excavator The Board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive irregularities in the best interest of the Commission. BOARD OF COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BARRY David D. Solmes Frank M. Fiala D. David Dykstra Chairman Member Member No leads after bullet hits window A 64—year-old woman called police at 2:21 p.m. June 13 to report a bullet struck her house around 8:45 p.m. the night before, in the 11000 block of Gackler Road in Thomapple Township. She heard a loud crack on the side of her house, and did not think much of it at the time. But the next morning she saw one of her windows was broken, and a bullet was in between the panes. She did not hear any shooting at the time. The bullet sheared to be from a small caliber pistol. The investigation is inactive pending further information. Skidder shift controls stolen A 40-year-old man called police at 8:30 a.m. June 6, to report someone took apart and removed the shift controls on his 1998 John Deere 440D Turbo skidder near the comer of Sager Road and Bird Road in Hastings Charter Township. The man said he left the skidder around 3 p.m. the previous day and found the issue when he returned in the morning. The man did not start the skidder because he believed the person may have put something in his gas tank, and he was having it hauled away to be inspected. The investigation is inac­ tive pending further information. Alcohol involved in head-on collision A 47-year-old Trenton woman was arrested for operating under the influence after being involved in a head on crash with a 26-year-old Battle Creek man at 3:53 p.m. June 6 in Rutland Charter Township. The woman was turning from M-179 onto Whitmore Road, and said she had issues with her brakes when the two vehicles collided. The man said the woman pulled in front of him and did not use her blinker. The woman had a breathalyzer test with a .145 result. An officer responded to a single vehicle crash on Woodland Road near Donna Drive 10:27 p.m. June 10. A 24-year-old Lyons man went off the road and crashed into a tree. The man said he had to swerve off the road to avoid hitting another vehicle which went into his lane. The man, who said he had had five beers, sustained several facial lacerations from glass shards and, after recording a .151 BAC, was arrested. Man arrested after passing out while pumping gas Officers were called to the Shell Station on M-43 in Delton at 5:21 a.m. June 16, for a report of a man passed out behind the wheel of his vehicle at a gas pump. A officer knocked on the window, opened the vehicle door and yelled at the 27-year-old Battle Creek man, but was unable to wake him until he pushed on the man’s pressure points. The man began reaching toward his console where officers could see a large knife, and stopped when a officer yelled again. He had a .091 BAC and was arrested. Use Skim Balm® to treat dogs & Cats for "hot spots" & skin allergies without steroids. At Tractor Supply (www. kennelvax.com) BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION A 32-year-old Delton woman called police at 6:45 p.m. June 17, to report possible phone fraud. A man called her claiming to be from the Drug Enforcement Agency and said her social security number was frozen because a car she used while in Texas was caught in a drug ring investigation. The woman told police she only used an Uber while in Texas, but the “DEA Agent” told her two officers were coming to arrest her the next day. The man told her to use all the money she had to buy gift cards for the digital video game store “Steam” and read the bar codes to him over the phone. The woman purchased around $810 in gift cards and read them to the man. Afterwards the “DEA Agent” transferred her to another man who claimed to be from the U.S. Treasury, who told her she should use any money she had left to buy more gift cards. At that point the woman became suspicious and decided to call the police. The woman is currently working with her bank’s fraud depart­ ment to get her money back. Arrest for OWI following single vehicle crash For Sale NOTICE TO BIDDERS Woman pays out $810 in phone fraud Resident Ben Eastman of Hastings Township praised commissioners for con­ sidering a new process to recruit candi­ dates, but cautioned against a subcom­ mittee working outside the public purview. sign up,” he said. Wing said there are advantages to having an interview committee “so we’re not hashing it out here. Sometimes, asking some of those tough questions in a public meeting, the answers get in the press and that can be embarrassing to people because of the way they stutter and they don’t interview well under pressure.” Wing recalled her experience. “I came up here and I sat under the hot seat and stuttered my way through the interview. ...It was very intimidating. If it had been a two-step inter­ view, it might not have been so intimidating.” On a voice vote, Conner was the lone dis­ senter to the recommendation that the strategy be adopted, set to expire on March 10, 2020. Action on the resolution is expected at the board meeting next Tuesday, June 25, at 9 a.m. in the County Courthouse mezzanine. Improper turn leads to OWI arrest A driver making an improper turn and failing to to signal at 2:20 a.m. on June 16 on Grand Rapids Street near Lafayette Street in Middleville drew the attention of an officer who initiated a traffic stop. The driver, a 25-year-old Middleville man, said he was attempting to turn around. He had a .118 BAC and was arrested. Grand Rapids woman arrested for OWI An officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle that was crossing the fog line at 10:53 p.m. June 14 on Yankee Springs Road near Wilson Road in Yankee Springs Township. The 36-year-old Grand Rapids woman said she had had two vodka sodas. She had a .159 BAC and was arrested. Man calls police on wife for meth Officers were dispatched to a domestic disturbance in the 1000 block of Auburn Road in Rutland Charter Township at 12:45 p.m. April 6. A 33-year-old man said he found meth in his garage which he believed belonged to his 27-year-old wife. The woman said she was being framed. After speaking to her, officers believed she was under the influence of a stimulant narcotic or experiencing psychosis and requested medical attention. The officers found a bag in the garage with drug paraphernalia and .777 grams of a substance which later tested positive for methamphetamine. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 20, 2019 — Page 11 MHSAA officials registration opens for 2019-20 The Michigan High School Athletic Association is accepting registrations online or by mail for game officials for the 2019-20 school year. The MHSAA annually receives registration by more than 9,500 officials, and had 9,519 during the 2018-19 school year. The highest total of officials registered for basketball, 4,026, with football also with more than 2,000 registered officials during this past school year. For all new and returning officials, those who register online again will receive a $5 discount off their processing fees. A $16 fee is charged for each sport in which an official wishes to register, and the online processing fee is $40. Officials submitting registration forms by mail or on a walk-up basis will incur a $45 processing fee. Officials registered in 2018-19 will be assessed a late fee of $30 for registration after July 31. The processing fee includes liability insurance coverage up to $1 million for officials while working contests involving MHSAA schools. Online registration can be accessed by clicking “Officials” on the home page of the MHSAA Website at www.mhsaa.com. Forms also are available online that can be printed and submitted by traditional mail or hand delivery to the MHSAA Office at 1661 Ramblewood Drive in East Lansing. More information about officials registration may be obtained by contacting the MHSAA by phone at (517) 332-5046 or by e-mail at register@mhsaa.com. There is an officials’ registration test for Hamming it up in Freeport Joan Van Houten Staff Writer The intricacies and importance of ham radi­ os will be shared at a public Amateur Radio Field Day event to raise awareness and grow interest in future ham radio operators. The Barry Amateur Radio Association will set up operations in Freeport from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, June 22, at the Freeport Community Park on South State Street. “The event is free and open to everyone,” said club member Jay Hopewell. “We want to show how this skill still plays an important role today and is really an interesting and changing field.” The Amateur Field Day is held annually and was originally meant for area ham opera­ tors to test their equipment and keep their skills sharp. The event was eventually opened to the public. Hopewell said too many people don’t w /it understand how ham radio operators continue to serve communities nationwide. “Ham radio operators often get called on by emergency management departments when there is a major disaster and communication goes down,” said Hopewell. “When tele­ phone lines and cell service goes out, they lose contact with each other and the hospitals. And there are times when we are the only source of getting word out about survivors in the disaster zone to their families.” Hopewell said there is much more to being a ham radio operator than most people realize like building personalized radios and incorpo­ rating modern technology into the systems. “When disaster hits, sometimes we are the only communication resource available, and that is critical to helping people in trouble,” Hopewell adds. “Our group is really hoping to get more public attention about what we do. It’s an important skill, even today.” ivATirr c NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE This firm is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information we obtain will be used for that purpose. Default has occurred in the conditions of a mortgage made by CHARLES HOWARD MUSTE and AMY ALISON LUCAS, husband and wife (collectively, “Mortgagor”), to CHEMICAL BANK, a Michigan banking corporation, having an office at 333 I . Main Street, Midland, Michigan 48640-6511 (the "Mortgagee”), dated June 23, 2014, and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan on June 30, 2014, as Instrument No. 2014-006030 (the ^Mortgage”). By reason of such default, the Mortgagee elects to declare and hereby declares the entire unpaidamount of the Mortgage due and payable forthwith. Mortgagee is the owner of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage. As of the date of this Notice there is claimed to be due for principal and interest on the Mortgage the sum of Ninety Five Thousand Six Hundred Forty Six and 47/100 Dollars ($95,646.47). No suit or proceeding at law has been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage or any part thereof. Notice is hereby given that by virtue of the power of sale contained in the Mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, and to pay the above amount, with interest, as provided in the Mortgage, and all legal costs, charges and expenses, including the attorney fee allowed by law, and all taxes and insurance premiums paid by the undersigned before sale, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by sale of the mortgaged premises at public vendue to the highest bidder at the east entrance of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan on Thursday the 25th day of July, ?019, at one o’clock in the afternoon. The premises covered by the Mortgage are situated in the Township pf Yankee Springs, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and are described as follows: That part of the West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 15, Town 3 North, Range 10 West, Yankee springs Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: commencing at the Southeast corner of said Section; thence North 89°19’06” West 1323.05 feet along the South line of said Southeast 1/4 to the East line of the West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of said Section; thence North 00°00’00” East 1170.0 feet along said East line to the place of beginning; thence South 90°00’00” West 662.48 feet; thence North 34°15’45” West 80.0 feet; thence North 06°06’37” East 446.42 feet; thence South 90°00’00” East 660.00 feet to said East line, West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 ; thence South 00°00’00” East 510.00 feet along said East line to the place of beginning. Also subject to a 66 foot wide easement for ingress and egress and utility purposes over the North 66 feet thereof. Together with all existing or subsequently erected pr affixed buildings, improvements and fixtures; all easements, rights of way, and appurtenances; all fights to make divisions of the land that are exempt from the platting requirements of the Michigan Land Division Act, as it shall be amended; all water, water rights, watercourses and ditch rights (including stock in utilities with ditch or irrigation rights); and all other rights, royalties, and profits, relating to the premises, including without limitation al! minerals, oil, gas geothermal and similar matters. Commonly known as: 9295 Longpond Green Lane, Middleville, Michigan 49333 P.R #08-16-015-015-00, 08-16-015-015-20, 08-16­ 015-015-30 and 08-16-015-015-40 Notice is further given that the length of the redemption period will be six (6) months from the date of sale, unless the premises are abandoned. If the premises are abandoned, the redemption period Will be the later of thirty (30) days from the date of the sale or upon expiration of fifteen (15) days after the Mortgagor is given notice pursuant to MCLA §600.3241 a(b) that the premises are considered abandoned and Mortgagor, Mortgagor’s heirs, executor, or administrator, or a person lawfully claiming from or under one (1) of them has not given the written notice required by MCLA §600.3241 a(c) stating that the premises are not abandoned. If the premises are sold at a foreclosure sale, under MCLA §600.3278 the Mortgagor will be held responsible to the person who buys the premises at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the Mortgagee for damaging the premises during the redemption period. Dated: June 20, 2019 CHEMICAL BANK Mortgagee Timothy Hillegonds WARNER NORCROSS + JUDD LLP 900 Fifth Third Center 111 Lyon Street, N.W. Grand Rapids, Ml 49503-2487 (616)752-2000 121807 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Chad N. Klutman, Jennifer Klutman, husband and wife, to Fifth Third Mortgage - Ml, LLC, Mortgagee, dated January 3, 2017 and recorded January 10, 2017 in Instrument Number 2017-000288 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by Fifth Third Bank as Successor by Merger to Fifth Third Mortgage Company, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Two Hundred Thirty-Eight Thousand Forty-Five and 75/100 Dollars ($238,045.75), including interest at 4.25% per annum. Under the power of- sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on JULY 18, 2019. Said premises are located in the Township of Yankee Springs, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: Unit No 57, Pleasant Valley Condominiums, a Condominium according to the Master Deed recorded in Document no. 1132867, inclusive and amendments thereto, Barry County Records, and designated as Barry County Condominium Subdivision Plan No. 37, together with rights in General Common Elements and Limited Common Elements as set forth in the above Master Deed and as described in Act 59 of the Public Acts of 1978, as amended. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: June 20, 2019 File No. 19-005221 Firm Name: Orlans PC (06-20)(07-11) 121806 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee for any reason. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest, and the purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Notice is hereby given that the below mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the Circuit Court of Barry County at 1:00 pm on July 11, 2019. Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Teresa M Cheeseman and Anthony E Cheeseman wife and husband Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Nationstar Mortgage LLC, its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Mr. Cooper Date of Mortgage: July 10, 2013 Date of Mortgage Recording: July 22, 2013 Amount claimed due on mortgage on the date of notice: $102,368.04 Description of the mortgaged premises; Situated in the Township of Rutland, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Lots 283 and 305 of Algonquin Lake Resort Properties Unit No. 2, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 2 of Plats on page 63. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or upon the expiration of the notice required by MCL 600.3241 a(c), whichever is later; or unless MCL 600.3240(16) applies. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: 06/06/2019 Potestivo & Associates, P.C. 310371 (06-06)(06-27) 120806 first-time officials and officials who were not registered during the past school year. The test is derived from the MHSAA Officials Guidebook, which also is available on the Officials page of the MHSAA Website. Additional exams must be taken by those registering for football or basketball for the first time or those who were not registered for those sports during the previous school year. Manuals for both sports also are available on the Officials page. New officials and those who didn’t officiate during 2018-19 also must complete the online MHSAA Principles of Officiating course, also available on the MHSAA Website. There also are opportunities to officiate for students at least 14 years old and in grades 9-12 through the MHSAA Legacy Program. Juniors and seniors may officiate subvarsty contests, while freshmen and sophomores may officiate contests at the middle school/ junior high levels. Mentor officials will work events with Legacy participants to provide guidance and support. Find information on the Legacy Program on the Officials page of the MHSAA Website. SYNOPSIS PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Regular Meeting June 12, 2019 Supervisor Stonebumer called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Present: Supervisor Stoneburner, Clerk Goebel, Treasurer Pence, Trustee VanNiman, Trustee Borden Agenda and Minutes were approved. Public comments, if any, were received. Reports were received. Bills were paid. Passed Resolution 19-13 FOIA Fees and designation of Coordinator Approved P.A.116 Applications 2019-2 and 2019-3 Adopted Ordinance 168, Rezoning Public and Board comments were received. Adjourned: 8:15 P.M. Submitted by: Rod Goebel, Clerk 121885 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on June 27, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Donald F Clum and Kathleen L Clum, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mainstreet Saving Bank, FSB Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Lake Michigan Credit Union Date of Mortgage: March 11,2010 Date of Mortgage Recording: March 16, 2010 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $20,148.85 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Hope, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot(s) 1, 3 and 4, Lakewood Estates, according to the recorded Plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 4 of Plats, page 19, Hope Township The redemption period shall be 1 year from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: May 30, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1386141 (05-30) (06-20) 120040 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on July 11,2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Matthew Fahling, an unmarried man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): AmeriFirst Financial Corporation Date of Mortgage: January 21, 2015 Date of Mortgage Recording: January 26, 2015 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $140,614.65 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Yankee Springs, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: That part of the Northwest 1/4, Section 4, Town 3 North, Range 10 West, Yankee Springs Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: Commencing at the North 1/4 corner of Section 4, Town 3 North, Range 10 West; thence South 00 degree 55 minutes 34 seconds East, 2104.06 feet, along the West line of the Northeast 1/4 of Section to the point of beginning; thence North 89 degrees 02 minutes 31 seconds East 390.00 feet; thence South 00 degree 55 minutes 34 seconds East 252.00 feet; thence South 89 degrees 02 minutes 31 seconds West 390.00 feet to the West line of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 4; thence North 00 degree 55 minutes 34 seconds West 252.00 feet along said West line to the point of beginning. Subject to highway right of way for Norris Road. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: June 13, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1387107 (06-13)(07-04) 120858 Delton Kellogg athletic director Mike Mohn honors long-time starter George Bridges who was firing the starter’s pistol for the final time during a varsity track and field meet at DKHS in May. Registration for new and old officials is going on now on the MHSAA website for the 2019-20 school year. (File photo) STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28200-DE Estate of Michael A. Harrington, deceased. Date of birth: 11/16/1969. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Michael A. Harrington, died 04/30/2016. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Skyler Harrington, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Hastings, Ml and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 06/07/2019 Robert J. Longstreet P53546 607 N. Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-3495 Skyler Harrington 1904 E. Harvard Dr. Tempe, AZ 85283 (810)986-9160 121832 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 2019-28132-DE Estate of Joseph L. Smith, deceased. Date of birth: 04/24/1939. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Joseph L. Smith, died 09/28/2018. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Mary Smith, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 14771 Uldriks Drive, Battle Creek and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Michael A. Hettinger P51282 200 Admiral Avenue Portage, Michigan 49002 269-324-6000 Mary Smith 14771 Uldriks Drive Battle Creek, Michigan 49017 269-721-9051 121808 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on July 25, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): ScotAScramiin and Susan Scramlin, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Date of Mortgage: June 22, 2009 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 29, 2009 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $121,056.48 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Carlton, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: That part of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 6, Township 4 North, Range 8 West, Carlton Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: Commencing at the West 1/4 corner of said Section; thence North 90 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds East 1190.77 feet along the North line of said Southwest 1/4 to the place of beginning; thence North 90 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds East 265.15 feet along said North line; thence South 00 degrees 15 minutes 01 seconds East 579.55 feet; thence South 90 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds West 265.15 feet; thence North 00 degrees 15 minutes 01 seconds West 579.55 feet to the place of beginning The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: June 20, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1387960 121872 SYNOPSIS Hastings Charter Township Regular Meeting June 11, 2019 Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. All board members present, Approved all consent agenda items Accepted Ordinance #2019-01 final reading Ordinance Prohibiting Marihuana Establishments Township Credit Card Commitment of Funds M-37 Drain area Approved payment of bills Dept, reports received and put on file Motion to adjourn 8:18 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Anita S. Mennell - Clerk Attested to by Jim Brown - Supervisor Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on July 11,2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Michael Benson aka Micheal Benson and Stacey Benson, Husband and Wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Selene Finance LP Date of Mortgage: December 4, 2007 Date of Mortgage Recording: December 12,2007 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $123,714.44 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 4 and the West 8 feet 9 inches of the North 72 feet of Lot 5 of Block 7 of Lincoln Park Addition to the City, Formerly Village of Hastings, according to the recorded plat thereof as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats on Page 55. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: June 6, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1386517 (06-06)(06-27) 120441 NOTICE SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE - At Home R.E. LLC , granted a mortgage to Visio' Financial Services, LLC, Mortgagee, dated January. 31, 2018, and recorded on February 15, 2018, in Document No. 2018-001514, and assigned by said mortgagee to Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, d/b/a Christiana Trust, not in its individual' capacity but soley as Owner Trustee of Residential Credit Opportunities Trust II, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage' there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Seventy-Three Thousand One Hundred Sixty-Five and 81/100 Dollars ($73,165.81). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be' foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the East' doors of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on July 11, 2019. Saidpremises are located in Barry County, Michigan* and are described as: THE NORTH 62 FEET OF LOT 712 OF THE CITY, FORMERLY VILLAGE OF HASTINGS, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, ACCORDING TO THE RECORDED PLAT THEREOF, EXCEPT COMMENCING 70 FEET NORTH OF THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 712; THENCE NORTH 4 FEET; THENCE WEST 15 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 4 FEET; THENCE EAST 15 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING The redemption period will be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period will be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 600.3241 a(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of Act 236 of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, d/b/a Christina Trust, not in it's; individual capacity but soley as owner Trustee of Residential Credit Opportunities Trust II Mortgagee/ Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman P.C. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1387000 (06-06)(06-27) 120808 �Page 12— Thursday, June 20, 2019 — The Hastings Banner 24-Hour Challenge riders make up for lost time Brett Bremer Sports Editor The 37th Annual National 24-Hour Challenge riders lost a few minutes early Saturday morning. A traffic accident on E. Main Street, near Irving Road, allowed the Kalamazoo Pipe Band to perform a few extra numbers on the lawn outside the Thomapple Kellogg Middle School while more than 200 cyclists waited an extra 17 minutes to get the go ahead from the event’s executive director Gary Goscenski. Goscenski and a few of the events many volunteers spent the moments before the race in contact with local law enforcement, work­ ing out possible plans for rerouting the race Riders exit the parking lot of Thornapple Kellogg Middle School in Middleville to being the 37th Annual National 24-Hour Challenge. More than 200 riders signed up for this year’s event. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Riders in the National 24-Hour Challenge cross the bridge over the Thornapple River on Main Street in Middleville Saturday morning as the Kalamazoo Pipe Band serenades them on their journey. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Come see us for all your wedding needs. Shop your LOCAL printing company for customized • Thank you notes • Save the date cards • Wedding invitations • Photos • Frames • Wedding favors • Posters iheck out all our Special Services: • Business Cards Greeting Cards Big Prints & Posters Photo Books Folding & Laminating Custom Rubber Stamps Plastic Binding and more! 1351 N.Broadway (M-43) Hastings ORO OAR 010*1 OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00 - 5:30 iff VZ£4 B before the all-clear was given for the riders to had out of the TK school grounds and eventu­ ally down Main Street and onto State Road towards their Loop One checkpoints at the Lakewood Middle School, Baseline United Methodist Church and the Delton Library. Nearly 25 hours after the ride began, Bryan Dobes from Glen Ellyn, Ill. and Pascale Lercangee from Powell, Ohio were honored as the event’s high-mileage champions. Lercangee covered 392.7 miles, surpassing the 2000-mile mark Saturday. She previously won the high-mileage award at the 2013,2014 and 2015 events. She set a new record for mileage in the women’s 55-59 division, sur­ passing the total of 387.1 miles by Nancy Henriksson of Middleville in 2014. Dobes recorded 462.3 miles. 2019 National 24-Hour Challenge Results Female 18-24 - 1. Mary Grace Blunt, 338.3; 2. Jamie Hoornaert, 200.3; 3. Anneke Sherry, 200.3. Male 18-24 - 1. Henry Weis, 362.3; 2. James Hildreth 324.3; 3. Alex Harrison, 231.9; 4. Caleb Keech, 71.7. Female 25-29 - 1. Lauren Cummings, 261.1. Male 25-29 - 1. Abraham Smalls, 439.5; 2. Billy Bolchko, 385‘1^3? Jessop Keene, 316.7; 4. Matt Kovacic. 287.5; 5. Ethan Cummings, 261.1; 6. Skye Elliott, 223.1; 7. Kenneth Akiki, 145.9; 8. David Heckelsmiller, 121.9. Female 30-34 - 1. Jessica Anderson, 354.7; 2. Angela Blood StarrJ 206.7. Male 30-34 - 1. Kevin Anderson, 362.3; 2. Tom Anderson, 309.1; 3. Xavier Galvan, 285.1; 4. Darren Brabazon, 223.1; 5. Jesse Sallak, 206.7; 6. Tyler Starr, 206.7; 7. Joe Gajewski, 34.4. Female 35-39 -1. Valerie Litznerski, 301.5; 2. Heather Anderson, 199.1; 3. Elizabeth Kirby, 145.9. Male 35-39 - 1. Kyle Schwedler, 354.7; 2. Marc Pouliot, 345.9; 3. Jonathon Gridley, 300.3; 4. Brian Cary, 207.9; 5. Douglas Mulvaney, 201.5; 6. Adam Korrick, 183.9; 7. Ian Redfern, 121.9; 8. Joe Gorman, 71.7; 9. Luke Lewis, 71.7. Female 40-44 - 1. Heather Zutz, 276.3; 2. Amy Miller 193.9; 3. Karen Nissen-Boryczka, 96.3. Male 40-44 - 1. Bryan Dobes, 462.3; 2. Anthony Lisinicchia,416.7; 3. Christian Holz, 415.5; 4. Kevin Smith, 407.9; 5. Kevin Groeneveld, 253.5; 6. Bill Gibson, 209.1; 7. Ronald Hill Jr., 206.7; 8. Dave George, 206.7; 9. Andy Boryczka, 121.9. Female 45-49 - 1. Andrea Fore, 252.3; 2. Stacey Mihalopoulos, 215.5; 3. Mary Jane Watson, 121.9; 4. Cindy Watkins, 62.1. Male 45-49 - 1. Jeff Schmela, 369.9; 2. Brian McCollum, 315.5; 3. Steven Kelley, 307.9; 4. Maty Heyen, 269.9; 5. Brian Baker, 254.7; 6. Paul Nav^rete, 229.5; 7. Scott Regal, 221.9; 8. Ryan Heidenfeld, 207.9; 9. Shane Wiersma, 206.7; 10. Jeff Petersen, 201.5; 11. Michael Kryvicky, 191.5; 12. Jamie Ross, 191.5; 13. Douglas Trippie, 176.3; 14. Jeff Giraldo, 161.1. Female 50-54 - L Andrea Matney, 345.9; 2. Chris Tabaka, 337.1; 3. Geralyn Lopiccolo, 206.7. Male 50-54 - 1. Brent Steinle, 407.; 2. Christian Collins, 377.5; 3. Geoff Madden, 377.5; 4. Michael Billing, 354.7; 5. Matt White, 352.3; 6. Christopher Blunt, 330.7; 7. Randall Bertrand, 324.3; 8. Kenneth Bergman, 323.1; 9. Mark Harrison, 316.7; 10. Mike Zapinski, 306.7; 11. Hans Therron, 299.1; 12. Tom Guisleman, 291.5; 13. Dave Ringey, 283.9; 14. J. Andrew Clayton, 254.7; 15. Mike Gort, 254.7; 16. Chris Gonnsen, 253.5; 17. David Williamson, 252.3; 18. Todd Borchard, 252.3; 19. John Gadbury, 247.1; 20. Troy Johnson, 223.1; 21. Scott Boyer, 206.7; 22. Fred Lopiccolo, 206.7; 23. Nicholas Stanziola, 206.7; 24. Mark Alexander, 199.1; 25. Michael Gessnet, z 161.1; 26. Mark Walbum, 153.5; 27. Miguel Velazquez, 145.9; 28. Chris Udell, 121.9; 29. Scott Radliff, 121.9. Female 55-59 - 1. Pascale Lercangee 392.7; 2. Petrina Crabtree, 307.9; 3. Laurie Skul 276.3; 4. Lou Therrien, 206.7; 5. Lynn Esp, 71.7; 6. Alison Ernst, 34.4. Male 55-59 ~ 1. Joe Pixley, 392.7; 2. Terry National 24-Hour Challenge executive director Gary Goscenski discusses preparations for the start of the event Saturday with a member of the Barry County Sheriff’s Department at Thornapple Kellogg Middle School in Middleville. An automobile accident east of downtown Middleville delayed the start of the ride by 17 minutes. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Butcher, 361.1; 3. Kenneth Kloet, 354.7; 4. Mikael Henriksson, 353.5; 5. Dvaid Mitchell, 331.9; 6. Otto Weyer, 314.3; 7. Eric Overton, 307.9; 8. Joseph Rezell, 307.9; 9. John McCarthy, 300.3; 10. Doug Chivington 299.1; 11. Bill Smyser, 283.9; 12. Teoman (Tay) Demir, 276.3; 13. Joe Lundberg, 262.3; 14. Dan Rocco, 262.3; 15. Greg Priddy, 259.9; 16. Don Willis, 253.5; 17. Ralph Germaine, 237.1; 18. Martin Knop 230.7; 19. Ken Sauers, 230.7; 20. Kevin Blazek, 221.9; 21. Dale Hansen, 215.5; 22. Quinn Bosworth, 207.9; 23. Scott Vander Wielen, 176.3; 24. Frank Turek, 176.3; 25. Charles Mickiewicz, 121.9; 26. Ken Noon, 34.4. Female 60-64 - 1. Elen Wolcott, 276.3; Joann Karpowicz, 161.1; 3.3 Nancy Henriksson, 161.1. Male 60-64 - 1. Glenn Dik, 401.5; 2. Keith Wolcott, 354.7; 3. Marc Pritchard, 345.9; 4. Bill Cound, 345.9; 5. Richard Kordenbrock, 307.9; 6. John Klinger, 307.9; 7. Andy Mckellar, 306.7; 8. Richard Tampier, 306.7; 9. Mark Stevens, 305.5; 10. Steven Gridley, 300.3; 11. Jonathan Weis, 300.3; 12. Campbell Lovett, 300.3; 13. Gary Berk, 291.5; 14. Bruce Douglass, 291.5; 15. Gary Michalek, 275.1; 16. Mitchell Komarmy, 269.9; 17. Jeff Pierce, 261.1; 18. Chris Cobum, 253.5; 19. Jim Gajewski, 252.3; 20. Paul Bacho, 252.3; 21. Gregory Lorencz, 230.7; 22. Dieter Dauberman, 229.5; 23. Jim Hoppenrath, 223.1; 24. Robert Hickey, 223.1; 25. Martin Burg, 221.9; 26. William Spurgeon, 215.5; 27. Steve Mayo, 206.7; 28. Doug Patrick, 206.7; 29. Randy Higgins, 200.3; 30. John Carey, 183.9; 31. Kris Lewis, 161.1; 32. Donald Hoornaert, 161.1; 33. Patrick Karpowicz, 145.9; 34. Richard Haw, 145.9; 35. Dennis Jeffers, 96.3; 36. Robert Head, 71.7; 37. Russ Aubil, 71.7. Female 65-69 - 1. Nancy Guth 369.9; 2. Sarah Weis, 200.3; 3. Mary Kay Germaine, 121.9; 4. Susan Paul 121.9; 5. Joyce Lundholm, 34.4. Male 65-69 - 1. John Harthoom, 377.5; 2. John Guth, 369.9; 3. Tom Keeley, 353.5; 4. Mike Rummelhart, 283.9; 5. Chester Jozefski, 275.1; 6. Frank Brichetto, 230.7; 7. Alan Gossard, 221.9; 8. Charles Boumiea, 145.9; 9. Ward Peterson, 121.9; 10. 96.3. Male 70-74 - 1. Greg Conderacci, 323.1; 2% David Wilson, 291.5; 3. Reed Finfrock, 277.5; 4. Ron Rodriguez, 206.7; 5. Jim Siegel, 145.9j 6. David Geerlings, 71.7. Male 75+ - 1. William Ingraham, 275.1; Don Stowers, 145.9. C Tandem Male/Female -1. Jennifer Danhaus and Paul Danhaus, 345.9; 2. John Hart and Barb Hart, 330.7; 3. Maryam Trout and Jim Trout, 306.7. Tandem Male/Male - 1. Jeff Johnson and Brian Rummelhart, 176.3; 2. Daniel J Updike and Brian Updike 34.4. Jesse Sallak of Niles works his way up the hill on Main Street in Middleville during the opening miles of the 37^: Annual National 23-Hour Challenge Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-06-27.pdf 7ee2adb5ec1ee0f195c69bd9925ec0ad PDF Text Text Rental housing project $300,000 grant sought Health care reform diagnosis is bleak HCDC divers score 8 medals at state games See Story on Page 5 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 12 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 804879110187 1070490102590501646849058113421 ANNER Richard Hemerling 421 N Taffee Dr Thursday, June 27, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 26 ‘The Voice’ performer in Hastings Friday Hastings Live season continues its tradi­ tion offering concert-goers local, regional and national talent. The Thomapple Players will entertain for Playing at the Plaza at 11 a.m., Thursday, June 27. The local theater group annually hosts a week-long theater camp for local youth. At the Spray Plaza, they will be performing excerpts from this year’s performance plus offering theater games for all to enjoy. Fridays at the Fountain will host Daves at 7 beginning at noon June 28 on the Barry County Courthouse lawn. Daves at 7 can be described as Americana, combining elements of folk, rock, country and jazz. Group members, representing diverse musical backgrounds, come together creating original, toe-tap­ ping tunes. Joshua Davis will be the Friday Night Feature at 7:30 p.m. June 28 at Thomapple Plaza. After touring and recording successfully for years, both on his own and with his group Steppin’ In It, Joshua Davis achieved nationwide fame on “The Voice.” On that television show, he performed duets with Sheryl Crow and Adam Levine and was the first contestant to sing an original song. Sandyland featuring all new acts Hundreds of presale tickets for the fourth annual Sandyland concert featuring Sanctus Real indicate it may be the most popular concert so far. After country, rock and pop acts of pre­ vious years, Sandyland organizers wanted to ensure the venue would have variety of different music across its annual concerts, and this year decided to go with Christian entertainers. Local band Nashville North will open the concert at 5:30 Friday, followed by The Becki Graves Band at 6:30, with headliner Sanctus Real beginning around 8 p.m. Ohio Christian rock band Sanctus Real has toured for more than 20 years, had 24 radio hits and more than 750,000 full album sales, according to its website. Volunteers have been working to pre­ pare the concert venue for months, clearing down trees and cleaning up the building. The weather has been a challenge for the volunteers, with so much rain they’ve had to work hard to find enough time to get everything ready. Organizers are also pre­ paring for alternatives in the case of rain during the concert. Nearby Grace Church will be the backup venue, but it can only seat around 500, so concert-goers should get advance tickets if they want to ensure a spot. Advance ticket sales are available at sandy land2019 .brownpapertickets .com. Concessions will be available at the show. PRICE 750 Open M-43? They’ll have to drain the swamp Luke Froncheck Staff Writer To open flood-plagued M-43, the state and Barry County will have to drain a swamp and that’s what they say they intend to do by July 10. The flooded portion of the state highway that snakes between Cloverdale Lake on the west and a swamp on the east side has kept the road closed since May. Before the water lev­ els got too high, M-43 was the dividing line between the two - but no longer. According to Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull, the plan is to drain See DRAIN, page 10 Plainwell man held on $10 million bond in double . murder Rebecca Pierce Editor Bond was set at $10 million in the arraignment of Jon Otis Burnett, the 63-yearold Plainwell man accused of two counts of open murder, assault by strangulation, felonious assault and four counts of committing felonies with a firearm in Barry County. Gary L. Peake, 73, of Plainwell, and Bryce Nathan DeGood, 21, of Haslett, were shot and killed in Orangeville Township Friday County gets an A+ from auditor Rebecca Pierce Editor Joe Verlin, a principal of Gabridge & Company, auditing Barry County for the first time this year, used words like “clean, consistent, prudent, stable” to describe 2018 Audited Financial Statements. The county’s total net position was $42.8 million on Dec. 31, 2018, Verlin said. That figure theoretically means that - if all assets were sold and liabilities were paid off - that would be the amount that was left over. Auditors like to see that number trending up, he said. And that’s exactly what it did for the county, representing a $460,000 increase over the course of the year. Verlin noted that the county had a healthy increase over 2018: Cash in exceeded cash out by about $540,000 last year. Also, the total long-term debt decreased by about $1.5 million during 2018. A look at the changes in the net pension liability and how well funded the county is in covering that shows the following: To cover a total liability of $54.2 million, the county has set aside $38.7 million has been set aside. That’s a $15.5 million difference, Verlin pointed out, which means the county is 71.4 percent funded. “A lot of counties struggle to be north of 60 percent,” he said. The county has consistently been paying See AUDIT, page 10 See MURDER, page 2 Jon Burnett enters Barry County District Court for arraignment on two counts of open murder, among eight felony charges. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) City compost site limits hours The compost site belonging to the City of Hastings will be open and staffed Wednesdays from 3:30 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 to 11 a.m. The facility on East State Road east of the cemetery is open to city residents only. Suitable materials include yard and garden debris. City band to finish season with flair “A salute to America” will be the theme of the final concert of the season for the Hastings City Band Wednesday, July 3, at See NEWS BRIEFS, page 2 Crowning a milestone moment At Monday’s Hastings Area Schools Board of Education meeting, outgoing Superintendent Carrie Duits was praised for her hard work during her five-year tenure. Then Duits placed a tiara on her head and a sash over her shoulder, both of which were given to her by her children. The sash read “officially retired.” Her spontaneous gesture surprised the group and they responded with applause. “It’s only been five short years and she’s made a lot of great changes for students in our district,” board President Luke Haywood said. “Thank you for your service. We appreciate your dedi­ cation.” (Photo by Luke Froncheck) Mansfield is manager at one last meeting Jeff Mansfield attended his last Hastings City Council meeting as city manager Monday. “It’s been a true privilege and pleasure,” Mansfield said. “It’s been a wonder­ ful experience.” Mayor Dave Tossava presents Mansfield with a special proclamation crafted in honor of more than 27 years of service to the city. Prior to the meeting, citi­ zens and local dignitaries stopped by City Hall to offer their congratulations during a special reception in his honor. And, during the meeting, each city council member offered remarks of appreciation. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) �Page 2 — Thursday, June 27, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Witness to a tragedy Rebecca Pierce Editor Jason Wyatt of Plainwell was driving home from work Friday afternoon. He was planning to drop off his friend and coworker when he saw a man lying in a ditch along Lindsey Road, near the Lewis Road intersection, south of the Orangeville Township Hall. The man was wearing a reflective Davey Tree service vest. ; Wyatt turned around and drove back, think­ ing the man might need help. After he pulled up about 4 or 5 feet from the body, he saw blood on the body and a bearded barefoot man walking toward him. Wyatt said he rolled down his window. “Is * there any way I can help?” he asked the man. “You need to get the hell out of here,” was ;Me reply. : Wyatt said he asked again if he could help and the man’s response was: “You don’t f— ;Jng understand what’s going on here.” The man, who Wyatt later identified as Jon Burnett, was holding a woman’s pink and fblack pistol in his hand. He shoved his arm in the vehicle, pointed the gun at Wyatt’s face and ordered him to go. At this point, his friend in the passenger seat was “freaking out,” Wyatt said. “He was saying, ‘Jason, we’ve got to go. Jason, we’ve got to go. Jason, we’ve got to go.’” So Wyatt took off. As they fled, his friend told Wyatt what he’d seen that Wyatt hadn’t: He saw Burnett return to the man’s body and shoot him sever­ al times. When they were a safe distance - Wyatt guessed about a quarter of a mile away - from the scene, they stopped and called 911. They reported to police that a gunman had shot and killed a man. Then Wyatt parked on the road to block other motorists, and prevent them from going anywhere near that scene. He alerted them to the presence of the gunman and told them, “I don’t want you to get shot.” He turned away a lot of motorists, he said, but he learned later that some drivers heading north on Lindsey came upon the scene and were threatened, too. Wyatt said he later spoke with another wit­ ness who saw the man’s body in the ditch and stopped to help. As he got closer to the body, he told Wyatt, he saw a man sitting on a rock. The man, later identified as Burnett, got up, approached him, put the gun to his head and ordered him to leave. That motorist told Wyatt he swiped the gun away with his hand and turned around to leave. He was followed back to his vehicle and, as he was driving away, the gunman fired several shots at him. Wyatt confirmed that he heard shots being fired. Later, he learned that Burnett has lived in Orangeville Township for a long time, but what people there say about him doesn’t jibe with what Wyatt and others witnessed Friday. Burnett was known as “a decent guy” who had pig roasts for the neighborhood and let people get firewood from his property, Wyatt said. Two lives were lost that day: Bryce DeGood, 21, of Haslett, and Gary Peake, 73, of Plainwell. DeGood had been working, just “walking the line,” and Peake was Burnett’s neighbor and best friend, Wyatt said. “Why those two?” Later, when he was being interviewed by police, “the detective told us we were really lucky,” the 35-year-old Wyatt said. Still, Wyatt can’t forget Burnett’s face. “He looked, like, lost; someone who wasn’t there, I guess. I can’t really explain. But I knew he meant what he said. You could see it in his eyes. He meant every word.” When he recounts the experience, the anger Wyatt expresses is about what was taken from people - two innocent lives and, for others touched by the tragedy, an inclination to help others. All his life, Wyatt said, he has tried to help people when they are in trouble. “A lot of people ask me now, ‘Would you still turn around to help?”’ He knows those actions may have protected other people from harm. So, he asks right back: “Why would I stop doing that?” He’d turn around. MURDER, continued from page 1 ^afternoon, county law enforcement officials said. Burnett is accused of those killings and of strangling, suffocating and pistol-whipping his wife, Lynne Burnett, of Plainwell. Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt called Burnett “an extreme danger to society’ and said it is likely other charges will be added to This case. “We have other information that we’re still working on,” Nakfoor Pratt told district court Magistrate Frank Hillary Monday afternoon. Hillary explained the charges to Burnett, who appeared to have trouble hearing. Burnett, in orange jail garb and shackled, was wearing hearing aids attached to the back of his head. He said one word during the proceedings - yes - to acknowledge that he understood the charges being leveled against ■ him. He was read his rights and advised of the possible consequences if he is convicted of the charges. A probable cause conference was scheduled for 8:15 a.m. July 3. Nakfoor Pratt requested the bond, saying, “A couple of things I’d like the court to take into consideration: We have two open-murder J charges, four counts of felony firearm, so far, J one count of strangulation and one count of felonious assault. “It also is my understanding that it’s being investigated that Mr. Burnett also shot at various motorists who tried to help the person ' who was lying in the street and that he placed ihis gun in the faces of several other motorists, ^including one motorist who had small children Barry County Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt requested bond set at a $10 million, saying Jon Burnett presents “an extreme danger to society.” (Photo by Scott Harmsen) in the car, his grandchildren. “These are all people that need to be interviewed, and these are all situations that we need to vet out so we can decide what charges would be appropriate.” “So, I want the court to know that there are likely more charges coming out of this,” Nakfoor Pratt said. “Not only am I extremely concerned about what happened ... there just did not seem to be any concern [shown by Burnett] for life or anything on that day. “We are ... actually asking for a $10 million cash bond.” Hillary urged that any evaluations needing to be done in this case happen as soon as possible so that “we don’t lose time and he doesn’t stagnate someplace in the system.” “Having heard no statements to the contrary, I believe Mr. Burnett poses a threat to society,” the magistrate said. The amount of the cash bond, at $10 million, will make it impossible for him to get out, Hillary added, saying, “given open­ murder charges, he could be held without bond at all.” Open murder is a felony carrying a maximum of life in prison. Assault by strangulation is a felony carrying a maximum of 10 years in prison. Convictions of felonious assault carry a maximum of four years in prison, and felony firearms counts carry a mandatory sentence of two years in prison. After the hearing, Nakfoor Pratt told the Banner she was impressed by the actions of motorists who stopped to help and made an effort to protect other citizens. The investigation is continuing, she said. Since police dori’t know everyone who was out there that day, they would appreciate being contacted by anyone who was involved. DeGood’s body was found along Lindsey Road near the intersection with Lewis Road. Peake’s body was found in a building nearby, according to police. Funeral arrangements for Gary Peake have not yet been announced. A celebration of the life of Bryce DeGood, a 2016 graduate of Comstock Park High School, was to take place today at the Beuschel Funeral Home in Comstock Park. Plainwell resident Jon Burnett, who was advised of his rights by District Court Magistrate Frank Hillary, was wearing hearing aids attached to the back of his head. At one point, he appeared to have trouble hearing. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Orangeville community stunned by homicides Tanett Hodge Staff Writer The June 21 murders of area resident Gary Peake, 73, and Haslett resident Bryce DeGood, 21, stunned residents of Orangeville Township and surrounding communities. Some are grieving about the tragic deaths and others are angered by the loss of life. All seem puzzled by the circumstances of the crimes and are waiting to hear what law enforcement officers report after the inves­ tigation concludes. The 63-year-old suspect, Jon Burnett of Plainwell, has been charged with eight felo­ ny counts related to those deaths and feloni­ ous assault involving his wife, Lynne Burnett of Plainwell. Residents are asking each other how these tragedies could happen. “Our small community is numb with dis­ belief,” township Clerk Mel Risner said. “People are angry at the senselessness of the whole thing.” Community members say Burnett has lived in the Orangeville neighborhood since the 1980s and was very well-liked. “From what I hear, he was a helpful man and no one had any problems with him,” Risner said. Burnett’s neighbor Gary Peake was a quiet man, soft-spoken and well-read and the two had been friends and neighbors for years. Orangeville resident Jodi Patrick appealed to the community this week. She asked everyone to donate for funeral flower arrangements. Within a matter of hours, residents had raised money to send flowers to both DeGood’s funeral, which was planned for Thursday, June 27, and the ser­ vice for Peake, which has yet to be announced. 1 Hastings bus driver resigns after misconduct claims 4 Luke Froncheck Staff Writer * Two parents of a kindergartner attending JStar Elementary in Hastings spoke during the Jpublic comment portion of the Hastings Board of Education meeting Monday about their -desire for further body safety courses and ^education for students on what is and isn’t ^appropriate following their daughter’s recent ^interactions with her bus driver. The parents tasked to remain anonymous to protect their ^daughter. ? According to the parents, their daughter was repeatedly kissed by her bus driver over the course of the school year. “I felt sick,” the girl’s mother said. “When my daughter says, ‘Well, my bus driver kisses me,’ that’s not OK. There need to be more frank conversations about respect. My daugh­ ter didn’t seem to know it was wrong. It all starts with blurred boundaries and hugging and kissing.” “We need to educate, educate, educate,” she said. “If we think our kids are too young to understand, they’re not.” “Hastings school does a great job, but as a parent, child safety comes first. We’re hoping something good could come from a bad situa­ tion.” Board President Luke Haywood said the situation was quickly addressed. “A lot of the time discipline issues with staff and students can’t be discussed due to privacy concerns,” Trustee Valerie Slaughter said. “So, you may not see it on Facebook that we did whatever to said student or staff mem­ '7 felt sick, ” the girl’s mother said. “When my daughter says, ‘Well, my bus driver kisses me, ’ that’s not OK. There need to be more frank conversations about respect. My daughter didn’t seem to know it was wrong. It all starts with blurred boundaries and hugging and kissing. ” ber because it’s a privacy matter.” The bus driver resigned after the incident was brought to school officials. The school board also approved its budget for the upcoming school year. Tim Berlin, director of business services, said administrators planned conservatively regarding the money from the state, since no state budget is in place. Berlin said he projects the school will have $25.3 million in expenditures and $25.4 mil­ lion in revenue, leaving $86,673 for the gen­ eral fund. That would put the fund balance at more than 11 percent. Berlin also reported that the district is pro­ jecting to use almost $1 million from its sink­ ing fund to tackle maintenance issues, such as new roofs. The district is also purchasing two new buses for $170,192. Those buses will be used for the upcoming school year. “Are we doing anything to look at our bus routes and how we bus?” Trustee Mike Nickels asked. “This is a huge expenditure on our part and obviously a needed one in certain areas of the district. But can we do anything to maximize our routes or buses.” “Our administrative team has talked about a variety of ideas, such as having more group stops,” Superintendent Dr. Carrie Duits said. “We provide amazing customer service, and our bus drivers do a phenomenal job of stop­ ping at every door. Maybe we should be hav­ ing fewer stops and having parents get their children to those stops.” “Busing is a privilege, not a right,” she added. “It’s something we provide to our stu­ dents and our families as a privilege.” Concern was raised by resident Charles Johnson about staffing of the new performing arts center in Hastings. He questioned wheth­ er those running the building should be paid staffers or volunteers. Treasurer Louis Wierenga Jr. reported that the Hastings Band Program raised $8,100 at the Concert in the Hayfield in late May. In other business, the board: -Approved the final budget amendment for the 2018-19 school year. Berlin reported that although the ending result of the year isn’t as good as projected in April, the district is still ending the year with a $72,641 positive differ­ ence between expenditures and revenue -Adopted a resolution to borrow up to $2.6 million to meet cash flow needs for the begin­ ning of the 2019-20 school year. -Accepted donations including $3,000 from an anonymous donor toward the summer food program busing; $500 each from Padnos of Hastings, Lighthouse Title Group and Viking Group, and $722 from a private donor to allow students in the high school’s Business Professionals of America chapter to attend the national convention. -Adopted their yearly resolution to contin­ ue membership in the Michigan High School Athletic Association. -Approved the food service shared agree­ ment between Hastings and Lakewood. -Accepted the appointments of Allie Hom for substitute maintenance, Julie McLellan as an art and media teacher, Josephine Nickels as a weightroom attendant and Elisabeth Youngs for substitute maintenance. -Approved elimination of the communica­ tion coordinator position currently held by Jessica Courtright. -Accepted the resignations of healthcare paraprofessional Jessica Brott, DIBELS co-mentor Patricia Dakin, guidance counselor Kelly Ibarra, DIBELS co-mentor Trisha Kietzman and counselor Megan VanWyk. "ollow The Hastings- new edition | O VBHB : �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 27, 2019 Page 3 Dream turns to nightmare on Upper Crooked Lake Luke Froncheck Staff Writer Upper Crooked Lake residents Brian and Karry Taylor live in a flood-filled house. They have multiple pumps in place and a sandbag dam stretching almost their entire property. But when last week’s rain hit, and kept hitting, and the Taylors’ dam just wasn’t enough. The water came right over the top of the sandbags, and runoff from their street brought water to their front door. When Brian Taylor got up for work at around 5 in the morning last Thursday, the water was coming in from the comer of their living room. His wife attempted to barricade a portion of their first floor with blankets and whatever else she could find. Within the hour, the first floor was filled with water. “Thursday really killed us,” Brian Taylor said. “It was brutal before then, but the water just came right over the top.” It feels like “we’ve been battling this forev­ er,” his wife added. “It was our worst night­ mare” After a day and a half, the water receded and about 25 of the Taylors’ friends and neighbors came to help clean up their flooded home. They had to remove their hardwood floors. They moved all their first-floor furni­ ture to their pole barn. Their house is currently surrounded by flood water, sandbags, and pumps. Following the flooding last week, they added a third layer to their sandbag dam. They have four pumps running all the time. “It’s all-consuming,” Karry Taylor said. “Every day it’s a matter of finding out where the water is, making sure the sandbags are still in place. You have to make sure the tubing isn’t clogged. “This is all we do.”I The top priority is keeping the house dry. They’re not having much luck with that. The water has past Taylors’ seawall by about 35 feet. They’ve also had to cut their back deck in half to build up the sandbag dam to protect their house from further flooding. “When we bought this house, there was 15 feet of beach past our seawall,” she said. The difference between the ground level and the water level of Crooked Lake on the Taylor residence is roughly a foot. Sandbags are the only way they can hold the water back. The couple no longer live in their house; Floodwaters have forced Upper Crooked Lake residents Brian and Karry Taylor to live in a fifth-wheel in the driveway rather than in their house after a recent rain pushed the water right over top of their sandbags. Brian Taylor uses his hands to show where his former seawall used to stand. According to the Taylors, when they purchased their house, there was 15 feet of beach stretching past the wall. they are currently staying in a coworker’s fifth wheel parked in their driveway. “We can still use our house for laundry and electricity,” she said. “We’ve raised our kids, and this was our retirement house,” Karry Taylor added. “We’ve always wanted a lake house. ...We flipped houses to the point where we could afford this. Two and a half acres, a big pole bam - what more could you want?We’ve put at least $100,000 into this house. It was in pretty rough shape when we got it. We’ve been working on it since we bought it.” All repairs and changes made to protect the house from flooding have been paid for directly out of the Taylors’ pocket - since they couldn’t buy flood insurance. “If you’re not in a flood plain they won’t even sell it to you,” Brian Taylor said. “For now, this is all on us. We’ve been paying kids to come out and fill sandbags for us.” If they had it to do all over again, quite simply, they wouldn’t. “I wouldn’t buy another house on the lake, no,” he said. “I’d go buy a house on a moun­ tain in Tennessee.” “This was our dream house,” she said. But it was a dream that turned into a night­ mare. State grant helps to protect High Bank Creek The Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy received a $116,000 grant last week from the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy to protect a 140-acre prop­ erty northeast of Dowling. The property has 4,000 feet of frontage on High Bank Creek. The grant will be used to purchase a perma­ nent conservation easement, which will ensure that the land retains its conservation values and remains in its natural state. The property is privately owned and SWMLC staff has been working with the landowners for several years to preserve this land. The landowners, a husband and wife, bought the property in the mid-1990s and have been involved since the beginning, recognizing the value of the property and the importance of protecting the waterways and habitat. Under a conservation easement, the parcel of land stays in private ownership. The ease­ ment also protects the conservation values of the property by prohibiting certain types of development and other activities that would could be harmful. High Bank Creek is a tributary of the Thomapple River. The Barry Conservation District considers the creek a high priority for reducing sediment and temperature in the Thornapple River Watershed Management Plan. “The property is a key parcel in protecting the headwaters of the High Bank Creek, SWMLC Executive Director Peter Ter Louw said, adding that SWMLC has been talking with the landowners for more than 20 years about how they could get an easement for their property. The grant gives the conservancy the funds to purchase an easement for the couple. Conserving this land is important to pre­ venting erosion issues that occur with residen­ tial or other types of development,” Barry Conservation District Executive Director Sarah Nelson said. “As the name indicates, the banks on this portion of the creek are extremely high and therefore especially vulnerable to erosion,” Nelson said. “Keeping this property undevel­ oped helps to safeguard against the possibility of excessive stormwater runoff that can cause soil from the banks to fall into the creek, dam­ aging the ecology as well as the water quality of the creek and the Thomapple River sys­ tem.” A birder looks over restored prairie and wetlands at High Bank Creek property. (Photos provided) The property not only comprises High Bank Creek, but also a diverse topography that includes wetlands and restored prairie. Conserving the high-quality oak-hickory for­ est through which the High Bank Creek flows also means protecting the trees that help keep the river temperature down by providing shade. With the lower water temperature, the creek becomes a more viable habitat for native aquatic species. Ter Louw said he hopes, to get the easement done this year or early next year. Over the past two years, SWMLC has helped conserve more than 5,107 acres in Barry County. This brings the total amount of land conserved by SWMLC to 15,769 acres, which equates for more than 24 square miles. High Bank Creek is an important tributary for the Thornapple River. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads NEWS BRIEFS continued from front page Thomapple Plaza in downtown Hastings. The Hastings City Band has been a com­ munity tradition for more than 160 years, with music performed by residents from throughout the area. The patriotic concert, the fifth and final for the group, will be followed by static fireworks sound and light display sponsored by Padnos. Because of the fireworks, the concert will begin later than normal, 8 p.m. Fireworks to light up sky next week The Fourth of July falls on a Thursday, but local organizations are planning fire­ works three different days next week Algonquin Lake fireworks will be Wednesday, July 3, provided by the Algonquin Lake Community Association. Fireworks, music arid more are planned in Middleville the AYSO soccer field near the middle school Thursday, beginning at 6 p.m. . , Gun Lake fireworks will begin at 10:20 p.m, Saturday, July 6, at the Gun Lake State Park; a state Recreation Passport is required. The make-up date is Sunday, July 7. The fireworks are provided by the Gun Lake ; Protective Association. Nearby, Barlow Lake’s fireworks display is planned at 10:15 p.m. July 6 on the YMCA Camp beach. �Page 4 •— Thursday, June 27, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you see? Swan lake Diagnosis for health care reform not promising Two mute swans and their offspring, a cygnet, swim across Carter Lake Tuesday afternoon. (Photo by Taylor Owens) We’re dedicating this space to a photograph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? City welcome Banner June 24,1965 Newest residents - Among the newer residents to the Hastings area are these newcomers who were honored at a recent meeting of the Welcome Wagon Club. Mrs. Marguerite Kaechele is the Welcome Wagon hostess. Pictured (front row, from left) are Mrs. Fern Mix, Mrs. Dexter Elliott, Mrs. Nolan Gutchess, Mrs. Foss White, Mrs. Steven Myers, Mrs. Ray Hendricks, Mrs. Keith Taylor, (back) Mrs. Eugene Guernsey, also a Welcome Wagon hostess, Mrs. Claude Danker, Mrs. Rodney Miller, Mrs. Elwin Johnson, Mrs. Charles Johnson, Mrs. Charles Fry, Mrs. Charles Rust, Mrs. Wesley Emery, Mrs. Vern Engle, Mrs. Gordon Motion, Miss Marjorie Stevens, Mrs. Theo Stevens and Miss Susan Engle. Have you met? Jason Flohr was bom in Wisconsin but grew up in Hastings. He was a graduate of the Hastings class of 1999 and went on to Western Michigan, thinking he would work toward a construction engineering degree. He was surprised by how well he did in economics and was encouraged by a professor to work toward a degree in economics instead because of his natural strength in that area. He graduated from WMU in 2005 with an economics degree and a minor in Eastern religion. In 2004, he married his wife, Mary, whom he said is “the most beautiful, amazing woman in the universe.” Together they have four children and reside in Woodland. Mary is a manager at Michigan Insurance Company. They enjoy watching their kids in soccer and school plays and participate in many ways with them in scouting. Flohr went to Grand Rapids Theological Seminary and obtained a master’s degree in Christian counseling and is now a counselor for addiction, substance abuse and couples and clinical director for Comprehensive Recovery Services Inc. in Ionia. “My deep passion is to help make better husbands and fathers,” Flohr said. He and Ionia County Judge Raymond P. Voet are presently working on creating a domestic violence court in Ionia. Flohr, like his father, Dr. Michael Flohr, has been heavily involved in community scouting all of his life. He is now chaplain of Troop 175, Cub Master of Troop 3175 and will be starting a girl group 175. He participates in and helps organize area events and fun days like Youth Day at Charlton Park. He was awarded the District Award of Merit in 2018, which honors him with going above and beyond his responsibilities. For all Jason Flohr gives to Barry County and the community at large, he is a Banner Bright Light. Jason Flohr Favorite movie: “Shawshank Redemption” because it is a great story about working with cards you’ve been dealt in life. It has a great message of hope. Best advice ever received: Shared experiences build relationships. First job: I worked for my dad when I was young. I pulled charts at his office and mowed lawns. My first non-family job was working construction. Jason Hoefler from the high school helped me get that job. Favorite teacher: I feel I had many “superstar” teachers. Mrs. Mel Hund, my English teacher loved on her students greatly. Mr. Eldon Dodd, my science teacher in middle school was caring and gave me extra time to get things done since I struggled with ADD. He fostered curiosity and learning in many ways. Mr. Larry Melendy, my middle school Latin teacher and Mrs. Carrie Roe, my social studies and English teacher were awesome. Ms. Smith (who became Mrs. Birch) believed in me, and Mr. Steve Kogge pushed me to never settle for average. Hobbies: Camping, hunting, fishing are all favorites. Favorite vacation destination: It was a family trip to Yellowstone National Park, where we saw the Badlands and the Com Palace. What I’d tell a high school graduate: Do something you will get paid for. You don’t have to go to college. Make a good life for yourself. If I were president: I would see that every elected official spend time taking ROTC classes and experience being a substitute teacher. People who are making big choices should face those kinds of struggles. My biggest challenge: At work, it would be getting insurance companies to pay us for our services. In life, it is helping people to not be afraid of what they don’t know. The greatest president: Teddy Roosevelt, because he created the National Parks program. Every president is human, so there are bad things and good things from them all. Greatest thing about Barry County: It is a community of great people who work together in great connection. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving personality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. All the bluster and bragging from presi­ dential candidates isn’t making me feel too healthy these days, especially the talk about one of the issues Americans say they are most worried about: Health care reform. You can already tell we’re going to be hearing plenty about universal health care or what some call a single-payer system that looks like Medicare for All. It’s a system in which taxes cover the costs of essential health care services for all residents, effec­ tively remaking what’s been a private health care structure into one run by the govern­ ment. For years, Americans have been looking to Washington to dig in and deal with some of the issues that have been driving health care costs to exorbitant levels, and both political parties - after all this time - have failed the American public in building a fair, just, and affordable alternative. Now we’re back to campaigning for next year’s election and bi candidates or current office holders appear to even be carrying a flashlight in the increasing health care darkness. Even though our current system is flawed - and there does seem to be consensus on that point - dismantling a world-admired health care structure and summarily replac­ ing with a government-controlled system like universal health care looks to me to be catastrophic. Rising health care costs are not just an American problem. Other countries may spend less than the United States on health care, when compared as a percentage of gross domestic product or on a per-capita basis, but the same rising costs of health care in those countries impact their budget deficits, too. Like the United States, coun­ tries around the world are looking at tax increases and benefit reductions as a way to control costs. If the government were to pay for and provide health care services, it becomes socialized medicine. For discussion purpos­ es, that could be a realistic alternative, espe­ cially because socialized medicine systems do work well in some other countries. The United States, though, has already had some experience in socialized medicine and it has not played well on the marquee as most of us recall from the horror show that took place not too many years ago at Veterans Administration Homes, the Department of Veterans Affairs and in other parts of our armed forces. Charged by the federal government with caring for men and women who defended our country, 26 veterans facilities from around the country were found in 2014 to have falsified data to cover up delays veter­ ans endured while waiting for the care they needed. Allegations state that as many as 40 veterans may have died while waiting to see a doctor. The futility of looking to Washington, D.C., to get anything done is now even more apparent as elected officials are back to work getting re-elected, which means any discussion on health care reform is framed by politics. The Pew Research Center reports that the public is taking a deeply pessimistic view of the prospects for parti­ san cooperation on anything in the coming year. About 7 in 10 (71 percent) say they think Republicans and Democrats in Washington, D.C., will continue to bicker and oppose one another more than usual this year, and since we’re heading into another election year, little if anything will get done until after the election. That is a sad com­ mentary on elected officials who spend more time running for office than they do solving problems that impact our lives. For several years now, the Kaiser Family Foundation has been tracking public opin­ ions on the idea of a national universal health plan. Its polls show a modest increase in the support of the idea, especially for an expansion of the Medicare program through a Medicare or a Medicaid buy-in proposal. Yet, it’s unclear if the support continues, especially when people become aware of the details of a plan and how it works for users. Universal health care has a history of higher taxes, delays in medical tests and treatments and changes in the doctor/patient relationships. Plus, those who are presently covered by their employers’ insurance are concerned that a single-payer universal pro­ posal will impact the level of service patients receive. Even though Medicare for All is promot­ ed as health-care reform, it’s not - because it fails to deal with any of the problems that drive up costs; it just transfers costs to a federally controlled system with politicians in charge. Medicare, Medicaid, the Affordable Care Act and Medicare for All are all government-financed plans sold under the guise of free health care for all. But it’s far from free. Experts estimate it would cost tens of trillions of dollars over a decade. And sever­ al independent studies estimate that govern­ ment spending on health care would increase as we move away from an independent program where companies fight to keep costs under control to a system controlled by politicians. According to the Kaiser Foundation, a typical employer spends more than $16,666 per year on family coverage of which employers pay an average of 82 percent of the cost, plus $1,090 in Medicare taxes. According to the most recent census data, more than 158 million people get health insurance through their employers. Giving the government more control over health care isn’t the answer. What we need is honest reform with a serious focus toward reducing costs. I’ve been active in purchasing health insurance for my employees for more than 40 years and have seen prices and deduct­ ibles continue to rise while individual cov­ erage has declined. Business and industry leaders have identified a number of issues that could reduce the cost of insurance, such as allowing insurance to be purchased across state lines, transparency in pricing, and reporting claims experience giving employers a better understanding of what’s driving the costs. Plus, the lack of competi­ tion and transparency in drug pricing has allowed drug-makers to take advantage of the marketplace, making patients, business­ es, hospitals and doctors pay more. Some of that edge comes from the part of insurance policies that benefit patients the most: Co-pays and deductibles. When con­ sumers see only their co-pays or the deduct­ ibles assigned to a physician service, they don’t see - or care - about the ever-growing price increases. The insurance companies absorb the costs, so why shouldn’t a physi­ cian or drug company increase their costs? We need to empower individuals to shop for care-making personal decisions based on the cost of services. That would be trans­ formational. Even for the 28.1 percent of Americans who don’t have insurance or are underin­ sured, insurance companies collectively could offer an American plan with a selec­ tion of insurance offers. The payout to pro­ viders would be based on the average con­ tracts they have in place from local insur­ ance companies, which take into consider­ ation where the policy owners live. And, those who just can’t afford any program approximately 44 million -would continue to receive Medicaid until they can get a job where they have insurance included or can purchase one of the American plans. Either way, avoiding government-controlled insur­ ance for all is a must. Most people want the best care possible, but, when they pay the bill or understand the costs, generally, better decisions are made. Plus, none of the politicians are talking about who’s going to pay for it. Federal, state and local governments already spend more than $1.59 trillion per year on health care, some of which is paid with borrowed money. And few candidates running for office want to discuss the $1.92 trillion costs presently borne by the private sector. I think most of us would agree that we don’t want health care costs to bankrupt families and the country or that we want a growing population to go without coverage. But moving into a universal system and throwing out the present system isn’t the answer. You’ve probably heard the expression “you are what you eat.” Universal health care programs force healthy people to pay for others’ medical care. Chronic diseases, like diabetes and heart disease, make up more than 85 percent of health care costs. These diseases often can be prevented with lifestyle choices. Studies show that the sick­ est 5 percent of our population consumes more than 50 percent of total health care costs. The healthiest 50 percent of consum­ ers spend only 3 percent of the nation’s health care costs. A major concern with universal health care is the fact people may not be as careful with their health because a single-payer government program covers all costs. And with little or no financial incentive to do so, it could put even more pressure on health care providers. Many of the providers are independent or work for independent com­ panies and would resist becoming govern­ ment employees. Plus, doctors, as health care professionals, would be attracted to concierge medicine, where they only take people willing to pay for their services or need immediate attention. Medicare for All without real health care reform might seem like a way to solve the problems. In the end, after all the dust set­ tles, it would be nothing but another crisis. Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 27, 2019 — Page 5: Skilled training center hosting open house Saturday “Our skilled training center is a springboard to a great career in the skilled trades. We believe it can help grow our economy. We invite everyone to come out on June 29 and see where Michigan’s future begins.” Tod Sandy, training facility director The Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights will host an open house at its new state-of-the-art training facility in Wayland Saturday, June 29, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event at the MRCC’s Skilled Training Center at 500 Reno Drive is open to the public. The open house will feature hands-on activities to showcase cutting-edge technology used in construction, as well as free food and beverages in a fun, family­ friendly setting. “The Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights is excited to share our new facility with the public, especially the West Michigan community and folks looking for a challenging career that you can support a family on in the fast­ growing construction industry,” Tod Sandy, director of the training facility, said in a press release. “Our skilled training center is a springboard to a great career in the skilled trades. We believe it can help grow our economy. We invite everyone to come out on June 29 and see where Michigan’s future begins.” The skilled training center opened its doors April 29. At the grand opening, nearly 300 people were on hand for a ribbon­ cutting ceremony that included Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, and MRCC Executive Secretary Treasurer Mike Jackson. The 77,000-squarefoot facility offers both classroom and hands-on training. With more than 300 students already enrolled, the MRCC’s investment is the largest in Michigan in the 14,000-member union’s history. The training center has the capacity for about 500 apprentices at a time. Once students begin apprenticeships, they’ll attend classes one day every two weeks to learn the skills they’ll need on the jobsite. The rest of the time, they’ll be out in the field working for one of the union’s signatory contractors, learning and earning as they go. The program is free of cost for all apprentices. The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. — — « ■ ; ■ ■ —« Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855­ 347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. The Hastings BaiUlClT Hastings’ new city manager starts July 1 i Rebecca Pierce Editor Jerry Czarnecki is the City of Hastings’ city manager, effective July 1. His appointment, and action authorizing Mayor Dave Tossava and the clerk to sign his 18-month contract, was approved by the council Monday, with one dissenting vote. Prior to casting her no vote, Brenda McNabb-Stange said, “I don’t think the process was a correct process. We need someone with more experience.” McNabb-Stange has been outspoken on this point since Czarnecki was first being considered for the post a year ago. “Jerry is a great candidate, but he lacks the experience,” she said last year. Czarnecki has no prior experience as a city manager, she reiterated Monday. McNabb-Stange reviewed the terms of his contract - including an annual salary of $85,000, a $400 monthly automobile allowance, $50,000 in life insurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Delta Dental coverage, 20 vacation days and $5,000 additional each year toward retirement - as being exceedingly generous for a candidate without any prior experience. She said he should have been considered among a field of prospective candidates. Instead, Czarnecki was the only candidate. In addition, a study should have been conducted to compare Hastings to cities of similar size to determine what salaries and benefits packages would be reasonable, she pointed out. Tossava replied that a comparative study was conducted and, at $75,000, Czarnecki will be the lowest-paid city manager among cities of comparable size. The study may have accounted for cities of similar size, but did it consider an individual’s experience in that assessment, she asked. Tossava did not reply. Czarnecki started working for the city in February 2017 when he was named community development director. Later, he became the city clerk/treasurer. He began his employment with Hastings after retiring from a 25-year teaching career. In other business Monday, the council held two executive sessions. The first closed session involved litigation Hastings Banner, Inc. in the Hastings Dog Park Companions v. City of Hastings case. The council learned that the state appellate court has issued an order in that case denying plaintiffs’ leave to appeal. The council took no action. A second closed session involved collective bargaining agreements with the city’s department of public service and police union employees for three years, from June 30 to July 1, 2022. The tentative agreement calls for a 3 percent increase each year, Czarnecki said. “The economic impact of the increase is a; net zero for the city,” he said. “We have reduced the wages and benefits in the * administration due to new hires, and that has allowed us to absorb the increase in wages.’ Moving forward, if there is a downturn in the; economy, we would have to look at cutting; expenses to absorb these increases.” Other changes in the contracts, Czarnecki' said, dealt with language and moving the time s of the year that employees are paid for; uniform allowances and unused time off. < Downtown rental housing project seeks $300,000 development grant Rebecca Pierce Editor Housing in downtown Hastings should be ready for renters in a few months, developer Marvin Helder said during the city council meeting Monday. “My hope is, by fall, we will have units ready to rent to help solve some of the problems with housing in downtown Hastings,” Helder said at a public hearing for a proposed Community Block Development Grant application through the Michigan Economic Development Council. The city is proposing to use $300,000 in CDBG funds to construct five apartments, valued at $60,000 each, according to Community Development Director Dan King. At least 51 percent of the project at 118 Court St. is intended to benefit low- to moderate-income residents, and will have rent restrictions as dictated by federal Housing and Urban Development regulations. The owner of the building will be required to contribute a minimum of 25 percent of the total project costs toward construction, according to the requirements. Also, no one will be displaced as a result of the proposed activities. City officials noted that Hastings has had prior funding for three rental rehabilitation projects. Each program was deemed successful, and provided the community with a total of 19 apartments in the downtown. King told the council that, as part of the MEDC requirements, the city will be required to have two public hearings - the first of which occurred Monday prior to the grant application. Helder said he hopes this project will provide housing for people who hold entry­ level jobs. “And hopefully, we’ll be funded in a month.” In other action, the council approved: • Spending $6,501 for repair of cemetery foundations at Riverside Cemetery by Wickham Cemetery Services. • Amending the budget to commit $100,000 to the library special revenue fund to help pay for the replacement of more than 200 of the 343 window panes in the library. The company that manufactured the windows went out of business; the silver coating is tarnishing and is not repairable. The intention is to set money aside every year for the project. • A parking agreement with Bolthouse Merchandising Corp, to allow event parking in the northeast corner of the parking lot at the southwest comer of East State Street and What do you South Boltwood Street and owned by BMC. ; _• Appointing Verne Robins as operator of; the water treatment plant and have George* Holzworth remain as licensed operator of the* wastewater treatment. ! • Spending $18,700 for the poly-ortho; phosphate supply for the water treatment plant and $27,000 for polymer and $60,000 for alum and $8,250 for sodium permanganate* for the waste water treatment plant. All are for the 2019-20 fiscal year. think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive pub­ lic opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by accessing our website, www.HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the following week. Last week: Michigan senators are considering legislation that would allow people, such as librarians and teachers, to administer treatment for opiod overdoses and, if they’re trained to do so, would protect them from civil liability. Do you think it’s a good idea to place people who are not medical professionals in positions where they determine when these drugs should be adminis­ tered? Yes 75% No 25% For this week: The absence of a state budget is leaving some local school districts in a financial lurch, requiring them to obtain loans so they can meet their budget­ ary obligations. Should the state be required to pay the interest on these loans until the first state checks are received? We would like to invite the community to a A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 GET ALL for News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Dan Remenap Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County • NEWSROOM• (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Rebecca Pierce Brett Bremer Tanett Hodge Taylor Owens Joan Van Houten $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 □ Yes □ No WELCOME RECEPTION Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Jerry Czarnecki interviews for the city manager post in July 2018. (File photo) Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. for new Superintendent of Hastings Area School System July 9, 2019 4:30 - 5:30 pm Commons of Hastings Middle School 232 West Grand St., Hastings l- �Page 6 — Thursday, June 27, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingshopeumc. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office. greenstreetumc@gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor; Ryan Rose, Family Life Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kinderg arten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. Gaye Arlene Hazel Marlene Kay Forman Kenneth Duane Feighner (Ken) passed away on June 24, 2019 at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, surrounded by his loving family. Ken was bom October 7, 1926 to Shirley and Olive (Lundy) Feighner, in Detroit. He worked at the Sealtest dairy plant in Detroit before serving his country in the U.S. Navy during WWII. After returning from the service, Ken met his wife to be, Janet May Conely. Janet en­ couraged him to complete his education and in 1952 Ken graduated from Michigan State University with a B.S. in dairy manufactur­ ing. He then managed dairy plants for Sealt­ est in Detroit, Toledo and Kalamazoo before joining the Michigan Department of Agri­ culture in 1958. He served for many years as Chief of the State’s Dairy Division and was Director of Animal Industries when he retired in 1987. Ken was proceeded in death by his sister, Shirley Smith. He is survived by Janet, his wife of 68 years, East Lansing; their three children and their families: Debbie McKinley and her husband Jerry, Rising Sun, IN; Bryce Feigh­ ner and his wife Eileen of Hastings; Scott Feighner and his wife Kim of Haslett. Ken is also survived by seven grandchildren, six great-children and many loving nieces, neph­ ews, cousins and friends. Ken was a man of deep faith. He read his Bible daily. He always prayed before meals. He taught Sunday school, preached an occa­ sional sermon, and served his local church in many leadership roles over the years. Ken loved dairy foods and -a good cup of coffee. Ken enjoyed spending time with family, par­ ticularly on the farm at Nashville, and at their cottage in the Upper Peninsula near Munuscong. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 a.m., Thursday, June 27,2019 at Green Street Unit­ ed Methodist Church, 209 West Green Street, Hastings,. A memorial service will be held immediately following the visitation at 11 a.m. at the church. Donations in Ken’s honor can be made to the church or charity of your choice. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home, Hastings. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. HASTINGS, MI - Gaye Arlene Hazel, age 81, of Hastings, went to be with her Lord on June 23, 2019. She was bom the daughter of Edward and Jean (Bouma) Kikstra of Grand Rapids on April 25, 1938. Missing her love and prayers are her chil­ dren, Jill (Thomas) Plummer, Edward (Sue) Hazel, and Daniel (Kelly) Hazel. Her grand­ children, Rebecca (Upendra), Megan, Wil­ liam (Rachel), and Emma. Also loved by her sister, Carol Weber, Wayne Hazel, Marge and Larry Wichem, and Ed Linderman. She will be missed by several nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and her sister, Sharon Linderman, and Janet and Norbert Winkler. Gaye traveled the world extensively, loving to experience new places and cultures. She worked as a librarian in Woodland Elementa­ ry until retirement. She loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Gaye loved going out to eat to avoid cooking. There will be a private memorial service at a later date. Gaye always believed in inspiring people through books, education, and travel. For those wishing to donate, she has asked that funds be applied to a book program benefit­ ing the small village in India where Upendra is from. C/O Jill Plummer, 14375 60th Street, Clarksville, MI 48815. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfiineralhome.net. HASTINGS, MI - Marlene Kay Forman, age 81, of Hastings, passed away on June 22, 2019 at the Hastings Rehab and Health Care in Hastings. She was bom on May 21, 1938 to Floyd and Vada (Barnum) Aspinall in Barry County. Marlene was a lifelong farmer and was the Carlton Township Treasurer for 21 years. In retirement George and Marlene enjoyed making crafts to sell, all over Michigan and even some overseas. She will be lovingly remembered by her two sons, George (Susan) Forman Jr., and Rick (Kathy) Forman; daughter, K’Anne (Ray) Thomason; two granddaughters, Amy Meeks and Courtney Quinn; three grand­ sons, Justin Forman, Greg Forman and Jeff Forman; five great grandchildren; in-laws, Wayne Forman, Arlene Forman, Winifred Cobert, along with many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, George L. Forman; infant son, Gordon; father, Floyd Aspinall; mother, Vada Aspinall; siblings, Robert Aspinall and Barbara Forman. Visitation will be held Friday, June 28, 5 to 8 p.m. at Koops Funeral Chapel, Inc., Lake Odessa. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2019, 11 a.m. at the Koops Funeral Chapel, Lake Odessa. Private burial will take place in the Fuller Cemetery. Memorials in Marlene’s name can be given to the Hastings Rehab and Healthcare activ­ ities fund 240 E. North Street, Hastings MI, 49058. Online condolences can be given at www. koopsfc.com. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings. org. Worship Service at 10 a.m. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945­ 9217. cbchastings.org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www, hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAM­ ILY HOUR WELCOMES ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Pre­ school age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Stan­ dard and Adult Elective class­ es. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church age 4-4th grade dismissed during service. Sunday Evening Youth Group, Wednesday Mid-Week and Thursday Bible Study will resume in the fall. Thursday Brunch: June 27th & Aug. 8th at 9:30 a.m. Rummage Sale July 18-20. Thursday, 3-7 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m.-5p.m. & Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Backyard VBS, 6-8 p.m. for children ages 4-6th Grade. Monday, July 15th at Meadowstone Com­ munity Playground, Balsum Drive and Saturday, July 20 at 821 N. East St. Join us for a great time! GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God’s Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! Independence Day - Office Closed. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www.grace-hastings. org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings. A • Products (■■ES1M1F HatLinelools&EquipniHit 1699 W. M43 Highway, 770 Cook Rd. Hastings, Ml 49058. Hastings 945-4700 945-9541 Peter Paul Van Ooy Vinita Snow Richard Michael Nevins, Sr. . June 30 - Services at 8 & 10:45 a.m. July 4 - This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses’ _ 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 Kenneth Duane Feighner Richard Michael Nevins, Sr. passed away on June 22, 2019 at the age of 65. Richard was bom on November 23, 1954, the son of Donald and Elizabeth (Liz) Nevins. He attended Hastings High School and was employed by E.W. Bliss, D&S Machine Repair, and Bradford White. Richard enjoyed golfing, hunting for mushrooms, and playing softball, pool and bowling. Richard was preceded in death by his par­ ents. He is survived by his sons, Ryan Nevins, Richard Nevins; daughters, Allyson Nevins, Jacklynn Nevins; granddaughters, Adriana Nevins and Rory Nevins; brother, Donald Nevins; sisters, Julie (Terry) Greenfield, Jane (Dennis) Webb, Mary (Mark) Dunnigan; nieces, Martha (Dan) Hooten, Emily Dun­ nigan, and nephews, Peter (Kristina) Nevins, Jon Nevins, and Ty Greenfield, all from Hast­ ings. A celebration of life will be held on Satur­ day, July 20, 2019 with details to follow. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. Hastings - Peter Paul Van Ooy passed away peacefully at his farm on June 24, 2019 at the age of 67 surrounded by his loving family. Peter was bom on September 24, 1951, the son of Willis and Virginia (Peters) Van Ooy. He attended Portage Northern High School and graduated from Kalamazoo Valley Com­ munity College with an associate degree in CAD. Peter retired from Eaton Aerospace Corporation as a detail designer for Commer­ cial Aircraft Electronics. On March 25, 1972, Peter married Cathleen Soya. Peter enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, making homemade maple syrup and hobby farming. He was most content when sur­ rounded by family and friends at the farm. Peter was proceeded in death by his par­ ents. He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Cathleen Van Ooy; his children, Christina and Anthony Cadena, Paul and Liz Van Ooy, Ste­ ven Van Ooy, and grandchildren, Samantha, Steven, Lilly, Cadence, Lorelai, Siena, Grace and Lila. Peter will be placed in his final resting place at Cedar Creek Cemetery on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at 11 a.m. A memorial service will be held at Paul and Liz Van Ooy’s home at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Peter’s hon­ or can be made to the Melanoma Research Foundation online at https://melanoma.org/ how-to-help/give/ or by mail to Melanoma Research Foundation, P.O. Box 759329, Bal­ timore, MD 21275-9329, the American Can­ cer Society online at https://donate3.cancer, org or American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123, Great Lakes Caring Hospice Foundation online at https://secure.blueseaonline.net/greatlakes/ or 404 S Jackson Street, Jackson, MI 49201­ 2270, or a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. NASHVILLE, Ml - Vinita Snow, age 87, of Nashville passed away Friday, June 21, 2019 at her home. Vinita was bom in Hastings on May 9, 1932, the daughter of the late Fay and Doro­ thy (Harvey) Fisher. She was raised in the Nashville area and attended local schools graduating from W.K. Kellogg High School in 1950. On August 9, 1950 Vinita married Mr. Hugh Snow at the Nashville United Methodist Church. The couple made their home together in Nashville where they raised their family together. Hugh and Vinita celebrated over 66 years of mar­ riage together before Hugh passed away. Vinita’s greatest joy was taking care of her family. Whenever time allowed the family enjoyed spending time at their family cabin in the Upper Pennisula, riding ATV’s, snowmobiling in the winter and spending time en­ joying their grandchildren. Vinita is survived by her two sons, Nolan (Sue) Snow, Gary (Robyn) Snow; brothers, Gene (Mary Fisher, Rex (Barb) Fisher; four grandsons, and several great grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hugh; grandsons, Jesse and Scott Snow. She was a homemaker. Graveside services were held at Lakeview Cemetery, Nashville, on Wednesday, June 26, 2019. Memorial contributions can be made to the Salvation Army. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details please visit our website at www. danielsfuneralhome .net. ’ ■ ■ • 4 । ! * ; * ; j ; ; * < ! , s ! J ’ �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 27, 2019 — Page 7 Charlton Park gearing up for patriotic party Historic Charlton Park in Hastings will honor America’s independence with a celebration Thursday, July 4. Festivities during the 37th annual Old-Fashioned Fourth of July and Veterans Barbecue will be from noon to 4 p.m. Parking and admission are free. A flag-raising ceremony featuring representatives from all five military branches and a presentation by the Lawrence J. Bauer American Legion Post will begin at noon in front of the Upjohn House. Field day style games for people of all ages will begin on the Village Green at 1 p.m. Games will include three-legged and sack races, watermelon- and pie-eating contests, needle in a haystack and baby crawl. Ribbons are awarded to all winners. Many talented bakers will showcase their skills as they vie to be named 2019 grand champion during the annual pie contest. Local “celebrity” judges will award Charlton Park event passes and merchandise to first and second place. All pies will then be auctioned off to the highest bidders, with proceeds benefitting the special-event fund at Charlton Park. Uncle Sam will also be on hand with a free treat for everyone. Sandy Schondelmayer’s BBQ Pork Buffet, sponsored by the Hastings American Legion, will be available from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Buffet cost for people age 13 and up is $9. The fee for children age 5-12 is $6 each, and children under 4 eat for free. A portion of the proceeds support the local American Legion. “Come early or stay late and enjoy the beach, fishing, picnic area, hiking trails or boat launch,” park director Dan Patton said. The historic village also will be open for self-guided tours. The 310-acre park, at 2545 S. Charlton Park Road, is open every day from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. More information can be found at charltonpark.org. The late Bob King (far right), longtime YMCA director, is pictured with a group of campers who canoed the Thornapple River in late June 1966. YMCA Camp Algonquin stories sought for upcoming book In 2021, YMCA Camp Algonquin will celebrate its 75th anniversary, a milestone event in which many people are invested with their memories, friendships and relationships that continue today. To mark this special anniversary, the camp is seeking content for a historical book that will serve as an official and lasting memory of what the camp has meant to so many of over the years. Current CEO Jon Sporer and former CEO Dave Storms will help compile the informa­ tion and will use the resources of J-Ad Graphics Inc. to produce and publish the work in time for the anniversary celebrations planned in 2021. Elsie Sage to celebrate 95th birthday HASTINGS, MI - Terry Max Montague, age 73, of Hastings passed away Saturday, June 1, 2019 at his home. Terry was bom in Hastings, on May 16, 1946, the son of Ernest L. and Mildred R. Gross. He was raised in the Hastings area and at­ tended local school graduating from Hastings High School in 1965. After completing high school, Terry joined the United States Army. While serving his country Terry was decorat­ ed with the National Defense Service Medal, and the Marksmanship badge. He was honor­ ably discharged in 1968. When he returned home, Terry began work­ ing at Flex Fab in Hastings. In his younger years, he enjoyed being outdoors hunting, fishing. Family and friends where the joy of Terry’s life. He often said he loved talking “to” people, not “about” people. Through the years, Terry enjoyed bowling and often competed “head to head” with his beloved brother-in- law at several local bowl­ ing ally’s. Terry become a large part of the lives of his many nieces and nephews, spending count­ less hours together during the daytime hours while his siblings were working. This was an honor that Terry never took for granted, and with each opportunity to spend time with the children Terry was there. His kind and loving spirit extended beyond his own family, and into a beautiful friendship with Ray McKel­ vey, whom Terry looked after until he himself become too ill. Terry is also survived by his five sisters, Janet (James) McKinstry, Laurie (Doug) Thomas, Barb (Glenn) Powers, Linda Colvin, Teresa Rose; his brother, Doug Rose, and several nieces, nephews, and beloved friends He was preceded in death by his sister, Janice Montague; parents, Ernest L. and Mil­ dred R. (Gross) Rose and Irving Rose Jr. There will be a memorial and time of fel­ lowship from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 29, 2019 at the Nashville VFW Post 8260 in Nashville. Terry’s ashes will be laid to rest at Hastings Township Cemetery with full military honors provided by the American Legion Post 45 Hastings, and the United States Army in a private ceremony. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net Virlin Goforth FREEPORT, MI - Virlin “Curly” Goforth, age 89, of Freeport, passed away on June 26, 2019 at his home. Visitation will be from 4 to 6 p.m. on Satur­ day, June 29, at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Funeral service will be Monday, July 1, 2019 at Girrbach Funeral Home. To view the full obituary and leave an on­ line condolence, visit www.girrbachfunealhome.net. Now Hiring EG is hiring Assemblers for The Viking Corporation in Hastings. Earn $13.OO/hr. Apply now at egnow.com or call 269-660-3500. Elsie Sage will be 95 on July 8,2019. She has been a lifelong resident of Hastings and graduated from Hastings High School in 1942. If you would like to send birthday wishes, please do so at 904 W. Walnut St., Hastings, MI 49058. Marriage licenses Chad Edward Snyder, Delton and Sarah Ainsley Washbum, Delton Emily Sue Walker, Middleville and Branden Michael Hubbell, Williamsburg Timothy Andrew Bellis, Hastings and Amber Arlene Stevens, Hastings David James Heise, Middleville and Jamie Lee Keyser, Rockford Bradley James Schlesak, Mexa, AZ and Mary Ellen Thompson, Mesa, AZ Ryan Mathieu Eister, Wayland and Angelica Lynn Bromley, Dowling Bradley Andrew Stroner, Woodland and Amy Pean Parmelee, Carson City Adam Timothy Shaeffer, Hastings and Jade Taylor Hilton, Middleville Eric Scott Vandenbosch, Middleville and Kira Danielle McCoy, Middleville Todd Vincent Blanchard, Nashville and Katherine Michelle Blanchard, Nashville Skyler Andrew Hopkins, Delton and Jessica Renee Fleming, Battle Creek Tyler Paul Strunk, Delton and Samantha Nicole Bullerman, Delton HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Individuals or families who have mean­ ingful stories, photos and memories to share of their time at Camp Algonquin are invited to complete the online survey with the link on the YMCA website, transcribe those stories in an email or sign up for an onsite interview at Camp Algonquin later this summer. The Y is hoping to capture the stories, traditions and memories of Camp Algonquin through first­ hand accounts and documented letters. Those wishing to provide content for the book project may call Sporer, 269-945-4574, or email jon@ymcaofbc.org. Founded in 1946, YMCA Camp Algonquin provides overnight and day camping pro­ BEST METAL ROOF! American MR Metal Roofs 1 Permanent • Beautifu , CalifflfS now for a FREE Estimate 844-METAL-R00FS 844-638-2576 ArnericanMetalRoofs.com । Visit A Stomom: 6140 Taylor Dr, FLWT • 1875 LansiigM, CHARLOTTE Full-Time Reporting Opportunity We have a full-time, opportunity for an experienced reporter who’s a good writer, cares about community journalism, and knows AP Style. Send your resume, three references and a few examples of your best work to editor@j-adgraphics.com. MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License Office (269) 948-2248 Mobile (269) 838-5112 #8110376 & Insured NOTICE The minutes of the meeting of the Barry County Board of Commissioners held June 25, 2019, are available in the County Clerk’s Office at 220 W. State St., Hastings, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or www.barrycounty.org. 122015 Are you looking for a career opportunity in Early Childhood Education with a community organization that offers Barry County Transit is accepting sealed bids for the following vehicles: 2009 Ford F-450 Small Bus. Thursday, June 27 - Baby Cafe and story time, 10 a.m.-noon; Movie Memories watches 1948 film starring Jeanette MacDonald, Jose Iturbi and Jane Powell, 5 p.m. Friday, June 28 - preschool story time, 10:30-11 a.m. Monday, July 1 - Quilting Passions, 10 a.m.-l p.m. Tuesday, July 2 - toddler story time, 10:30­ 11 a.m.; fab lab: balloon sculptures with Mr. Jim, 2-3; chess, 6-7:30; mahjong, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 3 - Jingle and Mingle planning meeting, 8-9:30 a.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. grams to hundreds of youth every summer. Over the years, the camp programs have developed to meet the needs of the communi­ ty by teaching the core values of caring, hon­ esty, respect and responsibility. Activities such as swimming, canoeing, horseback rid­ ing, archery, crafts and teambuilding fill the days of summer. With assistance from Barry County United Way, the City of Hastings and donors, all families are able to participate regardless of their financial situation. Camp programs and descriptions are listed online at ymcaofbarrycounty.org. 16 Passenger with lift. VI0 with approx. 130,000 miles on the motor. 1999 Chevrolet Express Van. professional development and a great benefit package? If you answered YES, then Community Action is for you I Now Hiring Paraprofessional’s/Subs, and Early Childhood Teachers I Locations: http://careers.caascm.org/careers 350 V8 3/4 ton. 7 passenger (no lift) 162,555 miles. Albion, Battle Creek, Delton, Hastings, Sale is 'As is'. Both can be seen at the Transit Facility 1216 W. State St., Hastings, MI 49058. Bids must be sealed, containing price and contact information. They may be mailed to the address above or dropped off at the Transit office. Bids submitted in unsealed envelopes or with the bid price visible on or through the envelope will be disqualified. Envelopes must be labeled with 'Vehicle Bid' on the outside. Bids will be publicly opened at Barry County Transit on July 12th at 10:00 am. Marshall, Sturgis, Three Rivers. Apply today! U Scan me Www.caascm.org Dedicated to helping people achieve and maintain independence. Community Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer. �Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD JONES Elaine Garlock Tomorrow there is to be a ceremony at the local post office when dignitaries from the U.S. Postal Service will be on hand for the renaming ceremony to honor the late Donna (Scheidt) Sauers Besko with the addition of her name for the post office building. She was the first female mail carrier in Michigan. A reception will follow. The Lake Odessa Freight House Museum will be open this weekend for the annual alumni gathering. The museum is open to the public with school memorabilia from Lake Odessa High School. This includes many of the large composite photos from each graduating class until the early 1960s. Hours will be Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 2 to 5 p.m. The annual alumni banquet takes place Saturday, June 29, starting at 4 p.m. at St. Edward’s Family Center with a catered meal, roll call of the classes, a memory moment, singing of the school songs and plenty of reminiscing. Each year there has been an increase in the number of graduates from Lakewood High School. The Ladies Day committee has made its plans and all is set for the July 19 event on the Ionia Free Fairgrounds. Several local ladies who have been Woman of the Year are on the planning committee along with others from around the county. The Lake Odessa Fair officially started with the parade Wednesday evening, but events began Sunday with the mud run in front of the grandstand. Children up to age 5 were in the first segment. They had a big audience, mostly armed with cameras cheering them on as they climbed bales of straw, swung on ropes, dropped into pools of water, ran between obstacles, climbed high mounds of dirt, slid down water-soaked plastic, climbed rope mesh and accumulated a lot of mud. They could get hosed off at the end of their adventure. Well, the youngest participants did not do all of the above but those a bid older ran the gamut, seeing to thoroughly enjoy the muddy mess. Ionia County Michigan Association of Retired School Personnel met last week Thursday at the Rheams home on Raynor Road outside Ionia for the June meeting with a catered meal and program. Lyle Sandbrook of rural Woodland was honored on Sunday by his children who hosted an open house at the Hughie House on M-50 southeast of town in observance of his 90th birthday. The parking lot was filled with well wishers who stopped by to greet this wellknown man who has served his community in ways other than his occupation of master plumber. The fresh food truck will be in town Tuesday, July 2, in the parking lot of Central United Methodist Church on Third Avenue. Recipients are advised to bring boxes or clothes baskets for carrying their foodstuffs home. Preliminary results are in from the spring CROP Walk. A total of $9,564 was raised in the Lakewood community. Twenty-five percent of the funds will be returned for use in the Lakewood community for food, fire relief and other needs administered by the Lakewood Community Council. Investment strategy can be your ‘GPS’ as you travel toward goals Summer is here at last. For many people, it’s time to get the car ready for a long road trip. And with GPS-enabled smartphones, it’s now a lot easier to navigate these drives with­ out getting lost. During your life, you may take many journeys - one of which is the long road you’ll travel toward your financial goals. But even on this path you can benefit from a “GPS” in the form of your goal-oriented, per­ sonalized strategy. Your investment strategy can function this way by helping answer these questions: • How far do I have to go? Your smart­ phone’s GPS can quickly tell you how many miles you need to travel to arrive at your des­ tination. And a well-constructed investment strategy can inform you of when you might reach a goal, such as having a desired amount of money when you retire, given your current age, earnings, sources of retirement income, and so on. • What route should I follow? Your GPS will plot out your route, showing what turns you should take along the way. Similarly, to reach your desired financial outcome, your investment strategy helps guide the invest­ ment decisions you make, such as investing adequate amounts in the appropriate vehicles, including your 401 (k) and IRA. • What problems await me? When your smarthphone’s GPS shows red on the route you’re following, you know that heavy traffic lies ahead. And your investment strategy can also help you manage bumps in the road, par­ ticularly if it’s a strategy you’ve designed with a financial professional, who has the knowledge and technology to create various scenarios and hypothetical illustrations to account for potential difficulties - i.e., a rate of return that’s less than expected, a lower income base than you had anticipated, greater college costs than you bargained for, and so on. • When should I take an alternate route? For whatever reason, you may deviate from the course plotted by your GPS - which will then helpfully re-route you. While following your investment strategy, if you make a wrong turn, so to speak - perhaps by putting insufficient funds in a retirement account or by assembling an investment mix that has become unsuitable for your risk tolerance you may need to get back on track. As we’ve seen, some analogies exist between your smartphone’s GPS and your investment strategy. And yet, there’s also a big difference in terms of complexity. It’s simple to program your smartphone to give you the directions you need. But crafting a personalized investment strategy takes time and effort. You need to consider all your goals - college for your children, a comfortable retirement, the ability to leave the legacy you want - along with your time horizon, risk tol­ erance and other factors. And your investment strategy may well need to change over the years, in response to changes in your family situation, employment and even your objec­ tives - for example, you may decide you want to retire earlier (or later) than you had origi­ nally planned. In any case, like your GPS, your invest­ ment strategy can help guide you - so make good use of it. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. If you have any questions, contact Mark D. Christensen at 269-945­ 3553. ----STOCKS-----The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. Apple Inc. AT&T Chemical Fin Chevron Deere & Co. Exxon Mobil Flowserve CP Ford Motor Co. General Electric Co. General Motors Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP Perrigo Co. Pfizer Inc. Spartannash Comp Stryker TCF Financial Corp. Walmart Inc. Walt Disney Co Whirl Pool Corp Gold Silver Dow Jones . 195.57 -2.88 32.55 +.11 39.54 -.67 123.64 +.71 166.31 +6.93 76.27 +.53 50.71 +.87 9.84 -.26 10.22 -.20 37.68 +.98 204.74 -2.74 144.24 +4.01 54.53 -.97 .4 j I >1 s 4 A J 133.43 -1.73 45.50 +1.63 i1 43.76 +.69 | 11.50 +.08 J 203.80 +5.62 19.85 110.72 3 -.37 j +1.07 139.94 +.70 137.60 -4.19 $1,423.29 +$84.39 $15.40 +.30 1 i 26,548 +83 I ? Daxrfed to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 Delton Kellogg High School announces honor roll will have early deadlines in recognition of the July 4th Holiday. - CLOSED 4TH OF JULY Advertising Deadline... Tuesday, July 2nd at Noon News Content Deadline... Tuesday, July 2nd at Noon Classified Deadline... July 2nd at 3:00 p.m. Papers will be in the newsstands Wed., July 3 County Volunteers Needed The Barry County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications from volunteers to serve on the following Boards/Commissions: Solid Waste Management Committee: 1 position, recycling industry Charlton Park Village and Museum Board: 1 position Mental Health Authority: 3 positions, must be a primary or secondary consumer Parks & Recreation: 1 position Veterans’ Affairs Committee: 1 position Zoning Board of Appeals: 1 position Applications may be obtained at the County Administration Office, 3rd floor of the Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings; or www.banycounty.org under the tab: How do I apply for; and must be returned no later than 5:00 p.m. on Monday July 1,2019. Contact 269-945-1284 for more information. 120616 NOTICE TO BIDDERS BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry County Road Commission, 1725 West M-43 Highway, P.O. Box 158, Hastings, Ml 49058, until 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, July 2, 2019 for the following items. Specifications and additional information may be obtained at the Road Commission Office at the above address or at our web site at www.barrycrc.org. 12,000 lb Tracked Skid Steer 18,000 lb Excavator The Board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive irregularities in the best interest of the Commission. BOARD OF COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BARRY David D. Solmes Frank M. Fiala D. David Dykstra Chairman Member Member Delton Kellogg High School has released its honor roll for the second semester of the 2018-19 school year. Students receiving highest honors earned grade point averages of 3.75 and above. Students receiving high honors had GPAs of 3.25 to 3.749. Stq^nts receiving honors earned a grade point average of 3.0 to 3.249. An asterisk* next to a student’s name denotes a 4.0 or above GPA for the semester. Ninth grade Highest honors Karlee Aukerman, * Kelsey Campbell, * Lydia Chandler, Kayla Ferris, Natalie Haight, Avery Howland, *Caitlin McManus, *Halena Phillips, Glorianna Stanton, Morgan Stidham, *Alekzander Waller, Braeden Waller. Highest honors Aubrey Aukerman, Elijah Austin, Alexis Briggs, Grace Ann Budzinski, Emily Dake, Caden Ferris, Owen Harig, Marco Hickerson, McKenzie Higdon, Lila Jibson, Hannah Matteson, Melanie Monroe, Corey Moore, Maddie Pape, Gavin Poley, Hadassah Ray, Kyle Stevens, Alden Whitmore, Alex Whitmore, Mary Whitmore. Honors Madelyn Converse, Devin Fischer, Jacob Gherardi, Max Hughes, Leemon Johncock, Amon Smith III, Rebecca VanDyk, Martin Wachowski, Hayden Walker. 10th grade Highest honors * Logan Anderson, *Bradley Bunch, *Garrett Elliott, Adam Froncheck, *Gavin Houtkooper, Kaitlyn McRae, *Lexi Morris, *Caitlin O’Meara. High honors Jaden Boniface, Alexandria Carter, Elizabeth Fichtner, Jazzmine Harmon, Toni Higgins, Mackenzie Hull, Brooklyn James, Hunter Marshall, Kiersten Moore, Cole Pape, Natalie Ritchie, Shawna Stoneburner, Evelyn Zettelmaier. Honors Alexis Blain, Kitara Chase, Josie Lyons, Hannah Maple, Jacob Shorey. 11th grade Highest honors Jack Baker, Sarah Barney, Abbie Bever, Hailey Buckner, *Lindsey Bunday, * Alexis Chandler, Grace Colwell, Eleanor Ferris, *Erin Kapteyn, * Amber Mabie, Johanna Makowski, Holly McManus, *Gabrielle Petto, *Kaleb Post, Isabel Rodriguez, Slater Stanton, *Lily Timmerman, Elizabeth Vroegop, *Kelsie Webb. High honors Clara Bever, Linsey Falvo, Jonathon Gherardi, Lucas Homister, Carly Mursch, Cassandra Ritchie, David Sinkler, Katherine Tobias. Honors Zoe Alman, Lauren Lebeck, Alexander Leclercq, Madison Monroe, Martin Perez, Cassidy Tobias. 12th grade Highest honors *Hannah Austin, *Anna Bassett, *Brooke Beilfuss, Shyann Berry, Aaron Bunnell, Mads de Wit Clausen, *Mary Cook, *Lily Cooper, Alyssa Doorlag, ^Joseph Gherardi, * Victoria Greene, * Lauren Grubius, Jayden Haas, *Owen Koch, Hope Lynch, *Samantha Maple, *Klara Mattsson, ^Esther Ordway, *Selina Pinter, *Marion Poley, *Laerke Rasmussen, Ethan Reed, Jenifer Steele, Isabella Tigchelaar, Megan Tobias, Mats VanKleef, Henrik Wetterdal, ^Brooklyn Whitmore. High honors Samuel Arce, Delanie Aukerman, Drake Boniface, Brendon Chilton, Noah Cleary, Luke Froncheck, Shawn Haight, Genel Homister, Joshua Johnson, Deiniol Jones, David Mercer, Gordon Mitchell, Alexandria Parsons, Melanie Post, Riley Roblyer, Taylor Shaneck, Therin Smith, Sannah Solstrand, Dominik Waase, Hailey Walker, Payton Warner, Alexis Wilbur. Honors Teresita Aguirre-Sanchez, Hailee Baker, Rachelle Brown, Anna Conrad, Cameron Curcuro, Antonio Juan, Keegon Kokx, Winter McCandlish, Ashton Pluchinsky, Kendal Pluchinsky, Angela Re Gonzalez, Shia-leigh Reece-Jarman, Logan Taggart, Justin, Trantham. Undersea communications Dr. Universe: Back when cellphones weren’t a thing, how could you place a call from across the ocean? Were there wires under the ocean? Tali, 9, Seattle, Wash. Dear Tali, Long before telephones, if you wanted to say “Hi” to friend across the ocean, you’d probably write them a letter and send it over on a ship. But in the past 100 years or so, we’ve been able to connect across the ocean much faster. And yes, it often required thousands of miles of wires, or cables, deep in the sea. That’s what I found out from my friend Bob Olsen, a professor of electrical engi­ neering at Washington State University, who told me all about the telephone. The telephone helps translate the sound waves from your voice into electrical sig­ nals. Those electrical signals can flow through cables on land and, as you hypothe­ sized, under the ocean. Before cellphones were invented, we made calls on landline telephones. It is a kind of phone with copper wires that flow from your phone into the wall and on to a phone company’s central office. When you’d dial a long-distance number, a lot of things started happening behind the scenes. After you dialed the number, someone at the phone company’s central office would get your call. At the office, that person would help switch the call, or move the right wires around, to connect you with their long-distance office. The person at the long-distance office would connect your call to the phone com­ pany office nearest to your friend’s house. The wires on land and the cables beneath the ocean helped this message travel in the form of electrical signals. We used to depend on people to help make the switches, now computers can do it. As engineers came up with new ideas about telephones, they also learned they could use satellites to help these signals travel long-distances. Instead of using long-dis­ tance cables, a call goes up to a satellite and bounces back down to your friend. Olsen said he remembers calling his uncle who lived across the country once a year. It was a special occasion and all of the kids in his family would line up to just say “Hello.” It was very expensive to make a long-dis­ tance call. Maybe you can ask your parents or grandparents about it. Even though a lot of people now use wireless phones rather than landlines to con­ nect with each other, we still depend on those wires under the ocean for long-dis­ tance phone calls. The old wires have now been replaced with optical fibers that are a much better way to send these signals. We also depend on them for one big thing many of us use every day: the internet. When we search the web, make a video call, or send texts from an app overseas, that information in the form of electrical signals is flowing deep beneath the ocean on optical fiber cables. The next time I go to the ocean or call a friend, I’m going to remember the important work electrical engineers to do help us all stay connected - and let me answer great questions from kids like you. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University's resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse .com. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 27, 2019 — Page 9 fl look back at the stories and columns on local history TURNING BflGK THE PAGES Union Cemetery serves four townships With cemetery organization, the observance of the day received even greater emphasis. To the best of our knowledge, John Ketcham delivered the address at the first memorial observance planned by the Cemetery Circle. The program was held in Wallace Mack’s yard. Banners and flags and flowers decorated the spacious front porch, seats of honor were reserved for the old soldiers of whom there were not a few - Civil War and Spanish American veterans. Among those we can remember were Jack Hinckley, Russel Stanton, Wesley Clark, who had spent some time in Andersonville prison, Alva Walton, Charley Wooley, Hiram Munger, David Brown, Henry Stevens, Mr. Callahan and Eli Houghtalen. It was Eli Houghtalen who carried the old flag proudly in the march to the cemetery at the head of his old comrades preceded by the band and followed by the little children carrying flowers for the floral monument. Hanging these flowers in memory of the soldier dead, many of them comrades of the assembled veterans, was a sacred as well as a most beautiful spectacle; children hanging the bright flowers as each name in the solemn roll of the departed was called by the sexton, Harry Hinckley. See next week’s Banner for additional photos and information on some of the people mentioned above. The sign for Union Cemetery stands in Maple Grove Township and faces, to some extent, Baltimore, Johnstown and Assyria townships. SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Agency warns people to beware of scammers Large pines and oaks tower over the headstones at Union Cemetery. Union Cemetery lies at the intersection of four townships, and portions of it actually lie in two separate townships. Sometimes referred to as Joy Cemetery or Union Joy Cemetery, it is shared by Assyria, Baltimore, Johnstown and Maple Grove townships at the intersection of North Avenue and Butler Road. In the original portion of the cemetery, in Maple Grove Township, can be found towering oaks, weathered headstones and GAR markers - all indicating the age of the burial ground. The newer portion is in Johnstown Township, the flat ground has no shade trees and only modern markers. ; A history of the cemetery presented for a Memorial Day observation in 1944 was published in the following June 15, 1944, Banner. Union Cemetery ORGANIZED IN 1 8S7 Four Barry Co. township have joint ownership We are indebted to Mrs. Harry Babcock, president of the Union Cemetery Circle, for the memorial published below and read at the recent Decoration Day program at the Union Cemetery in Maple Grove Township. The interesting data was gathered by Mary Isham and Mrs. Jamie Smith from the early records, y/hich fortunately had been preserved. Two organizations have had charge of matters relating to the Union Cemetery of four adjoining townships. The first calling itself the Union Cemetery of Maple Grove, Assyria, Johnstown and Baltimore townships and left the following records of its organization. “The above-named society was duly formed according to the requirements of the laws of the State of Michigan Jan. 14, 1857. Lucius D. Joy, president pro tern, moved, seconded and unanimously voted, that the society purchase a lot of ground for the purpose of a burying ground for the sum of $24. Warren Joy was chosen president, John Made, clerk; Dudley M. Joy treasurer, and Thomas Moody sexton. \ It is interesting to note that the next year, when Aunt Mary Babcock came to Michigan, the cemetery thus created had four burials within the plot. This cemetery was part of the wilderness. The murmur of forest trees and woodsman’s axe resounded across it. Myrtle and tall grasses made a natural blanket for folks so close to nature’s heart. Hedged in by a 4 ^-foot board fence, it was protected from foraging farm stock and woods’ animals. Twice a year, the enclosure was mowed, first with the scythe, and later with a mower drawn by horses. With the passing of the old era - the forests, even the stump lands - and the advent of new machinery, a national impulse to further consecrate and beautify cemeteries everywhere was felt. It was responded to locally by two community-minded ladies, Margaret Baker Stanton, and Mrs. Lucy Hinckley, who promoted and organized the present Union Cemetery Circle in March 1908. i Of this society, Margaret Baker Stanton was chosen president, Mrs. Louisa Grayham, vice president, Mrs. Anna Jones, secretary; and Mrs. Lucy Hinckley, treasurer. They secured the names of lot owners, from the section or the nearest of kin in trying to members, needless to say they were hardly ever turned down. They received further cooperation from the supervisors of the four townships in financing the care of the cemetery. Wallace Mack was the first sexton under the new organization and save for a few years spent in Nashville, continued in office until his death. His first burial was that of Will Hill. About this time occurred the burial of the only daughter of the American Revolution in this cemetery, Mrs. Emily Walton. Memorial Day was the high spot of the year in cemetery history. For years, it had drawn together kin and kind. It was long observed in tribute to the soldier dead and all the dear ones within the sacred boundaries. Vonda VanTil Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security is committed to protecting personal information. We urge you to always be cautious and to avoid providing sensitive information, such as your Social Security number or bank account information, to unknown people over the phone or internet. If you receive a call and aren’t expecting one, you must be extra careful. You can always get the caller’s information, hang up, and — if you do need more clarification — contact the official phone number of the busi­ ness or agency the caller claims to represent. Never reveal personal data to a stranger who called you. In a current scam, you might receive a call from someone claiming to be from Social Security or another agency. Calls can even display 800-772-1213^ Social Security’s national customer service number, as the incoming number on your caller ID. In some cases, the caller says Social Security does not have all of your personal information, such as your Social Security number on file. Other callers claim Social Security needs additional information so the agency can increase your benefit payment, or that Social Security will terminate your benefits if you do not confirm your information. This appears to be a wide­ spread issue, since reports have come from people across the country. These calls are not from Social Security. Callers sometimes say your Social Security number is at risk of being deactivated or deleted. The caller then asks you to call a phone number to resolve the issue. People should be aware that the scheme’s details may vary; however, you should avoid engaging with the caller or calling the number provided, since the caller might attempt to acquire per­ sonal information. Social Security employees occasionally contact people by telephone for customer-ser­ vice purposes. In only a few special situa­ tions, such as when you have business pend­ ing with us, will a Social Security employee request that the person confirm personal information over the phone. Social Security employees will never threaten or promise a Social Security benefit approval or increase in exchange for informa­ tion. In those cases, such a call is fraudulent, and you should just hang up. If you receive these calls, report the information to the Office of the Inspector General by calling 800-269-0271 or online at oig.ssa.gov/report. Protecting your information is an important part of Social Security’s mission. You work hard and make a conscious effort to save and plan for retirement. Scammers try to stay a step ahead of us, but with an informed public and your help, we can stop these criminals before they cause serious financial damage. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids Ml 49525 or via email to vonda ,vantil@ ssa .gov. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF PRAIRIEVILLE TOWN­ SHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Public Hearing will be held by the Prairieville Town­ ship Planning Commission on Ju;y 11,2019 at 7:00 P.M. at the Prairieville Town­ ship Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, within the Township. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the item(s) to be considered at this public hearing include, in brief, the following: 1. A request from Joseph Briseno, property owner, 7801 Green Lake Dr. S.E., Caledonia, Ml 49316, for a Special Use/Site Plan Review to allow for the keeping of a recreational vehicle on a vacant parcel pursuant to section 4.4 “Temporary placement of recreational vehicles and tents for occupation”. The subject site is located at 11257 S. Oak Dr., Parcel # 08-12-240-014-00 and is currently zoned R-2 -Residential. 2. Such other and further matters as may properly come before the Planning Commission for this meeting. All interested persons are invited to be present or submit written comments on this matters) to the below Township office address. Prairieville Township will pro­ vide necessary auxiliary aids and services such as signers for the hearing im­ paired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the hearing upon five (5) days notice to the Prairieville Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Prairieville Township Clerk at the address or telephone number set forth above. Jim Stoneburner, Township Supervisor 122497 HOPE TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN PUBLIC NOTICE The Hope Township Zoning Board of Appeals will convene and hold a public hear­ ing on Thursday, July 11, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hope Township Hall, 5463 South M-43 Hwy, Hastings, Michigan 49058 to consider the following variance request: Scott Monroe has requested to construct an accessory building with sidewalls of sixteen (16) feet and a setback of two (2) feet from the front lot line on parcel (07-016-006-02) located at Lakefront Drive, Delton, Michigan 49046. Section 10.14 and Section 19.3 of the Hope Township Zoning Ordinance require that accessory buildings be setback thirty-five (35) feet from the front lot line and have a maximum sidewall of twelve (12) feet in the RL, Single Family Residential Lake district, thus a variance is requested. Obelisks, like these marking the Humphrey family graves, dot the older portion of the cemetery. Information regarding this request and the Zoning Ordinance are available for public review at the Hope Township Hall, 5463 South M-43 Hwy, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during regular business hours 9 a.m. through 12 noon and 1:15 p.m. through 3 p.m. on Wednesdays. Written comments will be received at the Hope Township Hall during normal business hours until the time of the hearing. Hope Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed material being considered at the hearing, to individuals with disabilities at the hearing. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Hope Township Clerk at least seven (7) days prior to the hearing date for assistance at the telephone number listed below. Deborah Jackson Hope Township Clerk 269-948-2464 122046 �Page 10 — Thursday, June 27, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Barry Intermediate School District proceeds with appeal Luke Froncheck Staff Writer The Barry Intermediate School District is in the process of appealing a decision handed down by the state in an April financial report which recommended the removal of its Great Start Readiness Program from the ISD. The state also recommended the removal of the Great Start Collaborative and Parent Coalition. Superintendent Richard Franklin, who requested an informal review process to look over the state’s decision, said this will allow both parties to walk through the findings to clear up some discrepancies. He also said the informal review process tends to be faster than a formal process. “As time goes on, there will be other con­ siderations that come into place,” Franklin said. “King Solomon had the two mothers who came to him with one baby. One mother had rolled over on her baby in the night. Both women came claiming the baby was theirs, one being the real mother and the other being the fake. So King Solomon said, ‘Fine, I’ll just cut the baby in half’ and pulled out his sword, which caused the real mother to say it was the other woman’s baby, which made King Solomon know that that was the actual mother.” “We would give up the baby before we would let it get cut into pieces,” he said. “We want what’s best for the children and families, not what’s best for the ISD. At this point, not only do we think we haven’t done anything wrong; we think we’re best positioned to run and offer these programs. “We’re just working on the process with MDE.” As Barry ISD begins the appeal process, they first must file their appeal to the director of the Michigan Department of Education office that administers the grant. Here’s how MDE describes the process: The appeal must be submitted no later than 30 calendar days after the date the ISD was notified of the decision to remove the pro­ grams. The appeal also must include a descrip­ tion of what is being disputed, the reason for the disagreement, the desired outcome for the appeal, and data to back up their claims. Next, according to state guidelines, the office directors will review the appeal and the MDE documents related to the issue and they will have the opportunity to direct further investigation or request additional documen­ tation on the topic. The director has to issue a written decision, either confirming the original decision, or granting all, or some, of the appeal with the appropriate resolution. The ISD then has 30 days following the director’s decision to sub­ mit another appeal to the state superintendent. Assuming the entity does not submit a fur­ ther appeal, the director’s decision would become the final agency decision and is put into effect. Adjustments to the grant, if any, are then made to comply with the director’s decision. If the ISD does not agree with the director’s decision, they would have the opportunity to appeal to the state superintendent, and that must include their reasoning for further review. The ISD would once again have 30 days from the date when it received the direc­ tor’s decision to file the additional appeal. The appeal can only include the written request and the information or documentation that was presented in the original appeal to the director. Once the appeal is received by the state superintendent’s office, it would be assigned to the appropriate deputy superintendent for review. The appeal file can only include the documents that were given to the director in the initial review. However, the deputy super­ intendent reviewing the decision can request further information relating to the issue. The decision of the deputy superintendent would serve as a recommendation for the state super­ intendent. The decision - made within 30 days from the receipt of the ISD’s written request would either affirm, reverse, or modify the director’s decision. Appropriate adjustments would then be made to the grant to fall in line with the state superintendent’s decision. Study done, but no recommendation on COA facility Rebecca Pierce Editor “When we first endeavored how to best use the (Friend of the Court) building, how much of the Health Department would fit in there, I thought it would be an easy answer,” Eric Hackman told Barry County commissioners Tuesday. “It’s proving not to be an easy answer.” Hackman is a senior project manager at ’TowerPinkster, the company hired by the county board to advise it on options for a new Commission on Aging building. TowerPinkster reviewed several county facilities in 2015 and developed the current space utilization at the Barry Eaton District Health Department building, 330 West Woodlawn. At that time, TowerPinkster also surveyed the Friend of the Court building at 103 South Broadway. This time, the company offered four options: Build a new 20,000-square-foot building as described in the 2015 report from TowerPinkster. This would be the largest cap­ ital investment of the four options. It would provide minimal disruption, flexibility for future growth, provide for the potential sale of the FOC building, require no compromises to the COA building and show the greatest reduction in operational energy usage. The cost estimate for this option is $6.05 million. Divide the health department and put the environmental health staff in the FOC build­ ing and renovate the existing building. This would require minimal capital investment and maintain parking for the county building near the courthouse. But it would disrupt current county operations and limit flexibility as far as future growth at the health department and COA. Plus, the FOC building, with its ineffi­ ciencies would remain a county building and the COA building and program layout may require compromises as an addition. The cost estimate for this option is $5.25 million. Move all of the health department to the FOC building. Hackman said this is not feasi­ ble since the space at the FOC would not fit the minimum required space for the health department. Consolidate the health department program in place to make space available for COA use and a COA addition. The cost estimate, at $5.9 million, is similar to Option 1. AUDIT, continued from page 1 Eric Hackman, senior project manager at TowerPinkster, reviews its building usage report but has no recommendation on which option would be best for the county. mended. Verlin attributed this practice to prudence “It boils down to $800,000,” Hackman on the part of the county to ensure that enough said, noting that these estimates are likely resources are being put aside. incorrect since the costs can’t truly be known Then he arrived at the total OPEB (Other until a project is bid. Post-Employment Benefits) liability, just But the difference between all these options under $1.1 million, which the county has total is the same: $800,000. assets of $1.47 million to cover. “Do you have a recommendation?” This means the county has a net OPEB Commissioner Ben Geiger asked. asset of $380,000, a remarkable amount. Hackman did not. Verlin said he audits a dozen counties. “You “I thought it would be more clear-cut,” he guys are very rare,” he said. “I don’t have any said. “$800,000 is $800,000. That’s the order other clients that have a net OPEB (Other of magnitude this decision weighs.” Post-Employment Benefits) asset. As far as the least expensive option, Option “In other words, you guys have already set 2: “There are efficiency losses when using aside more than enough to cover your retiree FOC building,” Hackman pointed out. “That’s health care benefits. That’s very unique. It’s not your best building. It’s an older building just a sign of... very stable and prudent finan­ with single-pane glass. cial management.” “If you were to build a new building, it This is not often seen. would operate as one of your best from ener­ “I’ve been referring to it as an OPEB liabil­ gy efficiency and ongoing costs.” ity, but it’s actually an OPEB asset.” Energy efficiencies in a new building can A silence fell over the room when he con­ sometimes save twice what they’ve estimated, cluded the presentation. he said. “Definitely kudos to all the staff,” Verlin Commissioner Vivian Conner suggested that the the Friend of the Court and Joe Verlin, of Gabridge & Co, gave said. Chairwoman Heather Wing said the kudos Commission On Aging departments be locat­ Barry County “an unmodified opinion” in should go to County Administrator Michael ed at one site: the health department building its financial statement for 2018. That’s the after additions are made on both ends of the highest level of opinion an auditor can Brown. facility to accommodate the FOC and COA. provide. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) But Hackman said the cost would like run about $6 million in any case. Conner pointed out that getting rid of the existing COA building and selling the proper­ ty might help offset the expense of the project, but Hackman said costs would still be high. Geiger turned to County Administrator Michael Brown and asked: “How much cash do we have in the tax umbrella fund?” “Above the cap, we have $1.2 million,” Brown replied. Recreation Help Wanted Business Services Geiger pointed out that construction costs BUYING ALL HARD­ INDUSTRIAL CLEANING: FOR SALE- LUND 18ft. WOODS: Walnut, White Full or Part-time employment Aluminum Deep V with 2 Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for for self-motivated individual. downriggers, trailer and 40hp pricing. Will buy single Wal­ Monday thru Friday starting Evinrude motor. $2,500. 269­ nut trees. Insured, liability & at 4:30pm. Apply in person 948-9364._______________ workman's comp. Fetterley to Quality Hardwoods, Inc., SUMMER SPLASH!! AD­ that small swamp into Cloverdale Lake, and 396 Main St., Sunfield, ML VENTURE Awaits Camp­ Logging, (269)818-7793. then pump the excess water into Long Lake. No phone calls please. Can­ ground Camping—full BELLS CONSTRUCTION- didates must submit to and Dull said this would not be flooding anyone 18 years experience. Dry pass a pre-employment drug hookup or water and electric out because they will simultaneously pump wall, painting, tile, flooring, test. Quality Hardwoods only. Swimming, fishing, wa­ water out of Cloverdale Lake and into Long trim, power washing, home supports a drug-free work­ ter slide, kid's playground, Lake while they are draining the swamp into beach, volleyball court, div­ improvements, seamless gut­ place. Cloverdale. ing platform, water bull rid ­ ters. 269-320-3890. “We’ll be pumping water out (of Cloverdale ing. 50 mile Paul Henry Garage Sale Thornapple Trail starts here Lake) faster than we’ll be putting water in,” PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: Dull said. HUGE SALE- TWO FAM­ for hiking and biking. River AU real estate advertising in this news­ Once the water is in Long Lake, it will then paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act ILY. Furniture, household tubing on the Thornapple and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which items, tools and more! Fri­ River 1-2 hours. Beach Party flow into Fall Creek and farther north through collectively make it illegal to advertise day, June 28,2019, 8am-7pm. Pavilion, Camp Store, Recre­ “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ the connected chain of lakes. Dull said he and nation based on race, color, religion, sex, Saturday, June 29, 8am-4pm. ation Center rental, Saturday his engineers will have to watch the culvert handicap, familial status, national origin, 1300 Coats Grove Rd, Hast­ Night Movies! Come have age or martial status, or an‘intention, to between Long Lake and Fall Creek. make any such preference, limitation or ings^______________ ____ fun with us! 3266 N. Ionia discrimination.” Familial status includes Rd, Sycamore Lane, Ver­ children under the age of 18 living with HD CLOTHES, LOTS of montville, MI 49096. Phone parents or legal custodians, pregnant misc. Fri, June 28th. Sat, June 919-249-8712. women and people securing custody of children under 18. 29th, 2019. 7am-4pm. 1315 S. This newspaper will not knowingly Broadway, Hastings.______ accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our MOVING SALE FOR men GET EASY CASH with readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper & women. Tools, household extra household goods and are available on an equal opportunity items, furniture, clothes, win­ tools! Call (269) 945-9554 to basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. ter coats, shoes, boots, 2T sell your unwanted stuff The HUD toll-free telephone number for clothes, & accessories, Thurs- with a classified ad in this the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. Sun, June 27 thru 30, 2019. paper. 9am-6pm. 915 N. Jefferson St., Hastings. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY more than the minimum amount. Anywhere from $500,000 up to $2.25 million is recom- Banner CLASSIFIEDS County Administrator Michael Brown advises Commissioner Ben Geiger against dipping into the tax umbrella fund at Tuesday’s county board meeting. (Photos by Rebecca Pierce) aren’t getting any cheaper. Commissioner Jon Smelker said, “No mat­ ter what you do, you’re going to have to go for a millage.” Geiger disagreed, saying that, with the jail, the county would have to go for a millage to pay back the bonds. “But, for the COA, that’s a cost we could absorb if we sold bonds or dipped into the reserve.” “How much is in the tax umbrella fund?” Geiger turned to Brown, who was standing at this point, and asked him again. “The whole umbrella fund is $9 million,” Brown replied. “But the tax umbrella fund is there for a purpose. If you choose to spend below that cap, then there are implications that occur.” “When was the last time we used it?” Geiger continued. “Many years ago,” Brown replied, “to do the Health Department project.” “So I’m not crazy,” Geiger remarked. “It’s been done before.” “And it took many years to build that back up,” Brown added. “Remember, we commit a half a million dollars toward unfunded liabil­ ity on the pension.” Conner mentioned that the county treasurer has ability to use some of those funds. “If we were to deplete that, we’d have to find other sources.” Brown said that the use of those funds is not preferred, adding that he was sure the treasurer would say that she’d prefer that account be fully funded. “It’s just a tradeoff,” Geiger remarked. “It^s that or raise taxes.” Before Hackman left, he said TowerPinkster would start meeting this summer to get started on the county’s jail project. In other business, the commissioners dis­ cussed Geiger’s proposal for a new method to recruit new members for boards and commis­ sions. Chairwoman Heather Wing expressed a concern that the proposal might be in conflict with the Open Meetings Act. After discussion about how to rework the proposal, the board took a break for Geiger to modify the word­ ing. When he returned and the meeting resumed, the board continued discussion. Then com­ missioners prepared to vote on the resolution as amended. Then, to the surprise of his fellow commis­ sioners, Geiger said he couldn’t support it. “The changes significantly change the scope of it,” he said. The action was postponed to the next board meeting in a 4-3 vote, with Dan Parker, Dave Jackson and Conner voting against postpone­ ment and Howard Gibson, Wing, Smelker and Geiger voting for it. DRAIN, continued from page 1 The permit for the work has been approved through the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. The closure of the highly trafficked road­ way ended up with motorists using a detour that took them around Cloverdale Lake and added time to the commute for those residents who used the highway to get to work. “Our goal is to have it open on or before July 10,” Michigan Department of Transportation representative Steve Wessels said. “I’m thankful that MDOT, EGLE and our drain commissioner are finally implementing a plan to open M-43 at Cloverdale road in the next few weeks,” said county Commissioner Dave Jackson, who represents the area affect­ ed by flooding. “It has been a source of many phone calls and ongoing frustration to see a major highway in Barry County be closed for over six weeks and counting. “Flooding continues to be an issue all over southern Barry County and this plan takes into consideration the ongoing high-water issues on Cloverdale Lake.” Jackson, who said the battle with high water and flooding is far from over, added that he appreciates the patience of citizens as possible solutions continue to be vetted through the state. See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, June 27, 2019 — Page 11 ; Suspicious man resists arrest in Hastings Hastings City Police were dispatched at 10:55 p.m. June 24 in response to a 37-year-old man loitering and acting suspiciously at the Phillips 66 Gas Station on North Broadway. ** Officers located the man in Bob King Park and learned he had an active warrant from Lansing for parole violation. The man denied he had a warrant and resisted officers but was . arrested. Social media fight turns physical Hastings Police Officers responded to a fight around at 2:03 p.m. June 20 near Hastings Manufacturing and the First Ward Park. A 20-year-old man said he was physically assaulted by two other men, ages 18 and 19, as a crowd of their friends surrounded him. He said the issue started because the 19-year-old had borrowed $60 from a friend, and paid him back in pennies. They started arguing on social media, and the man said the 19-year-old confront­ ed him after work and punched him numerous time. He added he did not punch back, but pushed him away, while the 18-year-old jumped in and punched him. When officers spoke to the suspected attackers, they said the 20-year-old had thrown the first punch and had threatened them on Snapchat. The 18-year-old said the 20-year-old had given him a vape cartridge with pesticides mixed in, and had sold marijuana to an underage relative. The 20-year-old had multiple bruises and lacerations, but police noted the 19-year-old also had bruises and facial lacerations that appeared to be from being punched, which was inconsis­ tent with the 20-year-oId’s statement that he did not hit anyone. Charging requests for all three individuals have been forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Nothing stolen in Carlton Township break-in A 71-year-old woman called police at 2p.m. June 21 to report a break-in at her cottage in the 2000 block of Bachman Road in Carlton Township. She noticed someone had pried the padlock off the garage door and broke open the front door to get inside the house. Multiple doors inside were left open, but the resident did not notice anything missing. She was last at the home June 17 and did not notice anything strange at the time. The case is inactive pending further information. Vehicle burns in downtown Nashville Firefighters and police were called to a vehicle fire in the 300 block of North Main Street in Nashville at 4:37 p.m. June 22. A 65-year-old man said his utility van was parked next to the Thomapple River and he decided to move it because the river syater was getting too Miigh. The man said the van would not start, so he tried to pull it with a chain, and when he looked back it started smoking and caught fire. Firefighters extinguished the fire, and no injuries were reported. Boater airlifted after propeller accident Officers responded to a boating accident on Wilkinson Lake at 6:04 p.m. June 23. A 26-year-old woman of Glen Ellyn, Ill., was air-lifted to an area hospital after her leg was cut by a propeller. The woman was towed behind the boat, and attempted to board it from the water after it had stopped. The boat was in neutral, and the propeller was still spinning. Her leg was cut 12 to 14 inches, but she is expected to make a full recovery. Six rescued from inner tubes on river Police rescued eight men, ages 21 to 23, from Kalamazoo and Holland, who were stuck in the Thomapple River near U Rent-Em Canoe Livery around 8:40 p.m. June 23. The men were in inner tubes without lifejackets, and their tubes were caught in low and fallen trees on the sides of the river. Officers threw rescue disks and ropes to the men and pulled them out. They were uninjured. U-Rent-Em was closed at the time du^tQ-the high water. _ Makeshift explosive disposed of by police w A 54-year-old Nashville man called police at 6:57 p.m. June 21 to report a suspicious '* item that looked like a bomb at Camp Thomapple. The; man said a trailer in the camp had recently been sold, and the device was found while the trailer was being cleaned. The item * was a tin coffee cup with a battery taped to it, inside were dark particles consistent with gun powder. An officer removed the battery and disposed of the item. " Driver strikes house while under the influence „ A 34-year-old Saranac man was arrested for driving while under the influence after a crash on Coats Grove Road near M-43. Police said the man drove the vehicle off the road­ way, struck a vacant residence on Coats Grove Road, continued driving and stopped on M-43, where an officer found him. The man admitted to drinking. He registered a 2.7 ' blood-alcohol content and was arrested. NEED A BOX? coll hcoe nf Al I <SI7B< PUBLIC NOTICE At the request of Prairieville Township, Barry County, State of Michigan and by the authority conferred on the Department of Natural Resources by Section 12-17 of Act 451, Part 801, Public Acts of 1994, as amended, and Section 250 of Act 380, Public Acts of 1965, and Section 41 of Act 306, Public Acts of 1969, a hearing will be held at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Rd, Delton Ml 49046, at 7 p.m., Monday, July 15,2016. At this hearing the Department of Natural Resources will gather information from the public concerning watercraftControls on the waters of the Upper Crooked Lake, Barry County. Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in the meeting should contact the Township Clerk at 269-623-2726, a week in advance to request mobility, visual, hearing br other assistance. All interested persons are invited to attend and offer comments orally at the public hearing. Interested persons unable to attend this hearing may within 30 days after the hearing submit written comments to: DNR, Law Enforcement Attn: Lt Thomas Waii^ss 525 W. Allegan Street Lansing, Michigan 48933 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on July 11,2019: ' Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Michael Benson aka Micheal Benson and Stacey Benson, Husband and Wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Selene Finance LP Date of Mortgage: December 4, 2007 Date of Mortgage Recording: December 12,2007 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $123,714.44 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in City of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 4 and the West 8 feet 9 inches of the North 72 feet of Lot 5 of Block 7 of Lincoln Park. Addition to the City, Formerly Village of Hastings, according to the recorded plat thereof as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats on Page 55. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless de^rmined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale undpr Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: June 6, 2019 Trott Law, PC. 1386517 (06-06)(06-27) 120441 NOTICE SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE - At Home R.E. LLC , granted a mortgage to Visio Financial Services, LLC, Mortgagee, dated January 31, 2018, and recorded on February 15, 2018, in Document No. 2018^001514, and assigned by said mortgaged to Wilmingtbfi Savings Fund Society, FSB, d/b/a Christiana TruM not in its individual capacity but soley as Owner Trustee of Residential Credit Opportunities Trust II, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Seventy-Three Thousand One Hundred Sixty-Five and 81/100 Dollars ($73,165.81). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in Such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of thepi, at public vendue, at the East doors of the BarrY County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on July 11, 2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: THE NORTH 62 FEET OF LOT 712 OF THE CITY, FORMERLY VILLAGE OF HASTINGS, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, ACCORDING TO THE RECORDED PLAT THEREOF, EXCEPT COMMENCING 70 FEET NORTH OF THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF LOT 712; THENCt NORTH 4 FEET; THENCE WEST 15 FEET; THENCE SOyTH 4 FEET; THENCE EAST 15 FRET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING The redemption period will be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period will be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 600.3241 a(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of Act 236 of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, d/b/a Christina Trust, not in it's individual capacity but soley as owner Trustee of Residential Credit Opportunities Trust II Mortgagee/ Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman PC. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1387000 (06-06)(06-27) 120808 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on July 25, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Scot AScramlin and Susan Scramlin, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Date of Mortgage: June 22, 2009 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 29, 2009 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $121,056.48 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Carlton, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: That part of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 6, Township 4 North, Range 8 West, Carlton Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: Commencing at the West 1/4 corner of said Section; thence North 90 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds East 1190.77 feet along the North line of said Southwest 1/4 to the place of beginning; thence North 90 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds East 265.15 feet along said North line; thence South 00 degrees 15 minutes 01 seconds East 579.55 feet; thence South 90 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds West 265.15 feet; thence North 00 degrees 15 minutes 01 seconds West 579.55 feet to the place of beginning The redemption period bhall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 196T, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: June 20, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1387960 121872 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Chad N. Klutman, Jennifer Klutman, husband and wife, to Fifth Third Mortgage - Ml, LLC, Mortgagee, dated January 3, 2017 and recorded January 10, 2017 in Instrument Number 2017-000288 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by Fifth Third Bank as Successor by Merger to Fifth Third Mortgage Company, by assignment There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Two Hundred Thirty-Eight Thousand Forty-Five and 75/100 Dollars ($238,045.75), including interest at 4.25% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on JULY 18, 2019. Said premises are located in the Township of Yankee Springs, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: Unit No 57, Pleasant Valley Condominiums, a Condominium according to the Master Deed recorded in Document no. 1132867, inclusive and amendments thereto, Barry County Records, and designated as Barry County Condominium Subdivision Plan No. 37, together with rights in General Common Elements and Limited Common Elements as set forth in the above Master Deed and as described in Act 59 of the Public Acts of 1978, as amended. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: June 20, 2019 File No. 19-005221 Firm Name: Orlans PC (06-20)(07-11) 121806 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee for any reason. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest, and the purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Notice is hereby given that the below mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the Circuit Court of Barry County at 1:00 pm on July 11, 2019. Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Teresa M Cheeseman and Anthony E Cheeseman wife and husband Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Nationstar Mortgage LLC, its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Mr. Cooper Date of Mortgage: July 10, 2013 Date of Mortgage Recording: July 2g, 2013 Amount claimed due on mortgage on the date of notice: $102,368.04 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in the Township of Rutland, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Lots 283 and 305 of Algonquin Lake Resort Properties Unit No. 2, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 2 of Plats on page 63. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from th^ date of such sale, or upon the expiration of the notice required by MCL 600.3241 a(c), whichever is later; or unless MCL 600.3240(16) applies. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: 06/06/2019 Potestivo & Associates, P.C. 310371 (06-06) (06-27) 120806 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on July 11, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Matthew Fahling, an unmarried man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): AmeriFirst Financial Corporation Date of Mortgage: January 21, 2015 Date of Mortgage Recording: January 26, 2015 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $140,614.65 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Yankee Springs, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: That part of the Northwest 1/4, Section 4, Town 3 North, Range 10 West, Yankee Springs Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: Commencing at the North 1/4 corner of Section 4, Town 3 North, Range 10 West; thence South 00 degree 55 minutes 34 seconds East, 2104.06 feet, along the West line of the Northeast 1/4 of Section to the point of beginning; thence North 89 degrees 02 minutes 31 seconds East 390.00 feet; thence South 00 degree 55 minutes 34 seconds East 252.00 feet; thence South 89 degrees 02 minutes 31 seconds West 390.00 feet to the West line of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 4; thence North 00 degree 55 minutes 34 seconds West 252.00 feet along said West line to the point of beginning. Subject to highway right of way for Norris Road. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: June 13, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1387107 (06-13) (07-04) 120858 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING NOTICE TO CREDITORS FILE NO. 1928214-DE In the matter of Gretchen VanderVoort. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS including: the unknown and unascertained heirs of Gretchen VanderVoort whose address(es) is/are unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on July 31, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. at Barry County Probate Court, 206 W. Court St., Hastings, Ml before Judge William M. Doherty P41960 for the following purpose: Petition for Probate, Admission of the will of the deceased and a determination of heirs. NOTICE TO CREDITORS: the Decedent, Gretchen VanderVoort died 04/22/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Highpoint Community Bank Personal representative, or to both the probate Court at 206 W. Court Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months of the date of publication of this notice. Date: 06/19/2019 Robert L. Byington 27621 222 W. Apple Street; PO Box 248 Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-9557 Highpoint Community Bank 150 W. Court Street Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-2401 122380 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE This firm is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information we obtain will be used for that purpose. Default has occurred in the conditions of a mortgage made by CHARLES HOWARD MUSTE and AMY ALISON LUCAS, husband and wife (collectively, “Mortgagor), to CHEMICAL BANK, a Michigan banking corporation, having an office at 333 E. Main Street, Midland, Michigan 48640-6511 (the “Mortgagee”), dated June 23, 2014, and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan on June 30, 2014, as Instrument No. 2014-006030 (the “Mortgage”). By reason of such default, the Mortgagee elects to declare and hereby declares the entire unpaid amount of the Mortgage due and payable forthwith. Mortgagee is the owner of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage. As of the date of this Notice there is claimed to be due for principal and interest on the Mortgage the sum of Ninety Five Thousand Six Hundred Forty Six and 47/100 Dollars ($95,646.47). No suit or proceeding at law has been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage or any part thereof. Notice is hereby given that by virtue of the power of sale contained in the Mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, and to pay the above amount, with interest, as provided in the Mortgage, and all legal costs, charges and expenses, including the attorney fee allowed by law, and all taxes and insurance premiums paid by the undersigned before sale, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by sale of the mortgaged fe^mises at public vendue to the highest bidder at the. east entrance of the Barry County Courthouse,in Hastings, Michigan on Thursday the 25th day of July, , at one o’clock in theUftemoori. The premises c^/eo by .the Mortgage are situated iri the Township of Yankee Springs, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and are described as follows: That part of the West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 15, Town 3 North, Range 10 West, Yankee Springs Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: commencing at the Southeast corner of said Section; thence North 89°19’06” West 1323.05 feet along the South line of said Southeast 1/4 to the East line of the West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of said Section; thence North 00°0t)’00” East 1170.0 feet along sail East line to the place bf beginning; thence South 90°00’00” West 662.48 feet; thence North 34°15’45” , West 80.0 feet; thence North 06°06’37” East 446.42 feet* thence South 90°00’00” East 660.00 feet to said East line, West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4; thence South 00°00’00” East 510.00 feet along said East line to the place of beginning. Also subject to a 66 foot wide easement for ingress and egress and utility purposes over the North 66 feet thereof. Together with all existing or subsequently erected or affixed buildings, improvements and fixtures; all easements, rights of way, and appurtenances; all rights to make divisions of the land that are exempt from the platting requirements of the Michigan Land Division Act, as it shall be amended; all water, water rights, watercourses and ditch rights (including stock in utilities with ditch or irrigation rights); and all other rights, royalties, and profits, relating to the premises, including without limitation all minerals, oil, gas geothermal and similar matters. Commonly known as: 9295 Longpond Green Lane, Middleville, Michigan 49333 P.P. #08-16-015-015-00, 08-16-015-015-20, 08-16­ 015-015-30 and 08-16-015-015-40 Notice is further given that the length of the redemption period will be six (6) months from the date of sale, unless the premises are abandoned. If the premises are abandoned, the redemption period will be the later of thirty (30) days from the date of the sale or upon expiration of fifteen (15) days after the Mortgagor is given notice pursuant to MCLA §600.324la(b) that the premises are considered abandoned and Mortgagor, Mortgagor’s heirs, executor, or administrator, or a person lawfully claiming from or under one (1) of them has not given the written notice required by MCLA §600.3241 a(c) stating that the premises are not abandoned. If the premises are sold at a foreclosure sale, under MCLA §600.3278 the Mortgagor will be held responsible to the person who buys the premises at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the Mortgagee for damaging the premises during the redemption period. Dated: June 20, 2019 CHEMICAL BANK Mortgagee Timothy Hillegonds WARNER NORCROSS + JUDD LLP 900 Fifth Third Center 111 Lyon Street, N.W. Grand Rapids, Ml 49503-2487 (616)752-2000 121807 Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads �Page 12 — Thursday, June 27, 2019 — The Hastings Banner HCDC divers score eight medals at Meijer State Games Hastings hosts Rotary district event Hastings Rotary Club hosted the installation of a new governor for District 6360 Monday: Hastings’ own Margie Haas (above). The changing of the guard also celebrated a new president for the Hastings Club, as Greg Randall (below) accepted the gavel from the prior president, Emily Doherty. The ballroom at the Walldorff Brewpub and Bistro hosted the installation as the district’s prior governor, Jim Cupper from the Kalamazoo Club, stepped down. The program featured keynote speaker Barry County Judge Michael Schipper who spoke about how “Rotary Connects the World." Hastings Community Diving Club Future Champion medalists include (from left) Abigail Dumond, Mikenna Caris, Maelea Martin, coach Todd Bates, Annabelle Kuck and Bethany Butchbaker. “Exceptional,” was the first word Hastings Community Diving Club coach Todd Bates used to describe his divers’ performance at the Meijer State Games last weekend. DIVING Hastings Com nunity Diving Club athletes parade in the opening ceremony at Fifth Third Ballpark. (Pnotos provided) All seven HCDC divers who participated in the meet earned medals in what was the club’s biggest meet of the season so far. “Every diver made it on to the podium. Seven divers, eight medals, Bates said. “There was TV coverage and media photographers following the divers everywhere from the opening ceremony to the diving events.” The State Games kicked off with an Olympic-style opening ceremony at Fifth Third Ballpark in Comstock Park, home of the West Michigan Whitecaps baseball team. Athletes paraded in according to their sport as they then watched the cauldron be ignited by former Olympian Dick Fosbury to signify the beginning of the Meijer State Games; then on to Holland for the diving competition. “It didn’t bother the divers at all having the media follow them around,” Bates said. “They just hopped up on to the diving boards and did their thing.” Future Champions from the Hastings Community Diving Club Abigail Dumond and Mikenna Caris won Meijer State Games' Championships. Future Champion silver medalists from the club included Annabelle Kuck and Maelea Martin, and Future Champion Bethany Butchbaker was awarded a bronze medal. In addition, national qualifying divers who competed in age-group events from HCDC included Sophia Scott who became a Meijer State Games Champion gold medalist on the 3-meter board and a silver medalist on the 1-meter board, and Aubrey Yarger who was awarded a silver medal in the 1-meter compe-; tition. “That was one for the books,” Bates said of the event as a whole. Orthopedic Care Close to Home Bryan Kamps, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon. After earning his medical degree from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, Dr. Kamps completed a transitional internship at Blodgett Memorial Medical Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, two years general surgery training at Michigan State University in Lansing, Michigan, and his residency in orthopaedic surgery at McLaren Regional Medical Center in Flint, Michigan. Dr. Kamps has nearly 25 years years of experience in orthopaedic surgery. Before coming to Spectrum Health, he was a surgeon at Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services in Gallup, New Mexico. He also was a surgeon for the U.S. Army Reserve with tours of duty in Bosnia, Afghanistan and Germany. Dr. Kamps is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. Dr. Kamps has relocated his practice from Spectrum Health Grand Rapids to the Orthopedic & Pain Clinic in Hastings. SPECTRUM HEALTH Pennock Bryan Kamps, MD Spectrum Health Pennock Orthopedics & Pain Center 840 Cook Road Hastings, Ml 49058 Hastings Community Diving Club coach Todd Bates is pictured with age group medalists (from left) Sophia Scott and Aubrey Yarger. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-07-04.pdf 0896975156995de95c6bf58f20f2d1d4 PDF Text Text Apartment project caught in waiting game Commissioners seek a scapegoat State finalist set for national competitions See Story on Page 2 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 12 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 1070490102590501889449058113421 a rie^e'" „na,vA ^«'';e«u'',46B^o94T- “ GS ANNER Thursday, July 4, 2019 V* 804879110187 PRICE 750 Double homicide case proceeds in Barry County Rebecca Pierce Hastings Live featuring Celtic and country music The Kilkenny Corkers will perform at noon July 5 for the Fridays at the Fountain concert ion the Barry County Courthouse lawn in downtown Hastings. The group plays a variety of traditional Celtic, folk and Americana on instruments guitar, viola, and cajon drum. That evening the Friday Night Feature will go country with the Kari Lynch Band, beginning at 7:30 p.m. at Thomapple Plaza The Nashville, Tenn.-based band has played thousands of shows across the U.S. and abroad, released original music and videos and played to crowds in the tens of thousands. The concerts are free, and seating is ! first-come, first-served. Guests should bring their own chairs or blankets. More information can be found at https:// downtownhastings.com/events or face­ book .com/hastingsmi .org/. Car seat check scheduled July 9 Troopers and deputies from the Michigan State Police and Allegan County Sheriff’s Department will conduct a car seat check Tuesday, July 9, from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Gun Lake Tribal Public Safety garage. Representatives from Gun Lake Tribe and Helen De Vos Children’s Hospital will assist with the event, which is free and open to anyone who wishes to have a child’s car seat or booster seat checked or installed. Car crashes are the leading cause of inju­ ry and death for children age 3 to 14 years old, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Correct car seat use can reduce injury to children by 71 to 82 per­ cent compared to seat belt use alone. The Gun Lake Tribal Public Safety garage is at 2872 Mission Drive, Shelbyville. Although an appointment is recommended, walk-ins are welcome. Further information can be obtained and appointments made by calling the Wayland Post, 269-792-2213. All Hastings alumni invited to banquet The Hastings High School class of 1949 has a unique graduation story. The 117 class members received their diplomas at Johnson Field, the first outdoor gradua­ tion. The outdoor venue was a necessity due to a fire at Central Auditorium two days prior to the scheduled graduation. With no backup plan - since the field was the backup plan - the weather had to cooperate. And it did, almost. As if it were some sort of “fire and water” joke, rain fell - only during graduation ceremonies, causing administrators and students to rush through the ceremony and push deco­ rum aside. The class of 1949 will be honored at this year’s alumni banquet for its 70^ anniver­ sary reunion. While other classes may not have had such dramatic elements, every class has special memories. Alumni are invited to relive those memories and reconnect with classmates and school mates at the Hastings High School all-grades reunion the Friday of Summerfest, Aug. 23. The reunion, which includes dinner and plenty of time to visit, is open to all Hastings alumni. Tickets for the banquet are now avail­ able for $25 per ticket and can be pur­ chased at Hastings Public Library, the General Store or from alumni board mem­ bers. Nominations for Alumnus of the Year are due by July 15. Nominating letters may be sent to Lois Bowers, board president, 102 E. Clinton St., Hastings MI 49058. Editor An angry altercation quickly escalated into violence and tragedy June 21 in Orangeville Township, according to a probable cause affi­ davit filed in the case against Jon Burnett. A hearing was slated Wednesday for the 63-year-old Plainwell man charged with mur­ dering two men, assaulting his wife and com­ mitting five other felonies near his 8115 Lindsey Road residence that afternoon. Burnett was arraigned June 24 before Barry County District Court Magistrate Frank Hillary, who set bond at $10 million. Burnett faces two counts of open murder in the shooting deaths of Gary L. Peake, 73, of Plainwell, and Bryce Nathan DeGood, 21, of Haslett; assault by strangulation and felonious assault of his wife, Lynne Burnett; and four counts of committing felonies with a firearm in Barry County. Since Burnett’s arraignment, more infor­ mation has become known about the sequence of events that afternoon. The affidavit, released by Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt, provides a police account of what happened after sheriff ’s deputies were alerted. Police were first notified of the physical altercation at 2:45 p.m. Friday, June 21, after Lynne Burnett sought help from a sheriff’s deputy who was parked at the Barry Township Police Department. Burnett drove up, identi­ fied herself and told the officer that her hus­ band had a gun and had threatened her with it. About one to two hours earlier, she told the officer, she had been at home with her hus­ band and a woman who used to live with the Burnetts. The woman, who was not named in the document, had driven up in a van and, assisted by two other people who had come with her, retrieved some items she had left at the Burnett residence. Just as they were fin­ ished loading the van, Jon Burnett came out of the house with a handgun. “He had the gun in the air and was yelling at the woman to get off his property,” the affi­ davit states. “The van left, and Lynne turned around and pushed Jon in his chest, asking him what his problem was. Jon was still point­ ing the gun in the air. “Jon yelled at Lynne and said that he would shoot her, too. Jon grabbed Lynne with one hand around her throat, still holding the gun in the other hand. She shoved Jon back, and then began wrestling with Jon’s arms trying to get his hands away from her neck and also trying New superintendent starts in Hastings Rebecca Pierce Editor “Good luck on your first day!” That text message on Monday to Hastings’ new Superintendent Dan Remenap was from his favorite teacher: His dad. Remenap, 47, of Grandville, comes from a family of teachers and school administrators - his father, his sister, his brother, his uncle. “It’s just in our blood,” he said during an interview in his office. Education is hard work and he works hard at it. When he was principal at Allendale Public High School, he knew the name of every stu­ dent. There were 700. There was no special trick to make it easy, he said. He had to study class composites until he could correctly con­ nect the names with faces. He intends to devote that same level of attention to personal connections with people in Hastings. “The first step is building relationships and being very intentional about it,” Remenap said. “Having an open door. And I’m going to be listening like crazy.” “That stack of papers over there,” he said, gesturing to his desk where documents were stacked in two neat piles, “those are notes from listening to people.” The first challenge will be to learn what the community values and to build trust, he said. “That’s a word I hear over and over,” he said. “There’s a little bit of a splintered com­ munity.” Remenap has met with people from differ- Superintendent Dan Remenap, now officially a Saxon, in front of a display of historic school memorabilia. ent sides of that “splinter,” he said, “and when you sit and listen, there’s much more in com­ mon than not. “The question is: How can we help kids? How can we get on the same page? ... As a district, we have to be very clear, very trans­ parent, how we prioritize what we spend our See SUPERINTENDENT, page 3 to keep the gun away from her. She was yell­ ing at him, and they were both out of breath. She then just dropped her arms and gave up. Jon then let her go, and he turned and walked back to the house. Lynne ran to the bam to compose herself, and then after several min­ utes, she went back to the house. Jon was still there, and she heard him racking a shotgun. She saw Jon in the living room with a shot­ gun. She went to her car and left.” Shortly after that, Lynne Burnett located the sheriff’s deputy. While she was talking to the deputy, another officer was dispatched to the scene near Lewis and Lindsey roads in response to a report of a man lying in the roadway. The deputy arrived and identified the man lying in a ditch along Lindsey Road as DeGood, who was subsequently pronounced dead of a gunshot wound to the head. A man with a pink pistol, later identified as Burnett, was sitting on a rock near the intersection, the deputy reported. While the officer was with him, “Burnett stated that he shot the individual nearby [DeGood], and he also stated that he shot his friend, Gary, at Gary’s residence,” the affida­ vit states. The officer said he “transported Burnett to a nearby residence at Burnett’s direction and subsequently located Gary L. Peake, deceased from gunshot wounds to the head and neck.” Nakfoor Pratt told the Banner that Burnett had made statements to police after he was in custody. These statements are an exception under the Miranda warning, she said. Miranda requires police to notify criminal suspects of their right to remain silent. The prosecutor said the Miranda warning would not apply in a case where a suspect under arrest makes spontaneous, unsolicited statements. Burnett’s defense attorney, Steven Storrs of Hastings, spoke to the Banner Monday and could not confirm if the probable cause con­ ference would take place as scheduled Wednesday. He said he had no comment on the case. The prosecutor said a probable cause con­ ference is a court proceeding scheduled prior to a preliminary examination. It applies to felony cases and provides an opportunity for the prosecution and defense to work out some of the details of a case as it proceeds through the court system. Commissioners wrangle over who should pay for COA roof repair Rebecca Pierce Editor A request for $25,750 to repair a leaky roof at the Barry County Commission on Aging sparked a disagreement between commissioners Tuesday about who should pay for it. It came as no surprise to commissioners that the COA building had sprung another leak. But, when COA Executive Director Tammy Pennington asked commissioners to cover the repairs, Commissioner Jon Smelker asked why these repairs wouldn’t be paid for out of the COA fund balance. “We are spending out of the fund balance on a regular basis to provide services to seniors,” Pennington said. Then Smelker asked how much was in the fund. Pennington said about $314,000, but that doesn’t include the new building fund, which is an additional $380,000. Those funds need to be maintained to keep services where they are, she told com­ missioners. Commissioner Ben Geiger entered the discussion at this point. “We’ve known the COA is falling part,” Geiger said. “It’s ranked our worst facility; it’s tied with our Barry County Jail. “...I don’t want to put more money in this money pit. I want a new COA building.” Since voters have already said no to a millage for a new COA building, Geiger suggested an amendment to the motion that recommending board approval to pay True Colors Industrial, LCC, which submitted the only bid, for the roof repair, to be paid out of the county building rehabilitation fund. The amendment added: “And to direct County Administrator (Michael Brown) to determine financing costs of building a new COA building using existing reserves, bonds or USDA loans.” “Let’s just find out how much it’s going to cost if we paid for it without public mill­ age,” Geiger said. “How much can the COA absorb? We’ve got to look at it sometime and it seems like this a logical place to do it. How much is it going to cost us without a millage? We have rough figures, what would it look like in our budget?” David Jackson supported Ben Geiger’s motion. During the discussion, Smelker pointed to a problem of county board consistency. “We put roofs on Charlton Park. Now we’re going to put a roof on COA. Transit has had a roof put on. Can they come in and ask to be reimbursed for that? Thornapple Manor, 911... are they all going to come in and ask for a roof when they have a fund balances?” “The millage-based departments around here don’t seem to watch over the buildings that they’re in,” he said. “We’re opening a can of worms here. By putting roofs on buildings when there are fund balances. Also, on the motion you proposed. The voters voted down the millage. Now you’re See COUNTY BOARD, page 3 M-43 pumping expedited, road may open today Luke Froncheck Staff Writer Swamp draining is underway in Barry County and M-43 is likely to open this week* county Drain Commissioner Jim Dull said. That’s sooner than what the Michigan Department of Transportation had reported last week — but not as fast as Dull initially Section of pipes are placed where they will be run from M-43 to West Cloverdale Road through a wooded area on the right. From there, water will be pumped to Cloverdale Lake. See PUMPING, page 2 �Page 2 — Thursday, July 4, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Downtown apartment project caught in waiting game Doug VanderLaan Contributing Writer Lugging plans under their arms and pencils in their pockets to city planning commission meetings have become the force of habit for developer Marvin Helder and architect Jeff Haywood. The pair needed neither in Hastings Monday evening during the latest round of their quest for site plan approval of a rental rehabilitation project at 118 Court St. Helder, who has completed several residen­ tial conversions of second-story units in downtown Hastings, is presently engaged in converting a large portion of a housing struc­ ture zoned for commercial space into a multi­ ple-family dwelling composed of five sepa­ rate apartments. Complying with city zoning requirements, which have undergone chang­ es, is his current challenge. “The proposal for converting an existing building from commercial to residential falls under the new zoning ordinance, making multi-family dwellings a special land use,” Rebecca Harvey, a planning consultant with Kalamazoo-based McKenna Associates, told planning commissioners at their monthly meeting. Harvey explained that, because Helder’s property at 118 Court St. is now part of the downtown district, different zoning require­ ments must apply. “You amended the ordinance to allow for changes in downtown projects, but that’s not an option for you here. Because this project falls under a special land use, a public hearing must be held and you have not held one.” In addition to the procedural oversights, Helder also is facing compliance issues regarding the size of the five individual apart­ ments he hopes to create and with lot setback requirements for a proposed covered porch and raised wooden walkway he hopes to add around the building. “One of the apartments is small by about 60 square feet, but that’s because of the con­ figuration of the building,” Helder said in regard to adhering to the 600-square-foot minimum space requirement. “Had we known about the [minimum space requirement], we would have been here a long time ago asking for relief.” Helder explained that, when the city eased minimum space requirements for second-sto­ ry downtown apartments, he assumed the same requirements would apply to his project at 118 Court St. He was also unaware of the special land use designation in effect. “The building has to be six feet from the back lot, but porches have to be 20 feet from the back lot line,” Helder said of the difficulty under those conditions to construct a wrap­ around porch. “So, we’re just kind of playing a game at this point.” Though the procedural parlay is extending his hoped-for completion date, Helder is con­ fident of a successful outcome. “I know, I know, the state’s waiting for you and I’m waiting for the state,” Helder said with a smile as he stood before commission­ ers. “It’s called hurry up and wait.” “This city and these people are great,” Helder said following the meeting. “They listen, they discuss, and they respond.” Planning Commission Chair David Hatfield indicated that the feeling is mutual and has helped commissioners, with Helder’s vision, to anticipate critical future planning issues. “We appreciate your patience and your cooperation,” Hatfield told Helder. “We can make this work with some small alterations.” Hatfield also mentioned to commissioners that additional discussion triggered by Helder and complemented by Harvey’s observations on population density and character is some­ thing the commission is going to want to consider. “I’d strongly look at your minimum square foot requirements,” Helder said, referring to the current 600-square-foot figure. “In Grand Rapids, they’ve just built 300-square-foot units in a 15-story building and they’re get­ ting $1,500 per month with parking fees, besides. “Younger people are not looking for a place to entertain. All they want is a place to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and a Pop Tart for breakfast. They don’t bring anybody over. If they want to see their friends, they go down to the Waldorff to see them. “New York City just this week passed an ordinance allowing 200-square-foot studio apartments. That’s like small business,” he said. In comments made after his presentation, Helder added to his belief that compact living in downtown areas is the key to reviving com­ munities, pointing out that a recent renovation of an 1,800-square-foot space in downtown Hastings - under the current 600-square-foot minimum - could bring three new residents downtown. Several planning commission members voiced support Monday. “Maybe we could look at changing some things, make it easier for someone to want to do this,” observed Commissioner John Resseguie. “There are people who have apart­ ments that could be renovated but they don’t want to go through the complications. It’s easier to put an apartment back in use than it is to build a new one.” Harvey confirmed that communities all over the country are dealing with the same issue, many of which encounter the concerns of existing residents about how increasing population density will affect property values and the character of their communities. “Allowing for smaller homes does increase density,” Harvey reminded commissioners, “but it also allows homes to be more afford­ able for people, too.” The Hastings Planning Commission meets for its next regular meeting Monday, Aug. 5, at which time the public hearing for Helder’s project will be conducted. PUMPING, continued from page 1 Ross Jackson of Jackson Excavating drops a load of stones around the outlet pipe that empties into Cloverdale Lake. The water from the flooded area of M-43 will be pumped into Cloverdale Lake. The plans for multi-family housing at 118 E. Court St. are on hold for another 30 days, awaiting a required public hearing by the Hastings Planning Commission. An SUV slowly passes an excavator on West Cloverdale Road as Ross Jackson of Jackson Excavating waits to move another load of stones to where the water will be pumped from flooded M-43 into Cloverdale Lake. The outlet pipe runs under the road to the lakeshore on the left. See a Doctor Online 24/7 When you're feeling sick, you don't want to wait for an appointment. Especially when you can see a doctor right away using your phone, tablet or computer for $59 or less per visit. Visit bronsonhealth.com/videovisit to download our app and get the care you need now. © Bronson pnnect Video Visit expected. “We’ve got to get thi§ thing rolling,” Dull said. “I still think July 4 is reasonable.” That goal is good nev|s for the more than 3,300 motorists who MDpT officials say typ­ ically use that section of M-43 west of Cloverdale Lake on a daily basis. The road has been closed since May. A system was installed last week to remove water from the swamp ;west of M-43 and pump it into nearby Cloverdale Lake. Dull said the swamp is at a higher level than nor­ mal and pumping will not drain the swamp entirely, but it will bringfet back down to its normal level. “There won’t be any environmental impact,” he added. Dull said an additional pump is pulling water from Cloverdale Bake and pushing it into Long Lake at a faster pace than the water naturally coming into Long Lake. The permit issued by the state department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (formerly DEQ) allows for water to be pumped out of the swamp and into Cloverdale Lake at a rate of 800 gallons a minute. The permit also allows for water to be taken out of Cloverdale Rake and into Long Lake at 900 gallons a minute, resulting in 100 gallons coming off Clpverdale Lake and removing the floodwater covering M-43. The plan has always beCn to bring the water from the swamp on the east to Cloverdale Lake on the west side of the road. But the solution took a while to implement, Dull said, because he was vehemently opposed to it until further planning figured out exactly how they could move the water from Cloverdale Lake. He was against the idea of just pumping more water into the lake without simultane­ ously removing water from that lake. Cloverdale Lake is currently 20 inches above the highest point of the pipe regulating the water level of the lake and 30 inches above the lake’s set low point. Once M-43 is open, Dull’s plan is to scale back on pumping but to continue to move water from Cloverdale Lake into Long Lake. The M-43 closing has created a problem for area motorists as they’ve been forced to find different routes when traveling through the highly-trafficked area. The closure has pushed motorists to take the designated detour around Cloverdale Lake utilizing Stevens, Miller, and Gilkey Lake roads. However, some drivers have opted to use Kingsbury Road instead of the designated routes. The pumping also will provide relief to Wilkinson and Jones lakes which are “way too high,” according to Dull. Those lakes are directly connected to Cloverdale Lake and, as the Cloverdale Lake level begins going down, Wilkinson and Jones Lakes will go down as well, Dull says. Dull also says the road commission and MDOT have been great to work with through­ out the process. “If we could get EGLE to work with us as well as everyone else has, we’d definitely have something,” Dull said. Lake flooding abounds in Barry County Luke Froncheck Staff Writer Eight lakes in Barry County are in a state of flooding, county Drain Commissioner Jim Dull said. Here’s Dull’s status report of the situa­ tions at those eight lakes: • Pine Lake. The natural level sits at 890.4 feet. It is currently at 894.1 feet. Dull reported that it is 6 inches higher than his­ torically reported. Some 37 residents have sent Dull’s office images of their flooded houses and garages. Pine Lake is in north­ western Prairieville Township. • Crooked Lake. The last recorded level is 928.125 feet. Dull said it has dropped three-eighths of an inch since the last time the drain commission office checked. The pumping to the former Darrell Jones prop­ erty is underway. Dull said that pumping is making a difference because, since pump­ ing began, “we got 5 inches of rain and still brought the lake down 2 inches.” Crooked Lake is in Barry and Prairieville townships. • Wall Lake. This lake is 4 or 5 inches above Ms normal level. There is some prop­ erty owner concern over flooding on the Little Cedar. He also says the drain com­ mission has not been able to get easements from property owners. Once easements are obtained, a permit can be filed with the state office of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. Wall Lake is in southern Hope Township. • Shelp Lake. This lake is 6 feet above Pine Lake’s level, putting it at 900.1 feet. According to Dull, the water is high, but the people on the lake are not seeking any inter­ vention. Shelp Lake is in northwestern Prairieville Township. • Wiley Lake. This lake is “just high,” Dull said. There is no reported lake level, no outlet, and still some affected residents. Wiley Lake is in southeastern Orangeville Township. • Cloverdale Lake. The relief for high water here is currently underway now that work has begun to open M-43 east of the lake. Some 800 gallons of water is being put into the lake from the swamp east of the road while 900 gallons of water is being taken out of the Cloverdale Lake and pumped into Long Lake. Cloverdale Lake is in Hope Township. • Wilkinson and Jones lakes. These two lakes are connected to Cloverdale Lake. As Cloverdale Lake’s level is lowered, the water level on these two lakes will be brought down as well. Wilkinson and Jones lakes are in southwestern Hope Township. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 4, 2019 — Page 3 COUNTY BOARD, continued from page 1 going to bypass the voters and try to go a dif­ ferent way to get the building. You think that’s what the voters wanted? “Yes,” Geiger replied. “I don’t,” Smelker said. “They said ‘no’ to paying more taxes,” Geiger maintained. “So we’re going to find a way to do it without more taxes. I don’t think they said ‘no’ to the building.” Smelker responded, “So you’re going to want the COA to make payments on this building when they couldn’t pay for the roof?” “No,” Geiger replied. “What I’m saying, Jon, is we need to know how much it’s going to cost every year.” “We can determine who pays for it later,” Geiger said, eliciting a short laugh from Smelker, who said: “I thought it vas a $6 million building.” That was the figure for a new COA build­ ing that commissioners were given last week by Tower Pinkster, the consultant hired to analyze options for a new COA building. “What can the COA absorb in their bud­ get?” Geiger pointed out. “That we don’t know. If... we sold bonds to bondholders and used the building fund money that they have, maybe some of the above-the-cap dollars. Put a down payment on a loan. What would the monthly costs or annual costs be? “Do you think it’s right to go back to the voters and ask for it again?” Geiger asked Smelker. “I don’t know (on) that point,” Smelker said. “... we can put a roof on that building. Then I believe we can go back to our master facilities plan. We can bring the jail up next... and that you know you’re going to have to go for a millage.” Geiger told Smelker they were debating two different issues: Geiger was talking about different sources of funding for a COA build­ ing project. Smelker was focused on paying for the roof repair out the COA budget. “As it should have been years back, when it started leaking,” Smelker remarked. Pennington corrected commissioners, say­ ing that the COA has paid for roof repairs in the past. Jackson said he agreed with Smelker that the county board is in a position of setting a bit of a precedent, adding, “It’s important that we take care of the emergency fixes like this.” But he supports looking at some creative ways to approach the issue of a COA building. “We’ve done a ton of this work,” Jackson pointed out. “In business, it’s called low-hang­ ing fruit. Why not look at the resources avail­ able in the county? Let’s give the taxpayers a gift and not throw a millage at them. Look creatively to get the groundwork moving on the COA and then focus on the jail.” Geiger remarked, “We don’t need any more studies. We know how much a new building is going to cost.” When the commissioners had a voice vote on the recommendation to repair the COA roof with the Geiger amendment, it failed, 3-3, with Chairwoman Heather Wing, Howard Gibson and Smelker against it and Commissioners Dan Parker, Jackson and Geiger for it. When the vote was taken on COA roof repair, though, the ayes had it, but Gibson Barry County Commissioners Jon Smelker (left) and Ben Geiger debate Tuesday whether the county should pick up the cost of roof repairs for the Commission on Aging building in Hastings. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) SUPERINTENDENT, continued from page 1 g * voted against it. Gibson later said he was steadfast in his view that the COA, with its fund balance, should cover the cost of the repairs. Smelker pointed out that the vote on the repairs was only a recommendation from the Committee of the Whole; board action won’t be taken until the board meeting next Tuesday. Geiger’s proposal to recommend asking the county administrator to determine financing costs for a COA building using existing reserves, bonds or USDA loans was approved on a voice vote with no dissension. In other business, the commissioners: • heard a presentation from Kevin Schoen, CEO of ACD.net about a “Connect Michigan Communities” broadband project that would involve applying for government grants to fund gigabit fiber for homes in underserved areas, such as Barry County. • recommended the purchase of a new 2019 GMC Terrain for the county Trial Court Family Division replace a vehicle that was totaled in a June 20 accident. No one was injured in the crash and the county employees were not at fault, according to county offi­ cials. • recommended replacement of a 2020 Lund Model 1800 Alaskan marine patrol ves­ sel for the sheriff’s office for $25,128. The 2001 Lund vessel it replaces will be sold by sealed bid to the highest bidder. • recommended approval of changes and additions to the county Information Technology security policy. • recommended the purchase of new furni­ ture for the Adult Specialty Court Office for $14,901.60 to Interphase Interiors and $665 to Office Depot and office dividers for the Family Division clerical office for $2,199.86 - a total of $17,766.46 - to be paid from the Capital Replacement Fund. Women’s Giving Circle contributes to Family Promise About 100 members of the Women’s Giving Circle of Barry County met in early May and decided to contribute collective donations of $8,060 to Family Promise of Barry ; County. Members agree to pay $50 at each quarterly meeting and determine which ; area organization will receive their collective funds. Pictured as the check is presented are (from left) Martha Gibbons, executive director of Family Promise; Nancy Goodin; • Dr. Kimberly Norris; and Pastor Kim Metzer of Hope Church. The next meeting of the Women’s Giving Circle will be Wednesday, Aug. 1 at the Gilmore Car Museum. The meeting will begin with dinner at 6 p.m., (members pay directly to the caterer or restaurant the night of the event.) As recipient of the May meeting funds, a representative of 'Family Promise of Barry County wilt speak about howlhe donations ; will benefit the program. The second speaker of the evening will be Bonnie Gettys, who will share information about the Barry County Early Education Initiative Fund of: the Barry Community Foundation. Reservations can be made by email to Goodin, NanGoodin@aol.com or by calling 616-891-0325. • Are Your Assets At Risk — Reasons Why You May Need Help : From Our Michigan Medicaid Planning Attorney Dan Remenap, the new superintendent for Hastings schools, had his first official day on the job Monday. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) money on.” The district has what he calls “facilities challenges” - dilapidated lockers, worn car­ peting, leaking roofs. “Our teachers’ teaching conditions are our kids’ learning conditions,” he said. “There’s work to be done.” As far as some residents’ criticisms of school officials for those conditions, that view makes sense to him. “When you do your own budget, you take care of your ‘have to’s’ first,” he pointed out. “There are people who believe we should have taken care of those needs first. Our kids deserve it.” No matter the differences between people, Remenap focuses on their shared values and he expresses a strong belief in the power of education to change lives. He has seen its impact. When he was attending Grandville High School, his father was the principal there. That made for some situations - some good (he always had a car he could use) and some not so good (staff members who didn’t care for his father treated him differently). As an undergraduate at Central Michigan University, Remenap majored in English, and sought a minor in math to be more market­ able. He liked teaching both English and math, but he said he was probably best at teaching Algebra I. “One of the reasons I was a good Algebra I teacher, humbly, was because I took it twice,” he admitted. ”1 got a C in it and my dad made me take it again. And I remember so well taking it the second time and going,” he snaps his fingers here, “ ‘Ah, a variable! I get it, I get it!”’ The experience helped him, as a teacher, understand the mistakes that some students made. “When a kid asked a question, I thought: ‘I know exactly what you’re thinking Longstreet Elder Law & Estate Planning, P.C. helps clients protect their assets by developing estate plans that keeps their property safe. An asset protection plan is an important element of an estate plan. Individuals who do not take steps now to protect their assets may jeopardize their own financial security and lose the inheritance they intended to leave for their children. FOUR QUESTIONS YOU NEED TO ASK YOURSELF ABOUT ASSET PROTECTION * What is the size of your estate? New Superintendent Dan Remenap stops by the office of Assistant Superintendent of Operations Tim Berlin. because I screwed it up, too.’ ” Remenap earned a masters degree in educa­ tional leadership from Grand Valley State University in Allendale in 2003 and a special­ ist degree from GVSU in 2013. He’s working toward a doctorate in educational leadership at Western Michigan University. Remenap taught at Grandville High School from 1996 to 2006, was assistant high school principal at Spring Lake Public Schools from 2006 to 2009, then was named high school principal at Allendale Public Schools from 2009 until now. His father retired from teaching but still lives in Grandville. Remenap and his wife, Lesa, have two daughters. The youngest, Marlee, will be a junior at Grandville High School this fall. The oldest, Madelynn, graduated from Grandville and will be attending CMU this fall - and, it should be noted, she wants to be a teacher. Remenap mentioned seeing a comment on Twitter recently noting, sadly, that schools only prepare students to take more school: From elementary school, to middle school, to high school, to college. “We need to put as much time and resourc­ es into kids who are not college-bound as we do for kids who are college-bound,” he said. “It’s very important that kids leave here on a path.” If money was no object, Remenap said he’d like to make the following educational inno­ vations, in this priority: • Place full-time mental health counselors for kids at every school; • Have every high school student choose an adult mentor in either a career or job place­ ment, higher education or military service so that, upon leaving high school, every student would have a path to follow; • And, lastly, implement year-round school­ ing to fight the so-called “summer melt” set­ back. These ideas are strictly pie-in-the-sky, he emphasized. One strategy, however, is doable, Remenap said, “I absolutely think you can wrap your arms around a school district and create a family. That’s my goal anyway. I’m certain that that is possible.” If you have a large estate, your heirs may be required to pay estate taxes. Estate taxes could substantially reduce the value of your estate for your heirs. There are several estate planning tools that you can use to reduce the value of your taxable estate while protecting your assets from creditors and Medicaid recovery. * Do you have a business succession plan? If you own a business, it is crucial that you have a business succession plan in place. A business succession plan can make it easier for your heirs to transfer operations of the business to another person if you become incapacitated. When you die, your business succession plan can also make it easier for your heirs to sell or transfer the business. In some cases, you may want to have the business interest transfer to a trust to be administered for asset protection. * Do you have a plan for incapacity? Many people overlook the need to plan for incapacity. They may have an estate plan, but they fail to take steps to ensure that they can avoid the need for a guardian or conservator. They do not utilize tools such as a Durable Power of Attorney, a Health Care Directive, or a Living Will to ensure their wishes are carried out if they become incapacitated. Without documents in place that appoints someone to handle your financial matters, make health care decisions, and provide personal care, the court will appoint someone to make these decisions for you if you become incapacitated. • Do you have a long-term care plan in place? Even if you are not totally incapacitated, you may need long-term care in a nursing home or assisted living facility. Skilled nursing or assisted living facilities are expensive. The average nursing home charges between $8,000 and $12,000 per month for care. Medicare does not cover the cost of long-term care. Therefore, many people turn to Medicaid to pay for nursing home care. However, Medicaid has financial requirements to qualify for coverage. Depending on your financial situation, you may not qualify for Medicaid or Medicaid may place a lien on your assets to recoup its payments once you pass away. Your spouse or heirs could have nothing if Medicaid seizes property after your death. Our office can help you develop an asset protection plan that helps you qualify for Medicaid while protecting your assets. . It is never too early to begin planning for your future. Regardless of your age or financial situation, we urge you to consult with our office. Robert J. Longstreet Longstreet Elder Law & Estate Planning P.C. 607 North Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-3495 �Page 4 — Thursday, July 4, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you see? A park by any other name Commissioners seek a scapegoat Nashville’s Central Park will be renamed Emory Parady Park at the Nashville Sesquicentennial Celebration Aug. 2-4. Parady was a soldier who aided in the capture of Lincoln’s assassin, John Wilkes Booth, and later moved to Nashville where he contributed to the early civic and business commu­ nity. The Nashville Village Council voted to rename the park during the celebration, when a Michigan Historical Marker will placed in the park, commemorating Parady’s life in Nashville. The village is also wrapping up construction on an arch at the entrance, to show off the new name. (Photo by Tanett Hodge) We’re dedicating this space to a photograph taken by readers or our staffmembers that represents Barry County. Ifyou have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics. com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? Librarians unite Banner April 20,1977 Library Week - Barry County librarians met at the Hastings Public Library Monday, April 18, to receive from Russell Bender, chairman of the Barry County Board of Commissioners, copies of the board’s resolution proclaiming this as Library Week in Barry County. Present were (front, from left) Mrs. Gertrude Gaskill of Dowling; Chairman Bender; Clifford Dolan, president of the Hastings Public Library Board; Mrs. Helen Drake of Dowling; (back) Elizabeth Underwood and Carolyn Coleman of Hastings; Dorothy Texter of Delton; LaDuska Sheldon of Nashville; Edna Wise of Woodland; Eleanor Houvener of Delton; and Joyce Blough and Joan Christie of Freeport. Have you met? Christy Liabenow is the case manager at Green Gables Haven in Hastings, which pro­ vides a temporary, secure, nurturing environ­ ment of support to enable victims of domes­ tic violence to make appropriate life-altering changes. “Crisis situations don’t have to be navigat­ ed alone,” Liabenow said. “We are here to help.” When working with victims of domestic violence, positive outcomes are not as com­ mon, she said, but it thrills her heart when they do happen and the staff celebrates hugeiy“I feel so fulfilled when I see someone find the self-confidence and independence they deserve,” she said. “I love being part of giving them the tools to be self-sufficient. Seeing that keeps me going, even when the days are hard.” Liabenow was bom in Minnesota, but her family moved to the Lakewood area when she was 5. She graduated from Lakewood High School in 1999 and worked in various jobs in the area, gaining experience in man­ agement. She said she was working at the Hastings Country Club when Green Gables Director Janie Bergeron asked her to join their fundraising crew. In 2013, after five years, she was asked to join the staff as a shift employee. “I was pretty much trained and groomed for my present position,” Liabenow said. As case manager, Liabenow said she enjoys connecting people with the resources they need and helping people find hope. She said many people do not realize that supple­ mental to Green Gables’ 14-person shelter, its non-resident program offers services, such as legal advocacy, counseling and hous­ ing resources. “I want to see them be successful,” she said. “They deserve it.” First job: Dairy Queen in Lake Odessa. Person I most admire: My dad, John Liabenow. He is such a strong person. He has the most integrity of anyone I have ever known. Book I’d recommend: “Why Does He Do That?” by Lundy Bancroft. If I could have any superpower it would be: To make all foods carb-free. Greatest song ever written: Anything by Led Zeppelin. Christy Liabenow The program is self-funded and run off of fundraisers and a small grant. “We couldn’t do what we do without the support of this community,” she said. “They keep our doors open.” The Green Gables Crisis Hotline can be called any time at 269-945-4777. For her work to improve the lives and future of local families, Christy Liabenow is this week’s Bright Light. Favorite movie: “Almost Famous.” Best advice ever received: “Fake it ‘til you make it.” Favorite dinner: Grilled ribeye with mushrooms and onions. My biggest challenge: Going to work in the summer time. When I grow up I want to be: A stay-athome dog mom. What I’d do if I won the lottery: I would create a mass amount of affordable housing in Barry County. That is one of our clients’ biggest hurdles. Favorite childhood memory: Swimming at Podunk Lake at my uncle’s cabin. Hobbies: I love live music and go to a lot of concerts. I also like camping and am spending a lot of time planning my upcoming wedding. Greatest thing about Barry County: It is such a connected community and there are so many resources available. If someone is struggling, there is someone or something to help. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Hopefully, folks who attended the county board meeting two weeks ago checked their pockets on the way out the door. No sooner had financial auditor Joe Verlin of Grand Rapids-based Gabridge & Company delivered glowing praise for the efforts of commissioners and staff to keep the county financially stable than some commissioners already began planning how to spend down some of that security. The primary focus for their sticky fingers was the $9 million tax umbrella fund, a reserve fund used to cover ongoing county budget obligations, such as an unfunded pension liability that still stands at $15.5 million and to insure against other possible unexpected emergency contingencies. Some commissioners, though, are looking for a way to fund a new Commission on Aging building without going to taxpayers follow­ ing 2018 defeat of a $5.4 million millage request for a new building. Commissioner Ben Geiger was salivating over the possibility of bypassing taxpayer approval for a new building, asking County Administrator Michael Brown at the June 25 meeting how much of the tax umbrella fund would be available to build a new COA building. Noting that the current $9 million figure in the tax umbrella fund includes $1.2 mil­ lion over its designated “cap,” Brown noted that “the fund is there for a purpose. If you choose to spend below the cap, then there are implications that occur.” One of those implications could be put­ ting the county’s financial stability in jeop­ ardy, the exact point made by Verlin, the auditor, when he told commissioners “You guys are rare” for the level of fiscal respon­ sibility he sees - even beyond the dozen other counties he also audits. That praise was certainly earned by Brown. For some commissioners, it seems to have just triggered more sticky-finger thinking. Following Verlin’s accolades, commis­ sioners immediately turned the meeting conversation over to proposal options from the architectural, engineering and interior design firm of Tower Pinkster for a new COA building. The county, for a second time, has hired Tower Pinkster to review and compose a utilization plan for several county building facilities. An original plan had already been submitted in 2015 - at a cost of $50,000. This time, the firm has been asked, originally, to focus on space utilization concerns at the Barry-Eaton District Health Department, the Friend of the Court building on South Broadway and at the COA building on Woodlawn Avenue. Also on the docket will be planning discus­ sions for a new jail, another subject com­ missioners have been discussing for several years. Now, after spending another $50,000 in consulting fees, commissioners heard Eric Hackman, senior project manager at Tower Pinkster, say that his company had no rec­ ommendation on the best option for the county. “I thought it would be clear-cut,” Hackman said when outlining how to best design space for both the Friend of the Court and COA building. The variation in the four options he did present for consider­ ation came down to a difference of around $800,000. Hackman’s best guess would be to build a new 20,000-square-foot COA building as described in the 2015 report at a cost of $6.05 million. There also was discussion on consolidating the health department with FOC or the health department and COA, but the firm’s best projections on costs and the least amount of disruption and energy sav­ ings would be to build a new home for the COA. As the numbers clicked upward in the minds of those in attendance, Hackman reminded commissioners before he left that his company would get started with the sec­ ond project - plans for a new county jail. I don’t fault commissioners for planning, but I have grave concerns about how this latest round of preparing for the future is being conducted. For one, voters have already rejected a new COA building, and it now appears commissioners are looking to subvert the vote with plans to pay for a new building out of reserve funds specifically earmarked for other purposes. Two, by hiring a big and prestigious firm like Tower Pinkster to be part of the plan­ ning, commissioners - in a typical political maneuver - are also employing assistance to help convince taxpayers to say “yes” to their plan. Geiger suggested at the June 25 meeting that the county could absorb the cost of constructing a new COA building if it sold bonds or dipped into its reserve funds. That kind of subterfuge is exactly why politicians hire an “expert” as a scapegoat to convince voters that these projects must be done. What folks didn’t hear at the June 25 board meeting is that these two projects could cost taxpayers upwards of $30 million or more. According to commissioner Jon Smelker, who sounded like he was seeing through the smoke, “No matter what you do, you’re going to have to go for a millage.” Someone once said, “A good scapegoat is almost as good as a solution.” Well, here we are nearly five years after the first Tower Pinkster planning report and after spending over $100,000 on these experts - and the options are anything but clear-cut. The COA recently took bids for a new roof, giving the county and its taxpayers some time to really dig in to identifying the COA’s needs and what a new facility must look like to continue serving seniors today and tomorrow. That can be a productive opportunity, though, only if COA administrators and county commissioners come clean and tell taxpayers what the real plans are for a new COA and jail. At Tuesday’s county com­ mission meeting, it was revealed that the COA - as it was asking the county commis­ sion for $25,570 in roof repair funding - has actually stockpiled nearly three-quarters of a million dollars in fund balance and its own building fund. Why the request for more taxpayer money when there’s so much tax­ payer cash already being accumulated? And why did the COA present bids from just one company for the project? Only when our county leaders can assure us of total transparency will they gain the trust of taxpayers. Only when the real costs for a project are disclosed and only when a plan to responsibly meet those costs — along with an accounting of all stockpiled funds - can we move forward. America celebrates another birthday Today, our nation once again celebrates the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of our nation the official sign of American freedom which came 243 years ago. On that momentous July 4, John Adams said he believed it would be “the most memorable epoch in the history of America.” As we gather to celebrate our indepen­ dence, let’s not forget what our founding fathers suffered so we could be free, and let’s not forget what it’s allowed us to achieve. In a speech given in 1989, former President George H. Bush Sr. said, “After 213 years, Americans can say that the experiment is a resounding success. The Fourth of July is a time to rejoice in this success, which has inspired all who seek to break the shackles of totalitarian rule and breathe in the life-giving air of liberty.” Throughout our history, presidents have talked about the importance of liberty and freedom and the honor deserved by those who made the ultimate sacrifice to defend liberty and freedom. “This doctrine of national independence has shaken the globe - and it remains the most powerful force anywhere in the world today,” President John F. Kennedy said. “There are those struggling to eke out a bare existence in a barren land who have never heard of free enterprise, but who cherish the idea of independence. There are those who are grappling with overpowering problems of illiteracy and ill health and who are illequipped to hold free elections. But they are determined to hold fast to their national independence. Even those unwilling or unable to take part in any struggle between East and West are strongly on the side of their own national independence.” Amid all that inspiring and glorious his­ tory, though, the promise of freedom, liberty and justice for all has come into question in recent years, as our political landscape has gotten ugly, with little or no concern of the basic promise we all enjoy - the ideals upon which America was built. In the same speech, Kennedy went on to suggest that politicians seem fixated on what’s best for them rather than our nation. “Politics is a jungle, tom between doing the right thing and staying in office,” Kennedy said. Those words might be considered an uneasy fulfillment of the warning another great American president made nearly 100 years earlier: “America will never be destroyed from the outside,” Abraham Lincoln warned. “If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” Let’s celebrate the best of what we have as Americans with the understanding that our system isn’t perfect, but it’s still proven to be better than any other form of govern­ ment known to man. Happy Independence Day, America! Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. �The Hastings Banner —Thursday, July 4, 2019 — Page 5 Hastings High School announces final honor roll Hastings High School staff has released its honor roll for the second semester of the 2019-20 academic year. All grades are based on a cumulative grade point average starting with a student’s first semester of high school. Honor roll levels vary by grade. Students named to the honor roll include: 12th grade Committee service can provide a rewarding volunteer experience ; Dear Editor, Serving on the Barry County Parks and Recreation Board was one of the most reward­ ing volunteer experiences I had as a resident pf the county. I still receive “The Banner” and read in the June 20 issue that the Board of Commissioners are looking for new ways to recruit members for the voluntary boards and commissions serving the residents of the county. During the more than six years I served on ■the board, I was interviewed for the position three times. From my interview experiences, I know that the questions asked by commis­ sioners are made to help them make the best decisions. There is always an opportunity to ask questions of the commissioners. I always hoped that there would be other citizens who could present their interest in serving on the board. Several times, I was the only candidate. This was disappointing because that meant it would be even harder to help bring diverse opinions and experiences to the board. When I encouraged people I knew to serve on the board, I would hear comments like, “it takes too much time,” “I don’t know enough about serving on a board” and “sometimes 1 have conflicts with meeting times because I have family obligations.” These are issues that can be resolved through training, chang­ ing meeting times and understanding the need for flexibility. I would encourage anyone with an interest in helping the county create a vibrant future to bring those interests to the commission. It is an opportunity to work with people trying to achieve the same goals. The county needs to hear from new residents and those whose families have been in the county for genera­ tions. I would encourage you to attend a meeting of commission or board you are con­ sidering. Talk with current members and ask questions. If you want to help make Barry County a better place to live and work, please consider filling vacancies on boards or commissions where your experiences are valuable. Patricia Johns Grand Junction, Colorado Write Us A Letter: The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: • All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Know Your Legislators: Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). . State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855■347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House •Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. . U.S. Senate : Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. '20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510;2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room ■720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ '9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. The Hastings BcHUICI” Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO . ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County • NEWSROOM• (Editor) (Copy Editor) Rebecca Pierce Kathy Maurer Brett Bremer Tanett Hodge Taylor Owens Joan Van Houten $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 Top honors (4.0 and above) Noah Former, Katherine Haywood, Andrew Maurer, Alexis McDade, Katura Metzner, Kassidy Morgan, Grace Nickels, Kassidi Olson, Hope Peck, Megan Roe, Mary Youngs. Highest honors (3.75-3.99) Claire Anderson, Grace Beauchamp, Victoria Byykkonen, Whitney Carlson, Lauren Harden, Kelsey Heiss, Allie Homing, Gretchen James, Claudia McLean, Lindsay Meeker, Jeffrey Morgan, Sydney Pattok, Emmalee Peck, Nicholas Simonton, Benjamin Stafford, Lynnsey Thayer, Jessica Thompson, Lainey Tomko, Samuel Waller, Kassaundra Warner. High honors (3.25-3.74) Alfredo-Jose Arechiga, Allison Collins, Kaitlynn Elliott, Isaac Evans, Ryan Flikkema, Amber Fox, Garrett Gibson, Mikayla Guernsey, Hannah Hayes, Audryana Holben, Jack Horton, William Hubbell, Corbin Hunter, Elizabeth Jensen, Breana Leonard, Kenzie Maki-Mielke, Shiann Molette, Luke Morgan, Rylee Nicholson, Catherine O’Brien, Mackenzie O’Toole, Hailey Pacillo, Chloe’ Park, Maxwell Richards, Roger Roets, Caitlin Rose, Zarek Rudesill, Alexis Ruthruff, Mitike Slagstad, Kenneth Smith, Katelyn Solmes, Bailey Summers, Isaiah Taylor, Juan Vargas, McKenzie Vincent, Blake Walther, Elisabeth Youngs. Honor roll (3.0-3.24) Rian Allen, Blair Anderson, Miranda Armstrong, Shelby Bolen, Haliegh Burfield, Thomas Carpenter, Shannon Culp, Cody Dunn, Julia Ehredt, Cameron Ertner, Olivia Feldt, Olivia Hanson, Hannah Hawblitz, Devin Haywood, Ashton Lawens, Brea Madden, Nathan Madden, Dylan Mead, Gabrielle Nicholson, Conner Peterson, Hannah Porter, Hannah Radloff, Dylan Schaffer, Andrew Shaver, Matthew Sherman, Kaitlyn Shook, Mikaela Twigg, Trinity Yoder. 11th grade Highest honors (3.5 and above; * indi­ cates a 4.0 or above) Jonathan Arnold, Dane Barnes*, Joshua Brown, Shannon Brown*, Kayla Brzycki, Audrey Byykkonen*, Juan Calderon, Carter Cappon, Makayla Casarez, Kevin Coykendall, Benjamin Curtis, Erin Dalman, Karsyn Daniels, Elizabeth Gonsalves, Rae Herron, John Hinkle, Hannah Johnson*, Tyler Kaiser, Jaden Karnatz, Brenna Klipfer, Aidan Makled, Eleanor McFarlan*, Caeleb Meyers, Bailey Musculus, Kennedy Newberry, Kathleen Pattok*, William Roosien III, Ellie Saur, Anna Scheck*, Steve Schnur, Zachary Schnur, Elijah Smith, Matthew Sweeney, Camden Tellkamp, Kaylee Tigchelaar, Hay lee VanSyckle, Abby Zull. High honors (3.25-3.49) Hunter Allerding, Ireland Barber, Chelsea Beede, Elizabeth Beemer, Katherine Cook, Gracie Gillons, Blake Harris, Marcelo Hernandez-Avalos, Joseph Kalmink, Gracie Landes, Jamison Lesick, Earl McKenna, Jessica Mueller, Connie Ricketts, Braden Tolles, Andrew Vann, Alayna Vazquez, Paxton Walden, Sydney Wolf, Logan Wolfenbarger. 10th grade Highest honors (3.75 and above; * indi­ cates a 4.0 or above) Kirby Beck, Kierstyn Brisco, Ethan Caris, Ella Carroll, Aubree Donaldson, M. Grace Green, Rylee Honsowitz, Addison Horrmann, Jesse Hunt, Daisy Kerby, Shelby Lindquist, Alexander Malmquist-Hubert, Maggie Nedbalek*, Samuel Randall, Lauren Sensiba, Hannah Slaughter, Nicole Strouse, Lucas Teunessen, Aura Wahl-Piotrowski, Abigail Waller, Kayla Willard. High honors (3.50-3.74) . Nathaniel Birchfield, Austin Blearn, Skylar Dixon, Autumn Fox, Skyler Grego, Daniel Hall, Carter Hewitt, William Jensen, Rose Lambert, Jessica McKeever, Jacob Neil, Gavin Patton, Canton Pederson, Zackary Perry, Nathan Phillips, Ainsley Reser, Logan Smith, Nicholas Stafford, Corbin Ulrich, Javen VanZalen, Thomas Wickham. Honor roll (3.25-3.49) Kennedy Allyn, Jacob Arens, Valeria Arias, Aubree Bond, Kierstin Boulter, Haily Christie, Ryan Diljak, Mitchell Eldred, Aaron Gole, Rachel Graham, Alexia Herblet, Jade Hunter, Savana Leonard, August Malik, Juliann Meeker, Raven Morrow, Josephine Nickels, Bailey Nye, Grayson Patton, Lainey Smith, Leila Sweeney, Brynn Tumes, Michael VanDorp, Reese Warner, Emma White, Pheonix Work. Ninth grade Highest honors (3.75 and above; * indi­ cates a 4.0 or above) Ruby Barber*, Brianna Barnes, Andrew Bassett, Ty Burfield, Rory Campbell, Hannah Crozier, Hailey Graham*, Kali Grimes, Aihsley Jones, Connor Lindsey, Patrick Mallory*, Kiley Miles, Jenna Miller, Taylor Owen*, Matthew Pattok, Emily Roe, Harrison Smalley, Carissa Strouse*, Emma VanDenburg, Hannah Vann, Braden Vertalka, Owen Winegar, Sage Winters. High honors (3.50-3.74) Faith Beede, Riley Bies, Arian Bond, Matthew Bouchard, Anna English, Patrick Gee, Claire Green, Lindsey Herron, Wyatt Holman, Joseph McLean, BreAnn Micklatcher, Makayla Parsons, Andre Perez, Madison Pettengill, Phoebe Schantz, Allison Teed, Breanna Willard. Honor roll (3.25-3.49) Elisabeth Arnold, Justin Castelein, Marah Courtney, Jackson DuBois, Nina Giovannetti, Alexis Gummo, Bayleecia Hilt, Joslyn Hinkle, Kaycie Jenkins, Grace Kurr, Ethan Malik, Glen McFarlan, Abigail Owen, Mary Park, Dakota Roll, Caleb Teunessen, Mitchel Vann, Brooklynn Youngs. ‘I Am the Nation’ Otto Whittaker, Norfolk and Western Railway Company Magazine, Jan. 15,1976 I was born on July 4, 1776, and the Declaration of Independence is my birth cer­ tificate. The bloodlines of the world run in my veins, because I offered freedom to the oppressed. I am many things, and many peo­ ple. I am the nation. I am 213 million living souls - and the ghost of millions who jaave lived and died for me. I am Nathan Hale and Paul Revere. I stood at Lexington and fired the shot heard around the world.? I am Washington) Jefferson and Patrick Henry. I am John Paul Jones, the Green Mountain Boys and Davy Crockett. I am Lee and Grant and Abe Lincoln. I remember the Alamo, the Maine and Pearl Harbor. When freedom called, I answered and stayed until it was over, over there. I left my heroic dead in Flanders Fields, on the rock of Corregidor, on the bleak slopes of Korea and in the steaming jungle of Vietnam. I am the Brooklyn Bridge, the wheat lands of Kansas and the granite hills of Vermont. I am the coalfields of the Virginias and Pennsylvania, the fertile lands of the West, the Golden Gate and the Grand Canyon. I am Independence Hall, the Monitor and the Merrimac. I am big. I sprawl from the Atlantic to the Pacific ... my arms reach out to embrace Alaska and Hawaii ... 3 million square miles throbbing with industry. I am more than 5 million farms. I am forest, field, mountain and desert. I am quiet villages - and cities that never sleep. You can look at me and see Ben Franklin walking down the streets of Philadelphia with his breadloaf under his arm. You can see Betsy Ross with her needle. You can see the lights of Christmas, and hear the strains of “Auld Lang Syne” as the calendar turns. I am Babe Ruth and the World Series. I am 110,000 schools and colleges, and 330,000 churches where my people worship God as they think best. I am a ballot dropped in a box, the roar of a crowd in a stadium and the voice of a choir in a cathedral. I am an editorial in a newspaper and a letter to a Congressman. I am Eli Whitney and Stephen Foster. I am Tom Edison, Albert Einstein and Billy Graham. I am Horace Greeley, Will Rogers and the Wright brothers. I am George Washington Carver, Jonas Salk, and Martin Luther King. I am Longfellow, Harriet Beecher Stowe, Walt Whitman and Thomas Paine. Yes, I am the nation, and these are the things that I am. I was conceived in freedom and, God willing, in freedom I will spend the rest of my days. May I possess always the integrity, the courage and the strength to keep myself unshackled, to remain a citadel of freedom and a beacon of hope to the world. This is my wish, my goal, my prayer in this year of 1976—two hundred years after I was born. Source, Bartleby.com: This was originally written in 1955 as a public relations adver­ tisement for the Norfolk and Western Railway, now the Norfolk Southern Corporation, and did not contain the phrase, “the steaming jungle of Vietnam.” It has been widely reprint­ ed, generally without attribution, has been set to music, is reprinted by some newspapers every Independence Day, and has been read into the Congressional Record several times. What do you think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactiye public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by accessing our website, www. HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the fol­ lowing week. Last week: The absence of a state budget is leaving some local school districts in a financial lurch, requir­ ing them to obtain loans so they can meet their budgetary obligations. Should the state be required to pay the interest on these loans until the first state checks are received? Yes. 100% No 0% For this week: Barry County commission­ ers are considering changing the process for selecting peo­ ple to serve on various boards and committees. Some com­ missioners are proposing to have two or three commis­ sioners meet applicants, interviewing them privately. Do you think this is a good idea? □ Yes □ No We would like to invite the community to a WELCOME RECEPTION for Dan Remenap for new Superintendent of Hastings Area School System July 9, 2019 4:30 - 5:30 pm Commons of Hastings Middle School 232 West Grand St., Hastings �Page 6 — Thursday, July 4, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together ■■ ■ f ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingshopeumc. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office, greenstreetumc @ gmail. com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor; Ryan Rose, Family Life Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948-8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 exfob 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 ■ ■■ ■ ■ ' . • ■ ■ ■ . ■ ■ 1 . Shirley Ann Altoft Michael A. Campbell, Sr. Kenneth James Robbe DELTON, MI - Shirley Ann Altoft, age 83 of Delton, passed away June 29, 2019. Shirley was bom on September 25, 1935 at her parent’s home in Prarieville Township,. She attended Hastings High School, gradu­ ating with the class of 1953. Shirley worked for Hastings Manufacturing, retiring in 1986. She married Charles Altoft on January 31, 1970 and they were married 43 years, until his passing in 2013. Shirley loved spending time with her fam­ ily and all of her pets. She also loved play­ ing cards with her sister and brother-in-law, Loretta (Babe) and Lee Satterfield and their children and grandchildren or anyone willing to play. Shirley was preceded in death by her par­ ents, Nelson and Mildred Jones; husband, Charles Donald Altoft; daughter, Lynn Marie Gilbert and grandson, Collin Altoft. Shirley is survived by her son, Timothy Al­ toft; daughters, Pamela Kornstadt and Kim­ berly Vamey; grandchildren, Blake (Angeli­ na) Kornstadt, Jillian (Alex) Morrow, Ashley (C.J.) Young, Cassandra (Lucas) Hernandez, Shelby Vamey, Daniel Gilbert, Zach Vamey, and Gracie Farrah; great-grandchildren, Jo­ sephine Kornstadt, Charleigh Young, Blake Kornstadt Jr., Alexandria Morrow and Willow Vamey; brother, Darrell (Barbara) Jones, Sis­ ter, Loretta (Babe) Satterfield and husband, Lee, Nieces and Nephews, Dennis Jones, Ronald Satterfield, ^Vickie Jones-Hartman^ Laura Satte^eld-Nfi^ak^Dgbra Jones-John­ son, Pat Jones, Scott Satterfield, Mary Sat­ terfield Endsley, Susan Satterfield-Ski liman, and Andrea Jones. In lieu of flowers, the family requests me­ morial contributions to be made to Girrbach Funeral Home, to help with final expenses or the American Cancer Society’s Peter M. Wege Guest House Hope Lodge, 129 Jeffer­ son Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, ML Special thanks to Spectrum Health Hos­ pice for the amazing care for Shirley. Also immense gratitude and love goes out to Babe and Lee Satterfield and daughters, Laura, Mary and Susan for all the love and around the clock care for Shirley,the last months of her life. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 5, at the Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S. Broadway, Hastings. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 6, 2019 at Girrbach Funeral Home. Burial will take place at Rutland Township Cemetery. A luncheon will be held at Thornapple Valley Church, 2750 M-43, Hastings. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. DOWLING, MI - It is with tremendous sadness that the family of Michael Alidor Campbell, Sr. age 76, of Delton, announces the passing of our dear father, brother, grand­ father, church member and friend on Thurs­ day, June 27, 2019 at Select Specialty Hospi­ tal in Battle Creek. He was born November 29, 1942 in Battle Creek, the son of Glenn Newton Campbell and Clara Marie (Bruynooghe) Campbell. After the military service he worked as a tool and die maker until 1984 at Eaton Corpo­ ration, working on his apprenticeship even­ tually becoming a journeyman tool and die maker. He then worked at the Kellogg Com­ pany as a tool and die maker in the mechan­ ical department from 1985 until he retired in 2004. He received his education at Hastings High School graduating in 1960; he went to trade school through the Eaton Corporation for four years. He married the former Linda Rebecca Mitchell on May 24, 1966 in Altus, OK; however she preceded him in death on December 29, 2014. He is survived by daughter, Alicia Kay Campbell, Dowling; son, Michael A. and Shawn Campbell, Jr. of Bellevue; his grand­ daughter, Samantha Campbell of Bellevue; sister, Linda and Dick Adolph of Battle Creek; four brothers, Leonard and Kris Campbell of Dowling; Richard and Vai Campbell of Hast­ ings; Kevin “Kip” Campbell of Battle Creek; Martin and Melissa. Campbell of Dowling. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lin­ da, his father Glenn Campbell in July 1985; his mother Clara Campbell in 2001; and his brother: Glenn “Buzz” Campbell on Jan. 27, 2017. Michael served his country in the U. S.Air Force as an Airman Second Class serving as an air policeman guarding aircrafts from 1962 to 1966. He was a member of Our Lady of Great Oak Catholic Church in Lacey and had helped build the church. He was a behind the scenes kind of guy at the church, help­ ing where need be and also was an usher. He was a member of the NRA, a member of the Kellogg and Eaton’s Sportsman Club. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, working out in his yard, he cherished the love and companion­ ship of his dogs of all kinds through the years. Mass of Christian Burial was held on Tues­ day, July 9, 2019 at Our Lady of Great Oak Catholic Church, 6547 Lacey Road in Lacey with Reverend Father Francis Marotti offici­ ating. A luncheon at the church will follow the Mass with burial of cremains to be pri­ vate later at Union Cemetery in Maple Grove, Twp. Michigan. Memorial tributes may be made to: Our Lady of Great Oak Catholic Church (mail­ ing address) 11137 Floria Road, Delton, MI 49046. Arrangements by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, a member by invi­ tation Selected Independent Funeral Homes. (269)965-5145 www.bachmanhebble.com TUCSON, AZ - Kenneth James Robbe, age 92, passed away peacefully on January 17, . 2019 at his winter home in Tucson, AZ. He was born in Ypsilanti, the son of John and Hazel (Winters) Robbe. Ken married Cynthia Everett on September 7, 1947. He was an educator and taught at Tekonsha High School from 1950 to 1952. From 1952 to 1982 Ken was employed by Hastings Area Schools. He was principal of Hastings Junior High School from 1960 to 1982. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Cyn­ thia; son, Gary (Deborah) Robbe, Hastings; daughter, Kendra (Robert) Bethell, Marana, AZ; son-in-law John Matthews, Phoenix, AZ; grandchildren, Nathan Robbe, Middleville; Benjamin Robbe, Middleville; James (Heidi) Robbe, Round Rock, TX; Amy (Kyle) Pohja, Hastings; Ivory Bethell, Marana, AZ; Troy Bethell, Marana, AZ; Nadia Matthews, Phoeniz, AZ; Janelle (Sheree) Matthews, Los An- . geles, CA; Luke (Charisse) Matthews, Phoe­ nix, AZ; 11 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Margaret Climer, Michiwaka, Ind.; and many . nieces and nephews. A daughter, Rebecca, predeceased him in 2008. A memorial service will be held on July 8, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Visitation is at 10 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be,, made to the Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 315 W. Center St. Hastings, MI 49058, or to a charity of pne^’s chojce. v , 4. . . , Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings. org. Worship Service at 10 a.m. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945­ 9217. cbchastings.org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmaiLcpm. Website: www. hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAM­ ILY HOUR WELCOMES ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Pre­ school age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Stan­ dard and Adult Elective class­ es. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church age 4-4th grade dismissed during service. Sunday Evening Youth Group, Wednesday Mid-Week and Thursday Bible Study will resume in the fall. Thursday Brunch: June 27th & Aug. 8th at 9:30 a.m. Rummage Sale July 18-20. Thursday, 3-7 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m.-5p.m. & Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Backyard VBS, 6-8 p.m. for children ages 4-6th Grade. Monday, July 15th at Meadowstone Com­ munity Playground, Balsum Drive and Saturday, July 20 at 821 N. East St. Join us for a great time! GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God’s Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! . July 7 - Services at 8 & HASTINGS HIGH SCHOOL 10:45 a.m.; Executive Meeting 9:30 a.m. Monday- CLASS OF 1979 40 Year. Friday - Vacation Bible School 5:30-8 p.m. July 13 BOG Highway Cleanup. Meet at church 8 a.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@ grace-hastings.org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945-2698. www. grace-hastings.org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran ChurchELCA Hastings. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses' _ A- . Class Reunion Saturday, Aug. 24th 2019 103 W. State St., Downtown Hastings 6:30 pm - 11:00 pm PRICE: • $30 per person until Aug. 10 • $45 per person after Aug. 11 and at the door • Dinner & drinks included INFO: Hum Products MBHIWM HotUieM&MpHt 770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541 t Please make check* payable to: Katie Keller / HHS Reunion Mail to: Katie Keller 3080 Masters Point, Castle Rock, CO 80104 *Please include a maiden name and name of spouse or guest with payment. More info at: Facebook public group Hastings High Class of 1979 Alice Jean Clark HASTINGS, MI - Alice Jean Clark, age 89 of Hastings, passed away on July 2, 2019. Alice was born on November 12, 1929 in Hurricane, WV, the daughter of Dewey and Doris (Kinder) Rooper. She was a 1947 grad­ uate of Hurricane High School. On April 15, 1960, Alice married Billy C. Clark, and en­ joyed 35 years of marriage until his death in 1995. She worked as a secretary at Republic Steel in the 1950s and managed her husband’s company, Clark Trucking, in the 1960s. Alice was a 4-H leader and enjoyed sew-1 ing, crocheting, and oil painting. In later years, she liked to play bingo, bowling, and poker keno with her friends. Alice was preceded in death by her father in 1971; mother in 2006; granddaughter AL yssa in 1988; her husband in 1995, and her sister Sally in 2016. She is survived by her daughter, Carol (Tim) McNally; son, Albert Clark; seven grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sis­ ters, Juanita Thornton, Peggy Henderson, Becky Phelps, and brother, Wayne Rooper. A funeral service will be held at noon on Monday, July 8, 2019 at Girrbach Funer­ al Home, 328 S. Broadway Street, Hastings with a visitation one hour prior. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hast­ ings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday July 4, 2019 — Page 7 Wildlife conservation is focus for state this month Cathy and Don Williamson have been involved in the community for many years. Don Williamson named Middleville’s Hometown Hero Don Williamson’s friends know him as a quiet man - not one to boast or talk about all he’s done for the community. He values honesty and trustworthiness, takes pride in his community and family and is more than willing to take an active role to give back to his community and his school. Those qualities and his continued service to the community and Thomapple Kellogg Schools made him an easy choice to be named this year’s Hometown Hero by the Thomapple Area Enrichment Foundation. Williamson said he’s honored and surprised by the recognition. “It’s a nice honor, and I’m very proud to be following some big leaders in the community,” he said. His commitment and pride are obvious in many ways - love for his family, his community and his local school district, according to a press release from TAEF. Williamson has left a considerable impact on all, but talks mostly about giving back to Thomapple Kellogg Schools. “Giving back to Thornapple Kellogg was very high on my list of priorities. I always thought of school as a second home. People there have been good mentors and helped guide me to what I’ve been able to do,” he said. Williamson moved to Middleville from Grand Rapids when he was in the third grade and said it was the first time he really felt comfortable in school. “There [Grand Rapids] it felt like it was survival, and then when we moved here, I felt like it was home - and just a good place to be.” “I found a family in the school; teachers who cared enough to take you aside and deal with you as a friend and help you,” he said. “I hope it is still that way. This is a good place to rdise a family and feel like you belong.” He’s most proud of his role as a founding member and the first president of the Thomapple Kellogg Alumni Association, formed about three years ago. “To watch it grow in such a short time is my reward,” he said. “I’ve used this district for myself as a place to grow up, but I’ve put back into it as well. It’s called giving back.” This spring, the alumni association will award the first TK Alumni Association scholarship. As one of 49 members of the TK Class of 1957, Williamson also has been instrumental in establishing and awarding the Class of 4 57 Scholarship every year. He and his wife, Cathy, also started their own art scholarship awarded annually through the Thomapple Area Enrichment Foundation. He’s been a member of the Middleville Rotary Club, Lions Club, Lincoln Meadows Senior Living board, Thornapple Arts Council and Thomapple Area Enrichment Foundation, serving as president of each organization at some point. He also served 20 years on the TK Board of Education and was able to hand each of his four children their diplomas. Williamson received the TK Distinguished Alumni honor and is proud of the alumni association receiving the Community Partner Award by the Barry Community Foundation. He said he will be forever grateful to the school and community. He volunteers every year to be part of the career fair at Page Elementary School and talks to students about finding their passion and meaningful careers. He tells them about his former high school art teacher, Edna Bender, who strongly encouraged him to pursue an art degree. After high school, Williamson began eight years of service with the Army Reserves while also attending Kendall College of Art and Design. He earned a fine arts degree and later a master’s degree in fine arts from Western Michigan University. After working nine years in advertising and marketing, he returned to Kendall to become a professor and then later served as the dean of faculty for 29 years. His art teacher wasn’t the only one he remembers playing a large role in his life. During high school, Williamson was a decorated athlete, earning four varsity letters each in baseball and track and three each in football and basketball. Major League scouts visited to watch him play, and he eventually signed with the Detroit Tigers organization, playing with the Sullivans in the Grand Rapids City Majors, a Minor League team. “My coach, Bob White, was a very important mentor,” he said. “And there were many others.” While he’s been retired for several years, Williamson said art is still a big part of his life. “Painting or drawing every day is high on my list of me being me,” he said. “I paint for myself mostly. I give some of my paintings away and sell a few.” His “man cave 44 in the basement of his home is filled with art supplies, paintings he’s working on and several he’s already completed. 'He teaches art through TK’s community education programs and offers private lessons from time to time. His grandchildren each have a box of memories they’ve created with him over the years. Williamson’s most visible art is “The Reclaimed Spirit” sculpture and park in front of McFall Elementary. It stands as a lasting tribute to the former high school that was located on the site. The design features a curved walkway representing the Thomapple River and the sculpture made from bricks of the old school shows the path from the past to the future. He also enjoys going to art shows and playing golf regularly. He and his wife have four grown children - Melinda Cutlip, Don Williamson Jr., Stacey Willshire and Ken Williamson - and six grandchildren. All of his children graduated from TK, and his grandchildren either graduated from or are attending TK Schools now. Cathy Williamson worked in real estate for 30 years and was named the Michigan Realtor of the year in 1983. She served as a Barry County commissioner and was director of the Barry County United Way for five years. Don Williamson will be honored at the TAEF Hometown Hero dinner Thursday, Sept. 19. The dinner will be at the Barry Community Enrichment Center, 231 S. Broadway, Hastings. Tickets are $35 per person. A cash bar will open at 5:30 p.m. with dinner served at 6:30 p.m. Reservations may be made through the Barry County Chamber of Commerce online at http://bit.ly/ HTHTAEF. More information can be provided by calling Kristen Cove, 269-838-0424, or emailing kristen.cove@gmail.com. Michiganders now have another reason to celebrate in July beyond the Independence Day holiday, fireworks shows and summer festivals. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Legislature Thursday announced approval of a bipartisan resolution declaring July as “Michigan Wildlife Conservation Month.” The aim is to promote awareness of the nationally heralded efforts the state is making to ensure Michigan’s wildlife and natural resources are preserved for future generations. “Our state is recognized throughout the U.S. as a leader in wildlife management, so it’s appropriate that we celebrate Michigan’s many wildlife conservation success stories,” Whitmer said. “At the same time, it’s important for the public to know about the essential role hunters and anglers play in conserving, managing and protecting Michigan’s wildlife.” Highlighting the declaration of Michigan Wildlife Conservation Month is the kickoff of the first-ever traveling Michigan Wildlife Photo Mosaic Wall, which will allow thousands of Michigan residents and visitors to pose for free live-event, real-time photos illustrating how people are necessary for wildlife management. Beginning in July at popular public venues such as Comerica Park during a Detroit Tigers game July 6, John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids Aug. 1 and in Flint, Lansing and the Upper Peninsula at locations and dates to be determined, people will take photos in a booth that will automatically print their facial image as a sticker. Participants can engage in the interactive experience by placing their photo stickers on the mosaic board, which will appear as individual, 8-by 4-foot artistic images of wildlife such as an elk, peregrine falcon, wild turkey, Kirtland’s warbler and lake sturgeon. Following the statewide tour, the final versions of each Michigan Wildlife Photo Mosaic Wall will be displayed and permanently housed at the Michigan History Center in Lansing. “This is a terrific opportunity for people of all ages - from young children and families to teens and grandparents - to become part of a once-in-a-lifetime Michigan experience celebrating our state’s outdoor heritage in a fun and innovative format that will be preserved for posterity,” Michigan Wildlife Council Chair Matt Pedigo said. “Each of the images was selected to represent the unique relationship that exists between Michigan’s abundant wildlife, the people who take care of it and the people who enjoy it,” Pedigo said. “The photo mosaic wall makes everyone at the event feel like once you look at the big picture, we’re all in it together. From up close, you see individual photos - as you move farther back, the mosaic of each wildlife species’ beauty is revealed.” The proclamation of Juiy as “Michigan Wildlife Conservation Month” reflects that July 1 marked the 81st anniversary of the effective date for the Pittman-Robertson Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act, which ensured wildlife management projects nationwide would be funded by the purchase of hunting equipment. The proclamation also coincides with the five-year anniversary of the creation of the Michigan Wildlife Council, which is a bipartisan-approved panel tasked by the Legislature with conducting a public education campaign emphasizing the importance of wildlife management and the role hunting and fishing play in protecting and enhancing Michigan’s wildlife and natural resources. This year’s efforts emphasize that hunting and fishing licenses - not taxes - pay for the conservation of Michigan’s forests, waters and wildlife, said Sen. Jon Bumstead, R-Newaygo, who sponsored the legislation that created the council in late 2013. “Today, in no small part because of the council’s activities, research shows more Michiganders than ever are aware of the essential role hunting and fishing play in wildlife conservation,” said Bumstead, who noted that nearly $61 million was generated in 2018 for Michigan conservation through the sale of hunting and fishing licenses. Among the wildlife success stories that legislators, Whitmer and Michigan Wildlife Council members are encouraging Michiganders to celebrate are: -Recognition of the 100th anniversary of the successful reintroduction of Rocky Mountain elk to Michigan after near extinction. -The restoration of Michigan’s wild turkey population from 2,000 in 1960 to 200,000 today. -The comeback of species such as the peregrine falcon, Kirtland’s warbler and lake sturgeon, which were nearly wiped from Michigan’s landscape in the last century. Over the past 10 years, anglers have caught 14 state-record fish, which Michigan Department of Natural Resources Director Dan Eichinger hails as a4'tribute to the growth and health of the state’s world-class fisheries and the long-term management efforts that help sustain them.” “On behalf of the council, we want to thank Gov. Whitmer and the Legislature for their leadership and vision in placing a high priority on the benefits that hunting and fishing bring to our state,” Pedigo said. “Michigan is just the second state in the country to have created a wildlife council,” he said. “By working together, we’re winning national acclaim for the tremendous strides Michigan is making in informing those who don’t hunt or fish about the important role those pursuits play in our state.” According to a recent Michigan United Conservation Clubs study, hunting and fishing annually contribute $ 11.2 billion to Michigan’s economy and support 171,000 jobs, making the combination of activities one of the state’s top 10 job-creation industries. The economic benefits for local communities from those who hunt and fish are vital to continuing Michigan’s prosperity now and in the future, Amy Trotter, MUCC executive director, said. 4'People who never hunt or fish should have a new appreciation for the economic power Michigan’s hunters and fishermen deliver and that helps make our state a great place to live, work and play,” Trotter said. The state is marking July as Wildlife Conservation Month and illustrating the impact people have on wildlife by creating photo mosaics across the state. This sample shows the progress of how hundreds of photos collectively creates the image of a peregrine falcon. (Hereformioutdoors composite) jfewbom babies Catori Fate Frye, bom at Saint Mary’s Lincoln Ralph Eddy, born at Spectrum Hospital, Grand Rapids on May 2, 2019 at 8:53 p.m. to Christopher Frye and Catherine Hayward of Grand Rapids. Weighing 4 lbs. 8 ozs. and 18 inches long. Proud grandparents are Gaylen and Cynthia Hayward of Middleville. Health Pennock on June 12, 2019 to Rachael Ruedisueli and Zachariah Eddy of Charlotte. Baran Michael Mahon, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on June 13, 2019 to Crystal Lauren Mahon and Michael Edward Mahon III of Nashville. Oliver Jacob Baker, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on June 2, 2019 to Meghan Baker and Jake Baker of Hastings. Gavin Miles Guild, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on June 5, 2019 to Ay la Aris Guild and Christopher Raymond Guild of Nashville, sfc sjs :jc Owen Xavier Linderman, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on June 14, 2019 to Keirsta Linderman and Daniel De’Anda of Freeport. Isabella Lee Norris, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on June 15, 2019 to Alexis Mikayla Norris and Jacob Gaylord Norris of Hastings. Ahmariah Denice Ogg, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on June 11, 2019 to Stacie Endsley and Jason Ogg of Delton. Kyler Rowan Trudgeon, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on June 19, 2019 to Samantha Trudgeon and Derick Trudgeon of Hastings. Traditional and Cremation Services Pre-Planning Services Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible Serving All Faiths Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-3252 • www.girrbachfuneralhome. ()wner/Manager Family Owned and Operated OwX“EmeriL Serving Hastings, Barry County and Surrounding Communities for 50 years NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING 165 ON PROPOSED ZONING ORDINANCE AMENDMENT Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing concerning the following proposed text amendment to the Barry County Zoning Ordinance of 2008, as amended: A-1-2019 Article FIFTEEN MIXED USE (MU) SECTION 1505 DISTRICT REGULATIONS PROPOSAL: (All changes are in BOLD type) Strike 1505.3.: Public Sewer & Water. Commercial or Institutional uses in the MU Mixed Uae District require a public sewer and water hookup. While he’s been retired for several years, Williamson said art is still a big part of his life. “Painting or drawing every day is high on my list of me being me,” he said. (Photos provided) Chance Kenneth Bivens, Kentwood and Devyn Lynn Deloach, Middleville Suzannah Judith Lenz, Hastings and Justin Scott Schiefla, Middleville Jonathan Alan Armour, Hastings and Rebecca Mae-Lynn Weston, Hastings Ean Marcus-Lee Thurlby, Bellevue and Lauren Frances Thomas, Bellevue Tyler Daulton Laney, Woodland and Casey Noel Hart, Woodland Marcus Shane Von Tobel, Litchfield Park, AZ and Tatiana Maria Garcia, Sun City, AZ Sandra Grace Thompson, Battle Creek and Josiah Ray Seger, Hastings John Paul Fechner, Freeport and Debra Lynn Meyer, Freeport Andrew Phillip Romanowski, Hastings and April Marie Dejager, Hsatings Steven L. Stutzman, Nashville and Katie P. Herschberger, Hastings MEETING DATE: PLACE: July 22,2019 TIME: 7:00 PM Tyden Center Community Room 121 South Church Street Hastings, Michigan 49058 Interested persons desiring to present their views upon the proposed amendment, either verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned time and place. Any written response may be mailed to the address listed below, faxed to (269) 948-4820, or emailed to Barry County Planning Director James McManus at imcmanus@barrycounty.org. The proposed amendment of the Barry County Zoning Ordinance is available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Please call the Barry County Planning Department at (269) 945-1290 for further information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/ hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or call the following: Michael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 945-1284. Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk �Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD Elaine Garlock Happy Independence Day! Last Wednesday’s Lake Odessa Fair Parade had the usual opening components: Police escort, Lakewood marching band, VFW Honor Guard and more. There were floats, horses willing to stop for up-close encounters with interested children, bicycles, vintage vehicles, church floats advertising vacation Bible school, a Knights of Columbus float, royalty from the Ionia Free Fair and other fairs and festivals. There were political candidates and representatives from various causes handing out literature. Several pieces of large farm equipment, firetrucks and other emergency vehicles paraded along, as did such businesses as Cargill’s chicken and egg, Portland Federal Credit Union’s “Dollar Duck,” Caledonia Farmers Elevator, and more. Some adults scored new Michigan Highway maps from State Rep. Julie Calley, and boy, did the kids walk away with candy. One would wonder if they even saw the parade with all the candy available for collection. Fourth Avenue residents often host large family groups for viewing, with their backyards used for parking. Friday was a “red-letter day,” and the Post Office was in the limelight. The occasion was the naming of the building in honor of Donna Sauers Besko. The ceremony was in the Fellowship Hall across the street from the post office due to weather concerns and for better sound quality. Dozens of Scheidt and Sauers family members were present. Special guests were seated near the podium, which was covered with a post office emblem drape, as was the plaque that will be on display in the post office. Refreshments included a decorated cake, cookies and more. There were several speakers from the Postal Service, Rep. Calley, and staff members representing of Congressmen and senators. Donna Sauers Besko’s grandson Dennis Sauers Jr. related the story of the four-year long process from initial application to the day’s culmination. His aunt Sonya spoke for the family. After more than 50 years of annual Lake Odessa High School alumni banquets, there will be no more - unless, volunteers step up soon to take on the planning responsibilities. This final banquet was Saturday at St. Edward’s Family Center. Early arrivals enjoyed punch and visiting. Seating was arranged by graduating class. Three 1944 graduates had the honor of being the oldest in attendance. They were Roger Cochrun, Peg Faulkner and Jean Bergy. The food was catered by Rosie Hickey and helpers. Dale Bartlett expressed gratitude for the committee that planned the event, some of whom have worked on it for more than 20 years. The committee members were Janis Kenyon, Yvonne Cobb, Thelma Curtis, who also served as emcee for the evening, Lynda Cobb, Evelyn David, Dodie Denman and Kay Essner. George Speas spoke for the class of 1949. Robert McDowell spoke for the class of 1959. The largest attendance was from the class of 1962, with 20 present. The 1960 class had 16 alums. In total, there were 152 alumni plus many guests. Delos Johnson and Ron Stevens were the only faculty members present. Work toward your own financial Independence Day Once again, it’s time for fireworks, picnics and parades as the nation celebrates Independence Day. Collectively, we enjoy many liberties, but some freedoms can be elu­ sive - and financial freedom is one of them. What actions can you take to help yourself eventually declare your own financial inde­ pendence? For starters, you’ll want to determine what financial independence means to you. Is it the liberty to meet all your cash flow needs? The freedom to retire comfortably, at the age you choose? The ability to set up the kind of lega­ cy you’d like to leave? If any or all of these things are important to you, consider the fol­ lowing suggestions: ment plan. Your 401(k) or similar employ­ er-sponsored plan is a great way to save for retirement. You can contribute pre-tax dollars, so the more you put in, the lower your taxable income, and your earnings can grow tax deferred. (With a Roth 401(k), you put in after-tax dollars, but your withdrawals are tax-free, provided you meet certain condi­ tions.) But despite these tax advantages, your 401(k)’s full potential won’t be realized unless you fund it adequately. Try to contrib­ ute as much as you can afford each year and increase your contributions as your salary goes up. Another way to uncap your 401(k)’s potential is by choosing appropriate invest­ ments. Your 401(k) likely contains a dozen or • Liberate yourself from oppressive more investment options, so you’ll want a debts. The cost of living is certainly not mix that offers the greatest possibilities for cheap, so it’s hardly surprising that so many growth within the context of your personal people incur significant debt. Yet, the higher risk tolerance. your debt load, the less you’ll have available Gaining your financial independence to invest for the future. Debt might be one of requires time and commitment. But once the biggest barriers you face on the road to you’ve achieved this freedom, you’ll know it your financial independence. To avoid piling was worth the effort. And who knows? You on too much debt, live within your means. might even want to wave a sparkler or two to Take steps such as saving for a vacation, rath­ celebrate. er than putting it all on your credit card, and This article was written by Edward Jones getting just one more year out of that old car. for use by your local Edward Jones Look for bargains everywhere - and find out Financial Advisor. If you have any questions, what you can live without. And if you have contact Mark D. Christensen at 269-945­ sizable debts, see if you can consolidate them 3553. and lower your interest payments. We sailed the Sea of Galilee on a wooden boat and saw the nearby villages that Jesus and his disciples often visited. We ate “St. Peter’s Fish” at a nearby restaurant. We stood on the beach where, after the resurrection, Jesus cooked fish on charcoal for his disciples. • Unleash the potential in your retire­ We walked through the ancient village of Magdala, the home of Mary Magdalene. This was a wealthy village at the time, complete with water and sewerage service. We saw the ruins of a synagogue in Magdala where Jesus taught. Perhaps most inspiring was walking the Via Dolorosa on Pentecost Sunday morning. Walking with us were many Orthodox Jews dressed in their holiday clothes to celebrate Shavuot. The Via Dolorosa is the street in the Old City of Jerusalem where Jesus walked carrying his cross to Calvary. There were stations along the way that provided oppor­ tunity to pause and reflect. The stations at the end of the walk are contained within the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which is built over the place of Jesus’ crucifixion and location of his tomb. We were allowed to walk into Jesus’ tomb. It was an awesome feeling to tread on this holy ground! There is so much more to share, so I am excited to tell you all about our trip during my upcoming sermon series “Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus”. I will show slides and share learnings and reflections during “The Word” on July 7, July 14, and July 21. These presentation-style messages will be designed with children in mind so young people can remain with their families during worship. I will have some special gifts from the Holy Land to share with the young people. All are invited! Rev. Bryce Feighner, Pastor 209 West Green Street Hastings, Ml 49058 For more information call 517-588-1619 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 Hastings DANNER Area Locations to purchase the Hastings Banner! MiddfeUHe: Speedway Middleville Marketplace Greg’s Get-It-N-Go Middleville Johnny's Tom's Market GunUfe: Phillips 66 Gas Station (M-37 South) Sam’s Gourmet Foods The Dock Store Hastings Johnny's The General Store Marathon Mega Bev Penn-Nook Gift Shop Phillips 66 Gas Station (W. State St.) Phillips 66 Gas Station (M-37 West) Family Fare Gas Station Walgreens Pine Lake: Doster Country Store Cloverdale: Cloverdale General Brown’s Cedar Creek Grocery Delton: Family Fare Delton Johnny's Banfield: Banfield General Store Dowh'ng: Prairieville: Prairieville Fast Stop Woodland: Woodland Express Goldsworthys Dowling General Store Freeport: L&J’s Apple Inc. AT&T Chemical Fin Chevron Deere & Co. Exxon Mobil Flowserve CP Ford Motor Co. General Electric Co. General Motors Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP Perrigo Co. Pfizer Inc. Spartannash Comp Stryker TCF Financial Corp. Walmart Inc. Walt Disney Co Whirl Pool Corp Gold Silver Dow Jones 201.55 33.43 41.53 124.84 165.14 76.56 53.45 10.15 10.63 38.75 210.28 139.36 53.38 135.68 48.49 43.77 11.53 206.54 20.96 110.62 141.65 145.58 +5.98 +.88 +1.99 +1.20 -1.17 +.29 +2.74 +.31 +.41 +1.07 +5.54 -4.88 -1.15 +2.25 +2.99 +.01 +.03 +2.74 +1.11 -.10 +1.71 +7.98 $1,385.60 $15.27 26,717 -$37.69 -.13 +169 Classics and page-turners Dr. Universe: What’s the best story ever made in the world? Jada, 13, New Jersey I was impressed with the diversity of geography in the region. There were hills, valleys, floodplains, mountains, caves and caverns. The climate ranged from tropical to desert. From the Sea of Galilee, which at 700 feet below sea level is the lowest fresh water body in the world, to the highest point in Jerusalem (about 3500 feet), to the Dead Sea, which is the lowest point on earth at 1400 feet below sea level, Jesus and his disci­ ples walked! They must have been in great shape! One Stop Shop (Phillips 66) (M-43 North) Superette FamtfyTare business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. • Free yourself from chaotic investing. I was blessed to travel to the Holy Land with my family during the first two weeks of June. I had dreamed of making this Holy Land trip for many years, and I was not dis­ appointed. The knowledge and experiences obtained by this personal visit far exceeded my best book-generated knowledge of the Holy Land. Hastings; ----STOCKS-----The following prices are from the close of The financial markets can be unpredictable but that doesn’t mean your investment moves have to be chaotic. So, for example, instead of responding to a sudden plunge in stock prices by selling stocks that still may be fun­ damentally sound with strong growth poten­ tial, you might be much better off by holding your ground. And you’ll be in a better posi­ tion to do nothing during periods of market volatility when you’ve already done some­ thing - namely, built an investment portfolio that reflects your goals, time horizon and risk tolerance. With this type of portfolio in place, you’ll be in a good position to overlook the day-to-day fluctuations in the market and keep your focus on your long-term goals. Pastor Will Speak on Holy Land Trip July 7,14, and 21 at 9:30 a.m. I’W’I JONES ■ Nashville: Trading Post Little’s Country Store Nashville Johnny's MV Pharmacy Nashville C Store Carl’s Lake Odessa: Lake-O-Express Lake-O-Mart Lake Odessa Johnny's Carl’s Dear Jada, Humans have been telling stories for thousands of years. At first, they told these stories out loud, then they started to write. There are more than 100 million pub­ lished books on our planet now, and to find out which one is best, I visited my friend Matthew Jockers. He’s a professor at Washington State University who combines his love of stories with computer science to research what makes some books best­ sellers. He uses a computer algorithm which can read a book super-fast—way faster than even the fastest reader in our world (who can read 25,000 words a minute). The algo­ rithm is called the “bestseller-ometer,” and it pays attention to both the words and big patterns of a book. Jockers told me that bestsellers tend to be page-turners. These books have rhythm and patterns, especially when it comes to how the writer creates and resolves conflict. These stories often have characters who get into trouble and then get out of trouble again. We might see this kind of pattern in books like “Harry Potter” and “The Hunger Games.” These books also have a lot of cliffhangers. Still, the answer to your question goes beyond just looking at the bestseller list. We might also think about the best book in another way. Jockers said some of the best books are those that cross cultural boundar­ ies. Some books connect us no matter what language we speak or where we come from. Jockers said one of the writers who has reached readers around the globe is William Shakespeare. Shakespeare lived more than 400 years ago, but people everywhere from Japan to Germany to France to the U.S. still watch and read his plays. We might also think about the “best” ones as the books that have stood the test of time. In this case, books that were written long ago have a better shot at taking the title of best book. One book that was written in Ancient Greece was an adventure story called “The Odyssey.” It’s about a man who is on a jour­ ney home. People tend to like books where a hero goes on a quest and returns home, Jockers added. The best book might also be one that changes the world. It might make humans think about things in new ways. Finally, the answer to your question might just be that it’s a matter of opinion. “The best one is the one you think is the best book,” Jockers said. Maybe you have a favorite book you like to read again and again. When you flip through the pages, maybe you find some­ thing new that you never noticed before. But perhaps the best story is one that hasn’t even been told yet. Maybe, just maybe, you’ll be the one to write it. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her web­ site, askdruniverse.com. NOTICE TO BIDDERS BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry County Road Commission, 1725 West M-43 Highway, P.O. Box 158, Hastings, Ml 49058, until 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, July 16, 2019 for the following items. Specifications and additional information may be obtained at the Road Commission Office at the above address or at our web site at www.barrycrc.org. 12,000 lb Tracked Skid Steer 18,000 1b Excavator Maintenance Building Roof The Board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive irregulari­ ties in the best interest of the Commission. Shelbyville: Town & Country 22863 BOARD OF COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BARRY David D. Solmes Chairman Frank M. Fiala Member D. David Dykstra Member �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 4, 2019 — Page 9 fl look back at the stories and columns on local hl in the Hastln TURNING BACK THE PAGES Union Cemetery serves four townships, continued Kathy Maurer Copy Editor Union Cemetery, at the intersection of North Avenue and Butler Road, also lies at the juncture of four townships - Assyria, Baltimore, Johnstown and Maple Grove. The original portion is in Maple Grove Township, and the new portion lies in Johnstown Township. A history of the cemetery published in the June 15, 1944, Banner was reprinted last week. Mrs. Harry Babcock, president of the Union Cemetery Circle at the time, was one of the women credited with compiling the material, which included names of initial organizers, later proponents, sextons, Civil War veterans and even a true daughter of the American Revolution. This week continues the compilation, with a bit of information on some of those people named in the article, categorized by their involvement. The cemetery, sometimes referred to as Joy or Union Joy Cemetery, was created in 1857. A committee of men from the local A weathered obelisk marks the final townships filed the necessary papers with the resting place of 2nd Lt. Matthew Holmes, state to establish the burial ground. They who died in 1865, less than a year after were: Dudley Marvin Joy, (1825-1865) treasurer. leaving his Baltimore Township home to The son of Warren and Dorcas (Aldrich) Joy, serve with the 28th Michigan Infantry in he married Maria Atmore Stanton in 1849. the U.S. Civil War. They had eight children before he, at age 39, left to join the Civil War, never to return. He David Brown (1837-1915) was the served in Company D of the 13th Michigan youngest child of Benjamin J. Brown and Infantry and died May 25,1865, in New York. Abigail Hall, born in Seneca County, Ohio. Lucius Dean Joy, (1815-1888) president He married Mary E. Shawman in 1861, in pro tern. He was an older brother of Dudley Ohio, and they had three children. He enlisted Joy. He married Betsey J. Hall in mid-1840s. in Company C of the 62nd Ohio Infantry. They had at least seven children, including Mary died in 1883. He married Sarah Altman two infants who died in 1860 and 1861 and March 29, 1885, and died in 1915. are buried at Union Cemetery. The family Wesley Clark - (1842-1940), son of Daniel moved to Nebraska in 1872. and Clarinda Stanton Clark was identified as Warren Joy (1792-1868), president. He having been an inmate at Andersonville married Dorcas Aldrich. They were the Prison. He survived and went on to live a long parents of Dudley and Lucius. Dorcas died in life. At age 97, he likely was one of the oldest March 1868, and Warren died in October surviving Civil War veterans in the area. He 1868. married Blanche Barker of Hastings, who John Made, clerk. He likely is the father died in 1948 at age 85 or 86. of John Levi Maile, who enlisted with the John “Jack” Hinckley - (1845-1931). Michigan Infantry in 1861 and spent 10 One of four sons of Benjamin and Lydia months in Andersonville Prison and much Powers Hinckley who served in the Civil War, later in life, after moving West, wrote “Prison he falsified papers and enlisted in the 23rd Life in Andersonville.” Excerpts from that Illinois Infantry at age 16. He married Sarah book were published in this column in 2014. Hinckley and had 10 children, including He was bom in 1844, the son of John F. and Harry, who would later serve as sexton for Sarah Maile, making him only 13 when the Union Cemetery. Jack Hinckley gained fame cemetery society formed. He died in the as a sharpshooter, possessing that skill into his 1930s and is buried in California. A James late 70s. Maile is buried at Union Cemetery, perhaps a Pvt. Eli William Houghtaling (1832­ brother of John L. In 1812, John F. Maile, the 1915). Served with the New York Infantry likely clerk, was bom in England. No further from August 1862 to June 1865. He and his information could be found on him, including wife, Mary Blowers, had at least two children. where is buried. Pvt. Hiram Munger - (1846-1908) served Thomas Moody (1797-1878), the first with the 2nd Missouri Cavalry, Merrill’s sexton. He, too, was bom in England. He Horse Brigade. He married Maranda Marvin married Martha Baker. in 1866, and they were the parents of at least Other sextons mentioned included: three children. Wallace Mack (1879-1942), first sexton Mr. Callahan - no additional information under the reorganized society in 1908. His available. given name was William Wallace Mack. He Pvt. Russell Kimball Stanton - (1835­ married Grace E. Babcock, sister of Harry 1918). Bom in Pennsylvania to Levi and Babcock. Caroline Clark Stanton, his family moved to Harry Hinckley - (1873-1927), married Assyria Township when he was a child. He Lucy Ogden, who was involved in the 1908 served with the 6th Michigan Calvary from beautification effort. He also was a son of 1862 to 1865. He and his first wife, Jane M. Civil War veteran “Jack” Hinckley. Jewell, had three children before her death in Additionally, Will Hill (1852-1909), was 1883 at age 41. He then married Maria identified as the first burial after Wallace (Atmore) Joy, the widow of Dudley Joy, who Mack took over as sexton. Hill was the eldest preceded him in death in 1911. 10 children bom to James and Emily Jenner Henry Stevens - no additional information Hill. He married Lillian Yourex. available. Alva Walton - may have been the son of Led by two “community-minded ladies,” Margaret Baker Stanton and Mrs. Lucy Henry and Emily Walton (the true DAR); no Hinckley, individuals who were part of the additional information available. Cemetery Circle and subsequent beautification Charley Wooley - no additional effort in 1908, included: information available. Some Civil War veterans were not listed in Louisa Grayham/Graham - no additional information available for either surname. A the presentation, including: Matthew Holmes (1839-1865), who served Clarissa Louisa Grayburn (1846-1913) is with Company B of the 28th Michigan buried at the cemetery. Lucy Hinckley - (1878-1952), maiden Infantry. He enlisted in Baltimore Township name Ogden; married Harry Hinckley who in the fall of 1864 at age 25. He was serving as a second lieutenant when he died March 8, later became a sexton. Anna Jones - (1869-1915) died at age 45 1865. A tall white obelisk identifies his grave. Nelson Isham - (1835-1926) served in or 46. She was the daughter of Jonathan and Elsie Clark Stevens and married William R. Battery I of the 14th Michigan Light Artillery. The omission of his name from the list of Jones. Margaret Baker Stanton - A Margaret A. Civil War veterans is perhaps the most Stanton (1859-1929) is listed among the surprising, since his daughter, Mary, was one burials. She was the third wife of Russell K. of the people who compiled the information in 1944. Stanton. Another Civil War veteran not listed was Several Civil War veterans, fittingly buried at Union Cemetery, were listed “among James M. Stone, (1838-1916), who served in those we can remember” in 1944: Company C of the 64th New York Volunteer regiment. He married Caroline Grinnell and became a minister after the war. Mrs. Harry Babcock, Mary Isham and Mrs. Jamie Smith were credited with compiling information for the 1944 presentation “from the early records, which fortunately had been preserved.” Unfortunately, and ironically, little information is easily found today on two of the three women. Mrs. Harry Babcock aka Florence (Cairns) Babcock, (1898-1990), was the daughter of Everett and Lizzie (Boyes) Cairns. According to the 1985 Barry County history book, she was active in the Union Cemetery Circle, among other organizations. She was the mother of Harriet Proefrock (1925-2009), an active volunteer readers today may remember. Harry Babcock (1892-1981) was not mentioned in the compilation, but is a link to others who were. He was the son of Frank and Mary Amelia (Holmes) Babcock and married Florence Isabel Cairns. Mary Isham - (1881-1964) was the daughter of Sarah Louisa Garrett and Nelson Isham, the latter a Civil War veteran. Mrs. Jamie Smith - no additional information available. “Aunt Mary ” Babcock was mentioned in the sentence “It is interesting to note that the next year [1858], when Aunt Mary Babcock came to Michigan, the cemetery thus created had four burials within the plot. Mary Jane Babcock (1832-1927) married Benjamin and was the mother of Frank and grandmother of Harry Babcock. She may well be the one referred to as “Aunt Mary.” Harry Babcock’s mother presumably was an “Aunt Mary” Babcock, but she was born three years after the cemetery was formed. Much information can be found on Emeline/Emmaline “Emily” Walton (1833­ 1911). She was the daughter of Peter and Martha Anstrew Edmonds (his third wife), who were about 73 and 44 years old, respectively, when Emily was bom. An article, possibly from the Banner in March 1912, reported that Emily’s grave would be marked with a medallion, indicating she was a true Daughter of the American Revolution. “The members of the Emily Virginia Mason chapter, DAR of Hastings, have decided to place upon the grave ... a “real daughter” of the revolution bronze medallion. Mrs. Walton was discovered by the local chapter several years ago. At that time, she was living in a little log cabin, which her husband built in pioneer days. She was over 80 years of age and remembered well her father, who was with Washington at Valley Forge. She was often entertained by the local Grassy drives add to the character of Union Cemetery at the intersection of Butler Road and North Avenue. chapter, and a pension awarded by the national organization enabled her to enjoy life more comfortably during the last few months of her life.” Fittingly, her husband’s middle name was Washington. Henry Washington Walton died in November 1910. He was 83. Emily died the following August, at age 78. Among the more than 1,350 people interred at Union Cemetery can be found several with generally common surnames such as Clark, Cole, Jones, Smith and Williams. Others share the names with roads in the area, perhaps reflecting a connection to the pioneer era: Bristol, Butler, Guy and Strickland. By far, the most common surname among the cemetery’s records is Stanton, followed by Babcock and Cheeseman. “This cemetery was part of the wilderness,” the 1944 compilation reported, looking back nearly 90 years. “The murmur of forest trees and woodsman’s axe resounded across it. Myrtle and tall grasses made a natural blanket for folks so close to nature’s heart. Hedged in by a 4 16-foot board fence, it was protected from foraging farm stock and woods’ animals. Twice a year, the enclosure was mowed, first with the scythe, and later with a mower drawn by horses.” The wooden fence is long gone. The myrtle has been tamed, and tall grasses replaced with pastures or cropland. Mowing is much more frequent, powered by gasoline MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License #8110376 Office (269) 948-2248 & Insured Mobile (269) 838-5112 ■HOMES NEEDED!: American Metal Roofs । I «. SHOWCASE HOME DISCOUNT! - - - Call Now To See If You Qualify - - -1 ; 844-METAL-ROOFS ] [ 844-638-2576 - ASK FOR HOLLY! ] Sources: Hastings Banner; Barry County, Michigan, 1985; Scott Harmsen; findagrave, migenweb .org; familysearch .org. Now Hiring EG is hiring Assemblers for The Viking Corporation in Hastings. Earn $13.OO/hr. Apply now at egnow.com or call 269-660-3500. ( Donate A Boat or Car Today! Boa^jv Xnge "2-Night Free Vacation!” MO-ZOOMAf (2628) www.boafangel.com sponsored by boat angel outreach centers STOP CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN HOMEOWNERS WANTED! । AmericanMetalRoofs.com J J/isitA Showroom: 61 407aylorJ)r, FLINT • 1875 Lansing Rd, CHARLOTTEj engines. An archway, brown with rust from decades in the elements, identifies the cemetery to 55-mph passersby. Still, the murmur of forest trees can be heard from the big oaks, maples and pines that shade the grounds, and from the woods to the east. Birds hop from trees and tombstones and back to trees, singing and calling in their avian language. Numbered wooden houses have been added to entice bluebirds to settle in. Old Glory waves above the graves of fathers, sons and brothers of various wars. A few headstones have fallen, subsequently propped up amid the lush green grass. Even the sound of horse hooves clip-clopping along the road can be heard occasionally as Amish neighbors pass by. The women of the Cemetery Circle likely would be pleased with the look and growth of the burial ground they revived 110 years ago. If brought back to life, many of those lying at rest could tell who owned what land in which section and how various families were related. The old veterans could regale visitors with tales of battles and how the land had changed since back in the day. For now, readers will have to settle with bits of information gleaned from computer databases and websites, pieced together without the colorful links that piece together the lives of people in four townships who share one cemetery. Kayak Pools is looking for DEMO HOMESITES to ' display our new maintenance-free pools. Save thousands of $$$$ with this unique opportunity. CALL NOW! 800.31.KAYAK OFFER ENDS SOON (52925) X iBI www.kayakpoolsmidwest.com | USE CODE: 607D719 Are you looking for a career opportunity in Early Childhood Education with a community organization that offers professional development and a great benefit package? If you answered YES, then Community Action is for you! Now Hiring Paraprofessional’s/Subs, and Early Childhood Teachers I $50,000 PRIZE BOARD STAR-SPANGLED BINGO BASH » ? 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Lani Forbes, executive director of Barry County United Way, cites the case of a local family that turned to payday loans amid a financial crisis a couple years ago. In this family of five, the husband held a job with a local manufacturer, but the wife became ill and could no longer hold her job as a home health worker. Unpaid bills stacked up. Forbes says they took out one payday loan, then another. What started as a $325 loan ended in debt exceeding $1,200. “Now they are caught up in the cycle. They have to pay another payday fee and now they don’t have money for food,” Forbes says. Barry County United Way connected the family with local food pantries and arranged to pay off about $650 of the loan while the family paid the rest. “We end up getting involved when the per­ son is totally in crisis. They are in the middle and they can’t get out. They just keep spin­ ning.” To spread the word about the risks of these loans, Forbes says she often asks community members to guess what interest rates payday lenders charge. “No one guesses right,” she says. “They generally believe payday lenders charge around 30 percent or 40 percent,” says Forbes. “They can’t believe it’s more than 300 percent.” Concern about the vulnerability of cash­ strapped residents throughout the state has spawned a bipartisan effort to rein in payday lending. It’s unclear if the measure will get a hearing in Lansing, however. Four years ago, Merenda Vincent of Ludington was desperate for cash. She had an overdue car payment, along with a medical bill she couldn’t pay. Living on a monthly Social Security check of less than $1,000, she had no money in the bank. Vincent recalled that she walked into a pay­ day lending store called Check ‘n Go outside Ludington, a small Lake Michigan communi­ ty north of Muskegon. She said she wrote a post-dated check to Check ‘n Go and came out with $100 in cash. A month later, she still could not meet her debt. So she took out another loan. And then another Before she knew it, Vincent said, she was in over her head with overdue bills and mounting payday debt costs that in Michigan can carry annual interest rates in excess of 400 percent depending on the size and term of the loan. Standing outside that store years later, Vincent recalled: “I just got in deeper and deeper. They make it sound so easy, but it really takes advantage of low-income people and people on Social Security. “I was like, ‘Oh my God, how do I repay this?”’ Vincent, 67, said she finally dug herself out of debt thanks to a relative who offered a loan she repaid without interest. But she wonders how many others - espe­ cially in rural Michigan - will end up in a similar bind. “When I moved to Ludington in 2011, there was only one payday lender,” she said. “Now’s there’s three,” she said. John Rabenold, spokesman for Ohio-based Check ‘n Go, declined to publicly discuss details of Vincent’s past dealings with the firm. But he said payday lending in Michigan works as intended for those who face cash emergencies, under legislation authorizing payday lending that took effect in 2006. “It’s a well-regulated industry. Michigan does a very good job,” he said. A recent analysis of payday lending in Michigan concluded otherwise. The 2018 report by North Carolina-based Center for Responsible Lending, a nonprofit advocate for loan reform, cites national data that the average payday borrower takes out an average of 10 payday loans a year with aver­ age interest and fee charges of $458. In Michigan, 70 percent of payday borrowers take out another loan the same day they paid off their previous loan. “As such, it is clear that in Michigan,” the report said, “the debt trap is the core of the payday lenders’ business model.” The Center’s analysis also belies a common stereotype that quick-cash outlets are con­ fined to rundown urban neighborhoods. Payday lenders are also sprouting in and near small towns throughout rural Michigan,. According to the report, Michigan had more than 550 payday stores in 2017. Statewide, there were 5.3 payday stores per 100,000 people in urban areas - but the rate was even higher in rural census tracts at more than 7 stores per 100,000 people. One Michigan critic of payday lending said the impact on individuals and families is the same, whether rural or urban. “We see people end up with no money for food or utilities or transportation,” said Jessica AcMoody, senior policy specialist for the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan, a nonprofit that has lobbied for years against payday lending rules in Michigan. “It just becomes a huge stress on every aspect of their life.” AcMoody said much of rural Michigan fits the profile payday lenders cater to: house­ holds caught in a cash squeeze. That’s more likely where incomes are low. According to a 2016 Census study, median household income was $51,538 in Michigan’s 27 “mostly urban” counties. That compared to $38,145 in the state’s 12 “completely rural” counties. On top of the alleged personal toll, the pay­ day industry in Michigan is dominated by out-of-state firms, with two-thirds of payday lenders in 2017 headquartered elsewhere. That means tens of millions of dollars in pay­ day charges are drained each year from the state economy. According to calculations by the Center for Responsible Lending, payday lenders cost Michigan consumers more than $513 million in interest and fees between 2012 through 2016. Advance America, with 144 stores in Michigan in 2017, is owned by a Mexican firm, while its U.S. headquarters is in South Carolina. The corporate parent to Check ‘n Go had 110 stores in Michigan in 2017. In 2016, Great Lakes Specialty Finance - doing busi­ ness in Michigan as Check ‘n Go - agreed to pay a $34,100 fine for allegedly violating a series of licensing requirements of the state Department of Insurance and Financial Services, which has regulatory authority over payday lending in Michigan. It also agreed to pay fines of nearly $30,000 in 2017 and 2012 for similar alleged violations. Check ‘n Go spokesman Rabenold said fines “from a public policy perspective (are) an indication that the law is working, the reg­ ulatory agency is doing their job, and con­ sumers benefit from the protection. “ He added that high APR rates attributed to payday loans are misleading. “If I lend you $100 today and you give me $101 tomorrow, that equates to a 365 percent APR and yet the cost of credit was 1 percent,” he said. Rabenold said payday loans offer a helpful alternative to borrowers who need cash in a crisis but have no other way to get a loan, sparing many from expensive bounced checks or high credit card charges. The Check ‘n Go website states as much: “When you add up the benefits of online pay­ day loans and weigh the alternatives, it’s clear that payday loans can be a good solution for short-term cash problems... Ready to fix your cash crunch? The sooner you apply the sooner you can get the cash you need.” Michigan is among 32 states that authorize high-rate payday loans, according to the non­ profit Consumer Federation of America. That means the state allows interest fees that can top 400 percent in annual percentage rate (APR) on a two-week loan. Indeed, a chart on the wall of the Ludington Check ‘n Go showed that a $50 two-week payday loan has an APR of 417 percent. The state limits pay­ day loans to $600 in a 31-day period. Twelve states prohibit payday lending, while a half-dozen have a more regulated lending market with interest caps on short­ term loans. Under the Arkansas Constitution, for instance, loans are capped at 17 percent annual interest, while South Dakota voters passed a 2016 initiative limiting payday loans to 36 percent annual interest, according to the CFA. While payday lenders in Michigan are reg­ ulated, there’s nothing in state law to bar lenders from stringing together one separate loan after another so borrowers often pay off a previous loan with a new one. Borrowers also can get a second payday loan simultane­ ously from a different lender. Recent efforts to curtail payday lending charges in Michigan have stalled in the Legislature. State Rep. Bill Sowerby, D-Clinton Township, introduced a bill in February to limit annual payday lending interest in Michigan to 36 percent. It’s patterned after a 2006 federal measure that restricts annual lending interest rates for active members of the military and their families to the same percentage. Sowerby introduced a similar bill in the last legislative session that went nowhere. A scheduled May 22 hearing before the Republican-controlled House Financial Services Committee on the measure was can­ celled. “This bill has support on both sides of the aisle,” Sowerby said, noting that its 36 co-sponsors include five Republicans. “Let’s protect everybody, whether you are in the military or not. Nobody should be sub­ ject to these kinds of outrageous fees.” Bridge Magazine reached out to Financial Services Committee chairperson Diana Farrington, R-Utica, and was told by an aide that Farrington intended to schedule another hearing. Asked through the aide for comment on the merits of the bill, Farrington did not respond. In addition to campaign contributions reported by the Michigan Campaign Finance Network dating to 2016 from financial inter­ ests like the Michigan Banking Association • which gave Farrington $12,250 • and the Michigan Credit Union League • which gave $10,000 • Farrington received $1,000 in 2017 from Cincinnati-based Axcess Financial Services PAC, according to state financial records. Axcess Financial is the parent com­ pany of Check ‘n Go. The Center for Responsible Lending also found payday lending more prevalent in' minority and poorer Michigan communities .f Census tracts with over 25 percent African American and Latino populations had 7.6 stores per 100,000 people - well above the state average of 5.6 stores per 100,000 people. Tracts in which household incopie was below, 80 percent of Michigan’s median household income had 9.1 stores per 100,000 people. “It’s the same thing in Detroit,” said Ruth Johnson, public policy director of Community Development Advocates of Detroit, a non­ profit neighborhood improvement organiza­ tion. “It’s the low-income household, the, household without generational wealth - if anything happens, your hours at work are cut, an unexpected expense, that’s when people start thinking about payday loans.” Detroit - where roughly 80 percent of resi­ dents are black - had more than two dozen payday loans stores in 2017, according to the Center for Responding Lending. Johnson speculated that some Detroit neighborhoods may be more vulnerable to payday loans because of the disappearance of local bank branches, as well as loan discrimi­ nation minorities can face from the banking industry. “That (chance of getting a loan) can be about the form of your income, as well as the; color of your skin,” she said. In the rural southwest corner of Michigan,' the Center for Responsible Lending report identified eight payday stores in or near the small city of Niles. With an individual pover-. ty rate of 30 percent, double the state average/ and household income below $32,000, Niles has a concentration of just over 17 stores per? 10,000 households, it concluded. , That’s 14 times the per-capita number of, payday lending stores in Detroit and six times that of Grand Rapids, the report found. How one Michigan credit union is helping customers with payday loans Bridge Magazine The scenario had become all too familiar to Amy Byers. Would-be clients would come into Thornapple Credit Union branches south of Grand Rapids, desperate to get out of payday loans. “Half the time they would come in almost in tears, saying, ‘I don’t have the money to pay them back,”’ recalled Byers, CEO of the Barry County-based credit union. So the credit union launched what it calls a Mulligan Loan, a name borrowed from a golf­ er’s second chance at correcting an errant tee shot, which carries an 18-percent interest cap. In the seven years since, Byers said, hun­ dreds of borrowers have turned to the loan in this rural area of Michigan, many of them stuck in payday debt. Byers recalled that Barry County until a few years ago had just one payday outlet. “It went from one to three, boom, pretty quickly. People were ending up in so much trouble they were bouncing checks.” Payday loans have interest rates that in Michigan can exceed 400 percent a year. Many other states have banned payday loans or limit the interest rates they can charge. The Mulligan Loan, with a maximum loan amount of $750 and a six-month term, carries an annual interest rate of 18 percent with a one-time fee of $50. To qualify, clients must have a proven source of income and a direct deposit account with the credit union. In their initial meeting about the loan, cli­ ents typically spend a half hour or more with staff to discuss budgeting and the pitfalls of payday borrowing. They are required to make a plan to repair their credit. “We tell them that payday loans are never going to pay off in the long run,” Byers said. Nonetheless, Byers still sees multiple gen­ erations in families trapped in payday debt. That’s why she views education as key to breaking that chain. “We have a lack of financial skills passed from parents to the next generation. We see kids from the same family come in. Parents just aren’t teaching budgeting.” In a statement to Bridge, Dave Adams, president of the Michigan Credit Union League, said credit unions across the state offer similar loan programs. He said credit unions “are working dili­ gently” to combat payday lenders through education, including certification of more 600 financial counselors in Michigan since 2010 to steer borrowers through financial hardship. He added that the MCUL reached more than 4,600 K-12 students in 2018 in financial edu- Thornapple Credit Union CEO Amy Byers: “People were ending in so much trouble they were bouncing checks.” (Photo provided) 269-948-8531 TAVERN In Downtown Hastings The City of Hastings will be the venue this summer for the newest trolley route. Every Friday night, June 7 through August 23, the trolley will ring through the streets from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pin. Catch it at any of the schools in the city limits, any city parks, and other designated stops, or just. Hag it down on its route. All rides are FREE! Compliments of the focal businesses listed in this brochure. Visit the Park. Starts Walker, Fluke & Sheldon, pic CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS 269-945’9452 highpoint 888.422.2280 Hastings MKSOAtHE 269-945-4400 COURT HOUSE 6:00 6:50 7:40 8:30 8:33 1st Ward Park 6:03 6:53 7:43 Northeastern School 6:05 6:55 7:45 8:35 Bob King Park 6:08 6:58 7:48 8:38 Tyden Park 6:11 7:01 7:51 8:41 COURT HOUSE 6:17 7:07 7:57 8:47 County Seat 6:19 7:09 7:59 8:49 Southeastern School 6:24 7:14 8:04 8:54 2nd Ward Park 6:26 7:16 8:06 8:56 High School 6:31 7:21 8:11 9:01 Middle School 6:34 7:24 8:14 9:04 Fish Hatchery Park 6:37 7:27 8:17 9:07 Dairy Queen 6:41 7:31 8:21 9:11 OF HASTINGS 269*945’4174 Please be at the stops 10 minutes prior. Pickup times may vary plus or minus 10 minutes. If you would like more information about Barry County Transit Services please call COM (269)948-8098 269-945-1770 www.tranycountytranslt.com Barry County Transit would like to thank the Ciry qfHostings, and the sponsoring merchants for their help in making this service possible. '■0^0' THE GENERAL STORE Barry County Transit 269-945-1848 < > Hastings OPHAipACY 269-945-3777 Hastings A Gun Lake 269-795-9289 HASTINGS, Ml cation fairs that instruct students how to avoid payday lending traps once they are on their’ own. To reach working people in the community, Thornapple credit union said it holds lunch meetings at businesses across the county, where staff outline the basics of home finance and budgeting. It held recent sessions for two shifts of workers at the Hastings Manufacturing Company plant in Hastings. Byers said the credit union will help out this fall in teaching part of a required 9th-grade course at Hastings High School dedicated to career planning and finances. “We have an entire section that talks about payday loans,” Byers said. One Barry County resident recalled his own payday nightmare a couple years back. A veteran of the Army, Scott (who spoke on condition that his last name not be used) said he was living off partial military disability for post traumatic stress disorder but fell behind his mortgage, phone and utility bills. “You name it, I was behind on all of them.” He said he turned to a Barry County payday lending store, where he got a $600 cash advance for a one-month loan in exchange for paying about $75 in interest. But Scott said he was still behind on bills - so he went back the next month. And the month after that. And so on. “You are in a hole you don’t think you are ever going to get out of,” he said. Finally, he talked to staff at Thornapple, took out a Mulligan Loan instead and man­ aged to break the payday cycle. “I don’t ever want to be in one of those loans again,” he said. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 4, 2019 — Page 11 Lake Odessa Post Office name change is official Hunter Dood Staff Writer The Lake Odessa Post Office was officially named the Donna Sauers Besko Post Office Friday. A ceremony to honor the late Sauers Besko and unveil the commemorative plaque for the post office took place at Central United Methodist Church. Sauers Besko was the state’s first female letter carrier in 1957, when she was working for the Lake Odessa Post Office. The former Donna Scheldt graduated from South Haven High School in 1936. She and her husband, Paul Sauers, moved to Lake Odessa shortly after, where she began her career at the post office in 1952, serving as a clerk. Donna and Paul had three children. Son Denny Sauers Sr. was serving in the Korean War in 1958 when his father died. The mili­ tary was not going to allow him to travel back to the United States to attend his father’s funeral. Donna Sauers wasn’t taking that for an answer. She contacted the local congressmen, and her son got home in time for the funeral. “This was one way she showed her deter­ mination,” her grandson, Denny Sauers Jr. recalled in a prvious interview. In a biography he prepared as part of the nearly four-year project to name the post office in memory of his grandmother, he pulled a quote from an article published in 1980 by the Lansing State Journal. The arti­ cle said, “When Lake Odessa went to city delivery, [Donna] applied for the carrier’s job but was turned down by regional officials in Grand Rapids. She reacted by driving to Grand Rapids to find out why.” Kali Fox (from left), Lake Odessa Postmaster Janette Bremer and Matt Weibel unveil the commemorative plaque with family members. (Photos by Hunter Dood) Sonya Latz, Donna Besko Sauers’ daughter, thanks state officials who helped the process. PRESIDENT OF THE TATTED STATES OF AMERICA W. mW /vw/mSJ7WI //,, -fjp fit jtyff n in? tjj-1h i rb. By tWPlUSSmEXT : Donna Besko Sauers was appointed postmaster of the Ovid office by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968. State misses marijuana deadline Taylor Owens Staff Writer Michigan municipalities and townships were expecting the state Office of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) to have a draft of its recreational marijuana retail rules by June - but that deadline has been missed. “It’s probably the most anticipated thing in the State of Michigan right now,” former state representative and current recreational mari­ juana consultant Mike Callton told the Banner Monday. Like many others, he had heard from LARA Marijuana Regulatory Agency Director Andrew Brisbo that the first draft would be out in June, but Callton said LARA is a bureaucratic organization, and can take time to sort out all the issues. “Everything is more complicated than you think its going to be,” Callton said. But he said LARA still has a long way to go until the Dec. 6 deadline when the rules must be fin­ ished. At a Nashville Village Council meeting Thursday, June 27, Callton encouraged the council to adopt an ordinance to opt out of allowing recreational marijuana dispensaries, at least until the state releases the rules. “There might be something in the rules that will be a deal-killer,” Callton said. He also warned that an outside organization may attempt to build a store in Nashville before the council makes a decision, and then try to sue the village if it tried to stop the store from selling marijuana. He said municipalities can always opt back in if they like the new rules. Callton also told the village council it may take some time to figure out the rules once they are released. “Even when I was in the Legislature, I had to have lawyers look at it, because it was all in legalese,” Callton said. Nashville Village Council President Mike Kenyon said the council will likely vote on an ordinance to opt out at its next meeting. But he stressed that the village would gather more information and public input before making a more permanent decision. Hastings has already joined many local townships and municipalities in adopting an ordinance to opt out of allowing marijuana retailers, although the city’s ordinance expires May 30, 2020. City Manager Jerry Czarnecki said, by opting out, the delay in LARA’s draft rules will not affect the council. “She wasn’t going to accept ‘no’ for an answer,” Sauers Jr. said. “She was going to do everything she could do to make it happen, because she knew she could do it.” Friday, approximately 60 friends and fami­ ly joined state officials for the ceremony, which was moved from outside the post office to inside the church across the street because of the heat and the number of people attend­ ing. “Denny came to my office a number of years ago so I know this has been a legacy of love for this,” said Kali Fox, regional manag­ er for U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich. Fox added that the family made it easy for her to support this initiative because they had all the work done for her. Peter Dickow, West Michigan regional director for U.S. Sen. Gary Peters, D-Mich., said he was honored to be in attendance because it was “one of the most joyous” events he has recently attended. “I just regret not having had the chance to meet Donna herself,” Dickow said. State Rep. Julie Calley, R-Portland, pre­ sented the family with a signed tribute to cel­ 1 >7/^ AT NOTICE TO CREDITORS DECEDENT’S ESTATE Estate of Leah J. Abbott. Date of Birth: December 12,1921. NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Leah J. Abbott, of Woodlawn Meadows, 1821 North East Street, Ml 49058, died April 25, 2019. There is no personal representative of the decedent’s estate to whom Letters of Authority have been issued. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to James Wickham, Successor Trustee of the Leah J. Abbott Trust Dated October 24, 2000, or in care of Jackie Baker Sturgis, Attorney at Law, 137 W. State Street, Hastings, Ml 49058, within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Notice is further given that the Trust will thereafter be assigned and distributed to the persons entitled to it. Jackie Baker Sturgis (P76955) 137 W. State Street Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-3999 James Wickham 10718 Davenport Rd. Woodland, Ml 48897 (269)367-4091 122777 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Chad N. Klutman, Jennifer Klutman, husband and wife, to Fifth Third Mortgage - Ml, LLC, Mortgagee, dated January 3, 2017 and recorded January 10, 2017 in Instrument Number 2017-000288 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by Fifth Third Bank as Successor by Merger to Fifth Third Mortgage Company, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Two Hundred Thirty-Eight Thousand Forty-Five and 75/100 Dollars ($238,045.75), including interest at 4.25% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on JULY 18, 2019. Said premises are iodafed in the Township of Yankee Springs, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: Unit No 57, Pleasant Valley Condominiums, a Condominium according to the Master Deed recorded in Document no. 1132867, inclusive and amendments thereto, Barry County Records, and designated as Barry County Condominium Subdivision Plan No. 37, together with rights in General Common Elements and Limited Common Elements as set forth in the above Master Deed and as described in Act 59 of the Public Acts of 1978, as amended. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: June 20, 2019 File No. 19-005221 Firm Name: Orlans PC (06-20)(07-11) 121806 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on July 25, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Scot A Scramlin and Susan Scramlin, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Date of Mortgage: June 22, 2009 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 29, 2009 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $121,056.48 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Carlton, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: That part of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 6, Township 4 North, Range 8 West, Carlton Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: Commencing at the West 1/4 corner of said Section; thence North 90 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds East 1190.77 feet along the North line of said Southwest 1/4 to the place of beginning; thence North 90 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds East 265.15 feet along said North line; thence South 00 degrees 15 minutes 01 seconds East 579.55 feet; thence South 90 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds West 265.15 feet; thence North 00 degrees 15 minutes 01 seconds West 579.55 feet to the place of beginning The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: June 20,2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1387960 121872 ebrate the name change. The tribute was signed by Calley, state Sen. John Bizon, R-Battle Creek, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist. Krista Finazzo, district manager of the U.S. Postal Service of Greater Michigan District, presented the family with a commemorative plaque to honor Sauers Besko. The family thanked all those who helped them through the process. “Matt was very gracious to listen,” Sauers Jr. said. TV/^'T'T^Ta'd Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on August 1, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Dan Phillips, an unmarried man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Center, LLC Foreclosing Assignee (if any): None Date of Mortgage: April 9, 2010 Date of Mortgage Recording: April 20, 2010 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $30,311.56 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: All of Lot 14 and the South 1/2 of Lot 13 and the North 14 feet of Lot 15 of Block 44, Village of Middleville, according to the recorded Plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, Page 27, Barry County Records. The redemption period shall be 1 year from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: July 4, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1389263 (07-04) (07-25) 122976 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE This firm is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information we obtain will be used for that purpose. Default has occurred in the conditions of a mortgage made by CHARLES HOWARD MUSTE and AMY ALISON LUCAS, husband and wife (collectively, “Mortgagor”), to CHEMICAL BANK, a Michigan banking corporation, having an office at 333 E. Main Street, Midland, Michigan 48640-6511 (the “Mortgagee”), dated June 23, 2014, and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan on June 30, 2014, as Instrument No. 20M-006030 (the “Mortgage”). By reason of such default, the Mortgagee elects to declare and hereby declares the entire unpaid amount of the Mortgage due and payable forthwith. Mortgagee is the owner of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage. As of the date of this Notice there is claimed to be due for principal and Interest on the Mortgage the sum of Ninety Five Thousand Six Hundred Forty Six and 47/100 Dollars ($95,646.47). No suit or proceeding at law has been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage or any part thereof. Notice is hereby given that by virtue of the power of sale contained in the Mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, and to pay the above amount, with interest, as provided in the Mortgage, and all legal costs, charges and expenses, including the attorney fee allowed by law, and all taxes and insurance premiums paid by the undersigned before sale, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by sale of the mortgaged premises at public vendue to the highest bidder at the east entrance of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan on Thursday the 25th day of July, 2019, at one o’clock in the afternoon. The premises covered by the Mortgage are situated in the Township of Yankee Springs, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and are described as follows: That part of the West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 15, Town 3 North, Range 10 West, Yankee Springs Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: commencing at the Southeast corner of said Section; thence North 89°19’06” West 1323.05 feet along the South line of said Southeast 1/4 to the East line of the West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of said Section; thence North 00°00’00” East 1170.0 feet along said East line to the place of beginning; thence South 90°00’00” West 662.48 feet; thence North 34°15’45” West 80.0 feet; thence North 06°06’37” East 446.42 feet; thence South 90°00’00” East 660.00 feet to said East line, West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4; thence South 00°00’00” East 510.00 feet along said East line to the place of beginning. Also subject to a 66 foot wide easement for ingress and egress and utility purposes over the North 66 feet thereof. Together with all existing or subsequently erected or affixed buildings, improvements and fixtures; all easements, rights of way, and appurtenances; all rights to make divisions of the land that are exempt from the platting requirements of the Michigan Land Division Act, as it shall be amended; all water, water rights, watercourses and ditch rights (including stock in utilities with ditch or irrigation rights); and all other rights, royalties, and profits, relating to the premises, including without limitation all minerals, oil, gas geothermal and similar matters. Commonly known as: 9295 Longpond Green Lane, Middleville, Michigan 49333 P.R #08-16-015-015-00, 08-16-015-015-20, 08-16­ 015-015-30 and 08-16-015-015-40 Notice is further given that the length of the redemption period will be six (6) months from the date of sale, unless the premises are abandoned. If the premises are abandoned, the redemption period will be the later of thirty (30) days from the date of the sale or upon expiration of fifteen (15) days after the Mortgagor is given notice pursuant to MCLA §600.3241 a(b) that the premises are considered abandoned and Mortgagor, Mortgagor’s heirs, executor, or administrator, or a person lawfully claiming from or under one (1) of them has not given the written notice required by MCLA §600.3241 a(c) stating that the premises are not abandoned. If the premises are sold at a foreclosure sale, under MCLA §600.3278 the Mortgagor will be held responsible to the person who buys the premises at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the Mortgagee for damaging the premises during the redemption period. Dated: June 20, 2019 CHEMICAL BANK Mortgagee Timothy Hillegonds WARNER NORCROSS + JUDD LLP 900 Fifth Third Center 111 Lyon Street, N.W. Grand Rapids, Ml 49503-2487 (616)752-2000 121807 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on July 11,2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Matthew Fahling, an unmarried man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): AmeriFirst Financial Corporation Date of Mortgage: January 21, 2015 Date of Mortgage Recording: January 26, 2015 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $140,614.65 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Yankee Springs, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: That part of the Northwest 1/4, Section 4, Town 3 North, Range 10 West, Yankee Springs Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: Commencing at the North 1/4 corner of Section 4, Town 3 North, Range 10 West; thence South 00 degree 55 minutes 34 seconds East, 2104.06 feet, along the West line of the Northeast 1/4 of Section to the point of beginning; thence North 89 degrees 02 minutes 31 seconds East 390.00 feet; thence South 00 degree 55 minutes 34 seconds East 252.00 feet; thence South 89 degrees 02 minutes 31 seconds West 390.00 feet to the West line of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 4; thence North 00 degree 55 minutes 34 seconds West 252.00 feet along said West line to the point of beginning. Subject to highway right of way for Norris Road. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: June 13, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1387107 (06-13)(07-04) 120858 NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF BARRY COUNTY Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing for the following: TABLED Case Number: SP-3-2019 - AT&T Mobility (Applicant); John Deason (Property Owner) Location: 4160 South Norris Road, Delton, in Section 3 of Orangeville Township. Purpose: Requesting construction and operation of an AT&T wireless facility pursuant to Article 23, Section 2386 in the RR (Rural Residential) zoning district. Case Number: SP-9-2019 - Aaron Hartman (Applicant); Timothy & Linda Weingartz (Property Owners) Location: Woodschool Road, Hastings, in Section 22 of Irving Township. Purpose: Requesting to have an Accessory Dwelling pursuant to Article 23, Section 2305 in the RR (Rural Residential) zoning district. Case Number: SP-10-2019 - Nathan L. Mesecar (Property Owner) Location: 9580 Brown Road, Lake Odessa, in Section 11 of Woodland Township. Purpose: Requesting to operate an auto repair facility as a Major Home Occupation pursuant to Article 23, Section 2339 in the RR (Rural Residential) zoning district. MEETING DATE: July 22, 2019. TIME: 7:00 PM. PLACE: Tyden Center, Community Room, 121 South Church Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Site inspections of the above described properties will be completed by the Planning Commission members before the hearing. Interested persons desiring to present their views upon an appeal, either verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned place and time. Any written response may be mailed to the address listed below, faxed to (269) 948-4820, or emailed to Barry County Planning Director James McManus at jmcmanus@barrycounty.org. The special use applications are available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Please call the Barry County Planning Department at (269) 945­ 1290 for further information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or call the following: Michael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 945-1284. Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk 122507 Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads �Page 12 — Thursday, July 4, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Saxon state finalist set for national competitions Brett Bremer Sports Editor Hastings High School junior Ashland Hoyt will be rolling with some of the top female high school bowlers from across the country in the coming weeks. She will be among a group of 125 this com­ ing week as she takes part in the Turbo Tech Collegiate Expo IX in front of hundreds of college coaches at Imperial Lanes in Clinton Township. The invitation only event that opens Sunday and goes through July 10 and also includes 125 of the top male bowlers in the country who are interested in bowling on the collegiate level some day. Hoyt said right now schools like Vanderbilt, Wichita State, Louisiana Tech and Nebraska are among those who have shown some inter­ est in her skill set on the lanes already. Hoyt will follow up the Turbo Tech Expo by competing in the national Junior Gold Championships July 13-20, a tournament tak­ ing place on lanes throughout the Detroit area. It is the third consecutive summer that Hoyt is participating in the two events. She’ll be stepping up into the U17 division at the Junior Gold for the first time. She finished as high as 57th in the U15 division. She said she’ll be competing with roughly 450 bowlers at the Junior Gold tourney. She earned her spot in the event at last October’s Michigan Youth Open in Battle Creek. Hoyt said with her experience she feels comfortable at the big national tournaments. She has had fun traveling around the country for past tournaments, but isn’t disappointed to have the Junior Gold just a couple hours down the highway. “I have bowled at the home centers a cou­ ple times, so I am very familiar with the area and very familiar with those bowling alleys. So, it really helps it being closer to home and it really helps being familiar with the area,” Hoyt said. The opening ceremony for the Junior Gold Championships will be held July 14 at the Eastern Michigan University Convocation Center. She will roll her qualifying games at Century Bowl, Sterling Lanes, Thunderbowl Lanes and Super Bowl Lanes. Hoyt qualified for the Division 2 State Finals as a sophomore in the inaugural season of the Hastings varsity girls’ bowling team last winter. She was 29th in the qualifying at the Finals, which were hosted by Century Bowl where she will being the Junior Gold competition July 15. Hoyt will roll four games a day for four days, a total of 16 games, to try and earn a spot among the qualifiers to continue on in the Junior Gold. The top bowlers earn scholar- Facebook scam uses real friend A 72-year-old Hastings man went to the Barry County Sheriff’s Office at 1 p.m. June 11 to report an internet scam. The man said he was contacted on Facebook Messenger by “Mill Scotfield,” which police suspect is a fictitious name. Scotfield said he was from the Family Crowd Grant Foundation and would send the man $100,000 if he paid a $2,000 processing fee. The man was also contacted by an acquaintance on Facebook, who said she already received her $100,000, and encouraged him to send the money and personal information. The man was only able to gather $1,000, and he sent it by overnight mail to a Virginia address, as he was instructed. He was contacted later by someone claiming to be from the IRS, who said the man needed to send an additional $7,000 to receive the money. At that point, the man realized it may have been a scam. He also talked to the friend who had told him to send the money, who said she had no idea what he was talking about. Police believe her account was used fraudulently by the scammers. Officers were unable to find any infor­ mation on Scotfield or the Family Crowd Grant Foundation. Identity thief purchases $9,000 in jewelry A 52-year-old Hastings woman called police at 1 p.m. June 10 to report that someone used her 47-year-old husband’s driver’s license to purchase $9,000 in jewelry from Jared in Langhorne, Pa. The woman found out when they received an email from Jared thanking them for their purchase. The investigation has been turned over to police in Pennsylvania. Used car on eBay turns out to be scam A 57-year-old Hastings man called police June 10 to report an eBay scam. The man said he found a Toyota car for sale on eBay for $1,600. The seller instructed the man to send him the money in eBay gift cards, and he would send the car. However, the car never arrived and the seller disappeared. The case has been turned over to eBay ‘s fraud department. ‘Bomb’ components include empty cans and cow manure A 48-year-old man called police at 9 a.m. June 14 to report the possible components of a bomb appeared in his driveway in the 1000 block of Nashville Road in Hastings Charter Township. The box appeared to have been thrown from a moving vehicle, and contained two empty Monster cans, an empty Red Bull can, an empty can of brake fluid, two D-cell batter­ ies, a loose wire and cow manure. An obscenity also was spray painted in orange at the end of the driveway. The man said it had probably been delivered to the wrong house. Tools stolen from Carlton Township home A 48-year-old man called police at 3:50 p.m. May 17 to report a breaking and entering of a home on Coats Grove Road in Carlton Township. The man said he was taking care of the house while the owner was out of town. A push lawn mower and tools were missing from the garage. He also said a suspicious vehicle pulled into the driveway while he was mowing the lawn a week before. There were signs of forced entry to the garage door. A complete list of the missing items was to be made after the owner returned. Hastings High School junior Ashland Hoyt has been prepping for the upcoming Turbo Tech Collegiate Expo and Junior Gold Championships a pair of national competitions happening in the Detroit area in the next few weeks. (Photo supplied) ships and can qualify for a spot on Junior Team USA that competes around the world. “I try to stay focused, but not overthink it and stay loose,” Hoyt said of her downtime at big events. “Sometimes I’ll go watch baseball, just kind of not think about it too much but still stay focused.” So far this summer, she has just been roll­ ing through her regular practice routine get­ ting ready for these couple tournaments. Testing expected to uncover more lead Associated Press Michigan officials on Wednesday began raising public awareness of tougher sampling rules they expect to result in more drinking water systems exceeding limits for lead, a byproduct of new regulations enacted after Flint’s crisis. Samples now have to be taken not only from the first liter drawn from a house with exterior or interior lead plumbing, but also from the fifth liter. Leisl Clark, director of the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, said the testing change will provide "more preci­ sion and more insight into what’s actually happening in the homes.” “We’re expecting to see higher lead results in communities across the state,” said before a news conference with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and state health officials. Clark said 100 communities will send the state samples in coming weeks, and an addi­ tional 300 will follow in the fall. She had no estimate of how many more systems could exceed the lead limit, which is triggered if concentrations surpass 15 parts per billion in more than 10 percent of custom­ er taps sampled. But Clark said one munici­ pality, Hampton Township near Bay City, recently went over the threshold because of the fifth-liter sampling and would not have PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY been flagged under the old testing protocol. "We want to communicate with folks about that,” Clark said. “We want them to be aware that the rules changed, and so we’re testing with more precision. We’re able to protect people in a better way.” Whitmer said she knows residents in affect­ ed municipalities will have questions and concerns. "It’s important for us to make sure that the public understands that the existing water quality won’t have changed, but our testing requirements will have,” said Whitmer. “We will have a lot more information. We will work in partnership with local communities to ensure that every person has access to clean drinking water in Michigan.” A year ago, former Gov. Rick Snyder put in place the nation’s strictest regulations for lead in drinking water. That directive came in the wake of the man-made emergency in Flint, where the toxic metal leached into taps in 2014 and 2015 due to a lack of corrosion-con­ trol treatment following a switch in the water source while the city was under state emer­ gency management. Underground lead service lines connecting water mains to houses and other buildings will be replaced by 2040, unless a utility can show regulators it will take longer under a broader plan to repair and replace its water Garage Sale Recreation GARAGE SALE- at 10450 Brickyard Rd.z Delton. ThursFri., July 4th, 5th, 2019, 8am4pm. Sat., July 6th 8am-Noon. Too many things to list. SUMMER SPLASH!! AD­ VENTURE Awaits Camp­ ground Camping—full hook­ up or water and electric only. Swimming, fishing, water slide, kid's playground, beach, volleyball court, diving plat­ form, water bull riding. 50 mile Paul Henry Thornapple Trail starts here for hiking and biking. River tubing on the Thornapple River 2-3 hours. Beach Party Pavilion, Camp Store, Recreation Center rent­ al. Come have fun with us! 3266 N. Ionia Rd, Sycamore Lane, Vermontville, MI 49096. Phone 919-249-8712. Business Services BELLS CONSTRUCTION-18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, power washing, home im­ provements, seamless gutters. 269-320-3890. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. infrastructure. The “action level” for lead will drop from 15 parts per billion, the federal limit, to 12 in 2025. The rules also prohibit the partial replace­ ment of lead service pipes except for emer­ gency repairs; require preliminary and final inventories of the lines and other components of a water supply by 2020 and 2025; and ensure samples are taken at the highest-risk sites and with methods designed to more accurately detect lead. Michigan’s environmental and health departments launched a new website Wednesday to show communities’ lead and copper data results and give residents infor­ mation on protecting themselves from lead. They will hold three online town hall-style events July 9-11. Fifteen of Michigan’s 1,400 community water supplies are currently exceeding the lead limit, including the cities of Hamtramck and Benton Harbor, according to the state. They must take steps such as notifying all customers, optimizing corrosion control and accelerating pipe replacements. Whitmer this week signed a mid-fiscal year spending bill that includes $3 million related to the new regulations: About $1.7 million will cover the cost of w&ter filters for low-in­ come families; $820,000 will go toward edu­ cating the public in places with higher lead levels; and $484,000 will fund investigations in homes in those communities. The Democratic governor is pushing the Republican-led Legislature to allocate $37.5 million more to implement the rules , includ­ ing for the replacement |>f lead service pipes. The Senate so far has supported $25 million in the next budget, whi|e the House has not embraced it. Middleville teenager killed in crash Alisabeth Swanson, il8, of Middleville, died in a single-vehicle crash on Garbow Road, near Ashley Lane, in Thornapple Township at 6:34 p.m. Monday. Barry County sheriff’s deputies said Swanson’s vehicle ran off the road and collid­ ed with a tree. Swanson was ejected from the vehicle and declared dead at the scene. It does not appear alcohol was a factor in the accident, police said. Intoxicated teenager crashes into troopers Officers were dispatched to State and Irving roads in Middleville at 7:20 a.m. June 15 for a two-vehicle crash. Two off-duty Michigan State Police Troopers were driving west on State Road into Middleville when a vehicle rear ended them at a high rate of speed. A witness said the vehicle did not slow down before crashing into the officers. The 17-year-old driver of the vehicle appeared to be intoxicated and was unaware of the date or his address. He was " taken to the hospital to have his blood drawn for a blood alcohol concentration test and for ; loss of consciousness. Roommates fight over TV and tattoo equipment A 31-year-old man called police at 8:42 a.m. June 20 to report that his former roommate had stolen items from his apartment in the 200 block of North Main Street in Nashville. The man claimed his roommate took a television and TV stand. The roommate, 28, told the offi­ cer that the items he took, including the TV, the stand, a table, bed and Lynyrd Skynyrd flag, all belonged to him. The roommate also said he was missing $800 worth of his own tattoo equipment. The complainant told the officer he had the roommate’s equipment and was not giving it back because the roommate had left the equipment at his apartment for 30 days. The officer forwarded the report to the prosecutor’s office. Man arrested after urinating in parking lot An employee of the Shell gas station in Middleville called police at 5:04 p.m. June 28 because a man was urinating in the parking lot. The employee said the man was possibly intoxicated and left eastbound on Main Street. The officer located the 23-year-old resident of Selma, Ore., at a local bar. The man told the officer he went to the Shell station to use the bathroom, but didn’t think he would make it, and decided to go in the parking lot. The man said he drank a lot of water, because he had consumed several shots of alcohol, but he also said he drank at the bar after he arrived. The officer tested the man with a blood alcohol content of 0.15, and a friend drove him to a hotel. At 9:47 p.m. an officer was dispatched to M-37 for a vehicle traveling at 100 mph. The officer stopped a vehicle matching the descrip­ tion on M-43 near M-179 Highway, which had a defective license plate light and crossed the fog line. The driver was the same from the incident at the Shell station, had a BAC of 0.20 and was arrested. The man had one prior operating-while-intoxicated conviction and four convictions for driving with a suspended license. His Oregon driver’s license had been sus­ pended, and he also had an OWI case pending in Wisconsin. Toddler, pregnant woman passengers in high-speed chase A woman, age not given, called police at 7:46 p.m. June 29 to report a reckless driver on East M-79 near M-66 Highway. The woman said the vehicle was crossing the center line, nearly hit several oncoming vehicles, and was veering off the road. The officer caught up to the vehicle at an intersection on Lawrence Road and saw the vehicle crossing the center line. When the officer turned to follow the vehicle, the driver sped up. The officer activated lights and sirens, and the suspect continued to flee at speeds up to 90 mph. During the chase, an unknown item was thrown from the passenger window. Eventually the vehicle turned into driveway in the 7000 block of North Avenue in Bedford Township. The officer took the driver, a 28-year-old Delton man, into custody. The passenger was a 34-year-old Delton woman who said she was six months pregnant. The officer also saw a 3-year-old child in the back seat. The man said he fled because he believed he had an outstanding warrant. The officer found the man did not have a warrant, but did have a suspended license. An open beer can was in the cupholder. The woman said the man had smoked marijuana earlier and was trying to buy meth. She also admitted she knew he had a suspended license, and said the man told her he was fleeing because he was intoxicated. She claimed the item that flew out of the passenger side window was a pack of cigarettes the man accidentally dropped out the win­ dow. The officer told the man he was being charged with child endanmrment, driving with open intoxicants, driving with a suspended license, fleeing and eluding police, in addition to other possible charges. The man was upset with the charge of child endangerment, because he claimed no one was at risk during the chase. Man drives into ditch while under the influence An officer responded to a vehicle in the ditch on Fuller Street near School Street in Nashville at 12:06 a.m. June 30. The 64-year-old Marshall driver said he was mixed up by the detour from the bridge reconstruction, and attempted to turn around in a driveway when he accidentally drove into the ditch and became stuck. His vehicle matched the description of a complaint from less than an hour and a half earlier of a reckless driver. He had a BAC of .212 and was arrested. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads 3 J ; : ; • J * * �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 4, 2019 ~ Page 13 Sign-up going on now for Summerfest sporting events The Hastings Summerfest Sports are look­ ing to register athletes for their 2019 competi­ tions that will be held during the annual late-summer festival in Hastings Aug. 23-25. The Summerfest Run returns Saturday, Aug. 24 with an enhanced course and new staggered starts. The event, hosted by Spectrum Health Pennock once again, has added staggered starts for both the 5K and 10K event to limit congestion at the race. The Summerfest Run website, at spectrum­ health .org/summerfestrun, tells of a new “flat, straight, half mile take off as you separate from the pack before the first turn. The new course has fewer turns and a scenic stretch through the trail at Sweezy’s Pond.” The 10K runners will begin taking off at 8:15 a.m. and the 5K event begins at 8:30 a.m. Those who complete the course with 7:30 minute miles or less can become a member of the SummerFast Club. Perks of becoming a SummerFast member include premium park­ ing and a saved spot at the starting line for the following year. Registration can be done through a link at the Summerfest Run webpage or by sending in a printed copy of the registration that can be downloaded from the webpage. Contact the Pennock Health and Wellness Center with any questions at 269-948-3139. The Summerfest Fun Run starts in the Hastings Middle School Parking lot off of Church Street following the 5K/10K event at around 9:45 a.m. Aug. 24, and ends in the Mush Field (the corner of Church/Madison). The Fun Run is one mile and everyone gets a free “finisher” T-shirt as part of the “Drug Free Crowd.” The three-in-one event, the Backwoods Triathlon featuring a 9-hole Scramble at The Legacy, and a scotch doubles bowling tourna­ ment and com-hole tournament at Hastings Bowl for two-person teams is also Saturday, Aug. 24. The cost to compete is $100 for each team Area’s top softball players honored among state’s elite A 12-team men’s softball tournament at Fish Hatchery Park will once again be among the variety of sporting events happening as a part of the annual Hastings Summerfest the weekend of Aug. 23-25. if registered before Aug .18, and $ 110 the day of the event. Register by sending an email to dirtyben81@hotmail.com. There is a limit of 54 teams. There are also opportunities once again for weightlifters, softball players and basketball players at Summerfest. The 2019 Jim Jensen Memorial 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament will be held Saturday, Aug. 24, at Tyden Park (pending weather) in downtown Hastings. The cost to participate is $25 per team, for teams of three or four par­ ticipants. T-shirts will be passed out to the first 100 at check-in. Teams are required to pre-register for the event. Check-in for regis­ tered teams will begin at 8:30 a.m. with bas­ ketball games to begin on the four courts at Tyden Park no later than 9:30 a.m. The regis­ tration deadline for 2019 is Friday, Aug. 16. Double-elimination tournaments will be held in 12-14, 15-17, 18-25 and 25-and-up age divisions, although age divisions and tournament style may be altered based on participation. There are not separate divisions for males and females. Team and individual trophies will be presented to the winners in each division thanks to the sponsorship from J-Ad Graphics. Registration forms can be found in editions of the Hastings Reminder and the Hastings Shylin Robirds A trio of local softball players were named honorable mention all-state by the Michigan High School Softball Coaches Association last month. The Thornapple Kellogg senior third base­ man Shylin Robirds and Lakewood sopho­ more pitcher Morgan Stahl were chosen hon­ orable mention all-state in Division 2 and Delton Kellogg junior catcher Katie Tobias was picked as one of the honorable mention award winners in Division 3. Robirds helped lead the Thornapple Kellogg varsity softball team to back-to-back OK Gold Conference Championships in her final two varsity seasons and a district cham­ pionship this spring. She signed this spring to Banner, or on the Summerfest website. Checks should be made payable to Hastings Summerfest. Completed registration forms and payment should be sent to the Barry County Chamber of Commerce, 221 W. State St., Hastings, MI 49058. Registration forms simply ask for a team name and names and ages of each of the team’s players including contact information for a team captain. Contact Brett Bremer by email brett@j-adgraphics.com or by phone at 269­ 945-9554 ext. 227 for more information or for help getting a team registered for the event. There annual slow pitch softball tourna­ ment will be held at Fish Hatchery Park and is open to the first 12 men’s teams to sign-up. The cost is $200 per team. Contact Bret Miller at 269-838-6712 to register or for more infor­ mation. Summerfest Weightlifting will be held Saturday, Aug. 24. the event begins with the women’s bench press at 10 a.m., followed by the men’s bench press, women’s deadlift and men’s deadlift competitions. The cost to participate in one weightlifting event is $6, or $10 for both events. Contact Skylar Brandt for more information at 269­ 804-2773. Walking Routes Available In Hastings Paid Weekly join the Cornerstone University Women’s Softball program next season. Tobias helped lead the Delton Kellogg var­ sity softball team to its second consecutive district championship and 30 wins overall, providing mammoth power at the plate on offense and a strong presence behind the plate on defense. A junior, it was Tobias’ second season the Panther varsity. The Vikings’ pitcher Stahl struck out 325 batters in 188 innings this spring, setting a new school record for strike outs in a season. She allowed just 30 earned runs in 30 games to finish the season with a Lil ERA. She compiled a 23-7 record in her second season as Lakewood’s regular starting pitcher. MUST APPLY IN PERSON AT OUR HASTINGS OFFICE 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings TYDEN PARK • SATURDAY, AUG. 24™ Age brackets subject to change based on participation Basketball camp builds skills in young Lions Middle school boys go for the rebound during the Kevin Rost Basketball Camp at the Maple Valley High School Wednesday. The two-week camp, finishing Thursday for the youngest athletes and Friday for the olds, trained 97 kids from young fives to eighth grade in basic and advanced drills to improve their fundamental skills. (Photo by Taylor Owens) Team Captain_________________ | Send Entries to... Phone #______________________ Team Members Age Email______________________ I A a ! | __________________ I Please fill out form completely Barry County [ Chamber of Commerce 221W. State Street Hastings, Ml 49058 Questions??... I Call (269) 948-3025 TYDEN PARK * SATURDAY, AUG. 24™ �Page 14 — Thursday, July 4, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Army vet honored with home Hunter Dood Staff Writer Volunteers were out on Saturday, June 29, to landscape the yard and to help retired Army Sergeant Michael Glover feel truly at “home” in the newly-constructed residence built for him and his family in Middleville by the non-profit Homes For Our Troops. Gower’s home was built in Middleville by JR Wright Builders, a Belding-based con­ struction company that shares HFOT’s mis­ sion to “build and donate specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives.” Gower, who joined the military in 2003 after graduating high school, was injured in 2007 when the vehicle he was in rolled over an improvised explosive device, killing sever­ al of his colleagues and injuring eight. According to the HFOT profile on Gower, he was pinned in the vehicle, critically injuring his back and fracturing both his feet, tibia and fibula. He also sustained a severe traumatic brain injury. Gower’s new home will allow him to move throughout the house better than he can in his current home. He also said the home will help his wife and son as they won’t have watch him “struggle.” “Homes For Our Troops is an awesome non-profit,” said the projects general contrac­ tor Jack Wright. He added that he had done one other project for HFOT in the past and Lucas Katthaycraft, 5, help shovel mulch. Gower and his family.” Volunteers were tasked with planting plants around the home and laying sod in the yard. Gower said the day was “amazing” because he could feel the “love” from the community. He added that the home will give him “ease” and “piece of mind” because he won’t have to ask his wife for help. “You can’t even put a price on that alone.” “(Gower) deserves to be honored for what he did,” said Colvin Tyner, a 13-year-old vol­ unteer from Hastings. He added that the event gave him “joy in humanity” for working together to help a veteran. “The community means a lot to me,” said Lori Buchannan, the second Vice President for Blue Star Mothers of South Kent. Blue Star Mothers are mothers who have children serving in the military. Buchannan’s daughter has served for 13 years and has seen three when he got the call asking to work with them again he said “sign me up” because it is an “awesome cause.” Wright said that Gower picked the property out and he was “glad to (build) for Michael Michael Gower and his son Alexander, (photos by Hunter Dood). deployments. She added that she has met some “great” families through the organiza­ tion. “(The volunteers) truly love what they’re doing,” said Gower. “They have heart |md love.” Gower and his family will receive the key to their home on July 13. “Finally get to come home,” Gower said. “This is home.” SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Celebrating country! and community | Vonda VanTil Robbey Bell of Jenison lays sod in Gower’s yard. Bob Tyner and his grandson Andrew Tyner work together on planting. ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS Exceptional Care Close to Home Increasing your access to exceptional health care, close to home is a priority for Spectrum Health. Jamie McCartney, MD Adam Mitchell, DO Rebecca Eckert, FNP Caledonia Caledonia Gun Lake Andrew Stanley, DO Alia Anthony, FNP Maty Yakoby, MD Gun Lake Hastings Hastings Andrew Mepham, PA-C Lynda Simpson, DO Laurie Braker, MD Middleville Middleville Lake Odessa Our local providers are not just experts in their field; they are also a part of your community. Now accepting new patients in Family, Internal and Pediatric Medicine in Caledonia, Hastings, Middleville, Gun Lake and Wayland. Expanded morning and evening hours to ■ ’ better meet your needs. Spectrum Health Pennock Spectrum Health Pennock Family Medicine - Gun Lake Family Internal & Pediatric 12851 W. M179 Highway Medicine « Hastings Wayland, MI 49348 1108 W. State Street, Suite 3 877.377,7322 Hastings, Ml 49058 Spectrum Health Pennock Family Medicine * Lake Odessa 4294 Laurel Drive Lake Odessa, Ml 48849 616.374.7660 ;W ' 269.945.0922 Spectrum Health Medical Group Family Medicine - Caledonia Spectrum Health Pennock 9090 S. Rodgers Court, Suite A Family Medicine * Middleville Caledonia, Ml 49316 490 Edward Street 616.891.0422 Middleville, MI 49333 269.795.4434 ■ *tW .. ■ SPECTRUM HEALTH^' Pennock Zachary Jones, PA-C Lake Odessa Accepting new patients | Expanded hours | findadoctor.spectrumhealth.org Social Security Public Affairs Specialist The Fourth of July, and days preceding and following it, bring together family, friends and neighbors, to celebrate that we’re all part of a community. Everyone pitches in, combining their resources — great food, music and displays — to lift our spirits. Social Security has been helping people maintain their independence for more than 80 years. In that time, we’ve made it even easier for you to access the programs and benefits you might need. Today, applying online is a fast way to get those crucial benefits. Here are some of the benefits you can apply for: - Retirement or spouse’s benefits. You must be at least 61 years and 9 months old and want your benefits to start no more than four months in the future. Apply at www.socialsecurity.gov/retireonline. - Disability. You can apply online for dis­ ability benefits atsocialsecurity.gov/disabilityonline. - Extra Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Costs. Some people need assistance with the cost of medications. Apply for Extra Help at socialsecurity.gov/il020. -Medicare. This national health insurance program administered by the U.S. federal government began in 1966. You should apply before your 65th birthday at socialsecurity, gov/retireonline. -Supplemental Security Income. SSI is a federal income program funded by general tax revenues designed to help aged, blind and disabled people who have little or no income. You may be able to apply online if you meet certain requirements. See if you cart apply online for SSI at socialsecurity.gov/benefits/ ssi. Social Security provides benefits for mil­ lions of people, including retirees, wounded warriors, children, and people with disabili­ ties who cannot work. Find the help you or your family needs at socialsecurity.gov/benefits. We need you to let loved ones know about the ways we may provide benefits. By sharing our resources with friends and family, you can help create independence for them at socialse­ curity .gov/onlineservices. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan, You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email to vonda .vantil @ ssa .gov. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-07-11.pdf bf93a45e82d7ae8edfafa2e24470e360 PDF Text Text County to cover cost of COA roof repairs County fair is important tradition Wood to lead state American Legion See Story on Page 3 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 5 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 804879110187 = 1070490102590502126849058113421 mm*m***m***wCAR_RT 005 C005 Richard Hemerling 421 N Taffee Dr ' Hno i mvJO Hastings Mi 49058-1134 6/30/2020 9:47:00 AM ANNER Thursday, July 11,2019 VOLUME 166, No. 28 PRICE 75C uckled roadway surprises motorists west of Hastings Rebecca Pierce Zoo animals, oldies and Bob Seger music in lineup Playing at the Plaza, the Hastings Live Thursday morning program geared toward a younger audience, will be a creature feature with guests from John Ball Zoo at 11 a.m. July 11 at the spray plaza. Guests will learn about wildlife during a hands-on presentation by zoo education staff. Fridays at the Fountain will feature the music of Jessie Wolthuis at noon July 12 on the Barry County Courthouse lawn. Wolthuis grew up playing guitar inspired by rock ‘n’ roll greats, such as Fleetwood Mac and Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. The Bob Seger tribute band KatMandu will be the Friday Night Feature at the Thomapple Plaza beginning at 7:30 p.m. July 12. Since 1975, KatMandu has been delighting audiences with Bob Seger’s classic hits. The top Bob Seger tribute band in the state of Michigan will have everyone rocking out to their favorite songs all night long. All concerts are free, but donations are accepted. Visitors should provide their own chairs or blankets. More information can be found online at https.7/downtownhastings .com/events/. Fair lunch benefits scholarship fund Starting this weekend, livestock and horse trailers will be more popular on local roads and highways than travel trailers on the Fourth of July. Saturday is the unofficial start of the 167^ Barry County Fair, with a dog show, rocket launch, harness racing, miniature horse pull, non-livestock judging, and more. The non-livestock judging brings hun­ dreds of local families to the fair for cri­ tiques and commendation on projects from engine repair to creative writing and from barrel painting to baking. Hours for the Saturday event have been changed to 9 a.m.-l:30 p.m. with no scheduled time for lunch. Anyone at the fairgrounds, however, may purchase lunch and support the 4-H Advisory Council scholarship fund. Hot­ dogs, chips, pop, water, sweet and salty snacks and mandarin oranges will be available for $1 each (oranges will be two for$l.) Lunch will again be available Sunday, as hogs, sheep, cattle and horses are brought in. Sunday’s events include the poultry and rabbit competitions, harness racing, talent show and draft horse pull. Picnic hike planned in Yankee Springs The Chief Noonday Chapter of the North Country Trail will host a summer picnic hike Wednesday, July 17. Beginning at 10 a.m., hikers can meet at the M-179 trailhead 0.4 miles west of Yankee Springs Road can. The 5-mile hike will go out and back 2 1/2 miles in the Yankee Springs Recreation Area. Hikers may opt to go farther. Participants are asked to bring a brown­ bag lunch and beverage for a picnic along the trail. As always, hikers should dress for hik­ ing on natural trails and for the day’s weather conditions, and alos bring water, insect repellant, snacks, or other necessi­ ties. Further information is available from Jane Norton, 269-808-7334, or jane__a_ norton@yahoo.com. The website is northcountrytrail.org/cnd/index.htm. Editor If the road rises up to meet you, watch out. A semi-truck nearly overturned on a patch of buckled concrete on the north side of west­ bound M-43 in Hastings July 3. After hitting this concrete, which resem­ bled a ramp, of sorts, traveling at speeds of 50 mph, some vehicles became airborne - and then came down hard. Some of them hit the ground on one wheel. The problem patch was quickly fixed, but not before a dozen or more motorists were unpleasantly surprised by it. Why does concrete buckle? Blame hot temperatures. Barry County Road Commission Managing Director Brad Lamberg said these concrete slabs expand. Every material does. And, typi­ cally, there are joints between the rigid slabs - usually some sort of soft, springy rubber. But the soft joints can wear away or come out and, if they do, the void that’s left will fill with sand and stones and other hard materials that don’t easily accommodate the expansion of concrete. With the heat of that day, those concrete slabs were all expanding, he said. Clearly, there was one joint that was the weakest. “It’s under the highest stress and it just finally pops,” Lamberg said. To be technical about it, it’s not just the heat, it’s also because of what Lamberg called “the thermal expansion coefficient” of con- crete. Asphalt is much more flexible, he said. But that’s a whole other story. A concrete slab on the north side of westbound M-43 in Hastings buckled so badly July 3, some surprised motorists found them­ selves airborne - and coming down pretty hard. (Photo by Tanett Hodge) M-43 open - finally Solution to Pine Lake flooding Pump failures delay draining^ swamp estimated at $3 million Rebecca Pierce Editor The section of the highway west of Cloverdale Lake, which typically serves more than 3,300 motorists daily, was open Tuesday. The state trunkline highway was underwater for months until steps were taken to, literally, drain the swamp. A pump was installed on Guernsey Lake Road and started pumping Friday, June 28. But, by Sunday, the pump was dead. “We talked to DeWind Dewatering and they said the design of that pump is, if it runs out of fuel, the electronics shut down and it doesn’t drain the battery,” Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull said. “The battery was dead on that. And the Yey was on. My thinking is somebody turned that off and turned the key back on.” Dull contacted DeWind Monday, July 1, and representatives came back, looked at the pump, put a new battery in it, and it started right up. Then “within two hours of that guy leaving,” Dull said, “the pump magically catches fire.” “So, they ended up having to bring another pump down to replace it,” he said. “It burnt the wiring out of it. It burnt a little bit of the grass.” See OPEN, page 2 Rebecca Pierce Editor The cost for flooding in Barry County is rising - as are the lake levels. To date, $750,000 has been spent to fight the flooding in Barry County, Drain Commissioner Jim Dull told county com­ missioners Tuesday. These funds are coming from $500,000 that was allocated by the county board for flood relief, plus another $400,000 that was borrowed for that purpose, Dull said. But that total is likely to increase much more because of Pine Lake. “We have houses flooded out,” Dull said, “People actually moving out. Three county roads have water on them.” Several hundred Pine Lake residents, during a July 2 public information meeting in Delton, gave Dull his marching orders. They said they want action. But there was an immediate obstacle: A limit on spending for maintenance of the lake level on Pine Lake. “We can’t spend over $10,000 a year without the commissioners lifting that limit on us, which is a good checks and balanc­ es,” Dull told commissioners. “We know the See PINE LAKE, page 2 Homicide investigation continues Rebecca Pierce Editor Orangeville Township resident Jon Otis Burnett, 63, is being held in a maximum secu­ rity cell in Barry County Jail awaiting foren­ sic testing to determine if he’s competent to stand trial. Burnett faces at least eight charges - two open murder and other felony counts in the June 21 shootings deaths of Bryce DeGood, 21, of Haslett, and Burnett’s neighbor and friend, Gary Peake, 73, Plainwell. Burnett does not have a criminal history, Barry County Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt told The Banner. “But, in our world, that does not mean there wasn’t any history. ...That’s part of the investigation.” Nakfoor Pratt said after a July 3 probable cause conference in district court before Judge Michael Schipper that more charges against Burnett are likely. Bond continues at $10 million, which was set at his arraignment. He is facing two counts of open murder as well as assault by strangu­ lation, felonious assault and four counts of committing felonies with a firearm in Barry County. Nakfoor Pratt called Burnett “an extreme danger to society.” “It also is my understanding that it’s being investigated that Mr. Burnett also shot at var­ ious motorists who tried to help the person who was lying in the street and that he placed his gun in the faces of several other motorists, including one motorist who had small chil­ dren in the car, his grandchildren,” Nakfoor Pratt said during the arraignment. She said after the July 3 court proceeding that at least one vehicle may provide evidence of shots that were fired at motorists. Police also are charging Burnett with stran­ gling, suffocating and assaulting his wife, Lynne Burnett of Plainwell, with a pistol. At Burnett’s arraignment on June 24, District Court Magistrate Frank Hillary issued a no-contact order prohibiting Burnett from Forensic testing to determine compe­ tency was ordered in the case against Jon Burnett. (Photos by Scott Harmsen) having any contact with his wife. On July 3 at the probable cause conference before Judge Schipper, Burnett’s wife asked that the no-contact order be amended to allow her to talk to her husband and visit him in jail. Nakfoor Pratt advised Judge Schipper of the request, saying, “ I will leave that up to the court. He’s in jail.” Lynne Burnett, who was sitting with other courtroom observers, stood when the judge addressed her. “You’re open to having phone and or letter contact from him as long as it’s not inappro­ priate or threatening?” Schipper asked. Mrs. Burnett replied, “I would also like to Barry County Judge Michael Schipper ordered a forensic examination in the case and amended the no-contact order. see him, talking, face to face, things about the house, finances, accounts.” No one objected. “Given that this is something that would assist Mrs. Burnett in this matter I will allow that,” the judge agreed. Then he addressed Burnett: “You may talk to her by phone. You may send her letters. “You may visit him at the jail,” he told Lynne Burnett. The judge turned back to Burnett: “But if there is anything at all that I think is inappro­ priate, that I think is harassing, intimidating, threatening, assaultive; if I think it’s in any way witness tampering, manipulative, what­ soever, not only will I deny your contact with her, I will remove all your privileges at the jail, except for communication with your attorney. Do you understand that?” At the June 24 arraignment, Burnett, who wears hearing aids affixed to his head behind each ear, appeared to have trouble hearing. At the July 3 court proceeding, he responded to questions and confirmed that he understood the judge’s instructions. The judge adjourned the case until Oct. 2 when authorities should have the results of the forensic examination. Open murder is a felony carrying a maxi­ mum of life in prison. Assault by strangula­ tion is a felony carrying a maximum of 10 years in prison. Convictions of felonious assault carry a maximum of four years in pris­ on and felony firearms counts carry a manda­ tory sentence of two years in prison. �■Page 2 — Thursday, July 11, 2019 — The Hastings Banner OPEN, continued from page 1 PINE LAKE, continued from page 1 project will probably be $3 million. “So [at the Pine Lake meeting] one guy stood up and said: ‘$3 million, 660 homes, $5,000 a piece - why aren’t we done?’ Everybody clapped. I took that as they’re on board.” Dull snagged a last-minute audience with die county board Tuesday to ask for authori- zation to exceed the $10,000 spending limit on the maintenance of the Pine Lake water level. His request was approved. That lake, which is principally in Prairieville Township, has some frontage in Allegan County’s Gun Plain Township, so that county board was to receive a similar request today. “We’re giving him authorization to basically engineer a solution. The charge to Dull is to go get a solution - and the estimate for that solution is $3 million.” David Jackson, Barry County commissioner Barry County Drain Commissioner asked for - and received - authorization to exceed a $10,000 annual limit on spending to address Pine Lake flooding. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Once both counties have authorized exceed­ ing the spending limit, engineers Chad Marcarelli and Dan Fredericks will be able to proceed with a project. Barry County Commissioner Dave Jackson, who lives on Guernsey Lake Road in Delton, said Pine Lake “is in the same boat as Crooked Lake. It’s another bowl lake with no outlet.” By allowing Dull to exceed the spending limit on Pine Lake, “we’re giving him autho­ rization to basically engineer a solution,” Jackson said. “The charge to Dull is to go get a solution - and the estimate for that solution is $3 million.” Is there a solution? Yes, Jackson said, but they will likely have to bore through a hill to find it. Council takes care of business in record time Doug VanderLaan Contributing Writer Hastings City Council members weren’t sure how to react Monday night when what’s thought to be the shortest meeting in council fiistory came to an end after a mere 25 min$tes. j; “Where’s the pizza?” cracked Council Member Al Jarvis, who was actually referring to one of the more lengthy discussions that aid take place earlier in the meeting. S Jarvis brought the subject up when City Manager Jerry Czarnecki asked the council to Schedule a joint workshop with the city’s planning Commission at 6 pan. July 22 to discuss code and fee amendments related to city facilities. “My question is about the pizza (during catered meetings),” asked Jarvis, whose com­ ment kicked off a lively and humorous exchange. “It seems like we just get talking, then the pizza comes and we have to stop.” To a suggestion that, perhaps, a 5:30 p.m. pizza dinner could precede the meeting, Council member Brenda McNabb-Stange replied, “I don’t see the point in coming at 5:30,1 can eat at home.” Council member Therese Maupin-Moore said, “I’ll be here at 5 if it’s a home-cooked meal.” The final resolution means there will appar­ ently be no home-cooked meal — or pizza — after council members officially approved the July 22 joint meeting with the planning commission. “Jeff Sluggett helped us draft previous S ordinances, and he’ll be here to discuss areas we need to address,” Czarnecki told council members, referring to the Grand Rapids attor­ ney who specializes in public sector law. “It’s going to be a joint meeting (with the planning commission) because some ordinances that have to be changed move through the plan­ ning commission before they reach the city council.” Council members also approved Czarnecki’s proposal to create a new position and detailed job description for a utility bill­ ing clerk. Currently, the city carries two positions entitled AR-clerks, each responsible for all tasks that relate to billing, reporting, and tracking of water and sewer data. Those job responsibilities have evolved to also supervis­ ing meter readers to confirm accurate data for proper billing. Because of that, Czarnecki is proposing that the new supervisor}- duties be added to one of the AR-clerk positions with a new pay range of $14 to $19.50 to reflect the added responsibility. By moving one AR-clerk position into the new role of utility billing clerk and eliminating that AR-clerk position, there will be no additional budget expense. “We simply want to add this position to the budget,” Czarnecki said “and it benefits us if we move people and positions because we now have a better job description.” The proposal drew the praise of Mayor Dave Tossava. “I don’t know if we’ve ever done this before,” Tossava said to fellow council mem­ bers of the non-monetary administrative pro- Long Term Care & Medicaid Planning Update Tuesday, July 23, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Highpoint Wealth Management is partnering with Attorney Robert Longstreet to provide information on the many changes that have taken place over the past year in Michigan State Law. Topics covered include: • What is Estate Recovery and what you can do to protect your home • Planning techniques for estate preservation - What assets and income one may keep and still receive Medicaid • Major eligibility factors Special rules for spouses • How Medicaid pays for a nursing home This update will take place in the community room of the Hastings Branch, 150 West Court St. Attendance is free to the community. Please reserve a seat by calling 269-948-5579. Refreshments will be served. COMMUNITY BANK highpointcommunitybank.com | 1-888-422-2280 “I don’t know if we’ve ever done this before. He’s trying to be more transparent.” Dave Tossava, | Hastings mayor i cedure. “He’s trying to be more transparent.” Council members also approved a request by the Hastings Police Department to pur­ chase two Ford Interceptor Utility AWD patrol vehicles and a changeover package enabling the department to fit them with usable equipment from two older models planned for public auction. The $73,724 pur­ chase price comes through the state’s MiDeal program and will be made with funds already approved and in the city 2019-20 budget. “What is ‘changeover’ and is that at an additional price to the purchase?” asked McNabb-Stange. “It refers to removing equipment in the two cars so we can sell them at public auction,” replied Hastings Deputy Chief of Police Dale Boulter, “and then taking what equipment will work in the new cars. The two new cars from the factory come with a ‘Road Ready’ pack­ age with things like lights, wiring, siren con­ trols that will add $3,500 to $3,600 on top of the actual price. That cost, though saves on labor if we had to install the package our­ selves.” To questions regarding typical mileage number recorded by police vehicles from council member Jim Cary, Boulter replied that the department usually looks at vehicle replacement at 90,000-95,000 miles. “Once you hit those numbers, you’re going to have bigger ticket repair items,” Boulter said. “The offset is that if you keep a car lon­ ger, it doesn’t seem to pan out.” The council also approved two items for the Hastings Fire Department with expenses already budgeted for the 2019-20 fiscal year. A $30,846.50 bid from Michigan Rescue Resources, LLC was approved to replace extrication equipment which includes a $1,000 trade-in credit for an old set of hydrau­ lic tools. Also given approval was a $25,622 bid from A-l Asphalt to remove and replace the asphalt at the fire station. In her report, Library Director Peggy Hemerling brought Council members wel­ come news. With just over a month to go, the Hastings Public Library has enrolled 757 in the summer reading program and, so far, the Free Wednesday program at the library has hosted 481 attendees. Hemerling also report­ ed that the Movie at the Plaza event brought out 180. In addition to previewing a couple of presentations earlier this week at the library, Hemerling announced that this Friday and Saturday will be the always highly-anticipat­ ed Friends of the Library book sale. Adding to the quick-moving agenda on Monday was a missing report, this one expect­ ed to have been delivered by Director of Public Services Matt Gergen. Gergen, how­ ever, was, according to Czarnecki, wading through gushing waters caused by water main breaks on Market Street and another on Blair Street. “The crews are doing a nice job,” Czarnecki reported, “but we’re also investigating why this (water main breaks) are happening at this time of year.” The DPS crews also drew compliments from council member Don Bowers who, though he wasn’t referring directly to the work being down on Monday at the water main break scenes, stated his pleased observa­ tion of the men and women who carry out the work for the City of Hastings. “I thank the city for these crews,” Bowers said, “they always seem to have smiles on their faces while they’re working.” M-43 south of Cloverdale is open to traffic. (Photo by Luke Froncheck) Dull said officials don’t know the cause of all these problems, but they’ve installed trail cameras around the equipment and haven’t had any problems with the equipment since then. With the pumping in progress, the water level on the west side of the road has dropped, he said. Pumping on the east side of the road likely will continue for another week or two to ensure it stays at an acceptable level. The excess water from Cloverdale Lake is being pumped into Long Lake while officials are simultaneously draining the swamp into Cloverdale Lake. The key is to pump water out of Cloverdale Lake faster than they are putting water in, Dull said. Once the water is in Long Lake, it will then flow into Fall Creek and farther north through the connected chain of lakes. The permit for the work was approved through the state Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. Although Dull had hoped the road would open much sooner, the original goal had been to have M-43 open before July 10, according to Michigan Department of Transportation representative Steve Wessels said. So, the goal was met. “MDOT has been so good to work with,” Dull said. “All the players, what they did ... It’s way above and beyond.” 450 gather for Pine Lake meeting Luke Froncheck Staff Writer Back in the 1960s when Pine Lake reached unprecedented low water levels, little thought was ever given to what might hap­ pen if the lake ever got high enough to flood. At a July 2 informational meeting held at the Delton Kellogg Middle School gymnasium, 450 Pine residents wanted answers to that exact situation. The meeting, called by Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull to discuss the numerous complaints he has received from reported flooding on Pine Lake, was also attended by Deputy Drain Commissioner Tammy Berdecia, Allegan County Drain Commissioner Denise Medemar, Allegan County engineer Joel Morgan, engineers Dan Fredricks and Chad Mencarelli of Land and Resource Engineering, and attorney Lauren Burton of Clark Hill PLC. “We’re here to hear from you guys to see if we want to move forward with anything,” Burton said. “The point of the meeting is to see what’s going on out there. What is differ­ ent? What is changed? Do we need to go out and do something more?” Currently, Pine Lake sits at 894.1 feet which is six inches higher than ever previ­ ously recorded and 3.6 feet higher than the minimum lake level set by a court decision in 1969. The lake’s previous high level was last recorded in 1993 when the lake was at 893.6 feet, which has since been surpassed by today’s numbers. According to Fredricks, 1,700 acres of surrounding land drains into the 660-acre lake. Pine Lake has no natural outlet, mean­ ing the only way water exits is either through evaporation or infiltration into the ground beneath the lake. There are 12 miles of shoreline on Pine Lake and its deepest point is 34-feet deep. Pine Lake sits almost entirely in Barry County, but there is a small fraction of the lake that resides in Allegan County, the rea­ son for the attendance at the meeting by officials from that county. That portion of the lake has three residences and stretches roughly 90 feet into Allegan County. Barry County holds the other mile and a half of the lake and the over-600 other residents. Because of the dual ownership between the two counties, Pine Lake is considered an intercounty lake. Fredricks reported that, because of the unprecedented low water levels experienced in the 1960s, lake residents petitioned the circuit court then to establish a legal mini­ mum lake level. The petition was granted and the normal level was set at 890.5-feet with a minimum level of 890-feet and a maximum level of 891 feet. The reasoning behind the petition was to allow placement of an augmentation well to pump ground water up into the lake and raise the water level. “There was a minimum and a maximum established for when to use the pump,” Fredricks explained. “If the water got six inches below 890.5 feet the pump was turned on. If the water got above 890.1ft it was turned off. The pump was installed in 1970 and ran for a year until the water rose above the 891-foot mark and, to our knowl­ edge, it has never been turned on again since. “Back then they thought the lake would never get high enough to flood.” In 1992, a group of landowners on the lake went to court seeking to enforce the legal lake level maximum of 891 feet set in 1 1969. The decision went to the Court of Appeals twice. The appeals court ruled that the 1969 order was too old and that it would not enforce it. The appeals court did rule in 1992 that the lower circuit court must have another hear­ ing regarding minimum and maximum lev­ els. That court then re-established the low level of 890 feet and the normal level of 890.5 feet but it did not set a new maximum water level, citing that it would only benefit four and one-half percent of property own­ ers. . In 1997, the court clarified its order say­ ing that “there is one normal lake level of 890.5 unless seasonal variation cause the lake to exceed that level.” From Fredricks’ perspective that legal opinion sets precedent for the county drain commissioner. “The court has set the legal precedent that there is no real obligation for the drain com­ missioner to be responsible for making the water level go down,” Fredricks said, explaining that the purpose of the July 2 meeting was to hear from the people on Pine Lake so that he and the drain commissioner could learn what the public wanted them to do and whether that might or might not lead to a possible solution through drain mantenance procedures. During the public comment portion of the meeting, one woman told the surrounding crowd that she has been spending thousands of dollars on flooding repairs and preven­ tion. Citing the possible increased costs for drain maintenance and reconstruction proce­ dures, she then asked for any person who would be willing to spend $500 a year to get relief to raise their hand. Every hand in the room shot up. “Our goal coming into this meeting was seeing you, hearing your concerns, and see­ ing if it was an ultimatum to move forward,” said Dull, who reported he has received 37 different photographs detailing flooded properties across the lake. One resident yelled out, “What is your assessment of the meeting then?” “My assessment of this meeting is that we have a mandate to move forward and as quickly as possible,” replied Dull. According to Dull, the goal is not to bring the lake down to 890.5 feet, but rather to bring it down to a point where the water can fluctuate and no one’s property will be flooded. Fredricks said that a conservative estimate for a long-term relief effort would have con­ struction begin in 2021 and cost somewhere near $3 million, translating to $500 per resi­ dent per year over a 10-year period for the 625-property assessment district set in 1975. According to the Drain Code, each prop­ erty will be assessed at the conclusion of the project based on the benefit derived from the solution - meaning assessment of lakefront property will be higher than that of property that does not border the lake. Fredricks said that because the 625-prop­ erty assessment district had already been established there was no need to re-do the long legal process. The next step is to go before both the Barry and Allegan County Boards of Commissioners. Those boards must be will­ ing to pass a resolution allowing the drain commissioner to spend more than the $10,000 allotted yearly for maintenance of the drain. Both boards must approve the resolution for a relief effort to begin. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 11,2019 — Page 3 ISD appeal date set for July 22 Luke Froncheck Staff Writer The date has been set for Superintendent •Richard Franklin to formally express his dis­ content with a Michigan Department of Education report made public last month rec­ ommending the removal of a program from Barry Intermediate School District. Franklin calls the MDE report a complete ■error stating that, “Their faulty conclusions led to faulty recommendations.” Franklin •requested and was granted an expedited ^appeals process which includes an informal preview meeting that will occur on Monday, July 22 during which his team and MDE rep­ resentatives will sit down and review the report’s finding. The MDE report recommended that the Great Start Readiness Program be removed from Barry ISD management due to “numer­ ous internal financial control and noncompli­ ance issues.” The GRSP program at Barry ISD has a staff of 16 and serves pre-kindergarten students from Delton Kellogg and Hastings school districts. “The facts are on our side,” said Franklin. “Truth is on our side. It’s up to MDE what happens next. We’ll see how the process plays out.” During the ISD’s regular school board meeting on Tuesday morning, Franklin told the board and the surrounding audience of about 20 people that “we will prevail.” Franklin says that he and his team have a massive stack of evidence to support his belief that the ISD has done nothing wrong. “There will be GSRP classes in Hastings and Delton next year,” Franklin said. “We know this has been difficult for everyone. Trust me when I say this has been a difficult time for me and everyone at the office.” Board members did not make any com­ ments during the meeting, opting instead to move to the next agenda item. Franklin was also evaluated during Tuesday’s meeting when the board went into a closed session. The closed session lasted roughly 90 minutes after which board presi­ dent Elizabeth Matteson called the meeting back into session and then reported that Franklin received a score of 3.37/4 or an effective rating. The board also unanimously voted to hire Jillian Przybysz-Quick as the ISD’s behavior­ al specialist. “She really seemed like a good fit,” school administrator Dawn Weeks said, “she really impressed us.” The Behavioral Specialist position was just recently created, fulfilling the promise made by the ISD after voters approved the Headlee restoration millage last August. The ISD promised the addition of three positions, an occupational therapist, a speech-language pathologist, and a behavioral specialist. With the hiring of Przybysz-Quick, all three have been accomplished. Franklin reported that the Hastings United Way Board approved funding to continue the ISD’s home visiting program through the summer until the ISD picks up funding the program again in the fall. The home visits over the summer will target more critical situ­ ations and families with a higher need for assessment. Franklin stated that the ISD’s auditing firm, Biggs, Haussserman, Thompson, and Dickenson, is changing its business model and will no longer conduct school audits. However, a partner of the firm, Steve Thompson, is offering to continue providing the ISD’s audits on an independent basis sepr arate from the firm. Some board members raised concerns over the potential change, but secretary Deb Hatfield called the proposal fairly common, adding that the engagement letter will provide a clearer picture. The board also approved its annual sched­ ule detailing the dates and locations of upcom­ ing monthly board meetings. That informa­ tion will be published on the Barry ISD web­ sites. Matteson encouraged the public to check the site for potential changes to meeting dates and times. “I want to see some of our meetings done in the afternoon so our staff can attend during the school year,” Treasurer Sharon Boyle said. The board approved the preliminary meeting plan with the intention of looking for specific afternoon meetings conducive with During its regular meeting on Tuesday, the Barry ISD welcomed new member Carl Schoessel to the board. He has pre­ viously worked as superintendent of both Hastings and Delton Schools. Board President Elizabeth Matteson expects his experience will be greatly appreciated. Bob Becker and Carl Schoessel listen as Superintendent Franklin explains the current status of the GSRP program. staff schedules. Trustee Carl Schoessel raised the idea of sending board members or administrators as representatives to the community school board meetings to get involved with constitu­ ent districts. ISD board leadership will remain the same for the coming year after the following slate of officers was approved: Elizabeth Matteson, president; Robert Becker, vice president; Debra Hatfield, secretary; Sharon Boyle, trea­ surer. Matteson also appointed board members to the following committees: to their commit­ tee’s which are as follows; Finance - Boyle, Becker; Personnel - Becker, Schoessel; Negotiations - Matteson, Hatfield. The board designated signatories as Franklin and Boyle. It also delegated the dayto-day duties of the treasurer to Assistant Superintendent Cindy Larson. The day-to-day duties of secretary is delegated to Franklin. The board approved its own compensation at $27 per meeting with compensation for gas mileage based on the IRS’s yearly recommen­ dation. Merit pay for administrative staff was also approved, as follows: Cindy Latta Larsen, $2000; Carol VanDenBerg, $1500; Dawn Weeks, $1000. According to Franklin, merit pay isn’t based on performance but rather how each contract is constructed. The board also approved the transfer of special education funds to both constituent districts. The ISD transferred $208,210 to Delton Kellogg School^ and $351,756 to Hastings Area School^flatfield asked why the number was a bit higher Wan initially bud­ geted. Franklin attributed tnfe costs to the adding of a Behavioral Specialist which is a Barry ISD Vice President Bob Becker raises concerns over continuing to utilize the service of its current auditing firm as the4SD begins to move in another direction. cost specific to this year alone. The board also approved the transferring of $48,041 from the special to general to cover office costs from the past school year. *, .1 County commissioners agree to cover cost of COA roof repairs Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry County Commissioners opted to pay for Commission on Aging roof repairs despite disagreement about who should pay for it. The 4-2 vote at Tuesday’s board meeting OK’d the $25,750 cost for the work to be done by the True Colors Industrial LLC, to be paid from the county’s building rehabilitation fund. Last week, commissioners debated whether taking that money from the county’s fund was appropriate, since the COA has a $314,000 fund balance, plus $380,000 in its building fund. Commissioner Jon Smelker asked if the action would set a precedent, opening the way for requests from other county departments that require roof repairs. On Tuesday, Tammy Pennington, executive director of the Commission on Aging, added some detail: “At the last meeting, a question was raised - I think it was Commissioner Smelker - asking about whether we had done due diligence in roof repairs over the years in coming to the commission for $25,000 roof repair. ... and maybe it wouldn’t have gotten to this point. “We actually, over the last 10 years, have done nine different roof repairs, patch jobs, on that roof - ranging from a $150 repair to a $7,235 repair. “So, the total on those repairs over the last 10 years is $18,645 - that doesn’t include the $7,000 that we’ve spent in the past two sea­ sons doing shoveling- so that’s a total of $25,645 that we have spent out the COA bud­ get.” Pennington noted that, in addition, the COA has spent money on other building improvements and repairs over the years. Smelker thanked Pennington for that infor­ mation then asked if the vote should wait for Commissioner Vivian Conner to return, since Conner serves on the COA committee and originally had placed the request for roof repair on the commissioners’ agenda. Wing read Conner’s message she had sent via email: “I’m sorry that I can’t be there, but it is still too early in the healing process for me to come today. The funds for the roof repair for the COA roof are currently proposed in their 2020 budget. “I am the one that told the COA board that I would ask the board of commissioners if this could be paid out of the county building fund. The master facilities plan is in the hands of the board of commissioners. “We have known since 2015 that the jail and the COA are the two most vulnerable buildings. They both are failing. It is our responsibility to get these projects underway before we have major issues. While both these departments wait on us, I thought the COA roof repair might be appropriate for the coun­ ty to pay for because we have not moved forward yet. “The COA is trying to keep costs down and get through until we decide the best route to go. The board needs to get moving on these two buildings. I leave it to the rest of you to make the right decision.” Commissioner Ben Geiger agreed, but added, “The jail still is the top priority of this county. ... Just because we talked about the COA doesn’t mean we’re any less committed to replacing the county jail. “ Smelker asked if it would be appropriate for the county to award the work to True Colors Industrial LLC when this was the only bid submitted. County Administrator Michael Brown replied that, if there is only one bid in response to the county’s solicitation for bids, it is acceptable for the board to choose that bid. In the action to OK the request, Commissioners Dave Jackson, Dan Parker, Geiger and Wing voted for it with Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Commissioners Howard Gibson and Smelker voting against it. Conner was absent. In other business, commissioners: • Approved amending a resolution to mod­ ify the process for recruiting and interviewing candidates for boards and commissions. Smelker cast the only dissenting vote because there was no final resolution, as amended, presented to the board for its consideration. • Approved appointing Conner as Officer Delegate and Wing as Officer Alternate to attend the 2019 Municipal Employees Retirement System Annual meeting, and to approve paying the expenses for the officer delegate and the employee delegate to attend Oct. 3 and 4 at the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme. • Wing told commissioners that the Michigan Department of Transportation will be installing a traffic light on M37/M43 where it intersects with the Walmart drive­ way. On June 20, some county employees were injured when a vehicle crashed into their county vehicle there. Wing said she reached out to county Road Commissioner Managing Director Brad Lamberg, who inquired about state plans to deal with that intersection, which has been the scene of many accidents. “It’s not an easy driveway to get out of,” Wing said, adding, “something will be done in 2020. • Approved pre-paid invoices of $2,895,285. • Approved claims totaling $65,032. • Approved commissioners’ mileage of $777. • Approved the purchase of new furniture for the adult specialty court office for $15,567 ($14,902 to Interphase Interiors and $665.00 to Office Depot) and approved the purchase of office dividers for the Family Division clerical office in the amount of $2,200 for a total of $17,766, with funds to be paid from the Capital Replacement Fund. • Approved the purchase of a new 2019 GMC Terrain through the State of Michigan MiDEAL purchasing program to replace a 2019 GMC Terrain, VIN 3GKALMEV4KL287795, damaged in an auto accident June 20. • Approved replacing a sheriff’s office Marine Patrol Vessel No. 2, a 2001 Lund, with a 2020 Lund of equal capabilities for the amount of $25,128 with funds to be paid from the vehicle fund, and to sell the 2001 Lund via sealed bid to the highest bidder. • Approved changes/additions to the Barry County Information Technology Security Policy (Version 7.0). • Wing announced that there will be no county board meeting Tuesday during fair week. The next regular county board meeting will take place at 9 a.m. July 22 in the county courthouse on the mezzanine. The public is welcome to attend. �Page 4 — Thursday, July 11, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you see? County fair is a fun and important - tradition Royal welcome Monarch butterflies have seen a decline in recent years, for various rea­ sons. So, what was once a common sight in Michigan backyards has become more significant. Adult monarchs feel on nectar from many flowers. However, ; their young eat only milkweed plants. Here, a monarch feeds on nectar from a milkweed plant in Hastings. We’re dedicating this space to a photo­ graph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics .com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? Ready for parade Back when the fairgrounds was a fraction of its current size (in the area now occupied by the Kmart Plaza in Hastings), a parade was part of the week’s activities. Initially, the parade kicked off the fair, leading from down­ town Hastings to the fairgrounds with floats, decorated bicycles, costumes and more. In later years, the parade was moved back in the schedule and in front of the grandstands. Today, antique trac­ tors make up an evening parade that winds through part of the 160-acre prop­ erty. This photo illustrates the close quarters before the fair was moved in the late 1980s. The July 25, 1973, Banner reported: “The annual livestock parade at the 1973 Barry County Fair was an outstanding event. Led by the uniformed sheriff’s posse, the boys and girls who exhibited their animals parad­ ed before the grandstand, drawing applause from the appreciative audi­ ence. This scene shows some of the exhibitors as they waited their turn to move to the infield for the parade before the grandstand. Have you met? Mel Risner was born and raised in Orangeville after her parents moved from White Cloud. She and her four brothers grew up on Pine Lake Road and attended Delton Kellogg schools, from which she graduated in 1970. She was very active in horseback riding and remembers riding all over the countryside as a child. “That’s back when you could ride on the streets and into town on your horse,” Risner said. She showed horses and was National Junior champion, National 4-H champion and National 4-H reserve all in one year. Her mother, Joyce Fetterly, was a 4-H leader and spurred her on in all of her activities. “Mom was known in the area as “Big Red” because of her red hair, and everyone loved her,” Risner said. Risner married her husband, Ted, in 1971 and had two sons who still live in Orangeville. For more than 20 years, Risner owned Movies in Motion, located on what is now The Landing at Gun Lake. She was a Cub Scout leader and a supporter of people in the Gun Lake area. This year marked the 31st Fourth of July party her family has hosted for family and friends in the area. She expects no one to bring anything and no longer sends invitations. “People just know they are welcome and show up for lunch at noon,” Risner said. “We open the pool and set tables and chairs up in the pole bam, and people just come and hang out and enjoy themselves.” The party has seen anywhere from 90 to 285 people show up, and Risner said she loves it. Through the years, she has served on the board of review, been a part of Barry County Planning and Zoning ordinance revisions and is a strong advocate for the care and upkeep of the area cemeteries and the Orangeville Fire Department. She was the 2011 grand My first real job was as a waitress at Landlubber Inn in Delton. Book I’d recommend: The Bible. Favorite teacher: Mrs. Chapman at North Pine Lake School. She allowed kids to be kids. Person I’d most like to meet: Elvis Presley -1 was such a fan. Favorite vacation destination: I didn’t get very many vacations, but in 1995, my husband and I took a 10-day trip out west, and I just think the Black Hills are so beauti­ ful. What I’d tell a high school graduate: Mel Risner marshal of Orangeville Days, has volun­ teered with Orangeville Community Outreach and was awarded the Angel Among Us Award through the OCO Smiles for Christmas program. In 2016, she closed her video store and ran for the office Orangeville Township clerk. She has been the clerk for three years now and loves to help people in any way possible. She fields calls and solves problems and said she enjoys every minute of it. For this rea­ son, Mel Risner has been chosen as a Bright Light. Favorite movie: I am a huge Abbott and Costello fan. I’ve got to say my favorite is their movie titled “Who Done It?” Best advice ever received: My mom told me to always take care of my family. First job: I worked the muck fields around the area weeding onions, like many people. Find a job that you like. If you don’t like it, you won’t stick with it. Favorite dinner: Prime rib. If I could change one thing: I wouldn’t change anything. I have just learned to be content where I am. I’m most proud of: My grandkids. I would say my kids, but then I had grandkids. What I’d do if I won the lottery: Set aside money for the grandkids and pay for homes for family members. Favorite cartoon character: Scooby Doo. Favorite childhood memory: Horseback riding. Hobbies: Reading and watching British murder mysteries. Greatest thing about Barry County: It’s rural atmosphere. I am a country girl at heart. Everybody knows. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. In a time when smartphones, video games and YouTube channels have transformed our culture and drawn us inward, I’m amazed that across the nation, throughout our state, and right here in Barry County fairs still remain an annual communitywide highlight. As longtime, historical organizations are dwindling in number or disbanding in com­ munities across America, our Barry County Fair will be opening for the 167^ year this weekend. It’s a tradition that is defying the downward spirals of nearly every commu­ nity group in the country. In 1964, for example, the country’s Parent Teacher Association counted 12 mil­ lion members. Today, that vital school sup­ port group is down to 4 million members. Admired service clubs like the Elks boasted 1.6 million members in 1976. Today, the community work it strives to accomplish has to be carried out by just 800,000 nation­ wide members. Our Barry County Fair is one of those valued community institutions that - for one week each summer - brings us together as individuals from all walks of life and reminds us of our good fortune in being a free and happy country. As always, there will be midway rides, all kinds of special foods, entertainment and competitions for adult and youth projects. I love to overhear those remarks around town at this time of year that go, “I can’t wait to get to the fair and get an elephant ear,” or maybe a com dog, a foot-long or another deep-fried treat that has become a tradition for so many fair-goers. But the most gratifying thing to me about the Barry County Fair are the hundreds of 4-Hers across the county who have been busy preparing their projects and animals in anticipation of the big event. That’s a reminder for us all that the county fair is also a good chance for communities to focus on one of the state’s largest industries, agriculture. According to the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, there are around 10 million acres of farm­ land in the state and roughly 47,600 farms. The food and agriculture industry contrib­ utes more than $104.7 billion to the state’s economy every year. Livestock (including dairy) has the greatest economic impact at $5.13 billion, followed closely by field crops with an economic impact of $5.12 billion. In 2018, Michigan exported more than $1.98 billion in food and agriculture prod­ ucts to markets such as Canada, Mexico, Japan, South Korea and China. According to the department, every dollar in export activity generates another $2.87 in econom­ ic activity, meaning the state’s total agricul­ tural export of $1.98 billion has a local impact of an additional $5.6 billion. The county fair, in its own fun-filled, summertime manner, is a reminder of the importance agriculture is to our state’s overall economic stability. Not to mention the great opportunity it offers young people between age 5 and 19 through 4-H and FFA programs to get the kinds of experiences that will help them prepare for careers and adult life. “Kids who participate in 4-H get better grades and are more likely to go to college,” according to Michigan State University Extension. “They’re also less likely to use drugs, cigarettes or alcohol, and are more likely to give back to their communities.” The National 4-H organization proudly points out that 4-H is the largest out-of­ school youth program in the United States. Dating back to 1898, it has grown to serve more than 6.5 million youth and attract thousands of adult volunteers each year, operating in over 80 countries. 4-H is a U.S-based network of youth organizations whose mission is “engaging youth to reach their fullest potential while advancing the field of youth development.” The name is in reference to the organiza­ tion’s motto of, ‘head, heart, hands and health.’ Today’s 4-H programs focus on leadership, citizenship, healthy living, sci­ What do you ence, engineering and technology for per­ sonal growth and career success. Area youth “learn by doing” through programs that expose them to working with others and setting and achieving specific goals. These programs offer educational opportunities and lots of fun to hundreds of area youth - giving them a number of skills and many memories that will last a lifetime. Plus, adult volunteers contribute count­ less hours of support to local youth in numerous project areas by encouraging self-esteem, confidence, leadership, team­ work, sportsmanship, citizenship and a sense of community pride not found in many programs available to young people today. With an estimated over 540,000 adult volunteers nationally, these leaders play an important role in the delivering programs and the personal development of our youth. When I was growing up, I participated in 4-H, attended the fair and still enjoy the event and watching these kids as they learn and have fun by participating in 4-H and FFA. For more than 40 years, I’ve attended the annual livestock auctions and purchased goats sheep, pigs, steers and chickens - and plan to take part again this year. Each year, local 4-Hers stop by our office to drop off information about the sale and the animals they plan to take to the fair. It’s a great chance to meet these young people and hear about their animals and the hard work of preparing their projects for the fair. It gives these kids a chance to experience business (sales and marketing) and to show­ case their projects during the fair. Watching these young people at work gives us all a new perspective and confi­ dence that these programs are a great oppor­ tunity for local youth and adult volunteers to work together to make it all possible. Even though the fair takes place only once each summer, planning and preparation is a year-round activity. It also contributes to the local economy before, during and after the fair. The fair also provides a great time for kids from several local school districts to renew fair friendships and build long-last­ ing relationships by taking part in the 4-H program that lives by the motto: “I pledge my head to clearer thinking, my heart to greater loyalty, my hands to larger service, and my health to better living, for my club, my community, my country, and my world.” And as you walk the grounds next week, notice some of the recent improvements made since last year’s fair. In fact, there’s a Barry County Fair Youth Improvement Fund established at the Barry Community Foundation that helps to support upgrades. That money is used to enhance and to main­ tain the facilities for the benefit of our youth for generations to come. It’s a way in which we all can make a contribution to maintain­ ing one of the finest county fairs in the state and the programs that impact thousands of local youth year after year. The fair gets underway this weekend. Look in last weekend’s Reminder for all the details, times and events for the entire week or refer to the special supplement that was included in the July 6 Reminder. Remember, the county fair is a great place to take the family, to meet friends, to enjoy the entertainment and to eat some delicious treats. And with admission still at just $5 for anyone 13 and up, it’s a bargain. How wonderful that it’s a standing tradi­ tion that, rather than fading away like so many other community groups around the country, the Barry County Fair continues to prove its value every year and its ability to bring us all together. See you at the fair! Fred Jacobs, CEO, think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the ques­ tion posed each week by accessing our website, www.HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the following week. Last week: Barry County commissioners are considering changing the process for selecting people to serve on various boards and committees. Some com­ missioners are proposing to have two or three commissioners meet applicants, interviewing them privately. Do you think this is a good idea? No 100% Yes 0% For this week: Should pharmaceutical companies be required to declare drug prices in all advertising? □ Yes □ No �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 11, 2019 — Page 5 s Barry Wood to lead state American Legion American legion LEGION DEPARTMENT OF L Michigan MICHIGAN GION CAN LEGION GAN THE AMERICAN LEG!'' DEPARTMENT" j MICHIG f Past Department of Michigan commanders Brett Holt (left) and Steve Striggow (right), flank new Department of Michigan Commander Barry Wood. (Department of Michigan photos) The amf DEPZ ON Barry Wood of Hastings is the Department of Michigan Commander for centennial year 2019-20 of the American Legion. Brian Shumway Post 45 Historian The men and women of Lawrence J. Bauer Post 45 of the American Legion are bursting with pride since one of their own has been elected to command of the Department of Michigan. During the 101st annual convention at the Radisson Hotel in Kalamazoo June 30. Barry Wood, 72, overcame a challenge by Marylin Britton to win the department commander position 523-361. The win is only the second time Barry County veteran member of the post has been elected to the command posi­ tion in the department’s 100-year history. Glenn Ainslie served as department com­ mander during the 1980-81 membership year. Strikingly, Ainslie, who passed away in .2016, was something of a mentor to Wood, . maintaining that Wood was destined for the statewide command office. k Wood is a true Hastings product, having ; been raised here and rising in scouting to the Eagle rank. He graduated from Hastings High School in 1965 and returned to his community after his military service. He and wife, Margaret, have been married for 49 years and have two daughters, Katherine and Nicole. He attended Kellogg Community College and Western Michigan University, earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in public administra­ tion. He worked for Hastings Mutual Insurance and served on the city council for 20 years Wood earned his right to membership in the American Legion, serving in the Vietnam and Lebanon/Grenada eras. He was in the U.S. Navy from 1965 to 1971 and in the Army from 1973 to 1989. Much of his duty was in military intelligence. He discharged as a war­ rant officer. During his military career, he traveled to Germany, Korea, Japan, the Black Sea and Pacific, as well as at U.S. duty stations. Wood has served many offices at the Lawrence J. Bauer Post since joining the Legion in 2000, including post commander, adjutant and chaplain, on lounge and charity gaming committees and, most recently, as post finance officer. Additionally, he has New state American Legion Commander Barry Wood of Hastings, is joined by (from left) Sue Ainslie, Post 45 Auxiliary president and widow of Wood’s Legion mentor; his wife, Margaret Wood; daughter Nicole Wood; and Melissa Fragnoli. , served offices at district and zone levels of the Department of Michigan, and in recent years has filled state Legion offices, including membership director and two years as depart­ ment finance officer. Wood also has served on the Michigan Veterans Trust Fund for many years and was recently named chairman. The 2019 Department of Michigan Convention marks the centennial year for the American Legion, the Department of Michigan as well as the Hastings Post, and commanding during this year is a special experience, Wood noted. His wife, a daughter Nicole and her friend were in attendance through the agonizing minutes of the vote and appeared with him on the podium as he accepted the post at its con­ clusion. Barry also was pleased that Sue Ainslie, Glenn Ainslie’s widow, was able to attend the convention. She had a special tribute fof Wood: pinning Glenn’s Department Commander badge on his chest on the podium at his installation later Sunday afternoon. Those who have worked with Barry over the years, at his church, at Hastings City Hall, at the Post and in higher echelons of the American Legion, are pleased for Barry Wood and have every faith he will serve the office well, and make Hastings proud. COA caretakers have been neglectful To the editor: First of all, I am not the director of the COA. I am writing this letter as if I was the director. I have a good staff and a good board of ;officers, and a lot of good volunteers. ■ I think I have done a good job with all the programs and serving the community. But I have been neglectful in my job as \caretaker of the building we are in. Our roof has been leaking for over five years and I should have advised my board of officers to fix this sooner. We, at this time, have $314,000 in our gen­ eral fund and $380,000 in our building fund. I should be embarrassed and ashamed of myself for going to the county commissioners and asking for $25,750 of more of the taxpayers’ money to fix the roof. I had heard that the commissioners had paid for the new roofs at Charlton Park. I found out the reason they paid for Charlton Park is because they did not have enough money to fix their roof. If I would have been a caretaker of a build­ ing for a private company and this happened, they probably would have taken some king of action against me. Elden Shellenbarger Hastings The Hastings BaiUlCT Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker (Write Us A Letter: The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: • All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Tanett Hodge Tayor Owens $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads �Page 6 — Thursday, July 11, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together .at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingshopeumc. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office, greenstreetumc @ gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948­ 8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings, org. Worship Service at 10 a.m. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945­ 9217. cbchastings.org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www. hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetze!. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAM­ ILY HOUR WELCOMES ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Pre­ school age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Stan­ dard and Adult Elective class­ es. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church age 4-4th grade dismissed during service. Sunday Evening Youth Group, Wednesday Mid-Week and Thursday Bible Study will resume in the fall. Thursday Brunch: June 27th & Aug. 8th at 9:30 a.m. Rummage Sale July 18-20. Thursday, 3-7 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m.-5p.m. & Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Backyard VBS, 6-8 p.m. for children ages 4-6th Grade. Monday, July 15th at Meadowstone Com­ munity Playground, Balsum Drive and Saturday, July 20 at 821 N. East St. Join us for a great time! GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God’s Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! July 7 - Services at 8 & 10:45 a.m.; July 13 - BOG Highway Cleanup. Meet at church 8 a.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www.grace-hastings. org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings. Shirley Anne Marsh HASTINGS, MI - Bruce Wesley Colvin, age 62, of Hastings, passed away on July 3, 2019. Bruce was born on December 7, 1956 in Hastings, the son of Floyd Wesley Colvin and Catherine Loretta Loftus. He was a 1975 graduate of Hastings High School and at­ tended Western Michigan University. Bruce worked for and later managed The Rapid, before returning to Felpausch to work until retiring in 2017. Bruce enjoyed trips to the family cabin in the U.P. He played fast pitch ball for many years for the Hastings Merchants, and en­ joyed golfing, hunting, blackjack, baseball, bowling, and celebrating life with family and friends. Bruce finally made it in to the Uni­ versity of Michigan by donating his body GO BLUE! Bruce was preceded in death by his father, Floyd Wesley Colvin, and his brother Bradley Thomas Colvin. He is survived by his mother, Catherine Colvin; daughters, Brandi Colvin, Courtney (Bill) Miller, Mindy (Justin) Freeman; grand­ children Quinn, Zoe, Malachi Miller and Charlie Barnabas, Micaiah and Benaiah Free­ man. Girlfriend Diane Neamberg; sisters, Brenda (Kirstan) Vandersluis, Bonnie (Da­ vid) Wade, and Barbara Colvin; nieces and nephews, Alicia, Kollin, Kaeli, and Schuyler Vandersluis. An Irish Wake was held Saturday, July 6, 2019 at the Hastings Elks Lodge, 102 E Woodlawn Ave, Hastings, MI 49058. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Special Olympics online at https ://www. somi. org/donate/way s-togive.html or mail to Special Olympics Michi­ gan, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleas­ ant, MI 48859 or a charity of your choice. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home, to leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. Arrangements by Gir­ rbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. HASTINGS, MI - Nancy Maria (Homan) Hobert, age 68 of Hastings, passed away on July 4, 2019. Nancy was bom on January 1, 1951, the daughter of Robert and Norma Homan and attended Hastings High School. Nancy loved working in her yard and loved watching her granddaughters compete at cheer competitions, traveling to different states for nationals, and loved spending time with her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Norma Homan, and sister Peggy Homan. Nancy is survived by her daughter, Bren­ da (David) Culp; granddaughters Chelsey Culp and Shannon Culp; great-granddaughter Faith Henion; her brother, John (Donna) Ho­ man,; two nieces and James Turner; special friend of 28 years. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, July 12, 2019 at Girrbach Funer­ al Home, 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, with a visitation one hour prior. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net.Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hast­ ings. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome .net. HASTINGS, MI - Shirley “Shug” Anne Marsh, of Hastings, passed away on July 5, 2019 in Grand Rapids, at age 64. She was born on January 11, 1955, in Hast­ ings, the daughter of Owen Lamar and Bet­ ty Louise (Owen) Sult. She graduated from Hastings High School. She married Richard Allan Marsh on February 27, 1979. They started and co-owned Richie’s Koffee Shop in Hastings. Shug was a spirited woman who loved her family, shopping, and helping their business thrive. She created the soup recipes that locals have come to love. She was a driving force in success of the restaurant. She was known for her sharp wit and sense of humor. She was loved very much and will be deeply missed. Shug was preceded in death by her mother, Betty Louise Owen. She is survived by her father, Owen Sult; husband, of 40 years, Richard Marsh; daugh­ ter, Courtney Marsh; son, Richard A. Marsh II, and daughter, Toni (Patrick) Adams; grandchildren, Mason Trumbull, Madalin Trumbull, Gianna Marsh; great grandchil­ dren, Grace Trumbull, and Quintyn Trum­ bull; brother, Owen “Dusty” (Cathy) Sult; sisters, Elizabeth (James) Campoli, Theresa Ayers, and Debbie Zech; nieces, Tory (Den­ nis) Lentz, and Mistie Campoli, and nephew, Eric Campoli. There will be a private family memorial service at a later date. To leave online condolences visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. ’Services provided by Girrbach Funeral Home, Hastings, MI. Graphics Products Hotlhelbols&Eqii^meiit 770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541 Lori Ann Russell Russell Lee Trumble Joyce June Morway MIDDLEVILLE, MI - Joyce June Morway, age 89, of Middleville, passed away on Saturday, July 6, 2019 at Thomapple Manor. Joyce was born on Feb. 4,1930 in Perry to Elton and Margaret (Lumis) Sanderson. On July 20,1957, Joyce married her sweet­ heart, James Morway, who survives. In her free time, Joyce enjoyed being outdoors, bird watching and gardening. Most important to Joyce was her family who she loved dearly. Joyce is also survived by her daughter, Shelia Morway; brother, Eugene Sanderson; several nieces and nephews. Per Joyce’s wishes, cremation has taken place and no services will be planned. Memo­ rial contributions may be made to the Barry County Humane Society. Please visit www. beelergoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Joyce’s family. Keep your friends and relatives informed and up to date with all the local news from Barry County. Send them... The Hastings BANNER ft- J 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 Nancy Maria Hobert FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses' 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 Bruce IV. Colvin To subscribe, call us at: 269-945-9554 FREEPORT, MI - Lori Ann Russell (Lind­ say), age 53, of Freeport, tragically passed away on July 5, 2019 at Spectrum Health Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids fol­ lowing an auto accident. She was bom at Pennock Hospital in Hast­ ings, to the parents Lois Steele (Myers) and Charles Lindsay Sr. on August 24, 1965. Lori attended Thornapple Kellogg Schools in Middleville, and graduated high school in 1983. She worked as a laborer at Bradford White Corporation for 28 years before retir­ ing in 2016. Lori enjoyed quilting, working on puzzles, antiquing, taking care of her pets, watching Hallmark movies, riding Harley Davidson motorcycles, feeding hummingbirds, and spending time with family. Most of all, Lori loved being a mother. She is preceded in death by her mother, Lois Steele (Myers); her aunt, Alice Hardin (Myers), and her uncle, John Myers. She is survived by her only beloved child, Rachel Belson (Jonathon Campbell) of Grand Rapids; brother, Charles Lindsay Jr. of Free­ port; former spouse, friend, and father of her daughter, Randyl Belson of Hastings; former spouse, Brian Russell of Middleville; uncle, James Myers (Bonnie Myers) of Lapeer; and father, Charles Lindsay Sr. (Josephine Lind­ say) of Delton. Lori’s family would like to send their most sincere and heartfelt thanks to the local com­ munity and the UAW Local 1002 family for all of the love, support, and prayers expressed to them during this difficult time. There will be a Celebration of Life gath­ ering from 4 to 7 p.m. that will start with a Memorial Service at 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 11, 2019 at the UAW Local 1002, 295 Wash­ ington Street, Middleville, MI 49333. Services provided by Girrbach Funeral Home, Hastings, Michigan. To leave online condolences visit www.girrbachfuneralhome. net. PRAIRIEVILLE, MI - Russell Lee Trumble, age 72, passed away at his home in Prairieville on July 6, 2019. Russell was born on Sept. 8, 1946 in Saginaw to William and Doris (Coggins) Trumble. Russell was a retired truck driver and most recently enjoyed working for Plainwell Harold Ziegler as a car transporter. In his spare time, he liked dirt racing and fishing, and truly appreciated the simple things in life. He loved his cat, Jake, but most of all he loved his family, and especially enjoyed watching his grandkids play sports. Russell is survived by his loving wife of 20 years, Brenda (Boyle) Trumble; children, Melissa (Ed) Greene, Kat (Buck) Swain, Carmen Cody; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild on the way; brother, Roy (Karen) Trumble; sisters, Rose (Ken) Nassett, Jeannie (Jim) Cullivan, sister-in-law, Mary Lee Trumble; mother-in-law, Shirley Boyle; special sister and brother-in-law, Judy and Jordan Larimer, Linda and Norm Wilson, Carole and Chuck Guffey; several nieces and nephews, and many extended loving family. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Bob Trumble; sister, Florence Trumble. Funeral services were held at the Williams Gores Funeral Home in Delton on Wednesday, July 10, 2019. Pastor Jeff Worden officiated. Burial took place at East Hickory Comers Cemetery. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Russell’s family. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 11, 2019 — Page 7 Gas and steam engine show begins today at Charlton Park SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS National garden tractor club hosting exgo here Expert answers questions regarding benefits, statements and more What is the maximum Social Security retirement benefit? The maximum benefit depends on the age you retire. For example, if you retire at full retirement age in 2018, your maximum monthly benefit would be $2,788. However, if you retire at age 62 in 2018, your maximum monthly benefit would be only $2,158. If you retire at age 70 in 2018, your maximum monthly benefit would be $3,698. To get a better idea of what your benefit might be, visit our online Retirement Estimator at socialse­ curity .gov/retire/estimator.html. I prefer reading by audio book. Does Social Security have audio publications? Yes, we do. You can find them at socialse­ curity .gov/pubs. Some of the publications available include What You Can Do Online, Working While Disabled - How We Can Help, Apply Online for Social Security Benefits, and Your Social Security Card and Number. You can listen now at socialsecurity.gov/pubs. How can I get a copy of my Social Security Statement? You can get your personal Social Security Statement online by using your personal My Social Security account. If you don’t yet have an account, you can easily create one. Your online Statement gives you secure and conve­ nient access to your earnings records. It also shows estimates for retirement, disability, and survivors benefits you and your family may be eligible for. To set up or use your account to get your online Social Security Statement, go to socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. We also mail statements to workers age 60 and over who aren’t receiving Social Security benefits and do not yet have a My Social Security account. We mail the Statements three months prior to your birthday. Can I delay my retirement benefits and receive benefits as a spouse only? How does that work? It depends on your date of birth. If you were bom on or before Jan. 1, 1954, and your spouse is receiving Social Security benefits, you may apply for retirement benefits on your spouse’s record as long as you are at your full retirement age. You then will earn delayed retirement credits up to age 70, as long as you do not collect benefits on your own work record. Later, when you do begin receiving benefits on your own record, those payments could very well be higher than they would have been otherwise. If your spouse is also full retirement age and does not receive bene­ fits, your spouse will have to apply for bene­ fits and request the payments be suspended. Then you can receive benefits on your spouse’s Social Security record. If you were bom on or after Jan. 2, 1954, and wish to receive benefits, you must file for all benefits for which you are eligible. Social Security will determine the benefits for which you are eligible and pay you accordingly. For individuals bom on or after Jan. 2,1954, there is no longer an option to select which benefit you would like to receive, even beyond your full retirement age. Widows are an exception, as they can choose to take their deceased spouse’s benefit without filing for their own. For more information, visit socialsecurity, gov. track’" for some people who are disabled. Would you tell me about it? We have two processes to “fast track” applications for disability benefits. Our Compassionate Allowances initiative allows us to fast track certain cases of individuals with very severe disabilities. There are dozens of different types of disabilities that qualify for this expedited decision, including ALS, and that list continues to expand. Learn more about Compassionate Allowances and see the full list of conditions at socialsecurity.gov/ compassionateallowances. Another way we speed up decisions is with our Quick Disability Determinations initia­ tive, which uses technology to identify appli­ cants who have the most severe disabilities and allows us to expedite our decisions on those cases. Read more about Quick Disability Determinations at socialsecurity.gov/disabilityresearch/qdd.htm. Marleah Dennison will celebrate 98th birthday Marleah Dennison, of Hastings was bom July 19, 1921. She will celebrate her 98th birthday July 19,2019. A card shower would be appreciated in her honor. Cards may be send to Marleah Dennison, 735 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. No gifts please. planned Saturday beginning at 9:30 a.m. « Food vendors will be serving festival favor­ ites, and a swap meet and flea market will take place daily near the Gas and Steam Barn. A pancake breakfast, prepared and served by club members and county commissioners, will be open from 7 to 9 a.m. Saturday, Juty 13. Breakfast is $5 per person age 13 and up and $3 for those 12 and under. All event pro­ ceeds support the club and the park. Registration is still open for vendors and exhibitors, and camping sites are still avail­ able. Annual membership dues for the Charlton Park Gas and Steam Club are $20 per year and include networking with steam and gas enthusiasts, potluck dinners and a monthly newsletter. Charlton Park is between Hastings and Nashville, north of M-79, at 2545 S. Charlton Park Road. For more information, call 269 945-3775 or visit charltonpark.org. All times are approximate. MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING Now Hiring EG is hiring Assemblers for The Viking Corporation in Hastings. Earn $13.OO/hr. Apply now at egnow.com or call 269-660-3500. If I go back to work, will I automatically lose my Social Security disability benefits? No, Social Security has several work incen­ tive programs to help people who want to work. You may be able to receive monthly benefits and continue your health care cover­ age during a trial work period. For informa­ tion about Social Security’s work incentives and how they can help you return to work, you should visit our special work site at socialsecurity.gov/work; see the Red Book on work incentives at socialsecurity.gov/redbook; or check out our publications at socialsecurity.gov/pubs and type “work” in the search box. For more information, visit socialsecurity, gov or call 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325­ 0778). Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation License #8110376 Office (269) 948-2248 & Insured Mobile (269) 838-5112 BURNING If I receive Supplemental Security Income disability, what is the effect on my benefits when I take seasonal work? Even a small amount of earned wages can cause a deduction in your SSI payment. However, it takes substantial work to make your benefits stop. In many cases, we will deduct approved work expenses to determine your SSI payment amount. In most cases, you can continue to receive your medical cover­ age for up to two years after you begin work­ ing. We have several publications on SSI, including Reporting Your Wages When You Receive Supplemental Security Income, available at socialsecurity.gov/pubs. For more information, call toll-free 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778) or visit socialsecurity.gov/ benefits/ssi/wage-reporting .html. My brother died recently and left me some money. Will this inheritance affect my SSI benefits? We consider the money inherited from your brother as income for the month you receive it. That could make you ineligible for SSI that month, depending on the amount of the inher­ itance. If you keep the money into the next month, it becomes a part of your resources. You cannot have more than $2,000 in resourc­ es and remain eligible for SSL You should call Social Security, 800-772-1213 (TTY 800­ 325-0778) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday and report the inheritance. Representatives can tell you how the inheri­ tance might affect your SSI eligibility. Find out more at socialsecurity.gov/ssi. Now in its 48th year, the Charlton Park Gas and Steam Engine Club will present its annual gas and steam engine show July 12-14 from 8 a.m. to dusk. Displays of tractors, stationary engines, steam engines, farm machinery and other rare antiques are planned. Admission to the event is $6 for anyone age 13 and up, $4 for children 5-12, and free to children 4 and under. Visitors also will get a glimpse of the famed 1884 Westinghouse traction engine in the park’s collection. International Harvester tractors and equip­ ment will be the featured brand this year. During the event, the Vintage Garden Tractor Club of America will host its American National Expo. A garden tractor pull will take place Friday at 6 p.m.; a farm tractor pull is scheduled Saturday beginning at 11 a.m. Trophies will be awarded to top finishers. Spectators should plan to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. A kids’ pedal pull and penny scramble are Friends & family are invited to an Southside Pediatrics is Growing! Currently seeking an energetic MA/LPN who loves children and has excellent attention to detail. Experience preferred, ■ but not required. Please send cover letter and resume to: Southside Pediatrics ■—-j .Attn: Office Manager 300.Meadow Run Drive Hastings, Ml 49058 , ; gg II OPEN HOUSE Saturday, July 13th 2:00-4:00 pm Woodlawn Meadows 1821 N. East Street Hastings - ■ timetoTURN JOHN FOGERTY MY 50 YEAR TRIP HOMES NEEDED! SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 21 GEORGE THOROGOOD AND THE DESTROYERS GOOD TO BE BAD TOUR • 45 YEARS OF ROCK SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 American Metal Roofs! i TICKETS ON-SALE NOW JMR SHOWCASE HOME DISCOUNTi at the FireKeepers Box Office or FireKeepersCasino.com. TIME TO GET YOUR Vj?*Fo»-IBl|FlRElEEPERS 1 - - - Call Now To See If You Qualify - - -' I worked the first half of the year, but plan to retire this month. Will Social Security count the amount I earn for this year when I retire? Yes. If you retire mid-year, we count your earnings for the entire year. We have a special “earnings test” rule we apply to annual earn­ ings, usually in the first year of retirement. Under this rule, you get a full payment for any whole month we consider you retired regard­ less of your yearly earnings. We consider you retired during any month your earnings are below the monthly earnings limit, or if you have not performed substantial services in self-employment. We do not consider income earned, beginning with the month you reach full retirement age. Learn more about the earnings test rule at socialsecurity.gov/retire2/ rule.htm. My husband has been in poor health for some time and doctors have recently diag­ nosed him with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig’s dis­ ease. I’ve heard Social Security has a 'fast GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 4952,5 or via email to vonda. Vantil@ ssa .gov. UPthevolume Or email to hrdept@southside4kids.com ■ Wki.r CASINO'HOTEL 11 BATTLE CREEK I-94 to Exit 104 | 11177 Michigan Avenue I Battle Creek, Ml 49014 ] 844-METAL-ROOFS ] Must be 21 or older. Tickets based on availability. Schedule subject to change. [ 844-638-2576 - ASK FOR HOLLY! WtlCOMl TO 909! J AmericanMetaiRoofs.com J JfisitA Showroom: 6140^ylorDr, FLINT^1875 Lansing_Rd, CHARWTTEj CommunityAction Andrew James Emerson, Battle Creek and Sarah Marie Johnson, Battle Creek Cory Robert Mulder, Wayland and Danielle Eileen Stonehouse, Wayland Luke Randall Jacques, Dowling and Casey Elizabeth Blair Ramsey, Delton Michael Allen Kidder, Delton and Leaha Jean Labine, Delton William Campbell Swain, Hastings and Carly Elise Atkinson, Hastings Jane Elizabeth Elzinga, Middleville and David Anthony Vickers, Middleville Richard Allen Gridley II, Delton and Alison Brooke Smith, Delton Kendall Celeste Moore, Austin, TX and David Gerald Pilgreen, Austin, TX Alexander James Mutch, Hastings and Elisabeth Ann Harvath, Hastings Thomas Arthur Heald Jr., Middleville and Kendra Michelle Backing, Lake Odessa Kenneth Steven Kromdyk, Plainwell and Roberta Jean Mayhew, Plainwell Jeffery James Castle, Hastings and Stephannie Lynn Steams, Hastings James Dale Grego, Hastings and Donna Ann Foureny, Hastings Hastings Bany County Airport (909) Hosted by Hastings Flying Association Are you looking for a career opportunity in Early Childhood Education with a community organization that offers Saturday, July 13th professional development and a great benefit package? 7am - 11am If you answered YES, then Community Action is for you! Now Hiring Paraprofessional’s/Subs, and Early Childhood Teachers I Gun Late Locations: Albion, Battle Creek, Delton, Hastings, Marshall, Sturgis, Three Rivers. Apply today! http://careers.caascm.org/careers/ Truck on site with Ice Cream and Pastries Eggs, Sausage, Juice & Coffee & All You Can Eat Pancakes Adulfs $7 • Kids under 10 $3 Military/Veterans $3 AIRPLANE RlDES - $30 PER PERSON - ALL AGES jj Scan me Www.caascm.org Dedicated to helping people achieve and maintain independence. Sponsored by Supported by T&J Aviation Thornapple Flying Academy Community Action is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 50/50 Raffle! �Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD JONES Estate plans can help answer questions about the future Elaine Garlock The Ionia County Genealogical Society will meet Saturday, July 14 at 1 p.m. at the Freight House Museum on Emerson Street with speaker, library time and refreshments. Both the Barry County and Ionia Free Fair are close at hand. A boat parade was scheduled for the Fourth of July sponsored by Buddy’s on the Beach with prizes. The Fourth was a rather quiet affair in town with the Lake Odessa Fair already past. The final night of the fair Sunday, June 30, was the night for fireworks with all their boom and bust(ing) shortly after 10 p.m. ** The village council is proposing the sale of a few village-owned lots. Some are near the comer of Jordan Lake Avenue and Clark Street. Another location is near the Call 269-945-9554 any time for Hastings Banner classified ads McDonald’s restaurant on M-50. The village crew has kept the properties mowed. The latter is more than 4 acres of swampy land (which is not mowed). Control of weeds is an ongoing concern of the Jordan Lake Improvement Board. There is always a concern of the interests of fishermen and others. The presence of algae is of concern to all parties. GEI Consultants has signed a service agreement for the company to manage the weed problem. Local veteran James Gross has entered some of his art work in a national competition. He is to compete with his drawings, which have a military theme. He has entered the items earlier in other competitions with a smaller scope. His “Price of Freedom” piece shows the number of casualties in each conflict of the nation. Coming events will honor Bob Shoemaker on his 90th birthday anniversary and another will honor veteran car salesman Art Meade on Saturday, July 13. Bob’s event will be July 14. Brick work on the roofline trim of colored bricks was taking place Tuesday this week on the former “Wave” building, which is now part of the antique mall on Fourth Avenue. The store includes three wide storefronts all under one ownership. For race fans there is Friday night competition at the 1-96 Speedway on Portland Road near Jordan Lake Highway. NOTICE TO BIDDERS BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry County Road Commission, 1725 West M-43 Highway, P.O. Box 158, Hastings, Ml 49058, until 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, July 16, 2019 for the following items. Specifications and additional information may be obtained at the Road Commission Office at the above address or at our web site at www.barrycrc.org. 12,000 lb Tracked Skid Steer 18,000 lb Excavator Maintenance Building Roof The Board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive irregulari­ ties in the best interest of the Commission. BOARD OF COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BARRY David D. Solmes Chairman Frank M. Fiala Member D. David Dykstra Member Zzooo LEGAL NOTICE FOR 2019 BARRY COUNTY CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROGRAM APPLICATION The Barry County Conservation Easement (BCCE) Board is pleased to announce the 2019 application cycle for the Barry County Conservation Easement Program. Deadline forsubmission is Monday, October 7th, 2019, at the County Administration Office. The BCCE program was created to help landowners place conservation easements on their parcels to permanently preserve important farmland and natural land. Landowners retain ownership of their land and may receive compensation for their conservation easement based on a state approved appraisal of their land. Participation is completely voluntary. There are also tax benefits to donating a conservation easement to the county. Interested landowners may obtain an informational packet and application for this voluntary program by calling Paul Wing at 269-965-7901 ■ 123146 REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR GUN LAKE IMPROVEMENT BOARD June 7, 2019 The Gun Lake Improvement Board is seeking the services of a licensed, pro­ fessional engineer to evaluate the lake and to present recommendations for its improvement. Gun Lake is a 2,680-acre lake located in portions of Yan­ kee Springs, Orangeville, Martin, and Wayland Townships in Barry and Allegan County. To be considered, proposals must be received at the following address no later than 10:00 a.m. on July 15, 2019: Barry County Drain Commission 220 W. State St. Hastings, Ml 49058 • • 123051 All proposals must be in a sealed envelope and clearly marked “Gun Lake Improvement Board Sealed RFR” Please direct questions in writing regarding this RFP to Vivian Conner, Chair, GLIB, c/o Barry Co. Drain Commissioner, 220 W. State St., Hastings, Ml 49058. The word “estate” conjures images of great wealth, which may be one of the reasons so many people don’t develop estate plans after all, they’re not rich, so why make the effort? In reality, though, if you have a family, you can probably benefit from estate plan­ ning, whatever your asset level. And you may well find that a comprehensive estate plan can help you answer some questions you may find unsettling - or even worrisome. Here are a few of these questions: • What will happen to my children? With luck, you (and your co-parent, if you have one) will be alive and well at least until your children reach the age of majority (either 18 or 21, depending on where you live). Nonetheless, you don’t want to take any chances, so, as part of your estate plans, you may want to name a guardian to take care of your children if you are not around. You also might want to name a conservator - some­ times called a “guardian of the estate” - to manage any assets your minor children might inherit. • Will there be a fight over my assets? Without a solid estate plan in place, your assets could be subject to the time-consum­ ing, expensive - and very public - probate process. During probate, your relatives and creditors can gain access to your records, and possibly even challenge your will. But with proper planning, you can maintain your priva­ cy. As one possible element of an estate plan, a living trust allows your property to avoid probate and pass quickly to the beneficiaries you’ve named. • Who will oversee my finances and my living situation if I become incapacitated? You can build various forms of protection into your estate planning, such as a durable power of attorney, which allows you to designate someone to manage your financial affairs if you become physically or mentally incapaci­ tated. You could also create a medical power of attorney, which allows someone to handle health care decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so yourself. • Will I shortchange my family if I leave significant assets to charities? Unless you have unlimited resources, you’ll have to make some choices about charitable gifts and money for your family. But as part of your estate plans, you do have some appealing options. For example, you could establish a charitable lead trust, which provides financial support to your chosen charities for a period of time, with the remaining assets eventually going to your family members. A charitable remainder trust, by contrast, can provide a stream of income for your family members for the term of the trust, before the remaining assets are transferred to one or more charita­ ble organizations. As you can see, careful estate planning can help you answer many of the questions that may be worrying you. Be aware, though, that certain aspects of estate planning, especially those related to living trusts and charitable trusts, can be complex, so you should consult your estate-planning attorney or qualified tax advisor about your situation. But once you’ve got your plans in place, you should be able to face the future with greater clarity and confi­ dence. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors are not estate planners and cannot provide tax or legal advice. ----STOCKS----The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. Apple Inc. 201.24 -.31 AT&T 33.54 +.11 Chemical Fin 41.67 +.14 Chevron 123.35 -1.49 Deere & Co. 163.35 -1.79 Exxon Mobil 76.43 -.13 Flowserve CP 52.13 -1.32 Ford Motor Co. 10.14 -.01 General Electric Co. 10.25 -.38 General Motors 38.08 -.67 Home Depot Inc. 212.00 +1.72 Johnson Johnson 141.41 +2.05 Kellogg Co. +1.47 54.85 Microsoft CP 136.46 +.78 Perrigo Co. 51.01 +2.52 Pfizer Inc. 43.37 -.40 Spartannash Comp 11.21 -.42 Stryker 208.97 +2.43 TCF Financial Corp. 21.11 +.15 Walmart Inc. 112.88 +2.26 Walt Disney Co 141.66 -.04 Whirl Pool Corp 142.80 -2.78 Gold Silver Dow Jones $1,393.58 $15.05 26,806 +$7.98 -.22 +89 State News Roundup Great Lakes water levels set June record highs The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, Tuesday announced that based on preliminary data, new record high monthly mean water levels were set on Lake Superior, Lake St. Clair, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario last month. The new record June levels are between three and four inches higher than the previous records for the month, which were set in 1986 on lakes Superior, St. Clair and Erie and in 2017 on Lake Ontario. The records for lakes St. Clair, Erie and Ontario are the highest for any month dating back to 1918. Lake Michigan-Huron was less than one inch from its June record. HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Thursday, July 11 - Baby Cafe, 10 a.m.noon; no Movie Memories. Friday, July 12 - Friends used book sale, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; preschool story time, 10:30-11 a.m.; teen advisory board meeting, 4-5 p.m. Saturday, July 13 - Friends used book sale, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; free movies at the Thornapple Plaza, “A Dog’s Way Home,” 9:30 p.m. or dark. Monday, July 15 - Quilting Passions Crafting Group, 10 a.m.-l p.m.; Lego club, 4-5 p.m. (adults must be accompanied by a child); Learning at the Library: sign language, 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 16 - toddler story time, 10:30-11 a.m.; fab lab: DIY rovers, 2-3 p.m.; mahjong, 5:30; chess club, 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 17 - summer reading pro­ gram: BenJammin Family Music, 2-3 p.m.; acoustic jam session, 5-7:30 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. Additional record high water levels are possible on all the Great Lakes and Lake St. Clair this summer. “With another wet month across the Great Lakes basin, water levels continued to rise in June and have reached some of the highest levels in our recorded history, which dates back to 1918,” Keith Kompoltowicz, Detroit District chief of watershed hydrology, said in a July 9 press release. Wet weather continued in June, which allowed water supplies to the lakes to remain high. June was the third consecutive month with above-average precipitation across the Great Lake basin as a whole. This persistently wet weather also has allowed stream flows into the Great Lakes to remain well above average for this time of year, he said. The Great Lakes region will continue to see the threat of coastal flooding and shoreline erosion especially during storm events, according to the press release. Localized water levels are often impacted by winds and can be significantly higher during storms. Water levels and flow rates in the connecting channels of the Great Lakes also are high and may, depending on winds and other atmo­ spheric conditions, lead to localized flooding. ^Doctor Universe Moon lighting Dr. Universe: How does the moon glow? Reece, Pullman, Wash. Dear Reece, Our moon is one of the brightest objects in the night sky. But unlike a lamp or our sun, the moon doesn’t produce its own light. Light can travel in lots of different ways. Moonlight is actually sunlight that shines on the moon and bounces off. The light reflects off old volcanoes, craters and lava flows on the moon’s surface. That’s what I found out from my friend Julie Menard, a researcher at Washington State University, who studies what makes up the rocky planets in our solar system. If you look through binoculars or a tele­ scope, you might even be able to see some lunar rays coming out of the moon’s craters, she said. These craters are places where asteroids or meteorites hit the moon long ago. The rays are formed by rocks and dust and other stuff that got blown out of the cra­ ter by a meteorite. You might also see some lighter, brighter spots on the moon, which are signs of newer impacts. Menard also reminded me about a com­ mon object a lot of us use: mirrors. She said that during the Apollo missions, astronauts actually left behind some mirrors on the surface of the moon. The moon landing was 50 years ago, but the mirrors are still up there helping us learn new things. These days, scientists can use lasers and those mirrors to help us measure the distance between the moon and the earth - about 238,900 miles between us and the moon. You may have noticed that it can look like part of the moon is missing at times. But don’t worry, it’s always there. There are eight phases: new moon, waxing crescent, first quarter, waxing gibbous, full moon, waning gibbous, last quarter, and waning crescent. You may also have heard about the “dark side of the moon.” The moon spins on its axis in the same amount of time that it orbits Earth, so we only ever see one side of the moon. The other side is “dark” to us, but that side of the moon still gets light. When I look up to the moon, sometimes I see different shapes in it like a face or a smile. In Chinese and other Asian cultures, there is even a story about a rabbit on the surface of the moon. These shapes that we see in the dark and light parts of the moon are known as lunar pareidolia, a word that means our minds find meaningful shapes where there are none. If you’re anything like me and enjoy watching the night sky, you might even try tracking moon phases yourself. All you’ll need is something to write with and a piece of paper. Each day, draw a picture of the moon and see how its reflection changes. As you see the moonlight shine down and illuminate the night sky, remember that this night light wouldn’t be possible without help from the biggest object in the solar sys­ tem - our sun. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 11,2019 — Page 9 fl look hack at the stories and columns on local history In the Hastings Banner TURNING I BACK THE £ PAGES gfe Church service, mule pulling added to fair 60 years ago “Fair begins second century of service to area agriculture” the July 30, 1959, Banner declared. “Expect record number of exhibits for $4,000 in premiums. Exciting grandstand shows scheduled daily,” it continued in addi­ tional headlines. The fair, by then, actually was well into its second century, having started in about 1852. The annual event began in Prairieville and by the end of the 1850s was more centrally locat­ ed in Hastings. So, 1959 may have marked the second century of the county fair at its West State Street location, now occupied by the Kmart plaza. The 167t^1 Barry County Fair kicks off Saturday for 4-H families and officially begins Monday, July 15, with the theme “Honoring the Past, Building the Future.” Many of the activities and traditions in 1959 continue today in similar form, and some of the 4-H members listed 60 years ago are grandparents of youngsters taking part this year. Banner July 30, 1959: The Barry County Fair will start its second century of service and entertainment to the people of this area when a full seven-day program is opened at 4 p.m. Sunday with a worship service spon­ sored by the Barry County Ministerial Association. The inaugural church service will be the first such service to be held at the opening of the local exposition in its 100-year history. Sunday will be devoted to the worship ser­ vice, which will be held in front of the grand­ stand. Monday and Tuesday, entries will pour into the fairgrounds here to compete for the more than $4,000 in premiums in hundreds of clas­ sifications. County agricultural agent Arthur Steeby said he expects a record number of entries. SUNDAY, Aug. 2nd 4:15 P.M. — Grandstand Worship Service under the direction of the Barry County Ministerial Association. MONDAY, Aug. 3rd 12:00 Noon — Entries taken until 7:30 P.M. 7: 30 P.M.—Western Rhythm Band from Wayland 8: 30 P.M. — Heavyweight Horse pulling contest before the Grandstand. Admission: Adults 75e — Children 25c. TUESDAY, Aug. 4th 9:00 A.M. — Entries taken until 12:00 Noon. 10: 00 A.M. —- Midway Opens. Children’s Day *.. Rides at Reduced Price. 2:30 P.M. -— Grandstand. Children’s Contests, Games, etc. Admission Free. 8:30 P.M. — Grandstand. Stage Show —< Variety and Novelty Acts. Admission: Adults 75c — Children 25c. WEDNESDAY, Aug. 5th 9:00 A.M. ’— Judging Starts. All Departments. 11: 00 A.M. — Midway Opens. 1: 00 P.M. (approx.) -— Parade in front of the Grandstand . . . Band, Floats, etc. 2:00 P.M. — Grandstand- Mule pulling contest; A Fun and Frolic Show. Admission 50c to all over 12 years of age. THURSDAY, Aug. 6th 9:00 A.M. — Judging. Cattle, Sheep and Hogs. 11:00 A.M. — Midway Opens. 3:00 P.M. — Grandstand. Harness Racing. Admission: Adults 75c — Children 25c. 8:00 P.M. Grand Stand. Johnny Rivers Golden Horse Ranch Thrill Show. Admission: Adults $1.00 — Children 50c. FRIDAY, Aug. 7th 9: 00 A.M. — Judging. Horses. 11:00 A.M. — Midway Opens. 3:00 P.M. — Grandstand. Harness Racing. Admission: Adults 75c «— Children 25c. 8:00 P.M. -— Grandstand. Parisian Hell Drivers, Direct from Paris with Simca Autos. Admission: Adults $1.00 — Children 50c. SATURDAY, Aug. 8th 10:00 A.M. — Grandstand. Livestock Parade and Tractor Pulling Contest Admission: 25c for All. 2:00 P.M. — Grandstand. Pony Pulling Contest. The Show* that’s Sweeping the State. Admission: 50c to All over 12 years of age. 8:00 P.M. — Grandstand. Greatest Show of the Week . . . “Grand Ole Opry” starring Roy Acuff and his Mountain Boys . . . plus his Complete Stage Show. Admissions Adults $1.00 —< Children The Barry County Fair, which has kicked off in mid-July since the 1970s, was originally an autumn event. The thinking in the 1800s was that by September or October, livestock that had grazed in pastures all summer looked best. Fair week dates continued to move up in the calendar over the years. In 1959, it still was an August event. Country singer and Grand Ole Opry star Roy Acuff was a headliner at the grandstand during the 1959 Barry County Fair. New this year, entries in the horse classifica­ tions are limited to 4-H boys and girls. There will be no open class for horses. The A.J. Carl Midway Shows will roll in to town this weekend and plan to be set up by Monday. The midway will include all former rides and a new rock-a-plane, an airplane scooter ride for adults. A parade at noon Wednesday through the business district will formally open the 1959 exposition, and an effort is being made to have the Ionia Reformatory band participate. The crack Lansing Eastern band was invited but because of the vacation period, cannot be present. The National Honey Bee Queen, Kay Siedleman, of Ionia, is to. grade the parade, and prize money in four divisions is being offered for floats. First, second and third priz­ es of $20, $15 and $10 will go to the winning floats in the 4-H, FFA and FHA class, with the same three awards being offered in the rural organization class, the merchants and indus­ trial division. All floats of merit on the 4-H, FFA and FHA class not winning prizes will receive a special $5 award, offered as an inducement for more to be entered. All floats except those in the commercial division, must have a rural theme. In addition to the special prizes for floats, awards of $1,75 cents and 50 cents (divisions for boys and girls under 8 years old and 8 and up) will go to the best decorated bike, funniest costume, prettiest dressed girls/best Western costume for boys and best storybook charac­ ters. George Carpenter is chairman of Wednesday’s parade, assisted by Pat Hodges and Jack Langthom. Antique cars will be among the most inter­ esting entries. One of the innovations for the 1959 fair will be the mule pulling contest at 2 p.m. Wednesday, following the parade. The world championship team, owned by Carl Sinders of Garett, Ind., and the runner-up to the world champions, owned by Walter Baker of Butler, Ind., will compete. Other teams expected to register are owned by Daryl Sterkens of Byron Center, Ronald Near of Prairieville, and Charles Gibbs of Edmore. While Monday and Tuesday of the fair are really entry days, popular grandstand attrac­ tions are planned both evenings. Monday night, the heavyweight horse-pulling contest will be held for prize money totaling $240, with the first prize being $65. Tuesday night will bring the first perfor­ mance of a great stage variety show, fair board secretary Forrest Johnson said. The York Theatrical people from Ft. Wayne, Ind., have booked the show, which will include 12 outstanding acts - a ventriloquist act, girl acrobat number, and one of the funniest acts on the road, “Gabby, the Loose Nut on the Bicycle.” The show also will entertain the fair crowd Wednesday night. Thursday and Friday afternoons will be highlighted by harness racing. Johnson said the fair has been without two-day harness racing program and with purses totaling $4,000, the program is expected to attract many horses from Indiana, Ohio and Pennsylvania, as well as Michigan. Richard Palmer, who won a 2:20 pace in Big Rapids July 15, with his fine stud, Dillon Prince, will enter him in the 2:15 pace. Horses sired by Lord Fauntleroy, a wellknown trotter owned by Johnson, are to com­ pete. A special trophy will be given each day to the horse setting the fast time of the day. The trophies are form Northville Downs and the Wolverine Raceway. Thursday evening the Johnny Rivers Golden Horse Ranch Thrill Show will be the grandstand feature. The show will include rodeo and circus acts featuring golden palo­ minos. There will be chariot racing, trick roping, racing, Brahman bulls, a trick-mule act, high-jumping horses, dancing horses and many other acts. The Parisian Hell Drivers, direct from Paris, booked here for the Friday night grand­ stand show, played to the largest crowd of the week at the Mecosta County Fair in Big Rapids July 14. Secretary Johnson said he saw the thrill show, and it was outstanding. Saturday night, the grandstand show will be the always-popular Grand Ole Opry star­ ring Roy Acuff and his Mountain Boys and his complete stage show. The prediction of a record number of exhibits may not have prevailed, since it was not substantiated in later publications. But the fair did, well, fare well. The Banner, in its Dec. 17, 1959, issue, reported that the fair ended with a cash bal­ ance of $1,156, “despite the fact that $1,596 was spent for improvements and more than $500 was spent for entertainment during the exposition ...” The fair board began the year with a bal­ ance of $1,208. Improvements were numerous and includ­ ed “a $500 down payment toward the $2,500 being paid Glenn Ingram for his horse bam, which he built on land purchased from Earl Coleman.” Expenditures included more than $3,000 for grandstand entertainment and $510 for utilities. » ft » « « c « ft $ $ g^ft « « ft ft.# # $ « « $ ft $ » # » a » » « ft « • « » « • $ ft « * • « » « » « ft » ft • $ « « ft $ ft $ $ $ $ e & » $ $ « « $ ft $ $ $ $ « $ $ $ ».« ft < a » « $ & ft & ft $ ft « « @ 1959 fair winners announced The Aug. 6, 1959, Banner listed winners in various competitions and contests at the fair. Long before the highway cut into town alongside the fairgrounds, a parade launched the annual event. Youngsters who took top honors in the parade were: Best decorated bikes, Dean Rose and Pat Weller; most origi­ nal costumes, Pam and Cindy Lang, and Don and Tom Lewis; funniest boy costumes Gary Robbe, Jeff Greenhoe; funniest girl costumes, Kristine Gardner, Trudy Kurr; prettiest dressed girls, Patty Gardner, Claire Goodyear, Mary Goodyear, Marcia Mulder, Kendra Robbe and Susan Rose; best storybook char­ acters, Janet Francisco, Becky Marsh, Janet Shaull; best Western costume, Mary Jane Brown, Veronica Clapper, Dick Francisco, Spencer Goodyear, Tom Hallifax and Sally Kimmel. The Irving Grange and Yeckley 4-H Club were among the float winners. The Banner also shared highlights of the livestock shows and first-place winners in the 4-H project areas: “Ben Smith, son of the Melvin Smiths of R5 Hastings, took top dairy honors by win­ ning the senior 4-H dairy showmanship class, and also exhibited the 4-H grand champion female Holstein, which was declared the grand champion of the fair. “Marcia Solomon, daughter of the Russell [Lydia] Solomons of Middleville, received the senior showmanship trophy, sponsored by Pet Milk, since Ben was ineligible because he had received it last year. Marcia was the junior 4-H showmanship champion last year. “Bill Heath won the beef showmanship award, a plaque sponsored by the Hastings Kiwanis Club. “Tom Wieringa, 13, of Middleville, won the junior 4-H showmanship trophy presented by the Surge distributor. He is the son of Mr. and Mrs. Ed [Katie] Wieringa. In second place was Sandra Sotemm,Marcia’s younger sister. “Bill Heath exhibited the grand champion male and female Guernsey, with Paul Wieringa of Middleville exhibiting the reserve champi­ on. “LaVerne Bivens of Dowling had the senior champion Holstein, and David Smith the junior champion. Sue Ann Stowell, of Woodland, exhibited the grand champion Ayrshire; Ann Stager, Middleville, the grand champion brown Swiss; Kathleen Sharp, milking shorthorn; Ronald Dingerson, Hastings, showed the grand champion Aberdeen-Angus, and the animal also was declared the grand champion of all beef ani­ mals. Jackie Clapper, Route 2 Bellevue, exhibited the reserve champion in the 4-H class, and Nancy Homes, Route 3 Bellevue, had the reserve champion of all beef breeds. “Diana Phillips won the sheep 4-H show­ manship award, and David Vandenburg won the 4-H swine showmanship award. Both awards included trophies offered by the Hastings Kiwanis Club. “Top 4-H swine ribbons went to William Heath, Steve Converse, James Gibson, Kent Mead, David Vandenburg and Don Newberry.” Winners in non-livestock project areas included: Eggs - Gloria Casey, David Vandlen and Richard Vandlen. Crops - James Bourne, Robert Lentz, Bill Semrau, Lee Wieringa and Paul Wieringa. Conservation - Terry Anderson, Tom Brill, Beverly Ferris, Keith Ferris, Sandra Frost, Jackie Keller, Danny Murphy, Douglas O’Laughlin, Vaughn O’Laughlin, Eddie Sanborn, Lloyd Terry Jr., Richard Vandlen, Tommy VerHey and Sandra VerHey. Entomology - Mike Louden. Gun safety and allied projects - Keith Barber, Gary Bristol, Diana Church, Ann Gosnell, Jay Hare, Joy Hare, Linda Kenfield, Harold Lehman, Allen Potter, Phillip Potter, Tom Rhodes and Dale Williams. First aid, farm safety, and bicycle and pedestrian safety - Douglas Huntington, David Hyde, Mike Louden, Mike McMillen, Sharon Potter, Jimmy Shaw, David Shilton, Sandra VerHey, and Kathy Wilanowski. Electrical projects - Chris Hall and Sally Stanton. Photography - Sandra Ball, Gale Blankenship, Nancy Buehler, Lynda Burghdoff, Judy Cairns, Gordon Casey, Peggy Castelein, Veronica Clapper, Janice Cole, Ruby Cruttenden, Debra Darby, Nyla Jo Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Darby, Janis Davis, Anne Fender, Judy Fender, Steve Fox, Judy Gillet, Irene Gosnell, Diana Greenfield, Lorraine Gunn, Karen Gutchess, Dennis Harrington, Roger Harrington, Jeannie Hart, Glen Hecht, Gloria Hecht, Mary Heney, Terry Huntington, Jean Kelsey, Mary Lou McClelland, Dennis McKelvey, Kathleen McMillen, Terri Mulliken, Diana Phillips, Gail Phillips, Gail Phillips, Sharon Price, Karen Reed, Julie Roelly, Robert Roth, Mary Settles, Douglas Slocum, Daryl Stamm, Kay Stanton, Sue Stanton, Rebecca Steenbock, Sharon Stutz, Janice Swanson, Jackie T’Ort, Arne Towns, David Wellfare and Sharon Wellfare. Wildflower projects - Terri Allerding, Irene Anders, Pat Baas, Carolyn Coats, Cora Cook, Guen Eskes, Marie Faler, Carol Kenfield, Margery Kilmer, Cheryl Leonard, Elaine Norman, Diana Phillips, Gail Phillips, Janet Vincent and Helen Winters. Home gardening - Terry Anderson, Harold Ashley, Paul Ashley, James Bourne, Bill Brady, Clair Coy, Michael Dillenbeck, Charles Drake, Dennis Drake, Benny Eye, Keith Ferris, Carole Garlinger, Jerry Garlinger, Nancy Grashuis, Lorraine Gunn, Sharon Jones, James Jordan, Dennis McKelvey, Don Merriman, Kent Murphy, Linda Neil, Sandy Neil, Allen Potter, Terry Shafer, Jerry Smith, Lynette Soya, Mary Terry, Jim Treadwell^ David Vandlen, Richard Vandlen, Bobby Wilcox and Carol Wilcox. Commercial gardens - Dale Nussdorfer, Roland Soya and Bill Wieringa. Flowers and flower arrangements - Carolyn’ Coats, Linda Dunkelberger, Nancy Grashuisv Karen Green, Joy Hare, Judy Park, Diana Slocum and Sally Stanton. Landscape projects - Marvin Frey, Karen Gutchess and Rod Scobey. Woodworking, handyman projects andr related crafts - Martin Allerding, Harold Ashley, Johnny Bahs, Gayle Barlow, Harold Brewer, Jerry Briggs, Steve Converse, Nyla Jo Darby, Dennis Drake, Robert Foster,? Margin Frey, Dorothy Friend, David Gerlinger, Mary Greenleaf, John Jordan, Larry Jordan, Arthur Logan, Mike Louden, Don Merriman, Dale Miller, Rickey Pennington, Diana Phillips, Gail Phillips, David Stamm, Clair Tilley and Bobby Wilcox. reel^lQlnstitiite for environmental education Thornapple Garden Club '< “A Day in the Garden” Speakers, Workshops, and Vendors July 20,2019 10 am - 3 pm at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute Instead of touring local gardens this year, “A Day In the Garden” features speakers and workshops on native plants, pollinators, and propagation and a chance to tour Pierce Cedar Creek Institute’s native gardens and pollinator habitats. Information available about native plants, conservation, and environmental issues. Questions? Contact Thornapple Garden Club member Janet Smith at (269) 795-9109 or ThornappleGardenClub@yahoo.com Register at CedarCreeklnstltute.org or call (269) 721-4190. 701W Cloverdale Rd | Hastings Ml 49058 NOTICE OF ORDINANCE ADOPTION TOWNSHIP OF ORANGEVILLE BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ORANGEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the following is a summary of Ordinance 0719­ 1 which was adopted by the Township Board of Orangeville Township at a regular meeting held July 2, 2019. ORD. 0719-1- PROHIBITION OF MARIHUANA ESTABLISHMENTS ORDINANCE SECTION I. TITLE. The ordinance shall be known as the Orangeville Township Prohibition of Marihuana Establishments Ordinance. SECTION II. DEFINITIONS. Definitions are as provided for in Initiated Law 1 of 2018, MCL 333.27951, et seq, as may be amended. SECTION III. NO MARIHUANA ESTABLISHMENTS. Orangeville Township prohibits all marihuana establishments within the boundaries of the township. SECTION IV. VIOLATIONS AND PENALTIES. This section provides penalties for violations of the ordinance. Violation of the ordinance is a municipal civil infraction. SECTION V. SEVERABILITY. The provisions of this Ordinance are severable. SECTION VI. REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES. All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed SECTION VII. publication. EFFECTIVE DATE. The Ordinance is effective thirty days after its PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the full text of this Ordinance has been posted in the Office of the Township Clerk at the address set forth below and that a copy of the Ordinance may be purchased or inspected at the office of the Township Clerk during regular business hours of regular working days following the date of this publication. ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP Mel Risner, Clerk 7350 Lindsey Road Plainwell, MI 49080 (269) 664-4522 123208 �Page 10 — Thursday, July 11, 2019 — The Hastings Banner t Hastings school officials welcome new chief with an open house - and a meeting Rebecca Pierce Editor New Hastings Superintendent Dan Remenap and his wife, Lesa, met with the community Tuesday at an open house at the ^Hastings Middle School Commons. rn Afterward, Remenap and school board members went to the band room and spent a "couple of hours talking about process and protocol in the governance of the schools as the district transitions to a new superinten­ dent. ’ Donna Oser, director of leadership devel­ opment and executive search services for the Michigan Association of School Boards, facilitated the superintendent search in Hastings. She returned Tuesday night to lead the work session on district governance. “You all went through a laborious and high-anxiety process, but the important work really begins now where you work together as a governance team,” Oser told the school board. “Some of what I’m going to talk about donight is going to be obvious to you. “... Part of this is making sure what common practices are - and then what really happens. Those are not always 100-percent consistent.” The big picture, Oser said, is to align all the resources to support the intricate relationship 'that has to exist between the board and the superintendent. “For all intents and purposes, as the board <and superintendent work together, the super­ intendent is the board’s agent in implementing That vision,” she said. “It means that this is the yerson you’ve entrusted to drive that plan Rotary District 6360 Governor Margie Haas of Hastings gets acquainted with new Superintendent Dan Remenap and his wife, Lesa, at an open house Tuesday. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) forward.” Board of Education President Luke Haywood said, “It’s going to take each one of us an extra effort to bring Dan up to speed because he’s the new guy at the table.” The work session reviewed policies and protocols, budget, community relations and facilities, among other subjects. ; CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 Garage Sale Card of Thanks Recreation MOVING SALE: 1650 S. * Broadway, Hastings. Fri, July 12th, 2019,8am-6pm. Sat, July ■ 13th, 8am-4pm. Everything must go. Willing to bargain. Thanks for the Birthday Wishes Thank you to those great hearts and generous souls that sent cards, hugs, and blessings to celebrate my 95th birthday. You made my day brighter with your love. Sincerely, Elsie N. Sage SUMMER SPLASH!! AD­ VENTURE Awaits Camp­ ground Camping—full hookup or water and electric only. Swimming, fishing, water slide, kid's playground, beach, volleyball court, diving platform, water bull riding. 50 mile Paul Henry Thornap­ ple Trail starts here for hiking and biking. River tubing on the Thornapple River 2-3 hours. Beach Party Pavilion, Camp Store, Recreation Cen­ ter rental. Come have fun with us! 3266 N. Ionia Rd, Syca­ more Lane, Vermontville, MI 49096. Phone 919-249-8712. r. ' • ** All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, :age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. A Hastings man died in a single-vehicle crash early Sunday near the intersection of M-37 and M-79. ’ Matthew Rick, 44, of Hastings was travel­ ing west on M-79 in a Chevrolet Silverado shortly before 1 a.m. July 7. He failed to stop at the intersection, crossed M-37 and hit a pole in a marshy area. Rick, the only occupant of the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene. Police reported that he appeared to have been wearing a seat­ belt, and side airbags in the pickup were deployed. Speed likely was a factor in the crash, according to the Barry County Sheriff’s Office. It’s unknown if alcohol or drugs was a factor in the crash. The crash remains under investigation. Also assisting were the Hastings fire department, Mercy Ambulance Service, Michigan Department of Transportation and Barry County Central Dispatch. Online Jet Ski ad gets scammed ■ Banner CLASSIFIEDS PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: Driver dies in one-vehicle crash Business Services BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, power washing, home im­ provements, seamless gutters. 269-320-3890. GET EASY CASH with extra household goods and tools! Call (269) 945-9554 to sell your unwanted stuff with a classified ad in the Hastings Banner. When the subject of facilities came up, Remenap asked, “Who’s on the facilities committee and when do we meet?” And they should have a budget committee meeting right after that, he noted. Part of the work session was a reminder to school board members of their important roles in the governance of the district. “For all intents and purposes,” Oser said, “as the board and superintendent work togeth­ er, the superintendent is the board’s agent in implementing that vision. It means that this is the person you’ve entrusted to drive that plan forward.” The next meeting of the school board is 7 p.m. Monday, July 22, in the Middle School Commons Area. Freeport woman dies in two-car collision A 53-year-old Freeport woman, Lori A. Russell, died Friday as a result of injuries sustained in a two-car collision on the Fourth of July. The crash occurred at the comer of Eckert and Wood School roads in Irving Township Thursday, according to the Barry County Sheriff’s office. -? Sheriff’s deputies said Russell was east­ bound at 2:14 p.m. on Eckert Road in a Dodge Caravan, when a Dodge Journey failed to stop at a stop sign and crashed into the Caravan. The Journey was driven by a 55-year-old man who had three passengers, ages 48, 54 and 53, all women from Battle Creek. Russell was airlifted to an area hospital and the occupants of the Caravan were taken by ambulance to a hospital. The crash is under investigation by the county sheriff’s office. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY NOTICE The minutes of the meeting of the Barry County Board of Commissioners held July 9, 2019, are available in the County Clerk’s Office at 220 W. State St., Hastings, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or www.barrycounty.org. 122999 City of Hastings NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR 118 EAST COURT ST. The Planning Commission for the City of Hastings will hold a Public Hearing for the purpose of hearing written and/or oral comments from the public regarding the request for the Special Use Permit for a multi-family dwelling at 118 E. Court Street. The public hearing will be held at 7:00 PM on Monday, August 5, 2019 in City Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. All interested citizens are encouraged to attend and to submit comments. A copy of the plans and additional background materials are available for public inspection from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday at the Office of the City Clerk, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. The City will provide necessary reasonable aids and services upon five davs notice to the City Clerk at 269.945.2468 or IDD call relay services 800.649.3777. Jane M. Saurman CityJ Clerk 123447 PUBLIC NOTICE The Gun Lake Improvement Board will open bids for Professional Services for Gun Lake on July 15, 2019 at 10:00a.m. at the Barry County Drain Commissioner’s Office, 220 W. State St., Hastings, MI 49058. 123054 City of Hastings NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Planning Commission of the City of Hastings will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, August 5, 2019 at 7:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. The purpose of the Public Hearing is for the Planning Commission to hear comments and make a determination on an amendment to Sections 90-454(1 )b and 90-454(2)b of the Zoning Ordinance to add a reference to Section 90-464(1) and Section 90-464(2)a. b. c. regarding minimum lot area, lot width, and minimum building setbacks. On Friday, July 5 a man came into the Barry County Sheriff’s office claiming that some­ one had attempted to scam him. The man listed two Jet Skis for sale on the internet for $1,050. He said a woman then contacted him saying she would pay an extra $50 for him to take the ad down. The man then got repeated messages from a Florida area code and a California area code. The woman messaged the man again stating she was sending movers and that he would have to pay them $250 for their services. The man then received a check for $3550. Sheriff officers advised the man that it was probably a scam and recommended he not cash the check. The man said he would hold on to it and see if he heard from the woman again. Woman says girl’s theft attempt ends in overdose death Officers were called to a Prairieville Township residence on Monday, July 1 where a woman claimed that her father had been providing a homeless girl shelter by letting her live with him. The woman claimed that the homeless girl overdosed approximately two weeks ago and died in her father’s home. The woman said she found some of the girl’s tax returns and her social security number, along with a note saying, “I hit the jackpot, 80-year-old man with diabetes.” According to the woman, the girl’s note also stated that “she would have the house in five years.” The woman said that there was also possible drug paraphernalia in her fathers’ home in need of disposal. The officer advised the woman to contact the Prairieville Police Department. ‘Fishy’ packages left at public access Officers were dispatched to the Carter Lake Public access area on June 30 to investigate a dumping complaint. When officers arrived on the scene there were multiple suspicious packages left near the boat launch. The caller who made the complaint described the pack­ ages as possibly hazardous and appearing to be rotting. The items were located in the grass and had flies and other bugs all over them. After closer inspection, officers report that the packages contained raw processed fish. The caller was contacted to report the officer’s findings. Truck dashes away from Woodland gas station Police responded to a complaint at a Woodland gas station on June 17 where a gas sta­ tion attendant claims that a Ford truck hauling a livestock trailer pumped $55 worth of fuel and then left without paying. The attendant said she could see a woman insert her credit card into the machine’s slot and then lift the hand activating the pump. When she finished pumping, the woman left the property without paying. The attendant did not recognize the woman. The officer, being aware of an auction in Lake Odessa, went out in an attempt to locate the woman’s vehicle but was unable to find anything. Heavy-duty batteries stolen from Hastings bulldozer An officer was dispatched to a gravel pit on E. Sager Road in Hastings on Monday, July 1 where a complaint had been made that someone had stolen two batteries from a John Deere bulldozer over the weekend. The officer noticed a tennis shoe print next to the machine. The batteries were in relatively new condition according to the property owner and are both valued at $195. The owner said that he had prior disputes with the neighbor of the pit. The officer followed up with the neighbor and said the tension between the two is obvious but added that it is not believed that the neighbor would steal the batteries. The officer also followed up with Padnos in Hastings, but no heavy batteries had been turned in or reported. Drunk driving woman tells officer he’s going to ‘nail her’ A motorist flagged an officer down on Patterson Road near Finkbeiner Road in Middleville on the evening of July 4, reporting that a vehicle had been driving recklessly and weaving back and forth between lanes.. When approaching the suspected vehicle, the officer said it seemed that the woman driving had her leg up on the dash. When the officer approached the woman, she handed her phone to him. The officer then asked why she gave him her phone, to which she responded, “I have no idea.” She said she was coming from a wedding party. When the officer asked how much she had to drink she said she drank at “10 o’clock.” The officer asked how much she had to drink, and she responded “10 o’clock” again. When the officer asked the woman to leave the vehicle she said, “No you’re going to nail me.” The officer asked her if she felt that she had drank too much and she responded, “I feel like you’re going to nail me.” The woman refused to take a breath­ alyzer test, but the officer observed the woman’s dilated pupils and slurred speech. She was then transported to Barry County Jail without incident. Man says ‘one beer’ with open tequila bottle on seat An officer stopped a Battle Creek man in Hastings on the night of July 7 who was driv­ ing “all over the road.” It was reported that the man slammed on his brakes in the middle of the roadway and drove through someone’s yard. The man had bloodshot eyes and had slurred speech. The man claimed to have had only one beer, but the officer noticed a Budweiser can on the floor and an open bottle of Jose Quervo Tequila in the passenger seat. The man told the officer he was lost and trying to get home. The man refused a breath­ alyzer test. He also claimed that the officer was not certified to conduct a field sobriety test but complied when the officer ensured him that he was. The man was then arrested for operating while intoxicated and then transported to county jail. Written comments will be received on the above request at Hastings City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Requests for information and/or minutes of said hearing should be directed to the Hastings City Clerk at the same address. See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. The City will provide necessary reasonable aids and services upon five days notice to Hastings City Clerk (telephone number 269-945-2468) or TDD call relay services 1 -800-649-3777. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 123448 Jane M. Saurman City Clerk 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 11, 2019 — Page 11 Barry Township to move forward with potential water tower Luke Froncheck Staff Writer A water tower may be in the works for the community of Delton. Barry Township trustees voted at its month­ ly meeting on Tuesday to approve $22,000 to submit a full application to the United States Department ofAgriculture Rural Development agency to determine if the township can qual­ ify for federal grants to help pay for the $1.4 million project. The application process is expected to take 4-6 months and township officials do not expect to hear back for another three months following that period. But with the applica­ tion, the USDA will then be able to tell the township what portion of the costs will be by loan and what will be covered by grants. In his presentation to the board at Tuesday’s meeting, Steve Bishop of Fleis and Vandenbrink Engineering provided some con­ siderations of the potentional water tower construction. He explained that when the water system in Delton was first constructed it included infrastructure that would allow a water tower to be built at a later date. The proposed tower tank will carry a 200,000-gallon capacity. Currently, there are only 102 properties on the water system in Delton, but the federal government limits the number to 150 without a water tower in place. Bishop said that, in addition to allowing for more potential properties to be added to the water system, a water tower would also increase reliability of the system. The township is hop­ ing that construction of a water tower will help support future development inside and around Delton. One woman, among several who stood to speak during Tuesday’s meeting, asked if a water tower was needed given the slow growth rate inside Delton which she cited as only one or two houses each year attaching to the town’s water system. Another man stood, however, and brought up the fact that when prior development projects were considered in Delton, they were halted due to the town’s lack of a water tower. The township did not vote to approve the tower itself, but rather to just move forward with an application process to see if any fed­ eral funds are available. In other news, the township: Decided to stay at the state-mandated level for signatures required for all petitions. The board has had prior discussion about poten­ tially raising the percentage of property owner signatures on a petition for sewer systems to 60 percent. After discussions with its lawyers and hearing public opinion, trustees voted gainst the suggestion. Passed an ordinance to move forward with the process of making Barry Township a des­ ignated flood plain so that residents inside the township have the option of purchasing flood insurance. Voted 3-2 to not accept the donation of an ambulance from Life Care. The board cited the vehicle’s 400,000 miles and its potential for engine trouble in declining the donation offer. LEGAL NOTICES STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FILE NO. 19028242-DE In the matter of Will Simmons. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS including: Jacob Simmons whose address(es) is/are unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on August 14, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. at 206 West Court Street, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge William M. Doherty P41960 for the following purpose: Petition for Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative. Date: 07-05-2019 Shane A. Henry P82054 121 West Apple Street, Suite 101 Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 945-3512 Will Simmons, II 12901 Case Road , Bellevue, Michigan 49021-9212 269-420-6567 123211 SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN PC., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE Jeffrey D. Hunt and Donna D. Hunt, husband and wife, granted a mortgage to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”), solely as nominee for lender and lender's successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated February 1, 2017, and recorded on February 16,2017, in Document No. 2017-001613, and assigned by said mortgagee to Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, as assigned, Barry ~ County Records, Michigan on which mprtgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Fifty-Two Thousand Nine Hundred NinetyNine and 08/100 Dollars ($152,999.08). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the East doors of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on August 08, 2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: Being Lots three (3) and four (4), Loehrs Landing, according to the Plat thereof recorded in Liber 3 of Plats, Page 61, Barry County Records. The redemption period will be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period will be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 600.3241 a(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of Act 236 of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman P.C. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1389941 (07-11 )(08-01) 123473 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Chad N. Klutman, Jennifer Klutman, husband and wife, to Fifth Third Mortgage - Ml, LLC, Mortgagee, dated January 3, 2017 and recorded January 10, 2017 in Instrument Number 2017-000288 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by Fifth Third Bank as Successor by Merger to Fifth Third Mortgage Company, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Two Hundred Thirty-Eight Thousand Forty-Five and 75/100 Dollars ($238,045.75), including interest at 4.25% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on JULY 18, 2019. Said premises are located in the Township of Yankee Springs, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: Unit No 57, Pleasant Valley Condominiums, a Condominium according to the Master Deed recorded in Document no. 1132867, inclusive and amendments thereto, Barry County Records, and designated as Barry County Condominium Subdivision Plan No. 37, together with rights in General Common Elements and Limited Common Elements as set forth in the above Master Deed and as described in Act 59 of the Public Acts of 1978, as amended. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the i date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the > date of such sale. , If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: June 20, 2019 File No. 19-005221 Firm Name: Orlans PC (06-20)(07-11) 121806 SYNOPSIS RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP SPECIAL BOARD MEETING JUNE 17, 2019-1:00 p.m. Regular meeting called to order and Pledge of Allegiance. Present: James, Walters, Watson, Hawthorne, Greenfield Absent: Spencer, Bellmore Approved the Agenda as presented Scheduled the Public Hearing on the Findings and Order of the Dangerous Building Hearing Officer for the July 10, 2019 Regular Township Board Meeting. Adjournment 1:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Attested to by, Larry Watson, Supervisor SYNOPSIS RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP SPECIAL BOARD MEETING JUNE 12, 2019-7:00 p.m. Regular meeting called to order and Pledge of Allegiance. Present: James, Spencer, Bellmore, Walters, Watson, Hawthorne, Greenfield Absent: None Approved the Agenda as amended Approved the Consent Agenda. Monthly Treasurer’s Report Monthly Clerk’s Voucher/Payroll Report Adjournment 7:53 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Robin Hawthorne, Clerk 123007 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on August 1, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Dan Phillips, an unmarried man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Center, LLC Foreclosing Assignee (if any): None Date of Mortgage: April 9, 2010 Date of Mortgage Recording: April 20, 2010 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $30,311.56 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: All of Lot 14 and the South 1/2 of Lot 13 and the North 14 feet of Lot 15 of Block 44, Village of Middleville, according to the recorded Plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, Page 27, Barry County Records. The redemption period shall be 1 year from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: July 4, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1389263 (07-04) (07-25) 122976 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on July 25, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): ScotAScramlin and Susan Scramlin, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Date of Mortgage: June 22, 2009 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 29, 2009 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $121,056.48 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Carlton, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: That part of the Southwest 1/4 of Section 6, Township 4 North, Range 8 West, Carlton Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: Commencing at the West 1/4 corner of said Section; thence North 90 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds East 1190.77 feet along the North line of said Southwest 1/4 to the place of beginning; thence North 90 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds East 265.15 feet along said North line; thence South 00 degrees 15 minutes 01 seconds East 579.55 feet; thence South 90 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds West 265.15 feet; thence North 00 degrees 15 minutes 01 seconds West 579.55 feet to the place of beginning The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: June 20, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1387960 121872 Attested to by, Larry Watson, Supervisor 123006 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28239-DE Estate of Kerry George Wrate. Date of Birth: 01/24/1954. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Kerry George Wrate, died 01/20/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to David Lee Wrate; personal representative, or to both the probate court at 2Q6 West Court Street, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 07-05-2019 Shane A. Henry P82054 121 West Apple Street, Suite 101 Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 945-3512 David Lee Wrate 9050 S. M-43 Hwy. Delton, Ml 49046-9684 123210 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASECONTACTOUROFFICEATTHENUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Steven T. Freeman and Carolynn J. Freemen, Husband and Wife, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Mortgage Research Center, LLC d/b/a Veterans United Home Loans, Mortgagee, dated Febuary 15, 2018, and recorded on February 23, 2018, at Document/lnstrument Number 2018-001703, in Barry County Records, Michigan and last assigned to Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, as assignee, documented by an Assignment of Mortgage dated April 15, 2019, and recorded on April 23, 2019, at Document/lnstrument Number 2019-003909, in Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due and owing as of June 25, 2019, the sum of TWO HUNDRED FORTY FIVE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FIFTY EIGHT and 99/100 Dollars ($245,658.99). Notice is hereby given that under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on Thursday, August 29, 2019. Said premise is situated at 4533 Foxmoor Court, Middleville, Michigan 49333 in the Township of Irving, Barry County, State of Michigan, and is described as: LAND SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF IRVING, COUNTY OF BARRY, STATE OF MICHIGAN, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: LOT 18, FOXGLOVE ESTATES SUBDIVISION, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN LIBER 6 OF PLATS, PAGE(S) 61, BARRY COUNTY RECORDS. The redemption period shall be six (6) months (180 Days) from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. Pursuant to Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, if the property is sold at foreclosure sale, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder under MCLA 600.3278 for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: June 27,2019 For More Information, please call: Matthew R. Reinhardt Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. Attorneys for Servicer 251 N. Rose St, Suite 200 Kalamazoo, Ml 49007 (855) 287-0240 Matter No. 132070 (07-11)(08-01) 123009 LtSliAL NUIIClj Synopsis Hope Township Regular Board Meeting July 8, 2019 Meeting opened at 6:30pm Approved: Consent agenda Resolution 2019-8 Foreclosed Properties Budget amendment Building Fund Storage room remodel project Guernsey Lake weed control special assessment Resolution 19-1 Adjourned at 6:56 pm Submitted by: Deborah Jackson, Clerk Attested to by Mark S. Feldpausch, Supervisor 123474 SYNOPSIS ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING MINUTES JULY 2, 2019 Meeting called to order 7 pm, all board members present Fire Chief Ribble and 5 guests Pledge of Allegiance Motion approved June 4th board meeting minutes Motion approved paying of the bills Department reports Public Comment: None Motion approved recognizing Orangeville Fire Fighters Association as non profit Motion approved to not consider Barry County Foreclosure list properties for township Motion approved resolution to move forward with special assessment district Motion approved to opt out of recreational marijuana establishments Meeting adjourned 7:55 pm Submitted by: Mel Riser/Clerk Attested to by: Tom Rook/Supervisor 123206 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE This firm is a debt collector attempting to collect a debt. Any information we obtain will be used for that purpose. Default has occurred in the conditions of a mortgage made by CHARLES HOWARD MUSTE and AMY ALISON LUCAS, husband and wife (collectively, “Mortgagor”), to CHEMICAL BANK, a Michigan banking corporation, having an office at 333 E. Main Street, Midland, Michigan 48640-6511 (the “Mortgagee”), dated June 23, 2014, and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds for Barry County, Michigan on June 30, 2014, as Instrument No. 2014-006030 (the “Mortgage”). By reason of such default, the Mortgagee elects to declare and hereby declares the entire unpaid amount of the Mortgage due and payable forthwith. Mortgagee is the owner of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage. As of the date of this Notice there is claimed to be due for principal and interest on the Mortgage the sum of Ninety Five Thousand Six Hundred Forty Six and 47/100 Dollars ($95,646.47). No suit or proceeding at law has been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage or any part thereof. Notice is hereby given that by virtue of the power of sale contained in the Mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, and to pay the above amount, with interest, as provided in the Mortgage, and all legal costs, charges and expenses, including the attorney fee allowedby law, and all taxes and insurance premiums paid by the undersigned before sale, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by sale of the mortgaged premises at public vendue to the highest bidder at the east entrance of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan on Thursday the 25th day of July, 2019, at one o’clock in the afternoon. The premises covered by the Mortgage are situated in the Township of Yankee Springs, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and are described as follows: That part of the West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 15, Town 3 North, Range 10 West, Yankee Springs Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: commencing at the Southeast corner of said Section; thence North 89°19’06” West 1323.05 feet along the South line of said Southeast 1/4 to the East line of the West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of said Section; thence North 00°00’00” East 1170.0 feet along said East line to the place of beginning; thence South 90°00’00” West 662.48 feet; thence North 34°15’45” West 80.0 feet; thence North 06°06’37” East 446.42 feet; thence South 90°00’00” East 660.00 feet to said East line, West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4; thence South 00°00’00” East 510.00 feet along said East line to the place of beginning. Also subject to a 66 foot wide easement for ingress and egress and utility purposes over the North 66 feet thereof. Together with all existing or subsequently erected or affixed buildings, improvements and fixtures; all easements, rights of way, and appurtenances; all rights to make divisions of the land that are exempt from the platting requirements of the Michigan Land Division Act, as it shall be amended; all water, water rights, watercourses and ditch rights (including stock in utilities with ditch or irrigation rights); and all other rights, royalties, and profits, relating to the premises, including without limitation all minerals, oil, gas geothermal and similar matters. Commonly known as: 9295 Longpond Green Lane, Middleville, Michigan 49333 P.P. #08-16-015-015-00, 08-16-015-015-20, 08-16­ 015-015-30 and 08-16-015-015-40 Notice is further given that the length of the redemption period will be six (6) months from the date of sale, unless the premises are abandoned. If the premises are abandoned, the redemption period will be the later of thirty (30) days from the date of the sale or upon expiration of fifteen (15) days after the Mortgagor is given notice pursuant to MCLA §600.3241 a(b) that the premises are considered abandoned and Mortgagor, Mortgagor’s heirs, executor, or administrator, or a person lawfully claiming from or under one (1) of them has not given the written notice required by MCLA §600.3241 a(c) stating that the premises are not abandoned. If the premises are sold at a foreclosure sale, under MCLA §600.3278 the Mortgagor will be held responsible to the person who buys the premises at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the Mortgagee for damaging the premises during the redemption period. Dated: June 20, 2019 CHEMICAL BANK Mortgagee Timothy Hillegonds WARNER NORCROSS + JUDD LLP 900 Fifth Third Center 111 Lyon Street, N.W. Grand Rapids, Ml 49503-2487 (616)752-2000 121807 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FILE NO. 19-28212-NC In the matter of Jacob Anthony Fulford. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS including whose address(es) is/are unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on 07/24/2019 at 1:30 p.m. at 206 W. Court St., #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge Hon. William M. Doherty P41960 for the following purpose: Petition for a Name change for Jacob Anthony Fulford to be changed to Jacob Antonio Bueno. Jacob Fulford 5914 Bivens Road Nashville, Ml 49073 123375 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE The Mortgage described below is in default: Mortgage (the “Mortgage”) made by Larry B. Bovia and Charlene Bovia, husband and wife, as Mortgagors, to United Bank of Michigan, a Michigan banking corporation f/k/a United Bank Mortgage Corporation, with its address at 900 East Paris Avenue, SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546, as Mortgagee, dated September 23, 2014 and recorded on September 25, 2014, Instrument no. 2014-009041, Barry County Records, Barry County, Michigan. The balance owing on the Mortgage is $260,312.33 at the time of this Notice. The Mortgage contains a power of sale and no suit or proceeding at law or in equity has been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage, or any part of the Mortgage. TAKE NOTICE that on August 15, 2019, at 1:00 p.m., local time, or any adjourned date thereafter, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale at public auction to the highest bidder, at the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan, The Mortgagee will apply the sale proceeds to the debt secured by the Mortgage as stated above, plus interest on the amount due at the rate of 4.25% per annum; all legal costs and expenses, including attorneys fees allowed by law; and also any amount paid by the Mortgagee to protect its interest in the property. The property to be sold at foreclosure is all of that real estate situated in Prairieville Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: COMMENCING AT THE WEST ONE-QUARTER CORNER OF SECTION 12, TOWN 1 NORTH, RANGE 10 WEST, PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN; THENCE NORTH 01 DEGREES 05 MINUTES 17 SECONDS WEST, 66.00 FEET ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID SECTION 12; THENCE NORTH 89 DEGREES 35 MINUTES 02 SECONDS EAST, 841.74 FEET ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF OAK DRIVE; THENCE NORTHEASTERLY 50.27 FEET ALONG THE ARC OF A CURVE TO THE RIGHT, THE RADIUS OF WHICH IS 90.21 FEET, THE CENTRAL ANGLE OF WHICH IS 31 DEGREES 55 MINUTES 35 SECONDS AND THE CHORD OF WHICH BEARS NORTH 15 DEGREES 57 MINUTES 47 SECONDS EAST 49.62 FEET TO THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE NORTH 3.1 DEGREES 55 MINUTES 34 SECONDS EAST, 262.85 FEET; THENCE NORTH 58 DEGREES 04 MINUTES 26 SECONDS WEST, 333.00 FEET TQ AN INTERMEDIATE TRAVERSE LINE OF THE SHORE OF UPPER CROOKED LAKE; THENCE ALONG SAID INTERMEDIATE TRAVERSE LINE SOUTH 31 DEGREES 55 MINUTES 34 SECONDS WEST, 167.86 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 40 DEGREES 30 MINUTES 16 SECONDS EAST 314.68 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 58 DEGREES 04 MINUTES 26 SECONDS EAST, 33.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. INCLUDING LANDS LYING BETWEEN SAID INTERMEDIATE TRAVERSE LINE AND THE WATERS OF UPPER CROOKED LAKE, AS LIMITED BYTHE SIDE LINES EXTENDED TO THE WATER EDGE. TOGETHER WITH AND SUBJECT TO A NON-EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE EASEMENT APPURTENANT THERETO FOR INGRESS, EGRESS AND PUBLIC UTILITY PURPOSES 66 FEET WIDE, 33 FEET EACH SIDE OF A CENTERLINE DESCRIBED AS: COMMENCING AT THE WEST ONE-QUARTER CORNER OF SECTION 12, TOWN 1 NORTH, RANGE 10 WEST, PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN; THENCE NORTH 01 DEGREES 05 MINUTES 17 SECONDS WEST, 66.00 FEET ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID SECTION 12; THENCE NORTH 89 DEGREES 35 MINUTES 02 SECONDS EAST, 841.74 FEET ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF OAK DRIVE TO THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING OF SAID CENTERLINE; THENCE NORTHEASTERLY 50.27 FEET ALONG THE ARC OF A CURVE TO THE RIGHT, THE RADIUS OF WHICH IS 90.21 FEET, THE CENTRAL ANGLE OF WHICH IS 31 DEGREES 55 MINUTES 35 SECONDS, AND THE CHORD OF WHICH BEARS NORTH 15 DEGREES 57 MINUTES 47 SECONDS EAST, 49.62 FEET; THENCE NORTH 31 DEGREES 55 MINUTES 34 SECONDS EAST, 394.69 FEET; THENCE NORTH 00 DEGREES 24 MINUTES 58 SECONDS WEST, 578.91 FEET TO A POINT HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED AS REFERENCE POINT “A”, AND THE END OF SAID EASEMENT FOR CUL-DE-SAC PURPOSES, OF 50 FOOT RADIUS, CENTERED ON AFOREMENTIONED REFERENCE POINT “A”. SUBJECT TO EASEMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS OF RECORD. Parcel No. 12-012-005-02 The redemption period shall be six (6) months from the date of sale pursuant to MCLA 600.3240(8), unless deemed abandoned and then pursuant to the time frames provided for in MCL 600.3241a. Mortgagors will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. July 3, 2019 UNITED BANK OF MICHIGAN, Mortgagee PLUNKETT COONEY KELLI L. BAKER (P49960) Attorney for Mortgagee 333 Bridge Street, NW Ste. 530 Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504 (616) 752-4624 (07-11 )(08-08) 123205 Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads �Page 12 — Thursday, July 11,2019-- The Hastings Banner Gus Macker Tournament to liven up downtown « 55 Newly paved streets in downtown Hastings will welcome this year’s Gus Macker Tournament, hosted by the Barry County ^Chamber of Commerce. * Three-on-3 basketball games for people of 'all ages and abilities will take place in the streets around the courthouse square. The tournament also is in conjunction with ‘the annual downtown sidewalk sales, giving 'players and fans more to do between games, r Portions of Church, Court and Center Streets will be closed, making way for more than a dozen basketball courts. ‘ “Take a stroll, watch some basketball, shop the sidewalk sales in our historic downtown, {stop in for a bite at several local restaurants rand simply enjoy a friendly, festive town,” chamber director Travis Alden said in a press release. - On the Macker courts, registered officials “will keep things fair and fun in the competi­ tion, he added. Early team registration will be available Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Tyden Center, T21. S. Church St. Registration will resume Saturday from 7 a.m. to noon. Opening ceremonies from 8 to 8:30 a.m. will include comments from Scott “Gus” McNeal, Hastings Mayor Dave Tossava and w w ? Alden; sponsor recognition; opening prayer led by Brandon Strong from Barry County Christian School; and the national anthem performed by Ellie Youngs and Carsyn Daniels. The final opening ceremony also will be the first basketball event as superintendents from Delton Kellogg, Hastings, Maple Valley and Thomapple Kellogg schools take their opening “do or die” shots. Game play will begin at 8:30 a.m. Games on the Dream Court, or special needs court, will be from 9 to 10 a.m., pre­ sented by the Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan. Other special events will take place on the Dream Court, at the intersection of Church and Court streets, nearest the Tyden Center. The free throw contest will begin at 1 p.m. Saturday. Sunday’s activities begin with the national anthem sung by recent Hastings’ “Beauty and the Beast” leads Sydney Pattok and Gavin Patton. Play will begin at 8 a.m. The trick shot challenge will be on the Dream Court from 11 a.m. to noon, followed by the Dinky Dunkers Contest from 2 to 3 p.m. More than a dozen courts will be the site of 3-on-3 basketball games beginning Saturday morning on city streets around the Barry County Courthouse. (File photo) Parking is free at all city lots. Paid parking will be available in the Highpoint Community Bank parking lot, with funds going to the Hastings Public Library. Community support from local sponsors helps bring the annual tournament to Hastings, and donations from Gus Macker proceeds are directed to local sports programs. More information on the tournament can be found at macker.com/hastings-mi. City band wraps up season in splendor Hidden among many flags at the Thornapple Plaza during the July 3 concert in downtown Hastings, a percussionist with the Hastings City Band keeps the beat. Booms, crackles, whistles and zips followed the concert in a small firework display provided by Padnos of Hastings. The Hastings City Band, closing out its 2019 season, celebrates the nation’s birthday and honors veterans from all military branches. Here, U.S. Army veterans stand as the band plays the Army hymn. The largest concert of the season, the “Tribute to America” musical presentation draws several hundred people to the Thornapple Plaza in downtown Hastings. (Photos by Kathy Maurer) The sound of flutes and piccolos in the Hastings City Band adds even more zest to John Philip Sousa’s “Stars and Stripes Forever” and other selections Wednesday, July 3. The Thornapple Plaza was decorated with numerous buntings and flags for the special patriotic concert. Several Air Force veterans stand as the Hastings City Band plays “Wild Blue Yonder,” part of an Armed Forces medley, one of the many traditions of the band’s patriotic concert. Guest orator and vocalist David Carew served as emcee. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 11,2019 — Page 1J Hastings’ summer playground program in its 82nd year Bella Strimback catches a bean bag during a game of end zone at the summer playground program. Tianna Philo, (from left) Gracie Winds and Roxanne Harrison pose for a photo before joining the gaga ball game on the play­ ground of Southeastern Elementary. They all agree the program is “lots of fun, especially the high underdogs and the arts and crafts.’ The children jog around the marked game area before beginning their daily CATCH activity. (From left) Billy Hilbert, Brianna Tebo, Lily Klein and Aria Robins reach for ball§ during an outdoor activity. Tanett Hodge Staff Writer Youngsters have been attending the play­ ground program through the Y MCA of Barry County for many generations. This year marks the program’s 82nd year in existence. The program was initially started by the Hastings Youth Council in 1937 to provide summer activities for children in the area. According to YMCA records, 30 interested parents in the area formed the council and raised the money through contributions and federal Works Progress Administration grants to provide supervision on three school play­ grounds. Activities were halted during World War II, but in 1946 Hastings High School coach Bob King became director of the YMCA program and activities were expanded to include youth dances and some handicraft classes. Activities also included swimming, softball and hiking, sewing and storytelling. According to Youth Council clippings in the J-Ad Graphics archives, summer playground Director Warren Williams began conducting a city-wide inter­ est survey of all children of junior high age and below in 1947 to determine the interests of the children. He felt it was necessary to offer activities that interested the children. Among the offerings were basketball, ping­ pong, rope jumping, track, soccer, boxing, singing, jacks, parades and croquet. Charles Govin, the local high school industrial arts instructor, was hired in 1947 to teach handi­ crafts at the playgrounds during that summer, bringing a “highly educational value” to the program. As the eight-week program grew through the years, activities such as horseback riding, tumbling, volleyball, archery, field events, and others were added. Baseball leagues were organized and tournaments held. Carnivals were offered for the campers and a yearly picnic brought the summer program to a close each year. It was not uncommon to see total atten­ dance at all events and sessions collectively topping the 10,000 mark (including repeat visitors) in the summers of the late 1940s. Children would earn points for participation in activities, and a free bicycle was given away at the end of the program. A high point for the children was the day tour through the Kist pop and ice cream factory, where the children got to see how refreshments were made and enjoyed a free treat on the house. This photo from 1966 shows participants in the summer playground program enjoy­ ing lunch together. An article that accompanied the photo said the playground program was in its 29th year. In 1950, Lewis Lang was named play­ ground director. Several locations boasted a summer playground in the 1950s and 1960s. Southeastern and Northeastern elementary schools, Rutland Township, Central School/ Jr. High and the First Ward Park across from Hastings Manufacturing were full of kids playing. Free Red Cross swimming instruction was offered and taught by Dave Vender, and chil­ dren were bussed to the YMCA camp at Algonquin Lake for the swim sessions. Total summer attendance rose to 12,000-13,000 during the 1950s. “Summer playground was a large part of our family summer activity,” Lang’s daughter Cindy Wilcox said. “My dad was director for many years, and our mother [Sue Lang] ran Central playground for a number of years, which was directly across the street from our home. My two sisters and I spent five days a week at summer playground and later worked on the playground for years.” Movies shown at the Central Auditorium were a big hit. The Tot Lot for preschoolers was added in the 1950s at the First Ward park and was well attended. An excerpt from a Hastings Banner article read, “An average of 37 children enjoyed the lot in the morning and probably that many mothers, too.” Scavenger and peanut hunts, pet and doll shows, junior Olympic games between play­ ground sites, picnics, soap box derbies added to the programs. Parades, with themes such as “On Wheels”, circus and characters, offered prizes for the most original, prettiest and most unusual costumes. “During my time there, braiding lanterns was an ongoing activity which many worked diligently to master,” Wilcox said. “It was great fun, and the Hastings community was fortunate to have had such great summer pro­ grams.” From 1981 to 2006, as director of the YMCA, Dave Storms oversaw the playground program, which was still offered to any child free of charge. Storms said he has fond mem­ ories of wonderful directors such as Bernie Oom, Dave Steif, Cindy Wilcox, Lindy Bolthouse and Jan Bowers. “I think my favorite thing was the special events at the end of each week,” Storms said. “The Olympics were especially memorable.” Storms told of weekly field trips to muse­ ums, water parks, zoos and baseball games at the end of each week. He also recalled the annual Fourth of July parade, where children on their decorated bikes and wagons celebrat­ ed as a neighborhood. Storms said baseball and softball teams were organized and played in the afternoons, coached by area school teachers and coaches before official school teams were in play. “They offered kids a way to learn the skills needed to play the sports,” he said. “When the schools started their organized teams, the playground program adjusted its hours. We just provided what was needed at the time and adapted as times changed.” Today, youngsters age 5 to 12 still enjoy the organized, active and safe program run by the YMCA at Southeastern Elementary School. Program and recreation director Gina McMahon said it is offered for six weeks Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and now includes free lunch provided through the Meet Up & Eat Up program. Children check in and have unstructured play on the playground until 9:45, when they participate in the CATCH program, whicij stands for Coordinated Approach to Chile} Health. Activities during this segment of the day are planned to teach that physical activity is not all work, and can be fun. ? “We are trying to keep them moving and active,” McMahon said. “Physical activity increases brain health and academic perfor-4 mance as well as endurance and physical health. d The students enjoy active, fun games whiefl encourage teamwork, character and goc3 sportsmanship. They learn about health^ choices and habits that last a lifetime. Thfc children also participate in arts and crafts and science, technology, engineering and math0? matics projects. According to YMCA Director Jon SporeJJ the City of Hastings continues to support the playground program, and the CATCH curried ulum is paid in part by an MDHHS granl received in 2017, making it completely freg for every child. The Barry Intermediate School District has coordinated with the YMCA to offer the suiriT mer playground program in Delton to extent}, hours after summer school this year. The pro| gram runs from noon to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday. ? McMahon hires four employees each sum-* mer, who watch for the children’s safety, buikj relationships and have fun with them. Recenf TK graduate, Grace Hauschild saw an open-4 ing for the counselor job in a school advertise ment and was hired. The summer job ww keep her busy before going off to college $ Western Michigan University to study musig education. “I have really enjoyed it so far,” she said during the first week. “Creating relationships with the kids is my favorite part. It’s givirig me great experience. As a music teacher,^ will have to learn to be able to relate to aH ages.” She also appreciates fellow staff members. “It is nice to have co-workers that you actif ally like to be with,” Hauschild said about her first summer job. “It is a very well-run pro­ gram.” More information about this long-running quality program can be obtained by calling the YMCA, 269-945-4574. The program is free, but registration is mandatory. �Page 14 — Thursday, July 11, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Dawn patrol at Hastings airport Saturday TYDEN PARK • SATURDAY, AUG. 24th Breakfast, socializing and watching planes fly in and out occupy visitors at the annual event. Age brackets subject to change based on participation Team Captain____________________________________ Age Send Entries to... . Phone #Email Team Members Age Age Barry County Chamber of Commerce The annual all-you-can-eat pancake break­ fast and Dawn Patrol is set for take-off Saturday, July 13, at the Hastings City/Barry County Airport from 7 to 11 a.m. Visitors are invited to share breakfast with pilots for a cost of $7 for adults and $3 for children under 10. Those currently serving in the military and all veterans also are eligible for the $3 breakfast. The annual event welcomes pilots from across Michigan to fly in to Hastings to enjoy breakfast and socializing. That means area families and individuals will be able to see a variety of planes take off and land throughout the morning and take a close look at the planes. In addition, a 50/50 raffle and $30 airplane rides will be offered. 221W. State Street Hastings, Ml 49058 Questions??... Please fill out form completely Call (269) 948-3025 TYDEN PARK • SATURDAY, AUG. 24™ Viewing airplanes up close is one of the draws during the dawn patrol. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Orthopedic Care Close to Home Bryan Kamps, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon. After earning his medical degree from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, Dr. Kamps completed a transitional internship at Blodgett Memorial Medical Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, two years general surgery training at Michigan State University in Lansing, Michigan, and his residency in orthopaedic surgery at McLaren Regional Medical Center in Flint, Michigan. Dr. Kamps has nearly 25 years years of experience in orthopaedic surgery. Before coming to Spectrum Health, he was a surgeon at Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services in Gallup, New Mexico. He also was a surgeon for the U.S. Army Reserve with tours of duty in Bosnia, Afghanistan and Germany. Dr. Kamps is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. Dr. Kamps has relocated his practice from Spectrum Health Grand Rapids to the Bryan Kamps, MD Orthopedic & Pain Clinic in Hastings. Spectrum Health Pennock Orthopedics & Rain Center SPECTRUM HEALTH^ 840 Cook Road Hastings, Ml 49058 Pennock 269.945.9520 � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-07-18.pdf 67d162c609cc4cf0f99f946581a723bb PDF Text Text Bassett steps down from school board Moon landing a wonder, future a renewal Hastings Macker has its most teams yet See Story on Page 5 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 12 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 The ANNER 1070490102590502366549058113421 See S'"9 SsS Ml 49058-1 «46/30/2020 9-.47-.00 PRICE 750 Thursday, July 18, 2019 Hastings Live j entertainment heats up in downtown Residents and summer visitors are ? encouraged to pack up their blankets and lawn chairs and head downtown Hastings for music and entertainment at its best and a chance to enjoy some of Hastings’ unique dining and shopping opportunities before the shows. Playing at the Plaza will feature Stormy the Magician at 11 a.m. Thursday, July 18, at the spray plaza near State and Church streets. Chuck Whiting Jr. will be back in town at noon July 19 for the Fridays at the Fountain concert on the Barry County Courthouse lawn. j That evening, The Accidentals will be the Friday Night Feature at Thomapple Plaza. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. The three-member band has crafted a genre all its own. Named among Yahoo Music’s “Top 10 Bands to Watch,” the past five years have seen The Accidentals perform more than 1,000 shows. Garden Club puts twist on garden event Pierce Cedar Creek Institute is joining forces with the Thomapple Garden Club to celebrate native plants, conservation and environmental issues. For many years, the Thomapple Garden Club has hosted the Thomapple Garden Tour in Barry County. This year, the club is starting a new tradition called “A Day in the Garden” to celebrate the many aspects of gardening and native plants. The event will be Saturday, July 20, and participants will have the opportunity to tour the institute’s facilities and learn about the benefits of native plants. Participants can attend workshops and learn more about native plants, pollinators and propagation. “This is a great opportunity for our orga­ nizations to work together to support our missions,” Thomapple Garden Club President Janet Smith said. Proceeds from this event benefit the Thomapple Garden Club “Walk Gently on this Good Earth” scholarship. This scholar­ ship is available to any Barry County high school senior pursuing a degree in environ­ mental, biological, horticultural and conser­ vation studies. Registration is currently available at CedarCreekInstitute.org. Tickets include lunch and are $25 if purchased in advance and $30 the day of the event. Event-only pricing is $15 in advance and $20 the day of the event. Tickets available for 4-H dinner Tickets are available for the 4-H Local Flavor Fest dinner Wednesday, July 24, at 6 p .m. at the Barry Community Enrichment Center. This is a 4-H program in partnership with Seasonal Grille and the Barry Community Foundation and has been running since 2011. Chef Justin Straube works with 4-H staff teaching culinary skills to 4-H par­ ticipants. Ten participants age 10 to 16 have been meeting for a three-hour class twice a week for three weeks. Next week’s dinner will serve as the final class. The four-course dinner is pre­ pared and served by the participants to around 100 guests. The dinner is open to the public, and tickets are available, in advance only, for $20. They can be purchased at the Extension office, in the Tyden Center at 121 S. Church St., in Hastings. 804879110187 Crooked Lake residents not taking ruling for an answer Luke Froncheck Staff Writer More Crooked Lake property owners are turning to legal avenues in search of remedies to the flooding crisis. Some invested their savings in these lake­ front houses, now ruined by rising water. Last week, a notice of foreclosure was pub­ lished for the Prairieville Township real estate owned by Larry B. and Charlene Bovia. According to that legal notice, the balance owing on the mortgage is $260,312. At 1 pan. on Aug. 15 the Upper Crooked Lake property will be sold to the highest bidder at a public auction in the county courthouse in Hastings. On July 8,10 Crooked Lake residents filed a motion for a rehearing of their Barry County case against Drain Commissioner Jim Dull and the Watson Drain district. Judge Amy McDowell dismissed the origi­ nal lawsuit June 10. Now, property owners Sharon and Robert Ritchie, Michael and Sandra Golembiewki, David and Ann Skender, David and Leslie Bolton, Mark Nelson and Jill Sterling, who filed that complaint, are saying the court made “palpable procedural errors” in dismissing their case. They aie asking the court to vacate and set aside that dismissal, allow them to file an amended complaint, and grant them addition­ al relief that is “just and appropriate.” Property owners who brought this suit say Dull and the Watson Drain district, in effect, converted their private property to its own use without paying for it. Their complaint alleges that Dull has effectively taken their properties “as a result of the excessive and uncontrolled rise in the Upper Crooked Lake’s lake level and that their properties were being used for a public purpose: To hold water from the Watson Drain.” As a result of this “taking of their proper­ ty,” they say they have a right to force the Competition fit for man and beast On Wednesday at the Barry County Fair, the race wasn't necessarily to the swift, it was to the pig who was most will­ ing to swim. At “Chases Racing & Swimming Pigs” on the Midway, even in the heat, these pigs were not all fired up about jumping into the water. Once in the pool, though, they kept their snouts up and moved smartly to get to the finish line. Beef Judging followed by the Open Class Beef Show in the Show Arena. Here, market steer winner Sarah Cook­ Kirsch, 11, of Dowling, took first place. Please turn the page for more on the fair. (Photos by Scott Harmsen) See LAWSUIT, page 10 State releases marijuana rules Taylor Owens Staff Writer The first and long-anticipated rules governing recreational marijuana businesses were released by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs on July 3, but it will still take weeks for municipalities and potential business­ es to figure everything out in the 64-page docu­ ment. “It was a real lot to take in,” said Middleville Village Manager Duane Weeks. “We’re kind of in a research stage right now trying to under­ stand the rules.” Weeks and other elected officials and munic­ ipal employees participated in a webinar Tuesday, offered by the Michigan Municipal League and hosted by LARA Marijuana Regulatory Agency Director Andrew Brisbo. Hastings City Council member Brenda McNabb-Stange said the webinar was helpful in clarifying many issues and pointing out the major points of the new rules, but not every question was answered. “Some of the answers were ‘talk to your attorney,’ because they’re not about to give legal advice,” McNabb-Stange said. “When it comes to legal issues, there’s not a lot of guidance out there.” Both Weeks and McNabb-Stange agreed that the new rules for recreational marijuana did not contain any major surprises, since many of the regulations are similar to regulations governing medical marijuana. But a major difference is the possibility of licenses for temporary events, which is unique to recreational marijuana. The regulations also are called “emergency rules,” which are in place for six months, with the possibility of renewal for another six months. How much those rules may be tweaked once they become more permanent is still up in the air. But most local municipalities have already taken steps to adopt ordinances that disallow recreational sales, which will give them more time to understand the rules and make a decision on whether to allow it or not. Most townships and villages have said they will return to the issue once the full rules are released. The ordinance passed by the City of Hastings is set to expire May 30,2020, to ensure that the city council will vote on the issue once it has all the facts. Weeks, the Middleville village manager, pointed out that the regulations are complex, and could be studied for weeks without answering every question. He anticipated that the Middleville Village Council will have a discus­ sion in August or September on whether to reconsider its vote to opt out of the new regula­ tions entirely, or to wait until it has more infor­ mation. “I expect a deep discussion will take some time,” McNabb-Stange said. Her biggest con­ cern is that recreational marijuana is still illegal at the federal level, and she questioned if allow­ ing the sale of recreational marijuana will hurt Hastings’ chances of receiving some The Marijuana Regulatory Agency has issued emergency administrative rules for the purpose of implementing the Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act. Signed by Gov. See RULES, page 10 Regulations fight chronic wasting disease in county Christian Yonkers Contributing Writer Taking proactive measures to keep the insidious chronic wasting disease in deer from entering Barry County, the Michigan Natural Resources Commission approved a series of new deer hunting regulations at its monthly meeting on July 11. To date, 120 CWD-positive deer have been identified in Michigan, and, though no CWDpositive deer have yet been identified in Barry County, the insidious disease has turned up in counties bordering Barry County. Hot spots for the disease have centered in and around Montcalm County and include the counties of Clinton, Dickinson, Eaton, Gratiot, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson, and Kent. Because of the proximity of those jurisdic­ tions to Barry County and because Barry County directly borders Kent, Ionia, and Eaton, the MNRC placed Barry County in a CWD Management Zone under the new regu­ lations adopted July 11. Since the disease is easily transmitted by just one infected animal crossing the county line into Barry County, authorities believe the county is at risk. “By the patterns we’re seeing, we need to include Barry County in the CWD manage­ ment zone,” said Mark Mills, field operations manager with the DNR Wildlife Division. “There’s a possibility that we could detect some CWD [in Barry County].” The action came after a thorough review of the best available science on CWD and multi­ pie opportunities for public input. CWD is a fatal disease that attacks the brain of infected deer and produces small lesions that result in death. Chronic wasting disease can be spread through fluid contact between animals. A deer can be infected by simply smelling an infect­ ed deer or eating at a bait pile that a CWDpositive animal ate from. A particularly chill­ ing reality of CWD is that it can spread through feces and urine. CWD can remain active in the soil, infecting deer that root and lick an area with residual CWD. It’s an insid­ ious disease that finds a way into the nooks and crannies of feeding grounds and deer lots. And there’s no cure; an infected animal will die. What impact does this have on people in Barry County? “Follow all of the regulations,” Mills said. These regulations include baiting, the use of scents, and feeding deer. The regulations adopted July 11 affecting Barry County include: A continued ban on baiting and feeding in the entire Lower Peninsula (Liberty and Independence hunts are excluded from this rule, with some limitations). A requirement that scents placed to entice deer, whether composed of natural or synthet­ ic materials, be placed so that they are inac­ cessible for consumption by deer and placed in such a manner to prohibit any physical contact with deer. A ban on deer collected with a salvage per­ mit as a result of collision with a motor vehi­ cle from being removed from the county where the animal was killed to prevent poten­ tial spread of CWD. / Other regulations include: The 2019 Liberty Hunt will take place Sept. 14-15 instead of Sept. 21-22. The early antler-less season - held on pri­ vate land in select counties - will continue to take place the third weekend in September (Sept. 21-22). Those participating in the Liberty and Independence hunts should review DNR bait­ ing regulations posted on Michigan.gov/ CWD. To date, more than 60,000 deer in Michigan have been tested for CWD. If a case of CWD See CWD, page 6 �Page 2 — Thursday, July 18, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Barry County Fair attracting crowds I Events continue through Saturday night Julie Makarewicz Contributing Writer । There’s still plenty of time to take in the irides, games, activities and shows at the 167th ^annual Barry County Fair. • Fair board president Dennis Redman said the week had a great start, and he hopes it continues. “It’s been wonderful,” he said. “It’s really going well, and we’ve had good crowds here so far.” J The fair continues through Saturday night with a host of activities planned every day. i The dairy and dairy feeder show Thursday (will be followed by the small animal auction parting at 5:30 p.m. In the community tent, the Ladies Day Program starts at 10 a.m., and the team competition will be in full swing in the horse arena at 6 p.m. J Thursday night, the grandstand will host the Michigan Truck and Tractor Pulls starting at 7 p.m. Grandstand admission is $10 per person. - Friday’s main attraction is the large animal sale starting at 9 a.m. in the show arena. 4-Hers, who have worked for months prepar­ ing their animals for the fair, will sell their lambs, hogs and steers. A candlelight walk will cast a warm glow in the Master Garden near the Expo Building, Jbeginning at dusk. The Friday night attraction in the grand­ stand is the Unique Motor Sports Demolition berby starting at 7 p.m. Admission is $10 per person. j The final day of the fair will feature the •Show of Champions, where the best showmen from 11 different species on the fairgrounds compete for the supreme showman title, following the show of champions will be the 'fun livestock fashion show at 3 p.m. in the Show arena. Rabbits, horses, chickens, goats and sheep will be dressed up in fun costumes with their owners. Barrel racing for 4-H members and adults will begin at noon in the horse arena. The Saturday night event in the grandstand is the Michigan State Fair Super Cross at 7 p.m. The midway rides and games also will be Open each day. On Thursday and Friday, the rides will open at 3 p.m. and Saturday at noon. Wristbands for unlimited rides are available. Visitors may check out the demonstration gardens at any time and visit MSU Master Gardeners who are ready to answer questions. The antique tractor area includes a variety of machines and equipment, along with occa­ sional demonstrations and nightly parades. The Miracle of Birth tent can live up to its name at any given time. Cattle and pigs are expected to arrive this week, along with the ducklings, chicks and goat kids already there. Farmer John’s Barnyard Express, Chase’s Racing Pigs, Animal Oasis, chainsaw carving, evening tractor parade, and horse-drawn wagon rides are among the free daily activi­ ties, weather providing. Brooklyn Bracy keeps her eyes on the judge as she completes each step in the rabbit showmanship process. Bright blue skies greet fairgoers as they enjoy rides on the midway. Hot temperatures are to be expected at the fair, but there are many ways to stay cool. A 4-H rider holds on tight as her horse rounds the barrels in the barrel-racing contest. Tauson Wandell holds on tight to his lamb during the sheep showmanship contest Monday night. Henry Elzmga of Hastings brought in some paper crafts he made for the Barry County Fair. National winner on exhibit Long Term Care & Medicaid Planning Update Tuesday, July 23, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. k K r L f Highpoint Wealth Management is partnering with Attorney Robert Longstreet to provide information on the many changes that have taken place over the past year in Michigan State Law. Topics covered include: • • • • ' • What is Estate Recovery and what you can do to protect your home Planning techniques for estate preservation What assets and income one may keep and still receive Medicaid Major eligibility factors Special rules for spouses How Medicaid pays for a nursing home This update will take place in the community room of the Hastings Branch, 150 West Court St. Attendance is free to the community. Please reserve a seat by calling 269-948-5579. Refreshments will be served. highpoint COMMUNITY BANK TSl K Member £ FDK I > highpointcommunitybank.com | 1-888-422-2280 Devin Haywood of Hastings stands next to the Farmall tractor that took national reserve champion in the Delo Tractor Restoration Competition in October 2018 in Indianapolis. A long-time 4-H and FFA member and upcoming freshman at MSU, Haywood has restored three tractors on his own, all of them Farmalls. Other antique tractors - including more Farmall, John Deere, Case, Ford, Oliver, Minneapolis Moline and others - can be viewed at the fairgrounds this week. Visitors also may see demonstrations, such as blacksmithing, corn-shelling, wood cutting, tractor games and more in the antique tractors area on the southwest corner of the fairgrounds. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 18, 2019 — Page 3 Angus crowned the 2019 Barry County Fair Queen It’s a sprint to the finish in this race last Sunday. Harness racing is an annual event that typically takes place early in the week at the fair. Barry County 2019 Fair Queen is Modaina Angus, and the runner-up is Emily Roe. 4-H members lead their goats around the show arena for the judge to get a good view. A variety of birds can be seen in the poultry barn. The heat is on, but visitors can stay cool Julie Makarewicz Contributing Writer It wouldn’t be fair week without the mid­ way, food, rides, the 4-H livestock show - and the heat. Yes, Mother Nature seems to have a way of knowing exactly when it is time for the Barry County Fair and delivers some of the season’s highest temperatures for the week. But fair officials say there are plenty of ways to stay cool, and guests shouldn’t let the heat deter them from visiting the annual summer event. “It’s summer, and it’s fair week,” fair board president Dennis Redman said. “People go to the livestock bams to stay cool. They are probably the coolest places on the grounds.” All of the livestock bams have fans installed to help keep the animals and visitors cool. The beef, swine and sheep bams have large indus­ trial fans circulating air. Misters have been placed in different locations around the fair­ grounds to give guests a soft spray of cooling water. Redman said the safety of the animals also is of great concern, and every effort is taken to ensure the animals remain comfortable. A cooling ^station near the Expo Building is provided by Barry County Emergency Management. Guests can stop in, relax in a cool environment and get free water at the cooling tent. The Barry County Posse station, on the fairgrounds near the swine bam, also offers air-conditioned comfort for people in need. Free courtesy golf cart shuttles are provid­ ed around the fairgrounds. Drivers will be available throughout the day to offer the ser­ vice. Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf said people can help themselves stay safe in the hot weather by following this advice: Whatever the activity, don’t overdo it. Take frequent breaks. Drink plenty of fluids. (Water is best, but sports drinks help as well.) Find some shade, duck into one of the barns, and simply take a break for a few minutes. Wear a hat. Warm, hurpid conditions can trigger strong storms. Leaf said it\ good know where the nearest shelter is in caseoKsevere storms. Use common sense. . . It’s a great week to go ouvand see all the animals and the rides, but be sure to know the signs and symptoms of overheating: A weak, rapid pulse; excessive sweating; increased internal body temperature; muscle weakness or cramps; nausea; headache; dizziness; cold, pale, damp skin, sometimes accompanied by goosebumps; low blood pressure or light-head­ edness when standing up or bending over; vomiting; irritable or aggressive behavior; red, flushed face; or rapid, shallow breathing. Modaina Angus was crowned the 2019 Barry County Fair Queen, with Emily Roe as the runner-up. Angus, a 2019 graduate of Bellevue High School, is the daughter of Mark and Tandra Angus. Her 4-H projects have included beef, lambs and non-livestock projects. She plans to attend and play basketball at Kellogg Community College in Battle Creek for gener­ al studies then transfer to a university. Angus said in her senior 4-H form that being in 4-H is important to her because “It has taught me hard work and responsibility as it takes both to properly care for a 4-H live? stock project. It is important to me because animals are big part of my life.” Emily Roe was the first runner-up in the contest. Contestants had to take a written test as well as take part in a personal interview. The Barry County Fair Queen serves as representative of the fair. She greets the publie* and presents awards throughout the week of; fair. STEAM tent new to fair Hunter Dood Staff Writer The Barry County Fair has added some­ thing new: The Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math tent. The STEAM tent is being coordinated by Whitney Pennington, an Americorps 4-H stu­ dent volunteer. “Most people think 4-H is just animals, but we do a lot more in 4-H,” she said, adding that 4-H provides a great oppor­ tunity to learn leadership skills, responsibility, social skills and career skills outside of the school setting. Plus, Pennington said, it allows kids to make friendships outside of school. She said she hopes the program will engage new families to show them what 4-H is all about. “Everybody that has participated has had a great time.” The rest of the week’s schedule for the STEAM tent is: • Thursday - Jell-0 Chemistry, 2-2:30 p.m. • Friday - Chemistry Experiments with Mystery Powders, 10-10:30 a.m.; Rain Sticks, 2-2:30 p.m. • Saturday - Hula Hoop Rock, Paper, Scissors, 10-10:30 a.m.; Grape Juice Rainbows, noon-12:30 p.m.; Rain Sticks, 2-2:30 p.m. These STEAM tent activities can be found at the community tent or the Farm Bureau tent. Restored milk wagon on display The restored milk delivery wagon featured on the April 27 Reminder cover can be viewed at the Barry County Fair this week. Larry Newman of Bellevue restored what remained of a rusted, decrepit wagon he found in a barn in Homer a few years ago, despite friends trying to dissuade him. “Just get back in the truck, and let’s go to lunch,” they said. “It’s not worth saving.” But Newman couldn’t walk away from the sad-looking castoff. The restoration project of what turned out to be a Lilliberk Farms milk wagon involved extensive research, schematics from the Smithsonian Institution, visits with Homer residents to try to learn more about Lilliberk Farms, and finding or making replacements for the many parts that could not be salvaged. The wagon, along with photos and clippings from area newspapers, can be seen in the northeast end of the Expo Building. Whitney Pennington, in the striped shirt, works with youngsters on a project that; makes rock candy out of water and sugar. �Page 4 — Thursday, July 18, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you In My Opinion see? Steam power Moon landing a wonder, future a renewal We’re dedicating this space to a photo­ graph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics .com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. » < ’ ’ •.* t * * x Historic Charlton Park’s 1884 Westinghouse Steam Engine powers a siding mill Saturday during the Charlton Park Gas and Steam Engine Club’s show. A variety of antique machinery was on display, and visitors could watch as timber was transformed into siding for a house in Dowling. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) remember? t * ? f * * i » ♦ 1 f > ? - I ■ r > ' ’ t ■ J * i > < • Do you Auction crowd Crowd at the 4-H Fat Stock sale - a high­ light of the Barry County Free Fair was the fat stock sale Friday afternoon, at which 26 market steers, 64 market hogs and 65 market lambs were sold. The grand champion mar­ ket steer, raised by Sandy Schondelmayer of Middleville, weighed 1,070 pounds and was purchased by Jack Warner of Moriarty Farm Buildings for 82.5 cents a pound, or $882.75. Jack Love purchased the 185-pound grand champion market hog raised by Jeff Weeks Have you of Freeport for 77 cents a pound or $142.45. Sue Kopsell’s grand champion 100-pound lamb was purchased by Meijer Thrifty Acres of Grand Rapids for $2 a pound. Calvin “Tink” Brown and Ken Tobias handled the sale. [For comparison, about 100 each of steers and lambs have sold at the livestock auction in recent years, and around 250 market hogs. (More than 400 hogs were sold in 2015 before restrictions were put in place to reduce the total number.) Market hogs now must weigh at least 230 pounds and no more than 290 to be shown at the fair. Several 1,400- and 1,500-pound steers can be viewed in the beef barn this week, along with one that tips the scale at more than 1,700pounds. The small animal sale, which didn’t exist in 1969, has been a tradition for several years and includes market poultry, rabbits, goats and a dozen eggs. Combined, the two sales totaled more than $860,000 in 2018. met? Linda Garrison was the youngest of seven children bom to Art and Gladys Keeler. She grew up in Hastings and graduated from Hastings High School in 1959. She’s looking forward to gathering with her school mates this year for their 60th high school reunion. Garrison worked for Goodyear Brothers Hardware and Implement in the 1960s and raised four children with her husband, Harry. Her two youngest children were involved in 4-H and showed hogs at the old fairgrounds. In 1990, her husband was elected to the fair board, when the fair moved out to the new grounds northwest of town. “I started helping him with little side jobs, like ordering ribbons and anything else he needed,” Garrison said. To her surprise, she just kept getting more involved and now has done the computer work for the Barry County Fair for 20-plus years. “It’s a very busy week, but I enjoy doing the job so much,” she said Wednesday out at the fairgrounds. Garrison works on the official fair book; records all entries, premiums and ribbons; and is loved by many involved in fair happenings. Throughout the year, she volunteers in the kitchen at the Barry County Commission on Aging and helps facilitate an exercise class there. She was the 2018 Fair Book honoree and is this year’s Ladies Day honoree for her many years of service to the fair. For her contributions to the fair, the COA and the community, Linda Garrison is this week’s Bright Light. Linda Garrison Favorite movie: “The Notebook” First job: Goodyear Bros. Hardware in the office. I was on co-op in high school and was paid 75 cents an hour. Favorite TV program: “Blue Bloods” Person I most admire: My sister Judy. She had health problems with a lot of pain and disability, but kept a positive attitude. Favorite teacher: Ken Robbe, Hastings High, 10th grade bookkeeping. Person I’d most like to meet: Whoopi Goldberg. I enjoy her on “The View” and several of her movies. Favorite vacation destination -We go to several tractor shows with the camper. I like being home, so weekends away are long enough. Greatest song ever written: “Amazing Grace.” Favorite dinner: Potlucks! Like checking out what other people make. If I won the lottery: I would help my daughters with their debts and give to some charities. I don’t need much. I am happy with what I have. Favorite cartoon character: Maxine, she tells it like it is. Favorite childhood memory: My dad was a fireman at the old station on State Street and was on duty 24-hour shifts. Holidays our family would have our dinner, gift exchange in the living quarters upstairs. There was also an open area where we could run and play. Best invention ever: Television, and now that I’m older, air conditioning. Greatest thing about Barry County: Quieter living in the country and just the right distance from larger cities. Hastings is just the right size. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving personality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics .com Some of us are lucky enough to remem­ ber that day 50 years ago when two ordi­ nary men landed on the moon and then came home. Walking on the moon may go down as man’s greatest positive accomplishment in this life because, though many more of us can’t say we remember the event firsthand, we’re all benefiting today from the coura­ geous ingenuity of the team that made the miracle happen. Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins and Buzz Aldrin, Jr. flew to the moon with less technology than is in a Ford Fiesta today. There are more microchips and processors in our iPhones and Apple Watches than engineers had available to equip the Apollo 11 spacecraft. Achieving the challenge President John Kennedy issued in his May 1961 speech to Congress on “Urgent National Needs” has immeasurably affected our lives. Stunning advances in medicine, transportation, man­ ufacturing, and even sports and entertain­ ment are directly attributed to the incredible engineering that’s followed America’s quest into space. Staking the American flag into the moon dust on that July day in 1969 was nothing less than genius. Looking back on the adventure now, a half-century later, we can see that some­ thing else happened on that day that’s almost just as amazing and may be just as important to mankind: We watched the incredible event together. Across the coun­ try and around the world, by television and radio, we were all one. The awe in watching Armstrong and Aldrin walk the moon went beyond borders, it crossed racial and gener­ ational divides. It made the whole world proud, and it restored our faith in what humans can accomplish. Other such moments have brought us together, but probably none were as posi­ tive. Who can’t recall where they were exactly when the jet airliners hit the World Trade Center towers in New York City Sept. 11, 2001? Or, if we’re old enough, the national horror of the Zapruder tapes that showed the assassination of President John Kennedy in 1963 and, three days later, the murder of the prime suspect on live TV? The tragic deaths of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy may not have been broadcast live, but they dominated the col­ lective national conscience as did the free­ way chase and subsequent trial of O.J. Simpson, which TV news media did cover live without seeming to miss one highway turn or courtroom twist. To be sure, those crucial moments in our modem history could not have been shared without the wonder of modem communica­ tions. Before the marvel of mass media, it took weeks and even months for news of several other equally life-changing events to reach the world. There were no cameras or microphones, for instance, to immediate­ ly broadcast the first telephone call made by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876, but his invention transformed our world. Neither were there lights by which today’s mass media could have broadcast Thomas Edison’s invention of the electric light bulb in 1879. It took months after the 1869 Powell Geographic Expedition for the world to even learn about the Grand Canyon and all the wonders that existed in the American West beyond the Rocky Mountains. As pervasive as media is today, however, one might wonder if the world will ever come together again as one people to expe­ rience another seminal event in human his­ tory. Instantaneous, unrelenting news cov­ erage is cluttering our attention span. What goes viral today are movie star diets and burrito-munching hamsters while all the wonder of human progress - like the revived interest in space exploration - is lost in the prattle. The announcement by inventor-en­ trepreneur Elon Musk - who, himself was inspired by the days of Apollo 11 and the moon landing - that his Tesla and Space-X companies are closing in on a 45-minute bullet train between New York City and Los Angeles goes virtually unnoticed in today’s splintered communication structure. The questions then become, ‘Will there What do you ever be another unifying event in our histo­ ry? And, if so, how will it be received? More importantly, do we need another worldwide event to unite us again?’ Time and the ever-evolving world of media likely will determine those answers, but, as a world society, here’s how I hope we might manage our reaction to the vast changes and opportunities that await. First, we need to celebrate man’s accom­ plishments across borders, ethnicities, reli­ gious beliefs, race, and genders. Yes, the Chinese are at warp speed in their own space program, but what they learn and the places they go will - like our own endeav­ ors in reaching the moon - benefit all of mankind. Some of our greatest thinkers and leaders in positing their thoughts about life and what may lie beyond come from a vari­ ety of religious disciplines, many of which may be far different than our own. And who can’t be inspired by Malala Yousafzai, the 17-year-old Pakistani woman who won the Nobel Peace Prize for her work in defend­ ing human rights, especially for women to be educated in a land where the terrorist Taliban organization banned women from attending school? Secondly, we must get beyond our own pride to celebrate the accomplishments of others. The human story is one of helping each other to survive and thrive, but skepti­ cism, criticism and roadblocks are a hin­ drance to our progress. Even the veracity of the moon landing 50 years ago is ques­ tioned by some conspiracy theory doubters who steer us away from the foundation on which so much wondrous progress has occurred. When he was only 5 years old, Jeff Bezos, founder of Amazon, watched Armstrong and Aldrin walk on the moon. Young as he was, Bezos says in Christian Davenport’s 2018 book, “The Space Barons,” that he knew he was watching something historic. It was that passion and the technology he studied that put the two astronauts there - that led to his forma­ tion of Blue Origin, one of three new-generation space companies that promise soon to be able to transport even those conspira­ cy theorists to the moon and beyond. Bezos, Musk and Britain’s Richard Branson are the leaders in the current resurrection of the American space program. All three cele­ brated man’s venture into space - by both the Russians and the Americans - and now, 50 years later, are re-opening a frontier that, Bezos says, will be a new “golden age of space exploration.” That couldn’t happen without what came before - 50 years ago this month. Our third concern grows bigger every day: learning how to determine facts from the pervasive news feed coming at us from all directions every day. Unfortunately, some news today comes from the poisoned wells of opinion, and much of it sows the seeds of doubt like that held by some who are skeptical about the space landing. The accomplishments being made by the Musk, Bezos and Branson space barons are being made on the facts, data and engineering marvels that came from the courageous discoveries made 50 years ago. Finally, we need to relearn how to envi­ sion, how to find possibilities, how to deter­ mine ways to reach new frontiers - and, then, to anticipate the future with excite­ ment. Just seven years after the moon landing, the late American author Norman Maclean published his book, “A River Runs Through It ” In it, he may have been inspired by that same process when America found its way to the moon. “All there is to thinking,” Maclean wrote in the opening pages of “The Space Barons,” “is seeing something noticeable which makes you see something you weren’t noticing which makes you see something that isn’t even visible.” America’s space program did just that to get to the moon in 1969. Don’t doubt the inspiration to come. Don’t miss the journey into an incredible future. Doug VanderLaan, Guest Columnist think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the ques­ tion posed each week by accessing our website, www.HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the following week. LAST WEEK; Should pharmaceutical companies be required to declare drug prices in all advertising? YES 83% NO 16% For this week: Prairieville Township is discussing making portions of Crooked Lake “no-wake” zones to prevent further property damage caused by higher-than-normal water levels. Fishing tournaments are held nearly every week on Crooked Lake, with anglers speeding across the water to pursue fish. Do you think property owners’ rights should prevail over a lake with public access? □ Yes □ No �i he Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 18, 2019 — Page 5 Bassett steps down from Delton school board Taylor Owens Don’t edit history; it is a guide To the editor: I have decided to respond to your invitation of correspondence. It is to a matter of some urgency that I direct my words: If we systematically erase, cover or destroy any part of our nation’s his­ tory because of its undesirable content or representation, we will be like a ship in a stormy sea, without an anchor, compass or destination. We will lose the reason for being the responsible people we are. John E. Mitchell, Hastings Staff Writer After 17 years on the Delton-Kellogg Board of Education, Marsha Bassett announced her retirement from board service during Monday night’s regular board meet­ ing. “You’ve impacted thousands of lives, thou­ sands, over all the years you’ve served on the board,” Superintendent Kyle Corlett said. When he first started on the board and was learning the personalities of each member, Corlett said he soon learned Bassett was the professional. “She had the history of the community, she had the history of what the board had done in the past... I really valued that.” Jim McManus, who is the second lon­ gest-serving board member, thanked Bassett for encouraging him to apply for a vacant position on the board in 2011. “You’ve covered a whole generation of students,” McManus said, “You’ve been through the high point, the lowest of the low points and now we’re coming back.” High school science teacher Clint Waller thanked Bassett on behalf of the faculty. “When I was a brand new teacher you approached me in the gymnasium,” Waller said. “You probably don’t remember, but I was brand new and you walked up and intro­ duced yourself and you said my name to me, and I wish you knew how much it meant to Superintendent Kyle Corlett presents Marsha Bassett with a certificate from the Michigan Association of School Boards recog­ nizing her 17 years of service during Bassett’s last meeting as a member of the Delton-Kellogg Board of Education. (write Us A Letter: The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: • All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Know Your Legislators:J Michigan Legislature „ Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat,me' ... . . . , . . P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Bassett said she wanted to join the school Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Galley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855­ 347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. board because she was the mother of a child in the district and felt she had something to contribute. She has had three children gradu­ ate from Delton-Kellogg, the youngest of whom graduated this year. Now that her chil­ dren have graduated, Bassett felt it was time to give someone else a chance to serve in her position. “I always am most proud of seeing the graduating seniors both in the academy and in the high school. That to me is why we’re here,” Bassett said. “I think this district is a hidden gem. I think this is an amazing district for raising your children and educating your children. And those of us who are here - we get it.” She will continue to serve on the board of the Delton-Kellogg Education Foundation, where she has been president since helping to found the foundation in 2015. “That’s my way to stay connected with all these kids in a different way,” Bassett said. “There’s a lot of successful kids out there because of this district and our teachers.” ‘ ' - ■ In other business onMbnday night: Russ Aspinwall of the Kalamazoo Regional Education Service Agency presented the board with potential options for upgrading the district to fiber optic internet. Delton-Kellogg contracts with KRESA for technology and is planning to move to fiber optic internet with an E-rate grant. The grant is funded for by taxes on phone bills and will pay for the majority of the cost for the district to run fiber optic cable from Hastings. The new internet would be 10 times faster and cost the district less annually. The board did not take any action at the meeting. The school is also seeking quotes to repair or replace the high school air conditioner. A groundhog shorted out one of the air condi­ tioner’s two air compressors, so it can only cool part of the school. The first quote the The Hastings BcHUICT Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM • Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Tanett Hodge Taylor Owens • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 school students are no longer allowed to have cell phones in class, because it was creating issues and distracting from teaching. Another difference is vaping will now be treated the same as tobacco, with the same punishments. The board accepted the retirement of food service employee Michelle Boss and hired Misty Kapteyn as the media center and athlet­ ic secretary. The hiring of Camille Asztalos as bus driver fills a vacancy the transportation department has had for about a year. The board also hired coaches Jason Thomas for assistant varsity football, Rachel Parker for junior varsity volleyball and Faith Ferris for freshmen volleyball. Trustee Robert Houtrow was absent from Monday’s meeting. Delton-Kellogg Board of Education member Jim McManus thanks outgoing trustee Marsha Bassett for recruiting him to the board in 2011. Guest Commentary Landmark auto insurance overhaul the pathway forward for all Michigan drivers State Rep. Julie Calley, R-Portland U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, DiC. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. school received was $65,000 to replace the air conditioner, and around $180,000 to replace the whole unit. “That’s one expensive groundhog,” Corlett said. The board voted to extend the contracts of high school principal Lucas Trierweiler, mid­ dle school principal April Margaritas, elemen­ tary school principal Karmin Bourdo, finance director Andrew Nurenberg and athletic director and dean of students Mike Mohn for one year. Corlett pointed out that all adminis­ trators are on a one-year contract, which is a change from when he started, when the administrators did not have contracts. The board also voted to accept the student handbooks for the 2019-20. One notable change pointed out by Corlett is that middle In the past several years, many improve­ ments have been made to enhance opportu­ nities for Michiganders, but one glaring exception lingered. Michigan drivers have been asking for car insurance reform for decades. It’s consistently been the number one concern that I have heard about from community members. When I was elected to represent you and your families in Lansing, I vowed to listen to and deliver on the priorities of communities in Barry and Ionia counties - including tack­ ling car insurance reform. I made fixing our state’s broken car insur­ ance system a top priority because it was important to so many, including seniors liv­ ing on a fixed income, single parents trying to keep food on the table, and hard-working people merely trying to afford the expense of getting to work or school. These are the very people I had in mind when I cast my vote to make driving in our state more affordable. After open and inclusive deliberation and the willingness of the Legislature and the governor to work in a bipartisan fashion, we were able to craft a landmark overhaul - a long-lasting plan guaranteeing significant savings to every Michigan driver, which I happily supported. The governor signed our reform plan, putting an end to partisan gridlock and deliv­ ering a huge win for the more than 7 million motorists across the state. Beginning in July 2020, drivers will final­ ly have the freedom to select an insurance plan that best meets their families’ needs without draining their budgets. Seniors with retiree health coverage such as Medicare and those with health insurance policies that cover injuries suffered in car accidents are eligible to opt out of personal injury protec­ tion (PIP) altogether - saving them up to 50 percent on their annual premiums. Anyone who wants to continue purchas­ ing unlimited PIP coverage in the future may do so, or choose coverage options of $500,000 or $250,000. A $50,000 option will be available only for those on Medicaid. Regardless of the coverage option they choose, all drivers are guaranteed lower rates on the PIP portion of their policies: • 100 percent reduction for drivers choos­ ing to opt out of PIP coverage; • 45 percent for drivers choosing the $50,000 coverage level; • 35 percent for drivers choosing the $250,000 coverage level; • 20 percent for drivers choosing the $500,000 coverage level; and • 10 percent for drivers choosing to con­ tinue receiving unlimited coverage. The new law also reins in the significantly higher fees charged by medical providers for auto accident claims. Those who have suf­ fered injuries in an auto wreck will no longer be overcharged on their medical bills because a new fee schedule will be phased in to put reasonable caps on compensation for hospi­ tals and other health care centers. Included in the solution are means for the Department of Insurance and Financial Services to fight abuse and fraud within the no-fault system. Combating frivolous law­ suits and fraudulent claims will help further drive down costs for every Michigander. Non-driving factors such as marital status, education levels and credit scores will also be banned from being used to determine drivers’ rates. These sweeping reforms - when in effect next summer - are components of the path­ way forward motorists have wanted for so long. I have no doubt this new law will lead to a better future for every Michigan driver, and I cannot wait to see what this historic change will mean for our communities down the road. State Rep. Julie Calley of Portland is serving her second term in the Michigan House representing Barry and part of Ionia County, including the townships of Boston, Campbell, Danby, Keene, Lyons, North Plains, Odessa, Orange, Portland, Ronald, Sebewa, most of Berlin Township, and the City of Portland. She may be reached at (517) 373-0842 or juliecalley@house. mi.gov. �Page 6 — Thursday, July 18, 2019 •— The Hastings Banner CWD continued from front page Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingshopeumc. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office. greenstreetumc@gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948­ 8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! P/iy///sA. Heck DELTON, MI - Phyllis Ann Heck, age 88, passed away peacefully at New Friends As­ sisted Living in Kalamazoo. Private family burial has taken place at Prairieville Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Williams-Gores Funeral Home in Delton. A///son ManeJVee/L 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www,firstchurchhasti.ngs. org. Worship Service at 10 a.m. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am Circles on the map indicate townships where CWD has been confirmed in free rang­ ing deer. (Photo courtesy of Michigan Department of Natural Resources) COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945­ 9217. cbchastings.org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us" 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www, hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAM­ ILY HOUR WELCOMES ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Pre­ school age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Stan­ dard and Adult Elective class­ es. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church age 4-4th grade dismissed during service. Sunday Evening Youth Group, Wednesday Mid-Week and Thursday Bible Study will resume in the fall. Thursday Brunch: June 27th & Aug. 8th at 9:30 a.m. Rummage Sale July 18-20. Thursday, 3-7 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m.-5p.m. & Saturday, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Backyard VBS, 6-8 p.m. for children ages 4-6th Grade. Monday, July 15th at Meadowstone Com­ munity Playground, Balsum Drive and Saturday, July 20 at 821 N. East St. Join us for a great time! GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God's Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! July 21- Services at 8 & 10:45 a.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www.grace-hastings. org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings. Allison Marie Neeb passed away on July 13, 2019 in Tennessee at the age of 26, as a result of an automobile accident. She was bom January 25, 1993 in Hastings, MI the daughter of David and Karen (Hol­ brook) Neeb. She graduated from Saranac High School in 2011. Allison was preceded in death by her grand­ father, Louis Neeb, and her aunt, Wanda Hol­ brook. She is survived by her parents; her sister, Brianna Neeb; special friend, Steven McCartt; grandparents, Anne Neeb, Bill and Sandy Holbrook; aunts and uncles, Doug and Diane Neeb, Tim and Lisa Neeb, Teri Neeb, Bill Holbrook, Amanda and Eric Marlin. She was loved by many cousins, second cousins, and extended family both blood and Allison ad­ opted. Allison loved to respond to people’s needs, remembering random 4 anniversaries ’. She was the sister to send pizza to college mak­ ing sure her little sister wasn’t starving. This gift of giving was a true art of hers. Allison discovered her passion for customer service at Hickman Label company. She was passion­ ate about her church, Global Bible Vision in Mount Juliet, TN, where she loved working in the nursery and helping with the food pan­ try. Allison has always had a heart for serving the homeless. Allison’s smile lit up the room. She made friends easily, loved everyone she met, had a heart for being the hands and feet of Her Lord, putting others before herself. A celebration of life service was held at Global Vision Bible Church 2060 Old Leba­ non Dirt Road, Mt. Juliet, TN on Wednesday, July 17, 2019. In Michigan, a visitation will be Friday, July 19, 2019 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S. Broadway St, Hastings, MI 49058. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 20,2019 at 11 a.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home, with visitation one-hour prior. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Allison’s home church, Glob­ al Vision Bible Church, https://app.securegive.com/Globalvision. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home, to leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. Send them... 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 SSS HOMES NEEDED!: SHOWCASE HOME DISCOUNTi 1 - - - Call Now To See If You Qualify - - -1 ; 844-METAL-ROOFS ] 844-638-2576 - ASK FOR HOLLY! To subscribe, call us at: j AmericanMetalRoofs.com J Visit A Showroom: 6140 Taylor Dr, FLINT • 1875 Lansing Rd, CHARLOTTE Traditional and Cremation Services Pre-Planning Services Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible Serving All Faiths Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted AWMMDESlWtIEROFSotliBeM&MHt 770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541 Crafting Group, 10 a.m.-l p.m. Tuesday, July 23 - toddler story time, 10:30-11 a.m.; mahjong, 5:30 p.m.; chess club, 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 24 - summer reading program: science tellers, 2-3 p.m.; storm chasing and weather safety, 6:30 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269-945-4263. The Hastings BANNER exfob H** p Products Thursday, July 18 - Baby Cafe, 10 a.m.noon; Movie Memories views a 1952 film starring Donald O’Connor, Lori Nelson and Alice Kelley, 5 p.m. Friday, July 19 - preschool story time, 10:30-11 a.m.; teen video game event, noon2 p.m. Saturday, July 20 - board game group, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Dungeons & Dragons, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, July 22 - Quilting Passions .^American Metal Roofs । and relatives informed and up to date with all the local news from Barry County. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses' _ C' interacts with the state’s diverse regional herds. Until the disease is better understood, authorities are playing it safe with additional regulations to curtail its spread. “We hope that by setting these specific CWD regulations we can limit the movement of this disease in Michigan,” said Vicki Pontz, NRC chairperson. “We appreciate all the comments we have received from across the state. Michigan hunters are very passionate about deer and deer hunting, and I look for­ ward to working with them as we continue to confront this threat to wildlife and our valued hunting tradition.” For more information about CWD and the new regulations, visit Michigan.gov/CWD. For additional questions, contact the DNR Wildlife Division by email at DNR-Wildlife® michigan.gov or by phone at 517-284-9453. HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Keep your friends 269-945-9554 V/V is confirmed in Barry County, for the hunters, it will mean business as usual. Mills recommends hunters take their har­ vests to a check station to help identify cases of CWD. If a deer is suspected or confirmed to have CWD, it should not be eaten and should be turned over to the nearest DNR check station immediately. Mills said deer can travel up to 15 miles, keeping Barry County out of reach of most CWD-infected herds. “I don’t really expect to see it in Barry County anytime soon,” he said. “But a lot of the unknowns are what’s pushing us to be proactive.” Because CWD is a newcomer to Michigan (it was first identified in wild Michigan deer in 2015), no solid research exists showing how it moves through deer herds. The DNR is currently grappling for clues as to how CWD 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-3252 • www.girrbachfuneralhome. Dale Billingsley Owner/Manager j J 1 Family Owned and Operated Rav Girrbach Owner Emeritus Serving Hastings, Barry County and Surrounding Communities for 50 years Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 18, 2019 — Page 7 SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Scams come in many different forms Vonda VanTil Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Social Security is at the forefront of keep­ ing your online data secure, but you play a vital role in safeguarding your personal infor­ mation too. Scammers commonly target people who are looking for Social Security program and benefit information. You might receive an advertisement in the mail, but it could be from a private company or even a scammer. U.S. law prohibits people and businesses from using words or emblems that mislead others. Their advertising can’t lead people to believe that they represent, are somehow affiliated with, or endorsed or approved by Social Security or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (Medicare). If you receive misleading information about Social Security, send the complete advertisement, including the envelope it came in, to: Office of the Inspector General Fraud Hotline, Social Security Administration, P.O. Box 17768 Baltimore, MD 21235 Scams can also happen online. A growing tactic for scammers is to use online dating sites. According to the United States Postal Inspection Service’s recent messaging, before starting an internet-based relationship, we should always keep our personal details to ourselves until you meet face-to-face. Next, do an internet search of the other person’s name and the town they claim to be living in. Here are indications that someone may not be who they say they are: -A mismatch between their name and the name embedded in their email address. -There are obvious spelling and grammar errors. -They asked if you would send or receive money/packages on someone else’s behalf. -They need money right away due to a medical emergency, or they need a visa or air tickets. Or, a business opportunity arose that was too good to turn down. Can you wire a loan? If anyone asks for your Social Security number, never give it to them. And if they are specifically pretending to be from Social Security, report the information to the Office of the Inspector General, 800-269-0271 or online at oig.ssa.gov/report. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 4952,5 or via email to vonda. Vantil @ ssa .gov. Changes coming to Prairieville recycling Luke Froncheck Staff Writer Personal supervision will hopefully be the change Prairieville Township needs for its recycling program. After township board members at their monthly meeting July 10 heard Clerk Rod Goebel report that people have been throwing a plethora of different trash articles into the township’s recycling container, they approved plans for a 30-yard dumpster to be brought to the township every other Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The arrangement will begin in August and will include a supervisor being present to try and stop the flow of trash being put into the container. Goebel also said having a supervi­ sor present will also help ensure that people are breaking down cardboard boxes and smashing water bottles to save space inside the dumpster. The company providing the dumpsters says that it can provide an addi­ tional dumpster to the township hall within an hour, if needed. The board also discussed the flooding on Pine Lake. Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull was present at the meeting and brought the board two temporary no-wake ordinances requiring, if approved, people using the lake to travel at a minimum speed as to not create any waves. Two residents spoke during the public comment portion of the meeting about their discontent with the idea that the board would even consider making Upper Crooked Lake a ‘No Wake’ zone. Both individuals said that a large number of resi­ dents don’t want to see lake use limited by a potential ‘No Wake’ limit. A planning commission recommendation was passed 4-0, with Supervisor Jim Stoneburner being absent, to allow the con­ struction of solar farms and the private use of solar panels for residents of Prairieville Township. The board also approved the purchase of an outdoor bulletin board for the posting of pub­ lic notices and meeting dates at a cost of $169.99. Deckers celebrate 60th wedding anniversary Larry and June (Bitgood) Decker celebrated 60 years of marriage on July 17. They were married at June’s parents’ house in Nashville on July 17, 1959. They are currently enjoying their retirement together, spending their time with family and friends. They are enjoying life with two children, Scott (Teresa) Decker, Lori (Phares) Courtney; eight grandchildren, Raymond (Erin) Decker, Angela (Byron) Rettinger, Stephanie (Thomas) McKinney, and Trenton (Alexis) Courtney; as well as six great­ grandchildren. Cards are appreciated - 1640 Price Road Nashville, MI 49073. Pete Snore is turning 80! Join us for a celebration of cake and icc cream, Sunday, July 21st from 2 to 4 p.m. a 4602 E. State Rd., Hastings. No gift: please! Barb Pennington Estep to celebrate 90th birthday Barb Pennington Estep will celebrate 90 years July 20, 2019. To send her a birthday card, mail to: Barb Estep, 360 Cherry St., Freeport, MI 49325. Jerilee Hostetler to celebrate 90th birthday Jerilee Hostetler, of Hastings, will be celebrating her 90th birthday on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019 at Bob King Park from 1 to 3 p.m. Jerilee was born Nov. 27, 1929. No gifts please. See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits 269-948-8531 TAVERN In Downtown Hastings The City of Hastings will be the venue this summer for the newest trolley route. Every Friday night, June 7 through August 23, the trolley will ring through the streets from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Catch it at any of the schools in the city limits, any city parks, and other designated stops, or just flag it down on its route. AH rides are FREE! Compliments of the local businesses listed in this brochure. Hastings A Sun Lake STARIW COURT HOUSE Walker, Fluke & Sheldon, pic CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS 269*945*9452 highpoint COMMUNITY BANK 888.422.2280 Hastings is H 5 U a A w C E 269-945-4400 6:00 6:50 1st Ward Park 6:03 Northeastern School 6:05 Bob King Park Tyden Park 7:40 8:30 6:53 7:43 8:33 6:55 7:45 8:35 6:08 6: 58 7:48 8:38 6:11 7: 01 7:51 8:41 8:47 COURT HOUSE 6:17 7:07 7:57 County Seat 6:19 7:09 7: 59 8:49 Southeastern School 6:24 7:14 8: 04 8:54 2nd Ward Park 6:26 7:16 8:06 8:56 High School 6:31 7:21 8:11 Middle Schoo! 6:34 7:24 8:14 9:04 Fish Hatchery Park 6:37 7:27 8:17 9:07 Dairy Queen 6:41 7:31 8:21 9:11 OF HASTINGS 269*945*4174 Please be at the stops 10 minutes prior. Pickup times may vary plus or minus 10 minutes. If you would like more information about Barry County Transit Services please call COMPANY (269)948-8098 269*945*1770 TOW www.barrycountytransit.com Jhornappie Barry County Transit would like to thank the City ofHastings, and the sponsoring merchants for their help in making this service possible. THE GENERAL STORE Barry County Transit 269-945-1848 < > Hastings tl PHARMACY 269-945-3777 269*795*9289 HASTINGS. �£ Page 8 — Thursday, July 18, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD Elaine Garlock Many events are at the Ionia Free Fair this week. One notable happening is Ladies Day Friday starting at 10 a.m. in the Merchants Building in the northeast corner of the fair। grounds. There are always lots of door prizes t given to those attending. " Tuesday will bring the annual luncheon of j- the Tri-River Museum group. Any member of the several area museums is eligible to attend this catered meal and program. The program x will feature the travel story of a couple who » crossed the country in a vintage Lincoln car. This year’s event is being held at the Outreach Christian Church on Jordan Lake Highway just off 1-96. j Depot Day is coming. The date is July 27. The annual event will include food, lots of music, some comedy and more. Some favorr ites will be back, among them Mike Callton । and his two friends. A stubble field on Bonanza Road Tuesday t indicated that a crop of wheat had already been harvested. Soon the lines of wagons will be waiting their turn at the grain elevator to unload their golden harvest. Many beautiful flowers can be seen around town. Among them is the roadside display of Jerry’s Tire and Battery on Jordan Lake Highway. Year after year, they have a massive planting of yellow and orange marigolds, from the CSX tracks to Second Street. This year’s display also has rows of orange lilies behind the marigolds. This year they are get­ ting far more viewers because that highway/ street is the temporary detour of M-66 north­ bound. A local lady had an encounter with a big deer last week. Her late-model car was the biggest casualty. Her injuries cane mostly from the airbag that enveloped her car’s inte­ rior. She had with her a plateful of cookies she intended for her grandchild she was expecting to visit in Carlton Township. She and the deer met on M-43 near Charlton Park Road. She had the presence of mind to be hospitable so all the concerned motorists who stopped to help her were treated to her great cookies. Also, the ambulance crew who arrived to take her to Pennock had a cookie treat. ' 2 Day Karaoke Contest Aug. 9 & 10 @ 6 PM Top 50% From Day 1 Advance to Day 2 S500st Place Cash Prize / Top 3 Awarded , $20 Contestants Fee / Free to Attend Life events can lead you to see a financial advisor Over the years, you’ll experience many personal and professional milestones. Each of these can be satisfying, but they may also bring challenges - especially financial ones. That’s why you may want to seek the guidance of a financial professional. Here are some of the key life events you may encounter, along with the help a financial advisor can provide: • New job - When you start a new job, especially if it’s your first “career-type” one, you may find that you have several questions about planning for your financial future, including your retirement. You may have questions about how much you should contribute to your employer-sponsored retirement plan. What investments should you choose? When should you increase your contributions or adjust your investment mix? A financial advisor can recommend an investment strategy that’s appropriate for your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. • Marriage - Newlyweds often discover they bring different financial habits to a marriage. For example, one spouse may be more of a saver, while the other is more prone to spending. And this holds true for investment styles - one spouse might be more risk-averse, while the other is more aggressive. A financial advisor can help recommend ways for you and your spouse to find some common ground in your saving and investment strategies, enabling you to move forward toward your mutual goals. • New child - When you have a child, you will need to consider a variety of financial issues. Will you be able to help the child someday go to college? And what might happen to your child, or children, if you were no longer around? A financial advisor can present you with some college-savings options, such as an education savings plan, as well as ways to protect your family, such as life insurance. • Career change - You may change jobs several times, and each time you do, you’ll need to make some choices about your employer-sponsored retirement plan. Should you move it to your new employer’s plan, if transfers are allowed? Or, if permitted, should you keep the assets in your old employer’s plan? Or perhaps you should roll Meetings moved back one week Advertisement for Bids Delton Kellogg Schools - This week’s Barry County Fair had an impact on some regularly scheduled meet­ ings: The Barry County Board of Commissioners and the Hastings Area Schools Board of Education. Both will be back in action next week. The Hastings school board will meet at 7 p.m. Monday in the middle school commons area. The coun­ ty board will meet at 9 am. Tuesday on the mezzanine in the county courthouse in Hastings. The public is welcome to attend both meetings. High School Locker Replacement & Chiller Repair Sealed proposals for all work categories as described in the Project Manual for the above project will be received no later than Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 10:00 AM. Proposals should be addressed to Jamie Erbes, Project Manager, and delivered to The Christman Co., 634 Front Avenue NW, Suite 500, Grand Rapids, Ml 49504-5355 up to 1 day prior to bid opening. Bids can be brought to Delton Kellogg Schools 327 N. Grove St, Delton, Ml 49046 the day of the opening. All proposals will be publicly opened at Delton Kellogg Schools at 10AM. Duplicate proposals shall be submitted to the Construction Manager at the above address on the proposal form provided, in a sealed envelope clearly marked WORK CATEGORY NO. , and shall be identified with the project name and the bidder’s name and address. All contractors bidding on work must be bondable and must include in their bid the cost for furnishing a Co-Obligee Labor and Material Payment Bond and a Co-Obligee Performance Bond. On the proposal form the contractor will identify a cost to be deducted from their bid should bonds not be required. There will be a pre-bid conference at Delton Kellogg High School on Kellogg High School 10425 Panther Pride Drive, Delton, Ml 49046 on July 25, 2019 at 10AM conducted by the Construction Manager. It is strongly recommended that contrac­ tors attend the pre-bid conference. Contract documents may be obtained by email Jamie Erbes (Jamie.erbes@christmanco.com) All questions are to be directed to the Construction Manager. No direct contact with the Owner or Architect is requested. Each Proposal shall be accompanied by a certified check, cashiers’ check, money order, or bid bond made payable to The Christman Company in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the base bid as a bid security. The Bid Security of Bidders under consideration will be returned immediately after award of contracts by the Construction Manager. The amount of the guarantee shall be forfeited to the Owner if the successful Bidder fails to enter into a contract and furnish required bonds and insurance within 30 days after award of contracts. All proposals submitted shall remain valid for a period of sixty (60) days after the bid date. The Owner, Architect and Construction Manager reserve the right to waive any irregularities, reject any or all proposals, or accept any proposal, which, in their opinion, will serve their best interest. JONES GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. over the money into an IRA? A financial advisor can help you explore these options to determine which one is most appropriate for your needs. • Death of a spouse - Obviously, the death of a spouse is a huge emotional blow, but it does not have to be a financial one especially if you’ve prepared by having the correct beneficiary named on retirement accounts and life insurance policies. Your financial advisor can help ensure you have taken these steps. • Retirement - Even after you retire, you’ll have some important investment decisions to make. For one thing, you’ll need to establish a suitable withdrawal strategy so you don’t deplete your retirement accounts too soon. Also, you still need to balance your investment mix in a way that provides at least enough growth potential to keep you ahead of inflation. Again, a financial advisor can help you in these areas. No matter where you are on your journey through life, you will need to address important financial and investment questions, but you don’t have to go it alone a financial professional can help you find the answers you need. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. If you have any ques­ tions, contact Mark D. Christensen at 269­ 945-3553. STOCKS The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. Apple Inc. AT&T Chemical Fin Chevron Deere & Co. Exxon Mobil Flowserve CP Ford Motor Co. General Electric Co. General Motors Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP Perrigo Co. Pfizer Inc. Spartannash Comp Stryker TCF Financial Corp. Walmart Inc. Walt Disney Co Whirl Pool Corp Gold Silver Dow Jones 204.50 33.58 40.88 124.76 166.15 75.93 52.95 10.51 10.38 39.43 217.26 132.50 55.22 137.08 50.37 42.85 11.83 205.40 20.75 114.76 144.30 148.57 +3.26 +.04 -.79 +1.41 +2.80 -.50 +.82 +.37 +.13 +1.35 +5.26 -8.91 +.37 +.62 -.64 -.52 +.62 -3.57 -.36 +1.88 +2.69 +5.77 $1,404.01 $15.59 27,335 +$10.43 -.54 +529 Something to sneeze at Dr. Universe: Why do we sneeze? Nyuma, 10, North Carolina Dear Nyuma, Imagine you are home sick from school or are just playing outside, when all of the sud­ den - “ah-ah-ah-choo!” It might seem like that sneeze came out of nowhere, but a lot of things went on in the brain and body to make it happen. That’s what I found out from my friend Hans Haverkamp, a scientist at Washington State University who is curious about the human body and how it works. Your body’s muscles tense up and contract, making a sneeze “seriously explosive,” Haverkamp said. “Bam! Air comes flying out of your mouth, along with a bunch of germs.” A sneeze, or a sternutation (stir-new-tayshun), is a kind of reflex that helps protect you from things like dust, pollen, or chemi­ cals in irritating odors. There are lots of dif­ ferent kinds of reflexes. If you’ve ever had a doctor tap your knee with a tiny rubber ham­ mer, you may have felt the knee-jerk reflex before. A hiccup is another kind of reflex. These are involuntary responses — you don’t even have to really think about it. The brain and body automatically take care of it for you. In your body are billions of nerve cells that help you feel and sense the world. They help with smell, sight, touch, taste and hearing. When nerve cells in your nose sense some­ thing in the nasal passageway, something that isn’t supposed to be there, they help send a signal to your brain. When the signal reaches your brain, it creates an automatic response, and you start getting sneezy. It also takes muscles such as your abdomen and your larynx, or voice box, to help push out a sneeze. The mucus that lines your nose and airways also helps grab onto some of those small invading particles. Sometimes a sneeze comes with a lot of snot, or mucous, too. It’s important to cover your sneeze to keep germs from flying out and landing on other people. All kinds of animals sneeze, including, cats, dogs and mice. Elephants sneeze out of their trunks, which is their nose. Other ani­ mals, such as the Galapagos marine iguanas, sneeze to get rid of sea salts that come from the process of digesting their food. When humans sneeze, we often will hear other people say “bless you” or “gesundheit.” The phrase “gesundheit” is German and means “health.” “God bless you” comes from the 6th century when people had the plague and used this phrase in hopes people would get better soon. According to the Guinness World Records, the longest sneezing fit, or most sneezes in a row, went to a woman in the United Kingdom. She sneezed about a million times in the first year and had her first day without a sneeze after 977 days. That must have been a lot of tissues over more than 32 months. Usually, however, a sneeze is a sign that you have a cold or allergy and that your body is working hard to help you stay healthy. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse .com. See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 18, 2019 — Page 9 , fl look back at the stories and columns on local history In the Hastings Banner Af TURNING BflGK THE PAGES / L Livestock winners announced after 1949 fair Last week's column included a preview of the upcoming 1959 fair, and a list of many of the 4-H winners in the non-livestock areas. This week's column looks back a decade before that - or 70 years ago. The fairgrounds - including racetrack, midway, auction house, scattered buildings and whitewashed barns - took up the space now occupied by the Kmart Plaza in Hastings. The fair, according to the results below, included boars and bulls, breeds of sheep that are considered heritage lines today, fewer chickens and more breeds of cattle. Grand champions, premium winners at fair listed Members of Barry County’s 4-H clubs took the lion’s share of honors at the Barry County Fair last week, with most of the grand champion awards going to the youngsters in the dairy and beef cattle divisions, while other grand prizes went to club members in other , classes. ; Among the grand champions shown at the * fair was LeRoy Ritchie’s milking shorthorn, which took the top honors in both the open * and 4-H division. Ritchie is from the Altoft : ciub. Russell Keech, another Altoft Club member, had the grand champion brown Swih, and Shannon Lydy, of the Carlton Center Club, had the grand champion red Dane. Bob Nielson, of the Welcome Club, had the champion 4-H Guernsey and the reserve champion of the show, while Doris Kaechele’s Cavaliers Jolly Jane took the honors in the Jersey show. In the Holstein class, Bob Clark won the 4-H honors, while Howard Stanton had the grand champion of the entire Holstein show. In the beef division, Robert Kalnbach of the Northeastern Castleton Club, had the grand champion female Hereford, while the male honors went to the Hoffman Hereford Farms of Nashville. Bob Johnson, of the Banfield Club, had the grand champion Angus in the open division, and Nyle Knickerbocker, of the McOmber Club, had the 4-H female champion. L.B. Walters, of Kalamazoo Road, Grand Rapids, had the champion red poll female and also the champion male. Among the hundreds of premium winners in various divisions at the fair were: Beef cattle Hereford - 3-year-old, Neal Dingman; steer, Dorothy Decker; calf, Neal Dingman, Verne Huntington; breeding, Robert Kalnbach. Angus - cow, 8 years, Nyle Knickerbocker; breeding beef, Robert Johnson, senior yearling female, Robert Johnson, summer yearling female [sic]. Red poll - junior heifer calf, David Eldred, Gaylord Eldred; cow, 2 years, David Eldred, Gaylord Eldred. Saddle horse On lead, under 2 years - Alan Kennedy, Janet Cleveland, Donna Johnson, Nancy Johnson, Barbara Salter (top three qualify for state show). Yearling colt - Albert Coppock, Marvin Smith, Stanley Aspinall, Wendell Stine, Carol Griffeth (top three state show) Sucker - Ann Miller, (state show) Marilyn Johnson, Dorothy Decker, Jane Miller. Western pleasure class Under saddle, any age - Herbert Beadle, Albert Coppock, Sally Brandstetter, George H. French, Judy Jacoby, Barbara Salter, Norman Lenz, Betty Mahn, Marian Frisby, Dorothy Decker, Ruth E. Geukes. Working stock horse Under saddle - Robert Johnson, Stanley Aspinall, Janet Cleveland, Albert Coppock. Three and five gaited pleasure horse class Under saddle - Wilma Yeiter. Shetland and Welsh pony : Pony under saddle - David Cutler, Barbara Gregg, Nancy Johnson, Linden Skidmore, Patsy Cook, Pat Maurer. Ponies Pony on lead - Marilyn Johnson, David Cutler, Linden Skidmore. Suckers - LaVerne Skidmore, Nancy Johnson. Draft horse Two years of over - Harold Jones, Robert Johnson. Pig club Duroc Jersey - sow pig, spring, Nancy Johnson, Nancy Johnson; senior Janet Cleveland. Boar pig - Nancy Johnson, Nancy Johnson. Chester white - sow and litter, Barbara Salter. Hampshire - sow pig, Bernard Holcomb, James Brown; boar pig, Bernard Holcomb. Yorkshire - Sow pig, James Bauchman. Fat barrow, any breed - Bernard Holcomb. OIC [Ohio Improved Chester] - sow pig, Eldon Peake. Dairy cattle Guernsey - 3-year-old cow, Robert Nielsen, Norman Barry, Dale Hayward; 2- to 3-yearold cow, Wendell Stine; heifer senior yearling, Norman Barry, Norman Barry, Michael Moore, Ruth Babcock; heifer, junior yearling, Leslie Wolsey, John Wendel; heifer, senior calf, Loren Dingman, Howard Smelker, Thomas Mulvaney; heifer, junior calf, Walter Eaton, Claudia Fuller, Gerald Lingg, Sally Heath. Jersey - 3-year-old cow and over, Alton Norris, Wayne Norris, Hubert Shrier; cow 2 to 3 years old, Doris Kaechele, John Mater, Keith Norris; heifer senior yearlings, Donald Solomon; heifer, junior yearling, Wayne Norris; heifer, senior calf, Alton Norris, Edward Bush, Noragene Nielsen, Paul A. Wilkes; heifer junior calf, Nancy Nielsen, Paul A. Wilkes, Charles Harper. ifclstein - cow, 3 years and over, Robert Clark, David McDermid; cow 2 to 3 years, Marilyn Stanton, John Stadel, Elaine Stanton, Leila Van Syckle; heifer, senior year, Darrell Jones, James Burchett, William Durkee, Maurice Glasgow; heifer, junior yearling, Emmett Pierce, Shirley Conklin, Robert Clark, Maurice Glasgow; heifer, senior calf, Richard Kromecke, William Durkee, Gary Hill, Jack Burchett; heifer, junior calf, Gary Buckland, Maxine Winters, William Durkee, Margaret Keeting; bull, 1 year and under, David McDermid, Elaine Stanton, Mason Christiansen, Vergeleen Frey. Shorthorn - cow 2 to 3 years old, Carl Troutwine; heifer senior yearling, Harold Root; heifer junior yearling, Marilyn Johnson, Billie Bums, Gary Gurrad; heifer, senior calf, Leroy Ritchie, Martha Ritchie, Martha Wing, Nancy Johnson; heifer, junior calf, Phyllis Postma. Brown Swiss - heifer, senior yearling, Russell Keech, Jimmy Clemons; bull under 1 year old, Milford Jones. Ayrshire - no entries. Red Dane - heifer, senior yearlings, Gordon Johncock; heifer, junior yearling, Shannon Lydy, Mary Ellen Heath; heifer, junior calf, Gary L. Lydy, Darlene Falconer, Donald Falconer. Hereford - no entries. Angus - no entries. Red poll - no entries. Shorthorns - heifer, senior calf, Leroy Ritchie. Sheep Shropshire - ewe, 2 years or over, Warren Demond; yearling ewe, Warren Demond, Forest Tobias; ewe lamb, Forest Tobias, James Brown. Southdown - ewe, 2 years and over, Jerry Tobias; yearling ewe Charles Williams; ewe lamb, Jerry Tobias, Charles Williams; ram, 1 year, Jerry Tobias; ram lamb, Jerry Tobias. Oxford - no entries. Suffolk - ewe, 2 years and over, James and Herbert Rose, (state show) Roger Raber, James and Herbert Rose, Robert Gutchess; yearling ewe, Robert Gutchess, Robert Gutchess; ewe lamb, James and Herbert Rose, James and Herbert Rose, Roger Raber, James and Herbert Rose; ram, 1 year and over, Roger Raber (state show) James and Herbert Rose; ram lamb, Roger Raber, James and Herbert Rose. Dorset - no entries. Hampshire - ewe, 2 years or over, David Blood; ewe lamb, David Blood, David Blood; ram lamb, David Blood. Corriedale - ewe, 2 years or over, Warren Demond; ram, 1 year or over, Warren Demond; ram lamb, Thomas Rohrbacher, Clarence Rohrbacher. Delaines - ewe, 2 years or over, Leland Christiansen (state show), Carl Tobias; yearling ewe, Lyle Christiansen (state show), Carl Tobias, Leland Christiansen; ewe lamb, Carl Tobias (state show), Lyle Christiansen, Alan Kennedy. Shetland and Welsh Ponies Pony on lead over 4 years ~ Harrold Griffeth, Harold Jones, LaVerne Skidmore, Harold Griffeth. Pony on lead under 4 years - Harold Griffeth, Harold Griffeth. Mare and foal - Harold Griffeth, Charles Davis, LaVerne Skidmore. Pony under saddle, ridden by child under 15 years - Harold Jones, Harold Geukes, Donald Geukes. Pony hitched and driven by child under 15 years - Harold Griffeth. Pair in Hamess - Harold Griffeth. Grand champion mare - Marilyn Johnson. Grand champion gelding - Harold Griffeth. Beef cattle Hereford - Hoffman Hereford Farms had an entry for everything except senior yearling bull. Angus - female, summer yearling, Robert Johnson, Robert Johnson. Shorthorns - no entries. Red polled - Lester B. Walters had entry for everything except senior yearling bull, junior yearling bull and summer yearling female. Sheep Oxford - Vernes Wheaton took six first and five seconds. Hampshires - Simon Maichele took five firsts, four seconds and two thirds; Kathryn Lemish took two firsts, three seconds, and three thirds. Shropshire - Paul Bell took seven first and six seconds. Southdowns - Vernes Wheaton had five first, three seconds and one third; Gene Mater had two firsts, three seconds and two thirds; and Robert Tobias had one second and four thirds. Corriedale - Dr. O.O. Mater took at the firsts, Gene Mater too the seconds, and Warren Demond, two thirds. American Merimos [Merino?] - Robert Tobias took all the firsts and seconds. Rambouillets - Gene mater, five firsts and two seconds, Dr. O.O. Maters, two firsts and five seconds. Delaine or black tops - Dr. O.O. Mater had four firsts, and three seconds; Gene Mater took three firsts, two seconds and two thirds; Leland Christiansen took two seconds and three thirds. Suffolk - Roger Raber took all of the firsts and two seconds. Dorset - Albert Bell took all the firsts and seconds. Karakul - Herman Callahan took all the firsts and seconds. Columbia - Dr. O.O. Mater took firsts for Harold Griffeth and his daughter Carol won several awards in the horse project area his four entries. at the 1949 Barry County Fair. This photo from the June 24, 1949, Sun and News Cotswold - Albert Bell took all the first and showed the Griffeths with the Shetland pony colt “Skippy” at 3 days old. three seconds. Cheviots - Paul Bell took seven firsts and six seconds. . < J Swine OIC - G.P. Dichinson took 11 firsts and seven seconds. Chester white boar - Willard Brodbeck took 8 firsts, three seconds and one third. Berkshire - William F. Baldorf took five firsts and one second. Hampshire - boar, 1 year to 18 months, Bernard Holcomb. Tamworth, Dr. O.O. Mater took 11 firsts. Chickens Barred Plymouth rocks - hen, Paul A. Wilkes; pen, old, Leila VanSyckle; pen, young, Mrs. Joseph (Frances) Fiala. S.C. Rhode Island reds - hen, Paul A. 8. WESTERN PLEASURE Entry $10 - >8 - $4 ysfe-Wn*. . Wilkes. SPEED AND ACTION FOR MEN. Jgntry Fe* PUaes $10 - $6 » $4 and New Hampshire - pullet, Charles Fox; pen, 10. SPEED AND ACTION FOR WOMEN? Entry Fee $LS0. $10 M nne rlbbu&s. young, Haywood and Cook, Charles Fox. IL ONE-QUAO'ER MILE (epen Wertin Equipment. ' $ En. MOST S¥ 1949 Rabbits tries reoHired, Entry Fee $2.50. $10 . $$ . $4 and ribbom. ' SPONSORED BY New Zealand reds - senior buck, Carl U. MUSICAL CHAIRS Entry Fee ti.SO. mCLE BIDIHG CLUB ' ; ■ Prises $10 « « $4 and rihncfts. Cassell. ~ ELWOOD BROWNELL, JUDGE 13. BENDING RACE FOR MEN. Entry Fee $LS0. Priies $1.0 <■ $5 - $4 and rAfeona. New Zealand whites - doe, 6 to 8 months, 10:00 i* 14. BENDING RACE FOR WOMEN. Entry Fee $1.50. t. Junior Horse Show ' ■ . Prieea $10 * $4 and HBSom. Karen Gutchess. 15. ONE-HALF MILE RACE (Open). Entry Fea $3.50. 8 En­ 1. PONY RACE 4S4n. and nnder. Under 14 years. Entry Fee Flemish giant gray - junior buck, Shirley tries St.GO. Prises $4 - $3 > $2 - $1 *«d ribbons. Prizes $10 » . $4 an4 HSfeena. 2. MUSICAL STALLS for COUdren, Under 14 years. Entry Ann McManus. 18. EGG RACE iOpan), Entry Fee fee $1.00. Prizes $10 - $$ < $4 and' . PflKea $4 - $3 - 82 - Si riLfeem. ' i Flemish giant steel - junior buck, Shirley 3. FLAG RACE far Children. Under 12 years. Entry Fee 5Cc. i Ann McManus. PHxee $3 . $2 - $1 and rihh&ns. 4. EGG RACE Mr Children, Under 12 years. Entry Fee 50c. Prsaes $3 ■- 32 - $1 and ribhnns. Flemish giant sandy - senior doe, Shirley f5. CRACKER JACK RACE far Children. Under 14 years. U Entry Fee tl.GS. . Ann McManuys; junior doe, Shirley Ann Prices $4 - $3 - $2 » $1 and rAWas. 6. CHILDRENS HORSEMANSHIP. Under 14 years- Entry h McManus. Fee Si-GO. t Prizes $4 > $3 - $2 - $1 »»d rAhens. Heavyweight chinchilla - senior doe, !>■ 1:00 E M. Harold Kingsbury, Roy Wilkes, Paul A. ii * Senior Horse Show SMASHING ! Wilkes; junior buck, Harold Kingsbury, CARS AO liGQ P. M. GRAND PARADE. CRASHING! WTORCTCLB Harold Kingsbury; junior doe, Harold 7. ONE-EIGHTH MILE RACE Western EpMpmnnt X Kingsbury. . 8 entries required- Entry Fee 32.50. "" Prizes $IG M and HbWns. ' THE WORLD’S WILOEST SHOW Any other breed - senior doe, Milo Morgan; junior buck, Milo Morgan; doe, Milo Morgan. COMt TO Barry County ri । n s A! n LASTAY! Saturday August 6, 1949 WESTERN HORSE SHOW Partway through the 1949 Barry County Fair, an advertisement promoted horse-re­ lated events planned the final day of the fair. Leland Christiansen; ram, 1 year or older, Leland Christiansen (state show), Carl Tobias, (American state show); ram lamb, Carl Tobias (state show), Leland Christiansen, Lyle Christiansen. Rambouillet - no entries. Other registered sheep, Cheviots - ewe, 2 years or over, Joan Bell; yearling ewe, Joan Bell; ewe lamb, Joan Bell; ram, 1 year or over, John Bell; ram lamb, Joan Bell. Poultry Single comb White leghorn - trio young, Wayne Norris, Ronnie Fowler, Jerry Fowler. Barred Plymouth rocks - trio, old, Edward Bush; trio young, Paul A. Wilkes. Rhode Island reds - trio, old, Edward Bush; trio young, Edward Bush, Bernita Holcomb, Douglas DeCamp. White rocks - trio, old, Norma Wing, Wayne Norris, Mary Mulvaney, Leila VanSyckle. Any other breed - trio, old, Norma Vergeleen Frey, Janis Scobey; trio, young, Peggy Burchett, Eugene Eldred, Duane Stanton, Wade Gray. Ducks - no entries. Turkeys - no entries. Rabbits Bred doe - Wayne Wolsey. Pen of three market rabbits - Wilma Bauman, Carl Troutwine, Lee Fassett, Clair Fassett. The clipping from which this information was gleaned repeats project areas, such as rabbits, hogs and cattle, with no explanation. Perhaps the 4-H competitions are listed first, followed by open class, which is open to people of all ages. The information also may have been submitted by different parties. Initially, every winner is listed, even if the same person won two or more awards. Farther down the list, (below) the results are shortened to a name and how many awards were collected for that category. The following appears to be a list of open class winners. Open class Granges - Carlton, Irving, Star. Home Extension exhibit - Hendershott, Glass Creek, South Maple Grove. Home Extension Demonstration - Glass Creek Extension Club. Saddle horse Lightweight, 1,100 or less, not ponies Robert Johnson, Evelyn Gwinn, Jan Krohn, PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY �Page 10 — Thursday, July 18, 2019 —- The Hastings Banner Overview of recreational marijuana rules The Medical Marijuana Facilities Licensing Act provides the structure for medical marijuana facilities. The Michigan Regulation and Taxation of Marijuana Act provides the structure for adult-use (“recreational”) marijuana establish­ ments. Equivalent Licenses with common ownership will be allowed to operate at the same location, without separation, if the operation is not in violation of any local ordinances, regulations or limits. Separate entrances, exits, point of sale areas and operations will not be required. Adult-use Retailer and medical Provisioning Center licensees who are operating equivalent licenses at the same location must physically separate the entire inventories and the items on display for sale so that individuals may clearly identify medical marijuana products from adult­ use marijuana products. Products subject to the adult-use excise tax may not be bundled in a single transaction with a product or service that is not subject to the excise tax. To ensure marijuana product is available for individuals 21 years of age or older, the MRA may authorize Grower, Processor, and Retailer equivalent licenses to transfer marijuana product from their medical marijuana inventory to their adult-use inventory. The MRA will publish a specific start date, end date, and other require­ ments for the transfer of marijuana product between equivalent licenses. •Adult-use home delivery includes Designated Consumption Establishments and any residence. Medical home delivery is to reg­ istered marijuana cardholders only. • Adult-use license renewal fees are divided into three tiers in which larger volume licensees will pay more on renewal and smaller volume licensees will pay less. • Growers and Micro-businesses may accept the transfer of marijuana seeds, tissue cultures, and clones from another Grower licensed under the adult-use law or the medical marijuana law. • Class A Growers and Micro-businesses may accept the transfer of marijuana plants one time from (a) registered primary caregiver(s) so long as the caregiver(s) was an applicant for that license. • Current medical marijuana licensees who apply for adult-use licenses will be expedited through the application process if there are no changes in ownership. • All adult-use applicants are required to sub­ mit a social equity plan. The social equity plan must detail a strategy to promote and encourage participation in the marijuana industry by people from communities that have been disproportion­ ately impacted by marijuana prohibition and enforcement and to positively impact those communities. • Adult-use Safety Compliance Facilities are required to hire a laboratory manager. The adult-use marijuana Emergency Rules share a large overlap with the medical marijuana Administrative Rules but also contain some significant differences. In the overlap between adult-use and medical, there are similar rules with important distinctions. These distinctions include: • There are no capitalization requirements for adult-use licenses and fewer financial docu­ ments are requested from applicants. The application process for adult-use mari­ juana establishment licenses will continue to follow the two-step process that the MRA has been using for the processing of medical mari­ juana facility operator licenses. The two-step process will allow applicants to begin the appli­ cation process while still seeking a location for the adult-use marijuana establishment, if they choose to do so. The first step, pre-qualification, allows appli­ cants to determine if they have state approval before they invest in property, buildings, or equipment. Some municipalities may require this approval before local support is given. The second step, license application, will allow applicants to indicate which type of adult­ use marijuana establishment license is being sought and must include plans for a marijuana establishment located in a municipality that does not have an ordinance in place which would preclude the business. Since the adult-use marijuana law requires the MRA to make a licensing decision within 90 days of receiving a complete application, appli­ cants are encouraged to utilize the two-step process to help avoid a default denial occurring at the 90-day mark. Applicants will have the option of submitting Step One and Step Two materials at the same time and may submit an online or a paper form application to the MRA; both the paper and online application will require the same docu­ mentation and information. Other highlights include: • Growers and Processors may engage in research and development. • Growers, Processors, Retailers, and Micro­ businesses may offer tested internal product samples for their employees to consume, off­ site, to ensure the quality and/or potency of the products. • Growers and Processors may provide trade samples of marijuana and marijuana products to other Processors or Retailers to help determine whether they want to purchase the product. • A licensee - holding two or more Processor licenses or two or more Retailer licenses - with common ownership at different establishments may transfer marijuana product inventory between the Processor or Retailer establish­ ments. • Micro-businesses may not operate at multi­ ple locations and must operate the correspond­ ing areas of their Micro-business in compliance with the operation requirements of a Retailer, a Grower, and a Processor. • The MRA’s Social Equity Plan will, 1) pro­ mote and encourage participation in the marijua- na industry by people from communities that have been disproportionately impacted by mari­ juana prohibition and enforcement and, 2) posi­ tively impact those communities. • A Retailer is not required to retain informa­ tion from customers other than the following: ethod and amount of payment, date/time of sale, product quantity and other product descriptors. RULES, continued from page 1 Gretchen Whitmer, the emergency rules enable the MRA to fully implement the mari­ juana proposal that Michigan voters approved in 2018. “The release of the rules today provides local municipalities and prospective licensees with the information they need to decide how they want to participate in this new industry,” said MRA Executive Director Andrew Brisbo. “Since we plan to start taking business applica­ tions Nov. 1, stakeholders will have four months to evaluate these rules and make their decisions. These rules set Michigan’s marijuana industry on a path for success while ensuring safety for marijuana consumers.” Designed to allow prospective licensees to operate under clear requirements, the emergen­ cy rules are effective today and will remain in effect for six months. The emergency rules may be extended once for not more than six months. The rules are intended to ensure a fair and effi­ cient regulatory structure for Michigan busi­ nesses as well as access to safety-tested mari­ juana for Michigan’s citizens and visitors. In addition to the license types required in the MRTMA legislation, these emergency rules create the following additional license types. • Marijuana Event Organizer - Allows the license holder to apply for Temporary Marijuana Event licenses from the MRA. • Temporary Marijuana Event - This license allows a Marijuana Event Organizer to run an event (which has been approved by the local municipality) where the onsite sale or consumption of marijuana products, or both, are authorized at a specific location for a limited time. Licensed Retailers and Micro-businesses may participate. The Marijuana Event Organizer is required to hire security and ensure that all rules and requirements for onsite consumption of marijuana products are followed. • Designated Consumption Establishment - Allows the license holder, with local approv­ al, to operate a commercial space that is licensed by the MRA and authorized to permit adults 21 years of age and older to consume marijuana and marijuana products on premises. A Designated Consumption Establishment license does not allow for sales or distribution of marijuana or marijuana product, unless the license holder also possesses a Retailer or Micro-business license. • Excess Marijuana Grower - Allows a licensee who already holds five adult-use Class C Grower licenses to expand the allowable marijuana plant count. ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PUBLIC HEARING WINCHESTER DRIVE ROAD IMPROVEMENT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 19-1 TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ORAN­ GEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PER­ SONS: SYNOPSIS RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP REGULAR BOARD MEETING June 12, 2019-7:00 p.m. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Township Board of Orangeville Township, as autho­ rized by PA 188 of 1954, as amended, proposes to undertake a road improvement project on Winchester • Drive in Orangeville Township as more particularly described below and to create a separate special assessment district for the recovery of the costs thereof by special assessment against the properties benefited. The Township Board of Orangeville Township is acting pursuant to petitions, as authorized by PA 188 of 1954, as amended. Regular meeting called to order and Pledge of Allegiance. Present: James, Spencer, Bellmore, Walters, Watson, Hawthorne, Greenfield Absent: None Approved the Agenda as amended Approved the Consent Agenda. Monthly Treasurer’s Report Monthly Clerk’s Voucher/Payroll Report Adjournment 7:53 p.m. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the special assessment district within which the foregoing improvements are proposed to be made and within which the costs thereof are to be specially assessed includes all parcels with frontage on and/or with driveway access to Winchester Drive in Orangeville Township. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has received plans show­ ing the proposed road improvements and associated activities, together with an estimated project cost in the amount of $40,000. The cost of the project is proposed to be raised by special assessment on parcels in the proposed district. The Orangeville Township Board has passed a resolution tentatively declaring its intention to undertake such project and to create the afore-described special assessment district. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has placed the project plans and costs estimate on file with the Township Clerk and said plans, cost estimates and special assessment district may be examined at the Township Clerk’s office from the date of this Notice to the date of the public hearing and may further be examined at such public hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board proposes to make a spe­ cial assessment based on road frontage on Winchester Drive (including an assessment for an end lot) each year for a period of five years (2019-2023 inclusive). The total assess­ ment amount will be approximately $19.53 per foot of frontage and/or driveway access on Winchester Drive, including an additional amount for the end lot. The Township Board reserves the right to levy a lesser assessment in the final year of the special assessment district, if there are more funds in the special assessment district fund than the amount needed for the project. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a public hearing on the plans, district, cost es­ timates and will be held at Orangeville Township Hall, 7350 Lindsey Road, Plainwell, Mich­ igan, on July 30, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. At the hearing, the Board will consider any written objections and comments to any of the foregoing matters which are filed with the Township Clerk at or before the hearing, and any objections or comments raised at the hearing; and at the hearing (or any adjournment of the hearing which may be made without further no­ tice), the township board may revise, correct, amend or change the plans, cost estimates or special assessment district. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if written objections to the project are filed with the Township Board at or before the hearing, signed by the record owners of land constitut­ ing more than 20% of the total frontage on the road, the township board may not proceed unless petitions in support of the project, signed by record owners of more than 50% of the total frontage on the road proposed for improvement and for inclusion in the special assessment district, are filed with the township. The Township Board has already received petitions in support of the project signed by record owners of more than 50% of the total frontage on the road proposed for improvement. Written comments or objections may be filed with the clerks at the address set out below. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that appearance and protest at the public hearing is required in order to appeal the amount of the special assessment to the State Tax Tri­ bunal within 30 days after the special assessment roll is confirmed. An owner or party in interest, or his or her agent, may appear in person at the hearing to protest the special assessment, or shall be permitted to file at or before the hearing his or her appearance or protest by letter and his or her personal appearance shall not be required. All interested persons are invited to be present in person or by representative and to express their views at the public hearing. Respectfully submitted, Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Attested to by, Larry Watson, Supervisor Barry County Circuit Judge Amy McDowell, shown at the May 29 show cause hear­ ing, dismissed the original lawsuit June 10. Now, property owners Sharon and Robert Ritchie, Michael and Sandra Golembiewki, David and Ann Skender, David and Leslie Bolton, Mark Nelson and Jill Sterling, who filed that original complaint, are saying the court made “palpable procedural errors” in dismissing their case. LAWSUIT, continued from page 1 government to proceed with condemnation proceedings and that they “are entitled to receive the amount of the government’s good faith offer of just compensation while the case is pending and, among other things, reimbursement of their attorney fees.” The brief filed on their behalf claims that the court made several procedural errors in ruling on a motion for summary disposition by the defendants (Dull and the Watson Drain district), without allowing the property owners, who are the plaintiffs, to respond to it. The motion points to comments made by the judge during the May 29 show cause hearing that “essentially recognized that a taking may have occurred when [the judge] stated ‘and I furthermore believe that inverse condemnation is an adequate remedy of law. There may have been - there is legal obliga­ tion on behalf of the Drain Commissioner. Maybe that was neglected. That remains to be seen at a later time if a complaint is filed for inverse condemnation.’” Dull, as drain commissioner, is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Watson Drain district, which is connected to Upper Crooked Lake and has a direct impact on it. The drainage district is a corporate body that may sue or be sued. If the court were to rule in favor of these property owners, the 1,085 properties that make up the Watson Drain district would bear the costs of the lawsuit and any condem­ nation fees. According to Doug Kelly, attor­ ney for Dull and the Watson Drain district, condemning these properties would cost the drainage district between $6 million and $10 million. During the hearing in May, Judge McDowell said, “There’s no way around the fact that Mr. Dull has discretion. That’s the nature of his job as drain commissioner to make determinations of what’s appropriate or not - not only to the size of the project, but to the extent of it and to whether or not he feels a taking is appropriate.” Orangeville Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon four (4) days’ notice to the Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township Clerk at the address below. 123783 SYNOPSIS Special Meeting Winchester Drive SAD July 9, 2019 Meeting called to order 7 pm. All board members present, no guests Motion approved for petitions received filed as part of the minutes Motion approved for projected paving cost of $33,465.00 Motion approved for plans and estimates filed with clerk for public examination Adopted Resolution of Notice of Intent to Proceed Winchester Drive SAD First public hearing July 30, 2019 at 7 pm Motion to adjourn 7:25 pm, meeting adjourned Submitted by: Mel Risner/Clerk Attested to by: Tom Rook/Supervisor 123524 SYNOPSIS PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Regular Meeting July 10, 2019 Clerk Goebel called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Present: Clerk Goebel, Treasurer Pence, Trustee VanNiman, Trustee Borden. Absent: Supervisor Stoneburner Agenda and Minutes were approved. Public comments were received. Fire and Police reports were put on file. Treasurer, Trustee and Clerk’s reports were received. Township recycling program modifications were approved, all ayes. Purchase of outdoor bulletin board was approved, all ayes. Ordinance 169: Solar Text Amendment was approved, all ayes. Public comments were received. Adjourn: 7:48 P.M. Submitted by: Rod Goebel, Clerk 123828 SYNOPSIS Hastings Charter Township Regular Meeting July 9, 2019 Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. All board members present, Approved all consent agenda items Accepted 2018 Auditors report Township Credit Card 2019 Budget amendment Davis Drain update Approved payment of bills Dept, reports received and put on file Motion to adjourn 8:37 p.m. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if the Township Board determines to proceed with the special assessment, the Board will cause a special assessment roll to be prepared and another hearing will be held, after notice to record owners of property proposed to be specially assessed, to hear public comments concerning the proposed special assess­ ment. Mel Risner, Clerk Orangeville Township 7350 Lindsey Road Plainwell, Ml 49080 (269) 664-4522 123778 The plaintiffs from Crooked Lake and their supporters, shown when they attended the court proceedings in May, have filed a motion for reconsideration of the court’s June 10 order of dismissal Respectfully submitted, Anita S. Mennell - Clerk Attested to by Jim Brown - Supervisor ; �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 18, 2019 — Page 11 Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 Estate Sales Recreation RED BARN ESTATE SALES. 8411 N 32nd St., Richland, 49083. Fri-Sun, July 19th, 20th, 21st, 2019. 9am-5pm. Come celebrate with us, the life, memories and collection of four gen­ erations. Antique primitives, quarky and fun collectibles. This is definitely a sale you don't want to miss! As we find it, we bring it directly to you. No pre-picks and absolutely no early sales. The complete collection is available on the first day of the sale. Now to offer Gull Flyer water ski's, butcher block tables, harvest tables, primitive bakers cabinet, McDougall Cabinet, Fiestaware, Enamelware, Blue Willow, stone­ ware crocs, Fenton and Fostoria glass, crystal, primitive pie safes, barrister bookcase, Petrole­ ona, Warbond posters, a rare 1920s Packard Keystone fire engine, antique saddle stretcher, large renaissance secretary bookcase, antique jewelers desk, antique washtubs, decorative lighting, chicken feeder, primitive wainscot cabinets, ornate oak bench, Sterling Silver jew­ elry, pocket watches, garden art, vintage Coke machines, jukebox, toys and much, much more. We accept all major credit cards. Come party with us and leave with a treasure. Visit Esta­ tesales.net for pictures and more information. CAMPER FOR SALE- 2011 Forest River Wildwood 29 ft bunkhouse. Decent shape, rarely used and no longer need. Great hunting camper. $5,000 OBO. 269-818-7935. SUMMER SPLASH!! ADVENTURE Awaits Campground Camping—full hookup or water and electric only. Swimming, fishing, water slide, kid's playground, beach, volleyball court, diving platform, water bull riding. 50 mile Paul Henry Thornapple Trail starts here for hiking and biking. River tubing on the Thornapple River 2-3 hours. Beach Party Pavilion, Camp Store, Recreation Center rental. Come have fun with us! 3266 N. Ionia Rd, Sycamore Lane, Vermontville, MI 49096. Phone 919-249-8712. Business Services BUYING ALL HARDWOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Walnut trees. Insured, liability & work­ man's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. BELLS CONSTRUCTION- 18 years experi­ ence. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, power washing, home improvements, seamless gutters. 269-320-3890. HELP WANTED UcAiAL ItCj 1. SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE - Jeffrey D. Hunt and Donna D. Hunt, husband and wife, granted a mortgage to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”), solely as nominee for lender and lender's successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated February 1, 2017, and recorded on February 16,2017, in Document No. 2017-001613, and assigned by said mortgagee to Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Fifty-Two Thousand Nine Hundred NinetyNine and 08/100 Dollars ($152,999.08). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the East doors of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on August 08, 2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: Being Lots three (3) and four (4), Loehrs Landing, according to the Plat thereof recorded in Liber 3 of Plats, Page 61, Barry County Records. The redemption period will be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 600.3241a, in which Base the redemption period will be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 600.3241 a(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of Act 236 of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman P.C. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1389941 (07-11 )(08-01) 123473 Fast paced medical office seeking to add front office staff. Computer skills and medical terminology a plus. Office experience and ability to multi-task is preferred. Send your resume to: , e 4 01 e & . \ ' ° a Il-'lA - ■ “ J 225 S M37 Hwy, Suite 2 o Hastings, MI (269) 945.3401 J«Wl THOMAS M. HOFFMAN, M.D.^ Accepting Applications for Full-Time TRANSPORTATION MECHANIC NOTICE SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE -At Home R.E. LLC, granted a mortgage to Visio Financial Services, Inc., Mortgagee, dated December 28, 2017, and recorded on January 3, 2018, in Document No. 2018-000112, and assigned by said mortgagee to Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB dba Christiana Trust, not in its individual capacity but solely as Owner Trustee of Residential Credit Opportunities Trust II, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Thirty-Nine Thousand One. Hundred Ninety-Seven and 77/100 Dollars ($39,19777). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the East doors of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on August 15, 2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: All that part Lots Two (2) and Three (3) of Block Twenty (20), lying West of Fall Creek, except the West 78 feet of said Lots, being in the Eastern Addition to the City, formerly the Village of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan. The redemption period will be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period will be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 600.3241 a(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of Act 236 of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, d/b/a Christina Trust, not in its individual capacity but soley as owner Trustee of Residential Credit Opportunities Trust II Mortgagee/ Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman P.C. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1390462 (07-18)(08-08) 123920 For complete information about this position and employment qualifications - see our website www.hassk12.org - Employment. Please send resume and references to: Tim Berlin, Assistant Superintendent of Ooeration: Hastings Area School System 232 West Grand Street, Hastings, Ml 49058 Applicants must be able to pass criminal background checks. Now Hiring EG is hiring Assemblers for The Viking Corporation in Hastings. Earn $13.00/hr. Apply now at egnow.com or call 269-660-3500. NOTICE TO ALL CREDITORS: The Grantor, Richard A. Ausberger (date of birth: July 20, 1927), died October 1, 2010. There is no personal representative of the settlor’s estate to whom letters of administration have been issued. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the Richard H. Ausberger Trust dated August 5, 1999, as amended, will be forever barred unless presented to Steven Ausberger Trustee, within four months after the date of publication. Notice is further given that the Trust will thereafter be assigned and distributed to the persons entitled to it. ■ Date: 7/11/19 Alles Law Christopher Shourds (P82401) 5050 Cascade Road SE, Suite 100 Grand Rapids, Ml 49546 (616) 365-5055 The Richard H. Ausberger Trust Dated August 5, 1999 Steven Ausberger, Trustee 501 Tuttle NE Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (616)458-6515 123757 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE The Mortgage described below is in default: Mortgage (the “Mortgage”) made by Larry B. Bovia and Charlene Bovia, husband and wife, as Mortgagors, to United Bank of Michigan, a Michigan banking corporation f/k/a United Bank Mortgage Corporation, with its address at 900 East Paris Avenue, SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546, as Mortgagee, dated September 23, 2014 and recorded on September 25, 2014, Instrument no. 2014-009041, Barry County Records, Barry County, Michigan. The balance owing on the Mortgage is $260,312.33 at the time of this Notice. The Mortgage contains a power of sale and no suit or proceeding at law or in equity has been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage, or any part of the Mortgage. TAKE NOTICE that on August 15, 2019, at 1:00 p.m., local time, or any adjourned date thereafter, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale at public auction to the highest bidder, at the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan. The Mortgagee will apply the sale proceeds to the debt secured by the Mortgage as stated above, plus interest on the amount due at the rate of 4.25% per annum; all legal costs and expenses, including attorneys fees allowed by law; and also any amount paid by the Mortgagee to protect its interest in the property. The property to be sold at foreclosure is all of that real estate situated in Prairieville Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: COMMENCING AT THE WEST ONE-QUARTER CORNER OF SECTION 12, TOWN 1 NORTH, RANGE 10 WEST, PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN; THENCE NORTH 01 DEGREES 05 MINUTES 17 SECONDS WEST, 66.00 FEET ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID SECTION 12; THENCE NORTH 89 DEGREES 35 MINUTES 02 SECONDS EAST, 841.74 FEET ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF OAK DRIVE; THENCE NORTHEASTERLY 50.27 FEET ALONG THE ARC OF A CURVE TO THE RIGHT, THE RADIUS OF WHICH IS 90.21 FEET, THE CENTRAL ANGLE OF WHICH IS 31 DEGREES 55 MINUTES 35 SECONDS AND THE CHORD OF WHICH BEARS NORTH 15 DEGREES 57 MINUTES 47 SECONDS EAST 49.62 FEET TO THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING; THENCE NORTH 31 DEGREES 55 MINUTES 34 SECONDS EAST, 262.85 FEET; THENCE NORTH 58 DEGREES 04 MINUTES 26 SECONDS WEST, 333.00 FEET TO AN INTERMEDIATE TRAVERSE LINE OF THE SHORE OF UPPER CROOKED LAKE; THENCE ALONG SAID INTERMEDIATE TRAVERSE LINE SOUTH 31 DEGREES 55 MINUTES 34 SECONDS WEST, 167.86 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 40 DEGREES 30 MINUTES 16 SECONDS EAST 314.68 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 58 DEGREES 04 MINUTES 26 SECONDS EAST, 33.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. INCLUDING LANDS LYING BETWEEN SAID INTERMEDIATE TRAVERSE LINE AND THE WATERS OF UPPER CROOKED LAKE, AS LIMITED BYTHE SIDE LINES EXTENDED TO THE WATER EDGE. TOGETHER WITH AND SUBJECT TO A NON-EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE EASEMENT APPURTENANT THERETO FOR INGRESS, EGRESS AND PUBLIC UTILITY PURPOSES 66 FEET WIDE, 33 FEET EACH SIDE OF A CENTERLINE DESCRIBED AS: COMMENCING AT THE WEST ONE-QUARTER CORNER OF SECTION 12, TOWN 1 NORTH, RANGE 10 WEST, PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN; THENCE NORTH 01 DEGREES 05 MINUTES 17 SECONDS WEST, 66.00 FEET ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID SECTION 12; THENCE NORTH 89 DEGREES 35 MINUTES 02 SECONDS EAST, 841.74 FEET ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF OAK DRIVE TO THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING OF SAID CENTERLINE; THENCE NORTHEASTERLY 50.27 FEET ALONG THE ARC OF A CURVE TO THE RIGHT, THE RADIUS OF WHICH IS 90.21 FEET, THE CENTRAL ANGLE OF WHICH IS 31 DEGREES 55 MINUTES 35 SECONDS, AND THE CHORD OF WHICH BEARS NORTH 15 DEGREES 57 MINUTES 47 SECONDS EAST, 49.62 FEET; THENCE NORTH 31 DEGREES 55 MINUTES 34 SECONDS EAST, 394.69 FEET; THENCE NORTH 00 DEGREES 24 MINUTES 58 SECONDS WEST, 578.91 FEET TO A POINT HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED AS REFERENCE POINT “A”, AND THE END OF SAID EASEMENT FOR CUL-DE-SAC PURPOSES, OF 50 FOOT RADIUS, CENTERED ON AFOREMENTIONED REFERENCE POINT “A”. SUBJECT TO EASEMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS OF RECORD. Parcel No. 12-012-005-02 The redemption period shall be six (6) months from the date of sale pursuant to MCLA 600.3240(8), unless deemed abandoned and then pursuant to the time frames provided for in MCL 600.3241a. Mortgagors will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. July 3, 2019 UNITED BANK OF MICHIGAN, Mortgagee PLUNKETT COONEY KELLI L. BAKER (P49960) Attorney for Mortgagee 333 Bridge Street, NW Ste. 530 Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504 (616) 752-4624 (07-11)(08-08) 123205 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FILE NO. 19028242-DE In the matter of Will Simmons. TO ALL INTERESTED.PERSONS including: Jacob Simmons whose address(es) is/are unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on August 14, 2019 at 2:30 p.m. at 206 West Court Street, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge William M. Doherty P41960 for the following purpose: Petition for Probate and/or Appointment of Personal Representative. Date: 07-05-2019 Shane A. Henry P82054 121 West Apple Street, Suite 101 Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 945-3512 Will Simmons, II 12901 Case Road Bellevue, Michigan 49021-9212 269-420-6567 123211 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 201928159 -DE Estate of Frederick Lee Murray, a/k/a/ Frederick L. * ’ Murray, Deceased. Date of birth: 11/24/1943. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Frederick 5 Lee Murray, a/k/a Frederick L. Murray, died 11/18/2016., Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Dennis Murray, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal ’ representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. < Date: 03/15/2019 Lucianne A. Conklin P30756 5930 Lovers Lane, 1 st Floor Portage, Ml 49002 , (269) 349-3343 Dennis Murray r 4736 West Hickory Road Hickory Corners, Ml 49060 (269)579-0578 123779 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASECONTACTOUROFFICEATTHE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee.. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Steven T. Freeman and Carolynn J. Freemen, Husband and Wife, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Mortgage Research Center, LLC d/b/a Veterans United Home Loans, Mortgagee, dated Febuary 15, 2018, and recorded on February 23, 2018, at Document/lnstrument Number 2018-001703, in Barry County Records, Michigan and last assigned to Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, as assignee, documented by an Assignment of Mortgage dated April 15, 2019, and recorded on April 23, 2019, at Document/lnstrument Number 2019-003909, in Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due and owing as of June 25, 2019, the sum of TWO HUNDRED FORTY FIVE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FIFTY EIGHT and 99/100* Dollars ($245,658.99). Notice is hereby given that under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on Thursday, August 29, 2019. Said premise is situated at 4533 Foxmoor Court, Middleville, Michigan 49333 in the Township of Irving, Barry County, State of Michigan, and is described as: LAND SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF IRVING, COUNTY OF BARRY, STATE OF MICHIGAN, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: LOT 18, FOXGLOVE ESTATES SUBDIVISION, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN LIBER 6 OF PLATS, PAGE(S) 61, BARRY COUNTY RECORDS. The redemption period shall be six (6) months (180 Days) from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. Pursuant to Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, if the property is sold at foreclosure sale, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder under MCLA 600.3278 for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: June 27, 2019 For More Information, please call: Matthew R. Reinhardt Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. Attorneys for Servicer 251 N. Rose St., Suite 200 Kalamazoo, Ml 49007 (855) 287-0240 Matter No. 132070 (07-11)(08-01) 123009 „ < 6 ; ‘ » ’ < • * * « s * Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL ‘ 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on August 1,2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Dan Phillips, an unmarried man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Center, LLC Foreclosing Assignee (if any): None Date of Mortgage: April 9, 2010 Date of Mortgage Recording: April 20, 2010 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $30,311.56 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: All of Lot 14 and the South 1/2 of Lot 13 and the North 14 feet of Lot 15 of Block 44, Village of Middleville, according to the recorded Plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, Page 27, 4 Barry County Records, < The redemption period shall be 1 year from the ‘ date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, ; pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at ; the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the t redemption period. ! This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: July 4, 2019 ’ Trott Law, P.C. ’ 1389263 : (07-04)(07-25) 122976 �Page 12 — Thursday, July 18, 2019 The Hastings Banner Joshua Douglas Bertram, 42, of Hastings, was found guilty of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. He was sentenced as a habitual offender by Judge Amy McDowell and ordered to serve 58 to 360 months in prison, with credit for 239 days served. He also was ordered to pay restitution of $130 to the vic­ tim and $628 in fines and costs. Lloyd James Davis, 58, of Bellevue, was found guilty of operating a vehicle while intoxicated as a third-time offender. He was sentenced, by Judge Michael Schipper, to a prison term of 78 to 120 months with credit for 79 days served. He was ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs. Anthony Ryan Haller, 31, of Portage, was found guilty of lying to a police officer and ordered by Judge Schipper to pay $500 in fines and costs. Charges of assaulting a police officer and possessing a controlled substance, marijuana, as a second-time offender were dismissed. Robert Donald Hammond, 30, of Dowling, was found guilty of fleeing a police officer; malicious destruction of a building causing $1,000 or more in damages; assault with a dangerous weapon and operating a vehicle while intoxicated. He was sentenced as a habitual offender by Judge McDowell to 57 to 120 months in prison on the first charge; 36 to 120 months on the second charge; 36 to 96 months on the third charge, and 93 days on the last charge. The sentences are to be served consecutively. He was ordered to pay $1,944 in fines and costs, including $1,000 in restitu­ tion. Toby McLeod, 43, of Clarksville, was found guilty of malicious destruction of per­ sonal property resulting in damages of $1,000 or more. He was sentenced as a habitual offender by Judge McDowell to six months in jail, with credit for 121 days served, and ordered to pay $1,523 in fine and costs, including $1,000 in restitution. Brian Lee Schrier, 46, of Shelbyville, was found guilty of domestic violence as a thirdtime offender and sentenced by Judge McDowell to fines and costs of $225. Daniel Leroy Burton Jr., 48, of Delton, was found guilty of possessing the controlled substance methamphetamine, and sentenced by Judge Schipper to one day in jail, with credit for one day served. His driver’s license was suspended for 60 days and restricted for 305 days. He was placed on probation for 36 months with oversight fees of $360, payable at $10 a month. He was ordered to pay $438 in fines and costs and successfully complete the county adult drug court program for a monthly fee of $40. A second charge of deliv­ ery or manufacture of a controlled substance as a second-time offender was dismissed. Jonathan Edward Hadley, 49, of Grand Rapids, was found guilty of operating a vehi­ cle on M-37 while he was intoxicated. This was his third offense: He was convicted of drinking and driving in Wyoming District Court in 2004 and Grand Rapids in 2007. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to six months in jail, with credit for two days served, and ordered to pay $1,058 in fines and costs. He was ordered into the Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitor, or SCRAM, program after his release from jail and must pay oversight fees of $240, payable at $10 a month. Heather Marie Scobey, 35, of Plainwell, was found guilty of two counts of stealing a financial transaction device. She was sen­ tenced by Judge McDowell to serve 60 days in jail, with credit for 40 days served, and ordered to pay $526 in fines and costs. jail time on weekends within 60 days. Kyle Richard Hale, 30, of Grand Rapids, was found guilty of possession of weapons/ firearms. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to one day in jail, with credit for one day served, and ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs. A count of a suspended license was dropped. Jason Allen Miller, 45, of Kalamazoo, pleaded no contest to larceny in a building. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to three days in jail, with credit for one day served, ordered to pay $925 in fines and costs and given 24 months of probation. A charge of larceny of $1,000 or more was dismissed. Jerame Daniel Pallett, 40, of Shelbyville, was found guilty of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine. He was sen­ tenced by Judge McDowell to nine days in jail, with credit for nine days served, and $298 in fines and costs. His driver’s license was suspended for 60 days and restricted for 305 days. Jeremy Ryan Rector, 42, of Grand Rapids, was found guilty of first-degree retail fraud as a second-time offender. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 28 to 90 months in prison and ordered to pay $1,476 in fines and costs, including restitution of $478. Daisy Elizabeth Randall, 23, of Nashville, was found guilty of assaulting/resisting and obstructing a police officer in Hastings Township and, in a separate incident four months later in Castleton Township, of unlaw­ fully driving away a motor vehicle belonging to another. She was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 180 days in jail, with credit for 77 days served. She was ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs on the first case and $1,628 in fines and costs on the second case. Randall was placed on 24 months of probation. Her jail time will be suspended if she complies with the terms of her probation. A supervision fee of $240 was assessed, payable at $10 a month. Damon Lee Brandon, 26, of Webberville, pleaded no contest to operating a vehicle while intoxicated and was sentenced by Judge McDowell to serve 10 days in jail, with credit for one day served, probation for 24 months and $150 in fines and costs. Restitution was to be determined; probation fees were set at $480. He was ordered to participate in SCRAM for 90 days, a self-help group twice a week, receive alcohol treatment and serve Laken Marie-Clair Stephens, 27, of Hastings, was found guilty of operating a vehicle while intoxicated and sentenced by Judge Schipper to four months in jail, with credit for 64 days served, $398 in fines and costs, and probation for 36 months with over­ sight fees of $360. Raymond Lee Ugianskis, 37, of Wayland, was found guilty of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine. He was sen­ tenced by Judge Schipper to one day in jail, with credit for one day served, probation for 18 months, with oversight fees of $180, and $998 in fines and costs. His driver’s license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. Staff Writer Questions raised in the past couple of weeks by county residents concerned about the pumping of water from Crooked Lake to the former Darrell Jones property have cen­ tered on a recent decision by officials to re-di­ rect the overflow water to another section of the Jones property. The overflow water was initially being pumped to a dry area of the property and was then suddenly switched to the small pond behind the drier ground, feared by some resi­ dents to be a wetland area. Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull told the Hastings Banner that the change was due both to his own mistake and the rec­ ommendation of his engineer, Brian Cenci. Dull said he originally thought the water was supposed to go into the dry parts of the prop­ erty but Cenci advised that the water be directed into the vegetated (pond) area because of fear of eroding the ground on the dry portion. Both the dry and vegetated areas of the property are permissible areas based on the permit issued by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy. “EGLE prefers we put the water in the veg­ etated area, though,” Dull stated. Still, concerned citizens contacted the state, prompting local EGLE representative Audrie Kirk and her wetland specialist to inspect the pumping location. “They were completely satisfied with the set-up we have when they got out here,” Dull said. That set-up is the one that has the water moving from Crooked Lake through the dry portion of the ground and into the vegetated area. According to the Department of Natural Resources, the vegetated area is not consid­ ered a wetland because it is not more than five acres in size and is far enough away from another body of water to not be considered a A Hastings Walmart employee called police at 8 a.m. July 4 to report two suspects who had attempted to steal a Sony speaker and auxiliary cord. The suspects, both 17, from Bellevue and Battle Creek admitted to taking the speaker and cord. Security footage showed the teens removing the speaker and auxiliary cord from packages and hide the items in their pockets before paying for socks and soda. They were detained by a Walmart employee as they attempted to leave the store. Both individuals were arrested taken to jail. Cell phone missing from mailbox A 29-year-old woman called police at 3:51 p.m. July 12, saying a cell phone had been stolen from her mailbox in the 500 block of Gaskill Road in Carlton Township. The woman said she ordered a $150 Samsung Galaxy Note 5 valued at $150, and received notice it had been delivered July 10. When she checked the mailbox the night of July 10, the phone was not there, and she believed it was stolen. The case was closed without any suspects. Alcohol involved in M-43 crash An officer responded to a single-vehicle crash at the intersection of M-179 and M-43 in Rutland Township at 2:29 a.m. July 14. The vehicle had been traveling east on M-179, failed to stop at the intersection and struck a large wooden sign post. The driver attempted to back the vehicle out of the yard where it had stopped, but became stuck in a culvert. The 66-year-old Hastings man said he had been drinking at a casino and was not sure what had happened. He had a blood-alcohol content of 0.148, was taken to Spectrum Health Pennock for medical evaluation and then to jail. Mini-bike driver arrested for OWI An officer stopped a mini-bike on Charlton Park Road near Jordan Road in Carlton Township at 12:20 a.m. July 14. The 22-year-old Wyoming driver was not wearing a hel­ met, and the mini-bike did not have a tail light or brake light. The driver had a blood-alco­ hol content of 0.174 and was arrested. Intoxicated boater and driver is repeat offender A marine deputy was informed of an intoxicated person driving a boat on Fine Lake at 9:42 p.m. July 13. The officer saw a truck backing up to pick up a boat from the lake, and noticed the driver was behaving erratically. The officer stopped the driver, a 24-year-old man from East Leroy. He said he was sober enough to drive, but he registered a blood alcohol content of 0.12. The man also had an active warrant from the Battle Creek Police Department for driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested. Man crashes while under the influence, makes up fake driver Officers responded to a rollover crash on 9 Mile Road and Marsh Road near the Sunoco gas station in Orangeville Township at 9:37 p.m. July 12. The 24-year-old Delton man said he was the passenger, and his friend was the driver but the friend had run off. One officer stayed with the man while another officer attempted to locate the driver, after the Delton man gave the officer a description. But several witnesses at the gas station said the man had been there moments before and was alone and that he was the driver. When confront­ ed, the man claimed he could not remember what had Happened and asked if he could waif and tell the officer when he was feeling better. The man had a 0.13 blood alcohol content. Security footage from the station showed the man driving the vehicle when it crashed. He was taken to the hospital to be checked and was then taken to jail. ' •... * State ‘completely satisfied’ with Delton pumping Luke Froncheck Teenagers attempt to steal speaker from Walmart protected wetland. However, the smaller ‘wetland’ on the other side of the berm con­ structed by Dull on the property is considered a protected wetland because it sits close enough to Crooked Lake, another large enough water body. “We’re still getting really good infiltra­ tion,” Dull said. Dull reported that the pumping effort has only put four feet of an expected 20 feet of water onto the property. He also said that, as the vegetated pond area fills up, the water will also start to fill the dry portion of the former Jones property. That process will eventually fill the entire back end of the Jones property and not just the dry or vegetated places on which attention is currently being focused.. Dull also reported that Cloverdale Lake is down 4 or 5 inches after the pumping effort started. Reporting History for the Future in 6 Barry County Area Newspapers * Lakewood News • Maple Valley News * Middleville-Caledonia Sun & News • Reminder - Hastings Banner Over 64,000 Papers Distributed Every Week! 1351 N. M-43 Highway • P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058 Phone (269> 945-9554 • Fax (269) 945-5192 Delton teenager arrested for child sexual abuse A 19-year-old Delton man has been arrest­ ed on multiple charges pertaining to child sexual abuse, according to a statement released by the Michigan State Police on Wednesday. Dakota Chilton is being charged with child sexually abusive activity, possession of child sexually abusive material, distributing or pro­ moting child abusive commercial activity, and using computers to commit a crime. The investigation was initiated when a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children tip was forwarded to the Fifth District Computer Crimes Unit, and detec­ tives learned that Chilton possessed child sexual abusive material. A search warrant was executed at Chilton’s home and digital evidence was seized. An interview of Chilton was also conducted during which digital evidence was seized. Troopers from the Michigan State Police Wayland Post assisted with the search war­ rant. The Michigan State Police Computer Crimes Unit encourages parents to speak to their children about the safe use of the inter­ net. There are many resources available to parents to assist in keeping children safe online. The NCMEC provides a comprehen­ sive list of resources on their website at mis^ingkids.org. Information regarding possible child sexu­ al exploitation can reported at the CyberTipLine at missingkids .org/cyberfipline. Grandmother dies after jumping into Gun Lake A 66-year-old woman died Thursday, July 11, after jumping off a pontoon boat into Gun Lake. Laura Smith of Middleville was with three of her grandchildren when something fell off the boat. She jumped in to retrieve the item, Barry County Sheriff’s investigators said, but never resurfaced. The boat was near Murphy’s Point, in the vicinity of the state park. Rescuers responded around 4:50 p.m. Smith’s body was later recovered by police and rescuers near Hastings Point. A native of Wyandotte, the former Laura Wheatley taught in the Maple Valley School District for 37 years. More recently, she worked as an aide at the Little Lambs Co-Op Preschool near Caledonia. Smith is survived by her husband, David; sons Ryan, Eric and Jarod; and six grandchil­ dren. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at Gun Lake Community Church. The funeral will be at noon Monday, July 22, at the church. Arrangements are by KubiakCook Funeral Services, Wayland. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 18, 2019 — Page 13 I Prairieville hearing elicits pro and con views on ‘No Wake’ action Luke Froncheck Staff Writer A public hearing for residents and boaters offered an opportunity for them to express a range of opinions about the Prairieville Township resolution favoring a “No Wake” zone on the west bay of Crooked Lake. ; About 100 people attended the Monday evening meeting in the township hall to dis­ ; cuss the zone that would restrict travel on the water at speeds that would not create waves. If the state Departmen t of N atural Resources DNR recommends that a ‘No Wake’ limita­ tion be implemented, the township could still vote against it. But, if the DNR says that a such a restriction is unnecessary, the township could not enact the resolution. The DNR is required, by law, to hold a public hearing, which was made up of three-minute public comments by the mem­ bers of the community who attended. Jim Minich, president of the Crooked Lake Association, said there is no need for a “No Wake” zone because current laws already make those actions illegal, they just need to be enforced. Minich said there already are laws in place to combat those traveling faster than legally allowed on the lake. “Essentially, a couple of kids in the class are acting up and now we’re all going to get punished,” he said. John Hoek, former Prairieville Township Parks and Recreation board supervisor, said the potential resolution would divide the lake community in two. “The best approach is to respect and look at both points of view,” Hoek said. “We need to get rid of this win-lose mentality. “Supporting this resolution would show we, as a lake community, care enough about our fragile lake environment to do something. It would show that we care enough to take action before someone gets injured or worse,” Hoek said, speaking for the ‘No Wake’ prop­ osition. Some members of the public stood and spoke about Jet Skis ripping through mud flats in the west bay. According to residents, the mud flats are a part of the west bay where a lot of wildlife resides. The water also is shallower in these locations, creating increased hazards for boaters. Residents also spoke of people not respecting wildlife and the need for the backwaters to be protected. One man mentioned how the sandhill cranes and geese, along with other wildlife, are being affected by the increased high-speed boater traffic in the area. “The wildlife has survived all these years, so I think they’re pretty resilient,” lake resi­ dent Susan Deyoung said. “I’m not in agreement with the ‘No Wake.’ ” Julie Walen, who lives in the proposed zone, said. “I’ve never felt that the boats are coming to close to my house. The wildlife is more affected by chemicals than boats.” Others, like Phil Deyoung, are worried about the possibility of the ‘No Wake’ limita­ tion spreading to the entire lake. Some also spoke about the possibility of further declin­ ing property values as a result of a ‘No Wake’ limitation. Other residents talked about how they wanted to see an increased police presence on the lake to combat boaters speeding across the lake. “I think the DNR and the police need to step in and spend a little more time on our lake,” Paul Yelsma said. Yelsma’s wife, Julie, spoke about her con­ cerns that a “No Wake” restriction might prompt an adverse response among some lake About a hundred Crooked Lake residents came to the Prairieville Township Hall Monday to express their opinions on a proposed “No Wake” restriction on the west bay of the lake. boaters. “1 think the ‘No Wake’ could backfire and make people make bigger wakes,” she said. Yelsma talked about how she saw a boater come up to a house with a “No Wake” sign on it and proceed to create a very large wake in what looked like a response to the sign. Continued public comment period follow­ ing the hearing is allowed for the next 30 days, until Aug. 14, when the extended com­ ment period will be closed. Until then, mem­ bers of the public can continue to submit comments via email to the DNR. Any email submitted during this period will be consid­ ered by the DNR in its decision, state officials said. Send any further comment on the “No Wake” resolution to one of the three follow­ ing emails with Upper Crooked in the subject line: Synderk4@michigan.gov WanlessT@michigan.gov CardenosR @michigan .gov Nation remembers moon landing 50 years later Saturday will mark the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing, which took place July 20,1969. Until it actually succeeded, many consid­ ered this an impossible goal. It would require unprecedented imagination and innovation for the mission to succeed. During the 1960 presidential campaign, John F. Kennedy promised that, if he were elected, America would win the space race against the Soviets. It was the height of the Cold War, and the idea of the Russians getting ahead in the space race incensed many Americans. Russian cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin went into orbit April 12,1961, the first man to ; fly in space. Kennedy made a major statement reinforcing his commitment to space explora­ tion during his ‘State of the Union’ speech in , front^oFCongress May 25,1961. “Now it is time to take longer strides, time for a great new American enterprise, time for this nation to take a clearly leading role in space achievement, which in many ways may hold the key to our future on earth,” Kennedy said. “I believe that this nation should commit itself to achieving the goal, before this decade is out, of landing a man on the moon and returning him safely to the earth. No single space project in this period will be more impressive to mankind or more important for the long-range exploration of space, and none will be so difficult or expensive to accom­ plish.... But in a very real sense it will not be one man going to the moon. If we make this judgment affirmatively, it will be an entire nation, for ail of us must work to put him there.” Kennedy made more space race-related comments during a speech at Rice University Stadium in Houston, Texas, Sept. 12, 1962. The city of Houston was chosen as the site for NASA’s Mission Control Center, used during the Apollo program. Today it is the International Space Station Flight Control Room. “We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard,” Kennedy said. “Because that goal will serve to organize and measure the best of our ener­ gies and skills, because that challenge is one that we are willing to accept, one we are unwilling to postpone and one which we intend to win. [...] Space is there and we’re going to climb it. And the moon and the plan­ ets are there, and new hopes for knowledge and peace are there. And, therefore, as we set sail, we ask God’s blessing on the most haz­ ardous and dangerous and greatest adventure on which man has ever embarked.” Tragically, President Kennedy never lived to see his dream come true. After several years of research and development by NASA scientists, the Apollo program was created in September 1967. The idea was to test every possible propulsion scenario and piece of equipment that could conspire to get a man to the moon and back to Earth safely. The first mission, Apollo 1, ended in a dev­ astating failure. Three astronauts - Grand .Rapids native Roger B. Chaffee, Virgil “Gus” ^Grissom and Ed White - were killed in a fire 'during a launch simulation on Jan. 27,1967. It took many failed attempts, but NASA eventually developed two brand new types of rocket during the Apollo program. The twostage Saturn I rocket was 22 stories high and was successfully used to test the capsule that The astronauts would eventually ride in. The Saturn V rocket was 36 stories high and had three “stages,” rockets that would flare out, detach and bum up in the atmosphere. All of That thrust would propel the manned capsule Because of what you have done, the heavens have become a part of man’s world. And as you talk to us from the Sea of Tranquility, it inspires us to redouble our efforts to bring peace and tranquility to Earth. For one price­ less moment in the whole history of man, all the people on this Earth are truly one: one in their pride in what you have done, and one in our prayers that you will return safely to Earth.” “Thank you, Mr. President,” Armstrong replied. “It’s a great honor and privilege for us to be here, representing not only the United States, but men of peace of all nations, and with interest and curiosity, and men with a to the moon. The manned spacecraft NASA invented was known as the command module. It was about the size of a small car, there was just enough space for three astronauts and their gear. The lunar module was a two-piece vehicle that would separate from the com­ mand module and cany two of the three astro­ nauts to the surface of the moon. The bottom half of the lunar module acted as landing gear, and as a platform from which the top half could launch itself into orbit to meet the com­ mand module after the mission was complet­ ed. The bottom half of the Apollo 11 lunar module remains on the moon to this day. After a few unmanned test flights, Dec. 24, 1968, the three Apollo 8 astronauts, Frank Borman, Bill Anders and Jim Lovell, became the first Americans to orbit the moon, which they did 10 times. Apollos 9 and 10 were fur­ ther test flights, this time with people inside the spacecraft. Finally, NASA was reasonably confident that astronauts would survive a trip to the moon and back, and the historic Apollo 11 mission was approved. The crew consisted of commander Neil Armstrong, lunar module pilot Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin and command module pilot Michael Collins. The lunar mod­ ule was named “Eagle” and the command module was named “Columbia.” The Apollo 11 mission launch took place at Kennedy Space Center in Merritt Island, Fla., at 9:32 a.m. July 16, 1969. The event was attended by former president Lyndon Johnson, former first lady Lady Bird Johnson, thenvice president Spiro Agnew and Army general William Westmoreland, plus four cabinet members, 19 governors, 40 mayors, 60 ambassadors, 200 congressmen and more than 3,500 news reporters. It was televised live in 33 countries, and it is estimated that 25 million in the U.S. and millions more across the world tuned in, including President Richard Nixon, who watched it on television in the Oval Office. Three days after the launch, they entered lunar orbit. The next day, the Eagle and Columbia separated. Columbia remained in orbit with Collins on board while Aldrin and Armstrong rode the Eagle down to the surface of the moon. There were a few problems during the descent, and the mission was near­ ly abandoned. First, Armstrong and Aldrin determined that the Eagle was traveling too fast when they noticed that they were passing landmarks on the surface a couple seconds before they should have been. They calculated that they would land several miles west of their target if they continued at that speed. Then computer alarms began to ring when they were 6,000 feet above the surface. After conferring with mission control, they were given the go-ahead to land. Armstrong was forced to take the controls and land the Eagle semi-manually. When they landed, there was only enough fuel for 25 to 50 seconds of trav­ el, then they would have had no choice but to land. The touchdown occurred at 4:17 Eastern time Sunday, July 20,1969. More than 600 million Earthlings watched the historic event live on television. Upon landing, they couldn’t simply open the door, hop out and start running around on the moon. It took six hours of fastidious preparation to get all their equipment set up and ready before Armstrong and Aldrin could set foot on the surface of the moon. Armstrong was first to exit the Eagle. As he set foot on the moon, Armstrong said, “That’s one small step for [a] man, one giant leap for mankind.” The entire mission lasted eight days, three hours, 18 minutes and 35 seconds - 21 hours and 36 minutes of that was spent by Armstrong and Aldrin on the moon. During the mission, Armstrong and Aldrin took photos, picked up soil, rock and core samples and planted a U.S. flag at the landing site, which they named “Tranquility Base.” Meanwhile, Collins remained in orbit in the Columbia, waiting for the Eagle to rejoin it. NASA only allowed Armstrong and Aldrin to spend about two and a half hours exploring the surface of the moon because, at that time, they had no idea how long the water-cooled backpacks would be able to keep them cool. The moon has no atmosphere, so there was nothing but space­ suits to protect their skin from the sun. President Richard Nixon spoke to the astro­ nauts while they were on the moon via a telephone/radio transmission. “I just can’t tell you how proud we all are of what you’ve done,” Nixon said. “For every American, this has to be the proudest day of our lives. And for people all over the world, 1 am sure they too join with Americans in rec­ ognizing what an immense feat this is. diseases they might have brought back from the moon, so the astronauts were quarantined for 21 days. During the quarantine, they were visited by President Nixon. “As a result of what you’ve done, the world has never been closer together before,” Nixon said. Upon their release, Aldrin, Armstrong and Collins were honored by huge public parades in Chicago and New York City, they were presented with the Presidential Medal of Freedom and they spoke before Congress. Them they went on a 38-day world tour through 22 countries and visited with leaders of various nations. able to participate here today: household appliances such as dishwashers are The astronauts reported that moon dust was more technologically advanced, in 1969 it very fine, it got into every nook and cranny was the most complex machine ever built by and it even stained their perfectly white space human beings. It contained more than three suits gray. Moon gravity is a sixth of that on million individual components and was capa­ Earth, so they had a little trouble keeping their ble of 7.5 million pounds of thrust. The ener­ balance when maneuvering around the moon, gy generated by the launch could have pow­ but they also had some fun hopping around ered New York City for 75 minutes. All this in like kangaroos. After their time on the moon’s an era when a lot of people were still watch­ surface, they returned to the Eagle where they ing television in black and white. The Apollo slept for seven hours. Then it was time to project ended up costing $25 billion, more rejoin the Columbia in orbit. Unfortunately, than any nation has ever spent on a peacetime Aldrin accidentally broke the circuit breaker project. that controlled the Eagle’s main engine. Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins left behind a Luckily, they were able to fix it by jamming a plaque on the moon. It says, “Here men from felt tip pen in there, and the switch activated. the planet Earth first set foot upon the Moon, Eagle and Columbia rendezvoused without July 1969 A.D. We came in peace for all man­ incident at 5:24 p.m. Eastern July 21, 1969. kind” They splashed down in the Pacific Ocean near The Apollo 11 command module is current­ Wake Island at 12:51 p.m. Eastern July 24, ly on display at the National Air and Space 1969. Nobody knew what kind of weird space Museum in Washington, D.C. FOR ALL Since 2008, Major League Baseball has supported Stand Up To Cancer in its mission to fund groundbreaking research and get treatments to patients faster than ever before. Join us as we stand united to show our support for ioved ones affected by cancer. Visit StandUpToCancer.org/MLB Survivors �Page 14 — Thursday, July 18, 2019 —- The Hastings Banner Civil War re-enactment returns to Charlton Park this weekend The U.S. Civil War will come to life this weekend at Historic Charlton Park. (File photo) The Civil War history will come alive along with a glimpse of daily life at the time ~ during the annual Civil War Muster at Historic Charlton Park in Hastings July 20-21. Interpreters and craftsmen will be stationed in the historic village, with special scenarios planned for the Sixberry House, barber shop, carpenter shop, jail and Bristol Inn. Saturday night, visitors may participate in the live music and square dancing at the Gas & Steam Bam and view cannons firing over the Thornapple River. At 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, the Carlton Center Church will host a traditional worship service. Spectators are invited to view battle activities throughout the weekend. Battles will take place at High Meadow at 1:45 p.m. Saturday and in the historic village Sunday at 1:45 p.m. Infantry, cavalry, medical and artillery demonstrations also will take place. Food vendors will have options to satisfy hungry patrons. Guests are encouraged to visit Sutler’s Row vendors, offering reproduction and handmade Civil War-era merchandise for purchase, including clothing, household goods, and toys. Daily general admission to the event is $6 for anyone age 13 and up; and $4 for children 5-12 years old. Children age 4 and under are admitted free. Charlton Park is between Hastings and Nashville, north of M-79, at 2545 S. Charlton Park Road. A complete event schedule is available for download at charltonpark.org or visit the park’s Facebook page. Drivers’ need for speed satisfied KOI Drag Racing entertained fans at the grandstand Monday evening at the Barry County Fairgrounds as a couple of vehicles race through the dirt in an open class competition. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Levi Norton of Hastings (4) fights to try and get his car ahead of Vermontville’s Steven Brown (39) during theipheat of stock 6-cylinder racing during the Unique Motor Sports Off Road Derby Tuesday in front of the grandstand at the Barry County Fair: (Photo by Brett Bremer) TYDEN PARK • SATURDAY, AUG. 24™ Cars line-up for the start of the 4-cylinder feature as the sun sets behind the grandstand at the Barry County Fair Tuesday during the Unique Motor Sports Off Road Derby event. (Photo by Heather Woy) after winning the 4-cylinder feature at the Barry County Fair during the Unique Motor Sports Off Road Derby Tuesday. cost...$25 per team of 3 or 4 players Entries must be to the Chamber by Friday, Aug. 16th CHECK IN... 8:30 AM Make checks payable to Hastings Summerfest 2019 I Pick up T-shirts at this time TIP OFF... 9:30 AM [ Men & Women l(Ages 18-25) Team Name Men & Women (Ages 26 & up) Age brackets subject to change based on participation ________ Age_______ Team Captain. Send Entries to... Phone #___________ '■ ._____________ Email. Team Members Age Barry County Chamber of Commerce 221W. State Street Hastings, Ml 49058 Questions??... | Please fill out form completely Call (269) 948-3025 TYDEN PARK • SATURDAY, AUG. 24™ Fuel spills from the back end of a drag racer’s vehicle as it shoots down the track in front of the grandstand during the KOI Drag Races Monday at the Barry County Fair. (Photo by Brett Bremer) ‘i �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 18, 2019 — Page 15 Sarah Shipley wins GAM Championship despite a penalty Sarah Shipley didn’t let a two-stroke penal­ ty for hitting from a wrong tee box on the sixth hole ruin her day. The Hastings resident, Delton Kellogg alumnus and current University of Kentucky golfer shot a 1-under 70 despite the penalty and won the 28th GAM Women’s Championship presented by Global Golf Post July 9 at Saginaw Country Club. “It was early enough in the round that I didn’t get that worked up about it,” Shipley said after the four-shot win over 2017 cham­ pion Kerri Parks of Flushing and Marshall University and Yurika Tanida of East Lansing and Michigan State University, who tied for second. “It was frustrating, but I had birdied a cou­ ple of holes and knew I had a cushion. Plus, I knew there were more birdies out there.” Shipley’s closing 70 gave her a two-day total of 4-under 138. Parks, who rallied with a 6-under 65, and Tanida, who shot a second consecutive 71, tied at even-par 142. Defending champion Allyson Geer-Park of Brighton and Michigan State shot 69 for 143 and fourth place. Katie Chipman of Flushing and Grand Valley State University shot 69 for 144 and fifth. Michigan State head women’s golf coach and Michigan Golf Hall of Famer Stacy Slobodnik-Stoll of Haslett, who shot 74, and Chaithra Katamneni of Midland and the University of Nevada, who shot 72, tied at 145. Anna Kramer of Spring Lake and the University of Indianapolis, the 2016 champi­ on, shot 72 for 146, and Elayna Bowser of Dearborn and Loyola University-Chicago shot 72 for 147. Meghan Deardorff of Clarkston and Central Michigan, who shot 78, and Haylin Harris, another Michigan State golfer who shot 74, rounded out the top 10 at 148. Shipley said she was in conversation with playing partners Slobodnik-Stoll and Deardorff when she stepped to what she thought was the No. 6 tee and hit a shot. Deardorff then stepped on the tee and noticed it was not the correct tee. “I had to hit another one, take the two strokes, try to make a birdie for bogey, but I made par for a double-bogey,” she said. “I’ve never done that before. I’m glad it was earlier in the round. That’s why I didn’t get too down about it. If I do something like that late in the round it might have been a different story.” Shipley, 21 and a senior-to-be this fall at Kentucky, said she was proud that she worked through the mistake and kept playing well. “I had two rounds in the red (under-par) so I feel really good about that,” she said. “It’s my best play of the summer for sure. It will boost my confidence going into the season back at school. I had the kind of rounds I will need to have to go back to school and win a college tournament.” Shipley, who was qualifying medalist in last year’s Michigan Women’s Amateur Championship, will miss the Aug. 5-9 cham­ pionship at Spring Lake Country Club with a mission trip to Nicaragua with some other University of Kentucky athletes. “I will play in the Women’s Western Amateur and that’s it before going back to school,” she said. Parks, the defending Michigan Women’s Champion Sarah Shipley in action during the 28th Golf Associaion of Michigan Women’s Championship July 11 at Saginaw Country Club. (Photo provided) Amateur champion said she will also miss the championship. She heads back to Marshall for summer classes on Monday. “I’m excited I shot a good round before I head back to school,” she said after her 65 that helped her forget an opening 77. “I had good distance with my driver today and seemed to hit it to 9-iron distance a lot,” she said. “I hit good shots and made a few putts. Yesterday I hit several errant shots, but today I played much better.” Tanida, who will be a junior at Michigan State and is originally from Japan, said her 71 was frustrating. “I started out very bad,” she said. “I strug­ gled to make pars, struggled all through the round.” Moto wins get Petrie spot in Loretta Lynn’s Brett Bremer Sports Editor Kyle Petrie likes to get to the front of the pack fast and ideally stick there. He pulled it off a few times a Baja Acres in Millington during the Amateur Regional June SJ2, enough to qualify for the largest amateur motocross race in the world, the 38th Annual Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship, presented by Lucas Oil, to be held July 29 through Aug. i at the Loretta Lynn Ranch in Hurricane “It’s just an adrenMqie rush* Petrie said ofcoming out of the gate well. “You know that you’re in front of everybody*5 and in your peripheral vision you can’t see anyone else so you’re just holding it wide open until you get to the comer. “It’s like, all right I’m in first now let’s keep this good position and just keep this and finish the race.” That adrenaline rush is the reason he rides. Petrie, a 15-year-old from Sunfield who will be a junior at Lakewood High School in the fall, sandwiched wins in the first and third motos of the 450 C class at the regional around a 14th place finish in the second moto. Those finishes combined put him fourth over­ all in his class and earned him the spot in the national championship. He’ll be one of 42 riders competing for a national championship in the class in Tennessee. Petrie also compet­ ed in the 250 C class at the Baja regional, and finished well enough that he is the fourth alternate in that class at Loretta Lynn’s. He won his two 250 C motos at his Area Qualifier in May to win that class, at Dutch Sports and finished second overall with second place finishes in his two motos in the 450 C class there. Petrie followed that up by winning the first moto in each class at the regional in June. He hit some adversity at Baja Acres after that, crashing twice in his 450 C moto and crashing out in his second 250 C class moto when a shock broke. Luckily, his dad Dan Petrie had decided to throw an extra shock and forks in the load of stuff to bring to the regional and there was just enough time to get the shock changed out on the 250 C before Kyle had to race again. Kyle said he lubes the chains and adds gas, but it’s Dan who does most of the mechanical work on the bikes. Dan will be racing at Loretta Lynn’s as well, in the 30+ class. It is the elder Petrie’s third time qualifying for the national event. He raced there in 2010 and 2013 as well. Kyle got to go on the trip in 2013. “From what I have been told, I have been riding since I was two. I started racing when I was like four,” Kyle said. He has been racing at local tracks over the years, mostly in Portland and at area fairs. He likes when he gets the chance to race at Redbud MX in Buchanan. Kyle spends much oimf^^iceTime^iiiThemirt afM^tnTMX Park in Martin. He had only ever raced in an Area Qualifier once before, a few years ago in an 85 class. Kyle said the only other place he gets the kind of adrenaline rush he gets from moto­ cross is on the wrestling mat. He was an indi­ vidual regional qualifier in Division 3 for the Lakewood varsity wrestling team as a sopho­ more last winter at 171 pounds. A busted shock wasn’t the only issue Kyle had with his 250 C at this summer’s regional at Baja Acres. His drain plug went missing during practice runs, after his dad had changed the oil the night before the event. He was lucky to have a competitor in his class who was willing to spare an extra one. After the crashes in the second moto at the regional held him back a bit, he busted back to the front to win the third moto in both his Kyle Petrie celebrates with his plaque and his bike after qualifying for the 38th Annual Rocky Mountain ATV/MC AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship that will be held beginning July 27 at the Loretta Lynn Ranch in Hurricane Mills, Tenn. 450 C and 250 C class. A pair of wins and a instant national recognition and a possible DNF left him 12th in that 250 C class. professional career.” “I feel like if I get the hole shot, if I’m the Most of America’s top professional moto­ first one out of the gate, I’ll be good,” Kyle cross racers, including James Stewart, Ricky said. “Working my way through he pack I Carmichael, Travis Pastrana and Ryan kind of struggle with that a little bit. If I can Dungey, have won AMA Amateur National just get the hole shot, I’ll be good.” titles at Loretta Lynn’s. Kyle said he can’t really pinpoint why With the help of sponsors such as Petrie exactly he’s become so good at the gate. , Truckiiffi, and College Bike Shop who help “IFs all timmgTAs soon as the gate drops “payms waytoTKemcesTPefrie has had the you’ve just got to go,” said his mother Ashley opportunity to pursue his dreams. Williams. “Hopefully, at some point, I will try and go Kyle said he’s shooting for a top ten finish pro. That is one of my big goals, I want to go at nationals. pro. Watching those races is really fun, and “The Amateur National at Loretta Lynn’s is just being out there would be really fun,” Kyle the best of the best motocrossers in America said. and around the world,” said Tim Cotter, “You just have to be better everywhere. Pro Director of MX Sports. “Just being here riders are perfect pretty much. They know makes you an elite racer and a top athlete. A how to ride the comers. They know how to solid finish at Loretta’s would you give you handle everything better.” Morris set for match with Michigan all-state seniors Recent Lakewood High School graduate Patsy Morris was one of 70 Michigan high school seniors selected to take part in today’s All-State Senior All-Star Volleyball Classic at Milford High School in Highland. Morris was a first team all-state selec­ tion as a libero in her senior season last fall, averaging nearly five and a half digs per set. She will continue her volleyball playing days at Cornerstone University in the fall. Morris helped lead the Lakewood varsi­ ty volleyball team to state runner-up finish­ es in 2016 and 2017, adding trips to the state quarterfinals in 2015 and the state semifinals in 2018. The all-star tournament’s two semifinal matches will be played at 4:30 p.m., with consolation and championship matches to follow at approximately 6 p.m. This tournament is put together to show­ case the top senior volleyball players from across the state and give them the final opportunity to compete with and against the best. All seniors who were first, second or third team all-state in Division 1, 2, 3 and 4 are invited to participate. Lakewood High School graduate Patsy Morris, a new member of the Cornerstone Women’s Volleyball program, will play in this evening’s All-State Senior All-Star Volleyball Classic in Highland. �Page 16 — Thursday, July 18, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Macker reaches record team total again Brett Bremer Sports Editor Delton Kellogg Schools superintendent Kyle Corlett announced to his school board Monday that Saturday morning was the high­ light of his summer so far. New Hastings Area Schools superintendent Dan Remenap, a former high school basket­ ball coach, drilled a three-pointer to open the Hastings Gus Macker Do or Die Shot Super Duper Championship between himself, " Corlett, Thomapple Kellogg Schools superin­ tendent Robert Blitchok and Maple Valley Schools superintendent Dr. Katherine Bertolini at the 2019 Hastings Gus Macker 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament. Blitchok missed his three-point attempt, trying to match Remenap. Corlett made his try from behind the arc. Bertolini’s gran­ ny-style shot flew wide of its mark. That left Remenap and Corlett in a shoot-off on the Dream Court in downtown Hastings. Remenap opened the shoot-off with another three-pointer, that missed. Corlett stepped to the free throw line and knocked down a shot to be crowned the event champion. While he couldn’t convince tournament officials that the tournament should be moved to Delton due to his victory, Corlett was awarded with a plaque to commemorate the event. The athletic departments from all four school systems which are a part of the Barry Hastings mayor David Tossava addresses the crowd at the opening cere­ monies of the 8th annual Hastings Gus Macker as “Gus Macker” himself, Scott McNeal, looks on. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg Schools superintendent Kyle Corlett shows off his plaque after best­ ing other Barry County school system superintendents in the Hastings Gus Macker Do or Die Shot Super Duper Championship during the opening ceremonies of the 8th annual tournament in Hastings Saturday morning. (Photo by Perry Hardin) County Area Chamber of Commerce were also each awarded with a $150 donation from the chamber. “(Remenap) is a much better ballplayer than I am. It was just luck,” Corlett said Monday. There were highlights for ballplayers all around the Barry County Courthouse Saturday and Sunday. The tournament grew to new heights again in 2019, up to 244 teams. That is 10 more teams than in 2018, the Hastings Macker’s previous high. The 2018 and 2019 Macker have shared a mid-July weekend, and the tournament continues to see a boost thanks to the move from late June. Kim Martin from the Barry County Area Chamber of Commerce once again took the lead on organizing the Macker tournament. “I am all about the schools, and all about athletics. I just though (the superintendent competition) would be a good way to open the tournament. Plus, a lot of the superinten­ dents are brand new. Hastings’ is brand new. Maple Valley’s has only been there half a year. TK’s is in maybe his second year is all. We thought maybe this would be a great way to get the county schools involved and seeing as how we are a county-wide chamber it was a good way to get the whole county involved.” School athletes were once again instrumen­ tal in getting the tournament running and getting town back to normal at the end of the weekend. The Hastings High School boys’ basketball program took their usual set-up role Friday evening and the Hastings High School football program took care of the tear down on Sunday after the final ballgames finished up around 4 p.m. “Both groups do a great job for us. We appreciate all that they do,” Martin said. “If Steven Bolo from 3 Men and Steve works to keep Tony Bowne from Vitan Equipment from getting to the rim during the opening game on the top men’s court at the 8th annual Hastings Gus Macker Saturday morning. (Photo by Perry Hardin) we didn’t have them, it would make it tough.” They were far from the only volunteers at the event. The 8th annual Hastings Macker also had scorekeepers on every court, water runners, and a good-sized registration crew as well as all the needed behind the scenes work­ ers. Martin said she received some great com­ ments about the officials on every court, espe­ cially from some of the youth courts how they helped kids and did some teaching as well as officiating. “We are lucky enough to get Gus Macker himself (Scott Neal) at the tournament. He makes the event fun, running the Dream Court and all that,” Martin said. “It worked out great. The weather was great, a little warm but not as warm as last year.” ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS Exceptional Care Close to Home Increasing your access to exceptional health care, close to home is a priority for Spectrum Health. Our local providers are not just experts in their field; they are also a part of your community. Now accepting new patients in Family, Internal and Pediatric Medicine in Caledonia, Hastings, Middleville, Gun Lake and Wayland. Expanded morning and evening hours to better meet your needs. Spectrum Health Rmmodk Family MedSdne - Gun lake 12851 W. M179 Highway Wayland, Ml 49348 877.377.7322 Spectrum Health Medical Group Family Mecfidne - Caledonia 9090 S. Rodgers Court, Suite A Caledonia, Ml 49316 616.891.0422 Spectrum Health Pennock Famfly. Internal & Pediatric Medicine - Hastings 1108 W. State Street, Suite 3 Hastings, Ml 49058 269.945.0922 Spectrum Health Pennock Family Medicine - Middleville 490 Edward Street Middleville, Ml 49333 269.795.4434 Jamie McCartney, MD Andrew Stanley, DO Caledonia Gun Lake Alia Anthony, FNP Maty Yakoby, MD Andrew Mepham, PA-C Lynda Simpson, DO Hastings Hastings Middleville Middleville SPECTRUM HEALTH Pennock cepting new patients | Expanded hours | findadoctor.spectrumhealth.org � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-07-25.pdf febedefa63d78fd5c0ab50cbefec5921 PDF Text Text Recycling still a mission $250K gift to Hastings schools See Story on Page 2 See Editorial on Page 4 Divers compete across the country See Story on Page 12 Devoted to the Interests of Barty County Since 1856 804879110187 1070490102590502591849058195427 LOT.*C 003 C003 Hastings Public Library 227 E State St Hastings Ml 49058-1954 is Thursday, July 25, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 30 NEWS BRIEFS Hastings Live features local, regional talent Playing at the Plaza, the Hastings Live program especially for children, will fea­ ture Drumming with Dede at 11 a.m. today, July 25, at the Hastings Spray Plaza downtown. Fridays at the Fountain will feature Hastings Community Music School stu­ dents on the Barry County Courthouse lawn at noon on July 26. The music school provides musical listening, learn­ ing, and performance opportunities to people of all ages and skill levels. Nicholas James and the Bandwagon will be the Friday Night Feature, begin­ ning at 7:30 p.m. on July 26 at Thomapple Plaza. Michigan native singer/songwriter and Earthwork Music recording artist Nicholas James Thomasma combines sto­ ries and songs with humor and wit for a show that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Joined by supporting cast, The Bandwagon, Thomasma professes a love for the Great Lakes region in earthy, coun­ try-imbued songs. More information can be found at downtownhastings .com/e vents. Animal shelter fundraiser set for July 27 The Barry County Animal Shelter is in need of a new van, its staff says, since the old one has, literally, “gone to the dogs.” A fundraiser for a new van will take place from 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, at American Legion Post 45 located on M-37 just south of Hastings. The fundraiser will feature music by Amprage, a local cover band that plays classic rock, country, new rock and alter­ native. Admission is $15, with children 10 and under free. Leashed dogs are wel­ come. Hot-dogs, hamburgers, chips, popcorn and soft drinks will be sold. A silent auc­ tion and 50/50 raffle also will take place. The Barry County Humane Society has announced its intention to present the ani­ mal shelter with a $5,000 check to help purchase a new van. That presentation is expected to occur during the event. ANNER PRICE 750 Hastings adopts new ‘vaping’ policy Luke Froncheck Staff Writer The punishment for “vaping,” or using electronic cigarettes, will be tougher for the upcoming school year in the Hastings. The 2019-20 handbook, approved by the school board Monday, says that students will have two options for their first offense. If a student is caught either vaping or with vaping paraphernalia, the administration will give the student and their guardian two options: The option of either attending an educational meeting on the dangers of elec­ tronic cigarettes or, if they decline that option, the police will then be notified of the incident. The offense is against a Hastings city ordi­ nance. The educational option is only available for a student’s first offense, meaning that if a student is caught twice or more the incident will then automatically involve the police. The changes are being made in addition to last years vaping rules which are as follows; -1st offense mandates multiple days of detention. -2nd offense mandates up to 3 days of out of school suspension. -3rd offense mandates up to 5 days of O.S.S and referral to the Superintendent of Schools/Board of Education -4th offense mandates a ten day suspension and recommendation to Superintendent of Schools/Board of Education for long term suspension/expulsion. When a student is caught breaking school policy E-cigarettes/”vape” products, oils, and liquids will be taken from students and not returned. Trustee Dan Patton spoke about the impor­ tance of making sure each student and parent is aware of the new policy coming into the upcoming school year. The school will send a mass informational email to notify each parent of the new policy. There also will be handouts on the new policy available during student orientation. The board approved a 10-cent increase in school breakfast and lunch prices. The board discussed the school’s limited participation in the free and reduced lunch program. Board President Luke Haywood encourages anyone who thinks they may be eligible to apply for the program. The online application process to apply for free and reduced lunch is current­ ly open and the paper application process opens on Aug. 1. The 2019-20 Hastings breakfast and lunch prices will be: full-price breakfast, $1.75; reduced-price breakfast, 30 cents; full-price lunch, $3; reduced-price lunch, 40 cents; and adult lunch, $4. The board voted to approve a bid from Asphalt Solutions for $113,750 to resurface the parking lot at Star Elementary. They approved an additional bid from Asphalt Solutions for $127,650 to do work on the High school parking lots. Haywood says the work should be done by the upcoming school year. The board accepted a bid from Hoekstra Electrical Services not to exceed $18,460 when doing work to illuminate a dark portion of the south parking lot at the high school. They will move five existing poles on-site in the district to the new location to light up the area. In other action, the board approved the ath­ letic admission costs for the upcoming year, there is no change from last year. Admission costs will be: high school events adults and students, $5; middle school events adults, $3; middle school events students, $2; student See POLICY, page 2 Unique sentence uses technology to save taxpayer money Rebecca Pierce Editor After years working in the criminal justice system, Barry County Judge Michael Schipper is familiar with this typical scenario: Habitual offenders drive drunk, get caught and go to prison. And when they get out of prison? They drive drunk. So Schipper started asking questions: Is there a way to protect the public, address the addictionand stop pouring money into a pris­ on system that doesn’t address this particular issue and may actually make it worse? Schipper has no problem with dangerous criminals going to prison. In fact, he said pris­ ons aren’t tough enough for those who com­ mit violent crimes. “When I started handling felony cases in Barry County Judge Michael Schipper January,” he said, “I immediately had three or four drunk driving cases where the people had six to nine prior drunk driving offenses. “I thought, if some of these folks are seri­ ously alcoholics, but they’re not dangerous, they’re not bad people, can we find a better way?” A potentially better way is being tested in Barry County now, starting with a sentence handed down by Schipper July 17. TJ^e judge ordered Keith Wasnich, a 56-year-old general contractor from Hillsdale, who was convicted of operating a vehicle while intoxicated as a habitual offender, to serve five years in his Hillsdale residence using monitors to ensure Wasnich doesn’t leave his house or drink alcohol. A global positioning system tether will tell state Department of Corrections staff exactly where Wasnich is at all times. Another device, a secure continuous remote alcohol monitor, or SCRAM, will track any consumption of alcohol by Wasnich and will immediately alert authorities. Both the GPS and SCRAM devices have tamper-detection technology to determine if the parolee or probationer is trying to circum­ vent or remove the devices. Both have locking pins which are onfy to be removed by state Department of Corrections staff. If the parolee or probationer attempts to remove the device; an alert is triggered and the agent is notified. If not for this home detention ability, “you would be going to prison today for at least five years,” Schipper told Wasnich. “I hope See SENTENCE, page 7 Anonymous donor to fund Delton amphitheater Luke Froncheck Staff Writer Thanks to an anonymous donor, Barry Township is moving forward with the con­ struction of an amphitheater in downtown Delton. The structure has been approved by the township and just needs final approval from the donor who is funding the entire project. The only project costs to the township are for the permits required for the building’s con­ struction. The donor is giving between $80,000 and $100,000 to cover the cost of construction. The amphitheater will be made of wood with a cement base and will resemble a “band cave.” The new venue also will include public restrooms. The building will be in William Smith Park, behind the township hall, just off of Orchard Road. The structure will be for public Church hosting car, truck, and motorcycle show Antique and custom cars, trucks, and motorcycles will drive up on the front lawn of Grace Lutheran Church in Hastings on Sunday, July 28, for the use and other activities, such as concerts and theatrical performances. It also will be uti­ lized for community celebrations, such as Founders Festival. Township Supervisor Wesley Kahler said construction may begin sometime in the next month. “It’s going to bring our community some­ thing to look forward to on the weekend,” township Clerk Deb Knight said. “It’s going to help businesses. It’s going to help restau­ rants. “It’s really going to bring everyone togeth­ er.” Free concerts have been offered in the park every other week for the past two summers. Township officials say the amphitheater will enhance the concerts and other activities. “We’re hoping it will bring more people out to Barry Township,” Kahler said. See NEWS BRIEFS, page 2 Look for the Barry County Fair wrap-up section in this edition of the Banner Barry County Fair 2019 Put on a smiley face Barlow Florist of Hastings and Thornapple Garden Club have teamed up with Teleflora International and J-Ad Graphics Inc. to Make Someone Smile this week in Hastings. The national event, which runs through Saturday, is intended to bring smiles to all the folks who can’t get out. Here, Tish Cohoon, (left), and Jane Barlow, from the Thornapple Garden Club, create the floral displays as a part of the club’s community service project. For three years, Barlow Florist in Hastings has delivered these smiley mugs filled with flowers to residents who can’t get out. Today, about 350 residents at ThornappleManor, Hastings Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, Carveth Village and Woodlawn Meadows will be receiving these happy deliveries, Norm Barlow said. Construction on the amphitheater in downtown Delton is expected to begin next month. (Photo provided) �Page 2 — Thursday, July 25, 2019 — The Hastings Banner ISD appeals program removal ruling to state A grant of $5,000 from the Barry County Humane Society, represented by President Mary Fisher, will help continue the Trap, Neuter and Return program at the Barry County Animal Shelter. Shelter Director Ken Kirsch is shown here. Animal shelter receives grant for TNR program Hunter Dood Staff Writer A $5,000 grant from the Barry County Humane Society for the Barry County Animal Shelter will help fund the Trap, Neuter and Return (TNR) program. The purpose of the program is to reduce the feral cat population in the county by spaying or neutering feral and bam cats. “This grant was made possible through the estate of Susan J. Flora, who lived in California, but was originally from Hastings,” Barry County Humane Society President Mary Fisher said. Shelter Director Ken Kirsch said they will use the grant until it runs out. The TNR program has been effective, he added, pointing out that they have sterilized close to 1,000 cats in the last two years. Cats that are trapped should be brought to the shelter at 540 N. Industrial Drive in a car­ rier or live trap between 8 and 8:30 a.m. They will be transported to an area veterinarian to be spayed or neutered and returned to the shelter for pickup by the end of the work day. The cats will be spayed or neutered, given flea treatment, ear tipped and given a rabies shot - all at no cost to the client. Instructions for post-operation care will be given to clients when they pick up the cat. Clients must call the shelter to set up an appointment before bringing the animal in. To contact the shelter, call 269-948-4885. Luke Froncheck Staff Writer The Barry Intermediate School District began its appeal on Monday of an April ruling by the Michigan Department of Education. Superintendent Richard Franklin and Chief Financial Officer Cindy Larson of the BISD met with state auditors to discuss the state education department audit that resulted in a recommendation to remove several programs that had been under the ISD’s supervision. Monday’s meeting provided the ISD an opportunity to present information to the state with no results or decisions expected. According to Franklin, the meeting was strict­ ly the chance to clear up some of the discrep­ ancies found by the state. “The meeting went well,” Franklin said. “We feel good about our situation. I think we put all our information forward pretty clear­ ly.” The meeting took place in an informal review setting, a format that was requested by Franklin in hopes that both sides could more easily cover the state’s report. Franklin has called the state’s report “amazingly inept” and “a sorry piece of work.” According to the report, the MDE found a total of $129,059 in questioned costs and $34,849 in misclassified costs after a review of the BISD’s records for the Great Start Readiness Program. Those findings led to the state’s recommendation that the GSRP and its programs be removed from ISD control and assigned to another ISD. Moving the GSRP program from Barry to another ISD, the MDE report stated, “will not diminish the delivery of early childhood pro­ grams and services to the families and chil­ dren of Barry County.” Both the state and the BISD have said that there will continue to be a GSRP program available for the students and families of Barry County, but neither entity has provided a 100% guarantee as to who will be running the program. Franklin said that the state has requested some further information following the meet­ ing on Monday but, once that information is in MDE hands, all that’s left is to wait for the state’s ruling on the appeal. If the state rules against BISD, 30 days will be allowed to sub­ mit another appeal to the State Superintendent. Franklin previously said that the ISD is focused on the current appeal and will only start to explore a further appeal if the situation comes to that. “We want what’s best for the children and families,” he stated, “not what’s best for the ISD.” Weekend storm rips through Barry County Hastings schools get major gift from aum family Luke Froncheck Staff Writer Hastings Area Schools System received an unexpected boon from the Baum Family Foundation this week. At its meeting Monday, a $?64,000 dona­ tion was received and accepted by the board of education. The Baum Foundation donated $70,000 for pay-to-play, making it the 14th year that the Baum family has covered all of the costs of pay to play for the students. The Baum family’s generosity for so many years has meant that “our kids don’t even know they have to pay to play,” board presi­ dent Luke Haywood said. They are giving $100,000 for a Steinway piano, which according to new Superintendent Dan Remenap, is a “very high-end perfor­ mance piano.” They also are giving $94,000 toward vari­ ous stadium projects; among those will be track and bleacher repair. “The Hastings Area School System is incredibly grateful for the generosity of Larry Baum and the Baum Foundation,” Renienap said. “We are blessed to have such gracious support of the family ”, . In addition to their gifts to the school dis­ trict, the Baum family has been an active benefactor in the Hastings area community for many years. When Remenap spoke at the end of Monday’s meeting, he said he was blown away by the “amount of kindness and gener­ osity from the district.” NEWS BRIEFS, continued from front page church’s fifth annual car show. The free event will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the church located at 239 E. North St. Vehicle registration begins at 9 a.m. Dash plaques will be given to the first 30 entries. Young visitors can participate in activities in the shade with small toy cars and stuffed animals. The community is invited to an outdoor worship service beginning at 10 a.m. under the tent on the church lawn. A free neighbor­ hood picnic will follow the service. Food and beverages, provided by the church fam­ ily and Thrivent Financial, will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. More details are available by calling 269­ 945-9414. Rep. Calley will meet with residents Monday dents to visit with her during office hours in two community on Monday, July 29, with a new format. Rep. Calley will have individual meetings with constituents, followed by a legislative update. She will be at Portland City Hall, 259 Kent St., to meet with individuals from 10:30 to 11 a.m. followed by the update from 11 to 11:30 a.m. She will then be in the council chambers at Hastings City Hall, 201 E. State St. to meet with individuals from 1 to 2 p.m. fol­ lowed by the legislative update from 2 to 2:30 p.m. “I truly appreciate the opportunity to gather feedback from community mem­ bers,” Rep, Calley said. “Local office hours generate great dialogue with attendees on issues important to them.” No appointment is necessary. Residents unable to attend scheduled office hours may send questions or ideas to Rep. Calley via email, JulieCalley@house.mi.gov, or by calling her, 517-373-0842, State Rep. Julie Calley welcomes resi- BAOADUIAU PHILLIPS 1335 n. BAOADUMU ST. f HfiSTIFIGS k * / Everuone 'Welcome! t 2)^ & 'Hamburger^ Saturday’s storm dropped trees onto a garage at the Boulter home off Woodruff Road. Hunter Dood Staff Writer Strong thunderstorms and heavy winds swept through the area over the weekend hit­ ting Hastings the hardest early Saturday morning. Barry County Road Commission Managing Director Brad Lamberg said the storm cost Barry County approximately $12,000. Members of county repair and cleanup crews, who received praise from county officials, were forced to work all weekend and into Monday to clear fallen trees from roads. The Barry County Fair, which ended Saturday night, was still in full swing when the storm developed, so fairgoers and partici­ pants were forced to hunker down onsite until it blew over. Wayne Hoepner, a meteorologist at the Grand Rapids office of the National Weather Service, said winds were reported up to 70 miles per hour in the area. These were “straight line winds,” he said, noting meteorologists saw “very little rotation” that would have indicated tornado-like activity in the Hastings area. Rain occurred throughout the day on Saturday, with a majority of the rainfall in the early morning and the evening hours. A severe thunderstorm warning was issued in Barry County at 1:42 a.m. Meteorologists were expecting possible roof damage, siding damage and downed trees due to high winds. According to a press release from Consumers Energy, more than 220,000 homes and businesses in the state were left without power from the storms. “Barry County wasn’t one of the top coun­ ties in terms of outages,” Consumers Energy Senior Public Information Director Terry DeDoes said, adding that 7,470 customers in the county experienced power outages - far fewer than the 59,644 customers who had power outages in Kent County. But, in Barry County, the percentage of those customers who lost power - 27 percent - was greater compared to the 21 percent of Consumers Energy customers who lost power in Kent County. Lamberg of the county road commission said it appeared that the storm was not con­ centrated in one particular region since work was scattered throughout the county. Hastings residents Charles and Theresa Boulter, who live off Woodruff Road, had multiple fallen trees in their yard. Large trees landed on their garage and damaged the roof. Theresa Boulter was very thankful that the couple’s house wasn’t hit, especially since one tree crashed to the ground within 15 feet of the residence. Boulter compared the storm - that was so violent it woke the couple from their sleep to a tornado she once heard sweep through saying, “it felt just like that. I hope I don’t have to do this again,” Two trees were uprooted in the Boulter’s front yard. .( 123931 NOTICE The minutes of the meeting of the Barry County Board of Commissioners held July 23, 2019, are available in the County Clerk’s Office at 220 W. State St., Hastings, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or www.barrycounty.org. 123929 Public Land Auction The following County Treasurers will be offering tax-reverted real estate at public Auction on August 26th, 2019: Barry & Kalamazoo. The Auction will be held at The Radisson Plaza Hotel, 100 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Registration will begin at 11:30am, Auction will begin at 12:00pm. Online bidding will be available via www.tax-sale.info. For more information or for a list of the properties being sold, visit our website at www.tax-sale.info or call 1-800-259-7470. Sale listings are also available at your local County Treasurer’s Office. �Hastings Public Library 227 E State Street Hastings Ml 49058 The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 25, 2019 — Page 3 City anticipates wireless technology planning drift Doug VanderLaan Contributing Writer Small things often seem to cause the big­ gest problems. Hastings City Council members got a pre­ view of a coming headache Monday night when municipal attorney Jeff Sluggett stopped by to discuss new legislation governing small cell wireless technology. Small cell “boost­ ers” attached to towers, telephone poles and other high structures are being used in com­ munities throughout the state by wireless internet and telephone providers to increase speed and deliver capacity to customers. The posing threat to municipal govern­ ments such as the City of Hastings is that two laws passed and since enacted following the State Legislature’s lame-duck session after November’s election now allow wireless pro­ viders to decide for themselves where to build additional towers - even on city property and rights of way. “They [wireless providers] cut a deal with the state to use [your] real estate,” Sluggett told council members during a workshop that preceded Monday’s monthly meeting. “This was legislation drafted by the telecommunica­ tions industry, not legislators.” Sluggett, an attorney with the Grand Rapids firm Bloom Sluggett PC, suggested that, though wireless providers have not yet flood­ ed municipalities with requests for “rubber stamp” permits since Public Acts 365 and 366 went into effect March 12, a coming foray can be expected. And, because providers won’t be eager to purchase private land on which to construct new towers, they’ll certainly be using the open door provided by the legisla­ tion to locate small cell wireless boosters on public property, such as traffic lights, signage, street lights and utility poles. Even more disturbing, Sluggett suggested, is that the new legislation exempts providers from almost all local zoning ordinances, licensing fee structures and project oversight. Providers, according to legislation language, “may construct, maintain, modify, operate or replace” utility poles. Furthermore, the law allows poles of up to 40-feet in height. Current City of Hastings zoning laws restrict pole heights to 30 feet. Providers who wish to exceed the 40-foot height limit can do so by requesting a special land use review from the local government but, there too, Sluggett said, with the new legislation, “our hands are somewhat tied on the parameters used for special land use.” Questions from council members centered on the access the city offers wireless provid­ ers with its eight current towers and whether existing infrastructure comes under the new legislation. “I would not want to roll [the existing tow­ ers] into the new legislation, but rather use them as ‘ammo’ with legislators,” Brenda McNabb-Stange said, suggesting that encroachment by providers on existing towers could be used as a dramatic contrast to the authority local governments have had on their properties. “Towers in place before this legislation should have a ‘carve out’ to apply,” Sluggett responded. “I’d take the position that’s what we should be entitled to.” Until a future court case or attorney gener­ al’s opinion on the matter is issued, the dis­ cussion remains in an interpretive stage, Sluggett said. “Do we need more towers?” council mem­ ber Jim Cary asked. Sluggett replied that the new 5G wireless technology “will require an exponential increase. What’s driving the enlargement is the amount of data that people are consum­ ing.” Sluggett reiterated that the council and the community need to be aware of the larger underlying issue about which, he told the council, he was willing to do some “editorial­ izing.” “It’s important to realize that the Michigan Constitution guarantees local governments reasonable control of your streets. The Home Rule Act does, too,” Sluggett said. “I don’t see how this [new legislation] possibly meets those requirements.” Responding to a question following the meeting about how providers should be directed to build infrastructure to handle the coming 5G technology, Sluggett suggested that the focus for local municipal govern­ ments must be even further into the future. “Clearly, the Legislature bought into the concept that local governments must support new technology,” Sluggett said. “My question is, ‘What about the next technology? Do they get to use rights of way, too? And what about the next technology after that?”’ The council, which held the workshop as a joint meeting with the planning commission took no action on the matter. In official business Monday, the council did take action on several matters, one of which, literally, could have carried some volatility when Ron Fukui, vice president of BCN Technical Services, requested approval of a storage vault for smokeless powder at the BCN plant, once known as E.W. Bliss on Clinton Street. Fukui explained that the company has been a long-time equipment provider to the defense industry, and, as such, has stored, loaded and shipped inert ammunition from its plant. A recent federal contract, however, necessitates the storage of smokeless powder, a propellant that, when used in firearms, produces negligi­ ble smoke when fired. Use and storage of smokeless powder requires local government permission and licensure by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives, the latter of which has already been obtained. “It’s not gun powder,” Fukui said, pointing out that, rather than exploding, smokeless powder flames out in seconds in the event of an accident within the storage vault, which, according to site plan drawings, would be located more than 100 feet from Clinton Street and enclosed within a locked chain-link fence. The company also will be storing no more than 10 to 100 pounds. Council member Don Smith commented that retail and private establishments in the area store 10 to 100 pounds. “Technically, you don’t even need a vault, you’re able to store 25 pounds in your home,” agreed Fukui. “We thought we’d just like to be on the safe side.” The request was approved on an 8-0 vote with council member Al Jarvis not in atten­ dance. In other business, the council: -Approved a request from program director Gina McMahon of the YMCA of Barry County to reserve the Fish Hatchery soccer, flag football and baseball fields Monday A big buckle on M-43 in Hastings earlier this month turned a section of roadway into a concrete ramp. High heat caused the through Thursday, Aug. 26 to Oct. 26, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Friday nights from Sept. 13 concrete to heave July 3, catching some westbound motorists by surprise. Some vehicles shot over it at speeds of about 50 mph to Oct. 25 from 6 to 11 p.m., and some sched­ and went airborne. The road was temporarily fixed that day. Tuesday afternoon, a Michigan Department of Transportation crew uled Saturdays between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. repaired that portion of the road west of Hastings. This crew removed the broken concrete and replaced it with asphalt. Here, a -Approved two contract resolutions with load of asphalt is dumped into the new section. (Photos by Scott Harmsen) Consumers Energy. The first is a new contract separating new LED streetlights from the existing standard high intensity lights, which have a different rate. The second contract will allow changes to the original contract, remov­ ing lights that are no longer high-pressure sodium lights from the standard high intensity contract. -Appointed Clerk/Treasurer Jane Saurman as its officer delegate to the Oct. 3-4 Municipal Employees Retirement System Annual Conference in Grand Rapids. Police Chief Jeff Pratt will serve as the alternate officer delegate. -Approved the city’s 50 percent share in the cost of a school crossing guard. The city shares the expense with Hastings Area Schools. -Received the monthly police report from Deputy Chief Dale Boulter who, among his statistical review, announced the addition of three new officers to the force, the first time in his personal service time that three new officers have been added at one time. Boulter also pointed out the stellar work of code com­ pliance officer Frank Jesensek and promoted the third annual National Night Out Aug. 6 in Tyden Park. -Received a monthly budget report from Saurman who told counciF members that financial statements received in their packets will be considered draft reports under Government Accounting Standards Board regulations requiring books remain open for 60 days following completion of the fiscal year June 30 and until the upcoming audit is complete. -Received an update from Community pass for admission to all sports events during Michigan School Band and Orchestra County Substance Abuse Prevention Council, Development Director Dan King who report­ a season, $40; adults pass for admission to all Association, Michigan Institute for Barry County Wrap-Around, Barry County ed that the planning commission will be hold­ sports events during a season, $80; all-season Educational Management, Association for Area Chamber of Commerce, and Barry Supervision and Curriculum Development, County Family Support Center. ing an Aug. 5 hearing on the rental rehabilita­ family pass, $200. The board also: Interstate 8 Athletic Conference, Barry tion project at 118 Court St.; that the former • authorized the administration to charge County Community Resource Network, Barry Second Hand Corners building on State Street has been purchased by Tom Kramer, who has tuition and/or transportation fees to non-resi­ plans to rent the top two floors and is undeter­ dent students during the 2019-20 school year. • authorized the superintendent to have the mined on main floor use; that the lot that was once the location for the Hastings Moose ability to discipline students under current Lodge has drawn some interest from develop­ school policies, the authorization will last ers from Wisconsin who may be attending the until the July 2020 school board meeting. • reached an agreement with First Agency Aug. 5 planning commission meeting with a site rendering; and that the Royal Coach site Inc. of Kalamazoo to provide accident insur­ ance coverage with Guarantee Trust Life also has attracted development interest. -King also reported that the city is still in Insurance Company for parents and students FRIDAY, JULY 26’" • 8 AM-5 PM the running for a $196,000 Michigan State who wish to purchase it during the 2019-20 school year. Housing Development Authority grant for SATURDAY, JULY 27™ • 9 AM-12 NOON • approved an annual retainer with Thrun speculation purchase, delivery, taxes, site preparation and assembly of a model modular Law firm, P.C. as the board’s legal counsel. • approved Stevens, Kirinovic & Tucker to home to be used as a model for construction of as many as four additional modular homes be the board’s auditor for the 2019-20 school in Barry County. The city will be among as year. • appointed the following individuals to many as 10 other bidding communities at a maintenance positions; Jonathan Arnold special bid presentation at MSHDA offices (community center lifeguard), Lauren Grubius Aug. 8. -Heard McNabb-Stange report on a webi­ (substitute maintenance), Logan Schoendorf nar hosted by Marijuana Regulatory Agency (substitute maintenance), and Elijah Smith director Andrew Brisbo on the July 3 emer­ (community center weight room attendant). • appointed the following individuals to gency rules governing recreational marijuana businesses. McNabb-Stange pointed out that, coaching positions; Todd Bates (high school despite clarifications on many confusing girls diving), Steve Collins (high school boys interpretations of the law following its approv­ and girls cross country), Pat Coltson (assistant al in the November 2018 election, challenges varsity football), Robert Cole (assistant junior still must be addressed by individual commu­ varsity football), Brian Donnini (assistant nities, including the conflict of marijuana still varsity football), James Doran (girls junior banned on the federal level and, if approved in varsity golf), Marshall Evans (junior varsity Hastings, the effect that might have on the football), Alyssa Fein (freshman volleyball), Tiffany Hendershot (junior varsity volley­ city’s eligibility for federal program funds. “In light of the issues raised, I’d like to ball), Michelle Homister (assistant girls have a workshop so we can get better infor­ swim), Lindsey Jacinto (varsity cheerlead­ mation and get questions to our attorney so ing), Anthony Knop (middle school assistant we can get answers,” McNabb-Stange said, cross-country), Kristen Laubaugh (girls golf), expressing support for opening the workshop Francisco Lopez (boys junior varsity soccer), James Murphy (varsity football), Kelly to all members of the community. McNabb-Stange also alerted the council to Newberry (assistant cross-country), Jon a State House-passed transportation bill that Pewoski (freshman football), Carl Schoessel would eliminate the sales tax at the gas pump (girls swim), Timothy Schoessel (boys varsity but add it back in via the gas tax. Such a soccer), Krista Schueller (boys varsity tennis), maneuver, if approved by the Senate and Heather Teed (middle school boys and girls signed by the governor, she warned, could cross country), Amanda Zalewski (junior var­ cost communities $81 million in revenue sity cheerleading), Scott Zull (varsity volley­ 269-945-5102 sharing funds. Since the $81 million would ball). 141 E. Woodlawn Ave. • voted to terminate the employment of revert to the state budget, legislators would Hastings have to vote to restore the full revenue sharing special education teacher Teresa Borton. • approved the following organizational OPEN DAILY 8-5; SAT. 9-12 amount for allocation to local communities better water, pure and simple.® opening up the possibility that legislators may memberships for the district: Michigan Denker Family Owned & Operated ~ mb have other areas to which that money might Association of School Boards, Michigan Rick Denker, Owner Association of School Administrators, be directed. Michigan School Business Officials, Michigan High School Athletic Association Inc, Road repairs on westbound M 43 in Hastings POLICY, continued from page 1 Cash & Carry 50-lb. Cube SALT 1-800-852-3098 STS? �Page 4 — Thursday, July 25, 2019-- The Hastings Banner In My Opinion Did you Goose roc Recycling still a mission in Barry County A Canada goose stands atop a stump in a Castleton Township pond, taking in the view and seemingly taking ownership of the deteriorating throne. We're dedicating this space to a photograph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. We’re dedicating this space to a photograph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember*, Home, garden and Food Center Banner Ju\y 22, 1954 For the Home and Garden Tour - Leaders of various women’s organizations in the area met at the Food Center Friday to help promote the women’s clubs’ first home and garden tour to be held Aug. 12. Proceeds from the tour, during which residents will visit selected homes in Hastings, will be used to fur­ nish the adult reading room in Hastings’ new public library. Mrs. Chester [Flora Belle] Stowell, club president, said she is pleased with the “won­ derful cooperation from everyone” and expected from 500 to 700 tickets to be sold. In the photo above are (from left) Richard Feldpausch, of the Food Center; Mrs. Arthur Willits, sportswomen’s club; Mrs. Richard Bauer, Lionetts; Mrs. Plynn [Gertrude] Matthews, garden club; Mrs. Bernard [Grace] McPharlin, Business and Professional Women’s Club; Mrs. John Lennon and Mrs. Edward Barrett, of the Women’s Club; Mrs. Melvin [Marie] Smith, Country Extension women; Miss Helen Wade, Hastings instruc­ tor; Mrs. George Chenoweth III, Mothers Study Club; and Mrs. Rene Ganguillet, Young Homemakers club. (Photo by Barth) Have you met? Deb Masselink is known as the “Mom of Gun Lake.” She is very protective of her dearly loved body of water and everything in and around it. Masselink is a promoter of the eradication of invasive species, protecting the ecology of the lake and making Gun Lake the best it can be. She grew up in Grand Rapids and would visit her favorite place, Gun Lake, with friends and family on a regular basis. In high school, she loved science and math, especial­ ly chemistry. She assumed she would go into a field that used those skills, but after a semester of college, she realized she would be “stuck inside doing science” instead of out in the environment she loved. Instead, she went into retail for many years, married, had a family and started her own business, all while enjoying Gun Lake from afar. She and her husband of 30 years, Ed Masselink, loved boating and had pur­ chased a cottage on Gun Lake. They found themselves making the half-hour trek from Grand Rapids more often than not, so they decided to make the cottage their home. They remodeled and updated the home and have now lived on the lake for 24 years. Masselink has found a way to use her love of nature and science by joining the Gun Lake Protective Association board and being the representative of the GLPA at the Gun Lake Improvement Board meetings. She reg­ ularly takes lake water samples for bacteria counts for the association. “In this role,” Masselink said with a grin, “I get to play with cooties and weeds around the lake.” She said the GLPA has great support, and she loves how invested the people of Gun Lake are in the health of the area. “I am proud as heck about our three new boat washes,” she said. “The Gun Lake Tribe has done an incredible job, and we are so happy to be able to offer this service.” Masselink has family history that affects southwest Michigan in that her grandfather Walter Bass was the first president of the board of directors for the Amway Corporation. Deb Masselink Masselink said he was an integral part of the business in the early years. “Jay [Van Andel] and Rich [DeVos] were great friends to my grandfather,” Masselink said. For her love of the outdoors and work to keep Gun Lake and other areas health, Deb Masselink is this week’s Bright Light. Favorite movie: “Forrest Gump.” Best advice ever received: My dad told me to fight for things that are important. Person I most admire: Rich De Vos because he was so generous with his money and he gave so much. He was inspirational and walked the talk. He was the first to show up to my grandfather’s funeral. Favorite teacher: Mr. Lubbers, my Grand Rapids Central High School chemistry teach­ er. He made chemistry so much fun. Person I’d most like to meet: Steve Irwin. I share his love for animals so much I became a teacher at John Ball Zoo. If I could have any superpower, it would be: To change people’s minds. I am so tired of all the polarization on everything. Favorite vacation destination: I live on Gun Lake, so I feel like I am on vacation every day, but I absolutely loved my trip to Alaska. It is gorgeous. What I’d tell a high school graduate: Work hard. Sometimes it’s not fun, but do it anyway. Best gift ever received: I got my first dog as a 7th birthday present. Favorite dinner: Lakeside Pizza - espe­ cially the barbecue chicken or Hawaiian pizza. My biggest challenge: I need a better fil­ ter between my brain and my mouth. If I could change one thing: I would get rid of all the invasive species in Gun Lake. When I grow up, I want to be: I still haven’t figured that out. I really like what I do now. I’m most proud of: My seven kids and 16 grandkids. What I’d do if I won the lottery: Give part of it to my kids and part of it to Yankee Springs State Park. Favorite childhood memory: My grand­ parents owned a cottage south of Baldwin, and some of my best memories were playing in the woods and in the river with my cous­ ins. Hobbies: Right now, it is helping my youngest daughter remodel her new house. Greatest thing about Barry County: All of the lakes. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Sometimes I wonder what Darlene Paulauski, Jackie Schmitz, and Shirley Wietnik saw almost 40 years ago when they started recycling in Barry County. Could they have envisioned the coming calamity of a world that’s now choking on all the stuff it thought it could just throw away? And then I wonder what might have been if people had listened more closely to these three women who were so committed to caring for the beauty of a world that they’d come to love in Barry County. Way back in 1982, Paulauski, Schmitz, and Wietnik were so committed to getting residents of our county sold on the benefits of recycling to our environment that they launched RiBC with no funding from local government. They worked hard to sell us an alternative to filling landfills with mate­ rials that could be used again. In 1983, RiBC collected and marketed just 13.5 tons of recycled waste in the county and, even though it realized steady growth each year, it was always on the lookout for additional drop-off sites throughout the county. The group knew that if the program was to be successful, it had to be convenient. In 1988, 42.7 tons of metal aluminum and glass were collected in the county. In 1989, plastic milk jugs and newspaper was added to the list of recyclables and, in six months, 2.8 tons of milk jugs were collect­ ed - that’s 39,200 jugs! During the same period, over 25.6 tons of newsprint was collected and recycled, keeping these items out of local landfills. Not only did RiBC promote recycling to county residents, it also focused on getting business and industry involved in the effort, by convincing them they had an important role in closing the recycling loop if we expected to see any dramatic improvement in protecting the beauty of our county. In 1989, Jane Norton took over the pro­ gram and focused on education, holding seminars, featuring speakers who shared information on the importance of the pro­ gram and getting people and businesses to use waste-reduction methods along with continuing to expand residential programs. Yet, Norton realized that if Barry County was to move the needle, it needed a proper handling site for solid waste. Ken Neil, former owner of Hastings Sanitary Services, (now Waste Management) supported RiBC and its efforts and opened up a sorting facility to separate waste for recycling. During the same time, our local extension office took on recycling and the importance it had on our environment. Former director Jan Hartough said at the time, ”1 think recy­ cling is important or I wouldn’t do it. It’s an alternative to landfills. It has to happen. We’re running out of room. We’re running out of resources. It’s inevitable.” Now here we are - 30 years from that high point of progress — and we’re still talking about the importance of recycling and the impact it has on our environment. Last week’s front-page story in the Reminder struck me hard because of the attention it brings to our readers of the momentum we’ve lost. The numbers show that we’ve lost some steam. The interest and dedication required to make recycling and planet preservation a success has flagged. What will it take, though, to regenerate the commitment that we saw from those women back in 1982 to be good stewards of the land on which we live? I still take encouragement from the positive life and words of former President John F. Kennedy who truly believed that, “One person can make a difference and every person must try. What if each of us really tried? What if each of us spontaneously decided that, one by one, we really can be the better world we wish for?” Today, politicians are using the idea of What do you saving our planet or addressing climate change to appear virtuous, caring and con­ cerned over issues most of us know little about. As I watched the celebration of the 50^ anniversary of man’s landing on the moon over the weekend I thought wouldn’t it be great if we could put the same level of dedication to our environment by using the data we’ve gathered throughout the 50 years of the space program to study the true impact that we’re having on the planet. For that to be successful, though, it must remain non-partisan, or it’s doomed to fail. “Michigan has gotten complacent,” said Kerrin O’Brian, Director of Michigan’s Recycling Coalition. “We can and we must become American’s leaders once again in recycling. The EGLE campaign is a tre- 3 mendous opportunity for Michigan to advance to the next level of performance in protecting our environment.” EGLE, the Michigan Department of Environment Great Lakes and Energy, announced an education effort in June, “Know It Before You Throw It” to better inform residents what can, and cannot be recycled. The campaign is dedicated to raise awareness and increase the amount of recycling to save our landfills. According to EGLE, Michigan landfills will be full by 2044. State numbers indicate over 49 mil­ lion yards of trash was disposed in the state’s landfills in 2016. That’s approxi­ mately 15,000 Olympic swimming pools of \ garbage in one year. “If we’ve learned any lessons during the past few decades, perhaps the most import- » ant is the preservation of our environment is not a partisan challenge,” former President Ronald Reagan said. “Our eco­ nomic well-being will be sustained only by all of us working in partnership as thought­ ful, effective stewards of our natural resources.” Both Kennedy and Reagan, along with other former presidents, realized the con­ cerns for the environment, yet, here we are, years later still debating the importance of creating a culture of stewardship of our planet. If we expect to gain any traction, though, we can’t allow it to be politicized or we will be talking about it 30 years from ; now with little or no action on the issue. It’s a worthwhile goal, state and local J officials say, because any movement of the ’ needle will have a significant impact in’the county. The EGLE study indicates, “Doubling the recycling rate in Michigan is expected to produce positive environmen- ’ tai, quality of life, and economic out­ comes.” Yet, to be successful, we all must feel the need to be good stewards of the land. If we are serious about saving our \ little comer of the world, we should start by accepting the responsibility of manag­ ing our waste, by controlling our own j waste stream and keeping everything we can from a landfill. “Here is our country. Cherish these natu- ; ral wonders, cherish the natural resources, 5 cherish the history and romance as a sacred ' heritage, for your children and your chil­ dren’s children,” said former President Theodore Roosevelt, who may be known as the most environmentally-conscious of all our presidents. “Do not let selfish men or greedy interests skin your country of its beauty, its riches or its romance.” Looking for action? Start with the belief that “it is possible” and that each one of us can make a difference - and making a dif­ ference we must! Fred Jacobs, CEO J-Ad Graphics, Inc. think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the ques­ tion posed each week by accessing our website, www.HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the following week. Last week: Prairieville Township is discussing making portions of Crooked Lake “no-wake” zones to prevent further prop­ erty damage caused by higher-than-normal water levels. Fishing tournaments are held nearly every week on Crooked Lake, with anglers speeding across the water to pursue fish. Do you think property own­ ers’ rights should prevail over a lake with public access? Yes 85% No 15% For this week: To minimize distractions and to enhance the educational experience, one neighboring school district will prohibit students in the upcoming school year from carrying or using their cell phones during the school day. Should our school districts do the same? □ Yes □ No �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 25, 2019 — Page 5 Libraries consider stocking Narcan Taylor Owens Staff Writer Last month, the State Legislature unani­ mously passed a law allowing trained staff members of public libraries to not be held liable for administering the drug Narcan to opioid users suffering from an overdose. Now local libraries are deciding whether they want to stock Narcan and to train their staff to use the medication. Also known as naloxone, Narcan is a nasal spray that stops the brain’s receptors from continuing to receive opioids, and sends the person into withdrawal. Modem opioid drugs can be filled with a mixture of different kinds of synthetic opi­ oids, such as fentanyl, which may be far more powerful than the user is expecting and can lead to an overdose. “People are being encouraged to not use (opioids) alone, or to use in a public place,” Barry County Special Abuse Task Force Coordinator Liz Lenz said. One place some people are choosing to use opioids is a library, because it’s free and they can find a quiet place to be left alone. Hastings Public Library had some staff trained to use Narcan and stocked kits last year. Library Director Peggy Hemerling said the library has not had cause to use it, but she has talked to a library director in a like-sized community in another county who had no Narcan supply when a victim overdosed in the library. “All they could do was call 911 and watch as this person couldn’t breath, and they felt helpless,” Hemerling said. While she hopes the library never has to use its Narcan, Hemerling said she is glad the state legislature voted to remove liability from local libraries. The staff members at the Hastings library were trained in a program hosted by the coun­ ty’s SATF group, which also presented a train­ ing at the Delton District Library on July 10. Delton District Library Director Cheryl Bower reported that around 25-30 people attended the training and received free Narcan treat­ ment samples. Some of those trained were her staff, which will keep kits at the library. “Why wouldn’t you want to save some­ body?” Bower asked. Other libraries, such as Thornapple Kellogg School and Community Library, Lake Odessa Community Library and Putnam District Library in Nashville are still looking into the issue. Vermontville Township Library Director Carla Rumsey said she prefers to use Vermontville EMS, which is directly across the street from the library, in the event of an overdose, Lenz said the SATF will host the free train­ ing for as many people as they can. “The more people that we have educated about the potential for overdose in public set­ tings and the need to have Narcan, its all good,” Lenz said. “I wouldn’t rule anybody out.” She stressed the use of Narcan is not ideal and that the best form of prevention is educat­ ing people so they don’t become addicted to opioids. Narcan, though, is another tool to help people, she said. Lenz also pointed out it does not harm the person being administered the nasal spray, even if they are not having an (Write Us A Letter:____________ The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor, • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Know Your Legislators: Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, RO. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855­ 347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. ¥ ' opioid overdose. The training and Narcan kits are paid for through a grant from Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health. Putnam District Library will host a free training session by the SATF from 6-7:30 p.m. on Thursday Aug. 8. Registration is required at 269-948-4200, hanapolillo@bccmha.org or od-prevention.eventbrite.com. Attendees must be 18 or older to receive a kit. STATE NEWS Law enforcement memorial ready for dedication The Michigan Law Enforcement Memorial Monument will be dedicated Saturday after­ noon in Lansing. The Michigan Law Enforcement Officer Memorial Fund Commission will host a cere­ mony to officially dedicate the monument to honor Michigan law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty. The completion of the monument culminates a 14-year effort by the commission. Speakers during the ceremony will include Lin Emmert, chairperson of MLEOM Commission; Attorney General Dana Nessel; Sgt. Larry Julian, retired Michigan State Police trooper; and David Hiller, of the Michigan Fraternal Order of Police. Immediately following the formal ceremo­ ny, all 588 names of the fallen officers memo­ rialized on the monument will be read by law enforcement officials. The fallen officers served with city, village and township police and public safety departments; sheriff’s offic­ es; railroads; and the law enforcement divi­ sion of the Michigan DNR. At least three of the officers to be memori­ alized have local connections. Barry County Undersheriff William M. Scudder, was one of the earliest Michigan law enforcement officers to die in the line of duty. He was shot May 14? 1884, while trying to apprehend a man waiiteUsby the court for an unpaid bill. A mural dedicatedjto Scudder was created at the Barry County Sheriff’s Department in 2010. Harold E. Anderson, a Hastings native, had served in World War I before joining the Michigan State Police. He was gunned down March 12,1921, near Novi, as he approached a stopped vehicle. He was 22. Eric E. Zapata, a 1994 Lakewood High School graduate, was fatally shot April 18, 2011, while responding to a shots-fired call as a Kalamazoo Public Safety officer. A memo­ rial dedicated to Zapata has been installed in downtown Kalamaztjo. C0A serves our seniors; it deserves the best we can give To the editor: I attended the July 2 county board meeting and came away with a much different opinion than The Banner did. The commissioners seemed to feel that taxes are high and money is tight so they’re looking for a way to build a Commission on Aging that doesn’t call for more taxes. The jail project is going to be a big one and will require going to the taxpayers. Knowing what an excellent job County Administrator Michael Brown has done, maybe there is some money that could be used to build a new COA building. Commissioner Ben Geiger suggested the umbrella fund as one idea - and maybe there are others. The Banner editorial talked about what is still owed on the unfunded pension liability, but didn’t say what the payment is. The amount due each year is $500,000, but the county makes a double payment. It could make a regular payment for a few years and use that $500,000 to help build a new COA. At the end of every year there is surplus money which also wasn’t mentioned. Well, it can’t be that much, can it? Each year is a little different but, since 2015, it has been from $1 million to as much as $1.8 million, which is good for the county because there is a cush­ ion, if needed. There are several possibilities which is To the editor: Donald Trump won Barry County in the 2016 election, and Barry County remained staunchly Republican in the 2018 election. I live in Barry County and have many friends and acquaintances here. At least one dear friend traveled up to Grand Rapids to attend the Trump rally there earlier this summer. So I appreciate that my letter may not be wel­ come to some folks, but some things have to be said. Either Donald Trump is a racist or he is willing to advance racism for political gain. We can disagree about why he told four duly elected members of Congress, all citizens, all women of color, three of whom were bom in the United States, to “go back to where they came from.” You may agree with Donald Trump’s policies and disagree with these Congresswomen about their politics, but please don’t share in the dishonesty. This was a racist statement. And it was not the first racist statement by Donald Trump, just the most blatant. He denied the citizenship of our first AfricanAmerican president. He called Mexicans rap­ ists and criminals. He said that African coun­ tries were “s—holes,” that Haitians have Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO . NEWSROOM • Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Tanett Hodge Ta? ar Owens POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 Dr. Kenneth M. Komheiser, Plainwell Licensed Master Plumber Licensed Journeyman Plumber New construction, remodel, repair, drain cleaning. BRADFORD WHITE WATER HEATERS Same Day Installation #8110376 Office (269) 948-2248 & Insured Mobile (269) 838-5112 SOOZOOBOAT (2628) www.boatangel.com STOP CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN ■HOMES NEEDED! 1 !»,<■* American Metal Roofs । dWR SHOWCASE HOME DISCOUNTi 2 Day Karaoke Contest Aug. 9 & 10 @ 6 PM Top 50% From Day 1 Advance to Day 2 $750 1st Place Cash Prize / Top 3 Awarded $20 Contestants Fee / Free to Attend - - - Call How To See If You Qualify - - - 844-METAL-ROOFS [ 844-638-2576 - ASK FOR HOLLY! • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • AIDS and that Nigerians “should go back to their huts.” He said there were “very fine peo­ ple” among the marchers in Charlottesville chanting “the Jews will not replace us.” Donald Trump either believes these vile statements or he is saying these things because he believes racism is good for his re-election. Before and since his election, Mr. Trump has never achieved a favorable rating among the majority of Americans . But he has maintained a consistently favorable rating with approxi­ mately 40 to 45 percent of Americans and probably more than half of Barry County voters. I cannot look into Donald Trump’s heart. Nor can I look into the hearts of my fellow Barry County residents. But to continue sup­ porting Mr. Trump when we all head pirn speak such racism means one of three things: One may just not have been exposed to these statements. One may share those racist senti­ ments. Or one may be willing to overlook such racism because of other benefits from Mr. Trump’s presidency. How much are you willing to overlook? MICHAEL KINNEY PLUMBING "2-Night Free Vacation!” irl*** The Hastings 1BaUIlCr Sharon Zebrowski, Hastings Statements by Mr. Trump raise questions about us ( Donate A Boat or Car Today! \ sponsored by boat angel outreach centers why, during the three-minute comment time, I suggested that a committee consisting of the county administrator, the county treasurer, one commissioner, the COA director, and one COA board member look at both budgets to see if there is money to pay none, some, or all of the cost for a new building. As to the COA stockpiling money, I’m not sure if I should laugh or cry. The editorial made it sound like the COA collects money and offers nothing to the seniors. The pro­ grams offered - and there are many - are provided to the seniors at a very reduced cost or even free. Making sure there is enough money in the budget to continue these pro­ grams is not stockpiling, but being responsi­ ble. There is also a building fund which has grown smaller the last couple of years because of the many repairs made to the roof and the building itself. Why was only one bid to fix the roof pre­ sented tp commissioners? As the COA direc­ tor explained to the commissioners at the meeting, only one bid came back. The COA is not the enemy. The COA wants to help the seniors of Barry County because they deserve the very best we can give them, so hug a senior citizen today. AmericanMetalRoofs.com I DeltonMoose Lodge 5420MoosebclgeDr. Delton Ml, 49046 (269)623-2112 Please register by 6PM 8/9 J/isitA Slwwroom:£l40jaylorpr, FLINM875 Lansin^Rd, CHARLOTTEj Call 269-945-9554 any time for Hastings Banner classified ads �Hastings Public Library 227 E State Street Hastings Ml 49058 Page 6 — Thursday, July 25, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzei Phone 269-945-4995 hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingshopeumc. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office, greenstreetumc @ gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5 th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948­ 8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. Dorothy J. Corkins Terrence “Terry” L. Mix lost his coura­ geous battle with cancer on July 15, 2019. He was bom on September 28, 1954 to Russell L. and Barbara J. (Laurie) Mix in Hastings. He graduated from Maple Valley High School in 1973. Terry married Robin Musser on November 23,1974. He spent over 44 years at Hastings Manufacturing Compa­ ny, retiring in February of 2019. Terry enjoyed camping, fishing, and going up north. He spent many Sundays cursing the Detroit Lions. Following Maple Valley sports, as well as, the Michigan State Spar­ tans were some of his favorite pastimes. Terry was preceded in death by his father, Russell L Mix; grandparents, Ted and Vada Mix, Abe and Thelma Laurie, and brother-in­ law, Charles (Chuck) Haylock. He is survived by his children, Amanda (Kevin) Petersen and Jeremy (Kelly Ham­ ilton) Mix; his mother, Barbara Mix; sister, Cathy Haylock; grandchildren, Jacob, Mitch, and Emily, the McDonald boys, Robin Mix, and his dear friend, Mike Norris. Cremation will take place. There will be a memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Bar­ ry County Commission on Aging in Terry’s memory. Arrangements by Simply Cremation. MIDDLEVILLE, MI - Rev. Gerald Rob­ ert Mahler, of Middleville, on July 19, 2019 went to his heavenly home to be with his Lord and Savior. He was reunited there with family and friends. He was bom 15 January, 1940, the son of John and Carolyn Mahler, owner of Mahler Motor Sales. He was a 1957 graduate of Hast­ ings High School, and attended Taylor Uni­ versity and Western Theological Seminary in Holland. Jerry married Marcia Miller, Janu­ ary 21, 1958. Jerry was a farmer at heart. His passion for people, history, fishing, Ford trucks and smoking his pipe have left fond impressions on many. Jerry was a minister with the Re­ formed Church of America for 45 years. He will be remembered for his dry humor, work ethic and willingness to always offer a hand. Jerry thought a good day of exercise was putting up 1,000 bales of hay in 90-degree heat. By his example, he taught that work ethic to his family. Husband, dad and grandfather Jerry will be greatly missed, and his family is grateful for the legacy he left. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Patrick Mahler. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mar­ cia; children, Gretchen (Barry) Evans, Brock (Tammi) Mahler, Eric (Alana Cooke) Mahler, Dan (Valerie Baas) Mahler; 17 grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren. Memorial services will be at 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 27, 2019, at Calvary Church of Wayland, 304 South Main Street, Wayland, MI 49348 with visitation from 10 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Joni and Friends (http://www.joniandfriends. org/donate). Services provided by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrbachftmeralhome.net. Loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt, Dorothy J. Corkins has earned her wings and is now home with her heavenly family. She passed away July 21,2019. Dorothy was bom April 7, 1943 to George and Angeline (Bleam) Skedgell. Dorothy was the fifth child and only daughter. She was raised near Nashville, growing up on the fam­ ily dairy farm on Mason Road. She attend­ ed Nashville schools and graduated with the Nashville High School class of 1961. After she completed high school, Dorothy went on to beauty school in Battle Creek. She met her husband, Fred Corkins, while in high school. They married in September of 1964 upon his return from service as a SeaBee with the United States Navy. They purchased a home on Main Street in Nashville where they raised their daughters, Tammy and Deb­ bie. In 1992 they moved back to Dorothy’s family home on Mason Road where they re­ sided until 2013. Nothing was more important to Dorothy than being a strong part of her children and grandchildren’s lives. Rarely was there an athletic event, 4-H competition, piano recital or band concert involving a grandchild where Dorothy was not front and center, supporting her family. When she wasn’t supporting her family, she was planting flowers of all types in her yard. She didn’t call a house home until she had put her touch on the yard with beauty. Dorothy is survived by her husband of 54 years; daughters, Tammy (Rob) Franks and Debbie (Wayne) Meade; grandchildren, Tyler (Katy) Franks, Emily Franks, Laken Meade, Travis Franks, and Grace Meade. She was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Wayne (Ada Yaudes) Skedgell, Don (Phyllis) Skedgell, Gerald Skedgell, George Skedgell. Also surviving her are sisters-in-law, Joyce Skedgell and Jane Skedgell, Judith (Corkins) Jenkins, and many nieces and nephews she loved and adored in life. The family will receive visitors from 6 to 8 p.m. on Friday, July 26, at the Daniels Fu­ neral Home in Nashville and 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 27, at the Nashville United Methodist Church. Funeral services will be held at the Nash­ ville United Methodist Church at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 27, 2019. There will be time of fellowship and luncheon immediately fol­ lowing the funeral service at the Nashville United Methodist Church. Interment will take place following the lun­ cheon at Lakeview Cemetery in Nashville. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith Hospice at 2100 Raybrook SE, Suite 300, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 or Family Promise of Barry County at bcfamilypromise. org or PO Box 312, Hastings, MI 49058. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville. For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings. org. Worship Service at 10 a.m. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945­ 9217. cbchastings.org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www. hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAM­ ILY HOUR WELCOMES ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Pre­ school age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Stan­ dard and Adult Elective class­ es. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church age 4-4th grade dismissed during service. Sunday Evening Youth Group, Wednesday Mid-Week and Thursday Bible Study will resume in the fall. Thursday Brunch: Aug. 8th at 9:30 a.m. Jerilee Hostetler to celebrate 90th birthday Jerilee Hostetler, of Hastings, will be celebrating her 90th birthday on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019 at Bob King Park from 1 to 3 p.m. Jerilee was bom Nov. 27,1929. No gifts please. TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCES TO: GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God's Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! July 28- Services at 8 & 10:45 a.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www.grace-hastings. org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings. THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF PRAIRIEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER IN­ TERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the following is a summary of Ordinance No. 169 which was adopted by the Prairieville Township Board at a regular meeting on July 10, 2019. ORDINANCE 169 ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENTS REGARDING SOLAR PANELS AND FARMS SECTION I AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE III, SECTION 3.1 DEFINITIONS. This section was amended to provide definitions for “solar farm” and “solar panel.” SECTION II AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE IV, GENERAL PROVISIONS, ADDITION OF SECTION 4.44 - SOLAR PANELS. This section was amended to allow for the use of solar panels in all zoning districts and to provide standards for solar panel use. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday^ 9:45 a.m. SECTION III AMENDMENT TO ARTICLE VII, SECTION 6.12, SPECIAL LAND USE PERMITS, SPECIAL PROVISIONS, ADDITION OF SUBSECTION 6.12-6 SOLAR FARMS. This section is revised to add solar farms as a special land use, to estab­ lish a purpose for the guidelines, the scope of solar farms in all zoning districts, provisions for solar farms, glare, batteries, permits for solar farms, and removal and decommissioning of solar farms. SECTION IV A- Graphics ProJS AWlDWIDESimBlOF HotlineloolsSiEquipment 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 Rev. Gerald Robert Mahler WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, _ _ _ _ _ _ the churches and these local businesses' _ J Terrence L. Mix 1699W.M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541 SEVERABILITY. The provisions of this Ordinance are severable. SECTION IV REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES/EFFECTIVE DATE, All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed. This Ordi­ nance shall take effect eight (8) days after its publication. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the full text of the Ordinance has been posted in the Office of the Prairieville Township Clerk at the address below and that a copy of the Ordinance may be purchased or inspected at the Township Clerk’s office during regular business hours of regular working days following the date of this publication. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Rod Goebel, Clerk 10115 S. Norris Road Delton, Michigan 49046 (269) 623-2664 124326 HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Thursday, July 25 - Baby Cafe, 10 a.m.noon; Movie Memories watches 1952 film starring Robert Taylor, Elizabeth Taylor and Joan Fontaine, 5 p.m. Friday, July 26 - preschool story time, 10:30-11 a.m. Saturday, July 27 - anime club, noon-2 p.m. Monday, July 29 - Quilting Passions Crafting Group meets, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Tuesday, July 30 - toddler story time, 10:30-11 a.m.; mahjong, 5:30.; chess club, 6; genealogy club, 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 31 - summer reading program hosts science fun with 4-H, 2-3 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 25, 2019 — Page 7 SENTENCE, continued from page 1 * you take it as a tremendous gift.” o The judge estimated that sending Wasnich ’to prison would cost between $35,000 and ; $40,000. * “I don’t want to pay that money out of my taxes,” Schipper said. “Hopefully, it ensures • This device collects GPS points and stores them in the device until they are transmitted (at regular intervals) to the host computer. Field agents are able to review the parolee/probationer’s move­ ments on maps to verify compliance with approved travel routes and destinations. The field agents also are capable of downloading points to determine the parolee or probationer’s immediate loca­ tion. that you are incarcerated and that you don’t drink. It allows you to stay home, watch your own TV, stay with your own family.” He warned Wasnich not to mess it up. “I don’t want egg on my face for trying some­ thing.” Schipper said he plans to review the sen­ tence in a year. This home detention sentence will cost about $6,000, which Wasnich will pay, Schipper said. Going forward, if and when this type of sentence is used and a defendant is unable to pay, the state Department of Corrections would pick up the cost of the home detention, the judge noted. Schipper said he has never issued a sen­ tence like this before - and he and his staff are not aware of any other court in Michigan doing so. “I’ve done thousands of drunk drivings and this is the first time I’ve ever done anything like this,” Ronald Pierce of Hastings, the defense attorney for Wasnich, said. “It’s something that the judge has talked about, and I think is a very good thing to do with people who’ve struggled with alcohol for a long time,” Pierce said. Wasnich has a chronic problem with alco­ hol that dates back to at least 1986, when he was first convicted of drinking and driving in Arizona. Most recently, he was caught driving drunk on South Yankee Springs Road Nov. 26, 2018. His drinking and driving convic­ tions involve different communities in Michigan and Arizona. But, and this fact was critical to Schipper, Mwborn babies Ruth Rose, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on June 20, 2019 to Kelsey and Kevin Dickinson of Hastings. Samantha Jo Spitzer, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on June 20, 2019 to Shaunie and Tyler Spitzer of Charlotte. Victor David, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on June 26, 2019 to Amy Miller and David Ockerman of Hastings. Alivia Rose Brodbeck, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on June 26, 2019 to Ashley Vasquez and Kyle Brodbeck of l ake Odessa. Hayes Daniel Halliwill, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on June 27, 2019 to Shelby and Zach Halliwill of Hastings. Kaelyn Makohon, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 2, 2019 to Jacqulynn Trann and Kevin Makohon. of Lake Odessa. Michael Dean Long, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 2, 2019 to Megan Heney and Jon Long of Shelbyville. Myron R. Kauffman, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 3, 2019 to Wilma and Raymond Kauffman of Dowling. Marriage licenses I Paul Andrew Betcher, Ypsilanti and Allison Joy Demaagd, Woodland Kay lee Beth Roodvoets, Caledonia and Joshua Douglas Morgan, Byron Center Thomas Michael Jayne, Delton and Ashley Nicole Strutt, Delton Bradley Dale Wilkerson, Middleville and Briana Lynn Schnittker, Middleville Heather Nicole Hill, Dorr and Roy Lee Ugianskis, Hastings Dalton Russell Fraley, Mason and Shayanne Kirsten Suntken, Mason • Mary Lyn Brown, Nashville and Cody Britton Robert Howlett, Nashville Juan Fernando Mascorro-Guerrero, Middleville and Cristian De-Jesus Muniz­ : Sanchez, Holland Joseph David Frohm, Battle Creek and ‘ Mindy Lee Noel, Battle Creek Korin Rochelle Maciulski, South Bend, IN and Alvaro Dante Pallamares, La Florida, ; Santiago ; Jacqueline Lea Carmoney, Nashville and Damien Chesebro, Nashville Jeffrey Ryan Wescott, Hastings and Tina . Louise Eaton, Hastings Taylor Bud Gilbert, Delton and Natalie Jo Warren, Dowling Jan Hermanus Kroes, Lake Odessa and Shelley Lee Salamone, Lake Odessa Wesley Laroy Sensiba, Hastings and Mary Kathryn Schneider, Middleville Russell Ernest Billings, Nashville and Mary-Jean Elizabeth Miller, Nashville Carrie Anne Klotz, Middleville and Keith . Edward Winchester, Middleville Danielle Marie Czuk, Delton and Ryan John Holland, London, United Kingdom Olivia Marie Heuschele, Delton and Tyler Orion Hubbard, Delton Cari Lobeth Wilcox, Hastings and Jacob Rodrick Griswold, Hastings Hailey Marie Diedrich, Alto and Dylan Robert Kissinger, Plainwell Zachary Augustine Comeau, Wayland and Kimberly Marie Johnson, Middleville Alexander Carson Hamilton, born at home in Nashville, Mich, on July 3, 2019 to Michael and Alyssa Hamilton of Nashville, Mich. Addilynn Marie, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 7, 2019 to Brittni and Eric Brummette of Vermontville. Ziggy Jayne Wyskowski, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 9, 2019 to Tia and Harvey Wyskowski of Albion. Arris MaKenzy Schreiner, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 10, 2019 to Sage Wilson and Jody Schreiner. Charles Richard Davis, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 10, 2019 to Allison Owen and Scott Davis of Hastings. Bodhi Michael Thompson, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 10, 2019 to Danielle and Nicholas Thompson of Hastings. Callin Trayce McManamey, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 11, 2019 to Megan and Chantz McManamey of Hastings. This device takes regular readings of transdermal vapors (imperceptible perspi­ ration) which are always emitted from everyone’s body. The device stores the readings and transmits them at a sched­ uled time to a host computer for analysis. It tests for alcohol 24/7. Defense attorney Ronald Pierce appears in court with defendant Keith Wasnich of Hillsdale. Wasnich has never hurt anyone. He is not violent and definitely has shown remorse for his actions. “I thought he would be a really good candi­ date for this,” Pierce said. “... The studies show that if somebody can work a program in recovery, their long-term success ... the odds go way up. If somebody sits in prison for two years, they re-offend.” Pierce said the home detention approach is a more creative way to hold habitual offend­ ers accountable. “The courts have got to get a little bit more progressive. We can’t throw people with addictions in jail ... thinking that’s going to fix ‘em. It just doesn’t work.” Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are online, he pointed out. The 12-step Celebrate Recovery program is online. “A lot of counselors are doing videochat,” Pierce said. “He can continue individual counseling by computer.” Wasnich is a general contractor in Hillsdale, but his position in the community was not a consideration, Pierce said. “He was arrested back in November. It’s what he’s done since then until now that made him a candidate,” Pierce said. “It’s what he has shown us so far; how much he’s bought into his recovery. He’s chaired meetings. He’s got to blow into a Soberlink five times a day. He’s never had a positive blow.” The judge said the attitude and the behavior of the individual - and the fact that the defen­ dant has no history of violence or situations where their actions have injured others. “Those are the things,” Pierce agreed. “I don’t care if somebody’s down and out or they make a lot ofmdney^I just want to know how successful they’re going to be on this program.” County Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt asked for a prison sentence in the Wasnich case. “Our office asked for prison, our record warranted prison, and he deserved prison,” Nakfoor Pratt said. “As much as I would love to help people, and have them get serious counseling help to lead a more productive life, the problem I have as a prosecutor is - is there a danger to society?” Every time Wasnich drove drunk, everyone on that road he traveled was in danger, she said. “His record was horrible.” “There comes a point, from a prosecutor’s perspective, you just have to separate people from society. We are not safe when they are out there.” But Nakfoor Pratt was in the courtroom and heard the judge during the Wasnich sentenc­ ing. “It’s not what we asked for, but I sat there and listened with interest. That person is con­ fined to his home.” She said she was impressed by the fact that the judge isn’t going to tolerate any violation and Wasnich will have to show that he wants to change. It was clear, Nakfoor Pratt said, that if Wasnich steps out of line, there will be serious consequences. “There is a safety factor built in, and the judge will know if he strays from that.” And that’s a key for Schipper. “I can do whatever I want with that tether,” he said. “It’s GPS. We can track it. The tech­ nology is pretty good. We can tell where they’ve been. “It’s not like, if they go off the ranch, it shocks them and drops them - although that’d be nice - but it doesn’t do that.” Since Schipper took over the felony cases this year, he said they’re getting daily PBTs or SCRAM. “We know they’re clean in between and we catch those who aren’t.” “Our prison system works in some cases and not in others,” Schipper said. “With addictions, drugs or alcohol, I don’t know if it’s best. SometimesTt’s necessary, bdt I ddri’L" know if it’s best.” So, the judge is seeking a way to improve the system in Barry County - to save on the costs - on a variety of levels. “I just think our job is to find the truth and figure out how best to help them and give them a punishment that makes the most sense for everyone involved.” This device is essentially a handheld preliminary breath test which uses facial recognition technology to verify that the parolee or probationer is the person that is actually taking the test. The breath samples can be scheduled for set times during the day or night, or randomly administered. Department of Corrections staff also can initiate an “on demand” (or additional) test for the parolee or proba­ tioner. The breath sample results and a photo of the person taking the test are transmitted to the host computer as each test is taken. The parolee or probationer must carry the device at all times so that they are available for the test whenever The device indicates a need to do so either because of a random schedule or an “on demand” test initiated by Department of Corrections staff. Hope Township Notice of Public Hearing and Planning Commission Meeting to Consider Adoption of Amendments to the Hope Township Zoning Ordinance Hope Township Notice of Public Hearing and Planning Commission Meeting to Consider Adoption of an Amendment to the Hope Township Zoning Ordinance TO: THE RESIDENTSAND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE HOPE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Hope Township Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and meeting on August 15, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hope Township Hall, 5463 S M-43 Hwy, within the Township. The purpose of the hearing is to receive comments from the public on the adop­ tion of an amendment to the zoning ordinance pertaining to solar energy collec­ tors. If adopted, the amendment would define and permit small-scale solar energy systems by right in all zoning districts and utility-scale solar energy sys­ tems by special exception use in the AR, Agricultural/Residential and I, Light Industrial zoning districts. The amendment would allow for both building-mount­ ed and ground-mounted solar energy collectors and provide regulatory stan­ dards including, but not limited to, setbacks, size, height, materials, screening, and removal. A copy of the zoning ordinance and the proposed amendment is available for review at the Hope Township Office during regular business hours 9:00 a.m. through noon and 1:15 p.m. through 3:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. Written com­ ments will be received from any interested persons by the Hope Township Clerk at the Township Hall at any time during regular business hours up to the date of the hearing and may be further received by the Planning Commission at the hearing. Oral comments will be taken at the meeting. All interested persons are invited to be present at the aforesaid time and place. THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE HOPE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: TO: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Hope Township Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and meeting on Thursday, August 15, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. at the Hope Township Hall, 5463 S M-43 Hwy, within the Township. The purpose of the hearing is to receive comments from the public on the adop­ tion of two amendments to the zoning ordinance: • The first amendment pertains to solar energy collectors. If adopted, the amendment would define and permit small-scale solar energy systems by right in all zoning districts and utility-scale solar energy systems by special exception use in the AR, Agricultural/Residential and I, Light Industrial zoning districts. The amendment would allow for both build­ ing-mounted and ground-mounted solar energy collectors and provide regulatory standards including, but not limited to, setbacks, size, height, materials, screening, and removal. • The second amendment pertains to the sidewall height of accessory buildings in the RL, Residential Lake zoning district. If adopted, the amendment would allow accessory buildings in the RL, Residential Lake zoning district to have sixteen (16) foot sidewalls on non-lakefront lots. A copy of the zoning ordinance and the proposed amendments is available for review at the Hope Township Office during regular business hours 9:00 a.m. through noon and 1:15 p.m. through 3:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. Written com­ mentswill be received from any interested persons by the Hope Township Clerk at the Township Hall at any time during regular business hours up to the date of the hearing and may be further received by the Planning Commission at the hearing. Oral comments will be taken at the meeting. All interested persons are invited to be present at the aforesaid time and place. This notice is posted in compliance with PA267 of 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act) MCLA 41.72a (2) (3) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Hope Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed material being considered at the hearing, to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon seven (7) days’ notice to the Hope Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Hope Township Clerk at the address or telephone number listed below. This notice is posted in compliance with PA267 of 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act) MCLA 41.72a (2) (3) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Hope Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed material being considered at the hearing, to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon seven (7) days’ notice to the Hope Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Hope Township Clerk at the address or telephone number listed below. HOPE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION 5463 S M-43 Hwy Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 948-2464 123932 HOPE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION 5463 S M-43 Hwy Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 948-2464 124207 �Financial FOCUS 1—'* • 1 1—'/rA/^T TCI Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD JONES Don’t chase last year’s mutual fund category winners Elaine Garlock The big upcoming event is Depot Day Saturday afternoon at the museum, the depot and the lawn on Emerson Street. It is a good idea to bring a lawn chair. There will be food and lots of freebies. The stage will be filled with entertainment. Starting at 12:30 will be Tim Evans and the Silverado Express. Next will be Mike Callton and Friends. They have appeared several years and are always well received. At 2 p.m. is the Janie Rodriguez Award. Who will be the surprised guest? At 2:30 is a new attraction. Mark Dvorak of the Chicago area. He performs country and folk music. He is sometimes called a troubadour with his banjo and guitar. All the time food will be available. The depot gift shop has new items, and the museum has displays, some permanent and others on display for the occasion. A venerable lady who grew up in this community is having a big birthday. Doris (McCaul) Canfield of Lowell turns 100 years old. She grew up here, the daughter of Tony and Mabel McCaul. She has married names of Myers and now Canfield. She is a sister of the late Burton McCaul and Lois Goodemoot. Her address is 120 S. Division at Lowell 49331, for those who’d like to send her a card. The big news over the weekend was weather including a storm that blew through Saturday. Many local people were without power for two days. Others had shorter time of being inconvenienced by lack of refrigeration, lights, TV, fans, and air condition. Many people outside the village had no means of pumping water. That meant making trips into town to get a supply of water. Lots of generators were in use. One huge such device was used on Beech Street to accommodate Lakewood Wastewater Authority. Likely this spot was a pumping station. Some people were shifting contents of their freezers elsewhere. Coupled with the inconvenience of being without power was the temperature with 90 degrees plus both days. On Sunday there was a sign indicating the road was closed at the comer of Cemetery Road and Eaton Highway. A smaller sign indicated that one could still have access to Bob Cusack’s birthday party. The problem was at the north side of Donna Drive where a power line was drooped across the road. Two trucks parked crosswise of the road to stop traffic. Workmen were on the job Sunday afternoon to correct the problem. This meant that there was a big increase in traffic past both the high school and middle school. One had to drive on Brown Road and Velte Road to reach the drives to homes on Jordan Lake. Church services were cancelled at Central UMC because the power went out after 7 a.m. There would be no fans, nor organ, sound system or elevator. The Congregational Church held its service as planned. At the same time, Central church was out of service, so was Carl’s Market. Saturday the two gas stations on M-50 could not operate, but the station on Jordan Lake highway was not affected. Brian Garlock who is with the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team is spending most of the summer with his parents at Big Rapids. He was back in Tampa for two weeks while the coaches were hiring new players for the coming season. Last week while on a golf outing with members of the Biashill family at Arcadia falls, he had the good luck to hit a hole-in-one, his first ever. The world of mutual funds can be confusing. With more than 9,000 funds on the market, how can you choose the ones that are right for you? One way to start is by considering the various categories of mutual funds - and there are quite a few of them: Small Cap Growth, Large Cap Growth, Large Cap Value, Diversified Emerging Markets, Foreign Large Cap Blend and more - the list is extensive, and for many people, confusing. However, with a little study, you can understand why these funds have their names - for example, a Small Cap Growth fund will contain stocks of smaller companies thought to offer growth potential. Once you know the goals of different categories of mutual funds, you can determine which ones fit into your overall investment strategy. This is important, because you want to ensure your portfolio is appropriately diversified. For example, if you find that almost all of your mutual funds come from the above-mentioned Small Cap Growth category, you may be taking on more investment risk than you’d like, because funds that offer the greatest growth possibilities also usually carry the highest degree of market volatility. Typically, you may be better off owning an array of mutual funds drawn from several different categories, with the percentage each category occupies in your portfolio based on your the financial markets. Always keep in mind, goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. (Keep though, that past performance can’t guarantee in mind, though, that while diversification how the fund will perform in the future. can help reduce the effects of volatility, it Mutual funds are popular investments doesn’t guarantee a profit or protect against and for good reason. Since each fund losses in a declining market.) generally contains dozens of securities, you You might be tempted to choose categories get a degree of diversification you can’t by looking at which most recently achieve from owning individual stocks or outperformed the others, and just stick with bonds. And, as discussed above, you can those groups. But is this a good idea? diversify further by owning funds from It probably isn’t - and the main reason you several categories. Just remember, though, shouldn’t chase performance this way is that as you build your mutual fund portfolio, things change very quickly in the mutual don’t get caught up in last year’s results funds arena. It’s quite possible - and has because old news just may not be that happened many times - that the top category relevant today. last year can fall into one of the worst­ Mutual fund investing involves risk. Your performing ones this year, and vice versa. principal and investment return in a mutual Consequently, your efforts to capture a fund will fluctuate in value. Your investment, winning trend may be futile. when redeemed, may be worth more or less Of course, within the context of investing than the original cost. in various mutual fund categories, you still This article was written by Edward Jones, need to choose individual funds. And, as is for use by your local Edward Jones Financial; the case with categories, you might be Advisor. If you have any questions, contact tempted to give considerable weight to a MarkD. Christensen at 269-945-3553. fund’s track record. But, similar to the situation with fund categories, “chasing performance” is typically not a good strategy The following prices are from the close of - after all, last year’s “hot” fund may have business last Tuesday. Reported changes are : cooled off considerably this year. from the previous week. Nonetheless, reviewing a fund’s longer-term Apple Inc. 208.84 +4.34 , track record can help you understand how it AT&T 32.09 -1.49 • might perform through the ups and downs of Chemical Fin +.46 ’ 41.34 ----- STOCKS----- Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF® (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinancial.com Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you Gun Lake Area Sewer & Water Authority Position Available Maintenance Supervisor Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC Karen Hayward Administrative Assistant GLASWA is accepting applications for one (1) full-time Supervisor position. Applications will be accepted until position is filled. Gold Silver Dow Jones Under the supervision of the Director, the Maintenance Supervisor, coordinates and supervises the planning and scheduling of the preventative maintenance and/or repairs and installations of plant equipment necessary for the efficient operation of the wastewater treatment facility, the lift stations and grinder pumps. Plans and schedules preventative maintenance of the sanitary sewer collection system including the inspections, cleaning, televising and structural repairs of laterals and manholes. Ensures plans are in place to respond to emergency situations that may occur at the plant or collection system. Provides assistance to the Director with the safety program, budget preparation and other assignments. An application form and full job description are available online http://gunlakesewer.org/job-postings/ or upon request at the Gun Lake Sewer & Water Authority, 12588 Marsh Rd., Shelbyville, Michigan, 49344 or request through email: glasa@gunlakesewer.org. Questions regarding this position should be directed to Larry Knowles, Director, (269) 672-5588. Larry Knowles Director 124210 NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPOERTY OWNERS OF BARRY TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the following is a summary of Ord #67, which was adopted by the Township Board of Barry Township at its meeting held July 9, 2019. A summary of the Ordinance follows: TITLE. This Ordinance is entitled as the “Barry Township Floodplain Management Provisions Ordinance.” Section 1. AGENCY DESIGNATED. This section designates the Planning Director of Barry County as the enforcing agency to discharge the responsibility of the Township of Barry. Section 2. CODE APPENDIX ENFORCED. This section sets forth provisions for the state construction code in accordance with Section 8b(6) of Act 230, as amended, Appendix G of the Michigan Building Code shall be enforced by the agency within the jurisdiction of the community adopting this Ordnance. Section 3. DESIGNATION OF REGULATED FLOOD PRONE HAZARD AREAS. This section references the FEMA and FIS “Barry County all jurisdiction” Flood Insurance Rate Maps. Section 4. REPEALS. All ordinances inconsistent with the provisions of this ordinance are hereby repealed. Section 5, EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall be effective after 30 days after publication after adoption. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the full text of the Ordinance has been posted at the Barry Township office, 11300 S. M-43 Hwy, Delton, Michigan within the Township; and that copies of the same may be obtained or inspected at the office of the Barry Township Clerk during regular business hours of regular business days. Barry Township Debra J. Knight, Clerk 11300 S. M-43 Hwy., Delton, Ml 49046 269-623-8939 123970 125.82 168.35 75.37 52.56 10.17 10.65 40.71 213.08 128.84 58.21 139.29 53.84 43.09 11.15 209.37 21.01 112.09 141.26 142.47 -4.18 -3.66 +2.99 +2.21 +3.47 +.24 -.68 +3.97 -.26 -2.67 -3.04 -6.10 $1,420.10 $16.50 27,349 +$16.09 +.91 +14 +1.06 +2.20 -.56 -.39 -.34 +.27 +1.28 ■ ■ ; ' : : • “ ' ’ : ' ' ■ ' Legionella testing requirements being eased at Spectrum Health Pennock Minimum requirements include a high school diploma or GED. A Commercial Driver's License valid in the State of Michigan with a "B" endorsement w/air brakes (within two months of hire), and knowledge of electric is preferred. The wage rate range for this position - $22.00 to $25.00 per hour (DOQ) and includes a fringe benefit package. Chevron Deere & Co. Exxon Mobil Flowserve CP Ford Motor Co. General Electric Co. General Motors Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP Perrigo Co. Pfizer Inc. Spartannash Comp Stryker TCF Financial Corp. Walmart Inc. Walt Disney Co Whirl Pool Corp Advertisement for Bids Delton Kellogg Schools High School Locker Replacement & Chiller Repair Sealed proposals for all work categories as described in the Project Manual for the above project will be received no later than Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 10:00 AM. Proposals should be addressed to Jamie Erbes, Project Manager, and delivered to The Christman Co., 634 Front Avenue NW, Suite 500, Grand Rapids, Ml 49504-5355 up to 1 day prior to bid opening. Bids can be brought to Delton Kellogg Schools 327 N. Grove St, Delton, Ml 49046 the day of the opening. All proposals will be publicly opened at Delton Kellogg Schools at 10AM. Duplicate proposals shall be submitted to the Construction Manager at the above address on the proposal form provided, in a sealed envelope clearly marked WORK CATEGORY NO. , and shall be identified with the project name and the bidder’s name and address. All contractors bidding on work must be bondable and must include in their bid the cost for furnishing a Co-Obligee Labor and Material Payment Bond and a Co-Obligee Performance Bond. On the proposal form the contractor will identify a cost to be deducted from their bid should bonds not be required. There will be a pre-bid conference at Delton Kellogg High School on Kellogg High School 10425 Panther Pride Drive, Delton, Ml 49046 on July 25, 2019 at 10AM conducted by the Construction Manager. It is strongly recommended that contrac­ tors attend the pre-bid conference. Contract documents may be obtained by email Jamie Erbes (Jamie.erbes@christmanco.com) All questions are to be directed to the Construction Manager. No direct contact with the Owner or Architect is requested. Each Proposal shall be accompanied by a certified check, cashiers’ check, money order, or bid bond made payable to The Christman Company in an amount not less than five percent (5%) of the base bid as a bid security. The Bid Security of Bidders under consideration will be returned immediately after award of contracts by the Construction Manager. The amount of the guarantee shall be forfeited to the Owner if the successful Bidder fails to enter into a contract and furnish required bonds and insurance within 30 days after award of contracts. All proposals submitted shall remain valid for a period of sixty (60) days after the bid date. The Owner, Architect and Construction Manager reserve the right to waive any irregularities, reject any or all proposals, or accept any proposal, which, in their opinion, will serve their best interest. After showing successful remediation of; Legionella bacteria from the water supply, the ; Barry-Eaton District Health Department is no ’ longer requiring Spectrum Health Pennock to submit bimonthly water testing. This follows ; the initial plan developed by Spectrum Health Pennock and BEDHD when the Legionella; bacteria was first discovered in December, ’ according to a July 24 press release from the • health department. Testing will continue on a quarterly basis ; for the foreseeable future. Since Legionella bacteria was found in the ; private water system in December, Spectrum • Health Pennock installed a monochloramine, water treatment unit under a permit from the* Michigan Department of Environment, Great!; Lakes and Energy for its private water system to address the bacterial contamination. Hospital officials also instituted a water safety and management plan that specifically! addresses Legionella bacteria. The treatment unit has demonstrated that it has been effective/ in significantly reducing or eliminating Legionella bacteria that may be present in the water supply. Updated water management protocols also have been put in place to safeguard the water supply. Spectrum Health Pennock continues to work with EGLE and the health department to ensure continued water monitoring and treatment protocol. Spectrum Health Pennock plans to continue testing water throughout the facility for Legionella bacteria four times per year for the foreseeable future as part of its water safety and management plan. Health department staff will continue to monitor these test results. / Legionnaire’s disease, caused by Legionella^ bacteria, is a kind of pneumonia, or lung; infection. People can become infected with Legionella when they breathe in water droplets containing the bacteria. Symptoms of Legionnaire’s disease include cough, shortness of breath, muscle aches, headache* and fever. Legionnaire’s disease can be serious but is treatable with antibiotics. Most people with Legionnaire’s disease need to go to a hospital but will make a full recovery.; However, about 1 in 10 people with* Legionnaire’s die from the infection. Legionnaire’s cannot be spread from person to person. More information about Legionnaire’s" disease can be found on the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s website, https://www.cdc. gov/legionella/fastfacts .html. �Hastings Public Library 227 E State Street Hastings Ml 49058 The Hastings Banner — Thursday, Juiy 25, 2019 — Page 9 fl look back at the stories and columns on local hlstoru In the Hastings Banner // Itlf TURNING » BACK THE L PACES O Nashville development tied to trains POPULATION - 1374 MODERN SCHOOLS * CHURCHES - LOW TAXI HOME AND INDUSTRIAL BUILDING SITES Nashville’s population numbered 642 for its first official count in 1870. The railroad’s arrival triggered an unprecedented local building boom, and by 1880 the count had risen to 1,028. In this welcoming billboard from the 1950s era, the village population is listed at 1,374. Plans have been in the works for well memorable weather events, and occasional over a year to celebrate the scsquicentennial, “this week in Nashville history. ” It seems fitting to reprint her column in or 150th birthday, of the village of Nashville. Among the activities will be a dedication the days leading up to the big celebration in ceremony to name a pavilion in memory of her favorite town. This column, published Susan (Murphy) Hinckley. A Nashville native, July 16, 1985, was the first of two that Hinckley devoted several years to focused specifically on the settling and researching the history of the community and development of the village. providing the Maple Valley News with her Nashville, Barry County’s third largest weekly “Memories of the Past” column. The column over the years featured colorful town, nestles in the Thornappie River Valley characters, school days, milestones, with its eastern limits near the Eaton County businesses of the past, unique or tragic line. It is located on two major trunklines, events, transportation over the years, M-66 and M-79 and comprises parts of Castleton and Maple Grove townships. Early settlers and first name Though Nashville is no longer served by a railroad, it owes both its name and its growth to an early local line: Grand River Valley Railroad. Though early pioneers opted to call the place “Forest City” for obvious reasons, it finally was named for Garadus Nash, chief civil engineer for the Grand River Valley Railroad. He may have offered to plat the village in return for the honor (accounts differ) but de did not do the platting and reasons for this are disputed. However, the name stuck and became official when Nashville was incorporated March 26, 1869, in an act signed by Gov. Henry P. Baldwin. Other names for the community considered but rejected were Johnstown and Greggsville, the latter for pioneer developer George Gregg and his son Robert who finally drew up the first village plats in 1865. Mr. Nash resided in Nashville only during the building of the railroad line, which commenced with surveying in 1866 and concluded with final construction in early 1869. The first white families to settle in Nashville put down roots north of the One of the many physicians to serve Thornappie River in what is now the Putnam Nashville in the past 120 years was Dr. Park area. Charles Hanchett and his brother Hiram appear to have been the first white Carl K. Brown, seen in this mid-1920s residents within what are now the corporate photo outside his North Main Street office. limits of Nashville. The Hanchetts were His untimely death at age 47 (in 1929) operating a crude saw mill and living in a log shocked and saddened the community. house nearby when the second white family, Brown’s brother-in-law Stewart Lofdahl the Henry Feighners, arrived in 1854. came to Nashville from Chicago to Henry’s brothers, Solomon and William, also assume his practice. Later, it was taken were early pioneers. In addition to those over by Lofdahl’s partner Dr. Thomas already named and the George B. Gregg Myers, who was Nashville’s only physi­ family which included 13 children, other early settlers were Jacob Purkey (whose son cian in 1985. Delton Kellogg Schools School Board Member Vacancy Due to the recent retirement of a school board member, Delton Kellogg Schools is accepting applications to fill the vacancy. If interested in serving on the Board until the end of the term of 12/31/2020, please send written interest including a list of qualifications and letter explaining why you are interested in serving on the school Board to: Delton Kellogg Schools Superintendent’s Office 327 N. Grove St. Delton, MI 49046 Or email carol.hersha@dkschools.org The earliest white settlers in Nashville put down roots in the mid-1850s on the north bank of the Thornappie River, near the present-day Putnam Park area (center foreground). The first frame building south of the river is believed to have been located on the northeast corner of the Main and Reed streets intersection (white building visible just across the road from the old 1881 grist mill. Leonard Stauffer, Nashville's first merchant, operated a general store in his home there. Gradually, the community spread southward and to the east, as seen in this circa-1898 photo taken atop the old standpipe water tower. Thomas later became a noted stonemason in Nashville); Samuel R. Clendenin and John Webster, both blacksmiths; Eli Mallett, a miller; Alanson Phillips; and O.E. Phillips. (The latter two were responsible for several of the 10 subsequent additions to the original village.) Buildings go up The land on which Nashville stands was purchased from the government in 1836-37 for speculation. From that time until the early 1850s, no improvements were made. The Henry Feighners built the first frame house north of the Thornappie River, in what is now the corporate limits of the village. Indians were their nearby neighbors. The first blacksmith shop in the settlement was built in 1855 on what is now South Bridge Street, west of the river, by Samuel R. Clendenin; and for the next century Nashville was never without a blacksmith. Leonard Stauffer was the first merchant in Nashville. He operated a general store in his home on the east side of Main Street, just north of what is now Reed Street. His was the first frame building south of the river. Churches established Religious services were first conducted in Nashville in 1866 by Rev. J.H. Richards, a Methodist minister from Kalamo, inside a partially completed grist mill owned by the Mallett family. The first church service held within a regular house of worship in Nashville was; iTT "T87CU at the Christian^ Church, still in service now [1985] as Trinity gospel at 219 Washington St. School begins In 1866, a notice was circulated for the purpose of erecting a village schoolhouse, and it met with prompt response. The log building, situated west of what is now the Main Street business district near the swampy area adjacent to the river, was completed before dark on the appointed day. Miss Agnes Smith, later the wife of Nashville businessman Charles M. Putnam, was the first teacher. She had 13 students at the onset, but within a year, the number of pupils had risen to 56. In the summer of 1867, the site where Kellogg Elementary School now stands was cleared of timber, and a two-room building erected. Two teachers were hired. By 1876, crowded conditions prompted the building of a small structure to house the primary department. Nine years later, even larger quarters were needed. The two-story brick Union School was built. The little primary school building was moved in 1885 to a site on Maple Street where it still stands after 90 years use as The Nashville News office. A disastrous nighttime fire Feb. 5, 1902, destroyed the Union School. It was replaced later that year by a similarly styled brick building that continued to serve the community until consolidation with Vermontville into the Maple Valley system in 1963. An addition to the old school was made in 1936 through the help of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and that unit served as a middle school. (The 1902 portion was razed in 1966.) Also currently in use in Nashville is the Fuller Street Elementary School built in 1952. Nashville’s junior and senior high students are bused to Maple Valley School, located in Eaton County, east of Nashville. Doctors arrive The first physician in Nashville was Dr. John Palmer, who arrived there in early 1866, and was appointed its first postmaster June 29 of the year. The post office was opened in his home. Mail was received three times weekly via stagecoach from Battle Creek until the railroad’s arrival in 1869. Since that time, Nashville’s post office has been located in a number of Main Street buildings. It currently is housed in a new post office dedicated in 1966. After Dr. Palmer’s tenure in Nashville, several other physicians served the community over the years. Among the best remembered were Dr. W.H. Young; Dr. H.P. Comfort; Dr. Edgar T. Morris (who went to Nashville fresh out of medical school in 1898 and practiced there 60 years); Dr. Joseph T. Goucher (who gained a measure of notoriety by his conviction in 1888 of attempted grave robbery allegedly for medical specimens, at Barryville Cemetery); husband and wife team, Drs. John I and Minnie Baker; Dr. Francis F. Shilling; Dr. Pultz, who opened a small hospital on State Street; Dr. Carl K. Brown, a beloved family physician whose sudden death in 1929 shocked the community; Dr. Stewart Lofdahl, Brown’s brother-in-law, who moved from Chicago to assume his practice and later returned to Chicago, leaving the Nashville office in the hands of an associate, Dr. Thomas Myers, who still maintains it [in 1985]. Transportation Nashville’s growth is directly tied to the arrival of the first train Jan. 26,1869, the date regular service was established from Jackson on the newly built Grand River Valley Railroad line. The railroad later became Michigan Central, then New York Central and finally, Conrail. It is no longer operational, the tracks having been removed in 1984-85. Until the automobile came of age, the railroad was Nashville’s link with the outside world, and many old-timers recall as many as four passenger trains daily between Jackson and Grand Rapids. Nashville’s population jumped from 642 in 1870, with 75 new structures erected between April and October. By 1900 the census had risen to 1,164; in 1980, it was 1,628. [The 2000 U.S. Census showed 1,684 residents in the village. By 2010, it was back to 1,628.] To be continued ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PUBLIC HEARING WINCHESTER DRIVE ROAD IMPROVEMENT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 19-1 TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ORAN­ GEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PER­ SONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Township Board of Orangeville Township, as autho­ rized by PA 188 of 1954, as amended, proposes to undertake a road improvement project on Winchester • Drive in Orangeville Township as more particularly described below and to create a separate special assessment district- for the .recovery of the costs thereof by special assessment against the properties benefited. The Township Board of Orangeville Township is acting pursuant to petitions, as authorized by PA 188 of 1954, as amended. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the special assessment district within which the foregoing improvements are proposed to be made and within which the costs thereof are to be specially assessed includes all parcels with frontage on and/or with driveway access to Winchester Drive in Orangeville Township. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has received plans show­ ing the proposed road improvements and associated activities, together with an estimated project cost in the amount of $40,000. The cost of the project is proposed to be raised by special assessment on parcels in the proposed district. The Orangeville Township Board has passed a resolution tentatively declaring its intention to undertake such project and to create the afore-described special assessment district. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has placed the project plans and costs estimate on file with the Township Clerk and said plans, cost estimates and special assessment district may be examined at the Township Clerk’s office from the date of this Notice to the date of the public hearing and may further be examined at such public hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board proposes to make a spe­ cial assessment based on road frontage on Winchester Drive (including an assessment for an end lot) each year for a period of five years (2019-2023 inclusive). The total assess­ ment amount will be approximately $19.53 per foot of frontage and/or driveway access on Winchester Drive, including an additional amount for the end lot. The Township Board reserves the right to levy a lesser assessment in the final year of the special assessment district, if there are more funds in the special assessment district fund than the amount needed for the project. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a public hearing on the plans, district, cost es­ timates and will be held at Orangeville Township Hall, 7350 Lindsey Road, Plainwell, Mich­ igan, on July 30, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. At the hearing, the Board will consider any written objections and comments to any of the foregoing matters which are filed with the Township Clerk at or before the hearing, and any objections or comments raised at the hearing; and at the hearing (or any adjournment of the hearing which may be made without further no­ tice), the township board may revise, correct, amend or change the plans, cost estimates or special assessment district. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if written objections to the project are filed with the Township Board at or before the hearing, signed by the record owners of land constitut­ ing more than 20% of the total frontage on the road, the township board may not proceed unless petitions in support of the project, signed by record owners of more than 50% of the total frontage on the road proposed for improvement and for inclusion in the special assessment district, are filed with the township. The Township Board has already received petitions in support of the project signed by record owners of more than 50% of the total frontage on the road proposed for improvement. Written comments or objections may be filed with the clerks at the address set out below. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that appearance and protest at the public hearing is required in order to appeal the amount of the special assessment to the State Tax Tri­ bunal within 30 days after the special assessment roll is confirmed. An owner or party in interest, or his or her agent, may appear in person at the hearing to protest the special assessment, or shall be permitted to file at or before the hearing his or her appearance or protest by letter and his or her personal appearance shall not be required. All interested persons are invited to be present in person or by representative and to express their views at the public hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if the Township Board determines to proceed with the special assessment, the Board will cause a special assessment roll to be prepared and another hearing will be held, after notice to record owners of property proposed to be specially assessed, to hear public comments concerning the proposed special assess­ ment. Orangeville Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon four (4) days’ notice to the Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township Clerk at the address below. Mel Risner, Clerk Orangeville Township 7350 Lindsey Road Plainwell, Ml 49080 (269) 664-4522 123783 �Page 10 — Thursday, July 25, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Hastings Public Library 227 E State Street Hastings Ml 49058 Next steps for recycling in county LEGAL NOTICES SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE - Jeffrey D. Hunt and Donna D. Hunt, husband and wife, granted a mortgage to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”), solely as nominee for lender and lender's successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated February 1, 2017, and recorded on February 16,2017, in Document No. 2017-001613, and assigned by said mortgagee to Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Fifty-Two Thousand Nine Hundred NinetyNine and 08/100 Dollars ($152,999.08). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the Mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the East doors of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on August 08, 2019. Said premise^ are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: Being Lots three (3) and four (4), Loehrs Landing, according to the Plat thereof recorded in Liber 3 of Plats, Page 61, Barry County Records. The redemption period will be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period will be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 600.3241 a(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of Act 236 of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property^ during the redemption period. Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman P.C. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1389941 (07-11)(08-01) 123473 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE The Mortgage described below is in default: Mortgage (the “Mortgage”) made by Larry B. Bovia and Charlene Bovia, husband and wife, as Mortgagors, to United Bank of Michigan, a Michigan banking corporation f/k/a United Bank Mortgage Corporation, with its address at 900 East Paris Avenue, SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546, as Mortgagee, dated September 23, 2014 and recorded on September 25, 2014, Instrument no. 2014-009041, Barry County Records, Barry County, Michigan. The balance owing on the Mortgage is $260,312.33 at the time of this Notice. The Mortgage contains a power of sale and no suit or proceeding at law or in equity has been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage, or any part of the Mortgage. TAKE NOTICE that on August 15, 2019, at 1:00 p.m., local time, gr any adjourned date thereafter, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale at public auction to the highest bidder, at the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan. The Mortgagee will apply the sab proceeds to the debt secured by the Mortgage as Mated above, plus Interest on the amount due at the rate of 4.25% per annum; all legal costs and expenses, including attorneys fees allowed by law; and also any amount paid by the Mortgagee to protect its interest in the property. The property to be sold at foreclosure is all of that real estate situated in Prairieville Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: COMMENCING AT THE WEST ONE-QUARTER CORNER OF SECTION 12, TOWN 1 NORTH, RANGE 10 WEST, PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN; THENCE NORTH 01 DEGREES 05 MINUTES 17 SECONDS WEST, 66.00 FEET ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID SECTION 12; THENCE NORTH 89 DEGREES 35 MINUTES 02 SECONDS EAST, 841.74 FEET ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF OAK DRIVE; THENCE NORTHEASTERLY 50.27 FEET ALONG THE ARC OF A CURVE TO THE RIGHT, THE RADIUS OF WHICH IS 90.21 FEET, THE CENTRAL ANGLE OF WHICH IS 31 DEGREES 55 MINUTES 35 SECONDS AND THE CHORD OF WHICH BEARS NORTH 15 DEGREES 57 MINUTES 47 SECONDS EAST 49.62 FEET TO THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING: THENCE NORTH 31 DEGREES 55 MINUTES 34 SECONDS EAST, 262.85 FEET; THENCE NORTH 58 DEGREES 04 MINUTES 26 SECONDS WEST, 333.00 FEET TO AN INTERMEDIATE TRAVERSE LINE OF THE SHORE OF UPPER CROOKED LAKE; THENCE ALONG SAID INTERMEDIATE TRAVERSE LINE SOUTH 31 DEGREES 55 MINUTES 34 SECONDS WEST, 167.86 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 40 DEGREES 30 MINUTES 16 SECONDS EAST 314.68 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 58 DEGREES 04 MINUTES 26 SECONDS EAST, 33.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. INCLUDING LANDS LYING BETWEEN SAID INTERMEDIATE TRAVERSE LINE AND THE WATERS OF UPPER CROOKED LAKE, AS LIMITED BYTHE SIDE LINES EXTENDED TO THE WATER EDGE. TOGETHER WITH AND SUBJECT TO A NON-EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE EASEMENT APPURTENANT THERETO FOR INGRESS, EGRESS AND PUBLIC UTILITY PURPOSES 66 FEET WIDE, 33 FEET EACH SIDE OF A CENTERLINE DESCRIBED AS: COMMENCING AT THE WEST ONE-QUARTER CORNER OF SECTION 12, TOWN 1 NORTH, RANGE 10 WEST, PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN; THENCE NORTH 01 DEGREES 05 MINUTES 17 SECONDS WEST, 66.00 FEET ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID SECTION 12; THENCE NORTH 89 DEGREES 35 MINUTES 02 SECONDS EAST, 841.74 FEET ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF OAK DRIVE TO THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING OF SAID CENTERLINE; THENCE NORTHEASTERLY 50.27 FEET ALONG THE ARC OF A CURVE TO THE RIGHT, THE RADIUS OF WHICH IS 90.21 FEET, THE CENTRAL ANGLE OF WHICH IS 31 DEGREES 55 MINUTES 35 SECONDS, AND THE CHORD OF WHICH BEARS NORTH 15 DEGREES 57 MINUTES 47 SECONDS EAST, 49.62 FEET; THENCE NORTH 31 DEGREES 55 MINUTES 34 SECONDS EAST, 394.69 FEET; THENCE NORTH 00 DEGREES 24 MINUTES 58 SECONDS WEST, 578.91 FEET TO A POINT HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED AS REFERENCE POINT “A”, AND THE END OF SAID EASEMENT FOR CUL-DE-SAC PURPOSES, OF 50 FOOT RADIUS, CENTERED ON AFOREMENTIONED REFERENCE POINT “A”. SUBJECT TO EASEMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS OF RECORD. Parcel No. 12-012-005-02 The redemption period shall be six (6) months from the date of sale pursuant to MCLA 600.3240(8), unless deemed abandoned and then pursuant to the time frames provided for in MCL 600.3241a. Mortgagors will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. July 3, 2019 UNITED BANK OF MICHIGAN, Mortgagee PLUNKETT COONEY KELLI L. BAKER (P49960) Attorney for Mortgagee 333 Bridge Street, NW Ste. 530 Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504 (616) 752-4624 (07-11) (08-08) 123205 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Trust In the matter of the Robert D. Peters Revocable Declaration of Trust dated April 20,2010. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO ALL CREDITORS: The decedent, Robert D. Peters, born May 2, 1933, who lived at 515 East William Street, Hastings, Michigan died April 17,2019 leaving a certain trust under the name of the Robert D. Peters Revocable Declaration of Trust, and dated April 20, 2010, wherein the decedent was the settlor and Terra L. Zoerner was nameci as the trustee serving at the time of or as a result of the decedents death. Creditors of the decedent are notified that ail claims against the trust will be forever barred unless presented to Terra L. Zoerner, the named trustee at 10725 Stoneridge, Shelbyville, Michigan within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: July 16, 2019 Attorney: Robert L. Byington P-27621 222 West Apple Street, P.O. Box 248 Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-9557 Terra L. Zoerner 10725 Stoneridge Shelbyville, Michigan 49344 124023 NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF BARRY COUNTY Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public hearing for the following: Case Number V-9-2019 - Jamie VanBeek (Property Owner). Location: 4472 Trails End Road, Middleville, in Section 4 of Orangeville Township. Purpose: Request a variance to construct a 30x40 detached garage with a 2-ft side yard setback (the minimum is 7 ft) and a 2-ft rear yard setback (the minimum is 20 ft) in the RL (Recreational Lakes) zoning district. Case Number V-10-2019 - Alden Vincent (Property Owner). Location: Bayne Road, Woodland, in Section 9 of Castleton Township. Purpose: Request a variance to construct a home with setbacks of 70 ft and 65 ft from the center of the road (the minimum is 83 ft) in the A (Agriculture) zoning district. MEEIll^JDAffi:August 12, 2019. UME: 7:00 PM. PLACE:-Tyden Center, Community Room, 121 South Church Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Site inspections of the above described properties will be completed by the Zoning Board of Appeals members before the hearing. Interested persons desiring to present their views upon an appeal, either verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned time and place. Any written response may be mailed to the address listed below, faxed to (269) $48-4820, or emailed to Barry County Planning Director James McManus at jnraiaiius^an^unMorg^ The variance applications are available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Please call the Barry County Planning Department at (269) 945-1290 for further information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or calling the following: Michael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 945-1284. Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk • 123987 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE ATTHE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Steven T. Freeman and Carolynn J. Freemen, Husband and Wife, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Mortgage Research Center, LLC d/b/a Veterans United Home Loans, Mortgagee, dated Febuary 15, 2018, and recorded on February 23, 2018, at Document/lnstrument Number 2018-001703, in Barry County Records, Michigan and last assigned to Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, as assignee, documented by an Assignment of Mortgage dated April 15, 2019, and recorded on April 23, 2019, at Document/lnstrument Number 2019-003909, in Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due and owing as of June 25, 2019, the sum of TWO HUNDRED FORTY FIVE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FIFTY EIGHT and 99/100 Dollars ($245,658.99). Notice is hereby given that under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on Thursday, August 29, 2019. Said premise is situated at 4533 Foxmoor Court, Middleville, Michigan 49333 in the Township of Irving, Barry County, State of Michigan, and is described as: LAND SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF IRVING, COUNTY OF BARRY, STATE OF MICHIGAN, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: LOT 18, FOXGLOVE ESTATES SUBDIVISION, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN LIBER 6 OF PLATS, PAGE(S) 61, BARRY COUNTY RECORDS. The redemption period shall be six (6) months (180 Days) from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. Pursuant to Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, if the property is sold at foreclosure sale, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder under MCLA 600.3278 for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: June 27, 2019 For More Information, please call: Matthew R. Reinhardt Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. Attorneys for Servicer 251 N. Rose St., Suite 200 Kalamazoo, Ml 49007 (855) 287-0240 Matter No. 132070 (07-11)(08-01) 123009 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on August 1,2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Dan Phillips, an unmarried man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Center, LLC Foreclosing Assignee (if any): None Date of Mortgage: April 9, 2010 Date of Mortgage Recording: April 20, 2010 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $30,311.56 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: All of Lot 14 and the South 1/2 of Lot 13 and the North 14 feet of Lot 15 of Block 44, Village of Middleville, according to the recorded Plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, Page 27, Barry County Records. The redemption period shall be 1 year from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower: will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: July 4, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1389263 (07-04) (07-25) 122976 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate and Trust Probate Court File No. 19-28248-DE Estate of Marilyn Laverne Rorabeck (a/k/a Marilyn Lavern Rorabeck), Deceased. Date of birth: 12/02/1930. The Marilyn Laverne Rorabeck Trust dated March 20, 2017. NOTICE TO ALL CREDITORS: The decedent, Marilyn Laverne Rorabeck (a/k/a Marilyn Lavern Rorabeck), who lived at 13740 Trick Road, Delton, Michigan, died 01/31/2019. On March 20, 2017, the decedent established the Marilyn Laverne Rorabeck Trust. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the Estate and the Trust will be forever barred unless presented to Linda K. Hill, Personal Representative of the Estate of Marilyn Laverne Rorabeck (a/k/a Marilyn Lavern Rorabeck), Deceased, and Trustee of the Marilyn Laverne Rorabeck Trust; or to both the Personal Representative and the Probate Court at 206 West Court Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, within four (4) months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: July 22, 2019 Attorney: Michael A. Dombos (P49157) Lewis, Reed & Allen, P.C. 136 East Michigan Avenue, Suite 800 Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007 Phone: (269) 388-7600 Personal Representative and Trustee Linda K. Hili 13740 Trick Road ; . Delton, Michigan 49046 Phone: (269) 671-5644 124289 NOTICE SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE - At Home R.E. LLC, granted a mortgage to Visio Financial Services, Inc., Mortgagee, dated December 28, 2017, and recorded on January 3, 2018, in Document No. 2018-000112, and assigned by said mortgagee to Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB dba Christiana Trust, not in its individual capacity but solely as Owner Trustee of Residential Credit Opportunities Trust II, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Thirty-Nine Thousand One Hundred Ninety-Seven and 77/100 Dollars ($39,197.77). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and, provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the East doors of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on August 15, 2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michlgifi and are described as: Ail that part Lots Two (2) and Three (3) of Block Twenty (20), lying West of FalrCreek, except the West 78 feet of said Lots, being in the Eastern Addition to the City, formerly the Village of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan. The redemption period will be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period will be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 600.3241 a(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of Act 236 of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemptfoh period. Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, d/b/a Christina Trust, not in its individual capacity but soley as owner Trustee of Residential Credit Opportunities Trust II Mortgagee/ Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman P.C. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1390462 (07-18) (08-08) 123920 Rebecca Pierce Editor “The world recycling situation has drasti­ cally changed due to China stopping the pur­ chase of our recycling materials due to con­ tamination,” Hastings Charter Township Supervisor Jim Brown told Barry County commissioners Monday. During his presentation on recycling, Brown proposed that the county’s solid waste oversight committee form a long-range plan to take these and other local conditions into consideration. “There are no easy answers,’ he said, “But there are things we can do. The SWOC needs to have some idea where the county commis­ sioners stand in the overall picture of support­ ing a recycling effort, both physically and financially.” When a questionnaire, called a Green Sheet Survey, was sent to townships several years ago, the returns were overwhelming, he said. Seventy percent of the respondents were pos­ itive in support of recycling in a basic and reasonable form. Brown provided the commissioners with a four-question survey for them to fill out prior to the next solid waste oversight committee meeting Aug. 9. The changes in the recycling industry are “the best thing could ever happen to us,” he told the board, “because we are too smart; we’ve got too much talent to ship garbage overseas. We can actually take the garbage and use it.” One of the problems they now face is that garbage waste haulers are in the business of mixing everything into one big pile. But the technology is changing dramatically, Brown said, so that items that were not recycled in the past are actively being sought. As an example, he mentioned pizza boxes, which were not recycled in the past. Now they are - and, earlier this year, Brown started a pizza box recycling project with Star Elementary School in Hastings to encourage students to recycle. The goal is for them to collect enough pizza boxes to recycle that, all together, would equal the height of the Statue of Liberty. (Seven average pizza boxes equal one foot, Brown said.) The Statue of Liberty is 305 feet high. “They have collected 1,600 boxes, so they’re getting close.” The county had contracted for two years with Iris Waste Diversion Specialists, but that contract is done, so it’s time for the county to step up, he said. “Time is important,” Brown said;” not to mention money.” Commissioner Ben Geiger, who serves on the solid waste oversight board, told fellow commissioners, “People need to understand the challenges.” “Recycling has kind of come into our [solid waste oversight committee] wheelhouse,” Geiger said. “But it’s similar to the parks commission being responsible for recycling. This commission needs to look at what Jim’s asking and give some guidance.” Geiger suggested commissioners look at some of the successes and model on what’s working, specifically with the parks board. “If we’re serious, separate [recycling] out from SWOC and give it to a board with some funding behind it so they can make targeted investments,” Geiger said. “I echo Jim. We need to know where the commission is on this subject.” Commissioner Jon Smelker, who pointed out that Brown’s township has one of the bet­ ter recycling program in the county, said he Five county employees received certificates of appreciation from the county board for their years of service to the county and contributions to their work. The employees (from left) include Bindie Shumate, abstractor in the register of deeds office; Michelle Weeldreyer and Brenda Morgan, both from the adult specialty courts program; Diane Neeb, Commission on Aging adult day care coordinator; and (not shown) Tim Neeb, building and grounds director, who could not attend the meeting Tuesday. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: Recreation All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which. collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. SUMMER SPLASH!! ADVEN­ TURE Awaits Campground Camp­ ing—full hookup or water and elec­ tric only. Swimming, fishing, water slide, kid's playground, beach, volleyball court, diving platform, water bull riding. 50 mile Paul Henry Thornapple Trail starts here for hiking and biking. River tubing on the Thornapple River 2-3 hours. Beach Party Pavilion, Camp Store, Recreation Center rental. Come have fun with us! 3266 N. Ionia Rd, Sycamore Lane, Vermontville, MI 49096. Phone 919-249-8712. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY was concerned whether there would be a mar­ ket for recycled materials. “I don’t want to see it done and end up in the landfill,” Smelker said. “There is a market,” Brown said, noting that its like farming, with prices for products; going up and down. “Recycling is the same deal. Two years ago, corrugated was going fo{ $200 a ton. Today, it’s going for $20. WitlJ mixed paper, you have to pay to get rid of it. Take it to landfill or it can be waste-to-energy^ Plastic is the same. Metal is way down. If you break even, you’re going to be lucky. But you do keep people working; you do keep this out of the environment.” Once the system is up and running, Brown said, it’s not more work. “In fact, people love it. The front page of The Reminder last week was our recycling module. The material going in there is very clean.” “There are no easy answers,” he added.: “We can do it locally. Once material is col­ lected, there is a market for it. The markets; aren’t the problem. “We haven’t collected it. We haven’t kept it clean. We don’t have it in one place,” Brown said. “... We’ve got to do it together. “Do I want the county commission to do all this? No. We need you to support the SWOd so we can get it done with a subcommittee beneath that to get the job done.” Geiger added, “We don’t want to [recycle] to make ourselves feel better. We want to do it because it’s the right thing to do.” In other action, commissioners: • Awarded certificates of appreciation to five employees: Register of deeds abstractor Bindie Shumate for five years of service*^ Commission on Aging adult day care coordi­ nator Diane Neeb for 15 years of service; adult specialty court program case manager Brenda Morgan for 10 years with the county; and case manager Michelle Weeldreyer for 20 years with the county. Tim Neeb, building and grounds director, who could not be present,* was praised for 20 years of service. • Heard Charles Krammin of Hastings, who encouraged the board to spearhead a solution to the Crooked Lake flooding that would allow the county to apply for funds from the Department of Natural Resources and the Clean Water Act. • Were invited to attend the animal shelter fundraiser to raise money for a vehicle. The event will take place from 2 to 4:30 p.m. July 27 at the Hastings American Legion. • Approved the 2020-22 multi-year plan for Region 3B Area Agency on Aging, doing business as CareWell Services SW. • Heard an annual report from Sarah Nelson, executive director of the Barry Conservation District. • Heard a market integration report and updates from Don Haney, Thornappie Manor administrator. • Approved claims of $121,447. • Approved the 2019-20 Child Care Fund ^ Plan and Budget. J • Were reminded that the board will not I meet next Tuesday, which is the fifth Tuesday; of the month. The board meets the first and* third Tuesdays as a committee of the whole * and the second and fourth Tuesdays for the J board meetings. The next commissioners’J meeting will take place at 9 a.m. Aug. 6 in the J mezzanine at the county courthouse. • • ■*" The public is welcome to attend. Theses meetings offer time for public comment limited to three minutes per person with no J response from the board allowed at these" times. Automotive Wind Deflector $225 and 5th wheel tailgate, fit Chevy ‘88 to ‘97. Call or text 269­ 838-3245 anytime. Business Services BUYING ALL HARDWOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Walnut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Log­ ging, (269)818-7793. BELLS CONSTRUCTION- 18 years experience. Dry wall, paint­ ing, tile, flooring, trim, power washing, home improvements, seamless gutters. 269-320-3890. Help Wanted GENERAL LABORER: JOB in­ eludes lifting and stacking lumber. Candidates must submit to and pass a pre-employment drug test.» Starting wage $14.00 hour, Ben­ efits, 401K and Vacation. Apply in person at 396 Main St, Sunfield * MI 48890. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, July 25, 2019 — Page 11 Crowds fill grandstand despite summer heat Barrel racing was among the events hosted by the Super Kicker The Super Kicker Rodeo once again hosted a Mutton Busting compe­ Cowboys did their best to stay atop their bulls during the Bull Riding Rodeo during its show in front of the grandstand Wednesday at the tition for youth at its event at the Barry County Fair grandstand competition as a part of the Super Kicker Rodeo in front of the grand­ Barry County Fair. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Wednesday evening. (Photo by Perry Hardin) stand at the Barry County Fair Wednesday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Grandstand events came to a bit of an early 6nd at the 2019 Barry County Fair. Thunderstorms that tore through Michigan over the weekend delayed and eventually can­ celed the SJO Productions Motocross Saturday evening. Ethan Parsons of Hastings managed to beat out AJ Austin of Sunfield for the win in the Quad Novice competition, tak­ ing the two motos in the class. Other area champs from Saturday evening included Freeport’s Evan Mouch in the 85 C Class and the Super Mini class, Hastings’ Karsen Hamilton in the Quad 50 Stock class, Hastings’ Cayden Pettengill in the Trail 12-15 class, Vermontville’s Cameron Thompson in the 250 C class, Sunfield’s Kuner Eberly in the 125 2 sTroke class and Hastings’ Emmalee Sanders in the Women 12 & Up class. It was hot and dry for the remainder of the week’s events. The Super Kicker Rodeo returned with bull riding, barrel racing, team roping and ranch bronc riding Wednesday evening. The West Michigan Pullers truck and tractor pulls entertained fans at the grandstand Thursday. Unique Motor Sports returned for its second show of the week Friday, hosting a “Night of Destruction” filled with Off Road Derby action. Unique Motor Sports reported that despite the “unbearable” heat the company had a new record car attendance for the show Friday. Super Kicker Rodeo Results July 17,2019 Bull Riding - 1. Marcus Mast, 83 points; 2. JW Kalar, 69; 3. Kevin Farris, 66. Ranch Bronc Riding - 1. Chelsea Zarate, 72 points. Team Roping - 1. Rob Pyne & Dan Cline, 6.04 seconds; 2. Kelly O’Heran & Garett Madry, 9.06; 3. Jordan Oudman & Ryon Pletcher, 9.16; 4. Jason O’Heran & Garett Madry, 9.28. Girls Barrel Racing - 1. Angela Ferris 13.889 seconds; 2. Ava Skinner 14.015; 3. Ashley Baumbach, 14.100; 4. Kara Hughston, 14.187; 5. Jael Ymker, 14.196; 6. Bunnita Ouwinga, 14.200; 7. Devon Brown, 14.204; 8. Jenna Britton, 14.214. AT RIGHT: Racers careen around the track in front of a full grandstand during the Unique Motor Sports’ Off Road Derby during the Night of Destruction Friday at the Barry County Fair. (Photo by Brett Bremer) CulbertTe* 5 to* Rams as coach sion of the season, and was named the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame female colle­ giate athlete of the year. “Dri is one of the top three pure all-around volleyball players I’ve ever coached,” Hilbert said. “Her talents are due to her drive and her incredible eye for the game. These traits also make for a great coach. She has proven her­ self at Northern Colorado and I feel confident she will be an immediate contributor on our staff. Culbert’s knowledge and expertise as a player and coach should allow for a smooth transition for her return home to CSU.” Ex-police cruiser torched in party An officer responded to a call of a burned vehicle around 9:11 a.m. June 8 on Parmalee Road west of Woodschool Road Irving Township, and found what appeared to be a former 2005 Ford Crown Victoria police cruiser. The vehicle had been dragged into the Middleville State Game Area. Most identifying parts of the vehicle had been burned off, it was still 4 warm and had likely burned the night before. There were signs of a party around the vehi­ cle, and it did not have tires, but its front axle was bent as if it had been dragged to the area. A 28-year-old Freeport man said he had been looking for his dog which had run loose when he found the vehicle. He said kids frequently have bonfire parties in the area on ; weekends. The officer was able to get a partial Vehicle Identification Number off the vehicle and found it was registered to a man in Eaton Rapids, who told officers he had sold the vehicle due to the bent axle, but could not remember who had bought it. The man said he would find out, but never returned any of the officer’s calls. C The investigation is closed. Upon finishing her undergraduate degree at CSU, Culbert attended the University of South Carolina as a graduate student, playing one season on the beach volleyball team and earning a spot USA Volleyball Collegiate Beach Pairs Championship in 2017. During the indoor season, she served first as a gradu­ ate student manager, then was elevated to an assistant coach. She was then hired as an assistant coach at Northern Colorado in January of 2017, and spent two years as a coach with the NORCO Volleyball Club. TYDEN PARK • SATURDAY, AUG. 24th I Cash, lawn mower and guns stolen from grandfather’s home * A 37-year-old Battle Creek man called police to report a break-in at his grandfather’s ; home in the 15000 block of Banfield Road in Johnstown Township at 1:40 p.m. on July *111. The grandson said he stopped by his grandfather’s house to fill a bird feeder, and dis­ covered one of the house windows was broken and the blinds were disturbed. The home­ -owner had left for Battle Creek at 7:30 a.m. that morning, just as he does every day, and r the break-in occurred afterwards. Items taken from the house included a flat screen television, $3,300 in cash, a gas gen/ erator, more than $5,000 worth of jewelry, two shotguns and a riding lawn mower. ** The investigation is inactive pending further leads. f • ; ■ Restored truck stolen from garage ■■ A 50-year-old man called police at 8 a.m. on July 18 to report his 1998 Dodge Ram was stolen from the garage of his residence in the 1000 block of Becker Road in Hastings Charter Township the night before. The man said it was stolen sometime between 9:30 p.m. the night before and 7:30 a.m. that morning. The man had recently restored the entire ' vehicle and said it was in excellent condition, but he did not know who may have stolen it. The case is inactive pending further information. Shotguns stolen by former resident A 53-year-old man called police at 9:50 a.m. on July 8, to report the theft of three shot­ guns from his basement cabinet in the 10000 block of Wildwood Road in Orangeville Township. The man said a former resident, aged 23 and currently of Shelbyville, had admitted to taking the guns and gave them to a friend. The officer made contact with the man, who admitted to taking the guns as “payback,” but said he would return them. Seven days later the guns had not been returned, but the suspect sent messages to the victim asking him to lie to the police and saying the guns had been returned and asking him not to press charges. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Man arrested for domestic violence A 41-year-old man was arrested for domestic assault at 1:23 a.m. on July 20, in the 7000 block of Wolf Road in Assyria Township. The man’s girlfriend, 31, said he lifted up the couch she was sitting on and tipped her off. When she tried to call 911, the man knocked the phone out of her hand and, when she got in her car to leave, he threw a can of bug spray ; into her windshield. The man corroborated the woman’s story and was arrested. Adrianna Culbert, a 2012 Delton Kellogg High School graduate, is joining the Colorado State University volleyball program as an assistant coach. She was named the Mountain West Player of the Year and a third-team AVCA All-American at the conclusion of her senior season with the Rams in 2015. Ms. Quadruple Double is returning to Colorado State University (CSU). Colorado State volleyball coach Tom Hilbert announced last month the addition of Delton Kellogg alumnus Adrianna Culbert to his staff as an assistant coach. A chance to return to her alma mater was too enticing to pass up. “My experience at CSU was filled with so many wonderful memories and growth oppor­ tunities, and when I look back at why that is, it’s because of the amazing people I was sur­ rounded by. The community and the ‘Ramily’ that CSU volleyball is surrounded and immersed with is so special,” Culbert said. “To have the opportunity to help impact the team and program the way I was as a player is an incredible blessing. I am so thankful I get to help the players create memories, experi­ ences, and lessons that will be able to last a life time. I’m extremely excited I get to once again call CSU home!” The former Rams All-American had a remarkable collegiate career, earning more than 25 awards and honors from 2012-15. As a senior, she recorded the NCAA’s first qua­ druple-double in more than five years, col­ lecting 10 kills, 11 blocks, 20 assists and 13 digs against San Jose State. She was named the Mountain West Player of the Year and a third-team AVCA All-American at the conclu­ cost...$2S per team of 3 or 4 ptayers Entries must be to the Chamber by Friday, Aug. 16th CHECK IN... 8:30 AM Make checks payable to Hastings Summerfest 2019 Pick up T-shirts at this time TIP OFF... 9:30 AM Boys & Girls (Ages 12-14) Team Name | Boys & Girls I I Men & Women (Ages 15-17) IIfAges 18-25) Age brackets subject to change based on participation Team CaptainAge \ Send Entries to... Phone #Email Team Members Barry County Age Age I Cha"’^1' * Co"""era! a i : | Please fill out form completely 221W. State Street Hastings, Ml 49058 Questions??... Call (269) 948-3025 TYDEN PARK • SATURDAY, AUG. 24th �Page 12 — Thursday, July 25, 2019 — The Hastings Banner HCDC divers compete, succeed across the country Members of the Hastings Community Diving Club (HCDC) received the most acco­ lades in the club’s history at at the AAU Summer Diving Nationals in Riverside, Calif., and the Michigan Diving Association State Meet at Michigan State University all in one week. Aubrey Yarger dominated in the Junior Olympic age group diving events this year according to head coach Todd Bates. She placed 11th in the Nation at AAU Nationals in California and earned the title of All-American and then two days later came home to Michigan and earned herself a state diving championship. “It’s been an incredible week. I’ve had no sleep for 48 hours trying to get back in time for State Meet,” Bates said. “We represented ourselves really well at Nationals and compet­ ed with 511 other divers.” The HCDC’s Blake Sheldon earned a 15th-plcae finish at the Summer Diving Nationals, Sophia Scott 39th, Abigail Schell 48th and Claire Green placed 52nd in the nation. The divers practiced for five days straight in 100 degree temperatures in an outdoor pool. “It was the best, most rewarding and exhausting experience the club has had to date,” coach Bates said. Coach Bates flew back to Michigan over­ night and drove to the State Meet where Abigail Dumond, who has been diving extremely well and winning her events all season, was awarded the Michigan Diving Association Future Champion Diver of the Year award. Dumond then earned second place in her 1-meter event and medaled in her Tier. Dumond also competed in her first ever 3-meter diving event and was earned 10th place. Also competing in their first ever 3-meter events were fellow HCDC divers Bethany ButchBaker and Aubrey Yarger who placed eighth and fifth respectively. ButchBaker also HCDC State Meet Senior Age Group divers (from left) Rebecca Zoetewey (left) and Alex Salinas (right) with coach Todd Bates at the MDA State Meet in East Lansing. HCDC divers Sophia Scott, Blake Sheldon, Aubrey Yarger, Abigail Schell, Claire Green and coach Todd Bates gather together on the podium at the AAU Summer Diving Nationals in Riverside, Calif. competed on 1-meter earning herself third place and a Tier medal. Jillian Brandli earned herself a state cham­ pionship title and won her Tier and received a gold medal in her first event at a more advanced level. Mikenna Caris jumped three levels soaring past her competition and placed a respectful fourth. Annabelle Kuck had her best meet to date and was awarded third place in an extremely populated event. Maelea Martin as always did not disappoint and put together a great dive list. Age Group divers Rebecca Zoetewey and Alex Salinas continued to reap the rewards for the team during the second day of the State Meet, Sunday, placing tenth and eighth in their ■ competitions. “This has definitely been a season to remember. It’s been a whirlwind of a week. I just need time for it all to sink in,” coach Bates said. HCDC starts is new sessions in August and September for the upcoming school year. Contact Bates at 248-227-7718 for more information. HCDC Junior Divers (from left) Abigail Dumond, Annabelle Kuck, Mikenna Caris, Maelea Martin, Bethany ButchBaker, Jillian Brandli, Aubrey Yarger and coach Todd Bates celebrate their performance at the Michigan Diving Association State Meet in East Lansing, which was held Saturday and Sunday. Sarah Shipley claims 119th Western Amateur Title HCDC diver Aubrey Yarger is awarded her medal and All-American certificate at the AAU Summer Diving Nationals in Riverside, Calif. HCDC diver Abigail Dumond is honored as the Michigan Diving Association Future Champion Diver of the year at the MDA State Meet in East Lansing. LAKS ODESSA AREA [ presents the 31i Annual IBB IBii UU ■ i I 1 li wl ill B si 111 ■ Bii Ml Lake Odessa Village Park »——sp Saturday, August 3rd 9AM -4PM - crafts while enjoying good food and live entertainment! 2019 Live Entertainment Includes: B-Side Growlers Center Stage Dance Academy Kilkenny Corkers TLG Three Husbands on the Loose Julesong Creative Arts & Therapies LakeOdessaArts.com Facebook.com/LakeOArtinthePark michigan ■ councillor &arts cultural affairs Hastings Public Library 227 E State Street Hastings Ml 49058 Sarah Shipley, a Delton Kellogg alumnus from Hastings, defeated Antonia Matte 5 and 3 Saturday in the championship match of the 119th Women’s Western Amateur at Royal Melbourne Country Club in Long Grove, Ill. Shipley opened the final match with birdies on Nos. 1 and 2 to take a quick 2-up advan­ tage and never lost a hole. She went 3 up with a birdie on the par 3, 8th and 4 up with a par on the par 4,9th. Shipley closed out the match by halving the next five holes. After playing steady golf all week, Shipley said she felt confident once she reached match play. “I’ve always liked match play,” said Shipley, 21. “I’ve been playing really well the last couple weeks. I just won the [Women’s] Golf Association of Michigan Championship, which gave me more confidence.” Shipley, a rising senior at the University of Kentucky, said her approach shots were con­ sistent throughout the week and she was roll­ ing the ball well on the greens, including in the championship match. “My putting worked for me today, thank­ fully,” Shipley said. “I like the course a lot; I’m comfortable out here.” Shipley has plans to turn pro in the future, but for now, she said she’s excited for her senior year at Kentucky. She played ina teamhigh-tying 11 events for the Kentucky Wildcats as a junior, posting a 75.2 stroke average that was a career low and the second best on the team for the season. She led the Wildcats at the SEC Championship by tying for 21st with a score of 5-over-par (221) at the Greystone Golf and Country Club in Birmingham, Ala. In the classroom, Shipley made the Dean’s List in the fall of 2018 and was named a mem- Sarah Shipley winner of the 2019 Women’s Western Amateur with the W.A. Alexander Cup, which was first presented in 1901. Shipley bested her opponent Antonia Matte 5 and 3 in the championship match Saturday to earn the victory in the five-day tournament at the Royal Melbourne Country Club in Long Grove, III. (Photo by Charles Cherney/WGA) ber of the SEC Spring Academic Honor Roll this year. “I am looking forward to seeing what our team can do this year,” she said of her senior season ahead. Matte, of Santiago, Chile, played well in both of her Saturday matches. The high school junior said she felt like she was men­ tally prepared, but she didn’t make as many putts as Shipley. “I had a good mentality today,” Matte said. “I played good, only the putter was not work­ ing.” Matte, 16, said she plans to continue play­ ing in international amateur events. “I’m going to the Junior Optimist in Miami and the Chile Championship,” Matte said. Shipley and Matte outlasted opponents from 30 states and 12 countries to reach the championship match. Matte defeated Brooke Tyree of Sulphur, Louisiana, 4 and 3 in the semifinals while Shipley overcame Maria Bohorquez of Bogota, Columbia, 2 and 1. Shipley’s win earns her an automatic exemption into the 120th Women’s Western Amateur set for Prestwick Country Club in Frankfort, Ill., July 20-25,2020. The Women’s Western Amateur’s W. A. Alexander Cup was first presented in 1901 in honor of his wife Maude Alexander, the first president of the Women’s Western Golf Association. The list of past champions spans more than a century, from legendary stars Patty Berg (1938, 1946, 1947), Nancy Lopez (1976), Beth Daniel (1978) and Cristie Kerr (1994) tp modem stars such as Brittany Lang (2003), Stacy Lewis (2006) and Ariya Jutanugam (2012). Benefit for TK student Cole, set for Sunday The Hammerheads Swim Club is prepping for its end of season conference championship meets, but many members of the club and the community as a whole are focused on another race in the immedi­ ate future - one against cancer. Thornappie Kellogg High School student Lydia Cole was diagnosed with Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors in May. There will be a Benefit for Lydia Cole Sunday, July 28, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 1786 Edwin Dr. in Wayland. Cole began chemotherapy for a tumor on her pancreas and spots on her liver last month, after a brain scan thankfully proved negative for cancer. All proceeds from the benefit will aid in the Cole family’s out of pocket expenses and lost income. There will be food, games and a 50/50 drawing held at 3:30 (must be present to win). There will also be raffle tickets to bid on donated items like a kayak, a Bay Pointe package, gift cards, homemade quilts, hydroflight rides and more. Cole has been a longtime member of the Hammerheads Swim Club and a member of the Thornappie Kellogg/Delton Kellogg/Hastings varsity girls’ swimming and diving team. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-08-01.pdf ee56245d0066f9374d69e5845910b0a5 PDF Text Text Education is key for new city manager Nashville celebrates 150 years See Story on Page 2 See Editorial on Page 4 mEMorial going strong in 14th year See Story on Page 13 Devoted, to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 804879110187 1070490102590502832449058195427 ANNER Thursday, August 1, 2019 VOLUME 166, ,.u. 31 PRICE 750 Opioid awareness spurs Hastings man to walk 280 miles Hastings Live brings oldies and goodies Classic rock oldies by Hastings’ own Grumpy Old Men leads off Hastings Live next week. Residents and guests can bring blan­ kets and lawn chairs and enjoy music and entertainment in downtown Hastings. Playing at the Plaza will host Hands and Feet Music at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 1, at the spray plaza downtown. Hands and Feet provides movement and musical fun the whole family can enjoy. Jonah Evans will be featured at noon Aug. 2 for Fridays at the F* mntain on the Barry County Courthouse lawn. She plays a wide range of styles on viola, including classical pieces and traditional fiddle tunes not usually hear on viola. Luke Winslow-King w i 11 be the Friday Night Feature, beginning at 7:30 |>.m. Aug. 2 at Thomapple Plaza. WinslowXmg mixes country, blues R&B, rock, and folk influxes in his performances. More information on these free con­ certs can be found at downtownhastings. com/events. Master Bladesmith to be at historical society meeting Fascinated by tales of knights, armor and swords, Kevin Cashen started craft­ ing blades at the age of 11. He went on to earn the rank of Master Bladesmith from the American Bladesmith Society in 1995 - the 52nd person world-wide and the first in Michigan. Members and guests can join the Barry County Historical Society Wednesday, Aug. 7, at 6 p.m. at the Hastings Public Library to learn what is encompassed in the ancient craft of hand forging blades and how it differs from modem knife-making where the blade is simply machined and ground to shape. Vice president of the American Bladesmithing Society, Cashen is found­ er of the Matherton Forge and teaches the craft of hand-forging using tradition­ al techniques. His studies have taken him many different places around the world, including Windsor Castle where Queen Elizabeth’s blades are housed. Taylor Owens Staff Writer When Mike Hamp was 16, he was pre­ scribed opioids for pain after surgery on his dislocated shoulder. For the next 16 years, he was addicted to them. “Back then, I didn’t know there wasn’t anything wrong with it,” Hamp said. “There wasn’t anybody telling me that this stuff is addictive.” It’s been a long road to sobriety from opi­ oids and alcohol, he said. “There were some severe ups and downs,” including an overdose in 2007, which almost killed him, he said. “I’ve lost a lot. I just could never get my feet underneath me.” Hamp spent a lot of time in rehab and meet­ ings that didn’t work for him, but gradually he started to improve. “It kind of started from the inside out,” Hamp said. “It didn’t just happen.” He learned how important it was to set goals for himself, and be disciplined. One of the ways Hamp started to improve was by exercising and eating healthier. “When you’re eating right, your brain just starts working better,” he said. “I was able to control my thoughts a little bit better then.” When he was recovering from his fifth shoulder surgery in August 2018, and unable to be very active, he was beginning to get depressed - so he started walking. “One day I just wondered how far I could walk,” Hamp said. After a while, he got the idea of walking for something more, and started putting together “A Walk for Thought.” On Aug. 19, Hamp will start a 15-day walk from Hastings to St. Ignace, on the other side of the Mackinac Bridge. Along the way, Hamp will stop in Traverse City, where he will be interviewed for an upcoming docu­ mentary on opioids, “Needles in the Hay.” “I just want to use the walk to be a voice,” Hamp said. “You might be down and out, but there are ways to pull yourself out of it.” Since he started putting together the walk, Hamp’s story has been in the national news and social media, which has helped open up community sponsorships. As of this week, Hamp has at least 15 com­ munity sponsors, including Tom’s Meat Market in Hastings, where Hamp has worked for about four years. “When I realized this was something I was going to do, I didn’t know what to expect,” he said. “This has blown me out of the water.” He also has received donations on his web­ site, valuesnotfeelings.org, which a friend and early sponsor set up for Hamp. Part of the donations will help pay for the expenses of the walk, and Hamp will decide what do with the remainder when he returns. He doesn’t know what he will be able to do yet, but his long-term goal is to set up a non-profit orga­ nization to help people with addiction in the local area. “That’s the bigger vision that I have for the community and beyond,” Hamp said. “If I’m See WALK, page 5 Mike Hamp trains to walk to the U.P. this August. (Photo provided) Tampering doesn7t deter lake pumping efforts Luke Froncheck Staff Writer People just can’t seem to keep their hands off Barry County Drain department equipment. Someone has been vandalizing the pump ~ •’ - ■ ■ ■ .. Jim Dull said. He suspects someone has been tampering with the pump on Crooked Lake, too. Someone even messed with a trail cam­ era that was put up to monitor the pump on Cloverdale Lake after it had been vandalized the first time, he said. “It’s very, very disappointing,” Dull said. “But even with someone messing with our pumps, we’ve still been able to take 7 inches off of Cloverdale Dake.” DeWind De-wJl&mg. the subcontractor -providing .dale and Crooked lakes, could end up charging his office, and the property owners of Barry County, for the cost of damages incurred. “Whoever is doing this is putting the bill on the property owners,” Dull said. “Anything that happens there is just going to go back on them is just going to raise their assessments. It’s not rocket science. “I don’t understand why anyone would be screwing with it other than to make me look bad. So they can say, ‘Oh, look, you’re not getting anything done.’ But we have; we’ve taken 7 inches off the lake.” The trouble started at Cloverdale Lake almost as soon as the pump was installed. Dead batteries, suspicious fires, alternators that kept shorting out, bad starters and bro­ ken clamps. Dull said that they put up the trail camera to monitor the pump after the first suspicious events. He figured that the camera’s presence would at least discourage would-be vandals from messing with the pump. He was wrong. The; camera clearly was not discouraging vandals, in facf, it may have caused themto ' become even more mischievous. Someone has been removing the camera from the tree See TAMPERING, page 5 Tough spring took a toll, but young farmer hopeful Hunter Dood Staff Writer Tim Stuart is a 36-year-old farmer who manages approximately 750 acres that he shares with his dad. Stuart lives with his wife and two children in their home off M-66 in Ionia County, with a soybean field in their back yard. His family farms soybeans, wheat, hay, com, sweet com, oats and maple syrup. Farming has been an essential part of his life for as long as Stuart can remember, but he really started taking it seriously around the age of 15. Stuart isn’t a first-generation farmer. He said he is at least a “fourth-generation farmer and my kids will be fifth-generation farmers.” Stuart’s grandfather, who is still farming at the age of 94, moved to the Ionia County area from Clarksville in 1969, where he estab­ lished the family farm that is still in operation. “My family has been farming just about as far back as the history books go,” Stuart said, adding that his kids will be the eighth genera­ tion to farm maple syrup. His 5-year-old son, Noah, and 7-year-old daughter, Hannah, help him out around he farm. “They’re getting in the groove, I’m raising them up right,” he said with a chuckle. Stuart’s hope is that his kids will follow in his footsteps, like he did with his father. He said he hopes they see the value in what the family is doing and that they continue it. But he’s worried about it. The agriculture industry is experiencing a growing age imbalance and barriers to entry for young farmers - and these issues are get­ ting attention from industry experts and U.S. lawmakers. A House panel recently started hearings to address some of the problems faced by new farmers. Limited land availability and the high cost of land, equipment and other products are challenging, especially for those farmers who are just getting into the business. Those costs can be overwhelming, Stuart said. A large percentage of farmers are age 60 or older, he said. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture from the United States Department of Agriculture’s National Agriculture Statistic Service, the average age of primary producers is 59.4. Compared to the 2012 census, that age has increased by more than a year. The median age for farmers is the highest median age of any major occupation tracked by the government’s Current Population Survey for which data was available, accord­ ing to The Associated Press. The median age for farmers has gone up by half a year since See FARMER, page 10 Free trolley rides continue Shoppers, visitors and concert-goers can hop on the Barry County Transit’s trolley and cruise around town in two communities twice a week. The trolley travels through Hastings each Friday, from 6 to 9 p.m. - the same night as the Friday Night Features at Thomapple Plaza. Stops include schools, city parks, the courthouse and other marked stops. Wednesdays from 6 to 9 p.m., the trol­ ley makes its rounds in Middleville. Stops include the designated neighbor­ hoods and Stagecoach Park The rides are free, courtesy of local sponsors. More information can be found at barrycountytransit.com. Families Stroll and Read Karen Jousma reads the “Very Hungry Caterpillar” to Irena, Mea, and Kenden Richter of Middleville. See story and photos on page 7. Tim Stuart farms more than 750 acres near Lake Odessa, including this soybean field. (Photo by Hunter Dood) �Page 2 — Thursday, August 1, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Nashville Sesquicentennial starts this weekend Taylor Owens Staff Writer The Nashville Sesquicentennial will cele­ brate 150 years of history starting Friday at 6 p.m. downtown. The three-day celebration has been more than two years in the planning as local volunteers unearthed Nashville histo­ ry and set up ways to recognize and celebrate their community. Friday evening will include a performance by the Maple Valley Community Band, mass renewal of wedding vows, proclamation from State Rep. Julie Calley, R-Portland, a recogni­ tion of the founding families of Nashville, crowning of Sesquicentennial Queen Kay Bansemer and Princess Claire Miller, talent show and special surprise event. Saturday is filled with events, including a fireman’s pancake breakfast from from 7 to 11 a.m., 5K color walk/run at 8:30 a.m., vintage marketplace from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., children’s games and live music throughout town and more. A parade will take place downtown at noon, followed by an attempt to break the world record for the longest kick line. The fourth annual Barry County Brewfest will run from 2 to 8 p.m. In the afternoon, the Lakeview Cemetery will host a tour with Maple Valley students performing as histori­ cal figures important to Nashville starting at 3 p.m. A duck derby with a chance to win $150 also starts at 3 p.m., a fireman’s bucket bri­ gade contest will run from 6 to 8 p.m. and a line dancing class will take place at 7 p.m., followed by line dancing at 8 p.m. Fireworks will finish off the night at 10:15 p.m. Events Sunday will take place in Putnam Park, and include an ice cream social starting at 1:30 p.m., live music, games for all ages, a tasting at the maple sugar shack, beard-grow­ ing contest and old-fashioned pie action. For more about the upcoming celebration, see last Saturday’s Reminder. Also, don’t miss next week’s edition for coverage of the Nashville Sesquicentennial. Nashville Sesquicentennial volunteers gather at Central Park, which will be renamed Emory Parady Park at 11 a.m. Saturday. Shown here in historic garb are Vickie Reid, Gordie Reid, Debbe Douse, Cathy Mix-Haylock, Karen SkedgellGhiban and Kermit Douse. A rock was placed at the park in downtown Nashville bearing a plaque in recognition of Nashville’s 150 years of history. For new city manager, a former teacher, the key is education Doug VanderLaan Contributing Writer Back in the annals of Alma College basket­ ball history is a notation of the day a badly outmanned and underdog Scots team knocked off perennial Division 3 national powerhouse Calvin College at the bandbox area in Alma. The seismic tremor, naturally, sent the crowd huddled together in the bleachers on the home side into a wild and frenzied cele­ bration. “Yeah, all six of them,” chuckled Jerry Czarnecki, who played on the team that, one day some 30 years ago, caught lightning in a bottle but couldn’t seem to electrify the rest of the campus. Today, Czarnecki is playing for a much larger home crowd in his new role as manager of the City of Hastings and, as he carried out his basketball mission in Alma, he has every intention of helping to maintain and keep Hastings a winning community. “My dad always taught me that if you set out to do something, be the best you can be,” Czarnecki said on a recent sunny day from his downtown comer office overlooking State Street. “He was the first one to instill the value of hard work and being a lifelong learn­ er.” As the son of the late Jerry Czarnecki Sr., - “Little Jerry” as the 6-foot-7 new city man­ ager was called in his family - the younger Czarnecki has built an admirable life based on those two principles taught to him by his father who died 11 years ago. The circuitous route he traveled to the current position he assumed July 1 when former city manager Jeff Mansfield retired has been built on Czarnecki’s capacity for hard work and his insatiable desire to learn. Czarnecki never studied to be a municipal government leader, a fact that may have stood in some people’s minds as a detriment. Every day, though, since he was hired as the city’s new community development director in February 2017, Czarnecki has worked to show the value of new perspectives and applying creative approaches to challenges. After that first post with the city, he moved on to the position of clerk/treasurer followed by his appointment as deputy city manager and interim director of public services. For 25 years, Czarnecki was a rising star in the education field. As a teacher of higher math courses in Kentwood, Ionia and, most recently, Kelloggsville High School in Grand Rapids, Czarnecki’s heart was with students not achieving enough course credits to gradu­ ate. An innovative program he instituted in his district to get those students caught up and back on track was so successful, he was asked to share it with schools around the country, including seminars sponsored by the company that provided input and materials in Phoenix. “Between presentations at conferences and onsite visits, we hit over 600 high schools,” Czarnecki said, adding that the project appar­ ently put him “on the radar” of state educators who nominated him to one of three finalist positions as Michigan’s Teacher of the Year. “The plan was to be a principal or superin­ tendent, and I was also teaching as an adjunct professor at Davenport College,” said Czarnecki who, after earning his undergradu­ ate degree at Alma College, picked up a mas­ ter’s degree in educational leadership from Grand Valley State University. “But then I began wondering what else might be out there. I told my wife, Bridgett, I had always thought about returning to Alma College to be a professor, but I was already kind of doing that.” During a Christmas holiday break, Czarnecki found himself in the public library in Hastings, the community where the couple had always enjoyed spending time. “I was sitting at the computer, just wonder­ ing what might be available in Hastings, and up popped the community development direc­ tor’s position,” he recalled with a smile. “I paid 15 cents to print my resume and literally walked it next door to the city office and handed it to Rusty (Dowling, secretary/receptionist). I told my wife, if I can just get a faceto-face interview, I’ve got a chance.” Czarnecki got the interview, the job and the new career. “I’m still an educator,” he said of the man­ agement style he brings to his new life pur­ suit. “In my mind, that’s how decisions are made: You educate people so that you can make good, collective decisions. You might not like a decision that’s made, but, if you understand the reasoning behind why a deci­ sion is made, it’s an easier pill to swallow.” Czarnecki’s open approach, his self-effac­ ing manner, and his determination to be cer­ tain that all sides of a debate are heard has begun to win him admiration amongst staff, council members and residents. “When I walk into a room, I know that I’m not the smartest person in the room,” he said. “I need input from people before a decision can be made - especially from my staff, because I’m not the person that’s going to have to implement the decision that’s eventu­ ally made.” Dissent doesn’t worry him, either, particu­ larly when it comes from some who question his lack of experience in municipal govern­ ment. Czarnecki got a taste of that from some council members even before he began his new job. In June, the council could not reach a reso­ lution, on a 4-4 vote with council member Don Smith absent, to create a three-person committee to present an employment proposal to Czarnecki. A subsequent motion to name Czarnecki as a sole candidate for the city manager’s position then passed, 5-3. The eventual 18-month employment contract with Czarnecki still carried one dissenting vote when it was approved June 24. “My job is to educate the city council,” he said, irrespective of how votes fall. “I see the day-to-day action so they can make the best decisions for the community as a whole. I am not a believer that, if someone doesn’t like what you do, you ignore them. I hope we can have discussions and we move forward with decisions that benefit the community - not in hopes of winning their support.” One thing everyone has in common - and yet another source of the passion and energy Czarnecki brings to his position - is their love for the city of Hastings. “We have a hidden gem here,” Czarnecki said. “From the people I’ve met who come here to do something, once they get here, the reaction is almost always the same: ‘We had no idea.’ ” Encounters like those provide the support to address the obvious and serious challenges that, like almost every city in America, face the City of Hastings. “We’ve got to address our infrastructure,” Czarnecki said of one issue the city needs to address. “People don’t see that in our water mains and our streets, and we need to find creative ways to fund the repairs and mainte­ nance they need. And we can’t get a money tree; there’s a limit to our resources. “The upgrade to our water treatment plant is going to be a focus for the next 18 months, and, like evdra|here I hear, we need more housing. More housing would help other areas, such as businesses that need more employees and helping our downtown to con­ tinue to thrive. If we can get people to move here, then we can market the whole communi­ ty to a whole group of new people. “The challenge is that all those areas have to grow simultaneously; they all need support at the same time.” Czarnecki is intent on being around on a long-term basis to address all of those areas. “I’m 50 years old,” he said, “and, if the council allows me, I sde myself sitting in this job for 15 years - and I’ll still be only 65 at that time.” The life re-invention the city has allowed him provides Czarnecki with the confidence in the contribution he plans to make to his new employer. It’s also a lesson he wants everyone to see and consider for themselves, an example he said he’s proud to pass down to his two children, Alicia, 24, who’s a project engineer with the City of South Bend, Ind., and Aaron, a junior at Western Michigan University, who’s working this summer as an Equity Card intern at the Augusta Barn Theatre. “You’re never trapped in what you do,” Czarnecki said. “That’s kind of why I wanted to shake up what I was doing. A change is as good as a rest - and hard work pays off.” Jerry Czarnecki, Hastings city manager, was a teacher - and he’s still an educatoi* in his management style. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Correction A photo on the front page of the July 18 Banner had the correct information about the market steer winner: Sarah Cook-Kirsch, 11, of Dowling, took first place. But the photo was the wrong one. Here is Sarah Cook­ Kirsch with her trophy. Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 1,2019 — Page 3 Medical examiner’s annual report documents deaths in Barry County Rebecca Pierce Editor What’s killing people in Barry County? According to the county’s medical examin­ er, Dr. Joyce deJong, if the death in Barry County in 2018 was accidental, it was most likely due to falls (8) or vehicles (7). Of the 146 cases in the county reported to deJong’s office last year, the manner of death was most likely natural (113), followed by accidents (21), suicide (9), and homicide (2). ; Of the 21 accidental deaths in Barry County last year, 4 were drug related. The total number of deaths in the county 390 last year - was low, comparatively speak­ ing. For example, deaths totaled 772 i i Allegan County, 1,495 in Calhoun County jnd 2,977 in Kalamazoo County last year. But the lower number of deaths in Barry County may not be due solely to a smaller population or healthier lifestyle. : The report notes that the total number of deaths are recorded in counties where the individuals were pronounced dead - rather than the county of residence or the county in which the incident leading to the death might have occurred. For example, if a motor vehicle crash occurred in Barry County, but the individual who is injured is transported to Kent County and dies in a hospital there, the death would be reported in that county. Consequently, counties with major medical Centers typically have a much higher number of deaths with injuries that may have actually occurred in another county, deJong said. This medical examiner’s report, provided to the Barry County Board of Commissioners recently, was the first since the county con­ tracted with Western Michigan University Office of the Medical Examiner to provide Dr. Joyce deJong is the medical examiner for Barry County and 11 other counties in Michigan. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) services that started on Jan. 1,2018. Her presentation provided a statistical anal­ ysis of the deaths reported to the medical examiner in 2018 for Allegan, Barry, Calhoun, Grand Traverse, Kalamazoo, Leelanau, Mason, Muskegon, Osceola, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties. The office also serves as forensic pathology and forensic anthropology consultants to a number of other counties in Michigan and northern Indiana. The medical examiner is required to inves­ tigate violent, unexpected or unexplained deaths, deaths of children and infants, and any deaths that occur in jail. “The National Association of Medical Examiners (NAME) accreditation standard requires 95% of examination reports to be completed within 60 days; however, our office is proud to say that, on average, over 85% of our examination reports are completed within 30 days, rather than 60 days,” deJong wrote. “We provide answers to families, law enforce­ ment, public health, and other interested par­ ties 30 days sooner than most medical exam­ iner offices, including our own just two years ago. In addition, we remain fully accredited by the National Association of Medical Examiners.” Much like 2016 and 2017, drug-related deaths, primarily from opioids, remained high in 2018, she said. They participate in the Swift Toxicology for Opioid-Related Mortalities (STORM) sur­ veillance project funded by the state to allow public health and law enforcement rapid access to opioids showing up in the communi­ ty, deJong noted. “Between these results, which are ready within a few days, and autopsy reports, typi­ cally ready within 30 days, we provide data and reports to various agencies who are work­ ing to combat this crisis, a crisis that overall is showing no significant evidence that it is waning,” she wrote. Each of the counties has a Child Death Review Team that meets with a frequency reflective of the number of child deaths in the county. Law enforcement, public health, child protective services, hospital personnel, school representatives and many others attend these meetings. “When I cannot personally attend the meet­ ing,” deJong added, “another forensic pathol­ ogist is almost always able to step in to attend these meetings, working with others in the community to identify why children die and what can be done to prevent deaths in the future. “I am especially proud of our continued very high referral rate to Gift of Life for deaths occurring outside of a health care facil­ ity. In some counties, it appears the numbers declined a bit, but, in reality, our referral pro­ cess simply became more refined to include deaths that meet the criteria for donation of tissues, heart valves and corneas. “Our partners at Gift of Life assure us that our counties remain amongst the top referring counties in the state, providing opportunities for families to possibly have their grief tem­ pered by the knowledge that their loved one gave a gift that helped others.” “I recognize that this document is full of numbers, tables and charts,” deJong said. “It is not lost on us that each number represents the death of a person, someone who was pos­ sibly a parent, grandparent, spouse, child, relative or friend to others.” “The deaths also represent a loss to our communities,” she concluded. “We dedicate this report to the memory of those lost and to those who have suffered the loss of a friend or relative in 2018.” Barry County Brewfest moves to Nashville Saturday Best dad welcomed home Major Benjamin Best is reunited with his sons, Colin and Connor, at Selfridge Air National Guard Base near Detroit July 24, returning from a second deployment to Afghanistan. A 2002 Lakewood graduate, Best has served in the military for 10 years. In his civilian life, he works as a Delta Airlines pilot. He and his wife, the former Shelley Root, also a Lakewood graduate, now live in Northville. Best, one of more than 200 airmen who returned home last week, was promoted to major during the current deployment. (127th Wing ANG photo) Crowds fill a tent for the 2018 Barry County Brewfest in Delton. (Photo provided) « With Michigan’s craft beer industry con­ tinuing to expand annually, Barry County got its first ‘taste’ of what the excitement is all about in 2016 with the launch of the Barry tounty BrewFest. Held in downtown Middleville that August, the inaugural event attracted nearly 1,000 attendees from throughbut the region - despite torrential rain and tornado warnings in neighboring counties. The event followed up with a successful sophomore frame the following summer in Freeport, in conjunction with that communi­ ty’s ‘Homecoming’ festival in July. Last year saw BrewFest in Delton the same August weekend as its annual Founders Festival. “Last year was our biggest turnout to date,” said Travis Alden, event organizer and presi­ dent of the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance. “We heard throughout the day that attendees either hadn’t been to Delton in quite a while, or it was their first time to the com­ munity other than driving through. That’s really the point of moving this event each year - to attract area visitors to our great Barry County communities.” The fourth annual Barry County BrewFest is Saturday, Aug. 3, from 2 to 8 p.m. in down­ town Nashville. Featuring specialty brews, fiard ciders, wine and mead from 22 of Michigan’s best craft breweries, BrewFest will offer something for everyone, he said. “People love to come to festivals like this to sample new brews, explore trends in the Industry and overall just have a great time,” Alden said. “It’s an event that really works well to attract folks for the day and give them an opportunity to check out the town while they’re here.” ' Bringing visitors to the small communities throughout Barry County is one of the cham­ ber’s goals for the event. BrewFest is inten­ tionally held in a different location each year. “I volunteered last year to see how the event is run, and it was really great seeing the influx of visitors to Delton from all over the area,” said Lori Courtney, owner of Court­ Side Screenprinting & Embroidery in down­ town Nashville and Hastings. “I’m really excited to have Brewfest in Nashville this year, welcoming so many from all over Michigan and beyond to our community during sesquicentennial weekend.” While it is a logistical challenge to plan for BrewFest in a new location each year, it is well worth the effort, according to chamber officials. “The chamber’s office is in Hastings, but we are truly a county-wide organization,” said Rob Ranes, chair of the chamber board of directors and senior vice president at Highpoint Community Bank. “This event helps us develop deeper relationships in each community and bring some new activity and energy to each town.” As the event continues to grow over time, event organizers anticipate a snowball effect that will positively impact Barry County as a whole. “Awareness for this event is high locally, and I’ve heard from a whole lot of people who have attended all three Brewfests so far who are also coming to Nashville,” Alden said. “And these are folks who might not make the trip to Nashville otherwise. Then next year, the same thing will happen in the host com­ munity. It’s sort of a multiplier that will help each town that hosts BrewFest.” “The Nashville area has a lot to offer, but sometimes it takes an event like BrewFest to get on people’s radar and get them to stop here and check things out,” said Kermit Douse, chairperson of the Nashville Sesquicentennial Celebration planning com­ mittee. “I attended BrewFest last year, and it’s the kind of event that will work well with our sesquicentennial plans to bring people to town to have a good time, and hopefully come back again soon.” While the brews take center stage at the event, Brewfest is coinciding with the threeday celebration of its 150th anniversary of Nashville’s founding. The weekend offers a slew of additional activities, ranging from a parade, historical presentations, live music, family activities, a world-record-breaking attempt and more. “We were looking for a way to help our sesquicentennial have a broader reach throughout the area, and collaborating with the Barry County Chamber was a no-brainer,” said Tanett Hodge, Nashville Village Council member and part of the sesquicentennial com­ mittee. “We’re excited to show everybody a great time and create lifelong memories for our community.” More about the sesquicentennial celebra­ tion can be found at nashvillel50.org. Tickets for Barry County BrewFest are $15 in advance (available online, at Court-Side or at the chamber office) or $20 at the gate. Admission includes access to the event, a commemorative 5-ounce tasting glass and five tasting tickets. Admission is $5 for desig­ nated drivers, and free for anyone under 21 years old. These attendees will not be served any alcohol. The website barrybrewfest.com has event information, a brewery list, and option to pur­ chase advance tickets. �Page 4 — Thursday, August 1,2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you see? Nashville celebrates 150 years Renovation on the River Construction workers are renovating an old residence on Center Road into restrooms for a new boat launch on the Thomapple River. (Photo by Tanett Hodge) Do you We’re dedicating this space to a photograph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. remember? Farm tour Early August 1963 Four generations are living on the George C. Coats and Sons farm at Coats Grove. George C. Coats, 75, (center) is retired from the farm partner­ ship but is still active on the farm. His son, Max, 47, (right) is in partnership with another brother, Kendall. Max’s son, Ronald, 22 (left) works on the farm and is shown with Ronda, 2, who is the sixth generation of the family living on the farm. This family will host the after­ noon stop of the Michigan State Farm Management Tour Aug. 7, 1963. The tour is sponsored by the Michigan Cooperative Extension Service of Barry County and Michigan State University and the Department of Agricultural Economics of MSU. (The above photo and information were from an MSU Extension-Research news release. Whether it was published in the Banner is unknown. It was tucked away in the archives, nonetheless.) Have you met? Emily Blocher may have been born in Brunswick, Maine, but she is a true Saxon. She moved to Hastings at age 2 and attended Hastings schools, graduating in 2009. She went on to attend Central Michigan University, earning a degree in family studies and a double minor in child development and psychology. She is one of nine siblings, so she learned to get along well with others at an early age. Some may know the former Emily Ellwood as a camp counselor at Algonquin Lake YMCA Camp or as a local Big Brothers, Big Sisters employee. She was previously a foster care specialist for the State of Michigan, but now holds the title of housing impact specialist for the Barry County United Way. In every way, Blocher’s heart has truly always been to help the people of Barry County. In her work with the United Way, Blocher assists individuals who find themselves in housing crisis. She writes and finds grants used for at-risk or homeless housing needs, fields calls from those in crisis and much more. And she does it all with a smile and a great attitude. “There are many reasons why people in up in this situation,” Blocher said. “I do a lot of trouble-shooting and counseling, a lot of lis­ tening, really. I’m a sounding board so the crisis can be resolved.” Blocher said she works to give clients opportunities to self-solve problems and be successful. “It’s not about writing an empty check here at the United Way,” Blocher said. “It’s about establishing long-term success by giv­ ing resources and encouragement.” Blocher said the United Way gets an aver­ age of 50 to 60 housing calls a month. “That is a lot of need,” she said, “But the staff we have here is incredible, and I couldn’t do what I do without them .” Emily Blocher Blocher and the United Way work closely with many area entities to find ways to solve the housing issues of the people who contact her. She is married to husband, Nick Blocher, who works for the East Lansing Department of Public Works. She and Nick have two boys - Hudson, who is 4 and Heath, who is 2. Because of her love for people and her sunny disposition, Emily Blocher is this week’s Banner Bright Light. Best advice ever received: Keep the faith. My Nana always told me to keep the faith when faced with any adversity or challenge. She encouraged me to think positively and have faith that things do happen for a reason. Just a few years ago, Nana and I got match­ ing tattoos that say “Keep the Faith.” First job: Dowling General Store when I was 16. I was responsible for stocking shelves, running the front counter and, best of all, helping bake and stock the fresh cook­ ies and doghnuts. Favorite TV program: “The Office” I absolutely love the dry humor. Person I most admire: Right now it would be Morgan Johnson, my co-worker at the United Way. She has been a very good mentor to me. She is such a strong person. I admire all the work she does and how she holds it together. I hope to embody that and be that to someone else someday. If I could have any superpower, it would be: Teleportation because I hate driving. It’s such a waste of time. Favorite vacation destination: Anywhere camping and spending time with my family. Camping is great because there are no time constraints, you get to be outdoors and it is so relaxing. Something about me most people don’t know: My family and I live on a farm with cows, pigs and 27 chickens. I love to garden and can what I grow, especially when I can do it with my boys. What I’d tell a high school graduate: Don’t be afraid to be yourself. Embrace your differences. Best gift I ever received: Any time I can spend with my family. I don’t really care for gifts, just quality time. My biggest challenge: Having self-confi­ dence and standing up for myself. I like to make people happy. If I could change one thing: I would bridge those in need with as many resources as I could provide. Greatest thing about Barry County: The greatest thing about Barry County is that people who reside here. I was raised in this community, and when I returned after col­ lege I could truly see how much the people care for one another and want this to be the best community it can be. We are blessed to have so many passionate people in one place. There’s a lot to celebrate when you turn time Feighner sold the weekly in 1928 until J-Ad Graphics purchased it from Boughton 150 years old. In 1869, the people who became the first in 1975. The Nashville News combined with residents of the official Village of Nashville the Vermontville Echo under Boughton’s would have taken note of the famous Golden leadership when it became known as the Spike driven into a railroad tie May 10 at Maple Valley News. Today, the publication Promontory Summit, Utah, that united the continues to play an important role in the country from coast to coast. They would still community, serving both Nashville and have been feeling the pain of the Civil War Vermontville and the surrounding area. In when, on Feb. 15, charges of treason against fact, it was a treasure chest of information Jefferson Davis, president of the for the committee looking for the history of Confederacy, were dropped and, a month the community, which was captured and later, Union Gen. Ulysses S. Grant, the man chronicled each week since its beginning. Over the years, communities like they elected to be president of the United Nashville depended on their local newspa­ States, was inaugurated. Reflecting on the past is a big part of the pers for all of the local news. And even celebrations, anniversaries and holiday cus­ today, with the addition of the internet, toms that have become a part of our coun­ social news and websites, the best place to try’s cultural tradition. Events like what’s find out what’s really going on in a commu­ coming up in grand style this weekend in nity is the local newspaper. Today’s J-Ad Nashville remind us of our heritage. We Graphics publications concentrate on local celebrate who we are; we reinforce the joy content, the school board, township and vil­ that comes from the values we’ve formed lage government. We keep our readers and that continue to bind us together as a informed on local news and sports, clubs, and anniversaries and, of course, the passing community. “Nashville hasn’t seen anything like this of our friends and relatives. These are all before,” said Kermit Douse, chairman of the news and events that only your local news­ sesquicentennial committee that has been paper gathers to keep readers informed working for over two years on the celebra­ today - and for years to come. The important issue about news isn’t how tion that will get underway Friday and con­ tinue through Sunday with a parade, all you receive it, whether it’s in printed form, kinds of food, a chance to beat the world on a cellphone or via a laptop. The biggest record for longest kickline challenge and so issues are who’s gathering the information much more. and us the source reli­ able. Nashville also will be welcoming In today’s market­ the Barry County place, there’s a grow­ Chamber’s annual ing problem with Brewfest, offering unfiltered content, lit­ 87 different craft tle or no research, that beers, wines, hard fills the networks ciders, meads and where readers get dis­ cocktails from 22 torted information. breweries. Since Anyone can create a its beginning four story where lots of years ago, the people can read it on chamber has been the internet, but local moving Brewfest newspapers do the around the county necessary research to in an effort to make sure it’s not bring visitors to “fake news,” informa­ some of our small­ tion that’s filled with er communities to emotion or hearsay. If showcase what it’s in our publica­ they have to offer. tions, we’ve done the There also will be Len W. Feighner published the research or it doesn’t lots of music, an Nashville News for 40 years while simul­ run. ice cream social, taneously serving as Nashville’s post­ We also do our best pancake breakfast, master and then going on to become a to provide a readable pie auction, fire­ newspaper people state legislator. works and every­ look forward to read­ thing you would ing each week so that expect to see in our advertisers get the small-town America. It’s going to be a results they seek. weekend full of fun, and a great chance to I received a call the other day from our renew old acquaintances and meet new peo­ state association of community newspapers, ple. Look in last weekend’s Reminder or letting me know that a publisher from Maple Valley News for a complete listing of Breckenridge decided to close his publica­ the events and times. tion after 70 years due to poor health and the Nashville is actually one of many com­ loss of local advertising. munities celebrating a sesquicentennial this As a publisher, I’ve witnessed what hap­ year. Corunna, Muskegon, Portland, South pens to a community after its local newspa­ Haven and Wayne also will be taking time to per closes: A community loses the oversight revisit the past and celebrate their successes. of its local government and the ability to When all of these communities were promote events. It no longer has the glue formed, Michigan was just 32 years old. that holds a community together and, once Statehood was established Jan. 26, 1837, that’s gone, it rarely returns. after then-President Thomas Jefferson first So, as we celebrate Nashville’s 150th, we created the Michigan Territory Jan. 11, also are proud to celebrate 147 years of con­ 1805. tinuous publication of the Maple Valley Among the institutions and traditions to News by serving our local readers with the be celebrated this weekend will be another local information that takes a great deal of anniversary: The 147th year of the Nashville effort to produce each week, and the hope News, later Maple Valley News, and its con­ we can continue to do so for years to come tinuous service to the area. Omo Strong, a - right into a bicentennial celebration. slightly built 19-year-old from Lawton, who became an outspoken crusader for commu­ nity growth, started the Nashville News in 1872. He ran the paper until 1888 when he sold it to employee Len W. Feighner, who continued to publish the paper for the next 40 years while simultaneously serving as Nashville’s postmaster and then going on to become a state legislator. Like his predecessor, Feighner used the paper to promote community improvement. Four other publishers, A.B. McClure, Willard Gloster, Donald Hinderliter and Fred Jacobs, CEO, John Boughton, owned the paper from the J-Ad Graphics Inc. What do you think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by accessing our website, www. HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the following week. Last week: To minimize distractions and to enhance the educational experience, one neighboring school district will prohibit students in the upcoming school year from carrying or using their cell phones during the school day. Should our school districts do the same? Yes 58% No 41% For this week: The Michigan Secretary of State is being sued in an effort to block Proposal 2, a voter-approved initiative that would create an independent committee of nonpartisan members to redraw congressional maps after the 2020 census. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of 15 Michiganders who would be barred from the commission under these rules. Should people who have been involved in partisan politics be allowed to serve on this committee? □ Yes □ No �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 1, 2019 — Page 5 Study: Untreated mental illness, substance abuse ‘staggering’ in Michigan Kudos to our first responders To the editor: i This past Saturday, my family from the ! Detroit area was visiting me for the day at my ; home on Leach Lake. | The day was hot and muggy, and we were * just getting out of the water from a fun day » swimming when suddenly, out of the blue, i extremely high winds hit with a vengeance, > with no lightning or thunder as a warning, | bringing with it just a light rain. J As we were hurriedly making it up to my « house from the lake, a huge maple tree, along ! with a pine tree, suddenly fell on my deck. I All, including the dogs, were clear of the tree or in the house except for my niece and I. I : was hit on the head with the top of the tree as * I was getting on the deck, but my niece took । the brunt of it all when the tree knocked her ; over and portions of the tree fell on her. J I was in shock and bleeding from the head ’ wound and my niece was knocked uncon­ - scious with traumatic injuries. 911 was called < immediately. Before they arrived, my niece ! had come to and crawled out from under the tree on her own. It was pandemonium. The first responders had trouble getting to us as there was a tree across our road, and one of our good neighbors got out his chain saw to cut up the tree so that the ambulance, fire department and other emergency vehicles could get through to help us. Once they arrived, they took charge and got all of us calmed down some and cleaned up, and rushed me and my niece, who suffered severe trauma and serious injuries, to a hospi­ tal in Grand Rapids, via Life Ambulance Service. Everyone involved, including caring neigh­ bors, helped turn the chaotic situation into a lifesaving miracle. I cannot thank them all enough. I am fine and my niece, who is out of the hospital and in a rehabilitation center near Detroit for a few months, is expected to make a full recovery. We are all lucky to be alive. Mary A. Fisher Leach Lake, Hastings (write Us A Letter: ( The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: • All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Know Your Legislators Michigan Legislature J Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. * Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), I Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml ! 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov I 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855­ ' 347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, ! P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives j Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House : Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, i phone (616) 451-8383. I I U.S. Senate ; । * i i Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. I k The Hastings BaiUlCI* Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO . ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County • NEWSROOM • Rebecca Pierce (Edi^r) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Tanett Hodge Tayior Owens $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere Ted Roelofs Bridge Magazine Hundreds of thousands of Michigan resi­ dents with a mental illness or substance-use disorder are untreated, a crisis compounded by a shortage of health professionals and treatment facilities, according to the findings of a report released Tuesday. Commissioned by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, an independent grant-mak­ ing arm of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the analysis cites anxiety disorders, depression and alcohol use disorder as among conditions most left untreated. All told, the study found nearly 670,000 residents with mental illness did not receive treatment and more than 500,000 with a sub­ stance use disorder were untreated. That equates to 38 percent of people with a mental illness and 80 percent of people with substance use disorder not getting treatment in Michigan, the report found. “Those are staggering numbers,” said Corwin Rhyan, a researcher for Ann Arbor­ based Altarum, the nonprofit consulting orga­ nization that compiled the report, which Rhyan co-authored. The report does not say how many people are untreated for both mental illness and sub­ stance use disorder, though a 2017 national survey found that of 65 million adults with mental illness and substance use disorders, 8.5 million had both. The Michigan analysis notes acute shortag­ es of mental health and substance abuse pro­ viders in wide swaths of the state, concentrat­ ed in the northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula. It noted 25 counties have no psy­ chiatrist and 10 counties - again, all rural have no psychiatrist or psychologist. Sixteen rural counties do not have a sub­ stance use disorder treatment facility, and seven rural counties lack the trifecta of a psy­ chologist, psychiatrist and substance abuse facility. Rural counties in Michigan have the lowest percentage of all types of mental health work­ ers in the state. In Presque Isle County in the northeast corner of the Lower Peninsula, there were 4,260 people in 2018 to every behavioral WALK, continued from page 1------------------not able to help people struggling and battling with the things I have, then none of this is worth it.” He said he plans on taking another walk across Michigan next year for the initiative, and after that he has yet to decide. “I will go anywhere as long as people are getting help,” Hamp said. The Values Not Feelings Organization is intended to provide resources for people to get help, especially at a human level, by hav­ ing someone to talk with, he said.' The name for his organization came from something he learned while getting sober. “We can only control how we respond to life and anything that comes our way,” Hamp said. It allowed him to see himself not as the victim of what other people have done, but someone in control of how they react. So he learned to respond to tough situations with his values, instead of his feelings. “That’s kind of awesome,” Hamp said. “When you wake up in a grumpy mood, you still have values to shoot for. You can feel really crappy, but you don’t have to be a jerk.” Hamp pointed to the Secure Counseling and Psychological Centers, which operate in Hastings, as a great resource in the communi­ ty that he hopes to be able to reinforce and emulate through his own efforts. “There’s bunch of amazing people who are in rough spots,” Hamp said. “Instead of push­ ing people away, we need to step up and show people we care.” More information and updates on Hamp’s walk can be found on the A Walk for Thought Facebook page. selors and social workers. Advance the use of telemedicine That includes closing gaps in broadband internet connection and capacity throughout the state, “especially in rural areas.” According to the Federal Communications Commission, more than 900,000 rural Michigan resi­ dents lack access to minimum federal broad­ band standards. While former Gov. Rick Snyder in 2017 signed into law a measure that allows physi­ cians and mental health providers to prescribe controlled substances through telemedicine, advocates for its expanded use say some phy­ sicians are reluctant to adopt the practice. Build professional support networks Promote the use of healthcare providers such as peer support specialists, recovery coaches and community health workers. The report recommends the development of certi­ fication standards for peer support specialists to support insurance reimbursement. Continue to integrate primary care and behavior health care The report cited a 2018 survey by the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan - representing mental health agen­ cies across the state - that found more than 600 initiatives underway in the state to inte­ grate mental and physical health. That includ­ ed more than 100 sites where mental health and physical health service shared the same physical space, such as Heart of the City Health Center in Grand Rapids. “Research indicates that co-location of physical and behavioral healthcare is linked to reductions in no-shows, increased primary care utilization, and improved physical health goals among adults with serious mental ill­ ness,” the Community Mental Health Association noted. Cienki of the Health Fund said there is abundant evidence of the cost of leaving men­ tal illness and substance abuse untreated, including a 2016 estimate that there were 400,000 inmates in U.S. jails with men­ tal illness. According to the Michigan Department of Corrections, nearly one in four Michigan prison inmates had some form of mental illness in 2018 - at an annual cost to taxpayers of more than $36,000. “There are also costs to our child welfare system as children can be placed in foster care as a result of their parents’ addiction or mental illness,” she said. “We believe it’s really important to address those conditions early on. TAMPERING, continued from page 1 “Whoever is doing this is putting the bill on the property owners. Anything that happens there is just going to go back on them is just going to raise their assessments. It’s not rocket science. I don’t understand why anyone would be screwing with it other than to make me look bad. So they can say, ‘Oh, look, you’re not getting anything done.’ But we have; we’ve taken 7 inches off the lake.” Jim Dull, Barry County Drain Commissioner it is mounted on, removing the batteries from the camera, messing with the pump, putting new batteries back into the camera so it doesn’t catch the vandalism and then putting the camera back. “I mean when I went out there, I was look­ ing at it and I thought, ‘Wow, I did a crappy job hanging that camera.’ ” Dull talked to Sheriff Dar Leaf after the initial problem. Later, he filed a report with the sheriff’s department and had an officer come out to the site after he suspected that someone had tampered with the camera. “It ain’t smart,” Dull said. “It’s just dumb and creepy.” The pump at Crooked Lake is having its own share of suspicious activity, he added. “We don’t know what’s going out there. The whole pump was popped apart when we went down there a week ago.” It had cracked once before, but they had been able to fix that. This time, the entire pump clamp was broken, and the pin was out of it. Could the pump do that on its own? He shrugged his shoulders. “I asked the guy from DeWind how often something like that hap­ pens, and he said never. It was a relatively new pump. “It would be very surprising if that clamp wore itself out sitting there like that.” Speculation aside, now there! are two cam­ eras in place - and one goes straight to a phone so that any tampering will trigger it. Both are high enough off the ground that any vandal will need a ladder to reach them. “Try me,” Dull said. The D Hastings Banner Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 Area Locations to purchase the Hastings Banner! Cloverdale: Clover ’' " ' Brown s Cedar Creek Grocery One Stop Shop (Phillips 66) (M-43 North) Superette Family Fare Greg’s Get-It-N-Go Middleville Johnny's Tom’s Market Gtmlike: Phillips 66 Gas Station (M-37 South) Sam’s Gourmet Foods The Dock Store Hastings Johnny's The General Store Marathon Mega Bev Penn-Nook Gift Shop Phillips 66 Gas Station (W. State St.) POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 health worker - a category that includes psy­ chiatrists, psychologists, licensed social workers, counselors, marriage and family therapists and substance abuse providers. That’s 10 times higher than the state average of 400 people per behavioral health worker. Among 16 Michigan metropolitan areas, Detroit and the Benton Harbor area had the highest percentage of residents with untreated mental illness, at 48 percent and 47 percent, respectively. In 14 of 16 metropolitan areas, at least 80 percent of residents with substance use disorder went untreated. A statewide advocate for mental health and substance use disorder treatment said the report underscores gaps in treatment that have been known for years. “We consider this an epidemic in Michigan,” said Kevin Fischer, executive director of the Michigan chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness. “At the end of the day, the state has to make this a priority. We just haven’t done that.” Officials with Michigan Health Endowment Fund expect the analysis to drive future grant­ making decisions. In 2013, Michigan passed legislation that requires Blue Cross Blue Shield - the largest insurer in the state - to contribute up to $1.56 billion over 18 years to the fund to improve health care in Michigan. “This report provides a critical baseline for understanding and improving behavioral health care access in Michigan,” said Becky Cienki, director of behavioral health for the Health Fund. “We now have a clearer picture of the gaps and barriers to treatment, and we’ll use the insights and recommendations from this study to guide the Health Fund’s grantmaking strat­ egy.” To date, Cienki said, the Health Fund has awarded $34 million in grants to address unmet behavioral health needs. The report issued more than a dozen rec­ ommendations for addressing the treatment gap. It did not estimate how much they might cost to implement. Recommendations include: Increasing the pool of behavioral health professionals in Michigan The report notes Michigan “would need 167 additional psychiatrists practicing in underserved geographic areas” to meet feder­ al standards for appropriate care. It recom­ mends expansion of residencies in psychiatry and psychiatric specialty training for nurse practitioners and physician assistants and expansion of programs to train licensed coun­ Phillips 66 Gas Station (M-37 West) Family Fare Gas Station Walgreens l^hville: Trading Post Nashville Johnny’s Delton: Family Fare Delton Johnny's Banf^ld: Pine Lake: Doster Country Store Prairieville: Prairieville Fast Stop Dowling: Goldsworthys Dowling General Store Woodland: Woodland Express Freeport: L&J’s Nashville C Store Carl’s L^keJMessa: Lake-OMart Lake Odessa Johnny's Carl’s Shelbyville: Town & Country �Page 6 — Thursday, August 1, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingshopeumc. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office, greenstreetumc @ gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948­ 8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. Kay Mikel Ward Glenn Edward Wiley Aaron George Snider HASTINGS, MI - Kay Mikel Ward, age 84, of Hastings passed away after cancer sur­ gery complications with family by her side on Sunday, July 28, 2019 at Spectrum Health North in Grand Rapids Kay was bom at her home in Lansing, on December 29, 1934, the daughter of the late Robert and Katherine “Tilly” Tilburt. She was raised in Nashville, and attended school there. Kay was the wife of the late Leon A. “Bud” Ward. The couple were married on October 10, 1951 and began their lives together in the Battle Creek area. They moved to Hastings in 1954 where they raised their family together and were married 62 years before Bud passed away in 2014. Kay worked as a maid in a motel in Hast­ ings and then for V&S Hardware, which later became True Value Hardware. Kay enjoyed the relationships made with many of her co-workers and customers there. After re­ tiring, she also worked at HELP Hardware, helping out her family. Kay had many hobbies, but one of her fa­ vorite things to do was camping in Luding­ ton. She and Bud camped there most week­ ends in the summer, while Bud was salmon fishing on Lake Michigan. They hosted the family anytime they showed up, and made many great memories there. Kay also enjoyed reading romance novels, going to craft and antique shows, league bowling, Super Bowl parties with her closest friends, and being a host any time there a family event. When Kay was younger, she was a great trap shoot­ er, acquiring trophies in that sport. Kay col­ lected playing cards from all over the world, snowmen, Indian figurines and trinkets, and pink depression glass. Kay attended Nash­ ville Baptist Church and enjoyed southern gospel quartets, her favorite being the Bass singers. Kay is survived by three daughters, Kather­ ine Payiva of Avon Park, FL, Christine (Na­ than) Bolthouse of Hastings, Patricia (Rich­ ard) Bouwman of Comstock Park, and son, Michael (Vickie) Ward of Dowling. Also, five grandchildren, Amy Tyner, Jill (Mark) Hewitt, Anthony Bolthouse, Benjamin (Stephanie) Bolthouse, and Andrea (Kenneth) Lampart, and 12 great grandchildren Karley, Hunt­ er, Colvin, Matt, Carter, Rachael, Braden, Kaylee, Kristin, Kaitlin, Dustin and Kathrin. Kay is survived by three siblings, Roberta Douglas, Robert (Thelma) Tilburt, and Jon (Carolyn) Tilburt, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Marlene Bruce and Betsy Solomi, siblings-in-law Bill Bruce, Sam Solomi, Bruce Douglas, Joan and Albert McGinn, and Joyce and Jim Glyshaw. Also, her beloved Shih Tzu Brandy and Jasper who were al­ ways on her lap or at her feet. Funeral services will be held at Nashville Baptist Church in Nashville, at 1 p.m. on Sat­ urday, Aug. 3 with Pastor Lestor DeGroot officiating. The family will receive visitors beginning at 11 a.m. at Nashville Baptist Church located on Phillips St. A luncheon will be served immediately following the funeral service at the Church. Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery in Hastings after the luncheon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the family, (checks made pay­ able to 5/3 Bank, Kay Ward) which will be designated for burial expenses, or to Matt & Barb Douglas, missionaries in Australia, at: AB WE PO Box 8585 Harrisburg, PA 17105­ 8585, Missionary #11032-001. Matt is Kay’s nephew. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, ML For further details please visit our web­ site at www.danielsfuneralhome.net DELTON, MI - Glenn Edward Wiley, age 92, of Delton, passed away on July 29, 2019. Glenn was bom on January 18, 1927 in Schoolcraft, the son of Wright and Zelda Wi­ ley. He was a veteran of WWII serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps, stationed in Hawaii. On January 24, 1947 he was united in mar­ riage to his high school sweetheart, Eleanor Louise Hagerman. He worked at Richland Farm Service, Dimond Machinery, and in later years opened his own business north of Delton, G&E Repair, where he retired from in 2015. Glenn was a lifelong farmer as well, first in Richland and then north of Delton until his retirement. Glenn’s passion in life was farm­ ing and enjoyed all aspects of it while rais­ ing his and Eleanor’s three daughters on their Richland and Delton farms. He was a master welder and performed numerous projects for the state of Michigan and surrounding com­ munity. Glenn enjoyed fly fishing, anything to do with tractors, and was a lifelong reader of books and farming articles. His loving union with Eleanor lasted 62 years until she passed away on March 1, 2009. Glenn was blessed by a second chance at love and happiness with his marriage to Gloria Herbert on January 19, 2011. Gloria’s family lovingly brought him into the Herbert family. During their marriage Glenn devel­ oped very strong relationships with many of Gloria’s family members and members of the Faith United Methodist Church. Glenn was preceded in death by his par­ ents; three brothers, Artemas, Gordon, and Donald Wiley. He is survived by his wife, Gloria; three daughters, Diane (Jerry) Frost, Sharon Boni­ face Fisher (Paul), and Linda (Arthur) Ribble; six grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren; step-children, Gary (Bonnie) Herbert, Gail (Larry) Phillips, Sue (Mike) Albertson, Mark (Jane) Herbert, Kathy (Poncho) Samis, Jeff (Rose) Herbert, and Kris (John) Workman; 20 step-grandchil­ dren and 30 step-great grandchildren; two sis­ ters, Edna Sabin and Ellen Chapman; many nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends may meet with the family on Thursday, August 1 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Williams-Gores Funeral Home in Delton, and again on Friday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church. A funeral service will be held on Friday, Aug. 2 , 2019 at 11 a.m. at Faith United Methodist Church, Pastor Brian Bunch officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Faith United Methodist Church. Cremation will take place after the funeral and Glenn and Eleanor’s ashes will be joined together at Fort Custer National Cemetery next week. The date and time for the service at Fort Custer will be on the funeral home website or call the funeral home directly at (269) 623-5461. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Glenn’s family. Aaron George Snider passed away on July 25, 2019 at the age of 55. Aaron was bom on August 30, 1963, the son of Claude and Mar­ ilyn Snider. He was a 1981 graduate of Lakewood High School in Lake Odessa and worked at Felpausch Food Center for over 25 years. Aaron enjoyed attending church, going to concerts, golfing, fishing with his grandkids, and camp­ ing on the family land. He loved to cook for everyone and also enjoyed eating great food. He liked watching and attending Spartan sporting events and giving every U of M fan a hard time. Aaron was preceded in death by his grand­ daughter, Shannon Schleh; grandmother, Bessie Snider; grandfather, Walter Snider; uncles, Al Snider, Walt Snider, Mike E. Snid­ er, Doug Snider, Curt Snider; his aunt, Beth Snider and his cousin, Mike Snider. He is survived by his father, Claude (Sher­ ry) Snider of Hastings and mother, Marilyn (Roy) Marvin of Riverside; his fiance, Renee Corp of Holt; his sons, Aaron (Brandi) Snider of Watervliet, Kyle (Lexi) Snider of Hastings, and Ryan Burgdorf of Hastings; his daugh­ ters, Kara Snider of Hastings, Tia Treadwell of Nashville, Nava (Steve) Brooks of Battle Creek, and Cherokee Schleh of Mena, AR; ex-wife, Dawn Snider of Hastings; ex-wife, Linda Bueker of Hastings; 19 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; brothers, Brian Snider (Jen) of Hastings Zack Marvin (Bren-1 da) of Riverside Brian Zalewski (Nicole) of J Ludington; sisters, Terri Reining of Weaver­ ville, NC, Dana Aspinall (Norm) of Hastings ; Cheryl Bolter (Tommy) of Hastings Rhonda Zalewski of Hastings Services were held Wednesday, July 31, J 2019 with a visitation prior at Girrbach Fu neral Home, 328 S Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. A Celebration of Life potluck was held fol­ lowing the service at Fish Hatchery Park. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, ' visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings, org. Worship Service at 10 a.m. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945­ 9217. cbchastings.org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Hwy, P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www. hastingsfreemethodistcom. Pastor Brian Teed, Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAM­ ILY HOUR WELCOMES ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Pre­ school age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Stan­ dard and Adult Elective class­ es. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church age 4-4th grade dismissed during service. Sunday Evening Youth Group, Wednesday Mid-Week and Thursday Bible Study will resume in the fall. Thursday Brunch: Aug. 8th at 9:30 a.m. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God's Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! Aug. 4- Services at 8 & 10:45 a.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@ grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St, Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www.grace-hastings. org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses' _ A- exfob V/1 MV "XT Products 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 AWLBlESlfflM 770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541 Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Marriage licenses Shanon Lynn Reil, Middleville and Adam Lee Buntjer, Middleville Tara Ann Matthes, Findlay, OH and Michael Thomas Billinghurst, Findlay, OH Brendon Thomas Hudson, Wayland and Brooke Taylor Anderson, Dorr Jerry Lee Plank III, Middleville and Kaytlyn Mae Korhn, Middleville Charlee Ellen Webster, Middleville and Joseph Lawrence Cichos, Middleville Chad Douglas Hall, Bellevue and Ashley Marie Shook, Bellevue Sue Ann Lovell, Hastings and William Harland Simmonds, Hastings Susan Marie O’Dell, Nashville and Michael Ernest Shilton, Nashville HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Thursday, Aug. 1 - Baby Cafe 10 a.m.noon; Movie Memories presents “The Little Colonel,” (1935), 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 2 - no preschool story time in August. Saturday, Aug. 3 - Movies at the Plaza, featuring “Up”, 9:30 p.m./dusk. Monday, Aug. 5 - Quilting Passions, 10 a.m.-l p.m.; library board of directors meet­ ing, 4:30 p.m. , Tuesday, Aug. 6 - no toddler story times in August; mahjong, 5:30; chess club, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7 - Barry County Historical Society hosts master biadesmith Kevin Cashen, 6 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 1, 2019 — Page 7 Clinton Wayne Taggart HASTINGS, MI - Clinton Wayne Taggart, age 60, of Hastings, passed away on July 27, 2019. Clinton was bom on January 17, 1959, the son of Richard Wayne and Joan Evyonne (Kidder) Taggart. He was a graduate of Thornapple-Kellogg High School and on August 29, 1992, married his wife of 27 years, San­ dra Dee Yarger. Clinton enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunt­ ing, and being outdoors, especially in the woods. He liked Harley-Davidson motorcy­ cles and building things. Clinton was preceded in death by his fa­ ther-in-law, Carl M. Yarger and mother-in -law, Vivian I. Yarger. He is survived by his wife, Sandra D. Tag­ gart of Hastings; father, Richard W. Taggart of Clarksville; mother, Joan E. Taggart of Free­ port; daughter, Peggy Jean (John) Douthett; son, Isaiah Wayne Yarger; grandson, Caleb Michael Douthett; granddaughter, Gemma Rain Douthett; brothers, Dwayne (Jeanette), Gene (Maria) Taggart; sister, Rebecca (Jason) Ringleka; sisters-in-law, Carol (Roy) Weeks, Diane (Robert) Schweder, Kathy Lancaster and Karen (Ed) Englehart; brother-in-law, Michael Yarger and several nieces and neph­ ews. A memorial service will be announced and held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Relay for Life of Barry County http://www.relayforlife.org/barrymi or to the family. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfimeralhome.net. Families strolling their way to literacy Tanett Hodge Staff Writer Children of all ages and their families enjoyed perfect weather Tuesday at the fourth annual Stroll and Read, sponsored by Barry County Great Start Collaborative and Pierce Cedar Creek Institute’s No Family Left Indoors. Attendees “strolled” through the Hastings Riverwalk and Thomapple Plaza taking part in a story walk and stopping in at many early literacy stations along the way. Community members volunteered to read children’s books on blankets in the park and the YMCA B. Bus camped out in the parking lot, offering opportunities to read, take part in a book walk and obtain a free book for each child. Representatives from Community Action and Great Start offered family advoca­ cy resources, Imagination Library offered preschoolers free books through the mail, popsicles and popcorn were served, craft activities abounded and the Grouchy Ladybug was brought to life by the Bremer Brothers for all to enjoy. “The Institute loves to support education and literacy,” Ellen Holste, program coordina­ tor for Pierce Cedar Creek, said. “And it’s even better if we can do that in a physically active manner. This accomplishes both.” SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Ellen Holste of Pierce Cedar Creek Institute reads “The Very Busy Spider.” She also showed the children how to make spider webs with paper plates and yarn. Stepping in when a young parent dies Neil Robret Katsul Dick Jousma reads “The Little Girl Who Lost Her Name” to Sheila Bell (left) and Henry Service, of Hastings. ' AUGUSTA, MI - Neil Robert Katsul, age 44, died unexpectedly on July 25, 2019. He was the beloved father of Jolene Jennifer KatSul, whom he treasured deeply. Neil was bom in Grand Rapids on Octo­ ber 19, 1974. He was a graduate of Hastings High School, where he was a member of the Ski club and also crowned homecoming king. Neil went to school for machine repair and graduated with a journeyman’s certificate, while also pursuing different avenues to fur­ ther his education. Neil also attended the Tom Brown Tracker School, and he taught backto-the-earth skills to children at many differ­ ent schools. He was an incredible fire-maker and could create fire with Native American methods. He took pride in his work and was very meticulous. He was a skilled drummer and played many instruments, and he was involved with competition shooting such as 3-gun. When Neil wasn’t working, his favorite pastimes included skateboarding, drumming with Robert Shimmin, and any activity with his daughter - especially swimming. He was well-liked by all he met and would help any­ one who needed it. Neil is survived by his mother, Cheryl J. Katsul; his father, Thomas J. Katsul (Hast­ ings), his brother, Paul T. Katsul, and his ijiiece Sophia L. Katsul, both of Lowell. He had many aunts, uncles, and cousins. He is also survived by the mother of his daugh­ ter, Jennifer M. Katsul, and his beloved dar­ ling girl, Jolene J. Katsul. He will be sorely ipissed. • A Celebration of Life Service will be held Jn Saturday, August 10, 2019 at noon at Gir­ bach Funeral Home, 328 S. Broadway, Hast­ ings, MI 49058. [ In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Jolene Katsul fund. Ar­ rangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www.girrBachfuneralhome.net. I I Kristina Mann, family advocate for Community Action, said she chose to be at the event because she wanted to let people know that they are enrolling for preschool at this time and every child ages 0-5 can go for free if they qualify. “It is very important to make more oppor­ tunities for young children to interact with the written word,” Sara Syswerda, education director at Pierce Cedar Creek, said. “This event helps all of us to build connections during the summer with parents, so that we can give them resources to do that and model for them what that looks like.” A partner to the Great Start Collaborative, the Great Start Parent Coalition also was on the grounds. This group of parents and care­ givers are dedicated to informing, shaping, and supporting the early childhood work in the community and meet monthly to help plan events to accomplish the task. Parents can fmd updated information and be part of the group by connecting with @ BarryParentCoalition on Facebook. The whole event was centered around an Eric Carle theme, a renowned writer of chil­ dren’s books. This year marks the 50th anni­ versary of the author’s well-known book “The Hungry Caterpillar.” Vonda VanTil Social Security Public Affairs Specialist For young people whose parent passes away, Social Security is here. Losing a parent is both emotionally painful and often devastating to a family’s finances. In the same way that Social Security helps to lift up the disabled and seniors when they need it, we support families when an income-earning parent dies. You should let Social Security know as soon as possible when a person in your family dies. Usually, the funeral director will report the person’s death to Social Security. You’ll need to give the deceased’s Social Security number to the funeral director so they can make the report. Some of the deceased's family members may be able to receive Social Security benefits = ; if the deceased person worked long enough in jobs covered by Social Security to qualify for benefits. Contact Social Security as soon as possible to make sure the family gets all the benefits they’re entitled to. Please read the following information carefully to learn what benefits may be available. Unmarried children can get benefits if they’re younger than age 18; 18 to 19 years old and a full-time student (no higher than grade 12); or 18 or older with a disability that began before age 22. To get benefits, a child must have a parent who’s disabled or retired and entitled to Social Security benefits; or a parent who died after having worked long enough in a job where they paid Social Security taxes. Benefits stop when a child reaches age 18 unless the child is a student in secondary school or disabled. Within a family, a child can receive up to half of the parent’s full retirement or disability benefit. If a child receives Survivors benefits, he or she can get up to 75 percent of the deceased parent’s basic Social Security benefit. There is a limit to the amount of money we can pay to a family. This family maximum is determined as part of e very Social Security benefit computation. It can be from 150 to 180 percent of the parent’s full benefit amount. If the total amount payable to all family members exceeds this limit, we reduce each person’s benefit proportionately (except the parent’s) until the total equals the maximum allowable amount. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 4952,5 or via email to vonda. Vantil@ ssa .gov. • Traditional and Cremation Services • Pre-Planning Services • Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible • Serving All Faiths • Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 269945-3252 • www.girrbachfuneralhome. Owner/Manager Family Owned and Operated Serving Hastings, Barry County and Surrounding Communities for 50 years John (right) and Mike Bremer read and act out “The Grouchy Ladybug” at Thomapple Plaza Tuesday evening. Grants available for scrap tire cleanup activities The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy has grants available that promote and support the cleanup and reuse of scrap tires in Michigan. Scrap tires pose a fire risk and a human health risk as mosquito breeding grounds. Scrap tires can be collected, processed and used for various purposes, including paving products for roads, manufactured products and energy production. The Scrap Tire Cleanup Grant is available for property owners to clean up old or aban­ doned scrap tires. EGLE will give priority to collection sites where tires were accumulated prior to Jan. 1, 1991, as well as collection sites that pose an imminent threat to public health, safety, welfare or the environment. Local units of government and nonprofit organizations also are eligible for funding for cleanup days and roadside cleanup grants. Grant application package can be obtained by visiting Michigan (Go v/S craptires and selecting the appropriate link under “Grants,” or by calling Kirsten Clemens, 517-614-7431. EGLE will accept Cleanup Grant Applications with all supporting documenta­ tion received on or before Friday, Aug. 30. Call anv time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad FIRST HEttVTtNAN OIIU MH VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL AMAZING SCOWMS raw Join Us August 6th - 8th f 9am Noon • Preschool thru 5th grade Amazing real-life encounters with Jesus Bible Stories, Music, Crafts, Games Stormy the Magician, Binder Park Zoo & 3 Inflatables (Bounce Houses) Register at: firstchurchhastings.org or call 269 945-5463 405 N. M-37 Highway, Hastings, MI 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 �Page 8 — Thursday, August 1, 2019 — The Hastings Banner —————————~———-------------- ........ . . .... . . Financial FOCUS 1—i* Elaine Garlock Depot Day has come and gone with another year of celebration of the restoration and moving of the historic depot from railside to Emerson Street where it can be enjoyed by all the local citizenry with its vast collection of railroad memorabilia. This year’s event had the usual lineup of musical entertainment but no dancers. In appreciation of the community support for all these years since the early 1970s the gift of the Lake Odessa Area Historical Society to all those who attended was free food. The entertainment has always been free but this year there was the added gift of free food, which included hot-dogs, brats, ice cream and all the trimmings. There was also a ticket event with cash prizes. The depot had a sale on its famed Scheclers pickles and other new items in the gift shop. A singing troubadour from the Chicago area was new to the program list, and he was a good entertainer. The George Johnsons and several of their family members were in northern Michigan over the weekend for a reunion of George’s family, which consisted of six blond brothers. With grandchildren and even great grandchildren in the mix, more than 80 were present. The couple made a side trip to Mackinac Island before returning home. Their neighbor Elaine Garlock and daughters attended a family reunion in Carson City, which was meeting for the 96th time. A few in attendance were there for the very first time. Others were old-timers. They heard a life story of a man who had been a teacher starting during World War II with shortages and circumstances unknown to the relatives bom after the 1940s. The planters that grace Fourth Avenue remain beautiful. One often sees a couple with tractor and trailer watering the many planters in the evenings. The planters this year are each centered with a tall canna plant. Each is surrounded with begonias and other small plants that add color to the central tall canna. Neighbors on Willowbrook Drive enjoyed a potluck picnic alongside the channel last week. The event was planned by Darwin and Margie Thompson who are among the condo residents. Neighbor Dale Mossburg handled registration and made sure each person had a name tag. Some residents thought to include their house numbers. Because of this gesture, one could see how far up the hill the person lived. Food was abundant. Most brought their own lawn chairs, and two large canopies provided shade. The event was planned as a venue for people to learn about their neighbors and meet the newer residents. Residents were present from 27 homes. If you have a child or another family member with disabilities, you obviously have concerns and questions. How can you help your loved one achieve the greatest quality of life possible? Can you arrange for adequate services? What’s the best way to pay for them? Can you get some financial help? Fortunately, you are not alone. Your disabled family member may well be eligible for several government programs. But these programs won’t cover everything, so you may want to help close the gaps. Yet, some government benefits impose eligibility restrictions based on the level of assets or resources available to the recipient, which means the financial help you’re willing to provide could backfire - unless you establish a special needs trust. A special needs trust allows the beneficiary - your family member - to receive government benefits while still receiving funds from the trust. You, as the donor, supply these funds, while a trustee holds and administers them according to your wishes. Generally speaking, the beneficiary can’t use the trust for basic support - food, clothing and shelter - or to receive benefits that can be provided by the government. Instead, the trust can be used to provide specialized therapy, special equipment, recreational outings and other items. When considering a special needs trust, Craft, Flea Market & Car Shew (m-v« Saturday, August 3rd - -FREE SET UP & REG1STRATI0N- 1 i—’ZA/^IT TCI Can your family benefit from a special needs trust? Gun Lake Curley Cene 10am-3pm • you’ll need to explore several issues, but it’s soon. Edward Jones, its employees andfinancial especially important to focus on these two: • Naming a trustee - You could name a advisors are not estate planners and cannot trusted family member or friend as a trustee. provide tax or legal advice. You should This choice works well for many people, but consult your estate-planning attorney or it does have the potential to cause familial qualified tax advisor regarding your conflicts. Another possibility is to name a situation. This article was written by Edward Jones trust company, which can provide professional management, expertise and for use by your local Edward Jones Financial continuity of administration. You can even Advisor. If you have any questions, contact name an individual and a trust company as Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. trustees, combining the personal touch of a family member with the technical and administrative skills of a professional trustee. • Funding the trust - You can fund the trust during your lifetime or have it activated upon The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are your passing. You don’t have to be the sole from the previous week. donor, either - you can structure the trust so Apple Inc. 208.78 -.06 other family members can contribute to it. 34.18 +2.09 And a trust can be funded with many types of AT&T 43.42 +2.08 assets - securities (stocks and bonds), IRA Chemical Fin Chevron 124.34 -1.48 proceeds, insurance death benefits and more. 170.03 +1.68' While it’s important you understand the Deere & Co. -.02 75.35 fundamentals of a special needs trust, it’s not Exxon Mobil -1.17 51.39 a do-it-yourself endeavor. In fact, creating Flowserve CP Ford Motor Co. 9.55 -.62 this trust can be complex. For one thing, 10.52 -.13 General Electric Co. there are a few different types of special General Motors 40.43 -.28 needs trust, so you’ll need to determine Home Depot Inc. 217.36 +4.28 which is right for your needs. Also, it’s +3.24 132.08 important to be familiar with the Johnson Johnson 58.56 +.25 requirements of various federal, state and Kellogg Co. 140.35 +1.06 local benefit programs for people with Microsoft CP Perrigo Co. 54.24 +.40 disabilities. For these and other reasons, it’s 38.79 -4.30 essential to work with a local estate-planning Pfizer Inc. 12.04 +.79 professional who knows the regulations in Spartannash Comp Stryker 213.61 +4.24 your area. You may also need to bring in your 22.11 +1.10 financial professional, who can help with the TCF Financial Corp. 112.06 -.03 funding elements of a special needs trust, and Walmart Inc. +3.67 Walt Disney Co 144.93 who can possibly recommend a trust Whirl Pool Corp 150.75 +8.28 company, if you choose to use one. You’ll do anything you can to make life +$10.89 $1,430.99 better for a disabled child or family member Gold $16.51 +.01 - and one tool you have at your disposal is a Silver Dow Jones 27,198 +151 special needs trust. Consider looking into one -----STOCKS----- FIREKEEPERS 10TH ANNIVERSARY SESSIONS SATURDAY, AUGUST 10 • 12 PM & 6:30 PM CALL JO 517-213-3072 Come celebrate with us during these special matinee and evening sessions with $1,000 payouts for all regular games! (for setup details) DAILY SESSIONS THURSDAYS - MONDAYS • 12 PM & 6 PM CLOSED TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS Visit FireKeepersCasino.com for details^ ~~ August 17 Flea Market & Car Show 3^0 5 FIREKEEPERS ME TOG CASINO ♦ HOTEL HOMES NEEDED! Shooting rocks I Dr. Universe: What are shooting stars made of? 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Open to the Public Dress Rehearsal-Wednesday, October 2nd. Curtain at 7 PM Performances October 3 4,5 Curtain at 7PM. Sunday, October 6, matinee and final performance. Doctor Universe RANCH HOME LOCATED ON OVER 47 ACRES featuring mature hardwoods throughout property, frontage on your own private spring fed lake, some tillable ground and Bristol Lake just down the road. 1,600 square feet on the main floor, custom built cherry cabinets built from on site timber, solid surface counters, 3 bedrooms, large living room, walkout lower level, finished family room with fireplace and two stall attached garage. Two additional outbuildings on property, one 768 square feet including 220 electric and garage heater. Must see property listed at $329,900. Call Dan Burrill 616-292-3876 for a private showing five star* REAL ESTATE LEADERS 4249 Parkway Place Suite A Grandville MI 49418 Dear Erin, If you are anything like me, you probably like watching for shooting stars in the night sky. A shooting star, or a meteor, is usually a small rock that falls into Earth’s atmosphere. When I went to visit my friend Michael Allen, a senior instructor of astronomy and physics at Washington State University, he told me that a lot of shooting stars are no bigger than a pencil eraser. “The earth is going to pass a random peb­ ble once in a while and that will make a streak in the sky,” he said. You might be wondering how such a small rock can create such a bright streak of light. If you’ve ever rubbed your hands together, you may know that friction is what helps them warm up. When a small rock is falling into Earth’s atmosphere, it falls super-fast. Depending on the meteor, it can travel anywhere from 36,000 feet to 236,220 feet in a single sec­ ond. As it falls, there is a lot of friction between the air and the rock. With all that friction, the rock starts to get really hot. This friction will help melt part of the rock. If the rock is small enough, it will evaporate, leaving behind a trail of hot gas­ ses — and that’s the shooting star you see streaking across the night sky. Every now and then, we can see lots of shooting stars in the sky at the same time. When we see a meteor shower, we are see­ ing the little bits of a comet that has worked its way through the solar system. These meteor showers happen about a dozen times over the year, and most last just a couple of hours. When the icy comet intersects with Earth’s orbit, it gets heated up by the sun and can break up into lots of smaller pieces of rock that can fall into Earth’s atmosphere. Meteors are rich in glassy or sandy materi­ als, like quartz. If a rock makes it from outer space to the surface of earth, we call it a meteorite. Allen also told me it’s really hard to know just by looking at a rock if it is from Earth or if it is something extraterrestrial. If we really wanted to find out if a rock was a meteorite, we would need to look very closely at its atoms and its structure in a lab. When we take a look at what makes up objects in space, we can learn quite a lot. By the way, unlike meteors, which are solids, actual stars are really big exploding balls of gas. They are mostly made up of gases called hydrogen and helium. The next time you look up to the vast night sky, remember that even the tiniest specks of dust and rock can light up the darkness — and that interstellar dust is fall­ ing around us all the time. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her web­ site, askdruniverse.com. Give the gift of NEWS! Send friends and family a gift subscription to mri’l T X g • 'WB A Hk Tlk T'F’ T1 f The Hastings BANNER! To subscribe, call us at 269-945-9554 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 1,2019 — Page 9 fl look back at the stories and columns on TURNING BACK THE PAGES Nashville development tied to trains — Part II Nashville’s first serious fire occurred in 1874, when half a dozen Main Street businesses were destroyed. The next year, an early hook and ladder company formed. This fine uniformed department was organized in May 1882. Pictured (far right) is Len W. Feighner, Nashville News publisher, whose predecessor, Orno Strong, was a primary crusader for a fire department. The NFD marked its centennial in 1982. In the background is Nashville’s town hall, originally the Methodist church, moved and renovated after a fire damaged it in 1880. Nashville long had a good business relationship with the surrounding rural districts. The original portion of the elevator (left in this 1940s photo) served farmers since it was built near the railroad in 1879. The elevator has been owned since 1920 by the Nashville Co-op Association. Just to the right of the building is the final home of the Farmer’s Cooperative Creamery, built in 1940. The creamery operated in other loca­ tions commencing in 1914 and closed some 38 years later. Plans have been in the works for well over a year to celebrate the sesquicentennial, or 150th birthday, of the village of Nashville. Among the activities will be a dedication ceremony to name a pavilion in memory of Susan (Murphy) Hinckley. A Nashville native, Hinckley devoted several years to * researching the history of tfie Community and providing the Maple Valley News with her ■ weekly “Memories of the Past” column. The column over the years featured colorful characters, school days recollections, milestones, businesses of the past, unique or tragic events, transportation over the years, memorable weather events, and occasional “this week in Nashville history”summaries. It seems fitting to reprint her column in the days leading up to the big celebration in her favorite town. This column, published July 23, 1985, was the second of two that | focused specifically on the settling and development of the village. The first industry in Nashville was a furniture shop established in 1867 by Jacob Lentz, a French-bom cabinet-maker who later took his three sons, Charles, Albert and Lewis, into the company which, for more than half a century, represented the village’s largest concern, at one time employing as many as 125 workers turning out fine reproductions of 18th century tables and other furniture. Local manufacturers in the village today include R & F Industries, Curtis Craft Center, Maple Valley Concrete Products and Baby Bliss, a branch of a Middleville-based maker of infant clothing. Standard Stamping Company, founded in 1942, was for some 25 years an important employer in the village, but it is no longer in business. Elections The first village election in Nashville was held April 7, 1869, and became somewhat unruly when it was alleged that transient railroad workers were being allowed to vote. The first president, elected in that contest, was Lemuel Smith, a Vermont native who came to Michigan in 1855 and was “most frank” about his “peculiar” religious views. He was a Freethinker, a Liberalist ... and had no church superstition hanging to his skirts,” it was said about his death. Newspapers The first newspaper published in Nashville was the Nashville Business Register, a brief business and news sheet that made its debut Feb. 10, 1870, under direction of merchant Leonard Stauffer. The first issue of The Nashville News, a continuously published forerunner of the present-day Maple Valley News, appeared Oct. 1, 1873. The publisher was Orno Strong, a slightly J built 19-year-old from Lawton who became an outspoken crusader for community betterment. In 1888, Strong sold the paper to employee Len W. Feighner, a nephew of Stauffer, who continued to publish it for the next 40 years while simultaneously serving as Nashville’s postmaster and going on to become a state legislator. Like his predecessor, Feighner also crusaded via The News for community improvements. Four other publishers - A.B. McClure, Willard Gloster, Donald Hinderliter and John Boughton - owned the paper from the time Feighner sold the weekly in 1928 until it was purchased in 1975 by J-Ad Graphics Inc. of Hastings, present publishers. The Maple Valley News continues to play an important role in the community, serving both Nashville and its sister city, Vermontville, in Eaton County. Firefighting Among the many village improvements for which Editor Strong campaigned was a fire department. At his urging, an early hook and ladder company was formed in 1875. In 1882, the first official volunteer fire department was organized and is still active today. It is supported now by the Village of Nashville and townships of Castleton and Maple Grove. Operating as a separate entity is an ambulance department, also supported by the three governmental units. The first serious fire in Nashville occurred Feb. 25, 1874, when a half-dozen businesses on the west side of Main Street were destroyed, including The News office, which was frantically torn down to halt the spread of flames. The incident prompted Editor Strong to push for a village fire department. Water and sewer The first municipal waterworks system, including a pump house and 85,000-gallon standpipe to hold river water for non­ consumptive purposes, was completed in 1892, not long after fire destroyed the Lentz Table Company plant near Main Street. The factory was rebuilt on the east side of town on condition the village would offer an adequate water supply for fire protection. Nashville’s first sewer system was installed in 1908. Both it and the waterworks system have been upgraded and expanded within the past 10 years [1985]. Telephones The first phones in Nashville were installed in 1898 by Michigan Telephone Company, but service was very limited in scope. The next year, Citizens Telephone Company strung lines and installed phones, giving the village much wider coverage. Electric lights, with power furnished by the Thornapple Electric Company, were first turned on in Nashville in February 1902. Four arc lights brightened Main Street. The News office was one of the first business places to give up its acetylene gas plant in favor of the new lights. Today Nashville is served by Consumers Power Company and Michigan Bell Telephone. Automobiles The first automobile used in Nashville was a Thomas Tri-Auto driven in 1902 by local bicycle entrepreneur Joseph C. Hurd. The three-wheeled gasoline-powered vehicle was said to have great speed. Hurd later became an early local Ford dealer and is generally credited with introducing two other firsts to Nashville: The radio and the ice cream cone. State Street was the first in Nashville to have boardwalks on both sides (in 1875). It was also the first residentially developed street. Concrete walks were not seen in Nashville until 1881. Nashville’s Main Street was paved with brick in 1917 and continued See NASHVILLE, page 12 Groceries, radios, clothing, dry goods, general merchandise, hardware, farm implements, medications, jewelry and banking facilities, all were offered within the line of business places seen in this circa-1927 view of Nashville’s Main Street. The advent of the auto and improved roads gave local residents an opportunity to shop in nearby cities, but many preferred to patronize home­ town merchants when nearly every necessity of life could be acquired locally. HASTINGS-RUTLAND JOINT PLANNING COMMISSION ' BARRY ebUNTY, MICHIGAN ' ■'"*‘ ~*** NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED AMENDMENTS OF HASTINGS-RUTLAND JOINT PLANNING COMMISSION zoning" ORDINANCE PERTAINING TO SIGNS AT AUGUST 21. 2019 MEETING Please take notice the Hastings-Rutland Joint Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at its regular meeting on August 21,2019, at 5:30 p.m., at the Rutland Charter Township Hall/offices located at 2461 Heath Road, within the Charter Township of Rutland, Barry County, Michigan. The items to be considered at this public hearing include the following proposed amendments of the designated text section of the Zoning Ordinance of the Hastings-Rutland Joint Planning Commission (Rutland Charter Township Ordinance No. 2016-156; City of Hastings Ordinance No. 532): 1. Section 13.02 pertaining to definitions of terms used in Chapter 13 (Signs) is proposed to be amended to revise the existing definition of “electronic message board”. 2. Section 13.02 pertaining to definitions of terms used in Chapter 13 (Signs) is proposed to be amended to add new defined terms “illumination (or illuminated)” and “visible”. 3. Section 13.06 pertaining to general standards and requirements applicable to otherwise per­ missible types of signs is proposed to be amended to revise subsections B and C of same with respect to sign setback/location and sign illumination, respectively. 4. Section 13.06.H pertaining to the design standards and use limitations for electronic mes­ sage boards where otherwise permissible in the MU District, only, is proposed to be amend­ ed to add new subsections 4 and 5 relating to location requirements for electronic message board types of billboards. Subsequent to this public hearing, at the same meeting or at a different meeting, the JPC will consider whether to recommend approval of the proposed Zoning Ordinance text amendments and submit same for approval by the Rutland Charter Township Board and Hastings City Council, each of which by statute and agreement have the right of final approval and adoption. The JPC and Township Board/City Council reserve the right to revise the text of the proposed amendments as submitted for public hearing and/or as recommend­ ed by the JPC before final approval/adoption, to the extent allowed by law. The Tentative Text of the proposed amendments, and the existing JPC Zoning Ordinance/Zoning Map may be examined by contacting the Clerk of the City of Hastings or the Clerk of Rutland Charter Township at their respective offices during regular business hours on regular business days until and including the day of the hearing/meeting, and further may be examined at the hearing/meeting. Written comments concerning the proposed amendments of the Zoning Ordinance may be submitted to the JPC in c/o the Hastings City Clerk at any time prior to this public hearing/meeting leaving sufficient time for the receipt and distribution of same to the JPC before the meeting, and may also be submitted to the JPC at this public hearing/meeting. Necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services will be provided at the hearing/meeting to individu­ als with disabilities, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being con­ sidered, upon reasonable notice to the Rutland Charter Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Rutland Charter Township Clerk. HASTINGS-RUTLAND JOINT PLANNING COMMISSION c/o Jane Saurman, Hastings City Clerk City of Hastings 201 E. State St. Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-2468 Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Rutland Charter Township 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Michigan 49058 124434(269) 948-2194 �FARMER, continued from page 1 Combining wheat near the home of his grandfather, who continues to farm at the age of 94, provides Stuart inspiration. (Photo provided) Commendation for a job well done Regina Young of Hastings, on right, announced her retirement from the Barry Eaton District Health Department July 25 and received accolades for 31 years of service as a sanitarian, supervisor, and environmental health director. Health Officer Colette Scrimger presented Young with a resolution during the health department board meeting in Hastings. “Her contributions will be greatly missed by all whom with she has worked," Scrimger said. “It’s been a great 31 years,” replied Young, who is planning to go on to work for state Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy environmental health section in the on-site waste water unit pertaining to residential and nonresidential septic systems. She plans to continue living in Barry County, though. “I really appre­ ciate the community, what they have shown me, what I’ve learned from them and, hopefully, what I’ve been able to give back.... We are considered to be a premiere health department. That is a good thing for our community, but that doesn’t happen magically. It happens with our people.” (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Yankee Springs board continues quarrel Township, attorney expresses frustration over reguests that seem retaliatory Greg Chandler Contributing Writer The quarrel among the Yankee Springs Township board members is continuing with a board-approved resolution, over the objec­ tions of Supervisor Mark Englerth, that changes the list of officials who can contact the township attorney to discuss township business. On a 3-2 vote last week, the board OK’d the measure to give Trustee Larry Knowles, Clerk Jan Lippert, Treasurer Alice Jansma, the township zoning administrator and township assessor the ability to contact or consult with township attorney Catherine Kaufman “as each deems necessary without prior authori­ zation” of the board. They may ask Kaufman to perform billable legal work. The language excludes Englerth and Trustee Shanon Vandenberg. Knowles, Lippert and Jansma voted in favor of the resolution, while Englerth and Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 Help Wanted Business Services Garage Sale GENERAL LABORER: JOB includes lifting and stacking lumber. Candidates must submit to and pass a pre-employment drug test. Starting wage $14.00 hour, Benefits, 401K and Vacation. Apply in person at 396 Main St, Sun­ field MI 48890. BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, power washing, home im­ provements, seamless gutters. 269-320-3890. GARAGE SALE: THURSSAT, Aug. 1st, 2nd & 3rd, 2019. 9am-5pm. 219 North Street, Nashville. Womans, Mens & Boys clothes, dish­ es, crafts, puzzles, 18" doll clothes & misc. PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. YARD SALE- FRIDAY, Aug. 2nd, 2019, 8am-5pm. 711 N Hillcrest, Hastings. Boy and girl clothes, toys, books, toy kitchen, baby mattress, misc. house items. See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits DIESEL MECHANIC The Barry County Road Commission has an opening for a full time mechanic position. A high school diploma or general education degree (GED) with 5+ years of mechanic experience is required, CDL A or ability to obtain one. Applications can be picked up at the Barry County Road Commission office (phone 269-945-3449) at 1725 W. M-43 Hwy. Hastings, Ml between 6:00 AM & 4:00 PM. A complete job description will be provided at the time of application. Starting hourly wage will be $19.81 with advancement after one year of probation to $22.41. The Barry County Road Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Vandenberg voted against it. Knowles, who also is the director of the Gun Lake Area Sewer and Water Authority, asked Kaufman to develop the wording for the resolution, and asked to have it brought up toward the end of Tuesday’s special board meeting. Kaufman had developed the lan­ guage earlier Tuesday, and Knowles handed out the two-page resolution to the rest of the board shortly after asking to have the matter discussed. The vote was taken 25 minutes later. Knowles said he introduced the resolution because he’s concerned about the township’s legal costs. He specifically questioned why Englerth asked Kaufman recently to review police reports tied to three separate criminal investigations against Knowles, none of which led to any charges against him. “You had numerous meetings and kept tell­ ing everybody, ‘We want to air this out, Larry’s under investigation, and you’ll be real shocked with the outcome,”’ Knowles told Englerth. One of the investigations focused on wheth­ er Knowles could legally serve on the Yankee Springs board while at the same time being employed by GLASWA because of the rela­ tionship between the two public entities. A second issue was tied to a recall petition against Vandenberg, and a third focused on allegations of wrongdoing by Knowles against a former GLASWA employee. Englerth criticized the timing of Knowles’ resolution, saying it should have been added at the start of the meeting when the agenda could be amended. “I think when you do it at the end of the meeting, if you want certain people to contact the attorney, and you ask for information and didn’t share it until after the meeting started, I think that’s called blindsiding somebody,” Englerth said. “The reason we have an agenda and set the agenda ahead of time is so all the board [members] have time to look at it, read it, research it.” Kaufman indicated that, under the Open Meetings Act, if all five members of the board are present at a special meeting, other items can be added to the agenda in addition to the item for which the meeting was called. She did not specifically say that the extra items had to be added at the start of the meeting. Vandenberg, who voted against the resolu­ tion, said he would be willing to consider it at a future board meeting, but not immediately. “I think we all need time to chew on this. There’s absolutely no reason to ram it through tonight,” he said. Kaufman expressed frustration about some of the requests she’s been asked to work on by members of the board. She says she has asked for several years to have a restriction placed on who may call her regarding township mat­ ters, adding that she’s been asked to do things that might be seen as retaliatory against cer­ tain board members. “I serve the board, as a whole - no one person, not two people, not three,” she said. The resolution requires any other elected official in the township, members of appoint­ ed boards and commissions, and township employees to get prior written authorization from Knowles, Lippert or Jansma before they may contact Kaufman on township matters. These three are now the primary contacts with the attorney on “anticipated, new or pending litigation” involving the township. Stuart’s wheat combine working in a field this summer. (Photo provided) 2012, despite the median age of the entire labor force falling slightly over that same period. Although the census showed that the num­ ber of primary producers under the age of 35 increased by 2,000, the number of primary producers over the age of 65 outnumbers those under the age of 35 by more than six to one. Stuart said another reason the industry has seen an increasing age gap is because farmers are sending their kids to college. “College is great, but they send their kids to college and wonder why, after four years, they don’t want to come back when (the kids) can see they can make $90,000 a year doing just about anything that involves a skill,” Stuart said. “Why am I going to go struggle with dad on the farm?” Stuart attended Grand Rapids Community College and earned an associate’s degree in automotive technology, but he returned to the farm with his father. He spoke of the struggles that farmers face — and this year has been no exception. “This spring was probably the most stress­ ful that I have ever recalled,” Stuart said. “We’ve never seen this before as far as not getting things planted.” He knows 80-year-old farmers who said they’ve never experienced a spring like this year. Stuart said he believes the repercussions will be seen this fall and winter, but no one will know the extent of it “until we get to that stage.” After this rough spring, summer has brought hope to the agriculture industry. Stuart said the heat has helped his farm out; they’re see­ ing good progress on crops that were planted late. “There is a little more optimism now with the crops that are in, but we have that cloud of unplanted acres hanging over our head,” he noted, adding that his family was unable to plant on approximately 85 acres. “We were pretty fortunate to get in what we did.” Stuart said the hay cut was great and has been very successful this year. He added that wheat also will be successful, especially in view of the tough situation they faced this spring. The farming industry needs workers and Stuart said young farmers can still get into the profession. “I would try to find someone who is look­ ing to retire and begin to work with them, even if they aren’t family,” he advised. “Maybe work something out with them and eventually work with them.” Stuart said aspiring fanners should look for a mentor to learn the ropes. Many people enjoy farming because they get to be their own boss but, for Stuart, he enjoys seeing his kids learn the skills. “We leave a legacy with the land and you get something to remember the former gener­ ations by.” Stuart also noted the financial ups and downs of the market due to trade issues and lower commodity prices, although the U.S. and state governments have been helping the agriculture industry. “I’m glad we have an administration that desires to help us out.” Above all, Stuart said, farmers need public support “more than ever.” The rough spring hit farmers hard and he said he has noticed signs of depression among other farmers. “We just need encouragement right now.” Nashville man dies after fight at wedding party A 37-year-old Nashville man, Robert Brown, died after being taken to the hospital in critical condition following a fight at a wedding party in Shelby early Sunday. A suspect, a 34-year-old Hart man, was arrested Sunday morning for operating a vehi­ cle while being intoxicated, but has yet to be charged in Brown’s death as of Wednesday, police said. “Deputies found that there had been a wed­ ding reception in Shelby earlier on the eve­ ning of the 27^,” Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast said. “After the reception finished, some of the guests and wedding party went to a residence on Elm Street for after-party fes­ tivities.” The sheriff did not say if either man involved in the fight had been a guest or a member of the wedding party. “Throughout the evening, there had been an ongoing disagreement between two gentle­ men at the party,” Mast said. “At approxi­ mately 4:33 a.m., this disagreement turned physical between the two, and the victim fell to the ground. “In doing so, he sustained extremely criti­ cal injuries to his head. Partygoers called 911 for assistance after almost an hour had passed.” Brown was taken to Lakeshore Hospital in Shelby, then transferred to Mercy Hospital in Muskegon where he died. The sheriff’s office is asking any witnesses with information to call 231-873-2121. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 1, 2019 — Page 11 Two men to share Hastings alumni group’s highest honor Two men have been chosen as Hastings Alumni of the Year for 2019. After reviewing their qualifications, the alumni board could not choose one over the other, so both will be receiving the honor. Robert G. Smith from the class of 1949 and David L. Foote from the class of 1964 are the two recipients of the award. Smith has left a lasting impact as an educa­ tor for service to his community, the board noted, and has enriched the lives of students, teachers and individuals for more than 70 years. He initiated the Hastings Community Saturday Recreation program and later took the concept to Grandville where it continues today. Smith was the junior high principal, hold­ ing the position for 29 years, after which he became Grandville’s community education director until 2000. He has made substantial contributions to humanitarian and educational programs as a member of Grandville’s Rotary Club where he received the Paul Harris Fellow award. He managed the Santa Claus Girls through his membership of the YMCA Service Club. He has lived his life by putting service ' above self, the board wrote in conferring the } honor. Foote was a commissioned officer in the U.S. Navy, receiving a variety of medals during his service to his country. In 1976, he began a nonprofit organization, the Hastings Child Care Center Inc., providing a day care center, two Head Start classes, an adult alter­ native education class, a summer recreational program for children, and a before- and after­ school program. He was a founding member of the first Child Abuse Prevention Council in Barry County. In 1994, Foote served as interim project director for Rockwood Farm in Adrian where he helped to design a working farm for autis­ tic adults. In 2002, he became the executive director of the United Way of Kitsap County, Port Orchard, Wash. In 2010, he brought together the United Way, the Kitsap County Health District, Harrison Medical Center and the Kitsap Community Foundation, creating the Kitsap Community Health Priorities. This process created the partnership of the United Way, the community foundation, the Suquamish Tribe and the Gates Foundation to develop Kitsap Strong, which is now the cen­ tral force in the community that brings togeth­ er nonprofits, schools, mental health and other community groups to build resiliency in the community’s youth and to help break the cycle of poverty. These are highlights of Smith’s and Foote’s accomplishments. A complete biography will be presented at the alumni banquet Aug. 23. All Hastings graduates are invited to attend to honor these two men and visit with class­ mates and alumni. Couple scammed out of $10,000 Two 84-year-old Delton residents called police May 3 to report they had been scammed out of $10,000. The woman said they received a call from a man who claimed to be a lawyer representing their grand-nephew, who reportedly had been arrested and needed money for legal fees. She believed she could hear their grand-nephew in the background, pleading for their help. The lawyer instructed the man to purchase $10,000 in Home Depot gift cards and read the numbers to him over the phone, which the man did. Later, the cou­ ple was able to contact their grand-nephew, who told them he had not been arrested and that they should call the police. The couple also took the cards to Home Depot to have them cancelled, but the funds had already been used. An officer contacted Home Depot to obtain a record of the transactions from the gift cards and is still waiting for their response. Charges sought for domestic assault An officer responded to Sharp Park Campground on Deep Lake Road in Yankee Springs Township for a domestic complaint at 9:40 p.m. July 22. A 32-year-old Shelbyville woman said a 56-year-old Pullman man arid a 17-year-old male who had been living with him got into a dispute over marijuana usage. The woman said they went into their camper and the man came out bruised and bloodied. The teenager said he pushed the man after he made , statements about the teenager and his mother and the man put him in a chokehold and he ^punched the man to get out. The man had left the scene and the officer attempted to contact him. The man sent him a message stating he had refused to let the teenager live with him any longer, and had nothing else to say. A charging request for the teenager committing domestic assault was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Woman attempts to steal from Walmart A Hastings Walmart asset protection associate called police to report a 29-year-old Middleville woman attempting to steal about $56 worth of merchandise at a self-checkout lane. Employees stopped the woman before she could leave and waited until an officer arrived. The woman confessed to stealing the items and said she needed food because her paycheck was lower than usual. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. High-speed chase leads to crash, foot chase A 26-year-old Middleville man called police to report he was on Bender Road following a stolen vehicle that was traveling at more than 100 miles per hour at 8:35 p.m. July 26. The man said the 29-year-old Hastings driver had stolen the vehicle from his own step-fa­ ther. An officer told the man to stop following the vehicle for safety reasons and chased after the vehicle at around 100 mph. The vehicle eventually crashed into a wooden post and some trees near Sam’s Gourmet Foods on Gun Lake Road. Three men and one woman got out of the vehicle and started running, while another woman got out and stood next to it. The officer found the driver on the ground in the nearby woods, and as he was arresting him, the other male two suspects, 28 and 33, both of Freeport, walked to the officer with their hands up. Two other officers had arrived and detained the two female passengers. The driver said he did not steal the vehicle because it belonged to both him and his step-father, but when the complainant confronted him at a friend’s house, he sped away to try and lose him. Later, when the driver saw the officer’s lights, he tried to run because he has a warrant for parole violation and did not want to go back to jail. He said the two other male occu­ pants also had warrants, which is why they ran. All three men were taken to jail. Man arrested for operating while intoxicated An officer stopped a vehicle on Bass Road near Patterson Road in Thomapple Township after running the plate and finding the insurance had expired at 2:13 a.m. July 27. The 26-year-old Hastings male driver had a blood alcohol content of 0.106 and was arrested. Alcohol involved in Hammond Road crash An officer responded to a single-vehicle crash on Hammond Road south of Ottawa Trail in Rutland Township at 11:53 p.m. July 27. The 27-year-old Jacksonville, N.C., driver failed to negotiate the curve, ran off the road and crashed into several trees. The woman said she is from the coast and not used to curves. She had a blood-alcohol content of 0.123 and was arrested. No leads for stolen gate A 53-year-old man called police at 12:16 p.m. July 21 to report the gate to his boat launch to Mud Lake had been stolen from his residence in the 12000 block of Floria Road in Barry Township. An officer found a hole where the gate post had been, buf did not find any other evidence of the gate. Another officer had been by the residence around 3 or 4 p.m. the previous day and said the gate was still there at the time. The case is inactive pending further information. Woman scammed out of Dude Perfect tickets A 36-year-old Hastings woman called police July 25 to let them know of a Craigslist scam. She had attempted to buy four tickets to a Dude Perfect show for $200. The seller said he would send her the tickets digitally if she gave him the money over Apple Pay. When she did not receive, the tickets she contacted the man, who told her to send another $100 just to see if it would work. She realized it was a scam and is attempting to dispute the transaction. The case is inactive pending further information. LIZAjAL/ nUlllEj STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Trust In the Matter of Ann M. McPhail Trust u/t/a dated February 23, 2005. Date of birth: September 30,1932. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Ann M. McPhail, died April 8, 2019 leaving the above Trust in full force and effect. Creditors of the decedent or against the Trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or trust will be forever barred unless presented to Bradley S. McPhail, Trustee, within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: July 26, 2019 Rhoades McKee PC Stephanie S. Fekkes P43549 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-1921 Bradley S. McPhail c/o Rhoades McKee PC, 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)945-1921 124673 SYNOPSIS RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP REGULAR BOARD MEETING JULY 10, 2019-7:00 p.m. Regular meeting called to order and Pledge of Allegiance. Present: James, Spencer, Bellmore, Walters, Watson, Hawthorne, Greenfield Absent: None Approved the Agenda as presented Approved the Consent Agenda. Monthly Treasurer’s Report Monthly Clerk’s Voucher/Payroll Report Dangerous Building Public Hearing - Parcel No. 08­ 13-050-007-00. Accepted the findings of the Dangerous Buildings Hearing Officer Accepted Resolution #2019-249 - Township Cemetery Rules Approved Budget Amendments Adjournment 7:56 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Attested to by, Larry Watson, Supervisor 124444 SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE - Jeffrey D. Hunt and Donna D. Hunt, husband and wife, granted a mortgage to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”), solely as nominee for lender and lender's successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated February 1, 2017, and recorded on February 16,2017, in Document No. 2017-001613, and assigned by said mortgagee to Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Fifty-Two Thousand Nine Hundred NinetyNine and 08/100 Dollars ($152,999.08). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the East doors of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on August 08, 2019, 'SaiePpremises are located in Barry County, Michigan and-are described as: Being Lots three (3) and four (4), Loehrs Landing, according to the Plat thereof recorded in Liber 3 of Plats, Page 61, Barry County Records. The redemption period will be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period will be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 600.3241 a(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of Act 236 of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Lakeview Loan Servicing LLC Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman PC. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1389941 (07-11)(08-01) 123473 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACTOUR OFFICE ATTHE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Steven T. Freeman and Carolynn J. Freemen, Husband and Wife, original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for Mortgage Research Center, LLC d/b/a Veterans United Home Loans, Mortgagee, dated Febuary 15, 2018, and recorded on February 23, 2018, at Document/lnstrument Number 2018-001703, in Barry County Records, Michigan and last assigned to Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, as assignee, documented by an Assignment of Mortgage dated April 15, 2019, and recorded on April 23, 2019, at Document/lnstrument Number 2019-003909, in Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due and owing as of June 25, 2019, the sum of TWO HUNDRED FORTY FIVE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED FIFTY EIGHT and 99/100 Dollars ($245,658.99). Notice is hereby given that under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on Thursday, August 29, 2019. Said premise is situated at 4533 Foxmoor Court, Middleville, Michigan 49333 in the Township of Irving, Barry County, State of Michigan, and is described as: LAND SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF IRVING, COUNTY OF BARRY, STATE OF MICHIGAN, DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: LOT 18, FOXGLOVE ESTATES SUBDIVISION, ACCORDING TO THE PLAT THEREOF AS RECORDED IN LIBER 6 OF PLATS, PAGE(S) 61, BARRY COUNTY RECORDS. The redemption period shall be six (6) months (180 Days) from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. Pursuant to Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, if the property is sold at foreclosure sale, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder under MCLA 600.3278 for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: June 27, 2019 For More Information, please call: Matthew R. Reinhardt Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. Attorneys for Servicer 251 N. Rose St., Suite 200 Kalamazoo, Ml 49007 (855) 287-0240 Matter No. 132070 (07-11) (08-01) 123009 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on August 29, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Jack M. Baird II and Ruth A. Baird, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: AAA Mortgage and Financial Corporation Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, as trustee, on behalf of the holders of the ContiMortgage Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-2 Certificates Date of Mortgage: November 11,1996 Date of Mortgage Recording: November 21,1996 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $21,815.23 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Beginning at a point in Section 30, Town 1 north, Range 8 West, 20 feet and 33 feet, North of the Southwest corner of Lot 12 of the recorded Plat of Oakwood, thence North along Marshall Street 66 feet, thence West 132 feet, thence South 66 feet; thence East 132 feet to the beginning. Also right of way and easement over Northerly 5 feet of Lot 10, Plat of Oakwood, from Marshall to Fine Lake The redemption period shall be 1 year from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: August 1,2019 Trott Law, PC. 1391290 (08-01 )(08-22) 124574 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on August 29, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Shelly Thomas, A Single Person Original Mortgagee: Summit National Mortgage, LLC Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Date of Mortgage: May 21, 2012 Date of Mortgage Recording: May 31, 2012 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $56,471.05 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Orangeville, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Commencing at the South 1/4 post of Section 17, Town 2 North, Range 10 West; thence North 89 degrees 28 minutes 43 seconds West, 1319.29 feet to the South 1/8 post of the Southwest 1/4 of said Section 17; thence North 1 degree 0 minutes 0 seconds West, along the North and South 1/8 line of said Southwest 1/4 a distance of 636.00 feet to the true place of beginning; thence continuing North 1 degree 0 minutes 0 seconds West, along said 1/8 line 246.62 feet; thence South 89 degrees 31 minutes 30 seconds East, 297.14 feet; thence South 1 degree 2 minutes 34 seconds East, 246.62 feet; thence North 89 degrees 31 minutes 30 seconds West 297.32 feet to the place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: August 1, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1391514 (08-01 )(08-22) 124789 NOTICE SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE - At Home R.E. LLC, granted a mortgage to Visio Financial Services, Inc., Mortgagee, dated December 28, 2017, and recorded on January 3, 2018, in Document No. 2018-000112, and assigned by said mortgagee to Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB dba Christiana Trust, not in its individual capacity but solely as Owner Trustee of Residential Credit Opportunities Trust II, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Thirty-Nine Thousand One Hundred Ninety-Seven and 77/100 Dollars ($39,197.77). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the East doors of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on August 15, 2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: All that part Lots Two (2) and Three (3) of Block Twenty (20), lying West of Fall Creek, except the West 78 feet of said Lots, being in the Eastern Addition to the City, formerly the Village of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan. The redemption period will be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period will be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 600.3241 a(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of Act 236 of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, d/b/a Christina Trust, not in its individual capacity but soley as owner Trustee of Residential Credit Opportunities Trust II Mortgagee/ Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman P.C. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1390462 (07-18)(08-08) 123920 ~ - NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE The Mortgage described below is in default: Mortgage (the “Mortgage”) made by Sheryl Cook, an unmarried woman, as Mortgagor, to United Bank Mortgage Corporation, now known as United Bank of Michigan, a Michigan banking corporation, with its address at 900 East Paris Avenue, SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546, as Mortgagee, dated September 20, 2005 and recorded on September 29, 2005, Document No. 1153580, Barry County Records, Barry County, Michigan. The balance owing on the Mortgage is $82,211.25 at the time of this Notice. The Mortgage contains a power of sale and no suit or proceeding at law or in equity has been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage, or any part of the Mortgage. TAKE NOTICE that on Thursday, September 5, 2019 at 1:00 p.m., local time, or any adjourned date thereafter, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale at public auction to the highest bidder, at the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan. The Mortgagee will apply the sale proceeds to the debt secured by the Mortgage as stated above, plus interest on the amount due at the rate of 6.125% percent per annum; all legal costs and expenses, including attorneys fees allowed by law; and also any amount paid by the Mortgagee to protect its interest in the property. The property to be sold at foreclosure is all of that real estate situated in Yankee Springs Township, County of Barry, State of Michigan, described as: LOT 9 VALLEY PARK SHORES ACCORDING TO THE RECORDED PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN LIBER 4 OF PLATS, PAGE 24, YANKEE SPRINGS TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN. SUBJECT TO EASEMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS OF RECORD. PP#: 08­ 16-225-020-00 The redemption period shall be one year from the date of sale pursuant to MCLA 600.3240(12), unless deemed abandoned and then pursuant to the time frames provided for in MCL 600.3241a. Mortgagors will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. July 30, 2019 UNITED BANK OF MICHIGAN, Mortgagee PLUNKETT COONEY KELLI L. BAKER (P49960) Attorney for Mortgagee 333 Bridge Street NW, Suite 530 Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504 (616) 752-4624 (08-01)(08-29) NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE The Mortgage described below is in default: Mortgage (the “Mortgage”) made by Larry B. Bovia and Charlene Bovia, husband and wife, as Mortgagors, to United Bank of Michigan, a Michigan banking corporation f/k/a United Bank Mortgage Corporation, with its address at 900 East Paris Avenue, SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546, as Mortgagee, dated September 23, 2014 and recorded on September 25, 2014, Instrument no. 2014-009041, Barry County Records, Barry County, Michigan. The balance owing on the Mortgage is $260,312.33 at the time of this Notice. The Mortgage contains a power of sale and no suit or proceeding at law or in equity has been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage, or any part of the Mortgage. TAKE NOTICE that on August 15, 2019, at 1:00 p.m., local time, or any adjourned date thereafter, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale at public auction to the highest bidder, at the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan. The Mortgagee will apply the sale proceeds to the debt secured by the Mortgage as stated above, plus interest on the amount due at the rate of 4.25% per annum; all legal costs and expenses, including attorneys fees allowed by law; and also any amount paid by the Mortgagee to protect its interest in the property. The property to be sold at foreclosure is all of that real estate situated in Prairieville Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: COMMENCING AT THE WEST ONE-QUARTER CORNER OF SECTION 12, TOWN 1 NORTH, RANGE 10 WEST, PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN; THENCE NORTH 01 DEGREES 05 MINUTES 17 SECONDS WEST, 66.00 FEET ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID SECTION 12; THENCE NORTH 89 DEGREES 35 MINUTES 02 SECONDS EAST, 841.74 FEET ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF OAK DRIVE; THENCE NORTHEASTERLY 50.27 FEET ALONG THE ARC OF A CURVE TO THE RIGHT, THE RADIUS OF WHICH IS 90.21 FEET, THE CENTRAL ANGLE OF WHICH IS 31 DEGREES 55 MINUTES 35 SECONDS AND THE CHORD OF WHICH BEARS NORTH 15 DEGREES 57 MINUTES 47 SECONDS EAST 49.62 FEET TO THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING: THENCE NORTH 31 DEGREES 55 MINUTES 34 SECONDS EAST, 262.85 FEET; THENCE NORTH 58 DEGREES 04 MINUTES 26 SECONDS WEST, 333.00 FEET TO AN INTERMEDIATE TRAVERSE LINE OF THE SHORE OF UPPER CROOKED LAKE; THENCE ALONG SAID INTERMEDIATE TRAVERSE LINE SOUTH 31 DEGREES 55 MINUTES 34 SECONDS WEST, 167.86 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 40 DEGREES 30 MINUTES 16 SECONDS EAST 314.68 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 58 DEGREES 04 MINUTES 26 SECONDS EAST, 33.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING. INCLUDING LANDS LYING BETWEEN SAID INTERMEDIATE TRAVERSE LINE AND THE WATERS OF UPPER CROOKED LAKE, AS LIMITED BYTHE SIDE LINES EXTENDED TO THE WATER EDGE. TOGETHER WITH AND SUBJECT TO A NON-EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE EASEMENT APPURTENANT THERETO FOR INGRESS, EGRESS AND PUBLIC UTILITY PURPOSES 66 FEET WIDE, 33 FEET EACH SIDE OF A CENTERLINE DESCRIBED AS: COMMENCING AT THE WEST ONE-QUARTER CORNER OF SECTION 12, TOWN 1 NORTH, RANGE 10 WEST, PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN; THENCE NORTH 01 DEGREES 05 MINUTES 17 SECONDS WEST, 66.00 FEET ALONG THE WEST LINE OF SAID SECTION 12; THENCE NORTH 89 DEGREES 35 MINUTES 02 SECONDS EAST, 841.74 FEET ALONG THE NORTH LINE OF OAK DRIVE TO THE TRUE POINT OF BEGINNING OF SAID CENTERLINE; THENCE NORTHEASTERLY 50.27 FEET ALONG THE ARC OF A CURVE TO THE RIGHT, THE RADIUS OF WHICH IS 90.21 FEET, THE CENTRAL ANGLE OF WHICH IS 31 DEGREES 55 MINUTES 35 SECONDS, AND THE CHORD OF WHICH BEARS NORTH 15 DEGREES 57 MINUTES 47 SECONDS EAST, 49.62 FEET; THENCE NORTH 31 DEGREES 55 MINUTES 34 SECONDS EAST, 394.69 FEET; THENCE NORTH 00 DEGREES 24 MINUTES 58 SECONDS WEST, 578.91 FEET TO A POINT HEREINAFTER DESCRIBED AS REFERENCE POINT “A”, AND THE END OF SAID EASEMENT FOR CUL-DE-SAC PURPOSES, OF 50 FOOT RADIUS, CENTERED ON AFOREMENTIONED REFERENCE POINT “A”. SUBJECT TO EASEMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS OF RECORD. Parcel No. 12-012-005-02 The redemption period shall be six (6) months from the date of sale pursuant to MCLA 600.3240(8), unless deemed abandoned and then pursuant to the time frames provided for in MCL 600.3241a. Mortgagors will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. July 3, 2019 UNITED BANK OF MICHIGAN, Mortgagee PLUNKETT COONEY KELLI L. BAKER (P49960) Attorney for Mortgagee 333 Bridge Street, NW Ste. 530 Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504 (616) 752-4624 123205 »S06P IW sBuijsbH'1”'08081 )99JJS 9)Bjg 3 Zg, oilqnd s6uiJSeH �Page 12 — Thursday, August 1,2019 — The Hastings Banner Central Elementary parents fix up the playgrounds “Without bond funding or significant sums of money available for equipment replace­ ment, I proposed a low-cost and low-mainte­ nance solution of painting activities on the asphalt surfaces,” Catie Case said. “The arti­ cle in The Reminder this spring highlighted grant funding available through the Barry County Parks and Recreation and, subse- Hastings Central Elementary School’s two playgrounds have structures that are aging. Even with regular maintenance, the play­ grounds need sprucing up after being used by students during the school year, as a play­ ground for other organizations during the summer, as a local park for the community and from occasional vandalism. quently, Central was awarded one of these grants.” Case said they will be reimbursed up to their estimated $1,947 budget for the project. “We used these funds to purchase paint, painting supplies, measuring tools, stencils, picnic tables and ball carts.” Sunday, school staff - including Principal A U.S. map is painted on pavement at the south end of the school. Principal Sarah Geukes uses the sten­ cil to paint the state outlines. Parent Darnell Day helps clean up at the end of the day. New four-square courts are created by Principal Sarah Geukes using a stencil. Basketball court keys are added to the new pavement Sarah Geukes, school social worker Leah Lucas, and office administrator Kelly Adrianson - parents and some members of the community spent a hot afternoon accomplish­ ing the first phase of the project. This includ­ ed four basketball court keys for the new hoops, two four-square courts, and a largescale U.S. map on the larger of the two play­ grounds. “Going forward, we will be adding a con­ flict-resolution ‘peace path,’ yoga pose sten­ cils, a solar system ‘walking labyrinth’ and a few other possibilities,” Case said. They also are planning to prepare the sec­ ond playground as they did the first, by leaf-blowing and power-washing the paved surfaces. These also will be covered in bright­ ly colored activities to get kids running jump­ ing, crawling, spinning and playing coopera­ tively. “The goal of this project is to provide affordable, high-intensity activities for stu­ dents while creating a colorful and inviting public space that shows our students and com­ munity how much they are cared for,” she said. NASHVILLE, continued from page 9 Grandparent Larry Case helps prepare the surfaces for painting. TYDEIU PARK • SATURDAY, AUG. 24th Jim Jensen MEMORIAL BASKETBALL TOORNAHEKT cost^25 * Entries must be to the Chamber by Friday, Aug. 16th CHECK IN... 8:30 AM Make checks payable to Hastings Summerfest 2019 Pick up T-shirts at this time TIP OFF... 9:30 AM >ys & Girls ges 12-14) I I Boys & Girls I_ _ I (Ages 15-17) I I Men & Women | ’ 0 I_ _ _ l(Ages 18-25) I_ _ _ v.o„„ Age brackets subject to change based on participation Team Captain. Send Entries to... Phone # Team Members Email. Age Barry County Chamber of Commerce 221W. State Street Hastings, Ml 49058 Questions??... Please fill out form completely Clubs and organizations Nashville has had a number of social and fraternal organizations over the years. The oldest still in existence is the Masonic Order, F&AM No. 255, which had its first official communication Nov. 25, 1868, nearly four months before the village was incorporated. Another group that has stood the test of time is the Woman’s Literary Club, founded in 1905. The Nashville Garden Club was organized in 1935 and also still meets regularly; the Lions Club was chartered in 1942; VFW post Thomapple Valley No. 8260, was formed in 1946; and the chamber of commerce was organized in 1953, although its forerunner, the Community Club, dated back to 1924. Community “The outstanding quality of Nashville is the cooperative spirit of its residents,” noted Charles A. Weissert in his book Historic Michigan, Land of the Great Lakes. That spirit is still evident in the community. In 1949, a fine athletic field was built by volunteer labor; a recreational park has recently been developed under direction of a group of volunteers calling themselves the Maple Valley Riverside Recreational Development Corp.; the annual community maple syrup-making project, which dates back to 1942, is still an important fundraiser for local organizations taking part in the production; and a drive is currently underway to raise $50,000 for a children’s wing to Putnam Public Library. The library, housed in the 1884-85 former Charles Putnam home, has been operational since September 1923, after the Putnams willed their residence to the village for that purpose. The library receives support from both Nashville and the two townships (Castleton and Maple Grove) as well as from Assyria Township by contract. The building was designated in 1980 as a state historic site by the Michigan Historical Commission. Putnam Park on the north edge of Nashville also was named in honor of Charles Putnam, although it was not a gift from the family, as many assume. The land owned by the village was first known as Waterworks Park and was renamed in 1911 in honor of Putnam because of his personal efforts to develop it into a scenic and restful site. Much of the modern-day attention directed at the village today comes from “Nashville of the North,” Sandyland Park, located on the west edge of Nashville. It is an outdoor entertainment area that throughout the summer hosts noted country-western performers from the Grand Ole Opry and other points. Sign-up continues for Summerfest sports per team of 3 -or 4 players Team Name to serve until coated with bituminous aggregate in August 1949. Agriculture connection Nashville has long had a good business relationship with the surrounding farming districts. The old grist mill, a Nashville landmark built in 1881 and razed in 1977, was important to rural residents of the area. It was located on North Main at the river, where its water wheel was powered by a dam across the Thornapple. The mill was built by local Advent Minister Philip Holler a miller, to replace his earlier facility west of the river. On the south side of town, an elevator built in 1879 near the railroad also served the farming community. It was operated by a succession of owners until sold in 1920 to the Nashville Co-op Elevator Association. No longer operating is a Farmers’ Cooperative Creamery, established in 1914 and run in various locations until 1952. Prize­ winning butter was turned out there. The first bank in Nashville was a privately owned concern organized in 1874 by Theodore Downing, John Barry and Dan Everts. In 1889, the Farmers and Merchants Bank organized, and in 1905, the State Savings Bank. In 1929 those two were consolidated to form the Nashville State Bank, which was closed in July 1931 due to the effects of the Great Depression. Call (269) 948-3025 TYDEIU PARK • SATURDAY, AUG, 24th The Hastings Summerfest Sports are look­ ing to register athletes for their 2019 competi­ tions that will be held during the annual late-summer festival in Hastings Aug. 23-25. The Summerfest Run returns Saturday, Aug. 24 with an enhanced course and new staggered starts. The event, hosted by Spectrum Health Pennock once again, has added staggered starts for both the 5K and 10K event to limit congestion at the race. The Summerfest Run website, at spectrum­ health .org/summerfestrun, tells of a new “flat, straight, half mile take off as you separate from the pack before the first turn. The new course has fewer turns and a scenic stretch through the trail at Sweezy’s Pond.” The 10K runners will begin taking off at 8:15 a.m. and the 5K event begins at 8:30 a.m. Those who complete the course with 7:30 minute miles or less can become a member of the SummerFast Club. Perks of becoming a SummerFast member include premium park­ ing and a saved spot at the starting line for the following year. Registration can be done through a link at the Summerfest Run webpage or by sending in a printed copy of the registration that can be downloaded from the webpage. Contact the Pennock Health and Wellness Center with any questions at 269-948-3139. The Summerfest Fun Run starts in the Hastings Middle School Parking lot off of Church Street following the 5K/10K event at around 9:45 a.m. Aug. 24, and ends in the Mush Field (the comer of Church/Madison). The Fun Run is one mile and everyone gets a free “finisher” T-shirt as part of the “Drug Free Crowd.” The three-in-one event, the Backwoods Triathlon featuring a 9-hole Scramble at The Legacy, and a scotch doubles bowling tourna­ ment and com-hole tournament at Hastings Bowl for two-person teams is also Saturday, Aug. 24. The cost to compete is $100 for each team if registered before Aug. 18, and $110 the day, of the event. Register by sending an email to dirtyben81@hotmail.com. There is a limit of 54 teams. There are also opportunities once again for weightlifters, softball players and basketball; players at Summerfest. . Summerfest Weightlifting will be held Saturday, Aug. 24. the event begins with the See SUMMERFEST, page 14 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 1,2019 — Page 13 mEMorial tourney going strong in 14th year The team of Eno Umoh, Cameron Rowland, Chelsea Driscoll, Adam Driscoll, Andre Brown and Hannah Kenzdickey gather wearing their “champs” shirts with Selena Duits (left) and Jeff Duits (right) after winning the Competitive Division Saturday at the 14th Annual Emily Duits mEMorial Sand Volleyball Tournament at the Lake Odessa Fairgrounds. Lakewood varsity volleyball alumni, including players, ball girls and coaches take a moment together in the sand while sharing the day together Saturday at the 14th Annual Emily Duits mEMorial Sand Volleyball Tournament. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor It has been long enough now that the young men and women chosen to receive the Emily Duits Memorial Scholarship Award, for a graduating senior at Lakewood High School ^Xach spring, don’t have their own memories orQuits. Th? 2019 scholarship award recipient, Savannah Stoepker, learned she’d won the award at honors night in May hours after par­ ticipating in a varsity softball game. “I was really excited. I really wanted to win that scholarship specifically, all money is good for college, but that one is based on character. It kind of speaks a lot more than even if I have been in a ton of clubs and stuff like that - knowing that people consider me a good person in school,” Stoepker said. She’ll use the award towards her coming years at Grand Rapids Community College, where she will be a member of the women’s softball team. She has plans right now to study towards a degree in secondary educa­ tion, eventually moving on to a school like Grand Valley State University. Stoepker is a member of the National Honor Society and was as part of the student council at Lakewood High School, the Ionia Youth Advisory Council, the Youth Leadership Summit and Barry County’s Teens Against Tobacco Use. She also had fun squeezing in some indoor soccer when she wasn’t playing softball or volleyball. The scholarship was refreshed again Saturday through the 14th Annual Emily Duits mEMorial Sand Volleyball Tournament at the Lake Odessa Fairgrounds. The event was held entirely at the fairgrounds this year, with 30 teams playing in competitive, recre­ ational and youth divisions. There were raffle prizes, lunch catered by Yesterdog, a free ice cream wagon, adult beverages in the evening and a lot of volleyball. Stoepker said she has been playing in the tournament since she was in sixth grade. On Saturday, she was playing with Lakewood graduates Colten Webber-Mitchell, Lana Thompson, Zari Kruger, Alivia Benedict, and Shelby Palmer a friend of Benedict’s from Albion College. Emily Duits passed away due to injuries sustained in automobile accident in the fall of 2005. Stoepker was coached by Emily’s father, Jeff, throughout her years with the Lakewood volleyball program as well as fellow assistant coach Chelsea Brehm and varsity head coach Cameron Rowland. Rowland and Brehm were classmate^ of Emily’s. Brehm played two seasons with Emily on the Viking varsity vol­ leyball team, with Jeff as their head coach, and Stoepker asked coach Brehm this fall to share some of her memories of Emily. Rowllnd, a close friend of Emily’s who is now also the Director of the Far Out Volleyball Club that Emily once played for, shared a message on emilyduits.com in the lead-up to Saturday’s tournament. “Everyday I get to put on apparel with a little Em heart (in the Far Out logo) that is there to remind me to never take a moment for granted or that we never know when our last hello and goodbye will be, so you had better give it everything you have,” Rowland wrote. is rare for someone to pass as young as Em did and for their memory to be rooted so deeply into a community, a program, and indi­ viduals, but anyone who knew Em knew that she would be furious with us if we stopped living life to its absolute fullest because she brought her entire heart to every single day and for us to stop on her account would only make her shake her head.” The event paused momentarily after lunch Brooke Francisco puts up a set as her husband Caden Francisco preps to attack during a competitive division match Saturday afternoon at the 14th Annual Emily Duits mEMorial Sand Volleyball Tournament at the Lake Odessa Fairgrounds. (Photo by Brett Bremer) and raffle drawings for a group photo of the Lakewood volleyball alumni at the event and friends with Rowland who was ; attending. one of the Far Out alyrinL ^_ school there at the time. Kenzdickyv played RowTand’s team played to its ftmest to win club volleyball at GVSU during that time as the competitive division Saturday. He was well, and her boyfriend Brown currently plays joined by his Lakewood classmate Chelsea professionally as a middle attacker for (Lake) Driscoll and her husband Adam Driscoll. Chelsea went on to play at Cornerstone University after graduating from Lakewood High School. Their team also included Eno Umoh, Hannah Kenzdicky and Andrew Brown. Umoh played volleyball at Grand Valley State University, and became ETTI I Jr CJ JLJL Sporting Portugal in Lisbon, Portugal. During the lunch break, Jeff Dmts_.saidLh& was pleased to see the youth division as large as ever, commenting on how nice it was to see many new faces at the event. V JlvvJd PRINTING Enjoy the benefits of high-quality, high-volume printing facility. Whatever the size of your project, we have just the right equipment to handle your needs. • COPIES -BLACK & WHITE OR FULL COLOR • PROFESSIONAL BINDERY • LARGE FORMAT PRINTING • PRESENTATIONS • MANUALS & BOOKLETS • LAMINATION • FOLDING • GRAPHIC DESIGN SERVICE • MAILING SERVICES - COPIER PAPER$0^50 by the case for only 1351 NM43 Hwy Hastings, Ml 49058 Jeff Duits addresses the crowd of volleyball players, friends, family and spectators during the lunch hour, catered by Yesterdog, at the 14th Annual Emily Duits mEMorial Sand Volleyball Tournament at the Lake Odessa Fairgrounds Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) (269) 945-9105 www.j-adgraphics.com �Page 14 — Thursday, August 1, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Thompson prepping for first season with Stars ®4 ‘Vette takes Freeport prize “Are you sure it will fit,” is the question John Brookmeyer of Hastings gets as he goes to put his Best of Show trophy in his 1964 Chevrolet Corvette at the conclusion of the Freeport Car Show during the annual Freeport Homecoming Saturday afternoon. Car show entrants got the chance to drive in the Freeport Homecoming Parade Saturday morning, and then lined Division Street through downtown. A handful of show plaques were awarded at the end of the event, as well as a Judge’s Choice Award. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Lana Thompson signs her National Letter of Intent to join the Lansing Community College volleyball program in the Lakewood High School media center in May. She is joined by her mother Shannon Thompson (from left) assistant LCC volleyball coach Jubenal Falcon and her stepdad Brad Bennett. Brett Bremer Sports Editor At least four days a week Lana Thompson’s alarm clock is buzzing at 4 a.m. A couple days a week, she is up and off to work for the Michigan Department of Transportation, mowing and weed wacking, working to save up money for college. A couple days a week, there are a couple of hours of volleyball practice before joining the MDOT crew. Thompson signed her National Letter of Intent to join the Lansing Community College women’s volleyball team in May. Full-time practice with the Stars starts in less than two weeks. Thompson helped the Lakewood varsity volleyball team to state semifinals in Class B during her senior season. She had 112 blocks during the regular season and 105 kills. “Lana has become extremely efficient for us this season and comes at teams when they are least expecting it,” coach Cameron Rowland said as his team began rolling through the state tournament last November. “Her role has grown each match and when Aubrey (O’Gorman) was sick she stepped up big time allowing us to continue to win.” She recorded those blocks while often fac­ ing off across the net from opponents’ best attackers. Lowell setter Allison Couturier, a freshman at LCC last year was messaging back and forth with Thompson this winter and suggest­ ed Thompson join her at one of the Stars’ open gym sessions. “I wasn’t planning on playing volleyball Half of MHSAA schools in survey use participation fees Half of Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) member high schools continued to assess sports participation fees during the 2018-19 school year, according to a survey that has measured the prevalence of charging students to help fund interscholastic athletics annually over the last 15 years. Of the 604 schools which responded to the 2018-19 survey, exactly half - 302 - assessed a participation fee, while 302 did not during the past school year. This year’s survey results are in line with those of the last two schools years, which saw 49.7 percent of schools charging participation fees for 2016-17 and 49 percent in 2017-18. For the purposes of the Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads survey, a participation fee was anything $20 or more regardless of what the school called the charge (registration fee, insurance fee, transportation fee, etc.). Last week the Hastings Area School system received a $70,000 from the Baum Family Foundation for pay-to-play, making it the 14th year that the Baum family has covered all of the costs of pay to play for the students. The MHSAA conducted its first participa­ tion fee survey during the 2003-04 school year, when 24 percent of responding schools reported they charged fees. The percentage of member schools charging fees crossed 50 percent in 2010-11 and reached a high of 56.6 percent in 2013-14 before falling back below 50 percent in 2016-17. A record number of member high schools responded to the survey for the second straight year - 81 percent of the MHSAA’s 750 mem­ ber schools provided data for 2018-19. Class A schools again remained the largest group charging fees, with 69 percent of respondents doing so. Class B and Class C schools fol­ lowed, both with 48 percent charging fees, and Class D schools also remained in line with the previous year with 35 percent charging for participation. Charging a standardized fee for each team on which a student-athlete participates regardless of the number of teams - remains the most popular method among schools assessing fees, with that rate at 45 percent of schools. Schools charging a one-time stan­ dardized fee per student-athlete remained constant at 28 percent. A slight uptick was seen in the percentage of schools assessing fees based on tiers of the number of sports a student-athlete plays, (for example, charging a larger fee for the first team and less for addi­ tional sports), with 20 percent of responding schools charging in this way compared to 15 percent a year ago. The amounts of most fees remained consis­ tent or similar as well during 2018-19. The median annual maximum fee per student of $150 and the median annual maximum family fee of $300 both remained constant for at least the fifth straight year, while the median fee assessed by schools that charge student-ath­ letes once per year held steady at $125 for the third straight school year. The median per­ team fee increased slightly, $5, to $80 for 2018-19. anywhere,” Thompson said. “This was in March. This is late.” A handful of Thompson’s Lakewood team­ mates had already signed on with their colle­ giate programs. She went into her senior year at Lakewood thinking of attending Central Michigan University or Grand Valley State University - schools where she wouldn’t expect to be able to earn a spot on the volley­ ball team. Seeing some of her siblings’ tuition bills turned her attention to community col­ leges though. “Once I started playing (at the open gym), I was like, okay I can’t see myself not play­ ing, so if I can get on the team that would be nice,” Thompson said. About a week later the LCC coaching staff contacted her, offering her a spot in the pro­ gram. “I have been really used to Lakewood vol­ leyball. I was kind of nervous to see what a different program would be like,” Thompson said. “I feel like we fit very well. The girls are super easy to talk to. It is different, but it is good still.” It was more volleyball for Thompson this Saturday, taking part in the 14th Annual Emily Duits mEMorial Sand Volleyball Tournament. She was up before nopa on a Saturday, a rarity this summer. “I really take advantage of that. I need my sleep, so the weekends are v^ry important to me,” Thompson said. If things go jis planned, Thompson will continueJo-bean early riser during the week with a chance to sleep in a bit more on the weekends. She plans to go into education. SUMMERFEST, continued from page 12 ————— ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS Exceptional Care Close to Home Increasing your access to exceptional health care, close to home is a priority for Spectrum Health. Our local providers are not just experts in their field; they are also a part of your community. Now accepting new patients in Family, Internal and Pediatric Medicine in Caledonia, Hastings, Middleville, Gun Lake and Wayland. Expanded morning and evening hours to better meet your needs. Jamie McCartney, MD Adam Mitchell, DO Rebecca Eckert, FNP Andrew Stanley, DO Caledonia Caledonia Gun Lake Gun Lake tatami & Pofcrtric 12851 W. M179 Highway Wayland, Ml 49348 877.377.7322 9090 S. Rodgers Court, Suite A Caledonia, Ml 49316 616.891.0422 1108 W. State Street, Suite 3 Hastings, Ml 49058 269.945.0922 490 Edward Street Middleville, Ml 49333 269.795.4434 iY -j. Alia Anthony, FNP Maty Yakoby, MD Andrew Mepham, PA-C Lynda Simpson, DO Hastings Hastings Middleville Middleville A'.” SPECTRUM HEALTH Pennock new patients | Expanded hours | findadoctor.spectrumhealth.org women’s bench press at 10 a.m., followed by the men’s bench press, women’s deadlift and men’s deadlift competitions. The cost to participate in one weightlifting event is $6, or $10 for both events. Contact Skylar Brandt for more information at 269­ 804-2773. The 2019 Jim Jensen Memorial 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament will be held Saturday, Aug. 24, at Tyden Park (pending weather) in downtown Hastings. The cost to participate is $25 per team, for teams of three or four par­ ticipants. T-shirts will be passed out to the first 100 at check-in. Teams are required to pre-register for the event. Check-in for regis­ tered teams will begin at 8:30 a.m. with bas­ ketball games to begin on the four courts at Tyden Park no later than 9:30 a.m. The regis­ tration deadline for 2019 is Friday, Aug. 16. Double-elimination tournaments will be held in 12-14, 15-17, 18-25 and 25-and-up age divisions, although age divisions and tournament style may be altered based on participation. There are not separate divisions for males and females. Team and individual trophies will be presented to the winners in each division thanks to the sponsorship from J-Ad Graphics. Registration forms can be found in editions of the Hastings Reminder and the Hastings Banner, or on the Summerfest website. Checks should be made payable to Hastings Summerfest. Completed registration forms and payment should be sent to the Barry County Chamber of Commerce, 221 W. State St., Hastings, MI 49058. Registration forms simply ask for a team name and names and ages of each of the team’s players including contact information for a team captain. Contact Brett Bremer by email brett@j-adgraphics.com or by phone at 269­ 945-9554 ext. 227 for more information or for help getting a team registered for the event. There annual slow pitch softball tourna­ ment will be held at Fish Hatchery Park and is open to the first 12 men’s teams to sign-up. The cost is $200 per team. Contact Bret Miller at 269-838-6712 to register or for more infor­ mation. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-08-08.pdf 0be2f0ee1e18c7df9092b12171ae4bb1 PDF Text Text Hastings Public Library 227 E State Street _Hastings_MM9058 Hastings Legion post to celebrate 100 years ‘Gotcha’ politics makes everyone a loser Color Run takes off on newly paved trail See Story on Page 2 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 13 1070490102590502956749058195427 LOT**C QQ3 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 804879110187 = o cqo3 Hastings Public Library 227 E State St Hastings Ml 49058-1954 Has him uS ANNER PRICE 750 Thursday, August 8, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 32 Housing in Hastings ready to take off Hastings Live offers something for all ages The Hastings Live lineup for the first full week of August brings a mix of entertainment — “folkgrass,” exotic animals, a singer/songwriter, and coun­ try blues. Residents and visitors are invited to bring blankets and lawn chairs and enjoy the free music and entertainment in downtown Hastings. An original folkgrass band, The Goldsberrys are inspired by old-time bluegrass and folk music, with relat­ able lyrics woven with four-part vocal harmony. Kids can get an up-close look rep­ tiles and exotic creatures when Kalamazoo Exotic Animals visits the spray plaza at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 8. The animals present will depend on the temperature the day of (he event. David Lloyd will entertain during Fridays at the Fountain, beginning at noon Aug. 9 on the Barry County Courthouse lawn. Lloyd is a singer, songwriter and strolling musician who performs throughout Southwest Michigan. His song list is reportedly as good as any jukebox. Friday Night Features will host Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 9 at Thornapple Plaza. The band is known for its live shows and Rev. Peyton as the world’s fore­ most country blues, finger-style picker. He delivers guitar pyrotechnics the old-fashioned way —10 fingers, a sixstring, and an amp cranked all the way up. Peyton has kept alive a tradition of finger picking pioneered by the likes of Mississippi John Hurt. Whether a cus­ tom-built National, a cigar box, an axe, or even a shotgun, if it has strings, Peyton can play it. More information can be found at downtownhastings.com/events. Thornapple Players plan auditions Aug. 13 Thornapple Players will host open auditions for anyone 18 and older for Noel Coward’s farce “Blithe Spirit” Tuesday, Aug. 13, at 7 p.m. at the Dennison Performing Arts Center, 231 S. Broadway, Hastings. “Noel Coward’s Blithe Spirit is a witty and fun classic of the Broadway and London stages,” director Norma Jean Acker said. “We are delighted to bring this to our stage at the Dennison Performing Arts Center.” The production includes five adult females and two adult males in the cast. “I am really look forward to seeing all the talented individuals at auditions, and I am excited to see what bold char­ acter choices they make for the cold reads,” Director Julian Kratochvil said. A script read-through is scheduled Thursday, Aug. 15, at 7 p.m. Rehearsals will be Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 7 to 9 p.m. A technical rehearsal is planned Saturday, Sept. 28, from 2 to 8 p.m. A dress rehearsal Wednesday, Oct. 2, will be open to the public. Performances will be Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, Oct. 3 4 and 5, at 7 p.m. The final show will be a matinee Sunday, Oct. 6, at 2 p.m. Norma Jean Acker and Julian Seth Kratochvil will co-direct. Anyone with questions about auditions may call 269-945-2332. , Doug VanderLaan Contributing Writer A long-sought multi-family project in downtown Hastings and another in the works, along with two more possible developments, could bring as many as 149 dwelling units to the downtown area. “We’ve been thinking at virtually every meeting about this housing shortage,” Planning Commission Chairman Dave Hatfield said, “and here we have two potential projects that can at least make a dent in the shortage we have.” On Monday, the Hastings Planning Commission perused drawings for whafs known as the Royal Coach property. The project, presented by Sig Strautmanis, principal with Wisconsin-based General Capital Corp., calls for 73 apartments and 19 townhome-style dwellings to be constructed on the 8.2 acres once owned by Hastings Manufacturing Company across the river from Thomapple Plaza. Abandoned factory buildings - including one occupied in the mid-1900s to build Royal Coach camper trailers - will be redone by General Capital using what Strautmanis char­ acterized as “adaptive reuse historic preserva­ tion.” The intention is to make the character of the building’s steel and timber structure part of the new design. “It’s a little more rough than we had hoped,” Strautmanis said of the buildings’ current condition, “but the complex is sprawling.” Strautmanis also mentioned renovation issues with asbestos and the fact that the site once had been used as a dump, but expecta­ tions are that the issues can be addressed “in place.” “There are common spaces throughout,” he added, mentioning that the design plan also will include installation of trails to promote This drawing shows the proposed site plan for the former Royal Coach property on East Mill Street in Hastings. the natural beauty C location near ^h£* river. SX “There’s a lot of pavement, and we’d like to de-density that aspect of the site,” Strautmanis said. “We’d like to re-introduce a riparian landscape as the land slopes tathe river.” Price points will be structured to accommo­ date market-level rates that will help offset affordable rental rates for middle-market income residents. Strautmanis referenced a study commis­ sioned by the United Way - Asset Limited Income Constrained Employment - which examined the struggle for households that earn above the federal poverty level, but do not earn enough income to afford a barebones household budget. According to that study, in Michigan, an income of $16.24 hourly wage is needed to See HOUSING, page 3 Thornapple Manor to explore more senior housing Rebecca Pierce Editor Thornapple Manor Administrator Don Haney said he had considered the much-dis­ cussed housing shortage in Barry County as a workforce issue. Then he heard a presentation by area Realtors to the Barry Community Foundation and he realized the need was much bigger. So, with the blessing of his board at Thornapple Manor, he commissioned a mar­ ket study to determine the extent of the need. “I was surprised by the numbers,” Haney told Barry County commissioners Tuesday. “Just based on conversations, I knew that there would be demand, but I didn’t realize there would be this much demand.” The need for housing extends across all income and age levels, he said. But his efforts are specifically focused on senior housing. Their market study indicated a need for an additional 280 independent senior living units, 60 assisted living units and 22 adult day care slots. So Haney asked commissioners Tuesday to support Thomapple Manor in its effort to explore the addition of independent and assisted living units as well as adult day care services at Thornapple Manor. The board unanimously supported approv­ ing his request. Their recommendation will come before the full board at the next meeting at 9 a.m. Monday. Haney said he wanted the board’s support because the construction of any facilities would require, at a later time, the full faith and “Just based on conversations, I knew that there would be demand, but I didn’t realize there would be this much demand.” - Thomapple Manor Administrator Don Haney Thomapple Manor Administrator Don Haney asked Barry County commissioners for a resolution to support the exploration of more independent and assisted living units as well as adult day care services in the county. (Photos by Rebecca Pierce) credit of the county to support the issuance of mortgage debt for the construction. As County Administrator Michael Brown explained, the full faith and credit of the coun­ ty would help to secure a competitive interest rate on the project. But no project would be pursued it’s not financially self-sustaining, Haney empha­ sized. “One of the requirements I have .. is this is not going to cost taxpayer money. If it can’t be self-sustaining, then I’m not interested. It would be completely self-supporting, self-sus­ taining.” Haney stressed that there is no project planned at this time. But, with approval of the resolution by the commissioners, Thornapple Manor would spend the money to explore the possibilities, feasibility, and cost projections of adding some combination of independent and assist­ ed living units and adult day care services. “Would you like me to go down this path?” he asked commissioners. The cost about financial feasibility and answers to other construction questions could run between $150,000 and $200,000, a cost that would come out of the Thornapple Manor fund balance, he said. But he’d rather not incur that cost if the county isn’t squarely behind it. “It sounds like a worthy endeavor,” Commissioner Ben Geiger said, who asked if the units could be placed in some place other than the Thomapple Manor campus. Haney said, to some degree, it would make sense to have new development on the See SENIOR, page 6 Barry ISD receives $445,500 surprise grant from state Luke Froncheck Staff Writer The windfall of $445,500 from the state to the Barry Intermediate School District will pay for new programs to help students with mental illness. Barry ISD Superintendent Richard Franklin received confirmation of the grant this week. The award was welcome news for educa­ tors, coming on the heels of a study commis­ sioned by the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, which called untreated mental illness a statewide crisis in Michigan. That study indicated that Barry County is a “Mental Health Professional Shortage Area,” meaning that communities in the county lack sufficient mental health services for residents. “Individual lawmakers decided this was important when they heard the need from their constituents,” Franklin said. State information said the money, which is being awarded to every intermediate school district that applied and was confirmed to receive it, will “enhance and expand the avail­ ability of mental health services and supports to general education K-12 students in Michigan.” “I don’t care who the kid is, if they need help, we’re going to give it to them,” Delton Superintendent Kyle Corlett said. “It’s nice to see that the state heard our request for more support and really put their money where their mouth is.” Delton schools, which will receive $100,330, plans to improve support for men­ tal health, Corlett said. They plan to increase contracted services through places like Pine Rest out of Hastings. “We are so grateful to Rich Franklin and the BISD for their work with the grant,” Hastings Superintendent Dan Remenap said. “This will allow Hastings Area School System to employ mental health workers at both Hastings High School and Hastings Middle School, fulfilling a great need in our school community.” Hastings schools, which will receive $194,170, plans to place a student support specialist at the high school and at the middle school. See GRANT, page 9 �Page 2 — Thursday, August 8, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Drum corps stays in Hastings during national tour Kathy Maurer Copy Editor The Hastings High School Marching Band spent last week at band camp near Dowling, but the sound of brass and drums still resonat­ ed in parts of the city. The East Coast Percussion - Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps was in town on a national competition tour. A group of about 50 stu­ dents and 18 adults spent Tuesday through Thursday nights at Hastings Middle School and practiced daily on the high school football field. The corps is based in Burlington, N.J., in the metro-Philadelphia area, and includes stu­ dents from New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. Scott Brown, brass caption head, joined the group two months ago. He lives in Palmerton, Pa., near the Poconos, and teaches at Northwestern Lehigh School District near Allentown. Most of the high school and college-age students in the Raiders drum corps, he said, are looking to pursue careers in musical edu­ cation, so they present few challenges to the directors. “Pretty much whatever you tell them to do, they will do it, and do it in spades,” Brown said. “They’re like sponges - they just absorb it. The tour, featuring the Raiders’ “Gateway to the Unknown” show, began in late July with stops in Pennsylvania and Indiana. The first competition was Friday night in Plainwell. So, in Hastings, the teens and 20-somethings were still in practice mode. The unusually low humidity and temperatures mostly in the 70s made for a comfortable stay. “The town itself is nice,” Brown said of Hastings. “It reminds me of a Norman Rockwell-type town. It’s a really nice place.” His impression of Michigan: “It’s flat! I was surprised at how level the land is. And I like that you don’t have so much humidity.” After Plainwell, they headed to Avon Lake, Ohio, for a competition Saturday. Monday found them in Marion, Ind., where they squeaked their way into the finals Tuesday. “By a rail-thin margin of just 0.075,” according to a posting on the group’s Facebook page, “Raiders locked up the last spot among the top-12 groups that will com­ pete in Tuesday’s DCI Open Class World Championship Finals, marking the New Jersey corps’ return to the coveted event after missing out in 2018.” The Raiders finished in 12th place Tuesday evening. The final leg of the journey will be at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, beginning today. Brown said the group is rebuilding. And even if they don’t place at the top, the students are able to benefit from watching other bands. In Marion, Ind., for example the list of com­ petitors included drum corps from as far away as Alabama, California, Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Hampshire, Texas and Wisconsin and even Quebec. Drum Corps International, the parent com­ pany of the Raiders and other similar ensem­ bles, handled arrangements and lodging in various cities. Hastings administrators Steve Hoke and Mike Goggins worked with local band directors Spencer White and Jen Pesch to help make the Hastings stay possible. A touring group from the East Coast spent three days in Hastings last week, enjoying uncharacteristically low humidity on sunny summer days. More than 40 pit and drumline members make up the New Jersey-based drum corps that practiced in Hastings last week. Just a dozen brass horns provide music for the 50-member East Coast Percussion - Raiders Drum and Bugle Corps. American Legion Post 45 to celebrate 100 years of service The Raiders, pictured here practicing in Hastings Friday afternoon, are hoping to play their way into Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis this weekend. Monday, they edged their way into the Marion, Ind., finals by 0.075. Scheduled performer dies in Traverse City Dacia Bridges, lead singer of the band Dacia Bridges Project, died last week in Traverse City. The all-female band based in Kalamazoo was scheduled to perform in Hastings Wednesday, Aug. 14, as part of Hastings Live’s free Community Concert Series. Bridges, 45, was described as a power­ house vocalist, dynamic singer and guitarist reminiscent of Tina Turner, and “probably the most famous Michigan musician you’ve never heard of.” The latter, according to WMUK radio, was due to her gaining celeb­ rity status as a chart-topping musician in Germany. She had volunteered to perform at a film festival in Traverse City last week. According to the West Michigan music website local­ spins, Bridges performed at least once in Traverse City, but failed to show up for a scheduled event. She was found dead in her hotel room Thursday, Aug. 8. Unconfirmed reports indicate she may have died of a heart attack or aneurysm. Hastings city staff is working to find a replacement group to perform Aug. 14. Doug VanderLaan Contributing Writer This upcoming community celebration honoring the lOCr*1 anniversary of American Legion Post 45 in Hastings will offer a grand time to remember and tell stories. Members, though, are already looking to the next 100 years and the future of the post chartered under the name of Hastings war hero Lawrence J. Bauer Aug. 15,1919. “We want to reframe the perspective,” post historian and Air Force veteran Brian Shumway said of the reputation the American Legion has had as an exclusive club in some communities. “We want to highlight our youth pro­ grams,” Post Commander Steve Carr added, “the help we give to veterans in need, and the role we play in schools helping to educate students on patriotism and the U.S. Constitution.” Both members said they expect that the full schedule of activities on Aug. 16 and 17, which will include an open house at the post on M-37 just south of the city, also will pro­ duce a bump in membership. “I wouldn’t be surprised to see a rush of new members,” Shumway said. “Big events like this get guys who’ve avoided joining for any number of reasons to join.” Shumway points to himself as an example. After retiring in 2008, he finally found the time to invest in helping other veterans and the community. Today, Shumway estimates he puts 400-500 volunteer hours into service annually, including the weekly production of the post newsletter and helping to organize the post’s new archive room. Much of his recent time has come in plan- The Hastings American Legion and its honor guard have been a presence in parades and ceremonies for Hastings and other Barry County communities for nearly a century. (File photo) ning for the centennial celebration. Festivities will begin Friday, Aug. 16, with a 7:30 p.m. concert by the Army Reserve Band at Thornapple Plaza in downtown Hastings. Preceding that performance will be hot-dogs, chips, and lemonade for the com­ munity from 6 to 7 p.m., followed by a public rendition of “Happy Birthday” then ice cream and cake. Saturday, bingo at the post at 2160 S. M-37 Highway will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The American Legion Riders will provide a “cruise” followed by a show of their motorcy­ cles - and military vehicles - at the post from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tours of the newly renovated post will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. along with remarks by various dignitaries followed by hamburgers,: chips, and salads. Music to accompany ongo­ ing games and raffles from 1 to 4 p.m. will; begin at 2 p.m. See Saturday’s Reminder for more about the celebration and stories about what went into building 100 years of service to veterans and the community at Lawrence Bauer Post 45. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 8, 2019 — Page 3 Hastings band making progress as season approaches Hastings band director Spencer White said he is proud of the hard work band students put in during camp. Hunter Dood Staff Writer The Hastings High School Marching Band completed band camp last week at the Battle Creek Outdoor Education Center. The band practiced its 20019 program, “One Small Step,” which brings together music and sound clips to celebrate the 50^ anniversary of the moon landing, band direc­ tor Spencer White said. “The band worked very hard all week, and we are excited to see the season progress,” he said. This year marks the highest enrollment in the band in more than 35 years, with a total of 145 members. “I spoke with Mr. [Joe] LaJoye, and he said his membership peaked at 140 in the mid2000s.” Drum majors are Grace Green, Connor Frank, Madison McMasters and Zach Franklin. The band’s program begins with “Star Trek into Darkness” and features a trumpet solo and a NASA Countdown to launch. Part two of the program features “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden and “Mars” by Gustav Holst. The band then loses signal and findl its collective self drifting among the stars, leading into the next segment. During part three, the band plays Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata” and “Harder, Faster, Better, Stronger” by Daft Punk. The program closes with “Rocket Man” by Elton John. “We are utilizing many sound effects, as well as John F. Kennedy quotes from his famous moon speech,” White said, adding that he is proud of the students for all of their hard work. “They are the definition of Saxon Pride,” White said. The band’s first performance will be Wednesday, Aug. 21, at the Business, Industry and Education Luncheon, followed by the Summerfest Parade Saturday, Aug. 24. The rest of the schedule includes: Aug. 29 -home football game. Sept. 12 - United Way Kick-Off celebra­ tion. Sept. 13 - home football game. Sept. 21 - Rockford invitational. Sept. 28 - Otsego invitational. Oct. 4 - home football game. Oct. 5 - Hastings Marching Band Invitational. Oct. 8 - MSBOA festival, East Kentwood. Oct. 12 - Grandville competition. Oct. 13 - fall concert. Oct. 18 - home football game (homecom­ ing). Oct. 25 - home football game. Dec. 7 - Christmas parade. Dec. 8 - Collage concert. Dec. 12 - Jazzy Christmas concert. The Hastings band practices at the Battle Creek Outdoor Education Center camp last week. Band intern Ross Peterson plays his tenor sax. Freshman Abby Gaskill plays sousaphone during rehearsal HOUSING, continued from page 1 afford a two-bedroom apartment. The pro­ posed Royal Coach project would address that income level. Strautmanis estimated the total cost for the project to be $17.2 million. The planning commission set a public hearing for the proj­ ect for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 3. Although his investor is not yet ready to present a formal site plan, Kevin Moore of Grand Rapids offered a second housing plan to commissioners during an unofficial site plan review, expressing interest in the former Moose Lodge property at 128 N. Michigan Ave. Moore said the investor he represents is interested in constructing a 42- to 44-unit apartment building with 20 percent of rent prices to be structured toward market-rate levels and the remainder averaged to 60 per­ cent of Barry County’s median income level. Construction projection figures have been determined to be in the $5 million to $6 mil­ lion range. Hatfield’s comment that the plan would not be feasible, given the city’s current ordinance that restricts downtown buildings to no more than eight units in the central business district, sparked discussion on the proposed plan’s other obstacle: Parking. “Current buildings in reasonable proximity to public parking can use those spaces,” Hatfield pointed out, “but that’s intended for the retail community. This plan would have a significant problem with no onsite parking and would create an untenable situation for our retailers.” “That’s kind of the first time I’ve heard pushback (on that issue),” Moore responded. “We’ve talked about this project introducing a significant amount of people into the down­ town area ... “We were of the opinion that it would be a benefit to increase into the core area people who would be walking instead of driving.” “All we can say is what might come up; this is not definitive,” Hatfield said, noting that, under the language of an unofficial site review, no comment can be taken as direct action. “More people and more customers downtown couldn’t make me more happy, but here we’re thinking about using two public parking lots that are already being used for downtown businesses.” Fellow commissioners were careful not to be discouraging a possibility, however. “I’d like to see us work on something to make it go,” commission member and Mayor David Tossava said. “Everybody says that it’s great to have a parking problem. I just don’t want to say no to this project.” “Every community complains about park­ ing,” commission member Jacquie McLean said, “but because we are a community, we can be creative, we can brainstorm, we can work it out. At college, you can’t park your car right next to the dorm, you park and walk. “I love this concept and we are a progres­ sive community.” Audience member Tom Kramer, who updated commissioners on his own contribu­ tion to increasing housing in the downtown area, agreed with McLean in that regard, but objected to the assumption of walking home to a downtown residence from some distance. “If I’m paying my rent, that’s my house,” Kramer said. “Parking needs to be conve­ nient.” That’s a personal concern for Kramer who, in the third of four downtown housing-related items discussed at Monday evening’s meet­ ing, updated commissioners on his plans for renovation of the former Second Hand Comers building on the comer of State and Jefferson streets that he recently purchased. “I never planned to get into the residential housing business,” Kramer said, “but I had someone living in one of my storage units. I put her up in a hotel for a week, and she’s probably still homeless today.” Kramer wants to tailor his plan for a lower demographic population to design eight units and another five units on the two upper floors of the building. Also in the plan is a redo of the facade of the building to “fit into the downtown.” Capping the downtown housing discussion Monday was the commission’s final approval, after conducting a public hearing, for the ren­ ovation of the home at 118 E. Court St. being converted by Caledonia-area builder Marv Helder. “Thank you for your patience through this process,” Hatfield said to Helder after the unanimous approval of his project. “We wish you luck, and we’re looking forward to seeing this project come to fruition.” “I hope for the same result on the 20^ at the zoning board of appeals,” Helder respond­ ed, referring to the final approval he needs to complete his work. In other business on Monday, the planning commission: • Set a 7 p.m. Sept. 3 public hearing for rezoning of property at 1400 and 1402 E. Center Road as well as a similar public hear­ ing for a special-use permit at the same prop­ erty locations. The property is being used for canoe river tube float rentals by U-Rent-Em Canoe operated by Jim and Julie Fox. “It took us a year and a half to acquire two properties on the river, and it’s right for our business to get off a public launch area,” Julie Fox said. She told commissioners that the new property under the special-use permit also would allow room for five campsites and an additional 10 “urban campsites” that would operate as per­ manently erected tent sites available by reser­ vations, “like a hotel.” According to City Manager Jerry Czarnecki, the change in zon­ ing request from rural residential to D-2 would be a simple extension of D-2 zoning that already exists on adjacent properties. GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. �Page 4 — Thursday, August 8, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you see? Patriotic zeal can appeal on four wheels ‘Gotcha’ politics makes everyone a loser in Yankee Springs A patriotic car made an appearance at the Lake Odessa Car Show Saturday. The car was covered in patriotic colors and images of soldiers along with quotes about service. (Photo by Luke Froncheck) We ’re dedicating this space to a photograph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? Pee Wee champs Banner Aug. 9, 1972 Capt. Jeff Hall’s Cubs came from behind to win the Pee Wee Baseball league, which played Mondays and Wednesday during the Hastings playground program. Proudly wearing their Kiwanis shirts and holding the “Y” trophies are (front row, from left) Bob Teunessen, Steve Lydy, Bill Rountree, Hall, Mike Franzone, Mark Smith, (back) Bruce Hanford, Kerry Allen, Dan Coykendall, Paul Smith, Mark Turnes, Scot Hartman and Jack Thomas. Have you met? Kalen Swift is the quiet but mighty type of servant. He is usually in the background, doing odd jobs, helping people in need and not wanting to be seen. He was bom at Pennock Hospital and raised on the family farm on Swift Road in Nashville. His father, William Swift, had been born on the same farm many years before. William and Dorothy (Decker) Swift had bought the farm from his father shortly after they were married. Farm life was everything to the Swifts. “It was everything I ever wanted,” Swift said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better upbringing. We grew hay, raised cattle, sheep, pigs and chickens and just enjoyed life. I learned life skills on the farm.” Swift was involved in 4-H at a young age and started collecting sap at the Bell and Gardener Sugar Bush on Swift Road when he was around 10 years old. He was on the wrestling team and played the trumpet in the band and orchestra at Maple Valley High School and even won the John Philip Sousa Award for being an outstanding bandsman his senior year (1976). He didn’t know it, but he went to school with his soon-to-be wife during those years. “Sheryl (Sherman) and I were in classes together,” Swift said, “but we just ran in different circles. She was Annie in “Annie Get Your Gun” our senior year, and I played in the orchestra. She was really nervous and kept looking down at me during practices. We started talking and had our first date by time the musical had ended.” Swift planned to go to tech school at Kellogg Community College, and Sheryl was off to college in Illinois. They wrote letters back and forth, but she came back home after one semester and the two were married in 1978. They have three children: Bethany, Nathan and Jeremiah, who all attended MV schools, two of whom still live in the area. Swift did not continue the farming tradition, though. His mother and brother sold the farm after his father was killed in a farming accident in 1981. Swift had always Kalen Swift had a love for mechanical things, and after attending college, worked for Kellogg Company for 34 years in the training department as a maintenance supervisor. “I love to tinker with things and figure out how they work,” he said. “I especially love fixing the stuff that’s broken.” And he has used that talent and passion to better many lives around him. He volunteers at his church as both the treasurer and head trustee in charge of maintenance. He also is president of the Nashville Maple Syrup Association. He is known for his gentle mannerism, his respect for every person and his kind ways. For his quiet, behind-the-scenes community support, Kalen Swift is this week’s Bright Light. Best advice ever received: My dad worked extremely hard as a farmer. He told me to go to college so I could choose whether I wanted to work with my head for the rest of my life or with my back. It was great advice. First job: I worked on the farm for Dad, and he paid us well. I also painted cars when I was in high school. I would find one that didn’t look so good and fix it up and do a new paint job on it and then drive it until someone wanted to buy it from me. Persons I most admire: My mom and dad. They were people of such character and really walked the walk and talked the talk. Book I’d recommend: The Bible. It’s the source of wisdom and life. It’s the authority in my life. Person I’d most like to meet: Some of my ancestors, like my grandpa Bill Hanes, whom I never got to meet. Favorite vacation destination: We went to the Grand Canyon just recently, and it was really neat. I also truly enjoyed my work trip to England. It ended up being a vacation also. I got to take my daughter and wife for seven weeks. It was incredible. What I’d tell a high school graduate: As far as vocation, there’s so many opportunities out there. Look for something you’re good at, you enjoy doing and that makes enough money to live on, and you will be happy in it for years. Favorite dinner: Roast beef and potatoes and vegetables - a good ol’ farm meal. My biggest challenge: Getting out of my comfort zone and trying new things. I am really working on it. The greatest president: Ronald Reagan. He treated people with respect and had such strength. I think he did a great job at just letting the economy run. I’m most proud of: My family and my relationships. Hobbies: Anything that has to do with maple syrup, repairing things, teaching Sunday school and helping people with my skills. Best thing about Barry County: It is home. I don’t want to go anywhere else. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving personality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058; or email news @j-adgraphics .com. Leadership is not for amateurs and nobody proves that truth more than the board of trustees who are upsetting resi­ dents of Yankee Springs Township. For those following the shenanigans of the township board, it’s evident these elect­ ed officials didn’t finish near the top of their class in leadership and board governance skills. Watching these pretenders operate town­ ship business so unprofessionally should concern every resident of the township. For months now, the board has been divided in what appears to be a 3-2 power struggle between Supervisor Mark Englerth and Trustee Shanon Vandenberg on one side and Clerk Janice Lippert, Treasurer Alice Jansma and the township board’s newest member, Larry Knowles, on the other. At a recent meeting, in an effort to dimin­ ish Englerth’s authority as supervisor, Knowles, Lippert and Jansma voted to cur­ tail the supervisor’s ability to consult with township attorney Catherine Kaufman without prior notification or authorization of the entire board. This is the second time the board has tried to micromanage the relationship with its attorney. In February, the board had proposed a new policy - on the typical 3-2 vote - that would allow any board member to contact the township’s attorney, “whenever they need guidance or advice.” Then, before the authorization was passed, Lippert moved to add to the proposal an addendum that all emails sent to the township attorney by board members must be copied to all other board members. Knowles, who is also the director of the Gun Lake Area Sewer and Water Authority, asked Kaufman to develop the wording for a special resolution on the matter, which was brought up toward the end of a special board meeting. Acting on Knowles’ request, Kaufman drafted a two-page resolution that was handed out shortly after asking to have the matter discussed. After subsequent discus­ sion, Englerth accused Knowles of blind­ siding him with the action and for the tim­ ing of the information after the meeting had already started. It appears the new language excludes Englerth and Vandenberg from any direct contact at all with the attorney. Knowles said he introduced the resolu­ tion because he was concerned about the township’s legal fees. Yet, it appeared to be retaliatory action against Englerth, who had asked the attorney to review police reports from three separate criminal investigations against Knowles - none of which led to any charges. For months now, Englerth and Knowles have been at odds with each other and their anger or distrust seems to be creating a crevice that’s fracturing this board. One of Englerth’s issues is whether Knowles should even be allowed to serve on the township board, since he is employed by GLASWA, which could be considered a conflict of interest. Plus, since Knowles was elected to the township board in November 2018, it appears he has done whatever he can to diminish Englerth’s authority, going so far as to having him replaced as the township’s representative on the GLASWA board by a 3-2 vote in an April township board meet­ ing. No need to repeat how that township vote lined up. Lippert added her contribution to the plot prior to that vote when, at the Jan. 10 meet­ ing, she informed her township board col­ leagues that she had been in contact with the other three members of the four-mem­ ber GLASWA board, all of whom told her Englerth had been disruptive and was caus­ ing “turmoil.” Later, Lippert admitted that she had “misspoke” when providing information that led to the removal of Englerth as the township’s representative on the board. Lippert had originally claimed GLASWA board members were her source of the information. But, after being called out by Englerth publicly, admitted, “I only repeat­ ed the numerous comments and complaints that were overheard at the post office, gro­ cery store and other places.” Lippert went on to say, “I still believe it is in the best interest of our users of the sewer and water services that they will be better served by Alice Jansma (who replaced Englerth on the GLASWA board) remain­ ing on the GLASWA board.” Englerth did not mince words in his reply to Lippert at a subsequent township board meeting. “What you told this board and this public was not the truth, period,” Englerth said, adding that he had talked to the other three members of the GLASWA board to see if they had talked to Lippert and they said they had not. It appears it was just another effort of the ‘Gotcha Club’ - Lippert, Knowles and Jansma - to get Englerth off the board. In June, the township meeting came to a screeching halt after a heated exchange over a dispute to allow former township trustee Michael Boysen - who was defeated by Knowles, 493-405, in the August 2018 pri­ mary - to serve on the planning commis­ sion. After 2-2 stalemate vote was taken, with Lippert absent from the meeting, Jansma and Knowles were pressured to explain their no votes to approving Boysen for the planning commission. Planning commission chairwoman Cathy Strickland also demanded an explanation, saying Boysen was “very qualified” and is “the only candidate we have” for the open­ ing. Knowles later said he wasn’t happy with the makeup of the planning commis­ sion. “Only two of the six current planning commission members are lake owners while the rest are not,” Knowles said. “So, appointing Boysen wouldn’t fix the prob­ lem.” Unbelievably, there’s still more to this twisted Yankee Springs saga - such as the veterans’ memorial. The fact that a detailed site plan is not on file seems to consume Knowles. Referencing a concept drawing that was submitted in 2017, Knowles men­ tioned at the March meeting that he couldn’t find a record of the project budget. Englerth responded, “This thing never had a devised plan. It’s moved and it’s evolved.” He reminded the board that the project came from the inspiration of late township constable and Barry County Undersheriff Jim Orr, who died in 2016. “What we, what Jim Orr, envisioned may not be what we have today, but what we do have we should be proud of,” Englerth said. “Even when you have a good idea, other options sometimes appear. For God’s sake, I hope this is never completed. I hope it gets added to every year - I hope in 10 to 20 years there are more park benches and that there’ll be even more landscaping.” What a mess. Even an effort to establish a memorial gets caught in the fray. This is no way to run township govern­ ment. First of all, the attorney, who complained at the township meeting in July about being used as a tool of retaliation by board mem­ bers, bears some responsibility for letting salt enter this wound. As part of its contrac­ tual agreement with the township, legal counsel should have stood up to that small group of board members and reminded them that, if the board expects to get any­ thing done, then board members must learn to work together. What kind of message are these officials sending to the residents of the township whom they were elected to serve and for whom they were commissioned to work together in the best interests of the taxpay­ ers? So, what should the taxpayers of Yankee Springs Township do now? I think it’s time for residents to consider recalling the entire board and start fresh with new faces and a new direction for the longtime betterment of the township. “Leadership in today’s world requires far more than a large stock of gunboats and a hard fist at the conference table,” Hubert H. Humphrey said. That is especially true at the local level where these men and women are not only board members, they’re neigh­ bors as well. Leadership is a process of visioning, ini­ tiating, guiding and encouraging others to accomplish positive change. Under the cur­ rent circumstances, it’s not likely that much will be accomplished for the taxpayers who reside in Yankee Springs Township, one of the fastest growing townships in the county. Shame on these people. It’s time for taxpayers to step up and demand action to guarantee a level of pro­ fessionalism and decorum not seen in Yankee Springs Township in some time. Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 8, 2019 — Page 5 " [Write Us A Letter: The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: • All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Gift to disgraced MSU president is outrageous To the editor: On Aug. 1, Michigan Radio announced that Lou Anna K. Simon, former president of ► Michigan State University, is retiring; and is being given a $2.5 million gift, which-seems outrageous if this is public money. This woman also is being tried in court for lying to the police about the misdeeds of Dr. Larry Nassar, a tragedy that has caused a lot of pain to many young women, and a tragedy that occurred on her watch. She has worked in the protected environment of MSU all of her adult life. She will retire with lifetime health insurance and other benefits not available to millions of working people in this country. What about the elected trustees who must have approved this gift? This shows the audacious greed of the whole line of officials who authorized the gift. ■ The Michigan Legislature ought to outlaw any repeat of this kind of performance at Know Your Legislators: Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov It is high time to put a stop to this practice. public colleges and universities in the state. These places are not private industries where executives are allowed to retire with more than two million dollars. With the outrageous tuition at public colleges and universities, this kind of misplaced generosity is entirely unwarranted. George C. Williston, Hastings A fond farewell to a wonderful teacher To the editor: Matt Callaghan has been a godsend to the choir program at Hastings Area Schools. He has brought the level of excellence up to an extremely high level in the seven years I have known and worked alongside him. The man is a model of musicality, integrity and commit­ , ment. We have been spoiled by the caliber of his choral - and musical - directorship at Hastings. I cannot say enough good things about the man. During his tenure here in Hastings, I have seen him grow in his skills and his commit­ ’ ment to the program. He has grown the pro­ ) this time, he also earned his masters from Michigan State University, and his family has grown to include three darling children. Now he is moving on tQ the next chapter in his teaching career. I believe I can speak for the music depart­ ment at the school, and his many students over the years, when I say we wish him all the luck in the world. Of my musical colleague, I am going to miss you, deaf friend. gram by nearly double; he has added the Men’s Glee Club and Bella Voce; he has taken the choirs to Carnegie Hall in New York twice, and Chicago Symphony Hall and major choral competitions in the Midwest, always taking home top ratings. Matt has helped move us into the new choir room and Performing Arts Center, and steered us with a steady hand during the last seven years of musicals, ending with this spring’s wildly successful production of “Beauty and the Beast.” All these are just a handful of highlights in his career here in Hastings. Oh, yeah, during 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855­ 347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1 “202=456^1 lit; Gapitol Information-line for-Congress and the Senate: 1 -202-224-3121. The Hastings BilllllCr Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Mark S. Ramsey, Hastings published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Barry ISD plans to run Great Start program; no word from state = ’ ; ’ * , Luke Froncheck Staff Writer Barry Intermediate School District Superintendent Richard Franklin says the Great Start Readiness Program will be pro­ ceed for the 2019-20 school year under the management of the intermediate school dis­ trict. It’s unclear where the state stands on that. The last public statement from the Michigan Department of Education indicated that Barry ISD had been removed from that responsibil­ ity. MDE officials haven’t responded to requests for information from The Banner. Franklin said he and the district’s chief financial officer Cindy Larson met with state auditors July 22. This “informal hearing” was part of their appeal of an April report from the MDE that had recommended the removal of the GSRP program from Barry ISD manage­ ment, he said. “We’re assuming there will be a state bud­ get with program funding,” Franklin said. “We’re still planning to have classes in Delton and Hastings, and we still plan on serving the 4-year-olds of Delton and Hastings.” They are in the process of enrolling stu­ dents for fall GSRP classes. “It’s hard to imagine we won’t have it,” he said. Even if Barry ISD didn’t manage the pro­ gram, Franklin said he would expect whatever entity that came in to manage it would keep the same teachers in the same classrooms. “I just can’t imagine an upheaval of change Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads like that,” he said. “We’re already into August.” In its report, the state had pointed to “sig­ nificant mismanagement of the GSRP funds, as documented during this fiscal monitoring spanning two program years, in addition to the exhaustion of GSRP funding with no pro­ vision for the start of the 2019-20 school year.” These factors prompted state officials to recommend that “the funding allocation for the Barry ISD catchment area be awarded to an ISD with geographic proximity and demonstrated capacity to operate/manage successful, high-quality GSRP classrooms.” “The auditors didn’t ask us about any of things they’re citing,” Franklin noted. “If they had, we could have shown them correctly how to read our books.” Franklin said the state’s report was based on “flawed data collection.” Since the state has yet to notify the ISD of what is going to happen, “status quo prevails until any potential change occurs,” he said. In its report, MDE had recommended removal of several programs from Barry ISD, including the GSRP program, reporting a total of $129,059 in questioned costs and $34,849 in misclassified costs. “The money is gone because we spent it on exactly what we said,” Franklin said in an earlier interview. “We believe we’ve been in complete compliance with the state’s rules.” • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Frederic Jacobs Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Publisher & CEO Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Hank Schuuring CFO Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County • NEWSROOM• $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 Taylor Owens Tanett Hodge ONLINE ONLY AUCTION JD GATOR; JO TRACTOR; BOBCAT SKID STEER; LIVESTOCK EQUIPMENT AND MORE. BIDDING STARTS MONDAY AUG. 19 @ 10:00 AM ENDS THURSDAY, AUG. 22 @ 10:00 AM Location: 1366 Brogan Rd. Hastings, Michigan 49058 What do you think? Here’s your chance to take part in an inter­ active public opinion poll. Vote on the ques­ tion posed each week by accessing our web­ site, www.HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the following week. Last week: The Michigan Secretary of State is being sued in an effort to block Proposal 2, a vot­ er-approved initiative that would create an independent committee of nonpartisan mem­ bers to redraw congressional maps after the 2020 census. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of 15 Michiganders who would be barred from the commission under these rules. Should people who have been involved in partisan politics be allowed to serve on this committee? Yes 40% No 60% For this week: According to a recent report, Michigan has more than 670,000 residents with mental illnesses who did not receive any treatment. Kevin Fischer, executive director of the Michigan chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, says, “We consider this an epi­ demic in Michigan.” Are state leg­ islators doing enough to address mental illness issues across the state? □ Yes □ No John Deere 2640 Tractor, Wide front, Diesel, good rubber; 2011 John Deere 825i Gator, 4X4, hyd. dump bed, canvas cab accesso­ ries; 763 Bobcat Skid Steer F-Series with front hyd., newer rubber; Bobcat 66” Bucket; Bobcat 48” fork attachment; TR3 Tractor Rake 3 in 1 - 3 pt. hitch; Frontier MS 1108 Manure Spreader; Circular Harold 3 pt. hitch; 10 metal gates and hangers; 300, 100,150 Gal. plastic water tanks; Feed troughs and 8’ hay rings; 3 pt. hitch fork attachment; 3 Gallagher electric fence chargers; 10” Craftsman Table saw and blades; 2-6’ brush hog mowers; Kidney Mesh safety pool cover; 2hp Craftsman air compressor; Stewart md 510A ani­ mal clippers and other horse and livestock items; Lawn and garden items, hyd. jacks, stand and other misc. items. Visit Our Website for More Info, Photos and Directions For BIDDING. Inspection Dates: On site Sat. Aug. 10th & Aug. 17th, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.; Wed. Aug.l4th, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. For other time to inspect or questions call 269-908-0085 Terms: Visa or M/C or Wire Transfer. 18% buyer’s premium added. Removal of all items at purchasers’ expense and must be removed by August 28th, 2019 Owners: Ward and Vivian Bever WILSON AUCTION & REALTY CO., LTD WILSON c.4wiifin A fUHtity @fi. i Tn 825 N. Main St. Bryan, OH 43506 419-636-5500 Toll Free: 866-870-5500 Auctioneers: . Wayne M. Wilson CAI, Brent J. Wilson CAI, Fred Nott, Bart Westfall, Phil Stotz, Rich Merillat, Ryan Ruble www.WilsonAuctionLtd.com �Page 6 — Thursday, August 8, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Together ...at the church of your choice Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingshopeumc. ■ KeAsantview- - ' FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office. greenstreetumc@gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948­ 8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. V/» 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 VIV 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 Harry Porter Keller Laurence Eldon Conklin, a man known for his love of family, sparking a good laugh, and traveling the world with friends and family, took a peaceful journey to heaven on Tues­ day, Aug. 6, 2019. Friends and family are invited to a cele­ bration of Larry’s life to be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019 at Cedar Creek Bible Church, 9213 Cedar Creek Road in Delton. What follows is a short synopsis of his funfilled life as reported by Larry, who admitted to a history of “stretching the truth.” Born March 11, 1931, in a Dowling snow bank, Larry survived a bout of polio at a young age to become an accomplished runner in high school. After marrying Dorothy Adams on Sep­ tember 7, 1952 and later having two daugh­ ters, Larry supported his family as a barber and working factory jobs, including “run­ ning” Kellogg’s in Battle Creek. He also helped Dorothy and her daughters run Riv­ er Bend Travel Agency, Heart’s Desire Gift Boutique and the Back Door Deli in Hastings. Known for his harmonica and singing voice, but not always in a good way, Larry turned to the Bible as a defense. “The Lord said make a joyful noise. He didn’t say it had to sound good to others.” Raised eyebrows Were always a giveaway that Larry was beginning a talLtale or joke. He also loved getting laughs in other ways, including one time while enjoying coffee at a diner. He suddenly looked at his watch, said he had to go and proceeded to pouf his cup of coffee into his shirt pocket, which he had lined with plastic. By far Larry’s favorite pastime was spend­ ing time with family and friends at baseball games, auto racing events, playing pool, and simple family get togethers. He traveled the world with Dorothy, escorting travel agency trips and was often pictured holding her purse as she took the group photos. He said his fam­ ily “was about the only thing I am proud of.” Larry passed away after a brief illness that family blamed on the poor effort of his be­ loved Detroit Tigers. He was 88. At Larry’s request, his body has been cremated. Larry is survived by Dorothy, his wife of 66 years; daughters, Lou Ann (Colin) Cruttenden and Connie (Marty) Haywood, all of Hastings; brothers, Charles Conklin, of Dowling, and Robert Conklin of Hastings; four grandchildren, Tim Cruttenden and Kelli Cruttenden, Jeff Haywood and Sabrina Chris­ ty; and seven great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leslie and Agnes Conklin and sister, Hazel Skidmore. Family asks that donations be made in Lar­ ry’s honor to Spectrum Health Hospice and Cedar Creek Bible Church. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome. net. Phyllis Olmsted (nee Schmidt, formerly Kaufmann), age 93, transitioned peacefully from this life to her next adventure on August 1,2019. She was bom in Belle Fourche, SD to August and Josephine (Kapsa) Schmidt and lived in the Black Hills area through her college years. Phyllis graduated from Black Hills Teacher’s College (now Black Hills State University) with a teaching certificate and then taught in Casper, WY for three years until marrying Richard Kaufmann of Mt. Cle­ mens. They made their home in Mt. Clem­ ens, had three children - Kathy, Nancy, and Tom - then moved to Hastings in 1958. The marriage ended in 1969. In 1964, Phyllis achieved her BS degree from Western Michigan University in order to begin teaching again. That fall, she began teaching second grade at Northeastern School and continued in that capacity until her retire­ ment in 1984. On June 10, 1978, Phyllis and Clare Sylvan (Hank) Olmsted were married and enjoyed 27 years of love and partnership until Hank’s death in 2005. After her retirement from teaching, Phyllis became an active volunteer and participant for many years in many organizations includ­ ing the Barry County Retired School Person­ nel, Thornapple Garden Club, Friends of the Hastings Public Library, Pennock Hospital Volunteers, and ked Cross Blood Drives. She was preceded in death by her parents and husband; brother-in-law, Daniel Popielski; son-in-law, Bob O’Casey; stepsons, John Olmsted and Terry Raesley, and step-son-in­ law, Jim Kinney. She is survived by sister (Betty) Jo Ann Popielski (nieces Andrea Popielski and Gail West, nephews David and Kurt Popielski), daughters Katherine O’Casey (step-grand­ daughters Robin and Heather Casey) and Nancy Kaufmann, son Thomas (Judy Childs, grandchildren Miles and Elise Kaufmann), stepson Mark (Tammy) Olmsted (step-grand­ children Sherri (Dan) Wolfe, Johnathan (Rochelle) Olmsted, Christopher (Michelle) Olmsted, Tanner Olmsted), stepdaughters Sal Kinney and Linda (Michael) Bingman, step-grandchildren Jessie Wood and Ben Olmsted, many other step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren, grandnieces and grandnephews, and special “gardening” daughter, Anita (Jerry) Lyons. A Celebration of Love will be held grave­ side on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019 at 4 p.m. at Fuller Cemetery, N. Charlton Park Rd. fol­ lowed by a light supper at Welcome Comers United Methodist Church, N. M-43. In lieu of flowers, please consider a me­ morial contribution to the Hastings Public Library or Thomapple Garden Club or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net.In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Hastings Public Library or Thomapple Garden Club or the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. Harry “Bud” Porter Keller passed away on August 1, 2019 at the age of 93. Harry was bom in Detroit, on April 18, 1926, the son of Harry Raymond and Norma (Porter) Keller. He attended Western Michigan with a bachelor of science in 1950, a master of arts from the University of Michigan in 1956, and an education specialist degree from Mich­ igan State University in 1976. Bud taught in Buckley, from 1950-1952, Birmingham, from 1952-1986, retiring on June 30, 1986. He proudly served in World War IIUSN from 1944-1946. On Easter Sunday, April 17, 1949, Bud married Joan Louise VanLaningham, his wife of 67 years. He enjoyed coaching summer baseball, which he did for 20 years, reading and playing golf. Bud was preceded in death by his wife; his parents and his sister, Ruth Ann Keller. He is survived by his five children, Steven (Ruthie) of Anacortes, WA; Jeff (Sally) of Delton; Dave of Delton; Jon (Kara) of Riv­ er Forest, IL; Kate (Todd) of Tampa, FF; 18 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. Services were held on Monday,’Aug. 5, 2019 at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Memorial contributions can be sent to the Hastings Educdtidh Enrichment Foundation (HEEF), 232 West Grand Street, Hastings MI, 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings. org. Worship Service at 10 a.m. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945­ 9217. cbchastings.org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmaiLcom. Website: www. hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAM­ ILY HOUR WELCOMES ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Pre­ school age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Stan­ dard and Adult Elective class­ es. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service; 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church age 4-4th grade dismissed during service. Sunday Evening Youth Group, Wednesday Mid-Week and Thursday Bible Study will resume in the fall. Thursday Brunch: Aug. 8th at 9:30 a.m. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God's Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! Aug. 11 - Services at 8 & 10:45 a.m. Aug. 12 - Catechism Class 10 a.m.; Outreach Mtg. 4:30 p.m. Aug. 13 - Catechism Class 10 a.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www.grace-hastings. org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings. HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Thursday, Aug. 8 - Baby Cafe, 10 a.m.noon; Movie Memories presents a 1948 film starring Loretta Young, William Holden and Robert Mitchum, 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 9 - no preschool story time in August; teen advisory board meeting, 4-5 p.m. Monday, Aug. 12 - Quilting Passions, 10 a.m.-l p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 13 - mahjong, 5:30; chess club, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 14 - History Hounds Lecture: Buried Alive - The Barnes-Hecker Mine Disaster: In 1926 in the Upper Peninsula, 51 men perished when a dynamite blast released a torrent of water and mud into the Barnes-Hecker iron mine near Ishpeming. The disaster widowed 42 women and left 132 children without fathers. Join us to discover the story of Michigan’s worst mining disaster, 7 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. SENIOR, continued from page 1 This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses' _ exfob Phyllis Augusta Olmsted WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. A■ Laurence Eldon Conklin JSS* Products AMHMNEaMBOF AWWBSWlfflOF HotLineTtois&Eqnipmait 770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541 Thornapple Manor campus because of the others services there. “Could we locate it elsewhere? I suppose we could. ...We would have to acquire the property,” he said. The acquisition of land could prove to be an impediment to development, he noted, pointing to the study. “I asked myself why is no developer jumping bn these numbers when the demand is so high?” The answer, he said, is that the land isn’t available. Infrastructure, particularly sewer service, may present other issues that would have to be addressed. Haney said he doesn’t antici­ pate building all these units. “I don’t want to push us to a point where we have occupancy issues.” Commissioner David Jackson applauded a phased-in approach, saying “build what you can fill.” In other business, the board: • Interviewed three applicants for one par­ tial term on the Veteran’s Affairs Committee: Scott D. Brooks of Middleville, Eva Chapp of Hastings; Gene Greenfield of Hasting; and Michael Spangler of Shelbyville. • Interviewed two applicants for two posi­ tions on the Zoning Board of Stacey Graham of Hastings; and Gerald Schmiedicke of Hastings. James Alden of Delton was unable to attend. • Recommended setting a public hearing for consideration of the community develop­ ment block grant emergency program income repair guidelines. •Recommended approval of Drain Commissioner Jim Dull’s request for a budget amendment. • Recommended the Public Act 116 Farmland Preservation requests from Dennis DeYoung; and Michael Buehler/Bradley Buehler • Recommended approval for repair of the concrete steps at the sheriff’s office rear entrance. • Recommended approval to complete equalization studies. • Recommended approval of an airport mower purchase. • Recommended revising the bylaws for the county Conservation Easement Board; Farmland Preservation Selection Criteria and Open Space Preservation Selection Criteria. • Recommended funding the out-of-state travel costs totaling $2,260 for county board Chairwoman Heather Wing and Commissioner Ben Geiger to attend the Oct. 3 White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs Kentucky, Michigan, and Ohio Regional State Leadership Day in Washington, D.C. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 8, 2019 — Page 7 SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Expert answers questions regarding benefits, statements and more What is the maximum Social Security retirement benefit? The maximum benefit depends on the age you retire. For example, if you retire at full retirement age in 2018, your maximum monthly benefit would be $2,788. However, if you retire at age 62 in 2018, your maximum monthly benefit would be only $2,158. If you retire at age 70 in 2018, your maximum monthly benefit would be $3,698. To get a better idea of what your benefit might be, visit our online Retirement Estimator at socialsecurity.gov/retire/estimator.html. I prefer reading by audio book. Does Social Security have audio publications? Yes, we do. You can find them at socialsecurity.gov/pubs. Some of the publications available include What You Can Do Online, Working While Disabled - How We Can Help, Apply Online for Social Security Benefits, and Your Social Security Card and Number. You can listen now at socialsecurity.gov/pubs. How can I get a copy of my Social Security Statement? You can get your personal Social Security Statement online by using your personal My Social Security account. If you don’t yet have an account, you can easily create one. Your online Statement gives you secure and convenient access to your earnings records. It also shows estimates for retirement, disability, and survivors benefits you and your family may be eligible for. To set up or use your account to get your online Social Security Statement, go to socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. We also mail statements to workers age 60 and over who aren’t receiving Social Security benefits and do not yet have a My Social Security account. We mail the Statements three months prior to your birthday. Can I delay my retirement benefits and receive benefits as a spouse only? How does that work? It depends on your date of birth. If you were bom on or before Jan. 1, 1954, and your spouse is receiving Social Security benefits, you may apply for retirement benefits on your spouse’s record as long as you are at your full retirement age. You then will earn delayed retirement credits up to age 70, as long as you do not collect benefits on your own work record. Later, when you do begin receiving benefits on your own record, those payments could very well be higher than they would have been otherwise. If your spouse is also full retirement age and does not receive benefits, your spouse will have to apply for benefits and request the payments be suspended. Then you can receive benefits on your spouse’s Social Security record. If you were bom on or after Jan. 2,1954, and wish to receive benefits, you must file for all benefits for which you are eligible. Social Security will determine the benefits for which you are eligible and pay you accordingly. For individuals bom on or after Jan. 2,1954, there is no longer an option to select which benefit you would like to receive, even beyond your full retirement age. Widows are an exception, as they can choose to take their deceased spouse’s benefit without filing for their own. For more information, visit socialsecurity, gov. I worked the first half of the year, but plan to retire this month. Will Social Security count the amount I earn for this year when I retire? Yes. If you retire mid-year, we count your earnings for the entire year. We have a special “earnings test” rule we apply to annual earnings, usually in the first year of retirement. Under this rule, you get a full payment for any whole month we consider you retired regardless of your yearly earnings. We consider you retired during any month your earnings are below the monthly earnings limit, or if you have not performed substantial services in self-employment. We do not consider income earned, beginning with the Dawson Dale Dennie, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on June 20, 2019 to Stacy Slaughter and Dustin Dennie of Lake Odessa. month you reach full retirement age. Learn more about the earnings test rule at socialsecurity.gov/retire2/mle.htm. My husband has been in poor health for some time and doctors have recently diagnosed him with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, commonly referred to as Lou Gehrig's disease. I’ve heard Social Security has a 'fast track” for some people who are disabled. Would you tell me about it? We have two processes to “fast track” applications for disability benefits. Our Compassionate Allowances initiative allows us to fast track certain cases of individuals with very severe disabilities. There are dozens of different types of disabilities that qualify for this expedited decision, including ALS, and that list continues to expand. Learn more about Compassionate Allowances and see the full list of conditions at socialsecurity.gov/ compassionateallowances. Another way we speed up decisions is with our Quick Disability Determinations initiative, which uses technology to identify applicants who have the most severe disabilities and allows us to expedite our decisions on those cases. Read more about Quick Disability Determinations at socialsecurity.gov/disabilityresearch/qdd.htm. If I go back to work, will I automatically lose my Social Security disability benefits? No, Social Security has several work incentive programs to help people who want to work. You may be able to receive monthly benefits and continue your health care coverage during a trial work period. For information about Social Security’s work incentives and how they can help you return to work, you should visit our special work site at socialsecurity.gov/work; see the Red Book on work incentives at socialsecurity.gov/ redbook; or check out our publications at socialsecurity.gov/pubs and type “work” in the search box. For more information, visit socialsecurity, gov or call 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325­ 0778). If I receive Supplemental Security Income disability, what is the effect on my benefits when 1 take seasonal work? Even a small amount of earned wages can cause a deduction in your SSI payment. However, it takes substantial work to make your benefits stop. In many cases, we will deduct approved work expenses to determine your SSI payment amount. In most cases, you can continue to receive your medical coverage for up to two years after you begin working. We have several publications on SSI, including Reporting Your Wages When You Receive Supplemental Security Income, available at socialsecurity.gov/pubs. Formore information, call toll-free 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325­ 0778) or visit socialsecurity.gov/benefits/ssi/ wage-reporting .html. My brother died recently and left me some money. Will this inheritance affect my SSI benefits? We consider the money inherited from your brother as income for the month you receive it. That could make you ineligible for SSI that month, depending on the amount of the inheritance. If you keep the money into the next month, it becomes a part of your resources. You cannot have more than $2,000 in resources and remain eligible for SSL You should call Social Security, 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778) between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Friday and report the inheritance. Representatives can tell you how the inheritance might affect your SSI eligibility. Find out more at socialsecurity, gov/ssi. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 4952,5 or via email to vonda. Vantil @ ssa .gov. Lane Bennett Vander Boon, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 18, 2019 to Jennica Vander Boon and Benjamin Vander Boon of Clarksville. Scarlett June, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 12, 2019 to Carol Woodmansee and Greg Woodmansee of Delton. River Lynn Bowen, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 22, 2019 to Dariel Bowen and Gabriel Bowen of Lake Odessa. Colton Janies, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 15, 2019 to Brooke Harsevoort and Jeffrey Harsevoort, of Hastings. Norah Gene McNees, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 23, 2019 to Megan (Salazar) McNees and Brady McNees of Woodland. Sadie Joann May, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 18,2019 to Amber May and Adam May of Delton. Andre Johmar Longsworth, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 23, 2019 to Paige Longsworth and Adrian Longsworth of Hastings. Charlton Park hosting nation’s largest longbow-only event Archery enthusiasts looking for a weekend of fun and friendly competition are invited to the annual Great Lakes Longbow Invitational at Historic Charlton Park, Aug. 8-11. Hosted by the Michigan Longbow Association, the event includes archery-relat­ ed activities for all ages and skill levels. Activities include tomahawk throwing and breaking clays at the ‘01 Sagamore Turkey Shoot, along with numerous competitions and 3-D courses. Another highlight is MLA story night, where guests can listen archery experts around the campfire. A coached children’s range with bows and arrows provided is available throughout the weekend for young archers looking to begin their longbow adventure, and a nondenominational church service will be in the Carlton Center Church at 8 a.m. Sunday. Many traditional archery vendors will be selling custom-made items, and those looking to barter or pick up archery odds and ends can take part in a trade blanket and bam raffle. Demonstrations catered to the outdoor enthusiast, including bow building and flint knapping, will take place throughout the event near the gas and steam barn. Commemorative hats and T-shirts will be available (at discounted prices for MLA mem­ bers. A food vendor will be serving ice cream and Charlton Park’s beach and boat launch will also be available for guests. The MLA was formed in 1983 by a small group of longbow enthusiasts who wanted to promote the use of the longbow and enjoy the camaraderie of other traditional archers who enjoy the sport. Since then, hundreds of mem­ bers across the U.S. and abroad have joined the ranks of the MLA, including many Barry County residents. MLA membership is only $20 and includes a free camping and shooting weekend at the Spring Shoot, a subscription to the quarterly magazine, Sticktalk, and members-only discounts on MLA merchan­ dise at archery events throughout the year. “Our goal as MLA members is simple: Teach people about the longbow and archery, and promote an appreciation of the outdoors,” MLA president John Buchin said. “There are few activities as inclusive and unifying as archery, and the longbow is a beacon for all of the above. We love nothing more than sharing it with folks.” Due to the MLA’s mission and the tradi­ tional nature of the event, adults are required to shoot longbows only (no compounds, recurves or horse bows). Children under 16 Public Land Auction The following County Treasurers will be offering tax-reverted real estate at public Auction on August 26th, 2019: Barry & Kalamazoo. The Auction will be held at The Radisson Plaza Hotel, 100 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Registration will begin at 11:30am, Auction will begin at 12:00pm. Online bidding will be available via www.tax-sale.info. For more information or for a list of the properties being sold, visit our website at www.tax-sale.info or call 1-800-259-7470. Sale listings are also available at your local County Treasurer’s Office. Hastings Area School System Is currently seeking bids on 2019/2020 SNOW REMOVAL & 2020 LAWN CARE Bid packages can be picked up at The Hastings Area School System Administration Offices 232 West Grand Street, Hastings, Ml 49058 Monday-Friday 8am-4pm Bids will be due August 30, 2019 DIESEL MECHANIC The Barry County Road Commission has an opening for a full time mechanic position. A high school diploma or general education degree (GED) with 5+ years of mechanic experience is required, CDL A or ability to obtain one. Applications can be picked up at the Barry County Road Commission office (phone 269-945-3449) at 1725 W. M-43 Hwy. Hastings, Ml between 6:00 AM & 4:00 PM. A complete job description will be provided at the time of application. Starting hourly wage will be $19.81 with advancement after one year of probation to $22.41. The Barry County Road Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer. BARRY COUNTY NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FOR MICHIGAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDING FOR EMERGENCY PROGRAM INCOME FUNDING BARRY COUNTY will conduct a public hearing on August 27, 2019 at 9:00am in the Board of Commissioners’ Chambers in the Barry County Court House, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Ml 49058 for the purpose of affording citizens an opportunity to submit comments on the proposed Homeowner Emergency Program funded with Program Income received into the County. BARRY COUNTY proposes to use $48,817.88 CDBG funds to provide emergency repairs to homeowners in Barry County whose incomes are at or below 80% of Area Median Income (AMI) for the County per HUD regulations. Zero persons will be displaced as a result of the proposed activities, and all repairs shall be classified as emergency conditions by MEDC/CDBG guidelines. Further information, including a copy of the Barry County Emergency Repair Program Guidelines, is available for review upon request. To inspect the documents, please contact Marilyn Smith at 734-341-1866, or you may review them in person at the County Clerk’s office at 220 West State Street, Hastings, Ml 49058. Comments may be submitted in writing to the attention of Marilyn Smith in care of the Clerks’ office through August 26, 2019, or made in person at the public hearing. Citizen views and comments on the proposed emergency program are welcome. Barry County Michael C. Brown, County Administrator 269/945-1400 Equal Opportunity Employer Fair Housing Compliant may shoot recurve bows, and loaner equip­ ment is available from Association members. Event admission is $6 per person age 16 and up (not including shooting fees). Gate fee and activities are free for children 15 and under. Fees for adult MLA membership and shoots are payable at the event. Shooting options range from $25 for the entire weekend to $8 per round. Charlton Park is between Hastings and Nashville, at 2545 S. Charlton Park Road, just north of M-79. Additional event information can be found at michiganlongbow.org/glli. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads NOTICE: The Hastings City Barry County Airport is seeking Sealed Bids for the sale of the foilowing: • 2001 NEW HOLLAND TV-140 TRACTOR Specifications are as follows: -110Hp-90 HpatPTO - 4 wheel articulated drive - Issues with Tractor as follows: Hydraulic Transmission pump and motor are bad. Engine has a miss and loses some antifreeze. Has gear lash in transfer case. Hour Meter not correct Tractor has approximately 8000 to 9000 hours. Please send sealed bids to: (New Holland Tractor) Hastings City Barry County Airport, 2505 Murphy Drive Hastings, Mich. 49058. Bids will be accepted until August 23rd, 2019 at 3:30 p.m. Any bids after deadline will not be considered. Bids will be opened at the regular meeting of the Hastings Airport Board on August 28th, 2019. The Hastings City Barry County Airport has the right to accept or reject any bid. Any questions or to make an appointment for inspection, please call Mark Noteboom at 269-838-5874. NOTICE TO BIDDERS BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry County Road Commission, 1725 West M-43 Highway, P.O. Box 158, Hastings, Ml 49058, until 10:30 A.M. Monday, August 19, 2019 for the following items. Specifications.and additional informationjnay^be obtained at the Road Commission Office at the above address or at our web site at www.barrycrc.org. Paving Cold Storage Parking Lot The Board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive irregularities in the best interest of the Commission. BOARD OF COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BARRY David D. Solmes Chairman Frank M. Fiala Member D. David Dykstra Member City of Hastings NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Zoning Board of Appeals of the City of Hastings will hold a public hearing during its regular meeting on August 20, 2019 at 7:00 PM in the City Hall Council Chambers, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. The purpose of the public hearing is to hear comments and make a determination on a variance request by owner, Marvin Helder of 118 E. Court Street. The applicant has requested a variance from Sections 90-474(2)a„ 90-474(2)d., 90-477(4) referencing 90-394(7)c. of the City of Hastings Code of Ordinances, that if granted, will allow an expansion of a building not closer to the “build to” line, continuance of rear setback nonconformity, and unit size smaller than required. Legal description of said property is: LOT 601 AND W 1/2 LOT 602 ORIG PLAN OF THE VILLAGE (NOW CITY) OF HASTINGS. Written comments will be received on the above request at Hastings City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 until 5:00 PM on the day of the hearing. Requests for information and/or minutes of said hearing should be directed to the Hastings City Clerk at the same address. The City will provide necessary reasonable aids and services upon five days notice to Hastings City Clerk (telephone number 269-945-2468) or TDD call relay services 1-800-649-3777. Jane M. Saurman City Clerk �1,1 ..J.,.,.... ...... ■ u,.., !■» -^- ~ .. ■ > Financial How does Social Security fit into your retirement income strategy? Elaine Garlock The Ionia County Genealogical Society will meet Saturday, Aug. 10, at 1 p.m. at the museum on Emerson Street. There will be a ’speaker, library time, refreshments and help in the forenoon for assistance with applications for First Families and for Centennial certificates. Guests can get help interpreting DNA test results, at 11:30 a.m. Come and enjoy. Monday, Aug. 19, is the bimonthly visit of the Red Cross Bloodmobile with collection hours from noon to 5:45 p.m. Last Saturday was one of the biggest days in the year for the village with the return of Art in the Park. The paths were lined with tents for individual vendors. Each was marked with a sign so viewers could see the home location of the sellers. Musical entertainment was continuous. The local fire department had a booth on the path from Third Avenue. At one point there must have been a medical Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads emergency because three of the firemen were seen running toward the southeast corner of the park carrying their medical pack. There were beautiful paintings, another booth with train pictures, all manner of crafty items, unique wooden creations and more. There were the usual food booths along the path and a children’s zone for face painting and more. The car show, also Saturday, was a big success with 90 entries. Tony Jackson created the trophies. There were four classes: trucks, cars, tractors, motorcycles. Awards were given for Peoples’ Choice, Youth and others. Food was available at Station Deli, which was headquarters for the event. United Methodist Women of Central United Methodist Church are having their annual salad luncheon Monday, Aug. 12. This musical program will be presented by Julie Slate, the ukulele lady. Call 269-9945-4880 for reservations. On a recent Sunday, the congregation of Central United Methodist Church was treated to an a capella presentation by a family quartet composed of mother Lori McNeill, sons Sam and George, and brother Tom Reiser singing a rousing number to which the congregation joined in clapping in time to the music. The public is invited to the installation of the Rev. Marilyn Danielson of Portland as pastor of First Congregational Church Saturday, Aug. 10, in the afternoon. HELP WANTED TIME TO It might not be on your calendar, but Aug. 14 is Social Security Day. Since it was enacted on Aug. 14, 1935, Social Security has provided some financial support for millions of Americans during their retirement years. While Social Security benefits, by themselves, probably aren’t enough to enable you to retire comfortably, they can be a key part of your overall retirement income strategy - if you use them wisely. To help you make decisions about Social Security, you will need to answer these questions: • When should I start taking my benefits? You can take Social Security once you reach 62, but if you wait until your full retirement age, which will probably be between 66 and 67, you’ll get much bigger monthly checks, and if you wait until 70, you’ll get the biggest possible payments. Before deciding when to begin receiving your benefits, you’ll need to weigh a few factors, including your estimated longevity and your other sources of income. • How should I consider potential spousal benefits? If you are married, or if you’re divorced but were married for at least 10 years, you could receive up to half of your spouse’s full retirement benefit (offset by your own benefit, and reduced if you claim early). If you outlive your spouse, you could claim survivor benefits, which can provide either your own benefits or 100% of your deceased spouse’s, whichever is larger. Consequently, the higher-earning spouse TURN UP THE VOLUME Small Non-profit organization seeks part-time Executive Director Experience with fund development, marketing, public speaking and knowledge about Child Abuse and Neglect helpful. Passionate, motivational personality and team player essential. Please send resume and cover letter to FSCofBarryCounty@vahoo.com or to P.O. Box 304, Hastings, MI 49058 HOWIE MANDEL SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 GEORGE THOROGOOD AND THE DESTROYERS GOOD TO BE BAD TOUR • 45 YEARS OF ROCK SATURDAY, OCTOBER 19 TICKETS ON-SALE NOW might want to postpone taking benefits for as long as possible to maximize the survivor benefit. • How much can I earn without reducing my Social Security benefits? If you are younger than your full retirement age and you are receiving Social Security, the Social Security Administration will withhold $1 from your benefits for each $2 you earn over a certain threshold (which, in 2019, is $17,640). For the year you reach your full retirement age, your benefits could be withheld by $1 for every $3 you earn over $46,920. But once you reach your full retirement age, you can earn as much as you want without your benefits being withheld, although your benefits could still be taxed, depending on your income. • How much of my pre-retirement income will Social Security replace? Generally speaking, you should expect Social Security to replace slightly more than a third of your pre-retirement income. However, the higher your income during your working years, the lower the replacement value of Social Security will be. • What other sources of retirement income should I develop? Contribute as much as you can afford to your IRA and your 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan. You may want to consult with a financial professional, who can look at your entire retirement income picture and recommend moves to help you achieve the lifestyle you’ve envisioned for your later years. Keep in mind that your decisions about Social Security filing strategies should always be based on your specific needs and health considerations. For more information, visit the Social Security Administration website at socialsecurity.gov. One final word: You may have concerns about the stability of Social Security. While no one can predict the future, many potential solutions exist to put the program on more solid footing. Consequently, try to focus on the actions you can control. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. If you have any questions, contact Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. This information is believed to be reliable, but investors should rely on information from the Social Security Administration before making a decision on when to take Social Security benefits. It is general information and not meant to cover all scenarios. Your situation may be different, so be sure to discuss this with the Social Security Administration prior to taking benefits. ------ STOCKS------The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. Apple Inc. AT&T Chevron Deere & Co. Exxon Mobil Flowserve CP Ford Motor Co. General Electric Co. General Motors Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP Perrigo Co. Pfizer Inc. Spartannash Comp Stryker TCF Financial Corp. Walmart Inc. Walt Disney Co Whirl Pool Corp Gold Silver Dow Jones 197.00 33.96 119.38 152.78 70.96 45.50 9.48 9.57 39.08 208.80 130.77 61.66 134.69 50.42 36.95 9.77 211.21 39.03 107.27 141.87 136.31 -77.78 -.22 -4.96 -17.25 -4.39 -5.89 -.07 -.95 -1.35 -8.56 -1.31 +3.10 -5.66 -3.82 -1.84 -2.27 -2.40 +16.92 -4.79 -3.06 -14.44 $1,472.40 $16.42 26,029 +$41.41 -.09 -11.69 Delton celebrates its founding this weekend at the FireKeepers Box Office or FireKeepersCasino.com. TIME TO GET YOUR Vl((fV 0N” li-kJ.F Hg r • FlREKEEPERS CASINO’HOTEL 11 BATTLE CREEK I-94 to Exit 104 | 11177 Michigan Avenue | Battle Creek, Ml 49014 Must be 21 or older. Tickets based on availability. Schedule subject to change. HOMES NEEDED! American Metal Roofs । SHOWCASE HOME DISCOUNT) I ’ - - - Call Now To See If You Qualify - - - ' 844-METAL-ROOFS J 844-638-2576 - ASK FOR HOLLY! ] 2 Day Karaoke Contest Aug. 9 & 10 @ 6 PM Top 50% From Day 1 Advance to Day 2 $750 1st Place Cash Prize / Top 3 Awarded $20 Contestants Fee / Free to Attend j AmericanMetalRoofs.com J J/isitA Showroom: 6140 Taylor Dr, FLINT • 1875 LansingJM, GJARLOTTEj 51^924 Delton Moose Lodge 5420 Mooselodge Dr. Delton Ml, 49046 (2e9)62fr2U2 Please register by 6PM 8/9 FIRST TIME OFFERED!! Aim, AiMms,Aim We are excited to announce that Thomapple Players will be holding open auditions for anyone 18 and older for Noel Coward's farce, Blithe Spirit on Tuesday, August at 13 at 7 PM In the Dennison Performing Arts Center located at 231S. Broadway in Hastings, Ml. Casting five adult females and two adult males. Rehearsals are Mon.,Tues, & Thurs 7-9. August 15-Read Thru 7PM Tech Rehearsal Saturday, September 28,2-8 PM. Open to the Public Dress Rehearsal-Wednesday, October 2nd. Curtain at 7 PM Performances October 3 4,5 Curtain at 7PM. Sunday, October 6, matinee and final performance. RANCH HOME LOCATED ON OVER 47 ACRES featuring mature hardwoods throughout property, frontage on your own private spring fed lake, some tillable ground and Bristol Lake just down the road. 1,600 square feet on the main floor, custom built cherry cabinets built from on site timber, solid surface counters, 3 bedrooms, large living room, walkout lower level, finished family room with fireplace and two stall attached garage. Two additional outbuildings on property, one 768 square feet including 220 electric and garage heater. Must see property listed at $329,900. Caff Dan Burrill 616-292-3876 for a private showing five star* REAL ESTATE LEADERS 4249 Parkway Place Suite A Grandville MI 49418 Luke Froncheck Staff Writer This weekend, the Delton Founders Festival will celebrate a community that has been around for 148 years. In 1868, Del Monroe built the first store in the downtown Delton area. The place was actually called Del’s Town until the name was changed to Delton when it was officially list­ ed with the state. This year, the festival’s grand marshals are Bruce and Sandy Campbell. During the festi­ val parade Saturday, the Campbells have opted to make their way down M-43 in their horse-drawn wagon, being pulled by their own horses. Saturday’s parade is one of many events planned for this weekend. Beginning today, there will be carnival rides in William Smith Park. New to the festival this year is a race car show in Delton Library. Friday and Saturday will feature a singing competition for the Delton Idol title. The win­ ner will receive a $750 prize. Throughout the weekend, there will be a craft show, a baking competition, as well as a number of performers entertaining on the stage in William Smith Park. The 16th annual Delton Kellogg High School Student Council 5K will take place Saturday morning. Registration will begin at 7: 45 a.m. and cost $20 per runner. “Phantom runners” can pay to compete, but not actually run the race and can still receive a shirt. Water, granola bars and fruit will be provided by the student council. The race will begin at 8: 30 a.m. McKenzie Higdon, the daughter of Joe and Lee Ann Higdon, was picked to be Miss Delton. Her court is comprised of Natalie Haight, Sophia Chandler and Kayla Ferris. They will participate in numerous Delton activities throughout the year and will be active in the Founders Festival activities, including selling cotton candy and snow cones during the day Saturday. The schedule of events includes: Thursday, Aug. 8 9 a.m.-6 p.m. - book sale at the library 4 p.m.-dusk - carnival rides, food and games in William Smith Park (opening day special of $1 per ride) 6-8 p.m. - race car show at the library Friday, Aug. 9 9 a.m.-5 p.m. - book sale at the library 4 p.m.-dusk - carnival rides, food and games in the park 4- 8 p.m. - arts and crafts show at elementa­ ry 5- 7 p.m. - pig roast at Barry Township Hall, $6 a person for pulled pork, beans, pota­ to salad, rolls and drinks 5- 11 p.m. - Delton Idol at Delton Moose 6- 8 p.m. - touch-a-truck at Grove Street Cafe 7- 8 p.m. - Delton ACT performs in William Smith Park 5-7 p.m. - scavenger hunt in William Smith Park Saturday, Aug. 10 7-11 a.m. - pancake breakfast at Delton Fire Hall 7: 45-8:25 a.m. - DKHS Student Council 5K registration at soccer field 8: 30 a.m. - 5K begins at soccer field 7 a.m.-4 p.m. - arts and crafts show at ele­ mentary school 9-11:30 a.m. - Taste of Homemade Goodness competition at Barry Township Hall 9 a.m.-l p.m. - book sale in the library, special for $1 a bag 10 a.m.-dusk - carnival rides, food and games in William Smith Park 10:30 a.m. - frozen shirt contest at William Smith Park 11 a.m. - horseshoe tournament at Delton Moose Lodge 11 a.m. - Gordon Russ the Magician per­ forms in William Smith Park Noon - grand marshal and Miss Delton presentation in the library Noon - parade lineup in middle school parking lot 1 p.m. - parade along M-43 downtown 2 p.m. - Latitude Band performs in William Smith Park 2-6 p.m. - beer and brats by Delton Moose in William Smith Park 3 p.m. -- scavenger hunt ends at elementary school 4 p.m. - cow plop at the soccer field 5-11 p.m. - Delton Idol at Moose Lodge 6 p.m. - singer Kaitlyn Rose performs in William Smith Park Dusk - fireworks Sunday, Aug. 11 10 a.m. - Musical Celebration of Faith at football stadium Matthew Ryan Madill, Delton and Leah Louise Sandy, Bellevue Ryan McKinnon Walker, Middleville and Abigail Margaret Phillips, Traverser City Robin Ann Hook, Hastings and Raymond John Finn III, Hastings Ricky Lee Smith, Hastings and Jane lonasue Taylor, Hastings Michelle Marie Williams, Delton and Craig Lee Williams, Delton Joe Benny Sancimino, Hastings and Desiree Costella Holley, Hastings Michael Lee Neal, Hastings and Nicole Mignon Guernsey, Hastings �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 8, 2019 — Page 9 editor and publisher. Several other editors and papers followed through the years until the Hastings Banner was published in 1856 and has continued to today and is the paper of record. The population of Barry County, which was 512 in 1837, had more than doubled by 1840. By 1970, it was closer to 22,000. By 1970 (when the population was 38,166), there were four weekly papers, a radio station and an airport to handle small planes. fl look Dock at the stories and columns on local hlsK In the Hastings Banner TURNING BACK THE PAGES Clerk compiled history of the county long before taking office The following snapshot of early Barry County history was prepared by the late Nancy Boersma and published in the Banner in April 2003. Boersma (1934-2002) served as Barry County clerk through the 1990s and also helped start the local genealogy group. She wrote this “manuscript” in 1970, but no indication is given why she wrote it. The work received a stamp of approval from local historian Esther Walton and was published in Boersma’s memory in 2003. This year, 2019, seems a suitable time to reprint the article as the county reaches it 190^ year and begins the countdown to its bicentennial in 2029. child in the rural school who had during the entire winter a half-dozen sheets of paper for practice of penmanship was considered a very lucky student by the others. Goose quill pens were the principal implements for penmanship. These had to be sharpened each day by the teacher or the bigger boys of the school. Tests and grades were unknown. Music was not part of the school curriculum. (Singing schools for adults were popular, however.) Discipline was severe and often physical. Physical strength was considered fully as important as educational qualification in hiring a teacher. Off to war No other county in the state of Michigan In the early years of the area now known contributed more liberally to the Civil War as Barry County, the land was inhabited by than did Barry County [based on population]. members of the Chippewa, Pottawatomie and Barry County had many Home Guard Units, Ottawa tribes, making their home on the and they were ready when the call came. banks of the Thomapple River. In 1827, During the Civil War, the population of Barry James Moreau established, and for nearly a County was somewhat less than 15,000 decade maintained, a trading post on the people, yet the county furnished 1,632 men Thornapple River. Close at hand were for the Union Army, an average of 102 men wigwams of the Indians and not far away the from each of the 16 townships in the county. burying grounds where the deceased members More than 40 of these men became of the tribes were buried. commissioned officers. Barry County was formed by an act of the Eleven percent of the entire population of Territorial Legislature of April 29, 1829, the county was enrolled as soldiers in the along with a number of other counties in the Union Army, many of them in the 21st state, taking their names from prominent men Michigan Infantry. in national affairs at that time. Barry County Not only did the county contribute took its name form William T. Barry, liberally in men, but also in money and other postmaster general of the United States under commodities. The women sent much bandages President Andrew Jackson. Due to an act in and other materials. When the 3r^ Michigan November1.829, Barry County was then to.be 1 4 Infantry needed reinfoi^enientsy-many Barry county men stepped forward to fill this call to a part of St. Joseph County. On July 30, 1830, Calhoun, Barry and arms. It is believed that the mission church Eaton counties were attached to Kalamazoo County. After passage of the act of March 15, established by the Rev. Slater in the township 1839, titled “An act to organize the County of of Prairieville was the first in Barry County. Barry” and on the first Monday in April 1830, Here he established a mission to teach Indians a general election was held in Barry County to how to live with the white man and elect all the county officers to which by law Christianity. He wrote a Bible in the Indian dialect. the county was entitled. Rudimentary quarters The settlers’ houses for the most part were log cabins, one story high with two doors set opposite each other with a shake roof and either a puncheon floor or one made of sawed lumber, which was regarded as a great advance and a mark of aristocracy. The furniture was made of the crudest sort, generally handmade, and the bedsteads rough wooden bunks with split pole bottoms and marsh hay ticks for mattresses. Corded beds were regarded over the earlier furniture and a first step toward modern luxury. Tables and chairs were handmade. Oil lamps were yet undiscovered, gasoline an unheard-of product. Their cabins were lighted by the blazing embers of the open fireplace. Later, some of the more prosperous and progressive settlers essayed the luxury of the tallow candle. Cook stoves were not yet in use. There never was a practical one until the old-fashioned elevated stoves came on the market. Cooking was done over the open fireplace in kettles swinging on a cane, and the family baking was taken care of in a bake kettle which seemed to produce as satisfactory results as baking in a modern electric oven. Sanitary precautions were considered generally unnecessary on the account of the absence of many people and the fact that many of them lived out of doors. Crudely built outhouses filled this purpose sometimes. Sleeping accommodations were meager and generally in the loft beneath the rafters, from which hung the season’s seed com and a variety of medicinal herbs for winter use. The loft was reached by hand ladders or crude wooden stairway. Doors were handmade and in wintertime, the settlers, as they sat before the fire, frequently complained that they toasted their shins and froze their backs. Rural education The pioneers brought to the new county the ideas of their former homes, including names of former home places and among those most quickly acted on was that of a primary school. Probably the first school in Barry County was taught by Sarah Paul in Middleville in 1835. In the primary school houses with their handmade benches, small blackboards or slates, students were lucky if they had a piece of slate and a pencil instead of a tablet and pencil as part of their equipment Floors of course, unplanned lumber, open fireplaces or high box stoves generally were set upon a brick foundation. In those days, the Newspapers The Barry Pioneer, a weekly, was the first newspaper printed in the county. It was first issued Jan. 14, 1851. Mr. G.A. Smith was the Courts and early communities The first courthouse was built in 1844. It burned in 1846. The courthouse was rebuilt and used until the current courthouse was built in 1893. The first circuit court in the county was May 6, 1840, in Hastings, the county seat. Yankee Springs was named after “Yankee Bill” Lewis, who owned a notable inn in western Barry County that opened for business in 1836. It was along a direct line from Kalamazoo to Grand Rapids and enjoyed great success. Yankee Springs is now a state recreation area with a tract of 4,255 acres and more than three miles of frontage on Gun Lake. It was developed by the National Park Service and is adjacent to the 10,700-acre Barry State Game Area now maintained by the State Conservation Department. The Village of Hastings, later City of Hastings, received its name from a Detroit banker and land speculator, [Eurotas Parmelee] Hastings, who, along with several other businessmen promoted the village. Hastings donated the courthouse square in exchange for the village being named after him. The land company plotted out the village and sold it to interested persons. Geography and recreation Barry County is in southwest Michigan in the third row of counties above the state line. Sixteen townships were surveyed around 1827: Woodland, Carlton, Irving, Thomapple, Yankee Springs, Rutland, Hastings, Castleton, Maple Grove, Baltimore, Hope, Orangeville, Barry, Prairieville, Johnstown and Assyria. Charlton Park, owned by the county, is a tract of 294 acres located six miles east of Hastings off of M-79 and is along the banks of the Thornapple River. On the park grounds are numerous flowing wells, a picnic site, playground equipment and other recreational facilities. Here also is located the free museum in which are displayed rare Indian artifacts and historic relics of Michigan pioneers. In the early 1800s, Indians used the spot for a meeting place, and there also was in Indian school in the area. Water skiing is one of the favorite summer bakhy coum frosnFfcfcst hand Owners m of Barry Co A* GraySc Williams T4N T3N T2N Dicgxal lines indicate yearly toxthip charges. Hg. 1 1839 Hastings Hasting Ttop. Twp. Johnstown Baivq imp. 1840 1839 Them opple Tu>p. 1842 Hostings Wee Twp\sTup. Hastings Simp Jphnsffwn Tup. ftjrry Tuop. 1841 Barry TuJp, Tup. W Johnstown Tutp. Sorry/ XMouin dm o' Tujp. 1846 1843 This diagram shows the progression as the country went from one big township (1835) to 16 townships (1850). The image is from “First Land Owners of Barry County, Michigan: Internal Boundary Changes and Township Development,” by E. Gray Williams, 1965. sports on several lakes, along with fishing and swimming. There are still some roller-skating rinks in the county. A ski run also was developed near Middleville. Dates and data First records of the county included: Supervisor’s proceedings, 1839; naturalization, 1859; court records, 1845; marriages, 1839; births, 1867; and deaths, 1867. At the time of this writing, 69.5 percent of the land in Barry County was in farms and 41.5 percent of the people in the county lived on farms. There are 327 lakes in Barry County. In 1970, manufacturing added nearly $18 million to the value of the county. The value of the farm products sold from Barry County farms in 1970 was $9.3 million. GRANT, continued from page 1---------------------Part of the $l£2.000 of the grant for Hastings schools also'will be used for a behavioral health team pilot program. The program will be carried out jointly with Calhoun ISD over three years and will pro­ vide comprehensive needs assessment and asset mapping. The goal of the assessment and mapping is to show the individual need of each participating district to begin to identify students in need. The program also will work toward capac­ ity building in prevention, intervention, and what Franklin called “post-vention.” “Post”vention training includes recovery, communi­ cation, and follow-up. Prevention training includes policy, proce­ dures , protocols, Michigan Model Curriculum, among additional training. Intervention training includes crisis inter­ vention and stress management, critical inci­ dent stress debriefing, and referrals for direct service delivery. Another $9,000 of the grant will cover administration costs. Franklin said the grant is unique because the same amount of money is being given to each intermediate school district statewide. Most grants are given on a per-pupil basis. But, in this case, from Franklin’s perspec­ tive, Delton and Hastings area school districts will be the best-served schools in Michigan because of the small size of the Barry ISD. That means the amount spent per student will be greater. “This is really a chance for us to take advantage of being small,” Franklin said. The ISD will be responsible for monitoring each district’s use of funds to ensure they are spent for the purposes that were outlined in their proposals to receive the money. The grant funds can be carried over by each district until Sept. 30,2022. “This is the first time we’ve ever done something like this,” Franklin said. “But everyone across the state is doing it at once.” OIMjEEOEfl BUSinESSJES 269-948-8531 gJQ Of 1 yM ■ • wa» Bm !■& TAVERN In Downtown Hastings The City of Hastings will be the venue this summer for the newest trolley route. Every Friday night, June 7 through August 23, the trolley will ring through the streets from 6;00 pm to 9:00 pm. Catch it at any of the schools in the city limits, any city parks, and other designated stops, or just flag it down on its route. All rides are FREE’ Compliments of the local businesses listed in this brochure. Ride Downtown for Dinner View the Hew Sculptures Town Hastings & Gun Lafe START&Oe Walker, Fluke & Sheldon, plc CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS 269-945-9452 highpomt 888.422.2280 COURT HOUSE 6:00 6:50 7:40 1st Ward Park 6:03 6:53 7:43 8:33 Northeastern Schoo! 6:05 6:55 7:45 8:35 8:38 Bob King Park 6:08 6:58 7:48 Tyden Park 6:11 7:01 7:51 8:41 COURT HOUSE 6:17 7:07 7:57 8:47 County Seat 6:19 7:09 7:59 8:49 Southeastern School 6:24 7:14 8:04 8:54 2nd Ward Park 6:26 7:16 8:06 8:56 High School 6:31 7:21 8:11 9:01 Middle School 6:34 7:24 8:14 9:04 Fish Hatchery Park 6:37 7:27 8:17 9:07 Dairy Queen 6:41 7:31 8:21 9:11 OF HASTINGS 269’945-4174 Please be at the stops 10 minutes prior. Pickup times may vary plus or minus 10 minutes. If you would like more information about Barry County Transit Services please call (269)948-8098 269-945-1770 8:30 www.barrycountytransit.com Barry County Transit would like to thank the City of Hastings, and the sponsoring merchants for their help in making this service possible. THE GENERAL STORE Barry County Transh 269-945 1848 269-796-9289 HA$TINC5, M �Page 10 — Thursday, August 8, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Nashville celebrates 150 years Taylor Owens Staff Writer Good weather and a full schedule of events brought plenty of people to the Nashville Sesquicentennial this past weekend. “I haven’t seen this many people having fun in Nashville for years,” Sesquicentennial Planning Committee Chairman Kermit Douse said at Friday’s opening ceremony. Events were spread all across Nashville, including Barry County Brewfest, food trucks, old-time demonstrations, a parade, pop-up historical museum and more. For full coverage of the historic milestone, including winners of the beard contest, $150 prizes and more, see this weekend’s Reminder. World War II piloted by The Hooligans fly over Nashville to start the parade Saturday. (Photo by Brittany Snook Photography) The Hooligans fly World War II planes over Nashville to celebrate its 150th birthday. Centennial Queen Cathy Mix-Haylock introduces Sesquicentennial Queen Princess Claire Miller. (Photo by Art Frith) Bud Elliston dressed up like Nashville residents might have 150 years ago. (Photo by Taylor Owens) Blue Zones idea would prioritize healthy living in Barry County Rebecca Pierce Editor A public health initiative with “the poten­ tial to fundamentally transform the health” of Barry County residents, was presented to Barry County commissioners Tuesday. The project, called Blue Zones, already has financial backing from a variety of communi­ ty partners, foundations, local businesses and philanthropists, and the health care communi­ ty, according to Sheryl Lewis Blake. Lewis Blake, a Rutland Township resident and the recently retired CEO of Spectrum Health Pennock in Hastings, said she is pro­ moting the project as a volunteer “to create a shared vision together of actually impacting the quality of life of our community.” The intention is to start the project in early September, she said. Blue Zones are regions of the world where people live much longer than average, accord­ ing to the work of Dan Buettner. Buettner, a National Geographic fellow, identified specific “blue zones” based on demographic work and longevity studies. The research project published about 10 years ago by National Geographic documented commu­ nities with specific similarities that Buettner and his colleagues claim contribute to citizen longevity. “The Blue Zones project is a systems approach in which schools, employers, churches, agencies, grocery stores, restau­ rants, elected officials, community leaders and citizens collaborate on policies and pro­ grams that move us (our community) toward better health and well-being,” Lewis Blake said. Barry County would be the first community in Michigan to establish Blue Zones, she said. Colette Scrimger, health officer for the Barry-Eaton District Health Department, said the initiative is all about public health. “It’s a huge investment the community is making into this,” Scrimger said. “What we can do as a health department was focused on a much smaller scale.” Originally, the plan had been to lease space for Blue Zones, but Scrimger came up with a proposal to allow a Blue Zones staff member to work out of the health department’s office building in Hastings. “We didn’t necessarily have funding to put on the table” for the project, she said, but by allowing the use of excess space, the health department is able to make an in-kind contri­ bution to the project. Scrimger and Lewis Blake offered a project overview Tuesday and asked the county board for permission to provide office space in the health department building. The letter of agreement also would allow a direct-dial phone number for the project, a laptop computer and basic software, storage and support necessary for computer opera­ tion, access to a printer and copier, and access to the health department conference room and web conferencing system. Commissioner David Jackson praised the initiative. “We’re not doing enough to promote healthy living,” he said, asking if there was sustainable funding for the project. Lewis Blake replied that it’s too early to say. Commissioner Jon Smelker asked if they had any concerns about patient confidentiality Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. Card of Thanks Business Services THE BIRTHDAY CARDS BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White & good deeds for my 90th Birthday was a whirl wind. Thanks to all The Family & Friends. Barb Estep Lost & Found LOST IN THE VICINITY of East Mill, Michigan Ave, Ap­ ple & Boltwood Streets on July 2 Th - Green tub with chains and bag with ratchet straps. Please call 269-945-3259. Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. BELLS CONSTRUCTION-18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, power washing, home im­ provements, seamless gutters. 269-320-3890. with Blue Zones working out of the health department office. Scrimger said they would not have access to that information, but, as an added precau­ tion, the Blue Zones employee would be required to sign a confidentiality agreement. That employee would likely work regular office hours, Monday through Friday, but a big part of the job would be performed out in the community, she said. Commissioner Heather Wing expressed concerns about the health department’s infor­ mation technology support, which is based in Eaton County. “If we decide to do something different with the building,” Wing said, “I’m concerned with their data support not being able to fol­ low them well. Scrimger replied, “Given the startup nature of the project, it made the most sense to put them on our network. ... Things will be trans­ ferrable. Documents would be mobile. “We felt it would be easiest and least expensive way to get them on board.” Commissioner Vivian Conner asked County Administrator Michael Brown if he had any concerns about health department space being used for something other than a government entity. Brown said he had no concerns with this arrangement. Lewis Blake said Blue Zones would be activated in a four-step process beginning with an inventory of community strengths and weaknesses; an analysis of customized rec­ ommendations and findings; a collaboration with community leaders and stakeholders to identify the most effective and feasible poli­ cies and projects; and actual implementation of the measures that are identified. In communities where the initiative has been applied, beneficial outcomes have decreased employee absenteeism and govern­ ment employee health care claims; and reduced obesity rates and tobacco use, Lewis Blake said. “My life mission has been to serve the health needs of the community,” Lewis Blake said. “But, for 40 years, it was on the ‘sick’ side of health.” This initiative offers a rare opportunity to be proactive, she said. A majority of the commissioners recom­ mended approving the request at their board meeting next Tuesday. The two dissenting votes, by Conner and Wing, were cast, they said, because of their questions concerning use of the space in that building - and the timing of the request. The board is considering how available space in county buildings is allocated to accommodate changing needs in various departments, such as the Commission on Aging. Until that study is complete and com­ missioners agree on a plan of action, Conner and Wing indicated adding Blue Zones to the health department building would be prema­ ture. (Photo by Art Frith) Assault investigation leads to chase and drug bust An officer responded to possible assault complaint at Spectrum Health Pennock in Hastings Aug, 2. Emergency room staff contacted police to report a patient having injuries to her legs that may have come from an assault. The 40-year-old Delton woman refused to speak to the officer or show him her injuries. When the officer obtained a list of names associated with the woman’s residence in the 7000 block of Guernsey Lake Road in Hope Township, he noticed a 42-year-old Wellston man with a warrant for aggravated assault from Kalamazoo. Officers went to the residence at that evening and found the man sitting in his truck. When an officer identified himself, the man started the truck and fled on West Guernsey Lake Road. He spun out on a curve about 1,500 from the residence. The man then fled on foot into nearby woods, where the K-9 unit tracked him down in a swamp. He refused to cooperate, and the K-9 bit the man’s arm and did not let go until he was out of the swamp and the officer was able to handcuff the suspect. He was transported to Spectrum Health Pennock for follow-up treatment. Officers searched his vehicle and found three plastic totes containing a total of 16.32 pounds of marijuana and three glass pipes that appeared to have been used to smoke methamphetamine. The man also had a suspended license. He was taken to the Barry County Jail after being released from the hospital. Man arrested on warrant after driving without windshield Officers received a call of a possible intoxicated driver in the area of Pritchardville and Gurd roads in Hope Township at 10:03 p.m. July 28. The suspect, a 43-year-old Hastings man, also had a felony warrant from Battle Creek for his third operating while impaired offense. The officer caught up to the vehicle on West Cloverdale Road, near a residence with which the driver had a history, and saw that the Chevrolet Cavalier had a severely bent axle causing it to wobble. The officer pulled over the vehicle and observed it had no front windshield and the vehicle identification number plate was missing. The driver also admit­ ted the vehicle had no insurance. He was arrested and turned over to the Battle Creek Police Department. Man scammed out of $300 with Google gift cards A 20-year-old Dowling man contacted the Barry County Sheriff’s Department July 30 to report he had been scammed out of $347. The man said he received a call from someone with a thick accent who told him he had been approved for a government grant of $14,889. The caller told the man he had to provide $300 in Google Play cards, which he did, and then the caller said he needed the man’s debit card information. The man began to suspect it might be a scam, but provided the information regardless. He later discovered a $47 payment had been made with his card. The bank cancelled the card and did not hold him responsible for the $47, but he was still out the $300. No suspects were identified, and the case is inactive. Driver takes off after crashing vehicle An officer responded to a single-vehicle rollover on Sisson Road near Buehler Road in Irving Township at 7:52 p.m. July 27 and learned the driver had fled the scene. A Ford Ranger had been traveling east on Sisson when it veered off the road, went down an embankment and rolled onto its side. Witnesses said they had driven past the accident and saw a man walk east on Sisson Road. The officer found a wallet belonging to a 31-year-old Freeport woman. She told Freeport Police Department her boyfriend, 39 also of Freeport, had been driving the vehicle at the time, but she did not know where he was. The officer talked to the man at his residence Aug. 1, and he admitted to crashing the vehicle and calling a friend for a ride. He also did not have a license. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 8, 2019 — Page 11 Choir director leaving Hastings for Haslett post ty, and commitment,” Ramsey wrote in a let­ ter to the editor in The Banner. “We have been spoiled by the caliber of his choral - and musical - directorship at Hastings. I cannot say enough good things about the man.” “He is a great man and even better direc­ tor,” Hastings senior Evan Murphy said. “He truly connected with every kid individually with a bond that felt like friends. He was very good with keeping us all focused on our dreams, not just his choir program. He com­ pletely flipped the program. “Not only did he manage to bring in kids with amazing talent, but drastically improved the culture surrounding the choir community. Luke Froncheck Staff Writer An opportunity in Haslett Public Schools will mean the loss of Hastings Area Schools’ Choir Director Matt Callaghan after seven years with the district. “Matt will be deeply missed,” Hastings Superintendent Dan Remenap said. “He has grown and developed Hastings’ choir into the . award-winning program it is today. While we are certainly sad to see Matt leave, we are happy for him and wish him the best.” Hastings resident Mark Ramsey called Callaghan a “godsend.” “The man is a model of musicality, integri- We are going to miss him so very much, and it will be very hard to fill his position. “But, as he said, ‘God has a plan for him and he needs to continue on the path present­ ed to him.’ ” During his tenure as choir director, Callaghan added Men’s Glee Club and Bella Voce. He took both choirs to Carnegie Hall in New York City twice. They also traveled to Chicago Symphony Hall and participated in major choral competitions in the Midwest. “He was really the thing that brought our choir together and made us really musically strong,” recent Hastings graduate and choir participant Ellie Youngs said. During Callaghan’s time in Hastings, he helped transition the arts programs into the new choir room and the Hastings Performing Arts Center. He capped his career in Hastings last spring with the “Beauty and the Beast” production, which many community members called “a wild success.” Callaghan received his master’s degree from Michigan State University and added three children to his family during his time in Hastings. Matt Callaghan I K'/’t A I STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FILE NO. 19-28259 In the matter of Kingston Anderson. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS including: whose address(es) is/are unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on 08/23/2019 at 11:30 a.m. at 206 W. Court St., #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge Hon. William M. Doherty P41960 for the following purpose: Petition for a Name change for Minor Kingston Scott Anderson to be changed to Kingston Scott Anderson Thompson. Date: 8-2-2019 Danielle Thompson 625 Coats Grove Road Hastings, Ml 49058 125230 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FILE NO. 19-28256-NC In the matter of Noah Jon Jarman. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS including: whose address(es) is/are unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on 08/28/2019 at 2:30 p.m. at 206 W. Court St., #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge Hon. William M. Doherty P41960 for the following purpose: Petition for a Name change for Minor Child Noah Jon Jarman to be changed to Noah Jon Speer. Tiffany Speer 239 W. Casgrove Street Nashville,Ml 49073 (517)213-9989 124948 NOTICE TO CREDITORS: Decedent’s Estate Estate of Laura L. Smith. Date of birth: June 03, 1953. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Laura L. Smith, of 2075 Brook Street, Middleville, Ml 49333, Barry County, Michigan died July 11,2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to: David J. Smith, Trustee of the Smith Family Trust u/a/d October 31, 2016, care of Law Offices of David L. Carrier, P.C., 4965 East Beltline Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525 within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: August 1, 2019 David L. Carrier P41531 4965 East Beltline Avenue NE Grand Rapids, Ml 49525 (616) 361-8400 David J. Smith 2075 Brook Street Middleville, Ml 49333 — - - (269)795-7101 125232 SYNOPSIS ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP PUBLIC HEARING JULY 30, 2019 WINCHESTER DRIVE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT No. 19-1 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28180-DE Estate of Darla Annette Mater. Date of birth: 02/13/1969. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Darla Annette Mater, died September 1, 2018. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Charles O. Mater, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Ste. 302, Hastings, Michigan 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: August 1, 2019 Stephanie S. Fekkes P43549 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-1921 Charles O. Mater c/o Rhoades McKee, 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-1921 125126 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on August 29, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Shelly Thomas, A Single Person Original Mortgagee: Summit National Mortgage, LLC Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Date of Mortgage: May 21,2012 Date of Mortgage Recording: May 31, 2012 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $56,471.05 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Orangeville, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Commencing at the South 1/4 post of Section 17, Town 2 North, Range 10 West; thence North 89 degrees 28 minutes 43 seconds West, 1319.29 feet to the South 1/8 post of the Southwest 1/4 of said Section 17; thence North 1 degree 0 minutes 0 seconds West, along the North and South 1/8 line of said Southwest 1/4 a distance of 636.00 feet to the true place of beginning; thence continuing North 1 degree 0 minutes 0 seconds West, along said 1/8 line 246.62 feet; thence South 89 degrees 31 minutes 30 seconds East, 297.14 feet; thence South 1 degree 2 minutes 34 seconds East, 246.62 feet; thence North 89 degrees 31 minutes 30 seconds West 297.32 feet : to the place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: August 1,2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1391514 (08-01 )(08-22) 124789 Meeting called to order 7p.m. All board members present, exception Perino absent with notice. 8 guests Pledge of Allegiance Motion approved to open public hearing Discussion Public Comment Motion approved to close public hearing Resolution 0719-1 approved Resolution 0719-2 approved Resolution 0719-3 approved Motion to adjourn, meeting adjourned 7:50 p.m. Submitted by: Mel Risner/Clerk Attested to by: Tom Rook/Supervisor 124964 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28245-DE Estate of Terry Raymond Rhoades. Date of birth: 07/10/1943. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Terry Raymond Rhoades, died 05/06/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Gregory Lynn Rhoades, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 West Court Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 07/31/2019 Shane A. Henry P82054 121 West Apple Street, Sute 101 Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 945-3512 Gregory Lynn Rhoades 4015 Thornapple Hills Drive Middleville, Ml 49333 (616)643-3125 125167 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE The Mortgage described below is in default: Mortgage (the “Mortgage”) made by Sheryl Cook, an unmarried woman, as Mortgagor, to United Bank Mortgage Corporation, now known as United Bank of Michigan, a Michigan banking corporation, with its address at 900 East Paris Avenue, SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546, as Mortgagee, dated September 20, 2005 and recorded on September 29, 2005, Document No. 1153580, Barry County Records, Barry County, Michigan. The balance owing on the Mortgage is $82,211.25 at the time of this Notice. The Mortgage contains a power of sale and no suit or proceeding at law or in equity has been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage, or any part of the Mortgage. TAKE NOTICE that on Thursday, September 5, 2019 at 1:00 p.m., local time, or any adjourned date thereafter, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale at public auction to the highest bidder, at the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan. The Mortgagee will apply the sale proceeds to the debt secured by the Mortgage as stated above, plus interest on the amount due at the rate of 6.125% percent per annum; all legal costs and expenses, including attorneys fees allowed by law; and also any amount paid by the Mortgagee to protect its interest in the property. The property to be sold at foreclosure is all of that real estate situated in Yankee Springs Township, County of Barry, State of Michigan, described as: LOT 9 VALLEY PARK SHORES ACCORDING TO THE RECORDED PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN LIBER 4 OF PLATS, PAGE 24, YANKEE SPRINGS TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN. SUBJECT TO EASEMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS OF RECORD. PP#: 08­ 16-225-020-00 The redemption period shall be one year from the date of sale pursuant to MCLA 600.3240(12), unless deemed abandoned and then pursuant to the time frames provided for in MCL 600.3241a. Mortgagors will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. July 30, 2019 UNITED BANK OF MICHIGAN, Mortgagee PLUNKETT COONEY KELLI L. BAKER (P49960) Attorney for Mortgagee 333 Bridge Street NW, Suite 530 Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504 (616) 752-4624 (08-01)(08-29) C STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 16-027177-02-DE Estate of Marilyn Kay Page. Date of birth: 08/06/1936. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Marilyn Kay Page, died 6/28/2015. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Jeffrey Page, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 12824 River Dance Drive, Raleigh, NC 27613 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of tnis notice. Jeffrey Page 12824 River Dance Drive Raleigh, NC 27613 919-448-1521 125279 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE OF HEARING FILE NO. 19-9319-NA In the matter of Zoey Roach and Gage Haywood. TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on Thursday, August 29, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at Barry Co. Family Court, 206 W. Court St., Hastings, Ml before Judge William Doherty P41960 for the following purpose(s): Adjudication of the Father, Scott Haywood. If you require special accommodations to use the court because of a disability, or if you require a foreign language interpreter to help you fully participate in court proceedings, please contact the court immediately to make arrangements. Date: August 1, 2019 David G. Banister P43599 206 W. Court Street Hastings, Ml 49058 Rachel Denis, Barry Co. DHHS 431 Barfield Dr. Hastings, Ml 49058 125153 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19028223-DE Estate of Joyce Leone Gallup. Date of birth: 08/23/1947. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Joyce Leon Gallup, died 5/01/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Diana Marie Burton, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of tnis notice. Date: 7/24/2019 Diana Marie Burton 2255 Tamarack St. Lake Odessa, Ml 48849 616-835-5423 125125 NOTICE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. MORTGAGE SALE-Default has been made in the conditions of a Mortgage made by CARL L. FIELDS, Mortgagor, to FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF AMERICA, Mortgagee, dated July 30, 2003, and recorded August 4, 2003, in Instrument No. 1110046, of Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due as of the date of this notice $28,185.25, including interest at 9.95% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage, and pursuant to the statutes of the State of Michigan, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction to the highest bidder, on Thursday, September 5, 2019, at 1 o’clock in the afternoon, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan. Said premises are situated in Johnsontown Township, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: The South 4 rods of the North 16 rods of the South 106 rods of the East 1/2 of the NW 1/4 of Section 32, T1N, R8W, c/k/a 15146 N. Uldriks, Battle Creek, Ml 49017. The redemption period shall be six months from the date of the sale, unless the premises are determined to be abandoned pursuant to MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be one month, or until the time to provide the notice required by MCL 600.3241 a(c) expires, whichever is later. The redemption period further may be shortened pursuant to MCL 600.3238(10) if the property is not adequately maintained, or if the purchaser is denied the opportunity to inspect the property. Please be advised that if the mortgaged property is sold at a foreclosure sale by advertisement, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale, or to the mortgage holder, for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: August 8, 2019 LeVasseur Dyer & Associates, PC Attorneys for Mortgagee 3233 Coolidge Hwy Berkley, Ml 48072 (248) 236-1765 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on September 5, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): David Simmons and Penny Simmons, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Chemical Bank, a Michigan Banking Corporation its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association Date of Mortgage: August 4, 2009 Date of Mortgage Recording: August 11, 2009 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $163,086.95 Description of the mortgaged presses: Situated in Township of Yankee Springs, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Unit 24, Pleasant Valley Condominiums, a Site Condominium according to the Master Deed recorded in Instrument No. 1132867, and First Amendment to Master Deed recorded in Instrument No. 1137502, in the Office of the Barry County Register of Deeds, and designated as Barry County Condominium Subdivision Plan No. 37, together with rights in general common elements and limited common elements as set forth in said Master Deed and as described in Act 59 of the Public Acts of 1978 as amended The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: August 8, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1392112 (08-08)(08-29) 125216 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28254-DE Estate of Donald West Brinningstaull. Date of birth: 02/05/1932. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent,Donald West Brinningstaull, died 06/11/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Vicky Lynn Stutz, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 12903 Valley Dr., Wayland, Ml 49348 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 08/02/2019 _ Steven G. Storrs P80557 222 W. Apple St., PO Box 248 Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-2242 Vicky Lynn Stutz 12903 Valley Dr. Wayland, Ml 49348 125175 (08-08)(08-29) 125427 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on August 29, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Jack M. Baird II and Ruth A. Baird, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: AAA Mortgage and Financial Corporation Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, as trustee, on behalf of the holders of the ContiMortgage Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-2 Certificates Date of Mortgage: November 11,1996 Date of Mortgage Recording: November 21,1996 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $21,815.23 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Beginning at a point in Section 30, Town 1 north, Range 8 West, 20 feet and 33 feet, North of the Southwest corner of Lot 12 of the recorded Plat of Oakwood, thence North along Marshall Street 66 feet, thence West 132 feet, thence South 66 feet; thence East 132 feet to the beginning. Also right of way and easement over Northerly 5 feet of Lot 10, Plat of Oakwood, from Marshall to Fine Lake The redemption period shall be 1 year from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: August 1, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1391290 (08-01 )(08-22) 124574 NOTICE SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN PC., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE - At Home R.E. LLC, granted a mortgage to Visio Financial Services, Inc., Mortgagee, dated December 28, 2017, and recorded on January 3, 2018, in Document No. 2018-000112, and assigned by said mortgagee to Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB dba Christiana Trust, not in its individual capacity but solely as Owner Trustee of Residential Credit Opportunities Trust II, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Thirty-Nine Thousand One Hundred Ninety-Seven and 77/100 Dollars ($39,197.77). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the East doors of the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on August 15, 2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: All that part Lots Two (2) and Three (3) of Block Twenty (20), lying West of Fall Creek, except the West 78 feet of said Lots, being in the Eastern Addition to the City, formerly the Village of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan. The redemption period will be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period will be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 600.3241 a(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of Act 236 of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Wilmington Savings Fund Society, FSB, d/b/a Christina Trust, not in its individual capacity but soley as owner Trustee of Residential Credit Opportunities Trust II Mortgagee/ Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman P.C. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1390462 (07-18)(08-08) 123920 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACTOUR OFFICE ATTHE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Cynthia Timm and Terry Timm Jr., original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for American Financial Resources, Inc., its successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated September 23, 2011, and recorded on September 28, 2011, in Instrument No. 201109280009075 in Barry County Records, Michigan, and last assigned to American Financial Resources, Inc., as assignee , documented by an Assignment of Mortgage dated July 14, 2014, and recorded on August 15, 2014, Instrument No. 2014-007607, in Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due and owing as of September 1, 2019, the sum of NINTY NINE THOUSAND EIGHT and 30/100 Dollars ($99,008.30). Notice is hereby given that under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on the 26th, of September, 2019. Said premise is situated at 2121 Cherry Valley Road, Middleville, Michigan 49333 in the Township of Thornapple, Barry County, Michigan, and is described as: THE LAND IS SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF THORNAPPLE, COUNTY OF BARRY, STATE OF MICHIGAN, AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE EAST LINE OF SECTION 32, TOWN 4 NORTH, RANGE 10 WEST, THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, DISTANT NORTH 00°35’34” EAST 880.91 FEET FROM THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 32; THENCE NORTH 89°41’23” WEST 198.00 FEET; THENCE NORTH 00°35’34” EAST 220.00 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 89°41’23” EAST 198.00 FEET TO SAID EAST SECTION LINE; THENCE SOUTH 00°35’34” WEST 220.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING The redemption period shall be b months (180 Days) from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. Pursuant to Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, if the property is sold at foreclosure sale the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder under MCLA 600.3278 for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: August 1, 2019 For More Information, please call: Matthew R. Reinhardt, Esq. Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. Attorneys for Servicer 255 South Orange Avenue, Suite 900 Orlando, Florida 32801 (855) 287-0240 Matter No. 135990 (08-08)(08-29) 125169 �Page 12 — Thursday, August 8, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Middleville gym set to celebrate 30 years Doug and Cathy Fairchild stand outside the gym Cathy opened soon after opening Gymnastics in Motion 30 years ago. Plans are underway for a 30th anniversary celebration Aug. 24. Brett Bremer Sports Editor Cathy Fairchild managed to be a dual sport athlete during the winter season during her time at Thornapple Kellogg High School in the mid 1970s. Fairchild got up early for 6 a.m. volleyball practice. The high school boys’ basketball teams got the gymnasium after school so the volleyball teams made due. On the balcony above the bleachers was where the few years of high school gymnastics at TKHS took place, and with little conflict between volley­ ball and gymnastics competitions she joined the gymnasts in the afternoon. Her afternoons and evenings are still filled with gymnastics. Fairchild’s Gymnastics in Motion (GIM) in Middleville is celebrating its 30th anniversary this month. Fairchild started working at Caledonia Gymnastics in downtown Middleville, where her son Brandon Moma took classes. She bought the business from its owner in 1989 changing its name to Gymnastics in Motion. “I probably had 30 or maybe 40 kids total,” Fairchild said. “I had two or three kids on team. Now I have 50 on team and probably 300 total in the gym. “It has grown a little bit.” She began work nearly immediately at get­ ting her own gym constructed and getting out of the rental space where classes were held downtown. It was a bit of a struggle. Thornapple Township was just taking over its own Zoning from Barry County in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The township had yet to come up with a master plan when Fairchild began the process of getting her gym where it is currently situated at 3207 N. M-37 Highway, just south of the limits of the Village of Middleville. “I was kind of the guinea pig going through,” Fairchild said. “When I applied, I applied for commercial zoning and they turned that down. I had to go back.” Eventually, an application for special use zoning was approved. There will be an open house Aug. 24 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the gym. GIM will be giv­ ing away free GIM kids’ T-shirts (while sup­ plies last), host a free open gym for those ages 3 to 21, there will be free cake and free Schwan’s ice cream for all. Gymnasts who sign up for September classes during the event, and pay the annual membership fee in full that day, will receive $10 off each class session that they sign up for. Throughout the 30 years GIM grown and added more classes, class times, began offer­ ing birthday parties and cheer tumble classes. One of the recent hits is a Ninja’s In Motion program that includes the quintuple steps, hanging sticks, swing bars, an unstable bridge, cargo net, climbing rope, climbing ledges, climbing wall, an obstacle course and a 14-foot warped wall. GIM offers gymnastics classes for all abili­ ties, ages 3 to 21. Ninja classes are for begin­ ners to advanced, ages 5 to 21. GIM also offer competitive girl’s gymnastics teams for Level 2, Level 3 and all levels of USAG XCEL. There are also high school/college age open gym times being offered every Thursday from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. On most weeknights throughout the season, starting in September, the gym is full from 4:15 p.m. until nearly 9 p.m. Fairchild said the biggest challenge she foresees for GIM in the future is having enough gym space for everyone that wants to be included. She expects another bump fol­ lowing the 2020 Summer Olympics next summer. It is a regular occurrence every four years. She said the gym sees about a 25 per­ cent boost in attendance. HASTINGS HIGH SCHOOL & MIDDLE SCHOOL FALL The year before Fairchild took over the program the entire United States gymnastics team, both men and women combined, earned a single bronze medal at the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. As USA gymnastics has grown, so has gymnastics participation around the country. The USA led the gymnastics medal count at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The USA women won the team all-around title in Brazil, with Simone Biles adding an individual all-around gold medal as well as gold in both the floor exercise and the vault. The gym has also seen participation rise as the sport of competitive cheer has grown. Amber Snow, one of the Middleville coaches for Champion Force cheerleading said her program started working at the gym about a dozen years ago and GIM started hosting tum­ bling classes for her cheerleaders a few years after that. The program’s top teams all prac­ tice at GIM. “It is a nice little partnership we’ve had going on for a number of years,” Snow said. “It is good gymnastics and fun gymnas­ tics,” Fairchild said of why things have been so successful to this point. “It’s God taking care of the kids,” she added, “every time they walk into the gym. Nobody has gotten hurt, Sending me good coaches. A lot of my coaches are kids that I had on teams tftat grew up and now they are coaching for me. My? head coach right now, I’ve had her since she was eight years old. She went through the whole team thing and now she is my head coach.” Gymnasts don’t just come back to coach. They come back just to be a part of the gym from time to time. Fairchild has an annual sleepover after team tryouts. She said the 60 or so current gymnasts set for a sleep over at the gym were joined by five or six former gymnasts who came back to have snacks with the new team and spend the night. “That was kind of nice that they think of it as a fun place, a safe place, kind of like their second home,” Fairchild said. 'B? Kylie Petrie placed ninth in the 350 C class last weekend at the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn’s in Hurricane Mills, Tenn. (File photo) Petrie ninth in 450 C class at Loretta Lynn’s Brett Bremer Sports Editor Kyle Petrie’s first trip to the AMA Amateur National Motocross Championship at Loretta Lynn’s culminated in a top ten finish for the Lakewood High School junior from Sunfield. Petrie wasn’t farbtf a secofid-place finish in the 450 C class last weekend, racing to third and second place finishes in the first two of the three motos, run Wednesday morning and Thursday evening. He earned a bronze medal for his third-place time in his first ever moto at the event, Aug. 31. He followed that up by earning a silver medal in the worst track conditions of the weekend in what was the final race of the day Thursday. Tyler Foster from Cullodgen, Ga., was just over two seconds behind Kristian Robinson from Newport, N.C., at the end of the first lap of the first moto of the competition. Foster was in first place at the end of each of the final 20 laps of the three moto competition. Only Foster was ahead of Petrie in the standings heading into the final moto Saturday, but Petrie went down twice after the opening lap. He managed to make up a few positions BARRY COUNTY.. Mi (^FAMILY SUPPORT CENTER Sponsored by Hastings Elk's Lodge FIRST PRACTICE INFORMATION 18th Annual Family Support Center Golf Outing Saturday, August 10,2019 All athletes must have a completed physical on file in the school office in order to practice. Physical forms are available in the HS office, MS office and the Administration office. FIRST DAY OF PRACTICE INFO: ins are oavable and mailed to Family Sunoort Center of Barrv County, 231S. Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 Sponsorships are tax deductible. Levels and their benefits are: Pl&tlnum - $1000 - Major sponsor with major signage, Golf CartSign and recognition in a Thank You Ad and includes 2 golf teams. Diamond - $500 - Premium placement of large sign, Golf Cart Sign and recognition in a Thank You Ad and includes 1 golf team. Varsity Football - Monday, Aug. 12 - Field house opens at 7:30am, Practice, 7:45am-10:00am, and 11:30pm-2:15pm. Meet at Field house (next to HS Tennis Courts) Coach: Jamie Murphy jmurphy@hassk12.org or 269 804-2739 Silver - $100 - Tee Sign, Recognition in a Thank You Ad JV Football - Monday, Aug. 12 - Practice, 8:00am-11:00am. Meet at Field house (next to HS Tennis Courts). Sponsorships: Gold - $250 - Large Tee Sign, Golf Cart Sign and recognition in a Thank You Ad Bronze - $50 - Course Sign. Recognition in a Thank You Ad Freshman Football - Monday, Aug. 12 - Practice, 8:00am-11:00am. Meet at Field house (next to HS Tennis Courts). Volleyball - Wednesday, Aug. 14 - Varsity JV, Freshman Tryouts 5:30pm-8:00pm. Coach: Scott Zull 269 967-3574 Girls Swim - Tuesday Aug. 13 - All night team night! - 8:00pm - to early morning of Aug. 14. Wednesday, Aug. 14, Practice 3:00pm-5:30pm CERC Pool Open to Hastings, Middleville -Thornapple Kellogg and Delton Kellogg girls. Coach: Carl Schoessel 269 838-8407 Boys Varsity and JV Soccer - Wednesday, Aug. 14 - JV and Varsity Tryouts 3:15pm-5:15pm on Pierce Field (behind the HS) Coach: Tim Schoessel 269 838-0700, Boys Tennis - Wednesday, Aug. 14 - Practice 9am-11am at the HS Tennis Courts. Coach, Krista Schueller 716 417-2671 - $1000 Sideline Cheer - Sideline Cheer tryouts have already taken place but the teams are still in need of a few more members. Practice begins 5pm-7pm Aug. 12 at the HS Aux gym. Coach: Lindsey Jacinto 269 838-2150 _ Gold-$250 _Bmn.ze-$50 I would like to make a donation towards the Family Support Center. I've enclosed: $ I would like to donate a prize. Credit this gift to: Name Address Phone E-mail Golf Registrations are payable to the Family Support Center of Barry County and are due by August 3?20X9. This includes 18 holes and cart, breakfast buffet and many hole contests, prizes and door prizes will be given during the award ceremony held directly after the tournament ends. 7:30 a.m. - Registration at Elks Lodge, 102 W. Woodlawn, Hastings. Breakfast before golf as soon as you are registered! (Non­ Golfers! Join us,for only $5.00) S?30 a.m, - Shotgun Start at The Legacy at Hastings, 1550 N. Broadway St.; Hastings, Ml 49058 Individual Golf, Continental Breakfast & Prizes $65.00 each /$240 Team Please detach and return Golf Registrations with checks payable to Family Support Center of Barry County to: Family Support Center, Attn: Golf, 231S. Broadway, Hastings, Ml 49058 Team Name: ___________________________________________________________ ________________________________ ________________ Address:____________________ ___________________________________________ _____________ ____________________ Phone and E-mail_ Full Name of those in your group: MS 7th and Sth Girls Volleyball and 6th, 7th, 8th Boys and Girls Cross Country sign up is Aug. 26 and 27, Practices begin Aug. 28. MS Students MUST have a physical on file to start practice I 3:15pm - 5:15pm - 948-4409 Athletic Director-Mike Goggins 269 838-5010 or 948-4409 __Sllver - $100 My Sign is to read: Cross Country - Wednesday, Aug. 14 - 10am-12am. Meet near the Main entrance of the Football Stadium. Coach: Steve Collins 269 804-7156 Girls Golf - Wednesday, Aug. 14 - Practice 9:00am-11:30am at the Legacy Golf Course (formerly Hastings Country Club). Coach: Kristen Laubaugh 269 320-3248 _Diamood - $500 1. , 2. 3.4. over the final few laps, but finished in 29th place. “All three motos I was off to a bad start, but the last one I had a terrible start,” Petrie said. “I pulled a muscle in my leg right off the start • and then on the second or third lap someone took me out. I was down to 20-^mething. A lap later I crashed trying to pass someone, and 1 got hit, so I was down to like 36th. I made my way all the up to 29th from there.” That put him in ninth place overall for the event, out of 42 riders in the class. Petrie said Foster was the one who was getting good starts. “The dirt is different,” Petrie said. “I’m used to stuff up here, and down there it is a lot faster. Up here my tire would spin more; Down there, I was popping wheelies off the” start. That is not a good thing to do.” Nerves had a bit to do with the slowislf J starts as well. Petrie said he was shaking an hour or two before the start of his first moto. He said those nerves calmed down after the first moto. One he was moving, Petrie was as good as anybody in the class. He ripped off a time of . 2 minutes 5.511 seconds seconds in the sec­ ond lap of his first moto, the fastest lap of that race by anyone. He closed out his second moto with a time of 2:09.204 on the final lap, recording the fastest lap of that race as well. “It was fun. Down there it is always a good atmosphere. It is pretty fun having a ton of people there and everyone on their bikes. It is so much fun,” Petrie said. He hopes to get back to the Loretta Lynn’s in the future, looking to move up into the 450 B class next year. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 8, 2019 — Page 13 KAMA fall session open for registration Eive^week condensed course geared toward adults With local unemployment rates at historical lows, the demand for talent is increasing. This means outstanding opportunities for Barry County youth and young adults, Travis Alden, Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance president, said. Bringing those opportunities to the fore­ front is crucial for the future success of the local economy as well as individual career prosperity. “Multiple collaborative initiatives in Barry County are actively moving the needle when it. comes to talent development,” Alden said. “For a small community, there’s a lot going on.” Organizations such as the chamber/EDA, Barry Community Foundation, Barry Career Recess Network, local school districts and others have established and continue to pur­ sue innovative workforce development pro­ grams to not only help local employers thrive, but connect local residents - primarily youth -'with opportunities to be successful, he said. These range include career-exposure tours at local companies, a county-wide career expo, participation in the regional MICareerQuest event and new career and technical education opportunities for students. Perhaps the signature initiative, the Kellogg Advanced Manufacturing Assembly training program has seen three successful groups of graduating high school seniors not only gain necessary hard and soft skills, but also employment at local manufacturing firms immediately after completing the program. “I’ve seen students begin KAMA with zero plans for after graduation and minimal moti­ vation to succeed,” Mike Schneiderhan, workforce development coordinator with the chamber/EDA, said. “KAMA sparks some­ thing in these kids. Through this program, they see how training can positively impact their careers and their lives. I’m not exagger­ ating when I say I’ve seen students transform during their KAMA experience, in outstand­ ing ways.” The KAMA curriculum - which is continu­ ally improved by Kellogg Community College staff with collaboration from local stakehold­ ers - includes components ranging from financial literacy and teamwork to hands-on math, measurement and safety. The experi­ ence culminates in a multi-week manufactur­ ing simulation capstone that immerses stu­ dents in a real-world manufacturing experi­ ence. “We regularly hear success stories from our KAMA graduates, ranging from promotions at work to receiving tuition assistance to get additional training,” Alden said. “Every stu­ dent success from KAMA is not only one more local resident on their way to prosperity, but it’s also helping to strengthen our commu­ nity economy by keeping our local companies staffed up.” Through a new partnership with West Michigan Works, Barry County will host a KAMA program this fall. This session is focused on adults who wish to expand their skills and knowledge for a successful career in manufacturing. This condensed course in advanced manu­ facturing basics will run approximately five weeks, from Sept. 3 through Oct. 10. Sessions will be Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the KCC Fehsenfeld Center in Hastings. Manufacturing plant tours, mock interviews and an in-depth manufacturing capstone project are included in the curricu­ lum. Anyone interested in the fall program should call Tina Wescott at the West Michigan Works office in Hastings, 616-649-9848. The registration deadline is Friday, Aug. 23. West Michigan Works will potentially cover all tuition costs for qualifying applicants. Color Run takes off on newly paved trail Crooked Lake level drops, but it’s not enough, some residents say Luke Froncheck Staff Writer A pump has been moving water from Crooked Lake to the former Darrell Jones property for more than a month. Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull said he and his crew have been able to take 6 inches off the lake, bringing the water from a June 15 high point of 928.2 feet to the current level of 927.7 feet. Even so, the lake is still more than a foot higher than the lake level of 926.4 feet last year. When the pumping began, engineers con­ servatively estimated that the project could take about 3 inches off the lake. So the efforts to relieve the high water there was double the projected result, and only 4 feet of an avail­ able 20 filled on the former Jones property. So there’s room for more water in the detention basin. Since evaporation typically happens in the months of August, September and October, Dull said he’s hoping the team will be able to take a substantial amount of water off the lake before winter hits. Crooked Lake resident Deb Engelhardt reprimanded the Barry County Board of Commissioners Tuesday, expressing her dis­ content with how the project is being handled. “We’re a million dollars in, and the water is a foot higher than it was last year,” she told commissioners. “We need more done faster.” In a later interview with The Banner, Engelhardt said the high water on Crooked Lake was deemed “a crisis” last year, but residents “feel like they’re all but forgotten” now. “I know that the commissioners can’t answer questions during public comment,” she said, “but when they sit there and look at us, it’s like they have no empathy and no com­ passion. It’s like they don’t care.” Some Crooked Lake residents who filed a lawsuit against Dull and the Watson Drain District, which includes Crooked Lake, are appealing the dismissal of their complaint, saying the judge erred in that ruling. A court date has not yet been set. Dull said the invasive species test for Crooked Lake are being conducted this month with results expected back the fourth week of August. He added that the team is continuing to gather information on a potential long-term solution. Cloverdale Lake is down 9 inches since pumping began in early July, he added. The pumping permit was initially granted by the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy. The permit was granted to alleviate flooding across M-43 by taking water from the swamp east of the highway and putting it into Cloverdale Lake. Water was then pumped from Cloverdale Lake into Long Lake at a faster rate. Pumping has con­ tinued and the road is open. “To my knowledge, there are no more houses flooded on Cloverdale Lake,” Dull said. Long Lake is 3 inches lower than it was when pumping began, he added. Dull also reported that he and engineers have a pre-application meeting with the EGLE department on Aug. 16 regarding the flooding on Pine Lake. His goal for that meeting will be to lay out a plan for flooding relief on Pine Lake, in hopes of receiving permit approval from EGLE. This meeting is not open to the public. If water can be taken from Pine Lake and moved to a drain in Allegan County, he said, it could be developed as an intercounty drain project since a small portion of Pine Lake lies in Allegan County. Dull also mentioned that, in recent weeks, he has received fewer county wide complaints. “I think it’s because of creative engineering and intergovernmental agency action,” he said. Seven communities given grants from Native American fund Red, yellow, orange, pink, teal and purple powder fly as participants in the 2019 Nashville Sesquicentennial Color Run 5K Run/ Walk toss them into the air before taking off at the start of their race Saturday morning on the newly paved section of the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail In Nashville. (Photo by Linda Powers) Seven projects across Michigan were selected late last month to receive grants from the Native American Heritage Fund. Those 2019 NAHF grants include: Bay de Noc Community College - $6,000 to publicly acknowledge the Treaty of 1836 through a public plaque on each campus and a Treaty Day celebration. Godfrey-Lee Public Schools - $98,000 to rebrand the current mascot from “Rebels” to a new mascot and nickname that is.culturally^ responsive. Grand Rapids Community College - $5,285 to support the Grand Rapids Community College Education and Reconciliation Project, including a trip to the Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture and Lifeways and a Native American speakers forum. Indigenous Law and Policy Center at Michigan State University College of Law $20,000 to provide a two-day symposium, Native family day, and ancillary program­ ming throughout the year. Monroe County Community College $199,234 to create curriculum and a set of immersion experiences for K-12 students, focused on how to research stories from the Native perspective. Northern Michigan University - $134,613 to expand Anishinabek language course offer­ ings at undergraduate and graduate levels. The Friendship Community/LIFT Teen Center - $16,650 to support an overnight backpacking trip to South Manitou Island, exposing students to the history of the Ottawa tribe. , .. . The fund, which was approved in 2016 as part of the Second Amendment to the Tribal­ State Gaming Compact between NHBP and the State of Michigan, allocates a portion of NHBP’s state revenue sharing payments to the NAHF. Michigan’s K-12 schools, colleges, univer­ sities, and local units of government were eligible for funding through the NAHF to defray the costs of projects that promote pos­ itive relationships and accurate information about the history and role of Michigan’s Indian tribes and Native Americans in the state. TYDEN PARK • SATURDAY, AUG. 24th Runners are splashed with orange powder as they make their way around the streets of Nashville Saturday morning during the 2019 Nashville Sesquicentennial Color Run. (Photo by Linda Powers) Brett Bremer Sports Editor There was at least as as much action at the starting line of the 2019 Nashville Sesquicentennial Color Run, a 5K run/walk that began Saturday morning at the Quaker Brook Bridge in Nashville, as there was at the finish line at the end of the race. The Barry County Parks & Recreation Board and the Barry County Area Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the newly paved section of the Paul Henry Thomapple Trail that runs from M-66 west over the bridge and just north of Fuller Street Elementary school. The section was paved in conjunction with MDOT projects currently ongoing in the Nashville area. There are hopes for pavement to extend in both directions on the trail from there are some point in the future. Not long after the ribbon fell, the colors flew for the start of the Color Run. “I wanted to do something for the younger crowd to bring them into the sesquicentennial, something more active,” events coordinator Tanett Hodge said. The run drew 167 entrants, who checked in across M-79 at Fuller Street Elementary before heading to the start line at the bridge on the trail. The crowd gathered at the start for counted down from five to release their pink, purple, teal and orange powders into the air. Once the colors flew, the bullhorn started to begin the race. “We had 167 registered, which totally blew me away,” Hodge said. “I couldn’t believe it. “We are hoping to make it an annual hap­ pening,” she added. “There is talk of the Duck Derby being an annual thing and they might Splashed with orange and teal, Austin Gorman shows off his medal following the 2019 Nashville Sesquicentennial Color Run 5K Run/Walk Saturday morning. (Photo by Linda Powers) combine it with some other things that are already going on in the fall, but that hasn’t been finalized.” Runners were bombarded with more blue, pink and orange colors at stations throughout the run/walk. There was a cooling station at the midway point of the race, offering water and Gatorade up to thirsty runners. Medals with the Nashville Sesquicentennial logo and colorful ribbons were passed out to finishers at the end of the race, near the trail­ head just off of M-66 where a photo station was set up as well. Age brackets subject to change based on participation Team Captain Age Send Entries to... Call 269-945-9554 any time for Hastings Banner classified ads Phone #Email Team Members Age Age Barry County Chamber of Commerce 221W. State Street Hastings, Ml 49058 Questions??... Please fill out form completely Call (269) 948-3025 TYDEN PARK • SATURDAY, AUG. 24™ �Page 14 — Thursday, August 8, 2019 — The Hastings Banner More than $5,000 in raffle prizes given National Night Out Barry County Sheriff’s Posse member Andria Mayack shows Madison Aicken (left) and Audrey Aiden a ferret, one of many live animals at National Night Out. Volunteer Kim Ripley gives 8-year-old Myles Drake of Hastings his raffle prize, a slime laboratory. Steve Funk of the Freeport Fire Department breaks out the driver’s side window of a vehicle. Firefighters also showed how airbags are deployed and how cars are cut apart in rescue operations. Taylor Owens Staff Writer Around 1,800 people went to National Night Out to have hot-dogs and ice cream with police officers, firefighters and first responders Tuesday. “All these agencies came together last night for the community,” organizer and Hastings City Police Reserve Officer Kurt Worm talks to kids about bicycle safety. Hastings Deputy Police Chief Dale Boulter said. “It was all about the citizens of Barry County.” This was the third year of National Night Out in Barry County, which Boulter orga­ nized with Barry County Sheriff’s Deputy Amber Jansens. The event had officers and first responders law enforcement and emergency agencies in Barry County, in addition to the Michigan State Police and Department of Natural Resources. Hastings City Police Chief Jeff Pratt said they gave out around 1,200 ice cream cones between 5 p.m. and sometime after 9. Attendees also received more than $5,000 in raffle prizes, including computer tablets, televisions, outdoor equipment, bicycles and more. The national event is a way for families to interact with police officers, firefighters and first responders to strengthen community relationships. “It’s not every day we get an event such as this that lets the community know that we have their back,” Boulter said. “Every time we have help from the community, we’re a little bit more successful. Alyssa Shoop sits in an armored vehij cle that belongs to the Barry County Sheriff’s Office special response team at National Night Out Tuesday. (Photos by Taylor Owens) J � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-08-15.pdf e21175ab2f082818385ccef189382a2b PDF Text Text SWET busts suspected Set i|ili>||i||i|Tiii|||ii|i|i American Legion celebrating 100th Shipleys in FireKeepers Championship See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 12 >i,h"liiiihl,ill"lli'iliill **************************Q^p_p"l" |_OT**C 005 C005 Richard Hemerling 421 N Taffee Dr Hastings Ml 49058-1134 6/30/2020 9:47:00 AM Hastings Army Band playing Friday night The Hastings Live Friday Night Feature concert will complement with the 100th anniversary celebration of the Hastings American Legion Post, when the 338th Army Band comes to town. The Legion’s celebration Aug. 16, will include a picnic of hot-dogs, chips and lemonade, beginning at 6 p.m. at Thomapple Plaza in downtown Hastings. The Army Band’s performance will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the plaza The 338th USARC Band, with stations in Livonia and Columbus, Ohio, provides music for military and public occasions throughout Michigan, Ohio and beyond. With groups that cover most genres of music, the band provides music of cele­ bration and solemnity for many occasions. Its public performances are designed to entertain and educate patriots of all ages. Hastings Live events are free. Concessions are available. Concert-goers are encouraged to bring their own chairs or blankets. Legion marking a century The Lawrence J. Bauer Post of Hastings American Legion Post 45 will mark its 100th anniversary this weekend with music, food, tours and more. Festivities Friday, Aug. 16, will include a picnic of hot-dogs, chips and lemonade, beginning at 6 p.m. at Thomapple Plaza in down­ town Hastings, prior to the 338th Army Band concert (see above). Saturday, the celebration will move to the post headquarters at 2160 S. M-37 Highway, just south of the city, where Legion members will host ongoing bingo from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., give tours of the expanded and renovated post home from 1 to 4 p.m. and a “cruise show” hosted by the American Legion Riders, who will showcase their motorcycles and tours of military vehicles from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Following remarks from dignitaries.. including a family member of the Post’s World War I namesake, Lawrence J. Bauer - a lunch of hamburgers, chips and salads will precede an afternoon of music, games and raffles. Hastings Fiberglass hosting open house Saturday Hastings Fiber Glass Products repre­ sentatives are inviting the community to join in celebrating 60 years of business and the opening of the new manufacturing facility. An open house Saturday, Aug. 17, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. will include a picnic lunch, electrical safety demonstration, tool demonstration and plant tours. The company, which was founded by the late Earl McMullin in 1959, produces fiberglass “hot line” tools to protect crews working on power lines. It has become a global supplier of such safety tools and equipment. Located for many years on South Cook Road, the company now works out of a new facility at 1301 W. Green St., Hastings. Kellogg Manor hosting concert and tours Patrons can enjoy a late summer after­ noon of music surrounded by the rich history of W.K. Kellogg’s former home and estate as the Manor House hosts its See NEWS BRIEFS, page 2 = 804879110187 o ANNER Thursday, August 15, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 33 NEWS BRIEFS Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 PRICE 750 Blue Zones request goes belly-up in county vote data will be gathered to make sure we’ve cov­ ered everything we can do for the program,” Gettys said. Sheryl Lewis Blake, a community volun­ teer and recently retired CEO of Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital in Hastings, pitched the plan to commissioners during their com­ mittee of the whole meeting last Tuesday. “It’s a huge investment the community is making into this,” said Colette Scrimger, health officer for the Barry Eaton District Health Department, who spoke with Lewis Blake that day. The county, for its part, was asked to allow the use of office space in the health depart­ ment building. Only two commissioners - Wing and Conner - had initially voiced concerns about the use of that office space. Conner pointed out that the timing for the request was unfortunate since they are in the midst of conducting a facilities master plan to determine use of space in county buildings. Wing said the use of information technolo­ gy in this case could be problematic for a Barry County project since the health depart­ ment’s IT operates out of Eaton County. If the office was placed in the health department building in Hastings, then had to be moved to another building, splitting it off from that IT system could present a problem^ she said. s Scrimger sought to allay those fears; Tuesday. Rebecca Pierce Editor A request for office space for a public health initiative, pitched to the Barry County Board of Commissioners last week, died in a 4-3 vote this week. The project called Blue Zones - backed by a pledge of $1.4 million - would be the first of its kind in Michigan, according to local proponents. Tuesday, commissioners Heather Wing, Vivian Conner, Jon Smelker and Howard Gibson voted against allowing Blue Zones to have the office space; Ben Geiger, Dan Parker and David Jackson voted for it. The rejection was characterized by two commissioners as the county “thumbing its nose” and “spitting in the face of philanthro­ pists.” “I don’t even want to say what I’m thinking now,” Jackson said in disgust after Tuesday’s meeting. During the past two meetings, Jackson has been outspoken in his support of Blue Zones in the county, hailing the unique “public/private partnership ... that offered a real oppor­ tunity to draw attention to what’s being done here.” The plan involves extensive collaboration and financial backing from three foundations, a private philanthropist and three organiza­ tions in the community, Bonnie Gettys, presi­ dent and CEO of the Barry Community Foundation, said Wednesday morning. Seven community partners made a multimillion-dollar pledge for the next three years to cover the project’s activation period “when Barry County Commissioners Jon Smelker (left) and Ben Geiger were at opposite ends of the vote on the Blue Zones,request. . A ■ ~ Conservation district urges invasive species awareness Rebecca Pierce Editor Thirty-nine right-of-way sites throughout Barry County are host to invasive species. Sarah Nelson, executive director of the Barry Conservation District, informed county commissioners of the issue Tuesday and dis­ cussed ways to combat these threats to prop­ erty. According to The Nature Conservancy, estimated damage from invasive species worldwide totals more than $1.4 trillion. Although the list of invasive species is long - with 32 widespread in Lower Michigan and 31 are defined as emerging threats - Nelson focused on two in Barry County: Phragmites and Japanese knotweed. Phragmites are a common reed introduced on the East Coast in the 1700s. Its dense, fluffy seed heads are purple in the spring and turn straw color with age. They grow to be more than 15 feet tall and spread thickly, See BLUE ZONES, page 3 ........... crowding out native plants. They can destroy wetlands, increase fire risk, block lakefront views and cause property values to plummet, she said. Nelson showed before and after photos of the impact of phragmites on lakefront proper­ tyJapanese knotweed is another invasive spe­ cies she identified; a species so tough it can withstand volcanic lava flow. The plant can invade structures, sometimes forcing demoli­ tion of houses. It is difficult to stop the spread, she said, since cutting, mowing, burning, digging and using chemicals with glyphosate will not deter its spread. One of the best weapons that can be used to fight these invasive plants is information. Nelson said the Barry Calhoun Kalamazoo Cooperative Invasive Species Management Area - BCK CISMA - can provide free edu- See INVASIVE, page 2 TK board approves $42.8 million bond proposal resolution Karen Turko-Ebright Contributing Writer The Thomapple Kellogg School Board of Education Monday approved a resolution calling for a special school election Nov. 5 asking voters to approve a $42.8 million bond proposal. The projected no-mill increase would address the needs of the growing school dis­ trict, school officials said. “Based on all our information and our feedback from the community and our enrollment projections, we need, first of all, more classroom space and the ability to maintain our infrastructure in our facilities,” Superintendent Rob Blitchok said. According to school officials, the number of students enrolled last year in the district was 3,159, but the projection is 3,170 stu­ dents. The district could bond for up to $42.8 million with a projected no-mill increase. “Our property levels are at a level where we don’t have to raise our mills and can actu­ ally gain some funding through a bond sale without raising taxes,” Assistant Superintendent Graig McCarthy said. It will be up to residents to decide if they want the district go into debt to sell bonds, he said. According to the resolution, the bond debt can be paid over a 25-year period using 3.03 mills from the existing millage. After several facility and strategic plan­ ning forums with the community over the past year, the board and administration plan to guide the district in the strategic planning process over the next three to five years. “Enrollment has been increasing, but we’re seeing most of our capacity pinches at the elementary level,” McCarthy said. “For example, the capacity for our McFall kinder­ garten first-grade building is 500 students, and this past year we had 515 enrolled,” he See BOND, page 3 City wants more time before approving downtown development A similar development under construction in South Haven could be the model for A.J. Veneklasen’s proposal suggested for the former Moose Lodge property at 128 N. Michigan St. Though the rendering here indicates a three-story building, Veneklasen’s proposal for Hastings is four stories with retail space on the ground floor and residen­ tial apartments on the upper three floors. Parking would be available underground. Doug VanderLaan Contributing Writer Heeding the advice of one developer that a decision delay “will cool the rockets,” Hastings City Council scheduled an orderly countdown before the vote on a proposed project on the old Moose Lodge property on North Michigan Street. That countdown will continue Monday, Aug. 26, with a special 6 p.m. workshop meeting before the regular council meeting at 7 p.m. Construction firms making presenta­ tions this past Monday were told the council would be ready after the workshop to make a decision on the two competing proposals. “More than likely, this decision will be a matter of preference, but it will also be a part of your vision for the city,” Kevin Moore of Grand Rapids-based Moore & Co. told coun­ cil members Monday. “I would encourage a An investment group headed by a Hudsonville plumbing and mechanical contractor proposes 42 to 45 housing units in downtown Hastings. The proposal would offer 20 percent of its units at market rental rates and the other 80 percent priced at affordable leasing rates based on 60 percent of Barry County’s average median income. Parking space would not be provided by the company. discussion of an 18- or a 42-unit building and convenient parking or do something there that will populate the community.” Moore’s plan for a 42- to 45-unit apartment building on the now-vacant property at 128 Michigan St., which was presented for an informal site review at last week’s planning commission meeting, jumped to city council level following Moore’s Aug. 5 letter of intent to Hastings City Manager Jerry Czarnecki. The city’s community development office also then received a letter of interest for the same property from the Grand Rapids general contracting firm of A J. Veneklasen Inc. The Veneklasen proposal, as presented to the council Monday by company president Chris Veneklasen, calls for a possible $5.8 million, four-story building with retail space See DEVELOPMENT, page 7 �page 2 — Thursday, August 15, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Renovations, new businesses start downtown transformation 5 Kathy Maurer Copy Editor Some buildings in downtown Hastings are getting new owners and occupants. Several structures are being renovated, preparing to open in the coming weeks or months with new apartments and retail shops. “Extremely exciting” is how Hastings Community Development Director Dan King gummed up his response. ; From his city hall office, King can see Some of the projects taking shape on East State Street. Other properties are being transformed farther west or around the corner on Jefferson Street. ' The nearest one also may be the first to open: Alysia Fedewa is hoping to open the doors on her life’s dream next week at The Sugar Shop, 144 E. State St. The bakery, with a 1950s-style decor, also will offer coffee and tandy. Fedewa, a Saint Johns native, said she’s been a pastry chef her entire life. After working as a baker at a golf course, however, she took a job at a factory to provide yearround income and enable her to buy a house. She did purchase a home in Middleville, but her love for baking never waned. : “I’m from a small town and didn’t want to be in a big city,” Fedewa said of her decision to open a bakery in Hastings. Her store hours will accommodate firstshift workers, opening at 4 a.m. Tuesday through Friday. Around the comer, the former County Seat Restaurant has been purchased by Jefferson Street Investors of Lowell. The third Main Street BBQ Restaurant is expected to open in the coming weeks. Other restaurants are in Lowell and the Creston neighborhood of Grand Rapids. The former Second Hand Comers shop at the comer of State and Jefferson streets is currently being gutted. Tom Kramer, a Grand Rapids-area business owner who now lives in Hastings, recently purchased that historic building. His plans include apartments in the second and third stories, King said, and a mix of retail and office space on the ground floor. Perhaps the most noticeable transformation to passers-by is the change of the former Jami’s Crafts/Ben Franklin building from notso-noticeable taupe to royal blue. Ryan Weinbrenner and Aaron Shaver, owners of Zwei Bruder Development, are renovating that two-story, former three-storefront Structure into housing and retail space. The building will have four market rate apartments upstairs, King said. North Jefferson Street was dosed this week as workers make repairs to the building occupied by Walldorff Brewpub and Bistro. Temporary repairs were made after a windstorm loosened bricks in March 2017. Permanent repairs are being made to the cornice, King said. A dumpster blocked the alley behind Second Hand Comers. The work is a sign of a new infusion of business activity in the historic core of the city. And King, who’s been the community development director for a year and a half, couldn’t be happier. ; “That’s all just the downtown,” he said, adding that the city has received letters of interest from two entities for the former Moose site on Michigan and Apple Street, and Work continues on all sides of the former Jami’s Crafts/Ben Franklin building, which will have retail space on the ground floor and apartments above. A dumpster is in place in an alley behind Second Hand Corners, which is being gutted to make way for new tenants. North Jefferson Street is blocked off as workers repair cornice atop the Walldorff Brewpub and Bistro. plans are progressing on transformation of the former Royal Coach factory into housing. “It’s huge for Hastings to have an $18 million project,” he said of the latter, adding that all of that is on top of the improvements in Hastings school facilities and $13 million improvements at Spectrum Health Pennock for a surgical center. He’s thrilled with all the economic development and new housing in the city. “We haven’t had that in 20 years — maybe longer,” King said. Baltimore Township to vote on recreational marijuana tonight Main Street BBQ will soon occupy the former County Seat Restaurant building on South Jefferson Street. Township Supervisor Chad Vansyckle said they’ve had about 20 to 30 people attend meetings to voice their opinions on recre­ ational marijuana. “Everything has been positive so far that we’ve had,” Vansyckle said. “That’s why we went ahead with it.” The township board reviewed the new rec­ NEWS BRIEFS Taylor Owens Staff Writer The Baltimore Township Board is expected to vote tonight on ordinances to allow the sale and growth of recreational marijuana. The board will meet in a special session at 6 p.m. If the township, which also allows the sale of medical marijuana, OKs these ordinances, it would be the first township or municipality in Barry County to allow recreational mari­ juana. reational marijuana rules released by the state Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs in early July, and recently received draft ordinances from township lawyer Catherine Kaufman. The meeting, which is open to the public, will take place at the Baltimore Township Hall at 3100 East Dowling Road, Hastings. INVASIVE, continued from page 1 cational programs. The website michiganinvasives.org/bckcisma offers more informa­ tion. Sarah Nelson, executive director of the Barry Conservation District, discusses invasive species with Barry County com­ missioners Tuesday. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Nelson said prevention is the best approach. Treatment of well-established populations of invasive species can take years. In those areas where invasive species are widespread, long­ term management is‘ aimed at population suppression and asset protection. In other business, the board: • Unanimously approved a resolution sup­ porting Thornapple Manor’s exploration of the addition of independent and assisted liv­ ing units as well as adult day care services. • Reminded that there will be no county board meeting Tuesday. The meeting will take place at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, due to the Michigan Association of Counties Conference next week. • Approved paying the $2,260 cost of a trip to the White House for Chairwoman Heather Wing and Commissioner Ben Geiger. • Heard compliments from Judge Michael Schipper, who stopped by to praise the perfor­ mance of Kerri Selleck in her work as the county’s chief public defender. She is making a major difference in county’s indigent defense program, he said. • Heard from Sheriff Dar Leaf who said a Middleville woman complained of receiving a call from someone who identified himself as a process server for the sheriff’s department. The caller had demanded that she pay money or face arrest. The woman immediately called the sheriff’s department to report it. Leaf said the call was a scam. Any call like this should be reported to the sheriff’s department, he said. continued from front page annual tours and lakeside concert from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 18. The fami­ ly-friendly concert and tours are free, and no registration is required. Donations will be accepted. Guests are invited to bring a picnic lunch, take self-guided tours of the grounds, and learn more about the Kellogg Biological Station’s research, education and outreach activities before and after the concert. Guided tours of the Manor House will be available from noon to 3 p.m. The Cereal City Concert Band of Battle Creek will perform beginning at 3 p.m. under a canopy tent on the grounds of the Manor House. Guests are invited to bring lawn chairs or blankets. • Attendees of this year’s event also will be able to view a World War II exhibit, a nod to the years the estate served as a wartime home to a Coast Guard training center and later, a rehabilitation facility for wounded military members. The Manor House is at 3700 E. Gull Lake Drive, Hickory Corners. More information may be found at conference.kbs.msu.edu. Questions can be directed to manorhouse@ kbs.msu.edu or (269) 671-2160. Middleville to start new amphitheater construction Monday A groundbreaking ceremony at 9 a.m. Aug. 19 in the village of Middleville will celebrate the beginning of construction of a new amphitheater. The structure will be built in the green space behind the Pavilion, on the banks of the Thornapple River. The project, which is part of a greater Parks Master Plan, is a collaborative effort between the village and My Middleville Downtown Development Authority. The amphitheater is expected to be com­ plete by mid-October. Community breakfast will feature MSU Extension programs Erin More, Holly Tiret, Jinnifer Ortquist, Laura Anderson, Kathy Pennington and Melinda Pepper will speak at the next com­ munity breakfast Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 8 a.m. at the Barry Community Enrichment Center, Leason Sharpe Hall. They will present an overview of MSU Extension, their social and emotional health programs, financial literacy program, dis­ ease prevention and management and youth development as relevant to local families. The quarterly community breakfast is sponsored by the Family Support Center of Barry County, Court-Appointed Special Advocates, DHHS Foster Care and Barry County Great Start Collaborative-Barry Intermediate School District. This hour-long free breakfast will be at Leason Sharpe Hall, 231 S. Broadway, Hastings. Those who plan to attend are asked to call 269-945-KIDZ (5439) or email karen@ familysupportbarry.com. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 15, 2019 - Page 3 BLUE ZONES, continued from page 1 The Blue Zones project “is a very small enterprise that’s trying to get started,” she said. “By having them locate in our building, it’s trying to help them get going.” The health department office would allow the use of copiers and printers and Internet connection backup systems. This is simple, cloud-based technology that would be easily transferrable, she said. “They would gain the speed of being on our Wi-Fi Instead of on our guest network.” Commissioner Ben Geiger suggested some conversation between Eaton County IT and Barry County IT might be appropriate to resolve concerns, but Scrimger said that would serve no purpose. “We’re not at all connected fo Barry County’s IT,” she said to Geiger’s apparent surprise. Another surprise came during the vote when Wing and Conner were joined by Smelker and Gibson in rejecting the request. In that 4-3 vote Tuesday, the ones who favored the request - Geiger, Jackson and Parker - are the three commissioners who represent Barry County on the health depart­ ment board. After Tuesday’s meeting, commissioners’ reactions were mixed. It was 5-2 in favor of the request last week, Jackson pointed out. “There was apparently some back-channeling going on,” he said. Gibson said that blending this proposed Blue Zones project with the health depart­ ment’s IT system in Eaton County was the sole sticking point for him. He would support a compromise if it addressed these IT con­ cerns, he added. Smelker said he doesn’t have a problem with Blue Zones, and IT was not a major con­ cern. Instead, he pointed to the combined Barry-Eaton District Health Department and expressed concerns about how that depart­ ment is run. “There’s no secret that I want a Barry County health department,” he said. In Jackson’s view, the request was not — “If there’s some problem about IT, for heaven’s sake, solve it. There isn’t a statistic about health in Barry County where we come out even average.... I encourage you to solve that problem.” Larry Neil about the health department. Simply put, the Blue Zones project “want­ ed a desk” and “there is private money willing to put in hundreds of thousands of dollars to make our community better.” After the request was refused Tuesday, Geiger and Jackson criticized their colleagues. “I’m very, very disappointed that this board has thumbed its nose at the philanthropists and community leaders behind Blue Zones,” Geiger said. “This county won’t forget when they asked for a cube [cubicle], we gave them the curb. “It’s a sad day.” “I echo Ben’s sentiment,” Jackson said. “I think four commissioners gave the board a black eye today, spit in the face of people who were willing to fund a fantastic initiative for this community. It’s very disappointing, the short-sightedness of this board. ... “We had a great opportunity to do some­ thing in Barry County, the first in Michigan. ... We can’t get any clear thinking to work together on this board.” The two commissioners weren’t the only ones to express their discouragement. During public comment, Larry Neil, a member of the county’s farmland preservation board, said he agreed with Geiger and Jackson. “If there’s some problem about IT, for heaven’s sake, solve it,” Neil said. “There Board Chairwoman Heather Wing debates the drawbacks of the Blue Zones request with Commissioner Dan Parker. Wing voted against the request; Parker voted for it. (Photos by Rebecca Pierce) isn’t a statistic about health in Barry County where we come out even average. ... I encourage you to solve that problem.” Rick Moore, representing Barry County parks and recreation, said, “One of our found­ ing fathers, whose name escapes me, said that compromise is the cornerstone of democracy ... Let’s all strive to be healthy and learn how to compromise in a democracy.” Moore deplored the thought of eliminating “all of this wonderful ambitious project just Three staffers leave Great Start program Luke Froncheck Staff Writer Barry Intermediate School District lost two teachers and a paraprofessional from its Great Start Readiness Program, Superintendent Richard Franklin told school board members Tuesday. Teachers Janet Krammin, Heidi Anson and paraprofessional Mary Strasser left Barry ISD for other GSRP jobs in other counties. “We’re sorry to lose them,” Franklin said. The: local GSRP program became a conten­ tious Tssue between the intermediate district officials and state Department of Education officials -earlier this year when questions were raised about financial compliance issues. State officials had said that moving the GSRP program under the management of another ISD “will not diminish the delivery of early childhood programs and services to the families and children of Barry County.” Barry ISD officials appealed and an infor­ mal hearing took place July 22. Franklin said the state has not contacted the ISD following that meeting. “Status quo pre­ vails,” he said. “Right now, the status quo is that it’s our program and we’re running it. “This h^s to move forward and signups are already going well.” The departure of staff, though, raises some questions as to how the positions will be filled. The uncertainty caused by the state’s silence means that the GSRP positions aren’t guaranteed to even be in existence this time next year. “We haven’t posted them yet because we’re not sure what we’re supposed to post the jobs as,” Franklin said. Following the July 22 meeting, Franklin said he spoke with GSRP official Pat Sargent. He told Sargent that he and his staff want to go forward with the progfarn as normal, and she told him, “You have to.” “I’d rather be explaining why I went for­ ward without permission in October than be left with a program that’s way behind and a mess,” Franklin said. In other action, the board: • Approved hiring Kristina Riggs as special education supervisor. Riggs will be under contract through 2020. She comes from Hastings High School, where she was the special education department head. • Approved hiring^ paraprofessional Catherine Schellenbafger.' “She has a mom’s heart and we’re very exceed to have her,” Franklin said. • Approved school policy updates for the 2019-20 school year. • The independent audit date for the ISD is being rescheduled due to a death in the family of the auditor. because of an IT issue. “Let’s work together to make this a better place for Barry and Eaton counties.” Last week, commissioners were told that the Blue Zones project had “the potential to fundamentally transform the health” of coun­ ty residents. The intention, project organizers said, is to start the project in early September. Blue Zones is based on a research project published about 10 years ago by National Geographic that documented five communi­ ties in which specific similarities contributed to citizen longevity. “The Blue Zones project is a systems approach in which schools, employers, churches, agencies, grocery stores, restau­ rants, elected officials, community leaders and citizens collaborate on policies and pro­ grams that move us [our community] toward better health and well-being,” Lewis Blake said. BOND, continued from page 1 said. “We’ve exceeded capacity in that build­ ing, and we’re expected to be in that same situation this coming school year.” Five community forums, conducted by school officials, GMB architects and OAK construction management firms, were hosted to determine the needs of the school district. Several surveys also were completed to help narrow ideas on the district’s basic needs, which included: A new learning center to replace the district’s oldest building (built in 1939); increased safety and security through­ out the district, including secure entries and reconfigured parking lots; and air condition­ ing in all classrooms. Most of the projected improvements, how­ ever, are in the three elementary buildings. “The middle school and high school have the capacity to take more students,” McCarthy said. The proposed project would include addi­ tions, such as: • McFall Elementary (kindergarten and first-grade building) - four classrooms, con­ ference room and art and music. • Lee Elementary (second and third grades) - three classrooms and a conference room. • Page Elementary (fourth and fifth grades) - three classrooms and a renovated kitchen. • Renovation of the existing pool. • Replacement of the mechanical and air-handling systems. 1 • Site improvements, such as parking lots, parent-student pick-up areas and bus loops. • Projected future needs for the district include parking lots at the high school and middle school, a service drive from the bus garage to Green Lake Road and stadium turf. “Our last bond, in 2014, was primarily for technology and facility upgrades,” Blitchok said. As far as the new bond proposal, he said the decision was based on community feedback and staff discussion. “The feeling is one of necessity and under­ standing that this community is very under­ standing of our school district,” Blitchok said. A planning committee is ready to launch its campaign for voter approval on the special request. Blitchok said he is looking forward to the start of the new school year, which will begin Aug. 20. Rotary Club members walk in the parade, promoting their duck race in 2018. ‘Remember when “Remember When ...” is the theme of Middleville’s Heritage Days Aug. 16-18. Organizes are promising the most eventpacked Heritage Days ever, with ongoing demonstrations and activities of interest to Middleville residents and visitors. The three days will celebrate the best of small-town living and remembering the village’s past. Friday will feature are a classic car cruise­ in, music by the Whatabouts Band, and “The Jungle Book” as the Pajamas in the Park movie. Runners are encouraged to sign up for the Heritage Days 5K/10K trail run and youth fun run Saturday morning. Saturday has non-stop activities and a dozen demonstrations in several locations in is Heritage Days theme the village repeated during the day so visitors can watch any or all of the activities. Guests can see how to make a perfect pie crust, bal­ loon animals, or pizza dough. Quilting and stained-glass window crafting will be among the demonstration. Some demonstrators will teach a talent, others will be just for fun, such as a ventriloquist who will put on two shows. Guided tours of the Paul Henry Thornapple Trail will be available. The Thornapple River also will be the focal point of the Rotary Club’s duck race. Old-fashioned (not electronic) adult and children’s games, craft show, pie baking con­ test, pie-eating and pizza-eating contests, are planned. Middleville restaurants are part of this Heritage Days; most will feature specials, like a chicken croissant, chips and a drink for $5. Some have “grab and go” options. Festival-goers can look for the sock hop on Main Street, a nature walk, comhole tourna­ ment, the Jersey Pete & Java Joe Band, and of course, plan to take in the Middleville Rotary Club parade, complete with cars, tractors, bands and floats, that will be vying for awards. Middleville’s own Hosea Humphrey will offer cowboy songs and Gospel song round­ up. Sunday morning will bring an old-fash­ ioned church service, followed by a picnic (diners must provide their own food.) A full schedule of events can be found at middlevilleheritagedays .com/events. See a Doctor Online 24/7 When you're feeling sick, you don't want to wait for an appointment. Especially when you can see a doctor right away using your phone, tablet or computer for $59 or less per visit. Visit bronsonhealth.com/videovisit to download our app and get the care you need now. * Bronson^onnect Video Visit �Page 4 — Thursday, August 15, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you Opinion see? Big wheels .. Hastings American Legion celebrating 100th An applicator heads east on 84th Street SE near Freeport Tuesday, a sure sign that, despite one of the wettest planting seasons on record, farmers are at work. It’s also a sign that farming equipment is on the move so motorists need to pay attention while driving, especially when around blind hills and curves. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) We’re dedicating this space to a photograph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom + Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email . news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was tak^n, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. ( Do you remember? Banner June 16,1966 Sign labor contract - members of the Barry County Road Commission and Barry County Road Employees Association reached an agreement and signed a labor contract extending to Dec. 31, 1968. The contract includes additional fringe benefits and wage increases during the contract period. Gathered for the signing are road commission chairman Charles H. Leonard, commissioner Clarence Longstreet, engineer-manager Orval Cutshaw Jr., R. Richard Wilkins, Arthur Burghdoff, clerk Spencer Scobey, Kenneth Pranshka, commissioner Otis Boulter and Doyle Swan. Have you met? Gary Buckland was 8 when his family moved to a 200-acre farm near Dowling in 1945. Buckland attended Delton Kellogg School, graduating in 1956. He and Mary Cantrell met at the Barry County Fair when they were 13. “We were both there, and we just clicked,” he said. Buckland still has the bracelet he bought at that fair with his name on one side and Mary’s on the other. “I had to walk to school in Bristol Comers. But Mary’s dad drove a milk truck, so some mornings if I got out there at the right time, he would give me a ride to school. He told me [later] that if he realized I was going to marry his daughter he’d have run me over,” Buckland said, laughing. “I don’t think he was serious.” After getting married, he and Mary, both 19, purchased his family’s farm and have lived there since. He raised dairy cattle for about 10 years before he opted for a more secure career change. He set his sights on the insurance industry, dedicating the next 40 years to his business, Buckland Insurance. He’s retired now, and currently has 12 cows on his farm. “These will sell in October, and that’ll be it,” he said. “I love them, though.” Buckland rents some of his property to a farmer, so cattle still graze on his land. He still goes out on a golf cart every day with his dog, Red, and drives around his property. The Bucklands had five children. Their son Michael died of leukemia when he was 1 year old. At that time, Buckland said, 95 per­ cent of children with acute leukemia died. That also was around the time St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital was established. “We started giving money to St. Jude’s* and have ever since,” he said. “Every year they send us a couple of letters to let us know what’s going on. This year their letter said that 95 percent of all children with acute leu­ kemia survived.” “That’s a really special place for us, so we’ve always supported them however we could.” Gary Buckland Buckland was involved in 4-H when he was young, advancing to state and national competitions. He served as a leader when his kids were younger, and has watched his grandchildren compete at the fair. “4-H is the best youth program there is,” he said. As a businessman, he has supported the livestock sales for decades. “The highest our 4-H auction has ever been was $860,000, and for years it’s been $600,000-plus,” he said. “That’s heads and shoulders above Kalamazoo, Ionia, and any of the big counties.” He was part of a group that helped raise money to build the library in Delton. And he and Mary were founding members of Our Lady of Great Oak Catholic Church in Bellevue. Buckland recalled having Sunday Mass at an old building, now gone, across from the old schoolhouse on the corner of Pifer Road and M-37 in Dowling. The Bucklands were the 2013 grand marshals of Delton Founders Day. Buckland carries life advice cards which he gives to others. The cards start with the phrase, “On this day ...” followed by advice such as “mend a quarrel” or “write a love letter.” He said he keeps having to get more printed. He estimated he’s handed out more than 1,000 of the cards. For his many ways of supporting the com­ munity and the county, Gary Buckland is a Banner Bright Light. Place I’d like to go: Scotland, I’ve been there before, but I want to go back. The Highlands are a place that isn’t touched by time. Advice for all young people: Love your country and your family. That’s all there is to it. Favorite song: Louis Armstrong’s “Smile.” I don’t know why; I just have loved it forever. Best advice ever received: I don’t remem­ ber who told me but it’s Life is what happens when you’re planning. Favorite sport: basketball. I played center in high school and was probably the biggest kid on the team. Best memory: Getting married. It was the best day of my life. Favorite president: George Bush Sr. The quality of the man has always mattered the most when looking at presidents. Best thing about Barry County: The generosity of the people. The people who have made a lot of money are also very gen­ erous. Favorite hymn: “Morning has Broken.” Favorite place on earth: The top of a hill on my 200-acre farm looking out onto my fields. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058; or email news @j-adgraphics .com. This weekend’s centennial celebration of our own Lawrence J. Bauer Post 45 will offer us all a chance to understand why vet­ erans are such revered members of our society. Beyond the bravery they demon­ strated and the wholehearted dedication to their country that still lives in their hearts, these men and women also have gained something most of us seek and seldom achieve. “All of us are bom for a reason, but all of us don’t discover why,” the late entertain­ er and founder of St. Jude’s Hospital Danny Thomas once said. “Success in life has nothing to do with what you gain in life or accomplish for yourself. It’s what you do for others.” That makes every veteran we meet - and those we see at the many activities that Post 45 has planned for the community this weekend - a success in this life and a model for us all. When I sat down over the week­ end to look over last week’s Reminder and read about our local American Legion Post, I felt that these men and women exemplify and are a great example of what a successful life looks like. They truly are among the few of us, as Danny Thomas said, who have discovered the purpose for which they were bom. It’s so easy for us to forget that these members of our community were once brave young men and women who were willing to give of themselves as they stepped up to serve our country and all for which it stands. Because of the bravery and commit­ ment of our soldiers - some of whom go back to World War II - we’re experiencing the freedoms we enjoy in this country, and we’re also seeing examples every day of what a great and successful life looks like. “We took the oath when we joined the service,” Air Force veteran Jim Atkinson said in last weekend’s Reminder account, “to take care of the guy next to you, and we’ve never been relieved of that oath.” Today, when we see these former soldiers and on the sidewalks of our communities, in church or at the store, it should remind us of their dedication and service to our nation. That memory is even more apparent when we see veterans, with medals and service pins clipped to their crisp uniforms, as they take part in parades, special events or when they present themselves at a funeral service for one of their own. It’s so easy to take our veterans for granted, along with the sacrific­ es they made - some even giving their lives - so that we can live in a country with the freedoms that are only a dream in the lives of so many people around the world With that in mind, all the members of Hastings Post 45 should be considered suc­ cessful because they put their names and their lives on the line to support and defend this nation. The organization that brings these men and women together reminds us of their service by honoring the memories of these dedicated soldiers. Congress chartered the American Legion in 1919 as a patriotic veteran’s organization focusing on the men and women who have served this nation. Throughout the years, the American Legion has fought to protect the special benefits veterans and their families enjoy. It concentrates on overseeing Veterans Administration claims, improving medical and special treatment programs along with improving employment-training services for veterans. And you can count on the orga­ nization to step up when necessary to sup­ port legislation that impacts veterans and their families. And, naturally they’ve always been big promoters of a strong sense of patriotism and the importance of responsi­ ble citizenship. Our Hastings Post 45 will celebrate 100 years tomorrow and Saturday with food and a special musical performance by the 338th What do you Army Band at the Thomapple Plaza in downtown Hastings. Then, Saturday, a number of special events are planned at the post on south M-37. Look in the Aug. 10 Reminder for all the details and stories focusing on our local American Legion. As I read through those stories over the weekend, the accounts also made me think about the contrast between what these dedi­ cated soldiers were willing to give for our country and what’s going on in our country today. “America will never be destroyed from the outside,” former President Abraham Lincoln said. “If we falter and lose our free­ doms, it will be because we destroyed our­ selves.” As Americans, we live in a country ded­ icated to a historic declaration of intent stated clearly in our Constitution: “We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union” live and should be ready to defend our democracy against any outside dictatorship. Yet, in recent years we seem compelled to openly yell at one anoth­ er and are ready to insinuate that others use malice if they don’t think the way we do and claiming the authority to condemn the beliefs we hold. We will be reminded again this weekend that it’s the men and women who make up the American Legion who were willing to fight for the rights we hold so dear and that make us and our country so special. With so many problems confronting our nation it’s easy to allow our differences to consume and divide us, and yet if our democracy is to survive, then it’s imperative that each one of us understand that we must answer some important questions: Do I, in my everyday habits live the democracy I profess? Am I tolerant to other viewpoints? Do I allow the divisions to determine who and what I’m willing to tolerate? Am I tolerant to others where I find myself in disagreement? Today, we find ourselves in the difficult dilemma of all sorts of people not liking others just because they have different viewpoints. We are so quick to use labels like ‘big business,’ ‘racist,’ ‘white suprema­ cist’, ‘anti- immigration’ that just fuel the dissent and that further divide us. We’ve lost our ability to debate the issues in hopes of finding some reasonable conclusion - and that’s the division Lincoln suggested would lead us to ‘destroy ourselves.’ It’s essential that we all make a concert­ ed effort to become better informed, which can be easier said than done. Facts come hard and fiction is easy, especially when it’s meant to appeal to our emotions. A free and democratic society, though, requires that all of us have the discipline to voluntarily look at the viewpoints of others with the under­ standing that each one of us has the right to determine what we believe and how we think. Just because you and I don’t agree on all the facts - we are not enemies. Try to attend some or all of the special events that our local American Legion Post 45 has planned for us this weekend and, if you get the chance, thank our veterans for everything they’ve done to promote a better life for all of us. Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by accessing our website, www. HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the fol­ lowing week. Last week: According to a recent report, Michigan has more than 670,000 residents with mental illness­ es who did not receive any treatment. Kevin Fischer, executive director of the Michigan chap­ ter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, says, “We consider this an epidemic in Michigan.” Are state legislators doing enough to address mental illness issues across the state? Yes 0% No 100% For this week: With the recent reduction in auto insurance rates, some officials think cost is no excuse for not having vehicle insurance. One law­ maker is proposing that police be allowed to seize the license plate if a driver has no auto insurance. Is this a good idea? □ Yes □ No �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 15, 2019 — Page 5 State superintendent: Need more career tech, teachers, mental health care Bridge Magazine Michael Rice seldom shied from providing his blunt opinion on education issues as superintendent at Kalamazoo Public Schools. On his seventh day as state superintendent, Rice made it apparent he’d be just as blunt as the state’s top voice in education. In an Aug. 8 interview with Bridge, Rice seemingly broke with Gov. Gretchen Whitmer on whether to close Benton Harbor High School, suggested the state is overhyping the need to go to a four-year college, and said the Legislature must open its checkbook and spend more on education. (The following interview with Dr. Rice has been edited for length and clarity.) Bridge: You’re taking over as the state’s top school leader in the middle of a controversy over Benton Harbor Schools. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer proposed closing the high school because of bad academic performance and huge debt. Should Benton Harbor High close? Rice: No Bridge: You seem to be putting yourself crossways with the governor on this. Rice: I don’t think so because, strictly speaking, I don’t think that was a proposal; it was more: ‘You have a deficit. Here is one way of approaching it.’ Bridge: You’re a proponent of expanded career and vocational tech opportunities for students. Why? Rice: I think we’ve oversold the four-year college experience. That’s not to say that university education is a bad thing, university education is tremen­ dously important. And I’m the wrong person to argue against higher education. On the other hand, everybody is not inter- Michael Rice ested in going to college for years, and every­ body’s not interested in a career that requires four years of higher education. We ought to be about exposing children to a wide range of jobs so that they’re aware that these jobs are out there. You may or may not have wanted to be a welder when you were growing up. Similarly, for me. It helps, though, to know that there’s such a thing called welding, and the requisite background to become a welder, this is what you can (earn), these are the conditions, this is what you get to do. Bridge: What can the state do to improve early literacy? Rice: There is no argument in the state that we have to do better. With respect to literacy, it’s fundamental for everything else in public education. And I might add everything else in a 21st-century life, as well. Write Us A Letter: The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: • All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Know Your Legislators Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov I’m a proponent of summer literacy pro­ grams. ... [and] there should be universal 4-year-old preschool, which you see not only a focus in a number of studies, but also direc­ tionally where the governor wants to go. Bridge: Would that be universal free pre-K, or a sliding scale cost based on income? Rice: One could easily argue for a sliding scale. I think that’s legitimate. But there ought to be a reasonable enough sliding scale that you don’t inadvertently exclude people. Because, you know, the idea that simply because someone is defined as middle class that they have the wherewithal to send their 4-year-old to pre-K is not necessarily the case. Bridge: Gov. Whitmer has proposed a K-12 budget that relies more on a weighted formula for school funding than past budgets - giving more money to students who are in groups that take more financial resources to educate, such as low-income students and English lan­ guage learners. Do you favor a weighted for­ mula? Rice: There’s no question about it. This is a big deal. This is a game changer. We’ve had five studies in five years all saying the same thing: We’re underfunded and we’re not equitably funded. We don’t fund different children in different ways [though] different children have different needs. We don’t do that in this state. And that adversely affects what we get in terms of out­ comes. Bridge: That can’t happen without more money? Rice: That’s correct. There’s no question. We get what we pay for. And remember, the young people that we educate in this state are needier than in many other states. Our poverty levels are higher than many other states. Our children come [to school] with less exposure [to reading] and greater needs than in many other states. Bridge: There’s a growing teacher shortage in Michigan that is leading to a vast increase in the number of long-term substitutes, who often have no teaching background, leading classrooms. Is that a concern to you? Rice: We have a number of shortage areas; in subject areas, geographical areas. It is increasingly adversely affecting the profes­ sion and, by extension and more importantly, young people. It’s a problem that’s been at least a decade in the making, and it is going to take the better part of the next 10 years to reverse it. But we have to reverse it. The future of the profession and more importantly, the future of young people, really depends upon it. Bridge: What’s an issue in schools the Legislature doesn’t have a keen awareness of yet that needs more funding? Rice: Student mental health. Educators know this is an issue. Increasingly our citi­ zens realize that this is an issue. I don’t think our legislatures nationally have caught up to this. : Among practitioners, they know that there are a lot of young people who are struggling with anxiety, who are struggling with depres­ sion, who are struggling with more profound mental health challenges. And we’re increas­ ingly seeing it in these very powerful moments - Dayton, El Paso, Newtown. (But) much of what we experience in schools isn’t extraordinary, isn’t genocidal. It’s just the garden-variety child who feel so depressed that he can’t get out of bed, or thje child that feels so anxious that she’s uncom­ fortable going to school because she doesn’t know how to navigate the hallways. How do we address that? How do we see those signs? How do we address growing mental health challenges? And how do we work with young people to get them to a bet­ ter place? I want to work with educators, with doc­ tors, with associations, to drive up the con­ sciousness around this. KAMA fall session open for registration Deadline is Aug. 23 for five-week condensed course for adults Through a new partnership with West Michigan Works, Barry County will host a KAMA program this fall. This free training for jobs is focused on adults who wish to expand their skills and knowledge for a successful career in manu­ facturing. A condensed course in advanced manufac­ turing basics will run approximately five weeks, from Sept. 3 through Oct. 10. Sessions will be Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Community College Fehsenfeld Center in Hastings. Manufacturing plant tours, mock inter­ views and an in-depth manufacturing cap­ stone project are included in the curriculum. With local unemployment rates at historical lows, the demand for talent is increasing. And this means opportunities for Barry County youth and young adults, Travis Alden, Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance president, said. Bringing those opportunities to the fore­ front is crucial for the future success of the local economy as well as individual career prosperity. “Multiple collaborative initiatives in Barry County are actively moving^the needle when it comes to talent development,” Alden said. “For a small community, there’s a lot going Police ask for public for help to find missing teen on.” Organizations such as the chamber/EDA, Barry Community Foundation, Barry Career Access Network, local school districts and others have established and continue to pur­ sue innovative workforce development pro­ grams to not only help local employers thrive, but connect local residents - primarily youth - with opportunities to be successful, he said. These opportunities range from career-ex­ posure tours at local companies, a countywide career expo, participation in the regional MICareerQuest event and new career and technical education opportunities for students. The signature initiative, the Kellogg Advanced Manufacturing Assembly training program, has seen three successful groups of graduating high school seniors not only gain necessary hard and soft skills, but also employment at local manufacturing firms immediately after completing the program. “I’ve seen students begin KAMA with zero plans for after graduation and minimal moti­ vation to succeed,” Mike Schneiderhan, workforce development coordinator with the chamber/EDA, said. “KAMA sparks some­ thing in these kids. “Through this program, they see how train­ ing can positively impact their careers and their lives. I’m not exaggerating when I say I’ve seen students transform during their KAMA experience, in outstanding ways.” The KAMA curriculum - which is continu­ ally improved by KCC staff with collabora­ tion from local stakeholders - includes com­ ponents ranging from financial literacy and teamwork to hands-on math, measurement and safety. The experience culminates in a multi-week manufacturing simulation cap­ stone that immerses students in a real-world manufacturing experience. “We regularly hear success stories from our KAMA graduates, ranging from promotions at work to receiving tuition assistance to get additional training,” Alden said. “Every stu­ dent success from KAMA is not only one more local resident on their way to prosperity, but it’s also helping to strengthen our commu­ nity economy by keeping our local companies staffed up.” Those interested in the fall program should call Tina Wescott at the West Michigan Works office in Hastings, 616-649-9848. Registration deadline is Friday, Aug. 23. West Michigan Works will potentially cover all tuition costs for qualifying applicants. Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF® (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinancial.com Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you Jeffrey A. Keessen AIF® Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC American Legion 100 Years Come out to the Thornapple Plaza on Friday, August 16th starting at 6 pm for FREE hotdogs and cake followed by338Army Band 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855­ 347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. taking stage at 7:30 pm... Help American Legion Post 45 Celebrate their 100 Years... A Special thanks to these Great Sponsors!! U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. The Hastings OniMlCG Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce Editor) Kathy Maurer (Ccc.< Editor) Brett Bremer (Spors Editor) Tanett Hodge Taylor Owens $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 W Purpie Heart Foundation Ethan Valdez was reported missing Monday. The Michigan State Police are asking the public for information on the whereabouts of 15-year-old Ethan Valdez. An Orangeville resident and Thomapple Kellogg Schools student, Valdez ran away from home Monday, and has not been heard from since, police said. State troopers described the teenager as 5-feet 9-inches tall,, 165 pounds, who has short, black hair and wears glasses. “He is of mixed race and appears Hispanic,” police said. “He is possibly wearing an orange- and gray-striped shirt and black, Adidas tennis shoes.” Anyone with information on his where­ abouts should contact Trooper Desch at the MSP Wayland Post at 269-792-2213, or Allegan County Dispatch, 269-673-3899. TCU Thornapple Credit Union GREENRIDGE REALTY Pat Falconer-Doezema Realtor and Broker The Ken Clisso Family THE AMERICAN LEG ION 2019 �Page 6 — Thursday, August 15, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Together ...at the church of your choice > Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at ”an old country church.” Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmaU. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings qf 10:30 fop wqrshipf find Us On Facebook! @ hastingshopeumc. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office, greenstreetumc @ gmail. com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948­ 8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings, org. Worship Service at 10 a.m. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945­ 9217. cbchastings.org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmaiLcom. Website: www. hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha. Stoetzel. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAM­ ILY HOUR WELCOMES ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Pre­ school age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Stan­ dard and Adult Elective class­ es. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service; 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church age 44th grade dismissed during service. Sunday Evening Youth Group, Wednesday Mid-Week and Thursday Bible Study will resume in the fall. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God’s Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! Aug. 18 - Services at 8 & 10:45 a.m. Aug. 19 - CPR/ AED class 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.; First Aid Class 12:15­ 4:30 p.m.; Executive Mtg. 6 p.m. ; LACS 6 p.m. Aug. 20 Council Mtg. 6 p.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@ grace-hastings.org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945-2698. www. grace-hastings.org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran ChurchELCA Hastings. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses Graphics Products 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699W.M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 Della Mary Keeler Thelma Noreen Weyerman Webb AfflHLDWIDESUPPLIEROF 770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541 Longtime Nashville resident Thelma Noreen Weyerman Webb died peacefully at home, with her beloved daughter-in-law Patricia by her side, on August 2, 2019, at age 96. She was bom in Hastings on July 17, 1923 to Carl and Bertha (Strodtbeck) Weyerman and attended school in Hastings, graduating in 1942. From a young age, Thelma was happiest cook­ ing, baking, and mastering all kinds of home crafts. As she grew up and married Harold Webb on February 3,1945, she became the best cookie baker and afghan maker there ever was. Holidays at Nana’s house were always full of the best food, delicious desserts, and amaz­ ing salads. Later in life, Thelma loved to bake cookies for the Grace Community Church and would come to Sunday service with dozens of wonderful goodies to share. Thelma was also an accomplished cake bak­ er, outfit designer and seamstress, and amazing with a crochet hook and knitting needles. She made the best kids birthday cakes in all kinds of shapes and her chop suey recipe was just amazing. Her vegetable garden was a wonder to get lost in, eat fresh from the vine, and weed till your hands hurt. Thelma was preceded in death by her parents, half-sister, and her husband, who we like to think were waiting for her in heaven with open arms ready to show herall the wonders waiting for her, and to makb introductions tb our Heav­ enly Father. She is survived by her son, Richard Webb (Patricia), grandchildren, Roberta Janisse, Har­ old Webb (Esther), Steven Webb (Stacey), and Patsy Thunberg (Mike), great grandchildren, Greg Janisse (Ashley), Michael Janisse (Emilie), Gregory Webb, Evelyn Thunberg, and Zoe Thunberg, and great, great grandchild Steven Janisse. We will all miss her dearly. We will always remember the summers at the lake, family reunions, posing for pictures, the four-hour drive from home to Nana’s where we wiggled the last half hour. She was always up waiting for us with a hug and a kiss. She taught us all how to bake, how to cook, how to sew, and she was never shy about correcting our be­ havior with the most love possible. A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on October 19, 2019 at Riverside Cemetery in Hastings. Due to Thelma’s great love of all animals, memorial contributions may be made to Barry County Humane Society. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings, ML To leave online condolences visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. Our Nana used to say, “Stay out of trouble, and if you can’t do that, don’t get caught”. We shall forever attempt to live by these words. Vernon H. Texter KALAMAZOO, MI - Vernon H. “Bud” Texter, of Kalamazoo, age 92, passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 13,2019. He was bom in Hastings, on September 12, 1926, the son of the late Clarence and Bemiece (McDermott) Texter. Bud was drafted into the U.S. Army during WWII and was honorably discharged from the U.S. Air Force. He is survived by his wife, Joan; children, John (Tracy) Texter, Julie Ann (Michael) Web­ ster and Sally Texter; stepchildren, Gregory (Amy) Francisco and Ronda (Rick) Furrow; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Bud was preceded in death by his first wife, Dorothy (Ernst) Texter and infant daughter, Carol Louise Texter. A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held on Monday, Aug. 19, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Oshtemo United Methodist Church, 6574 Stadi­ um Dr., Kalamazoo, MI 49009. Memorial contributions may be made to Habitat for Humanity, Hospice Care of South­ west Michigan or Oshtemo United Methodist Church. Family and friends may share a condo­ lence message online at www.joldersma-klein. com. Arrangements by: Joldersma & Klein Funer­ al Home - 917 S. Burdick St., Kalamazoo, MI 49001 - 269-343-2628 HASTINGS, MI - James Lee Fenstemaker, age 66, of Hastings, passed away on August 11, 2019. James was bom on August 6,1953, the son of James and Betty (McKelvey) Fenstemaker and attended Hastings High School. On December 27,1978, he married his wife of 40 years, Bren­ da (Ashdon) Fenstemaker. James worked in construction and enjoyed mushrooming, kayaking, squirrel and bird hunt­ ing, ice fishing, 4-wheeling, horseback riding, camping, and spending time with his children and grandchildren. James was preceded in death by his mother, Betty (McKelvey) Fenstemaker; niece, Amber Fenstemaker; brother-in-law, Dwight Hewitt, and father-in-law, Bob Ashdon. He is survived by his father, James R. Fenste­ maker; mother-in-law, Jean Ashdon; wife, Bren­ da (Ashdon) Fenstemaker; sons, John (Tami) Norris, James (Jill) Fenstemaker, Brad (Kaylee) Fenstemaker; grandchildren, Jacob (Lexi), Tan­ ner, Skylar, Allie, Tucker, Sophia; great-grand­ children Montana and Isabella; sisters, Luanne Fenstemaker, Vickie Hewitt; brothers, Floyd (Robin) Fenstemaker, Don Fenstemaker, and George Fenstemaker; sister-in-law, Bobbi Ash­ don, and many beloved nieces, nephews, cous­ ins'and friends. . A Memorial Luncheon will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019 at Thomapple Val­ ley Church 2750 M-43, Hastings, MI 49058. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to American Lymphoma Society https://lymphomahelp.org/ or the Barry County Animal Shelter, 540 Industrial Park Dr, Hast­ ings, MI 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. Della Mary Keeler passed away on Monday, August 12,2019, surrounded by her loving fam­ ily. She was raised in the Nashville area and grad­ uated from Nashville High School in 1947 and married Lawrence “Honk” Keeler in that same year. Together they raised six children: Stuart (Barb), Deborah (Rich), Patricia (Bob), Dale (Linda), Timothy (Roxann), and Lisa (Jerry). Della taught Sunday School at the Presbyterian Church, was a Bluebird Leader, and active with Jr. Bowling. Della volunteered at many places including Meals-on-Wheels with the COA, Pennock Hos­ pital gift shop, and together with her husband provided catering services through the Moose Lodge. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, knitting, and spending time with her children and grand­ children who she loved equally. Della is survived by all her children; 16 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; sisters, Kathy Stout, Sharon Meade, and Linda Dobson; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, and three sisters. Honoring her wishes, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held Sunday, Aug. 18, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Lauer Family Fu­ neral Homes, 1401 N. Broadway in Hastings, Michigan. The family requests in lieu of flowers, you consider a memorial contribution to the Com­ mission on Aging or charity of your choice. Please share condolences at www.lauerfh.com. James E. Stoneburner DELTON, MI - James Everett Stonebumer, age 87, of Delton, passed away at his home on August 9, 2019. James was bom on October 14, 1931 at his family home in Alamo Township to Clinton and Ruth (Kaylor) Stonebumer. After graduating from Otsego in 1950, he worked for 43 % years at James River as a pipefitter, retiring in 1993. James proudly served his country in the United States Air Force. James loved to be outdoors enjoying hunting, fishing or cutting wood. He would often work all day then come home to take care of his ani­ mals and farm. James had a passion for garden­ ing, often planting over 100 tomato plants each year. James loved the Lord, and as a longtime member of Hickory Comers Bible Church he helped to build the new church building. Most of all, he loved his family and enjoyed spending time with them. James is survived by his dear wife of 62 years, Shirley (Nevins) Stonebumer; children, James (Kristy) Stonebumer, Teresa (Don) Cichy, Jodi Visser, Michele (Ken) Hicks, Alyssa (Beto) Arias; 16 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchil­ dren; brothers, Harry Stonebumer, Frank (Judy) Stonebumer, Hugh Stonebumer; sisters, Arlene Wallace, Judy Jaeger; many nieces and neph­ ews. James was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Clinton Stonebumer, John Stonebum­ er, Kenneth Stonebumer, Jack Stonebumer; sisters, Lucille Barber, Mary Knowlton, Ruth Graham. James’ family will receive friends on Friday, y*-* /I Aug. 16 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Williams-Gores Funeral Home in Delton, and again on Satur­ day from 12 to 1 p.m. at Hickory Comers Bible Church where a funeral service will be conduct­ ed at 1 p.m. with Pastor Jeff Worden officiating. Burial will take place at Cedar Creek Cemetery with military honors conducted by American Legion Post 45. . In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the Hickory Comers Bible Church will be ap­ preciated. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condo­ lence message for James’ family. * Traditional and Cremation Services • Pre-Planning Services • Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible Serving AH Faiths Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted 0^5^'328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 X <1.1 X X Owncr/Managcr 269 945-3252 • www.girrbachfuneralliome. Family Owned and Operated Serving Hastings, Barry County and Surrounding Communities for 50 years 1 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 15, 2019 — Page 7 DEVELOPMENT, continued from page 1 Joseph Bivens (left) receives the Loring F. Oeming Award at the Michigan Water Environment Association’s 94th Annual Conference. (Photo provided) ivens honored by state water-quality group Joseph Bivens received the Loring F. Oeming Award from the Michigan Water Environment Association at the MWEA’s 94th recent annual conference at Boyne Mountain Resort. This award is given to an industrial plant operator who has demonstrated outstanding work at an industrial facility. Bivens, of Nashville, is a superintendent and operator with L.D. Docsa Associates, and has been assisting with the operations of the new wastewater pre-treatment plant at the Clemens Food Group in Coldwater. He also provided plant construction, startup, mainte­ nance, trouble-shooting, operation assistance, as well as lead operator when needed, playing a key role in the success of the project from design to operations. Prior to working at L.D. Docsa, Bivens was employed at the family’s dairy business, Ladine Farms in Bellevue for 37 years. Bivens attended Kellogg Community College and the Calhoun Technology Center. In his free time, he his wife Bobbi, and two children, Taylor and Graci, go camping, hik­ ing, and volunteer with their church. The Michigan, Water Environment Association, established in 1925, represents more than 3,000 water quality professionals statewide who are dedicated to preserving, restoring and enhancing Michigan’s water environment. SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Terms in plain language Vonda VanTil Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Some of the terms and acronyms (an abbre­ viation of the first letters of words in a phrase) people use when they talk about Social Security can be a little confusing. We’re here to help you understand all you need to know. Social Security employees strive to explain benefits using easy-to-understand, plain lan­ guage. In fact, The Plain Writing Act of 2010 requires federal agencies to communicate clearly in a way “the public can understand and use.” If a technical term or acronym that you don’t know slips into the conversation or appears in written material, you can easily find the meaning in our online glossary at socialsecurity.gov/agency/glossary. Social Security’s acronyms function as ver­ bal shorthand in your financial planning con­ versations. If you’re nearing retirement, you may want to know what PIA (primary insur­ ance amount), FRA (full retirement age), and DRCs (delayed retirement credits) mean. These terms involve your benefit amount based on when you decide to take it. If you take your retirement benefit at FRA, you’ll receive the full PIA (amount payable for a retired worker who starts benefits at full retirement age). So, FRA is an age and PIA is an amount. Once you receive benefits, you get a COLA most years. But don’t expect a fizzy drink — a COLA is a Cost of Living Adjustment, and that will usually mean a little extra money in your monthly payment. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads What about DRCs? Delayed retirement credits are the incremental increases added to the PIA if you delay taking retirement benefits beyond your full retirement age. If you wait to begin benefits beyond FRA — say, at age 68 or even 70 — your benefit increases. If one of those unknown terms or acronyms comes up in conversation, you can be the one to supply the definition using our online glos­ sary. Sometimes learning the terminology can deepen your understanding of how Social Security works for you. Discover and share more at socialsecurity.gov. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 4952,5 or via email to vonda. Vantil @ ssa .gov. HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Thursday, Aug. 15 - Baby Cafe 10 a.m., noon; Movie Memories presents a 1953 film starring Rita Hayworth, Jose Ferrer and Aldo Rey, based on W. Somerset Maugham’s short story “Miss Thompson” (later retitled “Rain”), 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 16 - teen video games, noon. Saturday, Aug. 17 - summer reading pro­ gram ends; Dungeons and Dragons, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; board game group, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; Date Night Movie at the Plaza, “50 First Dates,” dusk (around 9:30 p.m.) Monday, Aug. 19 - Quilting Passions, 10 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 20 - mahjong, 5:30, chess club, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21 - music acoustic jam session, 5 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. on the ground floor and 18 to 27 residential units on the top three floors that could be completed by the spring of 2021. Both pro­ posals would require a special-use permit to override the city’s current ordinance restrict­ ing downtown buildings to no more than eight units in the central business district. “Where’s the plan?” Council Member Al Jarvis asked in regard to Moore’s hope for a final decision Monday. “We need a lot more information here. I am not ready to make a decision.” Fellow council member John Resseguie echoed the same sentiment about Moore’s urgency. “I’ve got to see all the plans and proposals before I can say yes or no.” Moore, who revealed Monday that he is representing an investment group led by Nathan Heyboer, owner of DHE Plumbing and Mechanical of Hudsonville, explained that the accelerated request for council approval is centered on an October deadline for project funding assistance through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. A MSHDA grant would provide tax incentives allowing the developer to offer 80 percent of its units as affordable housing to residents making an average of 60 percent of Barry County’s average median income. The remaining 20 percent of units would be offered at market rates. “If we miss the October round of [MSHDA] funding, the next one won’t be until April and that will cool the rockets,” Moore said. “We need a decision to meet the October submis­ sion date. If we receive the funding in October, we’ll be able to hire the best people and sub­ mit a construction plan. If [funding] doesn’t get approved, it will just be a different build­ ing.” Asked if his company’s proposal would demand an immediate council decision and possible delays in organizing a funding pack­ age, Veneklasen responded that, “our funding package is not dependent on a six-month review, so we’re not concerned about a fund­ ing package or the timing. We’re happy with whatever timetable is put in place.” The Veneklasen proposal package present­ ed Monday concedes “complex economics” involved with the project but that, “our team has done extensive research on local apart­ ment and retail rents, which are difficult to combine with a newly constructed building.” Among the funding tools cited for possible project funding assistance are Brownfield Tax Increment Financing, Downtown Development Authority grants, the Michigan Community Revitalization Program, and property tax abatements. Because its pro­ posed 18 apartment units would be priced at market rates, the Veneklasen proposal would not have to seek state affordable housing assistance from departni^ts like MSHDA and could sidestep the cumbersome and lengthy process of grant approvals. Size and funding packages a^e not the only differences in the two proposals. Another, which lit up some spirited discussion, is park­ ing. The 42- to 45-unit outline provided by Moore would require a similar number of parking spaces, accommodations that Moore suggested at last week’s planning commission meeting could be assigned to nearby cityowned public parking lots. The Veneklasen proposal would locate all of its needed 18 to 27 parking spaces onsite, underground. “We really want at least one parking spot per unit on the premises because we don’t want our tenants having to park four or five blocks away,” Veneklasen said. Pointing to a similar project in South Haven with underground parking, Veneklasen told the council “this is something we’ve done a number of times. “ Council members, as did their planning commission colleagues one week ago, strug­ gled what the ramifications of adding an addi­ tional 42-45 cars each day in public parking areas intended to accommodate local mer- chants. “What would happen,” Council Member Brenda McNabb-Stange asked Moore, “if you have a parking agreement with the City of Hastings and at any point in the future a lot will not be available? My concern is that we have plans for a new fire bam close to the parking there.” After Mayor Dave Tossava pointed out that the Baltimore Irving Rutland Carlton Hastings Fire Department recently completed a remod­ el and renovation study that could mean only fire and ambulance personnel - and no police department - would constitute a smaller-thanplanned future occupancy, Moore sought to assure McNabb-Stange that he did not wish to “fight how you make decisions.” “But what’s more important,” Moore con­ tinued, “new people coming into Hastings or a new fire bam?” That may be part of the larger dilemma with which council members will now have to deal, a dilemma that came into focus but could not be solved as Moore had hoped Monday. “Keep in mind, we have two consider­ ations,” Council Member Bill Redman sum­ marized. “We have the Veneklasen package of 27 units with parking underneath and onsite. The other proposal is for 45 units but then we have to worry about parking. What we want is to get people downtown, so I think we have to look at the 45 [unit proposal]. “We can spend a lot of time throwing ideas back and forth, but I think it would be good for [city] staff to get with these gentlemen, negotiate a package, and bring it back to the council,” Redman said. “If we can see some­ thing in our packets the weekend before, we could come back and make a decision two weeks from tonight.” “Two weeks is a long time [to wait],” Council Member Don Bowers told Moore, “but, being we don’t have all the information, we’re rushing, too.” Before seconding Redman’s motion for a two-week preparation and study period as well as a 6 p.m. workshop to precede the Aug. 26 council meeting, McNabb-Stange also suggested that the planning commission be included in the workshop. The motions passed on an 8-0 vote with Council Member Don Smith not in atten­ dance. Attracting people to downtown Hastings has been no problem for Julie Fox, proprietor of the U-Rent-Em Canoe Livery on the Thornapple River at 805 W. Apple St. Handling the crowds to the city’s satisfaction is the problem with which she approached the council Monday. Following a comprehensive presentation highlighting her company’s role as a vibrant member of the business and philanthropic community, Fox transitioned to a contention that city leaders and police enforcement of overflow visitor parking has led to an “adver­ sarial relationship.” Of particular concern was a recent Saturday during which more than 1,300 patrons of the livery were ticketed for illegal parking and the absence of a plan to accommodate similar situations in the future especially on an adja­ cent “green space” and a berm that acts as a protection from flooding from the Thornapple River. “An emergency meeting with [City Manager] Jerry [Czarnecki] was called a cou­ ple of weeks ago on a Friday,” Fox said, “and I was told that the city would no longer renew green space parking for overflow visitors even though the lease application allows it but does not allow parking on the berm. On Saturday, there was a police presence, and all my visitors were ticketed. “Learning something on a Friday, I can’t make it work on a Saturday ... That was a decision that should have been made before council ... I want to know how the council feels about our business.” “Julie, how do you feel about being a good neighbor?” Tossava asked, beginning a dis­ cussion of clarifications, corrections and sug­ gestions. “There is no way I want to see you leave.” Czarnecki was among the first to provide some revisions to the record. “We did meet on a Friday, but it was not the same weekend [as the overflow parking situation],” Czarnecki pointed out to Fox. “The police had been requested not to follow through on parking tickets so that you had a chance to work on the situation. When tickets were issued outside the parking area on Apple Street it was after complaints from the dog park that handicapped parking spaces there were being blocked.” Hastings Police Chief Jeff Pratt concurred, saying, “We only responded after we received complaints.” “The agreement we had with you covered years ago,” Tossava said, focusing on the green space parking issue. “One of the issues we have now is an ordinance stating you can’t park on the grass anywhere in the city of Hastings. Maybe you can pay to put gravel down so people can park -1 want to be a good neighbor.” After lengthy council discussion which included observations that, at other businesses in the city, parking on the grass occurs and that the original ordinance was written to dis­ courage residents from parking their cars on their lawns, council members sought some common ground. Since the river canoe season is about to wind down and since Fox is transi­ tioning her business upriver to property at 1400 and 1402 E. Center St., a suggestion was made that green space parking should be allowed until the end of the season, condition­ al on no parking being allowed on the berm. That motion passed on a 5-3 count with Redman, Resseguie, McNabb-Stange, Jim Cary and Therese Maupin-Moore approving and Jarvis, Bowers, and Tossava voting against. In other business, the council: -Proclaimed the coming weekend as American Legion Centennial Weekend, fol­ lowing a presentation by post historian Brian Shumway on the upcoming 100th anniversary of Lawrence J. Bauer American Legion Post 45 in Hastings. -Approved Youth Advisory Council Director Jilian Foster’s request to hold the annual YAC Rood Sit Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to noon. -Named Tossava as its repreOntative to the Michigan Municipal League Convention in Detroit Sept. 25-27. -Approved the purchases of a Hot Patch Trailer ($29,090) and a wood chipper ($37,164) as recommended by department of public works staff. -Received a report on the repair to Water Well No. 4 from Bob Masters, hydrologist with Peerless Inc. City of Hastings NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING REZONING OF PROPERTY LOCATED AT 325 N. HANOVER STREET COMMONLY KNOWN AS ROYAL COACH SITE The Planning Commission for the City of Hastings will hold a Public Hearing for the purpose of hearing written and/or oral comments from the public concerning the rezoning of a cer­ tain portion of the property at 325 North Hanover Street, south of Mill St. commonly known as the Royal Coach site. The Planning Commission will consider the proposed rezoning of said property from D-1 Industrial to PUD Planned Unit Development. The public hearing will be held at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 in City Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Stephen Donald Evans, Elkins, AR and Michelle Lynn Trocinski, Elkins, AR Stephenie Lynne Wooster, Las Vegas, NV and Finley Paul Ballard, Las Vegas, NV Garry Jay Townsend, Hastings and Heather Lynn Coston, Hastings Brittany Raychelle Grandahi, Hastings and Leroy Hill, Hastings William Charles Chappell, Battle Creek and Angela Marie Dean; Battle Creek Jessica Elise Mazun Oak Lawn, IL and Joseph Lawrence Norri|, Oak Lawn, IL Kylee Ann Head, Dowling and Caleb Hunter McCulloch, Dowling Tammy Rae Berdecia, Hastings and Andy Joe Hayes, Hastings ' Elizabeth Mae Sedore, Hastings and Noble Ryan Wilson, Wyoming Caitlin Rose Vreugde, Hastings and Scott Alan Huggett, Bellevue Allie Jane Brush, Plainwell and Anthony James Lewis, Plainwell A copy of the proposed changes and map are available for public inspection from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday at the Office of the Community Development Director, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Questions or comments can be directed to Dan King, Community Development Director, at 269.945.2468 or dking@hastingsmi.org The City will provide necessary reasonable aids and services upon five days notice to the City Clerk at 269.945.2468 or TDD call relay services 800.649.3777. Jane M. Saurman CityClerk �Page 8 — Thursday, August 15, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD JONES Elaine Garlock McKenzie’s Place on M-50 between Nash Highway and Bell will host an open house Saturday. Visitors are invited to tour the grounds, pet a puppy and maybe even adopt one. Sunfield Farmers Picnic Homecoming is this weekend with many activities Thursday through Sunday. Friday will include rides, children’s activities followed by Saturday’s pancake breakfast, a parade and more. Next Wednesday, Lakewood United Methodist Church will host a program called Protect Young Eyes, which deals with internet gaming and more. This is geared to parents and caregivers. First Congregational Church hosted many visitors for the installation service for Rev. Dr. Marilyn Danielson of Portland Sunday. The new pastor’s grandchildren served as acolytes lighting candles at the opening of the service. The clergy involved had processed to the front pews while organist Linda Westveld played the prelude. Robert Shoemaker, moderator for the local church congregation, gave the welcome. Rev. Dr. Charles Packer led the call to worship in his role representing the National Association of Congregational Churches. Other pastors represented the ecclesiastical council, other Michigan churches had the Lakewood Ministerial Association. There was special music by Portland church members, the sermon, the charge to the incoming pastor, prayer of installation and the charge to the congregation and church covenant. Following the closing hymn and benediction, the assembly was invited to the church dining room for a light meal. Pastors who attended included those from Sandstone, Saugatuck, Pittsford and Mayflower in Lansing. Monday, United Methodist Women of Central UMC held their annual salad luncheon with more than 50 present. President Teri Catt brought a devotional message before the meal and gave the table blessing. There were many guests from other churches as well as family members. After the meal, the assembly was entertained for the next hour by Mrs. Slade who sang, played her ukulele and bantered with the guests. The on-call circle provided much of the hosting. Business owners need their own retirement plans accumulate tax-deferred earnings. As a business owner, you can’t afford to to ignore your competition. You can’t afford to However, you could choose to open a Roth miss out on the trends affecting your 401(k), which can be funded with after-tax industry. You can’t afford to alienate dollars. With a Roth 401(k), your earnings customers. And here’s one more item to add can grow tax-free, provided you’ve had your to the list: You can’t afford not to create a account at least five years and you don’t start taking withdrawals until you’re at least retirement plan for yourself. Of course, you might think that, one day, 59-1/2. Which plan is right for you? The answer you’ll simply sell your business and live off the proceeds. But selling a business isn’t depends on several factors, such as whether always simple, and there’s no guarantee you have any employees and how much you’ll receive enough to pay for a money you can contribute each year. But all comfortable retirement - which is why you the plans mentioned above are generally easy should strongly consider creating a to establish, and the administrative costs are usually minimal. Most important, any one of retirement plan now. Here are some of the most widely used them can help you build some of the resources you’ll need to enjoy the retirement plans: lifestyle you’ve envisioned. To select an • SEP-IRA: You can contribute up to 25 percent of your compensation — as much as appropriate plan, you may want to consult $56,000 in 2019 — to a SEP-IRA. Your with your tax and financial advisors. In any case, don’t wait too long. Time goes contributions are tax deductible and your earnings grow tax-deferred until withdrawn. by quickly, and when you reach that day This plan offers you significant flexibility in when you’re a “former” business owner, making contributions for yourself and your you’ll want to be prepared. This article was written by Edward Jones employees. Plus, as an employer, you can generally deduct, as business expenses, any for use by your local Edward Jones Financial contributions you make on behalf of your Advisor If you have any questions, contact Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. plan participants. • SIMPLE IRA: In 2019, you can put in up to $13,000 — or $16,000 if you’re 50 or older — to a SIMPLE IRA. As is the case with the SEP-IRA, your earnings grow tax deferred. You can match your employees’ contributions dollar for dollar, up to 3 percent of compensation. If you work for yourself, you can combine employee and employer contributions, so if you use the 3 percent matching rule, and you earn enough to fully A public hearing is scheduled for 3:00pm on Monday, September 9, 2019 of the match employee contributions, you can put in Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health Regional Entity (“SWMBH”) Substance up to $26,000 per year (or $32,000 if you’re Use Disorder Oversight Policy Board meeting to be held at KVCC - The Groves 50 or older). Alternatively, you could Campus, located at 7107 Elm Valley Dr. Kalamazoo, Ml, 49009, for the purpose contribute 2 percent of each eligible of discussing the budget for SWMBH’s 1986 Public Act 2 (MCL 211.24e[11]) employee’s compensation each year, up to a maximum of $5,600, regardless of whether funds for the 12 month period from October 1st 2019-September 30th 2020. the employee contributes. Contributions to The meeting will be held in compliance with the Open Meetings Act, 1976 PA your employees are tax deductible. 267, MCL 15.261 to 15.275. A copy of the proposed budget is available for • “Owner-only” 401(k) plan: If you have public inspection at the principal office of SWMBH, during the hours of 8am and no employees other than your spouse, you 5pm Monday through Friday, located at 5250 Lovers Lane, Suite 200, Portage, can establish an “owner-only” 401(k) plan, Ml, 49002. which functions similarly to a 401(k) plan The property tax mileage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed offered by a large employer. Between salary budget will be a subject for this hearing*. deferral and profit sharing, you can Dr. Universe: contribute up to $56,000, in pre-tax dollars, Why are dogs important to humans? *Note: This notice is printed in compliance with 1963 (2nd Ex Sess) PA 43, MCL to your owner-only 401(k), or $62,000 if Stephani R., 9, Washington State 141.411 to 141.415. SWMBH is not authorized to levy taxes. you’re 50 or older. Like a SEP-IRA and SIMPLE IRA, a 401(k) provides the potential Dear Stephani, Date of Notice: 08/13/2019 125975 Dogs are important to humans in all kinds of ways. The connection between the two goes back thousands of years. A long time ago, wolves would trail along after humans on hunting trips and eat any The following County Treasurers will be offering tax-reverted scraps they could find. Eventually these real estate at public Auction on August 26th, 2019: Barry & wolves evolved into dogs that helped protect Kalamazoo. the hunters and gatherers. The minutes of the meeting of the Barry County The Auction will be held at The Radisson Plaza Hotel, 100 W Ever since then, dogs have had all kinds Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Registration will begin at Board of Commissioners held August 13, 2019, are of jobs. They work on farms where they 11:30am, Auction will begin at 12:00pm. guard the land and also round up livestock available in the County Clerk’s Office at Online bidding will be available via www.tax-sale.info. such as sheep and cows. Dogs also provide 220 W. State St., Hastings, between the hours of For more information or for a list of the properties being sold, humans with company. Just petting a dog 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or visit our website at www.tax-sale.info or call 1-800-259-7470. Sale can create a real physical change in the listings are also available at your local County Treasurer’s Office. www.barrycounty.org. human body. 125440 That’s what I found out from my friend Alexa Carr, a Washington State University researcher who investigates the bonds between animals and humans. Along with fellow scientists, she has dis­ The Hastings City Barry County Airport is seeking Sealed covered that when people pet a dog, they Bids for the sale of the following: Small Non-profit organization seeks part-time have fewer stress chemicals in their bodies • 2001 NEW HOLLAND TV-140 TRACTOR — hormones called cortisol. We also know Specifications are as follows: -110Hp-90 Hp at PTO that when a person is looking into a dog’s - 4 wheel articulated drive eyes the body also releases a kind of chemi­ - Issues with Tractor as follows: Hydraulic Transmission Experience with fund development, marketing, cal that is linked to love and connection with pump and motor are bad. Engine has a miss and loses public speaking and knowledge about Child another being. some antifreeze. Has gear lash in transfer case. Hour Meter not correct Tractor has approximately 8000 to Abuse and Neglect helpful. Passionate, Dogs can also help humans navigate their 9000 hours. world. They help guide people who have motivational personality and team player Please send sealed bids to: (New Holland Tractor) Hastings City lost their sight. They assist people who have essential. Barry County Airport, 2505 Murphy Drive Hastings, Mich. 49058. diabetes or are prone to seizures. A lot of Bids will be accepted until August 23rd, 2019 at 3:30 p.m. Any bids service dogs can sense when something is after deadline will not be considered. Bids will be opened at the Please send resume and cover letter to wrong and alert their owners. Some of them regular meeting of the Hastings Airport Board on August 28th, 2019. can even open fridges and bring food to their FSCofBarryCounty@yahoo.com The Hastings City Barry County Airport has the right to accept or reject any bid. Any questions or to make an appointment for human. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads ----STOCKS-----The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. Apple Inc. AT&T Chevron Deere & Co. Exxon Mobil Flowserve CP Ford Motor Co. General Electric Co. General Motors Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP Perrigo Co. Pfizer Inc. Spartannash Comp Stryker TCF Financial Corp. Walmart Inc. Walt Disney Co Whirl Pool Corp Gold Silver Dow Jones 208.97 34.86 122.39 147.17 70.49 43.37 9.26 9.35 39.01 208.33 133.42 62.70 138.60 47.76 35.20 9.41 219.11 38.11 107.41 137.01 135.70 +11.97 +.90 +3.01 -5.61 -.47 -2.13 -.22 -.22 -.07 -.47 +2.65 +1.04 +3.91 -2.66 -1.75 -.36 +7.90 -.92 +.14 -4.86 -.61 $1,502.20 $16.92 26,264 +$29.80 +.50 +235 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Humans' BFF also big helper NOTICE Public Land Auction NOTICE: HELP WANTED Executive Director inspection, please call Mark Noteboom at 269-838-5874. NOTICE TO BIDDERS BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry County Road Commission, 1725 West M-43 Highway, P.O. Box 158, Hastings, Ml 49058, until 10:30 A.M. Monday, August 19, 2019 for the following items. NOTICE SPIRITUAL CARE CONSULTANTS Of West Michigan ANNUAL MEETING/BOARD MEETING Paving Cold Storage Parking Lot August 20th, 2019 5:45 PM BOARD OF COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BARRY David D. Solmes Chairman Frank M. Fiala Member D. David Dykstra Member Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her web­ site, askdruniverse.com. or to P.O. Box 304, Hastings, MI 49058 Specifications and additional information may be obtained at the Road Commission Office at the above address or at our web site at www.barrycrc.org. The Board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive irregularities in the best interest of the Commission. A dog can use its sensitive nose to help humans, too. At airports, some dogs sniff out luggage to make sure people aren’t bringing anything they shouldn’t on the plane. In some cases, dogs can even sniff out cancer in people. Some dogs on our planet even help scien­ tists, Carr said. They sniff out animal poop to help scientists learn more about different species. We can learn a lot from the DNA we find in an animal’s poop. Some dogs sniff out orca poop that floats in the ocean to help us learn more about the whales. Dogs are there for us when we lose some­ one we love and often look at us when we talk to them. They are also good at helping people, including veterans, with their mental health. Carr said a lot of factors go into understanding how humans and dogs work together. We are still learning a lot about the relationship. “People are important to dogs, too,” she said. “It is a relationship that goes both ways.” Humans can give dogs ear scratches, take them to the park, feed them, and walk them. Taking a dog for a walk also can help a human get exercise and stay healthy. It’s no wonder dogs really are your best friends. What do dogs do to help in your life? Why are they important to you? Tell us about it sometime at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu. FAMILY TREE MEDICAL OFFICE 1375 W Green St, Hastings Public Welcome RSVP is appreciated by not required 269-929-2901 1 Hastings Area School System's Business, Industry and Education Luncheon August 21, 2019 • 12:00pm-l:00pm Hastings Middle School Commons The annual Business, Industry and Education (BIE) I 11 i Luncheon will take place in the Middle “L Ou School Commons. The BIE Luncheon is open to the public and will feature guest I 11 I speakers on the topic of 21st Century Skills. 1 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 15, 2019 — Page 9 fl look back at the stories and columns on local hlsto in the Hastings Banner TURNING BACK THE PAGES Legion’s first decade filled with community projects Crowds gather in downtown Hastings in November 1918 to celebrate the armistice that ended what was still known at the time as “The Great War.” The local American Legion Post would be formed less than a year later, in memory of a Hastings native who was still alive when the war ended. (Post 45 photo) Scouts, veterans, hospital benefited from Legion and auxiliary The following article, printed in the May 21, 1987, Banner was taken from Mills M. VanValkenburgh’s “The American Legion in Michigan.” It appears to be a snapshot of the first 10 years of the local post. Although VanValkenburgh’s name is on the book, this summary and others like it probably were written by members of the various posts and compiled by VanValkenburgh. The records compiled by Mabel Colgrove Stebbins under the direction of the Barry County War Board and Loyalty League show that 867 men and women from Barry County served the military during the World War. Of this number. 31 were killed or died in service. Early in July 1919, a small group met in the office of county agricultural agent R.V. Tanner in the Barry County Courthouse, Hastings, for the purpose of organizing a post of the American Legion. Maurice Foreman was chosen chairman, and Charles W.‘Sherwood/secretary. At thi£ meeting, it was decided to name the post after Laurence J. Bauer. [Spelling of his first name varied over the years.] Bauer was born in Hastings March 29, 1894, the son of James M. and Grace Bauer. He attended the Hastings city school, graduat­ ing from high school June 22,1913. He was a student of architecture in the University of Michigan when our country entered the war. He entered the first officers’ training camp at Champaign, Ill., Sept. 15, 1917, and at the completion of his training was commissioned a second lieutenant of the 11th Aerial Squadron. Later he was advanced to the rank of first lieutenant. He was killed in an aero­ plane accident Nov. 13, 1918, at Bar le Due, France, and is buried at the National Cemetery at Romagne, France. Laurence had a winning personality. His strong, sterling sense of duty, his unfailing loyalty to his convictions, his high sense of honor were qualities that impressed his friends with a desire to honor his memory and to give to the American Legion Post a worthy name. The 15 men signing the application for a charter were Maurice Foreman, Edward Harrington, William McKnight, Burr Van Houten, Lewis Bishop, Steve Tsagles, M. Vere Miller, Walter Phelps, Harry R. Miller, David Goodyear Jr., Ralph Ward, Charles W. Sherwood, Roy Hubbard, R.V. Tanner and Robert Brown. A temporary charter was granted and a meeting was held in late July 1919 at the Strand Theatre to elect officers. Quarters were arranged for in the City Club rooms over the office of the Hastings Banner. In a letter to his mother dated Dec. 9, 1917, Hastings American Legion’s name­ sake Lawrence Bauer wrote "... here is one fellow who will heave one happy sigh of pleasure and relief when he can again stretch his legs under his mother’s table.” Bauer died Nov. 13, 1918. The post sponsored a celebration observ­ ing the first armistice anniversary. The pro­ gram consisted of a parade with many floats, a football game and a dance in the evening. Registration of World War veterans for the day was 324. The principal activity of the year 1920 was a two-evening indoor carnival at the IOOF Hall, which was a financial success, netting the post $886.17. A permanent charter was granted the post Oct. 1, 1920. The mem­ bership for the year was 142. In 1921, through the efforts of the post, the balance of about $ 10,000 in the Community Loyalty League Fund was turned over to Pennock Hospital Building Fund at Hastings, in return for which the hospital extended to Barry County ex-service men a free bed in the hospital throughout their life. Post headquarters were moved to the Knights of Pythias hall during this year. Membership for 1921 was 98. On Jan. 3, 1922, the post bylaws were drafted and adopted. This year saw a large increase in membership. A citation was received from Department Headquarters for meritorious service in this respect. The mem­ bership was 178. In 1923, the post took over responsibility of arranging for the Memorial Day program, which has been continued each year. Very material aid was given the Children’s Billet at Otter Lake in the way of money, toys and clothing. Support was given the Boy Scout move­ ment, seven Legionnaires being members of the Scout Council. A charter was granted to the auxiliary to Laurence J. Bauer Post Sept. 6, 1923. The Post Auxiliary has been very active and has rendered material aid to suffer­ ing war veterans and their families. Membership for 1923 was 107. In 1924, the post headquarters were moved to the basement of the Pancoast Building, our present home. The Uniform Flag System was installed on the local streets, the post selling flags to the merchants. Membership was 94. In 1925, the post sponsored the moving picture “Powder River,” which netted $120. The post became active in marking the graves of all soldiers, and held services on Memorial Day at each cemetery in the county in which World War veterans were buried. This prac­ tice has been continued each year. Membership for 1925 was 98. In 1926, the post held the first annual ban­ quet and ball as an observance of Armistice Day. An entertainment was given the patients at U.S. Hospital No >100 at Battle Greek, which has become an annual custom, [sic] Participated in the dedication of the memorial flag staff in front of the high school building, erected by the alumni in memory of Laurence J. Bauer and Reuben Lee Paskill, the other members of the alumni who made the supreme sacrifice during the World War. Membership was 113. In 1927, a charter for a Boy Scout Troop was granted the post. T.S .K. Reid was appoint­ ed Scoutmaster. The post sponsored Hunt Stock Company shows at Hastings and Nashville netting $148.25. The posts at both Nashville and Middleville surrendered their charters, and service men from these towns were taken in to the Laurence J. Bauer post. Membership was 158. In 1928, the post sponsored a blanket sale in connection with a large ball at Thomapple Lake Pavilion, netting $276. Membership for 1928 was 137. The 10th anniversary of the armistice was observed in a very fitting manner with a union church service Sunday, Nov. 11, which was well attended by all patriotic bodies and citi­ zens. The 10th anniversary of the American Legion was observed with a public banquet in the Methodist Church parlors. Hon. Wilber M. Brucker and Col. A.H. Gansser were the principal speakers. Both stressed the importance of the Legion in the disturbing years following the war and the equal importance of the organization in years to come. The post took over the wastepaper and trash cans on the city streets, repainting and redecorating them; secured from the state department and distributed to the schools in the county 143 three-colored flag codes; erected 10 of the American Legion Children’s Safety Signs in Hastings, Middleville and Delton. Membership was 150. The officers of the post between 1919 and 1929 were as follows. 1919 Commander, Lynn Brown; vice com­ mander, Burr Van Houten; adjutant, Maurice Foreman; finance officer, Ralph Ward (three months), Harry Miller (completed term.) 1920 Commander, Morris O. Hill; vice com­ mander, Charles W. Sherwood; vice com­ mander, Frank Andrus; adjutant, Roy G. Hubbard; finance officer, Harry R. Miller; sergeant-at-arms, Maurice Foreman; chaplain, R.V. Tanner. 1921 Commander, Dan Peterman (three months); commander, Albert Dykstra (nine months); vice commander, Albert Dykstra (three months); vice commander, Roy G. Hubbard; adjutant, V.R. Johnson; finance offi­ cer, Lorenz Schrumpf; sergeant-at-arms, Edwin F. Sayles; chaplain, Wm. I. Moore. 1922 The local American Legion post in 1926 had this monument erected at the base of a flagpole at what was then the high school in Hastings. Reuben Paskill graduated in 1911 and Laurence Bauer in 1913, both before the first high school was built. Commander, Charles W. Sherwood, (six months); commander Roy G. Hubbard, (six months); vice commander, Roy G. Hubbard, (six months); vice commander, Albert Graig; adjutant, V.R. Johnson; finance officer, Harry R. Miller; chaplain, Rev. M.E. Hoyt; sergeantat-arms, Belden McLaughlin; historian, M.V. Miller; welfare officer, Frank W. Amiable. 1923 Commander, Harold Newton; vice com­ mander, Lawrence Castelein; adjutant, Edw. L. Harrington; finance officer, Harry R. Miller; chaplain Rev. M.E. Hoyt; sergeant-atarms, Harry Brown; historian, Lynn Brown; welfare officer, Frank. W. Annable. 1924 Commander, Frank Conway (five months); Commander, Dan Walldorff (seven months); vice commander, Dan Walldorff (five months); adjutant, T.S.K. Reid; finance officer; Harry R. Miller; sergeant-at-arms, Harry Brown; chaplain, Rev. J.E. Wilkinson; historian, M.O. Hill; welfare officer, Frank W. Annable. 1925 Commander, Edward L. Harrington; vice commander, Archie Cunningham; adjutant, Albert Dykstra (six months); adjutant V.R. Johnson (six months); finance officer, Harry R. Miller; sergeant-at-arms, Carl Stanton; chaplain, Frank W. Annable; historian, Maurice Foreman; welfare officer, Frank W. Annable. 1926I I Commander, Verne R. Johnson, (four months); commander, Floyd V. Wood, (eight months); vice commander, Floyd V. Wood, (four months); adjutant, E.C. Potter; finance officer, Dan Walldorff; chaplain, Maurice; Foreman; sergeant-at-arms, Smith Sherman; historian; Miss Nonna Michael; welfare offi-’ cer, Frank W. Annable. 1927 Commander, T.S.K. Reid; vice command-* er, Robert Surine; vice commander, B.C. Swift; adjutant, Henry Hubert; finance officer, Guy Settles; chaplain, Maurice Foreman; ser­ geant-at-arms, Sterling Rogers; historian, Miss Nonna Michael; welfare officer, Frank W. Annable; publicity officer, Maurice Foreman. 1928 Commander, Edward C. Potter; vice com­ mander, Leon Leonard; vice commander, Harry Pierce; adjutant, Edwin F. Sayles; finance officer, Albeit Graig; chaplain, T.S.K. Reid; sergeant-at-arms, Robert Barnes; histo­ rian, Mrs. Amber Reid; welfare officer, Frank Annable, publicity officer, Maurice Foreman. 1929 Commander Maurice Foreman; vice com­ mander, Robert Barnes; vice commander, Harry Pierce; vice commander, Clifford Gardner; adjutant, Edwin F. Sayles; finance officer, Albert Graig; chaplain T.S.K. Reid; sergeant-at-arms, Floyd V. Wood; historian, Mrs. Amber Reid; welfare officer, Franks W. Annable; publicity officer, Edward C. Potter. ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL WINCHESTER DRIVE ROAD IMPROVEMENT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 19-1 TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWN­ SHIP OF ORANGEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, OWNERS OF LAND WITHIN THE WINCHESTER DRIVE ROAD IMPROVEMENT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 19-1 AND ANY OTHER IN­ TERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Township Supervisor and Assessor have prepared and filed in the office of the Township Clerk for public examination a special assessment roll covering all properties within the WINCHESTER DRIVE ROAD IMPROVEMENT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 19-1 benefitted by the proposed road improvement project, which project will include paving of the road, along with associated activities such as, but not limited to, grading and drainage work. The costs of the project are as shown on the esti­ mate of costs on file with the Township Clerk. The assessment roll has been prepared for the purpose of assessing costs of the project within the aforesaid special assessment district, as is more particularly shown on plans on file with the Township Clerk at the Township Hall, 7350 Lindsey Road, Plainwell, with­ in the Township. The assessment roll is in the total amount of $40,000. The costs, including administrative costs, are proposed to be raised by a new special assessment. The assessment against each parcel in the special assessment district will be approximately $19.53 per foot of frontage and/or driveway access on Winchester Drive, including an additional amount for the end lot, for a period of five years, 2019- 2023 inclusive. Additionally, the Township Board reserves the right to levy a lesser assessment in any year that there are more funds in the special assessment district fund that then amount needed. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Supervisor and Assessing Of­ ficer have reported to the Township Board that the assessment against each parcel of land within said District is such relative portion of the whole sum levied against all parcels of land in said District as the benefit to such parcel bears to the total benefit to all parcels of land in said District. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Orangeville Township Board will meet at the Orangeville Township Hall, 7350 Lindsey Road, Plainwell, Mich­ igan, on Wednesday September 4, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of reviewing the special assessment roll and hearing any objections thereto. The roll may be examined at the office of the Township Clerk during regular business hours of regular business days until the time of the hearing and may further be examined at the hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that an owner or party in interest, or his/ her agent, may appear in person at the hearing to protest the special assess­ ment or may file his/her appearance and protest by letter before the hear­ ing, and in that event, personal appearance shall not be required. Any person objecting to the assessment roll shall file his/her objection thereto in writing with the Township Clerk before the close of the hearing or within such other time as the Township Board may grant. The owners or any person having an interest in real property who protests in writing at or before the hearing may file a written appeal of the special assessment with the State Tax Tribunal within 30 days after confirmation of the special assessment roll. Orangeville Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon four (4) days' notice to the Orangeville Township Clerk at the address below Mel Risner, Clerk Orangeville Township 7350 Lindsey Road Plainwell, Ml 49080 269) 664-4522 125442 �Page 10 — Thursday, August 15, 2019 — The Hastings Banner SWET busts suspected meth distribution network in Hastings Taylor Owens Staff Writer Eight suspects will face multiple counts for delivery of crystal methamphetamine in Hastings, after a months-long investigation broke up an alleged distribution organization in the city. The Southwest Enforcement Team, made up of officers from law enforcement agencies across southwestern Michigan and the Michigan State Police, worked with the Hastings City Police Department to investi­ gate the operation. “Without the collaboration of the Hastings Police Department, this investigation would not have been successful,” SWET Detective Lieutenant Phillip McNabnay said in a press release Wednesday. “I think once people start to realize we’re not blind to what’s going on, it will be a deter­ rent to use this drug as much as they have been recently,” Hastings City Police Chief Jeff Pratt told The Hastings Banner Wednesday. “Word spreads quickly.” Pratt added that the investigation also shows law enforcement has been successful in its fight against heroin, because many people who were using heroin have gone back to meth. “There’s always going to be a drug of choice,” Pratt said. “Southwest Michigan has seen an alarming increase in the availability of crystal metham­ phetamine that has been trafficked into our area in the last two years,” McNabnay said. “The increased availability and the low cost of the product has presented a challenge for law enforcement throughout Southwest Michigan.” While meth became tougher to make once laws were passed to track and limit the sale of cold medications containing meth ingredients ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, Pratt said, it is being brought into Barry County from larg­ er cities like Kalamazoo or Battle Creek. Preventing the spread of meth in the area has been a primary focus of SWET-North, a newly formed team dedicated to Allegan and Michelle Marie O’Toole Marc West Wright Gary Hobert Willavize Kevin Duiane Abbot Tina Marie Noble Timothy William Stube City of Hastings NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR 128 N. MICHIGAN AVE. The Planning Commission for the City of Hastings will hold a Public Hearing for the purpose of hearing written and/or oral comments from the public regarding the request for the Special Use Permit for a multi-family dwelling at 128 N. Michigan Ave. The public hearing will be held at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 in City Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. All interested citizens are encouraged to attend and to submit com­ ments. A copy of the plans and additional background materials are avail­ able for public inspection from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday with Dan King, Community Development Director, 269-945­ 2468, 201 E. State Street, Hastings, Ml dking@hastingsmi.org The City will provide necessary reasonable aids and services upon five days notice to the City Clerk at 269.945.2468 or TDD call relay services 800.649.3777. Jane M. Saurman City Clerk (Photos provided by Barry County Sheriff’s Office) Barry counties, McNabnay said. “I think we have a great working relation­ ship with SWET,” Pratt said. “Someday I hope that we can have an officer or two involved in their team.” As of Wednesday seven of the eight sus­ pects had been arrested and lodged in the Barry County Jail. The following defendants were arraigned Thursday, Aug. 8: Kevin Duiane Abbott, 51, of Hastings, faces three counts of delivery of the con­ trolled substance methamphetamine as a habitual offender. The alleged activity occurred between April 26 and May 7, police say. Court records show that Abbott has a vari­ ety of prior convictions, including delivery of a controlled substance to a minor and accost­ ing a minor for immoral purposes on April 22, 2010; fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct on Oct. 6, 2015, as well as failing to comply with reporting requirements. If convicted on the meth charges, his habit­ ual offender status could result in a maximum sentence of life in prison. During Abbott’s arraignment Thursday before Magistrate Frank Hillary, bond was set at $75,000. Tina Marie Noble, 42, of Hastings, is charged with two counts of delivery of meth between March 20 and March 24. She has prior convictions for meth possession on Sept. 26, 2012, and Feb. 4, 2015. Bond was set at $25,000. Michelle Marie O’Toole, 38, of Nashville, is charged with one count of delivering meth on June 3. She is a habitual offender. Court records show that she was convicted of being an accessory to a crime in Eaton County on Oct. 2, 2004. Bond was set at 10 percent of $10,000. Gary Robert Willavize, 37, of Hastings, is charged with one count of delivering meth, his second offense. He was convicted of oper­ ating and/or maintaining a meth laboratory on or about April 17,2013. He also was convict­ ed of possessing a controlled substance, mar­ 125958 City of Hastings NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR 1400 and 1402 E. CENTER RD NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON REZONING OF PROPERTIES The Planning Commission for the City of Hastings will hold a Public Hearing for the purpose of hearing written and/or oral comments from the public regarding the request for the Special Use Permit for an open-air business at 1400 and 1402 E. Center Road. The public hearing will be held at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 in City Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. The Planning Commission for the City of Hastings will hold a Public Hearing for the purpose of hearing written and/or oral comments from the public concerning the rezoning of proper­ ties located at 1400 and 1402 East Center Road. The Planning Commission will consider the proposed rezoning of said property from the R-R Rural Residential District to D-2 Industrial. The public hearing will be held at 7:00 PM on Tuesday, September 3, 2019 in City Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. A copy of the plans and additional background materials are avail­ able for public inspection from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday at the Office of the Community Development Director, 201 E. State Street, Hastings, Ml 49058. Questions or comments can be directed to Dan King, Community Development Director at 269­ 945-2468 or dking@hastingsmi.org. The City will provide necessary reasonable aids and services upon five days notice to the City Clerk at 269.945.2468 or TDD call relay services 800.649.3777. Jane M. Saurman 125960 City Clerk A copy of the proposed changes and map are available for public inspection from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday at the Office of the Community Development Director, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Questions or comments can be directed to Dan King, Community Development Director, at 269.945.2468 or dking@hastingsmi.org The City will provide necessary reasonable aids and services upon five days notice to the City Clerk at 269.945.2468 or TDD call relay services 800.649.3777. L25957 Police reported that a seventh suspect, Nicholas James McClelland, 29, was arraigned in Barry County Court on Wednesday. He is facing one count of delivering methamphet­ amine. An eighth suspect has yet to be arrested and arraigned, they said. LtuAL NOTICES City of Hastings All interested citizens are encouraged to attend and to submit com­ ments. ijuana, on May 10, 2016. His bond was set at 10 percent of $20,000. Timothy William Stube, 42, of Sunfield, a second-time offender, is charged with three counts of delivering meth between April 16 and April 23 in Hastings. He was previously convicted of possession of marijuana on Dec. 7, 2000. His bond was set at $5,000. Marc West Wright, 45, of Hastings, is fac­ ing two counts of delivery of meth between May 21 and May 23. His record shows five prior controlled substance convictions: for possession of marijuana on June 17, 1998, Feb. 9, 2011, July 3, 2012, June 4, 2013, and use of marijuana on Aug. 1, 2006. His bond was set at $5,000. Jane M. Saurman City Clerk STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28250-DE Estate of Garry Y. Silcock, Sr. Date of birth: 04/24/1952. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Garry Y. Silcock, Sr., died 03/08/2018. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Garry Y Silcock, Jr. personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Hastings, Michigan and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 8-2-2019 Abigail L. Stover P83488 607 N. Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-3495 Garry Y. Silcock, Jr. 11125 Stagecoach Dr. Dowling, Ml 49050 (269)953-7300 125443 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate Estate of Robert F. Hayes. Date of birth: 7-6-1938. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Robert F. Hayes, died 4-19-2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Larry D. Hayes, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., # 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 8-9-2019 Ronald F. David P36928 99 Monroe Ave. NW Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 616-454-3883 Larry D. Hayes 3240 Yeckley Rd. Hastings, Ml 49058 269-838-6250 125611 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 15, 2019 — Page 11 Barry Township OKs fire pit plan Luke Froncheck Staff Writer An addition of a fire ring as well as four seating comers would be a “safe and enjoy­ able” addition to William Smith Park in Delton, Boy Scout Steven Olsen told the Barry Township Board Tuesday night Olsen went to the meeting to request fund­ ing for his proposed addition. Construction of the fire pit would be Olsen’s Eagle Scout project. The park, located off Orchard Road behind the fire bam, is owned and operated by the township. A fire ring would make the park more of a year-round attraction, Olsen, 17, said, esti­ mating the project would cost $4,000. The township board liked the idea and approved up to $4,000. Supervisor Wes Kahler said they may have some materials left over from previous projects that could be used for the project and that might be a way to cut the potential cost of the project. In addition to the fire ring, Olsen also will build four seating options so the total area required for the project would be 22 feet. In other action, township officials: • Voted to lower the taxpayer millage to support the Barry Township police. The rate is being lowered from 1.9539 mils to 1.7500 mils. The township discussed the fact that they had spoken about the potential change when they were budgeting for the current year. “We’re very OK in police funding,” trustee Teresa Schuiteboer said. The millage rate for the fire department LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. MORTGAGE SALE-Default has been made in the conditions of a Mortgage made by CARL L. FIELDS, Mortgagor, to FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF AMERICA, Mortgagee, dated July 30, 2003, and recorded August 4, 2003, in Instrument No. 1110046, of Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due as of the date of this notice $28,185.25, including interest at 9.95% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage, and pursuant to the statutes of the State of Michigan, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction to the highest bidder, on Thursday, September 5, 2019, at 1 o’clock in the afternoon, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan. Said premises are situated in Johnsontown Township, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: The South 4 rods of the North 16 rods of the South 106 rods of the East 1/2 of the NW 1/4 of Section 32, T1N, R8W, c/k/a 15146 N. Uldriks, Battle Creek, Ml 49017. The redemption period shall be six months from the date of the sale, unless the premises are determined to be abandoned pursuant to MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be one £ month, or until the time to provide the notice required by MCL 600.3241 a(c) expires, whichever is later. The redemption period further may be shortened pursuant to MCL 600.3238(10) if the property is not adequately maintained, or if the purchaser is denied the opportunity to inspect the property. Please be advised that if the mortgaged property is sold at a foreclosure sale by advertisement, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale, or to the mortgage holder, for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: August 8, 2019 LeVasseur Dyer & Associates, PC Attorneys for Mortgagee 3233 Coolidge Hwy Berkley, Ml 48072 (248) 236-1765 (08-08) (08-29) 125427 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTIQEishereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within , Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on August 29, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Shelly Thomas, A f Single Person Original Mortgagee; Summit National Mortgage, LLC Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Date of Mortgage: May 21,2012 Date of Mortgage Recording: May 31, 2012 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $56,471.05 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Orangeville, Barry County, Michigan, ' and described as: Commencing at the South 1/4 post of Section 17, Town 2 North, Range 10 West; thence | North 89 degrees 28 minutes 43 seconds West, 1319.29 feet to the South 1/8 post of the Southwest 1/4 of said Section 17; thence North 1 degree 0 minutes 0 seconds West, along the North and South 1 /8 line of said Southwest 1 /4 a distance of 636.00 feet to the true place of beginning; thence continuing North 1 degree 0 minutes 0 seconds West, along said 1/8 line 246.62 feet; thence South 89 degrees 31 minutes 30 seconds East, 297.14 feet; thence South 1 degree 2 minutes 34 seconds East, 246.62 feet; thence North 89 degrees 31 minutes 30 seconds West 297.32 feet to the place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as ' defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: August 1,2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1391514 (08-01 )(08-22) 124789 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on September 5, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): David Simmons and Penny Simmons, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Chemical Bank, a Michigan Banking Corporation its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association Date of Mortgage: August 4, 2009 Date of Mortgage Recording: August 11,2009 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $163,086.95 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Yankee Springs, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Unit 24, Pleasant Valley Condominiums, a Site Condominium according to the Master Deed recorded in Instrument No. 1132867, and First Amendment to Master Deed recorded in Instrument No. 1137502, in the Office of the Barry County Register of Deeds, and designated as Barry County Condominium Subdivision Plan No. 37, together with rights in general common elements and limited common elements as set forth in said Master Deed and as described in Act 59 of the Public Acts of 1978 as amended The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: August 8, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1392112 (08-08) (08-29) 125216 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on August 29, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Jack M. Baird II and Ruth A. Baird, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: AAA Mortgage and Financial Corporation Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, as trustee, on behalf of the holders of the Conti Mortgage Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-2 Certificates Date of Mortgage: November 11, 1996 Date of Mortgage Recording: November 21,1996 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $21,815.23 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Beginning at a point in Section 30, Town 1 north, Range 8 West, 20 feet and 33 feet, North of the Southwest corner of Lot 12 of the recorded Plat of Oakwood, thence North along Marshall Street 66 feet, thence West 132 feet, thence South 66 feet; thence East 132 feet to the beginning. Also right of way and easement over Northerly 5 feet of Lot 10, Plat of Oakwood, from Marshall to Fine Lake The redemption period shall be 1 year from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: August 1,2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1391290 (08-01 )(08-22) 124574 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING . A public hearing is scheduled for 9:30 am on Friday, September 13, 2019 of the Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health Regional Entity (“SWMBH”) Board meeting to be held at KVCC - The Groves Campus, located at 7107 Elm Valley Dr. Kalamazoo, Ml, 49009, for the purpose of discussing the budget for SWMBH’s 1986 Public Act 2 (MCL 211,24e[11]) funds for the 12 month period from October 1 st 2019-September 30th 2020. The meeting will be held in compliance with the Open Meetings Act, 1976 PA 267, MCL 15.261 to 15.275. A copy of the proposed budget is available for public inspection at the principal office of SWMBH, during the hours of 8am and 5pm Monday through Friday, located at 5250 Lovers Lane, Suite 200, Portage, Ml, 49002. The property tax mileage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject for this hearing*. *Note: This notice is printed in compliance with 1963 (2nd Ex Sess) PA 43, MCL 141.411 to 141.415. SWMBH is not authorized to levy taxes. Date of Notice: 08/13/2019 125976 will remain at 1.9539 mills and the adminis­ tration rate will stay at 0.08278 mills. • Voted to uphold a dangerous building recommendation for a building located on 4657 West Hickory Road. The property own­ ers now have 60 days to tear down the build­ ing or the township will have to take further action. • Discussed a resolution to install a Downtown Development Authority in Delton. They decided to table the resolution until next month so they would have more time to review the request from the business owners. Elderly man found dead in Thornapple River An 87-year-old man was found dead in the Thornapple River at 8:59 p.m. Saturday by a group of kayakers, Barry County Sheriff’s Deputies said. The man, who deputies said had lived in the area, was found near Rivers Edge Lane and Parmalee Road in Thomapple Township. “It is unknown at this time how the indi­ vidual ended up in the water, but there were no signs of foul play,” Barry County Sergeant TJ. Heald said in a press release Sunday. The man’s name had not been released as of Wednesday afternoon. 1 jLwf JL NOTICE TO CREDITORS Trust In the matter of Daniel Paul and Celia C. Cisler Family Trust dated July 22,1993. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Celia C. Cisler, who lived at 421 Thornton Street, Middleville, Ml 49333 died August 6,2019, leaving a certain trust under the name of Daniel Paul and Celia C. Cisler Family Trust, dated July 22, 1993, wherein the decedent was the last surviving Settlor and Mark Cisler was named as the Successor Trustee serving at the time of or as a result of the decedent’s death. Creditors of the decedent and of the trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or against the trust will be forever barred unless presented to Mark Cisler the named successor trustee at 5218 Queensbury Dr., Kentwood, Ml 49508, within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 8/13/19 David H. Tripp 202 S. Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 269/948-2900 Mark Cisler 5218 Queensbury Dr. Kentwood, Ml 49508 616-485-4455 125973 NOTICE Cooley Family Trust dated February 19, 2010, as amended. TO ALL CREDITORS: The Grantor, Marvin J. Cooley, (date of birth, June 20,1934), who lived at 1643 Manitou Lane, Middleville, Michigan 49333, died June 28, 2019. There is no personal representative of the decedent’s estate to whom Letters of Authority have been issued. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the Cooley Family Trust dated February 19, 2010, as amended, will be forever barred unless presented to the Trustee, within four (4) months after the date of publication. Notice is further given that the Trust will thereafter be assigned and distributed to the persons entitled to it. Dated: August 7, 2019 Attorney: Pamela J. Cross (P56089) Rhoades McKee PC 55 Campau Ave NW, Suite 300 Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (616) 235-3500 Deborah L. Blough c/o Pamela J. Cross Rhoades McKee 55 Campau Ave. NW, Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 125451 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE The Mortgage described below is in default: Mortgage (the “Mortgage”) made by Sheryl Cook, an unmarried woman, as Mortgagor, to United Bank Mortgage Corporation, now known as United Bank of Michigan, a Michigan banking corporation, with its address at 900 East Paris Avenue, SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546, as Mortgagee, dated September 20, 2005 and recorded on September 29, 2005, Document No. 1153580, Barry County Records, Barry County, Michigan. The balance owing on the Mortgage is $82,211.25 at the time of this Notice. The Mortgage contains a power of sale and no suit or proceeding at law or in equity has been instituted to recover the debt secured by the Mortgage, or any part of the Mortgage. TAKE NOTICE that on Thursday, September 5, 2019 at 1:00 p.m., local time, or any adjourned date thereafter, the Mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale at public auction to the highest bidder, at the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Michigan. The Mortgagee will apply the sale proceeds to the debt secured by the Mortgage as stated above, plus interest on the amount due at the rate of 6.125% percent per annum; all legal costs and expenses, including attorneys fees allowed by law; and also any amount paid by the Mortgagee to protect its interest in the property. The property to be sold at foreclosure is all of that real estate situated in Yankee Springs Township, County of Barry, State of Michigan, described as: LOT 9 VALLEY PARK SHORES ACCORDING TO THE RECORDED PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN LIBER 4 OF PLATS, PAGE 24, YANKEE SPRINGS TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN. SUBJECT TO EASEMENTS AND RESTRICTIONS OF RECORD. PP#: 08­ 16-225-020-00 The redemption period shall be one year from the date of sale pursuant to MCLA 600.3240(12), unless deemed abandoned and then pursuant to the time frames provided for in MCL 600.3241a. Mortgagors will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. July 30, 2019 UNITED BANK OF MICHIGAN, Mortgagee PLUNKETT COONEY KELLI L. BAKER (P49960) Attorney for Mortgagee 333 Bridge Street NW, Suite 530 Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504 (616) 752-4624 (08-01 )(08-29) STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28251-DE Estate of Michael Ray Bourdo. Date of birth: 04/03/1950. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Michael Ray Bourdo, died 06/01/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Brooke Bourdo, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 08/12/2019 Jackie Baker Sturgis (P76955) 137 W. State St. Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-3999 Brooke Bourdo 11603 Marsh Rd. Shelbyville, Ml 49344 (269)330-3544 125795 LEGAL NOTICES STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 2019-19-28118-DE Estate of Dorothy Leone Friedrich. Date of birth: 04/22/1927. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Dorothy Leone Friedrich, died 11/30/2018. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Richard Friedrich, personal representative, or to both the probate court at Barry County Trial Court Family Division, 206 W. Court Street, Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice, 08/9/2019. Richard Friedrich 10590 Duncan Lake Ave. Caledonia, Ml 49316. (616)891-0796 125641 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACTOUR OFFICE ATTHE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Cynthia Timm and Terry Timm Jr., original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for American Financial Resources, Inc., its successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated September 23, 2011, and recorded on September 28, 2011, in Instrument No. 201109280009075 in Barry County Records, Michigan, and last assigned to American Financial Resources, Inc., as assignee , documented by an Assignment of Mortgage dated July 14, 2014, and recorded on August 15, 2014, Instrument No. 2014-007607, in Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due and owing as of September 1, 2019, the sum of NINTY NINE THOUSAND EIGHT and 30/100 Dollars ($99,008.30). Notice is hereby given that under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on the 26th, of September, 2019. Said premise is situated at 2121 Cherry Valley Road, Middleville, Michigan 49333 in the Township of Thornapple, Barry County, Michigan, and is described as: THE LAND IS SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF THORNAPPLE, COUNTY OF BARRY, STATE OF MICHIGAN, AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE EAST LINE OF SECTION 32, TOWN 4 NORTH, RANGE 10 WEST, THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, DISTANT NORTH 00°35’34” EAST 880.91 FEET FROM THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 32; THENCE NORTH 89°41’23” WEST 198.00 FEET; THENCE NORTH 00°35’34” EAST 220.00 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 89°41’23” EAST 198.00 FEET TO SAID EAST SECTION LINE; THENCE SOUTH 00°35’34” WEST 220.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING The redemption period shall be b months (180 Days) from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. Pursuant to Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, if the property is sold at foreclosure sale the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder under MCLA 600.3278 for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: August 1, 2019 For More Information, please call: Matthew R. Reinhardt, Esq. Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. Attorneys for Servicer 255 South Orange Avenue, Suite 900 Orlando, Florida 32801 (855) 287-0240 Matter No. 135990 (08-08)(08-29) 125169 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Jeffrey Cain and Kari Cain, husband and wife, to Fifth Third Mortgage - Ml, LLC, Mortgagee, dated February 1, 2008 and recorded February 14, 2008 in Instrument Number 20080214­ 0001385 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by Fifth Third Bank as Successor by Merger to Fifth Third Mortgage Company, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Thirty-Six Thousand One Hundred Eighty-Five and 45/100 Dollars ($136,185.45), including interest at 4.875% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on SEPTEMBER 19, 2019. Said premises are located in the Township of Orangeville, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: A parcel of land in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 5, Town 2 North, Range 10 West, Orangeville Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: Beginning at a point on the North line of said Section 5, which lies 316.41 feet East of the Northwest corner of Section 5; thence East along Township line 151.69 feet to England Road; thence South 08°13’00” West 111.20 feet along England Road; thence North 68°13’00” West 154.51 feet; thence North 08°13’00” East 58.67 feet to the point of beginning. Together with right of way across a strip 5 feet wide between the road and lagoon on the West side of the road, and being the North 5 feet of the South 25 feet of parcel described as: A parcel of land located in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 5, Town 2 North, Range 10 West, Orangeville Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: Beginning at a point which lies South 08°13’00” West 23 feet from the Southwest corner of Lot 1 of the recorded Twin Shores Plat; thence South 08°13’00” West 35 feet; thence North 77°32’00” West perpendicular to the South line of said Lot 1 about 30 feet to the water in Gallagher’s Channel; thence Northeasterly along the point of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: August 15, 2019 File No. 19-005672 Firm Name: Orlans PC (08-15) (09-05) 125794 TYDEIU PARK • SATURDAY, AUG. 24th Entries must be to the Chamber by Friday, Aug. 16th CHECK IN... 8:30 AM Make checks payable to Hastings Summeifest 2019 Pick up T-shirts at this time TIP OFF... 9:30 AM I Men & Women l(Ages 18-25) Team Name I Men & Women I (Ages 26 & up) Age brackets subject to change based on participation Age Team Captain Send Entries to... Email. Phone # Team Members Age Age Barry County Chamber of Commerce 221W. State Street Hastings, Ml 49058 Questions??... | Please fill out form completely Call (269) 948-3025 TYDEN PARK • SATURDAY, AUG. 24th �Page 12 — Thursday, August 15, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Woman arrested on warrant and possession After seeing a police officer near the Admiral Gas Station on North Broadway in Hastings at 6:32 p.m. Aug. 11, a woman quickly began walking away. The officer stopped the woman, asked for her name and learned she had an active warrant for failure to appear in court. The officer arrested the 35-year-old woman and searched two bags she was car­ rying. The officer found drug paraphernalia which had white powder residue that appeared to be methamphetamine. The bag also had three bottles of pills, two of which had the labels torn off. The woman said she was carrying the bag for someone else and did not know what was inside. But when the officer had trouble opening a flashlight inside the bag, the woman said it wouldn’t open because the batteries were corroded. The officer asked how she would know that and the woman said she saw someone else using it. Pistol stolen from vehicle A 29-year-old man called police Aug. 10, to report a gun had been stolen from his vehi­ cle Aug. 7 in the 200 block of South Hanover Street in Hastings. The man said it was in a lockbox and he is checking with his neighbors to see if the theft was caught on camera. The investigation is ongoing. Stray bullets hit Bristol Lake garage A 47-year-old Dowling man called police to report four to six bullets had hit Bristol Lake just before he and his friends were about the go swimming. He added another bullet had hit his garage door in the 200 block of Sunset Drive. A neighbor knew who was shoot­ ing and directed the officer to their residence on the other side of the lake. The officer talked to a 65-year-old man who said he had been shooting target practice near his resi­ dence with his wife. The man was not using a backstop and said a Michigan State Police Trooper had inspected the area about a year ago and said they did not need a backstop due to the dense trees behind the shooting area. When he found out bullets had gone through the trees he apologized to the owner of the garage, offered to pay for the damage and said ■ he would never shoot at his residence again. Minor arrested for drinking and driving An officer in the parking lot at M-179 Highway and Briggs Road in Yankee Springs Township at 12:40 a.m. Aug. 10 saw a vehicle pull into the lot and quickly leave after seeing the police cruiser. The officer stopped the driver, who had pulled away at a high rate of speed and failed to use a turn signal. The driver, a 20-year-old Freeport man, insisted he had not been drinking, despite open intoxicants in the vehicle. The man had a 0.029 blood alcohol content and was arrested. His driver’s license had been suspended had he had a prior arrest for operating while impaired. A passenger, a 21-year-old Wayland man, had > two warrants and also was arrested. He admitted they had been trying to get away from the officer because of his warrants. • Hammerheads help with TK pool improvements Hastings Hammerheads coach Bobbie Taffee and members of the Thornapple Kellogg High School maintenance staff work to install new lane lines in the pool at Thomapple Kellogg High School Monday afternoon. Taffee, and fellow Hammerheads coach Mike Schipper, were joined by a couple families from the Hammerheads Swim Club to put the new lane lines together. A couple of starting blocks have also recently been installed at the pool for the club’s use. The Hammerheads Swim Club will begin hosting Intro to Swim Club sessions and Conditioning sessions for current swimmers on Tuesday and Thursday evenings at the TK pool Sept. 17. Those sessions, which are open to all area youth between the ages of 8 and 18 at a cost of $40 for the season, run until the Hammerheads’ winter club season begins in mid-November. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Shipley sisters among field of 144 Jenison driver arrested for OWI An officer stopped vehicle on Briggs Road near Bass Road in Yankee Springs Township at 11:50 p.m. Aug. 9 after noticing a defective headlight and seeming the vehicle make a : wide turn that put it into oncoming traffic. The driver, a 39-year-old Jenison woman had a 0.115 blood alcohol level and was arrested. Woman causes two crashes with BAC of 0.266 An officer responded to two crashes and a suspected operating while intoxicated at 10:07 p.m. Aug. 7. A 21-year-old Middleville man said he had been driving on M-37 when a vehicle passed him at a high rate of speed. Soon after, he was driving on a curve, when the driver ahead of him slammed on its brakes and he rear-ended the vehicle. The man pulled over but the vehicle kept driving. A bit later, a 64-year-old woman was driving on ■ M-37 when a vehicle pulled over in front of her, and as she was passing the vehicle pulled - back out and hit her car. Then it began following tailgating her and flashing its bright lights. The woman called police and pulled into the parking lot of Bradford White Corp. An officer arrived and the driver of the suspect vehicle, a 37-year-old Middleville woman, admitted to drinking a box of wine. She said she had been rear ended, then immediately pulled over and followed the car until it pulled over. The woman believed the car that rear ended her and the car she forced to pull over were the same. She was not aware she hit a second car. She registered a blood alcohol content of 0.266. She was arrested. Driver crashes into equipment trailer, neither had licenses A 20-year-old Caledonia woman was westbound on Sisson Road near Fighter Road in Irving Township, negotiating a curve when the sun blocked her view. She crashed into an equipment trailer parked in the road, and her car rolled over. She noted there were no markers or flags warning of the trailer. A 32-year-old Hastings man had been driving an excavator onto the trailer after cutting trees. Both drivers had suspended licenses, and the man had no insurance on his truck and improper registration. Nashville woman evades phone scam A 75-year-old Nashville woman called police July 31 to report a phone scam. A man with a reportedly thick accent called her claiming to be from Medicare and said he needed her insurance number. When she refused, he transferred her to his “manager” who said they needed her number or she would lose her insurance. The woman hung up and called the real Medicare and was told to call the Federal Trade Commission and the police. Later in the evening, the woman received another call from someone claiming to be her grand­ daughter, who said she had been arrested and needed money for bail. The woman knew it was not her granddaughter and hung up. Tools stolen from Nashville garage A 48-year-old Nashville man in the 600 block of East Street called police to report a chainsaw, battery charger and chop saw were stolen from his garage between the night of Aug. 6 and 2 p.m. Aug. 7. The man said his painter had been snooping in the garage, but the painter, 36 of Nashville, had been with his wife that night, which his step-son con­ firmed. The painter also showed the officer around his property to prove he did not have the stolen items. $800 taken from teenager’s wallet A 17-year-old Wyoming woman reported $800 stolen from her wallet in the Middleville Shell Station June 16. The woman said she had been in her vehicle with a 16-year-old male friend from Middleville, and a 27-year-old Otsego man. She counted her money in front of them, then went into the station with her Middleville friend. When they went back, the money was missing, and the Otsego man was acting strangly. The woman said she did not report it at first because she didn’t know what to do. Keep your friends and relatives informed and up to date with all the local news from Barry County. Send them... The Hastings BANNER To subscribe, call us at: 269-945-9554 at FireKeepers Championship Local golfers Gabrielle and Sarah Shipley will get the chance to take part in the 18th stop on the 2019 “Road to the LPGA” as the Symetra Tour makes its way to Battle Creek Country Club for the sixth annual FireKeepers Casino Hotel Championship this weekend. Gabrielle, the former Grand Valley State University Laker, is o$e of seven players with ties to Michigan institutions of higher learn­ ing among the 144 players in the field for the tournament that starts Friday and runs through Sunday. Sarah, one of a handful of amateur’s in the event, is a senior at the University of Kentucky. “Playing in my hometown is something very special to me, especially since all year we travel away from family for the most part,” said Gabrielle, who competed in the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give in June. “Personally, having this event basically in my backyard allows me to spend time with them and share all the experiences with them. Family is very important to me and I’m bless­ ed they can come cheer me on.” Individuals from 25 different states and 34 different countries are also set to tee it up. Seven players hail from Michigan, while California boasts the most with 12. There are 72 Americans in the field. The Symetra Tour annually awards LPGA Tour membership to the top players on the Volvik Race for the Card money list at the end of the season and will usher in the next grad­ uating class after 23 events on the 2019 calen­ dar. This weekend’s event has a total purse of $125,000. Individuals are set to compete in a: 54-hole stroke play format with a cut to the low 60 players and ties after 36 holes. The; winner’s share for the event is $18,750. Defending champion Marta Sanz Barrio (Madrid, Spain) is among the competitors, as? last year’s win was the first of her Symetra Tour career and one of four top-15 finishes! from the Aubum University alumna. It helped: propel Sanz BarrioJ^ffinish at No. 31 in the final 2018 Volvik Race for the Card standings? Modified softball returns at Rick Memorial tourney Brett Bremer Sports Editor For more than 40 years the Delton Men’s Modified Softball League filled the summers of dozens of local ballplayers, opening sea­ sons with a Memorial Day Tournament and closing them out with a championship tourna­ ment during Delton Founders Festival. Former league manager Chris Madill, who ran the league with Jason Thomas for a hand­ ful of years, and others decided soon after Matthew Rick was killed in an automobile crash last month that there should be a softball tournament during the 2019 Founders Festival and that it should be played in honor of Rick - a long-time ballplayer and supporter of Delton Kellogg athletics. A team of mostly Delton Kellogg alumni sponsored by The Dock at Bay view in Richland took the championship in the 11-team tournament that was played Friday and Saturday at fields in Delton and Prairieville. “It is a crying shame,” Madill said of not having the modified league this summer. “It was a community league,” he added. “It kind of bridges the gap between old and young, or people that might otherwise not have anything else in common it kind of cre­ ated that commonality between people. It built the community a little bit more. I remem­ ber playing with Matt when I was 18 and I played again with hiiu when I was 24. It was kind of one of those things, what a great way to honor and celebrate Matt and what brought everyone together and the relationships and all that than having a big tournament on Founders weekend.” _ Games were played at Prairieville Township park, the Delton Kellogg schools, and the field at the Aukerman farm. In modified fast pitch softball, pitchers aren’t allowed to use a windmill pitching motion. It puts the style of play somewhere between a competitive fast pitch league and a recreational slow pitch league. It is not as difficult as contending with top fast pitch pitchers, but there is still stealing and bunting. Madill didn’t want to take too much credit for getting the tournament up and running. With all the years of experience of many of the players and umpires and helpers he called it a “ready made” tournament. Madill said he didn’t have much time to put towards organiz­ ing the tournament as it is, with his wife days The Dock at Bayview softball team gathers together to celebrate winning the 1st Annual Matt Rick Memorial Softball Tournament at Aukerman Field in Prairieville Saturday during the annual Delton Founders Fest. Team members are (front from left) Nick Buckmaster, Steve Bourdo, Dustin Healy, Corrie Latta, (back) Buggy Johnson, Dale Churchill, Cory Schug, Shawn Moore, Reid McCowan, Josha Farrell, TJ Wooden and Chris Madill. Missing from photo is team member Brett Bissett. All the proceeds from the event have been donated to the Delton Kellogg varsity football team. away from delivering the couple’s first child, a stint as the best man in his sister’s wedding this month as well as the start of his first sea­ son as the Allegan varsity football coach. While the initial thinking was that proceeds from the event could go to the Rick family or to begin a scholarship fund or something like that, Rick’s son Kaleb Rick and the rest of his family came to a consensus that the funds should go to something Matthew loved Delton Kellogg football. Madill said roughly $2500 was raised from tournament entry fees and other fundraisers that went on during the event, with area busi­ nesses like Graphic Packaging and Bob’s Gun and Tackle offering up some auction prizes. Madill said Delton Kellogg varsity football coach Ryan Bates was looking forward to putting the funds towards something with some permanence to the program. “(Matt Rick) played in high school and his sons played through the Rocket program. Matt was a Rocket coach,” Madill said. “He was always in the stands or standing there around the field on the fence on a Friday night. He was an avid supporter of anything Delton football, and really all Delton athletics for that matter, but Delton football for sure.” There is a small group trying to revive the Delton Modified Softball League, but also working to ensure that the Matt Rick Memorial Tournament becomes a fixture at the annual Founders Festival at the very least. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 15, 2019 — Page 13 Preseason, postseason, in-game changes take effect this fall An assortment of game rules, preseason policy and postseason tournament changes will greet more than 100,000 high school stu­ dent-athletes as 2019-20 Fall practices begin next week for nine sports for which the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) sponsors postseason tournaments. The most immediately noticeable adjust­ ment allowed boys soccer, girls and boys cross country, boys tennis and girls golf teams to begin practice Monday, Aug. 12, along with football teams across the state. Football practice traditionally begins before the rest of fall sports, by rule on the 16th Monday before Thanksgiving. However, a change approved by the MHSAA Representative Council will allow sports with MHSAA Finals tied to a specific weekend every fall - for example, Lower Peninsula Cross Country Finals always are the first weekend in November - the opportunity to begin practice on that 16th Monday as well, which will keep those teams from losing about a week of practice and competition during “late” Thanksgiving years when the holiday is during the fourth full week of November. Volleyball and Lower Peninsula girls swimming & diving - which, like foot­ ball, have Finals tied to Thanksgiving - are not affected by the lateness of the holiday and were allowed to begin practice Wednesday, Aug. 14, keeping with their traditional starts. Football teams must have 12 days of pre­ season practice at all levels before their first game, over a period of 16 calendar days before the first kickoff, with the first games this falls scheduled for the weekend of Aug. 29-31. Competition this fall may begin Aug. 16 for cross country, golf, soccer and tennis and Aug. 23 for volleyball and swimming & diving. The Hastings High School and Delton Kellogg High School cross country teams are slated to be a part of the Portage Central Early Bird Invitational Friday morning at Portage West Middle School to open up the 2019-20 fall season. Another big change this fall is the addition of limited seeding for Lower Peninsula Boys Soccer District play, using a Michigan Power Ratings (MPR) formula that debuted to assist in Boys Lacrosse Regional seeding this past spring and will be utilized as well for Districts in girls and boys basketball (his winter and girls soccer beginning in 2020. The MPR for­ mula ranks teams based on success and strength of schedule, with the top two teams in each District then placed on opposite sides of the bracket on the draw date for that sport. For boys-^eoceiThis fall, all games reported to the MHSAAthrough Sept. 28 will be used for MPR, with brackets aniiounced^eptrS^^Fej: more information on MPR and the boys soc­ cer selection process, go to the MHSAA Website’s Boys Soccer page. Football remains the most played sport among MHSAA member school student-ath­ letes and will introduce this season a series of in-game and practice-related changes. To improve pace of play, all varsity games will be played with a 40-second play clock that begins after the conclusion of the previous play except when there is an exception (pen­ alty, timeout, etc.). In those circumstances, a 25-second clock will start with the referee’s ready-to-play whistle. Also beginning this football season, at the MHSAA Finals level, instant replay will be used to review all scor­ ing plays and turnovers or potential scoring plays and turnovers (that is, when an official’s decision may have prevented or awarded a score or turnover). Replay review will be automatic in these situations. The other notable rules changes in football continue a focus on safety. Tripping a ball carrier - that is, intentionally using the lower leg or foot to obstruct a runner below the knees - now will result in a 15-yard penalty. The definition of a horse-collar tackle also has been expanded to include grabbing of the name plate area on the back of the jersey (along with the inside of the neck area of the jersey or shoulder pads) to bring a runner to the ground. Horse-collar tackling also is penalized with a 15-yard personal foul. Also beginning this season, the amount of practice “collision” contact will be defined in minutes instead of allowed days. Teams will be allowed no more than six hours of full­ pads collision contact per week during the preseason and no more than 30 minutes of collision contact during a week of in-season (after games begin) practice. “Collision” is defined as contact at game speed, with the execution of full tackles at a competitive pace, taking players to the ground. Although “collision” contact will be limited, “thud” contact will be unlimited. “Thud” is not con­ sidered collision contact and defined as full speed but above the waist only, with no player taken to the ground and no winner or loser. All fall sports face at least minor rules changes this season, and a few of the other most noticeable in-game adjustments will come in girls golf, volleyball, girls swimming & diving and boys soccer. In golf, athletes will be allowed to use cell phones in four situations - to call a coach or tournament administrator for a health and safety issue, for use in inputting scores for live scoring or other scoring applications, to contact a rules official with questions, and for use as a distance-measuring device. Also in golf, a new rule sets the maximum allowable score per hole at 12 strokes. In volleyball, attempted serves that make contact with a backboard or other support device hanging from the ceiling over the serv­ ing area now will be illegal serves instead of faufts^(which previously allowed the server another attempt). Also, when a ball in play Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band, including Josh “The Reverend” Peyton, his wife “Washboard” Breezy Peyton, and drummer Max Senteny entertain a full Thomapple Plaza during the Hastings Live Summer Concert Series Friday Night Feature. The summer series will conclude with The 338th Army Band playing this Friday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Reverend Peyton rocks Hastings Summer Concert Series Josh “The Reverend” Peyton belts out the lyrics to the Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band tune “Pot Roast and Kisses” during the group’s performance as a part of the Hastings Live Summer Concert Series at Thomapple Plaza Friday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Continued next column Continued from previous column Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 For Sale Automotive Help Wanted Use Paracide®shampoo to control fleas & ticks on dogs & cats. Eliminate doggy odor ? restore healthy coat At Trac­ tor Supply (www.kennelvax. J. com) 1978 CHEVY SUBURBAN, no rust, 400 engine, auto trans, 4WD, mag wheels w/ good tires. Needs engine. $995 OBO. 269-953-6326. 61 YEAR OLD female living in Hastings has Multiple Sclerosis looking for a Second shift responsible housekeep­ er/ caregiver approximately 35 hours a week in exchange for a fully remodeled separate entrance one bedroom apart­ ment with appliances. All utilities along with satellite & internet is included. Respon­ sibilities include: House­ keeping/ Laundry, feeding, dressing, transferring, med­ ication prompting, physical therapy/body stretching, grounds maintenance and companionship. Also a part time, 10 hours a week at $9.50 per hour. No Pets, Non smoker preferred. Call Henry at 616-308-1525 or Christine at 269-945-2073. Garage Sale Business Services YARD SALE: AUGUST 17, BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White ; 2019, 8am to 2pm. Housej wares, garden tools, auto ■ items, sporting goods, some antiques & collectibles. 4057 ! Farrel Rd., Hastings. Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. ESTATE/GARA GE SALE- Neighborhood sale. BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry Antiques, Art, Furniture, Household Items. Fri & Sat, Aug 16 & 17,2019,9am-6pm. 8351 Willson Dr. Middleville, 49333. Off of Yankee Springs Road 3/4 mile south of 179 and Yankee Springs. wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, power washing, home improvements, seamless gut­ ters. 269-320-3890. PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. MONTY'S TREE SERVICE. Free Estimates. Licensed and Insured. 269-204-8207 HASTINGS BANNER SUBSCRIPTIONS are available for $35 per year in Barry County. Call (269) 945­ 9554. GET EASY CASH with extra household goods and tools! Call (269) 945-9554 to sell your unwanted stuff with a classified ad in this paper. ( Donate A Boat or Car Today! Boa^pAngel "2-Night Free Vacation!” 100700'WAf (2628) www.boatangel.com sponsored by boat angel outreach centers STOP CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN strikes the cables or diagonal poles used to retract baskets or similar apparatus to the ceil­ ing, the game official will stop play and deter­ mine if the ball was playable - if it is ruled playable before making contact with the appa­ ratus, there will be a replay; if the ball is deemed to have not been playable, it will be ruled out of bounds. Also in volleyball, a change regarding uni­ forms will make the libero more recognizable. A libero’s uniform top must clearly contrast with those of the rest of her teammates by using another predominant color. The libero’s uniform may be trimmed with the predomi­ nant color of her non-libero teammates’ uni­ forms, and vice versa. Also regarding volley­ ball uniforms, “00” may no longer be used as a jersey number, only numbers 0-99 to elimi­ nate confusion. In swimming, the definition of a legal fin­ ish has changed to include a competitor touching any part of the finish end of the lane, not just the touch pad. In diving, the degree of difficulty was adjusted for back and reverse somersaults to provide consistency with diffi­ culty of other dives. The game clock will stop in boys soccer beginning this fall when the team leading the game makes a substitution during the final five minutes of the second period of regula­ tion or second part of overtime. This stoppage aims to prevent the team in the lead from using substitutions as a way to run time off the clock. The 2019 Fall campaign culminates with postseason tournaments beginning with the Upper Peninsula Girls Tennis Finals during the first week of October and wraps up with the 11-Player Football Finals on Nov. 29 and 30. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads �Page 14 — Thursday, August 15, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Record boards find home beside HHS track Ryan Burgdorf Ryan Burgdorf Ryan Burgdorf 2009 Karla KruRo _ _ _ _ _ _ ’1:56.0 1980, Kerry Allen Tom Dutts Tom Duits Jacob Comer Jacob Comer 8:59.8: 1974 Marshall Warren; Troy Dailey Gordon Conley, Pai hew 2910 Relay 0,44 4 Long Jump Derek Gonzales Ed VanderMolen Wayne (right) and Bernie Oom work together to install the new Hastings High School track and field and cross country school­ record and all-state honor boards inside the entrance to Baum Stadium at Johnson Field Wednesday. The new boards are a gift from the Oom and Duits families. (Photo by Brett Bremer) ; Troy Dailey....... Tim James WMakfed , Sports Editor Hastings track and field athletes and every­ one who passes through the gates of Baum Stadium at Johnson Field will be well aware of the fastest Saxons ever. Wayne and Bernie Oom spent a warm, sunny, Wednesday afternoon making sure the new boards displaying the Hastings High School track and field and cross country records and the programs’ all-state athletes were level and secure on the back of the stone entry way into the stadium at the high school. The boards are a gift form the Oom and Duits families, a couple of last names that can be spotted on the record boards. Tom Duits holds a couple of the oldest remaining school track and field records, a time of 4 minutes 7.4 seconds in the 1600-meter run and 8:59.8 in the 3200-meter run both set in 1974. Duits also holds the fastest 5000-mcter cross coun­ try time ever by a Hastings guy, a time of 15:20.7. The newest record on the board is Emily Westers high jump mark of 5 feet 6 inches, which she set in the spring of 2017. Bill James is the oldest all-stater on the list. He was a state champion in the 220-yard low hurdles in 1930 with a time of 27.8 seconds. “We think it will be a pretty cool incentive for the young kids to see, try to figure out where they’re going to break the next record,” Wayne Oom said during a break in the work Wednesday. Oom said he already has a decal to add to update the board soon. One of the girls’ track and field records was missed and needs to be update to reveal two athletes tied for the school record. It was as long process of gathering all the school records and finding all of the all-state athletes to ever be a part of the cross country and track and field programs. Newer all-state names were just a click away on the Michigan High School Athletic Association website. “We had a nice big team that worked on the research,” Wayne said. “They deserve most of the credit.” Wayne Oom teamed with his parents Bernie and Sue Oom, Hastings track coaches Brian Teed and Lin Nickels, and cross country coach Steve Collins, as well as Hastings ath­ letic director Mike Goggins, former track coach Paul Fulmer, Carrie and Tom Duits, Tammy Foltz Pennington, Eddie McKeough, Bob Branch and Davie Wilcox to track down as many bits of information as they could. “It was just looking back through whatever kind of old records the coaches have kept, and then kind of filling in the gaps,” Wayne said. For the all-state board the information hounds went back to 1925. Some were easy to find in the MHSAA records and Wayne said g.5O ’ 126-5.5" 17'9,75" 1977 Emily Westers 5?6;t W 2017 2015 M.9 2012 Triste Stmbe 1986 Edith Kortekaas 16:1(13 2009 Charissa Shaw 1S7B Cindy Neiser. 16:32.0 2915 KareySchtechter 16:32.3 1986 Heidi Schroeder Hlcote Frank 16.-43J is.46.g- Katherine Weinbrecht Tilson Collins ~ IsSj 2008 1 ZsEZZS ‘ 2000' j W 2014 19:53.2 2018 Lori Maivilte Sam James Laura Thomas TrieiMoore Marc Lester ..CiayionMacKenzte Ryan Bosnia ~ 1977 HElZsj 16:18.8 ■' KerryAilen . sFuF^oof Diane Arens 1373 Sam Johnson , 403g I * i Brenda Smith O.T-; 16:43,6 ggg ^73 ‘ ’ Lori Sally Edger Charissa Shaw,tm Thomas W I Brad Bennett 2010 ,...... 4 «4 Erin Goggins 1095 Chance Miter Chuck Rofemson Brett Bremer 14W "FFsFIoh] Heidi Hem Katy Peterson MeiindaHareJracyHeath Susan Hubbard Chris Youngs Tom Quits j Wayne Oom ..... 11:2941* 2012 j ' i5.3 "Tig Laurie Kensington, Tracy Heath Melinda Hare, EvyVargaz Chris Youngs Tom Sorenson. ____ 1993 ] ’ 2:20,0 Jessica Czirider. Gabby Eaton Brittany Morgan, Jessica Lee 1992 2009 Edith Kortekaas Nichole Redman <0G' 2912 Pat hew. Spencer Riises Dustin Bateson, Ryan Burgdorf _ Kristin Lyons 'utFToF “44,2 aithKorteKaas Wtajtraube _ _ _ _ _ 32® IS Rim FuTTdF WayneOom, Chuck ReWson 2015 20.0 21.7 Kayteigh Coilins 1ST Molly Smith 19: 56.0 1905 20-I2-8 2011 WQ 2014 20: 28-9 2008 A newly created list of school records from the Hastings varsity track and field and cross country teams hangs inside the entrance to Baum Stadium at Johnson Field. A list of all-state Saxons from the two sports programs was installed on the other end of the entrance last Wednesday as well. (Photo by Brett Bremer) they found information in school year books, in old editions of the Hastings Banner and on microfilm of old newspaper editions at the Hastings library. The MHSAA began hosting state meets in 1925. ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS Exceptional Care Close to Home Caledonia Adam Mitchell, DO Caledonia Rebecca Eckert, FNP Gun Lake Andrew Stanley, DO Gun Lake Alia Anthony, FNP Hastings Maty Yakoby, MD Andrew Mepham, PA-C Middleville Lynda Simpson, DO Laurie Braker, MD Lake Odessa Jamie McCartney, MD Increasing your access to exceptional health care, close to home is a priority for Spectrum Health. Our local providers are not just experts in their field; they are also a part of your community. Now accepting new patients in Family, Internal and Pediatric Medicine in Caledonia, Hastings, Middleville, Gun Lake and Wayland. Expanded morning and evening hours to better meet your needs. Spectrum Health Pennock Spectrum Health Pennock Spectrum Health Pennock Family Medicine - Gun Lake Family, Internal & Pediatric Family Medicine - Lake Odessa 12851 W. M179 Highway Wayland, Ml 49348 877.377.7322 Medicine - Hastings 4294 Laurel Drive Lake Odessa, Ml 48849 616.374.7660 1108 W. State Street, Suite 3 Hastings, Ml 49058 269.945.0922 Hastings Spectrum Health Medical Group Family Medicine - Caledonia Spectrum Health Pennock 9090 S. Rodgers Court, Suite A Family Medicine - Middleville Caledonia, Ml 49316 616.891.0422 490 Edward Street Middleville, Ml 49333 269.795.4434 ■HMi Middleville 8 OKU SPECTRUM HEALTH * Pennock Accepting new patients | Expanded hours | findadoctor.spectrumheaith.org Erica Nyman, PA-C Lake Odessa Zachary Jones, PA-C Lake Odessa � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-08-22.pdf a46e01af630ad245ec3913b3701c4887 PDF Text Text Weather hampering some crops A child’s best teacher: A parent See Story on Page 16 See Editorial on Page 4 Delton fall sports teams previewed See Stories on Pages 12, 13 and 14 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 804879110187 1070490102590503332649058113421 MJMt«»**»**»**«***********CAR-RT LOT**C 005 COOt? Richard Hemerling 421 N Taffee Dr_ Hastings Ml 49058-1 g:47;00 AM 7.00 AM nwb ANNER Thursday, August 22, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 34 PRICE 750 Major gift to allow athletic facilities upgrades BRIEFS State rep. invites residents to local office hours : State Rep. Julie Calley welcomes residents to meet with her Monday, Aug. 26, at the Barry County Courthouse, commissioner cham­ bers, 220 W. State St., Hastings. She will host individual meetings from 1 to 2 p.m., and then provide a legislative update from 2 to 2:30 p.m. “Community members may stop by for individual meetings, arrive in time for the update, or attend both segments,” Calley said. “Our revised format is intended to make it more convenient for those I serve.” No appointment is necessary. Residents unable to attend sched­ uled office hours may send their questions and ideas to Rep. Calley via email to JulieCal ley ©house. mi.gov or by calling her 517-373­ 0842. Rebecca Pierce Editor A gift totaling $821,000 from Larry and Earlene Baum and the Baum Family Foundation will enable extensive upgrades of the Hastings High School football stadium, track, tennis courts and bleachers. In accepting the donations with great appre­ ciation during the board of education meeting Monday, President Luke Haywood said, “I guess I’d just like to comment: Wow. What a tremendous gift. We’ve been scratching our heads trying to figure out how in the world we were going to take care of some of these very needed improvements ...” The answer is “an amazing gift from the Baums, who just to continue to give and give. Haywood said the board members want to express their appreciation to the Baums in person. “The Baum family has given over a mil­ lion dollars in the last two months,” Superintendent Daniel Remenap pointed out, referring to another donation of $264,000 by the Baum Family Foundation in July to sup­ port the performing arts center and the athlet­ ic department. The audience spontaneously applauded. “Yes.” Remenap said, nodding to affirm that response .Then he expressed the hope that they all could thank the Baums personally at an upcoming school board meeting. “I’d love to have Larry here when he’s up to it,” he said. “We’re very grateful.” Then the board proceeded to put those ; ; : Summerfest brings street closures Drivers are reminded that detours may be necessary this weekend as Hastings celebrates its 42n^ Summerfest. Church Street downtown will be closed all three days to make way for pedestrians and vendors. The block of Court Street next to the courthouse also will be closed all three days, as will Center Street between the Methodist Church and the Barry Community Enrichment Center. Several streets adjacent to Central Elementary and Hastings Middle School will be blocked off Saturday morning for 5K and 10K races and the mile-long fun run. The Summerfest Grand Parade will begin at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, along State and Apple streets and one block of M-43. The roadways will be blocked off shortly before the parade and be reopened soon after. Sunday, State Street and intersect­ ing streets downtown - including Court, Jefferson and Michigan - will be closed for the car show. By Sunday evening, all streets will be open again. Sports Services in Jackson was accepted. A new scoreboard for the football stadium was approved for $136,563 from the Daktronics, based in Brookings, S.D. The project will include a new high-tech video display scoreboard and public address system. If the cost for the installation is actually high­ er, the school boosters club has agreed to cover any additional amount incurred in installation or electrical upgrades. In other projects, the board approved roof repair at Northeastern Elementary. Three bids were received, and the bid from J. Stevens Construction of Muskegon for $555,500 was accepted. This expense will be paid for with a combi- See UPGRADES, page 10 Schools face labor, financial challenges as new year begins KAMA MM NiMH registration deadline is Friday Area adults are invited to improve skilled trades through a free fiveweek program. The Kellogg Advanced Manufacturing Assembly has provided training for high school students in the past. This particular session is focused on adults who wish to expand their skills and knowl­ edge for a successful career in manu­ facturing. A condensed course in advanced manufacturing basics will run Sept. 3 through Oct. 10. Sessions will be Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Kalamazoo Community College Fehsenfeld Center in Hastings. Manufacturing plant tours, mock interviews and an in-depth manufac­ turing capstone project are included in the curriculum. The registration deadline is Friday, Aug. 23. Anyone interested in the fall program should call Tina Wescott at the West Michigan Works office in Hastings, 616-649-9848. donations to work by authorizing the remod­ eling and renovation of the bleachers at Baum Stadium for $305,000. All decks, risers, backs, railings, aluminum seats/planking, wheelchair pockets, ramps, sets and an updated public address system will be covered by this project. Two bids were received, and the board unanimously picked Architectural Systems Group in Holland. Two bids also were received for the remod­ eling and renovation of the tennis courts, which will cost a total of $222,710. The board approved the bids from Superior Asphalt in Grand Rapids for $168,710 and Pro Services in Portage for $54,000 to complete that proj­ ect. Two bids were received for the track reno­ vation project. The $102,000 bid from AG Jason Baum (left) joins his grandparents Earlene and Larry Baum outside the plant during the tour Saturday. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Hastings Fiber Glass celebrates 60 years, new facility with open house Rebecca Pierce Editor Hastings Fiber Glass welcomed the com­ munity into its new $8 million facility at 1301 W. Green St. Saturday to celebrate 60 years of business. The open house from 10 a.m.to 2 p.m. pro­ vided tours, demonstrations and lunch at the site for global manufacturer of products and tools for the electrical power and communica­ tions industries. The company is owned and operated by the Baum family, local philanthropists who have contributed in many ways to the well-being of the Hastings community. The presence of Larry and Earlene Baum at the event was particularly meaningful for employees and community members, who said how happy they were to see them. With their grandson Jason at their side, the Baums used a golf cart to get around, talking with family, friends and colleagues, and watching demonstrations and tour groups view the company that was started in a garage. The company was founded in June 1959 by See FIBER GLASS, page 3 Greg Chandler Staff Writer As some schools start this week amid uncertainties over state funding, area dis­ tricts are addressing challenges ranging from teacher contract disputes to upcoming ballot questions intended to address cost issues. In Caledonia Community Schools, teach­ ers returned to classrooms this week with­ out a new contract. The previous contract expired Aug. 1, and the two sides are locked in a dispute over compensation for the first year of the proposed three-year agreement. A state mediator entered the talks earlier this month and another mediation session took place this week. hi Hastings Area School System, teach­ ers are currently under contract for the 2019-20 school year. Superintendent Dan Remenap said. And school officials are moving forward on facility improvements, including roof repairs at Northeastern Elementary. (See stay this page.) But they aren't planning on going back for a bond request anytime soon. have what I call bond fatigue?’ Remenap said. “I want to focus on taking care of what we have with what we have for now?' Like Hastings, several districts in the region are addressing facility needs and, in some cases, financial requests are being made. Largest among these is Thomapple Kellogg schools, where the district will be asking for a $42.8-million bond Nov. 5. If approved, the bond would result in a projected no-mill increase, according to Superintendent Rob Blitchok. The debt would be paid off over a period of 25 years using 3.03 mills of the existing district mill­ age. Most of the money from the bond would be used to add more classrooms at the dis­ trict’s three elementary schools - four class­ rooms at McFall Elementary (kindergarten and first grade), three at Lee Elementary (second and third grades) and three at Page Elementary (fourth and fifth grades). Other proposed improvements include renovation of the existing pool, replacing mechanical and air-handling systems and site improvements such as parking lots, parent-student pickup areas and bus loops. Lakewood Public Schools recently approved a $2.25 million non-voter bond proposal. Funds from the bond issue, approved earlier this month, will go toward installation of energy-saving lighting throughout the district and replacement of an outdated phone system. The bond issue would be paid off using savings from a recently approved energy savings contract with Schneider Electric. Lakewood Superintendent Randy Fleenor said the bond will not result in any tax increase. In Delton Kellogg school district, Superintendent Kyle Corlett said they are taking a wait-and-see approach to financial issues. “We have a lot of improvement taking place as a result of our $24-million bond passing: New technology, new buses, upgrades in facilities, and more,” Corlett See SCHOOL, page 9 KAMA success highlighted at BIE luncheon Greg Chandler Staff Writer A little more than two years ago, Morgan Armour was a senior in the alternative educa­ tion program at Hastings High School, unsure about her plans for the future. Then she heard a presentation by Mike Schneiderhan, workforce development coor­ dinator for the Barry County Economic Development Alliance, who also had once been her principal at Central Elementary School. He was meeting with alternative ed students about a pilot program designed to encourage graduating seniors in Barry County schools to consider careers in manufacturing. At first, Armour was unimpressed. “The only thing I knew about [manufactur­ ing] was what you see in TV and the movies. I thought [it was] gross, T don’t want to stand in line and build things all day,’ ” she said. Schneiderhan, in response, asked, “What else are you going to do?” After some persistence, Armour agreed to go through the Kellogg Advanced Manufacturing Assembly program. She now says the program has changed her life, as well as her future plans. Armour shared her story Wednesday at the annual Business, Industry and Education lun­ cheon at Hastings Middle School, an event put together by Hastings Area Schools and the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Travis Alden, president of the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance, wel­ comed guests at the annual Business, Industry and Education luncheon. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Economic Development Alliance to give a positive kickstart to the new school year. “The whole process was really valuable to me. I learned that there’s not just you standing in line building things and sending them off,” Armour said. “It’s engineering, it’s sales anything you can think of in manufacturing. It’s not just the actual building of things.” After completing training through KAMA, Armour was hired at Flexfab LLC in Hastings to work in its aerospace division. She contin­ ues to work there while she pursues an associ­ ate degree at Kellogg Community College. She eventually wants to transfer to Western Michigan University to study engineering. Schneiderhan said KAMA was developed in 2017 in response to discussions with Barry County manufacturers who were struggling to fill open positions. “We had a need in our community for entry-level manufacturing, and I knew we had a pool of young people that needed jobs,” Schneiderhan told guests at Wednesday’s BIE luncheon. “That’s when I started looking at offering a class for students like Morgan who had no plans, maybe struggled in school, who absolutely did not want to go on to college but knew they needed some skills.” Over the past three years, 42 Barry County students have gone through KAMA, the majority of them being students from Hastings and Thornapple Kellogg high schools, Schneiderhan said. In addition to learning technical skills through KAMA, Armour gained so-called “soft skills” that will be valuable no matter what profession she chooses. “You have to show up on time every day. You have to be there every day,” she said. “I’ve been at Flexfab just over two years, and I’ve seen people come and go because they don’t know these simple skills.” Chamber president Travis Alden said Armour’s story is an example of how a pro­ gram like KAMA can transform a person’s life. “I think more educators, students and par­ ents need to hear her story, to understand how a simple program like KAMA bridges that gap from the classroom ... to real-life, real world, gainful employment opportunities right in our backyard,” Alden said. During the luncheon, educators and busi­ ness people heard presentations from new Hastings Area Schools Superintendent Dan Remenap, Hastings Fiber Glass Products human resources director Sarah Alden and state Rep. Julie Calley, R-Portland. The speakers shared their thoughts on 21st century job skills, with a particular emphasis on soft skills, such as showing up for work on time, See LUNCHEON, page 9 �Page 2 — Thursday, August 22, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Legion marks 100 years with picnic and concert The horn section of the 338th Army band includes (from left) Sgt. 1 st Class Tim Komarmy, Sgt. Joel Wiseman, Spc. Derek Storey, Sgt. Aaron Burch and Sgt. Scott Bley. Hundreds of people surround Thornapple Plaza in Hastings Friday night as the 338th Army rock band entertains. Kathy Maurer Copy Editor Two days of celebrating is probably too much for most centenarians, but Lawrence J. Bauer American Legion Post 45 in Hastings welcomed well-wishers with food, tours and more Friday and Saturday, Aug. 16 and 17, for its 100-year bash. The celebrating began Friday evening with free hot-dogs, chips and lemonade for visitors to Thomapple Plaza in downtown Hastings, provided by the Legion. Some dignitaries and members of the 338th Army Band gathered with Legion representatives at Hastings Public Library for dinner and mingling. Those same dignitaries - including State Rep. Julie Calley, Hastings Mayor Dave Tossava and Department of Michigan American Legion Commander Barry Wood then reconvened on stage at the plaza to present proclamations to current Post 45 Commander Steve Carr. “I am really proud to help the American Legion Post 45 celebrate 100 years,” Tossava said as he gave Carr a city proclamation de^laring Aug. 16 and 17 American Legion cSSe^nial Weekend'. Calley presented Carr with a signed proclamation and a framed U.i. flag that had flown over the state Capitol. The proclamation was signed by the governor, lieutenant governor and State Sen. Dr. John Bizon. She referred to veterans as quiet heroes and commended the American Legion. Carr, thankful on behalf of the local Post, took the microphone briefly: “I just want to say, God bless our military. God bless our Spc. Kim Williams invites young spectators Sadie Butler (from left), Hope Dykhouse and Avery Butler bn stage as site sings. A line quickly forms as Auxiliary members slice into birthday cakes provided for the celebration. veterans,.and God Utess. the United America.” The concert by the 338th Army Band, based in Michigan and Ohio, was the final Friday Night Feature of the Hastings Live summer concert series. All of the Army band members who performed Friday are from Michigan, but it was the first time to Hastings for most of A patriotic cake is the centerpiece among vanilla and chocolate cakes served up at the century celebration Friday. Ladies from the Post 45 Auxiliary serve up cake to mark the 100th birthday of the local American Legion. The audience is encouraged to sing along, clapping, standing and some even dancing with the music. Here, Earlene Baum represents the Baum Family Foundation, which provided the Thornapple Plaza, and Dr. Jim Atkinson Coined by his wife, Mary), is among the many Post 45 members in attendance. Aubrey May Beeler B/jX Daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Conrad Beeler of t c-ju Shelbyville, Michigan, graduated as a Doctor of Dental Science [I. W w from the University of Michigan on ■ Ok ; May 10, 2019. She will be practicing general dentistry in Wayland, Michigan. She graduated |. g Delton High School in 2011. ,‘4 4 l I -4 CONGRATS AUBREY! Love Grandpa Connie Beeler Auxiliary volunteers wear celebratory T-shirts marking the Legion’s 100th birth­ day. them. They packed up in Livonia that morning, traveled to Hastings, unpacked, set up, and did a sound check before heading to the library for a complimentary dinner. Band members were impressed with Thomapple Plaza. “Honestly, this is one of the best venues we’ve been to,” Spc. Kim Williams said. “On behalf of the band, I want to say, ‘We love Hastings.’ ” The nine-piece band delivered a mix of tunes, getting the biggest response from Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” and Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline.” After an encore, the crowd dispersed, darkness fell and Legion members went home to rest before the second day of celebrating 100 years. Saturday’s party at the Lawrence J. Bauer Post on M-37 south of Hastings included more proclamations, bingo, tours of the renovated post and its archives room, military vehicle display, a cruise show by the Legion Riders and more. Local dignitaries take the stage Friday evening, between the picnic celebrating the 100th birthday of American Legion Post 45 and the 338th Army Band concert. Presenting and accepting documents and words of congratulations are (from left) state Rep. Julie Calley, Post 45 Commander Steve Carr, Hastings Mayor Dave Tossava and Department of Michigan Commander Barry Wood. A Hastings resident, Wood also has served as Post 45 and district commander. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 22, 2019 — Page 3 FIBER GLASS, continued from page 1 — John Giancanelli, a demonstrator for Hastings Fiber Glass., talks about the company’s “phenomenal engineering staff.” Hastings Fiber Glass CEO Dave Baum explains some of the products manufactured in the Hastings plant to a tour group Saturday. (Photos by Scott Harmsen) Earl McMullin, an early pioneer in the fiber­ glass industry. During World War II, he had helped engineer some of the first prototypes for the material. Sixty years ago, he started the business, which began with just five employees, most of whom were family, including McMullin’s daughter, Earlene. She said the company owes much of its growth to her husband, Larry Baum, who cultivated new business opportunities with electrical utility compa­ nies, such as Consumers Power and Detroit Edison. Its patented designs include “hot line” tools and equipment for electrical workers to pro­ tect them when they work on live power lines. Saturday, the telescoping fiberglass “hot sticks” were demonstrated. These tools can be safely used by power crews as they work on lines carrying more than 100,000 volts of electricity. Hastings Fiber Glass products help utility companies across the nation keep the lights on while power lines are being repaired or replaced, company officials are proud to point out. Summerfest takes to streets of Hastings this weekend Brian Baum, a grandson of Larry and Earlene Baum, learns how to use a hot stick from demonstrator John Giancanelli. .. . - jiu DAR rededicates Revolutionary soldier’s grave Summerfest will fill downtown Hastings with people and activity all weekend long. (File photo) Summerfest returns to Hastings this week­ end, bringing together families, friends, shop­ pers, car enthusiasts, music lovers and more. Activities begin Friday morning when con­ cessions open at 10 a.m., and arts and crafts vendors at 11 a.m. The Barry County Transit trolley will begin taking riders around town at noon. The Elks Refreshment Tent, at the comer of Church and Apple streets, will open at 3 p.m. The slowpitch softball tournament will begin M 6:30 p.m. at Fish Hatchery Park. . Music at Thomapple Plaza will begin with Hastings’ own Ellie Youngs from 4 to 5 p.m., followed by Jake Kershaw from 5:30 to 7 p.m. and Saved by the ‘90s from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Saturday begins with plenty of activity as a 5K and 10K step off at 8:30 a.m. Registration for the Jim Jensen Memorial 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament Tyden Park begins at 8:30 a.m., and games start at 9:30 a.m. Produce, flowers and more will be available at the farmers market downtown from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Backwoods Triathlon, which includes golf, bowling and a comhole tournament, will start at 9 a.m. at the Legacy Golf Course. The softball tournament picks up again at 9 a.m., followed by the Barry County Substance Abuse Services Fun Run near the middle school. A weightlifting contest starts at 10 am. near the corner of Court and Church streets. Concessions and the craft show open at the same time. The Summerfest Grand Parade, with a nursery rhymes theme, will begin at 11:30 a.m. on East State Street, near Bliss Clearing Niagara. The parade will turn onto Apple Street near the library, head west to M-37/ Broadway Street, go north to State Street, and head east again, back toward Bliss. Free trolley rides will be available from 12:30 to 8 p.m. Music at Thomapple Plaza will include Silent Bark, from 2 to 3 p.m.; Toppermost, a Beatles tribute band, from 3:30 to 5 p.m.; Kari Holmes from 5:30 to 7 p.m.; and close out with Simply Queen, a Queen tribute band, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Sunday’s schedule includes the softball tournament, a community worship service and picnic, beginning at 9:30 a.m., concessions and arts and crafts, the children’s parade at 1 p.m. and a large car show throughout downtown from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. All weekend long, select local merchants will offer specials. In addition, Bob’s Gun and Tackle will have all sorts of specials to celebrate its anniversary, and Ace Hardware will have its tent sale Wednesday through Sunday. More information can befound in brochures available at local businesses or online at hastingssummerfest.com. Pictured at the rededication of John Quick’s grave are (from left) Joyce Marot, Joanne Rutzen, Lily Cheney, Anne Lightfoot and Janice Tackett from the Battle Creek Chapter DAR, along with Quick descendant Elizabeth Howells of the Rev. John Andrews DAR Chapter in Watkinsville, Ga. (Photo provided) Members of the Battle Creek Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution assisted in the rededication of the grave of Revolutionary War patriot John Quick at Quaker Cemetery near Nashville Aug. 10. Two of Quick’s descendants - Elizabeth Howells, of the Rev. John Andrew DAR chapter in Watkinsville, Ga., and Bernard Groskopf of Central Michigan Chapter Sons of the American Revolution - organized the event and coordinated with Maple Grove Township, as well as neighbors of the cemetery for driveway repair and parking. Nashville VFW provided the 21-gun salute. A Sons of the American Revolution honor guard gave silent honors and provided a cannon salute. John Quick was bom Oct. 16, 1762, in New Jersey. He enlisted in Pennsylvania Aug. 19, 1776, and served a total of three years, nine months and 17 days. He reportedly crossed the Delaware with Gen. George Washington, was wounded in the attack on Johnstown Township buys new phone system Luke Froncheck Staff Writer Johnstown Township voted to update its phone system during the board’s regular meeting Wednesday, Aug. 8. Clerk Sheri Babcock said the current phone system worked fine, but was outdated. Rather than waiting for the system to become too outdated to use, the board OK’d spending $3,978 for a new system. The township also discussed a weed control special assessment for Bristol Lake. Currently, lake residents are looking for more signatures to support an assessment because the minimum signature requirement has not yet been reached. As it stands, proper­ ty owners are privately funding their own weed control. In other business: • The board voted to renew the special assessment for weed control on Fine Lake. • The board discussed the fire department’s upcoming spaghetti dinner fundraiser on Oct. 12. Trenton, survived Valley Forge and fought under Gen. Nathanael Greene in the Battle of Monmouth. He and his wife moved to Maple Grove Township in 1842 where he died May 9, 1851. Hip or Knee Pain Got You Down? Don't let hip or knee pain limit the things you love to do. Join us for a program on preventive, nonsurgical and surgical treatments, including hip and robotic-assisted knee joint replacement. Wednesday, September 11 Registration and lunch at 11:45 a.m. Program at noon Barry County Commission on Aging 420 W. Woodlawn Ave., Hastings Register at bronsonhealth.com/classes or call (800) 451-6310. * BRONSON Barry Collins, DO �Page 4 — Thursday, August 22, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you In My Opinion see? Quiet time A child’s best teacher: A parent A cicada, best known for the loud buzzing sound the large insect makes in late summer, takes a few quiet minutes to rest on a day lily leaf in Hastings. According to a University of Michigan website, cicadas have a long life, spend­ ing multiple years underground as juve­ niles. After emerging as adults, howev­ er, they only live two to six weeks. So soaking up the summer sun makes sense. We’re dedicating this space to a photo­ graph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? Summerfest music 7XX The Hastings High School oand plays on State Street during what was called the Hastings Harvest Festivalirl 1978. The event was referred to as Old-Fashioned Hastings Summer Fest and soon became just Hastings Summerfest. The 42nd Summerfest will overflow downtown this weekend, and the Hastings High School Band will march in Saturday’s parade. Seven bands will perform at Thornapple Plaza Friday and Saturday, including two tribute bands, entertaining with songs of The Beatles and Queen. ' " Have you met? Grand Valley State University alumnae Anna Petrenko has left one valley for anoth­ er, picking up the baton over the summer as Maple Valley Schools’ new band director. Petrenko was bom in Estonia and grew up in the Grand Rapids suburb of Wyoming. “A large part of my identity in being an immigrant was growing up and communicat­ ing through music with my family and other families that gathered with us,” Petrenko said. “I didn’t start speaking English until I began school, so using music as the tool through which I expressed myself was invaluable.” She knew she wanted to teach, but didn’t know what subject. Her high school band director suggested what she had never thought of: She could teach music. “I honestly had no idea that I could be a teacher of music, and so he helped me apply to the right programs, get invested, do my research, and here I am,” Petrenko said. She said she wants to encourage her stu­ dents to enjoy music as much as she did. Already, she has found in Maple Valley the community and sense kinship she was seek­ ing. “I think there’s a lot to say about how wel­ come this school made me feel, and I was very drawn to it from the start because of that,” Petrenko said. “I’m excited to learn about the traditions here and hopefully start some of my own, as well.” Petrenko has played the piano since she was 7, and won some local competitions, but decided to stick with the saxophone to keep her on track to become a band director. She put on several recitals as a student at Grand Valley, performed at multiple conferences, and won the university’s solo concerto com­ petition in 2016. That win opened the door for Petrenko to perform with GVSU’s top wind ensemble as a feature soloist on sopra­ no saxophone. She travelled across Michigan and the United States with Grand Valley’s New Music Ensemble. She has also taught private saxophone and piano lessons and worked with multiple school districts as a marching band techni­ cian. At Maple Valley, Petrenko will be respon­ sible for all music education from kindergar­ ten through 12^ grade. Anna Petrenko “My biggest hope is that my students leave my classroom feeling engaged and that they accomplished and learned something,” Petrenko said. “I want band to be a commu­ nity of music-lovers who are passionate about what they do. “ Person I most admire: This one would be a tie between my mom and dad. They came to America in their 40s and basically laid down their lives so that their children would have a chance at a better life than they did. I’m starting to recognize just how huge of a sacrifice that was and how revolutionary of a change as well. I aim to be that selfless. Person I’d most like to meet: The com­ poser David Maslanka. He unfortunately passed away just two years ago, but his music has influenced me in a multitude of ways. Favorite dinner: I love to make com tostadas with homemade com salsa, chorizo, lime, sour cream, and homemade guacamole. It’s my go-to comfort food. Favorite cartoon character: This would definitely have to be Katara from “Avatar: The Last Airbender.” She is one of the stron­ gest female characters that has been por­ trayed on television, and I always wanted to be like her as I was growing up. Favorite vacation destination: I want to go to Alaska. It’s been a dream to see the Northern Lights, explore the vast region of the untouched wilderness, and so much more. I got a taste of that when I went to Glacier National Park last summer, and I hope to go back many, many times. If I could have any superpower, it would be: The ability to fill anything. Think about it. Empty stomach? Let me fill it so I’m not hungry. Lack of sleep? Let me fill myself with some caffeine. Empty wallet? Let me fill it with some money. Greatest song ever written: Too many choices. Speaking from a pop culture stand­ point, I’d definitely have to go with “Faithfully” by Journey, but from a classical standpoint, David Maslanka’s “Symphony No. 4,” or Johan de Meij’s “Lord of the Ring’s Symphony” is a tough one to beat. Book I’d recommend: This is actually a kid’s book, but there are so many creative analogies and perspectives on life that I fre­ quently re-read to this day “The Phantom Tollbooth” by Norton Juster. Mine is so old that the cover is held together with duct tape. I’m most proud of: performing as a fea­ tured soloist with our premiere ensemble at Grand Valley State University. I had won the concerto competition as a sophomore in col­ lege, and I learned the lesson that hard work and perseverance trumps talent any day. That was something my professor had religiously preached to us, but I saw the fruits of my labor finally pay off that year. What I want for Christmas: This is so funny because I immediately thought of my three classrooms that I want to redecorate. Probably anything that helps with organiza­ tion and lots of community help to redo the percussion storage and uniform storage rooms at the high school. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. The smiles and excited looks on the faces of kids in the stores with their parents in recent weeks reminds me of the excitement of going back to school. This time of year is becoming its own holi­ day season as families pick out new school clothes and load up on pens, pencils and graphing calculators. The anticipation of the crisp fall air, new teachers and the excitement of discovery is an annual tradition we all once felt and now pass on to our children. I just wish there was a spot on the sales racks for some parent vouchers, guarantees to ensure children and young people they can count on a foundation of support at home. Research shows that if we don’t make some time - including at our dinner tables - helping children with their homework, students of this nation will continue to lag behind other coun­ tries. This school year, as a 2016 law passed by our enlightened legislators takes effect, Michigan third-graders will be expected to read up to grade level by the end of the school year or will face repeating third grade next year. Despite the amount of money invested across the state, Michigan schools have shown the largest decline in third-grade reading lev­ els among 11 other states in the past three years. According to Education Trust-Midwest, a nonpartisan research and advocacy group, Michigan remains at the bottom of the group, behind Delaware, Vermont, Connecticut, Idaho and West Virginia. The report confirms that nearly 56 percent of Michigan third-grad­ ers did not pass the reading test on the state’s assessment in 2017. A Brookings Institute analysis also found that our state’s students made the least improvement on last year’s national assessment. The problem, of course, compounds. Michigan is one of only five states that has declined in actual performance in fourth-grade reading since 2003. The state’s decline has come at the same time that we invested nearly $80 million over a three-year period for additional instructional time and literacy coaches. And now, as the state’s new third-grade reading law goes into effect, third-graders who can’t pass this year’s state assessment will be held back. I’m not a believer in social promotion, but I can’t imag­ ine the lasting indignity in a third-grader’s life by being forced to join last year’s second graders for the remainder of his or her school years. This could hardly be conducive to learning. “Michigan’s young students are just as bright and talented as other students around the country,” Amber Arellano, executive director of the Education Trust-Midwest, said. “The question is not whether we should be investing in improving third-grade reading for Michigan children. The question is: How does Michigan become more effective at improving teaching and learning, as leading education states have done?” I think that initiative begins at home. No matter how hard our schools work by setting standards and preaching the importance learn­ ing plays in a student’s success, the role that parents and guardians play in their child’s education is fundamental to seeing positive results. Children take their cues from parents. Parents need to be role models by remaining calm, supportive and reassuring for their chil­ dren and giving them the confidence they need to excel. That foundation of support can begin with something as simple as setting some basic rules on study time, playtime and bed­ time. Students also are exposed to all kinds of technology that has taken over their lives and consumes much of the free time they have for other activities. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents place a reason­ able limit on the entertainment media and electronic devices their kids use. The study suggests that elementary school children who watch TV or use a computer more than two hours per day are more likely to have emotion­ al, social and attention problems. The AAP suggests families adopt some simple household guidelines, such as: not using digital devices during meals, no screen time near or at bedtime, no electronics during family time, and careful monitoring of all devices during study time. In addition, it’s asking parents to consider an occasional digi­ tal detox night for the entire family by creating a ‘screen-free night’ at least once a week. It’s good policy for the entire family’s phys­ ical and emotional health to unplug and enjoy each other rather than become addicted to electronic devices. The warnings from experts also apply to parents: More than two hours of What do you TV per day can increase an adult’s risk of weight gain, diabetes and heart disease, all factors that increase the likelihood of serious health issues caused by a sedentary lifestyle; loss of sleep and generally bad eating habits when engrossed in screen time. Despite all of the research, most families still find that reducing the grip that technology has over their lives is nearly impossible to achieve. Some schools are acknowledging this destructive obsession. In two nearby districts, cellphone use will be banned during the school day this academic year. Cutting tech­ nology at home and hitting the books will do more for a child’s ability to learn than any state mandates will. Kids aren’t reading up to third-grade stan­ dards because they’re not reading. Reading messages on a cellphone or on social media is not increasing reading comprehension or criti­ cal thinking skills. Reading skills come from reading books, with information or a story that tests the reader’s ability to follow the storv line. Teaching young children to read increas­ es their language skills, builds their ability to listen, reduces stress, improves memory, increases their conversational skills, and maybe most importantly - encourages empa­ thy and compassion for others. “We need to engage the parents, too, to get them more involved in their child’s learning < said Martin Ackley, spokesman for the state education department. “The need to get all children reading at grade level by third grade is urgent, and Michigan schools are in the early stages of using the state funds to develop reading intervention programs.” The research confirms that Michigan stu­ dents are not only behind, they are far from catching up to their peers nationwide. But no matter how much money the state throws at the problem, getting support from parents is a must. Parents and guardians must accept their role if we expect to move the needle because legislators have proven all but inept in their grandstanding play to make this state an edu­ cational leader. Remember, this is the group that gave us the 2006 law requiring public schools to wait until after Labor Day to begin classes so as to ben­ efit Michigan’s tourism industry during the last three-day weekend of the summer season. Now, as they see reading skills and compre: hensive testing scores plummeting, legislators have rescinded that law, and most schools have either already started or will be in session next week. So does it look like our magnanimous polit­ ical leaders are solving our educational prob­ lems? For years, legislators have underfunded education, regularly robbing from the state’s Strategic Fund earmarked for education to meet their revenue problems. This year, legist lators are discussing the possibility of paying for a budget gap to fix the roads by borrowing against the school employee pension funds. And they still haven’t approved a state bud­ get allowing local districts - whose new fiscal years began July 1 - to begin the new school" year with any certainty on state funding. For the past eight years, Lansing approved a bud­ get well in advance of its Oct. 1 deadline to assist school districts with their financial plan-* ning. As our students head back to school, it’s* imperative that families recognize they may; not be able to grapple with these larger chal­ lenges, but they have a vital tool to use in helping achieve success for their children: Time - and how that time is being used. The challenges our kids face in today’s fast­ paced marketplace will require they have a; strong educational foundation if they expect to compete for the jobs of the future. All of us also must understand the serious-^ ness of the problem and be looking for solu­ tions because one thing is certain: As a com­ munity, we all need to focus on getting our students ready to learn or we’ll all pay the price at the end of the day. Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. think? Last week: With the recent reduction in auto insurance rates, some officials think cost is no excuse for not having vehi­ cle insurance. One lawmaker is pro­ posing that police be allowed to seize the license plate if a driver has no auto insurance. Is this a good idea? Yes 100% No 0% For this week: Some are suggesting that, for one day only, sales taxes should be waived on pur­ chases of school supplies and clothing. Do you think that’s a good idea? □ Yes □ No �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 22, 2019 — Page 5 Barry County board debates how best to support broadband efforts Rebecca Pierce Editor ; Barry County Commissioners are interest­ ed in broadband expansion in the county — and they agreed to write a letter of support for a Lansing-based company that wants to apply to a state grant to expand it. But where commissioners differ on the issue is whether or not to vet each company that comes knocking on their door asking for letters of support. Commissioner Dan Parker and Jon Smelker said that each company should be vetted before the commissioners approve a letter of support. , Travis Alden, president of the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance, asked commissioners to OK a letter for ACD, Advanced Communications and Data, out of Lansing. ACD, which is interested in expanding and improving broadband access in underserved areas, had asked for the community support, saying they wouldn’t be taking seriously for the grant without it. In other business during Wednesday’s com­ mittee of the whole meeting, the board inter­ viewed James Alden of Delton for a post on the county Zoning Board of Appeals. Commissioners agreed to recommend Stacey Graham, who they had interviewed earlier, to a partial term ending March 31, 2021, and Alden to a full three-year term end­ ing March 31,2022. Commissioner Dan Parker noted that the third applicant for one of the two posts, Gerald Schmiedicke, was already serving on the Commission on Aging board. In other action, the board voted to recom­ mend authorization of a Brownfield Redevelopment Authority board to administer an EPA grant for $300,000. The funds will become available on Oct. 1, at which time they will be able to be used for assessing potentially contaminated sites throughout Barry County. The board also voted to recommend approval of changes to the solid waste plan. The county board will meet at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 27, in the mezzanine of the county courthouse in Hastings. Delton Kellogg names new school board member Luke Froncheck Staff Writer Delton resident Craig Jenkins is the newest addition to the Delton Kellogg Board of Education. Jenkins was selected after he and one other applicant were interviewed during the board’s regular Monday meeting. Jenkins, who has been living in the Delton area for three years now, comes from Freeport. His wife graduated from Delton in 1997. “I’m stupid in love with my community,” Jenkins said during his interview. “I see this opportunity as a great way to serve my com- Know Your Legislators Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). , State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855­ 347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington. D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate H ..MMIIMIIIRi Debbie. Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. • Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1 -202-224-3121. The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. The Hastings Banner Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) • • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Tanett Hodge Taylor Owens munity.” Jenkins works as an auditor in risk manage­ ment. He said that his job is about tearing apart a situation and either finding a solution or getting the best person to find one. Jenkins has been a regular attendee of school board meetings since Christmas. His attendance played into board Vice President Jim McManus’s decision to nominate him. The board approved McManus’ nomination, 4-0. Both Rodney Dye and Robert Houtrow were absent. Delton alumni Doreen Stanton also was interviewed for the opening. She worked as an accountant for 10 years and has been vol­ unteering at Delton for the past few years. During her interview, Stanton expressed her deep passion for education and her love of young people. “I’m glad this is a really hard decision,” Secretary Jessica Brandli said. After the selection was made, the board encouraged Stanton to stay involved. McManus directly mentioned his desire to see Stanton on the board in the future. Superintendent Kyle Corlett also gave his “State of the District” address during the reg­ ular meeting. He touched on district success­ es, such as increasing teacher salaries by 1.25% and voter approval of the $23 million bond request. Corlett also reported that, during the last school ye^r, the district expand­ ed art programs in the middle and high school. Delton Kellogg is dealing with a slow decline in student enrollment, but Corlett said there are several new initiatives, such as a district podcast, beginning this year with a focus on drawing in more students. Corlett said that, rather trying to compete with larger schools in terms of the number of programs offered, he would rather focus on making Delton the best at the programs it does offer. Former board member Marsha Bassett, who was in the audience, said that the Delton Kellogg Education Foundation board, which she serves on, is currently seeking new mem­ bers. In other action, the board: • Approved reassigning second-grade teacher Kevin Lillibridge to sixth-grade teach­ ing to fill a vacancy. • Extended food service hours to make way for this year’s new free breakfast program. • Ratified a $4,565,000-bond resolution. • Approved the audit engagement letter with Gabridge and Company of Grand Rapids. • Extended the hours of Dawn Fluty and Janie Tolles to support the new free breakfast initiative. • Approved the bid from Rayhaven for $66,946 to replace the high school locker room lockers. • Approved the bid from B&V Mechanical for $67,100 to replace the high school air conditioner. • Approved the paraprofessional handbook for the 2019-20 school year. • Approved the elementary and middle school handbooks for the 2019-20 school year. • Approved hiring: Middle school parapro­ fessional Piper Ward, fifth-grade teacher Cynthia Estep, second-grade teacher Ashley Stanton, middle school special education paraprofessionals Susan Renee and Vicki Anderson, food service worker Tasha Root, bus driver Carrin Macomber. • Accepted the resignations of the follow­ ing individuals: Dayna Cantu, who took a job closer to home in Lansing; Anthony DeRosa, who got married and relocated to the Flint area; and Dakeitha Davis, who found a new job opportunity. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Baltimore Township approves recreational marijuana sales Luke Froncheck Staff Writer Baltimore Township officials believe they are the first in Barry County to approve recreational marijuana use and business starting this fall. The action, which took place at a special 10-minute meeting Thursday, was for the sole purpose of voting on the ordinance, which will take effect on Sept. 30. The only licensed grower in the county, Adams Family Farms, whose operation for medical marijuana is in the township, called officials “pioneers” for its action. “We went forward with medical marijua­ na from the beginning,” Township Supervisor Chad VanSyckle said. “We talk­ ed to the community and we didn’t have any pushback at all.” The ordinance requires a mandatory, non-refundable $5,000 annual fee from each licensed recreational marijuana estab­ lishment in the township. VanSyckle said the township is expecting to receive 3 per­ cent of the profits from all recreational marijuana sales. The ordinance allows for no more than four growers, no more than three retailers, no more than five microbusinesses, and no more than two secure transporters. Because of the restriction on the number of recreational marijuana facilities, the township developed a criteria to help identi­ fy the businesses that are most likely to be chosen. The ordinance specifies that these businesses have experience in operating other licensed marijuana facilities in the township and the state; residency in the township, the county, or the state. General management experience, financial ability and the means to operate a marijuana estab­ lishment. A history of noncompliance with tax payments and any regulatory require­ ments in the township, county, or state would disqualify an applicant. The township will begin taking recreation­ al marijuana establishment applications on Oct. 1. Mountain biking clinics encourage women to try new challenge To the editor: For the last several years, Lauren Tripp and Colleen Watson have partnered with the YMCA of Barry County to put on mountain biking clinics. The clinics focus on everything from proper technique, tire pressure for the terrain, safety and how to change a tire tube. They work hard and generously share their passion, enthusiasm and expertise; while encouraging women to join the cycling ranks in Barry County. I have taken several of their clinics; the most recent in preparation for the all-female mountain bike race at Wahlfield Park called “Skirts in the Dirt.” I would not have entered the race without their encouragement and support. It turned out to be a great day, having fun in a commu­ nity of women with a shared interest and “enjoying” the technically challenging course. Heartfelt congratulations to Hastings resi­ dent Olive Day, age 6. She entered the “Squirts in the Dirt” category (females under 12), accompanied by her mother Catie Case. She may have been the last racer to cross the fin­ ish line, but did so with the biggest smile and the coolest bike helmet. Diane Hammond, Podunk Lake Yankee Springs Twp. clowns need to face some consequences To the editor: The “In My Opinion” piece published by Fred Jacobs in the Aug. 8 Banner was dead-on regarding the deception and manipulation by a few on the Yankee Springs Township board. I have watched this obvious takeover by those referred to by Fred as the “Gotcha Club” since January. Their power grab is Washington at its best, and their hatred for a few fuels their desire to take control, even from a voted official, an official we the people voted in. There are so many incidents of misconduct by these so-called officials - and no conse­ quences for their actions. The people of Yankee Springs Township should be up in arms and demanding conse­ quences to stop these performing clowns and the circus they created. I urge the residents of Yankee Springs Township to attend board meetings the second Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. at Yankee Springs Township Hall. Thank you, Fred Jacobs, for bringing this information to the residents of Yankee Springs. Gloria Medendorp, Wayland Questions need answers before pursuing any senior housing project To the editor: Thomapple Manor Director Don Haney was correct in recognizing the need for senior housing at the Barry County Board of Commissioners meeting. However, the answer to this situation is easier said than done. Before a lot of time, not to mention money, is spent, several critical questions first should be answered regarding his proposal. Commissioners should ask these questions and get answers before spending $150,000 to $200,000 on a potential project that might not be able to take place politically, financially or physically: Will this project compete with other privately financed and taxed projects? Will this project be property tax-exempt? If yes, why? A project like this will require a large amount of public utilities, such as water, electrical, sewage and road access. Who pro­ vides and who pays? Will this project com­ pete with other tax-exempt organizations, such as the Commission on Aging? If so, could money be saved by combining these functions at one location? These are just the start of a longer list of questions that should be asked if this idea is explored further. Asking these questions will cost no money and may possibly save every­ one a lot of time and money in the long run. Jim Brown, Supervisor Hastings Charter Township �Page 6 — Thursday, August 22, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Together ...at the church of your choice Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingshopeqgiG* f0 s s .• P y: ,Wh. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office, greenstreetumc @ gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948­ 8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. Ann Mae Welton FREEPORT, MI - Wayne Cecil Landon passed away on Aug. 4, 2019 surrounded by loving family. He was the youngest of eight children, born June 15, 1932 in Carlton Center, Mich, to Cleon and Nina Landon. Wayne grew up farming, with a desire for racing and stunt riding motorcycles by the age of 16 in 1947. In 1951, he met Ruth Moe - they married in 1952 where she then introduced him to auto racing. The following week, he had his very own Chevy stock car. As years passed, he evolved into super modified and sprint car racing. Traveling over 2 million miles during his career, he had well over 300 feature wins to his credit. He was inducted into the Michigan Motor Sports Hall of Fame in 1985. In 1992, he became the oldest sprint car rookie at age 60. He was a local legend racing on dirt and tarmac tracks into his late 70s. Originally working in a factory, Wayne went on to start his own business doing body work in his basement. Eventually he built his very own machine shop and started building engines, prospering into a highly successful racing engineer for racers all over the U.S. Wayne was preceded in death by his daughter, Rita, and sons, Terry and Jerry. He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Ruth; daughters, Linda (Thaddeus) Jarkowski and Lorie VanLewen; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; many beloved friends, mentees and fans. He was the the life of any party with his stories and jokes. Wayne’s Celebration of Life Memorial will be Sunday, Sept. 8, .2019 at Fish Hatchery Park, from 1 to 6^.nx, In lieu of flowers, contributions can bemWde to his wife , Ruth Landon and/or to the Alzheimer’s Association in his name. Ann Mae (Miller) Welton passed away Aug. 12, 2019, surrounded by her loving family. She was bom on Sept. 12, 1934 to David and Nellie (Woods) Miller. Ann graduated from Hastings High School and married the love of her life, Richard Welton on June 28, 1953. She loved being a stay-at-home mom for her children. For many years, she raised and rode horses on the family farm and spent summers with her young family at their cottage on Gun Lake. She also loved crocheting, sewing and quilting and made many gifts for family and friends. In retirement she enjoyed her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her retirement home on Lake Michigan, then her winters in Florida. In Florida she enjoyed golfing and their many friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Mary Kerr and brother, Charles Miller. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Richard Welton; children, Douglas (Robin) Welton, Daniel (Julie) Welton and Julie (Tim) Power; grandchildren, Chad (Darcy) Welton, Darcy (Brian) Cotant, David (Samantha) Welton, Kristie Russell, Knstie Welton and Megan Power; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Raymond Miller and sister, Linda Craig. A Celebration of Life, with lunch, was held Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019 at the Legacy of Hastings, 1550 North Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Services provided by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave dtiline condolences visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings, org. Worship Service at 10 a.m. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945­ 9217. cbchastings.org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www. hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAM­ ILY HOUR WELCOMES ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Pre­ school age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Stan­ dard and Adult Elective class­ es. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church age 4-4th grade dismissed during service. Sunday Evening Youth Group, Wednesday Mid-Week and Thursday Bible Study will resume in the fah. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God's Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! Aug. 25 - Services at 8 & 10:45 a.m. Aug. 26 - LACS 6 p.m. Aug. 28 - Safety & Security Mtg. 6:15 p.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken @ grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www. grace-hastings. org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. Nancy Anne Jeffery HASTINGS, MI - Nancy Anne (Cooley) Jef­ fery, age 78, passed away on August 19,2019. Nancy was bom on May 8, 1941, the daugh­ ter of Charles and Eula Bush Cooley. She graduated from Charlotte High School in 1959. Nancy was a school bus driver for Hastings Area Schools for 15 years and was a home health and nurses’ aide for 12 years. She enjoyed crochet­ ing, crafts, feeding the birds, traveling, building puzzles, playing games with friends, and baking - especially homemade bread. Nancy was preceded in death by her par­ ents; her sister, Connie McLane; brother, Gene Cooley, and husbands, Clarence Pomeroy, James Jeffery; grandson, Michael Bennett, and great-grandchildren, Christopher McClurkin, Tristen Manley Mead, Gabrial Ian Holtrust, and Mario Ryan Roscoe. She is survived by her sons, Rick (Jayne) Ea­ ton, Hastings and Ryan Eaton (Ronda Birman), Hastings; daughters, Rae Anne (Mark) Paulsen, Ludington, Robin (Jeffery) Bennett, Hastings, Ronda Roscoe (Tay Gordenski), Hastings; sis­ ter, Karen (John) Despres, Hastings, and sister­ in-law, JoAnn Cooley; 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Barry County Humane So­ ciety, 231 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 or https ://barrycountyhumane.org/. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, at 1 p.m., with a visitation one hour Prior, at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway; Hastings, MI 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. Graphics 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 770 Cook Rd. Hastings 945-9541 Arthur Dye, Jr., age 78, passed away oil Aug. 14,2019. * Arthur was bom on Nov. 28, 1940 in Somerset, KY, the son of Arthur Sr. add Paraiso (Gossett) Dye. Arthur was employed by Wagner and Flook Builders for over 30 years and was a member of the Battle Creek Carpenter’s Union, Locdl 875. Arthur enjoyed the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed riding and rebuilding motorcycles and was a huge Green Bay Packers fan. Arthur is survived by sons, Rodney (Jackie) Dye, Devin (Michele) Dye, and DuWayne Dye; a brother, Jerry Dye; a sister, Betty Dye; 10 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and many extended family at Hom Creek. Arthur was preceded in death by his parents; his loving wife, Karen; a son, Randal Dean Dye; and a brother, Reggie Dye. Arthur’s family will receive friends Friday, Aug. 23 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Williams-Gores Funeral Home where his funeral services will be conducted on Saturday, Aug. 24,2019 at 11 a.m. Pastor Jeff Worden will officiate. Burial will take place in Cedar Creek Cemetery. Please visit www. williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Arthur’s family. ’ hl mow .I» SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Financial planning can fit curriculum A■ 1699W.M43 Highway, Arthur Dve, Jr. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, _ _ _ _ _ _ the churches and these local businesses J Wayne Cecil Landon Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Vonda VanTil Public Affairs Specialist It typically takes people a lifetime of planning to reach their retirement goals. The earlier young workers know about saving for their future, the better chance they’ll have at achieving a comfortable retirement. This is why Social Security has created a resource specifically for teachers and students. Our Information for Educators page contains a toolkit with information and resources to educate and engage students on Social Security programs and services. Within the toolkit, are two lesson plans with objectives, infographics and handouts for each lesson plan, links to Social Security webpages, talking points, and quiz questions and answers It’s important for students to understand why Social Security was created and why it is essential to their lives today and in the future. This knowledge and understanding will provide students a strong base on which to build their financial future. The webpage and toolkit are available at socialsecurity.gov/thirdparty/educators.htmL Young workers also can see how Social Security directly relates to them at socialsecurity.gov/people/students. Encouraging young people to save now for long-term goals that are decades away can be somewhat difficult. Let them know they have a better chance of realizing their dreams if they start planning and taking action early and letting them know that they can share this information with friends, both in person and on social media. 5 Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialisf for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525, or via email tp vonda .vantil @ ssa .gov. On Behafofthe Neil Robert Katsul Family We would like to / thank everyone for / । •< all the kind wishes./ JjyjBo. The entire community has wrapped their arms \ ; around us in this wr difficult time. Words cannot I HE express how grateful our family ' is for the supportive response. He will be missed every day. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 22, 2019 — Page 7 Outdoor worship service to benefit Family Promise Jessica Courtright . Contributing Writer Green Street United Methodist Church and 'Hope United Methodist Church are partnering for an outdoor worship service and fundraiser j at Thomapple Plaza Sunday, Aug. 25. The । event will raise funds to fight homelessness in .Barry County. All offerings and donations made during the event will go to Family ; Promise of Barry County. The outdoor prayer service will begin at 9:30 a.m. (Some downtown streets will be dosed, so guests may want to allow extra time.) The event is free, and all are welcome to attend. Free drink and snack tickets will be handed out between 9:30 and 10 a.m. for Breakfast-style refreshments. Music during the service will be provided by members of both congregations, including the Green Street Band. Green Street United *t4. ■■ Hastings Live season wraps at Summerfest The week of Aug. 18 brings the final Hastings Live Community Concert of the reason and Hastings Live at Summerfest - a two-day, six-concert extravaganza to close out the summer concert season. The Community Concert will feature Geez Louise at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 21, at Thomapple Plaza. Geez Louise plays classic rock songs from Alice Cooper and Alice Merton, Elvis Costello and Elvis Presley, Tom Jones and Tom Petty - in short, a crazy mix of tunes other bands don’t play. The band’s play list includes a mix of hits, B-sides, and new music that will keep tbes tapping and hands clapping. Hastings Live at Summerfest will begin Friday at 4 p.m. when Ellie Youngs, a singer/ songwriter and recent Hastings High School graduate, plays her soulful music. This hour­ long concert - and all others - will be at Thomapple Plaza on the east end of down­ town near Apple and State streets. Another recent graduate, Jake Kershaw, from Marshall, will play from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Kershaw already has put together a resume seasoned professionals would envy. His talent has caught the attention of Nashville, Tenn., agents and managers, and Hastings Live is just one stop on his national tour. Saved by the 90s will play from 7:30 to 9 p.m. This band brings back the 90s with an inter­ active party. Those favorites from the 1990s ’will wrap up the first day of Summerfest. Clark the Juggler will entertain guests Between performances Friday. ; The music will pick up again Saturday, 'when SilentBark plays from 2 to 3 p.m. ; SilentBark uses elements of rock, pop, blues, alternative country, and funk to create solid grooves, infectious melodies and quality musicianship. The first of two tribute bands, Toppermost, 'will play from 3:30 to 5 p.m. For 20 years Toppermost has been perform­ ing Beatles songs with an act that is energetic, full of fun, and family-friendly. Another rising star will take the stage from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Blessed with an angelic voice and poetic charm, Kari Holmes is gaining national attention. Her first single, “Something New,” made the Top 200 on the Music Row chart in Nashville, Tenn. She is currently tour­ ing and selling out shows throughout the Jvlidwest. The final concert will feature a Queen trib­ ute band from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Simply Queen is fronted by Freddie Mercury impersonator Rick Rock. Guitarist Bob Wegner was hand­ picked by Queen’s Brian May to play guitar in several productions of the award-winning ’“We Will Rock You” musical. Together with ’drummer Phil Charrette and bassist Mitch Taylor, the band performs all the iconic songs that made Queen legendary. Dancers from Expressions Dance Studio will entertain during down time between bands Saturday. More information can be found at downtownhastings.com/events or facebook.com/ hastingsmi.org. Methodist Church Pastor Bryce Feighner and Hope United Methodist Church Pastor Kim Metzer will lead worship. Family Promise Executive Director Martha Gibbons will share information on her organization. For roughly eight years, Green Street United Methodist Church has held an outdoor worship service during Hastings Summerfest to raise funds for community outreach pro­ grams. The goal, Feighner said, is to take worship outside of the church and help the community. In the past, the church has raised funds for local nonprofit organizations such as Barry County Cares and the Community Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. to the facilities and resources of the day cen­ ter, at Hope United Methodist Church, fami­ lies receive mentoring customized to their specific needs and goals. With daily to weekly meetings, Family Promise monitors guests’ progress to ensure they stay on track and con­ tinue working toward their goals. Gibbons said she is always looking for more volunteers and partner churches. Even if a church is unable to host families, there are many other ways for congregations to get involved and support families in need. Volunteers or churches who are interested in helping may call Gibbons, 269-953-6189, RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN TO: THE RESIDENTSAND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE proposed Ordinance #2019-170 was introduced for first reading by the Rutland Charter Township Board at its August 7, 2019 meeting. This proposed ordi­ nance will enact as Chapter 101 of the Rutland Charter Township Code an ordinance titled Temporary Sales Ordinance providing as follows: CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND or email mgibbons@familypromisebarrycounty.org. Following Sunday’s service, the two churches will host a free community cookout at Thornapple Plaza. Church members will be serving hamburgers, chips, and other pic­ nic-style foods. Individuals who are unable to attend the service are welcome to participate. Donations to Family Promise will be accepted during the cookout. Additional information, including how to donate, can be found at familypromisebarrycounty.org. a. the name and mailing address of the person who will be responsible for conducting the flea market; b. the street address of the premises where the flea market will be conducted; c. the name of the owner of the premises on which the flea market will be conducted and their consent to the sale (if the applicant is not the owner of the property). d. the date(s) on which the flea market will be conducted; e. the dated signature of the permit applicant, which shall signify the applicant’s awareness of all applicable regulations and the intent to comply with same; f. a telephone number where the applicant can be reached during the sale period; g. such permit application fee, if any, as may be established by the Township Board for a flea market permit. NOTICE OF ORDINANCE SUBMITTAL BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDINANCE NO. 2019-170 RyXLAN.E.CHARTj^RJSWN§HIP TEMPORARYJAL ADOPTED: 2. EFFECTIVE: An Ordinance to amend the Rutland Charter Township Code by enacting as new Chapter 101 pursuant to the Township Ordinances Act (MCL 41.181) regulations for temporary sales activities such as yard sales, garage sales, porch sales, barn sales, estate sales, rummage sales, flea markets, and other similar temporary activities on any premises in Rutland Charter Township to promote the health, safety and welfare of the people of the Township; and pro­ vide for enforcement and fix sanctions for the violation of this ordinance. B. 1. Such sale shall not exceed 4 consecutive days; and shall be held not more than 2 times per year per premises, with at least a 30 day interval between otherwise permissible sales. 2. Only normal and customary household personal property and residen­ tial goods may be offered for sale. 3. The premises on which the sale is held shall be able to accommodate all vehicular traffic associated with the sale without impeding motor­ ized or non-motorized vehicles on any public roadway or impeding pedestrians on any sidewalk or other public right-of-way, or otherwise violating any traffic/parking law administered and enforced by any unit of government. 4. If the sale is advertised by signage on or off the premises upon which sale is held, all such signage shall comply with the applicable require­ ments of any other Rutland Charter Township ordinance, including Article XVIII of Code Chapter 220 (Zoning). The permitted signage shall not be in place more than 3 days prior to the day on which the sale begins, and shall be removed and properly disposed of within 24 hours of the close of the sale. In addition, and notwithstanding any such other ordinances, signage advertising a sale regulated by this ordinance shall not be placed on or over a public sidewalk, or other­ wise within a public right-of-way, unless allowed by and in confor­ mance with any applicable regulations of a governmental unit with jurisdiction over the public right-of-way. 5. Alt items not sold or being held for pickup after the close of the sale shall be placed inside a fully enclosed building within 24 hours of the close of the sale, unless such item may otherwise be lawfully stored outside of a BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDAINS: § 101-1. Title and Purpose A. Title. This ordinance shall be known and may be cited as the Rutland Charter Township Temporary Sales Ordinance. B. Purpose. The purpose of this ordinance is to avoid the detrimental impacts of perpetual “yard sales” and similar types of sales activities on persons and property in Rutland Charter Township, by regulating the duration and frequency of such activities? and otherwise establish­ ing reasonable parameters applicable to such sales; and by requiring a permit for a “flea market” type of sale; and to exempt certain types of sales from these regulations^ § 101-2. Definitions of terms As used in this ordinance, including in this section, the following words and terms shall have the meanings stated herein: “temporary sale” means and includes all such sales conducted as what is commonly known and understood to be a “yard sale”, “garage sale”, “porch sale”, “barn sale”, “estate sale”, “rummage sale”, “flea market”, or any other similar type of casual sale of goods which is advertised by any means whereby the public at large is or can be made aware of such sale, and where all or virtually ail of the goods available for sale are second hand goods owned by a resident of the premises on which the sale is conducted a^d from the household of that person, or are owned by and from the household of a neighboring resident, family member, or other person direct^ or indirectly partici­ pating in the sale. A. “goods” means and includes an^ second hand household items and similar tangible property capable of being the object of a sale regulated under this Chapter. B. “flea market” means and includes a type of sale, typically outdoors, where the goods available for sale are generally not from the house­ hold of the person holding the sale, and may be second hand goods and/or new goods. This type of sale may also be known; as a “swap meet”. A temporary sale that will not comply with § 101-3.B.1. is also a “flea market” for purposes of this ordinance, and is therefore- subject to §101-4 (unless exempted by § 101-5). C. § 101-3. Regulation of temporary sales (other than flea markets) building in accordance with any applicable ordinance of Rutland Char­ ter Township. §101-5. Exemptions The following persons and types of sales are exempted from this Ordinance: 1. Persons selling goods pursuant to an order or process of a court of compe­ tent jurisdiction. 2. Persons selling goods in accordance with their powers and duties as public officials. 3. Any persons selling or advertising for sale items of personal property which are specifically named or described in the advertisement, such as a motor vehicle or boat, provided not more than ten such items are offered for sale, and such items are being displayed for sale in conformity with all other applicable ordinances and laws. 4. Any sale conducted by any merchant or other business establishment from or at a bona fide place of business, including any sale conducted by a man­ ufacturer, dealer, or vendor properly licensed in the State of Michigan, on premises where such sale is permissible under the zoning regulations of the Township and all other applicable ordinances and laws. 5. Any sale conducted by a bona fide tax exempt educational, religious, cultur­ al or governmental institution or organization, on premises where such a sale is permissible under the zoning regulations of the Township and all other applicable ordinances and laws. 6. An “estate sale” or similar type of sale conducted as an auction by a licensed auctioneer on the premises of the owner of the goods subject to auction, where such auction does not exceed 4 consecutive days on a 1-time basis. 7. Any sale of real property. 8. Sales by door-to-door sales persons otherwise operating in accordance with all applicable ordinances and laws. Any temporary sale that is not a “flea market”, is subject to the following: A. No permit required. A permit is not required for any type of temporary sale activity regulated by this Ordinance that is not a flea market. B. Time limits and other requirements. Any type of temporary sale that is not a “flea market” is subject to the following regulations: 1. Such sale may take place on the premises of a lawful dwelling any­ where in Rutland Charter Township, without regard to the zoning dis­ trict classification of the premises under the Rutland Charter Township Zoning Ordinance (Code Chapter 220). Such sale shall not take place on a vacant lot, or other premises without a dwelling, unless the vacant lot is contiguous to the premises of the dwelling and under the same ownership as the dwelling. 2. Such sale shall not exceed 4 consecutive days; and shall be held not more than 4 times per year per premises, with at least a 30 day interval between otherwise permissible sales. 3. Only used normal and customary household personal property and residential goods may be offered for sale, and incidental unused such goods not exceeding 1% of the items for sale. 4. 5. 6. 7. Such safe shall be conducted by a resident of the premises on which the sale is conducted, or by a neighboring resident, family member, or other person whose goods are available for sale and who is actively participating in the sale. The premises on which the sale is held shall be able to accommodate all vehicular traffic associated with the sale without impeding motor­ ized or non-motorized vehicles on any! hublic roadway or impeding pedestrians on any sidewalk or other public right-of-way, or otherwise violating any traffic/parking law administered and enforced by any unit of government. If the sale is advertised by signage on or off the premises upon which the sale is held, all such signage shall comply with the applicable requirements of any other Rutland Charter Township ordinance, including Article XVIII of Code Chapter 220 (Zoning). The permitted signage shall not be in place more than 3 days prior to the day on which the sale begins, and shall be removed and properly disposed of within 24 hours of the close of the sale. In addition, and notwithstand­ ing any such other ordinances, signage advertising a sale regulated by this ordinance shall not be placed on or over a public sidewalk, or otherwise within a public right-of-way, unless allowed by and in confor­ mance with any applicable regulations of a governmental unit with jurisdiction over the public right-of-way. All items not sold or being held for pickup after the close of the sale shall be placed inside a fully enclosed building within 24 hours of the close of the sale, unless such item may otherwise be lawfully stored outside of a building in accordance with any applicable ordinance of Rutland Charter Township. §101-4. Regulation of temporary sales that are flea markets Any temporary sale that is a “flea market” is subject to the following: Confirmation from the Township Zoning Administrator that a flea mar­ ket on the subject premises will not violate any provision of the Rutland Charter Township Code, including Chapter 220 (Zoning). Time limits and other requirements. Any type of temporary sale that is a “flea market” is subject to the following regulations: CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Meal Program. “We wanted to highlight them and bring attention to the good work they are doing,” Feighner said of the congregation’s decision to direct funds to Family Promise, adding that Green Street is proud to be a host church for Family Promise, which officially opened in April. Gibbons said she is honored and grateful to the churches for selecting Family Promise of Barry County as the beneficiary of this event. Temporary housing is only a small part of what Family Promise of Barry County pro­ vides. In addition to regular meals and access § 101-6. Violations and enforcement A. A person or other entity who fails or refuses to comply with any provi­ sion of this Chapter is responsible for a municipal civil infraction and subject to the Schedule of Fines specified in § 45-6 and all other applicable parts of Chapter 45 of the Rutland Charter Township Code. B. Any person or entity responsible for a violation of this Ordinance, whether as an occupant, owner (by deed or land contract), lessee, licensee, agent, contractor, servant, employee, or otherwise, shall be liable as a principal. Each day that a violation exists shall constitute a separate offense. 125442 C. Any violation of this Ordinance is hereby declared to constitute a pub­ lic nuisance, and a basis for such judgment, writ or order necessary to compel compliance with the Ordinance and/or to restrain and prohibit continuation of the violation, or other appropriate relief in any court of competent jurisdiction, in addition to any other relief or sanction herein set forth or allowed by law. D. This Ordinance shall be enforced by the Ordinance Enforcement Officer(s) of Rutland Charter Township and by such other person or persons as the Township Board may designate. § 101-7. Severability The provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared to be severable and if any clause, sentence, word, section or provision is hereafter declared void or unenforceable for any reason by any court of competent jurisdiction, it shall not affect the remainder of such ordi­ nance which shall continue in full force and effect. § 101-8. Repeal All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed; provided that this ordinance shall not be construed to repeal expressly or by implication any provision of the Zoning Ordinance (Code Chapter 220). § 101-9. Effective date A. Permit required. A permit is required for any type of temporary sale activity regulated by this ordinance that is a “flea market”. The Township Clerk or the Clerk’s designee (which may be the Deputy Clerk, an Ordinance Enforcement Officer, or the Zoning Administrator) shall issue a permit for this type of sale upon: 1. The filing of a permit application indicating all the following: This ordinance shall take effect 30 days after publication as required by law. Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Rutland Charter Township �- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- - --- -—-—.——----------------------------------- ——— Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD JONES Be alert for opportunities when preparing for college costs Elaine Garlock The Red cross was in town Monday and collected 47 pints of blood. The drive are alternate months and always on Mondays. Earl and Sally, who have spent several years in Kentucky, have returned to their home on Sixth Avenue. During their previous residency here, he worked as an engineer in Grand Rapids and served on the Ionia County Road Commission. Sally spent much time as a substitute teacher in the local school systems. Robert and Melanie of Bennett Road celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at Outreach Christian Church. They are members of another nearby church which would have been too small for the occasion. Bob is the current supervisor of Berlin Township as was his father before him. They have a son, Matthew. Roberts mother, Dorothy Cochrun, was a graduate of Lake Odessa High School, as were her siblings Roger and Ruth. The Tri-River Museum group met at the senior center in Portland Tuesday. Lanny Garcia Reed, a Lake Odessa graduate, was one of the welcoming hosts for the Portland Historical Society. The day’s agenda included a presentation by Colleen Smelker about plans the Freeport society has for an event next year. The attendees were invited to visit the red Mill on Water Street, winch is now nicely arranged with fine exhibits showing some of the history of Portland with its several manufacturing plants including the Banfield furniture company. The September meeting will be in Byron Center. School begins for Lakewood students Monday, Aug. 26. Some nearby schools began this week either Monday or Tuesday. Road work continues on M-66 with a detour from the Woodbury comer into Lake Odessa where it turns north on Jordan Lake Highway and continues six miles to Portland Road where it again diverts to the original route. All the cross roads are navigable with caution. jfewbom babies Nora Jane Kenfield, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 25, 2019 to Justine O’Donnell and Tom Kenfield of Hastings. Lexi Mae Knibbs, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 26, 2019 to Macey Curry and Scott Knibbs of Nashville. Oliver Willits Kesler, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 29, 2019 to Melissa Ann Piper and Richard Micheal Kesler of Coldwater. Aria Rose Dunmire, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on July 31, 2019 to Alaina Dunmire and Cody Dunmire of Battle Creek. Dixie Lynn Gibbs, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on August 4, 2019 to Jeanna Gibbs and Jeff Gibbs of Sunfield. Evesleigh Nalani Rose, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on August 5, 2019 to Amy Hamilton of Hastings. Lyree Palmer, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on August 5, 2019 to Misty Palmer and Raymond Palmer of Bellevue. Hank Murray, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on August 8, 2019 to Catalina Murray and Tyler Murray of Nashville. Anthany Michael Tefft, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on August 9, 2019 to Kinsey Brisco and Derreck Tefft of Hastings. BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ORDINANCE ADOPTION TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the following is a summary of an Ordinance which was adopted by the Township Board of Baltimore Township at special meeting held on August 15, 2019. ORDINANCE 2019-1R RECREATIONAL (ADULT U$E) MARIHUANA ORDINANCE SECTION I. TITLE. The Ordinance is entitled the Baltimore Township Recreational (Adult Use) Marihuana Establishment Ordinance. Now that summer is winding down, it will soon be “back-to-school” time. When children are young, your logistics for the new academic year may involve little more than a trip to buy school supplies. But if you’d like to send your kids (or grandkids) to college someday, you need to plan far ahead to meet the financial demands. And, as part of your planning, you also need to be on the lookout for all opportunities to help pay those sizable college bills. Specifically, you’ll need to be ready to take action in these areas: • Financial aid - You should start thinking about financial aid at least a year before your child heads off to college. For example, you can begin submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on Oct. 1, 2019, for the 2020-21 academic year. And if the past is any guide, you’ll always need to remember that Oct. 1 date for the next school year. The FAFSA helps colleges and the U.S. Department of Education evaluate your financial need and determine how much financial support your child requires. And since a lot of financial aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, it’s a good idea to submit your forms as soon as possible once the application period opens. • Scholarships - Colleges and universities offer their own scholarships, but you’re not limited to them. In fact, you might be surprised at the number and variety of college scholarships available to your child or grandchild - but to find them, you may need to do some digging. Find out what’s offered from foundations, religious, ethnic or Thursday, Aug. 22 - Baby Cafe, 10 a.m noon; Movie Memories presents a 1952 film about ah ex-cbn trying to go straight who is framed and must g&toMexico to unmask the real culprits, 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 23 - Hastings Summerfest. Saturday, Aug. 24 - anime club, noon; Hastings Summerfest. Monday, Aug. 26 - Quilting Passion^10 a.m.-l p.m.; library board of directors rheets, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 27 - mahjong, 5:30; chess club, 6; genealogy club, 6 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. SECTION III. DEFINITIONS. This section references definitions per Initiated Law 1 of 2018, as may be amended. SECTIONS REQREAIlQNAUADUm^ LICENSES. This section provides the Township’s authorization and licensing process. SECTION VI. LICENSE EVALUATION CRITERIA. This section provides the criteria for determining which applicants are best suited to operate a recreational (adult use) marihuana establishment in Baltimore Township. ■SECTIQNYIL________ GENERAL REQULATIQN.S.... REGARDING. .AUTHORIZED RECREATIONAL (ADULT USE) MARIHUANA ESTABLISHMENTS, This section requires state licensure, compliance with all applicable ordinances, inspection regulations, includes hours of operation and location requirements and includes inspection rights. SECTION VIII. ANNUAL FACILITY FEE. This section establishes an annual fee to defray administrative and enforcement costs associated with licensed recreational (adult use) marihuana facilities. SECHONJX. NQNRENEWAL,.. SUSPENSION, REVOCATION,... APPEALS. This section includes license is not a vested right, each license is exclusive, process for revocation, suspension or refusal to renew a license and an appeal process. SECIiQNX. VIOLATION AND PENALTIES. This section details violations of the Ordinance, provides that a violation is a nuisance per se and a municipal civil infraction and provides penalties. SECTION XI. SEVERABILITY. The provisions of this Ordinance are severable. higher education. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor If you have any questions, contact Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. ------ STOCKS------ The following prices are from the close Of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. Apple Inc. AT&T Chevron Deere & Co. Exxon Mobil Flowserve CP Ford Motor Co. General Electric Co. General Motors Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP Perrigo Co. Pfizer Inc. Spartannash Comp Stryker TCF Financial Corp. Walmart Inc. Walt Disney Co Whirl Pool Corp Gold Silver Dow Jones +1.39 210.36 116.13 +.12 , -6.26-* 152.10 +4.93 69.03 -1.46 41.89 -1.48. 34.98 -.97 . -2.05 ' 8.38 36.96 217.09 +8.76 ’ 130.60 -2.82 . 63.23 +.53 137.26 47.13 -1.34 -.63 : 34.61 -.59 ‘ 11.18 +1.77 | 217.94 -1.17 ; 37.91 -.20 . +4.64- ; 112.05 135.13 -1.88 : 137.17 +1.47' $1,504.60 +$2.40* +.32,. $17.24 -302 25,962 Landon Christopher Ewers, Hastings and Jennifer Elizabeth Pesch, Hastings Thomas Walter Abel, Middleville and Christie Lynn Brown, Middleville Brooks George Monroe, Allegan and Brittany Morgan Beck, Plainwell Stephanie Ann De Vries, Freeport and Zachariah Andrew Gross, Freeport Brittany Nicole Cassidy, Reed City and Grant James Adrianson, Hastings Allison Meagan Aiderman, Hastings and Tyler Joseph Schuchaskie, Hastings Brooke McKenzi Martin, Shelbyville and Troy Douglas Wooden, Shelbyville Tyler Ward Michael Preston, Hastings and Ashlee Marie Billings, Hastings Alyssa Eva Jean Turashoff, Hastings and Thomas Gary Lindey, Hastings Denise Lynette Miller, Freeport and Barry James Gibson, Hastings Jennifer Rae Ane Sanders, Hastings and Corey Brandon Demond, Hastings Michael Timothy Cook, Graytown, Ohio and Tresa Lynn Walker, Wayland Speaking of... Dear Dr. Universe: How do we talk? Emmy, 7, Washington State Dear Emmy, When you were a little kid, maybe you played peek-a-boo or sang “Itsy Bitsy Spider.” These kinds of games and songs have a lot of the different sounds we make when we are first developing speech. A lot of humans start out playing with speech through cooing and crying. At about 6 months old, this cooing and crying turns to babbling. A baby might make sounds, such as ma-ma, pa-pa, or ba-ba. Words first start to develop around a baby’s first birthday. That’s what I found out from my friend Georgina Lynch, a speech language pathologist and clinical researcher at Washington State University. “Kids begin to put two or more words together at about the age of 2, but the magic comes when a child acquires their first 50 words,” she said. Then they can use those words to com­ municate their ideas. Little kids build up those sounds and words as they watch their caregivers, observe their environment, and repeat things their caregivers say to them. Lynch also told me about something called the speech chain, which helps us make sense of sounds. The sounds you hear come through your ears, but the sound is processed in the left side of your brain. Here, the vibrations that make up sounds get translated into the information you need for language, forming meaning for individual speech sounds. Meanwhile, the right side of the brain sends signals to mus­ cles in our faces and mouth to help produce sound. Lynch told me that eye contact, or visual attention, is also important when speaking. Humans often look at what they are they talking about, such as pictures in a book or at objects. It’s how they learn which sounds go with the things they see. Lynch works with kids who have autism and often have a hard time with visual attention and learning to speak. Lynch came up with an idea to study eye move­ ment and the brain and is helping us learn more about children with autism using technology and eye-tracking cameras. It’s important to remember people can communicate in different ways. At WSU, Lynch teaches future speech-language pathologists who work in a clinic where they see kids of all ages who have lots of different needs when it comes to speech. She also told me some kids may never be able to have verbal speech - that is, they don’t talk out loud with words. Instead, they might use a tablet or a computer pro­ gram to help them generate words and communicate their thoughts and feelings by having the computer speak for them. You might also see some people using their hands and facial expressions to com­ municate with sign language. To say “cat” in American Sign Language is kind of like drawing some whiskers in the air with your fingers. It takes the work of the brain, eyes, ears, mouth and muscles in the face to make speech. And while the first 50 words are key to sharing your thoughts and ideas, the dictionary has more than 171, 476 words you can try out in your lifetime. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. SECTION XII. REPEAL. This section provides that all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this Ordinance are repealed. SECTION XIII. 30, 2019. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall take effect September PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the full text of the Ordinance has been posted in the office of the Baltimore Township Clerk at the address set forth below and that copies of this Ordinance may be purchased or inspected at the office of the Baltimore Township Clerk during regular business hours of regular working days following the date of this publication. Penelope Ypma, Clerk BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP 3100 E. Dowling Road Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 721-3502 Give the gift of NEWS! Send friends and family a gift subscription to The Hastings BANNER! To subscribe, call us at... 126189 U ■■ 269-945-9554 T..., .- : . ■ -.30 8.96 HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE SECTION II. PURPOSE. The purpose of the ordinance is to protect the public health, safety and welfare, provide regulations for adult use marihuana establishments and to provide licensing regulations and fee. RECREATIONAL____ (AD_U.LT____ U.SE)____ MARIHUANA SECTION IV. ESTABLISHMENTS. This section authorizes the establishment and operation in the Township of not more than 4 growers, not more than 4 processors, not more than 3 marihuana retailers, not more than 5 microbusinesses, not more than 2 secure transporters, upon proper licensing and approvals. This section allows zero (0) safety compliance establishments and zero (0) special licenses (designated consumption aand/ or temporary marihuana event) in the Township. community organizations, local businesses and civic groups. Also, ask the high school guidance office for information. Your own employer might even offer small scholarships. You can find more information on scholarships on the U.S. Department of Education’s website. • College-specific invest-ments -You might also want to consider an investment designed to help you save for college. You have several options available, each with different contribution limits, rules and tax treatments, so you’ll want to consult with a financial professional to choose an investment that’s appropriate for your situation. • Community colleges - Not every bachelor’s degree needs to begin and end at an expensive four-year college or university. Many students now fulfill some of their “general” education requirements at affordable community colleges before transferring to a four-year school - often saving tens of thousands of dollars in the process. Paying for college is challenging. After all, for the 2018-19 academic year, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, and room and board) was $21,370 for in-state students at public four-year colleges or universities; for four-year private schools, the corresponding expense was $48,510, according to the College Board. And college costs will likely continue to rise over the next several years. But, as we’ve seen, by being proactive and having a plan in place, you can go a long way toward coping with these expenses and helping your loved ones enjoy the benefits of . .. . . . ,, ' �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 22, 2019 — Page 9 fl look back at the stories and columns on local History TURNING BACK THE PAGES < Back-to-school sentiments similar over decades Longtime teacher Mildred Mater of Nashville had several students at the Quimby School in 1949. Pictured are (front row, from left) Ronald Castelein, Michael Yoho, David Hayner, Bill Yoho, Bob Klevorn, David Sothard; (second row) Sally Farrah, Stuart Church, Peggy Castelein, Dennis Webb, Dawn Rheynard, Jim Arnold, Starlyn Bachelder, Gene Arnold; (third row) John Arnold, Ruth Rowley, Jim Farrah, Donna Sothard, Larry Rowley, Bonnie Ellis, Larry Hill, Georgia Organ; (fourth row) Fern Flqwley, Marlene Lowell, Carole Callihan, Marie Barry, Nancy Barry, Bonnie Ellis, Betty Webb, Thomas Sothard; (fifth row) Carl Johnson, Mater and Gary Rheynard. The reality of summer \ end was prevalent inZa Sent. A 1949, Bann \ which initially focused on the three-day weekend before shifting into the beginning of a new year for local schools. " “Hundreds to enjoy final extended holiday of ‘49” read the first headline, followed by “Last big splurge before youngsters return to classes” and finally “Barry Supt. lists teachers for county’s rural schools.” . The article included names, dates and lumbers that may be of interest to readers today: Tomorrow evening, hundreds of Hastings and Barry County residents will begin their fjnal extended holiday of the year 1949 when the three-day Labor Day weekend gets underway to continue through Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Then, Tuesday and Wednesday, the sadly anticipated end of the summer vacation will come for several thousand Barry County youngsters. That’s one of the two bad features about the holiday. The second bad feature is the annual traffic toll, which vacationers roll up while getting in their last fling at the lakes and hinterlands before settling down with the youngsters in school. While most of the shop employees will be able to start their three-day vacations Friday night, retail employees will not take off until Saturday evening when stores close for a twoday respite. Though students going back to classes in tike larger school systems of the county won’t do so until Tuesday and Wednesday, hundreds ill the country are already back at their books since their schools opened this week. By Wednesday noon, more than 5,300 pupils will be studying in local schools. : Hastings students will report for regular classroom sessions [Tuesday] Sept. 6, and Supt. L.H. Lamb, who succeeded Supt. D.A. VanBuskirk, reports that all is in readiness. The faculty here this year includes 60 instructors and administrators for the somel;,600 children expected. ; School bells will ring at Middleville Sept. 7. Supt J.F. Schipper, beginning his 13^ year, has announced. Nashville’s schools will reopen for classes the same day, as will students at Freeport. Woodland students will report for classes at noon Tuesday, and the many county students attending the Kellogg school near Hickory Comers will attend a half-day session Sdpt. 6. Students at Delton will go to school Wednesday. In addition to the six larger school systems, with enrollments form about 200 to 1,600,48 other one-, two- and three-room schools are reopening in the county. ; Supt. Arthur Lathrop reports that no new schools reopened this year, and that only one school, Orangeville No. 3, has as many as three teachers. Instructors there are Mrs. Gertrude Jackson, of Shelbyville; Mrs. Leona McGlocklin, 518 W. Bond; and Mrs. Helen Sharp, Route 4, Hastings. Other teachers at the various rural schools include: Assyria Township Briggs - Mr. and Mrs. Harry Stevens, Nashville. Checkered - Mrs. Margaret Schroeder, Route 3, Bellevue. Baltimore Township Dowling - Miss Louise Baldwin, 120 W. Grant, and Mrs. Martha Beadle, Route 4, Hastings. Striker - Louis Neubert, Route 4, Battle Creek. McOmber - Mrs. Elizabeth Martin, Route 4, Hastings. Weeks - Mrs. Lydia Burchett, Dowling. Durfee - Mrs. Ruth Larabee, South Benton Street, Hastings. Barney Mills - Mrs. Gwendolyn Pearce, Augusta. Carlton Township Rogers - Miss Eva Troutwine, Route 2. Carlton Center, Mrs. Elvira Sayles, 438 W. Court. Fish - Mrs. Dorothy Brake, Clarksville. Welcome - Mrs. Lois Wickham, 125 E. Green St. Brown - Marie Cole, Route 3, Hastings. Coats Grove - Mrs. Hazel Snyder, Route 3, Hastings. Castleton Township Lakeview - Mrs. Pearl Matthews, Route 3, Hastings. Martin - Miss Ruby Cogswell, Route 3, Hastings. Barryville - Mrs. Flossie Allerding, 614 S. Hanover. Hastings Township Fisher - Mrs. Elma Hoffman, Route 3. Gregory - Mrs. Beatrice Laubaugh, Route 1, Hastings. Altoft - Mrs. Alice DeVries, 805 W. Green St. Star - Mrs. Gertrude Fuhr, 428 E. South St. Hastings Center - Mrs. Merlyn Sandeen, 612 S. Michigan Ave. Quimby - Mrs. Mildred Mater, Nashville. Hope Township Doud - Mrs. Lillie Coppock, Box 207, Dowling. Hinds - Robert Casey, Route 5, Hastings. Shultz - Mrs. Ruth Anderson, 202 S. Park. Brush Ridge - Miss Hazel Stauffer, Route 1, Hastings. Cloverdale - Mrs. Edna McKibben, 128 N. Park. Irving Township Wood - Mrs. Gladys Cook, Freeport. Little Brick - Mrs. Mary Fisher, 111 W. Colfax. Johnstown Township King - Mrs. Irene Japhet, Delton. Monroe - Mrs. Anna Potter, Route 3, Bellevue. Stevens - Mrs. Mabie Keller, 714 E. Marshall. Bristol - Mrs. Pauline Rayner, Route 2, Hastings. Banfield - Mrs. Gladys McCrary, Route 4, Hastings. LUNCHEON, continued from page 1------making eye contact and learning to work well with other people. Calley spoke about ways that the state Legislature could change some of the educa­ tion requirements placed on students, as well as efforts to encourage ^graduating seniors to consider careers in varid^s trades, such as welding. “Our core requirements are so burdensome that our students can’t focus on the things that they are interested in,” Calley said. “I’d like to see the state take a few handcuffs off the local [districts] and let them decide what works.” Alden said the education system in Hastings touches near every segment of the communi­ ty“All the sectors of our community, from manufacturing to health care to housing to nonprofits to small businesses in our down­ town, we all have a symbiotic relationship with our local education system,” Alden said. “We’re all connected and inter-dependent ... it’s up to all of us to be engaged. It’s up to all of us to be involved and supportive of our education system here in our community.” BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ADOPTION FOR ORDINANCE #A-1-2019 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE BARRY COUNTY ZONING ORDINANCE OF 2008, AS AMENDED, TO CHANGE THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE - ARTICLE FIF­ TEEN, SECTION 1505. BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN HEREBY ORDAINS: Article FjFTEEN MIXED USE (MU) Section 1505 - DISTRICT REGULATIONS (All changes are in BOLD type) Strike 1505.3.: Public-Sewer & Water. Commercial or Institutional uses-tn the MjU Mixed Use District require a public sewer and water hookup; BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN August 13, 2019 Date:______________________ __ Heather Wing, Chairperson Barry County Board of Commissioners Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk August 22, 2019 Published Date: __ ________________________ The above named ordinance becomes effective August 30, 2019. A copy of this ordinance is available for purchase or inspection at the Barry County Planning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 between the hours 8:00 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please call (269) 945-1290 for further information. 12609' Students attending Gregory School in Hastings Township in 1949 included (front row, from left) David Slocum, Sherman Leonard; (middle) Bert Keeler, Dorothy Leonard, Sandra Woodman, Linda Slocum, William Belson; (back) Kenneth Konieczny, Eddie Leonard, Russell Weyerman, Mary Leonard, Elmer Leonard, Don Henion, Eldon Weyerman, along with their teacher Beatrice Laubaugh. This school was on South Broadway, directly south of what was then Hastings High School. Johnstown Township also had a Gregory School, which was alternately known as Fisk School. Culver - Mrs. Stella Tuckerman, 917 S. Church. Burroughs - Miss Marguerite Burchett, Dowling. Maple Grove Township Mayo - Mrs. Gladys Norton, Route 1, Nashville. Moore - Leona Lipkey, Route 1, Nashville. Dunham - Mrs. Leona VanDelic, Dowling. Norton - Mrs. Frieda Wolsey, Route 3, Battle Creek. Prairieville Township Milo - Mrs. Doris Saunders, Delton. Prairieville - Mrs. Doris Hyde, Delton. North Pine Lake - Mrs. Katherine Godfrey, Doster. [Former one-room schools in Barry, Rutland, Thornapple, Woodland and Yankee Springs townships had already become part of larger neighboring districts.] SCHOOL, continued from page 1 noted. enrolled than what had been budgeted. Their strategy is to be conservative in bud­ Since the school received $7,871 per stu­ geting for the 2019-20 school year. dent in their state foundation grant, it was a “We are estimating a per pupil increase of significant blow to the school’s budget, espe­ $150 per student,” he said. “The governor, cially when the school had to start the fiscal House and Senate have all proposed $180 or year in July 2018 with a $75,088 general fund more, so we feel like that is a safe amount.” deficit. Thomapple Kellogg school officials said But, over the course of the school year, the they are anticipating a slight enrollment bump administration worked the district back up to by 11 students to 3,170 for the current school a general fund balance of $424,724, or 4.08 year, which should provide slightly more state percent of the total budget. Much of the bud­ aid. get improvement came from belt tightening, “We have experienced enrollment growth and leaving staff openings unfilled if it wasn’t over the last several years and we expect that absolutely necessary to fill them. trend to continue,” Blitchok said. Maple Valley Superintendent Dr. Katherine At Maple Valley Schools, the district bud- Bertolini said the district would maintain i get took a major hit in revenue atAhg^^o^ .. ^qq^yative.^^get-saving mentality, movthe 2018-19 school year, after the 2018 fall ing forward, to keep the general fund balance count disclosed that ^fewer: studentg were^healthy in the fujure. ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL WINCHESTER DRIVE ROAD IMPROVEMENT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 19-1 TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE TOWN­ SHIP OF ORANGEVILLE, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, OWNERS OF LAND WITHIN THE WINCHESTER DRIVE ROAD IMPROVEMENT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 19-1 AND ANY OTHER IN­ TERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Township Supervisor and Assessor have prepared and filed in the office of the Township Clerk for public examination a special assessment roll covering all properties within the WINCHESTER DRIVE ROAD IMPROVEMENT SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 19-1 benefitted by the proposed road improvement project, which project will include paving of the road, along with associated activities such as, but not limited to, grading and drainage work. The costs of the project are as shown on the esti­ mate of costs on file with the Township Clerk. The assessment roll has been prepared for the purpose of assessing costs of the project within the aforesaid special assessment district, as is more particularly shown on plans on file with the Township Clerk at the Township Hall, 7350 Lindsey Road, Plainwell, with­ in the Township. The assessment roll is in the total amount of $40,000. The costs, including administrative costs, are proposed to be raised by a new special assessment. The assessment against each parcel in the special assessment district will be approximately $19.53 per foot of frontage and/or driveway access on Winchester Drive, including an additional amount for the end lot, for a period of five years, 2019- 2023 inclusive. Additionally, the Township Board reserves the right to levy a lesser assessment in any year that there are more funds in the special assessment district fund that then amount needed. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Supervisor and Assessing Of­ ficer have reported to the Township Board that the assessment against each parcel of land within said District is such relative portion of the whole sum levied against all parcels of land in said District as the benefit to such parcel bears to the total benefit to all parcels of land in said District. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Orangeville Township Board will meet at the Orangeville Township Hall, 7350 Lindsey Road, Plainwell, Mich­ igan, on Wednesday September 4, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of reviewing the special assessment roll and hearing any objections thereto. The roll may be examined at the office of the Township Clerk during regular business hours of regular business days until the time of the hearing and may further be examined at the hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that an owner or party in interest, or his/ her agent, may appear in person at the hearing to protest the special assess­ ment or may file his/her appearance and protest by letter before the hear­ ing, and in that event, personal appearance shall not be required. Any person objecting to the assessment roll shall file his/her objection thereto in writing with the Township Clerk before the close of the hearing or within such other time as the Township Board may grant. The owners or any person having an interest in real property who protests in writing at or before the hearing may file a written appeal of the special assessment with the State Tax Tribunal within 30 days after confirmation of the special assessment roll. Orangeville Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon four (4) days' notice to the Orangeville Township Clerk at the address below Mel Risner, Clerk Orangeville Township 7350 Lindsey Road Plainwell, Ml 49080 269) 664-4522 125442 �Page 10 — Thursday, August 22, 2019 — The Hastings Banner UPGRADES, continued from page 1 nation of sinking fund and fund equity, Remenap said Wednesday. “Southeastern’s roof is being paid for with sinking fund money,” he told The Banner. “The specific amounts from each fund will be determined by final costs and roof completion date. ... (Sinking fund dollars come at various times during the year.) We are using some Renee Herbert, high school counselor/student support specialist; Erin Bargo, counselor; Justine Kramer, science teacher; Mark DeVries, special education teacher; and Andrew Moore, eighth- to 12th-grade vocal music teacher, are joining the staff led by Hastings High School Principal Teresa Heide. (Photos by Rebecca Pierce) / Makayla Holloway, new Star Elementary School social worker, is shown with Principal Amy Smelker. fund balance to take care of long-term facility needs.” During the meeting, in response to a ques­ tion about why local companies were not chosen for these projects, Remenap said no bids were received from local companies. School board members emphasized that they would like to award bids locally and asked staff and audience members to encour­ age local companies to bid on projects for Hastings schools. Remenap noted that some of these jobs are specialized, which may account for why no local bids were received. According to school officials, work on these projects will begin almost immediately, with the goal of getting as much done this fall as possible so as not to disrupt any events next spring. During public Comment, Hastings resident Charles Jordan said, “You guys got a lot of money. Are we going to have maintenance? Why don’t you protect your investments when you have them?” During board member comments, Louis Wierenga Jr. stood and said the Baum family members “have really outdone themselves again.” Wierenga said everyone who cares about the schools should follow the Baums’ exam­ ple and do what they can to support the dis­ trict and maintain its facilities. Then Wierenga pulled a check for $250 from his pocket and handed it to Assistant Superintendent of Operations Tim Berlin. In other action, the school board also approved the 2019 tax rate resolution, which allows the district to levy 17.9262 mills for operation, along with a total of 6.9 mills for debt service authorized in 2010 and 2015, and a sinking fund of 0.9898 authorized in 2015. Remenap said later that school officials are not planning to go to voters with any requests for funding this year, citing “bond fatigue.” The board authorized payment of bills and cost of operation, as of Aug. 19, for $535 million and accepted a donation of $500 for the student in need fund from Cherry Health employees. The board also approved a letter of agree­ ment for the 2019-20 contract with tthe Hastings Education Association. The letter authorized revisions in the contract in regard to “experience credits” given to teachers un non-traditional positions. In other action, the board made the follow­ ing personnel changes: • Accepted the retirement of Shelley Winegar, healthcare I parapro at the high school, who will retire effective Nov. 15, after 22.5 years. sR • Appointed the following staff members for the school year: Substitute bus driver Virgil Baldridge at $9.45/hourly; Erin Bargp, $900 missing from vehicle A 31 -year-old manhmthe L2O0ffblo'(Dk of Elwood Drive in Orangeville TowT^hip called" police at 4:42 p.m. Aug. 13 to report $900 had been stolen from his vehicle. The man said he had $1,100 in the center console of the vehicle, which was parked unlocked in his driveway, and he and discovered all but $200 was missing that morning. The case is inac­ tive pending further leads. , Unsecured marijuana plants destroyed A maintenance person for Thomapple Lake Estates called police at 1:14 p.m. Aug. 8 to report two marijuana plants in plain view on the porch of a mobile home. An officer calle,d 4 the 38-year-old owner of the residence, who said the plants did not belong to her. She said, they belonged to a friend, but she would not provide his name. She claimed the man told her he believed the plants allowed able to be on the porch. The officer told the woman the plants would need to be secured. She said she would not take them into the trailer because she has allergies and told the officer to take them away. The officer did and destroyed them. " Man smashes car window with axe Charges are being sought for a 25-year-old Allegan man who is alleged to have attacked a vehicle with an axe at 1:15 p .m. Aug .13. The man was with four other people in the 8000 block of Guernsey Lake Road in Hope Township, when he began arguing with a 27-yearold Nashville woman about their son. When the woman attempted to leave in a vehicle with the others, she said, the man hit the passenger side door with his hand and then smashed the driver’s side window with an axe. The man had already been arrested oh separate warrants when police investigated. Southeastern Principal Dana Stein (left) welcomes Paige Northeastern Elementary Principal Eric Heide welcomes Julie Harrington, a new special education teacher. Not shown is McLellan, new art and media design teacher at his school. Marcia Bergakker, school social worker. Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 Pets For Sale Garage Sale RED GOLDENDOODLE PUPPIES. $800.00 (which is half the market price). 269­ 945-2582. Use Paracide®shampoo to control fleas & ticks on dogs & cats. Eliminate doggy odor restore healthy coat. At Trac­ tor Supply (www.kennelvax. com) GARAGE SALE: 4 in 1 crib, stroller, 55 gal fish tank, crib, new Mr. Coffee air pump (5), new smoothie hand mixer(5), dog door for slider, TV stand. Thurs-Fri, 8/22 & 8/23, 9am to 6pm. Sat, 8/24, 2019, 9am to 12noon. 3043 Loehrs Land­ ing, Hastings. PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. [Antiques & Collectibles CRAFT, ANTIQUE & FLEA MARKET SHOW at Barry Expo Center, Hastings. Sat­ urday, Sept. 7th. 10am-7pm. Sunday, Sept 8th, 10am-5pm. Vendor spots still available. Call Jay 517-980-0468. Business Services BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, power washing, home im­ provements, seamless gutters. 269-320-3890. Necklace worth $4,200 missing from home A 53-year-old woman called police at 10:53 a.m. Aug. 13 to report a necklace had been taken from her home in the 7000 block of Kimberly Drive in Thornapple Township. The woman said she last saw the necklace in her jewelry box Aug. 9 and noticed it missing the next day. She had an appraisal that determined the necklace was worth $4,200. The easels inactive with no known suspects. Man finds ex-girlfriend playing with his dog after breaking in A 52-year-old man arrived home at 2:20 a.m. Aug. 17 to find his ex-girlfriend playing with his dog on East Hickory Road in Johnstown Township. The man said they broke up a year and a half ago, and though she left when he called the police, her vehicle was still in the driveway. Officers found she had broken into the house through a basement window. The woman, 54 of Kalamazoo, called police the next morning, asking for an officer to be present while she retrieved her belongings from the property. Officers met the woman nearby, and she told them she ran into the woods and spent the night there before calling the police that morning. She admitted to being on methamphetamine for the previous three days. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Trailer stolen from construction site A 37-year-old man called police at 1:31 a.m. Aug. 14 to report a flatbed trailer had been stolen from a construction site in the 1000 block of North M-37 in Rutland Charter Township where he is the foreman. The man said the crew had been at the site for two weeks and the trailer had been there the entire time. It was recently moved to a different location, and he noticed it was missing that morning. The trailer is valued at $3,000. The case is inactive without any suspects. Family members are suspects in missing generators and computer A 68-year-old man called police at 10 p.m. Aug. 6 to report four generators and a laptop ; were stolen from his residence in the 5000 block of West State Road. The man said his < niece, 49 of Middleville, and her boyfriend, 37 of Dowling, had been living at the resi- J dence, but recently moved out after an argument that involved police. The case is still under investigation. The property is valued at $4,000. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 22, 2019 — Page 11 Driver dumps contraband, jumps into lake to flee police J-Ad News Services A 34-year-old Plainwell man is being held in the Barry County Jail on $50,000 bond after leading police on a short chase that ended with a swim in Crooked Lake. Matthew Raymond Parks is facing multi­ ple felony charges, including operating a methamphetamine laboratory and delivery/ manufacture of methamphetamine, follow­ ing the Aug. 16 incident. An officer initially stopped Parks at 2:33 p.m. for speeding on Delton Road near Stoney Point Drive in Barry Township. The officer learned that Parks, who was driving a 2011 Dodge Charger, did not have a driver’s license or other identification. When the offi­ cer returned from his patrol car, Parks sped away down Stoney Point Drive, but halted when the road dead-ended at Crooked Lake RV Campground, Prairieville Township Chief William Thompson said. Parks then got out of the car and started throwing items from his trunk, including narcotics, methamphetamine and a meth lab, onto the ground and into Crooked Lake, Thompson said. He got back in the car, turned around and tried to escape, but stopped when he saw police cruisers blocking the road. He parked his car behind a nearby resi­ dence, threw more paraphernalia into a near­ by woods and then jumped into Crooked Lake and attempted to swim away. Department of Natural Resources officers in a patrol boat picked up Parks about 200 yards from shore, Thompson said. In addition to the drug charges, Parks also has been charged with carrying a concealed weapon, fleeing and eluding a police officer, resisting and obstructing police, receiving and concealing stolen property, and reckless driving. He also is facing a habitual offend­ er-third offense charge. Parks is scheduled to appear for a probable cause hearing Aug. 28 in District Court 56B before Judge Michael Schipper. Matthew Raymond Parks 1 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MOL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on September 5, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): David Simmons and Penny Simmons, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Chemical Bank, a Michigan Banking Corporation its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association Date of Mortgage: August 4, 2009 Date of Mortgage Recording: August 11,2009 Amount claimed due on date of notice: f$163,086.95 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Yankee Springs, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Unit 24, Pleasant Valley Condominiums, a Site Condominium according to the Master Deed recorded in Instrument No. H32867, and First Amendment to Master Deed recorded in Instrument No. 1137502, in the Office of the Barry County Register of Deeds, and designated as Barry County Condominium Subdivision Plan No. 37, together with rights in general common elements and limited common elements as set forth in said Master Deed and as described in Act 59 of the Public Acts of 1978 as amended The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: August 8, 2019 Trett Law, PC; wr> r fil’tvMffRiO m * hnnwl 1392112 (08-08) (08-29) 125216 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on September 19, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Christopher Handley and Sunshine A. Handley, Husband and Wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): AmeriHome Mortgage Company, LLC Date of Mortgage: September 11, 2017 Date of Mortgage Recording: September 18, 2017 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $184,762.77 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Irving, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Unit 5, Valley Ridge Estates, according to the Master Deed recorded in Document Number 1153680, First Amendment to Master Deed as recorded in Document Number 1158613, Document Number 1162264, and Document Number 20071113-0004173, and Second Amendment to Master Deed as recorded in Document Number 2Q16-010676, Barry County Records, as amended, and designated as Barry County Condominium Subdivision Plan No. 44, together with rights in the general common elements and the limited common elements as shown on the Master Deed and as described in Act 59 of the Public Acts of 1978, as amended. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: August 22, 2019 Trott Law, PC. 1393710 (08-22) (09-12) 126425 Al SYNOPSIS Hastings Charter Township Regular Meeting August 13, 2019 Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. Six board members present, one absent Approved consent agenda items Approved Credit card resolution Consumers Energy franchise ordinance renewal 2019 L-4029 approval Approved payment of bills Dept, reports received and put on file Motion to adjourn 8:42 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Anita S. Mennell - Clerk Attested to by Jim Brown - Supervisor 126347 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on August 29, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Shelly Thomas, A Single Person Original Mortgagee: Summit National Mortgage, LLC Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Date of Mortgage: May 21,2012 Date of Mortgage Recording: May 31,2012 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $56,471.05 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Orangeville, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Commencing at the South 1/4 post of Section 17, Town 2 North, Range 10 West; thence North 89 degrees 28 minutes 43 seconds West, 1319.29 feet to the South 1/8 post of the Southwest 1/4 of said Section 17; thence North 1 degree 0 minutes 0 seconds West, along the North and South 1/8 line of said Southwest 1/4 a distance of 636.00 feet to the true place of beginning; thence continuing North 1 degree 0 minutes 0 seconds West, along said 1/8 line 246.62 feet; thence South 89 degrees 31 minutes 30 seconds East, 297.14 feet; thence South 1 degree m2 minutes 34seconds East, 246.62 feet; thence North 89 degrees 31 minutes 30 seconds West 297.32 feet to the place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: August 1,2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1391514 (08-01 )(08-22) 124789 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on August 29, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Jack M. Baird II and Ruth A. Baird, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: AAA Mortgage and Financial Corporation Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company, as trustee, on behalf of the holders of the ContiMortgage Home Equity Loan Trust 1997-2 Certificates Date of Mortgage: November 11, 1996 Date of Mortgage Recording: November 21,1996 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $21,815.23 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Beginning at a point in Section 30, Town 1 north, Range 8 West, 20 feet and 33 feet, North of the Southwest corner of Lot 12 of the recorded Plat of Oakwood, thence North along Marshall Street 66 feet, thence West 132 feet, thence South 66 feet; thence East 132 feet to the beginning. Also right of way and easement over Northerly 5 feet of Lot 10, Plat of Oakwood, from Marshall to Fine Lake The redemption period shall be 1 year from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. . This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: August 1, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1391290 (08-01 )(08-22) 124574 SYNOPSIS PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Regular Meeting August 14, 2019 Supervisor Stoneburner called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Present: Supervisor Stoneburner, Clerk Goebel, Treasurer Pence, Trustee VanNiman, Trustee Borden Agenda and Minutes of July 10,2019 were approved. Public comments, if any, were received. Reports were received. Bills were paid. Approved purchase of tires for MFR vehicle, all ayes. Approved modifications to credit card policy, all ayes. Public comments were received. Adjourned: 7:50 p.m. Submitted by: Rod Goebel, Clerk 126093 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 1928242-DE Estate of Will Simmons. Date of birth: 4-12-1942. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Will Simmons, died 11-10-2016. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Will F. Simmons, II, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 West Court Street, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 8-15-2019 Shane A. Henry P82054 121 West Apple Street, Suite 101 Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-3512 Will F. Simmons, II • 12901 Case Road * \ Bellevue, Ml 49021-9212 269-420-6567 126198 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Jeffrey Cain and Kari Cain, husband and wife, to Fifth Third Mortgage - Ml, LLC, Mortgagee, dated February 1, 2008 and recorded February 14, 2008 in Instrument Number 20080214­ 0001385 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by Fifth Third Bank as Successor by Merger to Fifth Third Mortgage Company, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Thirty-Six Thousand One Hundred Eighty-Five and 45/100 Dollars ($136,185.45), including interest at 4.875% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on SEPTEMBER 19, 2019. Said premises are located in the Township of Orangeville, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: A parcel of land in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 5, Town 2 North, Range 10 West, Orangeville Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: Beginning at a point on the North line of said Section 5, which lies 316.41 feet East of the Northwest corner of Section 5; thence East along Township line 151.69 feet to England Road; thence South 08°13’00” West 111.20 feet along England Road; thence North 68°13’00” West 154.51 feet; thence North 08°13’00” East 58.67 feet to the point of beginning. Together with right of way across a strip 5 feet wide between the road and lagoon on the West side of the road, and being the North 5 feet of the South 25 feet of parcel described as: A parcel of land located in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 5, Town 2 North, Range 10 West, Orangeville Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: Beginning at a point which lies South 08°13’00” West 23 feet from the Southwest corner of Lot 1 of the recorded Twin Shores Plat; thence South 08°13’00” West 35 feet; thence North 77°32’00” West perpendicular to the South line of said Lot 1 about 30 feet to the water in Gallagher’s Channel; thence Northeasterly along the point of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: August 15, 2019 File No. 19-005672 Firm Name: Orlans PC (08-15) (09-05) 125794 See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FILE NO. 19-28269-NC In the matter of Addison Ann Perry. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS including: whose address(es) is/are unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on 09/04/2019 at 2:00 p.m. at 206 W. Court St. #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge Hon. William H. Doherty P41960 for the following purpose: Petition for a Minor Name change for Addision Ann Perry to be changed to Addison Ann Levault Lindsey Levault 1202 W. Bernie Court Wayland, Ml 49348 (616)589-3275 126348 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate Decedent: Russell Glen Oudbier. Date of birth: May 27, 1934. Name of Trust: The Russell G. Oudbier Trust Date of Trust: 2/29/2000, as Amended and Restated on 12/30/2011. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Russell Glen Oudbier, died April 6, 2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Michael R. Oudbier and Jacqueline L. Oudbier, trustees, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street #302, Hastings and the trustees within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. A probate estate has not been opened and letters of authority have not been issued. Date: 8/19/2019 Nicewander, Berens & DeVries PLLC James C. DeVries P47508 513 Baldwin Jenison, Ml 49428 (616) 457-9290 Michael R. Oudbier 3383 - 52nd Street SW Grandville, Ml 49418 (616)532-0452 126244 NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF BARRY COUNTY Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public hearing for the following: Case Number V-11-2019 - Jeffrey & Leona Rairigh (Property Owners) Location: 1022 Ottland Shores Street, Lake Odessa, in Section 5 of Woodland Township. Purpose: Request a variance to construct a garage with a setback of 6.9 ft (the minimum is 10 ft) in the RL (Recreational Lakes) zoning district. Case Number V-12-2019 - Brian Hart (Property Owner) Location: 13346 Sleepy Hollow Drive, Battle Creek, in Section 21 of Johnstown Township. Purpose: Request a variance to construct a 9x6 balcony to a home that is 8 ft off the road right-ofway (the minimum is 30 ft) and 9 ft off the side lot line (the minimum is 10 ft) in the RL (Recreational Lakes) zoning district. Case Number V-13-2019 - Steve Denzel (Property Owner) Location: 4172 West Joy Road, Shelbyville, in Section 6 of Orangeville Township. Purpose: Request a variance to construct a 34x36 home and a 24x36 2-story attached garage that will result in a front yard setback of 7 ft (the minimum is 10 ft) and a total lot coverage of 72% (the maximum is 40%) in the RL (Recreational Lakes) zoning district. Case Number V-14-2019 - Donald Alexander (Applicant); TIMCO Land Corp. (Property Owner) Location: 2900 North M-43 Highway, Hastings, in Section 32 of Carlton Township. Purpose: Request a variance to add a 18 sq ft sign to an existing 100 sq ft sign resulting in a 118 sq ft sign (the maximum is 32 sq ft) in the MU (Mixed Use) zoning district. Meeting Date: September 09, 2019. Time: 7:00 PM. Place: Tyden Center, Community Room, 121 South Church Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Site inspections of the above described properties will be completed by the Zoning Board of Appeals members before the hearing. Interested persons desiring to present their views upon an appeal, either verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned time and place. Any written response may be mailed to the address listed below, faxed to (269) 948-4820, or emailed to Barry County Planning Director James McManus at jmcmanus@barrycounty.org. The variance applications are available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Please call the Barry County Planning Department at (269) 945-1290 for further information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or calling the following: Michael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 945-1284. Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk NOTICE SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN PC., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE - Harold D. Bartzen, and Joanne J. Bartzen, Husband and Wife, granted a mortgage to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”), solely as nominee for lender and lender's successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated January 25, 2008, and recorded on February 12, 2008, in Document No. 20080212-0001309, and assigned by said mortgagee to Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Mr. Cooper , as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Seventy-Five Thousand Forty-Two and 48/100 Dollars ($75,042.48). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the Barry County Courthouse, Hastings Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on September 19, 2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: A PARCEL OF LAND SITUATED IN THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 34, TOWN 1 NORTH, RANGE 7 WEST, ASSYRIA TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN; COMMENCING AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE CENTERLINE OF WANADOGA CREEK AND M-66; SAID POINT LYING NORTHERLY, 626 FEET ALONG SAID CENTERLINE OF M-66 FROM THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID SECTION 26; THENCE N. 14 DEG. 11' 00" E., ALONG THE CENTERLINE OF M-66, AS IT EXISTS, 423 FEET; THENCE EAST, 333 FEET; THENCE SOUTH, 442 FEET, MORE OR LESS, TO THE CENTERLINE OF SAID CREEK; THENCE NORTHWESTERLY ALONG SAID CENTERLINE, 437 FEET, MORE OR LESS, TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. CONTAINING 3.78 ACRES OF LAND, MORE OR LESS, SUBJECT TO EXISTING HIGHWAY EASEMENT FOR M-66. The redemption period will be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period will be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 600.3241 a(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of Act 236 of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Mr. Cooper Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman P.C. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1393775 (08-22) (09-12) 126460 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASECONTACTOUROFFICEATTHENUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Cynthia Timm and Terry Timm Jr., original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for American Financial Resources, Inc., its successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated September 23, 2011, and recorded on September 28, 2011, in Instrument No. 201109280009075 in Barry County Records, Michigan, and last assigned to American Financial Resources, Inc., as assignee , documented by an Assignment of Mortgage dated July 14, 2014, and recorded on August 15, 2014, Instrument No. 2014-007607, in Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due and owing as of September 1, 2019, the sum of NINTY NINE THOUSAND EIGHT and 30/100 Dollars ($99,008.30). Notice is hereby given that under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on the 26th, of September, 2019. Said premise is situated at 2121 Cherry Valley Road, Middleville, Michigan 49333 in the Township of Thornapple, Barry County, Michigan, and is described as: THE LAND IS SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF THORNAPPLE, COUNTY OF BARRY, STATE OF MICHIGAN, AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE EAST LINE OF SECTION 32, TOWN 4 NORTH, RANGE 10 WEST, THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, DISTANT NORTH 00°35’34” EAST 880.91 FEET FROM THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 32; THENCE NORTH 89°41’23” WEST 198.00 FEET; THENCE NORTH 00°35’34” EAST 220.00 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 89°41’23” EAST 198.00 FEET TO SAID EAST SECTION LINE; THENCE SOUTH 00°35’34” WEST 220.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING The redemption period shall be b months (180 Days) from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. Pursuant to Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, if the property is sold at foreclosure sale the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder under MCLA 600.3278 for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: August 1, 2019 For More Information, please call: Matthew R. Reinhardt, Esq. Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A. Attorneys for Servicer 255 South Orange Avenue, Suite 900 Orlando, Florida 32801 (855) 287-0240 Matter No. 135990 (08-08)(08-29) 125169 �Page 12 — Thursday, August 22, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Talented tackles allow offensive expansion Brett Bremer Sports Editor Who is carrying the football? More times than not the answer to that question for the Delton Kellogg varsity foot­ ball team in 2018 was either Maxwell Swift or Riley Roblyer. That’s not the answer this season as the duo graduated last spring after rushing for nearly 1500 yards and 20 touchdowns each during the Panthers’ run to the playoffs last fall. The team averaged nearly 40 points per game a year ago. The Panthers’ familiar faces this fall are leading the way for the backs with the football this time around. Dk brings back senior left tackle Brady Haas and junior right tackle Cole Pape. Pape checks in at 6-6, 320 and Haas at 6-3,265 this fall. “We are able to trap these guys. They are that athletic,” Delton Kellogg head coach Ryan Bates said, while trying not to give up too much of the offensive playbook. “Both of them we can trap on different tackle trap plays, which is going to allow us to expand our offense a little bit more. “But we can also line up behind those cats and just grind right with them. They move piles. They’re very athletic. They’re strong. They’re both 300-pound bench pressers. They’re just big, strong kids that can move. We are able to do some different things in our Wing-T offense because we have tackles that are that big and that fast.” Junior Hunter Belew returns to the offen­ sive line for the Panthers as well as senior tight end Kaleb Post. Both guys will see time at linebacker on the other side of the ball. Sophomore center Caden Ferris will join them in the trenches this time around too. “We are really going to rely on both our offensive and defensive line,” Bates said. Jordan Rench and Bradley Bunch return to the backfield this fall, and Bates is looking forward to seeing Payton Smoczynski run with the varsity as well. The Panther head coach is still trying to sort out who will be the quarterback and who will fill the other back­ field positions in the Wing-T. Rench quarter­ backed the offense much of his junior year, but Delton Kellogg might be able to get him running with the football more often at run­ ning back. Bunch was honorable mention all-confer­ ence in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division a year ago, as was Haas. Pape is the lone returning member of the all-confer­ ence first team for DK. Delton Kellogg will open the season at Parchment Aug. 29 and then play host to Galesburg-Augusta “We are hoping some of our young guys can step up and take some spots and get The 2019 Delton Kellogg varsity football team. Team members are (front from left) Seth LeBeck, Maison McDaniels, Chase Nevns, Richard Doorlag, Ethan McClurg, Cameron Wolthuis, Hunter Browneye, Andrew Fales, Bow Thomas-Arms, Philip Halcomb, Vinny Quick, Broc LaBine, Jason Lundquist, Gage Vincent (second row) Seth Collard, Alex Whitmore, Corey Moore, Hunter Marshall, Brett Seagle, Tom Sheldon, Cole Pape, Kaleb Post, Hunter Belew, Jordan Rench, Payton Smoczynski, Mason Nabozny, Richard Hill, Britton Stevens (back) Jaydon Orns, Evan Smith, Anthony Stanton, Matthias Homolla, Garrett Warren, Isaac Larson, Caden Ferris, Pepi Kemppainen, Gabrielle Petto, Brady Haas, Austyn Mann, Alan Rogers and Bradley Bunch. (Photo by Mike Wertman) behind that big line and have some fun,” Bates said. He is looking forward to seeing how every­ body looks at the team’s scrimmage this eve­ ning at Allegan. The Panthers head their looking to test themselves against the Tiger team now helmed by DK alumnus’ Chris Madill as well as the Pennfield Panthers. Delton Kellogg opens the season Aug. 29 at Parchment and then will be at home for the first time Sept. 6 to take on GalesburgAugusta. The Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division season begins Sept. 27 when the Panthers visit Schoolcraft. Delton Kellogg’s 2018 season ended at Schoolcraft last November, with the Eagles scoring their second win of the season over the Panthers in the district finals. The Eagles will be strong again as usual, and coach Bates sees Constantine capable of climbing back towards the top of the confer­ ence as well. “Schoolcraft has almost everybody back,” Bates said. “They lose some of their bigger kids that gave us fits last year, but all of their skill kids are back. Constantine is now going to reap what they sowed with all those sopho­ mores up the last couple years. Those kids are now all upperclassmen. “Even though (Kalamazoo) United lost quite a bit last year they’re going to be very good this year too. The 2019 Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ soccer team. Team members are (front from left) Javier Guevara, Hector Jimenez, Gavin Houtkooper, Marshall Warner, Matthew Fales (back) James Blackburn, Adam Froncheck, Mitchell Lester, Martin Wachowskij David Sinkler, Dawson Grizzle, Cameron Spaulding and Marcus Momenee. Missing from photo is Nick Lawson. (Photo by Mike Wertman) Young DK team will rely on backline early 11235 Sprague Rd, Delton CHAPPLE REALTY INC. 623-5115 118 E. Orchard, Delton BUCKLAND AGENCY HOW. Center, Suite B, Hastings 623*4058 948*3720 WestMichigan Lakes. com THE HASTINGS BANNER Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 1351 N. M-43 Hwy, Hastings 945-9554 NAPA OF DELTON 9939 m-43 Hwy, Delton, MI Larger inventory, more in-stock parts 623-4804 Brett Bremer Sports Editor So far, it is a good thing that the Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ soccer team has a tal­ ented returning goalkeeper. Gavin Houtkooper is back for his junior season as the last line of defense for Delton Kellogg this fall. Houtkooper has been play­ ing goalie for the Delton Kellogg varsity since his freshman season. He made 20 saves in his team’s opener, a 2-0 loss at Pennfield Friday and another 10 in a 5-0 loss to visiting Lakewood Monday evening. There are a few solid defenders along the back to help protect the Panther net, with senior Dawson Grizzle set to split time between the defense and the midfield. Panther head coach Alan Mabie is also looking for­ ward to the growth of a group of freshmen that includes defender James Blackbum. The freshmen will get their chances on the highpoint GROVE STREET CAFE COMMUNITY BANK Try Our Pizza Take & Bake, To Go, Dine-in 1-888-422-2280 highpointcommunitybank.com 623-3777 Member FDIC SIMPLY SWEETS, 623-8047 DELTON FAMILY PHARMACY GO GO AUTO PARTS TUJAX TAVERN 7709 Kingsbury Rd. Delton 103 S. Grove St. Delton (269) 623*2775 (269) 623*8310 338 Grove St. (M-43)Delton 623-5250 M-43 Hwy. across from Delton Schools field. < “Starting the season with only 14 players will be a challenge,” Mabie said. “We wilj have to overcome fatigue and really work on conditioning. We graduated nine players last season and have a lot of holes to fill.” The freshman group also includes midfield? ers Marshall Warner and Hector Jimenez; Warner could see time at forward as well this season. The Panthers will be chasing their usual goals this fall, expecting to earn a spot neat the top in the final Southwestern Athletic^ Conference standings. Mabie said the tough; est teams in the conference this fall are likely to be Hackett Catholic Prep and an improving Fennville program. DK opens SAC play at home against that Fennville squad Sept. 9. ’ The Panthers were scheduled to return t(J action at home against Comstock last night and will host Harper Creek Tuesday. Delton Moose Lodge 269.623.2112 5420 Moose Lodge Dr. (2 miles north of Delton on M43) OPEN 7 DAYS, M-F at 3pm, 12pm Sat & Sun, Food Served every day Members & Guests 117 S. Grove St., Delton, Ml 623.5777 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 22, 2019 — Page 13 Six seniors among large returning group of DK girls Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Delton Kellogg varsity volleyball team opens its season at the Gull Lake Invitational Friday, the program’s second season under the guidance of head coach Erin Thornton. Coach Thornton has a few of her most tal­ ented athletes back from the team that went 7-4 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference a season ago, and won more than twice that many matches overall. Delton Kellogg didn’t have a senior on the roster a year ago. The list of returnees is led by senior outside hitters Erin Kapteyn and Abbie Bever, and senior middle blocker Ellie Ferris. Kapteyn and Ferris were both names first team all-con­ ference and first team All-Barry County last fall. Ferris filled the stat sheet at the net and at the service line a year ago. She had 508 kills and 237 total blocks, while adding 146 aces for the Panthers as a junior. Kapteyn did a little bit of every thing offensively and defen­ sively as well, putting up 688 assists to go ' with 133 aces. She adde3d 204 kills and 544 digs. Bever had nearly 500 kills as a junior out­ ride hitter herself, and was named honorable 'mention all-conference and second team All­ Barry County. In the back, she added 793 digs a year ago and 156 aces. r “We’ve got six seniors coming back to the team, so the knowledge of what the confer­ ence has to offer is already there. With 14 on tfie team, we’ve got the depth and skill to compete with the other top teams in the con­ ference this year,” Thornton said. Junior Lexi Blain is looking to step into a setter role this fall, possibly taking some of those duties from Kapteyn and the Panthers’ other senior setter Clara Bever. “She’s quick to the ball and a great addition to the setters,” coach Thornton said. The Panthers are already dealing with inju­ ries this season, and junior defensive special­ ist Toni Higgins could see her role increase. There is a chance she’ll step into the libero spot for the Panthers in her first varsity sea­ son. Getting the handful of newcomers mixed in with the senior group is going to be key for the team. “The seniors have been together for years without having a whole lot of other girls with them,” Thornton said. “Losing a few Seniors this year and gaining six juniors they’ll have to learn how to lead all the younger girls to take over.” The seniors aren’t the only returnees to the team. Also back are sophomore middle Emma Kokx and junior outside hitter Mackenzie Hull. “Without a true SAC Conference Tournament this year, as long as we build on our record of 7-4 in conference from last year, we are looking good,” Thornton said. “ All the other teams are getting better and building too, we will just need to make sure we’re building at a more efficient rate than they are.” The Panthers expect their toughest compe­ tition in the league to come from the likes of Schoolcraft and Kalamazoo Christian, but coach Thornton said she has also seen big improvements from Constantine and Galesburg-Augusta in recent seasons. Schoolcraft went all the way to the regional finals in Division 3 as year ago before being Delton Kellogg varsity volleyball team. Team members are (front from left) Mackenzie Hull, Abbie Bever, Lexi Blain, Madysen Ross, Toni Higgins, Josie Lyons, Makala Skidmore (back) Clara Bever, Lauren LeBeck, Linsey Falvo, Ellie Ferris, Emma Kokx, Erin Kapteyn and Lizzy Fichtner. (Photo by Mike Wertman) bumped off by the eventual state champions from Bronson. “If we can compete with them (Schoolcraft, Kalamazoo Christian, Constantine and G-A), maybe take a match or two, then we’re mov­ ing in the right direction,” Thornton said. Sophomores lead DK girls at first race of 2019 Brett Bremer Sports Editors A couple of sophomores set the pace for the Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ cross country team as it opened its 2019 season at the Portage Central Early Bird invitational Friday. Sophomore Halena Phillips, the team’s returning MVP and an all-conference runner as a freshman, hit the finish line at Portage West Middle School in 107th place with a time of 24 mirntm's W-SSedri®1 ahead of her, in 91st place with a time of 'S22^40, fellow Delton sophomore Aubrey AukermalTfinishedJier first high school cross country race. Delton Kellogg head coach Dale Grimes said both of those sophomores have been working hard in the preseason She has been practicing hard and is eager for another shot at qualifying for the state championship after just missing the cut-off last year. “It will be exciting watching the returning sophomore and the rookie sophomore lead "h? races* thi s season,” GrimesT^iid. “Both girls are tough competitors and will surely make a great combo at or near the front of many races this season.” Phillips is being driven in part by a desire to qualify for the state finals. She ran her fast­ est varsity race yet at regionals a year ago, and wasn’t too far behind the final girls to qualify for the state finals.It’11 be a tough Division 3 Regional field for the Panthers again when they head to Allendale at the end of the sea­ son. Phillips is off to a good start already this fall. Her time Friday was more than a minute faster than the one she earned on the same cbttf^eTb t^pen the sehf^r^year ago. The team also brings back senior Libby Vroegop, a team captain this rail. “(Vroegop) briefly broke into the top five to be a scoring member of the team last year and is striving to do the same this year,” Grimes said. Coach Grimes is also happy to add seniors Lily Timmerman and Hailey Buckner to the program this fall. “(They) have had very successful recent seasons in softball (along with Aukerman), so these girls know how to win and what it takes to prepare for success,” Grimes said. “They both look to be solid members of the top five on the varsity team as evident from her per­ formance at the first meet of the season where they finished in the number three and four spots.” Right behind them at Portage was freshman Joelle White, who Grimes said had a great summer of conditioning. “She continues to show great work ethic and will likely also continue to be a contribut­ ing member at the varsity level,” Grimes said. Grimes is hoping for some beginners’ luck, especially with avoiding injuries as there is a lack of depth on the roster currently. The Panthers will look to improve and compete with the top teams in the Southwestern Athletic Conference this fall. Saugatuck should be a powerhouse again, and Grimes The 2019 Delton Kellogg girls’ cross country team. Team members are (front from left) Lacey Smith, Joelle White, Hailey Buckner, Lilly Timmerman, Amber Barton (back) Ashton Ingersoll, Elizabeth Vroegop and Aubrey Aukerman. (Photo by Mike Wertman) sees good things in the programs from Coloma, Galesburg-Augusta, Kalamazoo Christian and Schoolcraft as well. The Delton Kellogg girls were 15th as a team at Portage last week. They were sched­ uled to return to action yesterday against Gull LYONS SEPTIC TANK SERVICE 3840 Harrington Rd. Delton 623 2089 • 945-5379 Fast Reliable Service For Over 50 Years DELTON FLORAL & GIFTS 10120 S. Wall Lake Rd (M-43) Delton 623-5353 WILLIAMS-GORES FUNERAL HOME SMITH & DOSTER SALES & SERVICE 133 Orchard, Delton 114 Grove (M-43) Delton 623-5461 623-5111 Cheerleaders set to share their Panther pride The 2019 Delton Kellogg varsity sideline cheer team. Team members are (front from left) Carly Mursch, Shelby Krzebietke (second row) Trinity Lorenz, Savannah Chilton (third) Izzy Adams, Kelsey Campbell, Jennah Miller (fourth) Keirra Halloran, Morgan Stidham, Olivia Hartman (fifth) Alexis Gates, Alexis Bolton and Hailey Meyers. Missing from photo are Elyzabeth Denny and Ezrian Hallorn. (Photo by Mike Wertman) Lake at Kellogg Forest. The Panthers run again Tuesday, Aug. 27, at the Southwest Michigan Rustbuster hosted by South Haven. The Panthers’ lone home meet this season will be the Delton Kellogg Invitational at Gilmore Car Museum Sept. 12. DELTON POLE BUILDING 10036 M-43, Delton www.mid-lakes.net 121 E. Orchard St., Delton • 269.623.8340 623-3300 �Page 14 — Thursday, August 22, 2019 — The Hastings Banner State-qualifying duo back for Delton Brett Bremer Sports Editor A pair of state qualifiers, one of whom is a four-year varsity runner for the Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ cross country team, are set to provide a good example at the front for the Panthers this fall. Senior Matt Lester and junior Micah Ordway both qual­ ified for the state finals in Division 3 a year ago, but only Lester got to run at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn in early November as Ordway came down with an illness that kept him out of the state’s big meet. Lester was the team’s MVP as a junior, his second sea­ son an all-conference runner in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. “Matt Lester is coming off his best summer of condi­ tioning and looks to lead the team both at meets and at practices,” Delton Kellogg head coach Dale Grimes said. “He will also likely be challenged for the top spot by Ordway and (sophomore Amon) Smith, which will only make all three that much stronger as the season progress­ es.” Lester’s summer work has paid off already. He led the Panthers with a 59th-place finish as they opened their season Friday at the Portage Central Early Bird at Portage West Middle School. Lester hit the finish line in 18 min­ utes 29 seconds, 24 seconds faster than his time when the Panthers opened the season on the same course in 2018. He cut his time all the way down to 17:00.5 by the end of his junior season. That time came at the Panthers’ Division 3 Regional race in Allendale - earning him his place in the state finals. He hasn’t missed a race through his first three varsity seasons. Lester isn’t the only four-year runner on the team. Senior Dawson Grizzle returns as well, splitting his time between the cross country team and the varsity boys’ soc­ cer team once again. “These two have been very instrumental to the success of the team over the past 3 years and will certainly solidi­ fy the team again this year for their senior season,” Grimes said. Ordway matched Lester’s all-conference performances in each of the past two years. Amon Smith III was in the tough OK Red Conference as a freshman, running with the Caledonia High School program where he competed for a varsity spot. The Panthers will also get contributions from varsity newcomers Austin Blocker and Hayden Walker, a pair of sophomores and freshman Hector Jimenez. There isn’t a lot of depth on the roster, with eight guys opening the season at Portage. Ordway finished with a strong time of 19:11 that put him in 89th place at the race Friday. Grizzle was 101st in 19: 29, Jimenez 131st in 20:09 and Smith placed 144th in 20: 24. “This is the second year where the team is a bit smaller than in the past,” Grimes said, “so it will be important that all members are healthy and ready contribute throughout the entire season. Despite the reduced roster, the team should compete well due to the experience of the ath­ letes.” The Southwestern Athletic Conference will be tough again, with Saugatuck talented as usual and strong groups of runners at Coloma, Constantine and Watervliet as well. The Delton Kellogg boys were third in the conference a year ago. The SAC season starts Sept. 11 when Coloma hosts a league jamboree. The Delton boys were set to take on Gull Lake Wednesday at Kellogg Forest and will be back in action Tuesday at the South West Michigan Rustbuster hosted by South Haven. The Panthers will host their annual DK Invitational Sept. 12 at Gilmore Car Museum. The 2019 Delton Kellogg boys’ cross country team. Team members are (front from left) Hector Jimenez, Micah Martin, Amon Smith, Matthew Lester (back) Micah Ordway, Dawson Grizzle, Elijah Austin and Hayden Walker. (Photo by Mike Wertman) Valley holds first practices as 8-player program Maple Valley varsity football coach Marty Martin fires a pass to one of his players during drills at Wednesday’s practice at Maple Valley Jr/Sr High School. The Lion varsity is making the transition from 11-player to 8-player football due to low numbers in the program this season. (Photo by Brett Bremer) David Hosack-Frizzel (left) and Christian Huissen square off during defensive line drills during the Maple Valley varsity football team’s practice Wednesday afternoon. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor The prevailing attitude for the Lions who began donning helmets and jerseys and sweat­ ing in the evening August sun day after day this week is that “football is football.” The Maple Valley varsity football team is getting set for its first season as an 8-player football team. With a football program of 22 total student-athletes at the moment, trying to play an 11-player varsity football season would have been near impossible. As of the opening practice, Maple Valley has the largest enrollment of any high school that will be playing 8-player football this fall. There is as chance there is some attrition from the current 11-player field and there will be more teams joining the ranks of the 8-player programs across the state before school begins. Maple Valley is one of three programs currently playing 8-player football with a school enrollment too large to be eligible to compete in the Michigan High School Athletic Association’s 8-player state tournament which will culminate with the state finals at the Superior Dome in Marquette the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Only Class D schools are eligible to partic­ ipate in the 8-player state tournament. Maple Valley is currently a Class C school based on MHSAA enrollment numbers for the 2019-20 season, with a total enrollment of 302 stu­ dents. Class D schools this school-year are ones with an enrollment of 188 or fewer. The Lions are still on the lookout for an opening week opponent. Right now there are eight ballgames on the schedule, with the Lions planning to open the season at home against Colon Sept. 6. There is a hope that the team will find a week one opponent if other programs decide the drop from 11-player to 8-player yet this month. The Lions will get to experience the extend­ ed travel that many 8-player programs face. They have trips to Bridgman (Sept. 13) and Onekama (Sept. 27) on the schedule, and will be visited by teams from New Buffalo (Sept. 20 - homecoming) and Toledo Christian (Oct. 4). Toledo Christian is another team playing its first season of 8-player football this fall, a decision the program came to this summer. The game of 8-player football isn’t new to the Lions. The past few seasons of JV football at Maple Valley have been 8-player cam- paigns. The Lion team is captained by a trio of juniors, quarterback/defensive lineman Blaze Sensiba, tight end/tackle/linebacker Hunter Bassett and running back/linebacker Hugheston Heckathom. “When we played it freshman year, it is football. Football is football,” Heckathorn said. Heckathorn was as major contributor to the varsity team as a sophomore, but got a season of 8-player football in as a freshman. He is currently working his way back from an inju­ ry he sustained during the 2018-19 varsity boys’ basketball season. Sensiba opened up the season as the JV quarterback in 2018 and then joined the varsity as as back-up quarter­ back late in the season. “There are mixed emotions through every­ body,” Sensiba said of the program’s switch to 8-player football, “but everybody is excited.” Sensiba will have one less back behind him in the offensive backfield to offer the ball up to in the 8-player game. That is one of the big changes on the offensive side of the ball. “On offense, it is just having one less guy on (each end of) the line of scrimmage and one less running back,” Lion head coach Marty Martin said. “In 11-man, we really focus on our fakes and creating that deception that four people could get the ball. In 8-man, really only one of three people can get the ball. We still focus on our fakes, we’re going to focus on our deception, but you have one less threat so defenses have a little less to worry about.” “You definitely have to make sure that the other team doesn’t know where the ball is at,” Sensiba said of running his play-fakes in the Jesse Deppe looks to haul in a pass as teammate Aaron Bretton looks as the Lion defensive backfield works on positioning during Wednesday afternoon’s practice at Maple Valley Jr/Sr high School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) backfield. “It’s just making sure when you’re running your fakes you keep the ball in, you don’t have it dangling out, so your other run­ ning backs don’t run that over. You just want to keep everything tight.” With less players, there is also a bit less field to play with. The 8-player field is 40 yards wide, with 20-fewer feet on each side of the field compared to the 11-player field. It is still 100 yards from goal line to goal line. That is still a lot of space for eight defenders to cover. “On defense, it seems the biggest obstacle is that once a team gets through that first level there is nothing left,” Martin said. “As a team we are really focusing on doing our jobs between the outside linebackers and creating that wall, and then making sure that we are in a good position where if somebody busts it outside of us on the sideline that we can force them out of bounds. Open field tackling, we have really put an emphasis on open field tackling.” Bassett said he’s working on getting used to that space on the offensive line too, needing to cover more space for the tackle half of his offensive position but having more room to run as a pass-catching tight end. Martin listed off some other on-field chang­ es in the 8-player game as rules about which player numbers are allowed on the line of scrimmage. There are also very different blocking schemes on extra-point and field goal kicks, with so much less turf for defend­ ers on the end of the line to cover to get to a kick. He said his team’s two kickers will have to be accurate with their kick-offs and punts to help the coverage teams that have a little more acreage to cover per player. All three Lion captains were a part of the Lion athletic program’s annual Pride Week the week of Aug. 5-9. They said about half of the team showed up regularly throughout the conditioning week leading up to the official start of practice. “We have been here all summer working out,” Heckathorn said. “We had a lot of guys up in the weigfit room this year,” Sensiba added. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 22, 2019 — Page 15 Survey: Nearly half of MHSAA athletes play multiple sports Hastings junior Isaac Oberlin winds up a for a shot during the Saxons’ season­ opening victory over visiting Ionia Monday at Pierce Field in Hastings. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Saxon junior Keegan Cook works to avoid an Ionia defender in the midfield during their team’s season opener Monday on Pierce Field. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Saxon soccer wins big over Ionia in opener Hastings opened the 2019 varsity boys’ soccer season with a dominant performance against visiting Ionia on Pierce Field Monday. The Saxons scored a 9-1 win over the visit­ ing Bulldogs. Kirby Beck and Keegan Cook each scored twice for the hosts. “The boys played well, and I felt that they were very disciplined at the start of the game and then again at the end of the game which is what we have been working on in practices,” Hastings head coach Tim Schoessel said. “We have focused lots on patience and letting things develop and they did a good job of that at times. We have plenty of skill and experi­ ence on this team it is just matching that with patience now as we move forward playing some of the teams we do in conference that is going to be essential.” He was pleased to see the number of shots and scoring chances in the contest. Ethan Caris, Isaac Overlin, Kaiden Shumway, William Roosien and Xander Signeski each scored once for Hastings. Goalkeeper Dane Barnes made two saves for Hastings. Local harriers open season at Early Bird in Portage They are off and running. The Hastings varsity boys’ cross country team placed ninth Friday at the Portage Central Early BfixT Invitational Portage West Middle School, the home of the Saxons’ ^aqnual Division 2 Regional race at the end of the season— East Grand Rapids^girls- dominated the field of 17 teams in the girls’ race, as the first five girls across the finish line were Pioneers. That pack was led by senior Anna Petr who hit the finish line in 18 minutes 58 seconds. The next four Pioneers all came across within 30 seconds. Portage Central junior Ellie Voetberg was the first runner in another jersey to hit the finish line in the girls’ race, placing sixth in 19:41. With the first five in, East Grand Rapids had a perfect score of 15 points. Jenison was second with 90 points, ahead of Rockford 106, Portage Central 129 and Forest Hills Northern 163 in the top five. Rockford edged Lowell at the top of the boys’ standings 70-74. Forest Hills Northern was third with 144 points, ahead of Jenison 149 and Battle Creek Lakeview 153 in the top five. Kalamazoo Central was sixth in the boys’ standings with 189 points, ahead of East Grand Rapids 190, Grand Ledge 206, Hastings 209, Loy Norrix 235, Portage Central 239, Marshall 269, Kalamazoo Homeschool 335, Parchment 350, Three Rivers 403, Delton Kellogg 417 ^Wtrawan'554. ~ East Grand Rapids senior Evan Bishop won the boys’ race in 15:39, with Loy Norrix senior Jozef Meyers setting a personal record with his runner-up time of 15:46. Rockford junior Jude Parks was third in 16:26. Hastings senior Aidan Makled, a returning state qualifier in Division 2, led his team with a 14th-place time of 17:27. Fellow Saxon senior Blake Harris was 33rd overall in 18:00. The first five Saxons in were all seniors, with Jon Arnold 38th in 18:09, Braden Tolles 50th in 18:22 and Josh Brown 81st in 18:57. Delton Kellogg was led by senior Matt Lester who was 59th in 18:29 and junior Micah Ordway who was 89th in 19:11. Senior teammate Dawson Grizzle was 101st in 19:29. The Lakewood boys’ team was led by freshman Ryan Alford who was 163rd in 20:50. The Vikings were one runner shy of earning a team score in the boys’ meet. Loy Norris was sixth in the girls’ standings with 209 points, ahead of Grand Ledge 210, Kalamazoo Central 240, Battle Creek Lakeview 253, Lowell 290, Hastings 293, Three Rivers 320, Kalamazoo Homeschool 363, Mattawan 386, Delton Kellogg 406, COUNTY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Lakewood 424 and Lawton 439. Saxon sophomore Carissa Strouse pulled off the impressive feat of running a new per^6W’reCOTd“fnTheTirst meetW the~seasoii. She hit the finish line in 18tKplace with a time of 20:53.0. She was six seconds faster than she was on the same course for her team’s Division 2 Regional last October, and shaved nearly two and a half minutes from her time on the course to open her freshman season a year ago. The Saxon team also had sophomore Allison Teed 49th in 22:23, junior Aura WahlPiotrowski 124th in 24:47, freshman Madison Nino 125th in 24:47 and a freshman Lauren Arnold 149th in 25:45. Delton Kellogg was paced by two sopho­ mores, Aubrey Aukerman who was 91st in 23: 40 and Halena Phillips who was 107th in 24: 09. DK also had Lily Timmerman 153rd in 25: 51, Hailey Buckner 171st in 26:29 and Joelle White 206th in 27:41. It was the first varsity cross country race for all of those Panthers except for Phillips. Junior Katie Acker led the Lakewood girls, placing 101st in 23:58. Fellow Viking junior Anja Kelley was 136th in 25:06. • Lakewood also had senior Emily Fortier 167th in 26:20, freshman Sadie Brearley 183rd in 26:48 and senior Isabell Zylstra 197th in 27:14. SOCIAL SECURITY DISABILITY Denied Benefits? Unable To Work? We Can Help! Do you qualify for disability benefits? Call for a FREE evaluation Advocating on your behalf with applications, appeals & hearings We simplify the process & strive for quick claim approval* Helping 1000s Get The Benefits They Deserve The Barry County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications from volunteers to serve on the following Boards/Commissions: Region 3B Area Agency on Aging Dept. Health & Human Services Mental Health Authority (must be primary or secondary consumer) Parks & Recreation Applications may be obtained at the County Administration Office, 3rd floor of the Courthouse, 220 W State Street, Hastings; or http://www.barrycounty.org under the tab: How do I apply for... A position on an Advisory Board, Commission or Committee; and must be returned no later than 5:00 p.m. on September 10, 2019. Contact 269-945-1284 for more information. Nearly 43 percent of athletes at Michigan High School Athletic Association member high schools continued to participate in two or more sports in 2018-19, according to the Multi-Sport Participation Survey, reinforcing similar data collected for the first time two years ago and providing a foundation for work by the MHSAA’s Multi-Sport Task Force as it prepares to continue efforts this fall to promote the multi-sport high school experience. Early and intense sport specialization has become one of the most serious issues related to health and safety at all levels of youth sports, as overuse injuries and burnout among athletes have been tied to chronic injuries and health-related problems later in life. In early 2016, the MHSAA appointed the Task Force on Multi-Sport Participation as part of a continued effort to promote and protect participant health and address the issues leading to early sport specialization. The multi-sport participation survey was created in 2018 to provide data on the prevalence of sport specialization at MHSAA member high schools. This year’s survey received responses from 82.9 percent of member high schools and measured how multi-sport participation exists at schools. The collection of survey results annually is expected to show how schools are succeeding in promoting a multi-sport high school experience, providing another tool as schools work to guide students toward a well-rounded interscholastic sports career. From schools that responded to this year’s survey, 42.9 percent of students participated in athletics in 2018-19 - 46.3 percent of boys and 39.5 percent of girls. The overall participation number was up nearly half a percent from 2017-18 (42.5), with the boys percentage holding steady and the girls increasing nearly a full percent from a year ago. Class D schools - those with the smallest enrollments - again enjoyed the highest percentage of athletes among the entire student body, at 57.1 percent, followed by Class C (50.7), Class B (45.8) and Class A (39.4). Of those athletes counted by responding schools, 43 percent participated in more than one sport - including 45.1 percent of boys and 40.4 percent of girls - with all three of those percentages nearly identical to those derived from the first survey a year ago. Class D again enjoyed the highest percentage of multi-sport athletes, 61.8 percent, followed by Class C (56.7), Class B (48.7) and Class A (35.4). Similar results for overall sport participation and multi-sport participation relative to enrollment size were seen by further breaking down Class A into schools of fewer than 1,000 students, 1,000-1,500 students, 1,501-2,000 students and more than 2,000 students. Similarly to 2017-18 for both sport participation as a whole and multi-sport participation specifically, the smallest Class A schools continued to enjoy the highest percentages, while percentages then decreased for every larger size group of schools. Also of note, the percentage of two-sport athletes at every school measure around onethird of athletes - from 29.2 percent at Class A schools to 35.7 at Class B, 37.2 at Class C and 35.6 at Class D. However the number of athletes participating in three sports decreased substantially relative to the increase in school enrollment, with 22.5 percent of Class D athletes playing three sports, 18.2 in Class C, 12.4 in Class B and 6.0 percent in Class A. The MHSAA Task Force on Multi-Sport Participation will be meeting this fall to discuss creating a program to measure multi­ sport participation at MHSAA member schools and to recognize “achievers” - that is, schools that surpass the norm given their enrollment and other factors that affect school sports participation. For 2018-19, in Class A, Marquette posted the highest percentage of multi-sport athletes with 85.9 percent, up 3.3 percent from its top­ ranking Class A percentage from 2017-18. Grand Rapids Northview also topped 80 percent multi-sport participation, with 83.1 percent of its athletes playing two or more sports. Orchard Lake St. Mary’s, Detroit East English and Gibraltar Carlson all saw multi­ sport participation from at least 70 percent of their athletes. In Class B, four schools again achieved at least 80 percent multi-sport participation Coloma (87.2 percent), Gladstone (86.7), Flat Rock (83.2) and Dundee (80.2), while 10 schools had 70 percent or more athletes playing at least two sports. Six Class C schools reported more than 80 percent of its athletes taking part in more than one sport - Schoolcraft (87.1), Mayville (86.2), Manton (85.3), Houghton Lake (84.9), Cass City (84.7) and Decatur (83.5) - and 12 schools total with 75 percent or more athletes participating in multiple sports. There were 14 Class D schools with multi-sport participation at 80.9 percent or higher, with Gaylord St. Mary (93.2), Waterford Our Lady of the Lakes (91.5) and Watersmeet (90.3) topping the survey not just for Class D but among all schools that responded. The full summary report on the Multi-Sport Participation Survey is available on the “Health & Safety” page of the MHSAA utt ct?t>\7 tut< UJL/JLf v LL/Xj B Enjoy the benefits of high-quality, high-volume printing facility. Whatever the size of your project, we have just the right equipment to handle your needs. • COPIES -BLACK & WHITE OR FULL COLOR • PROFESSIONAL BINDERY (844) 474-0037 Bill Gordon & Associates, a nationwide practice, represents clients before the Social Security Administration. Member of theTX & NM Bar Associations. Mail: 1420 NW St Washington D.C. Office: Broward County, FL. Services may be provided by associated attorneys licensed in other states. * The process for determining each applicant's disability benefits varies greatly, and can take upwards of two years. 123931 Public Land Auction The following County Treasurers will be offering tax-reverted real estate at public Auction on August 26th, 2019: Barry & Kalamazoo. ■ The Auction will be held at The Radisson Plaza Hotel, 100 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49007. Registration will begin at 11:30am, Auction will begin at 12:00pm. Online bidding will be available via www.tax-sale.info. For more information or for a list of the properties being sold, visit our website at www.tax-sale.info or call 1-800-259-7470. Sale listings are also available at your local County Treasurer’s Office. • LARGE FORMAT PRINTING • PRESENTATIONS • AAANUALS & BOOKLETS • LAMINATION • FOLDING • GRAPHIC DESIGN SERVICE • MAILING SERVICES COPIER PAPER$OE50 by the case for only Call 269-945-9554 any time for Hastings Banner classified ads 1351 NM43 Hwy Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-9105 www.j-adgraphics.com Jb w �Page 16 — Thursday, August 22, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Weather still hampering some crops Hunter Dood Staff Writer Local farmers saw a wet spring and, accord­ ing to press release from Gov. Whitmer, the year that ended April 30 was the third wettest in Michigan history. Spring rains caused issues for farmers during planting season. Week after week, their fields were too wet to plant, leading to some farmers applying for prevented planting reimbursement through the USDA Farm Service Agency. According to the press release, farmers only had 316 days with conditions suitable for planting by June 9. June 5 was the final plant­ ing date for prevented planting of corn in Michigan. Carlton Township farmer Louis Wierenga Jr. said he had never seen a spring like this year’s in his “better than 50 years” of farming. Summer weather conditions did improve for farmers, but still added more complica­ tions. According to results from the National Weather Service Climatological Station in Hastings, rain fell 25 days in the month of May. Rain was recorded 14 separate days in each April and June. Then, from late July to mid-July, over nearly three weeks, only a trace of rain fell. That dry spell, and another in August, added stress to crops. Wierenga said last week that more rain is needed. Extremely dry soil in some fields is causing issues for some crops, he said. Recent rains have been scattered, soaking some areas, barely getting the soil wet in others. Lake Odessa area farmer Tim Stuart said his harvest of hay and cereal crops have been mostly on schedule. The com and soybean harvest likely will be behind schedule due to the late planting, he said. Wierenga said crops are running three to five weeks behind normal. He wasn’t able to plant 40 acres of soybean or a quarter of his entire corn acreage. He planted 40 acres of sudangrass as a cover crop, to protect and enrich the soil. It will be used to feed cattle this fall. Though he only raises crops, Wierenga said he has concerns regarding shortages of feed for livestock producers. “There is a poor chance for a large yield on com and soybean,” he said, adding that late-planted crops are struggling because their root systems are not deep enough. Stuart said he believes the harvest season could be longer than usual. He added that there is still the potential of an adequate yield for com and soybean farmers “We just need time,” he said, adding: “No frost before the 15& of October - at the earli­ est.” Louis Wierenga Jr. has an empty space is his cornfield where flooding occurred in May. Tim Stuart’s soybean field is running on schedule. Michigan farm country testifies of widespread crisis as crops go unpianted Bridge Magazine One of Michigan’s wettest planting seasons in history forced Doug Darling to leave about two-thirds of his Monroe County farmland unplanted. And the com, soybeans and wheat he managed to plant in between downpours? He doesn’t expect any of it to grow up nor­ mally. The soil moisture wasn’t quite right. The ripple effects will extend far beyond Darling’s 186-year-old family farm and — and they’ll linger for who knows how long in the local economy. With less work in the field, he’s not purchasing parts for his combine or other machinery. He’s not calling for service. He’s maxed out his storage of unused fertiliz­ er (and he’s paying to store more unused supply in Toledo) — meaning he won’t need to contract with local dealers next year. The same goes for the insecticides he typically sprays. “The economic impact of this is going to be far-reaching and it’s going to last for years,” Darling, who also serves on the Michigan Farm Bureau’s board of directors, told state lawmakers Aug. 13 at the Michigan State University Pavilion for Agriculture and Livestock Education. The sixth-generation farmer was among a chorus of industry representatives, academics and government officials to describe wide­ spread hardship and uncertainty in Michigan farm country after record rains and flooding coincided with chaos in agricultural markets that has escalated amid a trade war with China. The testimony came at an Aug. 13 joint hearing of the House and Senate agriculture committees organized by Rep. Julie Alexander, a Republican, who chairs the House agricul­ ture committee and whose family grows com, soybeans and hay in Hanover Township, out­ side of Jackson. Alexander said she organized the hearing not only to get an update on conditions across Michigan’s 48,000-plus farms, but also to publicize a wide range of federal and state aid programs available to reeling Michigan farm­ ers. Federal and state officials are trying to respond to the emergency. Sixty-four of Michigan’s 83 counties have asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture for an emergency designation and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in June implored U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to help the state’s farmers. In July, Perdue designated five northern Michigan counties as “primary disaster areas,” making producers in Antrim, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, and Otsego counties eli­ gible for emergency loans. The declaration also made farmers in 10 contiguous counties eligible to apply. That came after Perdue relaxed rules to — Sixty-four of Michigan’s 83 counties have asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture for an emer­ gency designation and the governor has implored U.S. Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to help the state’s farmers. allow farmers to sell crops raised on land on which farmers filed insurance claims. Whitmer hailed that decision as she also announced the state had approved $15 million to help farmers, growers, processors, and farm-related retailers secure low-interest loans. Michigan farms produce more than 300 commodities commercially, making the state second only to California in diversity, and last year it exported nearly $2 billion in agricul­ tural products, primarily com, soybeans, dairy products and various feeds. The escalating stress on farmers has come from more than just weather: Trade wars have upended grain, corn and soybean markets. “The U.S. position as a reliable supplier of ag products has been damaged, likely irrepa­ rably,” said Tim Boring, vice president of the Michigan Agri-Business Association. Meanwhile, southwestern Michigan fruit farmers are still smarting from a crop-killing polar vortex. Cherry growers along Lake Michigan face cheap imports from Turkey — including one fourth-generation farmer in Grand Traverse County that has been selling off his land this summer amid rock-bottom cherry prices. Dairy farmers, meanwhile are struggling due to years of low milk prices. But much of the hearing focused on the fallout from what Michigan officials call the third-wettest planting season in history. The word “crisis” echoed throughout the hearing. “This state of crisis has been created by extraordinary weather conditions,” Gary McDowell, director of the Michigan Department of Agricultural and Rural Development, told lawmakers. “The impact of these unfortunate events have yet to fully materialize, and they have the potential to impact everyone in Michigan.” Michigan farmers are among those across the region grappling with historic challenges after wet conditions pushed May planting into June and even July. Farmers nationwide couldn’t plant crops on more than 19.4 mil­ lion acres, according to a USDA’s Farm Service Agency report released Aug. 12. That’s the most since the agency started track­ ing those figures in 2007 — and the Midwest has seen the vast majority of those unplanted acres. Michigan’s 870,000 unplanted acres was the eighth most in the United States, accord­ ing to the federal data. Joel Johnson, Michigan State Executive Director of the USDA Farm Service Agency, said his agency has received 440 “notices of loss” from Michigan participants in the feder­ al Noninsured Crop Disaster Assistance Program, which covers loss of otherwise uninsurable crops due to natural disasters. In many cases, crops that went into the ground won’t reach maturity, said Boring of the Michigan Agri-Business Association. Farmers’ late start in planting means harvests will likely stretch into winter, and concerns about crop size and availability will likely last through harvest of 2020. Beyond pushing farmers into the red, that means corn-dependent ethanol plants may need to temporarily shut down, and livestock farmers may have trouble finding feed for their animals, Boring said. Importing com would be expensive because neighboring states are facing similar and even worse corn crop conditions. Stephanie Schafer, a sixth-generation Clinton County dairy farmer, is among those wondering how she’ll feed her 300 cows. She’s cut feed costs amid a five-year tumble in milk prices, but she’s not sure how she’ll continue to operate if com prices skyrocket amid a shortage. “Where’s the com going to come from?” she asked lawmakers on Aug. 13. “This has a long tail to it. Because I’m going to be sitting here next year saying, ‘Yeah, my com silage stinks.’ At least I hope I’m sitting here.” Michiganders who don’t farm won’t realize the turmoil until they see their grocery bills increase, Schafer added. Dave Armstrong, president and CEO of Greenstone Farm Credit Services, which underwrites 30 percent of the state’s dairy protection policies, offered the rare shred of positive news: Of his firm’s 11,600 full-time farm customers, just 22 are currently in bank­ ruptcy or foreclosure as others have found ways to cut costs and weather the ups and downs of a cyclical industry. “This isn’t our first rodeo with tough times...[Many farmers] cut their teeth in the 1980s,” he said, referencing that era’s farm crisis. But Schafer said suggested bankruptcies and foreclosures could escalate. “He’s talking about right now,” she said, referencing Armstrong’s rosy figures. “We don’t know what crops will look like in the coming months and years.” Louis Wierenga’s soybean crop is about 32 inches high. Pods are forming in Tim Stuart’s soybeans. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 22, 2019 — Page 17 Hastings band students spruce up landscaping Hastings High School band members took on overgrown landscaping on the east side of the school near the cafeteria last Thursday and Friday. They spent five hours each day weeding, pruning, hauling and essentially blearing out planting areas that had grown beyond their intended boundaries. The service days are new to the Hastings band program, director Spencer White said. “As part of the Hastings Bands’ strategic plan, we are trying to foster a stronger sense bf, community, service and pride in our Students,” said White, who, along with Jen Pesch, directs the district’s band program. “As the band program continues to grow, we have a/greater responsibility to give back to our ^dhpol and community. This project is a step tpward those goals.” * An annual bowling event has provided ftflKls for the district, such as sousaphones, marimbas, a new band trailer, music stands, technology and more. In all, the 63 student volunteers provided 346 hours of labor last week, White said. They removed five truck/trailer loads of debris from overgrown plants and weeds, planted 63 new drought-tolerant plants, spread 12 yards of mulch, and spread 5 yards of stone. Hastings Band Boosters vice president Chris Stafford was the lead parent organizer for the landscaping project. He developed the plan and coordinated the workers both days. The boosters covered the cost of the project, White said. Unwanted weeds had moved in on overgrown on the east side of Hastings High School. Michael VanDorp (from left), Nick Stafford and Adeline Witt are joined by an unnamed youngster who isn’t in band but was enjoying watching band students show their Saxon pride. (Photos provided) AT RIGHT: Saxon band students volunteered nearly 350 hours last week to clean out and replant landscape beds. Kyler VanZanten (foreground) and Connor Frank prepare beds for new drought­ resistant plants. ' More than 60 Hastings High School band students spent time transforming an overgrown area near the high school cafeteria week. % Makayla Pickett, (from left) Katie Cook, Eli McFarlan and Madison McMasters (background) paint props that will be used in this year’s halftime show. Parent volunteer Stephanie Conrad (from left) works with Kyler VanZanten, Connor Frank, and Patrick Mallory preparing beds for new landscaping. Noelia Moreno, (from left) Zara Franklin, Paige Eagle, Eli McFarlan and (back right) Madison McMasters paint shapes that will represent the solar system in this year’s halftime show. �Page 18 — Thursday, August 22, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Community Action’s new Hastings Center celebrates opening Community Action CEO Michelle Williamson (center) wields the scissors as well-wishers watch. Hastings center manager Michelle Slaughter is shown to Williamson’s right. The center, with 55 youngsters already signed up, has a waiting list, Williamson said. (Photos by Rebecca Pierce) The former Ponderosa property, 220 S. Market St., has been transformed into Community Action’s new Hastings Center. Community members, joined by state, county and city officials, gathered Aug. 15 to cele­ brate the transformation with an open house and ribbon-cutting. Community Action CEO Michelle Williamson said the goal is to create the best environment for children and families in early childhood education. Community Action, which serves Barry, Branch, Calhoun and St. Joseph counties, targets programs to the specific needs of the communities it serves. Last year, it provided assistance to more than 15,400 children, seniors and low-income people in its four-county service area. Calvin Orr with Madilynn, 3, was among well-wishers at the ribbon-cutting. He said Madilynn just graduated from Early On. Community Action well wishers gather for the official opening ceremony at 220 S. Market St. in Hastings. ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS Exceptional Care Close to Home Increasing your access to exceptional health care, close to home is a priority for Spectrum Health. Jamie McCartney, MD Adam Mitchell, DO Rebecca Eckert, FNP Caledonia Caledonia Gun Lake Andrew Stanley, DO Alia Anthony, FNP Maty Yakoby, MD Gun Lake Hastings Hastings Andrew Mepham, PA-C Lynda Simpson, DO Laurie Broker, MD Middleville Middleville Lake Odessa Our local providers are not just experts in their field; they are also a part of your community. Now accepting new patients in Family, Internal and Pediatric Medicine in Caledonia, Hastings, Middleville, Gun Lake and Wayland. Expanded morning and evening hours to better meet your needs. Spectrum Health Pennock Spectrum Health Pennock Spectrum Health Pennock Family Medicine - Gun Lake Family, Internal & Pediatric Family Medicine - Lake Odessa 12851 W. M179 Highway Medicine - Hastings 4294 Laurel Drive Wayland, Ml 49348 1108 W. State Street, Suite 3 Lake Odessa, Ml 48849 877.377.7322 Hastings, Ml 49058 616.374.7660 269.945.0922 Spectrum Health Medical Group Family Medicine - Caledonia Spectrum Health Pennock 9090 S. Rodgers Court, Suite A Family Medicine - Middleville Caledonia, Ml 49316 490 Edward Street 616.891.0422 Middleville, Ml 49333 269.795.4434 SPECTRUM HEALTH^ Pennock Erica Nyman, PA-C Lake Odessa MMMMl Accepting new patients | Expanded hours | findadoctor.spectrumhealth.org � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-08-29.pdf 81ae0acc4dcbab4c84a2e1ed42e53eca PDF Text Text MMMH Teens’ gun theft foiled in progress Honoring pledge is never ‘uncomfortable’ See Story on Page 10 See Editorial on Page 4 Hastings fall sports teams previewed See Stories on Pages 13 804879110187 1070490102590503696649058113421 Parking primary factor in downtown housing decision Concert tonight for Barry County Cares A concert from 6 to 8:30 p.m. tonight, Aug. 29, will serve to raise funds for Barry County Cares outreach work. The concert at Gun Lake Community Church, 12200 W. M-179 Highway, Wayland, is free to attend; donations will be accept­ ed. All proceeds will go directly to Barry County Cares, (formerly known as Love Inc.) Performers will include Kleen SL8 from Shelbyville, Luke Lenhart from the Barry County area, and the Gun Lake Community Church Praise Band. Light refreshments will be available. Attendees also can help by donating canned goods. A trailer will be set up at 5 p.m. in the church parking lot. The public also is welcomed to donate through the website, Barryi ounty Cares, org. More information is available by calling 269-948-9555. Bird club hosting DNR chief The Barry County Bird Club will host Michigan Department of Natural Resources director Dan Eichinger at its first meeting of the fall Thursday, Sept. 5. Eichinger was picked to head the DNR at the beginning of the year. He previously worked as executive director of the Michigan United Conservation Clubs. He was an administrator at Central Michigan University and also served as a policy advisor to Lt. Gov. John Cherry in the 2000s. A native of Holland, Eichinger now resides in Isabella County. The informal club is open to anyone with an interest in birds and birding, or birdwatching. The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the 911 Dispatch Center, 2600 Nashville Road, Hastings. Light refreshments will be served. Forgotten Man Ministries banquet is Sept. 12 Forgotten Man Ministries in the Barry County Jail will hold its annual banquet beginning at 6 p.m. Sept. 12 to raise funds for resources and services to Barry County Jail inmates. To attend this event, individuals must reserve a space online at ForgottenMan. org/barry-banquet-rsvp; by calling Chaplain Joyce Black, 269-945-1400, ext. 1326; or by emailing barrycounty@ forgottenman.org. Any organization, business or church interested in being a sponsor should contact Black. The deadline to place a reservation is Monday, Sept. 2. Doug VanderLaan Contributing Writer With two options open, the Hastings City Council parked its vote for new downtown housing Monday night behind a Grand Rapids builder-developer’s plan to construct a 30-unit, four-story structure on the former Moose Lodge property at 128 N. Michigan Ave. On a 6-2 vote, the council approved the proposal by A.J. Veneklasen Inc. to purchase the property for $200,000 and construct a building that will include first-floor retail space, three floors of one-, two- and threebedroom market rate-priced apartments and a 30-car parking garage on the ground floor. Total project value is listed at $6.1 which also will include a proposed arrangement to purchase or lease an additional 18 adjacent parking spots from the city. Parking proved to be the defining difference between the Veneklasen plan and a proposal submitted by a development team led by Kevin Moore, representing Hudsonville developer Nate Heyboer, owner of DHE Plumbing and Mechanical. The Heyboer plan, dubbed Kendall Place, called for a three-story structure consisting of 41 residential units, 32 of which would offer housing rental rates based on the average median income of Barry A second proposal by the A.J. Veneklasen Co. for a four-story mixed retail and residential building on the former Moose Lodge property at 128 N. Michigan Ave. won favor with the Hastings City Council Monday evening. [Image provided] County. Other than four parking spaces to be made available to access-challenged residents, the Kendall Place plan proposed a long-term lease for 30 spaces at the city’s Parking Lot No. 3, at 110 E. Mill St. According to developers, those spaces, combined with surrounding public parking lots and on-street parking, would be sufficient for residents and their guests. See DECISION, pg. 6 Serial sexual predator faces unusual one-day-to-life sentence Rebecca Pierce Editor A serial sexual delinquent was released from prison in January 2018, placed on an electronic tether, got a job as a driver for a trucking company and received favorable reports from a Michigan Department of Corrections therapist. But David Slovinski was continuing to vic­ timize young women and troll through store parking lots and around schools in Barry, Kent, Muskegon and Ottawa counties “look­ ing for a target,” a police officer testified Monday in Barry County Court. Slovinski’s latest offense was indecent exposure outside a house in Middleville Christmas Day 2018. Other incidents are pending, the state troop­ er testified. He pieced together complaints from several counties; the victims’ accounts and locations confirmed by a corrections department electronic tether. The purpose of Monday’s hearing before Barry County Judge Michael Schipper was to determine whether Slovinski, who pleaded guilty Aug. 7 to the Dec. 25 incident, is a sex­ ual delinquent. Under Michigan law, the term sexual delin­ quent describes someone whose sexual behavior is characterized by compulsive or repeti­ tive acts indicating a disregard of consequenc­ es or the recognized rights of other people. This 1952 criminal statute carries an unusual indeterminate sentence one day to life,” which is the alternate pilson sentence that may be imposed. Monday, Trooper Blaine Bachman from the Wayland post of the Michigan State Police described Slovinski’s criminal liistory, which began in 1986 with the abduction and rape of a 19-year-old woman. z Z This has got to have the highest level of concern in any case that ever comes to you unless we let a convict­ ed killer out. Right?” - Judge Michael Schipper to Michigan Department of Corrections parole officer Slovinski sexually assaulted his victim on a mattress in the back of a vehicle until she passed out, the officer testified. After several indecent exposure and win­ Low salaries, changing views complicate search for new teachers Taylor Owens Staff Writer Local superintendents are in agreement the pool of new teachers is drying up. “We used to have hundreds of applicants for a position, and now we have as low as five,” Hastings Superintendent Dan Remenap said. Barry County school superintendents point­ ed to low state funding, which has led to teacher salaries and benefits falling behind those in other fields. “People feel like they can make more money in the public sector and I think, sadly, the perspective has been that teaching has become thankless,” Remenap said. “We haven’t done a good job of funding teachers,” Maple Valley Superintendent Katherine Bertolini said. She also pointed to changes in the role, such as an overemphasis on testing and tight regulations on how curriculum is taught, which has led to a deprofessionalization of the job. “This is the result of how we’ve treated educators in our state, it’s no big secret,” Remenap said. p—- “It’s an extremely difficult and challenging profession,” Thornapple Kellogg Superintendent Rob Blitchok said. “More demands are placed on teachers than ever before.” According to Remenap, not only are schools pushed to test kids too much because of state regulations, the results of those tests have become 40 percent of a teacher’s evalu­ ation. Complicating the situation, Blitchok said, are disagreements at the state level over how growth is defined by those test results - and that’s still a point of contention. “There really hasn’t been a consistent stan­ dard of what growth is,” Blitchok said. “It gets confusing and sometimes demoralizing for teachers.” “It has added a significant amount of stress to the teaching position, and made it more of a competition,” Remenap said. “I’ve read that one third of teachers quit the profession within three years,” Delton Superintendent Kyle Corlett said. Before Bertolini started as Maple Valley’s See TEACHERS, page 11 Michigan Department of Corrections parole officer Matthew Alles testifies about how the Slovinski case was han­ dled. Barry County Judge Michael Schipper presides over the sexual delinquent hear­ ing in the David Slovinski case Monday. (Photos by Scott Harmsen) dow peeper complaints in the region last year, Bachman noted similar characteristics, the vehicle description, a stolen license plate, and the behavior of the assailant. A review of the sex offender registry narrowed possible sus­ pects down to Slovinski, so he sought out Slovinski’s parole officer, Matthew Alles. Alles’ access to Slovinski’s electronic teth- er provided corroboration. When one of the victims called 911, “as it’s occurring, minute by minute, I could actually watch on his tether as he accelerates and leaves the scene,” the trooper told Judge See PREDATOR, page 2 County board plans to go to voters for jail, CO A Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry County commissioners unanimous­ ly committed to a work plan to go to voters in August 2020 for a jail and Commission on Aging facility. They didn’t commit to exactly what they would ask for or what it might look like or how much it could cost, but they committed to a strategic plan to develop the project and the question that will go on the ballot. In a unanimous vote, the board adopted the plan presented by Eric Hackman, senior project manager for TowerPinkster. In February, commissioners hired the Kalamazoo-based architect and engineering firm to facilitate the project at a cost not to exceed $70,000. Tuesday, Hackman provided the board with a preliminary plan that outlines what they will be doing to facilitate the project and when it would be happening. The deadline is April 17 to get on the August 2020 ballot, and that’s when com­ missioners will have to commit to a project, Hackman said. The groundwork for the proj­ ect will be accomplished over the next seven months. David Jackson, supported by Ben Geiger, made the motion to adopt the work plan for the August 2020 election. “The jail is the No. 1 priority of this coun­ ty and has been for a long time,” Geiger said. “After decades of waiting, we now have in front of us a plan - and light at the end of the tunnel... If this board leads by listening, and adopts this plan, we can make sure our rick­ ety old jail days are numbered.” Hackman said their planning assessment is complete and, in September, they will have visioning sessions with board mem­ bers, COA leadership and the sheriff. From October to April 2020, an advisory committee of two or three board members, county administration and the sheriff could meet as needed to discuss options and prog­ ress and make a recommendation to the See STRATEGY, page 9 �Page 2 — Thursday, August 29, 2019 — The Hastings Banner PREDATOR, continued from page 1 Schipper. Bachman said every complaint in the case against Slovinski was substantiated by the GPS, which placed him at the scene of each crime at the exact dates and times alleged by the victims. Bachman said he interviewed Slovinski’s mother, who was under the impression that her son had a job. Instead, Slovinski “roams around,” the trooper said. “It’s clear he wasn’t going to a job.” When Bachman found the vehicle Slovinski had been using, he noted the presence of a dirty mattress in the back of the vehicle. After testimony Monday from Bachman and several of the victims from earlier crimes, Schipper made the finding that Slovinski, 56, of Kentwood, meets the legal definition of a sexual delinquent. This finding lays the groundwork for the sentence Nov. 7. Slovinski has been classified as a sexual delinquent twice in the past, in 2013 and in 2015, and, each time, he went to prison and was later paroled. And, each time, when he returned to the area where he committed more sex offense crimes, victimizing women. Slovinski’s court file is filled with convic­ tions for prior felonies. During Monday’s hearing, Schipper deplored the way the case was handled by the state Department of Corrections. “Absolutely this was a failure,” the judge told Alles, Slovinski’s parole officer. “A hor­ rible failure.” Alles, who has worked for the corrections department since December 2002, transferred to the parole department in August 2007. He had been supervising Slovinski for about three months, he said, when police alerted him to their suspicions about Slovinski’s activities. Prior to the case being transferred to him, Slovinski had completed six months of GPS monitoring, Alles said. Then he was switched to curfew monitoring, which meant that Alles was not actively monitoring Slovinski on GPS. Alles’ hands were shaking as he testified. “He had no parole violations up until I was notified of the situation in January 2019,” Alles told the judge. “I was able to get him apprehended a short time later. After that time, there were additional parole violations that gradually came up.” “Trooper Bachman indicated that they were looking at a series of these cases,” he added. “We went over GPS [from the electronic teth­ er] and ended up verifying every single one that had come up.” Initially, they substantiated 12 violations a^d ended up adding eight moi| charges, he response to questioning on the stand, as far fhe • Department of Corrections knew, Slovinski was complying with the terms of his parole. He was involved with treatment and had made some progress with his therapist. He spoke of starting a rela­ tionship with a female and meeting her famiiy“He had become a little more open, but, I mean, progress obviously was negated soon after,” the parole officer said. “He did make progress in a lot of areas, and I find that some­ times to be the most concerning thing about Mr. Slovinski from a supervision perspec­ tive.” At that point, the judge began to ask Alles David Slovinski, 56, of Kentwood, was found to be a sexual delinquent Monday during a Barry County Court hearing before Judge Michael Schipper. Defense Attorney Ron Pierce confers with his client, David Slovinski of Kentwood. Assistant Prosecutor Jessica Payne leads the prosecutor’s case with Michigan State Trooper Blaine Bachman, who was responsible for the criminal investigation that linked Slovinski to multiple sex crimes in the region in 2018. short, pointed questions. Judge: “Was he required to have a job?” Alles: “He was.” Judge: “Did he have a job?” AJl^ “He did.” Tudge:* “Was he working that job in the fall of 201&?” > M Alles: "He was and ihat was verified, talked to his boss. His boss was happy with him.” Judge: “So how does that jibe with the trooper’s check of the GPS, which showed him all over the place?” Alles: “That’s the thing. I asked his boss and, apparently, he was working some of the time.” Judge: “What was his job?” Alles: “I believe he drove a truck. His job required him to move about at times.” Judge: “So maybe not the best job for him - if you’re trying to track somebody.” Alles: “Absolutely.” Judge: “How could this have been done better?” Alles said he couldn’t speak for how the department of corrections handled the case prior to it being transferred to him, but MDOC policies have since been changed and sex offender cases are being handled differ­ ently. “This is definitely a difficult case,” he remarked. “I only had it for a little while. ... It’s difficult because he did well.” “He did well in the eyes of who?” Schipper challenged Alles, pointing out that “You have people who can say what you want to hear.” Alles said the therapists typically see through the falsehoods and, when warranted, polygraph tests can be used. The judge said a sex offender like Slovinski should be the highest priority for the correc­ tions department. “When you get the case, you look at the criminal history, right?” he asked Alles. “This isn’t just indecent exposure. “You go back to the original case, with the horrific assault in the back of the vehicle. Then he got out [of prison]. Then you have ... [another young woman] who was horribly assaulted. So, you know that this isn’t just indecent exposure. “This is a dangerous individual. This is a predator, correct?” “Absolutely,” Alles replied. Murderers generally don’t get out of pris­ on, Schipper pointed out, so the highest prior­ ity for state corrections officials would be convicted sexual offenders like Slovinski. Judge: “There’s nothing higher than this.” Alles: “I would agree.” Judge: “Did you have the initial option of home detention for him?” Alles: “Just keeping him at home?” Judge: “Yeah.” Alles: “I think we would have that option.” Judge: “But that was never used.” Judge Schipper also pointed to the Michigan Department of Corrections’ reliance on an electronic tether, which can be programmed to alert authorities when a tethered individual enters a particular area, such as near a school. Alles explained that, in a metropolitan area like Grand Rapids, with so many school zones, programming a tether for exclusion zones around schools is relatively useless. Most common are exclusion zones around victims’ homes, which can be effective. Schipper added that, regardless, tether information is valuable only in retrospect to prosecute someone. “It doesn’t stop anybody from doing any­ thing,” he said. “You’re not the supervisor,” Schipper told Alles, “You’re not the one who’s going to make these rules. But I’m just trying to get to the point that this has got to have the highest level of concern in any case that ever comes to you unless we let a convicted killer out. Right?” Before concluding the hearing, the judge made a point to speak directly to the victims, some of whom chose to stay in the audience so they could hear the proceedings after they testified. “I want to thank all of the victims for com­ ing in and testifying today,” Schipper told them. “I know that it’s a very difficult thing. But it’s necessary for our system and, hope­ fully, it’s cathartic and empowering.” The first victim who testified Monday was assaulted by Slovinski in 1989. She was 13 at the time and still harbors fears caused by the memory of that assault. During her testimony, she was asked to identify her attacker in court and she pointed to Slovinski. Assistant Prosecutor Jessica Payne asked her why she had agreed to testify at Monday’s hearing, 20 years later. Slovinski was sentenced to seven years in prison, she said. “I don’t think justice was served. “It doesn’t seem like it was long enough,” she added, “because I’m still sitting here.” Grand Rapids - Lansing 100 Acres - Timber Tremendous hunting! At Auction ; Sells aMrte after Sellers: Brandon and Gretchen Cropsey Open Houses: Public is welcome to inspect property on August 17th and 31st from 1 to 4 pm. Monday was a big day for students in the Hastings Area School System, which kicked off its first day of the 2019-20 school year. At Central Elementary, many of the younger children were escorted to the schoolhouse doors by smiling parents. Here, Kristine and Mike Bekker walk with sons Ryan and Levi. fishing, or mushrooming. dons.com or mossyoakproperties.com for more... Both parcels have some mature Timber including: •White Oak •Red Oak ’ / •Cherry Private ' •Maple And more.. •Rolling Ridges y ' •Lots of Trails W •Parcels may be purchased separately or as a combination. Parcel One •24 +,- acres with frontage on Hammond Road •If purchased separately from Parcel 2, a 66 foot easement will be given across parcel one to provide access to parcel 2. •Gorgeous cabin recently remodeled •Large whitetails •Pond stocked with fish •Fountain in pond •In qualified Forest Program if purchased with parcel 2, but not if purchased separately •Minimum bid $239,000 then sells without reserve. Auctioneer’s Note: Outdoors­ man’s paradise on earth! This getaway is located almost equidistant to Grand Rapids, ± Kalamazoo, and Lansing. . •75 acres +,•Large whitetails •In Qualified Forest Program which provides tax breaks •Minimum bid $3,000 per acre then sells without reserve. Cabin •Rustic log cabin in mint condition •Hot water •New shower •New LP wall heater pond with fountain Each Mossy Oak Properties office is independently owned and operated. Co-listed with: Michigan Land & Lakes 10% down night of auction (nonrefundable). Balance is due at closing in approximately 60 days. If only one parcel meets minimum bid, seller has right to retain both. . OM OW Families share special moments as school starts Principal Sarah Geukes greets her stu­ dents at the door. (Photos by Rebecca Pierce) Central Elementary student Liam Goggins gives his mom, Lindsey Thomas, a big hug and gets a big hug in return. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 29, 2019 — Page 3 Scenes from Summerfest This youngster is living the dream of many by looking down from a big truck, riding in a parade. In this case, it’s a City of Hastings truck. The youngster is Michael Gergen, 4, in a truck driven by his dad, Matt Gergen, the city’s director of public services. Marjorie Haas (back left) is grand marshal of the Summerfest Parade. She is the current governor of Rotary District 6360, past president of the Hastings club, and this year’s Rotary Hero Award recipient. She is accompanied by her husband Gene Haas, (back right). (Photo by Perry Hardin) Youngsters scramble for candy Saturday morning as the parade goes by. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Harold Root and passengers cruise along in his Ford Doodlebug 1928 Model A. The Battle Creek Shrine Club Mini-T Patrol can be counted on to visit area parades each summer and draw smiles from onlookers. The Thornapple Plaza overflows with guests Saturday afternoon as Toppermost, a Beatles tribute band, plays in a free concert. Rob Deming, the Hastings Rotary Club’s 2019 Red Rose recipient, is con­ veyed in a white-walled beauty beside his wife, Sue. 51 Mert Art. The American Legion Post 45 Legion Riders complete the parade, heading east on State Street, as the city trucks and emergency vehicles are just getting started. Parade-goers occasionally shout “Congratulations” to Larry and Jan Neil as the trav­ el the parade in their antique Ford bearing a hand-written sign “Just Married ... 59 years ago.” Hastings’ own Diane Dallas-Strang pre­ sides as Michigan TOPS queen for losing more pounds than any other female in the state in the 2018-19 year. (More on Dallas-Strang and her weight-loss story is on pages 33 and 39 in the Aug. 24 Nick VanDam (son of iconic angler Kevin VanDam), and Kyle Welling (right), repre­ sent the Grand Valley State University Bass Anglers Club Saturday, along with Aaron Denny of Hastings and Drake Shipman. Bass fishing is a club sport at GVSU and the dozen or so members travel across the country to compete in tournaments. Miller Real Estate in Hastings, one of its sponsors, hosted the team for the parade. Reminder.) FREE HEALTH Happy, down-on-the-farm faces add to the “Old MacDonald Had a Farm”-themed float created by Expressions Dance Centre in Hastings. PROGRAM Hip or Knee Pain Got You Down? Don't let hip or knee pain limit the things you love to do. Join us for a program on preventive, nonsurgical and surgical treatments, including hip and robotic-assisted knee joint replacement. Wednesday, September 11 Registration and lunch at 11:45 a.m. Program at noon Barry County Commission on Aging 420 W. Woodlawn Ave., Hastings Register at bronsonhealth.com/classes or call (800) 451-6310. With a police escort, color guard members of the 100-year-old Post 45 American Legion lead the parade, followed closely by the Legion Riders. The color guard waves vibrant flags ahead of the 146-member Hastings High School Marching Band. Barry Collins, DO * BRONSON POSITIVITY �Page 4 — Thursday, August 29, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you In My Opinion see? Claiming turf Reciting the Pledge, standing for America is never ‘uncomfortable’ Long before music is scheduled to begin Saturday during Hastings Summerfest, attendees stake their claims by setting up chairs in the lush grass at Thornapple Plaza. By 2 p.m., when the first band began to play, the venue was filled with hundreds of chairs - and those chairs were filled with peo­ ple. We’re dedicating this space to a photo­ graph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? Raising ‘Old Glory’ Banner Aug. 29,1963 The U.S. flag now flies from a new pole at the city hall on the southwest corner of State Street and Broadway, a gift from the Hastings Jaycees. Friday, Mayor Franklin C. Beckwith (right) and Lawrence “Honk” Keeler, past president of the Jaycees, raised Old Glory for the first time on the new staff, which extends 30 feet above the three-foot concrete pedestal. The pedestal was made by Arthur Keeler, maintenance engineer at city hall. Henry St. Martin of the Barry Ready Mix Corporation supplied the concrete, and Lloyd Fry and his crew put up the flag pole. Have you met? Nancy Munger Anderson grew up in Charlotte. From an early age, she loved both animals and art and had a dream of owning horses and living on a farm. At age 30, that dream became reality when she got her first horse and moved with her husband from a cottage on Gun Lake to a farm. She is quick and proud to say that “most people around here know me as The Horse Lady.” She currently has one horse and two miniature horses. She still rides horses regularly, following on trails at an equestrian campground near her house. Anderson has been involved with 4-H for 30 years, starting as soon as her children were old enough to join. She is now a retired 4-H leader after serving in that role for 25 years. Even though she is retired, she is still active as a project leader. She recently led a project where teens in 4-H decorated rocks and placed them throughout Hastings. One of Anderson’s fondest 4-H memories is a trip she took with other 4-H horse lead­ ers, riding across Michigan on the Shore-toShore Trail, a 220-mile-long trail running from Empire to Oscoda. The group camped along the way, stopping roughly every 30 miles, and finishing in about nine days. Anderson’s artwork work has appeared in more than 30 published children’s books. Though she has experience working in advertising illustration, her passion is for illustrating Christian children’s books. Anderson didn’t become such a successful illustrator by chance. After graduating from Charlotte Public Schools, she attended Ferris State University and earned a degree in com­ mercial art. She was then accepted to the graduate program at the Art Center College of Design in California when it was in Los Angeles. While there, she had the opportunity to travel to New York and work with some of the top illustrators in the country. For three years, she lived in New York and did free­ lance work. She worked as a full-time freelance illus­ trator up until eight years ago, when she decided to work part-time to help care for her grandchildren while their parents were at work. She has enjoyed the time she has been able to spend with her grandchildren. Nancy Munger Anderson However, starting this year, they will all be in school full-time, with the youngest one entering kindergarten. Anderson has provided illustration for numerous organizations, businesses and pub­ lishers. The NIV Children’s Bible published by Zondervan since 1985, contains 36 of her illustrations and is one of Zondervan’s most successful children’s books. The “Pumpkin Patch Parables” have been in publication since 1995, with more than 1 million copies sold. Examples of her work can be viewed at nancymunger.com. Because her passion for art started in ele­ mentary school, she encourages young chil­ dren to explore the arts. She tells them to “draw the things you love” and lets them know they may be able to make a living by drawing. For her willingness to share her talents and passion with children and encouraging them to follow their dreams, Nancy Munger Anderson is this week’s Banner Bright Light. Favorite TV program: “Under the Radar: Michigan” on PBS. Favorite place to travel: National parks. A few of my favorites are Yosemite, Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon. Favorite food: I love the Mexican Connexon. I like their tacos. Best gift I received: My son bought a surprise sleigh ride and dinner for me in Jackson Hole, Wyo. He purchased the gift as a birthday present. The sleigh took us up the mountain to a cabin for dinner and then back down after dinner. Something about me most people don’t know: That I am an illustrator of children’s books. Favorite artist: Norman Rockwell, espe­ cially the “Four Freedoms” collection and his 1961 painting titled the “Golden Rule.” I had the opportunity to go to his museum when I traveled out East with my husband. Best invention: Probably the smartphone because it sure is handy. If I won the lottery: I would share it because I couldn’t take it all for me. I would like to share it with local food pantries and animal rescues. Favorite Bible verse: “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” - James 4:8. Something I’m proud of: I don’t usually draw murals, but I have drawn two murals at the churches I’ve attended. One is at Faith United Methodist Church in Delton and the other is at the Country Chapel United Methodist Church in Dowling. Hobbies: I enjoy painting and gardening. I have a perennial garden at my house. My favorite plant is lavender. Person I most admire: Jesus. As a Christian, that’s who I try to pattern my life after and that is what my work is all based around.” Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Has anyone not had a moment of impa­ tience when having to recite the Pledge of Allegiance again or sing the National Anthem at yet another weekly club meet­ ing, high school football game, or govern­ ment meeting? Even in a church or at a community fundraising breakfast where attendees are often asked to join in a prayer or a mes­ sage, visitors may feel some discomfort in at least standing in respect to an organiza­ tion’s traditions - especially if it’s a group whose beliefs they may not necessarily share. We all may now have to carefully eval­ uate the value of these traditions and other symbols of respect, though, because it looks as if they may be beginning to erode. At a recent city council meeting in the Minneapolis suburb of St. Louis Park, members voted to stop reciting the Pledge of Allegiance before meetings, citing their wish to create a “more welcoming envi­ ronment” for those who attend. Council member Tim Brausen said members might recite the pledge at future meetings if there’s an appropriate reason, like if the Boy Scouts came to the meeting and wanted to recite the pledge. This isn’t the only incident where citi­ zens have taken a dim view of some of our country’s traditions. Across the country, governmental bodies, schools and clubs have decided that reciting our nation’s Pledge of Allegiance isn’t necessary, even though it’s a tradition we accept as citi­ zens of this great nation. Yes, for many of us who’ve not thought about it, honoring our flag and our country are becoming customs that have lost their meaning. By rote, by habit, we mumble our way through the words while thinking about what’s to come when the ball’s kicked off or the meeting is gaveled to order. But reciting the pledge to the flag confirms a feeling of patriotism as it reminds us of the freedoms we have as Americans. In fact, the United States is one of the few nations in the world that even has a pledge to its flag - a flag that represents freedom, dignity and a strong sense of patriotism. As I was reading the story from St. Louis Park, I thought of our local American Legion members who just celebrated their post’s 100th anniversary this past week­ end. Would they support a city council, or any governmental body, club or school that decided that taking a few minutes to recite the pledge wasn’t necessary or “comfortable?” Not on your life! Because these men and women were willing to fight for what our flag and pledge repre­ sent. As we prepare to celebrate the achieve­ ments of the American worker on Labor Day, we must remember that it’s the peo­ ple who go to work every day who’ve also helped build the strength, prosperity, and overall well-being of our country. “Freedom is never more than one gen­ eration away from extinction,” said for­ mer President Ronald Reagan. “We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected and hand­ ed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States when we were free.” Rather than worrying about offending visitors who may not share our beliefs or passion, we should consider instead the sense of pride they witness when we stand to recite the pledge or reconfirm our love for country. What we should be worried about is that so many of our traditions have become politicized and that we toler­ ate politicians who lack the vision and fortitude to see what’s right and act honor­ ably. Standing up for traditions isn’t easy, but throughout our nation’s history thousands were willing to die to protect the freedoms we have. The values and traditions we hold tell the story of our great nation - a story that we shouldn’t feel concerned that it might make people “uncomfortable” in its telling. But decisions like the one made in St. Louis Park undermine and fuel the disdain that a growing number of Americans hold for elected officials at all levels of government. As we head into another presidential election season, there’s reason for concern about all of the Americans who hold a cynical view of government, politics and the ability of our elected leaders to deal with issues that top our list of priorities. A recent Pew Report titled “Beyond Distrust: How Americans View their Government” found that a mere 19 percent of Americans said they can trust their officials most of the time and only 20 percent felt that gov­ ernment programs were being run very well. The report went on to state that 74 percent felt most elected officials put their own interests ahead of the country’s and more than 55 percent said ordinary people could do a better job solving some of the problems we “talk about” but do very lit­ tle to solve. These are troubling statistics confirm a growing frustration that is taking place at all levels of government, including local­ ly. For example, here we are with students heading back to a new school year and local school districts across Michigan still don’t have firm numbers from the state on the level of funding to expect, even though the state mandates that local districts must submit final budgets by June 30 and the state budget’s deadline is Oct. 1. For the first time in eight years, the state still doesn’t have a budget in place. Yet school districts across the state are expected to deal with the problem and finalize a bud­ get on this timeline. Two weeks ago, the Barry County Board of Commissioners turned down a request for office space for a new program called Blue Zones - a public health initia­ tive that wouldn’t cost the county one cent, other than the donation of a request­ ed space to work in the Barry Eaton District Health Department building on Woodlawn Avenue. Local pledges for over $1.4 million from private-sector philanthropists were offered to cover operational costs. The project is the out­ come of an intensive public health initia­ tive study that could potentially transform the health of Barry County’s citizens and would be the first of its kind in Michigan. The pledges for the $1.4 million cost to operate the program for the next three years came from seven community part­ ners. Yet county commissioners turned it down on a 4-3 vote due to some concerns over what they said were IT issues and the timing of a facilities master plan to determine use of space in county buildings. I think this senseless decision had more to do with the longtime quarrel between a few commissioners who continue to har­ bor displeasure with the combined Barry Eaton Health Department. Commissioners Ben Geiger, Dan Parker, and David Jackson - who represent the county on the joint, health department board — sup­ ported the motion while Heather Wing, Vivian Conner, Jon Smelker and Howard Gibson voted no. The project’s proposed funding came from a special collaboration of three foun­ dations, a private philanthropist and three organizations in the community. The group wasn’t asking commissioners to step up with funding; it was merely look­ ing for an in-kind donation of a desk and a phone to support an effort that could impact the health of citizens throughout the county. Shame on them. Then, at the same meeting, commis­ sioners showed their true self-interest by providing unanimous support to pay for Wing and Geiger to travel to Washington, D.C., for a tour of the capital and some politicking. Let’s see what kind of deals they come home with after costing county taxpayers $2,260 to shake hands, dine extravagantly, and feign roles as local power brokers. Recently, this column also highlighted the mumbling and stumbling going on in Yankee Springs among township officials whose constant bickering is only shining the spotlight even brighter on their inabil­ ity to work together. For months, the board had been divided in what appears to be a 3-2 power struggle to diminish the power of township Supervisor Mark Englerth. In every case, it’s the taxpayers who suffer from the feckless leadership of elected officials. As former President Barack Obama reminded us, “We, the people, recognize that we have responsi­ bilities as well as rights; that our destinies are bound together, that a freedom which only asks what’s in it for me, a freedom without a commitment to others, a free­ dom without love or charity or duty or patriotism, is unworthy of our founding ideals, and those who died in their defense.” Standing up for our nation by reciting the Pledge of Allegiance and flying the flag should always be welcoming and never uncomfortable. Standing up to self-centered, grudge-holding elected offi­ cials and insisting that they act on our behalf and in our best interests, should also be a responsibility we accept - and with which we are never uncomfortable. Fred Jacobs, CEO J-Ad Graphics, Inc. i ( i s s 4 2 I i • �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 29, 2019 — Page 5 J . . We, the people, need to make a difference | Guest Commentary ‘Medicare for All’ would hurt Michigan businesses Brian Calley Bridge Magazine • In my career, I have been a small business lender, the lieutenant governor of Michigan ahd now the president of the Small Business Association of Michigan. In each of those roles, I have worked to create a bet­ ter environment of success for small business­ es across this state. ■ Small businesses are the lifeblood of Michigan’s economy, and our members have a better knowledge of what drives our econo­ my than anyone else. Having weathered sub­ stantial challenges and obstacles over the years, the small business community is partic­ ularly attuned to government mandates that oftentimes threaten their very survival. Health dare is one of the biggest costs our members must manage, and we view “Medicare for ^11” as a storm cloud on the horizon. I It is imperative that we protect the choice qf small business owners to provide benefits dnd compensation negotiated between them ahd their employees. We should not force them into a “one size fits all” government system that would reduce access to care, increase wait times, and raise taxes. t The drastic changes to our health care sys­ tem currently under consideration by some congressional leaders and presidential candi­ dates are extremely concerning. Medicare for All is a simple enough idea for a soundbite, but reforming our health care system is any­ thing but simple. J With small business employees accounting for about half of all of Michigan’s workforce, protecting the health care choices of our members is of vital importance. Members of the Small Business Association of Michigan have worked diligently to provide their employees with the coverage thnt best suits their families’ needs - not the needs of politi­ cal soundbites and commercials. A one-sizefits-all government health care system would be disruptive and harmful to all the people that are currently satisfied and well-served by employer sponsored insurance. Drilling deeper into the Medicare for All proposal shows that it would significantly increase taxes and end up costing business owners a fortune with no promise of better care. Additionally, it would eliminate the per­ sonal choice in coverage and benefits our hardworking members and their families cur­ rently have, in favor of a health care system run by politicians risking longer wait times, a much lower quality of care, and unfamiliar coverage that might not suit their individual needs. Such a radical system would eliminate private health insurance companies entirely, disrupting individuals who are satisfied with their current choice in coverage. It is essential we protect the choice in policies and health care coverage they have worked so hard for. It is undeniable that the current health care system has problems and, for small business­ es, many of the problems are directly connect­ ed to the last time the government tried to “help.” Clearly, the answer is not starting over from scratch with a system that would remove personal choice from our small business members and families in favor of a system dictated by politicians. We should honor and secure and fully fund our current commitment to Medicare before thinking about expanding it — and certainly without eliminating the freedom of our citizens to choose or negotiate the coverage they want. Small business growth drives a thriving economy for all workers and employers, and it is essential to our state and the success of our small businesses that we avoid a one-sizefits-all government health care system. Let’s continue to work together and build on what’s working instead of putting the government in control of the health and well-being of our families. USA WORKERS AKE Size of pond may vary, but the fish are no different To the editor: In last week’s Hastings Banner, there was a letter critical of some members of the Yankee Springs Township board. Based on the events as reported in the Banner article on the contentious relations between the mem­ bers of that administration, I wouldn’t want to argue with the negative assessment in the let­ ter. However, I was struck by the statement that the behavior within the board was “Washington at its best.” People are actually no different in Washington than they are in Barry County. We are not the paragons of all virtue here just because we live in small towns or the country. Folks in Washington are not the source of all evil just because they live in the big city or work for the federal government. We all strive to have happy families, decent lives, nice houses, fat pay checks and big retirement accounts. We are all subject to the desire to have more admiration, influence and respect and to prosper from those advantages. More often, people choose to serve in govern­ ment out of a desire to create a better society than out of a desire to fatten themselves at everyone else’s expense. This is certainly true in township government where the remunera­ tion is meager and the likelihood of hearing criticism is greater than the chance of receiv­ ing gratitude. And frankly, even though the pond is bigger in Washington, the folks who work there are not all that different from the folks who work here. Certainly, the opportunity to cause harm and gather riches is greater if you are operat­ ing on a larger scale. But it is the size of the pond that is different, not the nature of the fish. I harken back to the advice of author Kurt Vonnegut in a published but not delivered commencement address to new graduates everywhere. Those people in your govern­ ment or other seats of power are the same as the people you went to high school with. Maybe they want to be senators or president or township supervisor now rather than cheer­ leaders, student council president or part of the “cool crowd.” But they are just like us, no better, no worse. Dr. Kenneth M. Komheiser Prairieville Township socialSecuritydisability Denied Benefits? Unable To Work? We Can Help! l Do you qualify for disability benefits? Call for a FREE evaluation Advocating on your behalf m with.applications, ■■ appeals & hearings We simplify the process & strive for quick claim approval* Helping 1000s Get The Benefits They Deserve 844) 474-0057 resents clients before the Social Security Ad m inistre ons. Mail: 1420 NW Broward County, Barry-Eaton District Health Department - Registered Nurse What do you think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by accessing our website, www. HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the fol­ lowing week. I Last week: Some are suggesting that, for one day only, sales taxes should be waived on purchases of school supplies and clothing. Do you think that’s a good idea? Yes 100% No 0% ■ The Hastings 1 j j 1 _l i 1 j I i 1 i □ Yes □ No Banner gWjgl Barry-Eaton District Health Department Be Active • Be Safe • Be Healthy Notice Greg Chandler Taylor Owens $55 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH The church is looking for a Nursery Attendant to work up to 5 hours per week providing care for infants and pre-school children of parents attending worship services and church events. Please submit your resume to: Grace Lutheran Church 239 E. North St. Hastings, MI 49058 HELP WANTED Small Non-profit organization seeks part-time Executive Director Experience with fund development, marketing, public speaking and knowledge about Child Abuse and Neglect helpful. Passionate, motivational personality and team player essential. Please send resume and cover letter to FSCofBarryCounty@yahoo.com or to P.O. Box 304, Hastings, MI 49058 FIRST TIME OFFERED!! Tillman Infrastructure, LLC is proposing to build a 195 -foot Monopole Tower (205-ft w/ appurtenances) located at 12549 Bell Road, Freeport, Ml 49325. Structure coordinates are: (N42-48-13.85/W85-16-13.93). The tower is anticipated to have FAA Style E (dual medium Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 intensity) lighting. The Federal Communications published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. Commission (FCC) Antenna Structure 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 Registration (ASR Form 854) file number is News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com A1141754. Interested persons may review the ।________________________________________________________________________________________ application at www.fcc.gov/asr/applications • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Frederic Jacobs by entering the file number. Environmental Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, Publisher & CEO 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. concerns may be raised by filing a Request for Environmental Review at www.fcc.gov/asr/ Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Hank Schuuring Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman CFO environmentalrequest within 30 days of the Jennie Yonker date that notice of the project is published on the Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County FCC’s website. FCC strongly encourages online $50 per year in adjoining counties • NEWSROOM• filing. Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) ; Barry-Eaton District Health Department is seeking a qualified RN, BSN preferred. Must have clinical skills addressing the entire lifespan and a commitment to improving public health. Please see website: www.barryeatonhealth.org for more information and application instructions. EOE For this week: Many cities in Minnesota don’t require the Pledge of Allegiance to be recited at governmental meetings. Do you think public meetings should include the pledge? Bob Becker, Hastings NOTICE The minutes of the meeting of the Barry County Board of Commissioners held August 27, 2019, are available in the County Clerk’s Office at 220 W. State St., Hastings, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or www.barrycounty.org. 126491 (WWh To the editor: Earlier this month, I was reading a book that contained the following passage that impressed me in the way that the author was able to capture this sentiment in words: “But democracies, with all their beauties, are also the most fragile of governments known to man. They are delicate and weak and depend on good. And when the people turn to dark­ ness, their democracies are doomed, for a government cannot exceed the moral worth of the people it rules.” This great nation has faced dark times before and rose above them to be the beacon of freedom in the world. It is that time again. The strength of this country is the people. We, the people, must take charge and do the right thing. We, the people, need to accept responsibility for ourselves and our families. We need to accept the consequences for the choices we make. We need to look for oppor­ tunities to serve - rather than to be served. We need to look outward instead of inward. Be selfless rather than selfish. One of my favorite movies is “The American President.” In it, Michael Douglas’s character states: “America isn’t easy. America is advanced citizenship. You gotta want it bad, ‘cause it’s gonna put up a fight.” America is in a fight right now, a fight with those who are interested in assigning blame, calling names, and creating villains - every­ thing but Helping. We need to stop demonstrating to bring attention and Do Something to Make A Difference, During his famous Gettysburg Address, President Abraham Lincoln reminded us that America is a “government of the people, by the people, for the people.” We, the people, are the only hope for America. Let us be (in the words of Mahatma Gandhi) the change we wish to see in our country. A mailing address for a paper filing is: FCC Requests for Environmental Review, ATTN: Ramon Williams, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554. RANCH HOME LOCATED ON OVER 47 ACRES featuring mature hardwoods throughout property, frontage on your own private spring fed lake, some tillable ground and Bristol Lake just down the road. 1,600 square feet on the main floor, custom built cherry cabinets built from on site timber, solid surface counters, 3 bedrooms, large living room, walkout lower level, finished family room with fireplace and two stall attached garage. Two additional outbuildings on property, one 768 square feet including 220 electric and garage heater. Must see property! Caff Dan Burrill 616-292-3876 for a private showing five star* REAL ESTATE LEADERS 4249 Parkway Place Suite A Grandville MI 49418 �Page 6 — Thursday, August 29, 2019 — The Hastings Banner DECISION, continued from page 1 Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! © hastingshopeumc. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office. greenstreetumc@gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; 6 p.m. Evening Service: Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948­ 8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings, org. Worship Service at 10 a.m. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945­ 9217. cbchastings.org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH “An Expression of who Jesus is to the world around us” 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www. hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAM­ ILY HOUR WELCOMES ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue at Home with God: Pre­ school age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Stan­ dard and Adult Elective class­ es. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church age 4-4th grade dismissed during service. Sunday Evening Youth Group, Wednesday Mid-Week and Thursday Bible Study will resume in the fall. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God's Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! Sept. 1 - Worship services at 8 and 10:45 a.m. Sept. 2 OFFICE CLOSED - LABOR DAY. Sept. 3 - Flute Choir 7 p.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www.grace-hastings. org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses' AGraphics exfob Ike wf I W W Products PoducX WWKBBOF AWORLDWIOESUPPLIEROF HotLme’foois&Equipment 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699 W.M43 Highway, 770 Cook Rd. Hastings, Ml 49058. Hastings 945-4700 945-9541 DELTON, MI - Richard Burton High, age 90, of Delton, passed away Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019 at Brookdale Senior Living in Battle Creek. Richard was bom March 28, 1929 in Kalamazoo, the son of Harvey and Irma (Fosdick) High. On January 22, 1949, Richard married the love of his life Barbara Hopkins at the First Presbyterian Church in Battle Creek. Richard worked as a manager for Hill Piston Service for over 42 years. He lived on Long Lake for 53 years and was an accomplished waterskier and slalom skier. In his free time, Richard enjoyed staying active by being outdoors, fishing, camping, boating, woodworking, and playing Euchre. A true car enthusiast, Richard restored numerous cars throughout his life. In their later years, Richard and Barbara were active community members where they wintered in Brownsville, TX. Most important to Richard was his family, who will always remember his joke telling, laughter and wonderful sense of humor. Surviving are his children, Cindy (John) Koerner, Blaine (Paula) High, John (Connie) High; grandchildren, Gabe, Gwyn, Sara, Allison, Chad, Shannon, Brandon, Derek, Connor, Amy and Harvey; 14 great grandchildren; brothers, Burget High, Jim High, and Michael High; sister, Judy Wright; and several nieces and nephews. Richard was preceded.in death by his wife, Barbara; brother, Harvey “Tom” High, and sister, Phyllis McAllaster. Richard’s family will receive friends, Saturday, Aug. 31, from 11 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Williams-Gores Funeral Home, Delton, where a memorial service will be conducted at 12 p.m. Rev. Patricia Weatherwax officiating. Private interment will take place in Battle Creek Memorial Park at a later date. Memorial contributions to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan or the Alzheimer’s Association will be appreciated. The family would like to thank all those, especially the caring people at Brookdale Senior Living in Battle Creek, for their exceptional care of Richard. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Richard’s family. David W. Dakin HASTINGS, MI - David W. Dakin, age 76, of Hastings passed away on Monday 26, 2019 at the Butterworth Campus of Spectrum Health. Dave was born in Jackson to William and Joan (Grey) Dakin on December 27, 1942. In 1961 he married Lola Cook and had 58 years together. Dave worked for 29 years in the Michigan State police retiring as a sergeant. As well as spending three years in the Army being stationed in Europe. He leaves behind wife, Lola; children, David Dakin II, Wade (Patti) Dakin and Valeria (Dennis Milbum) Dakin; special daughter, Rebecca (Main) Cone; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; siblings, Donald (Mary) Dakin, Suzy (Jim) Sczykutowicz, Phillip Dakin, Jamie (Susie) Dakin, many nieces, nephews and in-laws and a special four-legged shadow, Mia. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, and parents-in-law; sister, Jean Neeley and grand-daughter, Jalae Nicole Dakin. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2019 at Koops Funeral Chapel in Lake Odessa. Funeral services will begin at noon. Burial will take place immediately following at Lakeside Cemetery in Lake Odessa. In lieu of flowers memorials are suggested to Barry County Animal Shelter. Online condolences can be left at www.koopsfc.com. Those assurances, however, were not sufficient for several council members who pressed both presenters for details during a 45-minute workshop that preceded Monday’s regular council meeting where the final vote was taken. Council member Brenda McNabb-Stange questioned the Kendall Place proposal’s calculation that residents of its 22 lower-rent units would require only nine cars, based on its management experience that the majority of households at or below 50 percent of an area’s median income average only 0.4 cars per household. “How do you propose that those people without cars get to work?” McNabb-Stange asked, noting that the downtown economy within walking distance could not support enough jobs for all residents. “And what size community are you basing those numbers on - Grand Rapids where there are buses, taxis and all sorts of transportation options or Hastings where transportation is limited?” Responding to a suggestion from Kara Harrison Gates of Colliers Inti., the development team’s tax credit and development specialist, that the Kendall Place group would promote public transportation such as Dial-A-Ride for residents without cars, council member Don Bowers provided his own numbers. “Very few people in Hastings are a onecar [household], let alone 0.4,” Bowers said, noting that with Dial-A-Ride, “you have to call to get a ride and they could be late and how would that work with a job?” Council member Jim Cary said his concern dealt with the possible safety issue of locating parking across the street from a residence. “You may have young couples with kids, and what if they run into the street?” Cary asked. “I can’t comment on people’s parenting, but possibly we could work with the city on a street crossing plan or a flashing light,” Harrison-Gates replied before re-directing discussion to the benefit of the Kendall Place plan in getting more people downtown and the residual benefits of a “catalytic” project that could spur further development. “Rural communities benefit from projects like this one in three ways,” Harrison-Gates said. “There’s the immediate benefit that comes from construction spending, the financial benefits of the ongoing operations [of the facility] and the financial benefits of what renters spend in the community. Roughly 70 percent of what renters spend stays within the community.” When asked by Cary about interest in another location if their proposed projects were not approved Monday, both presenters indicated the value of the property under consideration. “That would be a little challenging for us,” Chris Veneklasen, company president, conceded, “because the biggest factor here is the mixed use [between retail and residential]. Another location might be good for residential, but not for retail. Somewhere else might be good for retail, but not residential.” Stating that “Hastings could use both” proposals, Heyboer reasoned that the 128 Michigan Ave. location is the only one his development group has found that could garner the points needed in the complicated scoring system used by the Michigan State Housing Development Authority for the awarding of funds for affordable housing construction. “Our plan is based on that points system, and we might lose three or four points by going to another location,” Heyboer said. “We’ve turned over all the rocks. Our project just doesn’t fit any other spot.” “I’ve looked at all aspects, and I’m in for the long game,” Moore, from the Kendall Place team, summarized. “We’ve worked hard to find an investor here who understands the value of smalltown opportunities. Yes, we do want to do some things here, but it’s difficult to find an investor who wants to come to a small town.” Calling the council’s decision a watershed moment, Moore added that “anyplace will have parking issues. Either you have conventional parking and no foot traffic or you have foot traffic and no parking.” McNabb-Stange pointed out a distinction, based on that comment. “There’s a big difference between having a parking problem occur and doing something Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF® (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinancial.com Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you Jeffrey A. Keessen AIF® s* u. Correction The Hastings American Legion Post 45 Honor Guard provided the 21-gun salute for the recent Daughters of the American Revolution rededication of the John Quick’s grave at Quaker Cemetery in Maple Grove Township. that creates a parking problem,” McNabbStange said. “[Parking spaces] for 42 units creates a huge problem - and we know that going in.” It didn’t take long for McNabb-Stange to propose at the beginning of the following formal council meeting to propose accepting the Veneklasen proposal, to which council member Al Jarvis added his support. Cary, council members John Resseguie, Bill Redman and Mayor Dave Tossava added their affirmative votes. Bowers and council member Don Smith cast the negative votes. Council member Therese Maupin-Moore was not in attendance. “We need more development downtown, and I don’t think parking is a problem,” Smith said. “I wish we had done a real parking study. We didn’t do one, and it puts us into a doom-and-gloom position. And we’ve got to get over the idea that people have to have a car. People can live and work downtown.” Bowers explained his opposition to the proposal as coming from “having empty storefronts on Main Street” and not being “inclined to having storefronts on Michigan Avenue.” Chris Veneklasen estimated construction on the project to begin 8 to 10 months following approval of all building and financial incentive packages. A nine-month construction period would put the completion date as early 2021. The Kendall Place proposal rejection may have been as much about bad timing as about its parking plans. Following the decisive vote on the 128 Michigan Ave. property, Josh Haffron, a partner with the Wisconsin-based General Capital Corp, stepped to the lectern to describe his company’s development plan for the former Royal Coach property across the river from downtown Hastings on 8.2 acres of property that most recently housed a number of buildings belonging to Hastings Manufacturing. Following up on a presentation first made to the Hastings Planning Commission Aug. 5, Haffron directed his remarks primarily to the financing package for a $17.2 million plan, the majority of which would be directed toward affordable housing, including 11 units to be designed for people with special abilities. As with the Kendall Place plan, the Royal Coach plan’s funding will be built on a points system geared toward approval of MSHDA funding. Such factors as historical preservation and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design standards garner needed points for funding approval. Haffron pointed out that only one of every four MSHDA funding requests are honored each year. Haffron also explained a Payment in Lieu oL Taxes program as another innovative and points-attracting factor in the Royal Coach project funding. PILOT programs direct 3 percent of tax collections to the city. Estimated timing for the project will involve applying for MSHDA funding by an Oct. 1 state deadline followed by needed support resolutions from the city. The MSHQA funding announcement will be made in early January 2020, six months from which General Capital would expect to close on the deal. Construction would then begin in the summer with occupancy expected by summer 2021... In other business Monday, the council: • Endorsed the “A Walk in Homeless Shoes” event to be hosted by Family Promise of Barry County on the courthouse lawn Sept. 14. • Approved a tax-exemption ordinance for the “Old Royal Coach” property. • Updated revisions and clarifications to ordinances concerning the Municipal Employees’ Retirement System. • Appointed Police Chief Jeff Pratt as deputy city manager. ? • Authorized Tossava to sign a letter indicating the city’s support of the Barry Community Foundation’s participation jn MSHDA’s modular housing pilot program. • Approved a sales agreement with Co-Dee Stamping Inc. for 7.29 acres contiguous to property the company already owns. • Authorized a $3,752 purchase of e-printers for use in police patrol vehicles,, • Authorized a $6,290 purchase ofia one-ton salt box spreader by the department of public services. Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC yi / • Traditional and Cremation Services ... V/Zff- • Pre-Planning Services • Large Parking Lot-Handicap Accessible Serving All Faiths Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted •* 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-3252 • www.girrbachfuneralhome. Owner/Manager Family Owned and Operated owXr Emerims Serving Hastings, Barry County and Surrounding Communities for 50 years , ‘ �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 29, 2019 — Page 7 Residents can 'double cross’ Mackinac Bridge Bridge will be closed ^Monday morning J ’ The Mackinac Bridge Authority, St. Ignace z Area Chamber of Commerce and Greater ^"Mackinaw Area Chamber of Commerce are ^preparing for the annual Mackinac Bridge / Walk Monday, Sept. 2. 1 Several changes made to the event in 2018 if.will remain in effect. The bridge will be " closed to public traffic from 6:30 a.m. to noon ."Monday. The walk will begin at 7 a.m., and participants may start walking any time ’ between 7 and 11:30 a.m. " Participants may begin at either end of the bridge, in Mackinaw City or St. Ignace, turn ‘/around at the halfway point and head back to where they started. No bus transportation across the bridge will be available. Participants who decide to walk the entire bridge will need to arrange their own transportation back to the end of the bridge where they started - after the bridge reopens to public traffic at noon. The walk, which takes about two hours, is free, and no registration is required. Participants will receive a numbered bridge walk certificate at the completion of the walk. Certificates will be distributed at both ends of the bridge. One opportunity introduced last year is the option to walk the entire length of the bridge, turn around, and walk back (a 10-mile cir­ cuit). While this is not for everyone, organiz­ ers recognized it as a unique draw to the event. So, last year, the Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce sponsored the inaugu­ ral Double Crossers Club, to celebrate the hardy individuals who walk over and back, collecting certificates from both sides. The chamber sold 100 limited-edition, commemo­ rative T-shirts. In hopes of attracting the adventurous walkers again this year, the chamber is continuing the Double Crossers Club. Details on the 62nd walk are available at mackinacbridge .org. Information on the Double Crossers Club can be found at mackinawchamber.com. The Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness Run has additional information at michiganfitness .org. 3* M-66 repairs taking longer, costing more Michael Duane Boogaard, Caledonia and \ Melissa Ruth Denhof, Caledonia Kelly Grace Martin, Delton and Larry "David Falls, Delton Nina Transue Becker, Chicago, IL and ^Claire Fraser Ruud, Chicago, IL Jessica Jo Goetsch, Cedar Springs and //Sfeven Michael Boshnyak, Delton Mark Andrew Vander Borgh, Raleigh, NC ^and Melanie Suzann Eberhart, Durham, NC Addison Earl Schipper, Middleville and ‘Jessica Ann Morgan, Middleville / Joshua Lee Wickham, Hastings and Trista ■^ Leah Caldwell, Hastings / Sabrina Lynn Host, Nashville and Joseph Larimore Cook, Nashville Travis John David Steeby, Hastings and -Aieeha Marie Davis, Freeport ’ ' Michael McKenna Nelson, Middleville and ^Meaghan Christina Lloyd, Middleville b Adam Kenneth Hodges, Delton and Erin Cole McLaughlin, Delton / James William Springer, Hickory Comers «pand Candace Lyn VanDyk, Battle Creek l Duane Paul Huntley, Hastings and Tracy /Lee Norris, Hastings m ■ Bizon bill would restrict use of kratom tE 5 Sen. John Bizon, M.D. introduced a bill last week that would regulate the use of the 1!plant kratom in Michigan. ne Senate Bill 433 would make kratom a bSchedule 2 controlled substance, which means Ait could be obtained only through a prescrip­ tion. hr “The currently unregulated drug kratom is I both dangerous and addictive,” said Bizon, JtR-Battle Creek, the only physician in the state Senate. “There has been an alarming increase recently in the number of deaths from this ^relatively unknown drug. We must take mea­ sures to help prevent such tragedies and the -continued abuse of this drug.” Kratom is a tropical tree found in southeast S'Asia that users consume in a capsule or pow­ der form. It affects the same opioid brain receptors as morphine, and some opioid users bclaim it has helped them curb their addiction. But the drug, which currently is legal for Sale to minors, appears to have properties that expose users to the risks of addiction, abuse 'uand dependence. In addition, kratom can ■(cause serious interactions when taken with nprescription drugs. Its reported side effects include seizures, hallucinations and sympx I toms of psychosis. Five deaths in Kent County have been attributed to kratom use since 2018. In May 2019, Troy police issued a warning about the -substance, and on May 8, a Royal Oak man was sentenced to two years in prison for ille­ gally smuggling the substance and selling it ^unlawfully. Bizon said six states, including Indiana and Wisconsin, have banned kratom. Four other states now regulate the drug. “The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings about kratom,” Bizon -jsaid. “Kratom users trying to get off of opi­ oids should be using this substance under the guidance of a health care professional.” SB 433 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety for further consideration. £ t I HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Thursday, Aug. 29 - Baby Cafe, 10 a.m.noon; Movie Memories presents a 1949 film starring Orson Welles, Joseph Cotton and Alida Valli, 5 p.m. Monday, Sept 2 - closed for Labor Day. Tuesday, Sept. 3 - mahjong, 5:30; chess club, 6 p.m. More information about these and other vents is available by calling the library, 269­ 45-4263. I Greg Chandler Staff Writer A major resurfacing project on M-66 east of Lake Odessa will take longer than expected to complete and will cost about $1.4 million more than anticipated, Michigan Department of Transportation officials said. The project to resurface a 7-mile section of the highway from 1-96 south to M-50, which began shortly after Memorial Day, had been scheduled to wrap up by Friday. The comple­ tion date has now been pushed back to mid-October, MDOT spokesman John Richard said. “After the project started, poor soils and drainage issues impacted construction, mak­ ing additional shoulder reconstruction and drainage work necessary,” Richard said in a news release issued Tuesday. Because of the additional shoulder recon­ struction and drainage improvements, the project cost has grown from $10 million to $11.4 million. Besides resurfacing, the M-66 project includes new concrete curb and gutter, joint replacements, new culverts, improved drainage and new guardrails, Richard said. One lane of traffic will be open for the rest of the project. Southbound motorists will be able to use M-66, but the road remains closed to northbound traffic. Northbound motorists will continue to be detoured west on M-50, north on Jordan Lake Road and east on Portland Road, Richard said. Meanwhile, the M-66 bridge over Quaker Brook in Nashville is expected to reopen by the end of this week, MDOT Engineer Dan Roberts told the Nashville Village Council Aug. 22. The replacement was originally scheduled to be ready for traffic Aug. 1. But frequent rain, contaminated soil and more led to the project’s delay. Though the bridge will soon reopen, construction work on the site will continue at least through September, Roberts said. More information on the M-66 project is available online at Michigan.gov/Drive or by calling the MDOT Grand Rapids Transportation Service Center, 616-464-1800. Hastings school board OKs personnel for 2019-20 school year Hastings Area School System board made the following personnel changes on Monday, Aug. 19: • Accepted the retirement of Shelley Winegar, healthcare I parapro at the high SChooLwhO^ili-fetife"effective NbV. 15;hffer 22.5 years. • Appointed the following staff members for the school year: Substitute bus driver Virgil Baldridge at $9.45/hourly; Erin Bargo, high school counselor, for $39,643; Marcia Bergakker, school social worker at Southeastern Elementary, for $49,554; Mark DeVries, special education teacher at the high school, for $46,397; Renee Herbert, student support specialist at the high school, for $49,554; Paige Herrington, special education teacher, Southeastern Elementary, for $71,753; Makayla Holloway, social worker at Star Elementary, for $39,643; Tyler Jiles, assistant freshman football coach at the high school, $2,600 (extra pay for extra duty); Justine Kramer, science teacher at the high school, $35,603; Andrew Moore, vocal music teacher, high school/middle school, $40,943; Camden Tellkamp, lifeguard at the communi­ ty center, $10.50/hourly; and Chase Youngs, seventh grade volleyball coach at the middle school, $1,600, (extra pay for extra duty). • Authorized the following transfers or reassignments: Cheryl Brown to sixth grade teacher at the middle school and Adam Knapp to ninth grade English language arts teacher, both due to student needs; Daniela Jung to healthcare I paraprofessional at Southeastern Elementary and Debra May to elementary lunch paraprofessional at Northeastern Elementary, both due to open positions; Dawn Coltson to student support specialist at the middle school, due to the 3 In grant; and Angela Peymbroeck^y^cial studies teacher at the high school due to\retirement. • Approved the following leaves of absence: Martin Cappon, maintenance III for the dis­ trict; Rebecca LaDuke, Young 5s teacher at Northeastern Elementary; and Angelia Sixberry, physical education teacher, Northeastem/Star elementary schools, all due to medical reasons; and Lisa Wilson, kinder­ garten teacher at Star Elementary, for child care purposes. • Accepted the resignations of high school vocal music teacher Matthew Callaghan, healthcare I paraprofessional Carolyn Cappon at Central Elementary, student counselor co-advisers Patricia Dakin and Elizabeth Macklin at Southeastern, bus driver Kelli Madden, high school science teacher Robert Naylor, high school special education teacher Kristina Riggs, Star Elementary literacy coach Julie Sevems, Southeastern special education teacher Jenna Ware. The next meeting of the school board will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 10, for its monthly work session in the multipurpose room of Central Elementary School. The board’s next regular monthly meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16, in the Commons Area of the Hastings Middle School. The public is welcome to attend. Equine encephalitis confirmed in Barry County Michigan residents are being reminded by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to protect themselves from mosquito bites following the confirmation of one case of a mosquito-borne disease in a resident and three other possible cases in the state. Three cases of Eastern equine encephalitis are now suspected in residents from Kalamazoo and Berrien counties. In addition, a case of California encephalitis virus has been confirmed in a Genesee County resident. As of Aug. 26, six cases of EEE have been confirmed in horses in Barry, Kalamazoo and St. Joseph counties. None of the horses were vaccinated against EEE, and all animals have died. An EEE vaccine is available for horses, but not for people. In addition, two deer in Barry and Cass counties have been diagnosed with EEE. “Mosquito-borne diseases can cause long­ term health effects in people and even death,” said Dr. Mary Grace Stobie^ki, MDHHS state public health veterinarian and manager of the Zoonotic and Emerging Infectious Diseases Section. “These cases, along with confirmed cases in horses and deer in the state, stress the importance of taking precau­ tions against mosquito bites.” EEE is one of the most dangerous mosqui­ to-borne diseases in the United States, with a 33 percent fatality rate in people who become ill and a 90 percent fatality rate in horses that become ill. People can be infected with EEE or California group encephalitis viruses from the bite of a mosquito carrying the viruses. Residents can stay healthy by applying insect repellents that contain DEET, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants when outdoors, using window screens to keep mosquitoes out of the home, getting rid of standing water. Signs of EEE include the sudden onset of fever, chills, body and joint aches. Symptoms of California encephalitis virus include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue and leth­ argy. Both diseases can develop into severe encephalitis, resulting in headache, disorientation^ tremors, seizures and paralysis. Permanent brain damage, coma and death may also occur in some cases. Additionally, West Nile Virus activity in Michigan has increased in wildlife and mos­ quito populations. Health officials have iden­ tified 18 positive mosquito pools and eight infected birds in the Lower Peninsula. No human cases of West Nile Virus have been reported. Mosquito-borne illness will contin­ ue to be a risk in Michigan until late fall when nighttime temperatures consistently fall below freezing. More information about mosquito-borne diseases is available at Michigan.gov/ emergingdiseases. Pumping brings local lake levels down Luke Froncheck Staff Writer Pumping from Crooked Lake isn’t filling a nearby detention pond, Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull said. About 9 inches of water has been removed from the lake and pumped into the much smaller pond on the other side of Delton Road. Initially, Dull conservatively estimat­ ed that they could take 3 inches off Crooked Lake and pump it into the pond. A month later, pumping continues, and there is still 15 feet of space left. The lake is currently at 927.4 feet, down from its 928.2-foot high point earlier this summer. Engineers have been able to take off so much water that they’ve recently replaced the 8-inch pump with a larger 12-inch pipe. “When we shut the pump down to change it from the 8-inch pump to the 12-inch one, the pond ... went down 8 inches,” Dull said. “There’s got to be a gravel vein down there.” “Since that day a week ago, we’ve taken another 1 1/4 inches off the lake.” With the water level dropping, the lake is now within a foot of its level at the time of the Board of Determination meeting last summer. At that time, many Crooked Lake property owners didn’t want a flooding relief project on their lake, Dull said. He added that the lack of ground satura­ tion is allowing for recent rain events to have minimal effect on lake levels. And that allows for the water to seep into the ground rather than running off into the lakes, Dull said. The ground is not nearly as saturated as it was in the spring. “We’re getting a lot of rain, but we’re not getting a downpour,” he said. Dull said he also expects more water to come off area lakes in the coming months due to seasonal evaporation. “We’ve gotten into our ‘good evapora­ tions’ months,” he said. Dull said most evaporation occurs in August, September, October and sometimes November. The best conditions for evapora­ tion is when the water is warm, and the air is cool. Cloverdale Lake is down 15 inches, to the point that the pump and cones on M-43 near the lake could be removed, he said. If the water gets high again, the pump could be quickly retrieved and re-installed, he said. “Right now, Cloverdale Lake’s level is at the top of a 10-inch pipe installed by the DNR in 1992,” Dull said. His intention is to continue to bring the water down on the lake until it reaches the bottom of that pipe. Long Lake is down 4 inches from when they began pumping into it from Cloverdale, he said. Dull said he hasn’t received any new complaints regarding lake flooding. SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Access Social Security from anywhere, including a vacation destination Vonda Van Til Social Security Public Affairs Specialist It’s still summer and millions of people are enjoying the nation’s beaches, forests and mountains. If you’re planning an upcoming vacation, know that you can access Social Security’s online services anywhere you have an internet connection. Our online services at socialsecurity.gov/ onlineservices help you plan for the future. We’re constantly expanding our online ser­ vices to give you freedom and control in how you wish to conduct business with us. You can go online to use our benefits planners to help you better understand your Social Security protections; find out if you qualify for bene­ fits; estimate your future retirement benefits to help you plan for your financial future; apply for retirement or Medicare quickly and easily; or open your personal My Social Security account. A My Social Security account is the most versatile tool available. If you don’t receive benefits yet, you can get your Social Security Statement to review your earnings and make sure they’re recorded correctly; get a benefit verification letter to prove you don’t receive Social Security benefits or that you applied but haven’t received an answer yet; request a replacement Social Security card if you meet certain requirements; or check the status of your application or appeal a decision. If you receive benefits, you can: change your address and phone number; get a benefit verification letter to prove you receive Social Security benefits Supplemental Security Income or Medicare; change your direct deposit information; request a replacement Medicare card; request a replacement Social Security card if you meet certain require­ ments; or get a replacement Benefit Statement (SSA-1099 or SSA-1042S) for tax purposes. Sharing these online services with family and friends can make a difference. Many peo­ ple still don’t know about all the business they can do online with Social Security. Anyone with questions can always start at socialsecurity.gov or go to oUr online services at socialsecurity.gov/bhlirieservices. Vonda Van Til is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email to vonda .vantil @ ssa .gov. “Giving Thanks” Fundraising Dinner & Silent Auction Friday, September 6,2019 • 6:00 to 8:30 pm at Faith United Methodist Church 503 S. Grove St./M-43 Hwy., Delton, MI 49046 Baked Chicken, Salads, Desserts, Beverages Suggested meal donation $12 adults $5 for children 10 and under RSVP at Barry County Cares 269-948-9555 Assisting people to find the help they K need A RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP 2019 TAX ALLOCATION NOTICE The Rutland Charter Township Board will discuss for approval the 2019 tax allo­ cation rate proposed to be levied for the year 2019 at its regular board meeting to be held on Wednesday, September 11, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. at the Rutland Charter Township Hall, 2461 Heath Road, Hastings, Michigan. This notice is posted in compliance with PA 267 of 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act), MCLA 41.72a(2) (3) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Rutland Charter Township Board will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven (7) days notice to the Rutland Charter Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Clerk at the address or telephone number listed below. Robin J Hawthorne, Clerk Rutland Charter Township 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2194 12,8V �Page 8 — Thursday, August 29, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD JONES Interested in fixed annuities? Beware of common misconceptions Elaine Garlock Labor Day is coming. Hats off to our working people who keep the wheels of industry turning - who keep the wheels turning in the transportation industry; to those who keep the food growing on their farms; and to those unseen in many endeavors so Americans can eat, travel and enjoy everyday lives in comfort and safety. At Central United Methodist Church Sunday, the congregation had its annual musical treat when Ruth Bylsma of Grand Rapids played flute for two solos and also accompanied organist Marilyn Noffke on hymns. Bylsma plays in the Grand Rapids Symphony. She and husband Gordon have a cottage at the east end of Jordan Lake where they spend summer weekends. This has been their summer custom for more than 20 years. Elaine Garlock was visited midday Friday by her second grandson Brian Garlock who was en route to Tampa,k Fla., to rejoin the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team for whom he is the team videographer. The previous week he had been in Idaho as guest of head coach Jon Cooper along with other coaches for a golf outing. The Chamber of Commerce has opened registration for Christmas ’Round the Town the Friday and Saturday following Thanksgiving Day. The deadline to register is Oct. 4. Maps will be provided to all visitors showing location of the spots ranging from west of Clarksville to M-50 toward Charlotte, to south of Woodland and usually some on Usbome Road south of Brown Road. Harry Brooks, formerly a well-known mechanic, is now a resident of a care facility at 201 Mall Drive South out of Lansing. He will mark a birthday, number 99, August 31. He shares the date with retired school superintendent William Eckstrom, but Bill is a mere 89 this year. Sunday, Delos Johnson was visited by son Mark and Jeanne of Lake City and daughter Pamela and husband Dan Schunk of Niles. They attended church with their father and then enjoyed dinner together at Comer Landing. The occasion was their father’s birthday anniversary on the coming Tuesday. Delos is a retired mathematics instructor in the Lakewood school system. Michael and Karen Morse of Richland and Bruce and Janet Garlock of Big Rapids spent Sunday with their sister at Carlton Center to help observe their matriarch’s birthday along with their nieces and families of Grand Rapids. Woodland is having chicken barbecue on Saturday, one of the many events during the three day homecoming festival. Come and See! Discipleship Prayer We invite you to come and find out what we are all about. We are having an Heavenly Father, you call us to follow your Son, Jesus, as disciples. Help us to respond wholeheartedly, without counting the cost. Open House Tuesday, Sept. 11,2019 You invite us to proclaim the Gospel of hope and salvation to our family, our friends, and all those we meet. Teach us to be faithful evangelists in word and in action. at 7:00 p.m. in the community room., which is on the lower level of St. Rose of Lima Church. The church is located at 805 South Jefferson, Hastings Bring your questions and concerns. All are most welcome! Refreshments will be served. You have given us every spiritual and material blessing. Show us how to share our talents and our gifts with others. Inspire us always to follow your example of generous self-giving. Between your 401(k) or pension, your IRA and Social Security, you hope to have enough to enjoy a comfortable retirement lifestyle. Yet, you may want, or need, to find other financial resources - one of which might be a fixed annuity, which offers a guaranteed interest rate and can be structured to provide a lifetime income stream. But you may be nervous about investing in annuities because of some negative things you’ve heard about them. How concerned should you be? To help answer that question, let’s consider some common misconceptions about fixed annuities: • “I worit be able to touch any of my money if I need some of it before I retire. ” A fixed annuity is designed to provide you with income during your retirement years. But if you want to withdraw a significant amount of your money before you retire - when your annuity is in what’s called the “accumulation phase” - you’ll likely face a surrender charge, as well as a 10% federal tax penalty. Withdrawals may also be subject to a market value adjustment. However, to access a small percentage of your allocated funds, you might not encounter any fees. And some annuity contracts allow a 10 percent withdrawal with no penalty. • “Annuities cost too much. ” Many annuities are actually low in cost. Be sure to compare the cost against the value of each additional guarantee, feature, and benefit— and only pay for what you need. • “The interest rate will always be too low to make an annuity worthwhile. ” A fixed annuity is not designed to provide you with high returns - its key benefit is the guaranteed interest rate and the potential for lifetime income. • “A deferred annuity isn I worth the wait. ” If you set up a deferred annuity, it’s true that you won’t immediately start receiving income. You will, however, be able to factor future expected payments into your retirement plan. • “When I die, the insurance company keeps my money.” If your payout plan includes a beneficiary agreement, your beneficiaries will receive the remaining amount of money in the contract. Read the terms and conditions listed with an annuity, as they will spell out where the remaining money will go after you pass away. Of course, even if the above concerns are simply misconceptions, it doesn’t mean there are no issues about which you must be aware when considering fixed annuities. For one thing, the safety of your lifetime income stream and guarantees will depend on the claims-paying ability of the insurer that issued the annuity, so you’ll want to choose a company that has demonstrated financial strength and stability. One other concern about fixed annuities: They typically don’t carry a cost of living adjustment, such as that found in Social Security. You can find annuities that do offer some inflation protection, but this feature can reduce early payments significantly. If it’s appropriate for your situation, a fixed annuity can be a valuable addition to your retirement income. Before purchasing one, though, you’ll need to weigh all the potential benefits and issues. But don’t be swayed by misconceptions - you’ll want to base your decision on facts, rather than fears. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. If you have any questions, contact MarkD. Christensen at 269-945-3553. STOCKS The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. Apple Inc. AT&T Chevron Deere & Co. Exxon Mobil Flowserve CP Ford Motor Co. General Electric Co. General Motors Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP Perrigo Co. Pfizer Inc. Spartannash Comp Stryker TCF Financial Corp. Walmart Inc. Walt Disney Co Whirl Pool Corp Gold Silver Dow Jones 204.16 -6.20 34.72 -.26 115.83 -.30 150.10 -2.00 67.19 -1.84 40.22 -1.67 8.76 -.20 7.93 -.45 35.89 -1.07 218.21 +1.12 129.64 -.96 62.10 -1.13 135.74 -1.52 45.43 -1.70 34.34 -.27 10.71 -.47 218.51 +.57 36.67 -1.24 112.42 134.49 +.37 -.64 134.10 -3.07 $1,541.00 +$36.40 $18.21 +1.03 25,777 -185 Positive momentum fueling new school year in Delton Merciful Lord, forgive us for the times we fail to live the Gospel fully. Transform our hearts. Show us how to forgive, particularly when it is most difficult for us to let go of our anger and resentment. Teach us to give with a joyous and grateful heart that we may be people of hope, consolation, and pastoral care to your people. Send us your Spirit to inspire us to give all glory and honor to your holy name? Amen. PUBLIC NOTICE Delton Kellogg teachers and staff listen to superintendent Kyle Corlett’s presentation in the auditorium Wednesday morning. All Barty County Townships APPLICATIONS FOR DEFERMENT OF SUMMER 2019 TAXES Application Deadline: Sept. 15, 2019 All township treasurers in Barry County are currently accepting applications for summer 2019 tax deferments (deferments are not exemptions). To qualify, a house­ hold annual income cannot exceed $40,000. The applicant(s) must also be: 1) 62 years of age or older, including the unmarried surviving spouse of a person who was 62 years of age or older at the time of death, 2) paraplegic, hemiplegic or quadriplegic, 3) an eligible serviceperson, eligible veteran or their eligible widow or widower 4) a blind person, or 5) a totally and permanently disabled person. Those that farm agricultural real property may also qualify if the gross receipts of the farming operation are not less than the household income of the owner. Addi­ tional information and deferment applications may be obtained from the following treasurers: ASSYRIA TOWNSHIP Terry Ryder-Stephens, Treasurer (269) 339-9569 HOPE TOWNSHIP Arlene Tonkin, Treasurer (269) 948-2464 RUTLAND TOWNSHIP Sandra Greenfield, Treasurer (269) 948-2194 BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP Melissa VanSyckle, Treasurer (269) 721-3502 IRVING TOWNSHIP Lynnette Wingeier, Treeasurer (269) 948-2567 THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP Debra Buckowing, Treasurer (269) 795-7202 BARRY TOWNSHIP Judith Wooer, Treasurer (269) 623-5171 JOHNSTOWN TOWNSHIP Karmen Nickerson, Treasurer (269)721-3611 WOODLAND TOWNSHIP Shawn Durkee, Treasurer (260) 367-4915 CARLTON TOWNSHIP Terri Geiger, Treasurer (269) 945-5990 MAPLE GROVE TWP. Ginger Cole, Treasurer (517) 852-1844 YANKEE SPRINGS TOWNSHIP Alice Jansma, Treasurer (269) 795-9091 CASTLETON TOWNSHIP Joy Mulder, Treasurer (517) 852-9479 ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP Michelle Ritchie, Treasurer (269) 664-4522 CITY OF HASTINGS Francie Brummel, Treasurer (269) 945-2468 HASTINGS CHARTER TWP. Jenee Phillips, Treasurer (269) 948-9690 PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Judy Pence, Treasurer (269) 623-2664 Greg Chandler Staff Writer In spite of financial challenges, enrollment declines and scores on standardized tests that have fallen below statewide averages, Delton Kellogg Schools officials are sounding an upbeat note as they begin a new school year. Superintendent Kyle Corlett Wednesday welcomed more than 100 teachers and staff members to a kickoff breakfast at the high school cafeteria that was followed by a stateof-the-district presentation in the school audi­ torium. Teachers and staff then began two days of training and professional development activi­ ties in preparation for the first day of classes next Tuesday. The district is beginning the school year with some positive momentum, most notably from voter approval in May of a $23.2 million bond issue that will pay for districtwide improvements over the next decade. They include reconstruction of the elementary school, roofing replacements, upgrades and remodeling of restrooms, kitchens and locker rooms, technology devices and infrastructure, new buses, drainage improvements, and installation of artificial turf at the football stadium. The district has also over the past year instituted a pilot reading program, expanded arts education, added student support special­ ists at the elementary and middle school lev­ els, and expanded its mental health support services to include counselors from Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services and Barry County Community Mental Health Authority, Corlett said. Delton Kellogg has experienced a drop in enrollment for six consecutive years, and that trend is expected to continue in 2019-20, he said, with an enrollment projection of 1,207 students this year compared to 1,247 in 2018­ 19. In 2012-13, the district had 1,500 students enrolled. With state funding tied to enroll- ment, the loss of students has caused school officials to tighten their belts. “I think it’s impressive that we’re manag­ ing to get by, even though we’ve lost so many kids,” Corlett said. The district began the 2018-19 fiscal year looking at a potential deficit of more than $535,000, but after a series of cost-reduction measures is now looking at a year-end short­ fall in the $20,000 to $40,000 range, pending an upcoming audit of the district’s finances. With no agreement yet from the Legislature on a funding formula for this school year, the district is projecting a shortfall of nearly $44,000 for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2020, but Corlett is optimistic that number could be reduced or eliminated depending on how much the state increases its per-pupil funding. “If we make the right cuts, if the increase per pupil from the state goes up, we’ll be in good shape,” Corlett said. Corlett is encouraged to see improvements in SAT test scores for Delton Kellogg High School students over the past three years, ris­ ing from an average score of 973 in 2016-17 to 989 in 2017-18 to 1,013 last school year. But he is concerned about the district’s track record on the Michigan Student Test of Educational Progress standardized test, point­ ing out that only 20 to 45 percent of district students are meeting proficiency standards, depending on grade level and subject area. “If the test is in alliance with Common Core standards, if we’re teaching standards, [the scores] should be better on the test,” Corlett said. Corlett said he has confidence in the dis­ trict’s teachers and their ability to help stu­ dents improve their performance on the MSTEP test. “We don’t need outside people coming in and fixing us,” Corlett said. “If we support each other, we have all the knowledge and all the expertise we need to be successful.” Delton Kellogg Superintendent Kyle Corlett speaks to teachers and staff Wednesday on the state of the district. Being a smaller district, Delton Kellogg may not offer the same range of programs as larger neighboring districts, but Corlett said focusing on what the district does best will be a key to success. He said parents who keep their children in the district stay because they are aware of the attention teachers give to their students. “We change lives. By the time that kids are done with high school, they are ready for whatever is to come,” Corlett said. During the breakfast, teachers and staff also heard a presentation by Marsha Bassett, chair­ woman of the Delton Kellogg Education Foundation, which is affiliated with the Barry Community Foundation. Bassett said while one of the primary functions of the foundation has been to provide college scholarships to Delton Kellogg graduates, an increased focus this year will be placed on providing class­ room grants to teachers. The foundation has set aside more than $10,000 for classroom grants for teachers, who can apply through the DKEF website, dkef.org. “We’re trying to think about what our donors want us to do with the money they give to us,” Bassett said. “[Some] think, ‘They’re all about scholarships and careers and getting kids off the ground.’ But younger families want to know that their money is going back in to help their kids today in the classroom. We hear that and understand that.” Now in its fifth year, DKEF has more than $200,000 in the bank, including more flian $100,000 of endowed funds, which the foun­ dation keeps invested, with the interest going toward awards and grants. The foundation plans to award $20,000 in scholarships to high school seniors this year, Bassett said. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 29, 2019 — Page 9 r I I v b 1 BflGKTHE PAGES < Retired teacher provided ode to rural schools Helen (Skidmore) Tucker was among many people who provided help, photographs, documents and memories when the Barry County Historical Society compiled its “Barry County Rural School History Bookshelf’ in the early 1990s. Tucker, who spent 12 years teaching in one-room schools, shared her memories for the collection. Some of her reminiscences focus on individual schools. The following recollection by Tucker is a tribute to rural schools, in general. More about Tucker and her rural-school memories will be included in upcoming columns Gone are the one-room rural schools, for they have lost their children. Most old schoolhouses have been converted into homes, some were tom down, and some are just standing there beside the road, growing old, living their memories over and over again. Each morning children used to come from all directions, perhaps running the last ways because the five-minute bell had rung, and they had dawdled too long catching frogs in the pond down the way. Battered lunch pails were put on the shelf, a drink of water, and a ।trip to the little house out back made them j* ready for school. Twelve to 30 children were |iri these schools. Most walked from a half­ -mile to two miles each way. k All children were different, usually all height grades, some almost grown, and some little wee ones (who were mothered by the folder girls). The room would be ready for ^them; the water cooler was full, the stove was :<giving out heat. The teacher had swept the Cfloor and dusted. Students found corrected 5 papers on their desks, some of the work had gbeen put up on the bulletin boards. y The children settled down in their seats, j Roll call was taken, the flag was saluted, and i a bit was read by the teacher from a favorite l book. The children studied hard, striving for good grades, but they could not help watching the wall clock for recess. Not all lessons were from the books. . Grouped around the teacher’s desk in the r morning, they talked about different things kthey had seen on the way to school. They kwould gather at the window or out on the playground and see the wonders of nature KI around them. Perhaps they would hear, and "*+hen see, the flock of wild geese as they ollowed their leader on the annual migration. Spelling bees, board drills, plays, games, poems, stories and music added the frosting to *3the routine of the regular school work. Friday afternoon, after the week’s spelling tests were over, a little time might be left to read a couple pages from the story book. Winters were long. Winter clothes ^crowded the little room and took too much Z j time to put on when recess arrived. The little {.ones had to have help so that they were dressed warmly. The first snow meant that a c"“fox and geese game” was coming. Sleds were lined up along the schoolhouse. At noon, ..everyone went to the hill to slide. Races were always in progress. A run with their sled, a “belly-smacker,” and down the hill they would whiz. You’d even see them rolling down the hill. How expert the boys were at priding down the hill on a barrel stave with a vseat built on it. Many a teacher borrowed a sled and took a couple of the little kids down the hill on their back. p If the weather was cold and clear, ice skates lined the wall of the school. Teacher and kids glided across the ice. Some were drawing the small children on a sled. Inside, on these cold winter days, a pot of soup bubbled away on the heating stove, furnished by one of the mothers for a hot lunch. 4 Winter meant the Christmas program was coming. The teacher combed the playbooks for plays so that each child would have a part. From Thanksgiving on, all minds turned to 7ethis program. Children learned songs, pieces k and plays. They drew pictures, decorated the t room and hung crepe paper streamers. How « discouraging to come in the morning and find f?them stretched almost to the floor! n Mysteriously, when the fire was started, they soon shrunk back to their original size. When the big night came, a tree had been , decorated. Before electricity, it was dressed owith balls, paper decorations and candles. After electricity, there were strings of beautiful I lights, but at first, they would all go out if one bulb blew. Many a time this happened just after the people were all seated. Everyone went to the program, not a seat or standing space was left in the little room. The children had a makeshift stage, curtains of bedsheets, and borrowed props. What a wonderful program, even if Jimmie forgot his piece, Nellie feel off the stage or worst of all, Alice got sick just before the biggest play. Santa visited right after the program. He carried a bag filled with sacks of candy the teacher had brought for the pupils and other small children attending. Santa gave a little talk about the North Pole and his reindeer before he distributed the gifts from off the tree. There was always a gift for each pupil. It had been a big secret who Santa would be, everyone was guessing. At last the teacher could sit down and open her many presents, while little children gathered around to see their gifts opened. Teacher found boxes of pretty handkerchiefs, which were welcome because Kleenex had not yet appeared. Christmas vacation came after the program. They all knew there would be many things to put back in place when they came back to school. But for now, there was no energy left. Not many visitors came to the rural schools. Twice a year, the school commissioner would appear. How scary when he suddenly opened the door and came in. He walked up and down the aisles and looked at The children’s work, then he talked to the teacher. Somehow her voice had changed while he was there. When he closed the door and left, sighs were heard around the room. This teacher expressed thanks for everyone’s help. During World War II, the rural school children were patriotic. They collected items the government needed for the war effort. Each morning they came to school tugging their treasures, found in attics, fields and junk piles. Scrap iron piled up in the yard, boxes and sacks collected in the building. One little girl gleefully brought a big grocery bag of milkweeds to school [the white floss was used in life preservers]. She was sure God had led her over that hill to the field where milkweeds grew. The teachers rationed the sugar for the families in the district. Children read and heard the war news and talked about where their big brothers were stationed. They got excited when two or three army planes flew over. When the war came to an end, they went to town to see the celebrations. Now, brothers and cousins would be coming home. The school had done its part too. Spring comes with the first robin. The bat and ball took over. Cries of “You’re out!” echoed across the yard. Little kids could play some, too. They were helped to hold the bat and somehow the ball was dropped so they could reach first base. Many school windows were shattered by foul balls. Lunches were eaten outside, exuberant play would break out, and lunch pails ended up more battered than before. Spring found the little children playing tag and marbles. Happy was the whole school when they could take their lunches and go to the woods at noon. There was something there for everyone: Flowers, trees to climb and mud puddles, but mostly they saw spring awakening. Spring brought other activities, too, such as a talent show at the village school. Mothers made costumes, children practiced and prepared all they could. What a thrill to act on a big stage - a special thrill if they took first place, too. Rural schools played ball against other schools. Children climbed into the teacher’s Ford, or perhaps a trailer for the trip, and how they played! The best speller went to the County Spelling Bee. Teacher and parents had drilled him for all they were worth. The 4-H Achievement Day was when the children entered their sewing and handicraft projects which they had worked on all year. How would they rate against the others, from other clubs and other schools? The little school had officers to do its business. They made reports, handled money, and hired the teacher. They held a school meeting each summer. If there were no special problems, all went well with just a few attending. But every now and then, a problem did arise, and the neighborhood turned out in full force. Tempers sometimes flared, debate waxed hot and fiery. Cooler heads forced a decision, which in the end, usually was pretty Helen (Skidmore) Tucker taught at a handful of one-room schools in the 1930s and 1940s and later recalled those days when she shared her memories with the Barry County Historical Society. She wrote from a teacher’s perspective and touched on the sadness when progress, and yellow buses, took the children away. Though South Fish School in Carlton Township does not appear to be one of Tucker’s assignments, its sudden decline illustrates her account of progress taking children away from their neighborhood schools. This photo (which includes several sets of twins) was taken in 1949. By 1952, only one student attended, and the school was closed after the first semester. Pictured here are (front row, from left) unknown, Jack Price, Jerry Price, unknown, Bob Sherer, John Miller, Ruth Miller, unknown, Brenda Smelker, Linda Smelker, Billy Brown, John Sherer, Gene Service; (middle) Julie Smith, Dick Ogden, unknown, Patsy Feltzer, Dick Sherer, Shirley Smelker, Marie Price, John Service, Margaret Service, Jimmy Gonzales, Sharon Brown; (back) Leonard Kidder, Howard Smelker, Mary Cook, Carolyn Miller, Doris Price, Dorothy Price, Joan Price, Arvid Miller, Donald Service, Wilma Service, Robert Stadel, David Kidder and teacher Dorothy Brake. (Barry County Historical Society’s “Barry County Rural School History Bookshelf”) much right. But some were not convinced, and as they went home, it seemed as if the neighborhood was torn apart. Over the summer, the anger would gradually subside, they all went back for the first PTA meeting in the fall. A good potluck supper and a fine program would heal the wounds. PTAs had ice cream socials that were special. Gone are the times when you could go back time after time for good homemade ice cream and cake. The rural school welded the people of the district together as a big family. The school bell was rung several times a day. It directed the children, but also played another role. It was heard all over the neighborhood and into the next district. Mothers, fathers and neighbors lived by the bell. Mothers knew without looking at the clock when to start meals and when to expect the little ones home. Before the noisy tractors, farmers in the field heard the bells and judged the time. Well, it was progress when the big yellow bus came rolling into the neighborhoods and took the children away. Times had changed, and there was more to be to be offered in the larger schools. The little school had been silenced, and the sounds of children at play could no longer be heard. You must keep up with the times, but each neighborhood had lost something. COUNTY, continued from page 1 county board, he said. But this would be optional. The key, he said, is community dialogue that will need to occur in the last week of October. TowerPinkster will facilitate a dis­ cussion then, he said. Another community dialogue will occur first week of December, followed by a board update Dec. 10, 2019. A community survey would be optional. In January and February 2020, the TowerPinkster team will refine the options based on the input gathered up to that point. Cost implications will be identified then. A third community dialogue will take place the first week in Mar£1^02p, followed by a for­ mal recommendation ib the board March 24, when a final project description and budget will be provided. Ballot language with the final project description will be ready for tlie board’s con­ sideration April 14, with that information submitted to the county clerk April 17, 2020, for inclusion on the ballot. A citizens’ committee will promote the project from April to August. The election is Aug. 4. Hackman said the actual designs for a building would follow community conversa­ tions and a successful election. “If you were to jump ahead with all that [design] information, you can shoot yourself in the foot,” he said. Chairwoman Heather Wing said, “If we can identify what our community needs or wants, it’ll be easier for us in the long run.” When Wing was asked after the meeting about the use of taxpayer money to mount a millage campaign, she said the county board is paying TowerPinkster to “help guide us through this process. ... I don’t believe we’re pushing an issue; we’re exploring an issue. “He gave us a plan of work. If we decide it’s not right, we may need to kick it down the road a while longer.” The plan they adopted is a checklist. And, depending on what they hear from the com­ munity, they may abandon it entirely, she said. At the conclusion of the meeting, during public comment, Sharon Zebrowski, a mem­ ber of the COA board, addressed commission­ ers: “The COA and the COA board are being steamrolled. We are at the end of the project in which, apparently, we have no say.” So, when the commissioners come to the COA later to seek support for the project, “you’re going to wonder why we’re balking at this,” she said. “The COA is a governing board. We have a director. They should be included.” In other action, the board: • Appointed Stacey Graham and James Alden to serve on the zoning board of appeals. • Approved amending the Barry County Solid Waste Management Plan and residency requirements for Barry County Solid Waste Oversight Committee members and expand­ ing membership in the committee. • Approved letters of support for applica­ tions by MEI and Michwave seeking funds from the state to explore improvements for enhanced broadband access and performance in the county. • Approved Community Development Block Grant Program Income Emergency- Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings banner ads Repair Guidelines. • Heard Sheriff Dar Leaf’s 2018 annual report. • Approved delegating the consultant request for quote process and management of the EPA grant activities to the Barry County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Board. • Approved claims totaling $84,773. HASTINGS CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDINANCE NO. 2019-02 CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY GAS AND/OR ELECTRIC FRANCHISE ORtilNANCE I S'./ toiiiia io .ju | AN ORblN'ANCE, grantiri^&CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY, its successors and assigns, the right and authority to lay, maintain and commercially operate gas lines and facilities including but not limited to mains, pipes, services and valves and to construct, main­ tain and commercially use electric lines and related facilities includ­ ing but not limited to towers, masts, poles, crossarms, guys, wires and transformers on, under, along, and across public places includ­ ing but not limited to highways, streets, alleys, bridges, and water­ ways, and to conduct a local gas and/or electric business in the CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF HASTINGS, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, for a period of thirty years. THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF HASTINGS ORDAINS: SECTION 1. GRANT and TERM. The CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF HASTINGS, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, hereby grants to Consumers Energy Company, its successors and assigns, hereinafter called “Consumers” the right and authority to lay, maintain and commercially operate gas lines and facilities including but not limited to mains, pipes, services and valves and to construct, maintain and commercially use electric lines and related facilities including but not limited to towers, masts, poles, crossarms, guys, wires and transformers on, under, along, and across public places including but not limited to highways, streets, alleys, bridges, and waterways, and to conduct a local gas and/or electric business in the CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF HASTINGS, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, for a period of thirty years. SECTION 2. CONDITIONS. No public place used by Consumers shall be obstructed longer than necessary during construction or repair, and shall be restored to the same order and condition as when work was commenced. All of Consumers’ gas lines, electric lines and related facilities shall be placed as not to unnecessarily interfere with the public’s use of public places. Consumers shall have the right to trim or remove trees if necessary in the conducting of such business. SECTION 3. HOLD HARMLESS. Consumers shall save the Charter Township free and harmless from all loss, costs and expense to which it may be subject by reason of the negligent construction and maintenance of the lines and related facilities hereby authorized. In case any action is commenced against the Charter Township on account of the permission herein given, Consumers shall, upon notice, defend the Charter Township and its representatives and hold them harmless from all loss, costs and dam­ age arising out of such negligent construction and maintenance. SECTION 4. EXTENSIONS. Consumers shall construct and extend its gas and/ or electric distribution system within said Charter Township, and shall furnish gas and electric service to applicants residing therein in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. SECTION 5. FRANCHISE NOT EXCLUSIVE. herein granted, are not exclusive. The rights, power and authority SECTION 6. RATES and CONDITIONS. Consumers shall be entitled to provide gas and electric service to the inhabitants of the Charter Township at the rates and pur­ suant to the conditions as approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission. Such rates and conditions shall be subject to review and change upon petition to the Michigan Public Service Commission. SECTION 7. REVOCATION. The franchise granted by this ordinance is subject to revocation upon sixty (60) days written notice by either party. Upon revocation this ordinance shall be considered repealed and of no effect past, present or future. SECTION 8. MICHIGAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION JURISDICTION. Consumers remains subject to the reasonable rules and regulations of the Michigan Public Service Commission applicable to gas and electric service in the Charter Township and those rules and regulations preempt any term of any ordinance of the Charter Township to the contrary. SECTION 9. REPEALER. This ordinance, when enacted, shall repeal and super­ sede the provisions of any previous Consumers’ gas and/or electric franchise ordinance adopted by the Charter Township including any amendments. SECTION 10. EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall take effect 30 days after notice of its adoption is published in a local newspaper. 126969 �Page 10 — Thursday, August 29, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Michigan leans on long-term subs as its schools struggle Mike Wilkinson and Ron French Bridge Magazine One applied for jobs at a county road com­ mission and as an office manager before unexpectedly being offered a teaching post. Another was an assistant basketball coach before walking into an elementary school classroom. A third was a wedding planner before teaching fifth-grade math and science. None of them were certified teachers when they were assigned full-time teaching posts in Michigan classrooms. None majored in edu­ cation in college. More than 2,500 Michigan classrooms were led by long-term substitutes who weren’t certified teachers in the 2018-19 school year - a stunning tenfold increase in just five years that threatens to hobble efforts to improve the state’s K-12 public education system, a Bridge Magazine analysis shows. Students who need good teachers the most - low-income and academically struggling students - are the most likely to be stuck with long-term substitutes who aren’t required to have a four-year degree or any teacher train­ ing. Interviews with more than three-dozen school officials, education leaders, teachers and long-term substitutes describe a well-in­ tentioned, stopgap measure designed to fill a few slots during a statewide teacher shortage that has metastasized into a policy that has seen some schools staff more than half their classrooms with long-term substitutes. The policy - allowing people with as few as 60 college credits in any subject to teach a class for a full year - is now viewed as a “necessity” by the Michigan Department of Education to plug holes in schools that didn’t exist a decade ago. School and state leaders say they hope the use of long-term substitutes to staff classrooms is a temporary fix until the state addresses its teacher shortage. But with no statewide policy efforts on the horizon to address the shortage of teachers in urban and rural regions of the state, it’s not clear how temporary the fix will be. Having more Michigan classrooms led by untrained teachers because of a teacher short­ age is “putting a Band-Aid on a wound,” said Elizabeth Birr Moje, dean of the University of Michigan’s School of Education. “It stops the bleeding, but doesn’t address the underlying problem.” A traditional teacher certification in Michigan requires a bachelor’s degree in a teachable subject, completion of a teacher preparation program, student teaching experi­ ence and passing teacher certification tests that measure general and subject matter knowledge. There are also one-year, alternaA^ive^eitificafion programs for career profes­ sionals looking to move into education from other fields. Michigan’s increased reliance on long-term substitutes who often have little or no educa­ tion training is not a major problem in the Barry County area - but it is severe in some areas of the state. Several Detroit charter schools appear to have been staffed complete­ ly by long-term substitute teachers this past school year, according to a Bridge analysis of state data. At Benton Harbor Area Schools, where Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has threatened to close the high school because of poor aca­ demic performance, 42 percent of classrooms were staffed by long-term substitutes during the past school year. Yet long-term subs are rare in wealthy, sub­ urban schools, the data show. The state cannot have “expectations that are different based on the ZIP code you are coming from,” said Nikolai Vitti, superinten­ dent of the Detroit Public Schools Community District. The district had 92 long-term subs last year, less than 3 percent of the 3,500-member teaching staff. To have “more than 50 percent of your fac­ ulty being long-term subs, that’s unaccept­ able,” Vitti said. According to Bridge’s analysis: • Students attending low-income school districts and charters were three times more likely to have a classroom led by a long-term substitute than students in other districts. • Charter school students were four times more likely to have a long-term substitute than students in traditional public schools. • Students in the lowest academic-perform­ ing school districts and charters were more than three times more likely to have long-term substitutes instead of certified teachers. • Sixteen charter school districts have more than half of their classrooms staffed with long-term substitutes; 25 charters and the Benton Harbor schools have more than 40 percent long-term subs. The increase in long-term substitutes is an open secret among school leaders across the state, but may not be well known to the pub­ lic. Schools aren’t required to inform parents when their children are taught by teachers with no education background (though some told Bridge they do), and several organiza­ tions including the Michigan Department of Education downplayed the significance of the trend. Still, the growth in untrained teachers appears to run counter to calls to improve academic achievement in the states’ strug­ gling public education system. Indeed, Michigan legislators lowered state standards for substitute permits in 2018, from requiring 90 hours of college credit to requir­ ing 60 hours - the equivalent of two years of college - or an associate’s degree. No education groups objected. In response to a written question on wheth­ er long-term substitutes impact learning in Michigan classrooms, Leah Breen, director of MDE’s Office of Educator Excellence, responded: “Yes, we think that the use of long-term substitute teachers are an important piece of solving educator shortages in some of our hardest-to-staff districts, and in lieu of being able to fill these placements with certi­ fied teachers, are the next best option for stu­ dents.” Dan Quisenberry, executive director of the Michigan Association of Public School Academies, which advocates for the state’s charter school industry, also downplayed the impact of long-term substitutes, pointing to a Brookings Institution study that found no con­ nection between teacher certification and stu­ dent learning - although other studies show mixed results. But Lou Ann Vidmar, a former art teacher who now represents union teachers in Cass and Berrien counties in southwestern Michigan, said she’s seen the negative impact of long-term subs on students, especially those from high-poverty schools where scores are typically well below state averages. “It’s a wasted year,” for those students, she said. “It’s just wasted time because usually GUIDE encourage IMPACT TEACH that sub has not been trained in that subject matter. “You are setting yourself up for failure,” Vidmar said. | Moje, of U-M, said the impact on students being taught by untrained teachers could be devastating. “Having an effective teacher throughout one’s learning life is the single most important factor in a child’s academic success,” Moje said. “When it comes to student performance on reading and math tests, a teacher is esti­ mated to have two to three times the impact of any other school factors, including services, facilities, and even leadership. A Stanford study found that students in classrooms led by certified teachers had high­ er academic achievement than students in classrooms of uncertified teachers are less effective. Students and parents are familiar with short-term substitute teachers who pinch-hit in classrooms for teachers who are sick. By contrast, long-term substitutes are hired by schools to be the full-time teacher in a classroom, often for a full school year. A long-term substitute in Michigan can range from a certified teacher who is teaching a class in a subject they are not certified to teach, to someone with an associate’s degree in any subject whatsoever, to someone who attended two years of college without finish­ ing and has no teacher education training. Bridge analyzed data received from the Office of Educator Excellence through a Freedom of Information Act request. Bridge combined three categories of substitute per­ mits that districts request from MDE - fullyear basic, full-year shortage and extended daily - to provide a more complete represen­ tation of the number of classrooms headed by substitutes for an extended period of time. That methodology was endorsed by Craig Thiel of the Citizens Research Council of Michigan, a nonpartisan public policy research organization. Absent from that count are people hired as expert substitutes - mechanics for an auto mechanics vocational tech program, for example - and people who work as short-term substitutes, by filling in for sick or absent teachers on a day-to-day basis. To students and parents, long-term subs are virtually indistinguishable from certified teachers - they are full-time teachers report­ ing to the same classroom every day. Their pay can range from the same as first-year certified teachers in some school districts (typically in the low $30,000s) to less than $100 per school day in other districts and charters. As recently as the 2014-15 school year, there were 235 long-term substitutes teaching in Michigan public schools, which include traditional school districts and charter schools. By 2018-19, that number had reached 2,538. Last school year, 1 in 27 teachers in the state’s traditional and charter public schools (3.4 percent) was a long-term substitute, according to Bridge’s analysis. Hundreds of districts had few to no long­ term subs. But in others, typically higher-pov­ erty, lower-performing schools, they were far more common. “I don’t want to sound like the sky is fall­ ing,” said Chris Wigent, executive director of the Michigan Association of Superintendents and School Administrators. “But having a quality teacher in front of children makes a big difference, and we’re not seeing that right now.” Officials from authorizers that oversee charters told Bridge they are aware of the hiring struggles and said they are working with charter operators to increase the number of qualified teachers. Janelle Brzezinski, a spokeswoman for Central Michigan University’s charter school office, which oversees more than 50 charters, said the school makes sure its charters follow state rules regarding certification and long­ term permits. If CMU sees that a charter has numerous teacher vacancies, it requires a plan to “reme­ dy” the situation “by having full-time teach­ ers,” Brzezinski said. Sixteen of the CMU’s more than 50 charters had long-term subs equal to 20 percent or more of teaching slots last year. Some rural traditional school districts have also turned to long-term substitutes. In tiny Mid-Peninsula School District, covering 350 square miles around Hiawatha National Forest, four of the 12 teachers - a third - are long-term substitutes. Hiring teachers who aren’t certified, or not certified in the subject areas they are teaching, is sometimes a neces­ sity when the district can’t find qualified teachers to move to the rural Upper Peninsula, officials said. “We posted for high school science and high school math (positions) twice and couldn’t find anyone,” said Mid-Peninsula Superintendent Eric VanDamme. “I searched high and low for these folks. Our applicant pool is narrower every year.” VanDamme was able to hire long-term sub­ stitutes who he said are qualified (one was certified to teach in Florida, VanDamme said), but he acknowledged the problem isn’t going away soon. “One of our biggest problems is our lack of ability to offer competitive wage scales com­ pared to other professions,” VanDamme said. “I can be a plumber in rural northern Michigan who makes $65,000 plus benefits, or go to school for four years (to be a teacher) and make $30,000 and have $80,000 in student loans. That’s easy math.” At Charlton Heston Academy charter school in Northern Michigan’s Roscommon County, 44 percent of teachers were long­ term substitutes in 2018-19. Charlton Heston Superintendent David Patterson said the school has had trouble attracting certified teachers, but also said he believes the school’s long-term subs are doing a great job. The growth in long-term substitutes is too recent for an analysis on the impact on learn­ ing. But students attending schools with low student achievement on Michigan’s M-STEP tests are more likely to be in a district with more long-term subs than the state average. For example, Charlton Heston charter school has the highest share of long-term sub­ stitutes in the four-county Crawford Oscoda Ogemaw Roscommon Intermediate School District, and also has the lowest student achievement. Similarly, Benton Harbor Area Schools has the lowest student achievement in Berrien County and the second-highest share of long-term substitutes in 2018-19, many of whom did not have a college degree, accord­ ing to former superintendent Herrera. Herrera told Bridge the district, which is under pressure from the state to improve test scores, was on track to have more than 60 percent long-term subs next school year. Vidmar, the former art teacher, is skeptical Benton Harbor can meet the improvements mandated by the state when the number of long-term subs is only going to increase this upcoming school year. “How can you do that (improve) with long­ term subs?” Detroit’s Vitti said he doubts most parents even know whether their child’s teacher is certified. In poorer districts like Detroit, he said many parents just assume4heir^hild has a certified teacher. The state doesn’t require school districts to inform parents if their child is being taught by a long-term substitute, though Charlton Heston Academy and others told Bridge they do alert parents. State Rep. Donna Lasinski, D-Ann Arbor, said the state should require districts to alert parents when a non-certified teacher is hired. “A well-run school has an obligation to tell parents who is at the front of classrooms,” she said. “Pretty much any adult with two years of community college can be a warm body in a classroom,” said Sheryl Kennedy, a former teacher and school administrator who is now a Democratic state representative. “It’s terri­ fying.” From the point of view of the Michigan Department of Education, though, skyrocket­ ing use of long-term substitutes as full-time teachers is a solution to teacher shortages. “The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has been working diligently with Michigan schools to utilize long-term substi­ tute permits,” wrote MDE’s Breen. School districts and charters are “taking advantage of a variety of flexible placements, residency programs, and ‘grow-your-own’ programs, when a certified teacher is not available.” Breen pointed out that long-term substi­ tutes must receive positive evaluations to keep their jobs, have a mentor teacher and, in core subject areas such as math or science, must have “subject-area expertise.” “Long-term sub permits allow teachers to expand their endorsements (allowing them to teach more subjects or grade levels) for great­ er flexibility and knowledge. They allow paraprofessionals who are in the process of becoming a teacher, and have already demon­ strated a commitment to the profession, to teach while they are earning their degree. They allow scientists and mechanics to fill very important roles in the school setting based on content expertise.” When asked if long-term subs represent a diminution of teacher quality, Breen wrote, “The Michigan Department of Education per­ ceives it as a necessity, rather than a diminu­ tion.” Kennedy, D-Davison, called the trend “a travesty.” “I’m super-concerned about it,” Kennedy said. “But it’s a reality. Often, superintendents have to make choices between putting certi­ fied teachers in special ed classrooms or reg­ ular classrooms .... because there’s such a shortage of certified teachers.’’ Education experts say that the quality of the teaching staff is the biggest in-school determi­ nant of student success. “The research shows that kids who have two, three, four strong teachers in a row will eventually excel, no matter what their back­ ground, while kids who have even two weak teachers in a row will never recover,” wrote Kati Haycock, founder of The Education Trust,a nonpartisan Washington, D.C.-based group that works to cut achievement gaps in students. Teaching involves more than knowing a course’s subject matter. An engineer may know the ins and outs of algebra, but might not know how best to demonstrate that knowl­ edge to fidgeting middle-schoolers. Experts say that strategies taught in university teacher prep programs are generally critical to learn­ ing effective classroom skills. Numerous education and political leaders acknowledge that the mass use of long-term substitutes threatens to hobble the state’s drive to improve education, but that they see few quick fixes. “We (the Legislature) talk about the teacher shortage, and MDE says we need to stop talking down about teachers,” said Kennedy, the teacher-turned-lawmaker. “It’s such a basic thing to say. “But we also need to pay teachers appropri­ ately so young people who want to be teach­ ers can pay their $80,000 in student loans,” Kennedy said. Brad Paquette, R-Berrien Springs, was a teacher in Niles before joining the Legislature. He said he saw a lot of colleagues leave the profession because of pay, and because class­ room teaching bears little resemblance to the theoretical lessons learned in university edu­ cation programs. Paquette has his own story about being a substitute: He had just graduatedfrom college and applied to be a substitute- teacher in Benton Harbor to earn a few dollats, Paquette said. “They saw I’d, worked at Taap Bell in high school and said I was the new nutrition teacher,” Paquette said. Later, when school officials learned he had minored in Spanish in college, he was named the Spanish teacher. “That lasted about a week,” Paquette said with a laugh, “until MDE found out.” Today, with teacher shortages more severe and long-term substitutes more accepted, MDE might not have stepped in to stop Paquette from taking those posts. But Paquette said Michigan’s education problems go far beyond long-term substitutes. “Maybe we need to rethink what an educa­ tion system is,” Paquette said. “Our public schools are nothing like the real world.” MDE’s Breen said the state needs to find a way to incentivize teachers to live and work in urban and rural areas of the state. That could involve paying teachers more in hardto-staff areas; student loan forgiveness, hous­ ing stipends and child care subsidies. Those things take money. A statement from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office in response to a query about the growth in long-term sub­ stitutes referred to the Democratic governor’s plan to offer more funding for students with greater needs, such as low-income students and English-language learners. The increase in long-term substitutes — particularly among students who need the most help - should be ringing alarm bells across the state, said Peter Haines, superinten­ dent of Ottawa Intermediate School District. “This is systemic discrimination,” Haines said. “Parents are bringing their children to our schools with hope. “The least we can do is meet them at the door with a qualified teacher.” Teens busted for attempted gun theft Greg Chandler and Taylor Owens Staff Writer Five Hastings teenagers are facing burglary charges in connection with a pair of break-ins early Friday morning, including one in which guns were taken from a local sporting goods shop. Police responded to an alarm and open door at Al and Pete’s Sport Shop in Hastings at 1:45 a.m. Friday Aug. 23. Officers covered the entrances to the building and, assisted by a K-9 Unit, and gave verbal commands for the sus­ pects to come out with their hands up. Two male suspects walked out of the build­ ing and were arrested; police found no one else inside. One of the suspects told the officers they had parked their bicycle near the former County Seat, and an officer observed two more sus­ pects walking down the street with the bicycle. Those suspects were arrested and admitted to their involvement in the breaking and entering. A fifth suspect, who police originally thought was 17, but who also is a juvenile, turned him­ self in to police Friday afternoon and is cooper­ ating with investigators, Police Chief Jeff Pratt said. “Everything that was attempted to be taken has been recovered,” Pratt said. In addition to the break-in at Al and Pete’s, students also allegedly broke into and vandal­ ized the concession stand at the high school football stadium, according to Hastings Area Schools Superintendent Dan Remenap. Remenap sent out a memo to district parents Friday afternoon, informing them of the inci­ dent. “The kids stated that the intent of stealing the weapons was to sell them for money, not to harm anyone,” he wrote. The juveniles who were arrested have been released into the custody of their parents, Pratt said. None of the students will be attending school pending further investigation by police and school officials, Remenap wrote in the memo. “All of us at Hastings Area School System consider safety our number one priority, and we are working closely with the Hastings Police Department to ensure the safety of all students and staff,” he wrote. Pratt said the suspects may have gotten the idea for the break-in from the thefts that took place at gun shops in the Grand Rapids area last month. Pete Schantz, owner of Al and Pete’s Sport Shop, said those responsible need to spend time in jail and he expressed frustration because he believes they will not, because of their age. He recalled another break-in at his store about 20 years ago, in which four juveniles were ordered to pay restitution but did not receive any jail time. “We have a court system that doesn’t do a thing about the people that are stealing guns,” Schantz said. However, given the nature of the crime, Pratt said, these suspects may be tried as adults. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 29, 2019 — Page 11 TEACHERS, continued from page 1 superintendent in January, she was a professor of education in South Dakota. She saw a 30-percent drop in students entering the teach­ ing program, and she has seen similar results in Michigan. “There really hasn’t been a consistent standard of what growth is. It gets confus­ ing and sometimes demoralizing for teachers.” - Thornapple Kellogg Schools Superintendent Rob Blitchok In “all the data that we see, the number of kids going into teaching is way down,” Blitchok said. He pointed out that young peo­ ple aren’t being encouraged to go into the profession, which points to a larger cultural change that many of the superintendents noted. “I think the greatest factor has been our culture’s view towards education,” Corlett said. “It doesn’t seem to be as well respected as in the past, with the American culture as a whole not valuing education and not respect­ ing the profession. People who pursue a career in education do so because they love to help kids and make a difference in the world, but the amount of grief and stress they receive • because of lack of support scares many aware from the profession.” “Culturally, we have to stop blaming edu­ cation for every one of society’s shortfalls,” Remenap said. LeAjAL PlUIIQSj teachers this year, although they are worried about the future. “It’s going to get to a point where you’re just putting young bodies in a classroom and that’s not good for our kids,” Remenap said. “We continue to attract many good and qualified applicants for our positions,” Blitchok said. “Do I have concerns? Yes, because the trend seems to be less kids in Michigan going into teaching.” “Competition for teachers is pretty fierce,” Bertolini said. “Districts are desperate enough (that) they’re poaching teachers from other districts, and that never used to happen.” “Competition for teachers is pretty fierce. Districts are desperate enough they’re poaching teachers from other dis­ tricts, and that never used to happen.” - Maple Valley Schools Superintendent Dr. Katherine Bertolini Many teachers used to spend their careers in one district, but the competition for faculty has made almost constant turnover the new normal, Bertolini said. Maple Valley has 14 new teachers this year, in a faculty of just over 60. The district had to fill one position at the last minute, after a teacher took a position with another district four days before school started. Thornapple Kellogg has 15 new teachers this year, with a faculty of more than 170, although five of those new staff members were for newly created positions. Hastings and Delton Kellogg schools have had a much smaller staff turnover, with four and three new teachers, respectively. • ®$fe&Wrtrtb(!tbd Delton’S tight-MffSmiy atmosphere to the low staff turnover at Delton, and all of the superintendents said creating a culture of support for their teachers is a main priority. Delton also combined the district’s first four salary step increases to create a “I think the greatest factor has been our culture’s view towards education, t doesn’t seem to be as well respected as in the past, with the American culture as a whole not valuing education and not respecting the profession. People who pursue a career in education do so because they love to help kids and make a difference in the world, but the amount of grief and stress they receive because of lack of support scares many aware from the profession.” - Delton Kellogg Schools Superintendent Kyle Corlett higher starting wage and be more competitive in attracting new teachers. The superintendents said changes to state funding, testing and the cultural view of teaching would help mitigate these issues, but they don’t see a lot of movement on those fronts. “There needs to be a more balanced approach,” Blichok said, referring to the focus on testing in curriculum and evaluation. “Sometimes the pendulum swings too far, too fast.” “It’d be nice, first, if politicians stopped complaining about schools,” Corlett said. “It would help if they increased school funding and funding for student loan forgiveness for teachers.” Corlett also suggested that a partnership between K-12 schools and universities to improve teacher preparation, so students bet­ ter understand what they’re getting into, would be a step in the right direction. Bertolini is in the planning stages of a teacher foundation, With the help of dona­ tions from local ^sourc^ she hopes to help teachers with student loans., or with mortgage payments if they move into the district. “It’s a very complex, multifaceted prob­ lem,” she said. “This is the result of how we’ve treated educators in our state, its no big secret.” - Hastings Area Schools Superintendent Dan Remenap Certain positions are more difficult to fill than others — with math, science, computer science, foreign language, agriculture, voca­ tional education and special education being the most difficult. “Foreign language is next to impossible,” Remenap said. During the last school year, Maple Valley went months without a single application for a vacant high school Spanish teacher. Remenap pointed out that special education typically has a high level of burnout due to its challenging nature and the amount of paper­ work required, but what’s not typical is how few new people are coming into the profes­ sion. While some districts still have a few spe­ cialist positions still open, superintendents said they have been able to find qualified Athena luncheon is Sept. 6 The local Athena Leadership Luncheon will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, at the Walldorff Brewpub and Bistro in Hastings. Janis Fitzgerald, a Middleville resident and volunteer at Thornapple Kellogg schools, will be the guest speaker. The luncheon kicks off the Athena nom­ inations and will honor past recipients. Tickets, which include lunch, are $25 each or $175 for a table that seats eight. Guests may pre-register at https:// tinyurl .com/Athenaluncheon. Breath of fresh trees Dr. Universe: How do trees help the air? Ella, 12 Dear Ella, Take a big, deep breath. As you inhale and exhale, ydu can probably feel the air taking up space in your lungs. The air we breathe is made up of a few different things. It includes gases, such as nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide — just to name a few. Animals breathe in oxygen and breathe out carbon dioxide. But in the plant world, it’s the opposite. Trees, plants and even algae in the ocean take in carbon dioxide from the air and, using the energy of the sun, transform it into the oxygen we all breathe. That’s what I found out from my friend Kevin Zobrist, a forestry professor at Washington State University. That process is called photosynthesis, he said. It’s the way plants recycle carbon dioxide while also making their own food and energy. Sometimes, particles that aren’t good for us get mixed into the air. They are so small we can’t see them, but they can sometimes irritate people’s airways or cre­ ate health problems. The good news: Trees are really good at helping catch and filter out these particles from the air. Scientists also have found that trees with leaves that have tiny hairs on them are especially good at grabbing onto some of those particles and removing them from the air. I also discovered that some trees also capture particles in their bark, so animals like us don’t have to breathe them in. It’s really important to have clean air to breathe. After all, the average human will inhale and exhale about 7 or 8 liters of air every minute or so. That adds up to each person breathing about 11,000 liters — or about 2,905 gallons, think milk jugs — of air each day. Trees also can help cool the air. When it warms up outside and water from the sur­ face of the leaves evaporates, it can take some heat out of the air. Meanwhile, trees can help capture dust and even smoke from wildfires. While trees help store a lot of carbon within themselves, that doesn’t mean they can store it forever. When trees burn during wildfires, they release carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere, along with lots of harmful smoke particles. Trees help the air, except when they are on fire, Zobrist said. Carbon dioxide also comes from burn­ ing fossil fuels, such as the gasoline we put in cars. Climate change is a big problem because of too much carbon dioxide in our oceans and air. For the most part, trees do their best to help the air stay cool and clean. They also create great shady places for taking naps. You know, I think I’ll go find a nice spot to relax under a big tree. Thanks to your ques­ tion, I will be reminded how important it is to take care of the trees that also take care of us all. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University's resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@ wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse .com. Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on September 26, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Brandon Scott Dickinson, single man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): RUSHMORE LOAN MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC Date of Mortgage: June 17, 2016 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 21,2016 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $63,784.03 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Village of Nashville, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Commencing at the Southwest corner of the Southeast 1/4 if Section 26, Town 3 North, Range 7 West; thence North 20 rods; thence East 16 rods; thence South 20 rods; thence West 16 rods to the place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: August 29, 2019 Trott Law, PC. 1394016 (08-29)(09-19) 126670 NOTICE SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE - Harold D. Bartzen, and Joanne J. Bartzen, Husband and Wife, granted a mortgage to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”), solely as nominee for lender and lender's successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated January 25, 2008, and recorded on February 12, 2008, in Document No. 20080212-0001309, and assigned by said mortgagee to Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Mr. Cooper , as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Seventy-Five Thousand Forty-Two and 48/100 Dollars ($75,042.48). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the Barry County Courthouse, Hastings Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on September 19, 2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: A PARCEL OF LAND SITUATED IN THE SOUTHEAST 1/4 OF SECTION 34, TOWN 1 NORTH, RANGE 7 WEST, ASSYRIA TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN; COMMENCING AT THE INTERSECTION OF THE CENTERLINE OF WANADOGA CREEK AND M-66; SAID POINT LYING NORTHERLY, 626 FEET ALONG SAID CENTERLINE OF M-66 FROM THE SOUTH LINE OF SAID SECTION 26; THENCE N. 14 DEG. 1T 00" E., ALONG THE CENTERLINE OF M-66, AS IT EXISTS, 423 FEET; THENCE EAST, 333 FEET; THENCE SOUTH, 442 FEET, MORE OR LESS, TO THE CENTERLINE OF SAID CREEK; THENCE NORTHWESTERLY ALONG SAID CENTERLINE, 437 FEET, MORE OR LESS, TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. CONTAINING 3.78 ACRES OF LAND, MORE OR LESS, SUBJECT TO EXISTING HIGHWAY EASEMENT FOR M-66. The redemption period will be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period will be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 600.3241 a(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of Act 236 of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Mr. Cooper Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman P.C. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1393775 (08-22)(09-12) 126460 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on September 19, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Christopher Handley and Sunshine A. Handley, Husband and Wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): AmeriHome Mortgage Company, LLC Date of Mortgage: September 11, 2017 Date of Mortgage Recording: September 18, 2017 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $184,762.77 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Irving, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Unit 5, Valley Ridge Estates, according to the Master Deed recorded in Document Number 1153680, First Amendment to Master Deed as recorded in Document Number 1158613, Document Number 1162264, and Document Number 20071113-0004173, and Second Amendment to Master Deed as recorded in Document Number 2016-010676, Barry County Records, as amended, and designated as Barry County Condominium Subdivision Plan No. 44, together with rights in the general common elements and the limited common elements as shown on the Master Deed and as described in Act 59 of the Public Acts of 1978, as amended. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: August 22, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1393710 (08-22) (09-12) 126425 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28233-DE Estate of Dennis Lee Goodemoot. Date of birth: 09-04-1948. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Dennis Lee Goodemoot, died 03/01/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Sadie K. Goodemoot, named personal representative or proposed personal representative, or to both the probate court at 212 W. Broadway, Woodland, Ml 48897, and the named/ proposed personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 8/22/2019 John L. Teeples P39341 25 Ionia Ave. SW - Ste. 230 Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (616) 776-7200 Sadie K. Goodemoot 212 W. Broadway Woodland, Ml 48897 (616)318-8401 126696 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on September 5, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): David Simmons and Penny Simmons, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Chemical Bank, a Michigan Banking Corporation its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association Date of Mortgage: August 4, 2009 Date of Mortgage Recording: August 11,2009 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $163,086.95 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Yankee Springs, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Unit 24, Pleasant Valley Condominiums, a Site Condominium according to the Master Deed recorded in Instrument No. 1132867, and First Amendment to Master Deed recorded in Instrument No. 1137502, in the Office of the Barry County Register of Deeds, and designated as Barry County Condominium Subdivision Plan No. 37, together with rights in general common elements and limited common elements as set forth in said Master Deed and as described in Act 59 of the Public Acts of 1978 as amended The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: August 8, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1392112 (08-08)(08-29) 125216 NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACTOUR OFFICE ATTHE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. MORTGAGE SALE - Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Cynthia Timm and Terry Timm Jr., original mortgagor(s), to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for American Financial Resources, Inc., its successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated September 23, 2011, and recorded on September 28, 2011, in Instrument No. 201109280009075 in Barry County Records, Michigan, and last assigned to American Financial Resources, Inc., as assignee , documented by an Assignment of Mortgage dated July 14, 2014, and recorded on August 15, 2014, Instrument No. 2014-007607, in Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due and owing as of September 1, 2019, the sum of NINTY NINE THOUSAND EIGHT and 30/100 Dollars ($99,008.30). Notice is hereby given that under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public venue, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on the 26th, of September, 2019. Said premise is situated at 2121 Cherry Valley Road, Middleville, Michigan 49333 in the Township of Thornapple, Barry County, Michigan, and is described as: THE LAND IS SITUATED IN THE TOWNSHIP OF THORNAPPLE, COUNTY OF BARRY, STATE OF MICHIGAN, AS FOLLOWS: BEGINNING AT A POINT ON THE EAST LINE OF SECTION 32, TOWN 4 NORTH, RANGE 10 WEST, THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, DISTANT NORTH 00°35’34” EAST 880.91 FEET FROM THE SOUTHEAST CORNER OF SAID SECTION 32; THENCE NORTH 89°41’23” WEST 198.00 FEET; THENCE NORTH 00°35’34” EAST 220.00 FEET; THENCE SOUTH 89°41’23” EAST 198.00 FEET TO SAID EAST SECTION LINE; THENCE SOUTH 00°35’34” WEST 220.00 FEET TO THE POINT OF BEGINNING The redemption period shall be b months (180 Days) from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. Pursuant to Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, if the property is sold at foreclosure sale the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder under MCLA 600.3278 for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: August 1, 2019 For More Information, please call: Matthew R. Reinhardt, Esq. Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, RA. Attorneys for Servicer 255 South Orange Avenue, Suite 900 Orlando, Florida 32801 (855) 287-0240 Matter No. 135990 (08-08)(08-29) 125169 �Page 12 — Thursday, August 29, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Alumni reminisce at 132nd reunion banquet Jessica Courtright Contributing Writer Hastings High School Alumni Association hosted its 132nd annual reunion and banquet Aug. 23 at Hastings Presbyterian Church. One of the honored classes, the class of 1969, had about 30 members present for its 50th reunion. Class member Chris Conant served as toastmaster. He mentioned that one of the most notable and recognizable mem­ bers of the class in attendance was Dave Tossava, now mayor of Hastings. Conant highlighted a few historic events that occurred the year his class graduated, including the lunar landing and Woodstock. He reminisced about how life has changed over the past 50 years. One difference he mentioned is dress codes. “I was looking at yearbooks recently, and there are pictures of girls who are kneeling on the floor ... The administrators have yard­ sticks to measure the skirt length off the floor” to ensure that the skirts passed the school’s dress code. “I don’t think I would try that today.” He also noted how boys with hair below their collar lines received negative marks on their permanent records. Conant remembered the numerous class­ mates who served in the Vietnam War. Some were injured and some lost their lives. He also said he thought that, the year his class graduated, Hastings won the state cham­ pionship in three sports. Conant also shared memories of head football Coach Jock Clarey and his famous catch phrases, such as “Geez, Kid,” and “I have seen better heads on a cab­ bage.” He ended his speech by quoting Sophia Loren: “There is a fountain of youth. It is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.” Rick Taylor, also a 1969 graduate, honored classmate and veteran Harold Rogers for his service in the U.S. Navy. Rogers enlisted in the Navy after graduating from high school. Friday, he was presented with a framed certif­ icate in honor of his dedicated service and leadership in the Navy. The reunion was well-attended, with people representing classes from as early as 1936 to a representative from the class of 2019. The honored classes for were 1949, 1954, 1959, 1964, and 1969. Thirteen graduates from the class of 1949 celebrated their 70th reunion. They enjoyed reminiscing, and recalled being blamed for a fire at Central Auditorium at the end of the 1948-49 school year. It was rumored that class members started the fire (where commence­ ment ceremonies were held) so that they would be the first class to graduate outdoors at Johnson Field. The cause, however, turned out to be electrical. The 1949 class did end up being the first to have graduation at Johnson Field. However, the weather did not cooperate. Severe weather was in the forecast. Rain started to fall part­ way through ceremonies, forcing board mem­ bers to hasten the proceedings. “We had to get off that field in a hurry because they were predicting some real thun­ derstorms,” 1949 graduate Bob Smith recalled. “I ended up with Margaret Slocum’s diplo­ ma,” he added with a laugh. Sam Waller represented the most recent graduating class as the 2019 class responder. Waller was involved in many activities while attending Hastings, including band, Science Olympiad, student council and more. As a drum major, he was part of the marching band receiving its 60th consecutive Division 1 rat­ ing, the highest rating a band can receive. The Science Olympiad team placed first at region­ al and qualified for the state competition. The class of 2019 also has eight students accepted to attend the University of Michigan, he noted. Several students in his class have enlisted in the various branches of the mili­ tary. Dan Remenap, Hastings’ new superinten­ dent, thanked the alumni for continued sup­ port of the district. He highlighted improve­ ments that have been made at the school since the 2015 bond passed. He praised two alums, in particular, Larry and Earlene Baum, who recently donated more than $1 million to the district. The funds will be used to make much-needed athletic upgrades, including a new track and bleachers for Baum Stadium and to purchase a new Steinway piano for the performing arts center. Because of the Baums’ continued support, Hastings students have not had to pay to play sports for the past 14 years, he added. “That’s unheard of,” Remenap said. Remenap also shared with attendees an ironic connection to one of this year’s hon­ ored alums, Bob Smith: Smith was principal at Grandville Middle School when Remenap attended there as a student in 1986. “[Smith] was not the kind of principal to hide out in his office,” Remenap said. “He was in the hallways, the lunchrooms, and he was kid-focused.” “I appreciated that so much about you,” Remenap said to Smith, adding that he still serves as the model administrator for Remenap. Remenap ended his speech by vowing to “uphold the tradition of excellence and pride that so many of you had a sense in establish­ ing ... We owe it to you.” Alumni board president Lois (Tobias) Bowers, thanked everyone for attending the banquet. She encouraged people to get involved with the alumni association. “We always need new members to assure the continuation of our banquets,” she said, adding that they are currently looking for rep­ resentatives from next year’s anniversary classes: 1945, 1950, 1955, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, 1995, 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015. More information on the alumni associa­ tion can be found at hasskl2.org/alumni. Honored alums pursued careers in education, public service, navy Jessica Courtright Contributing Writer The Hastings High School Alumni Association honored two men - Bob Smith and David Foote - as Distinguished Alumni of the Year on Friday at the association’s annual banquet. The banquet, the 132nd for the group, drew graduates from nine decades to enjoy dinner, mingling and presentations at the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings. A member of the 70th anniversary class of 1949, Bob Smith told attendees he grew up in a house at the comer of Broadway and West Mill Street that has since been razed. He has fond memories of building a baseball field on the upper part of Tyden Park and many mem­ ories of playing there. He reminisced about the shoe store his father owned and how, after working there for a short time, Smith realized “That wasn’t for me.” He credited two individuals for having a profound impact on his life: Bob King and Ed Taylor. Taylor was the principal when Smith was in high school Bob King was his basketball coach his freshmen year. The following year, King ' became the community education director, Smith said, “I cried,” During Smith’s sophomore year, King con­ tacted him and asked if he would like to work on the summer playground and help with the Saturday morning basketball program. Smith eagerly agreed and spent his summers working with the Community Education Program. Smith went on to attend Western Michigan University. Taylor left to become superinten­ dent of Grandville Public Schools. Their paths crossed when at an away game for Hastings. Taylor asked Smith how school Hastings Area School System Superintendent Dan Remenap said one of this year’s honored alums, Bob Smith, was principal at Grandville Middle School when Remenap attended there as a student in 1986. (Photo by Jessica Courtright) was going. Smith told Taylor he was doing fieldwork in the probate court in Kalamazoo, pursuing a degree in social work with a goal of becoming a probation officer in juvenile court. Taylor said he was looking to start a pro­ gram in Grandville similar to what Bob King had in Hastings. He asked if Smith would be interested in teaching part-time and working part-time as program director. After attending a fifth year of school, Smith obtained a degree in teaching and moved to Grandville. Shortly after moving to Grandville, Smith learned that the district and annexed a section “north of the river.” With the added students, school officials told him he was needed him as a full-time teacher. So, in 1954, Smith start­ ed his career in education that would last 46 years. One of those former middle school students also spoke at the alumni banquet: Daniel Remenap, the new superintendent of Hastings Area Schools (see related story). He has made substantial contributions to humanitarian and educational programs as a member of Grandville’s Rotary Club where he received the Paul Harris Fellow Award. He also managed the Santa Claus Girls, a gift-pro­ viding charity, through his membership of the YMCA Service Club. “I believe that the foundation for any suc­ cess that I had as an educator was laid here in Hastings at the high school and in the commu­ nity,” Smith said. David Foote, the second Distinguished Alumnus, was born and raised in Hastings. He graduated from Hastings High School in 1964 and had been a four-year varsity letterman for the wrestling team. Foote attended Davenport College for one year, studying accounting. He transferred to Western MichiganJriniversityt graduating^in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in business education. He then enlisted in the U.S. Navy and entered Navy Officer Candidate School in Newport, R.I., beginning his 29-year career in the Navy. In July 1974, after completing his tour, Foote separated from active duty. He and his wife moved back to Michigan. He served for two years as assistant superintendent, athletic director, and accounting and economics teach­ er for the Climax-Scotts school district. Two years later, Foote and his late wife began the nonprofit Hastings Child Care Centers Inc. The center held two Head Start classes as well as many other services. During that time, Foote and his wife became the founding members of the first Child Abuse Council in Barry County. In 1980 Foote was recalled to active duty with the Navy. He served for 12 more years before he once again separated from the Navy to pursue a master’s degree in business man­ agement. In 1994 Foote became interim project director for Rockwood farm in Adrian, where he assisted in the design of a working farm for autistic adults. Later that year, he was again called back to active service for the final time. He retired from the Navy as commander and surface warfare officer. For his 29 years of service, he earned, four Navy Commendation Medal awards for out­ standing service, in addition to numerous service awards. In 1997, he worked as the director of human services for Kitsap Community Resources in Washington State. Foote ended his working career in 2016 after 13 years as executive director of United Way Kitsap County. During hisrtime with die-United Way, he oversaw the purchase of a 28,000-square-foot building in downtown Bremerton, Wash., which was remodeled to create a nonprofit center. Foote was honored by Kitsap Community Foundation in 2016 with the Exceptional Nonprofit Service Award. At his retirement party, the mayor present­ ed Foote a key to the city. The board of direc­ tors presented him with a new sign for the United Way’s nonprofit center, renaming the building the David L. Foote Nonprofit Center. Board chairwoman accepts teaching position Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry County board chairwoman Heather Wing made an announcement at the meeting Tuesday that surprised a few in the room. “If you don’t know,” she said, “I have accepted a fulltime teaching position at Barry County Christian School. “I am excited for the opportunities it not only brings me to stretch a little; it will be an Chainsaws stolen from pickup A 59-year-old man called police at 11:20 a.m. Aug. 23 to report three chainsaws, gas and oil were stolen from the bed of his pickup at his residence in the 1000 block of Becker Road in Hastings Charter Township the previous night. The value of the items stolen is estimated around $2,500. Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 Antiques & Collectibles Automotive Community Notice CRAFT, ANTIQUE & FLEA MARKET SHOW at Barry Expo Center, Hastings. Sat­ urday, Sept. 7th. 10am-7pm. Sunday, Sept 8th, 10am-5pm. Vendor spots still available. Call Jay 517-980-0468. 1978 CHEVY SUBURBANNo rust, 400 engine, auto trans, 4WD, mag wheels w/ good tires. Needs engine. $750 OBO. 269-953-6326. Garage Sale I WOULD LIKE TO THANK everyone who came to my 90'th birthday party. It was a beautiful day and although it was warm, Bob King Park was cool and nice. It could not have been better. What a great place to have a party. Thank you everyone. It was so good to see so many old friends and new friends too. Thanks for coming! Jerilee Hostetler. THE PROPOSED BUDGET of the Barry Conservation District for the fiscal year be­ ginning October 1, 2019, will be presented to the Barry Dis­ trict Board for final approval at the regular monthly meet­ ing at 8:00am on September 4, 2019. The public is invited to comment on the proposed budget at this time. Copies of the proposed budget are available at the Barry Conser­ vation District Office, located at 1611 S. Hanover Street, Suite 105, Hastings, MI 49058. BIG MULTI-FAMILY SALESat, Sept 7th, 2019,8am-3pm, at: Parchment Poodle, 117 S. Riverview Dr., Parchment. 2015 Chrysler 300, $14,000 OBO. Washer & Dryer, fur­ niture, kitchen, household items. 269-993-0118. PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Card of Thanks Business Service BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, power washing, home improvements, seamless gut­ ters. 269-320-3890. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. For Sale Use Paracide®shampoo to control fleas & ticks on dogs & cats. Eliminate doggy odor restore healthy coat At Trac­ tor Supply (www.kennelvax. com) Wind Deflector for $190. Call or text anytime 269-838-3245. ‘Test drive’ turns into grand theft auto A 29-year-old Caledonia man called police at 12:23 p.m. Aug. 25 saying his vehicle had been stolen. The caller said he had let a 24-year-old Charlotte man test drive the car around noon the previous day, because he was considering selling it, but the man did not return. Officers noted the suspect has a warrant for his arrest for failure to appear in court. Police have been unable to locate the suspect. Man drives off with date’s car Heather Wing asset to my children. They will be allowed to attend, as well.” Wing said school starts Sept. 3 when she will begin teaching social studies in grades 7-12 at the private school where her two daughters attend. She will miss the next county board meet­ ing, she said, because she doesn’t want to miss the first day of school. “I will be in the Hastings area every day and in contact after school gets out,” she told fellow commissioners. Wing told the Banner later that school offi­ cials are willing to work around her commis­ sioner responsibilities. The only committee membership that may present a conflict with her teaching duties is the Michigan State University Extension Council, which meets quarterly, she noted. Wing isn’t certified as a teacher, but she home-schooled her two daughters for five years and has experience as a substitute teach­ er. She has a bachelor’s degree from Saginaw Valley State University and a master’s degree from Central Michigan University. A 34-year-old Carlton Township woman called police at 1:27 p.m. Aug. 2. to report her car stolen. The woman said she met a Kalamazoo man on Facebook who asked her out on a date. She drove to Kalamazoo to pick him up, and he brought another woman along. When they turned around to drive to Hastings, the man drove, because the woman does not have a valid driver’s license. When the trio arrived back at the victim’s house on Willitts Road, she got out to unlock a gate, and the man drove away. The victim said she heard the other woman say she wanted to get back at a woman who was “messing around” with her ex, while she was in jail. The victim later believed the woman was referring to her. The vehicle and suspects are still at large. Driver falls asleep, wakes up to police officer A 25-year-old Middleville man was arrested for operating while intoxicated at 12:29 a.m. Aug. 21 outside of Red’s Sports Bar in Middleville. An officer received an anonymous call from someone who said a man was passed out in a truck, which was running outside the entrance to the bar. The man did not respond to the officer’s verbal calls, and only woke up after a sternum rub. The man claimed he had drank six beers, and the officer noticed two open bottles of beer next to the man. The man had a 0.212 blood alcohol content and was arrested. Thief steals cash, key and cigarettes A 23-year-old woman reported someone broke into her house in the 6000 block of M-37 the morning of Aug. 20. The woman got into her vehicle to go to work and noticed her purse had been disturbed. Her house key, a pack of cigarettes and $65 were missing. She checked her home security cameras and saw someone riding a bicycle get into her car at 4:42 a.m. However, the quality was too poor to identify a suspect. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 29, 2019 — Page 13 Saxons have more returnees than can score in a meet Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Saxons have their sights set on being the best Hastings boys’ cross country team in a quarter of a century or more. Led by a group of eight returning varsity letter-winners, Hastings has goals to chase the program’s first conference championship since 1953 and maybe even the program’s first regional championship ever. The Saxons capped off the 2018 season by winning the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference championship meet, moving themselves into third-place in the final conference standings. Seniors Aidan Makled and Blake Harris went on to race in the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals, the second appearance at Michigan International Speedway for Makled who finished 50th in the state as a junior. The Saxons have gone to the state finals just once as a team - in 1985. The top three teams at regionals across the state at the end of the season qualify for the finals, and the Saxons placed fifth at their Division 2 Regional in 2017 and fourth in 2018 leaving them motivated to finally break through into the top three. Hastings head coach Steve Collins said he saw his guys working hard during the summer months in preparation for the upcoming sea­ son. Makled and Harris were the top two guys in Barry County last fall, leading the Saxons to another championship at the county meet. The Saxons will host this year’s Barry Count Meet at Charlton Park at the end of the season. They were joined last year on the All-Barry County teams by classmates Jon Arnold, Braden Tolles, Josh Brown and Braxton McKenna who return this fall along with fel­ low senior Tyler Dull and junior Claten Patten. In all, the Saxons on the roster have earned 20 varsity letters in cross country over the years. Cole McKenna looks to be the leader of a solid pack of freshmen joining the team this season. Tristen Leary, Sam Pattok, Alex Steward and Noah Stimback will look to gain experience behind the strong group of seniors leading the program currently and be ready to score in the future. The Saxons have a couple of races in already. They will return to action Sept. 7 at the Battle Creek Lake view Invitational and then head to Thornapple Kellogg’s Coach B Invitational at Gun Lake Sept. 9 and the Delton Kellogg Invitational at Gilmore Car Museum Sept. 12. The Interstate-8 Athletic Conference sea­ son begins with a jamboree hosted by Parma Western Sept. 17. Coach Collins said he expects Marshall and Parma Western to be the top challengers for the Saxons in the conference. Both teams lost some talented runners to graduation last spring, including Marshall’s lone state qualifi­ er and four from the Parma Western team that finished 16th at the state finals. That Panther group was led by Gezahegn Starr, who is now set to run for Michigan State University. Jackson Lumen Christi senior Gene Hendrickson, a state medalist in Division 3 last November, should be there battling at the front of the conference pack along with Makled and Harris this season. Saxon volleyball sees influx of youngsters Brett Bremer Sports Editor A new group of Saxons will be getting their first taste of varsity volleyball this fall. Hastings has just two players back from the team that won 13 matches a year ago. That duo includes senior setter Abby Zull and senior right side hitter Skyler Teske. Zull was one of the team’s Co-MVPs a year ago, leading the team in aces, assists and kill percentage, while finishing number three on the team in both digs and kills. The group of youngsters expecting regular time on the court is led by junior left side hitter Lexi Herblet, junior middle Hannah Slaughter and sophomore left side hitter Carly Warner. “This team is truly team oriented,” Hastings head coach Steve Zull said. “They are willing to look beyond personal statisvtics and posi­ tion preference to fill the needs of the team. It is a great group of young ladies that are com­ mitted tgj?riogiag puL-th&i absolute best in each other.” The Saxons opened the season Friday at Fremont, winning two matches and dropping three. The team grew stronger as the day went on. Fremont eventually ended the Saxons’ day in the semifinals of the tournament, with a 25-23,25-17 win. Fremont handed the Saxons two of their three defeats, also scoring a 25-11,25-14, 25-16 win earlier in the day. White Cloud also bested the Saxons in three sets. Hastings scored a 26-24, 25-23, 16-25 win over Tri-County and a 25-23, 25-12,14-25 win over Frankfort. Abby Zull led the Saxons in aces on the day. Herblet had a team-high in kills. Hannah Slaughter and Pheobe Shantz led the Saxons in blocking. In the back row, Herblet, Warner and Ella Carroll led the Saxons in digs and passing. Hastings is off now until the Corunna Cavalier Invite Sept. 7. The Saxons open up the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference season at Coldwater Sept. 11. Blake Harris Saxons add good freshmen group again Abby Zull DK/TK/Hastings girls set to chase another conference title Brett Bremer Sports Editor Great swimmers, divers and leaders grow on the Delton Kellogg/Thomapple Kellogg/ Hastings varsity girls’s winning and diving team. They graduate, and then there are more the next year. Abby Marcukaitis The DK/TK/Hastings girls will look to keep their hold on a top spot in the OK Rainbow Conference Tier II this season. The team was 11-1 overall a season ago, and shared the conference championship with the girls from the Caledonia/Lowell/South Christian team and the Wayland Union girls. That was the fourth conference title for the DK/TK/Hastings program. Seniors Holly Bashore, Karsyn Daniels, Lauren Myers and Daisy Nowinsky all placed at the conference meet for the team as juniors a year ago, and return along with senior diver Hannah Johnson and sophomore backstroke specialist Abby Marcukaitis to lead the way for the program this year. Marcukaitis placed 12th in the 100-yard backstroke at the Division 1 Lower Peninsula State Finals as a freshman last November, helping the DK/TK/Hastings team place 32nd in the meet. DK/TK/Hastings head coach Carl Schoessel said he likes the experience of the seniors and juniors on his team, and a good crew of divers that will help the team score points through­ out the year. The newcomers to the team aren’t new to swimming. Many of them have been partici- Continued on page 14 Carissa Strouse Brett Bremer Sports Editor A second straight solid group of freshmen is making its debut on the Hastings varsity girls’ cross country team this fall. Carissa Strouse and Allison Teed are the Saxons’ co-captains this season after being a part of the varsity line-up as freshmen last year along with classmate Arian Bond. The Saxon team was extremely young a year ago with that trio regularly scoring, but head coach Steve Collins likes the experience they gained last season and how things are coming together already this season. Strouse was a first team All-Barry County runner a year ago, and coach Collins is look­ ing forward to seeing her fill the spikes of his daughter Allison Collins, who graduated last spring after qualifying for the Division 2 Lower Peninsula Cross Country Finals during the fall of her senior season. Allison is now running at Spring Arbor University. She was the only major loss from last year’s squad that was sixth in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference and 11th at regionals. Coach Collins said his girls are looking for­ ward to moving up into the top half of the standings in those competitions this time around. The sophomores aren’t the only returnees for the Saxons, as the team also brings back junior Aura Wahl-Piotrowski and seniors Layla Lamance and Katie Pattok. The trio of freshmen looking to contribute are Lauren Arnold, Madison Nino and Valentina Arias. “Lauren and Madison are already contrib­ uting,” coach Collins said, adding that Nino is a two-time middle school MegaStar 400 m-meter champion. The Saxons could also get some help from sophomore Zoey Haight who is new to the team and an improved Hannah Vann. The Saxons are scheduled to head to the Battle Creek Lakeview Invitational Sept. 7, Thomapple Kellogg’s Coach B Invitational at Gun Lake Sept. 7 and the Delton Kellogg Invitational at Gilmore Car Museum Sept. 12. Parma Western will host the first Interstate-8 Athletic Conference jamboree of the season Sept. 17. State finals qualifiers Parma Western and Marshall both bring back most of the roster from their 2018 trips to Michigan International Speedway, and the league also brings back Coldwater’s Elka Machan for her senior sea­ son. She was the conference’s individual champion a year ago and went on to medal at the state finals. �Page 14 — Thursday, August 29, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Junior class comes together on varsity level for HHS Carter Cappon Saxons open tonight against TK Brett Bremer Sports Editor Of course any football game takes some muscle, but the Saxons will do their best to win with brains over braun this fall. “We are not a physically large team,” Hastings head coach Jamie Murphy said. The roster includes just three young men who are over six feet tall and only four who weigh more than 250 pounds. What Murphy does see is a group of juniors and seniors who have shown off strong lead­ ership skills so far this preseason and a strong football IQ throughout the entire roster. The Saxons took tough lessons to heart through the opening weeks of (he 2018 sea­ son, going 1-5 before rallying to win their final three games of the season and end at 4-5 overall. The Saxons will do their best to improve on that this falfi hoping for their first winning season since 2012 - which was the last time the program qualified for the state playoffs as well. Hastings opens its season tonight against Thomapple Kellogg. The Trojans have bested the Saxons to open each of the past two sea­ sons. “They have lost some size from last season, but they are much faster this year,” coach Murphy said of the Trojans. “Their team speed will be our most difficult match up.” Looking to keep pace with the Trojans in the opener tonight will be a good group of returning ballplayers led by senior running backs Elijah Smith and Gabe Trick, senior quarterback Carter Cappon, senior tight end EvanMurphy and senior offensive lineman Ben Ferrell. Ferrell and Smith will see time at lineback­ er on the other side of the ball, Trick and Cappon at defensive back, and Murphy at defensive end. There will be quite a bit of two-way play, with just 30 players on the roster. “We will not have depth at certain posi­ tions,” coach Murphy said. “Health will be a big part of how we manage our season.” The group of guys adding their talents to the varsity this fall is highlighted by junior quarterback Drew Markley, junior running back Keegan Olsen and sophomore lineman Owen Winegar. Hastings begins the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference season at Coldwater Sept. 6. “We plan to compete for a league title every season, that is our goal,” coach Murphy said. “We compete in a playoff heavy conference. That means we will focus on competing with the some of the best teams in the state. Our goal is to compete and work to beat those teams.” Coldwater should be one of the best in the 1-8 this fall, with Jackson Lumen Christi and Jackson Parma Western fighting for a top spot as well. Lumen Christi was a perfect 13-0 last fall, capturing the Division 6 State Championship. Parma Western’s only loss in the conference a year ago was against those Titans, and the Panthers went on to win a dis­ trict title. FULL SERVICE PRINTING < i •__ .. - Enjoy the benefits of high-quality, high-volume printing facility. Whatever the size of your project, we have just the right equipment to handle your needs. COPIES -BLACK & WHITE OR FULL COLOR PROFESSIONAL BINDERY LARGE FORMAT PRINTING PRESENTATIONS MANUALS & BOOKLETS LAMINATION FOLDING GRAPHIC DESIGN SERVICE Brett Bremer Sports Editor It is a new collection of varsity players, but they are not new to each other. Hastings has a varsity boys’ soccer team filled with juniors this fall. The group of junior returning players is led by midfielder Kirby Beck, forward Keegan Cook, defender Hunter Hayes and midfielder Ethan Cans who all played on the varsity as sophomores. There are also 12 other juniors who are up on the varsity for the first time. Despite a dozen or more new varsity play­ ers, Hastings head coach Tim Schoessel likes his team’s soccer playing experience. “This team has played together for a long time at multiple age groups,” Schoessel said. At the back, the Saxons return senior Dane Barnes in goal. The Saxon team placed fourth in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference a year ago and will look to finish among the top half of the conference standings again this season. Coldwater and Marshall remain class of the conference. The Saxons’ next contest is at Coldwater Sept. 5. Schoessel said the biggest thing his guys has to learn as they look to compete with the conference’s elite is to not force things on the field. He is working to get his guys to under­ stand how to be patient and let things develop. The Saxons split their first two matches last week, besting Ionia but falling to Thomapple Kellogg. They were back in action Saturday at the Wayland Invitational, scoring a 4-3 victo­ ry over Fennville and falling 2-0 to the host Wildcats. The Saxons finished in a 0-0 tie with non-conference foe Otsego Monday. Kirby Beck Saxons set to move up in 1-8 with lower scores Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Hastings varsity girls ‘golf team is going to keep attempting to climb towards the top of the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference and their regional as the 2019 season pro­ gresses. The Saxons were fifth in the 1-8 a year ago and finished eighth as a team at their tough Division 3 Regional Tournament in October. Individually, Rayna Honsowitz finished at the top of those regional standings and went on to earn all-state honors. She finished 15th at the Division 3 Lower Peninsula State Finals. Rayna is back for her senior season, lead­ ing the way for the Saxons along with her junior sister Rylee Honsowitz. Rylee just missed out on a trip to the state finals with her big sister, falling in a tie-breaker at regionals after finishing tied for seventh individually at the event. She did earn honorable mention all­ state in Division 3 herself. That is just half of the group of regional returnees for the Saxons this season. Whitney Craven returns for her senior season and Reese Warner is back for her junior go at it. Hastings head coach Kristen Laubaugh said she is also looking forward to getting some good scores this fall from senior Abbie Larabee and Lacie Overmeire, sophomore Alyssa Hamilton and junior Josie Nickels. “We have some players that can really get off the tee,” Laubaugh said. “Three strong returners with good playing experience will help nurture our newer golfers.” She said improving consistency and being able to score low and put back-to-back good rounds together will be key as her team grows. Improving play around the green and playing what coach Laubaugh calls “smarter golf’ will help get those scores lower on a regular basis.. We need to improve on our play around the green and playing “smarter golf.” Coldwater in Division 2 and Marshall in Division 3 from the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference both went to the state finals as teams a year ago. Marshall had a line-up full of juniors a year ago, which gives the Red Hawks great experience coming back. Coldwater had some losses to graduation, but should still be strong this fall. Hastings opened the conference season last Rayna Honsowitz Wednesday at Coldwater Golf Course . The Saxons were third behind Marshall (183) and Harper Creek (206) on the day. The Saxons put together a team score of 208 Rayna and Rylee each shot a 41 to lead the Saxon team. Warner contributed a 55 and Josie Nickels a 71. Karlee Malone from Marshall and Harp Creek’s Lauren Reed tied for individual med­ alist honors, each shooting a 38. Coldwater was fourth with a 223 on the day, ahead of Lumen Christi 237, Northwest 244 and Parma Western 261. The Saxons started their season Aug. 19 at the Wayland Invitational where Rylee shot a 74 to place second and Rayna shot an 81. MAILING SERVICES COPIER PAPER$OC50 by the case for only Jfa ©Jf 1351 N M 43 Hwy Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-9105 wwwq-adgraphics.com Continued from page 13 pating with age-group teams in the lead-up to high school. While there is a lot of talent, coach Schoessel said one of the keys will develop­ ing some fast sprinters, in the 100-yard free­ style and 50-yard freestyle, for those events and to be competitive with the best the com­ petition in the conference has to offer. “We will be very competitive in every dual meet, invitational and the conference meet,” Schoessel said. The Trojans start their season at Fremont Sept. 5. The team will be in the home pool for the first time Sept. 12, taking on Ottawa Hills. The team’s annual Cancer Awareness meet will be held Oct. 24 during the league dual with Wayland, and it will take on special meaning this year as one of the team’s own, Lydia Cole, has spent the summer battling Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors. Cole, a junior at TK this year, scored for the team in the breaststroke and the individual medley at the conference meet a year ago. Her team­ mates have rallied around her and her family the last few months. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 29, 2019 — Page 15 These local businesses help provide HASTINGS NAPA coverage of varsity sports in this paper. Show 122 N. Jefferson Rd. Hastings 269-948-9696 your thanks by supporting these sponsors! BRIAN’S TIRE & SERVICE 235 S. Jefferson, Hastings 269-945-9549 COURT-SIDE OF HASTINGS DEWEY’S AUTO BODY 122 W. Mill St. 1111 W. Green, Hastings 312 E. Court, Hastings www.deweysautobody.com 269-945-3412 SCREENPRINTING 9 EMBROIDERY Insurance for all of your needs. 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STATE ST, HASTINGS 269-948-8558 �Page 16 — Thursday, August 29, 2019 - The Hastings Banner Local golfers get off to strong start Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ golf team is off to a great start to the 2019 season. The Trojans bring back their entire regional line-up from a year ago, and and have a hand­ ful of others capable of competing at the var­ sity level as well. The Trojans scored a 180-199 victory over Lakewood on the midday nine at Centennial Acres Tuesday afternoon. TK had six girls all score in the 40s during the non-conference dual. Paige VanStee led the Trojans with a 42. Maddie Shepard shot a 44, Anna Harmens a 46, and Paige Willette and Julianna VanMeter each scored a 48. Teammate Lane Kaminski chipped in a 49. Lakewood was led by Jordan Shank’s 44. Jacqueline Estep added a 47 for the Vikings, Emmi Klein a 52 and Natalie Lang a 54. Those four Vikings were all also a part of their team’s regional line-up a year ago. Harmens, Willette, VanStee and Kaminski are a part of the group of returnees for the Trojans this season, and the team was without a couple of its leaders Tuesday - Claire Jansma and Anna Kaminski. Jansma led the Trojans with a score of 85 at their own TK Invitational last Friday at Yankee Springs Golf Course. It was an impressive showing for the hosts to scored a runner-up finish behind a talented NorthPointe Christian team that scored a 346. TK shot a 352, with VanStee scoring an 86, Harmens an 89 and Willette a 92. Byron Center was third on the day with a score of 374, ahead of East Grand Rapids 375, Hastings 375, South Christian 384, Wayland 398, Hamilton 398, Lowell 401, West Ottawa 407 and West Catholic 424. The Trojans were happy to finish ahead of their OK Gold Conference rivals from East Grand Rapids, South Christian and Wayland. The Hastings girls were right there with the OK Gold’s best on the day. The Saxons, who got in their first Interstate-8 Athletic Conference jamboree already, were right there with the top teams from the OK Gold. Rylee Honsowitz led the Saxons with a 78. Rayna Honsowitz scored an 81, Reese Warner a 106 and Whitney Craven a 110. “I was very pleased with how my girls played,” Hastings head coach Kristen Laubaugh said. “Both Rylee and Rayna Honsowitz put together great rounds despite have a few mistakes here and there. They have really done a nice job of putting mis­ takes behind them and on focusing on the next shot or hole. “Reese Warner and Whitney Craven both came through for me and had some great holes.” Hastings followed up that tournament with a non-conference dual of its own Tuesday, outscoring Ionia 190 to 209 at Shadow Ridge Golf Course. Rylee Honsowitz scored a 40, Rayna a 42, Warner a 52 and Alyssa Hamilton added a 56 The Vikings’ Jordan Shank watches her tee shot fly on number one on the midday nine during her team’s non-conference dual with Thornapple Kellogg Tuesday at Centennial Acres. (Photo by Brett Bremer) for the Saxons. Thornapple Kellogg’s Julianna Van Meter sends her ball flying towards the green from the fairway on the midday number nine at Centennial Acres Tuesday during the Trojans’ dual with Lakewood. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hastings harriers win Kelloggsville Invite titles The Saxons are collecting hardware already. The Hastings varsity boys’ cross country team finished second to Interstate-8 Athletic Conference rivals Marshall at the Red Hawks’ Marshall Barney Roy Invitational Tuesday at Turkeyville. That performance comes on the heels of both the Saxon boys’ and girls’ teams winning championships at the Kelloggsville Invitational hosted by the South Christian Sports Park last Thursday. The Saxon boys’ team scored just 21 points to win the four-team event last Thursday, besting runner-up Comstock Park’s total of 21 points. Wayland was third with 77 points ahead of NorthPointe Christian 91. Hopkins’ Todd Henley was the individual champion in the boys’ race, finishing in 17 minutes 19.29 seconds. Saxon senior Aidan Makled was the runner-up in 17:35.75. The Hastings boys’ team put four guys in the top seven, and five in the top ten. Jon Arnold was fifth in 18:18.03, Blake Harris sixth in 18:25.31, Braden Tolles seventh in 19:17.23 and Josh Brown tenth in 19:50.30. The Saxons’ sixth and seventh runners were also in the top 20 with Braxton McKenna 15th and Claten Patten 20th. The Saxon girls’ team scored 30 points to edge Wayland which finished with 40. Hopkins was third in the girls’ race with 64 points ahead of Comstock Park with 83. Saxon sophomore Carissa Strouse was the individual champion in 21:27.51. Hastings also had sophomore Allison Teed fourth in 23:21.57, junior Aura Wahl-Piotrowski 11th in 25:05.52, freshman Madison Nino 14th in 25:15.78 and freshman Lauren Arnold 17th in 25:23.34. Hastings sophomore Arian Bond, Hannah Crozier and Hannah Vann were all right on the heels of the fifth Wayland scorer in the race, placing 20th, 21st and 22nd respectively. Wayland freshman Olivia Barabas was the runner-up, hitting the line in 22:35.22, more than a minute behind Strouse. Barabas’ team­ mate, senior Grade Hasse, was third in 23:02.35. Tuesday at Turkey ville, Marshall won both the boys’ and girls’ meets. The Marshall boys outscored the Saxons 40-57 at the top of the standings, ahead of fellow 1-8 foe Parma Wester which finished with 62 points, Olivet 111, Pennfield 114 and Battle Cree St. Philip 138. Makled was the individual champion there with a time of 16:45, a second ahead of Parma Western sophomore Jacob Singleton. Hastings also had Harris fourth in 17:41 and Jon Arnold fifth in 17:42, as well as Tolles 16th in 18:49 and McKenna 43rd in 21:35. The Marshall girls won with 43 points, besting Parma Western with 69, St. Philip 100, Galesburg-Augusta 103, Olivet 107, Hastings 118 and Pennfield 178. Strouse placed fourth on the day with a time of 20:45. Marshall junior Maliy ah The Hastings varsity boys’ and girls’ cross country teams celebrate with their plaques after winning championships Thursday at the Kelloggsville Invitational at the South Christian Sports Park. Alexander-Gore won the race in 19:54. Parma Western sophomore Alyna Lewis was second in 20:15. Teed was second for the Saxons, placing 16th in 22:07. Wahl-Piotrowski was third in 24:23, ahead of Nino in 37th with a time of 24:24 and Vann in 51st with a time of 25:19. New varsity netters settling in for TK and Lakewood Thornapple Kellogg fourth singles player Robert Holler hits a forehand return back at his foe from Lakewood during the Trojans’ 7-1 win over the visiting Vikings in Middleville Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Brady Gawne made it to the top of the lad­ der this fall for the Lakewood varsity boys’ tennis team. Gawne, a junior, is making the jump up from second singles to first singles. He got the lone victory for the Vikings as they opened their season with a 7-1 loss in a non-confer­ ence dual with Thornapple Kellogg in Middleville Thursday. Coach Karrie Carter said she expects Gawne to be one of the top players in the area overall this season. The team also brings back seniors Owen Rickerd and Andrew Finsaas. The third dou­ bles team from a year ago is jumping up to first doubles now. “The boys have been working hard during the offseason,” coach Carter said. “Our new additions have athletic ability to become strong players.” The list of new additions to the Vikings’ varsity line-up includes a trio of singles play­ ers, senior Caleb Coates, sophomore Clay Dumond and sophomore Asher Teigler. Teigler, playing his first varsity tennis match, pushed Thomapple Kellogg’s fourth singles player Robert Holler who is another new varsity player,through three tough sets before ultimately falling Thursday 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (3). He was the only Viking other than Gawne to take a set off the Trojans. Holler was a late call-up to the varsity with one of the Trojans’ expected starting singles players, Bennett Halle, out with an injury. “Win or lose, I was pretty darn satisfied for a kid like that who comes out swinging and fighting,” TK head coach Philipe Sylvestre said of Holler. “He dogged it out. They both dogged it out actually, which was really neat.” Nearly all of the spots in the Trojans’ line­ up were still up for grabs as of late last week. Daniel Middleton has filled the first singles spot so far this season, still battling with Nick Vreeland, Bennett Halle and Jack Geukes for that top spot. Vreeland scored a 6-0, 6-1 win over Lakewood’s Coates at number two singles and Geukes scored a 6-0, 6-1 win over the Vikings’ Dumond at number three. Lakewood forfeited the fourth doubles spot, and TK had the team of James Thome and Payton Wilkinson win at number one, Morton and Wedyke win at number two and Gavin Denman and Ethan Oly score a victory at third doubles. Coach Sylvestre said he has been pleased with the improvements already from Thome and Wilkinson, and really likes how Morton and Wedyke have begun to gel as a unit. j Oly was at fourth doubles a year ago, and is the only returning player who was a part of the Trojans’ regional line-up a year ago. DK gets a look at some SAC foes at Rustbuster Invite Lakewood fourth singles player Asher Tiegler hits a serve during a tiebreaker in the third set of his match in Middleville Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads The Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ cross country team was sixth and the boys’ team seventh at the nine-team Southwest Michigan Rustbuster Invitational Tuesday. Jenison dominated the day’s event, winning the boys’ meet with just 20 points and the girls’ meet with 29 points. The Wildcats had seven girls in the top 15 in their race and eight guys matched that feat. Senior Matt Lester was the top finisher for Delton Kellogg. He was 14th in the boys’ meet in 18 minutes 46.76 seconds. Jenison had the first three guys across the finish line in the boys’ race. It was a group led by junior Connor Vachon who came in at 16: 30.48. Teammate Nick Walters was second in 17:08.73 and Connor Lubberts third in 17: 19.81. Coloma was second in the boys’ team standings with 103 points, ahead of Paw Paw 123, Gobles 127, South Haven 127, Schoolcraft 138, Delton Kellogg 142, Kalamazoo Hackett Catholic Prep 189 and Niles 223. Junior Micah Ordway was the Panthers’ number two, finishing just behind Lester in 16th place with a time of 19:09.05. DK also had Austin Blocker 34th in 20:53.60, Hayden Walker 57th in 22:36.63 and Micah Martin 74th in 23:57.21. Aubrey Aukerman led the DK girls, placing 16th in 22:37.57 and teammate Halena Phillips was right behind in 17th in 22:42.71. Delton Kellogg senior Lily Timmerman was 39th in 24:36.26, senior Hailey Buckner 44th in 25:12.58 and freshman Joelle White was 73rd in 29:56.24. Paw Paw was second to the Jenison girls with 85 points, ahead of Coloma 94, Niles 102, South Haven 105, Delton Kellogg 145, Schoolcraft 168, Bangor 202 and Gobles 269. Niles senior Kaylle Thompson won the race in 19:37.60. Jenison had freshman Maya Guikema second in 20:17.88 and senior Ashley Winger third in 20:25.91. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, August 29, 2019 — Page 17 Vikings score 10 total goals in first two games Brett Bremer Sports Editor Lakewood scored ten goals through its first two games. The Vikings didn’t really turn things on in their Greater Lansing Activities Conference opener against visiting Perry until the second half Wednesday at Lakewood High School. Steven Bierins, a senior attacker, shot right through the center of the Rambler formation to score 30 seconds into the second half, bumping the Lakewood varsity boys’ soccer team’s lead to 3-1 at the time and the Vikings went on to a 5-1 win over the Ramblers. Bierins scored three times against Perry, and improving his season total to six goals on the season after also scoring three goals in a 5-0 win at Delton Kellogg to start the season. “Maybe we finished better in the second half, but I think that was (Perry) kind of tiring out and us taking advantage of opportunities,” Lakewood head coach James LeVeque said Wednesday. “I thought we played to about the same level in each half, but we missed a lot of shots in the first half.” Perry scored the opening goal of the game after a Lakewood defender took one moment too long with the ball in the back and the Ramblers were able to chip a shot over the Viking keeper Alex Walker who wasn’t pre­ pared for the chance two and a half minutes into the game. “Overall I was happy. We passed the ball decent. We need to pass it a little more. We have a little too much individual play once we get into the attacking third. We pass the ball well out of the back and then we get to the attacking third and we have too many guys who are just thinking goal. We needed to improve on getting into that attacking third and instead of being a guy who is looking to put it in the back of the net, being the guy who The Vikings’ Connor Feighman and Perry’s Tyler Bogner look to chase down a loose ball during the second half of the Lakewood boys’ 5-1 win over the visiting Ramblers to open the GLAC season Wednesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Lakewood’s Drew Marquoit breaks towards the center of the field with the ball during the second half of his team’s win over Perry to open the GLAC season Wednesday at Lakewood High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) finds the open guy for the easy finish. That will improve us.” LeVeque said there are pluses and minuses each way. He said a year ago he was trying to convince Bierins to fire more shots on goal. That improved confidence in the offensive end has helped the Vikings get off to a good start on the scoreboard so far this season. Coach LeVeque said Bierins has had the chance to add even more goals, but is still working on getting his shot to the comers of the net. As well as scoring three times, Bierins also assisted on a goal by Caleb Fletcher that put his team up 2-1 midway through the first half. Bierins had just scored two minutes earlier to tie the game. Drew Marquoit scored for the Vikings a little over three and a half minutes into the second half, and Bierins added the game’s final tally midway through the second half. The Vikings are now 3-2 overall this season after Ipaying at the Wyandotte Roosevelt tour­ nament Saturday, falling 1-0 to the hosts and 3-0 to Taylor following a 1-0 win over Southgate Anderson. Lakewood is looking forward to its Tackle Hunger ballgame, Sept. 5 against visiting Dansville. That will also be the Vikings’ Youth Night at the soccer field. Fans can turn in non-perishable items, that will be donated to Manna’s Market, for admission to the con­ test. Lots of running, lifting, shooting, swinging at Summerfest The TCU team celebrates with its trophies after taking the title in the 12-14 age division Saturday at the Jim Jensen Memorial 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament at Tyden Park. Team members are Aubree Rowse, Peightyn Cronk, Maddox Greenfield and Eastin Tibble. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Emma Miller competes in the deadlift as the annual Summerfest Weightlifting competition takes over space in the street in downtown Hastings Saturday morning. (Photo by Perry Hardin) The Legends receive their hardware after winning the 15-17 age division Saturday at the Jim Jensen Memorial 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament at Tyden Park. Team members are (from left) Cam Post, Finn Banks, Ethan Henry and Jacob DeHaan. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Backwoods Triathlon moves into its bowling phase at Hastings Bowl, in between golf and corn hole, Saturday during Hastings Summerfest. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Taylor Carter celebrates winning her division at the Hastings Summerfest 5K/10K Saturday on the medal stand. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Runners take off at the start of the Hastings Summerfest 5K/10K Saturday morning in downtown Hastings. (Photo by Perry Hardin) AT RIGHT: Stinky Cheese celebrates its win in the 18-and-up division at the annual Jim Jensen Memorial 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament at Tyden Park Saturday during Hastings Summerfest. Team members are (from left) Jim Hirneiss, Dustin Mead, Amad Montgomery and Ryan Mead. (Photo by Brett Bremer) �Page 18 — Thursday, August 29, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Trojans shut out Saxons for second victory Brett Bremer Sports Editor Chances came at a steady clip for the Thomapple Kellogg varsity boys’ soccer team in its non-conference contest at Hastings Thursday. The Trojans fired off 28 shots, put 18 on target, but it took a little bit of time for one of those on target strikes to find its mark. Once one did, the Trojans scored at a steady clip as well. The TK boys improved to 2-1 on the season with a 5-0 victory over the host Saxons inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field. Caden Goudzwaard scored four times and assisted on the Trojans’ first goal of the bailgame. Goudzwaard ripped a shot just over the Saxon net, and that was soon followed by point-blank attempt from Aiden Hannapel that bounded just wide of the Hastings goal. Finally, with 17:27 to go in the first half Goudzwaard played a ball through the Hastings defense that teammate Tyler Gehres ran onto. Gehres dodged one defender at the top of the Saxon box and then put a shot past Hastings senior keeper Dane Barnes. There was good timing on the play. The Trojans had moments of great timing offen­ sively, and a few others where things were just off that took away even more scoring chances. A couple offside penalties prevented a few more charges in on goal by Goudzwaard* TK head coach David Wood said that is a combination of the attacker at the backline of the defense, but responsibility goes to the player possessing the ball in the midfield as well. “A lot of the times the movement is on point. We just have to be able to make sure that the ball comes off the foot of the attacker a little bit quicker,” Wood said. “A lot of times we have to start connecting a bit faster through the midfield third.” Hannapel timed another ball through per- Hastings goalkeeper Dane Barnes and defender Kaiden Shumway keep a close watch on the ball after a collision sending Thornapple Kellogg attacker Noah Shumway tumbling away from the play Thursday at Hastings High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) fectly, with Goudzwaard attacking the Saxons’ backline with five minutes to go in the first half. Hannapel rolled a pass through and Goudzwaard ran onto it and ripped a shot through Barnes’ fingers. “We just fell apart. It happened. They’re a good team. They’re aggressive. They move the ball, and we didn’t react accordingly,” Hastings head coach Tim Schoessel said. “They have things to work on. We have been working on them, and they went away from them.” “We are trying to move the ball outside, make a couple better passes. We have to con­ Hastings’ Paxton Walden steps in to try and get the ball off the feet of Thornapple Kellogg’s Aiden Hannapel as he charges in on the Saxon net during Thursday’s non­ conference ballgame inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field. (Photo by Brett Bremer) nect more passes. But we fooled around with it too much in back tonight, and it cost us. We know better. (Goudzwaard) scored on us four times and he didn’t need to.” Goudzwaard just beat Saxon defenders around the box to find room to score his three second-half goals. “(Hannapel, Goudzwaard and Hunter DeHaan) are connecting real well. The back line is working real well. We haven’t really been tested too much on goal tonight.” The Trojans are now 3-1 overall this sea­ son. They opened the OK Gold Conference season in Middleville Monday by scoring a 2-1 victory over visiting East Grand Rapids. Hastings is currently 2-2-1 overall this sea­ son. The Saxons split a pair of ballgames at the Wayland Invitational Saturday and then finished in a 0-0 draw with Otsego Monday. Auston Ruth earned the shut out in goal for TK Thursday, making four saves. “We are trying to play a bit of a different system this year. It is taking us a bit of time to get used to it ” Wood said. “We have quite a few people scoring some goals. The movement is good. We’re just try­ ing in the last few games to try a few things out for conference,” he added. Call 269-945-9554 any time for Hastings Banner classified ads ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS Al Exceptional Care Close to Home Increasing your access to exceptional health care, close to home is a priority for Spectrum Health. Jamie McCartney, MD Adam Mitchell, DO Rebecca Eckert, FNP Caledonia Caledonia Gun Lake Our local providers are not just experts in their field; they are also a part of your community. 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Rodgers Court, Suite A Family Medicine - Middleville Caledonia, Ml 49316 490 Edward Street 616.891.0422 Middleville, Ml 49333 � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-09-05.pdf 90bf6ac1e99b9e136b6128cc9f095f63 PDF Text Text Law could help save threatened wildlife Fans fumble on respect QB’s decision deserves Football starts with lightning, TDs and TOs See Story on Page 14 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 12 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 804879110187 1070490102590503938049058113421 LOT,.C 005 C005 ANNER Richard Hemerling 421 N Taffee Dr Hastings Ml 49058-1134 6/30/2020 9:47.00 AM arvtj mi NEWS Athena luncheon is tomorrow The local Athena Leadership Luncheon will be from noon to 1:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 6, at the Walldorff Brewpub and Bistro in Hastings. Janis Fitzgerald, a Middleville resident and volunteer at Thomapple Kellogg schools, will be the guest speaker. The luncheon kicks off the Athena nominations and will honor past recipi­ ents. Tickets, which include lunch, are $25 each or $175 for a table that seats eight. Guests may pre-register at https:// tinyurl.com/Athenaluncheon. Trail group to meet Sept. 11 The local chapter of the North Country National Scenic Trail will meet at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11, at Delton District Library. The Chief Noonday chapter includes Barry, Calhoun and Kalamazoo counties. The meetings are open to anyone with interest in the group or the trail, regardless or membership. The next meeting will be an “open mic hight,” with individuals sharing tales of “interesting folks I’ve meet while on the North Country Trail.” The library is at 330 N. Grove St. (M-43), Delton. Anyone who wants to gather before the meeting may meet for supper at 5:30 p.m. at Bowens Family Dining, 11176 S M-43 Hwy on the south side of Delton going out of town. Hastings Kmart to close by end of year . • Greg Chandler Staff Writer After 29 years in Hastings - and numerous times dodging corporate downsizing - the Kmart store will close its doors by the end of the year. The store at 802 W. State St. is one of eight Kmart locations in Michigan and one of 77 nationally that have been targeted for closure by parent company TransformCo. “The liquidation sales are expected to begin in mid-September, and the stores are planned to close by mid-December,” company spokes­ man Larry Costello said in a prepared state­ ment to the Banner. The closure did not come as a surprise to Hastings City Manager Jerry Czarnecki. “You always knew it was on the horizon,” Czarnecki said, noting the longstanding finan­ cial troubles of Kmart and Sears. “We’re thankful that in the early rounds of closings, it didn’t happen [here].” Czarnecki added that the full impact of the closing on the Hastings community won’t be felt until after it takes place. ’ ■ ■ ■ . “We’re going to have to wait and see,” he said. Travis Alden, executive director of the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance, said it is always difficult for a community when a busi­ ness closes, but that the Kmart closure says a lot more about the business model of big-box retailers, such as Kmart and Sears, than an assessment of the local economy. “The silver lining is that workforce is in high demand here in Barry County, and there are many opportunities for immediate, quality re-employment,” Alden said. “Our partners at West Michigan Works here in Hastings are reaching out to Kmart to offer rapid-response services with regard to job placement.” No information on the exact number of employees affected by the closure was pro­ vided by TransformCo. Rumors circulated in the fall of 2016 that the Hastings Kmart was slated to be closed. At See KMART, page 7 I ■z ■■ ‘ . - ■ - The Kmart store at 802 W. State St. in Hastings is among eight in Michigan expect­ ed to close later this year. Hastings store would have marked its 29th anniversary later this month. 5 'i ■ I Royal Coach development moves forward Rebecca Pierce Editor Downtown housing in Hastings got a $250,000 infusion last Thursday - and that anonymous gift fueled the purchase of two contiguous parcels at 325 and 420 E. Mill St. One is the site of the former Royal Coach factory. The title to the property was transferred from Hastings Manufacturing Co. to the Barry Community Foundation’s Royal Coach Acquisitions LLC, which will sell the proper­ ty to developer General Capital Corp. “Will you tell Larry we did it?” Ken Holbrook asked Chris Cooley as they left the title office ih Hastily Thursday. Holbrook, presiderifCand chief executive officer of Hastings Manufacturing, was refer­ ring to Hastings philanthropist Larry Baum, who had an option on the property. Baum is “the heart and soul of this project,” Holbrook said. Cooley was present for the title transfer along with Earlene Baum. Both represent LRB Ventures. Bonnie Gettys, president and CEO of the community foundation, and Fred Jacobs, chairman of the foundation board, also were present representing Royal Coach Acquisition LLC. Earlene Baum said she was happy to sign the property transfer on behalf of her husband, who “has been trying for years to get this thing accomplished. He’s just thrilled that it’s finally taken care of. He’s so anxious to have Hastings have some affordable housing that we so badly need.” “Hastings is blossoming,” she said. Holbrook agreed, pointing out, “When I first came here, I saw the sign that said ‘Hastings on the Thomapple.’ Now we cafi celebrate and * have something on the Thomapple that makes good sense for the city.” -2 Cooley said, “I think one of things that Larry is most pleased with is that we’re able See ROYAL COACH, pg. 3 Blue Zones gets green light from county board Rebecca Pierce Editor There wasn’t a “no” in the meeting on the mezzanine Tuesday. When the Barry County Board of Commissioners met in the county courthouse in Hastings this week, they were in agreement about everything they voted on even Blue Zones. The public health initiative, which, for the county’s part, involved a request for office space, was pitched to the county board Aug. 6 Hastings Police accepting cadet applications The Hastings City Police Department is accepting applications for cadets until the end of September. The program, which runs until May, currently has seven of its 15 spots open for high school students from the Barry County area. Cadets meet twice a month, once for community service, such as raking leaves, working with United Way or Shop with a Cop, and once for training activities. Participants learn from state and local officers about such police aspects as traf­ fic stops, crime scene investigation and more. Hastings City Police Sgt. Kris Miller, who oversees the program, said it gives cadets contacts for the future if they want to go into the police academy. Students can pick up applications at the Hastings City Police Department front desk. and died a week later in a 4-3 vote. Commissioners Heather Wing, Vivian Conner, Jon Smelker and Howard Gibson voted against it. Tuesday, the board considered the question again and Conner, Smelker and Gibson changed their minds; Wing was absent. Two reasons for the changed votes were the assurance that this information technology See BLUE ZONES, page 2 Test scores have schools bracing for third-grade reading law impact Taylor Owens Staff Writer . . Michigan recently released the M-STEP scores from the last school year, and district officials are working to parse the data especially when it comes to third-grade reading. The Read by Grade Three Law, which was passed in 2016, goes into effect this fa|, and schools have been using all three years to prepare for it. The law requires third students who are a year or more behind in reading to be held back. The state uses M-STEP scores to determitfe ■ ? if students need to be held back, / GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! although educators say the test isn’t the best indicator of where students are at - some­ thing even the state points out. “Summative assessments like the M-STEP are a snapshot taken at one moment in time and reflect only a very small portion of a student’s education,” state Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice said last week in a Michigan Department of Education press release announcing that the embargo had been lifted from the M-STEP scores. In the M-STEP scores from the end of See M-STEP, page 7 M-STEP THIRD GRADE ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS SCORES Subscribe to the Hastings Banner Call 269-945-9554 for more information PRICE 750 Thursday, September 5, 2019 166, No. 36 £ VOLUME ____________ During public comment Tuesday (top row, from left) Allison Troyer Wiswell, Mark A. Doster, Dr. James Weatherhead, Marsha Bassett; (second row) Stacey Youngs, Mike Bremer, (third row) Bonnie Gettys, Janine Dalman, Travis Alden; (bottom row) Rev. Linnea Stifler, Carla Wilson-Neil and Fred Jacobs urged Barry County Commissioners to approve the Blue Zones request. SCHOOL DISTRICT Delton Kellogg Hastings Maple Valley Lakewood Thornapple Kellogg 2017 30.4 49.1 28.8 65 51.3 2018 19.2 41.3 37.3 48.2 55.7 STATE AVERAGE 44.4 45.1 �Page 2 — Thursday, September 5, 2019 — The Hastings Banner BLUE ZONES, continued from page 1 data would reside in the cloud, not on the health department server, Smelker said, and that a 30-day out that would allow the letter pf agreement to be terminated, Conner and Gibson said. But, before they voted to support the Blue Zones arrangement in the health department building in Hastings, more than a dozen citi­ zens - doctors, hospital officials, business and community representatives - spoke in support ofthe Blue Zones proposal. One of the first to speak for the initiative was Dr. Robert Schirmer, former medical director of the health department and private practice physician. • Schirmer asked the board to support Blue Zones, among other items on its agenda, since all are consistent with the mission of the county board, he said. “The mission of the commissioners is an awesome responsibility,” he pointed out. “For those of us in the audience, I’d like us to listen to the mission statement: ‘Barry County pro­ tects its citizens’ rights to safe, healthy and prosperous community through responsible county leadership.’ “Well, what is health? The World Health Organization back in 1946 defined health as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being - and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Wow. The right to a Healthy community, to complete physical mental and social well-being. Barry County commissioners have an incredible charge. “But what are some of the challenges fac­ ing commissioners and threatening the well-being of its citizens? I’ll just mention one: Decreasing life expectancy.” Schirmer told the gathering that, for the past three years, life expectancy has gotten shorter. “The last time this happened was back in 1918 with the pandemic flu,” he said. “Now, there are a number of reasons for this. One of them seems to be that there’s an increase in death rate among white non-Hispanic males dnd females who’ve not attended college, and they’re dying from what are called ‘Diseases of Despair’ - Drug overdoses, including alco­ hol, suicides, particularly firearm suicides, and alcoholic liver disease.” 'Schirmer asked the board to OK an agree­ ment for Blue Zones LLC, which had asked for approval to use office space in the county health department building. . The goal is to strive to make the healthy choice the easy choice and protect citizens’ rights to a healthy community, he said. Blue Zones is a public health initiative with “the potential to fundamentally transform the health” of Barry County residents, according to Sheryl Lewis Blake, a Rutland Township resident and recently retired CEO of Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital in Hastings. ■. The initiative has financial backing of about $1.4 million from a variety of commu­ nity partners, foundations, local businesses, philanthropists, and the health care communi­ ty “to create a shared vision together of actu- Dr. Robert Schirmer addresses the Barry County board. ally impacting the quality of life of our com­ munity.” The project is based on a research project published about 10 years ago by National Geographic that documented five communi­ ties with specific similarities that contributed to citizen longevity. “The Blue Zones project is a systems approach in which schools, employers, churches, agencies, grocery stores, restau­ rants, elected officials, community leaders and citizens collaborate on policies and pro­ grams that move us [our community] toward better health and well-being,” Lewis Blake told commissioners when she first pitched the project in August. Barry County would be the first in Michigan to establish Blue Zones. Lewis Blake went before the board Tuesday to express her surprise and disappointment at the board’s previous decision to reject the plan. After Dr. Schirmer, Fred Jacobs, CEO of J-Ad Graphics, addressed the board. “I look at myself as the county historian. I know Dr. Schirmer said that health care is a right. But people in business know that, just because something’s a right, doesn’t mean it’s going to happen.” For that reason, a local coalition was formed 20 years ago in an effort to do some­ thing about health problems, Jacobs said. The fact that Blue Zones, an international organization, has an interest in Barry County “says a lot about what we’ve accomplished and what we need to do.” he said. “... There are people willing to put hundreds of thou­ sands of dollars in this because they’re con­ vinced, if we focus, if we invest, we can continue to make a difference.” In companies today, health care is the No. 1 problem - and it has been for 20 years, Jacobs said. “How do you control health care? It’s a hard, hard issue,” he said. Blue Zones would make a difference for companies in Barry County “and might even be an attraction for a number of other companies.” Carla Wilson-Neil, chief operating officer at Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital, said she attended the first Blue Zones meeting and was impressed. “I’m here as a person who believes in lon­ gevity,” she said. “And, like Fred, I love the concept of us being the first. I have full confi­ dence in the health department who represents this county ... and for support of Blue Zones.” Linnea Stifler, priest at Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Hastings, said one of the nine components that contribute to longevity is the spiritual component. The values espoused by Blue Zones and the support peo­ ple have for one another are a key to longevi­ ty, she said. . Travis Alden, executive'director of the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance, said there are few opportunities to do something really catalytic for a county, and Blue Zones is one of those opportunities. “Barry County is not afraid to be a trail­ blazer, and I think that’s a real opportunity we have in front of us today.” Alden told the board. Janine Dalman, director of marketing with Spectrum Health Pennock, told commission­ ers, “This is something that can really elevate the county.” Bonnie Gettys, CEO and president of the Barry Community Foundation, expressed her disappointment at the board’s vote last month. “With this, the county commissioners can be proud of the fact that you, too, are part of this initiative, that you are part of sponsoring this - without putting any money in. “When was the last time someone asked you to sponsor something without putting any money in?” Mike Bremer, supervisor of Thomapple Township, said he was flabbergasted at the board’s decision not to approve the Blue Zones agreement. “It wasn’t my plan to speak on this today. I just want you to know this is so important.” Stacey Youngs works for Spectrum Health Pennock but said she was speaking to the commissioners as a mom. Youngs visited a Blue Zone community in Oregon “and wit­ Juveniles facing charges in break-in Greg Chandler Staff Writer At least two of the five teenagers arrest­ ed in connection with last month’s break-in at Al and Pete’s Sport Shop in Hastings will face adult charges, but in a juvenile court setting. Barry County Chief Assistant Prosecutor David Banister Wednesday authorized charges against the suspects, all of whom are under 17 years old, stemming from the Aug. 23 burglary in which guns were taken from the shop at 111 S. Jefferson St. At least two individuals will face four felony charges tied to the break-in: break­ ing and entering with intent, conspiracy to commit breaking and entering with intent, larceny of firearms, and possession of bur­ glary tools. They will be tried through the juvenile court system under a process known as designation, meaning the sus­ pects could have any convictions treated on their records as if they were adults but not be sentenced as adults, Banister said. The remaining suspects face less serious charges. None of the suspects’ names are being released because of their juvenile status. Potential penalties may include juvenile detention, making restitution or community service, Banister said. According to Hastings Police, the sus­ pects broke into Al and Pete’s shortly before 1:30 am. Four suspects were arrest­ ed at the scene while a fifth turned himself in later in the day. All of the weapons taken from the store were recovered, police said. Police also have connected the suspects to a break-in at the Hastings High School football stadium a few hours before the Al and Pete’s break-in. Hearings for the suspects are expected within the next two weeks, Banister said. Barry County Commissioners Howard Gibson, Jon Smelker and Ben Geiger listen to presentations at the Committee of the Whole meeting Tuesday. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) “There’s an increase in death rate among white non-Hispanic males and females who’ve not attended college, and they’re dying from what are called ‘Diseases of Despair’ - drug overdoses, including alcohol, suicides, particularly firearm suicides, and alcoholic liver disease.” Dr. Robert Schirmer nessed what a difference it made for all peo­ ple - not just wealthy. It’s so important that we change our habits. Make the choice the easy choice. ... Put a desk where it needs to be.” Marsha Bassett also works at the hospital. She lives in Delton. She said she attended a Blue Zones meeting and was excited about what it would mean for Delton. Dr. James Weatherhead, representing healthcare providers, said he has retired from 41 years of primary care practice. “I’m here to talk about things that medical providers in Barry County - who are busy putting out fires - see, in many ways, as, self-induced. We look around at behaviors, and it occurs to us that there might be some­ thing that could be done. “Blue Zones is something that supports the medical studies.” “Often, how long and well you live seems like it has to do with your ZIP code,” he point­ ed out. “Blue Zones seems to address many of these issues in a multifaceted way.” Then Weatherhead emphasized: “The med­ ical care establishment cares deeply about getting started.” Mark A. Doster, of Prairieville, was the last to speak during the first public comment por­ tion of the meeting. “If I were sitting in your chairs I would be hard-pressed not to agree with” the people who addressed the board, he said. Michigan teachers: Flunking won’t help kids read. We have better ideas Bridge Magazine With school back in session, thousands of third-graders in Michigan streamed into their classrooms for the first time this week. More than 5,000 of them could return to third-grade classrooms again next fall. That’s because Michigan’s “read or flunk law,” which was passed in 2016, goes into effect this school year. The law mandates that third-graders who cannot read at grade level at the end of the year must repeat the year. “Overall, I think the policy is a dud,” Heidi Knuuttila, a third-grade teacher in Hancock, told Bridge Magazine. “Getting all students to read is an amazing goal - I just question the logic behind penalizing students who are struggling and whose parents may not know about loop-holes.” The law is the latest policy in a chum of legislative efforts to reverse a decade-long decline in literacy rates that has left Michigan 41st in nationwide reading scores. Less than half of state third-graders, 45 percent, were proficient in English language arts, according to M-STEP test scores released last week. To gauge how the law will impact class­ rooms, Bridge convened 29 statewide teach­ ers this summer in a private Facebook group to discuss all things literacy - from Lansing’s efforts to root causes and even good books on education reform. The group was diverse in geography - with participants from Houghton to Detroit - to experience, with some relatively new and others decades-long veterans. The vast major­ ity teach kindergarten to third grade, while one is a learning specialist who works with students in Detroit and Ecorse and another recently retired as an administrator in East Lansing. Despite their differences, most agreed that “read or flunk” doesn’t rank high on their reform wish list, preferring instead a uniform approach to teaching reading, more training and money to shrink class sizes. It won’t hurt, but it won’t help. Here’s the good part - none of the teachers anticipates literacy rates getting worse because of the new law. I But only two predicted literacy rates would improve. Others who responded to a group poll online expect to see little to no change. “This is a classic case of legislators not listening to teachers - , or research,” wrote Barbara Gottschalk, a K-5 English as a sec­ ond language teacher in Troy who testified against the bill and has written multiple op-eds against the policy. Studies differ on whether holding students back helps, hurts or has no impact on literacy. Florida enacted a similar “read or flunk poli­ cy” nearly two decades ago, and a Harvard study found initial gains in academic achieve­ ment faded after five yars. Other research found an increase in the percentage of poor or minority students held back after the law. Critics of Michigan’s new law have Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the state’s new super­ intendent, Michael Rice, on their side. Rice called the policy a “bad law” “based on the false premise that the beatings will continue until reading improves. It’s far too punitive and comes with too few resources.” Whitmer said in March she would like to “get rid” of the retention law. Rep. Kristy Pagan, D-Canton Township, submitted a bill to repeal the law in May of this year. Republicans control the Legislature and support the law, however, so the repeal has little chance of reaching the governor’s desk. Kristen Kariainen, a Houghton County sec­ ond-grade teacher, is more optimistic about the reform. She said her district, Dollar Bay Tamarack City Area Schools near Houghton in the Upper Peninsula, took literacy more seriously since the read or flunk law passed. “We have made this a driving force for us — in the past three years we went from about a 60 percent [reaching their literacy goals]... to over 80 percent,” Kariainen told the group. The school improved scores by instituting a reading block during the day with support staff for all children and implementing “con­ sistent progress monitoring for data decision making,” Kariainen wrote. School staff meet six times during the year to track progress and adjust as necessary. How about literacy coaches? Whitmer wants to improve literacy by increasing funding for reading coaches. Her budget proposal recommends $55.4 million for coaches, a $24 million increase. That would triple the number of coaches statewide to 279, but still only be enough to fund coach­ es in half the state’s 587 districts. Thirteen teachers in Bridge’s group were undecided about the potential impact of the coaches, while eight said they’d help scores and seven saying they wouldn’t move the needle. Theresa Hazard, an elementary teacher in White Pigeon south of Kalamazoo, said read­ ing coaches can “make a huge impact” when they meet daily with the same students. Research indicates coaches can be helpful if programs are properly implemented. “Literacy coaches are a great resource for teachers and districts,” wrote Kevin Molenkamp, a teacher kindergarten teacher in Kentwood. “I am unsure if the [number of literacy coaches Whitmer’s proposal would fund] would make enough difference.” Let’s give additional training a shot Teachers instead pushed for continual train­ ing with literacy education and what Flint kindergarten teacher Jennifer Maybee called a “uniform philosophy on teaching reading.” “Districts do their own thing,” she said, who called the state’s pell-mell approach to literacy education “kind of a cluster.” To really improve, Michigan must move beyond individual educators’ “philosophy” and rely on educational research into what works best, said Macomb County learning consultant Sheryl Ferlito. “Do surgeons have philosophy on surgery or do they follow research?” Ferlito asked. Nancy Williams, a literacy specialist at Children’s Dyslexia Center in Bay City, said vast amounts of research already exists on how young brains process language but “it is not communicated to teachers.” “It takes ongoing [professional develop­ ment] in language to learn how the brain processes. It would be ideal if teacher prep did the instruction. But they don’t!” Williams wrote. Kariainen, the Houghton teacher, said teacher preparation programs could better prepare teachers by spending more time on literacy education. She noted that Michigan only requires six college credits of reading instruction for certified teachers. That’s “a super-small percent when you think about how much of our daily time is on literacy,” Kariainen wrote. Ayrica Bakari, a second-grade teacher in Caledonia, agreed. “I would have benefited from taking more courses that focused on explicit literacy instruction” in college. Professional development arose repeatedly as a tactic to sharpen teachers’ skills through­ out their careers. “Hopefully when we know better we do better,” wrote Susan Dameron, an elementary teacher in Benzie County. Calls for robust teacher training come as the use of long-term substitutes explodes across the state. There are more than 2,500 classrooms across the state lead by a long term sub, a tenfold increase in a matter of years. The state does not require any educa­ tional background or training to be a long­ term sub. Just as studies that examine retention, research is mixed on whether teacher training has a major impact on student achievement. Capping class sizes was another idea popu­ lar with the group. A recent survey of Michigan teachers found that 80 percent recommend reducing class sizes to improve student learn­ ing. Smaller class sizes are promoted by groups such as the National Education Association, but some research has found reducing class sizes barely impact student" achievement. “Continuing the conversation” At the end of the two weeks, Ferlito invited fellow participants to keep the conversation rolling. “I’m wondering if others would be interest­ ed...in continuing the conversation via a book club” on “The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America’s Broken Education System - and How to Fix It” by education reporter Natalie Wexler. Published in 2019, the book contends that a critical flaw in the American education sys­ tem is a focus on reading “skills” at the expense of time spent building knowledge about the world. This background knowledge, according to Wexler’s reporting, is context critical to effective reading. Two weeks later, on Aug. 26, a new Facebook group began. With 28 members from multiple states across the country, the vast majority were not part of the initial group. Some members found the group by word of mouth, but most were invited to join by Ferlito, including the book’s author. “I’d be happy to try to answer any ques­ tions you might have about the book and respond to comments...” Wexler told the group. Ferlito told Bridge she hopes the group will “get the conversation started” about what teachers can control in their own classrooms. “You do have influence over this reading situation. We can’t do anything about the third grade reading law or truant kids... but we do have influence. And maybe what we were taught in college or professional development in our own state isn’t actually what we should be doing... Maybe there is another body of information we should be doing that.” �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 5, 2019 Page 3 ROYAL COACH, continued from page 1 Developers propose making the building’s structure part of the design, with installation of trails to promote the natural beauty of its location near the Thornapple River, re-introducing a riparian landscape as the land slopes to the river. This aerial view of the Royal Coach building is from the 1940s. to do this with the community foundation, so you know the people we’re working with have Hastings’ best interests at heart. Gettys said the project, which could add as many as 149 apartments and townhome-style dwellings, meets the foundation’s mission of improving lives by bridging resources. “We talked a lot about that,” Gettys said. “We talked about the importance of the com­ munity foundation and the [Barry County Economic Development Alliance] really driv­ ing the type of build that we do so it does meet that missing middle-income housing piece even new teachers coming in. They have so much college debt. They don’t have enough money set aside to be able to purchase a home, yet we want them to stay here. “How can we get them to remain in our community... if they can’t attain housing that’s safe and affordable?” Royal Coach is one of several develop­ ments intended to fill that niche. The project, presented by Sig Strautmanis, principal with Wisconsin-based General Capital Corp., at an Aug. 5 Hastings City Council session, calls for 73 apartments and 19 townhome-style dwellings to be construct­ ed on the 8.2 acres once owned by Hastings Manufacturing across the river from Thornapple Plaza. Abandoned factory buildings - including one occupied in the mid-1900s to build Royal Coach camper trailers - will be redone by General Capital using what Strautmanis char­ acterized as “adaptive reuse historic preserva­ tion.” The intention is to make the character of the building’s steel and timber structure part of the new design. The design plan also will include installation of trails to promote the natural beauty of its location near the river, re-introducing a riparian landscape as the land slopes to the river. Price points will be structured to accommo­ date market-level rates that will help offset affordable rental rates for middle-market income residents, which Gettys emphasized. “The foundation, United Way, and the chamber of commerce have a vision for fami­ lies to be economically stable,” she said. “One of the big assets a family can have is a safe, affordable home. And that’s only part of the vision.” The $250,000 anonymous gift that allowed the purchase of the two parcels to move for­ ward “was given to us by one of our donor advisers in Barry County,” Gettys said. That money is to be used to pay for projects that spur housing development, she said, add­ ing that any profits are to be re-invested in other projects and “used to increase our capacity for housing in the community.” At the council meeting in August, Strautmanis referenced a study commissioned by the United Way - called Asset Limited Income Constrained Employment - which examined the struggle for households that earn above the federal poverty level but do not earn enough income to afford a barebones household budget. According to that study, in Michigan, an income of $16.24 hourly wage is needed to afford a two-bedroom apartment. The pro­ posed Royal Coach project would address that income level. When Strautmanis met with city officials, he estimated the total cost of the development would be $17.2 million. The project took another step forward Tuesday night when the city planning com­ mission passed a resolution recommending that the city council approve General Capital’s planned unit development request. Fred Jacobs, chairman of the Barry County Community Foundation board; (from left) with Ken Holbrook, president and chief executive officer of Hastings Manufacturing; Bonnie Gettys, president and CEO of the foundation, representing Royal Coach Acquisition LLC; and Earlene Baum and Chris Cooley, representing LRB Ventures, transfer the title for the former Royal Coach property on East Mill Street in Hastings. The property5 is being sold to General Capital Corp, for a housing development. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Marshall Historic Home Tour is this weekend The lineup is set for the sixth annual Marshall Historic Home Tour Sept. 7-8. The tour began in 1964 and has grown into the longest-running home tour in the Midwest. The Marshall Historical Society uses proceeds to maintain and enhance its three museums and support community efforts to preserve, protect and promote the city’s historic heritage. The Historic Home Tour has its roots in kitchen tours started by a church women’s group in 1957. The event will feature six private homes representing five decades and four architec­ tural styles. The tour also includes six local museums, the city’s hydroelectric plant, the Bogar Theatre and Trinity Episcopal Church. Tour hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 7, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 8. The Honolulu House Museum, 107 N. Kalamazoo Ave., again will be the focal point for activities. Two of the private residences haven’t been on the tour since the early 1990s. They are the 1868 Gothic Revival home of Craig and Debbie Carrel on North Kalamazoo Avenue and the 1880 Queen Anne home of Matt and Kayla Thompson on South Marshall Street. Visitors also can see the progress made in the restoration of Marshall’s only octa­ gon-style house on South Eagle Street. The home, built in 1856, is owned by Marshall Historical Society President George Whelan and his wife, Debra. Tour favorite Oakhill also is part of this , year’s event. The 1858 Italianate home of Tom Franke on North Eagle Street is on the National Register of Historic Places and the Historic American Buildings Survey. The 1870 Italianate home of Beth Rayner on Division Street hasn’t been on the tour since 2003. Twentieth-century architecture is shown in the 1903 Queen-Anne-style cottage of Nate Palmer on Liberty Street. The museums on tour include the three operated by the historical society: The 1860 Honolulu House, the 1903 Marshall Historical Museum at the GAR Hall and the 1860 Capitol Hill School Museum. The tour also includes the 1839 Governor’s Mansion operated by the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Marshall United States Postal Service Museum and the Walters Gasoline Museum. The 1893 Marshall Power House on South Marshall Street proved a popular fea­ ture on the 2016 tour and is back on this year. The city has the country’s third-oldest municipal hydroelectric system operating under its original ownership. The Bogar Theatre has been at its Michigan Avenue location since 1939. During tour hours, it will present continuous showings of a 1941 Marshall Junior Chamber of Commerce movie, along with a film of the 1930 Marshall Centennial Parade. Trinity Episcopal Church on East Mansion Street was completed in 1864. Related home tour events include Art at the Museum, an arts and crafts fair on the Honolulu House grounds; a Civil War encampment at Capitol Hill; and a Civil War Ball in front of the Honolulu House. Other community organizations will have activi­ ties during the tour days. Tickets can be ordered online at marshallhometour.org or by calling 269-781-8544. Tickets are good for both our days. Parking is free, and free shuttle buses will run to the tour sites. Tour co-chairs Ryan and Theresa Underhill are assisted by Matt and Danielle Siebert. “Ryan and I are very excited for the wide variety of historical homes we have on the tour this year,” Theresa Underhill said. “We chose Marshall for our family because we love the hospitality of the community and the amazing history of this town. We hope the tour visitors will feel the same way.” More information is available at marshallhistoricalsociety.org. This drawing shows the proposed site plan for the property on East Mill Street. HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Thursday, Sept. 5 - Baby Cafe and story time, 10 a.m.-noon; Movie Memories group watches 1939 film starring Fred MacMurray, Madeleine Carroll and Katharine Brush, 5 p.m. Monday, Sept. 9 - Quilting Passions Crafting Group, 10 aim.-l p.m. Tuesday, Sept 10 - mahjong, 5:30; chess club, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 11 - Friends of the Library meeting, 6 p.m.; History Hounds tele­ vised live: Bombs Over Michigan: Japanese Balloon Bombs, 7 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. Hip or Knee Pain Got You Down? Don't let hip or knee pain limit the things you love to do. Join us for a program on preventive, nonsurgical and surgical treatments, including hip and robotic-assisted knee joint replacement. Wednesday, September 11 Registration and lunch at 11:45 a.m. Program at noon Barry County Commission on Aging 420 W. Woodlawn Ave., Hastings Register at bronsonhealth.com/classes or call (800) 451-6310. © BRONSON F �Page 4 — Thursday, September 5, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you In My Opinion see? Sheets of rain Fans fumble on respect QB’s decision deserves Rain flows off a roof and spills over a gutter in Hastings during a 30-minute downpour last Thursday night. Nearly 1 % inches fell in that short time, according to the National Weather Service Climatological Station in Hastings manned by Dave MacIntyre. The rain was preceded by unusual lightning that flickered rapidly like a dying lightbulb and thunder that was quieter than the cicadas. b We’re dedicating this space to a photograph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings ^Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI ,49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. 1 Do you remember? New bike shop in town ' J" ' 5 Banner July 11, 1973 The winners - Jon Brownell stands by the Indian motorcycle he purchased, and Mark Meek holds the helmet he won at the grand opening of Jerry and Marcy ’ Beckwith’s Indian Motorcycle Sales Agency at 129 E. * State St., Hastings. Beckwith is continuing to operate his barber shop in conjunction with the Indian Sales 'Agency. a * Have you met? Jason Watson was bom and raised in Hastings and later attended Kellogg Community College. He worked at Viatec for about 10 years and has been at Viking for the past 15 years, working in the research and development department. He and his wife, Karen, have three grown children and a 1-year-old grandson. They were involved with 4-H when their children were younger, and both Jason and Karen were 4-H leaders for more than 10 years. Watson and his family are members at Lifegate Community Church. He serves as treasurer and helps with the audiovisual equipment. He occasionally fills in and preaches at his church, saying even though “it is something I enjoy, I don’t want to do it all the time.” He also volunteers with Family Promise of Barry County. He has served on the board of directors as the treasurer for more than three years, helping Sue and the late Steve Larghi establish the homelessness-prevention program that was launched earlier this year. Watson has gone on four mission trips to Nicaragua through White Dove Church. He and his wife went on two of the trips and he went on another with his youngest daughter. The focus of the week-long trips was setting up feeding stations at a small church or school. At each station, missionaries would “interact with the kids like a quick mini­ vacation Bible school for a couple hours having fun with the kids.” He said he really connected with the organization and wanted others to join him. Watson said he was drawn by “just seeing the impact that it had on the people ... So, I wanted to take other people down there Jason Watson so they could experience it for themselves.” He has a bachelor’s degree in product design engineering from Ferris State University. He is working on finishing his master of business administration and a master of science and engineering at Indiana Tech. For his willingness to go out of the way to lend a helping hand and drive to help those in need, Jason Watson is this week’s Banner Bright Light. Favorite movie: “O Brother, Where Art Thou?” First job: Burger King when it first opened in town many, many years ago. Person I admire: My wife, for putting up with me for so long. Advice for a high school graduate: Find a job you love doing. If I could have a superpower, it would be: Teleportation so I could go anywhere I want. Favorite travel destination: We have been to Branson, Missouri, twice, and I like the area down there. It’s just beautiful country. Hobby: I enjoy woodworking. I do it just for my own enjoyment. I have built a kitchen table for our house. I made a hope chest once for a friend who was graduating. I also built beds for our two girls. Favorite childhood memory: Probably getting my driver’s license. I don’t think that counts as childhood, but young adulthood. If I won the lottery: I would make sure Family Promise had finances to operate. I don’t know how exactly that would be set up. [And I’d] make sure our church had enough, and then set some aside for the kids and grandkids, and then travel. If I could travel anywhere in the world: My choice would be England, and my wife wants to go to Australia, so we would probably have to do both. Someone I’d like to meet: George Washington, to find out the real history of the nation. Favorite food: Prime rib, that’s an easy one. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving personality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. If Andrew Luck, the (former) star quarterback of the Indianapolis Colts, lacked any more reason for retiring from professional football at the still-competitive age of 29, all he needed were the boos, jeers and vitriol from some hometown fans as he left the field following an Aug. 24 preseason game. The (former) fans had learned of Luck’s pending retirement announcement during the game via a leaked social media post by Adam Schefter of the sports media outlet ESPN. The message passed through the stadium crowd faster than one of Luck’s laser touchdown throws that took the Colts to the coveted playoffs in four of the six years he played for the team. Instead of making the announcement as he had scheduled for Sunday, the day following the game, Luck held a 25-minute, hastily called news conference Saturday night which lacked the preparation and full elucidation of how the physical and psychic pain of a career - which included a tom labrum in his throwing shoulder, tom rib cage cartilage, a concussion, lacerated kidney and lower leg and ankle problems had robbed him of the joy in playing a game he has always loved. That didn’t stop the insults and attacks that have laced social and broadcast media since Luck’s announcement. “Retiring cause [sic] rehabbing is ‘too hard’ is the most millennial thing ever,” former Notre Dame basketball player Doug Gottlieb said on Fox Sports Radio, leading a cadre of critics calling Luck “too soft.” Even some fantasy football leaguers went apoplectic at prospects that now their teams might not make the fantasy Super Bowl without Luck on their virtual rosters, including one who never did seem to have much regard for anyone other than himself. “Andrew Luck, you couldn’t have shared that news before I drafted you an hour ago?” O.J. Simpson posted on a Twitter account. The fruit apparently doesn’t fall far from the O.J. tree. It may be time for all of us as fans - no matter how we stand on Luck’s retirement - to confront the difficult issue of whether we may be complicit in a system that, for many retired players, is precipitating long-term health complications, including brain trauma and suicide. The link between the head trauma football players endure and the brain disease chronic traumatic encephalopathy gets stronger every day. In July 2017, as part of its latest study, the Boston University School of Medicine found signs of CTE in 110 brains of 111 deceased NFL players. Dr. Bennet Omalu, who discovered CTE in 2007 and was portrayed by actor Will Smith in the 2015 movie “Concussion,” estimates that 90 percent of NFL players today have some stage of CTE. Interestingly enough, when Omalu presented his findings in 2007, the NFL dismissed the research and only admitted in testimony before Congress in March 2016 that it now believes there is a link between football and CTE. So why would the NFL slow-walk any evidence that head-to-head football contact might lead to long-term brain deterioration? Well, let’s consider 60,000 people packing 16 stadiums around the country every fall Sunday. Multiply that by 16 games each season, and we have the picture of a multimillion-dollar industry - and that’s not even counting the television contracts, merchandising and the product licensing business. As they say, the NFL owns Sunday. And who buys into it? I concede that I have been a huge football fan my entire life. I’ve bought tickets to attend games, I’ve covered many college and pro games as a former sportswriter and I’m on my couch with the chips and salsa every Sunday watching dozens of games, thanks to a TV cable package whose revenue works its way back to the NFL. Lately, though, as the medical evidence mounts, I’m weighing my small - but still contributory - role in making it attractive for these players to risk their present health and future brain viability. The NFL helps downplay thoughts like that because it never promotes the connection between today’s players and those men we once held up as heroes who have shuffled off into retirement obscurity and punch-drunk verbal skills. Today, we love Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford and Raiders receiver Antonio Brown, but we never see NFL Hall of Famers Brett Favre, at 49, or Tony Dorsett, at 65, who are on a list of nearly 40 retired veterans who have publicly acknowledged either having been diagnosed with likely CTE or have experienced symptoms such as dementia or unusual membry loss. In 2013, the NFL reportedly reached a settlement with 4,500 former players (or their estates) who had filed lawsuits related to concussion-related injuries. A subsequent list has already grown to approximately half that number. The players are disposable and we encourage this macabre recycling by our constant devotion to following the game, revering the warriors and castigating any player who might appear to be “soft.” I’m not sure where an ultimate solution lies or if one even exists. I hope it’s in the new helmet technology and the concussion protocol the NFL has adopted because I still love the game and, admittedly, like the big hits that go with it. But our discussion as fans and our role in allowing harm to come to those who entertain us needs to at least begin. And then maybe we need to take the debate beyond just football. As a sportswriter who also covered auto racing and boxing, I was often needled by my newsroom colleagues about being interested in the “blood sports.” My defense was always that I never went to a car race or a boxing match hoping for an accident or a knockout, but the threat that one could happen raised the tension to bring us all in. Maybe that’s the cop-out with football, too - as fans, we don’t buy our ticket to see injuries, but the threat that it could happen and the risk our heroes assume enhances the thrill of the game. I know, look at the money these athletes earn and one could build a case - or a justification for our complicity - that the rewards may balance out the risks. Sometimes, the rewards don’t even involve the money we throw at these players. Tim Green, who played defensive end and linebacker for the Atlanta Falcons from 1986 to 1993, got a two- to five-year life expectancy sentence after being diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis three years ago at age 52. Green stated on the CBS News program “60 Minutes” last Sunday that he believes there is a direct connection between his eight years of football and ALS — or what’s more commonly referred as Lou Gehrig’s disease. So does the NFL: The concussion settlement it made with disabled players in 2013 specifically covers ALS. Green said in a 1996 interview, “I think guys would be willing to take 10 to 20 years off the end of their lives in order to get out there on a Sunday and play. I don’t think that the consideration of your physical well­ being in the future is in the forefront of any NFL player’s mind.” Sunday, Green told interviewer Steve Kroft, “I’ve maybe taken that much off the end of my life. Maybe more. I don’t know.” Incredibly, though, he added that playing in the NFL “was as magical and wonderful as I dreamed it would be.” “To fully understand,” Kroft tried to explain to viewers, “[Green] says you have to know what it was like being out there, doing something you dreamed of and experiencing even for a moment the intensity of 60,000 people screaming for you and your teammates and feeling the energy through every pore in your body.” That’s why instead of jeering at a man like Luck who’s able to wrest himself from the alluring flame - even though he’s leaving $64 million on the table from his current five-year contract - fans should be happy to see a star who’s maintaining his life priorities. With an engineering degree from Stanford, a new wife and a baby on the way, maybe, just maybe, Luck has sidestepped the sad and crippling effects of a game and has a chance to renew his life’s purpose, succeed in a new career and live a complete life. As for the jeers that accompanied Luck’s last appearance on the football field two weeks ago, Chicago Tribune writer Phil Rosenthal’s advice may have said it best: “If these are the people you are playing for, you should be able to quit without regret.” As fans, we have a lot to talk about. And, as it involves our complicity in the devastating effects of NFL football, the discussion needs to begin. Doug VanderLaan, Guest Columnist ----------------------------------------------------------------------- — That’s why instead of jeering at a man like Luck who’s able to wrest himself from the alluring flame - even though he’s leaving $64 million on the table from his current five-year contract - fans should be happy to see a star who’s maintaining his life priorities. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 5, 2019 —- Page 5 We walked the ! Mighty Mac with a mighty big group To the editor: ! Labor Day was a great day for a walk, so , my sister, Elsie Bush, and I joined thousands j of people for the annual Mackinac Bridge J Walk. Weather conditions were great for the five-mile trek. It’s the fourth time we’ve taken I this walk - but it’s the 62n^ time it has taken J place. ‘ We saw Gov. Gretchen Whitmer walking, ; too, so I can report that the governor took a » walk with Hastings residents Elsie Bush and ’ Mike Hook on Sept. 2,2019. What do you America’s health care system profits the wealthy at the expense of the rest of us think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by accessing our website, www. HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the fol­ lowing week. Last week: Many cities in Minnesota don’t require the Pledge of Allegiance to be recited at governmen­ tal meetings. Do you think public meetings should include the pledge? Yes 52% No 43% For this week: Some school districts are restricting what students are allowed to carry to class. Should students be allowed to have their backpacks in class? □ Yes □ No I Write Us A Letter: The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling publie- interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Know Your Legislators: Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. ! Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Galley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), ; Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml ; 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855­ ; 347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, : phone (616) 451-8383. ; ■ ' ; । U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 205102202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. The Hastings BhIHICI* Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Taylor Owens • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 To the editor: I am responding to the Aug. 29 guest com­ Siblings Elsie Bush and Mike Hook of mentary by Brian Calley whose sole purpose Hastings enjoy walking across the it seems is to scare the uniformed, small-town populace into continuing to contribute to an Mackinac Bridge. (Photo provided.) expensive, ineffective and, most importantly, immoral health care system. The last time we walked the bridge was 25 Let’s not mince words: To profit from the years ago. I’m 65 and just retired from Meijer life and death of people is immoral. Inc. in Cascade. My sister is 71.1 just wanted Our entire health care infrastructure is built to share this photo to mark the day we took a up around a few people becoming incredibly walk with the governor - and 20,000 to wealthy while the population’s health care 30,000 other people! suffers. There are so many recent examples of the greed of companies and their executives Mike Hook, - from Martin Shkreli and the Epipen manu­ Hastings facturers to the recent compensation package of Aetna’s CEO of $59 million a year. But, to me, one recent horrific issue is particularly striking: The price of insulin. Insulin isn’t a luxury. Diabetics either get it or they die. Period. There are people in this country right now who are rationing it, taking insulin designed for animals because it’s cheaper, getting it on the black market (with God knows what else is in it), driving to Canada if they’re close enough, or simply dying. Insulin, like so many other lifesaving drugs, was developed with taxpayer dollars in Luke Froncheck the 1920s. Its patent was sold for $1 so its Staff Writer manufacture would be cheap and widely Baltimore Township Supervisor Chad available for distribution. This functioned as it VanSyckle notified the Banner about the was intended for close to 100 years. But, township’s recent inquiries into a noise ordi­ within the past few years, it has become so nance. expensive that it has become a privilege to “I’m not really fond of it,” VanSyckle said. take it. “I just want to make sure that people know Why? we’re looking at this, so they don’t think we Is there a “new” insulin? Is there an pulled a fast one.” “improved” insulin? Did the price of the com­ In recent weeks, the township has received ponents of insulin endure a price shock? several complaints from residents on Long No. Lake. It’s greed. It’s extortion. Plain and simple. VanSyckle said a house there was recently “Give me whatever I ask or I will deny you purchased by some young people who, he this vial and you will die.” believes, work second shift. According to the What kind of society have we become complainants, the young people get home late where people exist whose thought process Js; at night, possibly mW work, and play loud “Your life is irrelevant to me as long as we’re music. The sound is disturbing some neigh­ increasing shareholder value”? I’ll make the bors. \ assumption that the Jesus Christ you pray to Neighboring residents \then contact the would not approve. sheriff’s department and are^old they can do You realize, of course, that the expense of nothing about the circumstances without a our health care system is only that: Expensive. township ordinance that limits loud noise. It is estimated that our system is more than Without a law to restrict the time and vol­ twice as expensive, per capita, as the average ume of noise, the sheriff’s office has no universal health care system in the world. authority to limit it. Unfortunately, that doesn’t equate to better VanSyckle said he hopes Baltimore quality. Far from it. Township residents will attend Tuesday’s reg­ According to the World Health Organization, ular meeting to voice their opinions on a pro­ we are ranked 37th in the world in in overall posed ordinance. The meeting will start at 7 health care efficiency, just below Costa Rica p.m. in the township hall at 3100 E. Dowling and just above Slovenia. Our life expectancy Road. is way below average. Our infant mortality, The board is split on the issue, he said, so especially among people of color, is one of public opinion would greatly assist members the worst percentages in the world. in making a decision. Our drugs are considerably more expensive He added that the township board consid­ than any other country in the world. The con­ ered a noise ordinance a few years ago and servative red-herring argument of “wait there was strong public opposition to the idea. times” (which Mr. Calley continued to ham­ mer in his article) are, on average, longer in the U.S. than in most industrialized countries with universal health care. Even the Koch brothers’ funded Cato Institute, a right-wing think tank, concluded that Medicare for All would save the U.S. $3 (yes) trillion over the next 10 years. The list of how our current for-profit health care system has failed us would fill volumes. Consider my personal situation, and I would guess many of you reading this can relate because it is almost universal: My part­ ner and I pay almost $600 per month for our health insurance. This is our cost and doesn’t Baltimore Township explores noise ordinance Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads include what her employer pays or any co-pays we’re required to pony up if we do see a doctor. , Each one of us has a $3,500 deductible on our policy. Thankfully, we are both healthy middle-aged adults who don’t use our healt{i care except for routine physicals, which are free (thanks, Obama) or unless something catastrophic happens (knock wood). And even if something devastating did happen, we’re oh the hook for the first $3,500. It doesn’t take a mathematical genius or an economist to see that the $7,200 we pay this year (it will be more next year) doesn’t buy ujs a single thing. What it does is pad the com­ pensation packages for our insurance provider executives. We’re also fortunate that oujr household income affords us the luxury of out health care package. (Some of you reading are probably thinking, “That’s a pretty good package!” And it is.) There are hundreds of millions of Americans who cannot say the same thing. To address Mr. Galley’s direct argument that Medicare for All would cost small busi­ nesses money is probably correct in aggre­ gate, since fewer than half of them offer any health care benefits at all because it is sp expensive. To the small businesses that do offer health care benefits to their employees, Medicare for All would be a godsend. T|iey could wash their hands of the bureaucritic morass and probably _get rid of their human resources department for additional cost sayings. J Calley postulates that “about half’ of all employees in Michigan are employed by small business and, coupled with data that suggests about half of them don’t offer health insurance, that translates to one-quarter of Michigan’s employed population either has to go into the open market (Obamacare, which Mr. Calley took a veiled swipe at in his arti­ cle) or “get on the public dole,” where everyope else pays for that employee’s and his* or her family’s health care, in addition to theft own. Seventy-four million Americans^ a third of them children, are currently receiving this public assistance. Add to that the nearly 5& million Americans who currently hav^ Medicare and that adds up to 133 million Americans (more than a third of our entire population) who are on a taxpayer-funded health care plan. Mr. Calley offers no alternatives, just fear-mongering “Medicare for All” while window-dressing the failed for-profit system we have now. Ask yourselves, people of Medicare age: Would you go back to what you had before you had Medicare? Countrywide, the answer is fewer than 10 percent would. Mr. Calley and I agree that “Medicare for All” is not the answer, but we arrived at that conclusion with diametrically opposed view­ points: He thinks it will hurt business and, therefore, hurt America (Trickle-Down phi­ losophy). । I think Medicare for All doesn’t go faj* enough since vision, dental and hearing isn’t covered. There are also co-pays and premiums "in Medicare. Medicare for All isn’t good enougK. Every American should pay for every American’s health care. It’s the least expeasive, most effective, and the morally correct thing to do. 5 i And I don’t give a damn what the Small Business Administration thinks about it. : ‘ Eric Andersorf, Hastings D Hastings OANNER The Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 Area Locations to purchase the Hastings Banner! One Stop Shop (Phillips 66) (M-43 North) Superette Family Fare Middleville: Speedway Middleville Marketplace Greg’s Get-It-N-Go Middleville Johnny's Tom’s Market Gan Lake; Phillips 66 Gas Station (M-37 Soutfi) Hastings Johnny's Sam's Gourmet Foods The Dock Store The General Store Pine Lake: Marathon Doster Country Store Mega Bev Prairieville: Penn-Nook Gift Shop Prairieville Fast Stop Phillips 66 Gas Station (W. State St.) Orangeville: Phillips 66 Gas Station (M-37 West) Orangeville Fast Stop Family Fare Gas Station Walgreens Woodland: Woodland Express Cloverdale; Nashville.- Cloverdale General Brown’s Cedar Creek Grocery ■ Trading Post Little's Country Store Nashville Johnny's MV Pharmacy Nashville C Store . Carl's |S|i Pelton: Family Fare Delton Johnny's Lake Odessa? Bonfield: Banfield General Store Dowling: Goldsworthys Dowling General Store Freeport: L&J’s , Lake-O-Express Lake-O-Mart Lake Odessa Johnny's Carl’s Shelbyville: Town & Country U �Page 6 —- Thursday, September 5, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Families need to know about vaping dangers Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.fn. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852rr 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to ' join us on Sunday Mornings r at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingshopeumc. , . u ~ PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: ’ 10:31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office. greenstreetumc@gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-Sth grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhas.tings.. org. Worship Service at 10 a.m. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945­ 9217. cbchastings.org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www. hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAM­ ILY HOUR WELCOMES ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue, Loving God, Loving Neighbor:d: Preschool age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Standard and Adult Elective classes. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cook­ ies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. and Chil­ dren's Church age 4-4th grade dismissed during service. Fall Sermon Series & Growth Groups, "On Mission" begins Sept. 15. Sunday Evening: Youth Group at 6:30 p.m., 2nd Tues: Young Women's Small Group at 6:30 p.m. Wednes­ day Mid-Week: Women's Bible Study at 6:30 p.m. Kid's Club, Oct. 16-Dec. 4, 6:30­ 7:45 p.m. Friday Bible Study at 10 a.m. Thursday Brunch, Sept. 26 at 9:30 a.m. For more information please contact the church. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Discover God's Grace with us! Senior High Youth Group Holy Communion Every Sunday! 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 Sept. 8 - Worship services at p.m. Wednesday, Family 8 and 10:45 a.m.; Church Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA School 10:45 a.m.; Noisy (Children Kindergarten-5th Offering both services. Sept. Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle 9 - Outreach Committee Mtg. School Youth Group; 6:30 4:30 p.m.; Social Activities p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Mtg. 6:30 p.m. Sept. 10 -. Call Church Office 948­ Brothers of Grace mtg. 7 p.m. 8004 for information on Sept. 12 - Bell Choir MITT (Mothers in Training Workshop 5:30 p.m. Sept 14 Together), Sports Ministries, ; - Family Game Night 6:30 Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. p.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. pastorken@grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www.grace-hastings. org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings. This information on 8745 ’ ’ service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses' _ A ■ Products 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 770 Cook Rd. 945-4700 945-9541 Hastings State Rep. Julie Calley, R-Portland It’s a busy time of the year for many. Students head back to school. Families are gearing up for fall sports. Parents are checking off the items on their kids’ back-to-school lists. Unfortunately, it now also means parents must prepare for a growing health and safety concern circulating in our middle and high schools: Vaping. Vapes, also known as electronic cigarettes, are battery-powered devices that use a liquid which is heated into an aerosol and then inhaled. The look of these devices can vary widely, resembling traditional cigarettes or everyday carry objects like pens, USB memory sticks, or other technology-based items. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to possess or purchase an e-cigarette. While the numbers of teens who smoke traditional cigarettes are declining, the use of electronic cigarettes is rising. In our area, underage use of e-cigarettes has nearly doubled from 16% in 2016 to 30% in 2018. That means almost one-third of our teens and tweens admit to having vaped within the last Guest Commentary 30 days. There are many misperceptions about the use of e-cigarettes. Some students presume that they are vaping flavored water which is not harmful. In fact, the contents are not regulated, and one pod can contain as much nicotine as 20 cigarettes. Those who vape subject themselves to a variety of toxic chemicals and known carcinogens. Pods may contain other dangerous chemicals or drugs as well. A dangerous variety of liquids may be consumed through vaping. Science has proven that the adolescent brain is more susceptible to addiction. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, nine out of 10 smokers began their addictive behavior while still under a legal age limit. Vaping also has become popular with students because of the flavor. The vaping pods come in a variety of flavors - bubble gum, almost any fruit you can think of, and even cotton candy - that appeal to young people. Parents and guardians should be aware that vaporless products exist as well. It is not always easy to discern when a youth is vaping. As a parent, I know there is no resource more precious than our children. We must work together to do all we can to protect our young people from dangerous substances arid the risks associated with them. I hope you will join me in this movement to educate our community and our young people on the dangers of vaping. This growing problem calls for a collaborative effort from families, schools, law enforcement, retailers, and more to educate ourselves and take actiori to guard against these health and safety threats. SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Earnings record is both financial history and financial future Vonda VanTil Public Affairs Specialist Social Security is an earned benefit. Your earnings history is a record of your progress toward your benefits. Social Security keeps track of your earnings so we can pay you the benefits you’ve earned over your lifetime. This is why reviewing your Social Security earnings record is so important. If an employer didn’t properly report just one year of your work earnings to us, your future benefit payments from Social Security could be less than they should be. Over the course of a lifetime, that could cost you tens of thousands of dollars in retirement or other benefits to which you are entitled. Sooner is definitely better when it comes to identifying and reporting problems with your earnings record. As time passes, you may no longer have easy access to past tax documents, and some employers may no longer exist or be able to provide past payroll information. While it’s the responsibility of your employers, both past and present, to provide accurate earnings information to Social Security so you get credit for the contributions Michael Raymond Aldrich FORT LAUDERDALE, FL - Michael Raymond Aldrich, age 55, of Fort Lauderdale, FL, passed away unexpectedly, August 20, 2019. He was bom in Battle Creek and has been a South Florida resident for 25 years. Michael worked as an electrician throughout the State of Florida. He volunteered with many charitable organizations to help the underprivileged and homeless. He is survived by his mother, Virginia Aldrich; son, Jacob Michael Kelly; his brothers and sisters, Donald Aldrich, Shaun and Pamela Davis, Scott Aldrich, Joe and Shannon D’Agostino; nieces and nephews, Mike and Staci, James, Grant and Tatiana, Bryce, Raegen, Barrett and Beckham, Frederick, Jessica, Joseph, Jr., Justin, John and Gino. He was preceded in death by his father, Harry “Skip” Aldrich and a great niece, Makayala Rose Johnson. A memorial service was held on August 24, 2019 at Fred Hunters Downtown Fort Lauderdale. Inurnment was held in Lauderdale Memorial Park, Fort Lauderdale, FL. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Salvation Army, fredhunters. com you’ve made through payroll taxes, you should still inform us of any errors or omissions you find. You’re the only person who can look at your lifetime earnings record and verify that it’s complete and correct. The easiest and most efficient way to validate your earnings record is to visit socialsecurity.gov/myaccount to set up or sign in to your own My Social Security account. You should carefully review each year of listed earnings and use your own records, such as W-2s and tax returns, to confirm them. Keep in mind that earnings from this year and last year may not be listed yet. Notify us right away if you spot errors by calling 800-772-1213. You can find more detailed instructions on how to correct your Social Security earnings record at socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-0510081.pdf. Remember, you can access important information like this any time at socialsecurity, gov and do much of your business with us online. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525, or via email to vonda.vantil@ssa.gov. Developers seek to expand Middleville neighborhood Greg Chandler Staff Writer Construction could begin in the near future on the final phase of the Rolling Oaks subdi­ vision on Middleville’s west side. The village planning commission Tuesday approved a preliminary plat request from RGS Development of Byron Center for the fourth and final phase of the subdivision, with 42 single-family homes to be built on 17.5 acres. The request will now go to the village council. When complete, Rolling Oaks will have 150 homes. In addition to completing development of Rolling Oaks, the preliminary plat request also calls for connecting the subdivision to the adjoining Seneca Ridge development through Bernard Street, village planning and zoning administrator Brian Urquhart said. “It would relieve a lot of the traffic con­ cerns that are there on Towne Center and Minstehr Drive [on the periphery of the two subdivisions], where it’s viewed as kind of a drive-through,” Urquhart said. Seneca Ridge resident Josh Mosey is less than thrilled about the prospect of the subdivi­ sions being connected. “At the moment, my wife and I have a beautiful view out the back window of trees, and not neighbors,” Mosey said. “We would love for it to be that way as long as possible. I do not mind living on a road that dead-ends right next to me. The accessibility of my area is not an issue for me.” Jon Male, a project engineer from Exxel Engineering, representing the developer, told commissioners that the plan has been for the subdivisions to be connected. “It was planned this way from the begin­ ning,” he said. The first homes in Rolling Oaks were built in 2002, with 30 homes constructed during the first phase. Two years later, the second phase of development was approved, with 57 homes built, Urquhart said. The village approved the plat for the third phase of development last year, with 21 homes to be built, at least six of which are currently being built. “The need for additional housing is there,” Urquhart said. The new plat also would include 2,200 lin­ ear feet of new street construction from Oak View Drive to Oak Meadow Drive, a common park area to be maintained by the subdivision homeowners association, and a 5-foot-wide concrete pathway to the park. A similar path­ way was required on the previous phase of development. “The intent is that in Phase IV, we will con­ nect that piece to the [Lee Elementary] School propertyMale said. In addition, a triangular piece of property near the water tower, just south of three of the lots slated for the new plat, is scheduled to be deeded to the village, Urquhart said. Once the preliminary plat is approved by the village council, village officials will have to approve a construction plan for the final phase, and then the final plat must be approved by both the planning commission and village council, Urquhart said. Local communities among EGLE grant recipients Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy officials have announced that 39 communities will receive more than $406,000 through the Source Water Protection Grant Program to safeguard public water supply systems. Among those municipalities and their award amounts are: City of Battle Creek - $36,600. City of Charlotte - $1,050. Village of Lake Odessa - $2,775. Village of Middleville - $3,250. City of Otsego - $6,500. City of Portland - $9,000. Village of Vermontville - $4,500. The program provides communities with matching grant financial assistance to protect their source water from contamination. As part of the Source Water Protection Program, communities that rely on wells will define the area contributing drinking water to their wells, identify potential contaminants within that area, and implement management strategies and educational activities to protect their water supply. Grants also are available to communities utilizing surface water as their drinking water source. The City of Grand Rapids has been awarded a grant of $15,000 to develop arid implement a surface water intake protection plan. Most of the awards are $5,000 or less. The largest grant, $70,000, was awarded to the City of Kalamazoo. The next round of applications will be solicited from public water supply systems in May 2020. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 5, 2019 — Page 7 M-STEP, continued from page 1 the 2018-19 school year, some Barry County schools dropped in third grade English lan­ guage arts proficiency from the 2017-18 Assessment, and some improved. Delton Kellogg went from 30.4 percent of students categorized as advanced or proficient to 19.2, Hastings dropped from 49.1 to 41.3, Maple Valley increased 28.8 to 37.7, Lakewood fell from 65 to 48.2 and Thomapple Kellogg climbed from 51.3 to 55.7. The state average for third grade English went up slightly, from 44.4 to 45.1. The state warned that the scores don’t tell the whole story in a note at the bottom of their statement: “2019 M-STEP English language arts proficiency scores for third grade cannot be correlated to predict the possible student retention impact of Michigan’s Read By Grade Three law, which goes into effect next year. A unique and separate cut score for the third grade ELA test was established to dis­ tinctly measure reading, as outlined in the law.” That “unique and separate cut score” was not posted. “The M-STEP is a snapshot in time, one day at the end of a year,” Thomapple Kellogg Superintendent Rob Blitchok said. “Third grade is the first grade students even take the M-STEP.” Most schools use the Northwest Evaluation Association tests to determine student growth. Like many of its peers, Maple Valley has NWEA assessments three times a year, which Superintendent Dr. Katherine Bertolini said is more effective than the single day of the M-STEP. “Any one thing could throw off a child’s day,” Bertolini said. Maple Valley Data and Assessment Coordinator Jeff Byrne pointed out that the test also changes each year, depending on the state’s philosophy toward the test at the time. “If they left the test the same year after year, then we’d have a true judgment, but it’s constantly different,” Byrne said. “Year-to-year comparisons of state assess­ ment results can be problematic,” Deputy Superintendent Dr. Venessa Keesler said in the release. “Changes and systematic improve­ ments to Michigan’s state assessment system have been made each year since the M-STEP began in 2015, which make it difficult to make data comparisons or interpret long-term data trends.” The state also has been trying to shorten the length of the test, but that can mean whole skill sets are assessed by one or two questions. “That really does mess with that internal validity and reliability of it, because are you truly measuring the same thing?” Bertolini asked. “If they only have one or two test items to prove competency in a given standard that’s just tough.” In addition,, the state is concerned about being too specific about what’s on the test, so it doesn’t give away future questions, Byrne said. That means the schools are unable to glean what specific skills students might be struggling in. “I don’t argue with it as a point of consid­ eration, in a multiple-point assessment,” Bertolini said. “But all by itself, I think it’s a little dangerous to put too much stock in one measurement point, at one point in a year, in a child’s life. You just need to be cautious when you interpret some of those things.” “We did not see a correlation between our M-STEP scores and NWEA scores for read­ ing,” Delton Kellogg Superintendent Kyle Corlett said. “Our third graders showed good growth in reading on NWEA, but our MSTEP scores were lower than we want them to be, so we’re investigating to find out what there is that disconnect.” Regardless of the issues educators may have with the M-STEP, it’s the baseline for determining if students need to be held back, and schools have to prepare for it. “We have worked tirelessly over the past four years in building a strong system founda­ tion to use data to drive our instruction at the individual student level,” Hastings Area Schools Assistant Superintendent of Student Achievement Matt Goebel said. “We believe the strong professional development provided to our teachers, along with adopting a new reading curriculum, Reading Street, has pro­ vided the tools for our teachers and students to be successful.” He pointed out that Hastings has increased literacy coaching for teachers, implemented phonics and phonemic awareness interven­ tions for early literacy students and increased classes for students who are struggling with reading. Although it takes nearly four months for the final M-STEP results to be released, NWEA results are available almost immedi­ ately, for each of the three tests throughout the year, allowing schools to quickly take steps to give students the help they need. “We put much more emphasis on NWEA reading and math and Acadience, five essen­ tial components of reading, assessments, which provide multiple data points within the school year for teachers to drive their instruc­ tion,” Goebel said. “This also allows us to communicate with parents regarding their child’s growth and possible ways to assist them at home. This data allows teachers to create grade level and individual instruction plans throughout the school year, which is much more beneficial to the individual stu­ dent.” “We are implementing a brand new reading curriculum this year,” Corlett said. “We’ve changed our reading intervention times so that all students get support and not just those that are struggling.” Delton has created a reading interventionist position for early elementary students, pur­ chased new intervention materials and has an instructional coach focusing on reading instruction support for kindergarten through third grade teachers. Thornapple Kellogg gives an individual reading plan at least three times a year to all kindergarten through third grade students who are performing under grade level. Those plans are updated in accordance with the NWEA scores, in addition to teacher and parent input. “This, along with extra interventionists, summer tutoring, and multiple intervention strategies, helps us meet the needs of all our learners,” Blitchok said. Byrne said involving parents in their ele­ mentary student’s education is a key part of the equation. He pointed out the schools just can’t cover all the material during the school day, so they need to involve parents in making sure kids are learning the material. The training schools are doing also makes sure all the teachers are on the same page, Byrne said. They have documentation show­ ing where the students are at, and staff mem­ bers are trained in the same material so they are all speaking the same language when it comes to curriculum and intervention. “We have a cohesive plan that’s very com­ prehensive across levels, and I think that’s why it’s working,” Bertolini said. “I think we have things in place for our third grade specifically, especially K-3, that the third grade reading law is not going to be an issue,” Byrne said. “Any students that are told to be held back by the state, we can put things in place, so that by the fall we have them caught up, I do not think it’s going to be an issue at Maple Valley schools.” Blitchok pointed out that the law has a number of exemptions, so students who test too low on the M-STEP can still pass to the fourth grade under certain circumstances. Those instances, called Good Cause Exceptions, can include students in special education, those who have been enrolled in the district less than two years, who are learn­ ing English as a second language or who have a documented plan for intensive intervention. “Ultimately, it gives parents the right to request the no-retention option, and the school will support this,” Blitchok said. Whether the state will even follow through with its decision to retain third-grade students is something that isn’t settled in the minds of educators. “You know how things get with the state. All of a sudden they could go, ‘Well... let’s not do that,’ ” Byrne said. “But I want to keep these things in place, even if this whole law goes away, because it is helping students, more than we’ve ever helped them in reading at the K-3 level.” KMART, continued from page 1 Planning commission keeps riverfront development flowing Doug VanderLaan Contributing Writer With their unanimous support Tuesday night of two rezoning requests for property along the Thomapple River, Hastings City Planning Commissioners may be adding defi­ nition to the long-used marketing adage ‘Hastings on the Thornapple.’ In a first step that may allow a local river excursion business to expand, commissioners recommended that the city council approve rezoning approximately 1.5 acres on Center Road from an existing rural residential desig­ nation to a special floodplain specification. That would allow greater recreational use of the land and the possibility for U-Rent-EmCanoe Livery owner Julie Fox to expand her business beyond its current location at 805 W. Apple St. Planning commission members held a pub­ lic hearing prior to approving Fox’s rezoning request. Chair David Hatfield noted, however, that a special-use permit specifically defining how Fox intends to use the property still must be approved and will be subject to “a site plan review whenever Julie has it ready for us.” Developers of a major 73-unit, 8.2-acre housing development on riverside property once owned by Hastings Manufacturing Co. are ready to go with their own plans and received a boost Tuesday with planning com­ mission approval of a second rezoning recom­ mendation for what’s become known as the Royal Coach Apartments. A planned-unit development zoning desig­ nation will allow greater housing density than permitted by existing zoning regulations and will provide developers with approval for modifications that may be imposed on the project by the Michigan State Office of Historic Preservation, subject to city adminis­ tration review and approval. A public hearing also preceded the second rezoning request. “I understand that people like the river, but my concern is that my family has to live across the street,” conceded a resident of 1404 E. Center Road, about the canoe livery busi­ ness. “We bought our house in a (zoned) rural residential area with thoughts of staying and raising and family and kids. The proposed plan to change to industrial [zoning] opens us up a lot of people to our section.” Surrounding property to that purchased by Fox and her husband, Jim, at 1400 and 1402 E. Center Road, is zoned rural-residential or D-2, allowing “intensive industrial enterpris­ es.” A second resident living at 1409 E. Center Road expressed concern about parking prob­ lems he’s already experienced at his property during high-volume summer outings on the river. . “I see parking problems in the present loca­ tion,” he said. “If the business expands, will they park on our side of the road? How will we deal with parking on the road?” In a report prepared for the planning com­ mission by its Kalamazoo-based consultant, McKenna Associates, planning consultant Rebecca Harvey agreed that “development of the subject property with authorized D-2 land use could significantly impact the area. “Development of the subject property with authorized D-2 land use could significantly impact the public facilities serving the area,” Harvey agreed. Planning commissioners found a way to keep the waters calm, at least temporarily, with a unique response based on the proper­ ty’s proximity to the Thomapple River. “A flood plain is a newer [zoning] classifi­ cation that we could use, though it’s not been brought to us before,” Hatfield said, adding that such a rezoning designation would allay the fears of neighbors worried about industrial expansion if zoning changed from its current rural-residential to a D2 industrial level. Addressing the still-existing concerns ofneighbors who heard Fox also speak during ’ the public hearing about adding 10 overnight? camping spots she described as high-grade,! reservation-based sites that would attract peo-! pie to the amenities of downtown Hastings,* Hatfield reminded commissioners that “this1 issue is now the rezoning request. How the* property will be used will be subject to a spe-* cial-use permit hearing, and all those issues! will be part of a special-use permit.” Commissioners unanimously passed the| motion to recommend approval of the rezon-J ing request from rural residential to flood-1 plain. । Sentiment also was unanimously enthusias-» tic for the updated request from General! Capital principal Sig Strautmanis for the PUD" designation of the Royal Coach property. “Changes and challenges are starting to1 resolve themselves,” Strautmanis told com-i missioners during his update on the project! prior to requesting the PUD rezoning and the * subsequent public hearing. “The initial chai-; lenge was the intent to preserve the brick; exterior of this building from the late 1850s to * 1950. This period of significance is important! as we move forward. The big question is the! pieces that need to be preserved and those that* may have to be taken down.” Strautmanis mentioned that some of those; decisions may come from directions provided * by the state’s historic preservation office.Thus, his request touched on one of two main * concerns: First, that developers be given the; flexibility to be allowed review and authoriza-; tion from city staff for project changes that may be required by the historic preservation» office. ; Strautmanis’ second concern was a zoning* exemption from existing city requirements of» a maximum 16 dwelling units per acre to 17.7 i units per acre, necessitated in part by redesignJ of the project to keep all phases out of the; existing floodplain zone. Strautmanis pointed? out that, depending on how the project’s size« is defined, zoning requirements for housing ! density could be met. ; If using the net development’s size of 4.41» acres, which encompasses actual construe-* tion, housing density measures out at 17.6* units per acre. If, however, the entire proper- J ty’s size of 8.21 acres is used, then housing! density is reduced, Strautmanis said, to; approximately nine units per acre. Commissioners had no problem on either! account, unanimously approving the PUD as ■ requested. Planning Commission member; John Resseguie, who also serves on the city * council, recused himself from the vote and* discussion, citing that his ownership of prop- > erty within 300 feet of the Royal Coach proj-; ect would present a conflict of interest. In other business Tuesday, the planning; commission: । Heard a report from Community! Development Director Dan King on conVersa-! tions he has had with Moore & Co., the Grand J Rapids firm that had submitted but did not1 receive approval last month by the city coun-» cil for a housing project at 128 Michigan Ave.I The firm is working with King to possibly! identify another site within the city on which j to build the footprint for its project submitted' last month. “When the planning commission* reviewed Moore’s [initial] project, many of* you were excited about it,” King said. “Don’t J let it wane; it may be back in another form.” . Received King’s updated work task list that» included reports of finalization approvals for! Community Action’s outdoor play area and J the approval of all conditions and require-J ments related to the construction by build-J er-developer Marv Helder at 118 Court St. ; ■ p . ,■ • Come and See! Shoppers stand outside the new store in late September 1990 on property that used to be the location of the county fairgrounds. that time, more than 60 stores nationwide were to be closed. Among those were seven in Michigan, including the ones in Grand Rapids and Byron Center. The Hastings, Neb., store was on that list (the second round of closures in 2016), which may have been the source of the rumor. This time, though, it is true. Even so, Alden pointed to significant investment in new downtown retail business­ es, and redevelopment projects at the former Moose and Royal Coach sites. The economic future in Hastings is looking good, he said, although there may be chal­ lenges in redeveloping the Kmart site. “While a property like this can be challeng­ ing to redevelop, there are opportunities to get creative and find innovative solutions,” Alden said. “A great example is the new Community Action location at the former Ponderosa site that had previously been vacant for years.” The Kmart store opened in September 1990 at the site of the former Barry County Fairgrounds, according to Banner archives. i The other Michigan Kmart stores to be closed are in Belleville, Clio, Grayling, Nlarine City, Menominee, Midland and Qscoda. That will leave three stores in the sfate, the closest to Hastings will be in Marshall. The other two stores that will remain open are in the Detroit suburbs of Warren and Waterford, Costello said. i 7 You invite us to proclaim the Gospel of hope and salvation to our family, our friends, and all those we meet. Teach us to be faithful evangelists in word and in action. The church is located at 805 South Jefferson, Hastings ■ Once a division of the S.S. Kresge Corp., Kmart began in Michigan in 1962 with the first store in Garden City, in the western sub­ urbs of Detroit. The company’s headquarters were in Troy from 1972 until 2006. TransformCo, which is owned by Edward Lampert, purchased a substantial portion of the assets of Sears Holdings, including Kmart, in February for $5.2 billion. Sears Holdings had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy last October. Prayer Open House Wednesday, Sept. 11,2019 St. Rose of Lima Church. Bring your questions and concerns. All are most welcome! M Refreshments will be served. I Discipleship Heavenly Father, you call us to follow your Son, Jesus, as disciples. Help us to respond wholeheartedly, without counting the cost. at 7:00 p.m. The Hastings store included a cafeteria for several years. ■ • We invite you to come and find out what we are all about. We are having an in the community room., which is on the lower level of ij i ' ■ ■ ; You have given us every spiritual and material blessing. Show us how to share our talents and our gifts with others. Inspire us always to follow your example of generous self-giving. Merciful Lord, forgive us for the times we fail to live the Gospel fully. Transform our hearts. Show us how to forgive, particularly when it is most difficult for us to let go of our anger and resentment. Teach us to give with a joyous and grateful heart that we may be people of hope, consolation, and pastoral care to your people. Send us your Spirit to inspire us to give all glory and honor to your holy name? Amen. nm < I I �Page 8 — Thursday, September 5, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Financial FOCUS 1 1—• T—TCI Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD JONES Elaine Garlock The Lake Odessa Area Historical Society will meet Sept. 12 for its first session in the 52nd year. A potluck supper at 6 p.m. will be followed by a program. All members and . visitors are welcome. There will be a report from the summer Depot Day held at the end of July. C The Ionia County Genealogical Society \will meet at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14, with ^speaker, library time, refreshments and more. ‘ The group meets at the museum on Emerson Street. * Central United Methodist Church was filled Tuesday for the memorial service for one ■ of its members, Alan Goodemoot. He was < known in recent years as the co-chairman of ' the Lakewood Christmas Basket project. He was the contact person for those wanting to be included on the list of recipients. He had jnultiple roles for the Basket committee. Earlier he was known as the contact person for MABC aimed at improvement of milk /production in dairy herds. In that role he covered many miles in service to his patrons. ' He was also known as the farmer on former Curtis land on sections 10 and 11 in Odessa Township. This farm became Curtis land owned by his grandparents Harold and Elgie (Walter) Curtis in the mid-1920s. It has been owned by the same family ever since, and most years it has been lived on by somebody from the Curtis family. The fourth and fifth generations are currently living in the newest house on the farm. Rev. Joe Grabill and wife Sue (nee Krebs) were Sunday visitors at Central United Methodist Church. They are now retired from the ministry which had them for several years at Dansville, Edmore Faith and Leland before retirement. Thursday last week Bruce Garlock of Big Rapids escorted his aunt from Grand Rapids and his mother to Holland to view the exhibit of Matthais Alten paintings at the civic museum. Their hostess was the mother of the wife of Tim Thompson, son of Darwin and Margi Thompson. Saturday, the Morse family from Richland and Ohio visited their mother/grandmother and brought a meal to share. In addition the colorful planters installed by the arts commission there are other showy displays. Union Bank has colorful urns atop the wall of its parking lot on Fourth Avenue. The streetside flowers of Jerry’s Tire and Battery along Jordan Lake Avenue remain colorful. Staff Writer y. Thornapple Township Supervisor Mike Bremer asked the Barry County Board of Commissioners on Tuesday to support a grant application the township is seeking for the . Paul Henry Thornapple Trail. The application is for a Michigan - ^Department of Natural Resources Trust Fund Land Acquisition Grant to purchase former railroad property to connect the Middleville section of the trail with the Caledonia section of the Paul Henry Trail. “We have been working on this connectivi­ close to making it a reality,” Bremer said. The county board recommended approving the request for the letter which has to be quickly drafted because of a Sept. 6 deadline Bremer mentioned in his initial request. In the letter, Chairwoman Heather Wing said people of Barry County have been long­ ing for a safe bike/pedestrian route to connect the communities of Nashville, Hastings, Middleville, and Caledonia. Wing also wrote that the potential econom­ ic impact of connecting the trails could be significant. Leaving your job? What happens to your 401(k)? If you’re in the early stages of your working life - or even in the not-so-early ones - the chances are pretty good that you will change jobs at some point. When that happens, you’ll probably leave a few things behind - but will one of them be your 401(k)? Of course, you wouldn’t really forget about your 401 (k). (It does happen, however - over the period from 2004 through 2013, more than 25 million people left at least one 401 (k) or similar plan behind when they left their job, according to the U.S. Government Accountability Office.) But you will have to do something with your account. Essentially, you have four choices: • You can cash out your 401(k). It’s your money, but if you take it out before you reach 59 !4, you will owe federal income taxes, plus any applicable state and local taxes. Also, you will likely be charged a 10% penalty for early withdrawal. Perhaps even more important, if you liquidate your 401 (k) when you change jobs, you’ll be reducing the Police request help locating County board backs Thornapple missing Township trail expansion teenager ty for almost 20 years and are getting very t Luke Froncheck 15-year~old Jah’iell Stephenson You Down?” - will include information on and nonsurgical and surgical treatments, such as hip and robotic-assisted knee joint replace­ ment. The program is free. Registration is required and may be completed online at bronsonhealth.com/classes or by calling 800-451­ 6310. The Commission on Aging is at 320 W. Woodlawn Ave., in Hastings. Join Dr. Barry Collins, board-certified ^orthopedic physician with Bronson Orthopedic ^Specialists in Battle Creek and Marshall, will , give a free presentation on hip and knee pain Wednesday, Sept. 11, at the Barry County Commission on Aging. A light lunch will be served at 11:45 a.m., followed by the presentation from noon to 1 p.m. The presentation - “Hip or Knee Pain Got TIME TO RAISE THE CURTAIN The Barry County Sheriff’s Office is seek­ ing help in the search for 15-year-old Jah’iell Stephenson. Last seen at her home in south­ eastern Barry County Sept. 1, Stephenson is known to have friends in the Bellevue area. She is 5 feet, 4 inches tall, has short black hair, brown eyes, and wears black glasses. Anyone with information is asked to call the Barry County Sheriff’s Office, 269-948­ 4801, or Barry County Central Dispatch, 269­ 948-4800. MOTORCYCLES WANTED HOWIE MANDEL SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5 315-569-8094 or email cyclerestoration@aol.com BILL ENGVALL SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 BOZ SCAGGS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22 TICKETS ON-SALE NOW at the FireKeepers Box Office or FireKeepersCasino.com. TIME TO GET YOUR WS W * ’nJiff FIREKEEPERS CASINO'HOTEL BATTLE Attention Roundup Weedkiller users that may have been diagnosed with CANCER between 1985-2019. You may be entitled to significant case award for yourself or a loved one but time is limited to file a claim so act now! CREEK I-94 to Exit 104 | 11177 Michigan Avenue | Battle Creek, Ml 49014 Must be 21 or older. Tickets based on availability. Schedule subject to change. WEBDKIUgsmCTiM-COM F”6lainTRevievA0nlyiTa®ATewMinutes 877-330-3663 ww w. weedki I ler victi m.com COUNTY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: The Barry County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications from volunteers to serve on the following Boards/Commissions: Region 3B Area Agency on Aging Dept. Health & Human Services Mental Health Authority (must be primary or secondary consumer) Parks & Recreation Applications may be obtained at the County Administration Office, 3rd floor of the Courthouse, 220 W State Street, Hastings; or http://www.barrycounty.org under the tab: How do I apply for... A position on an Advisory Board, Commission or Committee; and must be returned no later than 5:00 p.m. on September 10, 2019. Contact 269-945-1284 for more information. STOCKS • . Hip, knee pain topic of free presentation amount you’ll have left for retirement. You’ll have to consider several factors, and • You can leave your 401(k) with your old you’ll certainly want to consult your tax employer If your former employer permits it, professional before making any decision. But you can leave your 401(k) intact, even after in any case, do whatever you can to preserve you move to a different job. This might be - and hopefully grow - your 401(k) assets. appealing to you if you like the investment You’ll need these resources to help fund the choices in your account, but you won’t be retirement lifestyle you want and deserve. able to make any new contributions. Plus, This article was written by Edward Jones you won’t face any immediate tax for use by your local Edward Jones Financial consequences. Advisor If you have any questions, contact • You can move the money to your new Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. employer’s 401(k). You can consolidate your old 401(k) with one offered by your new employer, if allowed. You won’t take a tax hit, and you might like your new plan’s investment options. And you may find it The following prices are from the close of easier to manage your funds if they’re all business last Tuesday. Reported changes are held in one place. from the previous week. • You can roll your 401(k) into an IRA. You Apple Inc. +1.54 205.70 don’t need the permission from any employer AT&T 35.38 +.66; - old or new - to move your old 401 (k) to an Chevron 116.27 +.44 IRA. Your money will continue to grow on a Deere & Co. 150.82 +.72 +1.37 * tax-deferred basis, and an IRA offers you a Exxon Mobil 68.56 virtually unlimited array of investment Flowserve CP 41.53 +1.31 *' options - stocks, bonds, mutual funds and so Ford Motor Co. 9.10 +•34* +.40 j on. You can make either a direct or indirect General Electric Co. 8.33 +1.Q2 ’ rollover. With a direct rollover, the General Motors 36.91 administrator of your old 401(k) sends your Home Depot Inc. 224.07 +5.86. money directly to the financial provider that Johnson Johnson 128.74 -.90" holds your rollover IRA. No tax is withheld Kellogg Co. 63.70 +1.60 ‘ because you never actually take possession of Microsoft CP 136.04 ■ +.30’ +.79' the money. With an indirect rollover, you’re Perrigo Co. 46.22 technically withdrawing the money and Pfizer Inc. 36.12 +1.78; moving it to the IRA provider yourself. Spartannash Comp 10.90 +.19 (You’ve got 60 days to make this transfer.) Stryker 218.12 -.39-’ You will face a withholding of 20% of your TCF Financial Corp. +.74 » 37.41 account’s assets, but you may be able to Walmart Inc. +2.22 114.64 recover most of this amount when you file Walt Disney Co +1.82' 136.31 your tax return. Still, for the sake of ease of Whirl Pool Corp 134.47 +.37 1 movement and avoidance of all tax issues, a +$13.40 ' direct rollover may be more advantageous. Gold $1,544.40 Which of these options is right for you? Silver $19.17 +.96 • +341: There’s no one “right” answer for everyone. Dow Jones 26,118 $10,000 PRIZE BOARD y r" ‘ . ■ ' ' ' • , - ’ . - A/Doctor UnivAfSG? Speaking of diversity Dr. Universe: Why do people have different accents? Why do we have them and need them? Florrie P., 9, United Kingdom Dear Florrie, Whether saying hello, ‘ello, hey ya’ll, toe-may-toe or toe-mah-toe, we all have a kind of accent that often comes from where we live or who lives around us. That’s what I found out from my friend Nancy Bell, a Washington State University professor who is really curious about the way language works. She told me more about why we have accents and why we need them. There are a lot of different accents. You might have friends who speak English but have a Scottish, Irish, Australian or French accent. Even in the U.S., there are many accents from the East to the West to the Midwest to the South. In those regions, people also speak many types of English, such as Chicano English, African American English or Indian English. A lot of times when you see a difference in the way people talk, there is also some kind of physical barrier between them. This might be something like a mountain, a river, or the Atlantic Ocean that separates you and me. When groups of people are isolated from each other, they develop unique ways of speaking, including accents and whole new languages. We also have social barriers, Bell said. We sometimes see differences in the way people talk when groups are segregated from each other. These social barriers still persist today. You might wonder why there are still accents if people can travel more easily over mountains and oceans and since there isn’t as much separation as there has been in the , past. 1 “Why don’t different accents disappear?” t Nancy asked me. “It’s part of identity. The way we speak instructs and signals to other people who we are.” I don’t know about you, but sometimes I, find myself being a bit of a copycat when I hear someone with an accent different than mine. I start speaking with their accent, too5 Bell said this is a phenomenon called speech accommodation. It usually happens when you like the other person and want to find common ground. The opposite can also happen. You can find yourself trying to steen far away from someone’s accent if you don’t really get along. We also can learn new accents — just think about actors who have to use an accent different than their own. We also can lose, our accents after we’ve lived in a different^ place for a long time, too. While a lot of people have accents* depending on where they live or the way people around them speak, they also have their own personal way of speaking. It’s called an idiolect — and our accents are just; one part of it. ; The different ways we pronounce things,? the sentences we string together, and the vocabulary we have can help us express ourselves, our identities, and feel connected^ to our culture. All that diversity is a good thing, wouldn’t you say so? Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe.d Send an email to Washington State1 University’s resident scientist and writers at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her web­ site , askdruniverse .com. KING & QUEEN BINGO EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY Doors: 4 PM • Session: 6 PM DAILY SESSIONS THURSDAYS - MONDAYS • 12 PM & 6 PM CLOSED TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS Visit FireKeepersCasino.com for details. ME TO GET YOUR vifiTFoN FIREKEEPERS CASINO* HOTEL BATTLE CREEK I-94 to Exit 104 | 11177 Michigan Avenue | Battle Creek, Ml 49014 ist be present and playing bingo to win. Schedule subject to changed Management reserves all rights. Call any time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 �The Hastings Banner —- Thursday, September 5, 2019 fl look Back at the stories and columns on local hl In the Hastlni TURNING BACK THE PAGES Teacher shared memories of Lakeview School Students at Lakeview School in 1937 include (front row, from left) Betty Barger, Wanita Shellenbarger, Bernita Cogswell, Mary Barger (back) Helen Naylor, Marjorie Cogswell, Wayne Hill and Richard Shellenbarger. The teacher (back, center) is not identified but is thought to be Helen Skidmore, later Tucker. (Barry County Historical Rural Bookshelf series) Kathy Maurer Copy Editor . Last week’s column featured an ode to rural schools written by Helen (Skidmore) Tucker, who taught in one-room schools for 12 years. She wrote at least four pieces that were included in the Barry County Historical Society’s “Rural Schools Bookshelf’ collection compiled in the early 1990s. Last week’s column was a tribute to one-room schools, in general, while the others are memories of specific schools, including names of students and descriptions of the schools, inside and out. Evident in each is a teacher who dearly loved her students and cherished the atmosphere of small, neighborhood schools. Helen was the third child and only daughter of Ernie and Glenna (Houghtalin) Skidmore, bom in Baltimore Township March 2, 1916. She, herself, attended rural schools before moving on to Hastings High School and Barry County Normal, from which she graduated in 1935. She taught at four one-room schools, moving when needed as the neighborhood districts were consolidated or populations changed. She took a break from teaching to raise her family, but returned to the classroom, this time at Central School in Hastings, where she taught fourth and fifth grades for another 17 years. Her daughters, Elaine and Eileen (later Higbee), were in school by then. Another daughter, Diane, had died as an infant. “My mother was asked by the principal of Central School if she would be willing to come back and teach when I started seventh grade, so that would have been around 1960,” her daughter Elaine Gradowski wrote Tuesday in an email message from her home in Maryland. “She finished her degree [at Western Michigan University] while she was teaching and worked on her master’s degree most of the remaining years that she taught. She was just a couple of credits short of her master’s when she retired.” According to her obituary, Helen was always interested in art, and took up painting after retiring. She also was a Campfire Girls leader, Pennock Hospital volunteer, and volunteered at the one-room school at Historic Charlton Park. She belonged to the First Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday school, was Page 9 a member of Circle No. 6 and joined a mission trip to the Yucatan in 1986. She moved to the Baltimore, Md., area in about 2002 to be with Gradowski, her only surviving child by then. Born in Baltimore Township, Barry County, Michigan, Helen died in Baltimore, Md., April 15, 2008, at the age of 92. Below is the piece she wrote about Lakeview School, which was on Center Road near the Cogswell Road intersection. She taught there in the late 1930s, finishing in the spring of 1940. The Lakeview School was in Barry County, Castleton Township, District No. 2. The district valuation was $81,520. The tax rate was 9.25 percent. The census was 37. I was there three years. The school board was comprised of Allie Munn, Elmer Gillespie and Ada Tumes. My salary was $75 to $80 a month. The children were Betty Barger, Mary Barger, Bernita Cogswell, Marcelle Gillespie, Lawrence Novak, Paul Novak, Norman Main, William Main, Richard Main, Phyllis McKay, Junior Osborn, Marilyn Tumes, Marjory Turnes, Katherine Shellenbarger, Richard Shellenbarger, Wanita Shellenbarger, Carl Strickland, Jane Strickland, Neil Strickland, Alvina Zeigler, Clyde Zeigler and Walter Zeigler. The school was white. There was a swing set on the west side, a wood shed on the east side. Two well-kept toilets were in the yard. On the south side was a panoramic view of beautiful Thornapple Lake. Inside, the desks were bolted down. We had a piano, a wood-burning stove and a sandbox. Coats were hung on pegs in the back of the room, with shelves for hats and mittens. Boots sat on the floor. A bell was ready to be rung. We had to go across the road to Mrs. [Juna] Martin’s to get our water. Usually the older children brought a couple of pails of water for our cooler. [I] also brought water at times. Each night before going home, the children cleaned their desks. As soon as they went home, I grabbed the broom and swept the room. Then there were the papers to correct and plans to be made for the next day. The dusting faced me in the morning. Along toward spring, there was much dust, because by then, the oil they had put on the floor in the fall had worn off. We had our reading and arithmetic classes in the morning, with the other classes later in the day. Spelling was always last. The smaller children had their classes first. In good weather, they could have an early recess or could play in the sandbox or do busy work at their desks. There were sixdittle beginners, bright as whips, who sat on the edge of their chairs to be first. We used the “Weekly Reader,” which the whole school heard as we read and discussed. It was difficult to hear all of the classes every day. Even today, years after, I sometimes wake from a dream thinking I’d missed a class or didn’t get a report done. We had many drill games to hammer the facts in. The larger children borrowed the sandbox and constructed things they had read about. This was a school of children who had worked hard and played well together. They had been in the 4-H clubs for a long time. On Achievement Day, as they showed their projects, they won ribbons. We had a contestant for the county spelling bee. He didn’t win, but he stood high, and we were proud of him. The PTA was lively here. It met each month with a potluck supper. There was usually a program or a speaker. At one time, the young people in the neighborhood put on a play. Another time, some people came from a neighboring school and put on their play. The room would be full of people, visiting, eating and enjoying the night. At Christmas time, the school had its program. Weeks before, the plays and pieces Thornapple Lake could be seen from Lakeview School on Center Road near Cogswell in Castleton Township when the school was built in the early 1900s. The vista was one Helen Skidmore recalled from her days teaching at the school in the late 1930s. (Barry County Historical Rural Bookshelf series) were chosen and copied so that each child had his part. We practiced and practiced. Kenneth Gillespie came down and built us a stage. With throw rugs on the floor and a sheet curtain strung on a wire across the room, we were pretty grand. There was the time flu went around the neighborhood, and our Christmas program came to a screeching halt. Our Christmas program became a party later. We were sent a student teacher from County Normal. She was a pretty person and very nice. The children like her, the little boys most of all. Besides school work, we had fun, too. What fun when a plane went over. One bright spring, Mary brought a salamander to school. [I] was careful not to let them know [I] was scared to death of salamanders. Then it got away, and they couldn’t find it. For weeks, I expected it to appear. My pride and joy was my used 1934 Ford. Several times, the little people went home early and then the rest of us piled into my Ford and went to play with other rural schools. Such a happy time. At times, a kitten would appear at school. Each child would have a turn to have it on his or her desk. The little creature loved the attention and purred and purred. On some nice, warm days in the spring, we brought rakes and cleaned the school yard. Then, for all their good work, the students had a special treat of some kind. We had our last-day-of-school picnic, with the neighborhood coming, too. I never got over being sad as my children took their dinner pails and walked away. I didn’t grab the broom and sweep so soon. Another door was going to open. Lions soccer squeaks out one-goal win over Ramblers The Maple Valley varsity boys’ soccer team evened its Greater Lansing Activities Conference record at 1-1 by scoring a 3-2 win over Perry Wednesday afternoon at Fuller Street Field in Nashville. Eli Nelson, Garrett Pearson and Devin Thompson scored the three goals for the Lions in the victory. It is the sixth goal of the season for Thompson and the fifth for Pearson. Thompson also scored in a 4-3 loss to vis­ iting Bath Monday (Aug. 26) afternoon in Nashville. Owen Bailey scored the Lions’ other two goals against the Bees. The Maple Valley boys were scheduled to head to Stockbridge for a Greater Lansing Activities Conference contest last night. The Lions travel to Bellevue for a non-conference contest Monday and then will head to Lakewood for a GLAC match-up next Wednesday. Leslie wins GLAC showdown with Vikings Leslie handed the Lakewood varsity boys’ soccer team its first defeat of the Greater Lansing Activities Conference season Wednesday. The Blackhawks bested the visiting Vikings 5-1 to drop Lakewood to 1-1 in the confer­ ence and 3-3 overall. Leslie led the bailgame 2-0 at the half. “The game was not as lopsided as the score, but they definitely deserved the win,” Lakewood head coach James LeVeque said. Chris Stolnacki scored scored the lone goal for Lakewood, with an assist form Brody Jackson. Lakewood is looking forward to its Tackle Hunger ballgame this afternoon against visit­ ing Dansville. That will also be the Vikings’ Youth Night at the soccer field. Fans can turn in non-perishable items, that will be donated to Manna’s Market, for admission to the con­ test. Job Posting Michigan committee approves health warning labels for marijuana Bridge Magazine The House Judiciary Committee on Tuesday approved bills that would require labels on marijuana indicating its health risks । for pregnant mothers. “This is a brand new product that’s going out... and a lot of people automatically think ‘Wow it’s legal, it’s going to be safe,”’ said Rep. Daire Rendon, R-Lake City, one of the bill’s sponsors. “So we felt it was very import­ ant that people understand there are health implications for using products like this.” ' The legislation would require all cannabis be packaged with a label reading: “Warning: Use by pregnant or breastfeeding women, or by women planning to become pregnant, may result in fetal injury, preterm birth, low birth weight, or developmental problems for the child.” The legislation would also require both adult-use and medical marijuana dispensaries to make pamphlets available including safety information about cannabis use by minors. The lawmakers chose to focus on fetal development after hearing from pediatricians -who testified about marijuana’s impact on the juvenile brain, Rendon said. There is research that shows that both marijuana smoke and cigarette smoke can increase the chance of developmental problems for babies and that marijuana use during pregnancy can make it harder for children to pay attention or learn as Jthey grow older. Rep. Beau LaFave, R-Iron Mountain, voted against the bill. He said that, while he doesn’t believe pregnant women should use marijua­ na, he opposed the legislation because he believes the more products require warning labels, the more it dilutes the credibility of the warning. “Just because something’s unhealthy doesn’t mean the government needs to tell everybody about it or require that label be on it,” LaFave said. “If you warn everyone about everything, the warnings themselves become less helpful.” It would be preferable that all consumers do research on the potential effects of prod­ ucts before buying them, Rendon said, but in reality, few people do. “That’s what this is all about, making the consumer stop and think,” she said. The state Marijuana Regulatory Agency supported the bills. Agency spokesman David Harns said that state packaging rules already require a label warning consumers to keep it away from chil­ dren and not to drive under the influence. The Michigan Cannabis Industry Association was neutral on the bills. Spokesman Josh Hovey said the group was glad several changes were made to the legis­ lation, including a clarification that business­ es could make pamphlets available but weren’t required to hand one out with every purchase. MCIA “supports warning labels when they are backed by thorough scientific data and we don’t believe there is enough research avail­ able at this point,” Hovey said via email. “Since some degree of caution is reasonable, we are neutral on the bill.” The bills will next move to the House floor for a vote before being considered in the Senate. Library Assistant at the Hastings Public Library ( Donate A Boat or Car Today! BoaTp "2-Nlght Free Vacation!” lOO-ZOOWAf (2628) www.boatangel.com sponsored by boat angel outreach centers STOP CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN PUBLIC NOTICE HISTORIC CHARLTON PARK Historic Charlton Park’s Boat Ramp and Recreation Area will be CLOSED on Saturday, September 7,2019 until 4:30 pm during our 6th Annual Barry County Youth Outdoor Recreation Day. Additionally, there will be limited or no trail access on any hiking trails North and West of the Sawmill between the hours of 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. 12-15 hr./week including nights & weekends. Must be proficient in Office Suite and internet use. Knowledge of and/or interest in local history. For the fulljob description & an application visit the Library or go to www.hastingspubliclibrary.org/aboutus/news email applications to dedelman@hastingspubliclibraiy.com Accepting applications until Sept. 14,2019 NOTICE: The Hastings City Barry County Airport is seeking Sealed Bids for the sale of the following: • 2001 NEW HOLLAND TV-140 TRACTOR Specifications are as follows: -110Hp-90 Hpat PTO - 4 wheel articulated drive - Issues with Tractor as follows: Hydraulic Transmission pump and motor are bad. Engine has a miss and loses some antifreeze. Has gear lash in transfer case. Hour Meter not correct Tractor has approximately 8000 to 9000 hours. Please send sealed bids to: (New Holland Tractor) Hastings City Barry County Airport, 2505 Murphy Drive Hastings, Mich. 49058. Bids will be accepted until September 16, 2019 at 3:30 p.m. Any bids after deadline will not be considered. Bids will be opened at the regular meeting of the Hastings Airport Board on September 25, 2019. The Hastings City Barry County Airport has the right to accept or reject any bid. Any questions or to make an appointment for inspection, please call Mark Noteboom at 269-838-5874. �Page 10 — Thursday, September 5, 2019 — The Hastings Banner I New role for DNR Wildlife Chief Mason Trojans do their best to challenge regional champs The Michigan Department of Natural : Resources today announced that Wildlife Division Chief Russ Mason is taking on a new position as the DNR’s executive in residence at Michigan State University’s College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, effective Sept. 22. The position is geared toward advancing wildlife and natural resources man­ agement on behalf of the DNR through expanded partnerships, greater strategic col­ laboration and enhanced focus on research­ based wildlife priorities and outcomes. Mason, who will remain a DNR employee, will work to broaden the conversation and strengthen the partnerships around fighting Wildlife diseases. In this new position, he will: Ensure ongoing and positive relationships with existing university and institutional part­ ners by identifying and supporting collabora­ tive research opportunities, carrying the department’s mission to current and potential new partners, and regularly informing the DNR about new avenues for accomplishing DNR goals. Engage state, regional and national conser­ vation agencies to discuss opportunities to work with universities and the DNR on shared wildlife management and research goals. . Oversee the joint DNR-MSU chronic wast­ ing disease research collaborative, an initia­ tive aimed at developing innovative research, education and outreach projects to address the most important issues around wildlife disease in Michigan - especially CWD in deer. “I want to commend Russ for his 11 years of service to Michigan’s natural resources and the people of our state as chief of the DNR Wildlife Division,” said DNR Director Dan Eichinger. “As Russ enters this next phase of his career, his wealth of experience in wildlife management and his extensive academic background will strengthen the bonds between MSU and the DNR, ensuring that our agen­ cy’s work continues to be grounded in sound science. Thanks to Russ for continuing to do this important work for our state.” Ron Hendrick, dean of the MSU College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, said that Mason’s experience will help continue to bridge a connection between the DNR and MSU. “We look forward to interacting with Russ,” Hendrick said. “His expertise speaks for itself and his connections with our own Department of Fisheries and Wildlife are well-established. I think he can stretch those across our col­ lege.” Mason, an avid outdoorsman, has served as the DNR’s wildlife chief since joining the department in August 2008. His leadership during a critical time for the state’s wildlife landscape - Michigan’s first confirmed case of CWD in a free-ranging, white-tailed deer occurred in 2015 - was instrumental for the department. Mason helped guide the depart­ ment toward extensive deer testing and a drive for solutions to address the disease, including a national CWD symposium in TK spikers still working toward first victory Holland Christian scored a 25-20, 25-19, 25-14 victory over the visiting Thomapple Kellogg varsity volleyball team Wednesday in Holland. Tyah Jefferson and Paige Zellmer had three kills each to lead the TK ladies in the backand-forth match. The Trojans had opened their season Aug. 23 at the West Michigan Volleyball Officials tournament at the Michigan Sports Authority Fieldhouse in Grand Rapids. The TK ladies lost four tough matches on the day, falling "25-22,29-27 in their bracket play finale at the end of the day. New TK head coach Tia Cross said her girls were unable to finish on the first Friday of the season, but she liked the way her girls battled through all of their matches. Tk was bested by Cedar Springs, Sparta and Zeeland West in its pool play contests. Julia Curtis led the Trojans’ defense with consistent passing through the day. Claudia Wilkinson had 16 kills, Ellie Shoobridge 12 and Jefferson nine at the tournament. Setter Claudia Lems put up 50 assists. The TK ladies are at Battle Creek Lakeview’s Cereal City Invitational Saturday and then will head to Lakeview for another tournament Sept. 14. Hastings has two of top four league scorers at The Legacy Nobody was better than Hastings junior Ry lee Honsowitz on the Saxons’ home course at The Legacy Wednesday. Honsowitz took individual medalist honors at the second Interstate-8 Athletic Conference jamboree hosted by the Saxons, shooting a 39 -while battling strong winds with the rest of the conference’s ladies. Senior Rayna Honsowitz was fourth indi­ vidually with a 44, and the Hastings team placed third for the second time this season in conference action, shooting a 209. Marshall won the jamboree with a score of 183, ahead of Coldwater’s runner-up total of 204 strokes. The conference’s third league jamboree was scheduled for Tuesday afternoon at Binder Park Golf Course, but that event was postponed due to the weather. Harper Creek was fourth last Wednesday with a score of 209, ahead of Northwest 249, Jackson Lumen Christi 260 and Parma Western 263. Marshall had the second and third best scores of the day, a 42 from Emily McLane and a 43 from Karlee Malone. The Red Hawks also got a 48 from Marie Mathieu. Y MENTORS Make a difference in our community. Commit to mentor one child during the school year. GUIDE influence TEACH APPLY ONLINE under our VOLUNTEER tab at www.ymcaofbarrycounty.org October 2017 that brought together experts from wildlife management, academia and other key fields. His decades-long professional career includes time as chief of Nevada Department of Wildlife’s Game Division; science advisor to the national Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies in Washington, D.C., focusing on issues including invasive species, wildlife health and climate change; manager and supervisory biologist for the Mammals Research Program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service in Colorado, where he administered a national research program; and field station leader and supervisory research psychologist at the USDA’s Predation Ecology and Behavioral Applications Research Center at Utah State University. He also has an extensive record of appoint­ ments to state and national advisory commit­ tees, boards and task forces on topics includ­ ing wind energy, migratory birds, accessible hunting opportunities, pheasant population restoration, sustainable biofuels and coopera­ tive conservation. With a special interest in preparing future generations of wildlife professionals, Mason has held faculty appointments in fisheries and wildlife, biology, psychology, and environ­ ment and resource sciences, and taught sever­ al courses at MSU, University of Pennsylvania, Utah State University, University of Wyoming and University of Nevada. “I’m genuinely excited to have the opportu­ nity to close the gap between research and management application,” Mason said. “The gap exists both because researchers some­ times misunderstand management and vice-versa. In many ways, this opportunity is a first across the nation - one more example of Michigan’s leadership in the conservation community.” Mason has a bachelor’s degree in psychol­ ogy from DePauw University, a master’s degree in animal learning from Clark University and a Ph.D. in chemical ecology, also from Clark University. His training also included stints in physical chemistry at Brown University and a post-doctoral fellowship in chemical ecology at the Monell Chemical Senses Center at the University of Pennsylvania. Shannon Hanna, DNR natural resources deputy, will serve as interim chief of the department’s Wildlife Division. “The missions of the MSU Department of Fisheries and Wildlife and the DNR align in working to sustain Michigan’s wonderful nat­ ural environment,” said Scott Loveridge, chair of the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. “By working closely together through the 25-year-old Partnership for Ecosystem Services and Management along with other activities, both the DNR and MSU have produced conservation work that is rec­ ognized throughout the U.S. We look forward to continued work with Dr. Mason to meet the challenges of the next years.” A49-year-old woman called police at 6:35 p.m. Aug. 21 to report a break-in at her home in the 6000 block of Woods Trail Drive in Hope Township. She said she left for work at 7:30 a.m. and returned at 5:30 p.m. She noticed unfamiliar tire tracks in her driveway and said the sliding glass door on her back porch was wide open. The inside of the house had been searched. The woman said the burglar may have been a 28-year-old man who used to live at the house, because she doubted anyone would break into her house who didn’t know her dog, since it can be aggressive toward visitors. She also noticed a bag of sandwich meat on the bedroom floor and said the man is notorious for eating sandwich meat directly from the bag. An officer talked to the 28-year-old man, who said he had been at work the entire day and provided his schedule and told the officer to talk to his coworkers to prove his alibi. He also allowed the officer to check his entire property for the stolen items. The case is inactive without any suspects. The stolen items included $1,500 cash, a television, two Bud Light mirrors, two computers, tools, 30 DVD movies, a collection of 107 Zippo light-, ers, GPS unit, and Harley Davidson riding material, all totaling $9,094. Former tenant suspect in $3,800 theft A 35-year-old woman called police at 12:44 p.m. May 29 to report the theft of tools and equipment from a residence a in the 3000 block of Loehrs Landing in Rutland Charter Township. The woman a 31-year-old man had recently been evicted and she realized the ? items were missing when the residence was cleaned after his eviction. The missing items included an air compressor, motor, fishing pole, lawn mower, arc welder, and other items totaling $3,800. The suspect is believed to have left Barry County and officers are unable to locate him. Reckless driver arrested for meth An officer was dispatched after a driver was reported speeding and swerving into oncoming traffic in Hope Township at 5:50 p.m. Aug. 31. After a second complaint was called in for a driver failing to yield at a stop sign, the officer located the vehicle parked in the 5000 block of West Cloverdale Road. The driver, a 30-year-old Dowling man, said! he was having mechanical issues with his vehicle, including faulty brakes, which caused * him to have issues driving. A second officer arrived, and the man allowed them to search ' the vehicle. Officers found an 8 Mz-inch combat knife and a substance that tested positive for methamphetamine. The man also had a suspended license and had been arrested July 13 on three warrants for failure to appear in court and probation violation. Lakewood filled its fourth doubles spot and earned a couple of wins in a 6-2 loss to visit­ ing Ionia Tuesday. Brady Gawne, the Vikings’ new first sin­ gles player, improved his season record to 2-1 with a 6-1,6-3 victory dver the Bulldogs’ Jack Eppler. The Lakewood team got its other point from the second doubles team of Ben Goodemoot and Josh Yonkers. Goodemoot and Yonkers dropped the first set of their match with Ionia’s Ethan Rowland and Ben Marhofer 7-5, but rallied to win the second set 7-5. The Viking duo scored a 10-3 win in a super tiebreaker to secure the team point. Ionia won the rest of the flights in straight sets. The Bulldogs’ Sam Eppler scored a 6-1,6-1 win over Caleb Coates at second singles. Brett Longanbach took a 6-3,6-1 win over the Lakewood’s Clay Dunimond at third singles. Connor Hubaker scored a 6-1, 6-2 win over the Vikings’ Asher Teigler at fourth singles. The Vikings were slated to host Mason yesterday and will return to action Saturday hosting their own Lakewood Invitational. Marshall bested the Lakewood boys 8-0 in a non-conference dual in Marshall Wednesday afternoon. Gawne was the lone Viking to win a set against the Red Hawks, going three with Marshall’s number one Jacob Martinson. Martinson took the opening set 6-4 before Gawne rallied for a 6-3 win in the second set. Martinson picked up his play for a 6-0 win in the final set of the match. Lakewood once again forfeited the fourth doubles match. The tightest of the doubles matches was at the top flight. The Viking first doubles team of Owen Rickerd and Andrew Finsaas fell to Marshall’s Andrew Stetler and Shea Morgan 6-2, 6-4 in that match. ' The Caledonia girls scored a 19-39 win over the TK ladies, while the Caledonia boys finished with a perfect 15 points in a 15-48 victory. The TK girls’ team also had senior Audrey Meyering seventh in 21:49.9, freshman , Madison Nagel ninth in 22:02.3, freshman J Lucy VanDemark tenth in 22:28.9 and senior Elizabeth Meyering 22:30.4. “Audrey looked great,” coach Wilkinson « said. “Her body language projected being strong and in control, and she had herself a race, which broke up Caledonia’s crazy; good pack a little bit.” The four returning state finalists for the Caledonia boys’ team were among the top * five finishers in the race, and their new J freshman teammate Brett Guzman broke* into that top five with a time of 17:29.9 that put him in fourth place behind Jamin Thompson who won the race in 16:52, Josh Oom (17:11.4) and Caden Dixon (17:23.7). The Scots’ Logan Foerch was fifth in 17:34.5. Thomapple Kellogg senior Nick Bushman was the only Trojan among the top 18 fin­ ishers overall. He scored in sixth place with a time of 18:09.7. In the scoring, TK had Camden Reynolds ninth in 19:37.4, Brennan Lutz tenth in 19:42.2, Howie Frizzell 11th in 19:57.1 and" Mathew Smith 12th in 19:58.7. The Trojans and Scots will see each other again Monday when the TK program hosts its annual Coach B Invitational at Gun Lake. Over $9,000 reported stolen from home Gawne adds his second win at first singles for Vikes ' YMCA of Barry County | Allison Hinton ailison@ymcaofbarrycounty.org 269-945-4574 The Thomapple Kellogg varsity boys’ and girls’ cross country teams rolled out of bed earlier than many of their classmates on a school-free Friday morning last week. The Trojans headed north to take on Caledonia in a non-conference dual at Caledonia High School, taking on talented Fighting Scot teams that bring back much of their scoring speed from the teams that won Division 1 Regional Championships a year ago. “We knew heading into this race that it wouldn’t be on fresh legs. We had some really solid workouts leading into the week­ end, but I’m sure Caledonia could tell you the same,” TK head coach Sam Wilkinson said. “The girls were not asking for excuses; that’s not how they are. They showed up and were ready to give it what they had on the day, and I couldn’t be prouder of them for it.” Sophomore Jessica Durkee was the lone TK runner from either the boys’ or girls’ team to finish among the top five finishers on the day. She was the runner-up in the girls’ race with a time of 20 minute 24.1 seconds, finishing only behind Caledonia senior Taylor Visscher who hit the finish line in 20:03.2. “Jessie is amazing. She knew going in she would be up against really solid talent, but she too is one with really solid talent, and she wasn’t about to just sit back and watch the show. She was part of the show,” coach Wilkinson said of his sophomore leader who shadowed Visscher throughout the race. 83-year-old man victim of internet scam A 51-year-old Hastings woman reported that her 83-year-old father, also from Hastings, was likely scammed over the internet Aug. 23. The man was on his computer when the " screen flashed red and no longer worked. A number came up on the screen, telling the man to purchase an antivirus program. He called and gave his debit card and credit card num­ bers, and bank account information to pay for the protection. The daughter called and ; stopped the transaction but was worried the man’s identity might be at risk. The officer told the woman to freeze her father’s credit, to prevent any new accounts from being opened. Speeding ticket becomes OWI A 21-year-old Shelbyville man was arrested for operating under the influence at 11:10 p.m. Aug. 28 on Marsh/Patterson Road near Gun Lake. The driver was pulled over for traveling 49 mph in a 35-mph zone. He denied consuming any alcohol, despite a strong smell of intoxicants coming from the vehicle. The man was tested with a blood alcohol content of 0.094, before admitting to having a Red Bull and vodka. Man arrested in connection with burglaries An officer arrested two people after discovering a vehicle parked along River Road, west of Nashville Road, at 9:55 p.m. Aug. 29. When the officer activated his emergency lights, he saw a man walking toward the truck and a woman exit the vehicle from the pas-; senger side. The man, 37 of Battle Creek, said they ran out of gas and he was attempting , to walk get to a friend’s house. The officer saw a syringe in the vehicle, and discovered the man had a suspended license. The woman, 38 of Hastings, said they had been driving when » the man suddenly stopped the vehicle and said he would be right back. She said he was i probably attempting to steal something. The woman eventually allowed the officer to! search her backpack, where he found syringes and prescription drugs, including oxycodone. The woman said they were not hers, but the man said he had arranged for her to get J the drugs from a third party. The man also admitted to breaking into garages and sheds for i the past four or five months. He had photos on his phone of a generator, chainsaw, leaf 'i blower and more he had stolen. 1 " ......... ........ . ... ..... . ... — —-t Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 5, 2019 — Page 11 NOTICE Saturday’s Youth Day to offer outdoor fun I '■ Area youngsters can have some hands-on fun at the Outdoor Recreation Youth Day at Historic Charlton Park Saturday, Sept. 7. Several organizations gather to give kids \a chance to try several outdoor activities, including fishing, canoeing, yoga, clay pigeon shoot, camping, target shooting, rock-wall climbing, archery, birding, hiking, nature art, games and more. They also can see and learn about sled dogs and bird dogs. Activities, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., are free. Door prizes will be given, and a kayak will be awarded in a free raffle. Lunch is free for children; adults may purchase a lunch. ; More information can be found at facebook.com/bcyouthday. ’ I Viking teams in middle of pack at Saranac Invitational The Lakewood varsity boys’ and girls’ cross country teams each finished seventh in the 13-team Division 1 and 2 standings at Wednesday afternoon’s Saranac Invitational. r Nathan Alford ran to a 15th-place finish to lead the Lakewood boys, hitting the finish * line in 17 minutes 23.0 seconds. * The Vikings’ top five all finished in less i than 20 minutes. There was a duo in the 18’s for the Vikings, junior Oliver Beswick was 35th overall in 18:35.6 and sophomore Zac Gibson placed 46th in 18:57.5. The Viking team also had senior Michael Mackenzie 70th in 19:37.4 and freshman Ryan Alford 77th in j 19:45... » There were a pair of guys to finish in less J than 16 minutes, each setting a new personal 'record. East Lansing senior Andrew Lane xwon the race in 15:27.1 and Forest Hills Eastern junior Ben Clason was second in 1559.7. Grandville had five guys finish in the top pl, led "by senior Zach Theeuwes who was third overall in 16:08 .2, and the Bulldogs took the boys’ team title with just 34 points. i East Lansing was second with 55 points, ahead of Forest Hills Eastern 69, West Michigan Aviation 141, Byron Center 159, Whitehall 197, Lakewood 200, Comstock | Park 200, Lansing Waverly 219, Grand River ; Prep 228, Grand Rapids Union 304, Portland 1355 and Godwin Heights 414. Forest Hills Eastern won the girls’ champi; onship with six girls in the top 12, including senior Landyn Howell who was third in 119:30.6. Howell had teammates place in * every spot from eighth to 12th as their team compiled just 41 points. Byron Center was ; second with 55 points and East Lansing third । with 77. ; Lakewood was led by junior Katie Acker * who placed 33rd in 22:34.9. Nine of the ten ■ Lakewood ladies set new personal record ; times at the meet. i Lakewood senior Grade Travis was 41st ! overall in 23:00.3, senior Madisyn Case 52nd | in 23:25.8, junior Anja Kelley 54th in 23:27.5 J and freshman Sadie Brearley 73rd in 24:26.3. Teammate Emily Fortier, a senior, was right behind Brearley in 81st place with a time of 24:51.7. East Lansing junior Abbie Draheim won the girls’ race in 19:04.6, with Grand River Prep senior Amanda Kerr second in 19:23.1. Whitehall sophomore Ryann Jibson was fourth in 19:54.3. Whitehall was fourth in the girls’ team standing with 106 points, ahead of Grandville 153, West Michigan Aviation 159, Lakewood 213, Comstock Park 256, Grand River Prep 266, Portland 287, Grand Rapids Union 305, Lansing Waverly 311 and Godwin Heights 352. Challengers well back of perennial GLAC golf champions from LHS The Lakewood varsity girls’ golf team was 26 strokes better than the nearest competition at the first Capital Area Activities Conference jamboree of the fall season. The Vikings put together a score of 197, led by Jordan Shank’s 45 at the event hosted by Perry Tuesday. Lakewood also got a 48 from Emmi Klein, a 49 from Jacqueline Estep and a 55 from Morgan Stahl. Only two opponents managed scores better than Stahl’s 55. Olivet was led by a 54 from Abby Sefcik and Grace Elfring paced Laingsburg with a 51. The Wolfpack also got a 55 from Ellie Thelen. Laingsburg finished second on the day with a team score of 223, ahead of Olivet 230 and Perry 253. Lakewood is playing for its seventh straight conference title this fall, after a 20-0 season in the GLAC a year ago. The Vikings are set to host their own invi­ tational Friday and then will return to league action when Olivet hosts a jamboree Tuesday. Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. Business Services ^Antiques & Collectiblesl BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, power washing, home im­ provements, seamless gutters. 269-320-3890. CRAFT, ANTIQUE & FLEA MARKET SHOW at Barry Expo Center, Hastings. Sat­ urday, Sept. 7th. 10am-7pm. Sunday, Sept 8th, 10am-5pm. Vendor spots still available. Call Jay 517-980-0468. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. For Sale Wind Deflector for $190. Call or text anytime 269-838-3245. TO ALL CREDITORS: The Grantor, Cornelius Moelling, who lived at 6790 Rivers Edge Lane, Middleville, Ml 49333, died August 10, 2019. There is no personal representative of the Grantor’s estate to whom Letters of Administration have been issued. Creditors of the Grantor are notified that all claims against the Cornelius and JoAnn Moelling Living Trust, dated May 26, 2016, will be forever barred unless presented to the Trustee, Jeffery Dean, within four months after the date of publication. Notice is further given that the Trust will thereafter be assigned and distributed to the persons entitled to it. Dated: August 21,2019 Jeffrey M. Black (P68768) 124 East Fulton, Suite 100 Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 616-458-3994 Jeffery Dean 668 Manhattan Road, SE Grand Rapids, Ml 49506 616-690-5700 127601 SYNOPSIS RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP REGULAR BOARD MEETING August 14, 2019 - 7:00 p.m. Regular meeting called to order and Pledge of Allegiance. Present: James, Bellmore, Walters, Watson, Hawthorne, Greenfield Absent: Spencer Approved the Agenda as presented Approved the Consent Agenda Monthly Treasurer’s Report Monthly Clerk’s Voucher/Payroll Report Reappointments: Stacey Graham - Planning Commission and Dave Beckwith - Z.B.A. Alternate Approved Repairs for the Veterans Monument Approved Resolution #2019-250 -Application for Industrial Facilities Exemption Certificate (D&S Machine Repair) Accepted Ordinance #2019-170 for First Reading­ Temporary Sales Ordinance. Adjournment 8:12 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Attested to by, Larry Watson, Supervisor 127137 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee for any reason. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest, and the purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Notice is hereby given that the below mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the Circuit Court of Barry Couhty at 1:00 pm on October 3, 2019. Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Tanna L. Woods, A Married Woman Original Mortgagee: The United States of America acting through the Rural Housing Service or Successor agency, United States Department of Agriculture Foreclosing Assignee (if any): none Date of Mortgage: June 10, 2010 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 11, 2010 Amount claimed due on mortgage on the date of notice: $151,605.22 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in the City of Hastings , Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Lot 7 and Lot 8, Block 8, Kenfield’s Second Addition to the City of Hastings, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, Page 37, Barry County Records. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or upon the expiration of the notice required by MCL 600.3241 a(c), whichever is later; or unless MCL 600.3240(16) applies. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: 09/05/2019 Potestivo & Associates, PC. 108481 (09-05)(09-26) 127525 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on October 3, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Raymond L Thompson and Pamala K Thompson, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Reverse Mortgage Solutions, Inc. its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Reverse Mortgage Solutions, Inc. Date of Mortgage: June 10, 2015 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 30, 2015 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $70,108.40 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: A parcel of land in the West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 36, Town 1 North, Range 8 West, described as: Commencing at the Northeast corner of said West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4; thence South along 1/8 line 1000 feet to the place of beginning of the within description; thence continuing South along the 1/8 line 329 feet; thence due West to the West line of the East 56 acres of said West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 36; thence North on said West line 343 feet, more or less, to a point due West of the point of beginning; thence due East to the point of beginning The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: September 5, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1394749 (09-05)(09-26) 127627 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FILE NO. 19-28297-NC STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FILE NO. 19-28300-NC In the matter of Evan Lee Cavinder-Barron. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS including: whose address(es) is/are unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on Sept. 25, 2019 at 2:15 p.m. at 206 W. Court St., #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge Hon. William M. Doherty P41960 for the following purpose: Petition for a Minor Name Change for Evan Lee Cavinder-Barron to be changed to Evan Lee Cavinder. Tammy L. Cavinder 13275 Banfield Road Hastings, Ml 49058 (517)206-1219 127616 In the matter of Adam Francis Conroy. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS including: whose address(es) is/are unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on Sept. 25, 2019 at 2:45 p.m. at 206 W. Court St., #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge Hon. William M. Doherty P41960 for the following purpose: Petition for a Name change for Adam Francis Conroy to be changed to Brooke Naveen Conroy, Adam Francis Conroy 449 Holes Ave. Middleville, Ml 49333 (616)405-4175 127341 NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF BARRY COUNTY Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing for the following: Case Number: SP-11-2019 - Stone Ridge AFC (Applicant); William Sowie/Sowle Real Estate Holdings LLC (Property Owner) Location: 4825 Fruin Road, Bellevue, in Section 13 of Johnstown Township. Purpose: Requesting to amend their stipulation to allow public and private pay for adult foster care services pursuant to Article 23, Section 2307 in the RR (Rural Residential) zoning district. MEETING DATE:September 23, 2019. TIME: 7:00 PM PLACE: Tyden Center, Community Room, 121 South Church Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Site inspections of the above described property will be completed by the Planning Commission members before the hearing, interested persons desiring to present their views upon an appeal, either verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned place and time. Any written response may be mailed to the address listed below, faxed to (269) 948-4820, or emailed to Barry County Planning Director James McManus at jmcmanus@ba^ The special use application is available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Please call the Barry County Planning Department at (269) 945-1290 for further information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or call the following: Michael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 945-1284. Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MQL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on September 19, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Christopher Handley and Sunshine A. Handley, Husband and Wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): AmeriHome Mortgage Company, LLC Date of Mortgage: September 11,2017 Date of Mortgage Recording: September 1«, 2017 ; Amount claimed due on date of notice: $184,762.77 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Irving, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Unit 5, Valley Ridge Estates, according to the Master Deed recorded in Document Number 1153680, First Amendment to Master Deed as recorded in Document Number 1158613, Document Number 1162264, and Document Number 20071113-0004173, and Second Amendment to Master Deed as recorded in Document Numbpr 2016-010676, Barry County Records, as amended, and designated as Barry County Condominium Subdivision Plan No. 44, together with rights in the general common elements and the limited common elements as shown on the Master Deed and as described in Act 59 of the Public Acts of 1978, as amended. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter,32 of the Revised Judicature Act.ot 196j, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: August 22, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. ... 1393710 (08-22) (09-12) 126425 Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk 127283 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE REGARDING ATTORNEY FEES FILE NO. 19-28228-DE Court Address 206 W. Court St., Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 Court Telephone No. (269) 945-1390 This notice must be completed and mailed by the personal representative to all interested persons whose interests will be affected by the payment of attorney fees within 14 days after the appointment of a personal representative or within 14 days after the retention of an attorney by a personal representative, whichever is later. Estate of Otto Momenee TO ALL AFFECTED INTERESTED PERSONS: 1. The attorney named below has been retained to provide services on behalf of the personal representative of this estate. A copy of the agreement for payment of attorney fees is attached for your information. 2. The attorney will send a statement for services to the personal representative before payment is made. The statement shall include time records consisting of the identity of the person performing the services, the date the services were performed, the amount of time spent performing the services, and a brief description of the services. You have the right to copies of all statements and can request them from either the attorney or the personal representative. 3. The attorney fees will be paid at close of estate. 4. You have the right to object to the attorney fees at any time before the probate court allows the fees. 5. If you want to make an objection it must be made in writing or at a hearing. See below for directions on written objections. • If this is a supervised administration, a written objection must be filed with the probate court along with a $20.00 filing fee. You may file your objection by mail or in person at the above court address. A copy of the written objection must also be sent to either the personal representative or attorney named below. If you want a hearing on your objection, you must file a motion with the court requesting a time and date for the hearing. You must notify all interested persons of the hearing time and date. • If this is an unsupervised administration, a written objection must be filed with the probate court along with a $20.00 filing fee. You may file your objection by mail or in person at the above court address. A copy of the written objection must also be sent to either the personal representative or attorney named below. The court will not hold a hearing on your objection unless you or another person request one. To request a hearing you must file a petition for a formal proceeding with the probate court along with a $20.00 filing fee. A copy of the petition must also be sent to either the personal representative or the attorney named below. Date: 08/29/2019 Paul D. Tripp P82451 202 South Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-9585 Amber Zech Personal Representative 100 North 28th Street Battle Creek, Ml 49015 (269)924-6331 127258 NOTICE We are attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Notify us at the number below if you are in active military duty. MORTGAGE SALE - Pursuant to the terms and conditions of a certain mortgage made by RICKY BOLTON AND MELISSA BOLTON, husband and wife, Mortgagors, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (MERS) as nominee for Freedom Mortgage Corporation, Mortgagee, dated the 30th day of June, 2018 and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds, for The County of Barry and State of Michigan, on the 10th day of July, 2018 in Doc# 2018-006683 of Barry County Records, said Mortgage having been assigned to Freedom Mortgage Corporation on which mortgage there is claimed to be due, at the date of this notice, the sum of Seventy Six Thousand Three Hundred Three & 37/100 ($76,303.37), by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, and pursuant to statute of the State of Michigan, notice is hereby given that on the 3rd day of October, 2019 at 1:00 PM o’clock Local Time, said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale at public auction, to the highest bidder, at the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Ml, of the premises described in said mortgage, or so much thereof as may be necessary to pay the amount due, with interest thereon at 5.87500 per annum and all legal costs, charges, and expenses, including the attorney fees allowed by law, and also any sum or sums which may be paid by the undersigned, necessary to protect its interest in the premises. Which said premises are described as follows: All that certain piece or parcel of land, including any and all structures, and homes, manufactured or otherwise, located thereon, situated in the Township of Barry, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and described as follows, to wit: A parcel of land in the Northeast one-quarter of Section 4, Town 1 North, Range 9 West, described as: Commencing at the North one-quarter post of said Section 4, thence East on the Section line 1047.25 feet for the place of beginning; thence East 100 feet; thence South 400 feet; thence West 100 feet; thence North to the place of beginning. During the six (6) months immediately following the sale, the property may be redeemed, except that in the event that the property is determined to be abandoned pursuant to MCLA 600.3241 a, the property may be redeemed 30 days after the foreclosure sale or when the time to provide the notice required by the statute expires, whichever is later. Pursuant to MCLA 600.3278, the mortgagor(s) will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney Dated: 09/05/2019 Freedom Mortgage Corporation Mortgagee FABRIZIO & BROOK, P.C. Attorney for Servicer 700 Tower Drive, Ste. 510 Troy, Ml 48098 (248) 362-2600 FMCFHABOLTONRI * (09-05) (09-26) 127526 �Page 12 — Thursday, September 5, 2019 — The Hastings Banner * Week 1 full of lightning, touchdowns and turnovers Hastings senior running back Elijah Smith shakes off a tackle attempt from Thornapple Kellogg senior defensive back Colton ; Ward on his 57-yard touchdown run late in the opening quarter of Thursday’s season opener inside Baum Stadium at JohnsonT Field. (Photo by Brett Bremer) : Hastings junior defensive back Keegan Olson (12) pulls a Thornapple Kellogg fumble out of the air above teammate Logan Wolfenbarger during the Saxons’ season c^ener against the visiting Trojans Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor \ Delton Kellogg and Lakewood hit the road on Thursday in week one, only to have moth­ er nature force them to make a return trip to their non-conference destinations on Friday. Hastings and Thomapple Kellogg wanted no part of that and managed to get in their full season opener in Hastings before the clock struck 12 and everyone turned into pumpkins. The Maple Valley guys had the chance to stay safe and dry, although the Lions would have much rather kicked off their season last Week. Instead, the Lions will play their first varsity 8-player football game at home this priday. £ “Our goal is to compete^ at 8 man football against teams with a lot more experience and Upperclassmen then we have,” Maple Valley head coach Marty Martin said in the lead-up to his fifth season leading the Lions’ football program. ’ The Lions face Colon Friday, a team that reached the state semifinals in Division 1 of the state’s 8-player tournament a year ago. Colon scored a 46-6 win over Lawrence to open its season last week. Hastings is the first area team to opener conference play, as the Saxons make the trek to Coldwater this week to take on the 1-0 Cardinals who opened their season with a victory over Haslett last week. Both Hastings and Coldwater were a part of high-scoring affairs in week one, as their two ballgames saw a combined 152 points scored. The Cardinals are looking to get back to the postseason this fall after having a string of five consecutive playoff appearances snapped last season with a 3-6 record. Lakewood, Delton Kellogg and Thomapple Kellogg all host non-conference foes for their home openers this Friday. Thomapple Kellogg is taking on Byron Center. The Trojans snapped an eight-game losing streak to the Bulldogs by winning their week two match-up in Byron Center last season. The Bulldogs and Trojans both put up over 40 points in week one victories. The Bulldogs knocked off Forest Hills Eastern 41-14 in their opener this season. Delton Kellogg will host GalesburgAugusta Friday night. The Rams opened their season with a 33-32 win over Three Oaks ftiver Valley, their program’s first win in a season opener since 2016. The Rams have just dhe winning season since 2001. The Delton program has more wins against the Rams, 35, than against any other high school football program over the years. V Lakewood will be at home to face Ionia County rival Belding, a team that pulled out a seven-point win over the Vikings in week two a year ago. The Black Knights are 0-1 after a 29-17 loss to Muskegon Oakridge in week one. Belding has dropped its last two ball­ games, both to Oakridge as they guys from l|Iuskegon scored a 59-29 win over the Black Knights to open the postseason a year ago. A victory at Unity Field Friday night would go a long way to helping keep a playoff string dive for either program. The Vikings have been in the state postseason in each of the past four seasons while the Black Knights current­ ly have a three-year run of playoff participa­ tion going. Local Standings (record, playoffpoints) * Thomapple Kellogg 1-0, 64.000 Delton Kellogg 1-0,64.000 ^Lakewood 0-1,0.000 * Maple Valley 0-0, NA Hastings 0-1,0.000 Conference Standings (overall, conference) Interstate 8 Athletic Conference * Coldwater 1-0,0-0 Delton Kellogg junior running back Bradley Bunch finds space to run around the left side during his team’s seasorp opening victory that began at Parchrnent Thursday evening and concluded back there Friday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Thornapple Kellogg’s Adam Bush celebrates a touchdown reception with lineman Noah Kriekaard (71) during the Trojans’ 41-34 victory over the Saxons in Hastings Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) 1-0,0-0 Harper Creek 1-0,0-0 Lumen Christi 1-0,0-0 Parma Western 1-0,0-0 Pennfield 0-1,0-0 Hastings 0-1,0-0 Marshall 0-1,0-0 Northwest OK Gold Conference 1-0,0-0 South Christian 1-0,0-0 Thomapple Kellogg 1-0,0-0 Wyoming 0-1,0-0 GR Christian 0-1,0-0 East Grand Rapids 0-1,0-0 Wayland 0-1,0-0 Forest Hills Eastern Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Kalamazoo United 0-1,0-0 Schoolcraft 1 -0,0-0 Delton Kellogg 1-0,0-0 Constantine 1 -0,0-0 Coloma 0-1,0-0 Watervliet 0-1,0-0 Greater Lansing Activities Conference Olivet 1-0,0-0 Leslie 0-0,0-0 Lakewood 0-1,0-0 Perry 0-1,0-0 Stockbridge 0-1,0-0 Here is a round-up of last week’s local grid­ iron action. Thornapple Kellogg 41, Hastings 34 It was 11:59 p.m., still technically Friday, when the final horn finally sounded on the season opener for the Thomapple Kellogg and Hastings varsity football teams inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field in Hastings Thursday evening. The Thomapple Kellogg varsity football team fought off the host Saxons to score a 41-34 victory in the neighborhood rivalry game. It was a little after 9 p.m. when lightning brought about a delay with 7:25 to go in the fourth quarter and the Trojans leading 34-28. “It was pretty hard sitting in there. You’re cramping up, getting sore. We didn’t really expect to actually play this,” TK senior quar­ terback Gabe Nelson said. “They teased us and warmed us up and then sent us back in. Parchment quarterback Connor Stutz is tripped up by Delton Kellogg’s Jordan Rench (26) as his DK teammate Kaleb Post closes in Thursday in Parchment. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg junior quarterback Payton Smoczynski looks down field for a receiver as he rolls to his right during his team’s season-opening win at Parchment Thursday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) That was really rough, but we found a way to stay fired up and that is what we were looking for.” The scoreboard had been lighting up throughout the first half, with TK leading by as many as 19 points and holding a 34-22 advantage at the break. The scoring slowed in the second half, until the teams returned from the weather delay at nearly 11:30 p.m., after many teams across the state had already given up for the night. That is when the scoreboard started lighting up again. Nelson scored on a nine-yard run and Mitchell Middleton kicked an extra point to extend TK’s lead to 41-28 with 7:10 to go, and Hastings quickly answered with an 80-yard touchdown run by Elijah Smith. The Trojan offense worked enough clock and the defense held the Saxons the rest of the evening though. TK led 27-8 after Middleton raced into the end zone from eight yards out three minutes into the second quarter. Nelson hit Adam Bush with a 16-yard touchdown pass on the opening play of the second quarter, adding that score to a 35-yard completion for a touch­ down to teammate Cole Shoobridge from the opening period. “We know how to start strong, but we have to learn how to finish,” Nelson said. “We don’t have a lot of guys on the team. We only have 30 guys. We have to get some better conditioning so we can stay strong that third and fourth quarter.” Colton Vanloozenoord scored the opening point for the season for TK on a nine-yard touchdown run three and a half minutes into the game. Nelson hit Shoobridge on a big pass up the right side on that opening TK drive as well. The Saxon defensive backs didn’t have an answer for Shoobridge’s size on the out­ side. Shoobridge took over at quarterback a year ago, handling those duties for most of the season, after Nelson went down with an inju­ ry. Nelson, a senior, is happy to have his big junior target back outside. “It is amazing. I really don’t even have to aim it. He is insane. The kid has a crazy verti­ cal jump), long arms, he’s fast, he can get off the press easy. He is the best wide receiver you could ever ask for,” Nelson said. Shoobridge finished the bailgame with five catches for 96 yards. It was a couple big TD runs from Keegan Olson that got Hastings back in the game. He scored on a 44-yard and a 49-yard run in the second quarter to get his team within 27-14. TK was marching in towards the Saxon end zone before that second long TD run, but Alex Bonnema wasn’t able to hold onto the ball as he was hit after making a catch the middle. The ball flew into the air and was hauled in by Olson. Bonnema did his best to make up for the misplay with a big kick return following Olson’s 49-yard TD run, and Nelson got those points back for TK with a two-yard touch­ down run before the half. Nelson finished the bailgame with 17 rush­ es for 112 yards and the two TD’s. Vanloozenoord had 12 rushes for 76 yards and Middleton carried six times for 54 yards. ' The Trojans had some trouble with the Saxons’ Wing-T offense, allowing a handful of big plays. Elijah Smith rushed 20 times for 269 yards and two touchdowns for the Saxons' and Olson finished with eight rushes for 108’ yards and two touchdowns. Olson did miss: time late in the bailgame with an injury though. Gabe Trick scored the lone TD of the third quarter for the Saxons on a 4-yard run. The Trojan defense intercepted three Saxon passes. Delton Kellogg 29, Parchment 12 Things went fine for the Delton Kellogg, boys once they started holding onto the foot­ ball. ; The Delton Kellogg varsity football team’ rallied after losing fumbles on each of its first” three possessions of the season to score at 29-12 victory over host Parchment in a ball? , game that began on Thursday evening and’ ended with a couple dozen plays on Friday evening. Parchment was only able to turn those three t Delton Kellogg turnovers into one score in the, opening quarter, and Delton Kellogg evened the game at 6-6 early in the second quarter, capping off a 79-yard drive with senior run­ ning back Jordan Rench hauling in a 23-yard touchdown pass from new varsity quarterback, Payton Smoczynski. Parchment quarterback Connor Stutz answered with his second touchdown pass of the game on the host Panthers’ next drive, but the two-point try was stymied and his team went into the half clinging to a six-point lead. It was Parchment that turned the ball over a^ couple of times in the second half, with; Delton Kellogg’s defense scoring an intercept tion and a fumble recovery as Parchment tried to come from behind in the final 15 minutes. The second of those turnovers, and the final ten minutes of the ballgame, were played, Friday after thunderstorms forced postpone­ ments and delays across west Michigan t Thursday evening. J Delton Kellogg didn’t have any trouble moving the football either day, and after those, first three possessions the visiting Panthers' didn’t have any trouble holding onto it either., The DK defense halted Parchment’s opening drive of the second half and DK went the other way 72 yards, getting a 33-yard touch-. Continued next page �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 5, 2019 — Page 13 Panthers are passing it up and putting it down t . Delton Kellogg’s Eleanor Ferris hits an attack against Gull Lake during the Blue Devils’ invitational Aug. 24 in Richland. The Panthers will have their first evening match tonight, visiting Saugatuck (Photo by Perry Hardin) Vikings win at Alma, I but still work to do assists in her first varsity competition for the Vikings, getting plenty of opportunities for J» teammates Aubrey O’Gorman and Maradith j O’Gorman. Aubrey led the Vikings with 55 { kills and Maradith added 49. Jaizah Pyle had 22 kills for the Vikings. J Aubrey added 13 aces, 29 digs and 2i| blocks, Maradith chipped in 14 blocks.* g Kiana Hummel, had a team-high 30 digs fofig the Vikings, and Alli Pickard added 29. ? ; Sophie Duits led the Vikings with 15 ace£ ‘ on the day. I At Northview Tuesday, Lakewood scored* a 25-20,25-14 win over Forest Hills Eastern a and a 25-13, 25-11 win over Northview. Ip * between, the Vikings were bested 26-24* * 21-25,15-10 by Hudsonville. | At East Kentwood Thursday, theRf Lakewood girls defeated the host Falcons^ 1 18-25, 25-18, 25-12 and Plainwell 25-12^ i 25-16. West Ottawa bested the Viking^J 25-20,27-25 to close out the evening. Brett Bremer Sports Editor It was a busy first week of competition for the Lakewood varsity volleyball team. The Lakewood ladies opened the season with a 6-0 day to win the Alma Tournament Aug. 24, then went 2-1 at a pair of events in Grand Rapids last week falling to a pair of OK Red Conference foes. “We have been up and down all week,” Lakewood head coach Cameron Rowland said. “This group has a long way to go until they find the ability to work hard every day at practice so it carries over into matches.” The Vikings were ready for the competi­ tion in Alma. St. Johns and Birch Run were the only two teams at the tournament to take sets off the Vikings. Lakewood defeated Farwell, Ithaca, St. Johns, Alma, Birch Run and Mt. Pleasant on its way to the champion­ ship. Freshman setter Skyla Bump put up 109 Delton Kellogg senior setter Clara Bever puts a pass up during one of the Panthers’ matches at the 12-team Gull Lake Invitational Aug. 24. The Delton Kellogg varsity volleyball team opened its season at the 12-team Gull Lake Invitational Aug. 24 in Richland and then hosted its own Delton Kellogg Big Cat Invitational Aug. 28. (Photo by Perry Hardin) --------- -—- --- . Lions C.C. program adds of ladies for first race Brett Bremer Sports Editor A couple of ladies joined the Lion boys at Thursday’s Early Burg Invitational hosted by Laingsburg. Freshman Hope Taggart is new to Maple Valley schools and new to the sport of cross country, and junior Alyson Gusey chose to return to the program for a third season just in time to get a race in before the Labor Day break. Taggart placed 93rd at the race in 28 min­ utes 12.5 seconds and Gusey placed 126th in 40:52.9. “Both girls today ran extremely well,” Maple Valley head coach Tiffany Blakely said. “Taggart had her first race ever and gained a lot of experience and knowledge of how to get better. Gusey ran a course best by almost a minute and really toughed it out even though she wasn’t feeling that great.” Having two runners isn’t enough for the Continued from previous page down run from Bradley Bunch to even the score. Rench’s two-point run put the Delton Kellogg team up 14-12, and DK led the rest of the evening. Parchment’s first two drives of the second half ended in punts, and the next two ended in turnovers. Rench picked off a pass, giving the Delton Kellogg team the possession that led to its third score - a 5-yard touchdown run by Bunch. Rench added the two-point run this time to put DK up by ten early in the fourth quarter. Defensive tackle Alex Whitmore busted through the line and knocked the ball out of the hands of Stutz early in Parchment’s next drive, and his Delton Kellogg teammate Alan Rogers flew over from his right end spot to cover up the field on the other side of the line. Bunch capped off the Delton team’s next drive with a 7-yard touchdown run and team­ mate Gabby Petto booted the extra-point to score the final point of the evening. Pennfield 26, Lakewood 22 Lakewood had the fight to get back into its opening varsity football game with Pennfield after trailing by two scores at the half Thursday, but couldn’t overcome the Panthers in the end as the game finished up Friday afternoon. Pennfield scored a 28-22 victory over the visiting Vikings in a bailgame that was paused with three and a half minutes to play in the fourth quarter by lightning Thursday evening. Pennfield had just scored on a 40-yard touchdown run by Charles Weever to push its lead to 28-22. The Panthers got the ball back Thursday, but the Viking defense managed the stop it needed when the teams met back up in Battle Creek Friday. The Lakewood offense began a march towards the Pennfield goal in the final minute, but a fourth down pass from Lakewood senior quarterback Jacob Elenbaas was intercepted by the Panthers to seal the victory for the hosts. “It was about an hour warm-up for about ten minutes of football,” Lakewood head coach Matt Markwart said. Elenbaas rushed for the Vikings’ first two touchdowns of the ballgame, putting his team up 6-0 with a 27-yard run less than five min­ utes into the contest. That was a short lived lead as the Pennfield boys answered a minute and a half later, tak­ ing an 8-6 lead on the two-point run. Ryne Petersen scored the two-point run after toss­ ing the ten-yard touchdown pass. Petersen would rush in two more touch­ downs, from five and seven yards out, in the second quarter to give Pennfield a 20-6 lead at the half. “We fumbled the ball a couple times, and dropped about five passes that should have been caught, just those things that were first game jitters. They can be cleaned up,” Markwart said. “Drops, fumbles, a couple missed assignments on defense. We’ll get those cleaned up this week.” Elenbaas got the Vikings back within one score with a one-yard TD plunge with 8:31 to go in the third quarter. Garrett Stank pulled the Vikings to a 20-20 tie with the Panthers with a three-yard TD run with 8:10 to go in the ballgame. Elenbaas rushed in the twopoint try after each of the Vikings’ final two touchdowns to put them into the lead. “We played really well in the second half, both sides of the ball played really well in the second half,” Markwart said. Elenbaas rushed 26 times for 190 yards in the bailgame. Stank finished with 14 carries for 63 yards. Elenbaas was also 3-of-10 passing for 22 yards and the one interception. Sawyer Stoepker, Stank and John Hewitt each hauled in one pass. Brent Sweet, a junior, led the Vikings in tackles with ten. Maison Neustifter, Hewitt and Stank had seven each, while Gavin Salgat and Denny Sauers had six each. Maple Valley varsity girls’ cross country team to earn a team score at events, five runners are needed at a minimum, but it is a start. The Maple Valley boys placed 11th in a field of 15 teams, putting two guys in the top 50. Ashton Ripley placed 46th to lead the Lions in 19:12.8 and Ben Benedict was 4th in 19: 16.5. “For a young team, they handled their first meet of the season very well,” Blakely said. “It was great to watch senior Ben Benedict race side by side with freshman Ashton Ripley. Ripley just edging him out at the end, said the race was amazing and he didn’t real­ ize how fast he could go. It will be exciting to watch them push each other for the rest of the season.” The Lion team also had Curtis Walker 5th in 19:54.9, Torin Bell 93rd in 22:42. and Trevor Duffey 110th in 24:00.3. “Junior Curtis Walker had a great first race of the season, running his third best time ever,” Blakely said. “He had some injuries last year that he had to work through, so it is awesome to see him kick off the season with a great time. Senior Trevor Duffey and fresh­ men Torin Bell and Adam Blakely all put up great times in their first race at the high school level.” Greenville won the boys’ meet with 51 points, ahead of Fowlerville 65, Leslie 106, Harper Creek 120, Williamston 152, Capital Homeschool 173, Dansville 194, Perry 208, Bath 244, Ortonville Brandon 252, Maple Valley 300, Durand 310, Olivet 345, Fowler 350 and Laingsburg 361. Greenville had the two fastest guys in the race. Senior Ellis Mason won it in 16:09.5, nearly a minute ahead of junior Titus Bretzke who was the runner-up in 17:01.3. Harper Creek sophomore Owen Gilbert was third in 1:09.5. Fowler edged the Capital Homeschool team 97-100 at the top of the 11-team girls’ standings. Harper Creek was third with 113 points, ahead of Williamston 12 and Fowlerville 128 in the top five. Ortonville Brandon was sixth with 137 points, followed by Olivet 16, Leslie 168, Laingsburg 191, Bath 225 and Perry 245. Lansing Christian junior Madison Volz won the girls’ race in 19:38.9. The first four finishers came from the Greater Lansing Activities Conference, with Olivet junior Danae Feldpausch second in 20:21.4, Leslie junior Haley Ellis third in 20:2.0 and Lansing Christian freshman Ashlyn Kephart fourth in 20: 30.4. p • i Come see us for all your wedding needs. Shop your LOCAL printing company for customized Frames Save the date cards * Posters Photos Check out all our Special Services: • • • • • • • Business Cards Greeting Cards Big Prints & Posters Photo Books Folding & Laminating Custom Rubber Stamps Plastic Binding and more! 1351 N.Broadway (M-43) Hastings rn Wy H 5*3 269.945.9105 g* OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00-5:30 U �Page 14 — Thursday, September 5, 2019 — The Hastings Banner New legislation could help Michigan save threatened wildlife Christian Yonkers Contributing Writer With revisions to the federal Endangered Species Act underway, state and federal con­ servation officials are scrambling to interpret what the future of conservation will look like. The recent revisions reduce protectibns for threatened species and contain language that could allow commercial interests to be taken into account when listing a species. While the changes don’t have to affect state agencies, such as the DNR, revisions still could mean changes to how species are pro­ tected on federal lands in Michigan, such as tfee Hiawatha or Manistee national forests. ~ Dan Kennedy is the endangered species coordinator for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. - * “The ESA is complementary to Michigan’s Endangered Species Protection legislation, and both laws help the DNR and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service protect, conserve and recover species that are rare or on the brink of extinction,” Kennedy said. ' Staff from the DNR Wildlife Division are charged with administering Michigan’s Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act of 1994. The DNR works closely with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in conserving and protecting state and federal­ ly listed species. Kennedy said he is unsure how recent changes to the Endangered Species Act will affect protecting species in Michigan. “The [DNR] is in the process of evaluating the current ESA regulation changes, and we don’t yet have that analysis complete,” he said. ’’The Endangered Species Act, ratified in 1973, complements Michigan’s regulations protecting endangered species. Both state and federal laws help the DNR conserve species that are in decline or on the brink of extinc­ tion. The amount is alarming. A 2018 report discovered that a third of all American wildlife is facing increased risk of extinction. Though conservation success sto­ ries exist, many species continue to decline, the report found, as new threats emerge for American wildlife. In the U.S.: • More than 150 species have gone extinct. • Nearly 500 species have not been seen in decades and are regarded as possibly extinct. „ • About 40 percent of freshwater fish spe­ cies are considered rare or imperiled. • Nearly three-quarters of freshwater mus­ sels are threatened or extinct. • Pollinators, such as bees and butterflies, are declining significantly. Monarch butterfly populations have declined by 90 percent in some portions of the Eastern U.S. • Amphibian populations are decreasing at a rate of 4 percent annually. ; Michigan is home to 26 federally protected plant and animal species. They range from high-profile mammals, such as the gray wolf and Canada lynx, to the more obscure club­ shell mussel and Hungerford’s crawling water beetle. Michigan’s state threatened list is much longer, containing more than 300 plant and animal species. Both federal and state listed species are protected from activities that could harm them, and result in stiff penalties for violators. Nine species that once called Michigan home have gone extinct. Federal and state protections exist to ensure threatened species The Kirtland’s warbler is one of the nation’s greatest conservation success stories. This Michigan bird was once the rarest songbird in the world, rescued from certain extinction through collaboration between federal and state governments and the private sector. It is now slated for desisting from the Endangered Species Act, a testament to how private and public sectors working together can stave extinction. (Photo by Ashley Hannah, USFWS) — don’t face the same fate as the passenger pigeon and Eastern elk - once common spe­ cies throughout Michigan - which have disap­ peared forever. “Wildlife in America need help,” John McDonald, Ph.D., said in a press release announcing the 2018 report on threatened species. McDonald, past president of The Wildlife Society, coauthored the report along with the National Wildlife Federation and the American Fisheries Society. “Species are increasingly at risk in all regions of the country and across all catego­ ries of wildlife,” McDonald continued. “This decline is not inevitable. Wildlife profession­ als in every state have action plans ready to go to conserve all wildlife for future generations, but we need the funding to turn this situation around.” The funding may be coming soon. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-Michigan) speaks in Washington, D.C., about the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, a bipartisan bill designed to help states protect wildlife. (Photo provided) Grand Rapids - Lansing - Kalamazoo 100 Acres - Timber - Cabin - Pond September Iftfc at ® pm Sellers: Brandon and Gretchen Cropsey Directions: fC" North of °f Hastings H‘Tinf MI on n 43,2 4313 J?8? Willits Road. Then left 1 mile to Hammon' NorthonHammohdTfoLwjo^j'imiie. ° ’ North on Hammond (follow jogs) 1 m 3661N Hammond Road Hastings MI 49058 Open Houses: Public is welcome to inspect property on August 17th and 31st from 1 to 4 pm. fishing, or mushrooming. .com for more... itstarauctions.com or Both parcels have some mature Parcel One •24 +,- acres with frontage on Hammond Road •If purchased separately from Parcel 2, a 66 foot Timber including: •White Oak easement will be given across parcel one to provide access to parcel 2. •Gorgeous cabin recently remodeled •Large whitetails And more.. •Pond stocked with fish •Rolling Rid •Lots of Trails •Parcels may be purchased •Fountain in pond •In qualified Forest Program if purchased with parcel 2, but not if purchased separately •Minimum bid $239,000 then sells without separately or as. a combination. Auctioneer’s Note: Outdoors­ man’s paradise on earth! This getaway is located almost equidistant to Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and T.ansing. reserve. Parcel Two •75 acres +,- •Large whitetails •In Qualified Forest Program which provides tax breaks •Minimum bid $3,000 per acre then sells without reserve. •Rustic log cabin in mint condition •Hot water •New shower •New LP wall heater c cabin with modern comforts nestl pond with fountain Each Mossy Oak Properties office is independently owned and operated. Co-listed with: BRIGHT STM Lakes ? 0% down night of auction (nonrefundable). Balance is due at closing in approximately 60 days. If only one parcel meets minimum bid, seller has right to retain both. “Species are increasingly at risk in all regions of the country and across all categories of wildlife. This decline is not inevitable. Wildlife professionals in every state have action plans ready to go to conserve all wildlife for future generations, but we need the funding to turn this situation around.” -John McDonald, Ph.D. The Eastern massasauga rattlesnake is one of several federally protected species in Barry County. Here, GVSU researcher Jennifer Moore handles a massasauga captured at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute in southern Barry County. (Photo provided) Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (D-Michigan) and Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R-Nebraska) have reintroduced the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act with the support of conservation and sportsmen leaders. The legislation would help promote and enhance state conservation efforts, and ensure the long-term health of fish and wild­ life throughout the country. The bill would dedicate roughly $1.4 bil­ lion to the Wildlife Conservation Restoration Program for proactive; voluntary efforts led by the states, territories and tribal nations to prevent vulnerable wildlife from becoming endangered. “Bold solutions are needed to safeguard our nation’s wildlife from further decline,” Dingell said. “The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act represents a strong commitment to addressing the current biodiversity crisis using innovative, state-based management that will safeguard our nation’s environmental heritage for current and future generations.” The proposed act takes a preventative, state-led approach to rebuild and preserve habitats for threatened species. It engages existing state wildlife action plans and offers funding to help implement these programs. Unlike the Endangered Species Act, Recovering America’s Wildlife Act is designed as a preventative policy that pro­ motes continuity of habitats. “Through proactive, collaborative and vol­ untary partnerships with states RAWA enhanc­ es community recreational opportunity for birders, hikers, hunters, anglers and all who enjoy the beauty of nature,” Fortenberry said in a press release. State Wildlife Action Plans have proven that species can be recovered through volun­ tary, non-regulatory mechanisms, The Wildlife Society President Darren Miller said. In Michigan, species such as Kirtland’s war­ bler have been saved from extinction through collaboration between state, federal and pri­ vate sector stakeholders. “With the passage of the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act, we will further advance effective, collaborative conservation for the benefit of wildlife populations and the American public,” Miller said. Representatives Dingell and Fortenberry reintroduced Recovering America’s Wildlife Act in 2017 based on a recommendation from a panel of conservation and business leaders. The think-tank convened in 2015 to recom­ mend a new mechanism to sustainably fund fish and wildlife conservation. The panel dis­ covered that $1.3 billion annually was needed to fully implement all 50 states’ wildlife action plans. The group estimated that without rigorous bolstering of local and federal conservation efforts, the list of family threatened and endangered species is l^pected to grow from nearly 1,600 today thousands more in the future. The new dedu funding created by Recovering America’s Wildlife Act is aimed of making t^ov;«rr sure fKro at this r — >t happen. Building on collaborative, |ye, on-the-ground conservation, Reco America’s Wildlife Act 0 species considered in need, incjudi than 1,600 species listed under the igered Species Act. The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act would significantly bolster Michigan’s Wildlife Action Plan. The state’s current plan is a 10-year framework guiding state govern­ ment and its conservation partners in manag­ ing the state’s wildlife. Common plants and animals such as deer, turkey and native flora “Bold solutions are needed to safeguard our nation’s wildlife from further decline.” -Congresswoman Debbie Dingell are included in the plan’s framework, but it goes on to provide special attention to the state’s more rare and threatened species. Michigan’s current plan prioritizes protect­ ing habitats threatened organisms need to survive, focusing on key ecosystems such as rivers and streams, lakes, wetlands, grass­ lands and forests. In addition, the plan engag­ es emergent diseases and invasive species affecting Michigan wildlife. Together with conservation partners in the private and public sectors, Michigan’s Wildlife Action Plan calls to manage habitat and invasive species for an environment beneficial for wildlife and peo­ ple; conduct research and surveys to improve conservation efforts; educate the public about wildlife; and protect natural resources The DNR receives $1.2 million annually from the federal government to help imple­ ment the state’s Wildlife Action Plan. All funding combined, the state has less than $2 million each year to protect threatened spe­ cies. The shallow buffer isn’t enough to stave the pressures threatening Michigan wildlife. : “Funding is scarce, and it’s difficult for us to meet the objectives in the Wildlife Action Plan with the amount of funding we have,” Kennedy said. r. The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act ypuld allocate an additional $27 million to Michigan conservation, cause enough for DNR officials to lick their lips. * “If passed, this legislation would constitute the most significant new investment in wild­ life conservation in decades,” Kennedy said. With a third of all wildlife species in America at risk of becoming endangered, the states need help. The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act wbuld drasticaHy increase Michigan’s funding for its Wildlife Action Plan; jumping from under $2 million annually to a "whopping $37 million after Recovering America’s Wildlife Act funding and matching grants . Kennedy said he foresees a significant portion of this money going to conservation partners to help them implement conservation programs, or to DNR staff to help address areas of greatest conservation need. The wish list is long, but the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act could be the ticket for making at least some of the wishes come true. “The goal is to fund the highest priorities in our Wildlife Action Plan,” Kennedy said. “A lot of these are on-the-ground habitat resto­ ration projects.” In Barry County, Kennedy said he foresees a significant portion of funding to be used in protecting the Eastern massasauga rattle­ snake, which is listed in the Endangered Species Act. This would mean restoring wet­ lands, removing invasive species and protect­ ing grasslands and prairies in state and private land throughout the county. “[The Recovering America’s Wildlife Act] would give us the ability to spend money on improving Michiganders’ abilities to get out and enjoy the outdoors,” Kennedy said. The $1.3 billion payout the proposed act would grant to the states comes from the U.S. general treasury. No new taxes are to be raised. That $1.3 billion is nothing to shake a stick at. But in light of the 1,600 threatened species in the nation (a number that has grown _ rapidly in the past several decades), it nraylie a necessary price to pay to protect vanishing species. “If we want to keep species off the endan­ gered species list so they don’t need the emeif gency room-type of care they get from the [Endangered Species Act], then Recovering America’s Wildlife Act funding is needed to keep species off that list and make sure they’re healthy and sustainable for the future,” Kennedy said. It’s preventative medicine, he said. “For more than 40 years, hunters and fish­ ermen, Democrats and Republicans, under­ stood we were losing species that were critical to maintaining the balance of our wildlife,” Dingell said. “That’s why we need bold solutipns that will put forward state-based conser­ vation efforts and safeguard Michigan’s wild­ life from further decline. Recovering America’s Wildlife Act is that bold solution.” About the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act: Would fund conservation efforts for more than 12,000 species of wildlife and plants in need of assistance by providing $1.397 billion in dedicated annual funding for proactive^ on-the-ground efforts in every state and terri­ tory. . u Would hasten the recovery of 1,600 U.S. species already listed as threatened or endan­ gered under the Endangered Species Act. Would guide wildlife recovery efforts through the Congressionally mandated State Wildlife Action Plans, which identify specific strategies to restore the populations of species of greatest conservation need. ' • Would provide $97.5 million annually tp Tribal Nations to fund proactive wildlife con­ servation efforts on roughly 140 million acres of land. > Complements the highly successful Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act (PittmanRobertson) and Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act (Dingell-Johnson), which have facilitated the state-led recovery of a rahgi of large mammals, game birds and sportfish that faced potential extinction last cehthiry. , Garnered 117 cosponsors (H.R. 4647) last session, with both parties strongly represent­ ed; Includes allotted funding for conserva­ tion-related education. Offers a competitive grant program that fosters collaboration and innovation for state­ based conservation initiatives. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-09-12.pdf c0c7c545552044ad742cc8a996956a8c PDF Text Text D&S Machine expands, adds apprenticeships See Story on Page 11 Why do we forget? See Editorial on Page 4 DK last undefeated local varsity team See Story on Page 16 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 = 804879110187 1070490102590504178749058113421 «.*«..„.„...„„*.„„CAR_RT LOT„C 005 c005 Richard Hemerling 421 N Taffee Dr Hastings Ml 49058-1134 1 6/30/2020 9:47:00 AM ina i inuS __ ANNER Thursday, September 12, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 37 PRICE 750 Municipalities take ‘wait and see' approach to marijuana Taylor Owens Staff Writer Most Barry County area municipalities have, at least temporarily, opted out of allow­ ing recreational marijuana businesses. And when they intend to revisit those deci­ sions is still up in the air. The advice many municipalities received from legal counsel and state sources was to opt out until Michigan releases its guidelines and elected officials are ready to make a deci­ sion. Board and councils can always choose to opt in later, but, if they don’t make a decision before a business tries to set up shop, they could have weak legal footing to stop it. Even after the state released its regulations in early July, municipalities were still cau­ tious about opting in. “Basically it’s a ‘wait and see’ deal,” Hastings Charter Township Supervisor Jim Brown said. Although the Michigan Office of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs released the regula­ tions, the state is calling the document “emer­ gency rules,” and left the door open for changes, and Brown said he expects a lot of changes. “We’re going to step back on this thing bec ause there are a lot of unknowns,” Brown Families can learn more about Garage Works tonight Gilmore Garage Works, a hands-on auto restoration program offered by Gilmore Car Museum will host an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 12. High school students, parents, teachers, supporters and friends and family mem­ bers of previous participants are invited to attend. Since 2009, Garage Works mentors have provided instruction in automotive technology, giving students skills in weld­ ing, painting and fabrication. Students leave the program with a resume, portfo­ lio, letters of recommendation, along with new skills and confidence. Additional information can be found online at gilmorecarmuseum.org. Garden club to learn about aquaponics Maddie Ek, office^ manager and sustain- I ability coordinator at Revolution Farms, will be at the Thomapple Garden .Club’s | meeting Thursday to talk about the Caledonia-area farm that started produc- | ing locally grown lettuce, salad greens and tilapia late last year. The meeting will be at the Episcopal Parish House, 315 W. Center St., Hastings, and will begin at 6:30 with refreshments, and the presentation at 7 pan. The busiIness part of the meeting will fellow the presentation. Membership information for the garden | club can be obtained through current club president Janet Smith by calling 269-795­ 9109 or membership chair Rose Ann Lipsch, 269-945-3242. I Hastings Women’s Club meeting Friday Retired Capt. Eva Lynn Chapp will be { I the guest speaker at the GFWC-Hastings J Women’s Club meeting Friday, Sept. 13. Chapp, who served in Military Police Public Affairs in the U.S. Army National Guard, will give a presentation on learn­ ing how to excel in challenging environ­ ments and how diligence and resourceful­ ness pays off The meeting will begin at noon, with lunch and fellowship at 1 p.m.. at the I Barry County Commission on Aging* 320 W. Woodlawn Ave., Hastings. The General Federation of Women’s | Clubs is a women’s organization dedicat­ ed to community improvement by enhanc- ; I ing the lives of others through volunteer J I service. Monthly meetings feature speak­ ers presenting local volunteer information ... and topics that impact the community. I Visitors and new members are wel­ come. Reservations and more informaI tion can be obtained by calling club pres­ ident Joann Logan, 269-945-9782. .. . • ..... said. “We’ll take a look at it when it makes sense -- if ever.” Woodland Township Supervisor Jeff Mackenzie used the same phrase as Brown. “We will wait and see how this works out,” Mackenzie said. Like Hastings Charter Township, Woodland See APPROACH, page 3 Community gathers in Middleville to remember 9/11 Greg Chandler Staff Writer Several hundred people gathered Wednesday at Middleville’s Sesquicentennial Pavilion for a Patriot Day observance in memory of the victims of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks on the United States. It was the third year for the observance, which was organized by American Legion Post 140, along with the Village of Middleville and Thomapple Township. Participants in the service stressed the importance of remembering the attack and those who not only lost their lives that day, but those who later died from illnesses resulting from rescue efforts, and those from the military who have given their lives on the battlefield in Iraq and Afghanistan since the attack. For Capt. Hans Intgroen, a Caledonia Township resident and longtime pilot for American Airlines, 9/11 is highly personal. He recalled flying into New York City just two days before the attack, going over the Hudson River just before landing. “I remember looking to my right and seeing the World Trade Center and Times Square, all lit up, and the big dark area, which would be Central Park. I thought to myself, ‘how very lucky to be sitting in a seat to enjoy these views,”’ said Intgroen, a 34-year veteran of the airline industry. But less than 48 hours later, Intgroen watched on his television as airplanes slammed into the World Trade Center, causing massive fires that led to the skyscrapers collapsing. He felt he had to do something, so Rebecca Pierce It’s National Drive Electric Week - and a chance to test drive a Tesla. From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, the Hastings Public Library will host a free electric car | show and rides in the library parking lot at 227 E. State St. The presentation, “Why Drive Electric?” will start at noon in the com­ munity room. The show, presented by Plug In America, Sierra Club, Electric Car | Association and Kalamazoo Electric Vehicle Association Southwest Michigan Group, will feature the next wave in clean transportation. Several makes and models I will be on site for show and tell and test See NEWS BRIEFS, page 2 Larry Watson, Rutland Charter Township Supervisor but she suggested that the council may not be finished until the end of the year. The next step for the council is to get a list of questions together for its legal counsel, McNabb-Stange said. Questions at the top of her list include: Can the city still receive fed­ eral funds if it votes to opt in; can the number of licenses in each category be limited; can certain types of business licenses be granted while others are denied; and can the locations of these operations be limited? She said she believes the state is doing well with what it has to work with, given the fact that that the proposal had a number of vague areas. If the Legislature doesn’t decide how to specify those areas, McNabb-Stange said it would ultimately be left up to the courts. “I think that’s one of the reasons for the hesitancy,” McNabb-Stange said. “Are you going to end up in litigation?” The village of Caledonia found itself in an odd spot, since its constituents were evenly split, 376-376, on the statewide proposal to allow recreational marijuana. But after a review process, which included a survey of local businesses, the council unanimously voted to opt out. he drove to /Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Grind; Rapids to see what he could do to help. “When I approached the terminal, there was a sea of pifets^ and flight attendants [who had been diverted to Grand Rapids when planes were grounded] standing on the curb, waiting for hotel vans to try to get to the hotels ” Intgroen said. “I ended up taking eight or nine van loads of people from the airport to their hotels.” “The terrorists, that day, thought they could change us. They thought they could bully us and make a change in the way we behave, the way we act. [But] Americans continue to be Americans. We wouldn’t be changed.” Circuit Judge Michael Schipper, who served as master of ceremonies for the observance, said it was important to recognize those who lost their lives that day on the four airplanes that were hijacked by Al-Qaeda terrorists. “Many times, we hear and talk about the heroes of the military, first responders, firefighters and EMTs that sacrificed so much that day, but let us not forget those who were lost in the planes and buildings, as well,” Schipper^aid. U.S. Navy veteran Bob Buys, who was recognized earlier this year by Post 140 as its honored veteran of the year, spoke about some of the heroes who gave their lives that See REMEMBER, page 3 American Legion Post 140 color guard retires the colors (from left) Alex Decess, (American Legion flag), Shannon Szukala, (POW flag), Paul Hernandez, (U.S. flag). American Airlines pilot Hans Intgroen, a Caledonia Township resident, speaks about being in New York City shortly before the 9/11 attack. (Photos by Scott Harmsen) Sgt. Tim Stevens of the Barry County Sheriff’s Department Middleville unit lays a wreath in honor of the 9/11 victims and those who have lost their lives on the bat­ tlefield during the war on terrorism. City council endorses Royal Coach project Library hosting I electric car test drives Saturday SI “We are taking our time with it. We’re only working on what little we do know. You don’t know what’s going to happen with the state. The state is not educating us on what the heck to do.” Township’s constituents voted against the proposal. The Woodland Township board voted to opt out of recreational marijuana, and Mackenzie said he doesn’t expect the board to revisit the proposal anytime soon - even since the regulations were released in July. “But, as times change, opinions change,” Mackenzie said. Rutland Charter Township voted to opt out in the spring, but township constituents voted for the proposal, so the board is working on an opt-in ordinance. “We are taking our time with it,” Rutland Charter Township Supervisor Larry Watson said. “We’re only working on what little we do know.” Watson also noted that state officials could change the regulations. “You don’t know what’s going to happen with the state,” Watson said. “The state is not educating us on what the heck to do.” The City of Hastings voted in May to opt out, although that ordinance had a sunset clause, and will expire in May 2020. Council member Brenda McNabb-Stange said she has been pressing the council to move forward on a decision. Her goal is to have a more perma­ nent ordinance in place before the state starts accepting license applications Nov. 1. It’s still possible they could reach a decision by then, I Editor The City of Hastings is moving decisively in the direction of affordable housing down­ town - although it will take a year or more to see the Royal Coach project on East Mill Street take shape along the Thomapple River. Several key pieces of the plan came togeth­ er Monday night when the city council unani­ mously approved a resolution in support of the Royal Coach Apartments, calling the pro­ posal “a positive contribution to the revital­ ization of downtown Hastings and the greater Hastings/Barry County community.” Another action by the council will allow a tax exemption on the property so that the development will owe 3 percent of whatever is taken in for rental income, minus expenses, rather than property taxes. This “payment in lieu of taxes” will bring in an estimated $17,500 in the first year, City Manager Jerry Czarnecki told the council. It will actually result in an increase over current taxes of slightly more than $5,000 on the property, he added, but it caps the taxes the city will collect later. Under its tax-exemption ordinance, the city allows for provision of housing for low-in­ come residents and families and, to encourage the development of this housing, provides for a service charge in lieu of property taxes. “Such housing for low-income persons and families is a public necessity,” the ordinance reads, “and, as the City will be benefited and improved by such housing, the encourage­ ment of the same by providing real estate tax exemption for such housing is a valid public purpose.” The council also approved the first reading of an ordinance to amend the zoning map and create the Royal Coach Planned Unit Development. Czarnecki called it “the last piece of the puzzle.” “All the necessary pieces are coming together in a way that’s fitting in to place,” he said. The project developer, General Capital, intends to construct a 73-unit workforce hous­ ing development and submit an application for affordable housing tax credits to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority by the Oct. 1 deadline. That application must clearly demonstrate community support and that it directly con­ tributes to the revitalization of the immediate neighborhood and greater community. These actions by the city should fulfill those requirements, Czarnecki said. Projects like this one at 420 E. Mill are starting to “tip the scale for us as far as bring­ ing residents to Hastings,” he said. “We’re still a good year, year and a half, out before we start to see the residents.... “It starts to build momentum, and I think we’re going to see that trickle through the business district as more employees for our businesses. And once people realize how nice it is to live here ... we’re going to see more of these [projects] coming into place.” Czarnecki predicted more housing devel­ opments in the near future. “People say Hastings is a hidden gem,” he said. “It’s time for us not to be hidden any­ more.” The effort to reclaim the Royal Coach property has been a lengthy process. In fact, in the resolution approved Monday, a comprehensive community plan adopted nearly 12 years ago specifically identified the Hastings Manufacturing/Royal Coach See ROYAL COACH, page 3 �Page 2 — Thursday, September 12, 2019 — The Hastings Banner County’s 2020 budget will move into spotlight soon Rebecca Pierce Editor No additional staffing is being recommend­ ed as Barry County prepares a new spending plan for 2019-20. “Regrettably, it’s not that it’s not needed; it’s for lack of money,” County Administrator Michael Brown said after the county board meeting Tuesday. The recommendation for the 2020 general fund budget stands at $17.8 million. This year, the general fund total came $17.29 mil­ lion. The budgeting process will kick into high gear next week. “We’ll know tomorrow who all is wanting to make an appeal,” Brown said. “We’ll listen to them and start working through the pro­ cess.” “Historically, this county has been very fiscally conservative so that, when we do have to batten down the hatches, it’s not as belt-tightening as other counties,” board Chairwoman Heather Wing said. “We run a pretty tight ship,” she added, pointing out that “it’s easier to say ‘no’ first than to say ‘yes’ and take it away.” During their meeting Tuesday, commis­ sioners took care of business on their agenda in less than 15 minutes. Among actions that passed without com­ ment or dissension was a letter of agreement between the Barry-Eaton District Health Department and Blue Zones LLC. The public health initiative had been a con­ troversial topic in August after a request for office space, pitched to the Barry County Board of Commissioners Aug. 5, was rejected a week later in a 4-3 vote. Commissioners Wing, Vivian Conner, Jon Smelker and Howard Gibson voted against it. Their concerns ranged from the timing of the request because of an ongoing study regard­ ing the use of space in county buildings (Conner), the use of information technology for the Barry County project when the health department’s IT system is based in Eaton County (Wing and Gibson), and overall objec­ tions to a health department that combines the two counties (Smelker). Their votes changed, they said, because the IT system would be cloud-based and the letter of agreement would allow a 30-day out for both parties'for any reason. Wing, who has accepted a teaching job at Barry County Christian School and couldn’t attend Tuesday’s meeting, said she didn’t know how she would have voted if she had been at thei Meeting. She did say the arrange­ ment with Blue Zones seemed “more amica­ ble” than when it was originally presented. The request was brought back to the board, which considered the question again last week. But, first, more than a dozen citizens doctors, hospital officials, business and com­ munity representatives - spoke in support of the Blue Zones proposal. Blue Zones is based on a research project published about 10 years ago by National Geographic that documented five communi­ ties with specific similarities that contributed to citizen longevity. The project takes a sys­ tems approach in which schools, employers, churches, agencies, grocery stores, restau­ rants, elected officials, community leaders and citizens collaborate on policies and pro­ grams that would encourage better health and well-being. Barry County will be the first county in Michigan to establish a Blue Zones initiative. In other business, the board also approved: • A bid for epoxy flooring in specific loca­ tions at the sheriff’s office from Customized Cleaning Services for $60,563 with funds to be paid from the building rehabilitation fund. • Hiring a part-time temporary person for up to 10 hours a week with funds to be paid from the concealed pistol licensing fund, and. to amend the 2019 budget by $3,000 to cover the increase. • Pre-paid invoices totaling $4.5 million. • Claims totaling $112,134. • Commissioner reimbursements of $535 for mileage. • A resolution opposing the termination of a state contract with the Lakeshore Regional Entity for mental health services. Suicide rates rise across Michigan, with few answers ------- ----------- ------------------------------gests part of the problem is linked to opiate Bridge Magazine Even as Michigan’s suicide rate rose by a third over two decades — and climbing even higher among young people, rural residents and military veterans — a fundamental ques­ tion has yet to be fully answered. WhyV “We need to get to the bottom of why this is happening,” said state Sen. Jim Runestad, R-Oakland County. “I don’t hear that’s being Runestad contends a commission on sui­ cide can provide at least some answers, and could lead to a rapid, statewide approach to suicide prevention. In May, the Senate unani­ mously approved his bill authorizing a suicide commission, sending it to the state House Health Policy Committee. A near-identical version of that measure is slated for a likely vote in committee. Health Policy chairman, state Rep. Hank Vaupel, R-Fowlerville, said he is “optimistic” of com­ mittee approval and that he anticipates a vote by the full House this fall. “Very definitely we need to look at some of the causes of what’s going on and see what we can do to prevent it. I think it’s vitally import­ ant,” Vaupel said. Under the House bill, a 27-member com­ mission would work with state departments and agencies and nonprofit organizations to study the underlying factors of suicide in Michigan and produce guidance quickly. The measure seeks preliminary findings and rec­ ommendations to the Legislature in six months, and a report highlighting promising suicide prevention programs in the state with­ in a year. The commission is to include suicide pre­ vention researchers, members of the mental _ While no one’s sure why the suicides are rising, University of Michigan research suggests part of the problem is linked to opiate use. Others point to a lack of medica­ tion-assisted treatment in Michigan for opioid addic­ tion that advocates say could help to lower the suicide rate. health, substance use disorder and medical treatment communities, law enforcement, sui­ cide loss and suicide attempt survivors as well as the ombudsman for Michigan’s veterans’ facilities. Runestad said he is hopeful the commis­ sion’s recommendations would lead to imme­ diate action, including legislative measures if needed. “The thing I want to emphasize is not to delay,” he said. “There are people dying every day.” The measure would place the commission within the state Legislative Council, a biparti­ san arm funded by the state Legislature. According to the House fiscal agency, the measure would raise costs by an “unspecified amount,” depending on how much extra staff time it consumes. While no one’s sure why the suicides are rising, University of Michigan research sug-* ____ _ ____ . _ _ NEWS BRIEFS continued from front page rides. Hydrant flushing to begin Monday The City of Hastings Department of Public Services crew will start routine hydrant flushing Monday, Sept. 16. This maintenance, in which water is forced through underground water mains at high speed and flushed out of fire hydrants to remove accumulated sediment, will like­ ly conclude next Thursday. Dinner, auctions, more planned at PCCI A Latesummer Night’s Green is a cele­ bration of Pierce Cedar Creek Institute’s mission to inspire appreciation and steward­ ship of the environment. The success of this fundraiser ensures environmental education opportunities in the coming year. The fund­ raiser will be Saturday, Sept. 14, from 6 to 9 pm. The event is filled with delicious food and drink and many surprises. The night will include various games, raffles, two silent auctions, and a live auction. Games will include a pick-a-prize raffle, key box, pick-a-dessert raffle, green line drawing and a grub grab. Featured items include a six-month mem­ bership to the Pennock Health and Wellness Center, two tickets to a David Sedaris show at Kalamazoo Theatre Nov. 17, a Chateau Chantal getaway, a hand-crafted pine table, a pair of greater scaup duck decoys, an ulti­ mate bluebird house, a Boyne Mountain splash package, gift cards to local restau­ rants and much more. Raffle tickets are now being sold for two items on display in the visitor center. Individuals can purchase tickets to win two 10-foot Sun Dolphin Bali SS sit-on top kay­ aks and a Northrock XCOO fat tire bike. Tickets are available at the front desk of the visitor center, online at CedarCreeklnstitute. org, or by calling 269-72 L4190. The win­ ners will be announced at the live auction but do not need to be present to win. Raffle tickets are $5 each or three for $10. Those wishing to attend A Latesummer Night’s Green may register at CedarCreekInstitute.org or call 269 721­ 4190. The cost is $50 per person. Hastings library hosting card sign-up Hastings Public Library is inviting all residents of the city of Hastings and Hastings and Rutland charter townships to stop in and get a library card. Every first-time library card registrant will receive a welcome packet with perti­ nent information about library services, plus a coupon for a free book from the Friends of the Library bookstore. New reg­ istrants also will be entered in to a drawing for $25 in Barry Bucks. As noted author E.L. Doctorow once said, “The three most important documents a free society gives are a birth certificate, a passport, and a library card.” J-Ad seeking fall and winter events, ads Life doesn’t stop after summer. This is Michigan, after all. Many area organiza­ tions and businesses continue to offer events well into the fall and winter. And J-Ad Graphics staff is looking for information to share with residents, visitors and prospective tourists in the 2019 fall and winter fun guide. Anyone who is planning an event October through April - indoors or outdoors - is encouraged to contact J-Ad Graphics and share that information or dis­ cuss an ad. These special seasonal editions are circu­ lated throughout the area and at Michigan Welcome Centers, so the exposure is exten­ sive. Call 259-945-9554 for more information. To contact an ad representative, call the number above or email ads@j-adgraphics. com. To contact the newsroom, email news @j-adgraphics .com. use. Others point to a lack of medication-as­ sisted treatment in Michigan for opioid addic­ tion that advocates say could help to lower the suicide rate. Runestad could point to a stack of grim statistics that argue for urgent action: According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the overall suicide rate in Michigan spiked 33 percent from 1999 to 2016, compared to a nationwide rise of 25 percent over the same period. For those ages 15 to 24 in Michigan, sui­ cide is now the second leading cause of death, with the rate jumping nearly 50 percent in less than a decade in this age group, state health data show. Deadly toll Rural Michigan counties led the state in suicide rates from 1999 to 2017. And in parts of rural Michigan, suicide rates are twice the state average. Sparsely populated Alcona County, 100 miles north of Bay City, charted the highest cumulative suicide rate in the state from 2000 to 2017 — at 26.6 per 100,000 people, far above the state average. Its rural neighbor to the west, Oscoda County, was second highest with 25.5 suicides per 100,000. Four counties in the Upper Peninsula ranked among the top 10 statewide in suicide rates. That includes Gogebic County in the west fringe of the U.P., which had the 10th highest suicide rate in the state. Ironwood resident Pat Gallinagh has made it his mission to prevent suicide in this rural area, decades after he tried to take his own life. Retired from Ironwood Area Schools after three decades of teaching, he now steers a nonprofit area suicide prevention organiza­ tion. Gallinagh said he would welcome any ini­ tiative that might reach more people before they end their lives. “There are lots of things we could do for prevention,” he said. “The question is whether the state Legislature would act on any of the recommendations. You have to look at a state­ wide effort to do it.” Gallinagh said he would grade Michigan’s current suicide prevention efforts as a “D.” “It’s not that people don’t care. It’s just that the money isn’t there.” As a starting point, Gallinagh said, Michigan can require depression screening for Michigan school students. Research has found that up to 65 percent of adolescents report depressive symptoms, but only a third to a fourth receive treatment. About half of all those who commit suicide nationwide have a current or known mental health problem, according to the CDC. “That’s an expensive proposition. A lot of poor school districts couldn’t afford to do that screening,” Gallinagh said. Adding to the challenge, Michigan schools have the nation’s second-worst ratio of stu­ dents to school counselors, with 741 students for every counselor, according to the American School Counselor Association, which recom­ mends a 250-to-l ratio. Two years ago, the CDC issued a series of recommended strategies to help states reduce suicides. They include housing stabilization programs to keep people on marginal incomes in their homes, improved mental health care in rural areas, advocacy for safe firearm stor­ age, broadened peer support programs in schools and community-based policies to reduce alcohol use. Young veterans at risk As disturbing as suicide rates are in Michigan’s rural counties, rates can be far higher among Michigan’s estimated 580,000 veterans, especially younger veterans. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Michigan veterans had a suicide rate of 26.2 per 100,000 in 2016, well above the overall state suicide rate of 16.9. Among veterans age 18 to 34, the rate was a grim 44.4 per 100,000; with rates at 33 per 100,000 for those age 35 to 54. The V.A. recorded 159 suicide deaths among all Michigan veterans that year - near­ ly one every other day. Nationally, an average of 20 U.S. veterans and active duty service members commit suicide a day. Kellie Cody, the current Michigan veterans ombudsman, said he was instructed not to comment directly on the legislation since he serves within the Legislative Council. But he said the toll of suicide among veter­ ans underscores the need for action, especial­ ly given the rate among young veterans. He said the rise among younger veterans may be linked to multiple deployments by U.S. troops to Iraq and Afghanistan that fol­ lowed the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11,2001. Cody said that, in turn, is tied to high rates of post traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury among those veterans, as a V.A. study found veterans with multiple brain inju­ ries were twice as likely to consider suicide as those with one or no injury. “I’m a Vietnam veteran. In that era, you didn’t have multiple deployments. You went once, you did your time and you were out,” Cody said. He added that rural veterans may be espe­ cially vulnerable, because they can be socially isolated and a long distance from mental health care. In the meantime, school districts have been stirred to action by multiple student suicides, some in the course of a year. That includes Cedar Springs Public Schools north of Grand Rapids, where three young students took their life over a one-year period in 2015 and 2016. Those incidents prompted the district to invest $400,000 from its $38 million budget to add six mental health professionals to its staff, including three counselors and three other mental health specialists hired in 2018. “It’s an issue we take very seriously,” Cedar Springs Superintendent Scott Smith said. Thus far, a bill has stalled that would pro­ vide teachers training to help them spot stu­ dents at suicide risk. State Sen. Sylvia Santana, D-Detroit, introduced a bill In January that directs the Department of Education and Department of Health and Human Services to develop a course for teachers on “mental health first aid.” The bill hasn’t made it out of the Senate Education and Career Readiness Committee. More than two dozen states already require some form of suicide prevention training for teachers and other school personnel. And aide to committee chair Lana Theis, R-Brighton, told Bridge in late August she was unavailable to discuss the bill. But as suicide rates remain high, veterans ombudsman Cody said the issue cries out for a unified system that brings all suicide pre­ vention players together. “Different counties have their approach to it. But there is no coordinating body to address it statewide,” he said. “When you have a lack of overall coordination, it gets piecemealed.” Suicide prevention resources Call: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255. It’s a network of more than 150 crisis centers that provides a 24-hour hotline to anyone in suicidal crisis or emo­ tional distress. Text: Crisis Text Line: 741741, is a nation­ al service that connects the texter with a live, trained crisis counselor. Connect: To Michigansuicide hotlines, located in many communities across the state. Reach out: ToOK2SAY, a state-funded student safety program which allows stu­ dents to confidentially report tips on poten­ tial suicide and other risks to student safety. The tips can be reported by phone, at 8-555-OK2SAY (855-565-2729); by text message at 652729 (OK2SAY); or by email, at OK2SAY@mi.gov Communicate: People can be hesitant to approach someone showing signs of despair. But experts say getting a friend or loved one to talk openly of suicidal thoughts can save a life. If you are a military veteran in crisis — or you’re concerned about one — the V.A. offers 24/7 confidential support. Call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1 -800-273­ 8255 and Press 1, send a text message to 838255, or chat online. Barry Township agonizes over creation of DDA Luke Froncheck Staff Writer Barry Township Board of Trustees declared its intent Tuesday night to create a Downtown Development'Authority - but not before some disagreement, frustration and doubts were expressed. The purpose of a DDA is to “prevent prop­ erty value deterioration detrimental to the state’s economic growth,” trustees were told. The initial motion to create a township DDA was made by trustee Lee Campbell. Trustee Teresa Schuiteboer expressed con­ cern about the township not receiving any tax revenue from future developments. “I don’t want to sound like I’m not in favor of this,” Clerk Debra Knight said, “because I am, I am. I’ve lived in Delton all my life; my soul is here. But I picture that acreage out here [behind the library] and, if it gets into hous­ ing, what part goes back to our general fund?” The property Knight was referring to is directly behind the Delton District Library on M-43 and is currently owned by Delton Kellogg Schools. “It’s the schools’ right now, so you’re not getting any tax revenue on it,” local business owner Drew Chappel pointed out. “So, let’s say that somebody went in and bought it and there was a tax rate on it and you get $5,000 from the land. You would get that $5,000. — “If I can get this to make sense that it would be good for our whole township, I would vote ‘yes’ in a heartbeat." Teresa Schuiteboer, Trustee Then, if a developer came in and divided everything up, everything else above that $5,000 would go to the DDA.” “This the first step,” Chappel said. “It should be a walk in the park. All this money is coming to you instead of going to the coun­ ty.” “This is a 20-year commitment to the town­ ship,” Treasurer Judy Wooer pointed out. “It’s not really a walk in the park.” “It will help everyone in Barry Township because they come into Delton,” Chappel replied. “You have to approve how we spend our money.” When the initial vote was taken, Campbell began by voting yes, Wooer voted no, and Schuiteboer proclaimed she would abstain from voting. “If I can get this to make sense that it would be good for our whole township, I would vote ‘yes’ in a heartbeat,” Schuiteboer said. “I’m trying to get this roll-call vote here, and we keep on discussing,” Supervisor Wesley Kahler complained. “We had discus­ sion.” “I would vote ‘yes’ tonight if we could negotiate the boundaries of the DDA,” Knight said. At that point, Barry County Commissioner Dave Jackson, who was in the audience, jumped into the conversation to address Knight’s concerns. “Deb,” Jackson told Knight, “I think that’s logical. “ “If you will support it, there will be an ongoing negotiation,” he told the trustees. “The resolution is a resolution of intent, not a resolution that actually commits you to any­ thing. “It just starts the process.” Following Jackson’s comments, Wooer changed her vote to yes and Schuiteboer moved from abstaining to voting yes. Kahler and Knight also cast yes votes. The township will now enter a negotiation period with local business owners to discuss the details of the DDA boundaries. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 12, 2019 — Page 3 REMEMBER, continued from page 1 Paul Hernandez of the American Legion Post 140 color guard salutes the flag during the national anthem. (Photos by Scott Harmsen) TKHS student Killian Dudley, whose father served in the U.S. Army for Afghanistan, is among speakers in down­ town Middleville Wednesday. Circuit Judge Michael Schipper pre­ sides over the observance. day trying to save others. “Heroes rarely talk about their actions. They leave that duty to family members or those they helped. Many times, those heroes don’t survive,” said Buys, who served for four years as a Navy aviation electrician during the Vietnam War. Schipper also made a point of recognizing those who have fought and given their lives to the fight against terrorism. “Although years after 9/11, they ran into the firestorm with the same determination of all the heroes of 9/11,” he said. U.S. Navy veteran Bob Buys, Post 140’s honored veteran for this year, speaks about the heroism displayed Sept. 11,2001. The Thornapple Kellogg High School band plays ’’Battle Hymn of the Republic.’’ Other speakers at the service included Middleville Village President Charlie Pullen, a U.S. Army veteran; Post 140 Commander Rich Jenkins; Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf; Chief Randy Eaton of Thomapple Township Emergency Services; and Killian Dudley, a Thomapple Kellogg High School student whose father served in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan. The program also featured music from the Thomapple Kellogg High marching band and choir, as well as a flyover of five airplanes from the Thornapple Flying Association. Thomapple Township Treasurer Debra Buckowing, one of the organizers of Patriot Day, credited Post 140 for leading the effort to create the observance back in 2017. “They enlisted the help of the high school, the village and the township to come together and make this happen,” Buckowing said. The observance came to an end with the playing of taps by two trumpet players from the band and the singing of “God Bless America.” • -u’.’ ,K, J ; a <4114 - -.’4 Pilots from the Thomapple Flying Association fly over the ceremony. APPROACH, continued from page 1--------------------- ::-------- - Teacher foundation concept gets attention “From what I’ve seen so far, the state is so far behind (in implementing the new law) ... they don’t know what’s going on. They don’t know how to tax it yet,” Caledonia Village Council Trustee Bill Neil said. “I think it’s best we sit back and let it weed itself out, and see what happens down the road.” Lake Odessa and Middleville’s elected offi­ cials voted to opt out, and they say they don’t have plans to return to their decisions in the near future. The Village of Nashville had scheduled a public hearing in June to take place after the state regulations came out, but, after the regu­ lations were delayed until July, the village decided to opt out. They have not had a signif­ icant discussion on the regulations since. “Right now, I’d say we’re kind of just still in limbo,” Nashville Village Council Trustee Johnny Hartwell said. “We’re just trying to let things slow down a bit and see what the state’s doing... We can always go back to it when the state says, ‘OK, here’s what we’re ROYAL COACH, from pg. 1 A crew from Detroit Public TV films Maple Valley High School teacher Andrew Barna as he tells students about how to prepare for job interviews. (Photo by Taylor Owens) Taylor Owens Staff Writer The idea of a teacher foundation to support educators with such issues as mortgages, stu­ dent loans and day care for their children is a concept bringing attention to Barry County. Maple Valley Schools Superintendent Katherine Bertolini, who is developing the idea, is currently working with the Barry Community Foundation to kick-start the ini­ tiative. With low enrollment and state funding, Maple Valley is struggling to retain faculty. Out of the school’s approximately 60 teach­ ers, 15 are new this year. Bertolini’s idea for a teacher foundation could be a way to keep more teachers in the district. She was at Central Michigan University earlier this year, talking to their placement specialist about her idea, when she learned that Detroit Public TV was working on a doc­ umentary about the challenges facing rural school districts. The CMU specialist put her in touch with the film crew. “I think what they really liked was to try and do something out of the box,” Bertolini said. The crew also interviewed Barry Community Foundation President and CEO Bonnie Gettys, and is planning to film at school districts in Elk Rapids and Bellaire. A three-person crew filmed class and inter­ viewed Bertolini, along with two teachers, elementary veteran Matt Powers, and firstyear Maple Valley teacher Andrew Barna on Tuesday. The focus of the documentary is rural dis­ tricts. Bertolini said the crew is taking a bal­ anced approach, between what makes rural schools special and what makes them chal­ lenging. “I think it was fun for the kids to have an opportunity to see something like that hap­ pening around them,” Bertolini said. The film crew was impressed with Maple Valley stu­ dents after watching them in class, she said. “I was really proud, that was a nice thing to hear about your kids.” One of the premieres for the documentary, which will be about 30 minutes long, will be screened at the Maple Valley High School auditorium toward the end of the year. Producer Sarah Zientarski-Smith said it will air on Detroit Public TV early next year, and afterward may be shown across the coun­ try, A previous documentary on Latino stu­ dents and faculty aired in other areas like Texas and Washington, D.C. Riverfront property as “an ideal candidate for high-density residential development to fill existing housing market gaps.” The council also praised the “Barry Community Foundation for playing an active and leading role in the redevelopment of the Hastings Manufacturing/Royal Coach Riverfront property with the goal of providing high-quality, affordable urban housing in a prime downtown riverfront location.” In other business, the council approved: • A request from Brian Shumway of the American Legion Lawrence J. Bauer Post 45 to use the veterans plaza in Tyden Park from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30, for a cere­ mony honoring WWII veteran Ernest Cassius Belson, the son of William “Bernie” and Lida Belson of Rutland Township. • Tie Michigan Teal coordinator Michelle Gatti’s request to tie teal ribbons on city trees for the month of September to promote aware­ ness of ovarian cancer. • Hastings High School Student Council adviser Jason Burghardt request to hold the Hastings High School Homecoming Parade at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 18. The parade would line up on Boltwood at 5 p.m. and start promptly at 5:30 p.m. on E. State St., heading west, then south on South Church, west on West Clinton and south on South Young Street, then west into Baum Stadium at Johnson Field to finish at the high school. • Invoices of $30,847 from Rescue Resources for rescue tools for the fire depart­ ment and $9,951 from Operations Services in Gaylord for a monthly retainer covering the project year July 1 to June 30, 2020. doing.’ ” On the other hand, Baltimore Township has bpted into allowing businesses. Township Supervisor Chad VanSyckle said he knows of at least two businesses that will seek licenses in November - one grow operation and one dispensary. But he added that the township gets calls every week from people interested in their ordinance. The dispensary is set to go into a general store in Dowling, which closed a few years ago. “I never in my wildest dreams thought that I would see that,” VanSyckle said. The township will receive a $5,000 fee per business per year, and will get a piece of the total state taxes each year. VanSyckle said he doesn’t know how much that will be, but he anticipates it will be sizable. The township will start accepting applica­ tions for businesses that have already been cleared by the state Oct. 1. It will allow a maximum of four growers, four processors, three retailers, five micro-businesses and two secure transporters. The ordinance states the township will not grant special licenses for designated con­ sumption areas, excess marijuana growers or temporary event licenses. If the township receives more applications than it currently allows for, it will choose recipients by specific criteria - such as wheth­ er the applicant is a local resident, has operat­ ed other marijuana businesses, has been tax-delinquent - and more. Under its ordinance, marijuana dispensa­ ries are only allowed on North and South M-37. McNabb-Stange said most businesses prob­ ably will try to set up in more populated areas first. “I think most people are smart enough to realize (that) it will be a while until this whole thing shakes out,” Brown said. Fast facts about Royal Coach Planned Unit Development General location 400 E Mill St. This parcel contains 8.21 acres. Principal and accessory uses • Forty-five one-bedroom units within existing building. • Nine two-bedroom units within existing building. • Nineteen three-bedroom units in new townhouse buildings. Street and access • Ingress and egress shall be by way of a driveway from Mill Street to the north. • Pedestrian access also will be by the existing trestle bridge over the Thomapple River. Utilities The uses shall be served by public water and sanitary sewer as approved by the director of public services for the City of Hastings. Surface water drainage Stormwater runoff will be discharged from two locations on the site. The majority of the site will be routed to a basin that will store a volume equal to one-half of an inch of rain over the pavement areas within the contributing area. A second discharge point will be located south of the extended parking area and will feature a stormwater quality unit that will provide treatment for the parking area. Open space Development will provide approximately 2.22 acres of open space on the site. Preservation of natural area Restoration of area on the south of the project near the Thomapple River. Area was previously paved, returning to open space; will retain much of the existing vegetation on the east side of property. Landscaping Landscaping shall be provided as illustrated on the approved landscaping plan. Existing trees and vegetation shall be preserved wherever practical. Lighting Any exterior lights shall have a cut-off type fixture, except streetlights shall comply with the City of Hastings standards. The applicant shall provide a separate lighting plan if required by the director of public services. Signs Signs for the Royal Coach PUD shall comply with all regulations of the Hastings Zoning Ordinance applicable to the use. �Page 4 — Thursday, September 12, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you see? In My Opinion Why do we forget? The moon’s not a balloon This hot air balloon was sighted above Hastings Wednesday Sept. 4. Such sightings aren’t uncommon, Hastings City Airport Manager Mark Noteboom said, because Barry County has a few residents who own hot air balloons. These big balloons aren’t bound by the same restrictions as airplanes, so they can go wherever the wind takes them. “They can pretty much skim the treetops,” Noteboom said. When the balloon pilot finds an open field where they might land, they notify a chase car that is following them. The person driving the chase car then knocks on the door of the property owner and asks if the balloon can land there. Noteboom said most people don’t have a problem with it. (Photo by Taylor Owens) Do you We’re dedicating this space to a photograph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news @ j -adgraphics .com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. remember? Harvesting tools Undated (most likely mid-1970s) Ancient harvesting - H.M. Stitt (left) of 327 W. Grand St., and the late Willie Struble, who was a patient at the Stitt nursing home, knew how to use these crude harvesting implements that were common in the area around the turn of the century. Mr. Struble is handling the Johnson cradle, which was used to lay the grain in a swath, convenient for the man who followed with the wooden rake to rake the grain into a bundle and bind it with a wisp so that it could be shocked and later hauled in for threshing. Stitt was born and raised in Newaygo County and remembers in his teens that the binders were developed, but in his earli­ er life all of the grain was cut with a cra­ dle. Have you met? Tina (Karmes) Wescott, who graduated from Hastings High School in 1983, has been a resident of Hastings for the most of her life. She married Jeff Wescott July 20, and, right after their wedding, she and her hus­ band went to Colorado to visit her father. They’re also planning a trip to Hawaii for their honeymoon. Wescott and her husband have a total of eight children. Three are from her first mar­ riage but, she says, “They are all my chil­ dren.” They include Brianna Wescott, 35; Joshua Wescott, 33; Brittany Wescott, 31; Andrea Eaton, 30; Jacob Wescott, 29; Nicholas Eaton, 28; Gabraelle (Eaton) Kendall, 26; and Braeden Wescott, 20. And they have 10 grandchildren, from 10 months to 14 years old. She loves watching and spending time with them, saying, “I wish I could spend even more time with my grandkids.” All of her grandchildren live locally, one even living right across the street from her. She’s happy to say she has a great relation­ ship with her ex-husband. “I think he and I are better friends now than we were when we were married.” And, whenever they hold family gatherings, “it’s all of us.” “When you set aside your differences, and you can just let go, it is such a healthier envi­ ronment for everybody, including yourself.” She was a stay-at-home mom while her children were young. When her kids were older, she worked as a paraprofessional help­ ing to improve student reading at Northeastern Elementary School for about five years. For many years, she also worked as a cheerlead­ ing coach through the YMCA and later on at Hastings High School. She began working for Michigan Works in 2003. “It’s a job I am very passionate about,” she said. “My calling has always been assist­ ing others, so when I got the opportunity to be employed by Michigan Works, I found my niche.” “We work as a team to get job seekers Tina Wescott back into the employment market,” said Wescott, who has worked 14 of the past 15 years in the welfare reform side of Michigan Works. “It was always a goal of mine - even though they might not be in a very good place right now - to say, ‘Let’s look at the bright side of things,’ and ‘Let’s go from here.’” Her job was a challenge at first, she said, “but, when they leave with a smile on their face, it is so worth it.” Wescott volunteers with the American Legion and helps raise money for disabled veterans. She also has helped with March of Dimes fundraisers in the past and volun­ teered as a proponent of organ donation. She also participates in the Barry County United Way’s Day of Caring with her coworkers at Michigan Works. In 2018, they helped build horse stalls at Camp ManitouLin. In 2017, they helped paint the First United Methodist Church. This year, they are going to be helping with the cabins at Camp Algonquin. Tina Wescott’s desire to help others and her penchant for lending a hand to those in need is why she is being featured as this week’s Banner Bright Light. Favorite childhood memory: When I was in middle school, we took our first trip out to Colorado as a family - my stepmother, my father, and all of us kids in tow. It was like the Griswolds. All of us in a station wagon towing a popup camper across coun­ try. It was just so memorable. Every little piece and part to that vacation I can remem­ ber in detail because it left that great of an impact on me. Favorite movie: “Dirty Dancing.” I grew up loving dance. Best advice I have received: My step­ mother gave me the best advice on my wed­ ding day, way back in the day. She said to ‘pay close attention to the vows that you say because they are forever vows.’... I took that to heart. First job: McDonald’s, here in Hastings. I loved it. It’s where I first developed my pas­ sion for helping people. Person I most admire: My husband. He’s amazing - nothing short of. I could go on for hours about him, but he is my best friend. I can talk to him about anything, say anything, and he’s always there. I know he’s always going to be there. He gives good advice, too. If I could have a superpower: My super­ power would be to end child abuse. I have a passion for that, too. Favorite travel destination: I am hoping it’s going to be Hawaii for my honeymoon. Hobby: I love to golf and bowl. What I would tell a high school gradu­ ate: You are going to get a lot of life thrown at you. It’s not how many times you get knocked down, it’s how many times you get back up. You brush yourself off, and you move forward. Life’s full of a lot of lessons. You’ve got to pay attention. It’s a struggle, Continued next page How tragically ironic that, as the commemo­ ration approached earlier this week of the most-deadly terror attack on America soil, we were witness on our media screens to eerily similar-appearing devastation in the Bahamas. Not that the two events shared the same evil cause; one was intentional. On Sept. 11, 2001, Islamic religious extremist hijackers on a sui­ cide mission flew two passenger airliners into the World Trade Center towers in New York City, one into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and a third into a field in Pennsylvania, causing 3,000 deaths and more than 6,000 injuries to American citizens. The other equally horrible event was caused in just the past week by Hurricane Dorian, a Category 5 weather monster that has resulted in a still-rising death count and more than 70,000 innocent people without shel­ ter, food, and medicine. Both events are tragedies, however, and share equal measures of pain, heartache and loss. Both events, too, are measures of our spirit and resil­ ience as Americans and, hopefully, of our capac­ ity for empathy and compassion toward all the world’s people. Dorian will be remembered as the slowest, strongest hurricane to ever hit the Bahamas. It was the first Category 5 storm to ever make landfall on Grand Bahama Island, with winds of up to 185 miles per hour and then stalling for more than 30 hours, leaving the island paradise in a state of destruction. It’s estimated that more than 76,000 people are in need of housing, food and medical care. And even though the current death toll is presently just over 40 lives, officials warn that as they continue to struggle to reach some of the flood-hit areas, the death toll could reach into the hundreds, perhaps even the thou­ sands. Government and charitable agencies are pro­ viding desperately needed relief, including cruise ships loaded with supplies and volunteers to aid those in the devastation. Five U.S. Coast Guard helicopters continue to run shuttles, and British naval personnel from RFA Mounts Bay also have joined the rescue effort. “Abaco has always been our home. Now there’s nothing here - no work, no money, noth­ ing to keep us here,” one homeless mother said as she and her two young sons waited in line to board a cruise ship bound for Nassau. From the aerial photos of the devastation, the first conclusion is that it will take years before much of the island is habitable again due to so many cars, steel containers and houses piled up like firewood. “The destruction could cost hundreds of mil­ lions, if not billions, of dollars to repair,” Deputy Prime Minister Peter Tumquest said. After beating the islands for more than 36 hours, the storm moved slowly toward Florida where residents were bracing for its terror and officials were calling on residents to board up and leave the coastline for higher ground. Though the storm moved north, losing some of its power and leaving some communities with less damage than expected, tornadoes spawned by the massive storm still wreaked havoc and destruction. Will it ever be forgotten for the hundreds of thousands impacted by this massive storm and its devastation? Even though lives and property were lost, most residents had time to prepare, to get out and avoid the massive storm. Storms like Dorian are something that we learn to live with - and even expect - as we look to the experts who predict the weather each day. But as we look back on the September trage­ dy of 18 years ago, I’m not sure that any American living then will ever get over the shock or be prepared for anything similar to the visual image of planes flying into two skyscrap­ er office buildings filled with people just work­ ing to provide for their families or into the Pentagon where people were working as they do every day to defend our nation. The fourth hijacked plane crashed in a Pennsylvania field before hitting another target, thanks to the hero­ ic efforts of passenger-martyrs who confronted the hijackers. After the mayhem of terror was done, almost 3,000 people lost their lives and another 6,000 were injured, bringing havoc, shock and sadness to a nation that didn’t have the time to prepare, board up or get out of the way of this deadly attack. For days, weeks and months, Americans and people around the world watched as rescu­ ers searched the remains of what was left, look­ ing for survivors of this terrible terrorist attack What do you on our nation, a day that we must never forget. Yesterday was the 18th anniversary of the Sept. 11 tragedy, when all Americans hopefully took the time to reflect on the tremendous loss of lives and the men and women rescuers who risked their lives to save many during the attack - some of whom continue to die early deaths due to the exposure from the massive piles of rubble left as the towers came down. “One of the worst days in America’s history saw some of the bravest acts in Americans’ his­ tory,” former President George W. Bush said in a 2008 speech at the site of the Twin Towers attack. “We’ll always honor the heroes of 9/11. And here, at this hallowed place, we pledge that we will never forget their sacrifice. As we look back on this terrible tragedy, which served as a test of our American spirit and resilience, we should always set aside some time to reflect and remember the many that were lost and those who risked their lives to save others.” “The attacks of September 11 were intended to break our spirit,” former New York City mayor Rudy Giuliani said. “Instead, we have emerged stronger and more unified. We feel a renewed devotion to the principles of political economic and religious freedom, the rule of law and respect for human life. We are more deter­ mined than ever to live our lives in freedom.” I believed those words then. I hope they still ring true in America today, although I’m begin­ ning to have my doubts. A recent Rasmussen Report indicates that 41 percent of American adults believe many people have forgotten or take for granted the impact of the 9/11 attacks. For those impacted by Dorian, they won’t forget but, for those who weren’t directly impacted, the tendency is to forget and go on with their lives once the storm abates and the television new coverage of the devastation is over. After Sept. 11,2001, Americans mourned and demonstrated their patriotism by flying flags at their homes and businesses. Others wore shirts and pins with flags and slogans reminding us of our resolve. Communities across the country held vigils and ceremonies to honor those who were lost during the attack, showing that the country was bound by a feeling of unity as it came together against the single deadliest terror­ ist attack in human history ever perpetrated on our soil. Rev. Billy Graham implored his listeners “not to implode and disintegrate emotionally and spiritually as a people and a nation,” but to “choose to become stronger through the struggle to rebuild on a solid foundation.” Yet, 18 years later, we’re still at war. And even though a deadly attack from abroad cannot be ruled out, America’s newest and greatest threat comes from the power of online predators, the use of social media and the political polar­ ization that exists. The patriotism we felt in the days and months after 9/11 has faded like the weather predictions of yesterday, allowing so many of us to forget what happened 18 years ago. And, in a few months, unless we were directly affected by Hurricane Dorian, our memory of and compas­ sion for the people of the Bahamas will fade, too. But the tragedy of 9/11 should stand as a con­ stant reminder of the terrorists who still threaten our country and the importance of coming together as one nation, to solve some of the big issues that threaten our way of life. That’s how we’ve always seen the free world come together to ease the pain - like what is now being felt by our neighbors in the Bahamas. Let’s keep the attack of 9/11 and the victims of Dorian in our thoughts and prayers this week, because we should never forget the seriousness of the attack on our nation and our way of life - and the devastation that a major storm can have on so many. Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by accessing our website, www. HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the fol­ lowing week. Last week: Some school districts are restricting what stu­ dents are allowed to carry to class. Should stu­ dents be allowed to have their backpacks in class? Yes 100% No 0% For this week: Michigan legislators and the governor have hit an impasse on a proposed 45-cent tax intended to pay for road repair. Now state residents are being told the budget will go forward without the funding to fix the roads. Is that acceptable to you? □ Yes □ No �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 12, 2019 — Page 5 Guest Commentary On the planet of the apes We all develop ways of seeing and describing the world around us through our education and experiences. I am a veterinarian with extensive knowledge of the natural world and extensive experience with the animals which inhabit it. Whatever else human beings are, we are animals. To be more and more specific, we are chordates (roughly speaking the vertebrates), mammals, primates, simians, and hominids (great apes). We can learn a lot about human beings by learning about our closest relatives, which are the chimpanzees and the bonobos. We are more than our genes composed of DNA, but we do share 99.6 percent of our DNA with bonobos and 98.8 percent with chimpanzees. Bonobos and chimpanzees, who share more of their DNA with humans than with gorillas, live in extended family groups of 50 to 150 individuals. They are very social with many of the same relationship problems as their i human relatives, competing for respect, atten­ tion, resources such as food and sexual part­ ' ners, creating alliances and cliques, etc. And ; because they are complicated creatures like i their human relatives, generalizations should I not be accepted as hard and fast rules, but there is a distinct difference between bonobo | and chimpanzee social behavior and arrange­ ; ments. I Bonobos are more peaceful. They have a I matriarchal hierarchy with females assuming • the most prominent roles in a group. They are { more likely to settle disagreements and inter­ I personal problems with hugging and kissing 5 than with threats and violence. They are not | particularly territorial within the group or i between neighboring groups. And they are I quite capable of altruism, unrewarded generj osity. j Chimpanzees are quite capable of loving I relationships especially within families, but j they are much more prone to violence. J Chimpanzees are male dominant, with intense J territorial aggression between different groups J that can be lethal. They are more prone to J strive for dominance with threats and physical »attacks. Chimpanzees cooperatively hunt i monkeys and will even eat the infants of other ! chimpanzee groups. ’ Chimpanzee competition will often result ' in a cascade of intimidation from more domi­ ’ nant individuals onto others, i.e., taking it .out ; on someone else. Bonobo disagreements often I result in a cascade pt affection and lovemak‘ ing to reinforce cohesion within the group. । We seem to be capable of acting like both our J chimpanzee and our bonobo relatives. | We know that, until approximately 10,000 years ago, all human beings lived in small groups of hunter-gatherer societies, like our great ape relatives, for literally hundreds of I thousands of years. It was not until the devel; opment of agriculture that towns, cities, nations or empires developed. We have had much more history developing our capacity to ' deal with groups of 50 to 150 individuals than ! with the large societies that exist today. It is quite clear that most of us still have i i J ! | ; * i J ! » । ! j ■ j I ! { ; ’ instinctive loyalties to our family, our close associates, our “tribe.” It is natural to help, protect and defend “our” group first and to be wary or even antagonistic to other groups. But we shouldn’t confuse “natural law” with the legal or religious concepts of law. It is a shame that we use the word law in this way at all. To describe something as natural is simply to describe what we observe, not what should be or must be true. Human beings are different from bonobos and chimpanzees in some very important ways, particularly in our ability to conceptual­ ize and to imagine. We have seen from the anthropological evidence that there were ritu­ als, art and religion in human society long before agriculture and civilization arose. But, in the hunter-gatherer societies, those prod­ ucts of the human imagination served to bind the family and tribe together. With the introduction of civilization, humans developed the capacity to see beyond their immediate fellows to identify bonds or enmities with larger and novel groups of peo­ ple. With the development of our worldwide communication systems, we now can find fellowship with people anywhere or draw lines separating us in more imaginative ways. In addition to seeing our family and our neighbors as part of our tribe, we may also see our tribe as those who share our school, our town, our friends, our favorite sports team or heroes, our church or other place of worship, our religion, our religious sect, our political party, our political outlook, our state, our region, our place of origin, our race, our eth­ nic group, our social media “friends,” our musical genre, our favorite musical artists, our favorite actors, our favorite movies. It seems that the potential pool for identifi­ cation with “our tribe” is unlimited. And, unfortunately, we often see those out­ side our tribe as our competition or enemies - with all the unfavorable consequences that entails. This year, 2019, is the 50th anniversary of the famous walk on the moon, when astro­ nauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin were the first humans to walk on the surface of the moon. One experience they described to great e ffect was seeing the Earth from the moon. Michael Collins, who remained in the Command Module during the walk, said, “The thing that really surprised me was that it [Earth] projected an air of fragility. And why, I don’t know. I don’t know to this day. I had a feeling it’s tiny, it’s shiny, it’s beautiful, it’s home, and it’s fragile.” If we have the imagination to see fellow fans of the Detroit Lions or fellow Republicans or fellow Michiganders or fellow Americans as part of our tribe, it shouldn’t be that much harder to see all human beings as part of our tribe. We do all share a common interest and common fate. Dr. Kenneth M. Kornheiser, Prairieville Township The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. I • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be ; limited to one for each writer. ; • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. High water on Great Lakes to continue into fall The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Detroit District, announced that based on preliminary August data, Lake Superior tied its record high for the month while lakes St. Clair and Erie established new record high monthly mean water levels in August. Water levels on Lake Michigan-Huron and Lake Ontario were slightly below record highs, but still high compared to average. The Detroit district monitors the Great Lakes’ water levels and provides the data and analysis of these findings as a public service. Recent data is revealing interesting trends and the possibility of high levels again during the fall and early winter, according to a Sept. 5 press release. “The fall and early winter often bring significant storm systems to the Great Lakes,” Keith Kompoltowicz, Detroit district chief of watershed hydrology, said. “These systems have the potential to bring tremendous impacts to the coastlines, including more erosion and coastal flooding, even with the declining lake levels. Those with interests along the shoreline should be prepared for these events.” The August levels continue a trend of new records set on the Great Lakes this spring and summer. Lakes Superior, St. Clair, Erie and Ontario all reached new record highs. In June, the records for Lakes Erie and Ontario were the highest for any month dating back to 1918, while the July level for Lake St. Clair was the highest in the period of record. Lake Michigan-Huron was less than one inch from its June record. Additional record high water levels are possible on all the Great Lakes and Lake St. Clair this fall. On the Great Lakes and other navigable waterways, many shore protection projects, including riprap, revetments, seawalls and backfill, and bioengineered shore protection, commonly require permits from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Coastal shoreline property owners may want to consider applying for proposed shore protection permits. Although August experienced lower than average precipitation across the Great Lakes basin as a whole, the lakes remain high. The Great Lakes region will continue to see the threat of coastal flooding and shoreline erosion, especially during storm events, even with forecasted water level declines. Localized water levels often are impacted^by winds and can be significantly higner cfetg storms. Water levels and flow rates in the 'connecting channels of the Great Lakes are also high and may, depending on winds and other atmospheric conditions, lead to localized flooding. Updates on the Great Lakes high water information can be found on the Detroit District website lre.usace.army.mil. HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Thursday, Sept. 12 - Baby Cafe and story time, 10 a.m.-noon; Movie Memories watches a 1941 film starring Joan Crawford, Melvyn Douglas and Conrad Veidt, 5 p.m. Friday, Sept. 13 - teen advisory council meeting 4-5 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14 - National Drive Electric Week event, “Why Drive Electric?” program and talk with owners, test ride and drive dif­ ferent models, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16 - Quilting Passions Crafting Group, 10 a.m.-l p.m.; Lego club, 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 17 - toddler story time, 10:30-11 a.m.; mahjong, 5:30 p.m.; chess club, 6 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18 - acoustic jam ses­ sion, 5-7:30 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. To recover faster, prepare now for a disaster To the editor: When disaster hits, it is devastating. Individuals, business owners and others are left wondering how they will recover from the ruin they face, especially if they have not prepared. If they are underinsured or have no insurance at all, the worry is even higher. The U.S. Small Business Administration is here to assist - both in preparing for it and with the recovery following it. During and immediately following a disaster, some federal agencies, such as the Federal Emergency Management Agency, engage to rescue and ensure safety, if needed. Others, including the SB A, aid with recovery by getting on the ground within days and rebuilding in partnership with other federal, state and local organizations. Our mission is to help the community get back to normal as quickly as possible. While the SBA is ready to assist when disaster hits, we also urge everyone to have a disaster preparedness plan to help businesses stay in business and individuals recover faster when catastrophe strikes. The SBA supports this planning with a variety of resources, including details on creating a program and building a preparedness kit, as well as checklists, safety tips, online courses, videos, webinars and more. Some key items for preparation include reviewing your insurance coverage; keeping personal and business records, including insurance contact information, in a safe place (ideally the cloud); identifying restoration companies in advance to • help with the recovery process; and having an emergency communication plan in place to account for family members or employees. By preparing, you will help your community’s recovery, should a disaster strike. We have had quite a few happen right here in Michigan due to high winds, severe storms, tornadoes and more. In fact, currently assistance is available for a few declared disasters in the state. For those affected by these declared disasters, the SBA offers two types of disaster loans - physical and economic injury - tp assist with access to low-interest and fixedrate capital during a difficult time. Physical disaster loans are not just for businesses to rebuild damaged property and replace equipment. They also are available to non­ profits, homeowners and renters to replace or repair real estate, clothing, furniture, etc. Economic injury loans provide working capital to organizations struggling to meet their financial obligations because of the disaster. Access to those lines of credit to keep the doors open can be the difference between surviving or folding. September is National Preparedness Month, making it the ideal time, with plans in place, to do disaster test runs. This is especially important for small businesses which typically have all their operations in one area and, thus, a higher risk of not recovering. For more information, visit sba.gov/ disaster. For specific business-related detail, go to sba.gov/prepare and for individualrelated detail, visit ready.gov. Rob Scott, U.S. Small Business Administration’s Great Lakes regional administrator Nice work on M-STEP story To the editor: I just read Taylor Owens’ M-STEP piece in the Banner. It was really nicely done. I liked your incorporation of the state Superintendent Michael Rice and Deputy Superintendent Vanessa Kessler to support the conclusions of my colleagues and I about the challenges with the assessments. Thank you to Taylor for his hard work to inform the public about the context of these scores and what it means to our families and kids. I really appreciate the work you do. Dr. Katherine Bertolini, Superintendent Maple ValleyScheols Know Your Legislators: Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Galley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855­ 347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. reckiiiisliluLc An Evening of Opportunities Awaits You The Hastings Banner Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 ! News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com I ! • 1 i t Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO .. Hank Schuuring CFO 1 1 | -T-*---------- - -------------- T"-——— •NEWSROOM. ! Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Taylor Owens • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 Continued from previous page------Saturday, September 14 6 - 9 pm but it’s worth it. Favorite food: I have so many - lobster, shrimp, com on the cob. I just like food. I am most proud of: My children. Each one of them has so many great qualities, and they are so uniquely different. But they were raised to be such kind, caring, loving kids. That makes me very proud. Greatest thing about Barry County: It’s the small-town atmosphere. It’s the thing that drove me out of here when I was 18 or 19 years old. But it’s also the thing that brought me back because I didn’t want to raise my children in a big city where the crime rate is really high. You know that old saying: Tt takes a community to raise a child.’ I wanted them to have to have the same experience I had growing up. Join Us and Provide Environmental Education and Research Experiences for Our Community! Strolling Dinner Local Beer, Wine, and Cider Raffles and Games Silent and Live Auctions $50 per person Buy tickets online at CedarCreek/nstitute.orgox call (269) 721-4190. Event Is sponsored in part by the Douglas A. and Margaret E. DeCamp Foundation. Find us on Facebook ...... DECAMP FOUNDATION 701W Cloverdale Rd | Hastings Ml 49058 �Page 6 — Thursday, September 12, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to jo^tu§iOp Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find tOh Facebook! @ hastingshopeumc. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office, greenstreetumc @ gmail .com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948­ 8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699 W.M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 Lois Jean McCool Sharon Kay Demond FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings. org. 9 a.m. Classes and Gatherings for All ages; 9:45 a.m. Worship (Children's Worship Offered); 10:45 a.m. Coffee Fellowship; 11:15 a.m. Coffee Talk with Pastor Dan. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945­ 9217. cbchastings.org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH 2635 N.M-43 Hwy.,P.O.Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www, hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAM­ ILY HOUR WELCOMES ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue, Loving God, Loving Neighbor: Preschool age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Standard and Adult Elective classes. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church age 4-4th grade dis­ missed during service. Fall Sermon Series & Growth Groups, "On Mission" begins Sept. 15. Sunday Evening: Youth Group at 6:30 p.m., 2nd Tues: Young Women's Small Group at 6:30 p.m. Wednes­ day Mid-Week: Women's Bible Study at 6:30 p.m. Kid's Club, Oct. 16-Dec. 4, 6:30­ 7:45 p.m. Friday Bible Study at 10 a.m. Thursday Brunch, Sept. 26 at 9:30 a.m. For more information please contact the church. Robert Henry Fekkes passed away on Sept. 4, 2019 at the age of 85. Robert was bom in Penfield, NY on June 7, 1934, the son of Jan and Thea Fekkes, Dutch immigrants. As a young child, the family returned to Rotterdam, Netherlands, where he was raised. Robert later returned to the U.S. and started his family in Indianapolis, IN. He married Renate Berta Weber on April 25, 1959 and enjoyed 45 years of marriage until her death on October 28, 2004. Robert was a licensed landscape architect and president and owner of the Fekkes Landscape Company in Indianapolis, IN until he retired in December of 1999. His lifelong interests included nature, animals, travel, and above all, his family. Robert was a member of several Catholic churches in Indianapolis, IN and Naples, FL before moving to Hastings. Robert was preceded in death by his wife, parents, and siblings, Rita, Hans, Maryke, and Peter. He is survived by his daughters, Andrea Fekkes Dynes of Alexandria, VA, Stephanie Fekkes (Cordova) of Hastings; son-in-law, Tomy Cordova of Hastings; grandchildren, Christopher Robert Dynes of Alexandria, VA, Madeline Fekkes Dynes of Chicago, IL, and step-grandson Gabriel Cordova of Naples, A special thank you to the caregivers in his final years, Melissa Winick, Kathy Covey, and other caring staff at Woodlawn Meadows in Hastings. Services were held on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2019 at St. Rose of Lima Church, 805 S. Jefferson St., Hastings, MI 49058 In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Serenity Village of Barry County, PO Box 414, Hastings, MI 49058 or a nature conservancy of your choice. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. x-* T4C)V^^^28 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 Discover God's Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! Sept. 15 - Worship services at 8 and 10:45 a.m.; Church School 10:45 a.m. Sept. 17 - Women of Faith (Mallard Pond) 1:30 p.m.; Flute Choir 7 p.m.; Council 6 p.m. Sept. 19 Clapper Kids 3:45 p.m.; Grace Notes 5:45 p.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@gracehastings.org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945­ 9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www.grace-hastings.org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings, MI. Hhasihgs p'rodSr MMlWmif HotUneTools&Equipment 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 DELTON, MI — Lois Jean McCool, of Delton, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on July 9. In her 89 years, she was never once known to be wrong, an impressive streak. Jean was bom in Eaton Rapids on July 2, 1930 to Olive (Embrey) and Ray Middaugh. The family moved in 1933 to Fife Lake, where she attended school and was named valedictorian of her senior class. Not one for public speaking, Jean promptly transferred herself out of the district at the end of senior year solely to avoid having to give a speech. She graduated from Traverse City in 1947 and then took a job as a switchboard operator for Michigan Bell. When she wasn’t listening in on long­ distance phone calls, Jean loved to dance. She met her husband, the drummer and singer of a local trio, at Taffle Town Tavern in 1951. Two years - and more than a few two steps later, the couple was married at the Kalkaska People’s Church. Jean and Rex moved to Delton in 1958 to manage Lux Arbor Farms, a Christmas tree farm and private hunting estate. For more than 25 years, Rex managed the land and animals while Jean managed the books. The couple’s three children grew up in Delton where Jean was actively involved sewing uniforms for the marching band, baking goods for school fundraisers, and teaching gardening and cooking as a 4H leader. Jean was known for her wit and sense of humor. Her anecdotes always made for lively dinner conversation. In retirement she liked to travel, whether north to Fife Lake or on cruises as far away as Australia. On one cruise in 2010, she and Rex won the ship’s version of the Newlywed Game before an audience of fellow travelers in the ship’s large theater. Jean was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Rex and Max. She is survived by her husband Rex; children Brian (Kim), Kathryn (Dean), and Barry; her grandson Craig (Kathleen); great grandsons Milo and Dennis; and sister Betty Boylan. A celebration of Jean’s life is set for Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019 from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Rd., Delton. * Traditional and Cremation Services • Pre-Planning Services • Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible Serving All Faiths Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: sFlexfob Robert Henry Fekkes J- <11 A A Owner/Manager 269-945-3252 • www.girrbachfuneralhome. Family Owned and Operated o^ Jer Imerinis Serving Hastings, Barry County and Surrounding Communities for 50 years Hastings Area School System Career & Technical Education 520 W. South St. Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-6152 Hastings Area School System, CTE Department is seeking bids on the following; • . Remove remaining tree's and stumps at build site • Excavation to level ground for new Agricultural Facility • Complete excavation for service drive preparation • Complete excavation for parking lot • Complete excavation for appropriate water run-off/detention On September 20, 2019 all interested bidders are to attend a MANDATORY site visit to review the site. In addition, the district will be digging holes to provide further investigation into soil types on this date. The time of the site visit is at 2:00 PM, Topography maps of site are available during this time. If any interested contractors should have any questions please contact, Ed Domke at (269) 838-3174 after 1:00PM Monday ~ Friday. He may also be contacted via e-mail Sharon Kay Demond passed away on September 5, 2019 at the age of 67. She was bom in Montgomery, AL on July 8, 1952 to Albert and Edna Hayes (nee u Studdard.) Sharon was a graduate of Neosho Missouri . High School. Class of 1970. Upon graduating, she moved to Michigan to be with family. She started working at Hospital Purchasing Service on June 5, 1973 and remained there until she retired June 5, 2017 after 44 years mu of service. Sharon was an avid reader. She enjoyed < time with her family and going out for dinner f on the weekends. She had a generous heart. , and was very giving to others. She was a strong supporter of our local Relay for Life and The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. •­ She is lovingly remembered by her . r husband, Roderick; children, Jason, Robert, and Amy (spouse Brian McKinley), and grandson, Cameron. Also remembered by her J brother, Arthur Hayes; sister, Eddis Szudzik, and numerous nieces and nephews. / She is preceded in death by her parents; brothers, Jim and Gene Hayes; brother-in- / law, Wayne Hendrick, and sister-in-law, Patricia Hayes. ? A Celebration of Life ceremony for Sharon will be held at HPS (3275 N. M-37 Highway, . 1 Middleville, MI 49333) on September 21, ' 2019 from 1 to 4 p.m. Food provided. s c In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may ; be made to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation or The National Kidney Foundation. Please share a memory of Sharon at sharon. briamy.com. rl Lyle D. Ritchie KALAMAZOO, MI - Lyle Duane Ritchie, age 93, of Kalamazoo, formerly of Dowling, passed away on September 7,2019 at Bronson Methodist Hospital. Lyle was bom on June 24, 1926 in Assyria Township, the son of Harold and Laura (Cunningham) Ritchie. A veteran, Lyle proudly served his country in WWII. He was a life member and Past Post Commander of VFW Post 5319 in Athens. Lyle was a loyal employee of Kellogg’s where he retired after 28 years of faithful service. Lyle enjoyed hunting, fishing, farming at his home, and cutting firewood. He also enjoyed restoring several antique cars. Lyle is survived by sons James (Jo Ellen) Owens, Ronald (Nancy) Owens, and Gordon (Lasana) Ritchie; 11 grandchildren; twentythree great grandchildren; three great great grandchildren; brothers, Wayne (Penny) Ritchie and George (Patricia) Ritchie; several nieces and nephews; and special friend, Teresa Kraushaar. Lyle was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Leona Ritchie; daughter: Deborah Gammage; brothers, Clair Ritchie, Kenneth Ritchie, and Keith Ritchie; and sister, Kay Wellman. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be conducted at a later date. Burial will take place in Hastings Township Cemetery. Memorial contributions to the American Heart Association will be appreciated. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Lyle’s family. ’ J ' ;' ; H 3 ; * " ; �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 12, 2019 — Page 7 Avis Isabell Martin Christopher Dale Hall SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Expert answers questions about taxes, benefits and more Avis Isabell Martin, daughter of Glenn and Myrta (Carpenter) Jackson, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019 surrounded by loving family and the compassionate staff of Woodawn Meadows and Elara Caring Hospice. Avis graduated from Thomapple Kellogg High School in 1943. She married Kenneth Rose on August 18, 1945. Together they raised three children in Hastings: Carol (John) Mantle, Susan (Carl) Mansfield, and Dean (Sandy) Rose. Avis was a Bluebird leader, a volunteer at Pennock Hospital, active in the First Presbyterian Church, and a volunteer at the Love, INC Food Pantry. She was an accomplished seamstress. She loved refinishing antique furniture and meticulously restored each piece back to its original beauty. After Ken’s untimely death in 1968, Avis helped shepherd her children through college. By her example, they learned how strength comes from meeting adversity head-on. She entered a career in real estate, eventually earning her broker’s license. She later went to work for Spartan Stores in Grand Rapids where she met her second husband, Robert Martin. She loved spending time with her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and her extended family. She enjoyed bowling, golf, jigsaw puzzles, oil painting, traveling, wintering in Texas, and a good game of bridge. (She always played to win). Her car was programmed to stop, or at least slow down, when passing a garage sale. Her sense of humor was legendary and at family reunions, she enjoyed nothing more than a good ribbing. She gave as good as she got. She is survived by her three children; step-children, Cheryl (Robert) Truemper, Kent Reed, Jon (Betsy) Reed, Susan (Bert) Branch; several grandchildren and great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her five siblings, and both husbands. Amemorial service will be held on Saturday, Sept. 21, 2019 at the First Presbyterian Church, 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI. Visitation is scheduled from 10 to 11 a.m. and the memorial service will begin at 11 a.m.. Lunch at the church will follow the service. Honoring Avis’s wishes, the family requests that you consider a donation to the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings, Elara Caring Hospice or the charity of your choice. Lauer Family Funeral Home 1401 N. Broadway in Hastings has been entrusted to care for the family. Please share condolences to Avis’ family at www.lauerfh.com. LAUEQ How can I get a copy of my Social Security Statement? You can get your personal Social Security Statement online by using your personal My Social Security account. If you don’t yet have an account, you can easily create one. Your online statement gives you secure and convenient access to your earnings records. It also shows estimates for retirement, disability, and survivors benefits for which you and your family may be eligible. To set up or use your account to get your online Social Security Statement, go to socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. We also mail statements to workers age 60 and over who aren’t receiving Social Security benefits and do not yet have a My Social Security account. We mail the statements three months prior to your birthday. your full retirement age is 66, you can get 35 percent of your spouse’s unreduced benefit at age 62 (a permanent reduction); if your full retirement age is 67, you can get 32.5 percent of your spouse’s unreduced benefit at age 62 (a permanent reduction). The amount of your benefit increases if your entitlement begins at a later age, up to the maximum of 50 percent at full retirement age. However, if you are taking care of a child who is under age 16 or who gets Social Security disability benefits on your spouse’s record, you get the full spouse’s benefits, regardless of your age. Learn more about retirement benefits at socialsecurity.gov/ retirement. Chris left this world for a better place on August 12, 2019 after suffering for years with COPD. A disease that left him breathless and often kept him from enjoying the things he I applied for disability benefits, but was loved the most. denied, rd like to appeal. Can I do it online? He was bom a celebrity of sorts, one of Yes. In fact, the best way to file a Social the Hall triplets who arrived into this world My daughter just joined a nonprofit Security appeal is online. Our online appeal on News Years Eve in 1947. He, Carole and charity and is helping victims of natural process is convenient and secure. Just go to Christine (born in that order) made the front disasters. She gets a salary. We were socialsecurity.gov/disability/appeal to appeal page of the local paper that week and many wondering if she has to pay Social Security the decision. People who do not have access times again as the years went by. Most years tax. to the internet may call 800-772-1213 (TTY they celebrated their birthday together and Yes, people who work for nonprofits and 800-325-0778) to schedule an appointment to always included mom. who receive a salary must pay Social Security visit a local Social Security office to file an After graduating from high school in tax just like everyone else. It is commendable appeal. 1966, Chris joined the army and became that she is helping people in need. But the fact the company clerk of his unit. That position is that she is also a wage-earner. Those wages How do I know if I meet the eligibility yielded lots of humorous stories that he shared and the Social Security tax she pays on them requirements to get Social Security disability with friends and family through the years. He will offer her financial relief in the future, benefits? returned to his hometown of Hastings where when it comes time to apply for Social To qualify for Social Security disability he continued to live, until 18 years ago when Security. So, she is really helping herself, too. benefits, you must have worked long enough he and wife Cindy bought their dream home For more information, visit our electronic in jobs covered by Social Security (usually 10 and settled on Bristol Lake, south of town publication, How You Earn Credits at years). You must also have a medical condition near Bedford. There, many a happy day was socialsecurity.gov/pubs. that meets Social Security’s strict definition of spent fishing or just touring the lake in his disability. We consider an adult disabled pontoon boat enjoying the scenery. My wife and I live in Minnesota, but plan under our rules if he or she has a medical Other days were spent on the golf course. to spend the winter in New Mexico. My wife condition, or combination of medical Chris was “almost” a scratch golfer and will turn 62 while we are down south. Can she conditions, that are expected to last for at least won a lot of tournaments through the years. apply for benefits in New Mexico, or do we one year or result in death, and that prevent He loved his home course, Yankee Springs, have to wait until we get back home to apply the performance of any type of work. If you but also took those clubs when traveling for retirement at our local Social Security think you may be eligible to receive disability and played all over the United States./Other office? benefits and would like to apply, you can use hobbies included mushrooming and casinos; These days, you don’t even have to be our online application at socialsecurity.gov/ along with Friday night card Euchre games. near a Social Security office to apply for applyfordisability. Back in the day as he always put it, he was a benefits. Regardless of where you and your champion bowler, and a pretty good dancer. wife are living, you can apply for retirement What’s the best way to find out if I might Along with play comes that word “work”. benefits online at socialsecurity.gov/ be eligible for SSI? Chris retired from the United States Postal applytoretire. It’s so easy to do and it can take Our online Benefit Eligibility Screening Service as a rural carrier in Hastings, after 24 as little as 15 minutes to complete and submit Tool will help you find out if you could get years of service. He met a lot of interesting the application. If she prefers, your wife can benefits that Social Security administers. people and many customers turned into file a retirement benefit application at any Based on your answers to questions, this tool “friends” through the years. Social Security office—including the one will list benefits for which you might be Chris is survived by wife Cindy; his closest to you in Minnesota, New Mexico, or eligible and tell you more information about beloved dog, and companion, Molly; his wherever you happen to be. how to qualify and apply. Find BEST at sisters, Christine Anderson and Carole benefits.gov/ssa . ■ ' 1' i jjjik* (Milton) Poulos; brother; Ron (Juanita) Halfe I have never worked, but my*spouse has. children, Kolene (Loren Tanis), Lisa (Gerard What will my benefits be? ; v Are Supplemental Security Income benefits LaPonsie) and Julie Poole (David Greeno), You can be entitled to as much as one-half subject to federal income tax? Jessica (Jeff Niles), Jamie (Brandon Smith) of your spouse’s benefit amount when you No. SSI payments are not subject to and Pete (Dana) Smith; and mother-in-law, reach full retirement age. If you decide to federal taxes. If you get SSI, you will not Joan Keech, whom he loved dearly. The lord receive Social Security retirement benefits receive an annual Form SSA-1099. However, also blessed him with 19 grandchildren and before you reach full retirement age, the your Social Security benefits may be subject four great-grandchildren. amount of your benefit is reduced. The to income tax. Learn more at socialsecurity, He was preceded in death by parents, Dale amount of reduction depends on when you gov. and Dolores Hall; sister, Judy Lenz; brothers- will reach full retirement age. For example, if in-law, Jack Lenz and Mark Anderson; and father-in-law, Russell Keech. His family is especially thankful for the team at Spectrum Health Hospice and Palliative Care who provided comfort care and emotional support during his last days. Those who wish to make a donation to that organization in his memory can do so by visiting their website: Foundation of Spectrum Health.org and choose Hospice. 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits We would also like to thank Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville for taking care of our needs. A celebration of Christopher’s life will be held at the Pleasantview Family Church, 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, on Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019 at 3:30 p.m. Fellowship and a time More than 50% of adults have a positive perception of ads in print newspapers.* to visit with the family is planned prior to that Want |®p be next tfetrust^d' service at 2:30 p.m. A pig roast will follow at confent? /-Place your ad inkgti ' his home on Bristol Lake. WjmH See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS THIS AD FOR SALE! I have an appointment to apply for Supplemental Security Income. What kind of information will I need to take with me? To help make the application process go quickly and smoothly, you should bring: • Your Social Security card or Social Security Number. • Your birth certificate or other proof of your age. • The name, Social Security number and date of birth or age of your current spouse and any former spouse. You should also know the dates and places of marriage and dates of divorce or death (if applicable). • Information about the home where you live, such as your mortgage or your lease and landlord’s name. • Payroll slips, bank books, insurance policies, burial fund records, and other information about your income and the things you own. • Proof of U.S. citizenship or eligible noncitizen status. • If you are applying for SSI because you are disabled or blind, we will need to know detailed information about your medical illnesses, injuries, or conditions: -Names, addresses, phone numbers, patient ID numbers, and dates of treatment for all doctors, hospitals and clinics; -Names of medicines you are taking and who prescribed them; and -Names and dates of medical tests you have had and who sent you for them. Read our publication, “You May Be Able To Get Supplemental Security Income” at socialsecurity.gov/pubs to learn more. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email to vonda .vantil @ ssa .gov. Shilo Carol Scott, Nashville and Walter Charles McManaway, Middleville Joseph Paul Mix, Hastings and Anna Jo Crater, Hastings Colton Thomas Ranguette, Middleville and Kailyn McKinsey Wales, Hastings Joshua Dwight Bremer, Hastings and Erin Paige Hermenitt, Brownsville, TX Sydney Rebecca Weeks, Bellevue and Preston Skyler Schlee, Bellevue Jayion Lyle Newton, Hastings and Cierra Ann-Marie Royston, Hastings Shawn Adam Berlinger, Seattle, WA and Emily Renee Cash, Seattle, WA Elizabeth Anne Nielsen, Middleville and Matthew James Spurgeon, Middleville Brent David Modreske, Middleville and Taylor Lynn Sabo, Middleville Jason Eric Sturma, South Bend, IN and Halley Brean Piper, Plainwell Kristina Lynn Elwen, Hastings and James Andrew VanKlaveren, Hastings Megan Elizabeth Ozarzak, Cincinnati, OH and Dreux Alexander Byrs, West Chester, OH Jessica Lynn Haney, Middleville and Leonel Palma, Grandville Job Posting Library Assistant at the Hastings Public Library newspaper and a network jef . newspapers'in the state!- 12-15 hr./week including nights & weekends. Must be proficient in Office Suite and internet use. Knowledge of and/or interest in local history. Call this paper or 800-227-7636 www.cnaads.com Z-fiilxar For the fulljob description & an application visit the Library or go to www.hastingspubliclibrary.org/aboutus/news Humphreys email applications to dedelman@hastingspubliclibrary.com to celebrate their Accepting applications until Sept. 14,2019 Jim and Anne Humphrey will be celebrating 75 years of wedded bliss on September 16, L 2019. They were married in Hastings at St. NOW HIRING OPEN POSITIONS: • Assistant Teacher • Paraprofessional Community Action is hiring dedicated and enthusiastic staff for several full-time and part-time positions. Join our team and assist in helping the community acheive and maintain independence. Community Action is also enrolling for preschool!!!!!!! Apply now at www.caascm.org or call: 877-422-2726 Rose Catholic Church. The attendants were his brother George Humphrey Jr. and his sister Agnes Humphrey Rein. Anne was originally from New Lisbon, Wisconsin, the sixth child out of eight children of Joseph and Kathryn Nicksic. Jim was from Freeport, Michigan, the second child out of ten children of George and Marcella Humphrey. The U.S. Army made it " * \ M 11 g 11 | r [All I possible for these two to meet and fall in love at Camp McCoy near Sparta, Wisconsin. I ' /A ' . . They made their home in Freeport, Michigan after Jim returned from overseas with the end of World War II. They built their first new home on Messer Road and then they were blessed with four children. Karri and Tom Wood, Steve and Ruthann (deceased) Humphrey, Jeanne and Skip Burger and Bill and Mary Humphrey. Over time and job changes, a move was made to Parchment, which is just on the outskirts of Kalamazoo. Lots of changes came with moving off the farm, Anne went to work at Gibson Guitar in Kalamazoo and Jim ended up at Clark Equipment in Battle Creek. In 1970, Jim and Anne found their way back to Barry County on a 200 acre farm. With time, grandchildren were added, then great and great great grandchildren, with a total of 32 in all. The years have been good to Jim and Anne Humphrey, God has blessed them many times over. They are members of St. Ambrose Catholic Church in Delton. Over the years, they have made many wonderful friends in Freeport, Parchment k and Delton. If you would like to share a memory or send best wishes to y them, it would be welcomed. wfJ Mail cards to: 9201 S. Norris Rd., Delton, MI 49046 IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR SPECTRUM CHANNEL LINEUP Communities Served: City of Wayland; Towns of Sandy Pine Mobile Home Park; Townships of Bowne, Caledonia, Cascade, Dorr, Gaines, Hopkins, Jamestown, Leighton, Lowell, Martin, Orangeville, Rutland, Salem, Thornapple, Wayland, Yankee Springs; Villages of Caledonia and Middleville, Ml Effective on or after October 15, 2019, the following channels will no longer be available on Digi Tier 2/ Spectrum TV Gold & Sports View: FCS Atlantic on channel 213; FCS Central on channel 214; FCS Pacific on channel 215; ESPN Classic on channel 208. For a complete channel lineup, visit Spectrum.com/Channels. To view this notice online, visit Spectrum.net/ProgrammingNotices. �Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen Elaine Garlock The Lake Odessa Area Historical Society meets at 6 p.m. tonight for a potluck to start the new membership year. The society was founded in 1968, so this is year 52. President John Waite always comes up with some interesting topic for the program. The Ionia County Genealogical Society will meet at 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 14 at the Freight House Museum on Emerson Street. The speaker will be Jessica Trotter. Her topic will be the TB epidemic. Time will be allowed for library research and refreshments. The Tri-River Museum group will have its monthly meeting in Byron Center, Tuesday, Sept. 17. Members can expect an e-mail on the exact location. Ionia County education retirees will meet Thursday, Sept. 19, at the Ionia Intermediate School Center on Harwood Road near Ionia. MARSP meetings are in alternate months. Central United Methodist Church had its annual kickoff for Sunday school. Members were invited to wear their favorite sports team shirts. Meat sandwiches were provided, and the rest of the meal was shared food, topped off with homemade freezer ice cream, thanks to the Dykhouse family. The chancel choir was back in position with a favorite anthem under the direction of Jackie Cunningham Spagnuolo. The fall newsletter of Friends of the Library has been printed and is available at the library. It lists a variety of programs for the next three months. The report is that 365 children took part in the summer reading program. Also, the library has three new staff members - Allison Fenlong, Lauren Haag and Jaqulyn Daniels. The house on the corner of M-50 and Willowbrook is having a major addition to its west side. Originally, this house was the clubhouse for the Willowbrook Golf Course in the 1950s. BUSINESS BRIEFS Highpoint Community Bank earns highest rating BauerFinancial, a national bank-rating firm, announced that Highpoint Community Bank has achieved achievement of another 5-Star Superior Rating. It has maintained that top rating for 40 consecutive quarters, giving it the added status of being an “Exceptional Performance Bank.” This designation is reserved specifically for banks that have earned Bauer’s highest rating continuously for 10 years or longer. Earning and maintaining Bauer’s highest 5-Star rating indicates Highpoint Community Bank is one of the strongest banks in the nation, according to a Sept. 5 press release. “Community banks, like Highpoint Community Bank, are fiscally fit because they go the extra mile to help their neighbors and friends be fiscally fit as well,” Karen L. Dorway, president of the research firm, said. “In the end, Highpoint Community Bank reaps the benefits of the strong communities it helped to build.” Highpoint Community Bank was estab­ lished in 1886 and has been serving local communities for 133 years. HCB operates through seven offices in Bellevue, Caledonia, Hastings, Marshall, Middleville, Nashville and Wayland. Spectrum Health named Corporate Community Leader Spectrum Health was recognized as a Corporate Community Leader by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Community Service Commission during an awards ceremony Sept. 5 at the Detroit Opera House. The health system was among 43 individu­ als, businesses and nonprofit organizations selected for their commitment to volunteer­ ism, service or philanthropy. “We are honored to be recognized as a Corporate Community Leader. I am proud of the positive impact of our Spectrum Health team members throughout Michigan,” Pam Ries, Spectrum Health chief human resource officer, said. “Our 31,000 employees bring their hearts to work every day to improve health, inspire hope and save lives.” Nominated by Heart of West Michigan United Way, Spectrum Health was cited for engaging with members of the community in grassroots activities that help improve health and wellness. Spectrum Health’s Healthier Communities program and its $6 million annual budget and its Veteran Explorers program, which helps veterans bridge the employment gap between military services and civilian careers, were mentioned in the nomination. The Governor’s Service Awards ceremony is an annual statewide recognition event acknowledging the contributions made by Michigan volunteers. The event is coordinat­ ed by the Michigan Community Service Commission, the state’s lead agency on vol­ unteerism. Binder Park Zoo Granted AZA Accreditation The Association of Zoos and Aquariums has announced that Binder Park Zoo was granted accreditation by AZA’s independent accreditation commission. “AZA accreditation signifies Binder Park Zoo’s active role in protecting our world’s wild animals and wild places while providing exceptional animal care and meaningful guest experiences,” AZA President and CEO Dan Ashe said in a Sept. 9 press release. “Fewer than 10 percent of animal exhibitors regis­ tered with USDA have achieved AZA accred­ itation, so Binder Park Zoo is truly a leader in the zoological profession.” To be accredited, Binder Park Zoo under­ went a thorough review to make certain it has, and will continue to meet, standards in cate­ gories, which include animal care and wel­ fare, veterinary programs, conservation, edu­ cation, and safety. AZA requires zoos and aquariums to successfully complete this rigor­ ous accreditation process every five years to be members of the association. Binder Park Zoo has been an accredited AZA member since 1983. Particular strengths mentioned by the AZA inspection team were that Wild Africa remains an outstanding guest experience 20 years after opening, and new exhibits for African painted dogs and lions as well as Zamani School and the tented camps are strong additions. Also, the many local conservation partnerships that Binder Park Zoo has established show that a relatively small organization can make mean­ ingful contributions to conservation projects. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Public Hearing will be held by the Prairieville Township Zoning Board of Appeals on October 2, 2019 at 7:00 RM. at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, within the Township. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the item(s) to be considered at this public hearing include, in brief, the following: 1. A request by Jeff DeKoning, of Eaglecrest Homes, agent for property owner Jeff & Michell Tustin, 10268 North 19th St. Plainwell Ml 49080 for a variance to allow for the construction of a new single-family dwelling that fails to meet the front and rear yard setback requirements set forth in section 4.24 “Waterfront Lots”. The subject property is 11489 Lakeshore Dr. Plainwell, Ml 49080 - 08-12-320-040-00 and is located in the R2 zoning district. 2. A request by Dylan Steele, agent for property owners Steve & Paula Ernst, 5081Trumpeter Dr. Portage, Ml 49009 for a variance to allow for the construction of a single-family dwelling that fails to meet the front yard setback requirement set forth in section 4.24 “Waterfront Lots”. The subject property is 11112 Long Point Dr. Plainwell, Ml 49080 - 08-12-290-010-00 and is located in the R2 zoning district. 3. Such other and further matters as may properly come before the Zoning Board of Appeals for this meeting. All interested persons are invited to be present or submit written comments on this matter(s) to the below Township office address. Prairieville Township will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the hearing upon five (5) days notice to the Prairieville Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Prairieville Township Clerk at the address or telephone number set forth below. Jim Stoneburner, Township Supervisor 128014 of EDWARD JONES Leaving your job? What happens to your 401(k)? What does investing mean to you? If the word makes you think of transactions buying or selling stocks and bonds - you’re looking at just part of the picture. To work toward all your goals, such as a comfortable retirement, you need a comprehensive financial strategy. And for that, you might need to work with a personal financial advisor. But what, specifically, can this type of professional do for you? Here are some of the key services a financial advisor can provide: • Help you invest for your retirement - An experienced financial advisor can look at all the relevant factors - your current and projected income, age at which you’d like to retire, desired retirement lifestyle - to help you determine how much you need to invest, and in which investment vehicles, to help you reach your retirement goals. To cite just one example, a financial advisor can review your employer-sponsored retirement plan and help you determine how to use it to your greatest advantage. • Help you save for college - Higher education is expensive, and costs are rising every year. If you’d like to help your children - or grandchildren - go to college someday, you need to save and invest early and often. A financial advisor can suggest appropriate college savings vehicles and strategies. • Help make sure you ’re well-protected - If something were to happen to you, could your family maintain its standard of living? Or if you someday needed some type of long-term care, such as an extended stay in a nursing home, would you be able to maintain your financial independence, or would you be forced to rely on your adult children for help? A financial advisor can recommend and possibly provide suitable protection products and services for your needs. • Help you adjust your financial strategy Not much will stay constant in your life and that includes your financial strategy. Any number of events - a new child, a new job, a ----STOCKS-----The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday Reported changes are from the previous week. . Apple Inc. 216.70 +11.00 AT&T 37.58 +2.20 Chevron 121.85 +5.58 Deere & Co. 164.04 +13.22 ExxonMobil 72.07 +3.51 Flowserve CP 47.18 +5.65 Ford Motor Co. 9.42 +.32 General Electric Co. 9.14 +.81 General Motors 39.58 +2.67 Home Depot Inc. 233.00 +8.93 Johnson Johnson 129.55 +.81 Kellogg Co. 62.93 -.77 Microsoft CP 136.08 +.04 Perrigo Co. 52.77 +6.55 Pfizer Inc. 37.38 +1.26 Spartannash Comp 11.65 +.75 Stryker 213.69 -4.43 TCF Financial Corp. 41.06 +3.65 Walmart Inc. 116.05 +1.41 Walt Disney Co 135.79 -.52 Whirl Pool Corp 150.62 +16.15 Gold Silver Dow Jones $1,490.30 $18.17 26,909 -$64.10 -1.00 +791 new retirement destination - can cause you to adjust your investment moves, as will some of the factors influencing the financial markets - economic downturns, changing interest rates, new tax laws, and more. A financial advisor can help you change course as needed - and sometimes encourage you not to change course, when, in his or her professional opinion, you might be tempted to overreact to some event or other. While a financial advisor can help you in many ways, you’ll need, above all else, to feel comfortable with whomever you choose. Ultimately, you’ll want to pick someone who understands what’s important to you, and who will follow an established process to create personalized strategies and recommend specific actions needed to help achieve your goals. And you’ll want someone who will be with you in the long run someone who will revisit your objectives and risk tolerance and who can adjust your strategies in response to changes in your life. A financial advisor can make a big difference in your life. So, work diligently to find the right one - and take full advantage of the help you’ll receive as you move toward your important goals. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor If you have any questions, contact Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. Palm introduction Dr. Universe: Why are there so many palm trees in California? Jenny, 11, California Dear Jenny, Along with beaches, sunshine and movie stars, a lot of people picture palm trees when they think of southern California. While there are lots of palm tree species in California, they aren’t all originally from the area. Many were brought from different places around the world. That’s what I found out from my friend Chuck Cody who manages one of the greenhouses at Washington State University. Believe it or not, Washington state also used to be home to lots of palm trees. In the Jacklin Collection Museum at WSU, are all kinds of petrified wood. One of the pieces is fossilized palm wood from cen­ tral Washington. Fossils can give us a lot of clues about what life was like before humans were around. Cody also told me that in prehistoric times, during the earliest days of flowering plants on our planet, palms were a big part of the natural landscapes. This was back more than 145 million years ago when dinosaurs like iguanodon and ankylosaurs roamed the earth. In Washington, palm trees were com­ mon 15 million years ago and were able to survive during a time when the climate wasn’t so cold. But as you’ve observed, California is home to a lot of palm trees these days. While the California fan palm is a native palm of California, Cody told me that people started bringing other species of palm trees to California around 200 years ago. That’s when settlers from Spain brought different kinds of palm trees from their homes in Europe to new areas in North America. The trees were able to grow in places like Mexico and California because the climate was similar to condi­ tions in their old habitat. Palm trees love warm weather. Under the right conditions, they can live to be 80 or 90 years old. In the 1930s, some people in Los Angeles wanted to make the streets more beautiful — especially because the Olympics were just around the comer. They thought palm trees would do the trick. People planted them by the thou­ sands. A big part of the reason there are so many palm trees in California is because humans brought trees and seeds with them to plant and trade when they settled in a new place. Some of the palms in California pro­ duce small, sweet fruits called dates. Other palm trees in different climates around the world produce coconuts that can provide people with something to eat and drink. For the most part, palm trees are plant­ ed for decoration; they don’t give off a lot of shade. What trees or plants are icons in your state? Do you know your state tree? Tell us about it sometime at Dr.Universe@wsu. edu. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University's resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse .com. NOTICE: The Hastings City Barry County Airport is seeking Sealed Bids for the sale of the following: NOTICE The minutes of the meeting of the Barry County Board of Commissioners held Sept. 10, 2019, are available in the County Clerk’s Office at 220 W. State St., Hastings, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or www.barrycounty.org. 127646 • 2001 NEW HOLLAND TV-140 TRACTOR Specifications are as follows: -110Hp-90 HpatPTO - 4 wheel articulated drive - Issues with Tractor as follows: Hydraulic Transmission pump and motor are bad. Engine has a miss and loses some antifreeze. Has gear lash in transfer case. Hour Meter not correct Tractor has approximately 8000 to 9000 hours. Please send sealed bids to: (New Holland Tractor) Hastings City Barry County Airport, 2505 Murphy Drive Hastings, Mich. 49058. Bids will be accepted until September 16, 2019 at 3:30 p.m. Any bids after deadline will not be considered. Bids will be opened at the regular meeting of the Hastings Airport Board on September 25, 2019. The Hastings City Barry County Airport has the right to accept or reject any bid. Any questions or to make an appointment for inspection, please call Mark Noteboom at 269-838-5874. See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits �The Hastings Banner — Thursday September 12, 2019 — Page 9 BflGK THE PAGES New teacher learns along with students Helen Skidmore (later Tucker) was 18 when she took her first teaching position at Cedar Creek School. The job presented some challenges for the teenage teacher, such as troubles among students and 'creepy conditions for' wood that had to be collected daily in cold weather. (File photo) . Barry County Historical Society’s “Rural School History Bookshelf’ series is divided into the 16 townships and then further divided into 10 or so school districts within each township. Most of the township sections also have an addendum of information and photos supplied after the project was supposed to be complete. So, it’s an extensive collection of information - especially if one knows where to look. Cedar Creek (also known as Mott School) in Hope Township was one of the few among the more than 170 schools in the compilation that doesn’t have the usual list of teachers. And that is where young Helen Skidmore first taught. So, this should have been the first in her collection of memories, rather than last week’s Lakeview. An introduction to her written memories also includes a bit of an explanation that would have been helpful a week or two ago: The following article about teachers in the rural schools of Barry County was written by Helen Skidmore Tucker, who taught in the system for many years after graduating from Barry County Normal. She then spent 17 years teaching at Central School in Hastings. She has written about some of her experiences to help her family understand what those years were like. We also can share with her the good times and the tearful times. Helen writes: My first school was the Cedar Creek School in Barry County, Hope Township, District No. 3. I was 18 years old. I had gone to Barry County Normal. It was one year after high school. This [Barry County Normal] was a year of intense study. Our teacher was Mabie Clark, who did a marvelous job of preparing us to teach. Besides all the other work, she took us through all of the books we would be using. I started teaching for $45 a month, which was raised to $50 before the year was over. My second year, I received $75 a month. This school district was valued at $63,785, with a tax rate of 4 percent. The census was 23. The school board was Ardy Owen, John Lammers and John Gurd. I boarded with Mr. and Mrs. Herman Leavitte, who ran the community grocery store. We lived at the store. The bedrooms and the living room were Helen (Skidmore) Tucker fondly remembered Mabie Clark (above), her own teacher at Barry County Normal during a year of intense study in the mid1930s. upstairs. In the morning, Mrs. Leavitte would bring me a pitcher of warm water for washing. Since I didn’t have a car, my parents took me over to the school each Mbnday, and came after me Friday. [Her family lived in northwest Maple Grove Township, about 13 miles away.] Mr. Leavitte usually had a little sack of cookies for us to eat on the way home. Local youth groups to take ‘a walk in homeless shoes’ Jessica Courtright Contributing Writer Family Promise of Barry County will host a youth group event on the Barry County Courthouse lawn Saturday, Sept. 14, to raise awareness and encourage empathy for indi­ viduals experiencing homelessness. The event is called “A Walk in Homeless Shoes.” Martha Gibbons, director of Family Promise Barry County, said the event is “tar­ geted towards youth groups. It’s a hands-on educational event to promote awareness and build empathy for people living in homeless situations.” From 6 p.m. to midnight, teens will partic-( ipate in various activities to see what it is like to be homeless. Currently, 36 teens from six local churches are signed up to participate) Teens will learn about homelessness by par­ ticipating in various exercises simulating the experiences often faced by homeless individ­ uals. Those interested in participating are encour­ aged to entail mgibbons@familypromisebarrycounty. More information about Family Promise is available at familypromisebarrycounty.org. Ardy Owen, one of the Cedar Creek School board members when Helen Skidmore taught there, made his living as a thresher. Accompanying this photo of Ardy Owen’s threshing machine was the explanation, “A farmer’s wheat field meant his ‘money crop’ in pioneer days. Note the wheat stack. It was indeed an art to stack wheat properly so no rain could harm the kernels before threshing time.” (Hope Township, Second Edition, 1978) Helen Skidmore taught two Lammers children, Dale and Joyce, whose father also was on the school board. The John and Effie Lammers family in the undated photo includes (from left) Duane, Dale, Wendell, Joyce, Clare, Marjorie, Elwin, Effie, Merl and John. (Hope Township, Second Edition, 1978) Cedar Creek was a small school. The children’s names were: Maurice Benedict, Donna Campbell, Fem Campbell, Mervin Campbell, Douglas Crago, John Crago, Geraldine Gurd, Margaret Gurd, Clela Gould, Stanley Gould, DefoMK LaPine, Dale Lammers, Joyce Lammers) Boyd Leinaar and . Raymond Owens. In the school, every desk was bolted down. Some were big, and others were small. If a student’s feet didn’t touch the floor, we would put a block under the desk on which to rest his or her feet. The windows were tall, with shades, but the winds danced at them and managed to creep in. The room was heated with a wood stove. We had plenty of good wood, but that young teacher feared getting it. The entrance was half a wood bin. When I’d crawl down after the wood, my imagination would go wild, thinking about snakes, mice and other varmints. It was dark down there in the winter months. We didn’t have any lights. It was even scary going into the school room because we had to go through a dark clothes closet hall to get inside. We had a pump outside that would manage to freeze up a couple times each year. Like all rural schools, we had two sturdy toilets that stood on the brink of a hill. This was a time before electricity came to the country. Before a storm, when the room got too dark to study, we would play games. This didn’t happen often. ' Sometimes only one child was in a grade. It was difficult to challenge that child. We drilled a lot with the basics. At this time, all rural schools lacked reference books and equipment to extend the lessons. Newspapers and magazines were great helps. Each child’s lessons were heard each day. We usually started with the little children and then taught the older children later. We did a lot of drill work on the board. Here we could include different classes. I’d like to go back and zoom in on the English lessons . When it came to such things as art, it taxed the ingenuity to the limit because of the lack of supplies. It is serious business to do a. year’s work with a packet of colored construction paper. One of the benefits of these rural schools was that younger children could build a good background by listening to the older children’s lessons. The school bell was rung at 8:30 to tell children to hurry to school, and again at 9 a.m. when school started. It called the children in at recess and at 10:30 a.m., noon, 1 and 2:30 p.m. I kept dn time because that old bell didn’t just talk to the children. The whole neighborhood heard it and checked their clocks ... “A little off this morning!” I told about the hill out back. Well, below that hill was a swamp. One noon the boys climbed over the fence. They came up to the school with their trophy - a rattlesnake they had killed. Another interesting thing happened. After school, as I was sweeping and cleaning the room, a rainstorm came up and then the rainbow followed. One of the ends of the rainbow was right beside the school. If the old saying is right, there is a pot of gold there. Stanley, one of the small boys, was kicked in the forehead by a horse. He was hurt seriously. When he came back to school, where the bone was crushed, we could see it pulsate. From then on, he was watched like a hawk by me. Dear little Delores’ home burned down, so she had to move away. She was my first child to leave my class, and I cried. One of the older boys was mad all of the time. Before a word could come out of my mouth, he was against it and mad as a wet hen. He gave me trouble. Many times I breathed the words, “There must be an easier job.” But 56 years later, he appeared at my door to apologize. Then I could say to him,” Don’t worry. You taught me lessons which I needed to learn to be a good teacher.” This was a good neighborhood with good people who cared about their children and their school. There was always a good attendance at all PTAs and the Christmas program. The ladies got together and put on a play for a PTA. I was invited for supper at some of their homes. Such good homemade bread! It was time for me to move on. The last day of school, we had a big picnic and had a good time. Then the children took their books and dinner pails and went away down the road. The young teacher stood at the door and cried. Another door was going to open. [Little Stanley’s head injury did heal. He grew up, married, moved to Charlotte, raised a family and worked as a machinist. He loved the outdoors and even enjoyed riding and training horses) He died at age 80, in Hastings May 27, 2011, three years after Helen (Skidmore) Tucker died at age 92. And Little Delores didn’t move too far away. She was living in Delton when she married Arthur Schley in June 1949.] Hope Township Notice of Adoption of Amendments to the Hope Township Zoning Ordinance TO: ■ THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE HOPE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that at its regular meeting on Monday, September 10th, 2019 at 6:30PM at the Hope Township Hall, 5463 S M-43 Hwy, the Hope Township Board of Trustees adopted Ordinance #89 and Ordinance #90, amendments to the Zoning Ordinance. Ordinance #89 amended the Zoning Ordinance as it pertains to solar energy collectors. The amendment defines and permits small-scale solar energy systems by right in all zoning districts and utility-scale solar energy systems by special exception use in the AR, Agricultural/ Residential and I, Light Industrial zoning districts. The amendment allows for both building-mounted and ground-mounted solar energy col­ lectors and provides regulatory standards including, but not limited to, Setbacks, size, height, materials, screening, and removal. Ordinance #90 amended the Zoning Ordinance as it pertains to the side­ wall height of accessory buildings in the RL, Residential Lake zoning district. The amendment allows accessory buildings in the RL, Residential Lake zoning district to have sixteen (16) foot sidewalls on non-lakefront lots. These amendments to the Township Zoning Ordinance were adopted after the Planning Commission held a public hearing and recommended approval of the amendment to the Zoning Ordinance on August 15th, 2019. A copy of the Zoning Ordinance and the amendment is available for review at the Hope Township Office during regular business hours 9:00 a.m. through noon and 1:15p.m. through 3:00 p.m. on Wednesdays. The amendment will become effective eight days after the date of this published notice pursuant to the Michigan Zoning Enabling Act, as amended. HOPE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION 5463 S M-43 Hwy Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 948-2464 �Page 10 — Thursday, September 12, 2019 — The Hastings Banner LEGAL NOTICES ..........................................................■HI........ »■■■■MMMMHHMHMMMMMMHMMHMMMMMMHMHHMMMHi • STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28287-DE Estate of Lois J. McCool, deceased. Date of birth: July 2, 1930. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Lois J. McCool, deceased, died July 9, 2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Rex E. McCool, personal representative or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., Suite 302, Hastings, Michigan 49058, and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: September 5, 2019 Miller Johnson Kathleen Hogan Aguilar P75120 45 Ottawa Avenue SW, Suite 1100 Grand Rapids, Ml 49503-4009 (616) 831-1700 Rex E. McCool 11125 South Norris Road Delton, Michigan 49046 127744 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Trust In the matter of Glenn E. and Eleanor L. Wiley Trust u/t/a dated January 26, 2009. Date of birth: Glenn E. Wiley - January 18, 1927. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Glenn E. Wiley, Trustee, died July 29, 2019 leaving the above Trust in full force and effect. Creditors of the decedent or against the Trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or trust will be forever barred unless persented to Linda Sue Ribble, successor Trustee, within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: September 6, 2019 Rhoades McKee PC Stephanie S. Fekkes P43549 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)945-1921 Linda Sue Ribble c/o Rhoades McKee PC, 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)945-1921 127835 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Trust In the matter of The Thelma N. Webb Trust, Dated September 28, 1998. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Thelma N. Webb, who lived at 5093 Easy Street, Nashville, Michigan 49073, died on August 2, 2019, leaving a certain trust under the name of the Thelma N. Webb Revocable Trust, Dated September 28,1998, wherein the decedent was the Settlor and Richard H. Webb was named as Successor Trustee serving at the time of or as a result of the decedent’s death. Creditors of the decedent and of the trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or against the trust will be forever barred unless presented to to Richard H. Webb, Successor Trustee, at Tripp & Tagg, Attorneys at Law, 202 South Broadway, Hastings, Michigan 49058 within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: September 4, 2019 Nathan E. Tagg (P68994) 202 South Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2900 Richard H. Webb 110 Siesta Trail Roscommon, Ml 49653 ' 989-330-0445 127681 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Trust In the matter of The Claire S. Olmsted and Phyllis A. Olmsted Family Trust. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Phyllis Olmsted, who lived at 620 West High Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, died on August 1, 2019, leaving a certain trust under the name of Phyllis Olmsted Trust, dated July 23, 1999, wherin the decedent was the Settlor and Nancy Kaufmann and Mark Olmsted were named as Co-Trustees serving at the time of or as a result of the decedent’s death. Creditors of the decedent and of the trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or against the trust will be forever barred unless persented to Nancy Kaufmann and Mark Olmsted were named as Co-Trustees, at Tripp & Tagg, Attorneys at Law, 202 South Broadway, Hastings, Michigan 49058 within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: September 6, 2019 David H. Tripp (P29290) 202 South Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-9585 Nancy Kaufmann and Mark Olmsted 620 West High Street Hastings, Ml 49058 616-881-2258 ' 127833 PUBLICATION NOTICE TO CREDITORS DECEDENT’S TRUST ESTATE STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY In the matter of Phyllis Heck Living Trust dated June 26, 2007, amended September 18, 2007 Decedent’s date of birth: 3-29-1931. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS: Your interest in this matter may be barred or affected by the following: The decedent, Phyllis A. Heck, lived in Barry County, Delton, Michigan, and died 7-12-2019. Creditors of the deceased are notified that all decedent’s assets were held by the Trustee at decedent’s death, and the decedent has no probate estate. Creditors of the deceased are further notified that all claims against the trust estate will be forever barred unless presented to: Terry L. Callen, Trustee and/or the attorney’s office representing Terry L. Callen as Trustee within 4 months of the publication of this notice. This notice is published pursuant to MCL 700.7608. If a probate estate is opened in the future of the decedent, this notice is intended to satisfy the requirements of MCL 700.3801. Notice is further given that the truste estate will be thereafter assigned and distributed to the person(s) entitled to it. Date: 8-29-19 Longstreet Elder Law & Estate Planning PC Robert L. Longstreet P53546 607 North Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-3495 . Terry L. Callen 4,65 W. F Avenue Kalamazoo, Ml 49009 269-903-9771 127803 SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information ; obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE - Matthew Sumoski and Autumn Sumoski, husband and wife, granted a mortgage to Mortgage 1 Incorporated, Mortgagee, dated July 14, 2016, and recorded on July 27, 2016, in Document No. 2016-007351, and assigned by said mortgagee to Michigan State Housing Development Authority, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at ■ the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Fifteen Thousand Two Hundred Eighty-Two and 35/100 Dollars ($115,282.35). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the Barry County Courthouse, Hastings Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on October 10, 2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: Lots No. 3 and 4 of The Thornton Addition to the Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, according to the recorded plat thereof. The redemption period will be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 125.1449V, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 125.1449v(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. Michigan State Housing Development Authority Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman P.C. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 , 1395531 (09-12)(10-03) 128034 NOTICE We are attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Notify us at the number below if you are in active military duty. MORTGAGE SALE - Pursuant to the terms and conditions of a certain mortgage made by RICKY BOLTON AND MELISSA BOLTON, husband and wife, Mortgagors, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (MERS) as nominee for Freedom Mortgage Corporation, Mortgagee, dated the 30th day of June, 2018 and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds, for The County of Barry and State of Michigan, on the 10th day of July, 2018 in Doc# 2018-006683 of Barry County Records, said Mortgage having been assigned to Freedom Mortgage Corporation on which mortgage there is claimed to be due, at the date of this notice, the sum of Seventy Six Thousand Three Hundred Three & 37/100 ($76,303.37), by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, and pursuant to statute of the State-of Michigan, notice is hereby given that on the 3rd day of October, 2019 at 1:00 PM o’clock Local Time, said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale at public auction, to the highest bidder, at the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Ml, of the premises described in said mortgage, or so much thereof as may be necessary to pay the amount due, with interest thereon at 5.87500 per annum and all legal costs, charges, and expenses, including the attorney fees allowed by law, and also any sum or sums which may be paid by the undersigned, necessary to protect its interest in the premises. Which said premises are described as follows: All that certain piece or parcel of land, including any and all structures, and homes, manufactured or otherwise, located thereon, situated in the Township of Barry, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and described as follows, to wit: A parcel of land in the Northeast one-quarter of Section 4, Town 1 North, Range 9 West, described as: Commencing at the North one-quarter post of said Section 4, thence East on the Section line 1047.25 feet for the place of beginning; thence East 100 feet; thence South 400 feet; thence West 100 feet; thence North to the place of beginning. During the six (6) months immediately following the sale, the property may be redeemed, except that in the event that the property is determined to be abandoned pursuant to MCLA 600.3241 a, the property may be redeemed 30 days after the foreclosure sale or when the time to provide the notice required by the statute expires, whichever is later. Pursuant to MCLA 600.3278, the4 mortgagor(s) will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney Dated: 09/05/2019 Freedom Mortgage Corporation Mortgagee FABRIZIO & BROOK, P.C. Attorney for Servicer 700 Tower Drive, Ste. 510 Troy, Ml 48098 (248) 362-2600 FMC FHA BOLTONRI (09-05)(09-26) 127526 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE isr hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on September 19, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Christopher Handley and Sunshine A. Handley, Husband and Wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): AmeriHome Mortgage Company, LLC Date of Mortgage: September 11, 2017 Date of Mortgage Recording: September 18, 2017 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $184,762.77 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Irving, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Unit 5, Valley Ridge Estates, according to the Master Deed recorded in Document Number 1153680, First Amendment to Master Deed as recorded in Document Number 1158613, Document Number 1162264, and Document Number 20071113-0004173, and Second Amendment to Master Deed as recorded in Document Number 2016-010676, Barry County Records, as amended, and designated as Barry County Condominium Subdivision Plan No. 44, together with rights in the general common elements and the limited common elements as shown on the Master Deed and as described in Act 59 of the Public Acts of 1978, as amended. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: August 22, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1393710 (08-22)(09-12) 126425 Stacee English volunteers in Hastings for the Barry County United Way during last year’s Day of Caring. (File photo) NOTICES Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee for any reason. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest, and the purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Notice is hereby given that the below mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the Circuit Court of Barry County at 1:00 pm on October 3, 2019. Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Tanna L. Woods, A Married Woman Original Mortgagee: The United States of America acting through the Rural Housing Service or Successor agency, United States Department of Agriculture Foreclosing Assignee (if any): none Date of Mortgage: Junel10, 2010 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 11, 2010 Amount claimed due on mortgage on the date of notice: $151,605.22 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in the City of Hastings , Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Lot 7 and. Lot 8, Block 8, Kenfield’s Second Addition to the City of Hastings, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, Page 37, Barry County Records. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or upon the expiration of the notice required by MCL 600.3241 a(c), whichever is later; or unless MCL 600.3240(16) applies. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: 09/05/2019 Potestivo & Associates, P.C. 108481 (09-05)(09-26) Barry County United Way campaign kicks off today Annual Day Qt Caring. is toda^ Saturday The 83r^ Barry County United Way cam­ paign is kicking off today at the Barry County Expo Center. After the 8 a.m. kick-off celebration, more than 400 people will join forces to volunteer on a variety of both indoor and outdoor proj­ ects throughout the county in the annual Day of Caring observance today and Saturday. Indoor events include archiving at Gilmore Car Museum, office cleaning at Hope Network, sorting clothes for the changing seasons at The Shack in Delton and playing games with the residents at Thornapple Manor. ■ ' Outdoor activities include cleaning up the Riverwalk Trail in Hastings and the Paul Henry Trail in Middleville, playground paint­ ing at Central Elementary, building a thera­ peutic horse shelter at Camp Manitou-Lin, gardening at Charlton Park to create shoreline garden, and sanding and sealing a wooden ship in Freeport. “It is great to witness how eager our com­ munity is to volunteer at so many organiza­ tions,” Volunteer Center Director Morgan Johnson said. “According to the Independent Sector, each volunteer hour is worth $25.43, therefore the hours put in by these volunteers is equal to over $40,000 to our community. Thomapple Valley Church has combined its Blitz Day with United Way to show the value of partnerships throughout the commu­ nity. . “This enables us to partner with many indi­ viduals and families that are not available during the work week,” Johnson said. Thirty-four programs rely on the support of the United Way campaign in Barry County. “Where There’s a You, There’s a Way” is the theme for this year’s campaign. “This is more than words on a brochure,” Barry County United Way Executive Director Lani Forbes said. “Donor dollars enable Barry County United Way and their 20 partner agen­ cies to tackle the most difficult of problems. “Last year, over 60,000 times residents of our community accessed services in the areas of health, income and education.” Campaign Co-Chairmen Jim DeCamp and Bill Rohr are challenging residents to become a partner with United Way. “Your investment goes so much further with Barry County United Way; 100 percent of the contributions are utilized for program­ ming right here in Barry County, thanks to the Florence Tyden Groos Endowment Fund that covers administrative costs,” Rohr said. “This year, our goal is $650,000, based on the needs of the programs and services that request funds through Barry County United Way,” DeCamp said. “Where there is a you — such as the 12 dedicated volunteers with the Volunteer in Tax Assistance (VITA) that pre­ pared 822 tax returns in a 3-month time peri­ od - there was a way for these Barry County households to receive over $1.1 million returned in state and federal returns. “That’s results.” For further information, call the Barry County United Way office at (269) 945-4010. 127525 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on Octobers, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Raymond L Thompson and Pamala K Thompson, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Reverse Mortgage Solutions, Inc. its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Reverse Mortgage Solutions, Inc. Date of Mortgage: June 10, 2015 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 30, 2015 Amount claimed dbe on date of notice: $70,108.40 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: A parcel of land in the West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 tof Section 36, Town 1 North, Range 8 West, described as: Commencing at the Northeast corner of said West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4; thence South along 1/8 line 1000 feet to the place of beginning of the within description; thence continuing South along the 1/8 line 329 feet; thence due West to the West line of the East 56 acres of said West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 36; thence North on said West line 343 feet, more or less, to a point due West of the point of beginning; thence due East to the point of beginning The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: September 5, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1394749 (09-05)(09-26) 127627 1 FvlT Al d SYNOPSIS ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP PUBLIC HEARING WINCHESTER SAD 19-1 ASSESSMENT ROLL SEPT. 4, 2019 Meeting called to order 7 pm. All board members present and 10 guests Pledge of Allegiance Motion to open public hearing Public Comment Motion to close public hearing Resolution 0919-1 adopted Motion to adjourn 7:40 pm Submitted by: Mel Risner/Clerk Attested to by: Tom Rook/Supervisor 128032 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FILE NO. 19-28304-NC In the matter of Elizabeth Elise Cavinder-Barron. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS including: whose address(es) is/are unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on Sept. 25, 2019 at 2:15 p.m. at 206 W. Court St., #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge Hon. William M. Doherty P41960 for the following purpose: Petition for a Minor Name change for Eliabeth Elise Cavinder-Barron to be changed to Elizabeth Elise Cavinder. Tammy Cavinder 13275 Banfield Road Battle Creek, Ml 49017 (517)206-1219 127922 Synopsis Hope Township Regular Board Meeting Sept 9, 2019 Meeting opened at 6:30pm Approved: Consent agenda Ordinance 89 Solar Energy Ordinance 90 Zoning Ordinance amendment Ordinance 91 Consumers Energy Franchise Renewal Millage rate request Special Assessment delinquencies Holiday office hours Adjourned at 7:11 pm Submitted by: Deborah Jackson, Clerk Attested to by Mark S. Feldpausch, Supervisor 128035 SYNOPSIS ORANGEVILLE TWP BOARD MEETING SEPT 3, 2019 Meeting called to order 7 pm. All board members present, Fire Chief Ribble, Commissioner Conner and 6 guests Pledge of Allegiance Motion approved Aug. 6th board meeting minutes Motion approved July 9th special meeting minutes Motion approved to pay bills Department reports Public comment Motion approved to waive dosed session Motion approved to move forward with research and estimates regarding Mill Pond property Board comment Motion to adjourn 8:26 pm Submitted by: Mel Risner/Clerk , Attested to by: Tom Rook/Supervisor Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads 128033 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 12, 2019 — Page 11 D&S Machine Repair expanding Company adds apprenticeship Brogram to train skilled workers D&S officials (from left) Vince Wolf, Sam Stout Jr., Michael Stout, Y.H. Kim (Simpac), Stephan Robertson (Simpac), Jeffrey Stout, Rafael Ocampo are looking forward to the expansion and apprenticeship program. (Photo provided) D&S Machine Repair vice president Jeff Stout (left) watches employees repair a part on a 1,000-ton machine press. Supervisor Larry Watson said he is excited about the company’s growth and commitment to training workers. “It creates jobs that you can provide for a family on,” Watson said, noting the compa­ ny’s track record in creating good-paying jobs. Watson said it would not surprise him if D&S exceeded its projection of new jobs to be created by the expansion. “With their history, I can see it going beyond [10 jobs],” he said. Greg Chandler Staff Writer A machine and press repair shop just out­ side Hastings is growing and also taking steps toward addressing that growth by launching an apprenticeship program to train the next generation of skilled-trades professionals. D&S Machine Repair is building a 12,000-square-foot addition to its facility at 847 M-37 in Rutland Township. The company is investing $1.5 million into the project, which is expected to add up to 10 new jobs to its present workforce of 45 employees. “It’s going to be new offices and warehouse space, and we’re going to remodel the exist­ ing offices,” company president Michael Stout said. Part of the new space will include training rooms for the apprenticeship program, which D&S launched earlier this month in partner­ ship with Michigan Works, along with Grand Rapids and Kellogg community colleges. Two current employees have already begun the program. “Right now, we’re going to focus on the electrical side [of the business], and then migrate it to machining, millwright [work] and welding,” said Rafael Ocampo, who joined D&S as its operations director earlier this year after having been a longtime custom­ er of the company. Stout, who runs the company along with his brothers Jeff and Sam Jr., said he believes the apprenticeship program will put D&S at a competitive advantage. “All of our customers are in the same boat: They’re struggling to find people. We’re just trying to get ahead of the curve by putting in the apprenticeship program,” he said. “The more our customers struggle for skilled peo­ ple, the more the demand goes up for us.” Craig Stolsonburg, a business solutions representative for West Michigan Works in Hastings, said D&S is seeking grants through the Going PRO Talent Fund, a program run through the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity, to help fund the apprenticeship program. The company is eli­ gible for up to $3,000 in grants for each per­ son it trains through the program, he said. “Most of the manufacturers in the area have older workforces, [and the younger workers coming in] don’t have the skills to keep up,” Stolsonburg said. Several other manufacturers in Barry County are offering similar apprenticeship programs to train the next generation of skilled trades workers, Stolsonburg said. Stout’s father, Sam Sr., started D&S with partner Frank DeGroote in 1981. The two men had worked with E.W. Bliss Co. and had more than 20 years of experience in manufac­ turing of new presses, but decided to strike out on their own when they saw a need for repairs of existing presses because of a down­ turn in the economy. D&S has experienced steady growth through the years and is expecting to see a spike in that growth after it recently signed a long-term contract to be the sales and service provider, as well as parts warehouse, for Simpac North America, a major press machine manufacturer based in the Detroit suburb of Troy. In a company statement, Simpac North America President Y.H. Kim called D&S “one of the premier machine repair and service facilities in the Midwest.” “Together, we’ll be able to expand both of our businesses and bring improved service­ ability to our customer base here in North America for years to come,” Kim said. Some of the services D&S provides include welding, machining, rigging, complete rebuilding of presses, clutch conversions and construction of complete turnkey production lines, Stout said. The company expansion is being aided by a 12-year, 50 percent industrial tax abatement. The Rutland Township board approved the local tax break last month. Township HOPE TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PUBLIC HEARING GUERSNEY LAKE AQUATIC PLANT CONTROL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 19-1 TO: THE RESIDENTS ANO PROPERTY OWNERS OF HOPE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that upon motion of the Township Board of Hope Township, as authorized by PA 188 of 1954, as amended, proposes to undertake an aquatic plant control project (with associated activities) on Guernsey Lake in Hope Township as more particularly described below and to reestablish a special assessment district for the recovery of the costs thereof by special assessment against the properties benefited. The proposed special assessment district will replace the existing special assessment district (Guernsey Lake Aquatic Plant Control Project Special Assessment District No. 14-1), which district expires in 2019. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the special assessment district within which the foregoing improvements are proposed to be made and within which the costs thereof are to be specially assessed includes parcels with frontage on Guernsey Lake and/or back lots with access to Guernsey Lake and including the following tax parcels: GUERNSEY LAKE AQAUTICE PLANT CONTROL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 19-1: The properties indicated by parcel numbers: 07-017-003-10 07-160-027-00 | 07-160-085-00 07-240-026-00 07-160-028-00 1 07-160-087-00 07-160-132-00 07-160-129-20 ,_ :_ _ _ J __ _ ____ 07-240-029-00 07-017-306-00 07-160-029-00 07-160-088-00 07-160-139-00 07-240-029-60 07-160-130-00 07-018-003-00 07-160-030-00 07-160-089-00 07-160-140-00 07-245-001-00 07-018-005-00 07-160-031-00 07-160-090-00 07-160-141-00 07-245-002-00 07-018-006-00 07-160-031-40 07-160-093-00 07-160-142-00 07-245-003-00 07-018-007-20 07-160-032-00 07-160-094-00 07-160-143-00 07-245-004-00 07-018-007-21 07-160-033-00 07-160-095-00 07-160-144-00 07-245-004-50 07-018-007-22 07-160-034-00 07-160-096-00 07-160-146-00 07-245-005-00 07-018-007-23 07-160-035-00 07-160-097-00 07-160-147-00 07-245-006-00 07-018-013-00 07-160-037-00 07-160-098-00 07-160-148-00 07-245-007-00 . 07-018-014-00 07-160-038-00 07-160-099-00 07-160-150-00 07-245-008-00 07-019-003-00 07-160-039-00 07-160-100-00 07-160-151-00 07-245-009-00 07-019-004-00 07-160-040-00 07-160-101-00 07-160-151-50 07-245-009-50 07-019-005-00 07-160-041-00 07-160-102-00 07-160-152-00 07-245-010-00 07-019-010-00 07-160-042-00 07-160-103-00 07-160-153-00 07-245-011-00 07-019-015-00 07-160-043-00 07-160-104-00 07-160-155-00 07-320-001-00 07-019-015-10 07-160-044-00 07-160-105-00 07-160-156-00 07-320-002-00 07-019-016-00 07-160-045-00 07-160-107-00 07-160-157-00 07-320-003-00 07-020-030-10 07-160-046-00 07-160-108-00 07-160-158-00 07-320-004-00 07-020-030-11 07-160-047-00 07-160-109-00 07-160-159-00 07-320-005-00 07-020-030-12 07-160-048-00 07-160-111-00 07-160-160-00 07-320-006-00 07-330-001-00 07-020-030-15 07-160-049-00 07-160-112-00 07-160-161-00 07-020-030-15 07-160-051-00 07-160-113-00 07-160-327-04 07-330-001-50 07-100-001-00 07-160-052-00 07-160-114-00 07-160-327-10 07-330-002-00 07-100-002-00 07-160-053-00 07-160-115-00 07-160-830-00 07-330-003-00 07-100-003-00 07-160-054-00 07-160-116-00 07-240-001-00 07-330-004-00 07-100-004-00 07-160-056-00 07-160-116-50 07-240-002-00 07-330-005-00 07-100-005-00 07-160-057-00 07-160-117-00 07-240-003-00 07-330-006-00 07-100-006-00 07-160-058-00 07-160-120-00 07-240-004-00 07-330-007-00 07-100-007-00 07-160-059-00 07-160-121-00 07-240-005-00 07-330-008-00 07-100-007-10 07-160-060-00 07-160-122-00 07-240-005-10 07-330-008-20 07-100-008-00 07-160-061-00 07-160-123-00 07-240-006-00 07-330-009-00 07-100-009-00 07-160-062-00 07-160-124-00 07-240-007-00 07-330-010-00 07-100-010-00 07-160-064-00 07-160-125-00 07-240-008-00 07-330-012-00 07-160-001-00 07-160-065-00 07-240-009-00 07-330-014-00 07-330-013-00 07-160-066-00 07-160-127-18 07-160-127-26 07-240-010-00 07-330-015-00 07-160-002-00 07-160-067-00 07-160-127-30 07-240-011-00 07-330-016-00 07-160-004-00 07-160-068-00 07-160-127-32 07-240-012-00 07-330-016-10 07-160-008-00 07-160-069-00 07-160-127-38 07-240-013-00 07-330-017-00 07-160-009-00 07-160-070-00 07-160-128-00 07-240-014-00 07-330-018-00 07-160-011-00 07-160-071-00 07-160-128-02 07-240-015-00 07-330-019-00 07-160-012-00 07-160-072-00 07-160-128-04 07-240-016-00 07-330-020-00 07-330-021-00 07-160-014-00 07-160-073-00 07-160-128-06 07-240-016-10 07-160-015-00 07-160-074-00 07-160-128-08 07-240-018-00 07-330-022-00 07-160-017-00 07-160-075-00 07-160-128-10 07-240-019-00 07-017-015-00 07-160-020-00 07-160-076-00 07-160-128-12 07-240-019-36 07-017-016-00 07-160-021-00 07-160-078-00 07-160-128-14 07-240-020-00 07-020-030-40 07-160-022-00 07-160-080-00 07-160-129-05 07-240-021-00 07-160-026-00 07-160-023-00 07-160-081-00 07-160-129-10 07-240-023-00 07-160-025-00 07-160-024-00 07-160-082-00 See also the accompanying map identifying both proposed special assessment districts. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has received plans showing the proposed aquatic plant control project, associated activities, any proposed improvements and locations thereof, together with an estimate of the cost of the project in the amount of $119,560. The cost of the project proposed to be raised by special assessment is the total project cost, less any costs that will be off-set by any carryover of surplus funds from the expiring special assessment district. The Hope Township Board passed a resolution tentatively declaring its intention to undertake such project and to create the afore-described special assessment district. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has placed the project plans and costs estimates on file with the Township Clerk and said plans, cost estimates and special assessment districts may be examined at the Clerk’s office from the date of this Notice to the date of the public hearing and may further be examined at such public hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board proposes to make a per-parcel special assessment each year for a period of five years (2020-2024 inclusive). The annual assessment is proposed to be $138 per year for front lots and $68 per year for back lots. Additionally, the Township Board reserves the right to levy a lesser assessment amount in any year that there are more funds in the special assessment district fund than the amount needed for that year’s aquatic plant control work and associated activities. The Township Board will provide notice of any increase in the assessment amount over 10%, as required by law. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a public hearing on the plans, district, cost estimates and the carryover of surplus funds from the Guernsey Lake Aquatic Plant Control Project Special Assessment District No. 14-1 will be held at the Hope Township Hall at 5463 S. M-43 Highway, Hastings, Michigan, on September 24, 2019 beginning at 6:30 p.m. At the hearing, the Boards will consider any written objections and comments to any of the foregoing matters which are filed with the clerks at or before the hearing and any objections or comments raised at the hearing; and at the hearing (or any adjournment of the hearing which may be made without further notice), the township boards may revise, correct, amend or change the plans, cost estimates or special assessment district. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if written objections to the project are filed with the Township Board at or before the hearing, signed by the record owners of land constituting more than 20% of the area within the proposed special assessment district, then the township board may not proceed unless petitions in support of the project, signed by record owners of more than 50% of the area to be made into a special assessment district, are filed with the township board. Written comments or objections may be filed with the Township clerk at the address set out below. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that appearance and protest at the public hearing is required in order to appeal the amount of the special assessment to the State Tax Tribunal within 30 days after the special assessment roll is confirmed. An owner or party in interest, or his or her agent, may appear in person at the hearing to protest the special assessment, or shall be permitted to file at or before the hearing his or her appearance or protest by letter and his or her personal appearance shall not be required. All interested persons are invited to be present in person or by representative and to submit comments concerning the reestablishment of the special assessment district, the plans, cost estimates or the carryover of surplus funds. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if the Township Board determines to proceed with the special assessment, the Board will cause a special assessment roll to be prepared and another hearing will be held, after notice to record owners of property proposed to be specially assessed, to hear public comments concerning the proposed special assessments. Hope Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services at the hearing, to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon four (4) days notice to the Township Clerk athte address below. Deborah Jackson Hope Township Clerk 5463 S. M-43 Highway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2464 �Page 12 — Thursday, September 12, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Baltimore Township OKs noise ordinance Luke Froncheck Staff Writer Mike and Kathy Meade, who have lived on Sager Road in Baltimore Township for 41 years, attended the Baltimore Township board meeting Tuesday to ask the township to approve a new noise ordinance. The board adopted the ordinance after hearing testimony from Mike Meade and other residents. The ordinance was the only item on the agenda. Meade said that, three years ago, a man in his early 30s moved in nearby and began playing loud music well into the night. “I’ve gone and talked to him at least eight times,” Meade told the board. “I’ve called the police upwards of 30 times. “We just don’t know what to do anymore. I even brought him over at midnight one night. I asked him to come over to my house and listen to it. Well, he came over and admitted he didn’t realize the music was that loud. But there were no changes.” “This week, we had company at our house. We were sitting inside, and my grandson said, ‘Hey, I know that song.’ That song was being played 600 yards away.” The audience murmured after that com­ ment, with one woman noting that the dis­ tance he described equals the length of six football fields. “We don’t mind parties five or six times a year - that’s normal behavior,” Meade contin­ ued. “But I cannot stop the noise that comes over onto our property. The police told my wife that they’re not going to go out there anymore because they’ve been out there so many times. They said they’d just give him a call on the phone to see if he would quiet down.” The new ordinance states that no person, firm, or corporation shall unreasonably dis­ turb the quiet, comfort or repose of any per­ son in the vicinity; such as allowing or per­ mitting any dog to bark repeatedly in an area where such barking can be clearly heard from nearby residential property. Trustee Jake Ypma, who wrote the ordi­ nance, said the board was approached by the Meades about three months ago to discuss the issue. “I thought disturbing the peace would cover us out here, but, unfortunately, it doesn’t. It’s for municipalities only,” Ypma said. “Our local sheriff told us years ago that, without a noise ordinance, we can’t do any­ thing.” “We’ve been approached by some law-abid­ ing citizens to come up with something that will help them against someone who seems to have no respect, regard or care for their neigh- “I thought disturbing the peace would cover us out here, but, unfortunately, it doesn’t. It’s for municipalities only. Our local sheriff told us years ago that, without a noise ordinance, we can’t do anything.” Trustee Jake Ypma bors,” he said. “We’re proposing a noise ordi­ nance for our township to help cover those situations.” “I do think most people care. The only rea­ son we need a noise ordinance is for the onetenth of 1 percent,” Ypma added. “This is a tool we need in our toolbox and, hopefully, we never have to use it. But, instead of us saying we can’t help someone, Infant dies in crash near Freeport we can now.” During public comment, other residents expressed concerns with the proposed ordi­ nance. “If you put in an ordinance, all you’re going to hurt is the people who are willing to follow it. You’re not going to hurt him,” resi­ dent Jim Shurlow said. “Laws never work; that’s just it. “These are good friends of mine, and I don’t want to run them down over the prob­ lem they’re having. But you got to meet the person on his own terms. If you put an ordi­ nance in, he’s just going to laugh at it. “There’s a lot of things I hate, but I ain’t trying to tell anyone what they can and can’t do.” But other members of the public expressed support for the ordinance. “I think you need to have rules and regula­ tions in place for people you can’t deal with civilly,” resident Mark Weiss said. “This might be an ordinance that is rarely ever enforced. It might only be enforced under the most extreme circumstances.” “Most people around here are going to try and get along with their neighbors,” Weiss said. “You need a statute in place so law enforcement can do something.” Township Supervisor Chad VanSyckle said he plans to meet with Sheriff Dar Leaf to dis­ cuss the new ordinance. The fine for violating the ordinance will be $500, Ypma said. Nashville man scammed out of $2,800 A 63-year-old Nashville man went to the Barry County Sheriff’s Department Sept. 7 to report he was the victim of a scam. The man said he received a message on Facebook from a friend, which had a link to fixed-income debt relief. He clicked on the link and was put into contact with a man from Illinois, who said the Nashville man qualified for relief, but would need to send $ 1,000 to receive it. The man sent a $ 1,000 money order, and answered a number of questions on his personal information. The caller contacted him again and said he needed to sent another $3,100 to pay for a stamp to receive the funds, but it would need to be cash. The man said he could only get $1,800, but the caller said that was acceptable, and the man sent the money. Later the man thought it may have been a scam, and when he talked to the friend who supposedly sent the Facebook message, the friend did not know what the man was talking about. Greg Chandler Shelbyville, was found guilty of assault with intent to do bodily harm less than murder. He was sentenced by Judge Michael Schipper to serve six months in jail, with credit for 14 days served, and was ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs. Coleman will serve 36 months of probation and pay oversight fees of $360. A charge of domestic violence was dismissed. was found guilty of first-degree criminal sex­ ual conduct. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 70 to 600 months in prison, with credit for 154 days served in jail. He was ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs, and lifetime electronic monitoring was recom­ mended by the court. Two other criminal sexual conduct charges, one first-degree and the other for second-degree, were dismissed. Merrill Donald Edwards II, 35, of Olivet, Stephany Lee Schild, 30, of Hastings, was was found guilty of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine. He was sen­ tenced by Judge Amy McDowell to serve 12 months in jail, with credit for 60 days served; his driver’s license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. Edwards was ordered to pay $523 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 36 mouths. His assessments are payable at a rate of $50 a month. He was ordered to receive substance abuse treatment and, within 90 days, start attending a self-help group four times a week. Nine months of jail will be suspended upon successful completion of probation. He was ordered to pay probation fees of $720. A charge of possession of marijuana as a sec­ ond-time offender was dismissed. found guilty of the delivery/manufacture of the controlled substance methamphetamine. The sentence by Judge Schipper was for 36 to 240 months in prison, with credit for one day served in jail. She was ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs. The court had no objection to boot camp after six months’ in prison. A count of delivering a controlled substance was dis­ missed. James Michael Coleman Jr., 36, of Ruben Mercado Jr., 61, of Wayland, was found guilty of delivery/manufacture of meth­ amphetamine and was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 24 to 240 months in prison and ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs. Kristi Lea Mays, 29, of Hastings, was found guilty of assaulting a police officer. She was sentenced by Judge McDowell to four days in jail, with credit for four days served, and she was ordered to pay $358 in fines and costs. A count of possessing a controlled sub­ stance, marijuana, was dismissed. Brandon Russell Orman, 36, of Nashville, was found guilty of failure to pay child sup­ port. He was sentenced by Judge McDowell to serve three months in jail, with credit for three days served, placed on probation for 24 months, and ordered to pay $225 in fines and costs. Jail time will be suspended upon suc­ cessful completion of probation and compli­ ance with the Friend of the Court order. Probation can terminate upon full payment of arrears and assessments. A probation over­ sight fee of $240 was assessed, payable at $30 a month. A second count of failure to pay child support was dismissed. Dennis Michael Roblyer, 29, of Hastings, 39, of Hastings, was found guilty of assault with a dangerous weapon. She was sentenced by Judge Schipper to one day in jail, with credit for one day served, and ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs. She was placed on proba­ tion for 24 months and assessed oversight fees of $240. A charge of domestic violence was dismissed. Bonnie Ann-Marie Seybold, Patrick Brian Townsend Jr., 36, of Delton, was found guilty of second-degree home invasion. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 16 days in jail, with credit for six days served, placed on probation for 12 months, and ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs. His jail time may be served on week­ ends. Townsend was assessed oversight fees of $240. Additional counts of second-degree home invasion and possession of the con­ trolled substance marijuana were dismissed. Scott Dwight Tripp, 43, of Caledonia, was found guilty of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. He was sentenced by Judge McDowell to serve six months in jail, with credit for one day served, and ordered to pay $483 in fines and costs. He was placed on probation for 24 months and ordered to com­ ply with all terms or probation and neglect/ abuse orders, with counseling as recommend­ ed. Assessments will be payable at $40 a month and jail may be served on weekends, from 8 p.m. Friday until 6 a.m. Monday, with three days’ credit for each weekend. Five months of jail time will be suspended. Two counts of second-degree criminal sexual con­ duct were dismissed. Staff Writer A 3-month-old girl died after a two-car crash in Irving Township Monday night. The Barry County Sheriff’s Department reported the crash occurred at 7:47 p.m. Sept. 9 at Eckert and Woodschool roads. Investigators said a 26-year-old woman was driving a 2001 Ford Taurus headed north on Woodschool Road when she failed to stop at the intersection and was struck by a 2007 Chevrolet Suburban heading east on Eckert Road. Two 3-month-old girls were in the vehicle, both of whom were secured in car safety seats. One of the children was pronounced dead at the scene. The child’s name has not been released. No other injuries were report­ ed. Assisting deputies at the scene were Freeport Fire Department, Mercy Ambulance, Thornapple Township Fire and Ambulance, Barry Countys Central Dispatch and Aero Med. The crash remains under investigation. Vermontville man charged with attempted murder J-Ad News Services A Vermontville man is custody following a stabbing in a vehicle on Barber Road south of M-43 at 9:40 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 5. Barry County Sheriff’s Deputies said David Gene Krebs II, 29, was in the back seat of the vehicle when he started stabbing the front­ seat passenger. After the vehicle came to a stop, the passenger, who was stabbed several times, fled to a nearby residence. The home­ owner called the police. The victim was transferred to Butterworth Hospital with life-threatening injuries. Krebs II fled on foot but was tracked by the K-9 unit and arrested. He was arraigned Friday on attempted murder and habitual offender charges. His next court appearance is scheduled Sept. 18. Unsecured marijuana plants destroyed A 59-year-old man who serves as the agent for a land owner in the 7000 block of East M-79 in Castleton Township said he was inspecting property at 3:40 p.m. Sept. 6 and found marijuana growing outdoors. The man wanted to destroy the two plants, but the resident, a 56-year-old male, said he is a caregiver with a medical card, and that the plants were legal. An officer pointed out that the plants were outdoors, visible from adjacent property and unsecured. Therefore, they were illegal, and the plants were destroyed. Man returns stolen gravel Police were called to Solomon Road at 4:07 p.m. Sept. 7 on a report of a 53-year-old man stealing gravel from the road. The caller said the man was shoveling gravel from the road into buckets, and then dumping it into his driveway in the 3000 block of Woodruff Road. The suspect confessed to the officer he had taken the gravel, but pointed out he had used dog food bags, not buckets. The officer told the man to put the gravel back, and when the officer returned the man had done so. Cash and purses taken from vehicles A 31-year-old woman called police at 7:40 a.m. Sept. 5 to report her purse had been stolen from her vehicle while it was in her driveway in the 1000 block of Pine Ridge Drive in Rutland Township. The woman said her purse had her personal information and credit cards inside. A 32-year-old man called police at 9:20 a.m. Sept 6, to notify police that vehicles belonging to him and his wife had been rummaged through during the night in the 1000 block of Campground Road in Hastings Charter Township. The man said he left for work at 3:30 a.m. and found things had been moved in the vehicles. He was initially unable to find his wife’s purse, but eventually located it nearby and said $18 was missing. Traffic citation leads to meth bust An officer stopped a vehicle that failed to yield at a stop sign at the comer of Coats Grove Road and M-66 in Castleton Township at 8:45 a.m. Aug. 28. The driver, 22 of Lansing, initially gave a false name, and said he left his license at home. The officer put the driver in the patrol vehicle and asked the passenger if there was a proof of insurance in the center console. When the passenger opened the center console, the officer saw a license for the driver and two bags of white powder in the console. The bags contained 23.5 grams of methamphetamine. The passenger said he did not know there were drugs inside the vehicle. The two men were on their way to work, the passenger said. The driver was arrest­ ed and is facing citations and charges for failure to yield, driving on a suspended license, no insurance on the vehicle, giving false information to an officer, and possession of meth­ amphetamine. Burglar peppers the floor A 37-year-old man returned home to the 14000 block of East Baseline Road in Assyria Township at 10:55 a.m. Sept. 4, to find the house burgled. He first noticed his security cameras had been unplugged and were sitting on a garbage can. There were no signs of forced entry on the front door, but red pepper and sage were spread on the floor of the house, and out the front door onto the sidewalk. The man reported that two TVs, his satel­ lite, internet router, gun safe and multiple rifles were taken. Scam takes $7,500 from Plainwell man A 20-year-old Plainwell man went to the Barry County Sheriff’s Office Aug. 30 to claim he had been the victim of a scam. The man said he received an email Aug. 17 from a man who identified himself as “Joseph,” who sent him checks for $7,500. Joseph asked the man to use the money to purchase gift cards and send the information. The man was notified after sending the gift card codes that the checks had bounced. Tailgate stolen from pickup Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 A 57-year-old man called police to report the tailgate had been stolen from his truck the night of Aug. 31 while it was in the driveway in the 4000 block of East Joy Road near Gun Lake. The wires had been cut, and the tailgate of his 2019 Ford F250 had been removed. There are no suspects. Johnstown Township property vandalized PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. Business Services BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy sin­ gle Walnut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793.' For Sale Wind Deflector for $190. Call or text anytime 269-838-3245. Call anytime to place vour Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 A 68-year-old man reported Sept. 4 that his property and his parents’ property next-door in the 13000 block of Banfield Road in Johnstown Township had been vandalized. The man said someone used a shovel and mallet from his bam to break the back door of his parents’ house and threw a board through their window. They also broke into a motor home and used a fire extinguisher inside to spray a car inside the barn. Nothing was reported missing. There were no suspects. FedEx intercepts $4,000 in attempted scam A 66-year-old Yankee Springs Township man informed police he was nearly the victim of a scam Sept. 4. The man said he was called by someone with an accent who identified himself as “Walter,” about an unspecified rebate. The man gave Walter remote access to his computer to receive the $499 rebate, but Walter said he accidentally deposited $4,999 into his account. Walter asked the man to reimburse him with iTunes or Walmart gift cards. When the man went to the store to buy the gift cards, he could not find any and employees warned him it might be a scam. Instead, the man sent Walter $4,000 in cash through FedEx. But FedEx had previously flagged the address for potential fraud, intercepted the package and sent it back to the man. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 12, 2019 — Page 13 Township hearing offers insight into startup requirements for marijuana farming Taylor Owens Staff Writer A discussion last week at a Maple Grove Township public hearing shed some light on what’s involved in obtaining a commercial license to grow marijuana. Most Barry County municipalities have had little public comment about recreational mar­ ijuana and, in Maple Grove, township trustees said they couldn’t remember the last time they had a public hearing - outside of the annual budget meeting - when 15 people showed up to talk about an issue. The difference between Maple Grove and other Barry County townships is that this township has a resident who’s asking the board to allow recreational marijuana to help his farm. And the people who turned out for the meeting came there to support him. Maple Grove resident Jared Justice approached the township board earlier in the year to ask it to consider licensing medical marijuana grow operations, and the board unanimously voted to take no action. Justice came to the board again recently to ask it to consider licensing recreational mari­ juana grow operations, “We are not here to argue the pros and cons of marijuana usage. That law is done. Recreational marijuana is legal, according to state law,” township Supervisor Jeff Butler said. “All we’re doing is looking at whether to allow commercial licenses in the township.” The public hearing was a first for Butler, who has been supervisor for about two and a half years. Baltimore Township medical marijuana farmer Scott Adams speaks in favor of Maple Grove Township allowing commercial “We’re not used to so much public,” Butler licenses at a public hearing with more than 15 people in attendance. said. “We try to stay out of the paper.” Justice, who is originally from the east side of Michigan, said he moved to Maple Grove come to his farm to pick up the marijuana and favor of Justice being able to grow commer­ the township for the license, although Butler cial cannabis. with his wife because of the low price of land. take it away. said the extra revenue would not be a major He said he got into farming because he “I’ve been able to gross over $70,000 a “Never in my life would I have thought that factor in the board’s decision. He pointed out wanted a job he can work from home while he year on a quarter acre of land, which is great, I would be in a public forum supporting can­ that Maple Grove Township is one of the raises his family. He started his farm around but I’m also working 100-hour work weeks,” nabis,” Johnathan Denton said. “But the rea­ smallest in the county in both population and three years ago with a quarter acre of organic Justice said. “After you take out expenses, son I am here is to show support for a friend, budget, but they are still able to pay for what vegetables. He later grew cannabis under the I’m paying bills, that’s it. a neighbor and a community member, as a they need, and take good care of the roads. caregiver provision of the medical marijuana “Cannabis is a way to be able to afford just lifelong Nashville and Maple Grove Township “We don’t do a lot of extra stuff,” Butler resident.” law to diversify and expand his farm. a normal lifestyle.” said. “We run elections. We collect taxes. We Justice said he wants to expand his farm to Denton read from a prepared statement he maintain the cemeteries and we put money Now he wants to get a commercial license to grow recreational marijuana under the state include more vegetables and fruit, and the brought to the meeting. into roads.” income from cannabis would enable him to “If you vote ‘no’, you’re telling this com­ regulations released in early August. Township board member Larry Hook said “As a caregiver, I’m unlicensed, unregulat­ move forward, he estimates, the equivalent of munity it doesn’t need jobs, you don’t want the board does transfer some money into ed, untaxed, not tracked - nothing,” Justice 15 years in just five. change and you’re forcing a family to move ambulance and fire services to supplement the said. It’s difficult for young people to get into from this community, taking their business millage which pays for those services. The He is currently allowed to grow 72 plants farming, he said, because of the amount of and employment opportunities elsewhere,” board has occasionally put the township and, for the first two years of his license, me mey required to start a farming operation. It Denton said. “Just because those jobs are not money into services to help pay for the repair would only be allowed 100 plants. “Just for requires thousands of acres to make an accept­ something you could see yourself working at, or replacement of equipment and, last year, those 28 plants, I’m now licensed, taxed, reg­ able profit, Justice said. doesn’t mean it’s not a legitimate business.” approved $4,000 a year to raise wages to hire ulated, tracked, inspected.” Resident Dustin Jones said he met Justice more staff for the ambulance. “No, you can’t make a profit on soybeans He held up the application he had to fill out on a quarter acre,” Butler said. “You can’t through organic farming, and Justice offered “I’m not looking at it as a revenue stream; him a job if he gets a commercial license. to become a commercial grower - and it’s make a profit on soybeans on 400 acres.” to me, it’s whether we should allow it as a free “I could work with Jared right away,” Jones enterprise,” Butler said, “Is there any differ­ But Justice said marijuana is a valuable four inches thick. w He explained tlmt hfs fariir wbuTd‘Wd tb ' make's profit oh hik said. “I almost feeriike^yoi^d^be faldTig^a job ence between running that business and run­ position away from me.” ning an auto repair business?” be fenced, locked, and unable to be seen from quarter acre. “Cannabis is a great way for a small farm to Scott Adams, owner of Adams family a public road. It also would have to be surAt the beginning of the public hearing, veilled by a camera system that would keep stay afloat in an economy that’s up and Farms, said he is the only licensed medical Butler said he would not ask the attendees the previous 30 days of footage saved on the down,” he said. “No one’s known (about the marijuana grow operation in Barry County, their names, and not everyone identified cloud. presence of his plants) the past couple years. and he spoke in favor of the board allowing themselves. Justice said he would sell to a dispensary; It’s been there and no one’s the wiser. Would commercial growers. Adams’ operation is in One woman said she was there to get more the closest is in Battle Creek. A truck, individ­ it change just because I get a license?” Baltimore Township, which voted to allow information on the issue, and asked Justice ually licensed to transport marijuana, would Multiple residents at the meeting spoke in commercial growing and retail last month. and the board questions. She asked Justice, if Adams said the taxes on these businesses he sold the farm, would the next owner have are used for road maintenance. to go the same vetting process and back­ Butler said the marijuana and cash at the ground checks as he did. He said they would. farm may make it more attractive to thieves. Justice’s attorney was at the meeting to Adams said people pay him in checks. answer questions as well, and said applicants Each business must pay $5,000 a year to and their spouses must go through a thorough background check through the state to be granted a license. “I don’t want to tell somebody who pays their taxes what to do with their land,” the woman said. No one at the meeting spoke out directly against granting commercial licenses for grow operations, although one man did say he did not want to spend lawyers’ fees on the issue when the money should go toward maintain­ ing the roads. Butler said enough information was avail­ able through the Michigan Township Association and Michigan Municipal League, that the board should only need to pay for a lawyer to review a final ordinance. “We don’t even have a township attorney, that’s how simple our township is,” Butler said. He said he had read between 20 and 30 ordinances from other municipalities, both for and against medical and recreational marijua­ na, in the past month. The board did not discuss the issue as a part of its regular meeting because the meeting had occurred earlier, at 7 p.m., and the public hearing took place at 8 p.m. Later, Hook and trustee Doug Westendorp told the Banner that the board will need to do more research on the issue before its next meeting. Hook said he feels state officials have not given municipalities enough information and either seem to be changing their minds, or leaving the door open on changing their minds on some issues. “We got a lot of input from the people and I will consider it because they made some good points,” Hook said. “I just wish I had some more information from the state.” Butler said the decision is about more than Justice’s request, because it will affect other residents and people looking to start marijua­ na businesses. One other person at the meeting said he was interested in starting his own commercial grow operation. Butler said he appreciated the public com­ ment and the people who spoke for Justice. “He understands people’s concerns, and he’s respectful of it and trying to be educa­ tional,” Butler said. The Michigan Municipal League recom­ mended municipalities opt out for the time being, saying that if someone tried to start an establishment before the municipality made a formal decision, there might be legal issues in trying to stop the businesses from moving forward, if the township ultimately decided against allowing it. But Justice said the application process is long, and he needs to know what the township plans to do by the next meeting,-so he can make decisions about his business. If the township decides to legalize recre­ ational businesses, it can choose to what extent it’s allowed — such as what type of businesses, how many and, to some degree, where those businesses can go. “It’s a big step, one way or another,” Butler said. “Personally, I’m in favor of a grow, but not a dispensary.” Butler and other board members said they expect to have an answer for Justice at the next regular meeting at 7 p.m. Oct. 2, when they also will allow for more public comment. Will the Internet kill your free community paper? Did instant coffee kill coffee? New technologies change many things. But not everything. You may tweet, blog, surf, shop, or search online but you continue to read your free community newspaper. You just proved that. Readership of free community newspapers is now higher that paid daily papers and continues to grow. Rather than being replaced by “instant” media, your local free community newspaper has become an important part of our neighborhood. The reason, which sometimes is not heard because of all the noise about the Internet, is pretty obvious: your free community newspaper does what the Internet doesn’t. We promote connections at a local level. Free papers join readers and advertisers in ways digital media don’t. In fact, the local content and power of your free paper makes advertising even more effective. We are the number one medium for driving purchases. That’s important in every product category. Including coffee. Free Papers JL Working for You Maple Grove farmer Jared Justice shows the four-inch-thick application he must submit to become a commercial marijuana grower. �Page 14 — Thursday, September 12, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Caledonia teams capture Coach B titles again Hastings’ Josh Brown closes in on the finish line at the end of the Thornapple Division boys’ race Monday at Thornapple Kellogg’s Coach B Invitational at Gun Lake. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Caledonia closed out August scoring victo­ ries in non-conference duals with the Thornapple Kellogg varsity cross country teams. The Fighting Scots opened September Monday at Gun Lake dominating the Trojans’ annual Coach B Invitational. The Caledonia varsity boys’ cross country team outscored South Christian 25-73 at the top of the standings in their Thomapple Division race (for larger schools), with the Hastings boys placing third with 82 points. Fighting Scots filled seven of the first nine scoring spots in the boys’ race. The Caledonia girls bested the Thornapple Kellogg girls 23-69 at the top of the girls’ Thomapple Division standings . The Caledonia girls’ team had six of the (op ten runners including individual champion Lindsey Peters, a junior who hit the finish line in 19 minutes 48.08 seconds. Her senior teammate Taylor Visscher was second in 20:21.47. “It’s a great course. You always have a nice breeze off the lake. The girls ran well. I don’t know if we ran as well as last Friday. It was a little warmer,” Caledonia girls’ head coach Ben Howell said. Not only did the Caledonia teams defend their titles from a year ago, but Peters was the individual champion in the girls’ race as a sophomore last fall. Hamilton senior Havi Carroll won the boys’ race in 16:33.02 running up and down the peninsula on the northeast corner of the lake. Caledonia junior Jamin Thompson was the runner-up in 16:42.44, with sophomore Thomapple Kellogg’s Howie Frizzell and Camden Reynolds are at the front of a pack as it winds its way along the course at Gun Lake Monday during the Trojans’ annual Coach B Invitational. (Photo by Brett Bremer) teammate Josh Oom third in 17:05.39. Thompson beat out Carroll for the top spot at the meet in 2018. Hastings senior Aidan Makled placed fourth in the boys’ race with a time of 17:18.18. A couple more Saxon seniors were just behind the big Caledonia pack that filled every spot from seventh to tenth. Hastings’ Jon Arnold placed 11th in 18:18.01 and Blake Harris 12th in 18:26.85. Rounding out the top five for the Saxons were senior Braden Tolles who was 31st in 19: 16.45 and senior Josh Brown who was 38th in 19:33.91. Carroll led the Hamilton boys to a fourth place finish. The Hawkeyes finished with 96 points, ahead of Thomapple Kellogg 138, Kenowa Hills 168, Wyoming 187 and Wayland 195. Senior Nick Bushman led the TK boys with a 16th-place time of 18:40.93. Junior Brennan Lutz was 27th for the Trojans in 19:09.20. Rounding out the top five for theTK team were Howie Frizzell 44th in 19:56.08, Matthew Smith 51st in 20:15.07 and Camden Reynolds 54th in 20:31.10. Jacob Pykosz was right behind Reynolds for TK, placing 56th in 20: 33.99. Hamilton was third in the girls’ Thomapple Division race with 74 points, ahead of South Christian 86, Wayland 126, Kenowa Hills 186, Hastings 224 and Wyoming 225. TK had four girls in the top 20, a group led by sophomore Jessica Durkee and freshman Lucy VanDemark. Durkee was fifth in 21:08.20 and VanDemark sixth in 21:22.49. Sophomore Kendall Snyder was 14th for TK in 21:54.31 and senior Audrey Meyering 19th in 22:08.23. Senior Elizabeth Meyering finished out the top five for the TK ladies with a 26th-place time of 22:42.17. Sophomore Hannah Crozier led the Hastings girls, placing 102nd in 27:07.53. Senior Layla Lamance was 108th in 27:29.69. The Saxon team also had Zoey Haight 128th in 29:09.35, Valentina Arias 129th in 29:09.56 and junior Samar Jacobs 139th in 30:40.94. Hastings also ran at the Battle Creek Lake view Invitational Saturday. The Hastings boys were fifth and the girls seventh in the large school competition in Battle Creek. Makled was eighth in 17:04.79, Arnold 19th in 17:41.33, Harris 20th in 17:41.96, Tolles 34th in 18:15.01 and Josh Brown 47th in 19:02.92. The Saxon girls’ team had sophomore Cariss Strouse fourth in 20:18.72, Crozier 47th in 25:44.85, Layla Lamance 55th in 25:57.29, Arian Bond 56th in 26:05.22 and Arias 84th in 27:37.81. It is a busy stretch for the Saxons who head to Gilmore Car Museum for the Delton Kellogg Invitational this afternoon. The Saxons’ Samara Jacob works her way through the crowd as it nears the finish line Monday at Thornapple Kellogg’s annual Coach B Invitational at Gun Lake. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Lions start GLAC play with win over Perry The Maple Valley varsity volleyball team opened the Greater Lansing Activities Conference season with a quick three-set vic­ tory over visiting Perry Tuesday evening. The Lions bested the Ramblers 25-15, 25-10,25-14. Keilyn Carpenter blasted 16 kills and five aces. The Lion team was tough from the service line, hitting 14 aces as a team. Carli Deo had three aces and Jillian Moore, Josey Terpening and Trista Medina had two aces each. Deo, Moore and Olivia Roush all put 100 percent of their serves in play. Medina had three kills and 22 assists from her setter position. Maple Valley had five girls with at least three digs, a group led by Terpening with nine. Carpenter had seven and Moore contrib­ uted six. The Lions came within a couple points of winning the Zion Christian Tournament Saturday, falling to White Cloud 26-24,28-26 in the championship match after winning their first five matches of the day. Maple Valley took 2-0 wins over Martin, Zion Christian, Calhoun Christian and Fennville to open the tournament. Godwin Heights was the only team to take a set off the Lions before the final, with the Maple Valley girls scoring a 25-8, 21-25, 15-4 win to reach the final. Carpenter led the Lions in kills at the tour­ nament with 83 and Deot added 15. Moore knocked down eight kills throughout the day. Carpenter and Deo had 17 aces each at the tournament, and Roush contributed 11. Carpenter also had five blocks, with Moore and Ashlyn Wilkes adding three each. Medina put up 92 assists to go with her 30 digs. Terpenting had 69 digs, Carpenter 32, Deo 22 and Roush 21. The Maple Valley girls added a pair of vic­ tories to their record at Union City last Thursday, besting the host Chargers as well as Athens. The Lions knocked off host Union City in two sets, 25-10,25-17. Athens took the open­ ing set off the Maple Valley girls 25-20, but the Lions rebounded for 25-15,25-22 wins in the final two sets. Carpenter knocked down 33 kills in the two matches for the Lions. Deo had seven kills and Wilkes had six. The Lions hit 14 aces as a team, with Carpenter knocking six and Terpening four. Terpening had a team-high 27 digs. Carpenter added 15 digs, Medina 14 and Deo 13. Medina, the Lions’ setter, put up 37 assists. At the net defensively Wilkes and Deo had one block each. DK-TK-Hastings girls win every race at Fremont The Delton Kellogg-Thomapple KelloggHastings varsity girls’ swimming and diving team opened its season with a 53-33 victory on the road at Fremont Thursday. The DK-TK-Hastings girls won every event at the meet, capped off by the team of Lauren Myers, Karsyn Daniels, Holly Bashore and Daisy Nowinsky winning the 400-yard freestyle relay in 4 minutes 27.75 seconds. Dalace Jousma, Kasey Kapteyn, Erin Dalman and Lydia Cole won the 200-yard freestyle relay for DK-TK-Hastings in 2:06.58. The team of Abby Marcukaitis, Anna Haywood, Juliann Meeker and Jousma won the 200-yard medley relay in 2:11.84. Haywood won the 50-yard freestyle in 28.10 seconds, Daniels the 100-yard freestyle in 1:06.67, and Bashore took the 200-yard freestyle in 2:25.93. Nowinsky won the 500yard freestyle by half a minute, finishing her final lap with a time of 6:13.99. Meeker won the 100-yard butterfly in 1:18.96, Marcukaitis the 100-yard backstroke in 1:04.72 and Ellen Shults the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:26.88. Lily Foy took the 200-yard individual medley in 2:54.86. The DK-TK-Hastings girls return to the pool at home on Thursday to face off against Ottawa Hills. Vikes battle some of Dl’s top teams at Rockford The routine begins again for the Vikings testing themselves on Saturdays and taking care of business on Tuesday nights. The Lakewood varsity volleyball team opened the Greater Lansing Activities Conference season with a 25-7, 25-10, 25-11 victory at Olivet High School Tuesday. “We handled business very quickly and played clean on the night,” Lakewood head coach Cameron Rowland said. That conference opening victory came three days after a 2-3 performance at the Rockford Rumble Saturday. The Lakewood ladies were bested by three of the top teams in the state in Division 1 at the event, falling 25-22 to Hudsonville, 25-19, 25-18 to Lowell and 26-24,26-28,16-14 to Byron Center. Hudsonville is ranked second in the state in Division 1, Lowell number four and Byron Center number nine. “We are going to be continued to be chal­ lenged this year as our schedule is tougher than previous years which is already paying off for us as we have to be dialed in all the time,” Rowland said. The Vikings scored victories over their two Division 2 foes on the day, outscoring Plainwell 25-15, 25-11 and South Christian 25-19,25-15. The Lakewood ladies will be at the East Kentwood Invitational this Saturday and then host Stockbridge for a GLAC match-up Tuesday night. Hastings Zoey Haight (left) and Valentina Arias sprint to the finish line side by side at the end of the Thomapple Division girls’ race Monday at Gun Lake. (Photo by Brett Bremer) DK teams each have one top ten runner at Berrien Springs Senior Matt Lester from the Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ cross country team and Aubrey Aukerman from the girls’ team earned top ten finishes last Thursday at Berrien Springs’ Shamrock Invitational. Lester led the DK boys to a fourth-place finish at the nine-team meet with a ninth­ place time of 18 minutes 1.0 seconds. Berrien Springs captured the boys’ champi­ onship on the day with a score of 44 points. Harper Creek was second with 69 points, ahead of Bridgman 89, Delton Kellogg 96, Stevensville Lakeshore 97, Dowagiac 161, Eau Claire 197, Three Oaks River Valley 209 and New Buffalo 252. Shawn Little, a senior from Dowagiac, won the boys’ individual title with a time of 16:03.0. He was one of four guys to finish the race in less than 17 minutes. Junior Ashton Sheline led Berrien Springs to its title with a runner-up time of 16:41.7. Delton Kellogg had three boys int eh top 20. Senior Dawson Grizzle was 14th in 18:33.9 and junior Micah Ordway 16th in 18:36.7. Freshman Hector Jimenez was 25th in 19:23.7 and sophomore Austin Blocker 33rd in 20:06.8. The Delton Kellogg girls were sixth in sev­ en-team standings. Bridgman won the girls’ race with 55 points, ahead of Lakeshore 75, Harper Creek 76, Berrien Springs 82, Niles 87, Delton Kellogg 126 and Lawton 176. Aukerman led the Panther pack with a time of 22:21.5, placing eighth. DK sophomore Halena Phillips was 13th in 22:46.3. Delton Kellogg also had senior Lily Timmerman 26th in 24:20.8, senior Hailey Buckner 44th in 25:36.0 and freshman Joelle White 49th in 26:04.7. Niles senior Kaylee Thompson won the girls’ race in 19:47.3, with Berrien Springs junior Erin Moore on her heels in 19:52.9. Harper Creek and Bridgman both had three girls finish in the top ten .Harper Creek was led by junior Sarah Berning who was third in 20:51.5 with freshman teammate Madison Berning fourth in 20:52.7. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 12, 2019 — Page 15 Group effort helps Panthers get past Fennville Delton Kellogg’s Linsey Falvo puts a set up as teammate Makala Skidmore works to steer clear during the second set of their team’s 3-0 win over visiting Fennville Tuesday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Delton Kellogg varsity volleyball team and head coach Erin Thornton are still figur­ ing out how to handle an oversized roster - at least to what the program has had in recent seasons. A group of 14 different Panthers saw time on the court as their team scored a 25-7, 25-11, 25-15 victory in a Southwestern Athletic Conference crossover match-up with visiting Fennville Tuesday. “There are a lot of girls, and they have got to learn that and I have got to learn that,” Thornton said. “That is going to be the biggest challenge this season, just seeing who wants it. We pulled it out. We pulled it out in three. It was nice to see. Every single one of our girls has talent, it is just how do I get them to utilize it best.” The Panthers have a number of solid per­ formers back from“a"y^WT|b,Tnostly' pf^mg similar roles to last fall. Senior Abbie Bever Delton Kellogg senior middle Eleanor Ferris rises up to knock down an attack as a trio of Fennville Blackhawks look on from below on the other side of the net Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) has had a big transition to make though, switching from an all-around, outside hitter to the team’s libero. She had ten digs in the Panthers’ victory over the Blackhawks Tuesday despite playing in just two of the three sets. She had five aces as well, serving a string of ten consecutive points for her team as it pulled away early in the second set. “I think she actually is settling in pretty good (at libero),” Thornton said. “I volun­ teered her to be that position, and I think she ta^ertit, grabbingh by~the horns anti going. She loves to lead. She loves to get out there and get everybody fired up. That is where she dominates. Plus, that opens up a back row hit for us.” Bever had one kill from the back row Tuesday. “In practice, she is sucking up every ball,” Thornton said of her new libero. “ She has got it. The best passer on the team, where do you have to put her? You have to. We have tried having her left back and middle back, and I think she is settling into that left back position.” Eleanor Ferris, a senior middle blocker, had a teaffi-high 13 ’kilTk ancFsBtved eight"aces in the victory. Erin Kapteyn, a senior outside Delton Kellogg senior libero Abbie Bever smacks a serve during her team’s 3-0 victory over visiting Fennville in a SAC crossover at Delton Kellogg High School Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) hitter, contributed five aces as well as five digs. Senior setter Clara Bever put up 13 assists. Sophomore middle Emma Jo Kokx, anoth­ er varsity returnee, had three kills. Clara Bever, Linsey Falvo, Lizzie Fichtner and Mackenzie Hull had two kills apiece. The Delton Kellogg girls also won a SAC crossover, in five sets, at Saugatuck last Thursday: Iff between the 'contests with7 SAC Lakeshore foes Saugatuck and Fennville, the Panthers reached the Silver bracket finals at Saturday’s Cereal City Invitational hosted by Battle Creek Lake view. Mendon bested the Delton girls for the Silver division title. The Delton Kellogg girls are set to head to Martin for a quad this afternoon and then will start the SAC Valley Division season on the road at Galesburg-Augusta Tuesday. Fennville kicks past Panthers in second half The Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ soccer team was bested in its Southwestern Athletic Conference opener in Delton Monday. Fennville scored a 3-1 win over the host Panthers, scoring a pair of goals in the second half to break a 1-1 tie. Hector Jimenez scored the only goal for Delton Kellogg. Gavin Houtkooper made 15 saves in goal for the Panthers. Delton Kellogg is now 1-4 overall this season. The Panthers were scheduled to visit Saugatuck yesterday and will be back in action at home this afternoon against Watervliet. DK travels to Constantine Monday and will visit Hackett Sept. 19. Delton Kellogg’s Cameron Spaulding pushes the ball forward during the second half as Fennville’s Ervin Pineda gives chase during the Blackhawks’ 3-1 win over the Panthers in Delton Monday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg’s Janik Jost heads the ball away from trouble as he is defended by Fennville’s Omar Diaz during their Southwestern Athletic Conference match-up in Delton Monday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Fewer swings lead to victory for TK ladies in Gold jamboree The Thornapple Kellogg varsity girls’ golf team moved into second place in the OK Gold Conference’s overall standings by winning the jamboree it hosted at Yankee Springs Monday. The Trojans finished 14 strokes ahead of runner-up South Christian on the day, and league-leading East Grand Rapids was back in third with a score of 199. Clair Jansma and Anna Kaminski each shot a 42 for the Trojans, while teammate Paige VanStee added a 46 and Anna Harmens chipped in a 48. Maddie Shepard scored a 50, the Trojans’ fifth best score of the day, which would have put her in the top three on any other team in the conference Monday. Grand Rapids Christian was fourth at the jamboree with a score of 200, ahead of Wayland 203 ad Forest Hills Eastern 215. Forest Hills Eastern’s Hailey Curry and Grand Rapids Christian’s Ryann Breslin took individual honors on the day at Yankee Springs, each scoring a 40. Jansma and Kaminski tie3d for third. South Christian was led by a 43 from Maddie Wierenga. The Thomapple Kellogg girls scored a 200­ 221 victory over visiting Zeeland East in a non-conference dual at Yankee Springs Thursday. Shepard led the Trojan team with a score of 45 and Harmens shot a 49. TK also got a 51 from Juliana VanMeter and a 52 from VanStee. Bailey Bravata led the Chix with a score of 48. The Trojans were just a day removed from a third-place finish at the OK Gold Conference jamboree hosted by Forest Hills Eastern at Egypt Valley last Wednesday. The East Grand Rapids Pioneers took the victory with a score of 183. South Christian was second with a 188 and TK two strokes back with a 190. Grand Rapids Christian placed fourth with a score of 201, ahead of Wayland 202 and Forest Hills Eastern 210. �Page 16 — Thursday, September 12, 2019 — The Hastings Banner DK last undefeated local varsity football team Brett Bremer Sports Editor Delton Kellogg kept its paws on the foot­ ball last week. Holding on it tightly, and tak­ ing it away at every opportunity from the Galesburg-Augusta Rams. Solving the turnover problem that plagued the Panthers early in week one helped the DK varsity football team improve to 2-0 and the Panthers are the only undefeated team left in the county after two weeks of the varsity foot­ ball season. The Panthers will look to get to 3-0 at Fennville Friday night, in another Southwestern Athletic Conference crossover contest. The Blackhawks are 1-1 on the year after a 22-19 win over Buchanan last week. Delton Kellogg powered forward for more than 450 rushing yards against the GalesburgAugusta Rams last week and will look for similar results against Buchanan. The conference season kicks off this week for the Thomapple Kellogg and Lakewood teams. Lakewood opens Greater Lansing Activities Conference action on the road at Leslie Friday. The Blackhawks are 0-2 on the season as well after a 32-2 loss at Brooklyn Columbia Central last week while the Vikings are look­ ing to bounce back from their first 0-2 start since 2014. The Thomapple Kellogg varsity is 1-1 heading into its OK Gold Conference opener against Forest Hills Eastern. The Trojans debuted their fireworks displays during what was one of the Grand Rapids area’s games of the week last Friday as Byron Center came to Middleville. It was the Bulldogs that did most of the celebrating though. There is a lot more than football going on in Middleville again this week as the Trojans host their annual Salute to Service Night, , where they will honor current service mem­ bers and veterans of the armed forces as well as local first responders. Service members, veterans and first responders will get free entry into the contest. The football program is raising money for a couple of projects - to help local first respond­ ers purchase needed equipment and for secu­ rity improvements at the Barry County Courthouse. The program has been selling T-shirts, and will continue to at the football game Friday. There will also be donations buckets passed around throughout the crowd. Just down the road from the Barry County Courthouse the Saxons will be battling Harper Creek in Interstate-8 Athletic Conference play. Hastings is looking for its first victory and Harper Creek is looking to bounce back from a rough loss against Marshall last Friday. i Hastings has yet to best the Beavers since ining the Interstate-8, but last year’s ball­ game was one the Saxons were in until the very end before Harper Creek sealed a sixpoint win. Maple Valley played its first eight-player football game last Friday and now will go on the road for the first time this season, travel­ ing to Bridgman. Bridgman, another team in its first season of 8-player football after backto-back eight loss seasons, has rolled to a 2-0 record outscoring its two opponents 102-24 so far. Local Standings (record, playoffpoints) Delton Kellogg 2-0, 60.000 Thornapple Kellogg 1-1, 32.500 Lakewood running back Garrett Stank is wrapped up by Belding’s Riley Hart during their non-conference contest at Unity Field Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Lakewood defensive back Nicklas Helt unsuccessfully tries to avoid a pass interference call as he collides with Belding wide receiver Ethan Hodges (17) during their contest at Unity Field Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Maple Valley Hastings Lakewood 0-1, NA 0-2,0.500 0-2,0.000 Conference Standings (overall, conference) Interstate 8 Athletic Conference 2-0,1-0 Coldwater 2-0, 1-0 Lumen Christi 1-1,1-0 Marshall 1-1,1-0 Northwest 1-1,0-1 Harper Creek 1-1,0-1 Parma Western 1-1,0-1 Pennfield 0-2,0-1 Hastings OK Gold Conference 1-1,0-0 East Grand Rapids 1-1,0-0 Forest Hills Eastern 1-1,0-0 South Christian 1-1,0-0 Thornapple Kellogg 1-1,0-0 Wyoming 0-2,0-0 GR Christian Celebrate the SAXON SPIRIT W Wayland 0-2,0-0 Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Delton Kellogg 2-0, 0-0 Schoolcraft 2-0,0-0 Construe Ld,0-0 Watervliet 1-1’ 0-0 Coloma 0-2,0-0 Kalamazoo United 0-2,0-0 Greater Lansing Activities Conference Olivet 2-0,0-0 Leslie 1-1,0-0 Perry 1-1,0-0 Lakewood 0-2,0-0 Stockbridge 0-2,0-0 Here is a round-up of last Friday’s local gridiron action. Coldwater 39, Hastings 6 Carter Cappon hit an 18-yard pass to Evan Eastman on the Saxons’ first half touchdown drive at Coldwater Friday. Hastings had a handful of rushes that gained between 11 and 14 yards on the eve­ ning, but the Saxon varsity football team couldn’t break through for a big one during its Interstate-8 Athletic Conference opener against against the Cardinals who scored a 39-6 victory. The Cardinals did bust a couple big ones. Running back Matt Gipple took off on the Cardinals’ second play from scrimmage for a 68- yard touchdown 46 seconds into the con­ test. Cameron Torres added a 25-yard touch­ down run with 5:43 to go in the opening quarter after a stop by his team’s defense. Gipple scored again two minutes later on a 69- yard run. The Cardinals led 19-0 at the end of one quarter and never looked back. Gipple finished the night with nine rushes for 47| yards an<^thme )fo^hdown£U hid'll rushes for 98 yards and the one score. Coldwater quarterback Jaxon Janusz was 2-for-2 throwing the ball for 47 yards. Gipple added a one-yard touchdown run in the opening minutes of the second quarter and teammate Bo Branham scored on a two-yard run in the closing minute of the period. Hastings held the Cardinals in the second half until Aiden Marsden returned a Hastings’ fumble for a touchdown on the final play of the ballgame. Hastings got its six points on a two-yard touchdown run by quarterback Carter Cappon with 3:41 to play in the first half, pulling his team to within 26-6 at the time. Elijah Smith had 27 rushes for 83 yards for the Saxons. Gabe Trick averaged over five yards a carry, rushing ten times for 51 yards. Zeb Carey and Ben Ferrell tied for the Saxon lead with five tackles each. Austin Bleam had three tackles, including two for a loss. Galesburg-Augusta linebacker just beyond the line of scrimmage and then rammed his way through the Rams’ safety on his way to the end zone. . Bunch rushed for two touchdowns and Jordan Rench three as the Delton Kellogg varsity football team improved to 2-0 on the season with a 49-8 win over GalesburgAugusta in a Southwestern Athletic Conference crossover match-up Friday on a spggy in Delton. Delton Kellogg built a 41-0 lead in the first half, and rolled up a total of 454 rushing yards’ ** for the night. Rench had touchdown runs of 50 yards and 57 yards in the opening quarter. He didn’t need to do much but be patient and run fast on the first one as right guard Hunter Belew and right tackle Cole Pape flew around to the left side of the line and cleared the way for Rench as he sprinted to the end zone up the visitors’ sideline. Rench also added a 14-yard touch­ down run early in the second quarter. Bunch opened the scoring with his 29-yard touch­ down run and then added a five-yard touch­ down run in the second. Corey Moore capped the first half scoring for the Panthers with a 10-yard touchdown run. Richard Hill added a 1-yard touchdown run late in the bailgame. Rench rushed 12 times for 197 yards and Bunch had 11 carries for 128 yards. Hill came on to add eight rushes for 55 yards for the Delton Kellogg 49, Galesburg-Augusta 8 Bradley Bunch showed off a little fancy footwork with a hop through the arms of a Continued next page PRE-GAME TAILGATE PARTY FRIDAY, SEPT. 13 To show community support for our football team and the spirit of being a Saxon, rP Preferred LJLJ Credit Union is sponsoring a tailgate party with free grilled hot dogs, chips and a drink to anyone before the game with Harper Creek, starting at 5:30 p.m. at the main entrance to Baum Stadium at Johnson Field. The game will start at 7 p.m. SAXON SPIRIT ... let it show! Maple Valley quarterback rolls to his left and fires a pass towards the end zone as Colon linebacker Robert Wickey (3) gives' chase during the Lions’ season opener Friday. (Photo by Taylor Owens) �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 12, 2019 — Page 17 Saxons score runnei^up trophy at Vikings’ Invite Hastings had the two best individual scores and captured the runner-up trophy as a team Friday at the Lakewood Invitational at Centennial Acres in Sunfield. Rylee Honsowitz took the individual cham­ pionship at the event, scoring a 78. Sister Rayna Honsowitz was right behind with an 80. Of the four other girls to finish with scores under 90, three of them were at the top of the NorthPointe Christian line-up. The Mustangs gook the day’s championship with at team score of 343, ahead of Hastings 378, Portland 388, Lowell 413, Lakewood 433 and Ionia 438. Hastings also got a 102 from Reese Warner and 118 from Whitney Craven. NorthPointe was led by Sabrina Langerak’s 82. The Mustangs also got an 83 from Lauren Slottke and an 86 from Hannah Langerak. Kayla Collins chipped in a 92 for their team. NorthPointe Christian is currently ranked fifth in the state in Division 4. Jordan Shank was at the top of the Vikings’ scorecard, shooting a 91. Lakewood also added a 108 from Emmi Klein, a 115 from Morgan Stahl and a 119 from Claire Benham. Marshall was slated to host an Interstate-8 Athletic Conference jamboree yesterday. Hastings will be back on the course Sept. 19 at the Comstock Invitational. Continued from previous page Panthers. Moore and Britton Stevens also had more than 20 yards rushing for Delton. Bunch and Rench both intercepted a pass in the opening quarter, and the Panthers’ Mason Nabozny recovered a fumbled option pitch by the Rams. Hill landed on a Galesburg-Augusta fumble deep in the Panthers’ end in the third quarter. The Panthers were stuck deep in their own end after Hills’ fumble recover, and a bobbled punt snap led to the Rams’ first points on a safety. Another Rench interception ended the Rams’ drive following the safety. Byron Center 33, Thornapple Kellogg 14 The errors weren’t the kind the Trojans could just take an eraser to and correct Friday night. The Bulldogs didn’t give them the chance. ; A fumble on the opening drive of the ball­ game by the Trojans and a couple of misplays on special teams helped the Byron Center varsity football team score a 33-14 non-conference win over Thomapple Kellogg in the home opener inside Bob White Stadium for the Trojans Friday. The Trojans lost a fumble on the third offensive play of the game, and four plays later Byron Center running back Austin Roon scored a 1-yard touchdown run that put his team up 7-0 with the help of do-everything quarterback/kicker/punter Austin VanderMarkt’s extra-point kick. VanderMarkt was 7-of-7 passing for 85 yards and a touchdown in the bailgame, rushed 21 times for 151 yards and another score. “They did some good things, both on offense and defense, and we had two huge special teams errors, and that hurt us,” TK head coach Jeff Dock said. “Our kids played hard ”-fre added. “We’re anxious to look at the film and see. Byron Center was exactly what we thought. They played fast. They pteyed physical football, and we didn’t execute as well as we needed to execute to beat them. They out-executed us. That js how it goes.” Of those 151 rushing, yards 16 came as a punter. VanderMarkt kept a Bulldog drive alive early in the second quarto - reahang that he had room to run as the Trojans’ dropped back in punt coverage on a fourthand-5 at the Bulldogs’ own 27-yard line. VanderMarkt sprinted up to the 43-yard line for a first down, and then converted another fourth down run later in the drive. The drive lasted eight and a half minutes and the Bulldogs took a 20-7 lead on a three-yard touchdown run by Austin Roon with 1:01 to go in the first half. “Their quarterback was awesome. He was efficient. He was very slippery,” Dock said of VanderMarkt. “A lot of credit to Byron Center and what they did, and we have to get a lot better. We’re anxious to watch the film and see how we need to improve.” TK got within 20-14 thanks to a 1-yard touchdown run by* quarterback Gabe Nelson 6n its first drive of the second half, after the Trojan defense stuffed the Bulldogs on their first drive of the second half. Th| TK defense same up with another big stop on the Bulldogs’ next possession after the TK TD too. J TK took over looking to tie the ballgame up or take the lead, and managed one first down, but a couple of incompletions and a rush for negative yards left TK with a fourth-and-13 at iis own 33-yard line. Mitchell Middleton Unfed up to punt, but the snap went over his fyead. He managed to chase the ball down, and fought to get a punt off, but the attempt was blocked by the Bulldogs and recovered in the end zone for a touchdown that put Byron Center in front 27-14. VanderMarkt added a two-yard touchdown run with 2:24 to go to seal the win for the visitors. Middleton’s punting had been a weapon for the Trojans in the first half. He had a 65-yard punt that pinned the Bulldogs back at their own ILyard line in the opening quarter and a 55-yarder late in the quarter. “In the first half, that kid was an absolute stud punting the ball for us. He flipped the field,” Dock said. “I don’t know how long his punts were, but they were bombs.” Thomapple Kellogg got its first points of die bailgame on a 42-yard touchdown pass from Nelson to junior wide receiver Cole Shoobridge. Nelson was just 2-pf-8 passing On the night though, for 49 yards. Shoobridge had both of TK’s receptions. Nelson was under pressure much of the night, both when he tried rush and when he tried to get the ball in the air. “We weren’t as efficient as we need to be throwing the ball to him as we need to be, both calling more throws and then we weren’t as crisp at hitting him today as we were in week one,” Dock said of Shoobridge. Colton Vanloozenoord led the Trojans on the ground, rushing 11 times for 75 yards. Nelson added 13 carries for 42 yards. Jake DeJong had a team-high seven tackles for the TK defense. Colson Brummel had five and Alex Bonnema and Ryan Holmes had 4.5 each. Adam Bush added four tackles. » Belding 34, Lakewood 18 Belding shut out Lakewood for more than three quarters of football after the Vikings pulled within two points with 1:49 to go in the opening quarter Friday at Unity Field. The Black Knights turned their two-point lead to a 22-point lead over that time. It wasn’t until after the clock had hit 0:00 that Lakewood senior quarterback Jacob Elenbaas found senior running back Parker Anderson in the back left comer of the end zone for a nine-yard touchdown pas to light the scoreboard again for the Vikings. The Vikings opted for handshakes rather than an extra-point attempt after the final down at the end of a 34-18 loss to the Belding varsity football team. Lakewood dropped to 0-2 on the season with the defeat. It is the Vikings’ first 0-2 start since 2014 - the last season the team did not earn a spot in the state postseason tournament. “The last two weeks we played really good football teams. It is not like we’re playing slouches and getting beat. They’re good foot­ ball teams,” Lakewood head coach Matt Markwart said. “There are a lot of writers who have (Belding) picked as a dark horse to go to the state finals. We had two really good foot­ ball teams we played in the last two weeks. It is going to make us better. We just have to get there.” The Vikings were getting somewhere against the Black Knights’ defense early on, but Belding moved the ball steadily with its Wing-T offense from start to finish. In the endy Belding-only wound up with three more yards of total offense than the Vikings (294­ 291). “They were big. They were physical. They came after it,” Markwart said. “It is one of those things where we are just not finishing it. We just need to keep practicing and get better at what we are doing. No excuses. We just need to get better.” Belding opened the scoring with a 50-yard touchdown run by bruising senior back Riley Hart less than three minutes into the contest. Hart added a 7-yard touchdown run midway through the opening quarter on his team’s second drive. Garrett Stank had a pair of touchdown runs for the Vikings in the opening quarter too, a 65-yarder to match Hart’s opening score and tie the bailgame at 6-6 and a 12-yard TD run. . Belding converted its two-point try follow­ ing its second TD, and the Vikings did not, creating the two-point difference at the end of one quarter. The Black Knights upped their lead to 22-12 with an eight-yard touchdown run by Hart with 2:36 to go in the second quarter and a two-point run by the senior back. Lakewood tried to work its way back to within one score before the half, but Elenbaas had a long pass attempt picked off by the Black Knights’ Masor| Sfaharry, and Belding quarterback Cache Blunt hit junior wide receiver Ethan Hodges for a 64-yard touch­ down pass on the first play of their possession - extending their team’s lead to 28-12 at the half. That is where things stood until Tyler Cooper scored on a 27-yard touchdown run for the Black Knights with 2:23 to go in the fourth quarter. Hart finished the night with 17 rushes for 127 yards and three touchdowns. Brayden Harwood and Cooper each had 44 yards rush­ ing. “We need to, defensively, stay low on our defensive line,” Markwart said. “We need to fire off the ball. We did a lot better job this week with doing our assignments than we did last week, but there are still some things we need to work on there as far as firing off the ball. They still pursued the ball well, but (Belding) opened up some seams well and we just got washed down on the defensive line. We need to work on not getting pushed back.” Stank finished the night with 16 rushes for 138 yards to lead the Lakewood offense. Elenbaas had 16 rushes for 53 yards. Sawyer Stoepker had two receptions for 67 yards for the Vikings. Colon 55, Maple Valley 0 Maple Valley varsity football coach Marty Martin feels like his team found something to model the program on after its opening night of the 2019, 8-player football season. The Lions pounded on the Colon Magi in week two of the 2017 season, scoring a 48-18 win in the Magi’s most recent 11-player sea­ son. It was the start of a seven-game losing streak for Colon that fall. The Magi went 2-7 and made the move to 8-player football before the 2018 season. Colon won its first eight 8-player football games in 2018, eventually reaching the semifinals of the Division 1 state tournament. Colon is off to a 2-0 start in 2019 after a 55-0 win over the Lions at Maple Valley Jr/Sr High School Friday night. “When we played them (in 2017) they were a bunch of freshmen and sophomores,” Martin said. “We put it to them, just like they put it to us tonight. I said, now we have a model. They committed to it. They have worked hard. They got in the weight room. They worked hard in the summer in five-on-fives and seven-onones. They stayed after practice and worked hard on things they needed to work on .7 “I and the other coaches said, there is the model. If they can do it, we can do it too.” The Lions found plenty of things to work on Friday. Colon scored 22 points in the opening quar­ ter, and eventually tacked on four touchdowns in the last quarter and a half on big plays as the Lions got as many reserves into the con­ test as they could. Colon took its opening lead on a 54-yard touchdown run by Brandon Crawford 75 sec­ onds into the ballgame, then after a Lion fumble added on a 24-yard touchdown run by Jonathon West with 2:46 to go in the opening quarter. Phillip Alva, the Magi quarterback who was 6-of-7 for 73 yards passing in the bail­ game, had a hand in the next three Colon touchdowns. He tossed a 28-yard touchdown pass to West in the final minute of the first quarter and added a 1-yard TD run late in the second quarter. He added to his team’s lead with a 60-yard TD run five minutes into the second half. Big plays kept coming for the Magi as the game wound down. West returned a punt 75 yards for a -touchdownr-Christepher Frye scored on a 50-yard run and Ryan Bower tacked on a 34-yard TD run in the final minute of play. “We have some solid schemes. Our offense moved the ball really well in the first quarter,” Martin said. “Our first drive, they scored on a big play, and we drove the ball down in typi­ cal Maple Valley fashion - three yards at a time, three yards at a time, went for it at mid­ field. Then we put the ball on the ground and a couple plays later they scored a touchdown. ‘That was kind of how the night went. Big plays. We were in position to make a play and we just didn’t do a very good job of tackling. Once we got down, we stopped coming off the ball. Our lack of speed and experience were definitely exposed tonight. They were a good football team. “We are just going to get better. That is all we can do. We got a lot of good film tonight on our kids, and we have a lot of things we can coach them on now. We will use that as a positive.” The Lions were out-gained 420 to 145 on the night, but because of all the big plays for Colon the Lions had 11 first downs to the Magi’s 7. Hugheston Heckathom was able to being practice with the Lions last week and led the Lion ground-game to open his junior cam­ paign by rushing 20 times for 80 yards. Blaze Sensiba, the Lions’ quarterback, had 11 car­ ries for 32 yards, but was just l-of-9 passing. He was also intercepted once. Heckathom had a team-high eight tackles on defense. Ian Ellis and Brandon Crawford had seven tackles each for the Magi, with Crawford tal­ lying two sacks. West had his team’s intercep­ tion. “We played hard, like we always do,” Martin said. Hastings varsity girls’ golf teammates (from left) Whitney Craven, Alyssa Hamilton, Rayna Honsowitz, Reese Warner and Rylee Honsowitz celebrate their runner-up finish at the Lakewood Invitational hosted by Centennial Acres Golf Course Friday Shop your LOCAL printing Thank you notes Save the date cards Wedding invitations Flames Posters Saxon spikers come up short at Ionia The Hastings varsity volleyball team fell 25-11, 25-10, 25-16 at Ionia in a non­ conference match-up Monday evening. Carley Warner led the Saxons with six kills and Lexi Herblet added three. Skyler Grego had a team-high in aces for the Saxons. Hastings was scheduled to head to Coldwater last night for an Interstate-8 Athletic Conference match-up. The Saxons were a part of the Corunna tournament Saturday, playing well throughout the day according to coach Scott Zull, but losing a couple of two-point sets to Fowler and Fowlerville. Bloomfield Hills, Fowler, Fowlerville and Sacred Heart used their height advantage to score victories over the Hastings ladies. Abby Zull, Herblet and Warner led the team in kills for the day, while Zull and Ella Carroll were the team’s top passers. Check out all our Special Services: • Business Cards • Greeting Cards Big Prints & Posters • Photo Books • Folding & Laminating • Custom Rubber Stamps • Plastic Binding and more! 1351 N. Broadway (M-43) Hastings 269.945.9105 OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00 - 5:30 W �Page 18 — Thursday, September 12, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Lion trio scores medals at Gun Lake Brett Bremer . Sports Editor Maple Valley’s Ashton Ripley, Ben Benedict and Curtis Walker raced to med­ al-winning times in the Kellogg Division (for smaller schools) race at Monday afternoon’s Thomapple Kellogg Coach B Invitational at Gun Lake. Ripley, a freshman, led the Lion team with his 13th-place time of 19 minutes 23.90 sec­ onds. Benedict was 17th in 19:32.28 and Walker 20th in 20:04.03. “For the first time they had only around 40 seconds of time between our first and third runner,” Maple Valley head coach Tiffany Blakely said. “Junior Curtis Walker had an incredible race. Knowing he had to put in a fast race to medal, he stayed as close to Benedict and Ripley as he could. Normally there is a minute difference between his time and Benedict’s, but today only 30 seconds. Just shows how much work he put into the race.” The Maple Valley boys’ team also had Torin Bell 33rd in 20:59.8 and Trevor Duffey 55th in 23:35.7. “Bell also had a great race, finally feeling great, he was able to take off nearly two min­ utes to run a personal best time and stayed within a minute of our top three runners,” Blakely said. The Grand Rapids Track Club Peregrines outran West Michigan Aviation for the boys’ championship, 32-41. Libertas Christian was third with 106 points, ahead of Grand River Prep 111, Maple Valley 112 and West Catholic 120. West Catholic senior Edward Frey won the boys’ race in 17:50.33, with the Peregrines putting Zak Grabill second in 18:06.30 and Israel Nobel third in 18:08.58. Freshman Hope Taggart pushes for a med­ al-winning spot, but came up just short plac­ ing 33rd in 26:43.1. “She had an outside chance and really had to run the race of her life,” Blakely said. “Her first mile was very strong, and she held it as long as she could. She ran with everything today, and seeing her exhausted at the end told me how aggressive she was during the race.” Her teammate Alyson Gusey placed 71st in 39:09.5. “ Gusey ran a course best time, and both girls ran their second fastest time of the sea­ son,” Blakely said. “They are still keeping on track with their goals of improvement in each race.” West Catholic took the girls’ championship in the Kellogg Division with 42 points, ahead of Grand Rapids Track Club 57, West Michigan Aviation 66, Hopkins 104, Libertas Christian 111, Grand River Prep 138 and Godwin Heights 195. Grand Rapids Track Club sophomore Jana Stiffler was the individual champ in the girls’ race with a time of 21:01.25. The Lions had just raced Saturday at the Battle Creek Lakeview Invitational at Riverside Elementary. The Lion boys’ team was fourth out of eight teams, led by Ripley’s 40th-place time of 18:05.4. Maple Valley’s Hope Taggart runs along the peninsula at Gun Lake during the Kellogg Division girls’ race at Thomapple Kellogg’s annual Coach B Invitational Monday afternoon. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Lakewood ladies pick up the pace at Bret Clements Invite The four fastest Vikings in the Class 2 competition at Saturday’s Bret Clements Invitational hosted by Bath ran their fastest varsity cross country race ever. Lakewood junior Katie Acker placed 47*“ in the 15-team race, earning a time of 22 minutes 13.38 seconds. Lakewood senior Madisyn Case and junior Ama Kelley stuck together to finish 74^ and 75^ respectively. Case hit the finish line in 23: 19.95 and Kelley in 23:20.44. Freshman teammate Sadie Brearley was about a minute back, setting a personal record of her own in 24: 25.46 that was good for 86^ place. Rounding out the top five scorers for the Lakewood team was senior Emily Fortier who placed 92hd in 25:12.39. Lakewood was 12^ as a team in the girls’ ■; Class 2 race. Forest Hills Eastern overpowered everyone in the event, finishing with just 33 points. Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard was second with 114 points, ahead of Haslett 116, Chelsea 125 and Marshall 130 in the top five. Lakewood’s Greater Lansing Activities Conference rivals from Olivet placed ninth. Haslett freshman Lauren Hunter was the individual champion in the race with a time of 19:20.38. Forest Hills Eastern had six girls among the top 12 including a pack of fourth that placed fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh. Senior Landyn Howell led that pack of Hawks, placing fourth in 19:43.47. Lakewood had just three guys running Saturday. Junior Nathan Alford placed 20*“ in the Class 2 boys’ race in 17:25.83. . The Viking team also had senior Michael Mackenzie 80^ in 19:49.61 and senior James Kaalakea 114^ in 33:07.15. Haslett won the boys’ race in a landslide, scoring just 42 points. Forest Hills Eastern was second with 102 points, ahead of Linden 113, St. Louis 120 and Armada 134 in the top five. Linden senior Tyler Buchanan won the boys’ race in 16:00.88. Forest Hills Eastern junior Ben Clason was the runner-up in 16:18.16. The first 11 guys all broke the 17-minute mark in the race. Haslett had four of those guys to finish in less than 17 minutes. Senior Stephen Henry led the Haslett Vikings, placing fourth in a new personal record time of 16:24.87. 1 ■ H ACCEPTIN NEW PATIENTS Exceptional Care Close to Home Jamie McCartney, MD Adam Mitchell, DO Rebecca Eckert, FNP Caledonia Caledonia Gun Lake Spectrum Health Pennock Andrew Stanley, DO Alia Anthony, FNP Maty Yakoby, MD Gun Lake Hastings Hastings Andrew Mepham, PA-C Lynda Simpson, DO Laurie Braker, MD Middleville Middleville Lake Odessa Erica Nyman, PA-C Zachary Jones, PA-C Lake Odessa Lake Odessa Increasing your access to exceptional health care, close to home is a priority for Spectrum Health. Our local providers are not just experts in their field; they are also a part of your community. Now accepting new patients in Family, Internal and Pediatric Medicine in Caledonia, Hastings, Middleville, Gun Lake and Wayland. Expanded morning and evening hours to better meet your needs. Spectrum Health Pennock Spectrum Health Pennock Family Medicine - Gun Lake Family, Internal & Pediatric Family Medicine - Lake Odessa 12851 W. M179 Highway Medicine-Hastings 4294 Laurel Drive Wayland, Ml 49348 1108 W. State Street, Suite 3 Lake Odessa, Ml 48849 877.377.7322 Hastings, Ml 49058 616.374.7660 269.945.0922 Spectrum Health Medical Group Family Medicine - Caledonia Spectrum Health Pennock 9090 S. Rodgers Court, Suite A Family Medicine - Middleville Caledonia, Ml 49316 490 Edward Street Middleville, Ml 49333 616.891.0422 269.795.4434 ^.4 SPECTRUM HEALTH^ Pennock new patients | Expanded hours | findadoctor.spectrumhealth.org � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-09-19.pdf ddf3f08c01f3ef9db9a695e6bfef85d4 PDF Text Text Schools dealing with driver shortage Solving the housing crisis, starting at home See Story on Page 6 See Editorial on Page 4 Early start times on the slate for Friday See Story on Page 14 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 1070490102590500287549058195427 ANNER ******************QAR-RT LOT**C 003 C003 Hastings Public Library 227 E State St Hastings Ml 49058-1954 Thursday, September 19, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 38 PRICE 750 Interim judge takes the bench Hazardous household items being collected Saturday Local residents will have the opportuni­ ty to safely dispose of potentially unsafe items in their homes Saturday, Sept. 21, during the Barry County Household Hazardous Waste Day. Medications, tires, oil-based paints, solvents, aerosol cans, liquid and solid pesticides, batteries, automotive liquids, aqueous acids and bases, reactives, liquid cleaners, heavy-metal solutions, items containing mercury and motor oil will be accepted. The collection is sponsored by the Barry County Solid Waste Oversight Committee, with help and support from several area agencies. Medications must be in their original containers with the name of the drug clearly labeled. Personal information should be crossed out. A one-time grant will allow up to 10 personal vehicle tires to be dropped off for free. All items will be collected at the Barry Expo Center, 1350 N. M-37, Hastings. Anyone with questions may call 2698­ 798-4107. (Items that will not be accepted include asbestos, electronics, latex paint, propane tanks, commercially generated waste, radioactive material, explosives, unknown wastes, console and projection televi­ sions, speakers in wooden cases and tires caked in dirt.) Local group hosting National Trail Day hike Local residents and visitors are invited to explore and learn about the North Country Trail with the Chief Noonday chapter on North Country National Trail Day, Saturday, Sept. 21. Participants will meet at 10 a.m. at the Middleville gazebo, 100 E Main St., and can choose between a 3- mile or 10-mile hike. Regardless of distance, hikers should wear clothing and footwear appropriate for a combination of natural and paved surfaces. Afterward, the group will have an optional gathering at River Dog Tavern, 117 W Main St., Middleville. The local chapter, which meets in Delton the second Wednesday of each month, hosts monthly hikes and conducts projects along the North Country Trail. Further information can be obtained by calling Jane Norton, 269-808-7334; emailing jane_a_norton@yahoo.com; or checking the website northcountrytrial, org/cnd/index .htm. Area venues part of Smithsonian’s Museum Day Smithsonian’s Museum Day is a oneday event in which participating museums and cultural institutions across the country provide free entry to anyone presenting a Museum Day ticket. Guests are allowed to download one ticket per email address. The ticket pro­ vides free general admission Saturday, Sept. 21, for two people. Area museums participating include Midwest Miniatures Museum, Hickory Comers; Gilmore Car Museum, Hickory Comers; Kingman Museum, Battle Creek; Alamo Township Museum, Kalamazoo; Kalamazoo Valley Museum; Kalamazoo Institute of Arts; Grand Rapids Art Museum; Grand Rapids Public Museum; Michigan’s Grand Army of the Republic See NEWS BRIEFS, page 5 804879110187 Rebecca Pierce Editor A retired Kent County judge will serve as Barry County’s visiting judge through Dec. 31, or until a replacement for Circuit Judge Amy McDowell is appointed, whichever comes first. “I’d been sent to the showers and now they’ve called me back,” Judge Donald Johnston said Tuesday during a meeting with judges and court personnel at the county courthouse. Johnston was an assistant prosecutor for 10 years, district judge for 10 years, and circuit judge for 30 years in Kent County before he was “aged out” at the first of the year, he said. “I’ve been kind of sitting on the sidelines, doing a little bit of visiting judge work, but nothing of this magnitude.” The plan, at this point, calls for him to commute to Hastings twice a week, he said. Meanwhile, a search will begin to replace McDowell, who has announced her retirement. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is responsible for making this appointment, and, unlike some states or the federal system, her selection will not be subject to confirmation by the state senate, Johnston said. “So, the governor’s appointment is the governor’s appointment.” And that appointment is only , good until Retired Kent County Circuit Judge Donald Johnston is Barry County’s new visiting judge. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) the next election. But exactly when the post is filled could create what the judges called a “tiny twist” in when the electorate gets to choose a successor. Since the term of office for this particular judgeship ends in 2020, the filing deadline to run is next April. So, if Whitmer picks a replacement by then, that judge would stand for election in November 2020. But, if Whitmer doesn’t choose a successor until after the April filing deadline, the person she selects would hold the judgeship for another year. This selection process should take about two or three months, Johnston estimated, noting that his visiting judgeship will conclude Dec. 31. But he speculated with Chief Judge William Doherty and District Judge Michael Schipper about the possibility of the process taking longer. “The governor would really have to be asleep at the switch to not appoint by April,” said Johnston, who was appointed to the district court in 1979 by Gov. William Milliken. Strategically, the longer an appointee See SEARCH, page 2 Judge Amy McDowell retires Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry County Circuit Judge Amy McDowell has stepped down from the bench, Chief Judge William Doherty said Monday. McDowell, a judge in the 5th Circuit Court, was appointed to the role in 2011 by Gov. Rick Snyder to fill the vacancy created when Judge James Fisher retired. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s press secretary Tiffany Brown confirmed Tuesday that the governor has received McDowell’s letter informing the governor of her retirement. Her letter, dated Sept. 12, to State Court Administrator Milton Mack Jr. was one sentence long. It read: “Mr. Mack: This letter will serve as my official notice of See RETIRES, page 2 EEE prompts health department warning to schools Greg Chandler Staff Writer State health officials have confirmed a case of the mosquito-borne disease Eastern equine encephalitis in Barry County, and, as a result, some area schools are rescheduling evening activities to reduce the risk of residents being exposed to the disease. The EEE case in Barry County is one of seven confirmed in humans in Michigan, four of which were announced Tuesday. Three of the seven cases have been fatal, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. “Michigan is currently experiencing its worst Eastern equine encephalitis outbreak in more than a decade,” MDHHS chief medical executive Dr. Joneigh Khaldun said. “The ongoing cases reported in humans and ani­ mals and the severity of this disease illustrate the importance of taking precautions against mosquito bites.” MDHSS and the Barry-Eaton District Health Department have recommended schools and communities postpone or resched­ “Michigan is currently experiencing its worst Eastern equine enceph­ alitis outbreak in more than a decade. The ongoing cases reported in humans and animals and the severity of this disease illustrate the importance of taking precautions against mosquito bites.” Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, MDHHS chief medical executive ule evening events until the first hard frost occurs. Health officials said the individual in Barry County who contracted EEE is being treated, but the department is not releasing any further details, citing health information privacy laws. “We do know we have a case, and that is all we can really say at this point,” department spokeswoman Milea Burgstahler said. Humans can contract the EEE virus from the bite of a mosquito carrying the virus. While most people infected with the virus do not become ill, children under the age of 15 and those older than 50 are at greater risk for developing a severe infection, which could lead to permanent brain damage or death. “The risk of bites from infected mosquitoes is highest for people who work or play out­ doors in these areas,” Burgstahler said. Early symptoms of EEE include the sudden onset of headache, high fever, chills, body and joint aches. Symptoms usually appear 4 to 10 days after exposure. EEE can develop into severe encephalitis (brain swelling), resulting in headache, disorientation, tremors, seizures and paralysis. Several Barry County school districts Fatal crashes prompt road commission to upgrade signage, consider rumble strips Greg Chandler Staff Writer Two fatal crashes in a little more than two months have led Barry County Road Commission officials to upgrade signage at the intersection of Wood School and Eckert roads in Irving Township, and additional safe­ ty improvements may be in the works. Additional “stop ahead” and stop signs will be installed on Wood School, possibly as early as next week, operations director Jake Welch said at Tuesday’s road commission board meeting. “There’ll be a stop sign on your left, a stop sign on your right, a stop-ahead on your left and stop-ahead on your right, with reflectors on the posts,” Welch said. “We’ll do that in both directions, northbound and southbound.” Welch added that rumble strips may be added on both approaches to provide drivers further warning that they are approaching a stop sign. “The pros to [rumble strips] are you can’t miss them. Short of driving in the wrong lane, Orange warning flags have been added to the stop signs at the north- and southbound you’re going to get a wakeup call to know that something’s going on,” he said. “With as approaches to the Wood School and Eckert roads intersection. many people that are on cell phones, that are distracted with kids in the back ... that is one A 3-month-old girl, whose name has not drivers who failed to stop on Wood School of the very few, if not the only, option that been released, was killed in a two-vehicle Road, Welch said. directly affects a driver’s behavior.” Russell’s brother, Chuck Lindsay, made an But Welch admitted there’s a downside - crash at Wood School and Eckert on Sept. 9. the noise. He pointed out that the road com­ On July 4, 53-year-old Lori Russell of emotional appeal to the road commission to mission tried rumble strips at another inter­ Freeport was critically injured in a two-car do something to make the intersection safer. “It would break my heart to think that there section a few years ago and ended up remov­ crash at the same intersection. She died the ing them because the noise was keeping following day at a Grand Rapids hospital. In neighbors awakeHagtingS PubllC LliW&Fytances’ crashes were caused by See CRASHES, page 2 227 E State Street Hastings Ml 49058 Wednesday announced schedule changes in response to the health advisory. In the Hastings Area School System, today’s freshman and junior varsity football games were rescheduled, with kickoff for the freshman game at 3:30 p.m., one hour earlier than usual. The junior varsity game will fol­ low the freshman contest. In addition, all sports and band practices will end by dusk, and the district is having a professional service spray all athletic fields and playgrounds to try to eradicate mosqui­ toes. “We’re trying to take all the necessary pre­ cautions,” Hastings Superintendent Dan Remenap said. Remanap emailed a letter to district parents Wednesday, updating them on the EEE situa­ tion. At Thornapple Kellogg Schools, no sched­ ule changes have been made, but district offi­ cials are taking steps to rid themselves of mosquitoes. , See WARNING, page 6 Hope Network ending transportation service here Greg Chandler Staff Writer Barry County residents who have been using Hope Network’s transportation system to access medical services in the Grand Rapids area will have to find other options starting next month. In a letter dated Sept. 3, Hope Network announced it would no longer offer its Volunteer Transportation System to Barry County residents, effective Oct. 15. Hope Network had offered that service over the past two years. The letter from Steven Hartman, executive director for transportation at Hope Network, cited “the loss of significant funding by our funding agencies, our inability to find funding replacements, and the passage of new auto no-fault laws” as factors in the nonprofit organization’s decision to end services in Barry County. “This is a necessary step, in order to be good stewards of our resources,” Hartman said. Hartman also noted that cutbacks in funding from Community Mental Health in Kent County, resulting in fewer CMH clients using Hope Network’s system, had See SERVICE, page 2 �Page 2 — Thursday, September 19, 2019 —- The Hastings Banner CRASHES, continued from page 1 Debris from two fatal crashes this summer at Wood School and Eckert roads can be seen northeast of the intersection. have been two deaths, and no effort is made for change,” he said. Despite the two recent fatal crashes, the Wood School/Eckert intersection had not been identified as a high-crash area in past analyses of crashes around Barry County. Seven crashes have been reported at the inter­ section since 2008. Four of the seven crashes resulted from drivers failing to stop at the stop sign, Welch said. Dave Yoder, who has lived at the comer of Wood School and Eckert for 47 years, asked the road commission about measuring traffic volumes at the intersection. “It seems like the traffic has doubled every 10 years,” Yoder said. “When they took that bridge out up on Hastings Road, it seemed like everybody [came] this way, and it doesn’t seem like it’s decreased that much [since the bridge was replaced].” Welch said traffic counts were taken last year on Eckert and earlier this spring on Wood School, and counters have been put back out again at all four approaches of the intersection to measure current counts. Dawn Reigler, who also lives near the intersection, praised the road commission for its responsiveness, but expressed wony about future crashes. “Last night you were out there, putting flags up on the [stop] signs. Not more than an hour and a half [later], there was a Jeep head­ ing north [that didn’t stop],” Reigler said. “It’s daily that we see cars not stop ... I don’t know whether they’re on the phone. They don’t stop.” Welch said no traffic control measure is perfect, but that the road commission is com­ muted to doing whatever it can to make the intersection safer. “We’re just as sad as you guys are. Our families live in this area,” Welch said. “Brad [Lamberg, road commission managing direc­ tor] lives a couple of miles away. My wife drives [through] that intersection. We’re just as concerned as you guys are.” SERVICE, continued from page 1 put a strain on the organization’s finances to the point where it could no longer afford to extend service to its southeastern neighbor. Barry County Transit has been in discussions with Hope Network about taking over responsibilities for transporting county residents to specialized medical appointments in Grand Rapids, according to both Hartman and county transit manager Bill Voigt. There is currently no contractual arrangement between the two entities, although they have referred clients to each other, Voigt said. “We supplemented each other’s services, but we didn’t duplicate,” he said. “We had a Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads friendly relationship. We were not in competition for each other’s services.” Using a team of volunteer drivers, Hope Network served about 150 clients in Barry County and provided 60 to 75 trips a month to specialized medical providers in Kent County, Hartman said. Voigt said services are available through Barry County Transit for clients who need transportation to either Grand Rapids or Battle Creek. Depending on the client’s status, the cost can range from zero to $45 per hour, depending on whether the individual qualifies for grant funding assistance. Voigt said the change, along with the end of another contract between Barry County Community Mental Health and Barry County Transit that will take effect Oct. 1, will not impact general transit service operations. “We have not cut any standard transportation services to Barry County residents,” he said. Anyone with questions about the change in the specialized transportation services may call Barry County Transit, 269-948-8098. RETIRES, continued from page 1 retirement from the Fifth Circuit Court effective Oct. 15, 2019. Amy L. McDowell, Barry County Circuit Court Judge.” Whitmer and Evelyn Quiroga, data disclosure director at the secretary of state’s office, were copied on it. Attempts by the Banner to reach McDowell were unsuccessful. When McDowell decided to run for the office in the spring of 2012, Lt. Gov. Brian Calley applauded her candidacy. “The court system in Barry County is a good example for the rest of the state,” Calley said. “I can’t think of a better example of a person who really gets that ... to use innovation in order to make the process and implementation of law and justice work even better. “Continuous improvement is something we’d do well to adopt in government. That’s what you have here, and that’s what you have in Amy McDowell.” McDowell was elected in November 2012. That year, she presided over the launch of the Swift and Sure probation program, a statefunded initiative for felons convicted of lower-level crimes in an effort to keep them out of prison. It was the kind of innovation she had mentioned when she began her judgeship. “I want to utilize the community resources [for drug court] which are already in place, like the substance abuse and mental health services,” she told the Banner in 2012. “I think it would be good to assist some participants to earn their GED, and help them to improve themselves, so they can address all the issues inherent with substance abuse.” The goal of the Swift and Sure program, she said, is to provide appropriate treatment, assistance with education and employment, and put all the components together to help people be successful and stay out of jail. She was re-elected in 2014 to a six-year term. A graduate of Lake Michigan Catholic High School in St. Joseph, her hometown, McDowell earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Michigan State University and a law degree from Valparaiso University. She interned with the Berrien County Prosecutor’s Office, then worked as an assistant prosecutor in Barry County from 1995 to 1998, followed by a stint as chief assistant prosecutor from 1998 to 2001. In 2001, she entered private practice with the Hastings firm of Kuzava and Kuzava. In 2003, she became a partner in the McPhillips and McDowell firm, where she worked until she was appointed to the judiciary by Gov. Snyder. In addition, she served as the Barry County Juvenile Drug Court attorney from 2003 to 2005, Hastings City Attorney from 2004 to 2005 and on the Barry County Zoning Board of Appeals. She was an adjunct professor at Cooley Law School legal clinic. She was a mediator for the Barry County Trial Courts and a moderator for the Institute of Continuing Barry County Circuit Judge Amy McDowell listens during a May 29 hearing. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Legal Education. When she began her judgeship in 2011, she told the Sanner. “I have always treated people with fairness and respect. I hope that is what people will say about me while I am on the bench and even after that.” Visiting judge brings depth of legal experience to temporary service here Judge Donald A, Johnston was bom in Norfolk, Va., while his father was serving as a Naval officer during World War II and his parents, both native Michiganders, were liv­ ing there. After the war, the family returned, and Johnston grew up in Detroit and Birmingham, where he attended local public schools. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history and political science from the University of Virginia in 1966 and his law degree from Wayne State University Law School, where he graduated cum laude with silver key in 1969. After graduation, he accepted a post as a law clerk in the Kent County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and rose to chief assistant prosecuting attorney. In 1979, Govl William Milliken appointed him judge of the 61st (Grand Rapids) District Court. In 1980, he was elected to serve a full term and, in 1986, he was re-elected, serving a total of eight years as chief judge. In 1988, he was elected to a six-year term judge of the 17th (Kent County) Circuit Court, and re-elected in 1994, 2000, 2006, and 2012. He also served eight years as chief judge of that court. At the end of 2018, he was “aged out,” since he was ineligible to run for another term, and he retired effective Jan. 1. During his career on the bench, Johnston served as a member and chairman of the State Bar of Michigan Standard Criminal Jury Instructions Committee, and, by appointment of Gov. Rick Snyder, on the Council on Law Enforcement and Reinvention. He also served as president of the Downtown Grand Rapids Kiwanis Club and chairman of the board of the West Michigan Health Systems Agency. Johnston said he considers himself to be a “reformed” downhill skier and class boat sail­ or. He is an avid trap shooter, and an ardent student of American history. He belongs to the Society of Colonial Wars, the Sons of the American Revolution, the Sons of the Revolution, and the Society of the War of 1812. He also loves classical music and served several years on the board of Opera Grand Rapids. He and his wife of 50 years, Shaula, a retired Grand Rapids Community College professor, live in Grand Rapids. They have three adult children and four grandchildren. County budget process spotlights departmental needs Rebecca Pierce Editor Four Barry County department representa­ tives appealed budget allocations proposed as part the 2019-20 budgeting process Tuesday. The board of commissioners expressed an intention to ease up on certain areas, if their discussion at the committee of the whole meeting was an indication. But the votes necessary to act on that inten­ tion will come during the 9 a.m. regular board meeting next Tuesday. Equalization Director Tim Vandermark said he has fewer people to assist the public since Rosemary Anger left, and clerical staff had been promoted to appraisers. A particular problem is that no one is in the equalization office at certain times to handle calls from the public. “There is no one to answer the phone,” Vandermark said. “There are a lot of com­ plaints, which is understandable.” In his department’s budget request, he had asked for a 0.625-time position, at an annual cost of $24,126. “We’re already way behind in sales data entry,” he said, noting that the volume of sales has been picking up and the residential mar­ ket in Barry County has been “pretty strong.” The dilemma with a position over 19 hours weekly is that benefits attach to any employee who works 20 hours or more. When commis­ sioners suggested creating two positions with hours not to exceed 19 hours a week to avoid health benefits, county administrator Michael Brown advised that the union would object to such tactics. Travis Alden, head of the county’s chamber of commerce and Economic Development Alliance, asked that the board agree to his original request for $140,585, instead of the $133,891 the county administration was rec­ ommending. Paul Wing from the agriculture promotion board, was next. “It’s been said, by the year 2050, the popu­ lation in the world will be double,” he told commissioners. “We have a lot of people to feed in the future. We need to be willing to protect land, one way or another, if we’re going to feed people.” The original request was $25,000, which had been reduced to a $10,000 recommenda­ tion for 2020. Wing was followed by the county parks and recreation board chairwoman Catherine Getty. That board’s request, $75,644, was recommended at $63,621. She asked for $8,179 more. Another item that wasn’t included on the budget was invasive species, Commissioner Vivian Conner pointed out, reminding com­ missioners of a recent presentation that warned of the spread of invasive species, such as Japanese knotweed, which is already in the road right-of-way in some parts of the county. The next meeting of the board will be a 9 a.m. Tuesday, in the mezzanine of the county courthouse. SEARCH, continued from page 1------------------------------------------------------ We make recycling your working appliances easier. Let us pick up your fridge, freezer, air conditioner or dehumidifier* and we’ll even send you up to an $80 rebate. Save energy and protect our beautiful state. Schedule your free pickup by calling 888-990-2246. serves as a judge, the more time it would allow that person to become better known by the community. But, either way, appointees are accorded an incumbency designation with any advantage that designation may confer — if they stand for election. The process will likely begin with the governor’s office announcing that Whitmer is considering candidates and setting a deadline for people to apply. All candidates must be registered and qualified voters in Barry County. They must be licensed to practice law in Michigan and admitted to the practice of law for at least five years. And they must be under the age of 70. Since his appointment by Milliken, Johnston said, subsequent governors have approached the selection process a bit differently. But, typiqally, the candidates submit their material to the State Bar of Michigan Committee on Judicial Qualifications. That committee evaluates candidates for appointment to judicial vacancies and reports in confidence to the authority requesting its assistance. One of the most interesting parts of the process, he noted, is how the form asks for the applicant’s last five trials, with the name of the presiding judge and all of the opposing counsel. The committee members typically divide up the applicants and “work” the forms, contacting all the people who are listed. Once they’ve gathered that information, it goes back to the governor. The candidates are then invited to what Johnston characterized as a “stress interview” with 16 members lined up along one side of a long table and the candidate seated on one chair on the other side. “That’s an interesting experience,” he remarked. “Like DaVinci’s Last Supper. And, as soon as you hit the chair, they start ‘zinging’ you.” Some governors have had their own subsequent interview process in which they take only the candidates that the bar association ranks in the highest category and then those hopefuls get grilled by the governor’s legal staff. Johnston mentioned that a retired judge in Kent County observed that the governor, a Democrat, is going to have a hard time finding a suitable Democratic candidate to fill this opening in Barry County, which is predominantly Republican. No one disagreed with that observation, even though judicial candidates are nominally nonpartisan. Another potential concern for prospective candidates could be financial considerations as far as an eventual campaign against an opponent. Johnston said the race in 1988 for circuit court in Kent County cost him $55,000. “Now, elections there are well over $100,000, even as much as $200,000,” he said. “... I’m sure here it’s more civilized, but it’s still a bite.” See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits �The Hastings Banner Thursday, September 19, 2019 — Page 3 Pierce Cedar Creek event close to goal Diners await the start of the live auction to support the institute’s research and education programs. The fat-tire bike and kayaks in the foreground were awarded in a separate raffle. Visitors move about, placing bids on more than 150 items, from woodwork to a comedy show to overnight trips and more. Jessica Courtright Contributing Writer The 10th annual A Latesummer Night’s Green Saturday nearly met its $49,000 goal to support programs and research opportunities provided by Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. The dinner and auction event is the premier fund­ raiser for the environmental education insti­ tute. About 140 individuals attended the fund­ raiser which raised $46,000. “We are thrilled and appreciative for the support we have received from the communi­ ty, director Michelle Skedgell said Wednesday. Joe Pierce, a trustee and son of the insti­ tute’s founder, viewing the crowd Saturday evening, said, “Isn’t it wonderful?” The event, hosted in the visitor center, is a fun opportunity for people from community to support the institute and the many pro­ grams it offers throughout the year. The pro­ grams benefit local school systems, the com­ munity, and a summer program that offers grants for undergraduate research projects. The undergraduate research opportunities provide students with hands-on research experience and field-based training. Doug Hart, a resident of Barry County, said he “never knew this place existed,” until his daughter Cathy Hart-Jansma started working as the development director about five years ago. Now Hart is not only a member! but he regularly volunteers at the institute. Retired after working as a teacher for 30 years, Hart said he uses his years of teaching experience to assist students participating in Mark Hewitt from Miller Real Estate is one of the guest auctioneers for the live auction. He shared the gavel with Jan Hawthorne from Jaqua Real Estate. More than 140 people attend A Latesummer Night’s GfWn Saturday. Others supported the event through the purchase of raffle tickets. DonaW^ are ,stilj rising accepted and could help the institute reach its goal. various programs at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. “I have had the opportunity to help out in classrooms because I am Spanish speaking; I taught Spanish,” Hart said., adding that he has had the opportunity to help children with lim­ ited English-speaking skills. He also recalled a time when he helped with activities that involved teamwork, out in The silent auction was one of many ways Pierce Cedar Creek Institute raised nearly $46,000 Saturday evening during its largest fundraiser of the year. Doug DeCamp (left), who was a longtime business partner with institute founder Bill Pierce, shares a story with institute director Michelle Skedgell and her husband, Steve. the snow. “This is a phenomenal place,” he said, highlighting that “there are lots of opportuni­ ties for families to come out and enjoy nature and leam about nature. “Every week, they have students from pre­ school to high school come up. Sometimes, they have high schoolers come out and do projects. “In the summertime* they have interns from surrounding collages ... Some are painters, some are poets, and some are scientists.” Doug DeCamp, chairman and CEO of Flexfab, spoke of his former business partner Bill Pierce, saying “He created this.” Even though Pierce was not around to see his dream become a reality, DeCamp said, “His board continued to carry through based on what he wanted to have done. They have created something beneficial to the whole county, as well as the community.” “It’s turning out to be a real asset, by draw­ ing more and more people from all around not only from Western Michigan but even other states,” DeCamp added. Tom Mohler, former superintendent of the Barry Intermediate School District, has been a member at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute for the past 10 years. Being a member from near­ ly the beginning, Hohler said the institute “has expanded and grown. It has brought in a lot more people. There are more programs, especially for kids, but also for adults.’* One of those he mentioned was on invasive species, a workshop on how to deal with autumn olive shrubs. “This is a wonderful point for Barry County. Mohler said, “I think we should all be proud of it because it’s doing something for the environment. It’s doing something to sustain the county. It’s doing something so that the kids will be able to enjoy nature and enjoy the abundance of nature before it all goes away. Because right now it is going away and we need to do a lot to protect it, and that is what Pierce Cedar Creek is’about.” With the purchase of a ticket, attendees received dinner and dessert as well as the opportunity to participate in two silent auc­ tions, a live auction, and!two raffle drawings. More than 150 unique items were available, ranging from vacation destinations to des^ serts. Volunteers Sally and Chip Fay said they have been volunteering for the past five years. They unusually help out by running the bar at the event. Sally Fay said she values the insti­ tute because “it gets kids outside and interact­ ing with nature.” The institute has an endowment, estab­ lished by founders Bill and Jessie Pierce, that generates income used to support the institute. However, like many nonprofit organizations, fundraising is needed to maintain and expand the programs offered. Jack Steeby said he and his wife “love this place. We have been members from the begin­ ning.” They support the institute, he said, because it is geared toward saving the environment. “We even Sponsor some>students during tire summer time,” he said. . . Steeby encouraged area residents to check out Pierce Cedar Creek Institute. The monthly Sunday dinners during the winter make it “a great place to come and eat, meet people and talk.” Since opening, in2001, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute has provided diverse environmental education opportunities. Additionally, it offers a variety of environmental education opportu­ nities for the community and the 14 colleges and universities with which it has partnered. Fundraisers such as A LateSummer Night’s Green help the institute continue its res*earch programs and educational outreach. Pierce Cedar Creek accepts donations at any time via the website cedarcreekinstitute, org by mail to Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, 701 W. Cloverdale Road, Hastings, MI 49058. Individuals with questions may call 269-721­ 4190. E ELDER LAW ATTORNEY Are Your Assets At Risk — Reasons Why You May Need Help From Our Michigan Medicaid Planning Attorney Longstreet Elder Law & Estate Planning, P.C. helps clients protect their assets by developing estate plans that keeps their property safe. An asset protection plan is an important element of an estate plan. Individuals who do not take steps now to protect their assets may jeopardize their own financial security and lose the inheritance they intended to leave for their children. FOUR QUESTIONS YOU NEED TO ASK YOURSELF ABOUT ASSET PROTECTION e Wha^ is the size of your estate? If you have a large estate, your heirs may be required to pay estate taxes. Estate taxes could substantially reduce the value of your estate for your heirs. There are several estate planning tools that you can use to reduce the value of your taxable estate while protecting your assets from creditors and Medicaid recovery. e Do you have a business succession plan? If you own a business, it is crucial that you have a business succession plan in place. A business succession plan can make it easier for your heirs to transfer operations of the business to another person if you become incapacitated. When you die, your business succession plan can also make it easier for your heirs to sell or transfer the business. In some cases, you may want to have the business interest transfer to a trust to be administered for asset protection. Do you have a plan for incapacity? Many people overlook the need to plan for incapacity. They may have an estate plan, but they fail to take steps to ensure that they can avoid the need for a guardian or conservator. They do not utilize tools such as a Durable Power of Attorney, a Health Care Directive, or a Living Will to ensure their wishes are carried out if they become incapacitated. Without documents in place that appoints someone to handle your financial matters, make health care decisions, and provide personal care, the court will appoint someone to make these decisions for you if you become incapacitated. * Do you have a long-term care plan in place? Even if you are not totally incapacitated, you may need long-term care in a nursing home or assisted living facility. Skilled nursing or assisted living facilities are expensive. The average nursing home charges between $8,000 and $12,000 per month for care. Medicare does not cover the cost of long-term care. Therefore, many people turn to Medicaid to pay for nursing home care. However, Medicaid has financial requirements to qualify for coverage. Depending on your financial situation, you may not qualify for Medicaid or Medicaid may place a lien on your assets to recoup its payments once you pass away. Your spouse or heirs could have nothing if Medicaid seizes property after your death. Our office can help you develop an asset protection plan that helps you qualify for Medicaid while protecting your assets. It is never too early to begin planning for your future. Regardless of your age or financial situation, we urge you to consult with our office. Robert J. Longstreet Longstreet Elder Law & Estate Planning P.C. 607 North Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-3495 r LONGSTREET ■ : . . S ' ' A ..ESTATE PLANNING P.C. �Page 4 — Thursday, September 19,2019—— The Hastings Banner Did you In Myiupintoii see? Solving the housing crisis, starting at home Day of Caring Volunteers worked on 57 community projects throughout Barry County during the United Way Day of Caring, Thursday and Saturday. Projects included cleaning the Barry Community Enrichment Center in Hastings, sorting clothes at The Shack in Delton, sanding the play area of Putnam Park in Nashville and more. Here, Spectrum Health Pennock radiation manager Corey Holm works on an expansion to the horse stables at YMCA Camp Manatou-Lin with about .15 other people from the hospital Thursday Sept. 12. (Photo by Greg Chandler) We're dedicating this space to a photograph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? Reunion fun Banner 1973 Class reunion - Members of the Hastings High School Class of 1963 had a lot of fun at their 10^ anniversary gathering, as can be seen here. Some of the old grads and their guests are (from left) Sam Jordan, Mr. and Mrs. Mike Stam, Tom Havens, Carolyn Wilder, June Bodden, Mike Allerding and Mr. and Mrs. Jim Green. Have you met? Greg Chandler joined the news staff at J-Ad Graphics in August. He is a veteran journalist with more than 30 years’ experi­ ence in print and broadcast media. A native of Detroit, Chandler moved to West Michigan in 1988 to take a job as news director at WHTC-AM in Holland. He worked in the news department there for eight years and continues today as a part­ time sportscaster, calling high school and Hope College football and basketball games. Chandler got started in newspapers in 1996 when he became the sports editor at the Holland Sentinel. After about a year and a half at the Sentinel, he went to the Grand Rapids Press as a freelance correspondent, a position he held for 17 years. At the Press, Chandler primarily covered news in the lake­ shore communities of Holland and Zeeland. In 2008, Chandler was hired by the Michigan Intercollegiate Athletic Association, the nation’s oldest collegiate athletic conference, to be its publicist and statistician. He held that position for seven years, working closely with sports informa­ tion directors from the MIAA’s nine member colleges, as well as athletic directors and coaches. In more recent years, Chandler has held jobs in the health insurance and transporta­ tion logistics industries, where he has put his communication skills to use. He also has been a freelance writer for several publica­ tions in West Michigan. Away from his reporting duties, Chandler is an outspoken advocate for improved men­ tal health services and suicide prevention. His advocacy comes from a place of his greatest loss - the passing nearly two years ago of his oldest daughter, Lindsay. She bat­ tled bipolar disorder for 10 years before ultimately dying by suicide, one month shy of her 25th birthday. Since then, Chandler has become involved with organizations promoting mental health and suicide prevention, including I Understand, a Grand Rapids nonprofit that Greg Chandler provides support groups and other services to families who have lost a loved one to suicide; the Mental Health Foundation of West Michigan; and the American Federation for Suicide Prevention. In his spare time, Chandler enjoys sports and attending concerts, and takes great pride in the fact that he won his first fantasy base­ ball championship last year. He also has taken part in the annual Mackinac Bridge Labor Day walk four times with his wife, Ericka, whom he married in October 2016. Chandler has an adult daughter, Megan, 24, who is a budding musician. Favorite childhood memory: I would watch these variety shows in the afternoon, like Mike Douglas, then I would take my stuffed animals, sit them up on the couch and pretend I was hosting a talk show. Favorite movie: I love “Airplane!” One of the funniest movies ever made. Leslie Nielsen is hilarious, and I love all the cam­ eos, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as one of the pilots. First job: Umpiring T-ball games for the recreation department in Lincoln Park, a Detroit suburb where I grew up. If I could have a superpower: It’d be healing the hearts and minds of people strug­ gling with depression and anxiety. Greatest song ever written: Since this is the right month, it has to be ‘September’ by Earth, Wind and Fire. It is impossible to lis­ ten to that song and not feel happy. What IM tell a high school graduate: Don’t be in such a rush to decide on your vocation or life goals. Give yourself options. Find career fields that interest you and explore them. Secondly, if you’re struggling with an issue, reach out to someone - a teacher, a pastor, a trusted friend or family member, a mental health professional. It’s OK to not be OK. Favorite teacher: Mrs. Helen Danko in Lincoln Park.I had her twice, first in sixth grade, then again in 10th grade for composi­ tion. She was one of the funniest people I have ever met. A little bit crusty on the out­ side, but a heart of gold. She had a passion for the English language and for her students. Favorite vacation destination: Northern Michigan - especially around the Mackinac Bridge. My wife is originally from St. Ignace, and we love going there. Greatest thing abobt Barry County: I love driving the back roads between Grand Rapids and Hastings, and I love the small­ town atmosphere. Favorite cartoon character: I’d probably go with Charlie Brown. I used to love read­ ing the Peanuts comics as a kid. I would feel bad for him, but admired his never-give-up spirit. And he had a crush on a little red­ haired girl. I married a redhead. Hobbies: Walking, bike riding, collecting vinyl records, fantasy baseball. Favorite dinner: Fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy. Hey, America . . . want to know how to solve some of our country’s most vexing problems? Stop by Hastings, Michigan, and notice how we don’t just sit around com­ plaining and waiting for help. We get behind a good idea, roll up our sleeves, and get to work, knowing full well that, if we want something good to happen, we can do it ourselves. We showed that last week, stepping up to address what may be the crisis most threat­ ening to America’s future, the lack of affordable housing in every community in this land. When the Hastings City Council unanimously approved a property tax exemption package and a resolution in sup­ port of the Royal Coach Apartments last Monday, we showed the power of a com­ munity that takes care of its own. The Royal Coach project will provide 73 apartments and 19 townhome-style dwell­ ings on 8.2 downtown riverside acres previ­ ously owned by the Hastings Manufacturing Company. A big part of the development will be dedicated to providing homes for many in our community who are strapped for places to live. That wonderful news followed the city’s acceptance of a proposal from the A.J. Veneklasen Co. of Grand Rapids for a four-story mixed retail and residential building on the former Moose Lodge prop­ erty at 128 N. Michigan Ave. That project will include first-floor retail space and three floors of one-, two- and three-bedroom market rate-priced apartments and a 30-car parking garage on the ground floor. This is just the beginning. With both of these projects getting the support of city officials - along with smaller but equally helpful projects underway or already rented in the downtown area — Hastings is on its way to adding much-needed quality afford­ able housing. That’s the kind of momentum to which the entire country should be pay­ ing attention. Lack of affordable housing, generally, and especially affordable housing for wage earners not able to keep up in an upwardly mobile economy benefiting the upper class, is akin to a forest fire in America. A recent national report on housing indicates a short­ age of 7.2 million affordable and rental units for lower income people and calls for more investments by communities if we expect to solve the growing need. “The lack of access to an affordable home has devastating long-term impacts on the lowest income families,” says Diane Yental, president and CEO of the National Low Income Housing Coalition. “Affordable homes provide vulnerable fam­ ilies with the stability they need to thrive, to improve their health, education and eco­ nomic outcomes. Housing instability increases the likelihood of job loss, eviction and homelessness, negatively affecting a family’s physical and mental well-being throughout their lives.” The study indicates that 71 percent of low-income renter households spend, on average, more than half of their income on housing costs and utilities, putting more people at risk of becoming homeless. Most disturbing for communities like ours and for all residents who call Barry County home, is the experts’ warning that getting major developers interested in investing in small towns has become even more diffi­ cult, especially when rents are half or more than half of what those developers and their investors are seeing in larger communities. That’s why what’s happened here in Hastings in these past weeks and past few months is so important for any small com­ munity - and for the entire country. We’ve built a template of community development that may be the model for protecting America. When local businessman Larry Baum bought the Royal Coach portion of property from Hastings Manufacturing, just across the river from City Hall and our public library in downtown Hastings, he razed one abandoned building and began cleaning up the site, but he discovered that finding the right partner to develop the property wasn’t going to be easy. After several years search­ ing for the right developer, Baum decided to sell the property to the nonprofit Barry Community Foundation which had put together a proposal with a Wisconsin firm to take on the project. The BCF, acting as Royal Coach Acquisitions LLC, purchased the property from Baum with the intention of then sell­ ing it to General Capital Corp, of Wisconsin which would then act as developer, market­ er, and manager. The deal would return BCF’s initial incentive investment, would allow a profitable business opportunity for General Capital, and would make good on Baum’s original intent and the city’s efforts to solve the housing shortage. “Baum was the heart and soul of this project,” said Ken Holbrook, president and chief executive officer of Hastings Manufacturing. “When I first came here, I saw the sign that said ‘Hastings on the Thomapple.’ Now we can celebrate and have something on the Thomapple that makes good sense for the city.” General Capital’s plans call for renova­ tion of the former Royal Coach building, with historical preservation as part of the design. It will raze the other abandoned buildings on the site to make way for two townhouse-style projects. The Royal Coach name derives from the 1890s when the site was used to manufacture parts for the furni­ ture and auto industries. Looking back now on these two momen­ tous projects, we can document that the key to solving the housing problem is working with people who already reside in the com­ munity and who have a vested interest in seeing the community grow and prosper. The trick is getting everyone on board, pro­ viding the tools and incentives to make a project possible, and attracting the investors who see the need and are willing to invest in small towns. That’s the formula Barry County was willing to embrace, bringing together the Baums, Hastings Manufacturing, city offi­ cials, the Barry Community Foundation and other investors to build a high-quality hous­ ing project along the Thomapple River that will attract people of all ages to find their new homes in downtown Hastings. Add to that the Veneklasen project for the former Moose property that will bring additional retail and housing along Michigan Avenue, and you have not only a community builder, you have a solution for struggling individu­ als and families hoping to find affordable housing near where they work and want to live. Across the state, experts caution against a bleak picture for future homebuyers if nothing is done. Since 2012, the tight hous­ ing market we’ve experienced in recent years has driven up single-family Some prices by as much as 70 percent statewide which has led to bidding wars, especially in sought-after neighborhoods. “It’s going to validate what we’ve been saying for quite some time, which is that we are approaching a pretty significant housing crisis,” said Bob Filka, president of the Home Builders of Michigan. “Michigan is known for its housing affordability. That’s going to change if something doesn’t hap­ pen, and local communities are going to have to start working to find the housing investment they need.” I’m proud that our community has pre­ pared for such a crisis - and is responding to it in such an attractive way. The spinoff development to these recent project announcements is that, with the increase in apartments and townhouses, single-family residences will likely become available as homeowners sell their homes looking for the convenience of apartment or condo liv­ ing. And with the focus on adding new housing downtown, it creates a more walk­ able community where residents can stroll to a local restaurant, do their shopping and reach those destinations without having to drive. Plus, this type of planning will reduce land use and increase economic and tax benefits to the community. This isn’t some pie-in-the-sky dream - it’s moving forward and will become a reality because of the work of a number of committed citizens and some sensible polices of local govern­ ment. Kudos to everyone who made it pos­ sible. We realized we had a problem, looked for solutions and put together a package that attracted investors who acknowledge that Hastings is a happening community. Barry County is showing - to the entire country - that it has just the qualities that individuals and families are seeking. Pay attention, America. Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. “It’s going to validate what we’ve been saying for quite some time, which is that we are approaching a pretty significant housing crisis. Michigan is known for its housing affordability. That’s going to change if something doesn’t happen, and local communities are going to have to start working to find the housing investment they need.” Bob Filka, president of the Home Builders of Michigan �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 19, 2019 — Page 5 State ban of flavored nicotine vaping products effective immediately Memorial Hall and Museum, Eaton Rapids; Lansing Art Gallery and Education Center; R.E. Olds Transportation Museum, Lansing; Holland Museum; and Coopersville Farm Museum. What do you Museum Day tickets and more informa­ tion are available online at smithsonianmag. com/museumday. think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by accessing our website, www.HastingsBanner. com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the following week. Last week: Michigan legislators and the governor have hit an impasse on a proposed 45-cent tax intended to pay for road repair. Now state residents are being told the budget will go forward without the funding to fix the roads. Is that acceptable to you? Yes 58% No 41% For this week: Some states allow online sports betting; oth­ ers are considering legis­ lation to allow it. Do you think online sports betting should be allowed in Michigan? □ Yes □ No Retailers have 14 days to comply, with emergency rules Gov. Whitmer’s emergency rules banning flavored nicotine vaping products were released Wednesday. The flavored nicotine vaping ban was developed in response to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services finding of a public health emergency created by skyrocketing levels of youth vap­ ing. Michigan was the first state in the nation to announce a ban on the sale of flavored nico­ tine vaping products such as e-cigarettes. Whitmer announced her intention to issue these emergency rules Sept. 4, and they are effective immediately, although retailers and resellers - including online sellers - have 14 days to comply. “I’m proud that Michigan has been a national leader in protecting our kids from the harmful effects of vaping,” Whitmer said. “For too long, companies have gotten our kids hooked on nicotine by marketing candy-fla­ • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a persdnal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Bridge Magazine Average teacher pay is stagnating in Michigan, likely heightening the struggles some school districts face trying to fill teacher positions and avoid uncertified long-term substitutes. The cause: the rising cost of pensions for retired teachers, which now accounts for a third of payroll in the state’s traditional public school districts, according to a report released this week by Citizens Research Council of Michigan. Teacher pay is one of numerous issues, including whether school funding is actually up or down, that can be traced to teacher pen­ sion problems, according to the report. “We were trying to answer the paradox of per-pupil spending being up, and the claims from the field that we’re not seeing it,” said Craig Thiel, research director at Citizens Research Council. State dollars spehcw*public schools have increased, but most of that additional cash is going to pension checks, Thiel said. That means the resources in a typical third-grade classroom - and the paycheck of the teacher leading that class - have barely budged. “The outlook for Michigan teacher salaries is gloomy,” according to the report. “They have fallen victim to a crowding-out effect arising from the requirements to meet pension obligations.” The average salary for a teacher leading a Michigan classroom is $62,000 - more than . ........... Know Your Legislators: ■ ■l Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855­ 347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. The Hastings BaiUlCI’ Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM • Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Taylor Owens $9,000 a year less than in 2010 when adjusted for inflation. It’s still above the national aver­ age of $60,000. But the average starting sala­ ry for new teachers in 2018 - $36,599 - is about 7 percent below the national average. The reason the flatlining of teacher pay matters: Michigan is struggling to lure college students into the teaching profession at rates high enough to fill vacancies in some subjects and in some areas of the state, particularly urban and rural schools. The gap between teacher pay and other college-educated workers is at a record high, according to the CRC report. In 2018, the weekly wage gap — the difference between teacher pay and other college-educated work­ ers — was 21.4 percent. Average annual wages for teachers, adjust­ ed for inflation, has decreased by about $1,000 since 1996, while the average weekly wages for other college graduates has risen by about $15,000. It’s unclear if there is a correlation between teacher pay and student learning. But a teach­ er’s pay check size is likely to have an influ­ ence on decisions about whether to enter, or stay in, the profession. “We begin from the premise that good teachers are important,” said CRC’s Thiel. “We also say that people who go into a career, that some of that motivation may be financial. If salaries are stagnant, that may inhibit the ability to keep and recruit teachers.” The report comes on the heels of a series by Bridge Magazine reporting that the number of long-term substitutes leading Michigan class­ rooms has grown tenfold in five years. In the 2018-19 school year, about 2,500 classrooms were led by long-term substitutes, Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 who generally are not certified teachers and who are only required to have 60 college credits (the equivalent of two years on cam­ pus) and are not mandated to have any back­ ground in education. Those long-term substitutes are being uti­ lized because schools are struggling to find enough full-time, certified teachers, particu­ larly in hard-to-fill subjects such as science and math, and in urban and rural schools. According to the CRC report: Per-pupil spending has increased 12 percent in the past five years. But average teacher pay has been flat over those years. That’s because increases in pension liabili­ ties are eating up much of the funding increas­ es. Payments districts must make for unfund­ ed liabilities of retiree pensions increased from 22.6 percent of payroll in 2013, to 33.2 percent in 2019. Those salaries are an example of overall flat spending at the classroom level. The num­ ber of support staff in schools - teaching assistants, for example - hasn’t increased, either. Calls to numerous legislators seeking com­ ment were not immediately returned. “Pensions are part of overall compensation for educators,” said Doug Pratt, spokesman for the Michigan Education Association, the state’s largest teacher union. “The issue stag­ nating salaries is that education funding hasn’t kept up with increasing costs over the past 25 years, with the MSU study (a study by David Arsen) pegging us dead last in the country for increases over that period.” “We can meet pension obligations and pay educators better,” Pratt said, “but we have to fix our broken education funding.” PUBLIC AUCTION SATURDAY, SEPT. 21, 2019 • 10:00 AM 10831 W KL AVE., MATTAWAN, Ml 49071 Local company looking for part-time position. Someone with good customer service, multi tasking and a hard worker. Monday-Friday. Another auction with boxes packed in the garage with unknown contents. There is some nice furnishings, antiques, collectibles, and Dept. 56 Halloween haunted houses. Please see auction zip (20779) for photos. Check back closer to the sale for additional items as we unpack. Send resumes to: PIERCE AUCTION SERVICE J-Ad Graphics c/oAd #110 P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058 E-mail: pierceauction@earthlink.net • Phone: 269-352-6683 THANK YOU The Family of City of Hastings Wayne Landon would like to deeply thank everyone who attended Wayne’s Celebration of Life memorial and donated in his honor. It was lovely the family faces and memorable stories More than 50% of adults have a positive perception of ads in print newspapers.* Position Available: Police Officer a> to gf. ^ P Want to be next to trusted content? Place your ad in this newspaper and a network of newspapers in the state! Call this paper or 800-227-7636 www.cnaads.com • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. filed a Request for Rulemaking, which will allow the department to promulgate perma­ nent rules to keep Michiganders safe from the harmful effects of addiction to nicotine. On June 4, Whitmer signed Senate Bills 106 and 155, which prohibit the sale of e-cig­ arettes and other non-traditional nicotine products to minors. In her signing message to the Legislature, the governor criticized the legislation for not going far enough to protect Michigan’s kids from nicotine addiction, calling the market­ ing, packaging, and taste of e-cigarettes a “bait-and-switch” engineered to “create new nicotine addicts.” Nationwide, e-cigarette use among middle and high school students increased 900 per­ cent from 2011-2015, according to the MDHHS. From 2017 to 2018, e-cigarette use spiked 78 percent among high school students and 48 percent among middle school students. In 2018, more than 3.6 million U.S. kids, including 1 in 5 high school students and 1 in 20 middle school students, were regular users. The rules and other information about Michigan’s flavored e-cigarette ban can be found at www.michigan.gov/e-cigarettes Is Michigan school spending up or down? Pension problems muddy the ansyyer The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. vored vaping products as safe. That ends today. This bold action will protect our kids and our overall public health.” The White House called for similar actions by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo and California Gov. Gavin Newsom also announced plans to move forward with flavored nicotine vaping product bans and the New York plans have been approved. The MDHHS Bureau of Health and Wellness filed the Protection of Youth from Nicotine Product Addiction Emergency Rules with the Secretary of State. “Today’s filing is necessary to protect the public health,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy director for health at MDHHS. “Youth vaping is a public health emergency and has been declared an epidemic by the U.S. surgeon general. “Nicotine in e-cigarettes is harmful to developing brains and has dangerous long­ term health consequences such as heart dis­ ease and cancer.” The rules are effective for 180 days and can be extended for six months. MDHHS has also Snow Plowing and Snow Removal Bids The County of Barry is accepting sealed bids for snowplowing and snow removal for their parking lots located in downtown Hastings. The term of the contract will be for the year beginning November 15, 2019 and ending November 14, 2022. The closing date for the bid is October 10, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. Bids shall be submitted to: Barry County Buildings and Grounds, 220 W. State Street, Hastings, Ml 49058. To obtain a copy of the invitation to bid, please visit our web site at barrycounty.org or call (269) 945-1293. Specific questions regard­ ing the Invitation to Bid may be directed to Tim Neeb, Building and Grounds Supervisor at (269) 945-1293. ® 2? — CS The Hastings Police Department, an equal opportunity employer, is seeking qualified applicants for a full time Police Officer position. Whe primary responsibilities of this position Sraclude maintaining the high quality of life for Ihg FII ^Ity Vlbliurb. This I nib all City lUblUCIILb, residents, UUblliebbCb businesses dliu and visitors. be accomplished not only by our proactiveb approach to enforcing the state laws and city Ordinances, but also through our high quality customer service. 4X. fr. o CO •- O (B 00 CD Qualifications: * Must be 21 years of age * Possess an Associate's degree * Be MCOLES licensed or eligible to be licensed "* * Excellent writing and communication skills * Must pass an extensive background investigation Please submit resume and cover letter to Chief Jeff Pratt 201 E. State St. Hastings MI 49058 or jpratt@hastingsmi.org. Resumes will be accepted through October 4th, 2019. Jeff Pratt Chief of Police �Page 6 — Thursday, September 19, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Hastings not alone in bus driver shortage Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church.” Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facehook! @ hastingshopeumc. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10:31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special/' For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office, greenstreetumc @ gmail. com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948­ 8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings. org, 9 a.m. Classes and Gatherings for All ages; 9:45 a.m. Worship (Children's Worship Offered); 10:45 a.m. Coffee Fellowship; 11:15 a.m. Coffee Talk with Pastor Dan. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945­ 9217. cbchastings.org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www. hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAM­ ILY HOUR WELCOMES ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue, Loving God, Loving Neighbor: Preschool age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Standard and Adult Elective classes. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church age 4-4th grade dis­ missed during service. Fall Sermon Series & Growth Groups, "On Mission” begins Sept. 15. Sunday Evening: Youth Group at 6:30 p.m., 2nd Tues: Young Women's Small Group at 6:30 p.m. Wednes­ day Mid-Week: Women's Bible Study at 6:30 p.m. Kid's Club, Oct. 16-Dec. 4, 6:30­ 7:45 p.m. Friday Bible Study at 10 a.m. Thursday Brunch, Sept. 26 at 9:30 a.m. For more information please contact the church. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God’s Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! Sept. 22 - Worship services at 8 and 10:45 a.m.; Church School 10:45 a.m. Sept. 23 - LACS 6 p.m. Sept. 26 - Clapper Kids 3:45 p.m.; Grace Notes 5:45 p.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@ grace-hastings.org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945­ 2645, fax 269-945-2698. www. grace-hastings.org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings, MI. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: Sum WMWEWIfflOF 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 Rebecca Pierce Editor A dearth of school bus drivers is a problem Hastings Area School System is wrestling with this school year - and the district is not alone. “This is a nationwide problem,” Superintendent Dan Remenap told the board of education during its meeting Monday night. “It’s not just Barry County. It’s not just Michigan. It’s not just Hastings. All districts are struggling.” James Vreudge, director of transportation for Hastings schools, said Wednesday his dis­ trict could use four school bus drivers right now. Currently, two of his drivers are sick and one is off on a medical leave. “I’ve had to borrow subs from other schools and combine routes,” said Vreudge, who is filling in as a substitute driver, as well. Hastings has 16 regular routes and, lately, it has taken a lot of creative thinking to keep the system running smoothly, he said. Monday, school board member Valerie Slaughter mentioned the need for more bus drivers and Remenap echoed her request. “I don’t recall this being an issue in 20 years of education,” he said, speculating that the reason for the lack of drivers is the good economy - the availability of other, full-time jobs. Vreudge agreed. In addition, qualifications for these part-time posts are extensive. Plus, the job involves far more than just driving a bus, Remenap noted. “You’re managing kids and chaos” for two hours early in the morning and then two hours in the midday, he said. The shortage of drivers this year has meant delays and students waiting longer for their buses, which has had a corresponding impact on the staff, who’ve had to jump in and super­ vise groups of students who had to wait lon­ ger for their bus. For example, three sick bus drivers and a sick substitute driver created a challenge for the school district recently, the superintendent noted. “When things like that happen ... I really appreciate the teamwork mentality of our staff,” Remenap said. “Everyone dives in and helps.” Vreudge is planning to retire this year, board president Luke Haywood said, and that will further complicate the challenges of man­ aging the transportation department. But, Wednesday, given the staff shortage, Vreudge expressed some doubt about retire­ ment. In other business, Louis Wierenga Jr. updat­ ed fellow board membrs on the building trades class, which is handling the construc­ tion of a new storage building at Star Elementary School. Wierenga also reminded the board that the career and technical education program will be working on site preparation at the south­ eastern comer of the high school for a new agricultural facility. The school is currently seeking bids for tree and stump removal, excavation to level the ground, service drive preparation, a parking lot and appropriate water run-off for the facil­ ity. Interested contractors who hope to bid on the work are required to make a site visit at 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 20. Local bidders are encouraged to attend, Wierenga said. The board also learned that work to repair the bleachers is underway. The project was made possible by a gift from the Baum Family Foundation. “It’s awesome,” Dale Krueger, director of maintenance and grounds, said Wednesday, about all the work going on to improve facili­ ties and grounds. Last year, he said, it felt like they were constantly “putting out fires.” Now they are not only maintaining facilities and grounds, they are making significant improvements. “It’s a whole different world,” he said. In other action, the board: • Approved the minutes of student disci­ plinary hearings that took place in closed sessions, as requested, Sept. 11. Several stu­ dents, who were not named, were disciplined for breaking into school property as well as an attempted theft of firearms from a local store. One of the students may return to school Jan. 6.2020, if all the terms of suspension are met. Two of the students were expelled. Two other students may petition for reinstatement no sooner than July 1,2020. In a separate matter, a student who was expelled for making a threat to a school building or property may petition for reinstatement no sooner than July 1.2020. • Accepted a donation of $800 from Al & Pete’s Sports Shop for the Students in Need fund. • Accepted a donation of record boards that have been installed at Baum Stadium at Johnson Field, courtesy of the Oom and Duits families. • Reviewed four bids for landscape mainte­ nance and chose the low bid of $73,920 from Leaping Lizards of Hastings. • Reviewed three bids for snow plowing from three companies and chose the low bid of $64,800 from Leaping Lizards of Hastings. The agreement is for one year, with a twoyear extension based on satisfactory perfor­ mance. • Accepted resignations from Marcia Bergakker, social worker at Southeastern Elementary; Ashley Frye, general food ser­ vice employee at Central Elementary; Casey Gergen, special education teacher at the high school; and Stephen Laubaugh, district co-web master. The next school board meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21, in the middle school commons area. The public is welcome to attend. Delton Kellogg Elementary shifts homework policy Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer Students attending Delton Kellogg Elementary will no longer have to bring work home to complete - but they will still have assignments. In an announcement during the Delton Kellogg School Board’s regular meeting Monday, Superintendent Kyle Corlett said he and elementary PMncipal Karmin Bourdo have decided that elementary students will no longer be given homework. Instead, parents are being asked to read to, or with, their stu­ dents for 20 minutes each day. During the meeting, Corlett said multiple studies have shown that giving elementa­ ry-age students homework has little effect. “Just reading 20 minutes a night has a greater effect than homework,” Corlett said. “I think it’s great as long as parents are read­ ing with their kids.” Corlett said Bourdo had sent out an email to all elementary school parents, notifying them of the change. “I didn’t get that note, but thank you,” trustee Jessica Brandi said. During his report, Corlett added that Delton Kellogg’s SAT scores keep going up. The current senior class reached an overall aver­ age of more than 1000 points. “This year’s senior class did really well on the SAT last year,” he said. Corlett also reported that last week, he met with state Rep. Julie Calley, Sen. Dr. John Bizon and other Barry County superinten­ dents. “They [the representatives] shared with us that they believe the current budget in the House will get approved,” Corlett said. “That would see a $240 increase per pupil, or about 2 percent, which is good, but it’s not keeping up with inflation. It would be nice if we could get more, but at least we’re moving in the right direction.” Delton Kellogg’s new free breakfast pro­ gram is well-received, he said. “So far this year, we’ve served 2,300 breakfasts,” Corlett told the school board. “Last year at this time, we had served 1,400. So, we’ve had an increase of 900 breakfasts served in the first two weeks of school. I think that’s fantastic.” Corlett said the number of lunch purchases also has increased districtwide. In other business, the board: -Approved several personnel changes, including the hiring of middle school special education teacher Janet Krammin and reading interventionist Angela Parshall. -Accepted the resignation of longtime track and basketball coach Rick Williams, who said he is looking forward to slowing down in his retirement. -Approved schedule ‘C’ positions, includ­ ing class of 2023 sponsors Jessica Broussard and Laure Hufford; class of 2022 sponsors Tim Goggins and Karen Willis; class of 2021 sponsors Laura Hufford and Mary McFannin; class of 2020 sponsors Sara Nevins and Chelsea Matousek. -Voted to approve appointments or re-ap­ pointments including middle and high school band director Sara Knight, Follies director Jessica Broussard, Follies assistant director Megan Boer, student council sponsor Janis Dinda, yearbook sponsor Jessica Broussard, National Honor Society sponsor Carla Poignard, Quiz Bowl coach Carla Poignard, middle school yearbook sponsor Katie Lebeck, middle school student council spon­ sor Katie Lebeck, and success center mentors Chelsea Matousek and Connie High. -Heard a presentation from high school principal Lucas Trierweiler who said failure rates have decreased from 13.4 percent to 5.8 percent since the 2013-14 school year. He attributed the success to staff members work­ ing with students during advisory periods. -Approved a band trip to Nashville, Tenn., in April and the fourth-grade trip to Mackinac Island. The next board of education meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21, in the ele­ mentary school media center. WARNING, continued from page 1 “Our grounds department does an excellent job of maintaining our school grounds as well as our athletic venues,” TK Assistant Superintendent Craig McCarthy wrote in an email to The Banner. “We cut the grass around our buildings as well as on the practice fields weekly. There are few areas with stand­ ing water for mosquitos to breed. Additionally, we are scheduled to have our practice fields and the stadium sprayed as an added preven­ tative measure.” McCarthy recommended that students, staff and community members apply insect repellent before attending an outdoor event in the district. “It is our hope that our recommendations are followed and that the precautions we’re taking are sufficient to keep our students, staff and community members healthy,” he said. At Delton Kellogg Schools, athletic direc­ tor Mike Mohn said outdoor athletic events are being moved up to a 5:30 p.m. start time, at the latest. Today’s junior varsity football game at Lawton will begin at 5:30, while the varsity football team’s Veterans Appreciation Night game against Lawton will kick off at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Mohn said. Mohn said he looked into starting Friday’s game at 4 p.m., but found scheduling of offi­ cials for an earlier time slot or Saturday day game difficult because of officials’ day jobs, plus many officials work collegiate games on Saturdays. He is encouraging both athletes and fans attending events to bring their own bug spray, since the school cannot provide that. Lakewood Public Schools announced a plan to move the start time of evening events, as well as practices and youth programs, so that they will be completed by dusk. Today’s home junior varsity game against Otsego will be played at 5, while Friday’s homecoming ---------------------------------- • If outdoor events are planned between dusk and dawn, attendees should be encour­ “It is our hope that our aged to use insect repellents to protect them­ selves. The repellents should include an active recommendations are followed ingredient registered with the Environmental and that the precautions we’re Protection Agency, such as DEET, picardin, taking are sufficient to keep IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, para-menour students, staff and thane-diol (PMD) or 2-undecanone, and be community members healthy,” applied on exposed skin and/or clothing. More information can be found at epa.gov/ Craig McCarthy, TK Assistant ' insect-repellents. Superintendent [ • Eliminate sources of standing water around buildings and facilities. I Health officials are recommending resi­ dents avoid outdoor activities from dusk until game against Perry will kick off at 5 p.m. dawn; wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts In addition, the district is “looking into and socks with shoes when the weather per­ fogging critical areas; this takes a bit of lead mits; make sure windows and doors have time for licensed application,” Superintendent secure screens to keep mosquitoes from get­ Randy Fleenor wrote in an email to The ting inside; and get rid of mosquito breeding Banner. sites by emptying standing water from flower The district plans to send information about pots, buckets, barrels and other containers. EEE to parents this week, pending communi­ Other Michigan counties where EEE cases cation from health officials. have been reported include Kalamazoo, Cass, No changes are planned at Maple Valley Van Buren and Berrien, Khaldun said. Schools, where homecoming festivities are In addition to the human EEE cases, nine taking place Friday, according to an adminis­ cases of EEE in horses were confirmed in trative assistant in the athletic department at Barry, Kalamazoo, Lapeer and St. Joseph the high school. counties as of Tuesday. None of the horses The Hastings Youth Athletic Association is were vaccinated against EEE, and all the ani­ reminding parents to have their kids use bug mals have died. An EEE vaccine is available spray with DEET and to wear long sleeves for horses, but not for people. under their practice jerseys to prevent mos­ In addition, five deer in Barry, Cass, quito bites. In a Facebook post to parents, a Genesee, Kalamazoo and Van Buren counties HYAA representative also encouraged parents have been confirmed with EEE infection and be on time when picking up their children were euthanized due to the severity of their after practice concludes. disease symptoms, state officials said. The MDHHS has recommended communi­ More information about EEE activity in ties and schools take the following steps: Michigan can be found at michigan.gov/eee. • Consider rescheduling, relocating or can­ More about EEE and how to prevent mosqui­ celling outdoor activities from dusk until to bites is available at cdc.gov/eee. dawn. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 19, 2019 — Page 7 Rutland board votes to limit temporary sales Jessica Courtright Contributing Writer Rutland Township board members voted unanimously to adopt limits on garage and yard sales. The board approved a temporary sales ordi­ nance last week that affects yard sales, garage sales, estate sales, flea markets and similar temporary activities on any premises in the township. The purpose of this ordinance is “to avoid the detrimental impacts of perpetual yard sales and similar types of sales activities on a person’s property.” All temporary sales that are not classified as a flea market do not require a permit from the township, but are subject to the following requirements: • Sales may last no more than four consec­ utive days. Multiple sales on the same prem­ ises must take place at least 30 days apart. Sales can be held no more than four times a year. • Sales may not take place on a vacant lot or other premises without a dwelling unless the vacant lot is contiguous to the residence. • The premises of the sale should be able to accommodate all traffic without impeding travel on any roadway. • All signage for the event must comply with township ordinances, including zoning. Signage must not be placed more than three days before the beginning of the sale and must be properly disposed of within 24 hours after the sale ends. • Also, all items that are not sold or items being held for pickup after a sale ends must be placed inside of a fully enclosed building, unless the item can be lawfully stored outside in compliance with any applicable ordinance of the township. Under the ordinance language, flea markets include any type of sale, typically outdoors, where the goods available are not from the household of the person holding the sale and may be secondhand or new. This type of sale also may be known as a “swap meet.” Flea markets are subject to the following requirements: • They must obtain a permit indicating identification and contact information for the person conducting the flea market, the address where the flea market will take place and property owners name and consent to the sale, and the dates of the event. The permit must also be signed and dated by the applicant. All costs associated with a permit will be subject to the township board. • Flea markets must also require a confir­ mation from the township zoning administra­ tor that the sale will not violate any provision of the township code. The full ordinance is accessible at rutland­ township .org/. For questions or additional information on this new ordinance, residents may call the township, 269-948-2194, or email rutland@core.com. In other business, the board voted unani­ mously to: • Adopt amendments to the signage ordi­ nance, restricting the use of electronic bill­ boards. • Levy 0.5 mills toward the fire department millage to reduce the taxes for township resi­ dents. • Approve the Algonquin Lake 2020 Treatment Plan from PLM Lake & Land Management Corp. SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS HASTINGS, MI - Katherine L. Haines, age 73, of Hastings and formerly of Marshall, passed away at home surrounded by her amazing family on September 8, 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents, Lew and Sue Lang. The wife, mom, Dodo, sister, aunt, friend and rock will be deeply missed, but never forgotten by her high school sweet heart and loving husband of 52 years, Brad Haines; their children; Andrew (Greer Putnam) Haines, Elizabeth (Bala Subramanian) Haines; grandchildren; Lang and Andrew Haines and Sesha and Sahana Subramanian; her sisters, Cindy (Dave) Wilcox and Pam (Ted) Barney; her mother-in-law, Phyllis Haines, as well as many dear nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. After graduation from Michigan State University, Kathy and Brad spent a short time in the suburbs of Detroit before settling in Marshall, where she started her career in social services with Calhoun County. Kathy eventually became the director of Calhoun County Social Services while also working for the State of Michigan Department of Social Services. In her retirement, Kathy and Brad enjoyed living at The Villages in Florida, while taking many amazing trips together as well as with family and friends; Celeste and Jeff Wolverton, Betty Bea and Bill Washbum, Pat and Dennis Beek, Pat and John Tubergen. Kathy and Brad .contihueff family traditions by creating wonderful memorieson Hilton Head Island and being together at Gull Lake. In keeping with Kathy’s wishes, and her fun­ loving personality, the family will be hosting a Celebration Reception in her honor on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2019 from 3-5 p.m. at The Hastings Country Club (The Legacy at Hastings), 1550 N. Broadway, Hastings, ML In lieu of flowers please consider donations in Kathy’s name to the attention of Rachel Flannery for the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center Research supporting the work of Martee Hensley MD, PO Box 27106, New York, NY 10087 or to the Calhoun County Department of Social Services, 190 E Michigan Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49014, or the Hastings Education Enrichment Foundation (HEEF), 232 W Grand St., Hastings, MI 49058. GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. CALEDONIA, MI - Peggy Beuschel, age 73, of Caledonia, passed away peacefully Monday, Sept. 16,2019. She was bom October 9, 1945, the second child of Leo and Priscilla Alberts. Peggy spent the summer showing her true strength while battling cancer. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her parents; sister, Sandy Hendrick; and best friend, Kathy Tolan. Peggy spent many days giving back to friends and family. You could always count on her to leave a lasting impression. She befriended every person who crossed her path. If you weren’t laughing with her, you were usually laughing at her. Peggy leaves behind her four daughters, Barb (Scott) Schiefla, Julie (Ty) Jones, Kelly Hurth, Jamie Beuschel (friend, Mary Ehrhardt); 12 grandchildren, Jonathan, Kevin, Jason, Kaitlyn, Justin, Blake, Cade, Andrew, Austin, Hannah, Brendan, Adam, and their beautiful families, including 12 great grandchildren; brother, Leo (Denise) Alberts; special friend, Pam Elkins and her son, Gavyn. In support of Peggy’s wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will meet with loved ones Friday evening, Sept. 27 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home, 616 E. Main St. SE, Caledonia and again Saturday morning, Sept. 28, from 9 to 10 a.m., followed by a memorial service at the funeral home with Rev. Timothy Brand officiating. A luncheon will be held at the American Legion Post 305, 9548 Cherry Valley Ave. SE, Caledonia, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The burial of both Peg and Jim’s cremains will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, at Holy Comers Cemetery in Caledonia. Contributions can be made to the Williams Syndrome Association, on behalf of great granddaughter Audrey Beuschel, or the American Legion Post 305 to support meals for our veterans. Condolences may be sent online at www.mkdfuneralhome.com Beware of false Social Security and Medicare advertisements Sean Patrick McFall, Hastings and Haley Rose Hoard, Hastings Jake Michael Jelsema, Middleville and Paige Elizabeth Grennan, Middleville Kacy William Blair, Woodland and Amber Marie Shepler, Lake Odessa Michael Allen DeHoog, Hastings and Kasey Marie VanPutten, Hastings Miah Neah Grassmid, Middleville and Caleb Michael Handlogten, Middleville Desirae Nicole Clayborn, Upper Sandusky, Ohio and Nathan Matthew Montz, Upper Sandusky, Ohio Anthony Eugene Gibson, Nashville and Cindy Lou Williams, Vermontville John Thomas Welch, Delton and Joanna Beth Hope, Delton Michael Thomas Garrison, Hastings and Hannah Elizabeth Robertson, Hastings Timothy John Blake, Plainwell and Sandra Marie Ryan, Plainwell Karleigh Dianne VanSiclen, Hastings and Zachary Blake Cogswell, Hastings Brittany Devine Jameson, Middleville and Jason Robert Achterhof, Middleville Karen Marie Olson, Chicago, IL and Tyler James Smith, Chicago, IL * Brent Everett Sijowden^ Nashville and Rachel Ann Howard, Nashville Brandon Eugene Kelso, Delton and Amanda Marleen Pfost, Delton Kyle Daniel Holst, Middleville and Danielle Marie Boothe, Middleville Daniel Justin Berry, Antioch, IL and Christine Ann Schwanda, Oak Creek, WI Phillip Matthew Blackmore, Wayland and Sabrina Irene Abasse, Wayland Danny Michael Durham, Hastings and Christy Gayle Liabenow, Hastings Trevor Scott Godley, Middleville and Cassandra Susan Tomlinson, Middleville Vonda VanTil Public Affairs Specialist Scammers have become more aggressive and sophisticated in the digital age. With mil­ lions of people relying on Social Security and Medicare, scammers target audiences who are looking for legitimate program and benefit information. Scammers sometimes try to scare people into giving out their personal information. Never give someone who called you any personal information unless you absolutely know who they are. The law that addresses misleading Social Security and Medicare advertising prohibits people or non-govemment businesses from using words or emblems that mislead others. Their advertising can’t claim that they repre­ sent, are somehow affiliated with, or are endorsed or approved by Social Security or the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. People are often misled by advertisers who use the terms “Social Security” or “Medicare.” Often, these companies offer Social Security services for a fee, even though Social Security offers the same services free of charge. These services include getting a: -Corrected Social Security card showing a person’s married name; -Social Security card to replace a lost card; -Social Security Statement; and -Social Security number for a child. If you receive misleading information about Social Security, send the complete ad, including the envelope (if applicable), to Office of the Inspector General Fraud Hotline, Social Security Administration, P.O. Box 17768, Baltimore, MD 21235. You can learn more about how we combat fraudulent advertisers by reading our publica­ tion “What You Need to Know About Misleading Advertising” at socialsecurity. gov/pubs/EN-05-10005 .pdf. You also can view and share our anti-fraud information at socialsecurity.gov/antifraudfacts. Remember, our information is easy to email and post on social media. Please let your loved ones know about these types of scams. Sharing this article with friends and family can save them from financial and emo­ tional hardship. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids* Ml $9525, or via email to vonda.vantil@ssa.gov. Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF® (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinancial.com Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you Jeffrey A. Keessen AIF® Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC Karen Hayward Administrative Assistant BARRY COUNTY HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE, MEDICATION COLLECTION, AND *FREE TIRE DROP-OFF! Saturday, September 21,2019 from 9:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. Barry County Fairgrounds, 1350 N. M-37 Hwy. Household Hazardous Waste Including aqueous acids and bases; oil-based paints; reactives; solvents; aerosol cans; automotive liquids; pesticides (liquids and solids); automotive batteries; alkaline, nickel-cadmium and/or silver oxide batteries; liquid cleaners; heavy metal solutions; mercury-containing articles; motor oil. Limit of 10 gallons per vehicle We Cannot Accept: Medications Asbestos; electronics, latex paint (when dry it can go to the landfill); propane tanks, commercially generated waste; radioactive material; explosives; unknown wastes; console and projection televisions; speakers in wooden cases; tires heavily caked with dirt. need to be in their original containers with the name of the drug clearly labeled. Cross out any personal information on the containers. Help keep your home, environment and community safe. ELECTRONICS NOT ACCEPTED Tire Drop-Off FREE thanks to to a grant from DISPOSE OF PRESCRIPTION DRUGS AND MEDICATIONS SAFELY Don't pour paint, solvent, medicine, automotive oil or chemicals down the drain or dump them in the trash where they may end up in our drinking water and lakes! rCwlLiZ *This is a ONE TIME ONLY free tire-drop off event LIMIT OF 10 TIRES PER CAR • HOUSEHOLD TIRES ONLY (NO BUSINESS TIRES) First come, first serve until all trailers are full Questions? Please call (269) 798-4107 Sponsored by the Barry County Solid Waste Oversight Committee with thanks to the Barry County Fair Board, Waste Management, Barry-Eaton District Health Department, Barry County Substance Abuse Task Force, Sheriff's Dept., City of Hastings Police Dept, and Local Pharmacies �Page 8 — Thursday, September 19, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD JONES Elaine Garlock The Freight House Museum will be open Sept. 28 and 29. At the same time, the library of the county genealogy society will be open and staffed to assist any visitors, including those who want help with becoming First Family members or members of the centennial group. United Methodist Women of Central UMC met Monday at the Gentner home on Eagle Point for their monthly meeting. President Terri Catt presided and also shared an inspirational message. There were a few business items, including election of 2020 officers presented by the nominating committee. Sunday, Sept. 22, will be the annual UMW Sunday at the church, with members having roles such as ushers and greeters. They also will be hostesses for coffee hour. Some members will be attending the district meeting in Hastings Sept. 18. The Ionia County Genealogy Society met Saturday with a speaker who related information about the tuberculosis epidemic that affected many families in Michigan over the decades until even the late 1940s. Treatment centers were in Howell and then Lansing and Grand Rapids where several local people received care. Last week’s storm had really high winds but hardly a tornado. We were given telephone warning by an automated system. We had plenty of rain. The Lansing paper reported that the Lozo bam on Eaton Highway near M-66 was moved from its foundation and other damage was reported in Sunfield Township. A Big Rapids resident said he had five inches of rain in two days during the same time frame. The Lake Odessa Area Historical Society met Sept. 12 with 11 present for a shared meal at the museum. Following the ample meal, president John Waite delighted his audience with a review of news events from 56 years ago using the bound copies of the “Lake Odessa Wave” from 1969. It was a trip back in time to hear what was newsworthy back then. Many items pertained to men serving in Vietnam, being drafted, being injured, and Lake Odessa having its first casualty with the death of Charles Moe Jr. At the end of the year, dozens of business places had Christmas greetings in the paper. A postscript to the UMW meeting Monday is that with host John Gentner at the helm, the members enjoyed a pontoon ride around the perimeter of Jordan Lake and also enjoyed refreshments inside. HASTINGS AREA SCHOOL SYSTEM Career & Technical Education 520 W. South St., Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)945-6152 Hastings Area School System, CTE Department is seeking bids on the following; TO PROVIDE REQUIRED POWER TO COMPUTER SERVER ROOM. On September 24, 2019 at 2:00 p.m., all interested bidders are to attend a MANDATORY site visit. If any interested contractors should have any questions please contact, Ed Domke at (269) 818-2484 after 1:00PM Monday - Friday oi via e-mail edward.domke@hasskl2.org. ORDIN ANCE NO. _ CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY ELECTRIC FRANCHISE ORDINANCE AN ORDINANCE, giwttsng to CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY, fa soccomis and assigns, the right a&d authority to ccnsoct, wtaw and comraereWly use electric lines and r-clsiEcd fedl sties toctodfatg but not limited to maMS, pota, guys, wires and trandbmm cm, under, along, said across public places winding not limited to highways, street^ alkvs, bridges. and walenvays, and to ctredmji local dcctrie business in the TOWNSHIP OF HOPE. BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN. tor a period of thirty THB TOWNSHIP OF HOPE ORDAINS: SECTION 1 OBANT and TERM- W TOWNSHIP OF HOPE, BARRY'COUNTY, MICHIGAN, assigns. hereinafter called “CoRsawt* hereby grants to Consumers Energy Cumpsny, its toe right and glithoHty to towers, masts, poles, wires and tonstaaers at; under, along, and aero® public pltces including but sot Mwd to highways, afttete, alleys, aid waterway and to wWt a local etatric business to the TOWNSHIP OF HOPE. BARRY COt 4 MICHIGAN, for a period of to toy yem, SECTION X CONDITIONS. No public ptece ttsed by Consumers shall be otabuctod. longer than nccessaiy towing coftstoictkat er repair, and shall be restored to th same -onter tod csadhioo as wta wprit was e+imnienc-cd, All bf Cofwmers* electric lines and related fhtolttta shall be placed, as not to mneceas^ily interfere with the public’s use of public places. Comiiwra shall have the right to trim or iwove trew if accessary m flie wmdmsting of swh tain^s SECTION 3. .row HARM1BSS. Cottsomers shall save the Ttowship free and. Mess from all costs and expense to which R may be subjoc? by reason -of toe oegligtot awwt ® sud mwntemmee of the lores and related fatolito hereto arttaizM In case toy tota is. commenced against the TownAip on account of toe pennisoon herein given. Consumers shall, upon notice, defend the Township tod its representatives and told them harmless from all foss, costs and damge arising oat of such Mgli gem consfruetion tod maintenancn. SECTION 4. EXTENSIONS, Ccwmws shall construct tod. extmd its electric diMritotton system witom said Township, and shall famish electric mb to applicants resMittg therein in wito applinahte law®, rata tod regyianuns, SECTION 5, net exclusive. IM^HISIWLEMUISIVT. The rights, pwer and othori^ herein gmted, are SECTION g. Consumer shall to tolitfei m provide eteetm service to toe inhabitants of the To^whip at toe mtes and pummt to toe sxmditions as approved by toe Mteirig®! toiMk Service Commi^totL Such rates and conditions shall be sut^eci to review and change upon pctitbn to the Michigan Public Service Commi^ton. SECTION 7. REVOCATION, Tto tadiise granted by tois is subject to revocation Bpun six^ ($0) days written mrtta by either party. Upon molten tote nstonmme shall to eoBsidered SECTION S. COMMISSION JURISDICTON, Cnawmc^ remains sitojertt to toe reasonable rules and regulation’s of toe Mtehigan Public Service Commisston applicable to eleWie ^vice io toe Triwftstop and toew© rules od rogu MonB preempt m t»i of any ordinance of toe Township to tte contrmy, SECTION 9 This ordinance, wton shall repeal and supersede toe provisions of any prev’tous electric fhocihe cadinance adopted by toe Township winding any amcodmcnts. SECTION 10. EFFEC1TO DATE. TWs ordii»e« shall trice effect on. We rertify that toe foregohm Franchise Ordinance was dulv enactod by the ‘fowsbip Board of tto TOWNSHIP OF HOPE BARRY COUNTY. MICHIGAN, on the211 toty of ........ .. 20 / 5 Attest E Debonah . ct»k of the township of hope, harry county, MICHIGAN, IXJ IIERHBY CERTIFY that the crdimince granting Causumers Energy Company, an etatric was properly adopted by the 1 cwmliip Btwd uf toe TOWNSHIP OF lIOFLy. HARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, twd that all pruceedinga were regular and in ae^ordaoce with all hgal r©|uiremeut.5. Can A.I. help you become a better investor? For the past several years, artificial intelligence - or Al - has increasingly found a place in many walks of life. Almost certainly, you use some form of Al, whether it’s your time on social media, your use of mobile banking, the navigation system you rely on for directions, or any of the many other Al-driven applications relevant to your daily life. But Al has also become a significant part of the financial services industry. So, you might wonder if Al can help you become a better investor. To begin with, what is Al? Essentially, it’s the ability of a computer program or machine to think or learn. Using complex algorithms (a set of rules, or steps), computers and machines can mimic many of the thought processes of human beings. But how can you use Al to invest? And should you? In the financial services world, many companies use Al to select investments for specific funds. On an individual level, you can work with an Al-powered “robo-advisor” to build an investment portfolio. These roboadvisors are typically quite affordable, and they generally follow proven investment principles, such as diversification, in making recommendations. Yet, you are more than just the sum of your answers to a robo-advisor’s online questionnaire. Investing is a highly personal matter, which means that, in the following areas, you may well benefit from some human intelligence - and empathy: • Understanding ofyour risk tolerance - A robo-advisor will ask you to identify your tolerance for risk - low, medium, high - and will plug in your answers when constructing a portfolio. But only a human financial advisor - someone who truly knows you, your personality, your family situation and your hopes for the future - can know how your sensitivity to risk might cause you to react to events such as sudden market — STOCKS — The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. Apple Inc. 220.70 +4.00 AT&T 37.16 -.42 Chevron 123.89 +2.04 Deere & Co. 163.99 -.05 Exxon Mobil 73.17 +1.10 49.21 Flowserve CP +2.03 Ford Motor Co. 9.28 -.14 General Electric Co. 9.36 +.22 General Motors 38.29 -1.29 230.21 Home Depot Inc. -2.79 Johnson Johnson 129.67 +.12 64.15 +1.22 Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP 137.39 +1.31 Perrigo Co. 55.72 +2.95 Pfizer Inc. 36.50 -.88 Spartannash Comp 11.99 +.34 +4.71 Stryker 218.40 39.97 TCF Financial Corp. -1.09 Walmart Inc. 116.51 +.46 Walt Disney Co 136.31 +.52 Whirl Pool Corp 152.20 +1.58 Gold Silver Dow Jones $1,502.17 $17.95 27,110 +$11.87 -.22 +201 Fine Lake weed control declines. Armed with this knowledge, a • Guidance for the “big picture” - Your financial advisor can talk through your investments are important, but they’re also options to help keep you on the road toward connected to other areas of your life, including your taxes and your estate plans. your goals. • Answers to qualitative questions - A And while a financial advisor might not robo-advisor can provide you with many key provide you with tax or legal advice, he or data points - rates of return, projections of she may be able to connect you to other, future accumulations, etc. But so can a appropriate professionals, and work with personal financial advisor, who can also go them to help you put together your “big beyond the numbers to help you answer picture.” That’s not something a typical roboqualitative, subjective questions: How can I advisor is equipped to do. save for college for my children and my own Artificial intelligence will support many of retirement at the same time? If I change jobs, your activities throughout your life. But should I leave my 401(k) in my former when it comes to investing, a personal touch employer’s plan, move it to my new may never become obsolete. Th is article was written by Edward Jones employer’s plan or roll it over to an IRA? What’s the best way to guard my financial for use by your local Edward Jones Financial independence if I ever need some type of Advisor. If you have any questions, contact long-term care, such as an extended stay in a Mark D . Christensen at 269-945-3553. nursing home? Before horses had hooves ... Dr. Universe: How did the first horse change into the horses of today? Ava, 7, Kennewick, Wash. Dear Ava, We can learn a lot about animals of the past from fossils, the imprints or remains we find in rocks. One fossil found in the Bighorn Basin, Wyoming, helped us learn about the oldest known horses. These horses are called Sifrhippus (siffRIP-us). They had four toes on each foot and were very small. Believe it or not, these tiny horses weighed only about 10 pounds. That’s just a bit heavier than your average house cat. According to the fossil records, Sifrhippus lived somewhere between 54 and 30 million years ago. When I went to visit my friend Lane Wallett, she told me all about the history of horses. As a veterinarian and a paleontolo­ gist at Washington State University, she is curious about both horses and fossils. Wallett’s favorite fossil is actually housed at the American Museum of Natural History. She has a picture on her desk of the pregnant Protohippus (pro-toe-HIP-us). Protohippus lived about 14 to 6 million years ago. It probably looked a bit like a modern-day donkey and had three toes. If you want to learn about the history of horses, North America is a great place to look. In fact, the entire fossil history of early horses through the last Ice Age has been found here, Wallett said. It wasn’t until about 3 or 4 million years ago that we started to see some fossils that looked more like the horses we know today, she said. The big fossils were found in Hagerman, Idaho. Those fossils are the earliest record of Equus, the group, or genus, that includes zebras, donkeys and horses. Horses like the Hagerman one also have been found in Nebraska, Florida and Texas. “The animals that were best suited for the conditions in those times were those that could run fast on a single toe and eat grass,” Wallett said. If we mapped out the family tree of hors­ es, it wouldn’t just go in a straight line, but instead would have lots of different branch­ es. At any given time, Wallett said, the ani­ mals that are most successful in haying babies are the ones that are able continue their family lines. Because of this, the horse family tree has changed, or evolved, over millions of years. It’s pretty amazing that horses have gone from having four toes and weighing 10 pounds to weighing 1,000 pounds and hav­ ing just one toe on each foot. Some horses also have become domesticated. For a long time, horses were living out in the wild., It wasn’t until more recently that humans started domesticating, or taming, them, working with them, and caring for them. Wallett said there is still quite a bit of debate among scientists about when exactly humans domesticated horses. While we have learned a lot about horses and their history, we still have a way to go. Who knows, maybe one day you will study a fossil or look for clues in ancient DNA to help us learn more of the answer to your question. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her web­ site, askdruniverse.com. moving forward Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer During its regular meeting Sept 11, the Johnstown Township Board of Trustees voted to move forward with a weed control special assessment district for Fine Lake. Township Supervisor Barbra Earl said the action is routine. This is not the first assessment for weed control on Fine Lake, she said; it’s more of a renewal of a previous district. The lake in the southwestern part of the township covers about 320 acres. A public hearing is scheduled at 7 p.m. Oct. 10 so the board can hear the opinions of constituents regarding the weed control district. On Wednesday, board members also discussed the Johnstown Township Fire Department spaghetti dinner Oct 12. Money raised will go toward the purchase a new air trailer for the fire department. There is no set cost to attend the dinner, but donations will be accepted. The dinner will be at the fire department, 13641 S. M-37 Highway. NOW HIRING OPEN POSITIONS: • Assistant Teacher • Paraprofessional Community Action is hiring dedicated and enthusiastic staff for several full-time and part-time positions. Join our team and assist in helping the community acheive and maintain independence. Community Action is also enrolling for preschool!!!!!!! Apply now at www.caascm.org or call: 877-422-2726 Community Action is an equal opportunity employer, equal opportunity provider. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 19, 2019 — Page 9 fl look back at the stories and columns on local history in the Hastings Banner TURNING I BflGK THE 1 PAGES <S Branch School felt like family to former teacher As the drone of planes flying overhead became more frequent and rationing began, one by one, neighborhood boys and family members were drafted or enlisted in the military. Helen Tucker recalled that two brothers and later the friend who would become her husband were serving in the armed forces when she taught at Branch School. Pictured here (from left) are her brothers George Skidmore and Gerald Skidmore, and eventual husband Maynard Tucker. (Barry County Veterans of the World War II Era) LtuAL NOllCtLj Synopsis Prairieville Township Regular Meeting September 11, 2019 Call to order; 6:30 p.m., all present. Approved agenda, minutes of August 14, 2019. Public comments were received. Reports were received. Bills were paid. Approved purchase of e-pollbook. Approved creation of S. Crooked Lake Dr./Schultz Park Rd. Special Assessment District. Approved 2019-2020 budget adjustments. Approved financial statements. Public and Board comments were received. Adjourned: 8:00 p.m. Submitted by: Rod Goebel, Clerk Knowing it could be challenging to teach in her home district, Helen (Skidmore) Tucker took a job at nearby Branch School, but found it to be “a joy in every way.” (1985 Barry County, Michigan, history book) Helen (Skidmore) Tucker wrote memories of her teaching days in one-room schools to let her children and grandchildren know what it was like. Her writings were included in several sections of the Barry County Historical Society’s “Rural Schools Bookshelf’ series, published in the early 1990s. Tucker taught in one-room schools for 12 years, took time off to have a family, and returned to the classroom, teaching at Central Elementary in Hastings for another 17 years. A reader can feel her love for those early teaching days, the closeness of the community that surrounded each school and the access to the outdoors. Her first assignment was at Cedar Creek School in Hope Township, where she lodged with a family that year. Then she taught at Lakeview School in Castleton Township for three years, and bought her first car. As World War II loomed, she decided it best to stay closer to home, so she began teaching at Branch School, which she had attended as a child. Branch School was near her family’s home in the northwest corner of Maple Grove Township where Bivens and Barryville roads intersect. She taught there for the 1940-41 and 1941-42 school years and again for the 1943­ 44 school year. She was Miss Skidmore the first two years, and was Mrs. Tucker the third year. She and Maynard Tucker, another rural teacher she’d met at Barry County Normal, were married in July 1942. The Branch School was in my home district. The word was out that teaching in your home district was tricky. I went anyway because my car was old and tired and I could walk to school. Besides, rumors of war were getting louder, and shortages were surely on their way. This little school became a joy in every way. We were a big family. The Branch School was in Maple Grove Township, District 7. The valuation of the district was $98,400. The tax rate was 7.3 percent. School board members were Ruth Hawks, Kenneth Norton and Mary Gibson. My salary was from $80 to $115 a month. The names of the children were Beverly Bell, Duane Bell, Robert Bell, Joyce Cobb, Wilma Cobb, Henry Gibson, Hubert Gibson, Lawrence Gibson, Carol Jean Hawks, David Hawks, Marian Hawks, Marvel Marshall, Joyce Norton, Phyllis Norton, Doris Richards, William “Junior” Richards Jr., Carol Roush, Donald Roush, Wayne Roush and LaVerne Skidmore. This was another small white building with a nice yard and a big maple tree out front. The entrance was rather big where we hung our clothes. There was a pump inside of it. — “The little school must go on [despite the war]. Lessons were important. The children must succeed by studying and must still be happy. The little things of nature were at their door. Bugs, butterflies and creepy, crawling things were there. Jack Frost was still painting on the windows. Ice sometimes hung on the trees, making a winter wonderland. ” The school was heated with a wood stove. We had plenty of good wood piled out by the fence. Before winter, we took a little break and we all brought in all of the wood we could so we wouldn’t have to dig it out of the snow. The children were happy to see smoke coming out of the chimney on those cold mornings when they had walked so far to school. A toasty warm room felt really wonderful. How lazy the room felt in the afternoon, for wood makes a warmer heat. Things would quiet down, and they did their lessons. The only sound was the rustling of paper and the ticking of the clock on the wall. Inside the school, we had bolted-down Continued next page The structural lines of Branch School still can be seen in this residence, as can the large tree to the north. The school was on Barryville Road, in between the jogging intersections with Bivens Road. 128216 SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE - Matthew Sumoski and Autumn Sumoski, husband and wife, granted a mortgage to Mortgage 1 Incorporated, Mortgagee, dated July 14, 2016, and recorded on July 27, 2016, in Document No. 2016-007351, and assigned by said mortgagee to Michigan State Housing Development Authority, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Fifteen Thousand Two Hundred Bghty-Two and 35/100 Dollars ($115,282.3$). Uhder the power of sale contained in said mortgage a'pd the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the Barry County Courthouse, Hastings Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on October 10, 2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: Lots No. 3 and 4 of The Thornton Addition to the Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, according to the recorded plat thereof. The redemption period will be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 125.1449v, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 125.1449v(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. Michigan State Housing Development Authority Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman P.C. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1395531 (09-12)(10-03) 128034 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on October 17, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Vernard MC Clelland Jr, a married man AKA Vernard Albert MC Clelland and Sue Ann MC Clelland, his wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, as Trustee for the benefit of the Seasoned Loans Structured Transaction Trust, Series 2018-1 Date of Mortgage: April 25, 2005 Date of Mortgage Recording: May 2, 2005 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $96,874.96 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Hope, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: The South 177 feet of the West 1/2 of the East 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 12, Town 2 North, Range 9 West, except commencing at the South 1/8 post on the Northwest 1/4 of said Section 12, North 89 degrees 56 minutes East 290.4 feet, North 00 degrees 58 minutes West 177 feet, South 89 degrees 56 minutes West 287.4 feet South 177 feet to the point of beginning. Also except the East 20 feet thereof. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: September 19, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1396117 (09-19)(10-10) 128531 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28228-DE Estate of Otto Momenee. Date of birth: 09/29/1964. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Otto Momenee, died 04/07/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Amber Zech, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 100 North 28th St., Battle Creek, Ml 49015 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 08/29/2019 Paul D. Tripp P82451 202 South Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-9585 Amber Zech 100 North 28th St. Battle Creek, Ml 49015 (269)924-6331 128384 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-DE Estate of Robert Leon Lippert. Date' of^birth: 08/29/1939. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Robert Leon Lippert, died June 14, 2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Janice C. Lippert, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 12725 Park Drive, Wayland, Ml 49348 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 10/10/2018 Margaret L. Webb P69048 PO Box 265 Dorr, Ml 49504 (616) 681-0100 Janice C. Lippert 12725 Park Drive Wayland, Ml 49348 (269)792-0009 128054 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on Octobers, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Raymond L Thompson and Pamala K Thompson, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Reverse Mortgage Solutions, Inc. its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Reverse Mortgage Solutions, Inc. Date of Mortgage: June 10, 2015 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 30, 2015 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $70,108.40 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: A parcel of land in the West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 36, Town 1 North, Range 8 West, described as: Commencing at the Northeast corner of said West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4; thence South along 1/8 line 1000 feet to the place of beginning of the within description; thence continuing South along the 1/8 line 329 feet; thence due West to the West line of the East 56 acres of said West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 36; thence North on said West line 343 feet, more or less, to a point due West of the point of beginning; thence due East to the point of beginning The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: September 5, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1394749 (09-05)(09-26) 127627 SYNOPSIS Hastings Charter Township Regular Meeting September 10, 2019 Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. Six board members present, one absent Approved consent agenda items with minor change Pending 2020 BIRCH bill Car charging station Approved payment of bills Dept, reports received and put on file Motion to adjourn 7:42 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Anita S. Mennell - Clerk Attested to by Jim Brown - Supervisor 128477 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Trust In the Matter of Harry P. Keller and Joan V. Keller Joint Revocable Living Trust, U/A/D August 8, 1995. Date of Birth: April 18, 1926. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Harry P. Keller, Trustee, died August 1,2019 leaving the above Trust in full force and effect. Creditors of the decedent or against the Trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or trust will be forever barred unless presented to Jeffrey H. Keller, Successor Trustee, within 4 months after- the- date of publication of this notice. Date: 9/13/19 Jeffrey H. Keller 841 Beechwood Dr. Delton, Ml 49046 269-623-2696 128285 NOTICE We are attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Notify us at the number below if you are in active military duty. MORTGAGE SALE - Pursuant to the terms and conditions of a certain mortgage made by RICKY BOLTON AND MELISSA BOLTON, husband and wife, Mortgagors, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (MERS) as nominee for Freedom Mortgage Corporation, Mortgagee, dated the 30th day of June, 2018 and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds, for The County of Barry and State of Michigan, on the 10th day of July, 2018 in Doc# 2018-006683 of Barry County Records, said Mortgage having been assigned to Freedom Mortgage Corporation on which mortgage there is claimed to be due, at the date of this notice, the sum of Seventy Six Thousand Three Hundred Three & 37/100 ($76,303.37), by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, and pursuant to statute of the State of Michigan, notice is hereby given that on the 3rd day of October, 2019 at 1:00 PM o’clock Local Time, said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale at public auction, to the highest bidder, at the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Ml, of the premises described in said mortgage, or so much thereof as may be necessary to pay the amount due, with interest thereon at 5.87500 per annum and all legal costs, charges, and expenses, including the attorney fees allowed by law, and also any sum or sums which may be paid by the undersigned, necessary to protect its interest in the premises. Which said premises are described as follows: All that certain piece or parcel of land, including any and all structures, and homes, manufactured or otherwise, located thereon, situated in the Township of Barry, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and described as follows, to wit: A parcel of land in the Northeast one-quarter of Section 4, Town 1 North, Range 9 West, described as: Commencing at the North one-quarter post of said Section 4, thence East on the Section line 1047.25 feet for the place of beginning; thence East 100 feet; thence South 400 feet; thence West 100 feet; thence North to the place of beginning. During the six (6) months immediately following the sale, the property may be redeemed, except that in the event that the property is determined to be abandoned pursuant to MCLA 600.3241 a, the property may be redeemed 30 days after the foreclosure sale or when the time to provide the notice required by the statute expires, whichever is later. Pursuant to MCLA 600.3278, the mortgagor(s) will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney Dated: 09/05/2019 Freedom Mortgage Corporation Mortgagee FABRIZIO & BROOK, P.C. Attorney for Servicer 700 Tower Drive, Ste. 510 Troy, Ml 48098 (248) 362-2600 FMC FHA BOLTONRI (09-05)(09-26) 127526 Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads �Page 10 — Thursday, September 19, 2019 — The Hastings Banner TOWNSHIP OF BALTIMORE 128308 COUNTY OF BARRY, STATE OF MICHIGAN ORDINANCE NO. 08-2019-N ADOPTED: September 10, 2019 EFFECTIVE: October 30, 2019 BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP NOISE ORDINANCE An ordinance to secure the public health, safety and general welfare of the residents and property owners of Baltimore Township, Barry County, Michigan, by the regulation of noise within said township; to prescribe the penalties for the violation thereof. THE TOWNSHIP OF BALTIMORE BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDAINS: SECTION I TITLE This ordinance shall be known and cited as the Baltimore Township Noise Ordinance. SECTION II Anti-Npise R^gulatigiis, General Regulation: No person, firm, or corporation shall cause or create any unrea­ sonable or unnecessarily loud noise or disturbance, injurious to the health, peace, or quiet of the residents and property owners of the township. Specific Violations: The following noises and disturbances are hereby declared to be a violation of this ordinance; provided, however, that the specification of the same is not thereby to be construed to exclude other violations of this ordinance not specifi­ cally enumerated: 1. Noise made in such a manner or with such volume as to unreasonably upset or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of other persons. 2. The keeping of any animal, bird or fowl, which emanates frequent or extended noise which shall unreasonably disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of any person in the vicinity; such as allowing or permitting any dog to bark repeatedly in an area where such barking can be clearly heard from nearby residential property. 3. The operation of any automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle so out of repair or so loaded or constructed as to cause loud and unnecessary grating, grinding, rat­ tling, or other unreasonable noise including the noise resulting from exhaust, which is clearly audible from nearby properties and unreasonably disturbing to the quiet, comfort or repose of other persons. The modification of any noise abatement device on any motor vehicle or engine, or the failure to maintain same so that the noise emitted by such vehicle or engine is increased above that emitted by such vehicle as originally manufactured shall be in violation of this section. 4. Yelling, shouting, hooting, or singing on the public streets between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., or at any time or place so as to unreasonably upset or disturb the quiet, comfort or repose of any persons in the vicinity. 5. The operation of any race track, proving ground, testing area or obstacle course for motor vehicles, motorcycles, boats, racers, automobiles or vehicles of any kind or nature in any area of the Township where the noise emanating therefrom would be unreasonably disturbing and upsetting to other persons in the vicinity. Under no circumstances shall any race track, proving ground, testing area or obstacle course operate after 11 p.m. on any evening. ■ The erection, excavation, demolition, alteration or repair of any building or prem­ ises in any part of the Township, and including the streets and highways, in such a manner as to emanate noise or disturbance unreasonably annoying to other persons, other than between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and sundown on any day, except in cases of urgent necessity in the interest of public health and safety. 6. EXCEPTIONS TO REGULATIONS 1. 2. Noises emanating from the discharge of firearms are excluded, providing the discharge of firearms was authorized under Michigan law. However, inordinately frequent gunfire, so as to constitute a gun range, per se, is a violation. Any commercial, agricultural, or industrial use of property, including normal farm operation noises, such as farm animals and machinery. 3. Normal rural activities, such as chain saws, wood splitters, etc. between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m. 4. Fireworks during the State mandated legal times. 5. Noises occurring between 7 a.m. and sundown caused by home or building repairs or from maintenance of grounds. MEASUREMENT QFNOISE„ If a noise is to be deemed to interfere with the reasonable and comfortable use and enjoyment of property it shall be measured against the objective standards of a reason­ able person of normal sensibilities. The township board will work with the Barry County Sheriff’s office to make that determination. YALIDITY The several provisions of this ordinance are declared to be separate; if any court of law shall hold that any section or provision thereof is invalid, such holding shall not affect or impair the validity of any other section or provision of this ordinance. PENALTIES Any person, firm, or corporation found violating the provisions of this ordinance is responsible for a civil infraction as defined by Michigan law and subject to a civil fine. Additionally, the violator shall pay cost, which may include all direct or indirect expenses the township has been put in connection with the violation. A violator of this ordinance shall also be subject to additional sanctions, remedies, and judicial orders as are authorized under Michigan law. Each day a violation of this Ordinance continues to exist constitutes a separate violation. Continued from previous page desks, a platform, a bookcase and a teacher’s desk. Around this desk in the morning we held beautiful discussions. A boys’ and girls’ toilet graced the backyard. Our dictionary was one of those huge books that discouraged the children to even look at it. By the second year, we were able to have the desks removed and tables and chairs installed. Then we had to invent places for the children’s books and supplies. We rang the bell for the children. The neighbors heard it and worked by it. The bell was really important, but it was a challenge for the cute little boy who tried to ring it on the sly. Parents had to buy children’s books and supplies. They could turn in old books and buy more. They had to also get all of the supplies that were needed by their children. One year we built a store on the platform. We used boxes and cans from home kitchens. With play money, we could buy and sell. It was a good math project, as well as fun. As rumors of war were getting closer, we were careful to fly our flag each day and bring it in each night. Airplanes were still exciting as they flew over, but now we would see groups of fighter planes practicing. Junior Richards and Donald Roush knew the names of the country’s planes. Donald was busy building model planes. Our little “Weekly Reader” was valuable because it told about what was happening in our world. The highlight of the time was the Amateur Show in Nashville, which we participated in. We developed a minuet dance. Mothers made the girls pretty dresses. I made the boys white wigs like George Washington wore, and they dressed the part. It was pretty on the big stage. The next year, we worked up a program using the song, “Chattanooga Choo-Choo.” That was a fun program. The audience liked it. The W.K. Kellogg Company in Battle Creek set up a foundation to improve rural schools. Teachers were given college courses. There was a big drive to consolidate the rural schools. They [the foundation was] making big improvements possible. After my second year, our district voted on consolidation, and it passed. The children were transported to the city schools. I found another school [Durfee, in Baltimore Township]. After a year, the district felt it was not ready to close the school. They asked me to come back. I did go back for economic reasons and because those children were wonderful friends. We worked hard in school. The success of the children was my main goal. We also played hard at noon and recesses. In winter, they played Fox and Geese, built snow forts and went sliding. There was always the task of sweeping them off before they went inside. The children still remember when we played “Anti-I-Over” [throwing a ball over] the schoolhouse. If the ball went too far and landed in Mrs. Laubaugh’s garden, she would come out on the porch and bang on a frying pan to warn them. I solved that problem by going after the ball myself and stepping very carefully. Dec. 7,1941 came along. My friend, later my husband, was in the Navy by February 1942. Later, two brothers, and many of the boys in the neighborhood had gone into the military. War had come to us in full force. It wasn’t long until the schools were given instruction to sign up the neighborhoods for sugar rationing. The people came to the school to receive their rationing books. World War II also brought us many shortages - gas, tires, things at the grocery store, but no basic foods. We gave up willingly and endured the shortages as long as the war would [continue]. The little school must go on. Lessons were important. The children must succeed by studying and must still be happy. The little things of nature were at their door. Bugs, butterflies and creepy, crawling things were there. Jack Frost was still painting on the windows. Ice sometimes hung on the trees, making a winter wonderland. We’ll never forget the noon, while playing ball, our sky was full of sparkling cobwebs. We later found some spiders migrating, a true wonder for us. While walking back and forth to school, they watched the birds form groups and fly away in the fall. On those same walks, they spied the first robin or bluebird in the spring. Last but not least, there were always the mysteries of the little mud puddles on a country road. The little school closed for good. The big school bus took our children away. No more bell ringing on a crisp morning. No more smoke curling from the chimney. But mostly, no more shouts and laughter from happy children. Now the grass and weeds can grow around it and cover it as it lies down to rest. Another door is going to open. EFFE^nWEDATE This ordinance shall take effect on October 30, 2019. I the undersigned, the fully qualified and acting Clerk of the Township of Baltimore, Barry County, Michigan, do here certify that the foregoing is a true and complete copy of an Ordinance adopted at a regular meeting of the Township Board of the Township of Baltimore, Barry County, Michigan, held on the 10th day of September 2019, the original of which proceedings is on file in my office and are available to the Public. Public notice of said meeting was given to and in compliance with Act 267, Public Acts of Michigan 1976. IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto fixed my official signature of this 10th day of September, 2019. Penelope Ypma, Clerk Baltimore Township GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. Warrant arrest leads to finding of meth An off-duty officer at the Phillip’s 66 gas station on West State Street in Hastings saw a 34-year-old woman known to have multiple warrants, and notified police at 9:48 a.m. Sept. 2. Officers were dispatched and spoke to the woman in the parking lot of O’Reilly Auto Parts. The woman was driving on a suspended license. A 30-year-old male passenger said he was the owner of the vehicle and gave police consent to search it. Inside, officers found a bag and pipe believed to contain methamphetamine. The woman was arrested, and admit­ ted the items were hers and that they contained methamphetamine. Woman arrested after driving car into house Officers were dispatched to the 800 block of East Marshal Street in Hastings at 2:39 a.m. Sept. 8, after a man called to report a woman rammed her car into his house. When officers arrived, the 25-year-old man was reportedly hesitant to let officers into the house, and said, “Everything is good here.” When he let officers in, they found the 49-year-old woman on the couch. She said everyone had been drinking and she just wanted to sleep. She said the had man asked her to leave and she had trouble with the transmission, which is why she drove into the house. She claimed she was not trying to drive away, but park in between the house and the garage, where he would not see her, so she could sleep. The man he asked the woman to leave because she attacked him, and he showed a bloody lip, but he let her back in later. The woman was arrested. Mercedes crashes near Bay Pointe lot A witness called police after observing a Mercedes Benz driving recklessly at the Bay Pointe Inn parking lot at 10:44 p.m. Sept. 4. Witnesses said the driver went over a curb, backed into another car, drove over the lawn and out of the parking lot at a high rate of speed, almost hitting pedestrians in the lot. Security guards stopped the driver and asked for his name and the name of the passenger, before the driver sped away again. Officers located the vacated vehicle parked nearby. The male driver, 38 of Shelbyville was not located, though officers did find the male passenger, a 22-year-old Grand Rapids resident. The passenger said the driver was drunk at the time, and that the driver had an active war­ rant. Woman caught trying to steal groceries A Walmart employment stopped a customer from leaving the store after seeing the cus­ tomer put $29.67 worth of groceries in a cart without paying for them. The suspect, a 24-year-old Nashville woman, said she only had $50 to spend, and apologized for stealing the merchandise. Dish Network’ scammer takes $150 An 8 3-year-old Nashville woman called police to report she was the victim of a scam Sept. 14. The woman said a man claiming to be from Dish Network called to say he could fix her signal strength. The man claimed his name was “Jim,” but spoke in broken English, the woman said. He asked her to send a check for $150 in the mail, which she did. Afterward, the woman realized the address was not for Dish Network and suspected it was a scam. Reckless driver arrested for OWI A 34-year-old Hastings man was arrested for operating under the influence after testing with a 0.237 blood alcohol content at 9:54 p.m. Sept. 14. An officer stopped the man’s vehicle at the Marathon station in Dowling after a witness called the police to say the vehicle was swerving all over the road. The man said he had at least six beers. CITY OF HASTINGS PUBLIC NOTICE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 574 The undersigned, being the duly qualified and acting Clerk of the City of Hastings, Michigan, does hereby certify that ORDINANCE NO. 574: TO AMEND CHAPTER 90 OF THE HASTINGS CODE OF 1970, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING SECTION 90-454 (1) b. AND SECTION 90-454 (2) b. A-O APARTMENT & OFFICE BUILDING DISTRICT was adopted by the City Council of the City of Hastings at a regular meeting on the 9th day of September 2019. A complete copy of this Ordinance is available for review at the office of the City Clerk at City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Jane M. Saurman CITY OF HASTINGS PUBLIC NOTICE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 575 The undersigned, being the duly qualified and acting Clerk of the City of Hastings, Michigan, does hereby certify that ORDINANCE NO. 575: TO PROVIDE FOR A SERVICE CHARGE IN LIEU OF TAXES FOR A HOUSING PROJECT FOR LOW INCOME PERSONS AND FAMILIES TO BE FINANCED WITH A MORTGAGE LOAN OR AN ADVANCE OR GRANT FROM THE AUTHORITY PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE STATE HOUSING DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY ACT OF 1966 (1966 PA 346, AS AMENDED, MCL 125.1401, ET SEQ) was adopted by the City Council of the City of Hastings at a regular meeting on the 9th day of September 2019. A complete copy of this Ordinance is available for review at the office of the City Clerk at City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 28050 Jane M. Saurman CityClerk �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 19, 2019 — Page 11 Hastings harriers in bottom Banner CLASSIFIEDS half at first league jamboree CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 The Hastings varsity boys’ cross country will have a little work to do now to chase down the leaders of the pack in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference. The Hastings boys were fifth, one point back of fourth place Coldwater, at the first Interstate-8 Athletic Conference jamboree of the season Parma Western. The Hastings girls were sixth on the day. Each Saxon team had one runner finish in the top ten. The Saxon boys were led by senior Aiden Makled, who placed fifth in 17 minutes 12.2 seconds. Sophomore Carissa Strouse led the Hastings girls with a sixth­ place time of 20:54.4. Harper Creek edged Marshall 60-66 to win the boys’ race. It was a three-way battle for the top spot in the girls’ competition with Marshall scoring 58 points, Coldwater 61 and Parma Western 66. Harper Creek had three of the seven fastest guys Tuesday, a group led by sophomore Owen Gilbert who was fourth overall in 17:08.7. Parma Western was third in the boys’ meet with 72 points, ahead of Coldwater 103, Hastings 104, Lumen Christi 109, Pennfield 176 and Northwest 216. Lumen Christi senior Gene Hendrickson was the individual champ on the boys’ side, hitting the finish line in 16:53.5. Parma Western sophomore Jacob Singleton was sec­ ond in 16:53.5. Coldwater senior Kyle Foulk placed third in 16:58.5. Jon Arnold was the second Saxon in, plac­ ing 12th in 18:14.4. Hastings also had Josh Brown 23rd in 19:13.0, Braden Tolles 28th in 19:24.8 andBraxtonMcKenna37thin 19:51.9. The Saxon boys were missing senior Blake Harris, a fixture among the Saxons’ top scor­ ers to this point in the fall. Lumen Christi was fourth in the girls’ team standings with 94 points, ahead of Harper Creek 116, Hastings 142, Pennfield 188 and Jackson Northwest 232. Coldwater senior Elka Machan won the girls’ individual title in 19:04.0. Marshall junior Maliyah Alexander-Gore was the run­ ner-up in 20:12.4. The Saxon team had Allison Teed 20th in 22:56.3, Aura Wahl-Piotrowski 36th in 24:10.2, Katie Pattok 48th in 25:06.0 and Hannah Vann 51st in 25:28.1. The Saxons return to action Saturday at the Bangor Invitational. Trio of lopsided shutouts boost DK’s SAC record The Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ soccer team upped its Southwestern Athletic Conference record to 3-1 with three over­ whelming wins in the past week. The Panthers scored an 8-0 victory at Constantine Monday, following up on 6-0 and 5-0 shut out wins of Watervliet and Saugatuck last week. Hector Jimenex scored three goals to lead the Panther attack. Daniel Recuenco had two goals and Yanik Jost, Marshall Warner and James Blackbum scored once each. Jost had four assists, with Warner tallying one and Recuenco one. The win moved the Panthers to 4-4 overall this season. Jost scored three times in the first half last Thursday as Watervliet came to Delton. The host Panthers scored a 6-0 victory, with Renuenco, Warner and Marcus Momenee Hastings ladies third at Marshall’s league jamboree The Hastings varsity girls’ golf team placed third at the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference jamboree hosted by Marshall at Marshall Country Club Wednesday. Rylee Honsowitz led Hastings with a 39 and Rayna Honsowitz scored a 40 to lead the Saxons. Whitney Craven contributed a 56 and Josie Nickles shot a 63 as well for Hastings. Marshall won the jamboree with a score of 166, ahead of Harper Creek 193, hastings 201, Coldwater 202, Lumen Christi 206, Parma Western 231, and Jackson Northwest 234. Harper Creek’s Lauren Reed was the day’s medalist, shooting a 37 to lead the Beavers to the runner-up finish. The results put the Saxons one point out of second place in the league for the season. Marshall sits at the top after winning each of the first three league jamborees. The Hastings girls take a break from the 1-8 today, traveling to the Comstock Invitational. scoring their team’s other three goals. Mitchel Lester had an assist in the win. DK keeper Gavin Houtkooper saved all nine shots that came on his net from Watervliet. Delton won 5-0 on the road at Saugatuck the night before (Sept. 11). Weather conditions brought an early end to the game with a little over ten minutes remaining in the second half. Jost, Jimenez, Mathew Fales, Warner and Dawson Grizzle scored the five Delton goals. Houtkooper made five saves. Garage Sale Sporting Goods Real Estate LARGE MULTI-FAMILY SALE- Many kids clothes, adult clothes, Christmas tree, strollers, side tables, TV stand, recliner-rocker, exercise bike. Located at 9525 Ainsworth Road, Lake Odes­ sa on Friday and Saturday, September 20 and 21, 2019 from 8am-6pm. FOR SALE- $175.00. Fully outfitted Proline Hunting Bow, Model #10E465. 65# 75% let-off. Includes carrying case, full body harness, quiv­ er, free flight quick release. Call Tim at 269-908-3756. FOR SALE BY OWNER: Charming Ranch on a quiet street in Middleville, on a double lot. 4 bed & 1 1/2 baths. $186,900. Open House, Sunday, Sept. 22,2019. l-4pm. 421 Thornton St, Mid­ dleville. Also available to see on Zillow. 616-644-7994. PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. FOR SALE - $200.00 (New never used). Scentlok Scentote FB400 field bag. Scent­ lok Scentote boot storage bag. Scentlok Scentote STB350W large storage bag with wheels. Call Tim at 269-908­ 3756. Business Services BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, power washing, home improvements. 269-320-3890. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. ' Recreation SYCAMORE SPRINGS CAMPGOUND will be Open for the Winter Season from November 1, 2019 to April 1, 2020. We will have 10 full hookup sites, and rustic sites for Polar Bear Camping. Call ahead for reservations. Fire­ wood available by the Face Cord. Delivery available. Call 517-726-4065. 3266 N. Ionia Rd., Vermontville, MI 49426. DO YOU WANT QUALITY PRINTING at affordable prices? Call j-Ad Graphics at (269)945-9554. HOPE TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PUBLIC HEARING GUERSNEY LAKE AQUATIC PLANT CONTROL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 19-1 TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF HOPE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that upon motion of the Township Board of Hope Township, as authorized by PA 188 of 1954, as amended, proposes to undertake an aquatic plant control project (with associated activities) on Guernsey Lake in Hope Township as more particularly described below and to reestablish a special assessment district for the recovery of the costs thereof by special assessment against the properties benefited. The proposed special assessment district will replace the existing special assessment district (Guernsey Lake Aquatic Plant Control Project Special Assessment District No. 14-1), which district expires in 2019. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the special assessment district within which the foregoing improvements are proposed to be made and within which the costs thereof are to be specially assessed includes parcels with frontage on Guernsey Lake and/or back lots with access to Guernsey Lake and including the following tax parcels: GUERNSEY LAKE AQAUTICE PLANT CONTROL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 19-1: . The properties indicated by parcel numbers: 07-017-003-10 07-160-027-00 07-160-085-00 07-160-130-00 07-160-129-20 07-240-026-00 07-160-028-00 07-160-087-00 07-160-132-00 07-240-029-00 07-017-306-00 07-160-029-00 07-160-088-00 07-160-139-00 07-240-029-60 07-018-003-00 07-160-030-00 07-160-089-00 07-160-140-00 07-245-001-00 07-018-005-00 07-160-031-00 07-160-090-00 07-160-141-00 07-245-002-00 07-018-006-00 07-160-031-40 07-160-093-00 07-160-142-00 07-245-003-00 07-018-007-20 07-160-032-00 07-160-094-00 07-160-143-00 07-245-004-00 07-018-007-21 07-160-033-00 07-160-095-00 07-160-144-00 07-245-004-50 07-018-007-22 07-160-034-00 07-160-096-00 07-160-146-00 07-245-005-00 07-018-007-23 07-160-035-00 07-160-097-00 07-160-147-00 07-245-006-00 07-018-013-00 07-160-037-00 07-160-098-00 07-160-148-00 07-245-007-00 07-018-014-00 07-160-038-00 07-160-099-00 07-160-150-00 07-245-008-00 07-019-003-00 07-160-039-00 07-160-100-00 07-160-151-00 07-245-009-00 07-019-004-00 07-160-040-00 07-160-101-00 07-160-151-50 07-245-009-50 07-019-005-00 07-160-041-00 07-160-102-00 07-160-152-00 07-245-010-00 07-019-010-00 07-160-042-00 07-160-103-00 07-160-153-00 07-245-011-00 07-019-015-00 07-160-043-00 07-160-104-00 07-160-155-00 07-320-001-00 07-019-015-10 07-160-044-00 07-160-105-00 07-160-156-00 07-320-002-00 07-019-016-00 07-160-045-00 07-160-107-00 07-160-157-00 07-320-003-00 07-020-030-10 07-160-046-00 07-160-108-00 07-160-158-00 07-320-004-00 07-020-030-11 07-160-047-00 07-160-109-00 07-160-159-00 07-320-005-00 07-020-030-12 07-160-048-00 07-160-111-00 07-160-160-00 07-320-006-00 07-020-030-15 07-160-049-00 07-160-112-00 07-160-161-00 07-330-001-00 07-020-030-15 07-160-051-00 07-160-113-00 07-160-327-04 07-330-001-50 07-100-001-00 07-160-052-00 07-160-114-00 07-160-327-10 07-330-002-00 07-100-002-00 07-160-053-00 07-160-115-00 07-160-830-00 07-330-003-00 07-100-003-00 07-160-054-00 07-160-116-00 07-240-001-00 07-330-004-00 07-100-004-00 07-160-056-00 07-160-116-50 07-240-002-00 07-330-005-00 07-100-005-00 07-160-057-00 07-160-117-00 07-240-003-00 07-330-006-00 07-100-006-00 07-160-058-00 07-160-120-00 07-240-004-00 07-330-007-00 07-100-007-00 07-160-059-00 07-160-121-00 07-240-005-00 07-330-008-00 07-100-007-10 07-160-060-00 07-160-122-00 07-240-005-10 07-330-008-20 07-100-008-00 07-160-061-00 07-160-123-00 07-240-006-00 07-330-009-00 07-100-009-00 07-160-062-00 07-160-124-00 07-240-007-00 07-330-010-00 07-100-010-00 07-160-064-00 07-160-125-00 07-240-008-00 07-330-012-00 07-160-001-00 07-160-065-00 07-240-009-00 07-330-014-00 07-330-013-00 07-160-066-00 07-160-127-18 07-160-127-26 07-240-010-00 07-330-015-00 07-160-002-00 07-160-067-00 07-160-127-30 07-240-011-00 07-330-016-00 . 07-160-004-00 07-160-068-00 07-160-127-32 07-240-012-00 07-330-016-10 07-160-008-00 07-160-069-00 07-160-127-38 07-240-013-00 07-330-017-00 07-160-009-00 07-160-070-00 07-160-128-00 07-240-014-00 07-330-018-00 07-160-011-00 07-160-071-00 07-160-128-02 07-240-015-00 07-330-019-00 07-160-012-00 07-160-072-00 07-160-128-04 07-240-016-00 07-330-020-00 07-160-014-00 07-160-073-00 07-160-128-06 07-240-016-10 07-330-021-00 07-160-015-00 07-160-074-00 07-160-128-08 07-240-018-00 07-330-022-00 07-160-017-00 07-160-075-00 07-160-128-10 07-240-019-00 07-017-015-00 07-160-020-00 07-160-076-00 07-160-128-12 07-240-019-36 07-017-016-00 07-160-021-00 07-160-078-00 07-160-128-14 07-240-020-00 07-020-030-40 07-160-022-00 07-160-080-00 07-160-129-05 07-240-021-00 07-160-026-00 07-160-023-00 07-160-081-00 07-160-129-10 07-240-023-00 07-160-025-00 07-160-024-00 07-160-082-00 See also the accompanying map identifying both proposed special assessment districts. .somsya vjrrB no aj « ituth &iscfoWttia■ j. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has received plans showing the proposed aquatic plant control project, associated activities, any proposed improvements and locations thereof, together with an estimate of the cost of the project in the amount of $119,560. The cost of the project proposed to be raised by special assessment is the total project cost, less any costs that will be off-set by any carryover of surplus funds from the expiring special assessment district. The Hope Township Board passed a resolution tentatively declaring its intention to undertake such project and to create the afore-described special assessment district. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board has placed the project plans and costs estimates on file with the Township Clerk and said plans, cost estimates and special assessment districts may be examined at the Clerk’s office from the date of this Notice to the date of the public hearing and may further be examined at such public hearing. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board proposes to make a per-parcel special assessment each year for a period of five years (2020-2024 inclusive). The annual assessment is proposed to be $138 per year for front lots and $68 per year for back lots. Additionally, the Township Board reserves the right to levy a lesser assessment amount in any year that there are more funds in the special assessment district fund than the amount needed for that year’s aquatic plant control work and associated activities. The Township Board will provide notice of any increase in the assessment amount over 10%, as required by law. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that a public hearing on the plans, district, cost estimates and the carryover of surplus funds from the Guernsey Lake Aquatic Plant Control Project Special Assessment District No. 14-1 will be held at the Hope Township Hall at 5463 S. M-43 Highway, Hastings, Michigan, on September 24, 2019 beginning at 6:30 p.m. At the hearing, the Boards will consider any written objections and comments to any of the foregoing matters which are filed with the clerks at or before the hearing and any objections or comments raised at the hearing; and at the hearing (or any adjournment of the hearing which may be made without further notice), the township boards may revise, correct, amend or change the plans, cost estimates or special assessment district. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if written objections to the project are filed with the Township Board at or before the hearing, signed by the record owners of land constituting more than 20% of the area within the proposed special assessment district, then the township board may not proceed unless petitions in support of the project, signed by record owners of more than 50% of the area to be made into a special assessment district, are filed with the township board. Written comments or objections may be filed with the Township clerk at the address set out below. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that appearance and protest at the public hearing is required in order to appeal the amount of the special assessment to the State Tax Tribunal within 30 days after the special assessment roll is confirmed. An owner or party in interest, or his or her agent, may appear in person at the hearing to protest the special assessment, or shall be permitted to file at or before the hearing his or her appearance or protest by letter and his or her personal appearance shall not be required. All interested persons are invited to be present in person or by representative and to submit comments concerning the reestablishment of the special assessment district, the plans, cost estimates or the carryover of surplus funds. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if the Township Board determines to proceed with the special assessment, the Board will cause a special assessment roll to be prepared and another hearing will be held, after notice to record owners of property proposed to be specially assessed, to hear public comments concerning the proposed special assessments. Hope Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services at the hearing, to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon four (4) days notice to the Township Clerk athte address below. Deborah Jackson Hope Township Clerk 5463 S. M-43 Highway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2464 �Page 12 — Thursday, September 19, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Season best times turned in at Gilmore Car Museum Area harriers got the chance to wind their way around the grounds of theGilmore Car Museum for the only time this fall as the Delton Kellogg varsity cross country teams hosted their annual DK Invitational Thursday. Hastings sophomore Carissa Strouse hur­ ried to a runner-up finish in the girls’ race, hitting the finish line in 20 minutes 19.23 seconds. Delton Kellogg senior Matt Lester was the top local runner in the boys’ race, placing fifth in 17:41.92. Strouse led the Hastings girls to a thirdplace finish. The girls’ championship went to Covenant Christian with 71 points. Paw Paw was second with 77, ahead of Hastings 104, Olivet 108, Galesburg-Augusta 126, Bloomingdale 141, Hopkins 47, Delton Kellogg 161, Pennfield 235, Constantine 283 and Wyoming 284. Paw Paw junior Hannah Richmond was the individual champion on the girls’ side, hitting the finish line in 20:06.71. Hastings had its five top scorers finish in the top 40. Freshman Madison Nino was 13th in 22:36.42, sophomore Allison Teed 22nd in 22:57.23, junior Aura Wahl-Piotrowski 37th in 23:53.60 and senior Katie Pattok 39th in 24:17.39. Wahl-Piotrowski and Pattok each ran their fastest race of the season. Delton Kellogg sophomore Aubrey Aukerman ran her fastest race ever, placing tenth in 22:17.51 to lead the host Panthers. DK also got personal record times from fresh­ man Joelle White who was 46th in 24:42.43 and Lacey Smith who was 91st in 29:27.78. Finishing among the top five for Delton Kellogg, along with Aukerman and White, sophomore Halena Phillips was 18th in 22: 47.32, senior Lily Timmerman 45th in 24: 33.76 and senior Hailey Buckner 60th in 25: 49.29. Bloomingdale took the boys’ championship on the day, scoring 35 points. Covenant Christian was second with 39 points, ahead of Pennfield 107, Delton Kellogg 110, Olivet 151, Constantine 181, Paw Paw 200, Maple Valley 205, Marcellus 226, Wyoming 247 and Hastings 256. Delton Kellogg had three guys in the top 30. Junior Micah Ordway was 12th in 18:19.90 and sophomore Amon Smith III 26th in 19:24.28. Smith set a new personal record Thursday, as did sophomore teammate Austin Blocker who was 34th in 19:46.80 and soph­ omore Hayden Walker who was 58th in 20:50.71. Lester and Ordway each ran their fastest race of the season. Hastings was led by senior Braxton McKenna who was 30th in 19:38.23. With a busy stretch of invitationals and the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference opener ahead of them at the time, the Saxons weren’t at full speed Thursday. Hastings senior Tyler Dull was 52nd in 20:36.30. Dull and McKenna were at full speed for Hastings, setting season best times. Freshman teammate Noah Strimback also ran his fastest race of the year, placing 96th in 23: 06.80. Also among the Saxons’ top five were Sam Pattok (84th, 22:28.88) and junior LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE Please be advised that due to the death of Theron Thaler and Lois Thaler whose address is: 140 141st Ave., Wayland, Ml 49348, settlement of the Theron Thaler Trust and the Lois Thaler Trust have begun as of the date of this publication. Failure to bring a claim within four months will forever bar the claim. The Trustee is Douglas Thaler, any claims are to be presented to the attorney, Timothy J. Stoner at 144 44th St. SW, Grand Rapids, Ml 49548. 128356 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee for any reason. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest, and the purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Notice is hereby given that the below mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the Circuit Court of Barry County at 1:00 pm on October 3, 2019. Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Tanna L. Woods, A Married Woman Original Mortgagee: The United States of America acting through the Rural Housing Service or Successor agency, United States Department of Agriculture Foreclosing Assignee (if any): none Date of Mortgage: June 10, 2010 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 11, 2010 Amount claimed due on mortgage on the date of notice: $151,605.22 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in the City of Hastings , Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Lot 7 and Lot 8, Block 8, Kenfield’s Second Addition to the City of Hastings, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, Page 37, Barry County Records. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or upon the expiration of the notice required by MCL 600.3241 a(c), whichever is later; or unless MCL 600.3240(16) applies. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: 09/05/2019 Potestivo & Associates, P.C. 108481 (09-05) (09-26) 127525 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on October 17, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Richard Kreps and unmarried man and Hope Knapper and unmarried woman Original Mortgagee: CitiFinancial, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): J.P. Morgan Mortgage Acquisition Corp. Date of Mortgage: June 24, 2009 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 26, 2009 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $48,156.76 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Assyria, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: A Parcel of land in the Northwest 1 /4 of Section 22, Town 1 North, Range 7 West, described as: commencing 10 rods 8 1/10 links West of the Northeast corner of the West 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4 of said Section 22, thence West 10 rods 8 1/10 links, thence South 12 rods 16 2/10 links, thence East 10 rods 8 1/10 links, thence North to the Place of Beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: September 19, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1396096 (09-19)(10-10) 128517 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on October 17, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Robert Zickus Jr. and Vicki Zickus, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Ditech Financial LLC FKA Green Tree Servicing LLC Foreclosing Assignee (if any): None Date of Mortgage: September 16,1998 Date of Mortgage Recording: September 23, 1998 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $43,860.62 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: The North 330 feet of the West 264 feet of the East 528 feet of the North 20 acres of the West 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 12, Town 1 North, Range 8 West. Subject to rights of ingress and egress appurtenant to land adjoining the east thereof over an existing driveway 12 feet in width the centerline of which begins at a point on the south right of way of lacey road 30 feet West of the East line described parcel and ends at a point on said East line 80 feet South of said South right of way line of Lacey Road. The redemption period shall be 1 year from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: September 19, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1395924 (09-19)(10-10) 128413 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee for any reason. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest, and the purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Notice is hereby given that the below mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the Circuit Court of Barry County at 1:00 pm on October 17, 2019. Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Karla D Hayward, and Dale B Hayward, Wife and Husband Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for America’s Wholesale Lender, its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Bank of America, N.A. Date of Mortgage: July 14, 2006 Date of Mortgage Recording: August 9, 2006 Amount claimed due on mortgage on the date of notice: $74,566.99 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in the Township of Orangeville, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: The North 9 acres of the West 15 acres of the Southwest one-quarter of the Northwest one-quarter of Section 14, Town 2 North, Range 10 West. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or upon the expiration of the notice required by MCL 600.3241 a(c), whichever is later; or unless MCL 600.3240(16) applies. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: 09/19/2019 Potestivo & Associates, P.C. 115432 (09-19)(10-10) 128497 Hastings sophomore Carissa Strouse works on a good pace early on in the DK Invitational Thursday at Gilmore Car Museum. Strouse was the runner-up in the girls’ race, scoring a time of 20 minutes 19.23 seconds. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg freshman Joelle White strains to beat Wyoming sophomore Giselle Lobillo to the finish line at the end of the DK Invitational Thursday evening at Gilmore Car Museum. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg sophomore Austin Blocker works his way up hill at Gilmore Car Museum Thursday during the annual DK Invitational. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Douglas Mead (102nd, 23:37.66). The Maple Valley boys were eighth on the day. “I am really proud of what the boys accom­ plished tonight,” Maple Valley head coach Tiffany Blakely said Thursday. “We didn’t have one of our top runners (Ashton Ripley) due to a back injury, and yet they still came out and gave it their all. It has been a hard couple of weeks racing (four races in eight days) and team was getting tired.” The Lions’ Ben Benedict placed 17th in 18:58.9. The Lion team also had Curtis Walker 44th in 20:10.7, Torin Bell 54th in 20:41.6, Trevor Duffey 63rd in 21:11.1 and Adam Blakely 100th in 23:28.7. Benedict and Walker ran their fastest times ever on the course, and for Bell, Adm Blakely and Duffey it was their fastest varsity times on any course yet. “Blakely had the most consistent race with nearly even splits for each mile to take off over 40 seconds for a personal best time,” coach Blakely said. “It was a great race to watch because they really put a lot of heart into tonight’s race and I couldn’t be more proud of them.” The Maple Valley girls did not compete Thursday. The Delton Kellogg teams opened the Southwestern Athletic Conference season at Coloma Sept. 11, with the DK girls placing sixth and the boys fifth at the event. Lester led the DK boys, placing 11th in 18:23.08. Ordway was 14th in 19:09.12. Saugatuck had the first three guys in, led by junior Nik Pettinga who hit the line with a time of 17:14.88. Saugatuck outscored run­ ner-up Watervliet 23r52 in the boys’ race. Saugatuck bested Schoolcraft 30-67 at the top of the girls’ standings. Galesburg-Augusta had the two first girls in, with junior Aubree Sedore winning in 21:16 and Lauryn Coleman second in 21:20. Aukerman was the seventh-place finisher overall, coming in at 23:07.84. Phillips wasn’t too far behind, placing 11th in 23:39.83. Freshman Gemma Scarsella was the fifth Panther to finish, placing 51st in 27:37.58 her fastest finish yet this season. The Saxons’ Douglas Mead (right) fights to beat Marcellus’ Zack Porter to the finish line at the end of the Delton Kellogg Invitational Thursday at Gilmore Car Museum. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Coldwater bests Saxon spikers in three sets Coldwater scored a 25-11, 25-16, 26-15 win over the visiting Hastings varsity volley­ ball team in Interstate-8 Athletic Conference action last Wednesday. Hastings head coach Scott Zull said his girls were in several long rallies throughout each of the three sets. Lexi Herblet and Abby Zull led the Saxons in kills. Hannah Slaughter and Herblet were the Saxons’ top servers. Abby Zull also led the Saxons in assists and was one of her teams top passers along with Carly Warner and Ella Carroll. The Saxons were slated to return to 1-8 action last night at Jackson Lumen Christi. Hastings heads to the Battle Creek Central Invitational Saturday and then will host a conference match-up with Jackson Northwest Sept. 25. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads - . ■ ■■ ■ ■ ■- - •' �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 19, 2019 — Page 13 Vikings settle in to GLAC volleyball season The Lakewood varsity volleyball team improved its Greater Lansing Activities Conference record to 2-0 with a 25-2, 25-17, 25-10 win over visiting Stockbridge Tuesday. Freshman setter Skylar Bump had 29 assists and a team-high six digs in the victory. Maradith led the Vikings in kills with 16 and Aubrey O’Gorman added eight. Sophie Duits pounded eight aces from the back line, with Bump and Jaizah Pyle both hitting four aces. Pyle also had five digs. Maradith led the defense at the net with two blocks. “We are beginning to play better for longer periods of time, but are still looking for more consistency in the big moments of matches,” Lakewood head coach Cameron Rowland said. It’ll be just GLAC foes in the near future for the Vikings. They visit Perry Sept. 24 and host Maple Valley Oct. 1. The next non-conference opponents the Vikings face will be at the Oct. 5 East Grand Rapids Invitational. TOWNSHIP OF JOHNSTOWN COUNTY OF BARRY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FINE LAKE AQUATIC PLANT CONTROL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 2 Coach Rowland is looking forward to the improvements his girls can make over the next few weeks of practice. Lakewood, ranked third in the state in Division 2 currently, went 3-1 at Saturday’s East Kentwood Invitational. The Vikings bested West Catholic, Holland Christian and Grand Rapids Catholic Central - each in a decisive third set. Lakewood also went three sets with Rockford, falling 22-25, 25-16,15-13 to the Rams. Lakewood beat West Catholic 24-26, 25-7, 15-13, Holland Christian 15-25,25-14,15-10 and Catholic Central 17-25,31-29,15-11. Maradith O’Gorman had 45 kills, ten aces, 26 digs and seven blocks to lead the Vikings. Aubrey added 38 kills, nine blocks and 23 digs. Bump had an even 100 assists for the day, and chipped in 24 digs and eight aces. Pyle contributed 19 kills, Alli Pickard had 17 digs and Kiana Hummel 33. Sophie Duits added six blocks. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Township Board of the Township of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, has determined on its own motion to renew certain public improvements consisting of the control of aquatic weeds and plants in Fine Lake by means of periodic removal by chemical harvesting and other methods (the “Improvements”), pursuant to Act 188 of the Public Acts of Michigan of 1954, as amended, for the previously established Fine Lake Weed Control Special Assessment District. The Township Board has tentatively determined that the cost of said Improvements shall be specially assessed against each of the following described lots and parcels of land which are benefited by the Improvements and which together comprise the following special assessment district: FINE LAKE AQUATIC PLANT CONTROL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 2 Lots and parcels numbered: 009-019-001-00, 002-00, 003-00, 004-00, 006-00, 007-00, 008-00 009-029-002-00, 008-00, 015-00, 016-00, 017-00, 018-00, 019-00, 020-00, 021-00, 022-00, 024-00, 036-06, 042-00 009-030-001-00, 002-00, 003-00, 004-00, 005-00, 006-00, 006-10, 007-10, 009-20, 013-00, 022-00, 024-44, 025-00, 026-00, 140-14, 140-15, 030-20, 150-20 009-050-002-00, 003-00, 004-00, 004-10, 004-20, 005-00, 005-10, 005-20, 005-40, 006-00, 007-00, 008-00, 009-00, 009-10, 010-00, 011-00 Pair of 1-8 foes squeak past Saxon soccer squad The Hastings varsity boys’ soccer team suffered a pair close defeats in Interstate-8 Athletic Conference action in the past week. Harper Creek built a 2-0 lead in the first half and held on for a 3-1 win over the visiting Saxons Tuesday evening. Hastings head coach Tim Schoessel said his team was able to settle down after a tough first half. “We kept pressuring and had many good looks at the net, but just could not find it. As we continued to push forward on offense we got caught in an odd man rush and allowed the beavers to put the game away when they scored their third and final goal.” Nate Flikkema scored the lone goal for the Saxons. Dane Barnes had six saves in goal. Jackson Northwest scored a 1-0 win over the Saxons inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field last Thursday in Hastings. Barnes had eight saves in that contest. “This was a good back and forth game,” Schoessel said. “We had decent play on both sides of the ball, as did Jackson. 009-065-006-00, 008-00, 009-00, 011-00, 012-00, 013-00, 014-00, 015-00, 016-00, 017-00, 018-00, 019-00, 021-00, 022-00, 031-00, 032-00, 033-00, 034-00, 035-00 009-075-001-00, 003-00, 005-00, 006-00, 007-00, 008-00, 009-00, 010-00, 011-00, 012-00, 014-00, 015-00, 016-00, 017-00, 018-00, 019-00, 020-00, 021-00, 022-00, 023-00, 024-00, 028-00, 031-00, 035-00, 036-00, 037-00, 038-00, 039-00, 040-00 The Mounties pulled in front in the second half. In between the two conference contests, the Saxons had a rough Saturday at Allegan fall­ ing 5-0. Allegan scored three goals in the first half, and then added two in the second. The Tigers were the beneficiaries of an own goal by the Saxons, and scored twice on penalty kicks. “We really did not play our best game and they were able and ready to take advantage of our shortcomings on the field,” coach Schoessel said. “We struggled to generate any offense and spent most of the time fighting our way out of our defensive end.” Barnes and Tommy Wickham shared the goalkeeping duties for Hastings and com­ bined for 11 saves. Hastings will be at home to take on Parma Western this afternoon and then will host Charlotte Saturday morning. The Saxons go on the road next Tuesday (Sept. 24) to take on Marshall. 009-090-001-00, 002-00, 004-00, 005-00, 006-00, 007-00, 008-00, 010-00, 011-00, 014-00, 015-00, 017-00, 018-00, 020-00, 024-00, 032-00, 035-00, 036-00, 037-00, 038-00 009-100-001-00, 004-00, 005-00, 006-00, 007-00, 008-00, 009-00, 011-00 009-130-001-00, 002-00, 002-10, 006-00, 007-00, 008-00, 008-10, 010-00, 011-00, 012-00, 013-00, 015-00, 016-00, 018-00, 020-00, 021 -00, 025-00 009-135-001-00, 003-00, 004-00, 005-00, 006-00, 007-00, 008-00, 009-00, 010-00, 012-00, 013-00, 014-00, 015-00, 016-00, 018-00, 019-00, 020-00 009-140-001-00, 002-00, 004-00, 005-00, 006-00, 007-00, 008-00, 009-00, 010-00, 011-00, 012-00 009-145-003-00, 004-00, 005-00, 006-00 009-150-001-00, 002-00, 003-00, 004-00, 005-00, 006-00, 007-00, 008-00, 010-00, 011-00, 012-00, 013-00, 014-00, 015-00, 016-00, 017-00, 018-00, 021-00, 022-00 009-155-001-00, 003-00, 004-00, 006-00, 008-00, 009-00 009-175-001-00, 002-00, 003-00, 004-00, 005-00, 006-00, 007-00, 008-00, 009-00, 010-00, 011-00, 012-00, 013-00, 014-00, 015-00, 016-00, 017-00, 018-00, 019-00 009-180-001 -00 Vikings get a few wins at Portland Quad The Lakewood varsity boys’ tennis team is going through a tough stretch of its schedule at the moment. The Vikings were bested by Portland and Lansing Christian/Leslie Saturday at the Portland Quad, falling 7-1 to the host Raiders and 6-2 to Lansing Christian/Leslie, while also scoring a 6-2 victory over Ovid-Elsie. That Saturday was sandwiched between non-conference losses to Lowell last Wednesday and South Christian Monday afternoon. Lowell scored an 8-0 win over the Vikings and South Christian bested the Lake wood boys 7-1. Lakewood first singles player Brady Gawne had his team’s lone win in the dual with South Christian, besting Luke Post 6-2, 6-2. That 009-215-001-00, 002-00, 003-00, 004-00, 005-00, 007-00, 008-00, 009-00, 010-00, 011-00, 012-00, 013-00, 014-00, 016-00, 017-00, 018-00, 019-00, 020-00, 020-01, 023-00, 024-00, 025-00, 029-00, 030-00, 031-00 009-220-001-00, 002-00, 003-00, 004-00, 006-00, 007-00, 008-00, 009-00, 010-00, 011-00, 012-00, 014-00, 015-00, 016-00, 017-00, 018-00, 019-00, 020-00, 021-00, 023-00, 024-00, 026-00, 027-00, 028-00, 029-00, 031-00, 033-00, 034-20 was the only flight where the Vikings won a set. Gawne was 3-0 at the Portland Quad. He didn’t drop a set all day. Clay Drummond picked up a point for the Vikings in their win over Ovid-Elsie Saturday, besting Greg Rademacher 6-1,6-2. Lakewood swept the doubles matches, get­ ting default wins at second, third and fourth doubles. The Vikings’ Andrew Finsaas and Owen Rickerd scored a 6-3, 6-0 win over Caleb Hall and Justice Moore at first doubles. Lakewood’s fourth doubles team of Asher Teigler and Preston Weller scored a 6-2, 5-7, 6-1 win to notch the Vikings’ other point in the loss to Lansing Christian/Leslie. MAP OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT (Includes only those parcels of land having frontage on Fine Lake or deeded or dedicated access thereto) DK forced to make a few new middle blockers Brett Bremer Sports Editor Coming into the season the Panthers were pretty set with a rotation in the middle of the net with senior Ellie Ferris and sophomore emma Kokx returning to the varsity. Injuries kept them both sidelined from the Panthers Tuesday night Southwestern Athletic Conference match at Galesburg-Augusta Tuesday. The Rams took a 25-20, 25-19, 25-10 win over the Panthers as Delton Kellogg worked to find replacements for its two tallest players. “With only a small amount of time to make two other people in to middles, we struggled a bit to find where we were on the court,” DK head coach Erin Thornton said. “Erin Kapteyn and Melanie Hintner filled in for the first set, but it was still a big of a struggle. We did some fiddling with the lineup and were able to get Lizzy Fichtner and Melanie in the middle, with Erin and Abbie Bever on the outside. We weren’t able to bring home any wins, but we know where we need to work.” The Panthers have been working on their confidence on the court, and sudden position­ al changes don’t help that much. Thornton said Toni Higgins filled in well at libero, recording 15 digs. She had just three dig errors. Senior Abbie Bever, who was transi­ tioning into the libero spot this fall, moved back to an outside hitter spot for the Panthers. Thornton said Hinter did well at the net, recording four blocks and four kills. Kapteyn had seven kills and a team-high 29 attacks on the night. She also had a team-high 20 digs. “We’ll come through it, we just need time to get the team to gel again,” Thornton said. The Delton Kellogg girls were 1-1-1 at the Martin Quad last Thursday, splitting with Saugatuck, scoring a win over Martin and falling to Kalamazoo Christian. “We were able to get everyone play time and see how they react to real-time ball play. Since we have a lot of girls that are all at the same skill level, it’s really nice to see them all able to hold their own against the competi­ tion,” Thornton said of the win over Martin. “It’s tough going in everyday knowing you’re leaving skill sitting on the bench, but just don’t have more than six that can play at a time.” The Panthers fell behind a little too often in the match with the Comets. Kalamazoo Christian built a 10-3 lead in the opening set and eventually took a 25-16,25-16 win in that match. “Against Kalamazoo Christian, we were actually looking good and digging balls, com­ ing up with small runs here and there,” Thornton said. “We held our own, digging balls and coming together to get volleys going but couldn’t quite catch up. We dig holes for ourselves and can’t get out of them.” DK opened the night with a 15-25, 25-20 split with Saugatuck. The win over Martin was by the scores of 25-16,25-17. Boundary of Fine Lake Aquatic Plant Control Special Assessment District No. 2 TAKE NOTICE that the Township Board of the Township of Johnstown will hold a public hearing at a regular meeting on October 9, 2019, at 7:30 p.m., at the Johnstown Township Hall, located at 13641 S. M-37 Highway, within the Township, to hear and consider any objections to the proposed Improvements and all other matters relating to said Improvements. TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that preliminary plans and estimates of cost for the Improvements are on file with the Township Clerk for public examination. ro FO The Township Board may proceed to carry out the proposed Improvements unless written objections from the record owners of land constituting more than 20% of the total land area in the proposed Special Assessment District to the Improvement are filed with the Township Board at or before the hearing. PROPERTY SHALL NOT BE ADDED TO THE EXISTING SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT AND THE be increased by more than 10% without further U) Original estimate of cost shall not Notice and public hearing. “U £■ Periodic redeterminations of the cost of the Improvements may be necessary, without a change in the Special assessment District, and in that event, such redeterminations may be made by the Township Board without further notice (d record owners or parties in interest in the lands in the Special Assessment District, in accordance with the provisions EjTsaidAct 188. CT This Notice was authorized by the Township Board of the Township of Johnstown. Dated: September 11, 2019 Sheri Babcock, Township Clerk �Page 14 — Thursday, September 19, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Early start times on the slate for Friday Brett Bremer Sports Editor Double check the start time of Friday night football games before heading out to the bleachers this week. Or Thursday night for that matter. As of Wednesday afternoon, Delton Kellogg and Lakewood had announced plans to move up the start of varsity football games on Friday. The Panthers are hosting Lawton for their annual Heroes Game, honoring mili­ tary personnel, veterans and first responders. Delton Kellogg will kick-off with the Blue Devils at 5:30 p.m. Delton Kellogg athletic director Mike Mohn said there are challenges to starting a varsity football game any earlier than that on a Friday, or even making the move to a Saturday day game to avoid when mosquitoes are most active near dusk. One of the main ones is rounding up officials who have to work around day jobs on Fridays. Mohn said many high school officials are already booked to officiate collegiate games on Saturdays. Lakewood is hosting Perry for homecom­ ing at Unity Field. Game time there is set for 5 p.m. Hastings, Delton Kellogg and Lakewood all also announced that JV and varsity ball­ games have earlier start times planned for Thursday afternoon as well. The changes are in response to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recommendations to avoid the spread of Eastern Equine Encephalitis carried by mos­ quitoes after seven cases of the disease have been confirmed across the state in recent days with a concentration in southwest Michigan. Spectators and student-athletes are encour­ aged to wear long sleeves and pants as well as bug spray. The forecast for Friday afternoon shows highs in the mid-80’s at the moment. It is a battle of unbeaten teams at Delton Kellogg Friday as the Panthers host the 3-0 Blue Devils. Lawton defeated Watervliet and Coloma in its first two ballgames before tak­ ing a forfeit win over Three Oaks River Valley last weekend. Delton Kellogg is playing for its fourth victory of the season and its third win in three tries against Lawton. Lakewood is hosting a 2-1 Perry team that has averaged 35 points per game this fall so far. It is the GLAC opener for the Ramblers. Lakewood is looking to get to even its record at 2-2 with a win after starting GLAC play with a slim victory at Leslie last week. The Vikings have won all ten of their meetings with the Ramblers. Hastings was still working out details of its Friday night schedule with Marshall as of Wednesday afternoon. The Saxons go to Marshall to take on the RedHawks in Interstate-8 Athletic Conference action Friday. Hastings is looking to make it back-to-back wins against the RedHawks. Saxon head coach Jamie Murphy said his defense has some work to do this week in preparation for the Marshall attack that has averaged more than 38 points per game in compiling a 2-1 record so far. Marshall blasted Pennfield 50-20 last week for its first 1-8 win. “They have a very fast running back, a QB that is a dual threat, and two very good receiv­ ers,” Murphy said of the RedHawks. “They run an RPO (run-pass option) system that is a little different offense than everyone else. Our defense will have to be solid at the line of scrimmage, and down field they will all have to be on the same page.” Lakewood isn’t the only are team hosting homecoming this week. The Maple Valley Lions bring in New Buffalo for their home­ coming game at Maple Valley Jr/Sr High School Friday. Both New Buffalo and Maple Valley are playing for their first victory of the season and their program’s first 8-player vic­ tory. New Buffalo didn’t have a varsity team in 2018 and returned as an 8-player program this fall. Thomapple Kellogg travels to face a win­ less Wayland team in OK Gold Conference action Friday. The Wildcats were edged by Kenowa Hills in week one before being over­ whelmed by Lansing Waverly and South Christian in the last two weeks. South Christian scored a 42-0 win over the Wildcats Hastings’ Corbin Ulrich (55), Ben Ferrell (50) and Elijah Smith team up to bring down Harper Creek’s Kolassa Easton during their Interstate-8 Athletic Conference contest in Hastings Friday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) to start the OK Gold Conference season last week. Local Standings (record, playoffpoints) 3-0, 66.667 Delton Kellogg 1-2,29.667 Hastings 1-2, 25.000 Thomapple Kellogg 1-2,18.667 Lakewood 0-2, NA Maple Valley Conference Standings (overall, conference) Interstate 8 Athletic Conference 3-0,2-0 Lumen Christi 2-1,2-0 Marshall 2-1,1-1 Coldwater 2-1,1-1 Parma Western 1-2,1-1 Hastings 1-2,1-1 Northwest 1-2,0-2 Harper Creek 1-2,0-2 Pennfield OK Gold C'onference 2-1,1-0 Forest Hills Eastern 2-1,1-0 South Christian 1-2,1-0 GR Christian 1-2,0-0 East Grand Rapids 1-2,0-1 Thomapple Kellogg 1-2,0-1 Wyoming 0-3,0-1 Wayland Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley 3-0,0-0 Delton Kellogg 3-0,0-0 Schoolcraft 2-1,0-0 Constantine 1-2,0-0 Coloma Watervliet 1-2,0-0 0-3,0-0 Kalamazoo United Greater Lansing Activities Conference 3-0, 1-0 Olivet 1-2,1-0 Lakewood 2-1,0-0 Perry 1-2 0-1 Leslie 0-3,0-1 Stockbridge Here is a round-up of last Friday’s local gridiron action. Hastings 44, Harper Creek 7 The Hastings varsity football team earned its first victory over Harper Creek since join­ ing the Beavers in the Interstate-8 Athletic Thornapple Kellogg’s Logan Caruso (28) and Reese Garbrecht come leaping into Bob White Stadium prior to the Trojans’ OK Gold Conference opener Friday against Forest Hills Eastern in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hastings quarterback Carter Cappon fires a pass down field as Harper Creek defensive back Mitchell Drew closes in during the first half of their 1-8 contest in Hastings Friday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Conference Friday inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field. The Saxons scored their first victory of this season too, 44-7, over the visiting Beavers. Hastings had a 44-0 lead in the bailgame. Elijah Smith rushed 12 times for 113 yards and scored four touchdowns to lead the way for the Hastings offense that compiled 363 total rushing yards. Defensively, Smith, Corbin Ulrich and Gabe Trick each intercepted a pass for Hastings. Ben Ferrell, Christian Stacy and Zach Perry tied for the team lead with four tackles each. “We talk turnovers every week,” Hastings head coach Jamie Murphy said. “The higher the ratio the better chance we have to win, in every game we play. “We knew Harper Creek could run the ball and if we let the QB get comfortable he can put the ball into some tight windows. So, our first objective was to get turnovers to go in our favor. Our second objective was to take away the off-tackle play with our D-line. They did that well. Our third objective was to have the defensive backs and linebackers on the same page with our coverages. We had to change things up this week based on what Harper does well, and (defensive coordinator) coach (Brian) Donnini did a nice job.” Coach Murphy was pleased with what coach Pat Coltson got the offense into Friday as well. “We used six different running backs to spread the ball around. Our offensive line ground out yardage every series. We limited our penalties and had some nice second effort runs by our fleet of running backs.” That fleet of running backs was boosted by sophomore TJ Russell, a recent varsity call­ up. He carried the ball nine times for 71 yards and a touchdown. He also took a pass from Carter Cappon 26 yards for another score. Hunter Allerding had four carries for 61 yards and a score. Carter Cappon, Austin Bleam, Gilli Perez, Keegan Olson, Zeb Carey and Drew Markley all rushed the ball at least once in the win. Hastings got touchdown runs of 1 yard and 13 yards from Smith in the opening quarter, as well as a 15-yard TD run from Allerding to go in front 19-0. Hastings sophomore running back TJ Russell winds his way through the line during the Saxons’ victory over visiting Harper Creek Friday inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Cappon tossed his TD pass to Russell and Smith scored on a 25-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Cappon was 4-of-7 pass­ ing for 56 yards in the bailgame. Smith and Russell each tacked on a 35-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, pushing the Saxons’ lead to 44-0 with 14 minutes to play. Harper Creek’s lone touchdown came on a 34-yard pass from Blake Gloar to Wyatt Irons. Delton Kellogg 41, Galesburg-Augusta 6 The Panthers took it away and took it to the house Friday iiiTennville. s... Fennville turned the ball over on downs three times in Delton Kellogg territory, the Panthers’ Richard Hill picked off a pass and teammate Kaleb Post recovered a Blackhawk fumble. DK also recovered an onside kick late in the first half, with running back 26 taking the next snap 52 yards to the end zone to give his team a 33-0 halftime lead. Delton Kellogg’s varsity football team improved to 3-0 finishing off Fennville 41-6 in a Southwestern Athletic Conference cross­ over contest. The Delton Kellogg defense was dominant, slowing the Blackhawk passing game and keeping all the options covered in their option attack. “We have been trying to settle in on defense all season,” DK head coach Ryan Bates said. “We have a lot of young kids playing in new positions. Brad Bunch and Jorden Rench are the two leaders in the perimeter and have been doing a great job. The perimeter has been a work in progress as we prepare for the high flying offenses like Lawton and Schoolcraft. We knew our box was going to be strong with (Cole) Pape and (Brady) Haas inside and (Caleb) Post and (Hunter) Belew at lineback­ er. “Newcomers (Caden) Ferris, (Mason) Nabozny, and (Alex) Whitmore have been a pleasant surprise. Against Fennville, we knew we needed to stop their three top plays and make them change their game plan. We were fortunate enough to make that happen most of the night.” Part of the key to the defensive success so far has been the offense, according to coach Bates. The other team can’t score if the Panthers are methodically driving itdown the field. Delton Kellogg scored touchdowns on each of its first six full drives of the ballgame, not counting a kneel down to finish off the first half following Hill’s interception deep in his own end of the field on a fourth down heave by the Blackhawks’ quarterback. “We have over 1,000 yards of rushing in our first three games,” Bates said. “We were worried about replacing (Riley) Roblyer and (Max) Swift from last year and Bunch and Rench have just continued right where we left off. It has been a blessing to have the guys up front in Haas, Pape, Ferris, Belew, Post, and (Alan) Rogers all returning.” Continued next page Thomapple Kellogg quarterback Gabe Nelson bounds through the middle of the Forest Hills Eastern defense during the second quarter of their OK Gold Conference opener in Middleville Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 19, 2019 — Page 15 Bengals sprint by DK-TK-Hastings in Tier II opener Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Ottawa Hills girls had a little extra oomph behind their cheers when the score was announced Thursday. That emotion will come out when you knock off one of the con­ ference champs. The visiting Bengals scored a 101-85 victo­ ry over the Delton Kellogg-Thornapple Kellogg-Hastings girls in their OK Conference Tier II opener in Hastings Thursday. The 200-yard relay is a race with four girls swimming 50-yard sprints. The DK-TKHastings team won that race, with freshman Anna Haywood, junior Dalace Jousma, soph­ omore Abby Marcukaitis and senior Holly Bashore turning in a time of 1 minute 52.71 seconds. The Bengals stacked their freestyle sprint­ ers in other spots though, and DK-TKHastings head coach Carl Schoessel said that catching the conference’s best freestyle sprint­ ers is going to be a challenge for his team this season after losing some talented sprinters to graduation last spring. “I just need freestylers. Freestylers are important in half the events,” Schoessel said. With Thea Pazdernik swimming the DK-TK-Hastings freshman Abby Gaskill makes her way through the water in the 100-yard freestyle during her team’s OK Conference Tier II dual with Ottawa Hills at the Community Education and Recreation Center in Hastings Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) DK-TK-Hastings diver Claire Green holds her tuck above the water during her team’s OK Conference Tier II dual with visiting Ottawa Hills Thursday in Hastings. (Photo by Brett Bremer) 50-yard freestyle at the end of the 200-yard medley relay for the Bengals, Ottawa Hills won the night’s opening event in 2:01.71. Pazdernik teamed with Meg Strand, Miranda Lee and Ella Carr for that victory. The Bengals also had Lee win the 50-yard freestyle in 26.57 seconds and the 100-yard freestyle in 57.42. Zoe Julian won the 200yard freestyle for the Bengals in 2:15.94 Zoe, Lee, Pazdernik and Carr closed out the eve­ ning by winning the 400-yard freestyle relay in 4:09.61. Pazdernik added a 500-yard freestyle win as well in 6:04.81. “One of the things that we have been work­ ing a lot on is breath control,” Schoessel said. “Every time a girl turns to take a breath, that destroys the stream lining. Obviously, they have to breathe, but if you take a look up at that record board Natalie VanDenack, she holds the record in the 100-yard freestyle. “She and her main competitor, from ninth grade on, they were always trading. One would win one time and the other would win the next time. It came down to the final at the conference meet, arid Natalie knew what she had to do. She won by one one-hundredth of a second. Standing on the edge you couldn’t tell who touched first. She did it because she didn’t take a breath at all the last length. The other thing I tell the girls is they have to pay attention to who is on both sides of them.” Abby Marcukaitis, who coach Schoessel calls the “class of the conference” won the 100-yard butterfly for DK-TK-Hastings in 1:04.30 and the 200-yard individual medley in 2:20.54 Thursday. Hannah Johnson clinched the diving competition for the home team as well, putting together a score of 203.90. Neither team had a first and second place finisher in any single event. The DK-TKHastings team of Marcukaitis, Haywood, Preslee Hall and Daisy Nowinsky was the runner-up in the 200-yard medley relay by about a second with a time of 2:02.73. Bashore placed second in the 200-yard freestyle in 2:18.57, Haywood second in the 50-yard freestyle in 27.29, Haywood second in the 100-yard freestyle in 1:01.30 and Nowinsky second in the 500-yard freestyle in 6:04.81. Strand won the 100-yard backstroke for Ottawa Hills in 1:07.36, edging Nowinsky who finished in 1:08.41. Michaela Veghova won the 100-yard breaststroke for the Bengals in 1:19.75, less than a second ahead of DK-TK-Hastings’ Lydia Cole who touched the wall second in 1:20.57. The DK-TK-Hastings team of Lauren Myers, Bashore, Karsyn Daniels and Nowinsky placed second in the 400-yard freestyle in 4:23.79. DK-TK-Hastings bounced back for a 111­ 75 win over visiting Allegan in a non-conference dual Tuesday evening. Boosting the Troians in the freestyle? Marcukaitis dove in the ICu-yard freestyle, winning that race in 55.93. Nowinsky won the 500-yard freestyle in6:13.63, with Bashore second in 6:18.34. Nowinsky also had a winning time of 1:12.16 in the 100-yard backstroke a race in which the DK-TK-Hastings girls swept the top three scoring spots with Cadence VanOoy second and Ellen Shults third. Haywood, Bashore, Nowinsky and Marcukaitis teamed up to win the 200-yard freestyle relay in 1:49.90, the lone relay win for the DK-TK-Hastings girls Tuesday against the TigersCi The DK-TK-Hastings divers matched the backstroke girls, taking the top three spots. Johnson won with a score of 214.15 points, ahead of Abigail Schell in second and Claire Green in third. Early in the meet, Bashore wont he 200yard freestyle in 2:18.07 and Marcukaitis the 200-yard individual medley in 2:21.15. DK-TK-Hastings will return to conference action tonight (Sept. 19) in Hastings against West Catholic. The meet with West Catholic will be the program’s annual Little Sisters/ .......... Trojan head coach Jeff Dock said that Garbrecht and Shoobridge were kind of a 2A and 2B at quarterback on the depth chart The Panthers’ new junior quarterback, throughout the early season. Payton Smoczynski tossed a pair of touch­ “Reese did a heck of a job. He came in and down passes against Fennville. The first went he grinded it, and he did everything in his to Post, covering 16 yards. The next was a power. I thought he executed really well. I’m 39-yard pass that junior running back Bunch proud of him,” Thomapple Kellogg head snagged out of the air and then turned and coach Jeff Dock said. took to the end zone. “ We challenged our guys in practice to play “We have known for years that Payton hard and to play for four quarters, and they Smoczynski has been a tough kid,” coach did. You look at the effort comparing last Bates said. “He is starting to come into is own week to this week, we ’ll take a look at the at QB. He is smart and makes few mistakes. film. I can ’ t imagine it being anywhere near Smo’ is only going to get better. We have been where we were last week, so I’m ecstatic for very fortunate to have had (Josh) Lyons, and that. They fought. They had 4 go down and 1 (Jordan) Rench the past few years at QB. We go down, and they battled. ” had to move Rench to halfback after losing Forest Hills Eastern scored the game’s last years seniors and Smo’ jumped at the opening points after a fumbled punt by the chance to steal the starting job. Payton has big shoes to fill but he has been a field general so Trojans left them with a short field. The Trojan offense turned the ball over on downs far.” at midfield on the opening possession of the Bunch had touchdown runs of 75 yards and bailgame, but the TK defense forced a threefour yards for the Delton Kellogg team, with and-out, only to have the big turnover deep in his 75-yard scoring run coming on the first its own end. FHE took over at TK’s 23-yardsnap of the bailgame. Rench tacked on a line and found the end zone eight plays later. 21-yard touchdown run, finishing off the first The Trojan defense made it tough on the Panther drive of the second half. Hawks. They had to convert one fourth down Fennville scored its lone touchdown on the run to keep the drive alive inside the Trojans’ opening drive of the second half, on a 63-yard three-yard-line. FHE’s Luke Brenner rushed run. into the end zone from three yards out to score Forest Hills Eastern 21, the game’s first points, and kicker Grant Thornapple Kellogg 7 It started out with Trojan senior quarter­ Coash added the extra-point kick. TK took over at its own 20 after the Hawks’ back Gabe Nelson hobbling towards the side­ kick-off, and Nelson led the drive to the line midway through his team’s second drive Hawks’ 30 before coming off the field. of the bailgame, early in the second quarter. Garbrecht hit his first pass for a 12-yard gain The hobbling turned into a spot in front of and a first down to Jake DeJong on his second the bench, then an ice bag. After the half, snap, and a couple plays later he was plowing Nelson was on the sidelines in a white T-shirt into the end zone for the short score. Mitchell and crutches, standing alongside teammate Middleton’s extra-point kick was good to tie Colson Brummel who also tweaked a knee covering a punt at the end of the Trojan’s first the bailgame at 7-7. Both teams turned the ball over on downs possession of the ballgame and lost his pads one more time before the Hawks’ started a while gaining some crutches at the half. second scoring drive that culminated in a Wide receiver Cool Shoobridge, who filled 21-yard touchdown pass from Gage Krueger in so admirably for Nelson when he was out to Brenner. A second Coash extra-point put with an injury in 2018, was already in shorts his team up 14-7 with 13 seconds left in the and sneakers when the Trojans were honoring first half. veterans and first responders during their pre­ The Hawks took the second half kickoff game Salute to Service ceremony. and picked up one first down, before the Thomapple Kellogg’s varsity football team Trojan defense smothered a fourth-and-one fell to 1-2 on the season with a 21-14 loss to run at midfield to give the ball back to its visiting Forest Hills Eastern in the OK Gold offense. Conference opener inside Bob White Stadium TK took over on its own 47-yard-line and in Middleville Friday night. methodically moved the ball down the field The Trojans were never behind by more three, four and five yards at a time. Garbrecht than seven points , but never led in in the ball­ got the Hawks to jump offside for a first down game. TK rallied to tie the contest at 14-14 on a fourth-and-five, moving the ball to the with junior Reese Garbrecht taking over at Hawks’ 10-yard-line. Running back Colton quarterback. Garbrecht was under center for Vanloozenoord drove forward three times to both Trojan scoring drives. He plowed get the ball to the two-yard-line and then between his left guard Blake Monroe and junior running back Samuel McKeown took a center Gavin Bailey on a second-and-goal pitch sprinting to his left and found a seam sneak from the one-yard-line to score the into the end zone to score the game-tying Trojans' opening touchdown which tied the touchdown with 33 seconds left in the third game at 7-7 with six minutes to go in the first quarter. half. Krueger hit a 38-yard pass to Brenner on the final play of the third quarter to get the Hawks’ deep into Trojan territory on his team’s next drive, and then hit another big fourth down pass to Brenner over the middle before ultimately tossing a five-yard touch­ down pass to Grant Lancaster with 8:29 to go in the contest. Krueger finished the bailgame 8-of-13 passing for 111 yards and the two touch­ downs. The Hawks never got much going successfully on the ground, rushing for just 49 yards on 29 attempts. Forest Hills Eastern linebacker John Morgan blew through the line to bust up a couple Trojan plays as TK tried to get back even over the final eight minutes, even as his offense had a couple plays that gave the Trojans some extra life. Morgan finished with ten tackles, including a sack and three tackles for a loss. “We struggled with picking up (Morgan),” Dock said. “They blitzed in the B gap a lot, and we struggled picking that up. We didn’t execute. We knew that was what we were going to see. We just didn’t do it.” Brenner threw a pass on a trick play on a third down with about three minutes to play that just slipped through the hands of TK’s Logan Kimbrue. On the next play, DeJong put a hard hit on another Hawks receiver to break up a fourth down pass attempt - giving the the Trojans one extra chance with the football. Garbrecht hit his first pass attempt of the Trojans’ final drive, for five yards to Alex Bonnema, but the next couple Trojan pass attempts missed their mark including one deep down the left side by Adam Bush to DeJong that just managed to break out of the Trojan receiver’s grasp in double coverage in Hawks’ territory. Drayven Hall led the TK defense with six tackles. Ryan Holmes had 5.5 tackles and Brendan Hood 4.5. Adam Bush added 3.5 tackles Nelson had nine rushes for 41 yards, Vanloozenoord 11 for 36 and Garbrecht 11 for 18 yards. Garbrecht was 4-of-6 passing for 36 yards. Thomapple Kellogg has been in the situa­ tion before. The team managed to find its way into the postseason even without its quarter­ back plan going as planned in 2018. Time will tell who’s under center for the Trojans in the weeks ahead. Lakewood 27, Leslie 21 The Lakewood varsity football team opened Greater Lansing Activities Conference play Friday with what looked like a decisive victo­ ry over Leslie - until the fourth quarter. Lakewood won, 27-21, but it was a cliff­ hanger with the game tied 21-21 and 2 min­ utes and 25 seconds left to go. That’s when Viking senior quarterback Jacob Elenbaas came through with a five-yard pass to John Hewitt for the game-winning touchdown. “Jacob is really good,” Lakewood head coach Matt Markwart said. “He’s a good lead­ er.” Elenbaas was his team’s leader in both passing, with five completions out of 11 throws for 88 yards and three touchdowns, and in rushing, with 21 carries for 105 yards. The win means that Lakewood maintains its winning streak against the Blackhawks, now at 6-0, since the two teams first came together in the GLAC in 2014. Lakewood dominated Friday night’s game for the first three quarters, scoring at least one touchdown in every quarter and holding Leslie to one touchdown in the second quarter - building a 21-7 lead. In the first quarter, a 39-yard touchdown run by Garrett Stank, with the point after kick by Elenbaas, put Lakewood up 7-0. Leslie followed with a drive marred by penalties, an offensive false start and delay of game. Then a pass by Leslie quarterback Carter Coltrain was picked off by Lakewood’s Denny Sauers III. Nick Helt intercepted a pass for the Vikings as well in the ballgame. In the second quarter, Leslie got on the scoreboard with a 10-yard dash to the end zone by Jarrett Chappell, followed by a point after kick by Garrett Mays. But Lakewood answered with an Elenbaas pass to Sawyer Stoepker for 65 yards - and the score. Plus, Elenbaas made a two-point con­ version. Lakewood returned in the third quarter with another Elenbaas-Stoepker combination for seven yards and a touchdown. And then the game changed. It was when the point-after kick by Elenbaas was blocked by the Blackhawks. “We let down for a little while,” Markwart said. “We fumbled the punt and gave them good field position. “We had some penalties that cost us - and they got a stop on us. Jacob got banged up for a minute and had to go out.” And that’s how, suddenly, the game was tied, 21-21. The way Markwart saw it, it was still their game to lose. “We gave them a chance and let them hang around,” he said. “But we did fin­ ish tonight. We have never lost to them.” Both teams came into the game 0-2 on the season, so this victory fuels a triumphant return for the Vikings’ homecoming Friday when they play Perry, the coach said. As for his players, “They’re just ecstatic.” Bridgman 46, Maple Valley 16 A 90-yard scoring drive to take the lead late in the opening quarter was one of the high­ lights of the Maple Valley season so far Friday night at Bridgman. Bridgman rallied to score 22 unanswered points however and went on to a 46-16 victo­ ry over the visiting Lions, shutting them out over the final two quarters to pull away. Blaze Sensiba scored that opening touch­ down for the Lions, on a 7-yard run, finishing off a drive that started at the Lions’ own 10-yard-line after a 15-yard penalty was tacked onto a long Bridgman punt. “Colton Gibson ran some really nice traps to get us out of trouble and then once we got near midfield we were able to start powering it right at them,” Lion head coach Marty Martin said. Gibson had 16 rushes for 97 yards in the bailgame. Hugheston Heckathom led the Lion attack with 29 carries for 132 yards. The Lion team rushed for 299 yards on the night, gaining 333 yards of total offense. Sensiba rushed 16 times for 45 yards and completed 2-of-3 passes for another 34 yards. “We were right there in that first half,” Martin said. “We get some stops on defense, we get some confidence and we get a lead then that is a different bailgame. Their kids really had a hard time with us blowing it right at them. They were bigger than us and we still moved it right at them. We just have to shore things up. I don’t know if it is going to be a personnel thing, where we swap out some personnel, or if we just keep working on the fundamentals with the personnel that we have. Nate Necas led Bridgman on the ground, rushing eight times for 163 yards. He scored Bridgman’s first touchdown, taking a pass from quarterback Hunter Adams 40 yards for a score with less than two minutes to play in the first quarter, pulling his team to within 8-6 of the Lions at the time. Heckathom ran in a two-point conversion following the Lions’ opening touchdown. Necas would add touchdown runs of 6 yards and 54 yards before the night was over. Adams had a 40-yard TD run of his own and also tossed touchdown passes of 35 yards and 41 yards to Donnie Necas. The 35-yarder to Donnie and the six-yard TD run by Nate put Bridgman in front 22-8 with 3:02 to play in the first half. The Lions answered with a five-yard touch­ down run by Heckathom, and another twopoint run, to get within 22-16 at the half. Adams scored his 40-yard touchdown run 17 seconds into the second half, and the Bridgman defense never let the Lions into the end zone again. Bridgman tacked on its final two long touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Donnie Necas closed out the bailgame with four receptions for 97 yards. Nate Necas had six catches for 94 yards. “Our kids played hard,” Martin saidJD “We’re adjusting to the eight-man game, and# what we’re finding is we’re struggling to trjg* and match teams athlete for athlete. That kind of where we’re at right now.” Coach Martin was especially pleased with<^ the play of linebacker AJ Raymond, on both— sides of the ball. Raymond also spends time at£* guard and fullback on offense. He had five^O tackles, including two sacks for a total of 25^ negative yards for Bridgman in the ballgame.qq David Hosack-Frizzell also had five tackles for the Lions. From previous page Delton Kellogg-Thornapple Kellogg-Hastings senior Daisy Nowinsky works her way to a runner-up finish in the 100-yard backstroke during her team’s dual with Ottawa Hills Thursday in Hastings. (Photo by Brett Bremer) CD ro |T1 CD CD CD CD CD 0) �Page 16 — Thursday, September 19, 2019 — The Hastings Banner TK looks to be back to full strength against state champs Thornapple Kellogg junior setter Claudia Lems puts a pass up at the net as teammate Ellie Shoobridge looks on during their match with visiting East Grand Rapids in Middleville Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Reinforcements are on their way for the Thomapple Kellogg varsity volleyball team just in time. Trojan head coach Tia Cross said she expects junior Chloe Teachout and junior Adrienne Duits someone else back in the line­ up for the Trojans’ trip to face the defending Division 2 state champions, and current top­ ranked team in the state, Grand Rapids Christian in an OK Gold Conference match­ up tonight (Sept. 19). The Trojans fell 25-16, 25-19, 25-23 in their OK Gold Conference opener against East Grand Rapids Tuesday in Middleville. “We weren’t moving as well on defense as I would have liked. It took us a little while to get ourselves going as far as intensity goes and everything else. We have to be able to come out the first game and be positive, and be intense and be fired up right off the bat,” Cross said. “No more slow starts.” “We have spotted a team 11 points. We spotted them six or eight in that first game. We have to start quicker.” Cross said her team is working on some more intense warm-ups and some things in practice to help come to the court ready to go. There wasn’t a lot of separation between the two teams once the Trojans got rolling after trailing by a 10-3 margin early on in that first set. The Trojans cut the deficit to 19-15 before the Pioneers closed out that first set. TK had a 16-11 lead in the second set before East Grand Rapids put together a surge of eight consecutive points to pull ahead. The Trojans led as late as 19-17 in the third set before a few serve receive errors helped the Pioneers finish off the match. Claudia Wilkinson led the Trojans with eight kills, firing attacks from the left side of the net and from the back row. Claudia Lems, the Trojan setter, had three aces and 16 assists. “We’re getting better with our serves, minus the first game tonight. We are getting together as a team and we are right there on the edge of all of these games. We just have got to finish. We have been battling every game, just being right in it,” Cross said. The Trojans were in action at the Battle Creek Lakeview Invitational Saturday, and fell in all four of their matches. Cross was happy to see the improved serving in action there. TK had almost half as many service errors last week as it had the week before. Wilkinson had 16 kills on the day, Ellie Shoobridge 15 to go with seven blocks, and Tyah Jefferson added 13 kills. The Trojans host South Christian Tuesday and Forest Hills Eastern Thursday in the week ahead. Thornapple Kellogg junior outside hitter Paige Zellmer smacks an attack against East Grand Rapids during the Trojans’ OK Gold Conference opener in Middleville Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Orthopedic Care Close to Home Bryan Kamps, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon. After earning his medical degree from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, Dr. Kamps completed a transitional internship at Blodgett Memorial Medical Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, two years general surgery training at Michigan State University in Lansing, Michigan, and his residency in orthopaedic surgery at McLaren Regional Medical Center in Flint, Michigan. Dr. Kamps has nearly 25 years years of experience in orthopaedic surgery. Before coming to Spectrum Health, he was a surgeon at Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services in Gallup, New Mexico. He also was a surgeon for the U.S. Army Reserve with tours of duty in Bosnia, Afghanistan and Germany. Dr. Kamps is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Association of Hip and Knee .Surgeons. Dr. Kamps has relocated his practice from Spectrum Health Grand Rapids to the Bryan Kamps, MD Orthopedic & Pain Clinic in Hastings. SPECTRUM HEALTH^ Pennock Accepting new patients | findadoctor.spectrumhealth.org Spectrum Health Pennock Orthopedics & Pain Center 840 Cook Road Hastings, Ml 49058 269.945.9520 � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-09-26.pdf c280e3eca60557352025198d257b6dc1 PDF Text Text Ban on baiting as deer season starts Everyone needs ‘A Happiness Walk Buzzer-beater boosts TK in Gold See Story on Page 18 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 12 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 804879110187 1070490102590500526849058195427 ANNER Thursday, September 26, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 39 I Memorial planned for WWII vet Monday PRICE 750 M-37 congestion frustrates drivers, no answers coming soon State budget holds $240 per student increase for local schools Taylor Owens Seventy-four years after his death, Ernie Belson will receive a formal memo­ rial. The Hastings man was a cook at a U.S. Army hospital in the Philippines when he contracted malaria. He died two days before the Japanese surrendered, marking the end of World War II. On Monday night, remaining family members and Hastings American Legion Post 45 will gather at the newly-dedicat­ ed Gold Star Families Memorial at the veterans plaza in Tyden Park to honor Belson’s memory. The ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. Belson attended Edger School in Rutland Township through the eighth grade. However, because of the Great Depression and his parents’ need to have his help on their farm, he was not able to continue his education. As a result, his name is not among the Hastings High School graduates listed on the World War II memorial at the football field. His fam­ ily was never able to attend a funeral for him. Now, nearly 75 years later, the two members of the Dibble family, who lived across the road from the Belsons, have worked to make sure Ernie Belson has a memorial. The approximately 20-minute obser­ vance will include brief remarks from Legion and family members, a 21-gun salute and playing of Taps. ‘Attic finds’ topic of meeting er f 1 Drivers who use M-37 between the M-6 expressway in Caledonia Township and the city of Hastings are seeing significant traffic growth along that route. Here’s a view of M37 looking north on Tuesday afternoon, just south of the Barry/Kent county line. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) Greg Chandler Staff Writer Five days a week, Tonya Boyce commutes from her home in Middleville to the Amazon distribution center in Walker, northwest of Grand Rapids. Boyce worked first shift when she started working at Amazon last November. She would leave for work 45 minutes early because of the traffic congestion on M-37 through Caledonia. After a couple of months of commuting, Boyce did not want to deal with the traffic headaches anymore, and switched to working third shift. “I honestly schedule everything around M-37 traffic,” she said. Meanwhile, Katee Aubil of Caledonia fears for her safety every time she drops off and picks up her 2-year-old son, Kai, from the Adventures Learning Center, located off the northwest comer of M-37 and 84^ Street. “As I attempt to turn left into the drive, no fewer than 20-30 cars, trucks and semis whiz past me on my right side, going well over 55 miles per hour in a nonexistent lane,” said Aubil, a speech language pathologist for Caledonia Community Schools. “It shakes my van. I can hear the whistle of the air as they speed by within inches of my newborn daughter and my son in their car seats. All of fhiA^Jji^to save a few extra seconds?” These are just some Mf the frustrations expressed by drivers who use M-37 between the M-6 expressway in Caledonia Township and the city of Hastings. According to the most recent Michigan Department of Transportation traffic counts taken in 2017, the number of vehicles that use M-37 daily range from 14,560, between the western city limits of Hastings and the M-43 intersection downtown, to 26,595 vehicles from M-6 south to 76^ Street. “It’s really difficult to get here or leave here, because of M-37,” said Randy Bryant, a Caledonia resident who earlier this year pur­ chased the Fortune Chef Chinese restaurant, 9353 Cherry Valley Ave. SE in the Caledonia Village Centre. Bryant considered launching a delivery service when Ke took over the business, but has shelved those plans because of traffic congestion on M-37. “It would take way too long. That’s Jet’s See TRAFFIC, page 2 Staff Writer Nearly four months into their fiscal year, Michigan school officials are finally get­ ting a look at how much funding they will likely receive from the state. The budget cleared the state Legislature Sept. 19, and is currently awaiting approv­ al from Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. Schools qualify for different amounts, but the proposed budget has a raise of $120 to $240, for a total of between $7,871 and $8,529 per student. For almost a decade, the state govern­ ment has made it a point to finish the bud­ get by June, so school officials would know how much funding they would receive before the start of their fiscal year on July 1. But, this year, elected officials have taken much longer to work out the budget, and school officials had to make their bud­ gets based on best guesses. Around 80 percent of school budget funding comes from state sources. Local schools budgeted conservatively, projecting $180 or even $100 per pupil increases, as administratofs said they would rather add funds than have to make cuts later on. See BUDGET, page 11 Barry ISD says Great Start classes will begin Monday School officials appeal state recommendation to remove programs from local control Cleaning out an attic or purging a basement invariably leads to another big task: deciding what to do with culled items. The Barry County Historical Society will host a meeting Wednesday during which guests can learn about resources to help determine the value of items or find potential buyers. The meeting will be at 6 p.m in the community room of Hastings Public Library. Vickie Rick of Middleville will be the speaker. Rick had an antique booth at the Flat River Antique Mall in Lowell for years. After years of finding new homes for. a variety of attic and basement treasures, Rick has knowledge of places to take those things and also a wealth of advice about preparing items and and one’s self for the sale. Attendees may bring one smaller item for Rick to use to illustrate where it might be marketed and where its current worth might be learned. The meeting is open to the public, and individuals may join the historical soci­ ety at any time. Deadline extended for local artist exhibition The Thomapple Arts Council and Historic Charlton Park will host the jur­ ied fifth annual Barry County Artists Exhibition at the park this fall. The exhibition will be on display in the Irving D. Charlton Memorial Museum Oct. 19-Dec. 15. Application materials and eligibility information can be found on the Thornapple Arts Council’s website, http://thornapplearts.org/barry-county-artists-exhibition/. Questions about the exhibition may be directed to the arts council by calling 269-945-2002 or via the website http:// thomapplearts .org/contact-us. See NEWS BRIEFS, page 3 v Jessica Courtright Contributing Writer The Great Start Readiness Program and the Great Start Collaborative will start classes Monday under the management of the Barry Intermediate School District - despite conten­ tion with the state Department of Education over the operation of the programs. In a letter to parents, BISD Superintendent Richard Franklin announced that classes will begin Sept. 30 -- and the two programs will continue to operate through the local ISD. Franklin’s letter also stated that, because classes are beginning two weeks later than previous years, classes will end two weeks later. At this time, they are not planning to have Friday classes, but Fridays may be scheduled near the end of the school year to accommo­ date a possible excess of allotted snow days, he said. Franklin’s announcement is consistent with comments he has made since a Department of Education recommendation last spring to remove these programs from local ISD’s • State auditors “did not ask a lot of questions and, as a result of that, the report that came out on June 3 was error-riddled.” k Attorney Margaret Hackett to the Barry Intermediate School District board administrative and financial control. He and his staff are appealing state claims of “numer­ ous internal financial control and noncompli­ ance issues” by the Barry ISD. Franklin and the district’s chief financial officer Cindy Larson met with state auditors July 22. That informal hearing was part of their appeal of an April report from the MDE that had recommended the removal of the GSRP program from Barry ISD management, he said. “We’re assuming there will be a state bud­ get with program funding,” Franklin told The Banner in August. “We’re still planning to have classes in Delton and Hastings, and we still plan on serving the 4-year-olds of Delton and Hastings.” In April, a five-person MDE team exam­ ined five different grant programs offered by the local ISD — GSRP, GSC, Raise to the Top, IDEA, and Early Childhood. That fiscal review of the GSRP program, for example, reported a total of $129,059 in questioned costs and $34,849 in misclassified costs. “Curiously, even though all of the same sorts of procedures, and personnel are involved in administering those grants at the ISD, only the GSRP and GSC funding have been the target of focus,” Margaret Hackett from Thrun Law Firm told the ISD board at its Sept. 10 meeting. “So, right there, that is peculiar because everything is being handled in the same way. “Until a determination is made that they (MDE) are no longer going to fund GSRP and GSC, the BISD would be receiving the fund­ ing that was expensed.” State education officials have not said pub­ licly if they have concerns about the local operation of the programs. But, if the review process still underway ends unfavorably for the BISD and, if it is completed before the end of the school year, another entity could still be assigned to take over the program this year. 3 “Usually, monitorings are done more col­ laboratively where MDE calls ahead in much the way your annual audit, would be done,” Hackett told the ISD board. “Your auditor wouldn’t just show up here. They would say what dates work best and that we will set aside some time. ‘We will give you time topull together your records and proceed from there.’ “They did not ask a lot of questions,”' Hackett said of the MDE’s April review, “and, as a result of that, the report that came out on June 3 was error-riddled. It was just filled See BARRY ISD, page 2 Health officials urge EEE precautions until hard frost Greg Chandler Staff Writer Local and state officials are continuing to encourage residents in Barry and neighboring counties to take steps to protect themselves from the spread of the mosquito-borne disease Eastern equine encephalitis. While no new human cases of EEE have been found in Barry County, a new animal case was diagnosed on Tuesday, said Colette Scrimger, health officer for the Barry-Eaton District Health Department. The new EEE case, which was found in a whitetail deer, is the fifth animal EEE case identified in Barry County in the last month. Three of the five animal cases in the county have been found in deer while the other two were in horses. Overall, the state has reported a total of 25 animal EEE cases across Michigan and nine human cases, including one in Barry County, said Lynn Sutfin, a spokeswoman for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Among the new animal cases that have been confirmed was a Mexican gray wolf pup at Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek. The pup, which was part of a litter born to a breeding pair of Mexican gray wolves at the zoo in June through a species survival program, died during the first weekend in September and is the first confirmed case of EEE in Calhoun County. “Although EEE infection in canines is very, very rare, there have been a few cases previ­ ously reported in domestic dog puppies. All species considered highly susceptible to EEE infection at the zoo, including domestic and non-domestic equine species and ostriches, are vaccinated on a yearly basis,” Binder Park staff veterinarian Kim Thompson said. MDHHS confirmed Wednesday that it has reached out to counties where EEE cases have been found to offer the option of the state spraying pesticides to try to halt the spread of mosquitoes. “No decisions have been made (on whether to move ahead with aerial spraying),” Sutfin said. “It’s something that is under discussion.” Local schools are continuing to follow advisories from MDHHS about postponing or rescheduling nighttime outdoor activities, particularly high school football games, until the first hard frost occurs. At Hastings High School, today’s home freshman and junior varsity football games will start an hour earlier than usual, with the freshman game at 3:30 p.m. and the JV game to follow. That schedule will continue to remain in effect until the first hard frost, Superintendent Dan Remenap said. Meanwhile, Hastings Athletic Director Mike Goggins confirmed Wednesday that the Oct. 4 homecoming game against Jackson Lumen Christi will begin at 5 p.m., so that the game would be completed before dusk. The district is taking other precautions for its ath­ letic teams as well. “We have provided every team that practic­ es outside with DEET mosquito spray for those that would like to use it,” Goggins said. Thornapple Kellogg Assistant Superintendent Craig McCarthy said the school practice fields, playgrounds and stadi-_ um have been sprayed. Bug spray also will be available for attendees of athletic events. “The safety and security of our students and staff is our No. 1 priority,” McCarthy said. At Delton Kellogg High School, the Panthers’ Oct. 4 homecoming football game against Watervliet has been moved up to a 5 p.m. kickoff. The earlier kickoff means the traditional homecoming parade prior to the game has been postponed, Superintendent Kyle Corlett said. “With the game starting at 5 p.m., we don’t have enough time to have a parade before­ hand, due to traffic, etc.,” Corlett said. “We’re working on rescheduling the parade for our last football game on Oct. 25, but if the Health Department’s warning is still in effect, we won’t be able to have it then either.” In addition, the district is on a waiting list See EEE, page 5 �Page 2 — Thursday, September 26, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Federal aid makes up a major part of MDOT funding and those funds are typically targeted for freeways -- both interstate high­ ways such as I-96 as well as non-interstate freeways, such as M-6 and M-179 (shown here). (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) TRAFFIC, continued from page 1 (‘Pizza’s) problem, that was part of Domino’s problem when they were there. Delivery takes fOrever,” he said. ' Despite those traffic volume figures and Complaints from drivers, there are no immedi­ ate plans by MDOT for highway improve­ ments anytime soon. State highway officials say a greater emphasis of existing funding is being placed on freeway improvements, and it will most likely be 2021 before any measures are’taken on M-37. 1 “Statewide, MDOT’s focus is on preserv­ ing our existing state highways and bridges,” said Dennis Kent, a transportation planner for MDOT’s Grand Region, based in Grand Rapids. “As we address system preservation needs, we look for opportunities to include improvements to address operational, conges­ tion and traffic safety issues concurrently.” Kent noted that federal aid makes up a “major component” of MDOT’s funding, and that such funds are typically targeted toward freeways, both interstate highways such as 1-96 as well as non-interstate freeways, such as M-6. “As state funds become a larger part of the budget statewide, there will be opportunities to address more of the ‘M’ routes, like M-37,” he/said. “However, there are multiple system improvement needs statewide and in the fl3>county Grand Region. Progress on addi­ tional projects along M-37 will depend on priorities and revenue available statewide..” MDOT is planning on adding turn lanes and limited transition lanes on southbound M-37 between Patterson Avenue and M-6 in 2021. Further south -through ^Caledonia, Middleville and Hastings, however, nothing concrete is in the works. Options, are being looked at for possible pavement rehabilitation on the stretch from 76^ Street to 92n^ Street in the Caledonia area, with that work possibly taking place between the years 2021 and 2025. The timing that project will depend on funding avail­ ability, additional studies and environmental assessments, MDOT spokesman John Richard S^d. ^Between 92n^ and lOO^1 Streets, improve­ ment options are being evaluated, but no timeline for any projects has been determined. Amber Miller, as Elvira Condomine, Charles Condomine’s first wife, brings trouble to Charles, played by Nicholas Smith. According to the most recent Michigan Department of Transportation traffic counts taken in 2017, the number of vehicles on M-37 daily range from 14,560, between the western city limits of Hastings and the M-43 intersection downtown, to 26,595 vehicles from M-6 south to 76th Street. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) No major improvements are planned from lOO^1 St. south to Hastings, “however, strate­ gic intersections and segments will be moni­ tored to address critical operational needs and safety issues identified,” Richard said. At present, M-37 narrows from a four-lane divided highway just south of Kraft Avenue in Caledonia Township to two lanes. Larry Kopenkoskey, a longtime Caledonia resident, said the divided highway should be extended further south. “The boulevard or four-lane should be extended from 76^1 Street, past 84^, and ( there should be) a bypass around Caledonia village behind the buildings on the east side of M-37,” Kopenkoskey said. “It seems the state isn’t looking at the big picture and it waiting for all that land to be developed before mak­ ing plans for the future.” Kopenkoskey points to development that is already occurring on the east side of M-37, south of 100^ Street, as an example that the state needs to act sooner, rather than later, to address the traffic congestion issue. “It would be much more costly to buy up The Thomapple Players are preparing for performances of Noel Coward’s “Blithe Spirit” from Oct. 3-6. The seven-person cast delivers the tale of a successful author who hosts a seance, hoping businesses in that area than farmland,” he to learn more about the occult for an upcoming said. book. Instead, the author is haunted by his For local officials, M-37 is a source of frus­ first wife, who sabotages his marriage to his tration. They hear complaints from residents second wife, leading to more seances, about congestion, but are in little position to unsuccessful spells and comical encounters. take any action because M-37 is a state high­ “A hauntingly funny comedy that is way and there is no local jurisdiction over the perfectly executed by an incredibly talented road. Tim Bradshaw, who serves , on the cast,” is how Director Julian Kratochvil Caledonia Township planning commission, describes the show. says the situation has gotten to a point of what The , cast includes Nicholas Smith ag he terms “critical mass.” Chnrffis Condomine, the author; Jordan “MDOT continues. to prioritize interstate Dimock; as Ruth Condomine, the author’s work only while we sftM^raffic and have to second wife; Ellen Bennett as Madame Arcati, take risks at uns^-.ahzed intersections that the meffium; Dan Braker as Dr. George should be signalized anp properly timed to Bradman, a friend; Jennifer Zech as Mrs. allow safe turns without impeding mainline Violet Bradman, the doctor’s wife; Amber progression,” Bradshaw wrote in a Facebook Miller as Elvira, the author’s first wife; and post. Amy Jo Parish as Edith, the housemaid with Tonya Boyce now goes in at 9 p.m. and unusual abilities. leaves Amazon at 5 a.m. - enough time for her The production staff includes stage to get back to Middleville and missing the managers Doug Acker and Terri Schray, light morning rush hour traffic. “It’s a 30-minute drive with the schedule (I have) now. But had I not been able to switch shifts, I wouldn’t be doing it,” she said. techs Dee Lowell and Sam Pattok, and sound tech Rick Hemerling. Light and sound design is by Michael Moray. Tammy Johnson and Carol Satterly are in charge of costumes. Hair and make-up are by Lynette King. Julie Coon is the prompter. Set builders are Doug Acker and Dale Svihl. The house manager is Carol Svihl. Performances from Thursday, Oct. 3, to Saturday, Oct. 5, will begin at 7 p.m. The final performance on Sunday, Oct. 6, will be a 2 p.m. matinee. Tickets are $10 for adults; $8 for students and seniors and may be purchased in advance at Progressive Graphics or the Thomapple Arts Council. Reduced tickets ($7) are available for a public dress rehearsal only at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 2. The show will be at the Dennison Performing Arts Center, 231 S. Broadway, Hastings. “We are so excited to perform this longrunning comic classic,” producer Norma Jean Acker said. “The cast and crew have worked hard to bring this witty, wry work to our local audiences. You will not be disappointed.” with errors.” To help understand the numbers cited in the MDE report, the ISD requested that its audi­ tor, Steve Thompson, a certified public accountant at Biggs, Hausserman, Thompson & Dickinson PC, review it. Hackett said Thompson “responded with a memo basically saying, T don’t know how they sent a team of five people who don’t understand that grants run from Oct. 1 to Nov. 30 and, therefore, overlap two school fiscal years.” “So, you’re going to take nine months of data - from Oct. 1 through June 30 of the first year - and then you’re going to take July 1 through Sept. 30 of the second school year, in order to cover the state’s grant year that runs from Oct. 1 of one year to Sept. 30 of the next year. “...Thompson went through every single number and said it was inexplicable that ‘they only considered either nine months of data or three months of data’ because they had in front of them general ledger reports that showed them months of activity.” ISD officials said they hoped their summa­ ry reply to the state would resolve the issue, but, due to MDE’s schedule, a meeting could not take place until July 22. At that meeting, they provided the state with a 19-page sum­ mary explaining why the basis for the MDE recommendation to no longer fund their GSRP and GSC programs was flawed. Hackett said that ISD officials were “very hopeful at the end of the meeting because there did not seem to be any disagreement from MDE’s side of the table that everything we were presenting was refuting the numbers in the report.” MDE representatives committed to getting back with local ISD officials and providing answers to their questions. But its Aug. 7 followup letter stated that the MDE would stand by its original recommen­ dations. Although no specific numbers were cited, the letter said, “There are some discrep­ ancies between budget numbers and final expenditures report numbers.” “We had discussed that during the informal review,” Hackett said. “They had agreed. Pat Sargent from MDE, in particular, had agreed that there are timing issues with entering things into the Michigan Grant Reporting System. “With many grants, you have a large win­ dow that you can go in and, as you’re looking over a couple of years’ period of time and you can go back, you can amend your budgets so that the originally budgeted numbers align with your final expenditures.” The MDE team agreed that, due to limita­ tions in the system, the ability to go back and align that budget is a challenge. During the July 22 meeting, Hackett stated that the MDE team said “if there is less than a 10-percent variance you don’t need to even consider an amendment.” Many of the identified variances were within that window, Hackett said. Franklin said the ISD filed a formal appeal of the recommendations of the MDE’s Early Childhood Fiscal Monitoring report before the Sept. 19 deadline, but has not yet received a response. The MDE has 30 days to address the appeal. The formal appeal will now be referred to Richard Lower, director of Preschool and Out-of-School Learning, and Renee DeMarsJohnson, director of Early Childhood Development and Education. If a formal appeal is unsuccessful, the ISD can request a review from Dr. Michael Rice, the state super­ intendent. This is not the first time the ISD has been reviewed. Four years ago, an MDE review found no issues or irregularities and no red flags were raised. MDE waived a review of the ISD last year. During the Sept. 10 meeting, Franklin told school board members that “this process is being watched closely and has raised proce­ dural concerns with other school districts, ISDs, school business officials, and adminis­ trators. Many individuals have expressed con­ cerns about how this process has been han­ dled.” All 56 ISDs in the state work closely with MDE on multiple grants and projects, he said. The GSRP program employs 16 teachers and serves 130 students across Delton and Hastings. The Barry ISD has been receiving the grant for the program since the 2011-12 school year and has been running the program in Hastings since the 2013-14 school year and in Delton since the 2014-15 school year. “Our preparations for the start of preschool next Monday are going very well,” Franklin said. “We will be fully staffed, perhaps with one long-term substitute teacher, for all seven classrooms in Delton and Hastings.” BARRY ISD, continued from page 1 West Michigan Drum Bash comes to Hastings i The Western Michigan University Drumline is one of seven drumlines that will perform at the Hastings High School Stadium on ^Sunday. I i The West Michigan Drum Bash will march into the Hastings High School Stadium for the Event’s first visit to Hastings in its 10-year history on Sunday, Oct. 29 at 12 p.m. *«Hastings Area Schools Band Director Jen Ewers said the event is not a competition, but |t*way for bands to see each other perform, Something bands don’t often get the chance to po. .* ’“This is a great way to develop a communi­ ty amongst percussionists in West Michigan,” fevvers said. .'•rThe event was started by her husband, Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Landon Ewers, Director of Percussion at Legends Drum and Bugle Corps, and the for­ mer director of the Western Michigan University Drumline. The drum bash will feature 180 percussion­ ists from six area high schools, Hastings, Reeths-Puffer, Portage Northern, Byron Center, Vicksburg and Lakewood, and two universities, Grand Valley State University and Western Michigan University. The WMU drumline has two Hastings alums as mem­ bers, Hannah Radloff and Lindsay Meeker, who earned positions on the WMU Drumline this season. Each year a new Clinician is invited to work with each drumline. This year’s clini­ cian is John MacFarland, the owner of music arranging company Six to Five Productions. He is the program coordinator for Legends Drum and Bugle Corps and the director of the Cleveland Browns Drumline. He has been in the Drumline community for over 25 years and has many years experience working with high school and college drumlines. Each drumline has a 12-minute time block to perform its marching band show, warmups, Thornapple Players presenting ‘Blithe Spirit’ or cadences. Afterwards, MacFarland will work with each group on skills it can continue working on over its marching season. The event is free to the public. In the event of rain, it will be moved to the Hastings High School Performing Arts Center. Schedule: 12 p.m. - Lakewood High School 12:25 p.m. - Reeths Puffer High School 12:45 p.m. - Portage Northern High School 1:05 p.m. - Byron Center High School 1:25 p.m. - Vicksburg High School 1:45 p.m. - Hastings High School 2:05 p.m. - Lunch 2: 40 p.m. - Sectionals: Each University Drumline will teach cadences to the High School Drumlines 3: 15 p.m. - Grand Valley State University 3:35 p.m. - Western Michigan University 3: 55 p.m. - Mass Drumline Performance, all eight groups will perform the cadences learned 4: 20 p.m. - Skills challenge/Prize GiveAways/Photos 5 p.m. - Event ends �Hastings Public Library 227 E State Street Hastings MIti4SQ§£banner — Thursday, September 26, 2019 — Page 3 City council proofreads a proposal - and sends it back for rewrite Doug VanderLaan Contributing Writer Although the critical need to purchase a new high-tech vacuum-powered sewer clean­ er was never in question, Hastings City Council members balked at a resolution approving a nearly $500,000 lease-to-own agreement because of how the proposal was written. “I don’t know that I can say it’s for ‘a valid public purpose’ because there’s no agreement here,” said Council member Brenda McNabbStange at the council meeting Monday night. McNabb-Stange was referring to a section of the resolution that stated, “The acquisition of the Equipment and the approvil of the agreement hereby are found and declared to be for a valid public purpose and i i the best interest of the health and welfare of the resi­ dents of the City.” Council member Don Smith added his Objection by saying, “I want to see an agree­ ment before signing off on this.” When City Manager Jerry Czarnecki said the three-page purchase agreement was required to be drawn up by bond attorneys, McNabb-Stange snapped back: “I don’t turn over my responsibility to an attorney.” More careful proofreading may be neces­ sary before attorneys turn in their work to the council. Despite warnings from staff about the city’s vulnerability to water main breaks like those that occurred this past spring and summer - and being able to properly address them, council members tabled the resolution Wtil their next meeting Oct. 14. Commonly referred to as a “vactor,” the present equipment is used “every single day” for any number of excavating needs, accord­ ing to Department of Public Works Director Matt Gergen. This equipment is often employed for exca­ vating around a myriad of other buried infra­ structure when repairing water main breaks. The new technology digs with the use of water jets, rather than with the traditional steel of the present vactor model, and protects against the rupturing of underground fiberop­ tic communication cables. The present problem is that the city’s cur­ rent vactor is approaching the end of its 10-year life expectancy, is in need of continu­ ous repairs, and poses a genuine threat to city utilities if it fails. “You’ve got your fingers crossed on the old one, don’t you?” council member Jim Cary said to Gergen. When he asked Gergen about the time frame for a new vactor, Cary appeared stunned to learn - as did other council mem­ bers — that new vactors are custom-designed for the specifications of individual communi­ ties and carry a lead time of 10 months for build-up and delivery. “Our best-case scenario would be July (if approved at Monday’s meeting),” Gergen told council members. “It’s a concern because the present equipment is aging and has been giv­ ing us problems. We’re spending money on repairs and the trade-in value continues to go down.” Gergen estimated the trade-in value of the present vactor system at $40,000 and suggest­ ed, in a worst-case scenario, that the city would be forced to rent a system not only for emergencies but to cover the “things we nor­ mally do every day.” The purchase agreement written by bond attorneys and presented at Monday’s meeting by City Manager Jerry Czarnecki suggested that, in addition to the lease-to-own price for a new vactor, the city begin building a reserve fund over the next six years. This would ensure that funds are available for a future purchase and not subject to the present high-expenditure situation. Despite the advance planning, that part of the plan also raised concerns with council members, especially since the proposed pur­ chase agreement stated the useful life of the equipment “is hereby determined to be not less than ten (10) years.” “I don’t think the life expectancy is 10 years, because that’s kind of where we are now,” said Gergen while discussing the pres­ ent system’s regular breakdowns and continu­ ous repair. “The resolution says the life of the equip­ ment will be not less than 10 years,” McNabbStange said to Gergen. “Now you’re saying it’s five to six yesifs? You’re asking us to lie in our resolution?” “He’s not lying, Brenda, because he didn’t write this,” said Mayor David Tossava, who, in assessing the discussion, added his own caution. “We can table this, but I think we need to make a decision at our next meeting. I don’t want to cause any concern but, in the middle of the night, when a water main breaks, we’re going to have a serious prob­ lem.” Council members voted unanimously to table the issue, but insisted that they be sup­ plied with a full breakdown on all possible scenarios and cost plans. “I completely agree, we need a new vac­ tor,” councilman Don Smith said. My only question is the pathway to get there and the financing. I just want to know how much we save if we purchase outright versus the cost of financing a new vactor.” Council members also put their sharp pen­ cils to work before unanimously approving an amendment to the city’s zoning map that will allow a river recreational company to contin­ ue with its planning to expand its business on the city’s east end adjacent to the River Walk. Julie Fox, proprietor of U-Rent-Em-Canoe Livery, had requested a zoning change to expand her business from its present location in the city at 805 W. Apple St. upriver to prop­ erty at 1400 and 1402 E. Center Rd., adjacent to the River Walk. Currently zoned rural-res­ idential, the change made on Monday by the city council to a flood plain designation may allow for Fox’s plans for increased customer launches of kayaks, canoes, and tubes and for overnight “glamping” sites, a form of camp­ ing involving accommodations and facilities considered to be more luxurious than those associated with traditional camping. “I’m concerned about conflicting represen­ tation they made to the Planning Commission,” noted McNabb-Stange. “Their report to the Planning Commission was that no one would be returning to the site - just leaving (by launches into the river). Do they have a plan to put in camping?” “I can’t speak to their plan because we have not received a site plan,” Czarnecki said, assuring council members that they will be able to see and act on all possible proposals. “They’ll need a PUD (Planned Unit Development) and part of that will involve going to the DNR (Department of Natural Resources) and getting permits.” “They indicated that they wanted to use one of the two buildings on the site, are they plan­ ning to demolish the other one?” McNabbStange asked. “They don’t have plans to modify the river, do they?” Czarnecki replied that the business would not, reiterating the need for DNR approval before any such change could be made. Tossava, who serves on the Planning Commission added his own observations: “Whatever they do, she has to have a site plan. We had a public hearing and people may be up in arms with whatever she proposes but, at this point, we’re just rezoning the property - we’re not approving anything.” Also approved unanimously was another zoning amendment formally indicating the city’s approval of final changes to the Planned Unit Development of the Royal Coach prop­ erty, formerly owned by the Hastings Manufacturing Company. When questioned by council members about similar progress on the 30-unit, four-sto­ ry residential/commercial development approved last month for the former Moose Lodge property at 128 N. Michigan, Czarnecki explained that the two projects are on separate funding tracks. Because General Capital Corp., the build­ er-developer for the Royal Coach project, i| seeking partial state funding, it needed Monday’s council endorsement to meet an Oct. 1 funding deadline. A.J. Veneklaseij, builder-developer for the 128 N. Michigan property, will be supplying its own funding. In other business Monday, the city council: • Set an Oct. 14 public hearing for the development project at 118 E. Court St. The rental rehabilitation project by Caledonia developer Marvin Helder had already received a public hearing in June, had cleared zoning board approvals, and was merely waiting for final approvals at the state level. “Changes made at the state level are now causing chang­ es in requirements,” Czarnecki said, “so now they’re asking Marv to come for a public hearing because there’s a new person in charge.” Community Development Director Dan King, who had shepherded Helder’s proj­ ect since its beginning more than a year ago, reported that the delay could last as long as six months, adding that Helder, who did not attend Monday’s meeting, was understand­ ably frustrated. • Conducted a first reading of changes rec­ ommended by the Joint Planning Zoning Board regarding electronic billboards. The ordinance change requires approval by both the city council and the Rutland Charter Township Board. • Received Police Chief Jeff Pratt’s month’ ly report in which he noted his expectation See COUNCIL, page 11 Local Gold Star Family committee close to completing its mission J-Ad News Services Another star will begin shining at the Veterans Memorial Plaza at Tyden Park in Hastings this Sunday when the Gold Star Family stone will join other revered markers honoring the different branches of the military and the people who served in specific wars, such as Vietnam, WWI and W WIL A dedication ceremony for the new monu­ ment honoring immediate family members of United Stated armed forces members lost during any period of war or hostilities will begin at 7:30 p.m. It comes on the day that Gold Star families celebrate nationwide in what’s known as Gold Star Mothers Day. The ceremony will include the lighting of luminary candles and speeches by Hastings Mayor Dave Tossava and former mayor, Frank Campbell. Two additional addresses will be offered by Gold Star Mothers Linda Curtis and Wendy Ralston. Ralston wrote the poem that will be displayed on the Gold Star stone. Jim Atkinson, chair of the American Gold Star Family committee, said discussion about how to honor Gold Star Families who have lost loved ones who died in defense of their country has come up many times over the years. Following construction of the Veterans Memorial Plaza at Tyden Park in May 2017, The American Gold Star Family monument will be placed in the Veterans Memorial Plaza at Tyden Park in Hastings at sundown Sunday, Sept. 29. those discussions then had a focus. “We wanted to be sure we used every ave­ nue possible to reach Gold Star families in Barry County and surrounding counties,” says Atkinson, who noted the history behind the gold star designation. A Gold Star Family is a reference that was initially derived from the service flag. These flags were first flown by families during World War I. The flag included a blue star for every immediate family member serving in the armed forces of the United States, during any period of war or hostilities in which the U.S. armed forces were engaged. During World War I, women who had fam­ ily members serving the country wore a blue star on their left arm. As many soldiers died in that conflict, the suggestion was made to sew a gold star over the blue star to represent the sacrifice The Women’s Committee of the Council of National Defense presented the idea to President Woodrow Wilson and the practice was adopted in 1918. On June 4,1928,25 mothers in Washington, D. C., banded together to form a non-profit organization designated as the American Gold Star Mothers. Campbell who’ll be among those deliver­ ing remarks at the dedication ceremony on Sunday has a deep and personal connection to the movement. “I remember seeing the blue stars in the window of houses when I was a kid,” Campbell said told The Reminder in May. “My grandmother had four. When I saw a gold star, I knew what it meant, even then. I carried that with me my entire time in the Army. It’s a terrible thing to have to bury a young, healthy child knowing you’ll never see them grow up or have children of their own.” The United States began observing Gold Star Mother’s Day on the last Sunday of September 1936, and the Gold Star Wives was formed before the end of World War II. Today, the nation recognizes the sacrifice all Gold Star Family members make wheh a father, mother, brother, sister, son, daughter, or other relative dies in service to the nation. Gold Star Mother’s and Family’s Day is the last Sunday of September and Gold Star Spouse’s Day is April 5. “The Gold Star Monument is something I truly want to see happen before my time here on Earth is done. It’s very important to me that the sacrifices made by American families through every military campaign also are hon­ ored and recognized,” Campbell said. “It’s important to a lot of other people, too.” . ---- ---- Board thanks county employees Rebecca Pierce Editor Employees were the focus of Tuesday’s Barry County Board of Commissioners meet­ ing. A new sheriff’s deputy was sworn in: Morganne Hubbell, a Hastings native, took the oath of office. She has four years of expe­ rience in community policing. She worked previously for the department as a cadet before entering the academy. The next step for Hubbell is four months of training alongside a veteran officer. Chairwoman Heather Wing presided over a 45-minute gathering of county officials and employees, who attended with friends and OOITTITC oKlbro om front page Fall Harvest Festival at Charlton Park this weekend Historic Charlton Park in Hastings will host its Fall Harvest Festival this weekend. The festival will give visitors an opportunity to experience first-hand harvesting tech­ niques and activities from the early-to-mid-1900s. The festival will run from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday through Sunday. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for children ages 5-12.Historic Charlton Park is located at 2545 S. Charlton Park Road. Red Cross to hold blood drive in Hastings The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive next Thursday, Oct. 3, at the First Presbyterian Church in Hastings. The Red Cross is urging people of all races and ethnicities to give blood of platelets to help increase the diversity of the blood supply. While the vast majority of individuals fall in one of four major blood types - A, B, O and AB - patients with rare blood types or who receive regular blood transfusions must be matched closely to reduce the risk of complica­ tions during a transfusion. The Red Cross says the best match may be someone of the same racial or ethnic group. Appointments can be made by downloading the free Red Cross blood donor app, visiting RedCrossBlood.org, calling 1-800-733-2767 or enabling the Blood Donor Skill on any Alexa Echo device. The drive will begin at noon and run until 5:45 p.m. The church is located at 405 N. M-37. family members, to thank recipients for their years of service to |he county. Honored were: • Pam Tobias, office coordinator and book­ keeper for the Transit Department, for five years of service. • Erik Godbey for five years of service and Michelle James for 20 years of service to Central Dispatch/E-911. • Jeremiah Kimbel for 15 years of service to the Barry County sheriff’s office. • Tammy Hayes, deputy drain commission­ er, for 15 years of service. • Shasta Lenz, juvenile probation officer, for 10 years of service to the Family Division/ Probate Court. • Kimberly Gravelie, account clerk in the county clerk’s office, for 30 years of service. In other action, the board: • Approved the expenditure of fiscal year 2019 unexpended funds for the grant between the state, the public defender’s office and the county to continue to provide indigent defense services until such time as the state approves a budget for fiscal year 2020. • Approved reappointing Lois Bowers to serve as the “at large” representative of Barry County on the Region 3B Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council. • Approved the collection of winter taxes and authorized the chairwoman to siggt the form. • Approved claims of $93,729 • and scheduled a public hearing at 9 a.m. Oct. 22 for the 2020 county proposed budget and to recommend adoption of the 2020 bud- New Barry County sheriff’s deputy Morganne Hubbell takes the oath of office from Sheriff Dar Leaf. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) get, general appropriations act and millage after holding a public hearing. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads �Page 4 — Thursday, September 26, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Everyone needs a ‘Happiness Walk’ Chuck Tefft puts up a banner announcing Girls Night Out on Main Street late Monday morning. The annual event will feature special sales from local businesses from 5-8 p.m. Thursday Oct. 3. (Photo by Joe Williams) We’re dedicating this space to a photograph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? Delton royalty Banner Sept. 26, 1963 Delton queen and her court Queen of Delton Kellogg High School’s homecoming Celebration Saturday was Miss Raynette Beatty (second from right}.’She was selected from class candidates (from left) Kathy Frey, a senior; Betty Boniface, junior; Sue Cooley, senior; Kathy Champion, sophomore; Queen Raynette; and Trudy Phillips, a freshman. Jerry Francisco was named the homecoming king. Raynette is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Beatty of Fair Lake. More than 400 attended the homecoming dance, which followed Delton’s 18-13 victory over Richland. Have you met? Jon Sporer, CEO and executive director of the YMCA of Barry County, grew up in Fenton , ML While attending Michigan State University, he met his wife Kelly (Buckham) Sporer to whom he’s been married since 2006. The couple has three daughters Clara, 10, Lucy, 8, and Cate, 5, who all attend the Hastings Area School System Since moving to Hastings, Sporer says he enjoys; “how welcoming the community is. We feel like we have made better friendships here.” He also likes the impact that the YMCA organization can have in a small community like this. Sporer says he took the position in Barry County in 2016 because he and his wife were looking for a smaller com­ munity in which to settle down with their family. Sporer has worked full-time for YMCAs in Michigan since 2000. Before working at the YMCA of Barry County, Sporer worked for the YMCA at Camp Hayo-Went-Ha. He added that throughout college, he worked as a camp counselor for the YMCA. Sporer began working at the YMCA in 1997 and has now been at it with the YMCA for 23 sum­ mers. ’ As an member of both the Hastings Rotary Club and the Barry County Chamber of Commerce, Sporer has been involved in a myriad of community service projects. One favorite is helping to run the concession stand at the Thomapple Plaza where the money raised goes to support a range of ini­ tiatives including the YMCA, a clean water initiative, and the eradication of polio. Sporer is excited about a number of upcoming milestones in his present position. “The waterfront renovation at Camp Algonquin is a big one. It includes a new boathouse, a new bathhouse, a new lake retaining wall and allowing new program­ ming opportunities to improve the safety of the property. It’s going to enhance visibility from the lake and the shore The project is Jon Sporer scheduled to be, completed next spring. The Barry County YMCA is also working on a book to commemorate the 75th anniver­ sary of the Camp Algonquin in 2021. The book will be available for community mem­ bers to purchase. Sporer says it “will include a lot of neat stories and a lot of neat history about camp. The plan is to have people in the community buy the book, to help recoup the cost of the book, and as a fundraiser for the YMCA.” For his dedication to young people and for his love for his new community, Jon Sporer is definitely a Barry County Bright Light. Something most people don’t know about me: I have been to 40 states and eight coun­ tries. I have been to Australia, Ireland, England, Scotland, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Aruba, and Canada. How I like to celebrate special occasions: I went skydiving twice - once for my 18th birthday and last year for my 40th birthday. Favorite hobbies: I grew up on a lake so I really like to waterski. I like to golf, disc golf. I like to swim. I like to go camping with my family. Sports I love in Barry County: I’ve par­ ticipated in Barry-Roubaix for the past three years. I enjoy riding bikes, both road bikes and mountain bikes. Best advice ever received: Treat people the way you would like to be treated. Favorite teacher: My dad because he taught me how to swim and bike and water ski and play most sports. Favorite song: The MSU fight song. If I could change one thing: Help more people have a positive outlook and take own­ ership of their decisions. A person I’d like to meet: Andre Agassi. He was one of my favorite tennis players, but he has also had a fascinating career, and he’s a big philanthropist now. The work he does helping youth in Las Vegas is impressive. Favorite food: Tacos — legitimate tacos. Not like tacos from Taco Bell. Favorite thing about Barry County: The outdoor activities. There are places to bike, places to swim, places to hike. Just how it feels to be up north. Favorite childhood memory:Learning to waterski. Advice I’d give to a high school graduate: Arrive early, stay late, and stick to your core values. Best gift I have ever received: My family. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics .com. Happiness passed just to our south last week. Too bad we missed it but, thanks to John Hendler, the editor of our newspaper in Marshall, I got to feel a bit of the cool hap­ piness breeze when he caught up with it blowing through town and sat down to talk with her. Yes, her - in the person of Paula Francis, the 61-year-old woman who’s spent the past seven years crisscrossing the country with her backpack, her hiking boots, and her smile just looking for what makes people happy in America. So far, Francis’s “Happiness Walks,” taken at various times over the seven years, have covered 27 states and 8,000 miles. Her stop last week in Marshall was part of a trek to Boston which she hopes to reach by November, a hiking leg that will put her past the 10,000-totalmile mark. Francis is part of a nationwide movement she co-founded and named the “Happiness Walk,” a quest to find out what makes peo­ ple happy. It’s an outgrowth of Gross National Happiness USA (gnhusa.org) an organization that is interested in knowing what makes Americans happy. Sounds a little silly, but with all the anger that seems to fuel the national news, Francis is bringing a smile to the faces of people she meets who are always pleasantly surprised to encounter someone walking across the country in an effort to find out what makes them happy. “It was kind of instantaneous,” Francis told Hendler. “A friend of mine went to the country of Bhutan (in central Asia) where the concept of ‘Gross National Happiness’ began. They always measured their coun­ try’s success and progress by how happy their people were. And I just thought that was amazing and it made a great deal of sense and we needed a shift of paradigm in the United States.” So, along with a couple of friends, Francis co-founded Gross National Happiness USA in 2009. The group started holding confer­ ences, bringing in special speakers until 2012 when it decided it needed to gather more information on people across the country. That was the birth of the ‘Happiness Walk,’ going out and talking to people to get a sense of what truly matters in their lives. As I read Hendler’s article, it reminded me of a somewhat similar movement that is getting underway here in Barry County called Blue Zones. The program is more about chronic disease and becoming more aware of personal health and eating habits, but it also focuses on a healthy lifestyle and living longer by taking better care of one’s self and promoting a positive attitude. Francis said she is finding much the same in what Americans want. “Basically, our social connections matter and having time for those, as well as caring for one another, is right at the top,” she said during her Marshall layover, pointing out that most people feel that money and mate­ rial things aren’t as important as one might imagine. “It’s difficult these days to feel hopeful with our country’s politics, divisions, cli­ mate change, racism and questionable human rights trends,” said one Marshall citizen who went on to say that “it’s so easy to lose ourselves in discouraging spirals of negativity. Social media, as a replacement for true connections, is a huge contributor to this negativity.” Francis found that sitting down and visit­ ing with people, asking questions and giv­ ing them the assurance that she was truly interested in what they had to say, gave her the assurance that we have more in common with people who want good things for oth­ ers as well as themselves. She said that her talks give her hope that our country will once again steer itself toward the kindness and empathy we so desperately need. Francis, who walks 20 to 24 miles each day, said that her arrival in Boston, “will What do you end the research project and that is when the real work begins. We will begin to analyze the interviews - making sense of it and then creating the tools so policy can reflect the things people really care about.” She also indicated that a book might be in her future. Today, scientists specializing in the posi­ tive psychology field are affirming the foun­ dational importance of happiness to individ­ ual and societal success. So, even though the local Blue Zones project is a movement focusing on what we eat, it also emphasizes that being happy and content will play an important role if we expect to see dramatic results. Plus, the happiness movement is dedicated to becoming a platform for posi­ tive change by promoting and connecting movements and organizations that promote conditions of happiness, and inspiring action toward greater happiness and well-be­ ing for all. The importance of happiness to good health is even reaching a global scale. The General Assembly of the United Nations proclaimed March 20 as the International Day of Happiness, “recognizing the rele­ vance of happiness and well-being as uni­ versal goals and aspirations in the lives of human beings around the world and the importance of their recognition in public policy objectives.” A recent Pew Research Center report titled “Where Americans Find Meaning in Life” confirms that link. Pew researchers found that “Americans are most likely to mention family and spending time together as important to their happiness.” After tak­ ing into account the family response, career, finances, faith and friendships along with hobbies and activities came up most fre­ quently. The report also indicated that Americans have a more positive feeling about life in general than what is reported in most national news networks where the focus seems to be on feelings of hate and division. “I, not events, have the power to make me happy or unhappy today,” said comedian Groucho Marx. “I can choose which it shall be. Yesterday is dead, tomorrow hasn’t arrived yet. I have just one day, today, and I’m going to be happy in it.” Francis found that, in her journey across the country, one thing is sure: “It’s the sim­ pler things in life that matter and, if you can just give a smile and make eye contact, that might make a huge difference in a person’s life.” Things like health, love, family and friends. Enjoying moments like a sunset or a view from a mountain after a long hike. It’s about making a difference, faith in God, laughter and a sense of safety and security in the future. I didn’t get a chance to meet or talk with Francis, but, as she moves across the coun­ try, she is confirming that most Americans are happier than what national polls and media commentators indicate. It’s about getting up, going to work every day and focusing on what we can control in our lives that makes us happy. “The secret to being happy is accepting where you are in life and making the most out of every day,” someone once said. I tend to agree - and I don’t need to walk 10,000 miles to confirm that feeling, although I’m inspired that someone is doing so. Fred Jacobs, CEO J-Ad Graphics, Inc. think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by access­ ing our website, www.HastingsBanner. com. Results will be tabulated and report­ ed along with a new question the follow­ ing week. Last week: Some states allow online sports betting; others are considering legislation to allow it. Do you think online sports betting should be allowed in Michigan? Yes 61% No 38% For this week: Severe health hazards caused by vaping have prompted some states, including Michigan, to ban some of these products. Opponents say bans will merely drive sales of vaping prod­ ucts to other providers out of the state and the country, even to the black market. Do you believe these vaping products should be banned in Michigan? □ Yes □ No �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 26, 2019 — Page 5 ' ■ Health officials emphasize ‘personal protection’ from SEE Bridge Magazine Mosquitoes carrying the deadly Eastern equine encephalitis have driven some Friday night football games in Michigan to the day­ light hours. Superintendents from Kalamazoo County — the epicenter of an outbreak that has claimed three lives in Michigan and seriously sickened six other residents — agreed to reschedule school activities that would nor­ mally take place between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., when Coquillettidia perturbans, also known as EEE, continued from page 1 to get its fields and playground facilities sprayed, Corlett said. At Maple Valley Schools, the district is maintaining protocols that were set in place last week. No games have yet been resched­ uled but could be moved if the EEE situation continues. “We are moving our youth football (prac­ tices and games) forward to get people home earlier, and we continue to have mosquito spray available for evening activities,” Maple Valley Superintendent Katherine Bertolini said. “It doesn’t sound like a frost is coming anytime soon, so we must remain vigilant.” At Lakewood Public Schools, Superintendent Randy Fleenor said that all evening activities in the district, including home football games, will begin at 5 p.m. until further notice. “As a part of the precaution, the football field and grass areas surrounding the Unity Field, the practice football field, and the var­ sity soccer field have been treated,” Fleenor wrote in a letter that was sent to district par­ ents last Friday. Health officials continue to urge residents in Barry and surrounding counties to take necessary steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites that could lead to EEE. They include: • Applying insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-approved product to exposed skin or clothing, and always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use. • Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites. • Maintaining window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside. • Emptying water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes may lay eggs. • Using nets and/or fans over outdoor eat­ ing areas. Signs of EEE include the sudden onset of fever, chills, body and joint aches which can progress to a severe encephalitis, resulting in headache, disorientation, tremors, seizures and paralysis. Permanent brain damage, coma and death may also occur in some cases. Three deaths have been linked to EEE in Michigan so far, Sutfin said. For more information about mosqui­ to-borne diseases, visit Michigan.gov/ emergingdiseases. (write Us A Letter: The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. the cattail mosquito, is most active. “Although sports and outdoor activities are an important part of a child’s education, noth­ ing is more important than their health and safety,” according to a news release announc­ ing the decision. The scheduling changes follow recommen­ dations by the Kalamazoo County Health Department and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. The county and state health departments stopped short of declaring a public health emergency, instead offering strong language on the recommenda­ tions, said Penny Bom, manager of the per­ sonal health division at the county health department. “We don’t want to pull that card as a gov­ ernment body; we really want to be an advis­ er,” Bom said. The extremely rare disease has spiked this year in Michigan’s southwest comer, and not only in humans. It’s also becoming “wide­ spread” in animals, including horses and white tail deer, according to Kalamazoo County public health officials. In Michigan, public health officials are encouraging residents to avoid outdoor activ­ ities from dusk to dawn until the first hard frost, when the mosquitoes die. The disease, also called “Triple E,” is fatal in one in three people who contract the illness. Even for those who survive, the disease can cause severe and permanent brain damage. Adults 50 and older and children are at great­ est risk. The reasons for the spike are unclear, and state health officials say they are working with the state departments of agricultural and natural resources to track the spread. What is known is that the vims is spread to humans in a “dual mosquito system.” Most often, the vims stays within a species of birds and a species that doesn’t feed on humans. But the cattail mosquito, which emerges in June and July, can become the “bridge vector” some years because it feeds on birds, horses, white tail deer and other mammals, including humans. It transmits the disease when it feeds on an infected animal, then passes it along to its human host. In Michigan, 24 months of wet weather has left its bogs and red cedar swamps as prime real estate for mosquito breeding grounds, said Vern Johnson, Kalamazoo County’s envi- ronmental health division chief. “Some years, the conditions aren’t favor­ able, and we’ll go four or five years without seeing Triple E,” he said. The county’s mos­ quito surveillance efforts are focused on keep­ ing watch against a different kind of mosqui­ to, the one that carries the Zika vims. For that reason, it’s unclear just how much the EEE-carrying cattail mosquito population has grown this year, or how much it has been infected by the virus. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Bamsar classified ads I was very impressed with Christian Yonkers’ article about the local efforts related to the Endangered Species Act. I found it well-researched, balanced, and informative. This is the sort of article that should be available via AP News wire ser­ vices, etc. I could see it in magazines by environmental organizations like Nature Conservatory, etc., too. It’s a message that No money for testing Not only is it common in the county’s wet areas, Johnson said, the county doesn’t have the resources to test for EEE. That means scientists aren’t able to develop reliable models to predict the next outbreak, said Edward “Ned” Walker, a professor of entomology and microbiology at Michigan State University. Compare that to what public health officials know about West Nile, another potentially deadly mosquito-borne virus. Because of mathematical modeling, it’s clear that West Nile cases spike after a hot, dry spring, and drop after a cold, wet spring. Because of the lack of resources, the state doesn’t routinely test for mosquitoes carrying EEE, relying instead on Walker’s lab at MSU, according to state health department spokes­ man Bob Wheaton. And Walker’s team, in turn, relies on the dead mosquitoes sent to him in special tubes by mosquito control programs in just four counties in Michigan’s thumb: Midland Bay, Saginaw and Tuscola. Walker’s tests for five mosquito-borne dis­ Keep up reporting on Endangered Species Act To the Editor: Know Your Legislators: 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855­ 347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. Laura Bennett-Kimble, । Clermoftt, Fla. Kitchen items, pink Depression glass, bedroom sets, some furniture, snowman collection, knick-knacks, misc., some garage items, dining room table (seats 10) & china cabient. -HOUSE IS FOR SALE- "2-Night Free Vacation!” IOO7OOWAf (2628) www.boatangel.com \ sponsored by boat angel outreach center; needs to be communicated far and wide. I’m a former Michigan resident now in " Florida, which has numerous issues related to protecting endangered species. My aunt shared the article with me, and it resonated. Please keep up this important reporting. Nice job! : t 1885 W. State Rd., Hastings (across from Gravel Pit) Thurs., Sept. 26 • 9-5 Fri., Sept. 27 • 9-5 ( Donate A Boat or Car Today! Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, RO. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov eases, including EEE, in thousands of mos- ; quitoes sent each year from those areas, but they’re not areas known for EEE. ; That leaves most of the state, including areas where the terrain breeds the cattail mos­ quito, with no early warning system for anoth­ er deadly outbreak of EEE, Walker said. “There’s no surveillance, really. It’s a pas­ sive waiting for the veterinarian who calls saying T think I have a Triple E horse’ or that first human case,” he said. Such an early warning system would “cost money, management and time,” he added. “We talk about it, but it never seems to absorb into the thought processes of those who make those decisions.” ; Walker said he expects cases of EEE in Michigan to double or more before the first frost, which will kill off the mosquitoes for the winter. > For now, officials recommend residents stay indoors when possible between dusk and dawn and, when outside, wear long Sleeves and use insect repellent that includes i)EET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone. . The most important step now is “a marked emphasis on personal protection,” said Mary Grace Stobierski, the state’s public health veterinarian. It may seem a stretch to cancel games or outdoor activities, she said, but three people have died already. Even those who survive EEE can have permanent neurological dam­ age, she noted. s “This is a very rare disease, but it’s a dis­ ease with very dire consequences,” she said. STOP CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN WANTED Local company looking for part-time position. Someone with good customer service, multi tasking and a hard worker. Monday-Friday. IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR SPECTRUM CHANNEL LINEUP Communities Served: Townships of Orangeville, Rutland, Thornapple, Yankee Springs; Village of Middleville MI. Effective on or after October 28th, 2019, WXMI - This TV will rebrand to WXMI - Court TV on Basic channel 199. Send resumes to: J-Ad Graphics c/o Ad #110 P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058 For a current channel lineup, visit www.Spectrum.com/channels, To view this notice online, visit. www.Spectrum.net/programmingnotices, Faith Bible Baptist Church THORIlflPPLE PLAYERS 0EMNBON PERFORMING /\RJS CWO 231 S- BRO^way, } |/srw:>; WILL PRESENT Noel Coward’s The Hastings HcMMMBlT Service Information Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO Come join us at Faith Bible Baptist Church for a special service Wednesday, October 2 • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. • NEWSROOM • Greg Chandler Taylor Owens ' Performances Thursday-Saturday Open to the Public Dress Rehearsal Wednesday, October 2 @ 7pm All seats $ 7. Pensacola Christian College. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Contact Information Faith Bible Baptist Church 7455 Woodland Road Lake Odessa, Ml 48849 269.367.4621 church@faithlakeodessa.org $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 pastor of the Campus Church H and Rejoice in the Lord TV from Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) will be Dr. Jeff Redlin, the k )P1P1G w at 7:00 p.mJ Our guest speaker - Faith Bible ^5^ mate ui^o^naftG/t plMe vl&if Produced by special arrangement with Samuel French. October 3,4,5 Curtain at 7pm Sunday, October 6, matinee & final performance. Curtain at 2pm. $10-Adults $8 - Students & Seniors o/dbie www.faithlakeodessa.org Members of the Community Theatre Association of Michigan Thomapple ® Arts Council BARRf A Foundatkrn �Page 6 — Thursday, September 26, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church.” Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Gabe Priddy, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer Phone 269-945-4995 hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc @ gmail com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingshopeumc. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office. greenstreetumc@gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948­ 8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www,fitsWhur^ org, 9 a.m. Classes and Gatherings for All ages; 9:45 a.m. Worship (Children's Worship Offered); 10:45 a.m. Coffee Fellowship; 11:15 a.m. Coffee Talk with Pastor Dan. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945­ 9217. cbchastings.org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www. hastingsfrgemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller, Worship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORNING FAM­ ILY HOUR WELCOMES ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue, Loving God, Loving Neighbor: Preschool age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Standard and Adult Elective classes. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church age 4-4th grade dis­ missed during service. Fall Sermon Series & Growth Groups, "On Mission" begins Sept. 15. Sunday Evening: Youth Group at 6:30 p.m., 2nd Tues: Young Women's Small Group at 6:30 p.m. Wednes­ day Mid-Week: Women's Bible Study at 6:30 p.m. Kid's Club, Oct. 16-Dec. 4, 6:30­ 7:45 p.m. Friday Bible Study at 10 a.m. Thursday Brunch, Sept. 26 at 9:30 a.m. For more information please contact the church. py!4, vA Uv ^BATTLE CREEK, MI - Carl Keyes Jr., of Battle Creek, passed away at the age of 90 on Saturday, Sept. 21,2019. Carl was bom on May 12, 1929 to Carl Keyes Sr. and Rena (Irish) Keyes in Battle Creek and raised in Assyria Center. Carl graduated in 1948 from Bellevue High School where he played football and was the class president. Following graduation, Carl worked within the automotive sales industry prior to being drafted with the U.S. Army. He served from 1950-1952. with the 486th motor transportation unit in Germany. Carl married Linda Jean (West) in 1953 and they had two daughters, Carlinda and Karen. She remained the love of his life for 66 years. He worked as an insurance claims adjuster at Wolverine Insurance prior to opening his own auto body and sales business, Keyes Auto Specialties in 1966. Carl owned Keyes Auto Specialties for 22 years before retiring in 1988. He spent many decades raising, training and racing standardbred harness racehorses, a hobby he shared with his granddaughter, Ashlee. . There was nothing he loved more than being surrounded by his family. He enjoyed snowmobiling, talking cars, helping others, and loved spending time within his bam amongst all of his auction treasures. Carl was predeceased by his parents; sister Doris Arlt; brother, Merwin Keyes; niece, Carleen Hawks and nephew, Mike Fuller. He will be greatly missed by those in which he left behind. Survivors include his wife, Linda; two daughters, Carlinda (Gary) Rizor, Karen Williams; five grandchildren, Shannon (Bob) Angeli, Brooke Rizor (Maureen Seferovich), Heather (Kyle) McLeod, Kyle (Kristina) Williams, Ashlee (Matt) Williams; great grandchildren, Domenic and Giuliana Angeli, Emmett Rizor, Walker, Wyatt and Weslyn McLeod, Aubree Williams and Christian and London Williams. Graveside services will be held noon Friday, Sept. 27, 2019 at Fort Custer National Cemetery with Pastor Jim Codde officiating. Those wishing to attend, please gather in the assembly area prior to service time. Arrangements by the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home, www.henryfuneralhome.org GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God’s Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! Sept. 29 - Single Worship service at 10 a.m. a.m. followed by Brunch; Sept. 30 - LACS 6 p.m. Oct. 1 Flute Choir 7 p.m. Oct. 2 Clapper Kids 3:45 p.m.; Grace Notes 5:45 p.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@ grace-hastings.org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945-2698. www. grace-hastings.org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran ChurchELCA Hastings, MI. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: A. William Easton Byrne HASTINGS =• „ HotlineTooIs&EquipmHit 1351 North M-43 Hwy. 1699 W. M43 Highway, 1301 W. Green St. Hastings Hastings, Mi 49058. Hastings 945-9554 945-4700 945-9541 In Loving Memory of Keith Meaney (11/6/1946 -10/2/2010) You left us beautiful memories, Your love is still our guide. Although we cannot see you, You are always by our side. Miss you so much, Gloria Matt & Pyper Andy, Mel, Amelia & Emerson r | Jerrod, Mel, Jackson & Hannah HASTINGS, MI - William “Bill” Easton Byrne, age 78 of Hastings, went to be with the Lord on September 18, 2019 after a lengthy battle with heart disease. Bill was bom in Chicago, IL on January 28,1941. He was a 1959 graduate of Holland High School and attended Hope College, graduating in 1963, where he played football all four years. He also earned an advanced degree in physical therapy in 1964 from the University of Iowa. On January 4, 1964, Bill married Carolyn “Heidi” Heideman, who survives him. Bill and Heidi Byrne were married 54 years and have two children, Jean and Dave Jean (Byrne) Fishman is married to Phil Fishman and has two daughters, Anna Fishman, Emily Fishman, all of Wyoming. Dave is married to Rhonda (Boelkins) Byrne and has two sons, Dominick Byrne and Brevin Byrne, all of Fremont. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Carolyn Zoet and grandparents, Easton and Anna Williams. Bill retired after working as a physical therapist at Pennock Hospital in Hastings, Kent Community Hospital in Grand Rapids, and Southwest Regional Rehabilitation Center in Battle Creek. In retirement, he found numerous ways of serving others, including but not limited to: organizing the rebuilding of a church destroyed by the flooding of the Mississippi River, volunteering at various camps, helping with Habitat for Humanity, and purchasing food items for Love INC. Bill developed a personal ministry of designing cards on his computer, often using photos he or Heidi had taken of sunsets, nature, and/or special moments to celebrate a person’s accomplishments, send them get well wishes, provide encouragement in a time of sadness, or condolences in a time of loss. He would send these cards to people in his church, his friends and family, and the friends of family of those he cared about. Bill loved to work with wood, either building or carving. He enjoyed projects such as constructing display racks, benches, shelves, plaques, etc. Bill also had a gift of locating, cleaning, refurbishing, and/or repairing discarded items. Once refurbished, he would give that item to someone he cared for, find someone who could use those items, or donate the items to a charity. For over 40 years, Bill was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings, serving as a Deacon and Elder. Throughout his marriage, he and Heidi enjoyed square dancing and was a member of the following Square Dance Clubs: Happy Soles of Grand Rapids, Long Key Square Dancers of Long Key, Florida, and Grand River Squares also in Grand Rapids. He was an avid fisherman, with a special interest in bass fishing. Often Bill would be found quietly working on a puzzle, painting, challenging himself by creating words with his banana gram set, or solving a Sudoku puzzle. Loving and caring for his children and grandchildren was a lifelong commitment for Bill. “Poppi” as he was affectionately referred to by his grandchildren and the many people who met him through his grandchildren, went to almost every sporting event, band concert, play, choir concert, or other activity of his children and most recently his grandchildren. When his grandchildren were young he would create tunnels for them to run through after the completion of the game. More recently, after sporting events, concerts, and plays, he would patiently wait for his grandchildren so he could congratulate them. He also loved to give a high five to anyone else on the team or in the activity who wanted one. Bill loved people and took a real interest in everyone he met. He enjoyed having conversations with those around him. There was often a twinkle in his eye or a smile on his face. A Celebration of Bill’s Life Service will be held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019 with a visitation from 1 to 3 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings, 405 N. M-37 Highway; Hastings, MI 49058. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Heidi Byrne Scholarship at Thomapple Manor for nurses aides who are seeking a nursing degree, 2700 Nashville Rd, Hastings, MI 49058, or the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. Edward Reiser passed peacefully to the arms of his Lord on September 20, 2019, (free from the pain and health limitations that he had experienced for the majority of his life) in the presence of his family. Ed was bom August 22, 1937 to Edgar and Freida (Reuther) Reiser. He had many fond memories of living with his parents and grandparents on Velte Road, playing with his Reuther and Reiser cousins and being part of Luther League with Don and Rex Bailey, Dan Fetterman, and Duane Reuther. He was the only boy in the area who had trained sheep that would pull him in a wagon. Ed graduated from Woodland High School in 1955 as co-salutatorian with David Blood, even with missing large chunks of time in the spring and fall to plant and harvest. Farming played a large part in Ed’s childhood with Ed doing the milking before school as a 6-year-old and doing the majority of farming starting in the sixth grade. Principal Harold Stannard would bring Ed’s homework and provide a bit of tutoring every Sunday so that Ed did not fall far behind. Ed loved farming, but he also loved school and was able to balance the time needed for work with good times at school going to dances and basketball games. After graduation, he continued to run the family farm. In 1957 Ed let Carole Goodemoot catch him and they were married November 8, 1959. Carole’s dad, Frannie Goodemoot loved Ed and was happy to have him join the Goodemoot family. Ed was blessed with four children, Kathy, Tom, Marla and Lori who kept him busy with sports, music and church. While farming Ed had a number of jobs, including delivering mail and driving school bus. He loved driving bus and his students were distraught when he quit driving bus to become a Standard Oil agent. He formed many friendships with the kids on his school bus and always prided himself on having the bestbehaved bus (it usually only took one lecture to get everyone to follow his rules). He gave out full size candy bars every Christmas. Sports played a huge part of Ed’s life. He loved to bowl, golf and perfected his hook shot in basketball. He followed his children in their sporting activities, making sure that he made baseball, softball, volleyball and basketball games. After his children graduated he started following his grandchildren and basically all of the kids that played Lakewood sports, enjoying nothing more than spending an entire Saturday watching Lakewood Volleyball. His business, R & G Oil, sponsored numerous baseball and softball teams as well as going to local fairs to support kids by buying their 4-H and FFA animals. Music also played a large role in Ed’s life. He loved singing with family, the church choir and with the Lakewood Area Choral Society. He followed his children and grandchildren all over Michigan to support their musical activities whether it was musicals, recitals, marching band or drum lines. Ed sold R & G Oil to Crystal Flash and continued to drive for them until his retirement in 1999. In retirement he got to enjoy traveling the US and Europe with friends and family, making friends everywhere he went. He also played countless rounds of golf and could remember every stroke of every hole. His love of golf inspired the “Steady Eddy” Golf Outing that even has a traveling trophy. Ed loved games of all sorts, usually because he won them. It didn’t matter if it was a card game, board game or a game of Horse, Ed would win. The grandchildren would fight to see who got Ed on their team. Ed loved to serve and did so with a joyful heart. He served Central United Methodist in countless capacities and committees, including being head usher for over 30 years. He was active with the Lakewood Community Christmas Baskets, Lake Odessa Bowling Association, and Lakewood Choral Society. Ed is survived by his wife, Carole, and his children, Kathy (Tim) Warren; Tom (Shelly) Reiser Marla (Tim) Matthews; and Lori (Shane) McNeill; grandchildren, Molly (Rudy) Ruffer (Austin and Parker plus Baby Ruffer); and Libby (Kris) Austin (Baby Austin); Aaron and Charlie Reiser; Jordan, Philip and Evan Matthews; Sam and George McNeill. A celebration of Ed’s life will be held Friday, Sept. 27, 2019 at 11a.m. at Lakewood United Methodist. Visitation will be Thursday, Sept. 26 at Koops Funeral Home from 4 to 8 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to Lakewood Community Christmas Baskets or the charity of your choice. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 26, 2019 TOWNSHIP OF JOHNSTOWN COUNTY OF BARRY, MICHIGAN SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Changing direct deposit information Vonda VanTil Public Affairs Specialist With busy lives, it’s easy to fall into a cycle of postponing some tasks because of other priorities. This may be true for you when it comes to changing your payment method for Social Security benefits. Unfortunately, forgetting to change your payment method can lead to delayed payments. The most convenient way to change your direct deposit information with Social Security is by creating a My Social Security account online at socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Once you create your account, you can update your bank information without leaving the comfort of your home. Another way to change your direct deposit is by calling Social Security, 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778) to make the change over the phone. If you prefer to speak to someone in person, you can visit your local Social Security office with the necessary information. Because we are committed to protecting your personal information, we need some form of identification to verify who you are. If you are online, we verified your identity when you initially created your My Social Security account. All you need to do is log in at socialsecurity.gov/myaccount with your secure username and password to gain access to your information. If you call Social Security, we will ask identifying questions to ensure we are speaking to the right person. If you visit the office, you will need to bring a driver’s license or some form of ID. Once we have determined that you are the correct person and are authorized to make changes on the Social Security record, all we need is the routing number, account number, and type of account established. We don’t ask for a voided check, nor do we obtain verification from the bank. Therefore, make sure you are providing accurate information to us. Because you may be unsure whether your direct deposit change will affect your next payment, we highly recommend that you do not close the old bank account until you have seen your first Social Security deposit in the new bank account. That way, you can feel secure you will receive your benefits on time, regardless of when the change was reported to Social Security. When you have to report changes to your direct deposit, be sure to visit us online, socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Social Security always strives to put you in control by providing the best experience and service no matter where, when or how you decide to do business with us. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email to vonda .vantil@ ssa .gov. NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING FINE LAKE AQUATIC PLANT CONTROL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 2 NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Township Board of the Township of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, has determined on its own motion to renew certain public improvements consisting of the control of aquatic weeds and plants in Fine Lake by means of periodic removal by chemical harvesting and other methods (the “Improvements”), pursuant to Act 188 of the Public Acts of Michigan of 1954, as amended, for the previously established Fine Lake Weed Control Special Assessment District. The Township Board has tentatively determined that the cost of said Improvements shall be specially assessed against each of the following described lots and parcels of land which are benefited by the Improvements and which together comprise the following special assessment district: FINE LAKE AQUATIC PLANT CONTROL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 2 Lots and parcels numbered: 009-019-001-00, 002-00, 003-00, 004-00, 006-00, 007-00, 008-00 009-029-002-00, 008-00, 015-00, 016-00, 017-00, 018-00, 019-00, 020-00, 021-00, 022-00, 024-00, 036-06, 042-00 009-030-001-00, 002-00, 003-00, 004-00, 005-00, 006-00, 006-10, 007-10, 009-20, 013-00, 022-00, 024-44, 025-00, 026-00, 140-14, 140-15, 030-20, 150-20 009-050-002-00, 003-00, 004-00, 004-10, 004-20, 005-00, 005-10, 005-20, 005-40, 006-00, 007-00, 008-00, 009-00, 009-10, 010-00, 011-00 009-065-006-00, 008-00, 009-00, 011-00, 012-00, 013-00, 014-00, 015-00, 016-00, 017-00, 018-00, 019-00, 021-00, 022-00, 031-00, 032-00, 033-00, 034-00, 035-00 State Senator Bizon in Hastings Oct. 21 Sen. John Bizon, M.D., R-Battle Creek, will be hosting an open office hour session at Hastings City Hall on Monday, Oct. 21 from 10-11 a.m. Office hours are open to all residents of the 19th Senate District to express their opinions or concerns about state government or to request assistance with a state issue. The 19th Senate District includes the coun­ ties of Barry, Calhoun and Ionia. Hastings City Hall is located at 201 E. State St. in Hastings. 009-075-001-00, 003-00, 005-00, 006-00, 007-00, 008-00, 009-00, 010-00, 011-00, 012-00, 014-00, 015-00, 016-00, 017-00, 018-00, 019-00, 020-00, 021-00, 022-00, 023-00, 024-00, 028-00, 031-00, 035-00, 036-00, 037-00, 038-00, 039-00, 040-00 009-090-001-00, 002-00, 004-00, 005-00, 006-00, 007-00, 008-00, 010-00, 011-00, 014-00, 015-00, 017-00, 018-00, 020-00, 024-00, 032-00, 035-00, 036-00, 037-00, 038-00 009-100-001-00, 004-00, 005-00, 006-00, 007-00, 008-00, 009-00, 011-00 009-130-001-00, 002-00, 002-10, 006-00, 007-00, 008-00, 008-10, 010-00, 011-00, 012-00, 013-00, 015-00, 016-00, 018-00, 020-00, 021-00, 025-00 009-135-001-00, 003-00, 004-00, 005-00, 006-00, 007-00, 008-00, 009-00, 010-00, 012-00, 013-00, 014-00, 015-00, 016-00, 018-00, 019-00, 020-00 009-140-001-00, 002-00, 004-00, 005-00, 006-00, 007-00, 008-00, 009-00, 010-00, 011-00, 012-00 009-145-003-00, 004-00, 005-00, 006-00 009-150-001-00, 002-00, 003-00, 004-00, 005-00, 006-00, 007-00, 008-00, 010-00, 011-00, 012-00, 013-00, 014-00, 015-00, 016-00, 017-00, 018-00, 021-00, 022-00 009-155-001-00, 003-00, 004-00, 006-00, 008-00, 009-00 009-175-001-00, 002-00, 003-00, 004-00, 005-00, 006-00, 007-00, 008-00, 009-00, 010-00, 011-00, 012-00, 013-00, 014-00, 015-00, 016-00, 017-00, 018-00, 019-00 009-180-001-00 Vaughn Robert Dingledine Sr. Eugene Chester Karan 009-215-001-00, 002-00, 003-00, 004-00, 005-00, 007-00, 008-00, 009-00, 010-00, 011-00, 012-00, 013-00, 014-00, 016-00, 017-00, 018-00, 019-00, 020-00, 020-01, 023-00, 024-00, 025-00, 029-00, 030-00, 031-00 009-220-001-00, 002-00, 003-00, 004-00, 006-00, 007-00, 008-00, 009-00, 010-00, 011-00, 012-00, 014-00, 015-00, 016-00, 017-00, 018-00, 019-00, 020-00, 021-00, 023-00, 024-00, 026-00, 027-00, 028-00, 029-00, 031-00, 033-00, 034-20 MAP OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT (Includes only those parcels of land having frontage on Fine Lake or deeded or dedicated access thereto) Eugene Chester Karan, died in peace on September 23, 2019, age 95, bom December 9, 1923. He was the son of Casimir Karaniewski and Anna (nee: Kanarek). Eugene served in the Army during World War II with an Honorable Discharge in 1946. He was married to Crystal (nee: Rock) Karan. Eugene enjoyed golf, traveling, boating, walking the woods, dogs, and church on Sundays. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings - Marian, Stanley, Casimir, Rose, and Jane; wife; and stepdaughter, Joyce Groeneveld Wesley. He is survived by his stepson-in-law. Mike Wesley and Linda Fhaner; stepdaughter, Gail (George) Groeneveld Johnson; grandchildren, Rob (Denise) Wesley, Marti (Tom) Estes, Jay (Jill) Wesley, Laura Johnson, GE Johnson; and great grandchildren, Jason, Taylor, Kara, and Blake. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Hospice; 2725 Airview Blvd #101; Portage, MI 49002. A graveside service was held on Wednesday, Septe. 25, 2019 at 2 p.m. at Coman Cemetery; 10750 Shaw Lake Road; Middleville, ML Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. Vaughn Robert Dingledine, Sr., age 75, passed away on September 25, 2019. Vaughn was bom on October 11, 1943, the son of Fred and Eva (DeMontt) Dingledine. He was employed by Clark Equipment until he retired. Vaughn is preceded in death by his wife, Margaret (Jo) Dingledinel his parents; brothers, Boyd, Harold and Tony Dingledine, and sister, Nancy Dingledine. He is survived by his current wife, Francis Curtis; his children, Tonya (Eric) Shaeffer, Vaughn Jr. (Maria) Dingledine; grandchildren, Joe (Jessica), Leah Kay (Brogan), Casey, Darick, Lisa (Nick), Brandy (Steven); greatgrandchilden, Makayla, Roman, Harper, Madison, Lincoln, Hunter, Remington, and siblings,Ronald, Dick, Linda and LuAnn. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019 at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway; Hastings, MI, with a service to following. A Celebration of Life will follow the service at Junior’s house. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfiineralhome.net. Boundary of Fine Lake Aquatic Plant Control Special Assessment District No. 2 TAKE NOTICE that the Township Board of the Township of Johnstown will hold a public hearing at a regular meeting on October 9, 2019, at 7:30 p.m., at the Johnstown Township Hall, located at 13641 S. M-37 Highway, within the Township, to hear and consider any objections to the proposed Improvements and all other matters relating to said Improvements. TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that preliminary plans and estimates of cost for the Improvements are on file with the Township Clerk for public examination. The Township Board may proceed to carry out the proposed Improvements unless written objections from the record owners of land constituting more than 20% of the total land area in the proposed Special Assessment District to the Improvement are filed with the Township Board at or before the hearing. PROPERTY SHALL NOT BE ADDED TO THE EXISTING SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT AND THE ORIGINAL ESTIMATE OF COST SHALL NOT BE INCREASED BY MORE THAN 10% WITHOUT FURTHER NOTICE AND PUBLIC HEARING. Traditional and Cremation Services Pre-Planning Services Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible Serving All Faiths Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 Periodic redeterminations of the cost of the Improvements may be necessary, without a change in the Special Assessment District, and in that event, such redeterminations may be made by the Township Board without further notice to record owners or parties in interest in the lands in the Special Assessment District, in accordance with the provisions of said Act 188. This Notice was authorized by the Township Board of the Township of Johnstown. 269-945-3252 • www.girrbachfuneralhome. ()wner/.Maiiager Family Owned and Operated owZ^Emerims Serving Hastings, Barry County and Surrounding Communities for 50 years Dated: September 11, 2019 Sheri Babcock, Township Clerk Page 7 �Page 8 — Thursday, September 26, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD Elaine Garlock The genealogy room will be open this weekend at the Freight House Museum, as will the museum rooms, both on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. The second annual women’s conference will take place on Sept. 28 at Kilpatrick Church. It’s intended to be an inspirational day with dynamic messages and music. The Respite group, which meets at Central United Methodist Church, will convene today from 1 to 4 p.m. under the direction of Rita Douglas. The Fresh Foods truck will be in town on Tuesday, Oct. 1, in the parking lot of Central United Methodist Church. Recipients are asked to bring boxes or baskets for conveying their food home. There will be a rummage sale and baked goods sale, along with freshly baked dough­ nuts, at the Fellowship Hall on Fourth Avenue. This is an annual event with mounds of goods marked at low prices. On Saturday, a bag of goods can be had for only $3. Hours will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday and Friday. On Thursday of last week, the Ionia County Unit of MARSP met at the Ionia Intermediate office on Harwood Road with more than 30 present. New retirees Mr. and Mrs. Greg Tobias were introduced on their first atten­ dance, along with other Lakewood retirees. The speaker was Peg Christopher of Ionia who had many posters with photos of rural schools of the county, some of which have disappeared from the rural scene. She brought an entertaining, amusing account of schools of the past, including old time rules for young lady teachers. Green Street United Methodist Church in Hastings was host on Wednesday of last week to church women from the new Mid-Michigan District, which includes much of the previous Lansing District, plus all of Gratiot County Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads and some spots near Jackson. Some Lake Odessa ladies were included. Next year’s fall meeting will be in St. Louis, Mich. The Fourth Avenue lamp posts have new autumn banners. The Luzo/Brodbeck barn on Eaton Highway, adjacent to M-66, is gone. Last week, the Brodbeck owners were burning the last remnants. Only a year ago, another wind­ storm removed some of the roof on the farm­ house on section 1 of Woodland Township. It also is in the extreme northeast corner of Barry County. The storm of Sept. 11 also removed part of an outbuilding in the Krebs farm on M-50/43 and trim on the Kevin Brodbeck house on the south side of the high­ way. Facia on a pole barn on the Spitzley farm near Odessa Center was tom off in the same storm. The three farms - Spitzley, Brodbeck and Krebs - are all near the old Clinton Trail which ran on a diagonal line across Odessa Township. Claire Catherine McCann, Chicago, IL and Patrick Aloysuis Kleszynski, Chicago, IL Jerry Dean Kenyon, Delton and Dianna Lee Baker, Delton Russell Lee Fultz-Kinsey, Hastings and Gabrielle Noel Johnson, Hastings Michael James Steele, Woodland and Jillian Leigh Lalone, Woodland Brandon Lee VanCleave, Dowling and Miranda Elizabeth Millikin, Dowling Nathaniel Joseph Defrain, Hastings and Austin Shelby Deck, Hastings Rose Marie o”Grady, Hastings and Isaac Thomas Yonkers, Hastings Dawn Marie Smith, Wayland and Timothy James Gillespie, Holland Corey Michael Thayer, Middleville and Alisha Kristine Clous, Middleville John Russell Newton, Wayland and Brooke Elizabeth steele, Hastings 5 William Harrison Luke, Hastings and ^Jessica Ann Johnson, Hastings t■ . . . . . . . .. • ■ JONES How can you make your money last during retirement? It’s probably safe, to say that many of us are concerned about hiving enough money to cover our retirement^years. In fact, some surveys have shown that we are more frightened of running out of money than we are of dying. What can you do to help alleviate these fears? Your first move is to create a retirement income strategy, and you’ll want to develop it well before you need to use it. While there are many ways to develop such a strategy, you may want to consider these three key elements: ■ • Withdrawal rate - Your withdrawal rate is the percentage of your portfolio you use every year during your retirement. So, for example, if you retire with a portfolio worth $1 million and you choose a 4% withdrawal rate, you’ll be taking out $40,000 per year. Your withdrawal rate will depend on several factors - your age at retirement, the size of your portfolio, potential earned income, date at which you start taking Social Security, and so on. Clearly, when deciding on a withdrawal rate, you’ll want to reach the “Goldilocks” solution - not too much, not too little, but just the right amount. • Reliance rate - Your reliance rate is essentially the percentage of your overall retirement income that comes from your investment portfolio - your IRA, 401(k) and other accounts. It’s called a reliance rate because you rely on this portfolio for your income. The higher your reliance rate, the more you will rely on your portfolio to provide income during your retirement, and the greater your sensitivity to market fluctuations. • Income sources - The more sources of wondering if your life span might eventually lifetime income you have - such as Social exceed your financial resources. Th is article was written by Edward Jones Security and a pension from your employer the less you may be relying on your for use by your local Edward Jones Financial investment portfolio to cover your retirement Advisor If you have any questions, contact goals. However, many private employers Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. have moved away from pensions in favor of 401(k)-type plans, and Social Security will only provide about 40% of your preretirement income in retirement, assuming The following prices are from the close of your earned income is average for U.S. business last Tuesday. Reported changes are workers, according to the Social Security from the previous week. Administration. Consequently, you may want Apple Inc. 217.68 -3.02 to consider options such as annuities, which AT&T +.22 37.38 can provide lifetime income benefits. Chevron 123.74 -.15 It will take careful planning to put these Deere & Co. +1.97 165.96 three factors together in a way that can help Exxon Mobil 71.14 -2.03 you build enough consistent income to last Flowserve CP 46.34 -2.87 throughout your retirement - which could Ford Motor Co. 9.11 -.17 easily extend two or three decades. And General Electric Co. 8.97 -.39 there’s no single formula for everyone. For General Motors -1.52 36.77 example, while an annuity could offer Home Depot Inc. 225.41 -4.80 lifetime cash flow and help you reduce your Johnson Johnson 131.55 +1.88 reliance on your investment portfolio, it also Kellogg Co. 63.90 -.25 involves fees and expenses, plus lower Microsoft CP 137.38 -.01 liquidity than other sources of income, so it Perrigo Co. -1.47 54.25 may not be right for everyone. Pfizer Inc. 36.01 -.49 Fortunately, you don’t have to go it alone Spartannash Comp +.26 12.25 when taking all your retirement income Stryker -.41 217.99 factors into account. You may want to work TCF Financial Corp. -1.52 38.45 with a financial professional - someone who Walmart Inc. 118.40 +1.89 can evaluate your individual situation and Walt Disney Co -4.34 131.97 then recommend retirement income solutions Whirl Pool Corp 149.18 -3.02 based on your appropriate reliance rate, withdrawal rate and potential income Gold $1,532.22 +$30.05 sources. By getting the help you need and by Silver $18.51 +.56 following a suitable long-term strategy, you Dow Jones 26,807 -303 can ease some of the stress that comes from ------ STOCKS------- CITY OF HASTINGS PUBLIC NOTICE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 579 The undersigned, being the duly qualified and acting Clerk of the City of Hastings, Michigan, does hereby certify that ORDINANCE NO. 579: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 90 OF THE HASTINGS CODE OF 1970, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING ARTICLE VII, BY ADDING ARTICLE Vll-C was adopted by the City Council of the City of Hastings at a regular meeting on the 23rd day of September 2019. A complete copy of this Ordinance is available for review at the office of the City Clerk at City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Jane M. Saurman City Clerk 128979_______________________________________________ CITY OF HASTINGS PUBLIC NOTICE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 578 The undersigned, being the duly qualified and acting Clerk of the City of Hastings, Michigan, does hereby certify that ORDINANCE NO. 578: TO AMEND CHAPTER 90 OF THE HASTINGS CODE OF 1970, AS AMENDED, TO AMEND Lincoln Keith Smith, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on Aug. 28, 2019 to Leah Kay Shaeffer and Brogan Keith Smith of Delton. Musical tastes Dr. Universe: Why do people like different kinds of music? Skyler, 14, Michigan Dear Skyler, When I got your question, it was music to my ears. Humans have been experimenting with all kinds of sounds, lyrics and instruments for thousands of years. There are hundreds of genres of music, so while you might like one kind, a friend might like something completely different. Or maybe you became friends because of your similar taste in music. My friend, Horace Alexander Young, is a musician and professor at Washington State University. When I went to visit him, he had been practicing his saxophone and offered to help out with an answer to your question. Part of his answer is that everybody has an image of themselves in their head and has different ways they express themselves. Music can be a part of our identity - the set of qualities and beliefs that make us who we are. At the same time, music can help us feel like part of a group or a culture, especially one that shares an interest in a certain kind of music. Maybe you have friends or are part of a family group that likes pop or hip-hop or metal or classical. Music also can be nostalgic, that is, it creates a kind of longing for the past. Young said musicians leave behind a footprint with their music. They leave a permanent mark in people’s lives. Even long after musicians are gone, people still find something they can enjoy in the musicians’ recordings. You also may find that the music you like is strongly tied to your memory. Maybe there was a song that someone sang to you when you were little that brings up good memories. On the other hand, you might also find that music can bring up sad memories. When we listen to music that we like, a chemical called dopamine is sometimes released in the brain, which can make us feel good. We might want to listen to a song on repeat. “We can hear music and like it or not like it, but sometimes it can be life-changing,” Young said. “It becomes a mirror that we are holding up.” Some algorithms today can even help pick up on the kind of music you like. When you are streaming music, some programs will let you like or dislike songs. The technology learns to pick up on the kinds of things you prefer to hear. I’ve also observed that people’s taste in music can remain the same their whole lives or it can change many times. But the truth is, we don’t know all of the exact answers to why people like different kinds of music - or sports, or food, or colors. Many different factors can influence our preferences. We are all different people who like different things. Whether we are listening or playing music, we can express ourselves and also learn from each other. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. Wolf Wanderlust Parks, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on Aug. 29, 2019 to Barbara Parks and Benjamin Parks of Nashville. at Spectrum Health Pennock on Aug. 29, 2019 to Cuerstan Wise of Hastings. Kaizley Wise, bom Roxanne Rose Root, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on Sept. 1, 2019 to Bobie Kennedy and Arron Root of Eaton Rapids. Legacy Genesis Sherk, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on Sept. 3, 2019 to Sabrina Wright and Mark Sherk of Hastings. Liam Charles Gonsalves, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on Sept. 5, 2019 to Sydney Wenman of Hastings. Brantley Matthew Wolfe, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on Sept. 6, 2019 to Kaley Wolfe and Kodee Wolfe of Hastings. Harleigh Rayne Belle Grieves-Bauchman, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on Sept. 10, 2019 to Veronica Grieves-Bauchman and Dominic B. Bauchman of Carson City. Emberly Rose Higdon, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on Sept. 11, 2019 to Hannah Jo Higdon of Shelbyville. Lainey Reese Trudgeon, born on Spectrum Health Pennock on Sept. 11, 2019 to Audrey Trudgeon and Travis Trudgeon of Nashville. Jaxson, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on Sept. 12, 2019 to Cassandra Reid and Garrett Reid. THE ZONING MAP OF THE CITY LIMITS was adopted by the City Council of the City of Hastings at a regular meeting on the 23rd day of September 2019. A complete copy of this Ordinance is available for review at the office of the City Clerk at City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Jane M. Saurman City Clerk 128978_________________________________________ Snow Plowing and Snow Removal Bids The County of Barry is accepting sealed bids for snowplowing and snow removal for their parking lots located in downtown Hastings. The term of the contract will be for the year beginning November 15, 2019 and ending .November 14,2022. The closing date for the bid is October 10, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. Bids shall be submitted to: Barry County Buildings and Grounds, 220 W. State Street, Hastings, Ml 49058. To obtain a copy of the invitation to bid, please visit our web site at barrycounty.org or call (269) 945-1293. Specific questions regard­ ing the Invitation to Bid may be directed to Tim Neeb, Building and Grounds Superyi^ftat (269) 945-1293. NOTICE The minutes of the meeting of the Barry County Board of Commissioners held Sept. 24, 2019, are available in the County Clerk’s Office at 220 W. State St., Hastings, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or www.barrycounty.org. 128583 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 26, 2019 — Page 9 RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP TURNING BACK THE PAGES < BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ORDINANCE SUBMITTAL TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE proposed Ordinance #2019-172 was introduced for first reading by the Rutland Charter^ Township Board at its September 11, 2019 meeting, and will be considered for adoption at the October 9, 2019 meetings This proposed ordinance provides as follows: CT Editorial note: this document is prepared in “legislative format”: existing text proposed to be deleted is shown linedthrough; proposed new text is shown in bold type. X CITY OF HASTINGS & CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND BARRY COUNTY, STATE OF MICHIGAN Ql RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP ORDINANCE NO. 2019-172 (PROPOSED) ADOPTED BY TOWNSHIP BOARD: EFFECTIVE DATE: C C (OR AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED BY LAW) CITY OF HASTINGS ORDINANCE NO. 577 (PROPOSED) Family heartache felt in rural school setting ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL: EFFECTIVE DATE: (or as otherwise provided by law) JOINT ORDINANCE TO AMEND HASTINGS-RUTLAND JOINT PLANNING COMMISSION ZONING ORDI­ NANCE An Ordinance to amend Sections 13.02 and 13.06 of the Zoning Ordinance of the Hastings-Rutland Joint Planning Commission (Rutland Charter Township Ordinance No. 2016-156, as amended/City of Hastings Ordinance No. 532, as amended) pertaining to signage. THE CITY OF HASTINGS & THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDAIN: SECTION 1 AMENDMENT OF SECTION 13.02 PERTAINING TO DEFINITIONS OF TERMS .U.SEPJ-N^APTJEB,.mSlG±lS) Section 13.02 of the Zoning Ordinance of the Hastings-Rutland Joint Planning Commission, pertaining to defini­ tions of terms used in Chapter 13 (Signs), is proposed to be amended to revise the existing definition of “electronic mes­ sage board” to read as follows: “ELECTRONIC MESSAGE BOARD - A sign or sign structure that uses electronic means to display with a fixed or changing display/message composed-of a-series of-lights or series of messages that may be changed-through by electronic means.” SECTJQN2 AMENDMENT OF SECTION 13-02 PERTAINING TO DEFI NITI ON The former Durfee School is a private residence today, still sitting atop a knoll at the intersection of Bird and Maple Giove roads in Baltimore townships. The sledding hill was across Maple Grove Road; *;outh fof the school. Later in life, Helen (Skidmore) Tjdcker, decided to write down her memoryes of teaching in one-room schools. She wrote them for a limited audience: hey and grandchildren. But her recollections also enhanced the “Rural Schools Bookshelf Series” created by the Barry County Historical Society in the early 1990s. She taught in rural schools for 12 years in the 1930s and 1940s, namely, Cedar Creek, Lakeview, Branch, Durfee and Barryville (aka Mudge). After taking leave to raise a family, she returned to the classroom and taught at Central Elementary School in Hastings for 17 more years. The city school had modem conveniences not available in some of the rural schools, such as electricity, heat, hot lunches, running water and indoor restrooms. But the rural schools continued to hold a special place in her heart, and that message is clear in each of her writings. This installment includes her memories of teaching at the Durfee School at the comer of Bird and Maple Grove roads. The Durfee School was in Barry County Baltimore Township District No. 6. The valuation of the district was $115,200, with a tax rate of 8 percent. The census was 26.1 was there three years. My salary went from $90 a month to $135 a month. I taught here one year, 1943, then went back to the Branch School in 1944, coming back again in 1945 and 1946. The school board consisted of Mrs. Orpha Hunt, Mr. John Birman and Mr. Tom Coppock. The names of the children were Richard Batemen, Marie Birman, Robert Birman, Carolyn Coppock, Doris Cook, Elizabeth Cook, Grace Cook, John Gutchess, Robert Gutchess, Dorothy Hook, Francis Hook, Ruth Hook, Jean Krohn, Harry Pike, James Pike, Hubert Rose, James Rose, William Rogers, LaVerne Skidmore and Linden Skidmore. The Durfee School was a pleasant room. We had two cloak rooms. It was heated with a space heater, and now we had electric lights. The pump was in the yard, and it would show its independence a couple times each winter by freezing up. We had good slate blackboards, a piano and desks still bolted down. There was a basement furnished so the PTA could cook and serve here. We had a swing set and a big school yard. It seemed like the toilets were way, way out back, especially on Friday night when I cleaned them. This was a fine school, but too many children were hurting. Two families had lost their mothers. One boy lived with his aunt and uncle but wanted to be with his father. Another little boy who was cared for well, lived with his parents, his grandparents and two aunts. Some of the children walked a mile and a half to school. They were ready to gather around the stove when they arrived in winter. We followed about the same schedule as in the other schools. I read to them as many good books as time allowed. It was possible to borrow books from the [county school] commissioner’s office for them to read. We used the blackboard a lot to put lesson on, or to drill. I always remember little Charleen. Every time I put her arithmetic problems on the board, she would sidle up to me and say, “Now put on the answers!” These children didn’t enjoy playing ball like those at my other schools. They had fun with their own little games; The swings were in use most of the time. When winter came, sliding down hill was the thing. There was a steep hill across the road where they could have a long ride, so out to the hill with all those winter clothes on, we went. I took many of the little children down on my back. Again, then we had to go through the routine of sweeping each one off before they could go inside. This was war time. Planes were common. Sometimes the army planes flew too low and they buzzed the houses. The windows would shake. The little school did its bit. We collected old iron from nearby farms; the metal was melted for weapons. We had some old tires. We had a good-sized pile and a truck came to collect it and pay us. Carolyn Coppock Section 13.02 of the Zoning Ordinance of the Hastings-Rutland Joint Planning Commission, pertaining to defini­ tions of terms used in Chapter 13 (Signs), is proposed to be amended to add the following new defined terms reading as follows: “ILLUMINATION (OR ILLUMINATED) - The lighting of the surface of a sign so as to allow the sign to be seen and read by one or more exterior beams of light. This term is not intended to apply to a type of sign where the sign message is itself inter­ nally illuminated, such as an electronic message board type of sign.” “VISIBLE resign message that is capable of being seen by an individual of normal visual acuity when traveling in a motor vehicle, wlirfe tjie context of the usage of the term applies to sight from a roadway; or a sign message that is capable of being seen by an individual of normal visual acuity when standing on premises, when the context of the usage of the term applies to sight from a stationary position.” SECTIONS AMENDMENT OF SECTION 13.06 PERTAINING TO STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTSAPPLICABLE TO OTHERWISE PERMI$$IBLE„TY PES OF SIG.NS Section 13.06 of the Zoning Ordinance of the Hastings-Rutland Joint Planning Commission, pertaining to gener­ al standards and requirements applicable to otherwise permissible types of signs, is proposed to be amended to revise subsections B and C of same to read as follows: . “B. Setbacks/location. All signs shall be setback at least 10 feet from all lot lines and any public street or private road right­ of-way; and shall otherwise not be located so as to obstruct the clear sight area, or otherwise prevent the driver of a motor vehicle from having a clear and unobstructed view of approaching, intersecting, and merging traffic. C. Illumination. Where signage is otherwise allowed to be illuminated, the illumination: 1. shall not be flashing;; and 2. shall be arranged so that light is deflected away from adjacent properties and so no direct source of light is visible to any driver or pedestrian located in a public street or private road right-of-way or from any premises in a residen­ tial district or used for residential purposes?; 3. shall not be so illuminated that it obscures or interferes with the effectiveness of an official traffic sign, device, or signal. In addition, all exterior lighting of signs shall be downward facing.” SECUON_4 AMENDMENT I^SJEC.TI.QN 13..Qfi.H.PJEBIAlMNG..TQ. .D.E.SlGN..S.TA.NDABPS..AN.D..USE.LMflLTAIIQftljS..E,Q.B.. ELECTRONIC MESSAGE BOARDS Section 13.06.H of the Zoning Ordinance of the Hastings-Rutland Joint Planning Commission, pertaining to the design standards and use limitations for electronic message boards, where otherwise permissible in the MU District, only, is proposed to be amended to add new subsections 4 and 5 thereto reading as follows: “4. Continued next page 5. An electronic message board shall not be located within 500 feet of any street intersection controlled by a traffic signal light. The Zoning Administrator may reduce this intersection setback distance to not less than 300 feet where the sign permit applicant requests such reduction, and presents evidence upon which the Zoning Administrator can rely to reasonably determine a reduced setback distance from the specific inter­ section at issue will not adversely affect public safety due to the configuration of the specific intersection and the proposed orientation of the billboard relative to the intersection in such a manner as to minimize the visibility of the electronic message board from the intersection, or due to other conditions specific to that intersection sufficient to avoid the unsafe distraction of drivers at or approaching that intersection by the periodic changing of messages on the electronic message board. The Zoning Administrator shall consult with the Barry County Road Commission and/or Michigan Department of Transportation, as applicable, before making any determination on a reduced intersection setback request pursuant to this provision. An electronic message board shall not be located within 500 feet of any residential dwelling. The Zoning Administrator may reduce this dwelling setback distance to not less than 300 feet where the sign permit applicant requests such reduction, and presents evidence upon which the Zoning Administrator can reason­ ably rely to determine a reduced setback distance from the specific dwelling at issue will not adversely affect the health and welfare of occupants of the dwelling due to the location of the specific dwelling and the pro­ posed orientation of the billboard relative to the dwelling in such a manner as to minimize the visibility of the electronic message board from the dwelling, or due to other conditions specific to that electronic message board and/or dwelling sufficient to avoid unreasonable detriment to occupants of the dwelling by the peri­ odic changing of messages on the electronic message board.” SECTION 5 EFFECTIVE DATE/REPEAL This Ordinance shall take effect on the latter of: (1)15 days after enactment by both the City and Township, or (2) the eighth day after publication of a notice of adoption of this Ordinance as required by law; provided, however, if a notice of intent to file a petition under MCL 125.3402 is timely filed with respect to this Ordinance and/or if the right of ref­ erendum under applicable provisions of the charter of the City of Hastings is timely initiated, this Ordinance shall then only take effect as provided by applicable provisions of MCL 125.3402 and/or the City charter, or as otherwise provided by law. Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Charter Township of Rutland Swings, games and sledding were favored play-time activities for students at the Durfee School in the 1940s. (1985 Barry County, Michigan) Jane Saurman, Clerk City of Hastings 227 E State Street Hastings M l 49058 fl look back at the stories and columns on local history In the Hastings Banner 128710 �*Page 10 — Thursday, September 26, 2019 — The Hastings Banner RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ORDINANCE SUBMITTAL TO: 128684 THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE proposed Ordinance #2019-171 was introduced for first reading by the Rutland Charter Township Board at its September 11, 2019 meeting, and will be considered for adoption at the October 9, 2019 meeting. This proposed ordinance will grant to Consumers Energy Company the use of the public ways within Rutland Charter Township and grant a non-exclusive franchise to transact a local electric business within the Township for a period of 30 years, providing as follows: RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDINANCE NO. 2019-171 (proposed) CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY ELECTRIC CONSENT/FRANCHISE ORDINANCE ADOPTED: EFFECTIVE: An Ordinance granting Consumers Energy Company consent to the use of the Public Ways within Rutland Charter Township, and also granting to Consumers Energy Company a non-exclusive franchise to transact a local electric business within Rutland Charter Township, for a period of thirty (30) years. . RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDAINS: SECTION 1 GRANT OF NON-EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS A. Grant and Term. Rutland Charter Township, Barry County, Michigan (“Township”), grants to Consumers Energy Company (Grantee), its successors and assigns, subject to the terms and conditions set forth below, it’s non-ex­ clusive consent and the right, power and authority to construct, maintain and commercially use electric lines and related facilities including but not limited to towers, masts, poles, crossarms, guys, wires and transformers (hereafter “Electric System”) within, along, across, and under the public highways, streets, alleys, bridges and waterways (hereinafter referred to as “Public Ways”), and to transact a local electric business within the Township, for a period of thirty (30) years. B. Consideration. In consideration of the rights, power and authority hereby granted, said Grantee shall faithfully perform all things required by the terms hereof. C. Extensions. Grantee shall construct and extend its Electric System within the Township, and shall furnish electric service to applicants residing therein in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. SECTION 2 USE OF PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY BY GRANTEE A. No Burden on Public Ways. Grantee and its contractors, subcontractors and the Grantee’s Electric System shall not unduly burden or interfere with the present or future use of any of the Public Ways within the Township. Grantee shall erect and maintain its Electric System so as to cause minimum interference with the use of the Public Ways. No Public Way shall be obstructed longer than necessary during the work of construction or repair to the Electric System. Grantee’s structures and equipment shall be suspended or buried so as to not endanger or injure persons or property in the Public Ways. B. Restoration of Public Ways. Grantee and its contractors and subcontractors shall within a reasonable time restore, at Grantee’s sole cost and expense, any portion of the Public Ways that is in any way disturbed, damaged, or injured by the construction, operation, maintenance or removal of the Electric System to as good or better condition than that which existed prior to the disturbance. In the event that Grantee, its contractors or subcontractors fail to make such repair within the reasonable time specified by the Township, the Township shall, among other remedies, be entitled to have the repair completed and Grantee shall pay the costs for such repair. C. Easements. Any easements over or under property owned by the Township other than the Public Ways shall be separately negotiated with the Township. D. Tree trimming. Grantee may trim or remove trees upon and overhanging the Public Ways so as to pre­ vent trees from coming into contact with its Electric System in accordance with tree trimming and removal standards of Grantee and any applicable requirements of the MPSC. Except in an emergency, no tree trimming or removal shall be done in the Public Ways without previously informing the Township. E. Compliance with Laws. Grantee shall comply with all applicable laws, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations regarding its Electric System, whether federal, state or local. F. Street Vacation. Grantee accrues no rights under this franchise which would impair the rights of the Township to vacate or consent to the vacation of a Public Way. G. Maps. Upon request by the Township and without expense to the Township, Grantee shall provide the Township with existing maps showing its Electric System or portions thereof within the Township, but only to the extent such maps do not contain proprietary information. H. Company Representative. The Grantee shall designate an employee to act as a representative to respond to inquiries from the Township regarding the administration of this consent/franchise and the obligations and ser­ vices herein. The Grantee shall provide the Township with the person’s name and telephone number. I. Notice. Before commencing the construction or erection of any part of the Electric Systeifi which will require excavation in or the closing of any Public Way, the Grantee shall provide the Township with reasonable advance notice, including a description of the work to be performed. This notice requirement shall not apply to the installation of electric services on privately owned property or to any other work performed on such privately owned property. Nothing herein shall preclude the Grantee from immediately commencing construction or repair work within any Public Way when deemed necessary to prevent danger to life or property, and in such case the Grantee shall notify the Township of such work as soon as reasonably practical. SECI1ON3 Barry Community Foundation launches Blue Zones project J-Ad Graphics News Services The Barry Community Foundation and other local foundations and organizations have joined forces with Blue Zones to begin a county wide well-being project in Barry County. “The board of the Barry Community Foundation is committed to building a vibrant, healthy community,” Bonnie Gettys, presi­ dent and CEO of the Barry Community Foundation, said. “Specifically, our vision statement for health access is for our residents to have access to high-quality health services on a personal, community and systems level,” Gettys said. “Blue Zones is the perfect pro­ gram to provide the means for our community to institute systemic pathways for a healthy community.” The community foundation is the lead part­ ner of the local Blue Zones Activate project, with primary sponsorships from the MTC Community Fund, Spectrum Health Pennock, and Hastings Fiberglass, and supporting spon­ sorships from Highpoint Community Bank, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, the DeCamp Foundation, Barry Community Foundation, Barry Eaton District Health Department and Barry County. The initiative, which will be based out of the health department office in Hastings, uses scientifically proven lessons of longevity, health, and happiness to boost the well-being of entire communities, according to Blue Zones representatives. Barry County is the first community in Michigan to launch a Blue Zones project. Allison Troyer Wiswell is the local Barry County Activate director. Over the course of the initiative, she will work with local leaders, a local steering committee, and Blue Zones experts to manage the project. Blue Zones is based on research and princi­ ples developed by Dan Buettner, National Geographic Fellow and New York Times bestselling author, who identified the cultures of the world dubbed Blue Zones — with the healthiest, longest-living populations. The project focuses on a major factor that determines good health: The place where peo­ ple live. The strategy includes improving food and building environmental policies that affect public health and increase the availability of healthy choices in those communities. The goal for individuals is to improve health so they live longer and for communi­ ties to lower health care costs, improve pro­ ductivity, and boost their national recognition as a great place to live, work, and play, orga­ nizers said. Ben Leedle, CEO of Blue Zones, said, “I am impressed with the local will and drive to make Barry County a better place to live, grow up, and grow old from the commtfhity leaders as well as local changemakers. I’m excited to see the changes to come that will help make the region a healthy and thriving community for current and future genera­ tions.” For more information on Blue Zones or to get involved in the project, visit bluezones, com/activate-barry-county. Continued from previous page Rural schools supported 4-H, but during World War II, few adults were available to help with projects. Teacher Helen Tucker recalled !her students finishing their handi­ crafts, despite her limited carpentry knowledge. Tihis 16-foot canoe, from the April 1947 Achievement Day, likely would not have been possible a few years earlier when time, resources and energy were devoted to the war effort. The canoe was the hand­ iwork of Leland Christianson, a Hastings sophomore who cut his own cedar trees and floated them down a creek, had them milled, and fashioned the wood into his canoe. Inspecting the canoe are (from left) Earl Wilkins, McOmber School, and Bill Gross and Roger Lewis of Welcome Corners School. (File photo) holdharmless The Grantee shall at all times keep and save the Township free and harmless from all loss, costs and expense to which it may become subject by reason of the construction, maintenance and operation of the structures and equipment hereby authorized. In case any action is commenced against the Township on account of the permission herein granted, said Grantee shall, upon notice, defend the Township and save it free and harmless from all loss, cost and damage arising out of said permission. Providing further, that this hold harmless agreement shall not apply to any loss, cost, damage or claims arising solely out of the negligence of the Township, its employees or its contractors. Furthermore, in the event that any loss, cost, damage or claims arise out of the joint negligence of the Township, its employees or its contractors, this hold harmless agreement shall not apply to the proportional extent of the negligence of the Township, its employees or its con­ tractors. Notwithstanding any provision contained in this Ordinance, nothing in this Ordinance shall impair any liability protection afforded the Township pursuant to law. SECTIQN4 REVOCATION The franchise granted by this Ordinance is subject to revocation upon sixty (60) days written notice by the party desiring such revocation. SECTION 5 RATES Grantee shall be entitled to charge the inhabitants of the Township for electric services furnished at the rates approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission (or other applicable governmental entity), to the extent it or its suc­ cessors have authority and jurisdiction to fix and regulate electric rates and promulgate rules regulating such services in the Township. Such rates and rules shall be subject to review at any time upon petition being made by either the Township acting through the Township Board or by Grantee. SECJJON6 TOWNSHIPJURLSDi.CHQN Grantee shall be and remain subject to all ordinances, rules and regulations of the Township for the regulation of land uses or for the protection of the health, safety and general welfare of the public; provided however, that nothing here­ in shall be construed as a waiver by Grantee of any of its rights under state or federal law. SECTION 7 MICHIGANPUBLICSERV1C E COMMISSION Grantee shall, as to all other conditions and elements of service not addressed or fixed by this Ordinance, remain subject to the rules and regulations applicable to electric service by the Michigan Public Service Commission (or other applicable governmental entity) or its successor bodies, to the extent such jurisdiction applies. SECTION 8 ASSIGNMENT OF FRANCHISE Grantee shall not assign this Franchise to any other person, firm or corporation without the prior written approv­ al of the Township Board. The Township shall not unreasonably withhold its consent to an assignment if the Assignee is financially able to carry out the Grantee’s obligations under this Franchise. The assignment of this Franchise to a subsidiary, division, or affiliated corporation of Grantee or its parent corporation shall not be considered an assignment requiring the consent of the Township Board. Grantee shall reimburse the Township for reasonable actual costs incurred in the review of a request by Grantee for approval. SECTION 9 severability The various parts, sections and clauses of this Ordinance are hereby declared to be severable. If any part, sen­ tence, paragraph, section or clause is adjudged unconstitutional or invalid by a court or administrative agency of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the Ordinance shall not be affected thereby. SECT.IQN.ip REPEAL OF CONLUCTJ^^ All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed, including Ordinance No. 32 adopt­ ed February 7, 1990 (and any amendments of same), which is superseded by this Ordinance when it becomes effective. SECTION 11 EFFECTIVE DATE/REIMBURSEMENT QF EXPENSE? This Ordinance shall take effect the day after the date of publication thereof after adoption by the Township Board. Upon such publication this Ordinance shall constitute a contract between the Township and the Grantee. Grantee shall reimburse the Township for its actual publication expenses associated with this Ordinance within 30 days of receipt of the Township Clerk’s billing statement for those expenses. Robin Hawthorne Rutland Charter Township Clerk brought her horse and a small wagon to collect larger pieces. We also collected milkweed, which was used to make kapok for life jackets. Dear little Doris came to school one morning with a grocery bag full of the pods. With her big eyes dancing for joy, she said. “You know, I went over the hill and down there was a whole field of milkweeds! I think God told me where to go!” Every time we heard of things the war effort needed, things we could collect, we went to work. The little school did its share. The Durfee School had always had an active 4-H. At this time, all the previous leaders were working. It was the time of “Rosie the Riveter.” So. The county had a young man go around and get the handicraft projects started. Then it was up to the teacher to keep it going. I wasn’t much of a carpenter, but all of the boys and girls got their projects done. The PTA was active, even with the war on. People needed a place to meet and talk. Seemed like everyone was carrying a burden on their back. The Christmas program was our big night. We had our program. Santa came with his bag and talked about his home at the North Pole. The tree was lovely with its strings of lights, but if one bulb blew, the whole string went. It was nerve-wracking. I tried to keep extra bulbs. Our little school room was packed with moms, dads, grandparents, friends and babies. How much friendship the communities lost when the schools closed. Some children liked to stay after school and talk. Dorothy was one of these. I always grabbed my broom and swept while we talked. She stayed as long as she wanted. After she left, I would go to burn the papers. Down the road going home was Dorothy, swinging her dinner pail and singing her heart out. She was good, too. She could hit high notes just like Jeannette McDonald. What a memory. Before I stop, I must tell me about my froggers. It was one of those beautiful spring mornings when God’s in His Heaven and all’s right with the world - a morning you’d just like to fly away. I looked out and could see Richard and LeRoy were not coming on to school, but playing in the tiny pond down by the road. The 9 o’clock bell rang, but they didn’t hear it. I kept watch, but the kid in me knew what they were doing and the fun they were having. So, we went on with our lessons, but I stood by the window, so I could keep track of them. Well, recess came, and by now the little boys decided they better get to school. Stern old teacher looked down on them. “Where have you two been?” The two little, wet. dirty, but very happy boys looked up at me with their big eyes, and said, “We’ve been frogging!” How glad I am I let them have their time on that spring morning because they both met an untimely death early in life. By 1946, my husband was home from the navy. I planned to go home to become a homemaker. So, I gave up my school. Later, the school board from Barryville came after me to take their school. I couldn’t refuse. So, another door was going to open. Neither LeRoy nor Darleen’s last names were included in the list of students, likely a transcription error, since they were fondly remembered by their teacher. Richard, one of the froggers, died in an automobile accident in late 1959. LaVerne and Linden Skidmore were two of the students whose mother had died. They were the children of Helen Tucker’s oldest brother. Readers might have noticed that LaVerne was listed among last week’s Branch School students and again this week at the Durfee School. Helen Tucker’s daughter, Elaine Gradowski, who now lives in Baltimore, Md., explained the circumstances in a recent email message. “[LaVerne] and his younger brother, Linden, lost their mother at an early age and came to live with my mother and her parents in the brick house on the southern branch of Bivens Road and Barryville. That is near the Branch School, so he would have changed schools. Linden was only 3 or 4 years old at the time, so he may not have shown up on the Branch School register until later.” Compiled by Kathy Maurer Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 26, 2019 — Page 11 BUDGET, continued page 1-------------“I honestly didn’t know what to expect might happen with the budget,” Maple Valley Superintendent Katherine Bertolini said. “We had heard a range of things, from zero increase to the amounts that have passed through the Legislature.” Barry County schools qualify to receive a $240 increase per pupil. But, even with the raise, superintendents say the budget fails to address issues that have affected their districts for many years. “It is not a good as we hoped, but it is not as bad either,” Hastings Superintendent Dan Remenap said. “My complaint is the inequity in funding when considering varying levels of expenses in different districts.” He pointed to an issue about which many local school district officials have voiced their dissatisfaction. “We spend close to $1 million a year on transportation. So, in effect, take $1 million off of the total that we receive from the state, before we even get kids to and from school and teach them. There are other districts with virtually no transportation costs who receive more in per pupil aid from the state. This dis­ parity is crippling to many rural districts.” Thornapple Kellogg Assistant Superintendent Craig McCarthy pointed out that last year’s budget allocated an additional $25 for each high school student, which has been cut. Delton Kellogg Superintendent Kyle Corlett said he is thankful the per pupil increase is more than they expected, but pointed to a Michigan State University study that shows the state is one of the lowest ranked in the nation for school funding. “The funding simply doesn’t keep up with the needs of districts, especially small rural schools that face more challenges than other schools,” Corlett said. But the per pupil increase isn’t the only data point school administrators need to deter­ mine how much money their districts will receive. The official student count won’t take place until next month, although schools are per­ forming their own internal counts. “Although there is a slight increase in per pupil funding, the total amount is offset by our decrease in enrollment, so we do not have any ‘extra’ money to spend on other initia­ tives,” Remenap said. “If we have increased revenue, we hope to give more advantage to our faculty than our initial projections allowed us to during nego­ tiations,” Bertolini said. “We also have some staffing needs we need to examine closely, given the state’s K-12±whole child and career readiness initiatives.” McCarthy estimates Thomapple Kellogg has roughly 60 to 65 more students enrolled currently than they did at this time last year. The administration is currently discussing its options, including an increase in support staff, McCarthy said. Superintendents are still waiting to dig into additional numbers, such as special education and at-risk funding. “We need to do some analysis to see how this will turn out as the special education allo­ cations and at-risk funding are categorical amounts we also calculate in our formula,” Bertolini said. “Once we have a chance to see how the funding changes are in those areas, we will have a better sense of what this means for Maple Valley.” As of Wednesday, Whitmer had yet to sign off on the budget, so nothing is set in stone. “I am hopeful the governor will sign this so we have a complete picture of how to proceed for this year,” Bertolini said. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP the name of the owner of the premises on which the flea market will be conducted and their consent to the sale (if the applicant is not the owner of the property). d. the date(s) on which the flea market will be conducted; e. the dated signature of the permit applicant, which shall signify the appli­ cant’s awareness of all applicable regulations and the intent to comply with same; f. a telephone number where the applicant can be reached during the sale period; g. such permit application fee, if any, as may be established by the Township Board for a flea market permit. BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF TEMPORARY SALES ORDINANCE TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE the following ordinance was adopted by the Rutland Charter Township Board on September 11, 2019: CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDINANCE NO. 2019-170 2. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP TEMPORARY SALES ORDINANCE ADOPTED: SEPTEMBER 11, 2019 B. Confirmation from the Township Zoning Administrator that a flea market on the subject premises will not violate any provision of the Rutland Charter Township Code, including Chapter 220 (Zoning). Time limits and other requirements. Any type of temporary sale that is a “flea market” is subject to the following regulations: EFFECTIVE: OCTOBER 26, 2019 An Ordinance to amend the Rutland Charter Township Code by enacting as new Chapter 101 pursuant to the Township Ordinances Act (MCL 41.181) regulations for temporary sales activities such as yard sales, garage sales, porch sales, barn sales, estate sales, rummage sales, flea mar­ kets, and other similar temporary activities on any premises in Rutland Charter Township to promote the health, safety and welfare of the people of the Township; and provide for enforcement and fix sanctions for the violation of this ordinance. CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN 1. Such sale shall not exceed 4 consecutive days; and shall be held not more than 2 times per year per premises, with at least a 30 day interval between otherwise permissible sales. 2. Only normal and customary household personal property and residential goods may be offered for sale. 3. The premises on which the sale is held shall be able to accommodate all vehic­ ular traffic associated with the sale without impeding motorized or non-motorized vehicles on any public roadway or impeding pedestrians on any sidewalk or other public right-of-way, or otherwise violating any traffic/parking law administered and enforced by any unit of government. 4. If the sale is advertised by signage on or off the premises upon which sale is held, all such signage shall comply with the applicable requirements of any other Rutland Charter Township ordinance, including Article XVIII of Code Chapter 220 (Zoning). The permitted signage shall not be in place more than 3 days prior to the day on which the sale begins, and shall be removed and properly disposed of within 24 hours of the close of the sale. In addition, and notwithstanding any such other ordinances, signage advertising a sale regulated by this ordinance shall not be placed on or over a public sidewalk, or otherwise within a public right-of-way, unless allowed by and in conformance with any applicable regula­ tions of a governmental unit with jurisdiction over the public right-of-way. 5. All items not sold or being held for pickup after the close of the sale shall be placed inside a fully enclosed building within 24 hours of the close of the sale, unless such item may otherwise be lawfully stored outside of a building in accor­ dance with any applicable ordinance of Rutland Charter Township. Ie ORDAINS: §101-1. Title and Purpose A. Title. This ordinance shall be known and may be cited as the Rutland Charter Township Temporary Sales Ordinance. B. Purpose. The purpose of this ordinance is to avoid the detrimental impacts of perpetual “yard sales” and similar types of sales activities on persons and prop­ erty in Rutland Charter Township, by regulating the duration and frequency of such activities, and otherwise establishing reasonable parameters applicable to such sales; and by requiring a permit for a “flea market” type of sale; and to exempt certain types of sales from these regulations. §101-2. Definitions of terms As used in this ordinance, including in this section, the following words and terms shall have the meanings stated herein: “temporary sale” means and includes all such sales conducted as what is com­ monly known and understood to be a “yard sale”, “garage sale”, “porch sale”, “barn sale”, “estate sale”, “rummage sale”, “flea market”, or any other similar type of casual sale of goods which is advertised by any means whereby the public at large is or can be made aware of such sale, and where all or virtually all of the goods available for sale are second hand goods owned by a resident of the premises on which the sale is conducted and from the household of that person, or are owned by and from the household of a neighboring resident, family mem­ ber, or other person directly or indirectly participating in the sale. A. B. “goods” means and includes any second hand household items and similar tan­ gible property capable of being the object of a sale regulated under this Chapter. C. “flea market” means and includes a type of sale, typically outdoors, where the goods available for sale are generally not from the household of the person holding the sale, and may be second hand gobos and/or new goods. This type of sale may also be known as a “swap meet”. A Jemporary sale that will not comply with § 101-3.B.1. is also a “flea market” for purposes of this ordinance, and is therefore subject to § 101-4 (unless exempted by § 101-5). §101-5. Exemptions The following persons and types of sales are exempted from this Ordinance: 1. Persons selling goods pursuant to an order or process of a court of competent juris­ diction. 2. Persons selling goods in accordance with their powers and duties as public officials. 3. Any persons selling or advertising for sale items of personal property which are spe­ cifically named or described in the advertisement, such as a motor vehicle or boat, provided not more than ten such items are offered for sale, and such items are being displayed for sale in conformity with all other applicable ordinances and laws. 4. Any sale conducted by any merchant or other business establishment from or at a bona fide place of business, including any sale conducted by a manufacturer, dealer, or vendor properly licensed in the State of Michigan, on premises where such sale is permissible under the zoning regulations of the Township and all other applicable ordinances and laws. 5. Any sale conducted by a bona fide tax exempt educational, religious, cultural or gov­ ernmental institution or organization, on premises where such a sale is permissible under the zoning regulations of the Township and all other applicable ordinances and laws. 6. An “estate sale” or similar type of sale conducted as an auction by a licensed auction­ eer on the premises of the owner of the goods subject to auction, where such auction does not exceed 4 consecutive days on a 1-time basis. § 101-3. Regulation of temporary sales (other than flea markets) Any temporary sale that is not a “flea market”, is subject to the following: A. No permit required. A permit is not required for any type of temporary sale activity regulated by this Ordinance that is not a flea market. B. Time limits and other requirements. Any type of temporary sale that is not a “flea market” is subject to the following regulations: 7. Any sale of real property. 1. 8. Sales by door-to-door sales persons otherwise operating in accordance with all appli­ cable ordinances and laws. Such sale may take place on the premises of a lawful dwelling anywhere in Rut­ land Charter Township, without regard to the zoning district classification of the premises under the Rutland Charter Township Zoning Ordinance (Code Chapter 220). Such sale shall not take place on a vacant lot, or other premises without a dwelling, unless the vacant lot is contiguous to the premises of the dwelling and under the same ownership as the dwelling. 2. Such sale shall not exceed 4 consecutive days; and shall be held not more than 4 times per year per premises, with at least a 30 day interval between otherwise permissible sales. 3. Only used normal and customary household personal property and residential goods may be offered for sale, and incidental unused such goods not exceeding 1% of the items for sale. 4. Such sale shall be conducted by a resident of the premises on which the sale is conducted, or by a neighboring resident, family member, or other person whose goods are available for sale and who is actively participating in the sale. 5. The premises on which the sale is held shall be able to accommodate all vehic­ ular traffic associated with the sale without impeding motorized or non-motorized vehicles on any public roadway or impeding pedestrians on any sidewalk or other public right-of-way, or otherwise violating any traffic/parking law administered and enforced by any unit of government. COUNCIL, continued from page 3-------------------------that enforcement of the vaping ordinance has not resulted in exceptional response from his department. “I truly thought we’d be respond­ ing fairly often (at local schools),” Pratt said, “but we haven’t been to the middle school at all. We’ve been to the high school a few times and issued one citation. Vaping, though, is still a big concern.” • Heard King report on a variety of projects and updates including an invitation to offi­ cials and to the public for a Downtown Development District workshop on Monday, Sept. 30 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Ace Hardware meeting center. Subject of the meeting will be two proposals regarding the scope of work and plan for downtown streetscape improve­ ments. King mentioned that sidewalk trees, which on the south side of the State St. are dying and will soon die on the north side of the street, have reached their natural life given the small surrounding grates from which the only irrigation can be obtained • Approved replacement of three pickup trucks at a cost of $142,954; purchase of a Rotary truck life hoist for $9,300; and replace­ ment of a return-activated sludge pump and the Wastewater Treatment Plant at a cost of $17,206. • Approved the re-appointment of Jean Stegeman, mayor of the city of Menominee to the Michigan Municipal League’s board of directors. • Heard McNabb-Stange’s legislative report which included her note that pending state legislation will allow local fees and taxes to be levied for local road repairs. “The state is looking to pass the buck,” McNabb-Stange said. “It took our sales tax from us and now wants us to come up with the funds to fix roads. Go figure.” c. 6. 7. If the sale is advertised by signage on or off the premises upon which the sale is held, all such signage shall comply with the applicable requirements of any other Rutland Charter Township ordinance, including Article XVIII of Code Chapter 220 (Zoning). The permitted signage shall not be in place more than 3 days prior to the day on which the sale begins, and shall be removed and properly disposed of within 24 hours of the close of the sale. In addition, and notwithstanding any such other ordinances, signage advertising a sale regulated by this ordinance shall not be placed on or over a public sidewalk, or otherwise within a public right-of-way, unless allowed by and in conformance with any applicable regula­ tions of a governmental unit with jurisdiction over the public right-of-way. All items not sold or being held for pickup after the close of the sale shall be placed inside a fully enclosed building within 24 hours of the close of the sale, unless such item may otherwise be lawfully stored outside of a building in accor­ dance with any applicable ordinance of Rutland Charter Township. § 101-6. Violations and enforcement §101-7. A. A person or other entity who fails or refuses to comply with any provision of this Chapter is responsible for a municipal civil infraction and subject to the Schedule of Fines specified in § 45-6 and all other applicable parts of Chapter 45 of the Rutland Charter Township Code. B. Any person or entity responsible for a violation of this Ordinance, whether as an occupant, owner (by deed or land contract), lessee, licensee, agent, contractor, servant, employee, or otherwise, shall be liable as a principal. Each day that a violation exists shall constitute a separate offense. C. Any violation of this Ordinance is hereby declared to constitute a public nuisance, and a basis for such judgment, writ or order necessary to compel compliance with the Ordinance and/or to restrain and prohibit continuation of the violation, or other appropriate relief in any court of competent jurisdiction, in addition to any other relief or sanction herein set forth or allowed by law. D. This Ordinance shall be enforced by the Ordinance Enforcement Officer(s) of Rutland Charter Township and by such other person or persons as the Township Board may designate. Severability The provisions of this ordinance are hereby declared to be severable and if any clause, sentence, word, section or provision is hereafter declared void or unenforceable for any reason by any court of competent jurisdiction, it shall not affect the remainder of such ordinance which shall continue in full force and effect. §101-8. Repeal All ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict herewith are hereby repealed; provided that this ordinance shall not be construed to repeal expressly or by implication any provision of the Zoning Ordinance (Code Chapter 220). §101-9. Effective date §101-4. Regulation of temporary sales that are flea markets This ordinance shall take effect 30 days after publication as required by law. Any temporary sale that is a “flea market” is subject to the following: This ordinance in its entirety has been posted in the office of the Township Clerk and on the Township website (www.rutlandtownship.org). A. Permit required. A permit is required for any type of temporary sale activity regulated by this ordinance that is a “flea market”. The Township Clerk or the Clerk’s designee (which may be the Deputy Clerk, an Ordinance Enforcement Officer, or the Zoning Administrator) shall issue a permit for this type of sale upon: 1. The filing of a permit application indicating all the following: a. the name and mailing address of the person who will be responsible for conducting the flea market; b. the street address of the premises where the flea market will be conducted; A copy of the ordinance may also be purchased by contacting the Township Clerk as indicated below during regular business hours of regular working days, and at such other times as may be arranged. Robin J. Hawthorne, Clerk Charter Township of Rutland Rutland Charter Township Hall 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Michigan 49058 Telephone: (269) 948-2194 �Page 12 — Thursday, September 26, 2019 — The Hastings Banner [Goudzwaard buzzer-beater boosts TK in Gold and powered it through a crowd that included teammate Tyler Gehres and three Eagle defenders, then through the fingers of the Christian goalkeeper, to even the score. The Trojans looked like they were in trou­ ble for the first five minutes of the second half. The Eagles scored to go ahead 2-1 a minute into the second half. Eagle senior mid­ fielder Reed VanderLugt chipped a pass up the left side that his teammate Matthew Welch beat the Trojan defense to. Welch fired a pass across the front of the Trojan goal mouth that teammate Grant Hassenrik nonchalantly deflected into the goal on the other side of the box. It wasn’t the Eagles’ first chance in the first five minutes of the second half, and it wasn’t their last. The pressure on the Trojan goal was intense. Hassenrik dropped a pass for team­ mate Ben Kuiper at the top of the Trojan box that defender Logan Moore deflected away, after Ruth turned aside a swirling shot from the Eagles’ Matthew Welch. The Eagles added a couple of comer kicks during the stretch, and a couple strong chances from May. “We spoke about it at halftime. They were definitely going to come out fast and we just had to try to make sure we had a game plan together. We came out flat. We switched off. Thornapple Kellogg senior attacker <£teden Hannapel celebrates the second of his three goals in a 3-2 victory over visiting Grand Rapids Christian inside Bob White Stadium in Middleville Tuesday. ^Fhoto by Brett Bremer) Sports Editor r “I have never had that experience before. It’s a good feeling.” ' That’s saying something with all the time bFhomapple Kellogg senior attacker Caden Goudzwaard has spent on a soccer field. Goudzwaard scored a hat-trick for the Tbornapple Kellogg varsity boys’ soccer team a 3-2 OK Gold Conference victory over iflrand Rapids Christian inside Bob White Stadium in Middleville Tuesday evening, blasting home the game-winner after shaking ‘an Eagle defender to his knees to the left of tfie goal with 20 seconds left to play. Goudzwaard said he has never scored a .ggal that brought him as much joy as the final one Tuesday, which he hit with his left foot after faking outside and then cutting back fowards the net as forcefully as he could, .foments after a shot low to the near post that {ge thought was going to be his last-best Chance at a game-winner, his left-footed shot 4iigh;tQlhe far post found the net. “That was by far my best one. I’m a right-footed player, so two left-footed shots is really good for me,” he said. Each of Goudzwaard’s first two goals brought the Trojans back from a one-goal ^deficit against the Eagles, who won the first meeting of the season between the two teams by a goal. The Trojans improved their confer­ ence record to 6-2 with the victory, and have a big game ahead this evening at South Christian. The Sailors were the only other team to defeat the Trojans on the first swing jprough the conference season and currently at 6-1-1 in the conference. The Eagles now ;sit at 6-2 in league play. ^nr“We have been able to work on some stuff. ■We are trying to switch up our formation a little bit this year. They’re starting to under­ hand. They’re getting the rhythm in there, sjust the movement, the fluid movement,” TK head coach David Wood said. Wood said he believes that Goudzwaard is ’the conference scoring leader at this point. 3 ^“He has always had it. It is nothing that has ever been questioned,” Wood said of goudzwaard’s goal-scoring ability. “The wprk that he put in all last year, outside the high school season playing at a very high Tevel of club soccer, he made himself a better flayer there and he has come back this year ,‘nfpre focused. One thing that he has done well is put the team first. He doesn’t make it about ^himself. He puts himself in the right posi’fions.” ’ It took patience to be in the proper position ;tq score the goal that tied the game at 2-2. Senior midfielder Aiden Hannapel assisted on ft’J . .... .......... . ■. ' r ■ Thornapple Kellogg’s Hunter DeHaan (14) fights to try and get by Grand Rapids Christian’s Nick Cassiday (12) in the midfield during the first half of the Trojans’ 3-2 win over the visiting Eagles Tuesday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Woman under influence crashes mailboxes A man called police after he watched a vehicle crash through his and his neighbor’s mailboxes on North Main Street near Amasa Street in Woodland at 11:08 p.m. on Sept. 21. The man followed the vehicle until it pulled into a residence in the 6000 block of Jordan Road in Woodland Township. When an officer arrived, a man answered the door and his 60-year-old wife was asleep on the couch. When she awoke, the woman admitted to having five drinks before driving and that she had hit something, though she later claimed the damage on her vehicle was from a previous incident. The woman had a .16 BAC and was arrested. Stopped car leads to OWI An officer came across a vehicle stopped on Woodlawn Road near Becker Road at 2 a.m. Sept. 22. The car had no registered insurance and the driver, a 55-year-old Hastings woman, said she did not have insurance, but did have three beers before driving. She claimed she was not stopped, but had slowed down because she was cresting a hill. She had a BAC of .131 and was arrested. She has two prior operating under the influence offenses. $57,500 in marijuana stolen from farm A 65-year-old man called police at 5 a.m. Sept. 20 to report all 23 of his marijuana plants had been stolen from his farm in the 15000 block of South M-37 in Johnstown Township. The man said there was an attempted break-in two days before, so he reinforced the enclo­ sure, installed motion controlled lights, trail cameras and an alarm. The man had previous thefts on the property and installed “booby traps,” which consisted of boards with nails in them hidden around the property. He had stayed awake the previous two nights to watch for the thieves, but said he had fallen asleep around 11 p.m. the previous night and, when he woke up, the plants were gone. The thieves had cut through a wire fence and pulled the plants out. The trail cameras appeared to show a suspect wearing a mask. The man said few people knew about the farm’s existence, and suspected the neighbors. The officer told the man M-37 is a well-traveled road, and marijuana has a strong odor, so someone may have noticed the farm. The officer also said the farm was visible from satellite imagery, therefore it was likely more people knew about the farm than the man thought. The plants were each six feet tall and only two days before they were ready to be harvested. A police estimate of their value based on average plant production places the total of all 23 plants at $57,000. New Baptist Church vandalized Grand Rapids Christian’s Hans Pruis (15) slams into the back of Thomapple Kellogg’s Aiden Hannapel as they both go after a header during the first half of their OK Gold Conference match-up in Middleville Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) the game-tying goal which came with 12:06 remaining in the ball game. Hannapel took a quick throw-in in front of the Trojan bench, and Hannapel followed the bounding ball from west to east across the field at least 30 yards out in front of the Eagle net. “I just wanted the right bounce and waited for it to get low enough so I wouldn’t just sail it right over. I was pretty certain that (defend­ er) was just going to sit there until I kicked it,” Goudzwaard said. That shot blew by the Eagle keeper just under the cross bar tying the contest. ■ j Banner CLASSIFIEDS ^CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 4C- 0^2____________________ PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: 4 ’ ‘All real estate advertising in this news“TaPer subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which r collectively make it illegal to advertise . ‘‘any preference, limitation or discrimie~ * nation,based on race, color, religion, sex, ,■»’handicap, familial status, national origin, , age or martial status, or an intention, to T.Riake any such preference, limitation or " discrimination.” Familial status includes 5 - Mildren under the age of 18 living with t’parents or legal custodians, pregnant • jyomen and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly ('accept any advertising for real estate [jr^vhich is in violation of the law. Our " readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Those things happen. We’ll address that in practice tomorrow and going forward,” Wood said. Each team had a goal waved off for offside in the second half. The Eagles’ chance was as clear violation, as Reed Vanderlugt was still in the goal after battling Ruth for a ball in the air. The Trojans’ non-goal was a little more controversial as it came on a late decision after some debate. Goudzwaard drilled a low pass ahead on a counter attack that teammate Noah Myers deflected along the Eagle defen­ sive line with teammate Tyler Gehres charging through. Gehres beat the Eagle keeper oneon-one, but it was ruled in the end that he had been a step behind the defense when Myers tipped the pass through. The Trojans didn’t get down after seeing the scoring chance lost with less than 19 min­ utes to play. We haven’t had any issues off the field. They work hard in practice. They do every­ thing together as a team, a lot of stuff outside of practices and outside of school they spend a lot of time together. All the guys, they’re all very selfless with what they do,” Wood sai<L The Trojans opened the second half of the conference season with a 2-1 win at East Grand Rapids last Thursday. Recreation Business Services SYCAMORE SPRINGS CAMPGOUND will be Open for the Winter Season from No­ vember 1,2019 to April 1,2020. We will have 10 full hookup sites and several electric only sites. Call ahead for reserva­ tions. Firewood available by the Face Cord. Delivery avail­ able. Call 517-726-4065. 3266 N. Ionia Rd., Vermontville, MI 49426. BELLS CONSTRUCTION-18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, power washing, home im­ provements. 269-320-3890. Garage Sale RUMMAGE & BAKE SALE with homemade donuts. Thurs-Fri, Oct 3rd & 4th, 9am4pm. Sat, Oct 5th, 2019, 9amNoon- $3 per bag. Central United Methodist Woman, 912 Fourth Ave, Lake Odessa. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. The Trojans and Eagles were tied 1-1 at the half, after a pair of goals in the final three and a half minutes of the half. Grand Rapids Christian’s Hans Pruis headed in a centering pass from teammate Evan May for the game’s initial score in the 37th minute of action. A minute and a half later Goudzwaard got his foot on a punt from Trojan goalkeeper Austin Ruth at the top of the Eagles’ 18-yard box, HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Upcoming events at the Hastings Public Library for the coming week are: Saturday, Sept 28 12-2 p.m. Anime Club Monday, Sept 30 10 a.m.-l p.m. Quilting Passions Tuesday, Oct. 1 JQ:3O-11 a.m. Toddler Story Time ^:30 p.m. Mahjong Chess Wednesday, Oct 2 6 p.m. Value Your Attic Finds - Find an item’s worth and where to sell it Thursday, Oct 3 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Baby Cafe 5-8 p.m. Movie Memories & Milestones (1947) starring Edward G. Robinson, Lon McCallister, Judith Anderson, based on the book by George Agnew Chamberlain, “The Red House”. Please call the Hastings Public Library for more information 269-945-4263 A 71-year-old man called police at 9:36 a.m. Sept. 12, to report vandalism at the New Life Baptist Church on South M-37 in Johnstown Township. The man said the back door handle was broken off by someone trying to get in. The American flag was also missing from the flagpole in the parking lot. The man said he had noticed other issues in the last two weeks, such as damaged security lights at a nearby barn and batteries that had fallen out of an exit sign. The case is inactive without any leads. Man reports stolen rocks A 72-year-old man reported to police he found several large holes dug into the woods of his property on Barber Road at 9:22 a.m. Sept. 19. The man said his neighbor is a “rock hound,” and thought he may have stolen rocks from the holes. However, he talked to the neighbor, who claimed he did not know what the man was talking about. The case is inacfive without any leads. No signs of forced entry for missing jewelry A 63-year-old woman called to report jewelry stolen from her residence in the 4000 block of Circle Inn Drive in Orangeville Township at 9:30 a.m. Sept. 10. The woman said the resident’s windows and doors were secure when she got home, but she believed her ex-husband may have picked the lock. The investigation is ongoing. Electric toy car missing from garage A 27-year-old man called police to report his son’s drivable electric toy car had been stolen from his garage at 15000 Jenkins Road at 2:01 p.m. Sept. 14. The man said he had been in jail and the garage door had been left open. Because his ex-girlfriend posted on Facebook that he was in jail, the man stated that people knew the residence was empty. He said the suspect also tried to gain entry into his house. The cost of the car is estimated at $249. Trailer and two boats stolen A 49-year-old man called police Sept. 5, to report a trailer with two boats on it had been stolen from his residence in the 1000 block of Cogswell Road. The man is a truck driver and said he left the house July 15, and the boats were gone when he returned. His neighbor said he saw a red truck drive off with the trailer just hours after the man left. The total cost of the items is estimated to be around $1,900. The investigation is ongoing. Alcohol believed to be factor in crash An officer responded to a single vehicle crash at 6:53 p.m. Sept. 19, on M-37 Highway near Pifer Highway. Emergency medical responders were first on the scene and suspected alcohol may have been a factor. The officer found an empty bottle of whiskey in the center console of the car. The driver, the car’s only occupant, is a 21-year-old from Athens, Mich. He was taken to a Kalamazoo hospital. When the officer made contact with the man at the hospital, the man said “F— the police,” and refused to give a statement. His blood was drawn for alcohol testing and the investigation is ongoing. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 26, 2019 — Page 13 LfcyCiAL nOlICL/5> SYNOPSIS RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP REGULAR BOARD MEETING September 11, 2019 - 7:00 p.m. Regular meeting called to order and Pledge of Allegiance. Present: Spencer, Bellmore, Walters, Watson, Hawthorne, Greenfield Absent: James Approved the Agenda as amended Approved the Consent Agenda Monthly Treasurer’s Report Monthly Clerk’s Voucher/Payroll Report Accepted Ordinance #2019-170 for Second Reading and Adoption - Temporary Sales Ordinance Accepted the quote from A-1 Asphalt for parking lot repairs Accepted first reading of Ordinance #2019-172 Amendments to Signage Accepted the 2019 Tax Rate Request Approved Algonquin Lake 2020 Treatment Plan Accepted first reading of Ordinance #2019-171Consumers Energy Franchise ■ Agreement Adjournment 8:04 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Attested to by, Larry Watson, Supervisor 128857 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on October 24, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Christopher Vanstee and Tami Vanstee, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Freedom Mortgage Corporation Date of Mortgage: November 21, 2016 Date of Mortgage Recording: December 8, 2016 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $275,423.03 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Thornapple, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 52, Boulder Creek Estates, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 6 of Plats, Page 23. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: September 26, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1396334 (09-26)(10-17) 128648 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on Octobers, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Raymond L Thompson and Pamala K Thompson, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for Reverse Mortgage Solutions, Inc. its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Reverse Mortgage Solutions, Inc. Date of Mortgage: June 10, 2015 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 30, 2015 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $70,108.40 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: A parcel of land in the West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 36, Town 1 North, Range 8 West, described as: Commencing at the Northeast corner of said West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4; thence South along 1/8 line 1000 feet to the place of beginning of the within description; thence continuing South along the 1/8 line 329 feet; thence due West to the West line of the East 56 acres of said West 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 36; thence North on said West line 343 feet, more or less, to a point due West of the point of beginning; thence due East to the point of beginning The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuit to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: September 5, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1394749 (09-05)(09-26) 127627 SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE - Patrick Hard an unmarried man, granted a mortgage to National City Mortgage, Mortgagee, dated April 18, 2008, and recorded on April 29, 2008, in Document No. 20080429­ 0004599, and assigned by said mortgagee to Michigan State Housing Development Authority, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Forty-Two Thousand Six Hundred Forty-Eight and 36/100 Dollars ($42,648.36). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the Barry County Courthouse, Hastings Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on October 24, 2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: Lot 10 and the East 6 feet of Lot 9, Block 7, H J Kenfield's Addition, according to the recorded Plat thereof as recorded in Liber 1, Page 9 of Plats, Barry County Records. The redemption period will be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 125.1449v, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 125.1449v(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. Michigan State Housing Development Authority Mortgagee/ Assignee Sc|o01$emian & Sherman P.C. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1396859 (09-26)(10-17) 129026 SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE - Matthew Sumoski and Autumn Sumoski, husband and wife, granted a mortgage to Mortgage 1 Incorporated, Mortgagee, dated July 14, 2016, and recorded on July 27, 2016, in Document No. 2016-007351, and assigned by said mortgagee to Michigan State Housing Development Authority, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Fifteen Thousand Two Hundred Eighty-Two and 35/100 Dollars ($115,282.35). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the Barry County Courthouse, Hastings Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on October 10, 2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: Lots No. 3 and 4 of The Thornton Addition to the Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, according to the recorded plat thereof. The redemption period will be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 125.1449v, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 125.1449v(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. Michigan State Housing Development Authority Mortqaj^OAssiqnee Schneiderman Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee for any reason. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest, and the purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Notice is hereby given that the below mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the Circuit Court of Barry County at 1:00 pm on October 3, 2019. Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Tanna L. Woods, A Married Woman Original Mortgagee: The United States of America acting through the Rural Housing Service or Successor agency, United States Department of Agriculture Foreclosing Assignee (if any): none Date of Mortgage: June 10, 2010 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 11, 2010 Amount claimed due on mortgage on the date of notice: $151,605.22 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in the City of Hastings , Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Lot 7 and Lot 8, Block 8, Kenfield’s Second Addition to the City of Hastings^ according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, Page 37, Barry County Records. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or upon the expiration of the notice required by MCL 600.3241 a(c), whichever is later; or unless MCL 600.3240(16) applies. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale onto the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector, bate of notice: 09/05/2019 Potestivo & Associates, P.C. 108481 NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF BARRY COUNTY Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public hearing for the following: Case Number V-15-2019 - Ryan Ritsema (Property Owner) Location: 4416 Trails End Road, Middleville, in Section 4 of Orangeville Township. Purpose: Request a variance to construct a 8x22 addition to a home that is 3.1 ft from the side property line (the minimum is 6 ft) and to also construct a detached garage that will result in a 2 ft side yard setback and a 2 ft rear yard setback as well as a 3 ft side yard setback in the RL (Recreational Lakes) zoning district. MEETING DATE: October 14, 2019. TIME: 7:00 PM PLACE: Tyden Center Community Room , 121 South Church Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Site inspections of the above described property will be completed by the Zoning Board of Appeals members before the hearing. Interested persons desiring to present their yiews upon an appeal, either verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above-mentioned time and place. ~Anywritten response TnalTed to the address listed below, faxed to (269) W^-4820, or emailed to Barry County Planning birector James McManus at Lmcmanus<barQ^>iMQra. The variance application is available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Please call the Barry County Planning Department at (269) 945-1290 for further information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or calling the following: Michael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 945-1284. Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk 128584 (09-05) (09-26) 127525 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on October 17, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Richard Kreps and unmarried man and Hope Knapper and unmarried woman Original Mortgagee: CitiFinancial, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): J.P. Morgan Mortgage Acquisition Corp. Date of Mortgage: June 24, 2009 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 26, 2009 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $48,156.76 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Assyria, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: A Parcel of land in the Northwest 1 /4 of Section 22, Town 1 North, Range 7 West, described as: commencing 10 rods 8 1/10 links West of the Northeast corner of the West 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4 of said Section 22, thence West 10 rods 8 1/10 links, thence South 12 rods 16 2/10 links, thence East 10 rods 81/10 links, thence North to the Place of Beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: September 19, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1396096 (09-19)(10-10) 128517 & Sherman P.C. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1395531 (09-12)(10-03) 128034 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee for any reason. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest, and the purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the frfjrtgagee’s attorney. Notice is hereby given that the below mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the Circuit Court of Barry County at 1:00 pm on October 17, 2019. Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Karla D Hayward, and Dale B Hayward, Wife and Husband Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for America’s Wholesale Lender, its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Bank of America, N.A. Date of Mortgage: July 14, 2006 Date of Mortgage Recording: August 9, 2006 Amount claimed due on mortgage on the date of notice: $74,566.99 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in the Township of Orangeville, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: The North 9 acres of the West 15 acres of the Southwest one-quarter of the Northwest one-quarter of Section 14, Town 2 North, Range 10 West. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or upon the expiration of the notice required by MCL 600.3241 a(c), whichever is later; or unless MCL 600.3240(16) applies. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: 09/19/2019 Potestivo & Associates, P.C. 115432 (09-19)00-10) 128497 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28309-DE Estate of Loretta C. Ausberger. Date of birth: 7/13/1930. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Loretta C. Ausberger, died June 4, 2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Steven Ausberger, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 9/18/2019 Christopher Shourds P82401 5070 Cascade Road SE, Suite 100 Grand Rapids, Ml 49546 (616) 365-5055 Steven Ausberger 501 Tuttle Avenue NE Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (616)485-6515 128812 TO ALL CREDITORS: The Settlor: Dorothy L. Corson, dob: 6/06/192?. SSN: xxx-xx-2313, who lived at 109 Lem Paul Street, Middleville, Michigan died February 4, 2019. There is no personal representative of the settlor’s estate to whom Letters of Administration have been issued. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the Charles and Dorothy Corson Trust sated 8/09/1996 as amended will be forever banned unless presented to Annette R. Brutus and Maureen E. Corson Trustee(s) within 4 months after the date of publication. Date: 9-18-2019 Varnum LLP Christopher J. Caldwell P64928 Bridgewater Place, P.O. Box 352 Grand Rapids, Ml 49501 616/336-6000 Annette R. Brutus and Maureen E. Corson c/o Christopher J. Caldwell Bridgewater Place, PO Box 352 Grand Rapids, Ml 49501 616/366-6000 128651 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on October 17, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Vernard MC Clelland Jr, a married man AKA Vernard Albert MC Clelland and Sue Ann MC Clelland, his wife Original Mortgagee; Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, as Trustee for the benefit of the Seasoned Loans Structured Transaction Trust, Series 2018-1 Date of Mortgage: April 25, 2005 Date of Mortgage Recording: May 2, 2005 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $96,874.96 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Hope, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: The South 177 feet of the West 1/2 of the East 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 12, Town 2 North, Range 9 West, except commencing at the South 1/8 post on the Northwest 1/4 of said Section 12, North 89 degrees 56 minutes East 290.4 feet, North 00 degrees 58 minutes West 177 feet, South 89 degrees 56 minutes West 287.4 feet South 177 feet to the point of beginning. Also except the East 20 feet thereof. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: September 19, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1396117 (09-19)(10-10) 128531 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on October 17, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Robert Zickus Jr. and Vicki Zickus, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Ditech Financial LLC FKA Green Tree Servicing LLC Foreclosing Assignee (if any): None Date of Mortgage: September 16,1998 Date of Mortgage Recording: September 23, 1998 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $43,860.62 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: The North 330 feet of the West 264 feet of the East 528 feet of the North 20 acres of the West 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 12, Town 1 North, Range 8 West. Subject to rights Of ingress and egress appurtenant to land adjoining the east thereof over an existing driveway 12 feet in width the centerline of which begins at a point on the south right of way of lacey road 30 feet West of the East line described parcel and ends at a point on said East line 80 feet South of said South right of way line of Lacey Road. The redemption period shall be 1 year from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held resppnsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure^ sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: September 19, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. NOTICE We are attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Notify us at the number below if you are in active military duty. MORTGAGE SALE - Pursuant to the terms and conditions of a certain mortgage made by AUSTIN BAADE , an unmarried man, Mortgagors, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (MERS) as nominee for Success Mortgage Partners, Inc., Mortgagee, dated the 23rd day of June, 2017 and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds, for The County of Barry and State of Michigan, on the 23rd day of June, 2017 in Doc# 2017-006377 of Barry County Records, said Mortgage having been assigned to Freedom Mortgage Corporation on which mortgage there is claimed to be due, at the date of this notice, the sum of One Hundred Fifty Three Thousand One Hundred One & 20/100 ($153,101.20), by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, and pursuant to statute of the State of Michigan^ notice is hereby given that on the 24th day of October, 2019 at 1:00 PM o’clock Local Time, said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale at public auction, to the highest bidder, at the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Ml, of the premises described in said mortgage, or so much thereof as may be necessary to pay the amount due, with interest thereon at 4.500 per annum and all legal costs, charges, and expenses, including the attorney fees allowed by law, and also any sum or sums which may be paid by the undersigned, necessary to protect its interest in the premises. Which said premises are described as follows: All that certain piece or parcel of land, including any and all structures, and homes, manufactured or otherwise, located thereon, situated in the Township of Rutland, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and described as follows, to wit: Lot 6 of Smith’s Lakeview Center, Rutland Township, Barry County, Michigan, according to the plat thereof recorded in Liber 6 of Plats, Page 50 of Barry County Records. During the six (6) months immediately following the sale, the property may be redeemed, except that in the event that the property is determined to be abandoned pursuant to MCLA 600.3241a, the property may be redeemed 30 days after the foreclosure sale or when the time to provide the notice required by the statute expires, whichever is later. Pursuant to MCLA 600.3278, the mortgagor(s) will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney Dated: 09/26/2019 Freedom Mortgage Corporation Mortgagee FABRIZIO & BROOK, P.C. Attorney for Servicer 700 Tower Drive, Ste. 510 Troy, Ml 48098 (248) 362­ 2600 FMC FARM BAADE NOTICE We are attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purposp. Notify us at the number below if you are in active military duty. MORTGAGE SALE - Pursuant to foe terms and conditions of a certain mortgage made*by RICKY BOLTON AND MELISSA BOLTON, husband and wife, Mortgagors, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (MERS) as nominee for Freedom Mortgage Corporation, Mortgagee, dated the 30th day of June, 2018 and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds, for The County of Barry and State of Michigan, on the 10th day of July, 2018 in Doc# 2018-006683 of Barry County Records, said Mortgage having been assigned to Freedom Mortgage Corporation on which mortgage there is claimed to be due, at the date of this notice, the sum of Seventy Six Thousand Three Hundred Three & 37/100 ($76,303.37), by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, and pursuant to statute of the State of Michigan, notice is hereby given that on the 3rd day of October, 2019 at 1:00 PM o’clock Local Time, said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale at public auction, to the highest bidder, at the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Ml, of the premises described in said mortgage, or so much thereof as may be necessary to pay the amount due, with interest thereon at 5.87500 per annum and ail legal costs, charges, and expenses, including the attorney fees allowed by law, and also any sum or sums which may be paid by the undersigned, necessary to protect its interest in the premises. Which said premises are described as follows: All that certain piece or parcel of land, including any and all structures, and homes, manufactured pr otherwise, located thereon, situated in the Township of Barry, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and described as follows, to wit: A parcel of land in the Northeast one-quarter of Section 4, Town 1 North, Range 9 West, described as: Commencing at the North one-quarter post of said Section 4, thence East on the Section line 1047.25 feet for the place of beginning; thence East 100 feet; thence South 400 feet; thence West 100 feet; thence North to the place of beginning. During the six (6) months immediately following the sale, the property may be redeemed, except that in the event that the property is determined to be abandoned pursuant fe MCLA 600.3241 a, the property may be redeemed 30 days after the foreclosure sale or when the time to provide the notice required by the statute expires, whichever is later. Pursuant to MCLA 600.3278, the mortgagors) will be held responsible to the persoh who buys the property at the foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney Dated: 09/05/2019 Freedom Mortgage Corporation Mortgagee FABRIZIO & BROOK, P.C. Attorney for Servicer 700 Tower Drive, Ste. 510 Troy, Ml 48098 (248) 362-2600 FMC FHA BOLTONRI (09-05) (09-26) 127526 (09-26)(10-17) Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Trust 128811 1395924 (09-19)(10-10) 128413 �Page 14 — Thursday, September 26, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Hastings boys overwhelm Charlotte in non-conference clash The Saxons’ Torben Fabig is pressured by Parma Western’s Ethan Zuke during their Interstate-8 Athletic Conference contest on Pierce Field in Hastings Thursday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Hastings squeezed an 8-0 non-conference victory over Charlotte between a pair of tough Interstate-8 Athletic Conference defeats in the past week. The Saxon varsity boys’ soccer team got five goals in the first half at Charlotte Saturday, and then finished off the Orioles with 15 min­ utes to go in the second half. Nic Brandt, Ethan Caris, Torben Fabig and Keegan Cook scored the goals for the Saxons, and the defense only allowed two shots on goal all game. Hastings went into the contest having just dropped a 3-0 decision to visiting Parma Western in conference play Thursday. “We played a really good game and the guys worked as a team for the first time in a long time,” Saxon head coach Tim Schoessel said. Hastings took a 1-0 lead in the first half and then pulled away with two second-half goals. Tommy Wickham made eight saves in goal for Hastings. The Saxons were back at it in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Tuesday, falling 8-0 at Marshall. “We had a really good first half again,” Schoessel said. “The boys only allowed two goals and they were both on minor mistakes.” Marshall surged for six goals in the second half. Dane Barnes had 12 saves in net for the Saxons in the contest. Hastings is scheduled to host Pennfield this afternoon and then will host Wayland for another Saturday non-conference match-up, kicking off at 11 a.m. The Saxons will open play in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Tournament next week. Hastings goalkeeper Tommy Wickham goes down to a knee to secure a save against Parma Western Thursday at Pierce Field in Hastings. (Photo by Perry Hardin) TK harriers in the middle of the Gold again The East Grand Rapids girls were dominant and the East Grand Rapids boys eked out a one-point victory at the first OK Gold Conference varsity cross country jamboree of the season, hosted by South Christian Wednesday. Pioneer girls placed second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth to win their competition,while the East Grand Rapids boys’ team had the top two finishers and beat out Grand Rapids Christian by a point. The Thornapple Kellogg girls were fourth and the boys fifth on the day. East Grand Rapids finished the girls’ race with just 20 points. Grand Rapids Christian was second with 51, ahead of Forest Hills Eastern 128, Thomapple Kellogg 122, South Christian 128, Wayland 174 and Wyoming 221. Sophomore Jessica Durkee was the Trojans’ leader in the girls’ race, placing 18th in 21 minutes 2.27 seconds. She was faster than any ruiiner from South Christian, Wayland or Wyoming. East Grand Rapids had a total of nine girls ahead of her. “poing into our conference meets we are very well aware of what we are up against. Our goal is to win our half of the conference, which consists of South Christian, Wayland, Wyoming, and ourselves,” Thornapple Kellogg head coach Sam Wilkinson said. “Today the goal I set out for us was not only to win our half of the conference, but rattle the FHE cage a little. All the girls ran with a lot of determination on a day that was hotter than any of our races to date, and they did just that. “Having said this, South Christian, also demonstrated that they are not messing around, and were hot on our heels. This is not something to panic about, but something to pay attention to, as they are another strong team, not just in our conference, but in our region.” Grand Rapids Christian sophomore Madelyn Frens was the individual champion in 18:38.18. East Grand Rapids was led by senior Anna Petr who came in at 18:57.76 and senior Katie Hessler who was third in 19:08.78. TK’s top seven were all among the top 50. Trojan freshman Lucy VanDemark was 23rd in 21:52.93. Fellow freshman Madison Nagel was 36th in 22:42.30. TK’s top five also had sophomore Kendall Snyder 29th in 22:11.68 Hastings girls close out 1-8 season at Bedford Valley today The Hastings varsity girls’ golf team closed out, the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference seasop by placing fourth at the league jamboree hosted by Harper Creek at Binder Park Golf Course Monday. The Saxons’ Whitney Craven watches a shot fly from the fairway at E ..stern Hills Thursday (Sept. 19) during the Comstock Invitational. The Saxon team placed fourth on the day. The league finished up the jamboree Monday, which had been suspended due to weather earlier this month. Rayna Honsowitz led Hastings with a 46 and Rylee Honsowitz shot a 48. Reese Warner scored a 55 for the Saxons and Whitney Craven a 65. Karlee Malone, a junior from Marshall, was the event medalist with a score of 39. The conference gets together one last time for the 1-8 Championship 18-hole Tournament at Bedford Valley today (Sept. 26). Marshall won the event at Binder Park with an overall score of 181 to go into the league tournament with a commanding lead over second place Harper Creek in the overall con­ ference standings. Coldwater was second Monday with a score of 204, ahead of Harper Creek 206, Hastings 214, Lumen Christi 220, Parma Western 226 and Jackson Northwest 236. Last Thursday, the Saxons placed fourth, only four strokes behind the tournament champions from Plainwell, at the Comstock Invitational at Eastern Hills in Kalamazoo. Rayna Honsowitz was the individual run­ ner-up, shooting an 81 to lead the Saxons. Rylee placed third with an 82. Warner broke 100 for the first time this season at an 18-hole tournament for the Saxons, scoring a 99. Hastings also got a 119 from Whitney Craven. The Saxons were also pleased to welcome Josie Nickels into the varsity line-up for an 18-hole tournament for the first time. Plainwell bested Portage Northern on a fifth-score tiebreaker to win the tournament as both teams finished with a score of 377. Kalamazoo Christian was third with a 380 and Hastings fourth at 381. Charlotte was behind the Saxons with a 389, ahead of Three Rivers 407, Vicksburg 444 and Comstock 481. and senior Audrey Meyering 31st in 22:15.72. Wilkinson liked the way his girls battled the heat and the competition throughout the competition. Grand Rapids Christian had all seven run­ ners in before East Grand Rapids’ number five appeared at the finish line, but the Pioneers managed to hold on for the 36-37 win thanks in part to having the top two indi­ vidual finishes. EGR senior Evan Bishop won in 16:10.06 and senior teammate Elijah Becker was sec­ ond in 16:48.09. Christian was led by senior Jack Luymes in the boys’ race. He placed fourth in 17:00.96. Forest Hills Eastern junior Ben Clason was third in 16:53.68. Senior Nick Bushman led Thornapple Kellogg with a time of 18:11.95. It was about a minute before the next TK guy finished. Junior Brennan Lutz placed 28th in 19:09.80. TK sophomore Matthew Smith set a new personal record in finishing 38th in 19:30.52. Sophomore Camden Reynolds was right behind in 19:46.94, placing 41st, and TK junior Howie Frizzell placed 49th in 20:03.84. The Trojans were back in action at the Cedar Springs Invitational Saturday, where the Thornapple Kellogg girls scored a run­ ner-up finish behind Calvin Christian and the TK boys placed fourth. Durkee led the TK ladies with a runner-up time of 20:34.12. She only trailed Calvin Christian junior Catherine Kortman who came in at 19:59.46. The Calvin Christian girls outscored TK 33-82 at the top of the standings, ahead of Covenant Christian 95, Cedar Springs 123, Belding 140, Wayland 185, Saranac 222, Coopersville 231, Libertas Christian 243, Comstock Park 254, Kenowa Hills 266, Grant 311, Greenville 375 and Wyoming Lee 388. Cedar Springs won the boys’ meet with 34 points, ahead of Calvin Christian 57, Covenant Christian 88, Thornapple Kellogg 159, Kenowa Hills 167, Belding 177, Saranac 181, Grant 195, Comstock Park 195, Wayland 263, Libertas Christian 268 and Wyoming Lee 344. Belding junior Ethan Rockbum was the individual boys’ champion, finishing in 16:44.66. The TK boys were led by Bushman’s 15th-place time of 17:39.66. Top-ranked Eagles best DK girls It was a tough night in the Southwestern Athletic Conference for the Delton Kellogg varsity volleyball team Tuesday. Visiting Schoolcraft scored a 3-0 victory in conference action over the Panthers, limiting the Delton Kellogg girls to just 30 points over the course of the three sets. The Eagles are currently ranked number one in the state in Division 3. Eleanor Ferris had a team-high seven kills for Delton Kellogg and Erin Kapteyn added four. Clara Bever put up 14 assists. Kapteyn also had a team-high 16 digs. Abbie Bever contributed 15 digs and Mackenzie Hull had 12 digs. The Delton Kellogg girls are scheduled to visit Martin tonight (Sept. 26) and will head to Hackett Catholic Prep for another conference match Tuesday. Delton Kellogg’s Mackenzie Hull (8) and Emma Jo Kokx go up to slow down the Schoolcraft attack at the net during their Southwestern Athletic Conference showdown Tuesday evening in Delton. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg senior Erin Kapteyn pounds an attack during her team’s SAC Valley Division match-up with visiting Schoolcraft Tuesday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 26, 2019 — Page 15 TK girls set school-record at Cascade Hills, lead Gold Delton Kellogg attacker Daniel Recuenco powers through a crowd of Parchment defenders that includes Elijah Brown (left) and Owen Kovl (right) during their non­ conference clash in Delton Monday evening. (Photo by Perry Hardin) The Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ golf team tightened its grip of the OK Gold Conference lead as it set a new school record for nine holes at the jamboree hosted by Grand Rapids Christian at Cascade Hills Wednesday. The Trojan team scored a 183 to beat run­ ner-up East Grand Rapids by three strokes. It was as balanced Trojan effort, led by a 44 from Paige Vanstee. Anna Kaminski and Anna Harmes each shot a 45 and teammate Paige Willette scored a 49. The Trojans also got a 50 from Clair Jansma and a 54 from Maddie Shepard at the event. TK’s top five scorers were among the top 16 overall on the day. Jansma finished in a three-way tie for 14th individually. Vanstee was in a tie for third, with Kaminski and Harmens in a group tied for sixth. Willette was among a group of girls tied for tenth place. The day’s runner-up team from EGR shot a 186, ahead of Grand Rapids Christian 190, Forest Hills Eastern 203, Wayland 206 and South Christian 211. Grand Rapids Christian’s Ryann Breslin was the day’s medalist with a 41 and Forest Hills Eastern had Hailey Curry finish in the runner-up spot with a 41. East Grand Rapids was led by 44s from Meg Simon and Maria Lopez-Linares. South Christian was set to host the final conference jamboree of the season at The Pines Wednesday (Sept. 25). TK returned to action in a non-conference dual with Calvin Christian Thursday, scoring a 177-191 win. Vanstee led TK with a 37. Willette shot a 41, Presley Snyder a 47 and Julianna VanMeter a 52. %(%$%(;*#()$ "" !"!"!" '!'+)%! )!!!"" Thornapple Kellogg teammates Paige Vanstee, Maddie Shepard, Clair Jansma, Paige Willette, Anna Harmens and Anna Kaminski celebrate their school-record nine^ hole score of 183 after winning the OK Gold Conference jamboree hosted by Grand Rapids Christian at Cascade Hills Wednesday. DK score shuts out two non-conference foes Saxon spikers score pair of wins The Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ soccer team bumped its record up to 6-5 overall with a 2-0 win in a non-conference match with visiting Parchment Monday. Delton Kellogg scored both of its goals int eh first half, with Yanik Josh scoring the first and assisting on the second. Josh was assisted by Hector Jimenez on the opening goal of the game. Daniel Recuenco scored his team’s second goal. Gavin Houtkooper made four saves in goal for Delton Kellogg, with his team outshooting the visiting Parchment boys 28-4. DK also scoreci a 6-0 nori-confefence win over the visiting Kalamazoo Home School Cougars Friday. Jimenez and Recuenco scored two goals each for Delton Kellogg, with Recuenco add­ ing a pair of assists. James Blackbum had a goal and an assist and Marcus Momenee also scored for Delton. Jost had two assists and Houtkooper one. Delton Kellogg was scheduled to take on Lawton in Southwestern Athletic Conference action last night. The Panthers were downed 2-0 in their last SAC contest, last Thursday. Houtkooper kept the Panthers in the ball­ game by making 21 saves. DK was 3-2 in SAC play heading into its match-up with the Blue Devils last night. at Battle Creek Central Invite Hastings closed out its day at the Battle Creek Central Invitational Saturday with a pair of competitive three-set contests. Hastings pulled out a 16-25, 25-20, 15-11 win over Kalamazoo Loy Norrix before fall­ ing 25-16,23-25, 15-7 to the host Bearcats to finish off the tournament. It was an up and down day for the Saxon varsity vofleyballleam^whicK opened things up with a 25-17, 25-13 win over Bellevue before falling to Athens 25-9, 25-22. Abby Zull had 42 assists for the Saxons on the day, and teamed with Lexi Herblet to lead their team in kills. Herblet and Kaelijo West were the Saxon leaders in digs and passing. The Hastings girls were scheduled to host Jackson Northwest in Interstate-8 Athletic Conference action last night and will play again Saturday at the Saranac Invitational. The Saxons tfiengo to the Otsego Varsity SixPack Tuesday. The Saxons next 1-8 contest is Oct. 2 at Harper Creek. Hastings was bested 25-14,25-14,25-20 in , a conference dual at Jackson Lumen Christi., last Wednesday. ‘■There were many long volleys and their play continued to improve throughout the evening,” Hastings head coach Scott Zull said. ,”r Herblet and Zull led the Saxons in serving and kills? Zull had T2~ assists'. Carly Warner, ~ Ella Carroll and Zull were the Saxon leaders o in digs and passing. * Maple Valley girls will face ... Lakewood with GLAC lead on the line? Delton Kellogg’s Yanik Jost works to clear the ball from his team’s end of the field as Parchment’s Jacob Guzior pressures him Monday in Delton. (Photo by Perry Hardin) The Lions are still perfect in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference heading into a showdown with Lakewood, the third ranked team in the state in Division 2, Tuesday at Lakewood High School. The Maple Valley girls improved to 3-0 in the conference with a 25-14, 25-12, 25-20 victory over visiting Olivet Tuesday. The The Lions are just continuing to prepare fof the contest for the conference lead. TK$?* Vikings head to the Saranac Invitational this! Saturday. ’ 117 Jillian Moore smacked nine aces in the win over the Olivet girls Tuesday for the Lions5. Keilyn Carpenter had a team-high 18 kills and two blocks. Trista Medina, the Lions’ setter^/ added six kills to go along with her 18 assist?. £ Medina and Josey Terpening had ten digs. each, and Keilyn Carpenter added eight and Moore six. The Maple Valley girls were 4-1-1 last*? Saturday at the Stockbridge Invitational. The Lions scored wins over Owosso, East Jackson, Lansing Sexton and Jackson Christian, while falling to New Lothrup and splitting witfi> Portland. Keilyn Carpenter had 59 kills in the six matches. Terpening had a team-high 11 aces and 36 digs. Medina had 55 assists. Carli Deo, Keilyn Carpenter, Olivia Roush and Medina also had double digit digs for the Lions on th£' day. ’f * Lakewood ladies are also 3-0 in the GLAC so far this fall. “My girls have worked on arm swing for offense and court movement for defense,” Maple Valley head coach Sarah Carpenter said. “We have brought in folks for position training to assist with the fine art of each skill.” Lakewood ladies capture GLAC title before tourney The Greater Lansing Activities Conference 18-hole Championship Tournament will be held at Forest Akers East Golf Corse on the campus of Michigan State University a week from tomorrow (on Oct. 3). The engravers can start putting the Vikings’ information on the trophy now. The Lakewood varsity girls’ golf team best­ ed runner-up Olivet 200-229 Tuesday to fin­ ish off a sweep of the league jamborees and eliminate any chance of a league foe surpass­ ing it at the conference tournament. Jacqueline Estep led the Vikings, and earned medalist honors for the day, by shoot­ ing a 47. Morgan Stahl had her best nine-hole round ever, a 50. Jordan Shank scored a 49 for the Vikings and Emmi Klein a 54. Laingsburg was third in the team standings with a 236 team score and Perry finished at 248. Lakewood’s top three and a pair of Olivet players finished in the top five for the day, with the Eagles led by a 51 from Emily Sinclair and a 53 from Abby Sefcik. Lakewood number five golfer, Claire Benham, placed eighth overall a 56. Hastings has five guys medal at Bangor Invitational Delton Kellogg’s Andrew Fales drives through the midfield with the ball as teammate James Blackburn looks on during his team’s win over visiting Parchment Monday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) The Hastings varsity boys’ cross country team placed third Saturday at the Bangor Invitational. The first five finishers for the Hastings boys’ team all earned medals, placing in the top 16. The group was led by senior Aidan Makled, who was fourth individually in 17 minutes 32.6 seconds. Allegan junior Connor Harlan won the boys’ race in 16:49.7, with Kalamazoo Homeschool junior Johnathan Adair second in 17:04.8 and Harlan’s junior teammate Blane Johnson third in 17:28.7. The six scorers for the Saxons were all seniors. Jon Arnold was eighth in 18:17.7, Blake Harris ninth in 18:24.0, Braden Tolles 13th in 19:15.3 and Josh Brown 16th in 19:33.7. Hastings also had Tyler Dull place 25th in 20:52.3. Allegan bested the Kalamazoo Homeschool team 42-49 for the title in the Division 1 boys’ race on the day. Hastings was third with 50 points, ahead of Plainwell 76 and Constantine 130. The Hastings girls missed their race, and all competed in the JV event. Plainwell won the girls’ varsity competition in Division 1 with 18 points, ahead of Kalamazoo Homeschool 53 and Constantine 72. Hastings had the top three finishers in the JV race, with sophomore Carissa Strouse win­ ning in 20:45.4 - a time that would have placed her third in the Division 1 varsity com­ petition at the meet. Saxon sophomore Allison Teed was third in 23:29.5 and junior Aura Wahl-Piotrowski third in 24:21.6. As a team the Hastings girls had the top score in the JV event. The Saxons head to the Otsego Bulldog Invitational this Saturday. 89061? ilA| sSuijsen 199JJS 9)B1S 3 Z2B wejqn oi|qnd sBuijsbh ’ Ju* �Page 16 — Thursday, September 26, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Weekend road trip ahead for most county squads Brett Bremer Sports Editor -Warm up the bus. h Thomapple Kellogg will host the only vars£ty football game in Barry County this week­ end. The Trojans bring in Wyoming for the homecoming contest in Middleville, with the &>sts looking to bump their record back over .500 after winning an OK Gold Conference Contest on the road at Wayland Union last Friday. The Trojans’ homecoming dance was going to be held on the football field Friday evening, but with the ongoing efforts to avoid mosquitp bites that event is headed to the gymnasita. ; Delton Kellogg is the only local school to have a revised start time for its weekend foot­ ball game. The Panthers will head to Schoolcraft for a rematch of its playoff con­ test a year ago on Saturday. Kick-off is set for 5 p.m. • The Schoolcraft Eagles handed Delton Kellogg two of its four losses a season ago, including a 49-20 defeat in their Division 6 District Final in Schoolcraft. The Eagles were the only Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division to make it through the non-conference slate to open the season unscathed, averaging 54 points per game on their way to a 4-0 mark. .The Panthers are looking to bounce back from their first loss of the season, suffered last week against visiting Lawton. “Our goals haven’t changed one bit,” Delton Kellogg head coach Ryan Bates said after the loss to the Blue Devils. “We will reload and attack Schoolcraft-week with busi­ ness as usual.” " The Panthers 35-mile trip to Schoolcraft Saturday is the shortest bus ride among the cbunty teams on the road this week. Lakewood travels to Cadillac for a non-conference ball­ game Friday. Maple Valley is going all the way to Onekama. Hastings has a regular Interstate-8 Athletic Conference travel slate, making the trip down to Jackson Parma Western. Undefeated Jackson Lumen Christi is the only team to knock off the Parma Western panthers so far this season. That loss to the Titans came in the opening week of 1-8 play, and Parma Western followed that up with convincing victories over Jackson Northwest and Harper Creek. After winning back-to-back Greater Lansing Activities Conference ballgames against Leslie and Perry the Vikings step aWay from the league and travel to Cadillac IJriday. The Cadillac Viking-, are 2-2 after falling 41-38 in a shoot-out at Alpena last week. Valley' tM'HaVe a long Wb ritfe to Onekama Friday. Onekama is 3-1 'rin' the season. Suttons Bay handed Onekama its first defeat of the season last week, 20-14. Onekama had scored 34 points or more in each of its first three ballgames this season. Local Standings (record, playoffpoints) 3-1,50.750 Delton Kellogg 2-2, 35.000 Thornapple Kellogg 2-2, 34.000 , Lakewood 6‘ Hastings 1-3,23.250 1-2, NA Maple Valley ' ‘ Conference Standings (overall, conference) Interstate 8 Athletic Conference Lumen Christi 4-0, 3-0 3-1, 3-0 " Marshall 3-1,2-1 J Coldwater 3-1,2-1 J Parma Western 1-3, 1-2 r Hastings ‘ Northwest 1-3, 1-2 1-3,0-3 ' Harper Creek 1-3,0-3 ‘ Pennfield OK Gold Conference ■ ’ South Christian 3-1,2-0 Lakewood junior running back Brett Sweet races along the home sideline towards the end zone for one of his five touchdowns during the Vikings’ 48-26 victory over visiting Perry on homecoming night at Unity Field Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) East Grand Rapids 2-2,1-0 2-2/1-0 GR Christian 2-2, 1-1 Forest Hills Eastern 2-2, 1-1 Thomapple Kellogg 1-3.0-2 Wyoming 0-4.0-2 Wayland Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley 4-0,0-0 Schoolcraft 3-1,0-0 Constantine 3-1.0-0 Delton Kellogg 2-2,0-0 Watervliet 1-3,0-0 Coloma 1-3,0-0 Kalamazoo United Greater Lansing Activities Conference 4-0,2-0 Olivet 2-2,2-0 Lakewood 2-2,0-1 Perry 0-4,0-1 Stockbridge ' Leslie 1-3,0-2 nMe/6 fe a'tbund-bp'oP last ’Friday's local gridironaction. bn.6 i ’ Marshall 47, Hastings 26 Marshall quarterback Codey Shellenberger tossed four touchdown passes, including two in the second quarter, as the RedHawks pulled away for a 47-26 victory over visiting Hastings in Interstate-8 Athletic Conference action Friday. The Saxons were within striking distance of the RedHawks’ end zone all game long, but struggled to keep drives alive long enough to get across the Marshall goal-line. Hastings had a fourth down run stuffed in Marshall territory late in the first quarter. With a couple of incomplete passes in Marshall territory, the Saxons turned it over on downs again early in the second. Hastings had the ball as near the goal-line as the Marshall seven before turning it over on downs again on the opening drive of the sec­ ond half. The Saxons started a drive at their own 30-yard-line late in the third quarter, and moved 40 yards to the Marshall 30 where that drive stalled. TJ Russell gave Hastings the early lead in the bailgame. He busted free for a 43-yard touchdown five minutes into the contest. Evan Eastman’s extra-point had the Saxons’ up 7-0. That lead lasted two and a half minutes until Shellenberger tossed a one-yard touch­ down pass to Greg Wallace, pulling his team within 7-6. It was the start of a 26-0 Marshall surge that included a 28-yard TD pass from Shellenberger to Donivan Woodson, a 59-yard touchdown run by Thailan Taylor and a 61-yard touch­ down pass from Shellenberger to Ezra McAllister. The RedHawks had a 26-7 lead until Hastings finally answered with 63 seconds left in the first half. Carter Cappon connected with Russell on a seven-yard touchdown pass and another Eastman extra-point had Hastings within 26-14. That is where the score stood until the fourth quarter when. Taylor scored on a 20-yard run for the RedHawks. Also in the fourth quarter the RedHawks got a 20-yard touchdown pass from Shellenberger to McAllister and a three-yard touchdown run by Greg Wallace. Hastings tacked on a pair of Hunter Allerding touchdowns, one a 58-yarder and the other from three yards out. Allerding led the Saxon ground attack, rushing 18 times for 121 yards. Russell fin­ ished with 10 carries for 77 yards. Cappon was ll-of-20 passing for 109 yards, one touchdown and an interception. Drew Markley also tossed one complete pass for 47 yards for the Saxons, putting his team in position to score its final touchdown. Hastings moved the ball almost as well as the RedHawks overall, just not quite as effi­ ciently. Marshall had 455 yards of offense to the Saxons’ 417. Hastings held the ball for 11 minutes more than the RedHawks. Shellenberger finished the bailgame going 14-of-23 throwing the ball, for 231 yards and the four touchdowns. He was intercepted once by the Saxons’ Zeb Carey. Taylor had 15 rushes for 238 yards for Marshall. McAllister had six receptions for 139 yards. Marshall had five different receiv­ ers haul in passes. Eastman led the Saxon defense with 7.5 tackles, including three sacks. He had five tackles for loss in the bailgame. Corbin Ulrich had five tackles and Ben Ferrell four for Hastings. Lakewood junior defensive back Sawyer Stoepker (2) breaks up a pass intended for Perry wide receiver Donovan Pearsall in the end zone during the third quarter of the Vikings’ homecoming victory over the Ramblers at Unity Field Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) mage and the game clock. We had two domi­ nating drives and two dominating stops. Then we suffered a number of cramp and injury issues that caused us to stall on the game swinging drive. Those injuries were all over our perimeter. Our depleted perimeters gave up two quick scores and just like that, game over.” Delton Kellogg marched down the field on the opening drive of the second half, getting its first points on a one-yard plunge into the end zone by quarterback Jordan Rench. Rench, who was the Panthers’ starting quar­ terback throughout his junior season, moved back under center Friday when junior quarter­ back Payton Smoczynski went down with an injury early in the second quarter. Rench’s TD run pulled the Panthers within 16-6. The DK defense forced a punt and run­ ning back Bradley Bunch added six more points with a 67-yard toucMoWiTun.tcr get Delton Kellogg within 16-12. The Panthers also were without Brady Haas in the ballgame, hurting on both sides of the ball. Coach Bates was pleased with the play of sophomore Alex Whitmore in Haas’ place. The teams punted back and forth from the end of the third quarter into the fourth quarter when a Delton Kellogg drive moved to a first­ and-10 at the Lawton 14-yard-line. Lawton got a stop on fourth-and-three, at the Panther five-yard-line, and then converted a big pass to get out of the shadow of its own goal-line after the change of possession. Lawton run­ ning back Harrison Maynard busted through Delton tacklers on a 66-yard touchdown run moments later to put his team back in control up 22-12. Lawton tacked on a one-yard touchdown dive by quarterback Dustin Noble after the Panthers turned the ball over on downs to extend the final advantage. Noble scored his team’s two first half touchdowns, the first on a four-yard, fourth­ down run late in the first quarter and the sec­ ond on a 29-yard option keeper around the left side early in the second quarter. The Blue Devils added a second quarter field goal to go up 16-0. Bunch led the Panthers on the ground in the ballgame, rushing 12 times for 120 yards. Rench had 20 carries for 35 yards. Hunter Belew had a team-high six tackles for Delton and Bunch and Kaleb Post added five each. “We learned a lot about ourselves and what we are made of. We also know exactly what we need to work on down the stretch,” coach Bates said. Thornapple Kellogg 23, Wayland 14 “We’ve had a lot of stuff go bad this week,” Thornapple Kellogg head coach Jeff Dock said Friday night. The Trojans went into their varsity game againfefWayidlid Wth'h. feT;6ffne^atfvb energy swirling -- especially considering ACL tears and other injuries from last week tliattook out key players - quarterback, running back, “you name it,” Dock said. Those losses had a cascading effect that carried through a week with a lot of negatives. But it didn’t stop these guys, he said, and they were rewarded on the field with a 23-14 victory over the Wildcats. “That’s a pretty special thing,” Dock said. It was a hard-fought ground game - and it wasn’t pretty sometimes. Twelve penalties marred his team’s perfor­ mance and cost them 115 yards, Dock said, admitting ruefully, “Fifteen of those were on me. I got a little upset too early, the play was still developing.” Other errors included offsides, holding, false starts, a late hit and roughing the passer, he said, which shows they’ve got a lot of work Continued next page Lawton 29, Delton Kellogg 12 .. Delton Kellogg’s Bradley Bunch (19) and Kaleb Post (87) team up to wrap up Lawton quarterback Dustin Noble as their Panther teammates Corey Moore (15) and Hunter Belew (62) close in during the first half Friday in Delton. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg went from being five yards from the lead to being down double digits in a handful of snaps early in the fourth quarter against visiting Lawton Friday evening. The Blue Devils stretched a 16-12 lead to 29-12 in the final period to hand the Delton Kellogg varsity football team its first defeat of the season - in a ballgame that kicked off an hour and a half early in response to Michigan Department of Health and Human Services recommendations to avoid the spread of east­ ern equine encephalitis spread by mosquitos during the dusk to dawn hours .u “One team handled the adversity well and another team did not,” Delton Kellogg head coach Ryan Bates said. “We had different tejpps, events, and schedules that we did not react well to. “Give Lawton all of the credit. They came out and punched us right in the mouth. We did not respond well. It was a very physical and frustrating first half. Lawton built a 16-0 lead in the first half, forcing punts on the Panthers’ first four offen­ sive drives and a fumble behind the line on the fourth down run on Delton Kellogg’s last full possession of the half. “At half time we made some adjustments and regrouped. The start of the second half was us being us controlling the line of scrim- Delton Kellogg running back Hunter Belew secures the football as he prepares for a collision with Lawton defender Connor DeVries during the second half of the Blue Devils’ victory in Delton Friday evening. (Photo by Perry Hardin) �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, September 26, 2019 — Page 17 TK tennis coming through growing pains From previous page to do to clean that up. But, their game on the ground was so solid that the 115 yards they gave away in penalties was more than made up for by 190 rushing yards on 18 carries by Brendan Hood, a game leader for the Trojans. “Our offense was pretty awesome,” Dock said. Reese Garbrecht, who took over at quarter­ back last week when injury sidelined senior quarterback Gabe Nelson, was another leader for TK. Garbrecht tossed a 54-yard comple­ tion to teammate Adam Bush for a touchdown in the first quarter. “Reese is doing a fantastic job,” Dock said. “He played extremely well in running offense and ball security.” It was an emotional evening for many of the players, starting with a somber tribute before the game to honor 17-year-old Ethan Mutschler, a Wayland Union High School football player who was killed in a crash on July 12. Thomapple Kellogg’s Brendan and Owen Hood are Mutschler’s stepbrothers. So the game began with Wayland’s tribute to Mutschler, the three-year starter on the Wildcat varsity offensive line who had worn jersey No. 52. And, in a tradition Dock described as gra­ cious, the jersey was carried out by Brendan, and sixth-grader Owen Hood. Wayland, which was 0-3 coming into Friday’s game, was first on the scoreboard with a four-yard pass by quarterback Justin Holtz to Kaden Dole touchdown and twopoint conversion to start. The Trojans answered with Garbrecht’s 54-yard pass to Bush for six, but the point after kick was no good. In the second quarter, Garbrecht took off running. Wayland was driving at second and 15 on the Trojan’s 23 when a Holtz pass intended for Dustin Simmons was intercepted by Logan Kimbrue. That was a turning point in the game. The next series of plays were dominat­ ed by carries by either Hood or Garbrecht, and resulted in a touchdown by Garbrecht, solidi­ fying the Trojan lead at 13-8. The kickoff by Mitchell Middleton was a touchback, and the Wildcats struggled to gain any yardage after they fumbled, then recov­ ered, the ball. Meanwhile, the Trojans added more points to the board with a successful 27-yard field goal attempt by Middleton, going in front 16-8. After halftime, Wayland rallied and drove down the field, helped by a couple of penal­ ties by the Trojans. The drive culminated in a 19-yard run by Dole. A two-point conversion attempt was no good. Garbrecht came out running in the fourth quarter for a 13-yard.touchdown, with the point-after kick from Middleton, to put the score at 23-14. The final statistics showed a running game in which Thomapple Kellogg dominated: 328 offensive plays to Wayland’s 155; the Trojans’ 39 rushing attempts for 274 yards, compared to the Wildcats’ 27 attempts for 77 yards. Wayland passed the ball effectively, but 11 completions on 15 attempts gained 78 yards and one interception. “With all our injuries, our guys showed some gut and mental toughness tonight,” Dock said. The game started earlier in response to the the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services’ advisory to reschedule out­ door events that occur at or after dusk because of the risk of mosquito-bome Eastern equine encephalitis virus. The virus has been con­ firmed in eight humans thus far and health officials announced Friday that the region at highest risk involves 11 counties: Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Genesee, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lapeer, Montcalm, St. Joseph and Van Buren. Dock said they tried to keep as close to a normal schedule as possible, but the early game prompted two reactions from his play­ ers: “One is that it was hot, really hot,” he said. “And, two, it was really weird coming home when it was still light out.” Lakewood 48, Perry 26 Brent Sweet is faster than the Ramblers. The junior, listed as a wide receiver on the roster but who spent most of his time at run­ ning back with a little quarterback thrown in Friday, rushed the ball 11 times for 240 yards Maple Valley quarterback Blaze Sensiba looks to avoid New Buffalo defenders as teammate David Hosack-Frizzell throws a block during their homecoming victory Friday at Maple Valley High School. (Photo by Taylor Owens) and five touchdowns while also catching two passes for 22 yards and leading the Lakewood varsity football team in tackles with 7.5. Added in with his teammates contributions, Sweet and the Vikings shellacked Perry on homecoming at Unity Field 48-26 to improve to 2-2 overall on the season and 2-0 in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference. On one series of four consecutive touches in the second quarter, Sweet scored three touchdowns and one two-point conversion. Sweet stepped in at quarterback for a first­ and-goal play from the Rambler five-yardline after junior quarterback Jayce Hansen had the chin strap knocked off his helmet by a Rambler defender with just over ten minutes to go in the first half. Sweet rushed through the line for a touchdown and then took the next snap to carry in the two-point conversion - putting his team in front 16-6. One play after a Perry punt, Sweet took off on a 51 -yard touchdown run up the right side of the field. Lakewood’s next offensive series started with a 48-yard touchdown run up the other side­ line. All those plays came after he opened the scoring six minutes into the contest with a 59-yard touchdown run. Denny Sauers III tacked on the two-point run following that first touchdown and the Vikings led for the remainder of the bailgame that kicked off at 5 p.m. to avoid as much of the dusk-to-dawn window as possible . — ■For good measure, Sweet added a 62-yard touchdown run in the final seconds of the third quarter as well. The play was designed for Sweet to sweep around the right side. He cut back left, covering most of the width of the field twice. He stuttered around the Perry 30-yard-line then took off like a jet, blowing by everyone into the end zone. Lakewood led the bailgame 35-6 at the half. Jayce Hansen tossed a 38-yard touch­ down pass to Sawyer Stoepker for the Vikings’ final touchdown of the first half, 23 seconds before the break. Martin Hollern added the extra-point kick, one of two he booted suc­ cessfully in the bailgame. Hansen took over at quarterback this week for an injured Jacob Elenbaas. He competed 4-of-6 passes for 63 yards in the game. The Vikings also got a seven-yard touch­ down run from Cameron Winter to close out their scoring in the fourth quarter. Lakewood amassed 427 yards rushing. Sauers had 13 carries for 88 yards. Lakewood had five other backs get their hands on the football as well. Maison Neustifter and John Hewitt had five tackles each for the Lakewood defense, and Nick Helt and Ethan Rodriguez each inter­ cepted a pass off of Perry quarterback Brodie Crim. Crim was H-of-22 passing in the contest for 156 yards. He threw three touchdown passes. A 66-yard catch and run by Anthony Lewis for a touchdown pulled the Ramblers to within 8-6 of the Vikings a minute and a half after Sweet’s opening touchdown. Crim tossed two more touchdown passes in the second half. Maple Valley 44, New Buffalo 18 Thornapple Kellogg first singles player Nick Vreeland hits a forehand back at his opponent from Wayland during the first singles match in Middleville Monday afternoon. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Maple Valley varsity football team scored 30 unanswered points in the opening quarter and cruised to their first eight-player Brett Bremer victory on homecoming night at Maple Valley Sports Editor Jr/Sr High School Friday. The Thomapple Kellogg varsity boys’ ten­ The Lions improve to 1-2 overall this sea­ nis team finished off the OK Gold Conference son with a 44-18 win over New Buffalo. Hugheston Heckathom rushed 16 times for duals with back-to-back victories, knocking 142 yards and scored the game’s opening off Wyoming on the road 8-0 last Wednesday points on a seven-yard touchdown run 28 before scoring a 6-2 win over Wayland Union seconds into the contest. He also had two in Middleville Monday. Daniel Middleton and Bennett Halle teamed receptions for 22 yards and another touch­ up at second doubles for the Trojans in their down, finishing off the opening quarter with his team’s fourth TD on a 16-yard pass from win over Wyoming last week and moved into the first doubles spot for a 6-2, 6-2 victory quarterback Blaze Sensiba. The Lions also got an 8-yard touchdown over Wayland’s Isaac Russell and Elijah run by Colton Gibson and a 34-yard touch­ Dollarhide Monday. Those were the first two varsity doubles down run from AJ Raymond in that opening matches together for the Trojan pair, which quarter, adding a pair of extra-point kicks by did play together a few times last season on Owen Bailey, a two-point run by Heckathom and a two-point pass from Sensiba to Cody the junior varsity team. Middleton and Halle had been in the third and fourth singles spots Taylor. in the previous couple duals for the Trojans. Maple Valley head coach said his players “I’m just happy to play,” Halle said. “It is had good energy, and played “downhill.” “The rumors of Maple Valley football always fun to have different experiences of diminishing and dying are just rumors,” both singles and doubles. Singles is the same and totally different from doubles, because Martin said. He pointed to the approximately 120 kids you’re playing with somebody you know in from first through eighth grade in the youth doubles and you’re talking with them and football program, most of whom were out interacting with them. In singles, it is just you running on the field" Witlrtie^varsity players and the-opponent. It is just kind of weird. before the start of the game. Martin said that They’re different and they’re the same. “I like it a lot. It is fun. I like having exercise inspired the team to work hard because of the younger kids looking up to Middleton as a partner. He’s a really cool per­ son. We interact with each other pretty well. them, which led to the hot start. We mix.” “The kids had a great mindset,” Martin Halle is happy to have a strong net player in said. “I was very proud of our kids tonight.” New Buffalo tacked on a pair of touchdown front of him in a doubles match. “I thought they were a really good mix to runs in the second quarter to get within 30-12 put together,” TK head coach Philippe by the half. The Lions committed a few too many pen­ Sylvestre said. “I was a little unsure in the alties in the bailgame, and struggled with beginning to how they would react to going tackling at times, but for the most part coach back to doubles ... They get along well, the play well and they move well together. That is Martin was pleased. “We’re a young football team, but our kids a pretty good deal right there.” The Trojans sit in fifth place in the confer­ are growing up,” he said. “We’ve made so much growth in three ence standings, after a 2-4 season of confer­ ence duals, heading into the Oct. 5 conference weeks and we’re happy about that.” tournament that will be hosted by South Gibson added a one-yard touchdown run for the Lions midway through the third quar­ Christian. Halle is the lone senior in the ter, and then Sensiba scored on a one-yard run Trojan line-up currently, and there are only a handful of juniors. early in the fourth quarter. “The (line-up) finagling is to light a fire for Gibson had ten rushes for 71 yards in the ballgame, and Dillon Jorgenson rushed four some, find better positions for others, and times for 70 yards and Raymond five times basically almost like an educational thing for 48 yards. Sensiba was 4-of-6 passing in the bailgame for 81 yards. The Lions amassed 415 yards of total offense, 64 more than New Buffalo in the ballgame. Micheal Bombin led New Buffalo’s attack, going 5-of-8 passing for 71 yards and rushing the ball 18 times for 211 yards. He scored two of his team’s three touchdowns. Hunter Bassett had a team-high seven tack­ les for the Lions, and Raymond added six. Bassett also had two receptions for 43 yards in the ballgame. provoking a question,” Sylvestre said. “What do we need to do to meet this guy halfway, at least? We’re getting there. The discomfort of uncertainty has kind of wide-eyed the players to say whoa, wait a second. This is not an assumed thing. I don’t announce the line-up anymore. I come the day of, with the line-up I want. And it is good. All this has been good. It has been rough, for them as a group, but it has been good. I finally feel better. It started in Wyoming. It felt good to see the shift a lit­ tle bit.” He said the moves aren’t about promotions or demotions for anyone. He is just striving to get the maximum effort out of everyone. “I want effort. I want it maximal. I want it all out. I want, let’s go. Let’s go get it. If you’re going to lose, you’re going to lose fighting like a dog. It’s okay. You’re going to duke it out and you’re going to go to the end of it. If it lasts four hours, it lasts four hours. If it lasts five hours, I want it to last five hours. I want both of you hobbling off the court like, ‘it has been the best day of my life because I had do dig so deep.’ “I think that is where the finagling is, and what the cause of the finagling is. And I’m not done finagling if Lhave to. I am happy right now. The guys as a whole are coming togeth­ er. I think we are getting where we need to be to learn, move forward, and culturally get back on the horse.” The Trojan team won three singles matches and three doubles matches Monday. Jack Geukes put forth a full effort in a match that took a little less than three hours at second singles. Geukes blew through a 6-1 victory in the third set of his second singles match with Wayland’s Dillon Kelly late in the afternoon. The two split their first two sets 4-6,6-4 with Geukes finally pulling out that final game of the second set after five deuce points. The Trojan freshmen duo of Rein Pranger and Aaron Michalk also had a marathon match at fourth doubles, coming up just short in the end of a 6-8,6-2,7-5 defeat against the Wildcats* Nolan Ritz and Mark Musgrave. Payton Wilkinson scored a 6-1, 6-1 win over Christian Sieffert at third singles for TK, and teammate James Thome scored a 6-2,6-3 win over Jackson Chelsey at fourth singles. Wayland’s Jose Daniel-Garcia scored a 6-3, 6-2 win for Wayland in the first singles match against TK’s Nick Vreeland. Sam Mortan and Josh Wedyke teamed up; for a 6-0, 6-2 win for TK at second doubles , and the team of Gavin Denman and ShaneJ Coykenoall won 7-5, 6-3 at third doubles for the Trojans. The Trojans have non-conference duals oh( the schedule for Sept. 30 at Plainwell and: Calvin Christian Oct. 1. DK-TK-Hastings wins dozen events against West Catholic Delton Kellogg-Thornapple KelloggHastings varsity girls’ swimming and diving team had eight different girls win individual races as it picked up its first OK Conference Tier II victory of the season Thursday. The DK-TK-Hastings girls bested the West Catholic girls 87-61. Anna Haywood was the lone DK-TKHastings girl to win two individual races, taking the 100-yard breaststroke in 1 minute 19.28 seconds and the 200-yard individual medley in 2:33.63. The DK-TK-Hastings girls won all 12 events on the night. Haywood teamed with Abby Marcukaitis, Erin Dalman and Erin Daniels to open the evening with a winning time of 2:09.43 in the 200-yard medley relay. Marcukaitis, Lauren Myers, Holly Bashore and Juliann Meeker won the 200-yard free­ style relay in 1:54.95 and the team of Erin Daniels, Karsyn Daniels, Charlee Hamming and Lydia Cole won the 400-yard freestyle relay in 4:34.60. Meeker won the 50-yard freestyle in 28.60 seconds, Cole took the 100-yard freestyle in 1:02.71, and Bashore scored a win in the 200yard freestyle in 2:24.32. Dalace Jousma took the 500-yard freestyle in 6:48.00. Preslee Hall won the 100-yard butterfly in 1: 15.95 and Marcukaitis the 100-yard back­ stroke in 1:03.30. Hannah Johnson won the diving competi­ tion with a score of 205.00. The DK-TK-Hastings girls added a 109-72 victory over Unity Christian Tuesday in Hastings. Marcukaitis was a part of four victories for the DK-TK-Hastings team, individually scor­ ing victories in the 50-yard freestyle (25.90 seconds) and the 100-yard butterfly (1:03.09). Marcukaitis, Cole, Hall and Karsyn Daniels combined to win the 200-yard medley relay in 2: 05.20. The team of Haywood, Nowinsky, Bashore and Marcukaitis won the 200-yard freestyle relay in 1:49.57. The DK-TK-Hastings girls won all three relays in the dual with the Crusaders. Myers, Bashore, Cole and Nowinsky won the 400yard freestyle relay in 4:27.11. Haywood won the 100-yard freestyle in 1: 01.02, Myers the 200-yard freestyle in 2: 19.91 and Nowinsky the 500-yard freestyle in 6:10.89. Haywood also won the 200-yard individual medley in 2:29.28. Cole took the 100-yard backstroke in 1:21.12. Johnson led a sweep of the top there scor­ ing spots in the diving for DK-TK-Hastings, winning with a score of 224.70. Teammate Claire Green was second with 172.10 points and Abigail Schell third with 159.15. The DK-TK-Hastings girls are back in action in their home pool Saturday, beginning at 10 a.m., for their annual DK-TK-Hastings Relay Invitational. Trojan first doubles player Daniel Middleton fires a shot back at Wayland during his victory with teammate Bennett Halle Monday afternoon in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Thornapple Kellogg’s Payton Wilkinson hits a forehand return during his win at third singles against Wayland Monday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) �Page 18 — Thursday, September 26, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Will ban on baiting help or harm hunting? Deer season starts Oct. 1 Bridge Magazine A great debate is roiling Michigan deer hunters as they gear up for another season: Will a ban on baiting help preserve the state’s herd or hasten a long decline in hunting? In an effort to halt the spread of chronic wasting disease in deer and elk, the National Resources Commission last year voted to ban baiting and feeding deer across the entire : Lower Peninsula and parts of the Upper Peninsula. The regulations took effect in January, making this deer hunting season Michigan’s first with such a widespread ban against bait­ ing, which involves placing large piles of grain, minerals or other produce to lure deer or elk within hunters’ sights. Michigan’s early antlerless firearm week­ end was last Saturday and Sunday, but deer season kicks off in earnest Oct. 1, with the start of bow hunting, which concludes Nov. 14 before resuming from Dec. 1 to Jan. 1. Regular firearm season is Nov. 15-30. Questions about baiting have long split Michigan’s hunting community, and this year’s ban has only fueled the controversy. The Michigan Farm Bureau supports the ban. So does the Michigan United Conservation Clubs, which encompasses more than 200 hunting, fishing, trapping and other outdoors clubs. Regulators based the policy on science and the need to protect deer herds in the long term, said Amy Trotter, executive director of the conservation clubs. “The health of our deer herd needs to come first so the next generation of hunters have deer populations in order to hunt,” she said. But some hunters question the scientific consensus that baiting increases the risk of spreading wasting disease among deer. Those critics see the ban as an affront that could drive hunters out of Michigan. Ted Nugent — the Michigan-born rocker, hunter and conservative provocateur — brightened the spotlight on the issue last week when he testified in favor of House Bill 4687, which would to overturn the ban. At a hearing of the House Government Operations Committee, Nugent called the ban part of regulators’ “engineered ruination of our hunt- ing heritage.” Rep. Michele Hoitenga, R-Manton, intro­ duced the bill, saying the baiting ban would mean “devastation” for hunting and related businesses. One industry group claims hunt­ ing generates more than $2vbillion in annual economic activity to the state. Sen. Curt VanderWall, R-Ludington, spon­ sored similar legislation in his chamber — Senate Bill 37. Neither bill has drawn a com­ mittee vote. Here’s what Michiganders need to know about the baiting ban. What is baiting and feeding? “Bait” includes substances for consump­ tion such as grains, minerals (think salt and salt blocks), fruits, vegetables, hay or other foods that might attract deer or elk to aid hunting. “Feed” encompasses foods aimed at luring deer for reasons other than hunting. The ban does not apply to “food plots” — crops planted long before hunting season to attract deer. Those are considered “normal agricultural practices.” Certain “urine-based” lures are also allowed. How many Michigan hunters use bait? And why? More than half of Michigan hunters used bait in 2017, according to a DNR survey. Yoopers were particularly fond of baiting deer, with four-in-five doing so. “The primary reasons that Michigan hunt­ ers have cited for using bait were to make hunting more exciting because they can see more deer and improve their hunting suc­ cess,” the DNR reported. Baiting had “minimal effect” on total deer bagged in Michigan though it might have aided hunters in the U.P. and northern Lower Peninsula. Statewide, about 1.75 million white-tailed deer roamed across Michigan in 2016 through 2018, up from 1.58 million deer in 2015, according to the DNR. U.P. deer appear healthy this year but pop­ ulations will remain relatively low, with few bucks •— similar to last year, according to a DNR forecast. In the Lower Peninsula, popu­ lations appear similar or higher than last year. In 2018, an about 554,331 hunters killed 361,000 deer — down 4 percent from the previous year, according to the DNR. And if hunters violate the ban? They would risk fines of $50-$1,000, pos­ sible jail time or loss of hunting licens­ es, according to the House Fiscal Agency. What is chronic wasting disease? The fatal neurological disease attacks the brains of cervids (deer, elk and moose). The disease, known as CWD, is highly contagious and considered a big threat to Michigan’s hunting economy. Michigan has tested more than 60,000 deer for the disease since 2015 when state regula­ tors first found the disease in a free-range deer. The Department of Natural Resources has flagged the disease in 122 free-ranging deer in nine Michigan counties: Clinton, Dickinson, Eaton, Gratiot, Ingham, Ionia, Jackson, Kent and Montcalm. Outside of Michigan, regulators have found the disease in 25 states and three Canadian provinces, according to the Chronic Wasting Disease Alliance, a group that raises aware­ ness about the disease. The disease spreads through direct contact between animals and through bodily fluids such as poop, spit, blood or urine. Scientists have not found a cure for infect­ ed deer, elk and moose whose brains degener­ ate — causing the animals to lose bodily functions and look abnormally thin before they die. No evidence suggests the disease spreads to humans or other animals, accord­ ing to the DNR. How could baiting and feeding spread the disease? Dan O’Brien, a veterinary specialist with DNR’s wildlife disease lab, said baiting and feeding artificially increases the rate of con­ tact between deer and elk. That bolsters the likelihood of transmitting CWD or bovine tuberculosis. Artificial feed might even bring together separate groups of deer that might never otherwise connect, O’Brien told Bridge Magazine. Baiting also increases the risk of spreading the disease indirectly — if infected deer leave body fluids on or near the feed. “Those infectious agents — they get into the soil or on vegetation. Other animals that come along would come in contact with them,” O’Brien said. The DNR relied on more than 40 studies in recommending the baiting ban. Those include a 2008 study by University of Wisconsin-, Madison and U.S. Geological Survey researchers finding that Wisconsin white-, tailed deer linger longer at artificial feeding sites, leading to “greater risk for direct and indirect disease transmission” compared to natural foraging. In legislative hearings, Nugent, VanderWall and other critics of the ban speculated that banning baiting would lead to fewer deer har­ vests — meaning disease would naturally spread more rapidly, and out-of-control deer populations would continue to bedevil some farmers and cityfolk. That’s not a concern among scientists, O’Brien said, in part because CWD’s spread doesn’t correlate to total, deer populations. The bigger factor is how frequently deer inter­ act, and baiting increases that trend. Will the baiting ban mean less hunting in Michigan? That’s hard to know. Some 50 percent of bowhunters and 31 percent of firearm hunters in the northeast Lower Peninsula reported hunting less because of a long-standing bait ban in that region to limit the bread of bovine tuberculo­ sis, according to the DNR. Most Michigan hunters want regulators to take some action to combat CWD, according to the 2017 survey, but just 39 percent consid­ ered ban on baiting and feeding “acceptable.” Even fewer Yoopers backed the idea. “This law is dramatically reducing revenue generation and dangerously reducing family recreation,” Nugent testified last week. The debate comes as fewer Michiganders are hunting --- part of a nationwide trend as Baby Boomers age and interest wanes from younger generations. Firearm deer-hunting licenses sold to residents have plunged more than 20 percent over the past two decades, down to 621,000 in 2017 from a peak of 785,000 in 1998, according to a recent demo­ graphic analysis from Michigan Technological University. The baiting ban might discourage some hunters, O’Brien acknowledged. But the spread of CWD could more dramatically limit hunting opportunities. “We’re dealing with a disease that has the potential to compromise the deer herd for decades and decades to come,” he told Bridge. “This is a situation where we need to be able to make a sacrifice in the present — so that we can preserve this resource that we love for future generations.” DNR Director Dan Eichinger doesn’t expect a decline in hunters, but “it is some­ thing for us to be sensitive to,” he said in an interview with a magazine produced by Michigan United Conservation Clubs. Eichiner pointed out that Michigan banned baiting in Lower Peninsula in 2008-2011, and it didn’t seem to speed the decline in partici­ pation. Wait, Michigan banned baiting and feeding before? Yes. Michigan banned baiting in feeding in 2008 after regulators confirmed CWD in a deer at a Kent County ranch. The Natural Resources Commissions lifted the ban in most of those counties in 2011 after three years of testing revealed no additional diseased deer. In 2011, the Alpena News reported: “About the only thing a three-year lull in baiting proved is that Michigan deer hunters contin­ ued to bag their game, despite a baiting ban. In 2010, 44 percent of hunters shot at least one deer; in 2008, 47 percent were success­ ful.” Where may Michiganders bait and feed deer? Michigan allows deer baiting in the Upper Peninsula with one large exception: a 660-square mile CWD “surveillance area” outlined by major roadways in parts of Menominee, Delta and Dickinson counties. That surveillance zone surrounds the spot where regulators found a CWD-stricken deer last year. Statewide, hunters with disabilities may use bait during Michigan’s Liberty Hunt (which occurred Sept. 14-15) and Independence Hunt (Oct. 17-20). Do other states ban baiting? Yes. Outside of Michigan, 23 U.S. states and three Canadian provinces ban baiting of cervids, and 15 others restrict the practice in various ways, according to research by the DNR. Those include some of Michigan’s neighbors. Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Minnesota all ban the practice. Wisconsin bans baiting in most of its counties, a number that fluctuates depending on testing results. Ohio bans baiting only within a limited surveillance area. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads k ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS Exceptional Care Close to Home Increasing your access to exceptional health care, close to home is a priority for Spectrum Health. Our local providers are not just experts in their field; they are also a part of your community. Now accepting new patients in Family, Internal and Pediatric Medicine in Caledonia, Hastings, Middleville, Gun Lake and Wayland. Expanded morning and evening hours to better meet your needs. Spectrum Health Pennock Spectrum Health Pennock Family Medicine - Gun Lake Family, Internal & Pediatric Family Medicine - Lake Odessa 12851 W. M179 Highway Medicine - Hastings 4294 Laurel Drive Wayland, Ml 49348 1108 W. State Street, Suite 3 Lake Odessa, Ml 48849 877.377.7322 Hastings, Ml 49058 616.374.7660 269.945.0922 Family Medicine - Caledonia • 9090 S. Rodgers Court, Suite A Spectrum Health Pennock Family Medicine - Middleville Caledonia, Ml 49316 490 Edward Street 616.891.0422 Middleville, Ml 49333 269.795.4434 SPECTRUM HEALTH Pennock Erica Nyman, PA-C Zachary Jones, PA-C Lake Odessa Lake Odessa mm new patients | Expanded hours j findadoctor.spectrumhealth.org � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-10-10.pdf dff431fa0c3bd5a7e9bd22e3021acbb4 PDF Text Text • Hastings Public Library 227 E State Street $ ^1* - '< ■ County prepares for jail project forum Where have all the protest songs gone? See Story on Page 2 See Editorial on Page 4 Trojans finally break i through to finals | See Story on Page 15 > Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 -------------- . * 1070490102590501005849058195427 ^***t^****^CAR_RT |_QT**c qo3 ANNER C003 Hastings Public Library 227 E State St Hastings Ml 49058-1954 VOLUME 166, No. 40 NEWS BRIEFS COA hosting fiddlers jamboree Saturday The Michigan Fiddlers Association will return to the Barry County Commission on Aging Saturday, Oct. 12, for a day of music, food and dancing. “We’ve got a great program lined up,” Ken Moore, MFA president and Middleville resident, said. “It’s as much fun for the audience as it is for the musi­ cians. Folks can join us for an hour or two, or for the whole day.” Musicians come from all over Barry County and Southwest Michigan, he said. Fiddlers will be playing from 1 to 4 p.m. Open mic will be from 4 to 5:30 p.m. A dinner break is planned from 5 to 6 p.m., followed by square dancing from 6 to 7:30 p.m. There will be plenty of music and danc­ ing, including fiddles, guitats, mandolins, dulcimers, bass fiddles, piano and more, ? he added. The Commission on Aging will offer a I fundraising dinner for $7 per adults and I $4 for children age 7 and under. The menu / will include homemade hot beef sandI wiches with mashed potatoes, codkecl * carrots, cake and drink. All dinner pro­ ; t ceeds will go toward COA services for I homebound seniors. Guests are asked not j to bring snacks and beverages into the facility. i Admission to the jamboree is free, but donations will be appreciated. Proceeds at the door are split 50/50 by the MFA and the COA. The Commission on Aging is at 320 W. Woodlawn Ave. in Hastings. For more information, call Judy Moore at 269-795­ 3143. Thursday, October 10, 2019 Hastings resident shares EEE survival story, favors spraying Greg Chandler Staff Writer Rene Swift lives a full life. By day, she’s the office manager at RB Excavating Inc. in Hastings. She refers to herself as a “Jackie of all trades” because of the various responsibilities she takes on each day. “I can do just about anything that needs to be done here,” she said. “You need dirt, I can move dirt. You need gravel, I can move grav­ el. I keep the yard cleaned up.” When not at work, Swift enjoys spending time with her husband, Steve, two children and six grandchildren. . But the recent outbreak of Eastern equine encephalitis across Michigan has brought back memories of a scary time in Swift’s life. More than three decades ago, she survived a battle with the mosquito-borne disease that is fatal in one out of every three cases. “It is not fun. Not even for a minute,” said Swift, who supports the recent decision by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to have more than 107,000 acres of land in seven Barry County townships sprayed in an effort to eradicate the mosquito popula- “The people thaEare upset about the spraying, my heart feels for them. However, there’s (four) lives that have been lost. If you have a family member or you yourself encountered (EEE), you would definitely, 100 percent, feel differently.” Rene Swift tion. In 1985, Swift was living in Lake Odessa, about two miles away from a horse farm. She was bitten by a mosquito, but didn’t think anything of it at the time. “I was cleaning the house, and it was eve­ ning,” she said. “When I woke up the next morning, (I thought) wow, I had a really bad hangover. I got through the day. Two days Make way for a Steinway State Rep. Julie Calley, R-Portland, invites residents to office hours in three communities in October. Calley will meet with constituents on Monday, Oct. 14, in the Village of Lake Odessa at Page Memorial Building, 839 4th Ave. She will host individual meetings from 10 to 10:30 a.m. followed by a leg­ islative update from 10:30 to 11 a.m. “I am exceedingly grateful for the opportunity to connect with engaged com| munity members,” Calley said. “Listening ■ to them helps me represent our communi­ ties more accurately and effectively.” I I See NEWS BRIEFS, page 3 later, I woke up with the same hangover, I seemed weird to me, but didn’t think much of it.” e ■ Three weeks later, Swift still wasn’t feeling well. It was August, so Swift wrote it off as a summer flu bug. “I was getting where I couldn’t get off the couch. I had this bad headache/’ she said. “In the middle of the night (one night), I got up and got very sick to my stomach. I was so weak, I couldn’t get myself up off the floor. My husband did hear me, and I thought I was too weak for him to hear me and wake him up. He got me up and took me to the hospital in Lansing.” vWhen Swift got to the hospital, she could not even verbalize what was wrong with her. The emergency room doctor who was treating her became frustrated and said “in not a very nice voice,” as she puts it, that he couldn’t help her if she couldn’t tell him what was going on. Finally, the doctor decided to do a spinal tap on Swift. See SURVIVAL, page 6 School funding increase balanced out by changing enrollment 2019 Count Day results Thornapple Kellogg 3,157 3,233 Lakewood 1,778 1,810 Hastings 2,659 2,593 Delton Kellogg 1,246 1,186 Maple Valley 987 977 2018-2019 data from mischooldata.org Pleasant Valley church marks 120 years Rep. Calley in Lake Odessa Monday More than 30 years ago, Rene Swift of Hastings contracted Eastern equine encephalitis from a mosquito bite. Taylor Owens Staff Writer Now that the bi-annual student count and budget are in, schools are adjusting • ifieir budgets - by the hundreds of thousands of dollars. The state budget, signed recently, allots a $240 per pupil increase for local schools. When each full-time student who attends I The Pleasant Valley United Brethren Church near Clarksville will celebrate 120 years of ministry with homecoming events Oct. 13. Pastor Phil Whipple and his wife. Sandy, will return as special guests. During the Whipples’ ministry from 1990 to 1998, a new sanctuary was built. He currently is pastor for a church in Yale in Michigan’s Thumb. The day’s events will include Pastor Whipple speaking during the worship ser­ vice at 10 a.m. The Whipples also will tell about their recent trip to biblical sites in Greece. A carry-in lunch will begin at 12:30 p.m. * Eldon Grubb, pastor at the church since 2011, extends an invitation to anyone who has attended the church in the past to join in the events of the day. The church is on the comer of M-50 and Bell Road, southwest of Clarksville, between Paragon and Michigan Dutch Bams. PRICE 750 throughout the year represents $8,111 in* funding, a change in 60 to 70 students has a major impact on district budgets. Comparing the stare of Michigan’s over­ all student countfor each school last year, to the fall count <pne Oct. 2, Thomapple Kellogg Schools gained 76 students, with a count of 3,233, and Lakewood Schools added 32 students, for a total of 1,810. Hastings Area Schools dropped 66 students, to 2,593, Delton Kellogg Schools lost 60 students, for a total of 1,186 and Maple Valley fell by 10, to 977. The fall count nuinbers may change slightly as they are audited over the next month, and the funding will fluctuate some­ what as the schools’ enrollment numbers See ENROLLMENT, page 7 Band director Spencer White discusses the reasons a Steinway grand piano is unique. (Photos by Rebecca Pierce) Rebecca Pierce Editor It’s nearly 9 feet long and 1,000 pounds of white hard maple, pressed together in a spe­ cial, painstaking, handmade process that’s patented. The result is a black, satin-finish Steinway grand piano - and Hastings High School’s Performing Arts Center has it. In one of several recent gifts from the Larry and Earlene Baum family, a donation of The public is invited to the Hastings Performing Arts Center from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 19 to celebrate the addition of a Steinway piano to Hastings Area Schools Performing Arts Center, thanks to the Larry and Earlene Baum family. $100,000 to the school district paid for the purchase. “Larry gave me specific instructions,” Patti LaJoye said. “We went to several Steinway studios to find the right one.” She found the right one at the Steinway Piano Gallery of Detroit. It’s a Steinway concert and artist piano, Model D, serial number 585295, which had been in use by professional pianists for about 10 years before being purchased and brought to Hastings. The piano’s history will be compiled by Steinway for the school system. “They’re printing the history of all the people who have played it and we’re going to put it in a book,” LaJoye said. “This was our dream for a long time,” she said. Band co-director Spencer White, LaJoye, who directed the choral program at Hastings for 30 years, and Performing Arts Center See STEINWAY, page 3 Panthers crown 2019 j homecoming king and queen; Seniors Brady Haas and Holly McManus are crowned the 2019 Delton Kellogg High School homecoming king and queen during a ceremony at halftime of the DK varsity; football team’s 34-14 win over Watervliet Friday night. (Photo by Brett Bremer) * �Bage 2 — Thursday, October 10, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Bands entertain at invitational pn their left shoulders to honor middle ^Shool principal Mike Dandron, who was Recently diagnosed with leukemia. The J/iking marching band has dedicated the Remainder of the season to Dandron and ^qturday missed first place by one-tenth pl a point. Kathy Maurer Copy Editor Dressed as astronauts, artists, outlaws, Mickey Mouse and more, some 2,300 students from 20 marching bands presented their halftime shows Saturday in Hastings. Musicians delivered solos on instruments ranging from piccolo to baritone and trombone to soprano saxophone. A teen mariachi band even assembled to add to a Latino performance. The overall theme for the day, however, may have been “close.” Two Class C bands tied in scoring (placing then had to be determined by Scholastic Marching Band Judging System rules) and only one-tenth of a point separated two bands in both the Class AA and Class D competitions. The 28th annual Hastings High School Marching Band Invitational began earlier in the day than initially scheduled because of concerns with mosquitoes and Eastern equine encephalitis. If not, it may have been a close call whether the event finished before rain moved in later that night. Even some of the show themes were close, as in similar: “Swingin’ Through Time” and “Decades,” superlative entertainment in “The Greatest Showman,” “The Best of Broadway” and “The Magic of Disney.” This 50th anniversary year of the Moon landing also drew shows titled “One Small Step” and “One Giant Leap.” Hastings band co-director Spencer White called the event a massive success, adding that visiting band representatives said they’d had a great experience. “Directors appreciate how organized and friendly the event is ...” White said. “An example of our hospitality is that sometimes when a [performing group] arrives, they realize that they forgot something. We will do what we can to help them in that situation. This year, it happened to be a band needing to borrow a trombone.” Band parents, including some whose children graduated long ago, are essential to success of the invitational. “There were so many people that worked hard to make the event possible,” White said. “The parents of the band [members who] donated their time at the event are the unseen heroes of the event.” Results, including placement, score program and special awards include: Class D Bridgman, first, 78.2, “Into the Darkness.” Bangor, second, 78.1, “The Best o Broadway;” best musical performance, bes marching. Gobles, third, 76.3, “One Giant Leap;” bes percussion. 0 Dowagiac, fourth, 75.9, “Mamma Mia the Music of Abba;” best color guard, bes field commander. Harper Creek, fifth, 72.3, “Rebel.” Maple Valley, sixth, 68.9, “Swingin Through Time.” Decatur, seventh, 65.9, “Decades.” Class C Fennville, first, 77.4, “She Is ...” bes musical performance. Parchment, second, 77.4, “Marooned;” bes marching, best color guard. Lakewood, third 76.1, “This is Me,” best percussion. Hopkins, fourth,73.3, best field commander. Class B Otsego, first, 88.8, “Viva La Verdi - the Art of Life in Reverse;” best musical performance, marching, percussion, color guard and field commanders. Ionia, second, 85.6, “Crossing Boundaries. Niles, third, 72.3, “Into the Jungle.” Class A Mattawan, first, 89.8, “Outlaw;” best musical performance, marching, percussion, color guard and field commanders. Wyoming, second, 80.4, “La Importancia de Familia” Class AA Grandville, first, 92.5, “Connecting the Divide;” best musical performance, marching, percussion, color guard and field commanders. Grand Ledge, second, 92.4, “The Magic of Disney.” Kalamazoo Central, third, 86.7, “Sound Czech.” As host, Hastings did not compete, but the 146-member Saxon marching band presented its halftime show, “One Small Step.” Saxophone players in the Kalamazoo Central Marching Giants band take a brief break in their performance of “Sound Czech,” a show mixing the music of Antonin Dvorak, Queen, Led Zeppelin and others. bl FA * J 4 Kalamazoo Central departs as Grand Ledge prepares to take the field before a full house Saturday evening. Space suits, like this one worn by color guard member Katie Cook, complement Hastings Marching Band’s theme, “One Small Step.” Battle Creek Harper Creek, the first band to perform Saturday, passes in review after its show. Wearing signature white gloves and red, yellow and black outfits, the Grand Ledge color guard mimics Mickey Mouse’s wardrobe for its presentation of “The Magic of Disney.” A soprano saxophone soloist is fea­ tured more than once in Mattawan High School’s “Outlaw” show. With 200 students, the Mattawan Wildcat band is the largest to perform in Hastings Saturday. Here the Wildcats exit the field after performing “Outlaw,” taking first place in Class A. jj “Connecting the Divide” is the theme of the Grandville Bulldogs who went on to take first place in Class AA. Barry County prepares for jail project forum A Niles percussionist gives the audi­ ence a different view of the tom-tom, or quad, drum during the Tigers’ presenta­ tion of “Into the Jungle.” Shannon Brown plays a trumpet solo during Hastings’ performance of “One Small Step.” Rebecca Pierce Editor TowerPinkster was back before Barry County commissioners Tuesday to discuss next steps on what some board members describe as the county’s biggest infrastructure needs: A jail and Commission on Aging. The company, which was hired last fall to facilitate these projects, previously performed an assessment of county facilities in 2014-15 as part of the county’s facilities master plan. On Tuesday, Eric Hackman, senior project manager for the company, advised moving forward with a public input session this month to lay the groundwork for a public survey in December. At its Oct. 22 meeting, the board will con­ sider what would be presented at a communi­ ty forum, which would likely take place on the evening of Nov. 6. “I urge you emphatically to sit on your hands and not engage in the conversation (at that forum),” Hackman told commissioners Tuesday. “The key is for you to get communi­ ty input that’s as unfettered as possible.” The forum would help determine what questions should be asked in a poll to be con­ ducted in December. Hackman said he should have a draft of a proposed presentation by next week. Then, on Oct. 22, the commissioners can talk through what will be presented at the community forum. In other action, commissioners approved a recommendation from Drain Commissioner Jim Dull to pledge the full faith and credit of the county for payment of a drain note for the Watson Drain. The flooding crisis in that district required funds to cover preliminary costs of acquiring and constructing the project, acquiring land, refunding the 2019 drain note with accrued interest and authorizing a new note not to exceed $1.4 million. Dull noted that this will not cover paying back $500,000, which the county had autho­ rized to address the flooding crisis in that district. In other business, state Rep. Julie Calley, R-Portland, reported to the commissioners regarding the state budget which included many line item cuts for counties. “My life has been taken up with vetoes and mosquitoes,” Calley said to laughter from the audience and commissioners. “It’s sad but true. “DHHS (Department of Health and Human Services) decided that citizens could not take care of themselves and big government need­ ed to step in and start doing aerial spraying (to fight the mosquito-borne Eastern equine encephalitis). A portion of Barry County was impacted. It was almost impossible — even for my office — to get information from them.” Calley told commissioners she wanted to “sing the praises of your local health depart­ ment because they were the ones who were able to feed my office with information that we, in turn, were then able to give to citizens.” In other action, the commissioners: • Were introduced to Sydney Miller, who will be working with Barry County 4-H groups on health and nutrition. Erin Moore from Michigan State University presented Miller. • Heard from Mark Doster of Prairieville Township who commented on the causeway through Starr Lake at Doster Road and Three Mile which is now covered with water and presents a serious traffic hazard. • Approved an Emergency Management Performance Grant grant agreement, which provides for federal pass-through funds in case of emergencies, and authorized the chair­ woman to sign it. • Approved a contract with Michigan Department of Transportation to leave improvements to the connector to the Paul Henry Thomapple Trail at M79 and School Street in place in return for a county maintenance agreement. The short connector from the trail to M79 facilitates foot traffic to and from Fuller Elementary and adjoining neigh­ borhoods. • Heard from Thornapple Manor Administrator Don Haney that a recent Newsweek report rated Thomapple Manor at No. 16 in Michigan for senior care quality. • Approved re-appointing Robert Price of Delton to the county Board of Canvassers, representing the Republican party, for a term that starts Nov. 1 and ends Oct. 31,2023. • Approved pre-paid invoices of $5,688,557 and claims of $232,727. • Approved commissioner reimbursements for mileage totaling $506. • Interviewed Karen Ruple of Hastings for the Department of Health and Human Services board. • Appointed June Behrendt of Hastings to serve on the Department of Health and Human Services board for a three-year term begin­ ning Nov. 1 and expiring on Oct. 31, 2022. The vote on that appointment was 4-2, with Jon Smelker and Vivian Conner voting no. Dave Jackson was absent. Smelker said he had a concern about the level of business acu­ men. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 10, 2019 —- Page 3 STEINWAY, from page 1 Managing Director Michael Sali got together Monday at the Performing Arts Center to view the piano and discuss an open house to celebrate. The public is invited to the Performing Arts Center from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 19 to see and, perhaps more importantly, hear this piano, learn its history and tour the center. Professional pianist and composer Terry Lower from Battle Creek will perform as part of the program. “He said, ‘You’ve got a Steinway? I’m coming,’ “ LaJoye said. White has been a teacher for 12 years, eight of those years in Hastings. How often has he had a Steinway as a part of a school music program? “Never,” he said. These pianos are rarely found a. the high school level, White said. One of the attributes of a Steinway that make it unique is its shape, which gives it better resonance, he said.. This particular piano was handmade in a factory in Manhattan. The part of the piano called the rim was patented by C. F. Theodore Steinway in 1880. “Strength is obtained by bending up to 17 laminates of hard maple and a mahogany veneer in an unbroken curve from base to treble,” according to information from Steinway & Sons. “The curvature distributes vibrations uniformly through its entire length.” “Steinway is the only company that makes its inner and outer rim in one process,” White said, gesturing to the rounded end of the piano. “The white maple are all pressed together so that inner and outer rim are all pressed as one so, when the piano vibrates, it’s one piece of wood instead of pieces screwed together.” “Underneath, this is called the plate,” White added. “That brass plate is bell-quality brass so you could use it to make a church bell.” Then, under the plate is the heart of the piano: The soundboard. Spencer White demonstrates the keyboard action. “That is not attached anywhere with any materials,” he said. “It sits in the rim. The soundboard sits freely, which is why it reso­ nates so long and so effortlessly.” “They have over 400 patents on the piano and the process they use to make it,” White added. “The way they build a Steinway, you can’t build another piano like it.” He pointed to the strings. “All of these pegs separating the strings are handset. There is no automated process. No assembly line. No plastic ...Not many people can afford a Steinway. It’s all hand-strung. Highpoint CEO earns ‘Best of Community Banking’ award “Once they build it, they roll it into a ham­ mering room where each key is struck 3,000 times to break in the action, break in the tun­ ing.” LaJoye said their piano will be tuned at least once a year by the Steinway Piano Gallery of Detroit. And, when the piano is not in use, a special room off the stage will ensure the correct tem­ perature (64 degrees) and humidity level (47 percent) so it won’t dry out in winter or swell up in summer. On Monday, LaJoyce, White and Sali talked about what the Steinway will contribute to school programs and the community at large - and White couldn’t resist playing it. “We’re going to be showcasing it as a music department,” he said, “using the piano with band and the choral department.” For example, it will be used for the choir concert on Oct. 20. LaJoye pointed out that a Steinway piano will open the door for all kinds of events and performers to come to Hastings. That is already happening: The renowned Gilmore Keyboard Festival is adding Hastings Performing Arts Center as a satellite site in next year’s festival lineup. A date hasn’t been set yet, but the Steinway is a requirement. “This is THE piano,” White said. “It’s awe­ Indoor concert planned Sunday Highpoint Community Bank leadership team is, from left: Rob Ranes, Kim Finkbeiner, Mark Kolanowski, Jane DeBat, Randy Teegardin, Richard Zwiernikowski and Nancy Goodin. (Photo provided.) Mark Kolanowski, president and CEO of Highpoint Community Bank, received the “Best of Community Banking” Award for 2019. This honor, conferred by the 250-member Community Bankers of Michigan, was announced at CBM’s 44th Annual Convention recently. Kolanowski, who was chosen by his peers to receive the award, said he was both humbled and honored to receive it. “I accept this award from my community bank peers as recognition of what I have done for community banking throughout the years,” he said when the award was presented. “Receiving the award has motivated me to look for even more ways I can contribute to the community over the next several years — and to the bank I have been so fortunate to lead.” Kolanowski has been president and CEO of HCB, formerly Hastings City Bank, for more than 18 years. “During his tenure, he has led his team through the many changes and innovations that new technologies allow,” said Nancy Goodin, Highpoint’s vice president and mar­ keting director. Kolanowski has kept the strength of the bank at the forefront, Goodin said, which is reflected, in part, by 40 consecutive quarters during which Highpoint Community Bank has been awarded a five-star rating from Bauer Financial. “Through his leadership, the bank has seen significant improvement in both its balance sheet and income statement,” she pointed out. “He was tasked with navigating the bank through the Great Recession, keeping the bank on course throughout and thriving there­ after.” A hallmark of Kolanowski’s leadership is his focus on his staff, Goodin said. For the 11th consecutive year, Highpoint has been recognized as one of the best and brightest companies to work for in West Michigan. In conferring the honor, Michael J. Tierney, CBM president and CEO, called Kolanowski “an excellent role model for all community bankers with what he has done for the bank, his employees, and perhaps most importantly, the community.” Kolanowski serves on the Barry County United Way executive committee and is a past president and campaign chairman. He has served on the Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital Board and its foundation. In 2015, HCB chose to partner with the Barry Community Foundation to enroll every kindergarten student in Barry County in an education savings program called Kickstart to Career. That program is in its fourth year. Kolanowski also was the chairman of the Barry County Economic Development board. Communities benefited from his contributions so greatly that, earlier this year, he received the Barry County Chamber ROTH award for being an outstanding business professional, Goodin noted. “His commitment to serving extends beyond the communities we serve - he has served on Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) committees, including education, tax and regulatory review, and pre­ viously represented all Michigan community bankers as the ICBA federal delegate,” she added. He has been a member of the CBM board since 2006 and is a past board chairman. Earlier this year, Kolanowski led HCB through a name change. Through his leader­ ship and guidance, this was accomplished more smoothly than expected and re-ener­ gized staff, Goodin said. “We are now the bank that elevates the communities we serve, which better describes who we are now and how we see our future.” In accepting the award, Kolanowski said, “I’m passionate about my work, my team, my customers, my community, my bank. To be recognized for that passion, to know that oth­ ers have noticed something that is so mean­ ingful and important to me, is an incredibly gratifying feeling.” Kolanowski and his wife Susan have two sons, Mitchell and Benjamin. The “Best of Community Banking” Award recognizes the contributions and success of a Michigan community banker. Special recog­ nition is given to community bankers who have made significant contributions to their communities and the community banking industry. The Hastings High School Band will wrap up its season with an indoor concert Sunday, Oct. 13. In a change of tradition, the concert will include seventh- and eighth-grade bands, and the concert will be in the Performing Arts Center at the high school. The Concert will begin at 3 p.m. The high school band will give a stand-still rendition of its 2019 show, “One Small Step.” The public is welcome to attend this free, approximately 45-minute performance. The brass plate is bell-quality brass, Spencer White said, and the strings are hand­ set. some.” And now, thanks to the Baum family, this particular Steinway has found a home in* Hastings. NEWS BRIEFS continued from front page No appointment is necessary. Residents unable to attend scheduled office hours may send their questions and ideas to Calley via email at JulieCalley@house. mi.gov or by calling her at 517-373-0842. CraneFest planned in Bellevue | Oct. 12-13 ' From noon to dusk Oct. 12 and 13, the 25th annual CraneFest will celebrate the migration of the sandhill crane in Michigan. The event will feature guided nature hikes, activities for kids, live animal exhib­ its, food vendors, nature-themed artisans, conservation organizations, and concludes with the highlight of the day, optimal view­ ing of Michigan’s largest bird coming in to roost for the night. Sandhill cranes will fly in to and out of ♦ the marsh all day. More than 2,500 cranes were viewed each night during the 2018 event. Sandhill cranes have existed for more than 2.5 million years. They measure up to 5 feet tall with wings spanning 6 feet. In the 1930s, habitat destruction and hunting left only 17 pairs of sandhill cranes in Michigan. Today, conservation efforts/ have led to a steady increase in populations with an estimated 30,000 cranes living in'LJ Michigan in warmer months. Admission to CraneFest is free. Parking v is $7. The festival will take place at the > Kiwanis Youth Conservation Area, 22300 Fifteen Mile Road in Bellevue. 0Bostonn bcientmc Advancing science for life-" Did you know there are effective treatment options for erectile dysfunction and bladder leakage? The first step is up to you. Join us to hear about the latest treatment options for erectile dysfunction or bladder leakage. Attend a FREE Men's Health Seminar: Presented by: Michael Kozminski, Rapids, P.C. October 23,2019 .D., Urology Associates of Grand Partners and guests welcome. Refreshments will be served. Registration: 5:00PM Seminar: 5:30PM Meet with a patient champion to learn more. Holiday Inn Express Hastings 1099 W. M43 Hwy Hastings, Ml 49058 Space is limited, call to register today. 855-201-4605 EDCure.org/Events Boston Scientific Consolation co-sponsors this patient seminar and accoir Caution: U.S. Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order oi ©2018 Boston Scientific Corporation or its affiliates. All rights reserved. I l educational materials. 2-ABSEP2018 �Page 4 — Thursday, October 10, 2019 — The Hastings Banner - BAUM STADIUM Did you " " HASTINGS Johnson HEID SAXOHSi see? Hastings Marching Band Invitational . . . . AWARDS CtaC & fi . Award Goie Dentaf GfouP tighthcuseTrtfe MEI Telecom Systems For more than just scores TWi Machine Inc. . 3 Hastings Pistons, fat. The new digital scoreboard at Baum Stadium at Johnson Field is fully utilized during Saturday’s marching band com­ petition. The board displayed the name of each band as it performed, along with the names of its directors and show theme. Here, as field commanders approach the presentation area during the first awards ceremony, major spon­ sors are illuminated on the scoreboard. We’re dedicating this space to a photo­ graph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom ‘Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email mews@j-adgraphics.com. Please include ^information such as where and when the •fphoto was taken, who took the photo, and \other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? Ready for serving Prize beef, pork and lamb were barbecued Monday afternoon for the annual banquet for buyers and supporters of the annual i4-H and FFA Livestock Sale held as a feature of the Barry County Fair. Pictured, sampling the meat or slicing it are (clockwise, • from bottom left) Albert Bell, Mary Bell, Betty Bryans, Ron Stevens, Dick Bryans, Russell Keech and Norman “Jack” Lenz. The Jjanquet was at the community building at the fairgrounds. (No date was provided with this photo. It likely is from the mid-1970s and is being republished in honor of National 4-H Week.) Have you met? 'ic Andrew Moore, a 2010 graduate of Hastings High School, recently took on a 'hew role as choral director at Hastings High .^School. Moore attended the majority of his prima­ ry and secondary schooling at Hastings Area Schools, becoming a Saxon in third grade. He was involved in many activities in high "school, including Varsity Singers, musicals, band,jazz band, Scholastic Bowl and golf, in ' addition to being a member of the National Honor Society. He played trumpet in the "marching band and portrayed Lumiere in the "2010 production of “Beauty and the Beast.” • • “My favorite part of attending the Hastings ‘‘Area Schools was the school’s emphasis on ^ttiusic,” Moore said. Early on, he knew he wanted to be a teach­ er. J “I have always loved to learn and to help ^others to learn,” he said. “I knew that I wished to incorporate education into what I Ho in some way.” As a person with widely varied interests, he said he wanted to teach something that covered a diverse variety of topics. During his search for the perfect career, he found 3 that choral music allowed him to explore -ftiany disciplines. M “I am able to teach language, history, cul­ ture, and science, among many other things -besides the music itself,” he said. Music has always been a big part of his "life, he said, noting that his parents and grandparents all were in choirs or taught ■ music. He even has an uncle who is a profes­ sional jazz drummer. '* Despite a musical heritage, Moore said he initially avoided a career in music. ‘■’ “I have many interests and was concerned That I would be choosing it because it was what everyone else in my family had done.” After a lot of consideration, he decided his reasons for pursuing a career in music educa­ tion were his own. Andrew Moore Following graduating from Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais, Ill., where he earned a degree in music educa­ tion, Moore worked as a choral director at Aurora Christian Schools in Aurora, Ill. He has also directed a church choir on the North Shore of Chicago and sang for the profes­ sional choir, Cor Cantiamo and Fox Valley Orchestra Chorus. Moore said he had wished to return to Michigan, hoping to live near Hastings. He didn’t anticipate teaching in Hastings, but applied for the position after Matt Callaghan resigned over the summer. Moore’s family still resides in Hastings. His dad, Rev. Richard Moore, is from Chapman, Kan., and his mom, Margo Moore, is from Mt. Pleasant. Andrew Moore also is currently a choral scholar at a church in Grand Rapids, mean­ ing he is hired to sing as a leader within his section and perform as a soloist from time to time. He said he is excited to be back in Hastings and ready to become more involved with the community again. For his contributions as a student and his eagerness to again be involved in the com­ munity, Andrew Moore is this week’s Banner Bright Light. Hobbies: When I have time, I like to read, rug, do DIY projects, listen to podcasts, cook, and I am learning about photography. Something I am proud of: I have written choral music for my choirs a few times in my career. Most recently, I wrote an a cappella piece for my high school choir in memory of a student named Nate who was killed in a car accident the previous year. It was premiered by the current and choir alumni that sang with him in the spring concert of what would have been his senior year. First job: I was an auto detailer. I ran my own small business for about five years. Something about me most people don’t know: I spent the summer of 2018 working as a contract painter, and then spent 31 days in Europe - England, Italy and Iceland. I went to Sicily to study choral conducting. The dumbest way I’ve been injured: When I was in kindergarten I tried to close a door - from the hinge side. Something everyone should try at least once: Sing in a choir, of course! Each week, the Banker profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058; or email news @j-adgraphics .com. Where have all the protest songs gone? Somethin’s blowin’ in the wind, my friend, but it ain’t the answer to why protest songs like those so popular in the 1960s and ‘70s have virtually disappeared. Those of us who lived through those tur­ bulent times remember the anthems of folk singers like Bob Dylan; Peter, Paul and Mary; and Pete Seeger - all of whom tugged at our hearts and souls on issues of civil rights and opposition to the Vietnam War. Even those who disagreed with their stance and their lyrics couldn’t keep protest songs from dominating the discussion of those days and from marking history. Dylan sang “The Times are a-Changin’” at the 1963 March on Washington when Martin Luther King delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech. Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young’s “Ohio” forever memorialized that horrific day of May 4,1970, when National Guard troops shot and killed four Kent State University students who were part of a mas­ sive anti-war rally. Folk singer Pete Seeger revised a traditional African-American song and turned “We Shall Overcome” into the anthem of the civil rights movement when he performed it at Carnegie Hall in June 1963. Protest songs don’t generally change minds or even immediately bring change to the world, but they’ve been with us forever. In classrooms across America, one might still hear “Yankee Doodle,” a song - ironi­ cally - used by the British to mock the typ­ ical American colonist “who stuck a feather in his cap and called it macaroni.” And protest songs were not always about war. American slaves sang, “Go Down Moses,” and, in their response to pain and oppression, gave birth to the musical styles of gospel, blues, rock and roll, hip-hop and rap. Woody Guthrie sang out against poverty and inequality in 1940 with “This Land is Your Land,” as his frustrating response to Kate Smith’s singing “God Bless America.” The story of work-‘til-you-die “Casey Jones” has lived through labor union histo­ ry, thanks to its recording by Johnny Cash. Protest songs grew out of anger and frus­ tration. They became part of America’s spngbook in social climates rife with hypoc­ risy, duplicity and greed. So, where have protest songs gone today? Conditions would seem to be ripe for a Seeger or Dylan or a Guthrie to be railing against gun violence, the drug culture, racism and economic inequalities. Instead, we seem to have the sounds of silence. “People want to be honest with their music, but they want to get air play, too,” local music buff Steve Reid says of the conundrum artists face today. “They’re dealing with the aspect of not getting air play if their work is too controversial. People have to be willing today to do their music more for the art than for the money.” Reid has lived the evolution of protest music. For Summerfest 2014, he brought Barry McGuire to Hastings, the author of, perhaps, the anti-war movement’s most stark ballad, “Eve of Destruction.” “You’re old enough to kill, but not for voting,” McGuire sang in his 1965 song, words that resonated across America in those days but which are seldom heard in music today. Maybe we’re not listening carefully enough though - and maybe we have to suspend judgment of the form it takes in our world today. Anger not unlike that felt by the early colonists, union members and the impover­ ished gave birth in 1988 to the group NWA, which took the boiled-over tensions between minorities and law enforcement and turned it into an album with a controversial name. Tell me you haven’t heard that protest music style from the thumping speakers of the vehicle idling beside yours while wait­ ing for a traffic light to change. Even the more mainstream pop singer Pink paints a grim picture of a broken America in her song “What About Us?” with lyrics just vague enough to apply to almost any social injustice. The opening voice-over is former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie providing the keynote address at the 2016 Republican National Convention. Jay-Z’s “The Story of O J.” deals with the meaning of being black and delves into the idea that success can separate persons from their race and from responsibilities to soci­ ety. Many listeners wouldn’t have liked the song presented recently at an open-mic night in a town north of Grand Rapids, either. Songwriter Tom Russell’s “Who’s Gonna Build Your Wall?” was heard by just a handful of people, but it, too, evoked the same anger and frustration as that of old­ time protestors and today’s popular artists. Protest music is still being made and played - but not being delivered like it was in days gone by. The protest music of Woody Guthrie, Pete Seeger and Peter, Paul and Mary was a vibrant, focused billboard traveling across America in a time before we were all demo­ graphed, algorithmed and gerrymandered into cultures, sub-cultures and target groups. Music, political talk, every part of culture has been flattened and expressly directed to like-minded and aligned audiences. Protest music has not disappeared. It’s just harder to find. That doesn’t mean, however, that there are no lessons to learn. The evolution of culture has at least three important tenants for any listener, viewer or consumer. One is the importance of free expression. Even though we may not agree with the viewpoints of others, the greatest takeaway is the grace of living in a world in which we can speak our minds and show our hearts. With it, of course, comes the penalties of expression - witness the current imbroglio in which the NationalBasketbaU Association is involved with China, itself worthy of a protest song about oppression and greed. Free expression can come at a cost. Two, listening to the viewpoints of others - especially those with whom we disagree - teaches us patience and tolerance. That, of course, provides us with the courage of our own free expression with others, knowing that it comes with the assurance of someone willing to listen. And finally, engaging with those with whom we disagree builds, reinforces and refines our own viewpoints. In his enlight­ ening book, “Love Your Enemies,” author Arthur C. Brooks cites the “evidence that as we become less exposed to opposing view­ points, we become less logically competent as people.” That may be why McGuire’s 50-year-old “Eve of Destruction” lyrics still remain so poignant today: Well look at all the hate there is in Red China Take a look around at Selma, Alabama. You may leave here for four days in space, When you return it’s the same old place. Protest songs may be diminished today, but their reasons to be here have never changed. Doug VanderLaan, Guest Columnist 1931 student identified An 8-year-old boy pictured in the Oct. 3 Banner with his class at Edger School in Rutland Township has been identified at Stanton Sensiba. The 1931 photo accompanied a story of the long-overdue memorial service for Ernie Belson, who was in the same school photo. What do you think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the ques­ tion posed each week by accessing our website, www.HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the following week. Last week: A new California law will allow college athletes to take endorsement deals. That law is on a collision course with the governing body of college athletics, which opposes efforts to allow players to profit from their sports. Do you think college athletes should be allowed to sign and profit from endorsements? Yes 12% No 87% For this week: Eastern equine encephalitis has prompt­ ed a controversial decision by Michigan health officials to spray pesticide on more than 107,000 acres in seven Barry County townships. Was the aerial spraying a good idea? □ Yes □ No �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 10, 2019 — Page Hi Trump, trust and loyalty Endangered species coverage of value; keep up the good reporting To the editor: I have often engaged my relatives and friends (and friends of Facebook friends) who are Trump supporters with a request that they tell me why they trust someone who has demonstrated his willingness to lie, cheat, go back on his word and mean-spiritedly offend and attack others out of blatant self-interest. I have yet to have a single one of them answer that question directly. They may couch their answer in the election choice of 2016 or some complaint with what they perceive as the opposition. But not a single one has even tried to address their own loyalty to a man so different from themselves - and with almost no redeeming character. They avoid that question and don’t even try to make the case of a redeeming character. Donald Trump is a billionaire from New York City whose businesses have declared bankruptcy six times. He has never filed for personal bankruptcy, although in 1990 he came within one missed bank loan payment of doing so, agreeing to a deal that temporarily ceded management control of his company to his banks and put him on a spending allowance. He has cheated on all three of his wives, including his current one, has referred to his eldest daughter as “a piece of ass” and is recorded as saying that he can get away with grabbing women by their private parts because he is famous. He has repeatedly stiffed his partners, contractors and employees. Trump University had to settle three lawsuits for $25 million because the company made false statements and defrauded consumers. In December 2018, the Donald J. Trump To the editor: I was very impressed with Christian Yonkers’ article about the local efforts related to the Endangered Species Act. I found it well-researched, balanced, and informative. This is the sort of article that should be available via AP News wire services, etc. I could see it in magazines by environmental organizations like Nature Conservatory, too. It’s a message that needs to be communicated Foundation agreed to cease operation and disburse all of its assets because of a “shocking pattern of illegality.” Mr. Trump had not given personally to the charity since 2008.1 wonder how people can identify with him. How is it possible to think that “he is one of our own?” In addition to insulting dozens of political opponents, foreign leaders, TV shows and personalities, actors and musicians and members of the press, he has publicly insulted numerous of his own appointees and staff, Gold Star Family members, lowans, Mexicans, the FBI, Muslims, the disabled, the Pope, war hero John McCain, Ann Coulter, the Koch brothers, Mark Cuban, various basketball and football players and teams, judges, foreign leaders, Amazon, T-Mobile, California, various countries including “s— hole” African and Central American nations and Canada (Canada!) and women, women, women. This is exhausting... and only a small partial list. My point is not that it is unacceptable for him to be critical of others; it is that he is an SOB. In 1939, FDR said of the malignant and petty dictator of Nicaragua: “Somoza may be a son of a bitch, but he’s our son of a bitch.” It seems that is how many people feel about Donald Trump. Write Us A Letter: The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Know Your Legislators: Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855­ 347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. The Hastings Banner Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 In a response to my questions about their allegiance to Trump, the answers given don’t refer to his good character, but generally fall into these categories: Criticism of his opponents, the results of the Trump presidency, or adherence to certain key beliefs that override concerns about his character. The most commonly cited opponent so worthy of criticism that all of Trump’s sins are forgiven is Hillary Clinton. But Mr. Trump’s mean spirit and dishonesty were evident before his contest with Mrs. Clinton. He championed the false accusations about Barrack Obama’s birthplace and citizenship for five years. He falsely accused Ted Cruz’s father of being involved in President Kennedy’s assassination and insulted his wife. He made up silly schoolyard names for each of his Republican challengers. He called for the execution of five African-American teenagers who were falsely accused of raping and beating a woman jogger in Central Park. I didn’t see any apology when they were exonerated and he is still justifying his call for the death penalty for these innocent young men. And, most recently, he has leveraged his position of power over military assistance to Ukraine to try to get that country to investigate one of his political rivals, Joe Biden, and Mr. Biden’s son. The high level of the American economy has sometimes been attributed to Mr. Trump and his policies. There is at least room for some agreement as well as argument here. Most economists believe that the impact of any president on the national economy is limited, but if you do credit presidents for economic success or failure, look at any chart for economic growth between 2009 and 2019, measuring GNP, employment, the stock market, etc. and you will see that all of the positive trends began early in the Obama presidency and have essentially continued in a straight line through the Trump presidency. There has been no great Trump bump. And a large part of the boost to the economy that can be attributed to this administration is due to building up debt on the national credit card. Deficits have climbed to record levels because of massive tax cuts for the wealthy and corporations and increased government spending. Many people were understandingly attracted to an outside they hoped would “drain the swamp” in Washington. But this “outsider” has repeatedly appointed millionaires, billionaires, lobbyists and campaign financiers to high positions. Dozens of his staff and appointees have had to resign or pulled out of nominations because of scandal. There is a kind of tribal allegiance to Mr. Trump. I don’t consider tribal allegiance to be a negative thing. Our pre-civilization ancestors lived in groups based on family and tribes and we are instinctively ready to defend “our own” against potential threats from “outsiders.” But it is hard for me to understand how this billionaire con man TV star from New York City is one of “our own.” Is railing against “outsiders” the draw? The most compelling responses to my questions about why people can still support Donald Trump are those based on adherence to a belief accepted without reservation. Some people hold to pro-life beliefs or adhere exclusively to the historically traditional, religious family structure and sexual status or an absolute Second Amendment right to bear arms so fervently that they will overlook any presidential character flaws in a man who backs that cause. I do wonder why someone who votes out of strong religious conviction and moral principles would trust a man who consorts with a pom movie actress while his wife has a 1-year-old baby. Or why someone who values Second Amendment and national security trusts a man who faked a medical problem to evade the military draft. When I have asked any of my friends and relatives: “Do you want your children to grow up like Trump?” Or “would you let your daughter ride in an elevator alone with Trump?” Or even “would you trust Donald Trump to fill out his own golf card?” The answer has always been no. Would you? This isn’t about arena events with the most successful insult comic of our times or about a reality show. This is about reality with real consequences for real people. Donald Trump is a great show man, but what kind of man? Dr. Kenneth M. Kornheiser, Prairieville Township News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Taylor Owens • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads far and wide. I’m a former Michigan resident now in'! Florida, which has numerous issues related to; protecting endangered species. My aunt shared the article with me, and it resonated. Please keep up this important reporting. Nice job! Laura Bennett-Kimble Clermont, Fla. Bridge gets fresh coat of paint Jim James, superintendent of streets and construction for the City of Hastings, smiles as he takes a look at the pedestrian bridge near Thornapple Plaza Wednesday morning. On Monday and Tuesday, city employees Chuck Tefft, Darin Dawes, Zach Duits and Junior Argo painted the upper structure of the former railroad trestle and cleaned away brush near the bridge. Crews also have painted-trash cans and benches' downtown in the same color, which James has dubbed “city blue.” (Photo by Kathy. Maurer) Planning commission debates its place in construction discussion Doug VanderLaan Contributing Writer The foundations upon which critical­ ly-needed housing in the City of Hastings will be built are under consideration following a decision Monday by the city’s Planning Commission. Deciding to not act on a recommendation to change an existing ordinance that requires basement construction under all new housing starts, commission members opted instead to hold a Nov. 5 public hearing to solicit com­ ment on the merits of “slab construction.” “Over the last couple of meetings we’ve heard comments from builders and propo­ nents questioning why we require basements,” said Planning Chairman David Hatfield, cit­ ing the additional cost of a basement to a new home’s construction and the possible resulting negative effect to housing expansion in the city. “They’re requesting that we remove that requirement.” Planning Commission member Tom Maurer questioned not only that financial assumption, but also the longer-term implications of future homeowners who choose nothing more than a cement slab to anchor their homes. “Yes, we may have a cheaper house, but now we have less house,” Maurer said. “We’ve addressed structures like garages and open lots and how to handle stuff. If (slab construction) is $10,000 to $12,000 less (in construction cost), I feel we’ll be creating more issues later on.” Maurer also pointed out that the savings of building on a cement slab or even a founda­ tional wall structure that would support a cement slab versus full basement construction are negligible. “It’s not going to be dollar-for-dollar,” Maurer said. “Even in the frost footage (plan) to go 42 inches in depth with poured wall structures to support a cement slab will be 75 percent of the cost (of basement construction) and we’ve still got no basement.” Hatfield conceded that Maurer’s points were valid, but pushed Monday’s discussion into a procedural perspective, questioning whether the Planning Commission or the mar­ ket should be the determining factor. “Perception is important at a time that we’re trying to attract new construction,” Hatfield said. “A developer may assume that a basement is too costly and we don’t need to be the ones to dictate that.” Hatfield cited one local resident ready to begin new construction but working with a contractor who is waiting to begin slab con­ struction - if and when it becomes permissi­ ble. Hatfield also pointed out that the presentJ ordinance language is a holdover from past-; City Manager Jeff Mansfield who may have been using it to discourage mobile homes. “We’ve got ways to deal with that now,”‘ Hatfield said. “If that (discouraging mobile, homes) was the reason, it may have been mis­ guided.” “I agree with both of you,” commission member John Ressigue said, “but if someone i is going to build a small (tiny) house, why? would you put a basement under that?” When Hatfield replied to council members Jordan Brehm’s inquiry about a public hear­ ing to determine public sentiment on the issqe / that it would be appropriate “if we want to address the issue,” Brehm made the motion,: Jacque McLean seconded, and the commis­ sion approved a Nov. 5 hearing on a unani­ mous vote. In other business at Monday’s meeting, the Planning Commission: • Accepted City Manager Jerry Czarnecki’s administrative review of a proposal to estab­ lish a Dog Daycare business at 1105 E. State St. Czarnecki’s review indicated that the, business is appropriate for the D-2 zoning district, will offer no overnight boarding, and offers adequate parking for employees and customers. , • Accepted Community DevelopmentI Director Dan King’s status report on Work ' Tasks for 2019, including the adoption of; ordinance language allowing the Royal Coach property development project to meet an Oct. 1 grant submission deadline at the Michigan State Housing Development Authority which; would allow low-cost resident housing assi§-; tance. ( ! • Received a preview from consultant Rebecca Harvey of outline revisions to Part II of the city’s master plan. Methods, finding, and strategies will be identified in four key planning areas. “I want to give you an outline of the structure so as you get each section you can consider it by these parameters,” Harvey told commissioners. • Heard a report on possible ordinance changes to rules and procedures with the Zoning Board of Appeals, including a reduc­ tion from its present six to five members. Because the ZBA is established by ordinance under the Planning Commission, its changes must be generated by the ZBA, subjected to a public hearing, and then forwarded for approval to the Planning Commission. “The ZBA will get back to us,” said Hatfield, “they’ll be back on our agenda, likely at our December meeting.” �Page 6 — Thursday, October 10, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) ‘ 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH | 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A | traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly ; people welcome you to worship at ”an old country church.” Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor FGabe Priddy, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingshopeumc. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, :MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10:31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children’s ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office, greenstreetumc @ gmail. com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5 th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948­ 8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings. org. 9 a.m. Classes and Gatherings for All ages; 9:45 a.m. Worship (Children's Worship Offered); 10:45 a.m. Coffee Fellowship; 11:15 a.m. Coffee Talk with Pastor Dan. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9: 45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945-9217. cbchastings. org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www.hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller, Wor­ ship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sundays: Nursery7 and toddler (birth through age 3) care pro­ vided. SUNDAY MORNING FAMILY HOUR WEL­ COMES ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue, Loving God, Lov­ ing Neighbor: Preschool age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Standard and Adult Elective classes. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10: 30 a.m. and Children's Church age 4-4th grade dis­ missed during service. Fall Ser­ mon Series & Growth Groups, "On Mission" begins Sept. 15. Sunday Evening: Youth Group at 6:30 p.m., 2nd Tues: Young Women's Small Group at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Mid-Week: Women’s Bible Study at 6:30 p.m. Kid's Club, Oct. 16-Dec. 4, 6:30-7:45 p.m. Friday Bible Study at 10 a.m. Thursday Brunch, Sept. 26 at 9:30 a.m. For more information please contact the church. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God’s Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! Oct. 13 - Worship services at 8 and 10:45 a.m. Adult and Youth Bell Choirs perform (both services); CROP Walk 1:30 p.m. (Middleville) Oct. 14 - Outreach Committee Mtg. 4:30 p.m. Oct. 15 Women of Faith Mtg. 1:30 p.m. (Mallard Pond); Flute Choir 7 p.m. Oct. 17- Clapper Kids 3:45 p.m.; Grace Notes 5:45 p.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www.grace-hastings. org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings, MI. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: s Flexfob 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 S’ HASTINGS, MI - Gary Vickery of Hastings, was reunited with the love of his life, Peggy (Beale) Vickery on October 7,2019. He died at his home surrounded by his loving family. Gary was bom in Kalamazoo on September 18, 1944 to Douglas Vickery Sr. and Darlene (Tidey) Vickery. He graduated from Delton Kellogg School in 1963 and went on to become a master electrician with the IBEW Local 445. He was a hardworking man who loved life and all its adventures. He was quick witted, enjoyed sharing his stories and loved to make you laugh. He was always positive and encouraging and being around him inspired you to be a better person. He had many passions, including family, friends, traveling, hiking in the mountains, biking, skydiving, and taking walks, but his greatest passion was his beloved wife Peggy, who together, were a beautiful example of what love should look like. Gary was preceded in death by his wife, Peggy Vickery and father, Douglas Vickery Sr. He is survived by his children, Michele Addison, Coleen (Ron) Polley, Scott (Nicky) Vickery, all of Delton and Tazee Vickery of Mattawan; his stepchildren, Richard (Kelli) VanDyke of Grand Rapids and Jackie Petersen of Rockford; 17 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren; his mother, Darlene Vickery of Delton; his siblings, Doug (Sharon) Vickery of Hastings, Sheri Armintrout and Mike Vickery of Delton and many nieces and nephews. . .His family ^ill-intimate celebration of his life at a future date. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. Wanda (Townsend) Mennega passed away at Thomapple Manor on October 4,2019. Wanda was bom on July 30,1930 to Roy and Rose Ockerman. She grew up in Gladwin until marrying Gilbert Townsend and having five children. Marriage ended in divorce. She later married Ed Mennega ofAllegan until his death. Wanda worked for several years at the Copper Lantern Restaurant in Hastings, and finally retired from Penney’s in Allegan. She loved playing cribbage and Yahtzee with whomever would sit that long. Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, and two brothers, Glenn and Derwood Ockerman. She is survived by three daughters from Hastings, Sheryl (Chris) Hagelshaw, Carla (Pete) Pierce and Kim R. Townsend. A daughter from Ohio, Linda Hess, and a son from Massachusetts, Ty Townsend, and several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great­ great-grandchildren, Mennega family brother and sisters-in-law, and also several nieces and nephews and a very dear lady who was her caregiver for the last ten years, Deb Cornett. A private family service will be held at Hudson Comers Cemetery in Allegan at a later date, and she will be put to rest next to her husband Ed. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home, to leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfiineralhome.net. Luanne Marie Potter SURVIVAL, continued from page 1 “He came back, very apologetic and said, ‘You have got equine encephalitis,”’ she said. “They ended up admitting me into the hospi­ tal and I stayed for a week.” As it turned out, it was the third case of EEE that had been diagnosed at the hospital in a matter of several hours. “It was baffling to them,” she said. EEE involves swelling of the brain, with symptoms including high fever, muscle pain, headache and seizures. The disease can leave victims paralyzed or intellectually impaired. Even after Swift was able to go home, it took a long time for her to recover. She had to use a wheelchair to get around, and her moth­ er had to come and assist her with such responsibilities as buying groceries. More than a month passed before she was fully healthy again. Fortunately, she said, she shows no long-term effects from the disease. State officials have confirmed 10 human cases of EEE and 34 animal cases statewide, including one human ease and five animal cases in Barry County. The most recent human case was reported in Cass County on Tuesday. Four of the 10 human cases in the state have proved fatal. While some have criticized the decision by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to spray areas where EEE cases have been found, Swift said she believes it was the right thing to do. “The people that are upset about the spray­ ing, my heart feels for them,” she said. “However, there’s (four) lives that have been lost. “If you have a family member or you your­ self encountered (EEE), you would definitely, 100 percent, feel differently.” When the latest round of EEE-related ill­ nesses broke out in August, Swift didn’t hesi­ tate to take measures to protect herself. “Two doors down from us, our neighbors have a couple of horses. I was either (apply­ ing) bug spray or didn’t go out,” she said. MDHHS announced Tuesday that it had completed spraying on more than 557,000 acres across the state where EEE cases had been found. Additional aerial treatment is not planned because of cooler temperatures that have moved in. “In one year, we have had more human EEE cases confirmed than in the past decade,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical exec­ utive and chief deputy for health for MDHHS. “We chose to conduct aerial treatment to pro­ tect the health and safety of Michiganders. “We also continue to urge communities and residents to take precautions against mosquito bites as the risk of EEE remains until the first hard frost.” Townships in Barry County that were sprayed are: Assyria, Baltimore, Barry, Hope, Johnstown, Maple Grove and Prairieville. Residents should continue to protect them­ selves from mosquito bites by: • Avoiding being outdoors from dusk to dawn when mosquitos that carry the EEE virus are most active. • Applying insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-registered product to exposed skin or clothing, and always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use. • Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites. • Maintaining window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside. • Emptying water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes may lay eggs. • Using nets and/or fans over outdoor eat­ ing areas. For more information about EEE, visit michigan .gov/EEE. Traditional and Cremation Services Pre-Planning Services Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible Serving All Faiths Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted AWORLDWIDESUPPUSIOF 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 Steven Lynn Howe, formerly of Hastings, passed away on September 24, 2019 at the age of 58. Steven was bom in Hastings, on March 29, 1961, the son of Lynwood (Chub) and Joanne (Barry) Howe. He attended Hastings High School, graduating in 1979. In 1985, Steven married Terri Randall, and they were married for 28 years. Steven worked as a Team Leader for Meijer, Inc. in Battle Creek for 17 years and Feldpausch Food Center in Hastings for 23 years. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, relaxing with his friends in Fort Myers, FL and resting in his hammock. Steven was preceded in death by his father Lynwood “Chub” Howe and grandparents, Norman (Helen) Barry and Arthur (Leona) Howe. He is survived by his mother, Joanne Howe; children, Tyler (Amanda) Howe and Nicole (Mark) Sherman; grandchildren, Liam, Brooklyn, and Kennedy; brother, Jeff (Beth) Howe, and nephews, Josh and Ian Howe. Visitation will be Monday, Oct. 14, from 6 to 8 p.m. with a funeral service on Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019 at 11 a.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of Michigan, 1169 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48108 or the Make-aWish Foundation, Gift Processing, 1702 East Highland Ave-, Suite 400, Phoenix,. AZ 85Qf$ or www.wish.org. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. ^X <XX X X Owner/Manager 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-3252 • www.gircbachfuneralhome. Family Owned and Operated ow^r Emeriti Serving Hastings, Barry County and Surrounding Communities for 50 years HASTINGS, MI - Luanne Marie Potter of Hastings died on October 7,2019 at age 63. She was bom in Hastings on October 29, 1955, the daughter of Norman and Shirley (Cross) Sinclair. She graduated from Thomapple Kellogg High School in Middleville. On November 15, 1975, she married Kirk Wayne Potter. She retired from Walmart in 2017. She loved making dolls, playing cards, and going to garage sales. Luanne was preceded in death by her father Norman; husband of 39 years, Kirk; son, Scott Potter, and brother, Howard Allen. She is survived by her mother, Shirley; son, Kirk Potter, Jr.; sister, Teresa Dinger; brothers, Rodney (Susan) Allen, and Eddie Kidder; half­ brothers, Norman Sinclair and Chris Sinclair, and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachftineralhome.net. Thornapple Players’ audition Tuesday The Thornapple Players will host auditions Tuesday, Oct. 15, for its Christmas show, “A Gift to Remember.” Auditions will begin at 7 p.m. in the Dennison Performing Arts Center, 231 S. Broadway, Hastings. The show - based on the Debbie Macomber book “Can This Be Christmas?” - has a cast of six men, eight to 11 women and some extras. Rehearsals begin Oct. 21. The show will be performed the first weekend in December. Questions may be directed to Doug Acker, (269-945-9249, or Norma Jean Acker, 269­ 945-2332. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 10, 2019 — Page 7 ENROLLMENT, continued from page 1 At their meeting Tuesday morning, Barry County Commissioners honored Nashville Police Chief Chris Koster, who died Sept. 26. From left: Commissioner Ben Geiger of Woodland and Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt with Koster’s oldest son, Kyle, during the tribute. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Barry County honors Nashville police chief who died Sept. 26 Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry County commissioners paid tribute Tuesday to Nashville Police Chief Chris Koster, who died Sept. 26 in a one-car crash on North 32nd Street in Kalamazoo County’s Richland Township. The father and son of police officers, Koster spent 27 years in law enforcement in Allegan County before the village of Nashville picked him to be its police chief in April 2015. “He was my friend and he will be missed,” said Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt, who had known Koster since about 1993 when she was a prosecutor in Allegan County. Koster was working as a detective for the Allegan County sheriff’s department at that time, she said. “I cannot describe the tremendous loss,” Nakfoor Pratt said “... For anybody that knew Chief Koster, he was a spark... “He described himself as a bull in a china shop, but a more fierce advocate for the elder­ ly, vulnerable and children you have never met.” Nakfoor Pratt said Koster was articulate and had a keen sense of evidence. “He was very, very hardworking... .Chris and I worked well together.” The prosecutor said her proudest moment of Koster was when he doggedly pursued evidence in a cold case in which a girl with Down syndrome was the victim of sexual abuse. She was nonverbal, so she wasn’t able to testify or provide evidence in the case. “Then, when the guy confessed, we still needed evidence. Chris wouldn’t give up.” Eventually, he found some old photos that provided the proof they needed and a convic­ tion followed. The offender is in prison now, she said. Koster always spoke highly of his family, the prosecutor said. He was proud of his wife, Michelle, and sons, Kyle, who works as a probation officer in Barry County, and Hunter, who is a sheriff’s deputy in Allegan County, she noted. County commissioner Ben Geiger said he had spent some time with Koster at the Nashville Sesquicentennial celebration. “I saw him interacting with some kids who had been walking around our neighborhood at night, possibly getting into trouble,” Geiger recalled. “... I saw how he mentored those kids. To see how he came at it, hot as a cop, but as a friend - it touched my heart. “Last night, I heard those kids walking around the neighborhood again and I thought, ‘Who’s going to be their role model now?’ ” The proclamation commended: The 32 years that Koster spent “on duty for the people of West Michigan serving the Otsego Police Department, the Allegan County sheriff’s department and the Nashville police department.” His commitment to the “safety and well-be­ ing of our children and in serving as a detec­ tive tasked with bringing child predators to justice.” and the final chapter of his career in Barry County as Nashville police chief where he “made a permanent, positive impression on the lives of young people and on the streets” of Nashville. The proclamation offered the county’s deepest condolences to Koster’s family and “its sincerest gratitude for his service to our communities and our children.” After reading the proclamation, Geiger turned to Kyle Koster arid said. Your dad left a legacy that we all should live up to.” Kyle Koster replied: “The only thing I would like to add is that my dad enjoyed every bit of his career because of the passion he developed from his father. We are grateful to have found our niche in the community. “And we’ll continue to build his legacy and provide the protection that our community needs. Thank you.” SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Medicare, a simple explanation Vonda VanTil Public Affairs Specialist Social Security and Medicare are both pro­ grams that are household names, but do you know the true difference? Both programs help safeguard millions of Americans as well as improve the quality of life for their family and friends. While Social Security offers retire­ ment, disability and survivors benefits, Medicare provides health insurance. Medicare is our country’s health insurance program for people age 65 or older and younger people receiving Social Security dis­ ability benefits. The program helps with the cost of health care, but it doesn’t cover all medical expenses or the cost of most long­ term care. When you first enroll in Medicare and during certain times of the year, you can choose how you get your Medicare coverage. Original Medicare Original Medicare includes Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). If you want drug coverage, you can join a separate Part D plan. To help pay your out-of-pocket costs in Original Medicare (like your deductible and 20 percent coinsur­ ance), you also can shop for and buy supple­ mental coverage. Examples include coverage from a Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) policy, or from a former employer or union. Medicare Advantage (also known as Part C) Medicare Advantage is an “all in one” alternative to Original Medicare. These “bun­ dled” plans include Part A, Part B, and usual­ ly Part D. Part C plans may have lower out-of­ pocket costs than Original Medicare. They also may offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover ~ such as vision, hearing, dental and more. If you can’t afford to pay your Medicare premiums and other medical costs, you may be able to get help from your state. States offer programs for people eligible for or enti­ tled to Medicare who have low income. Some programs may pay for Medicare premiums and some pay Medicare deductibles and coin­ surance. To qualify, you must have limited income and resources. You can learn more about Medicare, includ­ ing how to apply for Medicare and get a replacement Medicare card, at socialsecurity, gov/benefits/medicare. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email to vonda .vantil @ ssa .gov. Call any time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945-0554 or 1-800-870-7085 change throughout the year. As each school looks at the enrollment, along with cuts and additions to state funding, they can put together an early estimation on the impact to their budgets. Although the schools won’t make their official budget amendments until toward the end of the year. “It’s certainly a mixed bag,” Hastings Assistant Superintendent of Operations Tim Berlin said. The school’s count, with a drop in 66 stu­ dents, is 23 lower than it budgeted for in June, however the district also budgeted for a $180 increase, instead of the $240 it is receiving. Not knowing what the state funding would be, schools budgeted conservatively, and the $240 per pupil increase is more than every school planned for. When adding in increased state funding in areas like special education and at-risk fund­ ing, and cuts to CTE and dual enrollment, the end result is the changes end up cancelling each other out. “We should end up pretty close to neutral as far as what we budgeted,” Berlin said. A student drop of that size can be even more significant for a school like Delton, with a total enrollment of less than half of Hastings. Delton’s loss of 60 students represents a rev­ enue drop of $486,660, though the district did budget for a drop of 40 students. Superintendent Kyle Corlett said the end result Delton is looking at an estimated loss of $40,000, alongside $28,000 in state budget cuts. But Corlett said the school has been able to absorb such losses by paying attention to each small transaction, such as phone bills and utilities. The school has also focused on grants, which have funded an increase in staff, even with the lower student count. Corlett echoed many school officials by pointing to a major challenge in bringing in new students - housing. The amount of students going to other dis­ tricts in school of choice has remained about the same, and though some families have moved away, Corlett said the school tradition­ ally takes the hit in its incoming kindergarten class. The type of people who are buying houses and moving in to Delton just aren’t ones who are raising a family, Corlett said. “We’re doing the best that we can to make sure the community knows that we have qual­ ity schools,” Corlett said. But he pointed out the housing market is a bigger issue outside of the district. Maple Valley was thrown into a budget crisis at the beginning of the last school year. The district was coming out of a deficit year and had a much larger than expected drop in enrollment. “The board really wanted to be conserva­ tive because we got burned last year,” Maple Valley Finance Director Darryl Sydloski said. The school budgeteM: for another major drop this year, of 47 students, and found cause for celebration when they only marked a loss of 10. Looking at both the state funding and enrollment, Sydloski estimated the school will have $337,000 more to work with this year than they expected. Where the funding will go has yet to be decided, but the staff contracts which were negotiated this fall have a provision to rene­ gotiate items such as teacher salaries once the state budget has been finalized, and the enrollment numbers are in. Meanwhile Thornapple Kellogg is able to tout what they call “organic growth” in their numbers. Assistant Superintendent Craig McCarthy attributed the school’s rise in 76 students to families moving into the district. Because the district is reaching its capacity in the number of students it can accept, the school has cut back on the number of school of choice students it is allowing. “Our growth in the area is based on fami- lies having more children,” McCarthy said. He pointed out the district has the highest birthrate in the Kent ISD, and a signifiant number housing options. Based on that growth, McCarthy said the school may need to further cut back the number of school of choice students it accepts. The school is asking for a bond Nov. 5, to increase the number of classrooms and expand capacity. It would allow the school to accom­ modate the sustained growth it is expecting, and accept more school of choice students. Though the administration has yet to decide how to spend the additional funding from the enrollment increase and per pupil fund, McCarthy said some may go towards addi­ tional support staff. Lakewood had projected a drop in 40 stu­ dents this fall, but actually had a raise of 32. “We’re very pleased with the preliminary, unconfirmed numbers,” Superintendent Randy Fleenor said. “If these numbers hold, this will be the first time in many, many years we have not registered a loss of students.” ; Lakewood Business Director Ben Wakley ; said it was too early to put a number on the » changes to the school’s budget, but said he is * “very optimistic about this year.” But some administrators are wary the state J budget may change over the next weeks or; months. After looking at the governor’s vetoes « and the short amount of time spent negotiat-1 ing the budget after it went to the governor, J school officials said there is a good chance it j could be renegotiated. “Over there in Lansing its pretty hard to tell * what they’re going to do,” Wakley said. While the per pupil increase is unlikely to | change, other categories, such as funds for | at-risk, rural schools, special education and | more may change. But after watching the state budget come in four months later than usual, and gridlock on » top priorities such as road repairs, administra-i tors say they aren’t too optimistic about! receiving more funding. Hastings band continues 61-year tradition The Hastings High School Marching Band Tuesday upheld the precedent of earning straight Division I ratings at the Michigan High School Band and Orchestra Association District festival in East Kentwood. “The tradition started in 1959 under the leadership: of Art Steward,” co-band director Spencer White wrote in an email message Tuesday: night. “This year marks the 61 st consecutive year the band has attended the festival ■ and received top honors.” The Saxon marching band currently has 146 members and recently placed second at the Rockford invitational and took first place in Otsego, while also receiving best music, best marching, best percussion and best guard awards. The band finishes its competition season Saturday at Grandville High School, performing ■ at 4:30 p.m. Here, the Saxons perform as non-competing host of the Hastings Marching Band Invitational. (Photo by Kathy Maurer) Hastings Community Music School Is Proud to Present The Annual Kate Mix Memorial Concert Ifluslc Jl&genJs Saturday, October 19, 7pm Dennison Performing Arts Center TICKET PRICES: Adults $12,Children 13-18 $6, Under 12 Free Available at the door or in advance from HCMS Staff and the HCMS Office located on the lower level of Ace Hardware. An evening of great music in memory of a remarkable woman, teacher and musician. Refreshments will be served. ... - Wk Auditions Auditions, Auditions! Auditionsfor the Thornapple Players Christmas show, A GIFT TO REMEMBER Christine Elizabethg Burley, Hastings and Gerald Allen Stoughton, Hastings James Melvin Koster, Crete, IL and Laura Christine Velasquez, Crete, IL Joshua Richie, Hastings and Nicole Elizabeth Canter, Grand Rapids Amanda Jean Mekkes, Freeport and Richard Wayne Burtis, Freeport Allen Kayla Mae, Freeport and Jay Michael Cegelis, Freeport Aubrey May Beeler, Shelbyville and James Dari Delbert, Shelbyville Sara Elizabeth Ley, Hastings and Nicholas Edward Seguin, Hastings Kimberly Anne Ridlington, Wayland and Troy Jan Francisco, Wayland Logan Carlton Petersen, Hastings and Megan Ellen Goggins, Hastings Kaleb Steven Heath, Hastings and Liberty Ann Larsen, Wayland George Henry Tieman, Delton and Sandra Lee Holmes, Caledonia Anthony Michael Makley, Hastings and Alexis Victoria Kelly, Hastings Jay Howard Visser, Nashville and Kayla Brianne Canfield, Middleville Isaiah Cedric Hill, Hastings and Abbie Christine Endsley, Hastings Alison Cassie Evans, Hastings and Ryan Michael Gunn, Hastings (Adapted by Joseph Robinette. Based on the book Can This Be Christmas? by Debbie Macomber) Tuesday, October 15 at 7 PM in the Dennison Performing Arts Center located at 231 S. Broadway, Hastings A Gift to Remember is presented by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing Company. Cast size: 6m., 8 to 1 lw., extras Read through October 17 from 7-9:30 PM Rehearsals on October 21,22,24,28,31, from 7-9:30 PM November 4,5,7,8,9,11,12,14,18,19,21,25,26, from 7-9:30 PM Tech Rehearsal Sunday, December 1 from 2-8 PM Performances are December 4 (open to the public dress rehearsal) December 5,6,7 at 7PM and December 8 at 2PM. Anyone who is a senior in high school or older is welcome to audition. DougAcker is directing. Questions? Call Doug at work at 269-945-9249 or Norma lean Acker at 269-945-2332 THORnflPPLC P LAYERS ® ® bark/® .. thornappleplayers.org The Thornapple Players is a non-profit organization providing theatrical opportunities to the Barry County area. For more information call 269-945-2332 or visit our website at: www.thornappleplayers.org �J?age 8 — Thursday, October 10, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Hake. 6JeUa Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD JONES The planters that grace the downtown blocks of Fourth Avenue have been emptied of their beautiful cannas and begonias and have been refilled with huge chrysanthemum plants in fall colors. The street project is nearly finished. The tarvia spreading is finished. Lane markings are finished, and the crucial railroad warning is in place. As of Tuesday, the marking has yet to be done to indicate individual parking spots. Former resident Margaret Brokaw-Barker of Belding and a Lansing friend were in town Friday to have lunch with a longtime friend. The three ladies had at one time been Carson City residents. Margaret was a 1964 graduate of Lakewood High School and married her classmate Charles Barker who later become superintendent of Belding schools. She worked in the business field and followed this with many years as a classroom teacher. Elaine Garlock Tonight is meeting time for the Lake Odessa Area Historical Society at 7 p.m. Member Bonnie Mattson will be the speaker with » her topic the formation of Lakewood school district and its history. The society had a taco ' supper last Friday. The Ionia County Genealogical Society will meet Saturday at the Emerson Street Museum at 1 p.m. Visitors and guests are J always welcome. At last month’s meeting, ? someone had left a few books of unknown origin. One of them dealt with the Mason family in Massachusetts. The big surprise is that the book contained listing of generations of the Masons down to the McCartney family in Lake Odessa with William and his sister Grace plus their parents and grandparents. These McCartneys are descended from the founder of Cornell University and a governor. The Tri-River Museum group will meet Tuesday, Oct. 15, at Historic Charlton Park. Barry Township names new assistant fire chief the idea of establishing a smoking ordinance in the township. Initially, the board was considering ban­ ning smoking inside all buildings and vehicles and 100 feet from any entrance to a township building. Police Chief Mark Doster brought up the idea of banning smoking on all property except for designated areas provided specifi­ cally as smoking areas. Board members opted to explore the idea before taking any action and revisit it at next month’s meeting. The meeting lasted 31 minutes. Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer During its regular meeting Tuesday, the Barry Township Board of Trustees appointed current Hickory Comers Fire Chief Craig Wyman to an additional two-year term. And, with the departure of former assistant chief Jeff Sage, the township approved Rod Mox to replace Sage. The township approved Mox by a vote of 3-1, with Trustee Lee Campbell as the lone dissenter. Campbell said other candidates are better suited for the job. Trustee Teresa Schuiteboer was absent. In other business, the township explored Not too soon for end-of-year financial moves We’ve still got a couple of months until 2019 draws to a close, but it’s not too early to make some end-of-the-year financial moves. In fact, it may be a good idea to take some of these steps sooner rather than later. Here are a few suggestions: • Boost your 401(k) contributions. Like many people, you might not usually contribute the maximum amount to your 401(k), which, in 2019 is $19,000, or $25,000 if you’re 50 or older. Ask your employer if you can increase your 401(k) contributions in 2019, and if you receive a bonus before the year ends, you may be able to use that toward your 401(k), too. • Add to your IRA. You have until April 15, 2020, to contribute to your IRA for the 2019 tax year, but the more you can put in now and over the next few months, the less you’ll have to come up with in a hurry at the filing deadline. For 2019, you can put up to $6,000 in your IRA, or $7,000 if you’re 50 or older. • Review your portfolio. It’s always a good idea to review your investment portfolio at least once a year, and now is as good a time as any. But don’t make any judgments based solely on your results over the past 10 months. Instead, look carefully at how your portfolio is constructed. Is it still properly diversified, or has it become overweighted in some areas? Does it still fit your risk tolerance, or do you find yourself worrying excessively about short-term price swings? These are the types of factors that might lead you to make some changes, possibly with the help of a financial professional. • Don 7 forget about your RMDs. Once you turn 70%, you generally need to start taking withdrawals - the technical term is “required minimum distributions,” or RMDs - from your traditional IRA and your 401(k) or similar plan. After the first year in which you take these RMDs, you must take them by the end of each year thereafter. If you don’t withdraw at least the minimum amount (calculated based on your age, account balance and other factors) you face a penalty of 50% of what you should have taken out a potential loss of thousands of dollars. So, take your RMDs before Dec. 31. The financial services provider that administers your IRA or 401(k) can help you determine the amount you must withdraw. • Think about next year’s opportunities. It happens to almost all of us: A year has passed, and we haven’t taken the actions we had planned. So, start thinking now about what you want to do in 2020 from a financial standpoint. Can you afford to ratchet up your investments in your retirement plans? If you have children or grandchildren, have you started saving for college? Have you considered ways 3 to protect your financial independence if you ever need some type of long-term care, such as an extended nursing home stay? If these or other items are on your financial to-do list, start planning now to get them done next year. Time goes quickly - so don’t get left behind without having taken the steps to keep moving toward your financial goals. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. If you have any questions, contact Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. In association with: RE/MAX Perrett Associates Inc. (269) 968-6101 800-476- 3939I TarqetAuction.com Statement of Ownership, Management, and Circulation (Ail Periodicals Publications Except Requester Publications) jj&S UNITEDSTATSS POSTAL Z Punhoatanfeitiaf Hastings Banner 10-10-19 NOTICE The minutes of the meeting of the Barry County Board of Commissioners held Oct. 8, 2019, are available in the County Clerk’s Office at 220 W. State St., Hastings, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or www.barrycounty.org. i. SumSsr ef fcatos Patched ArarasT 52 52 129525 $45, $50, $55 1351 N M-43 hwy, P0 Box 188 Hastings MI 49058 ir 8. Weis TIME TO RAISE THE CURTAIN BuSiwrtfflSw'ef ftSSSTthSStote) 1351 S M-43 Hwy PO Box 188 Hastings MI 49058 6. M Meras wi Metins Adanaras Eafex, iwlws —™ Fredric J Jacobs 1351 H M-43 Hwy PG Box 188 Hastings MI 49058 BILL ENGVALL Rebecca Pierce 1351 S M-43 Hwy PO Box 188 Hastings MI 49058 /asSfcg aggressT”' fNera ..... ~~ ” "*~~~~ ‘ ’ o'-’toSstog ’ totoferawSsfitotf. Sftafetowf trarate KfnnsM * psdusrshper titeraHheo'peretei iteL&tte nwflroWafflwfetfeH, gr* daymans Mafera^ - ... ,..?gedr31ft J Jaeobs SATURDAY NOVEMBERS and «ssnss «t waSas fest tf 461 Lakeside St Hastings MI 49058 BOZ SCAGGS • FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22 M Kras* BowHatoMS. Mortgagees. areiSW Srasnfy Hosere Oawg® Htfefeg ? 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Safeiea | I ; i ; 11 I ISO) « g’ II II II i l lI 4. 25 25 25 > ► ► ► 25 I...... ... .....-.... - 489 3300 3300 99.00 99.00 $10,000 PRIZE BOARD EVERY FRIDAY & SATURDAY 4* Doors: 4 PM* Session: 6 PM ftvera«»Hp. Cspiae NaCatjtoxotStnoio teSWPttoilsh^ Ssefttesra owing ftwwsns 12 Months ftosfflHtaFSngtWs N/A f Jj/A N/A N/A 8/A WK K/A N/A - 224.40 37.48 111.71 164.97 66.70 42.50 8.54 8.28 33.88 226.67 131.84 61.84 135.67 51.94 35.43 11.75 207.88 36.33 117.58 128.47 155.05 -.19 +.07 -4.30 -.53 -2.25 -3.20 -.36 -.33 -2.23 -4.41 -1.85 -1.26 -1.40 -3.27 unchngd +.11 -4.84 -.61 -.27 -1.08 +.26 $1,511.80 $17.60 26,164 +$29.80 +.49 -409 Tailbone is vestigial trait Dear Tyler, At the very bottom of the human spine is a bone that sticks out a bit called the coccyx (pronounced cox-ix). We sometimes call it the “tailbone,” but it is actually made up of several different spinal bones. In some animals that actually have tails, those different bones at the bottom of the spine help them move their tail around. But in humans, those bones partially fused together. You may already know a thing or two about the tailbone if you’ve ever hit a big bump while sledding or you’ve fallen on your behind. It can be pretty painful. You might have even thought that a tailbone seems kind of useless for humans, since they don’t have tails. I decided to ask my friend Erika Deinert about these bones in the human body. She’s a tropical biologist and adjunct professor at Washington State University. Even though your parents and grandparents didn’t have tails, if we went back in time and looked at ancestor species we have in common with other primates, we would see some tails, Deinert said. These early primates did not stand upright, so they needed something to help them balance. That’s where a tail can be quite useful. In fact, the tail is almost like having an extra arm or leg to help primates move around. Tails also are useful when swinging in trees, which can help you get where you need to go, like to a nice piece of ripe fruit. But as your primate ancestors started to stand upright, they didn’t really need a tail to help them balance anymore. For a moment, Peinert and I imagined what it would be like if humans had tails these days. “What would a tail really do for us? It would be cool in some ways, but it doesn’t help with balance or moving around because we aren’t in trees,” she said. Even though we don’t see fully grown humans walking around with tails, we do see tails as they develop in the womb. The tail-like structure forms during early development but is usually absorbed before birth. Along with the tailbone, a few othet traits in humans no longer serve their original functions. For example, wisdoni teeth. We just don’t really need them anymore, so we go to the dentist to have them removed. Scientists call these kinds of things vestigial traits. Vestigial comes from the Latin word meaning “footprint” or “trace.” Deinert told me that some scientists are still debating why we still even have a coccyx if we don’t really use it anymore. While some people say it is an important part of our anatomy (there are some ligaments and muscles that attach to it), others say the tailbone is on its way out. While we may have different ideas about it, only time will tell if the tailbone will stick around. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University's resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse .com. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on October 22, 2019 at 9:00 a.m. the Barry County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing on the 2020 Barry County budget during the regular Board of Commissioners meeting in the Commission Chamber, 220 W. State St., Hastings, Ml 49058. 2811 200 i is I |! a r-taSc-tfewKC-atres 0 0 3100 HI I u ijil IM | 16 } ill lib Hi e.ToaiFrwe 0 0 Apple Inc. AT&T Chevron Deere & Co. Exxon Mobil Flowserve CP Ford Motor Co. General Electric Co. General Motors Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP Perrigo Co. Pfizer Inc. Spartannash Comp Stryker TCF Financial Corp. Walmart Inc. Walt Disney Co Whirl Pool Corp NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED BUDGET __ _ d The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. Gold Silver Dow Jones Dr. Universe: .... .............. rWhydo ye haye^a tq^bpneZ^.. s Tyler, 15, East Eiverpdot, England Broker Participation Welcome 10% Buyer's Premium ------ STOCKS— DAILY SESSIONS THURSDAYS - MONDAYS • 12 PM & 6 PM CLOSED TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS Visit FireKeepersCasino.com for details. TIME TO GET YOUR ON | FIREKEEPERS CAS I NO ♦ HOTEL I-94 to Exit 104 | 11177 Michigan Avenue | Battle Creek, Ml 49014 Must be present and playing bingo to win. Schedule subject to change. Management reserves all rights. The property tax millage rate proposed to be levied to support the proposed budget will be a subject of this hearing. A copy of the proposed 2020 Budget is available for public inspection during normal business hours at the County Administrator's office, 3rd floor, Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings, Ml 49058, or at http://www/barrycounty.org/public_ information/finance. Pamela A. Palmer, County Clerk Barry County Board of ,OQncQ Commissioners �The Hastings Banner —- Thursday, October 10, 2019 — Page 9 fl look back at the stories and columns on local history in the Hastings Banner TURNING BACK THE PAGES , Tyden Park marks 80th year Tyden Park has undergone many improvements in recent years, with a new entrance area, veterans plaza and the Riverw&lk passing through the park. This phbto, thought to be from 1939, accompanied Ester WaltdiTs 1989 column, showing the entrance to Tyden Park in its early days. The following column from the Aug. 3, 1989, Banner was written by the late Esther Walton. She looked back 50 years when Tyden Park was first created, providing comments at the beginning and end of a 1939 article. All during the summer of 1939, the city was working on Tyden Park. In the Banner's Oct. 5 issue was a report of what officials planned to do to further the park as a recre­ ational center. This is the story: A city-owned and -operated skating rink will provide a recreational center for the young people of Hastings this winter. Excavating is now in progress at Tyden Park for a large skating rink, 150 by 250 feet. The pond will be shallow so that there will be no danger of drowning in case the ice should give way at any time. It will be well-lighted and will solve a program that has faced the city for a number of years. For the past few years, a skating pond has been provided in back of the Warren Roush grocery store on East Grand [between Michigan and Hanover streets], through the cooperation of Mr. Roush and the city. However, due to the fact that this artificial jtond was fed by a running stream, it became HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE ‘Friday, Oct. 11 - preschool story time, 10:30 a.m.; teen advisory board meeting 4-5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 14 - Quilting Passions craft­ ing club, 10 a.m.-l p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 15 - toddler story time, 10:30-11 a.m.; mahjong -5:30; chess 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16 - acoustic jam session, 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 17 - Baby Cafe, 10 a.m.noon; Novel Ideas Book Club “Thunderstruck” by Erik Larson, 12:30-2 p.m.; Movie Memories and Milestones watches 1958 film starring David Hedson, Patricia Owens and Vincent Price, 5-8 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. unsafe at times and at other times became flooded, spoiling the skating. This will not be true of the new pond. The rink being built at Tyden Park is to be located in the northwest comer of the proper­ ty. Already this summer a beautiful drive has been laid out, and plenty of parking space has been made available so that the pond will be easily reached, and there will be parking space for the skaters and those who come to watch. The plans for the park, as adopted by the city council, call for a swimming pool in con­ nection with the skating rink, and it is sched­ uled to complete the park at a later date. Considerable work has been done at the park this summer; besides laying out and graveling one drive, the grounds have been landscaped and the brush cleared. Quite a bit of seeding also has been done in the front of the plat, along North Broadway. It is expected that the water mains will be laid and the sewer connections put in yet this fall. This work will be done under the WPA [Works Progress Administration], and all or a large part of the 100 WPA men now at work on the county roads will be transferred to the city sewer project within a short time. There is still much to be done on the grounds before the work is complete, but the council is carrying on in accordance with its announced intentions of going forward with the work only as fast as funds are available to pay for it. The original plans call for the build­ ing of another drive to the south and west of the present one. Sanitary toilets will be erect­ ed toward the west of the park with the larger trailer camp laid out in the southwest comer. A drive at the west side will connect with West Mill Street, proving a second outlet for the tourist camp. Along the river on the north side of the park, shuffleboard courts and plac­ es for pitching quoits (horseshoes) will be provided, and to the west of this will be well laid-out public picnic grounds. At the south side of the park will be tennis courts and the athletic field. At the east side and facing Broadway, a superintendent’s house will be erected. This tract of land, containing about nine acres, was formerly the property of the International Seal and Lock Company, and extends along the beautiful Thomapple River for about three blocks and along Broadway for about a block. It was given to the city through the effort of Emil Tyden and was named Tyden Park in honor of this citizen who has done so much for the city of Hastings. It is well located both for a park for the city and for a tourist camp, and when the work is completed, it will be as fine a park as can be found in any city the size of Hastings and will be a credit both to the donor and to the city and its workmen who are making it a reality. The work is under the supervision of city engineer Bert Sparks and his assistant, Mr. Brumm, and the city property committee of the city council. r-Jr-J Historian Ester Walton shared some com­ ments in 1989. World War II, which the U.S. joined two years after the park was established, brought an abrupt halt to the development of the park. Gone was any thought of a tourist park/ campground, swimming pool or horseshoe pits. The city did flood part of the park for ice skating. The rest of the plans died because the war demanded all the energy the country had in manpower and in supplies. Gasoline and tires were rationed, trailer factories were con­ verted to war production, and the park devel­ opment waited until the war was over. [Even the decorative water fountain on the court­ house lawn was removed to be melted and repurposed in a way to benefit the U.S. mili­ tary.] It is a shame that the swimming pool was never installed. It would have made a nice addition to a lovely park. Historically, the Tyden Park location had been an industrial site. First it held a water-powered sawmill. From that came the Bentley Brothers & Wilkes Co. Formed in The relocated Civil War monument is now the center of the veterans plaza at Tyden park, complemented by new markers and others that were relocated from the county courthouse lawn. 1878 as Deekey & Bentley, it started as a sawmill in grew into a window sash, door and blind manufacturing company. A man named George Tomlinson bought out the company and moved the operations across Mill Street. A sawhiill contiMed tb operate on Tyden Park until after 1900. It is not recorded what industry or commerce was conducted on the site between 1900 and 1939, when the Tydens gave the site to the city. But the newspaper did mention the area was unsightly, with tumbled-down buildings. Today it is a beautiful park where children play and family groups hold picnics. The June 21,1972, Banner had a short arti­ cle reporting that Emil Tyden’s daughter had made a contribution to the park in honor of her late husband. Mrs. Groos makes a $15,000 gift to improve sports area at Tyden Park To make the skating area at Tyden Park a year-round recreation spot, Mrs. Florence Tyden Groos has presented a $15,000 gift to the city. Mrs. Groos said she had noted the moves by the city and citizens to maintain and improve the park, and that it occurred to her that others things might be done to further increase the utility of the park. She said she understood the skating area could be resurfaced so that three tennis courts, three basketball courts and a volleyball area could be installed without impairing the use of the area for winter skating. She added that a truly year-round recreation area would pro­ vide the “possibility of some exercise for our generally overweight, middle-age popula­ tion.” She would like the work to be started immediately, and that suitable recognition be given her late husband, Richard A. Groos, for his share in making this contribution possible. r*-j Playing and exercising remain common pursuits at the park for people of all ages. A sand volleyball court is used often in the sum­ mer. The Hastings Riverwalk now courses through the park, drawing numerous pedestri­ ans and bicyclists through the landscaped grounds any given day. An entrance from Mill Street was eventually installed - not for vehi­ cles, but for foot and bicycle traffic on the Riverwalk. The Civil War monument, which was moved from the intersection of Broadway and State streets in the 1960s, is now the focal point of the veterans plaza, complete with fence, flags and markers. Many of the mark­ ers were moved from the courthouse lawn. The entrance was revamped three years ago and now allows for more parking even when the new (2015) decorative metal gates are locked and the park is closed to vehicle traf­ fic. With maintenance by city crews and recent renovations, Tyden Park remains “as fine a park as can be found in any city the size of Hastings and will be a credit both to the donor and to the city.” And it still provides the pos­ sibility of exercise for middle-age citizens. Four bridges undergoing, repairs County expects work to be done by month’s end Greg Chandler Staff Writer Repairs to several bridges over the Thomapple River could be finished before the end of the month. Rehabilitation work is in progress on River Road and Center Road bridges, and new structures are being put in on Thomapple Lake Road and Barger Road under the Michigan Department of Transportation’s Critical Bridges program. The project is scheduled for completion by Oct. 25, said Jake Welch, operations director for the Barry County Road Commission. The road commission applied two years ago to have the spans designated as critical bridges, making them eligible for the state program. MDOT pays 95 percent of the project cost for the bridge work while the road commission picks up the local match. On the bridge projects on River and Center roads, the asphalt layer has been removed, and repairs are being made to the concrete box structure underneath before a new layer of asphalt is applied. Structure replacement and new asphalt has been completed on the Thornapple Lake and Barger roads structures, with the asphalt still needing to be cured before traffic will be able to use the road. Thornapple Lake and Barger roads could reopen to traffic by the end of next week, Welch said. The total cost of the project is $536,120. Anlaan Construction of Grand Haven is the project contractor. Under MDOT regulations, the state contracts for the critical bridge repairs, not the local road commission, Welch said. Because much of the Center Road traffic is using East Mill Street, the county has been maintaining the gravel portion. County crews have been grating the street to eliminate potholes caused by recent rains, Matt Gergen, Hastings Department of Public Services, said. The Center Road bridge over the Thornapple River is one of four currently being repaired with funding primarily from the state’s Critical Bridges program. �Page 10 — Thursday, October 10, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Maple Grove joins peers in opting out of marijuana Taylor Owens Staff Writer As a majority of townships and villages in Barry County have done, Maple Grove Tdwnship board voted unanimously to opt out of allowing recreational marijuana businesses at, an Oct. 2 public hearing. ' The sentiment expressed during the public comment - by about 25 residents - was the opposite of comment during the township’s public hearing last month, in which attendees were almost universally in favor of allowing recreational marijuana businesses. Township Supervisor Jeff Butler said the opinions expressed Oct. 2 were more in line with the November 2018 election, in which Maple Grove voted, 346 to 251, against Proposal 1 to allow recreational marijuana. He also noted the township’s “sphere of influ­ ence,” both Castleton Township and the Village of Nashville, have opted out of recre­ ational marijuana businesses. The number of people at the meeting was an all-time high for Maple Grove Township going as far back as board members could remember. eThere were around 15 people at the pubic hiring last month. At that meeting, people spbke out in support of local resident Jared Justice. Justice, a small acre organic vegetable and marijuana caregiver farmer, had asked the board to consider allowing medical marijuana operations in the township earlier this year. After the board unanimously voted to take no action on the issue, Justice came back to the board a few months later to ask them to con­ sider recreational marijuana farms. As a medical caregiver, Justice said he is allowed 72 plants, for which he is unlicensed, unregulated and untaxed. He has been grow­ ing medical marijuana as a caregiver for more than two years. Justice told the board last mdnth that, if he became a commercial recre­ ational grower, he would need to complete a four-inch thick application, go through a background check, and would be licensed, regulated and taxed. He also would be allowed only 100 plants his first two years. b “I want to do this legally, legitly, the right way,” Justice said. Although he attended the Oct. 2 meeting, Justice did not speak during public comment until after the council voted for the ordinance to opt out. No one spoke in favor of opting in for recreational marijuana during public com­ ment. Multiple residents spoke on their views of marijuana. Although the township board did require the audience members to say their names before speaking, few did so. Many spoke of marijuana as a “gateway drug,” and connected it to problems with harder drugs like crack in Chicago or even opioids in China. Castleton Maple Grove Nashville Assistant Fire Chief and lifetime Maple Grove resident Wayne Gould spoke first. He related his expe­ riences with his shipmates in the Navy, or people he had worked with in manufacturing, who started using marijuana and went on to harder substances which upended their lives. “We live here in Maple Grove Township and we think, ‘Well, it’s going to be grown here, it’s going to go someplace else, and it’s not going to affect us,’ and that’s not true, it’s going to affect all of us,” Gould said. “Eventually it’s going to hit us in hospital premiums, insurance premiums and crime.” Gould also said the regulations aren’t in place yet, and marijuana has been genetically modified to be stronger than it was in the 1970’s. Archie Jennings said he agreed with Gould’s statements, and pointed to neighbors or employees who ruined their lives with drugs. “Right is right and wrong is wrong,” Jennings said. “It’s the long and the short of it.” “58 percent of residents voted no,” another resident said. “That’s a majority.” Barry County Commissioner Heather Wing also attended the meeting and spoke during public comment. “The state hasn’t really set real good stan­ dards yet,” Wing said. “It’s kind of hard to make a decision if you don’t know what Community gearing up for Delton Oktoberfest Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer The first annual Delton Oktoberfest will kick off at 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 12, at William Smith Parkin ^Delton. The event will ffeature a variety of music performers, a cjiiise-in and food vendors. I Ron Daniels, owner of Go Go Auto Parts in Delton, has been one of the key organizers for the celebration, along with Barry Bowers and Paula High. “We want to show how much William Smith Park is growing with the new playground equipment and the upcoming amphitheater and we want to celebrate the growing Delton community around it,” Daniels said. I “I think this is a really cool time to have a party. We want to celebrate the fall and the color of the leaves before the winter comes d6wn on us.” “The support of the community was just overwhelming,” High said. “This community always comes together, regardless of the eVent, whether it be to help a family or to start an event like Oktoberfest. They just say, ‘How can we help?”’ Music will begin with the Crossroads Band from 3 to 5 p.m., followed by Joe IjOrguson’s Big Boss Band from 5:30 to 8:30 pun. t, Both bands will then share the stage together to perform collectively at 8:30 p.m. Groovy Tunes sound and lighting will ‘ provide support for the performers. The cruise-in, sponsored by GoGo Classics, will begin at 4 and run until dusk. The cruise-in is open to everyone, Daniels said, and it doesn’t take a classic car to take part. “If you can drive it, you can bring it,” he said. The first 200 vehicles to arrive at the cruise-in will receive dash plaques. Delton Moose Lodge 1649, one of the major sponsors, will have a beer, wine and liquor tent. Additional sponsors Jerry and Tammy Vanderweele from the Galesburg Meat Company will have food available for purchase and are expected to have a selection of various meats, side dishes and a beverage. Dozens of Delton-area businesses are sponsoring the event, Daniels said. Several individuals are helping with arrangements. The township along with the police and fire departments are on board, as well. And he’s ready for inclement weather. “This is a rain-or-shine event,” Daniels said. “We’ve got multiple tents for cover and bonfires to help with the chill.” This will be the first Oktoberfest, but he said he expects it be an annual event the second Saturday in October well into the future. More information on the event can be found on the Delton Oktoberfest Facebook page. Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 d ;• ' '. ' lllf ' I ■ ' II ill® ' ■ I : I If . ' ■ ill I For Sale Estate Sales ASSORTED WOOD 35.00 face cord. Stored indoors. No sorting. 517-726-1329, 269­ 275-3874. HUGE ESTATE SALE! Fri­ day- Oct 18'th, Saturday- Oct 19th and Sunday- Oct 20th, 2019. Come travel through the journey of time from late 1800s through the 1920s plus World War II, 1950s and on. Now to offer 1800s pock­ et watches, plus furniture, 1920s art work, 1920s and 30s Atkinson fox prints plus decoratives. World War II navel ship target viewer, an original ship's wheel plus military collectibles. Buttons, plus jewelry, marbles, toys, glassware, large assortment of furniture, general store butcher block, ornate iron security doors- great for gar­ den art, collectible booksplus first editions, household items, zero turnaround riding lawn mower, a self propelled mower and tools. This is going to be a huge sale! You don't want to miss! Come tl 0 ^PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: ’ All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act tnd the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise Ainy preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. \ This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper £re available on an equal opportunity ^asis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY travel with us and find a treasure. Absolutely no early sales and no pre-picking. All is available on the first day of the sale. Doors open 9am-5pm sharp. There will be a sign up sheet available at 7am. We accept all major credit cards. Hope to see you there! 8411 North 32nd St. Richland, Michigan 49083. You may call 269-760-1682 for questions. Business Services BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, power washing, home improvements. 269-320-3890. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. they’re going to throw at you.” Trustee Doug Westendorp moved to opt out of recreational marijuana. The motion was seconded by Larry Hook before it was swiftly passed by a unanimous roll call vote. After the vote, Butler asked the public their sentiments on medical marijuana in the town­ ship. “Sentiments would be the same,” Gould said. “I believe growing marijuana for medical is a cover for recreational use,” Westendorp said. Justice then addressed some of the points raised during public comment. “I don’t think it’s fair to say cannabis is a gateway drug,” Justice said. “I’ve used canna­ bis for 10 years. I’ve started and ran three businesses. I work - excuse my language - I work my ass off every day. I work almost 100 hours a week. I’m not lazy, I don’t do other drugs, I use it responsibly. “It’s an individual thing, you can’t justify throwing everybody in the same pool because you know this person or that person who’s abused this or that. If they’re going to abuse a substance, no matter what it is, it’s a personal thing, it’s not the alcohol that caused a person to be an alcoholic, it’s the person that went down that path.” Justice also said marijuana has not been genetically modified, but crossbred over decades to increase the THC, but, again, it’s each person’s choice of how much to take. “If you go to a bar you’re going to drink a 16-ounce beer, you’re not going to drink a 16-ounce whiskey.” Justice said. “You’re just using less of the same product to achieve the same affect.” Justice said people in Maple Grove are going to smoke marijuana regardless of whether his farm remains a caregiver opera­ tion or is commercially licensed as recreation­ al. “But we don’t have to like it,” Gould said. After the meeting, Justice expressed his frustration with the township’s decision. “It’s pretty ridiculous when people get to tell me what I can and can’t do with my land,” Mud flies as Gold gathers for second jamboree at South The conditions were the story more than the results for the Thomapple Kellogg varsity cross country teams at the second OK Gold Conference jamboree of the season Wednesday at the South Christian Sports Park. r v , Calvin College told the Grand Rapids Christian program that it would not be able to host a cross country meet on the collegiate course at the Gainey Athletic Complex because of the wet conditions Tuesday, so the conference took to the South Christian course for the second time this season. “It was a sloppy mess from the gun. Water and mud was splattered far and wide. The girls were taking mud and water like splatter from the brush of a modern artist throwing paint at her canvas,” Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ cross country coach Sam Wilkinson said. “As the race developed, the course got more and more interesting as they doubled back on the places they had already trod, which was a whole lot of nearly shoe-sucking muck. There were parts of orange jersey and patches of skin and hair that you could see, but mostly the girls looked like they rolled in mud.” “This is the kind of day that binds them together even more. This is the kind of day that makes cross country what it is,” he added. The results were secondary to the fun and challenge Wednesday, but there were results. East Grand Rapids won the girls’ meet with 24 points, ahead of Grand Rapids Christian 54, Forest Hills Eastern 63, Thomapple Kellogg 117, South Christian 136, Wayland 170 and Wyoming 223. Grand Rapids Christian sophomore Madelyn Frens won the girls’ race in 19:48.41. East Grand Rapids put eight girls in the top 11. Thornapple Kellogg was led by sophomore Jessica Durkee’s 15th-place time of 21:27.89. TK had freshman Madison Nagel 25th in 22:10.56 and freshman Lucy VanDemark 27th in 22:12.88. Senior Audrey Meyering was 33rd in 22:36.33 and sophomore Kendall Snyder 35th in 22:44.51. Grand Rapids Christian edged the East Grand Rapids boys in their competition, 36-41. Forest Hills Eastern was third with 53 points, ahead of South Christian 113, Thomapple Kellogg 141, Wyoming 184 and Wayland 202. East Grand Rapids seniors placed first and second with Evan Bishop winning in 17:04.98 and Elijah Becker second in 17:26.38. Senior Nick Bushman led TK with an llth-place time of 18:56.32. The TK boys had junior Brennan Lutz 33rd in 20:01.33, sophomore Camden Reynolds 47th in 20:29.63, sophomore Matthew Smith 51st in 20:36.69 and sophomore Jacob Pykosz 53rd in 20:40.17. Justice said to the Maple Valley News He said much of the public comment during the meeting was conjecture and opin­ ion based on decades of propaganda and mis­ information about cannabis. Justice said he has two options: He can move to a different township that allows the growing of recreational marijuana, or he can have multiple caregivers on his farm. Each caregiver is only allowed to have a set number of marijuana plants. But, if a farm has multiple caregivers, it can have more plants - comparable to what Justice might have with a commercial recreational license. Unlike a commercial grow operation, Justice would continue to be unlicensed, unregulated and untaxed. He said it’s not what he wanted to do, but it is the only option available that will allow him to develop his cannabis farm into a more profitable business in Maple Grove Township. Westendorp said he was not surprised by the public sentiment or the board’s decision. “I expected the board to use common sense,” Westendorp said. “If we have to revis­ it it, the decision will be the same.” Municipalities inch toward permanent decision on marijuana Greg Chandler and Taylor Owens Staff Writers The City of Hastings is still collecting information on the recreational marijuana law and its possible effects before it makes a more permanent decision on what to do. The city council passed an ordinance earli­ er this year opting out of the recreational marijuana. Although the ordinance expires in May, the council is working to replace it by the end of the year. “We’re really trying to see what the law is going to be,” Hastings Mayor Dave Tossava said. The council is doing its research, working with attorney Stephanie Fekkes, getting infor­ mation from the Michigan Municipal League and talking to state Rep. Julie Calley, R-Portland. Tossava said the issue will be discussed at an upcoming council workshop meeting, and he expects a decision to be made in the next few months. In Middleville, the village council unani­ mously approved a measure banning marijua­ na facilities and establishments in April, blit that action included a provision that the plan­ ning commission revisit the ordinance in January. At a committee of the whole meeting on Oct. 1, the council agreed to hold a joint meet­ ing with the planning commission after the final rules are put in place by the state. Village attorney Mark Nettleton said he would update the two entities at that meeting on the regulations, after which the council could decide whether to retain its “opt-out-’ status. “We have business owners that are interest­ ed. We might as well run this out and see where it sits,” Middleville Trustee Mike Cramer said. Son accused of stealing cash, phone, gas A 64-year-old man called police Sept. 26 to report his son likely stole items from his house in the 2000 block of Performance Lane in Hastings Charter Township. The man said he had been in the hospital from Aug. 26 to Sept. 23, and believed his son, 37, of Battle Creek, had been in his house during that time. The man said 10 gallons of gasoline, his cellphone and $800 in cash were missing. The man did not know how to reach his son, and he has not been located. The case is inactive pending more information. TV stolen from elderly person’s home A 73-year-:old man called police to report a break-in at the 2000 block of South Whitmore Road in Rutland Charter Township Oct. 5. The man is a neighbor who is watch­ ing the house while the 86-year-old resident is away. The man said his son was on the property to hunt and saw tire tracks on the grass and a broken bedroom window. When they went inside, they found that the house had been ransacked, but the only thing they could tell was missing was a TV. The case is inactive pending further information. Cousins suspected in theft of handgun A 41-year-old Kalamazoo woman reported her Glock 43 handgun was missing from her late uncle’s residence in the 7000 block of Wolf Road in Assyria Township. Although the woman said the gun went missing in February, she did not report it stolen until Sept. 30. , The woman said she suspected her cousins took the gun, which was stored in a bam, but they cut off contact from her, and she has been unable to locate them. The case is inactive pending further information. Man drinking with not very concealed gun Officers responded to Yankee Bill’s Woodfired Saloon in Rutland Charter Township for a complaint of a man, 49, of Zionsville, Ind., drinking with a gun under his shirt at 2:35 p.m. Oct. 4. When officers arrived, the man’s gun was underneath his shirt, although he did not have a concealed pistol license, and had a 0.262 blood alcohol content. The man also had a serious medical condition, which led the officers to obtain permission from the prosecutor’s office to take him and the gun to a family friend. Information was forwarded to the prosecutor’s office. Arrests made for multiple cases of DWI A 23-year-old Otsego man was arrested at 12:17 am. Sept. 8, for operating a vehicle while he was impaired. The officer stopped the man on Saddler Road near Dennison Road in Orangeville Township, after he failed to yield at a stop sign, and was weaving over the centerline. He had a blood alcohol content of 0.17. An officer stopped a vehicle at 1:20 am. on Second Street, near First Street, in Middleville for an improper plate. The driver, a 47-year-old Middleville man, admitted to drinking six beers, but refused a Breathalyzer. He was arrested, and has two prior operating a vehicle while impaired convictions and a suspended license. A 35-year-old Lake Odessa man was stopped for driving 78 mph in a 55 mph zone on Coats Grove Road near Martin Road in Woodland Township at 10:06 pm. Oct. 6. He had a blood alcohol content of 0.114. Loud exhaust tips off outstanding warrant A 40-year-old Wayland man was stopped for having a loud exhaust on Patterson Road near Jackson Road in Thomapple Township at 9:15 pm. Oct. 5. The officer noticed the man was hiding an open beer between his legs, and he had an outstanding warrant for domestic assault in Barry County. He was arrested. Two men use counterfeit bills in Middleville Two $100 counterfeit bills were found at Johnny’s Shell Station in Middleville at 6:28 pm. Oct. 4. An employee said two men came into the store, one used a bill at Subway, and the other used a bill at the gas station register. Both bills passed the store’s marker test, although they had the same serial number. The case is inactive without additional informa­ tion. .. Domestic assault includes pet’s ashes A 42-year-old man called police to his residence in the 11000 block of Ford Point Drive । in Prairieville Township at 7:53 p.m. Oct. 4. The man told police he had been arguing with his girlfriend, 27, of Plainwell, for the past few days, because he believed she was trying to scam him. The man said she had told him his vehicle was towed for an unpaid parking ticket, but he later discovered it was not towed. Then, that day he had asked her to pick up his dog’s ashes from the veterinarian’s. But when she got there, she said she threw them out the window of her car. The man said he hit her, then called the police. When she found =. out the police were on their way, she left the house on foot, taking the keys to his vehicle with her. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 10, 2019 — Page 11 LEGAL NOTICES Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, thcit the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on October 31, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Elizabeth Anne Molson, an unmarried person Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association Date of Mortgage: July 16, 2012 Date of Mortgage Recording: July 31,2012 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $51,238.18 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in village of Nashville, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 29, Orsemus A. Phillip’s Addition to the Village of Nashville, also known as Phillips 1st Addition, according to the plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats on Page 19. Jhe redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in afflordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). it the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32,pf the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: October 3,2019 Trott Law, PC. 1397179 (10^03)(10-24) 129285 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Dustin Johnson and Brooklynn Johnson, husband and wife, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Sysfems, Inc., as nominee for lender Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on October 17, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Richard Kreps and unmarried man and Hope Knapper and unmarried woman Original Mortgagee: CitiFinancial, Inc. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): J.P. Morgan Mortgage Acquisition Corp. Date of Mortgage: June 24, 2009 Date of Mortgage Recording: June 26, 2009 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $48,156.76 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Assyria, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: A Parcel of land in the Northwest 1/4 of Section 22, Town 1 North, Range 7 West, described as: commencing 10 rods 8 1/10 links West of the Northeast corner of the West 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4 of said Section 22, thence West 10 rods 8 1/10 links, thence South 12 rods 16 2/10 links, thence East 10 rods 8 1/10 links, thence North to the Place of Beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: September 19, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1396096 (09-19)(10-10) 128517 and lender’s successors and/or assigns, Mortgagee, dfited January 25, 2017 and recorded January 27, 2017 in Instrument Number 2017-000925 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by MidFirst Bank, by assignment. There is clpimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Seventy-One Thousand Seven Hundred Ninety-Nine and 63/100 Dollars ($71,799.63), including interest at 4.5% per annum. ? Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or scfme part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on NOVEMBER 14, 2019. Said premises are located in the Village of woodland, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: ■ ' ■ 'Lot 6 and the East 1/2 of Lot 4, Block 5 of Parrott’s Addition to the Village of Woodland according to the pl^t thereof recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, Page 36 of "Berry County Records. .The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at tlie mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: October 10, 2019 F|e No. 19-009058 Fihn Name: Orlans PC (tb-10)(10-31) 129790 NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF BARRY COUNTY hfctice is hereby given that the Barry County Planning Commission . will conduct a public hearing for the following: I Case Number: SP-12-2019 - James & Pamela Treat (Applicants); Brian & Lisa Whiteman/Absolute Housing Services LLC (Property Owners) Location: 5640 Thornapple Lake Road, Nashville, in|Section 30 of Castleton Township. ^Purpose: Requesting a special use permit to construct a personal storage building pursuant to Article 23, Section 2357 in the RR (Rural Residential) zoning district. | Case Number: SP-13-2019 - Larry Doezema (Property Owner) ^Location: Old Barn Road, Freeport, in Section 4 of Clrlton Township. j Purpose: Requesting a special use permit to construct a personal storage building pursuant to Afticle 23, Section 2357 in the RR (Rural Residential) zqning district. MEETING DATE: October 28, 2019. TIME: 7:00 pk PLACE: Tyden Center, Community Room, 121 South Church Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. j Site inspections of the above described properties w|l be completed by the Planning Commission members before the hearing. Interested persons desiring to present their views upon an appeal, either verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned place and time. Any written response may be mailed to the address lilted below, faxed to (269) 948-4820, or emailed to Barry County Planning Director James McManus at lmo^anus@baLrycoynty/org.. J The special use applications are available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning Department, 2|0 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Ppase call the Barry County Planning Department at (209) 945-1290 for further information. I The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities a|the meeti^/hearihg upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of B|rry by writing or call the following: Michael Brown, Cbunty Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 945-1284. PamelaPalmer, Barry County Clerk 129644 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on October 17, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Robert Zickus Jr. and Vicki 2ickus, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Ditech Financial LLC FKA Green Tree Servicing LLC Foreclosing Assignee (if any): None Date of Mortgage: September 16,1998 Date of Mortgage Recording: September 23, 1998 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $43,860.62 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: The North 330 feet of the West 264 feet of the East 528 feet of the North 20 acres of the West 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 12, Town 1 North, Range 8 West. Subject to rights of ingress and egress appurtenant to land adjoining the east thereof over an existing driveway 12 feet in width the centerline of which begins at a point on the south right of way of lacey road 30 feet West of the East line described parcel and ends at a point on said East line 80 feet South of said South right of way line of Lacey Road. The redemption period shall be 1 year from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: September 19, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1395924 (09-19)(10-10) 128413 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee for any reason. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest, and the purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Notice is hereby given that the below mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the Circuit Court of Barry County at 1:00 pm on October 17, 2019. Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Karla D Hayward, and Dale B Hayward, Wife and Husband Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for America’s Wholesale Lender, its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Bank of America, N.A. Date of Mortgage: July 14, 2006 Date of Mortgage Recording: August 9, 2006 Amount claimed due on mortgage on the date of notice: $74,566.99 Description of the mortgaged premises; Situated in the Township of Orangeville, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: The North 9 acres of the West 15 acres of the Southwest one-quarter of the Northwest one-quarter of Section 14, Town 2 North, Range 10 West. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in a&ordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or upon the expiration of the notice required by MCL 600.3241 a(c), whichever is later; or unless MCL 600.3240(16) applies. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: 09/19/2019 Potestivo & Associates, P.C. 115432 (09-19)(10-10) 128497 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28290-DE Estate of Gary L. Peake. Date of birth: 07/26/1945. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Gary L. Peake, died 06/21/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Sara A. Decker, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Ste. 302, Hastings, Michigan 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 10/02/2019 Robert L. Byington P-27621 222 West Apple Street, P.O. Box 248 Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-9557 Sara A. Decker 913 N. Dartmouth Kalamazoo, Michigan 49006 129807 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on November 7, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Jack A. Horn, Jr. and Brenda A. Horn, Husband and Wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Mr. Cooper Date of Mortgage: December 14, 2018 Date of Mortgage Recording: December 27, 2018 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $127,103.72 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Carlton, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: A parcel of land in the Southwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 16, Town 4 North, Range 8 West, described as: Beginning at a point in the North right-of-way of M-43 which is 807.2 feet East and 69.6 feet North of the South 1 /4 post of said Section 16; thence North 210 feet; thence East 175 feet; thence South 210 feet; thence West 175 feet to the place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person yvho buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sate or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This hotice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: October 10, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1398032 (10-10)(10-31) 129829 NOTICE We are attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Notify us at the number below if you are in active military duty. MORTGAGE SALE - Pursuant to the terms and conditions of a certain mortgage made by AUSTIN BAADE , an unmarried man, Mortgagors, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (MERS) as nominee for Success Mortgage Partners, Inc., Mortgagee, dated the 23rd day of June, 2017 and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds, for The County of Barry and State of Michigan, on the 23rd day of June, 2047 in Doc# 2017-006377 of Barry County Records, said Mortgage having been assigned to Freedom Mortgage Corporation on which mortgage there is claimed to be due, at the date of this notice, the sum of One Hundred Fifty Three Thousand One Hundred One & 20/100 ($153,101.20), by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, and pursuant to statute of the State of Michigan, notice is hereby given that on the 24th day of October, 2019 at 1:00 PM o’clock Local Time, said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale at public auction, to the highest bidder, at the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Ml, of the premises described in said mortgage, or so much thereof as may be necessary to pay the amount due, with interest thereon at 4.500 per annum and all legal costs, chargds, and expenses, including the attorney fees allowed by law, and also any sum or sums which may be paid by the undersigned, necessary to protect its interest in the premises. Which said premises are described as follows: All that certain piece or parcel of land, including any and all structures, and homes, manufactured or otherwise, located thereon, situated in the Township of Rutland, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and described as follows, to wit: Lot 6 of Smith’s Lakeview Center, Rutland Township, Barry County, Michigan, according to the plat thereof recorded in Liber 6 of Plats, Page 50 of Barry County Records. During the six (6) months immediately following the sale, the property may be redeemed, except that in the event that the property is determined to be abandoned pursuant to MCLA 600.3241a, the property may be redeemed 30 days after the foreclosure sale or when the time to provide the notice required by the statute expires, whichever is later. Pursuant to MCLA 600.3278, the mortgagor(s) will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney Dated: 09/26/2019 Freedom Mortgage Corporation Mortgagee FABRIZIO & BROOK, P.C. Attorney for Servicer 700 Tower Drive, Ste. 510 Troy, Ml 48098 (248) 362­ 2600 FMC FARM BAADE (09-26)(10-17) 128811 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 2019-28314-DE Estate of Anthony Charles Smitherman, deceased. Date of birth: 02/14/1975. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Anthony Charles Smitherman, died 05/09/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Nancy Jones, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, 302, Hastings, Michigan 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 10/02/2019 Jason S. H. ter Avest P77841 68 E. Michigan Avenue Battle Creek, Ml 49017 (269) 968-6146 Nancy Jones 10925 Love Road Bellevue, Mi 49021 (269)763-0160 129645 SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE - Patrick Hard an unmarried man, granted a mortgage to National City Mortgage, Mortgagee, dated April 18, 2008, and recorded on April 29, 2008, in Document No. 20080429­ 0004599, and assigned by said mortgagee to Michigan State Housing Development Authority, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Forty-Two Thousand Six Hundred Forty-Eight and 36/100 Dollars ($42,648.36). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the Barry County Courthouse, Hastings Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on October 24, 2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: Lot 10 and the East 6 feet of Lot 9, Block 7, H J Kenfield's Addition, according to the recorded Plat thereof as recorded in Liber 1, Page 9 of Plats, Barry County Records. The redemption period will be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 125.1449v, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 125.1449v(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. Michigan State Housing Development Authority Mortgagee/ Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman P.C. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1396859 (09-26)(10-17) 129026 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on October 31,2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Walter Sharrow, a single Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Sgdlosinq Assignee (if any): MidFirst Bank Date of Mortgage: March 9,2016 Date of Mortgage Recording: March 16,2016 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $67,105.03 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Yankee Springs, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 2, Block 2 of Sandy Beach Park, according to the recorded Plat thereof as recorded in Liber 2 of Plats, on Page 18. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: October 3,2019 Trott Law, P.C. ■ 1397403 (10-03)(10-24) 129419 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on October 17, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Vernard MC Clelland Jr, a married man AKA Vernard Albert MC Clelland and Sue Ann MC Clelland, his wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns ForeclosingAssignee(ifany): Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation, as Trustee for the benefit of the Seasoned Loans Structured Transaction Trust, Series 2018-1 Date of Mortgage: April 25, 2005 Date of Mortgage Recording: May 2, 2005 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $96,874.96 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Hope, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: The South 177 feet of the West 1/2 of the East 1/2 of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 12, Town 2 North, Range 9 West, except commencing at the South 1/8 post on the Northwest 1/4 of said Section 12, North 89 degrees 56 minutes East 290.4 feet, North 00 degrees 58 minutes West 177 feet, South 89 degrees 56 minutes West 287.4 feet South 177 feet to the point of beginning. Also except the East 20 feet thereof. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: September 19, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1396117 (09-19)(10-10) 128531 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Trust Trust: The James E. Stoneburner Living Trust, u/a/d 10-5-2000. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, James E. ] Stoneburner, who lived at 9451 Kingsbury Rd., Delton, Ml 49046, died 08/09/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the trust will be forever barred unless presented to the Trustee, Shirley H. Stoneburner, within 4 months from the date of publication of this notice. Blaque W. Hough P-47697 300 South State St., Ste. 11 Zeeland, Ml 49464 (616) 212-9336 Shirley H. Stoneburner 9451 Kingsbury Rd. Delton, Ml 49046 129700 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FILE NO. 19-28328-NC In the matter of Silas Chase Borror. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS including: whose address(es) is/are unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on 10/23/2019 at 1:30 p.m. at 206 W. Court St., #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge Hon. William M. Doherty P41960 for the following purpose: Petition for a Minor Name Change for Silas Chase Borror to be changed to Silas Chase Bridgman. Carol Jones Dwyer 32669 1425 South Hanover Street Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-5050 Joel Bridgman 1720 Buehler Road Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)953-5805 129808 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of' them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on October 24, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Christopher Vanstee and Tami Vanstee, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Freedom Mortgage Corporation Date of Mortgage: November 21, 2016 Date of Mortgage Recording: December 8, 2016 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $275,423.03 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Thornapple, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 52, Boulder Creek Estates, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 6 of Plats, Page 23. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under: Chapter 32 of the Revised Judteature Act of 1961s pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at . the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: September 26, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1396334 (09-26)(10-17) 128648 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on October 31,2019: Name(s) of the mortgagors): John Joseph Kosteleo and Andrea Kostelec, Husband And Wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Freedom Mortgage Corporation Date of Mortgage: October 12,2016 Date of Mortgage Recording: October 13,2016 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $178,728.76 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Charter Township of Rutland, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Part of the East 1/2 of the Northeast 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 16, Town 3 North, Range" 9 West, Rutland Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: Commencing at the North 1/4 corner of said Section 16; Thence South 89 degrees 10 minutes 01 second West, 310.00 Feet along the North Line of said Section 16, to the point of beginning for this description; Thence continuing South 89 degrees 10 minutes 01 . second West, 348.57 feet along said North line; Thence South 02 degrees 52 minutes 29 seconds East, 510.00 feet along the West line of said East 1/2 of the Northeast 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4; Thence North 89 degrees 10 minutes 01 second East, 315.45 feet parallel with the North Line of said Section 16; Thence North 02 degrees 51 minutes 50 seconds West, 229.00 feet parallel with the East line of said Northwest 1/4; Thence North 89 degrees 10 minutes 01 second East, 33.02 feet; Thence North 02 degrees 51 minutes 50 seconds West, 281.00 feet to the point of beginning. Subject to and together with an easement for ingress, egress and public utilities as described below: Easement Description: An Easement for ingress, egress and utilities over part of the East 1/2 of the Northeast 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 16, Town 3 North, Range 9 West, Rutland Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: Commencing at the North 1M corner of said Section 16; Thence South 89 degrees 10 minutes 01 second West, 310.00 feet along the North line of Section 16 to the point of beginning of this easement description; thence South 02 degrees 51 minutes 50 seconds East, 860.00 feet parallel with the East line of said Northwest 1/4; Thence North 89 degrees 10 minutes 01 second East, 117.00 feet; Thence South 02 degrees 51 minutes 50 seconds East, 120.00 feet; Thence South 89 degrees 10 minutes 01 second West, 183.04 feet; Thence North 02 degrees 51 minutes 50 seconds West, 980.00 feet; Thence North 89 degrees 10 minutes 01 seconds East, 66.04 feet along the North line of said section to the point of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: October 3,2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1397328 (10-03)(10-24) 129398 �fpage 12 — Thursday, October 10, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Vikes and Eagles set for annual de facto GLAC title game Brett Bremer Sports Editor The only two teams to ever win a Greater Cansing Activities Conferenve football cham­ pionship meet up on Unity Field at Lakewood &igh School Friday as the Lakewood Vikings $lay host to Olivet. ; The Vikings suffered a tough 16-14 loss at Stockbridge Friday night. The Vikings hadn’t lost a GLAC contest to someone other than (|)livet since the Panthers scored a seven-point in over them back in the league’s inaugural season (2014). Olivet is off to a 6-0 start over­ all, but the Vikings can pull even with the Ragles in the GLAC standings with a win Friday. '“'After starting the season with a loss to Belding, Lake wood came back with wins against Leslie and Perry, followed by a loss to (^adillac and now Stockbridge. When the Vikings come up against Olivet Friday at lone, it’s the Perry game that Markwart \|t)uld like to emulate. That 48-26 victory was tire best thus far, “on both sides of the ball,” he said. “We put everything together.” &As he mentions putting everything togeth­ Delton Kellogg running back Richard Hill tries to fight off Watervliet’s Nick Polaskey er, he noted that senior quarterback Jacob (2) as the host Panthers close in on the visiting Pathers’ goal line during the second I^enbaas should be back Friday. Elenbaas has half of the homecoming contest at DKHS Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Been a starter for the Viking varsity since 2017 and was an all-conference honoree in Interstate 8 Athletic Conference the Greater Lansing Activities Conference last 6-0, 5-0 Lumen Christi fall. He led an offense that scored the third rtiost points in school history last year. 5-1,4-1 Coldwater 5-1,4-1 Parma Western J “We’ve got a game next week,” he added, 3-3, 3-2 Marshall ‘|And we’ve got some kids back that were 3-3,2-3 Harper Creek injured. We’ve been pretty beat up the last 1-5, 1-4 Hastings three or four weeks. The kids are playing 1-5, 1-4 Northwest hard. And they continue to fight,” Markwart ^aid. 1-5,0-5 Pennfield OK Gold Conference All of the county contests this week start 4-2,3-0 East Grand Rapids darly, with Hastings at Pennfield and 4-2, 3-0 GR Christian Lakewood against Olivet kicking off at 4:30 3-3,2-1 South Christian $.m. Delton Kellogg, Thomapple Kellogg and 3-3,2-2 Forest Hills Eastern Maple Valley all have 5 p.m. starts planned, 3-3,2-2 Thornapple Kellogg t While the Vikings will certainly be under­ dogs going into the contest against the Eagles, 2-4,0-3 Wyoming 0-6,0-4 Wayland t ley are the only Barry County varsity foot­ Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley ball team with real hopes left of scoring a 6-0,2-0 Schoolcraft conference championship. 3-3,2-0 Kalamazoo United * Delton Kellogg and Thomapple Kellogg 4-2,1-1 Constantine both sit a couple games back of their confer­ 4-2,1-1 Delton Kellogg ence leaders with some tough match-ups 2-4,0-2 Head. The Trojans host an East Grand Rapids Watervliet 1-5,0-2 team that kept its conference record perfect Coloma With a 24-point win over South Christian last Greater Lansing Activities Conference Weekend. Delton Kellogg goes on the road to 6-0,3-0 Olivet Portage Central where it will take on a 2-4,2-1 Lakewood 3-3, 1-2 Kalamazoo United team that shut out Perry 1-5,1-2 Watervliet and Coloma in back-to -back weeks Stockbridge to< open Southwestern Athletic Conference 2-4, 1-3 Leslie Here is a round-up of last Friday’s local Valley Division play. Maple Valley has one of the toughest gridiron action. Jackson Lumen Christi quarterback Jackson Lumen Christi 42, Hastings 14 matches of the weekend in eight-player fpoF. Brendan Wilson manages to get off a The defending state champions from ball, visiting Martin. The Clippers are one or touchdown pass as he’s hit by the Saxons’ Jackson Lumen Christi scored on their first eight undefeated (6-0) eight-player teams left six possessions on in a 42-14 victory over the Zach Perry during the Titans’ Interstate-8 in the state. The Hastings varsity football team is in the Hastings varsity football team inside Baum Athletic Conference victory in Hastings same position it was a year ago, 1 -5 with ball­ Stadium at Johnson Field Friday. Friday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Hastings only had three full possessions in games against Pennfield, Jackson Northwest and Charlotte to close out the season. Hastings the first half, throwing an interception on its rolled to three straight victories in October to first possession and then turning the ball over the first half. The Saxons also got a 41-yard touchdown close out the 2018 season and hope to do the on downs twice. That third Saxon drive same in 2019 starting with its trip to Pennfield marched the ball from the Saxons’ own run from Hunter Allerding in the opening this Friday. The Interstate-8’s green and gold 28-yard-line to the Titans’ 11 before three minute of the second half. Gabe Trick scored Panthers edged Lakewood by four points in incomplete passes turned the ball over on on a one-yard touchdown run midway through the third quarter. Austin Bleam added a pair of week one, but haven’t won a game since that downs. The Titans built a 28-0 lead in the first half, two-point conversion runs. Aligust contest. Bleam had ten rushes in the contest for 68 Editor Rebecca Pierce contributed to this and then added 14 points in the third quarter. Walker Plate rushed for five touchdowns, yards. Saxon quarterback Carter Cappon had article including three in the first half for the Titans, seven rushes for 57 yards, and completed Local Standings scoring on runs of 53, 37 and 14 yards. He 2-of-ll passes for 25 yards. Allerding added (record, playoffpoints) also scored on runs of 51 and 67 yards in the eight rushes for 55 yards and TJ Russell had 4-2,47.000 Delton Kellogg third quarter. Plate had 12 carries in all for 11 carries for 45 yards. 3-3,40.333 "Thomapple Kellogg Trick had a team-high 6.5 tackles for 262 yards. 2-4,26.167 "Lakewood Titan kicker Kevin Salazar hit all six of his Hastings. Ben Ferrell had 5.5 tackles and 1- 5,20.167 Hastings extra-point attempts. Titan quarterback Corbin Ulrich 5. 2- 3, NA Maple Valley Delton Kellogg 34, Watervliet 14 Brendan Wilson also threw a six-yard touch­ Conference Standings Delton Kellogg senior left tackle Brady down pass to Cole Simpson before the end of (overall, conference) Haas fired off the line, stepped inside and drove the Watervliet tackle in front of him, Conner Underwood, backwards six yards. Delton Kellogg junior running back Bradley Bunch blew through the right side of the line for a nine-yard gain on that first snap of the game for the host Panthers. Haas and the Delton Kellogg offensive line kept pushing Watervliet back, and Bunch as the Delton Kellogg running backs kept find­ ing lanes to run through as Delton celebrated a 34-14 victory over Southwestern Athletic Conference foe Watervliet for homecoming at DKHS. Bunch scored on a five-yard run early in the opening quarter and a five-yard run early in the second, with teammate Gabby Petto adding extra-point kicks to give the hosts a 14-0 lead. It wasn’t all crowns and roses for the Panthers and their homecoming king Haas, who was crowned at halftime. Watervliet ral­ lied back to tie the game at 14-14 with 38.8 seconds to play in the first half. Watervliet freshman quarterback Tyson Williams tossed a pair of short touchdown passes to receiver Evan Hutchins. The second, from nine yards out, was followed by a twopoint conversion pass to Logan Duscha that tied the contest with 38.8 seconds to play in the first half. Delton Kellogg managed to go 56 yards for a go-ahead touchdown in those final seconds of the first half. Three runs by senior running back Jordan Rench, a Watervliet offside pen­ alty, and two rushes by Bunch had Delton back in front 21-14 with the addition of Petto’s extra-point. Bunch rushed the ball 26 times for 185 yards in the game, and Rench had 17 rushes Maple Valley running back Hugheston Heckathorn races up the right sideline during for 113 yards. Rench intercepted a pass on Watervliet’s his team’s victory over visiting Toledo Christian Friday night at Maple Valley High second snap of the second half and then School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) scored a touchdown on 11-yard run a few Delton Kellogg’s Corey Moore brings down Watervliet’s Jerry Unger in the backfield after a reception during the first half Friday in Delton, with teammate Alex Whitmore closing in to offer support. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hastings running back Austin Bleam dodges Lumen Christi defensive back Jack Kelley (1) at the line of scrimmage during their ballgame Friday evening inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field. (Photo by Perry Hardin) minutes later in the third quarter. The Delton Kellogg defense held Watervliet to just one first down in the third quarter, and came up with some big play near its own end zone in the fourth to preserve the homecom­ ing lead. Rench intercepted a Watervliet pass in the end zone with 9:03 to go in the ball­ game, but DK fumbled the ball away its first offensive snap. A strip sack on fourth down by Delton Kellogg junior Hunter Belew killed that Watervliet opportunity. Delton Kellogg sealed the victory with a 13-play drive that ate up most of the final seven and a half minutes of the bailgame and culminated in a one-yard touchdown run by Richard Hill, making up for a fumble at the goal-line in the opening quarter. Grand Rapids Christian 35, Thornapple Kellogg 0 The Grand Rapids Christian Eagles shut out Thornapple Kellogg 35-0 in Grand Rapids to improve to 3-0 on the OK Gold Conference Friday. The Trojans managed just 126 yards of offense and turned the ball over four times, losing two fumbles and throwing a pair of interceptions. The Trojan defense forced a three-and-out the first time the Eagles had possession of the ball, but after the first two Trojan turnovers of the evening Grand Rapids Christian worked its way to the end zone. The Eagles first struck with a 49-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Eason Hardouin to John Holmes with 3:10 to go in the opening quarter, then added a 30-yard TD pass from Hardouin to Jordan Dockery five minutes into the second quarter. After moving out to the 14-0 lead, the Eagle defense forced a quick three-and-out and then the Eagle offense put together an 89-yard drive that took most of the last four and a half minutes off of the first half clock. The Eagles scored their third touchdown on a one yard run by Thaddius Gamble to go into the half up 21-0. Christian put together another 80-plus-yard drive late in the third quarter, with a six-yard TD run by Hardouin at the end of it to stretch the lead to 27-0. A Trojan fumble on the sec­ ond play of the fourth quarter eventually turned into a 10-yard touchdown pass from Hardouin to Charlie Jones. Hardouin was 17-of-26 passing in the ball­ game for 249 yards and three touchdowns. Dockery was his top receiving option as he hauled in five passes for 115 yards. Gamble had a big night on the ground, rushing 18 times for 93 yards and a score. Trojan quarterback Reece Garbrecht was 4-of-ll passing for 40 yards and rushed 11 times for 37 yards. He was the Trojans’ top ground gainer. Alex Bonnema hauled in two receptions for 21 yards. Jake DeJong had one catch for ten yards, and TK welcomed back junior receiver Cole Shoobridge who pulled in one reception for nine yards. Adam Bush had a team-high 10.5 tackles for TK. Ryan Holmes added six tackles. Stockbridge 16, Lakewood 14 The stats for the Lakewood/Stockbridge varsity football matchup Friday tell a story but that story didn’t end the way the Vikings had intended. Stockbridge grabbed the win, 16-14, on a two-point conversion with 2 minutes and 42 seconds remaining. Lakewood head coach Matt Markwart spoke of Friday night’s game in a series of staccato recaps of stopped drives and fum­ bles, pass attempts that failed and blocked extra points. “We were making mistakes,” Markwart said, “The same things that have plagued us all year. We had three touchdowns called back tonight. “We were just getting our drives together when we’d end up shooting ourselves.” It was a particularly tough loss since the Vikings were ahead until the last few minutes of the game. In total offense for the night, Lakewood had 301 yards, compared to Stockbridge with 217. Lakewood had 32 rushing attempts for 217 yards, while Stockbridge rushed the ball 32 times for 97 yards. Jayce Hanson was the Vikings’ go-to guy for getting points on the board. “Jayce has been playing good football for us,” Markwart said. Hanson had the two touchdowns that count­ ed: A six-yard run in the second quarter to tie the game; then a 28-yard run in the three quarter to put Lakewood in the lead. He was nine completions for 13 attempts passing for one touchdown and 13 carries for 110 yards and two touchdowns rushing. Continued next page �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 10, 2019 — Page 13 DK-TK-Hastings girls take first battle of co-champs Brett Bremer Sports Editor There is the chance that over the next twoplus season there will be a lot more great races between Abby Marcukaitis and Emmory VanHofwegen. Marcukaitis, the Delton KelloggThornapple Kellogg-Hastings sophomore state qualifier, scored wins in her two head-tohead match-ups against the CaledoniaLowell-South Christian freshman VanHofwegen. DK-TK-Hastings head coach Carl Schoessel wanted strength against strength in placing Marcukaitis in the two freestyle sprints, after hours of math work to figure out the best line-up combinations to try and knock off the Vikings. The coach’s time and Marcukaitis’ times helped power the DK-TK-Hastings varsity girls’ swimming and diving team to a 96-89 over the CLS Vikings at the Community Education and Recreation Center Pool in Hastings Thursday. Marcukaitis won the 50-yard freestyle in 25.59 seconds, with VanHofwegen second in 26.81. Marcukaitis took the 100-yard free­ style in 56.75, besting VanHofwegen’s run­ ner-up time of 1 minute 1.71 seconds. She also teamed with Lydia Cole, Anna Haywood and Julliann Meeker to open the meet with a winning time of 2:00.92 in the 200-yard med­ ley relay. “I told the girls if we could win the first relay, it would give us a head start and if we beat them it would mean we’d probably qual­ ify for MISCA,” Schoessel said. The DK-TK-Hastings foursome did qualify for the annual MISCA (Michigan Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association) meet with their time, and later hit the MISCA mark in the 200-yard freestyle relay as well. VanHofwegen and her teammates Lex Wilcox, Maggie Sova and Kaylin Schering got the win in that 200-yard freestyle though, finishing the race in 1:47.66 ahead of the DK-TKHastings foursome of Haywood, Daisy Nowinsky, Holly Bashore and Marcukaitis’ time of 1:48.56. CLS also had the team of Wilcox, VanHofwegen, Sova and Schering win the 400-yard freestyle relay in 4:05.95. In a close meet, the real battle in that final relay was for second place, where the team of Bashore, Meeker, Lauren Myers and Nowinsky man­ aged to just beat out the CLS 4B’ team of Hannah Fritz, Riley Keegstra, Kaitlyn Vincent and Kayla Huyser by a tenth of a second. CLS head coach Stephanie Huyser stacked the two freestyle relays, and was happy with how her girls performed in those races. “It is always a tough call figuring out which relay you want to stack. The girls that did the Delton Kellogg-Thornapple Kellogg-Hastings freshman Kasey Kapteyn swims the opening leg of the 400-yard freestyle relay for the DK-TK-Hastings foursomes during their team’s dual with Caledonia-Lowell-South Christian in Hastings Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) DK-TK-Hastings freshman Anna Haywood races to a runner-up finish in the 100-yard butterfly during her team’s OK Conference Tier II win over Caledonia-Lowell-South Christian Thursday in Hastings. (Photo by Brett Bremer) relay swam really well. I don’t think a lot of them have ever swam the 6 A’ medley,” Huyser said. The CLS girls have qualified for next weekend’s MISCA Meet in the 200-yard med­ ley relay and the 200-yard medley relay, with Wilcox, Sova and Schering qualifying in indi­ vidual events as well. The DK-TK-Hastings and CLS girls shared the 2018 conference championship with the Wayland Union girls. DK-TK-Hastings cur­ rently has one loss in OK Conference Tier II duals this season, to Ottawa Hills. The CLS girls now have two losses after falling to the Muskegon-Mona Shores team last week. The Trojans still have a tough dual ahead with those Muskegon girls. “The girls morale coming out of this meet is really high. They’re swimming well. Coming out of Mona Shores, every single girl got a personal best. That is what we want,” Huyser said. “It is hard, because a lot of girls’ goal was to win all of our conference duals and to be solo conference winners. Losing two duals is going to impact that, but it also lets us know what we have to step up to. We’re nervous and we’re excited.” DK-TK-Hastings got big points from its breaststrokers in the meet, behind the champ Sova from CLS who finished in 1:15.28. DK-TK-Hastings had Erin Dalman second in 1:16.43, Lydia Cole third in 1:21.37 and Ellen Shults fourth in 1:27.46. “Our breaststrokers came on strong,” Schoessel said. “We’ve had some really good improvements from our breaststrokers. Up until this point in time, we’ve had girls just starting the stroke. We have girls working hard every week.” The DK-TK-Hastings girls also got a boost in the diving competition, earning the top three spots in the event. DK-TK-Hastings senior Hannah Johnson won with a score of 219.95 points. ABTgail ‘Schell was second (196.15) and Claire Green third (170.10). Continued from previous page Garrett Stank, also a game leader, had four receptions for 39 yards and a touchdown. But the Vikings scored more points than they ended up with because of penalties — a total of nine for a loss of 80 yards. Even so, Stockbridge had more: 12 penalties for a loss of 125 yards. Both teams were scoreless in the first quar­ ter. In the second quarter, Stockbridge was first on the scoreboard with with a five-yard touchdown run by quarterback Brandon Nelson followed by a successful two-point conversion. Lakewood answered two minutes later with Hanson’s six-yard run, followed by a successful two-point conversion, making it 8-8. In the third quarter, Hanson broke away for a 28-yard run and a touchdown, but an offen­ sive block in the back at the 20-yard line negated the goal. In the fourth quarter, with 11:39 on the board, Hanson struck again with a pass to Stank for 13 yards and a touchdown. The score stood at 14-8 for the Vikings after their two-point conversion attempt failed. Stockbridge didn’t have an answer until the last couple of minutes of the game when Nelson connected with receiver Jeremy Pilch from 20 yards out to find the end zone, and then the Panthers were able to to add the twopoint conversion to move in front 16-14. Maple Valley 69, Toledo Christian 42 The Lions defended their den Friday night, especially during the second half. The Maple Valley varsity 8-player football team scored its second victory of the season, in its final home contest of the season, out­ scoring Toledo Christian 69-42. In a game where 111 points were scored, the Lions limiting the Eagles to 12 points in the second half was some kind of a feat - and half of that dozen came against the special teams and not the defense. The Maple Valley defense scored a TD of its own in the second half too. The two teams were tied 30-30 at the half. “I was really proud of our defense. They made a stop at the end of the first half and I thought that spring-boarded us into the sec­ ond. Then, they just come out and shut them down,” Maple Valley head coach Marty Martin said. Hunter Bassett intercepted two Toledo Christian passes, returning one 52 yards for a touchdown in the second half. The Lions also got a fine defensive performance on the out­ side from freshman Tyler Rose who deflected a few Eagle passes and intercepted one in the end zone J but that take away was waived off because of a roughing the passer call against the Lions. “The kid (Toledo Christian was) picking on all night was a freshman, and he didn’t play like a freshman,” Martin said of Rose. “He had a really good game. I can’t remember the last time we had a defensive back here that really had a game like that. It was nice to watch. “In the second half all the defensive backs, and the linebackers made nice adjustments. We made some coverage adjustments, which helped them a little bit. We outmanned them at the line of scrimmage and we knew he was going to have to get the ball out early.” Martin said his team’s pressure up front forced the Eagles to look for slants and go routes, giving the Lion defenders in the back the chance to quickly read which kind of pass they’d be working to defend on a given play. The Maple Valley offense was a pretty good defense too, limiting the Eagles’ posses­ sion. The Lion offense amassed 509 total yards and 23 first down. Maple Valley gained 485 of those yards on the ground, with Hugheston Heckathom carrying the ball 33 times for 313 yards and four touchdowns. Quarterback Blaze Sensiba rushed for 78 yards and four touchdowns, and Colton Gibson added an eight-yard touchdown run for the Lions late in the first half. Gibson’s score was as big one. Toledo Christian took a 30-22 lead late in the first half. Eagle quarterback Trevor Wensink tossed a 79-yard touchdown pass to Solomon Sandoval and then after a Lion fum­ ble the Eagles scored again on a 71-yard run by Wensink. The two touchdowns came 32 seconds apart, turning an eight-point Lion lead into an eight-point deficit. Maple Valley rallied to even the game going into the half, getting the eight-yard touchdown run from Gibson at the end of a 51-yard drive, evening the game at 30-30 on the two-point run by Sensiba. Bassett record­ ed his first interception of the game with 61 seconds left to finish off the Eagles’ last chance of the first half. The Lions ground out another drive over the first three minutes of the second half, tak­ ing a 38-30 lead on a 7-yard touchdown run by Sensiba and his two-point run. The Eagles’ Solomon Sandoval returned the ensuing kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, but the Lions stopped the two-point run to hold a 38-36 lead. They led for the rest of the evening. Heckathom scored on a nine-yard run late in the third quarter and on a 19-yard run early in the fourth quarter to extend the Lion lead, then after a three-yard Wensink touchdown run pulled the Eagles within 54-42 with 8:05 to play Heckathom responded with a 51-yard touchdown run on the Lions’ very next snap. “We made adjustments and we actually did what we were coached to do,” Martin said. “We’re getting better. We are still just making too many mistakes. I don’t know if that is being young, or us just wanting to play really hard tonight. Our kids came out and played hard tonight. If we’re making mistakes because we’re playing hard, that’s great. But if we’re making mistakes because we’re young, we have to grow up.” Maple Valley got its final touchdown on a 52-yard interception return by Bassett with 7:36 to play. Owen Bailey added the extra­ point kick after that touchdown. The Lions had converted two-point attempts following seven of their first eight touchdowns. Bassett and Jesse Deppe led the Lions with three tackles each. There weren’t a lot of tack­ les to be had. Wensink was 6-of-21 passing, meaning a lot of passes bounced on the turf without anyone recording a tackle. The Eagles only had five first downs in the ballgame, in part because of all the long touchdown plays. “I think when we play with confidence, we’re a tough football team. If we can just eliminate the big plays, we’re going to be a good football team. That is the big thing,” Martin said. Wensink threw for 115 yards on those six completions, and rushed nine times for 147 yards. A few of those rushes were designed runs, but he also found some space when forced to scramble at times. David Koonce also tossed a 41-yard pass for the Eagles. Sandoval was the only Eagle to catch a pass, hauling in seven receptions for 156 yards. CLS’s Lexi Koomdyk set a new personal record with her fourth-place score of 155.45, but CLS was without its top diver Alex Salinas because of an illness. Sova won the breaststroke as well as the 200-yard freestyle (2:13.34) for CLS. Wilcox took the 100-yard butterfly in 1:03.20. Keegstra won the 500-yard freestyle in 5:57.13. Haywood won the 200-yard individual medley for DK-TK-Hastings in 2:29.63. Nowinsky, who was second to Keegstra in the 500 freestyle, swam three consecutive events - the 500 free, the 200 free relay and then won the 100-yard backstroke in 1:08.41. DK-TK-Hastings returns to conference action at Grand Rapids Union Thursday (Oct. 10). The DK-TK-Hastings program is also just starting to amp up for its annual Cancer Awareness Meet Oct. 24 in Hastings against Wayland. The event will benefit the Cole fam­ ily this year as the DK-TK-Hastings junior, Lydia, continues her own battle with the dis­ ease. More information can be found at the newly created website www.teamlydia.com. The DK-TK-Hastings girls were back in action Saturday at the Ottawa Hills Invitational, placing fourth at the ten-team meet. Forest Hills Northern-Eastern won the day’s championship with 562 points, ahead of Muskegon-Mona Shores 554.5, Ottawa Hills 504, DK-TK-Hastings 451.5 and East Kentwood 445 in the top five. Johnson was the runner-up in the diving competition for DK-TK-Hastings, putting together a score of 334.95 pionts, behind FHN-E junior Abby Koops who won with 391.70 points. Marcukaitis had a runner-up time of 1:02.25 in the 100-yard butterfly, behind FHN-E’s Haley Mckee who hit the wall in 1:02.15. Those two were more than three seconds ahead of their nearest competitors in the race. Marcukaitis was nearly four seconds ahead of DK-TK-Hastings senior diver Hannah1 Johnson comes out of her pike position, during one of her six dives Thursday at the Community Education and Recreation Center pool. Johnson won the diving, competition, leading a sweep of the top three spots in the event for DK-TKHastings during its win over visiting' Caledonia-Lowell-South Christian. (Photo* by Brett Bremer) her nearest competitor in winning the 100yard backstroke in 1:03.30. Saxon soccer opens state tournament in Wayland Hastings varsity boys’ soccer team opens the postseason this evening at Wayland in a Division 2 district opener. The Saxons’ scored a one-goal win in a high-scoring contest with the Wildcats two weeks ago. Hastings and Wayland are set to begin at 5 p.m. today (Oct. 10). Hastings closed out the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Tournament with a 2-0 loss to Pennfield Thursday evening. The Panthers scored a goal early in the second half and then a second with just 20 seconds left to play. Hastings head coach Tim Schoessel said it was as back-and-forth game in which his team had lots of looks at the net., Hastings just couldn’t put one in. Dane Barnes and Tommy Wickham com­ bined for eight saves in goal for Hastings. The Saxons finished off the regular season with a 2-1 loss to Hamilton at Hopkins High School. Kirby Beck scored for the Saxons in the first half, but the Hawkeyes rallied for two goals in the second half. Keegan Cook assist­ ed on Beck’s goal for the Saxons. Barnes made ten saves in the loss. Maple Valley shuts out its two GLAC Tournament. foes. I The Lions came up just short of their goal of a spot in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference championship tournament this fall, but proved the best of the rest Saturday. The Maple Valley varsity boys’ soccer team scored a 2-0 win over Stockbridge and a 7-0 victory over Perry Saturday at Fuller Street Field in Nashville to close out the GLAC sea­ son while the top four teams in the conference were duking it out at Lansing Christian. Devin Thompson and Eli Nelson scored goals in the win over the Panthers for the Lions. They had two goals each in the victory over the Ramblers, with Landon Garlinger, Owen Bailey and Duncan Seume also scoring for the day’s hosts. “Really proud of this team’s resiliency and character,” Maple Valley head coach Andy* Roush said. “We didn’t play our best soccer in* the second half versus Olivet (last week), but,, the guys bounced back nicely today putting * together not just two complete halves, but two complete matches. “It’s exciting to have good team chemistry," great young men and now a little momentum^ heading into district play.” The Lions were slated to open district * action last night at home against Bellevue in their Division 3 District Tournament. The winner of that game will face Lansing Christian at Laingsburg High School Oct. 16 in the district semifinals. Eagles and Pioneers leaving OK Gold Conference in 2020 The OK Conference finally managed to figure out a realignment plan for the 2020-21 season last week. There are big changes com­ ing to the OK Gold Conference. Grand Rapids Christian and East Grand Rapids are leaving the OK Gold Conference, to be replaced by Ottawa Hills, Grand Rapids Catholic Central and Cedar Springs. The 46-mile trek from Thomapple Kellogg High School to Cedar Springs High School is a new long road trip for the Trojans. Ottawa Hills and Grand Rapids Catholic Central were both members of the OK Gold Conference along with Thomapple Kellogg, from 2011 to 2015, until the most recent realignment. Thomapple Kellogg will remain the fourth largest school in the OK Gold Conference, behind Ottawa Hills, Wyoming and Cedar Springs who all have enrollment numbers over 1,000 students according to the Michigan High School Athletic Association numbers for the 2019-20 school year. TK sits at 926 students. There will be no more OK Black with the' new alignment, and most of the OK colored; conferences are moving to eight teams. Proposals for a realignment failed in ApriL and June. The the current proposal passed by| a slim margin, getting yes votes from 35 of’ the 49 OK Conference schools - needing 331 votes to pass. There are plans to look at* realignment once again in four years. 1 �Page 14 —■ Thursday, October 10, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Panthers get by Blue Devils in three sets for SAC victory The Delton Kellogg varsity volleyball team scored a 3-0 Southwestern Athletic Conference victory over visiting Lawton Tuesday. The Delton girls controlled the match throughout, led by eight kills from Eleanor Ferris and seven from Erin Kapteyn. Kapteyn had just one error on 17 total attacks to lead the offense, while adding 29 digs and a pair of aces as well. Abbie Bever had 21 digs and Mackenzie Hull chipped in 16. Alexis Blain had a teamhigh 17 assists. Ferris and Emma Jo Kokx had two blocks each. Kokx had a big night at the service line, pounding nine aces Lawton’s way. The Delton Kellogg girls head to the Wayland Invitational Saturday, and then will be home again for a Southwestern Athletic Conference dual with Kalamazoo Christian Tuesday (Oct. 15). Delton Kellogg’s Andrew Fales leaps in to try and get the ball off the feet Coloma’s Ssaiah Reinhardt during their Southwestern Athletic Conference match-up in Delton Monday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) DK boys close SAC action with consecutive Shutouts I ■ " , The Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ soccer learn finished off a 9-5-2 regular season by ^coring a 5-0 shut out of Coloma in the ^Southwestern Athletic Conference finale ^Monday in Delton. *J Five different Panthers scored in the victo­ ry, which improved Delton Kellogg’s SAC record to 6-2-1 on the season. Hector Jimenez, paniel Recuenco, Yanik Jost, Dawson Grizzle ;and Marcus Momenee scored the five Panther jgoals. Recuenco had two assists and Jost one. It was the eighth shut out of the season for Mie DK boys, who were scheduled to open the Mate postseason with a Division 3 district imatch-up against Hopkins in Delton last (night. The winner of that ballgame heads to (Fennville for the district semifinals Tuesday. | : DK also shut out Schoolcraft in SAC play hist Wednesday, 3-0. I * Recuenco had two goals and Jimenez one Jin the win over the Eagles, and DK goalkeep­ er Gavin Houtkooper made ten saves. > Jimenez, Blackburn and Jost notched iassists for the Panthers. i I Delton Kellogg’s Emma Jo Kokx goes up to try and block attack from the Blue Devils’ Madison Lawson during the Panthers’ win over visiting Lawton Tuesday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) DK’s best run their best times ever at Portage Invitational" Delton Kellogg’s James Blackburn works to settle a throw-in during the Panthers’ shut out victory over visiting Coloma Monday in Delton. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Trojans capture Gold title at Yankee Springs The Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ golf team captured the 2019 OK Gold Conference championship on its home course Friday. The Trojans bested South Christian by one stroke, 354 to 355, at Yankee Springs Golf Course Friday at the OK Gold Conference Tournament. The league had planned its final 18-hole competition for Wednesday at Thomapple Pointe Golf Club, but that contest was postponed due to the rainy weather throughout the week. Anna Harmens paced the Trojans on Friday, shooting an 85 that was good for fourth place individually. TK also got an 86 from Paige VanStee. who finished in sixth. Paige Willette scored a 90 for the Trojans and Clair Jansma a 93. TK also got a 95 from Maddie Shepard and a 98 from Anna Kaminski at the tournament. Grand Rapids Christian was third in the team standings with a score of 366, ahead of East Grand Rapids 373, Wayland 397 and Forest Hills Eastern 401. South Christian’s Maddie Wierenga was the day’s medalist, shooting a 79. Hailey Curry from Forest Hills Eastern and Christian’s Ryann Breslin each scored an 82. East Grand Rapids was led by Libby Chambers who matched Harmens’ 85. Willette was tied for seventh in the day’s individual standings with South Christian’s Tori Heyboer. Jansma was tied for tenth with South Christian’s Amanda Ormstad and Lucy Dehaan. Short course speeds up second Interstate-8 C.C. jamboree The Hastings varsity boys’ cross country team scored a third-place finish at the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference jamboree hosted by Pennfield Tuesday. Both the Hastings boys’ and girls’ teams had one top ten finisher at the event at Marywood Golf Course. Senior Aidan Makled led the Hastings boys with a third-place time Of 15 minutes 44.0 seconds. He was one of seven guys to break the 16-minute mark at the race, which was one by Parma Western soph­ omore Jacob Singleton in 15:29.5. Lumen Christi senior Gene Hendrickson was the runner-up in the boys’ race in 15:39.6. . Times were fast on a course that was a tad bit short. Hastings sophomore Carissa Strouse placed fourth in the girls’ race, hitting the finish line in 18:41.9. She was one of five girls to finish in less than 19 minutes, helping the Hastings girls to a sixth-place finish on the day. Delton Kellogg senior Melanie Hintner hits an attack during her team’s Southwestern Athletic Conference match with visiting Lawton Tuesday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Harper Creek won the boys’ race with 53 points, ahead of Marshall 59, Hastings 69, Parma Western 92, Coldwater 97, Jackson Lumen Christi 127, Pennfield 207 and Jackson Northwest 209. Marshall and Harper Creek each had three guys finish in the top ten to beat out the Saxons for the top spots. The Saxons were right behind them. Blake Harris placed 11th, Jon Arnold 12th, Josh Brown 20th and Braden Tolles 23rd. Behind Strouse for the Hastings girls, Allison Teed was 22nd, Madison Nino 30th, Aura Wahl-Piotrowski 31st and Lauren Arnold 49th. Coldwater won the girls’ race with 50 points, ahead of Marshall 57, Parma Western 71, Jackson Lumen Christi 112, Harper Creek 116, Hastings 122, Pennfield 206 and Jackson Northwest 217. The Delton Kellogg varsity had its four fastest guys run their fastest race of the season Saturday in the Division 3 boys’ race at the annual Portage Invitational. Delton Kellogg senior Matt Lester led the way with a 30th-place finish in 17 minutes .3 seconds. Junior teammate Micah Ordway was just behind in 42nd-place with a time of 17:19.9. Delton Kellogg had four guys finish in the top 100, a feat in the 36-team race. Panther sophomore Amon Smith III set a new person­ al record with his 81st-place time of 18:18.1 and DK senior Dawson Grizzle set a personal record with his 90th-place time of 18:25.8. DK’s fifth scorer was sophomore Austin Blocker who placed 135th in 18:55.1 and fel­ low sophomore Hayden Walker set a new personal record with his 200th-place time of 20:06.2. Hanover-Horton won the Division 3 boys’ race Saturday with 77 points. Calvin Christian was second with 141 points, ahead of Traverse City St. Francis 165, Saugatuck 174 and Dyer (Uliana Christian) 187 in the top five. The Delton Kellogg boys were 14th as a team. Saugatuck sophomore Max Shamas ran his fastest race ever to win in 16:08.1. The top five guys in the race all put up new personal record times - finishing in less than 16:20.0. Calvin Christian junior Luke Witvliet was the runner-up in 16:13.0. The Delton Kellogg girls were 23rd as a team. The top two DK girls set new personal records, with sophomore Aubrey Aukerman 76th in 21:51.1 and sophomore Halena Phillips 81st in 21:54.1. The DK team also had Lily Timmerman 140th in 23:04.4, Joelle White 208th in 24:33.6 and Hailey Buckner 228th in 25:12.1. Hart junior Savannah Ackley won the Division 3 girls’ race in 18:58.5, with two of her teammates less than half a minute behind her in the top six. Traverse City St. Francis had the next finishers behind Ackley, with freshman Sophia Rhein the runner-up in 19:01.1 and senior Libby Gorman third in 19:03.2. Hart took the girls’ championship handily, closing the day with just 37 points. Shepherd was second with 123 points, ahead of Calvin Christian 136, St. Francis 142 and McBain 189 in the top five. Hastings girls put up personal records at Portage More than half of the Saxon varsity girls’ cross country team ran their best times ever Saturday at the Portage Invitational. It is a good place to be fast since it is where the Hastings teams will run in their Division 2 Regional Meet Oct. 26. The leaders for the Saxon boys’ and girls’ teams both set new personal records Saturday in medal winning performances in their Division 2 races. Saxon sophomore Carissa Strouse placed 50th with a personal record time of 19:56.8. It was her second straight race finishing in less than 20 minutes, and nearly a minute faster than her time on the same course from August. Senior Aidan Makled led the Hastings boys’ team, hitting the finish line in 16:15.9 to place 20th. The Hastings girls’ team also got personal record times from junior Aura WahlPiotrowski, freshman Lauren Arnold and sophomore Hannah Vann. Wahl-Piotrowski was third in 22:19.9 and Arnold 233rd in 23: 23.0. Sophomore Allison Teed was the second Saxon girl across the finish line, placing 157th in 21:42.0. Senior Katie Pattok was 259th in 24: 11.2 and senior Layla Lamance 261st in 24:20.4. Vann was just behind Lamance as the Saxons’ seventh finisher, hitting the line in 262nd place with a time of 24:23.1. The Thomapple Kellogg girls were a part of the race too, and set a few personal records of their own. TK sophomore Kendall Snyder placed 94th in 20:24.4, setting a new PR. The other personal records for the TK ladies came from freshmen Madison Nagel (141st, 21:27.3) and Lindsey Veltin (177th, 22:01.7). Carissa Strouse The Trojan girls were led by sophomore Jessica Durkee who was 77th in 20:20.2. TK also had senior Elizabeth Meyering place 149th in 21:35.4, her best time of the year, and freshman Lucy VanDemark 159th in 21:43.5. The TK girls were 21st and the Saxons 35th in a field of 44 Division 2 girls’ teams. Petoskey junior Cambrie Smith ran her best time ever to win the race in 17:36.7. The top three girls all set new personal records, with Grand Rapids Christian sophomore Madelyn Frens second in 17:41.2 and Petoskey junior Emma Squires third in 17:51.8. That duo in the top three powered the Petoskey girls to the championship with 73 points. East Grand Rapids was second with 84, ahead of Lexington 103, Grand Rapids Christian 246 and Cadillac 256 in the top five. East Grand Rapids senior Evan Bishop and Fremont junior Nathan Walker duked it out in the Division 2 boys’ race, pushing each other to new personal records. Bishop won the race in 15:05.0 with Walker second in 15:07.6. Walker did lead his Fremont team to the team championship though. It was a dominant performance for the Fremont boys who fin­ ished with just 55 points. Otsego was second with 122, ahead of Chelsea 148, Grand Rapids Christian 237 and Holland Christian 248 in the top five. Bishop’s East Grand Rapids team was sixth with 249 points and Forest Hills Eastern seventh with 308. The Hastings boys managed an 11th place total of 417 points, besting Interstate-8 Athletic Conference rivals Marshall, Parma Western and Coldwater on the day. Hastings had a couple duos stick together with senior Jon Arnold 74th in 17:27.5 and senior Blake Harris 75th in 17:27.6 followed by senior Josh Brown 131st in 18:04.4 and senior Braden Tolles 135th in 18:08.0 . The Thomapple Kellogg boys were led by senior Nick Bushman who was 71st in 17:26.0 and junior Brennan Lutz who placed 120th in 17: 59.2. TK also had junior Howie Frizzell 176th in 18: 35.5, junior Levi VanderHeide 191st in 18:47.4 and sophomore Camden Reynolds 199th in 18:51.3. �The Hastings Banner —- Thursday, October 10, 2019 — Page 15 Trojans finally break through to state finals Brett Bremer Sports Editor Thomapple Kellogg senior Anna Kaminski played in her fourth regional tournament as a varsity golfer Monday, and for the first time she and her teammates earned a few more rounds. Thomapple Kellogg’s varsity girls’ golf team qualified for the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals with a third place finish at Monday’s Division 2 Regional Tournament hosted by Portage Central, beating out the host Mustangs by seven strokes for the final state qualifying spot. The Trojans scored a 387, just three strokes back of the regional champions from St. Joseph (384). Mattawan (385) was the region­ al runner-up, two shots ahead of TK. Junior Paige VanStee led TK with a 94, which put her in ninth place individually for the tournament. Kaminski was tenth with a 95. Fellow Trojan seniors Anna Harmens and Paige Willette tied for 16th with 99’s, and Maddie Shepard shot a 112. TK was the only team at the regional to record four scores under 100 Monday. The Division 2 Lower Peninsula Finals will be held Oct. 18-19 at Forest Akers East Golf Course on the campus of Michigan State University. The top three teams and top there individuals not on those teams at regionals across the state this week earn spots in the state finals. The Trojans last qualified for the state finals as a team in 2005, back when girls’ golf was played in the spring. Trojan assistant coach Caitlin Chamberlin, now a math teach­ er at TKHS, was a member of that 2005 team. The Trojans, fresh off an OK Gold Conference championship, which they clinched last Friday at Yankee Springs quali­ fied for the finals even without one of their top golfers Monday. Senior Clair Jansma, who had been a member of each of the past three Trojan regional teams along with Kaminski, aggravated a back injury while helping the team to the victory at the confer­ ence tournament last week. She hopes to heal up and earn her spot back in the team’s top five in the week ahead. Jansma and her teammates have been build­ ing towards a state finals spot for years. Kaminski and Jansma were both members of the Trojan team that placed seventh at its Division 3 Regional Tournament in 2016. They were joined by Willette and Harmens in the regional line-up for a sixth-place finish in 2017. The group of Jansma, Willette, Kaminski, Harmens and VanStee just missed qualifying for the finals a year ago - placing fourth at their regional tournament. Portage Central put together a score of 394 Monday, ahead of Byron Center 397, Zeeland West 403, Portage Northern 407, Gull Lake 409, Sturgis 428, Coldwater 429, Battle Creek Lakeview 445, Holland 449 and Zeeland East 458. Zeeland West’s Phloy Wongvilart led the group of three individual state qualifiers from the tournament, scoring a 79 that earned her the overall medalist honors of the day. Portage Northern’s Kit Schaefer shot an 80 to finish as the overall runner-up and Holland’s Paloma Havlik an 88 to also earn spots at the finals. Mattawan was led by senior Molly Ostrander and St. Joseph was led by junior Thornapple Kellogg’s Paige Willette sends the ball towards the number nine green at The Moors Monday during the Division 2 Regional Tournament hosted by Portage Central. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Maya Hunter. The two girls tied for third indi­ vidually, each scoring an 85. Thornapple Kellogg senior Anna Harmens awaits her chance to putt on the number nine green Monday during the Division 2 Regional Tournament hosted by Portage Central at The Moors. (Photo by Brett Bremer) TK boys score second shutout of Wayland Thornapple Kellogg midfielder Tyler Gehres flew up the left sideline and then towards the net on a breakaway four and a half minutes in to the Trojans’ OK Gold Conference finale against Wayland Saturday afternoon in Middleville. Gehres put the ball past Way hind Union keeper Dylan Rabideau for a 1-0 Trojan lead. The Trojans couldn’t extend that advantage until the closing minutes of the bailgame though, despite dominating possession for much of the day. The Trojans kept Rabideau busy, but not with too many great^scoring chances until Trojaii sefiioF aWlkpTaden Goudzwaard worked his way through the middle of the Wildcat defense and ripped a shot that glanced off a Wildcat defender and into the net to Rabideau’s left with^lTie^play. Rabideau was mostly just cleanuif'up long balls from the Trojans at the top of this box. He took a few chances off the feet of Gehres and deflected a blast by Goudzwaard over the cross bar in the first half. The Trojans contin­ ued to be just a bit off on their touches up to the attackers in the second half. Attacker Justin Niles did have one great shot ring off the cross bar late in the game for TK. The possession was solid for TK through­ out the afternoon when Rabideau wasn’t scooping up the ball though. Aiden Hannapel and Hunter DeHaan led the play through the midfield for the Trojans, and the TK defense made things easy on goalkeeper Auston Ruth throughout much of the contest as he earned the shut out. The win was the second of the conference season over the Wayland boys for TK, which scored a 5-0 victory in the first meeting between the two teams. The Trojans finish the OK Gold Conference season with a 7-5 league record. Zeeland East bested the Trojans in the final game of the regular season, 1-0, Monday in Zeeland. The Trojans host Hamilton for their Division 2 District opener this evening (Oct. 10), with the winner advancing to the district semifinals in Plainwell next Tuesday. ■. ■ Thornapple Kellogg senior midfielder Aiden Hannapel works to beat Wayland’s Juan Miguel in front of the Wildcat net Saturday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Thornapple Kellogg senior attacker Caden Goudzwaard powers towards the Wayland net during the second half of the Trojans’ 2-0 victory over the Wildcats to close out the OK Gold Conference season in Middleville Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Vikes get GLAC trophy after soggy, second-place finish It isn’t an undefeated Greater Lansing Activities Conference season for the Lakewood ladies this fall, but it is an undisputed conference championship. The Lakewood varsity girls’ golf team was bested by two strokes by Olivet at the GLAC Championship Tournament Thursday at Forest Akers East Golf Course, but after winning every jamboree throughout the season it wasn’t enough for the Eagles to overtake the Vikings. It is the seventh consecutive conference title for the Lakewood girls. “With the course taking on four inches of rain the night before, today’s event was shortened to nine holes,” Lakewood head coach Carl Kutch said. Emi Klein had the low round for Lakewood, shooting a 51. Teammates Jordan Shank and Morgan Stahl were right behind, each shooting a 52. Teammate Claire Benham added a 64 for the team’s fourth score. Shank, Klein, Stahl and Jacqueline all earned first team all-confer­ ence honors for the Vikings. Olivet outscored the Lakewood girls 217 to 219 Thursday. Laingsburg was third with a score of 221 and Perry scored a 262. Olivet’s Abby Sefcik was the day’s medalist, shooting a 48. The Eagles also got a 53 from Aspen Bashore, a 57 from Drue Allen and a 59 from Emily Sinclair. The Vikings were set to play their Division 3 Regional Tournament at Railside Golf Club yesterday. The Lakewood varsity girls’ golf team celebrates its seventh consecutive conference championship after a runner-up finish at the GLAC Championship at Forest Akers East Golf Course on the campus of Michigan State University Thursday. Lakewood’s Emmi Klein hits a putt during the GLAC Championship Tournament at Forest Akers East Thursday. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads �Page 16 — Thursday, October 10, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Saxon spikers fall in good battle with Belding The Hastings varsity volleyball team put up - ;a good fight against the visiting Belding Black Knights in a non-conference match-up Monday night, but couldn’t quite pull out a set in a 3-0 loss. The Knights won by the scores of 25-14, 25-20,25-19. “They started out slow, but continued to improve throughout the night,” Hastings head coach Scott Zull said, adding that there were just a few too many unforced errors to try and overcome. Lexi Herblet led the Saxons with seven kills in the match, and Skyler Teske and Abby Zull had four each. Abby Zull put up 17 assists in the match. Teske had a team-high five aces. Herblet and Kaelijo West were the Saxons top passers and led the team in digs for the day. The Hastings girls dropped three sets in a tough Interstate-8 Athletic Conference match­ up at Harper Creek last Wednesday, falling 25-16,25-13,25-16 to the host Beavers. Abby Zull led the Saxons in serving, assists and was one of the team’s kill leaders on the night. Hannah Slaughter led the Saxons in blocks and Herblet led the team in kills, and they were the team’s top two servers for the night. West and Abby Zull led the team in digs. It was the second straight night of volley­ ball for the Saxons, went 0-2-1 at the Otsego Six Pack last Tuesday. Hastings fell to the host Bulldogs and South Haven on the day and split two sets with Paw Paw. Hastings was scheduled to host Jackson Parma Western last night and will return to action next Wednesday at Marshall. ut THE NEWS Or iJnKKi COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. The Saxons’ Skyler Grego works to get the ball over the net against Harper Creek Wednesday during the Saxons’ loss to the host Beavers in Battle Creek. (Photo by Perry Hardin) I 5? r* fl Hastings’ Hannah Slaughter battles for a kill above the net with Harper Creek’s Brooke Lewis during their Interstate-8 Athletic Conference match-up in Battle Creek Wednesday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Call 269-945-9554 for more information. Orthopedic Care Close to Home Bryan Kamps, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon. After earning his medical degree from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, Dr. Kamps completed a transitional internship at Blodgett Memorial Medical Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, two years general surgery training at Michigan State University in Lansing, Michigan, and his residency in orthopaedic surgery at McLaren Regional Medical Center in Flint, Michigan. Dr. Kamps has nearly 25 years years of experience in orthopaedic surgery. Before V coming to Spectrum Health, he was a surgeon at Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services in Gallup, New Mexico. He also was a surgeon for the U.S. Army Reserve with tours of duty in Bosnia, Afghanistan and Germany. Dr. Kamps is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. 4 Dr. Kamps has relocated his practice from Spectrum Health Grand Rapids to the Bryan Kamps, MD Orthopedic & Pain Clinic in Hastings. 3 I SPECTRUM HEALTH‘S Pennock r T i I i Spectrum Health Pennock Orthopedics & Pain Center 840 Cook Road Hastings, Ml 49058 269.945.9520 � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-10-17.pdf 23efd8005bffa477b199c3663908fa45 PDF Text Text Fifth EEE death reported Yankee Springs Township at it again Honsowitz sisters in D3 State Finals See Story on Page 2 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 12 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 1070490102590504642049058195427 ******************CAR-RT LOT**C 003 Hastings 804879110187 ANNER C003 Public Library 227 E State St Hastings Ml 49058-1954 Thursday, October 17, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 41 PRICE 750 Gun Lake Casino announces $100 million expansion Trail group hosting special hike Individuals, couples and families with children are welcome to join a local trail group for its annual fall hike, beginning at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. The hike will be led by members of the Chief Noonday Chapter of the North Country Trail. Anyone wishing to take in an autumn day on a national trail is invit­ ed to meet at the W.W. Kellogg milking bam near the intersection of EB Avenue and North 39th Street, south of Hickory Corners. Hikers can choose between out-andback hikes of 4 miles or 10 miles and can visit the robotic milking bam before or after the hike. Children will find trail games on the short hike. Trails are natural surfaces, so hikers should dress appropriately for conditions and for hunting season (orange clothing) and use mosquito repellant. Additional information can be provid­ ed emailing Jane Norton, jane_a_norton@yahoo.com.com, or calling 269­ 808-7334. The websitenorthcountry trail, org/cnd/index.htm also has information. Steinway welcoming Saturday The public is invited to the Hastings Performing Arts Center from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19, to celebrate the addi­ tion of a Steinway grand piano to Hastings Area Schools Performing Arts Center. The piano was made possible through a donation from the Larry and Earlene Baum family. ‘Music legends’ theme of Kate Mix concert “Music Legends” will be the theme of the Kate Mix Memorial Concert at 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. Kathryn Mix was a local legend her­ self, teaching piano to children and adults for more than 80 years before her death in March 2014. This concert, in memory of the beloved teacher, supports programming and scholarships for the Hastings Community Music School. The show will feature the HCMS teaching staff as well as some students and guest performers. Everyone is invited to the concert at the Dennison Performing Arts Center at the Barry Community Enrichment Center, 231 S. Broadway, Hastings, for an evening of music. Tickets are $12 for adults; $6 for stu­ dents 13-18; and free to kids 12 and under. Tickets may be purchased from the music teachers, at the HCMS desk, or at the door. Country Chapel hosting fall harvest jamboree Country Chapel Church, 9275 S. M-37 Dowling, will host its first annual Fall Harvest Jamboree from 4 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. Activities will include bluegrass music, crafts, games, hayride, candy, prizes, and pie and chili contests. Guests can take a walk on the new prayer trail and stop by the youth table to learn what the youth group is doing. Country Chapel also is preparing for a new accessible, inclusive and multi-gen­ erational playground, with construction See NEWS BRIEFS, page 3 Taylor Owens Staff Writer Preliminary site work is already underway on a $100 million, 72,000-square-foot expan­ sion to Gun Lake Casino. The new area, set to open summer 2021, will add new building space south toward 129th Avenue, the casino announced in a press release Wednesday. The project will add 450 slot machines, 12 new game tables, two restaurants and 125 new employees. The entertainment area called Stage 131 will double in size, providing more seating, a new outdoor patio area and offer a new dining service. “We are proud of the effort of our team members that has driven the continued suc­ cess of Gun Lake Casino and our tribe’s con­ tributions to Michigan’s economy in the last eight years,” Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Gun Lake Tribe Chairman Bob Peters said. “These expansion plans allow us to build on these efforts and provide even more employment opportunities and increased economic impact in our local communities.” See EXPANSION, page 2 A rendering of what the expansion to the south side of Gun Lake Casino will look like when the project is expected to finish in summer 2021. Housing projects keep moving ahead ■ ■ «, u: A ...... Doug VanderLaan Contributing Writer If at first you don’t succeed ... dust off the plans and try a different location. After coming up short two months ago with its bid to construct a three-story, 41-unit apartment project on the former Moose Lodge property at 128 N. Michigan Ave., Grand Rapids-area developer Kendall Place Limited was back before the Hastings City Council Monday evening to finalize a purchase option agreement to build a similar structure on vacant city-owned property at South Park, West Court and West State streets. “We’ve got a bigger footprint here, there’s an extra acre,” said Nate Heyboer, owner of DHE Plumbing and Mechanical in Hudsonville and principal of the Kendall Place group. “We heard what you said about parking, and we’re going to make sure here that we have on-site parking.” The plan submitted by Kendall Place in August for the Moose Lodge property was rebuffed because it incluaed only four on-sit? ' resident parking spaces. Xjie city council voted, instead, to award the project to Grand Rapids developer A.J. Veneklasen Inc., which will build a four-story, 30-unit structure along with a 30-car parking garage on the ground floor. Construction is expected to begin as soon as financing arrangements are finalized. Kendall Place’s renewed interest in a Hastings housing project apparently came in a phone call from the city’s community devel­ opment director, Dan King, the day after the council’s 6-2 vote Aug. 26 to choose A.J. Veneklasen as the developer of the Moose Lodge property. “Dan reached out to us, and we feel like we really have a good partnership with the city,” Kevin Moore, a partner in the Kendall Place group, said. “We were interested in what he proposed, so we came back to take a Crooked Lake suit ‘a dead duck' for now - but property owners can amend and file again Rebecca RebeccaPierce Pierce Editor Crooked Lake residents suing Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull lost their request for reconsideration of the com­ plaint last Thursday. But the case is not closed. In dismissing the action, Visiting Judge Donald Johnston said he would allow them to file an amended complaint within 14 days in an effort to reframe the case. They intend to do so, according to their attorney Michael Perry. Property owners Sharon and Robert Ritchie, Michael and Sandra Golembiewki, David and Ann Skender, David and Leslie Bolton, Mark Nelson and Jill Sterling, who filed the original complaint, said Judge Amy McDowell made “palpable procedural errors” in dismissing their case May 29. But, in his argument for reconsideration See PROJECTS, page 2 last week, Perry key eion Dull and pedons that resulted in the catastrophic flooding of their property on Crooked Lake. “We’re not simply restating the claim,” he said. “We’re taking a broader view with regard to mismanagement of the entire dis­ trict.” Perry noted that the Ritchies, in fact, no longer live on Crooked Lake. They sold their flooded property for a price consider­ ably less than its value, he claimed. He did not state the amount. But, if the rest of the property owners who brought the action are successful in their case against Dull and the Watson Drain, they may recover as much as 125 percent the original value of their property, prior to flooding, along with attorney fees. “These properties are essentially under See SUIT, page 5 Yankee Springs proceeds with township hall plans - despite objection Greg Chandler Staff Writer A nearly $900,000 project to renovate and add on to the Yankee Springs Township Hall is moving ahead, despite objections from some residents and two board members. On a 3-2 vote last Thursday, the township board approved spending $95,500 to have the engineering firm Fleis and VandenBrink pro­ vide design development services, construc­ tion documents and bid documents for the project at the township hall at 284 N. Briggs Road. Residents who attended the meeting used words like “shameful” to describe the board’s action, saying this project is proceeding with little or no public input. “I find it appalling that you pushed this plan through; that a million dollars of taxpay­ er money [will go to this project]. It should be brought to the public,” Linda Thomas, who has lived in the township for 28 years, said during public comment. “That is ridiculous. I find it to be a disservice to your (communi­ ty)-” The vote came one night after the board held a special meeting to look at options for See PLANS, page 7 It’s homecoming in Hastings Time to celebrate, and the Hastings High School homecoming court sure is ready. Members of the 2019 court are (front from left) Abby Zull, Ellie Saur, Ben Curtis, Kevin Coykendall, Skyler Teske; (back) Kiersten Bailey, Hannah Johnson, Hunter Alle’rding, Jon Arnold and Braden Tolles. Turn to page 2 for more. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) �Page 2 — Thursday, October 17, 2019 — The Hastings Banner PROJECTS, continued from page 1 look.” Both Moore and Heyboer confirmed that the new project would cost more than Kendall Place’s original plan for the Moose Lodge property site due to the comprehensive pro­ cess of re-applying for state funding assis­ tance through the Michigan State Housing Development Authority and the Low-Income Housing Tax Credits program. Kendall Place’s original plan called for 80 percent of its 41 units as affordable housing based on the aver­ age median income in Barry County. The property at Park, Court and State streets, however, provides more room for not only on-site parking but also for a possibly larger building, perhaps as many as 50 units, Heyboer told council members. The property is part of a planned-unit development and has been on the market for more than 10 years. According to the $5,000 purchase option agreement approved Monday, Kendall Place will have until Dec. 31, 2020, to exercise the right to purchase the property at $77,000. The current estimated assessed value is $200,000. That fact along with other details in the pur­ chase option agreement generated consider­ able discussion. “That’s a good price for a square we’ve been mowing for the past 15 years,” council member Bill Redman said. “Let’s get it back on the tax roll.” I King cited restrictive aspects of the PUD were likely the reasons for no offers having been made on the property. “The structure of the PUD was prohibitive for development of that property,” King said. “Because there’s no access to State Street, it had no marketability as a commercial proper­ ty.” The $77,000 purchase price derived from the amount that Kendall Place offered for the Moose Lodge property in August. Although council members questioned the difference in that figure and the property’s assessed value, most expressed interest in moving forward with the possible construction plan presented by Kendall Place. “When we had the old library [on Church Street], we offered it to the Gilmore Group for $1,” Mayor Dave Tossava pointed out. “Even if we take $77,000 here, I’d like to see more people living downtown and spending their money downtown.” Though Council Member Brenda McNabb-Stange agreed with that perspective, she was the only dissenter in the 8-1 vote to approve the purchase option agreement. “I think it’s quite low,” said McNabbStange of the purchase price, “but if there’s no requirement for a tax abatement, this is one way to help [the developers] out - but I don’t see both.” In comments made following the meeting, McNabb-Stange said it was her understanding that, in order for the developer to obtain state funding, MSHDA would require a tax abate­ ment for the project. “I think it’s a great idea what they’re doing, and I’m fully supportive of them,” she said, “but I think [the reduced price and a tax abatement] is a bit much.” In other business Monday, the city coun­ cil: -Re-tabled discussion and a decision to purchase a new “vactor,” a combination sewer cleaner with a vacuum system vehicle, at a price of $423,184 until the Oct. 28 meeting, due to the illness that prevented City Manager The expansion to Gun Lake Casino will add 72,000-square-feet on to the current 156,000-square-foot building. Mi* - expected to begin in spring of 2020. Anyone wishing to register for the chili cook-off or pie-baking contest may call the church. All proceeds will go toward the new playground. Country Chapel Church is a family-ori­ ented church with an active youth group. Services are 10 a.m. Sundays with chil­ dren’s worship during church. Fellowship time follows Sunday service. More information and contest registration are available by calling 269-721-8077. Help for the Holidays signup underway Help for the Holidays, a local program coordinated by Barry County Cares, helps those in need at Christmastime. Local fami­ lies are connected with churches, organiza­ tions, businesses and individuals who pro­ vide help, such as food for a family or toys for children. < Sign-up for the program began Monday, Oct. 14, and will continue through Nov. 27. Eligibility guidelines must be met. ; Locations for sign-up, based on individu­ al or family address, include: Hastings/Middleville addresses: Barry County Cares, 231 S. Broadway, Room 108, As part of a report on summer concessions business activity at Thornapple Plaza, Hastings Mayor Dave Tossava (center) receives a check for $1,847 as reimbursement of city expenses from Kiwanis Club member Phyllis Fuller and Rotary Club member Dave Solmes. The two service clubs invested 553 volunteer hours during summer events at Thornapple Plaza and realized a profit of just under $16,000 - up from last year’s $10,000 profit. After presenting the city’s check for expenses on Monday, the two service clubs each received a $7,064 contribution. from $454,271 to $448,771. -Entered an agreement with Municode for self-publishing computer software at an annu­ al cost of $3,000. -Approved a replacement to the 1992 sewer agreement with Rutland Charter Township that will expire Sept. 9,2022. -Accepted a gift of $8,630 from the Baum Family to purchase a laser projection system at Thomapple Plaza as a means of providing programming outside the annual concert series. Fifth EEE death reported; virus still a threat, health officials say EXPANSION, continued from page 1 The casino has undergone multiple expan­ sions since opening in 2011. The 156,000-square-foot casino currently employs 1,100 people, and features more than 2,000 slot machines, 47 table games, a 225-seat cafe and a 300-seat buffet, along with bars and lounges. The expansion brings the total tribal invest­ ment in the Gun Lake Casino property to $415 million. “We have undergone a careful and detailed process to understand how to best serve the needs of our current guests - and enhanced dining, entertainment, and gaming amenities are a high priority,” Gun Lake President and Chief Operating Officer Sal Semola said. “These great new amenities will provide new experiences for our guests as part of our con­ tinued effort to make Gun Lake Casino the premier entertainment destination in western Jerry Czarnecki from attending Monday’s meeting. “I’d rather have Jerry sitting here,” Tossava said. “I don’t want to rush approval because he’s the one that’s got to answer these questions.” -Approved a traffic-control order at St. Rose School that would limit parking to bus parking only from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the east side of the street in front of the school in the 700 block of South Jefferson St. “This is much like what we had previously dealt with around the Hastings Middle School and Central Elementary,” said Police Chief Jeff Pratt, citing safety concerns. -Provided permission to close Green Street from Broadway to Cass Street Oct. 31 as has been done in the past several years to provide a safe place for many Halloween activities. -Waived parking restrictions in the First Ward Park areas for Hastings Manufacturing employees while the company completes its parking lot repaving project in the coming weeks. -Endorsed an amendment to the joint plan­ ning commission zoning ordinance defining terms in its electronic messaging board requirements, including a 500-foot distance from any street intersection or residence loca­ tion, unless approved by the zoning adminis­ trator. -Approved an amendment to the library special revenue fund, taking $5,500 from its budgeted fund balance to replace computers that were not included in the original budget. Library Director Peggy Hemerling explained that the transfer of funds will not involve additional expenditure but will simply result in reducing this year’s projected fund balance ■■ v. Michigan.” Officials from the tribe and casino said they explored options for the expansion by engag­ ing with internal senior leadership, outside gaming and hospitality research experts and industry leading casino resort architects. A total of 300 construction jobs are expect­ ed to be created during the building timeline of the expansion. Clark Construction has been hired to serve as construction manager of the project, and JCJ Architecture has been hired as the lead designer. Construction will begin soon, they said. The parking area south of the building, closest to 129th Avenue, which is Ml79, will be closed during construction. Signage will be erected to direct property visitors to parking areas such as the covered parking garage on the north side of the facility. Greg Chandler Staff Writer Even though temperatures have cooled in our area, health officials continue to encour­ age residents to take measures to protect themselves from Eastern equine encephalitis. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services officials Tuesday confirmed a fifth fatality tied to the mosquito-borne disease, this time in Cass County. It was the lO^1 human case of the disease statewide, depart­ ment spokeswoman Lynn Sutfin said. In addition, five more animal cases have been confirmed - three in St. Joseph County, and one each in Allegan and Kalamazoo counties. That brings to 44 the number of animal cases that have been diagnosed in the state over the last two months. Sutfin says, ev^i if a hard frost occurs this week or next — which ihTt likely according to the National Weather Service, we could con­ tinue to see more cases reported for another month or so. “What you need is a couple of days of freezing temperatures,” Sutfin said. “What we’re telling folks is continue to take those precautions.” EEE is one of the most dangerous mosqui­ to-borne diseases in the U.S., with a 33 per­ cent fatality rate. Survivors are often left with physical or mental disabilities. Barry County has had one human case of EEE and five ani­ mal cases - three in whitetail deer and two in horses. Aerial pesticide spraying over more than 557,000 acres in 14 counties was completed Oct. 7 to help combat EEE. That total includ­ ed more than 107,000 acres in seven Barry County townships. Other counties where EEE cases have been confirmed include Allegan, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Genesee, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lapeer, Livingston, Montcalm, Newaygo, St. Joseph, Tuscola and Van Buren. Residents should continue to protect them­ selves from mosquito bites by: - Avoiding being outdoors from dusk to dawn when mosquitos that carry the EEE virus are most active. - Applying insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-registered product to exposed skin or clothing, and always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use. - Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors. Apply insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites. - Maintaining window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside. - Emptying standing water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buck­ ets, unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes may lay eggs. - Using nets and/or fans over outdoor eat­ ing areas. More information is available at Michigan. gov/EEE. HHS celebrating homecoming this week Game time, parade route changed Students at Hastings High School, and other building in the district, have been celebrating homecoming all week with dressup days and other special events. Hallways were decorated over the weekend, and wirfdows at downtown businesses have been adorned with Saxon spirit. The theme is “‘Toon’ in to Homecoming.” Each high school class selected a cartoon to be the theme of its class hallway and float: Freshmen “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse,” sophomores “Scooby-Doo,” juniors “Phineas and Ferb,” and seniors “SpongeBob SquarePants.” This year’s homecoming court includes queen candidates Kiersten Baile, Hannah Johnson, Ellie Saur, Skyler Teske and Abby Zull. King candidates are Hunter Allerding, Jon Arnold, Kevin Coykendall, Ben Curtis and Braden Tolles. Like many other activities, Friday’s parade and football game will begin earlier than usual. The parade will step off at 4 p.m. behind the high school. It will go east on South Street, to Church, north on Church to Clinton, west on Clinton to Young Street, then south on Young to the stadium. The football game against the Jackson Northwest Mounties will begin at 5 p.m. The homecoming dance at 8 p.m. Saturday will conclude the week’s festivities. Hastings; Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-l p.m.; 269-948-9555. Delton addresses: Delton District Library - Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-l p.m.; 269-623-8040. Nashville addresses: Village clerk’s office, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., (closed Wednesday and Friday noon-1 p.m.); 517-852-9544. Freeport addresses: Freeport District Library, Monday and Thursday 1-8 p.m., Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday, 9-11 a.m.; 616-765-5181. Those wishing to “adopt” a family may call Barry County Cares, 269-948-9555. Hastings choirs performing Sunday Hastings Area Schools choirs will host their first concert of the year Sunday, Oct. 20. Beginning at 3 p.m., the concert will fea­ ture choir students in sixth through eighth grades. The concert, which is free and open to the public, will be at the performing arts center at Hastings High School, 520 W. South St. Members of the 2019 Hastings High School Homecoming Court are (from left) Ben Curtis, Jon Arnold, Hannah Johnson, Braden Tolles, Ellie Saur, Abby Zull, Skyler Teske, Kiersten Bailey, Hunter Allerding and Kevin Coykendall. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 17, 2019 —- Page 3 EGLE awards watershed management grant to PCCI Grayson Patton, (from left) Kierstyn Brisco, Hannah Johnson, Shannon Brown, Gavin Patton and Abby Larabee gather donations in downtown Hastings Teens raise money for United Way Greg Chandler Staff Writer The Barry Community Foundation’s Youth Advisory Council raised $4,107 during its annual Roof Sit in Hastings and Middleville Saturday. Students sat for three hours near the former Second Hand Corners store in Hastings and at the Sesquicentennial Pavilion in Middleville. Some students stood on street corners holding signs and banners seeking donations. “It is not the most that has been raised before, but it is a pretty great amount,” said Jillian Foster, a program officer at the com­ munity foundation and YAC advisor. Last year’s Roof Sit raised about $2,300, Foster said. Funds raised from this year’s event will go toward the Barry County United Way. “The students chose United Way [since it funds] youth programming and helps those emergent needs in the community,” Foster said. Caitlin O’Meara (from left) Shawna Stoneburner, Kitara Chase, Evelyn Zettelmaier hold signs in downtown Hastings. Greg Chandler Staff Writer The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy has awarded a $ 110,973 grant to Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, south of Hastings, for the development of a new watershed management plan for Cedar Creek. The creek is a sub-watershed of the Thomapple River that has been impacted by elevated E. coli concentrations and excess nutrients, erosion and sedimentation. The Pierce Cedar Creek grant is one of five grants, totaling $431,000, that were announced Monday for projects that will benefit Michigan lakes and streams by developing new or updating existing watershed management plans. PCCI staff will be collecting data over the next two years to identify impaired waters and compile a plan for reducing nonpoint sources of sediment, nutrients and other contaminants. “After creating the plan, we will have a list of very specific areas identified where action is needed to improve water quality,” PCCI spokesperson Sara Syswerda said Wednesday. “We will be able to then seek out additional funding to do restoration work to improve water quality in the Cedar Creek Watershed. We will also have meetings and workshops to help educate landowners about what they can do to manage their property for improved water quality.” An approved watershed management plan is required to apply for implementation funds offered annually by EGLE’s Nonpoint Source Program. By collecting the information and developing a watershed management plan, PCCI staff will be able to share information with the public about what is happening with water quality in the Cedar Creek Watershed, Syswerda said. “We will be able to use what we have learned to seek out funds to improve water quality in the watershed and to work with landowners to improve their land-management strategies,” she said. “The overall impact will be improved water quality in Cedar Creek and in particular, we are hoping to reduce E. coli concentrations and nutrient and sediment loads in the watershed.” The plan is expected to be completed by 2021, she said. Other recipients of the EGLE grants were: Ottawa Conservation District: $134,320 to develop a new watershed management plan for the Pigeon River watershed, a coldwater coastal tributary impaired by elevated E. coli levels and affected by flashy flows and excess nutrients. Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council: $88,715 to update watershed plans for the Cheboygan and Lower Black River watersheds, as well as develop a new protection-oriented plan for the Mullet Lake watershed. Glen Lake Association: $25,025 to update the protection-oriented Glen Lake-Crystal River Watershed Management Plan by incorporating new water quality monitoring data as well as collecting new watershed inventory data. Clinton Conservation District: $71,967 to develop a new watershed management plan for Stony Creek, a sub-watershed of the Maple River and impacted by excess E. coli, sediment and nutrients from urban and agricultural sources. These grants are funded through the federal Clean Water Act. Grants were offered via a request for proposals. DISAPPEARING CHANNELS? Changes in your local TV frequencies might make it seem that way But there's a quick fix. Something is happening to TVs across America as local channe'S change their frequencies to open up airwaves for new high-speed wireless services. If you use an antenna to watch free over-the-air TV, you might find that one or more of your channels is missing. But no need to worry. You can fix it in just a few minutes with your TV's remote control. Rescan Your TV Channels Learn More Now Federal Communications Commission w w w.fcc.go v/TV rescan V �Page 4 — Thursday, October 17, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you see? Yankee Springs Township cabal is at it again Facade gets a facelift Work has wrapped on the bricks in the facade of Goodrich Quality Theaters Hastings 4 in downtown Hastings. Assistant Manager Shelly Benedict said the decades-old facade was in need of minor repairs. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) We ’re dedicating this space to a photograph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? Welcome tea Banner, Oct. 8, 1964 Newcomers to the Hastings area are being welcomed here by Mrs. Carlton Kaechele, local hostess for Welcome Wagon International, and her assistant Mrs. Eugene Guernsey. Last Wednesday, Mrs. Kaechele invited all of the women who recently moved here to a tea in the Methodist Church parlors, and it was an enjoyable occasion. Newcomers shown here are (from right) Mrs. Phillip Horning, Mrs. Robert Hartle, Mrs. Charles Johnston and Mrs. Charles Fry. Mrs. Kaechele is standing facing the camera. Mrs. George Elliott (seated, facing the camera) is pouring, Mrs. Marshall Cook is serving the cake, and Mrs. Guernsey is facing the guests. Have you met', Clint Neil is a co-owner along with Rob Redman of Co-Dee Stamping on Star School Road in Hastings. Neil has lived in Hastings his entire life. He and his wife, Angi, (Hall) Neil are both Hastings graduates. They have two children Gage Pederson, 28, and Joumi Neil, 20, one grandchild and another on the way. Since its start in 1999, Co-Dee Stamping has grown from three employees to 30 employees. The company was moved to its current location in 2009 and has been expanded twice since then. Recently Neil and Redman agreed to provide their company’s box truck to be used, free of cost, for the United Way’s Fresh Food Initiative. Each Wednesday for the past month, Neil has driven the truck to a food distribution site in Battle Creek, where it is loaded with pallets of food, and he returns to Hastings to deliver the goods at the food pantry. “The first time I did it, I was surprised. It is a lot of food,” Neil said. Neil and his company also support Hastings schools. One recent donation allowed for the purchase of new uniforms for the freshmen volleyball team. The company also hosts tours by Barry County students interested in manufacturing, and they are forking to develop more trades education opportunities for students. » Neil is a member of the local development finance authority, which oversees and recommends projects for the City of Hastings Jo promote economic development and create jobs. Part of Neil’s involvement with the LDFA includes attending trade shows and Clint Neil seeking ways to entice other industrial companies to the city. He also is a member of Thornapple Valley Church in Hastings and leads a weekly Bible study group. For his pride in Hastings and his willingness to support the community, Clint Neil is this week’s Banner Bright Light. First job: Elias Brothers. Big Boy. I was 15 years old, and I used to ride my moped to work. Person I most admire: My mother. She was a very kind person. If I could have a superpower: I have always wanted to fly. It would just be cool. Favorite vacation destination: Aruba. I’ve been there three times. It is a beautiful island. Hobbies: Hunting and fishing. I have a camp in Canada I enjoy hunting and fishing at. Best gift I ever received. My children. If I could change one thing, it would be: That politicians could not lie anymore or that political unrest would go away. Best thing about Barry County: The people. I love the community. I love the generosity of the community. I love the camaraderie of the community. There are always going to be bad things, but as a whole, there is a reason why Hastings was voted as one of the top 100 small towns in America. The people that make it that way. Best invention: The automobile, they make traveling much more convenient. If I won the lottery: I would find a way to help more people. I would support the schools and maybe build a facility where kids can get on the job trades training. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving personality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. What is the purpose of a township board? If you live in Yankee Springs Township, it appears that the purpose is to spend tax­ payer money for expensive additions to buildings as some sort of monument glori­ fying dysfunctional government. That’s what they’ve got in Yankee Springs Township: Government dysfunction. Last August, I wrote about the “gotcha” politics making everyone a loser in Yankee Springs. In case you’ve been out of town, I can catch you up with the latest episode of This Terrible Township Board Turns My Stomach: The 3-2 power struggle on the board con­ tinues. In one comer, we have Supervisor Mark Englerth and Trustee Shanon Vandenberg. In the other, we have Clerk Janice Lippert, Treasurer Alice Jansma and the board’s newest member, Larry Knowles. If it sounds like some sort of pitched bat­ tle, that’s no accident. It is. And it’s just about as pretty. Suffice it to say, not one of the members of this board is blameless. I won’t revisit all the twists in this sad tale as each side tries to usurp power from the other. But the poor public, those constit­ uents who voted in good faith for elected officials to represent their interests and make wise decisions, are the losers. Right now, those voters are looking on like hapless victims. The plot thickened last Thursday with a board vote to authorize bids on a $898,500 project to renovate and add on to the Yankee Springs Township Hall. On a 3-2 vote - Knowles, Jansma and Lippert allied against Englerth and Vandenberg, no suspense there — the board approved spending $95,500 to have the engineering firm Fleis and VandenBrink provide design development services, con­ struction documents and bid documents for the proposed project at the township hall at 284 N. Briggs Road. Witnesses in the audience - those unfor­ tunate taxpaying residents - watched in disbelief. Who’s running the township? Just three people appear to be calling the shots and they are expressing their intention of spending nearly a million dollars of tax­ payer money to feather their township hall nest. They want an addition — mostly to accommodate private offices — for a town­ ship building that’s open limited hours during the week for government officials who don’t spend much time there. Why do all these officials need private offices? We can think of a dozen great uses for taxpayer money and it sure isn’t to create private offices for some craven township officials who can’t get along with each other. Longtime residents in the audience said they were appalled. What made it all worse is how the action came before the board in the first place: The idea had been brokered during a spe­ cial meeting the day before when the board looked at options for the township hall that included renovation work at the current site as well as the feasibility of building a new township hall next to the fire station on M-179. Then, the next night, at the start of the regular board meeting, Knowles performed a kind of governmental sleight-of-hand, inserting the proposal into the meeting agenda so it could be acted on. (These kind of last-minute, blindside additions seem to happen a lot at Yankee Springs Township meetings. It’s a kind of modus operand!.) Knowles, who served on a renovation committee that, last month, had recom­ mended improvements to the hall, was joined in the 3-2 majority vote by - you guessed it — Lippert and Jansma. Englerth and Vandenberg voted no. Knowles used terms like “due diligence” to describe the work that had been done thus far. But he’s a few bricks short of a town­ ship hall. This sure isn’t operating like a represen­ tative government. The people - in this case, township residents - must be engaged in the process first. But they aren’t. The only engagement to this point seems to be coming from some horrified residents who said they were appalled at the board action, calling it “shameful.” Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not object­ ing to taking good care of govern­ ment-owned buildings. Of course, the town­ ship hall, which was built in 1971, should be maintained. But this ain’t maintenance. This expansion project, to renovate the nearly 4,000-square-foot existing building, including the meeting room and offices, and build a 1,727-square-foot addition, is a star­ tling and, on its face, unnecessary and expensive project. I wrote about this dysfunctional township board back in August, and that was before this near-million-dollar township hall plan was proposed - or even mentioned. (Just think for a moment about the speed with which such a significant investment is being pursued in Yankee Springs Township and that, alone, should set off some alarm bells.) What I wrote then bears repeating: What should the taxpayers of Yankee Springs Township do now? I think it’s time for residents to consider recalling this entire inept board and start fresh with new faces and a new direction for the longtime betterment of the township. What I wrote in August holds true today: Leadership is a process of visioning, initiat­ ing, guiding and encouraging others to accomplish positive change. Under the current circumstances, it’s not likely that much will be accomplished for those who reside in the township, which is one of the fastest growing in the county. Shame on these elected officials. They have done a real disservice to their constitu­ ents. It’s time for taxpayers to step in and clean up their township house - before they end up paying for a township Taj Mahal. State lawmakers must learn to compromise To the Editor: State Rep. Julie Calley, R-Portland, spoke at the Barry County Board of Commissioners meeting Tuesday morning, Oct. 8, about the state budget for this year. She hit on all of the GOP talking points and placed all of the blame on the governor. In her haste to lay all of the blame at the feet of the governor, she failed to address the one-time Band-Aid of $400 million that her party was trying to put on a $2.4 billion problem. Her party knew this was an important issue for the governor, and it has been an issue for many years that has never been fully addressed. This go-around, the governor proposed a 45-cent gas tax that would fully fund the needed repairs for roads while, at the same time, returning some much-needed funding to schools, and challenged the Legislature to come up with a better idea if they could. The best ideas that were put forward ranged from selling off state assets to turning paved roads back to gravel, to borrowing money against a teacher pension fund. Calley’s claim that “We never left” the bargaining table is confusing since the Legislature took a couple of months off to return and deliver the budget to the governor’s desk just days before the start of the fiscal year. After eight years of the GOP railroading their agenda on our state, it seems that both sides of the aisle need some practice at bipartisan effort and compromise. The quicker they learn these skills, the sooner they can get the job done that the taxpayers of our state hired them to do. Ben Eastman, Hastings �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 17, 2019 — Page 5 SUIT, continued from page 1 water,” Perry told the judge. “They (the Watson Drain district) have converted our property for a public use because they’re using our property to store public water from the drainage district.” Attorney Douglas Kelly, who represents Dull and the Watson Drain district, countered, “We are working diligently to find a solution to the flooding in this district. The whole dis­ trict is a bowl. There is no outlet.” Last summer, a pump began moving water from Crooked Lake to a detention basin on the former Darrell Jones property. It took 6 inches off the lake, bringing the water from a June 15 high point of 928.2 feet to 927.7 feet in early August. The lake level this past Tuesday was 927.2 feet, Dull said. Pumping is continuing and it has had a “phenomenal” impact, he told The Banner. Dull estimated the difference it’s making at between 114-inch to l!4-inch a week for Upper and Lower Crooked and Glasby lakes, a 2,100-acre area. Dull said they are working with state departments of Natural Resources and Environment, Great Lakes and Energy to con­ tinue pumping for at least a couple more weeks. And, it the weather continues warm, perhaps they can continue pumping for anoth­ er month. State officials wanted them to stop pump­ ing soon so as not to interfere with native species there that will be hibernating, Kelly told the judge during the Oct. 10 hearing. “So you’ll have to wait until the raccoons wake up again?” Johnston asked. “Something like that,” Kelly replied, say­ ing that their efforts to find a solution for flooding in the Watson Drain district involves a complicated collaboration among local, county, and state agencies that include dealing with invasive species and endangered species and many other issues. “We are doing the best we can,” he remarked. “...You can’t just start digging trenches and moving water around. You will What do you get arrested.” Getting permits to get the water moved is “Herculean,” Kelly added. “You just can’t make it go away.” Both sides argued issues pertaining to court procedure and whether the rules had been observed. Attorney Stephon Bagne, representing Dull and the Watson Drain, said of the opposing counsel, Perry and his associate, Kirby Albright, “They chose to proceed with that hearing. They basically chose to shove this down our throat. “To come here now and say there is some kind of unfairness is flat-out wrong.” At one point, intrigued by Perry’s argument about mismanagement of the lake level, Judge Johnston pointed to news reports that lake levels are high all over Michigan. “Aren’t water levels way up everywhere? Lake Huron, Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, even the marsh in my backyard is up. Water levels are up. “To some extent, I suppose it’s an act of God.” Later, Bagne mentioned the judge’s remark. “It came from, as your honor said, an act of God. You can’t sue God.” Johnston agreed, adding: “You don’t have jurisdiction.” A recurring source of contention between the two sides during the hearing was a court-ordered minimum lake level of 922.75 feet that was established on Crooked Lake in 2005. “If there was an order for a lake level and it’s not being achieved,” Johnston said, “it seems to me that the skunk lands on the drain commissioner’s porch.” Bagne pointed out that the order to main­ tain a minimum level was issued 13 years ago and seasonal levels are to be allowed. “How’s that skunk landing on his (the drain commissioner’s) porch?” he asked the judge, pointing out that others - including state agencies and departments like EGLE - also have an impact on the lake level. think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by accessing, our website, www. HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the fol­ lowing week. For this week: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a proclamation renam­ ing Columbus Day, Oct. 14, to Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Do you support changing the name? □ Yes □ No Last week: Eastern equine encephalitis has prompted a controversial decision by Michigan health offi­ cials to spray pesticide on more than 107,000 acres in seven Barry County townships. Was the aerial spraying a good idea? Yes 66% No 33% Write Us A Letter: ........ -■ ■■■■■■.................................................................................................. ■ - • >. -- --- ' - The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. GUEST EDITORIAL Farming battle — the cost of a wet year Attorney Douglas Kelly (on left) and Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull update county commissioners on the Watson Drain district at the Oct. 8 county board meeting. Two days later, Kelly and Dull were in circuit court for a motion to reconsider the lawsuit against Dull and the drain district. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) “This is an interesting and unusual case indeed,” the judge said at the conclusion of the hearing. “One of things that I’ve found most interesting about my four-week stint in Barry County Circuit Court so far is that a very substantial portion of the civil docket involves litigation about lakes. We’ve had prescriptive easement cases. We’ve had adverse possession cases, We’ve had argu­ ments between neighboring cottage owners who both have docks going out into the lake, but, because of the configuration of the shore­ line, they come into contact with each other and each side is blocked from using the space between the docks. We’ve had cases where access roads were not built where they were platted in 1924 and now, of course, we have this. “It’s remarkable how much water-related litigation there is in Barry County.” Johnston pointed out that he was not involved in the prior stages of the litigation. “Counsel has been very helpful in written submissions and oral presentations today in clarifying what has transpired in this case prior to my arrival.” The judge said that McDowell, in dismiss­ ing the complaint, “was obviously attempting to come to grips with the crucial issues of the case at the earliest possible moment... On the other hand, to go from a show-cause hearing to a resolution on the merits is perhaps push­ ing things a little hard. “But I think, as you read the transcript, what it turned on Judge McDowell’s decision that the drain commissioner had dis­ cretion under the law when - or whether - to institute condemnation proceedings.” Because of that fact, the drain commission­ er was not required by law to act. “Either way, the action against the drain commissioner for failing to institute a con­ demnation action under the uniform act is a dead duck,” Johnston said. “That said, I think there are other arguments which may be pre­ sented in this case. For instance, it seems to me the plaintiffs have an argument, at least, that the flooding of their property constitutes an inverse condemnation ... and may be the subject of other relief.” So the judge denied the motion for recon­ sideration, but allowed the plaintiffs to file an amended complaint within 14 days to bring further action against Dull and Watson Drain district if they choose to do so. That would “reframe the case in a manner more suitable and more arguable under the existing laws of the state of Michigan,” Johnston said. In closing, the judge noted that, in Kent County, he used to confer the “Case of the Week” award upon the parties with the most interesting litigation for the week. “I’m prepared to award you gentlemen the ‘Case of the Month’ award,” Johnston said. The audience laughed. Gordon Speirs Dairy farmer in Greenleaf Wis. This is not meant to be a complaint, but a reflection of the reality facing our dairy sec­ tor. “We” means all of us. A recent rainfall felt like the final dagger in the heart during a very difficult year. This all started 13 months ago when it began raining in early September and was wet throughout the fall. We did not finish our field work properly before freeze-up and didn’t get the manure pits emptied. This carried into a wet spring. We first real­ ized that much of the alfalfa hay crops did not survive the winter. Normally, we plant new alfalfa before May 1. But it was still too wet, and we could not get into the fields. There was a small window to plant com around May 22, then the rains came again. Most of the com was finally planted by June 12 into less-than-ideal conditions. Some of the poorer fields had another chance around June 22. So, by May 23, we knew this was going to be a delayed harvest. Normally we take four cuttings of hay. This year, the first three were challenged by wet fields that kept us from using equipment that would create ruts. We didn’t want to harm the acres that survived the winter. The fourth cut, which was due to be harvested Sept. 10, is still in the field. We are waiting for a killing frost to allow us to harvest the crop, but we still aren’t sure if the ground will be hard enough. All of this comes with added costs. Finances: Normally we need a silage chop­ per with four trucks to make one chopping team. Because of the soaked fields, we now need to add three tractors and dump carts at $130 per hour, each. We also need a skid-steer to clean roads, and we’ll need the dump carts to come onto the town roads to dump into semi-trailers. People: We recently added four people for a chopping team. Employees are hard to find because the hours are long and the job is frus­ trating. Productivity: Using dump carts, we can come close to normal production in harvest - Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF® (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinancial.com Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO The Annual Kate Mix Memorial Concert ftlusic Jlegemls Saturday, October 19, 7pm Dennison Performing Arts Center TICKET PRICES: Adults $12,Children 13-18 $6, Under 12 Free Available at the door or in advance from HCMS Staff and the HCMS Office located on the lower level of Ace Hardware. An evening of great music in memory of a remarkable woman, teacher and musician. Refreshments will be served. Area Schools System would like to invite the community to a Hank Schuuring CFO * NEWSROOM • Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Taylor Owens j Thank You Open House October 21,2019 - 6:30 pm at Hastings Middle School Commons Area 232 W MI 49058 • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • - Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: PO Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 Karen Hayward Administrative Assistant Hastings Community Music School Is Proud to Present The Hastings BcUUld* Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 until things start getting stuck in the mud. When the chopper gets stuck, our efficiency drops to zero. Days until freeze-up: In a normal year, silage harvest is complete around Oct. 1. This year we started Oct 10. As a dairy industry, we need to get the crop in, then return the manure to the fields. This window is now only half as long as last year, yet we have more challenging conditions. The fields: Compaction and damage that the harvest will cause to the soil structure will not be fixed in one year. We’ll see decreased yields in the coming years, for sure. The community: Roads will be muddy and blocked at times as we work to accomplish the harvest. Emotions: Until this is done, it will be really hard to have a good day. Each day seems like a battle. This will be reflected in how we relate to our families, workers, ser­ vice providers, equipment dealers, fellow farmers and others. We will all try to have a good attitude, but the fun this year left a long time ago. Finances, again: After what has been a struggling agricultural economy for four years, we finally are seeing some price relief in the dairy sector, but it feels like we will be giving all of our profits back again this year due to the added costs and reduced yields. As we look ahead, we have six weeks in which to complete eight weeks of work before freeze-up. I ask neighbors and others in the community to be patient and understanding when their vehicles get muddy or they are delayed in their travels. I also ask everyone to remember that this is where your food comes from. The next time you order a pizza, realize that this is the effort that was made so there could be cheese on it. Like we in agriculture do every day, I am heading out this morning with an attitude to be victorious in the conditions that are pre­ sented. Should you have time, say a little prayer for the ag community. It can’t hurt. Help Us Thank Larry & Earlcnc Baum for their generous donations to the School, Students & Entire Community �Page 6 — Thursday, October 17, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Gabe Priddy, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry7, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hasting shopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingshopeumc. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office. greenstreetumc@ gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948­ 8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings. org. 9 a.m. Classes and Gatherings for All ages; 9:45 a.m. Worship (Children's Worship Offered); 10:45 a.m. Coffee Fellowship; 11:15 a.m. Coffee Talk with Pastor Dan. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9: 45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945-9217. cbchastings. org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www.hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller, Wor­ ship Director, Martha Stoetze!. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care pro­ vided. SUNDAY MORNING FAMILY HOUR WEL­ COMES ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue, Loving God, Lov­ ing Neighbor: Preschool age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Standard and Adult Elective classes. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church age 4-4th grade dis­ missed during service. Fall Ser­ mon Series & Growth Groups, "On Mission" begins Sept. 15. Sunday Evening: Youth Group at 6:30 p.m., 2nd Tues: Young Women's Small Group at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Mid-Week: Women's Bible Study at 6:30 p.m. Kid's Club, Oct. 16-Dec. 4, 6:30-7:45 p.m. Friday Bible Study at 10 a.m. Thursday Brunch, Sept. 26 at 9:30 a.m. For more information please contact the church. Discover God’s Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! Oct. 20 - Worship services at 8 and 10:45 a.m.; Church School 10:45 a.m.; Youth Hayride 1:30 p.m. (Cornwall's Turkey). Oct. 24 - Clapper Kids 3:45 p.m.; Grace Notes 5:45 p.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www.grace-hastings. org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings, MI. Products8 945-4700 DELTON, MI - Sharon Ilene Herbert, age 63, of Delton passed away on October 9, 2019 at Ascension Borgess Hospital in Kalamazoo. Sharon was bom on June 21, 1956 in Battle Creek to Edwin “Lee” and Dorothy (Wibalda) Herbert. Sharon graduated in 1983 from Hastings High School after attending Delton Kellogg schools through middle school. Sharon worked for EBI Breakthrough for many years. She was actively involved with the Special Olympics for 50 years, participating in track and field and bowling, winning several gold medals. Sharon enjoyed making new friends and talking on the phone. She loved Micky Mouse, coloring, shopping, and traveling to see family. Sharon was an animal lover, especially dogs and cats. She loved her church family and was a longtime member of Faith United Methodist Church. Sharon will be remembered for her smile, enthusiasm, and confidence. Sharon is survived by her siblings, Sandee (Jim) Henricks, Sylvia (Douglas) Goebel, Brian (Bonnie) Herbert; nieces and nephews, Brandon (Candace) Henricks, Lindsay Henricks, Drew Goebel, Dylan Goebel, Nick Herbert, Lauren Herbert, Abigail Rogers, and Alex VanEenenaam; and great nephew, Colton Henricks. Sharon was preceded in death by her parents. A funeral service was held Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2019 at the Faith United Methodist Church with Pastor Brian Bunch officiating. Burial took place in East Hickory Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions to the Michigan Special Olympics will be appreciated. Please visit www. williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence for Sharon’s family. Arrangements made by Williams-Gores Funeral Home in Delton. Robert Maurice Ingram GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH H MGS 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. Sue (Harrington-James) Babcock) WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 Sharon Ilene Herbert AWORIDWIDESUPPUEROF HotHnelBolsSiEqiuptnent 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 HASTINGS, MI - Robert Maurice Ingram, age 84, of Hastings, passed away on October 9, 2019. Robert was bom in Hastings September 3, 1935 the son of Maurice and Katherine Louise (Fleming) Ingram. He graduated from Hastings High School and worked as a baker at Dale’s Bake Shop and Felpausch. Robert proudly served his country in the Navy from 1951­ 1955. On June 22, 1992, Robert married Julia May Bassett in Las Vegas, NV. Robert enjoyed baking, woodworking, bowling, and liked to help people. He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, Betty Brown. Robert is survived by his wife, Julia Ingram; daughter, Deb Snyder; sons, Brad (Vikki) Ingram, Eric (Sherrie) Ingram; nine grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, along with many nieces and nephews. A funeral service was held Monday, Oct. 14, 2019 at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S. Broadway; Hastings,. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Barry County Animal Shelter, 540 N. Industrial Park Dr., Hastings, MI 49058 in Robert’s honor. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. A Memorial Service for Phyllis Ann Wells (9/20/1936-8/9/2019) will be held Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019 at the Vermontville Bible Church, 250 N Main Street, Vermontville. The visitation will begin at 9 a.m. with the memorial service at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Litchfield MI at the Mt. Hope Cemetery at 1 p.m.. Please join her children, Sally, Robert, Nyle and Faith and other family in this time of remembrance or share a memory with us at ssrempel@gmail.com. Joan Kasinsky age 92 passed away on October 12,2019. Joan was bom October 24, 1926 in Niles. Joan was a lifelong resident of Hastings, graduating from Hastings High School in 1944. Joan met the love of her life John W. Kasinsky at Percy Jones Hospital while volunteering with cousin. She married John on October 17, 1947, and they spent the next 49 years together. Joan worked at Michigan Bell in Hastings and Battle Creek for 23 years. After she left Michigan Bell, Joan worked at Feldpausch for 21 years, retiring in 1989. After retiring, Joan enjoyed spending time volunteering for many years at Thomapple Manor playing the piano and reading to residents. She also volunteered with Love Inc. connecting those in need with local services. For her years of service to the community, she was honored with an award. Joan also enjoyed, bowling, golfing, reading, and playing cards. Joan was a woman of great faith and was an active member of the United Methodist Church for many years, participating in United Methodist Women, the education committee, numerous fall bazaars, and funeral luncheons. Joan was preceded in death by husband, John Kasinsky; sisters, Jean (Boyd) Morehead, Doris (Kenneth) Covey, and brother-in-law, Martin (Janet) VanGeison. Joan is survived by her sister, Janet (Martin) VanGeison; son, Michael (Janine) Kasinsky;granddaughter, Kristen Kasinsky, as well as many nieces and nephews whom she treasured. Joan loved her family and those she “adopted” as family dearly and will be greatly missed. Visitation will be Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019 from 1 until 2 p.m., with a service at 2 p.m. at Green Street United Methodist Church, 209 West Green Street, Hastings, MI 49058. =Interment will be at Fort Custer Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joan’s memory to Green Street United Methodist Church or Barry County Cares. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. HASTINGS, MI - Druscilla Sue Babcock, age 86, of Hastings, passed away at the Legacies Assisted Living in Caledonia, on October 12,2019. Sue was bom in Hastings, on January 18, 1933, the daughter of the late Donna Wilkins (Welton) and Edward Harrington. She graduated in 1950 from Hastings Schools. On July 12, 1969, Sue married her true soulmate, Donald Gordon Babcock at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Hastings. They enjoyed an adventurous 46 years together. Sue was a soft-hearted, kind-spoken, devoted mother, an amazing partner in marriage, wonderful sister and had a never wavering faith for our Lord. Throughout her life, she worked at Tyden Seal Company, E.W Bliss, Steelcase, Hastings Manufacturing, and Northern Lights Realty. When all the children were grown, Sue and Don made their permanent retirement home up north at Camp “Sue-Don” in Brethren. They had traveled numerous trips all over the U.S. and for a short time had a home in Mobile, AL finally settling back in Hastings their last few years. Sue is survived by sons, Ray (Rose) James, George James, Charlie (Julie) James, Rick James, Randy James; daughters, Joni (Mike) Mezeske, Tammy (John) Benjamin, Mary (J.R.) Klinge, Patricia (David) McCarson; sisters, Pat Leckrone and Joyce Cruttenden Phelan; 24 grandchildren and 34 great­ grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald Babcock; sisters, Jane Sanborn, Jean Kimmel, Priscilla Phelan and son, Gordon Babcock. The family would like to especially thank Legacies Assisted Living of Caledonia for their amazing love and care. A visitation will be held on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019 at 10:30 a.m., service at 11:30 a.m., with a luncheon to follow at Emmanuel Episcopal Church; 315 W Center Street; Hastings, MI 49058. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net. Call any time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad 260-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 17, 2019 — Page 7 SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Getting back to work Prairieville Township resident Mark A. Doster sent photos of the flooding at 3 Mile Road to J-Ad Graphics after alerting the county board and road commission of what he called a dangerous situation. Water closes 3 Mile Road near Prairieville Greg Chandler Staff Writer Barry County Road Commission officials are trying to determine a course of action for water overflowing 3 .Mile Road near Starr Lake in Prairieville Township. Mark A. Doster, who said his great-grand­ father built the causeway through Starr Lake, told county commissioners last week that the causeway is sinking and water is overflowing the road between Doster and Burchette roads. County board members referred Doster to the road commission. Officials there are trying to figure out what’s causing the problem. Three Mile was shut down at least twice this past summer because of water on the road. Last year, water levels receded in the fall, but that has not been the case this year. “I have not noticed a structural issue that would lead to the road sinking,” Jake Welch, director of operations for the road commis­ sion, said in a telephone interview Friday. The road commission has contracted with a geotechnical engineering firm to study earth and soil conditions around and under the road surface to try to determine why the area is flooding. The firm will be doing soil boring at the site sometime next week, with results from the study are expected in an additional two to four weeks. “We’re definitely looking at doing some­ thing before winter,” Welch said. Three Mile is presently closed and barri­ caded in both directions until the issue of water over the road can be resolved. It’s pos­ sible the road commission could close down the road for the winter, but any such decision would not come until the agency had a chance to review the geotechnical firm’s report, Welch said. Thanking the Baums School, community come together to express appreciation for the family’s generosity over the years Hastings Area Schools will host an open house Monday to thank Larry and Earlene Baum for their continuing support of the district. The reception will take place from 6:30 to 7 p.m. in the Hastings Middle School Commons, 232 W. Grand St., Hastings. For many years, the Baums have picked up the tab for Hastings athletes, ensuring that students do not have to pay to play middle school and high school sports. At $60,000 to $70,000 each year for the past 14 years, that ongoing contribution amounts to about $900,000. The family has contributed more than $1 million for the football stadium and artifi­ cial turf, bleachers, fieldhouse, entryway and allowed for recent improvements at the stadium. Theater and music programs have benefited; most recently with the addition of a $100,000 Steinway grand piano at the Performing Arts Center. The culinary arts program is another benefactor. In the community, the Baums and their family foundation have provided a dialysis treatment center and incoming surgical cen­ ter at Spectrum Health Pennock. The City of Hastm^rnas been the recip­ ient of the Thornapple Plaza downtown. The outdoor concert venue can seat 700, and the Baum Family Foundation continues to support summer concerts and enable improvements, such as a laser light system and a movie screen. A financial infusion from the Baum fam­ ily sparked residential development in downtown Hastings. And a new building at the Gilmore Car Museum in Hickory Corners has enhanced the GarageWorks program for area students. The school district is hosting the open house, but school officials invite others from the community to stop in and show their appreciation. PLANS, continued from page 1 the township hall that included renovation work at the current site as well as the feasibil­ ity of building a new township hall next to the fire station on M-179. At the start of the Oct. 10 meeting, trustee Larry Knowles made the motion to have the Fleis and VandenBrink proposal added to the agenda. Knowles, who served on a renovation com­ mittee that, last month, had recommended improvements to the hall, was joined in the 3-2 majority vote by Clerk Jan Lippert and Treasurer Alice Jansma. Supervisor Mark Englerth and Trustee Shanon Vandenberg voted no. “We need some more time,” Vandenberg said. “We haven’t even discussed how we’re going to pay for it. “We’re going to give a corporation a go-ahead, and we haven’t even discussed how we’re going to pay the bill.” Englerth said that, considering the potential cost of the project, “it deserves a better dis­ cussion than we’re giving it.” “What do the taxpayers want? What does the public want? Are we funding this thing out of the general fund balance or borrow it over 20 years?” Englerth asked, “Does the public want a vote at the table? Have we exercised all our options? Is it the right thing to do?” Knowles defended the renovation commit­ tee recommendation, saying it was given due diligence. “There were plenty of options presented. As a matter of fact, they did consider the fire bam [on M-179], but the engineer plainly said it won’t hold it,” he said. “If you’re consider­ ing the fact that we just recently added 30 parking spaces to this facility, because 30 [existing spaces] wasn’t enough, that’s all we can fit over there, is 30 [spaces]. They’re clearly saying there’s not enough room to put this size of building over there to fit parking. We then looked at a few different options of how to renovate this building.” Under conceptual plans presented by Fleis and VandenBrink to the board Wednesday, Oct. 9, the project would renovate the nearly 4,000-square-foot existing building, including the meeting room and offices, and build a 1,727-square-foot addition to the north, at an estimated cost of $898,500. “We were asked to take a look at doing an addition to this building and some improve­ ments to upgrade it and make it function a lot better for the staff,” David Gibbs, an architect for Fleis and VandenBrink, said during that presentation Wednesday. The renovation would include exterior masonry restoration, addition of a new exit door to the south side of the building, creation of a conference room, a wider ramp that would meet standards under the Americans with Disabilities Act, a new heating and cool­ ing system, new flooring, construction of a new closet that would house the township’s information technology server, and ceil­ ing-mounted monitors that would allow both the public and board members to see informa­ tion presented from the podium at board meetings, Gibbs said. The office addition would include a sepa­ rate entry from the meeting room entrance, service windows for the clerk and treasurer, along with private offices for the supervisor, clerk, assessor and future zoning administra­ tor, Gibbs said. Gibbs and F&V construction manager Jerry Fleis also presented an option to the board for a new 5,716-square-foot township hall at the fire station site. That option would carry a likely price tag of $2.3 million, but would only allow for 33 parking spaces. The Yankee Springs Township hall meeting room was built in 1971, and offices were added to the hall about 1975, according to Chuck Biggs, who was the township clerk at that time. Vonda Van Til Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Having a job means different things to dif­ ferent people, but it can give you a sense of self, a community to rely on, and much-need­ ed structure. Some people define themselves through their work. Others may enjoy the social aspect of their jobs. If you rely on Supplemental Security Income payments or Social Security Disability benefits and want to start working or return to work, Social Security can help. A plan for achieving self-support is a plan for your future. This plan lets you use your income or the resources you own to help you reach your work goals. You could set aside money to go to school and get specialized training for a job or to start a business. PASS is for both SSI and SSDI. The job that you want should allow you to earn enough to reduce or eliminate the SSI or SSDI benefits you currently receive. You should use the PASS if all of these apj)ly to you: You want to work; you get SSI (or can qualify for SSI by having this plan) because you have a disability or are blind; and you have income, other than SSI, or resources above the resource limit, to use to get a job or start a business. In some cases, someone on SSDI can use a PASS and become eligible for SSI while pur­ suing the plan. Your employment income may reduce or eliminate your SSDI benefits. Under SSI rules, any income that you have may reduce your SSI payment. However, if you have an approved plan, you can use most of that income to pay for the items you need to reach your work goal. We don’t count money set aside under the PASS when we decide your SSI payment amount. This means you may get a higher SSI payment. However, you can’t get more than the maximum SSI payment for the state where you live. With an approved plan, you can set aside money to pay expenses needed to reach your work goal. The plan must be in writing, and Social Security must approve it beforehand. To start, contact your local Social Security office for an application (Form SSA-545-BK). You can access this form at socialsecurity.gov/forms/ ssa-545.html. If you need help, many people can help you write a PASS, including a Ticket to Work ser­ vice provider, vocational counselor or a rela­ tive. The Ticket to Work program, which is free and voluntary, helps people with disabil­ ities progress toward financial independence. To learn more, call the Ticket to Work Help Line, 866-968-7842 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email to vonda .vantil@ssa .gov. Wards celebrating 60 years of marriage Raymond and Joan Ward were married Oct. 17, 1959. They are the parents of Randy Ward, Jody Ward and Tammy Ray. If you wish to send a card, mail to: 414 E. Francis St., Hastings, MI 49058. HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Matthew Eugene Potter, Charlotte and Wendy Jo Todd, Hastings Jessica Joy Simmons, Middleville and Steven Robert Flanders, Middleville Marvin Ray Barczak, Middleville and Melinda Marie Gulch, Middleville John Wiese, Middleville and Patricia Sue Bloomstrom, Sparta Joshua Thomas Pierce, Dowling and Jessica Phyllene Patrick, Nashville James Leon Miller, Shelbyville and Nicole Ashley Boyd, Shelbyville Alana Nicole Cairns, Hastings and Trevor John Zimmerman, Hastings Nathan Scott Wilkins, Belding and Jordan May Zillgitt, Nashville Friday, Oct. 18 - preschool story time, 10:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19 - board games and Dungeons and Dragons, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 21 - Quilting Passions craft­ ing club, 10 a.m.-l p.m.; Lego club, 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 22 - toddler story time, 10:30-11 a.m.; mahjong, 5:30; chess, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24 - Baby Cafe, 10 a.m.noon; Movie Memories and Milestones watches 1955 film starring Richard Carlson and Julie Adams, 5 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. ONLINE AUCTION Bidding Ends Wed. Oct. 30th at 1 PM ET 2246 Shelter Pointe Drive • Kalamazoo, Michigan It is with grateful hearts that we offer our sin­ cerest thanks and appreciation to the residents of Hastings and those in surrounding areas. Your ongoing prayers and well wishes have giv­ en us hope and encouragement. Selling at or above a high bld of 5400k. Currently listed at $775k. et auction MM Larry is doing well physically, and continues working hard on his speech therapy, but it has been a struggle. We understand that it is not un­ common for good speech improvement to take as much as a year, following a stroke such as his. This is to let you know how much your prayers and concerns have meant to us. Thank You and God Bless You, City of Hastings NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 90-774 (5) MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF DWELLINGS OUTSIDE OF MOBILE HOME PARKS ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF HASTINGS The Planning Commission for the City of Hastings will hold a Public Hearing for the purpose of hearing written and/or oral comments from the public con­ cerning amendments to Section 90-774 (5) mini­ mum requirements for dwellings outside mobile home parks pertaining to basements. The public hearing will be held at 7:00 PM on Monday, November 4, 2019 in City Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. All interested citizens are encouraged to attend and to submit comments. A copy of the proposed changes is avail­ able for public inspection from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday at the Office of the Community Development Director, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Questions or comments can be directed to Dan King, Community Development Director, at 269.945.2468 or dking@hastingsmi.org The City will provide necessary reasonable aids and ser­ vices upon five days' notice to the City Clerk at 269.945.2468 or TDD call relay services 800.649.3777. Jane M. Saurman 130271 City Clerk Broker Participation Welcome. 10% Buyer s Premium In association with: RE/MAX Perrett Associates Inc. 800-476-39391 TargetAuction.com___________ (269) 968-6101 Gun Lake Area Sewer Authority Effective November 1, 2019 the new office hours for the Gun Lake Area Sewer Authority are Monday-Friday 10:00AM-2:00PM. Please note that GLASA’s Water Lab hours are changing to reflect the new office hours. The Water Lab tests drinking water for total coliform (bacteria/e-coli) and nitrates. See www.gunlakesewer.org/water-lab/ for more information. NOTICE Tillman Infrastructure, LLC is proposing to build a 195-foot Monopole tower (199-ft w/ appurtenances) located at 7097 E State Road, Nashville, MI 49073. Structure coordinates are: (N42-38-54.18/ W85-09-02.69). No lighting is anticipated. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Antenna Structure Registration (ASR Form 854) file number is Al 145717. Interested persons may review the application at www.fcc.gov/asr/apnlications by entering the file number. Environmental concerns may be raised by filing a Request for Environmental Review at www.fcc.gov/asr/ environmentalreauest within 30 days of the date that notice of the project is published on the FCC’s website. FCC strongly encourages online filing. A mailing address for a paper filing is: FCC Requests for Environmental Review, ATTN: Ramon Williams, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554. �Page 8 — Thursday, October 17, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen ...I. U H.IIIU ,l ......... I of EDWARD JONES .......................................................... . ............ . . .. ........... < Be creative when withdrawing from retirement accounts Central United Methodist Church will observe Laity Sunday Oct. 20 with the service prepared and presented by members of the congregation. A potluck dinner will follow. The Tri-River Museum Group met Tuesday at Charlton Park’s Upjohn House with 35 people in attendance. The newest member museum is the Sand Lake Historical Society, which sought membership. The Eaton Rapids Civil War Museum was recently featured in a two-page article in the Lansing State Journal about paranormal activity in the museum. That museum is also a member of the Tri­ River group. Most members stayed for a catered lunch. The Lake Odessa Area Historical Society met Oct. 10 with a dozen members present. Bonnie Mattson spoke on the origins of Lakewood School District, which was a merg­ er of Lake Odessa and Woodland schools. The presentation generated a lot of personal mem­ ories among the audience. Those memories were shared in a discussion following the presentation. Members will receive their Bonanza Bugles this week. Lakewood Chorale Society’s acapella group sang in concert at Grace Lutheran Church in Hastings Oct .6. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP £ BUDGET L' HEARING NOTICE /The Rutland Charter Township Board will hold a public hearing on the proposed Township Budget for fiscal year 2020, at a regular meeting to be held on Wednes­ day, November 13, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. at Rutland Charter Township Hall, 2461 ,jHeath Road, Hastings, Michigan. THE PROPERTY TAX MILLAGE RATE PROPOSED TO BE LEVIED TO SUPPORT THE PROPOSED BUDGET WILL BE A SUBJECT OF THIS HEARING. Like many people, you may spend decades putting money into your.IRA and your 401 (k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan. But eventually you will want to take this money out - if you must start withdrawing some of it. How can you make the best use of these funds? To begin with, here’s some background: When you turn 70 Vi, you need to start withdrawals - called required minimum distributions, or RMDs - from your traditional IRA and your 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan, such as a 457(b) or 403(b). (A Roth IRA is not subject to these rules; you can essentially keep your account intact for as long as you like.) You can take more than the RMD, but if you don’t take at least the minimum (which is based on your account balance and your life expectancy), you’ll generally be taxed at 50% of the amount you should have taken so don’t forget these withdrawals. Here, then, is the question: What should you do with the RMDs? If you need the entire amount to help support your lifestyle, there’s no issue - you take the money and use it. But what if you don’t need it all? Keeping in mind that the withdrawals are generally fully taxable at your personal income tax rate, are there some particularly smart ways in which you can use the money to help your family or, possibly, a charitable organization? Here are a few suggestions: • Help your grown children with their retirement accounts. Your grown children may not always be able to afford to “max out” on their IRAs. You might want to help them with any excess funds from your own can do even more than that - so use them retirement accounts. You can give $15,000 wisely. This article was written by Edward Jones per year, per recipient, without incurring any gift taxes - an amount far higher than the for use by your local Edward Jones Financial current annual IRA contribution limit of Advisor If you have any questions, contact $6,000 (or $7,000 for individuals 50 or Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. older). • Help your grandchildren pay for college. You might want to contribute to an investment specifically designed to build The following prices are from the close of assets for college. A financial professional business last Tuesday. Reported changes are can help you choose which investments from the previous week. 35.32 +10.92 might be most appropriate. Of course, if your Apple Inc. 37.90 +.42 grandchildren are already in college, you are AT&T 116.31 +4.60 free to simply write a check to the school to Chevron 172.64 +7.67 Deere & Co. help cover tuition and other expenses. 69.42 +2.72 • Help support a charitable organization. Exxon Mobil 45.83 +3.33 Due to recent changes in tax laws, many Flowserve CP 9.07 +.53 individuals now claim a standard deduction, Ford Motor Co. 8.89 +.61 rather than itemizing. As a result, there’s less General Electric Co. +2.38 36.26 of an incentive, from a tax standpoint, for General Motors 235.62 +8.95 people to contribute to charitable Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson 132.84 +1.00 organizations. 61.93 +.09 But if you’d still like to support a Kellogg Co. 141.57 +5.90 charitable group and gain potential tax Microsoft CP +1.87 53.81 benefits, you might want to consider moving Perrigo Co. +1.07 36.50 some, or all, of your required distributions Pfizer Inc. 12.60 +.85 from your IRA to a charity. You can transfer Spartannash Comp +7.07 214.95 up to $100,000 from your IRA in this type of Stryker 37.27 +.94 qualified charitable distribution, thus meeting TCF Financial Corp. 119.53 +1.95 your RMD requirements without adding to Walmart Inc. 129.76 +1.29 your taxable income. Furthermore, this move Walt Disney Co 158.62 +3.57 might keep you in a lower tax bracket. Whirl Pool Corp (Before making this transfer, though, you Gold $1,485 +$26.80 will need to consult with your tax advisor.) Silver $17.63 +.03 Your RMDs can contribute greatly to your 27,025 +861 retirement income, but, as we’ve seen, they Dow Jones ---- STOCKS----- A copy of the budget is available for public inspection at 2461 Heath Road, Hast­ ings, Michigan. This notice is posted in compliance with PA 267 of 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act), MCLA 41.72a(2) (3) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The Rutland Charter Township Board will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven (7) days notice to the Rutland Charter Town­ ship Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Clerk at the address or telephone number listed below. Robin J Hawthorne, Clerk Rutland Charter Township 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2194 Pierce Institute planning trail run Oct. 19 Runners and walkers will have a chance to test their trail-running skills at the second annual Over the Creek and Through the Woods trail run at Pierce Cedar Creek Institute near Dowling. The run will begin at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 19. All proceeds from the run will go toward the visitor center deck expansion project. New this year is the addition of a 15K run, as well as a soup and chili cook-off. All attendees and participants are welcome to take part in the cook-off. The event will end with an awards ceremony, with age-group winners receiving a special memento to recognize their achievements. Online registration is available through Oct. 17 at ItsYourRace.com, and event day registration will begin at 7:30 a.m. the day of the race. The 15K will begin at 8:45 a.m., followed by the 10K at 8:45 and the 5K at 9:45. A mile-long fun run will step off at 10:15 a.m. The awards ceremony will begin at 11:15 a.m. The soup and chili cook-off will commence after the race from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tickets, $1 each, will be available the day of the event. Participants who bring a school supply for the Barry County School Supply Pantry will receive a free ticket. Pencils, glue sticks, erasers, dry-erase markers, tissues, colored pencils, highlighters and crayons are suggested school supplies. This event is sponsored in part by the Douglas A. and Margaret E. DeCamp Foundation as well as other local and regional sponsors. 130320 HOPE TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PUBLIC HEARING ON THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL GUERNSEY LAKE AQUATIC PLANT CONTROL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 19-1 TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF HOPE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Township Supervisor and Assessor have prepared and filed in the office of the Township Clerk for public examination a special assessment roll covering all properties within the Guernsey Lake Aquatic Plant Control Special Assessment District No. 19-1 benefited by the proposed aquatic plant control project. The roll has been prepared for the purpose of assessing the costs of the project within the aforesaid special assessment district, which district is more particularly shown on the plans on file with the Township Clerk. The costs of the project are as shown on the estimate of costs on file with the Township Clerk at the Township Hall, 5463 S M-43 Hwy, Hastings, Michigan. The project cost is $118,720, which is the amount to be collected by special assessment, less any costs that will be off-set by carry over of surplus funds from the expiring special assessment district. The amount assessed against each property in the district will be $136 per year for front lots and $66 per year for back lots. If extra funds are available at the end of the term of the special assessment, the Township Board reserves the right to levy an assessment of a lesser amount in the final year or to authorize the carry-over of surplus funds to a new special assessment district. The term of the special assessment will be five years, 2020 through 2024 inclusive. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Supervisor and Assessor have further reported to the Township Board that the assessment against each parcel of land within said district is such relative portion of the whole sum levied against all parcels of land in said district as the benefit to such parcels bears to the total benefit to all parcels of land in said district. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board will meet at the Hope Township Hall, 5463 S M-43 Hwy, Hastings, Ml on Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at 6:30 p.m., for the purpose of reviewing the special assessment roll, hearing any objections thereto and confirming the roll as submitted or revised or amended. The roll may be examined at the office of the Township Clerk during regular business days of regular business days until the time of the hearing and may further be examined at the hearing. Any person objecting to the assessment roll shall file his objections thereto in writing with the Township Clerk before the close of the hearing or within subh other time as the Township Board may grant. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that appearance and protest at the hearing in the special assessment proceedings is required in order to appeal the amount of the special assessment to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. Please also take notice that an owner or party in interest, or his or her agent, may appear in person at the hearing to protest the special assessment in writing, or may file his or her appearance and protest by letter before the hearing, and in that event, personal appearance shall not be required. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that after the public hearing, the Township Board may confirm the roll as submitted or as revised or amended; may provide by resolution for payment of special assessments with interest; may provide by resolution for payment of special assessments in full before a date certain; and may provide by resolution for such other matters as are permitted by law with regard to special assessment for aquatic plant control projects. agy.; PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if a special assessment is confirmed at or following the above public hearing, a property owner or any person having in interest in the real property specially assessed may file a written appeal of the special assessment with the Michigan Tax Tribunal within 30 days after confirmation of the special assessment roll. Hope Township will provide necessary, reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals With disabilities at the hearing upon four (4) days’ notice to the Township Clerk at the address or telephone number listed below. HOPE TOWNSHIP Deborah Jackson, Clerk 5463 S M-43 Highway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2464 Snaky sense of smell Dr. Universe: If snakes smell with their tongues, what do they do with their noses? A.J., 5, Kennewick, Wash. Dear A.J., You’re right, snakes have an amazing sense of smell. They can use their tongues to pick up on all kinds of scents in the air. Whenever we smell something in the air, we are actually sniffing tiny building blocks called molecules. These molecules are what make up the scents of everything around us — things like baked bread, fresh-cut grass and warm cookies. If you were a snake, you might sniff out the scent of a slug or mouse. You’d use your tongue to pull the molecules from the air into your mouth. Then those molecules would reach a part of the roof of your mouth called the Jacobson’s organ. This organ helps de-code the molecules into smells. The smell might help you find some prey or let you know to slither away from a predator. I learned all about snakes from my friend Rocky Parker. Parker graduated from Washington State University and is current­ ly an assistant professor at James Madison University in Virginia. He is very curious about how snakes use their senses. While the tongue does most of the smell­ ing, snakes also use their nostrils to take in odors. Parker said we are still learning exactly how snakes use their nostrils, tongues and Jacobson’s organs to smell the world. But we do know that some other kinds of animals use all these parts to smell, as well. Lizards will flick their tongues in differ­ ent patterns to collect odors from the air. Elk and deer will stick their noses up in the air and lift their upper lips to transfer some molecules inside their mouths. It gives them a kind of sixth sense that helps them know their world, said Parker. Of course, a snake’s nose is important for more than just helping with their sense of smell. Like pretty much all animals, snakes need a healthy supply of oxygen to survive. The nostrils are oxygen’s way into the body. Oxygen is really important to animals because it helps them produce fuel for their bodies. Our planet is home to about 3,600 differ­ ent species of snakes, so we see different snakes with different kinds of lungs. But for the most part, snakes only breathe through one lung. In most snakes, the left lung is usually smaller or missing completely. It’s a kind of leftover part from their ancestors and doesn’t work for breathing. The right one that runs along their long, tubular bodies is what helps them breathe. Even though humans can’t smell with their tongues, all of their five senses are powerful tools for navigating the world. Have you ever thought about becoming a scientist one day? With great questions like these, I’m getting the sense that you are well on your way. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 17, 2019 — TURNING BflGK THE PAGES Weather, business, more in week’s news since 1873 Henry Flannery will cry two of them and Grove Pennington one and W.H. Crouch the other. 1924 - After having been closed several months, the Star Theater was reopened Saturday under new management. Good attendance has been reported for every show. 1925 - The stores that had radios were the stores that had the crowds during the recent World Series ball games. Pittsburgh won the final and deciding game from the Washington Senators Thursday afternoon. 1926 - Dr. W.A. Vance is driving a new Willys-Knight light six. 1928 - About a dozen families living on Lantz and Reed streets gathered Monday night for a neighborhood wiener and marsh­ mallow roast. 1929 - Federal agents and sheriff’s offi­ cers raided a large still in Assyria Township Saturday night and arrested the two operators, A swamp fire in October 1899 burned more than 100 acres southeast of Nashville who are former Tennessee mountaineers who and threatened the village until it was brought under control by a hundred men and bought the 40-acre farm last spring. 1930 - The seniors hid in John Wolcott’s boys. This early 1900s photo shows a swampy area bordering the south bank of the harness shop Friday night and remained so Thornapple River just east of the North Main Street bridge. Two women are in the field quiet that the juniors failed to find them, thus along with a penned cow. Towering above the scene is the old standpipe. In October losing the big annual Junior/Senior Hunt. 1891, spectators gathered to watch Walter B. Stillwell lay the foundation for the 86-foot Losers will hold a banquet for the winners. water tower which was completed the following year. 1931 - To relieve the economic situation in the state, Gov. Brucker has announced that 35th Division and Frank Smith, who is at Fort apples have been shipped from Nashville this 30,000 men will be employed this winter on a Monroe. (Note: Frank Smith, a nephew of the fall, and shipments still continue. On the $10 million road-building program. Charles Putnam’s who made his home with vacant lot near the depot, Downing, Bullis & 1940 - Coming to the Flo Theatre Sunday: them, died the following spring from compli­ Co. have a huge pile of 15 or 20 thousand Clark Gable, Spencer Tracy, Hedy LaMarr cations of injuries sustained earlier in the bushels, which are being shipped out as rapid­ and Claudette Colbert in “Boom Town.” Battle of San Juan Hill) ly as helpers and barrels become available. 1949 - The 19th annual Nashville 1899 - More than 100 acres of ground 1904 - Although the potato crop this year Community Fair sponsored next Wednesday south and east of town were burned over is large, the price of potatoes remains up at Nashville-Kellogg school by the local Monday afternoon when a fire set in a swamp around 35 to 40 cents per bushel, and a lot of Future Farmers and the homemaking depart­ got out of control. More than 100 men and homeowners would like to know the reason ment of the high school is expected to attract boys helped fight the flames, which at one why ... The price of wheat has soared to better agricultural exhibits than usual, due to time threatened the entire village . $1.10. The Russo-Japanese war gets the cred­ the unusually warm fall. 1900 - A.S. Mitchell is moving to Grand it or blame, whichever way you want to look 1950 - The steel bar joists for the roof of Rapids and sold his fine residence to Mr. and at it. the new elementary school [on Fuller Streetj Mrs. Fred Bullis for $1,600. 1905 - A horse buyer from Chicago spent arrived as promised last week. They were set­ 1902 - The long-drawn-out coal strike all last week in this area and bought close to in place Monday and were being welded into finally has been settled. The miners have gone 50 driving horses, which he shipped out place. All other material for the roof has been back to work, and Nashville Tuesday morning Friday. on hand for some time, so work should pro­ received the first carload of coal in four 1923 - Four big farm auction sales within ceed without any further hitches. months. the next five days - Philip Maurer, Harry 1903 - A good many thousand bushels of Pennington, Albert Bame’ and Franz Maurer. HASTINGS CHARTER TOWNSHIP A century ago, it was not uncommon to count over 200 rigs on Nashville’s Main Street on a typical Saturday afternoon. This southward view from the Washington Main intersection was ta’ken sometime prior to October 1906, the month L.G. Clark and Harry Wolcott commenced tearing down the old Union House hotel, seen behind utili­ ty pole (left) on the present-day site of Central Park. October was a busy month at the Michigan Central Railroad station in Nashville some 110 years ago, with carloads of coal arriving and thousands of bushels of apples being shipped out. This photo was taken sometime after the new brick depot was completed in 1904. The old frame depot and freight station are on the left. This column by the late Susan Hinckley was first published in the Maple Valley News Oct. 18, 1983. She had excerpted items from the Nashville newspapers from the previous 90 years. In fact, the first item was from the third issue of The Nashville News, which had launched Oct. 3,1873. Apple and wheat har­ vests, snowfall or unusually warm tempera­ tures, even strikes and Russia’s impact on the economy were among items that made the local news this same week many years ago. 1873 - At 3 p.m. Saturday, Clem Smith counted 214 teams and rigs in town. Every merchant in town reports business is good. (Note: This item is from the third issue of The Nashville News, which had made its debut Oct. 3, 1873.) 1874 - The new Vermontville Enterprise appears to have a toehold in our sister village and Brother Worchester is putting out a good sheet. 1875 - Porter Barnes, living east of the village, surprised a flock of five prairie chick­ ens in the cornfield recently and succeeded in killing two. These are the first of the species ever known to have been seen in these parts. 1876 - C.C. Wolcott’s new store is nearly completed; the brick walls of the new Baptist Church are about done; the new primary school building is done; Ainsworth & Brooks are building an addition onto their store near the railroad; Capt. L.C. Boise has opened a new store of general merchandise in E.R. White’s building and Nashville in general is booming like a gold town. Come all ye wise businessmen and locate in the coming Chicago of southern Michigan. 1877 - Teachers for the fall term in Maple Grove schools are as follows: Beigh School, Miss Rosie Jarrard; Guy School, Miss Rose Spencer; McOmber School, Miss Lydia Powers; McKelvey School, Miss Mira Crook. 1878 - C.B. West is at the Union House for two weeks of demonstration and selling the Parkhurst washing machine, a new inven­ tion that washes so easily a child can operate it. The machine is so geared that the operator can keep it going with no more effort than is required to rock a cradle. Mr. West prophesies that in another quarter of a century the wash­ board will have become a thing of the past. 1879 - T.C. Downing and C. Cooley returned Thursday night from Au Sable coun­ try. They report that the Nashville hunting party, to date, has killed two bears and 23 deer and a good tracking snow had fallen the morning they left ... The first snow of the season here fell Thursday, giving a regular Christmas atmosphere for a while, but lasting only about an hour. 1880 - Fred Quick recently picked 65 bushels of apples in eight hours. If anyone is Quick enough to beat this, let him step for­ ward Quickly. 1881 - A.W. Olds, who has been a leading citizen in Nashville and whose sawmill oper­ ations here have enabled him to accumulate a good sum of this world’s wealth, has bought more than 1,000 acres of rich timber land near Bear Lake in Charlevoix County and will move his family and his business operation thither. The residence he built here, on South Main Street, is the finest in the village. 1886 - A prohibition club with 15 charter members was organized at the town hall Monday evening last. C.E. Roscoe was elect­ ed president; Elwood Martin, secretary; and Fred Brumm, treasurer. 1887 - E. Hyde of Morgan brought into the village Monday a 34-pound muskellunge which he and his brother James had captured from Thornapple Lake. The fish was four feet, six inches in length. It was bought at Downing’s market and cut up and sold out inside of 20 minutes. 1891 - W.B. Stillwell has commenced laying the foundation for the standpipe for the water works, on the top of the Ralston hill and has a good crowd of spectators most of the time. 1898 - A former Nashville boy, Francis O. Collier, is with Merritt’s army in the Philippines and has participated in several engagements with the Spaniards. We have two interesting letters this week from other soldier boys: Homer Ryan, who is with the Page 9 BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY GAS AND/OR ELECTRIC FRANCHISE ORDINANCE ORDINANCE NQ. 2019-02 ADOPTED QctQ.be.r8L2.Qi9 EFFECTIVE November 17, 2019 them harmless from all loss, costs and damage aris­ ing out of Such negligent construction and mainte­ nance. At a meeting of the Hastings Charter Township Board Township, Barry County, Michigan, held at the Township Hall on October 8, 2019, at 7:00 p.m., Board Member Murphy moved to finally adopt the following Ordinance, which motion was seconded by ' ' - ^'^-“Bdhrd Me'rhbdf Brovjh: SECTION 4. EXTENSIONS. Consumers shall construct and extend its gas and/or electric distribu­ tion system within said Charter Township, and shall furnish gas and electric service to applicants residing therein in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. AN ORDINANCE, granting to CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY, its successors and assigns, the right and authority to lay, main­ tain and commercially operate gas lines and facilities including but not limited to mains, pipes, services and valves and to construct, maintain and commercially use electric lines and related facilities including but not limited to towers, masts, poles, crossarms, guys, wires and transformers on, under, along, and across public places including but not limited to highways, streets, alleys, bridges, and waterways, and to conduct a local gas and/or electric business in the CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF HASTINGS, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, for a period of thirty years. HASTINGS CHARTER TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDAINS: SECTION 1. GRANT and TERM. The CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF HASTINGS, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN,^hereby grants to Consumers Energy Company, its successors and assigns, hereinafter called “Consumers” the right and authority to lay, maintain and commercially operate gas lines and facilities including but not limited to mains, pipes, ser­ vices and valves and to construct, maintain and com­ mercially use electric lines and related facilities includ­ ing but not limited to towers, masts, poles, crossarms, guys, wires and transformers on, under, along, and across public places including but not limited to high­ ways, streets, alleys, bridges, and waterways, and to conduct a local gas and/or electric business in the CHARTER ’TOWNSHIP OF HASTINGS, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, for a period of thirty years. SECTION 5. FRANCHISE NOT EXCLUSIVE. The rights, power and authority herein granted, are not exclusive. SECTION 6. BATES___ and.....CONDITIONSConsumers shall be entitled to provide gas and elec­ tric service to the inhabitants of the Charter Township at the rates and pursuant to the conditions aS approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission. Such rates and conditions shall be subject to review and change upon petition to the Michigan Public Service Commission. SECTION 7. REVOCATION. The franchise granted by this ordinance is subject to revocation upon sixty (60) days written notice by either party. Upon revocation this ordinance shall be considered repealed and of no effect past, present or future. SECTION 8. MICHIGAN PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION JURISDICTION. Consumers remains subject to the reasonable rules and regulations of the Michigan Public Service Commission applicable to gas and electric service in the Charter Township and those rules and regulations preempt any term of any ordinance of the Charter Township to the contrary. SECTION 9. REPEALER. This ordinance, when enacted, shall repeal and supersede the provisions of any previous Consumers’ gas and/or electric fran­ chise ordinance adopted by the Charter Township including any amendments. SECTION 10. EFFECTIVE DATE. This ordinance shall take effect 30 days after notice of its adoption is published in a local newspaper. SECTION 2. CONDITIONS. No public place used by Consumers shall be obstructed longer than necessary during construction or repair, and shall be restored to the same order and condition as when work was commenced. All of Consumers’ gas lines, electric lines and related facilities shall be placed as not to unnecessarily interfere with the public’s use of ROLL CALL VOTE: public places. Consumers shall have the right to trim or remove trees if necessary in the conducting of such business. ABSENT/ABSTAIN:.None SECTIONS. HOLD HARMLESS- Consumers shall save the Charter Township free and harmless from all loss, costs and expense to which it may be subject by reason of the negligent construction and maintenance of the lines and related facilities hereby authorized. In case any action is commenced against the Charter Township on account of the permission herein given, Consumers shall, upon notice, defend the Charter Township and its representatives and hold Published by Order of the Township Board Hastings Charter Township, Barry County, Michigan Anita Mennell, Hastings Charter Township Clerk 269-948-9600 YEAS: Brown, Phillips, Mennell, Murphy, McNally, Partridge and Wetzel NAYS: None ORDINANCE DECLARED ADOPTED �Page 10 — Thursday, October 17, 2019 — The Hastings Banner RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE TO: OF CQNSUMERSENERGY COMPANY ELECTRIC CONSENT/FRANCHISE ORDINANCE THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE the following ordi­ nance was adopted by the Rutland Charter Township Board on October 9, 2019: RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDINANCE NO. 2019-171 CONSUMERS ENERGY COMPANY ELECTRIC CONSENT/FRANCHISE ORDINANCE ADOPTED: OCTOBER 9, 2019 EFFECTIVE: OCTOBER 18, 2019 An Ordinance granting Consumers Energy Company consent to the use of the Public Ways with­ in Rutland Charter Township, and also granting to Consumers Energy Company a non-exclusive fran­ chise to transact a local electric business within Rutland Charter Township, for a period of thirty (30) years. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDAINS: SECTION 1 GRANT OF NON-EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS A. Grant and Term. Rutland Charter Township, Barry County, Michigan (“Township”), grants to Consumers Energy Company (Grantee), its successors and assigns, subject to the terms and conditions set forth below, it’s non-exclusive consent and the right, power and authority to construct, main­ tain and commercially use electric lines and related facilities including but not limited to towers, masts, poles, crossarms, guys, wires and transformers (here­ after “Electric System”) within, along, across, and under the public highways, streets, alleys, bridges and waterways (hereinafter referred to as “Public Ways”), and to transact a local electric business with­ in the Township, for a period of thirty (30) years. B. Consideration. In consideration of the rights, power and authority hereby granted, said Grantee shall faithfully perform all things required by the terms hereof. C. Extensions. Grantee shall construct and extend its Electric System within the Township, and shall furnish electric service to applicants residing therein in accordance with applicable laws, rules and regulations. SECTION2 USE OF PUBLIC RIGHTS-OF-WAY BY GRANTEE A. No Burden on Public Ways. Grantee and its contractors, subcontractors and the Grantee’s Electric System shall not unduly burden or interfere with the present or future use of any of the Public Ways within the Township. Grantee shall erect and maintain its Electric System so as to cause minimum interference with the use of the Public Ways. No Public Way shall be obstructed longer than necessary during the work of construction or repair to the Electric System. Grantee’s structures and equipment shall be suspended or buried so as to not endanger or injure persons or property in the Public Ways. B. Restoration of Public Ways. Grantee and its contractors and subcontractors shall within a reasonable time restore, at Grantee’s sole cost and expense, any portion of the Public Ways that is in any way disturbed, damaged, or injured by the construc­ tion, operation, maintenance or removal of the Electric System to as good or better condition than that which existed prior to the disturbance. In the event that Grantee, its contractors or subcontractors fail to make such repair within the reasonable time specified by the Township, the Township shall, among other reme­ dies, be entitled to have the repair completed and Grantee shall pay the costs for such repair. C. Easements. Any easements over or under property owned by the Township other than the Public Ways shall be separately negotiated with the Township. D. Tree trimming. Grantee may trim or remove trees upon and overhanging the Public Ways so as to prevent trees from coming into contact with its Electric System in accordance with tree trimming and removal standards of Grantee and any applicable requirements of the MPSC. Except in an emergency, no tree trimming or removal shall be done in the Public Ways without previously informing the Township. E. Compliance with Laws. Grantee shall comply with all applicable laws, statutes, ordinances, rules and regulations regarding its Electric System, whether federal, state or local. F. Street Vacation. Grantee accrues no rights under this franchise which would impair the rights of the Township to vacate or consent to the vacation of a Public Way. G. Maps. Upon request by the Township and without expense to the Township, Grantee shall provide the Township with existing maps showing its Electric System or portions thereof within the Township, but only to the extent such maps do not contain proprietary information. H. Company Representative. The Grantee shall designate an employee to act as a rep­ resentative to respond to inquiries from the Township regarding the administration of this consent/franchise and the obligations and services herein. The Grantee shall provide the Township with the person’s name and telephone number. I. Notice. Before commencing the con­ struction or erection of any part of the Electric System which will require excavation in or the closing of any Public Way, the Grantee shall provide the Township with reasonable advance notice, including a descrip­ tion of the work to be performed. This notice require­ ment shall not apply to the installation of electric ser­ vices on privately owned property or to any other work performed on such privately owned property. Nothing herein shall preclude the Grantee from immediately commencing construction or repair work within any Blue Zones begins assessment of county Public Way when deemed necessary to prevent dan­ ger to life or property, and in such case the Grantee shall notify the Township of such work as soon as reasonably practical. SECTION 3 H.P LP. HARMLESS The Grantee shall at all times keep and save the Township free and harmless from all loss, costs and expense to which it may become subject by rea­ son of the construction, maintenance and operation of the structures and equipment hereby authorized. In case any action is commenced against the Township on account of the permission herein granted, said Grantee shall, upon notice, defend the Township and save it free and harmless from all loss, cost and dam­ age arising out of said permission. Providing further, that this hold harmless agreement shall not apply to any loss, cost, damage or claims arising solely out of the negligence of the Township, its employees or its contractors. Furthermore, in the event that any loss, cost, damage or claims arise out of the joint negli­ gence of the Township, its employees or its contrac­ tors, this hold harmless agreement shall not apply to the proportional extent of the negligence of the Township, its employees or its contractors. Notwithstanding any provision contained in this Ordinance, nothing in this Ordinance shall impair any liability protection afforded the Township pursuant to law. SECTION 4 RELOCATION The franchise granted by this Ordinance is subject to revocation upon sixty (60) days written notice by the party desiring such revocation. sections RATES Grantee shall be entitled to charge the inhab­ itants of the Township for electric services furnished at the rates approved by the Michigan Public Service Commission (or other applicable governmental enti­ ty), to the extent it or its successors have authority and jurisdiction to fix and regulate electric rates and promulgate rules regulating such services in the Township. Such rates and rules shall be subject to review at any time upon petition being made by either the Township acting through the Township Board or by Grantee. SECTIONS TOWNSHIP JURISDICTION Grantee shall be and remain subject to all ordinances, rules and regulations of the Township for the regulation of land uses or for the protection of the health, safety and general welfare of the public; pro­ vided however, that nothing herein shall be construed as a waiver by Grantee of any of its rights under state or federal law. SECTION 7 Grantee shall, as to all other conditions and elements of service not addressed or fixed by this Ordinance, remain subject to the rules and regula­ tions applicable to electric service by the Michigan Public Service Commission (or other applicable gov­ ernmental entity) or its successor bodies, to the extent such jurisdiction applies. SECTION 8 ASSIGNMENT OF FRANCHISE Grantee shall not assign this Franchise to any other person, firm or corporation without the prior writ­ ten approval of the Township Board. The Township shall not unreasonably withhold its con­ sent to an assignment if the Assignee is financially able to carry out the Grantee’s obligations under this Franchise. The assignment of this Franchise to a subsidiary, division, or affiliated corporation of Grantee or its parent corporation shall not be consid­ ered an assignment requiring the consent of the Township Board. Grantee shall reimburse the Township for reasonable actual costs incurred in the review of a request by Grantee for approval. SECTION 9 SEVERABILITY The various parts, sections and clauses of this Ordinance are hereby declared to be severable. If any part, sentence, paragraph, section or clause is adjudged unconstitutional or invalid by a court or administrative agency of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the Ordinance shall not be affected thereby. SECIIONJO REPEAL OF CONFLICTING ORDINANCES All ordinances or parts of ordinances in con­ flict herewith are hereby repealed, including Ordinance No. 32 adopted February 7, 1990 (and any amend­ ments of same), which is superseded by this Ordinance when it becomes effective. SECTION 11 EFFECTIVE DATE/REIMBU.R.SEME.NT QF EXPENSES This Ordinance shall take effect the day after the date of publication thereof after adoption by the Township Board. Upon such publication this Ordinance shall constitute a contract between the Township and the Grantee. Grantee shall reimburse the Township for its actual publication expenses associated with this Ordinance within 30 days of receipt of the Township Clerk’s billing statement for those expenses. Barry County Commissioner Dave Jackson speaks with Blue Zones representatives at Tuesday’s county board meeting. Jackson has baen an outspoken proponent of the public health initiative. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry County commissioners heard a pre­ sentation from Blue Zones representatives Dani Schafner and Mark Fenton during their meeting Tuesday. Schafner and Fenton are called “built envi­ ronment specialists” for their expertise in the study of activities that take place in specific environments. They spent three days touring Barry County this week. Barry County is the first in Michigan to establish Blue Zones. It’s a public health initiative with $1.4 mil­ lion in financial backing from a variety of community partners, foundations, local busi­ nesses and philanthropists, and the health care community. The project incorporates a systems approach in which schools, employers, churches, agen­ cies, businesses, elected officials, community leaders and citizens collaborate on policies and programs that key on better health and well-being. It’s based on a research project published about 10 years ago by National Geographic that documented five communi­ ties with specific similarities that contributed to citizen longevity. A “windshield tour and walkabout” on Monday was led by the county’s Planning Director/Zoning Administrator Jim McManus and covered Freeport, Middleville, Yankee Springs, Gun Lake, Delton, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, Nashville. On Tuesday, the tour continued, focusing on the city of Hastings, and included the stop at the county commissioners’ meeting. In other business: • Animal Shelter Director Ken Kirsch and Tim McGavn updated the board on efforts to raise money to purchase a new van for the shelter. To dae, $18,545 has been raised, which has fallen short of the $23,800 goal. They also raised additional funds of $5,000 for the trap, neuier and release program. • Commissioners discussed construction of sidewalks at McKeown Bridge Park and rec­ ommended approving an expenditure of $8,588 for an ADA compliant sidewalk and parking construction at McKeown Bridge Park. • The board agreed to support Thornapple Township’s request for a letter expressing an intent to collaborate with the township, the Village of Middleville, and the Thomapple Trail Association to cooperatively maintain approximately eight miles of the Paul HenryThomapple Trail from McCann Road to 108th Street across northwestern Barry County. • The board agreed to recommend approval of Public Act 116 (Michigan Agricultural Farmland and Open Space Preservation) requests for Randolph and Brenda Spitfley and Burdock Hill Land LLC, both in Carlton Township. • In a 6-1 vote by secret ballot, commis­ sioners chose to appoint Democrat John Van Nieuwenhuyzen of Orangeville Township to serve on the Board of Canvassers for a term that starts Nov. 1 and ends Oct. 31,2023. The other candidate who was considered was Amy Zegunis of Yankee Springs Township. Commissioner Ben Geiger mentioned that the county has openings on other committees that she may want to consider. • Sheena Eastman, chairwoman of the county Democratic party, asked commission­ ers to consider moving meetings to evenings when more people would be able to attend. Half the Panthers earn all-SAC honors at championship meet Gobles hosted the Southwestern Athletic Conference varsity cross country champion­ ship Thursday rather than the Gilmore Car Museum this fall, but the Panthers did all right with the road trip. The Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ cross country team scored a third-place finish, to break a three-way tie for that spot in the over­ all conference standings heading into the meet. The Panthers were just six points behind the runners-up from Watervliet. Saugatuck won both the boys’ and girls’ races rather handily. The Saugatuck boys out­ scored the Watervliet boys 26-72, while the Saugatuck girls bested runner-up Kalamazoo Christian 31-63. Delton Kellogg’s boys’ and girls’ teams had seven runners honored as all-conference ath­ letes thanks to their performance, including five first team all-conference honorees. The top three DK boys earned first team all-conference spots, Matt Lester, Micah Ordway and Amon Smith III, as well as Aubrey Aukerman and Halena Phillips from the DK girls’ team. The Dk boys finished the day with 78 points, ahead of Kalamazoo Christian 135, Coloma 144, Gobles 146, Martin 179, Schoolcraft 200, Constantine 217 and Hackett Catholic prep 258. Only Saugatuck guys were ahead of Lester, who placed third in 17 minutes 9.49 seconds. Saugatuck junior Nik Pettinga won the boys’ race in 16i44.61 with sophomore teammate Max Shamas on his heels in 16:45.16. Ordway was seventh in 17:37.92 and Smith was 18th in 18:25.72. DK also had sophomore Austin Blocker 22nd in 18:52.89 and senior Dawson Grizzle 29th in 19:13.86. Blocker and Grizzle both earned honorable mention all-conference awards. Aukerman set a new personal record in leading the DK girls’ team with a tenth-place time of 21:47.01. Phillips placed 14th in 22:03.07. The DK girls’ team also had senior Lily Timmerman 36th in 24:06.22, freshman Joelle White 41st in 24:37.02 and senior Hailey Buckner 44th in 24:46.89. Galesburg-Augusta had the two fastest girls Thursday. Junior Aubree Sedore won the girls’ race in 20:26.04 and senior teammate Lauryn Coleman was second in 20:35.48. Saugatuck had the next two finishers, senior Jillian Vera (20:50.32) and senior Sophie McQueary (21:07.67). Sedore and Coleman led the G-A girls to a third-place finish with 67 points. Coloma was fourth with 96 points, ahead of Schoolcraft 132, Delton Kellogg 134, Lawton 196, Constantine 224 and Gobles 241. Delton Kellogg will go to Allendale Oct. 26 for its Division 3 Regional race. This ordinance in its entirety has been posted in the office of the Township Clerk and on the Township web­ site (www.rutlandtownship.org). A copy of the ordinance may also be purchased by contacting the Township Clerk as indicated below during regular business hours of regular working days, and at such other times as may be arranged. Robin J. Hawthorne, Clerk Charter Township of Rutland Rutland Charter Township Hall 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Michigan 49058 Telephone: (269) 948-2194 Call anv time to place vour Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945-9554 or 1-899-879-7085 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 17, 2019 — Barry ISD welcomes six new employees Jessica Courtright Contributing Writer The Barry Intermediate School District Board of Education approved the hire of six new employees at its Oct. 8 meeting in the district’s administration office. With the school year underway, Superintendent Rich Franklin expressed excitement in welcoming the new employees. With these positions filled, every Barry ISD Great Start Readiness Program classroom will be staffed with a full-time teacher and teacher associate, he said. The hires include two full-time GSRP teachers: Mary Strasser and Sarah Martin. Strasser has previously worked for the dis­ trict as a teacher associate. Franklin said he was happy to have Strasser return as well as “seeing employees move up within the Barry ISD as they grow and develop their skills.” Martin is new to the district. She was previ­ ously employed at the intermediate school district in Grand Rapids. The three teacher associates hired were: Terryn Scobey, Deborah Schreiber, and Jessica Valenzuela. All three also are new to the Barry ISD, according to Franklin. The sixth hire is Sharon Olson, who will be working as a bus driver for the Barry ISD. Olson is currently serving as Irving Township clerk. She has experience driving buses for Forest Hills Public Schools. She also served in U.S. Army Reserve for six years in the medical headquarters detachment and, later, in the medical logistic detachment. During the meeting, Franklin said he is still seeking a speech-language pathologist, to replace Diane Huberty, who resigned. CITY OF HASTINGS and RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ADOPTION OF JOINT ORDINANCE TO AMEND HASTINGSRUTLAND JOINT PLANNING COMMISSION ZONING ORDINANCE TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWN­ ERS OF THE CITY OF HASTINGS AND THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: Lions earn matchup with familiar league foe in district Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Maple Valley varsity boys’ soccer team opened district play with a 7-3 win over visit­ ing Bellevue Wednesday at Fuller Street Field in Nashville. The Lions were scheduled to travel to Laingsburg for their Division 4 District Semifinal match-up with Greater Lansing Activities Conference foe Lansing Christian yesterday. Eli Nelson scored twice for the Lions. Garrett Pearson, Devin Thompson, Matthew Slaght, Caden Faurot and Owen Bailey scored one goal each. The Lions led 6-0 in the first half and cruised to the win, getting everybody on the field and working on some things for their upcoming district semifinal match-up. “We have been testing out some different positioning, understanding the spacing between the lines and trying to be a little smarter with our movement and be more dis­ ciplined,” Lion head coach Andy Roush said. “When it clicks, it looks pretty good.” The Broncos scored first in the second half, but Lions answered right away with their sev­ enth goal. The Lansing Christian Pilgrims finished second to Leslie at the GLAC Championship Tournament Oct. 5. The Lions fell in their GLAC meeting with the Pilgrims, but have 11 wins overall to Lansing Christian’s ten heading into last night’s match. Roush said those 11 wins are one of the best marks in the history of the Lion program. “We have been really focusing on what our strengths are and to play to those, and let the results take care of themselves,” Roush said. “We have four seniors, they want to go out with the best possible results we can whether it be a win or a loss.” “I keep talking to them about us being trail­ blazers, what we’re doing now is setting the stage for future teams. It is kind of a cool thing that they get to be a part of that building process,” he added. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Public Hearing will be held by the Prairieville Township Zoning Board of Appeals on November 6, 2019 at 7:00 PM. at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, within the Township. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the item(s) to be considered at this public hearing include, in brief, the following: 1. A request by Dylan Steele, agent for property owners Steve & Paula Ernst, 5081Trumpeter Dr. Portage, Ml 49009 for a variance to allow for the construction of a single-family dwelling that fails to meet the rear yard setback requirement set forth in section 6.17 “Non-conforming lots of record” and the lot coverage requirements set forth in section 4.41 “Schedule of Lot, Yard and Area Requirements”. The subject property is 11112 Long Point Dr. Plainwell, Ml 49080 - 08-12-290-010-00 and is located in the R2 zoning district. 2. A request by James Parker, 6424 Heather Ridge St., Kalamazoo, Ml 49009, for variance to allow for the construction of a single family dwelling that fails to meet the front yard setback, pursuant to section 4.24 “Waterfront Lots”. The subject property is 11228 Long Point Dr. Plainwell, Ml 49080 - 08-12-290-020-00 and is located in the R-2 zoning district. BARRY COUNTY, STATE OF MICHIGAN RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP ORDINANCE NO. 2019-172 ADOPTED BY TOWNSHIP BOARD: OCTOBER 9, 2019 EFFECTIVE DATE: OCTOBER 29, 2019 (OR AS OTHERWISE PROVIDED BY LAW) CITY OF HASTINGS ORDINANCE 130295 Jim Stoneburner, Township Supervisor shall be arranged so that light is deflected away from adjacent properties and so no direct source of light is visible to any driver or pedestrian located in a public street or private road right-of-way or from any premises in a residential district or used for residential purposes?; 3. shall not be so illuminated that it obscures or interferes with the effec­ tiveness of an official traffic sign, device, or signal. In addition, all exterior lighting of signs shall be downward facing.” SECTION 4 AMENDMENT OF SECTION 13.06.H PERTAINING TO DESIGN STANDARDS AND USE LIMITATIONS FOR ELECTRONIC MESSAGE BOARDS Section 13.06.H of the Zoning Ordinance of the Hastings-Rutland Joint Planning Commission, pertaining to the design standards and use limitations for electronic message boards, where otherwise per­ missible in the MU District, only, is hereby amended to add new subsections 4 and 5 thereto reading as fol­ lows: “4. EFFECTIVE DATE: OCTOBER 29, 2019 (or as otherwise provided by law) JOINT ORDINANCE TO AMEND HAST­ INGS-RUTLAND JOINT PLANNING COMMISSION ZONING ORDINANCE An Ordinance to amend Sections 13.02 and 13.06 of the Zoning Ordinance of the Hastings-Rut­ land Joint Planning Commission (Rutland Charter Township Ordinance No. 2016-156, as amended/City of Hastings Ordinance No. 532, as amended) pertain­ ing to signage. THE CITY OF HASTINGS & THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDAIN: SECTION 1 AMENDMENT OF SECTION 13.02 PERTAINING TO DEFINITIONS OF TERMS USED IN CHAPTER " ’ ----- 13 (SIGNS) Section 13.02 of the Zoning Ordinance of the Hastings-Rutland Joint Planning Commission, per­ taining to definitions of terms used in Chapter 13 (Signs), is hereby amended to revise the existing definition of “electronic message board” to read as follows: “ELECTRONIC MESSAGE BOARD - A sign or sign structure that uses electronic means to display with a fixed or changing display/message composed of a scries of lights or series of messages that-may be changed through by electronic means.” SECTION 2 AMENDMENT OF SECTION 13.02 PERTAINING TO DEFINITIONS OF TERMS USED IN CHAPTER 13 (SIGNS) Section 13.02 of the Zoning Ordinance of the Hastings-Rutland Joint Planning Commission, per­ taining to definitions of terms used in Chapter 13 (Signs), is hereby amended to add the following new defined terms reading as follows: “ILLUMINATION (OR ILLUMINATED) - The light­ ing of the surface of a sign so as to allow the sign to be seen and read by one or more exterior beams of light. This term is not intended to apply to a type of sign where the sign message is itself internally illuminated, such as an electronic message board type of sign.” “VISIBLE - A sign message that is capable of being seen by an individual of normal visual acuity when traveling in a motor vehicle, where the context of the usage of the term applies to sight from a roadway; or a sign message that is capable of being seen by an individual of normal visual acuity when standing on premises, when the con­ text of the usage of the term applies to sight from a stationary position.” SECTION 3 AMENDMENT OF SECTION 13.06 PERTAINING TO STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS APPLICABLE TO OTHERWISE PERMISSIBLE TYPES OF SIGNS Section 13.06 of the Zoning Ordinance of the Hastings-Rutland Joint Planning Commission, per­ taining to general standards and requirements appli­ cable to otherwise permissible types of signs, is here­ by amended to revise subsections B and C of same to read as follows: Such other and further matters as may properly come before the Zoning Board of Appeals for this meeting. All interested persons are invited to be present or submit written comments on this matter(s) to the below Township office address. Prairieville Township will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the hearing upon five (5) days notice to the Prairieville Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities reguiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Prairieville Township Clerk at the address or telephone number set forth below. 2. NO. 577 ADOPTED BY CITY COUNCIL: OCTOBER 14, 2019 “B. 3. shall not be flashing;; and Editorial note: this document is prepared in “legisla­ tive format”: existing text deleted is shown linedthrough; new text is shown in bold type. Episcopal church to celebrate Care for Creation ensure a beautiful and healthy creation for future generations, Emmanuel has focused on reducing use of non-renewable sources of energy such as coal and natural gas,” accord­ ing to a news release. “The foresight and generosity of church members, friends of the parish, and the Bishop Whittemore Foundation of the Episcopal Diocese of Western Michigan is incredible,” junior warden Dr. Bob Schirmer said. “The small achievements at reducing use of fossil fuels and generating clean energy by our small church are another example of the power of community. Already, one family is installing ground-mounted solar this month at their farm following the experience at Emmanuel. “Our hope is that Emmanuel’s successes at energy conservation and electric generation will give energy to more individuals and insti­ tutions to work together to pursue practices and policies that provide for a beautiful and healthy creation for generations yet to come.” 1. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE the following joint ordinance was adopted by the Hastings City Council on October 14, 2019 and by the Rutland Charter Township Board on October 9, 2019: CITY OF HASTINGS & CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND Celebration of the installation of clean energy rooftop solar electricity generating panels will take place at Emmanuel Episcopal Church at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 23. An open house and refreshments will follow in the church at 315 W. Center St. Everyone is welcome to attend “Acts of Transformation: Solar Celebration.” With energy conservation and clean elec­ tricity generation from the recently installed solar array, church officials expect to reduce annual carbon emissions (measured as carbon dioxide equivalents) to 37 metric tons in October 2020 - compared with 73 metric tons in the year ending October 2018, a 49 percent reduction. The reduction of 36 metric tons is equiva­ lent to carbon dioxide emissions from 4.3 homes’ energy use for one year, church mem­ bers estimate. The 1863 church is dedicated to renewable energy and environmental stewardship, church members say. “As caretakers of creation and to help 130279 C. Setbacks/location. All signs shall be setback at least 10 feet from all lot lines and any public street or private road right-of-way; and shall otherwise not be located so as to obstruct the clear sight area, or otherwise prevent the driver of a motor vehi­ cle from having a clear and unobstructed view of approaching, intersecting, and merging traf­ fic. Illumination. Where signage is otherwise allowed to be illuminated, the illumination: 5. An electronic message board shall not be located within 500 feet of any street intersection controlled by a traffic sig­ nal light. The Zoning Administrator may reduce this intersection setback distance to not less than 300 feet where the sign permit applicant requests such reduction, and presents evidence upon which the Zoning Administrator can rely to reasonably determine a reduced setback distance from the spe­ cific intersection at issue will not adversely affect public safety due to the configuration of the specific inter­ section and the proposed orientation of the billboard relative to the intersec­ tion in such a manner as to minimize the visibility of the electronic message board from the intersection, or due to other conditions specific to that inter­ section sufficient to avoid the unsafe distraction of drivers at or approach­ ing that intersection by the periodic changing of messages on the electronic message board. The Zoning Administrator shall consult with the Barry County Road Commission and/ or Michigan Department of Transportation, as applicable, before making any determination on a reduced intersection setback request pursuant to this provision. An electronic message board shall not be located within 500 feet of any resi­ dential dwelling. The Zoning Adminis­ trator may reduce this dwelling set­ back distance to not less than 300 feet where the sign permit applicant requests such reduction, and presents evidence upon which the Zoning Administrator can reasonably rely to determine a reduced setback distance from the specific dwelling at issue will not adversely affect the health and wel­ fare of occupants of the dwelling due to the location of the specific dwelling and the proposed orientation of the billboard relative to the dwelling in such a manner as to minimize the visi­ bility of the electronic message board from the dwelling, or due to other con­ ditions specific to that electronic mes­ sage board and/or dwelling sufficient to avoid unreasonable detriment to occupants of the dwelling by the peri­ odic changing of messages on the elec­ tronic message board.” SECTION 5 EFFECTIVE DATE/REPEAL This Ordinance shall take effect on the latter of: (1) 15 days after enactment by both the City and Township, or (2) the eighth day after publication of a notice of adoption of this Ordinance as required by law; provided, however, if a notice of intent to file a pe­ tition under MCL 125.3402 is timely filed with respect to this Ordinance and/or if the right of referendum un­ der applicable provisions of the charter of the City of Hastings is timely initiated, this Ordinance shall then only take effect as provided by applicable provisions of MCL 125.3402 and/or the City charter, or as other­ wise provided by law. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE the origi­ nal of this joint ordinance amending the Hastings-Rut­ land Joint Planning Commission Zoning Ordinance, and the Zoning Ordinance and Zoning Map of the Hastings-Rutland Joint Planning Commission, may be inspected or a copy purchased by contacting the City Clerk or Township Clerk as specified below during regular business hours of regular working days, and at such other times as may be arranged. Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Rutland Charter Township 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Ml 49058-9665 (269)948-2194 Jane Saurman, Clerk City of Hastings 201 East State Street Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-2468 Page 11 �Page 12 — Thursday, October 17, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Honsowitz sisters secure spots in D3 State Finals Rayna Honsowitz is headed back to the state finals and her sister is coming with her this time. Hastings senior Rayna Honsowitz and junior Rylee Honsowitz finished third and fourth respectively for the Saxon varsity girls’ golf team at its Division 3 Regional Tournament hosted by Railside Golf Club Wednesday (Oct. 9), finishing as two of the three individual state qualifiers from the tour­ nament. Rayna qualified for the Division 3 Lower Peninsula State Finals as a junior as well, but Rylee lost out in a tiebreaker at regionals a year ago to finish just short of that goal. Wednesday Rylee scored a 92 to finish tied with Holland Christian senior Brandi Statema for the last two state qualifying spots. Hamilton senior Makyelie Rockhold was the golfer who was just short of a state finals spot this fall. She was sixth individually with a 93, one stroke back of Rylee and Statema. The regional hosts from South Christian won the regional championship, scoring a 379. Grand Rapids Christian was second with a score of 390 and Hudsonville Unity Christian third with a 411. The top three teams and top three girls not on those teams at regionals across the state last week earned spots in this weekend’s Lower Peninsula State Finals. The Division 3 State Finals will be played at the Meadows on the campus of Grand Valley State University Oct. 18-19. Behind the top three teams, Grand Rapids Catholic Central scored a 419, Hamilton 421, Ionia 427, Portland 431, Hastings 431, Holland Christian 434, Lakewood 451, Allendale 462 and Wayland Union 465. South Christian, Unity Christian, Hastings and Holland Christian were the only teams at the tournament that had two girls shoot better than 100. Rayna scored an 88 to lead the Saxons. South Christian was led by senior Maddie Wierenga’s runner-up score of 81 and junior teammate Kate Hoekwater added a 95. The Sailors also got a 101 from Amanda Ormstad and a 102 from Tori Heyboer. Grand Rapids Christian junior Ryann Breslin was the individual regional champion, shooting an 80. Behind the top two for Hastings, junior Reese Warner scored a 124 and junior Whitney Craven a 127. The Lakewood Vikings were led by a score of 103 from senior Jordan Shank. “Railside proved to be a very tough track and I’m proud of how our kids battled and maintained a positive attitude,” Lake wood head coach Carl Kutch said. The Vikings also got a 113 from senior Jacqueline Estep, a 112 from junior Morgan Stahl and a 123 from senior Emmi Klein. Trojans stay positive, push Eagles as much as possible Brett Bremer Sports Editor The top ranked, defending state champions from Grand Rapids Christian did what they could to spoil Parents Night at Thomapple Kellogg High School Tuesday, but the Trojans didn’t let it happen. The Eagles did win, keeping the Thomapple Kellogg varsity volleyball team winless in the OK Gold Conference so far this season, out­ scoring the Trojans 25-11, 25-15, 25-15. The Purse stolen from Walmart shopper’s cart A 68-year-old Hastings woman reported her purse stolen from her cart at Walmart in Hastings at 9:08 p.m. Sept. 20. The woman said she left the store with her purse in the cart. She then pushed the cart into the corral, and realized she no longer had her purse when she got into her vehicle. When she went back for her purse, it was gone. Security footage from the parking lot showed another woman taking the purse after pushing her own cart into the corral. The case remains under investigation. Stolen car left at church A 49-year-old Plainwell man called police at 9:39 p.m. Sept. 21, to report a suspicious person at the Peace Reformed Church in Thornapple Township. The complainant said a suspicious man parked his vehicle at the church, cited electrical problems with the vehicle, then was picked up by someone else. An officer arrived and found the vehicle’s plate was registered stolen from Allegan County earlier that day, and that the vehicle might have been stolen from a dealership. An Allegan County Sheriff’s Deputy picked up the vehicle, and information was given to their office. Injuries to both parties in domestic incident A 39-year-old Middleville woman said her 41-year-old boyfriend of five years assaulted her at 8:55 p.m. Oct. 9, in the 2000 block of Harwood Lake Road in Thornapple Township. The woman said they were both drinking and got into an argument at her father’s house, where she had been taking care of her father after he had been in an accident. The woman said her boyfriend hit her and threw her to the ground. Police said that she had noticeable physical injuries. The officer contacted the boyfriend by phone. He denied hitting her; he said he was defending himself because she had attacked him. He sent the officer a photo of scratches on his face. Information was forwarded to the prosecutor’s office. Man’s truck keyed at Lakewood High School A 37-year-old Nashville man reported his truck was keyed while it was parked at Lakewood High School between 5:15 p.m. and 7 p.m. Oct. 1. The case is inactive without further information. Eagles even won the first five points of the evening, but it didn’t get the TK ladies down. “We set goals. We knew what we were coming up against,” TK head coach Tia Cross said. “I think all in all, I believe we played really well tonight, going up against the num­ ber three team in the state (overall). We stayed positive. We moved our feet. We played together. Those were all goals of ours that we were looking to achieve tonight.” Tyah Jefferson led the TK ladies with five Truck goes missing, turns up with business card A 51-year-old man reported a truck stolen from the 200 block of South Main Street in Nashville at 8:32 p.m. Sept. 22. The man said he had moved the truck about 20 minutes before he noticed it had been stolen; the keys were inside. The truck was located the next day at 12:53 p.m. in a field in the 7000 block of Saddlebag Lake Road in Woodbury. Inside was a business card for a local business. An officer contacted the owner of the business, who said the card had been given to a man at a gas station in Vermontville on Sept. 21. The description of the man is similar to the description of the victim’s neighbor. The victim told police that his neighbor had made statements about taking trucks he finds that have the keys in them, and that he had asked if the nearby security cameras worked. The case remains under investigation. Suspect for debit card theft signs own name on receipt A 65-year-old man said he was parked at Thomapple Lake Public Access at 7:49 p.m. Sept. 21, when his vehicle was broken into. The man said he was out on the lake at the time, and heard a loud bang from the access area. When he returned, his passenger window had been broken and his wallet stolen. A debit card in the wallet was reported to have been used at a nearby store on Thornapple Lake Road. Two people came in together and bought more than $100 in cigarettes and beer with the card. An employee and the officer were able to identify one of the suspects. The other suspect, who had used the card, signed his own name on the receipt. That man had been arrested before, and the officer matched the booking photo to the security footage, and thi receipt signature to forms he had filled out at the jail. The suspect, 27 of Hastings, was later arrested in Allegan County on an unrelated warrant. $48 in cans stolen from Speedway Thornapple Kellogg’s Ashley Snyder pushes the ball over the net as teammate Ellie Shoobridge looks on during their OK Gold Conference match-up with Grand Rapids Christian Tuesday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Grand Rapids Christian’s Julia Geesin has an attack from the left side run into the block of Thomapple Kellogg’s Paige Zellmer (12) and Chloe Teachout (8) during their OK Gold Conference match in Middleville Tuesday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 For Sale Estate Sales ASSORTED WOOD 35.00 face cord. Stored indoors. No sorting. 517-726-1329, 269­ 275-3874. HUGE ESTATE SALE! Fri­ day- Oct 18th, Saturday- Oct 19th and Sunday- Oct 20th, 2019. Come travel through the journey of time from late 1800s through the 1920s plus World War II, 1950s and on. Now to offer 1800s pocket watches, plus furniture, 1920s art work, 1920s and 30s Atkinson fox prints plus decoratives. World War II navel ship target viewer, an original ship's wheel plus military collectibles. Buttons, plus jewelry, marbles, toys, glassware, large assortment of furniture, general store butch­ er block, ornate iron security doors- great for garden art, collectible books- plus first edi­ tions, household items, zero turnaround riding lawn mow­ er, a self propelled mower and tools, a vintage Roadmaster bike, antique instruments, ear­ ly Beatles LPs and more. This is going to be a huge sale! You PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. don't want to miss! Come trav­ el with us and find a treasure. Absolutely no early sales and no pre-picking. All is available on the first day of the sale. Doors open 9am-5pm sharp. There will be a sign up sheet available at 7am. We accept all major credit cards. Hope to see you there! 8411 North 32nd St. Richland, Michigan 49083. You may call 269-760-1682 for questions. Pictures can be viewed on estatesales.net. Business Services BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. BELLS CONSTRUCTION-18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, power washing, home im­ provements. 269-320-3890. kills. Chloe Teachout, Claudia Wilkinson and Elie Shoobridge had three kills each, and Teachout had a team-high three blocks. Junior setter Claudia Lems had ten assists. Wilkinson had five digs as well against the big Eagle hitters. “We had a lot of fun tonight. That was our biggest thing. We tried to have a lot of fun, stay positive and be where we knew they were going to put the ball. I think we accomplished that as far as staying positive and staying focused. “We still missed to many serves, but every­ thing else seemed to come together.” She said that as long as her girls stayed positive she knew they could have some great moments as well. While TK fell behind early in that first set, the Trojans battled back to within 8-7 - a run highlighted by kills from Jefferson and Wilkinson and an ace by Shoobridge. The second set had a similar start, the Eagles building a 7-2 advantage before the Trojans’ rallied. The two teams were knotted at 10-10 before a long service run powered by a few big swings from Eagle junior all-state outside hitter Addie VanderWeide at the net. VanderWeide is one of two returning first team all-state players for the Eagles, joined by senior setter Jordyn Gates. VanderWeide had 16 kills on the evening. Gates put up 23 assists on the night and had a team-high four aces. The Eagles started to pull away a little ear­ lier in the third set. It was the second loss of the season to the Eagles in conference play for TK. It was the second match of the second swing through the conference slate for the Trojans who are now 0-8 in OK Gold matches. TK was coming off a runner-up finish at the Wayland Tournament, going 4-2 with both the losses to its league rivals from pool play. The Wildcats bested the TK ladies once in pool play and then in the championship match of the tournament, 25-19, 25-22. Shoobridge had 35 kills and 14 aces at the tournament. Teachout added 26 kills and five aces. Wilkinson had 21 kills and six aces. TK also got 16 kills from Jefferson. Lems had 58 assists and ten aces, with fellow setter Adrienne Duits adding 40 assists and five aces. An employee of the Middleville Speedway called police at 2:50 a.m. Oct. 5 to report two bags of empty cans were stolen from the storage shed. Each bag is estimated to be worth $24. The case remains under investigation. OWI suspect arrested leaving accident An officer was dispatched on a report a of a vehicle in the ditch on Center Road near Powell Road in Hastings Charter Township at 8:26 p.m. Oct. 9. The caller said a man was walking away from the accident, and the officer found a man walking on the side of the road nearby. The man, 35, of Shelbyville, said it was not his vehicle, and he does not drink. He claimed his friend was driving, but the officer did not find any information on a person by that name in the area. The man later admitted the vehicle was his, but refused a Breathalyzer and sobriety tests. The officer noted two liquor bottles, one empty and the other partially full, in the vehicle. The man was arrested for OWI, his third offense, and resisted arrest by refusing, multiple times, to get inside the police cruiser. At the jail, he registered a 0.27 blood alcohol content. Woman arrested for OWI after two-car collision An officer was dispatched to a two-car collision at the comer of Main Street and Irving Road in the Village of Middleville, at 3:08 p.m. Oct. 9. A 38-year-old Middleville woman was driving west on Main Street with her 68-year-old mother, and attempted to turn south on Irving Road, when they collided with a vehicle operated by a 54-year-old Hastings woman. The Middleville woman said she hadn’t consumed any alcohol that day, but had consumed a significant amount the night before. She had a 0.12 blood alcohol content and was arrested for her third OWI offense. Road rage incident over Gator A 64-year-old man was driving his John Deere Gator on Wilkins Road near Head Lake Road in Hope Township, when he was rear-ended by a pickup truck at 2:15 p.m. Oct. 12. The man said that Toyota truck had passed him on the road, then stopped and the driver got out of the vehicle. The two men “had some words,” and the Gator driver said he did not want trouble and kept driving. But, when he was stopped at a stop sign further up the road, the truck came up behind him and rear-ended him. The driver said the truck did not hit him hard, but he believed it was intentional, and it cracked the box of his Gator. The case is inactive without further information. Dead cat deemed too macabre for decoration The Barry County Animal Shelter notified police that it had received a complaint of a “gutted dead cat” displayed as a Halloween decoration on a porch in the 12000 block of Pine Lake Road in Prairieville Township. The property owner, a 56-year-old Wyoming man, said he had been digging near the foundations of the house when he found the “mummified” carcass. The man said he found it interesting, and put in on the porch. After the officer talk­ ed to the man, he put it in the back of his truck to take home and keep. Woman attempts to shoplift $71.18 A 54-year-old Nashville woman was stopped by loss prevention staff at Walmart in Hastings at 6:48 p.m. Oct. 13. Staff showed an officer security footage of the woman stuff­ ing necklaces, clothes and toiletries worth $71.18 into her coat and bag, and not paying for them. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. I I �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 17, 2019 — Page 13 Top competition tough on TK and Hastings at D3 Regional Grand Rapids Christian won six of the eight flights, and Holland Christian and Zeeland East also qualified for the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals with their per­ formance at the Division 3 Regional Tournament hosted by the Eagles Thursday. ' The Hastings Saxons and the Thomapple Kellogg Trojans didn’t win a set a the tourna­ ment. The Trojans’ top performance came from the number two doubles team of junior Sam Morton and Josh Wedyke that pushed the (op seeded Zeeland West doubles team of Grant Bush and Toby Reinardy in a 6-4, 6-4 loss. Grand Rapids Christian sophomore Simon Volkema was the region’s top player, winning the first singles flight with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over Holland Christian’s Jaden Bender in the flight championship match. Those were the only three games Volkema dropped all day. Elijah Kuiper won the second singles flight for the Grand Rapids Christian team, and the Eagles swept the four doubles titles. Bender’s second singles teammate Austin Becksvoort won his flight over Grand Rapids Christian’s Alex Lowell in the final. Holland Christian also had freshman Tucker Heneghan capture the third singles championship. The state qualifiers weren’t the only ones with tennis ahead after Thursday’s regional. Hastings finished off its rain-interrupted dual with Lakewood from earlier this season on Monday afternoon. The host Vikings scored a 6-2 win. Joe Goggins and John Tellkamp scored a victory for the Saxons, pulling out a second set tie­ breaker to finish off the victory at second doubles. They knocked off the Lakewood team of Ben Goodemoot and Josh Yonkers 6-2, 7-6(3). Hastings also got a point from the fourth doubles team of Trevor Madden and Wyatt Holman that won by default. Lakewood took a default point too, at fourth singles, won by Andrew Scheil. Hastings’ Sam Randall and Jacob O’Keefe scored a 6-2 win in the opening set of their first doubles match with the Vikings’ Owen Rickerd and Andrew Finsaaas, but Rickerd and Finsaas rallied for a 7-5 win in the second set and then took an extended super tiebreaker 13-11 to secure the win. Asher Teigeler and Preston Weller scored a 6-0, 6-2 win for Lakewood over Andre Perez and Joseph Maitland at third singles. Lakewood swept the singles points, led by state qualifier Brady Gawne at first singles who scored a 6-0,6-2 win over Joey McLean. Lakewood’s Caleb Coates managed a 6-2,6-2 win over the Saxons’ Mitchell Vann at second singles, and the Vikings got a 6-0 ,6-0 win by Clay Dumond over Tyler Gates at number three. LEGAL NOTICES SYNOPSIS PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Regular Meeting October 9, 2019 Clerk Goebel called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Present: Clerk Goebel, Treasurer Pence, Trustee VanNiman. Absent: Supervisor Stoneburner, Trustee Borden Agenda and Minutes of September 11, 2019 were approved. Public comments, if any, were received. Reports were received. Bills were paid. Approved weed control assessments, all ayes Approved purchase of tires for police vehicle, all ayes. Public comments were received. Adjourned: 7:25 p.m. Submitted by: Rod Goebel, Clerk 130064 State of Michigan Probate Court County of Barry Notice to Creditors-Decedent’s Estate File No. 19-28317 The Decedent, William A. Olson died 01/07/2018 Claims to go to David N. Olson-Personal Representative 808 Detroit Street San Francisco, CA 94118 (415)816-3980 or to both the Personal Representative and The Barry County Probate Court 206 W. Court Street Hastings, Ml 48058 Attorney Jennifer L. Gross (P76584) Cooper and Riesterer, PLC 7900 Grand River Road Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on October 31, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Walter Sharrow, a single man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s Amount claimed due on date of notice: $67,105.03 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Yankee Springs, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 2, Block 2 of Sandy Beach Park, according to the recorded Plat thereof as recorded in Liber £of Plats, on Page 18. . The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry Foreclosing Assignee (if any): US Bank Trust, N.A., not in its individual capacity but solely as owner trustee for VRMTG Asset Trust Date of Mortgage: January 27,2011 Date of Mortgage Recording: February 3,2011 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $216,972.33 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Prairieville, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 18 of Spring Point Number One, according to the recorded Plat thereof, being part of the Northwest fractional 1 /4 of Section 8, Town 1 North, Range 10 West, Prairieville Township, Barry County, Michigan. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL Date of notice: October 3,2019 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mditgage foreclosure Trott Law, P.C. 129419 NOTICE We are attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose. Notify us at the number below if you are in active military duty. MORTGAGE SALE - Pursuant to the terms and conditions of a certain mortgage made by AUSTIN BAADE , an unmarried man, Mortgagors, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (MERS) as nominee for Success Mortgage Partners, Inc., Mortgagee, dated the 23rd day of June, 2017 and recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds, for The County of Barry and State of Michigan, on the 23rd day of June, 2017 in Doc# 2017-006377 of Barry County Records, said Mortgage having been assigned to Freedom Mortgage Corporation on which mortgage there is claimed to be due, at the date of this notice, the sum of One Hundred Fifty Three Thousand One Hundred One & 20/100 ($153,101.20), by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, and pursuant to statute of the State of Michigan, notice is hereby given that on the 24th day of October, 2019 at 1:00 PM o’clock Local Time, said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale at public auction, to the highest bidder, at the Barry County Courthouse in Hastings, Ml, of the premises described in said mortgage, or so much thereof as may be necessary to pay the amount due, with interest thereon at 4.500 per annum and all legal costs, charges, and expenses, including the attorney fees allowed by law, and also any sum or sums which may be paid by the undersigned, necessary to protect its interest in the premises. Which said premises are described as follows: All that certain piece or parcel of land, including any and all structures, and homes, manufactured or otherwise, located thereon, situated in the Township of Rutland, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and described as follows, to wit: Lot 6 of Smith’s Lakeview Center, Rutland Township, Barry County, Michigan, according to the plat thereof recorded in Liber 6 of Plats, Page 50 of Barry County Records. During the six (6) months immediately following the sale, the property may be redeemed, except that in the event that the property is determined to be abandoned pursuant to MCLA 600.3241a, the property may be redeemed 30 days after the foreclosure sale or when the time to provide the notice required by the statute expires, whichever is later. Pursuant to MCLA 600.3278, the mortgagor(s) will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. If the sale is set aside for any reason, the Purchaser at the sale shall be entitled only to a return of the deposit paid. The Purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagee or the Mortgagee’s attorney Dated: 09/26/2019 Freedom Mortgage Corporation Mortgagee FABRIZIO & BROOK, P.C. Attorney for Servicer 700 Tower Drive, Ste. 510 Troy, Ml 48098 (248) 362­ 2600 FMC FARM BAADE (09-26)(10-17) that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Joyce E. Noland, a Date of Mortgage: March 9, 2016 1397403 (10-03)(10-24) Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, woman Original Mortgagee: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Date of Mortgage Recording: March 16,2016 600.3278 130394 County, at 1:00 PM, on November 14, 2019: successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): MidFjrst Bank • Brighton, Ml 48114 (810)227-3103 128811 sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: October 17,2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1398839 (10-17)(11-07) 130267 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on November 7, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Jack A. Horn, Jr. and Brenda A. Horn, Husband and Wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Mr. Cooper Date of Mortgage: December 14, 2018 Date of Mortgage Recording: December 27, 2018 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $127,103.72 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Carlton, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: A parcel of land in the Southwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 16, Town 4 North, Range 8 West, described as: Beginning at a point in the North right-of-way of M-43 which is 807.2 feet East and 69.6 feet North of the South 1/4 post of said Section 16; thence North 210 feet; thence East 175 feet; thence South 210 feet; thence West 175 feet to the place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: October 10, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1398032 (10-10)(10-31) 129829 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on October 31,2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Elizabeth Anne Molson, an unmarried person Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association Date of Mortgage: July 16,2012 Date of Mortgage Recording: July 31,2012 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $51,238.18 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Village of Nashville, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 29, Orsemus A. Phillip’s Addition to the Village of Nashville, also known as Phillips 1st Addition, according to the plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats on Page 19. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: October 3,2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1397179 (10-03) (10-24) 129285 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be fgr^osed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on October 31,2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): John Joseph Kostelec and Andrea Kostelec, Husband And Wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Freedom Mortgage Corporation Date of Mortgage: October 12,2016 Date of Mortgage Recording: October 13,2016 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $178,728.76 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Charter Township of Rutland, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Part of the East 1/2 of the Northeast 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 16, Town 3 North, Range 9 West, Rutland Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: Commencing at the North 1/4 corner of said Section 16; Thence South 89 degrees 10 minutes 01 second West, 310.00 Feet along the North Line of said Section 16, to the point of beginning for this description; Thence continuing South 89 degrees 10 minutes 01 second West, 348.57 feet along said North line; Thence South 02 degrees 52 minutes 29 seconds East, 510.00 feet along the West line of said East 1/2 of the Northeast 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4; Thence North 89 degrees 10 minutes 01 second East, 315.45 feet parallel with the North Line of said Section 16; Thence North 02 degrees 51 minutes 50 seconds West, 229.00 feet parallel with the East line of said Northwest 1/4; Thence North 89 degrees 10 minutes 01 second East, 33.02 feet; Thence North 02 degrees 51 minutes 50 seconds West, 281.00 feet to the point of beginning. Subject to and together with an easement for ingress, egress and public utilities as described below: Easement Description: An Easement for ingress, egress and utilities over part of the East 1/2 of the Northeast 1/4 of the Northwest 1/4 of Section 16, Town 3 North, Range 9 West, Rutland Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: Commencing at the North 1/4 corner of said Section 16; Thence South 89 degrees 10 minutes 01 second West, 310.00 feet along the North line of Section 16 to the point of beginning of this easement description; thence South 02 degrees 51 minutes 50 seconds East, 860.00 feet parallel with the East line of said Northwest 1/4; Thence North 89 degrees 10 minutes 01 second East, 117.00 feet; Thence South 02 degrees 51 minutes 50 seconds East, 120.00 feet; Thence South 89 degrees 10 minutes 01 second West, 183.04 feet; Thence North 02 degrees 51 minutes 50 seconds West, 980.00 feet; Thence North 89 degrees 10 minutes 01 seconds East, 66.04 feet along the North line of said section to the point of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: October 3, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1397328 (10-03)(10-24) 129398 Barry County Circuit Court Case No. 19-233-CH NOTICE OF JUDICIAL SALE JUDICIAL SALE IN PURSUANCE The property described below shall be sold at public auction, by an authorized sheriff/deputy sheriff or county clerk/deputy county clerk, to the highest bidder, at the Circuit Court for the County of Barry, on the 5th of December, 2019 at 1:00 pm, local time. On said day at said time, the following described property shall be sold: property located in the City of Delton, County of Barry, State of Michigan, particularly described as That portion of Lot 50 “Cottage Grove Resort”, Section 6, Town 1 North, Range 9 West, lying Northerly of an Easterly-Westerly line parallel to the Northerly line of Lot 4 and dividing Lot 4 of said plat in half and extending Easterly across Lot 50, Lot 6 of “Cottage Grove Resort”, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 2 of plats, Page 21. Tax Parcel ID: 03-060-004-00. More commonly known as: 10900 E Shore Dr, This notice is from a debt collector. Date of Notice: October 9, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1398357 (10-17)(11-21) 129996 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on October 24, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Christopher Vanstee and Tami Vanstee, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Freedom Mortgage Corporation Date of Mortgage: November 21,2016 Date of Mortgage Recording: December 8, 2016 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $275,423.03 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Thornapple, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 52, Boulder Creek Estates, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 6 of Plats, Page 23. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: September 26, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1396334 (09-26)(10-17) 128648 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Dustin Johnson and Brooklynn Johnson, husband and wife, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns, Mortgagee, dated January 25, 2017 and recorded January 27, 2017 in Instrument Number 2017-000925 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by MidFirst Bank, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Seventy-One Thousand Seven Hundred Ninety-Nine and 63/100 Dollars ($71,799.63), including interest at 4.5% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on NOVEMBER 14, 2019. Said premises are located in the Village of Woodland, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: Lot 6 and the East 1/2 of Lot 4, Block 5 of Parrott’s Addition to the Village of Woodland according to the plat thereof recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, Page 36 of Barry County Records. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: October 10, 2019 File No. 19-009058 Firm Name: Orlans PC (10-10)(10-31) • 129790 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 2019-28334-DE Estate .of Thomas C. Znamer, Deceased. Date of birth: 09/01/1936. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Thomas C. Znamer, died 04/05/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Wilma R. Znamer, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 West Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Michigan 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 10/09/2019 Stacey M. Lott (P68809) 130 East Columbia Avenue Battle Creek, Michigan 49015 269-963-8222 Wilma R. Znamer 2121 Bristol Lake Road Dowling, Michigan 49060 129997 NOTICE SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE - Jason Markley and Karyn L Markley, husband and wife, joint tenants, granted a mortgage to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”), solely as nominee for lender and lender's successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated October 2, 2015, and recorded on November 3, 2015, in Document No. 2015-010728, and assigned by said mortgagee to AmeriHome Mortgage Company, LLC, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Eighty-Eight Thousand Five Hundred SeventyFour and 62/100 Dollars ($188,574.62). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the Barry County Courthouse, Hastings Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on November 14,2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: Unit 5, Tikeluk Trail Condominium, according to the Master Deed recorded in Instrument No 1048957, Barry County Records, and designated as Barry County Condominium Subdivision Plan No. 18, together with rights in the general common elements and limited common elements, as set forth in the above described Master Deed and amendments thereto and as disclosed by Act 59 of the Public Acts of 1978, as amended. The redemption period will be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period will be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 600.3241 a(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of Act 236 of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. AmeriHome Mortgage Company, LLC Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman P.C. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1399033 (10-17)(11-07) 130400 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on November 14, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Thomas L. Lake and Barbara Lake, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Freedom Mortgage Corporation Date of Mortgage: December 16, 2015 Date of Mortgage Recording: December 28,2015 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $260,316.11 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Hope, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Land situated in the Northeast one quarter of Section 15 Town 2 North, Range 9 West and described as follows: Commencing at the Southeast corner of the Southeast corner of the Southeast one quarter of the Northeast one quarter of Section 15, thence West along the one quarter line 16 rods for a true place of beginning; thence West 4 rods, thence North 20 rods, thence East 4 rods, thence South 20 rods to the place of beginning EXCEPT The Northeast 1/4 of Section 15, Town 2 North, Range 9 West, and described as flows: Commencing at the Southeast corner of the Southeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 15 thence West along the one-quarter line 16 rods for a true place of beginning: thence West 4 rods, thence North 16 rod, thence East 4 rods, thence South 16 rods to the place of beginning; Township of Hope, Barry County, Michigan, ALSO The Northeast 1/4 of Section 15, Town 2 North, Range 9 West described as follows: Commencing at the Southeast comer of the Southeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 15, thence North along the center of Highway (Lammers Road) 16 rods for the truce place of beginning; thence West 16 rods, thence North 4 rods, thence East 16 rods to the center of said Highway; thence South along the center of said Highway 4 rods to the place of beginning; Township of Home, Barry County, Michigan. Land situated in the Northeast 1/4 of Section 15, Town 2 North, Range 9 West, and described as follows: Commencing at the Southeast corner of the Southeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 15, thence North along the center of Highway (Lammers Road), 20 rods for the true place of beginning, thence West 20 rods, thence North 20 rods, thence East 20 rods to the corner of said Highway, thence South along the center of Highway 20 rods to the place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: October 17, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1398917 (10-17) (11 -07) 130338 �Page 14 — Thursday, October 17, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Hastings girls defeat pair of G.R. teams at Hopkins tourney The Saxons knocked off the city kids at Hopkins’ Swaitek Invitational Saturday. The Hastings varsity volleyball team was 2-4 on the day, scoring a 25-23,25-18 victory over Grand Rapids Union and a 25-21, 25-16 win over Ottawa Hills during their tourna­ ment run. Holland, Martin, Hopkins and Allegan each bested the Saxons in two sets Saturday. Lexi Herblet and Hannah Slaughter led the Saxons in kills at the tournament. Skyler Teske had eight aces and Slaughter five. Abby Zull led the Saxon in assists. KaeliJo West and Herblet led the Saxons in passing and digs. The Hastings girls fell to 0-5 in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference with a 25-14, 25-8, 25-3 loss to league-leading Jackson Parma Western last Wednesday at Hastings High School. Zull led the Saxons in serving and assists. Carly Warner had a team-high in kills for the Saxons, while Slaughter led the team in blocks. Warner and West were the team lead­ ers in digs and passing. The Saxons had another tough Interstate-8 match-up at Marshall last night, and will close out the conference season on the road at Pennfield Oct. 23. The Saxons face the Ottawa Hills team they bested last Saturday on Monday at Hastings High School during the Saxons’ Senior/ Parents’ Night. Hastings’ Phoebe Schantz (16) tries to get an attack through the block put up by Parma Western’s Chelsea Hurt (13) during their Interstate-8 Athletic Conference match in Hastings Wednesday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) The Saxons’ Hannah Slaughter reaches up for a swing as her teammates look on during their I-8 contest with visiting Jackson Parma Western Wednesday at Hastings high School. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Few surprises at conference championship on Trojans’ course Hastings’ William Roosien sends the ball out of the Saxons’ end with Wildcats coming at him from either direction Thursday in Wayland. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Wildcats outscore Saxons in first state tournament match East Grand Rapids senior Evan Bishop was the only guy out of the blocks faster than the Trojans on their home course at Thornapple Kellogg High School Tuesday at the OK Gold Conference Championship. Bishop pulled away from the Thomapple Kellogg varsity boys’ cross country team in a matter of seconds as the full pack of seven teams crowded out of the starting gates behind the Bob White Stadium press box and raced to an individual victory in 15 minutes 21.87 sec­ onds. Bishop was more than a minute ahead of Forest Hills Eastern junior Ben Clason who was the runner-up in 16:30.27. Bishop’s individual victory was no sur­ prise, but he couldn’t pull his East Grand Rapids Pioneers to a victory. Grand Rapids Christian captured the boys’ conference championship by outscoring the Pioneers 38-43 at Tuesday’s finale. The Eagles and Pioneers each won one of the two conference jamborees at the South Christian Sports Park this season. The rest of the conference standings, in the boys’ meet and the girls’ meet, looked nearly the same as they had all season long. East Grand Rapids overwhelmed everyone in the girls’ race, outscoring runner-up Grand Rapids Christian 24-53. Forest Hills Eastern was third, right behind the Eagles, with 56 points. The only change from the previous two league jamborees was that the South Christian girls edged in front of the TK ladies who had been fourth at the first two match-ups. The Sailors closed the day with 121 points to the Trojans’ 131. Wayland was sixth with 170 points. Grand Rapids Christian sophomore Madelyn Frens was the individual champion on the girls’ side with a time of 18:30.34. East Grand Rapids was led by senior Anna Petr, the runner-up in 18:48.39, and senior Katie Hessler who was third in 18:56.97. Forest Hills Eastern senior Landyn Howell was fourth in 19:24.11. East Grand Rapids had all seven of its scor­ ers among the top 12 finishers. Thomapple Kellogg’s girls were led by sophomore Jessica Durkee who was 18th in 20:46.67. TK sophomore Kendall Snyder and senior Audrey Meyering each had their best finish of the conference season Tuesday. Snyder was 25th in 21:14.30. Her previous top placing in the conference this fall was 25th. Meyering placed 28th in 21:20.64, three spots better than her previous best conference finish. TK also had freshman Lucy VanDemark 29th in 21:23.11 and freshman Madison Nagel 31st in 21:36.12. Rounding out the seven scorers for TK, senior Elizabeth Meyering placed 33rd in 21:46.58 and freshman Lindsey Velting 35th in 22:02.08. Trojan head coach Sam Wilkinson said he was disappointed in himself for being a little too relaxed heading into the meet, and he thought that may have taken a bit of fire out of his girls. “The next few days, and all of next week, our focus and attention will be on each work- out, but our sights will be on redemption and bringing back the grit and fire that these girls are well known for,” coach Wilkinson said. “These girls are strong, are very capable, and they will rise to the occasion.” The Trojan girls bested South Christian at each of the first two jamborees of the season, but then finished behind them at the Portage Invitational early this month and again Tuesday. Both teams will be a part of the Division 2 Regional Meet at Portage West Middle School Oct. 26 and both will be push­ ing for a state qualifying finish. Forest Hills Eastern was a close thira in the boys’ meet as well, with 48 points, just five points back of runner-up EGR. South Christian was fourth with 104 points, ahead of Thomapple Kellogg 156, Wyoming 194 and Wayland 195. Senior Nick Bushman led the TK boys, placing 20th in 18:13.47. Junior Levi VanderHeide was 31st in 19:00.27. The rest of the Trojan team came in one after another in 34th, 35th, 36th, 37th and 38th place. The pack was led by junior Howie Frizzell in 19:17.71. sophomore Matthew Smith finished in 19:20.35, sophomore Camden Reynolds 36th in 19:26.31, junior Brennan Lutz 37th in 19:35.39 and sopho­ more Jacob Pykosz 38th in 19:42.53. Forest Hills Eastern runners placed second and third, with Clason the runner-up and senior Kyle Korte third in 16:32.09. The league champions from Grand Rapids Christian had its top five guys in the top 12 overall, a pack led by seniors Jack Luymes and Ethan Wilstermann who placed fourth and fifth respectively. Luymes hit the line in 16:42.73 and Wilstermann in 16:44.96. The Hastings varsity boys’ soccer team was unable to make it back-to-back wins over the Wayland Wildcats last week. Wayland scored a 3-1 victory over the vis­ iting Saxons in the Division 2 district opener between the two teams last Wednesday. The Saxons won the regular season match-up between the two teams. “The boys did not play bad, actually they played a solid game and just allowed goals on miscues and then could not find the net to counter,” Hastings head coach Tim Schoessel said. “We had plenty of opportunity but just could not slip the ball through.” William Jensen scored the lone goal for the Saxons. “We had two starters sitting, but I don’t think that played a major role in the out­ come,” Schoessel said. Wayland was bested by Allegan 6-2 in the district semifinals Tuesday. The Allegan Tigers will face Thomapple Kellogg in the district final Saturday in Plainwell. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads The Saxons’ Nate Flikkema (6) gets above Wayland Union’s Daniel Ortiz to get a head on the ball during their Division 2 District opener Thursday in Wayland. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Thornapple Kellogg sophomores Matthew Smith (left) and Camden Reynolds race along together during the OK Gold Conference Championship hosted by the Trojans Tuesday afternoon. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Thornapple Kellogg senior Elizabeth Meyering picks up the pace to beat South Christian freshman Kelsey Harkema to the finish line at the end of the OK Gold Conference Championship Tuesday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 17, 2019 — Page 15 DK earns district showdown with top-ranked Maroons Brett Bremer Sports Editor There were three penalty kicks in the back of the net before the first goal in the flow of play during the Division 3 District opener between Delton Kellogg and Hopkins in Delton Wednesday. The Panthers’ Daniel Recuenco tapped a pass from the top of the 18 out to teammate Delton Kellogg’s James Blackburn celebrates a goal with teammate Yanik Jost (11) during the Panthers’ win over Hopkins in the Division 3 District Quarterfinals in Delton Wednesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Marcus Momenee charging towards the cor­ ner on the left side of the Hopkins’ goal. Momenee fired it back in front of the net to James Blackburn who knocked it into the net for a 3-1 Delton Kellogg lead. That was the way things ended on the scoreboard as the DK boys earned a spot in this week’s district semifinals against Holland Christian. The Maroons ended the Panthers’ season with a 6-0 victory in the district semi- Delton Kellogg’s Hector Jimenez steps in front of Hopkins’ Jake Dembowske to take the ball away during their Division 3 District opener in Delton Wednesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) finals Tuesday in Holland. Yanik Jost netted the first two goals for Delton Kellogg in its district opening victory over Hopkins, putting penalty kicks past he Hopkins goalkeeper. Hopkins pulled within 2-1 with 16 minutes to play in the first half on a penalty kick goal of its own by Mika Endres. Delton Kellogg goalkeeper Gavin Houtkooper kept the Vikings scoreless for the rest of the game, with defender Marcus Grizzle leading the charge in clearing the ball out from in front of the net before Houtkooper had to worry too much about it. The victory was the tenth of the season for the Panthers who end the year at 10-6-2. Holland Christian, ranked number one in the state in Division 3, scored five times in the first half Tuesday and then added a sixth in the second half while peppering Houtkooper with shots. He made 30 saves in the contest. Delton Kellogg goalkeeper Gavin Houtkooper snags the ball out of the air and shields it from the attack of Hopkins’ Jeremy Adams during their Division 3 District opener in Delton Wednesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) DK-TK-Hastings girls score seven-point win at Union The Delton Kellogg-Thornapple KelloggHastings varsity girls’ swimming and diving team scored an 89-82 victory at Grand Rapids Union Thursday. The DK-TK-Hastings girls won nine of the 12 events, with seven different girls taking victories in individual events. The team of Abby Marcukaitis, Lydia Cole, Anna Haywood and Juliann Meeker opened the meet by winning the 200-yard medley relay in 2 minutes 6.79 seconds for DK-TK-Hastings and the team of Holly Bashore, Karsyn Daniels, Lauren Myers and Marcukaitis closed the■ rne_et..winn^ free­ style relay in 4:12.23. Marcukaitis took the 100-yard butterfly for her team in 1:05.62. Cadence VanOoy won the 100-yard backstroke in 1:17.19. Erin Dalman took the 100-yard breaststroke in 1: 19.51. Ellen Shults added a victory in the 200-yard individual medley with a time of 2: 47.49 for DK-TK-Hastings. In the freestyle races, Haywood won the 100-yard freestyle in 1:01.50 and teammate Daisy Nowinsky the 200-yard freestyle in 2:16.37. Hannah Johnson took the diving competi­ tion with a score of 227.90 points for DK-TKHastings. The DK-TK-Hastings team sent ten girls to Calvin University last weekend for. th& Michigan Interscholastic Swimming Coaches Association Meet. Marcukaitis placed 21st in the 50-yard free- style with a time of 25.09 seconds and 12th in the 100-yard freestyle in 54.73. Marcukaitis was also a part of two relay races for the Trojan team. Haywood, Nowinsky, Bashore and Marcukaitis placed 38th in the 200-yard freestyle relay in 1:47.07 and the foursome of Marcukaitis, Haywood Lydia Cole and Juliann Meeker placed 41st in the 200-yard medley relay with a time of 2:00.2. ’ The DK-TK-Hastings girls return to action tonight (Oct. 17) with a tough OK Conference Tier II dual against visiting Muskegon-Mona Shores. Next Thursday (Oct. 24), DK-TKHastings will host its annual Cancer Awareness Meet while swimming against the Wayland Union girls. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP i3UZ/^ BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ORDINANCE SUBMITTAL Lakewood junior Brady Gawne earned a spot in the Division 4 Lower Peninsula State Finals with a runner-up finish at the regional tournament hosted by Portland Thursday (Oct. 10). (File photo) Vikings’ Gawne scores spot in D4 State Finals Lakewood first singles player Brady Gawne is going to the state finals. Gawne won his way to the championship match at first singles at the Vikings’ Division 4 Regional Tournament hosted by Portland Thursday (Oct. 10). Gawne was bested by Flint Powers Catholic’s Joseph Charboneau in that championship match. Williamston won the team regional title Thursday, winning six of the eight flights. The Hornets swept the four doubles flights and got third and fourth singles titles from Max Burton and Joe Mirate. Charboneau’s Flint Powers Catholic fin­ ished as the regional runner-up, also qualify­ ing for the state finals along with the Hornets and Gawne. The Division 4 Lower Peninsula State Finals will be held this weekend, Oct. 18-19, at Hope College. Gawne defeated Lansing Christian sopho­ more Will Combs 6-0, 6-2 in the quarterfinals and then knocked off Portland senior Aryan Virk in the first singles semifinals. Portland junior Jack Roe was the second singles champion. Gawne had the only victories on the day for the Viking team. DK girls bested by K-Christian in three sets The Delton Kellogg varsity volleyball team suffered a tough 3-0 loss to visiting Kalamazoo Christian Tuesday in Southwestern Athletic Conference action. Melanie Hinter and Linsey Falvo had four kills each to lead the Delton Kellogg attack in the loss to the Comets. Erin Kapteyn and Emma Jo Kokx had three kills apiece. Abbie Bever had a team-high 23 digs for Delton Kellogg, while Kapteyn added 19 and Falvo 14. Setter Clara Bever put up 17 assists for DK. The Delton Kellogg girls return to action at the Constantine Invitational Saturday and then go back to Constantine Tuesday for their SAC match-up. Correction: Hinter’s statistics were mistak­ enly credited to Eleanor Ferris, an injured senior who is the former owner of the #9 jer­ sey for the Panthers, in the Sept. 26 and Oct. 10 editions of the Hastings Banner. Call any time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE proposed Ordinance #2019-173 was introduced for first reading by the Rutland Charter Township Board at its October 9, 2019 meeting. This proposed ordinance will, if enacted, amend parts of Article I of Chapter 200 of the Rutland Charter Township Code of Ordinances, also known as the Land Division, Combination, and Boundary Adjustment Ordinance, originally adopted as Ordinance No. 2016-159 December 14, 2016. The sections of this proposed ordinance are summarized as follows: SECTION 1—AMENDMENT OF §200-3 OF THE RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP CODE (DEFINITIONS): Adds a new subsection to define the term “survey”, and re-letters several existing subsections to retain the listing of various defined terms in alphabetical order. SECTION 2—AMENDMENT OF §200-5 (APPLICATION FOR LAND DIVISION APPROVAL): Amends existing subsection D to delete certain verbiage no longer necessary pursuant to the added definition of the term “survey”; adds a new subsection E to require certain information on the paid or unpaid status of property taxes and special assessments due on the subject property be submitted with an application for a land division; re-letters certain existing subsections pursuant to the preceding changes. SECTION 3—AMENDMENT OF §200-7 (REQUIREMENTS FOR APPROVAL OF LAND DIVISIONS): Adds a new subsection with re-numbering of an existing subsection to add a new requirement for approval of a land division regarding the paid or unpaid status of all property taxes and special assessments due on the subject property for the five years preceding the date of the application. SECTION 4—AMENDMENTOFCHAPTER2QOTOADD NEW PROVISIONSTOARTICLEHIMPLEMENTATION OF APPROVED LAND DIVISION, COMBINATION OR BOUNDARY LINE ADJUSTMENT): Re-numbers certain existing sections of the ordinance so as to add as a new §200-10A with certain requirements pertaining to the implementation of an approved land division, combination, or boundary line adjustment, including time limits on the subsequent execution of a deed or other applicable instrument of conveyance, recording such deed/other instrument of conveyance, and filing a copy of an executed deed/other applicable instrument of conveyance with the Administrator of the Ordinance (where recording is not required). SECTION 5—EFFECTIVE DATE: States the Ordinance takes effect 30 days after publication as required by law. This proposed ordinance will be considered for adoption by the Township Board at a regular meeting on November 13, 2019 commencing at 7:00 p.m. at the Charter Township Hall. The proposed ordinance is available for review on the Township website (www.rutlandtownship.org) or by contacting the Township Clerk. Rutland Charter Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven (7) days’ notice to Rutland Charter Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD Rutland Charter Township Hall 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Michigan 49058 Telephone: (269) 948-2194 Robin J. Hawthorne, Clerk Charter Township of Rutland �Page 16 — Thursday, October 17, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Hastings hoping for homecoming victory Brett Bremer Sports Editor It has been a rough decade for the Mounties. The Jackson Northwest varsity football team has had one winning season in the past ten seasons, a 5-4 mark in 2013, and has only won as many as two games two other times during that stretch - in 2017 and 2018. Hastings has been keeping the Mounties down since joining the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference, winning all three match-ups and scoring at least 48 points in each match-up the past three seasons. Hastings heads into its homecoming contest with the Mounties on a high after picking up a victory in the rain last week at Pennfield High School. Pennfield is the only team the Mounties have bested this season. Hastings is the only Barry County team playing at home this weekend, and the Saxons will kickoff the homecoming festivities early at 5 p.m. - following the 4 p.m. homecoming parade. Delton Kellogg travels to Coloma for a match-up with the Comets, who have a 1-6 overall record that matches that of the Mounties. DK is 3-0 against the Comets since the two teams began meeting up on an annual basis in the Southwestern Athletic Conference. The Comets have dropped four in a row this season, getting shut out three times during that stretch. The Panthers should be able to move the ball against the Comets and keep their post­ season hopes alive. Kalamazoo United dropped the DK Panthers to 4-3 overall this season last Friday. DK remains Barry County’s lone team with a chance to get the six wins that guarantee a postseason berth. Lakewood finished up conference play last week with a tough loss to rival Olivet, seeing the Eagles clinch the Greater Lansing Activities Conference championship on Unity Field. The Vikings go from facing an unde­ feated foe to facing one with a 1-6 mark, like the Saxons and Panthers, when they travel to Charlotte Friday. The Orioles have allowed more than 50 points four times this season, but managed to keep down the Eaton Rapids Greyhounds in a 16-13 win last weekend. Thomapple Kellogg hasn’t scored a point since it finished off its homecoming victory over Wyoming Saturday, Sept. 28. The Trojans have been shut out 35-0 in back-toback ballgames with Grand Rapids Christian and East Grand Rapids, the two OK Gold Conference leaders. The Trojans will look to get the offense clicking in another tough conference match­ up this week, taking on South Christian at East Kentwood High School Game time is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. in Kentwood. The Sailors and Trojans are both 3-4 overall this season, and the Sailors have also lost to East Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids Christian in the last two weeks. South Christian managed to put up some points in those ballgames though, falling by a touchdown (27-20) to the Christian Eagles last weekend. The Maple Valley Lions are looking for­ ward to the final two weeks of the season, hoping to even their 2-4 record up by the end of the season to go out on a high. The Lions travel to take on Webberville in an eight-play­ er ballgame Friday night and then will head to Bellevue to close out the season Oct. 25. The Webberville Spartans are currently 4-3 this Reason, hoping to extend their string of three-consecutive eight-player playoff appear­ ances. Local Standings (record, playoff points) 4-3,42.143 Delton Kellogg 3-4, 37.714 Thomapple Kellogg 2-5,28.000 Hastings 2-5,23.429 Lakewood 2-4, NA Maple Valley Conference Standings (overall, conference) Interstate 8 Athletic Conference 7-0,6-0 Lumen Christi 6-1,5-1 Coldwater 5-2,4-2 Parma Western 4-3,4-2 Marshall 2-5,2-4 Hastings 3-4,2-4 Harper Creek Northwest 1-6, 1-5 1-6,0-6 Pennfield OK Gold Conference 5-2,4-0 East Grand Rapids 5-2,4-0 GR Christian 3-4,2-2 South Christian 3-4,2-2 Forest Hills Eastern 3-4,2-3 Thomapple Kellogg 3-4,1-3 Wyoming 0-7,0-5 Wayland Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley 7-0, 3-0 Schoolcraft 4-3,3-0 Kalamazoo United 5-2,2-1 Constantine 4-3,2-1 Delton Kellogg 2-5,0-3 Watervliet 1-6,0-3 Coloma Greater Lansing Activities Conference 7-0,4-0 Olivet 2-5,2-2 Stockbridge 2- 5,2-2 Lakewood 3-4,1-3 Perry 2-5,1-3 Leslie Here is a round-up of last Friday’s local gridiron action. Hastings 36, Pennfield 28 The offense ate up clock and ate up yard­ age, and the defense was dominant over the second and third quarters to allow the Hastings varsity football team to dig out of a 15-0 hole at Battle Creek Pennfield Friday. The Saxons’ special teams came up huge too, blocking a punt, recovering an onside kick of their own and one of the Pahthers’. The Saxons Scored their second Interstate-8 Athletic Conference victory of the season, besting the Panthers 36-28. The Saxons held the ball for more than 37 minutes, rushing for 434 yards in the ballgame. Hunter Allerding Lakewood defensive back Donovan Pratt fight to try and bring down Olivet receiver Sam Heston during the fourth quarter of the Eagles’ win on Unity Field Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) rushed 24 times for 174 yards and three touchdowns for the Saxons. That time of pos­ session edge had a lot to do with the success of the Saxon offense and a bit to do with a few quick scoring drives buy Pennfield. A couple of big rushing plays by the Panthers, a 57-yard touchdown run by Cody Hultink and a 41-yard sprint by Gabriel Scott that put Pennfield in position for a 23-yard TD pass from Ryne Petersen to Hultink, allowed the hosts to move out to a 15-0 lead in first quarter. Hastings had a long drive that covered nearly seven minutes, stall out at the Pennfield 26-yard-line in between the two touchdowns. Hastings finished off its second possession of the bailgame on the opening snap of the second quarter. Quarterback Carter Cappon connected with Gabe Trick on a 15-yard touchdown pass - and Trick ran in the twopoint conversion. The Pennfield offense didn’t get another first down until the second half. It was the special teams that finally sparked the Saxons, early in the second half still trail­ ing by seven points. Evan Murphy blocked a Pennfield punt to give Hastings possession of the ball at the Pennfield 32-yard-line about four minutes into the second half. Four plays later Saxon back Austin Bleam scored on a seven-yard run to get his team within 15-14. The Saxons’ two-point try was no good. It was the defense’s turn to provide the good field position next for the Saxons. Trick picked off a Petersen pass at the Pennfield 39-yard-line. The Saxons marched in for a three-yard touchdown run by Allerding with 2:53 to go in the third quarter, finally putting his team in front - 20-15. Allerding had a big night overall, and an especially huge final 15 minutes. He followed up the go-ahead TD run by recovering an onside kick by kicker Evan Eastman to get the Saxons the ball back right away, and then proceeded to add a 15-yard touchdown run on the opening play of the fourth quarter plus a two-point run that upped the Saxon lead to 28-15. The two-score deficit didn’t deter the Pennfield boys who answered with an 85-yard touchdown run by Hultink and Charies Wee ver’s second extra-point kick of the night to get within six with 11 minutes to go and then recovered a Saxon fumble near midfield. Pennfield went backwards on three rushes, thanks in part to a couple big tackles includ­ ing one for a five-yard loss by Evan Murphy. Pennfield punted back over to the Saxons’ with 8:19 to go in the game The Saxon offense took over from there, putting together an 89-yard, 11-play drive that culminated in a 23-yard Allerding TD run and a Cappon two-point run. Cappon managed to draw the Panthera^pfiside on a fpurth-and-3 jp the Saxons’ end on the drive, and Allerding trotted 26 yards on the next snap to get the Saxons’ into Panther territory. Pennfield managed a quick scoring drive that ended in a 20-yard TD pass from Petersen to Shawn Gardner to get within 36-28, but Evan Eastman recovered the Panthers’ onside kick attempt and Allerding took the Saxons’ first snap 11 yards for a first down. Hastings had five backs with more than 40 yards rushing in the game, including Allerding, TJ Russell, Elijah Smith, Trick and Bleam. The statistics say the Saxons turned the ball over twice to the Panthers’ once, but those don’t include the onside recovery and the punt block for the Hastings boys. Evan Murphy had a team-high 4.5 tackles for Hastings, including two for a loss. Tyler Kaiser also caught Pennfield in the backfield twice. Kalamazoo United 14, Delton Kellogg 6 The Titans defended the Wing-T well. The Panthers pushed the power-I back time and again. There were as many turnovers as touch­ downs and plenty of punts as the Kalamazoo United varsity football team pulled out a 14-6 victory over its guests from Delton Kellogg at Portage Central Friday in Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division play. The Titans had all the points they needed minutes into the ballgame. Garrett Warner scored on a one-yard run for the Titans, who added the extra-point kick for a 7-0 lead. Delton Kellogg’s opening two possessions of the bailgame resulted in a punt and a fum­ ble, but running back Jordan Rench broke loose on a 55-yard run to set up teammate Bradley Bunch for a one-yard touchdown run early in the second quarter. The snap on the Panthers’ extra-point attempt was no good though, leaving them a point back. They never got another point. Delton Kellogg managed to put together more of a threat throughout much of the rest of the bailgame than the Kalamazoo United offense, but turned the ball over on downs twice inside the Titan 30-yard line in the first half, had one long drive early in the second half stall because of a negative rush and a holding penalty, and then lost its final chance to put points on the board late in the fourth quarter because of another fumble. The Titans tacked on a 17-yard touchdown run by Warner in the fourth quarter, following a Delton Kellogg punt that gave the Titans the football at the DK 27-yard-line. The Delton Kellogg defense kept the Titans’ offense in its own end of the field or near midfield for most of the ballgame. United did get a 45-yard run from Warner early in the second half to move the ball to the DK 15-yard-lineJ but the Panthers’ Kaleb Post recovered a Titan fumble to take that scoring chance away. Delton Kellogg outgained the Titans 200 Hastings running back Elijah Smith looks for a hole in the line in the rain at Battle Creek Pennfield Friday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) yard to 154 in the bailgame, but neither team could sustain drives. DK was just 3-of-10 on third down conversions and the Titans were just 3-of-ll. East Grand Rapids 35, Thornapple Kellogg 0 Thomapple Kellogg’s varsity football team was shut out 35-0 for the second week in a row by a team with an undefeated OK Gold Conference record Friday night. A week after a 35-0 loss at Grand Rapids Christian, the Trojans were shut out 35-0 in their final home game of the season by visit­ ing East Grand Rapids. The Eagles and Pioneers put their 4-0 conference records to the test when they meet next Friday. Grand Rapids Christian edged South Christian 27-20 last night. It wasn’t always pretty either way Friday in a steady rain in Bob White Stadium. J&tggL teams combined for .seven turnovers. The Trojans fumbled the ball five times, with the Pioneers recovering four of those. TK picked up one Pioneer fumble, and TK’s Logan Kimbrue and Jake DeJong both intercepted EGR passes. Kimbrue’s interception ended the Pioneers’ first possession of the bailgame, on a fourth down throw by Robbie Stuursma from the Trojan 21-yard-line. The Pioneers turned the ball over on downs in the Trojans’ end on their first possession of the second quarter, but again the Trojan offense going get any­ thing going following the turnover. It was three-and-out for the Trojan offense after DeJong’s interception in the end zone that ended the Pioneers first drive of the third quarter. The Trojans could muster just 137 yards of offense though against the Pioneer defense led by junior linebacker Daniel Masek, who had six tackles. Stuursma threw a three-yard touchdown pass to Davis Jennings in the closing seconds of the first quarter and connected with Nathan Milanowski for a three-yard pass and catch in the final minutes of the second quarter. Stuursma finished the game 5-of-10 pass­ ing for 42 yards and the two touchdowns. He added a two-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, one of three rushing TD’s by the Pioneers in the third quarter. John Shelton had touchdown runs of seven and five yards for the Pioneers in the third quarter. Shelton closed the bailgame with 24 rushes for 174 yards. Brendan Hood led TK on the ground, rush­ ing 16 times for 84 yards. TK got inside the Pioneer 20-yard-line on both of its fourth-quarter possessions, but a fumble ended the Trojans’ first chance and a fourth-down-run came up short in the final seconds. Adam Bush had a team-high ten tackles for the Trojans and Ryan Holmes added eight. Olivet 42, Lakewood 0 Olivet clinched an outright Greater Lansing Activities Conference championship, its third straight conference title, with a 42-0 victory over the only other program to ever win a GLAC football championship, Lakewood, Friday on Unity Field. The Eagles improved to 7-0 overall and finished off a perfect 4-0 GLAC season. Olivet has now won three in a row over the Vikings, after Lakewood took wins over the Eagles in each of the first two GLAC seasons. Lakewood falls to 2-5 overall this season, and closes out the GLAC campaign with a 2-2 mark. The Vikings travel to Olivet on Friday and then will close out the season at home Oct. 25 against rival Ionia. “We haven’t had this type of adversity in a long time. It has been years,” Lakewood Matt Markwart said. “They have come back every week and practiced. They have come back every week and played hard. They will comes out next week and play hard because it is. Viking football and that is what is expected.”; Even when things seemed to be going right there was sudden adversity for the Vikings inthe steady rain Friday evening. Olivet built a" 20-0 lead in the ballgame and was marching to the Lakewood end zone again in the closing minute of the first half when quarter Sam* Heston lofted a jump ball up to receiver Kaden Smith at the goal-line. Lakewood defensive back Sawyer Stoepker made a great play on the ball, tipping it up and away from Smith. Fellow DB Brent Sweet snagged the interception out of the air and started weaving the other way, but was corralled by Olivet’s* Heath Flower at the goal line. Flower whipped Sweet' around, sending the ball flying back to the end zone where Stoepker scooped it up aMilungit-9^ of the. back of Jhe^nd zone^to prevent an Eagle touchdown, for a safety. . The Eagle lead was 22-0 after the safety, and swelled to 29-0 at the half. Lakewood had. to kick the ball back to the Eagles with half a* minute to play in the second quarter. Heston tossed one incomplete pass from his own. 45-yard-line before connecting with Soyen Moon for a 55-yard touchdown up the righL side in front of the small group of Wacky; Woodies in the Lakewood student section that. braved the cool rain. Heston had a 61-yard touchdown run mid­ way through the first quarter to open the scor- > ing for the Eagles, two plays after the Vikings fumbled the ball away on their opening pos-. session of the game. Heston also intercepted a Lakewood pass late in the first quarter. Flower added two short touchdown runs in the second quarter, helping his team build its, 20-0 lead. A third touchdown run by Flower, । from 17 yards out two minutes into the second , half, stretched the Olivet lead to 36-0 after the. extra-point kick and started the clock running for the remainder of the evening. . Zach Griffith added a three-yard touch­ down run for the Eagles at the end of a drive that chewed up more than the first ten minutes, of the fourth quarter. Lakewood took its first offensive posses­ sion of the second half inside the Eagle tenyard-line, but a rush for negative yards and an. illegal procedure penalty hurt the Vikings \ chances of getting to the end zone and the# Vikings turned the ball over on downs after two incomplete passes. “They were executing,” Markwart said., “We had some good things go today, and they, just had some better things go today. They were executing. They were hitting. We were playing hard. : “We’ve had some bad bounces this season, J some unlucky things. Four weeks ago we lose] four players that aren’t even 100 percent yet J We are still learning. We are still getting bet-* ter. They don’t quit. They played the whole J game. They could have rolled over and it J could have been worse.” j He was pleased with the hard running from * backs Denny Sauers HI and Stoepker in the I bailgame, and happy to welcome back senior! quarterback Jacob Elenbaas while still having J junior Jayce Hansen doing good things at the J position as well. Sauers had seven rushes for 54 yards in the | ballgame for the Vikings. * Martin 42, Maple Valley 20 | It has been a season of ups and downs, and; not just from game to game but from quarter4 to quarter for the Maple Valley varsity foot-* ball team in its first eight-player season. The Lions fell to 2-4 this year with a 42-20I loss at Martin Friday that reminded head* coach Marty Martin a lot of his team’s tough* defeat at Onekama a couple of weeks ago Martin moved to 7-0 on the season with the* victory. « �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 17, 2019 — Page 17 The mud-covered Lakewood varsity football team gathers at midfield at the conclusion of its 42-0 Greater Lansing Activities Conference loss to visiting Olivet on Unity Field Friday. The Eagles kept their record perfect and clinched the GLAC championship with the victory over the Vikings. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Pennfield wide receiver Shawn Gardner rises above Saxon defensive back Zeb Carey to haul in a touchdown pass during the Saxons’ victory over the host Panthers in Battle Creek Friday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) The Lions fell behind 20-0 in the opening quarter, but pulled within 20-6 with three and a half minutes to play in the first half on a three-yard touchdown run by Hugheston Heckathom, and then recovered a Clipper fumble with 1:33 to go in the half to get the ball back. The Lions couldn’t turn that turnover into points though. The teams traded touchdowns early in the second half, but Martin scored two more times in the third quarter to pull away. “We came out and gave up big plays in the first quarter, shut them down in the second and really controlled the second quarter. They come out in the third, and put a couple touch­ downs on us and then we controlled it the rest of the way,” coach Martin said. “I don’t have an answer for that other than we just have to start faster. “We even tried taking the ball to see if we could score first, and we just struggled getting off the line.” Martin rushed for 356 yards in the ball­ game, but coach Martin said he was pleased with the improvements his team made in slowing the Clippers’ ground game in the sec­ ond half. Freshmen defensive tackles Hayden Bassett and Christian Huissen showed some good potential when they got their chance up front for the Lions, and coach Martin also saw some good things from freshman linebacker Reece Proctor-Burhans who filled in for junior Hugheston Heckathom when he was forced out of the game by an injury. He was also happy with the defensive efforts of junior David Hosack-Frizzell and senior Anthony Raymond. Heckathom recovered a pair of Clipper fumbles. Hunter Bassett had a game-high 13 tackles for the Lions. Coach Martin said his team does need to improve its pass rush though, to make things easier on its freshmen comer backs. Rushing the passer and trying to get through the line is what the Clippers do defensively. “The Martin kids, they run a blitzy style defense where they are coming at you from different places,” coach Martin said. “We did some things tonight to catch them in their blitz, but we still were not getting off the ball the way we should have. The second quarter we were starting to get off the ball and for the rest of the game there were times where we really took the game to them, just like Onekama.” Cayden Curry carried the Clippers’ attack, rushing 14 times for 204 yards and three touchdowns. He also threw a seven-yard touchdown pass to teammate Travis Thome for his teams final points with 3:16 to go in the third quarter. Thome had a 12-yard touchdown run at the end of the first quarter and was close to scor­ ing the Clippers’ opening points before fum­ bling the ball into the end zone. Teammate Brayden Eckman recovered the fumble in the end zone for a Clipper touchdown three min­ utes and ten seconds into the game. Heckathom added a 16-yard rushing touch­ down for the Lions three minutes into the second half, cutting the Clipper lead to 27-14 after adding the two-point run. Lion quarter­ back Blaze Sensiba scored the final touch­ down of the game on a four-yard run 49 sec­ onds into the fourth quarter. Sensiba was 2-of-5 passing for 37 yards. He was intercepted twice by Curry. Cody Taylor had a 25-yard reception for the Lions and HeCkathom a 12-yard grab. Vikes run into South Christian after one district win Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Lakewood varsity b ■ - opened the 2019 state postseason with a 2-1 victory over visiting Grand River Prep in the Division 3 District Quarterfinals at Lakewood High School Wednesday evening. Lakewood earned a shot at the district’s top seed with the win, the fourth ranked South Christian Sailors, who scored a 7-0 win over Belding to open district play last week. The Sailors were one goal better in the district semifinals at the South Christian Sports Park Monday, besting the visiting Vikings 8-0 to improve their record to 16-4-2 overall this season. Lakewood ends the season at 9-10-2 over­ all. The Vikings found the net twice in the opening moments of the second half to wipe away a 1-0 Grand River Prep lead in their district quarterfinal match-up last ' week. Colby Carter scored a goal a minute into the second half, lofting a shot over the Titan keeper from near the PK mark. Kaeden Tuitman assisted on the goal, collecting a deep throw-in from teammate Steven Bierins and moving it to Carter in the middle. Another long throw from Bierins found Kaedon Tuitman’s head, and he finished with authority into the comer of the net to give his team the lead. Lakewood head coach James LeVeque said both teams had some chances from then on out, but nothing too dangerous on the Viking net. His guys were just a bit off in the first half as the Titans took the lead. “The first half, our guys played hard but had erratic touches on the ball giving Grand River Prep ample time in our defensive third,” LeVeque said. “The second half we played much better clock, from an assist by Max Dbuma, to make it 8-0. Jeff Herrema had a strong showing for South Christian controlled the play in its match with the Vikings Monday, building a 5-0 lead in the first half. The Sailors had speed, size and depth that the Vikings couldn’t match. The Sailors’ Ethan Boomstra scored twice in the second half to finish off Lakewood, first heading in a perfect centering cross from teammate Cole Huttenga and then tapping in another goal with 12 minutes still left on the AT RIGHT: Lakewood’s Tyson Raffler (22) tries to chase down South Christian’s Jeff Herrema as he moves the ball into the offensive end during the first half of the Sailors’ 8-0 win over the visiting Vikings in the district semifinals Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) oJiriW doUjiL^)^ ; Celebrate the SAXON SPIRIT Homecoming Pre-Game TAILGATE PARTY FRIDAY, OCT. 18™ To show community support for our football team and the spirit of being a Saxon, GET ALL highpoint COMMUNITY BANK highpointcommunitybank.com 1-888-422-2280 OF BARRY COUNTY! is sponsoring a tailgate party with free grilled hot dogs, chips and a drink to anyone before the homecoming game with Jackson Northwest at the main entrance to Baum Stadium at Johnson Field. Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. NOTE: START TIME FOR THIS WEEK'S GAME WILL BE 5 P.M South Christian’s Ross Boomsma (12) goes up to get a head on the ball in a crowd that includes teammate Levi Sculley (10) and Lakewood’s Connor Feighan (centeR) and Kaeden Tuitman (right) during the first half of their Division 3 District Semifinal Monday at the South Christian Sports Park. (Photo by Brett Bremer) SPIRIT . let it show! �Page 18 — Thursday, October 17, 2019 — The Hastings Banner TK takes down first two district opponents Brett Bremer Sports Editor Thornapple Kellogg senior midfielder Aiden Hannapel assisted senior attacker Tyler Gehres twice in the span of two minutes as the Trojan varsity boys’ soccer team pulled away for a 6-0 victory over Hamilton Thursday in the opening round of the Division 2 State Tournament and the TK boys followed that up with a 2-1 win over district host Plainwell in the district semifinals Tuesday. The Trojans quickly turned a 2-0 halftime lead over Hamilton to 3-0 on a goal by Pablo Anglada Nunez in the opening minutes of the second half last Thursday, then Gehres scored twice in the middle of the second half before fellow senior attacker Caden Goudzwaard riffled in his second goal of the game with three minutes left to play against the Hawkeyes. Thornapple Kellogg’s Tyler Gehres (9) is greeted by teammates Mitchell Corner, Jack Miller (13) and Kaiden Pratt (17) as they celebrate the first of two goals in the second half by Gehres during their 6-0 win over Hamilton Thursday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Thornapple Kellogg senior Aiden Hannapel fends off Hamilton’s Isaac Beatty as he fires a pass ahead during the Trojans’ win over the Hawkeyes in their Division 2 District opener Thursday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Owen Woods scored the opening goal of the game for the Trojans. TK, the top seed in the district tournament, will travel back to Plainwell to take on Allegan in the Division 2 District Final Saturday (Oct.19). Game time is set for 11:00 a.m. Allegan best Wayland 6-2 in the district’s other semifinal match Tuesday in Wayland. Senior goalkeeper Austin Ruth, in his third season starting in net for the Trojan varsity, stopped the few Hawkeye shots that came his way to earn the shut out - getting a nice ova­ tion as he was replaced by Daniel Beyer in the closing minutes. The Trojan reserves and postseason call-ups got good time on the field in the second half thanks to all the goal-scor­ ing by the Trojan regulars. Gehres first goal came from almost 40 yards out. He took a pass from Hannapel and lofted a shot over the Hawkeye keeper who was a big too far off his line. Two minutes later, with 22:57 to go in the game, Ruth blast­ ed a punt that Hannapel flicked ahead. Gehres beat the Hawkeye keeper to the rolling ball and put it into the net. That was more action than Ruth saw at the other end most of the evening. He only had three or four saves in the contest. The Trojans didn’t miss a beat with head coach David Wood unable to attend Thursday night’s contest. JV head coach Ben Sleeman stepped in to lead the varsity, and Ruth said the only real change was the accent coming from the sideline. Personalized care right in your neighborhood With hours and appointments that fit your life Getting the care you need should be easy. That's why the care teams Ascension Borgess Hospital at Ascension Borgess Hospital Borgess Family Medicine - Delton have Borgess Family Medicine - Delton extended hours, walk-in care and same-day appointments. We're here to 11320 M-43 deliver the care that's right for you, in your neighborhood. Delton, Ml 49046 Your care team: To schedule an appointment, call 269-301-6064 Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5:3O p.m. Walk-in and same day appointments available. Call for extended hours and Saturday openings. Mary Fairfield, PA-C Emma Uebeie, PA-C A Ascension & Borgess Hospital Ascension Michigan ©Ascension 2019, AH rights reserved. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-10-24.pdf aba550721cdd94030f61415e96afb685 PDF Text Text King’s Appliances has new owner County to become Blue Zones community See Story on Page 6 DK last football team with playoff hopes See Story on Page 14 See Editorial on Page 4 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 804879110187 1070490102590501374549058113421 **************************Q^p_f^ “[" |_OT**C 005 C005 Richard Hemerling 421 N Taffee Dr Hastings Ml 49058-1134 6/30/2020 9:47:00 AM inu i in vj O ANNER PRICE 750 Thursday, October 24, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 42 Rare trial ends in unusual verdict Rebecca Pierce Editor A rare jury trial in Barry County last Friday resulted in a split verdict on 10 counts of criminal sexual conduct. Darnell Scott Anderson, 50, of Hastings, was convicted of five of the counts of crimi­ nal sexual conduct, ranging from third- and fourth-degree acts involving penetration and contact with a teenage victim between Aug. 27,2017, and Jan. 5. But Anderson was found not guilty of first­ and second-degree criminal sexual conduct acts that were alleged to have occurred between April 1,2016, and June 26, 2017. The lone victim, now 17, was under the age of 16 at that time, according to the prosecu­ Thornapple Wind Band performing tomorrow The Thomapple Wind Band will launch its 2019-20 season at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 25, at the Hastings Performing Arts Center. The band, composed of adult musicians from throughout Barry County and beyond, presents four or five free concerts each year at various venues. This year, all concerts will be at the performing arts center. Each concert is followed by a chance to meet the musicians and light refreshments. Donations at the performances go toward materials, and song sponsorships are available. More information is available online. tion. Ninety potential jurors were called, county Clerk Pamela Palmer said. Fourteen jurors were picked from the pool, and 12 ultimately deliberated. Jury trials, particularly those involving major felony crimes, are not typical in Barry County, she noted. “That was our third or fourth trial this year, but none of them were big cases like this one. They’re usually in district court, half-day and they’re done.” This trial lasted four days and Visiting Judge Donald Johnston presided over the See VERDICT, page 3 Why play a Steinway? Hastings library to close for upgrades Due to scheduled system maintenance at Hastings Public Library, pal tons will be unable to check out materials or search the electronic catalog from 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28, through Tuesday, Oct. 29. Digital downloads will also be unavailable during this time. The library also will be closed all day | Tuesday, Oct. 29, for staff training. The library will be re-open Wednesday, 1 Oct. 30. Dementia Friendly Coalition hosting discussion Dementia Friendly Barry County Coalition will host a community conver­ sation about creating a dementia-friendly community Wednesday, Oct. 30, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Barry Community Enrichment Center, 231 S. Broadway, Hastings. The coalition seeks to raise public awareness about dementia and how to best interact with people who have it so they can stay in the community. Karla Fales, chief executive officer of Carewell Services Southwest, will lead the interactive discussion to identify the needs in the community and what it means to be a dementia-friendly commu­ nity. “We are looking for input from commu­ nity members, caregivers and people, whether they think they are affected now or will be in the future,” Fales said. A demonstration also is scheduled to help people understand what dementia * feels like to the affected individual. Participants also will walk away resource materials and light refreshments will be served. RSVPs for the interactive conversation may be made by calling the Commission on Aging, 269-948-4856. HHS crowns Its homecoming royalty \ Seniors Braden Tolles and Hannah Johnson are crowned the 2019 Hastings High School homecoming king and queen during halftime of the Saxon varsity football team’s victory over Interstate-8 Athletic Conference foe Jackson Northwest Friday inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field. (Photo by Brett Bremer) See page 2 for more. Only school proposals on November ballot J-Ad News Services Residents of nine Barry County townships will see items on the Nov. 5 ballot, all of which are school proposals. However, the election will pertain to small portions of resi­ dents in most of those townships. Thomapple Kellogg school district resi­ dents will vote on a bond proposal to raise up to $42.8 million for building and site purpos­ es. The bond issue will not raise the district’s debt service millage. If approved, the district will be allowed to remodel and re-equip existing facilities and install new technology, improve athletic facil­ ities, buy new school buses and improve school playgrounds. Topping the list for construction is a new Learning Center. Right now, the 81-year-old Learning Center, the district’s oldest facility, has waiting lists. The building houses 3- and See PROPOSALS, page 5 in a way that truly brought it home: Anyone who wanted to play it got to do so - and the rest of the people who came to see it gathered around on the stage and marveled at the sound. Seated in the shadows in a back row of the performance hall, Larry and Earlene Baum were smiling as they listened to their neighbors and friends enjoying the one-of-a-kind instrument. Experts, pianists and donors count the many reasons why Rebecca Pierce Editor If Wilbur Miller is right, brains were lighting up all over the place at the Hastings High School Performing Arts Center Saturday. That’s when the new Steinway concert grand piano was celebrated by the community See STEINWAY, page 3 Hastings schools offer heartfelt thanks to Baums Rebecca Pierce ly generous donations recently for athletics and the arts has made an everlasting impact on the students. “Their contributions have made a tremen­ dous difference in the lives of so many stu­ dents here in our community. ... This, in turn, has helped us in developing our students to be productive citizens in our community and our future leaders.” The Baums were presented with a plaque, and a duplicate plaque will be placed in the school to honor their contributions to the stu­ dents, staff and the school district, Superintendent Dan Remenap said. When the program concluded, everyone in the room lined up to personally express their appreciation to the Baum family. Young and old, parents and kids, school staff and resi­ dents waited patiently to shake their hands and, often, hug them. The Baums and their family foundation have financed many improvements, including the purchase and installation of artificial turf on the football field, along with a new entry and fieldhouse there, new bleachers in gym- Editor MSP Post planning citizen’s academy The Michigan State Police Wayland Post will host a citizens’ academy, Nov. 5-21. The three-week academy will give citizens the opportunity to become famil­ iar with the mission and operation of the MSP, understand the procedures troopers follow, increase their awareness of law enforcements role in the community, and get to know personnel at the Wayland Post. The Citizens’ Academy will meet at Gun Lake Tribal Police Complex confer­ ence room Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 8:30 p.m. A graduation ceremony is planned Nov. 21. The program and infor­ mation are free. Individuals who are interested in i See NEWS BRIEFS, page 2 Melinda Smalley plays the Steinway Saturday while others listen or wait their turn to play the one-of-a-kind concert grand piano on stage at the Hastings High School Performing Arts Center. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Larry and Earlene Baum are the guests of honor at the Hastings Area School System’s open house Monday. The Hastings Middle School commons area was packed Monday evening when the com­ munity came together to thank Larry and Earlene Baum and their family for all they have done for the school district. Larry Baum, who is recovering from a stroke, smiled and signaled to the crowd with a thumbs-up and, at one point, turned to his wife and kissed her hand. Earlene Baum was presented with bright bouquet of fall flowers. “Thank you for your generosity” signs were scattered throughout commons area. A large banner stretched across the stairwell along the second-floor landing over the crowd: “Thank You Larry & Earlene Baum and The Baum Family Foundation For Your Generosity.” The choir sang to the Baums, and school officials and students expressed their appreciation. “It is with the deepest gratitude and sincere thanks that I extend this heartfelt thank-you to the Baum Family Foundation and Larry and Earlene Baum,” school board President Luke Haywood told those gathered. “Their contin­ ued support to the Hastings Area School System over the many years and their extreme­ • ' * See BAUMS, page 3 �Page 2 — Thursday, October 24, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Hastings celebrates homecoming early Taylor Owens Staff Writer The 2019 Hastings High School Fall Homecoming parade took a shorter route near the school to finish in time for the 5 p.m. foot­ ball game. It was led by the marching band, and fea­ tured class floats with a cartoon theme. Homecoming Grand Marshals are Amy Collins and Cathy Longstreet. Homecoming Queen Hannah Johnson and court member Jon Arnold ride in the parade. Homecoming King Brandon Tolles and Abby Zull are part of the parade. A large recreation of Spongebob Squarepants and his pineapple house was made ; by the senior class. The sophomore float represents Scooby Doo. NEWS BRIEFS continued from front page attending the citizens’ academy may call Trooper. Stephen Wood 269-397-0244 or email woodslO@michigan.gov to receive an application or they may stop in or call the Wayland Post 269-792-2213. Applications will be accepted until Nov. 1. Women’s Giving Circle meets Nov. 6 The philanthropic Women’s Giving Circle of Barry County will have its next quarterly meeting Nov. 6 at The Legacy in Hastings. The meeting will begin with dinner at 6 p.m. Members pay for their own dinner and donate $50 to a local organization (or $30 for those under 30) Annie Halle will be the first speaker. She will tell the group how the donations from the August meeting will be used to benefit the Early Education Initiative Fund of the Barry Community Foundation. The second speaker will be Lauren Tripp, representing the Type 1 Diabetes Fund of the Barry Community Foundation. The Nov. 6 meeting also will serve as the annual meeting, and speakers for the upcoming year will be determined at this annual gathering. RSVPs for this meeting must be received by Friday, Nov. 1, via email to NanGoodin@ aol.com or by calling 616-891-0325. Information will be emailed to interested women, who may join the Women’s Giving Circle at any time. The Women’s Giving Circle of Barry County Michigan also has a Facebook page. Kiersten Bailey and Ellie Saur wave to the crowd during the homecoming parade. Not pictured are their court partners: Ben Curtis and Hunter Allerding. (Photos by Taylor Owens) The homecoming court included Keven Coykendall, Ben Curtis, Hannah Johnson, Ellie Saur, Hunter Allerding, Jon Arnold, Kiersten Bailey, Abby Zull, Braden Tolles and Skyler Teske. Bailey is a four-year basketball player and three-year member of the Student Council, choir and Impact Team. She plans to attend Dixie State in Utah to study law enforcement. Saur has been involved in the drama pro­ gram four years, has been a member of the band, color guard, tennis team, Y-Mentors, winter guard, Student Council and Impact Team. Johnson, who was crowned homecoming queen at halftime, h<£h^n a member of stu­ dent ^council, Youth Advisory Council; track and field, swim and dive, Interact Club, Key Club, Y-Mentofs, Impact Team, National Honors Society, basketball, cross country and student council E-Board. Arnold has been a member of Key Club, cross country, swim team, track and field, golf, running club, Y-Mentors and the ski race team. Tolles, who was crowned homecoming king during halftime, has run cross-country and track, served on Student Council, partici­ pated in Key Club, marching band Y-Mentors and National Honors Society. An honor roll student, Coykendall is part of the culinary program and dual enrolls with Kellogg Community College. Curtis has spent four years playing football, and as part of the musical backstage crew. He has been a member of the Impact Club, National Honors Society, Student Council, robotics, baseball, track and Y-Mentors. He is currently the senior class Student Council Vice President. A four-year member of the football team, Hunter Allerding has also been a member of track and ski club for four years. Zull has been in volleyball, track Key Club, National Honors Society and the Interact Club. Freshmen win HHS Spirit Week events The freshmen class - at any school - gen­ erally has enthusiasm but lacks experience when it comes to homecoming activities. But the current freshmen class at Hastings High School set a new precedent for newbie status by taking first place in Spirit Week activities. Winning classes, by Category, were: Hallway decorations - first place, fresh­ men; second, seniors; third, sophomores; and fourth, juniors. rQuiz Bowl - first place, sophomores; sec­ ond, freshmen; third, juniors; and fourth, seniors. Spirit Days - first place, freshmen; second, juniors; third, sophomore; and fourth, seniors. Assembly games - first place, seniors; sec­ ond, sophomores; third-juniors; fourth, fresh­ men. V5/E Float building - first place, seniors; second, juniors; third, sophomores; and fourth, fresh­ men. After scores were tallied, the freshmen class had the most points. The sophomore class took second place, and the juniors and seniors tied for third. and Skyler Teske participate in the Tesfce has played volleyball four years, ran track and is currently on the yearbook staff. The Grand Marshals were Amy Collins and Cathy Longstreet. Collins has worked in various roles in Hastings Area Schools, including as the High School Counseling Department Secretary for the past eight years. She is married to Steve Collins, a math teacher and cross country coach at the high school. Longstreet has worked in the Hastings Area School System her entire career, previously as a teacher and currently as a high school coun­ selor. She is married to Rob Longstreet, a local attorney and 1988 Hastings High School graduate. The “Phineas and Ferb” float made by the junior class features a rocket ship. The “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” float was made by the freshman class. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 24, 2019 — Page 3 First EEE case confirmed in Eaton County Greg Chandler Staff Writer Another case of the mosquito-borne disease Eastern equine encephalitis has been con­ firmed in a neighboring county. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Tuesday reported a case of EEE in a deer in Eaton County. It’s the first case, either animal of human, of the disease in that coun­ ty“[The] onset date appears to be end of September,” MDHHS spokesperson Lynn Sutfin said in a press release. Eaton is the 17th Michigan county where an EEE case has been confirmed. A total of 46 animal cases, including five in Barry County, have been diagnosed across the state since early August. Ten human cases have been confirmed, including one in Barry County. Five of the 10 people who have contracted EEE have died from the illness, Sutfin said. EEE is one of the most dangerous mosqui­ to-borne diseases in the U.S., with a 33 per­ cent fatality rate. Survivors are often left with physical or mental disabilities. Eaton was one of the counties that was not sprayed earlier this month to combat EEE. More than 557,000 acres in 14 counties was sprayed with an organic pesticide known as Menis 3.0 in an effort to kill off the mosquito population. More than 107,000 acres in seven towhships in Barry County were included in the overnight aerial sprfidng. Other counties where EEE cases have been confirmed include Allegan, Berrien, Calhoun, Qass, Genesee, Jacksoh, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lapeer, Livingston, Montcalm, Newaygo, St. Joseph, Tuscola and Van Buren. While light frost has been reported in Barry County, health officials continue to urge resi­ dents to continue to protect themselves from mosquito bites by: - Avoiding being outdoors from dusk to dawn when mosquitos that carry the EEE virus are most active. - Applying insect repellents that contain the active ingredient DEET, or other U.S. Environmental Protection Agency-registered product to exposed skin or clothing, and always follow the manufacturer’s directions for use. - Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors and applying insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites. - Maintaining window and door screening to help keep mosquitoes outside. - Emptying water from mosquito breeding sites around the home, such as buckets, unused kiddie pools, old tires or similar sites where mosquitoes may lay eggs. - Using nets or fans over outdoor eating areas. More information is available at Michigan. gov/EEE. he said he would — if it was reached before the jury returned with a verdict. But the jury came back first. As it turned out, “the prosecution was quite happy with the verdict, even though it was half a loaf,” Johnston remarked. “I hate to second-guess juries,” he added. “These are good, honest citizens. They’re grappling with stuff they’ve never had to grapple with before with a group of total strangers. They’ve got to listen to a bunch of unpleasant testimony and then they have the important but unpleasant duty of trying to come to some resolution over it. I would never be critical of a jury — even if I can’t quite understand what they’re doing.” He theorized that the split verdict could have been some sort of a compromise to resolve differences between individual jurors. “You never know what goes on in a jury room,” the judge said. “[But] my sense of it is that the jury believed the complaining witness, but may have felt that convicting the defendant of first-degree criminal sexual conduct was too severe for the circumstances. Therefore, they found him guilty of the post-age-16 offenses which are criminal sexual conduct second-, third- and fourth-degree, lower degrees of the crime. “Now, I don’t know that to be the case. But it seems to me that, if they believed her, they would find him guilty of everything. And, if they didn’t believe her or if they had a reason­ able doubt whether they should believe her, they would find him not guilty of everything.” “The split verdict is hard to explain,” he added, “other than that they were deliberately trying to avoid a conviction on first-degree criminal sexual conduct, which carries up to a life sentence — and some of them may have known that. “They certainly knew it was more severe than second-, third-, and fourth degree.” The jury is instructed not to consider possi­ ble punishment, Johnston said. “If you know anything about the guide­ lines, which are complicated, first-degree criminal sexual conduct is a Class A crime. Third-degree is a Class B crime. Seconddegree is a Class C crime. Those all involve different guideline grids, which implicate different ranges of possible sentences. So, the sentencing range would have been much more severe with first-degree CSC. The third-de­ gree is a whole crime class lower, so the grids will be different. “But it will still call for a substantial sen­ tence. I’m not anticipating a light rap.” Jurors also did not know that Anderson is a third-time habitual offender, with prior con­ victions for carrying a concealed weapon Dec. 15, 1988, and third-offense drunken driving Feb. 22,2010, in Kent County. That repeat offender status will double the sentence, Johnston said. The sentence, scheduled in Barry County Circuit Court at 9 a.m. Dec. 3, likely will carry a maximum of 30 years in prison. The judge said he wasn’t sure what the minimum would be, but Anderson will serve whatever calendar minimum is imposed and, beyond that, it will be up to the parole board. “The defendant has been convicted of sev­ eral very serious crimes of which, it seems pretty clear, he is guilty,” Johnston said. “And, while he escapes the draconian poten­ tial of sentencing under the CSC-first guide­ lines, he will still wind up, I’m sure, with a significant period of confinement - and I think that’s just.” VERDICT, continued from page 1 case. Johnston said he would have liked to talk to the jurors about their deliberations, but they are not required to speak about it. After he released them from service, none expressed any desire to discuss the case. “They performed an important civic duty,” he said. Chief Assistant Prosecutor David Banister agreed, speaking of his respect for the people who served on the jury. “The jurors were extremely attentive and very competent.... They cared about the case. We’re glad the victim now has closure and is vindicated. And, for the defendant, there will be some accountability.” Johnston said the reason he brought in so many jurors was because of the likelihood that a sizable number would have to be excused. “It’s amazing how many people have had experiences, either personally or in their fam­ ily, with this kind of thing. ... I’ve always been amazed, in every single CSC case I’ve tried, I’ve had half a dozen jurors at least who’ve had to be excused for personal expe­ riences. “In this case, I excused 11 or 12 for cause ... most of them either because they had per­ sonally experienced it or someone in their family had or somebody close to them had been accused of it.” The jury’s split decision was a surprise to him. “As I told the lawyers when the jury went out: ‘If they believe her, they’ll find him guilty of everything. If they don’t, they’ll find him not guilty of everything.’ “ But, when the verdict was returned after about four hours of deliberations, the threepage verdict form was read in the order of the counts, with the earliest date and most severe charges first. “Counts 1 through 5 ... they found him not guilty ... They were going through the list,” Johnston said, “I thought he was going to be cleared of everything. Then we get to Count 6 and they start finding him guilty. Once again, I’m completely wrong.” What the jurors didn’t know was that, while they were deliberating, the prosecution and defense attorneys were actively trying to negotiate a settlement. The attorneys asked the judge if he would accept a resolution, and STEINWAY, continued from page 1 The Baums bought the $100,000 Steinway for the school district. What a gift, school staff and community members said. Superintendent Dan Remenap stood on the side of the stage taking pictures. He was smiling, too. Everyone seemed to be smiling. Miller, who works for Steinway & Sons Pianos in Detroit, where the piano was purchased, was there to mark the moment. He addressed the audience briefly to provide background on the Steinway. Then professional pianist and composer Terry Lower, a Battle Creek native, entertained the gathering. “It’s a great day for Hastings,” Lower said. “A 9-foot Steinway. It doesn’t get better than that!” Local people who played the Steinway Saturday included Miles Lipsey, Teresa A. Pash, Melinda Smalley, Lilyah Solmes, Annika Solmes, Breeya Solmes, Zach Franklin, Sophie Haywood, Logan Rohe, Mallory Rohe, Lilly Randall, Andrea Wheeler, Greg Shoff, Sam Morton, Susan Morton, Joan Schroeder, Micah Johnson^ Trenton Lipsey, Spencer White and Patti LaJoye. Miller called it a remarkable celebration of the piano, which was built by hand in 2010. It was in the Detroit Concert and Artists pool “since its birth,” he said, and it went to many events for Steinway artists and pianists. When Patti LaJoye of Hastings contacted the Detroit office and told them of the desire in Hastings for a Steinway, they embarked upon months of work to find just the right piano. “We don’t build cookie-cutter pianos,” he said. “We don’t force them to be what they’re not.” “Every Steinway is special and has its own unique and beautiful characteristics,” Miller said. “For an auditorium, you’re looking for a piano that can project. You’re looking for a piano that can get tone to the farthest seat in the balcony at the back of the auditorium. You’re looking for a piano with a big voice and a good, sweet and colorful voice. “So, I think we found the right piano.” Miller said it was a great joy to be in Hastings to witness the fulfillment of that search. “It’s always a big occasion when a venue finds a Steinway and places it,” he said. “And it’s especially meaningful when there are donors involved. We want to make sure the donors are happy - and they usually are because not only is a Steinway a phenomenal piano, it’s also a great investment.” “Donors know that their piano is going to be around for a long, long time,” he added, “and it’ll be part of their legacy.” The Baums, he said, are “a wonderful and gracious and generous couple” who know the impact this particular gift will have on Hastings for years to come. “One of the most incredible and big and international piano events anywhere in the world is The Gilmore festival,” Miller said. “I think this will open up the auditorium here at Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Steinway Piano Gallery of Detroit representative Wilbur Miller attended Saturday’s celebration. Here, in the green room at the Hastings High School Performing Arts Center, he checks out the piano-keys cake. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Hastings High School with a Steinway like that on stage.” In fact, The Gilmore already is planning to have one of its festival performances in Hastings next spring, LaJoye said. In addition, Miller said, many students are going to have the world’s finest piano on stage here to play or provide accompaniment to concerts and other events. “A great piano brings great pianists,” he said. “And I hope that’s going to happen here.” Another benefit of the piano is based on scientific fact, he noted. “We know now ... that children who play the piano also do better in every academic area, science, math, you name it.” One of the reasons for that, Miller said, is that the piano engages a huge part of the brain - both sides. “The whole brain lights up,” he pointed out. “You have a language, because you’re reading notes off a page. You have touch, listening, artistic expression. You have judging - should it be louder? Softer? “A lot of the brain is being engaged. That’s good for the young brain, the brain at any age. It can add to the educational experience in that way.” Often, the arts are among the first school programs to go when finances are challenged, Miller pointed out. “I hope that doesn’t happen here. “I think, with a great piano and a great performance space where it can live, that’s a good thing.” So, parents and teachers should encourage their students to take out the ubiquitous earbuds and play the Steinway, he suggested. “You can find very few other Steinway concert grand pianos in high schools in Michigan,” Miller said, “Among them are: Grand Rapids Christian, Ann Arbor Pioneer, Vicksburg.” And now Hastings. BAUMS, continued from page 1 Students (from left) Tanner Rairigh and Jackson DuBois, members of the JV football team, are among the many athletes who attended Monday’s program to express their appreciation to the Baums. nasiums, improvements to other bleachers, tennis courts and the track. Most recently, they provided a Steinway concert grand piano for the Hastings High School Performing Arts Center and a new high-tech scoreboard at Baum Stadium. For more than a decade, the Baums annual­ ly have financed the Hastings athletics pay-toplay program for all students who want to participate in sports. As school officials said, their longtime gen­ erosity to the school district and the commu­ nity is beyond the ability to enumerate in a list. And the impact of these gifts has been remarkable, district Athletic Director Mike Goggins said. “It has been the catalyst” that is galvanizing a concerted effort on the part of parents, stu­ dents and citizens to do whatever they can to contribute to the facility improvements, Goggins said. “People say, ‘I can’t give $50,000, but we can come out and help,”’ he said. One example Goggins gave was the remov­ al of fencing around the school tennis courts, which have needed-replacing for about 10 years. When individuals learned that the fenc­ ing had to be taken down, “people were fall­ ing all over each other to help.” When they were planning the work, Goggins said he figured it would take six hours to get the job done. With all the volun­ teers they had, they finished in less than half thattime. “It was amazing. Jt was like a machine. Dads and kids and moms.” Plus, they were able to save all the good fencing, which they will be able to use elsewhere. At 3 p.m. Saturday, they’re going to have another ‘workathon’ at the football field. “We’re going to try to do the same thing on those bleachers,” he said. Efforts like these result in a financial bene­ fit to the district - and it’s beginning to make a difference. Hastings Superintendent Dan Remenap thanks the Baums for their generosity to the district. “The savings is real,” he said. And, if vol­ unteers can do it, they don’t have to hire a company to do it. At this point, he figures that they’ve saved more than $40,000. “It starts adding up,” Goggins said, “and it allows people to contribute and gives them a little ownership.” “We’ve always been able to get volun­ teers,” he added. “But not like this. It has snowballed.” At 3 p.m. this Saturday, the Hastings Area School System will have what Athletic Director Mike Goggins is calling a ‘workathon’ at the football field. �Page 4 — Thursday, October 24, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you see? Barry County to become Blue Zones community Celebrate homecoming with a Pancake Emily Mitchell, left, and Haylee VanSyckle, of the Hastings High School FFA, with Pancake, a 1-year old Vietnamese pot-bellied pig, just before the start of the high school’s homecom­ ing parade on Friday, Oct. 18. We’re dedicating this space to a photograph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? Open house on rails Banner Oct. 29,1979 ■ Railroad buffs of all ages were on hand here Saturday afternoon when the Kent-Barry-Eaton Connecting Railroad train pulled into Hastings for an “Open House on Rails.” The big blue new diesel engine and car made stops at Dutton, Caledonia and Middleville before reaching Hastings, then went on to Nashville and Vermontville. Have you met? Anyone who has stopped by the Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce office may have encountered Gary Platte. Platte began his part-time career at the chamber of commerce after 37 years with the State of Michigan, where his work included the “Pure Michigan” campaign in Lansing. After retiring from the state in 2015, he still wanted to be active in the workforce and felt it better to find a part-time job closer to. He has been here at the chamber of commerce in Hastings since then. His title at the chamber “administrative support.” He manages the database and assists the chamber president with a number of public events, such as the Gus Macker basketball tournament, Brewfest, community dinners, and other events to promote tourism and economic growth and development in Hastings. He also is always on hand to help with the local traffic in and out of the chamber office, providing information on anything from tourism to relocation to local businesses and more. Originally from Westphalia, Platte gradu­ ated from Pewamo-Westphalia High School, then later from Northwood University. He and his husband, Brad, also care for a 10-year-old foster child, two dogs and a cat. Platte’s hobbies include gardening, movies and music. He’ a member of the Lakewood Area Choral Society. For his continued contributions to Hastings and Barry County and his willingness to sup­ port the community, Gary Platte is this week’s Banner Bright Light. Greatest thing about Barry County: The people. We care for each other, and I think there is a spirit of collaboration with different Gary Platte organizations coming together in solving for the community to make Barry County a bet­ ter place to live. Person I’d most like to meet: Bruce Springsteen, because I am a huge music fan, and he is very cool. Favorite childhood memory: I think the holidays and special occasions and we spent our summers, growing up, at Dickerson Lake. My dad was a “big kid,” so he loved any excuse to have fun, and we spent a lot of summers, birthdays and holidays with him there. If I could change one thing: I’d make sure everyone had enough - whether it be emotionally or financially. You know what I mean? That there would be enough to go around. What I’d tell a high school graduate: Find out what your passion is and try to inte­ grate it with your job. Because then it’s no longer a job, it’s what you love. My biggest challenge: Time. Managing it. There’s never enough of it. Best advice I ever received: I don’t know if it was so much words of advice, but my parents and my grandmother lived a life of compassion and caring and humility. So, I think by their example, I learned to be com­ passionate and humble. Favorite book: “Marley and Me.” It just makes me cry. But it also has this comic edge to it. The relationship between this dog and the family just captures the essence of dog ownership. Something about me most people don’t know: I am a big music fan, but I also collect 45 records. I have them all organized in dif­ ferent boxes. Best invention ever: I think the phono­ graph. Greatest song ever written: One that pops into my head is: “Jungle Land” by Bruce Springsteen. It just kind of tells a story, an epic story. Maybe the bad rap about living a healthy lifestyle has been deserved. Most of us who’ve been hounded by constant diet reminders and side-effect warning labels can relate to American cynic and humorist Mark Twain who once said, “The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don’t want, drink what you don’t like, and do what you’d rather not.” Too bad Mr. Twain didn’t know about the Blue Zones movement. Because if he were living in Barry County today, Twain would be interested in perhaps the most exciting and enlightening health movement our culture has encountered and in the opportunity it is going to begin offering us here soon. In 2004, best-selling New York Times author and National Geographic Fellow Dan Buetner set out to discover geographic areas where people tend to live longer and healthier lives. With the support of National Geographic magazine, Buetner found five pockets in the world where people reach the age of 100 at a rate 10 times greater than in the United States. Labeling these pocket communities “Blue Zones,” Buetner and his team drilled down to the environment, habits and daily rituals of these special communities and sought to extrapolate the data and replicate it in cities, neighborhoods and groups in the United States. Blue Zones experts maintain that communities which adopt their pro­ gram will have improved health outcomes, reduced health costs, and increased civic pride. That, in turn, will enhance the places in which their residents live, work, and play. Since 2010, the Blue Zones movement has impacted more than 3 million lives in 50 communities across North America. Its unique, systematic approach improves well-being by focusing on the “life radius.” places where people routinely spend time: schools, restaurants, faith-based organiza­ tions, grocery stores and worksites. Blue Zones maintains we spend 90 per­ cent of time in the same places, and that environment dictates how easy or difficult it is to make healthy choices. By improving where we live, work, learn and play, we make it easier to get out and move, to eat healthy, to make new friends and to find a reason for being - and to live longer and better lives. Thanks to the vision of key community leaders and the financial investment they’ve chosen to make, Barry County is now wel­ coming the Blue Zones movement to our community. The project is a backed by a $1.4 million pledge from three foundations, a private philanthropist and three organiza­ tions in the community that have stepped up to support the effort. This is not about beneficent intimida­ tion; it’s about valuing people and provid­ ing them with information that could impact their lives. And what’s especially remarkable is that Barry County will become the first Blue Zones community in Michigan, setting a standard for the entire state. Hastings resident Allison Wiswell was recently named as the local representative to spearhead the Blue Zones movement in Barry County. Wiswell comes to the posi­ tion with years of experience working with area companies and their health improve­ ment programs. She will be supported by expert assistance from Blue Zones staff members who have the experience and knowledge necessary to help communities like ours be successful. The program is being made possible through support from several local entities, including the MTC Fund, Spectrum Health Pennock Foundation and Hastings Fiberglass. Secondary sponsors are Highpoint Community Bank, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, Barry Community Foundation, the DeCamp Family Foundation and in-kind support from the Barry-Eaton District Health Department and Barry County. The benefit that this county will receive makes these investors What do you true community champions. “The message of the program is differ­ ent from other health programs,” Wiswell said. “It’s not based on individual will power, diets and exercise. It’s about chang­ ing the environment so healthy choices are easier to make.” According to a recent report from Pew Research Center researcher Cary Funk, “Most Americans would like to live beyond today’s average life expectancy. But, on the other hand and perhaps surprisingly, a majority of Americans say they would not choose to undergo medical treatments to slow the aging process and live decades longer - to 120 or more.” In other words, Americans want extend­ ed life expectancy to come from changes in their lifestyles, healthier living and less stress in their lives - all of which are part of the Blue Zones program. From their research of those original Blue Zones com­ munities around the world, program lead­ ers know that by just eating 20 percent less than normal, walking, gardening or even dancing, we can attain better health. “The activity doesn’t have to be strenu­ ous - just consistent,” Blue Zoners said, also suggesting that having a strong sense of purpose can add several years to life expectancy. So, this is more than just the latest weight-loss program or probiotics magic chant to make us feel better. Blue Zones encompasses more than just our diets, it’s about changing our lifestyles through healthy living, relaxing, thinking about what we eat and avoiding negative situa­ tions. Another Pew Research Center report supports this approach, indicating that peo­ ple around the world who regularly partici­ pate in religious communities tend to be happier, more engaged in civic activities, and healthier than either religiously unaffil­ iated adults or inactive members of a church. Religiously active people tend to smoke and drink less, but they are not nec­ essarily healthier in terms of exercise fre­ quency or rates of obesity, according to Pew. They’re well-being has more to do with their mental health and social engage­ ment than it does the traditional measures < of general health. A sense of purpose and a person’s feel­ ing of wellbeing come from learning how to downshift and finding ways to relax, which reduces the stress that leads to chronic inflammation associated with every major age-related disease. Building a sense of belonging, understanding the impor­ tance of a healthy lifestyle, and nurturing our spiritual lives can add years to life. The research proves it. “With age comes the understanding and appreciation of your most important asset: Your health,” Oprah Winfrey said. That’s why these local leaders were will­ ing to invest in the Blue Zones project. They feel it’s an investment in our commu­ nity that could impact so many families. The message that Barry County is serious about its people, its health and its future also is an investment in community growth that will attract young families, talent and business to the area. Watch for more information in our papers; there’s a lot of excitement to come as the program gets underway. If he were here, Mark Twain would sure­ ly change his words. think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each weekby accessing our website, ww w.HastingsB anner. com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the following week. Last week: Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news @j -adgraphics .com. Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. The recent outbreak of Eastern equine encephali­ tis across the state prompted a controversial deci­ sion by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to spray more than 107,000 acres in seven Barry County townships, along with land in 14 other counties, with a pesticide to eradicate the mosquito population. Do you think this aerial spray­ ing program was a good idea? Yes 85% No 14% For this week: New Jersey recently enact­ ed a law that charges motor­ ists with animal cruelty if they drive while their pets are unrestrained. Other states can charge drivers with unre­ strained dogs under distract­ ed driver laws. Should Michigan have a law that requires proper restraint for pets in moving vehicles? □ Yes □ No �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 24, 2019 — Page 5 Subjective interpretations are a source of division To the editor: In an article in The New Yorker Magazine on the philosophy of Nietzsche, Alex Ross mentions Nietzsche’s famous adage “no facts, only interpretations.” He goes on later and quotes others as saying, “Claims that the resurgence of far-right political movements around the world is evidence of Nietzsche’s nefarious influence.” Ross further quotes Beiner as saying Nietzsche has “left us vulnerable to harsh new ideologies that appear to regard respect for Here’s your chance to help TK schools What a great opportunity we have. On Nov. 5 we have the opportunity to show our continued support for our outstanding schools. I have lived in Middleville my entire life and I am proud of our town and very proud of our schools. We are blessed to live in a communi­ ty that has always chosen to support our schools and our kids. We are so fortunate to live in a school dis­ trict where people want to live. People are sending their kids to school here from other districts and houses sell fast because people want to move here and be a part of our town and our school. I was proud to go to TK; my kids were proud to go to TK; and now it’s our job to make sure that our schools stay top-notch so that other students can say they, too, are proud to go to TK. It’s always fun to bring friends and family to school functions and events and show off our schools. Our schools are clean and well-maintained. They are safe and up to date and our facilities are excellent. We have a great opportunity to continue the TK pride and greatness by voting yes on the Nov. 5 school bond request. I often get asked by people who no longer have kids in school, what they can do to help. There are certainly some volunteering oppor­ tunities, but a huge way that you can help the schools is to continue to support the schools with your yes vote. A yes vote will provide the schools with the funds to continue to expand for our growing number of students, to keep our schools safe and structurally up to date. So please use this great opportunity to show your continued support of our schools and our kids and vote yes on Nov. 5. Mike Schipper, Middleville The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: • All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of "cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Know Your Legislators: Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Galley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov 19th District State Senate, Dr. John Bizon. Phone 517-373-2426 or toll-free, 855­ 347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Republican, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. The Hastings BcHIUCIT Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO . ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Mike Gilmore Ty Greenfield Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County . NEWSROOM • $50 per year in adjoining counties (Editor) (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) $55 per year elsewhere Rebecca Pierce Kathy Maurer Greg Chandler Taylor Owens statements are each individual’s subjective interpretation based on his knowledge, values, experiences and trust of the sources. I believe that is why there is so much divi­ sion in this country between the conservative and progressive groups. Mathematics may be objective, but all else falls into the subjective category. Stephen L. Williams, Hastings Protest songs still here - for all the wrong reasons Write Us A Letter: . truth as a snare.” He goes on to relate all this to Donald Trump’s ravings about “fake news.” However, another famous philosopher, Soren Kierkegaard, has written in his book, “Concluding Unscientific Postscript to Philosophical Fragments,” that “subjectivity is truth” and “truth is subjectivity.” Therefore, in my opinion, Nietzsche’s famous adage above and Kierkegaard’s point in his book “Concluding Unscientific Postscript” seem to be saying the same thing in different ways. The point being that the truth is this: Most POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 you will see a constant awarding of those who sing these protest songs. You missed the forest for the trees. To the editor: You are sadly mistaken: Protest songs are alive and well, even flourishing, but you have missed it because the old protest songs you speak of sang about good overcoming evil. Now, they sing about evil - catering to the selfish and sinful nature as a virtue - over­ coming good. The majority of songs out there today are protest songs. They are protesting against God, Biblical teachings (on marriage, gender, morality, personal responsibility, parenting, etc.) the Judeo-Christian Foundation and her­ itage of America, law enforcement, conserva­ tives, Christians, and so on. Watch most any music awards show and Letter to the editor worth taking to polls We must work together to reverse governor’s cuts to autism services To the editor: Dr. Komheiser’s letter to the editor in the Oct. 9 Banner came like a breath of fresh air. It was factual, based on known occurrenc­ es, and cannot be termed “misinformation” or fake news. Yes, it does beg the question as to how decent moral people can overlook such anti-social attitudes when casting their bal­ lots. One can only hope Dr. Komheiser’s list is read or carried to the polls before they vote in the 2020 presidential election. Jim Erwin, Nashville PROPOSALS, continued from page 1-----------------4-year-old preschool programs, Great Start Readiness Program, early childhood special education, and chifth^g^School officials said the new facility will feature learning spaces designed specifically for preschool and spe­ cial education programs. Other proposed projects include adding four classrooms and a conference room to McFall Elementary, adding three classrooms and a conference room to Lee Elementary, and a cafeteria expansion plus three new class­ rooms at Page Elementary. A proposed cafete­ ria expansion is planned for the high school. Residents of Barry, Johnstown and Prairieville townships may vote on the Kalamazoo Regional Education Service Agency millage to establish an area career and technical education program. The proposal is for one mill, from 2020 until 2039. The esti­ mated revenue the millage would raise in 2020 is $8.26 million. Those living in portions of Orangeville and Prairieville townships will vote on Plainwell Community Schools’ bond to borrow up to $48.6 million for constructing and remodeling school buildings, equipping instructional tech­ nology and improving playgrounds. Barry County Clerk Pam Palmer said she expects a lower turnout since no state or national races are on the ballot. She pointed out many people who don’t have children choose not to vote on school proposals, even though it affects their taxes if they own prop­ erty. One change this year is the law for voter registrations, which was changed in a propos­ al which passed last year. People can register to vote even on the day of the election, though they must be able to prove their address is within the precinct. Palmer said the township clerks have been seeing a steady amount of late voter registration, though she expects much more for next year’s presidential elec­ tion. Taylor Owens and Karen Turko-Ebright contributed to this article. GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings lanner. Joseph J. Perotta, Nashville GUEST COMMENTARY State Reps. Julie Calley and Ben Frederick Over the next year, thousands of Michigan families will have their lives forever changed by an autism diagnosis. As parents of special needs children, both of us remember the fear and uncertainty we felt when our own kids were diagnosed. Fortunately, families in Michigan have a great place to turn for answers. Since the Autism Navigator program started, its spe­ cialists have connected thousands of families with resources. They work with people in all stages of their autism journey, from parents who need help answering insurance questions and identifying education resources to adults with autism who need assistance finding housing and jobs. The Autism Navigator program, along with other critical autism support services, have always been met with widespread enthusiasm. Helping families of children with autism is not a partisan issue. It’s simply the right thing to do. That’s why we were so surprised to see these programs gutted by the governor’s bud­ get vetoes. Gov. Whitmer was wrong to use our most vulnerable residents as leverage in the road funding debate. Now that she’s had some time to reflect on her decisions, we hope our gov­ ernor will be willing to admit her mistake and restore funding for these vital services. To give her a second chance, we recently introduced a proposal that would restore fund­ ing for the autism services she cut from the budget. This includes $ 1.025 million for the Autism Navigator, as well as the $100,000 stripped from another successful and well-established program called Train the Trainer. This fund­ ing is used to help schools train teachers to be able to identify and assist children with behavioral health concerns. It also includes $350,000 the governor vetoed for a new autism intervention program . -f ” called the PLAY Project. The pilot program would have provided specialized training to at least 60 providers of Early On Michigan, an intervention service for infants and toddlers with developmental delays or disabilities. Research has shown that 10 to 20 hours of one-on-one therapy a week markedly improves the development of children with autism, especially when provided early in life. Unfortunately, medical providers in many communities have long wait lists, leaving young children waiting to receive treatment. The most critical period of development occurs when a child is between 18’months and 3 years old. A six to 12-month delay for treat­ ment during this period can affect a child’s' entire course of life. Through the PLAY program, Early On pro­ viders would receive special training specifi­ cally designed to address the needs of families and empower people to help their children using evidence-based, parent-implemented models of intervention. The prevalence of autism spectrum disor­ ders is increasing, with 1 in 59 children affect­ ed, making it the most common severe dis­ ability impacting children in Michigan. We can’t let the governor’s cuts hurt these kids. We’re committed to working together with our colleagues on both sides of the aisle to restore funding to these important pro­ grams. . Barry County College Night ; Hasting5 High School Gymnasium Wednesday, Oct. 30 6 - 7:30 p.m. Open To All High School Students <_____________________________/ | FREE! FAFSA Completion assistance for parents will be offered by Kellogg Community College from 6*7:30 p.m. The following schools and organizations will be represented: "Adrian College *Lourdes University "Albion College "Manchester University "MIStudentAid "Alma College "Andrews University "Michigan State University "Aquinas College "Michigan Technological University "Baker College "Northern Michigan University "Calvin College "Northwood University ‘Central Michigan University "Oakland University "College For Creative Studies "Olivet College "Concordia University - Ann Arbor "Rochester College "Davenport University "Saginaw Valley State University "Douglas J Aveda Institute "Savannah College of Art and Design "Eastern Michigan University "Siena Heights University "Empire Beauty School "Southwestern Michigan College "Ferris State University "Spring Arbor University "Ferris State University (Statewide & Online) "Trinity Christian College "Grand Rapids Community College ’University of Alabama "Grand Valley State University ’University of Michigan "Hope College University of Michigan - Flint "Indiana Wesleyan University University of Northwestern Ohio "Kalamazoo Valley Community College ’Western Michigan University "Kellogg Community College WMU College of Engineering and "Kendall College of Art and Design Applied Sciences College "Kettering University ’WMU Army ROTC "Kuyper College ’Michigan Army National Guard ’United States Air Force "Lake Superior State University "Lansing Community College United States Army "Lawrence Technological University 'United States Marines �Page 6 — Thursday, October 24, 2019 — The Hastings Banner King’s Appliances has new owner Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Gabe Priddy, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingshopeumc. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office, greenstreetumc @ gmail. com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5 th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948­ 8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings. org. 9 a.m. Classes and Gatherings for All ages; 9:45 a.m. Worship (Children's Worship Offered); 10:45 a.m. Coffee Fellowship; 11:15 a.m. Coffee Talk with Pastor Dan. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9: 45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945-9217. cbchastings. org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www.hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller, Wor­ ship Director, Martha Stoetze!. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care pro­ vided. SUNDAY MORNING FAMILY HOUR WEL­ COMES ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue, Loving God, Lov­ ing Neighbor: Preschool age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Standard and Adult Elective classes. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service; 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church age 4-4th grade dis­ missed during service. Fall Ser­ mon Series & Growth Groups, "On Mission" begins Sept. 15. Sunday Evening: Youth Group at 6:30 p.m., 2nd Tues: Young Women's Small Group at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Mid-Week: Women's Bible Study at 6:30 p.m. Kid's Club, Oct. 16-Dec. 4, 6:30-7:45 p.m. Friday Bible Study at 10 a.m. For more infor­ mation please contact the church. Greg Chandler Staff Writer King’s Appliances, Electronics and Mattresses, a fixture in the downtown Hastings business community for decades, is under new ownership. Ryan Cooke, who owned a television repair business in Grand Rapids for 11 years, pur­ chased the company Oct. 1 from brothers Mike and Tim King, who had been with the business for 47 years and had owned it since 1994. Cooke said the transition has been “fan­ tastic.” The Kings had been looking for a potential buyer for the store, at 130 W. State St., for several years. “We belong to a nationwide buying group. The local chapter president made a few con­ tacts, and that’s where these people came from,” Tim King said. Cooke said he’s been amazed by the sup­ port of the community through the ownership transition. “A lot of the customers here prefer to buy local [and] support the community,” he said. “I suspected that [when I purchased the busi­ ness]. I just wasn’t aware of the significance of it.” The only major change at King’s resulting from the ownership switch is that the business will now offer unboxed or so-called “scratch and dent” appliances. “That’s going to offer a different product category for the customers. We’re still going to have the same product offering, but we’re going to add to that,” Cooke said. “In essence, nothing is changing. We’re adding to what’s been available all this time.” King’s has evolved over the years. In the early 1970s, the store known as Music Center and sold stereo equipment and a few televi­ sions. Mike King actually took drum lessons at the location when it was still owned by Charles and Bonnie Smelker. One day, Mike went to visit the store and found out that the owner wanted to sell. “I ran home and told my dad,” he said. The Kings’ father, Ivan, had been one of the founders of Flexfab, the Hastings-based man­ ufacturer. He purchased the store, and he and his wife, Melody, and Mike King took over the day-to-day operations. Tim King joined the business shortly thereafter. The store adjusted as customer and com­ munity needs changed. It began selling porta­ ble radios and other electronics. When VHS video tapes entered the market in the early Luanne M. Potter Oct. 27 - Worship services at 8 and 10:45 a.m.; Church School 10:45 a.m.; Hymn Sing at 3 p.m.: C. Olson and R. Oster. Oct. 28 - LACS 6 p.m. Oct. 31 - Trunk or Treat Halloween Event at the church 5:30-7:30 p.m. Pre­ orders due to for Pasty Sale. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www.grace-hastings. org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings, MI. 1980s, King’s became the first store in town to rent videos. After the local Sears store went out of business across the street, King’s entered the appliance business. “We contacted a local distributor and start­ ed selling major appliances,” Mike King said. “Once we settled on major appliances, that became the bulk of our business.” Later, King’s began selling mattresses, again in response to customer need. Today, at age 91, Ivan King still is involved in the business. “He keeps track of our inventory, our bank deposits, our financial activity,” Tim King said. Now, the King brothers start to look toward their future. Tim indicated he may remain involved with the company in a limited role. “If they would have me here as a salesper­ son, to help them out on a part-time basis, I Come join us for a celebration of life for Luanne M. Potter Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019 at 3 p.m. at the Curley Cone out at Gun Lake. could still be involved,” he said. Mike King, meanwhile, is looking toward retirement. “I have some hobbies that I pursue,” he said. “I do some rustic woodworking that I enjoy doing, and we have a cottage that my wife and I like to spend time at. We go there year-round.” The brothers are encouraged by the future direction of the store and are optimistic that it will continue to remain successful under Cooke’s ownership. “He’s going to retain the customers that we have, but he’s going to grow the business because he’s going to capture more of the market share than we couldn’t get,” Mike King said. More information about King’s can be found on their website at https://kingsbrandsource .weebly.com. Determining brain death Dr. Universe: What does it mean to go brain dead? Noelle, 10, Sumner, Wash. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God’s Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! Formers owners (from left) Tim King, Mike King, and their dad, Ivan, have turned the long-standing family business over to Ryan Cooke. Dear Noelle, Let’s say we wanted to find out what kind of electrical activity was happening inside your brain at this very moment. Yep, you read that right: Your brain is full of electricity. It actually generates enough electricity to power a lightbulb. In fact, the tiny cells in your body use electricity to send messages to each other. That’s part of what helps the brain and body communicate. I decided to visit my friend Samantha Gizerian, a neuroscientist at Washington State University, to find out more about our brains. She said if we wanted to observe activity in a human brain, we could do a test called an electroencephalogram (uh-lek-trow-uhnseh-ful-luh-gram), or EEG for short. We’d attach some small discs with thin wires, or electrodes, to a person’s head. Then we could watch as a computer translated that brain activity into spikes and dips on a screen. Scientists can look for patterns on the screen to learn more about our active brains. But we also can use this test to help us find out if someone is “brain dead.” Perhaps you’ve heard a person say that they were feeling “brain dead” if they made a mistake or maybe forgot to do something. But when someone is actually “brain dead” it means that the electrical connections between cells have stopped working alto­ gether. We wouldn’t see any spikes and dips from the EEG on the computer screen. That’s a lot different from a coma. A per­ son in a coma is alive, but unable to respond to or interact with the environment around them. Brain death usually happens when the brain stem at the bottom of the brain dies. If the brain stem isn’t functioning any­ more, a person can’t survive. Along with EEG tests, doctors also will test patients’ reflexes to see if they respond to pain, if their pupils move when doctors shine light on their eyes, or if their heart rate and body temperature start to drop when they remove some of the technology that helps keep the lungs breathing or the heart beating. The reason they do all these tests is because any one of these functions, on its own, could still happen when the patient is alive, she said. Gizerian said these tests are really important for making sure people follow medical laws, too. When doctors first start­ ed doing surgeries to take out people’s organs for transplants, they wanted to make certain a person’s brain was no longer working. It turns out the term “brain dead” actually has more to do with laws than anat­ omy. When someone dies, the organs in their body can sometimes still help other people who need an organ survive. A lot of organs have been transplanted over the years — hearts, liver, lungs, kidneys. But we’ve still yet to learn how to transplant the brain. In fact, there’s still quite a lot we don’t know about the brain. Who knows, maybe one day you will use your own brain to investigate all kinds of questions about that three-pound organ between our ears. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 1301 w. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 A Memorial Service for Phyllis Ann Wells (9/20/1936-8/9/2019) will be held Saturday, Oct. 26,2019 at the Vermontville Bible Church, 250 N Main Street, Vermontville. The visitation will begin at 9 a.m. with the memorial service at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Litchfield MI at the Mt. Hope Cemetery at 1 p.m.. Please join her children, Sally, Robert, Nyle and Faith and other family in this time of remembrance or share a memory with us at ssrempel@gmail.com. -cXlTUR A ..'C ■— jiL 1,— - ^^IflC^V'A Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 AA Owner/Manager * traditional and Cremation Services • Pre-Planning Services • Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible Serving All Faiths Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted 269-945-3252 • www.girrbachfuneralhome. Family Owned and Operated owZ^meriL Serving Hastings, Barry County and Surrounding Communities for 50 years �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 24, 2019 — Page 7 Southeastern Elementary gets surprise $2,500 HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Evelyn Fuller to celebrate 80th birthday Accepting a $2,500 check from SpartanNash for Southeastern Elementary School Tuesday are representatives from both the school and SpartanNash (from left) Lauren DeVol, Meredith Gremel, Kristan Redman, Molly Lang, Angela Hilbert, Karlee Diekhoff, Amy Berry, Nicole Eckhardt, Sam Botello Jr., Dian Brummette, Courtney Carlson and principal Dana Stein. (Photo provided) More than 900 nonprofit partners have collected receipts, earned $1,000 donations from SpartanNash through Direct Your Dollars program since 2016 SpartanNash recently celebrated a milestone through its Direct Your Dollars program - giving $1 million back to local schools, charities and other nonprofit organizations through the receipt-based program. To celebrate the $1 million milestone, SpartanNash surprised Southeastern Elementary School with an additional $2,500 donation Oct. 15 - on top of the $1,000 already earned through Direct Your Dollars. “What an amazing surprise for our school, our students and our teachers - and what an impact these Direct Your Dollars funds will make,” Southeastern Elementary School Principal Dana Stein said. “This money will allow us to go on field trips, buy classroom supplies and so much more. Our teachers and our Parent Teacher Organization work so hard to make our students’ learning experience the best it can be, and this money will support those efforts in a really special way.” To earn its $3,500 donation, staff or parents placed envelopes outside of each classroom, where students could deposit their Family Fare receipts. The school also teamed up with the Hastings Free Methodist Church and local businesses to collect receipts. The Direct Your Dollars program encourages customers to use their purchasing power to support local nonprofits by shopping at participating SpartanNash retail stores and fuel centers, including Family Fare, D&W Fresh Market, ValuLand, Forest Hills Foods, Ada Fresh Market and VG’s stores throughout Michigan. Shoppers can then turn their receipts in to their favorite local charity, school or nonprofit organization. Once an organization has collected $150,000 in receipts from eligible sales, it can redeem them for a $1,000 donation from SpartanNash, to be used for computers, textbooks, field trips, athletic and band equipment, food and meal supplies and much more. All preschool and K-12 schools are eligible to participate, as well as schoolsponsored groups and clubs. Faith-based and community service organizations also are eligible, as are nonprofit organizations with a 501(c)3 determination. Former Gov. William Milliken dies at age 97 The Associated Press William G. Milliken, Michigan’s lon­ gest-serving governor who established a record of environmental conservation and bipartisan cooperation that made him popular among Republicans and Democrats, died Friday, Oct. 18, at age 97, a family spokesman said. Milliken died at his home in Traverse City after years of declining health, Jack Lessenberry said. He will be cremated and his remains will be interred next to those of his wife, Helen, and daughter, Elaine, in the Mackinac Island Cemetery. The Millikens owned a home on Mackinac Island and a public memorial service will take place there in May, Lessenberry said. The Republican was promoted to governor from lieutenant governor in 1969 when Gov. George Romney resigned to join President Richard Nixon’s administration. Milliken subsequently won three elections but didn’t run again in 1982, retiring from politics after 14 years as Michigan’s chief executive. Milliken was a moderate Republican who occasionally crossed swords with members of his own party but was popular with big-city Democrats, especially Coleman Young, Detroit’s first black mayor. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, a Democrat, called him a "true statesman.” "He had a unique ability to bring people from both sides of the aisle together for the betterment of Michigan,” she said. "We are a stronger, safer, more sustainable state because of his leadership and dedication to the people who call it home.” One of his first acts was sending the Legislature a 20-point environmental agenda, ushering in a period that produced far-reach­ ing ecological safeguards. Among them: the Michigan Environmental Protection Act, enabling citizens to sue polluters; protections for rivers, Great Lakes coastlines, wetlands and inland lakes; a deposit on soda and beer bottles; and limits on phosphorus in laundry Former Gov. William Milliken, who died Oct. 18, was Michigan’s longest serving governor. (Associated Press photo by John L. Russell) detergent to help Lake Erie. Milliken "believed government should be about seeking solutions that bring people together, instead of political issues that divide,” said William Rustem, who was his environmental adviser. Prodded by his wife, Milliken helped bro­ ker a compromise that limited oil and gas drilling in the Pigeon River State Forest. He signed a 1972 law to create the Michigan Lottery, which remains a key source of cash for schools. Milliken said in a 2006 interview that defending the environment was a "never-end­ ing struggle.” "The tragedy is that once we lose the beau­ ty and the environmental values around us, we’ve lost it forever,” he said. "We must come to understand these values and fight for them.” Perhaps Milliken’s most surprising alliance was with Young, whose left-wing politics and combative style antagonized white conserva­ tives. Milliken won over Young by supporting state aid to Detroit as the city struggled with racial strife, population loss and the auto Local venues hosting early Halloween events A church, a park and a research and envi­ ronmental education center are gearing up for various versions of Halloween activities this weekend. Light Night Family Party will fill the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings (405 N. M-37 Highway) Friday, Oct. 25, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Children and their families are invited to this free, fun, safe, non-scary evening. Costumes are encouraged. Activities will include games, pumpkin painting, balloon twisting creations, food treats and candy. All ages are welcome. Additional informa­ tion available by calling 269-945-5463. Historic Charlton Park will host its annual All Hallows Evening from 3 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26. This family-oriented event begins with trick-or-treating through the historic village and includes tram rides, apple cider and a maze, along with costume contest and awards. Admission is $4 per person , free to children 12 and under. The park is at 2545 S. Charlton Park Road, Hastings. More information can be obtained by call­ ing 269-945-3755 or visiting charltonpark. org. Pierce Cedar Creek Institute south of Hastings will host Candlelight Trails: Trickor-Treat on the Trails Saturday, Oct. 26, from 6 to 9 p.m. Costumed characters can head to the insti­ tute to take in some Halloween fun on can­ dlelit trails. Visitors can trick-or-treat along a half-mile loop collecting treats at each stop then enjoy an autumn evening outside on a 1 1/2 -mile trail loop weaving through prairies, forests and wetlands. The visitor center will have for hot choco­ late, coffee, snacks and fall-themed activities around a crackling fire. Admission is $6 for members, $8 for non-members, or $25 for families. Many other organizations and churches will host activities on Halloween. The Oct. 26 Reminder and Oct. 31 Banner will have addi­ tional details. industry’s tailspin during the energy crisis of the 1970s. Milliken faced a disaster in 1973 when a chemical company accidentally shipped fire retardant containing highly toxic polybromi­ nated biphenyl, or PBB, instead of cattle feed to thousands of farmers. It took more than a year for state agriculture officials to deter­ mine the feed was tainted and several more months before action was taken that led to the slaughter of more than 1 million animals. Fear spread over the^ealth effects of eating contaminated animals, their milk or eggs. When Milliken went to the qny community of Mio to talk to residents about burying slaugh­ tered animals, he spoke "with his effigy (hanging) behind him and a near riot in front of him,” biographer David Dempsey said. In the early 1970s, Milliken gave asylum to a young black man convicted of killing his abusive father in Arkansas. Lester Stiggers traveled to Michigan during a furlough from prison but refused to return. Milliken rejected requests to extradite him, citing, in part, the "cruel and unusual treatment” of blacks in Arkansas prisons. Milliken’s moderate style of Republican politics fell out of fashion in the decades after he left office. He endorsed Democrats Barack Obama and John Kerry for president and some other Democrats seeking statewide office in Michigan. "He’s not relevant any longer,” Michigan Republican Party Chairman Bobby Schostak said in 2014, shrugging off the endorsements. But many Republicans still sought Milliken’s blessing, hoping an endorsement would appeal to independent and moderate voters. They included Rick Snyder, who was governor from 2011 to 2019. Milliken graduated from Yale University in 1946 after serving in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He earned a Purple Heart and other medals during World War II after several har­ rowing missions that included bailing out of a damaged B-24 bomber. He took a turn running Milliken’s Department Store in Traverse City, founded in 1873 by his grandfather, James W. Milliken. He is survived by a son, William Jr. Evelyn Fuller is celebrating her 80th birthday on November 2, 2019. If you wish to send her a card, mail to: 611 E. Woodlawn Ave., Apt. 112, Hastings, MI 49058. Friday, Oct. 25 - preschool story time, 10:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Oct 26 - Anime Club, noon-2 p.m. Monday, Oct. 28 - Quilting Passions, 10 a.m.-l p.m.; attorney general consumer edu­ cation program on home-repair scams, 6:30­ 7:30 p.m. Note: Some library services may be unavailable starting at 5 p.m. due to a comput­ er update Tuesday, Oct. 29 - library closed for com­ puter update and staff training. Thursday, Oct. 31 - Baby Cafe, 10 a.m.noon; Movie Memories and Milestones watches 1945 film starring Margaret Lockwood, James Mason from the book by Osbert Sitwell, 5 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Coverage for disabled children death. Vonda Van Til If the parents of the child or children have Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Children are our future. We share our more income or resources than are allowed, knowledge and talent with them. We pass on then the child or children will not qualify for our values to them knowing they will share SSL You can read more about children’s ben­ those gifts. Social Security safeguards chil­ efits at socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10026. dren all year long, but we’d like to take this pdf. opportunity to share information about our Social Security and SSI also covers many programs that provide direct support to chil­ chronic illnesses and conditions. The dren. Compassionate Allowances program is a way The latest information available says that in to quickly identify people with diseases and 2018 the Social Security program distributed other medical conditions that, by definition, about $2.7 billion each month to benefit about meet the standards for disability benefits 4.1 million children on average each month under the Social Security and SSI programs. because one or both of their parents are dis­ Thousands of children receive SSI benefits abled, retired or deceased. Those dollars help because they have one of the conditions on to provide the necessities of life for family the Compassionate Allowances list at socialse­ members and help make it possible for those curity .gov/compassionateallowances/condichildren to complete high school. When a tions.htm. working parent becomes disabled or dies, Keep in mind, Social Security and SSI are Social Security benefits help stabilize the two very distinct and separate programs, and family’s financial future. eligibility for each is different. Children with disabilities are among our Visit socialsecurity.gov/people/kids to learn most vulnerable citizens. The Social Security more about all we do to cate for children. Administration is dedicated to helping those Social Security is with you and your children with qualifying disabilities and their families throughout your life’s journey, securing today through the Supplemental Security Income and tomorrow. If you know a family who program, which is separate from the Social needs our help, please share these resources Security program. To qualify for SSI: with them. The child must have a physical or mental condition, or a combination of conditions, Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist resulting in “marked and severe functional for West Michigan. You may write her do limitations.” This means that the conditions Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp must severely limit the child’s activities; and NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email to the child’s conditions must be severe, last for vonda .vantil @ ssa .gov. at least 12 months, or be expected to result in FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25*.• 8 AM-5 PM SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26th • 9 AM-12 NOON Cash & Carry Marriage licenses Elyse Kristen Copeland, Middleville and Corey Richard Leavenworth, Middleville Patrick Emil Bueker III, Nashville and April Arlene Musser, Nashville Cecil Alan Schweizer, Freeport and Nichole Arlene Wood, Freeport Nicholas William Wrona, Munising and Janice Marie Wilkinson, Plainwell Trevor Jon Slagstad, Hastings and Teresa Merrie Huebner, Hastings Samuel Auburn Mulder, Middleville and Samantha Lynn Akert, Roselle, Illinois 1-800-852-3098 269-945-5102 141 E. Woodlawn Ave. Hastings better water, pure and simple/ OPEN DAILY 8-5; SAT. 9-12 Denker Family Owned & Operated Rick Denker, Owner �Elaine Garlock The Freight House Museum will be open Saturday and Sunday. At the same time, the genealogy room will be open with staffing. However, the genealogy society is cutting its hours back Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Halloween is coming. Plenty of pumpkins are on display, along the webbing on some houses. Today at 2 p.m. the inspirational book club, at Lake Odessa Library, will be discussing “October Baby.” Mr. Mike will have his session on “Pumpkin Palooza,” a program involving science, technology, mathematics and engineering. Many years ago when Lake Odessa village became a Tree City USA , foresters arrived in town and took an inventory of all the trees on village property. They found an overwhelming percentage were maples. In an effort to diversity the tree population, they suggested removing the oldest trees which by then were nearly a century old. New plantings were of several varieties. Some of those trees are now thriving, and they bring a new look. Some of them are flowering genre and add springtime beauty. Others are colorful trees with vivid colors of fall leaves. Sunday’s Laity Sunday at Central United Methodist Church was unique with sharing by lay members of their stories of dealing with crises of life that come unexpectedly. Two dealt with cancer diagnosis with dire predictions. Another was the story of a house fire that affected more than one family. Von Goodemoot, lay leader, Kay Barcroft worship leader had roles as did Thelma Curtis, Lori McNeil and Barbara Waring. A potluck meal in the fellowship hall concluded the day. NOTICE The Barry County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications from volunteers to serve on the following Boards/Commissions: Animal Shelter Advisory Board: 1 veterinarian, 1 rescue shelter operator, 3 citizen at large Charlton Park Village and Museum Board: 2 positions Commission on Aging: 4 positions Conservation Easement: 1 position, Agricultural Interest; 1 township official or designee Mental Health Authority: 3 positions, must be a primary or secondary consumer Parks & Recreation; 3 positions Don’t change 401(k) mix during market drops As you’re well aware, we’ve seen some sudden and sizable drops in the financial markets in 2019. While market volatility is nothing new, the recent plunges happened during a period of general political and economic unease. Still, it can be harmful to overreact to such events - especially if it means making radical changes to your 401(k). And yet, many people do just that. During market downturns, investors often move money from their 401(k)’s stock accounts into perceived safer accounts, such as those primarily containing bonds or other fixedincome securities. This move may result in reduced volatility on your 401(k) statements, and if that’s all you want, you might be satisfied. But you do need to realize the cost involved - specifically, fixed-income investments will not provide the same rate of return that equities (stocks) can. So, if you liquidate some of your equity holdings, you may slow the growth potential of your 401(k), which, in turn, could slow your progress toward your long-term financial goals. Furthermore, if you get rid of substantial amounts of your equities when their price is down, you won’t be able to benefit from owning them when their value goes up again - in other words, you’ll be on the sidelines during the next market rally. Here’s the key issue: A 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan is a long-term investment account, whereas moves made in reaction to market drops are designed to produce short-term results. In other words, these types of actions are essentially incompatible with the ultimate it to become a valuable part of your objective of your 401(k). Of course, when the market is volatile, you retirement income. This article was written by Edward Jones may want to do something with your 401(k), but, in most cases, you’re far better off by for use by your local Edward Jones Financial sticking with the investment mix that’s Advisor If you have any questions, contact appropriate for your goals, risk tolerance and Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. time horizon. However, this doesn’t mean you should never adjust your 401(k)’s portfolio. In fact, you may well want to make some changes under these circumstances: • You’re nearing retirement - If you are The following prices are from the close of nearing retirement, you may need to prepare business last Tuesday. Reported changes are your 401(k) for future downturns - after all, from the previous week. +4.64 239.96 you don’t want to have to start taking Apple Inc. +.27 38.17 withdrawals when your portfolio is down. So, AT&T 117.80 +1.49 if you are within, say, five years of Chevron 175.15 +2.51 retirement, you may need to shift some, but Deere & Co. 69.09 -.33 certainly not all, of your assets from growth- Exxon Mobil Flowserve CP 47.92 +2.09 oriented vehicles to income-producing ones. unchngd 9.07 • Your goals have changed - Even when Ford Motor Co. +.17 9.06 you’re many years away from retirement, General Electric Co. 36.31 +.05 you probably have an idea of what that General Motors 237.20 +1.58 lifestyle will look like. Perhaps you plan to Home Depot Inc. 129.20 -3.64 travel for several months of the year or Johnson Johnson 62.08 +.15 purchase a vacation home in a different Kellogg Co. 136.37 -5.20 climate. These are expensive goals and may Microsoft CP 54.14 +.33 require you to invest somewhat aggressively Perrigo Co. 36.43 -.07 in your 401(k). But you could change your Pfizer Inc. 13.44 +.84 mind. If you were to scale back your plans - Spartannash Comp 209.76 -5.19 perhaps more volunteering, less traveling - Stryker 38.04 +.77 you might be able to afford to “step off the TCF Financial Corp. 119.58 +.05 gas” a little and invest somewhat more Walmart Inc. 132.40 +2.64 conservatively in your 401(k), though you Walt Disney Co 160.62 +2.00 will always need a reasonable percentage of Whirl Pool Corp growth-oriented investments. $1,490.66 +$5.60 By responding to factors such as these, Gold $17.62 -.01 rather than short-term market declines, you Silver 26,788 -2.37 can get the most from your 401(k), allowing Dow Jones — STOCKS---- Applications may be obtained at the County Administration Office, 3rd floor of the Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings; or www.barrycounty.org under the tab: How do I apply for; and must be returned no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2019. Contact 269-945-1284 for more information. More than 50% of adults have a positive perception of ads in print newspapers.* Want to be next to trusted content? Place NOTICE NOTICE TO BIDDERS The minutes of the meeting of the Barry County Board of Commissioners held Oct:. 22, 2019, are available in the County Clerk’s Office at 220 W. State St., Hastings, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or www.barrycounty. org. BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry County Road Commission, 1725 West M-43 Highway, RO. Box 158, Hastings, Ml 49058, until 10:30 A.M. Monday, November 4, 2019 for the following items. (2) INGROUND 75,000 LB HOIST The Board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive irregularities in the best interest of the Commission. IMPORTANT NOTICE David D. Solmes Chairman Frank M. Fiala Member D. David Dykstra Member BEGINNING DECEMBER 1, 2019, all payments received after the close of the business day will be posted as paid the following business day; this will include all payments placed in the City’s drop box after 5 pm. If you are interested in further details, please contact the City of Hastings (telephone number 269-945-2468 or TDD call relay services 1-800-649-3777). PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION __________ NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING__________ 1. 2. 3. 4. A request from William Davis, 10965 Doster Rd. Plainwell, Ml 49080, for a Special Use/Site Plan Review for the construction of a detached accessory structure failing to meet the locational requirements pursuant to section 4.20 “Accessory Structures”. The subject site is located at 10965 Doster Rd., Parcel # 08-12-006-067-00 and is currently zoned R-2 - Residential. A request from Joseph Briseno, property owner, 7801 Green Lake Dr. S.E., Caledonia, Ml 49316, for a Special Use/Site Plan Review to allow for the keeping of a recreational vehicle on a vacant parcel pursuant to section 4.5 “Outdoor storage of recreational vehicles”. The subject site is located at 11249 S. Oak Dr., Parcel # 08-12-240-014-00 and is currently zoned R-2 -Residential. A request from Kenneth Parshall, 13213 Doster Rd. Plainwell, Ml 49080, for a Special Use/Site Plan Review for the construction of a detached accessory structure failing to meet the locational requirements pursuant to section 4.20 “Accessory Structures”. The subject site is located at 10965 Doster Rd., Parcel # 08-12-006-067-00 and is currently zoned R-2 - Residential. Such other and further matters as may properly come before the Planning Commission for this meeting. www. cnaads . com EMPLOYMENT ^ Who could not use an extra $3,000.00? What about having your student loans paid for you? Regarding Payments to the City BOARD OF COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BARRY PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that tb§, ilsmisl to be considered at this, BUbUo, hearing include, in brief, the following^ Call this paper or 800-227-7636 OPPORTUNITY City of Hastings PL£A$E TAKE NOTICE that 3. Public Hearing will bs. bsld by the Prairieville Toumsbia Planning, Qsunmission on November u, 2Qi& at 7.00 p.m. at tbs Prairieville Town§tug Half 10115 S- Norris Rgarf within the Township, newspapers in the state! 130483 Specifications and additional information may be obtained at the Road Commission Office at the above address or at our web site at www.barrycrc.org. TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES your ad in this newspaper and a network of Jane M. Saurman City Clerk ■ ' Join our team, we recently were rated #16 as “One of the Best nursing homes in Michigan” by News Week. Thomapple Manor, rated 5 Stars by CMS, 161 bed Skilled Nursing Facilty in Barry County is looking for dedicated, compassionate, caring Nurses. Thomapple Manor offers amazing health, dental, vision, life and a pension plan. Paid Time Off (PTO) is offered at 90 days, you can earn up to 4 weeks PTO for the first year! Thomapple Manor is currently excepting applications for experienced RN or LPN Charge Nurses. Full Time & Part Time 12 hour shift positions available. Outstanding retirement benefits! Applications can be completed Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m. in our business office, or downloaded from our website at www. thomapplemanor, com Jr ■ Gun Lake Area Sewer Authority Effective November 1, 2019 the new office hours for the Gun Lake Area Sewer Authority are Monday-Friday 10:00AM-2:00PM. Please note that G LAS As Water Lab hours are changing to reflect the new office hours. , The Water Lab tests drinking water for total coliform (bacteria/e-coli) and nitrates. See www.gunlakesewer.org/water-lab/ for more information. PUBLIC NOTICE Thornappli MANOR 2700 Nashville Rd., Hastings, Ml 49058 No phone calls please. EOE Barry County Community Dialogue Event Purpose: Discussion for Potential Millage Election August 2020 The public is invited to participate in a discussion hosted by the Barry County Board of Commissioners. TowerPinkster of Kalamazoo will facilitate the discussion. The topics will be the current use and condition of the Barry County Jail and Sheriffs Office, and the current use and condition of the Commission on Aging facility in Hastings. Information will be shared and public feedback and input is invited. Date/Time: Monday November 4, 2019 at 6:30 PM Location: All interested persons are invited to be present or submit written comments on this matter(s) to the below Township office address. Prairieville Township will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the hearing upon five (5) days notice to the Prairieville Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Prairieville Township Clerk at the address or telephone number set forth above. 130894 Jim Stonebumer, Township Supervisor HISTORIC CHARLTON PARK Historic Chartton Park’s Boat Ramp Area, Public Beach, and Recreation Area, will be closed to all vehicle traffic on Monday, October 28, 2019, for the Barry County Invitational Cross Country Meet. Barry Community Enrichment Center Leason Sharpe Hall 231 S. Broadway St. Hastings, MI 49058 Questions please call: Barry County Administration (269) 945-1284 A quorum of the Board of Commissioners may be present. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 24, 2019 — Page 9 fl look back al the stories and columns on local history TURNING BACK THE PAGES Banner October 1939: Snow foils Halloween plans; color tour routes announced Tour No. 1 will take in Gun Lake and the Yankee Springs National Park (now a state park) and will continue through Delton following a chain of lakes through the southern part of the county. “Tour No. 2 will start in Middleville and will take in Yankee Springs and byroads through the center of the county. “Tour No. 3 will follow the course of the beautiful Thomapple River and will include the northeast end of the county including Charlton Park on Thomapple Lake. Guides will be available at Yankee Springs Park for those who wish to go on a more comprehensive tour of this region. “It seems probable that the color will be at its best in Barry County between Oct. 14 and Nov. 4, barring rain or windstorms. “Herewith are detailed directions for the various tours: “Three routes: Tour No. 1 starts at Hastings, west on M-37 to 430 through Yankee Springs National Park, two miles east on county line road to 623 to 412 to Delton, to M-43 around Gull Lake to 412 east to 601 and return to Hastings. “Tour No. 2 starts at Middleville, west on M-37 to two-mile comer, south to Yankee Springs National Park, two miles west to county line road to 623 to 426 east to 43 to M-37 and return to Middleville. “Tour No. 3 starts at Hastings, west on M-37 to Irving Road to Middleville, east on old M-37 [State Road] to second township road to Fillmore School to county road, south to end of road, east to Little Brick School, south to old M-37, through Hastings to M-79 to 583 south to township road, to Branch School north M-79 to [Thomapple] Lake Road, east to Morgan School, north to 434, west to 583, south to Charlton Park, to 583, north to township road, west and return to Hastings. “The different tours will be marked plainly with road signs, and pamphlets containing maps of the county and the color tour routes will be available. “The committee in charge of the color tour includes Robert Cook, Dan Walldorff and David Goodyear from Hastings and Tom Barry, Jim Ruggs and Sam Meyers from Middleville,” the article concluded. The 1939 Banner had a front-page article on the brick paving. The headline read “Brick Pavement in Business District Laid 32 Years Ago,” [112 years ago today]. Here is the story: “The Banner has had several inquiries of late as to just when the brick pavement was put down on State and Jefferson streets and This undated photo, which accompanied the 1989 column, read: “The brick pave­ ment on State Street in the 1950s was laid in 1907, and most of it lasted in Hastings until the 1960s. The boulder in the photo, with the plaque marking the first home in Hastings, still can be found at the northeast corner of Michigan Avenue and State* Street - now occupied by the city hall. the Michigan Central Railroad passenger station. ‘Old timers’ will recall the terrible conditions of State and Jefferson streets at that time. For about a block south of State Street, Jefferson Street was paved with cobblestones, and it was rough and bumpy. State Street was only favored with a cobblestone gutter on either side, the middle of the road being dirt, excepting in the rainy season when it was converted into almost bottomless ‘mud.’ “Dr. Lowry was mayor of the city at the time and was a strong booster for paving.” [Dr. Lowry, who lived at what today is the Adrounie House Bed and Breakfast, owned one of the few automobiles in town.] “In the Banner of April 4, 1907, is a long front-page local stating that ‘at the meeting of the Common Council Friday evening, bids were opened, and read.’ The lowest bid was rejected for the reason that the bricks were not, in the judgement of the council, the kind that would make a durable pavement. The contract for paving was let to C.J. Carpenter of Grand Rapids, the next lowest bidder for the sum of $25,715, the contractor expecting J to be able to complete the work in 45 days * after the street was made ready for paving. “The fact that this brick pavement is in good condition today, (1939), despite the wear and tear of 32 years, is evidence that 2 good materials were used and the job well done.” One block of that brick pavement still » exists today, Walton wrote in 1989 [and the same is true in 2019. A bronze plaque marks the site. It is on Church Street, between State and Apple streets.] The majority of the brick streets laid in 1907 were removed in the 1960s. Only this * one block, saved through the efforts of Florabelle Stowell and Richard and Posey Shuster, remains to tell the story. High schoolers invited to College Night Local high school students are invited to Barry County ColIege^Night Wednesday, Oct. 30, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in the Hastings High School gymnasium. Students are invited to visit with represen­ tatives from dozens of area colleges, universi­ Getting together Halloween parties for youngsters in Hastings [or elsewhere] wasn’t easy in the 1930s because of a lack of funds. These youngsters are modeling their costumes in the 1950s. The late Esther Walton compiled the following column for the Oct. 26, 1989, Banner, looking back on clippings from 50 years earlier. The City of Hastings had in the 1930s planned and paid for a Halloween night for the town’s children. But in 1939, it did not have the money to carry out the project. But the community stepped up, as this article in the Oct. 5,1939, Banner tells: “A Halloween treat is in store for all Hastings children and young people - big and small. The celebration will again be sponsored by the Hastings Commercial Club, [forerunner of the chamber of commerce] with the Rev. Don M. Gury as chairman. When it became known that the city council did not plan to pay the bill for the celebration, as in former years, the Commercial Club members voted to furnish the required money and go ahead with the program. “While plans are not yet complete, those in charge will probably follow the same program as in the past, but with some new features that will make the celebration bigger and better than ever. “Coach Lyle Bennett, Joe Brozak and Miss Ruth Sherwood of the high school athletic staff will help with the sports. Boys will be given a much better program this year, with the aid of the new floodlighting on the field at the fairgrounds [which would occupy the Kmart Plaza along State Street, from Market Street to the sheriff’s department, for another 50 years.] Girls will have their events at the high school [now middle school] gym, and there will be a special party for small children at the Central building. Watch for further details,” the article concluded. The Oct. 26, 1939, Banner did indeed have the final arrangements. “Plans for the annual Halloween celebration for Hastings children and young people have been completed by the Commercial Club, which sponsors the event. In general, the program will be as in former years, with a few minor changes. “Parents are asked to cooperate by having the children assemble promptly at 7 o’clock next Tuesday evening in front of the high school. Children may dress in costume and may bring their own jack-o’-lanterns and noisemakers. “A parade will be led by the high school band, which will play several selections before and during the march. The parade will proceed down Broadway to State Street, then through the business district to Michigan Avenue, and counter march back on State Street to the monument [Civil War monument, then at the center of the State Street and Broadway intersection]. Children up to an including the fifth grade will go to Central School for games and refreshments. All girls above fifth grade will assemble in the high school gymnasium for their program. Boys above fifth grade and young men will proceed to the fairgrounds for outdoor sports under the new field lights ... “Costumers will be judged in boys and girls groups, with prizes awarded for the 10 best costumes in each group. There also will be a jack-o’-lantern contest, with awards for the three best.” Outside of games for the older children, there were refreshments and a “huge bonfire at the fairgrounds.” Even the best-laid plans go awry. The November Banner [no date given] tells the story: “More than 400 Hastings children enjoyed the annual Halloween party sponsored by the Commercial Club last Tuesday night. Plans were carried out in spite of wet snow and rain, with a few last-minute changes. “The parade had to be abandoned ... The girls frolicked in the gymnasium ... A hundred boys showed up for the program at the fairgrounds, but due to the bad weather, the entire group of boys was taken to the Strand to see “Stanley and Livingston.” The Oct. 12, 1939, Banner announced, “Barry Color Tours Begin Saturday.” The Middleville Tourist and Resort Association and the Hastings Commercial Club had arranged three color tours in Barry County. Here is their story: “Three color tours leading into some of the picturesque sections of Barry County have been arranged through the cooperation of the Middleville Tourist and Resort Association and the Hastings Commercial Club. Two of the tours will start form Hastings and one from Middleville. The routes will be plainly marked, according to the committees in charts. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads : ties and the armed forces. Parents can get assistance to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA from 6 to 7:30 p.m. College or the military may see distant for freshmen and sophomores, but underclassmen may benefit from learning now about options that may guide decisions in the next few years. The event is free and open to all Barry County high school students. HOPE TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT PUBLIC HEARING ON THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL GUERNSEY LAKE AQUATIC PLANT CONTROL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT 19-1 TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF HOPE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the Township Supervisor and Assessor have prepared and filed in the office of the Township Clerk for public examination a special assessment roll covering all properties within the Guernsey Lake Aquatic Plant Control Special Assessment District No. 19-1 benefited by the proposed aquatic plant control project. The roll has been prepared for the purpose of assessing the costs of the project within the aforesaid special assessment district, which district is more particularly shown on the plans on file with the Township Clerk. The costs of the project are as shown on the estimate of costs on file with the Township Clerk at the Township Hall, 5463 S M-43 Hwy, Hastings, Michigan. The project cost is $118,720, which is the amount to be collected by special assessment, less any costs that will be off-set by carry over of surplus funds from the expiring special assessment district. The amount assessed against each property in the district will be $136 per year for front lots and $66 per year for back lots. If extra funds are available at the end of the term of the special assessment, the Township Board reserves the right to levy an assessment of a lesser amount in the final year or to authorize the carry-over of surplus funds to a new special assessment district. The term of the special assessment will be five years, 2020 through 2024 inclusive. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Supervisor and Assessor have further reported to the Township Board that the assessment against each parcel of land within said district is such relative portion of the whole sum levied against all parcels of land in said district as the benefit to such parcels bears to the total benefit to all parcels of land in said district. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Township Board will meet at the Hope Township Hall, 5463 S M-43 Hwy, Hastings, Ml on Tuesday, October 29, 2019 at 6:30 p.m., for the purpose of reviewing the special assessment roll, hearing any objections thereto and confirming the roll as submitted or revised or amended. The roll may be examined at the office of the Township Clerk during regular business days of regular business days until the time of the hearing and may further be examined at the hearing. Any person objecting to the assessment roll shall file his objections thereto in writing with the Township Clerk before the close of the hearing or within such other time as the Township Board may grant. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that appearance and protest at the hearing in the special assessment proceedings is required in order to appeal the amount of the special assessment to the Michigan Tax Tribunal. Please also take notice that an owner or party in interest, or his or her agent, may appear in person at the hearing to protest the special assessment in writing, or may file his or her appearance and protest by letter before the hearing, and in that event, personal appearance shall not be required. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that after the public hearing, the Township Board may confirm the roll as submitted or as revised or amended; may provide by resolution for payment of special assessments with interest; may provide by resolution for payment of special assessments in full before a date certain; and may provide by resolution for such other matters as are permitted by law with regard to special assessment for aquatic plant control projects. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if a special assessment is confirmed at or following the above public hearing, a property owner or any person having in interest in the real property specially assessed may file a written appeal of the special assessment with the Michigan Tax Tribunal within 30 days after confirmation of the special assessment roll. Hope Township will provide necessary, reasonable auxiliary aids and services to individuals with disabilities at the hearing upon four (4) days’ notice to the Township Clerk at the address or telephone number listed below. HOPE TOWNSHIP Deborah Jackson, Clerk 5463 S M-43 Highway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)948-2464 �Page 10 — Thursday, October 24, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Audit shows stable fund balance at Delton Kellogg STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF KENT 17TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT FAMILY DIVISION ORDER FOR PUBLICATION OF HEARING TO: SOOKIE ELLIOTT Child’s Name: James Alan Ferguson Jr. a/k/a James Ferguson II Case No.: 19-52184-NA-104450701 Hearing: November 21, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. Referee Kessler for Judge McNabb, 6th Floor, Courtroom 6-B. An initial and/or supplemental child protective petition has been filed in the above matter. A hearing on the petition, including a permanency planning hearing, will be conducted by the Court on the date and time stated above in the 17th Judicial Circuit Court, Family Division, Kent County Courthouse, 180 Ottawa NW, Grand rapids, Michigan. The permanency planning hearing will result in the child(ren) being returned home, continued in foster care, or the court may order proceedings to terminate parental rights. IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that you personally appear before the court at the time and place stated above and exercise your right to participate in the proceedings. This hearing may result in a temporary or permanent loss of your right to the child(ren) Dated: October 15, 2019 Deborah L. McNabb Circuit Court Judge 130516 that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on October 31,2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Elizabeth Anne Molson, an unmarried person Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): JPMorgan Chase Bank, National Association Date of Mortgage: July 16,2012 Date of Mortgage Recording: July 31,2012 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $51,238.18 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Village of Nashville, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 29, Orsemus A. Phillip’s Addition to the Village of Nashville, also known as Phillips 1st Addition, according to the plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 1 of Plats on Page 19. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: October 3,2019 Trott Law, P.C. mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on October 31,2019: 1397179 (10-03)(10-24) Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, 129285 Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Walter Sharrow, a single man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): MidFirst Bank Date of Mortgage: March 9,2016 Date of Mortgage Recording: March 16,2016 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $67,105.03 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Yankee Springs, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 2, Block 2 of Sandy Beach Park, according to the recorded Plat thereof as recorded in Liber 2 of Plats, on Page 18. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: October 3,2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1397403 (10-03)(10-24) 129419 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on November 14, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Thomas L. Lake and Barbara Lake, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Freedom Mortgage Corporation Date of Mortgage: December 16, 2015 Date of Mortgage Recording: December 28,2015 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $260,316.11 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Hope, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Land situated in the Northeast one quarter of Section 15 Town 2 North, Range 9 West and described as follows: Commencing at the Southeast corner of the Southeast corner of the Southeast one quarter of the Northeast one quarter of Section 15, thence West along the one quarter line 16 rods for a true place of beginning; thence West 4 rods, thence North 20 rods, thence East 4 rods, thence South 20 rods to the place of beginning EXCEPT The Northeast 1/4 of Section 15, Town 2 North, Range 9 West, and described as flows: Commencing at the Southeast corner of the Southeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 15 thence West along the one-quarter line 16 rods for a true place of beginning; thence West 4 rods, thence North 16 rod, thence East 4 rods, thence South 16 rods to the place of beginning; Township of Hope, Barry County, Michigan, ALSO The Northeast 1/4 of Section 15, Town 2 North, Range 9 West described as follows: Commencing at the Southeast corner of the Southeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 15, thence North along the center of Highway (Lammers Road) 16 rods for the truce place of beginning; thence West 16 rods, thence North 4 rods, thence East 16 rods to the center of said Highway; thence South along the center of said Highway 4 rods to the place of beginning; Township of Home, Barry County, Michigan. Land situated in the Northeast 1/4 of Section 15, Town 2 North, Range 9 West, and described as follows: Commencing at the Southeast corner of the Southeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 15, thence North along the center of Highway (Lammers Road), 20 rods for the true place of beginning, thence West 20 rods, thence North 20 rods, thence East 20 rods to the corner of said Highway, thence South along the center of Highway 20 rods to the place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: October 17, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF BARRY COUNTY Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public hearing for the following: Case Number V-16-2019 - Julianne Langford (Property Owner) Location: 3001 West Shore Drive, Battle Creek, in Section 30 of Johnstown Township. Purpose: Request a variance to construct an addition to a home that will result in a waterside setback of 20 ft (the minimum is 30 ft) in the RL (Recreational Lakes) zoning district. MEETING DATE: November 12, 2019. TIME: 7:00 PM PLACE: Tyden Center, Community Room, 121 South Church Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Site inspections of the above described property will be completed by the Zoning Board of Appeals members before the hearing. Interested persons desiring to present their views upon an appeal, either verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned time and place. Any written response may be mailed to the address listed below, faxed to (269) 948-4820, or emailed to Barry County Planning Director James McManus at jmcmanus@barrycounty.org. The variance application is available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Please call the Barry County Planning Department at (269) 945-1290 for further information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or calling the following: Michael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 945-1284. Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk NOTICE Johnson, Blumberg, & Associates, LLC 5955 West Main Street, Suite 18 Kalamazoo Ml, 49009 THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE ATTHE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. MORTGAGE SALE-Default has been made in the conditions of a certain mortgage made BY Jeremy Hager and Julie Hager, husband and wife as joint tenants, whose address is 15607 Doster Road, Plainwell, Michigan 49080, as original Mortgagors, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems., being a mortgage dated January 21, 2009, and recorded on January 28, 2009 as document number 20090128­ 0000777, Barry County Records, State of Michigan and then assigned to CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC, as assignee as documented by an assignment dated January 6, 2019 and recorded on January 11,2016 as document number 2016-000268, Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of SEVENTY-NINE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED SIXTY-SIX AND 44/100 DOLLARS ($79,666.44). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, at public sale to the highest bidder AT THE PLACE OF HOLDING THE CIRCUIT COURT WITHIN BARRY COUNTY, at 1:00 p.m. on November 21, 2019. Said premises are situated in the Township of Prairieville, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and are described as: LOTS 11 AND 12 OF B-Z BEES ACRES, ACCORDING TO THE RECORDED PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN LIBER 4 OF PLATS ON PAGE 12. ALSO, LOTS 23 AND 34 OF B-Z BEES ACRES #2, ACCORDING TO THE RECORDED PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN LIBER 5 OF PLATS ON PAGE 58. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless the property is determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA § 600.3241a in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of the sale. If the property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCLA § 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: October 24,2019 For more information, please call: (312) 541-9710, Kenneth J. Johnson, Johnson, Blumberg, & Associates, LLC, 5955 West Main Street, Suite 18, Kalamazoo, Ml 49009. File No.: Ml 19 3993 (10-24)(11-14) 1398917 (10-17) (11 -07) 130338 130656 Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer The Delton Kellogg Board of Education Monday received its audit report for the 2018­ 19 school year. A “clean and organized” audit showed that the school district has a “very stable fund balance as well as no deficiencies in their ....... ............................................. ■... .. -...... LEGAL NOTICES SYNOPSIS Hastings Charter Township internal controls,” the report indicated. Superintendent Kyle Corlett said that, because the school’s fund balance is over 7 percent, the school’s teachers will now receive a raise based on their prior negotiated con­ tract. The board also voted to give bus drivers an hourly wage increase as well. In other business, elementary school Principal Karmin Bourdo gave the monthly education presentation during the meeting. She outlined how they intend to raise recent test scores. Bourdo’s presentation focused on the strat­ egies the school is using to improve the scores. One of her points was the student’s new “WIN” time. The phrase, meaning “What I Need,” focuses on giving every student spe­ cialized attention and helping all students further their learning, rather than focusing on students who are struggling. The board also reported on the Delton Kellogg Education Foundation’s recent fund­ raiser at the Delton Moose Lodge. According to board member Craig Jenkins, an estimated 100 people were served and $830 was raised. Those funds were matched by a donor, bringing the total amount raised to $1,660. The DKEF gives scholarships to Delton Kellogg graduates and provides teach­ ers with classroom grant funds. In other Delton Kellogg school board news: • An anonymous donor paid for all current Chromebook usage fees for Delton Kellogg students. • The board approved the hiring Linda Blocker as a reading interventionist. • The board approved the donation of land to Barry Township for upcoming construction of an amphitheater in William Smith Park. Regular Meeting ,——. ............ ...... ...... .— October 8,2019 Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. All seven board members present Approved consent agenda items Final approval Ordinance 2019-02 Salary Resolution for 2020 Budget amendments Approved payment of bills Dept, reports received and put on file Motion to adjourn 7:42 p.m. i Synopsis Hope Township Regular Board Meeting Oct 14, 2019 Meeting opened at 6:30pm Approved: Consent agenda Extra bond principal payments: Long Lake Sewer, Guernsey Lake Sewer, Dogwood Dr, Lakefront Dr Reappoint Construction Board of Appeals Snowplowing contract Adjourned at 6:43 pm Submitted by: Deborah Jackson, Clerk Attested to by Mark S. Feldpausch, Supervisor 130485 c. Barry County Circuit Court Case No. 19-233-CH Respectfully submitted, Anita S. Mennell - Clerk Attested to by Jim Brown - Supervisor 130802 NOTICE OF JUDICIAL SALE JUDICIAL SALE IN PURSUANCE The property described below shall be sold at public auction, by an authorized sheriff/deputy sheriff or county clerk/deputy county clerk, to the highest bidder, at the Circuit Court for the County of Barry, on the 5th of December, 2019 at 1:00 pm, local time. On said day at said time, the following described property shall be sold: property located in the City of Delton, County of Barry, State of Michigan, particularly described as That portion of Lot 50 “Cottage Grove Resort”, Section 6, Town 1 North, Range 9 West, lying Northerly of an Easterly-Westerly line parallel to the Northerly line of Lot 4 and dividing Lot 4 of said plat in half and extending Easterly across Lot 50, Lot 6 of “Cottage Grove Resort”, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 2 of plats, Page 21. Tax Parcel Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on November 21,2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Kurt M Sherman, a married man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Center LLC Foreclosing Assignee (if any): None Date of Mortgage: January 29,2018 Date of Mortgage Recording: February 1,2018 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $141,488.06 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Barry, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Commencing at the West 1/4 post of Section 7, Town 1 North, Range 9 West; thence North 43.0 feet; thence East 452 feet; thence East 173.4 feet to the Southwesterly prolongation of the Southeasterly line of Kline Street; thence North 62 degrees 40 minutes East 30 feet along said Southeasterly line to the Northerly line of South Shore Drive; thence South 67 degrees East 100.00 feet along the Northerly line of South Shore Drive for the true place of beginning; thence North 47 degrees 41 minutes 30 seconds East 111.07 feet; thence South 49 degrees 30 minutes East 45.0 feet; thence North 40 degrees 30 minutes East 80.0 feet; thence South 49 degrees 30 minutes East 591.1 feet more or less to the Northerly line of South Shore Drive, formerly known as Myers Street; thence North 67 degrees West 635.7 feet more or less along said Northerly line, to the place of beginning The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: October 24,2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1399601 (10-24)(11-14) 130893 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Christopher A. Hildebrant and Kelly M. Hildebrant, husband and wife, joint tenants, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns, Mortgagee, dated July 21, 2016 and recorded July 27, 2016 in Instrument Number 2016-007383 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by First Guaranty Mortgage Corporation, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Seventy-Four Thousand Seven Hundred Eighty and 12/100 Dollars ($74,780.12), including interest at 4% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on DECEMBER 5, 2019. Said premises are located in the Township of Baltimore, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: PARCEL 1: BEGINNING 8 RODS EAST OF THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SECTION 34, T2N, R8W, BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, THENCE NORTH 40 RODS; THENCE EAST 4 RODS; THENCE SOUTH 40 RODS; THENCE WEST 4 RODS TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. PARCEL 2: BEGINNING 12 RODS EAST OF THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SECTION 34, T2N, R8W, BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, THENCE NORTH 40 RODS; THENCE EAST 4 RODS; THENCE SOUTH 40 RODS; THENCE WEST 4 RODS TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: October 24, 2019 File No. 19-009830 Firm Name: Orlans PC (10-24)(11-14) 130805 ID: 03-060-004-00. More commonly known as: 10900 E Shore Dr, This notice is from a debt collector. Date of Notice: October 9, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1398357 (10-17)(11-21) 129996 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on November 14,2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Joyce E. Noland, a woman Original Mortgagee: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): US Bank Trust, N.A., not in its individual capacity but solely as owner trustee for VRMTG Asset Trust Date of Mortgage: January 27,2011 Date of Mortgage Recording: February 3,2011 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $216,972.33 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Prairieville, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 18 of Spring Point Number One, according to the recorded Plat thereof, being part of the Northwest fractional 1/4 of Section 8, Town 1 North, Range 10West, Prairieville Township, Barry County, Michigan. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale,- unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 - ----------------------- the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: October 17,2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1398839 (10-17)(11-07) 130267 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Dustin Johnson and Brooklynn Johnson, husband and wife, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns, Mortgagee, dated January 25, 2017 and recorded January 27, 2017 in Instrument Number 2017-000925 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by MidFirst Bank, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Seventy-One Thousand Seven Hundred Ninety-Nine and 63/100 Dollars ($71,799.63), including interest at 4.5% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on NOVEMBER 14, 2019. Said premises are located in the Village of Woodland, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: Lot 6 and the East 1/2 of Lot 4, Block 5 of Parrott’s Addition to the Village of Woodland according to the plat thereof recorded in Liber 1 of Plats, Page 36 of Barry County Records. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the redemption period. property during the Dated: October 10, 2019 File No. 19-009058 Firm Name: Orlans PC (10-10)(10-31) 129790 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28338-DE Estate of Peggy Jo Anne Fry. Date of birth: 03-15­ 1934. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Peggy Jo Anne Fry, died 06-20-2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Kimberly Clark, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court, Suite 302, Hastings, Michigan 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 10-22-19 David H. Tripp P29290 202 S. Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 269-948-2900 Kimberly Clark 843 Graham Lake Terrace Battle Creek, Ml 49014 269-209-0536 130803 NOTICE SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE - Jason Markley and Karyn L Markley, husband and wife, joint tenants, granted a mortgage to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”), solely as nominee for lender and lender's successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated October 2, 2015, and recorded on November 3, 2015, in Document No. 2015-010728, and assigned by said mortgagee to AmeriHome Mortgage Company, LLC, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Eighty-Eight Thousand Five Hundred SeventyFour and 62/100 Dollars ($188,574.62). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the Barry County Courthouse, Hastings Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on November 14,2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: Unit 5, Tikeluk Trail Condominium, according to the Master Deed recorded in Instrument No 1048957, Barry County Records, and designated as Barry County Condominium Subdivision Plan No. 18, together with rights in the general common elements and limited common elements, as set forth in the above described Master Deed and amendments thereto and as disclosed by Act 59 of the Public Acts of 1978, as amended. The redemption period will be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period will be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 600.3241 a(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of Act 236 of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. AmeriHome Mortgage Company, LLC Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman P.C. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1399033 (10-17)(11-07) 130400 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on November 7, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Jack A. Horn, Jr. and Brenda A. Horn, Husband and Wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Nationstar Mortgage LLC d/b/a Mr. Cooper Date of Mortgage: December 14, 2018 Date of Mortgage Recording: December 27, 2018 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $127,103.72 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Carlton, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: A parcel of land in the Southwest 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 16, Town 4 North, Range 8 West, described as: Beginning at a point in the North right-of-way of M-43 which is 807.2 feet East and 69.6 feet North of the South 1/4 post of said Section 16; thence North 210 feet; thence East 175 feet; thence South 210 feet; thence West 175 feet to the place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: October 10, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1398032 (10-10)(10-31) 129829 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 24, 2019 — Page 11 County OKs $17.8M general fund budget for 2020 Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry County will operate a $17.8 million general fund budget for calendar year 2020 and levy taxes totaling 5.3504 mills, which is the maximum allowed after applying the Headlee rollback. Commissioners unanimously adopted the budget without comment Tuesday. That total is a slight increase over this year’s $17.3 million amended general fund budget. The most significant source of revenue for the general fund is property taxes, which are projected to increase 2.4 percent next year to just over $12 million. Most of the remainder of the county’s rev­ enue comes from licenses and permits, federal and state revenue sharing, charges for services in departments such as the courts and register of deeds office, rent, and interest and transfers from other funds. Expenditures in the budget are dedicated largely to continuation of current services, according to County Administrator Michael Brown. During the budgeting process this year, requests for funds from departments were $1.22 million more than proposed revenues, with personnel, health insurance and pension costs as the largest cost categories. Requests for 15 new positions and reclassi­ fication of existing positions totaled $504,883 for 2020, Brown said. Because of revenue constraints, none of these requests were recommended. After department appeals, the only revi­ sions were the addition of a part-time clerk in the equalization department, at .475 full-time equivalent, and an increase in hours and hour­ ly pay for the parks and recreation part-time administrator (from .375 to .475 full-time equivalent) and from $15 an hour to $20 an hour. Collective bargaining agreements are in place in 2020 for all five unions: Barry County Courthouse Employees Association, Police Officers Labor Council representing sheriff’s corrections officers, Police Officer Labor Council representing deputies, Command Officers Association of Michigan, and Police Officers Labor Council represent­ ing corrections supervisors. The county has one general funded primary government debt and that is the Friend of the Court building. The annual debt retirement for 2020, including interest, is $84,500. The last sched­ uled debt payment for this building will be in 2021. The total for all Barry County budgets will exceed $48 million for 2020. The general fund budget is one of six; the others being special revenue, debt, construction, enterprise and internal service. In other business, Eric Hackman, TowerPinkster senior project representative, was back before commissioners Tuesday with an update on plans for a “community dialogue event” at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4. The forum will take place at Barry Community Enrichment Center, Leason Sharpe Hall, 231 S. Broadway, Hastings. The purpose of the session will be to dis­ cuss replacing the jail and the Commission on Aging facilities and the potential for a millage election in August 2020. The public is invited to ask questions, share thoughts and learn about the state of these facilities. TowerPinkster has been retained by the commissioners to facilitate the discussion. The topics will be the current use and condi­ tion of the jail and sheriff’s office and the Commission on Aging. Information developed from the session will be shared so that public feedback and input can be invited, Hackman said. In other action, the commissioners unani­ mously approved: • Spending $8,588 for an Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant sidewalk and park­ ing construction at McKeown Bridge Park. • State Department of Agriculture Farmland and Open Space Preservation program appli­ cations for Randolph and Brenda Spitzley and Burdock Hill LLC, both in Carlton Township. • The appointment of John Van Nieuwenhuyzen to the board of canvassers, representing the Democratic Party, for a term that starts Nov. 1 and ends Oct. 31,2023. • Claims totaling $176,239. Federal reports highlight success of Ml Health Link Two new reports highlight the success of and satisfaction with the MI Health Link pro­ gram, a comprehensive health care plan avail­ able to individuals enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid. MI Health Link is administered by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in partnership with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and seven integrated care organizations. The program offers a full range of health care benefits to dually eligible beneficiaries, including home and community-based services, care coordi­ nation, non-emergent medical transportation, dental, vision, physical and behavioral health care. Beneficiaries do not have copays for prescription drugs or covered services when delivered by network providers. MI Health Link is available to Michigan adults age 21 or older who live in Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, Macomb, St. Joseph, Van Buren or Wayne counties or any county in the Upper Peninsula. Eligible individuals can enroll in MI Health Link at any time and do not need to wait for open enrollment periods to join. “By providing enrollees access to care through one plan, MI Health Link is helping Michiganders take better care of themselves,” Robert Gordon, MDHHS director, said in an Oct. 23 press release. “This in turn has led to a reduction in emergency room visits and inpatient admissions.” CMS contracted with Alan Newman Research to conduct a series of focus groups in June to better understand the experience of beneficiaries enrolled MI Health Link. Overall, a summary of the focus group find­ ings shows participants reported very high satisfaction with their MI Health Link plan experiences. Focus group participants consistently reported receiving assistance during care tran­ sitions, follow up after doctors’ appointments, locating doctors who accept their plans and general emotional support from their health plan care coordinators. Many also noted an improved quality of life, that they took better care of themselves and were encouraged to do so by their plan care coordinator. CMS also contracted with RTI International to monitor and evaluate the impact on benefi­ ciary experience, quality of care, service utili­ zation and cost of the MI Health Link pro­ gram. The first evaluation report for Michigan’s MI Health Link demonstration Family Promise marks six-month milestone Karen Thrko-Ebright Contributing Writer “They put a roof over our heads,” Keith Stoudt II said of the Barry County Family Promise program. An affiliate of a national non-profit pro­ gram that provides temporary housing to homeless families, Family Promise also offers personalized mentoring services and connec­ tions to county and local agencies to help stabilize families in need. Almost six months ago, after being evicted twice because of circumstances out of their control, Keith and Tina Stoudt and their fouryear-old daughter found themselves without a place to live. All that changed on April 14, when they walked into Barry County’s Family Promise day center where they were wel­ comed by the program’s Executive Director Martha Gibbons. Gibbons was hired in February for the day center inside Hope United Methodist Church in Hastings. Since then, 40 Barry County fam­ ilies have been helped, and seven homeless families now have a place to stay. She said the Stoudts were able to find permanent housing in three months. Family housing needs and much more are met through the use of host churches, the day center, personalized mentoring, connecting families with helpful community agencies like United Way, Barry County Cares, local food pantries, the food bank and other family support agencies. Gibbons has an office at the day center on the upper level of the church. Families live at the center from 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. where there’s room for four families. Showers, a toy room, a family room, kitchen and laundry facilities are provided. The program is funded through donations. Besides the day center as a home base for families, local host churches turned class­ rooms into guest rooms for evening lodging throughout the week. Meals are provided by church members. Volunteers play a critical role in the program. “Typically, the families will go to the churches about 5:15 p.m. every day,” Gibbons said. “They need it staffed from 5 p.m. until 7 a.m. every day. They always have to have two volunteers. Sometimes a church family will bring dinner to the guest families and stay through dinner with them.” She said some churches have an evening shift and some churches have an overnight shift. “That’s at least six people a day unless people are covering double duty and that’s seven days a week,” Gibbons said. “That’s a huge endeavor for a church to host.” A bus is provided through Family Promise to pick up the families from the day center at 5 p.m. and take them to their host church for the evening. Each family stays in their own guest room until the next day. The bus returns to pick them up at 7 a.m. and bring them back to the day center. Then a weekly rotation begins on Sunday and the families go to a different church. While at the center, Family Promise helps families set goals and sets them up with different agencies that can help them find permanent housing, job training, budget­ ing and more. “Giving hope to a family that doesn’t see any hope, it’s a tremendous gift,” Gibbons said. “Being a listening ear to them is a won­ derful way to show love and care.” When the Stoudts first arrived at the day center, they went from being evicted to find­ ing a double-wide mobile home and an ele­ mentary school program for their daughter. They were married at Hope United Methodist Church on June 15. Although he has been working at Hastings Manufacturing for three years, he said he struggles to pay the bills. She is a stay at home mom, which eliminates a daycare bill. But there are other bills to pay and they struggle to keep up with all the expenses of daily life. They use food pantries and the food bank to help meet their needs. He’s considering find­ ing a second job. Gibbons said this couple is a good example of the Barry County community investment by Family Promise, volunteers, host churches, United Way, Barry County Cares to help a homeless family get back on their feet. “We all work together” to help families accomplish their goals, she said. The national Family Promise program began in 1988 and now has 200 different affil­ iates in 43 states. “It’s a family focused program,” she said. All programs across the country have the same model of a day center and host churches that have turned classrooms into bedrooms. “It’s been around for a long time and is proven to be successful,” Gibbons said. “We’ve had single moms and couples like Keith and Tina. “I think every family brings its unique per­ sonality and its unique set of challenges, and helping them to set goals and meet them is tremendous.” Barry County Family Promise is in its sixth month. Anyone interested can call the day center or email admin @ familypromisebarrycounty.org for more information. Volunteers are needed to help, especially on Sundays at the day center located at 2920 M-37 in Hastings, she said. Another way to help the homeless and fam­ ilies in need will take place from 6 to 10 p.m. on Friday at the Legacy in Hastings for the National Day of Giving. Call the day center for more information at 269-953-6189. The Family Promise program has a Facebook page and a website that can be found by visiting www.bcfamilypromise.org Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads shows reductions in both the probability of inpatient admissions as well as preventable emergency room visits. More information on the program and the reports can be found at Michigan.gov/ MIHe^lthLink. SPECIAL ELECTION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A SPECIAL ELECTION WILL BE HELD IN THE: COUNTY OF BARRY STATE OF MICHIGAN TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2019 FOR CALEDONIA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS KALAMAZOO REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICE AGENCY (KRESA) PLAINWELL COMMUNITY SCHOOLS THORNAPPLE KELLOGG SCHOOLS THE PLACES HOLDING THE ELECTION IN SAID MUNICIPALITIES ARE INDICATED BELOW: BARRY TOWNSHIP CARLTON TOWNSHIP IRVING TOWNSHIP JOHNST0WN7OWNSHIP ORANGEVILLE TWP. PRAIRIEVILLE TWR RUTLAND TOWNSHIP' THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP YANKEE SPRINGS TWP. YANKEE SPRINGS TWP. Precinct 1 Predinct i Precint 1 Precinct 1 Precinct 1 Precinct 1 Precinct 2 Precinct 1 Precinct 2 Precinct 3 Precinct 1 Precinct 2 14505 S. Kellogg School Road, Hickory Corners, Ml 49060 85 Welcor^e^oacT, Hastings, Ml 49058. 3425 Wing Road, Hastings, Ml 49058 13641 S. M-37, Battle Creek, Ml 49017 7350 Lindsey Rd., Plainwell, Ml 49080 1015 S. Norris Road., Delton, Ml 49046 246 Heath Road, Hastings, Ml 49058 128 High Street, Middleville, Ml 49333 200 E. Main Street, Middleville, Ml 49333 100 East Main Street, Middleville, Ml 49333 284 N. Briggs Road, Middleville, Ml 49333 1425 S. Payne Lake Road, Middleville, Ml 49333 TO VOTE ON THE FOLLOWING PROPOSITIONS LISTED BELOW: Caledonia Schools: CALEDONIA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS OPERATING MILLAGE PROPOSAL EXEMPTING PRINCIPAL RESIDENCE AND OTHER PROPERTY EXEMPTED BY LAW 1.8 MILLS FOR THE YEAR 2020 FOR HEADLEE RESTORATION PURPOSES, IF NECESSARY Full text of the ballot proposition may be obtained at the administrative offices of Caledonia Community Schools, 9753 Duncan Lake Avenue SE, Caledonia, Michigan 49316-9411; telephone: (616)891-8185. KRESA: KALAMAZOO REGIONAL EDUCATIONAL SERVICE AGENCY AREA CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PROPOSAL 1 MILL FOR 20 YEARS Plainwell Schools: PLAINWELL COMMUNITY SCHOOLS GENERAL OBLIGATION UNLIMITED TAX BOND PROPOSAL FOR BUILDING AND SITE PURPOSES IN THE AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED $48,655,000 Full text of the ballot proposition may be obtained at the administrative offices of Plainwell Community Schools, 600 School Drive, Plainwell, Michigan 49080-1595, telephone: (269) 685-5823. Thornapple Kellogg Schools: THORNAPPLE KELLOGG SCHOOL GENERAL OBLIGATION UNLIMITED TAX BOND PROPOSAL FOR BUILDING AND SITE PURPOSES IN THE AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED $42,840,000 Full text of the ballot proposition may be obtained at the administrative offices of Thornapple Kellogg School, 10051 Green Lake Road, Middleville, Michigan 49333-8705, telephone (269) 795-3313. Full text of the ballot proposition may be obtained at the administrative offices of Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency, 1819 East Milham Avenue, Portage, Michigan 49002-3035; telephone: (269-250-9202. THE POLLS OF SAID ELECTION WILL BE OPEN AT 7 O’CLOCK A.M. AND WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL 8 O’CLOCK P.M. ON THE DAY OF ELECTION. Absent voter ballots must be mailed to voters no later than 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 1,2019. Regis­ tered voters may contact their local Clerk to obtain an application for an absent voter ballot. For any other questions relating to the election process, please contact your local Clerk: BARRY TOWNSHP CARLTONTOWNSHIP IRVING TOWNSHIP JOHNSTOWN TOWNSHIP ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP PRAIRIEVILLE TWP RUTLAND TOWNSHIP THORNAPPLE TOWNSHIP YANKEE SPRINGS TOWNSHIP Deb Knight Amanda Brown Sharon Olson Sheri Babcock Melody Risner Rod Goebel Robin Hawthorne Cindy Willshire Janice Lippert 623-5171 945-5990 231-373-4784 269-721-3710 664-4522 623-2726 948-2194 795-7202 ext. 203 269-795-9091 PAMELA A. PALMER, COUNTY CLERK �Page 12 — Thursday, October 24, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Swim program hopes to help teammate kick cancer Brett Bremer Sports Editor It is a swim tradition mostly reserved for the guys. Guys gather with hair buzzers and Bic razors to shave their heads [and sometimes more] for high school conference and state championship meets - doing whatever it takes to shave even a hundredth of a second off their times. Thomapple Kellogg junior Lydia Cole said her brother Reece, now 20, studying at the University of Oklahoma, shaved his head once while a part of the Delton KelloggThomapple Kellogg-Hastings varsity boys’ swimming and diving team. “He didn’t really like it, so I was kind of surprised that he shaved his head again,” Lydia said. They did it together in July. “It kind of freaked me out at first when I first heard I was going to go through chemo, because I knew I was going to lose my hair, obviously. But it wasn’t that big of a deal when I finally lost it. It was kind of fun, like I get to experience this when most people don’t,” said Lydia who was diagnosed with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors days in May, just before the conclusion of her sopho­ more year. She started her first chemotherapy treatments in June. “It was actually really nice. [Reece], who I am really close with, he shaved his head with me. My brother’s best friend [Nick Smith], who is really close to me also, shaved his head, too. They let me shave it for them. It was really fun. When my hair was mostly off, my brother finished it for me. It was really cool, actually.” Another cool thing will happen Thursday evening [Oct. 24] at the Community Education and Recreation Center pool in Hastings. The Delton Kellogg-Thomapple Kellogg-Hastings varsity girls’ swimming and diving team will host Wayland Union for its annual Cancer Awareness Meet. The meet begins at 6 p.m. “Lydia has continued to swim and hasn’t missed a meet, a practice [except for treat­ ments], or a set,” DK-TK-Hastings head coach Carl Schoessel wrote in a letter to the OK Conference Tier II coaches who compete against the DK-TK-Hastings girls all fall long. “She is an amazing young woman, just the kind of person all of us want on our teams. “Each year for the past several years, start­ ing when my wife [Loretta] began losing her battle with breast cancer, we have done a Cancer Awareness Meet with another team toward the end of our regular season, and for the past few years, the meets have been with the Wayland Union team. We do some fund­ raising and over the years have donated sever­ al thousand dollars to the American Cancer Society, although the fundraising has not been our main purpose in doing this meet. “This year, because of the monumental medical bills that Lydia’s family is coping with, I told [Wayland coach] Seth [Beat] that Thornapple Kellogg junior Lydia Cole urges on her Delton Kellogg-Thornapple Kellogg-Hastings a teammate. (Photo by Brett Bremer) we were dedicating our season to Lydia and would use our share of the fundraising from the Cancer Awareness Meet to help the Coles instead of sending our share of the money to the American Cancer Society. Without hesita­ tion, Seth indicated that the Wayland folks would do the same.” Purple “Team Lydia” T-shirt sales and a donation race between the four communities of Delton, Hastings, Middleville and Wayland continue on the www.teamlydia.com website. The donation board on the webpage had the total raised at over $8800. Donations can also be made to the Lydia Cole Fund at any Highpoint Community Bank location. The event slogan for Thursday is “Four Communities, Two Teams, One Family,” but the event is carrying beyond those four com­ munities. Lydia said part of that total so far was a sizable donation raised by the CaledoniaLowell-South Christian program. DK-TKHastings, Wayland and CLS shared the OK Conference Tier II girls’ swimming and div­ ing championship a year ago. Money raised won’t just go to the Coles’ bills and expenses. Lydia plans to make sure some funds get to organizations that have helped support her fight. The Pediatric Oncology Resource Team at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids is one specifically Lydia would like to see benefit from the event Thursday. “When I was in the hospital for my first round of chemo, they came in and brought us a lot of stuff, even gave me a blanket, and they were really nice,” Lydia said. “They do that for a lot of people at the hospital. They gave a bunch of stuff to my parents.” The Pediatric Oncology Resource Team is A few too many lows for TK on up-and-down night at FHE It has been an up and down season for the Trojans, and it was an up and down night at Forest Hills Eastern. The Thomapple Kellogg varsity volleyball team put up a good fight, but ultimately fell in five sets against the Hawks 23-25, 25-10, 21-25,25-15, 15-6. Even from set to set there were highs and lows for the TK ladies. They had an 18-10 lead in the opening set, then had to hold on for a 25-23 win. 23-25, 25-10, 21-25, 25-15, 15-6. Back and forth the two teams went. TK head coach Tia Cross said Forest Hills Eastern came back strong in set number two, and her girls had a hard time doing much of anything right, as the Hawks took a 25-10 win. “This is the roller coaster ride we have been on all season, I think I have two different teams playing on the court,” Cross said. “We moved on to set three and tried to wipe the slate clean.” The Hawks had a lead as large as nine points int hat third set before TK clawed its way back in one point at a time, getting a big string of four consecutive service points from Ellie Shoobridge and then another big run by Adrienne Duits that moved TK from 20-17 down to within a point of the set - which they eventually won 25-21. Cross said her girls played better in the fourth set than they did in set number two, making fewer errors, but couldn’t’ string enough points together in a 25-15 defeat. The Hawks carried that momentum into the decid­ ing fifth game, racing out to a seven points lead and winning 15-6. “We just waited too long to start playing again,” Cross said. “You don’t have as much time in the fifth set because it’s only a 15-point game. We had too many serving errors in the sets we lost. When we lost the serve we struggled to get the ball back.” Chloe Teachout had a team-high seven kills and three blocks for TK. Ashley Snyder, Claudia Wilkinson, Tyah Jefferson and Shoobridge had four kills each. Shoobridge also finished the night with six aces. Claudia Lems had ten assists and Duits nine sharing the setting duties. TK is slated to visit Wyoming tonight (Oct. 24) for another conference match. Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. Business Services Farm BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White 1ST CUTTING HAY- square bales for sale. $5.00 each. Text only please: 616-901­ 7682. You pick up, just west of Hastings. Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, power washing, home im­ provements. 269-320-3890. GET EASY CASH with extra household goods and tools! Call (269) 945-9554 to sell your unwanted stuff with a classified ad in this paper. HASTINGS BANNER SUBSCRIPTIONS are available for $35 per year in Barry County. Call (269) 945-9554. a group of volunteer families serving families with a child battling cancer or a life-threaten­ ing blood disorder, focused on sharing infor­ mation about diagnoses, treatments, coping skills and parenting methods while also offer­ ing families care bags, snacks, and phone/gas cards, among other things. “We are families helping families,” reads the program’s webpage. Lydia also would like to help other pediat­ ric cancer patients. “When I was on my first type of chemo, my second round, I had to go in to the hospital to get it through an IV and I met a bunch of peo­ ple in the infusion area and they were just the nicest people. Nobody had the same thing going on. You just got to learn about every­ one. I want to donate to everyone and not just a specific thing. “I met a 4-year-old girl who was just run­ ning around saying ‘Hi’ to everyone. She didn’t care that she had cancer. She just want­ ed to say ‘Hi’ to them.” Scans showed that spots on Lydia’s pancre­ as and liver remained in August after her first type of chemotherapy. She and her parents made a trip to Houston for a second opinion with a specialist in August, and she is current­ ly working on the third round of her second form a chemotherapy - one she can take oral­ ly so she said there isn’t a need for her to miss much school, or swimming. She said there are plans for a new scan next month, and she hopes to find out the opinion of the Houston doctors soon. The trip to Houston in August wasn’t all about doctor’s visits. Lydia said she got to go visit her brother Reece in Oklahoma on the way. She wouldn’t typically get to see him until Christmas time. Lydia followed her siblings, Reece and Madi, a 22-year-old doing her student teach­ ing and nearing a degree from Central Michigan University, into the water at an early age. She began swimming with the Middleville Minnows in first grade, joined the Hammerheads Swim Club in third grade, and joined her DK-TK-Hastings teammate, soph­ omore Abby Marcukaitis, on the East Grand Rapids Aquatics swim club last winter. Lydia teamed with Marcukaitis and DK-TK-Hastings teammates Anna Haywood and Juliann Meeker to place 41st in the 200yard freestyle relay, with a time of 2 minutes .02 seconds, last Saturday at the Michigan Hastings schools accept donations The Hastings Area School System Board of Education received a variety of donations Monday. The board accepted the following financial gifts: • $30,000 from the DeCamp Foundation to purchase a kitchen hood and fire suppression system at the high school; • $25,000 from Jeffery and Barbara Arnold Charitable Trust for a cement hitting wall, spectator bleachers and other improvements needed at the tennis courts; • $21,462 from the Hastings Education Enrichment Foundation to be used to help defray the cost of several programs and activ­ ities for students; • anonymous donations of $2,700 to defray costs for wrestling warmups and uniforms and $500 in support of Northeastern Elementary School; • and a $300 donation from the Barry County Farm Bureau and $475 from GreenStone Farm Credit Service to defray costs for the Farm Science Lab at Central Elementary. In other donations, Patricia Sensiba and Casey McCarthy, owners of the Jefferson Street Art Gallery, donated paper products and supples to the school district. In other business, the board: • accepted the proposal from Duane Hamilton Excavating Inc. to provide the nec­ essary site work for the agricultural facility for $19,400. •accepted the proposal for Ecker Mechanical for $29,350 to install a kitchen hood and fire suppression system for the culi­ nary arts class at the high school. • learned that roof project at Northeastern is nearly done. • heard a request to move graduation cere­ monies to outdoors with a contingency plan for inclement weather. • received a positive audit report that indi­ cates the district is getting closer to a 15-percent fund balance • heard a report from Tim Berlin on pupil count. • considered a reinstatement request from an expelled student and denied the request because the student had not progressed enough to merit reinstatement. • went into closed session for a student discipline hearing. A work session of the school board is planned for 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12, in the library at Northeastern Elementary. The next regular board meeting will take place at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 18, in the Commons Area of the Middle School. Interscholastic Swim Coaches Association Meet at Calvin University in Grand Rapids a gathering of many of the best high school swimmers in the state. Her favorite race is the 100-yard breast­ stroke. “It has always been my favorite, since Day I of swimming,” Lydia said. “I feel like it always kind of came natural to me more than the other ones, so I have always just done it and always enjoyed it.” She placed ninth at the OK Conference Tier II Championship Meet at the end of her soph­ omore season in the 100-yard breaststroke, with a time of 1:20.28. It wasn’t a win for Lydia personally or for the DK-TK-Hastings girls’ team when it opened the conference season with a loss to Ottawa Hills last month, but Lydia did earn a runner-up time of 1:20.57 in the 100-yard breaststroke in the CERC pool that evening. “It just felt really good to know that I hav­ en’t really lost anything and the cancer hasn’t stopped me from doing that,” Lydia said of nearly matching her conference meet time from a year ago in her first competition of the 2019 varsity season. “Life is pretty normal. It helps to be busier, because I am not thinking about it as much,” she said. “Swim definitely keeps me busy.” The DK-TK-Hastings girls typically have two or three meets a week throughout the season. Lydia said the girls swim close to 5,000 yards every practice, maybe 6,000 when Coach Schoessel is really pushing them. She had a few teammates visit her during her hospital stay early in the process, and more gathered for a couple of benefits over the summer, one where a portion of sales from Dairy Queen in Hastings went to the Cole family on an August evening and one at the end of July with food, games and raffle prizes in the family’s neighborhood. “They raised a lot of money. I was really surprised,” Lydia said. “It was so nice that everyone came, and some people that I hadn’t seen in years even came. My parents [Ryan and Kelly Cole] used to own a business, it was a gym, a lot of people from the gym who I used to see - every morning I would go there before elementary school, and I would see a bunch of people. All of them came in and it was really nice to see all of them it was a lot of fun.” Hammerheads Swim Club head coach Mike Schipper kept the members of the local swim club up to date with Lydia’s progress throughout the summer. The Hammerheads shared a signed T-shirt and poster with Lydia at the benefit in July. “When someone joins our team, they become part of our Hammerhead family,” Schipper wrote in a note to the Hammerheads early this month. “Over the past 10 years, I’ve been blessed to coach hundreds of swimmers from over 10 different schools and homes­ chooled. All Hammerheads. We try and teach the kids the importance of team and the value of every member. When someone wins, we all cheer, and when someone struggles, we pick them up. Every team says those words, but we want to truly practice them. “The meet is a cancer awareness meet and an opportunity to support Lydia,” he added. “I am canceling practice that night so that any­ one who wants to go and watch a high school meet and support Lydia can be there. “Any support is appreciated by the family, being there, prayers and donations.” The event Thursday will also include a chuck-a-duck fundraiser where spectators can throw rubber ducks from the balcony, looking to land them in the center of a floating life ring in the pool to win a prize. While Lydia finds it a bit weird to be the center of attention for the event she said, “I think it’ll be a fun meet. I always enjoy the cancer meet, because it is against Wayland, one of our close friends, and I really like the Wayland girls.” She said she has gotten beyond any feelings of fear she had surrounding her diagnosis. “The diagnosis isn’t the tough part. It is the rest of it, going through scans and not know­ ing what the outcome is going to be and when the outcome isn’t so great having to deal with it. I feel like I have handled it a lot better than I expected. It doesn’t scare me that much any­ more, because I know that I can beat it.” First she’ll find out if she and her team­ mates can beat the Wildcats. Lacey Road house ransacked Officers from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety arrested a 36-year-old Kalamazoo woman Oct. 8, who was driving a vehicle belonging to a resident of Lacey Road. A Barry County Sheriff’s deputy went to the house in the 5000 block of Lacey Road in Johnstown Township at 8:47 p.m. and discovered the door had been broken. Three offi­ cers went into the house and found no one inside. The home had been ransacked. The owner, a 57-year-old man, had been on vacation since Oct. 5. He said the keys to the vehicle, which was stolen, had been in the house. Also stolen were several guns, a televi­ sionjewelry, a crossbow, $350 in cash, cameras, binoculars, personal documents, fishing equipment, knives, laptop computers, a cellphone and a checkbook which was used to obtain $1,500 in cash. The case remains under investigation. MCTI fight ends with trip to hospital . A 20-year-old Canton man was taken to the hospital after a fight at the Michigan Career Technical Institute in Prairieville Township. The man said he was with some friends, when a Benton Harbor man, who police said is 18, tried to scare them. The Canton man told police he and his friends tried to leave, but the Benton Harbor man followed them. When one of the friends tried to confront him, the Benton Harbor man hit the Canton man on the back of the head five times. Information on the assault and battery was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Corvette bums up in driveway An officer was called to a fire involving a 1973 Chevrolet Corvette at 5:29 p.m. Oct. 18 in the 9000 block of Graham Road in Orangeville Township. The vehicle had been sitting on a cement pad, and the owner, a 49-year-old man, said a window had been left open and rain had gotten into the interior. He put a space heater in the vehicle to dry it out, and it caught fire. He estimated that the car had been worth about $15,000. Trailer taken from vacation home A 57-year-old Byron Center man called police Oct. 19 to report his flatbed trailer was missing from his cottage in the 11000 block of Lakeridge Drive in Yankee Springs Township. The man said his son had moved the trailer only a few days earlier, so it must have been taken recently. Woman caught with unpaid groceries An 18-year-old Hastings woman was detained by Walmart staff at 2:51 p.m. Oct. 18 after she attempted to go through the self-checkout without purchasing $42 worth of gro­ ceries. The woman admitted to police she had attempted to take the items and said she was short on money. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Microwave is only item missing in break-in A 65-year-old woman went to the Barry County Sheriff’s Office Oct. 9 to report a break­ in at her 85-year-old mother’s house in the 4000 block of Saddlebag Lake Road in Woodland Township. The woman said she and her mother hadn’t been to the house since late September. They went to the house Oct. 9 and found it had been broken into through a back door. The only item they noticed was missing was a microwave. 13-yeai^old receives fake money for candy A 39-year-old Wayland woman called police at 2:58 p.m. Oct. 11 to report her 13-yearold daughter had been given a fake $20 dollar from a 12-year-old boy on the bus. Her daughter was selling candy bars for a fundraiser, and she sold him 20 candy bars, and received “prop money” in exchange. The officer contacted the boy’s mother who gave the officer a real $20 bill. The case is closed and no further action will be taken. Guns stolen from MG Kelley’s in Middleville Barry County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to an alarm at MG Kelley’s Guns in Middleville at 4:02 a.m. Oct. 22. The front door had been damaged and multiple fire arms were stolen. The investigation continues, with assistance from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 24, 2019 — Page 13 Shorthanded Trojans knock off No. 3 Marshall The Thornapple Kellogg varsity boys’ soccer team celebrates its program’s first district championship since 2000 after a 3-2 victory over Allegan in the Division 2 District Final at Plainwell High School Saturday. Thomapple Kellogg’s Caden Goudzwaard slides in to take the ball off the feet of Marshall’s Payton Johnson during the first half of Tuesday night’s Division 2 Regional Semifinal match in Eaton Rapids. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Thornapple Kellogg senior attacker Caden Goudzwaard has scored a lot of varsity goals - none bigger than the one he scored in the 77th minute of play in the Division 2 Regional Semifinals in Eaton Rapids Tuesday. Thornapple Kellogg junior midfielder Nathan Hildabrand has scored two varsity goals - none bigger than the one he scored in the 37th minute Tuesday. The Thomapple Kellogg varsity boys’ soc­ cer team (13-7) earned a spot in Thursday’s regional final, against Mattawan back in Eaton Rapids, with a 2-1 upset of the third ranked Marshall RedHawks (19-2-2) Tuesday. The regional final game time is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday. Mattawan (18-3-3) bested DeWitt 4-1 in its regional semifinal match in J’ 4^5. ; Eaton Rapids Tuesday. “We said right at the end of the (season) there that it takes true grit and true determina­ tion and a whole team effort to be able to pull something like that off,” TK head coach David Wood said. “We were definitely up against it with the players that we had missing today, but it shows the depth that we do have. The guys pulled it out.” The Trojan pair, Hildabrand and Goudzwaard, started each other’s scoring plays. Goudzwaard rocketed a pass from the left side near midfield towards the right side­ line late in the first half. Teammate Mitchell Corner was there when the pass finally came down and he slotted it ahead to Hildabrand who charged in on goal and put a shot by the Marshall keeper Laine Day. “I saw it coming in the air, and I just ~V thought I’ve got to get a touch or do some­ thing with it,” Hildabrand said. “I took a good touch and then just put it in.” Hildabrand said the RedHawks were at least as tough as anybody his team had faced in the OK Gold Conference this fall, and Marshall was especially adept at taking away the outside runs. He said his team was able to get through that with good communication between the defenders and the outside mid­ fielders. That lead didn’t last long. Marshall was awarded a penalty kick with ten seconds left in the first half that Marshall’s Jake Lyon rolled past TK keeper Austin Ruth. The 1-1 tie held until 2:44 remained on the second half clock. The RedHawks inexplica­ bly gave Goudzwaard a little space in the offensive end and Hildabrand found him with a throw-in. Goudzwaard took a step right and then cut in to the left with the ball, to shake a defender who’d charged over, and then bound­ ed a shot past Day into the lower left-hand comer of the net. “Coach wasn’t too mad (at halftime),” Hildabrand said. “He said, ‘keep working, keep working, keep doing what you have been doing. It’ll come. That PK was just a fluke ... we’ll get it back’,” Hildabrand said. “We ended up getting it back.” If Ruth hadn’t been brilliant for most of the final 10 minutes, and really the whole game, two Trojan goals might not have been enough. In one flurry Ruth deflected a point-blank shot by Marshall attacker Brady Tatrow over the net. The Trojans cleared the ensuing cor­ ner kick, and Marshall surged back in again. Ruth made a diving save on a shot by Lyon "BBL - Thornapple Kellogg’s Gram Price pushes forward with a bouncing ball as Marshall’s Josh Pugh gives chase during Tuesday night’s Division 2 Regional Semifinal in Eaton Rapids. (Photo by Brett Bremer) from the top of the 18, stopped the rebound attempt by Marshall’s Tyler Tucker charging in on him, and then punched another comer kick away. “That is one thing we always want to try to M moil. do, we want to make sure we’re first to every­ thing, and if we’re not winning the first one we’re winning the second ball,” Wood said. “Their work rate, we never really have to question what they’re going to do. We know that they will outwork most people.” It took a little bit of everything from every­ one who was available for the shorthanded Trojans, missing four players including three starters for a variety of reasons, to get by Marshall: Comer skipping a Marshall cross­ ing pass away from his net; Gram Price sacri­ ficing his bones to block a shot by Lyon; Kaiden Pratt pushing out of his end again and again; Jack Miller holding his ground as the RedHawks fired corners into the box; Tyler Gehres, Hunter DeHaan, Owen Woods and Noah Myers running, and running, and run­ ning from end to end, side to side to play some offense and defense constantly keeping pressure on; and the list goes on. And the season goes on for the Trojans. The Trojans kept their season going with a 3-2 victory over Allegan in the Division 2 District Final in Plainwell Saturday, getting goals from Goudzwaard, Woods and Gheres. “We played extremely well throughout the game. The team moved the ball well and defended with true heart and grit,” coach Wood said. “The celebrations were very exciting, all of the players deserved the opportunity to cele­ brate and amazing achievement.” The Trojans lost senior midfielder Aiden Hannapel and senior defender Logan Moore to red cards in the bailgame, forcing them to miss Tuesday’s regional semifinal as well. JiwdLiioui .« Maple Valley runners reach goals at GLAC Championship The Lions had a plan Saturday in Stockbridge. Everyone wanted to set a new personal record and in doing that, the Maple Valley varsity boys’ cross country team was hoping to place at least as high as fourth at the Greater Lansing Activities Conference Championship. “The boys ran with a purpose today,” Maple Valley varsity cross country coach Tiffany Blakely said. “As a coach, I love when a plan comes together,” she added. The top five runners for the Lions all set new personal records and the team placed fourth, finishing better than Olivet and Lakewood at a league meet for the first time this season. Lion freshman Ashton Ripley ran his fast­ est race yet, placing seventh in 17 minutes 28.1 seconds to earn all-conference honors along with teammate Ben Benedict, a senior who placed 14th in a new personal record time of 18:03.5. Coach Blakely said Benedict really has his eye on finishing in less than 18 minutes when the Lions are in Allendale Saturday for their Division 3 Regional race. Blakely was really pleased to see just two minutes and 30 seconds between her team’s fastest runner and its fifth runner Saturday. Lion junior Curtis Walker kept putting bursts of speed together to set a personal record with a 28th-place time of 19:03.0 and senior team­ mate Trevor Duffey cut nearly half a minute from his previous PR to finish in less than 20 minutes for the first time, placing 40th in 19:55.4. The Lion team also had freshman Torin Bell set a personal record with his 34th-place time of 19:23.9. Leslie took the boys’ championship Saturday with 34 points, ahead of Stockbridge, 54, Perry 86, Maple Valley 94, Olivet 100 and Lakewood NTS. Perry senior Ryan O’Neill finished off the conference season with a victory, hitting the finish line in 16:53.4. The first five finishers in the boys’ race were all from different schools. Leslie’s Gavin Weber was second in 17:07.4, Olivet’s Noah Griffith third in 17:12.3, Stockbridge’s Dalton Satkowiak fourth in 17:17.9 and Lakewood’s Nathan Alford fifth in 17:23.2. Stockbridge won the girls’ meet with 37 points, ahead of Leslie 49, Olivet 52 and Lakewood 81. Perry, Lansing Christian and Maple Valley didn’t earn team scores. The Lions didn’t have any girls run at all Saturday. Stockbridge sophomore Rylee Tolson won the race in 18:22.4, with Lansing Christian junior Madison Volz second in 19:00.8. Leslie junior Haley Ellis ran a personal record time, placing third in 19:46.4. Volz was one of three Lansing Christian girls to finish in the top eight. Stockbridge had three in the top eight as well, with Brianna Hill sixth and Kaitelyn Walker seventh to help the Panthers to the conference championship. Lakewood was led by junior Katie Acker who ran a personal record of her own, 21:09.3 to place 13th. The Vikings also got a personal record from junior Anja Kelley who was 20th in 22:40.1 and senior Madisyn Case who was 21st in 22:41.0. Teammate Sadie Brearley, a freshman, was right behind them in 23rd Trio of Hast ngs harriers earn all-conference honors in 1-8 Seniors Aidan Makled and Jon Arnold and sophomore Carissa Strouse all earned all-con­ ference honors at the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Cross Country Championship on a short course in Turkeyville Saturday. Makled and Arnold led the Hastings varsity boys’ cross country team to a third-place fin­ ish on the day, and in the overall conference standings for the fall. Makled was the conference runner-up, hit­ ting the finish line in 16 minutes 13.2 sec­ onds. Harper Creek sophomore Josh Maurer won the race in 16:05.9. Arnold was seventh in 16:33.3, senior Blake Harris 18th in 17:19.8, senior Josh Brown 19th in 17:26.4 and senior Braden Tolles 21st in 17:29.1. Marshall took the boys’ title Saturday with 55 points, ahead of Harper Creek 64, Parma Western 88, Coldwater 94, Jackson Lumen Christi 130, Pennfield 193 and Jackson Northwest 236. Strouse led the Hastings girls, placing eighth in 19:42.2. Coldwater senior Elka Machan was the individual champion in the girls’ race with a time of 18:00.7. Lumen Christi had junior Renae Kutcha second in 19:12.0 and sopho­ more Faith Smith third in 19:17.9. Coldwater beat out the Parma Western girls 51-63 at the top of the standings, ahead of Marshall 64, Lumen Christi 100, Harper Creek 122, Hastings 133, Northwest 212 and Pennfield 223. Hastings was paced by two sophomores, two freshmen and a junior Saturday. Sophomore Allison Teed was 24th in 21:15.7. Freshman Madison Nino was 31st in 21:52.0 and her classmate Lauren Arnold 48th in 23:02.9. Junior Aura Wahl-Piotrowski was 40th in 22:19.7. Hastings is back in action Saturday at its Division 2 Regional Meet hosted by Portage West Middle School. Hastings FC receives donation to help with girls’ soccer costs Hastings FC is gearing up for the 2020 spring season and the club is happy to announce that through a generous donation half of the club fees are going to be covered. The youth soccer club is working on put­ ting teams together now and has a deadline for Nov. 20 to have those set to take advan­ tage of the donation. The club is looking for players for U7-U8 (bom in 2012-13), U9-U10 (2010-11), UllU12 (2008-09), and U13-U19 (2007 and ear­ lier) teams. Interested girls should contact the club by email at info@hastingsfc.com with any ques­ tions or to express their interest to the club. place with a time of 22:43.3. The Vikings’ number five was sophomore Amelia Beswick, who placed 39th in 25:27.0. Lakewood heads to Uncle John’s Cider Mill in St. Johns for its Division 2 Regional Race Friday. Muskegon-Mona Shores team bests DK-TK-Hastings girls The Muskegon-Mona Shores varsity girls’ swimming and diving team handed the Delton Kellogg-Thornapple KelloggHastings girls their second OK Conference Tier II defeat of the season Thursday. The Muskegon girls bested DK-TKHastings 107-79 to keep their conference record perfect. Erin Dalman earned a time of 1 minute 16.36 seconds to win the 100-yard breast­ stroke for the DK-TK-Hastings girls. DK-TK-Hastings sophomore Abby Marcukaitis took the 100-yard freestyle, one of the most exciting races of the evening, in 54.63 seconds. She touched the wall three tenths of a second before Muskegon-Mona Shores junior Olivia McKenna. McKenna’s teammate junior Evyn Johnson barely beat out Marcukaitis for the win in the 50-yard freestyle, 24.58 to 25.27. DK-TK-Hastings diver Hannah Johnson won her event with a score of 205.20 points. She was part of a 1-2-3 sweep of the top spots for the host team. Abigail Schell was second with 180.20 points and Claire Green third at 158.15. The DK-TK-Hastings girls will host their annual Cancer Awareness Night Thursday, a benefit for team member Lydia Cole and her family, at the Community Education and Recreation Center in Hastings beginning at 6 p.m. against Wayland Union. Purple “Team Lydia” T-shirt sales and a donation race between the four communities of Delton, Hastings, Middleville and Wayland continue on the www.teamlydia. com website. The donation board on the webpage had the total raised at over $8,800. Donations can also be made to the Lydia Cole Fund at any Highpoint Community Bank location. Freshmen and sophomore teammates of Cole’s took the championship Saturday at the Freshman-Sophomore Meet at Grand Rapids City High School last Saturday. Haywood, Preslee Hall, Marcukaitis and Ellen Shults all had first-place performances a the meet, with Kasey Kapteyn, Lily Foy, Cadence VanOoy, Erin Daniels, Abby Gaskill, Harley Marlette, Gracee McCarty and Lillian VanOoy all winning medals for the DK-TK-Hastings team. Serving needs work as Lions prep for postseason tourneys The Maple Valley varsity volleyball team will head into the Greater Lansing Activities Conference Championship tournament at Lansing Christian High School as the second seed behind state-ranked Lakewood Saturday. The Lions were 5-1 in conference match­ ups throughout the regular season, falling only to the Vikings. The Lions placed fifth Saturday at the Constantine tournament, falling to GalesburgAugusta 25-23, 10-25, 18-16 in the opening round of the Gold Bracket. Maple Valley faced Dowagiac and Homer in pool play, playing three sets to 25 against both opponents. The Maple Valley girls swept Homer 25-9, 25-12, 25-18, but managed one set out of three against the Dowagiac girls, falling 25-16,20-25,25-19. “We certainly have some work to do,” Maple Valley head coach Sarah Carpenter said, “especially in the area of serving. Our serving was not good on Saturday.” The Lions had 30 service errors in their nine sets, putting just 84.8 percent of their serves in play. Trista Medina did have 16 aces, but a few too many errors to go along with them. She certainly wasn’t the only one putting a few too many serves wide of the lines. Carli Deo, Josey Terpening and Keilyn Carpenter hit five aces each throughout the day. Keilyn had a team-high 64 kills. Medina had four blocks. Olivia Roush led the team in blocks with 37, while Medina added 26, Terpening 24 and Carpenter 23. �Page 14 — Thursday, October 24, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Delton is last team with some playoff hopes sprints across the field as Northwest’s Anthony Hale gives chase during the second quarter of Hastings’ 1-8 victory over the visiting Mounties Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hastings running back Gabe Trick lunches towards the goal-line in an attempt to score a touchdown against Jackson Northwest Friday during the Saxons’ homecoming victory over the visiting Mounties. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Maple Valley was eliminated from postseason contention before the season began, being too large of a school system to qualify for the MHSAA eight-player varsity football postsea­ son. Along the way, Lakewood, Hastings and Thomapple Kellogg have all suffered a fifth defeat eliminating hopes of a spot in the 11-player state tournament. Delton Kellogg will being trying to score a spot in the postseason with five regular season wins for the third time in five years, and their fourth playoff berth during that stretch, when it plays host to Constantine Friday at 5 p.m. The Panthers upended the Falcons a year ago to secure their six regular season victory and earn a spot in the playoffs a \ ear ago. Constantine had its playoff spot wrapped up by the time it faced the Delton Kellogg Panthers a year ago, and the Falcons do once again. Constantine moved its record to 6-2 overall this season with a 40-15 win over Kalamazoo United last weekend. Undefeated Schoolcraft and Berrien Springs teams are the Hy. varsiBM^u°, Mi—e ~ Constantine team so far this season. Delton Kellogg will hosting Senior blight as well as its annual Coaches versus Cancer Game, where the Panthers will be drawing attention, along with the help of the American Cancer Society, to the efforts in attacking the disease. There will be a 50/50 raffle held by the DK Athletic Boosters with a portion of the Boosters’ proceeds going to the cause. A por­ tion of the proceeds from the game’s ticket sales will also be donated to the American Cancer Society. The DK Cheer team will be offering up opportunities for folks to donate throughout the game towards to the endeavor as well. The Panthers are inviting anyone in atten­ dance to join them in bringing a sign/banner with the name of someone that they know that has been touched by cancer and display it throughout the game. In addition,Delton Kellogg will be taking a moment to honor recently retired, long-time assistant football coach (35 years of coaching at DK) Mike Powell, he being a cancer survivor as well, in between the first and second quarters. Former head football coaches Fred Pessell, Rob Heethius, Vic Haas and Rollie Ferris, along with long-time assistant coach John Greenman, will join current head coach Ryan Bates for the presentation at mid field. Delton Kellogg wil honor its football, band and cheer seniors before the game, beginnig at approximately 4:55 p.m. Parents of those seniors receive free admission to the game. Maple Valley faces a 5-3 Bellevue team to close out its season Friday, in Bellevue. The Lions are looking at the battle for the Little Brown Jug with the Broncos as their playoff game. Nashville and Bellevue started the tradition of playing for a Little Brown Jug, back before Maple Valley schools were even a thing. Bellevue captured the jug a few times from the Nashville Tigers, but the Broncos are just 30-3-1 since Nashville and Vermontville combined to form the Maple Valley Lions. The three Little Brown Jug trophies, covered with the results from over the decades, have been at Maple Valley High School since the Lions’ last played the Broncos in 2004 - a 59-8 Maple Valley victory. “I had to actually take a picture of it and send it to Bellevue’s A.D. They hadn’t seen it in such a long time their kids didn’t know what it was about. They’re definitely looking forward to it to, I know that for a fact,” Maple Valley head coach Marty Martin said. He said the trophy, the proximity of the school districts and the fact that many of the players on both sides know each other had his team circling this bailgame with Bellevue on the schedule at the start of the season. The Lions still plan to kick-off at 7 p.m. Everyone else has early kick offs. Thomapple Kellogg will dose out its sea­ son against Ottawa Hills at Grand Rapids Christian High School beginning at 5:30 p.m. Hastings plays host to Charlotte for a 5 p.m. kick. Lakewood has plans for a 4:30 kick-off at home against rival Ionia. Local Standings (record, playoffpoints) 4-4,38.250 Delton Kellogg Hastings 3-5,35.875 Thomapple Kellogg 3-5, 34.750 3-5,31.833 Lakewood Maple Valley 3-4, NA Conference Standings (overall, conference) Interstate 8 Athletic Conference Lumen Christi 8-0,7-0 Coldwater 7-1,6-1 Parma Western 6-2,5-2 Marshall 4-4,4-3 Hastings 3-5,3-4 Harper Creek 3-5,2-5 Northwest 1-7,1-6 Pennfield 1-7,0-7 OK Gold Conference East Grand Rapids 5-3,4-1 GR Christian 6-2, 5-0 South Christian 4-4, 3-2 Forest Hills Eastern Thomapple Kellogg Wyoming 0-8,0-5 Wayland Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Schoolcraft 8-0,4-0 6-2,3-1 Constantine 4-4,3-1 Kalamazoo United 2-6,1-3 Coloma 4-4,1-3 Delton Kellogg 2-6,0-4 Watervliet Greater Lansing Activities Conference 7-1,4-0 Olivet 3-5,2-2 Stockbridge 3-5,2-2 Lakewood 4-4,1-3 Perry 3-5,1-3 Leslie Here is a round-up of last Friday’s local gridiron action. Hastings 62, Jackson Northwest 34 The Hastings class of 2020 finally got to celebrate a homecoming victory inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field Friday night - in its last chance before graduation. Its freshman year, Coldwater celebrated on homecoming night in Hastings. Marshall did it two years ago. Last fall it was Jackson Parma Western. This year the Saxon seniors, and their teammates on the Hastings varsity football team, scored a 62-42 win over visiting Jackson Northwest. Quarterback Carter Cappon rushed for two touchdowns for Hastings, as did backs Elijah Smith and Austin Bleam. Keegan Olson and Gabe Trick had one TD run apiece. “They were pretty focused all week,” Hastings head coach Jamie Murphy said. “They knew that Friday night was their time to shine. The rest of the week is kind of home­ coming for the rest of the school and Friday night is the football team’s. There was good focus all week long. The kids knew what they were up against and what we were preparing for.” Hastings closes out the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference season with back-to-back wins over Pennfield and Northwest. “It feels great. Oh my gosh. There is noth­ ing like a winning feeling like that, especially on homecoming,” Cappon said. “I just try and tell myself that it was just another game,” Hastings senior right guard Ben Farrell said, “but it is really exciting to get a homecoming win senior year. It has been a while.” Interceptions by Trick, Logan Wolfenbarger and Zeb Carey were key stops for the Saxon defense that had nearly as much trouble slow­ ing down the Mounties as the Northwest defenders had slowing down the Saxon Wing-T. “What hurt us the worst were the outside sweeps and the passes,” Farrell, who plays middle linebacker on the defensive side of the ball, said. “Throughout the season we have had trouble stopping that. We kind of knew that was going to happen, but the offense kept at; Hastings middle linebacker Ben Farrell pulls down Jackson Northwest running back Bayler Keirns during the first half of the Saxons’ 62-42 homecoming win over the Mounties inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Delton Kellogg’s Gabby Petto hits a kick-off during her team’s SAC Valley showdown at Coloma Friday night. (Photo by Perry Hardin) us in the game. We dicTget those three turn­ overs. That helped a lot.” • The Mounties managed 430 yards of offense, with 271 yard through the air and 159 more on the ground. The Saxon offense rushed for 536 yards, turned the ball over just once, converted on three of five fourth down attempts, and never punted. “These kids have been running this offense since they were in third grade, so most of these kids know how to run our offense. They understand now, as seniors, they’re starting to understand what we want, how to read a defense, and what the defense is giving them. That is what we’re looking for - what is a defense giving us. They get it. “I know they get it, because when they come off on the sideline they give us informa­ tion. This is happening here. I have this tech­ nique over me, and he is stepping inside, so these plays are available. Murphy said that feedback from his guys really started in the past two weeks. The two teams combined for 52 points in the second quarter alone. Northwest scored the first touchdown of the bailgame, but the Saxons answered with a 49-yard touchdown run by Austin Bleam and a Bleam two-point run to take an 8-6 advantage. The Saxons led from that point on, pushing their lead to as large as 40-20 in the first half before Mountie quarterback Isaiah Grybauskas led a touchdown drive for his team in the final minute of the first half to get back within 40-26 by the break. Olson scored on a 14-yard run for the Saxons a minute and a half into the second quarter and Bleam added a 44-yard touch­ down run. Smith scored twice in the final five minutes of the first half, on runs of five yards and 18 yards. Farrell said the Saxons’ experience in the offense showed on Smith’s second TD run, which pushed the Saxon lead to 20 points for the first time with 3:26 to go in the first half. He said the offense changed the play call at the line of scrimmage, seeing a cluster of defenders on the right side of the offensive front. The Saxons went the other way for 18 yards, and Smith dove into the left corner of the end zone for the score. “You could see the holes (in the defense), and they could see the holes over there (on the sideline),” Cappon said. “Talk to the coaches and it’s like, ‘okay, let’s run this for 25 yards’. The next play,’ all right five yards’. The next play, ‘break it for a touchdown’. It was great.” Cappon scored oil runs of 20 yards and two yards in the third quarter, pushing Hastings’ lead from 40-26 to 54-26. Trick put the finish­ ing touchdowns on the Saxon win with a nineyard touchdown run with 51 seconds to go. Bleam rushed 12 times for 199 yards in the game and Olson had 14 carries for 109 yards. The Saxon team also got six rushes for 60 yards from Hunter Allerding, five carries for Delton Kellogg running back Jordan Rench drives through the grasp of Coloma’s Nick Santarlas during their SAC Valley contest in Coloma Friday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) 56 yards from Cappon, six carries for 49 yards from TJ Russell, four rushes for 39 yards from Smith, and five carries for 24 yards from Trick. Bleam also had the Saxons’ only two receptions, covering 14 yards. Corbin Ulrich had a team-high 6.5 tackles for Hastings. Smith had six, Zeb Carey 5.5 and Evan Eastman 5. Eastman, Colton Carter and Allerding each had one sack of Grybauskas. Northwest answered the final score, getting a two-yard touchdown run from Anthony Hale with 34 seconds left. There was a lot of that throughout the evening. Anthony Cole scored the Mounties’ first two touchdowns, on one-yard runs, and added a six-yard touch­ down run in the third quarter. Grybauskas was 13-of-22 passing for 271 yards and two touchdowns, one to Roy Guy for 21 yards and one to Devin Kalis for 25 yards. Grybauskas was also his team’s leading rusher, carrying the ball 15 times for 63 yards. Cole had 16 rushes for 48 yards. Kalis had six receptions for 171 yards. Coloma 22, Delton Kellogg 20 Each team had a fourth quarter lead, but Coloma had it last. The Coloma Comest scored a 22-20 victory over the visiting Delton Kellogg varsity foot­ ball team Friday in Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division action, erasing the possibility of the Panthers’ guaranteeing themselves a spot in the state postseason with six victories on the season. DK is now 4-4 overall heading into its regular season finale at home against Constantine Friday. Cody Palgen scored on a 40-yard run mid­ way through the fourth quarter to put the Comets in front 22-20 soon after a two-yard touchdown run by Bradley Bunch and an extra-point kick by Gaby Petto had given the Panthers their first lead since the opening quarter. Delton Kellogg’s final two fourth quarter drives stalled out, one with an incomplete pass in Comet territory and the second when a fourth down run was stuffed in the backfield back in the Panthers’ end in the closing moments. In between those two final drives for DK, the Panther defense came up with its second big goal-line stand of the game. The DK defense also got an interception from Jordan Rench in the second quarter to kill another Comet drive, but the Panthers fumbled the ball right back over leading to a five-yard touchdown run by Cristian Eutsey. The twopoint run by Comet quarterback Michael Case put the Comets in front 16-7. DK got back to within 16-13 at the half with an 18-yard scoring run by Rench. Delton Kellogg got its first points on a 37-yard touchdown run by Bunch pushing the lead to 7-0 in the opening quarter with Petto’s extra-point kick. Coloma took the lead soon after on a oneyard touchdown run by halfback Kenyon Boyd on a direct snap to the back. Boyd ran in Continued next page �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 24, 2019 — Page 15 Continued from previous page the two-point try as well for an 8-7 Comet lead. DK quarterback Payton Smoczynski was 2-of-3 passing for ten yards in the ballgame. Bunch had a team-high 21 rushes for 129 yards. Rench rushed 16 times for 92 yards and Richard Hill had four rushes for 49 yards. Hill also had a team-high six tackles for the DK defense, with Kaleb Post adding four and Cole Pape four. South Christian 27, Thornapple Kellogg 7 The Thomapple Kellogg varsity football team scored its first points since its Sept. 28 homecoming victory over Wyoming on Friday night at East Kentwood High School, but not enough. The Trojans fell to 3-5 overall this season and 2-4 in the OK Gold Conference with a 27-7 loss to host South Christian in Kentwood. The Sailors held the Trojans to just 109 yards rushing on the night, and allowed the Trojans to pick up a first down on just two of 11 third down attempts. The Trojans were down just a touchdown though until South Christian quarterback Chase Bradman tossed al-yard touchdown pass to Elliott Grashuis with ten seconds left in the first half to boost their team’s lead to 21-7. Bradman and back Daniel Possett each had a one-yard touchdown run in the first quarter to put the Sailors ahead 14-0. The TK offense finally put together a few first downs between the end of the first quar­ ter and the start of the second, with Adam Bush finishing off the drive with a nine-yard touchdown run three and a half minutes into the second quarter. Mitchell Middleton’s extra-point kick was good for the Trojans. The teams traded interceptions with Logan Kimbrue pulling one in for TK and Casey Boomsma picking one off for the Sailors. The Sailors moved in to take a two-score lead before the half and then added field goals of 44 yards and 25 yards by Jeff Heerema in the third quarter. Alex Bonnema led the TK defense on the night with ten total tackles and an intercep­ tion. Kimbrue had eight tackles and an inter­ ception. The Trojans also got 7.5 tackles from Ryan Holmes and seven each from Adam Bush and Cole Shoobridge. Brendan Hood was the Trojans’ leading ground gainer on offense, rushing 15 times for 58 yards. Bonnema added five carries for 31 yards. Shoobridge had three receptions for 66 yards in the bailgame, while quarterback Reece Garbrecht was 5-of-16 passing for 84 yards and two interceptions. Bradman finished with 16 completions on 22 attempts, covering 162 yards. He did more damage with his legs, rushing 15 times for 135 yards. Possett added 18 rushes for 77 yards. Lssac Northouse had 11 tackles for the bailors. ■ Lakewood 26, Charlotte 21 Things slowed down after a wild first quartei7 at/least until the closing moments when the Vikin§>dgcided they weren’t going to lose again. ‘ The Lakewood varsity football team pulled out a 26-21 victory in a non-conference ball­ game at Charlotte High School Friday, scor­ ing 12 points in the final five minutes to make up for a few big plays they allowed to the Orioles in the first half. Lakewood junior Sawyer Stoepker, split­ ting some time at quarterback and receiver in recent weeks, took a reverse 53 yards for a touchdown with some great blocking on the outside by tight end Lucas Tacey and wide receiver Parker Anderson. The score pulled the Vikings to within 21-20 with 4:53 to play, but the two-point conversion run by Jacob Elenbaas came up short of the end zone leav­ ing the Vikings still down by a point. “That was my decision to go for two,” Lakewood head coach Matt Markwart said. “We were down in there, we were on the road and wanted to go for the win, and we knew with five minutes left if we didn’t make it that we’d get a stop. They were having trouble moving the ball. Our defense was playing really solid.” Charlotte took over at its own 20-yard-line after the Viking kick-off. Elenbaas stuffed Charlotte’s Alex Willison for a one-yard gain on first down. Bryan Makley made the tackle on the Orioles’ Ashton Sentell on second down, and then Denny Sauers III helped make sure a Charlie Grant pass fell incomplete on third down, forcing a punt by the Orioles’ Alex Thome with 3:45 still left for the Viking offense to go the other way. Lakewood got a big 44-yard pass from Stoepker to Brent Sweet to get to the Oriole 12-yard-line, and then four runs by Elenbaas had the Vikings in the end zone again and in the lead with 1:06 to play. Charlotte bobbled a squib kick by the Vikings, and it was recovered by Lakewood’s Ethan Rodriguez allowing Lakewood to seal the victory. Lakewood had a lead 97 seconds into the bailgame thanks to a 65-yard touchdown pass from Elenbaas to Brent Sweet and an Elenbaas extra-point kick, but that lead lasted just sec­ onds as Bo Brandt fired a 28-yard touchdown pass to Braden Hill for a touchdown and Ashton Sentell added an extra-point for the Orioles after a 57-yard kick-off return by Brandt. Charlotte put together its most sustained drive of the game following a Lakewood punt, driving 80 yards for a six-yard touchdown run by Isaiah Cifaldi and another Sentell extra­ point to take the lead with 1:43 to go in the first quarter. That lead lasted just seconds too as Sweet returned the Oriole kick-off 85 yards for a touchdown and Elenbaas booted another extra-point. The Orioles then took the lead, finishing a 66-yard drive with a five-yard touchdown pass from Brandt to Alex Thome with five minutes left in the first half. Sentell’s extra­ point had his team up 21-14. That was where things stood until the final minutes of the fourth quarter. Braden Hill intercepted a pass for the Orioles. “We just wore them down in the second half. We had some bigger defensive linemen than they had, and we just started wearing them down and getting a push on them,” Markwart said. “They really had one play that they hurt us with, the counter, and the kids started figuring out how to play against it and they weren’t getting their big runs on it any­ more.” Martin Hollern, John Behrenwald, CJ Morgan, Cameron Winter and Josh Cronk were all a big part of the defensive rotation in the trenches that slowed the Charlotte offense in the second half. “The boys came out (in the second half) and they got a stop. They played hard the whole game, they just decided they were going to take it into their own hands. We made some great plays and won us a bailgame,” Markwart said. Elenbaas rushed 21 times for 65 yards in the bailgame, and connected on 4-of-7 passes for 71 yards. Stoepker had the one 44-yard pass and rushed three times for 63 yards. Sweet finished with four receptions for 115 yards. John Hewitt led the Viking defense with 17 tackles. Sweet had 6.5 tackles, and Sauers and Carson Deleeuw had 5.5 each. Deleeuw had three tackles for a loss. “They were very excited. We had a lot of good bounces go our way tonight. The last few weeks we didn’t have those bounces,” Markwart said. “We are finally back to almost healthy,” he added. “We still have a couple kids that are banged up a little bit. We haven’t been playing with 100 percent of our guys the last few weeks and when they were in there they weren’t 100 percent. We finally got that. We finally got some good bounces, we finally put things together, they played hard, they hit hard, and they were ecstatic about it.” Maple Valley 24, Webberville 8 The Maple Valley defense came to play Friday night. The Lions’ varsity eight-player football team shut out Webberville for the first 44 min­ utes of a 24-8 victory at the home of the Spartans. Lion quarterback Blaze Sensiba scored three rushing touchdowns and teammate Dillon Jorgensen one as the Lions built their 24-0 lead. Maple Valley improves to 3-4 on the season and can finish the year with a .500 record with a win at Bellevue next Friday. “We just throughly dominated them on the defensive side of tfe bSl. They couldn't do anything. They couldn’t run, they couldn’t pass,” Lion head coach Marty Martin said. “If things had been going right for Webberville, you would have seen their quar­ terback rolling out, extending the play and throwing it deep over the defensive coverage. All week long we worked on dropping back and keeping the receivers in front of us. Webberville likes to run a lot of crossing routes and getting people in behind other peo­ ple by pulling that defensive back forward and then throwing one up over the top of them. We just stayed behind everything and then when the ball was in the air we reacted.” He liked how his guys came up to stop the run, pinched on the inside run and had good back-side pursuit then the Spartan backs tried to cut things back. Hunter Basett led the Lion defense with seven tackles. Jesse Deppe had six tackles and Tyler Rose and David Hosack-Frizzell had five tackles each. The list of stand-outs was long for coach Martin Friday. “We had some young guys step up and play good games for us. A freshman, Jesse Deppe, he stepped in for us at safety and then he had to step in for us at linebacker later and really made some nice plays. He made a few touch­ down saving plays when we had our second defense in there.” “David Hosack-Frizzell played a very nice game for us both on offense and on defense. Travis Mater did a great job for us tonight at center. Christian Hensley had to step in tonight and really did a nice job for us at guard.” The Lion coach was also very happy with the play of Jorgensen, filling in for the ill Anthony Raymond and the injured fullback Colton Gibson. “Dillon really did a nice job carrying the ball. He did a great job blocking. He really stepped up. He is a junior and we’re really glad that he decided to play football and be a part of tonight.” Jorgensen had 17 rushes for 77 yards and two receptions for 22 yards. Hugheston Heckathom added 13 rushes for 63 yards and Sensiba added seven rushes for 51 yards. Sensiba scored the Lions’ first points three and a half minutes into the bailgame on a twoyard run following fumbled punt by the Spartans. Jorgensen added a two-yard touch­ down run in the opening minute of the second quarter, then Sensiba scored on a two-yard run with 3:05 to go in the first half. Sensiba’s final TD came from 13 yards out five minutes into the fourth quarter. The Spartans got their lone touchdown on a 31-yard rush by TJ Coe, with Oscar Fuller connecting on a two-point pass to Kolson Lycos. About the only thing that didn’t go right was the extra-point tries for the Lions. Senior night a celebration for Saxons Hastings senior setter Abby Zull (center) is escorted by her parents, Julie Zull (left) and Hastings head coach Scott Zull, during the Senior Night ceremony at Hastings High School Monday before the Saxons’ three-set win over visiting Ottawa Hills. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Saxons’ Hannah Slaughter hits a serve during her team’s win over visiting Ottawa Hills Monday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Senior setter Abby Zull was happy to have the Saxons were able score their first victory in an evening, best-of-five match-up on Senior Night at Hastings High School Monday. The Hastings varsity volleyball team has scored a handful of victories at Saturday tour­ naments this season, including one previously over the Ottawa Hills girls who came to Hastings Monday. The Saxons knocked off the Bengals in three sets, 25-5,25-14,25-16. We did way better on offense tonight,” Zull said. “Our hitting was way better. We hit the comers like we should, like we’re told all the time in practice. That was really good. I also think our passes were really good. They are mostly to me, so that made things easy on my part.” The one telling the Saxons what to do most of the nights in practice is head coach Scott Zull, Abby’s father, who joined Abby with his wife Julie out on the court as the Saxon pro­ gram honored three seniors Monday - Abby, Skyler Teske and manager Connie Ricketts. Teske, like Abby, has played four years of high school volleyball. Teske had a couple big kills late in the third set for side outs that helped keep the Bengals aT/bay. “This summer, she worked extremely hard improving her overall game,” coach Zull said of Teske. “She may not lead the team in cate­ gories, but she is one of the most consistent players on the court.” “Connie Ricketts is completing her second year as manager. She does an awesome job organizing and keeping the game and stat sheets. Also in preparation of Saturday tour­ naments.” Coach Zull said his girls were passing the ball much better Monday, a focus of the team in practice in the past week. Coach Zull met his wife Julie playing adult league volleyball in the Big Rapids area. He also had the chance to coach his daughter Jillian Zull, who is an assistant coach with the team. “They learned to pass a volleyball before they ever touched a basketball,” coach Zull said of his daughters. “It is kind of ingrained into them. When they were little we played volleyball with a beach ball in the house.” He said he told both his girls that if they didn’t want him to be their varsity head coach he would have been willing to step aside. He said it made him feel good that they wanted to play for him. “Sometimes it is kind of scary, because he goes way harder on me,” Abby said of having her father as a coach. “Other times it is really nice, because he can give me not only the coach’s words, but his words too. “We talk about volleyball all the time, almost every night” Abby said. “We talk about practices. We talk about tournaments. One weekend, we went to Ann Arbor and watched a (University of Michigan) game.” Abby led the Saxons in serving and assists and was of the team leaders in kills Monday against the Bengals. Skyler Grego and Hannah Slaughter each had a big night serving too. Carly Warner led the Saxons in kills, with Lexi Herblet and Slaugther adding to a bal- Hastings’ Skyler Teske hits an attack as Ottawa Hills’ Markea Ezell prepares to get a block up during their non-conference match at Hastings High School Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) anced attack. Coach Zull liked to see his girls cutting down on their attack errors Monday. Kaeli Jo West led the Saxons in digs and Celebrate the SAXON SPIRIT ■ Pre-Game TAILGATE PARTY FRIDAY, OCT. 25™ To show community support for our football team and the spirit of being a Saxon, Hastings Mutual Insurance I I Correction: There was an error in the Oct. 10 Banner story about the 2020-21 OK Conference realignment. Wyoming is leaving the OK Gold Conference along with East Grand Rapids and Grand Rapids Christian after the 2019-20 school year. Kenowa Hills, Cedar Springs, Grand Rapids Catholic Central and Ottawa Hills will be joining Thomapple Kellogg, Wayland Union, Forest Hills Eastern and South Christian in the revised Gold divi­ sion of the OK. passing. Hastings was scheduled to host Pennfield for its final Interstate-8 Athletic Conference dual of the season last night. is sponsoring a tailgate party with free grilled hot dogs, chips and a drink to anyone before the game with Charlotte at the main entrance to Baum Stadium at Johnson Field. NOTE: START TIME FOR THIS WEEK'S GAME WILL BE 5 P.M. SAXON SPIRIT ... let it show! �Page 16 — Thursday, October 24, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Saxon sisters shoot well at slow-moving D2 Finals Brett Bremer Sports Editor When a par putt from four feet dropped into the hole on number three at The Meadows Saturday there wasn’t a flood of emotion for Hastings senior Rayna Honsowitz about fin­ ishing her final varsity golf match. She was just happy to have made it through the weekend. “It is a fun experience. It is an honor to be there, and stuff. But other than that, it is still really long. It lasted a really long time, but it was definitely worth it. It’s a really fun thing to do,” Honsowitz said after placing 15th at the Division 3 Lower Peninsula State Finals on the campus of Grand Valley State University. “Finishing off with a par on my last hole for my senior year is a really cool thing to do. “My tee shot was off the green, so I had to chip it on and one putt. I got up and down. Not a very long putt,” she said. “It was a long two days,” Honsowitz added. “The first day took miserably long. It shouldn’t have taken that long, but it did. It was a relief to finally get done. I didn’t think of it as being my last tournament, because I have more to come in college.” The golfers, including her sister Ry lee Honsowtiz who finished in a tie for 32nd in the field of 108 players, had to wait for the frost to bum off the course Friday morning in Allendale. Between the delayed start and the crowded fairways, Friday’s 18-hole round lasted roughly six and a half hours. Even for sisters from a family of golfers, that’s a long time to be out on the course. Rylee, a junior, said there is nothing to do in that situation but sit down and chat with the Hastings senior Rayna Honsowitz, junior Rylee Honsowitz and varsity girls’ golf coach Kristen Laubaugh take a moment for a photo during the Division 3 Lower Peninsula State Finals at The Meadows on the campus of Grand Valley State University. Rayna finished in a tie for 15th and Rylee 32™, in a field of 108 golfers, at the finals. other girls in your playing group. “Both Rayna and Rylee really worked hard this season and kept their cool during the tour­ nament,” Hastings varsity girls’ golf coach Kristen Laubaugh said. “The course was tough and played deceivingly long. Friday really tested their patience because we had a 90-minute frost delay and the round took over six and a half hours. There was a lot of wait­ ing in between shots which prevented any sort of rhythm in their game to develop. “Saturday’s round went much smoother as we got on the course at the scheduled tee time and played moved much faster.” Rayna finished in a tie for 15th over the course of the two-day, 36-hole event. She scored an 87 Friday and an 86 Saturday to finish at 173 in her third appearance at the state finals. Rayna qualified for the State Finals as a freshman along with the entire Saxon varsity girls’ golf team, and then again as an individual last fall. This was Rylee’s first appearance in the State Finals. She scored an 89 Friday and followed up with a 93 on Saturday for a towday total of 182. The last of the top ten state medalists at The Meadows was Forest Hills Eastern’s Hailey Curry, who scored an 88-78-166. Bloomfield Hills Marian’s Shannon Kennedy led her team to the state championship by taking the indi­ vidual title as well with a score of 70-73-143. Flint Powers Catholic’s Jolie Brochu was second at 72-74-146 and Marshall’s Karlee Malone third with a 76-77-153. Bloomfield Hills Marian took a good lead in the team standings Friday, outscoring Flint Powers 335-346. Powers bot the better of Marian Saturday, 346-354, but didn’t shave enough strokes to overtake the girls from Bloomfield Hills that finished with a two-day team score of 689. Powers Catholic was sec­ ond with a score of 692, ahead of Detroit Country Day 711, Marshall 712, Big Rapids 731, Marysville 733, Haslett 735, Cranbrook Kingswood 741, Dearborn Divine Child 746 and Grand Rapids Christian 769 in the top ten. Rayna had as good a start as anyone at the tournament. She birdied the par-5, number four to open play, scored a par on number five, and then birdied the par-4 number six hole. Rayna said she dropped in a putt from 30 feet away, up hill, on number six for her second birdie Friday. She opened Saturday with another birdie on number four. Rylee’s lone birdie of the tournament came on the par-4, number ten Friday. She said it was at least a 25-foot putt that she shank for the birdie. Rylee said the next time she swings a golf club will probably be in the family’s garage. “We will probably hit in our garage once or twice a week throughout the winter. We nave a net and our golf mat,” Rylee said. During the summer when the weather is nicer, Rayna and Rylee said they head out to the Portland area mostly to play with their father, uncles and cousins. “We all like to play with each other a ton,” Rayna said. “We take it serious. We always place bets at the beginning and see who' comes out winning at the end. Usually it’s me, my sister and my cousin are a team against my dad and my two uncles and we always win. “They beat us every once in a while,” she then admitted. The sisters have played on the Callaway Junior Tour in the summers, and Rayna said she has plans to continue playing competitive­ ly at Olivet College. The rest of the top ten state medalists from GVSU last weekend included Marysville’s Madeline Blum, Haslett’s Sydney Dausman, Grand Rapids Christian’s Ryann Breslin, Big Rapids’ Hope Thebo, Warren Regina’s Charlotte Thibault and Carleton Airport’s Kristen Reed. Consistent depth on display for TK at D2 Finals I Thornapple Kellogg’s Maddie Shepard knocks her ball from a trap to the green on number 16 Saturday during the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals at Forest Akers East Golf Course on the campus of Michigan State University. (Photo by Brett Bremer) ■ Brett Bremer Sports Editor Only the state champions from Forest Hills Northern and the Thomapple Kellogg girls were able to keep all ten of their individual 18-hole scores under 100 during the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals Friday and Saturday at Forest Akers East on the campus of Michigan State university. Each of the other 16 varsity girls’ golf Your fridge. freezer, air conditioner or dehumidifier* could be wasting up to $150 a year in energy costs. Save energy and get up to an $80 rebate for letting us recycle your appliances. Stop wasting and start saving. Schedule your free pickup by calling 888-990-2246. of $50 for on deceivereYrigeratororYreezer,, ond'reeefw o vwsrfong air oonditfoner ar or m&y onty Md&d&d witfr the recycling of a or freeze Consumers Energy > Count on Us® Thornapple Kellogg senior Paige Willette taps a putt towards the cup on number 14 at Forest Akers East Golf Course Saturday during the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals. (Photo by Brett Bremer) teams at the finals all had at least one girl go into the triple figures over the course of the two-day tournament. The TK girls placed eighth in the state over the weekend - led on the scoreboard led by Paige Willette who shot a 92-93-185 to tie for 41st individually. Other low rounds from the weekend for the TK team included a 91 from Anna Kaminski and 93’s from Paige VanStee and Anna Harmens Saturday. Clair Jansma and Maddie Shepard shared a spot in the line-up, with Jansma shooting a 97 Friday and Shepard scoring a 97 Saturday. Shepard matching Jansma, who was the Trojans’ number one much of the past couple season when health permitted, was just one of the ways the Trojan depth shone through over the course of the weekend. “It is so nice,” Jansma said. “Let’s say you have an off day, you know that the other girls are right there and they can pick you up. It takes a lot of pressure off of you to do well when the other girls are just as capable of doing well.” : Jansma was in a cart early Saturday, fol­ lowing Shepard’s progress, after telling coach Bob Kaminski tha^ier back wouldn’t allow her to play Saturday’s round. Jansma also missed the Trojans^ regional toumanient, with Shepard taking the spot in the team’s top five. Jansma was happy to get to hit a few really nice drives Friday, and to drain a long par putt on number 17. Jansma, one of weKniors playing for the Trojans over the weekend, said she was just doing Saturday what fellow senior Jayden Schut had been there to do on Friday - cheer on her teammates and do whatever she could to help. . Schut, JansmalAnna Kaminski and Anna Harmens started playing together in an after­ school group in seventh grade, at the urging of coach Kaminski. “There were a whole bunch of us in the same grade,” Jansma said. “We all had the Trojan senior Anna Kaminski chips her ball up onto the green on number 16 Saturday during the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals at Forest Akers East Golf Course. (Photo by Brett Bremer) same passion for golf. We all loved it a lot. We figured that it would be great to come out and play high school together. Maddie (Shepard) ended up joining us our sophomore year. She picked up the clubs and was doing great. We included her. It just kept growing from there and the golf program kept bringing in girls that could easily shoot what we could. It start­ ed from seventh grade and now here we are at state.” Nobody scored better at the Division 2 State Finals than Forest Hills Northern. The Huskies won the state championship with a two-day score of 648, shooting a 337 on Friday. FHN led South Lyon by two strokes after the first 18-holes then dropped down to a 311 Saturday to finish 29 strokes ahead of the South Lyon girls in the end (648-674). Forest Hills Central was third overall with a score of 711, ahead of Farmington Hills Mercy 730, Birmingham Groves 732, Fenton 732, Traverse City Central 739, Thornapple Kellogg 751, Port Huron Northern 751 and Petoskey 756 in the top ten. South Lyon’s Gabriella Tapp did beat out Forest Hills Northern leader Lilia Henkel for the individual state title, putting together a pair of 75s to finish at 150. Henkel shot a 78-75-153 to tie Traverse City Central’s Emlin Munch (77-76-153) for the runner-up spot. Anna Kaminski shot a 97-91-188 for TK, matched by the 95-93-188 by VanStee, the only junior in the Trojan line-up in a tie for 48th. Harmens scored a 99-93-192 for TK to place in a tie for 62nd in a field of more than 100 golfers. Lansing Christian ends Lion soccer season in district semi’s Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Maple Valley varsity boys’ soccer team was within one goal of Greater Lansing Activities Conference foe Lansing Christian in the Division 4 District Semifinals with 23 minutes to play Wednesday. The Pilgrims scored a 6-1 win in their GLAC match-up with the Lions earlier this season, but a Lion goal pulled their team with­ in 2-1 of the Lansing Christian boys Wednesday. Devin Thompson pushed the ball up the right side of the field and shot a pass across to teammate Eli Nelson on the left. Nelson slid a pass through to Garrett Pearson who put it past the Pilgrim keeper. “It was kind of a cool teamwork play. When it happens it looks so easy,” Lion head coach Andy Roush said. “I thought they did well. We hung with them pretty well, and hats off to the guys for that. It kind of opened their eyes a bit that if they stay disciplined things are possible.” It was only a sliver of hope for the Lions though. Lansing Christian answered the goal a minute later and then went on to a 4-1 vic­ tory. “We had a miscue and then they capitalized' on it, and then scored another ten minutes> later to kind of cap it off,” Roush said.' “They’re pretty good about capitalizing on your mistakes, that is for sure.” Lansing Christian’s first two goals, both in the first half, came on a set pieces. The Lions end the season with an overall record of 11-8. “Nobody wants to end their season. It is always tough on the seniors, but when they look back they will realize what they have done for the program over four years,” Roush? said. Lansing Christian improved to 11-7-2 over­ all this season with the win. Dansville bested the Laingsburg boys 3-2; in the district’s other semifinal match Wednesday, and then followed that up with a 4-3 win over the Pilgrims in the district final Friday evening. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-10-31.pdf 8aad120a6b811bfc59cfe4bc244abcd1 PDF Text Text 804879110187 1070490102590501614349058113421 * Collective community voice a win for Royal Coach project NEWS BRIEFS Set clocks back this weekend Daylight saving time will end Sunday, Nov, 3. The official hour is 2 p.m., but most folks won’t notice the change until daybreak - or later. Clocks will again jump ahead March 8, 2020. Tillers International speaker to visit women’s club The next meeting of the GFWCHastings Women’s Club will be Friday, Nov. 1, at the Commission on Aging, 320 W. Woodlawn Ave., Hastings. The meeting will include a presentation by Robert Burdick, interim executive director of Tilers International, a non­ profit organization dedicated to improv­ ing the lives of people in rural areas around the world. Tillers works with farmers and artisans to create effective, innovative and sustain­ able solutions to their problems. Specializing in draft animal power, they I also offer expert instruction" in black­ smithing and woodworking. The meeting will begin at noon, with lunch and fellowship at 1 p.m. The General Federation of Women’s Clubs is a women’s organization dedicat­ ed to community improvement by enhanc­ ing the lives of others through volunteer service. Monthly meetings feature speak­ ers presenting local volunteer information and topics that impact our community. Visitors and new members are wel­ come. Reservations and more information can be obtained by calling club president, Joann Logan, 269-945-9782. Night-time parking restrictions go into effect Hastings Chief of Police Jeff Pratt reminds motorists that the parking restric­ tion on city streets goes into effect this week. The restriction means no parking between 2 and 6 a.m. on city streets. Warning citations will be issued the first week to give drivers time to adjust to the change in winter nighttime parking hours. Speaker will explore ways to date vintage photographs Wendy Batchelder will present “Captured in Time” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6, in the community room of Hastings Public Library. This program is designed to explore ways to date vintage photographs by using clues embedded in the photo itself. She will explain the evolution of Victorianera fashion, hairstyles, jewelry, hats and studio props that will help date a photo­ graph as close as possible to the year it was taken. Everyone is encouraged to bring vin­ tage family photos or collections of pho­ tographs for examination and discussion at the end of the program. All participants also will go home with a handout to use for future reference. As an extra bonus, Batchelder will share a bizarre and intrigu­ ing little-known side of Victorian photog­ raphy and customs. Batchelder is a historical interpreter from Grand Rapids, with a background in education and historical costuming. She has presented previous programs in Hastings, discussing what it took to dress and live as a Victorian lady and also how Victorians used flowers and fans to com- See NEWS BRIEFS, page 2 Halloween is going medieval tonight, with a castle show on Indian Hills Drive in Hastings. (Photo by Taylor Owens) Castle sets stage for magical Halloween Taylor Owens Staff Writer After wowing residents with a pirate ship last year, Indian Hills Drive resident Skyler Tripp and rest of the Trilanders multisport club built a medieval show this year. See HALLOWEEN, page 9 Doug VanderLaan Contributing Writer After a high-stakes meeting with a repre­ sentative from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority on Oct. 21, the Royal Coach housing project on East Mill Street along the Thornapple River received crucial site approval late Friday. “MSHDA has to approve the selected site and they initially took exception to the Royal Coach project being located in such close proximity to an industrial site,” Dan King, Hastings community development director, explained in comments following Monday’s council meeting. Site selection approval is a crucial and mandatory step to receiving MSHDA funding through affordable housing tax credits for which General Capital, the project developer, applied on Oct. 1. “If you don’t get site selection approval, you can pack your bags,” King said. King and a committee of community lead­ ers escorted MSHDA’s Dr. David Allen to the site during the Oct. 21 visit and also walked him through personally-presented examples of how important the project is to the city and why the site, located adjacent to and on aban­ doned Hastings Manufacturing property, is especially appropriate. “It’s been a site left to disrepair, it (the housing project) is blight elimination,” King pointed out. “There’s the pedestrian bridge “I’ve got too much confidence in our collective ability to get things done. I’m glad (MSHDA’s Dr. David Allen) he could hear our collective community voice.” Dan King, Hastings community development director that leads across the river to downtown, to restaurants, to activity. Plus, it addresses a housing issue, our need for affordable housing and, specifically, our need for workforce housing.” But King said he never had any doubt of MSHDA’s site selection approval. “I’ve got too much confidence in our col­ lective ability to get things done,” he said. “I’m glad (Allen) he could hear our collective community voice.” The city now awaits MSHDA’s decision on grant funding, although King is not certain how soon that announcement will be made. Funding applications are accepted only ih April and October of each year and, if General Capital is not awarded funding in the present round, it will re-apply for the scheduled April 1 consideration. .. Prosecutor adds 27 felony counts to open murder case Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry County resident Jon Burnett now faces 35 felony counts in connection with the shooting deaths of two men in Orangeville Township four months ago. A series of crimes - ranging from felonious assaults to resisting and obstructing police occurred June 21 in the wake of those two homicides, according to police, who have reason to believe that Burnett, 63, of Plainwell, is culpable. Burnett had originally faced eight charges. Last Thursday, 27 more felony counts were added when he was arraigned before Judge Michael Schipper. Burnett has been in jail on a $10 million cash bond since he was charged with the shooting deaths of Gary L. Peake, 73, of Plainwell, and Bryce Nathan DeGood, 21, of Haslett, and with trying to strangle his 59-year-old wife, Lynne Burnett. A forensic examination found him compe­ tent to stand trial. But the prosecutor said criminal responsibility had yet to be deter­ mined, so the Oct. 24 hearing was set. Before the hearing began, Burnett, in orange jail garb and shackled, was escorted into the courtroom and took a seat at the defendant’s table. He was wearing hearing aids attached to his head behind his ears. Schipper greeted Burnett as he entered the courtroom, but Burnett did not speak or ver­ bally acknowledge that he could hear what was going on. “If you can’t hear me, then I can’t do this,’’ Schipper said to Burnett. “...He doesn’t want to talk to me,” the judge said to defense attorney Gordon Shane McNeill, who was sitting beside Burnett. “Can he hear me?” “Yes, your honor,” McNeill said. “He’s indicating he can hear you.” “I want verbal responses,” Schipper told Burnett. “This must all be put on the record. I’m required by law to record everything here. That’s to protect your rights, to protect every­ body’s rights. I want a verbal response. “Can you hear me, Mr. Burnett?” the judge asked. The courtroom was silent. Schipper repeated the question. Silence. The judge waited. Finally, Burnett replied loudly: “I hear you.” At one point, when Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt was reading the additional counts into the court record, Burnett shook bis head. Nakfoor Pratt paused in her reading of the 27 felony counts to ask if Burnett could heat Prosecuting Attorney Julie Nakfoor Pratt and Senior Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Elsworth listen to the judge during court proceedings for Jon Burnett. (Photos by Rebecca Pierce) See HOMICIDES, page 12 Foundation creates fund to honor Moyer, Steward - and preserve the arts they loved Rebecca Pierce Editor A new fund created by the Barry Community Foundation is intended to preserve Hastings’ premiere arts center in perpetuity. The Herb Moyer-Art Steward Hastings High School Performing Arts Center Memorial Fund was announced Oct. 24 at the Foundation’s 400 Club celebration in Hastings. This fund will ensure the mainte­ nance of the new state-of-the-art center, Foundation board chairman Fred Jacobs said in making the announcement. “We need to keep that performing arts cen­ ter the beautiful place that it is,” Jacobs said to the gathering at the Barry Community Enrichment Center. Moyer, the schools’ vocal music director who came to Hastings in 1950, and Stuart, the band director who came to Hastings in 1957, devoted their careers to the community. “These guys had a passion for Hastings,” Jacobs said. “And these people had a passion for the arts.” The two men laid the groundwork for how the community values the arts and music today, he said, and the impact of their contri­ bution to the community is still visible in the variety of events and arts endeavors that take place. They put arts and music here on a whole different level,” he said. The latest, the performing arts center venue at the high school with its 9-foot Steinway concert grand piano, is on a par with many colleges, Jacobs pointed out. Often, when schools have built these types of facilities for the arts, they ultimately don’t have the financial ability to maintain them particularly when money gets tight. That’s when the arts suffer, Jacobs said. So, this fund will provide a way to ensure Herbert Moyer that the center is kept in shape, no matter the economic constraints, to benefit students and the community at large for years to come, he told the audience. Jacobs encouraged them to Arthur Steward Jr. give to this fund. Moyer and Steward “set the bar in the 1950s,” he said. “I don’t want these gentle­ men to be forgotten.” �Page 2 — Thursday, October 31,2019— The Hastings Banner Spectrum Pennock hosts active shooter training S Police sweep through the Spectrum Pennock Medical Arts building. ; Emergency medical service personnel attend to volunteer actors during the training. See a Doctor Online 24/7 Getting sick is never convenient, but getting care should be! Now you can have a video visit with a doctor from the comfort of your home on your phone, tablet or computer. • Get a diagnosis, treatment plan and prescription, if needed, within minutes. • Ideal for a cold, sinus infection, rash, pink eye, and more. • $59 (less if covered by your insurance). Police discuss the plan for an active shooter training outside Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital in Hastings. (Photos provided) Taylor Owens Staff Writer After nearly a year of organizing, commu­ nication and pre-trainings, Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital hosted an active shooter training the morning of Oct. 23. The training involved 55 staff members, more than 40 Barry County first responders, 11 community volunteers and six manne­ quins, Spectrum Health Emergency Prefaredness Specialist Doug DeVries said. It was the largest active shooter training for both Spectrum Health and Barry County. The teams conducted two similar exercises, both within the Medical Arts Building near the main hospital. Blank rounds were fired; calls went in to Barry County 911 Dispatch; and police moved in to clear the building, and ensure it was safe for fire and emergency medical personnel to* come in and help the people inside. ' Afterward, Spectrum staff had a debriefing, and an opportunity to work with the hospital’s Critical Incident Stress Management team. Spectrum Health Pennock Chief Operating Officer Carla Wilson-Neil said the team gave the staff the support they might need after the stress of this type of training. “It’s the first time we all had a chance to work together; it was a great training pro­ gram,” Hastings City Police Chief Jeff Pratt said. “I think each agency learned a lot, and found several ways that we can make improve­ ments.” Pratt said one of the biggest learning oppor­ tunities came from issues with communica­ tion. “Communication needs to be better. We need to be able to understand the other agen­ cies’ language,” Pratt said. He said police, firefighters and EMS per­ sonnel each have their own way of talking over radios, which can be an obstacle when fast and effective communication is a necessi­ ty“You can never be too prepared for some­ thing like this,” Pratt said. Hastings Deputy Chief Dale Boulter said the training was especially useful to the new­ est members of the department. “They got a feeling for what they can pos­ sibly expect,” Boulter said. “They got to see how confusing it gets. They got to see how communications fail. They got to see their heart rate go up.” “It’s a sign of the times, but kudos [to Spectrum Health] for realizing that this type of training is a necessity in today’s world,” Boulter said. “We haven’t done anything this large,” Barry County Sheriff’s Office Sergeant Rich Frazer said. “When we can get together and train more, it’s only going to make these things run smoother.” One of the most important aspects of the training was creating and strengthening rela­ tionships between departments. “Once you build those relationships, they will always be there,” DeVries said. “A crisis is not the best time to be meeting somebody.” Pratt said the trainings allow the depart­ ments to learn each other’s resources and capabilities, so they can quickly dole out tasks. Wilson-Neil said the different agencies were eager to work together on the training, to test their own systems an4 abilities. She added that the hospital may have simi­ lar trainings in the future. “There’s always something you can learn from and improve upon,” Wilson-Neil said. Visit bronsonhealth.com/videovisit to download our app and start your online visit now. * Bronson Video Visit Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads Staff are escorted out the Spectrum Health Pennock Medical Arts building. NEWS BRIEFS continued from front page municate. Everyone is welcome to attend, and there is no charge for the program, which will be the last historical society program until spring of 2020 Choral society recruiting new singers The Lakewood Area Choral Society will celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2020. The choir, under the musical leadership of founding artistic director and conductor Robert C. Oster, has planned 2020 perfor­ mances in Hastings, Lake Odessa, Portland, Jenison and Traverse City. As part of its anniversary celebration, the choral society is recruiting new singers in any voice part to attend an open rehearsal Monday, Nov. 4, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Sunfield United Brethren Church on M-43 just west of Sunfield. The mission of the choral society is to provide for its members an atmosphere that promotes learning and enjoyment of choral music and to provide audiences with superi­ or performances of choral music. Current membership includes 100 singers from more than 18 ZIP codes in Michigan who range in age from the mid-20s to 80s. Past choral Aerience, including singing in school or college choirs, as well as church or community choirs, is ned&sary. Prospective new members are encour­ aged to attend this open rehearsal. Interested singers should email Joanie Oster, LACS executive assistant, lacsmusic@gmail.com, to regjgter for the Nov. 4 rehearsal. Registration should be completed by Oct. 28. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 31,2019 — Page 3 Hastings volunteers help prepare school facilities for improvements Volunteers pose for picture after completing the tennis court prep be completely dismantling the fencing surrounding the courts in 3 1/2 hours. Pictured are (from left) Drew VanDiver, Chase Youngs, Stacey Youngs, Brooke Youngs, Jeff Arnold, Brian McLean, Joe McLean, Paul Dull, John Tellkamp, Debbie Dull, Cheryl Goggins, Layla Lamance, Tyler Dull, Julie Severns and Erin Goggins. (Missing from photo are Mitchell Vann, Angela, Vann, Andrew Vann, Joe Goggins and Elisabeth Arnold. Mike Goggins HASS Athletic Director In an effort to save the Hastings Area School System money and to help make dona­ tion dollars go farther, we have organized vol­ unteers to help with demolition and site preparation before big projects. Ten years ago, we got volunteers together and totally dismantled the old bleachers in the high school and middle school before new bleachers were installed (thanks to another Baum donation). At that time, we saved the district around $10,000 in demolition costs, plus our shop classes benefited from the metal and wood that was saved for student use. Anything left over was sold for scrap. The same idea was applied recently with the removal of the fencing around the tennis courts and the removal of the wood decking and seating on the bleachers in preparation for the refurbishment of those facilities. Twenty-two volunteers, high school tennis Players, their families and coaches met at the tennis courts and dismantled the 10-foot fenc­ ing, gates, poles and nets to prepare the courts for demolition and total replacement. It was a great project. Our tennis families started at 11 a.m., and by 2:30 p.m., we were complete­ ly finished. I organized the work session by sending letters home with tennis player, asking for help with the project, along with a list of tools and items needed to make the job easier. Our goal was to get 15 people and complete the task in five hours, we got 22 and we had everything we needed to knock the job out in 3 1/2 hours, it was amazing how fast it went. For the bleachers at the football field, we did the same thing but on a much larger scale. Brad Tolles and a smaller crew had disman­ tled the visitor side the week before, so he had a good idea of what was needed to complete the home side, so we started sending out let­ ters, emails and using social media to get the word out, and it was crazy how many people came in to help. Brad Tolles and I “guessti­ mated” it would take about 500 man hours to complete the home bleachers stripping, which included removing all aluminum seats, handrails, bolts, screws, wood, decking, kick­ boards and risers and cleaning up the area of all debris so the sandblast/painting could be completed. Our original plan was to get 40 people and work straight through until finished. Because we had youth football games sched­ uled on the field Saturday Oct. 26, we had to wait until they were completed so start time on the project was 3 p.m. In typical Michigan fashion, rain started right at 3. But to our amazement, 75 people showed up and we got started in the driving rain. It was amazing. The bleachers looked like they were covered with ants, people were everywhere, grinders, saws, ratchets, wrenches were on every part of the bleachers, people were carrying boards district will be nearly $40,000. Brad Tolles was really the foreman of our group. His skills made it run so smoothly since we had every skill level there helping from a licensed contractor to a 7-year-old student picking up dropped bolts and putting them in the scrap bucket. I am not a guy that gets too emotional, but it was truly amazing watching our community’s effort. Maybe we forget how many truly skilled, caring, hard­ working folks we have. This is “small-town effort” at its very best. I really feel like it was this group’s way of saying “thank you” to the Baums. In addition to those in the group photo­ graph, others who helped included Tim and Nancy Schoessel, Brad Warner, Zane Warner, Tate Warner, Eric Kohmescher, Nate Kohmescher, Jimmy Dingman, Brian Carroll, Sarah Carroll, Tony Jacinto (and Hungry Howies Pizza) Bruce and Stacy Valentine, Rene Noe, David and Marianne Seidl, Rose Kniaz, Charles Jordan, Mike Murphy, Chad Murphy, Jack Kensington, Brian Teed, Heather Teed, Allison Teed, Noah Teed, Braden Tolles, Kearan Tolles, Becky Deal, Katy Hawthorne, Jacque and Michael Brown. (So sorry if we missed anyone, but we had so many people there.) Athletic Director Mike Goggins said work done by Hastings students, coaches and families may have saved the school district $40,000 in fees to remove the ten­ nis fence and bleachers. down and knocking out the old bolts and stacking the wood. Everybody was working hard in the rain and having & great time. We played music over the new PA system and even put the MSU football game on the score­ board. Cheryl Goggins, Tammy Redman and a few others provided snacks and drinks to keep the crew energized. We had ages 7 to 76 working together to get it done. By 5:30 we were over half finished. By then, everybody was so wet and the temperature was dropping. We decided to call it quits for the night asking everyone if they could return in the morning. We hoped we would get 25 people back Sunday morning at 10 a.m. to try to finish. By 10 the next morning we had 50 people and were back at it and completed the job by 11:45. I also think it’s important to note the real savings to the district and to the donation this kind of efforts creates. The commercial bids for the removal of the tennis fence and the visitor and home bleacher prep was nearly $30,000. In addition, the used wood, and alu­ minum will be sold for a little more than $5,000. Plus, all other metal will be sold as scrap. We also plan to reuse much of the good fencing from the tennis courts on other facili­ ties in the district and will sell what we don’t use. All told, I estimate the savings to the Chase Youngs (tennis parent), Julie Severns (HHS girls’ tennis coach), Jeff Arnold; (parent and donor), and Drew VanDiver begin taking down the fence around tennis courts Oct. 12 in preparation for demolition of the old courts. _______ - Hastings school board President Luke Haywood gets ready to remove a bleach­ er board. . ________ ______________________________________ Helping over the weekend were (front row, from left) Layton Eastman, Robb^ Slaughter, Joe Goggins, TJ Russel, Caleb Gurtowski, Dan Weatherly, Conner Makled, Brandon Greenfield, Rick Brown, Andrew Haines; (second row) Dan Welton, Jufe Welton, Ana Denton, Susan Richmond, Tracey Furrow, Joey Furrow, Ben Furrow,. Riley Furrow, Charlie Nickels, Ashland Hoyt, Liam Eastman, Kim Weatherly, Kyle Hoyt, Nick Larabee, Vai Slaughter; (third row) Addey Nickels, Todd Wigg, Josey Nickels, Becky Wigg, Cheryl Goggins, Missie Caris, John Kelmer, Scott Denton, Steve ShultS, Brad Tolles, Ben Furrow, Don Cook, Ben Eastman, Ethan Caris, Kirby Beck, Rip Eastman, Jennifer Eastman, Roger Caris, Luke Haywood, Brian Weatherly, Jon Vertalka, Chase Youngs, Dan Blair, Tammy Redman; (fourth row) Verne Robins, Austin Bleam, Mike Nickels, Jamie Murphy, Jeff Arnold, Mike Goggins and Dennis EXPANDING & GROWING IN HASTINGS! You might have noticed a “For Sale” sign in front of our Hastings location. Our team is proud to announce that after years of continued growth, we are considering a move to a larger, more modern facility in Hastings. We will continue to provide the services that we’ve become known for: Bleachers stripping nears completion after a little more than four hours Saturday, despite fowl weather. • Traditional estate planning • Elder law Robert J. Longstreet Longstreet Elder Law & Estate Planning P.C. 607 North Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-3495 �Page 4 - Thursday, October 31, 2019 - The Hastings Banner New jail, COA a one-two ballot punch County commissioners may be doubling down in the fight that’s been going on for I several years to build both a new jail and a new Commission on Aging facility. I Hired to work their corner now is I TowerPinkster, the Kalamazoo-based archiI tectural and engineering firm that composed I I the original facility plan document four years ago for all county-owned buildings. I Now the firm that drew up the plan will be I helping the effort to promote the new jail I and COA building as the facilitator for I what s headlined to be an objective public input session Monday, Nov. 4. My fear is that taxpayers are being set up for a sucker punch. I The jail is our No. 1 priority of this Community Enrichment Center (Barry Community Foundation), at 231 S Broadway in downtown Hastings. County commissioners will host the public event but TowerPinkster will be in charge of facil itating - and guiding - the discussion. The problem I see using TowerPinkster as the meeting facilitator is that it presents a clear conflict of interest. Commissioners are using tax dollars to sell county taxpayers on the necessity of supporting the millage. State rules and regulations don’t allow gov­ ernments to use tax funds to sell or support a specific election. County officials maintain that maintain that TowerPinkster hasn’t been hired to sell the project. But, if you’re in charge of holding county and has been for a long time,” public discussions to answer questions on a I Commissioner Ben Geiger has said. new jail and COA facility that could lead to That may be Geiger’s No. 1 issue, but I’m financial benefit for your firm, isn’t it all not so sure it’s the highest priority of tax­ about promoting the projects? payers. In fact, the last time commissioners “After decades of waiting, we now have held a public forum, members of the public in front of us a plan - and light at the end of I wasted no time in sharing their ideas, scrib­ t uck seen along a Barry County byway seems to be guarded by pokeweed growing in its path. (Photo by Del Bachert) the tunnel,” Geiger said. “If this board leads bling thoughts on Post-it notes which by listening and adopts this plan, we can I spelled out the clear conclusion that citizens make sure our rickety old jail days are num­ send ii uNesesmomHastings “ share’ I didn t want a new jail; they were looking for bered.” Mere anti Men tie Pl„„„ as new programs to keep people out of jail. But is the board really listening or just I Affordable housing, increasing the hours of holding the forums so it can say, “We asked I the county transit and connecting service to citizens how they felt” about a new jail and I outside venues were all top of mind for COA facility? those in attendance. For several years, it’s also been the posi­ I T°. cre<iit, commissioners were tion of Tammy Pennington, executive direc­ anticipating the future when they hired tor of the Commission on Aging, and her TowerPinkster to compose the 2015 com­ board of directors that a new COA facility is I prehensive long-range planning document needed and, for several years, commission­ for all county-owned properties. Of the ers have been looking for a way to fund a seven projects reviewed in the facility mas­ new COA building without going to taxpay­ ter plan, county commissioners have already ers. Now it looks like they may roll the addressed three: Renovation of the circuit projects together to gain more support for a courtroom at the courthouse, conversion of special millage. To get one new facility, you I the Courts and Law building adjacent to the would need to vote for two. courthouse, and the makeover of the former First of all, I’m in agreement that both the I library now known as the Tyden Building. present jail and COA facility need a great I I Commissioners appear now to be putting deal of work, and replacing them might be a a long-range plan on the fast track with their better plan rather than continuing to fix and I rush to complete two more projects, a new repair the old structures. I jail and a Commission on Aging facility. But, before we spend any more money, ww. I With their recent unanimous vote to commit we need to evaluate what this new jail I to asking voters for the needed tax request should look like, where it’s located and get I I in August 2020, commissioners now have a better understanding of how technology I some fast dancing to do to meet an April 1 might impact jail population. The COA just requirement to submit ballot language to the received a new roof so we have a little more I state. That’s only five months away. Now TowerPinkster enters the ring, hired time to dig into its needs and the possibility ■f\ndmg a suitable location rather than by commissioners at a cost not to exceed I $70,000 to facilitate the upcoming critical building a completely new structure. I know commissioners want to finish I public input phase. But taxpayers should these projects, but what’s more important: question if commissioners are allowing the Checking off their list of things to do, or I fox to enter the hen house. TowerPinkster taking the time to really understand the I completed the original facility plan, and I’m I sure the firm will top the list of architects issues, look at all the options and get a plan I in place that an overwhelming number of and engineers who would eventually be county taxpayers are willing to support? I bidding to be part of building a new jail and Plus, I don’t think these issues should I senior center. Gaining taxpayer approval in an upcoming millage vote is paramount to appear on the ballot together. They should appear separately and stand on their own I their business prospects. merits. This entire script suggests to me that I So, should commissioners use TowerPinkster to facilitate the public input a lot of elected officials in the county are looking to expand the footprint of govern­ process which, if guided correctly, would ment - all at taxpayers’ expense. lead to a successful millage vote? I wouldn’t Plan to attend the Nov. 4 meeting. It may think so. and you can probably see that the kids went all out. (Undated Banner, likely mid-1970s) n° eXCep,IOn’ be your only chance to be heard. If commissioners really want to gamer public support and are genuinely interested in hearing voter concerns, why wouldn’t they hire an unbiased person to run the meeting? Several people in our community have served as facilitators in the past and hold demonstrated reputations for being Becky (Heide) Wigg has been teaching for independent and unbiased. Yet, commis­ Favorite Scripture: “Therefore do not the past 29 years and has been at Hastings sioners are using a hired gun with a vested worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will Middle School for 28 of those years. interest in the outcome to persuade voters worry about itself. Each day has enough Wigg grew up in Lake Odessa and gradu­ these projects must be done. trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:34. ated from Lakewood High School. She and Commissioners are inviting anyone inter­ Greatest song ever written: “Amazing her husband, Todd, have two children, ested to take part in a public discussion at Grace” by John Newton, a former slave I, Quenton, 22, and Jordyn, 19. Fred Jacobs, CEO, 6:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 4, at the Barry owner. In addition to being a seventh grade J-Ad Graphics Inc. Advice for a high school graduate: Move I English literature teacher, Wigg for the past forward and find a job in something you are I six years has taught teen leadership. Students very passionate about that you will wake up in the elective class develop life-changing n/laSlrme ^^ners held a public forum, members and enjoy going to most days. I say most I skills, including taking personal responsibilith hePubllc wasted no time in sharing their ideas scribblino days because I don’t think there is a job that I I. ty, expressing themselves well and making ftoup/ife on Post-it notes which spelled out the clear conclusion people would be happy to go to every day. I i the right decisions when problems arise. hanmnZ renS Want a newJail; they were looking for new Favorite food: I pretty much enjoy every­ Roughly seven years ago, after the dis­ thing Mexican. programs to keep people out ofjail. Affordable housino trict-wide training for Capturing Kids Hearts, If I could change one thing: Globally, I I Wigg was selected to attend a conference to the h°UrS Of the county transit and connecting service would see that everyone enjoys life, every­ j receive training for teen leadership. to outside venues were all top of mind for those in attendance one has enough, and that everyone has I “Teen leadership is a spin-off of Capturing opportunity and freedom. I would want I Kids Hearts ... but gives the leadership to the everyone to have enough to live on. Locally, I kids and teaches them what leadership is, I would increase school funding. how to get along,” Wigg said. “It basically Greatest thing about Barry County: I I j includes all of the soft skills you need in life love living in Barry County, especially I that are lacking big time in our society and Becky Wigg Hastings, because it has everything you need our schools.” One of the first things she teaches students lenges for themselves and have to report right here at your back door. I love the fact back to the class about their achievements. that we have awesome restaurants, a movie is how their attitude shapes their feelings. Guest speakers also visit and share stories theater, shopping, an amphitheater for con­ “Attitude is something they control; atti­ certs, and a dog park. It’s a great town to live tude is something that can bring them a feel­ and experiences with the students. “I am passionate about the leadership in and raise a family in because it offers all ing of happiness include, or it can create depression,” she said. “It is a surprise to class,” Wigg said. “If I could teach that all kinds of opportunities for kids and families. he tabulaled re^d “ »*> And it is small enough where people know some students to learn that no one is in day long, I would be thrilled.” each other. For her passion and dedication to making charge of your attitude but you.” Best invention: I would go with indoor Students might respond by saying, “‘Well, students assertive leaders, Becky Wigg is this plumbing. So-and-So was mean to me. That is why I week’s Banner Bright Light. Pokey old truck Do you remember? Send in the clowns . Have you met? What do you ; have a bad attitude.’ ‘No because you have to control the way you are going to react,”’ she said. “It is such a wakeup call about their emotions.” The leadership students also help peers in a special-needs classroom, serve as greeters at honors night, and hand out hot cocoa in the winter, along with messages to encourage others. .. Each week, students set goals and chal- think? For this week: Favorite movie: I show it every year to my leadership class: “Remember the Titians.” It’s one of my all-time favorites. Best advice ever received: This comes from my mom, and whenever I am going through whatever I feel is a crisis, she will remind me that ‘this too shall pass.’ And it is true.” Favorite book: “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. X9d “ldi"3S - and a POtenBal 2020 "4* □ Yes □ No to �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 31,2019 — Page 5 Creepy and kooky Addams Family on Lakewood stage this weekend Many timeless characters have graced the Lakewood High School stage over the years. Belle and the Beast made an appearance in 2013. Audiences saw Dorothy in Oz in 2016. This year, it’s, well, Cousin Itt. Lakewood High School’s theater department will be tackling the hilariously morose characters of the sitcom “The Addams Family” beginning Friday, Nov. 1. The story revolves around daughter Wednesday, who has fallen in love with a “normal” boy. She has become secretly engaged to him, but is scared to tell her overprotective mother, Morticia. Instead, she chooses to confide in her father, Gomez, who is then stuck between lying to his wife or breaking his daughter’s confidence. Put this storyline against the backdrop of the one night every year that all of the Addams family ancestors come back to life for one night, and let the chaos and shenani­ gans ensue. While the recently released animated film is geared more toward children, this musical is intended for all ages. “Typically, this show is a little more bawdy, shall we say?” director Amanda Smith said. “We have toned down the language and some of the jokes to make it more family-friendly because that’s important to us. I laugh heartily through every single rehearsal - it’s one of the funniest shows I have ever directed.” Delivering many of the jokes is newcomer Garrett Backe, as Gomez Addams. He’s a recent transfer student and landed the lead role in his first-ever Lakewood production. “The students have really welcomed me,” Backe said. “I am super excited to get to share the stage with so many talented people. This show is going to be amazing.” The cast also will be doing something spe­ cial to help promote the production. They will be at a meet-the-cast event Halloween night at Lake Odessa Public Library during trick-ortreat hours. “We wanted to reach out to the community and personally invite them to our show. And what better way than to give them candy and coupons?” Smith said, “We are so grateful that the library agreed to this idea. They were even more excited than the students, I think.” Tickets ($10 for adults, $8 for students) are available online at lakewoodhsdrama.com or by calling the reservation hotline, 708­ 61 DRAMA. Shows are Friday Nov. 1, at 7 p.m.; Saturday Nov. 2, at 3 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday Nov. 3 at 3 p.m. Economic Summit at Hastings PAC Nov. 6 [Write Us A Letter: The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on One issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Know Your Legislators: Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov State Senator Dr. John Bizon, Republican, 19th District State Senate, Phone 517­ 373-2426 or toll-free, 855-347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Independent, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. The Hastings SilfllMBff Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Taylor Owens • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 Ashley Lantmga Chad Lundquist Jeff Disher Michael McKeown ‘Culture as a competitive adyantag^ highlighting annual event The Barry County Economic' Development Alliance will host the annual Barry County Economic Summit Wednesday, Nov. 6, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. at the new performing arts center at Hastings High School. The summit keynote focus is a presentation and panel discussion highlighting how the culture of a company or organization can be catalytic to its success and future prosperity. “It’s amazing how the landscape of economic development has shifted in recent years,” Travis Alden, president of the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance, said in a press release. “Fifteen years ago, it was all about tax incentives and access to highways. Now it’s talent, placemaking and housing availability. Getting proactive on improving your company’s culture isn’t a luxury anymore, it’s essential.” As part of the scope of their annual retention and expansion visits with local employers, Alden and his team routinely receive feedback from companies about the challenge to attract and retain talent. “With such a low unemployment rate, it’s really a buyer’s market out there when it comes to employment,” said Cindy Vujea, economic development coordinator at the Barry County EDA. “More and more, talent is attracted to organizations with a thriving Jim Robey, Ph.D. workplace culture. It’s just as significant as compensation in many cases.” Many local and regional companies have seen significant recent success in the culture space and have made significant, intentional investments into their efforts to be an attractive place to work. Kicking off this discussion will be Jeff Disher - founder and president of DISHER a product development, talent solutions and business consulting firm. He will give a presentation on “building a thriving culture by design.” “I’ve been hearing about DISHER for the last couple of years - raves about what they’re doing from some folks I really respect,” Alden said. “We scheduled a ‘culture tour’ at their facility in Zeeland and were absolutely blown away at their approach. I’m really excited to bring Jeff to town for this event.” To dive deeper into specific strategies, stories and best practices about their work in creating thriving cultures, Disher will be joined by individuals from four other organizations - two local and two regional for an interactive panel discussion. Panelists include: Chad Lundquist, lean/CI manager and foundations champion at Flexfab in Hastings.! Michael McKeown, partner, and Ashley. Lantinga, director of culture at McKeown and Kraai Professional CPAs in Middleville. . Jeff Shingler, vice president of employee experience at CMS Energy Corp/Consumers Energy. Rachel Bartels, executive director of Hello West Michigan in Grand Rapids. Preceding the panel discussion, Jim Robey, from the Upjohn Institute will give his annual economic forecast for Barry County, the state* of Michigan and the nation. In addition, Alden and others from the Economic Development Alliance will provide’ a brief update on the organization’s scope of work and impacts achieved in the past year. Area employers, business owners and managers, human resource professionals and elected and appointed officials are encouraged to attend. The summit is open to the public^ the cost to attend is $20 per person for Barry; County Chamber members and $30 for non­ members. Registration and additional information can be found online at https://* tinyurl.com/bcsummitl9; by emailing gary@!. mibarry.com; or calling 269-945-2454. What to expect at Monday’s jai /COA forum Barry County residents who attend Monday’s forum to discuss what do to about the jail and Commission on Aging buildings - and the prospect for a 2020 millage election - will have an opportunity to share their thoughts, ask questions and learn about the current state of those facilities. The meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. at the Leason Sharpe Hall in the Barry Community Enrichment Center, 231 S. Broadway, in Hastings. TowerPinkster, the company hired by the county commissioners to facilitate the ses­ sion, will start the forum with an overview, a brief historical review, then it will report on current shortcomings at both facilities. The purpose of this forum is not to propose any solutions, said Eric Hackman, senior proj­ ect manager at TowerPinkster. “There’s definitely a whole bunch of solu­ tions,” Hackman told commissioners at a recent county board meeting. “Again, this meeting is not to propose any solutions, but at least to be able to say there are ideas out there. “We’re going to ask the community to think about those and begin to have a conver­ sation about what those are and give feedback back to the county.” After their presentation, which will take roughly 20 minutes, the forum will break into small groups. “Ideally, each group will identify a ques­ tion or concern,” he said. “We’ll hear from everybody.” Hackman said the emphasis will be on sharing, but no political soapboxes. “Ideally, we’re done and out of there in an hour.” The point of the meeting will be to gather substantive information and ideas and create a report that goes back to the county board with details about next steps. The goal is to develop options and ask for opinions and questions about those options, Hackman said. “Ultimately, we’re trying to get to ananswer that best fits what your community isj looking to do.” Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Hanner classified ads �Page 6 — Thursday, October 31,2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) . / 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter . Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country P (church." Sunday School p 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible ru Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. ” m GRACE COMMUNITY be CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor riTGabe Priddy, (517) 852vf 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmaiL com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingshopeumc. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10:31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office, greenstreetumc @ gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948­ 8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings. org. 9 a.m. Classes and Gatherings for All ages; 9:45 a.m. Worship (Children's Worship Offered); 10:45 a.m. Coffee Fellowship; 11:15 a.m. Coffee Talk with Pastor Dan. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9: 45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945-9217. ebehastings. org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH 2635 N. M-43 Hwy, P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www.hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller, Wor­ ship Director, Martha Stoetze!. Sundays: Nursery and toddler ( birth through age 3) care pro­ vided. SUNDAY MORNING FAMILY HOUR WEL­ COMES ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue, Loving God, Lov­ ing Neighbor: Preschool age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Standard and Adult Elective classes. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church age 4-4th grade dis­ missed during service. Fall Ser­ mon Series & Growth Groups, "On Mission" begins Sept. 15. Sunday Evening: Youth Group at 6:30 p.m, 2nd Tues: Young Women's Small Group at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Mid-Week: Women's Bible Study at 6:30 p.m. Kid's Club, Oct. 16-Dec. 4, 6:30-7:45 p.m. Friday Bible Study at 10 a.m. For more infor­ mation please contact the church. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God’s Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! Nov. 3 - Worship services at 8 and 10:45 a.m.; Church School 10:45 a.m. Nov. 4 Social Activities Mtg. 5 p.m. Nov. 5 - Flute Choir 7 p.m. Nov. 7 - Clapper Kids 3:45 p.m.; Grace Notes 5:45 p.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St, Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www. grace-has tings, org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings, MI. Barbara J. Resenhouse Randall Wayne Syswerda MARNE, MI - Randall Wayne Syswerda, age 68, of Marne, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, with his wife by his side, and is now home in the presence of his Lord and Savior, free from his earthly challenges and walking the streets of gold where he was ready to be. Randy struggled all his life against physical limitations and ailments. He developed encephalitis as an infant that left him with cerebral palsy. He didn’t walk until he was five, and later in life suffered a brain injury that would slowly take his nervous control and cognition. Even through his challenges, Randy was a member of Kenowa Hills High School class of 1970. He never let his limitations break his spirit or harden his heart. His motto in life was “Life is hard, but God is good.” He was an avid fan of many sports, but had a special love for the Michigan State University Spartans. He was preceded in death by his parents, Herman and Lucile Syswerda; sister, Donna Vander Wai; and brother-in-law, Harold Sheridan. He will be dearly missed by his loving wife of 42 years, Leona Syswerda; son, Caleb Syswerda; siblings, Ivan and Helen Syswerda, Mary Sheridan, Maxine and Scott DeGaynor, John and Jean Syswerda, Roger and Joan Syswerda, Dorothy and Fred Langeland, David and Ellen Syswerda, Bonnie and Karl Olexa, Connie and Marvin Meiste, Ed and Janice Syswerda, Karel and Jeff Swanson; brother-in-law, Larry and Tern VanderWal; and many nieces and nephews. According to Randy’s wishes, his body has been donated to MSU for research. No funeral services will be held. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the staff of Brookcrest Rehab and Life Center and Emmanuel Hospice for the love, compassionate care, and friendship given to Randy during his time there. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to Brookcrest (3400 Wilson Ave SW, Grandville, MI 49418) or to Emmanuel Hospice (401 Hall St SW, Suite 263, Grand Rapids, MI 49503). Condolences may be sent online at www.mkdfuneralhome.com. Banner on Facebook to keep up to date until the new edition is printed! Barbara J. Rensenhouse passed away peacefully on Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019 in Hastings. She was bom the third daughter of Roxie Anna (Miller) and Raymond A. Rensenhouse on Nov 21,1928 in Three Rivers. She was predeceased by her sister, Frances; her parents; her sister, Dorothy Rensenhouse Barnett and her brother-in-law, John Barnett of Hastings. She is survived by her nieces, Barbra Scott and Nancy Kinney (Michael) in Hastings, Mary Barnett (Betsy Neisner) in Leverett, MA and nephew, David Barnett (Tracy) in Holland. Extended family includes, John and Alice Kinney, Melaina and Charles Neisner, Faith Barnett, Tamara Rasmussen, Cameron Schuster, Nancy Nixon and John Rensenhouse. Though impacted by growing up during the Depression, WWII and hardships that the ill health of her father presented, BR lived a happy childhood in Three Rivers. She remembered helping with scrap drives and collecting metal, rubber, newspapers, rags and even kitchen grease for the war effort. Perhaps this early indoctrination laid the foundation for her being so resourceful, having a penchant for saving almost everything in the name of creating art and becoming an avowed “pack rat”. BR loved riding her bike, playing softball and basketball and later learning tennis at camp. She became quite a proficient tennis player in college and later happily provided her young nieces with used racquets, cans of slightly dead balls, tips on technique and encouragement to practice! Barbara was known to her Hastings family as “Aunt Tilly”. This nickname was given to her by her big sister, Dorothy, originating from a childhood storybook about a little mouse that was notorious for the ability to avoid chores. As an adult, Tilly atoned for this reputation, but the nickname stuck. Tilly was the best-ever aunt, providing puppet shows, art projects, jaunts for ice cream, adventures, shopping and travel. After retirement, she enjoyed helping Dorothy with many hours of skillful cutting, peeling and pitting fruit and garden produce for preservation and meals to take back to Kalamazoo. They traveled to NYC for Broadway shows, and in cities from Grand Rapids to DC, where they would treat themselves to a hotel room in a high-rise, for a great view of 4th of July fireworks from the balcony. They truly enjoyed each other’s company and the simple pleasure of laughing together. We all loved Tilly. Nancy Kinney of Hastings, and her daughter Alice Kinney, were BR’s guardian angels, helping her in countless ways, especially after she needed to move into an assisted living arrangement. BR graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1947. She enjoyed reading literature, creating scrapbooks, sketching, writing journals, singing in Glee Club and performing in class plays. She much preferred working after school and summers at the town library and later in bookstores and the WMU library to the more unsavory jobs that her older sister Dorothy found to work her way through college—• washing dishes and serving at the Walgreen’s lunch counter. BR attended Western Michigan University, earning a BS in 1951, and went on to teach art in Midland MI, Portage public schools and the WMU Campus Elementary and High School. Along with taking classes at University of Colorado, University of Michigan and Ashridge College near London, she returned to WMU, earning her master’s degree in 1958. In 1959, BR began her 32-year career as Associate Professor ofArt at WMU, retiring in 1991. BR wrote and published her own vast tome of a textbook she used for her classes. She was nominated to receive the teaching excellence award of the year in ’91 and was described as truly embodying the characteristics that define a distinguished teacher. BR often expressed how fortunate she felt to be able to do the work that she loved, and enjoyed great satisfaction in developing ideas and methods to demonstrate new media. BR loved being surrounded by her vast collection of art created by friends, former students, associates and some well known artists. She took every opportunity to visit art museums, so would venture off with friends on many Kalamazoo Institute of Art bus tours, as well as attending countless NAEA conventions around the country even after retirement, always returning with bags of brochures and samples of new art supplies. Her stationwagon was always frill of art supplies, bags and boxes of projects, and sported a bumper sticker proudly proclaiming ART IS BASIC. BR was an avid photographer of abstract design, patterns and colorful reflections, as well as photo-documenting many events, travels, friends and family milestones. She was an active member of the Upjohn Color Camera Club for many years, often creating the center pieces and decorations for awards banquets. Perhaps BR is best known for the many years of staying in touch, the old school way. She created elegantly silkscreened, hand-colored and embellished art cards and bookmarks in her TR home studio. These elaborately themed gems celebrated seasons and holidays and were mailed with specially selected postage stamps to nearly 200 friends for over 65 years. In return, friends and family sent her postcards from their world travels, which she collected and reported on in her in enclosed news memos, along with personal messages. The most prolific postcard senders would be awarded a prize packet of stamps. In more recent years, BR enlisted Kinkos for printing and the assistance of her niece Nan to bring back vintage designs from her collection to keep this tradition alive. Her originals from thisvast collection are now preserved at the WMU Archives. BR remained in touch with childhood and college friends as well as colleagues and former students who inevitably became friends. These friendships were valued and vital to her. She enjoyed frequent lunches and “Birthday Club” with her local friends and loved traveling to visit those far-flung friends on a regular basis for many years. BR has been described and will be remembered by family and friends as “lively and imaginative,” “the tall, lean lady with the floppy blue hat,” “has integrity and will share knowledge with you,” “a mentor who took me under her wing,” “generosity of spirit,” “a grand and real teacher,” “kind,” “affable,” “a good listener,” “very positive in all kinds of weather,” “a gracious friend,” “resourceful,” and “100% trustworthy,” and lover of chocolate and blueberry pie. All agreed that she was an extraordinary woman with a fun sense of humor and that she will be sorely missed in all of our lives. A celebration of her life will be held on Sunday Nov. 3, 2019 at 1:30 pm, First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo, 212 S. Park Street, Kalamazoo. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the Rensenhouse Travel Fund for Aft Education, % Western Michigan University. The family of Barbara J. Rensenhouse wish to send heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to the staff of the Hastings Rehabilitation and Health Care Center (Magnum Care) for the kindhearted care, attention and comfort that they provided to our aunt these past few months. David ' Eltzroth 11/6/84-10/30/01 * This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: Hiushngs Product^ 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 THIS ■ ad [FOR SALE ★Kantar Millward. Brown, Feb. 2018' More than 50% of adults have a positive perception of ads in print newspapers.* Want to be next to trusted content? Place your ad in this newspaper and a network of newspapers in the state! Call this paper or 800-227-7636 www.cnaads.com I do not need a special day to bring you to my mind. The days I do not think of you are very hard to find. Bach morning when I awake I know that you are gone. And no one knows the heartache as I try to carry on. My heart still aches with sadness and secret tears still flow. What it meant to lose you no one will ever know. My thoughts are always with you, your place no one can fill. In life I love you dearly; in death I love you still. Dad & Ryan �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 31,2019 — Page 7 Maupin is Family Support Center’s new executive director Linda Maupin recently joined the Family Support Center of Barry County as the new executive director. Her background includes 35 years in a business setting at the Kellogg Company, as well as five years in a nonprofit environment at the Gilmore Car Museum. She earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Nazareth College. She has lived in the Delton area for more than 40 years and has been an active volun­ teer in both Calhoun and Barry counties. Most recently, she has served as board chair (since 2014) at the Barry County Community Mental Health Authority; as vice chair of the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and on the Delton Area Business Association team. Maupin’s experience includes finance, legal compliance, human resource leadership, customer service, transportation, foreign trade and logistics. She is also a licensed U.S. Customs Broker, which provided great oppor­ tunities to work with diverse cultures and teams. Outside of work, Maupin said she loves to spend time with her family (especially her four grandchildren and their friends) whether it’s a sports event or study time. She and her husband, Larry, love children of all ages, enjoy camping, playing with their adopted cat, traveling, watching college football, NASCAR and reading. Understanding spouse’s benefits Vonda Van Til Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Marriage is a tradition that exists on every continent and in nearly every country. Having a partner not only means creating a family unit, it means sharing things like a home and other property. Understanding how your future retirement might affect your spouse is important. When you’re planning for your retirement, here are a few things to remember: If you’re married, your spouse could be eligible for up to 50 percent of your full retire­ ment age amount, if your spouse is full retire- Halloween Spook House Oct. 31 Curley Cone, 12850 M-179, Highway, Wayland. Family-friendly “Wizard of Oz” spook house. Kids 16 and under receive free small soft-serve ice cream cone after going through the spook house. Saturday, Oct. 26, weather-permitting, showing outdoor fami­ ly-friendly spooky movie, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Trick-or-treating Oct. 31,2-4 p.m. Hastings. 56B District Court, Barry County Courts and Law Building, 206 W Court St., Indoor trick or treat Oct. 31,5-8 p.m. Hastings Church of the Nazarene, 1716 N. Broadway, Hastings. Lower level of church decorated in various themes, many candy stops. ADA-complaint and open to all; 269­ 945-9734; facebook.com/ events/2481540438759915. Indoor trunk or treat Oct. 31,5:30-7:30 p.m. Hastings. Grace Lutheran Church, 239 E. North St. Cider, popcorn and other fall foods, along with candy and non-food gifts for the young at heart. Ten decorated rooms with costumed youth and adults welcoming chil­ dren and handing out Halloween treats. (Teal pumpkins filled with peanut-free and glu­ ten-free toys and treats.) Call 269- 945-9414 or visit facebook.com/ PUBLIC From a creative perspective, Maupin enjoys fused glass artwork and is a lifelong learner. She said she feels “privileged to join the great staff of Karen Jousma, program director, and Jennifer Jarman, family educator and Kinship coordinator, at the Family Support Center of Barry County.” events/2405807609640437/ Trunk or treat Oct. 31,5:30-7 p.m. Nashville. Highpoint Community Bank parking lot. Community outreach event host­ ed by Grace Church. Rain venue either fire barn or Grace Church. TCU Boo! Oct. 31,5:30-7:30 p.m. Hastings. Thornapple Credit Union, 202 E. Woodlawn Ave. Rain or shine, Halloween fun includes trick-or-treating, photo booth, and for those who dare, and haunted hallways; 269-948-8369, facebook.com/ events/2405807609640437. Trunk or treat Oct. 31,5:30-7:30 p.m. Lake Odessa. Lakewood United Methodist Church, 10121 Brown Road. Indoors and outside, food, games, trick-or-treating and fellowship. Prizes for best trunk decoration; 269-367-4161, facebook.com/ events/584367918766359: Trunk or treat Oct. 31,6-8 p.m. Middleville. First Baptist Church, 5215 N. M-37 Highway. Free indoor event will include games, candy, food and bounce houses; 269­ 795-9726, fbcmiddleville.net. Halloween celebration Oct. 31,6-8 p.m. Middleville. Peace Church, 6950 Cherry Valley Road. Includes giant inflatables, photo booth, doughnuts, trick-or-treating and more, 269-891-8119, peacechurch.cc. school business teacher Bob Carl and middle school teacher Carrie Carl. This is the fifth year as a state association, and Hastings Middle School joins 15 other middle level BPA chapters in the state. BPA helps prepare students to succeed and assesses real-world business skills and prob­ lem-solving abilities in finance, management, information technology and computer appli­ cations. Students demonstrate their career skills at regional, state and national confer­ ences in 26 competitive events. Water ’s Edge Financial LLC Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF® (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinancial.com Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Friday, Nov. 1 - preschool story time, 10:30-11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 4 - Quilting Passions, 10 a.m.-l p.m.; board of directors meeting, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5 - toddler time, 10:30-11 a.m.; mahjong club, 5:30; chess club, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6 - Barry County Historical Society program on dating photos through fashion, 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 7 - Baby Cafe, 10a.m.noon; Movie Memories and Milestones watches 1950 movie starring Richard Widmark, Paul Douglas and Barbara Bel Geddes, 5 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Christine Ivy Tanis, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on September 16, 2019 to Shanna Tanis and Edward Tanis of Hastings. Westen William Schray, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on September 17, 2019 to Jena Schray and Jacob Schray of Mulliken. ***** Samuel Warren Baldry, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on September 23, 2019 to Danielle Badgley and Jacob Baldry of Delton. Susannah Victoria Gilbert, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on September 26, 2019 to Ashley Gilbert and Andrew Gilbert of Middleville. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD _1674 W. STATE ROAD Cider & Donuts Safe & Fun Lots of Candy ALL ARE WELCOME Harper Jo Belen, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on October 8, 2019 to Brandie Belen and Andrew Belen of Charlotte. Levi, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on October 9,2019 to Tonya Lee Griffin and Eric Lee Butler of Middleville. Harper Reign Steeb, bom at Spectrum1 Health Pennock to Kami R. Arnold and William C. Steeb of Dowling. ***** Violet Rae Morgan, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on October 12, 2019 to Kimberly Main and Delbert Morgan of Middleville. Avienda Irene Cooper, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on September 26, 2019 to Christina Marie Cooper and Shawn Charles Cooper of Lake Odessa. Emma Grace Smith, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on September 30, 2019 to Victoria Smith of Hastings. ***** Hope Elizabeth Chase, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on October 3, 2019 to Kelly Jo Carroll and Thomas Henry Chase of Hastings. ***** Adam Wayne Teusink, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on October 4, 2019 to Jamie Teusink and Joel Teusink of Lake Odessa. Thomas Micheal Rowlee, Nashville and Natalie Brianne Drury, Nashville CITY OF HASTINGS wMENUw REQUEST FOR BIDS Nashville United Methodist Church's Annual Turkey Supper Saturday, Nov. 9,20189 4:00-7:00 pm Comer ofWashington & State c Dinner includes: Turkey, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Squash, Cranberry Salad, Cole Slaw, Rolls, Drink & Homemade Pie TICKETS: Adults $8 presale/ $10 at the door 5-12 yr $6, 4 & under FREE Concrete Reservoir Roof Replacement and Rehabilitation The City of Hastings is soliciting bids for the provi­ sion of roof replacement and rehabilitation work of the concrete reservoir. The RFP and specifications are available from Hastings City Hall. The City of Hastings reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any irregularities in the bid proposals, and to award the bid as deemed to be in the City’s best interest, price and other factors considered. Bids will be received at Hastings City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 until 9:00 AM, on Thursday, November 7, 2019 at which time they will be opened and publicly read aloud. Bids will be clearly marked on the outside of the submit­ tal package - “SEALED BID CONCRETE RESERVOIR”. Matt Gergen Director of Public Services Barry County Community Dialogue Event Purpose: Discussion for Potential Millage Election August 2020 The public is invited to participate in a discussion hosted by the Barry County Board of Commissioners. TowerPinkster of Kalamazoo will facilitate the discussion. The topics will be the current use and condition of the Barry County Jail and Sheriffs Office, and the current use and condition of the Commission on Aging facility in Hastings. Information will be shared and public feedback and input is invited. ^^MPLOYMENT^^ OPPORTUNITY Who could not use an extra $3,000.00? What about having your student loans paid for you? Join our team, we recently were rated #16 as “One of the Best nursing homes in Michigan” by News Week. Thomapple Manor, rated 5 Stars by CMS, 161 bed Skilled Nursing Facilty in Barry County is looking for dedicated, Monday November 4, 2019 at 6:30 PM compassionate, caring Nurses. Thornapple Manor offers amazing health, dental, vision, life and a pension plan. Paid Time Off (PTO) is offered at 90 days, you can earn up to 4 weeks PTO for the first year! Thomapple Manor is currently excepting applications for experienced RN or LPN Location: Charge Nurses. Full Time & Part Time 12 hour shift positions available. Outstanding retirement benefits! Date/Time: OCT. 31 6:30-8:00 pm first, the survivor benefit will also be reduced, Knowing how your finances affect your spouse’s benefit can help both of you avoid future impacts on your incomes. We have decades of experience, and the information to go with it. Access a wealth of useful informa­ tion and use our benefits planners at socialse­ curity .gov/planners . Vonda Van Til is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email to vonda .vantil @ ssa .gov. HASTINGS Hastings starts middle school BPA chapter Hastings students no longer have to wait until high school to join Business Professionals of America. BPA is a national career and technical stu­ dent organization aimed at helping students become tomorrow’s business professionals through leadership, skills training and com­ munity service. Mary Dawson, a retired business teacher, started Hastings High School BPA chapter in 1986. This year, Hastings Middle School formed a chapter through the efforts of high ment age when he or she takes it. If your spouse also qualifies for a benefit on his or her own work history, we always pay the spouse’s own benefit first and then look into additional spouse’s benefits. A spouse’s own full retirement amount must be less than half of your full retirement amount in order for them to file on your record. In addition, a spouse cannot receive spouse’s benefits until you, the worker, also file (except for divorced spouses). Also, keep in mind that if you file for a reduced retirement benefit and pass away Linda Maupin Halloween activities aplenty tonight Weather today is probably the biggest trick of all, and not much of a treat. But it won’t stop children - and many adults - from cele­ brating Halloween. Several events are planned this afternoon and evening, including: SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Barty Community Enrichment Center Leason Sharpe Hall 231 S. Broadway St. Hastings, MI 49058 Applications can be completed Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. 4:00 p.m. in our business office, or downloaded from our website at www.thornavvlemanor.com Questions please call: Barry County Administration (269) 945-1284 MANOR 2700 Nashville Rd., Hastings, Ml 49058 A quorum of the Board of Commissioners may be present. ____ No phone calls please. EOE _______ �Page 8 — Thursday, October 31,2019 — The Hastings Banner Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD JONES Millennials may need to boost life insurance Elaine Garlock Ghosts and goblins will be out and about tonight. Weather conditions likely will be a factor in the number of visitors in local neighborhoods. The American Legion will have representatives at the VFW Post on Tupper Lake Street for an open house from 10 a.m. to 5*p.m. Saturday in hopes of initiating a new post* in Lake Odessa. An earlier post had its own building on m-50. That has become the township offices and a rental spot for groups. The earlier Legion group sponsored the annual Mefiiorial Day observance at the cemeteries nearby, among other events. The VFW replaced the Legion in that responsibility. One-Emphasis include din the invitation is for scholarship assistance to high school students. Lake Odessa ha a new police officer. She is Olivia Boot of Byron Center. The current police chief is Kendra Backing. The First Congregational Church held is annual harvest supper Oct. 23 with a good attendance. Turkey with the trimmings was among the foods served. Following the meal, gifts were presented to Pastor Marilyn Donalson, another to her husband and yet another to Pastor Mark Jarvie, who is now listed as the assistant. Fliers are now in downtown stores for Christmas ’Round the Town, which is coming Friday, Nov. 29, and Saturday, Nov. 30. There are 28 locations, with many having multiple dealers. One on Usbome Road has a Freeport address. There are seven with Woodland addresses in both town and country, 12 are in or near Lake Odessa, Denny’s Farm Market has a Saranac address but is on Jordan Lake Highway north of town, and six have Clarksville addresses. Masquerade ball is theme of arts auction The Thomapple Arts Council Auction for the Arts will begin at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at the Walldorff Brewpub and Bistro in Hastings. “The Auction for the Arts is our largest fundraiser of the year, supporting our events and programs throughout the year,” Megan Lavell, arts council executive director said. “Thfr money we raise at the auction supports thef‘jazz festival, our financial assistance funds for arts education, and summer scholar­ ships. It’s a fun night that raises money for the artsfih our community.” The theme is masquerade ball, and auction attendees are encouraged to dress in costume for tfie event. “We always try to make the auction a real­ ly fijn event, and we wanted a theme that attendees would like to dress up for,” she said. “TWe auction committee is excited about the decorations and attire at this year’s event.” The Auction for the Arts includes live and silerit auctions, raffle prizes, photo opportuni­ ties^ ihusic and a costume contest “This event is important because the money we raise there allows us to continue the work we do in the community,” Jeff Buehl, presi­ dent of the arts council board of directors, said. “We give away thousands of dollars evefy year in scholarships for students to go to summer camps for the arts. We also had a very successful programming season with the City of Hastings with Hastings Live, which allowed us to help bring nearly 50 free live performances to downtown Hastings this summer.” The mission of the Thomapple Arts Council is enriching Barry County through cultural experiences, and the support the organization receives at the auction helps make that hap­ pen. “The Thornapple Arts Council staff and volunteers work hard to make sure that arts are accessible to everyone through our pro­ gramming,” Buehl said. “We emphasize free and low-cost programming. We work with the community, and we partner with other organi­ zations to make arts programming successful in Barry County. We would not be able to do that without the financial support we get from our donors and sponsors.” Lavell said the arts council has been fortu­ nate to get so much support from the commu­ nity, including endowment support through the Barry Community Foundation and the Baum Family Foundation; corporate support from Flexfab; sponsorship support from doz­ ens of area businesses; and donations from individuals and families. “It is not an understatement to say that we fcould not do the programming that we do without the continued generosity and support of the community,” Lavell said. Tickets are $40 each and include heavy hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar. For more information or to make reservations, call 269-945­ 2002. ^130906 NOTICE TO BIDDERS BARRY COUNTY ROAD COMMISSION {Sealed proposals will be received at the office of the Barry County Road Commission, 1725 West M-43 Highway, RO. Box 158, Hastings, Ml 49058, until 10:30 A.M. Monday, November 4, 2019 for the following items. Specifications and additional information may be obtained at the Road Commission Office at the above address or at our web site at www.barrycrc.org. (2) INGROUND 75,000 LB HOIST The Board reserves the right to reject any or all proposals or to waive irregularities in the best interest of the Commission. BOARD OF COUNTY ROAD COMMISSIONERS OF THE COUNTY OF BARRY David D. Solmes Chairman Frank M. Fiala Member D. David Dykstra Member 131053 c Public Hearing HASTINGS CHARTER TOWNSHIP ’• If you’re a Millennial - bom between 1981 and 1996 - you’re either in the very early or relatively early stages of your career, and as the old song goes, you’ve got a lot of living to do. Still, it’s not too soon to think about a financial issue you may have overlooked: the need for life insurance. Regarding this topic, Millennials need to ask three key questions: When should I purchase insurance? The answer to this question depends somewhat on your stage of Millennial-ism. If you’re a young Millennial, perhaps just out of college, single, and living in an apartment, your need for life insurance may not be that great. After all, you may well have other, more pressing financial needs, such as paying off your student loans. But if you’re an older Millennial, and you’ve got a mortgage, a spouse and - especially - children, then you unquestionably need insurance, because you’ve got a lot to protect. How much do I need? Millennials who own life insurance have, on average, $100,000 in coverage, according to New York Life’s 2018 Life Insurance Gap Survey. But that same survey found that Millennials themselves reported they need coverage worth about $450,000, leaving an insurance deficit of approximately $350,000. That’s a pretty big gap, but of course, these figures are averages and may not apply to your situation. Still, you should know how much insurance you require. You might have heard that you need life insurance worth about seven or eight times your annual salary. And while this isn’t a terrible estimate, it doesn’t apply to everyone, because everyone’s situation is The proposed property tax rate to be levied to support the proposed budget will be discussed at this hearing. A copy of the proposed budget, including the proposed property tax millage rate, yvill be available for inspection after November 5 by appointment with the Clerk, k , • Anita S Mennell, Clerk £69-948-9690 office ndividuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the ‘ownship clerk at least seven (7) days in advance of the hearing. "his notice posted in compliance with PA 267 of 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act) MCLA41.72a(2)(3) and with the Americans with Disabilities Act ADA). strategy. The future is unknowable - and as a Millennial, you’ve got plenty of future ahead of you. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor If you have any questions, contact Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553, ----STOCKS-----The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. Apple Inc. AT&T Chevron Deere & Co. Exxon Mobil Flowserve CP Ford Motor Co. General Electric Co. General Motors Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP Perrigo Co. Pfizer Inc. Spartannash Comp Stryker TCF Financial Corp. Walmart Inc. Walt Disney Co Whirl Pool Corp Gold Silver Dow Jones 243.29 38.06 118.13 174.11 68.44 50.00 8.64 9.07 38.21 234.14 129.12 62.87 142.83 54.10 38.21 13.53 220.53 40.15 117.15 129.48 155.48 +3.33 -.11 +.33 -1.04 -.65 +2.08 -.43 +.01 +1.90 -3.06 -.08 +.79 +6.46 -.04 +1.78 +.09 +10.77 +2.11 -2.43 -2.92 -5.14 $1,491.00 $18.11 27.071 +$.40 +.49 +283 Ionia County dissolves road commission Taylor Owens Staff Writer The Ionia County Board of Commissioners voted to dissolve the road commission and create a new advisory board Monday night. Commissioners made the decision after learning the degree to which the road com­ mission employee pension was underfunded. At the time, commissioners had been looking into a different question: Whether the road commission board should be comprised of elected officials, instead vT^appointed mem­ bers. But in the course of collecting information and gathering input, the county commission­ ers found the pension was only funded at about 38 percent. “Then things kind of snowballed from there,” county commissioner Jack Shattuck said. Most other departments in Ionia County have pensions funded through the Michigan Municipal Employee Retirement System at around 80 percent, county administrator Stephanie Fox said. But the road commission had been in the 34 to 40 percent range for a number of years. “It wasn’t so much the management of the roads as the management of the pension,” said county commissioner Larry Tiejema, who explained that, when the pension was created around 1996, employees’ previous years counted toward their pension, but those years were not retroactively funded. Tiejema said it would take around $1.5 million to get the pension funded to an accept­ able level. The pension had been as low as 20 percent, and bad improved to around 40 percent, but Tiejema said that wasn’t enough improvement for the county board of commissioners. Tiejema also pointed to the road commis­ sion’s health insurance as a major factor in the county board decision. The health insurance fund has a $10 million liability - and will need $1.2 million in funding each year for the next 12 years. To oversee improvements in the financial situation regarding the pension and health care, and to deal with other inefficiencies, the county commissioners voted to create a new body - the Road Department Advisory Board. Proposed 2020 Budget PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that on November 12 at 7:00 pm at the Township Hall at 885 River Road, Hastings, the Board of Trustees will hold a Public Hearing on the proposed 2020 Township General Fund , Library and Sewer Fund Budgets. The Board may not adopt the proposed 2020 budgets until after the public hearing. different. A financial professional can look at various factors - your age, your marital status, number of children, size of mortgage, etc. - to help you arrive at an appropriate level of coverage. Keep in mind, also, that your employer may offer life insurance as an employee benefit. However, it might be insufficient for your needs, especially if you have a family, and it will probably end if you leave your job. What type of life insurance should I get? Many people initially find life insurance to be confusing, but there are basically two types: term and permanent. As its name suggests, term insurance covers a given time period, such as 10 or 15 years, and provides only a death benefit. It’s generally quite affordable, especially when you’re young and healthy. Permanent insurance, on the other hand, offers a death benefit and a savings component that allows you to build cash value. Consequently, the premiums are higher than those of term insurance. Again, a financial professional can help you determine which type of insurance is most appropriate for your needs. Thus far, we’ve only been talking about life insurance. But you may also need other types of protection, such as disability insurance, which can replace part of your income should you become ill or incapacitated. And you may eventually want to explore long-term care insurance, which can help cover you for the enormous costs of an extended nursing home stay. You should at least consider all forms of insurance as part of your overall financial GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. County commissioner Scott Wirtz said the makeup of the new board has yet to be deter­ mined, but former road commissioners, city managers and township supervisors will be invited to participate. Wirtz, who has been the county commission’s liaison to the road com­ mission, will serve on the board alongside Shattuck and Tiejema. Wirtz said the road department, and its approximately 44 employees, will continue functioning as normal, with the exception of Managing Director Dorothy Pohl. After serv-> ing in the position since 1993, her contract will not be renewed when it expires on Dec. 31. Shattuck was not at the meeting Monday, and Tiejema cast the only “no” vote. Tiejema said he believed the transition between the two bodies should have been done more slowly, over the course of months, instead of in one night. But, it seemed to him, that the other com­ missioners did not trust the road commission to manage the situation over a longer period of time, Tiejetna said? x n The first meeting of the of the advisory board is tentatively scheduled for 5 p.m. Nov. 12, at the Ionia County Administration Office. Ast Doctor Universe Building brain power while gaming Dr. Universe: Our mom says video games and too much TV rot our brains. What does that mean? How does that hap­ pen? Do our brains turn to slime? Tree Family Kids, 3,5,7, Dundee, Mich. Dear Tree Family, If you play video games or watch too much television, you don’t have to worry about your brain actually turning to slime. But it is true that some video games and television shows can take away some of your energy without giving you much in return. When we are not being active with our bodies, too much screen time can wear us down. It not only wears down the brain, but also the body. And at the same time, some video games and stories often can help us learn better. That’s what I found out from my friend Jonah Firestone, a researcher at Washington State University who knows a lot about virtual reality, video games, and learning. In his lab, he’s studied how kids learn when they get to experience a virtual reali­ ty, such as an environment like the ocean. They put on goggles and are transported to a computer-generated and three-dimension­ al scene of life in the sea. If they try to touch the animals in the ocean, the animals might swim away if the person gets too close. As you might imagine, these types of interactive, virtual worlds are a much dif­ ferent way to learn than reading or writing about the ocean. Firestone told me that different parts of the brain fire up when we learn in different ways. We can learn through things like writing, reading or experiencing something in person. When you have a full-body learning experience with virtual reality, the brain is much more active than if you just listen to something or copy it down on paper. If you are anything like me, you might really enjoy playing video games or watch­ ing television. It might be relaxing and fun. If you are interested in either one, you might even try developing a story line or creating a game of your own. Firestone said there are a lot of easy ways to make videos with smartphones. You might even use Legos to make stop-motion videos. Apps like Scratch also make it possible to make games and tell stories on a computer. When your mom says “rot,” she might be thinking about a few different things that can cause the brain and body to wear down. A bright screen can sometimes mess with the body’s sleep signals, which can throw off our sleep schedules. Too much screen time might make your eyes or body tired. You can help counteract this and get more energy by doing some stretches, jumping jacks, and moving around. Or by going outside and playing. “Balance it out with doing something different — something active,” Firestone said. “If you can move around, be artistic, engage your imagination, be creative or read, you can counteract this supposed ‘rot.’” While there are some ways a brain can literally rot or turn to slime, watching video games or television isn’t one of them. But I suppose that’s a question for another time. In the meantime, if you might try making some slime of your own. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University's resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse .com. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 31, 2019 — Page SCHAFER BLADE UNDERCARRIAGE MOUNTING ASSEMBLY fl look Hack at the stories and columns on local history In the Hastings Banner Ixo R. Tift, 371 Whitoore Rd.. lintings, Mkh. 49058 Fited Apr. 3,1978, Ser, No. 892,641 fft TURNING BACK THE PAGES < D iqv! C. 03 teoq iwo wot adT 1317 Tift credited with ideas that still make highways safer, plows more efficient Money-saving suggestion Leo R. Tift (right) receives a maximum award of $1,000 for a money-saving suggestion he entered in the State Employees Suggestion Award Program from Charles H. Hewitt, chairman of the state highway commission. Tift’s suggestion of a new scraper on snowplows is expected to save the highway department in excess of $25,000 per year. (Michigan State Highway Department photo) Kathy Maurer Copy Editor “Great Michigan Highwayman” was the headline of a Nov. 8, 1974, Banner article (below) listing the accomplishments of a local mechanic and announcing a state award recently bestowed on him. Leo Roy Tift, born Dec. 1, 1913, the youngest child ofRoy and Kate (DeMaranville) Tift, was likely a kindergartner when World War 1 ended, a sophomore when the stock market crashed and not quite a 30-year-old when he was called to serve in the U.S. Navy. Like others in his generation, he learned to adapt. “I see ways the job can be done better and then figure out how to do it, ” Tift said in a 1974 interview. Most of his 1932 classmates at Hastings High School followed the college course. Nearly a dozen took the commercial or agriculture route. Tift was one of 28 who took the general course. Maybe he didn't know what he wanted to do, but drivers and highway crews today are better off because he took a job with the state highway. His ability to “figure it out” resulted in his being the go-to man when improvements or innovations were needed to make roads safer or to ease the burden for snowplow drivers and others. One supervisor described Tift’s capacity as “inventive genius.” Banner Nov. 8,1974: Leo R. Tift looks like he should be a U.S. Senator. Or dean of a medical college. Or a Wall Street broker. At 60, wavy silver hair atop a deep-tanned body of 200 pounds and rod-like six feet tall, Tift gives the appearance of a successful man, whatever his role. His clear blue eyes signal warmth, friendship and self-assurance. With training and education decades ago, Tift might well have been a politician or doctor or business executive. Instead, he graduated from Hastings High School in 1932 at the height of the Great Depression and felt fortunate to grub occasional jobs as a mechanic or handyman. Eventually, he landed a job as a truck driver for the Michigan Department of State Highways at 65 cents an hour. At age 29, he was drafted into military service during World War II, serving in the Navy. At war’s end, he returned to the state highway department, working in general highway maintenance, assigned to the Hastings maintenance grade. “When our mechanic quit, I was given his job,” Tift recalled. He has been the Hastings mechanic ever since, but his inventions and innovations have spread throughout Michigan and beyond. Leo Tift of Hastings, auto repair foreman for the Department of State Highways and Transportation, was named a 1974 state winner of the Governor’s Awards Commission for Distinguished Public Employees on the basis of “diligence, sustained superior performance, accomplishment, ingenuity, efficiency, integrity and devotions to the principles of public service.” improvements contributed by this one man,” Oravec added. “Every one of them in greater or lesser degree, has meant greater efficiency, easier use, safer operation and savings in time and costs.” Some of the Tift inventions or developments include: 1958 - A special mower, as tractor attachment, for cutting grass around and under highway guardrails, previously done by hand. 1960 - Redesign and relocation of the exhaust system on snowplow trucks, which were collapsing from snow and slush, impacting on hot pipes. Tift’s design, relocating system from underneath to come up through the side of the hood, and alongside the windshield became standard design by truck manufacturers for highway maintenance trucks. Tift’s system eliminated numerous exhaust replacements for the department during winter months. (Asked how or why he got the idea for the improved exhaust system, Tift said, “I got tired of replacing so many worn-out systems -1 figured there must be a better way.” 1961 - Developed a new system to spread and control salt, changing the operation from a manual, unsafe and guesswork affair to a cab-operated coWoTed system. This system, patented by the Michigan Department of State Highways and Transportation, has been accepted by other state highway departments and private companies and is used nationwide. (Said Oravec: “The operator of the truck is able to control the quantity of salt and the width of application without shopping the truck or leaving the cab, thereby improving the safety conditions for both the operator and the motoring public. This system also provides greater cost savings as a result of proper rate of salt application.”) 1962 - Developed a salt crusher for salt spreaders, to automatically crush chunks of salt that formerly blocked the feed line, making the spreader inoperative. Formerly, when a wet chunk of salt blocked the feed line, the driver had to stop the truck and manually unblock the feed line. This device not only provides better safety conditions for the operator, but enables more time to be spent in spreading salt thereby making safer driving conditions for the motoring public. 1962 - Also developed a blower attachment for the salt spreader auger tube, for narrower and more controlled spreading of salt in the middle eight feet of a 24-foot pavement. Included in this device, Tift also developed a reverse mechanism that enables the operator to spread salt to either the left or right side. This makes it possible to spread salt on the high side of super-elevated curves particularly important for treatment of freeway interchange ramps. 1962 - Also helped develop a five-foot blade for specialized shoulder maintenance, so that the operation for shoulder work is in front of the operator instead of behind him. “The sum total of his inventive genius has greatly improved the cost, efficiency and safety of highway maintenance,” said his chief boss, engineer of maintenance Joseph F. Oravec. “To my knowledge,” Oravec added, “Tift was compensated for only one of his many inventive contributions.” That was the maximum $1,000 award granted by the State Employee Suggestion Program. It was for his idea and development of a vertical blade, attached to the underbody of a truck, which removed more snow and ice, more cleanly, than what had been in use. The blade also operated with less pressure, and thus, less wear. “This vertical blade,” Oravec said, “is now part of our standard specifications on trucks purchased for highway maintenance.” The vertical blade design has been adopted by commercial manufacturers and made available to other departments in much of the country. Another Tift innovation that has been widely adopted by both public and private sectors, is his roll-on cover for dump trucks. In 1972, AAA of Michigan and several newspapers campaigned in favor of legislation requiring trucks using state highways be covered to prevent objects from flying out of cargo boxes. Without waiting for such legislation, Highway department officials asked Tift if he could “come up with” an inexpensive but effective cover. He did. He developed a one-man hand-operated mechanical cover that goes up and over the cargo box load, and cranks back out of the way when not needed. All dump trucks (more than 300) operated by the department are now equipped with the Tift cover. National publicity on the cover generated hundreds of letters from throughout the country, asking for design plans and The castle in Tripp’s yard is just a part of permission to use it. Department Director John P. Woodford ordered that design plans the show that will take place from 5 to 8 for the Tift cover be made available, without tonight. A dragon, wizard, explosion, guillo­ charge, to anyone in the country asking for tine and more secrets will be part of the event, he said. them. Tripp said it took about 70 to 100 hours to “It’s impossible, of course, to know how many car windshields have not been broken put everything together - and there will 15 - and accidents prevented - by Tift’s cover,” people working on the show and handing out Oravec said. “But, I think it can be safely candy. “We’re just a bunch of knuckleheads that conjectured that Leo Tift’s dump truck cover, simple and easy to operate, has and will want to put a Halloween show together,” prevent thousands of cracked or broken Tripp said. It’s the fifth year that Tripp and the group windshields. “That means a great deal in cost-savings have put on something special for Halloween. to the insurance companies, less inconvenience When he arrived home recently he found a and loss of time to drivers, [fewer] accidents group of kids on bicycles in front of his house, excited to see what this year’s show would be. and cleaner highways.” “We’re just making memories for kids,” Tift’s vertical blade and dump truck cover “are only two of many inventions or Tripp said. HALLOWEEN, continued from page 1-------------------- This sketch illustrates the design for a scrape blade undercarriage mounting assembly, created by Leo Tift. The State of Michigan sought a patent for Tift’s idea ih>rJ>> 1978. (Official Gazette of the U.S. Patent Office, Vol. 1004 (1981) via Google Books)-' . si 1963 - Developed the vertical blade, previously cited, for which he received a $1,000 maximum award from the State Employee Suggestion Program. 1964 - Developed a new type of salt spreader cargo box with lower center of gravity, unloading more evenly. He also developed in conjunction with the box, rotating steel augers, to replace chains, that move the salt to the feed point. Augers have a life span of more than 10 years, compared to life span for chains of two to three years. 1966 - At the request of the department’s testing and research division, developed a pontoon boat, specifically designed for testing river bottoms for foundation soil that would support bridges, prior to highway construction. At that time, no pontoon boats on the market were capable of carrying the load capacity required for such testing. 1968 - Developed a self-leveling mechanism to be used with his vertical blade, putting equal load an pressure across the full blade, providing equal wear and longer life to the cutting edge. 1972 - Developed the cover for dump truck cargo boxes, previously cited. 1973 - Developed a channel extension for one side of the underbody blade, channeling snow to the side and rear, thus preventing snow from flying up over the front of the truck, blinding the driver. The side attachment puts the flying snow behind the driver instead of in front of him. It enables the driver to have better visibility during heavy snowplowing, providing better safety conditions and less strain on the driver. 1973 - Also developed a console control box attached to air cylinders, which activate the various hydraulic devices on a truck. The console, with small finger levers, replaces a conglomeration of hand levers protruding from the floor of the cab. (Said Oravec: “This console control box is a tremendous improvement, since the inside of a modern truck cab had taken the appearance of an astronaut’s capsule due to the number of switches, levers and controls. Combing the controls in a single console has eliminated much of the congestion inside the cab.”) Tift, after nearly 30 years with the department, still is “the mechanic” assigned to the department’s Hastings Maintenance Garage. However, he also is a statewide trouble-shooter, who makes an annual tour throughout the state, instructing other maintenance men and mechanics on the proper use, operation and repair of the department’s maintenance equipment. “Leo Tift is one helluva highwayman and state employee with an excellent record of sustained superior performance, accomplishment, ingenuity and efficiency”, Oravec declared. J “To measure all of his contributions lit terms of money saved for the department and the state of Michigan is, of course, impossible^ Oravec added. “But to realize the efficiencies, the safety, the improvements and the new®* inventions he has given the department - it truly incredible. A sd! J.T. “Topper” Farhat, manager for the 7, department’s automotive and equipment; section, has worked with Tift on some of hi,sideas and innovations over the years. nbairi “It should be kept in mind that almost. , „ anything new or different,” he said, “anything^. ? changing the old status quo, meets witj^ automatic resistance by those familiar with the old ways. “While most of Tift’s contributions ar^ . now widely accepted as great improvements':7. over the old ways, he did meet geiier^p resistance with most of them. It is a tribute r his own ability to communicate well, and s^j| H” his ideas, that most of these innovations are. standard. He is a warm, friendly guy, who cati stand on his feet in front of a group of tough ?ib ' highwaymen and persuade them to ‘give it a ■ ; try*’ “It also should be remembered that Tiftjscontributions will go on year after year - long 5, after he is gone - providing safer conditions ,, for our own maintenance men as well as thew xpublic, greater economies,? motoring efficiencies and ease of operations. He h^ ’ ' . department? . been a tremendous asset to the and the state of Michigan. p?? Tift’s official civil service title is “AutQlv? Repair Foreman, 09.” His current annum?Vpi salary is $13,697. “How is it,” he was asked, “that you, out?? of all the maintenance men in the departmentstatewide, have come up with so many valuable inventions and contributions? “I don’t really know,” he replied in his soft, deep voice. “Unless it is that I see ways j* the job can be done better - and then figure ’ out how to do it. I get a lot of satisfaction out of contributing to a better job. “I have often wished that I would have 5 had more book-learning, but I have learned $ lot in the college of hard knocks.” ) That’s one reason why, he said, he made sure his only son, Ted, now 34, “got some book learning.” His son graduated fron? Michigan Technological University Houghton with a degree in civil engineering. He is now a full-time pilot with Northwest Orient Airlines, stationed in Minneapolis. Hi^ only daughter, Mrs. Jack (Yvonne) Taylor, resides in Hastings. •" Former Hastings resident, wife killed in hit-and-run Greg Chandler Staff Writer Memorial services were held Friday for a couple originally from Barry County who were killed in a hit-and-run crash in Grand Rapids Oct. 19. Todd Fuhr and his wife, Tracy Fuhr, both 56, died last Saturday night when they were struck by a car at the intersection of Oakes Street SW and Grandville Avenue, in Grand Rapids’ downtown area. A 44-year-old man believed to be the driver is being held in the Kent County Jail on multiple felony charges. Todd Fuhr graduated from Hastings High School in 1982 and later earned a bachelor’s degree from Davenport University. Tracy (Curtiss) Fuhr was a 1981 Thomapple Kellogg High School graduate who later^ ? attended Grand Rapids Community College. The couple had married in 2005. The couple are survived by four sons - I Josh, Jeremy, Jordan and Tyler. Todd Fuhr, who was adopted, is also sur- | vived by his biological mother and biological i brother, while Tracy Fuhr is survived by two I sisters. The suspect, Jason Steven McCann, hi$ 1 been charged with two counts of reckless^ | driving causing death and two counts of fail- : ure to stop at the scene of an accident. He is) g being held on a $100,000 bond pending fu<n ther court hearings. II Call 269-945-9554 any time for Hastings Banner classified ads 5 A �Page 10 — Thursday, October 31, 2019 — The Hastings Banner TOWNSHIP OF JOHNSTOWN COUNTY OF BARRY, MICHIGAN 131069 NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND FILING OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL FINE LAKE AQUATIC PLANT CONTROL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 2 ^31 t * NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Township Board of the Township of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, having resolved its intention to proceed on its own motion and make certain public improvements consisting of the eradication and control of aquatic weeds and plants in Fine Lake (the “Improvements”) in the Township, has made its final determination of a special assessment district which consists of the following described lots and parcels of land which are benefitted by the Improvements and against which all or a portion of the cost of the Improvements shall be specially assessed: FINE LAKE AQUATIC PLANT CONTROL SPECIAL ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 2 Lots and parcels numbered: 009-019-002-00, 003-00, 004-00, 006-00, 007-10, 008-00, 021-00 009-029-002-00, 008-00, 015-00, 016-00, 017-00, 018-00, 019-00, 020-00, 021-00, 022-00, 024-00, 036-00, 042-00 009-030-001-00, 002-00, 003-00, 004-00, 005-00, 006-00, 006-10, 009-20, 013-00, 022-00, 024-00, 025-00, 140-14, 140-15, 140-16, 150-19, 150-20 009-050-002-00, 003-00, 004-00, 004-10, 004-20, 005-00, 005-10, 005-20, 005-40, 006-00, 007-00, 008-00, 009-00, 009-10, 010-00, 011-00 009-065-006-00, 008-00, 009-00, 012-00, 013-00, 014-00, 015-00, 016-00, 017-00, 018-00, 019-00, 021-00, 022-00, 024-00, 031-00, 032-00, 033-00, 034-00, 035-00 009-075-001-00, 003-00, 005-00, 007-00, 008-00, 009-00, 010-00, 011-00, 012-00, 014-00, 015-00, 016-00, 017-00, 018-00, 019-00, 020-00, 021-00, 022-00, 023-00, 024-00, 027-00, 028-00, 031-00, 033-00, 035-00, 036-00, 037-00, 038-00, 039-00, 040-00 009-090-001-00, 002-00, 004-00, 006-00, 007-00, 008-00, 010-00, 011-00, 014-00, 015-00, 017-00, 018-00, 020-00, 024-00, 025-00, 032-00, 035-00, 036-00, 037-00, 038-00 009-100-001-00, 002-00, 004-00, 005-00, 006-00, 007-00, 008-00, 011-00 009-130-001-00, 002-00, 002-10, 006-00, 007-00, 008-00, 008-10, 010-00, 011-00, 012-00, 013-00, 015-00, 016-00, 018-00, 020-00, 021-00, 025-00 009-135-001-00, 003-00, 004-00, 005-00, 006-00, 007-00, 008-00, 009-00, 010-00, 012-00, 013-00, 014-00, 015-00, 016-00, 018-00, 019-00, 020-00 009-140-001-00, 002-00, 004-00, 005-00, 006-00, 007-00, 008-00, 009-00, 010-00, 011-00, 012-00 009-145-003-00, 004-00, 005-00, 006-00 009-150-001-00, 002-00, 003-00, 004-00, 005-00, 006-00, 007-00, 008-00, 010-00, 011-00, 012-00, 013-00, 014-00, 015-00, 016-00, 017-00, 018-00, 021-00, 022-00, 023-11, 025-00 009-155-001-00, 003-00, 004-00, 006-00, 008-00 009-175-001-00, 002-00, 003-00, 004-00, 005-00, 006-00, 007-00, 008-00, 009-00, 010-00, 011-00, 012-00, 013-00, 014-00, 015-00, 016-00, 017-00, 018-00, 019-00 009-180-001-00 009-215-001-00. 002-00, 003-00. 004-00, 005-00, 007-00, 008-00, 009-00, 010-00, 011-00, 012-00, 013-00, 014-00, 016-00, 017-00. 018-00, 019-00, 020-00, 020-01, 023-00, 024-00, 025-00, 029-00, 030-00, 031-00 009-220-001-00, 002-00, 003-00, 004-00, 006-00, 007-00, 008-00, 009-00, 010-00, 011-00, 012-00, 014-00, 015-00, 016-00, 017-00, 018-00, 019-00, 020-00, 021-00, 023-00, 024-00, 026-00, 027-00, 028-00, 029-00, 031-00, 033-00, 034-20 Hastings man convicted of sex assault, domestic violence Rebecca Pierce Editor Bryan Williams, 52, of Hastings, will serve a year in jail after pleading guilty to aggravated domestic violence, as a second offense, and fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. Two counts of first-degree criminal sexual conduct and a count of kidnapping were dismissed as part of a plea agreement. Barry County Judge Michael Schipper handed down the sentence Oct. 14 after hearing Williams apologize to his victim and after listening to the victim forgive her assailant. “I was sitting here, reading this letter, I had a lot of things going through my mind,” the victim said in a statement to the court. She said she had been in a relationship with Williams and they had broken up, but, on April 15, she went to his house to discuss their cellphone plan. “I did not want Mr. Williams to touch me that night at all,” she said. “Like I said many times to many different people: Mr. Williams and I had a terrible, toxic relationship. It was very verbally abusive and very emotionally abusive. “But, by no means, should it have ended with Mr. Williams beating me and raping me. In the attack, she sustained “53 bruises, a broken nose which I had to have surgery on, two black eyes which my left eye I lost 50 percent of the muscle usage where I cannot drive after dark, a severe infection on the left side of my jaw from where Mr. Williams fishhooked my mouth and a piece of his fingernail went into my gum which I have to have that cut open and scraped.” “... I want Mr. Williams to know how badly he hurt me by raping and beating me,” she said. “But, by no means, did he break me. I am fully becoming a much stronger woman in many ways.” Then she addressed the defendant: “Mr. Williams, I have tried to hate you, but I can’t. I do dislike you very much. And I will never forgive you for raping me and beating me the way you did. “You made the choice, Mr. Bryan Williams, to beat me and rape me at your home on April 15, 2019. And with that you have to live with that on your conscience. “And, with this all being said, may God bless you.” In recommending the sentence, Senior Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Elsworth told the judge, “As a victim of domestic violence, she doesn’t need to go through this again with him. She deserves to see Mr. Williams locked up.” Defense attorney Gordon Shane McNeill responded: “Mr. Williams Jias grown tremendously since I’ve first met him. He’s an entirely different person. The court has its responsibility, and we both respect that greatly. We ask the court consider credit for Bryan Williams addresses the judge during his sentencing. time served and the low end of the guidelines.” “I know why I’m here today,” Williams told the judge. “I had a lot of time in jail to think about why I’m here and what I have to change to not be in front of you again.” Williams concluded his remarks by apologizing to the victim. Schipper reminded Williams that the aggravated domestic violence count, as a second offense, came on the heels of another domestic violence conviction for which he was on probation, along with fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. “If not for the plea agreement, I’m not sure you wouldn’t be going to prison,” Schipper said. “This just can’t ever happen. There’s nothing she could do to you that should cause you to do this.” Schipper handed down a sentence of a year in jail, with credit for 151 days served, and five years of probation with oversight fees of $600. Court fines, costs and restitution will total $666. The judge added the following encouragement, capped with a warning, “If, in fact, you’re acknowledging and you’re improving and moving forward, that’s what’s most important. ... I hope you continue on that positive trend where you are, and I hope you get out and you are a better, stronger person. “Because if not, if you’re here again, you’ll certainly go to prison, without a doubt, because this is unacceptable in anybody’s world. Understood, Mr. Williams?” Map of Special Assessment District (Includes only those parcels of land having frontage on Fine Lake or deeded or dedicated access thereto) NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN THAT the Township Supervisor of the Township of Johnstown has made and certified a special assessment roll for the special assessment district, which roll sets forth the relative portion of the cost of said Improvements which is to be levied in the form of a special assessment against each ben­ efitted lot and parcel of land in the special assessment district. TAKE NOTICE that the Township Board of the Township of Johnstown will hold a public hearing at a special meeting on November 13, 2019, at 7:30 p.m., or shortly thereafter, at the Johnstown Township Hall, located at 13641 S. M-37 Highway, within the Township, to review the special assessment roll and to hear and consider any objections thereto. TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the special assessment roll as prepared has been reported to the Township Board and is on file with the Township Clerk at the Township Hall for public examination. TAKE FURTHER NOTICE THAT AN OWNER OR A PARTY IN INTEREST IN A LOT OR PARCEL OF LAND SUBJECT TO A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT MAY FILE A WRITTEN APPEAL OF THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT WITH THE MICHIGAN TAX TRIBUNAL WITHIN THIRTY (30) DAYS AFTER THE DATE OF CONFIRMATION OF THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT ROLL, BUT ONLY IF SAID OWNER OR PARTY IN INTEREST APPEARS AND PROTESTS THE SPECIAL ASSESSMENT AT THIS HEARING. An appearance may be made by an owner or party in interest, or his or her agent, in person or, in the alternative, an appearance or protest can be filed with the Township by letter prior to the hearing, in which case a personal appearance at the hearing is not required. This Notice was authorized by the Township Board of the Township of Johnstown. Dated: October 9, 2019 Sheri Babcock, Township Clerk Senior Assistant Prosecutor Christopher Elsworth asks Judge Michael Schipper to lock Williams up. (Photos by Rebecca Pierce) See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits �Page 12 — Thursday, October 31, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Eaton County ends substance abuse services; no impact on Barry County Taylor Owens Writer Staff resignations and funding shifts at Eaton Behavioral Health are making the ser­ vice unsustainable so it’s closing. The program has been in place for nearly 20 years and provided substance abuse coun­ seling for 250 to 300 outpatients, jail inmates and struggling juveniles each year, Health Officer Colette Scrimger said. The Barry Eaton District Board of Health unanimously voted Thursday morning to close the program, after Scrimger explained the extent of the problems. The services provided in Barry County are not a part of this program and are not affected by this closure, Barry County officials con­ firmed. During the health board meeting Thursday, Scrimger pointed to issues with funding from Mid-State Health Network, an organization created by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services in 2014. Mid-State, which chooses how to disburse state funds to 21 area counties for mental health and substance abuse programs, has been funding Eaton Behavioral Health in a model similar to grant funding, she said. Barry County is funded by a grant system through Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health, not through Mid-State or a fee-for- service model. Barry County Special Abuse Task Force Coordinator Liz Lenz said she has no reason to expect that will change anytime soon. “I don’t think Barry County residents need to be concerned,” Lenz said. Most counties served by Mid-State are on a fee-for-service model. Eaton County was expected to move to that model next year, but that would have made the program unsustainable, Scrimger said. “We were set up differently,” she said. “It doesn’t work for us to be able to cover our cost.” Health department officials looked for additional funding through another source, but it fell through, she said. Other funding options would have taken some time to go through to get approval from the state. Knowing the precarious situation that the program was in, employees started handing in their resignations. As of Wednesday, all four counselors in the program and Eaton Behavioral Health Manager Laura Fox had left or served notice. “As of Nov. 8, we will not have any clini­ cians working for us and, soon after that, I won’t have a program manager,” Scrimger said. Finding a new manager who would be will­ ing to redesign the program and rebuild the HOMICIDES, continued from page 1 Judge Michael Thursday. Schipper in court her. “Just for the record, I should’ve asked this when I started,” she said. “Can Mr. Burnett hear me? I can go to the microphone.” Schipper asked: “Can you hear the prosecu­ tor, Mr. Burnett? ...Is that a yes? ... Mr. Burnett, just give me a verbal yes, please.” In response, Burnett shouted at him: “Yes!” “I’m being polite with you,” the judge pointed out. “I don’t care,” Burnett said. Burnett was originally charged with two counts of open murder as well as assault by strangulation, felonious assault and four counts of committing felonies with a firearm in Barry County. Now, he’s facing a charge of assault with intent to murder or, in the alternative, feloni­ ous assault, and 11 other felonious assault charges, along with two counts of resisting and obstructing police officers and 12 counts of committing a felony with a firearm. Some of the additional charges allege that Burnett assaulted motorists with a pistol after they saw DeGood’s body lying by the road and stopped to help. The assaults involved six men, four women and two children. The new charges also allege that Burnett assaulted, resisted or obstructed two county sheriff’s deputies. In an affidavit filed by Nakfoor Pratt, Burnett’s wife, Lynne, told police she and her husband were at home when a woman who used to live with them drove up in a van and, assisted by two other people who had come with her, retrieved some items she had left at the Burnett residence. Just as they were finished loading the van, Jon Burnett came out of the house with a handgun. “He had the gun in the air and was yelling at the woman to get off his property,” the affi­ davit states. “The van left, and Lynne turned around and pushed Jon in his chest, asking him what his problem was. Jon was still point­ ing the gun in the air. “Jon yelled at Lynne and said that he would shoot her, too. Jon grabbed Lynne with one hand around her throat, still holding the gun in the other hand. She shoved Jon back, and then began wrestling with Jon’s arms trying to get his hands away from her neck and also trying to keep the gun away from her.” After she got away from him, she told police she went to the bam to catch her breath, then returned to their house. That’s when she said she heard him racking the shotgun. “She saw Jon in the living room with a shotgun,” the affidavit states. “She went to her car and left.” Police said they were first notified of the altercation at 2:45 p.m. when Lynne Burnett sought help from a sheriff’s deputy who was parked at the Barry Township Police Department. She drove up, identified herself and told the officer that her husband had a gun and had threatened her with it. While she was talking to the deputy, anoth­ er officer was dispatched to the Orangeville Township scene near Lewis and Lindsey roads in response to a report of a man lying in the roadway. The deputy arrived and identified the man lying in a ditch along Lindsey Road as DeGood, who was subsequently pronounced dead of a gunshot wound to the head. A man with a pink pistol, later identified as Burnett, was sitting on a rock near the intersection, the deputy reported. While the officer was with him, “Burnett stated that he shot the individual nearby [DeGood], and he also stated that he shot his friend, Gary, at Gary’s residence,” the affida­ vit states. The officer said he “transported Burnett to a nearby residence at Burnett’s direction and subsequently located Gary L. Peake, deceased from gunshot wounds to the head and neck.” During the Oct. 24 proceedings, Schipper referred to a second forensic report that per­ tained to criminal responsibility; the prosecu­ tor said criminal responsibility would be a matter for a jury to decide. A preliminary examination is scheduled Nov. 22 and Nov. 25 before Judge William Doherty. Efforts to reach Nakfoor Pratt were unsuc­ cessful. In the affidavit, Nakfoor Pratt said, “Jon Burnett killed two people in cold blood at close range and strangled his wife with a gun involved. He also shot at at least two motor­ ists and pointed his gun at several others. Mr. Burnett is a danger to society.” staff in a short time frame and tight budget “seems impossible,” she remarked. Scrimger said she had already notified three employees that their positions will be eliminated, and a fourth employee’s hours are being cut back. Substance abuse services will end either Friday, Nov. 1, or Monday, Nov. 4. The remaining time that employees are still working will be used to finish documentation and reporting. Board Chairman Joe Brehler, who is from Eaton County, said he was “beyond disap­ pointed” in this outcome. “The last meeting that I had with the head of Mid-State, I asked him point blank: ‘Do you want behavioral health closed? Because that’s where you’re going.’ ” “Fee for service does not work if you want quality performance in rural areas,” Brehler said. “I hope the message is sent that this is squarely on Mid-State,” said board member Ben Geiger, who is from Barry County. “That their administrative setup is so egregious and so punitive to our program, they’re pen­ ny-pinching to the point that they’ve pinched off our program. “It’s very upsetting.” Brehler pointed out that some of the employees left for other agencies that offered less pay and benefits, because they knew the future of Eaton County’s program was in doubt. “If I was working here - this isn’t exactly a secret - I’d be looking to jump ship, too,” Brehler said. “It just disgusts me,” board member Blake Mulder said, “This is the place we are making major life-changing effects.” Brehler said the situation meant the board was not going to be able close the program appropriately, by giving time for the employ­ ees to find new positions, and for the board to replace some of the lost services. “We’re going to have to find somebody to take care of the jail now. We’re going to have to find somebody to take care of the juvenile home,” Brehler pointed out. “We have abso­ lutely no idea when, or if, we will have ser­ vices available in Eaton County in the near future.” Scrimger said there are options available in neighboring counties, where the staff is cur­ rently recommending patients attend, but she pointed out that transportation is an issue for many of the people they serve. “I shudder to think of the number of people that we’re going to lose, who are going to go back to what they were doing,” Brehler said. “This is going to have a severe impact on what we do here in Eaton County.” The board unanimously voted to cancel its contract with Mid-State and cease Eaton Behavioral Health Services. Barry County is funded by a grant system through Southwest Michigan Behavioral Health, not through Mid-State or a fee-forservice model. Barry County Special Abuse Task Force Coordinator Liz Lenz said she has no reason to expect that will change anytime soon. “I don’t think Barry County residents need to be concerned,” Lenz said. Also at the meeting Scrimger said the deer found in Charlotte which tested positive for Eastern equine encephalitis was discovered weeks earlier, but problems with the testing meant it had not been confirmed as EEE until recently. “For the most part, I think this incident is really wrapped up for the year,” Scrimger said. She also reported that Emergency Preparedness Coordinator Eileen Thompson had resigned after being with the department for about a year. Scrimger said Thompson has taken an opportunity to work closer to her home. Foundation applauds service Barry Community Foundation staff: In front, from left, Bonnie Gettys and Annie Halle. Standing, from left: Jillian Foster, Amy Murphy, Tammy James, Liz Lonergan and Megan McKeown. Jon Burnett in an earlier court proceed­ ing. (File photo) Rebecca Pierce Editor The Barry Community Foundation 400 Club honored extraordinary service last week. The Oct. 24 event at the Barry Community Enrichment Center applauded people who serve - and two in particular merited special praise: David Solmes and Shauha Swantek. When a board member serves three full terms, or nine years, they become part of an elite group of emeritus members, board Chairman Fred Jacobs said. Solmes and Swantek started their service on the board in July 2009 so they have joined that group. Solmes’ service to the Foundation started with his involvement in Leadership Barry County. Over the years, Solmes has served as chairman and vice chairman on the Leadership Barry County board. He is currently serving on the BCEC Inc. board and is well-known in many community organizations a member, volunteer or consultant. “He is considered our resident ‘technology expert,’ when it comes to audiovisual — and he has never met a fundraiser he didn’t like,” Jacobs said. Swantek also was a part of Leadership Barry County, which segued into the Hometown Partnership Program for the com­ munity. Her employment at the Putnam Library offered the Foundation a window on the world of Nashville, helping to remind the board and staff that the Foundation truly is countywide, Jacobs said. She was instrumental in the World’s Longest Ice Cream Sundae, the creation of Route 66 business coalition and a safe space for everyone. She helped the start the Barry College Access Network, the Entrepreneur Pillar of HTP and is a key partner for the Community Conversations Dialogues. “As the vice chairwoman and chairwoman David Solmes (on left) and Shauna Swantek received awards for their years of ser­ vice to the Barry Community Foundation board from Foundation board Chairman Fred Jacobs. of the Foundation, she led our work with honor and equity for all,” Jacobs said. Other emeritus board members who attend­ ed the event and were honored are: Maggie Coleman, Dick Groos, Jan Hartough, Karen Heath, Deb McKeown, Kim Norris and Jacobs. The Golden Apple Award was given to Stephanie Woods. And, in a tribute to an innovator who made much prosperity and advancement in the com­ munity possible, the Thornapple Legacy Society was renamed the Emil Tyden Legacy Society, President Bonnie Gettys announced. The Foundation focuses on seven key ele­ ments in the community: Environment, neigh­ borhoods, basic needs, health, education, economy and arts and culture. Women’s Giving Circle to meet Nov. 6 The philanthropic Women’s Giving Circle of Barry County will have its next quarterly meeting Nov. 6 at The Legacy in Hastings. The meeting will begin with dinner at 6 p.m. Members pay for their own dinner and donate $50 to a local organization (or $30 for those under 30) Annie Halle will be the first speaker. She will tell the group how the donations from the August meeting will be used to benefit the Early Education Initiative Fund of the Barry Community Foundation. The second speaker will be Lauren Tripp, representing the Type 1 Diabetes Fund of the Barry Community Foundation. The Nov. 6 meeting also will serve as the annual meeting, and speakers for the upcom­ ing year will be determined at this annual gathering. RSVPs for this meeting must be received by Friday, Nov. 1, via email to NanGoodin@ aol.com or by calling 616-891-0325. Information will be emailed to interested women, who may join the Women’s Giving Circle at any time. The Women’s Giving Circle of Barry County Michigan also has a Facebook page. More information about the group also is available by contacting any of the organizing members: Caroline Dimmers, Stephanie Fekkes, Sue Kolanowski, Debra McKeown, Kim Norris, Carla Wilson-Neil or Goodin. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 31,2019 — Page 13 Hastings woman creates pirate-themed ‘city’ for elaborate Halloween party Kathy Carpenter (center) poses with Shawn Olmstead (left) and Nicole Linker next to a pirate ship built out of Styrofoam. Kathy Carpenter scoops out some steaming water from a burning “cauldron” in the pirate-themed city she created. Greg Chandler Staff Writer Kathy Carpenter loves Halloween. The Hastings resident and business owner loves it so much each year she creates her own “city” - she calls it Port Royal - complete with a pirate ship, a bar (that sells root beer), a doctor’s office, a store and even a place where one can have his or her fortune told. Last weekend, Carpenter entertained 65 people, mostly kids, at a party at Ever After, the banquet hall she runs with her daughter, Nicole Linker. Carpenter creates her Halloween city out of pretty much whatever she can find. “I can scavenge for anything,” she said. For example, she built a cannon using PVC pipe from her husband’s plumbing business, and the cannon balls came from a local dollar store. The pirate ship, which took at least four months to construct, was built from Styrofoam. “She makes it look like wood,” her husband, Brad, said. Carpenter said she got into creating her elaborate Halloween decorations when Nicole was a child. “Her birthday is in October, and we had an old schoolhouse,” she said. “You walk in, look both ways, and it would turn into a maze. City council approves $11 million in bonds fo r project Doug VanderLaan Contributing Writer Hastings City Council members resolved two previously tabled and high-expense projects for residents Monday night. Approved was an intent to issue $11 million in bonds for an upgrade of the wastewater treatment plant and the purchase of a nearly $400,000 high-tech sewer cleaning vehicle known as a Vactor. Financing for the $11 million wastewater treatment plan upgrade will be made available through the state revolving fund, a loan program administered by the Michigan Finance Authority through the state’s Clean Water Fund. The use of state funding will offer a number of flexible options unavailable through private financing, including interest rates as low as 3 percent. “You can draw down what you need rather than, with other funds, having to borrow the entire $11 million,” bond attorney Tom Colis told council members of one such feature. “This project is on the state’s priority list, and money has been set aside. Right now, the city is targeted for the second quarter of the state’s fiscal year, which would mean a close by March.” The council unanimously approved an intent to issue the bonds, meaning the bond issuance notice must be published and, if no petition signed by 10 percent of voters is presented within 45 days calling for a public vote is presented, funding will be finalized. Also, in an attempt to fast-track what may be a 10-month process to obtain a new, critically needed Vactor, the high-tech vacuum-powered sewer cleaner truck, council members approved city staff to solicit purchase bids and draw up a final purchase agreement. Because the equipment fund does not have money available for outright purchase, the council also allowed an agreement to purchase through installment payments. “It is the most efficient,” City Manager Jerry Czarnecki said of the process. “The resolution authorizes our financial people to seek bids without coming back and presenting all the proposals.” That outline was sufficient for council members, but details of the proposed financing package, led by a complicated leasing agreement outlined by Colis, met with some resistance. “You’ve got us, you’ve got the vendor who provides the equipment, and you’ve got the financial institution who provides the money,” council member Brenda McNabb-Stange said. “Does the vendor get paid 100 percent from us and still stay liable for the equipment?” McNabb-Stange also objected to the agreement’s statement that installment payments could not exceed the equipment’s expected useful life of 10 years. “Our own department of public works director says the useful life is six years,” pointed out McNabb-Stange, whose objection led to a change th the resolution before its approval on a 7-2 vote. “I’d like to see staff look into using our own money out of reserves,” said council member Bill Redman who, along with Don Bowers, cast the two dissenting votes, “instead of blowing $25,000 of taxpayer money borrowing somebody else’s money.” Redman’s concerns - along with those of other council members - also could not be satisfactorily resolved on the issue of adopting an ethics policy along with conflict of interest statements for all city officials, board members, employees, and affiliates who work with the city. “A lot of this is already in our policies,” Czarnecki noted. “These proposals would just go with it.” “But state laws already cover this,” council member Don Smith said. “There’s a state law that says municipalities have to have signed statements.” “It’s for transparency and it’s best practice,” responded City Clerk/Treasurer Jane Saurman, who helped draw up the documents presented for approval on the recommendation of the Michigan Municipal League and the Government Finance Officers Association. “Government officials are held to a higher standard because we use public funds. It’s good to have the message right out there.” As far as adopting an ethics policy and defining conflict of interest issues, council members were able to define ethics concerns more readily than exactly where to draw the line on possible conflicts of interest. “I have CDs at the bank,” council member Al Jarvis said. “Does that mean I have a conflict of interest because the city also has CDs at the bank?” “Yes, if you’re the president of the bank we do business with,” Saurman said. “Anytime this council does business with CoDee Stamping, I should not participate [because my son owns the business]?” Redman asked. “That’s up to you,” Saurman said. “To me, that would be disclosable, but that doesn’t mean you can’t. You just need to be transparent.” “Aren’t we kind of taking this a little too far?” Mayor Dave Tossava said shortly before ending the discussion with a note that “[they’re] going to work on this and get it back to us.” In other business Monday, the council: -Instituted a credit card policy under which department employees will be issued cards to make purchases under clearly defined limits. The current policy allows one card for all city business, and all purchases must be approved and overseen by the city manager. “It will all still fall under purchase policies,” Saurman said, “but it’s designed to decentralize purchasing a little bit.” -Accepted a bid of $59,984 through the state’s MiDeal program for 800 tons of salt estimated and budgeted for the coming winter season.— ■­ -Strongly debated and eventually approved on an 8-1 vote a resolution tStetrike delinquent property taxes from the tax rolls. “This is not the way I understood it,” saia\Bowers, who cited a local business that had relocated and a professional whose practice had moved out of the city on the list to be stricken. “Why would we not [levy the tax owed]?” “If the property is gone, there’s nothing to attach a lien to,” Saurman said. Replying to McNabb-Stange, who asked about a business on the list still in operation at the same location, Saurman agreed that four active businesses are still on the list and that “the goal is to get the tax by going to court and getting a judgment.” The difficulty with the list presented Monday is that it marks many years of neglect. “This is 19 years of delinquent taxes that we’ve let go,” Saurman said. “We can’t let it get this far.” Saurman added that Monday’s approval is only a first step. Other taxing authorities also must approve it for the move to become official with a publication of all delinquent tax obligations. -Received Saurman’s monthly investment: status report with a note that budgeting for the new fiscal year is on schedule and that the city audit will be completed in December. Auditors spent 3 1/2 days in the office for this year’s audit as opposed to 15 days last year. -Granted requests to hold the Jingle and Mingle event Dec. 6, 7 and 8 and the second annual Wendy Jo Blakely Je t’aime 5K Fun Run May 16,2020. -Heard McNabb Stange voice concerns about needed council action on recreational marijuana policies and emerging small cell wireless technology infrastructure. “The state begins accepting license applications on Nov. 1. I don’t think we should wait until May [when the current ‘opt-out’ clause expires] and find we’ve got nothing done.” McNabb-Stange referenced a televised report that 80 percent of California communities opted out of allowing recreational marijuana and now a black market is “going like crazy,” she said. On the small cell “boosters” allowed by a March 12 public act to be attached to towers, telephone poles and other high structures without a municipality’s permission, McNabb Stange said, “We better have something ready before somebody appears and we’re not ready for them.” We used to scare her [friends]. It started with five or six girls.” The parties grew from there, Linker said. “Everyone wanted to come to the birthday parties, and she started inviting family,” she said. “She’s been doing this for more than 20 years.” Carpenter credits Shawn Olmstead, office manager at Carpenter Plumbing, for helping her get many of the decorations done. “He’s my partner in crime. I start a project, and he finishes it. Or he starts something, and I’ll finish it,” she said. Some of Carpenter’s other party designs have included a “Wizard of Oz” theme. “We have the house that’s fallen and on one side, there’s feet with the ruby-red slippers,” she said, adding that she also created houses for the Munchkins and a forest. Carpenter even took on the role of the Wicked Witch of the West. Carpenter’s entire family, which includes three children and eight grandchildren, gets into the Halloween spirit. One of her favorite photos on her phone has the entire family in their various costumes. She said watching kids have fun at parties gives her the enjoyment of creating these displays. The News Is Just the Beginning^.... Your Community... Your Family.. .Your Interests... Your Home.. .Your World... Call 800.870.7085 or pick it up at one of our locations listed below! It’s All a Part ofYour Local Newspaper! Area locations to purchase the Hastings Banner! Hastings GunLaks jyood/and One Stop Shop (Philips 66) (M-43N) Sam’s Gourmet Foods Woodland Express Superette Family Fare PmeLake Trading Post Hastings Johnny’s Prairieville Little’s Country Store The General Store Prairieville Fast Stop Nashville Johnny’s Tom's Market Marathon Mega Bev i • -■. > rd ; I Naslmlle Doster Country Store MV Pharmacy Cloverdale Cloverdale General Penn-Nook Gift Shop Nashville C Store Carl’s Brown’s Cedar Creek Grocery Phillips 66 Gas Station (W. State St.) Family Fare Gas Station Shelbyville Walgreens Town & Country Family Fare Speedway Delton Johnny’s Middleville Marketplace Middleville Johnny’s Lake-O-Express Lake-O-Mart Carl’s Middleville Greg’s Get-lt-N-Go Lai&Odesss Lake Odessa Johnny’s Delton Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Hanner classified ads rlT Ergepaf L&J’s Banfield Banfield General Store Freeport General Store 'p(J ■ bins ;tffl Dowling Goldsworthys 'f T �Page 14 — Thursday, October 31,2019 — The Hastings Banner Ordway has no appendix to keep him from MIS DK duo qualifies for D3 Finals again Brett Bremer Sports Editor One thing is for certain. Micah Ordway’s appendix won’t keep him from running at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn Saturday. He doesn’t have one anymore. About 250 varsity cross country runners in each division from across Michigan get to run at the Lower Peninsula State Finals each fall. The pack was at least one short a year ago, as Ordway qualified for the Division 3 Lower Peninsula State Finals, but was in a hospital room when teammate Matt Lester and the rest of the state qualifiers took off at MIS because of an emergency appendectomy in the days leading up to the finals. “It did bring tears to my eyes. I was lying in the hospital bed and I asked the doctors if I would be able to recover in time (to run in the state finals), and they told me no,” Ordway said. “From that day on, my teammates came to visit me, and it just was heart-breaking.” Lester, now a senior, and Ordway, a junior, will get the chance to compete with the best in the state this Saturday after placing in the top 15 at their Division 3 Regional Meet in Allendale Saturday. They’ll be joined by Maple Valley freshman Ashton Ripley, who also medaled in the top 15 in Allendale. Ordway said he didn’t get to do much run­ ning after his surgery until the spring track and field season began. He knew things were finally getting back to normal the first time he won the 1600-meter run during a meet in early May. “All week we practiced hardcore,” Ordway said of the lead-up to regionals. “It was just intense. As the day got closer, I was nervous as heck. I have never felt that amount of anx­ iety before for a race, but then we got to the starting line and I did my normal routine, just took a deep breath, stepped back and was waiting for the gun. ' “As the race went on, I was like I got this. This is what I worked all season for. I have waited an entire year to qualify for state again.” The top three teams and top 15 individuals in Allendale earned spots in the upcoming state finals. The Delton Kellogg boys’ team just missed getting all seven guys a chance to run in the state finals, placing fourth just 14 points behind third-place Montague. Calvin Christian won the boys’ regional championship with 47 points, ahead of Covenant Christian 69, Montague 100, Delton Kellogg 114, Kent City 128, Holland Black River 191, Maple Valley 192, N <)rth Muskegon 230, NorthPointe Christian 255 and Ravenna 272 in the top ten Saturday. Maple Valley freshman Ashton Ripley earned another week in his first varsity cross country season by scoring a seventh place medal Saturday at the Division 3 Regional Meet in Allendale, qualifying for this weekend’s Division 3 Lower Peninsula State Finals at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn with his top 15 finish. (File photo) Calvin Christian had three guys finish in the top four, all hitting the finish line in less than 17 minutes . Squire junior Luke Witvliet was the regional champion in 16:26.5, with Covenant Christian senior Ethan Vink second in 16:51.1. Ordway just missed that 17-minute mark, a time he’ll have his eye on at the state finals. Saturday was the first time he didn’t have teammate Matt Lester in front of his eyes at the finish line as he bested his senior team­ mate in a varsity race for the first time. Ordway was sixth in 17:02.5, setting a new personal record. Lester placed eighth in 17:05.0. “About the third mile, the last 300 to 400 meters, I just kicked it in ahead of him and took it home,” Ordway said. “When he rounded the comer to go straight down the straightaway that went into the track we were running side by side and he was sprinting a little bit faster than I was,” Lester said of the finish. “I just couldn’t keep up.” “The two of these guys, Micah and Matthew, have been just feeding off each other in practice all season long,” DK head coach Dale Grimes said, “especially as we have been getting closer and closer to region­ al. It has been really good for each of them.” DK also had sophomore Hector Jimenez 22nd in 17:55.0, sophomore Amon Smith III 36th in 18:26.1, and sophomore Austin Blocker 42nd in 18:41.3. Jimenez and blocker each set a new PR in the race, as did sopho­ more teammate Hayden Walker who was 62nd in 20:03.7. “I wish there was as little more urgency. I don’t know if they know how close they real­ ly were (to qualifying for the state finals),” Grimes said. Ripley, the Maple Valley freshman, was in between the two fastest Panthers placing sev­ enth in 17:03.7 - a new PR of his own. Ripley ran cross country as a seventh grad­ er, but missed the chance to run as an eighth grader. He’s happy to be back on course. “That was a super flat course and there was a lot of competition,” Ripley said. “I tried staying with the fifth and fourth people for the first part, because there was a group of peo­ ple. They were all in the 16’s, so I was in with them util about the two and a half (mile mark).” He is the first Maple Valley runner to qual­ ify for the state finals in 13 years. The Lion team also got a personal record from senior Ben Benedict who was 24th in 17:58.9. The Lion team had junior Curtis Walker 48th in 19:06.3, senior Trevor Duffey 54th in 19:42.9 and freshman Torin Bell 61st in 19:57.0. Duffey had his fastest race ever Saturday. The Delton Kellogg girls team had its top five scorers all run their fastest race of the season, with the top four all setting new PR’s Saturday. Sophomore Halena Phillips led the DK girls, placing 26th in 21:28.2. Sophomore Aubrey Aukerman was 30th in 21:45.8. DK senior Lily Timmerman was 37th in 22:10.2 and freshman Joelle White 59th in 24:22.3. DK’s number five was senior Elizabeth Vroegop, who set a new season best time in finishing 67th in 25:48.6. Grimes was really happy to see his girls, seeded ninth, place seventh as a team. Calvin Christian won the girls’ regional title with 19 points, ahead of Kent City 59, Covenant Christian 65, Montague 123, Central Montcalm 155, Newaygo 174, Delton Kellogg 182, Ravenna 208 and Wyoming Lee 232. Calvin Christian junior Catherine Kortman won the individual title in 19:20.5, with North Muskegon senior Isabella Lindsay second in 19:32.0. All seven Calvin Christian girls earned regional medals for placing in the top 15. Maple Valley freshman Hope Taggart was right behind Vroegop, placing 68th in 25:50.8. Delton Kellogg teammates Matt Lester (left) and Micah Ordway (right) both qualified for the Division 3 Lower Peninsula State Finals for the second year in a row by finishing in the top 15 at their Division 3 Regional Meet in Allendale Saturday. (File photo) Woman arrested for driving with 0.224 BAC Police were alerted to a possible drunken driver in the 800 block of South Hanover Street in Hastings at 10:51 p.m. Oct. 24. An officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle matching the description driven by a 32-year-old woman. The officer noted the woman did not appear to notice him outside her window until he knocked, even though she was look­ ing around. He also noted she had “a large chunk of chew tobacco in the right side of her mouth.” She said she had consumed two beers, but had a 0.224 BAC and was arrested. Meth found inside Bible safe Police received an anonymous tip through the Silent Observer that two people were using meth in the 1000 block of South Broadway in Hastings at 5:45 p.m. Sept. 29. When officers arrived, a 47-year-old man told them he had not been using meth and gave the officers permission to search his residence. The officers found a safe in the shape of a Bible under the bed, and asked the man to open it. Inside they found multiple bags, tubes and a scale covered in a substance which appeared to be meth. The man also had multiple previous warrants for failure to appear in court, and one for possession of meth. He was arrested. Driver runs, ditches marijuana after crash Vikings defeat Lions in GLAC Volleyball Tournament title game The top seeds held serve at the Greater Lansing Activities Conference Tournament hosted by Lansing Christian Saturday. The Lakewood varsity volleyball team won its 17th conference championship overall, keeping its GLAC record perfect since the league began, by outscoring Maple Valley 25-14,25-15 in the championship match. The Vikings opened the day with a 25-21, 25-10 win over Stockbridge. Lakewood head coach Cameron Rowland said his team started slow, needing to adjust to the slower pace of play after a tough tri at home Thursday night against Schoolcraft and Mattawan. He said once his girl found their footing they dominated. Maple Valley, the second seeded team in the tournament, opened play with a 25-16, 23-25,25-14 win over Leslie and then defeat­ ed Olivet 27-29, 25-13, 25-12 in the semifi­ nals. Maradith O’Gorman led the Vikings with 26 kills on the day. Aubrey O’Gorman had 16 kills and Jaizah Pyle ten. Skylar Bump had 54 assists in the two matches and eight aces. Kiana Hummel and Aubrey O’Gorman had 15 digs each, with Maradith adding 12 and Bump eight. Haylee Marks and Aubrey O’Gorman tied for the Lakewood lead in blocks with two each. Lakewood was the only conference team to defeat the Lions in GLAC play this season. Trista Medina had six aces for the Lions, and Josey Terpening and Keilyn Carpenter had four aces each. Keilyn Carpenter pounded 38 kills to lead the Lion attack. Teammates Terpening and Medina had eight kills each. Medina had 48 assists and had a big day at the net defensively too, adding a team-high four blocks. Ashlyn Wilkes, Terpening and Carli Deo had three blocks each. Terpening had a team-high 23 digs, Medina had two, Olivia Roush had 19 and Carpenter 18 digs . Lakewood returned to action Tuesday, scoring wins over Portage Northern, Marshall, St. Joseph and Centreville at the Vicksburg mini tournament. “We played very clean and with a lot of confidence at Vicksburg,” Rowland said. “We made some teams who have had very good years look not very good. We passed well and our offense ran smoothly because of it. We served exceptionally well at a high efficiency too which put on our opponents on their heels early.” Lakewood will host its Division 2 District Tournament next week. Maple Valley heads to Kdlamazoo Christian for its Division 3 District Tournament. Both teams drew first round byes and will open the postseason in the district semifinals. Police were called to the scene of a crash where a vehicle struck a power pole at 12:35 a.m. Oct. 13, on East State Street near South Hanover in Hastings. When officers arrived, the vehicle was empty and marijuana was found inside. The K-9 unit was called to the scene. Officers who attempted to track the driver found a bag nearby that contained mari­ juana, a grinder and scale inside, but the driver was not located. Officers contacted the 20-year-old driver the next day, after tracking the vehicle registration to his parents. The driver said he fell asleep at the wheel, then panicked and ran after he crashed. He eventu­ ally admitted to smoking marijuana before driving. He has one prior conviction for driving while impaired. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Drain commission identifies beaver trap thief A employee of the Barry County Drain Commissioner contacted police to report the theft of beaver traps on Woodschool Road near Mountain Ridge Drive in Irving Township at 3 p.m. Sept. 30. The traps were in place because beavers were causing water in the area to rise, which threatened to cut off access to a nearby residence. The drain commission had traps in that area stolen before, and had posted a camera near the new traps. A man caught on video taking the traps looked like a neighbor, police said. The neighbor, a 58-year-old man, admitted taking the traps this time, but denied taking the traps in the past. He said he was worried about his neighbor’s children and dogs getting caught in the traps, so he threw them in a swamp. He volunteered to pay for all the traps that were missing — a total of $179. No further action will be taken. Woman drives grandmother’s truck to Texas A 62-year-old woman reported that her granddaughter, 22, had driven her car to Texas without her permission on Oct. 22. The woman, a resident of the 12000 block of South Jones Road in Johnstown Township, said she had given her daughter permission to drive the truck to look for a job - not to go to Texas. Her son located the truck, and she plans to drive to Texas with her husband to bring it back to Michigan. The case remains open. Man arrested for OWI after backing into swamp Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: Ail real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. SQUAL HOUWiCil OPFORTUNITY Estate Sales Business Services HICKORY CORNERS/GULL LAKE AREA MOVING/ ES­ TATE SALE- 15820 S. M-43, HICKORY CORNERS, MI 49060. FRL, NOV. 1 & SAT., NOV. 2, 2019, 9AM-5PM. VINTAGE, COLLECTIBLES, GLASSWARE, LIONEL TRAINS, MECHANICAL & MACHINIST TOOLS, POOL TABLE, TOYS, STOVE, FREEZ­ ER, SPORTS EQUIP, TEA CART, LAMPS, DINING SET, PATIO SET, BEDS, TABLES, DRESSERS, DESKS, CHAIRS, BOOK CASES, HUTCH, RUGS, LAWNMOWER, TREADMILL, PEWTER, BASKETS, YARD & GARDEN, GRILLS, BOOKS, LINENS, KITCHEN, MUCH MISC. HUCKLEBERRY HODGEPODGE. BELLS CONSTRUCTION-18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, power washing, home im­ provements. 269-320-3890. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Walnut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. Fann 2018 ROUND BALES For sale, cattle quality. 517-852-4484. A 58-year-old Bellevue man was arrested at 9:25 p.m. Oct. 24, after backing his car into a swamp on East Day Road near Jenkins Road in Irving Township. The man had been attempting to back his car out of a driveway, but went all the way across the road and drove into the swamp. He had a blood alcohol content of 0.238 and was arrested. He also was under a conditional bond release that prohibited alcohol consumption. Father drinks half a fifth before driving Police responded to a crash on M-179 near Norris Road in Yankee Springs Township at 5:03 p.m. Oct. 25. A45-year-old Hastings man was driving with a 45-year-old woman and his 14-year-old son when the truck rolled over into a tree. The man admitted to drinking a half of a fifth of vodka before driving; police said he had a 0.161 blood alcohol content. The driver did not appear to have any injuries, although his passengers had possible inju­ ries. All were taken to the hospital for evaluation, and the driver was arrested. Man caught after getaway driver no-shows A 37-year-old Battle Creek man was spotted by a Hastings Walmart employee running out of the store with a bag full of merchandise at 8:35 am. Oct. 28. Officers spotted the man in a nearby parking lot with $745 worth of electronics and tools in his bag. He said his ride was supposed to be waiting for him in the parking lot, but they were not there. He was arrested. Marijuana found in one-vehicle crash An officer responded to a single-vehicle crash at 12:13 a.m. Oct. 8, in which a vehicle hit a power pole on South Benton Road near West Green Street in Hastings. The 19-yearold female driver was taken to the hospital for evaluation. Although she did not appear to be under the influence, the officer saw marijuana inside her vehicle and the woman said she had some in her purse. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 31, 2019 — Page J 5 Swimmers have a couple fun, emotional nights in a row DK-TK-Hastings junior Lydia Cole is presented with a gift from the members of the Ionia varsity girls’ swimming and diving team following their teams’ meet at the Community Education and Recreation Center in Hastings Tuesday. The Bulldogs wore purple Team Lydia swim caps, building on last Thursday’s Lydia Cole Cancer Awareness Event at the pool in Hastings. (Photo by Brett Bremer) iriT DK-TK-Hastings freshman Cadence VanOoy races to a victory in the 100-yarjd^ backstroke during her team’s non-conference victory over visiting Ionia Tuesday Hastings. (Photo by Brett Bremer) al said of swimming the 200-yard freestyle. “I actually like it more than I thought I would.” “The 200, it is all a fast sprint, all eight laps. There is no time for pacing. It is a short. It is a mid-distance, so you have just got to like give it your all the entire time, which is really hard. I admire the people who can do that. By the third 50 you’re dead, you’re like ‘oh my gosh, I don’t know.’ In the 500 you have more time to pace. You can feel it out.” Coach Carl Schoessel typically works to get the seniors into different events if they’d like to do that on Senior Night. Nowinsky has loved the co-op program, getting to meet friends from other schools that she’d have otherwise likely never even met. Even though she thought it was cheesy, Nowinsky couldn’t help but call Senior Nigh?2 “bittersweet.” Dalman, a DK-TK-Hastings senior, teamed with Marcukaitis, Haywood and Meeker toA win the 200-yard medley relay in 2:03 .o\ Dalman took the 100-yard breaststroke victd-^ ry herself in 1:16.90. Johnson, another senior, won the diving^ competition with a score of 213.15 while Kerf classmate Shannon Brpwp placed third in event with a score of 166.00. ■ DK-TK-Hastings also had Haywood win the 200-yard individual medley in 2:29.07, Marcukaitis the 50-yard freestyle in 26.56 and the 100-yard freestyle in 58.96, Hall the 10^F yard butterfly in 1:12.93, and Cadenbe VanOoy the 100-yard backstroke in l:15.23t DK-TK-Hastings junior Juliann Meeker works her way to a runner-up time in the 10O-yard butterfly during her team’s non­ conference win over Ionia at the Community Education and Recreation Center in Hastings Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) I Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Delton Kellogg-Thornapple KelloggHastings varsity girls’ swimming and diving team has been looking for and working to create some strong freestylers throughout the season. Strides have been made, but the Wayland Union girls left the DK-TK-Hastings girls in their wake at the end of their OK Conference tier II match-up at the Community Education and Recreation Center pool in Hastings Thursday. Wayland wiped out a seven-point DK-TKHastings lead by having the first two teams to finish the 400-yard freestyle relay - moving ahead for a 94-91 victory. There were a lot of winners Thursday night though, including the Cole family and the organizations Lydia Cole plans to help with funds raised at what was dubbed the Lydia Cole Cancer Awareness Event this year. The DK-TK-Hastings’ team’s annual Cancer Awareness Meet was dedicated to the Thomapple Kellogg junior who was diag­ nosed with pancreatic cancer last spring. “It was nice. It was as lot, but it was a lot of Am,” Cole said of being the center of attention at the event. “My times were a little slower than usual, but it was still a lot of fun to get to hang out with everyone. Cole received several special presentations at the meet, which opened with members of the Wayland, Hastings, Delton Kellogg and Thomapple Kellogg high school bands play­ ing the National Anthem. Fellow OK Conference Tier II teams Calvin/NorthPointe Christian and Wayland provided video trib­ utes, shown on the big scoreboard in the pool. “That was really awesome,” Cole said of the videos. “Calvin’s was a really fun video of all the girls spelling out Team Lydia and just saying that they are proud of me and excited. During the Wayland one, all of the girls said something individually and the coach said something, who I have known for a few years.” In the pool, Cole teamed with Abby Marcukaitis, Anna Haywood and Juliann Meeker to win the first event of the evening for the DK-TK-Hastings girls, the 200-yard medley relay. That DK-TK-Hastings team finished the race in 2 minutes .56 seconds. DK-TK-Hastings also had the team of Ellen Shults, Erin Dalman, Preslee Hall and Karsyn Daniels place third in that race, and their team never trailed in the scoring until the conclu­ sion of that final race. Marcukaitis had a couple big wins in the freestyle sprints for DK-TK-Hastings girls in the dual with Wayland, taking the 50-yard freestyle in 25.21 seconds and the 100-yard freestyle in 56.22. DK-TK-Hastings also got a boost in the diving competition, with Hannah Johnson (232.70 points), Claire Green (178.80) and Shannon Brown (150.40) placing first, second and third in that event. Haywood won the 100-yard butterfly in 1:06.69 for DK-TK-Hastings and Dalman took the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:15.75. Wayland girls finished second, third and fourth behind Dalman in that race, which has been a strong one for the DK-TK-Hastings girls this fall. The Wayland team of Rylie Steuer, Sami Reed, Riley VanPopering and Madelyn Reurink won the 400-yard freestyle relay in 4:02.37, with the team of Emily Fox, Abbie Jelsema, Johnnie Mellema and Jourdin Dressier placing second in the race. Wayland also had a winning time of 1:46.12 from the team of Reurink, Steuer, Reed and VanPopering in the 200-yard freestyle relay. Popering won the 200-yard individual med­ ley in 2:22.33 and the 500-yard freestyle in 5:50.40 too. Steuer took the 200-yard free­ style in 2:09.17 and Dressier won the 100yard backstroke in 1:06.98. It was Senior Night back at the CERC Tuesday as the DK-TK-Hastings girls scored an 88-7 win over the visiting Ionia Bulldogs who all wore purple Team Lydia caps for the meet. DK-TK-Hastings seniors Karsyn Daniels, Lauren Myers, Holly Bashore and Daisy Nowinsky made a special foursome in the 200-yard freestyle relay and scored the victo­ ry in the race with a time of 1:56.68. Nowinsky had already won a pair of races, besting both Myers and B ashore by a second or two to win the 200-yard freestyle in 2:16.60. Myers was second in that race in 2:18.16 and Bashore third in 2:18.56. Nowinsky followed that up with a win in one of her usual races, the 500-yard freestyle, which she finished in 6:10.11. “I thought it was really fun,” Nowinsky TK spikers score first OK Gold victory The Wyoming Wolves were kind enough to honor the Trojan seniors with bouquets of flowers before Senior Night in Wyoming Thursday. The Trojans thanked the Wolves by giving them a battle. The Thornapple Kellogg varsity volleyball team scored its first OK Gold Conference win of the season Thursday besting the Wolves in four sets. “The girls played very well most of the night,” TK head coach Tia Cross said. “We were passing really well and once we got our serving under control, we were able to put some points together and come out with a win. “We are in a very tough volleyball confer­ ence, and it just felt really good to come out with a win.” Chloe Teachout and Ellie Shoobridge each had seven kills for TK and Tyah Jefferson added six. Shoobridge had a team-high three blocks on the night. Claudia Lems had 13 assists and five aces for TK, sharing the setting duties with Adrienne Duits who had 11 assists. The Trojans closed out the conference sea­ son at home against Wayland Tuesday falling in four sets by the scores of 25-19, 15-25, 25-20, 25-20. “We were in every single set, but we just have to put our serves in play. We gave them 20 points on serving errors alone,” coach Cross said, “and we just can’t do that and win games. The girls played hard, but they dug themselves into a hole, and they couldn’t get out of it.” She said her team knows it plays better when it is being positive, and that there were great moments for her girls. Claudia Wilkinson had nine kills and six aces for TK. Teachout had eight kills. Lems had 13 assists and Duits ten. I&J r.M LOST STREAM MAP The STREAM & LAKE MAP OF MICHIGAN resembles another mapknown to Pennsylvania anglers as the lost Stream Map.” It was completed in 1965 after a 30 year effort by Howard Higbee, a former Penn State Professor. । Professor Higbee painstakingly 1 plotted by hand, the location of j 45,000 mites of streams onto the । । i i I J J map. It sold extremely well - until the printer declared bankruptcy and hauled Higbee’s work to the landfill But reprints were impossible because the maps were printed in non-photographic blue. 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(Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor No early starts. No late starts. No more Friday afternoons or evenings for the Barry County varsity football teams this season. Thornapple Kellogg, Hastings and Delton Kellogg each finished the 2019 varsity foot­ ball season with four victories, shy of the ‘mark needed to qualify for the Michigan High ^School Athletic Association postseason tour­ Inament. I For the most part it was teams that qualified [for the post season that prevented the local 5guys, and girls, from reaching the playoffs, i'Nobody from the county defeated a playoff [team during the 2019 regular season. Delton [Kellogg, Hastings and Thomapple Kellogg ‘each suffered four of their five defeats at the ‘hands of playoff teams. i Half of the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference, [home of the Saxons, is into the postseason this |weekend - Jackson Parma Western, Coldwater, [Marshall and Jackson Lumen Christi. Parma : Western and Coldwater are a part of the same [Division 3 District. The Panthers will travel to [Chelsea for their pre-district ballgame Friday [while the Cardinals play host to Pinckney [Friday night. In Division 7, Jackson Lumen ^Christi plays host to homer Friday. Marshall will play host to Plainwell in a Division 4 pre-district ballgame Saturday at 1 p.m. South Christian and Grand Rapids Christian [from the OK Gold will meet up Saturday [afternoon at Grand Rapids Christian High [School in their Division 4 pre-district contest. •East Grand Rapids from the OK Gold will »host Lowell Friday night in a Division 3 ipre-district match-up. ! Schoolcraft from the Southwestern Athletic [Conference Valley Division will be home to [open the Division 7 postseason against 'Hartford Friday. The other half of that district [pits Centreville against Lawton, a SAC [Lakeshore squad that edged the Delton [Kellogg team this fall. f Constantine is in the Division 6 bracket, wisiting Niles Brandywine Friday. Kalamazoo [United is a part of the Division 5 bracket, and [will be at Berrien Springs Saturday. f The only playoff team from the Greater [Lansing Activities Conference, Olivet, travels [to Lansing Catholic for its Division 5 pre-dis4rict game Friday. Local Standings (record, playoffpoints) ~ .-.Thomapple Kellogg 4-5,42.000 Hastings 4-5,41.319 Delton Kellogg 4-5,35.889 Lakewood 3-6, 29.556 Maple Valley 3-5, NA . Conference Standings . t. (overall, conference) Interstate 8 Athletic Conference Lumen Christi 8-0, 7-0 r Coldwater 8-1, 6-1 , _ Parma Western 7-2,5-2 t /Marshall 5-4,4-3 r Hastings 4-5, 3-4 ° Harper Creek 3-6,2-5 Northwest 2-7,1-6 ( Pennfield 1-8,0-7 , , OK Gold Conference . GR Christian 7-2,6-0 East Grand Rapids 6-3,5-1 South Christian 5-4,4-2 Forest Hills Eastern 4-5,3-3 Thomapple Kellogg 4-5,2-4 Wyoming 3-6,1-5 Wayland 0-9,0-6 Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley 8-1,4-1 Schoolcraft 7-2,4-1 Constantine 5-4,4-1 Kalamazoo United 3-6,2-3 Coloma 4-5,1-4 Delton Kellogg 2-7,0-5 Watervliet Greater Lansing Activities Conference Olivet 8-1,4-0 Stockbridge 3-6,2-2 Lakewood 3-6,2-2 Perry 5-4,1-3 Leslie 3-6,1-3 Here is a round-up of last Friday’s local gridiron action. Hastings 60, Charlotte 14 The fancy new scoreboard inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field had a busy final two weeks as the Hastings varsity football team reached the 60-point mark in back-to-back victories to close out the 2019 season. The Saxons improved to 4-5 overall this season with a 60-14 win over the visiting Charlotte Orioles Friday night, following up on 62-42 win over visiting Jackson Northwest from last week. Hastings won its final three ballgames of the season overall. Six different Saxons scored touchdowns Friday, with three coming from Gabe Trick. He rushed for two and also scored on a 21-yard reception from quarterback Carter Cappon. Elijah Smith rushed for two touchdowns as well for the Saxons. Seniors Trick and Smith both ran for over 100 yards in their final var­ sity football contest, with Trick leading the Saxon Wing-T attack with 12 rushes for 114 yards. Smith had nine carries for 104 yards. Keegan Olson, TJ Russell and Cappon each eclipsed 60 yards rushing and had one TD each. Logan Wolfenbarger also had a touch­ down run for Hastings in the victory. Hastings intercepted three Oriole passes, two for Trick and one for Smith. The Saxon defense also recovered two Oriole fumbles. The Saxons jumped on the Orioles from the start, with Trick intercepting a pass by Charlotte quarterback Charlie Grant on the third snap of the ballgame. Smith took the Saxons’ first offensive snap 71 yards for a touchdown and Wolfenbarger ran in the twopoint try for an 8-0 Hastings lead. The Saxon defense forced a three-and-out, and then blocked an Oriole punt to take pos­ session back over at the Oriole five-yard-line moments later, and Wolfenbarger scored on a five-yard run on the Saxons’ second offensive snap of the game - adding the two-point run himself. An interception by Smith ended the Orioles’ next possession, and this time it took the Saxon offense three plays to reach the end zone - with Smith scoring on a 14-yard run. It was 22-0 at the end of the first quarter. Smith recovered a Charlotte fumble on the Orioles’ first possession of the second quarter, and two plays later Russell scored on a 23-yard run. Hastings also got a 21-yard touchdown pass from Cappon to Trick with a little over five minutes to play in the first half. Delton Kellogg honors coach Mike Powell, a Panther coach for 35 years and a cancer survivor, with former head football coaches (back from left) Fred Pessell, Rob Heethuis, Rollie Ferris, Vic Haas, one of Powell’s former players Lt. Zac Haas, and current DK varsity football coach Ryan Bates during its Coaches Versus Cancer contest with visiting Constantine Friday at Delton Kellogg High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Charlotte got on the scoreboard between those two Saxon touchdowns in the second quarter, on a 61-yard touchdown run by Ashton Snell. Grant scored on a one-yard run early in the fourth quarter for the Orioles, with Isaiah Cifaldi adding the two-point run. Trick tacked on a one-yard touchdown run and Cappon a nine-yard TD run for the Saxons in the third quarter. Trick scored on a 34-yard run and Olson on a 48-yard run in the fourth quarter. Hastings kicker Evan Eastman added two extra-points in the second half. Grant was 7-of-15 passing for 66 yard for Charlotte. Sentell managed 146 yards rushing on 17 carries. Constantine 42, Delton Kellogg 28 There won’t be any playoffs for the Panthers this fall. Constantine dropped the Delton Kellogg varsity football team’s record to 4-5 with a 42-28 SAC Valley victory in Delton Friday night. Delton Kellogg got answers for the first four Falcon touchdowns from junior Bradley Bunch, but Constantine slowed down the DK offense in the fourth quarter and burned clock with its own offense to pull away in the end. Bunch scored all four of DK’s touchdowns. He had scoring runs of two and four yards, and touchdown receptions from junior quar­ terback Payton Smoczynski that covered 35 and 66 yards. He had 22 rushes for 106 yards on the night. Bunch’s final touchdown tied the ballgame at 28-28, with 3:02 to play in the third quarter, but Constantine answered with quarterback Caden Hetzy connecting on a 5 8-yard touch­ down pass to Brayden Clark in the final min­ ute of the third quarter. Hetzy added an insur­ ance TD on a 23-yard run in the fourth quarter for the Falcons. Hetzy rushed for two touchdowns and threw for two, also connecting on a 50-yard scoring pass to Clark early in the second quar­ ter for the first points of the ballgame. Constantine also got a 29-yard touchdown run from Isaac Hall and a 56-yard touchdown run from Hunter Bacheller. It was a busy evening for the Panthers, who preceded the early kickoff with their Senior Night ceremony, hosted their annual Coaches Versus Cancer event and then paused between the first and second quarter to honor the 35-year coaching career of Mike Powell. Thornapple Kellogg 45, Ottawa Hills 32 Touchdowns and big plays and celebrations and victories have been few and far between for the Thomapple Kellogg varsity football team in battles with the beasts of the OK Gold Conference - Grand Rapids Christian, East Grand Rapids and South Christian. The Trojans managed to close out the 2019 season on a high note Friday, scoring a 45-32 victory over former, and future, conference foe Ottawa Hills at Grand Rapids Christian High School. Clinging to a 17-14 lead after an Ottawa Hills touchdown with 76 seconds to play in the first half, the Trojans took over for one final drive. On third-and-7 back in their own territory, Alex Bonnema took a counter 46 yards to the Ottawa Hills 20-yard-line. After an Ottawa Hills pass interference penalty, TK running back Brendan Hood plowed into the end zone from ten yards out - upping TK’s lead to 24-14 four seconds before the half with the help of Mitchell Middleton’s extra­ point kick. “That was huge. When they have momen­ tum going in their direction and then all of a sudden we break a big one, it was a major momentum shifter. It put it back in our hands, gave us some breathing room and that type of thing. It was huge,” Thornapple Kellogg head coach Jeff Dock said. “We scored in under a minute and 13 sec­ onds. I don’t know when the last time that was.” It was Hood’s second touchdown run of the game, he also scored on a seven-yard run in the opening quarter. Middleton had a fiveyard touchdown run and a 28-yard field goal in that first quarter too, and was a perfect 6-of-6 on extra-point attempts. Hood finished his final ballgame as a senior with 18 rushes for 157 yards and three touchdowns, adding a 28-yard TD run early in the fourth quarter, and also had a key block on Bonnema’s big run that set up the final touchdown of the first half. Hood wasn’t the only one blocking well on the 46-yard burst by Bonnema. The Trojan front line of Austin Rounds, Blake Monroe, German Villalobos, Noah Kriekaard and Chad Meyering was big all ballgame. “We did good things up front. We read it a whole lot better. Everything was good. Everything was clicking. It felt good to end on that. Not scoring many points and then going over 40 was huge,” Dock said. “Those five guys have been consistent all year in regards to working hard, being at prac­ tice, trying to get better. The message for the week was we need to find a way to play our best football and finish on a high note. Finish on a positive with a win, but not just a win execute at a high level like we’re capable of because we have not done a good job of that the last few weeks. Having those five guys lead the way was awesome.” TK quarterback Reece Garbrecht hit receiv­ er Cole Shoobridge for a 16-yard touchdown pass midway through the third quarter to push TK’s lead to 31 -14, and Colton Vanloozenoord added a 38-yard touchdown run for TK late in the third. TK led 38-20 after three quarters and had the lead as large as 45-20 after Hood’s third TD. Bengal quarterback Scharai Horton threw two of his three touchdown passes in the final seven minutes to tighten the final score up a bit. He was 13-of-15 passing on the night for 219 yards. The Bengals didn’t find any suc­ cess on the ground, Horton led the team in rushing with seven carries for 35 yards. Garbrecht was 3-of-4 passing for 32 yards and the one TD to Shoobridge, who also got a little time at quarterback Friday. Bonnema finished with nine rushes for 95 yards. TK had 11 different guys rush the foot­ ball in the game. “Running the triple option is only good when you run the triple option. We were struggling reading it. The last three weeks I don’t think we pitched the ball very much. Within the first drive, we pitched the ball three or four times. When you can go read, read, pitch, just like the triple is supposed to happen, now the offense clicks. “Reese did a great job of reading it all the way through and getting it out when he need­ ed to, and giving it when he needed to. Cole �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 31,2019 — Page 17 Hastings’ Drew Markley turns to put the ball into the belly of running back Gabe Trick during their victory over visiting Charlotte Friday inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field. (Photo by Dan Goggins) Hastings senior running back Hunter Allerding tries to pull away from a Charlotte tackler during the Saxons’ 60-14 victory over the visiting Orioles Friday inside Baum Stadium at Johnson Field. (Photo by Dan Goggins) came in the second series, and he played some quarterback tonight too, and he did a nice job. All around, Reese had a great game finishing up his last 2019 game.” TK had scored a total of seven points in the previous three contests combined. Ryan Holmes had a team-high eight tackles for TK. Middleton had six tackles, including one in the Bengal backfield. Ionia 10, Lakewood 9 The lead changed hands twice in the final minute on Unity Field Friday night. Ionia kicker Tony Velasco booted a 37-yard field goal with a second on the clock to give the visiting Bulldogs a 10-9 win over the Lakewood varsity football team. Lakewood managed to return the Bulldogs’ ensuing squib kick all the way back to the Bulldog 35-yard-line before Ionia put an end to the Vikings’ season. Lakewood senior Jacob Elenbaas kicked a ^S7-yard field goal of his own four minutes into the second half to snap a scoreless tie, and then put the Vikings in front in the ball­ game again with a 46-yard touchdown pass to Brent Sweet with 44 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Elenbaas’s extra-point kick was blocked by the Bulldogs though, leaving Ionia the chance to win the ballgame with a field goal. “They played hard on both sides of the ball tonight,” Lake wood head coach Matt Markwart said. “It is a rivalry game. You throw out the records and everything else. Both teams play hard, because that is the game of the year for both teams. They really play hard in it. “Our kids were doing what they were sup­ posed to do and playing hard. This week they really picked up on the little things we were showing them on film and really knew where they were going for the most part.” Each defense had the opportunity to make a big goal-line stand in the contest, in a ball­ game that the defenses dominated for the most part. The Ionia defense’s goal-line stand ended with the Bulldogs pulling down Elenbaas at the one-yard-line late in the first quarter on Unity Field Friday night. The Lakewood defense’s goal-line stand early in the fourth quarter nearly ended with the Vikings getting a stop to hold onto their team’s 3-0 lead, but the ball squirted free and the only one there to grab it in the end zone was Ionia’s quarterback Austin Hillabrandt. “He was the only Ionia kid around. It kind of bounced right in front of him and as he was falling down, he fell on it,” Markwart said. Rasmus Andersen booted the extra-point to put his team ahead 7-3 at the time. “We had two guys dedicated to the quarter­ back. They ran a read option offense. They were able to get to our guy that was dedicated to him, when they went to a certain formation. We figured it out towards the end of that (scoring) drive, and we adjusted to it, but it was a little bit too late,” Markwart said. “After that we adjusted to it and stopped them after that.” The teams were nearly even all night long Ionia managed 233 yards of offense and the Vikings’ 235. Elenbaas completed just two of 13 pass attempts in the bailgame for 59 yards, and had nine rushes for 36 yards. Sweet finished the ballgame with six carries for 72 yards, while teammate Sawyer Stoepker added five rushes for 47 yards. Sweet also had two receptions for 59 yards. Elenbaas and fellow senior John Behrenwald were both brought up to the Lakewood varsity as sophomores. There are another five seniors who finished a high school career playing 37 games for coach Markwart, split between two JV and two var­ sity seasons. That group includes John Hewitt, Donovan Pratt, Cameron Winter, Anthony Briggs and CJ Morgan. Ionia got a 13-of-17 passing performance from quarterback Blake Bookie, covering 97 the“ball 16 times for 79 yards and Tanner Gregory had 15 rushes for 56 yards. Hewitt had a team-high ten tackles Friday. Sweet had seven tackles and Elenbaas had five. Tt makes a tough one when it doesn’t end the way you wanted it to end, and the season doesn’t quite got the way you wanted it to go. They are sad that the season was over, and the younger kids are already talking about getting ready and going back after it next season, “You have your mix of emotions, honoring the kids that are leaving and the kids that are angry and hurt by it and ready to get going for next year.” Ionia improved to 3-6 overall this season with the win. Bellevue 16, Maple Valley 0 Late in the second quarter Friday in Bellevue, facing a fourth-and-long in their own territory, the snap got away from the Bellevue Broncos. “The ball got snapped over the quarter­ back’s head and (Maple Valley senior AJ Raymond) chases it down and shoves it away from the quarterback who was going to make a play,” Maple Valley head coach Marty Martin described. “Low and behold, it gets shoved to a Bellevue kid. A couple missed tackles later, a couple broken tackles later and the kid is 30 yards down field, and who makes the tackle 30 yards down field after being on the ground 20 yards behind the line of scrim­ mage? AJ. “That is what he has given us this year.” That is kind of how the bounces have gone for the Lion team as a whole this year as well. The Broncos took the new life and turned the possession into their second touchdown of the night in a 16-0 victory over the visiting Maple Valley varsity football team. “(AJ) led by example this year, being the only senior on the field for us tonight, he just played a tremendous game like he did all year long,” Martin said. Raymond had four receptions for 37 yards in the ballgame, rushed 13 times for 40 yards. He also blocked a Bronco punt during the second quarter. He also recovered an on-side kick in the bailgame. The blocked punt turned into another bounce that didn’t got the Lions’ way Friday. Pennfield bests Hastings spikers in final 1-8 match The Hastings varsity volleyball team couldn’t overcome a slow start in its final home dual of the season Wednesday. The Saxons were bested 25-7, 25-12, 25-8 by Pennfield in an Interstate-8 Athletic Conference contest at Hastings High School. Abby Zull led the Saxons in serving, aces and assists. Kaelijo West was the Saxon lead­ er in kills, digs and passing. Hannah Slaughter paced the Saxons in blocks. Hastings returns to action Monday, taking on Lansing Eastern in the first round of the Division 2 state tournament at Lakewood High School. Game time is set for 6:30 p.m., following another district opener between Portland and Lansing Sexton that begins at 5 p.m. The winner of the match between the Saxons and Quakers will face Lansing Catholic in the district semifinals back at Lakewood Wednesday. Teammate Hugheston Heckathom scooped up the blocked punt and got a couple strides down field before fumbling the ball back to the Broncos. The Lion special teams also got the offense an extra possession in the game, recovering an on-side kick to start the second half, but quarterback Blaze Sensiba lost a fumble after a long run on the ensuing drive. Between odd happenings like those and just solid football from the Broncos, the Maple Valley defense had trouble getting off the field all evening. On the other side of the ball, the Lions couldn’t quite finish drives. They were inside the Broncos’ ten-yard-line on their first possession, and had another drive stall out around the Bellevue 20-yard-line. The Lion offense managed just 197 yards and only nine first downs all game. Heckathom led the offense with 18 rushes for 68 yards. Sensiba was 7-of-13 passing for 80 yards. Cody Taylor had two receptions for 37 yards, matching Raymond’s receiving total. Bellevue got 17 rushes for 104 yards from Reece VanHoose, and quarterback Carson Betz tossed a pair of first half touchdown passes, while completing 4-of-9 passes for 78 yards overall. The Broncos took an 8-0 lead on a 20-yard TD pass from Betz to Grant Morgan with 1:48 to play in the opening quarter. VanHoose ran in the two-point try. The Broncos then fin­ ished off their late second quarter drive with an 18-yard TD pass from Betz to Kyle Vickery. Nick Hayward ran in Bellevue’s sec­ ond two-point try. “They had to work for everything they got to score,” coach Martin said. “We just got beat on the line of scrimmage. They were bigger and stronger than us. We just couldn’t keep them from getting first downs. One of the things about eight-man is teams are more lia­ ble to go for it on fourth down, whether it is fourth-and-five, fourth-and-seven, fourthand-two and we just couldn’t get our defense off the field at times. “We made too many mistakes on offense, putting the ball on the ground, missed blocks. On defense, their two touchdowns were just bad reads.” Coach Martin spoke to his underclassmen about following in Raymond’s footsteps in the years to come. “Somebody has to pick up that mantle. Somebody has to become the next AJ and we challenged them. Instead of just someone doing that, everyone needs to do that,” Martin said. The Lions end their first eight-player sea­ son with a record of 3-5. Bellevue improves to 6-3 with the victory. Regional PR puts Vikings’ Alford in D2 Finals Brett Bremer Sports Editor Lakewood junior Nathan Alford has been picking up speed since he was seven years old. All of the miles over the years paid off as he picked up speed at the Vikings’ Division 2 Regional Meet hosted by Ovid-Elsie at Uncle John’s Cider Mill in St. Johns Friday. Alford earned a spot in the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn Saturday by placing eight at the regional race. He set a new personal record time of 16 minutes 25.1 seconds Friday. “Since I was seven I’ve wanted to go to states,” Alford said. “That is when I started running. I knew I wanted to state qualify for sure. My dad was a state qualifier his (sopho­ more) year and senior year.” Running for Ferndale, Bill Alford, now an assistant coach with the Lakewood varsity cross country program, qualified for the Class A Lower Peninsula State Finals twice - fin­ ishing as high as 13th in the Individual Run his senior season in 1995. He has two sons running for the Vikings. Freshman Ryan Alford was 73rd overall at the regional with a time of 19:20.3. The top three teams and top 15 individuals at the regional qualified for this weekend’s state finals at MIS. East Grand Rapids senior Evan Bishop ran away with the regional title, winning the boys’ race in 14 minutes 56.4 seconds - setting a new personal record. Bishop was the state runner-up at the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals a year ago. Nathan Alford did what he could to work through the crowd behind Bishop. There were 20 guys who finished Friday’s race in less than 20 minutes, with 14 of those guys includ­ ing Nathan setting new personal records in the race. “The first mile, everybody was just trying to gun for the front, even guys I had beaten previously in the season by minutes,” Nathan said. “So, the first mile was just crazy. By the second mile, I was starting to work my way up through guys just trying to get a better ranking.” Nathan recognized Ionia sophomore Riley Husted in the crowd and paced himself with him for a while, then with a mile and a half to go he started to kick towards the finish about a mile earlier than he normally would. “I gunned it and just got guy, after guy, after guy, and then there was the downhill and that is where I really picked up speed,” Nathan said. “There was the final quarter mile that was flat and I just kept my speed going and passed a guy right at the end. “That entire race I just felt so energized. It was the best feeling I’ve had in a race ever. It was insane.” The Lakewood boys team was 12th overall on the day. Haslett took the regional title with 52 points, ahead of St. Johns 76, East Grand Rapids 102, Lansing Catholic 121, Forest Lakewood junior Nathan Alford earned a spot in the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals with an eighth-place finish at his team’s Division 2 Regional race hosted by Ovid-Elsie at Uncle John’s Cider Mill in St. Johns last Friday. (File photo) Hills Eastern 122, Ionia 149, Fowlerville 161, Mason 235, Williamston 248, West Michigan Aviation 285, Belding 314, Lakewood 332 and Lansing Eastern 360. Behind the Alford boys, Lakewood had sophomore Aiden Pyle 78th in 19:43.4, junior Luke Stoneman 87th in 21:35.5 and senior James Kaalakea 91 st in 31:18.8. The Lakewood girls were as a team on the day. Junior Katie Acker led the way for the Lakewood ladies in 50th place with a time of 21: 29.9. Viking junior Anja Kelley set a new personal record with her 65th-place time of 22: 34.3. Lakewood also had senior Madisyn Case 68th in 23:10.3, freshman Sadie Brearley 73rd in 23:39.7 and senior Emily Fortier 82nd in 24:33.9. East Grand Rapids won the girls’ regional title with just 28 points. Forest Hills Eastern was second with 90 points and St. Johns third with 104. Mason placed fourth with 116 points, ahead of Haslett 127, Lansing Catholic 159, Ionia 209, Belding 209, Williamston 224, Fowlerville 250, West Michigan Aviation 303, Lakewood 338, Portland 365 and Lansing Eastern 458. East Grand Rapids senior Anna Petr set a new personal record to win the girls’ race in 17:52.5. She was one of five Pioneers to medal in the top 15. Lansing Catholic senior Jaden Theis was the runner-up in 17:55.9. �Page 18 — Thursday, October 31,2019 — The Hastings Banner Saxons earn state spot for second time ever The Saxons’ Madison Nino works her way along the final mile of the Division 2 ’Regional race at Portage West Middle School Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hastings sophomore Carissa Strouse works her way around the loop at Portage West Middle School for the first time Saturday during her team’s Division 2 Regional Meet. Strouse placed 11th in the race to qualify for this Saturday’s Lower Peninsula Division 2 State Finals at MIS. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hastings senior Aidan Makled runs to a runner-up individual finish at the Division 2 Regional Meet at Portage West Middle School Saturday, earning a regional medal and helping the Hastings varsity boys’ cross country team qualify for the Lower Peninsula Division '2 State Finals. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hastings senior Josh Brown climbs a small hill Saturday at Portage West Middle School during the Saxons’ Division 2 Regional Meet. Brown was 24th individually in the race, helping the Hastings team to a third-place finish and a spot in the 2019 Lower Peninsula ^Division 2 State Finals. (Photo by Brett ■Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor The plan was for this celebration to happen a year ago, but a senior filled Hastings varsity boys’ cross country team made good on its last chance to snap its program’s state finals drought Saturday. The Hastings varsity boys’ cross country team qualified for the state finals for the first time since 1986, and only the second time in the history of the program, by placing third at its Division 2 Regional Meet at Portage West Middle School Saturday. The top three teams and top 15 individuals from the regional race Saturday earned a spot ”— Tripp and Tagg Attorneys at Law Welcome Steven G. Storrs 4 Meet Steven ■ Steven joins Tripp and Tagg bringing experience in many areas of practice, including criminal law, estate planning, probate and trust administration, divorce, custody, contracts, marijuana law, business law, civil litigation, and real estate/property issues. 45-2242 Tripp & Tagg' www. I1 'ppandlagg.com Steven@Tr i pp andTagg.com \ Jlttomeys at La w 202 S. Broadway Hastings in this Saturday’s Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. The Saxons were third, beating out fourth-place Charlotte by nine points. Five of the Saxon seniors in the line-up Saturday were a part of the team that finished ten-points back of a surging South Christian team in the battle for third place at regionals a year ago. The trip to run at Michigan International Speedway Saturday will be the first for seniors Jon Arnold, Josh Brown, Blake Harris and Braden Tolles who were a part of the Saxons’ regional line-up a year ago, as well as senior Tyler Dull and freshman Cole McKenna who raced Saturday in Portage. It’ll be the third state finals race for senior Aidan Makled, who finished as the regional runner-up Saturday after qualifying for the state finals individual­ ly as a sophomore and as a junior. Makled went in looking to be the regional runner-up and earned that honor, hitting the finish line in 16 minutes 19.3 seconds. He was 40 seconds back of the regional champion, Gull Lake junior Koby Fraaza. “My goal was to just stay number two, not worrying about time only placement,” Makled said. “I started speeding up after the second mile. At about half a mile left, someone told me they’re 50 meters back and fading.” That was a little earlier than Makled has typically picked up the pace. He said a few times this season he was beat because the other leaders in races started to kick it up a little earlier in races than he was expecting. “I decided to start doing that to counter it, and it worked. It’s the first race where I have gone that early,” Makled said. Harris, the Saxons’ other individual state qualifier from a year ago, and Makled were the only Saxon boys not to run his fastest race of the season Saturday, but still ran well to place 25th in 17:31.8. Hastings got season best or personal best times from senior John Arnold, a medalist who placed 14th in 17:04.7, senior Josh Brown (24th, 17:24.7), senior Braden Tolles (36th, 17:46.3), senior Tyler Dull (83rd, 19:13.7) and freshman Cole McKenna (89th, 19:378.8). “I’m surprised I didn’t lose my voice. I was screaming. I was really excited for them,” Makled said of his time in the chute beyond the finish line as he watched his teammates come in. The Hastings boys will be joined at the state finals by sophomore Carissa Strouse from the Saxon girls’ team who placed 11th in a new personal record time of 19:52.3 in her race. “I am so excited to go to state,” Strouse said. “I have been training all summer, hard. I got in over 400 miles this summer, so I am very excited about that.” Strouse said she was fairly confident in her ability to hold a place in the top 15 throughout the race, but said a couple girls passed her in the final couple hundred meters to put a tiny bit of doubt in her mind. “I still made it (to state). I was very, very tired. It is the first race where I’ve full on grunted during the race,” Strouse said. t Thomapple Kellogg had a pair of individu­ al state qualifiers in the Division 2 races at Portage too as senior Nick Bushman and sophomore Jessica Durkee scored top 15 fin­ ishes. Bushman led the Thomapple Kellogg boys with a 12th-place time of 16:59.7 seconds, finishing in less than 17 minutes for the first time in his two-year varsity cross country career and shaving nearly 14 seconds off his previous PR and running more than 26 sec­ onds faster than he did three weeks ago on the same course. Durkee led the TK ladies with a sixth-place time of 19:35.9, finishing in less than 20 minutes for the first time in her twoyear varsity career and knocking nearly half a minute off her previous best time. “It was really nice,” Durkee said of taking such a big chunk off her PR. “Our coach gave us a lot of pep talks. He made us all want it really bad and inspired us.” “Going up the hills I felt way stronger than I usually do,” she added. “It felt good. And the finish. It was just a really strong finish. I was able to kick it up a notch a little bit.” It’ll be the first state finals appearance for the two Trojans and Strouse, as well as all the Saxon boys besides Makled and Harris. “I’m really excited, but kind of nervous,” Durkee said, “just because it’s my first time with the big dogs.” The Hastings boys were behind two Interstate-8 Athletic Conference foes Saturday, the regional champs from Harper Creek (86 points) and the regional runners-up from Marshall (100). Hastings (101) was just one-point behind the Marshall RedHawks. Charlotte was fourth with 110 points, ahead of Parma Western 146, South Christian 154, Gull Lake 157, Coldwater 177, Plainwell 184 and Thomapple Kellogg 236 in the top ten. TK had junior Brennan Lutz 43rd in 18:03.5, junior Levi VanderHeide 56th in 18:24.3, sophomore Camden Reynolds 61st in 18:27.7 and sophomore Matthew Smith 64th in 18:32.6. Plainwell (60 points), South Christian (90) and Coldwater (92) were the three state qual­ ifying teams in the girls’ meet. Parma Western was fourth with 96 points, ahead of Thornapple Kellogg 113, Marshall 126, Gull Lake 161, Hastings 234, Harper Creek 254 and Wayland Union 255 in the top ten of a 16-team field. The Hastings girls were eight overall as a team with six of the seven Hastings girls run­ ning their fastest race ever. The Hastings girls got personal records from freshman Madison Nino (39th, 21:15.7), sophomore Allison Teed (48th, 21:26.5) junior Aura Wahl-Piotrowski (63rd, 22:13.40), sophomore Hannah Vann (92nd, 24:04.2) and a season-best time of 23:41.9 from senior Layla Lamance who was 85th overall. Hastings head coach Steve Collins said he is happy to be headed to the state finals with the boys’ team, but was also thrilled to have the girls run so well Saturday. They finished a few spots higher than they were seeded head­ ing into the regional race. TK’s top five runners Saturday all ran their fastest race of the year. Senior Audrey Thornapple Kellogg senior Nick Bushman races along a stride behind Marshall’s Adam Foreman during the Division 2 Regional Meet at Portage West Middle School Saturday. Bushman qualified for the state finals for the first time with his 12th-place finish. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Meyering just missed a state qualifying spot, placing 17th in 20:23.8 - a season-best time. TK sophomore Kendall Snyder set a new per­ sonal record in placing 21st in 20:31.8. Senior Elizabeth Meyering had a season-best time of 20:56.8 to finish in 31st place. Trojan fresh­ man Madison Nagel ran her fastest varsity race yet to place 38th in 21:13.2. TK fresh­ man Lindsey Velting also set a new PR with her 57th-place time of 21:57.5, finishing just behind freshman teammate Lucy VanDemark (56th, 21:55.4). Coldwater senior Elka Machan was the individual regional champion in the girls’ race, hitting the finish line in 18:14.9. Plainwell had three girls in the top five, leda by senior Makenna Veen who was the run­ ner-up in 18:27.6. The Plainwell Trojans also had freshman Grace Pettit third in 19:04.2 and senior Kayla Eklund fourth in 19:22.1. Audrey Meyering was about 18 seconds behind the last of the individual state qualifi­ ers, South Christian junior Moriah Lanning who medaled in 15th place with a time of 20:05.0. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, October 31,2019-— Page 19 County title strings continue for HHS boys and TK girls Hastings senior Braden Tolles sprints by Maple Valley senior Ben Benedict as they near the finish Monday at the Barry County Meet at Charlton Park. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Nobody was pushing their body to its lim­ its, not like over the weekend at regionals, but it was a talented field across the finish line at Charlton Park Monday at the annual Barry County Meet. Hastings senior Aidan Makled led a parade of guys who will be running at the Lower Peninsula State Finals at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn Saturday, along the town square to the finish line at the park Monday. Makled led the Hastings boys’ to the coun­ ty championship, taking the individual title in 17 minutes 7.45 seconds. It is third straight individual county championship as well as the third straight county championship for the Hastings boys’ team. The Thornapple Kellogg girls won their tenth straight county champi­ onship. The first nine guys across the finish line Monday are all state qualifiers - a group that includes individual state qualifiers from an five Barry County schools and the members of-the Hastings team that earned a spot in the Division 2 State^Fjnals as a team with a top three regional finishuI^ma^Saturday. Lakewood junior Nathan Afi&rd rafr-his regional race last Friday at Uncle John'-s Cider Mill in St. Johns, qualifying for the state finals for the first time. He was the runner-up to Makled in 17:35.74. Hastings state qualifiers won both the boys’ and girls’ races Monday, with Saxon sopho­ more Carissaj Strouse taking the girls’ meet in 20:20.08, ahead of the other county girl who will run with her at Michigan International Speedway at the state finals Saturday, Thomapple Kellogg sophomore Jessica Durkee who finished in 20:50.75. Strouse said she moved ahead of Durkee at about the mile mark and then was able to hold her lead throughout the run. Durkee led the TK ladies to another confer­ ence championship as a team though. The top seven runners in the boys’ and girls’ races Monday earned first team All-Barry County honors, with the next seven finishers earned second team all-county. Thomapple Kellogg had four girls in the top seven and another three in the top 14, while also having a pair run finish 15th and 16th as well. The Hastings boys weren’t quite as domi­ nant, but outscored runner-up Delton Kellogg 32-57. Thomapple Kellogg was third in the boys’ standings with 70 points, ahead of Lakewood 89 and Maple Valley 97. Hastings sophomore Hannah Vann works her way to the finis? near the end of the Barry County Meet Monday at Charlton Park, Photo by Erett Bremer) Thornapple Kellogg sophomore Jessica Durkee makes her way around the second loop of the course at Charlton Park Monday during the 2019 Barry County Meet. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hastings had five guys finish in the top 14 - all of them seniors. Jon Arnold was third in 17:49.22, Blake Harris eighth in 18:16.87, Josh Brown ninth in 18:26.20 and Braden Tolles 11th in 18:43.33. Delton Kellogg had four in the top 14, led by state qualifiers Matt Lester and Micah Ordway. Lester, a senior, placed fifth in 17:51.43 and his junior teammate Ordway was seventh in 17:59.90. DK also had sophomore Amon Smith III 12th in 18:46.09 and freshman Hector Jimenez 14th in 19:10.27. Senior Dawson Grizzle was the Panthers’ number five runner Monday, finishing in 19:35.52. Thomapple Kellogg’s state qualifier, senior Nick Bushman, led his team with a sixth­ place time of 17:53.83. Junior Brennan Lutz earned a second team all-county spot with his 13th-place time of 18:53.47. TK had a pack not too far behind Lutz, with junior Levi VanderHeide 16th in 19:28.13, sophomore Matthew Smith 17th in 19:28.92 and sopho­ more Jacob Pykosz 18th in 19:30.96. Lakewood managed to beat, out its Greater Lansing Activities Conference rivals from Maple Valley for the fourth place spot in the boys’ race. Behind Alford the Vikings had senior Michael Mackenzie 15th in 19:18.82, freshman Ryan Alford 20th in 19:36.19, soph­ omore Aiden Pyle 21st in 19:37.08 and junior Luke Stoneman 43rd in 22:2258. Freshman state qualifier Ashton Ripley led the Lions with a fourth-place time of 17:50.63. Lion senior Ben Benedict closed out hits var­ sity cross country career with a tenth-place time of 18:42.17. The Lions also had junior Curtis Walker 27th in 20:16.84, freshman Torin Bell 29th in 20:27.61 and senior Trevor Duffey 40th in 21:25.30. The Thomapple Kellogg girls scored just 25 points Monday, with Hastings second with 56, ahead of Lakewood 76, Delton Kellogg 79 and Maple Valley NTS. Behind the two state qualifiers, Lakewood junior Katie Acker was third in 21:25.37. She was followed by a TK pack that includ­ ed sophomore Kendall Snyder fourth in 21:9.49, senior Audrey Meyering fifth in 21:46.42 and seniol Elizabeth Meyering sixth in 21:53.39. Freshman Madison Nagel was the fifth TK girl in, placing eighth in 21:54.47. Freshmen teammates Lindsey Velting and Lucy VanDemark join Nagel on the all-county sec­ ond team. Velting was 12th in 22:26.26 and The Thornapple Kellogg varsity girls’ cross country team celebrates winning its tenth consecutive Barry County Meet Monday at Charlton Park. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Hastings varsity boys’ cross country team celebrates its third straight Barry County Meet Monday evening at Charlton ParK. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Delton Kellogg senior Dawson Grizzle runs through the village at Charlton Park during the Barry County Meet Monday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) VanDemark 13th in 22:27.02. Hastings had three medalists, including Strouse, in the girls’ race. Freshman Madison Nino placed tenth in 22:23.86 and sophomore Allison Teed 11th in 22:25.45. The rest of the top five for the Saxons included junior Aura Wahl-Piotrowski 17th in 23:29.87 and senior Layla Lamance 22nd in 24:45.80. The Lakewood girls stuck together to beat out the DK girls for third place. The Viking team had junior Anja Kelley 18th in 23:47.72, freshman Sadie Brearley 19th in 24:19.88 and senior Madisyn Case 20th in 24:25.69. The Vikings’ number five was senior Emily Fortier, who placed 34th in 26:21.77 by outsprinting freshman teammate Gabby Rosenburger to the finish line. Rosenburger was three hundredths of a second behind at the line. Delton Kellogg was led by sophomore Halena Phillips who earned the final all-coun- Delton Kellogg sophomores Halena Phillips (left) and Aubrey Aukerman race together stride for stride during the early stages of the Barry County Meet Monday afternoon at Charlton Park. (Photo by Brett Bremer) ty first team slot by finishing seventh in 21: 54.47, just beating out Nagel from TK at the finish line with a strong final surge. Phillips’ sophomore teammate Aubrey Aukerman closed out her first varsity cross country season with a ninth-place time of 22: 05.56. DK also had senior Lily Timmerman place 14th in 23:19.08. The Panthers also had freshman Joelle White 31st in 25:57.52 and senior Elizabeth Vroegop 37th in 27:38.38. Maple Valley had freshman Hope Taggart 40th overall in 29:02.81 and junior Alyson Gusey 45th in 36:27.19. �Page 20 — Thursday, October 31,2019 — The Hastings Banner Mattawan ends TK soccer’s best postseason - Brett Bremer Wildcats in the Division 2 Regional Final back in Eaton Rapids Thursday. Mattawan scored four times in the first half. A Trojan turnover led to a Mattawan count­ er attack in the eighth minute of play. The Wildcats’ Connor Williams charged through the center of the Trojan defense, shot the ball out to the right and then got it right back to put Sports Editor Thursday was a very different night for the ^Thomapple Kellogg varsity boys’ soccer team than Tuesday night. Where nearly everything went right for the Trojans in their 2-1 regional semifinal upset of No. 3-ranked Marshall, nearly everything went wrong in a 6-0 loss to the Mattawan “ a shot past Ruth for a 1-0 Mattawan lead. Ten minutes later Mattawan’s Chad Harrison fired a ball from nearly 40 yards out that caught TK goalkeeper Austin Ruth a little too far off his line to make a play. A misplay in the back end led to a goal by the Wildcats’ Joshua Filiputti and a nicely played cross that Williams fin­ ished off upped Mattawan’s lead to 4-0 in the next ten minutes. The Trojan defense even made a couple of solid plays to thwart other Mattawan chances. Senior Logan Moore, who was unable to play in the Trojans’ regional semifinal because of a red card he received in TK’s district victory, headed a ball off his own goal-line in the action following a Wildcat comer kick when the game was still 1-0 in its early stages. Senior midfielder Hunter DeHaan made a nice play to block a Wildcat shot after an ini­ tial sliding save by Ruth as well moments later. Ruth made a couple of stellar plays to keep the ball out of his net throughout the game as well, one charging out to snag the ball off a Wildcat attacker in a one-v-one situation, and another diving deflection of a Wildcat header. Filiputti added a second goal four and a half minutes into the second half on a counter attack. Jack Elmas added a sixth goal for the Wildcats midway through the half. TK closes out its season with a 13-8 record overall. Mattawan improved to 19-3-3 with the win. The Wildcats were scheduled to meet Forest Hills Northern in the Division 2 State Semifinals in Holland last night. Melvindale and Fenton were scheduled to meet up in the other Division 2 State Semifinal, in Pontiac, Wednesday. The Division 2 State Final will be Thornapple Kellogg freshman attacker Terrell Jefferson tries to chase down Mattawan defender Chad Harrison as the ball bounds towards the corner during the first half of their Division 2 Regional Final in Eaton Rapids Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) played Saturday in either Comstock Park or Novi. See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS Thomapple Kellogg’s Caden Goudzwaard fights for possession with Mattawan’s James Sobol in the midfield during the first half of their Division 2 Regional Final in Eaton Rapids Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits ■ Personalized care right in your neighborhood * f I s I tI * I * •' £ . ■ With hours and appointments that fit your life t X J i Sfe Getting the care you need should be easy. 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AH rights reserved. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-11-07.pdf 386bb76ec0876ca2cf9a5bfe1a3ad0d2 PDF Text Text TK, Caledonia school fundi See Story on Pag to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 80487911018 1070490102590501855049058113421 Thursday, November 7, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 44 PRICE 750 WWII milestone mission woven into Hastings’ family history Alden announces departure Travis Alden, executive director of the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance, announced Wednesday he will be step­ ping down from the position. Alden, speaking at the annual Barry County Economic Summit at the Hastings High School Performing Arts Center, said he has accepted a position with a “different organization” and said “it will be difficult leaving this position.” He did not disclose the name of the organization. Alden, who has been with the chamber since April 2016, said he and his family will continue to reside in Barry County. “It has been a phenomenal ride ” he said. Delton Moose feeding veterans Sunday Members of the Delton Moose Lodge will serve up a free dinner of ham, cheesy potatoes and salad to veterans and current military personnel Sunday, NwHO, at 4 p.m. The cost of the meal for non-veterans is $8. A “valued veteran” presentation will follow at about 5 p.m. The lodge is at 5420 Moose Lodge Drive, off M-43, two miles north of Delton. Questions may be directed to 269-623­ 2112. Ceremonies in two places Monday Veterans Day ceremonies will be con­ ducted in two places in Hastings at the same time Monday morning, Nov. 11. Ceremonies will be conducted at the Veterans Plaza at Tyden Park on North Broadway at 11 a.m. At the same time, the American Legion Post 45 Color Guard will conduct a flag-raising cere­ mony at Spectrum Health Pennock on Green Street. That evening, the Legion will host its traditional bean soup and combread din­ ner at the Post on M-37 south of town. Euchre games will follow dinner. Elks hosting all veterans Monday All veterans are invited to the Elks Lodge in Hastings for a free lunch Monday, Nov. 11. Lunch will be served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Veterans need not be members of the organization and spouses are invited, as well. The lodge is at 102 E. Woodlawn Ave., next to Bob King Park/Tangletown. Leaf pickup underway in Hastings City of Hastings Department of Public Services crews expected to begin fall leaf and yard debris collection Monday, Nov. 4. Residents are asked to place leaves and other compostable yard debris immedi­ ately behind the curb (on the curb lawn). Leaves and debris should not be placed in the street, obstruct the sidewalks or be placed near and intersections where they might obstruct the vision of motorist and pedestrians. More information can be obtained by calling 269-945-2468. Heather Tolsma Contributing Writer Bob Lambert of Hastings was a quiet man who never said much about his experiences serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II. But the scrapbook his wife, Florence, painstakingly put together speaks for him even now, 15 years after his death. The dark blue volume — emblazoned on the cover with “U.S. Navy - Robert Lambert” — is filled with personal mementoes and newspaper articles, including some about one of the Navy’s “most unusual World War II missions” involving the celebrated capture of a German U-boat and the acquisition of criti­ cal intelligence codes that may have helped hasten the war’s end. Lambert, among some other crewmen, was an important part of that mission. His son, Dean Lambert of Hastings, said military tests showed that his father, who enlisted in the Navy on Dec. 1, 1942, had a high aptitude for diesel mechanics. Those skills made him valuable on the Pillsbury, a destroyer escort. And, at the time of Lambert’s enlistment, the need for destroyer escorts was critical in Robert Lambert of Hastings enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942 and served on the destroyer escort Pillsbury. (Photo provid­ ed by Lambert family) Amazon warehouse opening delayed Greg Chandler Staff Writer More than a year has passed since e-commerce giant Amazon Inc. announced plans to build an 850,000-square-foot fulfillment cen­ ter in Gaines Township, six miles northwest of Barry County. Earlier reports had indicated the $150 mil­ lion facility at the southwest comer of 68th Street and Patterson Avenue in southern Kent County would open this fall, in time for the holiday season. Those plans have changed. “We remain committed to launching our new facility in Grand Rapids, providing 1,000 full-time jobs to the area, starting at $15/hour with comprehensive benefits from Day One,” Amazon spokesman Andre Woodson said. “The only thing that’s changed with our plans is the exact timing; it’s still to be determined.” The facility has been described by the Michigan Economic Development Corp, as a robotics location where items such as books, toys and electronics will be picked, packed and shipped. Little information has been offered on the project’s status since ground was broken at the 104-acre site in June 2018. Gaines Township signed a non-disclosure agreement with Amazon ' shortly before construction began so that township qfficials could not speak publicly about the proto. “We had to be very carefur with what we say,” township Supervisor Rob De Ward said. The township fulfillment center will be the fourth such Amazon facility in Michigan, and the first outside the Detroit area. The other fulfillment centers are in Livonia, Romulus and Shelby Charter Township. Amazon received an occupancy permit from Gaines Township for the fulfillment center in June of this year, about a year after breaking ground. The company has a pending application for a second occupancy permit tied to some work that is being done inside the facility, according to John Stuyfzand, the township’s building inspector. “There were some conveyor systems and internal systems that they were working on,” Stuyfzand said. “I believe they’re pretty close to being finished.” Woodson said that factors such as customer demand and available workforce will enter in to the decision as to when Amazon will open the Gaines Township facility. See AMAZON, page 9 the fight against the German Navy. Lambert’s aptitude with diesel engines was vital to his lieutenant aboard the Pillsbury. The lieutenant had fought in World War I and “knew nothing about diesels. ... He was a ‘steam man.’ So when my dad got on board, he and the lieutenant had a talk. He said: ‘You take care of me, and I’ll take care of you.’ “And so my dad ran everything down there and, when anybody above asked the lieu­ tenant anything, he kind of had all the answers because my dad had told him what to say!” Dean Lambert said, chuckling. So the stage was set for the historic mission that followed: “In the spring of 1944, a remarkable and radical idea began to take shape in the mind of U.S. Navy Capt. Daniel V. Gallery. As com­ mander of the Task Group 22.3, Gallery led one of the several ‘hunter-killer’ units — comprised of small aircraft carriers and accompanying destroyer escorts — that were helping to overcome the menace German U-boats had posed to transatlantic shipping since the outbreak of World War II,” an American History article reported 50 years after the mission. The article, written by Lawrence Cortesi, continues: “ ‘Why not try to board and cap­ ture the next submarine we fetch up from the depths?’ thought Gallery. The concept was an improbable one. The U.S. Navy had not cap* tured an enemy warship on the high seas since shortly after the War of 1812.” Gallery is described in the article as an unconventional naval officer who didn?t always do things by the book. The unit under his command joined the fight against U-boats on the Atlantic sea lanes in January 1944. In addition to the escort carrier Guadalcanal, with its 26 Wildcats and 20 Avengers, the hunter-killer group included five destroyer escorts — the Chatelain, Flaherty, Jenks, Pope, and the Pillsbury. During his earlier encounters with U-boats, Gallery had become familiar with how these submarine commanders would behave during battles. Years later, in an interview with a naval historian in 1969, Gallery said, “I knew that, when you got one cornered and hammered him with depth charges and punished him so See MISSION, page 3 Jail, Commission on Aging forum prompts criticism, questions Rebecca Pierce Editor About 80 Barry County residents attend­ ed a commurfiy forum in Hastings Monday night - and some of them took off the gloves when it came to considering the future of the jail, a Commission on Aging facility and the prospect of a millage request in 2020. “How much does the county pay you guys to do this?” Joel Ibbotson of Rutland Township asked facilitator Eric Hackman from TowerPinkster. “We’ve been working with the county for six months and we have a not-to-exceed $50,000 budget,” Hackman replied. “Well, given the fact that you guys have a not-to-exceed $50,000 budget, this is what I came up with on a zero-dollar budget,” Ibbotson replied, proceeding to tick off the errors and omissions he had caught in Hackman’s presentation that had started the forum. “I’m very disappointed in the county for paying what they did for this worthless pre­ sentation,” Ibbotson concluded. Others said they were just bewildered and underwhelmed. “It wasn’t what I expected,” Michelle Duits, a volunteer at the Commission on Aging, said. “I guess I expected to hear a bit more about each building and what the pos­ sibilities were, what has been discussed up until now, and about what some of the solu­ tions could be. “And I expected we would be able to say more than just write something on a board and then have just one person from each group to be able to speak.” TowerPinkster, the company hired by county commissioners to facilitate the ses­ sion, started the forum with an overview, a brief historical review, then reported on the current shortcomings at both facilities. The purpose of the forum was not to pro­ pose any solutions, Hackman said. The point of the meeting was to gather substanfive information and ideas and create a report that will go back to the county board with details about next steps. The overarching goal is to develop options and ask for opinions and questions about those options, Hackman said. “Ultimately, we’re trying to get to an. answer that best fits what your community is looking to do.” After Hackman’s presentation, which reviewed the county’s 2015 facilities master plan, the role of the Commission on Aging and the sheriff’s office and jail, the purpose See FORUM, page 2 Charlton Park Road closed by river overflow, blocked culverts Greg Chandler Staff Writer It’s been a perpetual problem in the area of Charlton Park Road over the Little Thomapple River, north of Barnum Road in Carlton Township - water over the road. The road has been shut down multiple times this year, including again last week as debris has blocked the culverts in the river underneath the road, preventing water from running through the culverts and instead end­ ing up over the road surface, resulting in the Barry County Road Commission closing the road. “We’ve cleaned it out about 20 times this year,” Road Commission Operations Director Jake Welch said. “It’s been constant. We’ve literally pulled out whole trees from in front of those culverts.” The road commission says it may have found a solution to the problem. The agency and Milbocker and Sons, an Allegan-based company that specializes in road and bridge projects, has put together a plan that would create a bypass on the north side of the cul­ verts for the water to flow to, in hopes of reducing water levels and eventually allowing the road commission to reopen the road. “They would put steel sheeting in, parallel to the road on the east side,” Welch said. “This is the only feasible option we’ve come up with that allows us to control the release of the water (through the culverts).” Because the project involves wetlands, that proposal needs approval from the Michigan Water flows over Charlton Park Road, north of Barnum Road, in Carlton Township, resulting from debris that is blocking the culverts underneath the road. The Barry County Road Commission is trying to come up with a solution to allow water to flow through the culverts, but it’s awaiting approval from the state. Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, Welch said. The road commission already has plans to put in a new bridge next year to replace the five steel culverts - about 25 feet in length, total - that are currently underneath the road surface. The project has received funding through the state’s Critical Bridges Program, and the road commission has agreed to a 15 percent local match to the state grant - much higher than the 5 percent local match most road commissions provide to projects that receive critical bridge funding from the state. Last Friday, the Little Thornapple Intercounty Drain Board approved a $30,000 allocation to the Road Commission to assist the agency in culvert work on Charlton Park Road. The board consists of the drain com­ missioners from Barry, Kent and Ionia coun­ ties. Barry Drain Commissioner Jim Dull said some of the culvert obstruction issues contrib­ uting to the water overflowing the road could have been avoided. “We should have done this in the middle pf summer when they did have the water down. We could have taken that crossing out,” Dull said. “We had a lot of discussions with the Road Commission but they didn’t want to close it because there’s a lot of travel in the summer, so we didn’t.” The road commission would like to install the new bridge over the Little Thomapple next spring, but that could be delayed depend­ ing on the spawning season for fish that are iij the river, Welch said. For now, Charlton Park Road remains closed until further notice. If the bypass option under consideration by EGLE is approved, Welch is optimistic that water levr els can be reduced to a point where the road could be opened within a week. �Page 2 — Thursday, November 7, 2019 - The Hastings Banner FORUMcontinued from page 1 Barry County commissioners were asked not to speak or participate in the forum. From left are: Howard Gibson, Jon Smelker, Vivian Conner, Dave Jackson and Heather Wing. (Photos by Rebecca Pierce) ' Eric Hackman (on left), a senior project manager at TowerPinkster, listens to criti­ cism from Joel Ibbotson of Rutland Township. ( of those buildings and current condition and shortcomings of each facility was reviewed. Then the audience broke into small groups, Wrote questions on Post-it notes and recon­ vened to summarize the major questions or concerns of each small group. The groups asked for demographics to determine which facility would be needed rilore. “Why are both proposals on the same bal­ lot?” one woman asked. “They should be separate.” The audience applauded that comment. Hackman said that the two issues could not be rolled into one millage question. “Legally, the two things can’t be on the same millage. That’s called logrolling. You cdn’t do it. It may be on the same ballot, but you’re going to be able to vote yes and no on either issue - if it gets to that decision.” “There is not anything the ballot yet,” Hackman emphasized, saying he has “stressed to county commissioners again and again” that this community engagement process will involve several options that will be pitched to the public for a thumbs up or down. “We will come back to you three times before the county commissioners ever decide to put anything on the ballot,” he said. “That way, you have an opportunity to be part of the process. “It’s not our building. It’s not our tax dol­ lars. It’s yours. We want it to be your solution for your community.” Hackman said that the community may come out of the next two meetings - sched­ uled to take place in early January and likely sometime in March - and say not “to spend The News Is Just the Beginning Your Community... Your Family.. .Your Interests... Your Home...Your World... Call 800.870.7085 or pick it up at one of our locations listed below! It's All a Part ofYour Local Newspaper! About 80 residents filled the tables in the Leason Sharpe Hall at the Barry Community Enrichment Center for the forum Monday night. — “The plan that TowerPinkster put together for the county was we would go through this community engagement process with the intent of possibly being on a ballot in August. That sets up our timeframe ... to come back to you in January with options, then we’ll come back again in March.” Eric Hackman, TowerPinkster any more tax dollars on the Commission on Aging and we don’t want to spend any more money on the jail.” If the commwity says: “County commis­ sioners, figure it out with what you have. That will save the whole community the process of going to an election; t'hat’s the right answer for the community then. “It’s ridiculous to go out and campaign for a solution that none-of you have any idea of why we got to where we are.” After the forum, some attendees said TowerPinkster has an iffl^^nt conflict of interest in acting as a facilitator to help the county determine a course of action when the firm is likely to submit a bid if the county proceeds with a project. When asked if TowerPinkster would recuse itself if the coun­ ty seeks bids on a project, Adam Doubblestein, a principal with the company who attended the forum, declined to do so. “The plan that TowerPinkster put together for the county was we would go through this community engagement process with the intent of possibly being on a ballot in August,” Hackman said during the program. “That sets up our timeframe ... to come back to you in January with options, then we’ll come back again in March.” The information extracted from that third meeting will inform the county board what the decision needs to be, he said. “This pro­ cess also helps create a dialogue with your elected officials,” Hackman said. “They’re in the room,” he said, gesturing to the back cor­ ner of the hall. “Talk to them. They’re here to listen. Representation.” Audience members had many questions, Eric Hackman gave a brief history and summarized the current shortcomings of the jail and the Commission on Aging facility. ‘Tm very disappointed in the county for paying what they did for this worthless presentation.” Joel Ibbotson such as: “What took the commissioners so long to have this discussion instead of all the money spent on these issues?” “Why don’t the county commissioners make the hard decisions to do something?” Another point made by a small group is that the county won’t get both a Commission on Aging facility and a new jail at the same time. “You’ll have to do one at a time.” For that reason, they pointed out, the coun­ ty needs to look at how many elderly people will be living in the county in 10 years and how many inmates will be in the county jail in 10 years. How much is being spent to main­ tain these buildings, they asked. And if the county builds, where would it build? One of the more unusual questions asked was whether the county could build under­ neath an existing structure. That was a question that has not been con­ sidered. Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 Hastings Banner Area locations to purchase the Hastings Banner! Hastings Gun Lake One Stop Shop (Phillips 66) (M-43N) Sam’s Gourmet Foods Superette Woodland Express Pine Lake Nashville Doster Country Store Trading Post Hastings Johnny’s Prairieville. Little’s Country Store The General Store Prairieville Fast Stop Family Fare Tom’s Market Marathon Mega Bev Penn-Nook Gift Shop Phillips 66 Gas Station (W. State St.) Family Fare Gas Station Walgreens MV Pharmacy Glosieidale Cloverdale General Carl’s Lake Odessa ShelbysUie Town & Country Lake-O-Express Lake-O-Mart Lake Odessa Johnny’s Delton Family Fare Speedway Delton Johnny’s Middleville Marketplace Middleville Johnny’s Nashville C Store Brown’s Cedar Creek Grocery Middleville Greg’s Get-lt-N-Go Nashville Johnny’s Banfield Banfield General Store Pewffng Goldsworthys Carl’s Freeport L&J’s Freeport General Store Eric Hackman of TowerPinkster answers questions from the audience Monday night. Post-it notes with comments and concerns from county residents were collected by TowerPinkster personnel to be compiled in a report for the county board. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 7, 2019 — Page3 MISSION, continued from page 1 much that he figured he was finished and going to sink, it was standard operating pro­ cure for submarines to blow their tanks and come up and abandon ship... I figured that, in the heat of battle, it was quite possible that a sub skipper would figure that he had ‘had it’ prematurely and surface before he really had to... If we could get aboard in time and close the scuttling valves, we might be able to keep it afloat and tow it home.” Gallery’s idea was along shot, but the prize — submarine codes that could provide a wealth of intelligence data — was worth the risk, his superior officers agreed, but only if the opportunity presented itself, according to the Cortesi article. Before the task group’s departi re on its third mission, Gallery outlined the strategy to his officers: First, force the submarine to sur­ face, then create such panic among the U-boat sailors that they would abandon the craft early, allowing the American sailors to board the sub and capture it. Gallery’s unit departed for the eastern Atlantic in mid-May of 1944. Three weeks later, they had failed to detect a single German submarine. Then, just as they were beginning to run low on fuel, they were notified of an eaemy submarine being tracked off the African Gold Coast. The destroyer escorts epnfirmed the location of the vessel and went into action, attacking with a pattern of 20 small explosives, called hedgehogs, designed to detonate upon contact with a submarine’s On June 4,1944, Wildcats, patrolling over­ head, made a visual sighting of the U-boat “running just below the surface, like a huge black whale,” Cortesi writes. “Moments after the resulting huge explosions, an oil slick appeared on the surface. ‘You’ve struck oil,’ radioed Ensign (Jack) Cadle (from one of the Wildcats). ‘Sub is surfacing!’ ” The German sub “had been cruising slowly on battery power at a depth of 200 feet, with part of the crew just sitting down to lunch, when the watchstanders detected the sounds of approaching ships’ propellers,” the Cortesi article describes. The U-boat captain, Harald Lange, took them up to periscope depth to investigate when all hell broke loose. Years later, submarine crewman Hans Decker recalled the depth-charge attack, describing how the vessel “shuddered violent­ ly, the lights went out and, amid the din, we heard the most dreaded of noises to submari­ ners: Water rushing in. Sure enough, someone ^shouted, ‘Ruptured hull in the control room!’ And, in the engine room, the flashlights played on streams of oil and water from bro­ ken pipelines. “The boat was out of control now and down over 230 meters. The pressure™®woi>uldn’t take that very long. ‘Take us up! Take us up before it’s too late!’ cried Lange.” According to Decker’s account, that was the last organized order aboard the sub. Someone blew the ballast tanks “and, the next thing we knew, we were on the surface,” he recalled. When the German submarine “porpoised A U.S. Navy boarding party from the Pillsbury secure the German U-boat after the battle. The panicked U-boat crew had abandoned the vessel. Later, 58 survivors were pulled from the ocean. (Photo from U.S. Navy archive) Veterans Day is particularly meaningful for the Lambert family in Hastings. Here, Dean Lambert and his sister, Sue (Lambert) Jackson hold some memories of thefo father, who served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. (Photo by Heather Tolsma) Among their father’s keepsakes is the captured U-boat captain’s pocket watch, which bears a Nazi insignia. (Photo by Heather Tolsma) into view in the midst of the American forma­ tion, the Pillsbury, and Jenks joined the Chatelain in firing all of their anti-aircraft guns while the Wildcats strafed it with their .50-calibre machine guns,” the Cortesi article continues. Lange was sure his sub was doomed, so he ordered the crew to abandon ship. In their panic, they neglected to activate the timers for more than a dozen demolition charges that had been laid airing the Seel in case they had to abandon the vessel. “Scrambling out of the hatches and into the hail of gunfire, the men jumped overboard,” Cortesi’s story describes. “One crewman was killed and another — Lange — was wounded by shrapnel.” Fifty-eight survivors from the submarine were rescued from the ocean. THE SECRETARY OF THE NAVY WASHINGTON teveater 10, IMS My tmr Mr* lartmrtt X Mt© ateMMrt tester to mte m all M® fwwallUe® of yo» from aeWro mwIm avo X Mn <on» »o teem#®, without fcmW te* aoarly a# X taow Mw to w to, I to m, *hieh it io w iHviloto to Hjrm, to moh late yow Im teM iwnd to tot fmteM W to Xt oruatei two «a«cy float® at oaoo, raoolviag tteir aurrateora only four aontha ayart. Xt teou^t our late«teate aii$owor within teaming range of the «uay, ani Mt our groute amioa on the teaohteteo of final Tiotery. Xt parftmte te® mlttotee of tertta aooowary to te toter Mvy to ®ay U* te« im m mte. ter mr ®art to tteao ttetowomate yoa taaom te te m laag at yw lit®, tte lltolea teite you aomt to a tin® of orlaia will momter you with fttotote®. Ute. to© teat wiatea of tte Mvy go wlte you tote olviliaa Sote lutet temstel Mr. teteTl tout® teatert W Owto® 8* Orate M>18®» Michigan In this Nov. 10, 1945, letter to Lambert, U.S. Secretary of the Navy James Forrestal wrote: “I want the Navy’s pride in you ... to reach into your civil life and to remain with you always.” The watch, the night vision binoculars and other memories of Robert Lambert’s service to his country tell a unique story that his children cherish with pride. (Photo by Heather Tolsma) Meanwhile, “Lieutenant Albert David and his boarding party frorp the Pillsbury had already^ plopped into the sea in^their whale­ boat and started for tjie halfsubmerged sub­ marine. Still operating ig|^er battery power and with its rudder j ammedia ard over by the depth-charge attack, the abanuqned craft was now describing a large circle at about 7 knots.” r Amid seas about 7 feet high, it took the agile maneuvering of the helmsman and a leap to the deck of the vessel by a former ex-high-jumper to secure the whaleboat with a line, the story continues. The boarding party went through the sub’s main hatch and into darkened compartments, Robert Lambert and his wife, Florence (nicknamed Mickey), in 1938, before he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. (Photo provid­ ed) knowing that, if any demolition charges had been set, they could be blown to bits. They broke into the safe to get code books, recov­ ered the submarine’s cipher machine and other vital documents. When Gallery radioed for permission to proceed to Dakar, Senegal, Tenth Fleet head­ quarters instead ordered the unit to Bermuda. A major problem at that point was the fact that the task force was almost out of fuel and Bermuda was 1,700 miles to the northwest. The appearance of a tanker three days later was “as welcome as an angel from heaven,” da the story relates. It was a strange procession that pulled up to berth in Bermuda. Upon arrival, Lange a^d his men were confined to a special compound and the submarine was kept under heavy guard while experts studied the vessel’s con­ struction, equipment and weaponry on boar^. Remarkably, the U-boat capture was kept secret until after the war was over. , Later accounts of the mission and the incredible capture called the sub an intelli­ gence treasure trove. “In addition to placing the Americans’; hands on the first German acoustic torpedoes they had seen, the submarine yielded a top-se­ cret Enigma cipher machine, code books revealing the periodic changes in the German code, and all of the current U-board opera­ tional orders and charts,” Cortesi reports. “For the remainder of the war, the Americans would be able to read messages between the Kriegsmarine commander Karl Donitz and his submariners with the same speed as the Germans themselves.” As for Germany’s Donitz? He didn’t learn of the sub’s, capture .until after the end of the war. Lambert was honorably discharged Oct. 22, 1945, having received the Presidential Unit Citation with one Bronze Star and two Stars for fighting in the American and European theaters. He had reached the rank of Chief Motor Mechanic by the end of his military career. He and his wife, who went by the nickname Mickey, settled in Hastings and had two chil­ dren, Dean Lambert and Sue (Lambert) See MISSION, page 10 Destroyer escorts critical during WWII The following information from James Tolsma of Hastings, a retired electronics tech­ nician in the U.S. Navy from 1959 to 1963 who cross-trained in diesel and nuclear sub­ marines, put Robert Lambert’s service on a destroyer escort - and the need for destroyer escorts during World War II - in perspective: At the time of Bob’s enlistment, the need for destroyer escorts was critical. Prior to their use, the German Navy was destroying anything on water not of their own military fleet. The reason for this was to com­ pletely cut off all supplies to Europe from any enemy of the German military. So, in an effort to protect the flow of sup­ plies to the Allied Forces from the United States to the forces in the European, Atlantic, and the Pacific theaters, special task groups known as “hunter-killer” units were devel­ oped. These were comprised of small aircraft carriers and accompanying destroyer escorts and they began regular voyages overseas to resume transport of much-needed supplies to Allied Forces. These task groups helped to overcome the menace that German U-boats presented to transatlantic shipping since the outbreak of World War II. Tolsma says it’s important to understand that, prior to the active involvement of the United States in WWII, which happened after Dec. 11, 1941, the war in the Atlantic was primarily fought by the British with large naval vessels and a land-based Air Force. This meant that any aircraft flown from Great Britain attempting to fight the Germans in the Atlantic could only fly a short distance before having to return to land to refuel as the British had no aircraft carriers at their disposal at that time. This left a vast expanse of the Atlantic for the German U-boats to attack any and all British and American merchant vessels carry­ ing supplies to Europe. So the Germans were able to do catastrophic damage to both the British and American supply chain. It became overwhelmingly evident, once the United States entered the war, that some­ thing had to be done to defeat the German U-boats and resume a vital chain of supplies. The name of the game was speed, points out Tolsma. It was recognized that the destroyer escort, being about a third in size smaller than a reg­ ular Navy destroyer, was capable of faster speeds than a German U-boat, and could therefore outrun it. This, too, was true of a smaller, faster aircraft carrier or “Jeep carrier” that also could outrun the U-boats. These two types of ships, the destroyer escorts, outfitted with guns on deck and loaded with depth charges or bombs, as well as the smaller, fast­ er Jeep carriers, loaded with aircraft and fuel on board, ended up as perfect weapons to take down the German Navy. So the Jeep carrier, bound for a specific destination overseas, would head out of port in New York surrounded by about five destroyer escorts .The destroyer escorts, load­ ed with depth charges, would encircle the carrier and sail around the carrier in specific patterns. The pilots would fly their planes from the aircraft carrier in regular shifts, scan­ ning the nearby waters for periscopes to alert them that a German U-boat was in the area and the party was in danger of being attacked? If a U-boat was sighted by one of the pilots, its location was forwarded to the destroyer escort which would then chase it down and shower it with depth charges. The U-boat cap­ tain’s only options were to attempt to outrun the destroyer escort or dive deep to escape the depth charges. However, since the destroyer escorts and Jeep carriers were faster, neither of those options was usually favorable for the subma­ rine. ELDER LAW ATTORNEY EXPANDING & GROWING IN HASTINGS! You might have noticed a “For Sale” sign in front of our Hastings location. Our team is proud to announce that after years of continued growth, we are considering a move to a larger, more modern facility in Hastings. We will continue to provide the services that we’ve become known for: • Long term care and asset preservation • Medicaid planning Traditional estate planning Elder law Robert J. Longstreet Longstreet Elder Law & Estate Planning P.C. 607 North Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-3495 LONGSTREET l l 1 »t K 1 -X\V A t •, l Ai t t’l ANNING P.C �Page 4 — Thursday, November 7, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you SCC? Out of the mouths of babes? Veterans never stop fighting for country It isn’t often that babes in arms partici­ pate in local government meetings. But this child on Joel Ibbotson’s shoulder couldn’t S!stay awake long enough to address com3-missioners during the public comment por­ tion of Tuesday’s Barry County Board of 'Commissioners meeting. Instead, Ibbotson .had to fill in, offering a touching demonstra­ tion of government for all the people. ; (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) ri We’re dedicating this space to a photograph : (taken by readers or our staff members that rep­ resents Barry County. If you have a photo to .(Share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings .Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI t.49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. .Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, • and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? Award for Valor Maj. David G. Steinke (right), son of ’ Mrs. Eldon Chase of Hastings, was recently awarded the Bronze Star medal at Kelly Air Force Base, Texas, for meri­ torious service during his 1969-70 tour , in Vietnam. Presenting the award is Col. Bill Bodager. Maj. Steinke is a 1951 graduate of Hastings High School and attended Western Michigan University prior to his Air Force career. He and his wife, the former Rita Haywood, reside in San Antonio with their three children, Karrie, Kelly and David G. II Steinke is . currently a test pilot for the F-106 Delta . Dart jet aircraft at Kelly AFB. (Banner ..June 23, 1971) t', 'Have you met? - Not many people earn a college degree before they acquire a high school diploma, but that worked out well for a Delton man. While a student in the Gull Lake -Community Schools’ district, Luke Palmer said, “I quit halfway through the 12th [grade] and went into the Navy in 1969.” •* Shortly after his four years in the U.S. military were over, he enrolled at Kellogg -Community College where he earned an "associate degree in general studies with an "emphasis in business management. That was ’followed by a year at Davenport University fin Kalamazoo to “advance” what he learned -at KCC. Feeling his college degree wasn’t com­ plete without a high school diploma, Palmer ; acquired it from Delton Kellogg High School by taking classes at what is now the Michigan Career and Technical Institute at Pine Lake, r For 11 years, he was employed at Quality iProducts in Kalamazoo, starting as a welder and working his way up to materials manage­ ment and quality control. He also has held -positions as a sales tech support person at .Rockwell International, Allen-Bradley divi­ sion, and in telecommunications for Kendall ^Electric. For about a year, he worked at Quality iMuminum in Hastings and then retired to "pursue one of his true loves: Playing the blues on his harmonica. Palmer was bom on a small family farm, about 10 miles east of Delton in the Banfield area of Barry County. “I had a horse before I had a bicycle,” he quipped. His father, Roy, gave Palmer his first har­ monica at age 9 and taught him to play the instrument. “I fell in love with that thing,” Palmer said, noting that he comes from a musical family. His father played trombone, violin and harmonica; his mother, Ethel, played piano and accordion, and his four siblings played instruments, too. Besides harmonica, Palmer plays guitar and ukulele. “I’ve been in a ton of bands, starting when I was in high school. Most of them were blues bands because that’s my favorite - the blues. “I picked up singing about two or three years ago. I didn’t have lessons. I just started yelling it, and somebody called it singing,” Palmer said with laughter. Palmer had his biggest gig to date last year when his Delta Roots Blues was asked to open for the band of Robert Cray, five-time Grammy winner and Blues Hall of Fame inductee, on the Kalamazoo State Theater stage. He also has performed twice at the Luke Palmer Kalamazoo Blues Festival. He sometimes still plays with other bands, but volunteering to bring other musicians to perform in Delton is another passion. He’s one of the people responsible for creating the Music in the Park concert series in Delton the past two summers. Palmer and his wife, Becky, have three children, seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. For his spirited volunteer role in helping to make Music in the Park a reality and for his own musical talents, Luke Palmer is this week’s Banner Bright Light. Favorite song: A song I wrote for my wife; it’s called “Angel in Blue Jeans.” Best advice ever received: Someone told me if you get on stage and you look like you’re having fun, the audience will, too. It’s not hard for me to look like I’m having fun because I am. I love being on stage. It’s my drug of choice - sharing my music with everybody. Favorite movie: Monty Python’s “In Search of the Holy Grail.” It’s a funny movie. A favorite teacher: Craig Bishop, my high school art teacher. I enjoyed the art class, and I understood his teaching. He was just a standup guy. Favorite dinner: I had this once in my life, and I want it again. We went out bluegill fishing and caught some bluegills in the morning. Then we found some morel mush­ rooms. There were early peas and new pota­ toes in the garden, so we got some of them. I loved that. A person (living or deceased) I would like to meet: James Cotton [who died in 2017]. In my opinion, he was the world’s best harmonica player. Best thing about volunteering: Giving back to the community. Letting people know how appreciative I am of being a part of this community. What’s really cool is to have these little kids 6 to 10 years old out in front of the bandstand just dancing away and hav­ ing a good time. Favorite cartoon character: The first was Tom Terrific with Mighty Manfred the Wonder Dog. A quality I admire in other people: Honesty. Favorite childhood memory: When Dad gave me a harmonica. First job: Outside of the [family] farm, it was Post Gardens Greenhouse in Urbandale. I took the flats of young starts from the greenhouse to the cold-house ... It was gen­ eral labor. First thing I bought with my own money: Another harmonica. They were cheap back then. When I was a kid: I wanted to be a teach­ er. Favorite sports teams: The Lions, Tigers and Pistons. As far as college teams go, may the best one win. Something on my bucket list: I would like to play my harmonica in a theater or a festival with more than 2,000 people [in the audience] - people as far as the eye can see. Biggest influence in my life: My wife. I owe a lot to her, probably my life actually ... She’s my best friend. I love her dearly. Favorite singer: Bonnie Raitt. I love her voice. She gets it. A talent I’d like to have: I’d like to be a better singer. Favorite performer: Robert Johnson. He did some really great stuff. He was so instru­ mental in making great, great blues music. He’s not with us anymore. Rumor has it he died from somebody poisoning his whiskey. This was back in the ‘30s. See Saturday’s Reminder for a feature arti­ cle about Luke Palmer. Each week, The Banner profiles a person who makes Barry County shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news @j-adgraphics .com. Some veterans came home from World War II as history book heroes. Every other veteran of that world-changing war came home and became a hero. Though done fighting for country with a gun in their hands, the men and women of World War II returned to their big-city and small-town homes, changed their clothes and quietly kept fighting for their country with their talent, commitment and love for all. Monday, as we do every year on the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour, we honor all of our veterans from every war and every assignment. We pay tribute to all who served, to those who didn’t come home and to those we’re so fortunate to have in our lives and in our communities. But as the generation that fought World War II continues to pass away, I’m especial­ ly touched by how those soldiers fought for this country with their hands and with their minds after they came home. The service of veterans after they returned may be just as important to this country as that which they offered overseas more than 70 years ago. One of those stirring stories was told in last week’s Banner about a local veteran who graduated from high school with my dad. Leo Roy Tift grew up, graduated from Hastings High School in 1932 and worked as a mechanic and handyman until he was drafted into military service during World War II, serving in the Navy. Once the war was over, he returned to Hastings and landed a job in maintenance for the Michigan Department of State Highways. “When our mechanic quit, I was given the job,” Tift said of the simple transition that would positively impact our highways - then and now. This was just the beginning of a career that had a huge impact on the department as Tift came up with numerous, ingenious inno­ vations, many of which are still being used today. Tift and his veteran brothers and sisters came home and built the skilled, dynamic and robust industrial complex that has led the entire world. As members of that World War II generation pass on, I wonder if we’ve got enough of the same kind of talent, com­ mitment and love for country to maintain what that generation built. In today’s job market, we hear so much about the number of jobs left unfilled, espe­ cially in the skilled trades, and we ask, “Where did we go wrong with so many posi­ tions and not enough candidates to fill them?” Experts estimate there are more than 1.1 million jobs ready to be filled, and more than 62 percent of companies nationwide indicate they continue to struggle to find electricians, plumbers, welders, heating and air conditioning technicians, construction workers and more. What’s going to happen as our baby boomers - the generation following that Greatest Generation - decide to retire? America is going to be in trouble. The problem began in the 1980s as high schools across the country focused on pre­ paring students for college, closing down many of the vocational training opportuni­ ties offered to high school students. When Tift and my dad were growing up, they worked on farms, repaired cars and motorcy­ cles and were exposed to skills that few young people today experience. After reading last week’s Banner article, it brought back memories of Emil Tyden, the founder of so many of our local companies such as Consolidated Tool, now Bliss Clearing Niagara, Hastings Manufacturing Co., Tyden Seal and Viking Corporation. Tyden also was a U.S. veteran, though his service came during World War I. Tyden came to the United States as an immigrant with a third-grade education, but like Tift, he was blessed with an intuitive mind that allowed him to start several companies and produce hundreds of patents. And like Tyden, Tift used his intuitive mind to develop a number of pieces of equipment that greatly improved the cost, efficiency and safety of highway mainte­ nance crews and motorists. One such inven­ What do you tion was the vertical blade, which is now part of the standard specifications on trucks pur­ chased for highway maintenance. The verti­ cal blade has been adopted by commercial manufacturers and is used in most depart­ ments across the country. Another Tift innovation is the roll-on cover attached to dump trucks to keep their loads from dropping off onto the highway and your vehicle’s windshield. The one-mah hand-operated cover goes over the cargo box and cranks back out of the way when not needed. During his years of service to the Michigan Department of Highways, Tift came up with several innovations that were hailed for their economic benefits, efficiency and safer operation. In 1958, Tift designed a special mower attachment for cutting the grass around and under guardrails, previously done by hand! In 1960, he redesigned and relocated the exhaust system on snowplow trucks, which were collapsing from snow and slush, impacting the hot pipes. So he located the exhaust under the truck and through the side of the hood, which eliminated replacement of the pipes. In 1961, he developed a system to spread and control salt being applied to roadways and later developed a crusher to keep the salt from building up in the auger tube, allowing the driver to continue down the road, and alleviating the necessity for the driver to stop and step out of the cab to unplug the tube. These were just some of the innovations that made it easier and safer for maintenance crews to do their jobs, and they came from & guy who didn’t go to college and who wasn’t an engineer. It was all about intuitive knowl­ edge that allowed workers to get their jobs done safer and faster than before. So, where do we expect these skilled, innovative workers to come from in the future if young people aren’t exposed to the world of work? That’s what industry experts across the nation are asking, yet in Lansing and Washington there are few answers or programs like co-op and on-the-job training programs, once a hallmark of high school education. In last week’s Banner interview, Tift was asked, “How is it that you, of all the mainte­ nance men in the department statewide, have come up with so many valuable inventions and contributions to our industry?” “I really don’t know ” was Tift’s reply, “unless it is that I see ways the job can be done better - and I figure out how to do it. I get a lot of satisfaction out of contributing to a better job.” That was Tyden’s claim to fame - he was ' able to see what was wrong and come up with a better way to do something or build a machine to do it better. And that’s where we’ll find the answers to the questions that plague industries across the country, by exposing young people to jobs and the skilled trades where their abilities can match their interests. Industry experts warn that companies will lose upwards of $100 billion of production as boomers retire, unless we prepare today’s graduates for more of the skilled trades positions left vacant due to retirement. / It’s a serious issue, but, as a state and nation, we’re still not doing enough to fill the slots left empty in so many trades. Only recently have political leaders started talking about the problem, yet they’ve done little to offer legislative changes and generate th§{ financial support necessary to fill the skilled trades gap. Where have all the Tifts and Tydens gone? As a nation, we’re not producing them, and now, due to the fact that more and more of our kids don’t work and aren’t exposed to the trades like they were 40 years ago, it will be even more difficult to curb the trade defi­ cit in the future. Drastic measures are necessary or the gap of unfilled jobs will continue to grow until it impacts the economic stability of our nation as a whole. Let’s honor our veterans Monday for their service and commitment that never stopped^ Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc, think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by accessing our website, www. HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the fol­ lowing week. Last week: County commissioners are hosting a forum at 6:30 p.m. Monday in the Barry Community Enrichment Center to discuss replacing the jail and Commission on Aging buildings - and a potential 2020 millage election. Are you planning to attend? Yes 50% No 50% For this week: A bill in the state Legislature called the “Red Flag Law” would give local authorities the power to take guns from people who are considered dangerous. Should state leg­ islators should support this bill? □ Yes □ No �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 7, 2019 — Page 5- Planning commission sweeps out basement requirement Doug VanderLaan Contributing Writer A proposed change in Hastings’ housing code would no longer require full basements for all dwellings the city planning commis­ sion decided Monday with an 8-1 vote. Planning commissioners scrutinized word­ ing and composed what the majority viewed as a workable solution to an issue that has been an ongoing source of debate. Despite the careful crafting, though, Commissioner Tom Maurer voted against the change. The revision, which now moves to the Hastings City Council for final approval, will allow for “slab construction.” From a Realtor’s perspective, the change would allow for more economical construc­ tion. “I don’t think you can build 1,200-squarefeet on a lot with a full basement for less than $200,000,” said Realtor Mark Hewitt of Miller Real Estate during a public hearing prior to the planning commission’s action. “With a slab [instead of a full basement] maybe you could get that cost into the $150,000 range and you can fill a lot.” Hewitt cited the many empty lots within the city as areas his firm would like to target for development, suggesting that lack of housing on them is likely due to prohibitive construc­ tion costs. Hewitt was one of only two citizens - both Realtors - who chose to address the issue during the public hearing. Jan Hawthorne of Jaqua Realtors mentioned two clients await­ ing zoning clearance to construct traditional “stick-built” homes on a slab foundation. Because one client is retired and no longer requires the added space of a full basement, Hawthorne suggested that slab construction may even be an attractive housing feature for a maturing population. “I think it’s a great idea,” said Hawthorne of slab construction. “I’d like to see ‘stickbuilt homes’ included in the ordinance to clarify, it needs a specific inclusion.” According to Community Development Director Dan King, Hastings is one of few municipalities to require full-basement con­ struction which, on planning commission direction, led to his request that consultant Rebecca Harvey of Kalamazoo-based McKenna Associates draw up a sample revi­ sion. Though acceptable in its intent, the sub­ mitted draft kicked off some red-pen editing, especially in its use of the word “walls.” “I have a little difficulty in how (the pro­ posed revision) treats ‘walls,’” Maurer said, pointing to wording requiring proposed new home construction to have “walls of which shall have the same perimeter dimensions as the dwelling.” Citing construction on a slab, Maurer sug­ gested the wording of the proposed zoning amendment was confusing and could assume “walls of a foundation that does not have any walls.” Maurer added the term also does not clarify the word’s meaning, suggesting that new con­ struction could use “monolith walls, frost walls, or full basement walls. ‘Walls’ falls into ‘foundation.’ Walls of a foundation would automatically mean walls.” Harvey conceded Maurer’s point, but also suggested that the operative word in the revi­ sion was ‘perimeter.’ “It’s still a perimeter, it could have walls,” said Harvey, explaining that the revision wording is common phrasing used in zoning requirements in many other communities. The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. " - "" - — I - ■ ........... — Know Your Legislators: Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Galley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov State Senator Dr. John Bizon, Republican, 19th District State Senate, Phone 517­ 373-2426 or toll-free, 855-347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Independent, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. The Hastings Bcllllldr Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@J-adgraphics.com “When you have a home setting on a slab, you’re saying everything has to be the same size. I can see ‘dwelling’ not meaning ‘walls.’ It doesn’t’ have to negate or confuse.” Suggesting that changes could easily be made to the presented draft, Harvey added that, “It’s important that the city be as clear as possible.” Before agreeing on final wording, subse­ quent discussion arose over how slab con­ struction approval might affect types of hous­ ing and where it might be allowed. Planning Commissioner Lois Bowers asked if the zoning revision allowing slab construc­ tion would apply to stick-built or modular homes, the latter of which might not be wel­ come in many neighborhoods. “Your zoning does not distinguish between building types, this (revision) wording envi­ sions either,” replied Harvey, adding that concerns like those expressed by Bowers “are addressed in construction ordinances where you do define floor areas.” Planning Commission Chairman David Hatfield clarified that major definitions exist between mobile, modular, and manufactured homes. “They’re three very different things,” Hatfield said. “A manufactured home is actu­ ally a stick-built home built in the factory and transported as a modular.” Hewitt backed up that observation in his public hearing comments, challenging anyone to visit the Northridge Estates development and to look for the two-story modular home to “pick out and tell me which one it is.” “From a zoning perspective, a community cannot distinguish between how a building is built,” Harvey said. “It can establish standards such as minimum size and subject to building code requirements.” That then led to the commission’s final wording of the recommendation approved for city council action: “All dwellings shall be firmly attached to a permanent foundation having the same perimeter dimension as the dwelling unit and meeting City building code requirements.” The lone dissenting vote came from Maurer based on two concerns, one, the related matter of codifying minimum home size require­ ments as the ‘tiny home’ movement grows and how that discussion should occur in con­ cert with the foundation matter decided Monday. The commission elected not to cou­ ple the two issues, instead voting on the zon­ ing ordinance amendment, in part following Hatfield’s note that the matter carries import for pending construction projects. Referring clearly to the 73-unit Royal Coach housing project on property formerly owned by Hastings Manufacturing and, possi­ ble, the pending construction mentioned by Hawthorne in public hewing comments, Hatfield said, “We have a couple of building programs - especially the project approved through the Community Foundation that are awaiting a ruling before they can break ground.” Maurer said he also holds to his contention expressed at the Oct. 7 planning commission meeting that full basements are not as prohib­ itively expensive as has been suggested and ensure strong property values by not creating differences in housing quality. In other business Monday, the planning commission: • Received an update report from Harvey on Part II of the Master Plan updates. Harvey discussed progress on three sections of the update, Business Growth, Infrastructure, and Partnerships. Final drafts of the updates could be completed by the end of January. • Granted a request made by Julie Fox to have her site plan and special use permit for Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Taylor Owens Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 1 j Open enrollment for the Michigan Health Insurance Marketplace began Nov. 1 with a deadline of Dec. 15. The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services is encouraging consumers interested in purchasing health insurance to sign into Healthcare.gov to shop for 2020 plans. The good news, according to a DFIS press release, is Michigan consumers have some of the largest number of companies to choose from among all Healthcare.gov states, and rates have either dropped for many plans or risen only modestly. Help is available at DIFS to help consumers be better informed of their options. “Consumers in search of insurance options have a significant number of plans through Michigan’s Health Insurance Marketplace to meet the needs of their families,” DIFS Director Anita G. Fox said. “DIFS is available to assist consumers in making these selec­ tions.” The DIFS Health Insurance Consumer Assistance Program’s website, michigan.gov/ HICAP, contains information on the Marketplace and the Affordable Care Act. Consumers who wish to speak to someone about their questions or concerns may call 877-999-6442. Depending on income, income tax credits are available for plans on the marketplace. The credits can be used to lower premiums immediately. Those consumers who chose a Silver plan may also qualify for reduced deductibles and copays. “Michiganders can shop on Healthcare. gov, without obligation, to price plans and see what tax and other savings may help make coverage more affordable,” Fox said. Healthcare.gov does not require consumers to fill out an application to receive a personal­ ized estimate. During Open Enrollment, con­ sumers may purchase health insurance through the marketplace, a licensed insurance agent, an assister or navigator, or directly from a health insurance company. DIFS recently completed the review of health insurance rate change requests for the individual and small group markets. The aver­ age changes a consumer will see is a decrease of 2.5 percent in the individual market and an increase of 3.8 percent in the small group market. The final approved Rate Change Request Charts are available online. Nine insurance companies are in the Michigan market, with some counties having up to 80 plans available to consumers. Since 2017, Michigan has had the largest number of companies per county among all Healthcare,; gov states. Over 96 percent of current enroll­ ees have 3 or more companies available. The current list of insurers offering plans on the Marketplace includes Blue Care Network, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, McLaren Health Plan Community, Meridian Health Plan of Michigan Inc., Molina Healthcare of Michigan, Oscar Insurance Company, Physicians Health Plan, Priority Health and Total Health Care USA. More information about DIFS or services provided can be found at michigan.gov/DIFS. Michigan stores do their part to protect youth from dangers of tobacco Retailers meet federal regujrements 19 years in a row State officials say they are pleased with the effort to keep tobacco out of the hands of underage users. In statewide inspections, 89.5 percent of retailers refused to sell tobacco to minors under age 18, as announced recently by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Office of Recovery Oriented Systems of Care. Throughout the summer, MDHHS conducted random unannounced inspections statewide to measure the rate of illegal sales of tobacco to Michigan youth. A total of 356 retailers were visited; of those 319 refused to sell tobacco to a minor. “Deterring tobacco sales to youth is critical to reducing the negative health effects and deaths caused by smoking and tobacco use,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and chief deputy for health for MDHHS. “We commend the business community for doing its part to protect Michigan youth from the dangers of smoking and thank our partners for conducting high quality inspections. The Alcohol, Drug Abuse and Mental Health Administration Reorganization Act requires all states and territories to conduct w inspections using a scientific random sample study protocol approved by the federal Center for Substance Abuse Prevention. States must demonstrate their tobacco vendor compliance rate meets or exceeds the federal minimum of 80 percent through random, unannounced, inspections of tobacco retailers. This includes youth inspectors visiting retailers, attempting to make tobacco purchases and recording the results. Adult chaperones drive the youth inspectors and oversee the purchase attempts. States that fall below the 80 percent minimum compliance rate are subject to a penalty of 40 percent of their federal Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant funding. For Michigan, this could mean more than $22 million. States are also required to enact and enforce laws prohibiting the sale or distribution of tobacco products to individuals under age 18, With the popularity of electronic nicotine devices, Michigan is strengthening tobacco education and awareness through a resource website called “Do Your Part,” designed to educate the general public and teens about the dangers of smoking. , Additionally, MDHHS is continuing outreach by providing educational materials to vendors that sell tobacco products. Businesses that want to educate staff, avoid fines and safeguard public health can access a free online presentation and certification test at Improvingmipractices.org. • Traditional and Cremation Services • Pre-Planning Services • Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible • Serving All Faiths • Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted | 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-3252 • www.girrbachfuneralhome. <X1 1- Family Owned and Operated Serving Hastings, Barry County and Surrounding Communities for 50 y Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 The Hastings B ANNER Area Locations to purchase the Hastings Banner! One Stop Shop (Phillips 66) (M-43 North) Superette Family Fare Phillips 66 Gas Station (M-37 South)' Hastings Johnny's The General Store Marathon Mega Bev • NEWSROOM • dure with King, there may be a couple of “technical corrections” needed to be consicb ered. That discussion will be an agenda item for the Dec. 2 meeting. Health insurance enrollment now open Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Tom's Market • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • expansion of her canoe livery business be reviewed at the Planning Commission’s next meeting on Dec. 2. • Heard Hatfield relate that, after reviewing the commission’s bylaws and rules of proce­ Penn-Nook Gift Shop Phillips 66 Gas Station (W. State St.) Phillips 66 Gas Station (M-37 West) Family Fare Gas Station Walgreens Middleville: Speedway Middleville Marketplace Greg’s Get-It-N-Go Middleville Johnny's Gun Lake: Sam’s Gourmet Foods The Dock Store Pine Lake: Doster Country Store Prairieville: Prairieville Fast Stop Orangeville: Orangeville Fast Stop Woodland: Woodland Express Cloverdale: Cloverdale General Brown’s Cedar Creek Grocery Delton; Family Fare Delton Johnny's Banfield: Banfield General Store Dowling; Goldsworthys Dowling General Store Freeport: L&J’s Nashville: Trading Post Little's Country Store Nashville Johnny's MV Pharmacy Nashville C Store Carl’s Lgks Odessa: Lake-O-Express Lake-O-Mart Lake Odessa Johnny's Carl’s Shelbyville: Town & Country �V Page 6 — Thursday, November 7, 2019 — The Hastings Banner ■ Worship - Together ...at the church of your choice ~ * Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches b available for your convenience... ! CHRIST THE KING * PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 3?8 N. Jefferson Street. Wprship 10 a.m. Nursery ppvided. Pastor Peter T^Jams, contact 616-690­ 8609. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. FREEPORT BAPTIST 2 CHURCH 3§Q County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, np gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship It- a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Gabe Priddy, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingshopeumc, PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office. greenstreetumc@gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5 th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948­ 8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. Marie Jane Grinnell Gordon G. Bourdo Diana Lee Johnston HASTINGS, MI - Marie Jane Grinnell of Hastings, died on November 3,2019 at age 93. She was bom on January 26, 1926, the daughter of John Alden and Ella Mary (Flynn) Nash. She graduated from school in Caledonia in 1943. On May 9, 1949 she married James (J.D.) Grinnell. She retired from Hastings Aluminum Products in 1987. She was a member of the Hastings Woman’s Club, Hastings First United Methodist Church Woman’s Circle and volunteered at Pennock Hospital and the COA for over 20 years. Marie was preceded in death by her parents; husband of 45 years, James (J.D.); infant daughter, Mary Lou Grinnell; brothers, Earl Nash, and Harold Nash; sisters, Alice Frederickson; nephews, Denny D. Frederickson, and Jack Nash. She is survived by her son, Darrell (Cheryl) Grinnell: stepson, Dustin Lawrence; daughter, Sharon Neal; grandchildren, Jacob (Jessica) Neal, Ben (Lauren) Neal; great grandchildren, Layla and Charlotte Neal and Lucas and Evin Neal,; brother-in-law, Randy (Glena) Grinnell; niece, Shirley (Randy) Blakely; nephew, Gerald Nash and Many more treasured nieces and nephews. Also, by close friends, Joyce Morgan, the Posthumus family, and all the Monday night euchre players. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2019 at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 South Broadway Street, Hastings, MI 49058 with visitation one hour prior to service, Pastor Bryce Feighner officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to First United Methodist Church 209 West Green Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. To leave online condolences visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. DELTON, MI - Gordon Glenn Bourdo, age 79, went home to the Lord on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019. Gordon was bom on July 6, 1940 in Delton, the son of Glenn and Dorothy (Foote) Bourdo. Gordon attended school in Orangeville and Delton. He married his love, Frances (Anderson) Bourdo on May 23, 1959, who survives. He was loved and respected by his family, his community, and all those who knew him. Gordon was a logger by trade, a hunter and a fisherman. His happiest days were spent in the outdoors, from the whitetail woods and bass filled lakes in Michigan to the trout streams and bugle laden mountains of northwest Colorado. There was no end to the hunger for adventure that coursed through his veins. His love for wild places was genuine and contagious. Gordon is also survived by his brothers, Bill Bourdo and Jim Bourdo; his sisters, Betty (Bourdo) Tobias and Barb (Bourdo) Czuk; his son, Michael Bourdo; daughters, Sally (Bourdo) Zelenock, and Kelly (Bourdo) Smith; grandchildren, Jeremy Bourdo, Josh Smith, Francque Zelenock, Beau Zelenock, Sequoyah Smith, and Trayton Bourdo, and 11 great grandchildren. Gordon was preceded in death by his brother, Chuck Bourdo; his parents, Glenn and Dorothy Bourdo; his daughters, Jody and Tammy; a great granddaughter, and several aunts and uncles. Gordon’s funeral service will be conducted on Thursday, Nove. 7, 2019, at 11 a.m. at Thomapple Valley Church on M-43 in Hastings. Burial will take place in Oak Hill Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or to leave a condolence message for Gordon’s family. HASTINGS, MI - Diana Lee Johnston, of Hastings, died on October 25,2019 at age 71. Diana was bom in Hastings, on June 3,1948, the daughter of George H. and Hazel W. (Wilson) Brown. She attended Welcome Comers School and graduated from Hastings High School in 1966. She earned a bachelor’s degree in education from Michigan State University and a master’s degree in education from Western Michigan University. She was a Hastings area schoolteacher for 32 years and retired in 2007. She married John Carl Johnston on July 3, 1971. She was in involved in the Hastings High School Choir, Art Club, and 4-H youth program. She loved singing, planting flowers, reading and spending time with her family and friends. Her grandchildren, nieces and nephews loved singing with her and listening to her read. Diana was preceded in death by her parents; mother and father-in-law, Ruth C. and Thomas L. Johnston; grandparents, Harry and Tresa Brown and Emmett and Ethel Wilson; sister-in­ law, Patty Johnston; “Like a brother” David G. Clark, Sr.; cousin, Kellie Wilson Twining, and great nephew Jacob Kresh. She is survived by her husband, of 48 years, John C. Johnston; daughters, Sarah Jane Johnston (Jafar Clemons), and Rebecca Brown Johnston (Joshua Lindsey); grandchildren, Jayden, Humza, Jacquelynn, Zacharia, Nadiyah, and Sanayah; sister, Kathy (Nick) Carter; niece, Taylor Carter; brothers and sisters-in-law, Evelyn and John Koprivnikar, Thomas L. Johnston, Jr., William A. Johnston, James (Sherry) Johnston, Robert (Anne) Johnston, Jennifer (Karl) Schroeder, Rebecca (Jeff) Parker; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth and Margie Johnston; nieces and nephews, Kimberly (Dan) Kresh, Karen (Barney) Pierce, Thomas Koprivnikar, Tracy (Anthony) Zenobi, Kristin (Stacy) Neubecker, Matthew (Annette Prapasiri) Johnston, Abel Johnston, Daniel Johnston, James (Sarah) Johnston, Meg (Kevin) McGill, Erin (Tim) Miler, Martha (Eddie) Lubbers, Alec Johnston, Annie Johnston, Hannah (Adam) Jackson, Kailey Schroeder, Katie Parker, David (Maggie) Parker, and Annie Bundy, and many grand and great nieces and nephews. Memorial visitation was held Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019 at First Presbyterian Church of Hastings, 405 M-37, Hastings, MI 49058 and a Celebration of Life Service with Pastor Dan Birchfield and Dr. James Spindler officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Hastings Educational Enrichment Foundation C/O Hastings Area School System 232 W Grand St, Hastings, MI 49058 or Noah’s Ark Preschool C/O First Presbyterian Church of Hastings. Arrangements provided by Girrbach Funeral Home, Hastings, Michigan. To leave online condolences visit www.girrbachftmeralhome. net. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. W.wwTixslchurchhastings. org. 9 a.m. Classes and Gatherings for All ages; 9:45 a.m. Worship (Children's Worship Offered); 10:45 a.m. Coffee Fellowship; 11:15 a.m. Coffee Talk with Pastor Dan. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9: 45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945-9217. cbchastings. org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www.hastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller, Wor­ ship Director, Martha Stoetze!. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care pro­ vided. SUNDAY MORNING FAMILY HOUR WEL­ COMES ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue, Loving God, Lov­ ing Neighbor: Preschool age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Standard and Adult Elective classes. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10: 30 a.m. and Children's Church age 4-4th grade dis­ missed during service. Fall Ser­ mon Series & Growth Groups, "On Mission" begins Sept. 15. Sunday Evening: Youth Group at 6:30 p.m., 2nd Tues: Young Women's Small Group at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Mid-Week: Women's Bible Study at 6:30 p.m. Kid's Club, Oct. 16-Dec. 4, 6:30-7:45 p.m. Friday Bible Study at 10 a.m. Formore infor­ mation please contact the church. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God's Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! Nov. 10 - Worship services at 8 and 10:45 a.m.; Church School 10:45 a.m. Nov. 11 Outreach Committee Mtg. 4:30 p.m. Nov. 12 - Brothers of Grace 7 p.m. Nov. 14 Clapper Kids 3:45 p.m.; Grace Notes 5:45 p.m. Nov. 24 - 75th Anniversary Celebration; one service at 10 a.m. with a luncheon following. All are welcome! Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www.grace-hastings. org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings, MI. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: sFlexfob Imk 1351 North M-43 Hwy. 1699 W. M43 Highway, 1301 W. Green St. Hastings Hastings, Ml 49058. Hastings 945-9554 945-4700 945-9541 Charles E. Hoyle Annette Marie Lucht NASHVILLE, MI - Charles E. Hoyle, age 75, of Nashville, passed away on October 29, 2019. He was bom on September 16,1944 in Battle Creek, the son of Charles and Doris (Leight) Hoyle. Charles graduated in 1963 from Lakeview High School, later moving to Nashville. He served for four years in the United States Navy before working for Eaton Manufacturing in Battle Creek. After Eaton’s, Charles spent 35 years working for Grand Trunk C/N Railroad. Charles was a member of the VFW Post #8260 in Nashville. He enjoyed fishing, riding Harley motorcycles, camping and hiking in Colorado. He was preceded in death by his parents, and a brother, Robert Hoyle. Surviving are daughters, Heather (Scott) Wolcott of Nashville, Holly (John) Secord of Gaylord; son, Charles (Samantha) Hoyle II of Nashville; brothers, Thomas (Linda) Hoyle of Battle Creek, Steven Hoyle of Mesa AZ; six grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. The family received friends on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2019 at the Richard A. Henry Funeral Home. Following the visitation, a committal service was held at Fort Custer National Cemetery with military honors. Memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Condolences may be left for the family at www.henryfuneralhome. org Annette Marie (Kite) Lucht passed November 1, 2019 after a courageous battle with cancer and its lasting effects. Bom April 9, 1956 in Allegan, to Harry and Elaine (Cole) Kite. When she lost her father, the Lord sent her another, Larry Lonsbury who survives with her mother and siblings, Carol Lewis, Sandra Kite, Hank Kite and Lorri Smith as well as partner Matthew Ewing. She mothered three daughters, Mendy (James) Marshall, Melissa (Larry) Wiessner and Patricia Ginebaugh. Her legacy lives on with her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren - Cody and Brentley, Alexis and Mahki and Noahel, Alyssa, Marley, Maysse and Lindie and Taylor, Tarrah and Emry. She worked construction before her illness left her unable, but still worked with wood as a hobby. She loved the outdoors. She was proud of her Native American ancestry and shared that heritage. She stayed busy sewing quilts for her family. She loved to laugh and have fun in her silly, carefree and child-like spirit. She was at her very best being Gramma ‘Nita. To honor her final wishes, a life celebration following cremation will be at the Delton Moose Lodge Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019. Services from 2-4 p.m. and luncheon from 4-6 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions for her final arrangements' or a donation to the cancer charity of your choice. HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Friday, Nov. 8 - preschool story time, 10:30-11 a.m.; Teen Advisory Board meeting, 4-5 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9 - celebrating International Games Week with 12 hours of gaming, 9.m.-9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11 - Quilting Passions, 10 a.m.-l p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12 - toddler time, 10:30-11 a.m.; mahjong club, 5:30; chess club, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13 - History Hounds learns about Senator Arthur Vandenberg “From Isolationist to Internationalist,” 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 14 - Baby Cafe,10 a.m.noon; Movie Memories & Milestones watch­ es 1950 film starring Claudette Colbert, Patrie Knowles and Florence Desmond, 5 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 7, 2019 — Page 7 A year after legalization, Michigan months away from retail sales Bridge Magazine Retail sales of recreational marijuana may still be months away and confined to select communities, even though Michigan began taking applications for businesses on Friday. The Marijuana Regulatory Agency last week began accepting applications for what is expected to be a lucrative new industry. That’s more than a month ahead of a deadline estab­ lished in the adult-use marijuana law approved by voters in 2018. Exclusive Brands of Ann Arbor applied online at 12:17 a.m. Friday and got a pre-qualification notice 43 minutes later. The process takes little time for companies like Exclusive that already have been vetted to work in the state’s medical marijuana industry. “There’s still a lot of question marks” about recreational marijuana rules, “but I’m excited to learn all the answers and be part of the movement,” owner Omar Hishmeh told Bridge Magazine. • Exclusive operates as a “vertically integrat­ ed” medical marijuana business in Ann Arbor, where it is licensed to grow up to 500 plants and operate a retail dispensary and a process­ ing facility that supplies products to other medical shops around the state. Medical mar­ ijuana has been legal in Michigan since a 2008 ballot measure. “We’re doing great on the medical side,” Omar said, noting he expects state inspectors to visit Exclusive next week for the second step of the recreational application process. Regulators must sign off on the actual build­ ing before awarding a full license. While applications are open, recreational retail sales are not expected to start statewide until February or March because the state is effectively asking growers across Michigan to start from scratch. Due to product supply shortages in the medical marijuana industry, the Michigan Regulatory Agency is not planning to allow plant or product transfers for recreational sales. That means growers will have to plant new crops to obtain a recreational license. “You definitely want to ensure that there’s access for patients using marijuana for medic­ inal purposes,” Andrew Brisbo, director of the Michigan Marijuana Regulatory Agency, said Friday. “There’s not adequate supply in the regulat­ ed market to meet consumer demand right now.” Michigan’s new recreational marijuana law includes restrictions on who can apply. For the first two years, only certified medical marijuana businesses can qualify for most recreational license types, including large growing operations and retail stores. Additionally, more than 1,200 Michigan municipalities - two-thirds of the state’s 1,773 cities, townships and villages - “opted out” of the law and prohibit recreational mar­ ijuana businesses. Officials in Detroit, the state’s largest city, are considering whether to temporarily opt out next week. Those communities could still opt back in once officials see how the law is executed, said Robin Schneider, executive director of the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association, who called the start of license applications a big day for the state. “Every time we come to one of these mile­ stones it reminds us of all the work that it took to get here,” said Schneider, who also worked on the 2018 ballot campaign to make Michigan the 10th state nationwide to legalize pot. Medical businesses that apply for recre­ ational licenses right away should be allowed to legally operate even if their local govern­ ment later chooses to opt out of the law, said attorney Denise Pollicella. She was working with several firms to sub­ mit applications on Friday and said the pro­ SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS cess went “very smoothly.” But ongoing uncertainty about long-term rules and supply shortages means recreational sales will take “a little bit longer to get going than I think anybody was anticipating,” Pollicella said. “Michigan makes an art form out of rein­ venting the wheel, so it’s going to take a min­ ute, but we’ll get there.” The new law gives the state 90 days to pro­ cess facility applications, but Brisbo expects his agency will begin to issue the first recre­ ational marijuana licenses well before then, likely by the end of November or December. Most retailers, however, will then have to wait for the first legal crop to mature, which might take another three to five months. Michigan could have avoided the projected supply chain crunch by licensing recreational growers earlier, said Matthew Abel, a long­ time pot activist and attorney at the Cannabis Counsel in Detroit. “But that didn’t happen, so now they’re in the uncomfortable position of having to take the medicine away from medical patients in order to supply the recreational market, because the recreational market is so much larger,” Abel said. Ensuring a stable supply for medical patients is “the right way to go” even if it delays recreational sales, he said. Abel was also working with several clients to submit applications on Friday and said the process was slowed in some instances by delays in tax status verification through the Michigan Treasury. Legal sales could start sooner at so-called microbusinesses licensed to grow up to 150 plants, process them and sell them directly to adults. That’s because Michigan will allow micro­ business owners who are also medical care­ givers to sell marijuana they are already authorized to grow for patients - up to 72 plants - to recreational customers. “If one of those gets licensed quickly and they’re a caregiver, they can bring plants in and may be close to having retail sales very quickly,” Brisbo said. As of 5 p.m. Friday, 34 businesses had applied to be prequalified for a recreational license. The state also received 18 applica­ tions for facility inspections, a precondition to full licensure. That’s a far cry from the 355 licensed medical marijuana businesses in the state. Country Boy Farms of Chesaning was pre­ qualified for a recreational marijuana license at around 9:30 a.m. Friday. The company is currently licensed as a Class C medical mari­ juana grower, which allows it to cultivate up to 1,500 plants. Only licensed medical pot businesses can currently apply for most recreational license types, but anyone can apply to be a small grower or microbusiness. The state is also allowing open applications for “designated consumption establishments,” safety compli­ ance facilities and marijuana event organiz­ ers. Applicants must pay a $6,000 fee that isn’t refundable. Any company that wins final approval will also need to pay a licensing fee before opening its doors. Local governments can also charge separate fees. Brisbo said some potential applicants may be waiting to see how local officials decide to treat marijuana businesses. He noted that nine communities approved local rules last week, bringing the unofficial state tally up to 15. “I think a number of operators are waiting for that piece to come online as well before they submit their state-level application since they only have 90 days to complete the pro- ■ . (Donate A Boat or Car Today! Boaqj^ rig el "2-Night Free Vacation!” I00700WAT (2628) Rep. answers questions about online services, benefits and more My father receives Social Security retire­ ment benefits, and I will be in < harge of his estate after he dies. Should that occur, do I need to report his death to Social Security or will be^e^^uton^flt^Qll^stop?{ o pIease( s^i1al Security as soon as possible at 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-525-0778) ?Anotiief person, such as a spouse, may be eligible for survivors benefits based on his record. Also, we might be able to pay a one-time payment of $255 to help with funeral expenses. We suggest read­ ing a copy of our online publication, “How Social Security Can Help You When a Family Member Dies,” at socialsecurity.gov/ pubs/10008 .html. I’m planning to retire next year. I served in the Navy back in the 1960s and need to make sure I get credit for my military service. What do I need to do? You don’t need to do anything to apply for the special credit for your military service — it is added automatically. For service between 1957 and 1967, we will add the extra credits to your record at the time you apply for Social Security benefits. For service between 1968 and 2001, those extra military service credits have already been added to your record. So, you can rest assured that we have you cov­ ered. Read our online publication, “Military Service and Social Security,” at socialsecuri­ ty .go v/pubs/10017.html. Then when the time comes to apply for retirement, you can do it conveniently and easily at socialsecurity.gov/ retireonline. How long does it take to complete the online application for retirement benefits? It can take as little as 15 minutes to com­ plete the online application. In most cases, once your application is submitted electroni­ cally, you’re done. There are no forms to sign and usually no documentation is required. Social Security will process your application and contact you if any further information is needed. There’s no need to drive to a local Social Security office or wait for an appoint­ ment with a Social Security representative. To retire online, go to socialsecurity.gov/retireonline. I have been collecting disability benefits for a few years, but I’m getting healthy enough to work again. Can I return to work while get­ ting Social Security disability benefits? Yes, you can return to work while receiving Social Security disability benefits. We have special rules to help you get back to work without lowering your initial benefits. You may be able to have a trial work period for nine months to test whether you can work. If you get disability benefits and your condition improves or you return to work, you must report these changes to us. Call us at 800-772­ 1213 (TTY 800-325-0778) or contact your local Social Security office. You can find your local office by visiting socialsecurity.gov/ locator. I get disability benefits and so does my cousin. Her children receive benefits on her record. I took an application for my children to receive benefits, but I was told that they were not eligible for payment. Why is this? There are a few different reasons why a child might not receive benefits from a parent when the parent receives disability benefits. A child must be unmarried, below the age of 18, or younger than 19 and 2 months and still enrolled in high school. A child also may receive benefits if they were disabled before they turned 22. If these conditions are met and benefits are still not payable, it is possible that the parent is receiving the maximum amount payable by law on his or her own benefit. Additionally, if worker’s compensation is involved, the amount due to the children may be held as part of the parent’s worker’s com­ pensation offset. For specific details regard­ ing your own record, contact your local Social Security office or call 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-328-0778) between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. How do I know if I meet the eligibility requirements to get Social Security disability benefits? To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you must have worked long enough in jobs covered by Social Security (usually 10 years). You must also have a medical condi­ tion that meets Social Security’s strict defini­ tion of disability. We consider an adult dis­ abled under our rules if he or she has a medi­ cal condition, or combination of medical conditions, that are expected to last for at least one year or result in death, and that prevent the performance of any type of work. If you think you may be eligible to receive disability benefits and would like to apply, you can use our online application at socialsecurity.gov/ applyfordisability. I have medical coverage through my employer. Do I have to take Medicare Part B? You are not required to take Medicare Part B if you are covered by a group healthcare plan based on either your employment or the employment of a spouse. When your coverage ends, you may contact Social Security to request a special enrollment for Medicare Part B. We will need to verify your coverage through your employer in order for you to be eligible for a special enrollment. For more information, visit medicare.gov. Are Supplemental Security Income benefits subject to federal income tax? No. SSI payments are not subject to federal taxes. If you get SSI, you will not receive an annual Form SSA-1099. However, your Social Security benefits may be subject to income tax. Learn more at socialsecurity.gov. I want to sign up for a Medicare Part C and D plan, but I’m not sure which plan 1 want. Is there a resource to help me find a plan? Yes. Medicare.gov has an online plan find­ er and instructions available on how to use this tool. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email to vonda .vantil@ssa .gov. www.boatangel.com \ spon&oredbyboatang.l outreaaheenters STOPCRIMES AGAINSTCHILOREH 60-Year Old Kansas Man Wants to Help Baby Boomers Who are Searching for the Perfect Part-Time Business. 10-Minute Recorded Message Reveal^ His Inspiring Story. CALL: 1-800-285-5675 Use Invitation Code: 92219 GRAMMY AWARD WINNER MICHAEL BOLTON GREATEST HITS & HOLIDAY FAVORITES THURSDAY, DECEMBER 12 90s HOUSE PARTY • DECEMBER 29 TICKETS ON-SALE NOW at the FireKeepers Box Office or FireKeepersCdSinu.’ < TIME TO GET YOUR VlUfiFoN -■WiFHEKEEPERS W* ’’ll 11 CASINO‘HOTEL BATTLE CREEK i-94 to Exit 104 | 11177 Michigan Avenue I Battle Creek, Ml 49014 Must be 21 or older. Tickets based on availability. Schedule subject to change. HASTINGS ELKS PRESENTS $60,000 PRIZE BOARD FALLIN’ FOR CASH BINGO BASH SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 Doors: 2 PM* Session: 4 PM DAILY SESSIONS THURSDAYS - MONDAYS • 12 PM & 6 PM CLOSED TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS Visit FireKeepersCasino.com for details. TIME TO GET YOUR FIBEKEEPERS CAS I NO ‘ HOT E L I-94 to Exit 104 | 11177 Michigan Avenue | Battle Creek, Ml 4901 st be present and playing bingfto win. Schedule subject to change. Management reserves all r 14TH ANNUAL DEER HUNTERS BALL You don’t have to be a hunter to havefun! Come join us for an evening of fun, food, dancing and prizes. (Gun Raffle, Bucket Drawings and Silent Auction) Hastings Elks Lodge 102 E Woodlawn Avenue, Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-5308 Nashville United Methodist Church’s Annual Turkey Supper Saturday, Nov. 9,20189 4:00-7:00 pm Saturday, November 9,2019 Cocktails at 5:00 PM • Dinner at 6:00 PM $10.00 per plate Buy 3 Raffle Tickets and get a free dinner. Comer ofWashington & State RAFFLE PRIZES Dinner includes: Turkey, Stuffing, Mashed Potatoes, Squash, Cranberry Salad, Cole Slaw, Rolls, Drink & Homemade Pie License #R55759 Need not be present to win. 1 Mossberg Patriot 450 B.M. Bolt Action 1 Traditions Buckstalker 50 Cal In-Line Muzzleloader 1 Carbon EXP PileDriver Cross Bow Package Gun Raffle tickets are $10.00 each. TICKETS: Adults $8 presale/ $10 at the door 5-12 yr $6, 4 & under FREE i c-pr cess,” Brisbo said. “I’d want to see that the municipality is going to be able to authorize them as well.” Local communities are not required to “opt in” to the recreational law, but several have designed regulations in order to give certainty to local businesses. Burton, a city in Genesee County, set up rules to allow all recreational marijuana busi­ ness types and will not cap the number of licenses they will allow. Other communities established more stringent restrictions. Mount Pleasant, for instance, will allow only a handful of grower and retailer licenses but an unlimited number of processors and product testing facilities. Orion Township in Oakland County won’t allow retailers or large-scale growers but will allow a limited number of other business types. , Timing of sales of recreational marijuana : could affect state and local tax revenue this" year. Consumers will pay the state’s 6 percent sales tax on any retail sales, while retailers and microbusinesses will also pay a 10 per- ' cent excise tax on the sale price. Sales tax revenue primarily supports the state’s School Aid Fund. Excise tax revenue will be earmarked for road repairs, schools and local governments that allow marijuana^ businesses. M The nonpartisan Senate Fiscal Agency hL 2018 projected recreational retail sales could"* eventually generate $262 million a year in annual tax revenue for the state and local gow emments. Smaller revenue is expected iiL early years as the industry ramps up. xP How fast the industry grows in Michigan remains to be seen. j.q “What we do know is that adults want tfg purchase cannabis,” Abel said. “There’s not lack of demand.” Contact the Elks Lodge at269-945-5308 to purchase your tickets today. Care Share i �Page 8 — Thursday, November 7, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Financial FOCUS • t-i* Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of Elaine Garlock The Ionia County Genealogical Society will meet Saturday at 1 p.m. at the Freight House Museum. The speaker will have an unusual topic pertaining to Native Americans. There will be library time and refreshments. The ‘library will be staffed Friday, Nov. 29 and .Saturday, Nov. 30, to coincide with the hours ^pf Christmas ’Round the Town. - The women’s Fellowship of First Congregational Church will meet Wednesday, Nov. 13, at 1 p.m. The Lake Odessa Area Historical Society will meet Thursday, Nov. 14, at 7 p.m. for the fannual Christmas Memory Tree event, when hundreds of colorful ornaments are hung on eight trees to commemorate those near and (dear who have passed on. New ornaments can .be had for a small fee and then will be rehung each following year. Refreshments will be ^provided. Haring the names read is like a .miniature history of the village with names (recalled. The Ionia County Commission on Aging will host Thanksgiving luncheons a week before the big day, Thursday, Nov. 21. In Lake Odessa, this will be at the Emerson Manor dining room. The Christmas dinner will be at noon Dec. 19. Leaves are falling. A few trees are already bare. The ginkgo trees are still hanging tight to their leaves, which usually fall some night. We play a waiting game to see which night is the magic time. Several trees of this variety line the drives of Emerson and Lake Manors. This is the only tree that has a fan­ shaped leaf with all the veins coming from the central stem. The tree has its origins in the mountains of western China. It has remained unchanged since prehistoric time. One year with freak weather circumstances, we had a light snowfall during the night before the leaves had turned from lime green to yellow. In the morning we had white snow littered with hundreds of yellow leaves. 130410 NOTICE y < The Barry County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications from volunteers to serve on the following Boards/Commissions: I Animal Shelter Advisory Board: 1 veterinarian, 1 rescue shelter operator, 3 citizen at large Charlton Park Village and Museum Board: 2 positions Commission on Aging: 4 positions Conservation Easement; 1 position, Agricultural Interest; 1 township official or designee Mental Health Authority: 3 positions, must be a primary or secondary consumer Parks & Recreation: 3 positions Ci £ Applications may be obtained at the County Administration Office, 3rd floor of the Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings; or www.barrycounty.org under the tab: How do I apply for; and must be returned no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2019. Contact 269-945 1284 for more information. e •ac ■nt' . . EDWARD JONES Take greater control of your 401(k) If your employer offers a 401(k) or similar plan, you’ve got a powerful retirement­ savings tool at your disposal. And yet, how well you do with your 401(k) depends greatly on your choices and actions. What steps can you take to maximize the benefits of your plan? For starters, be aware that your 401(k) may come with what might be called “standard” features, which you should review to determine their applicability to your situation. These features include the following: • Default deferral rate - When you take a job, your employer may automatically enroll you in the company’s 401(k) plan and assign a “default” contribution rate - the percentage ----STOCKS-----The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. 257.13 +13.84 Apple Inc. 39.17 +1.11 AT&T Chevron 121.94 +3.81 178.92 +4.81 Deere & Co. +4.65 Exxon Mobil 73.09 48.44 -.56 Flowserve CP 9.02 Ford Motor Co. +.38 10.97 +1.90 General Electric Co. General Motors 38.23 +.02 Home Depot Inc. 232.20 -1.94 Johnson Johnson 130.42 +1.30 63.52 +.65 Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP 144.46 +1.63 Perrigo Co. 54.15 +.05 Pfizer Inc. 37.48 -.73 Spartannash Comp 13.99 +.46 198.37 Stryker -22.16 42.77 +2.62 TCF Financial Corp. +1.71 Walmart Inc. 118.86 131.45 +1.97 Walt Disney Co 157.77 +2.29 Whirl Pool Corp. Gold Silver Dow Jones NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED ZONING AMENDMENT i TO 1 $1,486.20 $17.75 27,493 -1131494 ■ ■ ■ ■ ..... ■ ■ ■ ■ . • . ■ ' - . Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing-dn- November 25, 2019 at 7:00 PM at :ne Community Room of the Tyden Center, 121 South ChurCh Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. J -$4.80 -.36 +422 of your salary you will put in to your 401(k). Many companies choose a default rate of 3 percent, although, in recent years, there has been a move toward higher rates, even up to 6 percent. Unfortunately, too many people don’t question their default rate, which could be a problem, especially if it’s at the lower end. If you want your 401(k) to ultimately provide you with as many financial resources as possible, you will likely need to contribute as much as you can afford. So, be aware of your default rate, and, if you can possibly afford it, increase that level. And every time your salary goes up, consider boosting your contributions. • Investment mix - When you’re automatically enrolled in your 401(k), the amount you might initially contribute isn’t the only “off the shelf’ feature - you also might be assigned a default investment option. One common default investment is known as a target-date fund, which generally includes a mix of stocks, bonds and cash instruments. Your 401(k) plan provider, or your human resources area, will typically base this mix on your age and projected retirement date. Usually, this fund will grow more conservative over time, reflecting the need to reduce the portfolio’s risk as you get nearer to retirement. However, you may not be obligated to stick with the default option. Most 401(k) plans usually offer several options from which to choose. Ideally, you’d want to spread your investment dollars among a mix of these investments to give yourself the greatest growth potential, given your risk tolerance and time horizon. And always keep in mind that your 401(k) is a long-term vehicle, designed to help you prepare for a retirement that may be decades away. Consequently, try to discipline yourself to look past the inevitable short-term drops in your portfolio. • Matching contributions - If your employer offers a 401(k) matching contribution, you should certainly take advantage of it. Consider this: If you employer matches 50 cents for every dollar you contribute, up to 6 percent of your pay, and you contribute the full 6 percent, you would, in effect, be receiving a 3 percent pay raise (50 percent of 6 percent). That’s like a 50 percent rate of return even before you invest this added money. Taking control of your 401(k) in the ways described above can help go a long way toward getting the most from your plan and, as a result, may help get you closer to supporting the retirement lifestyle you’ve envisioned. Th is article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. If you have any questions, contact Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. Baseline church offering help for grieving individuals Baseline United Methodist Church will host a “Surviving the Holidays” seminar, Monday, Nov. 11, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. For individuals who have lost a loved one in the past year, the holidays can be a difficult time knowing that everything has changed and that happy memories from past years cannot be recreated. “Surviving the Holidays” is especially for those people who are grieving a loved one’s death. The seminar will help participants learn: -How to deal with the many emotions they’ll face during the holidays. -What to do about traditions and other coming changes. -Helpful tips for surviving social events. -How to discover hope for the future. All participants will receive a Holiday Handbook recapping the ideas learned in the seminar. The program is free. Participants may reg­ ister by calling 269-963-7710 and leaving their name and telephone number. jn JI .J! The subject of the public hearing will be the consideration of the following amendment “to the Barry Courity Zoning Ordinance of 2008, as amended: MAP CHANGE A-2-2Q19 Ju Request to rezone property at 7561 Saddlebag Lake Road in Section 1 of Woodland Township (see attached map). FROM GC (General Commercial) IQ MU (Mixed Use) Poisonous protection Dr. Universe: How do bugs have poison? Wyatt, 11, New Zealand All of the above mentioned property is located in Barry County, Michigan. Legal Description: Commencing at the Northeast corner of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 1, Town 4 North, Range 7 West; thence run North along the East side of said Section 1, a distance of 338 feet to the Point of Beginning of the following described parcel of land; thence run North along said East Section line a distance of 128 feet to a point lying 396.5 feet South of where the Old Chicago, Kalamazoo and Saginaw Railroad crossed said East Section line; thence run West a distance of 130 feet; thence run South a distance of 8 feet; thence run East a distance of 20 feet; thence run South a distance of 44 feet; thence run West a distance of 49 feet; thence run South a distance of 76 feet; thence run East a distance of 159 feet to the Point of Beginning. 'iC. & dJi fa1 At Interested persons desiring to present their views upon the proposed amendment, either verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned place and time. Any written response may be mailed to the address listed below, faxed to (269) 948-4820, or emailed to Barry County Planning Director James McManus at jmcmanus@,barrycounty.orq. The proposed amendment of the Barry County Zoning Ordinance is available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday — Friday. Please call the Barry County Planning Department at (269) 945-1290 for further information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or call the following: Michael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 945-1284. Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk Dear Wyatt, All kinds of insects are crawling and fly­ ing around our planet. And you’re right, some of them — but not all of them — are poisonous. I learned all about poisonous insects from my friend David James. James is a research­ er at Washington State University who is very curious about monarch butterflies. Monarchs can actually eat plants that would be poisonous to most other animals. After a monarch caterpillar hatches, it will eat its own eggshell. Once it runs out of eggshell, it will start chomping on the poi­ sonous milkweed plant. But it doesn’t cause the insect any harm. In fact, monarch larvae need milkweed to help them grow and become butterflies. Later, the butterfly will use the milkweed plant as the perfect spot to lay its eggs. That way, when new caterpillars hatch and finish up their eggshell, they will have milkweed to eat. When monarchs eat poisonous milkweed, the chemicals in the plant help form poison in their bodies. These chemicals are called toxins. When an animal inhales, touches or eats a toxic creature, it can experience the effects of poison. Toxins can be deadly, but sometimes they just make the animal sick. If a bird eats a monarch, it might throw it up or spit out the butterfly. The predator probably won’t try to eat another monarch in the future. That poison can help the mon­ arch species survive in the long run. Milkweed and monarchs have actually been helping each other survive for a long time. The plant provides food for the butter­ fly. Meanwhile, the butterflies help move pollen around to help new milkweed plants grow. It turns out that different insects can get their poison with help from different plants. The cabbage white butterfly caterpillar, for example, eats a lot of cabbage. The cabbage white uses a combination of chemicals from the cabbage to produce a toxin in its own body. They can actually secrete the poison from their hairs, or setae. If you look under a microscope, you would see little droplets that look like oil on their hairs, James explained. Of course, humans don’t produce toxins from their hairs when they eat cabbage. Instead, they usually just get a lot of nutri­ ents and fiber. Different toxins can impact different species in different ways. You might also be interested to learn that venom is a bit different from poison. Venom is usually a kind of toxin injected through stinging or biting. If you get a bee sting or spider bite, you are experiencing the effects of their venom. Whether an animal is venomous or poi­ sonous, it will often use its bright colors or patterns to warn a predator. For example, monarch butterflies have orange and black patterns on their wings. The monarch cater­ pillars are yellow with white and black striped bands. These brilliant colors can help send a message to predators such as, “Don’t eat me, I’m poisonous!” It’s a help­ ful reminder for the predators and can help insect species survive. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse .com. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 7, 2019 — Page 9 DISD AFT2R DISCH-™'® Home Morthville, Michigan March 12th, 1921 QuJtaby, Michigan Hickory Corners* Michigan May 31st, 1919 Hecker, Hugh lashville, Michigan ■ Grand Bavlds, Michigan Sovember 12 th, 1920 Halallng, Henry SSward Dos ter ? Michigan KaWanoo, Michigan July 20th, 1920 Hain, McKinley KashviM1 - hi Hastings, Michigan Kot<mbar 5th, 1920 Sitton, LaVerne Hobart Hast Ings# Michigan Albion, Michi August 29th, 1920 Torasend, Sara 1. HastingsMichigan Oshtew, Michigan Augwst 3rd, 1921 Bxtrahett, Andrew U. Variety of causes fell WWI veterans shortly after war's end Harold E. Anderson of Hastings was the first Michigan State Trooper killed in the line of duty. He joined the newly-formed state police force shortly after returning from France during World War I. Kathy Maurer Copy Editor The more than 30 men with ties to Barry County who died while serving in World War I have been featured in this column since late summer 2018. Seven more men were listed on a separate page in the 1922 “Record of Barry County Soldiers and Sailors in Service during the World War.” Volunteers tirelessly compiled that collection of service records, articles and letters. By the time the collection was complete, more service members had died. “Died After Discharge” is the simple heading that separates the men who died while serving and those who perished within the 3Yz years before the compendium was complete. Tuberculosis, a fall from scaffolding, an auto accident and murder were among the causes of death for the young men. Andrew M. Burchett The day before his 18th birthday, Corp. Andrew M. Burchett of Quimby enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was sent to Fort Thomas, Kentucky, the next day. He crossed the Atlantic twice, survived mortar battles in France and eluded diseases that took the life of fellow soldiers. But a compassionate gesture ultimately led to his own death at age 19. The son of James and Etta (King) Burchett, he was born Jan. 15,1900, in Doster and grew tip mainly in the Hickory Corners area. His family, including four younger sisters and a younger brother, had moved to Quimby by 1918. Burchett was working as a farmer when he enlisted. He was transferred to the 2nd Trench Mortar Battalion, Coast Artillery Corps, and departed with the American Expeditionary Forces May 29, 1918. He was promoted to corporal Nov. 15,1918. He returned to U.S. April 23,1919, and was honorably discharged May 6, 1919. He immediately took up farm work again. However, less than two weeks after returning, he went to Hickory Corners to help care for a cousin. The following morning, he became ill with influenza, which developed into bronchial pneumonia and resulted in his death May 31,1919. “He fought on the Toul and Lorraine fronts and when the Armistice was signed, captured two German 110-millimeter mortars,” according to his obituary. Burchett is buried at the Hastings Township/ Sponable Cemetery. LaVerne Hobert Sutton A 1915 Hastings High School graduate, LaVerne Hobert Sutton had been attending Albion College before he was sent to the Great Lakes Naval Training Station in June 1918. The son of Charles and Anna (Simmons), LaVerne was the eldest of three brothers, Leo and Maurice being the other two. Their mother died in 1917, and their father married Bernice (Wyman) Hindee in 1919. At Great Lakes, Sutton worked as a hospital apprentice 1st Class and as pharmacist’s mate 3rd class. He was in training in the Hospital Corps School for about seven months and was put on duty in sick bays. After nearly a year at the Chicago-area base, Sutton, then 22, was sent New Jersey to prepare for sea duty. “But I happened to be elected there for a position in the central office of the medical department of that station,” he wrote on the form collected for the World War I service records. “I was kept there until I was released [in October 1919] ” In January 1920, when the U.S. census was taken, he was living in Hastings. He spent the next summer working in Albion, where he was injured. The Aug. 29, 1920, Banner reported that Sutton “may have a fracture of the frontal bone as the result of a 16-foot fall from a scaffold. He was putting on roofing and fainted when he hit his finger with a hammer, dropping to the cement below. His fall was broken by a box.” An early September 1920 Banner followed with grim news that he had died. ‘His skull was fractured, but until spinal meningitis set in, his recovery was expected. The young man had completed his junior year at Albion and was planning to continue an engineering course at Ann Arbor. His body was brought here, and funeral was Monday.” Sutton was buried at Riverside Cemetery. McKinley Main McKinley Main was bom Nov. 4,1896, the day after William McKinley was elected the 25*^ president of the United States. He was the fourth of eight sons born to Addie (Pettinger) and William Main of Nashville. His mother had died by the time he left for Camp Eustis in Virginia Oct. 26, 1918. Main was a private with Company D, 57^ Ammunition Train. The Armistice was signed a little more than two weeks later, and by Dec. 16,1918, he was back in Michigan. He had worked on his father’s farm in Morgan before his brief time in the service, and he returned to farming. His father, however, died soon after, Jan. 7,1919, at age 58. When the U.S. Census was taken in Castleton Township Feb. 2, 1920, Main was working as a hired man at the home of Robert and Juna Martin. He died nearly two years later - Nov. 5, 1920 - the day after his 24^ birthday, at Pennock Hospital. He is buried at Barryville Cemetery. Hugh Hecker An Armistice Day outing led to the death of Hugh Hecker, 22, of Nashville. Bom Nov. 24, 1897, Hugh was one of 12 children bom to Etta (Messimer) and Frank Hecker of Nashville. He was working as a drug clerk prior to the war, possibly in Detroit. He enlisted two days before the U.S. entered World War I. He was at Fort Thomas, Kentucky, for several months beginning April 4, 1917, before being sent to the Newport News, Va., area with the Coast Artillery Corps. He worked in a surgeon’s office in the 3rci Medical Department, CAC, and was promoted to sergeant, first class. He was with the Medical Department Headquarters Detachment until being discharged. The 1920 census, taken in January, shows Hecker living in Detroit and working a clerical position in an axle factory. By the end of the year, he had either moved home or was visiting for the new holiday, when he was injured in a car accident. Sate of death Place cf death Hastings, Michigan Anderson, Harold 3. TURNING BACK THE ("AGES . ■ •" - K ---------------- - -------- --- ——-U. Volunteers worked for 31/2 years to collect information on each Barry County man who served the U.S. during World War I. By the time the “Record of Barry County Soldiers and Sailors in Service during the World War” was completed in 1922, seven morfe men had died. They were listed separately. y The Nov. 20, 1920, Grand Rapids Press reported the accident. “Armistice Day accidents, which claimed the lives of two on the holiday, resulted in the death of a third Friday evening when Hugh Hecker, 23 years old, of Nashville, died at Blodgett Hospital from injuries received on the night of Nov. 11, when an automobile in which he and four other Nashville youths were riding to this city, went into a ditch on Cascade Road. ; “Hecker’s neck was broken. His condition had been grave since he was admitted to the hospital. An operation made a few days ago in an effort to save his life resulted in the discovery that he had sustained a previous injury to the spine. “Others in the party, George Dean, Robert Surine, Lyman Baxter and Virgil Laurent, were but slightly hurt. They placed Hecker in a passing automobile and took him to the hospital here. The five [had been] on their way to attend a local theater. “Hecker was the son Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hecker of Nashville, and was widely known throughout Barry County.” A subsequent article, perhaps in the Nov. 25, 1920, Banner, reported: “The funeral of Hecker was held Monday, Nov. 15, at Nashville, and was one of the largest ever held in that village. His casket was of khaki color and was draped with the American flag.” Hecker is buried at Lakeview Cemetery in Nashville. Harold Edmond Anderson Harold E. Anderson was born in Big Rapids May 20, 1899, and His family moved to Hastings sometime after 1910. He and his brother Kingsley, 17, were living with their parents on East Mill Street when census-takers visited Jan. 2, 1920. Theirs was a multi-lingual house. Gustave, their father, was born in Sweden; their mother, Carrie (Johnson),.was ^mflve of Norway. Uniformed careers wg^i attract the boys . Kingsley would reach the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Harold would become a Michigan State Trooper. Harold’s service, and life, however, would be cut short. He had reported to Camp Wilbur Wright in Fairfield, Ohio, in October 1917. He was with airplane supply squadrons and served in Europe with the American Expeditionary Forces from Feb. 26, 1918, until April 4, 1919, being promoted to corporal during that time. He worked as a machinist in Hastings before and after the war, possibly at one of the nearby factories. At some point, he decided join the Michigan State Police, which had formed in March 1919. He would be the first state trooper to die in the line of duty. “Gave his life to protect others” announced a headline in the Hastings Banner. “Harold Anderson, age 21, ... of this city, was murdered by bandits about 4 o’clock Saturday morning, while performing his duty as a member of the Michigan State Police. “This fine young man wore the uniform of an American soldier in the World War, being in the Aviation service, and was in France for several months. Not long after his return, he enlisted in the Michigan State Police and won distinction for his splendid work as a state trooper. Just as truly as if he had been killed in France, he gave his life for others in an effort to protect society from those pitiless murderous bandits, who have no regard for law or life and for whom hanging is too mild a punishment for their cowardly and dastardly crimes. “The men who killed Harold Anderson are supposed to be the same ones who only a few hours before shot and killed Patrolman Bischoff of Detroit. The Detroit policeman stopped the automobile containing five men for investigation when they shot him through the neck and jaw, and sped away. “... arriving at the scene, Harold approached the car and ordered the man sitting next to the GET ALL THE NEWS iT ’I? ur h/I /iddv d lxikb COUNTY! suoscnoe to tne Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. driver to get out. This the man refused to do, and Harold took hold of him. As he did so, two shots rang out, the second shot sending a bullet through Harold’s heart. “The five bandits were in a high-powered car and fled at once. As soon as it was possible, the surrounding towns and country were aroused, and a hunt for the bandits started. A score or more of suspects have been taken in, but whether it will be possible to convict any of them is another question. “Harold Anderson was a young man highly esteemed by all who knew him. For several years, he attended school here, though not graduating. He was very popular among his associates, was a splendid violinist and readily made and retained friends. “The funeral was held at Big Rapids Tuesday, his parents leaving for that city Sunday morning.” The Trooper Harold Anderson Room at the state police headquarters is named in his memory. Ezra Leander Townsend Ezra Townsend, son of James and Bertha (Howe) Townsend, made it home from Europe but succumbed to tuberculosis two years later. “Ezra Townsend home from France” the March 6, 1919, Banner announced. “Was wounded on left hand by shrapnel during fighting in Argonne Forest.” “Ezra Townsend is another of the Barry County boys recently returned from France, where he went ‘over the top’ several times and took part in the hard fighting in the St. Mihiel sector and in the Argonne Forest, where he was wounded on his left hand Oct. 4. “May 24, last year, Ezra went to Camp Custer with 45 other Barry County boys. After six weeks of training, he was sent to Camp Mills, Long Island, where he trained for about a week, then being sent to Hoboken, N.J., for the trip across. He was taken across on the English transport “Nevassa” with 17 boats in the convoy and thousands of soldiers aboard. “When nearing the English coast, they ran into a nest of submarines, but the fleets of destroyers and airplanes dropping depth bombs got all of the undersea devils. “He was landed at Liverpool Aug 3rd and a few days later at Winchester, where he crossed the channel into France. Here he was transferred to the 28th Infantry, Co. D, 1st Division. About a week later, he was landed in the vicinity of St. Miheil and took part in that great drive; going forward with the boys into the fierce Argonne fighting, where on Oct. 4, a piece of shrapnel split one of his fingers on his left hand. This put him out of the fighting for a month, and he rejoined his company just a few days before the armistice was signed. He also got a small dose of gas, but not enough to seriously affect him. “Like many of the other boys who were tfo in the front trenches, Ezra didn’t want to sAy anything about the awful sights he had seehj since he wanted to forget them. He spoke well of the French people, and the way the boys were used. “After the Armistice was signed, he wSs sent to St. Nazarro and sailed from France Jan. 4, landing at Newport News, and arrived at Camp Custer Jan. 18, and later received his honorable discharge,” Prior to the war, he worked at the Thomapj e Gas and Electric Company in Hastings. Afi r returning, he worked in a factory. He married Ettie Elseda Lewis (1999-184) Nov. 23, 1917, in Hastings, but is listed s single on his death certificate. He was livi g in Maple Grove Township, but reporter y died of pulmonary tuberculosis in Oshter a Township, Kalamazoo County. Age 33. . He is buried at Wilcox Cemetery in Map e Grove Township. | Henry Edward Helming Born June 22, 1894, the son of Adam al i Sophia (Hesley) Helming, Henry Helmil ’ spent much of his childhood in Brimfiel t, Ohio. j His mother died in 1903 and his fath t remarried the following year. The family W s still living in Ohio at the time of the 19] J Census. By 1917, when Henry registered f r the draft, he was living in the Doster areaff Orangeville Township and listed his father 1 s dependent on him. Henry was working as ; h automobile mechanic and listed his employ jr as the Manhattan Sewing Co. of Chicag (Incidentally, his father would outlive Henry and three of his five siblings. Adam Helming died in 1947; he was 87 years old) Helming reported to Camp Custer Sept. 18, 1917, and was eventually assigned to Company G, 310^ Engineers. He Was sent to Archangel, Russia, as part of the Polar Bear Expedition. He may have been injured or fallen ill while there. The form for the 1922 compilation reads: “ordered to Hospital in Russia, Nov. 15, 1918. Transferred to Conv. Dec. 6, 1918. Returned to Company Jan. 14^ 1919.” He was discharged at Camp Sherman, Ohio, July 26, 1919. Helming took a job as a car inspector at the Barley Motor Company in Kalamazoo, but died of an embolism July 20, 1920. His body was returned to Brimfield, Ohio, for burial 26 years after his birth. Sources: Hastings Banner; Grand Rapids Press; FamilySearch.org; FindaGrave.com; Michigan State Police; Google; Hastings Public Library. AMAZON, continued from page 1 The 850,000-square-foot Amazon warehouse won’t be opening this fall, as had been planned, a company spokesman said. (File photo) “We are a dynamic business and have doz­ ens of fulfillment centers, sortation centers and delivery stations that are evolving and under construction across the country,” he said. “It’s common for us to adjust launch timetables based on capacity needs across the network. For this reason, we keep our launch dates flexible to account for shifts in sched­ ules.” State and local officials approved several tax incentives to help lure Amazon to West Michigan. For example, the MEDC in May 2018 approved a $4 million Michigan Business Performance grant to Amazon to help pay for construction of the fulfillment center. At the time of the award, the company had to create at least 475 jobs by August of this year. To date, none of those funds have been allocated to Amazon, MEDC spokeswoman Kathy Achterberg said. At the local level, an industrial develop­ ment district for the property was approved in August 2018 on a 5-2 vote of the Gaines Township board. Two months later, the board approved a local tax abatement that reduces the company’s local property and school taxes by 50 percent over the next 12 years by a similar vote. Township Treasurer Laurie Lemke was one of the two no votes, along with Trustee Dan Fryling. “They were already here, they were already building,” Lemke said. “They had made the decision to move into our township (before the local abatement request was filed). I feel in this case, it wasn’t warranted.” The Right Place, an economic development organization that serves the Grand Rapids metro area, assisted in helping bring Amazon to the Gaines Township location. Seefried Industrial Properties Inc., of Atlanta, is the developer handling construc­ tion of the Amazon facility. �„ .. D_her7 2019— The Hastings Banner Page 10 -Thursday, November 7,20ia 131069 NOT,CESPEaAL ASSESSMENT ROLL FINE SPECIAL ASbt»omfc' county, Michigan, ti K Lots and parcels numbered: —o2-°°cz.=.:^ 009-029-002-00, 024-00, 036-00, 042-00 Q: Ik in thfe 006-10, 009-20, 013-00, 022-00, luried art ex“0"' (Photo Art exhibit open at Charlton Park Art exnion up... ... — A juried art^bitionco-^^1S ssssssssaaw**” Charlton Park public in the fXgD.^cSonMemorial Museum at the book characters. „ gkedgell“I wasn’t very good at all, Ghiban toldJh® “d with time, practice and readhi^from how-to books, I got bette PaThe fifth annual Barry County Artiste £ E$SKSEBk«”“'”''' paint- a ‘soe^wShX^sasvrcepresi —sstsswtsa88 009-090-i 015-00, 017-00 ’ ' , 006-00,007-00,008-00,011-00 100-001-00, 002-00, 004-00, 005-00 009008-00, 008-10, 010-00. 011-00. 012-00. 009-130-001-00 002-00,002-10. “^“'“(.oo,'025-00 013-00.015-00.016-00.0 , 009-135-001-00, 003-00, 004-00, 005-00. 0^0. 00M0, 008 WiXS^"edi»oilpai«s,e* -„;T2:e=«Xy«m.° helping showcase it. t0 make the “We really encourage everyone k> „ ^.prizes wereawaded^CooW H This year, Kimberly Gill of the Flat Ri Gallery in Lowell served as ^xhibit For more information about th 9 visit www.charltonpark.org, call w 3775, or email ^^^^Setwee Historic Charlton Park is locatea Hastings and Nashville at 2545 S. cn 010 00i 012-00, . 0,M0' 014‘00' “ZZoO. 006-00. 006-00. 007-00. 008-00, 009-00. 010-00. 0J1-00. Park Road. 009-140-001-00, 012-00 145-003-00, 004-00, 005-00, 006 0 009- 008-00 010-00, 011-00, Pumping done for season 009-155.001-00,003-00,004-00,006-00.008-00 on Crooked La e K^0%“-0^ 009-180-001-00 Luke Froncheck tracked so the du bene where the water goes once it goes oen Contributing Writer ■1 At o?7 05 feet, now a fobt lower than its ,. office is U-1 t 2nt thi year, Crooked Lake pump- surface. M1 “'rfXmg a p ™1 f“ highest point th y^ter The pump> mg is done tor tn gallons of water process of "^gLakePin the sprin J which has been tttong MO g^onumed off pumping on ■; resid laKe, , per pet minute from torn the M “ 'p™ “'m'night expects® which si. 7 ’Decre^s®d , tbe move according Cloverdalejand *. i f, Wednesday. the p was the reasoning b<----’ «er nm * °f “““ , to Drain Commissioner “^TcuSX? Su’e to the ruin of CmokedLuke^ have aisv ry . above • ~~ for the drain commissione the past few days. b -ven 1SST ■ I that beavers have been exc “Things are as good as they can o g ■““■S?^%0i0’o^oo°oS.' OOWIS-OC11-00. q1m0, o11.oo, 025-00. 029-00’, 030-00’. 031-00 009.220-001-00. OX%To000’o0X0’oX°’otSf 0 °0-00.’021-00. 023-00. 024-00. h°0. °012M°0’. Xo, 029 °00, 031-00. 033-00, 034-20 Map ofSpecia on Fine Lake “'Sr'oSirs ta to the dama .< below 32 degrees thr bottom of the .£by harmed by further pumpm^ During the winter, Dulseng^ndPonthe w; ■- y Z&s- kvd ishi JSXZ- o"“ p””"””8 te8ins ■ MISSION, continued from page 3 But there’s one other ^w'“ MB 111 Jackson. He me Bowl lai® with that U-boat caPrt*r®La in the historybooks $ 'JX-5S- -- S HLta8sBks i ■ - ■. , ' Boundary of Fine Lake Aquatic Plant Control Special Assessment District No. 2 him as a th® w^r’ A lieutenant attached to one o all and honors eame , marine, a pivotal Si°n nt fofthe Navy during World War II, ^something he talked about-except one time, his son ^embered “We might have been 6 or 7,^ Chicago at my mother® u h displayed ; went to the submarine (where. it^ and at the Chicago Museum f^ The Industry) and there was^h I chief was going over everything on Jne and they had a short ^^d over to bD^g;"^"That’rot x" his wife; the s®\wa\n°XcXa The lieutenant was not discou a pair of night er watch that had fem wd, how it happened. We towed it for three days. r HOT1CE is further givenKSSS*’ ; And that’s all he ever said^abom m Dean Lambert said h s father “U wbiU be was away be oceas.ouab, been reported to the Township captain, L^S=fem fte had been c< ^nn ‘^He offered these items, sayin you --j take this for your luggage I£5*.any words for IXo^'S” heir fath he didn’t speak of it but once. hiu^s'XXK^f ..................... . man from Has.mgs. would send poetry to his wife. See us j-Ad Graphics’ PRINT'NG P 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings v filed with the authorized by the Township requiredThis Notice was Dated: October 9, 2019 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 7, 2019 — Page 11 I 17/7L A I STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28324-DE Estate of Bruce Wesley Colvin. Date of birth: 12/07/1956. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Bruce Wesley Colvin, died 07/03/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Bonnie Wade, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 11/7/2019 Shane A. Henry P82054 121 West Apple Street, Suite 101 Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 945-3512 Bonnie Wade 1282 Manderly Drive Milford, Michigan 48381 (810)222-9706 131472 NOTICE SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE - Jason Markley and Karyn L Markley, husband and wife, joint tenants, granted a mortgage to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Ipc. (“MERS”), solely as nominee for lender and lender's successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated October 2, 2015, and recorded on November 3, 2015, in Document No. 2015-010728, and assigned by said mortgagee to AmeriHome Mortgage Company, LLC, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is: claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Eighty-Eight Thousand Five Hundred SeventyFour and 62/100 Dollars ($188,574.62). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the Barry County Courthouse, Hastings Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on November 14,2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: Unit 5, TikelukTrail Condominium, according to the Master Deed recorded in Instrument No 1048957, Barry County Records, and designated as Barry County Condominium Subdivision Plan No. 18, together with rights in the general common elements and limited common elements, as set forth in the above described Master Deed and amendments thereto and as disclosed by Act 59 of the Public Acts of 1978, as amended. The redemption period will be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period will be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 600.3241 a(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of Act 236 of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. AmeriHome Mortgage Company, LLC Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman PC. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1399033 (10-17)(11-07) 130400 NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF BARRY COUNTY Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing for the following: TABLED Case Number: SP-13-2019 - Larry Doezema (Property Owner). Location: Old Barn Road, Freeport, in Section 4 of Carlton Township. Purpose: Requesting a special use permit to construct a personal storage building pursuant to Article 23, Section 2357 in the RR (Rural Residential) zoning district. Case Number: SP-14-2019 - Sheila Wheeler (Applicant); Timothy & Tracy Baker (Property Owners). Location: 4188 Hickory Hill Lane, Hastings, in Section 6 of Baltimore Township. Purpose: Requesting a special use permit to operate a kennel pursuant to Article 23, Section 2343 in the RR (Rural Residential) zoning district. Case Number: SP-15-2019 - Fifty Shades of Farmhouse LLC (Applicant); Jeffrey & Julie Mead (Property Owners). Location: 4174 Lacey Road, Bellevue, in Section 12 of Johnstown Township. Purpose: Requesting a special use permit to have a home occupation (major) pursuant to Article 23, Section 2339 in the RR (Rural Residential) zoning district. MEETING..DATE: November 25, 2019. UME: 7:00 PM. PLACE: Tyden Center, Community Room, 121 South Church Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 Site inspections of the above described properties will be completed by the Planning Commission members before the hearing. Interested persons desiring to present their views upon an appeal, either verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned place and time. Any written response may be mailed to the address listed below, faxed to (269) 948-4820, or emailed to Barry County Planning Director James McManus at imcmanus@barrycounty.org. The special use applications are available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Please call the Barry County Planning Department at (269) 945-1290 for further information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or call the following: Michael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 945-1284. Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee for any reason. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest, and the purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Notice is hereby given that the below mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the Circuit Court of Barry County at 1:00 pm on December 5, 2019. Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Katherine Holmes, a Married Woman Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Ross Mortgage Corporation its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): PennyMac Loan Services, LLC Date of Mortgage: October 31, 2014 Date of Mortgage Recording: November 5, 2014 Amount claimed due on mortgage on the date of notice: $100,201.86 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in the Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Village of Middleville and Township of Thornapple, County of Barry, State of Michigan Lot 22, Charleson Heights Addition No. 1, Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, excepting therefrom the North 10 feet thereof and also the North 5 feet of Lot 23, Charleson Heights Addition No. 1, Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, according to the recorded plat thereof. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or upon the expiration of the notice required by MCL 600.3241 a(c), whichever is later; or unless MCL 600.3240(16) applies. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: 10/31/2019 Potestivo & Associates, PC. 311727 (10-31 )(11-21) 131314 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on November 21,2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Kurt M Sherman, a married man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Center LLC Foreclosing Assignee (if any): None Date of Mortgage: January 29,2018 Date of Mortgage Recording: February 1, 2018 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $141,488.06 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Barry, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Commencing at the West 1/4 post of Section 7, Town 1 North, Range 9 West; thence North 43.0 feet; thence East 452 feet; thence East 173.4 feet to the Southwesterly prolongation of the Southeasterly line of Kline Street; thence North 62 degrees 40 minutes East 30 feet along said Southeasterly line to the Northerly line of South Shore Drive; thence South 67 degrees East 100.00 feet along the Northerly line of South Shore Drive for the true place of beginning; thence North 47 degrees 41 minutes 30 seconds East 111.07 feet; thence South 49 degrees 30 minutes East 45.0 feet; thence North 40 degrees 30 minutes East 80.0 feet; thence South 49 degrees 30 minutes East 591.1 feet more or less to the Northerly line of South Shore Drive, formerly known as Myers Street; thence North 67 degrees West 635.7 feet more or less along said Northerly line, to the place of beginning The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: October 24,2019 Trott Law, PC. 1399601 (10-24)(11-14) 130893 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Christopher A. Hildebrant and Kelly M. Hildebrant, husband and wife, joint tenants, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns, Mortgagee, dated July 21, 2016 and recorded July 27, 2016 in Instrument Number 2016-007383 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by First Guaranty Mortgage Corporation, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Seventy-Four Thousand Seven Hundred Eighty and 12/100 Dollars ($74,780.12), including interest at 4% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on DECEMBER 5, 2019. Said premises are located in the Township of Baltimore, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: PARCEL 1: BEGINNING 8 RODS EAST OF THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SECTION 34, T2N, R8W, BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, THENCE NORTH 40 RODS; THENCE EAST 4 RODS; THENCE SOUTH 40 RODS; THENCE WEST 4 RODS TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. PARCEL 2: BEGINNING 12 RODS EAST OF THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SECTION 34, T2N, R8W, BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, THENCE NORTH 40 RODS; THENCE EAST 4 RODS; THENCE SOUTH 40 RODS; THENCE WEST 4 RODS TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: October 24, 2019 File No. 19-009830 Firm Name: Orlans PC (10-24)(11-14) 130805 T\I/'YTI/'''17 C. STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28315-DE Estate of Dean Thomas Johnson, deceased. Date of birth: 10/23/1943. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Dean Thomas Johnson, deceased, died July 13, 2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Carol A. Johnson, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 161 Michigan Ave., Battle Creek, and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 11/1/2019 Michele C. Marquardt P39165 211 E. Water St., Ste. 401 Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007 (269)343-2106 ' Carol A. Johnson 11379 Stagecoach Drive Dowling, Michigan 49050 (269)721-8425 131599 NOTICE SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE - Doreen E Boulter, single woman, granted a mortgage to Exchange Financial Corporation, Mortgagee, dated August 17, 2000, and recorded on August 22, 2000, in Document No. 1048474, and assigned by said mortgagee to Michigan State Housing Development Authority, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Forty-Six Thousand Seven Hundred EightyNine and 06/100 Dollars ($46,789.06). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the Barry County Courthouse, Hastings Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on December 05, 2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: The South 1/2 of Lot 1/2 of Block 4 of R.J. Grant's Second Addition to the City, formerly Village, of Hastings, according to the recorded Plat thereof. The redemption period will be one year from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 125.1449v, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 125.1449v(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. Michigan State Housing Development Authority Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman P.C. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1400970 (11-07)(11-28) 131805 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the pjace pf holding the. circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on November 14, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Thomas L. Lake and Barbara Lake, husband and wife Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Freedom Mortgage Corporation Date of Mortgage: December 16, 2015 Date of Mortgage Recording: December 28,2015 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $260,316.11 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Hope, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Land situated in the Northeast one quarter of Section 15 Town 2 North, Range 9 West and described as follows: Commencing at the Southeast corner of the Southeast corner of the Southeast one quarter of the Northeast one quarter of Section 15, thence West along the one quarter line 16 rods for a true place of beginning; thence West 4 rods, thence North 20 rods, thence East 4 rods, thence South 20 rods to the place of beginning EXCEPT The Northeast 1/4 of Section 15, Town 2 North, Range 9 West, and described as flows: Commencing at the Southeast corner of the Southeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 15 thence West along the one-quarter line 16 rods for a true place of beginning; thence West 4 rods, thence North 16 rod, thence East 4 rods, thence South 16 rods to the place of beginning; Township of Hope, Barry County, Michigan, ALSO The Northeast 1/4 of Section 15, Town 2 North, Range 9 West described as follows: Commencing at the Southeast corner of the Southeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 15, thence North along the center of Highway (Lammers Road) 16 rods for the truce place of beginning; thence West 16 rods, thence North 4 rods, thence East 16 rods to the center of said Highway; thence South along the center of said Highway 4 rods to the place of beginning: Township of Home, Barry County, Michigan. Land situated in the Northeast 1/4 of Section 15, Town 2 North, Range 9 West, and described as follows: Commencing at the Southeast corner of the Southeast 1/4 of the Northeast 1/4 of Section 15, thence North along the center of Highway (Lammers Road), 20 rods for the true place of beginning, thence West 20 rods, thence North 20 rods, thence East 20 rods to the corner of said Highway, thence South along the center of Highway 20 rods to the place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: October 17, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1398917 (10-17) (11-07) 130338 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28354-DE Estate of Kirk Wayne Potter. Date of birth: 09/15/1951. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Kirk Wayne Potter, died 09/17/2013. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Kirk W. Potter, Jr., personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Ste. 302, Hastings, and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 10/29/2019 Robert L. Byington P-27621 222 West Apple Street, P.O. Box 248 Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-9557 Kirk W. Potter, Jr. 909 N. Michigan Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-953-5119 131597 Barry County Circuit Court Case No. 19-233-CH NOTICE OF JUDICIAL SALE JUDICIAL SALE IN PURSUANCE The property described below shall be sold at public auction, by an authorized sheriff/deputy sheriff or county clerk/deputy county clerk, to the highest bidder, at the Circuit Court for the County of Barry, on the 5th of December, 2019 at 1:00 pm, local time. On said day at said time, the following described property shall be sold: property located in the City of Delton, County of Barry, State of Michigan, particularly described as That portion of Lot 50 “Cottage Grove Resort”, Section 6, Town 1 North, Range 9 West, lying Northerly of an Easterly-Westerly line parallel to the Northerly line of Lot 4 and dividing Lot 4 of said plat in half and extending Easterly across Lot 50, Lot 6 of “Cottage Grove Resort”, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 2 of plats, Page 21. Tax Parcel ID: 03-060-004-00. More commonly known as: 10900 E Shore Dr, This notice is from a debt collector. Date of Notice: October 9, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1398357 (10-17)(11-21) 129996 NOTICE SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE - Joseph A. Warner and Brenda Warner, husband and wife, granted a mortgage to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”), solely as nominee for lender and lender's successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated June 7, 2018, and recorded on June 18, 2018, in Document No. 2018-005905, and assigned by said mortgagee to Homebridge Financial Services, Inc., as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Sixteen Thousand Six Hundred Eighty-Four and 25/100 Dollars ($116,684.25). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said , mortgage will be foreclosed by. a sale of the mortgaged ; premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the Barry County Courthouse, Hastings Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on December 05, 2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: The following described premises situated in the Township of Prairieville, County of Barry, State of Michigan and particularly described as follows: A parcel of land in the Southwest Quarter of Section 6, Town 1 North, Range 10 West, more fully described as: Section 6, Town 1 North, Range 10 West, commencing at the Southwest corner post, thence North 1537.77 feet, thence North 46 degrees 55 minutes East, 818.27 feet; thence North 47 degrees 17 minutes East, 398.2 feet to the Place of Beginning; thence North 47 degrees 17 minutes East, 232.67 feet; thence South 41 degrees 02 minutes East, 927.7 feet to the lake; thence South 74 degrees 04 minutes West, along shore, 77.36 feet; thence South 12 degrees 0 minutes West, along shore 37.52 feet; thence North 41 degrees 04 minutes West, 414.81 feet; thence South 47 degrees 17 minutes West, 338.13 feet; thence North 40 degrees 13 minutes West, 352 feet; thence North 47 degrees 17 minutes East 198 feet; thence North 40 degrees 13 minutes West 148 feet to Place of Beginning. EXCEPT: Commencing at the corner of said section, thence North 00 degrees 00 minutes East, on the West section line, 1537.77 feet, thence North 46 degrees 55 minutes East, on the centerline of County Road (Pine Lake Road), 818.21 feet; thence North 47 degrees 17 minutes East on said centerline, 200.20 feet; thence South 40 degrees 13 minutes East, on the East line of Boniface Point Road, 148.00 feet to the Place of Beginning of this description, thence North 47 degrees 17 minutes 00 seconds East, 198.13 feet, thence South 40 degrees 13 minutes 00 seconds East 200.00 feet; thence North 47 degrees 17 minutes 00 seconds East, 140.00 feet; thence South 40 degrees 13 minutes 00 seconds East 152.00 feet; thence South 47 degrees 17 minutes West, 338.13 feet to the East line of Boniface Point Road; thence North 40 degrees 13 minutes 00 seconds West on said line, 352.00 feet to the Place of Beginning. LESS AND EXCEPT: The following described premises situated in the Township of Prairieville, County of Barry and State of Michigan, and particularly described as follows: A parcel of land in the Southwest quarter of Section 6, Town 1 North, Range 10 West, more fully described as: Commencing at the Southwest corner of Section 6, Town 1 North, Range 10 West; thence North 00 degrees 00 minutes East, on the West section line, 1,537.77 feet; thence North 46 degrees 55 minutes East, on the centerline of County Road 412 (Pine Lake Road), 818.27 feet, thence North 47 degrees 17 minutes East, on said centerline, 630.87 feet; thence South 41 degrees 02 minutes East 347.77 feet to the Place of Beginning; thence continuing South 41 degrees 02 minutes East 579.93 feet to lake; thence South 74 degrees 04 minutes West, along shore, 77.36 feet; thence South 12 degrees 00 minutes West, along shore, 37.52 feet; thence North 41 degrees 04 minutes West, 414.81 feet; thence North 40 degrees 13 minutes West, 152.00 feet; thence North 47 degrees 17 minutes East, 98.15 feet to the Place of Beginning. The redemption period will be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period will be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 600.3241 a(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of Act 236 of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. HomeBridge Financial Services, Inc. Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman P.C. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1400267 (10-31 )(11-21) 131312 SYNOPSIS PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP Special Meeting October 28, 2019 Supervisor Stoneburner called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present: Supervisor Stoneburner, Clerk Goebel, Treasurer Pence, Trustee VanNiman, Trustee Borden Agenda and Minutes were approved. Public comments, if any, were received. Adopted Resolution #2019-14: Road Fund Deficit Elimination Plan. All Ayes. Adjourned: 6:12 p.m. Submitted by od Goebel, Clerk 131694 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28353-DE Estate of Luanne M. Potter. Date of birth: 10/29/1955. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Luanne M. Potter, died 07/03/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Kirk W. Potter, Jr., personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Ste. 302, Hastings, and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 10/29/2019 Robert L. Byington P-27621 222 West Apple Street, P.O. Box 248 Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-9557 Kirk W. Potter, Jr. 909 N. Michigan Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-953-5119 131598 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on November 14,2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Joyce E. Noland, a woman Original Mortgagee: Wells Fargo Bank, N.A. Foreclosing Assignee (if any): US Bank Trust, N.A., not in its individual capacity but solely as owner trustee for VRMTG Asset Trust Date of Mortgage: January 27,2011 Date of Mortgage Recording: February 3,2011 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $216,972.33 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Prairieville, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lot 18 of Spring Point Number One, according to the recorded Plat thereof, being part of the Northwest fractional 1 /4 of Section 8, Town 1 North, Range 10 West, Prairieville Township, Barry County, Michigan. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MGL800.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. . This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: October 17,2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1398839 (10-17)(11-07) 130267 NOTICE Johnson, Blumberg, & Associates, LLC 5955 West Main Street, Suite 18 Kalamazoo Ml, 49009 THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION WE OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE ATTHE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. MORTGAGE SALE-Default has been made in the conditions of a certain mortgage made BY Jeremy Hager and Julie Hager, husband and wife as joint tenants, whose address is 15607 Doster Road, Plainwell, Michigan 49080, as original Mortgagors, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems., being a mortgage dated January 21, 2009, and recorded on January 28, 2009 as document number 20090128­ 0000777, Barry County Records, State of Michigan and then assigned to CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC, as assignee as documented by an assignment dated January 6, 2019 and recorded on January 11,2016 as document number 2016-000268, Barry County Records, Michigan, on Which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of SEVENTY-NINE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED SIXTY-SIX AND 44/100 DOLLARS ($79,666.44). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, at public sale to the highest bidder AT THE PLACE OF HOLDING THE CIRCUIT COURT WITHIN BARRY COUNTY, at 1:00 p.m. on November 21, 2019. Said premises are situated in the Township of Prairieville, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and are described as: LOTS 11 AND 12 OF B-Z BEES ACRES, ACCORDING TO THE RECORDED PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN LIBER 4 OF PLATS ON PAGE 12. ALSO, LOTS 23 AND 34 OF B-Z BEES ACRES #2, ACCORDING TO THE RECORDED PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN LIBER 5 OF PLATS ON PAGE 58. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless the property is determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA § 600.3241 a in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of the sale. If the property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCLA § 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: October 24,2019 For more information, please call: (312) 541-9710, Kenneth J. Johnson, Johnson, Blumberg, & Associates, LLC, 5955 West Main Street, Suite 18, Kalamazoo, Ml 49009. File No.: Ml 19 3993 (10-24)(11-14) 130656 �Page 12 — Thursday, November 7, 2019 -- The Hastings Banner TK bond issue, Caledonia non-homestead levy win overwhelming approval Karen Turko-Ebright and Greg Chandler Contributing writer and Staff writer Voters in the Thomapple Kellogg school district Tuesday overwhelmingly passed a $42.8 million dollar bond issue, while those in the Caledonia Community Schools district easily passed a Headlee override measure that fully restores the district’s 18-mill levy on businesses, rental properties and vacation homes. TK voters passed a 25-year, no-mill increase school improvement bond with 68 percent of the total vote - 1,836 yes votes to 853 no. The Caledonia 1.8-mill non-home­ stead Headlee override request passed with 3,419 yes votes to 1,729 no votes. “The passage of our bond proposal is a tremendous boost to the school district. I want to thank our community for their continued support of our amazing school district,” Superintendent Rob Blitchok said. “I also want to thank the TK Board of Education and the bond campaign committee for their lead­ ership and vision in the formation and success of the bond request. I am humbled to be the superintendent of TK Schools. “I’m pleased the voters supported the pro­ posal. I feel grateful for what this means for our students.” Board President Anne Hamming said she is not surprised that the bond was approved and credits the victory to a successful campaign. “This was a community-driven effort from the get-go, from the strategic planning to our community surveys,” Hamming said. “We had hundreds of community members weigh in on the surveys and right on through to the voters saying yes.” School officials kept the theme of meeting the needs of a growing school district consis­ tent throughout the campaign before and after they approved a bond request resolution in August. According to school officials, the number of students enrolled last year in the district was 3,159, but the projection is 3,170 students. School officials said, based on information and feedback from the community along with enrollment projections, it was determined that more classroom space and the ability to main­ tain the school district’s infrastructure was needed in the facilities. Blitchok said he believes the bond passed for two reasons: “The issues we are facing were communicated clearly and the commu­ nity trusts the board of education and district administration to do what is right for the dis­ trict.” Assistant Superintendent of Finance Craig McCarthy said, although enrollment has been increasing at TK schools, the biggest capacity pinches have been at the elementary level. “I’m not surprised,” McCarthy said of the passing of the bond proposal. He said the public has been there through the whole cam­ paign process. Now that the bond has been approved the district will be allowed to expand, remodel and re-quip existing facilities and install new technology that is needed, improve athletic facilities, add music and art rooms, buy new school buses and improve school playgrounds. Besides meeting the growth needs of the Hastings Middle School announces honor roll Hastings Middle School has released its first honor roll of the 2019-20 academic year. Students earning all A grades earn high honors. Those with all A and B grades are named to the honor roll. Earning the honor for this marking period are: Sixth grade High Honors Annemarie Allerding, Ashlyn Bailey, Aiden Byle, Avery Cheeseman, Madison Chipman, Nella Coipel, Ellie Cousins, Colten Denton, Matthew Domenico, Charlotte Drake, Olivia Goodrich, Sophia Greenfield, Ethan Holman, Daniel Jensen, Carter Krzysik, Adriana Meyers, Alanna Miller, Trapper Reigler, Carisa Rosenberger, Deagan Sanders, Scott Sanders, William Shrubb IV, Hunter Tomlinson, Collin Tossava, Angelina Waterman and Mazie Waterman. 1 Honor Roll ; ; jiM Austin Abson, Arika Alexander, Kooper Argo, Aden Armstrong, Seth Arnold, Gavyn Avila, Marissa Baird, Carter Bell, Race Bible, Olivia Bucher, Cay den Cappon, Adeline Carey, Hope Carley, Josie Caswell, Parker Christie, Logan Cordray, Shiloh Crandall, Lynn Cross, Spencer Crozier, Makayla Dillon, Bronson Elliot, Jayla Ellwood, Anderson Forell, Madison Fortier, Lauren Gee, Carlos Gonzalez Perez, Sienna Gunn, Riley Gutowsky, Reese Hammond, Riley Herron, Tryniti Hester, Brin Hill, Tanner Hill, Jacquelynn Johnston, Kyle Jousma, Caleb Kilmer, Liam Kindel, Natalee Klinge, Alexander Kohmescher, Jaden Marble, Dezarae Mathis, Rylee Meece, Haley Merrick, Jadalie Miller, Claudia Minch, Alyssa Morton, Cayden Pettengill, Amore Pummill, Aurora Pummill, Tyce Richardson, Annabelle Rose, Elizabeth Rose, Rayne Rose, Shealagh Rose, Alyxis Rudd, Josalyn Russell, Cassandra Rutkowski, Avayla Rybiski, Kendell Shinault, Matthew Shults, Bayley Smith, Katelyn Smith, Kyree Snider, Natalie Snyder, Isabelle Stanton, Parkes Steohens, Levi Taylor-Krebs, Brayden Thielen, Odin Twiss, Malachi VanEngen, Lucas Waterman,Thomas Wheeler and Grade Wilson. Seventh grade High honors Zoey Bennett, Garrett Dunn, Lilliana Fox, Isabel Gee, Jalyn Grimes, Jordan Humphrey, Micah Johnson, Kennedy Lewis, Alyson Miller, Hayley Miller, Seth Pirtle, Hayley Rasey, Heaven Simmet, Lilyah Solmes and Brooklyn Strickland. Honor roll Tanner Allerding, Keegan Archer, Jett Barnum, Aubrie Billings, Anika Bourassa, Abigayl Bower, Taylor Casey, Andrew Cook, Alexia Curths, Emma Dennison, Madisen Diekhoff, Hannah DuBois, Kaiden Dunkelberger, Tristin Eaton, Alex Flikkema, Benjamin Furrow, JoDee Gaskill, Carson Gates, Sophia Hamilton, Alyssa Hartman, Makaila Hawkins, Logan Henry, Rachel Hewitt, Gage Holtrust, Isabella Kensington, Logan Kerby, Rachel King, Kalli Koning, Donald Kuck, Alan Li, Deondre Mathis, Kaley McClendon, Jordan Milanowski, Kyle Morgan, Ashley Norris, Travis Oliver, Alisandra Pearlman, Elijah Randall, Keygan Robinson, Porter Shaw, Brandon Simmons, Tristan Smith, Victoria Tack, Melany Vargas, Dylan Vaughan, Alexya Vazquez, Zoe Watson, Cameron Weedall and Memphis White. Eighth grade High honors Lucy Barnard, Dekota Blough, Abigail Byykkonen, Owen CarroR, Trey Casey, Diego Coipel, Lily Comensoli, Chad Dico, Jordyn Downs, Lauren Drabik, Isabella Hendershot, Alexandria Herder, Sarah Lichvar, Jorden Lyke, Olivia Meeker, Natalie Minch, Aiden Morton, Adeline Nickels, Charles Nickels, Abigail Peake, Kai Richardson, Isabelle Roosein, Riley Shults, Sophia Sunior, Audrey Vertalka and Olivia White. Honor Roll Cole Arent, Mason Bailey, Blake Barnum, Abigail Beemer, Spencer Beerman, Phoebe Birchfield, Makayla Birman, David Botsford, Denver Brill, Jackson Byers, Kacey Campbell, Kaylie Carl, Hunter Cook, Peightyn Cronk, Kimber Fenstemaker, Logan Graham, Lucas Gray, Akvila Griffith, Alexander Haines, Heath Hays, Maya Herbert, Quentine James, David Jiles, Madysen Kuestner, Keegan Lindsey, Camilla Loss, Jarred Love, Mia Maya-Santos, Kaitlyn Moore, Raegan Morrison, Luciana Pearlman, Evan Porter, Emma Potter, Raedyn Rathbun, Alexie Roberts, Aubree Rowse, Aiden SaintAmour, Grady Scharping, Brennan Sensiba, William Smalley, Ellie Smith, Reuben Solmes, Lars Sorensen, Landon Steward, Vikasini Survi, Logan Taylor-Krebs, Lauren Taylor, Jonah Teed, Hunter Uptgraft, Skylar Uptgraft, Adrianne VanDenburg, Preston Vandepol, Zane Warner and Aydria Willard. Banner CLASSIFIEDS district, basic infrastructure needs are on the list and add up to roughly $14.82 million. That cost will cover new roofs, replacement of an emergency generator, doors, windows and flooring as needed, along with new pav­ ing and enhanced parking lot designs. Other basic needs include new ceilings, floors, doors, windows, tables, clocks, paving and parking lot improvements. Hamming said the whole bond proposal campaign was a very positive experience. “The community helped us and they carried it through for us at the voting booth,” she said. “The top priorities have been the classroom editions to our elementary schools to address our space crunch.” School officials said construction will start with meeting the most critical needs of the district. “We will work with our board of edu­ cation and a construction committee, which includes our architect and construction man­ agement firms, to plan and design all of the components of our plan,” Blitchok said. In the Caledonia Community Schools, vot­ ers Tuesday approved a Headlee override measure that restores the district’s non-home­ stead tax levy to its maximum allotted 18 mills by roughly a 2-to-l margin. A year ago, voters defeated a similar Headlee override measure by 340 votes, 5,790-5,450. “We want to thank the voters of our district for supporting this proposal,” Caledonia Superintendent Dedrick Martin said. “Our school community is growing and to accom­ modate this growth, we needed to restore the millage rate to the same levels that we have utilized to support school operations for 24 years.” The non-homestead levy, which accounts for nearly a third of the district’s per-student revenue, applies to businesses, rental proper­ ties and vacation homes. It does not apply to homeowners or agricultural properties. “This 1.8 mills restores us up to the 18 mills and provides a buffer for future years in the event we experience another Headlee Amendment reduction,” district finance direc­ tor Sara DeVries said. The Headlee rollback is estimated to gener­ ate an additional $329,000 of tax revenue for the Caledonia district for the 2020-21 school year. Millage funds will help support day-today functions of the school district and secu­ rity enhancements at buildings and facilities, updated instructional materials and more financial support for music programming and athletics. The 18-mill non-homestead levy had passed in 2015, but that tax had been reduced by Headlee rollbacks to 17.6399 mills for the current school year. Restoring the full millage will allow the district to leverage state per-pupil funding and help the district avoid a third consecutive year of lost funding, Martin said. “Caledonia Community Schools has a proven track record of success,” Caledonia school board president Marcy White said. “The passage of this millage means we can keep pace with best practices in school safety and better prepare our students for college and careers.” The district is expected next year to ask for a renewal of the full non-homestead levy, which generates about $9.3 million dollars in revenue for the schools. The Caledonia district includes Caledonia Township as well as portions of Bowne, Cascade, Gaines and Lowell townships in Kent County. It also includes portions of Thomapple Township in Barry County and Leighton Township of Allegan County. % £ Woman files sister’s name off father’s headstone A 71-year-old Wyoming, MI woman called police Oct. 29, to report her sister filed her name off their father’s headstone in Gun Lake Cemetery. The woman said she has not had a good relationship with her 66-year-old sister of Middleville, since she started dating her sister’s ex-husband. Both women claimed ownership of the headstone, but neither could provide proof of purchase. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. oil sdt dw srfj /Ffl Slit Husband and wife stopped by same officer the same night .1-7 An officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle traveling 72 mph in a 55 mph zone at 9:03 p.m. Nov. 1 on M-37 Highway near Sager Road. The female driver, 21, of Battle Creek and two male passengers, an 18-year-old from Hastings and a 20-year-old from Nashville, ini­ tially denied drinking. The officer found empty cans and an open bottle of liquor in the vehicle. The passengers had poured out their beers on the backseat floor of the car in ah attempt to hide them. The driver had a BAC of .014, and was cited for speeding and no proof of insurance. The passengers were cited for minor in possession, and all three were cited for open intoxicants. The woman said she was dropping off her passengers and going to pick up her husband from a party. She texted her husband, who decided to check on her, and jumped on a mini­ bike to drive to her. The officer saw the man driving the mini-bike on the wrong side of Sager Road, and violating several offroad vehicle regulations. The officer stopped the mam who had a .112 BAC and arrested him at 9:41 p.m. Man causes accident while under the influence JOO slq srlt roil tuo 3-d Lief nq oG IQO :m 3*iU to xbJ A man called the police at 9:16 p.m. at Charlton Park Road near Bivens Road to report a ob minor accident with another vehicle. The man said the driver of the other vehicle was under Jil the influence and could barely stand. An officer stopped the vehicle in front of a Phillips 66 ) gas station on M-37. The driver was unable to stand, and said he had three large stout style beers. But when the officer asked the man how drunk he was on a scale of one to 10, the man said four. He refused to submit to a breathalyzer, and was arrested. xbj nil 132 Woman crashes into swamp under the influence t IO A woman called police regarding a single vehicle crash she witnessed on M-43 near Cloverdale Road at 1:47 a.m. Nov. 3. An officer arrived on scene, and the 22-year-olcl female driver of South Bend, Ind. was wet up to her chest. The front of her vehicle was submerged in a swamp and she attempted to push it out. She said she swerved to miss a deer, and denied drinking any alcohol. She had a BAC of .236 and was arrested. Cocaine found in OWI investigation nb JfiB isn om Officers were notified of a possible intoxicated driver and located the car at the Phillips 66 gas station on West M-43 at 10:45 a.m. Nov. 3. The driver, a 23-year-old Kalamazoo woman, had a .17 BAC, and three warrants from neighboring counties. She gave officers permission to search the vehicle, and they found a folded dollar bill in her purse with white powder she admitted was cocaine. She was arrested. jor sm 42K I mi Jud 1O1 Man tells couple he needs gas - also he’s a drug dealer A 34-year-old Hastings woman called police after she helped a suspicious man who had irni stopped in front of her residence in the 2000 block of South M-43 at 12:29 a.m. Nov. 3. The W woman said she and her husband approached the man, who was stopped with his hazard • sd lights. The man said he was out of gas, and asked to use her phone to ask for help. The man adi used her phone to make calls and log onto his social media accounts to send messages. The woman said he listened to several voicemails which sounded like they were about drugs, and ‘IBS exchanged social media messages explicitly about drugs. He also told them he was a drug uA dealer. The woman said she and her husband gave him some gasoline from their lawn i OJ mower to get the man away from their house because he seemed like he was on drugs him­ self. Officers made contact with the man, 25, of Parchment, at the Dowling Marathon gas station. The man said the vehicle was not his, but he did not believe anything illegal was inside and allowed officers to search it. Inside the officers found methamphetamine, and the man admitted to using some the previous day. He was arrested. 1 ■ ■■ ■ '■ ■ ■ . . ■ u Woman scammed on carpet installation A 44-year-old Hickory Comers woman called police to report she had been scammed by a man who took a deposit for carpet work and disappeared. The man, 55, of Kalamazoo, said he was the owner of “Always on the Floor,” a carpet service. He went to the woman’s resi­ dence for an estimate and took a $180 deposit to install carpet. But then he started cancelling his appointments, and then stopped returning her calls. The man could not be located by police. “Always on the Floor,” is not registered as a business with the State of Michigan: The case remains under investigation. Steven James Hedges, Hastings and Melony Marie Thompson, Gobles Megan Christine Hakanson, Hastings and Dustin Michael Bateson, Hastings Kellie Jo Adams, Wayland and daniel Robert Zinn, Wayland Thomas Jesse Bllard, Hastings and Krista Lynn Ely, Woodland Jennifer Rose Feldpausch, Hastings and Corey Michael Homan, Omaha, NE Daniel Jacob Thomlinson, Bangor and Kelly Elizabeth Dillon, Hastings Julia Marie Ehredt, Dowling and Austin Brandon Clayton Springstead, Woodland •IM rov 3qe wo i arji no de Guns stolen from MG Kelley’s Gun Shop Police were called to MG Kelley’s Gun Shop in Middleville at 4:02 a.m. Oct. 22. A rock had been thrown through the front door, breaking the glass, and the wire mesh of the door had been bent in. The suspect stole four rifles. The case remains under investigation. Lawn mower and trailer stolen in Nashville A 67-year-old Nashville man reported his lawn mower, trailer, two gas cans and a gener­ ator were stolen Oct. 27. The man said they had been sitting by his garage in the 100 block of Fuller Street. He said his neighbor had been awakened by a noise at 4 a.m. that morning and saw a truck outside the residence. The case is inactive without any suspects. adj Ino *on J s [qs l£ Commissioners favor switch to four-year terms PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial Status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. Business Services In Memory BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. IN LOVING MEMORY of Frank Ellsworth 8-1-33 -11-9-11 With lots of memories and much "Love". Wife, Mae & Family BELLS CONSTRUCTION-18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, power washing, home im­ provements. 269-320-3890. Community Notice Help Wanted STABLE HAND POSITION­ Looking for someone with experience with horses. 269­ 207-4218 or zlpowell@yahoo. com. SAY IT WITH THANKS. Lighthouse on the Lake Fundraiser. For $5 send a thank you note to your doctor, relative, paper­ boy... In a nice hand­ written note with your words (up to 15 words). 269-945-3136 or 269-953­ 4194 until November 15th, 2019. Rebecca Pierce Editor A majority of Barry County commission­ ers support four-year, rather than two-year, terms for county commissioners in Michigan. The topic came up for consideration at the Committee of the Whole meeting Tuesday in response to state legislation proposing the change. Several commissioners pointed out that it takes time to learn the role of a county com­ missioner and two years is not enough time to accomplish that. In a 5-2 vote, with commissioners Vivian Conner, Howard Gibson, Dave Jackson, Dan Parker and Heather Wing supported the change. Ben Geiger and Jon Smelker opposed it, saying constituents should have the ability to choose their county commissioner as fre­ quently as every two years if that is their preference. In other business: The resolution supporting passage of state legislation to adopt four-year terms for coun­ ty commissioners will move for approval at the commissioners’ next full board meeting. Marjorie Haas of the Barry Career Access Network gave a presentation at the board and requested a $5,000 contribution to support the network mission and goals. A recommen­ dation, by Geiger and supported by Jackson, was approved for action at the next meeting. • Grant contracts for adult drug court, sobriety court, the Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation program for fiscal year 2020 were recommended for approval, with county Trial Court Administrator Ines Straube authorized to sign the contracts on behalf of the county. • Health plans for county employees will proceed to the regular board meeting for approval, as recommended by the Barry County Healthcare Cost Containment Committee. • Public comment was offered by several members, many of them remarking on the community forum that took place Monday night: Elden Shellenbarger suggested bond proposals be considered in lieu of using tax­ payer money if funds are sought to build a new facility. Hastings Charter Township Supervisor Jim Brown thanked the commis­ sioners for the public meeting and encour­ aged them to read the written comment^ from the public. Joel Ibbotson commented on the faulty information provided at the meeting. Cathy Gramze deplored the failure to inform the public of county needs. And Al Graves acknowledged the tough decisions facing the commissioners. 5’10 4nl □ni erfj )ns sm bS io! nq sqs riT )18 no . W �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 7, 2019 — Page 13 Lawmakers want to expand tax break before it’s created any jobs Bridge Magazine Debate is intensifying over plans to expand a $200 million tax incentive program for big businesses that proponents say has helped Michigan land planned investments, but not yet created a single job. The state has so far committed $168.3 mil­ lion in future tax captures to five firms under the “Good Jobs For Michigan” program, which launched in 2017 but is set to expire at the end of the year. Qualifying companies have promised to create a combined 8,104 jobs in exchange for an income tax payback that would amount to more than $20,500 per new employee. Fiat Chrysler Automotive North America, which plans to build Detroit’s first auto assembly plant in nearly three decades and expand its Warren Truck Assembly Plant, could earn up to a $105 million incentive. And economic development leaders say other planned projects could depend on legislation that would lift the program cap to $500 mil­ lion through 2024. “There are currently six other projects in our pipeline that would create an estimated 6,830 new jobs and lead to an additional $3.4 billion in private investment,” Jeff Mason, president and CEO of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, told lawmakers in committee. The push for a Good Jobs extension comes at the same time as out-of-state lobbyists are urging Michigan lawmakers to go what they call “big game” hunting, by passing a sales tax exemption to lure the kind of stand-alone cloud storage data centers used by tech giants like Facebook and Google. Switch data center, meanwhile, is asking the state for additional tax breaks four years after lawmakers adopted a $20 million sales tax exemption to help the Nevada-based tech firm turn a pyramid-shaped building into a server farm in suburban Grand Rapids. Bipartisan bill sponsors contend their new or expanded incentive proposals would help drive continued economic growth in Michigan and position the state to compete against neighbors. But policymakers lack objective data to gauge the effectiveness of existing programs. Legislators last year created a law requiring external evaluations of at least 16 tax state incentives, but they did not provide any fund­ ing to pay for the reviews. “There are significant costs associated with this, and without the funding, this is stuck in neutral for now,” budget department spokes­ man Kurt Weiss told Bridge Magazine. The Whitmer administration is preparing to ask the Legislature for $2 million to begin implementing the incentive evaluation law, but that “would not be nearly enough funding for the long term,” Weiss said. Many researchers are skeptical about the impact of business incentives, which siphon tax revenue from the government that could be used to fix roads and schools - amenities that themselves lure businesses to the state. “Schools in particular can really suffer,” said Nathan Jensen, a University of TexasAustin professor and co-author of “Incentives to Pander,” a book that describes incentives as an economically inefficient way for politi­ cians to claim victories. “If Amazon moves 20,000 workers into a city, it’s not all benefits. There’s costs associ­ ated with it, and the most obvious one is schools. You’re adding more students and you have less revenues in the system.” A bipartisan proposal sponsored by Republican Sen. Ken Horn, R-Frankenmuth, and approved last week by his Economic and Small Business Committee would extend and expand the Good Jobs program, which allows big job creators to keep income tax revenue generated by their new employees for up to a decade. Income taxes are used to support an array of state services. Nearly 25 percent of all collections go to the School Aid Fund ($2.8 billion last fiscal year). Most of the rest goes into a discretionary general fund, but a 2015 road funding law requires an annual diversion that will climb to $600 million by 2021. Any tax revenue given back to firms would not exist without the Good Jobs program, Hom argued in committee, echoing a com­ mon “but for” argument often used by busi­ ness incentive proponents. “They wouldn’t be here but for some of the incentives,” Hom said of qualifying compa­ nies, which have announced plans for private investments totalling more than $5 billion. “Good Jobs has never been a silver bullet. It’s just one more puzzle piece in this big jig­ saw puzzle we have as an economy in Michigan,” he said. The expansion push comes as the state tries to land another big project: Mahindra North America, the Metro Detroit arm of an Indian firm, recently announced plans to build an automotive assembly plant in Flint that could create up to 2,000 jobs - but may depend on state tax incentives. A small but growing body of research has challenged arguments by proponents who say tax incentives drive investment that wouldn’t have occurred “but for” government assis­ tance. In a 2018 working paper, Tim Bartik, senior economist at the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research in Kalamazoo, com­ piled data from 34 economic development incentives nationwide and determined they were a deciding factor for 2 to 25 percent of firms that receive them. “In other words, without the incentive, at least 75 percent of the jobs would have occurred in the state anyway,” Bartik said. “That could have occurred because the com­ pany ... would have made the same decision, or if that company would not have chosen the site, some other company would have.” In a program similar to Good Jobs for Michigan, Kansas in 2009 adopted an incen­ tive that encourages companies to relocate, expand or stay in the state by allowing them to retain up to 95 percent of the payroll with­ holding taxes of their employees. But firms that received the incentives were statistically no more likely to generate jobs than similar companies that did not receive the tax breaks, according to 2014 research Jensen conducted for the Kauffman Foundation, an entrepreneurial nonprofit. “Most of these jobs were coming anyway,” said Jensen, the UT-Austin professor. “There are individual projects that you could say ‘but for,’ but in terms of a program, there’s no way you could ever assume every company is coming is common because of the program.” Bartik has not studied Michigan’s Good Jobs incentive, but he has researched the Michigan Business Development Program, a separate incentive that provides grants and loans to targeted firms. He found it has a rel­ atively high benefit-to-cost ratio. Upfront cash incentives like that program tend to be more effective at tipping location decisions than long-term programs like Good Jobs, he said. They have the largest impact when used to spur development in distressed areas and include mechanisms to encourage local hiring, he added. “Job creation is valuable,” Bartik said. “It’s worthwhile having the government do some­ thing to encourage it. But we need to try to adopt policies that will maximize benefits versus costs.” Is Good Jobs a good deal? Under the Good Jobs program, the state captures income taxes from employees at a qualified company and returns the money to the firm when it creates promised jobs that pay above the regional average wage. The 1,400 jobs FCA plans to create in Warren, for instance, are expected to pay $60,701 Just north of the $59,846 average for the region. Of the five Good Jobs awards handed out so far, only one of the firms had no prior pres­ ence in Michigan. KLA-Tencor, a Silicon Valley-based tech­ nology equipment company that works with the semiconductor and nanoelectronics indus­ tries, plans to build a research-and-development site in Ann Arbor. The company will qualify for a $16.2 million tax capture if it creates 500 jobs over eight years. The firm is talking to workers in Northern California, which has a higher cost of living, about transferring to the Ann Arbor area, said Mason, president and CEO of the quasi-governmental MEDC. “It’s clearly a balance of filling out and rounding out those jobs,” Mason said, offer­ ing support for the incentive expansion legis­ lation. “If we’re going to grow our economy, we need to grow the number of companies and the number of workers that are here.” But critics note the some of the companies that have qualified for the tax breaks to create Michigan jobs have cut them in the past. This spring, the state promised pharmaceu­ tical giant Pfizer up to $10.5 million in tax capture reimbursement if it follows through on plans to bring 354 job’s new' sterile drug manufacturing facility in Portage. The award came 12 years after the New York-based conglomerate cut more than 2,400 Michigan jobs when it shuttered research and development facilities in Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo. “Some of my very good friends lost their jobs as a result of that move, and now we’re paying them to provide jobs someplace else,” said Sen. Lana Theis, R-Brighton, who voted against the expansion legislation in commit­ tee. “I have concerns about what we’re calling new jobs.” Acrisure, a national insurance broker head­ quartered in Caledonia, won a $6 million incentive to move roughly 20 miles to down­ town Grand Rapids, where it plans to create 400 jobs paying an average of $74,464. The firm had “outgrown” its old headquar­ ters and was considering a move to other states like Illinois, New York and Indiana, said Brad Comment, vice president of inves­ tor relationships for The Right Place, a West Michigan economic development organiza­ tion. If Acrisure had left, Michigan “could have lost the opportunity for 400 new jobs” in addi­ tion to the 300 existing workers the company also plans to move from Caledonia, Comet said. Those sorts or promises are hard to verify, however, and have come under scrutiny fol­ lowing explosive testimony in New Jersey, where a gubernatorial task force is examining the state’s tax incentive programs following a critical audit. Testifying under oath, a former executive at Jackson Hewitt said the company was already planning to stay in New Jersey but falsely told state officials it was contemplating a move to New York or Florida in order to secure a $2.7 million incentive. A more holistic approach? Former Gov. Rick Snyder, a Republican, scrapped most of Michigan’s business tax incentives when he took office in 2011 and instead lowered business taxes across the board. But Snyder turned back to incentives in 2015, when he signed a law giving sales and use tax breaks to Switch and other “colo­ cation” data centers that offer server rental space to other firms. Two years later, Snyder signed the Good Jobs incentive law. He also signed a “transfor­ mational brownfield” incentive heavily pushed by Detroit billionaire businessman Dan Gilbert, whose redevelopment projects have since qualified for $300 million in incen­ tives under the program. Officials say the Good Jobs for Michigan program has helped facilitate major invest­ ments, but the income tax capture plan was part of larger incentive packages that failed to attract some of the biggest potential deals the state had sought in recent years. The MEDC in 2017 offered Foxconn Technology Group of Taiwan a total of $7.3 billion in tax breaks for two potential devel­ opments in Marshall and Romulus, including $578 million in tax captures through the Good Jobs program lawmakers had not yet approved with a $200 million cap. The MEDC also offered $200 million in Good Jobs tax captures as part of a $4 billion incentive offer for Amazon to build its second world headquarters in Detroit. The tech giant is instead pursuing two new campuses in New York and Virginia. Tax incentives are popular with politicians because they help them credit for creating jobs and frame photo ops, but also be used to deflect blame, said Jensen, who explored the political dynamics of the incentive programs in his 2018 book. “If you didn’t offer incentives to Amazon HQ2, Foxconn or auto companies you’re open to criticism that you didn’t try,” Jensen said. “And in our research, we found it’s a great way to minimize blame. ‘Hey, I put everything in. It’s not my fault. It’s some other fault.’” In the case of Foxconn, President Donald Trump joined state and company officials in Wisconsin to announce a major investment there, using golden shovels to break ground on a project that has so far failed to live up to lofty promises. In Michigan, Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer this year called the combination of $319 million in state and local tax incentives for FCA a “conservative” award given the automakers planned investment of $3.5 bil­ lion in Metro Detroit. “We secured the largest automotive assem­ bly plant deal in the country in the last decade,” Whitmer said shortly after the Michigan Strategic Fund approved state incentives, calling it a “historic day.” When Detroit lost out in the bidding war for Amazon’s second world headquarters, regional leaders said the company had criti­ cized the city’s lack of mass transit and ques­ tioned its ability to attract talented workers. Crystal City in Northern Virginia, where Amazon decided to invest $2.5 billion in a new facility, offered the company a $1.85 billion package, but only $550 million of that was a direct incentive for creating jobs, according to reporting by the Richmond Times Dispatch. Most of the package repre­ sented long-term state investments in higher education and regional transportation. Michigan Sen. Mallory McMorrow, D-Royal Oak, cited Virginia’s Amazon HQ2 offer as she sat out the committee vote on the Good Jobs extension, instead choosing to “pass” on the bill. “We hear refrains all the time that this is a tool in the tool box, but you look historically, Michigan is still dead last in the country for increases to education funding,” she said. Revenue sharing to local governments “is down, and we don’t have the infrastructure.” McMorrow said she wants the state to con­ sider other “tools” and is preparing to intro­ duce tuition reimbursement legislation to help encourage a more educated workforce. “My hope is that we take a look at what states like Virginia have done, which is not intentionally anti-incentive, but building it into infrastructure and increasing our talent program so that it can be a more holistic solu­ tion,” she said. Michael LaFaive, senior director of the Morey Fiscal Policy Initiative at the free-mar­ ket Mackinac Center for Public Policy, was less polite in a plea for lawmakers to reject the proposal. “There’s no reason millions of Michigan taxpayers should pay full freight while some corporations, multinationals and others enjoy fiscal windfalls,” he said. Fatal single-vehicle crash under investigation Greg Chandler Staff Writer A 29-year-old Delton man is dead after his sport utility vehicle crashed in Hope Township over the weekend. Benjamin Stenger was killed in the crash just before 7:30 p.m. Saturday night, Nov. 2, on Keller Road near Otis Lake Road. An investigation by the Barry County Sheriff’s Department showed Stenger was westbound on Keller when his SUV ran off the road and struck a tree. Stenger was the only occupant in the vehicle and was pro­ nounced dead at the scene, Sgt. T.J. Heald of the sheriff’s department said. Speed has been cited as a possible factor in the crash, which remains under investigation by the sheriff’s department. It is unknown at this time if alcohol or drugs were a factor, Heald said. Assisting the sheriff’s department at the scene were Barry Township police, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement unit, Michigan State Police, Delton Fire Department, Orangeville Fire Department, Mercy EMS and Barry County central dispatch. United Way allocation applications now available The Barry County United Way allocations applications are now available for the 2020­ 21 funding year. Agencies applying for funding must be a health and human service charitable organization 501(c) 3 as determined by the Internal Revenue Service or be a 501(c), incorporated entity in the state of Michigan. The not-for-profit agency must provide services to Barry County residents in one of the four funding areas: -Helping youth achieve their full potential -Supporting families to achieve well being and success -Assisting senior adults find support and maintain independence -Addressing urgent and emerging needs in Barry County Agencies have the opportunity to apply for available funding through the allocations process that begins with filling out the application. Submissions are due before Thursday, Dec. 5, at 5 p.m. and are available at the Barry County United Way office, 231 S. Broadway, Hastings or online at bcunitedway. org under the Each year, more than 30 local volunteers on the allocations committee meet with the applicants to evaluate the health and human service care programs, including how successful they are in improving the lives of local residents through measurable results. As a result, in 2018 more than 60,000 times, residents of Barry County utilized services of United Way and its partner agencies. This is possible thanks to the many contributions made throughout the United Way campaign currently underway in the community. “The goal for this year’s campaign of $650,000 is based on what agencies have said they need to continue programming in our community” Courtney Collison, allocations chairperson, said. Currently the campaign is at $302,654, or 46.6 percent of the goal. “We are encouraged by the early support of the campaign,” Collison said. Anyone interested in hosting a United Way campaign at a place of business or who would like to make a contribution, may call the Barry County United Way office, 269­ 945-4010. One hundred percent of contributions are distributed throughout our community thanks to the Florence Tyden-Groos Administrative Endowment Fund held by the Barry Community Foundation. Additional questions may be directed to Lani Forbes, 269-945-4010. The Thornapple Plaza draws people to Hastings throughout the summer for a variety of live performances. (File photo) City awarded nearly $20K for Hastings Live series The City of Hastings has been awarded a grant of $19,500 from the State of Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs for Hastings Live, the City’s art and music program offered in partnership with the Thomapple Arts Council. The grant was awarded through the MCACA peer-review process, and the application was one of 659 to compete for MCACA fiscal year 2020 funding. Organizations receiving a MCACA grant award are required to match those funds with other public and private dollars. In 2019, local support of the project included the Baum Family Foundation, Barry County Lumber, Brown’s Carpet One and Custom Interiors, Co-Dee Stamping, Family Fare, Flexfab, Highpoint Community Bank and Spectrum Health Pennock. The City of Hastings also receives significant volunteer support from members of the community and local service organizations. In 2020, the City of Hastings will continue to present the annual year-round downtown sculpture tour and partner with the Thomapple Arts Council to present Hastings Live, the summer music and entertainment program. Hastings Live includes the Community Concert series on Wednesday evenings; Friday Night Features concerts; as well as Playing at the Plaza, the Thursday morning children’s music, entertainment and education series; Fridays at the Fountain concerts; and Hastings Live at Summerfest concerts to wrap up the season. Support from MCACA and local sponsors allows the City of Hastings to provide all of these programs free of charge, giving residents in the rural community and visitors, alike, access to visual and performing arts. The MCACA peer-review process allows for each grant application to be competitively considered by a panel of in-state and out-of­ state arts and culture professionals. �Page 14 — Thursday, November 7, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Kiwanis Club honors young citizens for September Members of the Kiwanis Club of Hastings have joined teachers in the Hastings schools to honor students in fifth through eighth grades as Citizens of the Month for September. Students are selected by their teachers for demonstrating quality conduct in their everyday lives and excelling in citizenship, attitude, academics, character, service, leadership and sportsmanship. Selected students for September include: Central Elementary - Miracle Morgan, daughter of Destiny and Richard Morgan, and Login Willson, daughter of Joseph and Kaelee Willson. Northeastern Elementary - Ethan [awthorne, son of Kikki and Chris Hawthorne; nd Liam Potter, son of Amber Vanderberg nd Arthur Potter. Southeastern Elementary - Brissa Hernandez Hernandez, daughter of Remigio Hemandez and Laura Hernandez-Virgilio. Star School - Meredith Ansorge, daughter of Eric and Janette Ansorge, and Mallory Rohe, daughter of Zachary and Sally Rohe. St. Rose - Nathaniel Funke, son of Thomas Funke and Susan Miller. Hastings Middle School - Tanner Allerding, son of Shannon Hawthorne and Chris Ewert; Madison Chipman, daughter of Scott and Martha Chipman; Riley Herron, daughter of Sandra and Thomas Herron; Jack Hill, son of Elizabeth Shuman, Simon Hill and Kerrith Redburn; Marissa Hilton, daughter of Kimberly and James Hilton; and Aiden Morteii, son of Megan and Stephen Morton. Citizens of the month at Hastings Middle School are (from left) Jack Hill, Aiden Morten, Tanner Allerding, Madison Chipman, Marissa Hilton and Riley Herron. Joining them are Kiwanis President Matt Goebel and Principal Beth Stevens. ; Kiwanis President Matt Goebel joins Brissa Hernandez Hernandez and teacher Stacy Cook to present the citizenship award to Brissa. (Photos provided) Kiwanis President Matt Goebel (from left) and teacher Julie Carlson are pictured with Mallory and Meredith Ansorge, Star Elementary School’s citizens of the month, along with teacher Amelia Nobel. Nathaniel Funke is the honored young citizen at St. Rose School. He is pictured here with Kiwanis president Matt Goebel and teacher Janet Boniface. Ethan Hawthorne and Liam Potter (second from right) are the September citizens of the month at Northeastern Elementary. They are joined by Kiwanis President Matt Goebel and teachers Alyssa Fein and Rachelle Wezensky (right). See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS Teacher Chris Andrews (left) and Kiwanis President Matt Goebel, are pictured with Login Willson, one of two young citizen honorees at Central Elementary. Miracle Morgan was not available for the photo. 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 7, 2019 — Page 15 Top-ranked Schoolcraft defeats Delton girls in district opener Thornapple Kellogg’s Ashley Snyder (9) and Chloe Teachout (right) go up to block an attack by Ottawa Hills’ Alicia Robins during their district opener Tuesday evening in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) J Delton Kellogg head coach Erin Thornton talks things over with her girls during a break in the action of their Division 3 District Quarterfinal against top-ranked Schoolcraft Monday at Kalamazoo Christian High School. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg’s Emma Jo Kokx tries to hit an attack by the block of Schoolcraft’s Anna Schuppel during their Division 3 district opener Monday at Kalamazoo Christian High School. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Somebody has to open the state tournament against the top ranked team. Somebody had to open the state tournament against the defending state champions. Delton Kellogg’s varsity volleyball team got to do both Monday at Kalamazoo Christian High School. The Panthers were bested by Southwest Athletic Conference foe Schoolcraft, the top ranked team in the state in Division 3, in a district quarterfinal match. The Eagles scored a 25-16, 25-10, 25-14 win over the Panthers to move on into the district semifinals. Galesburg-Augusta scored a win over Hackett Catholic Prep Monday at Kalamazoo Christian High School too. Schoolcraft was set to face Maple Valley in last night’s semifinals, while the G-A Rams were slated to face third-ranked Kalamazoo Christian. The district final is planned for tonight (Nov. 7) at 6:30 p.m. Erin Kapteyn had a team-high four kills and 15 digs for the DK girls in their loss to the Eagles Monday. Clara Bever had eight digs and Josie Lyons had six. Bever had her team’s only three assists in the match. Abbie Bever had two aces for the Panthers. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads Delton Kellogg senior Clara Bever preps to go up for a block as Schoolcraft freshman Abbi Curtis takes a swing during their district opener at Kalamazoo Christian High School Monday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) TK ladies earn sundaes, spot in district semi’s Brett Bremer Sports Editor Striking for victory is enough motivation for some. An ice cream sundae doesn’t hurt though. The Thornapple Kellogg varsity volleyball team opened its Division 1 district tournament with a 25-8, 25-9, 25-9 win over visiting Ottawa Hills Tuesday in Middleville and a little ice cream social will be in the works thanks to the team’s improved serving against the Bengals. “We made our serves tonight. That was helpful,” TK head coach Tia Cross said. “The girls are very curious on what our serving stats are going to be, because they know they had a good night tonight, and they’ll get a reward if we have a good night. It was a good night for our serves. This is what we need going into districts.” Thornapple Kellogg setter Adrienne Duits turns her back to the net to pass a ball during her team’s 3-0 win over visiting Ottawa Hills in the Division 1 District Quarterfinal at TKHS Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The TK ladies put 90.4 percent of their serves in play - meeting coach Cross’ 90 per­ cent goal. TK had 26 aces as a team, witfy Julia Cutis leading the way with seven*, Claudia Wilkinson hitting six, Claudia Lemi five and Chloe Teachout four. Curtis had those seven aces without a single serviq| error. “I think it is just like a different approach t6 help our team,” Wilkinson, one of four Trojan seniors, said of the sweet rewards from coach Cross. I “For some reason our team really loves candy,” she added with a smile growing oA her face. “Chloe Teachout really loves getting candy (for meeting goals). Against Grand Rapids Christian we used that a lot. Personally, that is not my motivation, but it’s a good perij. I think it’s a good idea.” TK will head to East Grand Rapids tonight (Nov. 7) to take on East Kentwood in the Division 1 District Semifinals. The Falcons bested the Caledonia girls in their district opener Tuesday in Kentwood. The Trojans did more than just serve well against Ottawa Hills in their final contest op their home court this season. “We had great passing tonight, whicjj makes our offense run a lot better when we can get that first touch up to our setter and do what we’re supposed to,” coach Cross said. “I was a little worried with practice this week, and our focus, if we were going t§ come in firing tonight. They did,” Cross added. “They put my worries to rest tonight We were just able to kind of enjoy it and have a little fun.” J* Wilkinson tied junior Ellie Shoobridge fof the team lead in kills with seven each: Teachout had four kills. Shoobridge had a team-high two blocks. * Claudia Lems had 11 assists and Adriennl Duits six as the Trojans’ two junior setters, * Duits and Shoobridge added two aces eaclr. “All things come to an end at some pointy Wilkinson said of playing her final varsity volleyball match at TKHS. “Regardless of the outcome of our season before this, I am s0 happy with our team and I love all the giri| and I wouldn’t trade it for any amount of wins or any amount of losses.” �Page 16 — Thursday, November 7, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Makled medals in final state finals run Brett Bremer Sports Editor ■ “It was kind of magical,” Hastings senior Jon Arnold said of getting to finish his senior cross country season at the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals. “It was a faster race than I expected. It was a very fast race. We all stuck it out and did better than we expected.” Arnold, Josh Brown, Braden Tolles, Tyler Dull and Braxton McKenna all closed out their senior season with the Hastings varsity boys’ cross country team running in the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn Saturday. It was the second state finals race for senior Blake Harris and the third time was ?the charm at MIS for senior Aidan Makled. Makled scored his first state medal, placing :22nd in the field of 245 runners. Makled hit jthe finish line in 16 minutes 26.2 seconds. Despite some soggy ground, Makled cut near­ ly 30 seconds off his time from his first two Tinals’ runs at MIS. / “It was definitely the hardest race I’ve ever raced,” Makled said. “That is the hardest I have ever pushed at the end of a race. There was this pack ahead of me of eight to ten guys that I was just holding onto for dear life. In that last half mile I just kept pushing harder, and harder, and harder every 100 meters.” The Hastings boys were 17th in the final team standings, just a couple of spots behind the 1986 Saxon boys’ team that was the only other one to ever qualify for the state finals. The Hastings boys did have the best Interstate-8 Athletic Conference finish in the Division 2 boys’ race, beating out conference rivals Harper Creek (20th) and Marshall (23rd) who bested them last month at the con­ ference championship and at the regional race last Saturday. Makled was less than six seconds ahead of the last of the 30 state medalists in the D2 boys’ race. “I just wanted it really bad. I was like if I slow down now (in the final stretch) I’m not getting it and all the pain I have gone through so far is just not worth it,” Makled said. He made up five or six spots as the runners made their way across the race track at MIS Lakewood junior Nathan Alford closes in on the finish line at the end of the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals Saturday at MIS. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hastings sophomore Carissa Strouse kicks towards the finish line at the end of the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hastings senior Jon Arnold nears the finish line at the conclusion of the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hastings senior Aidan Makled rounds a turn just beyond the two-mile mark, on his way to winning a state medal at the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Saturday at the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals Saturday at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. (Photo by Brett Bremer) and into the final straightaway - pushing as far up as 16th before settling back in at 22nd. “I knew if I wasn’t going for underneath 20th, I wouldn’t get under 30th, because I’d get surprised.” Hastings sophomore Carissa Strouse placed 87th in 20:15.5 in the D2 girls’ race at MIS, just behind Thomapple Kellogg sophomore Jessica Durkee who was 83rd in 20:13.7. The Saxon boys were joined in their race by Lakewood junior Nathan Alford who was 65th in 17:01.1 and Thornapple Kellogg senior Nick Bushman who placed 141st in 17:37.5. It was the first state finals race for Strouse, Durkee, Alford and Bushman who were all individual state qualifiers. So, was Makled in his first finals appearance. “It was definitely a lot less nerve-wracking, because I had a lot of friends here that I knew,” Makled said. “It is different when they are there, about to go through the same thing you’re going to.” Bushman was jtist off the pace set by Saxon senior Arnold and Harris. Arnold was 108th in 17:21.5 and Harris 126th in 17:28.8. “Coming down that finishing stretch and the entire crowd cheering, it just got me so energized and I was able to take out some people,” Arnold said. Beyond the two-mile mark at the state finals runners turn into the stadium, crossing the race track at MIS and heading towards the finish between pit row and the track. The Saxon team also had Brown 173rd in 17:54.0 and Tolles 211th in 18:20.8. Dull fin­ ished 239th in 19:32.1 and McKenna 242nd in 19:45.3. “They raced well. I am just proud of all of them. They’re all seniors. I am really going to miss them,” Hastings head coach Steve Collins said. “It’s going to be rebuilding (next year). It really is, but there is a nice group of eighth graders coming up. Three kids set the school record down there this year for the boys. That bodes well. (These guys) have set the bar for that group. These guys have been chasing Wayne’s (Oom) from 1986. That eighth grade group will be chasing after these boys.” Oom was there cheering on the Saxons Saturday, as well as his son Josh running with the Caledonia varsity boys’ cross country team in the Division 1 competition. Hastings senior Braxton McKenna strides along the edge of the race track towards the finish line Saturday at the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. (Photo by Brett Bremer) It was a pretty good day for the OK Gold Conference runners in Division 2. East Grand Rapids senior Evan Bishop won the D2 boys’ state championship with a time of 15:12.6. Fremont won the Division 2 boys’ champi­ onship with 68 points Saturday. Otsego was second with 176, ahead of Haslett 191, Chelsea 218, Dearborn Divine child 226, Grand Rapids Christian 227, East Grand Rapids 265, St. Johns 269, Yale 281 and Sparta 325 in the top ten. Hastings was 17th with 445 points. Another East Grand Rapids senior, Anna Petr, won the D2 girls’ race in 17:59.6. East Grand Rapids had five of the first 14 finishers in the D2 girls’ race to win the team state title with just 36 points - by far the low­ est point total of any of that eight state cham­ pionship teams Saturday. The OK Gold also had Forest Hills Eastern place fourth and Grand Rapids Christian 12th in the girls’ race. The Christian Eagles were sixth and the EGR Pioneers seventh in the D2 boys’ team stand­ ings. Petoskey was second in the girls’ team standings with 92 points, ahead of Otsego 200, Forest Hills Eastern 246, Cadillac 249, Frankenmuth 270, Holland Christian 287, Plainwell 290, Dearborn Divine Child 307 and Spring Lake 315 in the top ten. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 7, 2019 — Page 17 Ordway needs every second of P.R. at MIS Delton Kellogg junior Micah Ordway (982) works his way through the pack at the start of the Division 3 Lower Peninsula State Finals Saturday morning at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. Ordway placed 30th to earn his first state medal. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Every second Delton Kellogg junior Micah Ordway shaved off of his personal record time in the Division 3 Lower Peninsula State Finals at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn proved vital. “I knew I was near 30, so I was like, I hope I did it, but I saw my time and that is what got me excited the most,” said Delton Kellogg junior Micah Ordway, moments after drop­ ping his personal record down to 16 minutes 47.8 seconds Saturday. “Now that I know what place I got, I don’t even know where to go from here.” The literal answer to that questions was: the medal stand. Ordway placed 30th in his first chance to run at the state finals, cutting about 17 sec­ onds off his former best time. The top 30 runners in each race at MIS today earn all­ state medals. Ordway was actually honored as they 29th fastest runner on the medal stand Saturday, but corrections to the final results happened throughout the week in a few of the state finals races and Ordway’s official plac­ ing now stands at 30th. Saugatuck junior Nik Pettinga was behind Ordway in the original results and moved a tenth of a second ahead of him in the updated standings. The two were less than a second ahead of Kingsley senior Jake Lathrop who placed 31st. Ordway’s senior teammate Matt Lester placed 58th at his second and final state finals race, hitting the finish line in 17:12.6. Maple Valley freshman Ashton Ripley was 73rd in 17:29.1. Kyle Williams was the last Delton Kellogg state medalist, in 2001. “I knew Micah really wanted to beat Matthew again, the two of them have just been talking a little bit all week long about what’s going to happen and who is going to be in front. It is a nice little rivalry going on. They have practiced so hard together though,” DK head coach Dale Grimes said. “Micah Maple Valley freshman Ashton Ripley rounds a turn just beyond the two-mile mart Saturday during the Division 3 Lower Peninsula State Finals at Michigan Internationa Speedway in Brooklyn. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Delton Kellogg senior Matt Lester closes out his high school cross country career at the Division 3 Lower Peninsula State Finals Saturday at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn. (Photo by Brett Bremer) HCDC youth open 2019-20 season in at Monster meet Hastings Community Diving Club attended its first meet of the 2019-2020 season last month in Waterford, the annual Monster Splash Meet. HCDC head coach Todd Bates said the meet was as great success for his divers. “That’s how you ‘RockTober,’” Bates said. “Our divers traveled all the way over to the east side of the state to make an impression and we certainly did - we rocked October.” HCDC welcomed two new divers to the Junior Olympic travel team, Mayari CorianoLahjff and Bryce Etheridge, who both won gold medals in their respective age groups on the 1-meter board. Aubrey Yarger, who mace the finals at Nationals in California last season, also won a gold medal in her 1-meter event and placed Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads fourth in her 3-meter event. Abigail Dumond, who was Michigan Diving Association’s Diver of the year last season, won a bronze medal in her first Junior Olympic 1-meter event and placed second on the 3-meter board. Bethany ButchBaker surpassed a large group of divers in her 3-meter event and took first place. ButchBaker also took third place in her 1-meter competition. The HCDC practices Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Community Education and Recreation Center in Hastings. For more information contact Todd Bates 248-227­ 7718 or by email at toddbates@att.net. Hastings Community Diving Club divers (back from left) Mayari Coriano-Lahiff, Abigail Dumond, Bethany ButchBaker, Bryce Etheridge and Aubrey Yarger are joined by coach Todd Bates (front) after a successful weekend at the Monster Splash Meet in Waterford the final weekend of October. The youngsters earned many medals competing on both the 1-meter and 3-meter boards. stepped up huge. He really, really went after it. I could see that right away in the race. It is amazing. Last year, he’s in the hospital in a bed and now here he is all-state.” It was the second consecutive season Ordway qualified for the state finals, but he didn’t get to run at MIS at the end of his sophomore season because of an emergency appendectomy. He made the most of this chance. He was just one of five runners in the top 30 to set a personal record in the D3 boys’ race Saturday. A soggy course from recent rains slowed everyone down a bit - everyone but Lester and a handful of others. Lester said the course was less muddy than a year ago though. He finished eight places better than in 2018, and he has the fifth and sixth best placings ever by a Panther boy at the state finals. “About the two-mile mark I felt good, and then I kind of fell off from there,” Lester said. “We went up that hill and it was just kind of gone. That is where (Ordway) took off.” “Once I passed that (two-mile) that is where I thought, ‘this is where I’ve got to start kicking into the finish,”’ Ordway said. “A majority of the finish I was passing people, just trying to get my spot.” That is typically one of the toughest parts of the race for new state finalists each November, not going to hard too early when the finish line comes into site. The other spot that can be a bit of a shocker is the crowded long straightaway to open the race. “It was chaos (at the start),” Ordway said. “I was getting mud thrown at my face and was trying to get into a good spot and get intc a good pace so I could slowly get to where wanted to be.” Ordway said coach Grimes had the two DR state qualifiers practicing their pacing running 400-meter laps in the days leading up to the state finals. Valley’s Ripley was the sixth fastest tres fin in the D3 boys’ race. Another freshman, Benzie Central’s Huntei Jones, took the championship in the race with a time of 15:45.0 - 28.9 seconds ahead of his nearest competitor. Hanover-Horton was the Division 3 boyaj team champion, winning with 146 points^ Calvin Christian was second with 183 pointsj ahead of Charlevoix 184, Traverse City Sfi Francis 200, Hart 202, St. Louis 231, Benzig Central 239, Harbor Springs 257, Caro 281 and Saugatuck 290 in the top ten. Stockbridge sophomore Rylee Tolson wa^ the girls’ champion in Division 3, finishing in 18:31.4. Only two medalists in the D3 girls*’ race ran personal record times, a pair like Ordway pushed to that time by being right on the edge of medal contention. Hart won the D3 girls’ team championship with 77 points, ahead of Sheperd 134, Calvin Christian 137, Traverse City St. Francis 176| Pewamo-Westphalia 179, Ithaca 215, Benzie Central 234, Clare 256, St. Louis 276 and Covenant Christian 279 in the top ten. �Page 18 — Thursday, November 7, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Saxons serve their way into district semi’s Brett Bremer Sports Editor Hastings senior Skyler Teske worked all offseason to improve her serving, and it paid off in the Saxon varsity volleyball team’s 3-0 sweep of Lansing Eastern to open the state tournament Monday. Teske served nine straight points to snap a 14-14 tie in the final set and the Saxons clinched the victory moments later - their first win in a district tournament since 2015. “It is my favorite. It is probably my best skill,” Teske said. “I got good at it this year. Over the summer I; practiced at WMU with my sister for fun. We practiced serving a lot, and hitting. That is probably what helped me.” Hastings was scheduled to face Lansing Catholic in the Division 2 District Semifinals back at Lakewood last night (Nov. 6), follow­ ing the host Vikings’ semifinal match with Portland. Lakewood enters the state tourna­ ment ranked second in D2 behind only the defending state champions from Grand Rapids Christian. The district final is slated for tonight (Nov. 7) at Lakewood High School. Hastings senior Skyler Teske hits a serve during her team’s victory over Lansing Eastern in the Division 2 District Quarterfinals at Lakewood High School Monday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) “She doesn’t lead any categories, but she is number two in a lot of them,” Hastings head coach Scott Zull said of Teske, one of his team’s two seniors. “Serving is definitely one of them. She has probably been my second most consistent server, and second or third in aces. It is definitely something she worked on this summer and has gotten extremely confi­ dent in it. “I can give her any number (to serve at) and she won’t give me the deer in the headlights look. She has a confidence that, ‘yeah I could do that.’ As a coach it is nice to know that she has that confidence.” Teske finished the night with 24 total ser­ vice points in her team’s 25-13, 25-15,25-15 win over the Quakers Monday. Teske and senior setter Abby Zull had five aces each to lead their team in that category Monday. Abby Zull also led the saxons in assists while libero Kaeli Jo West led the team in digs and passing. Lexi Herblet led Hastings in kills and Hannah Slaughter was the Saxons top blocker for the night, The Saxons’ Hannah Slaughter reaches up to hit an attack by 1 ansing Eastern blocker Alescia Nathan in the middle of the net during their district opener Monday at Lakewood High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) zjohn Varineau, Conductor------------ DOUGLAS A. & MARGARET E. DECAMP JtLAMI' foundation EST-2007 . 269.818.2492 hastinqshs.seatyourself.biz ** * JllVHrVINl Marcelo Lehninger, Music Director Hastings libero Kaeli Jo West and teammate Carly Warner both move in to pass a Lansing Eastern serve during the Saxons’ 3-0 win over the Quakers in the opening round of the Division 2 state tournament Monday at Lakewood High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) “We were ready for it,” Teske said. “We didn’t have any stats on the other team, so we didn’t know what to expect. When we got here, we were like ‘we’ve got this.’ We weren’t worried about it. We’re excited. This is like the first district game our school has won in a while. It is exciting.” “I feel like we worked good as a team. It was nice,” she added. Teske was a the service line when the Saxons stretched their lead in the opening set as well as the third one. Hastings had a 16-10 lead before a string of serves from Teske, including a couple aces, as well as a big kill from the back row by West and a block by Slaughter helped their team move out to a 22-10 lead. Hastings jumped tight on the Quakers in the second set. Abby Zull served the first six points of the set and the Saxons had their lead up to double digits before too long. “We’re hoping to get one more (win) on Wednesday and then face Lakewood on Thursday,” coach Zull said. “It would be an achievement just to get there with such a young team. We’re building a foundation for next year. I think we came out well consider­ ing the way we played in our last match against Pennfield, our serving started out with five service errors (against the Panthers). We definitely worked on that. We did much better on serving today. “We started off playing well together, com­ municating and then I think in the middle of the second set that kind of stopped. Things got a little closer than I wanted. Young team nerves, things that we have been battling through.” Portland bested Ionia in the other opening round match Monday, earning its semifinal match with the Lakewood girls. v Lions lean on each other through life and death Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Lions and Broncos were playing to honor those who have won the battle with cancer, to inspire those fighting the disease and to remember those who have passed on due to the disease Wednesday. All the while, the Lions were supporting each other too as the team dealt with life and death matters of its own in the day’s leading up to the event. Maple Valley junior setter Trista Medina’s grandfather, Michael Root, passed away on Saturday and his funeral was Wednesday in Charlotte. Maple Valley varsity volleyball coach Sarah Carpenter lost her grandmother, Virginia Martens, this week as well. “It has been an emotional day for us. So, coming together and having all the support, and also playing for a greater cause, like can­ cer knowing that there are people going through the same things as us right now. It was really nice to have everyone,” said Medina after helping the Lion team to a 25-12,25-12,25-12 win over visiting Bellevue on Dig Pink night at Maple Valley Jr/Sr High School. Coach Carpenter said Root was one of her team’s hugest supporters. “He never missed anything. He was at everything,” she said. Medina said things were especially emo­ tional early in the evening, during the pre­ game ceremonies in the gym decorated with pink banners and balloons. Both the Lions and Broncos were dressed in special pink uniforms for the annual contest. Carpenter was moved by the pregame prayer from assistant coach Timara Wehr. “We have worked, as a team, understanding death and how to be there for each other and your teammates in those moments. My grand­ mother, who (Virginia Martin) was like a mother to me, passed away yesterday,” coach Carpenter said. “These girls, they brought flowers and a gift, and then (Timara) who played for me and now coaches for me, did the pregame prayer. Yes, I was touched that they were taking care of me, but I was more touched that they learned the lesson of how to do that and then to put it into play without me telling them obviously. That is really what this is all about.” “Yeah, tonight is about cancer and losing someone from cancer, but people lose people all the time. We have to do this for cancer, but we also have to understand that death is a real thing across the board regardless of how it comes. Learning to be there for your team­ mates or your family, and standing together during those moments is so important.” she added. The Lions fundraising efforts will go to a new cause this year, the Hope Lodge in Grand Rapids. The American Cancer Society Hope Lodge Maple Valley’s Trista Medina (from left) Jiliann Moore and Keilyn Carpenter are all smiles between points of their 3-0 victory over Bellevue during the Dig Pink Night at Maple Valley High School Wednesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) program provides a free home away from home for cancer patients and their caregivers who live far away from their treatments. The Lions have also been collecting canned goods for the facility, and plan to travel as a team to cook a dinner for those using the program sometime in the near future. “We knew we were playing for a good cause, but we also know that charity games can be really hard emotionally,” Medina said. “We were playing for the cause, for the girls beside us, and we just really needed to stay focused.” The Lions didn’t have much trouble besting the Broncos on the court. Junior outside hitter Keilyn Carpenter pounded 21 kills for the Lions. Carli Deo had an impressive eight aces. Medina finished the evening with 20 assists. Olivia Roush led the Lions in digs with ten. Alison McGlocklin and Medina had three aces each. Maple Valley was scheduled to travel to Kalamazoo Christian for its Division 3 District Semifinal match to open the state postseason Wednesday. The Lions were set to face Schoolcraft. It is a brutally tough district tournament. Schoolcraft is the defending Division 3 State Champions and currently ranked number one in the state again. The district hosts from Kalamazoo Christian are ranked third in the state. The Lions went to Lakewood High School to see the Schoolcraft girls play in a tri with the Vikings and Mattawan Wildcats back in October. “We have been preparing for weeks on end,” Medina said. “We definitely know what we’re getting ourselves into, but we have the mentality in our hearts we can do it. If we have the right mindset going in, giving it all we’ve got, we’re going to put up a fight.” Maple Valley libero Olivia Roush lunges forwards to pass a ball during her team’s victory over Bellevue in the Dig Pink event Wednesday at Maple Valley High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-11-14.pdf 26fed4904d1a5139eb4bb5e8ec3b7747 PDF Text Text Barry Township to consolidate voting Creating pathways for students Marcukaitis rewrites record board See Story on Page 2 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 11 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 ANNER 1070490102590502090749058113421 Thursday, November 14, 2019 NEWS BRIEFS Blessing today at surgical center A special blessing ceremony is planned today, Nov. 14, at 2 p.m. for beams at the Baum Family Surgical Center at Spectrum Health Pennock. The beams, which will be integral pieces of the new operating rooms, have been in the hospital atrium the past several days, allowing staff and the public to sign. The 19,000-square-foot surgical center was announced in June 2018, and a groundbreaking ceremony was conducted June of this year. The center is planned to have three operating rooms, 15 private patient rooms, five recovery bays and two endoscopy suites. It projected to be fin­ ished in late summer 2020. Rep. Calley in town Monday State Rep. Julie Calley invites residents to meet with her Monday, Nov. 18, at the BarryCounty Courthouse,Commissioners’ Chambers, 220 W. State St. in Hastings. Individual meetings will be from 1 to 2, followed by a legislative update from 2 to 2:30 p.m. “Community members may stop by for individual meetings, arrive in time for the update, or attend both segments,” Rep. Calley said. “This format is intended to make it more convenient for those I serve.” No appointment is necessary. Residents unable to attend scheduled office hours may send their questions and ideas via email to JulieCalley@house.mi.gov or call her, 517-373-0842. Saxon marching band leading regional votes A radio station in Kalamazoo is hosting a vote for the favorite marching band in Southwest Michigan, and Hastings is at the top. As of Wednesday afternoon, Hastings was in first place. WKFR 103.3 has a listing of 75 public and private high school marching bands on its website, and individuals may vote once per day through midnight Thursday, Nov. 21. The Saxons finished in second place in 2018, with 9.98 percent of the vote, behind Jenison High School which had 10.01 percent of the vote. In 2017, Hastings was named Drumline of the Year honors through 106.5 FM, another Kalamazoo-based radio station. That honor included the opportunity for the Saxon drumline to perform live at Miller Auditorium in Kalamazoo. Band members, families, friends and others may vote at wkfr.com through Thursday. 804879110187 PRICE 75r Economy in 2020: Strong manufacturing, higher pay Greg Chandler Staff Writer The economic picture for Barry County in next year appears to show continued strong manufacturing employment and increased wages for workers. That’s the view of Jim Robey, director of regional economic planning services at the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research in Kalamazoo* He presented his findings on the state of the economy, both on the local and national levels, Nov. 6 at the annual Barry County Economic Summit at the Hastings High School Performance Arts Center. More than 3,800 people worked in manu­ facturing in Barry County in the first quarter of 2019, the most recent quarter for which statistics are available, he said. That’s an increase of about 200 workers from the same period one year ago. Currently, one out of every three jobs in the county is in manufac­ turing. “I really like places that make things,” Robey said, noting that the percentage of manufacturing jobs as part of the total work­ force is much higher in Barry County than in the rest of Michigan and in the United States. “Every year when we do a forecast for this region, we keep saying ‘Don’t expect big growth,’ and you guys continue to knock it out of the park, making us look bad,” Robey said. “But that’s better than making us look good.” Travis Alden, the outgoing executive direc­ tor of the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance, said “It’s a bad thing (low wages) from the standpoint of affording housing and being able to put people in those more expensive houses. But the good thing is it’s good for employers, it’s good for attracting and retaining people. It gives you a competitive advantage to (have) lower wages.” Jim Robey, W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research director of regional economic planning services Robey offers a “wealth of experience and background in economic analysis.” “While his economic forecast isn’t quite looking into a crystal ball, it’s pretty dam close,” Alden said. Unemployment in the county was at 3.3 percent in August, below the statewide jobless rate of 4.3 percent. Meanwhile, the county’s labor participation rate - the percentage of people 16 and older who are working or look­ ing for work versus the total population of those 16 and older - was at 64.2 percent, higher than the statewide rate of 61.9 percent. That’s also higher than neighboring Calhoun, Eaton, Ionia and Kalamazoo counties, but a little lower than Allegan County (68.8 per­ cent) and Kent County (69.6 percent). “People here want to work,” Robey said. Weekly wages in Barry County continue to remain below state and federal averages. In the first quarter of 2019, the average wage of a worker in the county was $767, down from W $835 in the fourth quarter of 2018, according to federal census figures. Robey said there’s an upside and a down­ side to the lower wages. “It’s a bad thing from the standpoint of affording housing and being able to put peo­ ple in those more expensive houses,” Robey said. “But the good thing is it’s good for employers, it’s good for attracting and retain­ ing people. It gives you a competitive advan­ tage to [have] lower wages.” But with low unemployment numbers, Robey said he expects to see that weekly average wage increase in 2020. “I’m sure employers here are feeling the pressure from wages and need to increase wages to ... attract people and retain people,” he said. On a national scale, while the fundamentals of the economy look good - strong gross domestic product growth, low unemployment and reasonable rates of labor participation - there are some concerns, most notably wjth the federal debt and the possible impact if could have on interest rates. 1 “If interest rates do elevate, that’s going to take a lot of wind out of the ability for firms to get money to grow, for individuals to get money to consume, but also you’re going to have to pay a lot more taxes to cover the cost of that debt. It is huge,” Robey said. The current economic recovery has been in place for more than 10 years, the longest recovery period in U.S. history. Robey said there may be some retraction in the economy coming soon, but it doesn’t mean a recession is looming. “Are we returning to trend, or are .we returning to recession? I think the argument is we’re returning to trend, at least in the near future, the near future being the next 12 to 18 months,” he said. Other potential issues that could have an effect on the economy, Robey said, include trade wars and tariffs, as well as the volatility of the stock market. He noted that some busi­ nesses are already feeling the effects of trade disputes. “Expansions don’t get tired, rather they end due to policy mistakes,” Robey said. More than 200 business and community leaders from throughout the county attended the summit, which included a panel discus­ sion of best practices for enhancing work­ place culture and a presentation by Jeff Disher, founder and president of DISHER, a Zeeland­ based product development and business con­ sulting firm. ■ Local businesses feel pinch of statewide liquor shortage Greg Chandler Staff Writer A truck from Republic National Distribution Co. typically brings in a new supply of liquor each Monday and Friday to Olde Towne Tavern in Hastings. But management at the local bar said they’ve run into issues over the past several weeks getting new shipments in. Tessa Stout, the bar manager, calls the situation “a night­ mare.” “We’re ordering [new supplies] and it’s showing it’s in stock, but it’s not showing up at all,” said Stout, whose mother, Cindy Esther, owns the tavern. “Our Jack [Daniel’s], our Crown [Royal], everything’s pretty low,” she said. “All of our whiskey is low.” A similar situation is taking place at the Superette party store nearby, which, as of Tuesday, still was waiting to receive a ship­ ment from Republic National that was sup­ posed to arrive last Friday. “Most of our Canadian whiskey is out,” store cashier Amanda Pullen said. “I’m out of half-pints and pints [for whiskey]. Smirnoff vodka, we’re out of.” Pullen said the store has to submit its week­ ly order by noon Tuesday to get supplies Friday. “It’s hard to do that when you haven’t got­ ten last week’s order,” she said. This scenario has been playing out at bars and party stores all over Michigan, and it’s attracted the attention of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission. The LCC Tuesday called on Republic National - one of the three principal autho­ rized liquor distribution agents in the state to submit a written correction plan to resolve issues regarding delivery of spirits, stock shortages and lack of communication to LCC and its liquor licensees. Representatives from the company have verbally indicated their plan would fix these issues by the end of November, but added that “there are no guar­ antees or anything,” a company representative told commissioners. “This is a RNDC plan. It is not MLCC’s plan and is not endorsed by MLCC,” commis­ sion spokeswoman Jeannie Vogel said. “MLCC’s priority is to hold RNDC account­ able and ensure all issues are resolved quick­ ly.” LCC Chairman Pat Gagliardi asked Republic National to personally and immedi­ ately contact approximately 350 licensees who have submitted complaints since last Friday through LCC’s online complaint form. Company officials cite chronic software issues at their new facility in Livonia. “We apologize to our many customers and See SHORTAGE, page 2 Next Community Breakfast is Nov. 20 Speakers representing several agencies will share information about their pro­ grams, eligibility, curriculum and goals will discuss home visit-based programs at the Community Breakfast Nov. 20. The Community Breakfast is sponsored by the Family Support Center of Barry County, Court-Appointed Special Advocates, DHHS Foster Care and Barry County Great Start Collaborative-BISD This free quarterly breakfast will be at the Leason Sharpe Hall, 231 S. Broadway, Hastings, from 8 to 9 a.m. Anyone who plans to attend is asked to call 269-945KIDZ (5439) or email karen@ family supportbarry.com. See NEWS BRIEFS, page 2 Snowy tribute to veterans Meanwhile, the American Legion Post 45 honor guard - with member Bryan Tobias shown here - provided a rifle salute at the Veterans Plaza at Tyden Park during a ceremony that started at the same time - 11 a.m. on Monday. That event featured comments by Hastings Mayor Dave Tossava and Post Commander Steve Carr. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) At the Veterans Day ceremony Monday at Spectrum Health Pennock in Hastings, representatives of the American Legion Post 45 color guard Richard Ward (left) and Marvin Mason raise the flag. The ceremony began with a musical prelude by Jon Anderson and a welcome from the hospital chief nursing officer Steve Marzolf, with dedication by U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Jason Hoult, and speaker Carla Wilson-Neil, chief operating officer who also is a U.S. Air Force Senior Airman; a solo by Dr. Matthew Garber, and taps by Joe LaJoye. A social gath­ ering followed in the hospital. (Photo by Heather Tolsma) �Page 2 — Thursday, November 14, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Barry County Chamber/EDA director steps down Rebecca Pierce Editor 'Travis Alden, executive director of the Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance, will be stepping down to accept a new job at The Right Place in Kent County. f Alden, 40, of Irving Township, has been ^vith the chamber since April 2016. While I am extremely excited about this B^v opportunity to continue my community 4n$ economic development work at a regional level with The Right Place, it was a very dif­ ficult decision to leave this role,” Alden wrote i| an email to Barry County Chamber memtes. “I care deeply about this organization and am very proud of the relationships we’ve tailt, the collaborations we’ve fostered and tfc positive impacts we’ve had throughout JJarry County.” *Tn his new role, Alden will be responsible for five rural counties that contract with The Right Place for economic development ser­ vices: Ionia, Montcalm, Newaygo, Lake and Oceana. |>“I have been a squeaky wheel advocating ^>r rural since I got here,” he said in an inter­ view with the Banner last week. “When you promote Pure Michigan, you’re showing ijbral. ... That’s so much of what this state is. *.Ih creating this position, they wanted some(Jne who’s been working in small towns their whole career.” L*Alden said he sees the job as an opportuni­ ty to do what he’s doing in Hastings on a larger scale, with the resources. ^T know I’m going to learn a lot in that role, and it’s just going to make me better at what I’m doing,” he said. ^Prior to his post in Hastings, he was execu­ tive director of the Manistee Main Street Downtown Development Authority. /Barry County has welcomed me and my family with open arms since Day 1, and we couldn’t be more grateful,” Alden said. “We’re fortunate to have truly found ‘home’ here, and Travis Alden (File photo) I’m happy to say that we’re staying put. I’m eager to remain engaged with our community as a volunteer and citizen.” A native of southwestern Michigan, Alden is involved in multiple community organiza­ tions in Barry County, including the Hastings Rotary Club and Barry County United Way. He also is an Odyssey of the Mind coach at Thomapple Kellogg High School. He and his wife and two daughters in Irving Township. Barry Township to consolidate voting Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer 1 In an effort to save taxpayer money, Barry Township will now only have one voting location come election day. During a special rh&ting Nov.'6,the townshipboard of trustees1 agreed to consolidate voting in the township. By eliminating polls in Hickory Comers, voting will now only be in Delton at the fire station. - -s ■ J,- “We will save money on equipment and efection workers,” Barry Township Clerk Deb Knight said. “Residents can still contact me and get absentee ballots.” 7 While not giving an exact figure, Knight s$d in an interview with the Banner Wednesday she thinks the move would cut the township’s election expenses “in half.” The township has allocated about $4,400 in its budget this year for elections, she said. ^During Tuesday’s regular meeting, a Hspkory Comers resident spoke in opposition of the move. ;'+ “I feel that it’s absurd we’re getting rid of elections in Hickory Comers,” resident Greg Garrett said. “It may not be a big deal for the people around here [Delton], but it’s a big deal for the community in Hickory Comers. All our lives, we’ve gone down to the fire station and voted there.” “I don’t think it’s fair that this wasn’t handled during your regular board meeting. I think that by having it at 5 o’clock in the afternoon, a lot of people didn’t know about it or could not attend,” he continued during public comment. “You had a meeting among yourselves there. I guess it was legal and all that, but I don’t think it was right. Knight explained that a special meeting was needed for the decision because of a Nov. 11 deadline for the consolidation to be reported. State law allows townships to consolidate to a single precinct if they have less than 3,000 registered voters. In the last couple of years, Prairieville and Irving townships in Barry County have also consolidated voting to a single precinct, County Clerk Pam Palmer said. At the conclusion of the regular board meeting, Township Police Chief Mark D. Doster asked the board to create a committee to interview candidates • forthe position of township attorney. Doster said the position needs to be filled so that an individual will be available to represent the township in court. The attorney would represent the township when tickets and fines are challenged in court . When the board voted on the matter, trustee Teresa Schuiteboer cast the sole dissenting vote. “My understanding is that it’s OK to hire a separate lawyer for situations, but why do you need to make a committee to hire a lawyer?” In a later conversation with the Banner Schuiteboer said, “I don’t get it. It all comes down to the fact that everyone on the board is responsible for our department’s actions.” During public comment, Barry Bower reported that Delton’s annual hometown Christmas celebration was 22 days away. Changes to this year’s event include the parade beginning at the Methodist church and proceeding to the middle school, rather than the opposite way, and the addition of an ice sculptor in William Smith Park for the event. This year’s Hometown Christmas is set for Saturday, Dec 4. The parade will begin at 6 p.m. In other township business, the board: -Voted to approve a snow plowing bid from Smith Landscape and Lakeside for $175 per plowing. Supervisor Wes Kahler said he sent four bid requests out and received only one response. -Approved a policy that bans smoking inside of and at the entrances of township facilities. The policy also bans smoking in township vehicles. -Voted to accept land donated by the Delton Kellogg School district. The land is set to be used for the construction of the amphitheater in William Smith park. EABLY HOLIDAY DEADLINES for The Hastings Banner Deadline for ADS: Tuesday, Nov. 26 at Noon Deadline for NEWS: Tuesday, Nov. 26 at Noon Deadline for CLASSIFIEDS: Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 2 p.m Papers will be on the newsstands Wednesday, Nov. 27 Hastings Banner Delton Kellogg Elementary students perform a song for the veterans, led by music teacher Margaret Martin. (Photo by Mike Wertman) Delton Kellogg honors veterans Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer The Delton Kellogg school district Friday dedicated an afternoon to honoring those who have served the United States. The annual Veteraiis Day ceremony draws dozens of veterans to the high school gym while the stands are filled with Delton Kellogg students watching from above as the men and women who served their country are honored by speakers and various musical performers. “Each year this event seems to draw more and more veterans,” band director Sara Knight said. “It is a great privilege to have them here and show them our appreciation for their dedication and service to qur country. Retired .U.S. Anpy S£. Carolyn Jordon was the guest speaker. “The audience loved listening to her life story and gave her two standing ovations in recognition of her 25 years serving on presidential detail,” Knight said. The Fort Custer Color Guard prepares to retire the flags at the conclusion of Friday’s ceremony. (Photo by Mike Wertman) SHORTAGE, continued from page 1------------------------------------------- to the State of Michigan for not hitting our high goals for solid delivery service to the many retailers we service,” Republic National Executive Vice President Steve Rochow said in a statement released Monday. “We know the new facility will improve our service when it is fully operational. But moving from two warehouses to one while serving our many customers turned out to be like building a new plane while flying it - and we have not performed adequately.” A fiber-optic line cut Nov. 6 interrupted telecommunications and computing capabili­ ties to Republic National’s Livonia facility for more than 10 hours. The company sent a phone message Nov. 7 to its 13,000 customers to apologize, provide background on the situ­ ation and let retailers know how best to reach the company with specific issues, Rochow said. Republic National said they will not be taking orders through Friday. LCC licensees and customers are asked? to place orders next week with the company on their regular order date. Orders placed prior to these dates will continue to be fulfilled and delivered. RNDC has advised any orders placed on the online ordering system on Wednesday through Friday will be deleted on their end, Vogel said. Other establishments around Barry County aren’t experiencing shortages. At Waldorff Brewpub and Bistro in Hastings, company president and chief executive officer Mike Bamaart said the shortage has not impacted businesses, noting liquor sales only make up about 10-15 percent of the pub’s total alcohol sales. “Being a microbrewery, a majority of our alcohol sales come from our own beers,” Bamaart said. “People usually come for the craft beers.” Tessa Stout said most of her customers at Olde Towne Tavern are understanding of the situation involving low liquor supplies. She said they’ve been ordering “a little heavy” when they send their requests for new ship­ ments, to make sure they have enough on hand. The state liquor control commission has called on the state attorney general’s office to analyze the situation with Republic National and come up with potential solutions, which may include fines and/or citations for failure to supply licensees with the products they ordered. Last year, distilled spirit sales in Michigan reached nearly $1.5 billion. The LCC paid out $70 million in distribution fees to its autho­ rized distribution agents, with Republic National receiving about two-thirds of that amount, the commission said in its news release last week. Retailer licensees who are having difficul­ ties receiving spirit orders in a timely way - or not at all - from authorized agents, may sub­ mit complaints directly to MLCC at https:// tinyurl.com/mlcc-ada-order-complaints. In addition, the LCC will post updated delivery schedules from Republic National as they are received online. Elks essay contest open Thanksgiving meal for all The Elks Lodge in Hastings and the national Elks organization are again offering youngsters a means of providing thanks to those who served. Entries in the 2019-20 Americanism Essay Contest are being accepted at the Hastings Elks Lodge, 102 E. Woodlawn, until Dec. 15 for students enrolled in fifth through eighth grades. The topic for this year’s contest will be “What Does Freedom of Speech Mean to Me?” The contest will start with local lodges, progress through district and state levels, and end with the naming of the national winner at the Grand Lodge Session in Baltimore in July 2020. Eligible participants must meet the grade requirements, restrict their essays to not more than 300 words, prepare the essay as typed or in legibly-printed ink. Entrants must submit their essays to the Elks Lodge administering the contest at his or her school or to the sponsoring lodge nearest to their home address. Essays will be judged on originality, development of theme, mechanics and neat­ ness. Local information and applications are available from Alma Czinder, 269-945­ 2211. Margaret Hollenbeck and about 20 other volunteers from Hastings will be heading back to the kitchen to coordinate preparation of a traditional Thanksgiving Day feast for everyone. The community dinner at First United Methodist Church, 209 W. Green St., which provides a traditional meal with all the trim­ mings, will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. Thanksgiving Day. All are welcome to enjoy the dinner; free­ will offerings will be accepted to cover the cost of the food. ■ I 1 j ! J Menards toy drive underway Menards home improvement stores again are providing toy drop sites for the Christmas season. New, unwrapped toys may be placed in drop boxes near the exit door of all stores. These donations will be distributed by non­ profit organizations to children in the region. The toy drive is going on now and will continue through the end of November. | I | { | �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 14, 2019 — Page 3 No increase in general operating tax levy in county Rebecca Pierce .... Editor Barry County property owners won’t be seeing tax increases this year, county Equalization Director Tim Vandermark said Tuesday. “We did have quite a few Headlee rollbacks,” Vandermark told commissioners at their regular board meeting. The Headlee Amendment requires a millage rate to be decreased - called a rollback - when the assessed value of a property increases by more than the rate of inflation. Those rollbacks have been happening a lot in the county, Vandermark said, particularly in the residential sector. In fact, about two-thirds of townships in the county experienced Headlee rollbacks this year, mostly due to the strong residential market, he noted. “The residential market’s pretty strong right now,” Vandermark said. “There’s actually a lack of houses, and it’s pushing up the market.” When houses go on the market, they sell “The residential market’s pretty strong right now. There’s actually a lack of houses, and it’s pushing up the market.” Tim Vandermark, equalization director fast, he said, some within two weeks. The county board, which must OK all local tax rates so that those taxes may be collected, approved the 2019 apportionment report Tuesday. The apportionment report shows an overall tax levy of 5.3504 mills for general operation in the county for 2020, down from 5.3521 mills in 2019. The county also levies 1.7502 mills in an extra voted operating rate. With the commissioners’ approval, Vandermark said he would post tax rates online for the public to see. In other business, the commissioners: • Approved contributing up to $5,000 to the Barry Career Access Network with funds to be paid from the current fiscal year’s general fund contingency. • Approved grant contracts for fiscal year 2020 for adult drug court, sobriety court and Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation Program, and to authorize Barry County Trial Court Administrator Ines Straube to sign the grant contracts on behalf of the county. • Approved the 2020 proposed Barry County Health Plans for county employees as recommended by the Healthcare Cost Containment Committee. • Approved transfers and disbursements of pre-paid invoices of $10.86 million, claims of $153,056 and commissioner reimbursements for mileage of $650. • Approved a resolution to support passage of state legislation to adopt four-year terms for county commissioners. In a 5-2 vote, with commissioners Vivian Conner, Howard Gibson, Dave Jackson, Dan Parker and Heather Wing supported the change. Ben Geiger and Jon Smelker opposed it, saying constituents should have the ability to choose their county commissioners as frequently as every two years if that is their preference. • Authorized the execution of a contract with the Michigan Department of Transportation for the construction of a non­ motorized path at the intersection of M-79 and School Street in Nashville. • Heard public comments from Joel Ibbotson, who spoke of the poor presentation by TowerPinkster at the community forum on the county jail and Commission on Aging facilities; and from Sharon Zebrowski, who spoke about the importance of the appointment. process to county boards. Barry ISD receives clean opinion on audit: told to keep eye on reserves Jessica Courtright Staff Writer An auditor is recommending the Barry Intermediate School District keep a closer eye on its general fund reserves. Steve Thompson of the accounting firm Biggs, Hausserman, Thompson & Dickinson P.C. presented the district’s annual financial audit to the ISD board Tuesday. He pointed out that the district used up nearly $100,000 of its general fund balance during the 2018-19 school year, reducing those reserves from $343,000 to $245,000. “Your general fund is getting down there. The current balance is 12.3 percent of the BISD’s expenditures,” Thompson told the board. For K-12 school districts, Thompson said it is recommended that they keep a general fund balance of around 15% of their annual expens­ es. The ISD received a clean opinion from their audit, which reviews the district’s finan­ cial record to make sure they meet generally accepted accounting principles. “A clean opinion is the highest opinion given and that they believe the information to be materially correct,” Thompson said. Thompson reported that the ISD’s State of the Net Position shows a negative net position of almost $8 million, resulting primarily from net pension liability and net other post-em­ ployment benefits (OPEB) totaling $13 mil­ lion in liabilities. Statewide, Michigan’s net pension liability and OPEB total $1.5 billion, he said. “This past year, net pension liability did go up, but that is only because it is less funded than it was the year before,” Thompson said. “However, the OPEB liability actually went down a little bit because it is more funded than it was last year.” He went on to state that “these are things that the BISD cannot control and added that all schools are currently in the same position, and the state is trying to work on the problem, but nothing has changed.” Thompson pointed out that there were a couple of significant variances between the final budget and the actual expenditures. The reason was that there were a couple of new state programs that the Barry ISD received money for, but the funds cannot be booked as revenue until it is spent, so it shows a large amount of deferred revenue on the balance sheet. However, that money will be spent this year when the programs begin to operate. Overall, said Thompson, “you are about $80,000 better than what you budgeted over­ all.” The special education fexpenditures were close to what was budgeted. The most signif­ icant difference was that Barry ISD budgeted for a new bus and building improvements that did not happen. The Special Education Funds saw excess revenue of $205,000. He added that the Special Education fund balance is fine and that the board should not worry about it. In other business: • Board member Robert Becker reported on attending Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) Delegate Assembly. He sup­ ported an amended bylaw dealing with pro­ viding alternative learning opportunities for children who have been suspended or expelled. “It was a great thought to bring in the judicial system and the mental health system to help. The only thing I thought is it left out parents, and I feel if you are going to have success dealing with that community, you need to involve the parents,” Becker said. • The board unanimously voted to approve the hiring of Melissa Driscoll as the new Great Start Readiness Program teacher in Delton. During the last school year, she served as a preschool teacher at Star Elementary School in Hastings. However, she left over the summer for a job at the Kent ISD when questions surrounding GSRP caused uncertainty. She approached Barry ISD and applied to the position because she wanted to come back. • The board unanimously voted to approve the hiring of Stacy Gainwar for the speech/ language pathologist position at the ISD. Gainwar will be new to the Barry ISD. • It was noted that ISD’s PTO needs more members. Anyone interested in joining the PTO is encouraged to contact the ISD. New members do not need to be parents of students at the Barry ISD. The next meeting will be held on Wednesday at 5 p.m. in the West Learning Center, 535 W. Woodlawn Ave. • The ISD will be holding its Fall Dance Friday from 3:30 to 5 p.m. • The ISD PTO will be holding a T-Shirt fundraiser. Funds raised will go to support BISD Classes. The PTO is also planning on raising funds to buy a shirt for every student. • The Barry ISD will also be selling Pura Vida bracelets to raise funds for ISD classes. • A representative from the Barry ISD Affiliate Parents as Teachers (PAT) spoke to the board, noting that PAT accomplished its goal of 100 percent of students being up to date on immunizations. “In tins day and age of non-immunizers, I appreciate you doing that work,” Becker said. Paul Guenther, after being sworn in Friday, with Barry County Chief Judge Williarp Doherty and Barry County Bar Association President Robert Byington. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) / New Hastings attorney sworn in Rebecca Pierce Editor Hastings native Paul Guenther was sworn in to the practice of law Friday, Nov. 8, by Barry County Chief Judge William Doherty. Barry County Bar Association President Robert Byington made the motion with Guenther by his side as his parents, Jeff and Julie Guenther, fiancee Alex Reid, family and friends looked on. “Today is a rather rare occasion in the Barry County Circuit Court,” Byington said. “Only every few years does this court have the opportunity to welcome and admit a new member of the State Bar of Michigan.... This is only the third time in my career of over 42 years that I have had this privilege.” The first time Byington made such a motion to admit a new attorney to practice of law, it was for Doherty, he said. The admission of a new member to the Michigan State Bar Association follows rules that require confirmation of good character and fitness to serve, and certification that the candidate has passed the state bar exam. r' Byington confirmed that all the requirements have been fulfilled. Guenther graduated from the University of Alabama, summa cum laude, in 2014, and Michigan State University law school fir 2019. He has joined the firm of Honigman LLP in Detroit. “It is thus with pride that I now move this court to enter its order admitting Paul Wt Guenther to the practice of law,” Byington said. “... I have no doubt that [he] will further the purposes of the State Bar of Michigan in improving the administration of justice, advancing jurisprudence in this state, and improving relations between the legal profession and the public as well as promoting the interests of the legal profession in thj$, state.” Affordable housing at heart of debate during council meeting Rebecca Pierce Editor A proposed change in a subsection of the city’s housing code to no longer require full basements for some dwellings sparked debate at the Hastings City Council meeting Tuesday.* “I just don’t agree with it,” Councilman Don Bowers said of the planning commis­ sion’s proposed ordinance change that would allow some dwellings in the city to be con­ structed on slab foundations. “What is it - another couple thousand, another $2,500, for a basement? And when you go to sell the dag-gone thing, what are you going to do? You’re not going to get a lot of money out of it....You might as well put a tent on it.” “I’m not laughing at you, Don,” Mayor Dave Tossava said as he asked for a response from the Planning Commission. “I don’t care if you do!” Bowers said, smil­ ing. “I’m just chuckling,” Tossava replied, then he turned to Planning Commission Chairman David Hatfield, who was in the audience, and asked him to address the issue. Hatfield said there has been a great deal of discussion in the community about the need for more housing and, even more importantly, the need for more affordable housing. “Any number of issues that have been sug­ gested for the planning commission to consid­ er,” he said. “We chose to take this one first because we have had several people appear before the commission and make comments regarding the expense of putting full base­ ments in.” Hatfield disagreed with Bowers on the esti­ mated cost of a full basement. “Don, I think, based on what we heard, the number is considerably more than $2,500.” Bowers said that $2,500 was the amount that had been noted. Hatfield replied that he didn’t recall that number. “The builders that have appeared in front of us have generally been anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000, depending on the size of the structure. ...I wouldn’t personally want a house without a basement,” he noted, “but, for other people, where price is the ultimate consideration,...we think that’s a decision they ought to have the right to make.” Hatfield told council members they should take note of the new house being built on South Broadway, the first lot outside the city limits. “They’ve chosen to put that on a slab,” he said. “Why, I don’t know. Perhaps to save money. Perhaps they don’t have a personal need for a basement.” < Hatfield concluded, “We think that, by making this amendment, we have potentially helped some people save some money. ...We hope it will help address some of the in-fill that could possibly take place on vacant lots we have around town that won’t necessarily support a more expensive home. “People would still have the option. They could build a crawlspace or a floating slab. It opens up the possibilities and bringing us in alignment with the communities we’re com­ peting against.” “Could you put a trailer on it,” Bowers asked. “No,” Hatfield replied. “That’s addressed elsewhere in the code.” “I just don’t see the need for it,” Bowers said. “I think you’re being railroaded by the sales department.” “Respectfully, I disagree,” Hatfield said. “If you look around the nation, you see a lot of homes being constructed on slabs. Let the market decide.” Tossava emphasized that this was the coun­ cil’s first reading of the ordinance and that it would be coming back before them. “If you come up with any questions, we’ll address this again.” In other business, the council: • met in closed session to discuss pending litigation regarding Hastings Dog Park and Ward Residency Requirements for Council Members and to get information on progress of discussion regarding Rutland Township Sewer Agreement. The only action that the council took, when it returned to open session was a unanimous vote to establish residency requirements for council members, saying they must live in the wards they are seeking to represent. • heard an update from Dennis Benoit of Hubbell, Roth and Clark Inc. on the asset management plan for storm and sanitary sew­ ers in the city. The completion deadline for the project is Dec. 31. The total project amount is $791,820. The grant was for $712,639 with a 10 percent match from the city. • authorized a property lease agreement with U Rent Em Canoe that allows the busi­ ness to use the two strips of land along Apple Street. Krebs bound over for trial on attempted murder charge Taylor Owens Staff Writer David Krebs, who has been accused of stabbing and slitting the throat of Anthony Collins while in a moving car, has been bound over for trial. After a preliminary examination Wednesday afternoon, Barry County Judge Michael Schipper ruled that there was enough evi­ dence to try Krebs on two counts, assault with intent to murder and resisting and obstructing a police officer. He was arrested Sept. 5, after the Barry County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit tracked him to a wooded area off Barber Road south of M-43 in Carlton Township. ■ During the hearing, Collins testified he spent five or six days in the hospital, and had two surgeries. Part of his lung was removed due to injuries sustained when he was stabbed 11 times. Collins said he did not know why Krebs had attacked him, but claimed Krebs had been taking methamphetamine that evening. Collins was seated in the front passenger seat, while Krebs was seated behind him in the vehicle, when he allegedly reached up and slit his throat from one side to the other. Collins said Krebs attacked him again after they got out of the vehicle, and Collins ran to a nearby house where a resident called 911 and attempted to stop the bleeding from his wounds until first responders arrived. A trial date has not yet been set. Full coverage of the court proceedings will be in next week’s edition of the Banner. DOUGLAS A. & MARGARET E. DFOUNDATION ecamp EST. 2007 269 818 2492 GRAND RAPIDS hastingshl^rseiaiz SYMPHONY ' Marcelo Lehninger, Music Director �"Page 4 — Thursday, November 14, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you SCC? Signature support Creating pathways for students Spectrum Pennock security officer Stephen Wales signs beams for the Baum Family Surgical Center Wednesday. The beams, which will be integral pieces of the new operating rooms at Spectrum Health Pennock, have been sitting in the hospital atrium this week for staff and the public to sign. A special blessing ceremony is planned today, Nov. 14, at 2 p.m. We’re dedicating this space to a photo­ graph taken by readers or our staff members That represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? Miss Barry County Farm Bureau Banner Nov. 5,1964 Miss Carol Robinson, 7-y ear-old Olivet College freshman, is Miss Barry County Farm Bureau for 1964, selected jat the annual meeting held here ^Monday night of last week, Carol, the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Robinson of Route 3, Bellevue, is majoring in biol Ogy with a minor in English and music at Olivet. At Bellevue High, she was a member of the band and received the John Philip Sousa Award, and also was active in 4-H work and was a Sunday school teacher. Here, she receives her trophy from Wayne Pennock, president of the Barry Farm Bureau. s Have you met? Kyanne Casey of Hastings is the National Little Britches Rodeo Association of Michigan current reigning “Little Wrangler Princess.” She’s also a fourth-grader at Star Elementary. Her immediate family includes parents Brandy and Cal, and her older brother, Trey. They spend quite a bit of time with her pater­ nal grandparents, Leon and Susan Casey, who live right around the corner from Kyanne, and her maternal grandparents, Billy and Barbie VanPortfliet, who live in Nashville. The Casey/VanPortfliet families make up three generations of rodeo riders. Brandy and Cal were high school rodeo riders, which was how they met. They had learned from their respective parents. Kyanne got her first pony at 6 months old and was riding “as soon as she could handle it,” Brandy said. “They always did it [rodeo], and I was bom into it,” Kyanne added. The family is fully involved in the life of rodeo riding. Their everyday activities revolve around training for the various events, caring for livestock and preparing for the summer rodeo season. Outside of riding and roping, Kyanne’s interests are few. “I’m not kidding,” Brandy said. “When I ‘ say, ‘We eat, breathe, sleep rodeo,’ that’s what we do.” A recent expedition to Bellevue and a continned trip to Shipshewana is an example of a typical weekend for the Casey household - Thursday night: Team roping practice; > Friday night: Barrel race competition; Saturday afternoon: Team rope competition; Saturday night: Rodeo; and Sunday: Breakaway practice. Kyanne said she also enjoys various arts ■ and crafts, as well as hunting. She is schooled in the various events Kyanne Casey is crowned Little Britches “Little Wrangler Princess” at Tom’s Western Store Arena in Ovid. (Photo by Tonya McLeod) rodeo and is willing to explain the contests to anyone who asks. Her best events include pole bending and goat tail untying. In fact, she has qualified for nationals in Guthrie, Okla., in goat tail untying, pole bending and barrel racing. For her determination and representation of her sport, Kyanne Casey is this week’s Banner Bright Light. Favorite color: Turquoise. My grandma’s old ring is made of it. Favorite TV show: ‘Tull House” or the National Finals Rodeo. Favorite cartoon character: Wonder Woman. Favorite subjects in school: Math and social studies. Those are my favorites because I like to learn about the history of people. If I could go anywhere in the world, I’d go to: Australia, because I like the animals there. If I won the lottery: I’d probably build a ginormous barn. I’d put on rodeo jackpots where all the entry fees go back into it and the top three scores split the prize. Something most people don’t know about me: I’d rather play with boys than girls. There’s less drama.with boys than girls. Boys can have drama, not as much as girls. Greatest invention ever: The saddle, because it leads to the equestrian world. My biggest challenge: Learning to step of my horse at a running speed and learning to throw my rope off my horse. Person I would most like to meet: Amberley Snyder. She got in a really bad car wreck, and she loved to ride horses. Even though she’s paralyzed for life she still ropes and rides and barrel races. She went to The American Rodeo last year. Favorite movie: “Walk - Ride Rodeo.” It’s a movie about Amberley Snyder’s life. Because she’s overcome her fear of not walking again and because she can still ride and rodeo. If I could change one thing, it would be: All the politics giving rodeos a bad name. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. . When the book comes out about how we’ve failed our children, I’m going right to the chapter on how we gutted our school counseling departments. We talk a good game with our Schools of Choice promises and our guarantees from the politicians that every third-grader will read at grade level or they flunk. We stum­ ble right past the gaping hole in the hearts of children, though, who have no caring, committed adult in their lives to help them understand and plan for a future outside the home. That was always the role of the school counselor, then the teachers until they both got so busy filling out state-required testing result forms and negotiating all-inclusive classrooms that someone figured out they were overpaid and started cleaning house. And that was understandable after legisla­ tors continued to show their priorities by funding the annual cost of housing a prison­ er at five times the level of a child’s educa­ tion. For years now, schools across the state have decimated counseling departments due to budget cuts and the lack of focus on the importance of a strong counseling department for student success. But as pol­ iticians and educators promoted the impor­ tance of continuing education after high school, the rumbling elephant in the room has been the lack of strong counseling departments to help every student find the path to personal success. A continuing inequity is that, throughout the state, kids who are planning to attend college are getting the most support, leav­ ing a huge segment of the student popula­ tion with little or no direction. Yet here in Barry County, students aren’t always get­ ting the support they need. “I’m the first-generation college student in my fami­ ly, and I didn’t get any help from the office. I did it all on my own,” one local senior said. “They didn’t help any kids not planning on going to college but instead choose going into the trades or any other post-sec­ ondary plans,” another replied. And another frustrated senior said, “I tried to make appointments with the college department, but they never responded to me.” These are some of the frustrations felt by students who sought counseling support. Early this month, representatives from 23 Michigan school districts put on a show that they recognize the problem, gathering in Lansing to “develop actionable strategies” based on three critical components for post­ secondary success: One, creating a clear plan for increasing student postsecondary outcomes tied to measurable data points; two, connecting local data with state data­ sets, analyzing data by subgroups and using data to identify where strategies need to be developed; and three, empowering counsel­ ors to lead the postsecondary access work within their schools, engaging partners in the process. Sounds like more eduspeak, kick-thecan-down-the-road talk. What we need is counseling boots on the ground, now. Due to the understaffing of counselors in our high schools, most of the counseling is con­ centrated on the top students, leaving the non-college bound students to fend for themselves, or expects their parents to take on the role. As if, on their own, students and families can game-plan for this light-speed changing world. “In today’s economy, it’s more critical than ever that students get some type of training after high school,” says Caroline Altman Smith, deputy director of the Kresge Foundation’s Education Program. “School counselors play a critical role in helping students navigate that path.” According to the Michigan College Access Network, Michigan is in a counsel­ ing crisis. MCAN maintains that the current student-to-counselor ratio in our state is 729:1, the third worst ratio in the country. And, nearly 90 school districts in Michigan have no school counselors at all. The aver­ age student-to-school counselor ratio in the U.S. is 464:1, so if we expect all children in our schools to live up to their full potential, they need the academic and social-emotion­ al support that normally comes from coun­ selors. So far, we’ve discussed the need for counseling in career planning, but the role of the counselor - as it once was defined and exercised - is so much more than job­ based. Our children have always needed support and guidance for their hearts and souls in addition to their intellects. “The need is great for counselors in school,” says Pastor Gale Kragt, executive director of Spiritual Care Consultants of West Michigan, an organization that offers special counseling services in several local school districts. “One counselor for 400 or more students is not enough. This is. a great need, especially as we hear about bullying and children committing suicide.” Counselors are there to offer advice to students at the crucial turning points in their education. They’re expected to help stu­ dents create a road map for themselves so more students find their way to successful adulthood. Counselors are essential for stu­ dents to achieve optimal personal growth, acquire positive social skills and values, set informed career goals and help students to realize their full academic potential. “We need to pay attention to the school counseling crisis and do whatever we can to help ensure our schools are staffed with well-trained counselors who have reason­ able caseloads so they can help our students chart their course for life after high school,” says Smith of the Kresge Foundation. “This is a priority and an important investment in the future.” I agree. A good counselor can make a huge difference in a student’s overall edu­ cational success. When I was in high school in the 1960s, Hastings schools had a coun­ seling department staffed with nearly a dozen professionals ready and willing to answer questions and help students plan their programs. At the time, there wasn’t nearly the emphasis on going to college after high school, because many of the stu­ dents were taking technical training and already planning on working after high school. Yet, if they did plan on attending college, counselors did their best to prepare you for college. Maybe we’re finally turning the comer in this crisis. MCAN, in collaboration with The Kresge Foundation and the National Postsecondary Strategy Institute, recently launched the Michigan Postsecondary Strategy Institute, an initiative that plans to help school districts across the state to develop the capacity to support every stu­ dent towards attaining a postsecondary cer­ tificate or degree. Under the plan, MPSI will set a framework, which focuses on postsecondary success by preparing a strat­ egy, gather important data and promote counselors as leaders in their districts. The Michigan Legislature also recently I introduced House Bill 5133 which, if passed, would allocate $5 million in state funding for more school counselors. I like this hopeful news, but parents across the state should be concerned that high schools, using the momentum of these new efforts, will once again put a strong focus on attending college after high school rather than concentrating on the best path for each student. Back to the original intent of counseling in our schools: Success isn’t just about attending college, it also involves developing self-worth, confidence, security and a heart and commitment for others. There are a number of wealthy leaders like Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Dave Thomas and Richard Branson who found personal success without the traditional educational credentials. In fact, research shows that nearly a third of the world’s bil­ lionaires do not have a bachelor’s degree. But they all had someone in their youth who gave them a push, who provided the support they needed to follow their dreams. “You earn your reputation by the things you do every day,” said the late Dave Thomas, founder of Wendy’s, who dropped out of high school. “What’s the secret to success? It’s no secret. You need a winning attitude, honesty and integrity and a burn­ ing desire to succeed. I think the harder you work, the more luck you have.” Thomas believed that a college degree may not be necessary to succeed - hard work and determination go a long way. The problem is that so many of today’s youth don’t know what they want to do and aren’t always willing to put in the effort to sueceed. That’s why counselors are so import­ ant because students need them to discuss their futures, their passions and aptitudes so those students will leave high school with all the essential skills they need to succeed. If we expect to see measurable success,... we also must accept the premise that it’s not just about how many counselors we have in our schools, it’s about each counselor’s determination to help every student deter­ mine their path for success. Fred Jacobs, CEO J-Ad Graphics, Inc. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 14, 2019 — Pagejo Hunters warned: ‘Don’t become a statistic’. County jail/COA session failed to provide useful, factual information To the Editor: I am writing to compliment you on your fair and honest assessment of last week’s open session on the Jail/Commission on Aging building question. It seemed that the audience in attendance was equally divided between those who, as was stated in a recent commission meeting, “had an axe to grind,” either over the jail, the COA; and those seeking information. As has been previously stated, there was no real information available! For those of us who came expecting some enabling information on projected trends and expected usage, there was nothing but disap­ pointment. That failure, tied to the cost of the entertainment(?), made the evening all that much more of a disappointment. I can appreciate that these two sites may need renovation or updating, but one gets the feeling it is more a case of “monument build­ ing” than anything more substantive. It was especially regrettable when no eval­ uation was made beyond the fact that the population is aging. Has that not been the case since time immemorial? Today’s aging popu­ lation does not have the same concerns that those of 20 years ago had; and they certainly won’t have the concerns that those who will retire in the next 10 to 20 years will have. I hope that someone with a little common sense and the ability to look, without preju­ dice or predetermination, at all of the facts if and when they are developed — will come to the forefront to assist in a sensible determi­ nation of need in this situation. Until that time, I will remain skeptical of any plan that does not produce substantiated facts, of which there were none at last week’s meeting. Gerald Schmiedicke, Rutland Township Write Us A Letter: The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: • All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a persbhal ‘nature will hot be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. C Know Your Legislators Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov State Senator Dr. John Bizon, Republican, 19th District State Senate, Phone 517­ 373-2426 or toll-free, 855-347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Independent, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. The Hastings BailUCr Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@J-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Taylor Owens $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 Bridge Magazine This is the week when anticipation builds for the traditional Opening Day of Michigan firearms deer season, which begins Friday. Hunters are sighting-in guns, gathering gear, checking weather reports and recalling past hunts. It’s also the week when spouses, children, parents and friends routinely urge hunters to “Be careful out there.” The odds of hunters killing themselves or others are small by most standards and — until last year — had been improving. Still, the combination of high-powered rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders, handguns and crossbows and the inevitability of human error or just plain stupidity has consequences. Too often, hunting has become deadly for some, tragic for those left with lifelong disabilities and emotionally scarring for those whose reckless handling of firearms or failure to clearly identify targets led to tragedy. In many cases, the shooter is also the victim. In the first two days of last year’s firearms season, three hunters in three Michigan counties never made it home. Their deaths have left deep holes in the lives of families and friends and, in different ways, the people who killed them. Two of the victims — Justin Beutel, 38, of Sanford, and Matthew Boeck, 29, of Howell — were struck by bullets when hunters fired at deer and missed. The men who shot them each told investigators they had no idea another hunter was in their line of fire. Beutel was 55 yards from the shooter in Antrim County; Boeck was about 75 yards away in Oscoda County, according to investigators’ reports. Each victim was wearing a “hunter orange” cap or hood, meeting Michigan’s minimum requirement. One of the two shooters, who admitted trespassing on property owned by Beutel’s family, faces trial in December on a charge of involuntary manslaughter — a rare felony filed against a hunter in an accidental shooting. The shooter, David Barber, 47, told Michigan conservation officer Andrea Albert that he heard a noise and saw a bedded down deer along a ridge, according to her testimony at Barber’s preliminary exam. “It looked like a deer and it looked like it was about ready to get up, and so I pulled the trigger,” the officer quoted Barber in her investigative report. “I didn’t see any hunter orange.” The officer asked Barber if he used his gun’s scope, which would have provided a close-up view of the scene. He didn’t, saying “You just react,” according to Albert’s testimony. There was, in fact, a deer on the ground. It was a dead five-point buck Beutel had killed hours earlier. Beutel was astride the buck, in the process of field dressing it, when Barber’s shot struck his right buttock and travelled into his gut ^slicing an artery. Following Matthew Boeck’s death, Oscoda County Prosecuting Attorney Kristi McGregor examined investigators’ reports and decided not to press charges against the shooter. Investigators quickly determined through interviews with neighbors that the fatal shot was fired by a hunter sitting in a red chair along a power line just south of Boeck. That led them to a son-in-law of one of the nearby property owners. Visibly shaken by the news, the shooter told police he had no idea that Boeck, whom he didn’t know, was on a stool in the woods just beyond the deer he had shot at and missed, according to Michigan State Police reports obtained by Bridge. The third hunter killed during last year’s deer firearms season was Chong Moua Yang, 68, of Lansing. He died from a single gunshot to the head and was found at the base of his tree stand on state land in Clinton County’s Bath Township. His 12-gauge semi-automatic shotgun and backpack were missing. Bath Township Police Lt. Gary Smith recently told Bridge that a search warrant has been sought that could help the investigation, which police are treating as a homicide. Yang’s family, led by his daughter Mai Vue Yang, 29, is desperate to find the truth of what happened. In a Facebook campaign, family members call Orangejustice, they’ve raised $15,000 toward a reward for anyone with information that leads to an arrest of the shooter. A vigil is planned outside the Bath Township police department from 5 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 16. Hunting was really important to my father,” Mai Yang said. “He used his vacation time to hunt only animals that would be a source of food for the family.” Before leaving Laos, according to his cousin Joseph Yang, Chong Yang was among the tens of thousands of Hmong tribesmen recruited to fight in the CIA’s secret war in the 1960s and ’70s to help stop the spread of communism from North Vietnam. U.S. special forces trained the Hmong fighters. The three hunting fatalities were the most in Michigan in any year since 2011, a Bridge review of state records shows. The details — especially in Beutel’s death and Chong Yang’s apparent homicide — stand out among state Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads investigators’ descriptions of Michigan hunting incidents over the past nine years. Before 2018, plenty to celebrate The Michigan Department of Natural Resources, which oversees hunting and its safety rules, had celebrated after the 2015 hunting seasons ended after, for the second consecutive year, no one died in a huntingrelated shooting. They are the only two years, at least since 1970, when that has happened. That was a dramatic improvement from earlier generations of hunters. In 1970, 18 people died in Michigan, and another 230 were injured by bullets, slugs and pellets from hunters’ rifles, shotguns, muzzleloaders and pistols, state records show. Older, though less reliable, state records reveal more dangerous years when as many as 35 people died (1940) and 307 people were injured (1960). Hunter deaths have trended lower in recent years, as have the number of Michigan hunters. Between 2010 and 2018, 16 deaths and 86 non-fatal injuries were linked to hunters’ weapons, according to Michigan Department of Natural Resources reports analyzed by Bridge. Lt. Tom Wanless, who heads DNR’s hunter safety program, cited three changes enacted in the 1970s and 1980s that help explain the reduction in shootings and other weapon-related accidents. In 1971, hunter safety training became mandatory for hunters age 12 to 16. In 1977, hunters on public land were required to wear a minimum amount of “hunter orange.” The law was amended in 1984 to include private land open to hunting. Hunters can comply by wearing only a hat or stocking in the bright orange shade, though the DNR encourages wearing more and making the color visible from any angle above the waist. (The law does not apply to archers, or to hunters of waterfowl or turkeys.) In 1988, hunter safety training became mandatory for all first-time hunters bom after Jan. 1,1960. As administrator of Michigan’s hunter safety program and a hunter himself, Wanless said he has seen the pain of victims, shooters, families and friends. Consider his description of the close call he himself had in his early 20s while hunting with family and friends. “We were getting ready to head out in the morning from the vehicles, and were in a circle and we were loading our firearms,” Wanless wrote in an email. “A buddy had gloves on and was loading a 30-30 (a lever­ action deer rifle). The gun went off just over my head. My stepfather was not happy. At lunch, the same thing happened, just in a more safe direction.” The gloves, Wanless said in an interview, made it difficult for his friend to release the hammer to the safety position. It was the last time the friend used the lever-action gun, a style linked to many accidental firings. Such incidents are familiar to long-time hunters, Wanless said. Often, it’s when a gun is accidentally fired with the safety off or hammer cocked. Most accidental firings don’t cause death or injury, but when it happens, it’s a reminder how quickly things can go wrong. In 58 of 102 fatal and non-fatal hunting weapon-related incidents over nine years beginning in 2010, DNR records analyzed by Bridge show “careless handling of firearm” as the main factor. In another 25 incidents, “victim not in sight” of the shooter was the reason. The next What do you most significant factor was “failure to identify target.” ; * Fifty of the 102 weapon-related incidents were self-inflicted. • Wanless said he regularly reviews the causes of hunter shootings and uses the result^ to improve safety education classes that ar| estimated 3,000 volunteers teach each year tq thousands of first-time hunters. One change Wanless said he’d like to see in Michigan is a stronger hunter orange law. J “The more orange the better, as far as I’ni concerned,” he said. J Hunters in Michigan are required to weaf a hat, cap, vest, jacket or rain gear in hunter orange. Wanless said he’d like rules requiring hunters to wear more than a hat or cap, as well as a law that those who hunt in closed, fully camouflaged blinds hang “at least 20 squar^ inches of orange on every side.” J The Michigan Legislature would have to initiate a change in regulations for that „td happen. Most states have laws requiring between 400 and 500 square inches of huntef orange worn above the waist and visible front all angles, according to a survey by thd International Hunter Education Association In Denver. Ten states, mostly in the West* recommend but do not require hunters to wear hunter orange, the group’s survey found. 1 Tim Lintz, 69, a retired Grand Blanc} police officer, has been hunting since his early teens. He recalled an incident from his youth when he, like Wanless’ friend, had an accidental firing with a lever-action deer rifled Each time older models of the lever-actio^ guns are loaded or unloaded, the hammer i^ cocked and in the ready-to-fire position. Improvements to newer lever-action rifles $ which remain popular in northern Michigan’s woods, have made them safer, but thousand^ of the older guns remain in use. Lintz said his son was 12 or 13 when the boy accidentally fired a shotgun during a pheasant hunt. No one was hurt, but the incident changed how he hunts. Lintz said he developed an action plan in the event anyon^ is injured, and he carries an advanced first-aid kit. And, especially for small-game hunters using shotguns, Lintz said safety glasses tq protect eyes from falling shot are crucial. ; Interest in hunting has slowly declined ir| Michigan and across the nation for decades* From a record high of 785,000 estimated Michigan deer hunters in 1985, participation fell to an estimated 554,000 in 2018. Deei; hunting licenses have declined 18 percent just since 2008, according to the DNR’s 2018 Deer Harvest Survey Report, released in July. Despite fewer hunters, a study conducted by economics researchers at Michigan Statd University on behalf of Michigan United Conservation Clubs found that hunters still have a huge impact on the state’s economy.’ The study, based on 2016 data, found that Michigan gets a $8.9 billion boost frorq hunters’ purchases of gear and clothingj gasoline, hotel rentals, restaurant meals and other things. J Following proper protocols will help kebf more of these hunters safe. Matthew Boeck’s longtime partner, Tosha Rodocker, told Bridge Magazine it’s natural for hunters and their loved ones to have “fdaij of the worst happening.” * » She was confident, though, that Boeck’s focus on safety would help. “His biggest fear was being shot,’, Rodocker said. “Accidents happen, and he? didn’t want to be the statistic.” think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by accessing our website, www. HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the fol­ lowing week. Last week: A bill in the state Legislature called the “Red Flag Law” would give local authorities the power to take guns from people who are considered dangerous. Should state legislators should sup­ port this bill? Yes 80% No 20% For this week: 1 Currently, county commis­ sioners in Michigan serve two-year terms. State legisla­ tion is proposing to change that to four-year terms. Do you think that’s a good idea? r □ Yes □ No . Hastings High School Hastings High School would like to thank the following businesses for their contribution to the Barry County MACRAO College Night: . Applebee’s Family Fare Jet’s Pizza Mexican Connexion San Marcos State Street Diner Walmart Biggby Coffee Hungry Howie’s MainStreet BBQ Pizza Hut Seasonal Grille Walldorff HASS Food Service Due to these generous donors, more than 60 college and military representatives were fed before they met with fair attendees. Thank you for making this night a success! �Page 6 — Thursday, November 14, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) .328 N. Jefferson Street. ^Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH * 380 County Line Rd., I Freeport, MI 49325. (269) * 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A * traditional style of worship, * no gimmicks, and friendly J people welcome you to ?-worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. * GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Gabe Priddy, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingshopeumc. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling* MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m,; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office, greenstreetumc @ gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948­ 8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. Kathryn Virginia Bradley Maxine Leone Springer WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. org, 9 a.m. Classes and Gatherings for All ages; 9:45 a.m. Worship (Children's Worship Offered); 10:45 a.m. Coffee Fellowship; 11:15 a.m. Coffee Talk with Pastor Dan. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9: 45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945-9217. cbchastings. org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: wwwtotingsfre^nethodistcom. Pastor Brian Teed, Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller, Wor­ ship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care pro­ vided. SUNDAY MORNING FAMILY HOUR WEL­ COMES ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE ■ 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue, Loving God, Lov­ ing Neighbor: Preschool age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Standard and Adult Elective classes. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10: 30 a.m. and Children's Church age 4-4th grade dis­ missed during service. Fall Ser­ mon Series & Growth Groups, "On Mission" begins Sept. 15. Sunday Evening: Youth Group at 6:30 p.m., 2nd Tues: Young Women's Small Group at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Mid-Week: Women's Bible Study at 6:30 p.m. Kid's Club, Oct. 16-Dec. 4, 6:30-7:45 p.m. Friday Bible Study at 10 a.m. For more infor­ mation please contact the church. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God’s Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! Nov. 17 - Worship services at 8 and 10:45 a.m.; Church School 10:45 a.m. Nov. 18 LACS 6 p.m. Nov. 19 Women of Faith 1:30 p.m.; Council 6 p.m.; Flute Choir 7 p.m. Nov. 21 - Clapper Kids 3:45 p.m.; Grace Notes 5:45 p.m. Nov. 24 - 75th Anniversary Celebration; one service at 10 a.m. with a luncheon following. All are welcome! Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www. grace-has tings, org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings, MI. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: Hhasings 1351 North M-43 Hwy. 1699 W. M43 Highway, 1301 W. Green St. Hastings Hastings, Ml 49058. Hastings 945-9554 945-4700 945-9541 GUN LAKE, MI - Kathryn Virginia Bradley of Gun Lake, died on November 2, 2019 at age 96. She was bom in Muskegon, the daughter of Horace King and Edna (McPherson) Beecham. She graduated from Muskegon High School. She worked at Comerica Bank for 25 years and Moretti Group Court Reporting for 29 years, until the age of 95. On September 15, 1945 she married Ralph John Bradley. She enjoyed playing bridge, even online. She loved football and her favorite teams were Notre Dame, Michigan, the Chicago Bears and the N.E. Patriots. She watched golf and baseball, too. She was an avid reader and was constantly reading on her Kindle and read the newspaper front to back. Virginia was known to her family as Mom, Meema, Grams, Gigi, Grandma, G, Aunt Gin, Aunt Virginia, and to her husband of 45 years, she was simply “Gin.” Virginia was a woman to admire. She was a wise, classy lady in every sense of the word from her impeccable style to her ability to see through the nonsense that so pervades the world today and to which she would comment “UN-BE-LIEVABLE”! She was a woman of strong opinions but also warm and gracious. Her smile would light up the room and her laugh was infectious. Although Virginia retired after 25 years from the banking industry, she could not truly retire. She then became an intBgyal part of GergerMoretti Reporting, now • known as Moretti Group. She kept a sharp eye on the finances, proofread deposition transcripts with an editor’s acumen, (using her red pen liberally), and everyone in Jhe office appreciated her attentiveness to the payroll! During the Moretti Group annual Christmas party, Virginia even managed to be gifted the infamous fruitcake which has been circulating since 1988 (thank you Steve Gerger)!. When an unfortunate fall in 2017 ended her travels to the office, she still maintained a presence and many of her duties until her passing. Virginia was remarkable in many ways. When she was playing bridge, she would bid a slam without hesitation. No one who spoke with her needed to tune into the Weather Channel because Virginia already knew the forecast. If anyone needed advice on cooking, baking, table etiquette or making a bed with razor-sharp hospital comers, she could advise. She watched and weighed in on current events, world news, politics and whose car was parked in Pat’s driveway! Our unbelievable mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, family member and friend will truly be missed. Virginia imparted her wisdom to us all through her actions, examples and love and while the world has lost another one of the Greatest Generation, everyone who knew Kathryn Virginia Bradley has gained much from that experience! Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph John (Doc) Bradley; brothers, Gurnee and Robert Beecham and son-in-law, Carl W. Moretti. She is survived by children, Patricia (Bradley) Moretti of Gun Lake, Scott Bradley (Raquel) of Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Jill (John) Blonder of Dandridge, TN; grandchildren, Jon (Bobbi) Moretti, Michele (Philippe Sylvestre) Moretti, David and Matthew Bradley, Michelle (Todd) Ballard, and Christina (Joe) Grilo; greatgrandchildren, Jake, Mia and Zoe Moretti, Parker Sylvestre, Hunter Bradley, Ainsleyand Alise Ballard, Robert and Nikolai Grilo and several nieces and nephews all from the Muskegon area. A Celebration of Life Service will be announced at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to The Humane Society at michiganhumane.org, The Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration at aftd.org or The American Cancer Society at donate3 .cancer.org. Services provided by Girrbach Funeral Home, Hastings, Michigan. To leave online condolences visit www.girrbachfuneralhome. net. DELTON, MI - Ross Cole Doubledee, age 36 of Delton, passed away unexpectedly on November 7,2019. Ross was bom on August 6, 1983 in Battle Creek to Randy Doubledee and Loretta Noteboom. In 2001, Ross graduated from Delton Kellogg High School, and in 2007 he earned his bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University. Ross married the love of his life, Aleshia Lankerd, and together they had two children, Isabella and Maddox, whom he loved dearly. Ross was a true family man and loved spending time with his kids and wife. He had a great sense of humor and was a loyal, kind and caring man. He was always willing to lend a hand to anyone, and had many loyal friends. In his spare time, Ross enjoyed building cars and motorcycles and coaching his children’s little league team. Ross is survived by his dear wife, Aleshia Doubledee; children, Isabella and Maddox Doubledee; father, Randy (Maria Shafor) Doubledee; mother, Loretta (Joseph) Roth; siblings, Samantha (Robert) Isom, Terry (Katie) Doubledee, Charlie (Ben) Roth; fathers-in-law, Brian (Kristy) Lankerd, Dan Shellenbarger; brothers-in-law, Tyler (Nikki) Lankerd, Danny (Triston) Shellenbarger; sister-in-law, Joanna (Fred) Frye; many nieces and nephews. Ross was preceded in death by his brother and sister­ in-law, Daniel and Erin Roth; mother-in-law, Maryanne Shellenbarger. Relatives and friends met with the family on Monday, Nov. 11 at the Williams-Gores Funeral Home in Delton. A funeral service for Ross was held on Tuesday, Nov. 12,. 2019 at the Hickory Comers Bible Church with Pastor Jeff Worden officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to Ross’ children’s education fund. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or leave a condolence for Ross’ family. Soon Keller DELTON, MI - Soon Keller passed away November 10, 2019 at the age of 87 in her home in Delton. Beloved wife of Neil Keller. Loving mother of the, Karl (Anne) Kresin, Daniel (Molly) Keller, and the late Kenneth Kresin. Dearest grandmother of Madeline, Jacob, Carson, and Charlotte Keller, and late Paige Elizabeth Kresin. Soon worked for many years for Flexfab in Hastings. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, cooking, fishing, and watching college football. She will be missed by many. Memorial visitation and luncheon on November 22, 2019 noon to 3 p.m. at the Delton Moose Lodge, 5420 Mooselodge Dr. Delton, MI 49046. Please visit www.williamsgoresfuneral.com to share a memory or leave a condolence for Soon’s family. HASTINGS, MI - Maxine Leone (Bennett) Springer of Hastings, died on November 9, 2019 at age 101. She was bom March 21, 1918 in Hastings* the daughter of Forrest and Ethel (Warner) Bennett. She graduated from Hastings High School in 1936. On August 21, 1947 she married Donald C. Springer. She worked as a telephone operator, dental assistant, secretary and hearing and speech technician. She was a member of the Hastings Sports Women’s Club, Hastings Vivian’s Elks Club, Hastings Garden Club, Hastings Hospital Guild, Hastings Woman’s Club. In Marion, Ohio she was a member of the Creator’s Guild, Christian Woman’s Club and she was the chairman of the Red Cross Bloodmobile. In Venice, Florida she was a member of the Presbyterian Women’s Club, Venice Garden’s Association, and the Coin Club. Maxine and Donald were the second managers of the Hastings Airport from 1949 through 1954. They loved traveling all over the United States and overseas. Maxine was preceded in death by her parents, husband of 71 years Donald; son, Vai Bennett Springer; great granddaughter, Kyomi Linai Culpepper; brother, Richard Bennett; sisters-in-law, Nancy Bennett and Gloria Russell, brothers-in-law, James and Francis (Fritz) Springer. She is survived by daughters, Janice Lyn Miller and Sue (Michael) Murphy; grandchildren, Michael Dean (Brooke) Miller, Amanda Dubay, Micah (Jesi) Murphy, Chad (Maggie) Murphy, James (Amy) Murphy, Shana (Cliff) Bush, Catherine Hawthorne, Meghann (Tony) Russell; great grandchildren, Jordan (Bria) Miller, Ashley (Matt) Champion, Lacey Baker, Daniel and Garrett Barton, Patrick, George, Mary Kate, Grade, Mary (Nick Seguin) , Reagan, Brenagan and Evan Murphy, Casey (Jaird) Calvo, Emily and Adam Bush, Leah and Collin Hawthorne, and Willow Ray, Zoe and Anthony Russell and one great­ great-granddaughter, Claire Marie Miller; sisters-in-law, Elizabeth Springer and Mary Springer. She will also be missed by nieces, nephews, cousins and the coffee ladies. A funeral service will be held at noon on Monday, Nov. 18, 2019 at Girrba® Funeral Home 328 South Broadway Street, Hastings, Mil 49058 with visitation one-hour prior. Interment at Riverside Cemetery following luncheon. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Kyomi’s Gift (www.kyomisgift.org) through the Barry Community Foundation. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. Keep your friends and relatives informed and up to date with all the local news from Barry County. Send them... The Hastings BANNER To subscribe, call us at: 269-945-9554 Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF® (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinancial.com Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 14, 2019 — PageP7 SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Agency helps veterans and active-duty military members Vonda Van Til Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Each November, the nation honors the people who risk their lives to protect our country. Social Security’s disability program isj an important part of our obligation to wounded warriors and their families. i For military members who return home with injuries, Social Security is a resource they can turn to. If you know any wounded veterans, let them know about Social Security’s Wounded Warriors website, socialsecurity.gov/woundedwarriors. The Wounded Warriors website answers many common questions and shares other useful information about disability benefits, including how veterans can receive expedited processing of disability claims. Benefits available through Social Security are different than those from the Department of Veterans Affairs and require a separate application. The expedited process is used for military service members who are disabled while on active military service on or after Oct. 1, 2001, regardless of where the disability occurs. Even active-duty military who continue to receive pay while in a hospital or on medical leave should consider applying for disability benefits if they’re unable to work due to a disabling condition. Active-duty status and receipt of military pay doesn’t necessarily prevent payment of Social Security disability benefits. Although a person can’t receive Social Security disability benefits while engaging in substantial work for pay or profit, receipt of military payments should never stop someone from applying for disability benefits from Social Security. Social Security honors veterans and active-duty members of the military every day by giving them the respect they deserve. Let these heroes know they can count on us when they need to take advantage of their earned benefits. Hastings woman killed in head-on crash Wednesday A 27-year-old Hastings woman died in a head-on crash Wednesday between Hastings and Middleville. The collision occurred at approximately 9:15 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13, on West State Road near Grange Road in Irving Township, according to a press release issued Wednesday afternoon by the Michigan State Police. One driver, a 20-year-old male, was taken to Metro Hospital in Kent County with serious injuries. The other driver, a 27-year-old female from Hastings, was pronounced dead at the scene. Names were not being released, pending notification of next of kin. Initial investigation showed that the deceased driver appears to have crossed the centerline. Neither driver was wearing a seat belt. Troopers do not believe alcohol or drugs contributed to the crash. State Police Accident Investigators were called to the scene, and the crash remains under investigation. The State Police were assisted by Barry County Sheriff’s Department, Thornapple Township Emergency Services Fire and Ambulance, and the Barry County Road Commission. Call any time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525 or via email to vonda .vantil@ssa .gov. STILL MISSING Autumn Nichole Skuse, Hastings and Nathaniel David Witter, Hastings Nicole Rose McCord, Delton and Casey James VanHoose, Delton Jeremy Daniel Little, Lake Odessa and Nichole Marie Coleman, Lake Odessa Hank McCoy. Since Monday, November 4, from South/S. Park St. (by the high school). 2 year old male gray stripped Tabby. Fixed, front declawed and microchipped. Please check sheds & garages and help bring him home. Please contact me if found: (214) 478-6469 NOTICE The minutes of the meeting of the Barry County Board of Commissioners held Nov. 12, 2019, are available in the County Clerk’s Office at 220 W. State St., Hastings, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or www.barrycounty.org. 131809 HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE McKelveys celebrated 70thanniversary Ted arid Clara McKelvey celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary on N6v. 10, 2019 at Woodlawn Meadows Retirement Village with family. Cards can be sent to them at 5050 E. Maple Grove Road, Hastings, MI 49058. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads More than 50% of adults have a positive perception of ads in print newspapers.* Want to be next to trusted content? Place your ad in this newspaper and a network of newspapers in the state! Friday, Nov. 15 - preschool story time, 10:30-11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 18 - Quilting Passions, 10 a.jn.-l p.m.; Lego club, 4-5 p.m.; murder mystery night group, 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 19 - toddler time, 10:30-11 a.m.; murder mystery day group, 1-3 p.m.; mahjong club, 5:30; chess club, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20 - acoustic jam ses­ sion, 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 - Baby Cafe, 10 a.m.noon; Novel Ideas Book Club “A Piece of the World” by Christina Baker Kline, 12:30-2 p.m.; Movie Memories and Milestones watch­ es 1947 film starring Linda Darnell, Cornel Wilde and Richard Greene, 5 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. Show Saturday Nov. 23, 2019 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Thornapple Kellogg High School 3385 Bender Road, Middleville MI 49333 (enter thru Athletic entrance - show is in Main Gym) Come out and support your local crafters and vendors while supporting your local athletes. Notice of Drainage Board Meeting For Determination of Necessity FREE Admission All proceeds benefit Thomapple Kellogg Athletic Boosters STOP BY TO SUPPORT THE TK BASEBALL TEAM GIBSON AND TRISKETT INTERCOUNTY DRAIN (Barry and Eaton Counties) DATE:December 18, 2019 TIME:6:00 p.m. LOCATION: Assy ria Township Hall 8094 Tasker Road, Bellevue, Michigan Proceedings conducted at this public meeting will be subject to the provisions of the Michigan Open Meetings Act. Written comments may be submitted prior to the meeting, or additional information may be obtained from the following offices: Jim Dull Barry County Drain Commissioner 220 W. State St. Hastings, Michigan 269-945-1385 Richard Wagner Eaton County Drain Commissioner 1045 Independence Blvd. Charlotte, Michigan 517-543-3809 Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in the meeting should contact the Drain Commissioner of their County at the number listed above or through the Michigan Relay Center at 7-1-1 (TDD) at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance. Anyone aggrieved by the decision of the Intercounty Drain Drainage Board may seek judicial review pursuant to MCL 280.122a. Dated: November 4, 2019 Christine Kosmowski, Deputy For Gary McDowell, Director 3 132090 PANCAKE BREAKFAST before the craft show, serving 7:00-10:00ani Cost $5.00 at the High School City of Hastings NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON THE SPECIAL USE PERMIT FOR 1400 and 1402 E. CENTER RD The Planning Commission for the City of Hastings will hold a Public Hearing for the purpose of hearing written and/or oral comments from the public regarding the request for the Special Use Permit for an open space use at 1400 and 1402 E. Center Road. The public hearing will be held at 7:00 PM on Monday December 2, 2019 in City Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 201 0-2W East State Street, Hastings, \ Michigan 49058. .... All interested citizens are encouraged to attend and to submit comments. \ A copy of the plans and additional background materials are available for public inspection from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday at the Office of the Community Development Director, 201 E. State Street, Hastings, Ml 49058. Questions or comments can be directed to Dan King, Community Development Director at 269-945­ 2468 or dking@hastingsmi.org. The City will provide necessary reasonable aids and services upon five days notice to the City Clerk at 269.945.2468 or TDD call relay services 800.649.3777. jane M saurman 132153 City of Hstings City Clerk 1322 IMPORTANT NOTICE Regarding Unpaid Delinquent Personal Property Taxes The following community taxpayers currently owe delinquent personal property taxes to Hastings Public Schools, Barry County, Barry Intermediate School District and the City of Hastings Delinquent Taxpayer Bake Sale, Door Prizes, Concession Stand The Gibson and Triskett Intercounty Drain Drainage Board will meet at the above date, time and location to hear all interested persons, receive evidence and determine whether the maintenance and improvement, as set forth in the petition dated July 2, 2018, is necessary for the public health, convenience, or welfare. Call this paper or 800-227-7636 www.cnaads.com Thornapple Kellogg Athletic Boosters Anne's Health Foods Creative Designs Hair and Nails Depot Law Office PLC Floral Designs of Hastings Hastings Body Shop PR Builders Christopher Tomczyk DDS Year(s) 2009-2015 2012-2018 2010-2018 2013-2018 2015-2018 2018 2018 . ............. Amount 6,850.81 898.28 1,398.85 1,039.42 1,963.67 197.43 76.25 Per the State General Property Tax Act, Section 211.47, continued failure to remit payment for outstanding tax liens may result in the closure of these establishments. If you are interested in further details, please contact the City of Hastings, (telephone number 269-945-2468 or TDD call relay services 1-800-649­ 3777). Jane M. Saurman City Clerk/Treasurer/Director of Finance AT&T Mobility, LLC AT&T Mobility, LLC is proposing to modify an existing wireless telecom­ munications facility on an existing water tank located at 107-A West Blair Street, Hastings, Barry County, Michigan 49058. The modifications will consist of the collocation of antennas at a centerline height of +/-116’ on the 114’ water tank. Any interested party wishing to submit comments regarding the potential effects the proposed facility may have on any historic property may do so by sending such comments to: Project 6119004628 - MRH EBI Consulting, 6876 Susquehanna Trail South, York, PA 17403, or via tele­ phone at (785) 760-5938. �Page 8 — Thursday, November 14, 2019 — The Hastings Banner ! Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD JONES What can investors learn from veterans? । Elaine Garlock Tonight is meeting time for the Lake Odessa Area Historical Society. This is the annual meeting for the Memory Tree program in which the public is invited to participate. Additional ornaments will be available for names to be inscribed with new names “In Memory.” The price is low and it is a significant token of remembrance, reviewed each year as the names are read in the ensuing years. Those not read are still on display for years to come. There will be light refreshments and music. The Tri-River Museum group will meet next Tuesday at Cedar Springs. The hundreds of new directories will be distributed to members for the 2020 season. Sand Lake is the newest member group, which puts the number past the 30 mark. Last week’s column had mention of the peculiar de-foliage of the gingko tree pattern. True to form, on the very night after this was written for last weeks’ publication, the leaves fell overnight. A thick blanket of yellow leaves covered the ground. Because they were not immediately raked or mowed, they were still in place when the snow fell early Sunday. We will have a thaw so the mulching mowers can make one last sweep of the lawn, or will the leaves be left until spring? Nov. 3 was observed as All Saints Day at Central United Methodist Church. A part of the service was devoted to remembrance of departed members from the year since the October observance in 2018. They were Edward Reiser, Leah Abbott, Ada Dennie, Alan Goodemoot, Fred Shuert Jr. and Phillip Shetterly. Family members of each took part in the remembrance service, along with the pastor and the worship leader. John and Andrea Gentner of Eagle Point observed their 50th wedding anniversary Nov. 10 by hosting the congregation of Central UMC at the coffee hour with a lunch. Fifteen of their family members from St. Johns, Three Rivers and the Lapeer area were present for the celebration. The community Thanksgiving service will again be hosted by First Congregational Church Wednesday, Nov. 27, at 7 p.m. The Rev. Dr. Marilyn Donalson will be the host pastor. Others will take part in the community service. The next blood drive will be Dec. 16. The Lakewood Community Christmas Basket program will be in full force in the week of Dec. 3-7. GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. Each year, Veterans Day allows us to show our respect for the sacrifices that military veterans have made for our country. But have you ever stopped to think about what lessons our veterans can teach us about how we conduct various aspects of our lives? For example, consider the following traits and how they might apply to your actions as an investor: • Perseverance - Even veterans who have not served in armed combat have had to persevere in challenging situations. The military life is not an easy one, as it often involves frequent moves, living in foreign countries, time away from loved ones, and so on. As an investor, in what ways do you need to show perseverance? For one thing, you’ll need to stick it out even in the face of volatile markets and short-term losses. And you’ll need the discipline to make investing a top priority throughout your life, even with all the other financial demands you face. • Willingness to learn and adapt - During the course of their service, military veterans frequently need to learn new skills for their deployments. Furthermore, living as they often do in foreign countries, they must adapt to new cultures and customs. When you invest, you’re learning new things, not only about changes in the economic environment and new investment opportunities, but also about yourself - your risk tolerance, your investment preferences, and your views about your ideal retirement lifestyle. Your ability to learn new investment behaviors and to adapt to changing circumstances can help determine your long-term success. • Awareness of the “big picture” - All members of the military know that their individual duties, while perhaps highly specific, are nonetheless part of a much bigger picture - the security of their country. When you make an investment decision, it might seem relatively minor, but each move you make should contribute to your larger goals - college for your children (or grandchildren), a comfortable retirement, a legacy for your family or any other objective. NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS AND ELECTORS OF THE 132234 CITY OF HASTINGS, COUNTY OF BARRY, STATE OF MICHIGAN AND THE USERS OF SAID CITY’S WASTEWATER SYSTEM OF INTENT TO ISSUE BONDS AND THE RIGHT OF REFERENDUM RELATING THERETO ; PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City of Hastings, County of Barry, State of Michigan, intends to issue and sell revenue bonds pursuant to Act 94, Public Acts of Michigan, 1933, as amended, in an aggregate amount not to exceed Eleven Million Dollars ($11,000,000) (the “Bonds”), for the purpose of paying the costs of acquiring and constructing improvements to the City’s wastewater system, including improvements to the wastewater treatment plant, together with all necessary interests in land, rights-of-way, appurtenances and attachments thereto (the “Project”). SOURCE OF PAYMENT OF REVENUE BONDS THE PRINCIPAL OF AND INTEREST ON SAID REVENUE BONDS SHALL BE PAYABLE primarily from the revenues received by the City from the operations of the City’s wastewater system. The City expects the revenue bonds to be sold to the Michigan Finance Authority in connection with the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy Clean Water Revolving Fund program in which case the bonds sold to Michigan Finance Authority may also be payable as described below. Said revenues will consist of rates and charges that may from time to time be revised to provide sufficient revenues to provide for the expenses of operating and maintaining the system, to pay the principal of and interest on said bonds and other bonds payable from revenues of the system, and to pay other obligations of the system. BOND DETAILS SAID BONDS will be payable in annual installments not to exceed twenty (20) in number and will bear interest at the rate or rates to be determined at the time of sale to the Michigan Finance Authority but in no event to exceed two and one-half percent (2.50%) per annum on the balance of the bonds from time to time remaining unpaid. ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF PAYMENTS FOR BONDS SOLD TO MICHIGAN FINANCE AUTHORITY BECAUSE THE REVENUE BONDS WILL BE SOLD TO THE MICHIGAN FINANCE AUTHORITY, THE CITY MAY ALSO PLEDGE ITS LIMITED TAX FULL FAITH AND CREDIT AS SECURITY FOR THE BONDS. IN SUCH CASE, IF REVENUES OF THE SYSTEM ARE INSUFFICIENT TO PAY DEBT SERVICE AT ANYTIME, THEN TO PAY DEBT SERVICE THE CITY SHALL ADVANCE LEGALLY AVAILABLE FUNDS INCLUDING, IF NECESSARY, FUNDS FROM THE LEVY OF TAXES UPON ALL TAXABLE PROPERTY IN THE CITY, SUBJECT HOWEVER TO CONSTITUTIONAL, STATUTORY AND CHARTER TAX RATE LIMITATIONS. IN ADDITION THE CITY MAY BE REQUIRED TO PLEDGE FOR THE PAYMENT OF THE BONDS SOLD TO THE MICHIGAN FINANCE AUTHORITY MONEY RECEIVED OR TO BE RECEIVED BY THE CITY DERIVED FROM IMPOSITION OF TAXES BY THE STATE AND RETURNED OR TO BE RETURNED TO THE CITY AS PROVIDED BY LAW, except for money the use of which is prohibited for such purposes by the State Constitution. The City may enter into an agreement providing for the payment of taxes, which taxes are collected by the State and returned to the City as provided by law, to the Michigan Finance Authority or a trustee, and such funds may be pledged for the payment of the bonds. RIGHT OF REFERENDUM THE BONDS WILL BE ISSUED WITHOUT A VOTE OF THE ELECTORS UNLESS A PETITION REQUESTING SUCH A VOTE SIGNED BY NOT LESS THAN 10% OF THE REGISTERED ELECTORS OF THE CITY IS FILED WITH THE CITY CLERK WITHIN FORTY-FIVE (45) DAYS AFTER PUBLICATION OF THIS NOTICE. IF SUCH PETITION IS FILED, THE BONDS MAY NOT BE ISSUED WITHOUT AN APPROVING VOTE OF A MAJORITY OF THE QUALIFIED ELECTORS OF THE CITY VOTING THEREON. THIS NOTICE is given pursuant to the requirements of Section 33, Act 94, Public Acts of Michigan, 1933, as amended. Jane Saurman City Clerk City of Hastings And if you can keep in mind that your actions are all designed to help you meet these types of goals, you will find it easier to stay focused on your long-term investment strategy and not overreact to negative events, such as market downturns. • Sense of duty - It goes without saying that veterans and military personnel have felt, and still feel, a sense of duty. As an investor, you are trying to meet some personal goals, such as an enjoyable retirement lifestyle, but you, too, are acting with a sense of duty in some ways, because you’re also investing to help your family. There are the obvious goals, like sending children to college or helping them start a business, but you’re also making their lives easier by maintaining your financial independence throughout your life, freeing them of potential financial burdens. This can be seen quite clearly when you take steps, such as purchasing long-term care insurance, to protect yourself from the potentially catastrophic costs of an extended nursing home stay. Military veterans have a lot to teach us in many activities of life - and investing is one of them. So, on Veterans Day, do what you can to honor our veterans and follow their behaviors as you chart your own financial future. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. If you have any questions, contact Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. ----STOCKS----The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. Apple Inc. AT&T Chevron Deere & Co. Exxon Mobil Flowserve CP Ford Motor Co. General Electric Co. General Motors Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP Perrigo Co. Pfizer Inc. Spartannash Comp Stryker TCF Financial Corp. Walmart Inc. Walt Disney Co Whirl Pool Corp. Gold Silver Dow Jones ' 261.96 39.17 120.96 176.39 69.37 48.97 9.04 11.42 38.59 233.12 131.35 63.97 147.07 48.29 36.97 12.13 200.18 42.56 119.12 138.58 155.31 +4.83 +unchngd -.98 -2.53 -3.72 -.47 +.02 +.45 +.36 +.92 +.93 +.45 +2.61 -5.86 -.51 -1.86 +1.81 -.21 +.26 +7.13 -2.46 $1,458.29 $16.90 27,691 -$27.91 -.85 +198 Moon shadows Dr. Universe: Why does the moon have phases? Manahil, 14, Pakistan Dear Manahil, When astronomers looked at the night sky long ago, they also had questions just like this one. You know, I was also curious about why the moon looks so different at different times of the month. I visited with my friend Jose Vazquez, an astronomer at Washington State University, to learn more about it. He said the way the moon looks to us has to do with two other objects in our solar system: our sun and earth. Vazquez reminded me that the moon takes a trip around the earth each month. It has been making this trip for billions of years. Let’s imagine you had a baseball in your hand and your arm was straight out in front of you. Next, you moved your arm to the right until it was reaching out to the side. Imagine you let go of the ball, but it didn’t fall. Instead it made a complete circle around you and came back to your hand. This is kind of what the moon does. It makes a full orbit around the earth, which in this case, is represented by your head. Now imagine this was happening in a dark room. Space is a very dark place, after all. And imagine a candle was sitting on one side of the room to represent the sun. The moon and earth are quite close to one another and the sun is very far away. If you held the baseball out again in front of the candle, the ball would look dark from where you (earth) stand. That’s because your baseball moon is blocking the light. This is kind of like the phase we call a new moon. If you moved your ball out to the right again, you would start to see a sliver of light on the ball that curves to the left. This is like the waxing crescent phase. As the can­ dlelight (sun) hits the moon (your ball) in different ways, you see different phases. If you kept moving that ball in its orbit, you’d then see a moon that looks half lit up, called the third quarter. Next comes a wan­ ing gibbous, which isn’t quite full but is getting close. This is followed by a full moon. Then we see another gibbous moon, a half moon, and a crescent moon again — but this time the sliver of light curves to the right. Then we are back to the darkness of a new moon. The phases of the moon are a reminder that our planet is in motion and interacting with other objects in the solar system. There are a lot of phases of the moon to remem­ ber, but I bet you are up for the challenge. One of my friends who is a teacher uses chocolate sandwich cookies to teach her students about the moon phases. It’s not only educational, but sweet, too. You might just want to try it at home with this activity from our friends at NASA. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University's resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 14, 2019 — Page 95 I fl look Baek at the stories and columns on local history in the Hastings Banner TURNING BACK THE PAGES Early years of the Irv ng settlement think the other fording place was in Irving where the bridge and dam are.) Moreau’s trading post was in mins when they moved there. Joseph Cisler dug among the mins and found buried casks that had contained whiskey. Moreau traded “fire water” to the Indians, and when he thought they’d had enough, he was in the habit of burying the casks so he might back up his story that he had no more. By 1839, a legislative act authorized an organization of a township that included Bull’s land, and it was through his influence - because of his admiration for Washington Irving and his writings - the township was called Irving. Bull also tried to get the county seat moved from Hastings to his settlement and so doing stirred up opposition and lasting animosity. Bull resided in a substantial log cabin on the banks of the river. In 1846, he was appointed postmaster and opened a post office in his home. That same year, they had a huge Fourth of July celebration on Bull’s farm. Immigrant settlers and Indians came from many miles around. Under a burr oak tree, a bunting-draped speaker’s platform was erected. Calvin G. Hill, another prominent settler, delivered the principal address. Lemonade and lots of food were served to everyone. From a tall pole, a larger silk flag was unfurled. In the fall of 1846, Bull married Miss Lydia Shaw, 20, of Valencia, Cass County. He was 38. In 1856, he erected the large house which was the most pretentious in the county. [The home still stands today, 2019, on Irving Road, east of the fairgrounds.] William and Velorous Ingraham were the second settlers, arriving in the spring of 1838. Their grandfather, Amos, joined them that summer and complained that all of the hardships of the Revolutionary War of 1776 were nothing compared to the fever and chills of Michigan. He died that same year, and his was the first burial in Irving Cemetery. [He was one of only two Revolutionary War veterans laid to rest in Barry County. The other is John Quick, who was buried at the Quaker Cemetery in Maple Grove Township.] William Ingraham converted his home into a tavern. This served as a place to change horses for the stage line started by Herman Knappen of Hastings, who established a route from Battle Creek to Hastings via Irving, then Grand Rapids. I have not found for sure if this was the inn in Irving, or one could have been built on State Road. [The website history. rays-place.com says the tavern was “at the In 1856, Albert E. Bull erected a large house “which was the most pretentious in the county.” An early settler in Irving and Rutland townships, Bull had previously lived in? the small home (upper left), which was referred to as “the intellectual center of the new , settlement,” due to his large collection of books. Irving Township is said to be named-1 after one of Bull’s favorite authors, Washington Irving. (Photos from 1880 History of^ Allegan and Barry Counties, Michigan) »: intersection of the two roads, near the town line, on Section 34.” That intersection was at State and Woodschool roads, likely near the Algonquin Farm.] Bull surveyed a road from Hastings to Battle Creek (now M-37); later a state road from Hastings to Irving. From the 1880 History of Allegan and Barry County'. “During the year 1838, there came to Irving Daniel Williamson and his family. In 1842, A.E. Bull, Daniel Williamson and the Ingrahams were the only settlers - not near, but distant neighbors.” Dick Belson and Bill McCann Jr. wrote an article on the history of Irving (very good article, by the way). In Dick’s article, “The men, Moreau and Bull, came to the vicinity of Irving a number of years before the village was established, they actually had no part in founding Irving. That was done by Luther B. Hills.” Dick said he’d read it somewhere in bill McCann’s notes that Bull had run out of money, so the purchasing and platting of the actual village was done by others. In 1832, L.B. Hills, formerly of New York, settled in Wayne County, Michigan, and in 1848, bought six 80-acre lots along the south bank of the Thomapple River in the present Irving village. He let a contract in July^q 1849 for the construction of a dam. By 1851, G a water-powered sawmill had been erected jy. Then came Mr. Gibbs, a blacksmith. In 1853, Hills built two buildings intending, ( one to be a chair factory and the other foundry, using water power. For some reason, it didn’t work out. The chair factory had >7 religious meetings in it before it was sold tosj Asahel Hubbard. In 1854, Hubbard purchased one-half interest in the water power and he and Hills converted the chair factory into a grist mill. Hills and Hubbard were the 1 proprietors when Hills disposed of his interest J to Jeremiah Hendershott. In 1871, Hubbard and Hendershott erected the mill now (1880) i carried on in Irving by Gardner and Campbell J and Co. It represents upwards of $30,000, * contains five run of stone. Its capacity is about j 150 barrels of flour, daily. Although Hills surveyed, and I imagine | platted, Irving, when the water power and the j milling interests passed to the control to J Hubbard, the village became known as * Hubbardsville. In 1949, a few residents could recall when Irving was called this. To be continued ... 132229 OFFICE OF THE BARRY COUNTY DRAIN COMMISSIONER NOTICE OF DAY OF REVIEW OF DRAINAGE DISTRICT BOUNDARIES AND DAY OF REVIEW OF APPORTIONMENTS Lydia Shaw and Albert E. Bull The following column was researched and written by the late Norma Velderman of Middleville and printed in the Oct. 25 and Nov. 1, 1984, Sun and News for her “Down Memory Lane” column, complete with her comments and speculations. This article on Irving is made up of many parts: The story of Albert E. Bull, an early settler of the present Irving and Rutland townships; Luther B. Hills’ part in surveying and platting the village of Irving; the businesses of Irving with plat maps from 1873, 1895 and 1913 showing various businesses of those years. Then we have the article well rounded off with recollections from former and present residents of the village: Ben and Hazel Nagel, Nellie Gillette Schenkel, Dick Belson, Maude Bennett Steeby and Leona Bennett Packer. My sources are many: History of Allegan and Barry County of 1880; Michigan Gazetteer; a scrapbook from Kalamazoo’s public library; an article written by Ray Johnson; an original manuscript written by Dick Belson and Bill McCann Jr. in 1949 when Dick was 14 and a student at Middleville school; also the Hastings Banner scrapbook. Early trading posts were the first buildings erected by French fur traders. One big independent fur trader, Louis Campau, had trading posts on the Kalamazoo River, on Gun Prairie, at Bull’s Prairie, in the southeast comer of Thornapple Township, at Green Lake, Leighton Township and one at the future site of Grand Rapids. You see, the American Fur Trading Company and big independent fur traders like Louis Campau brought their goods from the East by sail vessels to Mackinac, then they transferred their goods to lake barges and went down the east coast of Lake Michigan to the St. Joseph River and to the fort where Chicago is now. But until the settlers came, the fur traders never used the Grand or Kalamazoo rivers. In 1831, Lucius A. Barnes entered at the White Pigeon Land office, for Louis Campau, the lands now occupied by Grand Rapids. So, you can see Campau was busy through this area. One article says Moreau set up the trading post on Bull’s Prairie, another that Moreau operated Louis Campau’s trading post on Bull’s Prairie. The monument on Bull’s Prairie put up by the Barry County Historical Society said Moreau’s trading post was started in 1827 and operated for approximately 10 years. In 1832, Albert E. Bull, Harvard graduate, Seminole War veteran, lawyer, surveyor, and Massachusetts capitalist, settled on the southwest corner of Section 33, which was included in Moreau’s deserted trading post. Bull then purchased several parcels of land in Irving and Rutland townships, totaling more than 202 acres, and by 1849, he had purchased another 320 acres in Irving Township. Ray Johnson’s article called Bull a Massachusetts capitalist; another said he came here with $500. He followed the Chicago Trail to White Pigeon. Soon afterward, Bull opened the general store at Insley’s Comers in Prairie Ronde, Kalamazoo County, in partnership with a man named Kellogg, but severed relations after a few months and opened a store in the “Island” not far from Insley’s Comers. Being a surveyor, Bull platted 40 acres of land he had purchased for a town site and called it Schoolcraft. Here was built the village of Schoolcraft. Bull was described as a small, keen, straightforward blue-eyed man, inspiring many prospective buyers with confidence, and his lots sold rapidly. While on business in Detroit, he bought 1,000 acres now included in Rutland and Irving townships at $1.25 per acre. This land he found to consist of several hundred acres of prairie and oak openings bordered by the Thornapple River. To this area, he brought a force of 20 wood-choppers. With him he also brought Mr. and Mrs. Houston Cisler and Mr. and Mrs. John Henyon. The women prepared the meals for the men. Joseph Cisler, son of Houston Cisler, in his article from the Hastings Banner scrapbook, said “his family came to Bull’s Prairie in 1836 where his dad and he and his brothers worked the farm belonging to A.E. Bull.” He went on to recall how Bull’s home was the intellectual center of the new settlement, for Bull had the best library in this part of the country. He had a store in White Pigeon, in Kalamazoo, then Bronson, at Prairie Ronde, or Schoolcraft - the scene for James Fennimore Cooper’s “Oak Openings.” Bull’s Prairie was the jumping-off place into the wilderness. That wilderness was afterward laid out into the townships of Carlton and Woodland. The settlers crossed the river at old Indian fords to get to the trails on the opposite shore of “Sow-an-que-sake,” or the Thornapple River. One of these fords was near the railroad bridge, the other several hundred feet farther down the stream. (The railroad trestle was near the monument on Bull’s Prairie, and we DATE: December 5,2019 TIME: 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. LOCATION: Barry County Courthouse 220 W. State Street Hastings, Michigan 49058 QUESTIONS: (517) 481 -4879 The Day of Review is an opportunity to review the Drainage District boundaries of the Drains listed below and the apportionment of benefit with the Drain Commissioner or a staff member. A map of the proposed Drainage District boundary revisions can be found on the Ionia County website at: www.barrycounty.org. The Drain Com­ missioner, engineers, and/or other staff members will be available to assist individuals throughout the day and make revisions where necessary. There is no need to schedule an appointment for a specific time on the Day of Review. A general description of the lands by section number proposed to be added or deleted from the Drainage Dis­ tricts as recommended by a licensed professional engineer or surveyor for each of the Drains is as follows: Drain Name Barry and Eaton Intercounty Drain Castleton & Woodland Drain Collier and Mud Creek Intercounty Drain Municipalitie s Portions of Sections Added Castleton Township 1,11,12,13, 14 Portions of Sections Removed 1, 11,12, 13, 14 25, 36 25, 36 1, 2, 11,12 1, 2, 11,13 35, 36 35, 37 6, 7, 13, 14, 17,18, 19, 20, 22, 23 Woodland Township Castleton Township Woodland Township Castleton Township 7, 17, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 28 Village of Woodland 21, 22 Woodland Township Castleton Township 1, 11, 12, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 22 1, 11, 14, 21, 22, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 7, 8, 9, 17,18 17 Gardner Drain Woodland Township - 11, 13, 14 Hart Drain Castleton Township 11, 12 11, 12 Kahler Drain Village of Woodland Woodland Township 22 21, 22 21, 22, 28, 29 Eli Hilton Drain Miller & Hynes Drain Village of Woodland Woodland Township 2, 28, 29 22 22 14,15, 22, 23 The computation of costs for the Drains listed above will also be available at the Day of Review. Drain assessments are collected in the same manner as property taxes and will appear on your winter tax bill. If drain assessments are being collected for more than one (1) year, you may pay the assessment in full with any interest to date at any time and avoid further interest charges. Persons with disabilities need­ ing accommodations for effective participation in the Day of Review should contact the Drain Commis­ sioner’s Office at the number noted above (voice) or through the Mich­ igan Relay Center at 7-1-1 (TDD) at least 24 hours in advance of the Day of Review to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance. You may appeal the Drain Commis­ sioner’s decision to revise the dis­ trict boundary to the Barry County Circuit Court within ten (10) days. You also may appeal the Drain Commissioner’s determination of apportionments to the Barry County Probate Court within ten (10) days. Jim Dull Barry County Drain Commissioner �Page 10 — Thursday, November 14, 2019 — The Hastings Banner 17 C I r/TLAI ■ ' ■ < " ' ■' .. STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28370-DE Estate of John Gilman Long. Date of birth: 12/16/1959. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, John Gilman Long, died 08/06/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Brittany Long, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 West Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Michigan 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 11/11/2019 John T. Klees P42185 Rhoades MbKee, 55 Compau Ave. NW, Ste. 300 Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (616) 235-3500 Brittany Long 371 Jon Scott Drive Alpharetta, GA 30009 (910)777-9923 132168 NOTICE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. MORTGAGE SALE-Default has been made in the conditions of a Mortgage made by CARL L. FIELDS, Mortgagor, to FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF AMERICA, Mortgagee, dated July 30, 2003, and recorded August 4, 2003, in Instrument No. 1110046, of Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due as of the date of this notice $28,894.46, including interest at 9.95% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage, and pursuant to the statutes of the State of Michigan, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction to the highest bidder, on Thursday, December 12, 2019, at 1 o’clock in the afternoon, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan. Said premises are situated in Johnsontown Township, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: The South 4 rods of the North 16 rods of the South 106 rods of the East 1/2 of the NW 1/4 of Section 32, T1N, R8W, c/k/a 15146 N. Uldriks, Battle Creek, Ml 49017. The redemption period shall be six months from the date of the sale, unless the premises are determined to be abandoned pursuant to MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be one month, or until the time to provide the notice required by MCL 600.3241 a(c) expires, whichever is later. The redemption period further may be shortened pursuant to MCL 600.3238(10) if the property is not adequately maintained, or if the purchaser is denied the opportunity to inspect the property. Please be advised that if the mortgaged property is sold at a foreclosure sale by advertisement, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale; or to the mortgage hold^ fg^^n^ing the property during the rjsdemption period. Datec: November 14. 2019 LeVasseuf Dyer ^Associates, PC Attorneys for Mortgagee 3233 Coolidge Hwy Berkley, Ml 48072 (248) 236-1765 (11-14)(12-05) 132050 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on November 21,2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Kurt M Sherman, a married man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Center LLC Foreclosing Assignee (if any): None Date of Mortgage: January 29,2018 Date of Mortgage Recording: February 1,2018 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $141,488.06 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Barry, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Commencing at the West 1/4 post of Section 7, Town 1 North, Range 9 West; thence North 43.0 feet; thence East 452 feet; thence East 173.4 feet to the Southwesterly prolongation of the Southeasterly line of Kline Street; thence North 62 degrees 40 minutes East 30 feet along said Southeasterly line to the Northerly line of South Shore Drive; thence South 67 degrees East 100.00 feet along the Northerly line of South Shore Drive for the true place of beginning; thence North 47 degrees 41 minutes 30 seconds East 111.07 feet; thence South 49 degrees 30 minutes East 45.0 feet; thence North 40 degrees 30 minutes East 80.0 feet; thence South 49 degrees 30 minutes East 591.1 feet more or less to the Northerly line of South Shore Drive, formerly known as Myers Street; thence North 67 degrees West 635.7 feet more or less along said Northerly line, to the place of beginning The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: October 24,2019 Trott Law, P.C. (10-24)(11-14) 130893 GET ALL THE NEWS OF RADDV miTIUTVf IS/aJKK * CzUUI1 1 I• Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. Synopsis Hope Township Regular Board Meeting Nov 11, 2019 Meeting opened at 6:30pm Approved: Consent agenda Insurance renewal Poverty level guidelines Wall Lake 2020 weed treatment program Fuel safe purchase Adjourned at 6:58 pm Submitted by Deborah Jackson, Clerk . Attested to by Mark S. Feldpausch, Supervisor STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 18-28001 Estate of David Wendell Taylor. Date of birth: 12-23­ 46. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, David Wendell Taylor, died April 1,2018. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Angela Rademacher, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: November 5, 2019 Ina R. O’Briant P60968 P.O. Box 197 Mason, Ml 48854 517-204-9195 Angela Rademacher 10907 Short Cut Rd. Apison, TN 37302 423-599-5046 132016 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on December 12, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Debra Mays, a married woman and John Mays I a/k/a John Mays, her husband Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Oceanside Mortgage Company Date of Mortgage: July 27, 2017 Date of Mortgage Recording: August 2, 2017 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $198,054.74 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Charter Township of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lots 37, 38 and 39 of Indian Hills, Hastings Township, Barry County, Michigan, according to the recorded Plat thereof, as recorded in Uber 4 of Plats, Page 53. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: November 14, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1401263 (11-14)(12-05) 132051 NOTICE SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE - Robert Stratton, a single man and Stephanie Brannam, a single woman, granted a mortgage to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”), solely as nominee for lender and lender's successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated July 6, 2016, and recorded on July 8, 2016, in Document No. 2016-006788, and assigned by said mortgagee to Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, as assigned, Barry County Records. Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Eighty-Nine Thousand One Hundred Thirty and 60/100 Dollars ($189,130.60). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the Barry County Courthouse, Hastings Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on December 12, 2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: A parcel of land in the East 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 9, Town 4 North, Range 10 West, Thornapple Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: Commencing at the Southeast corner of said Section; thence North 00 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds East 1323.27 feet along the East line of said Section; thence South 89 degrees 33 minutes 06 seconds West 1110.12 feet along the North line of the South 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of said Section to the centerline of Highway M-37 and the point of beginning; thence North 89 degrees 33 minutes 06 seconds East 81.08 feet to the Easterly right of way of Highway M-37; thence North 77 degrees 12 minutes 27 seconds East 149.77 feet; thence North 86 degrees 29 minutes 29 seconds East 121.64 feet; thence South 09 degrees 31 minutes 04 seconds East 593.00 feet to the centerline of said Highway M-37; thence Northwesterly 703.96 feet along a 5729.59 foot radius curve to the left, said curve having a central angle of 7 degrees 02 minutes 23 seconds and a chord bearing North 39 degrees 24 minutes 14 seconds West 703.52 feet to the point of beginning. The redemption period will be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period will be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 600.3241 a(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of Act 236 of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman P.C. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1401629 (11-14)(12-05) 132278 -..W - "■ S'. ----------------- ------------------ ---- ---------- -—*----------- t iU ' —.----------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------- —. STATE OF MICHIGAN 5TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF HEARING CASE NO. 19-9337-NA PETITION NO. 19009787-90 TO: The Hastings Banner IN THE MATTER OF: J^didiah West (DOB: 1-17­ 2015). Ahearing regarding Adjudication Trial on Respondent Dontay A. West will be conducted by the court on Tuesday, November 26,2019 at 9:00 a.m. in 5th Circuit - Family Division before Hon. William M. Doherty. You have the right to an attorney and the right to a trial by Judge or jury. IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that Ashley Marie Carpenter a/k/a Jarman personally appear before the court at the time and place stated above. This hearing may result in termination of your parental rights. NOTICE TO CREDITORS Revocable Inter Vivos Trust The Olin A. Barnhill and Ruth M. Barnhill Living Trust dated October 2, 1997. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The Settlor of the Trust, Ruth M. Barnhill, who lived at 360 E. Dowling Road, Dowling, Ml 49050 died October 27, 2019. Creditors of the Settlor are notified that all claims against the Trust will be forever barred unless presented To Teresa Hamilton at 360 E. Dowling Road, Dowling, Ml 49050, the Successor Trustee of the Trust, within 4 months of the date of publication of this notice. Date: November 7, 2019 Kreis, Enderle, Hudgins, & Borsos, P.C. By: Stephen L. Simons P33047 One West Michigan Ave. Battle Creek, Ml 49017 269/966-3000 Teresa Hamilton 360 E. Dowling Road Dowling, Ml 49050 (269)721-8043 (10-31 )(11-21) . 131805 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Christopher A. Hildebrant and Kelly M. Hildebrant, husband and wife, joint tenants, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns, Mortgagee, dated July 21, 2016 and recorded July 27, 2016 in Instrument Number 2016-007383 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by First Guaranty Mortgage Corporation, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Seventy-Four Thousand Seven Hundred Eighty and 12/100 Dollars ($74,780.12), including interest at 4% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on DECEMBER 5, 2019. Said premises are located in the Township of Baltimore, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: PARCEL 1: BEGINNING 8 RODS EAST OF THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SECTION 34, T2N, R8W, BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, THENCE NORTH 40 RODS; THENCE EAST 4 RODS; THENCE SOUTH 40 RODS; THENCE WEST 4 RODS TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. PARCEL 2: BEGINNING 12 RODS EAST OF THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF SECTION 34, T2N, R8W, BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, THENCE NORTH 40 RODS; THENCE EAST 4 RODS; THENCE SOUTH 40 RODS; THENCE WEST 4 RODS TO THE PLACE OF BEGINNING. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: October 24, 2019 File No. 19-009830 Firm Name: Orlans PC (10-24)(11-14) 131314 132015 NOTICE SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE - Doreen E Boulter, single woman, granted a mortgage to Exchange Financial Corporation, Mortgagee, dated August 17, 2000, and recorded on August 22, 2000, in Document No. 1048474, and assigned by said mortgagee to Michigan State Housing Development Authority, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Forty-Six Thousand Seven Hundred EightyNine and 06/100 Dollars ($46,789.06). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the Barry County Courthouse, Hastings Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on December 05, 2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: The South 1/2 of Lot 1/2 of Block 4 of R.J. Grant's Second Addition to the City, formerly Village, of Hastings, according to the recorded Plat thereof. The redemption period will be one year from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 125.1449v, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 125.1449v(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. Michigan State Housing Development Authority Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman P.C. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1400970 (11-07)(11-28) Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee for any reason. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest, and the purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Notice is hereby given that the below mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the Circuit Court of Barry County at 1:00 pm on December 5, 2019. Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Katherine Holmes, a Married Woman Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Ross Mortgage Corporation its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): PennyMac Loan Services, LLC Date of Mortgage: October 31, 2014 Date of Mortgage Recording: November 5, 2014 Amount claimed due on mortgage on the date of notice: $100,201.86 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in the Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Village of Middleville and Township of Thornapple, County of Barry, State of Michigan Lot 22, Charleson Heights Addition No. 1, Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, excepting therefrom the North 10 feet thereof and also the North 5 feet of Lot 23, Charleson Heights Addition No. 1, Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, according to the recorded plat thereof. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or upon the expiration of the notice required by MCL 600.3241 a(c), whichever is later; or unless MCL 600.3240(16) applies. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: 10/31/2019 Potestivo & Associates, P.C. 311727 130805 NOTICE SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE - Joseph A. Warner and Brenda Warner, husband and wife, granted a mortgage to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”), solely as nominee for lender and lender's successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated June 7, 2018, and recorded on June 18, 2018, in Document No. 2018-005905, and assigned by said mortgagee to Homebridge Financial Services, Inc., as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Sixteen Thousand Six Hundred Eighty-Four and 25/100 Dollars ($116,684.25). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the Barry County Courthouse, Hastings Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on December 05, 2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: The following described premises situated in the Township of Prairieville, County of Barry, State of Michigan and particularly described as follows: A parcel of land in the Southwest Quarter of Section 6, Town 1 North, Range 10 West, more fully described as: Section 6, Town 1 North, Range 10 West, commencing at the Southwest corner post, thence North 1537.77 feet, thence North 46 degrees 55 minutes East, 818.27 feet; thence North 47 degrees 17 minutes East, 398.2 feet to the Place of Beginning; thence North 47 degrees 17 minutes East, 232.67 feet; thence South 41 degrees 02 minutes East, 927.7 feet to the lake; thence South 74 degrees 04 minutes West, along shore, 77.36 feet; thence South 12 degrees 0 minutes West, along shore 37.52 feet; thence North 41 degrees 04 minutes West, 414.81 feet; thence South 47 degrees 17 minutes West, 338.13 feet; thence North 40 degrees 13 minutes West, 352 feet; thence North 47 degrees 17 minutes East 198 feet; thence North 40 degrees 13 minutes West 148 feet to Place of Beginning. EXCEPT: Commencing at the corner of said section, thence North 00 degrees 00 minutes East, on the West section line, 1537.77 feet, thence North 46 degrees 55 minutes East, on the centerline of County Road (Pine Lake Road), 818.21 feet; thence North 47 degrees 17 minutes East on said centerline, 200.20 feet; thence South 40 degrees 13 minutes East, on the East line of Boniface Point Road, 148.00 feet to the Place of Beginning of this description, thence North 47 degrees 17 minutes 00 seconds East, 198.13 feet, thence South 40 degrees 13 minutes 00 seconds East 200.00 feet; thence North 47 degrees 17 minutes 00 seconds East, 140.00 feet; thence South 40 degrees 13 minutes 00 seconds East 152.00 feet; thence South 47 degrees 17 minutes West, 338.13 feet to the East line of Boniface Point Road; thence North 40 degrees 13 minutes 00 seconds West on said line, 352.00 feet to the Place of Beginning. LESS AND EXCEPT: The following described premises situated in the Township of Prairieville, County of Barry and State of Michigan, and particularly described as follows: A parcel of land in the Southwest quarter of Section 6, Town 1 North, Range 10 West, more fully described as: Commencing at the Southwest corner of Section 6, Town 1 North, Range 10 West; thence North 00 degrees 00 minutes East, on the West section line, 1,537.77 feet; thence North 46 degrees 55 minutes East, on the centerline of County Road 412 (Pine Lake Road), 818.27 feet, thence North 47 degrees 17 minutes East, on said centerline, 630.87 feet; thence South 41 degrees 02 minutes East 347.77 feet to the Place of Beginning; thence continuing South 41 degrees 02 minutes East 579.93 feet to lake; thence South 74 degrees 04 minutes West, along shore, 77.36 feet; thence South 12 degrees 00 minutes West, along shore, 37.52 feet; thence North 41 degrees 04 minutes West, 414.81 feet; thence North 40 degrees 13 minutes West, 152.00 feet; thence North 47 degrees 17 minutes East, 98.15 feet to the Place of Beginning. The redemption period will be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period will be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 600.3241 a(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of Act 236 of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. HomeBridge Financial Services, Inc. Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman P.C. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1400267 (10-31 )(11-21) 131312 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Trust In the Matter of Robert H. Fekkes Trust. Date of birth: June 7,1934. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Robert H. Fekkes, died September 4, 2019, leaving the above Trust in full force and effect. Creditors of the decedent or against the Trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or trust will be forever barred unless presented to Stephanie S. Fekkes and Andrea F. Dynes, co-Trustees, within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: November 8, 2019 Rhoades McKee PC Stephanie S. Fekkes P43549 150 W. Court Street. Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-1921 Stephanie S. Fekkes and Andrea F. Dynes c/o Rhoades McKee PC, 150 W. Court Street Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)945-1921 132255 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28348-DE Estate of Lu Ann Fyan. Date of birth: 11/19/1955. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Lu Ann Fyan, died 01/16/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Jennifer Blough and Shelby Baker, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 West Court Street, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 11/06/2019 Nathan E. Tagg P68994 202 South Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2900 Jennifer Blough and Shelby Baker 166 Welcome Road 11946 Brookfield Drive Hastings, Ml 49058 / Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)838-6930 131874 Barry County Circuit Court Case No. 19-233-CH NOTICE OF JUDICIAL SALE JUDICIAL SALE IN PURSUANCE The property described below shall be sold at public auction, by an authorized sheriff/deputy sheriff or county clerk/deputy county clerk, to the highest bidder, at the Circuit Court for the County of Barry, on the 5th of December, 2019 at 1:00 pm, local time. On said day at said time, the following described property shall be sold: property located in the City of Delton, County of Barry, State of Michigan, particularly described as That portion of Lot 50 “Cottage Grove Resort”, Section 6, Town 1 North, Range 9 West, lying Northerly of an Easterly-Westerly line parallel to the Northerly line of Lot 4 and dividing Lot 4 of said plat in half and extending Easterly across Lot 50, Lot 6 of “Cottage Grove Resort”, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 2 of plats, Page 21. Tax Parcel ID: 03-060-004-00. More commonly known as: 10900 ; E Shore Dr, This notice is from a debt collector. Date of Notice: October 9, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1398357 (10-17)(11-21) 129996 NOTICE Johnson, Blumberg, & Associates, LLC 5955 West Main Street, Suite 18 Kalamazoo Ml, 49009 THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT AND ANY INFORMATION WE ’ OBTAIN WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. PLEASE CONTACT OUR OFFICE ATTHE NUMBER BELOW IF YOU ARE IN ACTIVE MILITARY DUTY. ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded . by the foreclosing mortgagee. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest. MORTGAGE SALE-Default has been made in the conditions of a certain mortgage made BY Jeremy Hager and Julie Hager, husband and wife as joint tenants, whose address is 15607 Doster Road, Plainwell, Michigan 49080, as original Mortgagors, to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems., being a mortgage dated January 21, 2009, and recorded on January 28, 2009 as document number 20090128­ 0000777, Barry County Records, State of Michigan and then assigned to CARRINGTON MORTGAGE SERVICES, LLC, as assignee as documented by an assignment dated January 6, 2019 and recorded on January 11,2016 as document number 2016-000268, Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of SEVENTY-NINE THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED SIXTY-SIX AND 44/100 DOLLARS ($79,666.44). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, at public sale to the highest bidder AT THE PLACE OF HOLDING THE CIRCUIT COURT WITHIN BARRY COUNTY, at 1:00 p.m. on November 21, 2019. Said premises are situated in the Township of Prairieville, County of Barry, State of Michigan, and are described as: LOTS 11 AND 12 OF B-Z BEES ACRES, ACCORDING TO THE RECORDED PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN LIBER 4 OF PLATS ON PAGE 12. ALSO, LOTS 23 AND 34 OF B-Z BEES ACRES #2, ACCORDING TO THE RECORDED PLAT THEREOF, AS RECORDED IN LIBER 5 OF PLATS ON PAGE 58. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless the property is determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA § 600.3241 a in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of the sale. If the property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCLA § 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: October 24,2019 For more . information, please call: (312) 541-9710, Kenneth J. Johnson, Johnson, Blumberg, & Associates, LLC, 5955 West Main Street, Suite 18, Kalamazoo, Ml 49009. File No.: Ml 19 3993 (10-24)(11-14) 130656 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 14, 2019 — Page 11 Marcukaitis rewrites record board at Tier II Meet RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED ZONING TEXT AMENDMENTS AT DECEMBER 4, 2019 MEETING TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE the Rutland Charter Township Planning Commission will hold a public hearing at its regular meeting on December 4, 2019 at 7:30 p.m. at the Rutland Charter Township Hall located at 2461 Heath Road, within the Charter Township of Rutland, Barry County, Michigan. The items to be considered at this public hearing include the following proposed amendments of the designated text section within Chapter 220 (Zoning) of the Rutland Charter Township Code of ordinances in reaction to 2019 Right To Farm Act Generally Accepted Agricultural and Management Practices for Site Selection and Odor Control for New and Expanding Livestock Facilities issued by the Michigan Commission of Agriculture & Rural Development: Delton Kellogg-Thornapple Kellogg-Hastings’ Abby Marcukaitis (from left), Hannah Johnson and Anna Haywood are honored for their all-conference performances Saturday at the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference Meet their team hosted at the Community Education and Recreation Center in Hastings Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) 1. §220-2-2 (Definitions) is proposed to be amended to revise the existing definition for “Farm”, and to add definitions for new terms “Farm Operation” and “Farm Product”. 2. §220-4-2 pertaining to permitted uses in the AG/OS Agricultural/Open Space Preservation District is proposed to be amended to add a reference to (proposed new) §220-16-13.B with respect to the keeping or raising of livestock for commercial production or non-commercial purposes in this District. 3. §220-5-2 pertaining to permitted uses in the CR Country Residential District is proposed to be amended to add a reference to (proposed new) §220-16-13.B with respect to the keeping or raising of livestock for commercial production or non-commercial purposes in this District. 4. §220-6-2 pertaining to permitted uses in the MDR Medium Density Residential District is proposed to be amended to add a reference to (proposed new) §22016-13.B with respect to the keeping or raising of livestock for commercial production or non-commercial purposes in this District. Delton Kellogg-Thornapple Kellogg-Hastings senior Holly Bashore cuts through the water on her way to a 12th-place time in the 500-yard freestyle during the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference Meet Saturday at the Community Education and Recreation Center in Hastings. (Photo by Brett Bremer) 5. §220-7-2 pertaining to permitted uses in the HDR High Density Residential District is proposed to be amended to add a reference to (proposed new) §22016-13.B with respect to the keeping or raising of livestock for commercial production or non-commercial purposes in this District. 6. §220-8-2 pertaining to permitted uses in the MHCR Mobile Home Community Residential District is proposed to be amended to add a reference to (proposed new) §220-16-13.B with respect to the keeping or raising of livestock for commercial production or non-commercial purposes in this District. 7. §220-9-2 pertaining to permitted uses in the MU Mixed Used District is proposed wllWLu,- to be amended to add a reference to (proposed new) §220-16-13.B with respect tp the keeping or raising of livestock for commercial production or non­ commercial purposes in this District. 8. §220-10-2 pertaining to permitted uses in the LC Lake Commercial District is proposed to be amended to add a reference to (proposed new) §220-16-13.6 with respect to the keeping or raising of livestock for commercial production or non-commercial purposes in this District. 9. §220-11-2 pertaining to permitted uses in the ACLI Airport Commercial/Light Industrial District is proposed to be amended to add a reference to (proposed new) §220-16-13.B with respect to the keeping or raising of livestock for commercial production or non-commercial purposes in this District. DK-TK-Hastings senior Erin Dalman pushes towards a fourth-place time in the 100yard breaststroke during the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference Meet at the Community Education and Recreation Center in Hastings Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor One Union Red Hawk leaned over to a teammate. “She’s a sophomore,” she said as the oth­ er’s eyes got wide. Delton Kellogg-Thornapple KelloggHastings sophomore Abby Marcukaitis set team, pool and conference records in both the 100-yard freestyle and the 100-yard back­ stroke at the 2019 OK Rainbow Tier II Conference Meet at the Community Education and Recreation Center in Hastings Saturday. She qualified for the Division 1 Lower Peninsula Swimming and Diving Finals in both races as well, winning the 100-yard free­ style in 53.62 seconds and the 100-yard back­ stroke in 57.64. Marcukaitis had to push hard the final 25 yards in the 100 free to beat out Greater Muskegon junior Evyn Johnson by a second. Marcukaitis had to push herself in the 100 backstroke, beating her nearest competi­ tor by nearly 7.5 seconds. She placed 12th in that state in the backstroke race a year ago Former 100 free conference record holder, CLS alumnus Syd Schering, presented Marcukaitis with her medal following the race. Natalie VanDenack had been the previ­ ous team record holder in the race for DK-TKHHS thanks to a time of 54.59 ten years ago. The medal stand was fun, but Marcukaitis said the highlights of the event for her were the moments she spent treading water on the edge of the pool between her competitors as the crowd cheered and her record times were announced - especially the 100-yard freestyle because of the competition. Johnson was more than a second faster than Marcukaitis in Friday’s preliminary heats for the race. Marcukaitis and Johnson swim in the USA Swim Program together. Marcukaitis was one of three DK-TK-HHS girls to earn all-conference honors at the meet joining senior diving champion Hannah Johnson and freshman swimmer Anna Haywood on the bulkhead as the conference’s top athletes were honored at the end of the long weekend at the pool. Hannah Johnson and fellow DK-TK-HHS divers Claire Green and Shannon Brown all qualified for tonight’s (Nov. 14) Division 1 Diving Regionals with their performances. Johnson won the conference diving champi­ onship, putting together an 11-dive score of 360.75 points. Caledonia-Lowell-South Christian senior Alex Salinas was a close sec­ ond with 352.25 points, setting a new team record for an 11-dive event. Green placed fifth and Brown sixth in the diving competi­ tion. Haywood added a fourth-place time of 1:06.05 in the 100-yard butterfly to her IM finish. Wayland’s Riley VanPopering won the 200-yard individual medley in 2:19.43 with Haywood second in that race in 2:25.06. Teammates Juliann Meeker, Daisy Nowinsky, Erin Dalman and Holly Bashore we’re also among some of the top-scoring swimmers of the meet. Meeker and Dalman teamed with Marcukaitis and Haywood for a third-place time of 1:56.35 in the 200-yard medley relay - their team’s top relay finish. The team of Haywood, Nowinsky, Bashore and Marcukaitis placed fourth in the 200-yard freestyle relay in 1:46.40 and the team of Meeker, Bashore, Lydia Cole and Nowinsky was sixth in the 400-yard freestyle relay in 4:11.03. Nowinsky was as part of a thrilling race for second, behind Marcukaitis, in the 100-yard backstroke. Nowinsky was fourth in the race. See RECORD, page 16 10. §220-12-2 pertaining to permitted uses in the LI Light Industrial District is proposed to be amended to add a reference to (proposed new) §220-16-13.6 with respect to the keeping or raising of livestock for commercial production or non-commercial purposes in this District. 11. §220-13-2 pertaining to permitted uses in the PRC Park/Recreation/Camps District is proposed to be amended to add a reference to (proposed new) §220­ 16-13.6 with respect to the keeping or raising of livestock for commercial production or non-commercial purposes in this District. 12. §220-16-13 presently pertaining to exotic animals, is proposed to be amended to add new provisions addressing the keeping of livestock in the various zoning districts for commercial production purposes and for non-commercial purposes. Written comments concerning the above matters may be mailed to the Rutland Charter Township Clerk at the Rutland Charter Township Hall at any time prior to this public hearing/meeting, and may further be submitted to the Planning Commission at the public hearing/meeting. The Rutland Charter Township Code, Master Plan, and the tentative text of the above­ referenced proposed Zoning text amendment(s), may be examined by contacting the Rutland Charter Township Clerk at the Township Hall during regular business hours on regular business days maintained by the Township offices from and after the publication of this Notice and until and including the day of the hearing/meeting, and further may be examined at the hearing/meeting. The Township Planning Commission reserves the right to modify any of the proposed amendments at or following the hearing/meeting and to make its recommendations accordingly to the Township Board. Rutland Charter Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services at the meeting/hearing to individuals with disabilities, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered, upon reasonable notice to the Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township Clerk as designated below. Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Rutland Charter Township 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 948-2194 �Page 12 — Thursday, November 14, 2019 — The Hastings Banner to pay $1,448 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 24 months, with oversight fees of $240. A misdemeanor charge of having an open container of alcohol in a vehicle was dismissed. * Fred Wayne Cowley, 60, of Wayland, fcwas found guilty of operating a vehicle on West State Road June 7 while intoxicated. He ^was sentenced as a third-time offender by Judge Michael Schipper to 180 days in jail, with credit for one day served. Cowley was ^ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs and twill be placed on probation for 60 months. A "supervision fee of $600 was imposed. A charge of operating a vehicle on West State iRoad while his license was suspended was •dismissed. Scott Allen Hayes, 35, of Lake Odessa, >was found guilty of accosting a child under The age of 16 for immoral purposes between *Nov. 1, 2018, and Jan. 10 and was sentenced by Schipper to 30 days in jail, with credit for Two days served. He will be placed on ^probation for 60 months, including a ^supervision fee of $600, was and ordered to Jpay $998 in fines and costs. The jail time may ►be served on weekends. ♦ Jordan Christopher-Bryan Ibarra, 30, ‘of Dowling, was found guilty of possessing a "controlled substance, methamphetamine, in Hope Township Aug. 31. He was sentenced fby Schipper to 60 days in jail, with credit for five days served. His driver’s license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 .days. He will be placed on probation for 36 ^months with a supervision fee of $360, along ►with fines and costs of $998. Charges of ^carrying a stabbing weapon concealed in a ^vehicle and operating a vehicle while his ’license was suspended were dismissed. j Kristi Kay McLaughlin, 48, of Hastings, was found guilty of operating a vehicle while ♦intoxicated on M-179 in Rutland Township "June 6. She was sentenced as a third-time offender by Schipper to 31 days in jail, with ^credit for one day served. She will be placed on probation for 36 months, including $360 in ^supervision fees, and was ordered to complete the problem-solving court if she is eligible .and pay any assessments associated with that court. She also must pay $998 in fines and Icosts. i Austin Scott Nickerson, 30, of Hastings, was found guilty of fleeing a police officer, Third-degree, July 26 in Yankee Springs Township and possessing a controlled "substance, methamphetamine, as a second­ time offender. He was sentenced by Schipper io 12 to 60 months in prison on the first count ;and 36 to 240 months in prison on the second count, with the sentences to be served consecutively, and consecutive to any parole "sanctions. Nickerson was ordered to pay $1,866 in fines and costs, with 50 percent of jail funds he receives over $50 during his incarceration to be collected by the state ^department of corrections and remitted to the Barry County court. Withdrawal from the ’prisoner’s trust account and remittance to the court shall continue until his obligation is paid jn full. Nickerson was previously convicted of delivery/manufacture of Ecstasy in 2015 in Barry County, and possession of marijuana in 2010. Jeffery Dean Pomeroy, 52, of Hopkins, was found guilty of delivery/manufacture of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, in Yankee Springs Township June 4 and was sentenced by Schipper to 30 days in jail, with credit for two days served. He was ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs and will be placed on probation for 36 months, which will include supervision fees of $360. He will be released from jail Nov. 20. Wayne Martin Tinkler Jr., 30, of Hastings, was found guilty of operating a vehicle on Nashville Road in Hastings Township while intoxicated. He is a thirdtime offender, with prior convictions for impaired driving in 2009 and driving with a high blood alcohol content in 2017. He was sentenced by Schipper to 21 days in jail, with credit for one day served. He was ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs and will be placed on probation, with supervision fees of $360. He will enter the county sobriety court, with assessments of $40 a month; his jail time may be served on weekends. Phillip Paul Birman, 41, of Hastings, was found guilty of possessing a controlled substance, methamphetamine, in Rutland Township July 26 and was sentenced by Schipper to two days in jail, with credit for two days served. He was placed on probation for 18 months and ordered to pay a supervision fee of $180. He also will pay $998 in fines and costs. A count of operating a vehicle on M-43 on a suspended license was dismissed. William Robert Cochrane-Frith, 36, of Nashville, was found guilty of possessing a controlled substance, methamphetamine, July 25 in Nashville and was sentenced by Schipper to 365 days in jail, with credit for 14 days served. He was placed on probation for 36 months, with oversight fees of $360, and pay $438 in fines and costs. He was ordered to enter and successfully complete the county’s adult drug court program and pay any fees as required. The 351-day jail sentence will be suspended. Amanda Jo Jimenez, 42, of Dowling, was found guilty of welfare fraud over $50 between Aug. 1 and Oct. 31, 2007, and sentenced by Schipper to serve two days in jail, with credit for two days served. She was ordered to pay $3,307 in fines and costs, which includes restitution of $2,909. She was placed on probation for 36 months, which includes a supervision fee of $180. Additional counts of welfare fraud and failure to inform were dismissed. Scott Francis Cbnnell Jr., 37, of Dowling, was found guilty of unlawfully driving away a motor vehicle in Johnstown Township May 30. He has prior convictions for three or more felonies and attempts to commit felonies, including larceny in a building; assaulting, resisting or obstructing a police officer; and attempted malicious destruction of police or fire property. He was sentenced as a habitual offender by Schipper to prison for 34 to 120 months, with credit for 126 days served. He was ordered to pay $898 in fines and costs, which will be collected from his prisoner’s trust account until the obligation is paid. A count of operating a vehicle on a suspended license was dismissed. Harold William Fields, 58, of Hastings, was found guilty of possessing a controlled substance, methamphetamine, in Hastings May 21 and was sentenced by Schipper to two days in jail, with credit for two days served. His driver’s license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. He was ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 24 months, which will include oversight fees of $240. Christopher James Mannoia, 46, of Shelbyville, was found guilty of possessing a controlled substance, methamphetamine, in Orangeville Township April 26. He was sentenced by Schipper to three days in jail, with credit for three days served. His driver’s license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. Mannoia was ordered Niurka Aileen Diaz, 47, of Hastings, was found guilty of welfare fraud over $50 between Nov. 1,2016, and Aug. 31,2017. She was sentenced by Schipper to one day in jail, with credit for one day served. Diaz was placed on probation for 36 months, with a supervision fee of $360 payable at $10 a month, and ordered to pay $325 in fines and costs. Additional counts of welfare fraud and failure to inform were dismissed. Tammy Sue Postema, 53, of Hastings, was found guilty of possessing a controlled substance, methamphetamine, in Rutland Township March 3. She was sentenced by Schipper to 12 months in jail, with credit for one day served. Her driver’s license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. She will be placed on probation for 24 months, with supervision fees of $240, and was ordered to pay fines and costs of $398. She may enter the adult drug court or Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation Program if she can find an approved residence. If she enters the program, she must pay any fees associated with it. Shane Ray Simons, 35, of Nashville, was found guilty of failing to comply with the Sex Offenders Registration Act March 10 in Assyria Township. Schipper ordered him to serve 12 days in jail, with credit for 12 days served, and pay $998 in fines and costs. He was placed on probation for 24 months, with oversight fees of $240. Three other counts of failing to comply with the sex offenders’ statute, failure to report a change of address, failure to pay the registration fee and operating a vehicle on M-66/Day Road on a suspended license were dismissed. In a second case, Simons was found guilty of possessing a weapon, a taser, in Nashville May 9 and was sentenced to 14 days in jail, with credit for 14 days served. His 24-month probation sentence may be served through the county’s Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation Program at a cost of $40 a month, with oversight fees of $240, payable at $10 a month. Brian Claude Snider, 53, of Hastings, was found guilty of domestic violence June 6. In a second case, he was found guilty of aggravated stalking in Hastings in July. Snider has prior convictions for four breaking and entering attempts, malicious destruction of police property, operating a vehicle under the influence of liquor, resisting and obstructing, and attempted fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. He was sentenced as a habitual offender by Schipper to 365 days in jail, with credit for 67 days served. He was ordered to pay $998 in fines and.costs. After his release, Snider will be placed on 60 months of probation» with oversight fees of $600, payable at a rate of $10 a month, and was ordered to successfully complete the Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation Program at a fee of $40 a month. Kori Ann Bronkema, 32, of Plainwell, was found guilty of possessing a controlled substance, methamphetamine, June 29 in Barry Township. She was sentenced by Schipper to 32 days in jail, with credit for 32 days served, and ordered to pay $458 in fines and costs. Her driver’s license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. Bronkema was placed on probation for 36 months, which includes a supervision fee of $360. She will undergo regular drug testing. Valerie Kay Bush, 70, of Middleville, was found guilty of operating a vehicle while intoxicated in Hastings April 11. A habitual offender, she was sentenced by Schipper to one day in jail, with credit for one day served, and two years on a GPS monitoring/tether and Secure Continuous Remove Alcohol Monitoring device. This sentence will be reviewed in six months. The probation fee is $120 with $1,398 in fines and costs. Upon completion of tether and SCRAM, Bush will be placed on probation for 60 months. Alex Lavern-Keith Fyan, 24, of Hastings, was on probation as a youthful offender and was charged with carrying a dangerous weapon, a pneumatic gun, Jan. 23 in Hastings, with unlawful intent and a second count of assault with a dangerous weapon. He violated the terms of his probation by possessing methamphetamine Feb. 6. Schipper revoked his Holmes Youthful Trainee Act status, and he was sentenced to 23 to 60 months in prison on the first count and 23 to 48 months on the second count, to be served concurrently. Fyan received credit for 74 days served. He was ordered to pay $1,996 in fines and costs. The judge said he had no objection to boot camp after six months in prison. Joseph Mark Lumbert, 43, of Woodland, was found guilty of domestic violence in Baltimore Township June 18. A third-time offender, he was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 180 days in jail, with credit for 84 days served. He was ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 36 months, with a supervision fee of $360. He was ordered to have no contact with the victim. Cindy L. McManaway, 62, of Hastings, was found guilty of breaking and entering, illegal entry of a dwelling in Baltimore Township Aug. 17 without the owner’s permission. She was sentenced by Schipper to pay $1,305 in fines and costs, including $320 in restitution, and ordered to comply with these terms. A second charge of seconddegree home invasion was dismissed. Mark Stephen Porritt, 43, of Vermontville, was found guilty of fourth­ degree fleeing a police officer and driving on a suspended license in Hastings Township July 3. He was sentenced by Schipper to 64 days in jail, with credit for 64 days served and $648 in fines and costs. He was placed on probation for 12 months, with oversight fees of $120. Woman receives texts from ex after car fire A 30-year-old woman went to the Barry County Sheriff^ Office at 8 a.m. Oct. 5 saying her ex-boyfriend set her neighbor’s truck on fire. The woman said the fire occurred earlier that morning in the 1000 block of Pinedale Drive in Irving Township. Soon after the fire, the woman received a number of texts from her ex-boyfriend which said, “Crazy enough for ya?” “LOL, LOL, LOL,” and a series of emojis including fire, a car and an eye. An officer called the ex-boyfriend, 34 of Coopersville, who immediately hung up. A fire department investigation found the cause of the fire was inconclusive. The case is inactive unless further information is discovered. Meth found in jail cell A small bag of methamphetamine was found underneath a mattress in a cell holding a 57-year-old Hastings man at the Barry County Sheriff’s Office. Another inmate told dep­ uties the man had said the bag was in the coin pocket of his pants when he was arrested, and he hid it in his underwear he when changed into his jail clothes. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Van thief crashes multiple cars on way out A 50-year-old Hastings man reported a 2003 Ford E350 cargo van had been stolen from the lot of Wright Family Auto LLC in Freeport Nov. 1. The man arrived at the scene at 8:03 a.m. The van was missing, and four other vehicles had been rammed to make a path for the van, even though there was clear way out of the lot. The man said he last saw the vehi­ cle late the previous evening. The responding sheriff’s deputy discovered the vehicle had already been impounded by Hastings City Police. The suspect, 48, of Ithaca, had been taken into custody that morning after causing a scene at a gas station in Woodbury at 5:28 a.m. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Stolen car abandoned, found, reported A 48-year-old man reported his car stolen from his residence in the 8000 block of Margery Drive in Barry Township at 5:18 p.m. Oct. 19. The 1997 Saturn had already been found abandoned in a roadway at 10:24 a.m. by Michigan State Police in the 4000 block of Peake Road in Rutland Charter Township. The case is inactive. Mystery man calling for help leads to meth Officers responded to Deep Lake Campground in Yankee Springs Township at 9:53 p.m. Oct. 19 on a report of a person yelling for help across the lake. A 48-year-old Lansing man called police after a man yelled from the other side of the lake that he had lost his phone and keys and needed help to call his wife. Arriving officers searched the other side of the lake but could not find the man. They contacted the 63-year-old Hastings woman he had said to call, and she said he had been driving a van for a taxi service. Officers found a van near the lake with passenger door partially open and a cell phone on the ground nearby. They also found trace amounts of methamphetamine on the dash. Despite assistance from a K-9 unit, police were unable to find the man, believed to be a 54-year-old Hastings res­ ident. The owner retrieved the van. Information has been forwarded to the prosecutor. Driver arrested after police chase An officer was dispatched at 7:22 p.m. Nov. 7 on a report of a possible intoxicated driv­ er on Yankee Springs Road south of Shaw Lake Road in Yankee Springs Township. The officer located the car, which was stopped in the middle of the road. The driver, a 36-yearold Middleville man, said he had four or five drinks and was on his way to get pizza but pulled over because he realized he’d had too much to drink. The officer asked the man to pull over onto the shoulder, but instead the man took off at a high speed. A chase involving multiple officers went north on M-37, east onto Dearborn Street in Middleville, south on Larkin Street, west to State Street, then south on M-37 before an officer stopped the vehi­ cle back on Yankee Springs Road near where the chase had begun. The man did not have a valid license and register a blood alcohol content of 0.18. He also had a bottle of whiskey in the vehicle he admitted to drinking while driving. Information was forwarded to the prosecutor’s office. Man attempts to hide meth in private place Business Services B usiness Services Help Wanted BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, power washing, home im­ provements. 269-320-3890. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: STORE CLOSING SALE! Doll Designs by Debbie is closing, stop in and save 25% off all doll clothes and shoes. Some dolls will be for sale also. Great time to get some holiday shopping done and save money too! Fri.-Sun., Nov. 15, 16, 17 and 22, 23, 24, 2019 from 11:00am to 7:00pm. Located at 519 S. Whitmore Rd. across from Yankee Bills (the old Blarney Stone). 269-838-5361. BARRY COUNTY FRIEND of the Court CaseworkerProvide casework functions to review, independently assess, and analyze domestic Friend of the Court cases for the pur­ pose of enforcing, reviewing, and modifying child support, parenting time, and custody provisions of court orders. Completes investigations, reports, and drafts orders and recommendations for the court as necessary. Must possess a Bachelor's degree in psychology, criminal justice, social work, counseling, or a closely related field as well as 1-3 years of case supervision experience preferably in a court or counseling, mental health, substance abuse agen­ cy or related area. Please send cover letter and resume by November 25th, 2019 to: Ms. Daisey Cherniawski; 102 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 Or email: dchermawsWb.arryco.org (Place Caseworker in the Subject line) No phone calls please. All real estate advertising in this newspaper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it ille­ gal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or marital status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in viola­ tion of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone num­ ber for the hearing impaired is 1-800-927-9275. GET EASY CASH with extra household goods and tools! Call (269) 945-9554 to sell your unwanted stuff with a classified ad in this paper. An officer initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle with a broken headlight at 12:04 a.m. Nov. 9 on North Broadway near East Carlton Center Road in Carlton Township. The officer noticed a large bag of marijuana in the floor of the passenger seat. The bag weighed 4.4 ounces. The driver, a 33-year-old Cedar Springs man, did not have a valid license and had multiple warrants and was arrested. The passenger, 58, of Big Rapids, also was arrested for possession of marijuana with intent to deliver. He had scales and multiple plastic bags in his possession. The legal limit of marijuana for civilians to carry is 2.5 ounces. The pas­ senger also had non-extraditable warrants from Florida and Mississippi and prior convic­ tions for possession and delivery of drugs in Michigan. A 36-year-old woman in the back seat of the vehicle, also from Cedar Springs, said she saw the passenger secure a bag of methamphetamine to his genitals with a rubber band. When he was taken to jail the depu­ ties found a 1.6-ounce bag of methamphetamine tied in his underwear as he changed his clothes. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Domestic violence involves bleach A 35-year-old woman called police at 6:02 p.m. Nov. 8 to report her 53-year-old boy­ friend held her by the shoulder and poured bleach over her head at his residence in the 1000 block of West Dowling Road. The boyfriend said she was pouring bleach on his clothes, and he grabbed it from her and bleach went everywhere. Information was forward­ ed to the prosecutor’s office. Middleville woman skip-scans at Walmart An officer responded to the Hastings Walmart at 6:16 p.m. Nov. 9 after a woman report­ edly attempted to skip-scan merchandise at the self-checkout lane. The 24-year-old Middleville woman had two carts and was taking two items from one cart, scanning one and putting them both in the second cart. She told the officer it was an accident, and a 19-year-old Middleville woman with her said she wasn’t aware of any theft. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 14, 2019 — Page 13 Vikes rely on senior’s swings in district final Brett Bremer Sports Editor She just kept piling on the kills. Lakewood senior outside hitter Jaizah Pyle took away Lansing Christian’s last lead in the Division 2 District Final at Lakewood High School Thursday with a powerful swing from the left end of the net - evening the opening set between the Vikings and Cougars at 20-20. Lakewood sophomore all-stater Maradith O’Gorman got the next kill for the Vikings before Pyle added a few more to help her team close out a 25-22 first-set victory. Lakewood went on to clinch the district championship with 25-12, 25-13 wins in the final two sets, earning a spot in next Tuesday’s regional semifinals at Onsted High School. “I was definitely very amped up,” Pyle said. “It was my last home game and I just wanted to kill it and I felt really good out there ... when my team was hyping me up, when everyone was getting excited, when (coach) Cam (Rowland) was getting crazy on the bench. I just knew. I was like, this feels great. This is good. I know I’m playing well. It felt awesome.” Pyle had the most kills in a single match of her varsity career, smacking 16 of them to lead her varsity team in kills in a match for the first time ever. Pyle also had a big surge late in the second set. Junior all-stater Aubrey O’Gorman stepped to the service line for the Vikings with her team up 12-6, after a big kill of her own in the middle, and served a string of nine straight points for her team. The first two ended on kills by Pyle. After a Lansing Christian time out, the Vikings got a big block from Pyle and Sophie Duits, and then four more consecutive kills by Pyle that forced a The Lakewood varsity volleyball team is surrounded by its classmates following a 3-0 victory over Lansing Catholic in the Division 2 District Final at Lakewood High School Thursday. The Vikings won their regional opener Tuesday and will face Parma Western in the Division 2 Regional Final at Onsted High School tonight (Nov. 14). (Photo by Brett Bremer) ; Lakewood senior outside hitter Jaizah Pyle (2), after a big play at the net, is at the •^Qter of the celebration of her teammates Kiana Hummel (4), Skylar Bump (9), : AubreT^Qorman and Maradith O’Gorman between points during the Division 2 District FinaTagaifvsLLansing Catholic Thursday at Lakewood High School. Pyle led •the Vikings in kills for tHe^rsttime in her varsity playing days. (Photo by Brett Bremer) second Cougar time out. “She led us in kills, but she also hit over .500,” Rowland said of Pyle. “For an outside hitter to hit over .500, no matter who it is, is awesome. Jaizah to come out on fire like that was unreal and for (freshman setter) Skylar (Bump) to trust her to give her 25 swings, that is the most swings she has had to take for us ever. She exploded like this last year for us in the postseason, just never had to have this many kills, so that was awesome to see. For her to play that efficient, with that workload, that was great.” Lakewood also got 14 kills from Maradith and ten from Aubrey. Bump had 42 assists and four aces. Aubrey had a team-high nine digs. Pyle is one of three Viking seniors, all of whom have settled into expanded roles this season. Libero Kiana Hummel had five digs and senior outside hitter Haylee Marks had four kills. “Kiana has done an incredible job as our libero,” Rowland said. “We knew it was going to be a growing process for her. The biggest thing is that Kiana has moved on from the worry of being the libero and now she just comes out and she plays. It has been night and day the last month and a half her level of play. She has been incredible. “Haylee is just leader? Haylee under­ stands her role exceptionally well and she comes out and plays hard all the time and gives energy and makes sure everyone else is firing on all cylinders and then takes care of herself.” * Marks and Duits found their rhythm swing­ ing at the net Thursday too. The Vikings need­ ed everyone to pick things up a little after the slow start. The Cougars were fired up early on. Lakewood had lead of as many as five points early on in the opening set before the Cougars surged to take a lead at 17-16. “I knew Lansing Catholic was good,” Rowland said. “I knew they were going to do things to cause us to have to play. They did that, obviously, in the first set and we made those adjustments and I thought we adjusted very, very well after the first set. We have been down at moments this year in first sets early, because teams are going to try and take things away from us. We have had to make some adjustments, and we did.” The Vikings adjusted to the strong block put up by the Cougars, led by junior middle Melissa Beachna, picked out the holes in the Cougars’ defense, and also relaxed on their serve receive. Once the Vikings overcame the Cougars in that opening set, they rolled through the sec­ ond and third sets. “I said go beat them worse,” Rowland said. “I said clean up our stuff and just go have fun and play and they can’t keep up with us if we do that. We have some weapons that not everyone else has, and tonight our weapon ended up being Jaizah, which was awesome, because that is hard because they probably came in with the game-plan to stop Mara and Lakewood sophomore outside hitter Maradith O’Gorman rises up for an attack during her team’s district victory over visiting Lansing Catholic Thursday at Lakewood High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Aubrey. They contained them a little bit early and then they were able to let loose when Jaizah gets going. That makes Aubrey and Maradith that much better because people also have to worry about her. Also at the end, that third set, when we got Sophie and Haylee involved then you’re not going to stop us because then you have to make decisions and if Aubrey and Mara are swinging without a well-formed block it is over.” Districts are over. Now it is on to regionals for the Lakewood girls, who enterecd the state tournament ranked second in Division 2. The Vikings knocked off Marshall in the regional semifinals at Onsted High School Tuesday, and will take on another Interstate-8 Athletic Conference opponent, Parma Western, in the regional final tonight (Nov. 14) back in Onsted. The winner of that match advances to the state quarterfinals in Dundee Tuesday. The Vikings opened the state tournament with a quick 25-10, 25-17, 25-10 win over Portland in the district semifinals at Lakewood High School Wednesday (Nov. 6). Maradith O’Gorman led the Vikings with 17 kills Thursday and Aubrey had 11. They had one block each. Bump finished the eve­ ning with 29 assists. Hummel, Bump and Duits had six digs each. Pyle had six kills, three digs and two aces. Duits had a teamhigh four aces. Lakewood hadn’t played in eight days lead­ ing up to the district semifinal. “It was good to just get to play. We played really well at Vicksburg (Oct. 29). To play that well and then wait eight days to play again was rough, but we took care of it.” “We gave them Friday off, practiced Saturday and then had Sunday off. Aubrey’s birthday was the 30th and they all stayed together Friday night, and I think that was good for them.” Viking spikers knock off Marshall in regional semi’s Lakewood senior libero Kiana Hummel steps up to pass a Lansing Catholic serve during their Division 2 District Final at Lakewood High School Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Lakewood varsity volleyball team has to go through the best of the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference in its Division 2 Regional Tournament in Onsted this week. The Vikings will face Jackson Parma Western, ranked seventh in the state in Division 2, in tonight’s (Nov. 14) regional final after a three-set victory over Marshall in the regional semifinals in Onsted Tuesday. The regional champion advances to Tuesday’s Division 2 State Quarterfinal at Dundee High School. The Lakewood girls outscored Marshall 25-14, 25-22, 25-20 Tuesday in the regional semifinals at Dundee High School. “We played well in the first set and then came out slow in the second, but recomposed ourselves,” Lakewood head coach Cameron Rowland said. After falling in a hole in that second set, Lakewood junior Sophie Duits tied her team back up with the RedHawks at 18-18 with a perfect serving-plan execution according to her coach. Duits finished the night with a team-high four aces. The Vikings jumped out early in the final set. Marshall kept pace with the Vikings but was never able to pull in front. Aubrey O ’ Gorman and Maradith O ’ Gorman had 11 kills each for Lakewood. Jaizah Pyle had nine kills and Haylee Marks four. Lakewood setter Skylar Bump put up 32 assists. Bump and Pyle had three aces each. Kiana Hummel led the Vikings in digs with 11. Maradith and Duits had eight digs each> Pyle seven, and Aubrey and Bump had five digs apiece. Duits and Maradith contributed two blocks each and Aubrey had three. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads �Page 14 — Thursday, November 14, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Saxons fall to Cougars in district volleyball semi’s Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Saxons celebrated one victory in the Division 2 District Tournament last week at Lakewood High School, but couldn’t earn a second one to reach the district final. Lansing Catholic scored a 25-14, 25-11, 25-16 win over the Hastings varsity volleyball Saxon libero Kaeli Jo West hits an attack from the back row during her team’s Division 2 District Semifinal against Lansing Catholic Wednesday at Lakewood High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hastings outside hitter Lsxi Herblet hits an attack during her team’s Division 2 District Semifinal match with Lansing Catholic at Lakewood High School Wednesday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) FREE SHIPPING 6re«t Gift for m Angler! 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We just couldn’t pass, pure and simple, a night and day differ­ ence between Monday and today.” Zull announced following the loss that it wasn’t just the last varsity volleyball match for his daughter, senior setter Abby Zull and fellow senior outside hitter Skyler Teske, but also for himself. “It is always bittersweet. Last game ever,” coach Zull said. “My last year. I did four years of varsity, four years of JV, and I helped (coach Angelia)) Sixberry two years at middle school. Ten years is long enough.” The Lansing Catholic Cougars pulled away quickly Wednesday, going on a 15-2 run early in the opening set. That was followed by a 10-2 run at the opening of the second set. The third set was tied 13-13 before the Cougars pulled away to finish off the victory. Abby Zull tipped a ball over the net to even the third set at 10-10 after the Cougars had led by as many as four points early on. An ace by Phoebe Schantz and a big kill by Hannah Slaughter kept the Saxons even at 13-13 before a 7-0 run by the Cougars powered by the serving of sophomore setter Hailey Bres. Hastings was successful on just 77 percent of its service attempts in the opening set, but upped that number to 93 percent in the com­ petitive final set “I can’t complain. Not a great record, but a great group of girls,” coach Zull said. “They had a good season and stayed pretty positive throughout.” Seniors Gabby Schultz and Katie Kramer each had a team-high nine kills for the Cougars. Rachel Bres, anothef: Senior, added eight. Emily Poupard had eight digs for Lansing Catholic and Cady Kooney six. Hailey Bres had 18 assists. Lansing Catholic was bested by Lakewood in the district final Thursday. The Saxons’ Chelsea Ertner goes up to try and block a ball put up by Lansing Catholic’s Nikki Hufnagel during their Division 2 District Semifinal at Lakewood High School Wednesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Saxons’ Hannah Slaughter gets some encouragement at the net from seniors . Abby Zull (right) and Skyler Teske (left) during their loss to Lansing Catholic in the Division 2 District Semifinals at Lakewood High School Wednesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Lions fall to No. 1 in first district volleyball match Top ranked Schoolcraft, the defending Division 3 State Champions, didn’t miss a beat in beating Delton Kellogg, Maple Valley and Kalamazoo Christian in the first three rounds of the 2019 MHSAA State Volleyball Tournament at Kalamazoo Christian High School this week. The Eagles ended one of the best seasons ever by the Maple Valley varsity volleyball team in the Division 3 District Semifinals Wednesday evening, outscoring the Lions 25-10, 25-11, 25-15 in three sets. That Eagle win was sandwiched around three set-victo­ ries over the Delton Kellogg girls Monday in the district quarterfinals and a 3-0 win over the third-ranked Kalamazoo Christian Comets in the district final Thursday. The Lions end the season with a 35-13-3 record overall. Junior outside hitter Keilyn Carpenter had a team-high 12 kills in the district semifinal for the Lions. Josey Terpening had two kills to go along with six digs. Lion junior setter Trista Medina put up 14 assists. Olivia Roush had 15 digs for the Lions, Medina nine and Lexi Booher five. Carpenter added four digs. Schoolcraft is hosting its regional tourna­ ment this week, and with a semifinal win on Tuesday over Bronson, the Eagles are set to take on Niles Brandywine in tonight’s (Nov. 14) Division 3 Regional Final. Call any time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 14, 2019 — Page 15 Firearm deer season starts Friday statewide For a lot of residents, Nov. 15 ranks up there with major holidays. Gathering with family and friends for the firearm deer season opener is a time-honored tradition in many Michigan families, built around the excite­ ment and fun of enjoying time in the state’s great outdoors. Some hunters share their love of deer hunt­ ing by introducing someone new to the sport. Mentored youth hunting licenses are available to kids 9 and younger, while apprentice hunt­ ing licenses are available to those 10 and older who haven’t yet completed a hunter safety education course. Learn more about these options at Michigan.gov/ MentoredHunting. This tradition is economically important, too. More than 500,000 hunters pursued deer in Michigan during the 2018 hunting seasons, providing critical license revenue that sup­ ports wildlife conservation efforts. All of Michigan’s hunting seasons - from deer and elk to waterfowl and rabbit - contribute near­ ly $9 billion a year to the state’s economy. All hunters are encouraged to review the 2019 deer hunting regulations, found in the Hunting Digest or at Michigan.gov/Deer. Key changes this season include: Deer baiting and feeding is banned in the entire Lower Peninsula and in the core chron­ ic wasting disease surveillance area in the Upper Peninsula. Watch our video: Michigan Deer Baiting, Feeding and Food Plots. New regulations in the U.P. core CWD surveillance area. New antler point restrictions. Hunters can take deer to a DNR deer check station to earn a successful hunter patch. Area deer check stations are at Fox Farm Processing Inc. in Freeport, the National Resources Department on Yankee Springs Road in the Barry State Game Area, and at the Kellogg Biological Station in Hickory Comers. The DNR reminds both new and veteran hunters to always put safety first. Lt. Tom Wanless, who heads up the DNR’s recreational safety programs, said that although some safety tips seem obvious, it’s critical for anyone hunting with firearms regardless of their experience level - to understand safety basics. “You’re not successful unless you’re safe,” Lt. Wanless said. “We want everyone to return home to their families and friends. While many safety recommendations may seem like common sense reminders, they shouldn’t be taken for granted.” Some safety tips to keep in mind include: Treating every firearm as if it is loaded. Being aware of your surroundings - know your target and what is beyond it. Unloading the firearm when crossing obsta-, cles and/or getting in or out of a tree stand. J Obeying “no trespassing” signs - they are? there for a reason. Obtaining the landowner’s permission to* retrieve your game if it wandered onto private J property. Wearing as much hunter orange as possible^ to increase your visibility. i Hammerheads Swim Club begins its winter season Sign-up for the Hammerheads Swim Club winter season is going bn now. The program began hosting practices for youth swimmers for the upcoming season this week. Practices will be hosted throughout the season Mondays and Wednesdays at the Community Education and Recreation Center pool in Hastings and on Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Thomapple Kellogg High School pool. Practice times at the CERC are from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. for new/young swimmers and from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. for advanced swimmers. Practice times in Middleville are from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. for new/young swimmers on Tuesdays and from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. for new/ young swimmers on Thursdays. Advanced swimmers practice from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. on ' Veteran James Gross shows off his 8-point buck south of Middleville during the Liberty Hunt in September. The hunt was open to individuals and veterans with disabilities as well as youth hunters. The regular firearm deer season in Michigan opens Friday. Tuesdays in Middleville and from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday evenings. Swimmers can participate in as many or as few practice sessions at either location as they choose each week. x Anyone between the ages of 8 and 18 from any area school, and those who are home schooled, and can swim 25 yards of both the freestyle and backstroke efficiently are eligi­ ble to join the club. The cost for the season is $80. A second swimmer from a family is $75 and a third $70. Checks can be made payable to Hastings Swim Club. Interested swimmers are wel­ come to participate in a few practices before paying club dues to see if the program is a gpqdfit. A handful of meets will be held throughout ■ ■’ ■ - ' • the season, but swimmers are not required to* participate in meets. There is no extra cost to* swim in the competitions. Swimmers are noti required to have a team suit for races, but* head coach Mike Schipper does require a* team cap ($15) which can be purchased upon; registration. All swimmers are required to bring a < good-fitting set of goggles, and a spare set is* highly recommended. | Sign-up can be done at practices, by meet-* ing with club administrator Jodi Hawks on coach Mike Schipper. ; Contact the club at hscmich@gmail.com J for more information or visit the team web-J page at www.hammerheadsswimclub.weebly.‘ com. * I ' r See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. • i J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS | 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits Getting the care you need should be easy. That's why the care teams Ascension Borgess Hospital at Ascension Borgess Hospital Borgess Family Medicine - Delton have Borgess Family Medicine - Delton extended hours, walk-in care and same-day appointments. We're here to 11320 M-43 deliver the care that's right for you, in your neighborhood. Delton, Ml 49046 Your care team: To schedule an appointment, call 269-301-6064 Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Walk-in and same day appointments available. Call for extended hours and Saturday openings. A Ascension / A& Borgess Hospital Ascension Michigan ©Ascension 2019. Ail rights reserved. �Page 16 — Thursday, November 14, 2019 — The Hastings Banner RECORD, continued from page 11 The second-, third-, fourth- and fifth-place finishers in the race were separated by just .86 seconds. A pair of Ottawa Hills girls were between Marcukaitis and her senior teammate Nowinsky who finished in 1:05.58. “It is fun (chasing Marcukaitis),” Nowinsky said. “We’re lane buddies. She is my little sis’ on the team. I just want her to do well. “It is really fun that we’re swimming back­ stroke together, both top eight, just going for it. It is really good for our team,” Nowinsky added. “She is insane. No fast skin, day one, she gets a 59 and then day two she gets a 57, beats the school record, the conference record, everything. I’m really proud.” Dalman, another DK-TK-HHS senior, placed fourth in the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:15.43. Meeker, a junior, placed eighth in the 50-yard freestyle in 28.38. The Greater Muskegon Turtles Co-op var­ sity girls’swimming and diving team won the 200-yard medley relay and the 200-yard freestyle relay, and capped off an undefeated conference season by winning the meet with 392 points. Wayland Union was second with 337.5 points, ahead of CLS 326, Ottawa Hills 313, DK-TK-HHS 303, Calvin Christian 228.5, West Catholic 95 and Grand Rapids Union 80. Evyn John&oh .Teamed with Olivia McKenna, Alaina Kbhley and Helena Widder to win the 200-yard medley relay for Muskegon in 1:53.49. That same foursome won the 200-yard freestyle relay in 1:40.46. ~ ~ McKenna won the 200-yard freestyle in 1:57.83 and the 100-yard breaststroke in 1:11.06. Her teammate Evyn Johnson won the 50-yard freestyle in 25.02. CLS junior Lex Wilcox won the 100-yard butterfly in 1:01.08. Miranda Lee, an Ottawa Hills senior, won the 500-yard freestyle in 5:22.16. Johnson’s 50 freestyle championship, Wilcox’s butterfly championship and Marcukaitis’ backstroke title were all repeat championships from 2018. Lee closed out her conference career with three straight titles in the 500 freestyle. Others scoring points for the DK-TK-HHS team at the meet included Lauren Myers, Ellen Shults, Lily Foy, Karsyn Daniels and Abby Gaskill. Delton Kellogg-Thornapple Kellogg-Hastings sophomore Abby Marcukaitis (front) and Greater Muskegon Co-op’s Evyn Johnson sprint through the water during the 100yard freestyle Saturday at the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference Meet at the CERC in Hastings. Marcukaitis won the 100-yard freestyle and the 100-yard backstroke, setting team, pool and conference records in the two races. (Photo by Brett Bremer) DNR shares safety tips for hunters Delton Kellogg-Thornapple Kellogg-Hastings’ Shannon Brown and Claire Green celebrate their medal winning performances Saturday in the diving competition at the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference Meet at the Community Education and Recreation Center in Hastings. (Photo by Brett Bremer) ' ' With hundreds of thousands of hunters gearing up for opening day of Michigan’s deer firearm season, caution is critical. Drivers are reminded to watch for deer as they travel. Statistics show higher deer/vehi­ cle collisions in November, especially from 6 to 9 a.m. and 3 to 9 p.m. Hunters have their own set of safety tips, which include: -Clearly identifying the target. No deer or other game is worth the risk of injuring or killing anyone. Michigan Department of Natural Resources incident reports are rife with cases in which shooters thought they saw or heard the quarry only to be surprised that the “target” was another hunter or a hiker. Hunters in 2012, and again last year, mistook other hunters for raccoons. In another incident last year, a hunter told authorities he thought the hunter he shot was a squirrel. -Knowing with certainty that no one is in the extended linew fire. Bullets and slugs from flat-shooting, high-powered rii 3 and modern shotgunsuzzleloaders c| in travel long distances beypiid a target. _ . Gt <e hunter deithoccu __ r ___ ,________ __ on public land wh^mne shooter missed a deer along a power line and was unaware of another hunter sitting in the J * woods just beyond. -Knowing the firearm. Many hunters only handle their weapon, or a borrowed weapon, a few days each year. Lack of familiarity with safeties and triggers is a leading cause of acci­ dental firings and self-inflicted injuries. Hunters should double- and triple-check that the safety is in the safe position, keep fingers off the trigger until ready to shoot and dou­ ble-check that the gun is unloaded before storing it. -Unloading a gun before lifting it up into a tree stand. Never tie a cord around the trigger guard, as several Michigan hunters did, according to DNR incident reports. -Always pointing the muzzle in a safe direction, even if the gun isn’t loaded. Assume every gun is loaded. -Not using the scope as binoculars. Doing so could lead to pointing a loaded gun at something or someone. -Putting the gun down before crossing a fence or obstacle. Several incidents in recent years showed this led to injury or death. -Not trespassing on private land. Hunters also need permission to go onto private land to track or find a wounded animal. -Wearing plenty of hunter orange. Michigan is among a majority of states that requires hunters (with exceptions for archers and tur­ key or waterfowl hunters) to wear at least one piece of “hunter orange,” the highly visible, bright material. Hunters can comply by wear­ ing only a hunting cap. In many hunting acci­ dents reported by the state, shooters told authorities they didn’t see the hunter they shot. It’s best to assume that other hunters aren’t as careful. -Making sure a closed, camouflaged blind is visible. Several Michigan hunters were injured or killed when struck by a bullet while sitting in a well-concealed blind. The DNR recommends hanging a hunter-orange vest or hat or both on a nearby tree or on the blind itself. -Carrying a fully charged cellphone. In the event of a firearms accident or any health problem, hunters are advised to make sure they can make a call for help, especially when hunting alone. Its best for hunters to tell oth­ ers where they will be and when they should return. Sources: Michigan DNR; International Hunter Safety Association %-■. ; Orthopedic Care Close to Home Bryan Kamps, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon. After earning his medical degree from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, Dr. Kamps completed a transitional internship at Blodgett Memorial Medical Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, two years general surgery training at Michigan State University in Lansing, Michigan, and his residency in orthopaedic surgery at McLaren Regional Medical Center in Flint, Michigan. Dr. Kamps has nearly 25 years years of experience in orthopaedic surgery. Before coming to Spectrum Health, he was a surgeon at Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services in Gallup, New Mexico. He also was a surgeon for the U.S. Army Reserve I ’ : ■' ■ ; with tours of duty in Bosnia, Afghanistan and Germany. Dr. Kamps is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. Dr. Kamps has relocated his practice from Spectrum Health Grand Rapids to the Bryan Kamps, MD Orthopedic & Pain Clinic in Hastings. SPECTRUM HEALTH^ Pennock Accepting new patients | findadoctor.spectrumhealth.org Spectrum Health Pennock Orthopedics & Pain Center 840 Cook Road Hastings, Ml 49058 269.945.9520 � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-11-21.pdf a31601e2f15b3a0644d624cedccec9d0 PDF Text Text . ....... ...... . .. ............... 11 ■ ■*. State adding shooting range in game area line government? e Editorial on Page 4 .See Story on Page 12 1070490102590502328749058113421 421 1 All-County CC, tennis, >es state need to golf, volleyball named See Stories on Pages 14-16 to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 804879110187 °°5 C005 a®®»®o5B.„34 HASiiinmS Thursday, November 21, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 46 PRICE 750 Victim testifies about murder attempt Turkey Trot signup ends today Anyone wishing to “wobble before they gobble” Thanksgiving Day is invited to register for the YMCA of Barry County’s annual Turkey Trot. Individuals may regis­ ter online at ymcaofbarrycounty.org by today in order to receive a T-shirt. A fun run will start at the comer of Buehler Road and Iroquois Trail near Algonquin Lake at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 28. The 5K race will soon follow, stepping off at 8:40 a.m. at the starting point on Buehler Road. The route will continue north to Woodruff Road east to Hammond Road and west on Iroquois Trail, ending at the Y. All participants are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items. The Y will donate all items to the United Way Fresh Food Initiative. The fee for the 5K is $20 for individuals or $60 for a family, up to four people. Additional family members pny $10 each. Parking is available at the Algonquin Lake Community Association lodge or Positive Directions (one block from the starting point). Any volunteers wishing to- |ielp the d^ of the race may call Gina McMahon, 269­ 945-4574, ext. 101. The race is supported by the B.Healthy Coalition and Barry County United Way. Reservations requested for Thanksgiving The community dinner at Green Street United Methodist Church, 209 W. Green St., which provides a traditional meal with all the trimmings, will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. Thanksgiving Day. But it’s such a popular feast that it helps with the planning and food preparation to know how many people are coming. To make a reservation, call 269-945-9574. All are welcome to enjoy the dinner; free-will offerings will be accepted to cover the cost of the food. Fresh Food Initiative distribution change Due to the Green Street United Methodist Church in Hastings hosting its annual Thanksgiving dinner, the Hastings Fresh Food Initiative will be at the Church of the Nazarene, 1716 N. Broadway, Hastings, Wednesday, Nov. 27. Distribution will be return to the United Methodist Church Wednesday, Dec. 4 Questions may be directed to the Barry County United Way, 269-945-4010. COA accepting senior citizen nominations Highpoint Community Bank and the Barry County Commission on Aging are sponsoring the 21st annual “Senior Citizen of the Year” award. This award highlights the contributions made by individuals age 60 and older to civic and social life in Barry County. It focuses on the positive benefits of remain­ ing active while growing older. The award will be presented at the Barry County Commission on Aging’s annual Christmas Party Dec. 12 at the COA building in Hastings. Nominees for the award should be resi­ dents of Barry County. Consideration should be given to the contribution each nominee has made to the community. Examples could include the types of activ­ ities the nominee has been involved in, how his or her involvement has benefited the community, and the number of people See NEWS BRIEFS, page 2 Taylor Owens Staff Writer Anthony Collins said he barely knew David Krebs, and he had just met him the day Krebs slit his throat and then asked him if he was OK. Barry County Judge Michael Schipper ruled that there was enough evidence to try Krebs on two counts, assault with intent to murder and resisting and obstructing a police officer, after a preliminary examination Nov. 13. Krebs, 30, of Vermontville, was arrested Sept. 5 after the Barry County Sheriff’s Office K-9 unit tracked him to a wooded area off Barber Road, south of M-43, in Carlton Township. According to testimony, Collins, 27, of Middleville, was in the front passenger seat of his own Chevy Impala, when Krebs reached from behind him and slit his throat. Their mutual friend, Dalton King, 21, of Lake Odessa, was driving the car in the 4000 block of Barber Road around 9:40 p.m. King’s friend Sara Smith, 19, of Nashville, was in the backseat behind King, sitting next to Krebs, when the assault occurred. Testimony from Collins, King and Smith described the events of that day which was spent driving around West Michigan to take and sell drugs, culminating in the attack on Collins. At the beginning of the examination, a resisting and obstructing arrest charge was added. Krebs told the judge he understood the charge. In the silence of the courtroom, before Collins was brought out to “testify, Krebs began to cry, and a Barry County sheriff’s deputy brought him a box of tissues. Krebs David Krebs during a preliminary examination for attempted murder and resisting and obstructing an officer. (Photos by Scott Harmsen) had stopped crying by the time Collins was - amine with them. sworn in. Collins and King then left the house to go The scar on his neck plainly visible, Collins to Nashville, and left Krebs at the house in said he had met Krebs for the first time the Delton. day of the incident. “I think he was sketched out or something,” Collins said he had the day off work, so he Collins said. went to meet his friend Dalton King in Lake The two men went to the house of King’s Odessa around 4 p.m. Once there, Collins girlfriend and spent time with her and another picked up both King and Krebs, who had been woman. Both women left and Collins and staying at King’s .reBbet^,anerthey went to King went back to the house in Delton, where a house in rural Delton. they picked up Krebs. Three people were at the house, Collins Collins said he watched Krebs and King said. He said he did not know them, but he inject more meth, and then all three left for watched King and Krebs inject^nethamphet- Greenville to pick up Smith. Anthony Collins answers a question from Judge Michael Schipper as he testi­ fies about how he was stabbed and cut along his neck, the scar visible. At this point, King took the wheel and Collins moved to the passenger seat. They were on their way back to King’s house when Krebs attacked him, Collins said. He described the car as quiet; the radio was See TESTIFIES, page 2 Facilitator to county: Get a demographer Rebecca Pierce Editor When it comes to a new jail and Commission on Aging facility, Barry County’s hired facilitator had the following recommendation for the county board: Hire a demographer. “We’re architects, not demographers,” Eric Hackman, a senior project manager with TowerPinkster, told commissioners at their committee of the whole meeting Tuesday. “Our recommendation would be to hire the services of a demographer to help us understand the nuances of the demographic makeup of Barry County,” Hackman said. “We do this a lot with schools. “There are services that provide demographics for schools when they project their enrollment. The same thing could be done for the county.” Hackman was the facilitator at a Nov. 4 community forum in Hastings to discuss crumbling infrastructure at the jail and the Commission on Aging and what, if anything, should be done to address problems at those two buildings. “When we first talked with you, did you have not the experience to know that we would need demographics ahead of time?” Commissioner Dan Parker asked Hackman. “It was stated in our proposal that it was something we could offer, as well,” Hackman replied. “OK. Fine,” Parker said. “So automatically you felt we would need it regardless then. What changed?” “I’m not sure I understand,” Hackman said. “What brought on that possibility of having demographics on something like this?” Parker asked. Hackman said demographic material would offer a view as to “where the population of Barry County is going.” The purpose of this research, he said, would be to use the demographics to impact decision-making. “And that gives you the evidence to support the decision you make in the future.” Details about how many residents will be needing COA services or how many families are moving into the area would help inform the process, Hackman said. After Tuesday’s meeting, Chairwoman Heather Wing didn’t express surprise at the need for demographic information. “That was a question that came out of the [Nov. 4] meeting,” she pointed out. “People want to know how many aging people [live here] ... and what do we expect for the jail.” Wing added, however, that the county has access to plenty of demographic information. “Most of those statistics are probably available,” she said. “Even [Michigan State University] Extension can give you demographic information.” The idea of whether the county would need to pay a professional firm to come in and do the research was not debated at Tuesday’s meeting. Hackman has said TowerPinkster’s budget for this facilitation process is not to exceed $50,000. But any additional cost for a professional demographer to do research has not been discussed. Some questions from the Nov. 4 forum might be answered by a demographic study, but, Wing noted, “You can try to forecast it, I don’t know that you can accurately predict it all.” Hackman told commissioners their next step will be to begin developing options. A second community forum likely will take place early next year, he said. Hackman said “the success” the first community forum generated was in the communication that occurred. But commissioners didn’t use the word “success” to describe constituent reaction to the forum. People “wondered about the thought process about having this meeting and people asking so many questions,” Commissioner Vivian Conner pointed out. “How can they tell you what they think we should have [for the jail or the COA] when they’re uneducated about what the needs are? “[But] if we had gone with a plan, there would have been the reaction: ‘You already know what you want to do. It’s a Catch 22.’” See DEMOGRAPHER, page 13 Firefighter injured in Delton blaze Greg Chandler Staff Writer A Prairieville Township firefighter is in stable condition at a Kalamazoo hospital after falling 30 feet from the second story of a burning home near Delton. The firefighter, whose name has not been released, suffered non-life-threatening injuries Tuesday afternoon while fighting the blaze in the 5100 block of South Osborne Road, near Floria Road. Firefighters were called to the blaze shortly after 1 p.m. and remained on the scene for more than four hours. No one was home at the time of the fire, and no cause has been determined. See FIRE, page 3 A firefighter carries an empty oxygen tank down the driveway of the home on South Osborne Road. �Page 2 — Thursday, November 21, 2019 — The Hastings Banner TESTIFIES, continued from page 1 Sarah Smith identifies David Krebs in the courtroom as she begins her testimony. She would not look in Krebs direction until Assistant Prosecutor Jessica Payne asked her to do so. David Krebs and his attorney Jason Jansma before testimony began. broken and there wasn’t much talking. At one point, Collins said Krebs, from the backseat, started playing with Collins’ hair. Collins motioned in the courtroom as if Krebs was tickling the top of his head. “I thought that was weird,” Collins told Barry County Assistant Prosecutor Jessica Payne, “and then about 20 minutes after that, he just cut my throat.” According to Collins’ testimony, Krebs reached forward with his left arm to slit Collins’ throat from his right side to his left. “The first thing I felt was nothing ‘cause I was in shock,” Collins said “And then I was like, ‘Yeah, I’m OK, whatever,’ and then blood started going all over and [I] realized I’m not OK.” Then Krebs started stabbing him, he said. “I immediately tried to stop him... it wasn’t working ‘cause I had my scatbelt on.” “I told Dalton to stop the car ‘cause I was getting cut,” Collins said. “Dalton stopped the car, and I thought he was gonna help, but he ended up running.” Collins said Krebs got out and walked to the driver’s side of the vehicle. Collins said he docked the driver’s side door, tried to find his phone and then staggered out of the vehicle. “That’s when he came back and started stabbing again.” Collins said he couldn’t remember exactly what happened. He said Krebs stabbed him at least once in the car after slitting his throat, but how many times he was stabbed, in the car or when trying to flee, Collins did not know. He recalled pushing Krebs away and then running to a nearby house, where a woman was cooking dinner with her children. “Once I got away, I ran towards the house, and opened their door, and collapsed in their arms.” The woman wrapped his neck in a towel and called 911. Collin said she saved his life. He did not recall saying anything to Krebs when the incident happened. “Did he say anything to you prior to slitting your throat?” Payne asked. “He asked me if I was OK,” Collins replied. “Why did he ask you that?” Payne asked. “I’m not sure,” Collins answered. “Well, he slit it. and asked me if I was OK.” Collins testified he was stabbed 11 times in all, in his back, shoulders, arm, wrist and fin­ gers. He was in the hospital between four and five days, and had at least two surgeries. Bless these beams The atrium at Spectrum Health Pennock in Hastings was packed last Thursday, Nov. 14, for a “Blessing of the Beams” ceremony. The event marked a major milestone in the construction of the $11.9 million surgical center at the hospital at 1009 W. Green St. The community was invited to sign the beams that will be used to construct the operating room, then Pastor Michael Anton, Spectrum Health Pennock Board member emeritus and past board chairman, offered a blessing while those who gathered for the ceremony watched. Shown from left are: Dr. Kimberly Norris; Angela Ditmar, Spectrum Health Pennock president and market leader; Hastings Community Development Director Dan King; and Barry County United Way Executive Director Lani Forbes. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) EARLY HOLIDAY DEADLINES for The Hastings Banner Deadline for ADS: Tuesday, Nov. 26 at Noon Deadline for NEWS: Tuesday, Nov. 26 at Noon Deadline for CLASSIFIEDS: Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 2 p.m Papers will be on the newsstands Wednesday, Nov. 27 mm Hastings Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1S56 Banner One surgery removed the knife from his arm, and the second removed most of one of his lungs, which had been irreparably dam­ aged. Defense Attorney Jason Jansma asked Collins if he took any drugs, or gave drugs to Krebs. “I didn’t take no drugs that day,” Collins replied, but he said he gave Krebs acid. Jansma asked Collins if he might have given Krebs a different drug instead of acid. Collins said he was positive it was acid. Afterward, King, who is currently in state prison, was brought in to testify. King said he has been friends with Collins for three or four months. Both Collins and King were given immunity from irosecution for their testimo­ ny, “I met him in Barry County jail,” King said. “He was doing nine days. I was doing nine months for fleeing and eluding and pos­ session of meth.” King added he has known Krebs for more than a year. T’ < “David had been at my house a few days, he didn’t really have any place to go,” King said. “We both had warrants for our arrest. We’d both been hanging out together for about a week or so.” King said both he and Krebs had been tak­ ing meth and marijuana during that time. “Why did Anthony come over that day?” Payne asked. “To get high... and to take me around so I could sell drugs myself, so I had a ride, ‘cause my girlfriend had to go to work and pick up the kids.” King said the three men left for the house in Delton, making a number of stops along the way to sell meth. When they arrived at the house, King said he injected meth. “Anthony, I think, snorted some, but I don’t think David got high on meth at all.” Afterward, King said he and Collins left the house and went to King’s residence in Lake Odessa. They stayed there with King’s girl­ friend and another woman and he said he got high until both women had to leave. King said they went back Delton to pick up Krebs, and then drove to Greenville to pick up Smith, and her pit bull. They were on the way back to Hastings to pick up clean “rigs,” or needles, to inject more meth when the assault occurred. “As I’m coming up the road, I hear, ‘Are you all right? Are you all right?’ ” “At first, I thought that maybe they were fist-fighting,” King said. He said he heard Collins yell, “Stop, stop,” and King stopped the car. “As I pulled over the car to the side of the road, and I look over I see a fluid on Anthony’s left shoulder, and I don’t know what it is. But at this point in time, I’m in fight-or-flight-mode and I get scared. As soon as I put the car in park, I take off running.” King ran into the woods, and through a yard, where he heard a woman yell “Get him,” to her dogs. He went back to the road where he met up with Smith, who had also fled. “A truck passed by. I wave the truck down, hollering and screamixjg. When they stopped, I said, ‘I need a ride to town so I don’t go to jail, because I have warrants for my arrest, and I feel like somebody got stabbed back there.’ ” The truck driver pulled into a driveway and King called 911. King said he wasn’t aware of any ill will between Collins and Krebs, and Collins did not do anything to provoke Krebs. He added Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads Dalton King, a prisoner in the Michigan Department of Corrections system, is questioned by prosecuting attorney Jessica Payne. he did not see a knife, and was not aware Krebs had any weapons on him at the time. Smith was the next to testify. She was handcuffed and shackled since the police had to bring her in after she failed to come on her own. Smith said she has known King for about five years after they met in juvenile drug court, and attended Pathways High School at Maple Valley. She testified that King asked her to come over for the night, but had not told her about Krebs and Collins until they arrived. When they picked Smith up at her resi­ dence in Greenville, Smith brought her pit bull “Toby,” who she said goes everywhere with her for protection. Smith said she had met Krebs a few times before, but did not know him well, and it was her first time meet­ ing Collins. The drive to Hastings had seemed fine, Smith said, and it seemed like everyone was having a good time. “It got weird when David leaned forward and asked Anthony if he was all right twice, and he started swinging at him,” Smith told Payne. “I thought he was hitting him at first,” Smith said. “I didn’t realize, until Dalton opened up the door and the light came on, that it was blood.” “What do you see when the light comes on?” Payne asked. “A bunch of blood, I mean like there was blood on the dog food bag, and blood on everything basically.” She didn’t know whose blood it was at the time, and did not see a knife. Collins got out of the car, she said, trailing off. The prosecutor prompted her to continue, but Smith had difficulty speaking. “Before he got out, he asked me to call an ambulance,” she testified. “I can’t calm myself down enough to unlock my phone.” She brought up her hands, still shackled, to demonstrate, and said she was shaking too much to use her phone. Her pit bull was barking and growling, and she pulled the dog and the dog food bag out of the car. She said Krebs was still in the car next to her when she left the car. “What’s he doing?” Payne asked. “Thinking, I guess,” Smith said. Payne asked Smith if she was afraid of coming into court to testify. “Not really scared, just nervous,” Smith replied. She told the judge she would come back to court if they needed her to testify again. Barry County Sheriff’s Deputy Travis Moore was the last to take the stand. When he and Deputy Shawn Olmstead arrived on the scene, the resident who helped Collins was still on her kitchen floor, in pools of blood holding a towel around Collins’ neck, Moore said. The deputies helped to stop the bleeding until emergency medical services arrived. Once EMS got there, Moore got the K-9 unit ready to track the suspects. A neighbor said she saw a man run through her yard while she was letting out her dogs, so the tracking began there. The trail led through the woods, across Landon Road and eventually ended in a field where the police dog started circling a patch of trees and shrubs. Two shoes were found nearby. “Sheriff’s department K-9,” Moore called out to identify himself. “You in the bushes, come out now. If not, I will release the dog and you will be bit.” Krebs did not come out of the bushes, so the dog went in and bit his shin, Moore said. The deputies then went in and pulled Krebs out, and the dog let go. Krebs was taken to the hospital to have the bite treated, before going to jail. At the end of the proceedings, the judge asks the attorneys for their arguments. Payne acknowledged the burden of proof is lower at a preliminary examination than a trial. “Clearly, the intent of slicing someone’s neck completely open is intent to kill, so I believe we’ve met our burden,” Payne said. “We do not believe there has been estab­ lished intent to murder,” defense attorney Jason Jansma said. “We request that the court does not bind this matter over.” The judge said there was probable cause to try Krebs for both crimes, and bound the case over to circuit court for trial. As of Wednesday, a trial date has not been set. NEWS BRIEFS continued from front page who have been affected by those contribu­ tions. Nomination forms for the award are avail­ able at the Commission on Aging office and on the COA website, barrycounty.org. Nominations can be from individuals or groups. Nominations should be seaft to the Commission on Aging, 320 W. Woodlawn Ave., Hastings, 49058. All nominations must be received no later than 5 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3. Sign up by Nov. 27 for Help for the Holidays Help for the Holidays, a program coordi­ nated by Barry County Cares, helps those in need at Christmas time. Through this program, families connect with churches, organizations, businesses and individuals who provide help, such as food for a family or toys for children. The deadline to sign up is Nov. 27. Eligibility guidelines must be met. Locations for sign-up include: Hastings - Barry County Cares, 231 S. Broadway, Room 108, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday or call 269-948­ 9555. Delton District Library - 9 a.m. to 5 pm. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, or call 269-623-8040. Nashville clerk’s office - 9 a.m. to 5 pm. Monday through Friday (closed Wednesday and Friday between noon and 1 p.m.), or call 517-852-9544. Freeport District Library - 1 to 8 p.m. Monday and Thursday, 9 am. to 5 p.m. Wednesday and Friday; 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday or call 616-765-5181. Those who wish to “adopt” a family for the holidays may call Barry County Cares, 269-948-9555. More information is available from direc­ tor Tina Horrigan at the number above or via email to barrycountycares@yahoo.com. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 21, 2019 — Page 3 FIRE, continued from page 1 The top floor of the'home south of Delton suffered heavy damage in a fire Tuesday. The homeowner, Tom Van Dyk, has been a volunteer firefighter for the Hickory Comers department for about 25 years. Van Dyk said he lost a puppy in the fire. The home, which Van Dyk had built in 1995, is considered a total loss. Units from Delton, Hickory Corners, Prairieville and Johnstown fire departments responded to the call. Plan to combine county parks under one commission raises questions Rebecca Pierce Editor A resolution to create a Barry County Parks and Recreation Commission that would gov­ ern all parks in the county, including the Charlton Park, sparked some dissension Tuesday among commissioners during their Committee of the Whole meeting. In a 4-2 vote, the board voted to recom­ mend adoption of the resolution at its next regular meeting on Nov. 26. Commissioners Howard Gibson and Jon Smelker voted against it. “I want more information,” Gibson said. “I want to know what board is going to control it and how people’s tax dollars are going to be spent,” Smelker said. “I personal­ ly want more information about how they’re go; g to control things and how they’re going to organized.” mmissioner Dan Parker spoke in favor oi : resolution. s going to be to our advantage from a gram standpoint for parks and rec and Charlton Park to combine our efforts on dif­ ferent things, including fundraising,” Parker said. “It would not mean that the parks and rec department would touch any of the millage for Charlton Park and we expect it would also help with fundraising in the future for Charlton Park. “We feel it’s a win-win situation or we wouldn’t be trying to do this.” Board Chairwoman Heather Wing encour­ aged the action as one that would create more efficiencies and less government. “If we had one entity dealing with sparks and rec in the county, it would eliminate all those extra steps,” she said. “This makes a much more efficient work process with regard to every­ thing in parks and rec.” Wing emphasized thit it would be import­ ant to create some safeguards “so it’s not the same old commission what we dissolved in 2009.” Both Ron Welton, the county parks and recreation administrator, and Dan Patton, Charlton Park director, support the resolution. “Ultimately, in terms of moving us forward from a parks and rec standpoint, it makes the most sense to put the two back together,” Patton said. Barry County is unique in that it has two park boards, he noted. Parker said it would be up to the board to develop how this commission would work. A lot of the details aren’t worked out yet, including bylaws and operational procedures, he said. “But we didn’t want to get the cart before the horse.” Welton assured those who expressed con­ cerns: “We’re not forging any new ground here. As far as parks operation, nothing will change.” vices for a total of $122,166. • Agreed to recommend a fiscal year 2020 { Juvenile Mental Health Court planning grant for $13,515. • Approved the Road Commission Audit Engagement Letter for 2019. • Agreed to renew the county’s agreement ’ with United Way for Veterans Services. • • Approved a letter of support for a new shooting range in the Barry State Game Area. * • Approved re-appointments of Kim Dufresne and Chris Lapins to the County * Officers Compensation Commission. In other business, the commissioners: • Agreed to recommend the Michigan State University Extension 2020 agreement for ser­ Hie News Is Just the Beginning Your Community... Your Family...Your Interests.... Your Home...Your World... Ron Welton, Barry County parks and recreation administrator, and Dan Patton, Charlton Park director, speak with county com­ missioners Tuesday about the creation of a parks and recreation commission. (Photo of Rebecca Pierce) Call 800.870.7085 or pick it up at one of ow locations listed below! It j All a Part ofYour I The O Hastings paper! Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 Banner Area locations tc> purchase the Ha.Hastings Gun Laks. One Stop Shop (Phillips 66) (M-43 N) Sam’s Gourmet Foods gs Banner! Woodland Express Superette Family Fare Tom’s Market Doster Country Store Penn-Nook Gift Shop Phillips 66 Gas Station (W. State St.) Prairieville Fast Stop MV Pharmacy Cloverdale General A ribbon cutting and open house Wednesday served to show renovations and additions to Barry County Transit building on State Street in Hastings. Manager and Transportation Coordinator Bill Voigt (center) gave state, county, township and municipal officials, along with others from the community a tour of the new facilities. The $1 million project started in April and wrapped up this month. The offices were renovated and new bays added to the building. (Photo by Taylor Owens) Town & Country Family Fare . Speedway Delton Johnny’s Middleville Marketplace Middleville Johnny’s Carl’s Lake Odessa MUdieOle Greg’s Get-lt-N-Go s Brown’s Cedar Creek Grocery Qeftan Community checks out new transit center i Nashville Johnny’s Nashville C Store Family Fare Gas Station Walgreens Trading Post Little’s. Country Store Marathon Mega Bev I I 4 1 Hastings Johnny’s The General Store i I Banffeft/ Banfield General Store Goldsworthys Lake-O-Express LaRe-O-Mart Lake Odessa Johnny’s Carl’s FreepM L&J’s Freeport General Store 1 4 4 �Page 4 — Thursday, November 21,2019 — The Hastings Banner In My Opinion see? Did you Do you see what I see? Does Michigan need to streamline government? Chuck Tefft (left) and Rick Argo Jr. from the Hastings Department of Public Services set up the traditional manger scene on the Barry County Courthouse lawn Monday. The Nativity scene will be lit the Friday night of Jingle and Mingle. The display will be up through the first of the year, after the ball drop on New Year’s Eve. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Have you met? JoAnn Guernsey is one of those people who aims to bring joy and to be of service to others. Guernsey, 91, has lived in Hastings her entire life. She was bom Jan. 16, 1928, at Pennock Hospital to William and Virginia Ducker. The youngest of three children, JoAnn attended 2nd Ward School, Central School, then Hastings High School during World War II, graduating in 1946. Her father died when she was 7. Her moth­ er later married Charles Beckwith, a local barber, who was mostly responsible for rais­ ing her. Growing up, she enjoyed sewing, volun­ teering at the First Presbyterian Church and spending summers on Wall Lake with her grandparents. After high school, she went to work for Hastings Manufacturing/Piston Ring, in administration. “When we graduated in ‘46, our motto was: ‘OK, this is the end of all wars.’ But it really didn’t work out that way,” she said. Her husband, Harland Guernsey, knew of her before she knew him because of the route she walked to school every day, from Hanover Street to Grand Street. liarland’s house was on Grand. She walked past his house every day without knowing who he was. Harland was drafted into the U.S. Army right out of high school. They married after he came home from the war. JoAnn and Harland had two children, Charles Harland Guernsey of Hastings and Melissa Ann (Guernsey) Pinnell, who lives in Alaska. Both children are married and daugh­ ter Melissa has a son, the only grandchild, Tyler Pinnell, who is 20. Among the many activities Guernsey is involved in, one of the most significant start­ ed at age 22. She was inducted into the Order of the Eastern Star, Hastings Chapter 7, at the behest of an older couple who knew her at the time. Her stepfather was a Mason and because of that affiliation, she was able to join the Do you her willingness to spread joy and positivity tc everyone around her, her cheerful attitude and bright smile, JoAnn Guernsey is this week’s Banner Bright Light. JoAnn Guernsey Eastern Star without being married to a Mason. Currently, she has many activities within OES, including delivering cookies at Christmas to first responders, volunteering for the OES Summerfest booth, and visiting residents at the Masonic Retirement Home. She also is a volunteer at Central Elementary School in Hastings as a reading aide for kindergarten students. In addition, she can be found at Green Street United Methodist Church where she volunteers each month to help with food dis­ tribution, as well as “the soup kitchen.” And she is a member of the General Federation of Women’s Club-Hastings. In her free time, she loves to read, work in her yard and visit friends at Woodlawn Meadows Retirement Home in Hastings. For her service to the people of Hastings, remember? One of the first in 22 years Banner 18,1948 A Dandy - One of the first deer legally killed by gunfire in Barry County in 22 years and the first killed by ex-Marine Joe Beck, 22, is pictured above displayed for the admiration of Frank Kelly, Consumers Power Company maintenance superintendent (left), Ted M. O’Laughlin, 30, and others. That’s Joe on the right pointing to where one of the pellets fired from the double-barrel shotgun struck the buck. Beck downed his deer at 8:15 Monday morning [Nov. 15]. Linden Cunningham, 19, reportedly downed the first deer in Barry County at 7:10 a.m. Favorite TV program: “The Lawrence Welk Show.” The last one they aired was t really good one. Favorite book: I don’t have any particulai one, but I like books about history. If I could meet anyone, living or dead I’d like to meet: My ancestors from waj back because they came over years ago, set­ tling in Wisconsin and Minnesota. This was my mother’s side coming from England anc Ireland. When you were a kid, you didn’t talk about that, you didn’t ask questions. Anc thinking about it now, I wish I had askec questions. If I could go anywhere in the world, I’d go to; Ireland, just to visit. If I won the lottery, I’d: Put it in the bank Well, yes, because if someone came along oi my family needed it, I could give it to them Otherwise, it would just sit there. I’d proba­ bly fix my house. Greatest invention: Public transportation because my relatives were away, and when ] was in school, you could get on a bus and gc to Battle Creek and shop at the stores.” If I could change one thing: When my children were little, I would have liked tc have stayed home with my family instead oi going to work. Advice to a high school student: Study Apply everyth ing^you learn. Reap everything they can give you tpdnake your life better. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do yot know someone who should be featurec because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell oi any other reason? Send information tc Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; oi email news@j-adgraphics .com. Under the former Gov. Rick Snyder’s administration, Michigan became known as the “Comeback State.” It was Snyder’s intention to reinvent Michigan, to bring a customer-friendly approach to government by creating a ser­ vice-oriented climate, with more and better jobs. During his administration, the state emerged from a lost decade of economic decline and job losses to a time of job increases and industry expansion. That reinvention of Michigan pushed state legislative leaders to do things differ­ ently by analyzing the way things were being done, changing attitudes and posi­ tioning the state for a comeback. For most of the first half of the 20^ cen­ tury, Michigan was a powerhouse of inno­ vation and manufacturing. The state had a history of leading the nation as a manufac­ turing powerhouse from automotive manu­ facturing, furniture, cereals, medical equip­ ment and many other products, but leaders had become complacent. Major cities like Detroit, Flint, Muskegon, Benton Harbor, to name a few, led the decline as Michigan became the only state in the 2010 census to lose residents. Under Snyder’s leadership, and his “can­ do” culture, the turnaround began. Snyder was a believer in structural change by reducing the state’s regulatory burden and led the charge to streamline government. But, since Gretchen Whitmer took office, the economic expansion that continues to break records each month is in jeopardy due to the fact that Lansing is tied up in budget battles driven by partisan politics. Earlier this week, Whitmer traveled to Israel to strengthen Michigan’s relationship with the country and its industrial leaders. I hope she has better success in forging rela­ tionships in a foreign land than she has had in her own state. The governor and state lawmakers remain at odds over Whitmer’s budget vetoes and her use of an administrative board to move money from one program to another. They continue to differ over her demands for new taxes for road funding, so she has defended her position with a series of line-item vetoes and budget shifts, adding to the division in Lansing. State legislators might be able to learn something from elected officials in small jurisdictions that don’t have a lot of taxpay­ er money to bum. In Barry Township, for example, officials announced last week that they are consoli­ dating voting locations to save the township money. During the township meeting, one resi­ dent criticized township officials for closing the Hickory Corners location, forcing resi­ dents to drive further to vote. Yet township officials said they felt the inconvenience for a few voters is worth the savings. State law allows townships to consolidate to a single precinct if they have fewer than 3,000 registered voters. Township officials said the savings would come from reducing staff, cutting the cost of running the addi­ tional polling place by 50 percent, which would work out to about $2,200. In the past few years, Irving and Prairieville townships have taken similar steps. How many other polling places across the county could be consolidated if we worked together in an effort to streamline voting sites? Across the country, there has been an effort to reduce the cost of voting while becoming more efficient in an effort to save the taxpayers hundreds of thousands of dol­ lars. Recently, Michigan passed a new law allowing voters to register on the same day they cast their ballots. Plus, any voter can apply for an absentee ballot, where, previ­ ously, they had to have a medical or other special reason for obtaining the ballot. These changes are supposed to attract younger or non-voting residents to partici­ pate. Yet, on average, less than 50 percent of qualified voters participate in elections, allowing a select group to choose who’s in the driver’s seat. In 16 states, they’ve allowed jurisdictions to use “vote centers” on Election Day: Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Indiana, and Iowa; and, for some elections, Kansas, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Wyoming. These vote cen­ ters are an alternative to traditional, neigh­ borhood-based precincts. Voters may cast their ballots at any vote center in the jurisdiction, regardless of their residential address. This is supposed to make it more convenient for voters and reduce the cost of elections for local gov­ ernments. We expect these ideas will work. But, for ideas like these to even get off the ground, it’s imperative that government officials change their attitudes from protect­ ing what has been to seeking ways of what could be. In reality, Michigan not only has too much government — it has too many gov­ ernments. Across the state, we have hundreds of townships, villages, cities and counties that continue to operate, making our govern­ ment less inefficient. In Barry County, alone, we have 21 units of government representing taxpayers. “My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government,” Thomas Jefferson said. Over the course of our history, many presidents have threatened to reduce or con­ trol the growth of government, but here we are, over 200 years later, and we’re still talking about reducing government’s hold over our lives. “Government’s view of the economy could be summed up in a few short phras­ es,” former President Ronald Reagan said. “If it moves, tax it. If it keeps moving, reg­ ulate it. And if it stops moving, subsidize it.” Reagan had a realistic view of how gov­ ernment worked. He would have applauded Barry Township officials for making the change to save money by consolidating vot­ ing sites. I only wish more elected officials focused on saving and efficiency than on growing government, which is rarely in our best interests. Fred Jacobs, CEO J-Ad Graphics, Inc. State law allows townships to consolidate to a single precinct if they have fewer than 3,000 registered voters. Township officials said the savings would come from reducing staff, cutting the cost of running the additional polling place by 50 percent, which would work out to about $2,200. What do you think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the ques­ tion posed each week by accessing our website, www.HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the following week. Last week: Currently, county commis­ sioners in Michigan serve two-year terms. State legisla­ tion is proposing to change that to four-year terms. Do you think that’s a good idea? Yes 0% No 100% For this week: The Michigan Supreme Court is looking at a change to allow cell phones in courthouses. In Barry County, cell phones are not allowed in court - should that policy be changed? □ Yes □ No �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 21,2019 — Page 5 President is owed the respect of his office County board should seek public input To the editor: Well, here we go again with Charlton Park. Tuesday, the county commissioners (commit­ tee of the whole) voted to send a resolution to the board of commissioners next week to abolish the Charlton Park Board and the Parks and Recreation Board, effective Jan. 1, 2020, and to establish the Barry County Parks and Recreation Commission. What’s the problem, you ask? There was a park commission until 2007. It seems the tax­ payers weren’t happy with how the commis­ sion was running things and wanted two boards. The taxpayers wouldn’t vote in the millage until they got what they wanted. Have the taxpayers changed their minds? Good question. Nobody’s asked them. As a taxpayer, I would like to be given some information about the difference between having two boards or one commis­ sion. How are they structured? who are the members, how are members selected, what are their duties, and what powers do they have? This information and a chance to ask questions would allow me and other taxpayers to say what we want. Since county commissioners are voting on this next week, I guess it doesn’t matter what the taxpayers want. I don’t know about other people, but I don’t like being told what I want. We may not agree, but my brain works, and I don’t need to be told what my opinion is. Not happy. Sharon Zebrowski, Hastings (Write Us A Letter: The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published ◦r will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Your Legislators: J Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Mi 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov State Senator Dr. John Bizon, Republican, 19th District State Senate, Phone 517­ 373-2426 or toll-free, 855-347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Independent, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. The Hastings BtUMlGlT To the editor: I read, with interest, the letter to the editor in the Oct. 10 Banner which was written by a gentleman from Plainwell who told me everything President Trump has done that was wrong that he knew about. In fact, I don’t think this gentleman thinks President Trump ever did anything right. I certainly hope he took the time to research all of his claims to make sure everything he said was true. I know there are a lot of people who believe everything they hear or read, simply because they don’t like the person. But we can get in trouble when we accuse people of things that we are unable to prove without a doubt. I’m sure the president has made his share of mistakes, but so have I. No one is perfect. I think it’s really sad that there is so much hate in this country. I know of families who no longer speak because they have different views about politics. I have friends who do not agree with my political views, but we can discuss things and still be friends. The letter writer said he has asked relatives and friends if they could tell him something good about President Trump, and they couldn’t. I would say that, knowing how he feels about President Trump, they are not going to answer him because they don’t want to get into an argument with him. I look at it this way: Whoever is our president, Democrat or Republican, we are to give them the respect of the office of the presidency. I haven’t always been happy with the president at the time, but he is still our president for the duration of his presidency. If you are so unhappy with President Trump, then vote in the next election for the one you want. So far, it’s still a free country and I’m happy to live in a country where we can speak our minds. Many young men and women gave their lives to give us that right. At the present time, Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) ■. Greg Chandler Taylor Owens • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 Margaret Armstrong, Hastings A view of history and three impeachments To the editor: Many people only know about the previous two impeachment proceedings as history or perhaps vague memories. They are still very real to me. Both the Nixon and Clinton impeachment inquiries began very much as partisan matters. The Clinton case never became more than that. He was investigated for four years on anything and everything that could be dug up. Nothing stuck except his inappropriate affair with an intern and his willingness to lie about it. The Trump impeachment is similar to the Clinton impeachment in the long period of investigation and the current partisan split on the matter. But it is important to note that the lengthy Mueller Special Council investigation was nonpartisan. And it concerned matters of great consequence, potential cooperation with Russia to interfere in the 2016 election and potential obstruction of justice - not lying about an affair. The Mueller report explicitly did not exonerate the president of obstruction ofjustice, but declined to make a determination based on Department of Justice policy. And this investigation is not the basis for the current impeachment effort. Rather, the impeachment proceedings have been based on the more recent conduct of foreign affairs in Ukraine. The core of the accusation is that Mr. Trump abused the power of his office by pursuing his personal political objectives at the expense of the country’s national security and national interest. And, specifically, that he has abused the agencies of the executive branch for those personal purposes and has>extensively used the power of his office to Manipulate and avoid disclosure, oversight anoyudgement of those abuses. In this regard, Mr. Trump and his administration are very much like Mr. Nixon and his people. They have both appealed to tribal and partisan loyalties to protect themselves, relying primarily on attacks on their critics and accusers, utilizing all the powers and agencies at their disposal for their own defenses. It is worth remembering that Richard Nixon won the 1972 election with the electoral votes of 49 of 50 states. He had a good economy and high approval ratings. But when the extent of his abuses became widely known and understood by the general public, he became subject to a bipartisan effort to remove him from office either by impeachment and trial or by resignation. He left office at the request of conservative Republican icon and past presidential nominee Senator Barry Goldwater who assured Nixon that he would be impeached and probably removed from office. We cannot say that our destinies are determined by our character. There are too many contingencies in life over which we have no control. But we can see how the characters of the three impeachments in my lifetime are the result of the character of the three personalities at their centers. Richard Nixon was a brilliant strategist and politician at times with a great grasp of policy and foreign affairs. But he also was a lonely paranoid figure with a willingness to overlook personal morality for political gain and to appeal to the fears of middle America, which he labeled the “silent majority” to attack his critics and perceived enemies. He literally had an “enemies list” of those in society and the media who opposed him. He was eventually brought down by his dishonesty and attempts to use the wheels of his power to evade accountability. Bill Clinton also was a brilliant student of history and the body politic who, unlike Nixon, aimed to ingratiate himself with people and sought a unifying middle ground in politics and policy. But his problems were rooted in the perception that he was an “uppity” wheeler-dealer trying to get above his humble origins in society and that he couldn’t keep his pants up. Although the Starr investigations and Republicans spent several years vainly trying to show that Clinton committed fraud to get ahead, it eventually was his sexual adventures that almost brought him to his downfall. In the end, the American people and Congress did not believe that sexual impropriety was a high crime of misdemeanor. People often cite the Clinton impeachment as the key precedent for the current impeachment efforts against Mr. Trump. Clinton was personally corrupt, but both Nixon and Trump have corrupted the institutions of government for their own purposes. I believe Nixon was immoral, knowingly deceptive. I consider Mr. Trump amoral. I don’t believe he knows the difference between right and wrong. He can only see what he believes will serve his self-interest. He can only believe what will feed his ego. Nixon and Clinton were quintessential politicians. Trump is a quintessential con man. He succeeds because he believes his own con. The con man is called this because he trades on others’ confidence in him despite what he says. The important similarity between the charges against Nixon and Trump are that they were both willing to pervert the agencies of government and the powers of their office to attack those they were afraid of. Nixon tried to use the FBI and CIA against his opponents. Trump has attacked those in these agencies and the State Department who won’t turn their official duties to his own interests. Nixon attacked the Washington Post and the New York Times because they dared to challenge him on the Watergate crimes and the Vietnam War. Trump attacks them as well as any other news sources that challenge him. The attorney general is our nation’s highest law enforcement officer. Nixon’s AG John Mitchell was heavily involved in the conspiracy to obstruct justice and was eventually sent to prison for those crimes. Trump’s AG William Barr has recast the Mueller Report’s message from an explicit statement that they could not exonerate Trump from the charges of obstruction of justice into a claim that the report did exonerate him. And he has ignored the conclusion of the entire national intelligence community and the Republican-controlled Senate Intelligence Committee that Russia was behind the interference in the 2016 election, choosing instead to pursue conspiracy theories that it was Ukraine and the Democrats. And now Mr. Trump is accused of subverting the national security and our support for a beleaguered ally in order to advance his political interests. Very Nixonian. The most important question to ask is not “Will you support Donald Trump despite this abuse of office,” but “Can you support any president who is willing to abuse his office for his personal gain?” It is not simply a question of politics. It is not a question of policies. It is not even a question of character. It is a matter of living up to the oath of office to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States. ■ MJ.U .UfUiHi t Dr. Kenneth M. Komheiser, Prairieville Township Start a new tradition this Thanksgiving To the editor: Now that Thanksgiving is here, the Hastings Area Vegan Association would like to remind others to consider an alternative to serving turkey for their holiday meal. We all like to hold on to cultural traditions, but the truth is times are changing. The cruel­ ty of factory farming is something no one can still ignore. By making smart, compassionate choices we can avoid supporting this unsus­ tainable practice, and instead, share in giving thanks humanely. Karen Morgan, Hastings niiimiiiininiim] Thornapple Kellogg Athletic Boosters (^boftand Show THOROAPPLEj 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Thornapple Kellogg High School 3385 Bender Road, Middleville MI 49333 (enter thru Athletic entrance - show is in Main Gym) & (Holiday Jhajdilion Ho <Mjo dto! “ The Santa Claus Chronicles by Pat Cook Presented by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Services Based on the story by O’Henry adapted by Anne Coulter Martens. Presented by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing Wednesday - Saturday, December 4-7 at 7:00 p.m. THERE IS NO SUNDAY MATINEE Bake Sale, Door Prizes, Concession Stand FREE Admission The Dennison Performing Arts Center 231 S. Broadway, Hastings STOP BY TO SUPPORT THE TK BASEBALL TEAM PANCAKE BREAKFAST before the craft show, serving 7:00-10:00am Cost $5.00 at the High School the Wlaqi Jhe Come out and support your local crafters and vendors while supporting your local athletes. All proceeds benefit Thomapple Kellogg Athletic Boosters ' PLAYERS Saturday Nov. 23, 2019 Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... I have three grandsons serving in the military because they love this country and are willing to fight for our freedoms. Oh, and by the way, I am a Christian who thinks it’s terrible that babies are aborted and thrown out like garbage. I don’t know how anyone can kill a baby and think it’s the right thing to do. I cannot vote for someone who thinks that way. I know that President Trump is not perfect, and you will never have a president who is perfect, but, as I said before, he is our president until the people decide differently. As to why so many people voted for President Trump, I would say it was mainly because he was not a politician and spent more time getting his message out than the opposition did. God bless the United States of America. C There will be an open to the public dress j rehearsal Tuesday, December 3 at | 7:00 p.m. All seats are $7.00 1 LIMITED SEATING Tickets: Adults $10, Seniors and Students $8 Advance tickets may be purchased at Progressive Graphics or reserved by calling the Thomapple Arts Council at 269-945-2002 Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads Members of the Community Theatre Association of Michigan BARRY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION The Thornapple Players is a non-profit organization providing theatrical opportunities to the Barry County area. For more information call 269-945-2332 �Page 6 — Thursday, November 21,2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Gabe Priddy, (517) 852­ 9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingshopeumc. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. ‘‘Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNTIED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office. greenstreetumc@ gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948­ 8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. WWW, fir s tchur ch.has.ti n g s. org. 9 a.m. Classes and Gatherings for All ages; 9:45 a.m. Worship (Children's Worship Offered); 10:45 a.m. Coffee Fellowship; 11:15 a.m. Coffee Talk with Pastor Dan. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9: 45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945-9217. cbchastings. org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www.hastingsfre.emethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller, Wor­ ship Director, Martha Stoetze!. Sundays: Nureeiy and toddler (birth through age 3) care pro­ vided. SUNDAY MORNING FAMILY HOUR WEL­ COMES ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue, Loving God, Lov­ ing Neighbor: Preschool age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Standard and Adult Elective classes. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service; 10: 30 a.m. and Children's Church age 4-4th grade dis­ missed during service. Fall Ser­ mon Series & Growth Groups, "On Mission" begins Sept. 15. Sunday Evening: Youth Group at 6:30 p.m., 2nd Tues: Young Women's Small Group at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Mid-Week: Women's Bible Study at 6:30 p.m. Kid's Club, Oct. 16-Dec. 4, 6:30-7:45 p.m. Friday Bible Study at 10 a.m. For more infor­ mation please contact the church. 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 HASTINGS, MI - Cassandra (Cassie) Leeann Simmons, age 27, of Hastings lost her life Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2019 unexpectantly in a car accident. She was bom March 10,1992 in Hastings, daughter of David and Phaela (Shingley) Lane, and Angela Simmons. Cassandra was a 2012 Maple Valley Graduate. She loved music, spending time with her kids enjoying the outdoors especially at Fish Lake and bar tending. She was an avid rock collector as they brought her peace, she wanted to start a business making things with the rocks she collected. She was a creator and could take nothing and make it something special. Her smile would light up any room she entered. She was passionate, she loved fiercely and loved all her family and friends she left behind. She was preceded in death by her grandfather, Verl Simmons and great grandma, Barbara Johnson. She is survived by her two beautiful children, Lillyona Baker and Lennon Warner; father, David and Phaela (Shingley) Lane, and mother, Angela Simmons; grandmothers, Diane Simmons and Sharon Lane; aunts and uncles, Dina and Jacob Krul, Melissa Gilliam, Renee Row, Sara Lane, and Wesley Lane. Robert and Amy Makley were a wonderful addition to her life and she considered them parents. Brothers and sisters include, Britney Lane, Charlie Lane, Alexander Ramos, Anthony and Alexis Makley and several cousins, great cousins, and many friends. Trust funds have been established for her children. Donations can be made to: Thomapple Credit Union, PO Box 289, Hastings, MI 49058 please make checks payable to Lillyona Baker or Lennon Warner. A funeral service was held Monday, Nov. 18, 2019 at Girrbach Funeral Home 328 South Broadway Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. To leave online condolences, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God's Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! Nov. 17 - Worship services at 8 and 10:45 a.m.; Church School 10:45 a.m. Nov. 18 LACS 6 p.m. Nov. 19 Women of Faith 1:30 p.m.; Council 6 p.m.; Flute Choir 7 p.m. Nov. 21 - Clapper Kids 3:45 p.m.; Grace Notes 5:45 p.m. Nov. 24 - 75th Anniversary Celebration; one service at 10 a.m. with a luncheon following. All are welcome! Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www.grace-hastings. org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings, MI. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 DELTON, MI - Norman Hugh Davis, age 86, of Delton, passed away on November 13, 2019. Norman was bom on November 20, 1932 in Philipsburg, MO, the son of Hubert and Elizabeth Amanda (Biggs) Davis. Norman was a 1951 graduate of Kelloggsville High School in Wyoming. He served in the Navy from 1951-1955 in the Korean War. On February 18, 1956 Norman married Clarissa M. Steams, and they enjoyed 63 years together. He was a businessman and worked as a building contractor. Norman was a loving and affectionate father and grandfather. He enjoyed cattle/farming, music (particularly opera), and watching “The Three Stooges”. He was a member of the Assembly of God Church, attending Grand Rapids First for 23 years and Hastings Assembly of God for 40 years. Norman was preceded in death by his father, Hubert Davis; mother, Elizabeth DavisFarrington, and brother, Douglas Jay Davis. He is survived by his wife Clarissa M. Davis; children Dale N. (Sharolyn) Davis, Kathleen N. (Mike) Alexander, Donald H. (Cathy) Davis, Caroline Sue (Ron) Lepard, Jeffrey A. (Becky) Davis, Jennifer L. Davis Eggebraaten; grandchildren, Casey, Amanda, Benjamin, Amber, Brittany, Alexander, Nicholas, Andrew, Michaela, Joelle, Grant, Carson, Hannah, Charlotte, Marshall, and great-grandchildren, Arika, Evelynn, Emmaline, and his brother Max Newton Davis.:.s Funeral services were held Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019 at Girrbach Funeral Home, Rev. Alan Leonhardt and Rev. William Clayton Garrison officiating. Interment was at Augusta National Cemetery at Fort Custer (Military Service). Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfunealhome.net. 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 Farm Bureau group gives refrigerated trailer to Food Bank HASTINGS, MI - Nancy Ann Lancaster, age 81, of Hastings, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 13, 2019. She was under the care of Hospice in Monroe. She was the eldest child bom in Lansing to Thraves and Margaret (Lipsey) Heinze on July 9,1938. She is survived by her siblings, Doug (Sally) Heinze, Carolyn (Leon) Cluckey, Jeanette Nevins, Janice Heinze, and Phil (Peg) Heinze. She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Rod (Linda) Heinze. Nancy is also survived by her children, Jeff Jenkins, Teresa (Ray) Alcalan, Tim (Leah) Jenkins, and Andy (Kim) Jenkins from her first marriage. On April 8, 1974, she married Kenneth Lancaster. She is survived by him; stepsons, Rick (Liz) Lancaster, Mark (Michelle) Lancaster, Ron (Lynn) Lancaster; stepdaughters, Kendra (Tim) Ockerman and Peg (Don) Mosteller. Nancy worked as a secretary at Hastings Manufacturing until her retirement. She enjoyed traveling with her husband after their retirement. Her favorite pastimes were gardening, crocheting and other crafts, entertaining, and loving her family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved going to church, singing hymns, talking with people, and enjoying life. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who knew her. Visitation and funeral services were held will Saturday, Nov. 23, 2019 at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S. Broadway, Hastings. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Friday, Nov. 22 - preschool story time, 10:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 23 - Anime Club, noon-2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25 - Quilting Passions, 10 a.m.-l p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26 - toddler time, 10:30-11 a.m.; mahjong club, 5:30; chess club, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 28 - closed for Thanksgiving holiday. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. The Farm Bureau Insurance of Michigan Agent Charitable Fund donated a refriger­ ated semi-trailer to the Food Bank Council of Michigan Monday at the South Michigan Food Bank in Battle Creek. Pictured are Farm Bureau Insurance agents Heather Russell, Renee Medler, Barry Gray, Christy Corsi, Ron Lapland, Angela Shannon (ACF Committee co-chair) and Mike Neely. Michigan Pork Producers and Clemens Food Group partnered with ACF by donating 900 pounds of ham to fill the trailer. Farm Bureau insurance agents also volunteered with a service project at the food bank. (Photo by Will Kowalski) NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS for NEWSPAPER CARRIERS! ROUTES (WALKING & DRIVING) AVAILABLE IN BARRY COUNTY • Paid Weekly • MUST APPLY IN PERSON AT OUR HASTINGS OFFICE 'The People Paper' j 1351 N. M-43 Highway Hastings Kirbie Lynn Uphold, Battle Creek and Chad Anthony Noteboom, Hastings Jack Thomas Myktiuk, Middleville and Courtney Marie Martin, Grand Rapids Anne Maryrose Moore, Delton and Jacoby Lloyd Vought, Delton Travis James Dowling, Hickory Comers and Alicia Margaraet Bogema, Hickory Comers Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 21,2019 — Page 7 Jason Sixberry chosen as Nashville police chief ReThink West Michigan invites former residents to learn about local opportunities while socializing the evening before Thanksgiving. (Photo provided) ReThink West Michigan returns Nov. 27 Happy houpstyle networking event connects Barry County natives with career opportunities The Barry County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance is partnering with Hello West Michigan - a regional talent-attraction organization - to bring homegrown talent back to Barry County. The two organizations will host the third annual ReThink West Michigan event at the Walldorff Brewpub, 105 E. State St., in downtown Hastings Nov. 27. Guests may stop in any time between 5:30 and 8 p.m. and leave whenever they choose. Preregistration is preferred. The gathering aims to attract former West Michigan residents back to the region. The Grand Rapids Thanksgiving Five tradition expanded two years ago to a multi-location event, including Barry County. On a day when many former students and professionals are back in the area for Thanksgiving, repte§eht£five^ fifottf -irght area companies will be on hand to let guests know that it’s time to “rethink” West Michigan. “We’ve had multiple hires as a direct result from this event the last two years, on top of the great exposure for our companies,” said Travis Alden, president of the Barry i County Chamber of Commerce and Economic "Development Alliance, a member of the | collaboration that makes ReThink West 'Michigan a multi-location event. i “We’re able to showcase regional ’employers that have openings all over West Michigan, like Spectrum Health; small but growing local firms like MKP CPAs; as well ; as companies headquartered in Barry County ‘with an international sales footprint like ‘Hastings Fiberglass Products,” Alden said. “They’re all hiring.” Local companies sending representatives will include Edward Jones, Flexfab, Hastings Fiberglass Products, McKeown and Kraai Professional CPAs, Spectrum Health, Thornapple Manor, TNR Machine and West Michigan Works. A listing of career areas for which they are hiring is available on the ReThink West Michigan website, rethinkwm. com, under the Hastings location link. Intentionally designed to be unlike a traditional career fair, ReThink West Michigan provides a casual, professional environment for networking and discovery of the career possibilities and growing companies in the area. “This event is truly unique because it is targeted toward former West Michigan residents that have moved away,” Rachel Bartels, executive director of Hello West Michigan, said. “We’re highlighting the things people want to know about when they think about relocating: Career opportunities and lifestyle in West Michigan.” Hastings native Gary Pleyte attended the 2017 ReThink event at the Walldorff. After earning a master’s degree in mechanical engineering, Pleyte worked in the automobile industry in Detroit. Eventually, he started thinking it might be time to return to West Michigan. “The atmosphere was very relaxed and stress-free,” Pleyte of the ReThink event format. He had assumed he would end up in Grand Rapids because of the expectation that “all the industry was in the big city.” That wasn’t the case. “I was able to land an engineering position for a global company right in my hometown in Hastings,” he said. After ReThink, Pleyte interviewed with a couple of companies and started with Viking Group the following January. Even after being hired, he was still being approached by company representatives he’d met at ReThink. He now has a role where he gets to be more hands-on and is responsible for projects rather than smaller components, which he greatly enjoys. He’s had the opportunity to travel a few times already in his new position and felt like a crucial part of the company shortly after starting. “Gary is a great example of why we hold this event,” Alden said. “Here’s a guy who wanted to come back home and needed to get connected. He’s from Hastings and he still wasn’t aware of the career opportunities that exist here. ReThink provides a great avenue for that to happen.” Opportunities in Barry County often are unknown, Alden said, even to those with roots in the area. “We have many phenomenal professional opportunities right here - from engineering to IT to accounting to nursing to quality control, management and everything in between,” he said. “I encourage anybody with family or friends visiting for Thanksgiving to have them attend the event and check out the possibilities.” The event is free to attend, only requiring interested attendees to register online at rethinkwm.com. Walk-ins also are welcome. “West Michigan companies are growing at an unprecedented rate,” Tim Mroz, vice president of strategic initiatives of The Right Place Inc., said. “But their growth is limited by access to talent. We have hundreds of positions available regionally, with a specific need in the areas ‘Engineering and technology, and we would KWe to see former Michiganders come home to these jobs.” Taylor Owens Staff Writer The Nashville Village Council voted Nov. 14 to appoint Jason Sixberry as the new vil­ lage police chief. Sixberry has been with the Barry County Sheriff’s Office for nearly 30 years, where he currently serves as a sergeant. He plans to officially begin in Nashville in the next few weeks. “It’s a new venture for me, but I’m ready to take on the task,” Sixberry said. “It was a very trying thing to bring forth for me to do this, because I’ve been with the sher­ iff’s office for not quite 29 1/2 years, and I love them over there.” Sixberry said he had many conversations with his wife on whether he was ready for a change, and he decided to take the job. He has family members who grew up in the area, and he said he only lives about seven miles out­ side of town. “This area is a great place to live,” Sixberry said. “It’s a great place to bring your family up.” He was one of five candidates interviewed by a group chosen by the village police com­ mittee, which included Nashville Village President Mike Kenyon, trustee Henry Felder and trustee Johnny Hartwell. The group also included Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf, Lake Odessa Police Chief Kendra Backing and Calhoun County Undersheriff Timothy Hurtt. Trustee Gary White made the motion to appoint Sixberry to the position. “He’s a quality individual,” White said. The motion, seconded by Tanett Hodge, was approved by all members present. Trustee Steve Priddy was absent. “Hopefully, we can get some really good community relationships going with the pub­ lic,” Sixberry said. “We are there to support them. “If we do our job right, we shouldn’t have any problems. Yes, there will be some dis­ gruntled people because we give them a ticket ... But they won’t necessarily be upset at the person, it will just be the uniform, because we -vOTl "R /i ■L Jason Sixberry speaks before the Nashville Village Council after he was appointed chief of police. are doing what we are supposed to be doing.” Hartwell pointed out that Sixberry is taking a cut in wages and vacation time to accept the position. White asked if the village would be able to consider raising that for Sixberry, and Kenyon said the police committee would look into it. “I think the people of Nashville will be very happy with Jason,” Leaf said in a tele­ phone interview Wednesday. “He’s a very personable, a very moral person.” Leaf said he has known Sixberry for almost 30 years, and they went on a lot of calls together. “I know him better than my own family,” Leaf said. “He will be missed, but he’s only 10 miles away.” Leaf said the sheriff’s office has always had a strong relationship with the Nashville department, and it will make for an even stronger relationship with Sixberry as chief. The sheriff’s office will fill Sixberry’s posi­ tion as daytime sergeant by testing from with­ in, Leaf said. * Traditional and Cremation Services • Pre-Planning Services • Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible Serving All Faiths Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted ■' F" kY*’' 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 ^69-945-^252 • www.girrbachfiineralhome. Owner/Manager Family Owned and Operated owner FmeAtLs Serving Hastings. Barry County and Surrounding Communities for 50 y ears 132609 RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ADOPTION/SUMMARY OF ORDINANCE AMENDING LAND DIVISION, COMBINATION, AND BOUNDARY ADJUSTMENT ORDINANCE (ORDINANCE NO, 2016-159) TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Certain disability payments and workers’ comp may affect benefits Vonda VanTil Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Many people have more than one job and possibly several sources of income. It’s important to keep in mind that having multiple sources of income can sometimes affect your Social Security benefits. But, it depends on the source. Disability payments from private sources, such as private pensions or insurance benefits, don’t affect your Social Security disability benefits. Workers’ compensation and other public disability benefits, however, may reduce what you receive from Social Security. Workers’ compensation benefits are paid to a worker because of a job-related injury or illness. These benefits may be paid by federal or state workers’ compensation agencies, ' employers, or by insurance companies on ! behalf of employers. | Public disability payments that may affect your Social Security benefits are those paid I from a federal, state or local government for disabling medical conditions that are not jobrelated. Examples of these are civil service disability benefits, state temporary disability benefits, and state or local government retirement benefits that are based on disability. t Some public benefits don’: affect your ^Social Security disability benefits. If you receive Social Security disability benefits, and one of the following types of public benefits, your Social Security benefits will not be reduced: Veterans Administration benefits; state and local government benefits, if Social Security taxes were deducted from your earnings; or Supplemental Security Income. You can read more about possible' ways your benefits might be reduced at sdcialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10018 .pdf. Be sure to report changes. If there is a change in the amount of your other disability payment, or if those benefits stop, notify us right away. Tell us if the amount of your workers’ compensation or public disability payment increases or decreases. Any change in the amount or frequency of these benefits is likely to affect the amount of your Social Security benefits. An unexpected change in benefits can have unintended consequences. You can be better prepared if you’re informed and have financially prepared yourself. Visit our benefits planner webpage at socialsecurity, gov/planners for information about your options for securing your future. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email to vonda.vantil@ssa.gov. Please take notice that at a meeting held on November 13, 2019 the Rutland Charter Township Board adopt­ ed Ordinance No. 2019-173 amending certain provisions of Article I of Chapter 200 of the Rutland Charter Township Code of Ordinances, also known as the Land Division, Combination, and Boundary Adjustment Ordinance (Ordinance No. 2016-159, adopted December 14, 2016), the sections of which are summarized as follows: SECTION 1—AMENDMENT OF §200-3 (DEFINITIONS): adds a new subsection to define the term “sur­ vey”, and re-letters several existing subsections to retain the listing of various defined terms in alphabetical order. SECTION 2—AMENDMENT OF §200-5 (APPLICATION FOR LAND DIVISION APPROVAL): amends existing subsection D to delete certain verbiage no longer necessary pursuant to the added definition of the term “survey”; adds a new subsection E to require certain information on the paid or unpaid status of property taxes and special assessments due on the subject property be submitted with an application for a land division; re-letters certain existing subsections pursuant to the preceding changes. SECTION 3—AMENDMENT OF §200-7 (REQUIREMENTS FOR APPROVAL OF LAND DIVISIONS): adds a new subsection with re-numbering of an existing subsection to add a new requirement for approval of a land division regarding the paid or unpaid status of all property taxes and special assessments due on the subject property for the five years preceding the date of the application. SECTION 4—AMENDMENT OF CHAPTER 200 TO ADD NEW PROVISIONS TO ARTICLE I (IMPLE­ MENTATION OF APPROVED LAND DIVISION, COMBINATION OR BOUNDARY LINE ADJUSTMENT); re-numbers certain existing sections of the chapter so as to add as a new §200-10A certain requirements pertaining to the implementation of an approved land division, combination, or boundary line adjustment, including time limits on the subsequent execution of a deed or other applicable instrument of conveyance, recording such deed/other instrument of conveyance, and filing a copy of an executed deed/other appli­ cable instrument of conveyance with the Administrator of the Ordinance (where recording is not required). SECTION 5—EFFECTIVE DATE: states the ordinance takes effect 30 days after publication as required by law. The full text of the original of this Ordinance may be inspected and a copy of same may be purchased by contacting the Rutland Charter Township Clerk at the address and telephone number below during regular business hours of regular working days, and at such other times as may be arranged. Robin Hawthorne Rutland Charter Township Clerk 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 948-2194 I �Page 8 — Thursday, November 21,2019 — The Hastings Banner Financial FOCUS Furnished by Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD JONES I ■ . Elaine Garlock \ The second biggest event next week will be Christmas ’Round the Town November 129 and 30. Twenty-eight stops are listed in the green flyers, available at many business places, some stops have several vendors. Thanksgiving Day comes next week with many people going over the hills and far away to Grandmother’s house. Or maybe Grandmother is going to the home of one of her children or even a grandchild. Traditions change with the years as the hosting shifts from one generation to another. Thanksgiving Eve again will be observed at First Congregational rChurch at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Area pastors |will take part. The chancel choir of Central [ United Methodist Church will be singing. । Last week, the Lake Odessa Area Historical b Society met for its annual remembrance "evening. Six trees had been filled with ornaments on which a person had been i remembered, often with dates included. »Hundreds of colorful ball ornaments are hung J each year. The trees will be in place for all t of December and January. They will be seen *by many at Christmas ’Round the Town as : several vendors will be showing their wares at the museum. Refreshments were served that "evening. This year the society president was aided by Cindy Waite and Laura Cobb plus a few family members who had sponsored * ornaments. ♦ Central United Methodist Church will have Hanging of the Greens Sunday. Nov. 24. I The Fresh Food truck will be town Tuesday, ■Dec. 3, in the parking lot on Third Avenue j behind Central UMC. The first week of December will be a busy time with the Lakewood Christmas Basket .project taking place Dec. 3 to 7 p.m. Helpers are needed, especially Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. The Lakewood school district has a new member on the board of education. She is Kerry Cusack Possehn, mother of four, graduate of GVSU where she earned a bachelor’s degree and Davenport University, where she earned a master’s degree in business administration. She also is a graduate of Lakewood High School. She was one of three applicants. Her community occupation is chief executive officer of The Right Door for Hope, Recovery and Wellness where she had been a longtime employee before being named the director. Local residents are invited to sponsor the garland and other decorations that will adorn lampposts in the business district. Each one can be sponsored for $20 per post. Each post will have a card attached stating the name of the sponsor. Also, the planters will have fresh greenery. STOCKS The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. 266.29 +4.33 Apple Inc. 38.00 -1.17 AT&T 116.45 4.51 Chevron 173.65 -2.74 Deere & Co. 67.82 Exxon Mobil -1.55 48.15 -.82 Flowserve CP 8.90 -.14 Ford Motor Co. 11.50 General Electric Co. +.08 -2.21 36.38 General Motors 225.86 +7.26 Home Depot Inc. 134.82 +3.47 Johnson Johnson 65.32 +1.35 Kellogg Co. +3.32 Microsoft CP 150.39 48.72 +.43 Perrigo Co. 37.66 +.69 Pfizer Inc. 12.79 +.66 Spartannash Comp 207.12 +6.94 Stryker 41.27 -1.29 TCF Financial Corp. 119.89 +.77 Walmart Inc. 148.38 +9.80 Walt Disney Co 140.98 -14.33 Whirl Pool Corp. $1,472.80 $17.21 27,934 Gold Silver Dow Jones +$14.51 +.31 +243 Share your financial bounty with family As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s meaningful to reflect on the origin of the holiday -Native Americans and pilgrims sharing their bounty of food with each other. As you gather with your loved ones this year, perhaps you can think of ways to share not only your dinner, but also your financial bounty. In terms of bounty-sharing, here are some suggestions you may find helpful, no matter your age or that of your children: • Make appropriate gifts. If you have young children, you may want to get them started with a savings account to help them develop positive financial habits. You could even make it a Thanksgiving tradition to measure how their accounts have grown from year to year. But you can go even further by starting to fund an education savings vehicle such as a 529 plan. This account can provide valuable tax benefits and gives you total control of the money until your children are ready for college or trade school. Other education-funding options also are available, such as a custodial account, commonly known as an UGMA or UTMA. If you have grown children, you could still contribute to a 529 plan for your grandchildren. • Develop - and communicate - your estate plans. While you may want to be as generous as possible to your loved ones during your lifetime, you may desire to leave something behind as part of your legacy. And that means you will need to develop a comprehensive estate plan. Such a plan will allow you to express your wishes about where you want your assets to go, who will take care of your children if something happens to you, how you want to be treated should you become incapacitated, and other important issues. Your estate plan will need to include the appropriate documents and arrangements - last will and testament, living trust, power of attorney, health care directive, and so on. To create such a plan, you may . -132229 OFFICE OF THE BARRY COUNTY DRAIN COMMISSIONER NOTICE OF DAY OF REVIEW OF DRAINAGE DISTRICT BOUNDARIES AND DAY OF REVIEW OF APPORTIONMENTS DATE: December 5,2019 TIME: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. LOCATION: Barry County Courthouse 220 W. State Street Hastings, Michigan 49058 QUESTIONS: (517)481-4879 The Day of Review is an opportunity to review the Drainage District boundaries of the Drains listed below and the apportionment of benefit with the Drain Commissioner or a staff member. A map of the proposed Drainage District boundary revisions can be found on the Ionia County website at: www.barrycounty.org. The Drain Com­ missioner, engineers, and/or other staff members will be available to assist individuals throughout the day and make revisions where necessary. There is no need to schedule an appointment for a specific time on the Day of Review. A general description of the lands by section number proposed to be added or deleted from the Drainage Dis­ tricts as recommended by a licensed professional engineer or surveyor for each of the Drains is as follows: Drain Name Barry and Eaton Intercounty Drain Castleton & Woodland Drain Municipalise s Castleton Township Woodland Township Castleton Township Woodland Township Portions of Sections Added 1,11,12,13, 14 Portions of Sections Removed 1,11,12,13, 14 25, 36 25, 36 1, 2,11,12 1, 2,11,13 35, 36 35, 37 6, 7,13, "14, Collier and Mud Creek Intercounty Drain Eli Hilton Drain Gardner Drain Hart Drain Kahler Drain Miller & Hynes Drain 17,18,19, 20, 22, 23 Castleton Township Village of Woodland 7,17,19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 28 Woodland Township Castleton Township 1,11,12,14, 15, 21, 22, 28 22 1,11,14, 21, 22, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32 7, 8, 9,17,18 17 - 11,13,14 Woodland Township Castleton Township Village of Woodland Woodland Township 21, 22 11,12 11,12 22 21, 22 21, 22, 26, 2, 28, 29 29 Village of Woodland Woodland - 22 Township 22 14, 15, 22, 23 The computation of costs for the Drains listed above will also be available at the Day of Review. Drain assessments are collected in the same manner as property taxes and will appear on your winter tax bill. If drain assessments are being collected for more than one (1) year, you may pay the assessment in full with any interest to date at any time and avoid further interest charges. Persons with disabilities need­ ing accommodations for effective participation in the Day of Review should contact the Drain Commis­ sioner’s Office at the number noted above (voice) or through the Mich­ igan Relay Center at 7-1-1 (TDD) at least 24 hours in advance of the Day of Review to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance. You may appeal the Drain Commis­ sioner’s decision to revise the dis­ trict boundary to the Barry County Circuit Court within ten (10) days. You also may appeal the Drain Commissioner’s determination of apportionments to the Barry County Probate Court within ten (10) days. Jim Dull Barry County Drain Commissioner need to work with a team of professionals, you’ve saved to help make a positive including your financial, tax and legal contribution to society. By sharing your bounty with your loved advisors. And it’s essential that you communicate the existence and details of ones and your community on Thanksgiving, your estate plan to your loved ones. By doing you’ll help create a more memorable holiday so, you can help them know what to expect for everyone. So, be generous, be creative and whaf s expected of them to help avoid and be prepared for how much satisfaction unpleasant surprises and familial squabbles you can get from your actions. when it’s time to settle your estate. Edward Jones, its employees and financial • Solicit suggestions for charitable advisors are not estate planners and cannot giving. Sharing some of what you have with provide tax or legal advice. You should charitable or community organizations will consult your estate-planning attorney or also help fulfill the spirt of Thanksgiving. qualified tax advisor regarding your And you can make it a family affair by situation. This article was written by Edward Jones asking your loved ones which groups they would like to support. Not only will you be for use by your local Edward Jones Financial helping a worthy cause, but you’ll also be Advisor. If you have any questions, contact teaching your children about the value of Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. money - in this case, the ability to use money Raising an eyebrow Dr. Universe: Why do we have eyebrows? Zach, 11, Kettle Falls, Wash. Dear Zach, Humans have hair on their heads, arms, and as you mention, even the face. If you feel your face, you might feel some small, fuzzy hairs on your cheeks and forehead. But the hair of your eyebrUws is usually a bit thicker. , ,■ I asked my friend Mark Mansperger why we have eyebrows. He’s an anthropol­ ogist at Washington State University. Eyebrows appear to serve two main purposes, he said. One of the purposes of eyebrows is to keep things like rain or sweat from rolling down the forehead and into the eyes. “It guards your eyes in that way,” Mansperger says. All the hairs on your body grow out of tiny holes on the skin called follicles. Each follicle can grow a single strand of hair. Tiny little blood vessels in the skin give the root of the follicle everything a hair needs to grow. The human body isn’t perfectly sym­ metrical. Sometimes one eye or eyebrow might look a bit different from the other. Everyone’s eyebrows are just a little bit different. Some eyebrows might be brown, blonde, black or red. People who have had eyebrows for a long time might have hair that is gray or white. The eyebrows might be really thick or very thin. You also may have noticed that some people have just one eyebrow. Scientists have discovered one of the indicators in human DNA that will help determine if someone will grow a “unibrow.” Meanwhile, some people’s genes don’t have the typical instructions for growing hair. They have something called alopecia. Alopecia occurs when the body’s immune system attacks hair follicles. People will often lose their hair, including their eye­ brows. All people on our planet today are part of the species called homo sapiens. And they are part of an order called primates. You may have noticed that ancestors like Australopithecines were very hairy. While humans have less hair now, it is still an important trait. Eyebrows also can play a part in com­ munication. The muscles inside your face and the hair on the outside can help you make all kinds of facial expressions. A fur­ rowed brow might communicate that you are angry or concerned. Raising your eye­ brows might let someone know you are surprised or maybe disapproving. As Mansperger summed it up, eyebrows serve important functions. They help pro­ tect our eyeballs and communicate to those around us. Finally, eyebrows also can be a bit entertaining. Some people have the talent of raising just one eyebrow at a time or mak­ ing their eyebrows do a kind of dance. A lot of people can actually train their eyebrows to move using the muscles in their faces. While some people are naturals, others require quite a bit of practice. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University's resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. jfewbom babies TWINS - Jeremiah Mark Alan and Zecheriah Bradley Michael, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on October 17, 2019 to Heather Worm of Hastings. Avaya Jolee Fulford, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on October 17, 2019 to Alyssa DeCamp and Josh Fulford of Nashville. Makenna Maria King, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on October 21, 2019 to Elizabeth Green and Nic King of Nashville. Cristopher, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on October 22, 2019 to Elizabeth Miller and Timothy Miller of Nashville. Gracelynn Rae Seger, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on October 23, 2019 to Sandra Thompson and Josiah Seger of Hastings. Josephine Hope Smith, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on October 25, 2019 to Kay Smith and Joel Smith of Hastings. Dakota Rose-Renee Campbell, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on October 29, 2019 to Angel Hall and Darrin Campbell of Portland. Mylah DeMond, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on October 31, 2019 to Jennifer DeMond and Corey DeMond of Hastings. Georgia Rae Stowell, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on November 3, 2019 to Ashley Stowell and Benjamin Stowell of Woodland. Malcolm Carroll, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on November 3, 2019 to Karley Childers and Jerimiah Carroll of Nashville. Liam Alexander Clark, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on November 5, 2019 to Michelle Lynn Clark and Brock Anthony Clark of Middleville. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 21, 2019 — Page 9 fl look back at the stories and columns on local history In the Hastings Banner TURNING BflGK THE PAGES i Recollections of Irving The Irving General Store was at the northeast corner of Irving and McCann roads. (Photo from “A Pictorial History ...”) The late Norma Velderman researched and wrote a synopsis of the history of Irving for the Oct. 25, 1984, Sun and News. She followed that with a collection of personal memories gathered as she was led around Irving by people who’d spent their childhood there. The following was published in the Nov. 8, 1984, Sun and News, complete with Velderman’s informal observations and questions. Recollections from Ben and Hazel Nagel, Nell (Gillette) Schenkel, Dick Belson, Leona (Bennett) Packer and Maude (Bennett) Steeby. Thanks to these folks, I have been able to reconstruct the businesses, history and people of Irving Village. Cliff Johnson loaned a photo of John Perry’s steam sawmill between the General Store and John Perry’s home on Oak Street in Irving. Nell, Ben, Hazel, Maude and Leona remember four teachers of the village school: Maude Teeple, Cornelia Hills, Mabel Mugridge and Perry Sanford, who rode his bike back and forth from Middleville every day. Nellie remembers there were about 14 students in school. Nellie was bom in a house on a hill on Church Street, then they moved to Maple and Church. Her dad had a beautiful garden across the street. He was the section foreman on the Michigan Central Railroad. They also remembered some of the General Store owners, Tom and Florence Gillette, Jon and Jenny Ten Harkle, Clare and Anna Watson. The last storekeepers were the Bergers. One the comer of Irving and McCann roads (in town it’s called Oak Street), Grandpa and Grandma (Charlie and Jane) McCann lived. Right next to them near the road was a big scale to weigh wagon loads of this or that. Ben showed me where it had been. The grass is different there. It was later moved over near the General Store but close to the road. Next to McCanns was a pretty home where Asahel Hubbard had lived. He had the post office in his home until F.L.. Blake took it over. Maude and Leona remember the house as having a pretty yellow trim (Raymonds live there now). Dick Belson lives south of the Methodist Episcopal Church. When Ernie Warner, the owner before Belsons, worked as a telegrapher of the MCRR, he needed a home. The now closed two-story apple dryer was owned by the railroad, so they moved it over to (now) Belson’s place. It’s the two-story part of his home. South of Irving at the railroad, L.B. Hills had an extensive orchard, running way up to the now M-37. That’s where the apples came from to operate the apple dryer across from the depot. Dick showed me where the old inn and stagecoach used to be, on the corner of Oak and Mill streets. It had a big stable as well as a stagecoach shed. (No. 17 on the map.) Dick - as most young boys will do, climbing and other things he shouldn’t be doing - climbed on the roof of the outhouse to go through a little locker to get into the stagecoach shed. In there he could play on an old stagecoach, which still had the leather carryall on the back. In getting out, he cut his hand quite badly, still carrying the deep scar. He also can remember Dr. Lund’s impatience with his shenanigans. Right directly behind the inn’s shed was the barrel factory (No. 6). They were practically back to back. In the business directories, coopers were mentioned. This was where they worked. Bill McCann showed Dick where the blacksmith shop used to be on Maple Street in the middle of the block (No. 14). It was long and narrow and could hold two wagons and teams. I think Dick also said it was one of the first stone forges Bill McCann had ever seen. In 1918, Ben Nagel’s dad, James, bought the 190 acres where Ben and Hazel now live. In 1938, the dam was built and would open automatically, so the water had no place to go and would run into town. He loaned us a photo of Dr. Lund driving through the flood with water over the running board. During this same flood, Ben put on his boots to carry his kids to the school bus. Ben shared his photo of the cheese factory, later used as a The Irving railroad depot stood just north of the settlement, along McCann. Road, community hall (No. 9). He also had a dandy between Irving Road and M-37. (Photo from “A Pictorial History ...”) ? photo of the General Store (No. 10). Maude and Rudy Steeby gave me a tour of as many homes and people as Maude could remember. John and Bessie Perry lived east of the General Store on Oak Street. They had a daughter, Avis Sanstall, who lives in Reed City. She graduated from Middleville Union School in 1924 and was a teacher. The next house was Riders, with a large family. On the corner of Mill and Oak streets, (No. 17) was the old inn. Dr. Taylor set up his practice in part of it. The Garfields, as well as Dudley Kennedy’s mother lived there. Maude thought Mrs. Lumpson used to live on the southeast corner of Race and Oak. Next to them was Mrs. Benton, an elderly widow, and Chubbs was next, with several children. In the triangle of Church and Irving roads lived David Lake, a bachelor. He later moved to Middleville and was crossing guard for the MCRR, which had no gates. On Church Street, near the triangle, Damoths lived. [Their] children were Arnold, Laverne and a daughter. They moved to Middleville in 1914. This photo of “Dr. Lund driving through flood at Irving Dam,” likely was shared by If you go west out of Irving toward Ben Nagle for Norma Velderman’s 1984 article. The photo later was included in “A Middleville, cross the bridge and go up the Pictorial History of the Northwest Corner of Barry County featuring Bowens Mills, hill, Deans lived in the first house. [Their] sons were Earl (now deceased) and Glen, who Freeport, Irving, Middleville area, Parmalee and Streeter’s Resort” which was co-pub­ married Leone Potts. They live in Middleville. lished in 1991 by Velderman, Priscilla Beavan and Loretta Clark. The second house was the Ropers with heard her scream, came and pulled her out. there now. two daughters, Lavina and Bessie. Harry Bennett would go out with his Aunty Sowerby would let Maude play in Then going east out of Irving, along the river on Irving Road, Maude said the first threshing crew for a week at a time. Mrs. her sewing machine drawers with a beautiful farm used to be the Chase’s farm. They had a Bennett and the children were left alone. old silver crucifix found in the Indian burial Because of the closeness of the railroad, they ground. Dick Belson remembered Mrs. son, Keith. Next was an elderly couple who raised were bothered a lot with transients. She was Sowerby as a feisty old woman who had sheep. Because of the < 1c al church to the railroad, the transients and the gypsies, went into Irving and stayed with Clare and parsonage. She was very proud of her fine . Ann Watson and their children above the . strawberry patch. Dick tried to snitch some they later moved into intp store. Both Maudi and Leona h^ve^ibixf strawberries, and she chased him with a factory, where they felt more secure. Next was the Harry Bennett farm, now memories of the Watson family. Clare was buggy whip. Boys don’t change much, do Stony Acres. Much to our surprise, when always so full of fun and pulling jokes. He they? Maude and I stopped and got o& to talk with would let them ride with him in his lightweight, Ben Nagel was telling about some childish the owners, it turned out to be Gaye Marble low-sided, one-seater wagon when he had to mischief he’d gotten into. He and his friend Patterson. Her husband then showed us the meet trains and pick things up. The Watsons were throwing a burdock ball. For you folks spring that used to run into the wooden barrel had three children, Laverne, Eva and Naomi, who don’t know what burdock, it, it is a soft spiny stick-tight. By putting many together, beside Harry’s bam. Mr. Patterson had made a all born April 1. The post office was in the store, as were you can make baskets or balls. Ben threw the small pond, but the spring outlet still ran open barrels of crackers and molasses. Maude balls back to his friend, but hit a girl nearby. under the ground to the river. Maude said Jessie, who was taller and remembers playing back in the yard-goods Did he ever catch it because she thought he’d done it on purpose. Have you ever taken a older, used to get into the barrel and walk area with boxes of buttons. We went on to Bull’s monument and they burdock ball out of long hair? I felt for the around the edge, holding on to the side. It looked easy and like fun to Maude, so when pointed out the Indian burial ground across girl. So, there it is, folks. If I made any errors, no one was around [she] got into it and started the railroad tracks on the west side of Irving left out something important, will you please to go straight across. The wooden bottom of Road. Maude talked about Aunty Sowerby, let me know. Or, if you have any to add to the barrel was slippery. When Maude was going down for the third time, Jessie, who had [perhaps the former Lillie Haines] who lived help round out Iving’s history, please share it in A.E. Bull’s old home. I believe Pratts live with us. ■ wr f Tv';.;; I City of Hastings THIS AD FOR SALE! More than 50% of adults have a positive perception of ads in print newspapers.* Want to be next to trusted content? Place your ad in this newspaper and a network of newspapers Lnjthe state! BEGINNING DECEMBER 1, 2019, all payments received after the close of the business day will be posted as paid the following business day; this will include all payments placed in the City’s drop box after 5 pm. If you are interested in further details, please contact the City of Hastings (telephone number 269-945-2468 or TDD call relay services 1-800-649-3777). City of Hastings IMPORTANT NOTICE Regarding Unpaid Delinquent Personal Property Taxes The following community taxpayers currently owe delinquent personal property taxes to Hastings Public Schools, Barry County, Barry Intermediate School District and the City of Hastings Anne‘s Health Foods Designs. Hair and Nails Depot Law Office PLC Designs of Hastings Hastings Body Shop PR BiaSders Oristopher Tomczyk DOS This hand-drawn map accompanies Norma Velderman’s 1984 columns on Irving. Early building included: 1. two-story apple dryer; 2. depot; 3. Methodist Episcopal church; 4. ME parsonage; 5. Congregational church; 6. barrel factory; 7. stable for the inn; 8. buggy shed for inn; 9. cheese factory, later community hall; 10. general store and post office; 11. first chair factory, water grist mill; 12. grist mill; 13. scales in ground, later moved to between store and sawmill; 14. blacksmith shop; 15. school; 16. Ben Nagel’s home; 17. inn, stagecoach stop; 18. water-driven sawmill; 19. steam-driving sawmill; steam-driven sawmill. IMPORTANT NOTICE Regarding Payments to the City Call this paper or 800-227-7636 www.cnaads.com DeOnpuent Taxpayer ’ Year(s) 20£Ba015 2010-2D18 2D13-2018 2015-2018 2018 2018 Amount 6.850.81 808.28 L3O8.85 1,.fe3O2 1,^367 10.43 .. 76.25 Per the State General Property Tax Act, Section 211.47, continued failure to remit payment for outstanding tax liens may result in the closure of these establishments. If you are interested in further details, please contact the City of Hastings, (telephone number 269-945-2468 or TDD call relay services 1-800-649­ 3777). Jane M. Saurman City Clerk/Treasurer/Director of Finance Jane M. Saurman . City Clerk IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT YOUR SPECTRUM CHANNEL LINEUP Communities Served: Townships of Orangeville, Rutland, Thornapple, Yankee Springs and Village of Middleville, MI Effective on or after December 30,2019, the following channels will no longer be available in Digi Tier 2/Spectrum TV Gold or Sports View. These networks are still available with subscription to Spectrum TV Sports Pack: MLB Strike Zone on channels 236 & 701; NFL RedZone on channels 227 & 712; Outdoor Channel on channels 216 & 769. For a complete channel lineup, visit Spectrum. com/Channels. To view this notice online, visit Spectrum.net/ProgrammingNotices, ' �Page 10 ■— Thursday, November 21,2019 — The Hastings Banner TOWNSHIP OF ORANGEVILLE BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDINANCE NO. 1119-1 LITTER ORDINANCE ADOPTED: November 12. 2019 EFFECTIVE: 30 days after publication An ordinance to protect the public health, safety and general welfare of persons an property within Orangeville Township through the regulation, control and prohibition of the depositing of rubbish, waste, litter, and debris upon public and private property within the Township; to provide penalties for the violation thereof and to repeal any ordinances or parts of ordinances iri conflict therewith. THE TOWNSHIP OF ORANGEVILLE BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ORDAINS: This Ordinance shall be known and cited as the Orangeville Township Litter Ordinance. SECHQN2 DEEiNlIIONS “Litter” as used in this Ordinance means all garbage, scrap and waste materials including rags, cartons, paper, cans, bottles, boxes, or parts therefrom (excluding those stored and used in connection with an industrial or commercial operation on the site), inoperable and discarded appliances and equipment; fences in disrepair; broken or discarded plaster, concrete, brick, building materials, scrap metal, pipe,discarded motor vehicle parts, and tires. “Litter” shall also include personal use items when one or more of the following conditions exist: 1. Such personal use item is not regularly used for its intended purposes at least one time per season of intended use; or 2. Such personal use item is in a state of disrepair and is not usable in its present condition; or 3. Such personal use item has broken or missing parts. “Personal use items” as used in this Ordinance shall include lawn maintenance equipment; children’s toys, sporting equipment and bicycles which can be used on the property itself. SECTIONS REGULATIONS A. Prohibition and Storage Regulations for items defined as “Litter”. 1. It shall be unlawful for any person to dump, deposit, place, throw, leave, or cause or permit the dumping, depositing, placing, throwing, or leaving of litter or any other material on any public or private property or waters within the Township other than property designated and set aside for such purposes. The phrase “public or private property or waters” includes, but is not limited to, the right-of-way of any road or highway, any body of water or water course, or the shores or beaches thereof, and including the ice above such waters; any park, playground, building, refuge, or conservation or recreation area; and any residential, commercial, industrial, or farm properties or vacant or unimproved lands. 2. It shall be unlawful for any person to aid, assist, or abet another to violate any of the provisions of the within Ordinance. 3. The owner or occupant of any building or premises within the Township shall not permit or cause the outdoor storage of litter on such premises, subject to the following exceptions: a) Such litter does not include garbage or other putrescible liquids or solids, when screened from the view of all adjacent properties and abutting public or private rights-of-way, and when being stored only between regular, not less than weekly collection by a public or private garbage collection service; b) Such litter is located in a duly licensed and properly zoned junk yard, salvage yard, or landfill where such uses or operations are legally authorized under the Orangeville Township Zoning Ordinance; and c) A special permit is first obtained therefor for a period of not to exceed 45 days from the Supervisor of Orangeville Township or such other officer or official as the Township Board may designate to be granted only in special hardship cases beyond control of the applicant, where special or peculiar circumstances exist, where no adjoining property owner is adversely affected thereby and where the spirit and purpose of this Ordinance are still observed. A special permit granted hereunder may be renewed for not more than one additional 45-day period upon showing of due diligence and continued satisfaction of the criteria set forth above for the fesuance of the initial permit. SECTION 4 SANCTIONS Any person, firm, association, partnership, corporation or governmental entity who violates any of the provisions of this Ordinance shall be deemed to be responsible for a municipal civil infraction as defined by Michigan Statute which shall be punishable by a civil fine determined in accordance with the following schedule: Minimum Fine ' Maximum Fine $ 150.00 $500.00 -2nd Offense within 3-year period* 250.00 500.00 -3rd Offense within 3-year period* 325.00 500.00 -4th Or More Offense within 3-year * Period 500.00 500.00 -1st Offense within 3-year period* Guest Commentary Protecting Going PRO as Michigan goes into the future State Rep. Julie Calley Continuing Michigan’s economic comeback is vital for our future. We need sound policy measures that help our state become a better place to live, work and raise a family - like the Going PRO initiative. Established in 2014 as the Skilled Trades Training Fund, Going PRO has been one of the most effective resources available to address Michigan’s talent crisis, providing grants to employers for short-term training. Nearly 2.500 new workers were trained and almost 4.500 new workers were hired just in the last budget year across seven counties in West Michigan (Allegan, Barry, Ionia, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon and Ottawa) with funding from the program, according to American Job Center partner West Michigan Works. The training is sorely needed because our state will be looking at an estimated 545,000 job openings by 2026 in sectors such as healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing, construction and automotive. These are openings that, if filled, can provide people with sustainable income while putting Michigan on the economic fast track. Job providers look to states that are working to provide available talent and Going PRO has been a well-documented guiding light. That’s why the governor’s veto of Going PRO funding for the upcoming budget year is a surprising and disappointing turn. Her actions would close a door on opportunity and make Michigan less versatile and competitive in the future when it comes to cultivating its workforce. The original budget plan sent to the governor by the Legislature continued funding for this important program and I am going to work to see that it’s restored. More than 350 employers in the previously mentioned seven-county West Michigan region have submitted funding requests for training for the upcoming year, including 179 that have never applied before. These job providers are waiting to see if funding for this program will continue as their ability to invest in their workforce and the economic well­ being of our region hangs in the balance. This is very likely the case across the entire state. Since 2014, it is estimated that more than 16,000 workers from more than 2,200 companies have benefitted from Going PRO as Michigan has concentrated on increasing talent development, productivity and employee retention. Here’s the fundamental and straightforward truth: The governor is making it harder for people in Michigan to get good-paying jobs by getting rid of this program. I will be striving for its restoration as budget negotiations continue. Jobs and prosperity for people in Michigan are depending on it. State Rep. Julie Calley, R-Portland, is in her second term in the Michigan House serving residents in the 87th District. This encompasses all ofBarry County and portions of Ionia County. Winter shed to be purchased by Prairieville Luke Froncheck Contributing Writer A shelter will soon be put in place for those who work at the Prairieville Township recycling station. In anticipation of cold winter weather, the township board of trustees allocated up to $650 for the purchase of a shed so those supervising the station would be protected from the elements. The action was approved during the board’s regular meeting Nov. 12. Township Clerk Rod Goebel said the shed would have ventilation and be enclosed enough so that a space heater would provide adequate heat. The board also OK’d the townships yearly millage rate, which did not change, and approved spending $ 1,309 to install snowplow equipment on a township truck. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads ‘Determined on the basis of the date of commission of the offense(s). Additionally, the violator shall pay costs which may include all expenses, direct and indirect, to which Orangeville Township has been put in connection with the municipal civil infraction. In no case, however, shall costs of less than $10.00 nor more than $500.00 be ordered. In addition, the Township shall have the right to proceed in any court of ^competent jurisdiction for the purpose of obtaiing an injunction, restraining order, or other appropriate remedy to compel compliance with this Ordinance. Each day that a violation exists shall constitute a separate offense. S^^ABILffY NOTICE OF ORDINANCE ADOPTION TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN ANDANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: Should any section, clause, or provision of this Ordinance be declared to be invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the same shall not affect the validity of the Ordinance as a whole or any part thereof other than the parts so declared to be invalid. SECTION 6 REPEAL&SAVINGS^LAUSB All Ordinances and parts of Ordinances in conflict herewith, including the Orangeville Township Junk Yard Ordinance are hereby repealed. Existing prosecutions under any ordinance provision that is hereby repealed may be pursued to its natural conclusion. PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the following is a summary of an Ordinance which was adopted by the Township Board of Baltimore Township at a regular meeting held on November 12, 2019. ORDINANCE 2019R-A1 ORDINANCE TO AMEND RECREATIONAL/ADULT USE MARIHUANA ESTABLISHMENT ORDINANCE (Ord. 2019-1R SECTION IAMENDMENT OF SECTION V. SUBSECTION 1. Section V, Subsection 1 of Ordinance 2019-1R is amended to eliminate the requirement for prequalification for recreational marihuana license applicants that already hold medical marihuana facility licenses. SECTJQN7 STIPULATIONS Violations that are covered under Barry County Zoning Ordinances to be enforced by the county enforcement officer. Furthermore, violations received by the township be acted upon only after voted upon by board to proceed with complaint. This Ordinance shall take effect 30 days after publication of the Ordinance. Roll Call Vote: Ayes: Risner Ritchie Rook Nays: Ribble Perino Absent: None Supervisor declares ordinance adopted ■ BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN SEC.TJON.il. AMENDMENT OF SECTION VII, SUBSECTIONS 1 and 6. Section VII, Subsection 1 of Ordinance 2019-1R is amended to require state licensing of recreational marihuana establishments. Subsection 6 is deleted. SECTION III. AMENDMENT OF SECTION VIII. Section VIII of Ordinance 2019-1R is amended to provide that the renewal fee for a recreational marihuana establishment shall be paid annually on the anniversary date of state licensure. SECTION IV. severable. Mel Risner,Clerk Orangeville Township 7350 Lindsey Road Plainwell,Ml 49080 www.orangevilletownship.org 269-664-4522 . ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP CERTIFICATE OF ADOPTION I, Mel Risner, Clerk of the Township of Orangeville, Barry County, Michigan, do hereby certify that in pursuance of law and statue provided, at a regular meeting of the Orangeville Township Board held on November 12, 2019, commencing at 7:00 o’clock p.m. at the Orangeville Township Hall, 7350 Lindsey Road,Plainwell, Ml 49080, at which the following members were present, the Board enacted and passed Ordinance 1*119-1 to become effective 30 days after publication. Hereinbefore recorded, and that the members of said Board present at said meeting voted on the adoption said Ordinance, as follows: Tom Rook-yes, Mel Risner-yes, Michelle Ritchie-yes, Robert Perino-no, Linda Ribble-no Said Ordinance declared adopted by Supervisor,Tom Rook Mel Risner/Clerk Orangeville Township SEVERABILITY. The provisions of this Ordinance are SECTION V, REPEAL. This section provides that all ordinances or parts of ordinances in conflict with this Ordinance are repealed. SECTION VI. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall take effect upon publication after adoption. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the full text of the Ordinance has been posted in the office of the Baltimore Township Clerk at the address set forth below and that copies of this Ordinance may be purchased or inspected at the office of the Baltimore Township Clerk during regular business hours of regular working days following the date of this publication. Penelope Ypma, Clerk BALTIMORE TOWNSHIP 3100 E. Dowling Road Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 721-3502 132622 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 21, 2019 — Page 11 Community shows support for victims of fire Taylor Owens Staff Writer Hastings schools had a drive to help a local family that lost its home on Walnut Street in a fire early Tuesday, Nov. 12. Hastings Middle School Principal Beth Stevens said the school has an emergency team ready to respond to such events. A student support specialist has been working with the family to learn their needs and help connect them with resources until their insurance kicks in, Stevens said. The school had a gift card drive, with cards for local restaurants, grocery stores and more. Stevens said gift cards often are more effective than efforts such as clothing donations when the family does not yet have a permanent residence. The Barry County United Way also con­ tacted the family, as it does in such cases, Executive Director Lani Forbes said. The United Way connects families to resources, helps get school supplies for the kids, works in conjunction with the American Red Cross and helps determine family needs. Information on how to contribute is avail­ able by contacting the United Way at 269­ 945-4010, and all donations remain local. LEGAL NOTICES SYNOPSIS Hastings Charter Township Regular Meeting Nov. 12, 2019 Meeting called to order at 7:00 p.m. All seven board members present Approved consent agenda items Budget hearing 2020 Poverty guideline/hardship exemption Approved payment of bills Dept, reports received and put on file Motion to adjourn 8:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Anita S. Mennell - Clerk Attested to by Jim Brown - Supervisor 132606 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28308-DE Estate of Clifford Harwood, Jr. Date of birth: 01/02/1941. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Clifford Harwood, Jr., died 02/21/12015. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Alice G. Covell, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 West Court Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months altar the date of publication of this notice. Date: 11/15/2019 Shane A. Henry P82054 121 West Apple Street, Suite 101 Hastings, Michigan 49058 (269) 945-3512 Alice G. Covell 11657 Floria Road Delton, Michigan 49046 (269)623-4378 132523 SYNOPSIS ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING NOV. 12,2019 Meeting called to order 7 pm, all board members present, Commissioner Conner & 10 guests Motion approved Oct 1,2019 meeting minutes Motion approved Sept. 4, 2019 public hearing minutes Motion approved paying of bills Department Reports Public Comment Motion failed for resolution regarding verbiage of hemp farming Motion to table restated Gun Lake Sewer & Water Authority articles of incorporation Mill Pond property tabled Adopted Litter Ordinance #1119-1 with stipulations Motion to adjourn 8:46 pm Submitted by: Mel Risner/Clerk Attested to by: Tom Rook/Supervisor 132486 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28359-DE Estate of Eugene C. Karan, deceased. Date of birth: 12/09/1923. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Eugene C. Karan, died 09/23/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to George M. Wesley, personal representative, or to both the probate court at Barry County Courts & Law Building, 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Michigan 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 11/14/2019 Steven R. Nicholas P39431 1315 Lansing Road, Suite 1000 Charlotte, Ml 48813 517-541-3701 George M. Wesley 3816 Pinch Hwy. Charlotte, Ml 48813 517-645-2243 132401 GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP PLANNING COMMISSION NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Public Hearing will be held by the Prairieville Township Planning Commission on December 12, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, within the Township. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the item(s) to be considered at this public hearing include, in brief, the following: 1. A request by Rod Stevenson, potential purchaser of 7423 Delton Rd., Delton, Ml 49046, for a Special Land Use/Site Plan Review to allow for the construction of a detached accessory structure failing to meet the size and locational requirements set forth in section 4.20 “Accessory Structures”. The subject property is located at 7423 Delton Rd. Parcel # 08-12-001-002-00 & 08-12-001-010-30 and is currently zoned R-2 Residential. 2. A request from Linda Kepner, property owner, 14811 Lockshore Rd., Hickory Corners, Ml 49323, for a Special Use/Site Plan to allow for the operation of kennel pursuant to section 6.6 “Agricultural District” C. Special Land Uses #12. The subject site is located at 14811 Lockshore Rd., Parcel # 08-12-026­ 007-41 and is currently zoned A -Agricultural. 3. Such other and further matters as may properly come before the Planning Commission for this meeting. All interested persons are invited to be present or submit written comments on this matter(s) to the below Township office address. Prairieville Township will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the hearing upon five (5) days notice to the Prairieville Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Prairieville Township Clerk at the address or telephone number set forth above. Jim Stoneburner, Township Supervisor 132672 New lockers ahead for Delton Kellogg High School Luke Froncheck Staff Writer As a result of the successful bond request in May, Delton Kellogg High School will be getting new lockers next week. The current lockers have been in place since the building’s construction in the 1970s, Superintendent Kyle Corlett said at Monday’s board of education meeting. The installation of the new lockers will take place next Monday and Tuesday. During the meeting, Corlett also informed the board that Delton Kellogg senior Jonathon Gherardi plans to dedicate his Eagle Scout project toward fixing up the middle school courtyard. Gherardi plans to trim trees and place a few new benches, too. In Corlett’s words, Gherardi will “really make the place look nice.” The school board met in closed session for Corlett’s evaluation and “found him effective for the third year in a row,” according to the superintendent. In other business, the board approved: • The 2018-19 financial audit presented at the October meeting. • The notification of West Michigan Risk Management regarding its consideration of bids for insurance. • A resolution in support of participation in the Reading Now Network. • The district’s emergency plans. • The hiring of hiring of coaches Jessica Staton, middle school cheer; Mike Powell, assistant high school varsity girls’ basketball; and Carter Howland, freshman boys’ basketball. LEGAL NOTICES NOTICE SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE - Doreen E Boulter, single woman, granted a mortgage to Exchange Financial Corporation, Mortgagee, dated August 17, 2000, and recorded on August 22, 2000, in Document No. 1048474, and assigned by said mortgagee to Michigan State Housing Development Authority, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Forty-Six Thousand Seven Hundred EightyNine and 06/100 Dollars ($46,789.06). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the Barry County Courthouse, Hastings Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on December 05, 2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: The South 1/2 of Lot 1/2 of Block 4 of R.J. Grant's Second Addition to the City, formerly Village, of Hastings, according to the recorded Plat thereof. The redemption period will be one year from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 125.1449v, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 125.1449v(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. Michigan State Housing Development Authority Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman P.C. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1400970 (11-07)(11-28) 131805 NOTICE SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE - Joseph A. Warner and Brenda Warner, husband and wife, granted a mortgage to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”), solely as nominee for lender and lender's successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated June 7, 2018, and recorded on June 18, 2018, in Document No. 2018-005905, and assigned-by said mortgagee to Homebridge Financial Service^lnc., as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Sixteen Thousand Six Hundred Eighty-Four and 25/100 Dollars ($116,684.25). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the Statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the Barry County Courthouse, Hastings Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on December 05, 2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: The following described premises situated in the Township of Prairieville, County of Barry, State of Michigan and particularly described as follows: A parcel of land in the Southwest Quarter of Section 6, Town 1 North, Range 10 West, more fully described as: Section 6, Town 1 North, Range 10 West, commencing at the Southwest corner post, thence North 1537.77 feet, thence North 46 degrees 55 minutes East, 818.27 feet; thence North 47 degrees 17 minutes East, 398.2 feet to the Place of Beginning; thence North 47 degrees 17 minutes East, 232.67 feet; thence South 41 degrees 02 minutes East, 927.7 feet to the lake; thence South 74 degrees 04 minutes West, along shore, 77.36 feet; thence South 12 degrees 0 minutes West, along shore 37.52 feet; thence North 41 degrees 04 minutes West, 414.81 feet; thence South 47 degrees 17 minutes West, 338.13 feet; thence North 40 degrees 13 minutes West, 352 feet; thence North 47 degrees 17 minutes East 198 feet; thence North 40 degrees 13 minutes West 148 feet to Place of Beginning. EXCEPT: Commencing at the corner of said section, thence North 00 degrees 00 minutes East, on the West section line, 1537.77 feet, thence North 46 degrees 55 minutes East, on the centerline of County Road (Pine Lake Road), 818.21 feet; thence North 47 degrees 17 minutes East on said centerline, 200.20 feet; thence South 40 degrees 13 minutes East, on the East line of Boniface Point Road, 148.00 feet to the Place of Beginning of this description, thence North 47 degrees 17 minutes 00 seconds East, 198.13 feet, thence South 40 degrees 13 minutes 00 seconds East 200.00 feet; thence North 47 degrees 17 minutes 00 seconds East, 140.00 feet; thence South 40 degrees 13 minutes 00 seconds East 152.00 feet; thence South 47 degrees 17 minutes West, 338.13 feet to the East line of Boniface Point Road; thence North 40 degrees 13 minutes 00 seconds West on said line, 352.00 feet to the Place of Beginning. LESS AND EXCEPT: The following described premises situated in the Township of Prairieville, County of Barry and State of Michigan, and particularly described as follows: A parcel of land in the Southwest quarter of Section 6, Town 1 North, Range 10 West, more fully described as: Commencing at the Southwest corner of Section 6, Town 1 North, Range 10 West; thence North 00 degrees 00 minutes East, on the West section line, 1,537.77 feet; thence North 46 degrees 55 minutes East, on the centerline of County Road 412 (Pine Lake Road), 818.27 feet, thence North 47 degrees 17 minutes East, on said centerline, 630.87 feet; thence South 41 degrees 02 minutes East 347.77 feet to the Place of Beginning; thence continuing South 41 degrees 02 minutes East 579.93 feet to lake; thence South 74 degrees 04 minutes West, along shore, 77.36 feet; thence South 12 degrees 00 minutes West, along shore, 37.52 feet; thence North 41 degrees 04 minutes West, 414.81 feet; thence North 40 degrees 13 minutes West, 152.00 feet; thence North 47 degrees 17 minutes East, 98.15 feet to the Place of Beginning. The redemption period will be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period will be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 600.3241 a(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of Act 236 of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. HomeBridge Financial Services, Inc. Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman P.C. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1400267 (10-31 )(11-21) 131312 Barry County Circuit Court Case No. 19-233-CH NOTICE OF JUDICIAL SALE JUDICIAL SALE IN PURSUANCE The property described below shall be sold at public auction, by an authorized sheriff/deputy sheriff or county clerk/deputy county clerk, to the highest bidder, at the Circuit Court for the County of Barry, on the 5th of December, 2019 at 1:00 pm, local time. On said day at said time, the following described property shall be sold: property located in the City of Delton, County of Barry, State of Michigan, particularly described as That portion of Lot 50 “Cottage Grove Resort”, Section 6, Town 1 North, Range 9 West, lying Northerly of an Easterly-Westerly line parallel to the Northerly line of Lot 4 and dividing Lot 4 of said plat in half and extending Easterly across Lot 50, Lot 6 of “Cottage Grove Resort”, according to the recorded plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 2 of plats, Page 21. Tax Parcel ID: 03-060-004-00. More commonly known as: 10900 E Shore Dr, This notice is from a debt collector. Date of Notice: October 9, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1398357 (10-17)(11-21) 129996 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement ATTN PURCHASERS: This sale may be rescinded by the foreclosing mortgagee for any reason. In that event, your damages, if any, shall be limited solely to the return of the bid amount tendered at sale, plus interest, and the purchaser shall have no further recourse against the Mortgagor, the Mortgagee, or the Mortgagee’s attorney. Notice is hereby given that the below mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the Circuit Court of Barry County at 1:00 pm on December 5, 2019. Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Katherine Holmes, a Married Woman Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for Ross Mortgage Corporation its successors and assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): PennyMac Loan Services, LLC Date of Mortgage: October 31, 2014 Date of Mortgage Recording: November 5, 2014 Amount claimed due on mortgage on the date of notice: $100,201.86 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in the Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: Village of Middleville and Township of Thomapple, County of Barry, State of Michigan Lot 22, Charleson Heights Addition No. 1, Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, excepting therefrom the North 10 feet thereof and also the North 5 feet of Lot 23, Charleson Heights Addition No. 1, Village of Middleville, Barry County, Michigan, according to the recorded plat thereof. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or upon the expiration of the notice required by MCL 600.3241 a(c), whichever is later; or unless MCL 600.3240(16) applies. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: 10/31/2019 Potestivo & Associates, P.C. 311727 (10-31 )(11-21) 131314 NOTICE SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN PC., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE - Robert Stratton, a single man and Stephanie Brannam, a single woman, granted a mortgage to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”), solely as nominee for lender and lender's successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated July 6, 2016, and recorded on July 8, 2016, in Document No. 2016-006788, and assigned by said mortgagee to Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Eighty-Nine Thousand One Hundred Thirty and 60/100 Dollars ($189,130.60). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the Barry County Courthouse, Hastings Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on December 12, 2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: A parcel of land in the East 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 9, Town 4 North, Range 10 West, Thomapple Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: Commencing at the Southeast corner of said Section: thence North 00 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds East 1323.27 feet along the East line of said Section; thence South 89 degrees 33 minutes 06 seconds West 1110.12 feet along the North line of the South 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of said Section to the centerline of Highway M-37 and the point of beginning: thence North 89 degrees 33 minutes 06 seconds East 81.08 feet to the Easterly right of way of Highway M-37; thence North 77 degrees 12 minutes 27 seconds East 149.77 feet; thence North 86 degrees 29 minutes 29 seconds East 121.64 feet; thence South 09 degrees 31 minutes 04 seconds East 593.00 feet to the centerline of said Highway M-37; thence Northwesterly 703.96 feet along a 5729.59 foot radius curve to the left, said curve having a central angle of 7 degrees 02 minutes 23 seconds and a chord bearing North 39 degrees 24 minutes 14 seconds West 703.52 feet to the point of beginning. The redemption period will be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period will be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 600.3241 a(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of Act 236 of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman P.C. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1401629 (11-14)(12-05) 132278 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28315-DE Estate of Dean Thomas Johnson, deceased. Date of birth: 10/23/1943. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Dean Thomas Johnson, deceased, died July 13, 2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Carol A. Johnson, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., # 302, Hastings, and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 11/19/2019 Michele C. Marquardt P39165 211 E. Water St., Ste. 401 Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007 (269)343-2106 Carol A. Johnson 11379 Stagecoach Drive Dowling, Michigan 49050 (269)721-8425 132630 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on December 12, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Debra Mays, a married woman and John Mays I a/k/a John Mays, her husband Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Oceanside Mortgage Company Date of Mortgage: July 27, 2017 Date of Mortgage Recording: August 2, 2017 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $198,054.74 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Charter Township of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lots 37, 38 and 39 of Indian Hills, HastingsJownship, Barry County, Michigan, according to the recorded Plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 4 of Plats, Page 53. ■ ' the redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16)7 If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: November 14, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1401263 (11-14)(12-05) 132051 NOTICE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. MORTGAGE SALE-Default has been made in the conditions of a Mortgage made by CARL L. FIELDS, Mortgagor, to FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF AMERICA, Mortgagee, dated July 30, 2003, and recorded August 4, 2003, in Instrument No. 1110046, of Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due as of the date of this notice $28,894.46, including interest at 9.95% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage, and pursuant to the statutes of the State of Michigan, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction to the highest bidder, on Thursday, December 12, 2019, at 1 o’clock in the afternoon, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan. Said premises are situated in Johnsontown Township, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: The South 4 rods of the North 16 rods of the South 106 rods of the East 1/2 of the NW 1/4 of Section 32, T1N, R8W, c/k/a 15146 N. Uldriks, Battle Creek, Ml 49017. The redemption period shall be six months from the date of the sale, unless the premises are determined to be abandoned pursuant to MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be one month, or until the time to provide the notice required by MCL 600.3241 a(c) expires, whichever is later. The redemption period further may be shortened pursuant to MCL 600.3238(10) if the property is not adequately maintained, or if the purchaser is denied the opportunity to inspect the property. Please be advised that if the mortgaged property is sold at a foreclosure sale by advertisement, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale, or to the mortgage holder, for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: November 14, 2019 LeVasseur Dyer & Associates, PC Attorneys for Mortgagee 3233 Coolidge Hwy Berkley, Ml 48072 (248) 236-1765 (11-14)(12-05) 132050 Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads �Page 12 — Thursday, November 21, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Support growing for new shooting range in game area Greg Chandler Staff Writer Shooting enthusiasts could soon have a dedicated public shooting range in the Barry State Game Area. Plans are in the works for development of the range on more than 12 acres of land in the game area on the south side of M-179, just east of Peets Road in Rutland Charter Township. Trees have already been cleared from the site in advance of the project. An application is pending with the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund for $200,000 in funding to help make the project possible. The project has an estimated cost of about $800,000, said Randy Heinze, a wildlife biologist for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources regional office in Yankee Springs Township. Currently, shooters are using a secluded 3-acre site in the game area off Yankee Springs Road, north of M-179. For decades, the Moose club in Hastings maintained the location. “When the Moose managed it, it was a trap and skeet range,” Yankee Springs Township Supervisor Mark Englerth said. “They opened the gate and locked the gate and took care of it.” Eventually, though, the Moose club ended up building its own shooting range between Hastings and Nashville, Englerth said. Meanwhile, over the past two decades, two subdivisions have been constructed 300 yards north of the site, and a third one is under development, Heinze said. “Being secluded as it is, it’s hard to police. We get a lot of undesired activity,” Heinze said. “It’s not big enough to house all the people who want to come there and shoot. We have overcrowding issues, which also leads to people shooting into directions they shouldn’t be shooting.” As a result, several homes in those subdivisions have been hit by stray bullets from the current range, Barry County Tree clearing is already underway at the site of the proposed new shooting range in the Barry State Game Area off of M-179 east of Peets Road in Rutland Township. (Photo by Greg Chandler) Barry County Commissioner Vivian Conner, who represents portions of Yankee Springs Township, discusses a proposed letter of support for a new shooting range at the Barry State Game Area during Tuesday’s Committee of the Whole meeting. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Commissioner Vivian Conner said during Tuesday’s county board committee of the whole meeting, where commissioners moved onto their regular agenda a letter of support backing the new shooting range project. “[The DNR] put up signage. Then the sign would be all shot up. There are problems with night shooting now with all the night-shooting goggles,” Conner said. The new range should not have issues with stray bullets striking nearby homes. “The closest house is a little over a mile to the corner of Yankee Springs Road and the corner of M-179 where there’s a house,” Conner said. The new range must meet standards set by the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, including the development of berms to prevent deflected bullets and limit sound levels, Heinze said. “The new range is hopefully going to have multiple range sightings - you’ll have a 10-[yard], a 25,50,100 and 200-yard sighting benches,” Heinze said. “Those sighting areas are going to come with some open stations for shooting, but also some concrete benches.” In addition to getting funding support through the Natural Resources Trust Fund, as well as from hunting organizations such as Ducks Unlimited, backers are hoping to tap into federal funds that have been collected under the Pittman-Robertson Act. That 82-year-old federal law provides funding for projects that restore and improve wildlife habitat, as well as for development and operation of public shooting ranges and hunter education programs. Funds for Pittman-Robertson come from an 11 percent federal excise tax on sporting arms, ammunition and archery equipment, and a 10 percent tax on handguns. One-half of the excise tax on handguns and archery equipment is used for hunter education and target ranges. These funds are collected from manufacturers and are distributed each year to states and territorial areas by the U.S. Department of the Interior. “We have to go back and solicit for those funds and say 4 We sold X amount of hunting licenses, so we should get X proportion (of the available funding),’” Heinze said. “There’s always that jockeying for funding like there is for any governmental agency.” The Yankee Springs Township board last Thursday approved a letter of support for the new shooting range. The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund board is expected to consider the grant funding request for the new shooting range at its Dec. 11 meeting. Once the new range gets its funding in place and the area is cleared of trees, volunteer labor will be sought to construct the benches and berms, Englerth said. Students applauded for athletic accomplishments Student athletes were the highlight of Monday’s Hastings Area Schools board of education meeting. Fall sports state qualifiers and all-confer­ ence athletes were presented with certificates and introduced to the school board members. As their names were read, they filed past the board members and shook each one by the hand. In other business, the board accepted a $1,000 donation for the student assistance fund from Advantage Plumbing & Drain and an anonymous donation of $1,000 for the stu­ dent assistance fund. The board also accepted the resignation of Hannah DeZwaan, a food service employee at the high school. A disciplinary hearing took place at 5:30 p.m. in closed session Monday. No action was taken by the board in open session. The next meeting of the school board will be at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16, in the Commons Area of Hastings Middle School. Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastinqs BANNER • 945-9554 Card ofThanks Business Services THANK YOU The family of Marie Grinnell would like to thank all who gave comfort and support during our time of loss. Marie will be greatly missed by family & friends. Special thanks to Dale & RayGirrbach Funeral Home, Pastor Bryce Feighner of Hastings First United Meth­ odist Church. Thank you Donna & crew for a delicious luncheon after the service. Special mention to the Post­ humus family for traveling to be with us & devoted friend Joyce Morgan, Dr. Wildren & Staff for care and guidance, and to Monday night Euchre players. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, power washing, home im­ provements. 269-320-3890. Pets MINI GOLDEN DOODLE Puppies. Family Raised. Lov­ ing & Cuddly. Born October 7, 2019. Vet checked, Vaccinated & Wormed. $1200 Females. $1000 Males. 517-852-2173 From left are: Swimmer Anna Haywood, diver Hannah Johnson, cross-country runners Jon Arnold-and Aidan Makled, football players Evan Murphy and Gabe Trick. PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: AH real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. From left are: Carissa Strouse, Tyler Dull, Jon Arnold, Aidan Makled, Braxton McKenna, Blake Harris, Josh Brown and Braden Tolles, all cross-country. Not shown are golfers Rayna and Rylee Honsowitz. See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and ail your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 21,2019 — Page 13 DEMOGRAPHER, continued from page 1 “I think they were expecting [more information and details],” Parker said. “... They thought there should have been more reasons why we need a new jail and a new COA. Commissioner Dave Jackson said, “People were perplexed coming out of the meeting. It felt like the reverse; like we were trying to pull information from them. Neither the jail or the COA got sufficient attention. One gal from Rutland Township was angry. “People were looking for details. They were not overly impressed with how fast the meeting was. I think, going forward, we need to allow more time.” Commissioner Howard Gibson said, “I had people tell me they’d like to tour these facilities to see the condition of the buildings.” Sheriff Dar Leaf replied, “It’s not a zoo.” Wing asked if a virtual tour of the jail would be possible. Leaf said there may be a way to move the inmates from one area to another to allow the public to view problem areas. At the Nov. 4 forum, the audience of approximately 100 was assembled into small groups of six to eight. The groups were asked to discuss the following topics with the expectation to provide Post-it notes for collection: What are the questions you would like the team to answer? What concerns do you have about the facilities? Did you learn any new information, and, if so, what did you learn? “Several of the questions TowerPinkster can answer directly and will provide a draft for your review prior to the next community forum,” Hackman wrote in a letter to County Administrator Michael Brown. “In preparation for the next forum, TowerPinkster will begin to develop options for both the COA and sheriff’s office. The options will consist of macro ideas inclusive of scale, budget and location types and a broad pros and cons of each.” See accompanying sidebar for some of the questions and comments from Nov. 4 participants. What forum participants want to know Of the 122 comments and questions TowerPinkster compiled from a Nov. 4 community forum in Hastings, the following questions and comments were the most frequently asked. Of these, cost and how these projects would be funded was a major concern. Twelve of the questions concerned demographics, and 11 were related to a possible location for the jail and/or Commission on Aging facility. The following were among the top questions, comments and suggestions: -Could any other buildings be repurposed for the Commission on Aging or a jail? -What are possible locations where these facilities could be built? -What methods of funding have been considered, besides millage? -Haven’t the taxpayers spoken twice in regard to more taxes? -What took commissioners so long to have this discussion instead of all this money spent on these issues? -Why can’t these two groups start fundraising, like the library did, then build new after sufficient funds are raised? -What is the average tax burden of comparable counties? -Why are these two projects being addressed at the same time? Concentrate on one at a time. -We hear this remark: “We need good information from the community so we can make good decisions.” Who is 4We’? -How much would it cost? -What is being spent now to maintain each building? -Can a second story be added to house offices and storage facilities? -Why was more time and information [during the forum presentation] spent on the jail? -Concerned about an outdated jail with poor layout and location, security risks for inmates and staff. -Why haven’t safety issues been addressed at the jail? -What do you do with inmates while you build/renovate? -How do you determine future number of beds needed at the jail? -Make the jail as unfriendly as possible so criminals will want to stay out of it. -Do jail transfers from other areas cause overcrowding here? -When talking about the COA, you talked about the county aging. When you talked about the jail, you said the county is growing. Together, those two scenarios don’t make sense. Explain. -Would building plans be designed to accommodate growth? -Why not recycle? Use what we have, don’t create more. -Does TowerPinkster not see the conflict presented by espousing this project and then acting as construction manager? -Will TowerPinkster be bidding on the construction? Charlton Park Road closed through winter; Three Mile open by Thanksgiving Luke Froncheck Staff Writer Although water across North Charlton Park Road is down a foot and half since last Friday, the road will remain closed through the win­ ter, according to the Barry County Road Commission. Road Commission Project Manager BJ. Donnini said the bridge over the Little Thornapple River will have to be replaced before the road can be opened. Donnini said the road commission has developed necessary infrastructure to guide the water off the road and back into the Little Thomapple. Bridge replacement will occur in the spring after any rain or snow that has accumulated on the bridge during the winter thaws and flows down to the river, he said. As far as Three Mile Road in southwestern Barry County, the road remains closed because of the inclement weather the county experienced earlier this month, but officials expect that road will be open by Thanksgiving. A road commission crew was able to get in a few hours of work on the road last week, but severe winter weather conditions delayed their efforts. However, on Monday, the road commission “hit the road hard,” Donnini said. After the water is removed, the final step will be to have a contractor come in and raise the guardrail, then the road can be opened. Flooding concerns continue in the Crooked Lake area where Barry County Drain Barry County Commissioner Dan Parker asks the county’s facilitator why a demog­ rapher would need to be hired to determine action on the jail and Commission on Aging facilities. [Photo by Rebecca Pierce] Mother tries to shoplift through self-checkout A 27-year-old Hastings woman was stopped by a Walmart employee aftef going through* the self-checkout lane at 9:16 p.m. Nov: W employee c^led^: 4dm^f^ the woman failed to scan multiple items in the checkout, but seemed very remorseful. The woman had her children with her, and said she was having a hard time keeping up her bills after her husband left her. The total cost of the items was more than $289. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Domestic violence sends woman to hospital A view of Three Mile Road on Nov. 19. (Photo by Mark A. Doster) Commissioner Jim Dull is seeking approval from the state to pump more water from Crooked Lake. Since the pump was shut off last week because of state requirements that the pump­ ing not interfere with hibernation cycles. Since then, the lake has risen seven-eighths of an inch, he said. Dull said the lake was at 927.35 feet when the pumping stopped. Last Friday, the lake was at 927.44 feet. The high­ est level was 928.225 feet and the lowest it’s been since pumping began was 927.05 feet. Staff at Spectrum Pennock Health called police at 11:21 p.m. Nov. 8 to report a possible domestic violence incident. The victim, a 32-year-old Wayland woman, told police she was in a fight with her 47-year-old husband, from whom she had been separated from for about a year. The woman said her husband was dropping off their child at her residence in Yankee Springs Meadows and refused to leave. She said he started harassing her, and when she tried walking away, he threw her to the floor. She fought him off but he pushed her down again, and she hit her head against the wall. After he left, the woman texted a neighbor, a 35-yearold man, to come over and help her. The neighbor told the officer the woman seemed “out of it,” and when her roommate came home, they concluded she may have a concussion, and the neighbor drove her to the hospital. The husband was unable to be located. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Walmart shopper caught stealing car batteries A Hastings Walmart employee called police at 10:29 p.m. Nov. 9, after watching a man attempt to use a $3 clearance sticker to buy a $117 car battery in the self-checkout. The employee detained the man, 58 of Hastings, who refused to talk to the officer. The employee said the man had stolen batteries on five other occasions. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney, and the man was told he is not allowed at Walmart. Broken taillight leads to OWI arrest An officer stopped a vehicle for a broken tail light at 11:58 p.m. Nov. 16, on Irving Road near Loop Road in Irving Township. The driver, a 46-year-old Middleville man, said he’d had two vodka and cokes. He registered a 0.14 blood alcohol count and was arrested. Daniel Lee Crane, 29, of Nashville, was found guilty of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, in Maple Grove Township July 10. He sentenced by Judge Michael Schipper to 12 days in jail, with credit for 12 days served. Crane’s driv­ er’s license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. Fines and costs of $438 were assessed, and he was placed on probation for 60 months, which includes supervision fees of $600. He was ordered to enter and successfully complete the county’s Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation Program, at a cost of $40 per month. Bruce Allen Devree Jr., 40, of Hastings, was found guilty of malicious destruction of a building causing $1,000 or more in damage; a second charge of malicious destruction in a building causing $200 or less in damages was dismissed. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 192 days in jail, with credit for 192 days served, and ordered to pay $2,269 in restitution and $398 in fines and costs. He was placed on probation for 12 months and ordered to have a Barry County mental health evalua­ tion. He must take all medications as pre­ scribed and pay probation fees of $120. Andrew Charles Gilbert, 27, of Augusta, was found guilty of operating a vehicle while impaired in Yankee Springs Township June 20 and was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 10 days in jail, with credit for two days served. He was ordered to pay $854 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 24 months. Jail time may be served on weekends. Jennifer Louise Hamel, 28, of Hastings, was found guilty of larceny in a building, stealing coins and/or jewelry, in Woodland Township Sept. 11, 2018. She was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 16 days in jail, with credit for 16 days served. She was ordered to pay $2,258 in restitution and $298 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 24 months, with supervision fees of $240. Another larce­ ny charge and a count of using a firearm in the commission of a larceny were dismissed. Scott Neil Mclean, 55, of Delton, was found guilty of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, and possession of less than 25 grams of a mixture containing the controlled substance heroin, in Nashville Dec. 16, 2018. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 32 days in jail, with credit for two days served, and ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs. He was placed on probation for 36 months. Charges of delivery/manufacture of the controlled substance methamphetamine, and operating a vehicle on a suspended license were dismissed. Charles Ray Purdum III, 35, of Middleville, was found guilty of delivery/ manufacture of the controlled substance, methamphetamine, in Middleville March 5 and sentenced by Judge Schipper to one day in jail, with credit for one day served and ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs. He was placed on probation for 36 months, with supervision fees of $360 to be paid at a rate of $10 a month. He also was ordered to enter and complete adult drug court, at a $40 monthly court fee. Two counts of possessing metham­ phetamine as a second-time offender and possession of weapons/ammunition by a felon were dismissed. Adam David Sears, 29, of Delton, was found guilty of fleeing and eluding a police officer on June 29 in Castleton Township and was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 180 days in jail, with credit for 61 days served. He was ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs; enter and complete the Swift and Sure Sanctions Probation Program, with oversight fees of $360 to be paid at a rate of $40 monthly; and placed on probation for 36 months. Counts of reckless driving, driving on a suspended license and possessing alcohol in an open container in a vehicle were dismissed. Stephen Carlton Wilson, 52, of Shelbyville, was found guilty of possessing a controlled substance, methamphetamine, in Orangeville Township on March 4 and sen­ tenced by Judge Schipper to two days in jail, with credit for two days served. He was ordered to pay $438 in fines and costs, with restitution to be reviewed. His license was suspended and/or restricted for 180 days. He was placed on probation for 36 months and assessed a probation fee of $360. Counts of maintaining a lab as a second-time offender and possessing open alcohol in a vehicle were dismissed. Driver admits to consuming alcohol, marijuana An officer pulled over a vehicle after it failed to yield to a stop sign at M-179 and Briggs Road in Yankee Springs Township at 11:18 p.m. Nov. 15. The driver, a 40-year-old Hastings man, said he’d had beer, liquor and marijuana earlier in the day. He had a 0.095 BAC, and was arrested. Metal knuckles left at liquor store An employee of the Superette store in Hastings called police to report a customer left metal knuckles in the store at 2:31 p.m. Nov. 15. The employee said she confronted two customers after they appeared to be attempting to shoplift, and she found the metal knuckles on the shelf afterward. Using surveillance video, an officer was able to identify the customer believed to have left the knuckles. The officer contacted the 40-year-old Hastings man, who said the knuckles belonged to a friend. He said the friend had dropped the knuckles, but since the friend had been acting strangely, the man thought he might be planning to fight him. Instead of giving the knuckles back, the man hid them in the shelf of the Superette. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. ‘Couple of shots’ may have been six Officers stopped a vehicle on West Green Street near South Young Street in Hastings after the driver failed to yield to a stop sign at 2:20 a.m. Nov. 17. The driver, a 22-year-old woman, initially said she had “a couple of shots” of tequila, but later said it may have been six. She had a 0.19 blood alcohol count and was arrested. Meth found in cigarette pack An officer saw a man with an active warrant driving in Hastings stopped the vehicle at* 12:52 p.m. Nov. 13. The 37-year-old man had a warrant for failing to appear at a sentencing for possession of methamphetamine. The officer found a cigarette pack in the man’s possession, which had a bag inside that tested positive for meth. There were two smaller bags i inside, which the man claimed were used to store “foreign coins.” He was arrested. v �Page 14 — Thursday, November 21,2019 — The Hastings Banner State qualifiers pace Barry County girls’ pack Brett Bremer Sports Editor The two fastest cross country runners in Barry County, both sophomores, earned spots in the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals at the end of the season after chasing some of the fastest girls in the state all season long. It was a year of youngsters as six sopho­ mores and four freshmen fill ten of the 14 spots on the 2019 All-Barry County girls’ Cross country teams. The pack was led by Hastings’ Carissa Strouse and Thomapple Kellogg’s Jessica Durkee who both competed in the state finals at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn earlier this month. The Trojans’ conference, the OK Gold, sent four girls teams to the Division 2 Finals. East Grand Rapids, led by individual state champi­ on Anna Petr, won the D2 state championship. Forest Hills Eastern was fourth, Grand Rapids Christian 12th and South Christian 19th at the finals. Strouse got to see the girls from Coldwater, an Interstate-8 Athletic Conference rival, at the finals where the Cardinals placed 18 th as a team. In between outstanding regional perfor­ mances by all the county teams and the couple girls running in the state meet, the Thomapple Kellogg girls won the Barry County champi­ onship at the end of the season, putting seven girls among the top 14 finishers at the Barry County Meet. The top seven finishers from the Oct. 28 Barry County Meet at Charlton Park earned first team all-county honors this fall while the next seven across the finish line at the county meet earned second team all-county. Here are the 2019 All-Barry County Girls’ Cross Country First and Second Teams. 2019 All-Barry County Girls’ Cross Country First Team Katie Acker, Lakewood: A junior in her second varsity cross country season, Acker set as new personal record with her 13th-place time of 21 minutes 9.3 seconds at the Greater Lansing Activities Conference Championship last month. She finished 11th, 12th and 13th in her three conference races. Acker led the Vikings at their Division 2 Regional race at Uncle John’s Cider Mill, placing 50th, and then closed out the season by placing third at the Barry County Meet in 21:25.4. Jessica Durkee, Thomapple Kellogg: A sophomore, Durkee won the Harper Creek Optimist Invitational to open the season and then added three runner-up performances throughout the year including one at the Barry County Meet. Durkee set a new personal record of 19:35.9 at the Division 2 Regional race in Portage last The 2019 All-Barry County Girls’ Cross Country Teams. First team members include (front from left) Carissa Strouse, Jessica Durkee, Katie Acker, Kendall Snyder, Audrey Meyering, Elizabeth Meyering and Halena Phillips. Second team members include (back from left) Madison Nagel, Aubrey Aukerman, Madison Nino, Allison Teed, Lindsey Velting, Lucy VanDemark and Lily Timmerman. month, placing sixth in the race to earn a spot in the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals for the first time. She placed 83rd in the D2 girls’ race at the finals. Audrey Meyering, Thornapple Kellogg: Meyering closed out an outstanding four-year varsity cross country career, that included one appearance in the state finals, by placing fifth at the Barry County Meet in 21:46.5. Meyering had four top ten finishes on the season and ran the fastest race of her senior campaign at the Division 2 Regional Meet in Portage where she placed 17th in 20:23.8. Elizabeth Meyering, Thornapple Kellogg: Another four-year varsity runner for the Trojans who has one state finals appearance on her resume, Meyering placed sixth at the Barry County Meet to close out her senior season wth a time of 21:53.4. She ran her fastest race of the year at the Trojans’ regional meet in Portage, placing 31st in 20:56.8. She finished as high as 33rd at an OK Gold Conference race this season. Halena Phillips, Delton Kellogg: A sopho­ more, Phillips continued to drop time in her second varsity season. She placed 26th at the Panthers’ Division 3 Regional race in Allendale at the end of the season setting a new personal record with her 26th-place time of 21:28.2 which was more than half a minute faster than she was on the regional course in Allendale as a freshman. Phillips earned first team all-county honors for the first time by placing seventh at the Barry County Meet in 21:54.5 after earning second team all-county as a freshman. Kendall Snyder, Thornapple Kellogg: Snyder earned second team all-county honors as a freshman and moved up to the first team as a sophomore this fall by placing fourth at the Barry County Invitational in 21 minutes 39.5 seconds. It was her second top five finish of the season. Snyder finished in better than 21 minutes twice this fail, including at her team’s Division 2 Regional Meet in Portage last month where she dropped her personal record to 20:31.8 in a 21st-place finish. Carissa Strouse, Hastings: Strouse, a soph­ omore, qualified for the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals for the first time by setting a new personal record at the Saxons’ regional race in Portage last month. Strouse was 11th at the regional in 19:52.3, and fol­ lowed that up by placing 87th at the D2 State Finals in 20:15.5. Strouse was the Barry County champion this fall, winning the county meet in 20:28.1 at Charlton Park. She was sixth at the county meet as a freshman in 2018. 2019 All-Barry County Girls’ Cross Country Second Team Aubrey Aukerman, Delton Kellogg: A sophomore in her first varsity cross country season, Aukerman was quickly at the front of the pack for the Panthers. She placed as high as seventh at a Southwestern Athletic Conference jamboree, and was in the top ten at all three SAC events. Aukerman set her personal record with a 30th-place time of 21:45.8 at the Division 3 Regional Meet in Allendale last month and then placed ninth at the Barry County Meet in 22:05.6. Madison Nagel, Thornapple Kellogg: A freshman, Nagel finished as high as 25th at an OK Gold Conference jamboree this season, earning that spot in the second jamboree of the season in the mud at South Christian. Nagel set her personal record time at 21 minutes 13.2 seconds as she placed 38th at the Trojans’ Division 2 Regional Meet in Portage last month. She followed that up by placing eight at the Barry County Meet in 21:54.5. Madison Nino, Hastings: Another fast underclassman, Nino placed tenth at the Barry County Meet in 22:23.9 to close out her fresh­ man season. Nino set her personal record at the Saxons’ Division 2 Regional Meet in Portage, placing 39th in 21:15.7. She shaved more than 36 seconds off of her previous best time at the race. Allison Teed, Hastings: Teed ran a new personal record at the Saxons’ Division 2 Regional Meet in Portage at the end of October, placing 24th in 21 minutes 15. 7 seconds. She was nearly half a minute faster on the same course in Portage as she was at the end of her freshman season. Teed followed up that regional perfor­ mance by earning an llth-place finish at the Barry County Meet, hitting the finish line at Charlton Park in 22:25.5. Lily Timmerman, Delton Kellogg: Timmerman, a senior, dropped time through­ out her only varsity cross country season this fall. She finished in less than 25 minutes for the first time late in August, got under 23 minutes by late September, and set a personal record time of 22:10.2 at the Panthers’ Division 3 Regional Meet in Allendale. Timmerman earned the final all-county spot at the Barry County Meet, placing 14th in 23:19.1. Lucy VanDemark, Thornapple Kellogg: VanDemark was a steady scorer for the Thornapple Kellogg girls’ throughout her freshman fall. She shot out of the gate at the Coach ‘B’ Invitational in early September, setting her personal record at 21:22.5. She never quite matched that time again, but came really close in a 29th-place finish at the OK Gold Conference Championship in Middleville. VanDemark ended the year with a 13th-place time of 22:27.1 at the Barry County Meet. Lindsey Velting, Thornapple Kellogg: Another fast freshman for the Trojan team, Velting placed 12th at the Barry County Meet in 22:26.3. Velting finished better and better at every OK Gold Conference competition, placing as high as 35th at the OK Gold Conference Championship. She set her personal record at 21:57.5, a 57th-place time at the Trojans’ Division 2 Regional Meet in Portage. Five county teams all send harriers to MIS Brett Bremer Sports Editor Every Barry County varsity boys’ cross country team was represented at the Lower Peninsula State Finals at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn at the end of the season. The Hastings varsity boys’ cross country team qualified for the State Finals for the sec­ ond time in program history, placing 17th as a team. Hastings senior Aidan Makled in Division 2 and Delton Kellogg junior Micah Ordway in Division 3 both earned spots among the 30 state medalists in their races at MIS - the first state medal for each. Hastings had the best finish of Interstate-8 Athletic Conference team at the D2 State Finals, finishing ahead of league foes Harper Creek and Marshall who had bested them in the conference standings this season. ■ Here are the 2019 All-Barry County Boys’ Cross Country First and Second Teams. 2019 All-Barry County Boys’ Cross Country First Team Nathan Alford, Lakewood: A junior, Alford ran the fastest race of his high school career so far at his team’s Division 2 Regional race at Uncle John’s Cider Mill to qualify for the state finals for the first time. He placed eighth at regionals in a personal record time of 16 minutes 25.1 seconds. Alford won the first Greater Lansing Activities Conference jamboree of the season and was the runner-up at the Barry County Meet in 17:35.8. He closed out the year by placing 65th at the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals in 17:01.1. Jon Arnold, Hastings: Arnold as one of two Saxons to earn first team all-conference hon­ ors this season, placing seventh at the 1-8 Championship in Turkeyville. He helped the Saxon team earn a spot in the state finals by setting a personal record at his team’s Division 2 Regional race, hitting the finish line in Portage in 17:04.7. Arnold placed third at the Barry County Meet in 17:49.3. Nick Bushman, Thomapple Kellogg: A senior running his second season of varsity cross country, Bushman led the Trojans all season long and qualified for the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals for the first time. He placed 141st at the state finals, after qualifying for the trip to MIS with a 12th-place tune of 16:59.7 at his team's Division 2 Regional in Portage. Bushman was sixth at the Barry County Meet in 17:5 < 9. Matt Lester, Delton Kellogg: Lester, a The 2019 All-Barry County Boys’ Cross Country Teams. First team members include (front from left) Aidan Makled, Nathan Alford, Jon Arnold, Ashton Ripley, Matt Lester, Nick Bushman and Micah Ordway. Second team members include (back from left) Blake Harris, Josh Brown, Ben Benedict, Braden Tolles, Amon Smith III, Brennan Lutz and Hector Jimenez. senior, qualified for the Division 3 Lower Peninsula State Finals for the second consec­ utive fail by placing eighth at his regional race in Allendale with a time of 17:05.0. He placed 58th at the state finals. Lester set his personal record Oct. 5 at the Portage Invitational, placing 30th in the D3 boys’ race in 17:00.3. Lester placed fifth at the Barry County Invitational in 17:51.5. Aidan Makled, Hastings: Makled closed out his senior cross country season on the medal stand at the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals after placing 22nd at MIS in a time of 16:26.2. It was Makled’s third appear­ ance in the state finals. Makled was the Barry County Meet cham­ pion this year, winning the race at Charlton Park in 17:07.5 after finishing as the run­ ner-up at regionals and at at the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Championship. Micah Ordway, Delton Kellogg: Ordway qualified for the state finals for the second straight fall and got to run at the finals for the first time after having to miss the competition at the end of his sophomore campaign. Ordway closed his junior season on the medal stand at the Division 3 Lower Peninsula State Finals after running a 30th-place time of 16: 47.8. - a new personal record. Ordway shaved nearly 15 seconds off of his previous personal record at the state finals. He placed seventh at the Barry County Meet in 17: 59.9. Ashton Ripley, Maple Valley: The Lion freshman ended his first varsity cross country season running in the Division 3 Lower Peninsula State Finals. He placed 73rd at MIS with a time of 17:29.1. Ripley placed seventh at all three GLAC races this fall, and added a seventh place fin­ ish at his team’s Division 3 Regional race in Allendale to qualify for the state finals. He set a new personal record at regionals, hitting the finish line in 17 minutes 3.7 seconds? 2019 All-Barry County Boys’ Cross Country Second Team Ben Benedict, Maple Valley: A senior, Benedict closed out his high school cross country career by placing tenth at the Barry County Meet days after running his fastest race ever. Benedict placed 24th at the Lions’ Division 3 Regional in Allendale with a per­ sonal record time of 17:58.9. Benedict finished as high as 14th in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference this fall, putting together his best conference race at the GLAC Championship last month. Josh Brown, Hastings: Brown, a senior, ran the fastest race of his varsity career at the Division 2 Regional race in Portage at the end of the season, placing 24th in 17:24.7. That helped the Saxon team qualify for the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals for the second time ever. He finished in under 18 minutes again at the State Finals after a ninth-place finish at the Barry County Meet. Blake Harris, Hastings: As a junior, Harris was an individual state qualifier. He helped the Saxon team to a spot in the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals as a senior by placing 25th at his team’s regional race in Portage at the end of the season. Harris was right around 17:30 throughout the final month of the 2019 season, placing 126th at the state finals in 17:28.8 after an eighth-place finish at the Barry County Meet. Hector Jimenez, Delton Kellogg: Jimenez closed out a solid freshman season for the Panthers by placing 14th at the Barry County Meet in 19:10.3. He had a couple of great October races for the Panthers, finishing in less than 18 minutes for the first time at the One Last PR Invite in Otsego and then dropping his PR to 17:55.0 at his team’s Division 3 Regional in Allendale where he placed 22nd. Brennan Lutz, Thornapple Kellogg: Lutz closed out his junior season by placing 13th at the Barry County Meet in 18:53.5, following up on a solid regional showing two days ear­ lier in Portage. Lutz broke the 18-minute mark for the first time Oct. 5 at the Portage Invitational, finish­ ing in a new personal record time of 17:59.2. Amon Smith III, Delton Kellogg: After running at Caledonia High School as a fresh­ man, Smith joined the Delton Kellogg pro­ gram for his sophomore season and was one of the fastest Panthers. He placed 12th at the Barry County Meet in 18:46.1. Smith set a personal record by finishing the Portage Invitational in 18:18.1 and followed that up by placing 18th at the SAC Championship in 18:25.8. Braden Tolles, Hastings: Tolles closed out his senior season running in the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals with the Saxon team. He had his best finish of the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference season at the league championship, placing 21st overall. He fol­ lowed that up with his fastest time of the season, 17:46.3, at Hastings’ regional race. Tolles, the Hastings hoinecoming king, placed 11th at the Barry County Meet. �Page 14 — Thursday, November 21,2019 — The Hastings Banner State qualifiers pace Barry County girls’ pack Brett Bremer Sports Editor The two fastest cross country runners in Barry County, both sophomores, earned spots in the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals at the end of the season after chasing some of the fastest girls in the state all season long. It was a year of youngsters as six sopho­ mores and four freshmen fill ten of the 14 spots on the 2019 All-Barry County girls’ Cross country teams. The pack was led by Hastings’ Carissa Strouse and Thornapple Kellogg’s Jessica Durkee who both competed in the state finals at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn earlier this month. > The Trojans’ conference, the OK Gold, sent four girls teams to the Division 2 Finals. East Grand Rapids, led by individual state champi­ on Anna Petr, won the D2 state championship. Forest Hills Eastern was fourth, Grand Rapids Christian 12th and South Christian 19th at the finals. Strouse got to see the girls from Coldwater, an Interstate-8 Athletic Conference rival, at the finals where the Cardinals placed 18th as a team. In between outstanding regional perforihances by all the county teams and the couple girls running in the state meet, the Thomapple Kellogg girls won the Barry County champi­ onship at the end of the season, putting seven girls among the top 14 finishers at the Barry County Meet. The top seven finishers from the Oct. 28 Barry County Meet at Charlton Park earned first team all-county honors this fall while the next seven across the finish line at the county meet earned second team all-county. Here are the 2019 All-Barry County Girls’ Cross Country First and Second Teams. 2019 All-Barry County Girls’ Cross Country First Team Katie Acker, Lakewood: A junior in her second varsity cross country season, Acker set as new personal record with her 13th-place time of 21 minutes 9.3 seconds at the Greater Lansing Activities Conference Championship last month. She finished 11th, 12th and 13th in her three conference races. Acker led the Vikings at their Division 2 Regional race at Uncle John’s Cider Mill, placing 50th, and then closed out the season by placing third at the Barry County Meet in 21:25.4. Jessica Durkee, Thomapple Kellogg: A sophomore, Durkee won the Harper Creek Optimist Invitational to open the season and then added three runner-up performances throughout the year including one at the Barry County Meet. Durkee set a new personal record of 19:35.9 at the Division 2 Regional race in Portage last The 2019 All-Barry County Girls’ Cross Country Teams. First team members include (front from left) Carissa Strouse, Jessica Durkee, Katie Acker, Kendall Snyder, Audrey Meyering, Elizabeth Meyering and Halena Phillips. Second team members include (back from left) Madison Nagel, Aubrey Aukerman, Madison Nino, Allison Teed, Lindsey Velting, Lucy VanDemark and Lily Timmerman. month, placing sixth in the race to earn a spot in the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals for the first time. She placed 83rd in the D2 girls’ race at the finals. Audrey Meyering, Thornapple Kellogg: Meyering closed out an outstanding four-year varsity cross country career, that included one appearance in the state finals, by placing fifth at the Barry County Meet in 21:46.5. Meyering had four top ten finishes on the season and ran the fastest race of her senior campaign at the Division 2 Regional Meet in Portage where she placed 17th in 20:23.8. Elizabeth Meyering, Thornapple Kellogg: Another four-year varsity runner for the Trojans who has one state finals appearance on her resume, Meyering placed sixth at the Barry County Meet to close out her senior season wth a time of 21:53.4. She ran her fastest race of the year at the Trojans’ regional meet in Portage, placing 31st in 20:56.8. She finished as high as 33rd at an OK Gold Conference race this season. Halena Phillips, Delton Kellogg: A sopho­ more, Phillips continued to drop time in her second varsity season. She placed 26th at the Panthers’ Division 3 Regional race in Allendale at the end of the season setting a new personal record with her 26th-place time of 21:28.2 which was more than half a minute faster than she was on the regional course in Allendale as a freshman. Phillips earned first team all-county honors for the first time by placing seventh at the Barry County Meet in 21:54.5 after earning second team all-county as a freshman. Kendall Snyder, Thornapple Kellogg: Snyder earned second team all-county honors as a freshman and moved up to the first team as a sophomore this fall by placing fourth at the Barry County Invitational in 21 minutes 39.5 seconds. It was her second top five finish of the season. Snyder finished in better than 21 minutes twice this fall, including at her team’s Division 2 Regional Meet in Portage last month where she dropped her personal record to 20:31.8 in a 21st-place finish. Carissa Strouse, Hastings: Strouse, a soph­ omore, qualified for the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals for the first time by setting a new personal record at the Saxons’ regional race in Portage last month. Strouse was 11th at the regional in 19:52.3, and fol­ lowed that up by placing 87th at the D2 State Finals in 20:15.5. Strouse was the Barry County champion this fall, winning the county meet in 20:28.1 at Charlton Park. She was sixth at the county meet as a freshman in 2018. 2019 All-Barry County Girls’ Cross Country Second Team Aubrey Aukerman, Delton Kellogg: A sophomore in her first varsity cross country season, Aukerman was quickly at the front of the pack for the Panthers. She placed as high as seventh at a Southwestern Athletic Conference jamboree, and was in the top ten at all three SAC events. Aukerman set her personal record with a 30th-place time of 21:45.8 at the Division 3 Regional Meet in Allendale last month and then placed ninth at the Barry County Meet in 22:05.6. Madison Nagel, Thornapple Kellogg: A freshman, Nagel finished as high as 25th at an OK Gold Conference jamboree this season, earning that spot in the second jamboree of the season in the mud at South Christian. Nagel set her personal record time at 21 minutes 13.2 seconds as she placed 38th at the Trojans’ Division 2 Regional Meet in Portage last month. She followed that up by placing •eight at the Barry County Meet in 21:54.5. Madison Nino, Hastings: Another fast underclassman, Nino placed tenth at the Barry County Meet in 22:23.9 to close out her fresh­ man season. Nino set her personal record at the Saxons’ Division 2 Regional Meet in Portage, placing 39th in 21:15.7. She shaved more than 36 seconds off of her previous best time at the race. Allison Teed, Hastings: Teed ran a new personal record at the Saxons’ Division 2 Regional Meet in Portage at the end of October, placing 24th in 21 minutes 15. 7 seconds. She was nearly half a minute faster on the same course in Portage as she was at the end of her freshman season. Teed followed up that regional perfor­ mance by earning an llth-place finish at the Barry County Meet, hitting the finish line at Charlton Park in 22:25.5. Lily Timmerman, Delton Kellogg: Timmerman, a senior, dropped time through­ out her only varsity cross country season this fall. She finished in less than 25 minutes for the first time late in August, got under 23 minutes by late September, and set a personal record time of 22:10.2 at the Panthers’ Division 3 Regional Meet in Allendale. Timmerman earned the final all-county spot at the Barry County Meet, placing 14th in 23:19.1. Lucy VanDemark, Thornapple Kellogg: VanDemark was a steady scorer for the Thornapple Kellogg girls’ throughout her freshman fall. She shot out of the gate at the Coach ‘B’ Invitational in early September, setting her personal record at 21:22.5. She never quite matched that time again, but came really close in a 29th-place finish at the OK Gold Conference Championship in Middleville. VanDemark ended the year with a 13th-place time of 22:27.1 at the Barry County Meet. Lindsey Velting, Thornapple Kellogg: Another fast freshman for the Trojan team, Velting placed 12th at the Barry County Meet in 22:26.3. Velting finished better and better at every OK Gold Conference competition, placing as high as 35th at the OK Gold Conference Championship. She set her personal record at 21:57.5, a 57th-place time at the Trojans’ Division 2 Regional Meet in Portage. Five county teams all send harriers to IV!IS Brett Bremer Sports Editor Every Barry County varsity boys’ cross country team was represented at the Lower Peninsula State Finals at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn at the end of the season. The Hastings varsity boys’ cross country team qualified for the State Finals for the sec­ ond time in program history, placing 17th as a team. Hastings senior Aidan Makled in Division 2 and Delton Kellogg junior Micah Ordway in Division 3 both earned spots among the 30 state medalists in their races at MIS - the first state medal for each. Hastings had the best finish of Interstate-8 Athletic Conference team at the D2 State Finals, finishing ahead of league foes Harper Creek and Marshall who had bested them in the conference standings this season. Here are the 2019 All-Barry County Boys’ Cross Country First and Second Teams. 2019 All-Barry County Boys’ Cross Country First Team Nathan Alford, Lakewood: A junior, Alford ran the fastest race of his high school career so far at his team’s Division 2 Regional race at Uncle John’s Cider Mill to qualify for the state finals for the first time. He placed eighth at regionals in a personal record time of 16 minutes 25.1 seconds. Alford won the first Greater Lansing Activities Conference jamboree of the season and was the runner-up at the Barry County Meet in 17:35.8. He closed out the year by placing 65th at the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals in 17:01.1. Jon Arnold, Hastings: Arnold as one of two Saxons to earn first team all-conference hon­ ors this season, placing seventh at the 1-8 Championship in Turkeyville. He helped the Saxon team earn a spot in the state finals by Getting a personal record at his team’s Division 2 Regional race, hitting the finish line in Portage in 17:04.7. Arnold placed third at the Barry County Meet in 17:49.3. Nick Bushman, Thomapple Kellogg: A senior running his second season of varsity cross country, Bushman led the Trojans all season long and qualified for the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals for the first time. He placed 141st at the state finals, after qualifying for the trip to MIS with a 12th-place time of 16:59.7 at his team’s Division 2 Regional in Portage. Bushman was sixth at the Barry County Meet in 17:53.9. Matt Lester, Delton Kellogg: Lester, a The 2019 All-Barry County Boys’ Cross Country Teams. First team members include (front from left) Aidan Makled, Nathan Alford, Jon Arnold, Ashton Ripley, Matt Lester, Nick Bushman and Micah Ordway. Second team members include (back from left) Blake Harris, Josh Brown, Ben Benedict, Braden Tolles, Amon Smith III, Brennan Lutz and Hector Jimenez. senior, qualified for the Division 3 Lower Peninsula State Finals for the second consec­ utive fall by placing eighth at his regional race in Allendale with a time of 17:05.0. He placed 58th at the state finals. Lester set his personal record Oct. 5 at the Portage Invitational, placing 30th in the D3 boys’ race in 17:00.3. Lester placed fifth at the Barry County Invitational in 17:51.5. Aidan Makled, Hastings: Makled closed out his senior cross country season on the medal stand at the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals after placing 22nd at MIS in a time of 16:26.2. It was Makled’s third appear­ ance in the state finals. Makled was the Barry County Meet cham­ pion this year, winning the race at Charlton Park in 17:07.5 after finishing as the run­ ner-up at regionals and at at the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference Championship. Micah Ordway, Delton Kellogg: Ordway qualified for the state finals for the second straight fall and got to run at the finals for the first time after having to miss the competition at the end of his sophomore campaign. Ordway closed his junior season on the medal stand at the Division 3 Lower Peninsula State Finals after running a 30th-place time of 16: 47.8. - a new personal record. Ordway shaved nearly 15 seconds off of his previous personal record at the state finals. He placed seventh at the Barry County Meet in 17: 59.9. Ashton Ripley, Maple Valley: The Lion freshman ended his first varsity cross country season running in the Division 3 Lower Peninsula State Finals. He placed 73rd at MIS with a time of 17:29.1. Ripley placed seventh at all three GLAC races this fall, and added a seventh place fin­ ish at his team’s Division 3 Regional race in Allendale to qualify for the state finals. He set a new personal record at regionals, hitting the finish line in 17 minutes 3.7 seconds. 2019 All-Barry County Boys’ Cross Country Second Team Ben Benedict, Maple Valley: A senior, Benedict closed out his high school cross country career by placing tenth at the Barry County Meet days after running his fastest race ever. Benedict placed 24th at the Lions’ Division 3 Regional in Allendale with a per­ sonal record time of 17:58.9. Benedict finished as high as 14th in the Greater Lansing Activities Conference this fall, putting together his best conference race at the GLAC Championship last month. Josh Brown, Hastings: Brown, a senior, ran the fastest race of his varsity career at the Division 2 Regional race in Portage at the end of the season, placing 24th in 17:24.7. That helped the Saxon team qualify for the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals for the second time ever. He finished in under 18 minutes again at the State Finals after a ninth-place finish at the Barry County Meet. Blake Harris, Hastings: As a junior, Harris was an individual state qualifier. He helped the Saxon team to a spot in the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals as a senior by placing 25th at his team’s regional race in Portage at the end of the season. Harris was right around 17:30 throughout the final month of the 2019 season, placing 126th at the state finals in 17:28.8 after an eighth-place finish at the Barry County Meet. Hector Jimenez, Delton Kellogg: Jimenez closed out a solid freshman season for the Panthers by placing 14th at the Barry County Meet in 19:10.3. He had a couple of great October races for the Panthers, finishing in less than 18 minutes for the first time at the One Last PR Invite in Otsego and then dropping his PR to 17:55.0 at his team’s Division 3 Regional in Allendale where he placed 22nd. Brennan Lutz, Thornapple Kellogg: Lutz closed out his junior season by placing 13th at the Barry County Meet in 18:53.5, following up on a solid regional showing two days ear­ lier in Portage. Lutz broke the 18-minute mark for the first time Oct. 5 at the Portage Invitational, finish­ ing in a new personal record time of 17:59.2. Amon Smith III, Delton Kellogg: After running at Caledonia High School as a fresh­ man, Smith joined the Delton Kellogg pro­ gram for his sophomore season and was one of the fastest Panthers. He placed 12th at the Barry County Meet in 18:46.1. Smith set a personal record by finishing the Portage Invitational in 18:18.1 and followed that up by placing 18th at the SAC Championship in 18:25.8. Braden Tolles, Hastings: Tolles closed out his senior season running in the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals with the Saxon team. He had his best finish of the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference season at the league championship, placing 21st overall. He fol­ lowed that up with his fastest time of the season, 17:46.3, at Hastings’ regional race. Tolles, the Hastings homecoming king, placed 11th at the Barry County Meet. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 21,2019 — Page 15 County’s top tennis players include state finalist Brett Bremer Sports Editor Many youngsters gained valuable experi­ ence for the Hastings, Lakewood and Thornapple Kellogg varsity boys’ tennis teams this season. The Thomapple Kellogg boys scored victo­ ries in duals with its two Barry County foes this season, and closed out their tough OK Gold Conference slate with back-to-back vic­ tories over Wayland and Wyoming. The OK Gold Conference champions from East Grand Rapids closed out the year by placing fourth at the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals. League-mates Forest Hills Eastern and Grand Rapids Christian tied for eighth in the state in Division 3. Hastings’ Interstate-8 Athletic Conference foes from Parma Western and Marshall were a part of the D3 State Finals as well, placing 14th and 16th respectively. Lumen Christi from the 1-8 earned a ninth-place finish at the Division 4 Lower Peninsula Finals. The county had one player competing with the Lumen Christi boys at the D4 State Finals, Lakewood’s first singles player Brady Gawne closed out his junior year competing with the state’s best. Here are the 2019 All-Barry County Boys’ Tennis First and Second Teams. 2019 All-Barry County Boys’ Tennis First Team Singles Brady Gawne, Lakewood: The Vikings’ junior first singles player bested his county competitors this fall, and most of his other opponents as well on his way to a spot in the Division 3 Lower Peninsula Finals at the end of the season. In his first season as a first singles player, Gawne compiled a record of 17-6 overall on his way to finishing as a regional runner-up Daniel Middleton Jack Geukes, Thornapple Kellogg: A soph­ omore, Geukes worked his way up the ladder for quickly TK, opening the year at fourth singles, moving to the third singles spot for a match and then settling in at second singles before August was even over. Geukes won eight matches on the season including ones against conference foes from Wayland and Wyoming and against both his Barry County competitors as well. Joey McLean, Hastings: The Saxons’ soph­ omore first singles player, McLean won three matches this fall. McLean picked up Interstate-8 Athletic Conference victories this season over his foes from Jackson Northwest and Pennfield James Thome, Thomapple Kellogg: Thorne closed out his sophomore season for the Trojans by winning a couple of matches at fourth singles in OK Gold Conference duals. He was a part of six victories overall on the season, spending much of the first month teamed with Payton Wilkinson at first doubles for the Trojans. Nick Vreeland, Thomapple Kellogg: It was a year of growth for Vreeland, another Trojan sophomore. He picked up one victory in August at second singles betpre moving into the first singles spot for TK. Vreeland earned seven victories overall, including four in his final six contests of the regular season. Payton Wilkinson, Thornapple Kellogg: Wilkinson teamed with James Thome to win a handful of matches at first doubles before making the move into the third singles spot for the Trojans. Wilkinson, a sophomore, won his first four singles matches, including three conference matches and a big three-setter against Plainwell. Doubles Bennett Halle & Daniel Middleton, Thomapple Kellogg: Halle, a senior, and Middleton, a junior, jumped around the line­ up for the Trojans this fall. They won three matches together during the final weeks of the season, including conference victories over Wyoming and Wayland. Middleton opened the year at first singles for the Trojans, and played second and third singles as well, earning four singles victories on the season. Halle had four fourth singles victories before teaming up with Middleton on the doubles side. Sam Randall & Jacob O’Keefe, Hastings: Randall had a short stint at second singles to open the year, and played with a couple differ­ ent doubles partners before settling in with O’Keefe midway through September. The Saxon duo took a handful of victories when paired together Owen Rickerd & Andrew Finsaas, Lakewood: The Vikings’ top doubles team this fall, the pair teamed up to win eight matches this season. The two were playing together for the sec­ ond consecutive season, and started out hot winning six of their first nine matches. 2019 All-Barry County Boys’ Tennis Second Team Singles Caleb Coates, Lakewood: Coates, a senior, won three matches in his first season at sec­ ond singles. Coates made the jump up from the doubles side this fall. He had a big win in a super tie­ breaker against Ovid-Elsie for the Vikings and closed out the season with a win over Hastings! number two player. > Clay Dumond, Lakewood: Dumond, the Vikings’ sophomore third singles player* picked up his game as the season wore on going 5-6 in the final month of the season. , He had big wins for the Vikings in duals with Waverly and Harper Creek, and helped the team to a victory over Hastings with his win over the Saxons’ number three player at, the end of the year. Doubles ■« Joe Goggins & John Tellkamp, Hastings^ Tellkamp spent most of his season on the dou-j bles side for the Saxons. Goggins played % handful of singles matches early on and then spent time with a couple doubles partners* before settling in with Tellkamp. । Tellkamp and Goggins won three of theiri final five matches, pulling out super tiebreaks for victories over Wayland and Lakewood late in the season. Asher Teigeler & Preston Weller,* Lakewood: Teigeler opened the season at fourth singles and then early in September joined Weller at third doubles for the Vikings.) It proved to be a good move for the Vikings as the duo went 9-7 ipcly^Pg five consecutive victories in the span of eight days. Josh Wedyke & Sam Morton, Thomapple Kellogg: With all the changes going on around them in the line-up, Wedyke and Morton were a steady presence at second doubles for the Trojans all season. ' The duo scored 11 wins on the season, including four wins in its final six matches of the regular season. County had eight play in state golf finals Brett Bremer Sports Editor It was a great season on the greens, and the tee, and the fairways for the Barry County varsity girls’ golf teams in 2019. The Thomapple Kellogg varsity girls’ golf team won the OK Gold Conference and went on to score an eighth-place finish at the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals. The TK ladies beat out South Christian by a single stroke on the final day of the confer­ ence season to secure the conference title. Hastings sent a pair of sisters to the Division 3 Lower Peninsula State Finals. The Lakewood varsity girls’ golf team captured the Greater Lansing Activities Conference championship. A total of eight different girls from the three county teams played rounds at the state finals at the end of the fall, and members of all three county teams found spots on the all-county teams. Here are the 2019 All-Barry County Girls’ Golf First and Second Teams. 2019 All-Barry County Girls’ Golf First Team Anna Harmens, Thomapple Kellogg: A senior, Harmens earned all-conference honors in the OK Gold Conference this season, aver­ aging just 46.11 strokes per nine holes over the course of the year. “Anna made huge improvements from the previous season. She dropped her average almost three strokes from the previous sea­ son,” TK head coach Bob Kaminski said. Rayna Honsowitz, Hastings: Honsowitz played in the Division 3 Lower Peninsula State Finals for the third time this fall, tying for 15th overall at the state finals in her senior season. Honsowitz scored an 88 at regionals to earn her place in the state finals this season. She was named first team all-conference in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference, finishing with the league’s fourth lowest scoring aver­ age- Rylee Honsowitz, Hastings: The number two scorer in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference as a junior this fall, Honsowitz was named first team all-conference, and went on to qualify for the Division 3 Lower Peninsula State Finals for the first time. She had the county’s best nine-hole scoring average as a whole this season, firing just 41 strokes per nine holes. She placed 32nd indi­ vidually at the state finals at the end of the year. Clair Jansma, Thomapple Kellogg: Jansma battled an injury late in her senior season, but managed to earn all-conference honors in the OK Gold and to score a 97 on the opening day of the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals at Forest Akers East Golf Course. “Clair was a very consistent golfer for us, especially in the (conference) jamborees,” coach Kaminski said. “She played number one most of the year.” Anna Kaminski, Thomapple Kellogg: A Paige VanStee Rylee Honsowitz Rayna Honsowitz senior, Kaminski earned all-conference hon­ ors in the OK Gold Conference this season. Her 91 on day two of the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals was the lowest 18-hole; Continued next page �Page 16 — Thursday, November 21,2019 — The Hastings Banner Elder O’Gorman powers Vikes past Parma Western LHS girls win sixth consecutive regional title Brett Bremer Sports Editor “Number 12, in the middle of the game, looked at me through the net and she said, ‘she’s committed DI, but eh,’” Lakewood junior Aubrey O’Gorman said, shrugging her shoulders like her foe across the net had. To be fair, O’Gorman and the Vikings weren’t always at their best in the Division 2 Regional Final against seventh-ranked Jackson Parma Western at Onsted High School Thursday, but the comment woke a sleeping giant in the middle for the Lakewood varsity volleyball team. “I just took that (comment) and I decided to just play for my team at that point and just put every ball away,” O’Gorman said. From then on the swings came fast and furious from the Vikings’ all-state middle who has plans of playing with her sophomore sis­ ter Maradith O’Gorman at Michigan State University. Lakewood, ranked second in the state in Division 2, was a set down twice against the Panthers Thursday but rallied for a 16-25,25-23,17-25,25-14,15-9 victory over the Western Panthers - who the Vikings also defeated a year ago in the regional semifinals on their way to an appearance in the 2018 Division 2 State Semifinals. Lakewood has won regional champion­ ships in six consecutive seasons, and followed Lakewood junior Aubrey O’Gorman heads onto the floor to accept a hug and a medal from Lakewood High School athletic I director Mike Quinn following the Vikings’ five-set win over Jackson Parma Western in the Division 2 Regional Final at Onsted High I School Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) J Lakewood’s Sophie Duits (12) and Haylee Marks go up to block the ball down as Parma Western setter Hayden Fortress tries to get it over the net during their Division 2 Regional Final at Onsted High School Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Lakewood varsity volleyball team sings the school fight song with its classmates on the court at Onsted High School following a five-seFvictory over Jackson Parma Western in the Division 2 Regional Final Thursday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Why every angler and toiler needs this map LOST STREAM MAP steamsjtelbte, II The STREAM SLAKE MAP OF MICHIGAN resembles another map-JJ known to Pennsylvania angles as the ‘Lost Stream Map,9 । i I • J : j । i I • ’ ’ Michigan imp shm MOW fete of e j W. Ite For a limited time - get 3 Bonuses with each map j I ■fc PinpM fa® W m ‘ wfa I BONUS mUfillMI .................. this vahabte gi«ue. easily om MW s»w»k who cares what you did offensively, you had 18 digs tonight too,” coach Rowland said. “She looked like a Big Ten kid tonight. She has been doing that more and more and more. She has that in her. I asked (assistant coaches) Chelsea (Brehm), Brooke (Francisco) and Hannah (O’Mara) do I turn the dial in set five and they said ‘absolutely’ and I did. She made it work. She is the real deal. The changes put Aubrey on the attack right away was the Vikings went with what was going right for them rather than worrying about slowing down Western’s all-state hitter Abi Wilcoxson quite so much. Wilcoxson was scoring her fair share of points no matter who was blocking her. “Parma is much better than they were a year ago,” Rowland said. “They were very bad at serve receive last year, and they passed very well tonight I thought. We just had to up our serving pressure. We did that. I also told the girls, ‘you were really bad for two sets tonight and you didn’t let it bother you,’ which I knew that team had in them. I had even mentioned to my mom (Hall of Fame head coach Kellie Rowland), Brooke and Chelsea this week the one thing that I like about this team is that when they get bad, and we have spurts where we get bad, they don’t let it bother them. They are like, ‘we’ll figure it out eventually,’ and they did that tonight. It was nice to see.” Aubrey had a team-high 23 kills, but her star could only shine so bright because of her teammates. There would be no slamming the ball down without it getting up there in the first place. Bump got the quick sets up there in the middle and finished the evening with 47 assists, making good passes even when the cleanest balls weren’t always coming her way. Sophomore all-stater Maradith O’Gorman had 19 kills, three blocks, and matched her big sister’s total of 18 digs. Sophie Duits had 12 digs and Hummel and Bump had six each for Lakewood. Hummel has been fighting an illness this week, and shared three turns of the rotation with freshman defensive specialist Alli Pickard who came up huge off the bench for the Vikings along with fellow freshman defensive specialist Paige Wolverton. “That was awesome of Alli to come in and round at the finals for the TK ladies. “She worked extremely hard in the offsea­ son and her game improved significantly from the previous year,” coach Kaminski said. Paige VanStee, Thornapple Kellogg: VanStee led the Trojan varsity with a ninehole average of 44.25 strokes and earned all-conference honors in the OK Gold this season. Her score counted in seven of her 11 varsi­ ty events this season, scores that were five strokes better on average than a year ago. 2019 All-Barry County Girls’ Golf Second Team Jacqueline Estep, Lakewood: Estep, a senior, was named first team all-conference in the Greater lansing Activities Conference this fall with a league scoring average boosted by a 47 at the jhnfboree hosted by Laingsburg. She also fired a 47 in her team’s dual with Thomapple Kellogg at Centennial Acres. Estep is a four-year varsity letter-winner for the Viking varsity girls’ golf team. Lane Kaminski, Thomapple Kellogg: A sophomore, Kaminski filled a spot in the Trojan line-up throughout much of the season but didn’t get a chance to break into the top six for TK during the conference season. She was a member of the varsity’s top four in all of the non-conference events that she participated in and closed out the campaign averaging just 48 strokes per nine holes. Emmi Klein, Lakewood: Klein shot a 51 at the Greater Lansing Activities Conference Tournament, the low round of the day as the Vikings clinched the overall conference title. Klein was named first team all-conference this season, and had a low nine-hole round of a 48 at the league jamboree hosted by Perry at Glenbrier and shot an 86 at the 18-hole Lakeview Invitational at Cedar Creek Golf Course. Jordan Shank, Lakewood: The Vikings’ top golfer this season, she fired a low nine-hole round of a 44 during her team’s non-confer­ ence dual with Thornapple Kellogg at Centennial Acres early in the year. Shank is a four-time varsity letter-winner for the Viking girls’ golf team who earned first team all-conference honors in the GLAC this season. Maddie Shepard, Thornapple Kellogg: Shepard was an honorable mention all-confer­ ence honoree in the OK Gold Conference this fall and fired a 97 in her round at the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals at the end of the season. “She worked tirelessly in the offseason to improve her game. That hard work paid off as she had an excellent season,” coach Kaminski said. Paige Willette, Thornapple Kellogg: Willette was the Trojans’ top golfer at the Division 2 Lower Peninsula State Finals at the end of the season, shooting a 92 and a 93 during her two 18-hole rounds at Forest Akers East Golf Course. Willette, a senior, was honorable mention all-conference in the OK Gold this fall. II ii ii BONUS REPORT; Finding Secret Fishing Spots i REPORT: How Anglers Stall and Catch Record Fish ii ii ii I» t RWE REVIEWS gi GOLF, continued from previous page -— fetes show on the Stream & Lafe Map. Vwrmapa guMebook will lake you to the top 443 select fishing select waters for 1/ of gmtish. #vv R was completed in 1965 after a 30 year effort by Howard Higbee, a former Penn Sale Professor. Professor Higbee painstakingly ptatM by hand, foe location of 45,000 mfc of streams onto foe map. it sold extremely well-until foe printer declared bankruptcy and hauled Higbee’s worts to foe landfill. But reprints were impassible tausette maps were printed in non-photagrapliic blue. Higbee was even offered $400 for ore oi® last j? ;ips,5c//cs and Ms ytw can use to find your own semi spot and catch n we fish. Theaverage big lish has evaded capture for over 10 years, find out which instincts set them apart from smaller fish. 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Aubrey was there in the middle ot the net to knock down sets from Bump f(y the final two points of the night too before she was buried in a pile of her celebrating teammates - holding senior libero Kiana Hummel ifl her right arm as the players from the bench collided with those from the court. “Like I told (Aubrey) when I hugged her, SHIPPING INCLUDED -ORDER TODAY! • II I ' < Available b Folded Paper, ALSO AVAILABLE lit Heavy gum LIFETIME GUARANTEED, ; glass-lie, cleaf-laffitaM writer, wipe-off surface with brass eyelets for hangiRQ I Michigan 4 FT by 4 FT Folded Paper Map(s) $34.45 ea I ; Michigan 4 FT by 4 FT Laminated Rolled Map(s)....... .. $49,45 ea•! Check or Money order enclosed $ EACH LAMINATED ROLLED MAP SHIPPED IN STURDY CONTAINER Name Mtm Matila: J-AD GRAPHICS 1351 North M-43 Highway Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 I II I I "I I I See REGIONAL, page 18 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 21,2019 — Page 17 Vikings stretch volleyball semifinal streak to four Lakewood varsity volleyball teammates (clockwise from left) Aubrey O’Gorman, Skylar Bump, Sophie Duits, Maradith O’Gorman, Jaizah Pyle and Kiana Hummel celebrate match-point in their three-set victory over Ida in the Division 2 State Quarterfinal at Dundee High School Tuesday. The Vikings will face Pontiac Notre Dame Prep in the Division 2 State Semifinal at Kellogg Arena Friday at 4:30 p.m. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Not every freshman has the kind of state tournament experience Lakewood setter Skylar Bump has. Bump was unfazed by the crowded, loud gymnasium at Dundee High School Tuesday. She fed all-state hitters Maradith O’Gorman and Aubrey O’Gorman again, and again, and again and made the other plays as needed throughout the Vikings’ 25-19, 25-23, 25-15 win over Ida in the Division 2 State Quarterfinals. Lakewood (39-12) will now head to the final four at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek for the fourth consecutive season Friday, where the Vikings will face Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (48-10-2) in the state semifinals at 4:30 p.m. Over the past seven seasons Notre Dame Prep has won two state titles and Lakewood one. Only once during that span has a Class B or Division 2 State Final not featured either the Vikings, the Irish or both teams. Lakewood entered the 2019 postseason ranked second in the state in Division 2, and Notre Dame Prep fifth. The Ida Bluestreaks, among the state’s hon­ orable mention ranks in D2, were playing in their program’s first state quarterfinal match in more than ten years on Tuesday. What chance did the Bluestreaks stand? The “Home of the Vikings” was literally painted on the wall in the Dundee High School gymnasium, and even the freshman Bump has been through the rigors of the state tournament time and again. “I ball-girled for four years, I think, before I was a freshman, so I knew what the gym was going to be like when I came in - so it was a lot easier,” Bump said. “I play FarOut (club volleyball) with Aubrey and Maradith, so that 15 also a lot easier.” Bump had 35 assists in the Vikings’ threeset victory over the Ida girls. Sophomore Maradith O’Gorman had a team-high 17 kills, 16 digs and two blocks, while junior Aubrey O’Gorman had 14 kills, ten digs, two blocks and a team-leading four aces. “(Bump) knows where our money is. She is very good at finding (all-state hitters) Aubrey and Mar when we need them and mixing it in to Hay lee (Marks), Jaizah (Pyle) and Sophie (Duits) as needed,” Lakewood head coach See STREAK, page 18 Lakewood freshman setter Skylar Bump passes the ball up as junior teammate Aubrey O’Gorman goes on the attack during the second set of their team’s three-set win over Ida in the Division 2 State Quarterfinal at Dundee High School Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) _ WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS Exceptional Care Close to Home Increasing your access to exceptional health care, close to home is a priority for Spectrum Health. Our local providers are not just experts in their field; they are also a part of your community. • Same day appointments • Schedule online or call Expanded morning and evening hours to better meet your needs. Spectrum Health Pennock Spectrum Health Pennock Family Medicine - Gun Lake Family, Internal & Pediatric 12851 W. M179 Highway Wayland, Ml 49348 877.377.7322 Medicine - Hastings Jamie McCartney, MD Adam Mitchell, DO Rebecca Eckert, FNP Andrew Stanley, DO Caledonia Caledonia Gun Lake Gun Lake Alia Anthony, FNP Maty Yakoby, MD Andrew Mepham, PA-C Lynda Simpson, DO Hastings Hastings Middleville Middleville 1108 W. State Street, Suite 3 Hastings, Ml 49058 269.945.0922 Spectrum Health Medical Group Family Medicine - Caledonia Spectrum Health Pennock 9090 S. Rodgers Court, Suite A Caledonia, Ml 49316 616.891.0422 Family Medicine - Middleville 490 Edward Street Middleville, Ml 49333 269.795.4434 Spectrum F Health Pennock Online Scheduling | Expanded hours | findadoctor.spectrumhealth.org �Page 18 — Thursday, November 21,2019 — The Hastings Banner STREAK, continued from page 17 Cameron Rowland said. “The ball she set Sophie, that Sophie went up and crushed in the second set, was huge. She trusted her to come in and fly in there and hit that ball. Sophie knows that she is not get­ ting a ton of attempts, but when she does her job we get very good very fast.” There weren’t a lot of key points played Tuesday night, at least not when compared to the Vikings’ five-set regional final victory over Parma Western last week, but a couple stood out. A long serve by the Vikings pulled the Ida girls to within 15-14 midway through the second set when Bump set up Duits for her lone kill on the night in the middle of the net. The Vikings slowly pushed their lead from there to five points, but Ida, led by senior middle Taylor Wegener, kept fighting. Bump took the attack into her own hands in key moments a couple of times. She finished the evening with five kills. Ida pulled back to within 23-22 late in that second set, forcing a Lakewood timeout. Bump ended a long rally in the first point coming out of the timeout by flipping a second ball back over her head into an opening on the Bluestreaks’ side. “I had just talked to Cameron and he told me that the middle of the court wasn’t open anymore. It was all behind my head,” Bump said. “It was chaotic on the court, so I knew that was going to be open.” “That was huge to side us out there,” Rowland said. Ida managed to get back within a point (24­ 23), thanks to a kill from junior outside hitter Paige Stein off a Lakewood block, but the Vikings clinched that second set with a smooth side out on a serve receive from senior libero Kiana Hummel, a set from Bump and a swing from Maradith. Hummel had 12 digs in the match. Fellow seniors Marks and Pyle had two kills each. Marks added a block and a dig. Pyle had one dig and one ace. Duits, a junior, chipped in two blocks and three digs. “Everyone brought a lot of energy today,” Bump said. “Before we started the game in the locker room everyone had energy. That helped us a lot. When we play with energy we are very good.” Ida was within 12-9 midway through the third set before the Vikings went on a 13-6 run to close out the victory. Rowland said his girls didn’t pass excep­ tionally well Tuesday, and that helped the Bluestreaks stay competitive along with their team’s scrappy defense and the big swings from Wegener who was second team all-state in each of the past two seasons. Kingsley (58-7-3) will take on the top­ ranked, defending state champions from Grand Rapids Christian (44-3) in the second Division 2 Semifinal of the evening Friday in Battle Creek. REGIONAL, continued from page 16 do that, and Paige put service pressure on them and found seams and got them out of system and scored points back there for us too,” Rowland said. “That was really important for us,” Aubrey said. “I think They both put their serves away really well. Allie executed a bunch of out of system balls that were super important for (Maradith) to get some kills. I think the addi­ tion of those two in the game was really important and really vital to our success.” Lakewood also got four kills from senior outside hitter Jaizah Pyle, three kills from Bump, and two from senior outside hitter Haylee Marks. Duits had a team-high four aces, while Maradith and Bump had two each and Wolverton one. The opening set of the match was a close one to begin with. The Panthers went on a 10-2 run to close out their 25-16 win. “It definitely put us down and we were definitely feeling like what the heck just went on,’’Aubrey said, “But I think we felt confi­ dent in each other that we could all execute and we could put it away, and pass the ball, get it up and put it away.” Western led as late as 23-22 in that second set, before a Lakewood timeout was followed by a kill from Aubrey in the middle. Pickard served the final two points to pull the Vikings’ even, coming up with a big pass during one of the rallies as well. The momentum swung back and forth all evening. The Vikings rolled right from set two into set three, building a lead of as many as five points at 12-7 before Western surged. The Panthers tied the set at 15-15, part of a 12-2 run to close out the set, with Aubrey hitting a couple attacks long, a rotation error by the Vikings and a collision between Bump and Duits on the final point. Set number four was knotted at 7-7, and it was as quick, deep kill on a second ball by the Vikings’ setter Bump that was the first spark for the Vikings as they nudged to a 10-7 lead. Lakewood kept pushing until its advantage was in the double figures with Aubrey taking over. Call anv time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad Lakewood sophomore Maradith O’Gorman slides over to pass an Ida serve during the Division 2 State Quarterfinal at Dundee High School Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 Getting the care you need should be easy. That's why the care teams Ascension Borgess Hospital at Ascension Borgess Hospital Borgess Family Medicine - Delton have Borgess Family Medicine - Delton extended hours, walk-in care and same-day appointments. We're here to 11320 M-43 deliver the care that's right for you, in your neighborhood. Delton, Ml 49046 To schedule an appointment, call 269-301-6064 Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. Walk-in and same day appointments available. Call for extended hours and Saturday openings. a Uebele, PA-C A MeRan lomonaco, NP Ascension Borgess Hospital Ascension Michigan ©Ascension 2019. AH rights reserved. I � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-11-28.pdf 87489581f675ca89d8721693c09784e2 PDF Text Text All transit buses under one roof See Story on Page 3 It’s a great time to be thankful! See Editorial on Page 4 Vikings fall short of state volleyball title See Story on Page 11 to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 804879110187 1070490102590502567949058113421 Richard Hemertng Hastings 4905S’W46/30/2020 9.47-00 AM Thursday, November 28, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 47 PRICE 750: Shooting rampage case bound over for trial Rebecca Pierce Editor Witnesses wept on the stand, and listeners wept in the gallery during two grueling days of testimony that described a murderous ram­ page by Jon Burnett, 63, in Orangeville Township June 21. In the space of a few hours that summer afternoon, Burnett’s behavior cascaded out of control, his wife told Barry County Court Chief Judge William Doherty. After Burnett threatened her with her own pink handgun, she fled in her car. Doherty called the crimes a “rampage” and ordered Burnett to stand trial on 36 charges, including open murder and kidnapping. A pre-trial hearing is set for 8:15 a.m. Dec. 19 before Judge Michael Schipper. Lynne Burnett, 59, of Plainwell, was the first of 15 witnesses to testify in the prelimi­ nary examination that began Friday. Two men died June 21 in Orangeville Township: Police said Gary L. Peake, 73, of Plainwell, was shot six times, and Bryce Nathan DeGood, 21, of Haslett, was shot twice in what was described as an execu­ tion-style slaying. DeGood was slain before their eyes, Tracey Schisser, 46, of Delton, told the court. She and her 16-year-old son were going to see her parents when she stopped her car on Lewis Road at the intersection with Lindsey Road. She looked to the left and noticed two men walking toward them — a young man in the reflective vest of a worker in front of an older Consumers warns of hazardous conditions Consumers Energy is reminding every­ one to be especially aware of possible downed wires and other safety hazards. As of Tuesday afternoon, winds forecasted to ’ gust up to 60 mph in some areas, coupled with a rain/snow mix in northern areas, are expected throughout the afternoon and eve­ ning Wednesday. This may lead to downed wires and power outages. Brian Wheeler, senior public information director with Consumers Energy, she utility officials are reminding people to stay at least 25 feet away from a downed wire and anything it is touching, and to call 9-1-1 and Consumers Energy, 800-477-5050. “Always assume a downed wire, even if not arching and sparking, is energized,” Wheeler said. “While this is a short holiday work week for many, our ci cws are ready to respond quickly, make situations safe and restore power.” The Consumers Energy Outage Center at Consumerslinergy.com/1 OutageCenter has the latest on storm resto­ ration times, tips on what customers can do Defense Attorney Shane McNeill of Hastings, with Jon Burnett on his left, cross-ex before, during and after a storm and how ■' amines a witness. S customers can sign up for free outage alerts. " g In addition to being aware of possible downed wires, the public is reminded, if they lose power, to never use a generator in an attached garage, basement, enclosed patio or near any air intakes, Wheeler added. Doing so could cause a generator to produce hazardous levels of carbon monox­ like to solve problems. We’ve tried other to the south, such as Middleville and Hastings. Greg Chandler ide, an odorless, colorless and deadly gas. mechanisms, let’s try something else.” Staff Writer Dennis Kent, a transportation planner for Bradshaw said he envisions having MDOT’s Grand Region, said in a subsequent Frustrated over the lack of progress by state transportation officials in addressing Progressive conduct the study and then sharing interview, he was unaware of the proposed traffic congestion issues on M-37, a Caledonia the firm’s recommendations with MDOT. study. He said MDOT has no control over “We’re already experiencing significant local governmental decision-making, but that Township board member has proposed the township contract to have its own engineering delays during the peak hours in the morning the state should be in the loop on any upcoming The day after Thanksgiving often is spent study done to get an idea of what improvements and afternoon,” he said. “The best-case studies. lounging, watching football games or shop­ scenario is that maybe five years from now, if may be needed on that highway. “As the agency with jurisdiction over the ping. Michigan Department of Natural Township Trustee Tim Bradshaw last week MDOT decided tomorrow they wanted to do subject roadway, MDOT should be involved Resources officials have another suggestion: outlined a proposal to hire the engineering this project, they would need to acquire a lot in studies affecting state highways so that all Get outside. firm Progressive AE, at a cost of $25,000- of property, they [would need to do] significant of the relevant issues are considered and The #OptOutside campaign was started in $30,000, to conduct an analysis of traffic on design work. It’s not going to get fixed affected agencies are consulted,” Kent wrote 2015 by Recreation Equipment Inc., a retail overnight.” M-37 from 76th Street to 100th Street. in an email. and outdoor recreation services company However, other board members questioned The study would include an analysis of The most recent traffic count by MDOT, better known as REI, and has grown nation­ traffic levels and turning movement counts whether having a township-funded study taken last year, found 26,595 vehicles in wide. during peak travel hours: 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 would push MDOT toward quicker action on Caledonia Township use M-37 from M-6 The outdoors-focused movement encour­ p.m. It also would include collecting crash addressing M-37. ages people to spend more time outside and south to 76th Street on average each day. “I’m not sure that spending $30,000 or However, MDOT has no immediate plans for highlights the benefits of immersing oneself data from the past five years along that 3-mile in nature - on Black Friday and all year long. stretch, according to documents presented to more [on a study] is going to move the needle improvements to the highway anytime soon, For the fourth year in a row, the Michigan for MDOT,” Township Treasurer/ as the department has tended to focus its the township. Department of Natural Resources is partici­ Bradshaw said township officials have Administrator Richard Robertson said. “I resources on preservation of existing freeways pating alongside REI in encouraging others often met with Michigan Department of think they realize there’s a problem there. My and major highways. Kent said to his to join the #OptOutside movement. Transportation representatives to discuss concern is now we’re doing their work for knowledge, there has been no formal study on Friday, Nov. 29, the DNR will waive the congestion issues on M-37, but those talks them. They should be doing these studies, as the M-37 corridor. regular Recreation Passport vehicle entry have not resulted in any concrete proposals to far as I’m concerned. It’s their road.” MDOT is planning to add turn lanes and fee, providing access to Michigan’s 103 state Robertson added that committing township limited transition lanes on southbound M-37 fix the problem. parks and recreation areas, 138 state forest “While we do get meetings and they say a tax dollars to an M-37 study overlooks the fact between Patterson Avenue and M-6 in 2021. campgrounds, and state trailheads and boat lot of nice things, we’re just not getting that many motorists using the highway are Options are being considered for possible I launches. anywhere,” Bradshaw said. “As an engineer, I passing through Caledonia from communities pavement rehabilitation on the stretch from “For anyone who’s been itching to get outdoors or someone who might need a nudge, Black Friday is the perfect day for residents and visitors to explore Michigan’s natural resources,” Ron Olson, chief of the DNR Parks and Recreation Division, said. “From quiet trails to picturesque waterfalls, breathtaking vistas and more, state parks are (full of opportunities for fun and reflection.” While no Recreation Passport is needed, all camping, permit and license fees still Heather Tolsma apply. / Contributing Writer For 23 years, St. Rose of Lima School in Hastings has host­ ed an annual Thanksgiving dinner, complete with traditional Pilgrim men and women and Native Americans. The dinner is hosted at lunchtime during the school day and takes place in the parish hall next to the school. Hastings’ annual Jingle and Mingle cele­ Principal Lori Pearson said all of the food for the feast was bration is coming to town Friday, Dec. 6, donated by the families involved and cooked by volunteers through Sunday, Dec 8. The entire event is every year. free for families to enjoy. The event has been going on long enough now, Pearson Classic events like the holiday Christmas said, that second-generation graduates are now able to attend parade will greet audience with a number of to see their children enjoy the feast they themselves had Christmas-light-covered spectacles. The parade will begin at 5:30 p.m. Saturday. I attended many years before. The Thanksgiving dinner took place Friday and is always Instead of bells, this year’s Jingle and the kick-off for the annual food drive to collect dry and canned Mingle attendees will receive light-up goods to use for food baskets that the church donates each year candy canes. Also new to the event will be to needy families throughout Barry County. singers on the Holly Trolley, and a booth Pearson said students came up with a slogan so they remem­ will be set up selling Christmas trees on the ber to bring in canned or dry food every week. courthouse lawn. Once they bring in their food donations, they earn the abil­ The Nov. 30 Reminder will have a full ity to wear jeans on a designated day instead of the traditional schedule of events. Volunteer Susan Miller (right) serves St. Rose student Michael Gergen school uniform. So, the slogan they chose is “Beans for _______________ _ _____________________ Cary wait in line. See page 3 for more photos. Jeans.” man. Something wasn’t right, she recalled, then she heard the gunshots. The young man fell forward, struggled back to his feet, his hands above his head, took another step and fell to the ground. Schisser said she was panicked, thinking, “Oh God, what do I do?” Then the gunnMft shot him again in the back of the head theft pointed the gun at them. “My son said, ‘Mom, we’ve got to go!”’ Schisser said those words saved her life. She hit the gas pedal and they fled. Both Schisser and her son identified Burnett in the court, but Schisser said she did not see the gun in his hand. Her son, however, saw the distinctive pink and black pistol in Burnett’s hand after the young man, who police identified as DeGood, fell to the ground. “At first I was confused,” the teen testified, biting his lip. “Then I heard the shots and realized what was happening.” Then Burnett aimed at them. His mother was in shock, he said. “She froze ... She was frantic.” DeGood had blood on the right side of his face, the teen said, and his eyes were wide open. Burnett, the teen recalled, “looked really angry.” They called 911 as soon as they reached ft safe distance from the intersection where they could get a signal on a cellphone. See BOUND, page 2 Caledonia considers M-37 traffic study DNR: #OptOutside Black Friday 76th Street to 92nd Street, with that work possibly taking place between 2021 and 2025. The timing of that project will depend on funding availability, additional studies and environmental assessments, MDOT spokesman John Richard said in a September interview. Between 92nd and 100th Street, improvement options are being evaluated, but no timeline for any projects has been determined, Richard said. Upon suggestion by Township Supervisor Bryan Harrison, the board held off on proceeding with a township-funded M-37 study until at least mid-December. Harrison said 86th District state Rep. Thomas Albert, R-Lowell, has offered to host a meeting with township and MDOT representatives Friday, Dec. 13, to discuss M-37. “I would love to be able to present this to them and say, ‘we’re willing to fund this, what else do you need to build a case?” Harrison said. Bradshaw agreed with the decision to delay moving forward with the study. “I think it’s a good common-sense strategy. We look forward to our meeting with (MDOT) soon,” Bradshaw said. - A traditional feast at St. Rose Hastings ready to Jingle and Mingle’ I as fellow students Lyric Mulder and Willow �Page 2 — Thursday, November 28, 2019 — The Hastings Banner BOUND, continued from page 1 ■ Jon Burnett of Plainwell enters the Barry County courtroom Monday for a preliminary examination to determine if there is probable cause to try him for two murders and 34 other crimes. (Photos by Scott Harmsen) Sheriff’s Detective-Sgt. Janette Maki points to a map depicting the crime scene at the intersection of Lindsey and Lewis roads during questioning by Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt. Jon Burnett’s wife, Lynne, listens to a Barry County sheriff’s office recording of the encounter with her husband June 21. Barry County Chief Judge William Doherty listens to testimony Monday. Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt ques­ tions a witness. Three young women, on their way to Hastings, were among the motorists who stopped at the scene that day. Ashley Glumm said she was driving. Mallory Gray was one of two passengers. When they saw the body lying by the road, Gray and Glumm stopped and got out of the car. Glumm said she called 911 while Gray went to check for life signs. That’s when they were approached by a than Glumm identified in court as Burnett. •^‘He started walking up to us and I said, ‘Hey, it’s OK. We called 911.’ He told us he was a cop. I didn’t think he was. Then he pointed a gun at us.” '“He was very close,” Glumm told the judge. “I was scared for my life.” The 911 dispatcher had already urged her to leave the scene immediately, so she and Gray got back in the car. “In my rearview mirror, I saw him waving the gun.” Glunim described Burnett’s expression during their encounter as “blank.” Gray, in her testimony, said she was focused bn helping the man who was down on the ground. She said she has some knowledge of first aid, so she approached the man’s body and knelt beside him, to see if there was any movement and if he was breathing. She said did not touch him. Then she said she saw blood and brain matter from a severe injury to his head. . Gray stopped then, visibly struggling to speak and continue her testimony. She said she could see the gun in Burnett’s hand, but, initially, she had thought he was coming from across the street to help. “When he told them he was a cop, “I thought that man was not a cop. ...He did not seem happy with us.” There was something about his stance that communicated, “if you do not leave, I will hurt you.” Then he raised the gun “in a swaying motion and said ...’You need to leave. You need to go.”’ He was 10 feet from her. Jason Wyatt, who grew up in Orangeville, was on his way to drop off David Harrison at his home when he noticed the man’s body, facedown with his hands above his head. He was wearing a vest that indicated he worked for a tree service and a white hard hat. Wyatt turned his vehicle around and pulled up, on the wrong side of the road to check to see if there was anything he could do. He was so focused on the man’s body, he didn’t pay much attention to the man he identified as Burnett, who was standing about six feet from him. “He said, ‘You don’t know what’s going on here. You need to get out of here.’ ...He had the gun pointed at me.” Wyatt said he couldn’t believe it was hap­ pening. Meanwhile, his passenger, Harrison, was “freaking out.” Initially, Harrison had noticed Burnett was holding something in his hand and thought it was a cellphone. “I didn’t realize it was a gun. ... I thought he was going to shoot me in the face.” Wyatt and Harrison got away from Burnett, stopped down the road and started directing traffic away from the area to protect other motorists. Michael Geist was driving through when he saw a body on the west side of Lindsey Road. He heard shots and, when he came back through, the body was down on Lewis Road. “I turned around and came pack northbound on Lindsey and parked about 20 feet from the intersection.” Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Hansford was among law enforcement officers at the scene of the homicides June 21. Geist got out to see if he could help and noticed a man sitting on a rock. During that encounter, with the man later identified as Burnett, he said, “I thought I was going to die.” As for DeGood’s body, “All I seen was blood. There was a lot of blood.” Nola and Gary Harps testified Monday that they were driving in the neighborhood on that beautiful sunny day on their way to see some friends, when a man they identified as Burnett “walked right up the center of Lewis Road and dropped something in the road. We had to go slow,” she said, so they wouldn’t hit him. “Then I looked to the right and I saw a man’s body.” “I told Gary, ‘Quick, turn around, turn around!’ ’’ she recalled. Her husband thought See BOUND, page 8 Mallory Gray testifies about events at Lindsey and Lewis roads June 21 in Orangeville Township. Questions remain about chronology of events Defense attorneys say police failed to advise suspect of Miranda rights Rebecca Pierce Editor Barry County Detective-Sgt. Janette Maki still has questions ab|ut the sequence of events in Orangeville Township near the intersection of Lindsey and Lewis roads the afternoon of June 2L Results of MichiganIState Police lab tests may answer some of those questions, Maki said, after the case against Jon Burnett, 63, of Plainwell, was bound over for trial by Chief Judge William Doherty. Burnett faces 36 counts, including open murder and kidnapping. The two men shot and killed in Orangeville Township were Gary L. Peake, 73, of Plainwell, who was shot six times, and Bryce Nathan DeGood, 21, of Haslett, who shot in what was described as an execution-style slaying. Autopsies determined the cause of death in both cases was homicide. Burnett’s wife, Lynne, as well as Jason Wyatt, David Harrison, Michael Geist, Tracey Schisser and iter 16-year-old son, Joseph Powell, Ashley Glumm, Mallory Gray, Daniel Robinson, Gary and Nola Harps, sheriff’s deputies Kevin Erb and Brian Hansford testified during a two-day preliminary examination in Barry County court Friday and Monday. These witnesses are mentioned in the sec­ ond amended felony complaint against Burnett in which he is charged with assault­ ing them with a pistol as well as resisting and obstructing deputies Erb and Hansford when they responded to the 911 calls. A last-minute charge alleging that Burnett kidnapped DeGood before^ killing him was added to the list of felony complaints Friday morning just before the preliminary exam­ ination began. But an exact chronology of events is not yet known, Maki said. Police aren’t sure who was killed first, Peake or DeGood. A bloody hammer was recovered from the scene, but it’s not clear what role that might have played in the crimes that took place there. Police are running tests on the hammer, which was found by a tree, as well as a spot of human blood found in the kitchen of the Burnett house. Police also recovered 22 fired cartridge casings, a small drinking glass found in the grass, and bullet fragments that were a ballistic match to the pink pistol wit­ nesses identified as seeing in Burnett’s hand. Toxicology reports on Burnett showed he had a blood alcohol content of 0.079, as well as the presence of narcotics oxycodone and zolpidem (Ambien) in his bloodstream. Much of the testimony Friday pertained to DeGood and what witnesses observed in the vicinity of Lindsey and Lewis roads. But, Monday, when Peake’s death was addressed, defense attorneys Shane McNeill and Steven Storrs raised objections about the introduction of that evidence, saying that Burnett had not been properly “Mirandized” at the scene. . As a result, he was denied a basic right, they said. A Miranda Warning advises a suspect of his right to remain silent and that anything he says can and will be used against him in court. Suspects also must be advised that they have a right to an attorney and, if they cannot afford one, an attorney will be provided for them. An audiotape from the dashboard camera of Deputy Erb was played for the judge Monday afternoon, and, in that recording, Burnett tells police that “My buddy is dead next door.” Burnett, often unintelligible, cries and moans, “Oh God, I don’t know what is wrong with me.” , Then, according to police testimony, Burnett took police to the body in Peake’s house. Maki testified that her efforts to advise Burnett of his rights were met with belliger­ ence, although she repeatedly attempted to tell him that anything he said could be used against him. Typically, Maki said, she will read from a long form to advise suspects of their rights, but, in Burnett’s case, she finally abandoned that effort and went with a brief statement. Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt argued that Burnett’s statements to police were sponta­ neous and did not come as the result of any interrogation by police. McNeill and Storrs argued that the police had the burden to advise Burnett of his core rights. The remedy for not doing so is sup­ pression of the statements he made at the time of his arrest. Doherty listened to the arguments from both prosecutor and defense attorneys and replied that this matter would more appropri­ ately be dealt with at the circuit court level prior to trial. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 28, 2019 — Page 3 All buses under one roof at expanded transit building •The expanded Barry County Transit building is 14,200 square feet and can fit all 16 vehicles in the fleet. Taylor Owens Staff Writer A $1.1 million project to renovate and expand the Barry County Transit offices and garage wrapped up this month. Manager and Transportation Coordinator Bill Voigt said the eight-month-long construction went almost to the day of the ribbon cut­ ting Nov. 20. Voigt said discussions to update the office^ have been ongoing at least since he started six years ago. The office, which was built in the late 1980s, was aging and a tight fit for the employees. Transit employs 35 people, seven of which are full time. , The expansion added 4,800 square feet o|F .. ­ garage space, and 1,500 square feet of exist ing garage space was renovated into ne^jw office area. The existing office area also was renovated. The total size of the building is now 14,200 square feet, and can fit all 16 vehicles in the fleet. The transit tries to use grant funds as much as possible to replace its Vehicles^ but Voigt said the grants may stipulate that the transit has to keep the vehicles for a decade or more. With as much iMear and tear W the vehicles receive while they are in service, Voigt said it is extremely important to keep the vehicles out of the weather as much as possible. “It’s not just the space, but it’s having peo­ ple where they want to be to do their jobs,” Voigt said. “We have a lot fewer distractions, and the dispatchers are able to do a better job in terms of customer service.” “It’s easier to work here, and it’s more effi­ cient.” Although the staff had to spend a couple of months working in the garage during the con­ struction, it was worth it when the renovations were finished and the staff were able to divide the offices into different departments, he said. Voigt pointed out that demand for the tran­ sit has grown about 30 percent in the last five years. Although he doesn’t expect the demand to.increase quite so fast in the coming years, he said, he does expect the increase to contin­ ue. ' . ■ “We’re very welLprepared for future growth,” Voigt said. : The transit provides around 100,000 indi­ vidual rides each year, and around 20,000 of those are for students. The transit contracts with Hastings Area Schools System and the Barry County officials and community stakeholders tour the finished garage Nov. 20 Commission on Aging. “Even though our association with commu­ nity mental health is less formal these days, we still transport mental health clients,” Voigt said. But perhaps the most frequent destination is Spectrum Health Pennock and local doc­ tors’ offices, Voigt said. Over the years, there has been increased emphasis on non-emergency medical trans­ ports, which include taking patients to receive medical care inside and out of Barry County. A grant from the Area Agency on Aging pays for trips outside the county for seniors who are unable to afford it. “It can be demanding, but we love provid­ ing it,” Voigt said. “We allow people to live where they want to live and still have access Thanksgiving St. Rose student Isabella Strimback models a traditional Native American headdress. St. Rose students Keegan Purchase and Brynna Mulvaine wear traditional Thanksgiving bonnets. Barry County Commissioner and Transit committee member Jon Smelker talks with transit employee Barb Caris at an open house. to things that they need for quality of life.” In a separate but related update, the transit aiso^is upgrading its technology. New soft; * Ware will help with planning routes; and also allow dispatchers to work their phones through their computer monitor so they won’t have to go back and forth between the com­ puter and phone. Voigt acknowledged it was a long and, at times, complex process to decide how the renovations would be done. “It was an interesting process because there were a lot of our community stakeholders and officials that had reservations when we began to talk about this,” Voigt said. There were discussions about the new appearance of the building, funding and the county property the building is on, which may require space for a new jail. “We were sensitive to those things and, really, we were just trying to make sure that the transit was in good shape for the future, without aversely affecting the site or future possibilities for expansion that might be advantageous to anybody.” Voigt said the transit has been saving for years to pay for the renovations without ask­ ing for additional funds through a millage. Up to 60 percent of the $1.1 million cost of the project is eligible for reimbursement through state and federal subsidies over the next 30 years. Although Voigt said the future of state funding was in doubt earlier in the year, as the state Legislature put together its budget for the next year, there was chance transit funding would be cut. “That was a really big deal,” Voigt said; fit’s a vital part of our overall revenue anc (funding.” I Voigt said State Rep. Julie CalleyR-Portland, was at the transit offices thai week to discuss the budget and, ultimately the funding was not cut. “We were on pins and needles for a month.’ Voigt said the transit looked at other loca-j tions for the building, but there were a number of requirements for a new property, such aJ having a traffic light at the driveway, that made finding a new property difficult. “Really, at the end of the day, the smarted thing to do was just renovate here oh $ Voigt said. The plans for the additions were alter only expand the footprint of the buil where it was necessary to accommodate fu use of the property. More information on Barry County Tran^ including how to arrange a ride and a schedf ule of the Holly Trolley, is available at baiwj countytransit.com. S Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Sanner ads St. Rose of Lima students Misha Haskins and Ben Carl pose for photos prior to the feast. The Doctor Will See You Now Connect face-to-face with a doctor using your phone, tablet or computer, any time, day or night, from the comfort of your own home — or anywhere else for that matter. Safe and secure, a BronsonConnect Video Visit offers the immediate care you need for $59 or less per visit. Go to bronsonhealth.com/videovisit to download our app and start your online visit now. ■-id * Bronson(pnn The parish hall at St. Rose of Lima, decorated for Thanksgiving, is where family, friends, students and staff of the school enjoy the annual Thanksgiving Day feast Friday. Video Visit iq it �Page 4 — Thursday, November 28, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you Do you see? Thanksgiving turkeys in jail The Barry County Sheriff’s Office has 20 turkeys ready to deliver to local fami­ lies. Each year an anonymous donor gives the turkeys to the sheriff’s office, which then adds all the sides for a full Thanksgiving dinner, including pies, pota­ toes, stuffing, rolls, vegetables and more. The dinners will be delivered to local families today by Barry County deputies, Victim Services Unit and posse mem­ bers. (Photo by Taylor Owens) remember? 1£ Diamonds and ; rubies Banner Nov. 18,1965 Honored for service •Barry County honored the -leaders of area 4-H clubs during the annual recogni­ tion banquet at the ' Community Center at the fairgrounds. Among those 'Singled out for special attention were Mrs. Earl [Clarie] Tobias of Route 1 .Nashville, who received • the Diamond Clover award, and Clarence .Hartman, Route 1 ■ Hastings, who received the Ruby Clover award. They were presented by Arthur Steeby (left) direc'tor of Extension work for Barry County. Have you met? Justin Smith’s passion for disc golf has led him to volunteer a significant amount of time over the past five years to Hammond Hill Disc Golf Course, owned by the City of Hastings. ; Smith grew up in Nashville and in 2000 , Smith moved to Harrison to live with his aunt and uncle. He moved to Hastings in 2004 and has worked at Flexfab for 14 years. He and his wife, Alexis (Slocum), have three boys Tristan, 13; Aiden, 11; and Alex, 8. The Hammond Hill Disc Golf Course on Hammond Road was established in 2008, and Smith took over running several aspects of it in 2014. In addition to the hours he has donated to improving the course, he established the Hammond Hill Disc Golf Club and has worked to build relationships throughout the community. “It was the key to being able to expand and update the course,” he said. “Those rela­ tionships have allowed us to take care of the course better.” New baskets at the course are one result. Smith and a group of volunteers regularly maintain and improve the course by mowing and clearing brush and debris. Even though he is an amateur disc golfer and has competed in over 130 tournaments throughout his life, Smith said his main goal is to grow the sport in popularity. In addition to devoting time and energy to managing and maintaining the course, Smith also volun­ teers at the Barry County YMCA as a disc golf instructor. “Working with the children is a fantastic experience, and being able to teach them a new sport and the joy of watching them improve is the best part,” he said. “People of all ages and athletic abilities can play this sport,” he added. “Kids who are not very athletic and who are unable to par­ ticipate in other sports can play disc golf.” Future projects include more shelters, tee signs, cemented short tee pads, informational kiosks, facilitating our donated equipment, and the overall expansion of the course. Smith is pleased with accomplishments so level course, but with the lack of volunteers and funds, the work that can be completed is limited. All of the work is funded from dona­ tions.” For donating his time to improve and maintain a public space in Hastings and for encouraging families and residents to get out and get active, Justin Smith is this week’s Banner Bright Light. Justin Smith far, including course maintenance, expanded fairways, creating new lines and other options for a variety of throwers of all ages. He also has doubled the number of tourna­ ments at the venue. “Hammond Hill is a beautiful course in so many ways, from the ever-changing terrain to the beautiful views on holes 6 and 7 over­ looking the lake,” he said. “I take pride in this course and want others to enjoy it as well. “My overall goal is to bring the communi­ ty together. We have this hidden gem that should be enjoyed by everyone. I want to work together with the community and make this a Number 1 spot in Michigan. The course has the potential to be a championship Best advice ever received: To start some­ thing. You can’t finish anything without starting. First job: Good Time Pizza. I worked subside. Person I would like to meet: I’m a Bush fan. I would have liked to meet George Bush Sr. He was one of my favorite presidents. If I could have a superpower: It would be to fly, to be able to see the world from a different perspective. Favorite vacation destination: Mine would have to be Emporia, Kan., the Disney World of disc golf. I usually try to go once a year. Hobbies: I collect video games. I don’t play them. I have like 4,000 video games. It’s just the thrill of the find. Favorite cartoon character: Probably Mighty Mouse. Best invention: In my eyes, light. I cannot see life without a light bulb. If I won the lottery: My friends and I would live in a community and each friend would have something fun to do at their house like disc golf. If I were president: I would get rid of both parties and work as one. I don’t like the parties. I think that is what causes all the drama. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics .com. In My Opinion It’s a great time to be thankful! Of all our traditions that shouldn’t be exposed to cynicism and conspiracy, to fake news and alternate facts, Thanksgiving Day in America should be forever revered and protected. We need the beauty of giving thanks in our lives - if just for one day - to counter the chaos of a world that seems to spin closer every day to the black hole of madness. As we sit down with family and friends for our annual Thanksgiving Day dinners, it might seem that we have less and less each year for which to give thanks. An apprehen­ sive economy, destructive politics, danger­ ous streets, and ominous school hallways ramp up an anxiety that may cause us to overlook and forget the wonderful things for which we can give thanks. Family, friends, community, and a spiritu­ al life are gifts. We need to realize how little control we have over the worrisome things that can sour our day. But it’s not just the gifts in our lives that provide the reason for us to give thanks - it’s the act of thankfulness itself that sustains us. Having a feeling of thankfulness pro­ motes a positive mindset that provides the confidence to deal with the difficult issues we experience each day. We’re given all kinds of opportunities every day to help others not so lucky as our­ selves with special dinners, food and cloth­ ing drives, fuel and financial assistance. All of these things make it easier for us to see the importance of being grateful for what we have. “When you practice gratefulness, there is a sense of respect toward others,” said the Dalai Lama. Every day is Thanksgiving Day for the Dalai Lama. Thanksgiving Day should be a day of gratitude for us as we begin the holiday sea­ son. “Be happy with what you have while working for what you want” were Helen Keller’s wise words for today’s world. She observed that we often waste our lives wish­ ing for things that we don’t have while miss­ ing all the good things we enjoy. Keller knew that good health, friendships and fam­ ily are the things that give us strength to overcome the obstacles in life. I’ve written before about a song I enjoy called ‘Thankful’ by David Foster and Carole Bayer Sager that reminds us to look around ourselves for all the goodness and blessings we have. “Somedays, we can’t see the joy that surrounds us,” goes the song, “so we get caught up inside ourselves, we take more than we can give.” The lyrics go on to encourage us to “pray for what we know can be and hope for what we still can’t see. It’s up to us, to be the change,” is says. “And even though we all can do more, there’s so much to be thankful for.” “One person can make a difference, and everyone must try,” said President John F. Kennedy. “What if each of us really tried? What if each of us spontaneously decided that, one by one, we really can be the better world we wish for?” It surely would make a difference because, in today’s heated political scene, it’s easy to get caught up in our differences rather than finding what can bring us together. I was struck recently by a Nov. 19, 1919, column that appeared in The Banner that asked readers to follow a suggestion that would add to the enjoyment of Thanksgiving. The request was for any spare vegetables, fruit and food to benefit Pennock Hospital. “The generous giving of large sums of money by local business men and factories of this city along with such supplies from area farmers will make it possible to main­ tain the hospital,” read the words of the piece from 100 years ago. Reading the article today, it’s hard to believe the seriousness of need at the time. In recent years, though, we’ve seen echoes of the same sentiment. Giving Tuesday was established not long ago to remind people about supporting causes we care about in the same way we look forward to Black Friday and Cyber Monday. The premise of the event is to turn people’s attention away from two days of consuming to a day of giving. It’s What do you also beginning to transform a longtime American tradition of giving and generosity into a promotion of community-wide giving. When people let problems dominate their thoughts, other harmful perspectives can develop. It’s a resentment that grows against those who appear to have more. That kind of rhetoric promotes jealousy and hate, rather than love and appreciation, for those who have worked hard - especially when they’re willing to share with us and make our lives more fulfilled. As we learn more about the exciting Blue Zone health movement that is impacting communities worldwide - and of which Barry County will be a part - we’ll see that a healthier lifestyle isn’t just about what we eat or the exercise we get, it’s also about the social and lifestyle issues that contribute to our longevity. Being religious or spiritual supports a stronger sense of life’s purpose and, like the arts, reduces the depression we may face in our lives. A good example of that was last week’s Grand Rapids Symphony Holiday concert at the Hastings High School Performing Arts Center. The DeCamp Family Foundation sponsored the event for all of us who were able to attend and enjoy the sounds of the season. During the concert, Associate Conductor John Varineau said our community and the beautiful concert hall acknowledges the value we place on the arts. Varineau also mentioned that orchestra members were able to spend time with Hastings band students during and after rehearsal and also enjoyed dinner with them. Several musicians also spoke highly of that interaction with local students. Varineau also praised the beautiful Steinway concert grand piano recently donated by Larry and Earlene Baum, and mentioned, in jest, the fact that another native, Maggie (Groos) Coleman, made his position possible through her gift to the Grand Rapids Symphony. We’re so lucky that we have these fami­ lies who so graciously share with us. There has been some criticism from some political candidates, vilifying “rich people” for being successful rather than acknowledging them for what they have done with their wealth. Look at the cities around us like Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo and what’s happen­ ing in places like Detroit, where leaders like we have here in Barry County are rebuilding and investing and making a difference in these communities. We also see it play out at our local United Way and all the agencies across the county that are there to help those less fortunate. Experts warn us not to let the problems we face consume us because there’s always a solution. If we’re able to maintain a good attitude and be grateful for what we have, it’s more likely that we’ll find the answers. Just as the song goes, “even though this world needs so much more, there’s so much to be thankful for.” It’s important as we begin to enjoy this holiday season that we appreciate the gener­ ous families that continue to give what they have to make our lives richer. So, as we sit down to enjoy our dinners and each other on Thanksgiving Day, let’s think about life and what we and our fami­ lies are able to enjoy. Then, let’s think about those less fortunate and remember that it’s up to us to be the change. At the end of the day, we can acknowl­ edge how difficult life may have become, but there’s still so much for which to be thankful - including the chance to give thanks! J-Ad Graphics, Inc. think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by accessing our website, www. HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the fol­ lowing week. Last week: The Michigan Supreme Court is looking at a change to allow cell phones in courthouses. In Barry County, cell phones are not allowed in court - should that policy be changed? ' Yes 28% No 71% For this week: By December 2024, all eggs sold in the state must come from cage-free hens, making Michigan the largest egg-producing state in the U.S. to adopt such a law. Is this a good idea? □ Yes □ No �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 28, 2019 — Page 5 City sinks basement construction requirement County Commissioners need to speak up - and make sure the microphone is turned on To the editor: I’m very disappointed in our Barry County commissioners. At their board meeting, when you look them up on livestream, they don’t have the microphone on or it’s turned on at the last minute - so you miss the meeting or what you hear is limited at best. I guess they don’t want the public to know what’s going on. Would someone turn the microphone on so we can hear? Does there need to be an appointed person in charge to make sure it gets turned on? And would the commissioners not lean back in their chairs so we can hear what they say? It has been this way for four weeks in a row. There should be a sign in the back of the room: Turn microphone on. Elden Shellenbarger, Hastings [Write Us A Letter: The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov State Senator Dr. John Bizon, Republican, 19th District State Senate, Phone 517­ 373-2426 or toll-free, 855-347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Independent, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. Doug VanderLaan Contributing Writer What started out last summer as a simple public comment inquiry, that transformed into a months-long intense discussion before two government bodies and a public hearing, reached a final resolution Monday when the Hastings City Council voted 6-2 to amend an existing ordinance requiring new home con­ struction to be built atop basements. Future new homes within the city can now be “firmly attached to a permanent foundation having the same perimeter dimensions as the dwelling unit and meets the city’s building code requirements.” The move is thought to be a boost to devel­ opers and future homeowners seeking more affordable housing within the city, especially on several vacant lots that, as one local Realtor pointed out, could be occupied if the cost of a new home were reduced to more economical levels. Mark Hewitt of Miller Real Estate posed the question at a planning commission meet­ ing in July and reiterated his position before the same body three weeks ago when he stat­ ed, “I don’t think you can build 1,200-squarefeet on a lot with a full basement for less than $200,000. With a slab [instead of a full base­ ment] maybe you could get that cost into the $150,000 range and you can fill a lot.” Monday, some city council members, con­ sidering a second reading of the proposed ordinance change, wondered how the discus­ sion even arose. “At some point in time, the city council decided every home needed a basement,” council member Don Bowers said. “Why?” “That was before my tenure,” planning commission chairman David Hatfield responded, “but I’ve heard it stated that it may have been one way to prohibit mobile homes in the community. I’ve been advised, though, that there are other ways more appropriate for dealing with mobile homes within existing ordinances.” Pressing the issue, Bowers inquired if it wouldn’t be more advisable to directly address the issue of mobile homes within the city through separate language rather than folding the new no-basement requirement into exist­ ing building ordinances. Relying on past statements made by plan­ ning consultant Rebecca Harvey of Kalamazoo-based McKenna Associates, Hatfield pointed out his understanding that “it’s not possible to say ‘mobile homes are not permitted,”’ but that existing building codes covering such technical requirements as lot size, building materials, roof pitch, etc. effec­ tively address likely objections to mobile home placements within existing city neigh­ borhoods. “Rebecca has also said that it’s unusual that a city would require WseinentS,” commented city council member Al Jarvis, also noting his personal feelings that “putting in a basement adds 1,000 square feet to a house. I don’t think some people consider that, with a base­ ment, you can have windows, a walk-out basement, bedrooms, storage.” I But cost should not be a hindrance to mak­ ing affordable housing available within a community, according to council member Brenda McNabb-Stange who referred to a television piece aired earlier in the day from Kalamazoo which stated, she said, that afford­ able housing is so critical that the city is sell­ ing homes at a loss just to get them built. “I can definitely see where [cost] could be significant to someone.” A past resident of Houston, McNabbStange pointed out that she, like most resi­ dents of that city which exists near sea level, making basement construction unfeasible, lived atop “slab construction,” that did not negatively affect property values, as one Hastings resident feared in a letter to city council made public with meeting materials. “... Dwellings without basements are less valuable and desirable on the market,” stated Bill Voigt. “From the time the dwelling is first installed, all future sales negatively impact the values and comparables shared by neigh­ bors. I struggle with the ethical component of imposing this on fellow residents when we ourselves would likely not want to yield our home equity - sometimes life savings, in our own neighborhoods.” McNabb-Stange disagreed with that posi­ tion, suggesting that property values go beyond how a home sits on a foundation, saying, “If a house is kept up, that’s what’s important to the neighborhood.” Hatfield acknowledged that a price differ­ ential does exist between basement and slab construction but that, in itself, is part of a larger issue. “We never attempted to absolutely define the difference in cost primarily because there are several different ways to put basements and slabs in,” Hatfield said of the planning commission’s research that led to the recom­ mendation made to the city council Monday. “All we know for sure is that there is some difference in cost - maybe it’s $5,000, maybe it’s $15,000. “But why should we be the determiners that dictate [slab vs. basement construction]? It’s not a public safety issue,” Hatfield said. “It’s not a quality neighborhood issue. It’s not a comparable value issue. In many areas of the country, slabs are more common than base­ ments.” Council members Therese Maupin-Moore, McNabb-Stange, Jarvis, John Resseguie, Bill Redman and Mayor David Tossava agreed. Bowers and Jim Cary made up the minority vote. Council members also received a “no-hous­ ing” report from Police Chief Jeff Pratt who was requested by Jarvis at a past meeting to provide a report on the homeless population within the city. “Unfortunately, yes, we do have a homeless population in Hastings,” Pratt said in remarks and a two-page report prepared at Jarvis’ sug­ gestion. “We have people who live on the street and people who ‘flop’ at other people’s houses.” Pratt estimated that the warmer weather of this past summer produced a minimal three to four homeless people - all of whom Hastings police officers knew by name - living in makeshift tents, blinds in the woods, along the river bank, in vacant buildings, park bath­ rooms and under pavilions. In addition to the “regular” homeless population, Pratt estimat­ ed other “transient-type people” may stay in the city while they are passing through to wherever their next stop may be. “Unfortunately, sometimes the homeless do create issues,” Pratt said, citing instances where officers respond to “suspicious person” reports or are asked to do a “welfare check” on a homeless person who’s observed to be a concern. Damage to city property and even some breaking and entering incidents are committed by the homeless population. Pratt reasoned that homelessness starts, in many cases, with mental illness and/or sub­ stance abuse and that many homeless individ­ uals choose to live the way they do, despite the vast and compassionate resources avail­ able to them. “We are fortunate to live in a community with resources for the homeless,” Pratt said, pointing out the assistance offered through the United Way’s Emergency Shelter Grant, which provides up to three months of rent for someone with no income and an additional three months if they make progress to improve their situation. The United Way’s Rapid Rehousing fund also provides vouchers for rent, for past-due rent, and help with afford­ able housing. Jarvis mentioned Family Promise of Barry County, a program in which several churches provide shelter, an observation echoed by Redman who said four families had been offered housing at his church for a week. “Once again, we come back to the choice that the homeless population will make,” Pratt concluded. “In order to take advantage of Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... HOStlligS BShflGL IHCA Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@J-adgraphics.com Holly Trolley starts Monday The Barry County Transit Holly Trolley will start its tour around the county on Monday, Dec. 2. It will be out almost every day until Christmas Eve. A tradition of more than 30 years, the trolley will offer residents a festive ride around town, complete with books for. caroling. A full schedule is available online THOROOPPLE See us for color copies, The Hastings BaiUlCI’ some of the resources, a person must be will­ ing to step up and help locate their housing \ complete paperwork and follow up on hous­ ing leads. Some people just do not want to put the effort into finding housing for themselves and prefer to live on the streets.” In other business, the council: - Requested that Redman present it with a formal and finalized business plan for a pro­ posal by the Hastings Area Recreation Corporation, which Redman represents, before determining the city’s interest in taking ownership and operation of a proposed ice rink and event center. “We’re at the point that we now need tfie city council to take over operation so we c|n put that into the business plan,” Redman sajd after presenting preliminary figures forecasts ing annual income of $152,913 against annual expenditures of an estimated $106,480: Council members were reticent about project­ ed funding sources. “It’s kind of hard to approve taking somJS thing on and not seeing final plans,” Resseguie said. “We need to see a business plan.” That led to Redman’s conundrum that, “we can’t have a business plan without city coun­ cil’s assurance.” Redman accepted Mayor Tossava’s sugges­ tion that further consideration be given the project at the next council meeting. - Added Michigan Insured Cash Holdings as an approved intergovernmental pool f$r> depository funds with Robinson Capital Management LLC to act as the city’s financial advisor. Robinson Capital Management also will provide direction with the city’s fixed-in-; come portfolio which, Clerk Jane Saurman said, will be a critical factor in anticipating “the predicted economic downturn.” The moves will provide, among other advantages < greater diversity, 100 percent insurance, and the opportunity for invested funds to be total­ ly liquid. Saurman also reported that almost $23,000 in outstanding delinquent personal property taxes and interest has been recovered, to date. - Responded to Community Development Director Dan King’s update and report that meetings with the two property owners of the soon-to-be-vacated K-Mart property have been held to determine how to fill the, 86,000-square-foot space by stating that greater attention should be offered to the west end of the Downtown Development District; King agreed that the greatest focus has begn the three-block downtown area and commit­ ted to building stronger relationships with that section of the city. - Set a special meeting for Dec. 16 to hear a report from independent auditor Rehmahn Robson for the fiscal year ended June 30. Approved the following event requests: the 11th annual “Ball Drop” on New Year’s Eve;J the fifth annual Brewfest to be held in Hastings Sept. 19; the 12th annual Barry-Roubaix bike race in Hastings April 18,2020. I Received copies of the closed-session min­ utes from the Nov. 12 meeting regarding pending litigation with the Hastings Dog Park; privileged information regarding ward residency requirements for council members;; and information on the progress of discus­ sions regarding the Rutland Township Sewer Agreement. PLAYERS one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N, M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits Ho Me Mo! The Santa Claus Chronicles by Pat Cook Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Presented by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Services (Donate A Boat or Car Today! of the Wlaqi Jhe Based on the story by O’Henry adapted by Anne Coulter Martens. Presented by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Taylor Owens $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere "2-Night Free Vacation!” 100700'WAf Wednesday - Saturday, December 4-7 at 7:00 p.m. THERE IS. NO SUNDAY MATINEE The Dennison Performing Arts Center (2628) POSTMASTER: Send address changes to; P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 Call any time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 www.boatangel.com \ sponsored by boat angel outreach centers 231 S. Broadway, Hastings STOP CRIMES AGAIHST CHILDREN NOTICE The minutes of the meeting of the Barry County Board of Commissioners held Nov. 26, 2019, are available in the County Clerk’s Office at 220 W. State St., Hastings, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or www.barrycounty.org. 132696 '(■There willbe an open to the public dress'^ t rehearsal Tuesday, December 3 at | f 7:00 p.m. All seats are $7.00 fi LIMITED SEATING Tickets: Adults $10, Seniors and Students $8 Advance tickets may be purchased at Progressive Graphics or reserved by calling the Thornapple Arts Council at 269-945-2002 Members of the Community Theatre Association of Michigan SARRY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION The Thornapple Players is a non-profit organization providing theatrical opportunities to the Barry County area. For more information call 269-945-2332 4 j is : �Page 6 — Thursday, November 28, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Passport campaign encourages local shopping Saturday Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) }328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 1760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH <8950 E. M-79 Highway, ^Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor jGabe Priddy, (517) 852^9228. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the - service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult J small group ministry, ’leadership training. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of HASTINGS Assyria Rd., Nashville, HOPE UNITED Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & METHODIST CHURCH Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; '2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club JM-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. for boys & girls ages 4-12. Phone 269-945-4995. Pastors David and Rose hastingshopeumc.org MacDonald. An oasis of hastingshopeumc@gmail. God’s love. “Where .com. We welcome YOU to Everyone is Someone join us on Sunday Mornings Special.” For information .at 10:30 for worship! Find call 616-731-5194. Us On Fac^bopk! @. n wr.miw - yfnud ■ hastingshopeumc. GREEN STREET UNTIED METHODIST PLEASANTVIEW CHURCH FAMILY CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, 49058. Rev. Bryce 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Feighner Office Phone: 269­ Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 945.9574. Email: office. church phone. Sunday greenstreetumc@ gmail.com. Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday Sunday, Schedule - The School 11 a.m.; Sunday Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word Evening Service 6 p.m.; 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Bible Study & Prayer Time Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at MCCALLUM UNITED 11 a.m. Upright Revolt BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, Youth Ministry (6th-12th MI 49046. Phone: 269-623- grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE #226. New pastor - Jerald Community Meal every Jones. Sunday Service: Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to for weather 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Facebook conditions. Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH SAINTS ANDREW & 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. MATTHIA Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. INDEPENDENT Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Sunday School for all ages; Irving). Sunday services 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group each week: 9:15 a.m. 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 Morning Prayer (Holy p.m. Wednesday, Family Communion the 2nd Sunday Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA of each month at this (Children Kindergarten-5th service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle Communion (each week). School Youth Group; 6:30 The Rector of Ss. Andrew p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David Call Church Office 948­ T. Hustwick. The church 8004 for information on phone number is 269-795­ MITT (Mothers in Training 2370 and the rectory number Together), Sports Ministries, is 269-948-9327. Our church Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the WELCOME CORNERS Diocese of the Great Lakes UNITED METHODIST which is in communion with CHURCH The United Episcopal Church of North America 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, and use the 1928 Book of MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Common Prayer at all our Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. services. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastJi.ngs.. org. 9 a.m. Classes and Gatherings for All ages; 9:45 a.m. Worship (Children's Worship Offered); 10:45 a.m. Coffee Fellowship; 11:15 a.m. Coffee Talk with Pastor Dan. Follow us on Facebook. Hastings 945-9554 Delton Be Original Hair Salon Delton District Library COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9: 45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945-9217. cbchastings. org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: www.has.tingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller, Wor­ ship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care pro­ vided. SUNDAY MORNING FAMILY HOUR WEL­ COMES ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue, Loving God, Lov­ ing Neighbor: Preschool age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Standard and Adult Elective classes. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10: 30 a.m. and Children's Church age 4-4th grade dis­ missed during service. Fall Ser­ mon Series & Growth Groups, "On Mission" begins Sept. 15. Sunday Evening: Youth Group at 6:30 p.m., 2nd Tues: Young Women’s Small Group at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Mid-Week: Women's Bible Study at 6:30 p.m. Kid's Club, Oct. 16-Dec. 4, 6:30-7:45 p.m. Friday Bible Study at 10 a.m. For more infor­ mation please contact the church. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God's Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! Dec/ 1 - Worship services at 8 and 10:45 a.m.; Church School 10:45 a.m. Dec. 2 Social Activities 5 p.m. Dec. 3 - Executive Mtg. 6 p.m.; Flute Choir 7 p.m. Dec. 4 Advent Meal open to all! 6 p.m.; Special Music 6:50 p.m. (Area Flute Choir); Prayer Service 7 p.m. Dec. 5 Clapper Kids 3:45 p.m.; Grace Notes 5:45 p.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@ grace-hastings.org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945-2698. www. grace-hastings.org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran ChurchELCA Hastings, MI. Afpvfnh V vA U V » 1699 W.M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 Delton Floral Gilmore Car Museum Goldsworthy’s Grove Street Cafe Jeff Baurs Photography Ken’s Sports Shop Scrapaloo The Local Grind The Mitten Roots (at library) Thomapple Credit Union True Design Apparel TuJax The Mix The Sugar Ribbon Thomapple Credit Union Tom’s Market Gun Lake Circle Inn Restaurant Curley Cone Water’s Edge Floral Middleville Barry’d Treasures (at Left Field Cafe) Cool Craft Connections (at Left Field Cafe) Grimsby Hollow Meadery Larry’s Gems Left Field Cafe on Main Thomapple Credit Union TK Schools Spirit Store (at Left Field Cafe) Versatile (at Left Field Cafe) Watercolors by Sarah (at Left Field Cafe) Hastings Ace Hardware B2 Outlet Bob’s Gun & Tackle Courtside-Hastings Hastings Habitat Restore Hodges Jewelry Kloosterman’s Sports Tap Main Street BBQ Mexican Connexion Photographic Memory Porcelain Classics Sisters Fabrics Taunia’s Treasure Trunk The General Store Nashville Boardroom Antiques Country Kettle Courtside-Nashville Eaton Federal Savings Bank Envy Salon Fine Line Studios GoodTime Pizza & More Highpoint Community Bank Main Street Gallery Maple Valley Pharmacy Moo-Ville R&D Streetside Pizzeria LLC Edward Jones Investments - Wendi Stratton SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: 1351 North M-43 Hwy. The Barry County Chamber of Commerce is hosting it second Small Business Saturday Passport program Nov. 30. Not only are many businesses offering special prices, products and services, shoppers who purchase items dr dine at a minimum number of businesses will be eligible for prize drawings. Each community will have a separate prize package and minimum number of passport stamps. To be eligible, shoppers must dine at or purchase items from at least five Delton-area participants for the Delton drawing, two for the Gun Lake-area drawing, five in Hastings, three in Middleville and at least four in Nashville. To be eligible for the grand prize drawing (which last year was valued at $1,300), shoppers must patronize at least two participating businesses in each community or at least 10 participating businesses in the county. Additional information can be found on the chamber website, mibarry.com. Passports are available at participating businesses. The following businesses are taking part in the local passport incentive: Seasonal work can affect benefits HASTINGS, MI - Vern (Stub) Allerding, age 89, of Hastings, passed away peacefully with his loving family by his side on November 26, 2019. Vern was bom on February 28, 1930, the son of Verh and Wilda (Poulson) Allerding. He was a 1947 graduate of Hastings High School. Vern was a hard worker all his life. He began working at the Sunoco Gas Station in Hastings after high school. On November 3, 1951, Vern married Doris Parker of Sault. St. Marie,. He proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War, and then worked for E.W. Bliss, but spent most of his career working at the Viking Corporation, retiring in 1992. He was a member of the American Legion Post 45 of Hastings and Grace Lutheran Church. Vern enjoyed spending time with his family, woodworking, home remodeling, ice fishing, deer hunting, and his vegetable garden. He enjoyed helping his wife, Doris, with her hobby by making porcelain doll furniture and doll cases. Vern (Stub) was a well-known fast pitch pitcher in the area in the 1950s and 60s. In 2003, Stub was inducted into the Michigan Amateur Softball Association (MASA) Hall of Fame. After his playing days, he and Doris enjoyed watching their sons and grandchildren play the sport he loved. Vern was preceded in death by his parents Vern C. and Wilda Mae (Poulson) Allerding, and his sisters, Betty (Orville) Harding, Margaret (Duane) Wilkes, and Joan (Henry) Boehmer. Vern was a loving, dedicated, loyal husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife, Doris, of 68 years; his sons Larry J. Allerding of Hastings; Bryan Lee (Paula) Allerding of Hastings; grandchildren, Tyler J. Allerding of Tampa, FL, Erin (Zachariah) Leary of Hastings, Katie (Richard) Grove of Sunfield, Abbie (Drew) Plemmons of Okemos; great-granddaughters, Emmerson Leary of Hastings, Isabella Grove and Grace Grove of Sunfield; great-grandsons, Liam Leary and Calvin Plemmons; siblings, Duane (Marie) Allerding of Hastings, Terri (John) Catt of Lake Odessa, Kevin (Cheryl) Allerding of Hastings, and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held on Sunday, Dec. 1, from 5-7 p.m. at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S. Broadway; Hastings, MI 49058 with services at Grace Lutheran Church, 239 E. North Street, Hastings, MI 49058 on Monday, Dec. 2, 2019; second visitation from 10-11 a.m., funeral at 11 a.m., with luncheon immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Grace Lutheran Church, Elara Caring Homecare & Hospice, 6120 Stadium Dr. #100, Kalamazoo, MI 49009 or the American Legion Post 45, 2160 M-37, Hastings, MI 49058. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home, to leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.com. Vonda VanTil Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Many people pick up side jobs when the holiday shopping season comes around. It’s a good way to make some extra income during the busy season or ease back into working if you have been out of the labor force for a while. You can get Social Security retirement or survivors benefits and work at the same time. But if you’re younger than full retirement age and earn more than certain amounts, your benefits will be reduced, although not dollar for dollar. Your benefits may increase when you reach full retirement age. You can read more about working while retired at socialsecurity.gov/planners/retire/ whileworking .html. If you receive Social Security disability benefits or Supplemental Security Income, special rules also make it possible for people to work and still receive monthly payments. If you want to try working again, seasonal work may help you ease back into the workforce. Read Working While Disabled at socialsecurity.gov/pubs/EN-05-10095 .pdf or visit our Ticket to Work website, https:// choosework.ssa.gov, for more information. We also have an easy-to-share video introducing people to Ticket to Work at choosework.ssa.gov/library/meet-ben-anintroduction-to-ticket-to-work. Keep in mind that you must report all earnings, including your seasonal earnings, to Social Security. Your earnings also count toward your future benefits. You earn Social Security credits when you work in a job and pay Social Security taxes. We use your total yearly earnings to figure your Social Security credits. You can learn more at socialsecurity. gov/pubs/EN-05-10072.pdf. Having a job can bring positive change to your life in a number of ways, providing independence, fulfillment and community involvement. Social Security is here to help. Please share this information with friends and family. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email to vonda .vantil @ ssa .gov. HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Friday, Nov. 29 - closed for Thanksgiving holiday Saturday, Nov. 30 - closed for Thanksgiving holiday Monday, Dec. 2 - Quilting Passions, 10 a.m.-l p.m.; library board of directors meet­ ing, 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 3 - toddler time, 10:30-11 a.m.; mahjong club, 5:30 p.m.; chess club, 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5 - Baby Cafe, 10 a.m.noon; Movie Memories and Milestones watches 1949 movie starring Gene Autry, Sheila Ryan, Jay Silverheels and Hank Patterson, 5 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Arlene Stanton celebrates 80th birthday Arlene Stanton will be celebrating her 80th birthday November 28, 2019. Please help us to celebrate with a card shower in her honor. Cards may be sent to 3813 Baldwin Rd., Hastings, MI 49058. Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more g g • information, /. g. ' . • . • ■ Justin Michael Franke, Soldotna, AK and Mariah Barbara Ann Fitch, Soldotna, AK Heidi Marie Bustance, Freeport and Anthony James Sewell, Freeport Brady James Mills, Delton and Elizabeth Jule Parker, Kalamazoo Glenn F. Stonebumer, Plainwell and Barbara Ann Leys, Plainwell. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 28, 2019 — Page 7 Serial sexual predator receives 17- to 50-year prison term ; Financial New at investing? Follow these suggestions If you’re fairly new to investing, you might be wondering what sort of rules you should follow or moves you should make. And while everyone’s situation is different, there are indeed guidelines that make sense for all investors. Here are some to consider: • Learn the basics. The investment world can seem confusing, but the more you know about the basic components, the more confident you’ll be when you begin to invest. For starters, you’ll want to be familiar with the essential types of investments: stocks, bonds, mutual funds, government securities and so on. And it’s also important to know that some investments are designed to provide growth - an increase in the investment’s value - while others provide income in the form of dividends or interest payments, and still others may offer growth and income. • Set your goals. You need to know why you’re investing - and that means you must clearly define your goals. Do you want to retire early? When you do retire, what kind of lifestyle would you like to have? Are you planning on helping your children (or grandchildren) pay for college? Once you’ve established your goals, you can create the appropriate investment strategy for achieving them, taking into account your time horizon and risk tolerance. • Invest regularly. At first, you may only be able to afford to put in small amounts to your investment accounts, but even so, try to contribute regularly. You’ll get into the habit of investing and, later on, when you earn more money, you can ramp up your contributions. If you have a 401(k) or similar plan at work, the money can come out of your paycheck before you even see it. • Think long term. As you begin investing, it’s important to have the right attitude. Specifically, don’t look for the “hot” investments that will make you a “bundle” in a matter of weeks. Investing just doesn’t work that way - instead, it’s a decades-long process of carefully choosing, managing and adjusting a diversified portfolio that’s suitable for your individual needs. And by maintaining a long-term focus, you’ll be less susceptible to making ill-advised moves in response to short-term market events. • Don’t get scared off by downturns. If you invest for many years, it’s inevitable that you will experience sharp drops in the financial markets. But these declines are actually a normal part of investing. If you overreact to them by selling investments just because their price has dropped, you’ll not only be breaking a cardinal rule of investing - to buy low and sell high - but you’ll also be disrupting the type of cohesive, continuous investment strategy that’s necessary to help you achieve your goals. • Get some help. You may find it easier to navigate the investment landscape if you get some help from a professional advisor someone who understands your goals and family situation and who can make appropriate investment recommendations. A financial advisor can also suggest changes to your portfolio in response to changes in your life (new job, child graduating college, etc.) and in your goals, such as a new date for retirement. When you invest, there aren’t many guarantees. But by following these suggestions, you will know, at the very least, that you’re taking the steps that can lead to success. q This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. If you have any questions, contact Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. ----STOCKS----The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. Apple Inc. AT&T Chevron Deere & Co. Exxon Mobil Flowserve CP Ford Motor Co. General Electric Co. General Motors Home Depot Inc. Johnson Johnson Kellogg Co. Microsoft CP Perrigo Co. Pfizer Inc. Spartannash Comp Stryker TCF Financial Corp. Walmart Inc. Walt Disney Co Whirl Pool Corp. Gold Silver Dow Jones 266.37 37.26 118.38 176.61 68.91 49.10 9.00 11.58 35.81 218.40 137.18 64.34 151.23 50.05 38.68 13.83 203.10 42.07 118.92 148.69 146.01 +.08 -.74 +1.93 +2.96 +1.09 +.95 +.10 +.08 -.57 -7.46 +2.36 -.98 +.84 +1.33 +1.02 +1.04 -4.02 +.80 -.97 +1.31 +5.03 $1,454.20 $16.93 28,066 -$18.60 -.28 +132 Marcukaitis sets team record in 100-back and 50-free at finals Milk is mammal miracle Dr. Universe: How do cows make milk? How do humans get milk from a cow? John, 4, Colton, Ore. Dear John, Quite a few things have to happen for a cow to make milk. First, the cow has to eat lots of food, such as hay, grass or grain. You may have heard that a cow will regurgitate her food or sort of spit it up and then chew on it again. A cow will chew this mashed-up food or her cud so she can get all the good stuff out of it — protein, sugar, fat, vitamins and other nutrients. Milk is actually mostly water, plus those good nutrients. That’s what I found out from my friend Amber Adams-Progar, an animal scientist at Washington State University who studies cow behavior. When the cow eats, those nutrients get absorbed into her bloodstream. The blood­ stream is like a highway that moves the nutrients around the body. In particular, the bloodstream helps deliver nutrients to the cow’s udder, which hangs down under the cow’s belly near her hind legs. That is where milk is made - in the udder. Believe it or not, the cow’s brain also is involved in producing milk. When a cow’s body senses she is going to have a baby, the brain will release certain chemicals. The chemicals help send out a signal for her body to produce milk. When a calf is born, it will reach up to its mother’s udder to drink some milk. The milk has a lot of good ingredients the calf needs to grow up strong and healthy. Of course, a cow doesn’t always have milk in her udder. She will only produce it when she has a baby. A cow has live young, hair and produces milk. That makes her a mammal. There are more than 5,000 mammals on our planet. You are a mammal, too. Humans have actually been using milk from cows for thousands of years. They even figured out how to turn that milk into ice cream, butter and cheese. In the past, farmers would milk cows by hand and collect milk in small buckets. These days, most farmers use milking machines. They want to keep everything sanitary. They clean the cow’s udder and clean the milking equipment. Most milking machines generally have four cups that attach to a cow’s udder. The cups use suction to help release the milk. The milk flows down into a tube and gets collected in a huge tank. The person who is milking the cow will then clean the udder and milking equipment. Adams-Progar also said some milking machines actually rely on robotics. On some farms, a cow can choose what time of the day she wants to go to the milking machine. A robot’s laser technology will line up her udder with the cups. Meanwhile, tiny sen­ sors can help track her behavior. You might say that a jug of milk all starts with a mama cow eating dinner. It’s some­ thing to think about the next time you go to the grocery store. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University's resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. PERFORMANCES AT CROWN THEATRE i HOME OF t 301 NJ. 1MAIN4 ST., NASHVILLE (Theater is on corner of Tvfain & Washington. Use side entrance and go upstairs) For tickets, visit Iittp8!//tlierevuenashville«seaiyoiirsel£.l>i35 NuTOcKeR FRIDAYS: December 6 & 13 at? pm SATURDAYS: December7 & 14 at7pm SUNDAYS: December 8 & 15 at 2 pm Adults $10, Seniors/studLents $8 Sophomore Abby Marcukaitis and senior Hannah Johnson from the Delton KelloggThornapple Kellogg-Hastings varsity girls’ swimming and diving team competed at the Division 1 Lower Peninsula State Finals at the Holland Aquatic Center Friday and Saturday. Marcukaitis captured a state medal for her seventh-place time of 57.23 second^ in the 100-yard backstroke final\Saturday, earning all-state honors for her finish. She set a new school record with her time of 57.14 seconds in Friday’s preliminary race which earned her the eighth-seed for the final. She also broke the DK-TK-HHi ^record in the 50-yard freestyle during Friday’s prelimi­ nary heats, placing 25th in the race with a time of 24.81 seconds. That was the c^lest DK-TK-HHS record left on the board in the Community Education and Recreation Center, set at 24.95 in 2009 by Natalie VanDenack. Marcukaitis bested VanDenack’s 100-yard freestyle record at the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference Meet earlier this month. Grand Haven senior Kathryn Ackerman was the 100-yard backstroke champion Saturday, finishing the finals race in 54.70 seconds. She also won the 200-yard individu­ al medley in 1 minute 57-16 seconds, setting a new pool record. Hannah Johnson was 23rd in a field of 36 divers over the weekend, putting together a score of 147.80 in the preliminary competi­ tion Friday. She finished LI points ahead of OK Rainbow Tier II Conference runner-up Alex Salinas from the Caledonia-LowellSouth Christian team who was 24th. The top 20 divers advanced to the semifinals of the competition. Johnson was just 1.45 points behind that 20th-place diver. Ann Arbor Huron junior Annie Costello captured the state championship in the eveift„ ultimately putting together a score of 425.40 points. Mercy junior Ciara McCliment was the runner-up with a score of 403.75. McCliment’s Farmington Hills Mercy team managed to edge out the Ann Arbor Pioneer girls for the state championship by just half a point. Pioneer pulled that close in the end with the team of Lucy Mehraban, Vivian VanRenterghem, Holly Pringle and Lily Cramer winning the 400-yard freestyle relay at the end of the day in 3:25.31. A third-place time by the Mercy girls’ in the race was enough to fight off Pioneer in the final results 298-297.5. Mercy got an individual state title from junior Greta Gidley in the 100-yard freestyle thanks to a finals time of 50.53. Pioneer also had the team of Cramer, Autumn Bullinger, Amelia Weyhing and Mehraban win the 200ward freestyle relay in 1:34.75. Saline was third with 197.5 points, ahead of Rockford 179.5, Novi 132.5, Rochester Adams 132, Grand Haven 117, Northville 115, Brighton 108 and Hudsonville 98 in the top ten. Marcukaitis’ 12 puts put DK-TKHHS in a tie for 24th in the team standings. Hudsonville senior Claire Tuttle won the 50-yard freestyle in 22.80 and the 100-yard breaststroke in a pool record time of 1:00.79. Rebecca Pierce Editor A serial sexual delinquent who was released from prison in January 2018 is going back for 17 to 50 years after a conviction for indecent exposure outside a house in Middleville on Christmas Day 2018. David Slovinski, 56, of Kentwood, was sentenced Nov. 21 by Barry County Judge Michael Schipper, who found at a hearing in August that Slovinski met the legal definition of a sexual delinquent. That finding laid the groundwork for this prison sentence - and new case law allowed the judge the latitude to give a definite term of years. Slovinski has been classified as a sexual delinquent twice in the past in 2013 and in 2015 and, each time, he went to prison and was later paroled. Each time, when he returned to West Michigan, he committed more sex offense crimes, victimizing women. Slovinski’s court file is filled with convictions for prior felonies. He also has another case pending in Allegan County, according to the prosecutor’s office. The sentence in that case will be concurrent with the one just handed down in Barry County. Schipper deplored the way the case was handled by the Michigan Department of Corrections. During sentencing, the judge thanked the victims for having the courage to speak and then apologized to them, saying, “The system let you down. “It’s an imperfect system, but we have to be better. Rapists, sex offenders, those who hurt children need to be at the very top of our pri­ ority list and always on our radar.” Under Michigan. law, sexual delinquent describes someone whose sexual behavior is characterized by compulsive or repetitive acts indicating a disregard of consequences or the recognized rights of other people. “We also have to acknowledge that we don’t know how to fix or cure or treat certain people,” Schipper said. “We simply don’t know how to stop these offenders, and we know that they recidivate/repeat their offens­ es, and, therefore, we can’t allow them to live in our society. “I’m not a fan of prison for most people. I don’t send lots of people to prison and it’s often a difficult decision I have to make, but this one isn’t. “Prison is exactly where this defendant should be and where he should have been, and where he should be for the rest of his life.” Elaine Garlock Thanksgiving Day greetings to all the Banner readers. Christmas ’Round the Town is the biggest happening in town (and country) this weekend. With 28 stops and multiple dealers and craftsmen at each, a multitude of merchandise is available for gift-giving, plus multiple places to get a noon meal or snack. The green flyers are available at each stop and at stores downtown. Many of the people are return crafters, so one can get yet another pair of knitted socks or a hand-crafted knife or adorable baby items or woven rugs as in years past. The Lakewood Community Council is gearing up for its Christmas Basket project. This week is devoted to gathering items. The week of Dec. 3-7 will be spent sorting, packing and delivering. Volunteers are needed, especially next week Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. Last week’s meeting of Ionia County’s chapter of Retired School Personnel, which convened at the Ionia County Intermediate School’s site on Harwood Road, had more than 30 present. The speaker was Kelly Hess Arens, daughter of David Hess, a retired school principal. He was a familiar voice to Lakewood sports fans during the 30-plus years he announced football and basketball games for Lakewood Schools on WBCH radio. Kelly had tumultuous years dealing with leukemia and related health issues that included replacement of her bone marrow which came to her from a gentleman in Germany. Years before, he had been tested and screened about but had forgotten until notified that a lady in Michigan needed his exact marrow. The luncheon was catered by the culinary arts students at Heartlands within Ionia High School. This was the meeting at which members contributed to EightCap food distribution. Both halves of a modular house are on the premises for a replacement home for Robert Walter of Bonanza Road whose house was burned a few months ago. The site of his former home is nearly cleared. The new dwelling is south of his former home site waiting permanent placement. • The village suction truck is busy this week, sweeping up leaves at curbside. This is reported to be the final week for them to deal with leaves. Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF® (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinancial.com Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC NOTICE OF MEETING OF BOARD OF DETERMINATION DATE: Tuesday, December 17, 2019 TIME: 6:00 p.m. LOCATION: Thornapple Township Hall, 200 E. Main St., Middleville, Michigan QUESTIONS: (269) 945-1385 A Board of Determination will meet at the above date, time and location to hear all interested persons, receive evidence and determine whether the maintenance and improvement, as set forth in the petition, dated August 20, 2019, is necessary and conducive to the public health, convenience or welfare, pursuant to Chapter 8 of Public Act 40 of 1956, as amended. A presentation will be made to the Board of Determination outlining a brief history of the Drainage District, and describing the roles, responsibilities and decisions made by a Board of Determination. The presentation is to provide background for landowners and municipalities in the drainage district and to facilitate the dissemination of information and the receipt of testimony of landowners in the Drainage District. The Board of Determination will make its decision at the end of the meeting. Proceedings conducted at this public meeting will be subject to the provisions of the Michigan Open Meetings Act. Information regarding this meeting may be obtained from the Barry County Drain Commissioner’s Office located at 220 W. State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in the meeting should contact the Drain Commissioner at the number listed above or through the Michigan Relay Center at 7-1-1 (TDD) at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance. Anyone aggrieved by the decisions of the Board of Determination may seek judicial review pursuant to MCL 280.72a. Jim Dull Barry County Drain Commissioner 132716 ; | ( J I | * I I $ �Page 8 — Thursday, November 28, 2019 — The Hastings Banner BOUND, continued from page 2 perhaps she had seen a deer, she said. “I said, ‘No, no, there’s a person lying there.” She didn’t pay attention to Burnett, who had walked out in the middle of the road in front of them, she was too concerned with the man lying by the roadside. Then they heard someone yelling. “I couldn’t hear what he was saying.” She didn’t get out the of car, but her husband got out and Went around the front of the vehicle to see if they could help the man lying there. Her hus­ band called back to the man who was yelling. “What did you say?” Gary Harps asked. They said Burnett shouted back: “Get back in the car or 1 will shoot you, too!” The Harps said four shots were fired at them in quick succession. One struck their front tire and another hit the radiator. Her husband stepped on the gas and they sped away. Nola Harps remembered, “I was trying to stay calm as I called 911,” but she had trouble making her hands work properly, they were shaking so much. The dispatcher told her they were aware of something going on there, of somebody shooting. “They said, ‘Get out of there!’” “It was unbelievable.” Daniel Robinson had his four grandchil­ dren, ranging in age from 2 to 8, with him when he stopped on Lewis Road and found a gun in his face. “I couldn’t get out [of the car],” Robinson said. “He wouldn’t let us.” Burnett pointed the pink gun at Robinson and his grandchildren, he said. When the gun LEGAL NOTICES t ■ * SYNOPSIS NOTICE : PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for [ •• Regular Meeting November 13, 2019 Supervisor Stoneburner called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. ' Present: Supervisor Stoneburner, Clerk Goebel, ^Treasurer Pence, Trustee VanNiman, Trustee Borden Agenda and Minutes were approved. Public comments, if any, were received. Reports were filed, Bills were paid. Adopted Poverty exemptions at 120% Federal Guidelines. All ayes ■ Adopted millage rates to be levied. All ayes Purchased shelter for recycle program monitors. All ayes Public comments. Adjourned; 8:05 p.m. Submitted by: Rod Goebel, Clerk that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE - Doreen E Boulter, single woman, granted a mortgage to Exchange Financial Corporation, Mortgagee, dated August 17, 2000, and recorded on August 22, 2000, in Document No. 1048474, and assigned by said mortgagee to Michigan State Housing Development Authority, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Forty-Six Thousand Seven Hundred EightyNine and 06/100 Dollars ($46,789.06). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public 132715 vendue, at the Barry County Courthouse, Hastings Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on December 05, 2019. Said STATE OF MICHIGAN 5th JUDICIAL CIRCUIT - FAMILY DIVISION BARRY COUNTY PUBLICATION OF HEARING CASE NO. 19-9337-NA PETITION NO. 19009787-90 A hearing regarding Adjudication will be conducted by the court on Monday, December 23, 2019 at 8:30 a.m. in 5th Circuit Court - Family Division, 206 W. Court St., Hastings, Michigan 49058 before Hon. William M. Doherty. You have the right to an attorney and the right to a trial by judge or jury. IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that Ashley Marie Carpenter a/k/a Jarman personally appear before the court at the time and place stated above. This hearing may result in termination of parental tight. STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY L NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate In the matter of Marie Jane Grinnell. Date of birth: January 26, 1926. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS; The decedent, Marie Jane Grinnell, died November 3, 2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all Claims the decedent will be forever barred unless presented to Darrell J. Grinnell, named personal representative, within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: November 20, 2019 Rhoades McKee PC Stephanie S. Fekkes P43549 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)945-1921 Darrell J. Grinnell c/o Rhoades McKee PC 450 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)945-1921 premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: The South 1/2 of Lot 1/2 of Block 4 of R.J. Grant's Second Addition to the City, formerly Village, of Hastings, according to the recorded Plat thereof. The redemption period will be one year from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL TO: Ashley Marie Carpenter a/k/a Jarman IN THE MATTER OF: Josiah Hawkins, Jaidyn Hawkins, Ja’Kobi L. Holman, Jedidiah L. West. 1 was pointed at the 5-year-old, Matthew began to scream. Robinson said he saw a man’s body lying on his side in a fetal position. During the two-day proceeding, about 12 observers sat together on one side of the pub­ lic gallery in the courtroom and listened to the testimony; Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt told the judge they were family and friends of the victims. Periodically, she would turn to them and advise them that upcoming accounts would be graphic and they might want to leave. No one left. They sat closely together. They listened intently to the proceedings. And, many times, they wept. Friday, during a break, two of the women stood in the aisle of the gallery, their arms around each other, holding on tightly. 132749 NOTICE SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE - Robert Stratton, a single man and Stephanie Brannam, a single woman, granted a mortgage to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”), solely as nominee for lender and lender's successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated July 6, 2016, and recorded on July 8, 2016, in Document No. 2016-006788, and assigned by said mortgagee to Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, as assigned, Barry County Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Eighty-Nine Thousand One Hundred Thirty and 60/100 Dollars ($189,130.60). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the Barry County Courthouse, Hastings Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on December 12, 2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: A parcel of land in the East 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 9, Town 4 North, Range 10 West, Thornapple Township, Barry County, Michigan, described as: Commencing at the Southeast corner of said Section; thence North 00 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds East 1323.27 feet along the East line of said Section; thence South 89 degrees 33 minutes 06 seconds West 1110.12 feet along the North line of the South 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of said Section to the centerline of Highway M-37 and the point of beginning; thence North 89 degrees 33 minutes 06 seconds East 81.08 feet to the Easterly right of way of Highway M-37; thence North 77 degrees 12 minutes 27 seconds East 149.77 feet; thence North 86 degrees 29 minutes 29 seconds East 121.64 feet; thence South 09 degrees 31 minutes 04 seconds East 593.00 feet to the centerline of said Highway M-37; thence Northwesterly 703.96 feet along a 5729.59 foot radius curve to the left, said curve having a central angle of 7 degrees 02 minutes 23 seconds and a chord bearing North 39 degrees 24 minutes 14 seconds West 703.52 feet to the point of beginning. The redemption period will be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period will be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 600.3241 a(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of Act 236 of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sate or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman P.C. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1401629 (11-14)(12-05) 132278 125.1449v, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 125.1449v(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. Michigan State Housing Development Authority Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman P.C. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1400970 (11 ~07)(11-28) 131805 NOTICE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT. ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. MORTGAGE SALE-Default has been made in the conditions of a Mortgage made by CARL L. FIELDS, Mortgagor, to FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF AMERICA, Mortgagee, dated July 30, 2003, and recorded August 4, 2003, in Instrument No. 1110046, of Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due as of the date of this notice $28,894.46, including interest at 9.95% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage, and pursuant to the statutes of the State of Michigan, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction to the highest bidder, on Thursday, December 12, 2019, at 1 o’clock in the afternoon, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan. Said premises are situated in Johnsontown Township, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: The South 4 rods of the North 16 rods of the South 106 rods of the East 1/2 of the NW 1/4 of Section 32, T1N, R8W, c/k/a 15146 N. Uldriks, Battle Creek, Ml 49017. The redemption period shall be six months from the date of the sale, unless the premises are determined to be abandoned pursuant to MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be one month, or until the time to provide the notice required by MCL 600.3241 a(c) expires, whichever is later. The redemption period further may be shortened pursuant to MCL 600.3238(10) if the property is not adequately maintained, or if the purchaser is denied the opportunity to inspect the property. Please be advised that if the mortgaged property is sold at a foreclosure sale by advertisement, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale, or to the mortgage holder, for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: November 14, 2019 LeVasseur Dyer & Associates, PC Attorneys for Mortgagee 3233 Coolidge Hwy Berkley, Ml 48072 (248) 236-1765 (11-14)(12-05) 132050 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on December 12, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Debra Mays, a married woman and John Mays I a/k/a John Mays, her husband Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Oceanside Mortgage Company Date of Mortgage: July 27, 2017 Date of Mortgage Recording: August 2, 2017 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $198,054.74 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Charter Township of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lots 37, 38 and 39 of Indian Hills, Hastings Township, Barry County, Michigan, according to the recorded Plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 4 of Plats, Page 53. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: November 14, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1401263 (11-14)(12-05) 132051 NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF BARRY COUNTY Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Planning Commission will conduct a public hearing for the following: Case Number: SP-16-2019 - Charitie Grider (Applicant); Gregory & Lisa Flower (Property Owners) Location: 9950 South Clark Road, Nashville, in Section 35 of Maple Grove Township. Purpose: Requesting a rehearing to transfer the special use for an approved Adult Foster Care Fa­ cility per Section 2307 in the A (Agriculture) zoning district. MEETING DATE: December 18, 2019. TIME: 7:00 PM. PLACE: Tyden Center, Community Room, 121 South Church Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Site inspections of the above described property will be completed by the Planning Commission members before the hearing. Interested persons desiring to present their views upon an appeal, either verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned place and time. Any written response may be mailed to the address listed below, faxed to (269) 948-4820, or emailed to Barry County Planning Director James McManus at jmcmanus@barrycounty.org. The special use application is available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Please call the Barry County Planning Department at (269) 945-1290 for further information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or call the following: Michael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 945-1284. Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk 132947 CITY OF HASTINGS PUBLIC NOTICE ADOPTION OF ORDINANCE NO. 580 The undersigned, being the duly qualified and acting Clerk of the City of Hastings, Michigan, does hereby certify that ORDINANCE NO.580: AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND CHAPTER 90 OF THE HASTINGS CODE OF 1970, AS AMENDED, BY AMENDING ARTICLE IX, DIVISION 1, SECTION 90-774 (5), MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS FOR DWELLINGS OUTSIDE OF MOBILE HOME PARKS. was adopted by the City Council of the City of Hastings at a regular meeting on the 25TH day of November, 2019. A complete copy of this Ordinance is available for review at the office of the City Clerk at City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 33o3o Jane M. Saurman CityClerk Investigators from the Barry County Sheriff’s Department discuss Tuesday’s robbery? of the Chemical Bank branch in Middleville. I Middleville Chemical Bank robbed; suspect at large Greg Chandler Staff Writer Barry County sheriff’s deputies are looking for a suspect in a robbery at the Chemical Bank branch in Middleville Tuesday after­ noon. Deputies were called to the bank, at 303 Arlington St., at 12:49 p.m. A black male entered the bank and demanded cash from the tellers, according to information released by the sheriff’s department Tuesday afternoon. The suspect reportedly exited the bank and got into a gray sedan with an undisclosed amount of cash. The suspect was wearing black pants, a black coat with the hood pulled up and sun­ glasses. He was last seen in the area of Arlington Street (M-37) and Thornton Street leaving westbound on Thornton. Anyone with information is asked to call the Barry County Sheriff’s Office, 269-948­ 4801; Barry County Central Dispatch, 269­ 948-4800; or Silent Observer, 800-310-9031. Investigators were talking to employees and dusting for fingerprints inside the bank later Tuesday afternoon to try to determine what happened, Sheriff Dar Leaf said. The situation caused Thomapple Kellogg school officials to put in a district-wide lock­ down. “Due to the close proximity to our school buildings, all buildings went into shelter-inplace as a safety measure,” TK Superintendent Rob Blitchok wrote in an email to district parents. “I want to assure you that the students and staff were safe and secure at all times. We swiftly administered our safety procedures.” Blitchok said the lockdown was lifted about 1:45 p.m. after he received word that the suspect was no longer in the area and had fled by car. It’s the second time in the past two years that the Middleville Chemical Bank branch has been robbed. The bank was hit in February 2018, when a lone robber took an undisclosed The suspect in Tuesday’s bank rob-’ bery, a black man in a black hooded jack-1 et, reportedly demanded cash before' leaving the bank and getting into a gray vehicle. (Photos provided) amount of cash during a late-afternoon hold-1 up. Detectives from the FBI and Michigan; State Police are assisting the sheriff’s depart­ ment in the investigation, Leaf said. The incident remains under investigation. J County abolishes park boards; creates one parks commission Rebecca Pierce Editor A resolution unanimously approved Tuesday by Barry County commissioners cre­ ates a parks and recreation commission, effec­ tive Jan. 1,2020. “We are a recreation destination,” commis­ sioner Ben Geiger said. “There is no reason not to take this leadership step.” That resolution will abolish the Charlton Park Board and the Parks and Recreation Board and establish one seven-member com­ mission to oversee the county’s current parks system, including maintenance of grounds and infrastructure investment. The current setup, with a board governing Charlton Park and a separate parks and recreation board governing the other parks, has resulted in duplication and inefficiency, county officials said. Barry County’s parks require regular ongo­ ing and preventive maintenance on grounds and infrastructure investment, “and much of the equipment, tools and workspace needed to perform this function exists, but it is only available to Charlton Park, resulting in inade­ quate maintenance at the other park units,” the resolution reads. Not only that, but state and federal grants are key components in acquiring, developing and maintaining public park systems, it said. Of the seven-member board, one will be a county commissioner, one will represent the Charlton Park Gas & Steam Club, one will represent the Thomapple Trail Association, two will be from the expiring Charlton Park Board and two will be from the expiring parks and recreation board. Last week, the proposal to create a single commission sparked some dissension among commissioners during their committee of the whole meeting. In a 4-2 decision, the board voted to recom­ mend adoption of the resolution with commis­ sioners Howard Gibson and Jon Smelker voting against it. “I want more information,” Gibson said. “I want to know what board is going to control it and how people’s tax dollars are going to be spent,” Smelker said. “I personal­ ly want more information about how they’re going to control things and how they’re going to be organized.” Tuesday, both men said their concerns were satisfied. Members of the two existing boards endorsed the idea. Both Ron Welton, the county parks and recreation administrator, and Dan Patton, Charlton Park director, support the resolution. “Ultimately, in terms of moving us forward from a parks and rec standpoint, it makes the most sense to put the two back together,” Patton said. Parker said it would be up to the board to develop how this commission would work. A lot of the details aren’t worked out yet, including bylaws and operational procedures, he said. “But we didn’t want to get the cart before the horse.” Welton assured those who expressed con­ cerns: “We’re not forging any new ground here. As far as parks operation, nothing will change.” J �1 The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 28, 2019 — Page 9| Plainwell will welcome TK onto new Trojan Ski Team; Brett Bremer Sports Editor The first snow has come and gone. There will be more, and when it returns a handful of Thomapple Kellogg High School students will be ready. Thomapple Kellogg High School is team­ ing with Plainwell High School to form the Trojan Ski Team, a co-op program that will allow TK boys and girls to participate on a varsity ski team for the first time. A couple years ago a team of TK middle school students competed in a fun meet against the Caledonia Middle School club at the conclusion of the Fighting Scots’ winter season. Members of that group of Trojans are now at the high school level, and a couple of parents decided to look into TKHS adding the opportunity. “It was myself and Reese (VanDemark) who kind of brought the idea to (Thomapple Kellogg athletic director Brian Hammer),” Douglas Nagel said. “Both of our kids (freshmen Madison Nagel and Lucy VanDemark) have been racing since they were little. Brian (Hammer) kind of took it from there, talked to a lot of different A.D.’s in the conference and Plainwell said, ‘hey, Customer gets change for ‘replica’ $50 bills An employee of Red’s Sports Bar and Grill in Middleville called police at 6:42 p.m. Oct. 26 to report a customer using counterfeit $50 bills to get change. The man, 29, of Lowell, had been in the previous day, asking for change for a $50 bill without purchasing anything. An employee caught the bill that night when emptying the cash register. The next day, the man did so again. An employee looked at the bill as he left, and noticed it said “replica.” The employee chased down the man, who happened to be her ex-brother-in-law, and con­ fronted him. The man said he had no idea the bills were counterfeit and was getting change for a friend. Officers also found the man used another replica bill to purchase candy at a nearby gas station. Police are still looking for the suspect. Former tenant accused of shooting windows A 66-year-old Montague man called police at 10:50 a.m. Nov. 15 to report the windows and siding of his rental property in the 100 block of West Broadway in Woodland had been shot with a BB gun. The man said he recently evicted a couple and he suspected the 34-year-old former tenant of vandalizing the house. The landlord’s wife, 59, said the tenant had threatened to kill her and bum down house. Police are still looking for the former tenant. Police looking for suspect in domestic violence A 40-year-old woman called police to report she had been assaulted by a 23-year-old Plainwell man at 10:10 p.m. Nov. 21. The woman said the man was her “friend with ben­ efits,” and had hit her Nov. 19. She had him go to her residence, in the 10000 block of South Norris Road, to talk about the incident, but he assaulted her again, shoving her into a couch. When she said she would call the police, he threw her phone and broke it. The officer noticed she had a bruise under her eye. Police are still looking for the suspect. Woman drinks while parked in road An officer responded to North Whitmore Road near M-37 at 9:12 p.m. Nov. 21 on a report of a car parked in the middle of the road. The officer found a woman, 61, of Delton, sleeping at the wheel of the vehicle with an open bottle of Mike’s Hard Cider in the cup holder. The officer knocked on the window repeatedly until the woman woke up. She admitted to drinking the cider. She said she had recently moved into the area, and had been driving to get a pizza, but got lost and had been driving around for two hours. The officer asked why, and the woman said she was “Just sad.” She had a 0.07 blood alcohol content. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Shoplifter skip-scans $260 in groceries A 33-year-old Wayland man was stopped by a Hastings Walmart employee at 5:14 p.m. Nov. 22 after attempting to move $260 worth of groceries through the self-checkout with­ out paying. The man, who had three young children with him, admitted to a police officer he had attempted to steal the merchandise. He said he is struggling financially and made the decision on impulse. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. Crash involves alcohol and amphetamines An officer was called to Cloverdale Road east of Cedar Creek Road for a vehicle in the roadway at 9:33 p.m. Nov. 20. Just as the officer arrived, the vehicle crashed into a tree. Approaching the vehicle, the officer said the driver was asleep and the officer had to repeatedly pound on the window to wake him up. When the driver, a 25-year-old Delton man, attempted to get out of the vehicle, the officer tried to assist him but the man refused. The officer said he was trying to keep the man, who appeared to be intoxicated, from fall­ ing into the ditch. “The driver was adamant he was not going to fall, shortly before falling down the ditch,” the officer wrote in the report. The man reportedly gave the officer a false name and refused to take a Breathalyzer or perform sobriety field tests. The man was arrested, and the officer found bottles of amphetamines in the vehicle, for which the man refused to say if he had been prescribed. Man arrested for OWI after picking up daughter A 23-year-old Hastings man called police at 8:38 p.m. Nov. 21 to report that when his 4-year-old step-daughter’s father stopped to pick her up, he appeared to be intoxicated. The officer located the vehicle, saw it cross the center lane multiple times, and stopped the vehicle on Hanover Street near Shriner Street in the city of Hastings. The driver, a 27-yearold Battle Creek man, said he had been drinking all day at a friend’s house, but stopped when he remembered he had to pick up his daughter. He failed field sobriety tests and refused to take a Breathalyzer, saying he would blow over the limit. He was arrested and tested at the jail, where he had a 0.19 BAC. Stop sign stolen from Middleville ski hill An officer was dispatched to the comer of Irving Road and Main Street in Middleville at 3:22 a.m. Nov. 17 on a report of someone putting a stop sign in the middle of Irving Road. The sign was held up with packed snow, and was removed by the Middleville Department of Public Works. The officer recognized the sign from the exit of the Middleville ski hill area, and confirmed it had been taken from there. Mother breaks in, forced out with shotgun An 18-year-old man called police to report his girlfriend’s mother had broken into his residence at 7:38 p.m. Nov. 4 in the 4000 block of North Charlton Park Road. The man and his 17-year-old girlfriend had just moved into the residence the day before. When the offi­ cer arrived, the 36-year-old mother from Lake Odessa was in the driveway. She told the officer she was upset her daughter had moved in with the boyfriend because she was 17. Her daughter had refused to go home, but the woman said her daughter had her phone, and she wanted it back. The 18-year-old texted the woman and told her he would meet her at the door with her phone and give it to her. But the woman said when she arrived, the door was unlocked so she let herself in. She said the boyfriend grabbed her by the neck, threw her to the ground and then forced her out with a shotgun. The boyfriend said when he saw the woman walk into the house, she attempted to push her way in to get to her daughter, and grabbed him by the neck. The boyfriend said the woman had been physical with her daughter before, and he wanted to stop her from getting to her daughter. He said he grabbed her and forced her outside, and when she tried to get back in he grabbed an unloaded shotgun and pointed it at her until she left. The daughter said she did not see the entire encounter, but she confirmed the boyfriend’s story. The officer contacted the home­ owner who said she used to be a friend of the mother, and allowed the daughter and boy­ friend to move in. The homeowner said she did not give the mother permission to enter the house. Both the boyfriend and mother had marks on their necks. The officer told the mother not to return to the property. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attor­ ney. yeah, we’re open to it. Let’s talk.’ It’s a go for this year.” Madison and Lucy were teammates on the Trojan varsity girls’ cross country team this fall, and now will have the chance to compete on the varsity level together again this winter. “They’re really excited, and they’re really excited to represent their school in the ne$ sport,” Douglas said. “It is something that both of them are really, really passionate about and have been for years. They’re really looking forward to taking it to the next level.” The two TK freshmen have been racing in the junior development program at Bittersweet for a number of years, and are continuing to work to recruit their classmates from Middleville to join them on the slopes. Plainwell has been racing in the Southwest Michigan Ski Conference (SWMSC) for a few years. The Trojan girls were fourth in the conference a year ago while the boys’ pro­ gram did not have enough skiers to earn team scores. The conference also includes teams from Caledonia, which won both the boys’ and girls’ conference titles a season ago, Mattawan, South Haven, a Portage Northem/Central Co-op, a Kalamazoo United Co-op team that includes skiers from Loy Norrix and Criminal enterprise nets prison sentences A criminal enterprise involving the theft of heavy equipment across seven counties in West Michigan resulted in prison sentences for two men in Barry County court. Christopher Owen Gordy, 43, of East Leroy, and Joshua Spencer Standish, 36, Springfield, were found guilty by Judge Michael Schipper of two counts of conducting a criminal enterprise in Barry, Allegan, Hillsdale, Ionia, Ottawa, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties between June 2017 and September 2018. Both men knowingly conducted or participated in the affairs of the enterprise directly or indirectly through a pattern of racketeering activity, consisting of two or more incidents in which they conspired to steal heavy machinery, police said. Both were sentenced?by Schipper to serve two concurrent prison terms of 36 to 240 months in prison. And they are required to make joint repayment of the $328,659 owed in restitution. Standish received credit for 144 days served in jail. He was ordered to pay $1,866 in fines and costs. The judge said he would allow boot camp after 12 months. Gordy received credit for 146 days served and was ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs. The judge said he would allow boot camp after six months. In one incident in September 2018, a Greenmark Equipment employee reported the theft of three garden tractors that had been on display by the business on M-43. The tractors were worth a total of about $25,000. Cables securing the tractors had been cut and, while an officer was there investigating the theft, a local witness arrived and described a silver Dodge truck with a red axle trailer and bumper-style hitch and drop gate that had been spotted at the parking lot at 12:30 a.m. that morning. Two of the tractors were recovered, and the police investigation led to Gordy and Standish, among others. Conviction of these felony crimes, which are punishable by 20 years and/or $100,000, also allows for criminal forfeiture of proceeds, substituted proceeds and instrumentalities of racketeering that were used in the enterprise. In this case, Standish was ordered to forfeit his 18-foot gray enclosed trailer. The logo for the new Trojan Ski Team. Plainwell is welcoming Thornapple Kellogg High School skiers onto the new co-op team that will compete in the Southwest Michigan Ski Conference. Lance Robert Attwell, 31, of Marquette, was found guilty of breaking and entering a building at 11301 S. M-43 in Barry Township with intent to commit larceny March 3. He was sentenced by Judge Michael Schipper to 170 days in jail, with credit for 170 days served. Attwell also was ordered to pay $989 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 36 months, with oversight fees of $360. He was ordered not to have firearms in his pos­ session or in his residence. A charge of unlaw­ fully driving away a 2013 Wrangler was dis­ missed. Brandon Michael Burch, 29, of Shelbyville, was found guilty of first-degree retail fraud in Orangeville Dec. 2, 2018, and sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve 180 days in jail, with credit for 111 days served. He also was ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs and was placed on probation for 24 months, with over­ sight fees of $240. He may be released to me Alternative Directions program upon avail­ ability. Brandon Lee Burke, 36, of Hastings, was found guilty of possessing a controlled sub­ stance, methamphetamine, and was ordered by Judge Schipper to continue his probation, placed in Substance Abuse Initiative and 12 days on electronic monitoring. He was ordered to pay $713 in fines and costs. His driver’s license was suspended for 30 days and restrict­ ed for 150 days. Felicia Lynn DeBoer, 32, of Delton, was found guilty of possessing a controlled sub­ stance, methamphetamine, March 24 in Hastings, in violation of her probation. Her Holmes Youthful Trainee status was revoked, and she was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 60 days in jail, with credit for 26 days served. Her driver’s license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. She was ordered to pay $798 in fines and costs and ordered to continue on probation. William Andrew Fowler, 36, of Delton, was convicted of operating a vehicle on Marsh Road with the presence of a controlled sub­ stance, marijuana, in his body Oct. 31, 2018. On Feb. 9, he was found guilty of operating a vehicle M-179 in Yankee Springs Township while he was intoxicated as a third-time offender. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 60 days in jail, with credit for two days served; he was ordered to serve 30 days straight, then the rest of the jail sentence may be completed on 15 weekends. He was ordered Kalamazoo Central. Hastings, and othe? schools, also send members of their ski clubs to race with the SWMSC skiers throughout the season. “The Plainwell coaches are going to run the7 show this year, a couple of the TK dads we’re, trying to help with recruiting for our school and we’re going to help with set-up and tear­ down and all that kind of stuff,” Douglas Nagel said. “We won’t be officially coaching;* but we will be helping out quite a bit - espe­ cially from the TK side.” The first day of ski practice allowed by the? Michigan High School Athletic Association was Monday, Nov. 18. The Trojan team plans) to begin practicing Dec. 2, and is still on the* hunt for interested varsity skiers. Contests can| begin Dec. 14. The SWMSC will host six! races this winter, currently on the schedule for the final four Wednesdays in January and the first two Wednesdays in February. The first five competitions will be at Bittersweet in Otsego with the conference finale planned for the hill at Timber Ridge in Gobles. With the combined enrollments of Plainwell and TK, the Trojan Ski Team will compete at the Division 1 level of the state tournament at the end of the season. to pay $998 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 36 months, with a supervision fee of $360 payable at $10 a month. He was ordered to complete the Barry County Adult Drug Court program at a cost of $40 a month. Other counts of possessing marijuana as a second-time offender, having an open con­ tainer of alcohol in a vehicle, and operating a vehicle on a suspending license were dis­ missed. Jason Christopher Haskin, 43, of Hastings, was found guilty of being a felon in posses­ sion of a weapon and ammunition. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 30 days in jail, with credit for 11 days served, and ordered to pay $298 in fines and costs. He was released from jail Oct. 22 and placed on pro­ bation for 18 months. Two counts involving a suspended license and plate, registration and title were dismissed. Christopher James Holden, 54, of Kalamazoo, was found guilty of armed rob­ bery and first-degree home invasion. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve 240 to 720 months in prison on the first count and 120 to 240 months in prison on the second count, to be served concurrently. He also was ordered to pay $1,766 in fines and costs. Six counts of committing a felony with a firearm, carjacking, possessing a firearm in the com­ mission of a felony, assault with a dangerous weapon, and discharging a firearm were dis­ missed. Michael James Kensington, 39, of Hastings, was found guilty of forging a $200 check. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 180 days in jail and ordered to pay $1,198 in fines and costs, which includes $200 in restitution. A count of uttering and publishing was dis­ missed. Kenneth Robert Podbevsek, 42, of Dowling, was found guilty of possessing a controlled substance, methamphetamine, and was sen­ tenced by Judge Schipper to six months in jail, with credit for two days served. His driv­ er’s license was suspended for 30 days and restricted for 150 days. He will be placed oh probation for 36 months for a fee totaling $720. In a second case, Podbevsek was found guilty of possessing a controlled substance analogue, which, if it is intended for human consumption, is treated as a controlled sub­ stance. He was ordered to pay $608 in fines and costs and serve two days in jail, with credit for two days served. Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 Business Services Pets BELLS CONSTRUCTION- MINI GOLDEN DOODLE 18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, power washing, home im­ provements. 269-320-3890. Puppies. Family Raised. Lov­ ing & Cuddly. Born October 7, 2019. Vet checked, Vaccinated & Wormed. $1200 Females. $1000 Males. 517-852-2173 BUYING ALL HARD­ Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. WOODS: Automotive 03 HONDA PILOT, leather, good condition inside, needs motor. Asking $1,500 OBO. 269-838-6590. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads PUBLISHER’S NOTICE; All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. ' ] ; I 4 �Page 10 — Thursday, November 28, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Vikes beat N.D. Prep to reach sixth state final K ■ Lakewood’s Aubrey O’Gorman, Maradith O’Gorman, Skylar Bump and Sophie Duits celebrate beating Pontiac Notre Dame Prep in the state semifinals Friday earning a spot in the Division 2 State Final at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek. (Photo by Brett Bremer) m - ■ Brett Bremer Sports Editor A copy of the state tournament bracket hung in the locker of Lakewood junior Aubrey O’Gorman in August at Lakewood High School. During the first week of the varsity volley­ ball season, O’Gorman filled in the final two lines of the bracket - pitting the Lakewood Vikings against the Grand Rapids Christian Eagles in the Nov. 23 Division 2 State Final at Kellogg Arena. The Vikings (40-12) held up their end of the plan Friday (Nov. 22), scoring a 25-17, 25-21, 20-25, 25-20 victory over Pontiac Notre Dame Prep (48-11-2) in the Division 2 State Semifinals > at^Kellogg Arena. Grand Rapids Christian did too, defeating Kingsley 25-21,25-14,25-10 in the other D2 Semifinal Friday. The Grand Rapids Christian Eagles bested the Lakewood ladies in the Division 2 State Semifinals a year ago, and went on to win the Division 2 State Championship by beating Pontiac Notre Dame Prep in the State Final. The two programs, Christian and Lakewood, spent most of this season ranked No. 1 and 2 in the state in Division 2 respectively. “I think talking about that all the time gives us something to look forward to and I think that we work hard enough in the offseason and in the beginning of the season, we see the toughest teams in the state, and I think that that definitely prepares us to let us know that we will be in the finals and we will be com­ peting against Grand Rapids Christian,” Aubrey said after leading her team with 28 kills in the semifinal against Notre Dame Prep. Aubrey had just four errors on 47 attacks, hitting .511 for the match. Aubrey’s sister, sophomore Maradith O’Gorman, had 20 kills for the Vikings. They had 11 digs each. “I always tell myself one game at a time,” Maradith said. “You have to play your best every single game. You can’t just think you’re going to be in the finals with Grand Rapids Christian. There are going to be challenges before Grand Rapids Christian, so you have to work to get to that.” The Vikings have had their own challenges this season. Maradith cited her team’s serve receive and serving as key things her team had to work on throughout the fall. Aubrey said regional final foe Jackson Parma Western stood out as an outside challenge for her and her teammates. Maybe no Viking faced a bigger challenge than junior Sophie Duits. “She might be the most proud I have ever been of a kid,” Lake wood head coach Cameron Rowland said of his junior middle blocker who had seven digs and a kill Friday. “She set for us last year, and that is all she has ever done is be a setter. We were at team camp this summer and I said, ‘Sophie, you’re play­ ing middle. Figure it out. We’ll get you there.’” Duits said it was something she was “abso- Lakewood sophomore Maradith O’Gorman hits an attack from the right side against Pontiac Notre Dame Prep in the Division 2 State Semifinal at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) lutely not” expecting. “I was like, ‘excuse me?’ I was just shocked, but we lost some really good players last year and I knew that was what was best for the team and that was what I needed to do to get to the state finals,” Duits said. “I knew she was athletic enough to do it,” Rowland said. “She learned along the way and there was not a blink of an eye from her. In the middle of our match with Lowell (a Division 1 State Finalist) at home this ye^r, I said ‘you’re staying six rotations,’ and she literally has not been off the court since. “We would not be playing in a state champi­ onship tomorrow without what she has done for us,” he said choking up just a bit in the media room after the win over the Irish. Notre Dame Prep was the challenge in front of the Vikings Friday. Either Lakewood or Notre Dame Prep, or both, have been in every Division 2/Class B State Final since 2012 except for one. “Any team coached by Betty (Wroubel) is around in November this late for a reason,” Rowland said of the coach of the fifth-ranked Fighting Irish. Both teams are very young. Lakewood has just three seniors on the roster and Notre Dame Prep only two. “I knew she was going to do a really good job of keeping them going,” Rowland said. “I knew she had some kids on that side of the net and she could tell them, ‘hey you might have another chance at this, but you don’t know that.’ From being on benches in those situa­ tions, I know that that is really powerful, and that we have that on our same side of the net too.” The Vikings surged to win nine of the final ten points in the opening set Friday, with big runs from Maradith and senior libero Kiana Hummel at the service line. Lakewood fol­ lowed that up by building a 15-6 lead in the second set and then holding on for the victory. The Irish held a slim lead throughout the entirety of the third set to extend their season another set, becoming just the second team to take a set off the Lakewood girls in the state tournament this season. “I kind of reset us after the third set, gave almost the exact same speech that I gave ver­ batim before the first set. They did their little hoorah thing they do in their circle, and we did the same thing we did in regional finals, we went to rotation three because their mon­ ies tonight were pretty good, Aly (Borellis) and Bianca (Giglio), and so we just went to (rotation) three and said, ‘we don’t need to worry about stopping their money, we just need to make sure that our monies are up there as much as possible.’” Lakewood built a five-point lead early in that fourth set, but the Irish eventually battled back to even the set at 16-16. Every time the set was tied, the Vikings found an answer. Notre Dame Prep had a couple of attacks fly wide of the court, Maradith slammed a kill, and eventually the Vikings started extending their lead again. “I think that the intensity level in our gym is very loud,” Rowland said. “We have four or five coaches that are very, very loud so there was no shock factor there, to where I knew if I found another gear like I had in the first and second sets and challenged them in finding that intensity that they rely so much on me for. I have always told them that I can bring that for you guys if you absolutely need that, and this group does. They know that and they rely on that and I had to re-find that myself. I felt like I did then after they went on their little four-point run and we found a way to side-out and then went to work?’ Senior hitter Jaizah Pyle had seven kills for the Vikings and freshman setter Skylar Bump, who’s skills made Duits’ move to the middle possible, had five kills to go with her 44 assists. Aubrey chipped in five assists and Hummel four. Hummel had 18 digs and Bump added 16 digs. Maradith hit three aces and Aubrey one. Borellis finished with a team-high 20 kills for Notre Dame Prep. Giglio added eight and Sophia Sudzina had nine to go with 25 assists. Borellis had 18 assists. Livy Kowalkowski led the Irish in digs from her libero spot with 20. Josie Bloom added 14 digs and two aces. Notre Dame Prep had just two seniors on its roster, Emily Mohr who had three kills and seven digs and Theresa Carrier who had five kills. Duits, the O’Gorman sisters, and seniors Hummel, Pyle and Hay lee Marks all played in the 2018 semifinal match with Grand Rapids Christian, and the Viking players have had plenty of run-ins with Grand Rapids Christian girls in club ball throughout the years. “I think there is a familiarity with Grand Rapids Chri^pn,” Rowland said. “We have not played them this year, but a lot of our girls know each other very, very well. Yeah, Grand Rapids Christian is really, really good and they have pieces that not other people have, but we are familiar with those pieces in the sense of that we get to go let it all out there and that is something that is really nice for us that I don’t think a lot of other teams in Division 2 have is that familiarity with Grand Rapids Christian - who is on a train ready to run people over. “Coopersville gave them a little wake-up call (in the regional finals), and I watched their Hamilton (quarterfinal) match and it was a little scary, but we will find ways to score points.” Coopersville was the only team to take a set off the Eagles in the state tournament this fall, pushing them to five sets in the regional finals. See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. Lakewood junior Sophie Duits (12) gets off the floor to try and block an attack by ontiac Notre Dame Prep’s Bianca Giglio during the Division 2 State Semifinals at ellogg Arena in Battle Creek Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 28, 2019 — Page 11 Christian beats Vikings to second state title The Lakewood varsity volleyball team gathers around its program’s fifth state runner-up trophy after falling to top-ranked Grancj Rapids Christian in the Division 2 Volleyball State Final at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek Saturday. Team members are (front from left) Paige Wolverton, Izzy Wheeler, Jaizah Pyle, Kiana Hummel, Haylee Marks, Sophie Duits, (back) coach Hannah O’Mara, head coach Cameron Rowland, Alli Pickard, Tori Wickerink, Aubrey O’Gorman, Maradith O’Gorman, Skylar Bump, Kenzie Wells, trainer Brad Nash, coach Brooke Francisco and coach Chelsea Brehm. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Lakewood senior libero Kiana Hummel hits a serve against Grand Rapids Christian during the Division 2 State Final at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek Saturday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor “Where is Lakewood?44 Clap, clap, clap-clap-clap. “Where is Lakewood?44 Clap, clap, clap-clap-clap. “Where is Lakewood?44 ^ - dTlap, clap, clap-clap-clap. TheGrand Rapids Christian varsity volley­ ball team student section wondered aloud midway through Saturday’s MHSAA Division 2 Volleyball Final. Lakewood is where the blood seeps through the elbows of the sleeves on the neon green libero jersey of girls like senior Kiana Hummel. Lakewood is where the gym floor and the ear drums shake from the enthusiasm of girls like senior Hay lee Marks, both on the court and on the bench. Lakewood is where there is always one more outside hitter ready to fill her role, like senior Jaizah Pyle, making defenses pay when their eyes become a little too focused on the all-staters down on the other end of the net. Where is Lakewood? Kellogg Arena in late November is a good place to ask that ques­ tion. There are usually a lot of Vikings around. The Lakewood varsity volleyball program made its 10th appearance in the state final four this weekend and it’s sixth appear­ ance in the state championship match. Lakewood is also where a fifth state run­ ner-up trophy will take its place next to the 2012 State Championship trophy, as the Grand Rapids Christian girls clinched their second straight Division 2 state title by best­ ing the Lakewood girls 25-21,25-15,25-16 at Kellogg Arena Saturday - a year after knock­ ing off the Vikings in the 2018 state semifi­ nals on the way to their program’s first state championship. “Losing one step closer to getting the (championship) trophy is so much harder, especially when this year we definitely came in with the mindset that we were going to beat them and this was going to be our year. To have that taken away ... is awful,” said Hummel. She also said it is amazing to have had the chance to finish each one of her varsity sea­ sons in Battle Creek. “I couldn’t ask for a better program to play for,” Hummel said. “It is an honor playing for Lakewood. Yes, it sucks losing, but we made it this far. We made it further this year than last year. It is amazing.” Lakewood head coach Cameron Rowland said that Hummel played the best volleyball of her high school career over the weekend in Battle Creek between Friday’s semifinal vic­ tory over Pontiac Notre Dame Prep and Saturday’s final against the Eagles who were ranked number one in the state this season from start to finish. She tied for the team lead with ten digs in the final. “We were really bad at the beginning of the year,” Rowland said. “We might have improved more than any Lakewood volleyball team ever has over the course of the season. We wouldn’t have done that without our three seniors. They gave everything to this pro­ gram. Those three seniors only know Battle Creek, which not a lot of other programs can say that. That is the piece that is awesome, and the piece that sucks is that we’re still looking for another state championship.” It was the second appearance in Battle Creek for the senior trio of Hummel, Pyle and Marks. Pyle had four kills Saturday. Marks got in a dig and a few swings at the net. It was also the second season on the court in Battle Creek for junior Sophie Duits, sophomore Maradith O’Gorman and the third for junior Aubrey O’Gorman. Aubrey had a team-high 11 kills and Maradith had ten. Duits chipped in three kills. Duits and Maradith had ten digs each and freshman setter Skylar Bump added nine digs to go with her 25 assists. “I told them, 4do not take this for granted. There is no other program at our school that does this. Do not take for granted that you’re a part of the Lakewood volleyball program where the expectation is to be in Battle Creek every single year. It is not a surprise. It is an expectation.’ They know that the first day they show up in the summer, and in the fall, that if we’re going to do this you have to be dialed in now and you have to know that is the absolute end goal.” The Vikings’ expectation all season was to play Grand Rapids Christian Saturday. The defending state champion Eagles were even better than a year ago with Miss Volleyball candidate Jordyn Gates, the team’s senior setter, leading the way. Gates had 39 assists, six kills and 13 digs in the match while hitting a pair of aces as well. More often than not she fed the ball to big junior hitter Addison VanderWeide on the left side who slammed 28 kills with just four errors on 55 total attacks. “(Gates) wills those kids to be really good on her side of the net, and they have the phys­ ical pieces to be really good and they force teams to have to do every single thing really well, and we just didn’t do that tonight,” Rowland said. Lakewood was at its best, and the Eagles at their shakiest, early on in the opening set. That didn’t last long though. Lakewood had a lead of as many as four points a few times, but the Eagles finally pulled even at 16-16 and then pulled away to close out the win. Rowland called a timeout with his girls down 16-9 in the second set, but Lakewood never managed to edge closer in that one. A 6-5 edge was the final lead, for the Lakewood ladies in the third set. The future is bright for both squads. The Eagles had just four seniors on their roster this fall, and will get to sift through their student population of more than 800 to find a setter to replace Gates. Lakewood should be set at the setter spot for years to come. “I can’t say enough about Skylar Bump’s season. The only other time we’ve ever had a freshman setter do this by herself was Gabie (Shellenbarger) in 2013, and that team lost in districts. So, Skylar did this as a freshman. I don’t think there is another freshman that has set in the final four as a freshman in a very, Lakewood junior Aubrey O’Gorman (left) embraces freshman teammate Skylar Bump as medals are handed out following their loss to Grand Rapids Christian in the Division 2 State Final at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek Saturday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) very long time. I don’t think any of the final four teams this year had a freshman. She has put herself into the category of being an elite setter at the high school level and to have three more years of that is awesome. “I lost my mind on her one day at practice in the middle of the year, about her waiting to finally get to wear the Lakewood jersey after being a ballgirl forever. She teared up and she became a different kid after that day. She had that moxie that I have been waiting literally to coach since she was a fourth-grader. She brought that out right out of the gate right after I lost my mind on her at practice and challenged her like, ‘you’ve been waiting, and this is the Skylar we’re going to get?”’ “She flipped a switch and she did it. She led us. We have limited offensive options and she made it work. She put us in good situations. She was willing to mix things up. Site improved so much defensively.” Aubrey and Maradith improved throughout the year as well. Maradith kept swinging hard at the Eagles Saturday, despite a staunch block from the Christian girls. The Eagles had six total blocks in the match. “That was awesome to see in this moment that she was willing to go and bang away for the entire match and take chances,” Rowland said of Maradith. “I think that will continue to Lakewood senior Haylee Marks goes up in an attempt to block an attack by Grand Rapids Christian’s Ayva Kooistra during the Division 2 State Final at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek Saturday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) come more and more. It came more and more this year. Hopefully, next year it is even a lit­ tle more, and then her senior year even more where hey, we’re going to you and teams are going to know it and you are going to over­ whelm them. She definitely has that in her and we see it more and more now.” Freshmen defensive specialists Paige Wolverton and Alli Pickard got a few moments each on the court against the Eagles as well. They’ll be looking for expanded roles in the future along with their teammates Izzy Wheeler, Tori Wickerink and Kenzie Wells and all the youngsters in the Lakewood vol­ leyball program. “I’m very excited about the future. We have another good eighth-grade class that is to be? freshmen, so I am excited to get those kids ip the gym with us and get to work,” Rowland said. *, “We have some holes that we need to hav$ filled with the loss of our seniors. That incomj ing freshman class, and our sophomores, and our current freshmen class they have the piec­ es to fill those holes. If our kids that are returning make the same improvement tha( they have made over the last year, we’re going to be pretty dang good.” Where is Lakewood? Chances are good one can find out just by following the bus back tQ the high school from Battle Creek nexj November. £ GIVE THE GIFT OF NEWS! ■ • ■ ■ • ■•'' " . . . • •■ ■ . .. . • . • . Send friends and family a gift subscription to The Hastings BANNER! To subscribe, call us at... 269-945-9554 �Page 12 —- Thursday, November 28, 2019 — The Hastings Banner County football teams battled through a lot this fall Mitchell Middleton Brett Bremer Sports Editor It wasn’t the kind of football season every< ne dreams of in Barry County in 2019. Eastern Equine Encephalitis concerns had schools avoiding mosquitoes, forcing many early Friday and even Saturday kick-offs tiroughout the season. Homecoming kings c nd queens were crowned in broad daylight. I Lain and thunderstorms frustrated players and s pectators alike. None of Barry County’s five varsity foot­ ball teams made the state playoffs this season, and Maple Valley didn’t even have the chance after making the move to eight-player football due to dwindling numbers in the football pro­ gram. • None of those things changed the effort the guys, and girls, gave on the field this fall. Thomapple Kellogg, Hastings and Delton Kellogg all came up just short of playoff dreams, winning five games apiece. Lakewood and Maple Valley both won eight games this season, with Maple Valley doing that in just eight games. r The Lions took on some of the toughest eight-player teams in the state in their first season in that competition - including the Division 18-player champions from Colon. fThdite*areafevrfamiliar foes stiii playing in the State tournament. Grand Rapids Catholic Central, who will join the Thornapple Kellogg program in the OK Gold Conference next fall, is playing Detroit Country Day for the Division 4 State Championship Friday at Ford Field in Detroit. The Saxons’ Interstate-8 Athletic Conference foes from Jackson Lumen Christi will make what seems to be their annual appearance at Ford Field, facing Pewamo-Westphalia in the Division 7 State Final Saturday morning in Detroit. Here are the 2019 All-Barry County Football First and Second Teams. ‘ 2019 All-Barry County • Football First Team Offense Quarterback ‘ Jacob Elenbaas, Lakewood: Injuries slowed tke Vikings’ senior quarterback a bit, but he still completed 19 passes for 381 yards and rushed 85 times for 395 yards and three touchdowns this year. He threw for six touch­ downs. Despite missing some time to injury this fall, Elenbaas was named second team all-conference in the GLAC after earning first team honors in the conference a year ago. Running Back Hugheston Heckathom, Maple Valley: Heckathom was the workhorse of the Maple Valley offense, rushing the ball 166 times for 1,002 yards and seven touchdowns in eight games. He also scored seven two-point con­ versions. On defense, Heckathom led the Lions in tackles with 42 solo tackles, five tackles for a loss, a sack, three fumble recov­ eries and two forced fumbles. “Hugheston had to contend with teams gearing to stop him, but he was still able to rush for over 1,00 yards in just eight games against some of the best 8-man teams in the state and in Ohio.” Lion coach Marty Martin said. Brendan Hood, Thornapple Kellogg: A senior, Hood managed 535 yards on the ground in seven games for the Trojans. He averaged over seven yards per carry this sea­ son. Hood had a season highlighted by 18 rush­ es for 190 yards against Wayland and 18 car­ ries for 157 yards and three touchdowns against Ottawa Hills.' Elijah Smith, Hastings: A senior, Smith was the Saxons’ leading rusher despite missing three games with an injury. He averaged 8.1 yards per carry and finished the season with 665 yards. Smith scored ten touchdowns this season on the ground. Defensively, Smith tallied 17 tackles and two interceptions as well as one sack. Wide Receiver Sawyer Stoepker, Lakewood: Stoepker was one of the top receiving threats in the county, tallying 21 receptions for 231 yards and three touchdowns. Stoepker also added 23 rushes for 196 yards and another score, and chipped in 16 tackles from his spot in the Vikings’ defensive backfield as a junior this season. Brent Sweet, Lakewood: Another versatile Viking, he was an offensive weapon receiving and rushing the football this year. He finished his junior campaign with 11 receptions for 231 yards and rushed the ball 39 times for 409 yards. He was named all-conference in the GLAC on defense, where he had 48.5 tackles from his spot in the Vikings’ secondary. He had 8.5 tackles for a loss, forced two fumbles, batted away two passes and had one interception. Hugheston Heckatorn Tight End Kaleb Post, Delton Kellogg: A solid block­ er and pass catcher for the Panthers this fall as a senior. He closed out the season with his biggest receiving game, pulling in five passes for 35 yards. Post was also brie of the Panthers’ lead­ ing tacklers from his linebacker spot, finish­ ing with more than 40 tackles and picking off a pass. Offensive Line Ben Curtis, Hastings: Curtis was a key part of the Saxons’ front during his senior season, helping the team rush for 3,200 yards and pass for more than 350 yards. Cutis had a 97 perdent blocking efficiency on the season. He saw some time on defense as well, recording haff a sack in his team’s loss to the Division 7 state finalists from Jackson Lumen Christi. Brady Haas, Delton Kellogg: The big, 6-3, 265-pound, senior tackle was a force up front for the Panthers’ Wing-TI offense that con­ trolled the clock and moved the ball all season long. r t Haas was able to play with both speed and power on the line. He had a handful of tackles playing on the Panthers’ defensive line as well. Evan Murphy, Hastings: A powerful force up front for the Saxon offensive line that helped its offense accumulate 3,200 rushing yards this season. He had a 99 percent block­ ing efficiency and went out to catch two pass­ es for 20 yards from a tight end spot. Murphy, a senior,r also had 24 tackles including 5.5 for a loss and one sack from his defensive end spot this season. Noah Kriekaard, Thornapple Kellogg: The Trojans’ junior right guard helped power the offense. / He was the lone returning starter up front for his team this fall. 5 Cole Pape, Delton Kellogg: A 6-6, 320 pound offensive tackle who helped power the Panthers’ offensive front this season. Pape was a force on the Panthers’ defensive line too, managing close to 30 tackles as well as a number in opponents’ backfields. Kicker Mitchell Middleton, Thomapple Kellogg: The county’s top kicker this season, as well as a key contributor on offense and defense for the Trojans. Middleton hit a 52-yard field goal this season and was 24-of-26 on extra-point attempts. b Middleton averaged 5.7 yards per carry rushing the football for TK on offense this season, scoring two touchdowns, and also had 28.5 tackles on defense including eight for a loss. 2 2019 All-Barry County Football First Team Defense Defensive Line Evan Eastman, Hastings: Eastman had a big season up front’ for the Saxon defense, recording 50 tackles and adding 11 tackles for a loss. Eastman had five sacks on the season as well. Tyler Kaiser, Hastings: Kaiser had 28 tack­ les on the defensive front for the Saxons. Kaiser managed three tackles for a loss this season. Colton VanLotfzenoord, Thornapple Kellogg: Splitting time between linebacker and fullback as a senior this fall, VanLoozenord had 14.5 tackles and! .5 sacks on defense this season. Ml Offensively, VanLdozenoord rushed the ball 64 times for 420 yards and three touch­ downs. : Cam Winter, Lakewood: Winter was named first team all-conferehce in the GLAC from his spot on the Vikings’ defensive line as a senior after earning an honorable mention all-conference nod as a junior. Winter had 16 tackles, two sacks and 2.5 I n j no ' ' ■ ' m Cole Pape (72) and Jordan Rench (26) tackles for a loss this year. Linebacker Adam Bush, Thomapple Kellogg: Bush was one of the leaders on both sides of the ball for TK as a senior this season. He had 55.5 tackles for the Trojans this season, including 45 solo tackles. He also had 1.5 tackles for a loss. Offensively, Bush rushed the ball 32 times for 225 yards and four touchdowns, including three TDs in a homecoming victory over Wyoming. Bush also had a pair of touchdown receptions, including a 54-yarder in his team’s victory over Wayland. Ben Ferrell, Hastings: Ferrell was one of the Saxons’ top tacklers this season, recording 56.5 tackles. Ferrell had 1.5 sacks^nd forced a fumble t^ts reason.; H^ a punt tou. t John Hewitt, LS^wdod: A senior linebacker, Hewitt was named all-conference in the GLAC for the second fall in a row. A Viking team captain, Hewitt finished the year with 64 tackles, two sacks, 4.5 tackles for a loss, a forced fumble and one pass break-up. Ryan Holmes, Thornapple Kellogg: Another tackling machine for the Trojans as a junior this season. Holmes had 54 tackles including 42 solo tackles. He finished the year with 5.5 tackles in the backfield. Defensive Back Alex Bonnema, Thornapple Kellogg: A junior in the Trojan secondary, Bonnema had 44 solo tackles and 47.5 tackles overall. He had 5.5 tackles for a loss and intercepted a pas this season. Bonnema returned kicks and punts for TK this season. On offense, Bonnema had 36 rushes for 192 yards and caught three passes. Bradley Bunch, Delton Kellogg: One of the Panthers’ main offensive weapons, Bunch rushed for over 800 yards and 13 touchdowns this season. A junior, was his team’s top receiving threat as well - pulling in three touchdown passes. He was also one of his team’s top tacklers this season too with more than 40 tackles and an interception. Logan Kimbrue, Thomapple Kellogg: A senior safety, Kimbure found the football time and again this season, picking off four passes. He had 19 tackles on the season defensive­ ly and turned into a solid receiving threat late in the season for the Trojans as well. Gabe Trick, Hastings: Trick was one of the Saxons’ top tacklers this season, recording 58.5 tackles from his spot in the defensive backfield. He had five pass break-ups, five interceptions and two forced fumbles. Trick also added 53 rushes for 306 yards and five touchdowns offensively while adding three receptions for 57 yards and two more touchdowns. Punter Jordan Rench, Delton Kellogg: Rench did a little bit of everything for the Panthers over the course of his varsity career, including punting. The Panthers’ quarterback as a junior he transitioned to running back on the offen­ sive side of the ball this season. Rench rushed for more than 800 yards this season, and was one of his team’s top touch­ down scorers, receivers and also had at least five interceptions from his spot in the Panthers’ defensive backfield. 2019 All-Barry County Football Second Team Offense Quarterback Carter Cappon, Hastings: The Saxons’ senior quarterback rushes for 385 yards, aver­ aging 7.7 yards per carry and also threw for 315 yards. He rushes for four touchdowns and passed for another four. Cappon threw for more than 100 yards in his team’s September match-up with Marshall and scored a pair of rushing touchdowns in his team’s October victory over Jackson Northwest. Running Back Hunter Allerding, Hastings: The Saxons’ senior running back rushes for 601 yards and5 eight touchdowns this season. Allerding topped the 100-yard mark twice,* rushing for 121 yards and two touchdowns > against Marshall in September and exploding * for 174 yards and three touchdowns on 24 carries in the Saxons’ win over Pennfield last. month. Austin Bleam, Hastings: A junior running ; back, Bleam rushed 63 times for 480 yards - i an-------average of 7.6 yards per carry this season, j r--------------------------orxzl hnA He scored five trtiinMnwnc touchdowpsand had ten rCCCp-J recep- • tions for n 5 >ajas as wei|v j Bleam overwi Sied Jackson Northwest in ] the final game of the season, carrying the ball 12 times for 199 yards and two touchdown^ Garrett Stank, Lakewood: A key member of the Lakewood offensive attack, Stank fin­ ished the season with 88 rushes for 574 yards • and caught five passes for another 37 yards, j He had four total touchdowns in his junior ■ season this fall. $ Tight End I Hunter Bassett, Maple Valley: Bassett had ; four receptions for 129 yards this season, J while doing a tremendous job blocking too. J Defensively he had 38 solo tackles and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a ; touchdown. J “On defense, Hunter was our starting slot J linebacker, meaning he had to guard the other • team’s slot receiver and when there was no| slot, he had to align inside over an offensiveJ lineman. His versatility makes him a veiyz valuable player in 8-man football.” Offensive Line , John Behrenwald, Lakewood: On e of J leaders in the trenches for the Viking varsity J football team. A senior, Behrenwald played | his third varsity season for the Vikings" this fall. y j Coach Markwart called his right tackles a $ “a solid offensive lineman.” Blake Monroe, Thornapple Kellogg:; Monroe took over a starting spot on the * Trojan offensive line for the first time as a 4 junior this wall and was key to the option attack form his left guard spot. J _ Jaydon Rodriguez, Lakewood: Rodriguez * was named second team all-conference in the GLAC in his second season on the Viking varsity. A junior, coach Markwart called Rodriguez •' a “great offensive lineman. Any team would t be happy to have him.” * German Villalobos: Villalobos was a stfong J contributor at right tackle for the Trojan offensive front this season. . . J Villalobos also saw a bit of time at defen-v sive tackle this fall as a junior. j Owen Winegar, Hastings: Winegar helped power the Saxon offense that rushed for over [ 3,000 yards this season, finishing the year J with a 93 percent blocking efficiency. j Winegar was one of just two sophomores j on the Saxon varsity roster this fall. ; 2019 All-Barry County J Football Second Team Defense Defensive Line | CadenFerris, Delton Kellogg: A sopho- • more all-state wrestler who showed off his I versatility in the trenches for the DK varsity i this fall, spending time at end and in the mid- j die of the Panthers’ defensive line. | Offensively, Ferris was key to the DK attack as the team’s center this year. Jayce Hansen, Lakewood: Hanson had six 1 ’ 1 Continued next page �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, November 28, 2019 — Page 13 District championship highlight of soccer season Brett Bremer Sports Editor The local varsity boys’ soccer teams had their ups and downs this season. Nobody had a higher high than the Thomapple Kellogg boys who clinched a rare district championship for their program, and then went on to knock off a state-ranked Marshall team in the regional semifinals before ultimately bowing out of the state tour­ nament. The Trojans had a solid season in the OK Gold Conference, but couldn’t quite knock off the league champs from South Christian who advanced all the way to the Division 3 State Final in the state tournament where they were upended in a shoot out by Grosse He. The Sailors started their state tournament run with a victory over the Lakewood Vikings in the Division 3 District Tournament last month. Lakewood, Hastings, Delton Kellogg and Maple Valley all had their own moments to celebrate, and moments against tough compe­ tition. Here are the 2019 All-Barry County Boys’ Soccer First and Second Teams. 2019 All-Barry County Boys’ Soccer First Team Kirby Beck, Hastings: A junior center mid­ fielder and forward, Beck tied for the team lead in goals with seven and added two assists. Beck was nominated a team captain this fall. Steven Bierins, Lakewood: Bierins led the Vikings in goals with 20 in his senior season, adding five assists as well. He was named his team’s MVP, a first team all-league honoree and a first team all-district performer. “Steven played forward for us and was by far our most explosive player,” coach LeVeque said. Keegan Cook, Hastings: A junior who spent time at center midfield and forward for the Saxons, he led the Saxons with seven goals and added seven assists this season. Cook was voted all-conference and all-dis­ trict this season and was nominated to be the team’s head captain. Caleb Fletcher, Lakewood: Fletcher scored seven goals and had seven assists this season by being strong on the ball and showing off a powerful shot. He was named all-conference Aiden Hannapel in the GLAC this season and an all-district player. “He lives and breathes the game of soccer,” said coach LeVeque. Tyler Gehres, Thomapple Kellogg: A senior midfielder for the Trojans, he was named all-conference in the OK Gold this fall as well as all-district and all-region. Gehres had ten goals and four assists on the season. Caden Goudzwaard, Thomapple Kellogg: The leader of the Trojan attack, Goudzwaard had 27 goals and 14 assists this fall. Goudzwaard was named all-conference, Gavin Houtkooper all-district and all-region this season. All-state awards have yet to be announced, but Goudzwaard was honorable mention all-state in Division 2 a year ago. Dawson Grizzle, Delton Kellogg: A senior defender and a team captain, Grizzle was a four-year varsity player for the Panthers and was the center of his team’s defense. Grizzle was an all-conference honoree in the SAC this season and was an all-district honoree too. “He was very good at controlling the center of the field defensively and was able to shut down other teams’ forwards if they attacked the middle,” coach Mabie said. Aiden Hannapel, Thomapple Kellogg: A force in the midfield for the Trojans, Hannapel had a goal and ten assists on the season. Hannapel was named all-conference in the OK Gold this fall while adding all-district honors as well. Gavin Houtkooper, Delton Kellogg: Houtkooper was the number one goal in the SAC this fall and the number two goal in his district according to coach Mabie. He record­ ed nine shutouts on the season and had 170 saves. He also stopped two out of the three penalty shots he faced this season. A junior, Houtkooper was selected to both all-conference and all-district teams for the third time in his three varsity seasons. Eli Nelson, Maple Valley: A first team all-conference selection in the GLAc as a senior forward for the Lions this fall. He was one of his team’s captains. He scored 23 goals and had 7 assists on the year. “’’Unable to contribute on the field for much of the first five matches of the season (due to an injury), Eli’s encouraging commit­ ment and faith shined as he continued to be a leader in our trainings from the sidelines. Once back in the line-up, Eli began to contrib­ ute in other ways, setting a new single season record for goals at Maple Valley,” coach Andrew Roush said. Austin Ruth, Thomapple Kellogg: The Trojan’s senior goalkeeper was named all-conference, all-district and all-region this season. He had six shutouts on the year, and TK allowed one goal or less in 13 total con­ tests. Ruth, a senior, was named all-conference in the OK Gold, all-district and all-region this season. Owen Woods, Thomapple Kellogg: A senior midfielder for this season, Woods recorded six goals and three assists. Woods was named all-conference honor­ able mention in the OK Gold and also earned all-district honors this season. 2019 All-Barry County Boys’ Soccer Second Team Owen Bailey, Maple Valley: A sophomore who split time between the goal and the field for the Lions, he had six goals and ten assists with 41 saves as well. He was named honor­ able mention All-GLAC this fall. “Owen is a natural bom athlete who did some amazjng things this season, but what impressed me the most was how much he grew in the maturity and knowledge of the game. It’s great to have a player who can not only fill the stat sheet, but also make others around him better,” coach Roush said. Dane Barnes, Hastings: The Saxons’ senior goalkeeper faced 155 shots this fall and made 117 saves. Barnes split his time between playing in goal and as an outside midfield wing. He was nominated a team captain this season. James Blackbum, Delton Kellogg: A fresh­ man who was coach Mabie’s “go-to utility player” this fall. He played forward, midfield and some defense, sometimes all in one game. He finished the year with four goals and two assists. “He played almost every minute of every game,” coach Mabie said. Zac Collison, Lakewood: A senior center back, Collison took on the role after playing on the outside for the previous three seasons. He was voted the best defender on his team and was named second team all-conference in Keegon Cook the GLAC. “Not a flashy player, but a very solid, consistent defender that put himself in the right places and made the right plays,” said coach LeVeque. Hunter DeHaan, Thomapple Kellogg: A talented senior midfielder for the Trojans, helping his team to a regional final this year. DeHaan was named an all-district perform­ er this season as well. Hector Jimenez, Delton Kellogg: A fresh­ man forward and midfielder for the Panthers, Jimenez closed out his first varsity season with ten goals and three assists. He played nearly every minute of every game for DK. Jimenez was named honorable mention all-conference and earned atl-districthonOrs this season, and also earned all-county honors in cross country this fall as well. Pablo Nunez, Thomapple Kellogg: Nunez had two goals and four assists from his mid­ field spot as a senior this fall. Nunez was named all-district for helping the Trojans to a district championship. Garrett Pearson, Maple Valley: A senior who split time between forward and goal­ keeper for the Lions. He was named second team all-conference in the GLAC. A team captain, he had eight goals and seven assists while also making 169 saves in net. “I couldn’t be more proud of what Garrett did for this team this season. Not just the stats he accumulated, but the little things he did day in and day out for which there is no stat line. Last year he was dubbed ‘Mr. Versatile’, but this year he was also our ‘Mr. Altruistic’ who consistently put the needs of the team and others above himselfcoach Roush said. Kaiden Pratt, Thomapple Kellogg: One of the leaders on the Trojan defense as a junior this fall. Pratt was named an all-district performer this season helping the Trojans allow just three goals total in their three district contests. Xander Signeski, Hastings: A junior center defender, Signeski played every minute of every game for the Saxons this fall. Head coach Tim Schoessel called Signeski the workhorse of his team’s defense. Signeski added a goal and two assists as well. Devin Thompson, Maple Valley: A senior forward, Thompson finished the season with 18 goals and nine assists. “He was a consistent offensive force for us this season,” coach Roush said. “What I mentioned at the close oflast season is still true, regarding Devin being one of those exciting players who you do not want to look away from, because in an instant he can make a great play that changes the course of a match.” ; Kaeden Tuitman, Lakewood: A defensive midfielder who was one of the Vikings’ top players as a junior this fall. He was named second team all-league and all-district this, year. Tuitman was one of the Vikings* top play­ ers, scoring five goals and more importantly to coach LeVeque playing great defense in the midfield. Coach LeVeque said Tuitman looked to shut down other team’s best players and was strong at winning balls out of the air. Alex Walker, Lakewood: The Viking senior stepped in to play goalie for the first time ever this fall and coach LeVeque said he looked like he had been back there for a long time. Walker had six shutouts on the season and made several big saves to keep the Vikings in, games. He was named first team all-confer­ ence in the GLAC this season. Continued from previous page tackles, a sack and one tackle for a loss this season. He was named all-conference in the GLAC from his defensive end spot for the Vikings. He also provided a spark on offense, rushing for 110 yards and two touchdowns in his team’s match-up with Stockbridge in October while filling in at quarterback for an injured Elenbaas. David Hosack-Frizzell, Maple Valley: A junibr in his second varsity season, HosackFrizzell had 38 solo tackles and a sack from his defensive tackle position. On offense, he was a pulling guard 80 percent of the time in the Lions’ Wing-T offense. “David has transformed himself ... into a two-way, every-down player. His work ethic, attention to detail and tremendous attitude have made himself and our football team bet­ ter. He was voted co-MVP on the team,” coach Martin said. Kyler Madden, Hastings: Madden had a solid junior season on the Saxons’ defensive line, finishing the year with nine tackles. He made 1.5 tackles in opponents back­ fields. Linebacker Hunter Belew, Delton Kellogg: Belew was a big contributor on both sides of the ball for Delton Kellogg as a junior this fall. He was one of his team’s top tacklers from his line­ backer spot, routinely making plays in oppo­ nents’ backfields. Belew was also a key part of the DK offen­ sive line from his spot at guard. AJ Raymond, Maple Valley: Raymond was the Lions’ rush linebacker this season, record­ ing 28 solo tackles, including three for a loss and three sacks. He had one forced fumble, blocked a punt as well and recovered an on-side kick. A senior leader for the Lions, offensively Raymond had 40 rushes for 192 yards at fallback, and five receptions for 46 yards, when he wasn’t playing guard. “AJ played his heart out. He missed a game because of strep and finished the year by hav­ ing an amazing game against Bellevue. In the game, his effort and intensity were amazing. He blocked a punt, recovered an on-side kick' and recorded eight tackles and chased a Bellevue player 30 yard down field to tackle£ him after he caused a fumble 15 yards deep in the Bellevue backfield. His positive display of intensity, focus and effort are what we are looking for from everyone of our football players on Friday nights.” Corbin Ulrich, Hastings: A junior lineback­ er, Ulrich had 48 tackles including 4.5 for a loss this season. Ulrich also sparked the Saxons with an interception and a fumble recovery. Defensive Back Zeb Carey, Hastings: A key part of the Saxons’ defensive backfield as a junior, Carey ’ had 2.5. tackles including two for a loss. Carey broke up six pass attempts and had I two interceptions. He also forced a fumble. Nick Helt, Lakewood: A junior, Helt was named second team all-conference in the GLAC this season. He made 22 tackles, had a sack and another tackle for a loss. Helt had a nose for the football too, finish- ’ ing the year with three interceptions, four pass break-ups and a forced fumble. Blaze Sensiba, Maple Valley: Sensiba split time between quarterback and the Lions’ defensive backfield. He completed 24 passes! for 316 yards and added 265 yards rushing as well. On defense, Sensiba had 19 solo tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery. Sensiba, a junior in his second varsity sea­ son had never played quarterback before. “His steadying influence and calm demeanor» allowed our offense to grow and become more efficient as the year went on. He was voted co-MVP on the team,” coach Martin said. �Page 14 — Thursday, November 28, 2019 — The Hastings Banner County’s best spikers among state’s best Keilyn Carpenter Skylar Bump Brett Bremer Sports Editor The youngsters continue to lead the way on the volleyball courts of Barry County. The 2019 All-Barry County Volleyball First team has a pair of Delton Kellogg seniors on it this fall, but then a freshman, a sophomore and a trio of juniors round out the list of the top seven spikers in the county. That group of underclassmen includes few girls who already have earned all-state honors during their var­ sity careers and a couple others who certainly have the chance before they’re done. A trio of Lakewood Vikings are a part of the all-county first team this tall, after finish­ ing up their program’s fourth consecutive appearance at Kellogg Arena in Battle Creek by finishing as the state runner -up in Division 2 behind the top ranked, defending state champions from Grand Rapids Christian who gave the Thomapple Kellogg girls and the rest of the OK Gold Conference fits all season long. The Lakewood girls captured their 17th consecutive conference championship this Erin Kapteyn fall, keeping their undefeated Greater Lansing Activities Conference string intact. The Maple Valley girls were second to the Vikings in the GLAC this season. In another season, the Maple Valley girls and the Delton Kellogg girls might have been strong enough to win district championships. Unfortunately for their teams, they both ran into the Schoolcraft girls in their district tour­ nament in Kalamazoo. The Eagles, the defending Division 3 State Champions, went on to finish as the state runners-up to Monroe St. Mary Catholic Central this season after being one of the top ranked teams in the state in their division ?all season long. All the county te^ms faced tough confer­ ence foes, with^Deitori Kellogg taking on Schoolcraft and highly tanked Kalamazoo Christian in the Southwestern Athletic Conference, the Maple Valley girls having to Enriching Lives Within Our Community Thanksgiving is a day to remember all of the good things regardless of how large or small they may be. It’s also a time to remember and to embrace those who enrich our lives. The staff and residents of Thornapple Manor wish you and your family, an incredible take on Lakewood a couple times in the GLAC, the TK girls going head-to-head with the state champions from Christian, and the Hastings girls facing the likes of Jackson Parma Western and Marshall and other tough Interstate-8 Athletic Conference foes. Here are the 2019 All-Barry County Volleyball First and Second Teams. 2019 All-Barry County Volleyball First Team Skylar Bump, Lakewood: The Vikings’ freshman setter put up 1,053 during her first varsity season, 9.32 per set, while adding 115 kills. She was named second team all-state in Division 2 this season. “Skylar was thrown into setting a varsity team as a freshman and has excelled in the role. She knew it was not going to be easy and has worked to get better,” coach Cameron Rowland said. Keilyn Carpenter, Maple Valley: A junior, Carpenter had her second straight season of over 600 kills, finishing the regular season with 678. She was honorable mention all-state in Division 3 as a sophomore last fall and earned third team all-state honors this season. Carpenter was named first team all-confer­ ence in the GLAC once again this fall. She recorded 106 aces, 267 digs and 22 blocks as a junior and added her name to the MHSAA record books once again with a career-high 34 kills in a single match. Eleanor Ferris, Delton Kellogg: The Panthers’ senior middle only got about half a season in before suffering a major knee injury in late September. She still managed to slam 2u76 kills at a .487 kill efficiency. The 6-0 senior middle also had 21 aces, 73 digs and 60 solo blocks in the matches she got in. She has plans to continue her playing days at St. Francis University next fall. Erin Kapteyn, Delton Kellogg: A four-year varsity player who played all the way around the rotation for the Panthers, she did it all once again. Kapteyn had 297 kills and 1,100 digs on the season. Kapteyn was also a beast at the service line, firing 85 aces while serving at a 97.5 percent clip. Trista Medina, Maple Valley: The Lions’ junior setter was named first team all-confer­ ence in the GLAC this fall, finishing the year with 769 assists. Medina added 271 digs, 79 kills and 86 aces during the regular season, improving all those numbers from her sophomore cam­ paign. In three varsity seasons Medina now has over 1,775 assists. Aubrey O’Gorman, Lakewood: “She dom­ inates at the net, has become a very good defender and is an incredible teammate coach Rowland said of his junior middle who was a first team all-state selection this season and last. O’Gorman closes out her junior regular season with 421 kills, swinging at a .424 clip. She also added 50 aces, 237 digs, and 143 blocks. , Maradith O’Gorman, Lakewood: O’Gorman followed up an all-state freshman season by leading the state runner-up Vikings with 443 kills this fall, swinging at a .359 clip. She had 82 aces, 321 digs and 116 blocks during the regular season. She was named first team all-state in Division 2 for the second fall in a row. “Her workload changed from last year in that she has a much larger defensive responsi­ bility playing middle back and leads the team in digs, and she takes care of 90 percent of our out of system balls,” coach Rowland] said. 2019 All-Barry County Volleyball Second Team Abbie Bever, Delton Kellogg: A senior, Bever opened the season at outside hitter where she played six rotations, and then made the move to libero for her team after the first few weeks. She finished the season with 1,147 digs. Bever had 87 kills and 104 aces this fall, while putting together a 94.4 percept service rate. Kiana Hummel, Lakewood: The Vikings’ senior libero compiled 305 digs on the season while adding 30 aces. “Kiana has not had an easy job of replacing (all-state libero Patsy Morris), but she has truly grown into understanding the role and thriving in it,” coach Rowland said. Claudia Lems, Thomapple Kellogg: Th^ Trojans’ number one setter this fall, Lems had 303 assists on the year. > She was one of her teanf’s' top servers, fim ishing the season wit# 52 aces. Jaizah Pyle, Lakewood: The Vikings’ senior outside hitter had 195 kills during the regular season, as well as 40 aces, 74 digs and 2^ 7blocks. “Jaizah is often overlooked because of Aubrey and Maradith, but she is the reason w£ are able to keep the two of them open as teams are not able to just load up when Jaizah is at left front.” * Ellie Shoobridge, Thornapple Kellogg^ Shoobridge moved from being solely a net player to playing all the way around for the Trojans during her junior season. Shoobridge had 125 kills, 37 blocks and 43 aces on the season. i Josey Terpening, Maple Valley: The Lions’ senior libero mixed up her roles for the teanj this fall, spending more time as an outside hitter. She responded well, earning second team all-conference honors in the GLAC. Terpening had 397 digs, 76 kills, 71 aces and 61 assists on the season. That was a nev£ season high in both kills and aces. Claudia Wilkinson, Thomapple Kellogg: A senior, Wilkinson had 126 kills, 25 aces and 55 digs this fall for the Trojans. “She played all the way around the court for us and was our go-to player,” coach Tia Cross said. “She will go after every single ball defensively and offensively.” Abby Zull, Hastings: The Saxons’ senior setter put up 311 assists in her final varsity season while also finishing second on her team in kills with 100. y7. Zull was the Saxons’ leader in aces with$9, service points with 166, as well as assists, service percentage, kill percentage and pass­ ing percentage. She was also second on the team in digs with 125. NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS for NEWSPAPER CARRIERS! ROUTES (WALKING & DRIVING) AVAILABLE IN BARRY COUNTY • Paid Weekly • ■MHB MUST APPLY IN PERSON ’ m ■■ AT OUR J HASTINGS OFFICE ^ || 1351 N. M-43 Highway " J Hastings 'The People Paper' � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-12-05.pdf fbd9cf727c92f2643f0f823e69a3b094 PDF Text Text Hastings planners approve ‘glamping’ County can’t find the right tune Delton winter sports teams previewed See Story on Page 7 See Editorial on Page 4 See Stories on Pages 14 & 15 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 804879110187 1070490102590502808049058113421 ANNER Thursday, December 5, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 48 PRICE 750 High-tech device opens possibilities for seniors, disabled Straw for pets available Saturday The Barry County Humane Society will be at the Barry County Animal Shelter, 540 N. Industrial Drive, Hastings, from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 7, giving straw away. Cold weather is here and the Humane Society wants to help ensure animals stay warm and dry. Anyone my stop by Saturday morning to get a free bag of straw. After Saturday, the animal shelter will have straw available while it lasts. Orangeville church hosting live nativity Taylor Owens Staff Writer Nearly two years ago, the Lakewood Lions Club came up with an idea to use Amazon’s artificial intelligence companion, Alexa, to help improve the lives of seniors and people with disabilities. Alexa is a program that works similar to Apple’s Siri, and comes installed on the Amazon Echo, a small cylindrical computer with a microphone and speaker. The Echo is then connected wirelessly to the internet, and can do a range of tasks, all controlled through voice. “Alexa” can read aloud the news headlines, weather and search the internet for informa­ tion. Lakewood Lions Club President Bill Sutton said he was a bit skeptical about the device, but quickly convinced, when his fellow Lions Club member Pam Swiler showed him her Amazon Echo, and suggested it could help people in their area. “I felt like the program we were using before was outdated,” Swiler said. The Sight Seer Radio Service provides audio of news and entertainment geared toward people with visual impairment, but Swiler said each item has to be read by a per­ son. Alexa can read its owners’ ebooks out loud, or play podcasts and radio. In addition, it can carry on simple conversations. When Sutton decided to put the Alexa to the test, he asked it to play Mary Robbins’ 1959 hit song, “Big Iron.” “Within two seconds, it was playing his favorite song,” Swiler said. “He was shocked.” Over the last two years, the Lakewood Lions Club his been buying Amazon Echos and installing them in people’s homes. First, they have a consultation meeting to explain to the person and their caregiver how it works. They explain that certain functional­ ities will need an Amazon Prime subscription, and the Echo needs a smartphone to set it up. If the person wants an Echo, the club will buy it. (They cost around $100, but frequently go Most communities opt for slow, cautious approach ■ Parkinson’s group to celebrate Christmas Wednesday ■ The Barry County Parkinson Support Group will host a Christmas celebration Wednesday, Dec. 11, at the Barry County Commission on Aging. Festivities will | begin at 5 p.m. and will feature musical entertainment and sing-along by Eddie Francisco. Francisco entertains at venues through­ out West Michigan and is returning to the Barry County Parkinson meeting by popu­ lar demand. Appetizers and Christmas treats will be available. The Commission on Aging is at 320 W. Woodlawn Ave., Hastings. More information is available by calling Tammy Pennington, 269-948-4856, or J emailing tpennington@barrycounty.org. Nonprofit groups invited to New Year’s Eve celebration The 11th annual New Year’s Eve Community Celebration in downtown Hastings is almost here, complete with music, dancing, children’s activities, a warming tent, an ice sculpture, a sound and light show, and the ball drop at midnight! Community nonprofit organizations again are invited to set up tables or booths for displays and to distribute or sell items !or refreshments. Interested persons may make the required advance arrangements by calling 269-838-8407. Taylor Owens ; Staff Writer and Bridge Magazine Recreational marijuana sales began Dec. 1 in Michigan, but not in Barry County; where there are no licensed sellers. Baltimore Township is the lone municipal­ ity that passed ordinances to allow recre­ ational marijuana businesses. Other town­ ships and municipalities have opted out - at least for now. Elected officials in most of these munici­ palities have said they are waiting to see what the recreational rollout is like before making a more permanent decision. Hastings passed an ordinance banning recreational marijuana businesses, although the ordinance is set to expire in May 2020. Mayor Dave Tossava said the city council is currently researching possible ordinances to put a more permanent decision in place. He expects the council to vote on a new ordi­ nance before May. The first recreational dispensary in Baltimore Township, Kenai Red Group LLC, is expected to open in the Dowling General Store in early 2020. It is set to open first as a medical dispensary, then add recreational sales after about a month. Michigan’s first recreational marijuana sales began last Sunday, when adults age 21 and up were able to buy it in Ann Arbor, which was only city in Michigan with a licensed recreational marijuana shop. The number of legal recreational marijua­ na facilities is expected to grow, but most cities are months away from allowing sales. “This isn’t going to be a flip of the switch ' Bird club to learn about rocks * experience with computers, Gillette didn’t have high expectations that she would like it. “She fell in love with it, she wouldn’t give it up for anything,” Gillette said. Her mother had a telephone for the blind, but it could only fit 10 numbers. With the Echo, there is no limit to the amount of phone numbers that can be programmed, so Gillette was able to add the numbers of their extended family and friends. “She could talk to whoever she wanted, it really made her feel like she was connected again to the world,” Gillette said. One thing Alexa can’t do is call 911, because it doesn’t know which dispatch cen­ ter to connect with. But the Lions found a way to fix that, and entered in the number for the local 911 Dispatch Center when they installed the system. Gillette said they tested Alexa by going to every room of the house and calling to make sure it could hear her mother if she See HIGH-TECH, page 9 Marijuana sales begin in Michigan Orangeville Baptist Church representa­ tives invite the public to a live nativity presentation beginning at 6 p m. Sunday, Dec. 8. The presentation will be outdoors, so organizers are encouraging visitors to dress for weather conditions. Afterward, cookies I and hot chocolate will be available inside. I The church is at 6921 Marsh Road * ■' 1® Orangeville. 37 More information is availaEIFBy calling 1269-664-4377. Barry County Bird Club members will get a lesson on something else they may encounter while outdoors during a meeting beginning at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9. Guest speaker Randy Kursinsky will present a slide show to help guests identify common beach rocks in Michigan, includ­ ing fossils and man-made materials. The presentation will be oriented toward begin­ ner and intermediate collectors. A large display of these rocks will be included in the presentation. Guests may bring rocks to the meeting, and Kursinsky will attempt to identify them. Light refreshments will be served. There is no charge for admission and anyone may attend. The meeting will be at the 911 Dispatch Center, 2600 Nashville Road, Hastings. on sale.) Then they will either install it in the individual’s home or teach their caregiver how to install it. “We don’t charge anybody a nickel,” Sutton said. । Lion Steve Schuiling helps with the tech­ nology part of the explanation and installa­ tion. As an assistant professor of Information Security and Intelligence at Ferris State University, he has some experience in the field. But Schuiling said he’s still learning a few things from the program. What he originally saw as a neat piece of technology turned out to be something that could genuinely improve people’s lives. “This is a game changer for people,” he said. “That was really eye opening for me.” The first person the Lions Club installed an Echo for was Marion Gillette, the mother of Lion Mary Gillette. Marion, who has since died, was 93 at the time, and blind from mac­ ular degeneration. Since her mother had little This year’s Barry-Roubaix bike race was capped at 3,500 participants. Next year, demand is driving organizers to increase the number of participants. (File photo) Barry-Roubaix registration field expands, but still filling quickly Greg Chandler Staff Writer The Barry-Roubaix bicycle race is more than four months away, but even with an expanded cap, spaces are filling quickly for what’s billed as the world’s largest gravel road race - less than a week after registration opened. Race organizers say they hit their limit of 350 entries for the longest course, the 100­ mile “Psycho” event, only a few hours after registration opened Sunday. A wait list has already been set up for those still wishing to enter. It’s the fastest sellout for the Psycho in the race’s history, co-director Matt Acker said. As of noon Wednesday, the race had received 2,952 entries, including more than 2,500 for the 18- to 62-mile courses that make up the brunt of Barry-Roubaix, according to bikereg.com. On the heels of last year’s race that drew a record field of more than 3,500 cyclists from throughout the United States and as far away as Iceland, organizers boosted the cap on entries for the April 18, 2020, race to 3,850, including the 350-entry cap for the Psycho 100. The decision to open the field to more See RACE, page 5 where everybody’s going to be able to” sell recreational marijuana on Day One, said David Hams, spokesman for the Marijuana Regulatory Agency. As state regulators begin what they call a “slow rollout” of the recreational marijuana market, industry leaders say a shortage of cannabis could leave medical marijuana patients with fewer options and increase prices of recreational pot. Experts say it likely will be another year before facilities are up and running and sup­ ply has balanced out with demand. “It’s going to be a long time... before you get a system where it’s fairly convenient for people who want to go to a nearby store and buy product,” said Doug Mains, a partner at Honigman law firm who specializes in Michigan marijuana policy and regulation. Cannabis industry members have com­ plained about a medical marijuana shortage for months. Industry leaders say there’s not enough marijuana because it takes at least four months to grow, and state regulatory agents didn’t license growers first. Instead, they approved licenses on a first-come, firstserved basis for all pot services, such as transporters and testers. The shortage has driven up prices, said Robin Schneider, executive director of the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association. “The prices have been upwards of $4,000 per pound,” she said. “Which is incredibly high, when you look at the rest of the coun­ try. It’s just because the demand is so high. In Colorado, for instance, marijuana is selling for $1,000 per pound. Regulators have tried to remedy the short­ age by allowing registered caregivers — who have been allowed to grow marijuana for up See SALES, page 11 Trades class comes to the rescue for local couple Rebecca Pierce Editor A couple had recently moved to Barry County, so they didn’t know their neighbors. Then the husband became wheelchair bound. They were stuck. Their home didn’t have a ramp, so he couldn’t get in or out. He couldn’t get to dialysis and had already missed two appointments. Driven by desperation, his wife started knocking on doors, looking for help. She found it. Hastings Area School System Board of Education member Rob Pohl learned of the couple’s plight and figured out a possible solution. Then he went to Superintendent Dan Remenap. “Rob asked if I would ask Jason Hoefler, who teaches our construction trades class, if his class would be willing to build the ramp,” Remenap said. Were they ever. The construction trades program had been working on a bam structure in front of Star School. Hoefler said that structure is going to Senior Ben Ferrell receives instruction from Hastings High School trades program instructor Jason Hoefler while juniors Hayden Smith and Evan Eastman (in background) get more material from the trades truck. serve as a much-needed storage building and covered picnic area for students and parents. But that project didn’t have the urgency of this request — and the students knew it. “When I talked to the class about pausing the bam build for four or five days to take on this community service project, the boys said it was a no-brainer — and voted unanimously to get started right away that day,” Hoefler said. “That says a lot about their quality of character and their willingness to help. I am super proud of all of them.” When the students met the man, “they real­ ized that he needed this ramp ASAP,” Hoefler said. Funds and materials for the project were donated by a couple of different parties who wished to do so anonymously, he said. “This was a good project for the class to have a chance to deal with and learn the build-' ' ing codes associated with wheelchair ramps^ and time management skills to get it done as fast as possible,” he added. “I wish we had more time to take on these types of communis See RAMP, page 11 �Page 2 — Thursday, December 5, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Hastings set to Jingle and Mingle this weekend Luke Froncheck Staff Writer Jingle and Mingle will be back to light up Hastings Friday through Sunday. An estimat­ ed 125 organizations are participating in or sponsoring events throughout the weekend, making all activities free, including trolley, wagon and carriage rides; children’s activi­ ties; entertainment; events with Santa; profes­ sional face-painting; a pancake breakfast Sunday; and more. The list of events includes: Friday, Dec. 6 4- 8 p.m. - arts and craft vendors. Ail gath­ ered in the library, vendors old and new come together to sell different artistic creations. Hastings Public Library, 227 E. State St. 5- 7 p.m. - creative kids’ workshop. The Thomapple Arts Council invites the public to create some art. Baker said the project differs every year. A past project saw kids make dif­ ferent creations from sticky notes. At Home Real Estate, 107 E. State St. 5: 30 p.m. - manger lighting. The 51st annual lighting will take place on the court­ house lawn, led by Pastor Bryce Feighner. 6: 15 p.m. - mayor’s Christmas tree light­ ing, crowning of the Jingle and Mingle Prince Wagon, carriage and trolley rides are among the many free activities this week­ end in downtown Hastings, made possi­ ble by local sponsors and merchants. (Photo by Rose Hendershott) Kids will have a chance for games, crafts and other fun during Jingle and Mingle. (Photo by Rose Hendershott) Organizers have arranged to have Santa as a special visitor during Hastings Jingle and Mingle celebration. (Photo by Rose Hendershott) and Princess. The prince and princess are chosen based on an online voting process. Each of the young people in the running for prince and princess submitted essays to the Jingle and Mingle committee. The public may vote for their pick for Prince and Princess through the Jingle and Mingle website. East State Street between city hall and the library. 9 6p.m. - carriage rides. Tickets are required to ride. To get a ticket, those interest­ ed must arrive at the location where the car­ riage ride is taking place 30 minutes before its scheduled start time. There, they will be given a free ticket for their desired ride time. Riders must show up 15 minutes before the time listed on their tickets. Jefferson and Court streets 6-9 p.m. - Holly Trolley rides. Pick-up and drop-off site is on north side of the court­ house, across from movie theater. 6-9 p.m. - Santa visits Dick’s Barber Shop. Kids will have a few minutes to visit with Santa, 121 S. Jefferson St. Saturday, Dec 7 11 a.m-2 p.m. - Cookies with Santa. The Hastings Public Library invites the public to visit the Merry Old Elf himself and have some cookies. The lineup usually draws 300 kids, and lineup begins early. Hastings Public Library in the upstairs community room, 227 2-4 p.m. - Letters to Santa. Youngsters and families invited to send their Christmas wishes, written in a letter, to Santa. Children will receive coloring books (while supplies last). Baker said every child who writes a let­ ter to Santa will receive a letter in response. At Home Real Estate, 107 E. State St. 2-4 p.m. - Santa’s Workshop. Children are invited to build one of several Christmas proj­ ects (while supplies last). The event is run by Rhonda Smith from the Thomapple Credit Union. Adult supervision is required for each child participating. Barry Community Enrichment Center, 231 S. Broadway. 4 p.m. - Expressions Dance Center perfor­ mance. Expressions Dance Center invites the public to come and watch some local dance schools show off their talent. Thomapple Plaza. 5:30-7 p.m. - Hastings Rotary Club Christmas Parade. As of last week, more than 75 entries been registered to participate in the procession. State Street After the parade - Spirit of Christmas: “Eat, drink, and be merry.” Local restaurants plan to offer food and drink specials for parade watchers. Sunday, Dec 8 11 a.m.-3 p.m. - wagon and carriage rides Attendees must obtain tickets. Tickets are E State St. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. - face painting. After visit­ ing with Santa, youngsters can get a stylish face decoration to display all around town. New to Jingle and Mingle, a professional face painter will be doing the painting. Hastings Public Library, second floor, 227 E. State St. 11:30 a.m.-l p.m. - chime choir from Grace Lutheran Church. Free concert at Hastings Public Library in the upstairs com­ munity room. Noon - 3-on-3 broomball tournament. Those interested in competing may register online through the link available on the Jingle and Mingle website. Barry Community Enrichment Center, 231 S. Broadway. 1-5 p.m. - wagon and carriage rides. To go on wagon or carriage ride, attendees must first obtain tickets. Tickets are handed out 30 min­ utes prior to the starting time of rides each day. The Jingle and Mingle committee encour­ ages the public to “get there early and have the opportunity to get your tickets.” The tick­ ets are given out on a first-come, first-served basis. The wagon will be at Ace Hardware and the carriage will be at State and Jefferson streets. 1-5 p.m. - Holly Trolley rides. North side of the courthouse, across from the movie the­ ater. handed out 30 minutes prior to the starting time of rides each day. Tickets are given out on a first-come first-served basis. The wagon will be at State and Church streets, and the carriage will be at State and Michigan streets. 11:30 a.m.-l p.m. - pancake breakfast with Santa. Breakfast seekers invited down­ town, State Street will be closed, and a big tent will be set up for everyone to have free breakfast. State Street at Jefferson. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Holly Trolley rides. North side of the courthouse across from movie the­ ater. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. reindeer petting zoo. State Street at Jefferson Street. 1 p.m. - candy cane hunt. Kids will scurry across the courthouse lawn, trying to grab as many candy canes as they can to win a prize. Barry County Courthouse lawn, 220 W. State St. Noon-2 p.m. - “It’s a chili winter” chili cook-off. Pick up a ballot At Bay to Bay, 117 E. State St. 1-2 p.m. - scavenger hunt. At Home Real Estate, 107 E State St. 1-3 p.m. - children’s crafts and games. State and Jefferson streets in the tent area. Complete details are available at hastingsjingleandmingle .com. Traditional Thanksgiving dinner in Hastings welcomes all Heather Tolsma Contributing Writer Thursday, Nov. 28, was a day of thanks for many who visited the United Methodist Church on Green Street in Hastings. From 1 to 3 p.m., the church doors were open for a traditional Thanksgiving meal for anyone who wanted to partake of it, regardless Of situation or income. chief organizer Margaret Hollenbeck said $he has been running the event for at least 30 years. More than a dozen volunteers, including several from Hollenbeck’s family, worked for hours prior to opening the doors to the public in an effort to provide a complete meal. The menu included turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes and gravy, green bean casserole, squash, com, coleslaw, cranberry salad, four varieties of homemade bread and for dessert, a dozen different pie choices. Tables were set family style, and the public was permitted to call ahead of time to reserve seating in parties of five or more in order to allow families to sit together. In the past, Hollenbeck said the dinner Lined up at the food tables are a few of the approximately 240 guests served at Thursday’s free Thanksgiving meal, open to the public, at the Green Street United Methodist Church in Hastings. (Photos by Heather Tolsma) Baskets of homemade bread line the counters in the kitchen where volunteers wait to take them to tables in the dining area. Volunteer Trent Bowman prepares dozens of loaves of homemade bread, sliced into decorative baskets to be placed in the dining area for Thanksgiving guests. In the background is Margaret Hollenbeck, giving directions, her daughter Jasmine Gross at the stove, and Steve Turkal (far right) helping Bowman with the bread baskets. Volunteer Jordan Ramos prepares large quantities of mashed potatoes needed to feed the hundreds of guests expected at the day’s meal. feeds an average of 200-225 people. This year she had been expecting potentially more due to the previous day’s storm, with many people unable to cook at home due to power outages. The nearly 240 guests were welcomed with warm smiles, cheerful attitudes, a hot meal, and a great deal of thanks for joining. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 5, 2019 — Page 3 Students replant prairie at Otis Sanctuary The prairie at Otis Farm Sanctuary in Rutland Township had been intentionally burned a few weeks before Hastings High School science students helped plant native wildflowers. step ’it I ime Dance studio ana urown i neatre win open tneir oienmai presentation if “The Nutcracker” this weekend in Nashville. The cast for the classic Christmas ballet includes adults and youngsters from Barry, Eaton and Ionia counties. Though presented every other year, each show has something different, even from one weekend to the next. “We are always refreshing the show, so it’s never the same,” studio owner Kim Rodriguez said. Shows will be Dec, 6, 7, 13 and 14 at 7 p.m., and Dec. 8, 14 and 15 at 2 p.m. All performances will take place at the Crown Theatre, home of The Revue, 301 N. Main St., Nashville. Tickets may be reserved at https:// thenashvillerevue.seatyourself.biz or by calling 616-902-4193 for more information. Here, the 2017 cast brings the party scene to life. (File photo) ‘The Nutcracker’ returns to Nashville Few stories have stood the test of time like the story of Clara and the Nutcracker. But since its premiere in 1892, the popularity of the Tchaikovsky ballet has never waned, rather, it’s become part of the Christmas tradition for many families. Step ‘n’ Time Dance Studio will be again present “The Nutcracker” Dec. 6-8 and Dec. 13-15 in Nashville. “It’s so important to me to continue to bring unique opportunities to dance students, as well as our community at large,” studio owner Kim Rodriguez said. “A lot of people have preconceived notions about ballet, and we are here to remind them that ballet can be enjoyed by everyone. And it’s always easier when you know a student or two.” Considering the program is made up of students from all over Barry, Eaton and Ionia counties, finding a familiar face on stage won’t be hard, she said. This is Step ‘n’ Time’s fifth production of the ballet since 2012, and its popularity continues to grow with each new interpretation. “We are always refreshing the show, so it’s never the same,” Rodriguez said. “This year we have several new characters, costumes and interpretations of the music. It’s a classic, so some things should never be changed, of course, but I love the challenge of finding ways to make it new and fresh.” Performances will take place Dec, 6,7,13 and 14 at 7 p.m., and Dec. 8, 14 and 15 at 2 p.m. All performances will take place at the Crown Theatre, home of The Revue, 301 N. Main St., Nashville. Tickets may be reserved at https:// thenashvillerevue .seaty ourself .biz or by calling 616-902-4193 for more information. Della (Jordan Dimock) and Jim (Michael Moray) discuss their struggling financial situation in New York City circa 1906 in the Thornapple Players’ presentation of “The Gift of the Magi.” (Photo by David Greeley Thornapple Players’ Christmas shows underway The Thomapple Players community theater group is presenting a pair of Christmas shows this week. “Ho Ho Ho! The Santa Claus Chronicles” will be performed mostly by students, and “The Gift of the Magi” will be portrayed by adults. “We are really excited about the two shows we are presenting this year,” Producer Norma Jean Acker said. “’Ho Ho Ho! The Santa Claus Chronicles’ is lighthearted and funny, and ‘The Gift of the Magi’ is a heartwarming classic.” Six teenagers are working with an adult cast ranging in age from 20s to 70s. “It is community theater at its best,” Acker said. Shows began last night and will continue at 7 p.m. tonight through Saturday, Dec. 7, (no Sunday matinee) at the Dennison Performing Arts Center, 231 S. Broadway, Hastings. Tickets are $10 for adults; $8 for seniors and students. Advance tickets may be pur­ chased at Progressive Graphics on South Jefferson Street, Hastings, or by calling the Thomapple Arts Council, 269-945-2002. “This is an evening of great family enter­ tainment featuring Christmas carols through­ out both shows,” Acker said. See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits Students (from left) Sam Randall, Abby Waller, Ainsley Reser, Grace Green, Jesse Hunt and Shelby Lindquist enjoy their day as class moves outdoors. (Photos provided) Sarah Nelson Others interested in getting involved in a Executive Director Sarah Nelson, 269-908Barry Conservation District conservation project like this may call BCD 4135, or email sarah.nelson@macd.org. With assistance from science teacher Marty Buehler, 35 Hastings High School students had the opportunity to plant the seeds of con­ servation in their hometown last month. Buehler and his Advanced Placement envi­ ronmental science and AP biology students participated in a prairie restoration project at Michigan Audubon’s Otis Farm Sanctuary west of Hastings. The experience was part of a DNR Wildlife Habitat Grant project led by the Barry Conse^^ion ..Di strict, in coopera­ tion with MichiganA^^bn and Pierce Cedar Creek Institute.^^ y The project consisted of two parts. First, students identified the conservation issue at hand: Grasses had taken over at the prairie planting. Students knew from previous les­ sons on biodiversity indices that having a single or a few species dominating an area creates a less-desirable habitat. More species leads to higher diversity and better habitat. Given limited time and resources, the meth­ od used for diversification was to make and plant “seed bombs” in the prairie after a pre­ scribed bum. Seed bombs aren’t nearly as devious as they sound. A seed bomb is simply a few native wildflower seeds embedded in the mid­ dle of a ball of clay, soil and compost. A dried seed bomb left on bare soil over winter can work its way into the ground a bit through the season’s natural freeze-thaw cycles. When spring brings warmer temperatures and increased rain, the seeds germinate due to sufficient seed-to-soil contact. Seed bombs are £asy to make and doitt Students line up, ready to place “seed bombs” amid grasses at Otis Farm Bird* require any digging to plant. Students spenla Sanctuary. class period learning and making seed bomtfc. Then they hit the trails Nov. 22 and got to planting. The prairie had been burned a few weeks earlier, creating pockets of bare soil, which were ideal spots to leave the little seed starters. Students enjoyed the day, learned about important ecosystems and gave back to their community. Afterward, the group made visits to other natural areas in the county to learn about other projects as well. “It was an enlightening experience,” senior Dane Barnes said. “Who knew prairies would be interesting? It feels good to add diversity to the plants that everything is dependent on.” The purpose of the seed bombs may have been to enhance a grass-dominated tailgrass prairie planting with native wildflowers, but the experience had a greater purpose: Getting students to learn about a real-life conservation issue and be a part of a hands-on solution. “It is important to get the kids outside, to see the preservation and conservation efforts all over the county, and to get them involved,” Buehler said. “They learned about succession, species dependency and interactions, biodi­ versity, plant habits, differing ecosystems, and historical landscapes. Best of all, now that they are aware of the projects that are happen­ ing all over the county, they can have an impact themselves.” Project-based and experiential learning has been shown to work better for improving stu­ dents’ problem-solving skills than classroom lessons alone. Putting lessons into a realworld context also can have a greater impact on developing career interests, especially important as high school graduation nears. The Barry Conservation District works to address local natural resource conservation Native seeds are embedded in a dried ball of clay, soil and compost. Over the win­ needs through a variety of projects and pro­ ter, the seed bomb will work its way toward the soil. Warmer temperatures and rain in grams. More information can be found online the spring will encourage germination. This one was placed atop stubble after a field at barrycd.org. was intentionally burned earlier in the fall. �Page 4 — Thursday, December 5, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you see? Baum Family Surgical Center beams up County can't find the right tune Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital in Hastings got the beams and invited the community to come sign them last month. Many did. A lot of people showed up and, then, with all due ceremony, the beams were blessed. Now the signa­ ture-bedecked beams are in place as the Baum Family Surgical Center contin­ ues to take shape. (Photo provided by Spectrum Health Pennock) We’re dedicating this space to a photo­ graph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? ‘Country Christmas’ wins in city parade Banner Dec. 8, 1975 The Hastings Fiberglass Products float was the judges’ choice for best entry in the Hastings Christmas Parade Saturday. The float was one of more than 40 units in the afternoon parade. Several thousand folks turned out on a clear but brisk afternoon to see the parade, the largest in several years. Dr. Wesley Logan was the grand marshal, The Fiberglass float was in the industrial division. Other parade winners were: Religious Division - Hope United Methodist Church, first; Woodland Church of God, second; Hastings Free Methodist Church, third; Industrial - Flexfab, second; Commercial - The Reminder, first; Lee Ann Shoppe, second; Hastings Banner, third; Civic Division - Hastings Jaycees, first; CB Radio Club, second; Cub Scout Pack 3178, third. Have you met? Dan Remenap, who became superinten­ dent of Hastings Area Schools over the sum­ mer, is from an education family. As a kid, he moved around southern Michigan quite a bit due to his father’s career. He was bom in Grand Rapids, and his father, Randy Remenap, moved up the edu­ cational ladder from athletic director to assis­ tant principal to principal, taking the family (including Dan’s mom, Judie) to Northview, Leslie, Mason, Sturgis and eventually Grandville as the high school principal from which Dan graduated in 1990. He went to Central Michigan University to pursue his teaching degree, graduating in 1996 with a bachelor’s degree in education, majoring in English and minoring in mathe­ matics. He later earned master’s and special­ ist degrees at Grand Valley State University. Remenap taught in the Grandville school district for 11 years, teaching alongside many of teachers who had taught him. He also coached basketball and taught leader­ ship classes. He was assistant principal at Spring Lake schools for 2 1/2 years before being tapped as principal at Allendale High School, where he served 10 years until being chosen as Hastings’ superintendent. Remenap and his wife, Lesa, married in 1997 and have two daughters, Maddie, 19, who attends Central Michigan University; and Marley, 16, a junior at Grandville High School. The family lives in Grandville, and Dan makes the 45-minute commute to Hastings every day. “It’s not too bad,” he said of the drive. “It’s good wind-down time.” Remenap is involved with several organi­ zations connected with his job, including the Barry County College Access Network, the Hastings Rotary Club and the Hastings Education Enrichment Foundation. Outside of work, his interests and hobbies fall in the areas of hunting and fishing - he calls himself a sports fanatic. And he loves to read. Dan Remenap For his dedication to the Hastings school district and his passion for students who attend there, Dan Remenap is this week’s Banner Bright Light. Favorite superhero: Probably Batman. He’s got all those cool gadgets and a really nice car. Favorite movie: “Shawshank Redemption.” It’s such a good one. And I love all the John Hughes movies. You know, “Weird Science,” “16 Candles,” “The Breakfast Club” - all those movies. Favorite book: Well I’m a former English teacher, so that’s a very long list, and narrow­ ing it down is impossible, so I’ll name a couple: The Bible, of course, “Catcher in the Rye,” and anything by Daniel Pink. If I could meet anyone, living or dead, who would it be? Holy cow, anyone? Jesus Christ and Lou Holtz. He’s a former football coach for Notre Dame. But Jesus is the No. 1 by far. If I could go anywhere in the world: I’d love to take my wife to Hawaii. If it were just me, I’d love to bow hunt and fish in Alaska. If I won $500 million in the lottery: I would pay off a bunch of people’s debts, and I would try to build homeless shelters and libraries in the inner city - a place for kids to go where they’re safe. If I could change anything: I wish people would disagree with others without it leading to dislike. I wish our society could disagree in a healthier way. Disagreement is fine; it’s healthy. But, in our culture now, it seems that if you disagree with someone about any­ thing, it instantly means dislike. So, I’d like for our culture to open to constructive dissent and have discussions focused on solutions rather than why ‘my idea is better than yours’ or vice versa. Greatest invention: The automobile. It just completely opened up our world in ways we cannot even fathom. People used to be so isolated but now can go literally anywhere. Best advice ever received: I’ve had so much. Probably, “Dance with who brung ya’.” My uncle said that to me. It literally means that if things are working, keep doing them. Advice to a high school student: This is going to sound kind of preachy, but, “Put down your cellphones; be present when you are with the people you love and care about, and have faith during challenging times.” Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving per­ sonality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Folks, “We got trouble. Right here in River City.” Those words from the 1957 Broadway musical “The Music Man” may sound familiar, but they could apply to our own “river city” where Barry County commis­ sioners have hired TowerPinkster, the Kalamazoo-based architectural and engi­ neering firm to facilitate a discussion of the “crumbling infrastructure” at the county jail and the Commission on Aging build­ ing. Taxpayers, who are footing the bill for the facilitation contract approved in August at a cost not to exceed $50,000, should be questioning what they’re getting for their money. My suspicion is that commission­ ers aren’t looking for a solution to these infrastructure challenges, but rather have hired a traveling pitchman like “Professor” Harold Hill to con us into believing this is money well spent. After holding his firm’s first community meeting Nov. 4, Eric Hackman, senior project manager at TowerPinkster, had the temerity to tell commissioners at a Nov. 19 board meeting that he had concerns about the process. He suggested that maybe the county should hire a demographer because TowerPinkster is an architectural firm and doesn’t have that kind of expertise. Yet TowerPinkster was hired by county officials to facilitate a plan, a plan that has nothing to do with architecture - so why was it hired for this study? “Our recommendation would be to hire the services of a demographer to help us understand the nuances of the demographic makeup of Barry County,” Hackman told commissioners. “We do this a lot with schools.” But the county would be wasting even more money by heeding yet another costly recommendation because demographics aren’t necessary to study the need for a jail, and the COA already has ample informa­ tion on the growing number of older citi­ zens - if commissioners would just ask for it. At a recent Hastings Rotary Club meet­ ing, Tammy Pennington, executive director of the COA, spoke about the need for a larger facility and of the structural prob­ lems that plague the present facility. She gave Rotarians figures on how many seniors currently use programs and provid­ ed a snapshot of projected needs in the future. Just using U.S. Census figures, one can build the case demographically for addi­ tional space. In 2017, about 15.6 percent of the American population was 65 year or older, a figure that is expected to reach 22.1 percent by 2050. Currently, there are more than 46 million older adults age 65 or older and, by 2050, that number is expected to hit almost 90 million. So there’s no ques­ tion that the retirement-age population is growing and people are living longer. So why should county commissioners hire another “expert” when the COA staff has the numbers needed and TowerPinkster completed a comprehensive master facili­ ties plan that cost taxpayers more than $62,000 in 2014? Sounds like the residents of River City, Iowa, buying band instru­ ments and marching uniforms from the music man who knew nothing about music. Demographers are hired to study popula­ tion size and composition trends to help predict how a community is likely to change in the years to come. Well, we already know that Barry County’s popula­ tion is growing older. The real issue here is, does the COA need a new building or could another building, like the present health depart­ ment, be converted to accommodate the COA? That question has been discussed over and over with no action from county commissioners. As part of the 2015 master facilities plan, TowerPinkster considered What do you whether the building is suitable for the COA and provided some possible figures on the cost of renovation. The firm also looked at the potential of moving the health department into the Friend of the Court building on Broadway and State streets in downtown Hastings and transferring the FOC to the Courts and Law building on Court Street. The numbers are all available. The prob­ lem has been the inability of county com­ missioners to put together a reasonable proposal that would satisfy the COA and the county’s taxpayers. As for the jail, county officials are expected to provide services to create a healthy, safe and vibrant' community. Maintaining a safe and secure community is one of the most important functions of county government. Most counties are involved in nearly every aspect of law enforcement and crime prevention, includ­ ing policing, judicial, legal services and corrections. Today, experts say one way to effective­ ly manage jail population is to improve the pretrial release process. Once again, why aren’t commissioners bringing in the judg­ es, court staff and law enforcement person­ nel to determine what kind of facility the county will need in the future - especially if new techniques are being used to keep as many law breakers from incarceration as possible? And who better to look for those answers than the men and women on the front lines? This is where county commissioners fail taxpayers by spending thousands of dollars on so-called experts and studies and not bringing together the people who have a vested interest in solving these problems. Why not start with a citizens group of experienced men and women from the trades and from the groups of people who use these buildings to review the facilities and report their findings to commissioners and the general public? These meetings could be videotaped and transcribed to document the entire process so commis­ sioners would be making decisions with facts - rather than being driven by wants and emotions. However the discussion goes, there’s still the overriding issue that the jail and the Commission on Aging building have nothing to do with each other. Each should be considered separately in discussions and on any possible ballot to avoid any confusion in an effort to identify what’s best for each agency. A good pitchman is almost as good as a solution. From where I sit, that’s what commissioners are getting for our (not to exceed) $50,000 - a high-paid music man pitchman to sell the county’s taxpayers on these two projects, rather than looking for the best alternative and then acting on each issue. It’s time to put this process on hold and step back to do some homework on the issues. By using a group of selected local experts, a valid plan that taxpayers will have some confidence in can be deter­ mined. Then we can all enjoy the music of 76 trombones! Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by accessing our website, www. HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the fol­ lowing week. Last week: By December 2024, all eggs sold in the state must come from cage-free hens, making Michigan the largest egg-producing state in the U.S. to adopt such a law. Is this a good idea? Yes 62% No 12% No Comment 25% For this week: Periodically, citizens who work during the day tell coun­ ty commissioners it is a hard­ ship to attend their daytime meetings. Do you think all units of local government should be required to meet periodically in the evening? □ Yes □ No , 13 ?: ' deL ■ [bba j qaib .: sJi ^414 - 11 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 5, 2019 — Page 5 RACE, continued from page 1 Michigan Farm Bureau president: Time for trade, not aid Michigan Farm Bureau Noting the mounting frustration of Michigan farmers to see progress on resolving nunjerous trade disputes while dealing with significant weather-related challenges in 2019, Michigan Farm Bureau President Carl Bednarski said it’s time for Washington, D.C., to umderstand farmers want trade, not aid. ; n his annual address to members attending the organization’s 100th annual meeting in Grand Rapids Tuesday, Bednarski, a Tuscola County cash-crop farmer, said Congressional approval of the pending U.S .-Mexico-Canada Agreement is long overdue. pespite repeated assurances the USMCA agreement will eventually pass, Bednarski said time and patience are both running short over the refusal by the Speaker of the House to schedule the trade package for a floor vote. fWhen we can’t approve a trade deal with our two closest neighbors, it sends a message to the global marketplace,” Bednarski said. “It says we’re more concerned with politics than being serious contenders in agricultural trade.” County board needs to consider options Addressing members attending Michigan Farm Bureau’s 100th annual meeting in Grand Rapids, Bednarski, a Tuscola County cash-crop farmer, said Congressional approval of the pending U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement is overdue. (Photo provided) ‘When we can’t approve | a trade deal with our ‘two closest neighbors, \it sends a message to Bednarski said. “We worked with commodity executives, Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Farm Service Agency, the Risk Management Agency Michigan State University, and agribusiness to develop revised emergency prevent plant guidelines, that included emergency forage provisions from RMA for crop insurance policy holders,” Bednarski added. The state legislators and governor quickly approved legislation providing $15 million in funding for the pre-existing Agriculture Loan Origination Program, designed to allow financial institutions to make low-interest loans to farmers, processors and farm-related retailers. While honoring the Michigan Farm Bureau’s centennial anniversary, he encouraged members to remain focused on future challenges facing Michigan agriculture, including ongoing challenges to the state’s Right-to-Farm Law, as well as finding a feasible solution to road funding - one of the first issues the organization dealt with in 1919. “Ironically, the major issue at that time was how to pay for roads. Sound familiar?” Bednarski asked. “At that time, road funding depended on property taxes. In fact, Michigan Farm Bureau’s first major legislative victory was an intense two-year battle to finally secure a 2-cent gas tax to fund roads.” Road funding is just one of the many issues that approximately 400 delegates from across the state were expected to debate and vote on during MFB Annual Meeting delegate sessions Tuesday through Thursday. the global marketplace. ; It says we’re more 'concerned with politics I than being serious j contenders in agricultural trade. ” Pednarski said political stonewalling on the USMCA vote, along with ongoing trade disputes with China and the European Union, is affecting farm profitability. fWe all understand there are many long­ standing trade issues that need to be addressed,” Bednarski said regarding China. “Unfortunately, U.S. agriculture has been targeted in the ongoing trade and tariff dispute.” 0n a positive trade note, Bednarski said the Recently announced trade deal with Japan, the third-largest ag export market, is great news. I As a result, Michigan farmers will have the opportunity to compete on a level playing field, while gaining access to 127 million Japanese consumers,” he said. Regarding weather-related challenges and record levels of prevented planting of many major Michigan crops, he credited multiple state and federal agencies, including USDA and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s administration for their quick responses. “We heard your concerns with prevent plant deadlines and questions of what could be planted on those acres for cover, as well as a lack of forage for livestock producers,” ' f cyclists was prompted by last year’s early sellout, Acker said. “While we never want to turn people away, we are also very conscious about sustainable growth and maintaining a highquality event,” Acker wrote in an email message to the Banner. “Each year we’ve reviewed the event, assessed what issues, if any, there were and gone from there. We feel that moving the cap from 3,500 to 3,850 along with several other changes will help us maintain all of the quality and meet the demand of riders.” Additional changes have been made to the 2020 race, which will be the 12th annual event. Changes include reducing the “Chiller” course from 22 miles to 18, which organizers hope will attract more first-time riders. “This will be a big step forward in rider safety. We often hear from first-timers that the 22-mile course is a bit much and harder than they bargained for,” organizers announced in a Nov. 20 release posted on the race website, barry-roubaix.com. “The new 18-mile route removes ‘The Wall’ and ‘Cemetery Climb,’ effectively cutting out 200 feet of elevation gain. Our hope is that while still a worthy challenge, this will be a more beginner­ friendly route as it was intended to be from the get-go.” Other changes for next year include the creation of open categories for the 36-mile race, which allows entrants to compete for top-10 cash awards. There is a caveat, however: Cyclists who enter in the open category will not be eligible for age-group awards. Conversely, riders who register in age group categories won’t be eligible for overall podium honors and cash prizes, organizers said. "".. . .................W------ ~- 11 .. ' To the editor: I attended the TowerPinkster presentation regarding the Commission On Aging building and the jail Nov. 4. Sadly, I found it to be a basic rehash of the work that was done in 2015. There were a couple of items I feel were missing from the discussion: Before a millage is presented to the public to build a jail or COA building, shouldn’t the commissioners conduct their due diligence and explore the possibility of alternative funding? I’m not sure if it is possible, but the county has a AAA bond rating, which equates to a lower interest rate on borrowed money. The City of Battle Creek issued debt to build a new police station. They did not increase the millage. There are businesses that can per­ form these kinds of calculations to know if the county is in a position to be able to repay the debt and determine if this is an alternative to a millage. Shouldn’t this be explored? There was no mention in the meeting of purchasing an existing building and repurpos­ ing it for the jail or COA. I have explored this and there is such a building for sale currently near Hastings. It is large enough to accommo­ date a jail and to have a good commercial kitchen and a garage. There is land with this facility that would be available for expansion at a later date, if necessary. Allegan County bought an empty manufacturing facility and repurposed it into a jail. I toured that facility and it worked well at a big savings to that county. I believe having a standalone health depart­ ment or possibly joining with Ionia or Allegan (both more in line with our rural county) needs to be reconsidered. The reasons given at the county board meeting I attended last year for not having a standalone health depart­ ment was that new policies and procedures would need to be developed and that new people would need to be hired. That is work, but work that can be accomplished. The poli­ cies and procedures already exist; they can be borrowed from other counties, and the current health department employees would likely apply for these jobs. Having a standalone health department could decrease our costs. When the commit­ tee looked into this, the report indicated that Ionia County’s general fund cost for its health department is 93 cents per resident, while Barry County’s genera^fund cost per resident is $7.39. Surely, we can d^ better. By trim­ ming the health department,Y would fit nice­ ly into the current Friend of the Court build­ ing since FOC will be moving to the Courts and Law building in the near figure. That would leave the Current health department building for the COA to occupy. Another potential cost savings. There are many opportunities to consider, but it takes work and it takes time. The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: •All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Joyce Snow, Hastings \ In addition, organizers have eliminated minimum racer requirements and cash payouts for the 62-mile race. In past years, organizers had required a minimum of 10 riders for the single-speed and masters categories and 30 riders for a payout. In an effort to attract younger riders, organizers said they will keep race registration open for riders age 18 year and younger, even if the event sells out. Also, a new youth team competition has been added for the 18-mile course, where teams can compete for a $1,000 prize for their organization, organizers said. How much does Barry-Roubaix contribute to the local and regional economy? Acker said the event brings in a considerable amount of activity, with participants eating, drinking and lodging in Hastings and surrounding areas. “We did conduct a high-level study a few years back and estimated the impact to be at $750,000 for the event weekend,” Acker wrote. “That estimate is very conservative, so odds are the impact during the course of the year exceeds $1 million An event in Kansas of similar size did a formal study, and the economic impact was measured to be in excess of $5 million.” Registration for the 2020 race is slated to close March 25 at 5 p.m. Registration for most categories is $60, but will increase in $5 increments Jan. 1, Feb. 1 and March 1. Tandem entries are $75 while youth entries are $25. Cyclists may register on bikereg. com. If the race sells out, cyclists can register to be on the waiting list. Once someone who registered decides to withdraw an entry, the first person from the waitlist for their particular category will be moved into the race field, according to the event website. Know Your Legislators: y-- ; .......................................... . ..... / ■ Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Ph0ne (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov S>tate Senator Dr. John Bizon, Republican, 19th District State Senate, Phone 517­ 373-2426 or toll-free, 855-347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. mall: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. I TIME TO TURN UP THE VOLUME Call any time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945-9554 or 1-899-879-7085 • U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Independent, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phpne (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. 90s HOUSE PARTY • DECEMBER 29 XmTTT'TYTT 'I If mi ITT CRISS ANGEL RAW THE MINDFREAK UNPLUGGED THURSDAY, JAN THORnnPPLE PLAYERS ■h rr f.1» » «I li-m 1 I I I ITT TICKETS ON-SALE NOW at the FireKeepers Box Office or FireKeepersCas TIME TO GET YOUR icom. firekeepers CASINO♦HOTEL BATTLE CREEK I-94 to Exit 104 | 11177 Michigan Avenue | Battle Creek, Ml 49014 Must be 21 or older. Tickets based on availability. Schedule subject to change. d Holiday Jhadilwn MoMoMd! The Santa Claus Chronicles by Pat Cook Presented by special arrangement with Pioneer Drama Services Jhe 't/ijjl o# the Vlaqi The Hastings BcHHldT Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. Howard & Marsha Frizzell Celebrating their 50th Wedding Anniversary — on December 13th! — A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway * Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 ; News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Based on the story by O’Henry adapted by Anne Coulter Martens. Presented by special arrangement with Dramatic Publishing Wednesday - Saturday, December 4-7 at 7:00 p.m. THERE IS NO SUNDAY MATINEE The Dennison Performing Arts Center Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO 231 S. Broadway, Hastings . ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT * Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Oifcere wtllbe an open to the public 'iressfy C rehearsal Tuesday, December 3 at 7:00 p.m. AU seats are $7.00 Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker I LIMITED SEATING Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County .NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) ; Greg Chandler Taylor Owens $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 Through the good and bad times, you have shown us how to make a marriage last. 50 years together requires lots of patience, love, commitment, forgiveness, acceptance and humor. Congratulations from your children and grandchildren! Tickets: Adults $10, Seniors and Students $8 Advance tickets maybe purchased at Progressive Graphics or reserved by calling the Thornapple Arts Council at 269-945-2002 Members of the Community Theatre Association of Michigan r? aT)T)\^ DrXlxIxI ffl® community W The Thomapple Players is a non-profit organization providing theatrical opportunities to the Bany County area. For more information call 269-945-2332 �Page 6 Thursday, December 5, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at ’’an old country church.” Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship li a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Gabe 'Priddy, (517) 852­ 9228, Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED f METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org J has$iigshopeumc@gmail. 5 com. welcome YOU to join uson Sunday Mornings ; at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ । hastingshopeumc. J PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH ; 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, Ml 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. I MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10:31-11:46; Coffee ; Connection. Nursery, Children’s ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office. greenstreetumc@gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948­ 8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings. org, 9 a.m. Classes and Gatherings for All ages; 9:45 a.m. Worship (Children's Worship Offered); 10:45 a.m. Coffee Fellowship; 11:15 a.m. Coffee Talk with Pastor Dan. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9:45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945-9217. cbchastings. org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmaiLcom. Website: www.hast inggfreQmethQdist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller, Wor­ ship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care pro­ vided. SUNDAY MORNING FAMILY HOUR WEL­ COMES ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue, Loving God, Lov­ ing Neighbor: Preschool age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Standard and Adult Elective classes. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church age 4-4th grade dis­ missed during service. Fall Ser­ mon Series & Growth Groups, "On Mission” begins Sept. 15. Sunday Evening: Youth Group at 6:30 p.m., 2nd Tues: Young Women's Small Group at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Mid-Week: Women's Bible Study at 6:30 p.m. Kid's Club, Oct. 16-Dec. 4, 6:30-7:45 p.m. Friday Bible Study at 10 a.m. For more infor­ mation please contact the church. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God’s Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! Dec. 8 - Worship services at 8 and 10:45 a.m.; Church School 10:45 a.m. Nursery available both services. Dec. 9 - Outreach Mtg. 4:30 p.m.. Dec. 10 - BOG Christmas Night Out 6 p.m.; Flute Choir 7 p.m. Dec. 11 - Advent Meal open to all! 6 p.m.; Special Music/Bell Choir 6:50 p.m.; Prayer Service 7 p.m. Dec. 12 - Youth Bell Celebration 3:45-5 p.m.; Holley Trolley 5-8 p.m. Pastor Ken Scheck II. pastorken@grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www.grace-hastings. org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings, MI. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: pvfnh H«G5 Uv ~ —— va 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699 W.M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 HolLiiieTools&Eqiiipment 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 Sweet creations on display Gingerbread “houses,” part of Jingle and Mingle celebration, are already on display at Hastings Public Library. Through 3 p.m. Saturday, guests can vote for a favorite gingerbread creation. One winner will be chosen for each of three categories: Most color­ ful, most realistic and most abstract. Winners will be announced during the parade, which will step off at 5:30 p.m. Saturday. Full details can be found at hastingsjingleandmingle.com. Hastings school Christmas concerts changed The band and choir programs at Hastings Area Schools will present their annual Christmas Collage concerts, but in a new venue and at different times and dates. The high school band and choirs still will be combined in a continuous presentation of music that quickly and quietly moves from one group to another. Lights and decorations will add to the set. However, the concerts will be at the per­ forming arts center. The high school band and choir will per­ form Sunday, Dec. 8, at 2 and again at 4 p.m. “Both times are the same show, but, due to the amount of people who attend, we need two performances to be able to seat every­ one,” band co-director Jen Ewers said. The middle school band concert will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the high school performing arts center. The middle school choir will present its Christmas concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, at the performing arts center. All concerts are free, and the public is wel­ come. The high school collage concert will be recorded and aired on WBCH Radio Christmas morning. Toys for Barry County Kids gets a boost Kenneth Allyn Converse “Finley the Fox” project participants are, from left: Pat Doezema of Greenridge Realty, Jon Resseguie, Dawn Goodrich, Candice Smith, Patty Vaughan of Avon and Curt Vaughan. HASTINGS, MI - Kenneth Allyn Converse, age 20, of Hastings, died on November 28, 2019. He was bom on August 6, 1999 in Selmer, TN, the son of Greg Lee Converse and Niccole Shelene (Miller) Fates. Kenneth was a 2017 graduate of Thomapple Kellogg High School in Middleville, and was employed by the Bradford White Corporation. Kenneth was a member of Southwest Michigan Truck Rollers (SMTR). His hobbies included two-tracking, mud runs, hunting, fishing, working on his truck, hanging out with close friend Avery Gilbert and his girlfriend Samantha Hunter and helping his grandparents around the house and property. Kenneth was in the process of searching for property in the state of Tennessee to one day build his dream home. Kenneth is preceded in death by his great­ grandpa, Clifford Converse, Sr.; great-grandma, Esther (Allen) Converse; great-grandpa, Otto Kuball; great-grandma, Harriet (Couch) Kuball; great-grandpa, James Allen Barton; great­ grandma, Roma Charmaigne (Stenzel) Barton; grandpa, Robert Earl Walters, and grandma Jean Marie Miller. He is survived by his father, Greg Lee Converse and Tammy McCarver; his mother, Niccole Shelene (Miller) Fales and Keith Fales; his grandparents, Rusty Barton and Judy Converse, Clifford and Jude (Abendroth) Converse; siblings, Greg Allen (Becca Carr) Converse, Lacie Lynn (Converse) and Richard King, Sheleanna Maree Converse and Brendan Kane Converse; nieces and nephews, Cameron James Harwood, Faith Simara Converse, Kegan Scott King, Savannah Rose King; many aunts, uncles and numerous cousins. Visitation will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2019, from 11 a.m. til noon with the funeral service directly following at noon at Girrbach Funeral Home, 328 S Broadway, Hastings, MI. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home, Hastings. To leave online condolences visit www.giiTbachfuneralhome.net. Heather Tolsma Contributing Writer Volunteers involved in the “Finley the Fox” fundraising program gathered at the Barry County United Way building to donate their purchases and proceeds toward the Toys for Barry County Kids program and the Fresh Food Initiative through United Way of Barry County. For the past five years, local Avon representative Patty Vaughan has been assisting the Toys for Barry County Kids program by providing the means for others involved in the project to purchase a specific stuffed toy, a fox named Finley. The stuffed fox is sold by Avon through Patty for $28 each and, every year since, all of her profits have been donated back to Toys for Barry County Kids. Originally, Patty and her husband, Carl, were joined by Pat Doezema of Greenridge Realty, who buys four of the stuffed animals every year, and city council member Jon Resseguie, who matches the profits from the total purchase of the foxes up to $500. Eventually, Dawn Goodrich, a friend of Patty’s joined in along with Candice Smith, a volunteer with the Barry County Humane Society and the Barry County Animal Shelter. Morgan Johnson, who works for United Way, is in charge of purchasing food for the Fresh Food Initiative and helps support the effort to provide food and toys for families in Barry County before Christmas. TVC will move service to Thursday Luke Froncheck Staff Writer After 19 consecutive years, Thornapple Valley Church will move its Saturday evening service to Thursday. The service time will remain the same, beginning at 5 p.m. “I’ve noticed a dramatic cultural shift,” Lead Pastor Jeff Arnett said, adding that families seem to have more discretionary funds allowing them to go out and pursue more activities on the weekend. As a result, he said he has noticed a greater number of absences during the Saturday service. “Offering a Saturday night service is no more viable than offering a Sunday morning service,” Arnett said. “It’s kind of like being a business trying to offer people more options. We feel that Thursday night may provide an alternative to weekends.” Jan. 4, 2020, will be the final Saturday evening service. The first Thursday service will be Jan 9. • Traditional and Cremation Services • Pre-Planning Services • Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible • Serving All Faiths • Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-3252 • www.girrbachfuneralhome. Owncr/Manager Family Owned and Operated owX^Emeritas Serving Hastings, Barry County and Surrounding Communities for 50 years �You can check the application status online with your personal My Social Security account at socialsecurity.go^signin, but you must wait five days fromthe te you origi­ nally filed. If you are unable to check your Planning commission action may add ‘glamping’ to river life Doug VanderLaan Contributing Writer Life along the Thomapple River could see a change following approval of a conditional site plan and special land use permit for a proposed canoe, kayak and tubing launch business along East Center Road. A highlight of the plan OK’d Monday night by the Hastings Planning Commission includes five seasonal urban “glamping” sites. Glamping - a word combination signifying “glamorous camping” - is part of Julie Fox’s intention to expand her existing U-Rent-Em Canoe Livery business at 805 W. Apple St. to two sites totaling approximately 1 1/2 acres on the city’s eastern limits at 1400 and 1402 E. Center Road. In addition to increased canoe, kayak and tubing launch points, the property will allow for the area’s first urban glamping spots, 10-by-14-foot tents mounted on wood plat­ forms with 8-foot porches and individual campfire pits. “Glamping is where you rent a tent that opens and looks like a hotel room,” Fox told planning commissioners. “It’s a little more expensive, and most people will probably not be locals .We’re thinking they may come from Chicago, Indianapolis, different metro areas, and we hope they’ll come with their discre­ tionary income, on a first visit to Hastings and maybe with a wish to relocate to Hastings because today you can work from anywhere.” Fox also cited the site’s walking distance from downtown Hastings as an incentive for “glampers” to enjoy food, entertainment and shopping and for merchants who will benefit from increased traffic. Aside from some needed clarification of the glamping experience and several code compliance questions, planning commission­ ers expressed greater concern over Fox’s additional intentions with the plan to increase recreational traffic on the Thornapple River. “We’ve been operating U-Rent-Em Canoe for over 50 years on Apple Street and, as of recently, the business has just blown up and we’re landlocked,” Fox responded in address­ ing planning commission Chairman David Hatfield’s request that she review how the new site will affect the present business. “We’ve been trying for 10 years to locate some other place to expand, but now the need has become more urgent. “This past season, the City allowed us a green space for parking, but now, with work at the water plant, we’ll no longer be able to use that space for parking,” she said. “We’ve acquired the two properties on East Center Road, and now we’ll be able to divert some of our business away from the Apple Street site.” Fox added that the business recently pur­ chased a third, adjacent piece of property that lies outside the city in Hastings Charter Township. How big that diversion would be and how it could affect traffic patterns and infrastruc­ ture concerns drew scrutiny from planning commissioners - particularly since the site plan submitted by Fox contained several missing components. “The property was recently rezoned to a flood plain designation and, as such, the use of the property, the water use and the glamp­ ing are to be considered as special uses in a floor plain district,” Rebecca Harvey, plan­ ning consultant with Kalamazoo-based McKenna Associates, said. “In considering both the site plan and the special-use permit, you should be guided by the standards and five criteria of flood plain districts. “There is information missing or issues that the planning commission does need to resolve. Our report has been provided to the applicant. It would be proper [for the applicant] to respond and provide you with the rest of that information.” Fox attempted to do that verbally and with individual photographs and drawings she shared with commissioners, but expressed her apologies in not being better prepared for a public presentation she didn’t anticipate mak­ ing. “You’re asking for 38 parking spaces - are they to support glamping and some launching of tubes?” Hatfield asked, wondering, as did other questioners, about the apparent excess spaces for a glamping population that would likely be never more than five to 10 cars for five glamping sites. Informed that the extra spots would be for overflow parking from the 70 spots reserved for tubers at the third, adjacent location in Hastings Township, commission member Tom Maurer mentioned in later conversation that, if the parking location is intended to be for on-site, site-dependent parking, overflow parking would not be consistent with the spe­ cific parking use for the glamping site, mak­ ing 36 spots excessive. Told that overflow motorists would be walking from the glamping parking lot upstream to the adjacent tube launching site at the Hastings Township location, Maurer won­ dered about overall use numbers and Fox’s earlier contention that her business would not cause an excessive change in traffic flow even at peak use hours when, on some weekend days, she would anticipate 700 to 800 tubers. “I see that as a substantial traffic problem,” Maurer said, to which Fox reminded commis­ sioners that, when rain is in the forecast, her business would not see near that number of tubers. Fox also added that her business operates only from Memorial Day to Labor Day and is “open probably 28 weekend days. Out of 365 days in a year, other than the longer glamping season with five sites, it would be a very minor traffic increase.” Additional questions from commissioners and from a neighbor at 1404 E. Center Road who addressed the commission involved the surfacing of parking lots, Commissioner John Resseguie pointing out that mud and resulting ruts could hamper walking on the parking lot property; plans for an existing stone house on the property which Fox said will be renovated for use as a hub, including showers and restrooms; refuse control which commission­ ers learned would be removed daily as it is presently at the Apple Street site; setback distances from property boundaries and the river; lighting, which is planned to be motion-sensor-controlled; and on-site man­ agement, which Fox promised would involve a daily attendant. Given the number of unknown factors in the proposal, commissioners expressed con­ cern about the possibility of revising the plan in the future. “Can we stipulate that, if the parking lot does become a problem, we can revisit the site requirements?” Maurer asked. “The impact [of the project] could produce adverse effects. What recourse do we have? Foot traffic could be a problem, mud from the site could get transferred to the road. We don’t know what will happen.” “An act by the board means that’s what you have approved, and [the applicant] is not approved to go beyond that,” Harvey clari­ fied. “If the user operates outside that, the city can issue a violation ... You make a decision based on what you have been presented. As long as they operate within that, you can’t go back. Problems related to your concerns, though, could be addressed in other areas. Mud could be dealt with under a nuisance ordinance, for instance.” “I’d like to see us put in a condition to go a year and see,” suggested Commissioner Jacque McLean, who expressed her apprecia­ tion to Fox for carrying through with the project and helping to turn a neglected part of the river into an attractive destination. Commissioners voted 8-1, with Lois Bowers casting the minority vote, to approve and recommend passage by the City Council of the one-year conditional site land use per­ mit - dependent on Fox formalizing the miss­ ing site-plan information she presented ver­ bally - which formally reads, “To approve the site plan and grant special land use permit with compliance to flood plain district and special land use requirements based on infor­ mation provided by applicant and conditional upon updated site plan approved by staff and to revisit parking conditions in one year.” In other business, the planning commis­ sion: -Held an unofficial site review in which it could ask questions but not render any deci­ sions on a development plan for the Meadowstone Mobile Home Park after its recent purchase by Four Leaf properties of Oak Brook, Ill. Substituting for Four Leaf Properties manager Mike Callaghan, who was unable to attend because of weather-related travel difficulties, project engineer Robert Lamer of Exxel Engineering Inc. in Grand Rapids spoke on sewer and water hookup issues that could be part of a possible planned unit development or rezoning request to expand the development. “It’s nice to see the park living up to its expectation,” Hatfield responded following Lamer’s presentation. “It’s housing in a price range that’s affordable, and its use makes great sense. How you get there, I don’t care. That’s for you and staff to work out.” -Set a public hearing at its next meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 6 to consider text amendment changes to an ordinance that would reduce the size of the zoning board of appeals from six members with two alternates to five members with two alternates. Ostensibly requested to provide an odd number of members and reduce the chance of tie votes, the proposal offered Hatfield a chance to express his frus­ tration with local governance. “I think the whole concept of having alter­ nate members makes no sense,” Hatfield said, acknowledging the problem of some boards not having enough members present to take voted action on issues before them. “If the ZB A has attendance issues, we should address the attendance issue. I’d rather go up to seven members and know that we need them to show up.” Harvey provided some clarification, point­ ing out that, in many communities, alternates and lower member numbers are a godsend. “Small communities sometimes have trou­ ble even finding a quorum for meetings,” she said, “and the ZBA has to have a majority vote of its board members to take actions.” -Tabled a scheduled review of planning commission bylaws and rules of procedure until the Jan. 6 meeting. - Voted for 2020 meeting dates to continue on the first Monday of every month at 7 p.m. See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 5, 2019 — Page 7 • SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Specialist answers questions regarding benefits, services and more What are the requirements for receiving disabled widow’s benefits? You may be able to get disabled widow(er)’s benefits at age 50 if you meet Social Security’s disability requirement. Your dis­ ability must have started before age 60 and within seven years of the latest of the follow­ ing dates: the month the worker died; the last month you were entitled to survivors benefits on the worker’s record as a parent caring for a surviving minor child; or the month your pre­ vious entitlement to disabled widow(er)’s benefits ended because your disability ended. To learn more, visit socialsecurity.gov/planners/disability/dqualify9 .html. How do I appeal a decision on my applica­ tion for disability benefits? When we make a decision on your applica­ tion, we’ll send you a letter explaining our decision. If you don’t agree with our decision, you may ask us to look at your case again, or appeal it. You must appeal within 60 days from the date you get our decision letter. You can file a disability appeal online at socialse­ curity .gov/benefits/disability/appeal .html and electronically provide documents to support your request, even if you live outside of the United States; or visit your local Social Security office. For more information, call 900-772-1213 (TTY 900-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. To learn more about Social Security’s disability programs, visit socialsecurity.gov/disability. I'm on Supplemental Security Income and live with my two brothers in an apartment. My SSI payment is cut by one-third because the Social Security office says I don’t pay enough of the household expenses. How much of the expenses must I pay in order to get the full SSI rate? Under the rules of the program, you must be paying an equal share of the expenses. Because there are three of you in the house­ hold, you must pay one-third of the expenses. If you are not paying an equal share of the rent, utilities, groceries and other household expenses, your SSI payment must be reduced. To learn more, visit socialsecurity.gov. How can I become a representative payee? If you know someone who receives Social Security or Supplemental Security Income and who needs assistance managing his or her payments, contact your local Social Security office about becoming a representative payee. Go to socialsecurity.gov/payee for more infor­ mation. I applied for Meed e benefits last week. How can I check the statys of my application? status online, call 900-772-1213 (TTY 900­ 325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. becoming a victim is to safeguard your Social Security card and number. To learn more* visit socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber. | I want to sign up for a Medicare Part C and D plan, but I’m not sure which plan I want. Is there a resource to help me find a plan? Yes. Medicare.gov has an online plan find­ er and instructions available on how to use this tool. To access the Medicare Plan Finder, visit medicare .gov/findr a-plan/questions/ home.aspx. If I get Social Security disability benefits and I reach full retirement age, will I fhen receive retirement benefits? Social Security disability benefits automat­ ically change to retirement benefits when disability beneficiaries reach full retirement age. In most cases, the. payment amount does not change. The law does not allow a person to receive both retirement and disability ben­ efits simultaneously on one earnings retord.. To learn more, visit socialsecurity.gov. ■! Can I delay my retirement benefits and receive benefits as a spouse only? How does that work? It depends on your date of birth. If you were bom on or before Jan. 1,1954, and your spouse is receiving Social Security benefits, you may apply for retirement benefits on your spouse’s record as long as you are at your full retirement age. You then will earn delayed retirement credits up to age 70, as long as you do not collect benefits on your own work record. Later, when you do begin receiving benefits on your own record, those payments could very well be higher than they would have been otherwise. If your spouse also is full retirement age and does not receive bene­ fits, your spouse will have to apply for bene­ fits and request the payments be suspended. Then you can receive benefits on your spouse’s Social Security record. If you were bom on or after Jan. 2, 1954, and wish to receive benefits, you must file for all benefits for which you are eligible. Social Security will determine the benefits for which you are eligible and pay you accordingly. For individ­ uals born on or after Jan. 2, 1954, there is no longer an option to select which benefit you would like to receive, even beyond your full retirement age. Widows are an exception, since they can choose to take their deceased spouse’s benefit without filing for their own. For more information, visit socialsecurity, gov. ' ~ \ ■ .f-- Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do , Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp. NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via emdil to vonda.vantil@ssa.gov. Recently, I was told I shouldn’t be carrying My Social Security card around. Is that true? We encourage you to keep your Social Security card at home in a safe place. Do not carry it with you unless you are taking it to a job interview or to someone who requires it. Identity theft is one of the fastest-growing crimes in America, and the best way to avoid i 133387 SEASONAL TEMPORARY SNOWPLOW - TRUCK DRIVER The $<.0,000 RING IN THE NEW YEAR BINGO BASU MONDAY, DECEMBER 30 Doors: 2 PM • Session: 4 PM DAILY SESSIONS THURSDAYS - MONDAYS • 12 PM & 6 PM CLOSED TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS Visit FireKeepersCasino.com for details. FIREKEEPERS CASINO ♦ HOTEL 'iD Hastings Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 Banner Area Locations to purchase the Hastings Banner! One Stop Shop (Phillips 66) (M-43 North) Tom’s Market I Wdlgville: Speedway Middleville Marketplace Greg’s Get-lt-N-Go Middleville Johnny's Cloverdale: Cloverdale General Brown’s Cedar Creek Grocery Gita Lake: Phillips 66 Gas Station (M-37 South) Hastings Johnny's The Dock Store The General Store Pine Lake: Doster Country Store Marathon Mega Bev Penn-Nook Gift Shop Phillips 66 Gas Station (W. State St.) Phillips 66 Gas Station (M-37 West) Family Fare Gas Station Walgreens Prairieville: Prairieville Fast Stop Orangeville: Orangeville Fast Stop Woodland: Woodland Express 1 Little's Country Store Nashville Johnny's Delton: Family Fare Delton Johnny’s Nashville C Store Carls . Bonfield: lgfceOdes$o: Banfield General Store Dotstingi Goldsworthys Dowling General Store Freeport: L&J’s £ i I’m reaching my full retirement age, and * thinking about retiring early next year. When is the best time of year to apply for Social Security benefits? | You may apply as early as four months before when you want your monthly benefits. to begin. To apply, just go to socialsecurity, gov/applytoretire. Applying online for retire­ ment benefits from your home or office is secure and can take as little as 15 minutes. I’m creating my budget for next year. How much will my benefit increase at the begin­ ning of the year? The annual cost-of-living adjustment, or COLA, is tied to the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) as determined by the U .S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics. In the years when a COLA is due, you will receive your COLA starting in January. Visit our web­ site , socialsecurity.go v/OACT/COLA/latestCOLA.html to see if a COLA is in effect for this year. The Barry County Road Commission has openings for seasonal part time snow plow truck driving positions. A high school diploma or GED is required along with a Michigan Commercial Driver’s License with an A or B endorsement. Applications may be picked up at the Barry County Road Commission office (269-945-3449) at 1725 W. M-43 Hwy. Hastings, MI between 6 AM - 4 PM, or found on the website at www.barrycrc.org. A complete job description will be provided at the time of application. Hourly wage will be $17-$21.12/hour no benefits. The Barry County Road Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer. ■ Lake-O-Mart, . . Lake Odessa Johnny's Carl’s Shelbyville: Town & Country. �Page 8 — Thursday, December 5, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Hastings library hosting cinnamon craft night ribbon or fabric, dried or artificial berries, embroidery thread or other craft supplies. Registration is required for this program which has supplies for 20 people. The fee is $2 per person. Individuals with questions may call 269-945-4263 or check out the Facebook event on the Hastings Public Library-MI page. During its Cabin Fever Club’s countdown to Christmas, Hastings Public Library will host Cinnamon Your Night Away crafting event from 6 to 8 p.m. Dec. 9 in the library’s community room. The library will furnish a sewing machine, 10 pounds of cinnamon sticks, gathered pinecones, felt and fabric for different craft ideas. Attendees are invited to bring special PERFORMANCES AT The JRW croXT“tre^7 Revue 301 N. MAIN ST., NASHVILLE (Theater is on corner of iVioin & Washington. Use side entrance and go upstairs) For tickets, visit Ettps://thereviienashville.sea.tyoiirself.l>iz Adults $10, Seniors/studeuts $8 NiJCrAcKeR SPONSORED BY FRIDAYS: December 6 & 13 at 7 Dm SATURDAYS: December 7 & 14 at7 pm SUNDAYS: December 8 & 15 at 2 pm NOW TAKING APPLICATIONS i for NEWSPAPER CARRIERS! ROUTES (WALKING & DRIVING) AVAILABLE IN BARRY COUNTY • Paid Weekly • MUST APPLY IN PERSON AT OUR HASTINGS OFFICE H ■ 1351 N. M-43 Highway Hastings The People Paper' Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 Hastings Barry County □1 Year $45.00 ANNER Furnished by Outside of Above Counties for 5 Months or More □ 1 Year $55.00 Mark D. Christensen of EDWARD JONES Invest in your family and community Why do you invest? For many people, here’s the answer: “I invest because I want to enjoy a comfortable retirement.” And that’s certainly a great reason, because all of us should regularly put money away for when we’re retired. But you can also benefit by investing in your family and your community. Let’s start with your family members, particularly the younger ones. How can you invest in their future? One of the best ways is to help send them to college. A college degree is still a pretty good investment: The average lifetime earnings of a college graduate are nearly $1 million higher than those of someone with a high school degree, according to a study by the U.S. Census Bureau. To help your children or grandchildren pay for any college, university, vocational school or other postsecondary education, you may want to open a 529 savings plan. With this account, withdrawals are federally tax free, as long as the money is used for qualified higher education expenses, including those from trade and vocational schools. (However, if you withdraw some of the earnings on your account, and you don’t use the money for qualified expenses, it will be taxable and can also incur a 10% federal tax penalty.) Plus, $1,483.20 $17.22 27,503 +$29.00 +.29 -563 Marriage ficenses Casey Joe Jacobs, Shelbyville and Jennifer Ann Smith, Wayland Bartlomie J. Gramek, Hastings and Deanna May Ogg, Hastings Millie Elaine Potter, Woodland and Macob Thomas Darling, Clarksville NOTICE OF MEETING OF BOARD OF DETERMINATION Duncan Lake No. 2 DATE: Tuesday, December 17, 2019 TIME: 6:00 p.m. LOCATION: Thornapple Township Hall, 200 E. Main St., Middleville, Michigan QUESTIONS: (269) 945-1385 A Board of Determination will meet at the above date, time and location to hear all interested persons, receive evidence and determine whether the maintenance and improvement, as set forth in the petition, dated August 20, 2019, is necessary and conducive to the public health, convenience or welfare, pursuant to Chapter 8 of Public Act 40 of 1956, as amended. A presentation will be made to the Board of Determination outlining a brief history of the Drainage District, and describing the roles, responsibilities and decisions made by a Board of Determination. The presentation is to provide background for landowners and municipalities in the drainage district and to facilitate the dissemination of information and the receipt of testimony of landowners in the Drainage District. The Board of Determination will make its decision at the end of the meeting. Proceedings conducted at this public meeting will be subject to the provisions of the Michigan Open Meetings Act. Information regarding this meeting may be obtained from the Barry County Drain Commissioner’s Office located at 220 W. State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Persons with disabilities needing accommodations for effective participation in the meeting should contact the Drain Commissioner at the number listed above or through the Michigan Relay Center at 7-1-1 (TDD) at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting to request mobility, visual, hearing or other assistance. Anyone aggrieved by the decisions of the Board of Determination may seek judicial review pursuant to MCL 280.72a. 132716 you retain control of the funds until it’s time appreciated than in years past because one of for them to be used for school, so if your the chief incentives for charitable giving - a original beneficiary chooses not to pursue tax deduction - was lost for many people due some type of higher education, you can name to tax law changes, which raised the standard a different eligible beneficiary. deduction so significantly that far fewer Another way to invest in your family is to people chose to itemize deductions. help your adult children avoid feeling However, you might still be able to gain obligated to provide financial assistance to some tax benefits from your charitable gifts. you. For example, if you ever required some To name one possibility, you could donate type of long-term care, such as an extended financial assets, such as stocks that have risen stay in a nursing home, could you afford it? in value, freeing you of potential capital The average cost for a private room in a gains taxes. In any case, contact your tax nursing home is more than $100,000 per advisor if you’re considering sizable year, according to a study by Genworth, an charitable gifts. insurance company. And Medicare typically Saving for your retirement will always be pays very few of these expenses. So, to avoid important. But don’t forget about investing in burdening your adult children - while also your family and your community - because preserving your own financial independence these investments can provide satisfying - you may want to consider some type of returns. long-term care insurance. A financial advisor Edward Jones, its employees and financial can help you determine what coverage may advisors cannot provide tax or legal advice. be appropriate. You should consult your attorney or qualified Moving beyond your family, you may want tax advisor regarding your situation. to invest in the social fabric of your This article was written by Edward Jones community by contributing to local for use by your local Edward Jones Financial charitable, civic, educational or cultural Advisor. If you have any questions, contact groups. Of course, now that we’re in the Mark D. Christensen at 269-945-3553. holiday season, it’s the perfect time for such gifts. Furthermore, your gift will be more HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Friday, Dec. 6 - preschool story time, 10:30-11 a.m.; Hastings Jingle and Mingle, arts and crafts show, 5-8 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 - Cookies and photos with Santa, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 9 - Quilting Passions, 10 a.m.-l p.m.; Cinnamon theNight Away, adult and teen ornaments, 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 10 - toddler time, 10:30-11 a.m.; mahjong club, 5:30 p.m.; chess club, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11 - Historical Society of Michigan’s History Hounds presents Of Art and Architecture: Pewabic Pottery, 7-8:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 12 - Baby Cafe,10 a.m.noon; Movie Memories and Milestones watches 1947 movie starring Cary Grant, Loretta Young and David Niven from the book “The Bishop’s Wife’jby Robert Nathan, 5 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. 33 n /bs to:) Edo -----STOCKS----- The following prices are from the close of business last Tuesday. Reported changes are from the previous week. Apple Inc. 259.45 -6.92 37.55 AT&T +.29 Chevron 115.89 -2.49 163.50 Deere & Co. -13.11 67.88 Exxon Mobil -1.03 46.89 Flowserve CP -2.21 Ford Motor Co. 8.89 -.11 10.99 General Electric Co. -.59 35.53 General Motors -.28 Home Depot Inc. 214.00 -4.40 Johnson Johnson -.02 -137.16 65.65 Kellogg Co. +1.31 149.31 Microsoft CP -1.92 49.70 Perrigo Co. -.35 Pfizer Inc. 38.05 -.63 Spartannash Comp 14.54 +.71 Stryker 203.07 -.03 41.65 TCF Financial Corp. -.42 .NHW Walmart Inc h.25 . 148.58 Walt Disney Co -1.11 140.93 \ Whirl Pool Corp. -5.08 Gold Silver Dow Jones Allegan, Calhoun, Eaton, Ionia, Kalamazoo □ $8.00 per month and Kent Counties: □ 1 Year $50.00 P.O. Box 188, Hastings, Ml 49058 269-945-9554 Jim Dull Barry County Drain Commissioner Financial FOCUS url? 3 mi 39“ 'Li 4 13 W sod odo <iM (Oil mb Giving names to places Dear Dr. Universe: will take a person’s full name and put a twist How do people name continents or plac- on it. For example, the state of Georgia is es onearth? Thank you. o* agoinrr cpx named after the English King George the II. Lila Grace*8% Wrgini.a nLouis^ js^^ed.^er XIV, king of France. Washington state was named after Dear Lila Grace, our first president, George Washington. Our world is full of so many different Believe it or not, some people have dif­ places. They get their names in lots of dif­ ferent names for the same place. For exam­ ferent ways. ple, people in the U.S. might call a country One way a place might get a name is from South Korea, but the people who live in the person who explored it. The Americas South Korea call their country Hanguk. are allegedly named after an Italian explorer People in Japan or China might call it Amerigo Vespucci. But Amerigo wasn’t the Chosdn. It’s a good reminder that people first person to explore these continents. look at the world through different lenses, or People were living there already when he worldviews. arrived. Still, “America” was supposedly In fact, if we looked at maps around the named after Amerigo. For the most part, world, they might look very different people name things because they are claim­ depending on where we are visiting. In a ing possession of a place. Because of that, classroom in China, you might find that the sometimes the original names of places are country is in the middle of the map rather lost or erased. than to the left as it is in U.S. classroom That’s what I found out from my friend maps. Theresa Jordan, a history professor who Jordan said it’s great to think about ques­ teaches a geography course at Washington tions like the one you’ve asked. In fact, State University. historians and researchers think about these I also found out that Native Americans in kinds of questions a lot. the northeast of North America were already “Who is writing the history? Whose his­ calling the place they lived “Turtle Island.” tory are you reading?” Jordan said. “As The Guna people, the first to live in Panama historians, we always have to be asking and Columbia, called the Americas “Abya those questions.” Yala.” Those are good questions for all of us to The names of places also can come from ask, too. Who knows, maybe one day you’ll stories, legends or myths. “Europe” comes study history or geography to help us under­ from a Greek myth about a princess called stand more about the past and work to help Europa. One of Jupiter’s moons is also shape our future. named after Europa. “Asia” originated from another Greek Dr. Universe story about the east coast of the Aegean Sea, which is near the place we today call Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Greece. We still don’t really know the origin Send an email to Washington State of the name “Africa.” University’s resident scientist and writer Meanwhile, some places are named after at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her web­ leaders or people in power. Sometimes we site, askdruniverse.com. PUBLIC NOTICE Sealed Bid Auction for Surplus Vehicles Barry County is accepting sealed bids for the following: 1) . 2009 Chevy 2) . 2008 Chevy Tahoe Tahoe 1GNEC03009R231182 1GNEC03008R263208 193,923 168,622 All items sold AS-IS and available for visual inspection at the Barry County Sheriff’s Department. Barry County reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any irregularities in any bid, and to award the bid(s) in a manner that the County deems to be in its best interest, price and other factors considered. All sealed bids must be clearly marked on the outside of the sealed envelope as follows: Barry County Administrator c/o 2019 December Surplus Auto Auction 220 W State St Hastings, MI 49058 With your bid, please include your name and address, phone number, number and description of item you are bmliaBB^fl, ‘ Bids will be accepted until 12:00pm on Monday, December 16,2019. onl isq /on mid sdo no? von 7(1 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 5, 2019 — Page 9 fl look back at the stories and columns on local history In the Hastings Banner TURNING BflGK THE PAGES < Ads of yesterday show changes - and some similarity This “Memories of the Past” article by the late Susan Hinckley was published in the Maple Valley News Dec. 2 and 9,1986. In early years of newspapers, items now known as “classifieds” appeared under the heading “want column,” even though all entries thereunder did not necessarily specify needs. intermingled with the “wanted” were a good share of “for sales” and other notices traditionally placed in such a space by individuals as well as businesses. Near the turn of the century, advertisements that appeared in the “Want Column” of The Nashville News were charged for at a rate of 1 cent per word for each insertion. In addition, in those days, short plugs by various local merchants were interspersed among news items in the “Personals” column which normally ran on Page 1. By the 1920s, these brief commercial ads were grouped on the front page under the heading “Business News.” The fee for these choice spots is now unknown, but even The News itself took advantage of the space. Mixed in among local news items on the front page of the Jan. 17, 1907, issue is a classic example: “The want column brings results. If you don’t believe it, try it.” Incidentally, the Want Column in that particular issue appeared on Page 5. Reviewing those early “unclassified” ads now gives us a kaleidoscopic view of local history, with a perspective of how times have changed - and remained the same. Below are some of the more interesting entries, grouped by year. 1874 — We want a boy, about 16 years of age, to learn the printing trade. Must be fairly intelligent and possessed of a moderate temper. (The News). 1875 — A practical Christmas gift, the new full-size “Buffalo Bill” nickel-plated seven-shot revolver for police, bankers or household use, with 100 cartridges, only $3. Write Western Gun Works. 1876 — Ho for Iowa! The Iowa Railroad Land Co. is offering millions of acres of excellent farm land for sale near railroads in Iowa at prices as low as $5 and $6 per acre. Free railroad fare from Chicago to prospective buyers. Descriptive folders on request. Write John Calhoun, Land Commissioner, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. 1877 — Persons suffering from rheumatism or neuralgia, take notice: The special medicated underwear available now at Aylsworth’s will relieve your suffering and prevent recurrence, if worn through the winter. 1881 — For sale, threshing machine, run by horse power; only two years in use; at a bargain. C.C. Wolcott. 1882 — I have commenced to make 20 sets of bob sleighs which will be made from the best rock elm turned from the mills and propose to sell said sleighs for 20 dollars per set. Jas. Moore, one mile south of Nashville. 1885 — Found, by Robert Banner, a pair of steel-bowed spectacles and a brass thimble. The owner can have them by calling for them. Plain teeth, per set $5; plain teeth, double, per set $10; gum teeth, per set $16 and $20. Dr. Winn, dentist. 1898 — Wanted, to trade a good gent’s wheel [bicycle] for green or dry wood. Frank Lentz. 1899 — I have for sale a good cow, giving six quarts of extra rich milk twice a day and I will sell her for $25 cash or exchange for a good road horse and pay boot. E.B. Pierce. 1901 — Special notice: I am preparing to set a bear trap in each of my coal bins and it will be safe for the persons who have been helping themselves to my coal to leave it alone in the future. Chas. Scheldt. Lost in Nashville Saturday afternoon, a roll of seven or eight $2 bills. Reward if returned to D.R. Slade. The second-floor suite of five rooms at the Union House now is vacant. Rent, by the month: $20. For rent, good house and lot on Middle Street, $5 a month. 1902 — Wanted by May 1, a competent girl for general housework. Must be a good cook. Wages $4 per week. Mrs. R.T. French, Middleville. Wanted at The News office, a boy to learn the printing trade. Wages $2 weekly while learning. Following John Taylor’s death in 1926 his widow, Ella, used The News’ “Want Column” to dispose of some equipment and goods at his shop near their home at 223 Reed St. Taylor, a crate-maker and machinist by trade, also was a talented vocalist often called upon to perform at various services. His wife wrote social items for The Nashville News and was correspondent for the Grand Rapids Press and other area papers. In 1898 Frank Lentz placed an ad in The Nashville News to find someone willing to swap wood for a “good gent’s wheel.” This unidentified cyclist of that era was captured on film by local photographer Edwin H. VanNocker in those pre-auto days when “wheels” provided a fair-weather alternative to equine travel. They were a popular way to zip across town or, in some cases, from town to town. 1903 — Lost Saturday night, between Joe Hurd’s and Frank McDerby’s store, a 5-dollar bill. Finder will please leave at The News office and receive a $1 reward. Wanted 20 women or girls to pick beans. Townsend Bros. 1904 — For sale, all my property in Nashville. J. Habersaat. Wanted, sexton for Lakeview Cemetery. Six months’ employment guaranteed the right man, through entire summer, at $12 a week. Wanted four men to work on the west section gang out of Nashville. Wages $1.40 per day, with no lost time due to weather. 1905 — Wanted at Wolcott House, girl for dishwashing and kitchen work, wages 1 dollar per day. Wanted, woman cook at Dyer House, Bellevue. Wages $10 per week. 1906 — For sale: One bay horse; gentle, ambitious, doesn’t eat much. Cheap if taken at once. Barker the Baker. Lost, west or north of Knoll’s corners, a black fur. Leave at this office. 1907 — As I have sold my blacksmith shop, I wish all those who are indebted to me to call and settle at once. C.A. Hicks. Upholstering and Repairing, Dining chairs padded and upholstered in imitation leather, $3, per set of six, good as new. Waned, a girl who is handy with a needle to learn the tailor trade. Green, the tailor. 1909 — Wanted: Good poultry, paying for fowls, 8 cents; chickens, 10 cents; ducks, 10 cents. C.E. Roscoe. 1912 — Having completed my course in horsemanship I am now ready to train colts and break horses of any bad habits of any nature. Satisfaction guaranteed or no pay. Elmer McKinnis, Nashville. For sale, 25-horsepower Jackson roadster. Will take good horse or colt for same. D.R. Bassett. Wanted, girls and women for first-class factory positions. Work is of the very lightest and done sitting down. This factory is known for paying good wages. Wages while learning at 12 cents per hour with the provision that you stay 12 weeks. We will secure you room and board with a private family for $3 per week. [Ads from 1913 to 1922 were not included in the 1986 review] 1923 — Came to my place: 11 ewes. Owner may have same by paying for advt. and damages. L.E. Paddock. For sale: Duroc brood sows 1 and 2 years old, due first half of April. Price, $25 and $30 each, if taken at once. Harry Gould, R3. 1924 — Found, Monday, Jan. 7, a sum of money on Main Street. Owner may have same by proving ownership and paying for advt. Inquire at News office. Wanted: Man to work my farm. Must have team and tools. J.W. Howard, Morgan, Mich. For sale: 190 wooden sap buckets in fine condition, cheap for cash or will take maple syrup or wood in trade. O.D. Freeman. Wanted: Teams to work on dump wagons at Barryville hill. Rate, 70 cents per hour. E.L. Thompson. Liebhauser place. Those desiring custom sawing, please see me or phone 71, four rings. Dirk Hoffman. 1925 — Wanted, young men and women to learn Morse and wireless telegraphy and railway accounting. We train thoroughly and procure positions with big salaries. Great opportunities for advancement. All expenses low, can earn part. School established 50 years. Dodge’s Telegraph Institute, Valparaiso, Ind. Change of Phone Number: Erase No. 24 and substitute No. 68 in your Nashville Phone Directory. For sale, cheap: My house and lot on Gregg Street, $1,000. $300 cash. G.W. Munson, 1447 E. Florence Ave.; Los Angeles, Calif. For sale, buff Orpington duck eggs, 5 cents each. Jacob Shull. 1926 — The party who lost scales and crockery from touring car Wednesday may have same by paying for this adv. and calling at the Hurd block for articles. For sale or trade, a Ford roadster, model 1922, self-starter, demountable rims, truck box on, in good order. for a good, heavy work team. Harry Boise, two miles south of Barryville. For sale, well-built seven-room house, with about 13 acres of land, some fruit; in reach of electric lights. Price, $2,300. C.G. Strow. Lost, after school Friday, Feb. 26, a fountain pen cap; large size, mahogany color, gold tipped with initial ‘S’ inlaid with blue enamel. Reward for return. Robert C. Smith. Wanted: Information as to the whereabouts of the wrestling mat of the former Nashville Athletic Club. Address Nashville News. 1927 — Notice: Please keep off my trapping territory, as I have leased it to James Hummel. F.J. Purchis Sr. Not wanted: Hunters and trappers on our farm. Mr. and Mrs. George Rowlader. Notice to doctors: We will give rent free one of the best houses in Vermontville for one year to a good doctor who will come and locate here. Mr. and Mrs. Asa Strait, Vermontville. Girls desiring to rent a room and board themselves while attending high school inquire of Mrs. Harry Hinckley. We pay $1.20 dozen, sewing bungalow aprons at home. Spare time. Thread furnished. No button holes. Send stamp. Cedar Garment Factor, Amsterdam, N.Y. Lost: The crank to my Willys-Knight. Reward and a heap of thanks to the finder, providing I get the crank. Little Fike. [Leslie F. Feighner] A stray hog found in Mrs. Willis’ com destroyed com and garden stuff. Owner please pay damages and they can take the hog. Mrs. Emma Willis. Resides on the Joe Smith place, near the cemetery in Nashville. 1929 — Two good lots in Hardendorf addition, with abstract, $100. If taken this month. Isa F. Newton, Ann Arbor. I have sold my grade bull and purchased a thoroughbred Hereford. This sire will positively not be for service, do not ask. Geo. Hoffman. For sale, at my place: Load of carrots; onions, red and yellow; tons of good cabbage at 50 pounds for $1. No Sunday trade. Phone 58, Seth Graham. Wanted: Party wants to borrow $1,500 on farm first mortgage, will pay six percent interest and mortgage tax. Address Box 100. The Methodist ladies will hold a thrift sale at the old bank building Friday and Saturday, Dec. 13 and 14. Imported baskets will be on sale at this time. 1930 — Wanted to buy: Legally caught furs. Muskrats, market today, $1; skunks, $2; mink, $10. A.C. Hyde, general store, Lacey. Mr. Farmer: We are selling manure spreaders for $87.50 and $95.75 and cultipackers for $50. Liberty Spreader & Mfg. Co., Liberty, Ind. For sale: 1926 Harley Davison motorcycle with sidecar and lots of extras, Among the “Want Column” ads appearing in The Nashville News in July 1904 was one seeking four men to work for the Michigan Central Railroad on the west section gang out of Nashville. Wages offered were $1.40 per day, and there was a promise of no time lost due to weather. Section crews kept the tracks in repair and often were called out at night for emergencies. This early undated photo shows a MCRR section crew on a handcar. $410 outfit, will sell for $125 cash for quick sale. Harlow White. For sale: Neck yokes, eveners and whippietrees at the John E. Taylor shop, by Mrs. Taylor. Wanted to exchange watch or clock repairing for potatoes, apples or onions. Clare Bennett. Wanted to trade 1929 Oakland coach for cattle and horses. Inquire at J.J. Marshall farm, one mile north and half mile west of Maple Grove Center. HIGH-TECH, continued from page 1 needed help. “That was a blessing. We could leave the house and feel comfortable leaving her by herself.” Since it is connected to the internet, Alexa is always updating and adding new functions. It played trivia games with Marion Gillette, said the rosary with her, told jokes and read aloud the news headlines. It even reminded her when to take her medication. “She loved to listen to listen to music on it,” Gillette said. “Music is a big deal, every one of our cli­ ents uses it,” Sutton said. “It’s value added to their day.” Marion Gillette showed it off to everyone who came through the door. “It kind became a little bit of a friend,” Gillette said. Lion Greg Wehby, 57, has been blind for about 10 years, and uses Alexa not just for music, but to listen to TV as well. He connect­ ed Alexa to his Amazon Fire Stick, which is a device shaped like a flash drive that plugs into a TV and connects to video services like Netflix and Youtube. He had been using Siri on his iPhone, but Siri can only say a limited number of words out loud. For most questions that Siri is asked, it will display a Google search, but Alexa will read the answers. “It makes life very much easier,” Wehby said. He has Alexa connected to his thermostat, and asks it to change the temperature. Wehby also can shop with Alexa, and ask it to order purchases online. December 6th 2 to 4 p.m. AU children are welcome to have a free phol< taken with Santa and receive a small gift courtesy of die staff at: Southside? Pediatrics L 300 Meadow Run Drive, South of Hastings on M-37 www.southside4kids.com • (269) 818-1020 “Once you have it, you start to find other uses for it,” Wehby said. “I think it’s a wonderful program and a great outreach for the Lions Club,” Commission on Aging Director Tammy Pennington said. “1 think it has implications for older adults of all medical conditions, even if they don’t have a medical condition... there’s a lot of loneliness out there.” Studies have shown that people suffering from dementia do not lose their ability to understand and appreciate music. Pennington said music is an important service that Alexa can provide to older people. When the commission finds seniors they believe could benefit from the technology, they refer them to the Lakewood Lions. They also have a technology person who can help set up the system if the person is too far out­ side the Lakewood area. Sutton said many of the Echos they have provided are around the Lakewood School District where the club operates, but they can provide them to people outside of their area. But Sutton said they can’t serve the whole state of Michigan, and they are hoping to teach other community organizations how to provide the service. They have been visiting Lions, Rotary and Kiwanis clubs and church­ es to explain their process and encourage them to start up a program of their own. “It can change people’s lives for the better,” Sutton said. Information on the program, including how to get an Amazon Echo through the Lions Club, is available by contacting Sutton at 616­ 745-1151 or at ssoftblll@gmail.com. �Page 10 — Thursday, December 5, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Winners announced in chamber’s local shopping event LEGAL NOTICES SYNOPSIS RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP REGULAR BOARD MEETING November 13, 2019-7:00 p.m. Regular meeting called to order and Pledge of Allegiance. Present: Spencer, Bellmore, Walters, James, Watson, Hawthorne, Greenfield Absent: None Approved the Agenda Approved the Consent Agenda Monthly Treasurer’s Report Monthly Clerk’s Voucher/Payroll Report STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedeht’s Trust In the matter of James B. Spears Trust. Date of Birth: August 23, 1935. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, James B. Spears, Trustee, died November 21, 2019 leaving the above Trust in full force and effect. Creditors of the decedent or against the Trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or trust will be forever barred unless presented to Sandra D. Smith, successor trustee, within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: December 3, 2019 Rhoades McKee PC Stephanie S. Fekkes P43549 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-1921 Sandra D. Smith c/o Rhoades McKee PC 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)945-1921 133412 Accept Ordinance #2019-173 for second reading and adoption - Amendments to Land Division Combination and Boundary Ordinance Accepted budget amendments for the cemetery, attorney fees, service agreement fees and the township parking lot reseal. Township 2020 Budget Public Hearing opened at 7:45pm - closed at 8:07pm. Adjournment 8:19 p.m. Respectfully submitted Robin Hawthorne, Clerk Attested to by Larry Watson, Supervisor Amy Lipscomb wins the grand prize in the Small Business Saturday local shop­ ping promotion. (Chamber photo) Students consider what they can be at BCCAN Hundreds of ninth-grade students from Barry County high schools attended the Barry County College Access Network, or B.C.C.A.N., Job Fair on Tuesday. The focus of this year’s Job Fair was ‘What’s your plan?” to promote aspirations and awareness for future job prospects. Representatives from many local businesses gave presenta­ tions on everything from trade school apprenticeship programs to practical advice on how to plan for future employment goals. Participating employers included Bradford White, FlexFab, Miller Real Estate and Thornapple Credit Union, as well as represen­ tatives from area trade school programs including the Wayland Carpenter and Millwright Training Center, Operating Engineers Local No. 324, and Cedar Creek Machinists Training, LLC. Here, students had the opportunity to use a simulator pro­ vided by Operating Engineers Local No. 324 wiw the assistance of an apprentice from the Sam T. Hart Education Center in Howell. (Photo by Heather Tolsma) Yankee Springs man charged in Middleville bank holdup Greg Chandler Staff Writer A 55-year-old Yankee Springs Township man has been charged with one count of bank robbery in the Nov. 26 holdup at Chemical Bank in Middleville. Gilbert Chrispin Noel is lodged in the Barry County Jail on a $500,000 bond after he was arraigned Monday in 56-B District Court. Noel was arrested at his home on Nov. 27, one day after the robbery occurred. Barry County Sheriff’s Office investigators say a man walked into the bank shortly before 1 p.m. Nov. 27 and demanded cash from the tellers. He escaped in a gray sedan with an undisclosed amount ofcash. It was the second holdup at the Middleville Chemical Bank branch in the last two years. A probable cause hearing has been sched­ uled for Wednesday, Dec. 11, before Judge William Doherty. Kathy Maurer Copy Editor Small Business Saturday again saw a healthy turnout as shoppers visited nearly 60 businesses in five local communities, organizers said. The Barry County Chamber of Commerce’s passport program provided extra incentive. As they were supporting local businesses, shoppers also were offered bargains and specials from merchants and had a chance to enter a drawing. Those who visited a minimum number of businesses in each local community could submit passports for a drawing of donated prizes from each respective community. Shoppers who dined at or purchased items from at least two businesses in each community or a combination of any 10 businesses, could enter the grand prize drawing. “All of the packages were different,” and ator Aleshia Blauvelt said. The grand prize drawing was probably close to $1,500 in value, she said. Gift cards alone for that prize package totaled more than $800. Other higher-value items included a trail camera and a purse worth more than $100. Winners, drawn Tuesday, included Vicki Butler who won the Hastings prize package; Michele Tsuji, Delton; Judi Chaddock, Middleville; Samantha Seume, Nashville; and Julie Guenther, Gun Lake. Amy Lipscomb won the grand prize. Participants seemed to enjoy the event, Blauvelt said. “The majority of comments were that they had a good time going out on Saturday, that it was a good day for it,” she said. “They had fun going to different locations.” Participation was free to local businesses, she said, and the promotion brought business to their doors. “We heard some great feedback from the participants,” Blauvelt added. “The passports helped to bring business to the local shops, which is, of course, the main objective of Small Business Saturday. We hope everybody had a great time and that the community continues to ‘shop local.’” Gilbert Chrispin Noel PUBLIC NOTICE: Cellco Partnership and its controlled affiliates doing business as Verizon Wireless (Verizon Wireless) proposes to build a 250-foot tall self-support com­ munications tower. Anticipated lighting application is medium intensity dual red/white strobes. The Site location is East Hobbs Road, Delton, Barry County, Ml 49046, Lat: 42-27-52.7, Long: -85-15­ 54.2. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Antenna Structure Registration (ASR, Form 854) filing number is A1147996. ENVIRONMENTAL EFFECTS - Interested per­ sons may review the application (www.fcc.gov/asr/ applications) by entering the filing number. Environmental concerns may be raised by filing a Request for Environmental Review (www.fcc.gov/ asr/environmentalrequest) and online filings are strongly encouraged. The mailing address to file a paper copy is: FCC Requests for Environmental Review, Attn: Ramon Williams, 445 12*h Street SW, Washington, DC 20554. HISTORIC PROPERTIES EFFECTS - Public comments regarding potential effects on historic properties may be submitted within 30 days from the date of this publication to: Trileaf Corp, Matthew Gehrke, m gehrke@trileaf. com, 10845 Olive Blvd, Suite 260, St. Louis, MO 63141, 314-997-6111. NOTICE THIS FIRM IS A DEBT COLLECTOR ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. MORTGAGE SALE-Default has been made in the conditions of a Mortgage made by CARL L. FIELDS, Mortgagor, to FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF AMERICA, Mortgagee, dated July 30, 2003, and recorded August 4, 2003, in Instrument No. 1110046, of Barry County Records, Michigan, on which mortgage there is claimed to be due as of the date of this notice $28,894.46, including interest at 9.95% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage, and pursuant to the statutes of the State of Michigan, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction to the highest bidder, on Thursday, December 12, 2019, at 1 o’clock in the afternoon, at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan. Said premises are situated in Johnsontown Township, Barry County, Michigan, and are described as: The South 4 rods of the North 16 rods of the South 106 rods of the East 1/2 of the NW 1/4 of Section 32, T1N, R8W, c/k/a 15146 N. Uldriks, Battle Creek, Ml 49017. The redemption period shall be six months from the date of the sale, unless the premises are determined to be abandoned pursuant to MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period shall be one month, or until the time to provide the notice required by MCL 600.3241 a(c) expires, whichever is later. The redemption period further may be shortened pursuant to MCL 600.3238(10) if the property is not adequately maintained, or if the purchaser is denied the opportunity to inspect the property. Please be advised that if the mortgaged property is sold at a foreclosure sale by advertisement, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible, to the person who ity, promotions and, communication c CITY OF HASTINGS REQUEST FOR BIDS Design and Construction Engineering Services for Rutland Township Special Assessment District Sidewalk and Drainage Passage The City of Hastings is soliciting bids for the provi­ sion of design and construction engineering ser­ vices at the Rutland SAD Sidewalk. The RFP and specifications are available from Hastings City Hall. The City of Hastings reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any irregularities in the bid proposals, and to award the bid as deemed to be in the City’s best interest, price and other factors considered. Bids will be received at Hastings City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 until 9:00 AM, on Thursday, December 19, 2019 at which time they will be opened and publicly read aloud. Bids will be clearly marked on the outside of the submittal package - “SEALED BID RUTLAND SAD SIDEWALK”. Matt Gergen Director of Public Services 133320 buys, the sale, or *° the mort9a9e holder, for damaging the property during the redemption period. Dated: November 14, 2019 LeVasseur Dyer & Associates, PC Attorneys for Mortgagee 3233 Coolidge Hwy Berkley, Ml 48072 (248) 236-1765 (11-14)(12-05) 132050 NOTICE SCHNEIDERMAN & SHERMAN P.C., is attempting to collect a debt, any information obtained will be used for that purpose. MORTGAGE SALE - Robert Stratton, a single man and Stephanie Brannam, a single woman, granted a mortgage to Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. (“MERS”), solely as nominee for lender and lender's successors and assigns, Mortgagee, dated July 6, 2016, and recorded on July 8, 2016, in Document No. 2016-006788, and assigned by said mortgagee to Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC, as assigned, Barry |ounty Records, Michigan on which mortgage there is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of One Hundred Eighty-Nine Thousand One Hundred Thirty and 60/100 Dollars ($189,130.60). Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the, statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue, at the Barry County Courthouse, Hastings Michigan, at 1:00 PM, on December 12, 2019. Said premises are located in Barry County, Michigan and are described as: A parcel of land in the East 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of Section 9, Town 4 North, Range 10 West, Thornapple Township, Barry County, Michigan, describe^ 'as: Commencing at the Southeast corner of said Section; thence North 00 degrees 00 minutes 00 seconds East 1323.27 feet along the East line of said Section; thence South 89 degrees 33 minutes 06 seconds West 1110.12 feet along the North line of the South 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of said Section to the centerline of Highway M-37 and the point of beginning; thence North 89 degrees 33 minutes 06 seconds East 81.08 feet to the Easterly right of way of Highway M-37; thence North 77 degrees 12 minutes 27 seconds East 149.77 feet; thence North 86 degrees 29 minutes 29 seconds East 121.64 feet; thence South 09 degrees 31 minutes 04 seconds East 593.00 feet to the centerline of said Highway M-37; thence Northwesterly 703.96 feet along a 5729.59 foot radius curve to the left, said curve having a central angle of 7 degrees 02 minutes 23 seconds and a chord bearing North 39 degrees 24 minutes 14 seconds West 703.52 feet to the point of beginning. The redemption period will be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless abandoned under MCL 600.3241a, in which case the redemption period will be 30 days from the date of such sale, or 15 days from the MCL 600.3241 a(b) notice, whichever is later; or unless extinguished pursuant to MCL 600.3238. If the above referenced property is sold at a foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of Act 236 of 1961, under MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. Lakeview Loan Servicing, LLC Mortgagee/Assignee Schneiderman & Sherman P.C. 23938 Research Dr, Suite 300 Farmington Hills, Ml 48335 1401629 (11-14)(12-05) 132278 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28355-DE Estate of Lori Russell, Deceased. Date of birth: 08/24/1965.. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS; The decedent, Lori Russell, died July 5, 2019. Creditors of the decedent' are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Rachel Belson, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Deborah K. Palmer (P67957) P.O. Box 54 Portage, Ml 49081 269-873-7740 Rachel Belson 1326 Dewberry Place, Apt. 3 Grand Rapids, Ml 49505 616-304-5396 133223 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on December 12, 2019: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Debra Mays, a married woman and John Mays I a/k/a John Mays, her husband Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Oceanside Mortgage Company Date of Mortgage: July 27,2017 Date of Mortgage Recording: August 2,2017 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $198,054.74 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Charter Township of Hastings, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lots 37, 38 and 39 of Indian Hills, Hastings Township, Barry County, Michigan, according to the recorded Plat thereof, as recorded in Liber 4 of Plats, Page 53. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale yhder Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: November 14, 2019 Trott Law, P.C. 1401263 (11-14)(12-05) 132051 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Craig A. Holley and Myrna A. Holley, husband and wife, to Ameriquest Mortgage Company, Mortgagee, dated September 1, 2004 and recorded September 15, 2004 in Instrument Number 1133938 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by U.S. Bank National Association, as indenture trustee, for the holders of the CIM Trust 2017-3, Mortgage-Backed Notes, Series 2017-3, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Two Hundred Thirteen Thousand Six Hundred One and 20/100 Dollars ($213,601.20), including interest at 7.5% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on JANUARY 23, 2020. Said premises are located in the Township of Assyria, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: Commencing at the Southeast corner of Section 19, Town 1 North, Range 7 West; thence North 88 degrees 22’ 18” West along the South line of said Section 19, 661.70 feet to the place of beginning; thence continuing North 88 degrees 22’ 18” West along said South line 661.70 feet to the West line of the East 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of said Section; thence North 00 degrees 20’ 58” East along said west line 1317.60 feet to the North line of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of said Section; thence South 88 degrees 39’ 35” East along said North line, 665.66 feet; thence South 00 Degrees 31’ 26” West 1320.86 feet to the place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: December 5,2019 File No. 19-009389 Firm Name: Orlans PC (12-05)(12-26) 133017 Keep your friends and relatives informed and up to date with all the local news from Barry County. Send them... The Hastings BANNER To subscribe, call us at 269-945-9554 �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 5, 2019 SALES, continued from page 1 to five patients since 2008 — to sell to dispen­ saries. Their product still comprises more than 70 percent of medical dispensary offer­ "; ings, the Detroit Free Press has reported. J The limited amount of marijuana soon will supply both medical and recreational dispen~ saries - prompting worries among .medicinal users that there won’t be enough for them. State rules allow marijuana businesses to sell half of their product to recreational users if it has been sitting on their shelves for at least 30 days. The policy was created to help the market begin to get off the ground, while making use of existing product, said Hams of MRA. “Obviously, patients aren’t interested in purchasing that for medical use, so let’s move that over into the adult-use side,” he said. “Instead of people buying things off the street or through unregulated areas, they’re able to buy them from the state-tested system.” Instead, some businesses appear to be buy­ ing more marijuana and stockpiling it in anticipation of recreational sales. “We received the largest orders the compa• ny ever had on the medical side” the day after the new rule came out, said Omar Hishmeh, y CEO of Exclusive Brands of Ann Arbor. The company holds three of the five recreational h marijuana licenses awarded recently, allowbring it to sell, process and grow pot. ; For medical users, the situation means a ’' limited supply could push them to buy on the black market, Schneider said, while recre- ational users could face higher prices and fewer products. Most cities aren’t ready for recreational shops. Ann Arbor is currently the only city with a dispensary that was able to open its doors to recreational users on Dec. 1. And a flood of new stores won’t be pop­ ping up on street comers, observers said. Despite voters approving the adult-use marijuana law last year with about 56 percent of the vote, more than 1,400 of the state’s nearly 1,800 communities have voted to bar recreational marijuana facilities in their com­ munities. Many communities that are allowing these businesses are doing so on a small scale as they work through licensing and application issues. Lansing, for instance, is allowing them, but placed a cap on the numbers of growers, dis­ pensaries and microbusinesses. The city hasn’t yet started accepting appli­ cations for those coveted spots, which further delays local dispensaries opening their doors to adult-use customers. Mains, the marijuana attorney, said many smaller communities are watching how big­ ger cities like Lansing handle licensing “before really making a decision.” Others, like the city of Detroit, have opted out altogether for the short term while offi­ cials consider how to shape local ordinances. “There’s always learning and growing inside a new industry like this,” Hams said. Family pays off $9,800 in student lunch debts Luke Froncheck Staff Writer Christmas came early for families across f Barry County. As of Dec 1, all food service debt built up by Barry County school children bet was paid off. bnr This good deed was a result of a fund set up ;)h with the Barry Community Foundation. “The Barry Community Foundation is amazing,” Delton Kellogg Schools Superintendent Kyle Corlett said. “The work they do is really a testament to how caring and philanthropic our community is. They are a great tool in bringing together the community 'r,L to meet important needs. They do an excellent gli. job of communicating with the schools too and helping us work with other community "o ■ groups for the greater good.” Foundation President Bonnie Gettys said the donation was from donors who want to be known as the Granger Family. “Their family has been very blessed to where they feel somewhat privileged in that "theirkids never had to worry about any barriers^to their education,” Gettys said. “They knew that their kids were going to school with full bellies. They’d have a snack .r when they got home and would have good dinners every night.” Gettys said the family found they had some disposable cash they could use to help ease barriers for students who aren’t as well off. Their hope was to boost those students so they can perform at the same level as their peers. The family originally put $15,000 in the fund. But at the end of last year’s school year, the family’s fund went toward paying off the remaining $5,000 of food service debt for school children countywide. In the future, Gettys said, she hopes the fund can go toward removing more barriers for students in Barry County. She listed paying off Chromebook insurance as a possible way that the fund could continue to benefit Barry County kids. Some students in the county find themselves in financial situations where their parents cannot afford to pay insurance for their school-provided technology. This means that any homework to be completed electronically by the students must be completed during the school day since students canridt take the computers* home. She also mentioned providing some students with field trip money as another potential way the fund could be used. The family continues to add funds to the account. Gettys added that anyone may add to the fund and should contact her to do so by calling 269-945-0526. The Granger family is the only donor to the fund thus far. The Barry Community Foundation website is barrycf.org. County farmland preservation program ready to apply itself Rebecca Pierce Editor It’s a big year for farmland preservation, ' Stacy Byers of Sheridan Land Consulting told H the Barry County Board of Commissioners .7 Tuesday. vd For the first time since 2007, the State of <nk Michigan is hosting an application cycle for ’ J farmland preservation. “It’s a really big year for programs that are ( still operating,” Byers said. “Back when this was still going on, we probably had 30 - countywide programs that were operating. “Since the state has not run an application U cycle in 10 years, those programs have become stagnant.” But Barry County’s program is not one of those “and therefore is in an excellent posiJ tion to submit an application for funding,” Byers told the board. oj As part of the process, information on the farmland preservation/open space program ' ‘ had been sent out to all property owners in the I . county who own 20 or more acres, she said. ,“We received about 30 requests from land­ owners,” Byers said. Of those, they received 14 farmland preser­ ' vation applications, five of which also applied >1 as open space, plus one open space applica­ tion. Open space preservation is like the farm preservation program, with emphasis on the environment. Byers said a property owner may choose both, then opt for the designation in which they rank better. Applicants for easements are ranked by points, with several criteria to insure the best agricultural land is preserved. The top-scoring property owners are given appraisals. The owner keeps all personal property rights and may sell the land, but it must remain in agri­ cultural use. “We ranked, based on the approved selec­ tion criteria, based on a points system. And, based on that rank order, we are going to move forward with the Larry Carpenter farm. It was our second ranked farm. Mr. [Paul] Wing is our first ranked farm.” Wing and Larry Neil are co-chairmen of the county’s Conservation Easement Board. Both asked to have their properties pulled from consideration because of their positions on the board. The Carpenter farm, 10250 Butler Road in Assyria and Maple Grove townships, with more than 469 acres, scored 88.7 in the countywide ranking. Through the program, the state would match 75 percent of the easement value, and the local unit would have to come up with 25 percent - and that 25 percent can be a land­ owner donations, she said. “This particular landowner is willing to give us 60 percent of that easement value,” Byers said of the Carpenter farm. “It benefits us tremendously because it allows us to increase our match to the state, and it benefits the landowner because there are some tax benefits.” Commissioners recommended approving this application at their next meeting at 9 a.m. Dec. 10 at the county courthouse, with the application to be submitted to the state by Dec. 23 for consideration of a match. See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits Page 11 In wake of student being struck, precautions urged around school buses Greg Chandler Staff Writer An 8-year-old Caledonia Community Schools student is recovering from serious injuries suffered after being struck by a car Monday morning as he was trying to catch a bus to take him to school. The incident happened about 7:30 a.m. on Whitneyville Avenue, just south of 84^ Street. A preliminary investigation by the Kent County Sheriff’s Department found that a Caledonia school bus had come to a stop on Whitneyville to pick the boy up, but the boy did not show up at the bus stop. From there, the school bus pulled into a parking lot across the street from the boy’s home to pick up more children. The boy then ran across the street to catch the bus and was struck by a Ford Escape that was northbound on Whitneyville, Kent County Sheriff’s Lt. Joel Roon said. The youngster was treated at the scene by Caledonia Fire Department and Thomapple Ambulance before being flown by Aero Med to DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids, Roon said. The boy’s name and the school he attends are not being released per request of his fam­ ily, Caledonia Superintendent Dedrick Martin said. “We wish the student a full and speedy recovery. Furthermore we want to remind all students to take all precautions in and around traffic,” Martin said. “We also want to remind all drivers to exercise all precautions when behind the wheel anywhere that students may be present.” Of the 301 school-age children killed from 2006 to 2015 in school-transportation-related crashes in the U.S., 102 were pedestrians and eight were pedal-cyclists, according to the most recent available data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. With schools busy transporting students in the county, drivers and pedestrians alike need to put their phones away and pay attention to their surroundings, Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf said. Here are some additional tips from the Sheriff’s Office: If you drive your children to school: * Be sure to use the appropriate parent drop-off/pick-up area. * Once at the school, please follow the instructions of the school’s staff. * Drive defensively. Always anticipate the possibility that a small child may dart in front of your vehicle. Be prepared to stop at all times. * Slow down and watch out for school zones and children walking or biking to school or congregating near bus stops. Also, be alert for student drivers. * Remember that buses will be making frequent stops. It’s not only dangerous to stu­ dents, but it’s against the law to pass a school bus while it’s stopped on the roadway picking up or dropping off students. * When turning at an intersection, be sure to yield to pedestrians and cyclists. If you’re a student riding the bus: * Stay out of the street while waiting for the bus and allow the bus to come to a complete stop before approaching the bus from the curb. * Make sure you remain in clear view of the bus driver. Never walk behind the bus. * Look both ways before getting on the bus and after getting off. * After getting off the bus, look both ways and then move immediately onto the sidewalk and out of traffic. If you’re a student walking or biking to school: * For bike riders, wear a properly-fitted helmet at all times. A Also, riders should use a bike that’s the right size for them and make sure that they don’t have any loose clothing, drawstrings or shoelaces. * Bike riders should ride on the right, in the same direction as traffic, and use appropriate hand signals. Bicyclists also should respect traffic lights and stop signs. * Walk on sidewalks where available and always cross at intersections. RAMP, continued from page 1 Teacher Jason Hoefler (from left) is pictured with Hastings High School construction trades students who made the ramp: Carson Fouty, Tyler Kaiser, Juan Calderon, Paxton Walden, Noah Dunn, Ben Ferrell, Logan Wolfenbarger, Gabe Stoiicker, Clayton Carey, Phillip Richardson, Evan Eastman, Jackson Dubois, Jaedyn Sinclair, Hayden Smith and Austin Fenstemaker. ty service projects. “Unfortunately, we can only take on a cou­ ple of these types of projects a year due to the rigorous curriculum set by our state and fed­ eral curriculum guidelines. The Hastings High School Career and Technology Education Department’s funding comes from state and federal CTE dollars, which is completely sep­ arate from our general school funds.” Quite a few people, including the superin­ tendent, were delighted by the ramp. “I am so proud of our kids, I cannot stand it,” Remenap wrote. As they put the finishing touches on that deluxe new ramp, the man in the wheelchair was asleep inside the house, a couple of the students said, making shushing gestures. He and his wife can sleep easier now. Plenty of positives from rough result for Saxons Brett Bremer Sports Editor Hastings may have found more things to be positive about than many teams would in a 57-35 season-opening loss. The Saxon varsity girls’ basketball team was bested by 22 points at Wayland Union High School Tuesday, but it was only a ninepoint bailgame late in the third quarter. Saxon freshman guard Macy Winegar bur­ ied four three-pointers and finished with a game-high 16 points. Size is always going to be an issue for the Saxons, but they managed to force Wayland’s junior 6-2 stand-out center Stephanie Ainsworth to the bench in foul trou­ ble. Ainsworth finished with 14 points in limit­ ed action, picking up her second foul in the opening minute of the second quarter and then two quick ones in the opening minutes of the second half. She had 12 points in the minutes she did manage on the floor in the first quarter - allowing the Wildcats to build an 18-10 lead through those first eight minutes. “We struggled playing good help defense on her in the first quarter,” Hastings head coach Mike Engle said. “We made our run when she got into foul rouble early in the second quarter. We were running some sets that were getting us looks in and around the basket and we were getting to the free throw line.” Hastings was 14-of-22 from the free throw line for the evening. Wayland pushed its lead to 12 points at the half, moving its offense to the perimeter a bit and getting triples from Bri Thurston and Parrish Hudson in that second quarter. The Hastings offense got threes from Winegar and Carly Warner in its third-quarter surge, and Josey Nickels scored eight of her ten points in the third quarter for the Saxons. Warner finished with eight points, going a perfect 5-for-5 at the free throw line. “We started one freshman, two sophomores and two juniors, and those players did surpris­ ingly well correctly executing a higher num­ ber of set plays than we have run in the past,” Engle said. The Saxons forced the Wildcats to work. Hudson moved over to focus on Winegar defensively in man-to-man, and eventually in the third quarter the Wildcats moved to some zone as the Saxons inched closer. Hastings missed a couple of three-pointers and struggled a bit shooting in the fourth quarter overall, and that helped the Wildcats extend the lead throughout the quarter. Parrish Hudson finished with seven points for Wayland and Haley Dobry had nine. Thurston and Emma Ludema had eight points apiece. The Hastings girls visit Loy Norrix Friday night and then will be off until Dec. 13 when they host Thomapple Kellogg as a part of the annual Battle of Barry County evening that includes a varsity wrestling contest and varsi­ ty girls’ and boys’ basketball games at Hastings High School back-to-back-to-back. Printing Plus and the Office of J-ad Graphics WILL BE CLOSED for our employee Christmas party Dec 12,hfrom 12:00-1:30pm 1351 N M-43 - Hwy., Hastings, Ml 49058 • 269.945.9105 �Page 12 — Thursday, December 5, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Case involving teen victim brings 16- to 30-year prison sentence > Nicole Chatman, 41, of Hastings, was found guilty of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, and assaulting a police officer Nov. 5,2018, in Hastings. She was sentenced by Judge Michael Schipper to two concurrent jail terms of 134 days and received credit for 104 days served. She was ordered to pay $799 in fines and costs. Her Holmes Youthful Trainee status was revoked; the terms of probation will continue. A count of possessing a controlled substance, marijua­ na, or a synthetic equivalent, was dismissed. David Donald Dunkelberger, 37, of Plainwell, formerly of Hastings, was found guilty of failing to comply in February/March of this year with the Sex Offenders Registration Act by not updating his address as required, a Woman loses $3,550 in phone scam A 59-year-old Middleville woman called police Nov. 26 to report she had been the vic­ tim of a $3,550 scam. The woman said she received a phone call around noon the previous day from a man claiming to work for the Social Security Administration. The man told her she had fraudulent activity on her Social Security number, including a car rental in Texas and the opening of several bank accounts totaling $20,000. He said there was a federal warrant for her arrest, and her assets would be frozen unless she cooperated. The caller then transferred the woman to another man, who claimed to be with the Attorney General’s office. The man said she had 90 minutes to go to the bank and withdraw all of her money - except for $100 - and place it on a secure government card, or it would be seized and turned over the SSA. The women withdrew $3,653 from her bank account, then put all but $103 on eight Walmart gift cards. She then gave the identification numbers from each card to the supposed SSA employee, who told her the warrant for her arrest would be cancelled. But he also told her to meet with SSA representatives on Banfield Road at 2 p.m. Nov. 26, to sign paperwork. After the woman went to the meeting and no one showed up, she went to an ATM and withdrew $20 from her account. When she was able to get the $20 she became suspicious because her account was not frozen. She went back to Walmart, where an employee checked the gift cards and told her they no longer had money on them. She called the police at 2:45 p.m. An officer spoke to a Walmart employee who said the money from the gift cards had been collected at a Walmart in Morristown, Tenn. The officer is working to get security footage from the Morristown Walmart from when the cash had been picked up. Custody fight breaks out in parking lot A 25-year-old employee called police at 11:41 a.m. Dec. 1 to report three people fighting in the parking lot of Mitten Pizza on M-179 near Gun Lake. When an officer arrived, another employee, who was not working at the time, said he had been in a fight in the parking lot. The 48-year-old Middleville man said he had been at the parking lot to meet his wife, 33 of Wayland, to give her their 4-year-old son for the week. He said when he opened the driver’s door where his wife was seated, he slipped on some ice and fell onto her. When she and her passenger yelled at him to get off, the husband said he lost his tem­ per and grabbed her by the hair and pulled her out of the vehicle. Her passenger, a 40-yearold male, then got out and attacked the husband. Two other officers interviewed the wife at her home. She said her husband grabbed her by the hair and neck, yelled obscenities and pulled her from the car. She went into the restaurant to get her son, and when they got in the car, her husband ran up and punched the window of her car door. The husband was arrested, and had a warrant from a previous domestic violence incident. He also had in his possession a pipe commonly used for methamphetamine, though no meth was found. ‘Happy Thanksgiving’ breaks language barrier in OWI stop Police received multiple calls of a reckless driver northbound on M-37 shortly after 10 p.m. Nov. 28. The callers said a vehicle was swerving into the oncoming lane and driving in the shoulder. An officer located and stopped the vehicle in the 1000 block of South M-37. The driver, a 39-year-old Kentwood resident, said he was driving back from Battle Creek and thought he was in Kentwood. The officer noted a significant language barrier and reported it was difficult to understand what the man was saying, though he did say he had been drinking. The man refused to take a Breathalyzer test, and the officer chose not to try field sobriety tests because of the language issue. When the officer told the driver he was under arrest, the man he responded, “No sir, Happy Thanksgiving.” At the jail the officer was able to use a translator, and the man agreed to take a Breathalyzer, with a result of 0.25 blood alcohol content. Man locks out girlfriend after fight A 35-year-old Plainwell man called 911 at 1:58 a.m. Nov. 30, to report his girlfriend, 32, of Allegan, assaulted him at his residence in the 2000 block of Russell Drive in Yankee Springs Township. The man told police his girlfriend of two years became angry with him after they went to a bar and she saw him talking to a friend’s girlfriend. She accused him of cheating on her and punched him multiple times, including in the face, and threw sev­ eral items at him, including a chair. He said she told him to take her home or she would kill him. She gathered up her things, and as soon as she was out the door, the man closed it behind her and locked it, then called the police. She left on foot. An officer found the woman, who said he punched her first, and they fought for 10 to 20 minutes, and she showed multiple cuts and bruises she had. Information was forwarded to the prosecuting attorney. felony punishable by up to four years in pris­ on and/or $2,000. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 365 days in jail, with credit for 106 days served and ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs. Two other counts of failing to comply with the act and to pay the registration fee were dismissed. The original conviction stems from a criminal sexual conduct convic­ tion on Jan. 31,2014, in Baltimore Township. Scott Neil McLean, 55, of Delton, was found guilty of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, and possessing less than 25 grams of a controlled substance, narcotic or cocaine, Dec. 16, 2018, in Nashville. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 32 days in jail, with credit for two days served, and ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs. He was placed on probation for 36 months. Two counts of delivery/manufacture of methamphetamine and operating a vehicle on a suspended license were dismissed. Zachary Stephen-Robert Rankin, 27, of Hastings, was found guilty of assaulting, resisting or obstructing a police officer and operating a vehicle while he was intoxicated May 20 in Hastings. Court records showed that Rankin had prior offenses of assaulting, resisting or obstructing police officers in Barry County Sept. 21, 2011; Oct. 15, 2013; Nov. 3, 2016; and in Calhoun County Nov. 20, 2017. He was sentenced as a habitual offender by Judge Schipper to 24 to 36 months in prison and ordered to pay $4,848 in fines and costs, which includes $3,000 in res­ titution. Counts of reckless driving and oper­ ating a vehicle on State Street without a license and two counts of assault and battery were dismissed. Tanya Marie Schuett, 36, of Allegan, was found guilty of operating a vehicle on M-37 while she was intoxicated Feb. 16, 2018, and violating probation on a prior conviction of operating a vehicle while intoxicated April 28, 2016, in Allegan County. She was sen­ tenced on Nov. 15 by Judge Schipper to serve 40 to 60 months in prison, with credit for 158 days served in jail. A charge of operating a vehicle on a suspended license was dismissed. Tiffanie Marie Traister, 37, of Dowling, was found guilty of domestic violence that occurred on April 18, 20x6^in Johnstown Township and sentenced on Nov. 18 as a three-time offender by Judge Schipper. She was ordered to serve 23 to 60 months in pris­ on, with credit for 332 days in jail, and pay $778 in fines and costs. Court records showed prior convictions for an assault and battery Feb. 17, 2015; and unarmed robbery Feb. 28, 2003, in Calhoun County. Jacob Jay Wiersma, 36, of Dorr, was found guilty of aggravated stalking and vio­ lating parole Sept. 18, 2018, in Irving Township. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 40 to 60 months in prison, with credit for 168 days in jail. He also was ordered to pay $818 in fines and costs, which includes restitution of $191. The stalking count said he engaged in a willful course of conduct involving repeated and continuous harassment of the victim, “the conduct being such the would cause a reasonable person to feel terrorized, frightened, intimidated, threat­ ened, harassed and/or molested.” Court records showed prior convictions for attempt­ ed unlawful driving away of a motor vehicle Sept. 19, 2003, second-degree home invasion Aug. 25, 2006, both in Allegan County; attempted first-degree home invasion Jan. 1, 2010, in Kent County; and resisting and obstructing a police officer July 25, 2018, in Barry County. Rebecca Pierce Editor A 50-year-old Hastings man, convicted in October by a Barry County jury of five counts of criminal sexual conduct, was sentenced Tuesday to serve three concurrent prison terms of 16 to 30 years. After a three-day trial, Darnell Scott Anderson was found guilty of five of 10 counts of criminal sexual conduct. He was convicted of third- and fourth-degree acts involving penetration and contact with a teen­ age victim between August 2017 and January 2019. But, in a rare split verdict, Anderson was found not guilty of first- and second-degree criminal sexual conduct acts that were alleged to have occurred between April 1, 2016, and June 26, 2017. The victim was under the age of 16 at that time, according to the prosecution. “We don’t know why there was a split verdict,” Chief Assistant Prosecutor David Banister told Judge Donald Johnston. “But we do know two things: One is that this jury was extremely attentive. And the other thing we know is the electronic evidence [presented during the trial] was just more recent for various reasons and that was the time of the conviction for the crimes that the jury picked. “We also certainly know the jury believed her [the victim], or the jury would have found him not guilty of everything.” Given the nature of the crimes and the number of incidents, Banister requested a 20to 30-year prison sentence. The victim asked the judge to sentence Anderson to “as many years as possible to keep him away from me.” “I have major fears of him coming to hurt me when he gets out,” she said in her victim impact statement. “... I’m dealing with physical and mental pain. “I will have pain and hurt my whole life - just because of him.” Defense attorney Shane McNeill asked the judge to consider a lower range for punishment that would be reflective of a high-court misdemeanor rather than a felony. Barry County Visiting Judge Donald Johnston hands down the sentence in the Darnell Anderson criminal sexual conduct case Tuesday. Anderson also spoke, saying, “I would like to apologize to the court for the unfortunate circumstances that bring us here today. I hope that [the victim] finds her way. That’s all.” In handing down the sentence, Johnston said, “I do agree to a large extent with Mr. Banister’s assessment as to the factors with the guideline variables. First, the defendant has a high number of prior misdemeanor convictions.” Individually, these crimes are not “the first order of magnitude,” he said, but, collectively, the sheer number “displays a certain cavalier attitude to the requirements of the law - and I think that is something that should be considered in evaluating this case.” Johnston said that since 1988, Anderson has been convicted of carrying a concealed weapon on his person, driving on a suspended license four times, removing property not his own (shoplifting), having open alcohol in a motor vehicle four times, malicious destruction of property over $200, driving with no operator’s license on his person, domestic violence twice, operating while intoxicated twice, operating while visibly impaired as a third offense, and driving while uarnen anoerson pen) apologizes to the judge. He is represented by Defense Attorney Shane McNeill (right). his license was suspended as a second offense. After reviewing these prior convictions, Johnston found that Anderson has two prior felony convictions. The determination that he is a three-time offender allows a more severe sentence under the guidelines. Another key factor in determining the sentence, the judge said, is the serious emotional and physical damage that has been inflicted upon the victim. She will suffer the emotional fallout for some time to come, Johnston said. “I think there is room for some deviation from the guidelines,” he added. “They do not fully cover the magnitude of the offense as described in these remarks.” “Michigan case law tells us sentencing is to fulfill, as fully as it possibly can, four principle objectives: Rehabilitation of the offender; incapacitation of the offender while he undergoes rehabilitation so that he is unable to commit further acts of criminality; deterrence-the sentence should be sufficiently uncomfortable so as to deter, not only the offender at the bar from recommitting it, but also other individuals in the broader community who may come to hear of it; and, finally, punishment in a manner which is proportionate to the wrongfulness of the defendant’s conduct - as viewed against the backdrop of his prior criminal history.” Johnston said Michigan sentencing guidelines serve as a jumping-off point for his analysis of an appropriate sentence. In this kind of case, the judge said, rehabilitation will be difficult to achieve. “I’m not sure how you can accomplish rehabilitation in a case of this sort,” he said, “although we may hope, as a result of incarceration, the defendant may learn important lessons which may cause him to be a less problematic individual upon his release.” “Incapacitation is fairly easy,” Johnston said. “And deterrence requires that, in a crime of a magnitude of this one, a sufficient sentence be imposed. “I suppose the criminal justice system probably does best at the fourth factor, punishment.” Then Johnston handed down the sentence: First, on the lesser crimes of criminal sexual conduct involving contact, he ordered Anderson to serve two concurrent terms of 267 days in the county jail on the two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct. Then he ruled on the counts of thirddegree criminal sexual conduct as a third-time felony offender: “It is the sentence and judgment of the court that the sheriff of this county transport the defendant, Mr. Anderson, from here to Jackson in this state where he is to be turned over to the Department of Corrections for confinement at an institution of that department’s choosing for three concurrent terms of not less than 16 nor more than 30 years, with credit for 267 days previously served in the Barry County Jail. “Mr. Anderson, this will constitute a final judgment of sentence in your case.” Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: AU real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.'’ Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity­ basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. For Sale Business Services Happy Jack® LiquiVict 2x®: handy dispenser insures ac­ curate dosage to treat hook & round worms. At Tractor Supply, (www.happyjackinc.com) BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, power washing, home improvements. 269-320­ 3890. Automotive BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. 03 HONDA PILOT, leath­ er, good condition inside, needs motor. Asking $1,500 OBO. 269-838-6590. OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. . ; ■ ’! , ; i ’ ; J *■’ P T i; / T 1‘ M ’4 * H * M s‘ *2 u * “ * �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 5, 2019 — Page 13 TK victory sealed with long three and free throws A big group of Barry County Grapplers Association wrestlers took part in Saturday’s MYWAY tournament in Lowell. The group of participants includes (front from left) Brennon Denton (third place), Joey Furrow (second), Max Schnurstein, Alex Schnurstein, Olivia Friddle (fourth), (back) Kade Case (first), Benjamin Furrow (first), Colten Denton (third), Carter Armour (second), Austin Friddle (first), Bella Friddle (second), Maverik Peake (fourth) and Isaac Friddle (first). Barry County Grapplers earn medals at season’s first tourneys Thornapple Kellogg’s Paige VanStee is pestered by Grandville’s Emily Terrell as she tries to get to the basket during the second half of the Trojans’ win over the Bulldogs Tuesday in Middleville. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Any butterflies were long gone 29 and a half minutes into Tuesday’s varsity girls’ bas­ ketball season opener between Thornapple Kellogg and Grandville in Middleville. Thomapple Kellogg senior guard Corrin Replogle took a pass from junior teammate Paige VanStee in transition a lew feet behind the three-point line and let a shot fly. Her three-pointer, accounting for her only three points of the evening, stretched a onepoint Trojan lead to three, induced a Grandville timeout and and drive smiles and high fives at theTxojan bench. TK wBm^pn to a 40-33 victory over the visiting Bulldog. “I have all the in the world in her,” TK head coach RossT^mb-itz ^id of Replogle. “The way she caught it she steppedinto it. It wasn’t fading away. Here feet were set. She just stepped into it and she shot it with confidence. That is all I can ask of any of my girls. I trust them all to step up and take shots when they have them open like that. “She is a senior leader, she stepped up and made a huge shot. It’s a one-point game and she made it four and then Paige obviously kind of iced it from the line. Two returning players coming and just stepping up big down the stretch.” VanStee, one of the top returning players across the OK Conference this winter, had a game-high 24 points to lead the Trojans J She was 8-of-ll at the free throw line for the eve­ ning, including 7-of-8 in the fourth quarter. She earned many of those free throws attack­ ing the basket. TK had a lead of as many as six points in the third quarter, but the Bulldogs had evened the ballgame up at 26-26 by the end of the period. The Bulldogs took a 28-27 lead on a steal and a lay-up by junior guard Maddie Gkekas with 6:50 to play, but that was one of the few easy buckets the Bulldogs were able to get. “I thought we did a good job rotating and getting out on shooters and that kind of Thornapple Kellogg sophomore Hailey Campbell sets to unleash a jumper from the right baseline during the second half of her team’s win over Grandville in Middleville Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Barry County Grapplers Association wrestler Jordan Shirey celebrates his first-place finish at the Lowell MYWAY tournament Saturday. Thornapple Kellogg senior point guard Corrin Replogle brings the ball up the court during the second half of her team’s victory over Grandville in the season opener at Thornapple Kellogg High School Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) thing,” Lambitz said “We had a couple stretch­ es where we gave up some offensive rebounds, but I thought for the most part we did a pretty decent job of getting on the glass and getting back on defense.” One of those tough stretches on the glass came in the middle of the fourth quarter, but the Bulldogs were never able to capitalize. They hit just two of their first 14 free throw attempts in the contest. A pair at the line by Jenna Eddie with a minute to play had the Bulldogs within 35-33 of the Trojans, and upped her team’s total to 4-of-16 at the line for the night. VanStee hit three more free throws in the final minute and a couple' Grandville turn­ overs prevented the Bulldogs from closing the gap any further. “Early you could see, both teams, we both missed a lot of shots especially at the bucket just kind of those jitters some that late in the season probably fall or maybe even in prac­ tice right now are falling,” Lambitz said. “That first game a lot of them were long around the bucket.” Tyah Jefferson, a returning forward for the Trojans, found the bucket a couple times early and finished with six points. “I thought we had a lot of good minutes off the bench,” Lambitz said, “especially defen­ sively. Grade DeWent came in and did a nice job on the perimeter and Hailey Campbell came in and gave really solid minutes and helped on the glass. Again, I feel like they came and gave sparks and we were able to keep doing what we had been defensively. That was huge.” The TK ladies visit Holland Christian Tuesday next week, and then will visit Hastings as part of the Battle of Barry County Dec. 13. The Barry County Grapplers opened their 2019-20 season at the Eaton Rapids MYWAY tournament Saturday with Jordan Humphrey (second place), Cameron Humphrey (third), Aden Armstrong (third) and Logan Kerby (first) among the medal­ winning wrestlers at their flights. ‘Muscle car’ museum coming to Gilmore in 2021 The story of the American muscle car is their next chapter, Gilmore Car Museum officials say. Luke Froncheck Staff Writer Muscle cars will have a permanent home at the Gilmore Car Museum. Museum officials announced they intend to add some muscle to the 90-acre campus by adding a new building to their Dealership Row. “The museum has been growing a lot,” Stacie Longwell Sadowski, development and engagement manager, said. “The new build­ ing will allow for us to double the amount of muscle cars on display. “It’s a great opportunity to fill out the mus­ cle car era.” Along with a recent press release, one of several fliers said: “A museum built on mus­ cle. Because no kid ever hung a poster of a compact car on their wall.” Their literature puts it this way: “Today’s younger generation have little recollection of the role the muscle car played in shaping American culture. Instead, the muscle car has been relegated to media nostalgia via maga­ zines, TV and films. We want to change that.” Construction on the new facility will begin in the summer of 2020. The new addition is set to open in 2021. The new facility will feature 25,000 square feet of interactive exhibit space, 3,000 square feet of changing exhibit space, a replica deal­ ership showroom, a vintage speed shop, a timeline of the muscle car era, exhibits that This muscle car showroom rendering is on fliers recently released by the Gilmore Car Museum. provide context regarding the current events surrounding the era, a drag racing display, and new restroom facilities. The projected cost is $5 million, $3 million of which will go toward the construction of the building. Another $1.5 million will go toward increasing endorsements. The remain­ ing $500,000 will go toward professional exhibit design. The museum also will be collecting dona­ tions for the project, ranging from cash, pledge, stock gift, or with a bequest. Naming opportunities are available for major gifts. As various automotive groups across the country have chosen Gilmore Car Museum for their permanent exhibits and collections, the Hickory Corners site has become the larg­ est automobile museum in North America. Its collections now include buildings dedicated to such vehicles as Cadillac and LaSalle, H.H. Franklin, Lincoln Motor Car, Model A Ford, Pierce-Arrow, as well as the Classic Car Club of America Museum and the Checker Motors Historical Records and Archives. �Page 14 — Thursday, December 5, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Big men bring back experience for DK hoops Brett Bremer Sports Editor It might take a little time to get everything running smoothly for the Delton Kellogg var­ sity boys’ basketball team this winter. The Panthers graduated eight seniors last spring, and while there are a handful of skilled guys with some size back, there will also be a a lot of sophomores and juniors new to the varsity earning time on the court. DK head coach Jason Howland, entering his second season leading the program, said the team is working on getting the younger guys up to speed on defensive sets and get everyone into the flow of the offense. The Panthers are in good shape in the paint, returning senior forward Dawson Grizzle and junior center Cole Pape. Grizzle averaged 6.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game last winter. Pape averaged 8.9 points and 5 rebounds a game. Coach Howland said the group of returning big men has a lot of game experience and good leadership. Delton Kellogg also brings back senior forward Jaden Ashley and senior guard Jordan Rench. Their growth will be key to the Panthers’ success this winter. www.mei.net CHAPPLE REALTY INC. 118 E. Orchard, Delton 623*4058 WestMichiganLakes.com The 2019-2020 Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ basketball team. Team members are (front from left) Alden Whitmore, Payton* Smoczynski, Blake Thomas, Jacob Kemp, Truman Prell, Richard Hill, (back) Tommy Sheldon, Jordan Rench, Cole Pape, Ale^ Whitmore, Dawson Grizzle and Jaden Ashley. (Photo by Mike Wertman) NAPA OF DELTON 9939 m-43 Hwy, Delton, MI Larger inventory, more in-stock parts 623-4804 Coach Howland is hoping his team will be able to “improve on last year’s record and compete in every game we play. Be consistent with our effort and performance on the court.” The newcomers looking to help the Panthers improve on their 9-11 record from a year ago include junior guards Blake Thomas, Trumen Prell, Payton Smoczynski, and sophomores Alex Whitmore and Aldin Whitmore. The DK boys open the season Dec. 10 at Maple Valley, and then will open the Southwestern Athletic Conference season at Schoolcraft Dec. 13. The Eagles are one of the favorites in the SAC again this winter, along with the likes of Kalamazoo Christian and Hackett Catholic Prep. Delton Kellogg will play its home opener Dec. 17 against Martin and then play home again Dec. 20 against Hackett. > . ■ ■ | n GROVE STREET CAFE M-43 Hwy. across from Delton Schools Try Our Pizza Take & Bake, To Go, Dine-in 623-3777 SIMPLY SWEETS, 623-8047 GO GO AUTO PARTS 7709 Kingsbury Rd. Delton (269) 623*2775 DELTON FLORAL & GIFTS 10120 S. Wall Lake Rd (M-43) Delton 623*5353 SMITH & DOSTER SALES & SERVICE 114 Grove (M-43) Delton 623*5111 DELTON POLE BUILDING 10036 M-43, Delton 623*3300 The^x Local GRIND Coffee House 117 S. GrovTSt., Delton, Ml 623.5777 The 2019-2020 Delton Kellogg varsity competitive cheer team. Team members are (front from left) Lyz Denny, Izzy Adams, Jennah Miller, Carly Mursch, Ezrian Halloran, (middle) Diana Perez, Hailey Meyers, Savannah Chilton, Kelsey Campbell, Keirra Halloran, Alexis Bolton, (back) Lilly Scarscella, Alyson Tack, Alexis Gates, Kayleigh Holmes, Gemma Scarsella, (missing from photo are) Sienna Gerber and Shelby Krzebietke. (Photo by Mike Wertman) Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Delton Kellogg varsity competitive cheer team reached the regional round of the state tournament for the second time in three seasons last winter. The Panthers will be shooting for that again this season, and they’ll get their first look at how things are coming together when they take part in Saturday’s meet in Plainwell. “We should be pretty strong in round one this season. We are hoping to put 14 on the mat in round one. That will give us a bigger presence then we have have in the past few seasons,” DK head coach Zoe Reynolds said. “Round two has the potential to be awesome with some hard work and time put in by these young ladies. I have quite a few underclass­ men with a lot of raw talent for me to shape into great cheerleaders. “Round three should be a solid round, but nothing new with that for us. We will do what we are capable of doing and do that well.” The group of returnees for the Panthers includes senior bases Carly Mursch, Shelby Krzebietke and Izzy Adams, senior flyer Jennah Miller, senior back spot Ezrian Halloran. Junior Savannah Chilton and soph­ omore Kelsey Campbell return as bases and as a couple of the team’s key tumblers. The Panthers will be working on getting some new flyers settled in to round three, juniors Alexis Bolton and Hailey Meyers and freshman Keirra Halloran. Coach Reynolds is also looking forward to what senior Lyz Denny and junior Alexis Gates can do as back spots in their first varsity seasons at DK. The Panthers were third in the Southern Michigan Competitive Cheer Conference Sa year ago, behind Lawton and Gobles - two teams the Panthers will likely have to over­ come at the top of the standings if they wa| to move up in the conference. Coach Reynolds said her team is looking for a strong finish in the conference this sea­ son. \ “We have set some personal goals to achieve and we will push hard to do that,” Reynolds added. Delton Kellogg will host two meets thi^ winter, an invitational Jan. 25 and the SMCCC Championship Feb. 1. -p �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 5, 2019 — Page 15 Freshmen fill much of Panther wrestling roster kids are tough and they have a great work ethic, very coachable,” Bissett said. There are some guys with some good expe­ rience to lead the way, including a pair of state qualifiers from a year ago. Caden Ferris returns for a sophomore season after placing eighth in the state in Division 3 at 215 pounds a year ago. Hunter Belew is back for his senior season after qualifying for the individ­ ual state finals at 189 pounds last season. DK also brings back Tyler Antolovich, a junior who was a regional qualifier at 112 pounds a year ago: Delton Kellogg follows up that opening quad by host its Delton Kellogg Duals Dec. 14. The Panthers open the Southwestern Athletic Conference season at Fennville, tak­ ing on the host Blackhawks and Gobles, Dec. 18. Next weekend’s duals are the only home match on the schedule for the Delton Kellogg grapplers until league duals with Lawton and Galesburg-Augusta Jan. 22. Bissett said he expects Schoolcraft to be the top team in the conference once again this season. 126 East Orchard Street, Delton, Ml 49046 269-623-6565 The 2019-2020 Delton Kellogg wrestling team. Team members are (front from left) Charles Young, Ethan McClurg, Charles ZurHorst, Gage Vincent, Joelle White, Hunter Antolovich, Maison McDaniel, Tyler Antolovich, Chase Nevins, Pascal Housemaine, Amon Smith III, Caden Ferris, Kaleb Post, Hunter Belew, Matthias HomoIla and Alan Rogers. (Photo by Mike Wertman) Brett Bremer Sports Editor It’ll be right into the fire for the freshmen ion the Delton Kellogg varsity wrestling team this winter. A young Delton Kellogg squad will open its season at the Hamilton Quad Dec. 11, where the Panthers typically run up against tough teams from Lakewood and Caledonia as well as the host Hawkeyes. “It’s going to be a year of building a foun­ dation for this group,” Delton Kellogg head coach Brett Bissett said. “With over 10 fresh­ man on the roster, many of them will be start­ ers for us. We keep a tough schedule so they will see good wrestling throughout the year. It will be interesting to see how the drop to D4 affects us when we get to the end of the year competitions.” So far so good. “The first week is looking good though, Panthers’ focus moves from paint to perimeter BUCKLAND AGENCY 11235 Sprague Rd, Delton 623'5115 HOW. Center, Suite B, Hastings 948-3720 THE HASTINGS BANNER Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 1351 N. M-43 Hwy, Hastings 945-9554 highpoint COMMUNITY BANK 1-888-422-2280 hiqhpointconnmunitybank.com Member FDIC DELTON FAMILY PHARMACY 338 Grove St. (M-43)Delton 623-5250 LYONS SEPTIC TANK SERVICE 3840 Harrington Rd. Delton 623-2089 • 945-5379 The 2019-2020 Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ basketball team. Team members are (front from left) Josie Lyons, Lauren Lebeck, Abbie Bever, Holly Mcmanus, Tony Higgins, Clara Bever, (back) Katie Tobias, Mary Whitmore, Eva Fernandez Villalobos, Erin l^apteyn, Kiersten Moore and Emale Tack. (Photo by Mike Wertman) Brett Bremer Sports Editor Option number one for a number of years ripw for the Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ bas­ ketball team has been to get the ball into the Jst. It led the Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ bas­ ketball team to an 18-6 record a year ago and a district championship. Times they are a changin’. The Panthers will have to turn their focus to the perimeter this winter after losing center Lexi Parsons, who is now playing at Kellogg Community College, to graduation last spring. Parsons and fellow senior post player Victoria Greene were the only two Dk seniors a year ago though. DK brings back its top perimeter scorers from a year ago, senior guards Hollie McManus and Erin Kapteyn. They both aver­ aged more than 8 points, 2 assists and 5.75 rebounds per game as juniors last winter. Returning as well are senior guard Abby Bever, senior guard/forward Clara Bever, sophomore guard/forward Mary Whitmore and senior forward Katie Tobias. The Panthers are getting a boost in the paint from junior forward/center Kiersten Moore and Eva Fernandez-Villalobos who is 6-0 exchange student from Spain. Coach Mohn likes the experience he has in the seven returning players from a year ago, and hopes his team can take advantage of its foot speed on the floor. “It should be a good group of girls to work with,” Mohn said, who now has 196 career varsity coaching wins after the Panthers’ vic­ tory over Bloomingdale to open the season Tuesday. ; The DK girls host Fennville Friday and then Maple Valley Dec: 10. DK opens Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division action at Schoolcraft Dec. 13. The Eagles should have one of the toughest squads in the SAC Valley this season, battling with Kalamazoo Christian and the Rams for a conference title as well. Of the Panthers’ six losses a season ago, four of them were in match-ups with that trio of teams. points for the Panthers. Delton Kellogg missed seven open lay-ups in the first half, but found its scoring touch and really played “much better overall” in the second half according to head coach Mike Mohn. Fennville cut into a double-digit Delton WILLIAMS'GORES FUNERAL HOME 133 Orchard, Delton 623-5461 TUJAX TAVERN 103 S. Grove St. Delton (269) 623-8310 DK girls beat Bloomingdale in their 2019-20 opener The Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ basket­ ball team fought off Bloomingdale down the stretch to score a 45-42 win in its season opener against the visiting Cardinals Tuesday. Holly McManus scored 16 points in the second half, finishing with a team-high 18 points on the night. Erin Kapteyn added 12 Fast Reliable Service For Over 50 Years Kellogg lead in the final two minutes to pull within three. “We have to have a bit more urgency with our closing out on perimeter shooters,” coach Mohn said. The Delton Kellogg girls are back at home again Friday to take on Fennville. Delton Moose Lodge 269.623.2112 5420 Moose Lodge Dr. (2 miles north of Delton on M43) OPEN 7 DAYS, M-F at 3pm, 12pm Sat & Sun, Food Served every day Members & Guests �Page 16 — Thursday, December 5, 2019 — The Hastings Banner County has stand-out swimmers, and divers, in every event Brett Bremer Sports Editor It was an eventful season for the Delton Kellogg-Thomapple Kellogg-Hastings varsi­ ty girls’s swimming and diving team, which had its last two student-athletes finish up the season last weekend at the Division 1 Lower Peninsula State Finals in Holland. The team was 8-3 in duals this season, plac­ ing fifth at the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference Meet earlier this month where the team had more than 30 scoring performances. A trio of DK-TK-HHS girls earned all-conference hon­ ors. More records fell this season, and some tears did as well, as the program rallied around Thornapple Kellogg junior Lydia Cole who has been battling cancer since her diag­ nosis last summer. The team, with the help of other teams around the area, dedicated its annual Cancer Awareness Meet to Cole and her family. Here are the 2019 All-Barry County Girls’ Swimming and Diving First and Second Teams. Daisy Nowinsky Abby Marcukaitis 2019 All-Barry County Girls’ Swimming & Diving First Team Holly Bashore, DK-TK-HHS: Bashore had the fastest time of any DK-TK-HHS swimmer in the 200-yard freestyle at the conference meet, finishing the race 14th in 2 minutes 15.80 seconds, also competing with her team­ mates for medal winning performances in the 200-yard freestyle relay and the 400-yard freestyle relay. Bashore had a best 200 freestyle time of 2:14.30 during her senior season, and also was one of her team’s top five swimmers in the 50-yard freestyle and the 100-yard free­ style this fall. Lydia Cole, DK-TK-HHS: One of the DK-TK-HHS team’s fastest breaststroke swimmers as a junior this fall, Cole had a best time in the 100-yard breaststroke of 1:19.60 this season, and placed 11th in the race at the congrence meet. Cole was also a part of a medal winning performance at the conference meet in the 400-yard freestyle relay. She was the third fastest DK-TK-HHS girl in a 100-yard free-;. E EIDER LAW ATTOtlllEV What is the Death Tax and How Do I Avoid It? What about tax implications for the peo­ ple who receive your estate? Beneficiaries usually do not have to report inheritanceon their state or federal income tax return because an inheritance is not considered taxable income. But the type of property you inherit might come with some built-in income tax consequences. Examples: The “death tax” is an informal name for the federal estate tax. The term is also sometimes used to describe inheritance or estate taxes levied by a state. Most of us probably don’t need to worry about the death tax. That’s because federal tax law allows estates to exclude a certain amount in a tax year up to a certain threshold. Estates of people who die during 2020 have an exclusion amount of $11.58 million, up from a total of $11.4 million for people who died in 2019. This means: •An individual may leave $11.58 million to heirs with NO federal or gift taxes due. A married couple will be able to leave $23.16 million. Moreover, if the heir is a spouse, the estate they’re inheriting may not be subject to the estate tax at all. The 100% marital deduction generally allows surviving spouses to inherit without paying estate tax, no matter the size of the estate. Are these numbers permanent? Well, no f (and herein lies frustrating news for some). . The federal tax reform law that passed in December 2017 doubled the estate tax exemption amount from $5. million to $10 million. But the increase made by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is temporary, applying only to tax years between Dec. 31, 2017, and Jan. 1, 2026. That means the threshold amount is set to change at the end of 2025, unless Congress acts to extend the increase or change it in some other way. .; • If you inherit a traditional IRA or a 401(k), you’ll have to include all distributions you take out of the account in your ordinary federal income, and possibly your state income as well. • If you inherit a rental property that later generates rental income or stocks that pay dividends, you may face a tax . bill for that income. • As you can see, there are many misconceptions about taxes and inheritances. Consulting with an elder law attorney to understand these issues, as well as how to avoid the costs of probate and long term care, may put your mind at ease. Robert J. Longstreet Longstreet Elder Law & Estate Planning P.C. 607 North Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-3495 ELDER LAW & ESTATE PLANNING P.C style and fourth fastest in a 100-yard back­ stroke this season and also one of her team’s fastest 200-yard individual medley competi­ tors. Erin Dalman, DK-TK-HHS: Dalman was as part of the 200-yard medley relay team that placed third at the conference meet, turning in the team’s fastest time of the season in the race at 1:56.35. ih She was her teaniV fastest breaststroke swimmer this season^ placing fourth at the conference meet in tl|e race with a time of 1:15.43. Dalman also placed 13th in the 50-yard freestyle at the conference meet. Karsyn Daniels, DK-TK-HHS: Daniels was one of her team’s fastest freestyle swim­ mers during her senior season this fall. She finished as high as 15th in an individual race at the conference meet, earning that spot with a time of 29.50 in the 50-yard freestyle. She helped the DK-TK-HHS ‘B’ relay team to a ninth-place finish in the 400-yard free­ style relay at the conference meet. She also was one of her team’s;top 200-yard freestyle and 500-yard freestyll puring the Season. Anna Haywood, D | TK-HHS: Haywood flew off the starting blocks in her freshman season, earning all-conference honors while a part of a third-place finish in the 200-yard medley relay and a fourth-place finish in the 200-yard freestyle relay at the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference Meet. ; Haywood placed fourth in the conference in the 100-yard butterfly and was the conferfence runner-up in the 200-yard individual medley with a time of 2:25.06 after setting a PR in that event of 2:24.20. She had the sec­ ond-best time of any swimmers on her team in the 50-yard freestyle, the 100-yard butterfly, the 100-yard freestyle arid the 100-yard breaststroke throughout the season. ; Hannah Johnson, DK-TK-HHS: A state qualifier in diving af a senior after a top 20 finish at the diving regfbnal at East Kentwood High School earlier this month. Johnson earned all-conference honors this Season by winning the OK Rainbow Tier II Championship in diving with a score of ^60.75 points. Abby Marcukaitis, DK-TK-HHS: Marcukaitis finished her sophomore season on the medal stand at the state finals, placing seventh in the 100-yard backstroke in Holland last weekend to earn all-state honors. She set a new team record in tie race with a time of 57.14 seconds in the preliminaries. She also set a new team record in the 50-yard freestyle in 24.81 seconds at the state finals. After two varsity seasons, Marcukaitis holds DK-TK-HHS program records in the 100-yard backstroke, the 50-yard freestyle, the 200-yard freestyle, the 200-yard individu­ al medley, the 100-yard freestyle and is a part of the fastest 400-yard freestyle relay team in program history. She was the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference champion in the 100-yard freestyle and the 100-yard backstroke this season. Juliann Meeker, Di-TK-HHS: Meeker, a junior, was the fastest DK-TK-HHS swimmer in the 50-yard freestyle at the conference meet this season, placing eighth in the race in 2838 seconds. She was also a part of the third-place 200-yard medley relay foursome for her team at the conference meet. Meeker was also a sixth-place medalist with her teammates in the 400-yard freestyle relay at the conference meet and had a 14th-place finish in the conference in the 100yard butterfly. Lauren Myers, DK-TK-HHS: Meyers reached the ‘B’ Final of two individual races at the conference meet as a senior this fall, placing 16th in the 200-yard freestyle and 14th in the 100-yard freestyle. Myers was also a part of the ninth-place 400-yard freestyle relay team Daisy Nowinsky, DK-TK-HHS: Nowinsky had the fastest time of the season for a DK-TK-HHS girl in the 500-yard freestyle, placing ninth at the conference meet in 5:56.18 to close out her senior season. Nowinsky’s top finish at the conference meet came in the 100-yard backstroke where she placed fourth in 1.05.58. She was also a part of a fourth-place finish in the 200-yard freestyle relay and sixth-place finish in the 400-yard freestyle relay at the conference meet. 2019 All-Barry County Girls’ Swimming & Diving Second Team Shannon Brown, DK-TK-HHS: One of the DK-TK-HHS team’s top divers during her senior season this fall. She placed sixth at the OK Conference Tier II Meet with an 11-dive score of 275.1 points. Brown had a top six-dive score this season of 166.00. Tylor Buxton, DK-TK-HHS: A junior, Buxton was a part of the ‘B’ Relay team for DK-TK-HHS at the OK Rainbow Tier II Conference Meet swimming on the foursome that turned in the 12th best time of the meet. She was file 33rd fastest girl in the 200yard freestyle at the conference meet this season. Makayla G^arez, DK-TK-HHS: Casarez was a part of the DK-TK-HHS 200-yard med­ ley relay team that placed 12th at the confer­ ence meet this season. A senior, she had the 33rd-best time in the 100-yard breaststroke the conference meet and the 42nd-best time in the 50-yard free­ style. Erin Daniels, DK-TK-HHS: Daniels capped off her freshman season by being a part of the 12th-place team in the 200-yard medley relay at the conference meet. She was 29th in the preliminaries for the 50-yard freestyle at the conference meet as well. Lily Foy, DK-TK-HHS: Foy, a sophomore, had a couple scoring finishes at the confer­ ence meet to finish out the year. Her top finish came from a 14th-place time of 1:12.72 in the 100-yard backstroke. Foy had a 16th-place time of 2:40.15 in the 200-yard individual medley at the conference meet as well, after swimming a time of 2:37.33 in the preliminaries for the event. Abby Gaskill, DK-TK-HHS: A freshman, Gaskill scored with a 16th-place time of 30.08 in the 50-yard freestyle at the conference meet this fall. She turned in a time of 29.43 in the preliminaries of the event. Gaskill, in the 100-yard breaststroke at the conference meet, earned preliminary time of 1:21.87 in that race. Claire Green, DK-TK-HHS: A sophomore, Green had the second-best 11-dive score of the season for the DK-TK-HHS girls finishing With JB77.65 points to place fifth at the confer­ ence meet. Green had a top six-dive score of 178.80 on the season. Preslee Hall, DK-TK-HHS: In the 200-yard individual medley at the conference meet this season, Hall finished with a time of 2:45.50 in the ‘C’ Final at the CERC. Hall, a freshman, also scored a time of 1:15.07 in the ‘C’ Final of the 100-yard but­ terfly at the conference meet. Her IM times were boosted by a solid butterfly perfor­ mance. Only two teammates had better times this season in the 100-yard butterfly. _ Charlie Hamming,DK-TK-HHS: Hamming finished up her senior season with a 23rd-place time of 1:10.60 in the preliminaries of the 100-yard freestyle at the conference meet, a time that put her in 33rd overall. Hamming also swam with the llth-place 200-yard freestyle relay team for DK-TKHHS at the conference meet. Dalace Jousma, DK-TK-HHS: A junior, Jousma was the fastest girl in the ‘C’ Final for the 500-yard freestyle and the 200-yard free­ style at the conference meet for her team. Only two teammates turned in times faster than her 6:14.68 in the 500-yard freestyle this fall. Jousma was one of the five fastest DK-TKHastings girls in the 200-yard freestyle and the 50-yard freestyle this season. Kasey Kapteyn, DK-TK-HHS: A freshman, Kapteyn had the 28th fastest 50-yard freestyle time at .the conference meet, finishing her preliminary race in 32.15 seconds. She also placed third in her ‘C’ Final race of the 100-yard breaststroke at the conference meet to close out the year. Abigail Schell, DK-TK-HHS: A sopho­ more, Schell had the second best score of any DK-TK-HHS diver this fall, putting together a top six-dive total of 196.15 points. Ellen Shults, DK-TK-HHS: A sophomore; she scored in a pair of events for DK-TKHHS at the conference meet this season, plac­ ing 13th in the 200-yard individual medley and 14th in the 100-yard breaststroke. Only four DK-TK-HHS girls were fastef than Shults in those two races. She had a tog time of 1:22.14 in the 100 breaststroke and 2:38.10 in the 200 IM. > Cadence VanOoy, DK-TK-HHS: A fresh­ man, her top finish at the conference meet came in the 100-yard backstroke where she was 26th with a time of 1:17.78. She had been as fast as 1:15.23 in the race this season. VanOoy also placed 31st at the conference meet in the 50-yard freestyle and the 100-yard freestyle, and 28th in the 200-yard freestyle.; Emma VanSprange, DK-TK-HHS: VanSprange closed out her senior season with a 27th-place time of 1:18.49 in the 100-yard backstroke at the conference meet. VanSprange had the seventh-best time in the ‘C’ Final of the 100-yard freestyle at the conference meet after scoring a time of 1:06.24 in the preliminaries for the race which had her in 22nd place at the time. GET ALL THE NEWS AC Mr RADDV DnKnY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-12-12.pdf 14ca05b0ada845fa77ee922a97f524e9 PDF Text Text astings winter >rts team spotlight Barry-Roi slots in a See Story on Pa% See Stories on Page 14-15 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 1070490102590503055649058113421 Hf ^★****A*****************Q^p_p-j- [_OT**C 005 C005 Richard Hemerling 421 N Taffee Dr Hastings Ml 49058-1134 6/30/2020 9:47:00 AM ANNER Thursday, December 12, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 49 804879110187 PRICE 750 Hastings Area Schools prep for cell phone ban Luke Froncheck Staff Writer Student cell phones are getting turned off - permanently - in Hastings Area Schools. The district announced Thursday, Dec. 5 that it would implement a districtwide cell phone ban, beginning next semester. Since Hastings middle and elementary schools are already operating under a ban, the biggest change will occur at the high school, district officials said. Hastings Superintendent Dan Remenap wrote in a letter to district parents that the reason for the ban is the overwhelming mis­ use of cell phones by students during the school day. According to the new policy, the ban is effective only from “bell to bell,” meaning that students will still able to use cell phones before and after school hours. Students found with cell phones during the school day will first be given a verbal warn­ Thornapple Wind Band in concert tomorrow The Thomapple Wind Band will per­ form its second concert of this season Friday, Dec. 13, at 7:30 p.m. at the Hastings Performing Arts Center. The performance also will feature the Music Connections String Ensemble, and concertgoers will hear a mix of traditional band music and holiday classics. Performers hail from throughout Barry County and some neighboring counties. The Thomapple Wind Band is open to all adult musicians regardless of ability, and anyone interested in more informa­ tion on joining the band is welcome to speak to members after the concert. Concerts are free; the band happily accepts donations which help to pay for new music. The final two concerts of the season will be Feb. 28 and April 3, .‘020. J-Ad News Services President Donald J. Trump is coming to Southwest Michigan next week. The president will be coming to Battle Creek on Wednesday, Dec. 18 to hold a rally at Kellogg Arena which is located at 1 McCamly Square in downtown Battjg CreM The rally is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. For public ticket information to attend the rally, visit donaldjtrump.com/events/battlecreek-mi-dec-christmas-rally. It not yet known when the president will be arriving in town, what streets will be blocked off for the president’s motorcade, or what Battle Creek businesses would be affected. The most recent future president of the U.S. to visit Battle Creek was Barack Obama who, along with eventual Vice President Joe Biden, came to Battle Creek’s C.O. Brown Stadium in August 2008. The last sitting president to visit Battle Creek was George W. Bush in September 2004. Earlier this week, the following informa­ tion was provided by Jessica Vanderkolk, speaking on behalf of Police Chief Jim i food, toys Saturday I The Michigan State Police Wayland | Post will host its annuaf‘FStuff the Blue I Goose” food and toy drive Saturday, Dec. L > ' 9 a-m; to 7 p-m- ^v^/al-Mart stores in Hastings and | piainwell will be staffed by Michigan | State Police Troopers collecting much | needed non-perishable food and toys for I families in need during the holidays. I Many food banks see a daily increase | requesting food assistance during the lead-up to the holidays. The most com­ monly requested items this time of year I are canned fruit and vegetables, canned I I“ meat such as tuna and chicken, boxed potatoes, peanut butter and cooking oil. I All donated food and toys will be dis­ tributed to families in need. Hastings food donations will be delivt | ered to Barry County Cares, and toys will I be delivered to Barry County United Way | for distribution. Blocker. Vanderkolk also said to keep watch of the Battle Creek City Blog for more infor­ mation. I • Security/police presence: “The presiden­ tial campaign and U.SgSecret Service will be focused on the president and the rally event; the city’s No.l gdalMi^ec. 18'is to keep safe the thousands of people \e\xpect to attend, and gather in downtown spaces. As such, we are planning our police presence, and will have multiple law enforcement agencies involved.” \ • Checks and items restrictions into the arena: “We will have the details on this in the coming days, but yes, rally attendees should expect to have their bags checked, and to be restricted on the items they can bring into the arena.” • Affects to businesses: “We don’t know yet what types of restrictions the Secret Service may request downtown, how this could affect businesses near the arena is still in question.” • Protests: “We are aware of groups plan­ ning protests or demonstrations, and there are restrictions around those gatherings as well. Details to come.” I Institute is I ^Dreaming of a 1 I Green Christmas’ • I | Following its environmental education | | mission, Pierce Cedar Creek Institute I I south of Hastings will host its “Dreaming I of a Green Christmas” celebration I{ Saturday, Dec. 14. The family- and envi- I ! ronmentally friendly event will be from I I 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. A sled dog demonstra- I tion is planned from 10:30 to 11: 30 a.m. I Activities will include a chance to meet I sled dogs from renowned sled dog owner and race competitor Annie Hammond of Kalamazoo; learning how to decorate gifts and trees with recycled or biodegrad­ able materials; making unique holiday ornaments using natural materials; creating gifts for animals; and building and r eating a gingerbread house. 1 Admission is $6 for members and $8 > for non-members, or $25 for a family. Pierce Cedar Creek Institute, at 701 W. Children and the 10 young at heart Cloverdale Road, miles south can of Historic inCharlton Park and | holidays ofenvironmenyesteryear |I delight Hastings, is the a nature center,Saturday during the “Ofcenter Christmas Past” event at I | tai education and biological field | station on 742 acres with nine miles of | § hiking trails. Its mission is to inspire | (appreciation and stewardship of the envi- I I| -ronment. lUlllllCllt. Additional information available at I cedarcreekinstitute .org. I I I | I I Of Christmas Past at Charlton Park See NEWS BRIEFS, page 3 i in miiimim ............... . ...... ..... anything but, if we see a phone, we will act accordingly.” Other area districts are also struggling with the issue. Nancy Alman, the junior-senior counselor for Martin Public Schools, said that “cell phones are a problem during the school day and cyberbullying is happening during school. The social media part of it is huge — the bul­ lying, the inappropriate pictures,” she said. “If they’re not checking the phone; they’re wor­ rying about what’s on their phone.” At Thomapple Kellogg schools, elementary and middle school students are not allowed to have cell phones in class. The district is more flexible when it comes to high school stu­ dents, district spokeswoman Julie Makarewicz said. “Our high school policy is up to the teach­ ers and it depends on what they are doing in class each day,” Makarewicz said. Remenap, the Hastings superintendent, added that, as he explored the ban and how other districts handled such moves, he found that “research has been crystal clear. Kids have an unhealthy relationship with their phones. I’d like to see them go cold turkey for a while and see how it will affect them.” He acknowledged, though, that with any policy change, issues will follow. “We have a tardy policy and we still have kids showing up late,” Remenap said. “We have a late work policy and there is still late work. But I have a lot of faith in our staff and our kids to work through the change. I’m real­ ly proud of how our students have responded to the ban.” According to Remenap, for every person who has responded negatively to the ban, there have been five who responded positiveiyThe Banner reached out to several current See PHONE BAN, page 10 President Trump coming to Battle Creek Dec. 18 j MSP collecting < ing. On the second offense, the phone will be confiscated until the end of the school day at which time it will be returned. On the third offense, a parent must come in and pick up the device for the student. The policy states that each offense will be met with corresponding punishment eventually leading to suspension. Hastings High School Principal Teresa Heide said the initial response to the ban has been positive. Students with whom she’s spo­ ken in the hallways and classrooms have told her that while they would like to have their phones, they understand the reasoning behind the change. “We’ve had so many issues with cell phones,” said Heide. “Teachers have talked about students cheating, taking pictures and videos, and just not paying attention. It’s going to be a change but it’s in the best inter­ est of our students. “We’ll work through this together. We’re not going to be sneaking around comers or j .... ...... mini—J Schools and municipalities protect against ransomware Taylor Owens Staff Writer Ransomware, a popular type of malicious software used by hackers, has been crippling school districts, municipalities and companies across the United States. “We’ve had so many districts around us either with ransomware inserted or attempted attacks, its a serious threat,” Maple Valley Superintendent Katherine Bertolini says. “We’re taking it as seriously as we possibly can.” Ransomware is a type of hack which infil­ trates a computer system and encrypts data, effectively shutting down the computer net­ work until a ransom, - usually in the hundreds of thousands of dollars - is paid to the online pirates. “The whole point of ransomware is to ran­ som your data back to you, they don’t even care what it is,” Barry County Information Technology Coordinator David Shinavier says. “Our information is probably not worth that much on the black market, but it’s worth a lot to us.” While the data is encrypted, much of the usual computer system work is shut down. An August New York Times story detailed the town of Laredo, one of 22 Texas cities which were simultaneously hit by a ransom­ ware attack this summer. A town of about 5,000 people, Laredo was forced back in time to retrieving paper records of everything from library loans to traffic citations. “The more and more we rely on technolo­ gy, the more it’s a hindrance if our technology is down,” Hastings City Manager Jerry Czarnecki says. The hackers are based all around the world, from Eastern Europe to Iran to even the United States. To keep their trails hidden, they demand payment in online cryptocurren­ cies like Bitcoin which are untraceable. When major cities and corporations are falling victim to ransomware attacks, it’s readily apparent that small school districts and towns are at least and maybe even more vulnerable. “We could spend all the money in the world and still get hit, there’s no silver bullet,” Shinavier says. “...It’s what keeps us up at night.” Especially ominous is that there are no guarantees for what comes back after the extorted price is paid. “If someone were to ransom your files, even if you pay them you’re not guaranteed it will be in any form you can use when you get it back,” Czarnecki says. Most Information Technology departments have multiple layers of protection in place, including firewalls, anti-virus software and even a switch that can shut down the comput­ er network when malware is detected to stop it from spreading. “It takes up a tremendous amount of time and resources,” Shinavier says. “We’re doing a lot, we have to.” Thornapple Kellogg Schools Technology Director John Dombrowski says the school makes use of resources such as the State of Michigan and Kent Intermediate School District. The school also uses the Center for See RANSOMWARE, page 3 Kamaia Johnson and Corrections Officer Amber Ball checkout during Shop with a Cop Tuesday. Police bring kids a Merry Christmas Taylor Owens Staff Writer Barry County police officers helped 22 kids prepare for Christmas on Tuesday night. The annual Shop with a Cop program provided each child a $100 gift card and their very own police escort for the night. The teams shopped at Walmart in Hastings to pick out Christmas gifts for the kids and their families. Barry County Sheriff Dar Leaf said that every year he has done Shop with a Cop, the child he accompanies always shops for their See SHOP WITH A COP, page 11 City Council flinches at proposed IT service cost Rebecca Pierce Editor A computer service pitch caused conster­ nation among some Hastings City Council members as they questioned cost vs. bene­ fits at its meeting on Monday. The city currently contracts with Aunalytics, formerly Secant of Kalamazoo, for pre-scheduled technical support visits that cost the city $1,722 a month. Instead of those monthly visits, the com­ pany is proposing a technical support arrangement that would upgrade overall service, beef up security, and address any Information Technology problems more efficiently for a cost of $5,513 a month. That $45,492 additional annual cost raised eyebrows and some council members questioned the need. At one point, Mayor Dave Tossava had to wield his gavel to restore order when sever­ al council members were talking at once. Later, a motion to delay consideration of the proposal until the 2020-21 budget year ended up getting rescinded. Then new action directed staff to proceed with further research on the proposal and return to the council with more details for consideration. That motion was OK’d, 7-2, with Al Jarvis and Brenda McNabb-Stange voting against it. The city recently migrated its server from on-premise to cloud-based through Aunalytics, which hosts nine virtual servers and provides daily backup, virus and mal­ ware protection, system patching and administration, according to company rep­ resentatives Steve Burdick and Jeff Ray. The city has had a business relationship with this company for about 10 years, City Manager Jerry Czarnecki said. At Monday’s city council meeting, Burdick compared the city’s current IT sup­ port model with the SiteCare360 program ' they are recommending. Under the current program, a senior engi­ neer visits Hastings once a month. Requests may not be fully resolved in one visit, Burdick said, and temporary workarounds may be required until the problems can be addressed. Burdick said Aunalytics’ current IT ser­ vice for Hastings is akin to a “fire depart- ; ment operation.” “We’ve been taking care of the city on a fairly reactive basis.” Under the SiteCare360 program, requests for service would be prioritized and addressed promptly via remote access, according to Burdick. See PROPOSED, page 5 �Page 2 — Thursday, December 12, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Jingle and Mingle offers festive start to holiday season in Hastings The Hastings Rotary Club Christmas Parade high steps down the street Saturday featuring a variety of floats and groups representing everyone from the road commis­ sion to first responders to law enforcement vehicles. (Photos by Heather Tolsma) Six-week-old Hudson Sipe meets Santa during the “Cookies with Santa” event at the Hastings Public Library on Saturday afternoon. Her mom, Ashley, dad, Will, and older brother Nicholas, 3, (not shown) wait in the wings to see Santa. Hundreds of bystanders gathered at the four corners of Jefferson and State streets in downtown Hastings to watch the Christmas parade. Ten volunteer employees from Thornapple Credit Union of Hastings and family members of employees worked at the “Santa’s Workshop,” hosted by the Barry County Enrichment Center on South Broadway Street on Saturday afternoon. Here, a snow­ flake ornament, one of two free projects offered there, attracts the attention of father and son. At the “letters to Santa” event hosted by At Home Real Estate, children had the opportunity to mail their written requests to Santa in a gigantic red .mailbox. Every letter writer received a personal response. The manger lighting on the front lawn of the Barry County Courthouse brought many people out to witness the traditional start of the holiday season downtown with an opening message by Pastor Bryce Feighner and a speech by Mayor Dave Tossavai The Hastings Middle School Choir sang carols. Volunteers at the At Home Real Estate “Letters to Santa” event help youngsters write their requests to Santa and declare to the big man himself whether they were “naughty or nice.” Competition was name of the game in the annual 3-vs.-3 Broomball Tournament Saturday afternoon in the parking lotturned-”playing field” of the Barry County Enrichment Center. Four teams showed up with their traditionally decorated broomball broomsticks to play for - or to defend - titles. Admission: A free-will offering will be collected for the Denners’ music ministry. The concert features the gifted musicians and vocalists, John and Kate Denner. John started playing the piano by ear at age 3 and is one of the finest, and fastest keyboardists you will ever experience. Kate began teaching piano lessons at the tender age of 12 and sang with the all-star vocal group The Chamber Singers before eventually teaming up with her soulmate, John. For more information go to: www.greenstreetumc.faith or call 269-945-9574 209 West Green Street Hastings, MI 49058 A jolly huge snowman represents Backwoods Triathlon of Barry County in the parade. Kierstyn Downs, a sophomore from Hastings High School and dancer from A Step In Time Dance Studio in Nashville, is the ballerina in the window of The Sugar Ribbon last Friday. It’s a tradition for the store owner Kendy Varble to feature live dancers in the window of her store during Jingle and Mingle. She has done so for the past seven years and proudly displays pictures of the dancers on a wall in the back of her shop. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 12, 2019 — Page 3 Haircuts for Kids returns to Northeastern i$ $ Oil rx^ Kindergarteners Jordan Drake and Carson Tyrrell get trimmed by stylists from Dick’s Barber Shop in Hastings. Heather Tolsma Contributing Writer r Dozens of hairdressers from all over Barry |md Kent Counties donated their time and ^ffort to support the “Free Haircuts for Kids” program at Northeastern Elementary School 4‘n Hastings Friday, Dec. 6. The program was Started last year by Erin Hayes, a member of fhe Parent Teacher Organization at ^Northeastern, to provide free haircuts for Students to get ready for the holiday season. Volunteer hairdressers from Dick’s Barber '"Shop, Paul Mitchell The School Grand Rapids, and Alicia Grimes Hair gave Northeastern Elementary students an opportunity to get their hair cut for free. (Haircuts were in the school’s science room, qyhere banners on either side of the door had been painted with “Salon” and “Barber Shop.” This project started from an idea by Erin SHayes one morning her daughter to school. || Hayes had the idea for such an event after Repeatedly seeing a student in need of hair Rare. h “I wanted to find a way to help. The Salon I1 go to had done a similar event for one of the (intercity schools in Grand Rapids, so I started ■brainstorming with my stylist/owner,” Hayes feaid. P She suggested the idea to the PTO and School principal. M “They liked the idea and had never done 4tn eyent like that before,” she said. । “I contacted local and out-of-town salons Jand barbers, managing to wrangle 14 stylists. ’My goal was to make the day for all of the Children. It was important for me to stress that Lwe all have hardships, be it money, time or ■transportation. The haircuts were to be available to every child. The joy, pride and happiness was palpable in the air. We did haircuts and styles for 52 children that day and all of the stylists offered to come back ‘again the following year.” Hayes added: “at the end of the day, one of the teachers came down to the room and told us about a child coming back from getting her haircut and |tyled and she was crying. She was so happy Carson Tyrrell, a kindergartener, shows off his new “do” while Principal Eric Heide, in background, gets a trim from volunteer Samantha Tobias of Dick’s Barber Shop of Hastings. Kindergarten student Siyonna Bucher has her hair cut by a stylist from the Paul Mitchell firm “The School” of Grand Rapids during the second annual “Free Haircuts for Kids” event on Friday, Dec. 6, at Northeastern Elementary School. (Photos by Heather Tolsma) and felt so pretty. All her classmates told her how beautiful she was. It was an incredible day and I was so happy to be able to make happen with all the support from our community and volunteers and NortheasWil Elementary.” ' This year, Hayes was able to get returning stylists and barbers to return to Northeastern. Haircuts and styles for K thru 5th grade totaled 73 for students and 4 for teachers and staff which were included as well. 4 Volunteers from the area were involved in making sure the event flowed smoothly including Hayes, Michelle Olin, Alesia Grimes, and another woman who came all the way from Florida to assist. Local businesses donated their efforts as well including Hungry Howie’s of Hastings who provided pizza for the volunteers and Maebelles LLC of Hastings who provided cookies for dessert. A & D Signs of Hastings donated the sign out in front of the school to advertize the event Eric Heide, Norfe<wern’s Principalfsaid, “This is our second wS\doing the free haircuts for kids and it hasxiust been and overwhelming response from o\jrparents this year. I think it’s just a great serv^e that we’re getting from Dick’s Barberop, Paul Mitchell and all the other the other people who donated their time and talents' to have this happen; Cooper Latzel, a kindergartener at Northeastern Elementary School, gets his hair­ cut in the Science Room “Salon/Barber Shop.” RANSOMWARE, continued from page 1 r. ? Mg internet Security’s 20 Critical Security Valley IT Specialist Josh Leatherman says. If there are backups available, IT personnel ^Controls as guideline. “Our big pie in the sky is to comply with all can wipe the computer systems to remove the ransomware, and replace it with data that is *those controls,” Dombrowski says. i But perhaps the most important form of less than 24 hours old. Dombrowski explains that Thornapple ^protection against ransomware is a good data Kellogg has three backups. One backup is ’backup. * “Backups are extremely critical,” Shinavier held offsite, in case of a power outage or nat­ ural disaster at the school, and another is kept r ays. “That’s going to be our failsafe,” Maple disconnected from the internet to stop hackers NEWS BRIEFS continued from front page Sunday, Dec. 14 and 15, from 11 a.m. to 4 J p.m. * The park’s turn-of-the-century village and museum will be staffed by volunteers and adorned with festive decorations, including a train display and fresh everh greens. U Guests can take a wagon ride and then f visit with St. Nicholas, who will have plen­ ty of candy canes for good boys and girls. In celebration of the season, guests are encouraged to make holiday crafts, includ1 ing a candle and yarn doll. Traditional food * and drink samples will be available through­ out the village, such as wassail, roasted chestnuts, cinnamon and sugar apples, and popcorn. ■ In addition, the Charlton Park Foundation Board will provide coffee and cookies at ! the Sixberry House. Live holiday music will ring through the Carlton Center Church courtesy of the Thomapple Valley Dulcimer Society. The park gift shop also will be open. . Daily admission is $6 for anyone age 13 r and up; $4 for children 5 to 12; and free to children 4 and under. Additional informa­ tion can be found online at charltonpark. org. Historic Charlton Park is at 2545 S. Charlton Park Road. Rep. Calley in town Monday State Rep. Julie Calley welcomes resi­ dents to office hours Barry County Monday, Dec. 16. She will meet with constituents from 1 to 2 p.m. followed by a legislative update from 2 to 2:30 p.m. at the Barry County Courthouse, commissioners’ chambers, 220 W. State St., Hastings. “I look forward to meeting with commu­ nity members and listening to their insight,” Rep. Calley said. “Monthly office hours have provided a great opportunity to con­ nect with the people I serve.” No appointment is necessary. Residents unable to attend scheduled office hours may send questions or ideas via email at JulieCalley@house.mi.gov or call her, 517­ 373-0842. from connecting with it directly. Those backups will mean the schools and municipalities don’t have to give in to the ransom if they can restore their system. “Worst case, if someone ransoms our stuff we can say 4Go ahead’,” Czarnecki says. “Most places that pay their way out of those things are just going to end up running backups anyway,” Leatherman says. Beyond all the software and hardware pro­ tections, the most important, and most vulner­ able line of defense, is the person using the computer. “The onus from a threat standpoint is now on an employee as much as on us,” Shinavier says. “Used to be you’d put anti-virus on everybody’s machine and call it good, but that just doesn’t cut it.” Many ransomware attacks start with a phishing scam. The hackers send a email to multiple employees, in the hopes that one of them will click on a link or download an attachment. Once they do, the ransomware can get in the system. An important part of the job of IT staff is to educate employees on how to avoid phishing scams. “I always tell people to be constantly vigi­ lant,” Dombrowski says. “I think the idea of phishing is more in the public awareness than it used to be five years ago... They are aware that there are scams out there.” “The people that are doing this kind of stuff aren’t stupid,” Leatherman says. Often the phishing attempts look real and appear to come from a person the target knows. Many companies and agencies hire outside cybersecurity companies to perform penetra­ tion testing, in which they attempt to hack into a network to check for vulnerabilities. Some even send out their own phishing emails to see if employees will fall into the trap. “They’ve had a lot of people that’ll click just about anything,” Leatherman says. Some people even give their own information if the email asks them to. Leatherman recommends employees always ask someone with IT experience before clicking on an email they’re not confi­ dent is real. Retain an Experienced Elder Law Attorney to Prepare Your Medicaid Application Many individuals are unaware that if they require long-term care, such care is only covered by Medicare or other primary health insurance for a short time. For example, Medicare may cover up to 100 days of nursing home care so long as the patient needs skilled care. However, if that patient requires care beyond Medicare’s coverage limit, then without any long-term care insurance, that patient would be responsible for the full cost of his care. With many nursing homes charging more than $350.00 per day, such a cost is unaffordable for many. Thus, Medicaid is the only option available to them. As Medicaid is a means-tested benefit, an applicant has the burden to prove that she is financially eligible. In Michigan, this requires submitting an application with supporting documentation to local Department of Health and Human Services (“DHHS”). The rules governing Medicaid are complex, and quite often each county’s DHHS interprets these rules differently. Therefore, it behooves an applicant to retain the services of an elder law attorney to assist her with navigating the Medicaid minefield. A person is not obliged to retain a lawyer to assist him with applying for Medicaid. Many professionals such as social workers can and do assist their clients accordingly. Many people are tempted to retain the services of a non-lawyer because they believe it will save them money, but only lawyers can give legal advice. Attorneys will not only assist their clients in preparing their applications, they will also advise them on options to PROTECT and PRESERVE all or a significant portion of their assets. Even though lawyers may charge a higher fee, lawyers will most likely save their client’s money in the long term. The following example illustrates why it is almost always in an applicant’s best interest to retain the services of an experienced elder law attorney: Mary had very few assets other than her home, and she needed to apply for Medicaid for home care. She hired a home care agency who told her that they would prepare her application at no charge. What the agency failed to do was advise Mary that, when she died, her home would pass through her probate estate. On her death, Medicaid filed a claim against Mary’s estate in order to recoup the money it had spent on her care. Once Medicaid’s claim was satisfied, there was almost nothing left for Mary’s children. An attorney could have advised Mary on how she could have protected her home so that it would pass to her children in accordance with her wishes. It is almost never too late to take steps to try to preserve your assets in the.event you need long-term care. If you would like to learn more, it is advisable to speak to a knowledgeable elder law attorney. If you would like to learn more, please contact our office to schedule an appointment. Robert J. Longstreet Longstreet Elder Law & Estate Planning P.C. 607 North Broadway Hastings, Michigan 49058 269-945-3495 �Page 4 — Thursday, December 12, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you In My Opinion see? Little visage as cooperative canvas Time to hang up the (cell) phone in schools Harper Head, 5, is a cooperative sub­ ject for face painting. Here, she waits while Gina Newsum of Fantasy Faces by Gina creates a work of art at the “Face Painting” event at the Hastings Public Library on Saturday afternoon. (Photo by Heather Tolsma) Do you remember? Delivering Christmas spirit Banner Dec. 14, 1989 The “Spirit of Good Cheer” Christmas delivery flight for Child and Family Services of Michigan Inc. departed from the Livingston County Airport Saturday, bound for Hastings. Volunteer pilots guided planes across the state on a spe­ cial mission to deliver gifts for 1,077 children and young adults served by Child and Family Services and affiliate organizations. Toys, food and furniture were among numerous items flown in to the Hastings Airport for five local fami­ lies. Many of the 1,000-plus recipients are in foster care, pre-adoptive care or group homes; some are teen mothers; others have suffered abuse or neglect; and still others have developmental dis­ abilities. Except for the compilation of gift requests completed by agency staff, the entire project is implemented by vol­ unteers. Here, Kensinger Jones (left) and John Fehsenfeld of the children’s services offer help unloading packages for the gift delivery program in Hastings. Have you met? Kathy Eilar is all about rabbits. She is a 4-H leader for Happy Hares 4-H Club. She also has been a bus driver for Hastings Area Schools for the past nine years, currently with Bus 28, and drove buses in Ionia County for five years previously. She is the oldest of three children. Her sister, Laura Wierenga, lives in Hudsonville, and her brother John Eilar, lives in Lowell. Her mother, Alice Eilar, lives in Hastings and her father, Mark Eilar, and stepmother, Jan Dumas, live in Grand Rapids. Eilar was bom in Grand Rapids, grew up in Ionia and graduated from Ionia High School in 1997. She attended Lansing Community College and later transferred to Grand Rapids Community College. She is currently halfway through her junior year at Grand Valley State University where she is majoring in elementary education. She is the mother of two: Landon, 16, a junior at Barry County Christian School, and Nolan, 14, an eighth-grader at Hastings Middle School. When she was first in 4-H as a child, she said she was “a horseless member of a 4-H club.” She shifted to showing rabbits. Her mom was a leader, and Eilar became a teen leader. She has been a Barry County 4-H leader for three years. She understood the values of 4-H, but it would become even more significant for her as a mom. “4-H was always really important. It’s all about community - serving others, putting others first. So then, when Nolan was first diagnosed [with autism] and we were able to get a rabbit here in town, we got into 4-H because they give you a good solid base. Nolan needed to learn he could trust others, not just me.” Her work as a bus driver and the flexibility it provides also has helped in raising a child with autism. “This job has allowed me to go into the classroom and be there to support him Kathy Eilar with one of her rabbits learning and getting that good foundation underneath him, to grow, but yet enough [income] to feed my kids.” She also volunteers at Barry County Christian School, driving a bus when needed. Eilar also enjoys cooking, quilting and spending time with her 88-year old grandmother, Lavonne Davenport. “I enjoy interacting with my grandma and the older generations. You can learn a lot from them,” she said. For her dedication to 4-H and her passion for the safe transportation of students, Kathy Eilar is a Banner Bright Light. As for a superpower: If I could snap my fingers and feed everyone, that would be amazing. I would like to be able to meet people’s needs. There are too many hungry people. Something most people don’t know about me: I am afraid of snakes. Best gift ever received: A car for my 16th birthday. It was a 1975 Ford Maverick. The horn went ‘Oooogah, oooogahl’ It was two-toned brown. Favorite dinner: Comfort foods. But it depends on the weather. If it’s cold and rainy outside, I love a good soup or lasagna. Mac and cheese for sure. I love.me my carbs. Favorite teacher: Ms. Daniels. She became my teacher in second grade in Ionia, and when I transferred from elementary to middle school, she went from elementary to teaching middle school/high school choir. So, I got to have her until I graduated. She cut the cord when I delivered Landon. So, I’d say we’re pretty tight. She’s part of the reason I got out of bed some mornings to go to school. For Christmas, I would like: A laptop, or a cage, or a new bunny. I mean I’d take a new car as well. First job: Baby-sitting. If you’re talking about taxable income, it was Kentucky Fried Chicken in Ionia. Favorite cartoon character: I love Dopey. My biggest challenge: I was sick a lot as a child and missed a lot of school. So, school was always hard. Trying to communicate with people ... there’s times I feel stupid. I’m actually really intelligent. You just have to find your right niche to share. I am most proud of: My children, by far. Favorite vacation destination: I loved Disney World, and going to Sault Ste. Marie. Best advice ever received: How people treat you is a reflection of their character. How you treat others is a reflection of yours. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving personality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics .com. Has anybody seen a teenager lately? Or even a child, for that matter, with fast and strong thumbs? No, because they’re all playing in the modem sandbox of their computer screens. You can’t see kids’ faces anymore, but whose fault is that? Adults are so buried in their own cellphones they wouldn’t even know a teen was walking toward them on the sidewalk unless they got a text message. We’ve become a society addicted to the phones and iPads and electronic notebooks being used for everything from social media and games to online shopping and one-onone communication. Today, the addiction is reaching pandemic proportions and its caus­ tic effects are becoming more apparent every day. Wherever we go - movie theaters, school events and now even churches - someone is reminding us to “turn off your cellphone.” I was in a restaurant the other day when I noticed a family of four all using their cell­ phones with little if any general conversa­ tion taking place among them because they were immersed in their screens. At one local church not long ago, the worship leader stopped his homily to offer a ringing phone’s owner the chance to take the call before he would continue. It takes a remarkable leader or a special group willing to question the prevailing beliefs to take on the problem. I’m happy to have learned that we have one in our own local school district. Last week, Hastings Schools Superintendent Dan Remenap announced that cellphone use by students during school hours will not be allowed beginning the second semester, pending approval by the board of education. In a letter to parents, Remenap said the change was based on the constant misuse of the devices during the day and the school’s commitment to educa­ tional excellence. I count that ability to recognize a prob­ lem before it becomes an emergency as one of the tests of good leadership, and it couldn’t be demonstrated at a more import­ ant time than the present when a recent K-12 education analysis by the Cato Institute, the respected libertarian research organization, ranks Michigan 36th among the 50 states. Even though state leaders con­ tinue to pour more money into education, it will not have the desired impact unless we provide a strong environment in which stu­ dents can learn. And that means getting rid of the distraction of cellphones. The new policy proposed by Remenap also supports Michigan’s anti-cyberbullying laws and the corresponding increase in the number of students more likely to have a risk factor for suicide or other behavioral issues. Whether teens are watching videos or looking at something substantive, the amount of screen time - not the specific content - goes hand-in-hand with higher instances of depression. According to a recent Pew Research Report, “Nearly all - 95 percent - of teens have access to a smartphone, and 45 percent claim they are ‘almost constantly’ on the internet.” In fact, the survey found that teens are on their phones as much as nine hours a day. That amount of screen time is finally raising concerns from parents, edu­ cators, policymakers and a growing number of medical experts concerned with the effects the overuse is having on our young people. Even though the data remains controver­ sial, most scientists agree there are a grow­ ing number of health threats associated with the overuse of cellphones. According to the National Cancer Institute, people who talk on the cellphone for several hours a day are 50 percent more likely to develop brain cancer due to the radio waves produced by mobile phones. According to the NCI’s cal­ culations, every minute the human brain receives about 220 electromagnetic impuls­ es, which are not necessarily harmful, but which definitely affect the brain in cases of prolonged impact. What do you This mounting data is pushing a growing number of school districts across the state - including Forest Hills Public Schools to our north, which began a cellphone ban at the start of the current school year - to look at their cellphone-use policies during the school day. And school districts aren’t alone. Some states, and even countries, have banned or are considering banning the use of cellphones during the work day. Companies continue to struggle with employees using cellphones during the workday, impacting production and even raising safety concerns when employees are distracted by their devices. Also a concern for schools, of course, are the effects of cellphone use on students’ psychological and emotional health and the interference it puts on the learning process, especially important during the years when critical brain development occurs. Another study, released by the University of San Diego, concludes that students fre­ quently on their cellphones are “twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression or anxiety as low-level users of cellphones.” Some experts even warn that obsessive cell­ phone use may in fact be a physiological addiction, since the brain releases the chem­ ical dopamine, as part of the brain’s plea­ sure circuitry with each digital notification. The University of San Diego study goes on to conclude “there’s emerging evidence that phones in schools can be a barrier to learning.” Even though many see cell­ phones as a way for teens to connect with other people, cellphone use is becoming a way to avoid face-to-face interactions, mak­ ing it more difficult for teens to deal with every day one-on-one communications - in the classroom and at home. A growing number of teens are impacted by at least one of three emotions when they don’t have access to their phones - loneli­ ness, being upset, and/or feeling anxious. When asked, teens expressed mixed views on whether they are on their phones too much. The University of San Diego report indicates that 54 percent of teens worry they spend too much time on their phones, and of those, roughly half, 53 percent, say they haven’t or can’t cut back on their use. According to the study, half of teens send 50 or more text messages a day, or 1,500 texts a month, and one-third send more than 100 texts a day or more than 3,000 a month. Fifteen percent of teen texters admitted sending more than 200 texts a day or more than 6,000 texts a month, confirming the Pew report that indicates, “Students are hooked on their phones.” Experts say it’s the parents’ responsibility to monitor their children’s activity by limit­ ing use, checking contents and monitoring their general behavior. In a growing number of cases, though, parents are just as guilty - spending more time on their phones then they do with their kids, disrupting the qual­ ity time kids need with their parents. Research has shown that more than 72 per­ cent of parents are engaged in phone use during the time spent with their children in a restaurant. And 65 percent of mothers reported cellphones intruding into the time they set aside to play with their kids. Based on these facts, it’s clear that we’re all distracted by our phones, which is driv­ ing lower awareness and sensitivity, fewer verbal and nonverbal interactions and dis­ satisfaction with the time we spend with our children, family and friends. As we contin­ ue to enjoy the wonderful advances technol­ ogy is bringing to our lives it’s also becom­ ing evident that we must continue to consid­ er the research and ramifications of these emerging advances and the impact they will have on our lives and the lives of our chil­ dren. Kudos to the Hastings school district for realizing the threat and acting on an issue that can help create a better learning place for all of our students. . Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the ques­ tion posed each week by accessing our website, www.HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the following week. Last week: Periodically, citizens who work during the day tell county commissioners it is a hardship to attend their daytime meetings. Do you think all units of local govern­ ment should be required to meet periodi­ cally in the evening? Yes 88% No 11% For this week: Hastings Area School System is enacting a policy to forbid cellphone use by students during the school day. Do you think cellphones should be banned in all K-12 schools? □ Yes □ No �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 12, 2019 — Page 5 PROPOSED, continued from page 1 Sen. John Bizon, M.D., R-Battle Creek, Tuesday is named the 2019 Legislator of thefYear by the Coalition to Keep Michigan Warm at a Capitol event to recognize leg­ islators and community leaders for their work on energy issues for low-income fami­ lies . Bizon received the award for sponsoring a bill that allows the Michigan Energy Assistance Program to continue through 2023. The purpose of MEAP is to establish and administer programs statewide that provide energy assistance and self-sufficiency services to eligible low-income households. Here, Coalition to Keep Michigan Warm Chairperson Patrick Leahy (right) presents the award to Sen. Bizon. (Photo provided) yVrite Us A Letter: rhe Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but th are are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published, rhe requirements are: ■All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. ■ All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. . 1 Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. ■ Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. ■ “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. 1 In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Know Your Legislators Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48^33. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov State Senator Dr. John Bizon, Republican, 19th District State Senate, Phone 517­ 373-2426 or toll-free, 855-347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. ma I: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives jjustin Amash, Independent, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Off ce Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 51'4. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate C ebbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20^10, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 2051022Q2, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. The Hastings B<Ull)er Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 . Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • NEWSROOM • Rebecca Pierce (Editor) . ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Taylor Owens POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 “Remote accessing of our computers?” McNabb-Stange asked. “I don’t like that at all.” Advanced anti-virus and anti-malware and patch management software solutions would be part of the package, Burdick said. That prompted another question from McNabb-Stange, who asked, “One thing you mention is anti-virus, anti-malware. Do we not get that from you now? “You have a version that is not as compre­ hensive as the version that is included in this solution,” Burdick replied. “And it is an upgrade we would recommend to you inde­ pendently.” “So we’re storing our stuff on your cloud and you’re not protecting it?” McNabb-Stange responded. “We are protecting those things that are in our cloud,” he said. “The virus protection is for stuff you store locally.” Some council members expressed surprise that some of the city’s information was still stored locally and not in the cloud. The prob­ lem, they were told, was that the outdated devices wouldn’t support data transfer to the business cloud. Cost wasn’t the only concern for council members. Several expressed worries about access and security. “Part of the business cloud model is that our stuff is continually backed up in multiple locations,” Czarnecki said, assuring the coun­ cil that outside companies would not have access to the city’s financial accounts. “There are steps of security for that.” “We also have liability insurance,” Burdick added. “...We work for defense contractors, we work for lots and lots of police entities.. .1 understand your concerns, I don’t mean to diminish them at all, but it is something we’ve dealt with pretty regularly.” Burdick told the council that the proposal could be changed in a variety of ways to mit­ igate cost and concerns about security. For example, he said it would be OK for the city not to allow remote access, it would just effect how promptly the company could respond to IT problems. City Clerk Jane Saurman told the council that at the time the budget was set for the transfer of city information to the cloud, city staff was unaware that some computer devic­ es were so old that a transfer of the data to the cloud would not be possible. “At the time we set the budget for this, we didn’t realize ... with the age of our hard­ ware..., when they did the upgrade ... they couldn’t upgrade it. ...Those computers have to run solely in the cloud. ...but we can’t run those because the computers are outdated.” Saruman said the city has already allocated between $110,000 and $122,000 for IT except for unexpected issues pertaining to out-dated devices and IT support. Czarnecki said the propped maintenance arrangement is an alternative to hiring an employee to handle IT for the city^ Jarvis mentioned that Barry County has four full-time IT employees. In an interview with The Banner on Tuesday, Czarnecki said that, when city staff had considered the option of going to the business cloud, they had looked at getting IT support from the county. But, for the county, the cost for that service needed to be high enough to warrant hiring another full-time employee, he said. The cost to the city for the Aunalytics con­ tract is less than it would have been to hire a fulltime employee for the city or to have the county provide that service. That and the 10-year relationship the city has had with that company made the agreement the best option for Hastings, Czarnecki said. If services to several local governments could have been “bundled” together, an BUSINESS BRIEFS Dr. Hoffman awarded for mentorship Grand Valley State University is pleased to announce that Thomas M. Hoffman, M.D. is its recipient of the Midwest Interprofessional Practice, Education and Research Center’s 2019 Outstanding Preceptor Award. This award recognizes Dr. Hoffman for his efforts in supporting Grand Valley University stu­ dents in the field of nursing by providing a positive impact on the students mentored through his office. “It has been a pleasure to work with such high-quality students from GVSU,” Hoffman said. HCB receives five-star rating Highpoint Community Bank has received a five-star rating from BauerFinancial Inc., a national bank rating firm. This is, the 41st such quarterly rating for the local bank. “Relationship banking is a lot like any other relationship, Karen Dorway, BauerFinancial president skid. “It’s much easier to maintain confidence and trust than to try to win it back. While a lot of Wall Street banks lost it, Highpoint Community Bank never did. In fact, a recent Rederal Reserve survey found that while fewer than half of Big Bank customers were satisfied with their overall banking experience, the vast majority of community bank customers are satisfied. And local businesses dealing with community banks not only reported the most satisfaction, but also the most success.” HCB has offices in Hastings, Middleville, Nashville, Caledonia, Bellevue, Wayland and Marshall. arrangement with the county might have been feasible, he mentioned. In expressing concern Monday about the additional cost for the service upgrade, Jarvis said he had no way to judge if the proposal from Aunalytics was a good or bad deal. “Usually we have a couple of bids.” Rather than approving the proposal from Aunalytics, another council member asked about seeking bids on the project, then differ­ ent council members started talking at the same time, forcing the mayor to intervene. Saurman said staff had not viewed this as a new project; instead, it was seen as a revision in the plan that required an increase in the support needed. As it stands, the city is six months into a 36-month contract, but an “out” clause would allow the city to extract itself and seek bids on a project for upgraded service like the plan pitched by Aunalytics. McNabb-Stange suggested holding off on the recommendation until the city begins working on the next budget. In the original motion that was proposed by John Resseguie, with support from Don Smith, the city would hold off on a vote until next spring, meaning that the actual upgrade would have been delayed until 2020-21. But after more debate, Resseguie asked to rescind his motion. Then Smith made a motion, with support from Jim Cary, for staff to continue working with Aunalytics to come up with a plan that offered more details and choices for the coun­ cil to consider. That was the action that passed, 7-2. During the debate on the issue, some coun­ cil members expressed dismay that the transi­ tion to a cloud-based system did not end what seemed to be a continuing need for financial infusions to support IT. “It’s a strategic portion of your budget,” Burdick said. “It needs to change to an opera­ tional expenditure in all likelihood. That’s what most organizations have figured out. It’s important. You have to keep replenishing; otherwise, your risks grow as you have devic­ es a longer period. “Well-intentioned engineering (teams) who are trained and staffed and have the best tools don’t have as much power and ability to be responsive and eliminate problems with older devices, so you have to invest in it and contin­ ue to do that.” Impeachment ensures no one is above justice To the editor: The following is based on a Smithsonian magazine article, “Inside the Founding Fathers’ Debate Over What Constituted an Impeachable Offense,” which can be found online at Smithsonianmag.com. George Mason, James Madison and Edmund Randolph were three representatives of the Commonwealth of Virginia at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. “So, on September 8, 1787,” the article states, “(Mason) rose to ask his fellow delegates a question of historic importance. ‘Why,’ Mason asked, ‘were treason and bribery the only grounds in the draft Constitution for impeaching the president?’ Treason, he warned, wouldn’t include ‘attempts to subvert the Constitution.’ ” After a sharp back-and-forth with Madison, a fellow Virginian, Mason came up with another category of impeachable offenses: “Other high crimes and misdemeanors.” Americans have debated the meaning of this decidedly open-ended phrase ever since. But its inclusion, as well as the guidance the Founders left regarding its interpretation, offers more protection against a dangerous executive power than many realize. Mason, Madison and Randolph all spoke up to defend impeachment on July 20, 1787, after Charles Pinckney of South Carolina and Gov. Morris of Pennsylvania moved to strike it. “[If the president] should be re-elected, that will be sufficient proof of his innocence,” Morris argued. “[Impeachment] will render the Executive dependent on those who are to impeach.” “Shall any man be above justice?” Mason asked. “Shall that man be above it who can commit the most extensive injustice?” A presidential candidate might bribe the electors to gain the presidency, Mason suggested. “Shall the man who has practiced corruption, and by that means procured his appointment in the first instance, be suffered to escape punishment by repeating his guilt?” Madison argued that the Constitution needed a provision “for defending the community against the incapacity, negligence, or perfidy of the Chief Magistrate.” Waiting to vote him out of office in a general election wasn’t good enough. “He might pervert his administration into a scheme of peculation [embezzlement] or oppression,” Madison warned. “He might betray his trust to foreign powers.” Randolph agreed on both these fronts. “The Executive will have great opportunities of abusing his power,” he warned, “particularly in time of war, when the military force, and in some respects the public money, will be in his hands.” The delegates voted, 8 states to 2, to make the executive removable by impeachment.’ Dr. Kenneth M. Kornheiser, Prairieville Township Battle of Barry County Hastings Saxons vs. Thornapple-Kellogg Trojans This Friday, Dec. 13! at HHS! • 4:30 Varsity Wrestling • 6:00 Varsity Girls Basketball • 7:30 Varsity Boys Basketball Also other GAMES and CONTESTS with Saxon Students vs. Trojan Students! • Tug-of-War • Sleeping Bag Chariot Races • Sumo Wrestling • Mascot Race • Basketball Shootout ...and much more! —SPIRIT BUS will be here 4 to 7 PM-----for a FREE TAILGATE PARTY in front off the High School! Wear your Blue and Gold for the Biggest Rivalry in West Michigan! �Page 6 — Thursday, December 12, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9:45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 1783. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingshopeumc. PLEAS ANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10:31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children’s ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office. greenstreetumc@gmail.com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948­ 8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings. org. 9 a.m. Classes and Gatherings for All ages; 9:45 a.m. Worship (Children's Worship Offered); 10:45 a.m. Coffee Fellowship; 11:15 a.m. Coffee Talk with Pastor Dan. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9: 45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945-9217. cbchastings. org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: w.ww,hasL ingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Student Ministry Director, Emma Miller, Wor­ ship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sundays: Nursery and toddler (birth through age 3) care pro­ vided. SUNDAY MORNING FAMILY HOUR WEL­ COMES ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE - 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue, Loving God, Lov­ ing Neighbor: Preschool age 3-6th Grade. Live: 7th-12th Grade. Adult Standard and Adult Elective classes. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10:30 a.m. and Children's Church age 4-4th grade dis­ missed during service. Fall Ser­ mon Series & Growth Groups, "On Mission" begins Sept. 15. Sunday Evening: Youth Group at 6:30 p.m., 2nd Tues: Young Women’s Small Group at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Mid-Week: Women’s Bible Study at 6:30 p.m. Kid's Club, Oct. 16-Dec. 4, 6:30-7:45 p.m. Friday Bible Study at 10 a.m. For more infor­ mation please contact the church. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God's Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! Dec. 15 - Worship services at 8; 10:45 a.m.: Worship & Integerational Christmas Program; Jesus' Birthday party and luncheon. Nursery available both services. Dec. 17 Women of Faith Christmas lunch at Applebees. 18 - Advent Meal 6 p.m.; Special Music/Bell Choir 6:50 p.m.; Prayer Service 7 p.m. Ken Scheck II. pastorken@grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945­ 2698. www.grace-hastings. org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings, MI. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: Marleah Dennison There are some who bring a light so great into the world, that after they have gone, the light remains. It is with great sadness that I inform you that my dear, sweet, beautiful mother, Marleah Dennison, passed away peacefully at Thomapple Manor on November 7, 2019. She was 98 years old. Her son Terry was with her. Her nickname at the Manor was “The Little Princess.” A memorial will be held in her honor next summer at the Dennison Performing Arts Center on Broadway. Watch for details. Marleah was bom in Assyria Township on July 19, 1921, to Glenn A. Swift and Lura Mason Swift. Her mother’s sister, Elsie Mason Lee, gave her the name Marleah. She was called “Tiny” as a child. Marleah was 9 years old when her mother died from an infection after surgery. Her father and older sister Maxine (who passed away in April 2019 at age 103) took on the responsibility of raising her. Marleah dearly loved her grandmothers, her aunts: Elma Swift and Elsie Lee, and Bobby, the family collie. Marleah attended the Ellis School through the eighth grade. Marleah met her forever best friend, Gertrude Phillips Gwinn, in the ninth grade. They were both country girls. Marleah was graduated from Hastings High School in 1939. She had tap danced throughout high school, and she was a favorite dance partner of her male teachers. Her favorite teachers were Vivian Reynolds (business) and Carl Damson (history). Marleah married Burr A. Dennison on June 12, 1939, and they were married 51 years before Burr passed away in 1990. The newlyweds were so poor that they only had one light bulb! Marleah was a homemaker until 1954 when she went to work for Orchard Industries as a bookkeeper. She later worked as a bookkeeper at the Felpausch Food Center. There were three stores when she started and 17 when she retired. She loved her job and working for the Felpausch family. Marleah had a green thumb especially for African Violets and spring bulbs. She made realistic violets from wood fiber in the 1950s. Marleah was a good cook. She was so happy to finally make a delicious meatloaf after 30 years of trying! One specialty which her family and friends looked forward to was her cranberry relish. Even cranbeny “haters” liked it! She always had home ca^ed^ tomatoes on hand. Marleah kept diaries for mahy years. One item for all dates was the local weather. She didn’t just write about family, she also included local, state, and national news. Marleah also loved sports, especially the Detroit Tigers, the Indianapolis 500 racers, and following the career of boxer Floyd Mayweather, Jr., whom she met in 2003. He gave her an autographed poster which she proudly displayed in her room at the Manor. “You are my Sunshine” was a favorite son in the Dennison household. It was the first song Marleah taught Terry, which he sang when he made his stage debut at age 3. Marleah loved to line dance at the Commission on Aging and continued to exercise into her 90s even surprising her Manor therapists with her agility. It was expected that when Marleah appeared in public there wouldn’t be one hair out of place or wrinkles in her clothes. She handwashed many of her clothes and her ironing board was used almost daily. During the 1960s, Marleah and Bundeveloped the Bur-Mar Subdivision south of the Bliss. They named the one-half mile road Terry Lane after their son. They also gave the Adventists land for a church. In the city section of the property, Burr raised Christmas trees, the only Christmas trees raised inside the city limits. Bun became so well known that “Christmas tree man” became his nickname. Marleah helped Bun sell the trees from their three lots on Broadway. Marleah’s fortitude was really put to the test after Bun lost both legs due to vascular problems and then suffered a devastating stroke. He couldn’t talk or move any part of his body for 18 months. Marleah spent every day at Tendercare caring for Bun. Marleah was so proud of her 1993 Chrysler New Yorker with its blue cloth top. It still looks like brand new. Its mileage is just below 50,000! Marleah enjoyed travelling with Terry, and they took many Tauck Tours and Elderhostels in the U.S. One of the most interesting was a trip covering the entire Lewis and Clark Trail. She also visited Europe five times and N. Africa. The first trip was to Portugal, Spain, and Morocco in 1967. Another trip was to Greece and Egypt where she rode a camel to the pyramids, and even got into one! A 1998 transatlantic voyage on the Queen Elizabeth II took them to London and Paris. Especially enjoyable: a tour of Buckingham Palace’s State Rooms, the crown jewels at the Tower of London, the Louvre Museum and Versailles. Marleah loved visiting the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island four years in a row and the many Christmas dinners at the Presidential home of Rutherford and Lucy Hayes in Fremont, Ohio. Marleah loved live theatre whether it was at the Bam Theatre in Augusta or in New York. A favorite Broadway show was the original production of “Annie.” She loved Miss Hannigan’s whistle, and Terry gifted her with her very own pewter whistle which she used. Marleah’s favorite movie star growing up was Alice Faye whom she saw in “Good News” in Chicago in the 1970s. Happy tears were shed that afternoon. She became a big fan of William Holden after seeing him in the film version of “Picnic” in 1956. She got teased about this! In 2011 Marleah and Terry donated the first of four payments to start the Dennison Performing Arts Center, and a home for the Thomapple Players. The old sanctuary of the former Presbyterian church was turned into a little gem. Some call it a little Victorian opera house. It’s very intimate and no patron is very far from the action on stage. The official opening was in May 2013. This is Marleah’s legacy to Hastings, and with the digital sign the name Dennison is in lights on Broadway! Marleah’s picture was in the Banner and Reminder for her July 19, 2019 birthday. She received over 100 cards and notes. She loved hearing from so many people. Dr. Paul DeWitt’s card was her favorite. Marleah is survived by her son Terry, many nieces and nephews, cousins, and friends of many ages. When you think of Marleah, remember her sweetness and her beautiful smile. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. EARLY HOLIDAY DEADLINES for the HASTINGS BANNER 1 December 26, 2019 Edition: News - Monday, Dec. 23 at Noon Display/Advertising - Monday, Dec. 23 at 10 a.m. Classifieds - Monday, Dec. 23 at 10 a.m. Christmas Eve Closing at Noon January 2,2020 Edition: News - Monday, Dec. 30 at Noon Display/Advertising - Monday, Dec. 30 at 10 a.m. Classifieds - Monday, Dec. 30 at 10 a.m New Year's Eve Closing at 2 p.m. will be on the stands lay of both weeks 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1599 w. M43 Hignway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 __ Hastings Devoted to the interests of Berry County Since 1856 Banner Roberta L. Rau, aged 86, (formerly of Hastings), passed away Tuesday evening, Dec. 3,2019, in Grand Rapids. She was bom to the late Donald and Lois (Allery) Silvemail in New Haven. Roberta enjoyed playing the piano and organ and was actively involved in her church. She traveled extensively and taught school for many years. Her early teaching career included country schools known as Little Red Brick and Welcome Comers. Roberta later taught for Middleville Public Schools for a number of years until she retired. She is survived by her two sons, Allan (Patti) Rau, Bruce (Rajeana) Rau; four grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; two great-great­ grandchildren; her sister-in-law, Geneva Silvemail and her brother-in-law, George Wierenga. Preceding her in death was her husband, Dale F. Rau; and her brother, Keith Silvemail. The family would like to express their appreciation for Roberta’s care for the last several years to the staff at Vista Springs Assisted Living Center in Grand Rapids. A memorial service is anticipated in early May. SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Name changes should be reported Vonda VanTil Social Security Public Affairs Specialist If you’re changing your name, it’s important to let Social Security know so we can update the information we maintain, send you an updated Social Security card, and ultimately ensure we pay you accurate benefits when you retire or become disabled. To get a corrected Social Security card, you will need to provide documents proving your legal name change and identity. Sometimes, you may need to prove U.S. citizenship or lawful noncitizen status. You must present original documents or copies certified by the agency that issued them. We cannot accept photocopies or notarized copies. Go to socialsecurity.gov/ssnumber to learn what documents you will need. To prove your legal name change, you must show one of the following documents: Marriage document, divorce decree, certificate of naturalization showing a new name, court order for a name change. To prove your identity, you must show an unexpired document bearing your name, identifying information and photograph, such as one of the following: U.S. driver’s license, state-issued non-driver’s identification card, or U.S. passport If you don’t have one of those documents available, we may be able to accept your employer identification card, school identification card, health insurance card, or U.S. military identification card. In the event you need to replace a lost Social Security card to get a job or obtain government services but do not need to change your name, in Michigan you can request your replacement card online using your My Social Security account at socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her cfo Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids Ml 49525 or via email fo vonda .vantil @ ssa .gov. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 12, 2019 — Page 7 HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE ; More recess makes sense — for many reasons One of the unintended consequences of the No Child Left Behind Act was school ■ districts instituting a hyper-focused approach • toward standardized testing and testing data. ■ This resulted in many schools enforcing “bell ’ to bell” instruction for all students, even the ! youngest and most vulnerable. ; To meet the increased curricular demands placed on students and teachers, many J districts, including Hastings Area School * System, cut, or greatly reduced, recess time from daily schedules. Starting in the second semester of this school year, Hastings will increase the amount of recess our elementary students enjoy during ^the day. Right now, our K-5 students have between .25 and 35 minutes of recess per day that 0coincides with their lunch period. v The district will increase that amount by ? adding 15 minutes of supervised, unstructured । time for our kids to unwind and enjoy being . kids. Research supports the importance of children having multiple experiences of supervised, unstructured play during the day. Naturally, we greatly value reading, writing, -math, science, social studies and all curriculum rwe offer our kids, but there must be more balance between structured learning and free times. j According to Heart Insight, a magazine published by the American Heart Association, ^“Recess time has been championed as a way j^o help combat the nation’s childhood obesity .problem. Studies also have shown that the free play that comes with recess is crucial to a .child’s cognitive, social and emotional development.” Hastings Area Schools agree. Research also suggests that more recess improves student focus and is good for brain development. Offering kids more time for recess will sharpen their attention spans during instructional time, which will help them Atanays to observe golden anniversary Superintendent Dan Remenap perform better as they learn the academic curriculum. Even though our students will be spending slightly less time studying the core curriculum, the time they spend learning will be more effective for their developing brains. This modification in our school day is simply listening, and responding, to what science and research is telling us. Every child is different. We know there is no one-size-fits-all in an educational program. But we are confident that this will be a positive step toward improving our students’ academic, social and mental development. We will continue to monitor this policy change and adapt as necessary to ensure that Hastings Area Schools remain a district of academic excellence. Alicia Patrice Clark, Hastings and Jeffrey John Smith, Battle Creek William Charles Walton, Delton and Jini May Depew, Delton Taylor Leigh Bryant, Morenci and Shelby Elizabeth Thompson, Delton Barbara Charlotte O’Grady, Hastings and Jeffrey Flores Magno, San Fabian, Philippines Isaac Stephen Smith, Lynchburg, VA and Kathryn Eileen Garber, Lynchberg, VA Patrick Zane Robins, Middleville and Amber Elissa Allen, Middleville Joseph Timothy Fish, Freeport and Chastity Grace Bogardus, Dorr Brittany Lynn Hager, Shelbyville and Sarah Lynn Jackson, Shelbyville Albert and Janice (Kelley) Atanay were married on December 20, 1969 in Los Angeles, California at Harvest Tabernacle Church where Albert was the assistant pastor. He also worked as a commercial artist and retired in 1993. Janice also retired in 1993 from Fireman’s Fund Insurance Premium Audit. They then moved to Michigan. Janice is a 1955 graduate of Hastings High School. Those desiring may send greetings to them at 598 Scott’s Dr. (Lake 21), Delton, MI 49046. THIS | AD [for SALE NOTICE The minutes of the meeting of the Barry County Board of Commissioners held Dec. 10, 2019, are available in the County Clerk’s Office at 220 W. State St., Hastings, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or www.barrycounty.org. 131809 „ mnrrnrmm SEASONAL TEMPORARY SNOWPLOW - TRUCK DRIVER J'fewbom babies Georgia Rae Stowell, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on November 3, 2019 to Ashley Stowell and Benjamin Stowell of Woodland. Levi William Helmer, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on November 7, 2019 to Tara S. Helmer and Heath C. Helmer of ? Hastings. Diana Rose, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on November 9, 2019 to Kathryn ^Cogswell and Adam Cogswell of Hastings. Pennock on November 20, 2019 to Haleigh Pool of Delton. Myra Arline Vincent, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on November 21, 2019 to Krista Kay Vincent and John Charles Vincent of Nashville. Carson Stanley Walter, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on November 21, 2019 to Amanda Walter and Seth Walter of Middleville. Otis Roy Chaney, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on November 10, 2019 to Angie jChaney and Dustin Chaney of Hastings. Hadley Angela Zimmerman, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on November 21, 2019 to Kimberlynn Webb and Matt Zimmerman of Hastings. Matthew Kenneth James Arrington, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on November 11, 2019 to Megan Louise Proctor and Matthew Joseph Arrington of Portland. Weslee Ella Stanton, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on November 22, 2019 to Hollee McGuire and Timothy Stanton of Battle Creek. fIMax William Ruiz, bom at Spectrum; Health Gunner Alexander Hicks, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on November 23, 2019 to Brandie Hicks and Johnnie Hicks III of Delton. Pennock,on November 11, 2019 to Ruth and Jesus Ruiz. ***** > fJ£verett John Poll, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on November 15, 2019 to Kaitlynn nPoll and Kevin Poll of Nashville. JXogan Roger Chilton, bom at Spectrum ^Health Pennock on November 13, 2019 to tEmilie Caris and Hunter Chilton of Hickory Corners. Isaac Allan Burgess, bom at Spectrum .Health Pennock on November 18, 2019 to Shelby Burgess and Zach Burgess of Hastings. Bria Rose Kelly, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on November 25, 2019 to Kayla Kelly and Patrick Kelly of Middleville. Talyn Gilbert Kees, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on November 26, 2019 to Kammi Lee Gilbert and Lester Stanley Kees III. Emma Sue Owen, born at Spectrum Health Pennock on November 29, 2019 to Kendra Sue Owen and Mitchell Jordan Owen of Hastings. ^issac Matthew Dougherty, bom at Spectrum ^Health Pennock on November 20, 2019 to Felicia Dougherty and Bret Dougherty of oLake Odessa. o1 ***** Eleanor Grace Walden, bom at Spectrum Arabella May Noami Williams, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on November 29, 2019 to Brittany Michelle Williams and James Scott Carl Williams of Grand Ledge. Health Pennock on November 20, 2019 to Rebecca Westbrook and Clayton Walden of Dowling. ***** Carter Allen Vredeveld, bom at Spectrum Health Pennock on November 29, 2019 to Autumn Nicole Bacon and Damian Lane Vredeveld. Lauren Pool, bom at Spectrum Health Friday, Dec. 13 - preschool story time, 10:30-11 a.m.; teen advisory board meeting, 4-5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 16 - Quilting Passions, 10 a.m.-l p.m.; Lego club, 4-5; murder mystery night group, 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17 - toddler time, 10:30-11 a.m.; murder mystery day group, 1-3; mah­ jong club, 5:30; chess club, 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18 - acoustic jam ses­ sion, 5-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 19 - Baby Cafe, 10 a.m.noon; Novel Ideas Book Club discuss “Legacy of Mercy” by Lynn Austin, 12:30-2; Movie Memories & Milestones watches 1947 movie starring Edmund Gwenn, Maureen O’Hara and John Payne, 5 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. The Barry County Road Commission has openings for seasonal part time snow plow truck driving positions. A high school diploma or GED is required along with a Michigan More than 50% of adults have a positive perception of ads in print newspapers.* Want to be next to trusted content? Place your ad in this newspaper and a network of newspapers in the state! Call this paper or 800-227-7636 www.cnaads.com 133776 Barry County Road Commission The Barry County Road Commission will hold a Public Hearing on its proposed 2020 Budget. The hearing will be held at the Commission Room located at 1725 West M-43 Highway, Hastings, Michigan at 7:45 A.M. on December 30, 2019. A copy of the proposed budget is available for inspection at the Road Commission office. Commercial Driver’s License with an A or B endorsement. Applications may be picked up at the Barry County Road Commission office (269-945-3449) at 1725 W. M-43 Hwy. Hastings, MI between 6 AM - 4 PM, or found on the website at www.barryprc.org. A complete job description will be provided at the time of application. Hourly wage will be $17-$21.12/hour no benefits. The Barry County Road Commission is an Equal Opportunity Employer. CITY OF HASTINGS REQUEST FOR BIDS Design and Construction Engineering Services for Rutland Township Special Assessment District Sidewalk and Drainage Passage The City of Hastings is soliciting bids for the provi­ sion of design and construction engineering ser­ vices at the Rutland SAD Sidewalk. The RFP and specifications are available from Hastings City Hall. The City of Hastings reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any irregularities in the bid proposals, and to award the bid as deemed to be in the City’s best interest, price and other factors considered. Bids will be received at Hastings City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 until 9:00 AM, on Thursday, December 19, 2019 at which time they will be opened and publicly read aloud. Bids will be clearly marked on the outside of the submittal package - “SEALED BID 133792 City of Hastings NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON AMENDMENTS TO SECTION 90-81 (a) <b> MEMBERSHIP AND APPOINTMENT OF BOARD OF APPEALS ORDINANCE FOR THE CITY OF HASTINGS The Planning Commission for the City of Hastings will hold a Public Hearing for the purpose of hearing written and/or oral comments from the public concerning amendments to Section 90-81 (a) (b) regarding membership and appointment of Board of Appeals. The public hearing will be held at 7:00 PM on Monday, January 6, 2020 in City Council Chambers on the second floor of City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. All interested citizens are encouraged to attend and to submit comments. A copy of the proposed changes is available for public inspection from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday at the Office of the Community Development Director, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. Questions or comments can be directed to Dan King, Community Development Director, at 269.945.2468 or dking@hastingsmi.org The City will provide necessary reasonable aids and services upon five days’ notice to the City Clerk at 269.945.2468 or TDD call relay services 800.649.3777. RUTLAND SAD SIDEWALK”. Matt Gergen Director of Public Services ' Jane M. Saurman City Clerk Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads �Page 8 — Thursday, December 12, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Several Michigan schools impose cellphone bans Ted Roelofs Bridge Magazine Michigan school officials in several dis­ tricts across the state have imposed cellphone bans. Under a policy announced in June, Forest Hills students were barred from carrying or using cellphones throughout the school day. That means everywhere - in class, in hall­ ways, even at lunch. The policy carries a progressive series of penalties for violators, starting with confisca­ tion of the phone for the day and ending with possible suspension from school for those who fail to follow an imposed phone check-in contract. The contract does permit phones to be available in a school office should students need to contact their parents. In this district of 18 schools and nearly 10,000 students, officials said the policy grew from a pilot cellphone ban the previous year at a district middle school. The ban was met with skepticism at first - but district officials say it was well received by both teachers and students by the end. That led to extending the ban districtwide. Like school officials elsewhere in Michigan, Forest Hills Superintendent Dan Behm argues that research is revealing a downside to undue cellphone use among students. “The regularity of a cellphone disrupting a student’s ability to focus on something is as damaging as having a loud noise, a train engine, randomly disrupting instruction in the classroom,” Behm told Bridge Magazine. “It has become clear that excessive expo­ sure to cellphones has a negative effect on school-aged children.” A 2018 survey by the Pew Research Center, Elaine Garlock Christmas in the Village sponsored by the chamber of commerce and the downtown development authority is Friday, Dec. 13. This will be the third year for this venture which has some new twists from former similar events. The Parade of Lights will start at 5:30 p.m. Floats and walkers are invited to take part. Mamie Thomas is the lady to call at 374-0766. The parade entrants arc to assemble near the village park by 4:45 pan. The parade route will be from Swifty’s Place north to Tupper Lake Street. Children may then hop on a wagon for a ride back to the fire station for glow sticks, popcorn, hot chocolate and cookie decorating. Today at 4 p.m. the library will have a gingerbread competition for anyone age 11 to 18. This is a make-and-take event. The Lakewood Choral Society is having its annual Christmas concert Sunday, Dec.15, at 3 p.m., at the Hastings Performing Arts Center. There is no set fee, but the basket will be passed. Living Gospel Church is having its Night of Praise Sunday, Dec. 15, at 6 p.m. There will be carol singing, guest performers, singing and refreshments. The church is on Rochester Street east of Jordan Lake Avenue in the northeast corner of town. Zion Lutheran Church on Velte Road is hosting a blue Christmas service Wednesday, a Washington D .C .-based nonpartisan research center, seems to confirm the stereotype: Teens are hooked on their phones. Pew found that 95 percent of U.S. teens age 13 to 17 use a smartphone and 45 percent say they are online “almost constantly.” More than half said they spend too much time on their phones. Another survey found teens were on their phones nearly nine hours a day. Almost a fourth in the Pew survey said social media had a “mostly negative effect” on their lives. A third study, from the University of San Diego, concluded that students frequently on their cellphones were twice as likely to be diagnosed with depression or anxiety as low-level users of cellphones. Some experts suspect that obsessive cell­ phone use may in fact be a physiological addiction, as the brain releases the chemical dopamine - part of the brain’s pleasure cir­ cuitry - with each digital notification. There’s emerging evidence that phones in schools can be a barrier to learning as well. The London School of Economics looked at test performance of 130,000 students in 91 U.K. schools in 2015 that had banned mobile phones, concluding that scores on a national exam improved 6 percent following the ban. Among underachieving students, scores climbed 14 percent. Still, one education professor said she is skeptical of policies that summarily take cell­ phones out of students’ hands. “I’m not a proponent of an all-out ban. They just tend not to work,” said Liz Kolb, a clinical associate professor of education technologies at the University of Michigan’s School of Education. Dec. 18, with service at 1 and 7 p.m. This service addresses the difficulty some people have after suffering loss of loved ones at holiday time. Rev. Becky Ebb-Speese is the pastor. Central United Methodist Church is having its Christmas program during the morning worship service Sunday, Dec. 15, at 10:30 a.m. Children from the Sunday school will take part, along with select adults. The Red Cross will be in town Monday for its bi-monthly trip to collect precious donations of blood. Hours are from noon to 5:45 p.m. The calendar says winter begins Saturday, Dec. 21. What would you call the weather we have had in recent weeks? Is this balmy fall? “The Sunfield Sentinel” will issue its final newspaper later this month. It has been proclaiming the local news for far more than a century. Other Sunfield ventures of similar age are Mapes Furniture Company now with its fourth generation of ownership from the same family and the same name; the GAR Hall, which is now maintained by Daughters of Union Veterans, the Welch hardware building, which now houses the Sunfield Historical Society. Apologies for the lack of “Lake Odessa News’ Last week. The news items were typed and printed, but the writer failed to instruct a library employee to send it by e-mail. NOTICE .. The Barry County Board of Commissioners is seeking applications from volunteers to serve on the following Boards/Commissions: Commission on Aging; 4 positions Conservation Easement: 1 position, Agricultural Interest; 1 township official or designee Applications may be obtained at the County Administration Office, 3rd floor of the Courthouse, 220 W. State St., Hastings; or www.barrycounty.org under the tab: How do I apply for: A position on an Advisory Board or Commission and click on apply; and must be returned no later than 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, January 7, 2020. Contact 269-945-1284 for more information. PUBLIC NOTICE Sealed Bid Auction for Surplus Vehicles Barry County is accepting sealed bids for the following: 1) . 2009 Chevy 2) . 2008 Chevy Tahoe Tahoe 1GNEC03009R231182 1GNEC03008R263208 193,923 168,622 All items sold AS-IS and available for visual inspection at the Barry County Sheriff’s Department. Barry County reserves the right to reject any or all bids, to waive any irregularities in any bid, and to award the bid(s) in a manner that the County deems to be in its best interest, price and other factors considered. All sealed bids must be clearly marked on the outside of the sealed envelope as follows: Barry County Administrator c/o 2019 December Surplus Auto Auction 220 W State St Hastings, MI 49058 With your bid, please include your name and address, phone number, number and description of item you are bidding on. Bids will be accepted until 12:00pm on Monday, December 16,2019. Though she added: “I’m not a proponent of a [cellphone] free-for-all, either.” Kolb is author of the 2011 “Cell Phones in the Classroom,” which extols cellphones as a powerful educational tool. She teaches educa­ tion students preparing to be K-12 teachers. “Bring student cell phones out of pockets and backpacks and into the learning environ­ ment,” a promotional online page for the book states. Instead of a ban, Kolb proposed that dis­ tricts adopt guidelines where phones are inte­ grated into the classroom at the discretion of the teacher. “They are most effective and successful when teachers are very deliberate about their use and when it’s not time to use them,” Kolb said. Kolb said some schools use a stoplight approach, where a red dot outside a classroom means cellphones will not be used, a yellow dot means phones will be put away but could be used and a green dot means students should have the phone out and ready for use. “Every generation kind of has their thing rock music, television. Cellphones seem to be kind of a generational tool and conflict as well. But it does come down to giving stu­ dents an opportunity to explore, giving them room to be teenagers.” But Tamera Laage, a member of the Forest Hills parent group that recommended the dis­ trict ban, said a phone-free school might mean more than improved learning. Laage said it could encourage students to actually talk to each other face to face. “When you are texting, you miss the con­ text, you miss the voice inflection, the little things that make conversation meaningful, that human connection. We learn a lot from each other by actually conversing,” she said. Other Michigan school districts are moving in a similar direction: Ionia Located just east of Grand Rapids, Ionia Public Schools is banning cellphones at its middle school this school year. “Our responsibility as a school district is to make sure that we are educating our kids both socially and academically,” principal Wayne Piercefield III said. “As a staff, we are just realizing that the cellphones are becoming a bigger and bigger barrier to their success.” Grosse Pointe At three Grosse Pointe Public School System middle schools, cellphones must be “off and out of sight” this school year. “We’re looking to build happier, healthier relationships,” Chris Stanley, director of instructional technology, said in a local media report. “This is really an opportunity for us to say, time to put it away, folks.” Plymouth-Canton Plymouth-Canton Community Schools west of Detroit is enforcing a cellphone ban at its five middle schools, aiming it says to “keep the focus on academics and to reduce unnecessary distractions.” Saginaw In Saginaw Public Schools, students must keep cellphones in district-supplied magnetic pouches secured by powerful magnets throughout the day. As the Saginaw district struggles with low test scores, Superintendent Ramont Roberts said the policy is aimed at improving the learning environment. “We found the phones were a distraction. We are hoping to eliminate the distraction and increase student achievement in our learning environment,” Roberts said. It’s unclear what share of Michigan schools now impose cellphone bans. An official with the Michigan Association of School Boards said that organization does not track student cellphone bans among the more than 500 state public school districts - nor was he aware of any organization that does. While at least several Michigan districts are dialing up new bans this year,a survey by the National Center for Education Statistics found that the percentage of U.S. public schools that banned cellphones actually fell, from 91 per­ cent in 2009-10 to 66 percent in 2015-16. New York City reversed its public school cellphone ban in 2015, leaving it up to school principals to devise their own policy. But California is headed the opposite direc­ tion, as it takes school cellphone restrictions statewide this year with a law that instructs all charter and public schools to develop policies to limit or prohibit cell phone use. And in France - where 93 percent of those age 12 through 17 have mobile phones - cell­ phone use is now banned in primary and middle schools nationwide. Ontario, Canada’s most populous province, banned cellphone use in public schools as of this year. The Australian state of Victoria imposed a mobile phone ban this year for primary and second­ ary schools. Back at Forest Hills Central High School, senior Grant Cardin allowed that the policy makes sense - to a point. “I can see it for the classroom,” he said after the first day of the ban. “But I think it’s a bit much - we can’t even use our phones at lunch.” Cardin, who played on the high school hockey team last season, said he often gave rides to teammates to a nearby ice rink for practice. They would text him during the day to confirm whether or not they needed a ride - messages he would check during the day to plan his schedule. “Now I won’t be able to do that until the end of the day. That complicates things,” he said. Behm, the superintendent, estimates a “couple dozen” students had phones confis- Continued next page Financial FOCUS Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones Brandon Wilkins Jeff Domenico, AAMS® 307 E. Green St, Ste. 1 450 Meadow Run Dr. Suite 100 Hastings, Ml 49058 Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2003 269-948-8265 Use year-end bonus (or gift) wisely As 2019 draws to a close, you may be anticipating - or have already received - a year-end bonus from your employer. Or you might be receiving a substantial cash gift for the holidays. (If you’re really lucky, you might get both.) You can doubtlessly think of many ways to spend this money right now, but how can you use it to help yourself in the long run? Here are a few suggestions: • Pay off some debts. Vir­ tually all of us carry some type of debt, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. For example, your mortgage not only gives you a place to live and a chance to build equity in your home, but the interest payments are typically tax de­ ductible. Other debts, though, such as those on consumer items, are not so positive you generally can’t deduct the interest payments, and the items themselves probably won’t enhance your personal wealth. Plus, the bigger your monthly debt payments, the less you’ll have to invest for your future. So, you might want to use your bonus or monetary gift to pay off, or at least pay down, some of your less productive debts. • Start an emergency fund. If you were to face a large, unexpected expense, such as the need for a new furnace or a major car repair, how would you pay for it? If you didn’t have the cash on hand, you might be forced to dip in to your long-term investments, such as your stocks and mutu­ al funds. A much better option is to build an emergency fund, containing six to 12 months’ worth of living expenses, with the money kept in a liq­ uid, low-risk account. It will take time to build such a fund, of course, but your year-end bonus or gift money could give you a good start. • Contribute to your IRA. You can put in up to $6,000 to your IRA, or $7,000 if you’re 50 or older. And although you’ve got until April 15, 2020, to fully fund your IRA for the 2019 tax year, you still might want to put your “ex­ tra” money into your account right away. If you wait, you’ll probably find other uses for this money. And if you’re go­ ing to enjoy a comfortable re­ tirement, you’ll need to max­ imize every possible resource - and your IRA is one of your best ones. Furthermore, the sooner you get the money into your IRA, the more potential it will have to grow over time. • Feedyour college fund. If you’re already contributing to a college fund for your young children or grandchildren, you can use your year-end bonus or monetary gift to add to the fund. If you haven’t al­ ready started such an account, you might want to use this money for that purpose. You could open a 529 plan, which provides possible tax benefits and gives you control of the funds until it’s time for them to be used for college or some type of vocational school. (Depending on where you live, you might also get tax benefits from your state if you use a 529 savings plan to pay for K-12 expenses.) To achieve all your finan­ cial goals, you’ll need to take advantage of your opportu­ nities - and your year-end bonus or monetary gift can certainly be one of them. This article was written by Edward Jonesfor use by your local Edward Jones Finan­ cial Advisor. member SIPC ’lb ew »w QI 21 , b' w p p (\ek Doctor iT M ol H -T Magnetic hum Dr. Universe: Why do microwaves hum? T.J., Middle School, Ohio Dear T.J., Long before humans invented micro­ wave ovens, they had to rely on stoves or an open flame to heat their food. These days, we can warm up food in a matter of minutes, or even seconds. A lot of parts had to be invented to make that all happen. These parts help electricity flow through the microwave in lots of different ways. One part called a transformer helps move electricity from one area to another. As it does so, it may vibrate or shake a little, and that tiny movement can cause a humming noise. Electricity is actually a big part of what powers microwaves, just as it does refriger­ ators, lightbulbs and cellphones. The elec­ trical current travels through a wire, sort of like water through a hose. Inside a microwave, we also find tiny parts called diodes which work like gates, allowing electricity to move in one direc­ tion but not the other. We also might find some capacitors in the microwave which work to store electrical energy. You also may be interested to know that microwaves are actually a form of electro­ magnetic energy. I found out all about it from my friend Sumeyye Inanoglu, a graduate student researcher at Washington State University. She is curious about how we can preserve food and use microwave technology to make better ready-to-eat meals. These kinds of energy move in waves, not too unlike the shape of the wave you see crashing onto the beach. The light you see with your eyes is also a kind of energy. There are a lot of different kinds of electromagnetic energy, so many that we call them part of the electromagnet­ ;h ic spectrum. The spectrum is sort of like a rainbow of energy, with the different lengths of waves forming the colors of the rainbow. We find iH very long waves, like radio waves, at one end of the spectrum, and very short waves, □d like X-rays, at the other end. Micro waves ■M are in the middle. Many years ago, Sumeyye said, a scien­ tist named Percy Spencer was studying radar and was experimenting with micro­ waves — the wave, not the appliance. One day Spencer had chocolate in his pocket and those microwaves ended up melting all the chocolate. That melted chocolate even­ dq tually led to the invention of the actual appliance. The waves are produced inside the appli­ ance from a part called a magnetron. The magnetron is mainly made up of two big magnets. You may also hear some sounds jv or vibrations coming from a fan that cools the magnetron. Lots of tiny parts can add up to do really useful stuff. But they’ll also make some ; W noise as they vibrate. Those vibrations are id also why moving parts eventually wear out rig and have to be replaced. You might just say you are hearing the sounds of engineering. It’s something to tiC think about the next time you’re waiting for P?) ub the microwave timer to beep. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. Water ’s Edge Financial LLC Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF® (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinancial.com Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you Jfft Jeffrey A. Keessen AIF® Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC Administrative Assistant �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 12, 2019 — Page 9 fl look back at the stories and columns on local hlstori In the Hastings Banner TURNING | BflGKTHE 1 PAGES J3 December 1939 wraps up with singing and celebrations The later Esther Walton, a local columnist and historian, reviewed the news from the Banner in 1939 and periodically shared headlines and news bits from 50 years earlier. This is the final installation; items were taken from the December issues of the Banner. Fifty years ago, a highlight of the Christmas season was the Teachers’ Carol Service Sunday. The service included teachers, under the direction of Superintendent D.A. Van Buskirk, singing Christmas carols in the school auditorium. It had been a tradition for 15 years. [Central School and its auditorium were completed in 1931, so, another venue would have been used the previous seven years.] According to an article in the Dec. 14, 1939, Banner, “this event of the holiday season has grown in popularity each year, as is evidenced by the constantly increasing crowds who attend.” The program was more than just the teachers standing on stage and singing. It was elaborate and carried a theme, which that year wqs “Christmas Eve 1850. Place: English Village.” All of the teachers participated, with Walter Perkins as general chairman and Arthur Lower as assistant director. Miss Dorothy Cook was chairman of Part II, and George Attn had charge of the lighting. ...” The instructions were then given so more people would receive a Christmas dinner. State Street is decorated for Christmas in this photo from the late 1930s or early 1940s. The photographer was facing west, standing in front of the spray plaza or movie theater. The monument was in the center of the Broadway and State Street intersec­ tion until being moved to Tyden Park in the 1960s. Chief of Police Edward Campbell gave his biweekly report to the city council. In it, the record showed 17 doors were found unlocked by the night police [this was in the downtown area], five traffic tickets had been issued, two arrests were made for reckless driving, one arrest for drunk and disorderly conduct, one arrest for assault and battery, and one arrest for leaving the scene of an accident. The Dec. 21 issue had an announcement about the new city director. The carol service given by the teachers was described as “splendid.” The school announced its honor roll, and those who received all A’s were Clara Bush, Palmer Osborn and Robert Roush. Elizabeth French, Bernadene Schantz, Richard Swanson, Agnes Cunningham, Maurine Haavind, Marjorie Hill, Beatrice Rose, Evelyn Townsend, Donald Hildebrandt, Beulah Bush, Louise Conklin, Donald Fingleton and Robert had from 3.75 to 3.99 grade point averages. A request was made for help on the Christmas baskets. A total of 75 names were on the list, and 40 baskets were promised. This left 35 baskets yet to be filled. r*-J The Camp Fire Girls entertained their mothers with a Christmas theme. Eight Camp Fiie groups were present, totaling about 75 gii^ls and guardians. “Mary Lockwood, Katherine Rowley, Je|n Kenyon and Rose Marie Ketcham were awarded Trail Seeker rank; Anne Goodyear, Mariette Faul, Joanne Finnie, Doris Beystrum, Joanne Moore, Donna Jean Bachelder, Florence French, Agnes Thompson, Patty Tyler, Marilyn Zuttermeister and Mrs. G.E. Goodyear achieved Wood Gatherer rank; and Mary Ketcham, Ellen Bump and Marjorie Hill received Fire Maker rank. “Honors for three consecutive years of membership were awarded to Patricia Bump, Marjorie Norton, Doris Lockwood, Gladys Hijdebrant, Ellen Bump, Ruth Mary Bliss, Mary Ketcham and Gail Foster. Five-year honors went to Priscilla Harrington and Marjorie Hill. Doris Lockwood was given the next highest national honor for her beautiful beaded headband. Twenty-eight girls received local honors for helping with the breakfast initiating the Youth Council Drive for funds last May. “Christmas poems and carols were contributed by the girls. The many guests present and their cordial interest were an adfied inspiration to this inspiring ceremony,” the article concluded. As in the past, various groups joined together to distribute Christmas baskets. This yekr, according to the paper, the distribution w^s going to be under a single unit, announcing, “It is desired that no family in Hastings or surrounding territory will be without a good Christmas dinner this year ... In; years past because of the failure of some groups or individuals to cooperate with the agency having charge of the work, some families have received two or even more baskets, while others equally worthy and equally needy were forgotten altogether. This duplication and omission can be entirely avoided if everyone will follow the instructions In the Dec. 28 issue came the announcement of the Banner’s fifth annual New Year’s baby contest. The first baby born in Barry County^ to Barry County parents was in line “to start life auspiciously.” Previous winners were: First year Hazel Kidder, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Kidder; the second year’s winner was Patrick Robert Taffee, son of Mr. and Mrs. Don Taffee; third was Janet Lee Thaler, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ivan Thaler; and the winner the fourth year was Donald Jay Falconer, son This photo shows the interior of Homer Smith’s Coffee Shop on State Street sometime in the 1930s. The shop was next to what of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Falconer of Irving is now Miller Real Estate. Township. Following the list of previous winners came the names of merchants cooperating in the contest: Carveth and Stebbins, Montgomery Ward, Cut-Rate Shoe Store, Highland Dairy, C.B. Hodges, LyBarker Drug Store, Food Center, Reed’s Drug Store, Taylor’s Shoes, J.C. Penney, Wallace Grocery and the Hastings Banner. The kiddies Christmas party was called a success, with the stands filled to overflowing three times. There was no count of the children who participated. Because the new year would fall on Monday in 1940, all correspondents were asked to get their pieces in early. Morley Osborne, a former superintendent of the Hastings schools, was chosen to be a member of the Livingston County Welfare board, the paper announced. Another former resident Col. Gladeon M. Barnes was mentioned as an author in “Scientific American,” a magazine published by the Army Ordnance Association. In the article, Col. Barnes spoke of the new semi­ automatic shoulder rifle and the anti-aircraft guns developed by the Army, revealing, “the United States is getting thoroughly prepared for any attempted invasion of this country, especially by aircraft.” And on that note, the news for 1939 ended in Barry County. Continued from previous page cated for the day during the first two weeks of school - step one in the penalty phase. He was unaware of any who reached the second step, where the phone is seized from the student and held by the school until claimed by a par­ ent. “I have had parents tell me that if it gets to that step, they won’t pick it up until June,” Behm said. Behm said early reports are promising. “I’ve been hearing that students at lunch are making eye contact and talking face to face. Older adults might not think that is news. But I can tell you from my own experi­ ence, it is different.” Revisiting the ban a couple weeks after it went into place, Cardin said it was “well enforced.” Cardin said it had little effect on his lunch group, since he and his friends were more about conversation than cellphones even before the ban. But he did notice something else: “I can see a few groups that instead of staring down at their phones like they did before, they are kind of doing a lot more talking to each other. “That’s different.” Three blood drives in area The American Red Cross will conduct three blood drives in local communities in the next few days. All blood types are needed, and the need for type O blood is critical. Local blood drives include: Plainwell - Thursday, Dec. 12, 11 a.m.5:45 p.m., Gun Plains Township Hall­ Plainwell, 381 8th St. ' Delton - Dec. 16, 11 a.m.-4:45 p.m., St. Ambrose Church, 11149 Floria Road. Lake Odessa - Monday, Dec. 16, noon5:45 p.m., Central United Methodist Church, 912 Fourth Ave. Middleville - Wednesday, Dec. 18, noon4:45 p.m., UAW 1002 Bradford White, 295 Washington St. Donors receive a mini-health screening to help determine eligibility that includes blood pressure, pulse and hemoglobin readings. First-time donors will also find out their blood type soon after donating. The donation process takes about an hour. Anyone who is 17 or older, weighs a minimum of 110 pounds, is in reasonably good health and has not donated for 56 days is eligible. Prospective donors may make appointments using the Red Cross Blood DonorApp,registering online atredcrossblood. org or by calling 800-RED CROSS (1-800­ 733-2767) ROUTES (WALKING & DRIVING) AVAILABLE IN BARRY COUNTY • Paid Weekly • Il I □ J ll 'The People Paper' 1351 N. M-43 Highway Hastings Devoted to the Interests oj Barra County Since 1856 ANNER Barry County □1 Year $45.00 Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads MUST APPLY IN PERSON AT OUR HASTINGS OFFICE Outside of Above Counties for 5 Months or More 1 Year $55.00 Allegan, Calhoun, Eaton, Ionia, Kalamazoo and Kent Counties: $8.00 per month 1 Year $50.00 P.O. Box 188, Hastings, Ml 49058 269-945-9554 �Page 10 — Thursday, December 12, 2019 — The Hastings Banner PHONE BAN, continued from page 1 students at the high school, most of whom were willing go on record with their opinions on the ban, though the paper has decided to not use their names. One high school student noted that there is unrest among high school students following the announcement, due to what he termed unanswered questions on how the ban will be implemented and what it will encompass. “The unrest could also stem from the hard stance of the teachers, one of whom even stat­ ed,” according to the student, “that ‘the school will suspend 80 kids if need be.’ Phones in school have become a normality, which makes it a very hard social and psychological change for us students.” Another student said, “I just think that the school system does not understand that there are kids that struggle to get through the school day on their own. What I mean by this is, like if a kid is having a bad day, they don’t want to listen to other kids yell at them or have a teacher nag at them. “Having headphones in is a way for people to signal that they want to be left alone. I feel that if the student is attending class, they should not be punished for wanting to be left alone. As a person with unsteady mental health, I feel that I need my phone at school to call my therapist when I am having a rough day or an anxiety attack. “I do not understand why we must be pun­ ished for needing to talk to people who we cannot just walk up to at any point during the day.” While some students disapprove of the move, some see the change as an opportunity for growth. “Although I love having access to my phone anytime, even during school, I’m actu­ ally pretty excited to see what happens,” another high school student commented. “It is meant to help us further succeed, and I believe and hope it does. “I just wish that they would at least let us use it during our lunch period to get caught up on things outside of school, like texting a par­ ent back or to just have a little break. Also, a girl in my math class brought up the point of those kids who sit alone at lunch and like to have their earbuds in because it makes them feel less lonely.” Delton Kellogg Schools Superintendent Kyle Corlett added his opinion on the cell phone ban during an email conversation with the Banner. “The use of technology is a difficult balance. On one hand, studies have shown that screen time has a negative effect on kids, especially young ones, by hurting their language development, attention span, and social skills. However, we also want to prepare students with 21st Century skills and expand and improve learning experiences by using technology, in a way that wasn’t possible before.” Delton Kellogg Schools Superintendent Kyle Corlett “We have seen a decrease in conflict at the middle school caused by texting and posting on social media since we’ve asked students not to have them out during the school day,” Corlett said. “We really haven’t had any issues involving phones this year at the mid­ dle school.” Although Delton is not under a full ban, the district’s policy is similar to that of Hastings Middle School’s full ban on cell phones. The HMS policy has been in place for the past three years. “Frankly, it is wonderful,” HMS Principal Beth Stevens said. “We have gotten great sup­ port from our parents and it is working great at HMS.” In regards to cell phone use at the high school level Corlett has a different view. He feels that Delton teachers “do a nice job man­ aging student cell phone usage.” Delton Kellogg High School does not have a cell phone ban. Delton teachers manage cell phone use by asking students to either put the devices in a cell phone “garage” at the beginning of class or to keep cell phones out of sight. Some teachers have even found ways to make the devices learning tools during class time, Corlett said. “The use of technology is a difficult bal­ ance,” he said. “On one hand, studies have shown that screen time has a negative effect on kids, especially young ones, by hurting their language development, attention span, and social skills. However, we also want to prepare students with 21st Century skills and expand and improve learning experiences by using technology, in a way that wasn’t possi­ ble before.” Both Heide and Remenap agreed that both parent and teacher support for the ban has been overwhelming. Hastings High School teacher Bob Carl called the ban “a needed change.” “Like any tool, there are pros and cons,” said Carl, a business and technology teacher. “These devices have become more of a dis­ traction than an educational tool. Today’s students know how to use mobile technology, with social media, texting, gaming, and vid­ eos; however, when it comes to practical business applications, intrapersonal commu­ nication, and business professionalism, today’s students are not ready for the real world.” Carl explained that most students claim to know how to correctly use modem business technologies. But when those same students are pressed to use them, it’s common that they fail. “Business colleges are reporting an unprec­ edented failure rate among freshmen with business technology skills,” he said. “Businesses around the globe, including our local community of Hastings, are complaining about recent graduates’ inability to communi­ cate and utilize professional business skills. Getting students off their mobile devices and working with modem business technology is what is needed for our students to succeed in the modern global business economy. “I am excited to see the increased commu­ nication skills in our youth through the ban on mobile electronics at Hastings. Communication is often listed in the top four job skills employers seek, no matter which industry chosen. I think we owe our students this increased attention and prioritization of com­ munication skills to help them become leaders in our global economy.” Although the ban will not take effect until January at the start of the second semester, Heide said that she and her staff are already encouraging students to try and wean them­ selves off cell phone use during the school day. But she has seen no change in cell phone use in the week since the ban was announced. Even in the face of the looming ban, kids are still on their phones during the school day at Hastings High School. “They’re going to milk it while they still can,” Heide said. Ice sculptor to carve ‘Hometown Christmas’ in Delton Luke Froncheck Staff Writer A block of ice is coming to Delton next week, and it’s not part of the weather forecast. For the first time in Delton Hometown Christmas history, a professional ice sculptor will craft his artistry in William Smith Park; Phil DeBoer of Jenison will be working from 2 to 5 p.m. during the Saturday, Dec. 14, celebration and will be transporting a giant block of ice to use as his palette. “He said he was going to start with a chainsaw,” Delton Library Director Cheryl Bower said. “We don’t even know how long he’s going to take; it depends on how cold it is.” One thing is fairly certain: DeBoer will be in Delton with the frozen cube and, when he gets done, well, it won’t just be a block of ice anymore. “I’m not sure what he’s going to be sculpting,” Bower said. “It’s a surprise.” While the ice sculpting is happening outside, a snowball fight will be happening inside. The fight will take place at another new Hometown Christmas destination: Thomapple Valley Church’s Delton campus where members are planning a gala carnival. The carnival will run from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday. Jen Kalee, one of the Delton Hometown Christmas organizers, said there will be five other indoor entertainment stations for carnival attendees, in addition to the twominute indoor snowball fight. Kalee said there will not actually be snow inside the church. In its place will be “snowballs” made of tape. The carnival’s other four stations will feature: cookie and ornament decorating, Christmas card-making station, an antler ring toss, and a photo booth. The entire five-station cycle is expected to take between 15 and 20 minutes. The Holly Trolley will be in Delton that day and will transport people from downtown Delton to the church and back. “It’s going to be an amazing day,” Kalee said. Kalee also mentioned that the carnival will feature different Christmas characters such as Budd? the Elf, from the movie “Elf,” and the Grinch, who will be roaming around TVC. Also new this year, the Local Grind will welcome people to decorate a coffee mug from 1 to 4 p.m. Owner Kris Harrington said the mugs will be free. The annual holiday parade down M-43 will feature some changes: The parade will start at the Faith United Methodist Church and proceed to the Delton Kellogg Middle School. Everyone is welcome to participate in the parade, the only requirement being to report to the church by parade line-up time at 5:30 p.m. This year, there will be three parade trophies: One for the best decorated fire truck, one for the best decorated float, and one “Judges’ Choice” trophy. Hometown Christmas is having a fundraising decoration competition between businesses. Each participating Delton business will have a can where patrons can cast “votes” by giving a cash donation. The competition will run through Chriltmas. Half the proceeds will go to The Shack while the other half will go to the Delton Hometown Christmas fund. Like last year following the holiday parade, Santa Claus will lead the tree lighting at 6:30 p.m. at the corner of Delton Road and M-43. Following that, Santa will be available for pictures. This year, however, pictures with Santa will take place inside Delton Kellogg Elementary in Room 19. Other than the chances to shop, the only activities that aren’t free at this year’s Hometown Christmas are T-shirt making at True Design and a chili cook-off at the Delton Fire Station. The soup lunch at St. Ambrose Banner CLASSIFIEDS CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. For Sale Business Services Happy Jack® LiquiVict 2x®: handy dispenser in­ sures accurate dosage to treat hook & round worms. At Tractor Supply, (www. happyjackinc.com) BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy sin­ gle Walnut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. Automotive 03 HONDA PILOT, leath­ er, good condition inside, needs motor. Asking $1,500 OBO. 269-838-6590. BELLS CONSTRUC­ TION- 18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, power wash­ ing, home improvements. 269-320-3890. Catholic Church, which is free, will accept free-will donations. The schedule of events includes: 8 a.m.-l p.m. crafters at the Local Grind 8:30-11 a.m. breakfast with Santa at the Delton Moose Lodge 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. cookies and punch by Lilywood Farm at Delton Floral 9 a.m.-2 p.m. crafters at the Delton Public Library 9 a.m.-2 p.m. bird feeder crafts by the Bernard Historical Museum at the Delton library 9 a.m.-2 p.m. play to win and shop Gilmore run, sponsored by the Gilmore Car Museum, at the Delton library 10 a.m.-the Reindeer Dash/Santa Stroll 5k registration begins at the soccer field 10 a.m.-noon Christmas truck ornament making at Ken’s Sports Shop 10 a.m.-noon Christmas cookie decorating at the Thomapple Credit Union 10 a.m.-l p.m. ornament crafting run by the Delton Community Church at Chapple Realty 11 a.m.-4 p.m. craft show in the Delton Kellogg Elementary school gymnasium 11 a.m. Reindeer Dash/Santa Stroll begins at the soccer field. After the race, runners are welcome to warm up at Tujax. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. karaoke, shopping, and refreshments at Katie and Christy’s Mid­ Lakes Noon-2 p.m. soup lunch at St. Ambrose Catholic Church 1- 3 p.m. carnival at Thomapple Valley Church, Delton 1-4 p.m. decorate a coffee mug at the Local Grind 2-4 p.m. T-shirt making at True Design; $8 for adults, $6 for children 4 p.m. spin to win and face painting at 2MEI 2- 5 p.m. ice sculptor and roasted chestnuts at William Smith Park 3- 5 p.m. chili cook-off run by Delton Rotary Club at the fire station; $10 to compete and $3 to taste the chili 5 p.m. family games at the Faith United 3Methodist Church 5-8 p.m. campfire with drink specials at Grove Street Cafe 5: 30 p.m. holiday parade lineup at the Faith United Methodist Church 6 p.m. holiday parade with Santa from the Methodist church to the Delton Middle School 6: 30 p.m. tree lighting at the comer of M-43 and Delton Road 6:30-7 p.m. photos with Santa at Delton Kellogg Elementary School Room 19 Barry-Roubaix filled; waitlist signup encouraged Longest bike race had shortest registration window yet Greg Chandler Staff Writer The 2019 Barry-Roubaix bicycle race filled all of its available slots about a month before the race, in the middle of March. It only took seven days to sell out next year’s race through Barry County. Race officials announced Sunday night that all 3,850 available slots for what’s billed as the world’s largest gravel road race, set for April 18,2020, have been claimed. Riders age 18 and older who haven’t signed up now must go on a waitlist to see if they can enter the 12th annual race. “Selling out 2020 in a week really shows the popularity of the event and gravel racing,” race co-director Matt Acker said. Race organizers had expanded the cap on entries for the 2020 race from 3,500 to 3,850 the year before, including a cap of 350 entries for the Psycho 100-mile course, to accommo­ date increased interest in the race. The Psycho entry cap was reached the first day of registra­ tion, Dec. 1. Organizers are encouraging those who hav­ en’t registered to still sign up, even though the race is considered sold out. “Each year we have many who have an entry but can’t attend the race,” organizers posted in a message on the race website, barry-roubaix.com, Monday. Riders who still wish to sign up may do so at bikereg.com, and join the waitlist for their particular race category. If someone chooses to withdraw an entry, a registrant from the waitlist will be moved to that slot. Those who get added from the waitlist will be charged the regular entry fee plus $10 more, organizers said in their web post. Riders under age 18 may still register for the race and not be subjected to the waitlist. They can register for the 18-mile and 36-mfle courses for a fee of $25 through bikereg.com. Nearly $6,000 in tools stolen from truck A 46-year-old man called police at 2 a.m. on Nov. 19, to report his truck had been broken into while it sat in his driveway in the 10000 block of Eddy Road. The man said he got up to get a drink and noticed the back gate of the truck was open. He said nearly $6,000 in tools were missing from the truck, including drills, drivers, saws, grinders, hammers and more. The case is still under investigation. Nothing found missing in home invasion A 26-year-old man called police at 2:52 p.m. on Nov. 26, to report his home in the 2000 block of Butler Road had been broken into. The man said when he got home he discovered the sliding glass doors at the back of the house had been smashed by a rock that was in his kitchen. The man said the mattress in his bedroom appeared to have been moved, but nothing appeared to be missing. The case is inactive pending further information. Woman steals merchandise, forgets others she paid for An officer was called to Hastings Walmart at 3:36 p.m. on Dec. 5, for a report of a woman who stole three pairs of leggings and some jewelry by hiding them in her purse. The officer watched security footage of the incident, and was able to get the license plate of the woman’s vehicle. She is believed to be 59, of Woodland. She also purchased $242.88 in items, though she forgot to pick up two tree stands she paid for. Man blackmailed after explicit video chat An 18-year-old Middleville man called police at 12:58 p.m. on Nov. 15, to report that he was being blackmailed after a video chat. The man said he received a friend request from an attractive wbman on Facebook whom he did not know. After he accepted the request, the two messaged each other, then moved to a video chat. During the video chat, the woman asked the man to take off his clothes. After the chat was over, the woman sent the man a recording of the chat and said, if he did not pay her $7,500, she would post it on the internet and send it to his contacts. The man told her he could only afford around $200, but he was unable to use the site she wanted him to pay her with. Eventually he told his mother. The man told the officer the woman on the video chat appeared to be the same in the Facebook profile picture . While the officer was speaking to the man he was still receiving messages from the woman wanting him to send her money. The investigation is ongoing. Woman arrested after parking lot hit and run Police were called to Fuller Street Elementary after a 32-year-old staff member’s vehicle had been hit while it was in the parking lot at 9:39 a.m. Dec. 3. The officer viewed footage which showed a truck attempt to park, hit the vehicle, then drive away. The officer used the license plate to track to a woman, 23, of Hastings, to her house. The woman said she was unaware she hit another vehicle in the parking lot, and claimed she felt a bump in the parking lot but thought it was her anti-lock brakes malfunctioning. When the officer pointed out collision damage on the truck the woman said it was from a prior incident. The woman had a suspended license and two warrants for failing to appear in court. She was arrested. Three-year-old found lost at gas station An officer responded to the Fast Stop gas station in Orangeville after a three-year-old child was found in the parking lot at 7:30 a.m. Dec. 6. Shortly after the officer arrived, the child’s mother, 42, of Shelbyville, arrived at the scene. The woman said she lived nearby arid had gone to her cousin’s house to borrow money because she lost her job. Her 15-year-old son had been watching the child, but had to go to school. The mother said she planned on being home before her son had to leave, but she had car trouble and didn’t make it in time. When she got home the door was open and her child was gone. She had been driving around the block looking for the child when she stopped at the gas station. The son said, when he left the house, the child was laying on the couch. Information was forwarded to the Department of Health and Human Services. Hitman asked for payment in iTunes gift card A 66-year-old Hastings man came into the sheriffs office at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 5 to report he had received an email from someone who claimed to a hitman hired to kill him. “I advise you to take this message seriously, if you value your life,” the message began. “I received an order to kill you, because your activity troubles a particular person.” The hitman, who said his name was “Scott,” claimed he was violating the rules of the “hitman profession” by contacting the man. After studying the intended victim, “Scott” said he was giving the man a chance to save his life, if he would pay $3,000 in iTunes gift cards. “Scott” pointed out’it would kill his reputation of more than “12 years of perfect order executions... but I decided to break a rule since this is my last order (at least I hope so).” “Scott” claimed the intended victim had five hours to send the money, or he would kill him. “Don’t play yourself. I’tri watching you closely..” “Scott” said. The Hastings man told the officer he was sure the mes­ sage was fake, but he found it unnerving. The officer looked online and found complaints of similar messages. The case is closed. .357 stolen from garage A 22-year-old man called police at 12:45 p.m. on Nov. 28, to report a .357 revolver had been stolen from his garage in the 9000 block of Bird Road. The officer found the door to the building had been pried open. Though there were other guns in the garage, the .357 was the only one missing. The case remains under investigation. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads Stolen car doesn’t make it far A 59-year-old man called police at 11:19 p.m. on Nov. 30 to report his 1999 Chrysler Sebring Convertible was stolen from his yard in the 7000 block of Saddlebag Lake Road. The keys were inside, but the man suspected the car must have been towed because it had numerous mechanical issues. Coincidentally, the officer had already located the vehicle, four miles away, steaming on the side of the road, before he received the call from the car’s owner. The case is inactive. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 12, 2019 — Page 11 SHOP WITH A COP, continued from page 1 siblings first. “That’s a nice thing to see,” Leaf said. Members of the Barry County Sheriff’s Office, the Posse, Hastings City Police and Nashville Police Department met with kids first at the Leason Sharpe Hall for pizza and games. Afterwards, the officers paired up with the kids and gave them a gift card paid for by community donations. They then took a ride on the Holly Trolley to Walmart where they shopped for gifts and wrapped them together. ! Hastings City Police Officer Alan Klein and Josh Lawrence wrap a gift in the back room of Walmart. Eliot Hastings and Deputy Brian Hansford check out the video game section. Leandra Hall and and Sheriff’s Posse member Jason Mishler shop jewelry. Alex Hasman picks up a gift for his sib- iChoral society to present Christmas concert for all ages at i r* ti i a I Members of the Lakewood Area Choral । Society and Lakewood Area A Capella Choir i are excited to present their “Christmas is | Coming” concert at the Hastings Performing * Arts Center Dec. 15 at 3 p.m. Songs will | range from secular to sacred and will include «tunes for all ages. a* The doors will open at 2:15 p.m. In lieu of | tickets, a freewill offering will be collected. * The concert will open with the fast-paced * ^Christmas is Coming,” arranged by Mack < Wilburg, featuring Susan and Robert Morton on piano. | Other numbers include the familiar‘ ‘There ’ s * a Song in the Air,” arranged by Ruth Elaine | Schram, the poignant “Lo, How a Rose E’er Blooming,” arranged by Joel Raney, and “The ghristmas Waltz,” with words by Sammy * Sahn and music by Jule Styne, arranged by J Mark Hayes. J ,o: A wild and wacky LACS version of “The xGwelve Days of Christmas” arranged by i Robert Oster includes audience participation. Other repertoire includes “Carols of the | Manger” from “Canticle of Joy” by Joseph M * Martin, featuring soloists Jill VanZyl, Jack Vos, Joyce Reid, Jim DeYoung and Kristen I Kennedy. * r A quartet with Cindy Olson, soprano, Mary Kuhlman, alto, David Parker, tenor, and Paul J Kuhlman, bass, will perform a contemporary f getting of “In the Bleak Midwinter” arranged | by Nathan Jones. | The acapella group will perform several ; q umbers, including “Noel, Noel, Noel” a ; qiadrigal by George Strid, the 17th century JLatin motet by Tomas Luis de Victoria, “O । NJagnum Mysterium,” and the humorous | “JThrow the Yule Log On, Uncle John” by the fictitious composer P.D.Q. Bach, edited by Peter Schickele. I I ______________________________________ I : GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. i Call 269-945-9554 ’ for more information. ____ •__ •_________ i___ i _ rx _ _________ nrri _ Other pieces include “Ding Dong>Merrily on High,” arranged by Camp Kirkland, which will feature an antiphonal choir surrounding the audience, “The Shepherd’s Carol,” a ten­ der lullaby arranged by Dan Forrest, and “Hallelujah Chorus” from “Messiah” by George F. Handel. The concert will conclude yVith the solemn “Night of Silence,” by Daniel Kantor, featur­ ing Cathie Ott on flute and Cindy Olson on digital keyboard. As is customary, the audience will join the choirs by singing “Silent Night” during the last verse. _i a i____________________ i_ _ • _____ _i__ _i• . c a The choral society is concluding it’s 34th year under direction of founder Dr. Robert C. Oster, and is accompanied by Susan Morton. The mission of the choral society is to provide for its members an atmosphere that promotes learning and enjoyment of choral music and present superior performances of choral music. This semiprofessional choir is seeking new members for the 2020 season. Details will be available at the concert. WBCH 100.1 FM and wbch.com will be rebroadcasting the concert at 8:30 am. Christmas Day. GUEST COMMENTARY Hold the noise and pass the eggnog Excerptedfrom “Noise: Living and Leading When Nobody Can Focus ” by Joe McCormack In promoting his new book, “Noise: Living and Leading When Nobody Can Focus,” author Joe McCormack shares 15 “Magical Moments you’ll be glad you didn’t miss when you ban the phone from your holiday gather­ ing.” He suggests putting the “noise” on hold this holiday season and serving up a festive sampling of the moments people would other­ wise miss: Picture it: Your living room, December 2019. The tree is all aglow, the eggnog poured (and spiked), the whole family gathered ‘round—and you’re only half-present. Your mind keeps wandering to what might be wait­ ing for you just a click or a scroll away. Work emails. News updates. Candy Crush notifica­ tions. The latest scoop on Kim and Kanye. As part of his “Just Say No to Noise” cam­ paign, McCormack suggests banishing elec­ tronic devices from holiday gatherings. “If you can stand to put down the phone for a hot minute, you might be amazed by what you hear and see: The, umm, intense political debate between your 80-year-old conservative grandpa and his 17-year-old grandson. The grimaces you see when everyone real­ izes Grandma used sugar (not flour) in the gravy ... ... and when they realize she forgot to add sugar to the cranberry sauce. The forced smile your daughter gives when she thanks Aunt Helen for the mauve-colored hand-knit penguin sweater. The teary smile from a fussy baby when your son shares his new toy. Laughing ‘til you cry when the new puppy leaves a special “present” inside your neph­ ew’s sneaker. The smirking all around when Aunt Ethel asks (as she does each year) when your 41-year-old brother is going to settle down with a nice girl. The moment after dinner when your best friend lets it slip that “No, it’s not a food baby!” Hearing your tween daughter reply, “OK, Boomer,” to everything you say (even though you’re only 39). Glimpsing your grandpa try to steal a kiss under the mistletoe ... ...As your grandma pretends not to notice and deftly deflects him. Uncle Fred’s earthshattering snores from the recliner. The subtle avoidance tactics everyone deploys when Uncle Josh begins the annual hard-sell for his latest multi-level marketing scheme. Your wife’s furtive eye roll when your mother offers to share her technique for tur­ key that isn’t quite so dry. (“I promise, dear, you don’t even have to be a good cook to do it!”) 1ai i'vrvrir''i7C LLviAL nOTlCISS Synopsis Hope Township Regular Board Meeting Dec. 9, 2019 Meeting opened at 6:30pm Approved: Consent agenda Casualty & Property limited terrorism coverage IT Right Server & support contract Budget Transfer Adjourned at 6:56 pm Submitted by: Deborah Jackson, Clerk Attested to by Mark S. Feldpausch, Supervisor STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate File No. 19-28394-DE Estate of Kevin John Skiera, Deceased. Date of birth: 3/8/1975. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Kevin John Skiera, died 11/5/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Shannon L. Skiera, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Ste. 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: December 6, 2019 Ean P. Hamilton P79755 1803 Whites Road, Ste. 5 Kalamazoo, Ml 49008 269-488-8394 Shannon L. Skiera 662£ LaFountaine Drive Plainwell, Ml 49080 269-744-1730 133724 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate File No. 19-28350-DE Estate of Terry Gale Harring. Date of birth: 7/22/1937. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Terry Gale Harring, died 8/31/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Loretta Schmidt and Miland Harring, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 12/5/19 David H. Tripp P29290 202 S. Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 269-948-2900 Loretta Schmidt and Miland Harring 2496 5th Street Shelbyville, Ml 49344 616-405-3642 133657 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Trust In the Matter of Leebella Geiger. Date of birth: 10-9-28. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Lee­ bella Geiger, died 11-18-19, leaving the above Trust in full force and effect. Creditors of the decedent or against the Trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or Trust will be forever barred unless presented to Terri Geiger, successor Trustee, within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 12-12-19 John L. Teeples 25 Ionia Ave. SW, Ste. 230 Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 616-776-7200 Terri Geiger John L. Teeples 25 Ionia Ave. SW, Ste. 230 Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 616-776-7200 133499 NOTICE Default has been made in the conditions of a mortgage made by Craig A. Holley and Myrna A. Holley, husband and wife, to Ameriquest Mortgage Company, Mortgagee, dated September 1, 2004 and recorded September 15, 2004 in Instrument Number 1133938 Barry County Records, Michigan. Said mortgage is now held by U.S. Bank National Association, as indenture trustee, for the holders of the CIM Trust 2017-3, Mortgage-Backed Notes, Series 2017-3, by assignment. There is claimed to be due at the date hereof the sum of Two Hundred Thirteen Thousand Six Hundred One and 20/100 Dollars ($213,601.20), including interest at 7.5% per annum. Under the power of sale contained in said mortgage and the statute in such case made and provided, notice is hereby given that said mortgage will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public vendue at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, Michigan at 1:00 PM on JANUARY 23, 2020. Said premises are located in the Township of Assyria, Barry County Michigan, and are described as: Commencing at the Southeast corner of Section 19, Town 1 North, Range 7 West; thence North 88 degrees 22’ 18” West along the South line of said Section 19, 661.70 feet to the place of beginning; thence continuing North 88 degrees 22’ 18” West along said South line 661.70 feet to the West line of the East 1/2 of the Southeast 1/4 of said Section; thence North 00 degrees 20’ 58” East along said west line 1317.60 feet to the North line of the Southeast 1/4 of the Southeast 1/4 of said Section; thence South 88 degrees 39’ 35” East along said North line, 665.66 feet; thence South 00 Degrees 3T 26” West 1320.86 feet to the place of beginning. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA §600.3241 a, in which case the redemption period shall be 30 days from the date of such sale. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale, pursuant to MCL 600.3278, the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damage to the property during the redemption period. Dated: December 5, 2019 File No. 19-009389 Firm Name: Orlans PC (12-05)(12-26) 133017 �Page 12 — Thursday, December 12, 2019 — The Hastings Banner State hires independent auditor for Barry ISD re-look * Jessica Courtright Staff Writer With less than one week’s notice, Barry Intermediate School District officials opened their doors on Dec. 9 to a new auditing team hired by the State of Michigan that arrived with no introduction - or explanation - from state officials. “We were informed last week,” BISD Superintendent Richard Franklin told board members at their regularly scheduled meeting on Dec. 10. “We were contacted by Maner Costerisan and informed that a team of audi­ tors would be arriving at the Barry ISD to perform an audit on Monday and they request­ ed to have information ready and available for them.” Franklin said he was aware something was in the works after being informed on Dec. 4 that a Request for Proposal had been issued by the state for an independent auditor to re-audit the BISD. No contact, however, was apparently ever received by local officials from the state. On Mon. Dec 9, four auditors from the Lansing-based firm Maner Costerisan arrived at the Barry ISD. Before the auditors left, they informed Franklin that they would be return­ ing on Wednesday to continue their audit. During their time at the Barry ISD Franklin said they interviewed several employees and had various requests for information. Upon learning about the new and unan­ nounced audit, Barry ISD legal representative Margaret Hackett of the Thrun Law Firm sent a formal letter to the state stating that the Barry ISD is considering this a new audit and that these auditors will start a completely new audit. Franklin said during his interview with the auditors, they confirmed that this is an entire­ ly new audit and they are not trying to hunt down any additional information from the past audit. BISD board member Deb Hatfield asked Franklin who would be paying for this new audit and Franklin responded that it would be the state covering the complete cost. Overall, Franklin said that he and the rest of the staff at the Barry ISD found these new auditors to be very professional and easy to work with. All of this conies following Barry ISD’s request for a formal review of the audit per­ formed by a team of five auditors from the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) in April. The team looked at five different grant programs offered by the Barry ISD. The pro­ grams audited were the Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP), Great Start Collaborative (GSC), Raise to the Top, IDEA, and Early Childhood. Following their audit, the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) recommended the removal of the Great Start Readiness Program, from Barry ISD’s admin­ istrative and financial control. Hatfield and other members of the Barry ISD board said they welcome this new audit and expressed their eagerness and desire to see this new audit once it is complete. Three Mile Road open with a temporary surface Three Mile Road sits about two feet above water as it crosses east and west in Prairieville Township. Barring heavy rains in the next several months, the temporary gravel should be ready for paving when warm weather arrives. The Barry ISD has added a new posi­ tion due to the growth it has seen in the Early Childhood Special Education program for preschool-aged children. Barry ISD deter­ mined that it needed additional support in the classroom. Regarding the growth of the pro­ gram, Franklin said: “it is growing in leaps and bounds.” The board also voted unanimously to approve the hire of Britney Curtis at a Paraprofessional for the classroom. Curtis recently moved back to Michigan and has previously worked at the Barry ISD but ended her employment when she moved away from Michigan. Dawn Weeks said, “At the beginning of the school year, there were three students enrolled in the morning class and five students enrolled in the afternoon class. The classes have now grown to nearly ten students in each class.” She added that the state does not require a paraprofessional for a classroom until there are twelve students, but she believes this hire would be in the interest of student safety. In other business the board: Approved the payment of General Fund Expenditures, $232,873.43; Special Fund Expenditures, $534,412.80, and Trust Fund Expenditures, $92.29 for November 2019. Three Mile Road is again open in Prairieville Township. The road had been closed for several weeks while crews from the Barry County Road Commission worked to raise the road surface 1 Vi feet and to install new guardrails. Currently, the road sits about two feet above water level. The repaired causeway that crosses through wetlands between Doster and Burchette Roads in Prairieville Township was opened Friday, but has not yet been repaved. Road Commission Project Manager Jake Welch said, barring another unusually wet spring, the road should hold up until it can be paved next year. Signs are in place informing motorists that the surface changes from pavement to gravel and recommending vehicles travel no more than 35 miles per hour on the stretch. locations in other schools, all schools are required to have their own EOP. EOPs are not posted on Barry ISD’s website for the safety prfj of staff and students. The Barry ISD EOP is ^ni required to be submitted to the state before the no? first of the year. \ Was informed that the Barry ISD PTO held a T-Shirt fundraiser with proceeds going to bZsupport BISD classes. In total, the PTO sold U 85 pieces of spirit ware. The PTO raised s h enough money to purchase 50 T-Shirts for students. Heard plans that the Barry ISD will begin its Pura Vida Bracelet fundraiser. These brace- > J lets are a growing trend with youth, and, in ?ob addition to the money raised that supports I Barry ISD, the company was founded to sup­ port local artisans. Pura Vida, meaning “pure life,” is a common expression in Costa Rica. Through growing support, more than 800 arti­ sans in Costa Rica, El Salvador, India, and more, can earn a steady income and have a positive work environment. For information on purchasing bracelets contact the Barry ISD at (269) 945-4192. Encouraged anyone interested in getting j involved with the Barry ISD PTO to attend the group’s next meeting at 5 p.m. on Jan 15 in the West Learning Center, 535 W Woodlawn Ave, Hastings, MI. • i Teen jobs go dark at Hastings 4 a Greg Chandler Staff Writer Sixteen-year-old Rose Lambert considers the Hastings 4 theatre downtown her happy place. “I have met the most wonderful people there who treat me like family,” the Hastings High School junior who works at the theatre said. Lambert started working at the theatre in early April. She worked about 20 hours a week during the summer, then scaled back to 15 hours when the school year started. But last month, Lambert found out that she and a co-worker, Claire Green, would be los­ ing their jobs at the end of the year. She says it’s not because of poor job performance. She says it’s because of how old she is. The Hastings 4’s parent company, Grand Rapids-based Goodrich Quality Theatres, has enacted a policy stating it will hire workers only 18 years of age and older. An advertise­ ment on Goodrich’s website says it is hiring part-time help at the 30 theaters the company owns in five states, including Michigan, and specifically states applicants must be at least 18. Rose Lambertwantyo k^ow why Goodrich has enacted this policy and, so far, hasn’t received any answers. “I want to keep this job as much as possi- ble,” she wrote in an e-mail to the Banner. “I shouldn’t be losing my job because of my age. I have never called in. I come in when need­ ed.” Lambert has started an online petition through the website change.org, alleging Goodrich’s actions are “unfair and disrespect­ ful to the teens currently working in the busi­ ness.” As of Wednesday morning, that peti­ tion had generated nearly 5,800 signatures. Heather Lewis, a Hastings real estate agent, was one of those who signed the petition. She was once a manager-in-training at the Hastings 4. “It has always had teenagers working there, it’s such a wonderful (first)-time job,” Lewis wrote on the petition. “Also, Bob (Goodrich, company CEO) shouldn’t fire these teens that already worked there before he changed the hiring stipulation. These teens should be grandfathered in.” A possible reason for the change may lie with the chain’s recent addition of alcohol at some of its theaters. A 1978 Michigan law places limits on employers’ ability to hire minors if they serve alcohol, said Tara Bride, a youth employment regulation specialist with the Michigan Department of Education. Under the Youth B^fipioyment Standards Act, a minor 16 years old or older cannot be issued a work permit “in, about, or in connec- tion with that part of an establishment where alcoholic beverages are distilled, rectified, compounded, brewed, manufactured, bottled, jw consumed, distributed, sold at retail, or sold ^5 for consumption on the premises, unless the sale of food or other goods constitutes at least 50 percent of the total gross receipts.” While the Hastings 4 does not serve alcohoi, 14 of Goodrich’s 29 other theaters serve beer, wine and other alcoholic drinks at5H Screen Taps - a bar within the theatre, so to speak. Those locations include the West J Columbia 7 in Battle Creek and the Kalamazoo | 10, according to Goodrich’s website. Rose Lambert says if the issue is indeed^ involving minors working in a business that p serves alcohol, she can understand the reason­ ing. What frustrates her is the lack of ah^ explanation from Goodrich as to why she’s losing her job. r “I asked my managers if it (alcohol sales) ' could be a possibility,” said Lambert. “They said that there have been meetings with all the * ? other theaters, but ours is too small to serve S alcohol.” The Banner made repeated attempts to reach Goodrich representatives to comment ; on the new policy. The company did not < $; respond to those requests. ^*1 fl) City accepts gift of East Charles parcel Rebecca Pierce Editor Hastings City Council members went into closed session Monday night and, when they came out, they had agreed to accept a gift of .14 acre of property, Lot 12, in the 300 block of East Charles Street. The gift, from the Lloyd and Susan Pennington Trust, will likely be used for com­ munity activities, City Manager Jerry Czarnecki said. In other action, council members - many of them reluctantly - voted to enter into a $96,000 agreement to purchase wetland cred­ its and authorized the clerk to sign the agree­ ment. The funds will come from the Water and Sewer fund. “Part of the plan for the city’s Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade is to vacate Cass Street north of Apple Street and add an access drive around the RV Dump Station to the Dog Park,” Czarnecki explained in a letter to the council. “To meet the needs that the upgrade is addressing, the access drive will need to be constructed in an area that will encroach on Barry Township receives $10K grant Motorists are encouraged to drive no more than 35 miles per hour as they cross Three Mile Road in a low-lying area just east of Doster. (Photo by Mark A. Doster) Received a report from Franklin highlight­ ing that Jennifer Baird, with help from others, has been working to develop a comput­ er-based attendance system for the Barry ISD. Currently, Barry ISD teachers take manual attendance in physical attendance books. The board will be deciding whether or not to adopt this new attendance procedure at next month’s meeting. Moving to computer-based atten­ dance, Franklin noted will improve the Barry ISD’s attendance tracking by having teachers’ record attendance twice a day in addition to giving office staff the ability access to atten­ dance information at any time. Heard assistant superintendent Cindy Larsen respond to a question from board member Robert Becker about the new Barry ISD School bus that has been ordered. The new school bus should arrive in the spring. Larsen noted that the reason the school bus will take so long to arrive is that it is being custom-built to serve the needs of Barry ISD students.. Approved the Emergency Operations Plan required by the state. The plan is in draft form with a few details still needing to be added, Franklin noted, but the majority of the infor­ mation has been added. This plan primarily affects Barry ISD’s West Learning Center though, because students take classes in other Luke Froncheck Staff Writer Lighting and a sound system have now been added to the plans for an amphitheater at William Smith Park in Delton, thanks to a $10,000 grant from the Barry Community Foundation. During Tuesday’s monthly meeting, Barry Township Supervisor Wes Kahler said the grant will help pay for the park’s new addition set to break ground in the spring. Clerk Deb Knight added that, if there are remaining project funds, the township would look at adding a sidewalk to make the park’s new addition even more handicap-accessible. In other business, the township board also terminated the lease for the police garage building on Orchard Road. The termination comes as a result of the new Barry Township police offices off M-43. The board also voted to approve spending $500 for a sign to indicate the new location of township offices above the new police office and set dates for a budget workshop. Also discussed were the Hickory Comers fire building and a meeting with the Barry County Road Commission. wetlands. “The initial plan was to see if the City could use existing wetland credits that are related to road construction because changes to Cass St. are part of the project. The deter­ mination was that we could not. “Next, the City petitioned the state’s Environment, Great Lakes and Energy Department to see if this cost could be rolled into the State Revolving Fund Loan. This had to be approved not only by EGLE, but also by EPA. The determination by EPA was that this could not be done. So. To keep the project on the timeline, it is being recommended that the City purchase the needed wetland credits.” Czarnecki mentioned that the city did dis­ cuss the possibility of modifying the existing plan, but that was not an option. “It was deter­ mined that it was not possible to completely eliminate the need’ to encroach on wetlands and the changes would meant that the plan would have to go through the review process again.” Additional review would delay the project so the timeline could not be met, he said. “This was not an option because of the plan SS the City is negotiating with EGLE regarding a S previous Enforcement Notice.” Council members, some of them reluctant­ ly, approved the agreement 8-1, with Don Bowers casting the lone dissenting vote. Councilman Al Jarvis, who was among the reluctant ayes, called the Wetland Mitigation r Bank Credit Purchase Agreement “unbeliev­ able blackmail. In other business, the council: • Set employer contributions for the Municipal Employees’ Retirement System " Hybrid Plan Adoption Agreement for Department of Public Services Administration,: ‘ Police and Council retirement plans, effective July 1,2020. • Heard monthly reports from the city’s / Director of Public Services Matt Gergen, Fire Chief Roger Caris and Library Director Peggy Hemerling. The City Council has scheduled a special meeting for 6 p.m. on Dec. 16 to review the pr audit for the 2018-19 fiscal year. TK bowlers roll by Sailors in first conference duals The Thornapple Kellogg varsity boys’ and girls’ bowling teams opened the OK Gold Conference season with wins over South Christian at Hastings Bowl Monday. The TK girls edged the Sailors 16-14 while the TK boys scored a 21-9 victory. The Trojan ladies outscored the Sailors in both Baker games, rolling scores of 110 and 158. Dalace Jousma and Allison Hess each won two match points for the Trojans in the individual games, and Carly Snyder and Cayleigh Willard won one each. Snyder rolled a high-game of 161. Jousma and Hess had a high-game of 146. Willard had a high-game of 118. The TK boys dominated with Trevor VanPolen, Michael Willshire, Wyatt Jacobson, Connor Wilson and Colton Hicswa each won individual match points. VanPolen had a high-game of 219, Willshire 206, Jacobson 201, Wilson 175 and Hicswa 172. The TK bowlers opened their season Saturday at the Wyoming Invitational at Eastbrook Lanes. Snyder placed fifth indi­ vidually and Jousma seventh. Snyder had a two-game pin total of 313 and Jousma 302. The Trojans were sixth in qualifying going into the eight-team tournament play and reached the final four before being bumped from the tourney. The TK boys also reached the semifi­ nals after winning the qualifying portion which consisted of two regular and sis baker games. Willshire was seventh indi­ vidually with a two-game pin total of 330 and Hicswa tenth with a score of 317. no ■uh qq* tlhn ) Uus <0 3 oj OQO rm mrft fed ■ r oJ t it oed- �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 12, 2019 — Page 13 Bench big for Panthers in opening night win Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Panthers and Lions found plenty of things to add to their to-do lists on the open­ ing night of the varsity boys’ basketball sea­ son. Delton Kellogg scored a 63-47 victory over Maple Valley Lions at Maple Valley High School Tuesday. The two teams combined for just 16 points through the opening ten minutes of the ball­ game, and then the Panthers started to pull away. They stretched their lead to 32-18 by the half and led by as many as 16 points before a little rally by the Lions got the deficit down to eight early in the fourth quarter. Delton Kellogg head coach Jason Howland said his team didn’t quite reach its consisten­ cy and execution goals on the evening. “I know it is the first game,” Howland said. “Hopefully they got the first game jitters out. There were some guys that stepped up tonight that I didn’t expect, Blake Thomas and Tommy Sheldon.” Thomas and Sheldon came off the bench to provide excellent minutes in the Panthers’ back-court. They handled the Lions’ pressure defense fairly well. Sheldon had a game-high 13 points. Thomas had eight points. Delton Kellogg had seven guys credited with at least six points each. Senior forward Dawson Grizzle and sophomore forward Alex Whitmore had nine points apiece. Cole Pape had eight points, Jordan Rench had seven points and Trumen Prell six. Whitmore, a big sophomore forward who came off the bench to relieve Grizzle and Pape, showed a soft touch from outside hit­ ting three three-pointers in the ballgame. He was the only guy feeling it from outside in the ballgame. New Maple Valley head coach Ryan Nevins said he saw his guys looking a little better from the outside shooting the ball from the outside, but not well enough to pull the Panthers away from the focus of the Lions’ offense, Hugheston Heckathom and Curtis Walker, in the paint. “Our kids play super hard,” Nevins said. “Our whole motto this year is ‘effort and atti­ tude.’ I can’t complain about our effort. I thought our kids played super hard tonight. We pressed for 32 minutes and we created a lot of turnovers, unfortunately we couldn’t convert on many of those turnovers. Offensively, we knew that it was going to be a struggle at the beginning of the year just because everything is new. It is going to be a process for us to learn a new system and to accomplish the things we want to on the offensive end of the floor.” He said spacing and ball movement are a couple of things his guys really need to focus on. The focus was on the Delton Kellogg bench early on in the ballgame. Grizzle picked up his second foul less than three minutes into the contest and two and a half minutes later Rench was whistled for a second foul. Ideally, the Panthers offense would run through Delton Kellogg guard Thomas Sheldon races in for a lay-up during the second half of his team’s season opening victory over the Lions at Maple Valley High School Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Delton Kellogg’s Cole Pape beats Maple Valley’s Curtis Walker to the opening tip at fhS^st^rt of their non-conference match-up at Maple Valley High School Tuesday. (Photo by^rett^emer) Delton Kellogg guard Blake Thomas (right) fights past pressure from Maple Valley’s Lane Morris near mid-court during their season opener at Maple Valley High School Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Grizzle and Pape in the post. Pape scored all eight of the Panthers’ points in the opening quarter, and Delton came out of the first with an 8-6 lead. Pape and Grizzle came up big on the defen­ sive end too, thwarting and swatting away numerous Lion shots in and around the paint. Maple Valley was led offensively by Walker who had eight points. Lane Morris and Heckathorn had seven points each. Eli Nelson, Buck Schrader and Jonathan Rosenberg had six points each. Howland said guys weren’t the only ones with some first game jitters. He lamented that he didn’t get his guys into their 1-2-2 trap for a bit in the bailgame, something the young team is still working on figuring out in prac­ tice, but he was really focused on just getting the 4W’ on opening night. Delton Kellogg opens Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division play at Schoolcraft Friday evening. The Lions return to action at home against the Battle Creek Academy Tigers Saturday evening. Kellie Bartlett pleads guilty to multiple felonies Taylor Owens Staff Writer Former Eaton County Sheriff’s Clerk Kellie Bartlett pleaded guilty to three felonies and two misdemeanors, including identity theft, stalking and lying to police, Barry County Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt said “The most significant aspect of today’s plea hearing was Bartlett’s admission in court that she filed a false report of criminal sexual con­ duct against the victim, an Eaton County Sheriff’s Deputy who she had been dating,” Nakfoor Pratt said in a statement Wednesday. Nakfoor Pratt’s office was assigned to the case by the state Attorney General after the Eaton County Prosecutor Douglas Lloyd recused his office due to a conflict. Bartlett filed a complaint with the Michigan State Police in January 2018, alleging that the deputy had sexually assaulted her in March 2017. But she was charged after phone records and other evidence disclosed that she made up the sexual assault allegation against the depu­ ty in retaliation for his ending the relation­ ship, Nakfoor Pratt said. Bartlett pleaded guilty to accessing a com­ puter without authority at the Eaton County Sheriff’s Department, where she had worked until December 2017. She also admitted to forging the signature of an employee at the office of a Lansing area cardiologist, and to stalking the woman who has since become the deputy’s wife, the prosecutor said. In exchange for her guilty plea, the prose­ cution will dismiss other charges that had been leveled against her. Bartlett’s husband, Shane Bartlett, who was the Potterville police chief, was arraigned in May on three felony charges; misconduct in office, lying to a police officer and falsify­ ing a police report. Nakfoor Pratt said Shane Bartlett aided and abetted his wife in falsifying the report. He is scheduled for a preliminary hearing County board approves 911 millage renewal request Rebecca Pierce Editor When Barry County voters go to the polls on March 10 to cast their votes in the presi­ dential primary, they also will be asked to approve a renewal of the countywide 911 millage. On Tuesday, the county board of commis­ sioners unanimously adopted a resolution to authorize an ad valorem property tax levy of 0.9672 mill for five years, from Jan. 1, 2020 to Dec. 31, 2024, to operate and maintain the countywide E-911 emergency telephone and central dispatch system. Before commissioners voted to approve it, Clerk Pamela Palmer was asked how much this special millage election would cost tax­ payers. Because it is a presidential primary, three ballots must be printed, she said. The first two are partisan ballots, the third ballot is for those voters who are not declaring a party and want to vote on the millage renewal. The amount to print those ballots, she esti­ mated, will cost between $3,000 and $5,000. In other business, the board: • Approved the 2020 Grant Contract between the state and the County for the con­ tinuation of Indigent Defense Services in Barry County. • Approved 2020 contracts for Indigent Defense Counsel Services with: Jackie Baker Sturgis, Carol Dwyer, Shane Henry, Kristen Hoel, James Kinney, Gordon Shane McNeill, Kathryn Russell, Steven Storrs, Timothy Tromp, and Kimberly Young. • Approved 2019 Farmland Preservation Application property rankings as recommend­ ed by the Barry County Conservation Easement Board and, specifically, the applica­ tion of Larry Carpenter to submit to the state for consideration in the Farmland Preservation funding cycle. • Re-appointed Barbra Scott and appointed Janis Fitzgerald to the Animal Shelter Advisory Board in citizen at-large positions for a one-year term that begins on Jan. 1 and expires on Dec. 31. • Re-appointed Tamara Dickinson to serve on the Barry County Animal Shelter Advisory Board in a citizen-at-large position for a three-year term that begins on Jan. 1 and expires on Dec. 31. • Re-appointed Dr. Linda Robinson to serve on the Barry County Animal Shelter Advisory Board in a veterinarian position for a threeyear term that begins on Jan. 1 and expires on Dec. 31,2022. • Re-appointed Dawn Koning to serve in the rescue shelter operator position for a three-year term that begins on Jan. 1 and expires on Dec. 31,2022. • Re-appointed Patricia Richardson to serve a one-year term that begins on Jan. 1 and expires on Dec. 31 representing the Barry County Humane Society. • Appointed Jennifer Meyer to serve on the Barry County Community Mental Health Authority Board for a three-year term that began on April 1,2018, and expires on March 31.2021. • Appointed Theresa Moody to serve on the Barry County Community Mental Health Authority Board for a three-year term that began on April 1,2019, and expires on March 31.2022. • Re-appointed Sue VandeCar, Barry County treasurer, to serve on the Barry County Building Authority for a three-year term that begins on Jan. 1 and ends on Dec. 31,2022. • Approved pre-paid invoices in the amount of $3,117,466. • Approved claims of $45,294 and commis­ sioner reimbursements of $852 for mileage. • The next county board Committee of the Whole meeting will take place at 9 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17. A board meeting - the last for 2019 - also will take place that day at 2 p.m. in the commissioners’ chambers on the courthouse mezzanine. Jan. 2, 2020 in Charlotte District Court. A hearing on Kellie Bartlett’s sentencing is set for 8:30 a.m. Jan. 30, in Eaton County Circuit Court. Vikings take season’s first victory in Charlotte The Lakewood varsity girls’ basketball team captured its first victory of the season Tuesday, pulling out a 55-47 win at Charlotte. The Vikings improved to 1-2 overall this season with the win. New Lakewood head coach Kelly Meints called it a “great team win on the road.” “We struggled from the free throw line, but down the wire we were able to put some in to pull away and keep the lead,” Meints said. Anja Kelley led the Vikings with 13 points and six steals. Coach Meints said she was real active on the boards as well. Olivia Lang added 12 points and six rebounds for Lakewood. Ellie Possehn had nine points, four rebounds and two blocked shots. Haylee Marks contributed seven points and four rebounds. Lakewood opened the Greater Lansing Activities Conference season last Friday, fall­ ing 36-32 at Lansing Christian. Kelley had ten points, three rebounds and two steals in the loss. Sophie Duits had nine points an assist and a steal. Possehn contribut­ ed five points and six rebounds. �Page 14 — Thursday, December 12, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Athletic, experienced backcourt leads Saxons Long is also expecting good things from junior wing player Carter Hewitt and sopho­ more Braden Vertalka. Coach Long said both Hewitt and Vertalka are strong shooters. “We will be very athletic this season with experience at the guard position,” Long said. “All five positions on the floor will be able to score and shoot from behind the arc. We will be able to apply pressure to other teams defensively.” Hastings has a pair of Interstate-8 match­ ups on the schedule before the holiday break, taking on Coldwater on the road Dec. 17 and hosting Lumen Christi Dec. 20. Half of the conference won district champi­ onships a year ago, Coldwater in Division 1, Marshall and Parma Western in Division 2 and Jackson Lumen Christi in Division 3. “Marshall has had a great program for a few years now and will have a very strong group returning,” Long said. “Coldwater and Parma have also been at the top of the league most years. However, it will be a very com­ petitive league with lots of teams working to be at the top.” “We are very excited for the upcoming sea­ son. It is a very competitive group of guys getting after it every day. We look to compete with the upper half of the league. It is always very difficult to win on the road in our league but we will have to find ways to get a couple big wins on the road. We also have districts at home this year. We have very solid programs in our district, but it is always exciting to try and make a run at tournament time.” Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Saxons open with a rival Friday night. The Hastings varsity’ boys' basketball team will start the 2019-20 season against Thomapple Kellogg as the finale of the annu­ al Battle of Barry County, a ballgame sched­ uled to begin around 7:30 p.m. following the varsity wrestling match and varsity girls’ basketball game between the Saxons and Trojans. The Trojans will put the Saxons’ to the test in the paint, with a couple young big-men for junior post-player Evan Eastman to deal with. Hastings head coach Rich Long, who is entering his third season leading the program, said his team will have to rely on its athleti­ cism against big teams. “Our height drops very fast after Eastman,” he said. The Saxons do have plenty of athleticism to lean on this winter. A trio of experienced guards are ready to lead the back-court, and coach Long said they work well together. That group includes senior captain Elijah Smith, who is entering his fourth varsity season, junior guard Kirby Beck in his third varsity season, and senior guard Carter Cappon who is opening his second varsity campaign. Beck was an all-conference performer in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference a year ago. He averaged 14 points and five rebounds a game as a sophomore. Smith averaged eight points a game as a junior last season. Eastman isn’t the only Saxon looking to contribute in his first varsity season. Coach The 2019-2020 Hastings varsity boys’ basketball team. Team members are (front from left) Evan Murphy, Luca Franzolini, Ethan Caris, Carter Cappon, Elijah Smith, (back) coach Matt Cathcart, Mitchell Eldred, Braden Vertalka, Carter Hewitt, Evan Eastman^, Kirby Beck, J.P. Saint Amour and head coach Rich Long. (Photo by Brett Bremer) . Saxon basketball gets an infusion of youth Brett Bremer Sports Editor Certainly the Saxons want to win some basketball games this winter, but gaining skills and experience for thu. season and sea­ sons to come is the real key Josey Nickels and Aubree Bond were a pair of sophomores on the Hastings varsity girls’ basketball team a season ago. As juniors, they will get to be a couple of the| team’s leaders as sophomores Brooke Votings, Carly warner, Allison Teed and fresh­ man Macy Winegar work their way into the varsity rotation for the first time this winter. “The addition of the freshman and three sophomores should give us some scoring opportunities that we did not have last sea­ son,” Hastings head coach Mike Engle said. Engle is entering his seventh season leading the program. Nickels and Bond were two of the Saxons’ top rebounders a season ago, and should be again, and will be looking for expanded roles in the offense. The Saxons struggled to score points a year ago, finishing the season with a 1-20 record. “My goal this season is to use the first half of the season to help our youth gain experi­ ence so that we are peaking the second time through the conference and into districts,” Engle said. The Interstate-8 Athletic Conference will be tough again, with what coach Engle calls the “usual suspects” of Marshall, Jackson Northwest and Coldwater expected to be bat­ tling for the top spots in the conference stand­ ings. The Saxons open the conference season at Coldwater Dec. 17 and will host Lumen Christi Dec. 20. Hastings is hosting Thomapple Kellogg in the Battle of Barry County Friday, with the Hastings girls taking on the Trojans at about 6 p.m. in between a varsity wretling match and a varsity boys’ basketball game. The 2019-2020 Hastings varsity girls’ basketball team. Team members are (front from left) Allison Teed, Brook Youngs, Macy Winegar, Lauren Sensiba, Layla Lamance, (back) Aubreanna Highway, Aubree Bond, Madison McMaster, Josey Nickels, Carly Warner and head coach Mike Engle. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Auenw DEWEY’S AUTO BODY OF HASTINGS, INC. SINCE 1908 1111 W. Green, Hastings www.deweysautobody.com 312 E. Court, Hastings 269-945-3412 fnsurancejbr^ all ofyour needs- MacLEOD CHIROPRACTIC PRECISION AUTO BODY REPAIR 327 W. Apple St. Hastings 819 E. Railroad St. Hastings 269-948-3170 269-948-9472 KING’S ELECTRONICS & APPLIANCES 130 W. State, Hastings 269-945-4284 Horkemo Trailer Sales 4600 N. M-37 Hwy., Middleville 269.205.2613 • HARKEMAAUTO.COM highpoint 120 E. 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HASTINGS Lake Odessa FDIC �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 12,2019 — Page 15 Saxon cheer sets sights on district and 1-8 titles Brett Bremer Sports Editor With at least 15 cheerleaders returning from last year’s squad the Hastings varsity competitive cheer team is already getting things lined up for the upcoming season. -The Saxons were just shy of some of their regular program goals last winter, missing out oh a district championship by less than a point and finishing outside of the top spot in the JQ^terstate-8 Athletic Conference. Ideally in 2020, the Saxons will be hoisting trophies at end of those competitions. ?*The group of returning Hastings cheerlead­ ers is highlighted by senior back spot Ireland Barber, an honorable mention all-region Sgieerleader in Division 2 last year. The Saxons’ district runner-up a year ago put them in the regional round of the state tournament. 2 Hastings also brings back senior base Shannon Brown, who was a first team all-distfict selection along with Barber a year ago. All-district flyer Savana Leonard is back for her junior season, and the Saxons should be talented in the air above round three with junior flyer Abbie Capobianco and junior flyer/base Brynn Tumes returning as well. Tumes and Capobianco were both second team all-district last season, along with soph­ omore base Ruby Barber. The team also brings back sophomore base Sydney Kuntz, senior base Alayna Vazquez, junior base Kaylee Bennett, junior flyer Sammi Cole, junior backspot Kaylynn Gonzalevez and junior bases Tandra McKinstry, Julieann Meeker, Maggie Nedbalek and Rylee Zalewski. Key additions to the team include sopho­ more flyer Kierstyn Downs and freshmen bases Eve Bishop and Marissa Roberts. “This team loves to drill, because of this we have seen huge improvement in our jumps, along with presentation in round one and two,” Hastings head coach Linsey Jacinto said. “Our round three is really shaping up. We are in a really good spot this early in the season. We are ready to hit the mat and see what we can do.” The Saxons still have some time yet before they compete on the mat. They’ll open the season at the Jan. 4 Maple Valley Invitational. “We work hard on staying focused,” Jacinto said. “We have adapted by implementing a very strict practice schedule. I am amazed at how much we can accomplish in two hours.” The Saxons will be battling with Pennfield and Jackson Lumen Christi at the top of the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference standings this* winter. The conference season starts at Jackson Lumen Christi Jan. 15. Hastings has just one home meet on the schedule, the annual SaxonFest Cheer Invitational Feb. 5. The Hastings varsity competitive cheer team brings back 15 cheerleaders from the team that finished as a district runner-up a year ago. The Saxons open their season at the Maple Valley Invitational Jan. 4. (File photo) Freshmen boost Saxon wrestling program Brett Bremer Sports Editor 5ffhe Saxons will be able to come at oppo­ nents in waves this winter. By the end of the 2018-19 season Hastings varsity wrestling coach Darrell Slaughter had [fewer than 20 wrestlers capable of competing. The numbers in the high school program have doubled this season with more than 40 stu­ dent-athletes a part of the program in the preseason. The most experienced wrestlers back to lead the way for the Saxons this winter are senior captains Gabe Trick and Tyler Dull, junior Jon Giron and sophomores Jackson Dtibois and Dillon Neal. ■1 MDull and Giron were the Saxons’ two indi­ vidual regional qualifiers last winter. Dull had ■a 27-18 record on the season at 152 pounds and Giron was 33-9 at 112. The duo helped lead the team to 20 victories, including a Division 2 District championship in Slaughter’s first season as the leader of the Saxon program. ■ - ■ The Saxons’ 2018-19 season opened with a tough loss to Thomapple Kellogg in the Battle of Barry County, but the Hastings team got its revenge with a district victory over the rival Trojans. Hastings will open the season against TK again this winter, opening the Battle of Barry County at 4:30 p.m. at Hastings High School Friday. That wrestling contest will be the start of a triple header, followed by varsity girls’ and boys’ basketball games. In all, there are only 12 wrestlers back with varsity experience though for Hastings, four seniors, three juniors and five sophomores. The bulk of the team is made up of the incom­ ing freshman class. Most likely to break into the varsity line-up from that freshman group are Robby Slaughter, Payton Miller and Zach Chipman. Coach Slaughter is pleased to announce his guys as a whole remain Very good at the head­ lock. The Saxon coach said he was “very lucky” to get to 20 wins in his first varsity coaching season. He is hoping his team can match or exceed that number this season and even improve on what was a pretty successful per­ formance in tournaments a year ago. The Saxons were the runners-up at all of their weekend tournaments throughout last season, and they’re hoping to earn a few champion­ ships this time around with a special focus on next month’s LH Lamb Tournament in Hastings. Hastings was sixth in the tough Interstate-8 Athletic Conference a year ago, and would like to get into the top half of the conference. The other contenders for the top spots in the conference include Parma Western, Jackson Northwest, Coldwater and Harper Creek. Coach Slaughter is happy to have a good support group returning in assistants Tim Easey, Jeff Wilbur, David Laras and is look­ ing forward to having former head coaches Mike Goggins and Dennis Redman spending a lot of time in the wrestling room and joining the team at tournaments throughout the sea­ son. Jon Giron is one of two individual regional qualifiers from a year ago returning for the Saxon varsity wrestling team this winter. Giron and the Saxons open their season Friday taking on visiting Thornapple Kellogg in the Battle of Barry County at Hastings high School. (File photo) •• ml-. , ..j, - WMIF'WiW'B THE INGS BANNER GENERAL STORE Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 1351 N. 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Jefferson, Hastings 269-945-9549 �Page 16 — Thursday, December 12, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Defense getting job done for DK so far Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ basket­ ball team has had a chance to build some confidence and some chemistry. The Panthers are now going to put it to the test. The DK girls travel to Schoolcraft to open the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division season Friday. They’re 3-0 through the first week and a half of the season after a 41-30 win over visiting Maple Valley Tuesday night. “It wasn’t the best shooting night for us, but we managed to put together a couple of spurts off of Maple Valley turnovers that separated us a bit on the scoreboard,” DK head coach Mike Mohn said. Erin Kapteyn led the Delton Kellogg girls with 14 points and Abbie Bever knocked down four three-pointers and finished with 13 points. “Lauren Lebeck and Holly McManus were huge on the defensive end of the floor with their communication and rotations,” coach Mohn said. “Kiersten Moore came off the bench and did a really nice job for us as well. Very proud of the three of them. He thought his team’s defense was really the key to the game. “We really put some effort in making the attempt to shut down (Maple Valley junior) Ashlyn Wilkes, who is a pretty special player. For the most part, I thought we were success­ ful. I really think that was a major part of the win.” Wilkes finished with nine points for the Lions in the loss. The DK girls got an ugly win at home last Friday, overcoming 29 turnovers to pull out a 38-27 victory. Fennville turned the ball over 25 times. “That’s 54 turnovers in a high school bas­ ketball game. Brutal. We were called for nine travels and seven three-second violations, and, we earned them all,” Mohn said. Kapteyn had nine points, Bever eight and Holly McManus seven in the win. DK had seven girls score in all. Sophomore Mary Whitmore ended the night with five points and 15 rebounds. “We got beat on the glass in game one and that was a focus for us going into game two,” Mohn said. “We improved in that area by out rebounding Fennville 44 to 22. Limiting them to one shot was huge for us.” The DK girls will travel to Martin Tuesday. RIGHT: Delton Kellogg’s Mary Whitmore puts a shot up in the paint during her team’s win over visiting Fennville Friday at DKHS. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Maroons take 25-point win in Trojans’ opener at TKHS Brett Bremer Sports Editor One of the first things that has to happen for an inside-outside game plan to work is for somebody to knock down some shots from outside. The Trojans never really got that outside part going in a 58-33 loss to visiting Holland Christian to open the 2019-20 Varsity boys’ basketball season. Junior Cole Shoobridge led the Trojan offense with 15 points and junior post player Austin VanElst finished with five points, drawing attention to the paint from the Maroon defense and drawing a number of fouls. “We missed a number of our outside shots when the defense collapsed on Austin,” TK head coach Josh Thaler said after his first ballgame as the Trojan varsity head coach. Thaler was pleased with the way that Shoobridge ran the offense, and happy with some good minutes and good intensity from Alex Bonnema, Kaiden Pratt and Carter Stahl off the bench. Nolan Dahley had five points for TK"as as well, and Levi VanderHeide, Bonnema add Nate Jansma each had a bucket. “Holland Christian is big, long, and athlet­ ic,” coach Thaler said. “They do a nice job utilizing that. We had a number of our guys getting their first varsity level experience. I’m excited to see how we grow from this game.” The Trojans return to action Friday night, visiting Hastings as the finale to the Battle of Barry County which opens with a varsity wrestling match between the Trojans and Saxons at 4:30 p.m, and includes a varsity girls’ basketball game that is slated for a 6 p.m. tip. ■ • Delton Kellogg senior guard Abbie Bever attacks the basket during her team’s non­ conference victory over Fennville on the first Friday night of the season last week. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Close to Home Bryan Kamps, MD, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon. After earning his medical degree from the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, Dr. Kamps completed a transitional internship at Blodgett Memorial Medical Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, two years general surgery training at Michigan State University in Lansing, Michigan, and his residency in orthopaedic surgery at McLaren Regional Medical Center in Flint, Michigan. Dr. Kamps has nearly 25 years years of experience in orthopaedic surgery. Before coming to Spectrum Health, he was a surgeon at Rehoboth McKinley Christian Health Care Services in Gallup, New Mexico. He also was a surgeon for the U.S. Army Reserve with tours of duty in Bosnia, Afghanistan and Germany. Dr. Kamps is a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. : ■ . Dr. Kamps has relocated his practice from Spectrum Health Grand Rapids to the - Bryan Kamps, MD Orthopedic & Pain Clinic in Hastings. SPECTRUM HEALTH Pennock Spectrum Health Pennock Orthopedics & Pain Center 840 Cook Road Hastings, Ml 49058 269.945.9520 � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-12-19.pdf 1c6168f0c8253975f5309c2bcff2550e PDF Text Text Hastings schools budget ‘really, really tight’ Jobs for teenagers are an investment TK varsity sweeps Battle of Barry Co. See Story on Page 3 See Editorial on Page 4 See Story on Page 14 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 804879110187 1070490102590503178849058113421 Ha 5 Co® VOLUME 166, No. 50 ANNER Thursday, December 19, 2019 PRICE 750 Gov. Whitmer appoints new Barry County judge Vicky L. Alspaugh of Hastings is Barry County’s newest circuit court judge. Alspaugh, a referee and magistrate in the trial court, was chosen by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, who made the announcement Tuesday. “We want every person who interacts with the judicial system to know that they will get a fair shot by an experienced and respected judge,” Whitmer said in making three judicial appointments: Alspaugh to the 5th Circuit Court in Barry County; Jacquelyn A. McClinton to the 36th District Court in the City of Detroit; and Anna M. Frushour to the 14A District Court of Washtenaw County. “I am honored to serve the people of the State of Michigan and especially the people of Barry County in this new capacity,” Alspaugh said. “I look forward to working with the judi­ cial counsel in facilitating the continued func­ tion of the unified trial court which has bene­ fited the citizens of Barry County since it began.” Barry County’s unified trial court is served by Chief Judge William Doherty, Judge Michael Schipper and, as of Jan. 1, 2020, Alspaugh. Alspaugh’s predecessor, Judge Amy L. McDowell, resigned effective Oct. 15. Whitmer’s office said Alspaugh’s term will commence Jan. 1, 2020, and expire at noon Jan. 1, 2021. If she wishes to seek a full sixyear term, she would be required to run for re-election in November 2020. She has experience in domestic relations matters consisting of custody, parenting time, child support and medical enforcement. She has heard cases of delinquency and child abuse and neglect. “Vicky will fit right in,” Doherty said. “She has so much experience in about every aspect of being a judge.” In addition to her years of experience as a referee for Friend of the Court and juvenile court, “she’s familiar with probate work, as well,” the judge said. “She has served in small claims in district court, and she’s also had 10 years as a prosecutor before becoming a refer­ ee. “She’s familiar with just about all aspects of the court system and done an excellent job all the way around.” Doherty said the public will be invited to the investiture when Alspaugh is sworn in early next year. Alspaugh previously has served as an assis­ tant prosecuting attorney for the Barry County Prosecutor’s Office and the Ogemaw County Prosecutor’s Office. She is a member of the Barry County Bar Association and the Michigan Probate and Juvenile Registers Association. She earned her juris doctor degree from the Thomas M. Cooley Law School and bachelor of arts in criminal justice from Michigan State University. Alspaugh, 56, and her husband, Micheal, have two daughters. Double murder case set for trial Scott Harmsen Contributing Writer A Plainwell man facing open murder and kidnapping charges appeared in Barry Count} Circuit Court Wednesday for a pre-trial hear­ ing before Judge Michael Schipper. Jon Burnett, 63, is scheduled for an April 20 trial on 36 counts ranging from felonious assault to kidnapping. Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt said she was considering changing the two charges of open murder to first-degree murder. Gary L. Peake, 73, of Plainwell, was shot six times, and Bryce Nathan DeGood, 21, of Haslett, was shot in the head in what testimo­ ny indicated was an execution-style slaying. First-degree charges would require a find­ ing of intent. But Pratt said these charges could be part of possible plea offer. “Although counsel may not consider this a plea offer,” she said, “I still think it’s import­ ant to say that I have indicated to counsel I’m not willing to come up to first-degree murder at this time - unless something indicates change. “I know they don’t necessarily consider that an offer, although I do. So I just want to make sure that’s on the record. We’ve dis­ cussed two counts of first-degree murder.” “Mrs. Pratt’s correct: We don’t consider that a plea offer,” Shane McNeill, Burnett’s attorney, replied. Schipper said he expected several motions to be filed in the case before trial, including a possible motiion to sever the cases involving Peake and DeGood. ---------------------------------------------------- — “If we go forward with a trial, I want it done as cleanly and as professionally as possible so that everybody has the opportunity to have their case presented to a jury.” Judge Michael Schipper The judge said the deadline for the motions is Feb. 26 so he has time to study them before a March 18 hearing date - no exceptions. “If I get it on the 27^, it won’t count,” he said. Pratt also asked if she could be informed if the defense was planning to mount an “asser­ tive” defense, such as insanity. McNeill said they were not planning to do Funding recommended for Paul Henry Trail, DNR shooting range Greg Chandler Staff Writer Two projects in Barry County are slated to receive a combined $550,000 in funding through the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund next year. The trust fund board Dec. 12 recom­ mended approval of a $350,000 grant to acquire 26 acres of property for connecting the north end of the Paul Henry Thomapple Trail in Middleville with the south end of Kent County’s Paul Henry Trail system in Caledonia Township. Another $200,000 would be used toward development of a Department of Natural Resources shooting range on more than 12 acres of land on M-179, just east of Peets Road, in Rutland Charter Township. The board’s action is the first step in get­ ting state funding for the two projects, according to Lori Burford, a DNR shooting range specialist. “The Legislature has to approve the funding for us,” Burford said. “Typically, that happens in early spring.” The property to be acquired for the Paul Henry Trail project includes 2.5 miles of abandoned rail bed, which will serve as the connector between the two existing seg­ ments. The state would acquire four parcels of property, totaling 24.75 acres of fee-sim­ ple acquisition and 1.25 acres of easement. According to a DNR news release, the bulk of the property is natural wildlife hab­ itat, including 300 feet of frontage on the Thomapple River that would be ideal for a canoe launch. It also includes a 130-foot railroad trestle over the river, according to the release. “Thomapple Township is very excited about this opportunity to provide connectiv­ ity to Michigan’s evolving trail system,” Township Supervisor Mike Bremer said. “We at the township look forward to pro­ viding opportunities for residents and local businesses and organizations to participate in helping to complete this project. “Our ‘tunnel to nowhere’ under Crane Road will eventually be our tunnel to Michigan, and beyond.” Burford said the trust fund board’s rec­ ommendation means the DNR can begin the design process for the new shooting range, which would replace a secluded See FUNDING, page 12 Jon Burnett of Plainwell appeared in Barry County Wednesday for a pretrial hearing. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) See TRIAL, page 12 Barry County Court Judge Michael Schipper (from left) with the governor’s new appointee to the bench, Vicky Alspaugh of Hastings and Chief Judge William Doherty in court Wednesday. (Photo by Scott Harmsen) President Donald Trump visits West Michigan Luke Froncheck Staff Writer President Donald Trump was expected Wednesday to become the ninth chief exec­ utive to visit the Cereal City. More than 15,000 people were expected to gather for the rally in and around Kellogg Arena in downtown Battle Creek. For many political observers in Barry County, the rally for the president made perfect sense. “Michigan has a pivotal role in selecting the next president,” Barry County Commissioner Ben Geiger said. “Part of his success has been talking to voters who don’t often get a look by major candidates. This area is a place of traditional Republicans, family farms, and blue-collar workers.” “I would love to go, but no,” Drain Commissioner Jim Dull said. “But I’m 110 percent behind him. He’s the only president I’ve ever sent money to. “I think he is concerned about the normal people and wants to engage them. He wants to bring normal people into the room. All the Democrats are going to wherever they can get primary votes. He’s not campaign­ ing like that. I think he has faith that he is doing things right.” Sheena Eastman, chairwoman of the Barry County Democratic Party, said county Democrats were planning to attend the event, particularly for the protest outside Kellogg Arena. “Michigan is a battleground area, and I think that the Democrats want to make their voices heard here just as much as Trump does,” she said. “The president’s visit is pretty signifi­ cant,” her husband, Ben Eastman, said. “I plan on going to protest and we’re expect­ ing a pretty good turnout. We want to show there is good opposition to the president and his policy.” To some, a presidential visit means more than politics. “I would just like to go see a president,” said Delton Kellogg Schools Superintendent Kyle Corlett, who was unable to attend the event. “I would’ve gone to see Obama, too. You have to respect the office of the presi­ dency.” Yanik Jost, a 17-year-old Delton Kellogg exchange student from Switzerland, said he’ll be there. See VISITS, page 11 Carolyn Coleman, lady of many firsts, dies Elaine Gilbert Contributing Writer Carolyn (Green) Coleman, a visionary whose contributions made a significant impact upon the City of Hastings and Barry County, died Tuesday at the age of 91. She was the first woman elected to serve on the Barry County Board of Commissioners, a seat she held for 12 years. In 1978, Coleman was elected the first woman to chair the board. She represented Hastings’ first and second wards, but her overall scope was for the betterment of the entire county. Coleman earned the respect and admiration of her fellow commissioners and others who held prestigious positions, and, of course, the voters. “Carolyn was a pioneer woman, breaking barriers for younger women. She was a visionary and helped move Barry County forward,” said Jan Hartough, a former Barry County Extension director. Coleman was also chairwoman of the Barry County YMCA Board, Hastings Library Board, Barry County Community Mental Health Board and City of Hastings Charter Revision Commission. She had also been active with the Barry County Futuring Committee, Community Dispute Resolution Board, Barry County Commission on Aging and Historic Charlton Park. She once said in an interview for the Reminder that serving the county was part of her “Christian commitment.” One of Coleman’s goals was to tighten control over local programs, rather than having regional and state controls dictating what would be best for the county. She also was a proponent for providing low cost housing for senior citizens. County Administrator Michael Brown fondly remembers Coleman. “While I didn’t have the pleasure of working with Carolyn, I did get to know her through research that I have completed on past policy issues taken up by the county board,” he said. “She was always willing to provide me with guidance and insight, and it is clear that she was a person who cared about the outcome and impact that she had as a county commissioner. “What I will remember most, however, is the smile that she always greeted me with when I would ask her about an issue that had been considered by the board during her Carolyn Coleman, the first woman to chair the county board, died Tuesday. tenure,” Brown said. “It was evident that she valued and enjoyed the time that she served on the county board. The county is grateful for her leadership and dedicated public service.” High praise for Coleman was also the response of James H. Fisher, retired Barry County Circuit Judge. See COLEMAN, page 7 �Page 2 — Thursday, December 19, 2019 —The Hastings Banner Yuletides past celebrated at Charlton Park Heather Tolsma Contributing Writer The air was filled with sounds and smells of Christmas this past Saturday and Sunday as Charlton Park celebrated its 38th annual “Of Christmas Past” event. The buildings were open, each with a different theme, and hosting free activities to give visitors a glimpse Christmas traditions and tasks common more than a century ago. In the Upjohn House, children and families were able to meet St. Nicholas, learn how to make cinnamon/sugar apples (and get a sample), and wander around the gift shop. Paul Bloem, who has been a Charlton Park volunteer for a little over a year, showed guests how to make the apple treats. The device used to peel the apples was invented in the late 1800s, he said. He loaded apples onto the peeler, this one bearing the trade name Bonanza, and the apples were quickly peeled and cored, then sliced, skewered and dipped into a cinnamon/sugar mixture for guests to sample. “It was very simple to make, and it is delicious,” Bloem said of the apple snack. Casey Meek and her four children, Douglas, 12, Starlit, 11, Jace, 4, and Ryan, 2, had visited several buildings at the park. They’d been to the Bristol Inn where chestnuts were roasted at the fireplace, and they had some warm apple cider. At the township hall, they enjoyed popcorn and made candles. They watched as wool was spun into yam on a spinning wheel at the seamstress shop, Meek said, summarizing their visit so far. “Then we saw Santa!” 4-year-old Jace interjected. “Yes, it’s just been great,” Meek said. “We live in Hastings, so we love coming out here, but we hadn’t been to the Christmas festival yet, so we’re really glad we got to be out here. Santa was, of course, the best part, but it was really neat seeing all of the history.” In the blacksmith shop, volunteers Bill Hinton, Brogan Tyler and Tim Raymond told visitors about the workings and purpose of a blacksmith shop. “Basically, we’re here to show the public what life would have been like in a blacksmith shop over 100 to 200 years ago,” Raymond said of the volunteers’ roles. “We make Volunteers Sandra Ponsetto (seated, center), Robin Isaacson (standing, back), and Vickie StJohn (right) help youngsters make “yarn people” dolls. Susan Hansen of Edmore shows how wool is spun into yarn on a traditional spinning wheel inside Hall House at Historic Charlton Park during the annual Christmas event Saturday and Sunday. fFrst P resbyterian Qiurch of Hastings Let Us Adore Him Christmas Eve 5:30 pm Family Friendly Candlelight Service 11:00 pm Cantata Candlelight Service www, firstchurchliastiiigs.org (269) 945-5463 Find us on Facebook everything from door hardware to farming equipment. A local blacksmith would make just about everything that the community would need. A lot of times we make little things for people to watch us make, like nails.” Not all blacksmith shops were the same, he said, especially in larger towns. “A person who made nails would be a ‘nailer,’” Raymond said. “You would have a farrier who would work with horses and make horseshoes. You could have a guy that only does farming equipment, a guy that only worked with tin.” “He would be called a tinsmith,” Tyler added. At Charlton Park, the role of the three volunteers, whose work at the historic park ranged from 2 days to 17 years, is that of the architectural blacksmiths: Working with iron over a charcoal fire pit, creating a range of household objects. The township hall was a whirl of activity where children and adults walked around several tables, dipping candle wicks alternately into hot wax and cold water in the age-old process of candle making. At the back of the room, the smell of fresh popcorn filled.the air as volunteers Lori and Daryl Cheeseman made piles of it for everyone to sample. Along a wall,"Julie Guenther, a volunteer for 10 years, peeled crayons and explained how candles were made. “So, a long time ago, you didn’t just buy your candles at the store, you had to make them. You used different things in nature to make them,’’ she said. “Today we’re using beeswax, and we’re using crayons for the color. In days past, they used things from nature to color it. They’d use berries or flowers or all kinds of things. “We talk to the kids about the process. It’s labor-intensive, more than they’re used to,” Guenther said. “Everyone gets a candle wick. They dip it in the hot wax and then dip it in the cold water. The water seals it. Then more wax, more water, and it builds as you continue.” Tara Corey, who said she hadn’t been to the park in several years, was enjoying the numerous stops. “It’s very interesting, very informational and educational,” she said, listing the village buildings she’d visited. “We have enjoyed watching the carpentry the most, watching him make the wooden snowmen. It’s been over 20 years since we’ve attended any events here at Charlton Park. I don’t remember any of this, so today is a fresh new start.” Inside Hall House, the seamstress shop, Susan Hansen of Carrot Patch Farms in Edmore showed how women would have spun wool to make yam for knitting. “This is a Crompsky-Polonaise,” she said of her Scandinavian-style spinning wheel. “We start in the spring by shearing the sheep, then skirt the fleece to get the yucky stuff out of it, then we box it up and send it to Zeilinger’s [a wool-processing mill in Frankenmuth] where they clean it and go through a process called carding. Once it’s cleaned and carded, it goes through a machine called a diz and it comes out into these ropes ready for spinning on the spinning wheel.” The Lee School had crafts to make, and the Sixberry House offered cookies and coffee. Inside the Hastings Mutual building, GET ALL THE NEWS OF I ARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Iron horseshoes are manipulated into decorative fishes for viewing in the black­ smith’s shop during Charlton Park’s annual “Of Christmas Past” celebration this past weekend. guests had the opportunity to operate a model train. In the upper level of the museum, volunteers Sandra Ponsetto, Robin Isaacson and Vickie StJohn, helped little ones make “yarn people.” “Dolls were expensive because they were mostly made out of porcelain,” Isaacson said. “So, most people weren’t able to afford dolls. But these sort of things, like scraps, they would make them out of corn husks, or you could make a handkerchief doll very similar, or yam, and the kids can play with them so it’s extra fun.” Hastings resident Caitlin Smith was taking in the old-fashioned Christmas with her children. “Our favorite was the room with the oldfashioned toys. They loved it,” she said of her children. “They wanted to go in there.” Her family was planning to go on a wagon ride, and Smith said she hoped they would be able to visit all of the buildings. “I’ve done this once before I had kids, and now it’s even more fun with the kids,” she said. “I’m really excited because they’re really enjoying learning about old-fashioned stuff, which is my very favorite thing. I was hoping they’d like it, and I am really pleasantly surprised.” Volunteers were dressed in period clothing. Visitors moved from building to building, eager to see what they’d find behind each door. Outside, wagons made their way around the grounds, transporting visitors. And over the whole scene, the sounds ofthe Thornapple Valley Dulcimer Society could be heard, playing a host of holiday music from the church nestled on the hillside as visitors enjoyed an old-fashioned Christmas. I Call 269-945-9554 for more information. Where’s the bacon? Visitors to downtown Hastings today may wonder why an 18-foot pig is stopped in front of the courthouse. The pig is traveling around the country for Don’t Touch Term Limits, an organization created to protest attempts to extend term limits for Michigan’s elected officials. Stops today include Coldwater, Marshall, Charlotte and, at 2:30 p.m., Hastings (Photo provided) �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 19, 2019 — Page 3 Hastings schools budget ‘really, really tight’ Rebecca Pierce Editor : The decision to repair the worst roofs in the ^chool district with money from the sinking fund is taking care of a major problem - and putting the district on a razor-thin edge finan­ cially. 5 At the Hastings Area School System Board of Education meeting Monday, Assistant Superintendent of Operations Tim Berlin requested the first budget amendment of the year — which was approved — and gave a brief financial update. I “Our biggest concern on the revenues is our student count,” he said. “We budgeted to be down 30 students. We’re actually down 47 (students) more than that. So that’s where we get most of our money from the state. “One thing that was a little bit better that helped us: We budgeted for $180 per student ... and we actually got $240 per student when the state finally agreed to a budget after school had already started. At least that did help.” Superintendent Dan Remenap said the drop in total count wasn’t from any general student exodus; the drop was in the district’s kinder­ garten section. “I checked with other local school districts and they’re (also) down in kindergarteners,” he said. That decline in numbers may correspond with census figures that indicates the birth rate in Michigan has been dropping in the past few years. The general fund budget total has revenues of $26,588,705 and total expenditures of $26,572,342. “That gives us revenues over expenses of just over $16,000 — where our first budget had revenues over expenses of about $86,000,” Berlin said. The other cost complication for the district is infrastructure. “We decided to attack our worst roofs with our sinking fund,” Berlin said. Delton Kellogg readies for Early/Middle College Luke Froncheck Staff Writer While all Delton Kellogg graduates hold high school diplomas in one hand, some may soon hold associate degrees in the other. This will come as the district prepares for its new Early/Middle College program that would allow students to graduate from high school in five years with an associate degree. High school principal Lucas Trierweiler gave an update on the program to the Delton Kellogg Board of Education during its meet­ ing Monday night. < The program will provide high school stu­ dents with a path to earn an associate degree from Kellogg Community College at the high school. To do so, students will attend high school for five years. Classes the fifth year will be through KCC. The students may walk With their graduating class, but they will not receive a diploma until after the completion of the fifth year of school. ; Delton Kellogg intends on offering stu­ dents three different associate degree paths: Computer science, business and nursing, all of which will allow students additional certi­ fication. Trierweiler said the program may expand to offer students additional associate degree programs. In other business at the school board meet­ ing, Boy Scout Jonathon Gherardi spoke to the board regarding his Eagle Scout project. He said he intends to fix up a Middle school courtyard by trimming trees, clearing leaves and planting flowers. He estimates the budget for the project will be around $2,000. He plans to raise the money by asking for donations from local businesses. Gherardi is a member of Boy Scout Troop 108 out of Banfield. Laurie Hammond stood during public com­ ment to express discontent with how the mid­ dle school and the district handled the suspen­ sion of a student for whom she is the court-ap­ pointed guardian. In action items, the board voted to: -Accept the retirement of high school sec­ retary Kim Devries. -Approve the hiring of high school secre­ tary Teri Gherardi. She has occasionally filled in as high school secretary for the past eight years. -Accept the resignation of assistant wres­ tling coach Matt Wilson who moved away from the district. Accept donations of $500 to each of the high school and middle school robotics pro­ grams from Delton Rotary Club and a dona­ tion of $1,500 to the high school robotics program from Flexfab. -Approved the annual Schools of Choice resolution which allows students to transfer to Delton Kellogg Jan. 6-17. -Approved the high school band trip to Tennessee April 22-25. A sinking fund, which Hastings has had since 2014, is a fund provided by local tax dollars to enable a district to fix or repair infrastructure, such as buildings, other site repairs, technology, and safety replacements, Remenap said. Sinking fund money cannot be used for general maintenance, school supplies or sala­ ries, he said. The roof repair at Southeastern Elementary, at a cost of $211,200 for the work by J. Stevens Construction, is complete, Berlin said. Repairs on the roof at Northeastern Elementary, where $121,000 to J. Stevens Construction has been spent, is close to com­ pletion, Berlin said. That project should be done by the spring, he added. “We’re projecting only about $58,000 left at the end of the year in the sinking fund,” he said. Last June, the sinking fund budget had originally projected a balance of $737,923. After the meeting, Remenap told The Banner the choice was clear. “Both roofs were at a critical point, we couldn’t go another winter without the roofs • Accepted resignations from paraprofes­ sionals Britney Curtis at the high school, and Teresa Canmore and Amanda Dunkelberger at Central Elementary. • Accepted the superintendent’s goals for the school year, covering communication, community and staff relations, business and finance, instructional leadership and student academic growth. • Met in an executive session prior to the regular board meeting to discuss student dis­ cipline but took no formal action afterward. • Agreed to end the board’s work sessions and combine them with the board’s regular monthly meetings, which will take place at 7 p.m. Mondays on the following dates at the schools as indicated: Jan 20, Southeastern Elementary; Feb. 24, Hastings Middle; March 16, Star Elementary; April 20, Hasting Middle, May 18, Hastings High; June 29, Hastings Middle. ? • The next school board meeting, which will be its semi-annual organizational meet­ ing, will take place at 7 p.m. on Jan. 20 at > Southeastern Elementary. being addressed.” The sinking fund has been depleted and the slim margin of expenses over revenues is a concern, he said, but the expenditure on roof repairs was a necessity. “It’s really, really tight,” Berlin told the board. “...And we’re not even halfway through the year.” “We’ll have to keep a real close eye on expenses especially.” In other business, the school board: • Accepted a $27,851.02 donation from the Thomas D. Stephens Trust. Stephens, a spe­ cial education teacher at the middle school, retired in 1998 and chose the school district as a beneficiary of his estate. School officials indicated the gift would be used to upgrade student lockers and a hall would be named for him. The board accepted, with appreciation, the generous donation. • Accepted a donation of $9,505.68 from the Hastings Athletic Boosters to support the purchase and installation of new scoreboards at the high school. • Accepted a $500 donation from Al & Pete’s Sport Shop made in support of students in need. High school cell phone ban set to take effect Jan. 6 Rebecca Pierce Editor A few parents questioned the implementa­ tion of a student cell phone ban from “bell to bell” at Hastings High School during the Board of Education meeting Monday. One school board member, Dan Patton, said he supported the ban, but favored modi­ fying it initially at the start to ease into it. “We have gone from a policy that wasn’t being enforced to just stripping it away,” Patton said, indicating that he might vote against it when it comes before the board for a vote at the next school board meeting on Jan. 20. Superintendent Dan Remenap replied: “We did discuss this in committee - ad nauseum, frankly. If it’s in our halls, it’s going to end up in the classroom. If it’s in our lunchroom, it’s going to end up in the classroom. I can assure you the current policy is being enforced.” Patton said, “I don’t want people to think I’m not in full support of it. I am. ...I just think it’s a pretty abrupt change.” , : The administration at the high school has made it very clear to the studentsthat having their cell phones was a right, the superinten­ dent said. “This isn’t out of the blue to the Businessman Kevin Beck asked the board to re-evaluate the new policy at the end of the school year. “In all the years I’ve come to school board meetings, this is the smartest thing you guys have ever done. I’m amazed that you finally got some kind of backbone.” Jerry Greenfield kids. This was discussed as a possibility.” Patton said a modification in the policy would show the administration was listening to the kids. “We should be listening to the kids,” Remenap told Patton. “But the kids should be listening to us when we tell them when not to use their phones.” ■ ; Businessman Kevin Beck asked the board to re-evaluate the policy at the end of the school year. No students opted to attend the meeting to object to the policy that will be enacted at the start of the next semester on Jan. 6. And some of the comments offered in favor of the ban expressed unqualified, enthusiastic support. Hastings Police Chief Jeff Pratt told the board “kudos,” and praised the school admin­ istration for taking the action, which goes into effect Jan. 6. . “I am in full support of banning the cell phones,” Pratt said, noting that students have been asked not to abuse the right to use cell phones. Yet, almost every day, when police are contacted about an incident, a phone was used. “Today, I was at the high school. We had a student who had three cell phones on him.” Motorists should not use cell phones when they drive because it’s a distraction, Pratt said. “Here at the school, it’s also a distraction.” And so these rules are necessary, he said. It’s also a public safety issue, Pratt noted. “If there was ever an emergency at the school, I need kids to be focused on that emergency, where to go and listening to instruction from their teachers, not on their cell phones, not ■ , taking pictures.” t Jerry Greenfield stood and offered this comment: “In all the years I’ve come to school board t meetings, this is the smartest thing you guys have ever done. I’m amazed that you finally got some kind of backbone. “For one thing, I worked as a union steward for 20 years, and 70 percent of the people who got reprimanded or lost their jobs were over cell phones. I can bring you the facts, I can bring you the cases. You can’t just let them have phones because they’re going to use them. And there’s no reason they shouldn’t learn right now that you can’t use them while i you’re at school or at work. Simple as that.” a' . - ■ ' ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ I Christinas • Celebrating a Hometown Christmas the Delton way Hundreds of people went to Delton Saturday to celebrate the annual Hometown Christmas festivities. Here, ice sculptor Phil DeBoer works on his cre­ ation of Olaf, a character from the movie “Frozen.” (Photo by Luke Froncheck) Sunday, December 22 - morning worship services will feature your favorite Christmas Carols to remind us of the hope, peace, joy and love found in Jesus Christ! 9: 30 AM - The Praise 10: 00 AM-The Word 10:30 AM-TheTable • Tuesday, December 24 - Candlelight Christmas Eve featuring Communion, singing by candlelight, and a special message: If Not For Christmas - - Hastings Superintendent Dan Remenap 1 discussed the high school cell phone ban, which will go into effect Jan. 6, at Monday’s school board meeting. (Photos by; Rebecca Pierce) \ 4:00 PM- Contemporary with The Green Street Band 7:00 PM - Traditional with the Chancel Choir Green Street United Methodist Church is located at 209 West Green Street, Hastings For more information: www.areenstreetumc.faith or 269-945-9574 �Page 4 — Thursday, December 19, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you see? Jingle and Mingle memory for the family scrapbook Jobs for teenagers are an investment Sawyer Kline, 5, from Bristol, Ind., and her family enjoyed Jingle and Mingle in downtown Hastings recently and shared a memory of the event with The Hastings Banner. It’s the second time Sawyer and her family have attended the traditional holiday festivities and, this year, Sawyer celebrated by getting her face painted. (Photo provided) Do you remember? Before the minis The Battle Creek Shriners and their mini-cars, motorcycles or go-karts are a common site in local parades today. This undat­ ed photo, likely from the early 1970s, shows Hastings Shrine Club members rolling through downtown Hastings on a vintage truck during the Christmas parade. Have you met? Daniel Patton has lived in Barry County for the last 20 years, but he was raised on a cattle farm in the Virginia outside of the city of Independence. His parents, Ed and Carolyn, moved from Tennessee in the 1960s, started their cattle farm and have lived there ever since, raising Dan and his older brother, Mark. Barry County would seem a metropolis compared to his home county of about 15,000 people. “Everybody knows everybody, and that’s one of the things I like about Barry County,” he said. “It’s small. We’re close in proximity to some of the major metropolitan areas of the state of Michigan, but for raising a family and having a community, I don’t know if there’s any better place.” Patton graduated in 1987 from Grayson County High School. He met his wife, Melissa, while he was a conservation police officer and she was volunteering at a state park. He graduated from Bluefield College in 1994 with a major in chemistry and a minor in biology, and then attended Cardinal Criminal Justice Academy, Salem, Va., graduating in 1995. As executive director of Charlton Park Village, Museum and Recreation Area, he is responsible for “pretty much everything” but says that, with such a small staff, “it’s a collective effort. When you’re a small staff, everybody does a little bit of everything, and this is no exception to the rule.” He and Melissa, have three children: Twin boys, Grayson and Gavin, are juniors at Hastings High School and daughter Molly is a freshman. Melissa, is a special education teacher in Battle Creek at Lakeview High School. Her family is deeply rooted in Barry County, Dan Patton Patton said, which is why they chose to raise their family here. “Everyone in her family lives within about a 45-minute drive,” he said. Outside of his job with Charlton Park, Patton has served on the Hastings Board of Education since 2011, is a member of the Hastings Rotary Club, and coached Barry County YMCA and Hastings youth football. He and his wife have been involved in projects at Grace Lutheran Church. His hobbies include hunting and fishing. He loves the outdoors, and he and his family have spent a considerable amount of time camping over the years. For his dedication to Historic Charlton Park and his love of Barry County, Dan Patton is this week’s Banner Bright Light. First job: Lawn maintenance. I don’t know what the title of the company was, but I got paid like $2.76 an hour. Something most people don’t know about me: I drink warm cream, not coffee. There’s a little coffee but mostly cream. My wife actually makes fun of me over it. Favorite dinner: Steak. It’s a no-brainer. There aren’t many steak dinners I miss. Favorite childhood memory: Probably playing at the fort out in the woods with my brother. We had the coolest fort. I can picture it just like I am standing there. If I were president: I would ensure that every child in America had food. A little kid can’t learn if a little kid can’t eat. Favorite cartoon characters: I loved Tom and Jerry as a kid, and Speedy Gonzales. Favorite book: It’s a book by Bill Bryson, A Walk in the Woods. It’s about his hike on the Appalachian Trail. It’s a good read. It’s about overcoming obstacles in life, persevering, meeting a challenge and hitting it head-on, and completing something you start, even when it hurts. Greatest thing about Barry County: Charlton Park because it captures the history of Barry County all in one place. Advice for a young person: It’s important to have goals alongside of dreams and to be practical about the future. My corniest saying: “Butter slipped off the biscuit,” for when you can’t remember something, it’s a Southern thing. Each week, the Banner profiles a person who makes the community shine. Do you know someone who should be featured because of volunteer work, fun-loving personality, for the stories he or she has to tell or any other reason? Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. For every story we hear of teenagers who don’t want to work, for every employ­ er who refuses to fire a young person who doesn’t show up for a work shift because there’s just no one out there better to take their place, I give you the case of 16-yearold Rose Lambert. A Hastings High School junior, Rose started working at the Hastings 4 Theatre and has loved the job so much she told the Banner last week she considers it her “happy place.” Rose worked 20 hours per week through the summer and now works a 15-hour schedule as she continues her high school studies. Despite her love for and dedication to the job, Rose was sad to learn recently that she and another teenage employee will be losing their positions due to a new company policy being imposed by Grand Rapidsbased Goodrich Quality Theatres, owner of the Hastings 4 and 29 other movie theatres in Michigan and four other states. Because some of those theatres will now be selling alcohol, Goodrich Theatres has enacted a new policy stating that it will no longer hire employees under 18 years of age. On the surface, the new policy is per­ fectly understandable. State employment law adopted under the Youth Employment Standards Act states, in short, that minors - like 16-year-old Rose Lambert - cannot be issued a work permit “in, or in connec­ tion with a part of an establishment where alcoholic beverages are sold or processed unless food or other goods constitute at least 50 percent of the total gross receipts.” The difficulty for me - and one that Rose is pointing out herself - is that the Hastings 4 does not sell alcohol. Only 14 of the 30 Goodrich operations in Michigan serve beer, wine and other alcoholic drinks in their theatres. She says she understands the reasoning behind the overall decision, but she’s frustrated because, according to Hastings 4 managers, the theater is too small to serve alcoholic beverages. So why r&iot make an exception to the new hiring .policy for the smaller theatres? ,;/jIt’s disappointing to me that corporate decision-makers didn’t take into consider­ ation the fact that they could continue to offer positions to younger kids as long as the establishment had no intentions of sell­ ing alcoholic beverages at the Hastings theatre. When Bob Goodrich, owner of the the­ atres, announced his 2014 campaign to seek the Democratic nomination for U.S. Rep. Justin Amash’s Third Congressional District seat, he said he planned to focus on the lives and concerns of the individual citizen. He went on to mention that leader­ ship is more than just asking someone for their support, it’s about “listening to their story and figuring out solutions for the dif­ ficulties that many face every day.” Must be that Goodrich forgot his mes­ sage of listening and solving problems for individuals. In this case, he and his compa­ ny have remained silent on turning their backs to faithful and enthusiastic teenage employees like Rose Lambert. In doing so, Goodrich Theatres is not only making life more difficult for the individual, it’s cash­ ing out on a community’s opportunity - and responsibility - to develop its next genera­ tion. Teenagers often times start learning the value of work in their own neighborhoods with jobs like babysitting, shoveling snow, cutting grass and doing various odd jobs for those who have a need and who recognize the virtue of developing young people. When they reach the age of 16, young folks are more likely to have regular jobs, work­ ing in retail and service sectors, where the employment becomes more formal. The Youth Development Study, a long­ term, ongoing longitudinal study that fol­ What do you lowed middle adolescence through early adulthood, found positive traits, including independence, responsibility, interpersonal skills and a strong work ethic from kids who had jobs at a young age. Adolescents tend to report higher levels of satisfaction when working and held similar beliefs as their parents about the benefits of employ­ ment. Recently I received a letter from a for­ mer newspaper carrier for our Battle Creek newspaper. “In 1991, when I was only 11,1 begged my mom to let me get a route that I shared with my older sister,” the letter read. “After several years of saving, I was able to save up enough money to buy a scooter. Then a friend of mine let me know he was giving up his route so I convinced my mom to let me take his route over. I kept both routes for the next six years until I graduated from high school. With the money I earned I was able to accomplish several of my goals, such as paying cash for my first car on my 16th birthday. Later, I was able to sell that car, and buy a better one that got me through college. Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to achieve my goals and create an avenue to gain the life skills that continue to serve me today.” It’s not unusual to hear people tell the stories of their youth and mention that the first job they had was delivering newspa­ pers. For years, the job offered kids a way to earn money, to learn responsibility and other lessons that, as they look back now, confirms their knowledge that those first teenage jobs made a big difference in how they turned out. My granddaughter is a high school senior who works two jobs and still main­ tains good grades and participates in extra-curricular activities at school. By working, she’s been able to purchase a car, have money to spend on herself and learn about saving. Teens who work learn the value of money and what it means to earn a dollar. The work experience allows then! to learn practical job skills that can help them as they go to college or directly into the job market. Teens also get an opportunity to experience new interests and talents, which might help them discover what they really want to do the rest of their life. Pushing and allowing students to con­ sider work and supporting them in every way is all part of investing in our youth, something we all must be willing to do. Congratulations go to Rose Lambert in her quest to save her job. “I shouldn’t be losing my job because of my age,” Lambert said. “I have never called in and I come in when needed.” That should mean something to Hastings 4 theatre owners. If nothing else, it shows that Rose cares about her job, takes it seri­ ously and is even willing to fight for it. It also shows lack of good management when the rules become more important than find­ ing a dedicated workforce that in the end will be more valuable to the corporation than to some silly rule. Let’s step up and invest in our next gen­ eration - especially when it’s eager and willing to contribute. Fred Jacobs, CEO J-Ad Graphics, Inc. think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by accessing our website, www. HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the fol­ lowing week. Last week: Hastings Area School System is enacting a policy to forbid cellphone use by students during the school day. Do you think cellphones should be banned in all K-12 schools? Yes 85% No 14% For this week: Is it a good idea for the president and the vice presi­ dent of the United States to appear at campaign rallies together? □ Yes □ No �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 19, 2019 — Page 5 Prairieville Township pushes Early audit look a holiday gift for Hastings budget dates forward Luke Froncheck Staff Writer People are preparing for the 2020 election, and it’s not even Christmas yet. Prairieville Township Clerk Rod Goebel proposed moving the township’s annual budget meetings to January in anticipation of the March 10 primary election. Goebel made the suggestion at the monthly meeting Dec 11. “The budget process has historically taken place in February and March,” Goebel said. “But there is a big election coming in early March.” After discussing potential meeting times, the board decided to hold the meetings in mid-January. Treasurer Judy Pence was absent. In other business, the board voted to reappoint Ken Craft and Dan Jeska to twoyear terms on the board of review and Fred Bork to a three-year term on the planning commission. The township’s next meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. Jan. 8,2020. Letter offered good ideas; commissioners should take note To the editor: This letter is to support the letter that Joyce Snow had in The Hastings Banner Dec. 5. She has some real good ideas. She talked about the possibility of moving the health department into the soon-to-be empty Friend of the Court building. TowerPinkster did a building assessment on that building, and they said there was room for 24 offices. After finding out that there are only 16 health officers assigned to Barry County, I think that there would be enough space for them. The sheriff has 16 officers working 24/7 protecting the citizens of Barry County. Why do we need so many health workers? Think of this for a minute: If this was our own health department, they would not be driving to Eaton County and spending over $100,000 on mileage, like they did last year. If the health department building was empty, the Commission on Aging could move in there. It is a much larger building than their present building. The COA currently has a building and a fund balance of more than $500,000. They could use this money for any renovations they may need. The commissioners need to take a serious look at this as a possibility. This would save the cost of a new $5 million building for the COA. I know about the existing building that Joyce Snow talked about for a possible jail. I think the commissioners should look at that building and give it some consideration. It might be half the cost of a new building. I also agree with Fred Jacobs that the commissioners should not hire a demographer. They should not have hired TowerPinkster. The commissioners should start doing their job and make the tough decisions. That’s what they were voted to do, not hire someone else to do their job. I will not vote for a millage or a commissioner who does not do what is best for us, the taxpayers, and you should do the same. Rod Romeyn, Middleville Move COA to former Kmart store To the editor: I have an idea: Instead of building a new Commission On Aging building, why not purchase and remodel the Kmart store? It is centrally located, very accessible, has adequate space and a large parking lot. An added bonus is the close proximity to the child center. It has been proven how beneficial it is for senior citizens and young children to interact through a variety of activities, including crafts, music and reading to the children. This seems to be the perfect solution to the COA’s need for additional space without having to build a new building. Merry Ossenheimer, Hastings ..... .mi The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: • All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. The Hastings Banner Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@fadgraphics.com •Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO . ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County • NEWSROOM• Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Taylor Owens $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 Doug VanderLaan Contributing Writer The holidays may be a little happier for Hastings City Council members after they got a sneak peek under the tree at a draft version of the 2018-19 fiscal year audit Monday. Auditors Kim Lindsay and Will Love of Grand Rapids-based Rehmann Robson made the preliminary presentation at a special 6 p.m. meeting and were effusive in their praise for the city and its financial health. “Overall, this is a really clean audit, and I applaud Jane [Saurman, city clerk/treasurer] and her team,” Lindsay told council members. “Jane has done a great job in making a bunch of changes throughout. Things are really moving in the right direction.” Council members voted 7-0 to move the report on to a final, official vote at the council’s next regular meeting Dec. 23. Council members Brenda McNabb-Stange and Don Smith were not able to attend Monday’s meeting. As Lindsay later noted, Saurman tackled several ongoing challenges in the city budget that were reflected in bottom-line numbers cited in Monday’s presentation. The increased efficiency also was noted in the amount of time auditors spent in city offices conducting the examination this year. “Last year, we were here in and out through November, and this year we were on site for one week,” Lindsay said. “The takeaway is this is a really good synopsis of an audit report.” In his review of the 112-page audit draft, Lindsay noted that the city’s total net position increased to $23.18 million at the end of the fiscal year which ended June 30. That compared to $18.7 million at the end of the prior fiscal year. Lindsay attributed that large increase to changes made by the city in its health care plan and a reduction to liabilities in its Other Post-Employment Benefits plan, which covers benefits such as life insurance and health care premiums outside of earned pension payment benefits. From its general fund, the city completed several projects, including improvements to Riverside Cemetery, the Michigan Department of Transportation’s Safe Routes to Schools project, and the continued improvement initiative at the water and sewer department. Calling attention to the $9.39 million listed in total revenues, council member Al Jarvis asked Lindsay how much of that figure was in cash. “The city has $9.3 million to operate the city,” Jarvis said, “but how much cash do we have?” Lindsay replied that, after total expenses of $4.9 million, the city has approximately $4.4 million in excess funds, of which all but $1.7 million - listed as unrestricted fund equity - is invested. \ “Does that mean we could spend $500,000?” council member Bill Redman asked. “Yes, but remember,” Lindsay said, “this figure [$1.7 million] was as of June. You’re now five months into the new fiscal year.” Also on the fiscal horizon - as it is for all municipalities, Lindsay mentioned - are continuing obligations for unfunded pension liabilities, or responsibilities the city will incur to fund the pensions of future city retirees. For fiscal year 2018-19, that liability is listed at an $11.3 million deficit. Between pension liabilities and OPEB obligations, the city continues to look at an unfunded liability of $15 million. “It’s a situation that most every municipality is in,” Lindsay said. “You have the ability to make changes in what you control [by making additional payments on the liability].” “Which we have,” Jarvis replied. In consideration of the funds on hand, council member Jim Cary asked Lindsay about a rainy-day fund, an accounting line item of percentage level of assets against expenses on which school districts, especially, focus. “Accounting standards suggest a cash level of 10 to 12 percent,” Love said, “but that depends on a board’s policy and tolerance for Three Men and a Tenor here Saturday Three Men and a Tenor will be in Hastings Saturday, Dec. 21, for a special holiday con­ cert at the performing arts center. The performance, hosted by Hastings Area Schools and Thomapple Arts Council and sponsored by Highpoint Community Bank, will begin at 7:30 p.m. The evening will include a special perfor­ mance by Hastings High School choir stu­ dents under the direction of Andrew Moore. Tickets are $15 and available online at thor­ napplearts ,org or by calling the performing arts center, 269-818-2492. The high school is at 520 W. South St., Hastings. See next Thursday’s Hastings Banner See next Thursday’s Hastings Banner for coverage of the Barry County Employee Service Awards and the newest deputy to join the Barry County Sheriff’s Office. risk. It varies, but generally the guideline is to not get below 12 percent of expenses.” When Mayor Dave Tossava asked for the fund balance, Saurman said it rests at 41.8 percent, but she cautioned that the figure represents only the fund balance percentage of the general fund. Other funds within the budget carry varying levels of fund balance. To Cary’s continued inquiry of a proper fund balance and the cost of operating city government, Lindsay said the vagaries of revenues coming to the city from the state and the federal government make those figures elusive. “The bogey has always been funding from the state,” Lindsay said. “You’ve been hit hard, very hard over the years. And when federal money came in for jobs, that was a one-time thing. My suggestion is the general fund is the one to keep an eye on. “The general fund is your operating expenses. Take your total expenses from the general fund and divide by the 365 days of the year and determine how many days that will give you. Hopefully, that will take you through a 30- to 45-day period so you could cover two pay periods if, for some reason, your computers go down or you have a lapse in funding from the state or from tax revenues.” Concluding their presentation with kudos to city staff for its assistance in providing the needed materials to complete the audit in time for a Dec. 31 deadline, Lindsay and Love expressed confidence that next year’s audit should be comfortably complete by Thanksgiving Day. Given the auditors’ appreciation for the efficient end to the current audit, Redman suggested that, “if it went that smooth, maybe we should get a discount on our bill.” Redman should have known, auditors always get the last word. “We always get that,” Lindsay said with a smile, “but [efficient assistance] allows an auditor to do more, to dive deeper into the numbers.” Giving knows no season for HASS Daniel Remenap Hastings Superintendent If you are not familiar with Twitter, or other social media sites, you may not be aware that #SeasonofGiving is a popular hashtag through which people celebrate the generosity of their local communities, businesses and other philanthropy. For the Hastings Area School System, gen­ erosity knows no season. Our school commu­ nity has been blessed with the generosity of the Baum Family Foundation, the DeCamp Family Foundation and other local donors who have graciously supported our schools and programming in many and diverse ways. Since July 1, HASS has received well over $1 million in donations to support everything from athletic improvements to music and per­ forming arts programs and equipment, as well as to help specific students and families who are experiencing financial hardships. While we certainly appreciate the generos­ ity shown by our district and district support­ ers, it is also important that the students and staff of Hastings Area Schools exhibit the type of generosity and “giving back” we see from our community. I am very proud to say that our school community is not just a bene­ ficiary of kindness and generosity, our staff and students also model these traits regularly. For instance, Jason Hoefler’s building trades class, recently learned of a local couple in need of a wheelchair ramp so they could get to important medical appointments. The teacher and students asked no questions, they just dropped everything and helped. This same class volunteered to help at Star Elementary to teach first- and second-graders the very basics of construction. Hastings High School students are also involved in a very generous Toys for Tots campaign. Hastings Middle School has rallied around a classmate who is sick and a family who lost everything in a house fire. Students raised money by selling T-shirts and collected gift cards. HMS Student Council members have also volunteered their time at the Hastings Food Pantry, and the students are also con­ ducting a holiday food drive all while collect­ ing and distributing shoes and socks for those in need. Finally, our elementary schools also have held food drives to help feed local residents, collecting thousands of food and personal care items to donate to the Hastings Food Pantry. The elementary schools also donated 11 turkeys to needy families for the holidays. The district also collected “tons” of winter clothing, from scarves and mittens to boots and other accessories to make sure no local children or families are without warm cloth­ ing this winter. We are so proud - and lucky - to live and work in such a generous community. As much as we are grateful for the generous support of our local businesses and families, we are just as proud of our students and staff working together to make sure nobody goes without not just during the holidays, but all year. Thank you to the Hastings community for modeling such generosity, and thank you to our students and staff for following the lead of the generosity that surrounds us. THE THORNAPPLE ARTS COUNCIL AND THE HASTINGS AREA SCHOOL SYSTEM PRESENT Three Men^ and a Tenor DEC. 21 • 7:30 PM • $15 HASTINGS PERFORMING > ARTS CENTER iv 1 Sponsored by: HHNHK highpoint mJchigan eouncji for ? &orts ▼ y ' ARTWORKS. National Endowment for the Arts arfs.gov �Page 6 — Thursday, December 19, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 1783. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hasting shopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingshopeumc. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children’s ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (comer of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office, greenstreetumc @ gmail .com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948­ 8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.Yirstchurchha^ org. 9 a.m. Classes and Gatherings for All ages; 9:45 a.m. Worship (Children's Worship Offered); 10:45 a.m. Coffee Fellowship; 11:15 a.m. Coffee Talk with Pastor Dan. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9: 45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945-9217. cbchastings. org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH "An Expression Of Who jesus Is To The World Around Us". 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: wwwJiastingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Student Ministries Director, Emma Miller, Wor­ ship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sundays: Nursery and tod­ dler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORN­ ING FAMILY HOUR WEL­ COMES ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE AT 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue, Loving God, Loving Neighbor: Preschool age 3-5th Grade. Live: 6th-12th Grade. Adult Standard and Adult Elective classes. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10: 30 a.m. & Children’s Church age 4-4th grade dis­ missed during service. Youth Group at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Women's Bible Study at 6:30 p.m. Thursday Bible Study at 10 a.m., 2nd Tues: Young Wom­ en's Small Group at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Mid-Week: Wom­ en's Bible Study at 6:30 p.m. Kid's Club, Oct. 16-Dec. 4, 6:30-7:45 p.m. Bible Study at 10 a.m. For more information please contact the church. 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 HASTINGS, MI - Margorie Helen Hynes, 85, of Hastings, formerly of Yankee Springs passed away at Thomapple Manor in Hastings on Friday, Oct. 11, 2019 from complications following, a fractured hip. She was bom on May 25, 1934 in Fremont, to J. Emery and Henrietta (Peacock) Moore. She married Lloyd Brummel of Fremont in 1954. Lloyd was killed in a car accident in November 1956. A short time later she enrolled at Michigan State University, taking her two small children with her and living in married housing on campus. Marge received her BA, with honors from MSU in 1960 and her MA for Teachers from MSU in 1966. She taught chemistry, physics and general science at Lansing Waverly Schools from 1960 until her retirement in 1984. Marge married Gerald (Jerry) Edward Hynes in 1962. She is survived by her son, Eric (Penny) Brummel of Prairie du Sac, WI and their children; Zachary, Lexi and Hailey Brummel, and her daughter, Terri (Phil) Gillilan of Glen Ellyn, IL. And their children Steven Gillilan and Katrina (Amal) Desai. Marge is also survived by her two brothers; Raymond (Peggy) Moore of West Covina, CA and Jim (Bonnie) Moore of Hagerstown, MD. Marge was proceeded in death by her parents, J. Emery and Henrietta Moore; her husband, Lloyd Brummel in 1956 and her husband, Gerald Hynes in 2012. Marge loved teaching and helping people. She was an avid reader, dog lover and played a mean game/ of scrabble. She also loved cooking big meals for family and friends. Marge was an avid Spartan fan. Marge and Jerry were both proud to have willed their remains to the MSU Willed Body Program for the MSU medical schools and a memorial service will be held at a later date in Okemos, through the program. The family would like to thank the staff at Thomapple Manor for taking great care of mom these past several years and Dr. Peacock and the staff at Pennock Hospital for their excellent and caring treatment. Services provided by Girrbach Funeral Home, Hastings, Michigan. To leave online condolences visit www.girrbachfuneralhome. net. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God's Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! Sunday, Dec. 22 - Worship services at 8 and 10:45 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24 - Christmas Eve Service of Lights 7 p.m. Office closed. Wednesday, Dec. 25 - Merry Christmas! Office closed. Ken Scheck II. pastorken@ grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945-2698. www.grace-hastings.org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings, MI. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: A ■ pvhh VA UV Margorie Helen Hynes HnKTIHGS ™ HotllmTMk&Equipmeni 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 DOWLING, MI - Deborah Ann Bradley, age 64, of Dowling, passed away on December 16, 2019. Deborah was bom on May 26, 1955, the daughter of John and Mary Jane (Donahue) Robinson. On August 18, 1973, Deborah married her husband of 46 years, Ronald Darrell Bradley. She worked in the insurance industry and was a longtime member of Pleasantview Family Church. Deborah enjoyed reading and knitting. Deborah was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Robert Robinson. She is survived by her husband, Ronald Bradley; son, Jason (Laura) Bradley; grandson, Camden; brother-in-law, Michael (Pauline) Bradley; sister-in-law, Cathy (Randy) Gentz; Uncle Jerry (Delores) Bradley, Aunt Audrey Welch, and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Visitation will be Thursday, Dec.er 19, 2019 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Pleasantview Family Church, 2601 Lacey Rd in Dowling, and again on Friday, Dec. 20, 2019 at 10 a.m., with a funeral service at 11 a.m. at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Pleasantview Family Church. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home in Hastings. To leave an online condolence, visit www.girrbachfuneralhome.net Carolyn Glynn Coleman HASTINGS, MI - Carolyn Glynn (Green) Coleman of Hastings died on December 15, six days shy of 92. The daughter of Hubert and Nelle Green, Carolyn was bom in Mayfield, KY on December 21,1927, and there with her brother, Jerry grew up amid homes in town, the family diary, and many relatives. She graduated from Mayfield High School in 1945, studied for a time at Christian College in Columbia, MO, and then transferred to the University of Michigan where she earned her teaching degree in 1949. While attending school in Ann Arbor, she met her husband James E. Coleman and they were married in the U of M chapel on June 15, 1950. They began their life together in Ypsilanti before moving to build their future in Jim’s hometown of Hastings. Jim went into the insurance business with his father, Earl; Carolyn held significant roles in her church and the broader community; and the couple raised three children; Dave, Sally, and Mitch. Ever curious, Carolyn was a lifelong learner who read voraciously and sought challenging opportunities where she could contribute most to her community. Returning to school in her 50s, she was awarded a master’s degree in management from Aquinas College in Grand Rapids. She put that degree along with her curiosity and determination to good use, forging new territory as the first woman elected as a Barry County Commissioner, where she served for 12 plus years, many as the first female chairperson of the board of commissioners. She helped advance numerous county projects including around Hastings Public Library, Futuring Committee, Charlton Park, Kalamazoo Child Guidance Center, Barry County Mental Health, YMCA search committee, and more. Among other awards, she received the Liberty Bell award, and the Barry County Human Services Award for Positive Leadership. A committed member of the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings, Carolyn served in leadership roles as a deacon and as the first woman elected as an elder. She was also part of the Woman’s Association, and Women’s Circles, Pastoral Search Committees, taught Adult Sunday School classes, and led Women’s Bible Studies. She was also active at the Presbytery level, attending General Assembly and serving on various committees including the Commission on Ministry, Mission Co-Ordination, and several Administrative Committees. Carolyn’s love of learning extended to exploring new places and cultures. She successfully cajoled husband Jim into traveling all over the world with various (amazing) friend groups and with her brother and his wife. They visited England, Scotland, Thailand, Galapagos Islands, Africa, Turkey, Israel, Egypt, and India, to name a few. On one of their group trips to Mexico in the ‘70s, they found themselves alone in Chichen Itza and were able to scamper around the ruins. Carolyn and Jim traveled the United States as well, hitting most states, including the many family trips to Kentucky and Maryland. When not traveling or in their house on the hill (good for winter sledding fun) in Hastings, the couple could often be found enjoying their Wall Lake retreat. Carolyn was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and son, John Mitchell (Mitch), sister-in-law Diane Green, and brother and sister-in-law, John (Kate) Coleman. She is survived by son, David (Tammy) Coleman of Hastings and daughter, Sally (Jeff) Keller of Delton; exchange student from Brazil, Iracema (Dickson ) Costa, of Recife, Brazil; brother, Jerome Green of Lewes, Delaware; grandchildren, Sarah (Bob) Middleton of Middleville, Andy (Molly) Keller of Hastings, Joe (Sara) Keller of Caledonia, Lauren (Skyler) Tripp of Hastings, and Scott Coleman of New York; great-grandchildren, Madison, Mitchell, Lizzie, and Callie Middleton, Cole and Aubrey Keller, Evan, Aila, and Mara Baker, and Ollie Tripp; nieces, Marcia (Kenny) Porter and Natalie (Tim) Green-Heiks of Maiyland, Christine (Chris) Wrblis of Grand Rapids, and nephew, Bill (Michelle) Coleman of Chatham,; and many great nieces and nephews. Visitation will be Monday, Dec. 23, at 10 a.m. with a funeral service at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church 405 N. M-37, Hastings, MI 49058. Memorial contributions can be made to the First Presbyterian Church, Noah’s Ark Preschool, the YMCA of Barry County, or a charity of one’s choice. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home. To leave an online condolence visit www. girrbachfuneralhome.net. Camp Algonquin 75th anniversary book now on special pre-order When the dream of four Grand Rapids developers to turn the shores of Algonquin Lake into a world-class resort was crushed by the Great Depression of 1929-33, no one could have known then that such an historically devastating event would be the catalyst for creating dreams for thousands of children and teenagers in the decades to follow. One man, Aben Johnson of the Hastings Manufacturing Company, used his vision for a better future and a love for the children of his community. He inspired a committed group of friends and neighbors to join him in creating space for Camp Algonquin. The group convinced owners of lakefront lots, rendered worthless by the Depression, to donate their holdings to the dream of a YMCA camp for children. Camp Algonquin on the 240-acre lake became a reality in 1946. In 2021, the families of those first donors, a community of volunteers and donors, and thousands of alumni will celebrate the 75th anniversary. As part of the celebration to mark the special occasion, Camp Algonquin is preparing a commemorative book that documents its rich history. The book will include personal memories and priceless stories of campers from every decade. The book will be a keepsake for every camper fortunate enough to count Camp Algonquin as part of his or her childhood and for members of a community that can take pride in its commitment to children and young adults. There are still opportunities to contribute to the content of the book, especially for alumni of the 1980s to 2010s by contacting the YMCA. By special arrangement with the publisher, • T> R A ^■'-4 Owner/Manager dk L J-Ad Graphic Inc., of Hastings, the YMCA of Barry County is taking special pre-orders for signed copies of the book prior to its expected release date Oct. 31,2020. Copies are on sale for $30 and may be reserved by calling the YMCA office, 269-945-4574, or by going online to ymcaofbarrycounty.org and clicking on the “75th Anniversary Book” link. Be among the first to read the exciting story when it comes off the press or special order a copy as a gift for someone special. HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE Friday, Dec. 20 - preschool story time, 10:30-11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 21 - board games group and Dungeons & Dragons group, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 23 - closed. Tuesday, Dec. 24 - closed. Wednesday, Dec. 25 - closed. Thursday, Dec. 26 - Baby Cafe, 10 a.m.noon; Movie Memories and Milestones watches 1943 movie starring Sonja Henie, Jack Oakie and Cesar Romero, 5 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. * Traditional and Cremation Services * Pre-Planning Services • Large Parking Lot - Handicap Accessible Serving All Faiths Pre-arrangement Transfers Accepted 328 S. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058 269-945-3252 • www.girrbachfuneralhome. Family Owned and Operated owX^ e^s Serving Hastings, Barry County and Surrounding Communities for 50 years �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 19, 2019 — Page 7 COLEMAN, continued from page 1 Carolyn Coleman has a friendly visit with former county commissioner and state representative Bob Bender (center) and George W. Bush during a campaign visit. “I had the good fortune of knowing Carolyn for most of my life, both personally and professionally. When I started my career in the prosecutor’s office, she was a trailblazing female member of the county commission, and we worked on a number of projects together,” Fisher said. “She always maintained the highest personal standards, and she was a great example for those of us who followed in her footsteps. “Carolyn was an intelligent and visionary leader as chairwoman of the county commission, and everyone who lives in Barry County has benefited from her public service,” Fisher said. “She was never interested in advancing her own personal career, but rather pursued anything that would make our local government better. Many of our current programs and facilities are a result of her efforts. Fisher called Coleman a true servant to her family, church and community. “She definitely left her mark here, and she will be missed,” he said. Former Barry County Courts administrator Robert Nida said, “I have always held her [Coleman] in the highest regard and will truly miss her. “Carolyn and Jim were our first neighbors when we moved to Hastings, and her family has always been close to me. Some of my most vivid memories in serving the courts and Barry County was working closely with her over the years. We did not always agree, but we always worked together for the common good,” Nida said. Fred Jacobs, CEO of J-Ad Graphics, praised Coleman’s legacy. “When I think of strong women leaders, Carolyn Coleman always comes to mind - her brand of leadership was needed when she became chair of the county board in 1978 and left a legacy of strong and effective leadership,” Jacobs said. “I grew up knowing her as a mother, friend and political leader. “Some of my most vivid memories in serving the courts and Barry County was working closely with her over the years. We did not always agree, but we always worked together for the common good,” Robert Nida, Former Barry County Courts administrator “On the national stage, Coleman reminded me of Elizabeth Dole, “Liddy,” who served in both the Ronald Reagan and George H. Bush presidential administrations, as well as in the United States Senate,” he said. Jacobs quoted a statement Dole once said: “Women share with men the need for personal success, even the taste of power, and no longer are we willing to satisfy those needs through the achievements of surrogates, whether husbands, children, or merely role models.” When Jacobs thinks of Coleman’s brand of leadership, he said, “she could have said the same thing, because she was an independent lady with her own way of doing things.” Coleman served many roles at the First Presbyterian Church of Hastings, including as the first woman to serve as an elder. Coleman also was a deacon and moderator of the Pastoral Nominating Committee. She was also part of the church’s Woman’s Association, and women’s circles. Coleman taught Adult Sunday School classes and led Women’s Bible Studies. Active at the Presbytery level, Coleman attended General Assembly meetings and served on various committees including the Commission on Ministry, Mission Co-Ordination, and several administrative Carolyn Coleman (seated, right) served as chairwoman of the Hastings Charter Revision Commission. Joining her in this Jan. 23, 1992, Banner photo are (seated) vice chairman Kenneth Miller, and (back, from left) Marc Lester, Cedric Morey, Tom Johnston, Tom Campbell, Sean Lester, Agnes Adrounie. Member Richard Beduhn was not available for the photo. committees. In 2004, Coleman was a recipient of the prestigious Liberty Bell Award along with her husband James (now deceased) in tribute to their many years of community activism and service. Carolyn Coleman also was awarded the Barry County Human Services Award for Positive Leadership. She was born in Mayfield, Ky., the daughter of Hubert and Nelle Green. Coleman died six days shy of reaching her 92nd birthday. Coleman graduated from Mayfield High School in 1945, studied for a time at Christian College in Columbia, Missouri, and then transferred to the University of Michigan where she earned her teaching degree in 1949. She and her future husband, Jim, met in a speech class at U-M. They were married in the U-M chapel on June 15, 1950. They began their life together in Ypsilanti before moving to build their future in Jim’s hometown of Hastings. Jim went into the insurance business with his father, Earl, at the Coleman Agency, in 1953. The couple raised three children; Dave, Sally, and Mitch. Coleman was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and son John Mitchell (Mitch). According to her obituary, “Ever curious, Carolyn was a life-long learner who read voraciously and sought challenging opportunities where she could contribute most to her community. Returning to school in her 50s, she was awarded a masteFlk degree in management from Aquinas College?? Visitation for Coleman is set for lO a.m. Monday, Dec. 23, with a funeral service at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 405 N. M-37, Hastings. SOCIAL SECURITY MATTERS Helping a loved one as representative payee Vonda Van Til Social Security Public Affairs Specialist The aged and people with disabilities may need extra assistance to manage their finances. If you have a loved one who needs your help, you may be able to become a representative payee. A representative payee receives the beneficiary’s payments and is given the authority to manage them on the beneficiary’s behalf. We recognize that turning personal finances over to someone else is a big deal, so we make sure the beneficiary needs the help and that the proposed representative is the best person to offer that help. We also may monitor that you spend the benefits appropriately on behalf of the beneficiary. If we choose you to serve as a representative payee, the appointment is only to manage Social Security and SSI funds, not to manage non-Social Security money or medical matters. As a representative payee, you must know what the beneficiary’s needs are so you can decide the best use of benefits for their care and well-being. Each year, Social Security may ask you to complete an annual Representative Payee Report to account for the benefits you’ve received and spent on their behalf. You can either fill out the form and return it to Social Security or go online at socialsecurity.gov/payee to file the report. Due to a recent change in the law, we no longer require the following payees to complete the annual report: • Natural or adoptive parents of a minor child beneficiary who primarily reside in the same household as the child. • Legal guardians of a minor child beneficiary who primarily reside in the same household as the child • Natural or adoptive parents of a disabled adult beneficiary who primarily reside in the same household with the beneficiary. • Spouse of a beneficiary. We’ve also made it easier for caregivers who are representative payees to do business with us. If you’re a representative payee, check out the new Representative Payee Portal at socialsecurity.gov/myaccount, which lets representative payees conduct their own business or manage direct deposits, wage reporting and annual reporting for their beneficiaries. Vonda VanTil is the public affairs specialist for West Michigan. You may write her do Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email to vonda .vantil @ ssa .gov. Carolyn and Jim Coleman (right) accept the Liberty Bell Award from Barry County Circuit Judge James Fisher in 2004. LEGAL NOTICE-BARRY CONSERVATION DISTRICT NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING AND ELECTION OF DIRECTORS To all Barry County residents, notice is hereby given that February 21st, 2020, from 5:30 pm-6:30 pm, at 105 E State St, Hastings, the Barry Conservation District annual meeting and director’s election will be held. The Agenda for the Annual Meeting is as follows: 5:15 - Registration/Open House with staff 5:30 - Call to Order (Election Open) 5: 35 - Annual Report and Awards 6: 15- Election Closed 6:15 - Public Comment, Directors Comments, Election Results 6:30 - Adjournment Notice is also hereby given to all residents who are desiring to run for Conservation District Director in this election: petitions signed by at least five (5) residents of the Conservation District must be filed at the Conservation District Office before close of business on December 23rd, 2019 being sixty (60) days prior to the annual meeting. Those wishing to submit a petition should request a form from the Conservation District at 1611 S Hanover St, Hastings, Michigan, 49058. Residents are individuals of legal age who can demonstrate residency in Barry county via one (1) piece of identification. PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS NOTICE OF SPECIAL PUBLIC HEARING TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF PRAIRIEVILLE TOWNSHIP, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PARTIES PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that a Special Public Hearing will be held by the Prairieville Township Zoning Board of Appeals on January 7, 2020 at 7:00 P.M. at the Prairieville Township Hall, 10115 S. Norris Road, within the Township. PLEASE TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the item(s) to be considered at this public hearing include, in brief, the following: 1. The Prairieville Township Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public hearing for a formal interpretation of the definition of High-Water Line as established in section 3.1 “Definitions” and its application to section 4.24 “Waterfront Lots”, pursuant to section 7.4 “Duties and Powers of the Zoning Board of Appeals”. Barry County □1 Year $45.00 Outside of Above Counties for 5 Months or More □ 1 Year $55.00 Allegan, Calhoun, Eaton, Ionia, Kalamazoo □ $8.00 per month and Kent Counties: □ 1 Year $50.00 P.O. Box 188, Hastings, Ml 49058 269-945-9554 Rebecca Lee McWhinny, Middleville and Dennis Richard Goethal, Wayland. Sarah Renee Karrar, Middleville and Timothy James Lewthwaite, Middle Park, Queensland. Jeffery Alexander Dunkley, Silverwood and Jenna Anne-Elaine Connor, Delton. Chad Eric Hart, Delton and Michelle Lee Barker, Delton. Gerald Wayne Wright, Jr. Hastings and Connie Sue Millard, Delton. Rhonda Lynn Van Ooy, Hastings and Dexter Wade Griffin, Charlotte. Amber Lynn Sahli, Nashville and Joel Obadiah Hummel, Nashville. 2. A request by James Parker, 6424 Heather Ridge St., Kalamazoo, Ml 49009, for variance to allow for the construction of a single-family dwelling that fails to meet the front yard setback, pursuant to section 4.24 “Waterfront Lots”. The subject property is 11228 Long Point Dr. Plainwell, Ml 49080 - 08-12­ 290-020-00 and is located in the R-2 zoning district. 3. Such other and further matters as may properly come before the Zoning Board of Appeals for this meeting. All interested persons are invited to be present or submit written comments on this matter(s) to the below Township office address. Prairieville Township will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the hearing upon five (5) days notice to the Prairieville Township Clerk. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Prairieville Township Clerk at the address or telephone number set forth below. Jim Stoneburner, Township Supervisor 134261 �Page 8 — Thursday, December 19, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Financial FOCUS Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones Kevin Beck, AAMS® Elaine Garlock Most churches will be having Christmas Eve services, some with communion, some without. There will be carol singing and much Scripture read. Surely there will be lots of candles. At Central United Methodist Church, the chancel choir will be singing. Christmas Day will be here next Wednesday. Thursday, Dec. 26, the rather new holiday Kwanzaa begins. With each passing year, there is more publicity about this event which takes place over several days with a special emphasis for each day. The Red Cross was in town Monday for a blood drive. The yield was about 45 pints. Lake Odessa High School graduates from the post-war era will be interested to learn of the Dec. 7 death of their vo-ag teacher Clyde Ray. He had lived a very long life, starting in Eaton County with intermediate years in school, military service in World War II, career in Agricultural Extension and vo-ag teaching and many years of retirement on Charlotte Highway at the point where Musgrove Highway has its eastern terminus. Ron Stevens, retired Lakewood vo-ag teacher, attended the funeral. 2461 HEATH ROAD, HASTINGS, Ml 49058 TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING DATES FOR 2020 2ND WEDNESDAY OF EACH MONTH AT 7:00 PM, UNLESS OTHERWISE POSTED MARCH 11 JUNE 10 SEPTEMBER 9 DECEMBER 9 FEBRUARY 12 MAY13 AUGUST 12 NOVEMBER 11 JANUARY 8 APRIL 8 JULY 8 OCTOBER 14 134217 Hastings Charter Township Schedule of Regular Board Meetings for 2020 • January 14 •July 14 • February 11 • August 11 • March 17 • September 8 @ CP • April 14 • October 13 • May 12 • November 10 • June 9 • December 8 TIME: 7:00 PM PLACE: Hastings Charter Township Hall 885 River Road, Hastings, Ml 49058 Ph. 269-948-9690 CP - Designates regular meeting to be held at Charlton Park Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the township clerk at least seven (7) days in advance of the meeting. This notice posted in compliance with PA 267 of 1976 as amended (Open Meetings Act) MCLA41.72a(2)(3) and with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). 134284 NOTICE OF 2020 MEETING DATES FOR THE FOLLOWING GROUPS Barry County Zoning Board of Appeals will meet on the following dates or at the call of the chair. The meetings start at 7:00 PM. January 13, 2020 April 13, 2020 August 10, 2020 November 09, 2020 February 10, 2020 May 11,2020 September 14, 2020 March 09, 2020 June 08, 2020 October 12,2020 Barry County Planning Commission win meet on the following dates or at the call of the chair. The meetings start at 7:00 PM. January 27,2020 April 27, 2020 August 24, 2020 November 23, 2020 February 24, 2020 May 26, 2020 September 28, 2020 400 W. State St., Suite B Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-4702 March 23, 2020 July 27, 2020 October 26, 2020 Jill Ann Young is the Barry County Commission on Aging’s Senior Citizen of the Year. (Photo provided) Heather Tolsma Contributing Writer Jill Ann Young was announced as the 2019 Senior Citizen of the Year by the Barry County Commission on Aging during the annual COA Christmas party Dec. 12. Young has been an active volunteer in the Delton area. This party’s theme was "Ornamental Journey,” and it was kicked off by a musical one-man show by Lew Russ, who sang, joked with the crowd, and played a number of old and new holiday tunes on his guitar. Some of the guests even danced a bit. The dining hall was lined with tables covered with festive red tablecloths, and at the front of the room on the stage stood a tall Christmas tree decorated with ornaments and lights. The baby grand piano next to it was topped with gifts to be given away as door prizes. Randy Teegardin of Highpoint Community Bank of Hastings said a few words before giving Young the Senior Citizen of the Year Award. Young accepted the award with her husband, Rob Young, by her side. Marcie Boulay nominated Young: “Jill unselfishly gives her time and talents to foster the community and benefit the needy, while implemeiumg.-and creating numerous events that foster, civic pride and provide numerous social opportunities for Barry County residents.” Boulay described Young as “gracious, congenial and willing to go the extra mile.” COA Executive Director Tammy Pennington said Young has been an active volunteer with the Delton Women of the Moose for 26 years, holding many leadership positions, including senior regent and recorder. Young also is the bookkeeper for the Women’s Auxiliary and the men’s membership. She led a successful cookbook fundraiser and instituted the Brown Bag Gift Raffles. She led a drive to donate money and supplies for Green Gables Haven and currently serves as the lodge manager. Within the Delton community, Young has served as secretary to the executive board of The Shack, trustee of the Delton Area Business Association, and trustee of the Delton Founders Committee. She has led fundraisers for school and band projects, as well as working on the Easter egg hunt, Valentine’s dance and Breakfast with Santa. She has assisted with the veterans’ dinner and awards, as well. Jill and Rob Young also have been active supporters of Mooseheart children’s home and Moosehaven senior citizens’ home for many years. The Youngs have three children and three grandchildren. The Senior Citizen of the Year has been awarded since 1999, in partnership with HCB. Colleen Acker, COA facilities event coordinator, presented a slideshow of past events, parties, holidays and an overview of COA activities. COA board chairwoman Sandy Kozan, who writes a poem for the annual event, read her latest poem, “Ornamental Life.” The meeting room for both groups is at: Tyden Center Community Room 121 South Church Street Hastings Ml 49058 The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audiotapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or call the following: . GET ALL THE NEWS OF BARRY COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. MICHAEL BROWN COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR 220 WEST STATE STREET HASTINGS Ml 49058 (269) 945-1284 Call 269-945-9554 for more information. 133917 Andrew Cove, AAMS® 421 W. Woodlawn Ave. Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-3553 Financial moves for life’s ‘inflection points’ Delton woman named COA Senior Citizen of the Year NOTICE TO RESIDENTS RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP Member SIPC You’ve probably heard or read about inflection points. The term has a specific definition in mathematics, but it’s also used widely to describe historical or technological events, such as the Industrial Revolution or the creation of the internet - events that changed human existence in some important way. However, you have personal inflection points, too - and when they occur, you’ll need to make the right financial moves. Here are four of the most important of these inflection points, along with suggestions on dealing with them: • Marriage - When you get married, you and your spouse will need to discuss a variety of financial issues: What assets and liabilities do you each bring to the marriage? Should you combine your finances or continue with separate accounts? Is one of you a “saver” while the other is a “spender”? Do you share similar investment philosophies, or is one of you much more aggressive than the other? You don’t necessarily have to agree on everything, but you should at least try to gain enough knowledge so you can avoid unpleasant surprises, such as hidden debts, and find enough common ground so your household can advance toward your common financial goals. • New child - When you welcome a new child into your family, you’ll need to make sure you have adequate life insurance. You’ll also want to review the beneficiary designations on any existing insurance policies, as well as on your IRA and 401(k). And if you can afford it, you may want to start contributing to a college fund, possibly using a 529 savings plan, which can provide you with tax advantages as you put money away for your child’s higher education. • Divorce It’s unfortunate, but true: Divorce is still pretty common, and it’s neither pleasant nor cheap. You might not be able to avoid some of the costs, such as lawyers’ bills, but if you and your ex-spouse can work together amicably, you both may be able to avoid serious financial disruptions. You’ll need to work out how to divide your financial assets, paying attention to beneficiary designations, which you may well need to change. Also, as a newly single individual, you may need to review and revise your long-term investment strategy to accommodate changes in your goals and your retirement income. • Retirement - By the time you retire, you will have hopefully been investing in your IRA and 401(k) or other retirement plan for several decades. But once you do retire, you’ll need to determine how much you can afford to withdraw each year from your various retirement accounts. Your withdrawal rate will depend on your age, your asset level and your retirement lifestyle. And you’ll also want to consider other issues: Are you prepared to deal with health care costs? Even with Medicare, these costs may be higher than they were when you were working. And how about your estate plans? Are they up to date? Have you protected your family from the possibility of your estate going through the time­ consuming, expensive and public process of probate? You may need to work with your financial, tax and legal advisors to develop an effective estate strategy. By making smart decisions following your own inflection points, you can ease the transitions in your life - wherever life takes you. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Edward Jones, its employees and financial advisors are not estate planners and cannot provide tax or legal advice. You should consult your estate-planning attorney or qualified tax advisor regarding your situation. (\sk Doctor Universe Rare salamander deemed ‘spectacularly cute’ Dr. Universe: What do axolotl eat? What species are they? Do you think they are cute? Erin, 10, Florida Dear Erin, An axolotl (ax-a-lot-1) is a creature with big frilly gills like a lion’s mane, tiny eyes with no eyelids, and a mouth in the shape of a smile. They come in lots of colors: Pink, black, golden or gray. These animals have been nicknamed “the walking fish,” but they are not really fish. An axolotl is a type of salamander. That’s what I found out from my friend Ed Zalisko. Zalisko earned his Ph.D. at Washington State University and is now a biology professor at Blackburn College in Illinois. A salamander is a type of amphibian, a cold-blooded animal that has gills, can breathe air, and lives under water. We find axolotls mainly in Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chalco in Mexico. The species name is Ambystoma mexicanum. Because humans need water to survive, that means there is less water left for some of the amphibians. Axolotls are actually a critically endangered species, Zalisko said. Many species of salamander are part of the group Ambystoma. About a decade ago, Zalisko discovered a new kind of axolotl. These particular axolotls can hold their breath for a whole year! Axolotls breathe through their gills and lungs and sort of inflate like a balloon. The kind that Zalisko discovered do not let the air out. “No one knows why they hold their breath so long,” he said about the BC Axolotl, named after Blackburn College. When they puff up, they flip over on their bellies. That means when they eat, they eat upside down. Upside down or right side up, axolotls actually eat all kinds of different things, Zalisko said. They are carnivorous which means they eat meat. Some axolotls like to snack on snails, worms, insects, fish and sometimes even other kinds of salaman­ ders. Finally, we explored your third question about axolotl cuteness. “I think they are spectacularly cute,” Zalisko said. “And you can quote me on that. They just sit around most the time and look as cute as can be.” In the lab, researchers can watch these amphibians develop in real-time because the axolotl eggs are see-through. It’s kind of like looking through a window. In addition to being cute, axolotls may be able to teach us a thing or two about how to re-grow limbs, like arms and legs. If an axolotl loses a leg, it can regenerate it. Who knows, maybe one day you can help us learn more about these creatures. Dr. Universe Zalisko gives a special thanks to his teachers John H. Larsen Junior at Washington State University and Ron Brandon at Southern Illinois University who studied salamanders for many years. Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe® wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse, com. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 19, 2019 — Page 9 fl look back at the stories and columns on local history In the Hastings Banner BfiGK THE PAGES . Newspaperman recounted a winter in the local wilderness At 24, Darius Burgess Cook, working in a newspaper office in Kalamazoo, was in failing health. His doctor’s remedy? Go spend time in the wilderness. Cook did as he was told, despite the calendar showing November and skies already having given way to winter weather. A second opinion evidently was not a consideration. A writer at heart, Cook kept a diary of that wilderness sojourn just west of the Barry County line. He would eventually start up a newspaper in Niles, the first of four generations of a newspapering family. Decades after his wilderness excursion, he returned to those old stomping grounds and soon after, 1889, published a small book, Six Months Among Indians. The Banner, in the mid-1900s, included excerpts of Darius Cook’s writings in its “Fresh Out of the Attic” column. A reader who didn’t know better might think the scene - with abundant wildlife (including packs of wolves), huge trees, and deep snow - was pulled from a Jack London tale or took place in Michigan’s far north woods. Now, 180 years after Cook filled that doctor’s prescription, readers can get a better idea of what the area was like the year Barry County began. (For unexplained reasons, Cook uses plural pronouns (“we” and “us” instead of “I;” “our” instead of “my”). It also may be helpful to remember that a rod equals about 5 Yz yards or 16 Yi feet, since that was his most common measurement reference.) D.B. Cook gives vivid description of Barry County and Allegan wilds as of 1839 A vivid description of the Michigan Wilderness of 1839 is given in the following article by D.B. Cook, who, during the winter of that year, hunted in the Gun Lake regions, covering an area that now includes Barry and Allegan counties. D.B. Cook, despite similarity in names was no relation to the five Cook brothers who were pioneer settlers in what it now Prairieville Township [and later would own and publish the Banner}. The true adventure story Mr. Cook tells is as follows: It was the second week in November 1839 when ill health caused the writer to abandon a pleasant yet laborious position in the office of the Kalamazoo Gazette, Henry Gilbert editor and proprietor, for a life with the Indians. “How are you this morning?” Dr. Starkweather asked as he entered the office one morning and found us pale and coughing over the office stove. “No better, Doctor; I passed a sleepless night, and you can see I am ready to surrender.” “Not yet,” the doctor said. “You want fresh air and exercise. Go live with the Indians, sleep in their wigwams on a bed of leaves, hunt in the forests, live as they live, and the chances are that you will recover. Pure air, rarefied by the trees in the forest, will do any man good.” “Yes, but I could not endure such exposure.” “Go join the Rev. Mr. Selkirk, an Indian missionary near Allegan, and make your home in the wigwams, and you will be sure to live or die in six weeks. You cannot live and sleep in this office.” The doctor was in earnest. It seemed a great undertaking for a young man, but preparations were hurriedly made. A companion seemed necessary for such an expedition, and one was soon found, fond of adventure, named James Rhodes. He was young, full of nerve, energy, life and courage. Eight large wolf traps with spikes, which had to be set with levers, were procured [along with] rifles and ammunition, a bed, blankets and necessary provisions, cooking utensils, etc., for a winter’s campaign in the forests. The closing week in November 1839, when everything was in readiness, we two young men took leave of Mr. Gilbert, Volney Haskett, Orrin Case and all connected with the office, who gathered around us, laughing at our load consisting of half of a dead horse for wolf bait and a general outfit on a sled drawn by a yoke of oxen. We crossed the bridge spanning the Kalamazoo River, took the road to Gull Prairie where we passed a night with Mr. and Mrs. Phinehas Cook, parents of the writer. Here our outfit was completed to perfection, and early in the morning, we proceeded on our journey, passing our second night at Yankee Springs, a hotel kept by “Yankee” Lewis. From Kalamazoo to Gull Prairie there were but two dwellings, and from the Prairie to Yankee Springs but four, except the rude log houses erected by the Baptist missionary, Slater, for his Indian converts of the Ottawa tribe. Among them was Noonday, chief of the tribe. Mr. and Mrs. Lewis regretted exceedingly our rest would be disturbed by music and dancing, but such was our fate, for 20 couple kept the music going until daylight. The hotel was a good one for its day, and all travelers going to Grand Rapids made it a point to stop there. The writer can never forget the kindhearted “Yankee” Lewis and his estimable wife, who treated us so well and sent us on our way with many kind wishes for our success. Partaking of an early breakfast, we pursued our journey for several miles and here we reached Rabbit River, turned on a blind road, lately blazed to the north. Companion Rhodes and the writer here left the sled and started ahead of the team on foot, that we might be more sure of following the road. The snow was getting deep, and deer tracks were abundant and fresh. “I wish,” says Rhodes, “I could get a crack at a big buck.” We were just rising a hill, and when we looked down from the summit, a big buck jumped up a little to our right, not four rods off, and stood broadside looking at us. Our rifles were on our shoulders, and neither of us thought to shoot.” “Why don’t you shoot?” Rhodes asked. “Shoot, yourself,” says we. At this moment, we both shot and wondered much to see him leap off. On close examination, [Rhodes’] ball cut off a bush close to the ground within 20 feet of him, and mine went into a beech tree 15 feet high, and the driver of the team had the laugh to himself. Fresh from the city in November 1839, Darius Cook, with wilderness companion James Rhodes, stop west of Gun Lake and take aim at a buck. One hit a bush near the ground, the other a beech tree 15 feet in the air. The deer got away and their driver had a laugh to himself, Cook would later recall. (S/x Months Among Indians) horse flesh was placed on our cabin roof. Our provisions were stored inside. Sleep, there was little. The snuffing and growling of the were sending forth the battle yell.” To be continued ... RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN NOTICE OF ORDINANCE SUBMITTAL TO: THE RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CHARTER TOWNSHIP OF RUTLAND, BARRY COUNTY, MICHIGAN, AND ANY OTHER INTERESTED PERSONS: PLEASE TAKE NOTICE proposed Ordinance #2020-174 was introduced for first reading by the Rutland Charter Township Board at its December 11, 2019 meeting. This proposed ordinance includes the following proposed amendments of the designated articles/ sections within Chapter 220, in summary: 1. §220-2-2 (Definitions) is proposed to be amended to revise the existing definition of “farm”, and add definitions for the new terms “farm operation” and “farm product” aligned with definitions of corresponding terms in the Michigan Right To Farm Act. 2. §220-4-2 pertaining to permitted uses in the AG/OS Agricultural/Open Space Preservation District is proposed to be amended to refer to the keeping or raising\of livestock for commercial production or non-commercial purposes being subject to §220-16-13.B. (as proposed to be added). 3. §220-5-2 pertaining to permitted uses in the CR Country Residential District is proposed to be amended to refer to the keeping or raising of livestock for commercial production or non-commercial purposes being subject to §22016-13.B. (as proposed to be added). 4.11 These sections of the proposed ordinance propose to amend the respective sections of §220 pertaining to the permitted uses in each of the eight other Zoning Districts to add verbiage referring to §220-16-13.B. (as proposed to be added) for potential implications of Michigan Right To Farm Act siting guidelines for new and expanding commercial livestock production facilities. 12. §220-16-13 presently pertaining to exotic animals is proposed to be amended to also address the keeping of livestock in the various zoning districts by adding a new §220-16-13.B. addressing the keeping or raising of livestock for commercial production purposes, and for non-commercial production purposes, in the various zoning districts. r*Jr*J Onward we moved and on our winding way, until late in the afternoon we saw it lighter in the distance and “knew by the smoke which so gracefully curled about the green pines that a cottage was near.” A glistening diamond would not have been half so welcome as that smoke, curling up in graceful folds amid the forest trees. There was a little opening and a rude log hut. It was the home of the first settler in that wilderness, Nelson Chambers. His nearest neighbor was a Mr. Barnes, about three miles, who had a saw mill at the head of Rabbit River. As we entered his clearing, both he and his solitary companion stood at their door gazing with wonder and amazement. They had never been visited by such a crowd [of three]. After explaining to them our mission, they extended the hand of welcome, such a welcome, too, as only pioneers know how to give to newcomers. Such accommodations as they had were free, and we passed the night surrounded apparently with a hundred howling wolves who had got scent of our dead horse. We had now to proceed about threefourths of a mile to an old log shingle shanty on land owned by a Mr. Seymour, of Allegan. Early the next morning, Mr. Chambers piloted us to the place of destination, and there we unloaded our cargo. We found a hole in the ground, under an old pine bedstead, were we stored our potatoes to keep them free from frost, pegs in the logs to hang various articles upon. The hut was about 20 feet square. Many chinks between logs were out, which we replaced. There was no chimney, but a place in one corner to build a log fire with a large opening above for the smoke. Our team left us soon after the first cold dinner in our new home was over. The first work was to shovel the snow from the fireplace and prepare for a fire. The wolves had made this place their resort, as evinced by their tracks and hair and horns of deer, which were seen in all directions. It was near sunset before preparations were completed for the night, and the wolves began their terrific music, which seemed to rend the air and caused to look well to our fire during the long, cold and tedious night. Our hungry wolves until daylight, no pen can describe. ‘“Twas as if a thousand fiends of hell This proposed ordinance in its entirety has been posted in the office of the Township Clerk and on the Township website (www.rutlandtownship.org). This proposed ordinance will be considered for adoption by the Township Board at its next regular meeting on January 8, 2020 commencing at 7:00 p.m. at the Rutland Charter Township Hall. Rutland Charter Township will provide necessary reasonable auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon seven (7) days notice to Rutland Charter Township. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the Township. RUTLAND CHARTER TOWNSHIP BOARD Robin A. Hawthorne, Clerk Rutland Charter Township Hall 2461 Heath Road Hastings, Michigan 49058 Telephone: (269) 948-2194 Call any fflme to place your Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945 9554 or 1-800-870-7085 �Page 10 — Thursday, December 19, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Hastings elementary students explore storybook art at GRAM Fourth grade students from Central Elementary and Southeastern Elementary in Hastings recently went on a field trip to Grand Rapids to view “David Wiesner and the Art of Wordless Storytelling” at the Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM). It was more interactive field trip than just wandering through the GRAM in downtown Grand rapids. Students took a tour of the exhibit with docents from the museum and then participated in a studio art class where they developed their own wordless picture book. Prior to the trip, students spent time explor­ ing the books of David Wiesner so they were familiar with his work, including popular titles like “Tuesday”, “Flotsam”, “The Three Pigs.” The students stretched their legs outside the GRAM after the visit to the museum, ice skat­ ing at Rosa Parks Circle - which students went ice skating at Rosa Parks Circle which was a new experience for many according to Hastings elementary media specialist Kristen Laubaugh. Help in funding the trip came from the Thornapple Arts Council and Herman Miller Cares. A GRAM docent discusses author David Wiesner’s book Hurricane with elementary school students from Hastings during their recent field trip. Hastings elementary students skate around Rosa Parks Circle in downtown Grand Rapids during their recent field trip. CITY OF HASTINGS REQUEST FOR BIDS WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IMPROVEMENTS The City of Hastings is soliciting bids for furnishing labor, materials, equipment, and construction of improvements at the wastewater treatment plant. The project includes a new headworks building, site work, sludge pumps and associated valves and piping, new aeration blower, primary settling tank and gravity sludge thickener mechanism replacements, ultraviolet disinfection equip­ ment replacement, pressurized effluent water system installation, aeration basin and clarifier handrail and walkway replacements, administration building addition, and SCADA system. Interested bidders may learn how to obtain the Contract Documents and Specifications at Hastings City Hall. A Pre-bid Meeting is scheduled for 10:00 am on January 7, 2020, at the Hastings City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058. A site walk-through will be held following the meeting. The City of Hastings reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to waive any irregularities in the bid proposals, and to award the bid as deemed to be in the City’s best interest, price and other factors considered. Sealed proposals will be received at Hastings City Hall, 201 East State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058 until 2:00 p.m., Local Time on January 22, 2020. Bids will be clearly marked on the outside of the submittal package - “SEALED BID WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT IMPROVEMENTS”. Matt Gergen Director of Public Services Hastings students chat about wordless story telling with a docent from the museum in front of art from author David Wiesner’s book “Tuesday” at the GRAM in downtown Grand Rapids during their recent field trip. See us for color copies, one-hour photo processing, business cards, invitations and all your printing needs. J-Ad Graphics’ PRINTING PLUS 1351 N. M-43 Hwy.- north of Hastings city limits ( Donate A Boat or Car Today! BoaJAngel Hastings elementary students work on a project regarding lighting and shadows inspired by author David Wiesner’s work at the GRAM during their field trip. "2-Night Free Vacation!” WOOW (2628) www.boatangel.eom sponsored by boat angel outreach centers STOP CRIMES AGAIHST CHILDREN 133776 Barry County Road Commission The Barry County Road Commission will hold a Public Hearing on its proposed 2020 Budget. The hearing will be held at the Commission Room located at 1725 West M-43 Highway, Hastings, Michigan at 7:45 A.M. on December 30, 2019. A copy of the proposed budget is available for inspection at the Road Commission office. Hastings elementary school students participate in a studio art class at the GRAM during their field trip focused on the “Art of Wordless Storytelling” exhibit going on now at the museum in downtown Grand Rapids. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 19, 2019 — Page 11 Middleville DDA approves market changes Greg Chandler Staff Writer Middleville’s summertime market will undergo sweeping changes next year, including later hours, a name change and a one-year waiver on vendor fees. The downtown development authority board Monday approved changes to what had been known as the Market on Main. The market, which will now be known as the Middleville Market, will now be Fridays from 3 to 7 p.m. The new hours had been recommended earlier this fall as a way of getting more people to go to the market. They are intended to connect the market with other Friday evening events in the community, most notably the Riverbank Music Series, which will be at the new amphitheater adjacent to the Sesquicentennial Pavilion. A recent online survey of nearly 230 respondents found only 56 percent visited the market this year. Of those who did not go to the market, 73 percent said the previous hours of 8 a.m.-l p.m. Fridays were the major reason they did not go. “When I tell people they can find me on Fridays at the Middleville market, the No. 1 thing they respond with is, T can’t come on Friday [mornings], I have to work,”’ said Jane Schneider, who has been a vendor at the market for the past nine seasons. “I really feel we’re missing out on a large number of customers because we have a morning market, and it’s just not convenient for people. We’re ignoring the needs of many to satisfy the needs of a few. “I really think we should have made this change years ago when we first moved over to the pavilion,” she said. VISITS, continued from page 1 Only 13 percent of survey respondents supported keeping the Friday morning hours, while 39 percent favored moving the market to Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Another 24 percent favored the new Friday 3-7 p.m. hours. “Customers are just not coming in. We just can’t get them there,” said Larry Larkin, who has been a vendor at the market for the past five years. “I’m all for trying the evenings and see what happens.” The DDA board had held off on a decision on the market last month after board member Mike Lytle, who started the market 15 years ago, offered to take it over for next year at no cost. Lytle, who was absent from Monday’s meeting, had favored keeping the previous market schedule for one more year. Kathy Miller, a longtime market vendor who opposed the changes, said she heard from fellow vendors who were willing to help Lytle if he took over. “Since that meeting, I’ve had six to eight people come to me and say they would back him up 100 percent and help him out in any way that they could,” Miller said. Miller had said last month that a change in hours would result in some vendors not returning to the market next year. She said any produce vendors who might have come to the market under the previous hours would not be there for a late aftemoon/evening market. Among the other changes adopted by the DDA board was phasing out the market master position, which had been held this year by Megan Lavell. Laveil had recommended Lfc/liAL NOTICES .... ■ ■ - STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS REX E MCCOOL Estate of REX E MCCOOL, deceased. Date of birth: 05/29/1924. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, REX E MCCOOL, died 12/12/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Kathryn R. McCool Trustee, 1458 Nashville Avenue, within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 12/16/2019 Kathryn McCool, Trustee 1458 Nashville Avenue New Orleans, Louisiana 70115 (504) 372-2794 Thousands of people lined up Wednesday morning in downtown Battle Creek for the campaign rally for President Donald Trump on Wednesday night. (Photo by Luke Froncheck) ; “The fact that I get to actually see the guy » who everybody keeps talking about is a great opportunity that I don’t want to miss,” Jost said. “It will definitely help me to make up my own opinion about the current president of the United States.” Trump was expected to be joined on stage by Vice President Mike Pence. The appear­ ance of the nation’s top two leaders together likely presents 1 bit of a security challenge for police and Secret Service. It also underscores the importance of Michigan’s heartland for /^the Trump campaign, some county elected officials said. “He (President Trump) must think it’s extremely important,” Barry County Commissioner Jon Smelker said. Commissioner David Jackson agreed. “It - shows the importance of Michigan to the 2020 elections. With all the political divisive­ ness in Washington, D.C., it is bringing a message to people that our area really mat­ ters.” Trump won the 2016 election in Michigan by a little more than 10,700 votes, and the . state is seen as a key to the president’s re-elec­ tion campaign. “Being in Michigan early and often will be a good strategy to put them on the right track to do it again,” Jackson said. “Michigan was a big state for his win,” county Commissioner Vivian Conner said. “I think he wants to stay close to the people in Michigan. I think he wants to keep this posi­ tive motion going.” Presidential visits to Battle Creek Andrew Johnson - 1866 - 153 years ago William McKinley - 1899 - 120 years ago William Howard Taft - 1911 - 108 years ago Lyndon B. Johnson - 1965 - 54 years ago Gerald R. Ford - 1976 - 43 years ago George H.W. Bush - 1992 - 27 years ago Bill Clinton - 1996 - 23 years ago George W. Bush - 2004 -15 years ago STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FILE NO. 19-28397-NC In the matter of Betsy Ann Galvan. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS including: whose address(es) is/are unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on 1/15/2020 at 2:45 p.m. at 206 W. Court St. #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge Hon. William M. Doherty (P41960) for the following purpose: Petition for a name change for Betsy Ann Galvan to be changed to Betsy Ann Nieto. Date: 12/16/19 Betsy Ann Galvan 13371 Kelly Road Hickory Corners, Ml 49060 (517) 260-0459 134210 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY PUBLICATION OF NOTICE OF HEARING FILE NO. 19-28396-NC In the matter of Kayla Jean Hanchett. TO ALL INTERESTED PERSONS including: whose address(es) is/are unknown and whose interest in the matter may be barred or affected by the following: TAKE NOTICE: A hearing will be held on 1/15/2020 at 2:30 p.m. at 206 W. Court St. #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 before Judge Hon. William M. Doherty (P41960) for the following purpose: Petition for a name change for Kayla Jean Hanchett to be changed to Kayla Jean Case. Date: 12/16/19 Kayla Jean Hanchett P.O. Box 21 Hickory Corners, Ml 49060 (269) 271-3602 134215 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 18-28001-DE Estate of David Wendell Taylor. Date of birth: 12-23-46. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, David Wendell Taylor, died April 1, 2018. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Angela Rademacher, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St. #302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: Dec 12, 2019 Ina R. O’Briant (P60968) P.O. Box 197 Mason, Ml 48854 517-204-9195 Angela Rademacher 10907 Short Cut Rd. Apison, TN 37302 423-599-5046 134080 A man dressed as Santa goes “ho ho ho” with a Trump rally volunteer during Wednesday’s event. (Photo by Luke Froncheck) eliminating her own 10-hour-a-week position and having those responsibilities transferred to DDA Director Nichole Lyke. Also, the board agreed to waive fees for vendors next year because of the schedule change. The fee for a vendor to rent a 10-by-10-foot space for the market would have been $60 for the season or $5 per day. “It’s an experiment and it shouldn’t be at their expense,” DDA board member and Thomapple Township Supervisor Mike Bremer said. The market season also will be shortened, beginning in early May and closing at the end of October. A vendor meeting will be held in March to explain the changes to prospective vendors, according to documents from the DDA. STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate Estate of Arthur Dye Jr. Date of birth: 11/28/1940. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Arthur Dye Jr., died 08/14/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Rodney Dye and Devin Dye, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 12/13/19 David H. Tripp (P29290) 202 S. Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 269-948-2900 Rodney Dye 2766 Circle Drive Delton Ml 49046 and Devin Dye 221 W. Orchard Rd. Delton, Ml 49046 269-806-6179 134120 SYNOPSIS ORANGEVILLE TOWNSHIP BOARD MEETING DEC. 3, 2019 Meeting called to order 7 pm. All board members present, Fire Chief Ribble and 6 guests Pledge of Allegiance Motion approved November 12th meeting minutes Motion approved paying of the bills Department Reports Public Comment: None Motion approved to table Dog Park Proposal Motion approved public meeting with Barry County Road Commission on Jan. 7, 2020 at 6 pm Mill pond proposal continued tabled Motion approved GLASA director to attend board meeting for presentation on Amended Articles of Incorporation Board Comments: January & February budget meetings Motion to adjourn 7:56 pm Submitted by: Mel Risner/Clerk Attested to by: Tom Rook/Supervisor . 133908 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28384-DE Estate of Gordon Glenn Bourdo. Date of birth: 7/6/1940. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Gor­ don Glenn Bourdo, died 11/2/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Frances M. Bourdo, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court St., Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date 12/6/19 James L. Goulooze (P44497) P.O. Box 542 Hastings, Ml 49058 269-945-2255 Frances M. Bourdo ' 5794 Mullen Ridge Dr. Delton, Ml 49046 269-623-4981 134039 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Trust In the matter of: The Barbara L. Thorne Living Trust, dated March 16, 2005. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Barbara L. Thorne, who lived at 5382 Grange Road, Middleville, Michigan 49333, died on November 6, 2019, leaving a certain trust under the name of The Barbara L. Thorne Living Trust, dated March 16, 2005, wherein the decedent was the Settlor and James Thorne was named as Successor Trustee serving at the time of or as a result of the decedent’s death. Creditors of the decedent and of the trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or against the trust will be forever barred unless presented to James Thorne, the named Successor Trustee, at Tripp & Tagg, Attorneys at Law, 202 South Broadway, Hastings, Michigan 49058 within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 12/16/2019 Nathan E. Tagg (P68994) 202 South Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-2900 James Thorne 3358 Nagle Road Middleville, Ml 49333 (616)889-2690 134257 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF KENT 17TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT FAMILY DIVISION ORDER FOR PUBLICATION ON HEARING STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF KENT 17TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT FAMILY DIVISION TO: NICOLE BURD Child’s Name: CONSTANTINE MICHAEL WHITE Case No.: 19-50056-NA-104487701 Hearing: January 13,2020 at 9:00 A.M. Judge GARDNER, 9th Floor, Courtroom 9-B An initial and/or supplemental child protective petition has been filed in the above matter. A hearing on the petition, including petition to terminate your parental rights will be conducted by the Court on the date and time stated above in the 17th Judicial Circuit Court, Family Division, Kent County Courthouse, 180 Ottawa NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan. IT IS THEREFORE ORDERED that you personally appear before the court at the time and place stated above and exercise your right to participate in the proceedings. THIS HEARING MAY RESULT IN THE TERMINATION OF YOUR PARENTAL RIGHTS. Dated: December 12, 2019 DEBORAH L. MCNABB CIRCUIT COURT JUDGE 134169 -■ STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS LOIS JEAN MCCOOL Estate of LOIS JEAN MCCOOL, deceased. Date of birth: 07/02/1930. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, LOIS JEAN MCCOOL, died 07/09/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Kathryn R. McCool Trustee, 1458 Nashville Avenue, within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: 12/16/2019 Kathryn McCool, Trustee 1458 Nashville Avenue New Orleans, Louisiana 70115 (504) 372-2794 STATE OF MICHIGAN PROBATE COURT COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Estate FILE NO. 19-28383-DE Estate of Joshua Miller. Date of birth: 08/01/78. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Josh­ ua Miller, died 10/09/2019. Creditors of the decedent are notified that all claims against the estate will be forever barred unless presented to Skyler Miller, personal representative, or to both the probate court at 206 W. Court Street, Suite 302, Hastings, Ml 49058 and the personal representative within 4 months after the publication of this notice. Dated 2/11/19 David H. Tripp (P29290) 202 S. Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 269-948-2900 Skyler Miller 2896 Devine Road Nashville, Ml 49073 269-804-8027 133911 STATE OF MICHIGAN COUNTY OF BARRY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Decedent’s Trust In the matter of Lois A. Pohl Trust. Date of Birth; November 3,1943. TO ALL CREDITORS: NOTICE TO CREDITORS: The decedent, Lois A. Pohl, died November 27, 2019, leaving the above Trust in full force and effect. Creditors of the decedent or against the Trust are notified that all claims against the decedent or trust will be forever barred unless presented to Teresa J. Hilley and Melissa R. Stambaugh, successor Trustee, within 4 months after the date of publication of this notice. Date: December 16, 2019 Rhoades McKee PC Stephanie S. Fekkes (P43549) 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 945-1921 Teresa J. Hilley and Melissa R. Stambaugh c/o Rhoades McKee PC 150 W. Court Street, Ste. A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)945-1921 134209 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on January 16, 2020: Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Adam R. Broxholm, a married man Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/ or assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): AmeriFirst Financial Corporation Date of Mortgage: September 16, 2014 Date of Mortgage Recording: September 19, 2014 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $130,526.75 Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Township of Orangeville, Barry County, Michigan, and described as: Lots 40 and 41, Crystal Lake Estates Plat, according to the plat thereof as recorded in Liber 5, Page 73 of Plats, Barry County Records. The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage holder for damaging the property during the redemption period. This notice is from a debt collector. Date of notice: December 19, 2019 Trott Law, PC. 1404681 (12-19)(01-09) 134302 �Page 12 — Thursday. December 19, 2019 — The Hastings Banner TRIAL, continued from page 1 FUNDING, continued from page 1 3-acre site in the Barry State Game Area off Yankee Springs Road, north of M-179. The process would incorporate sound abatement, standardized range guidelines and specifica­ tions that meet the Americans with Disabilities Act, she said. The trust fund grant would leverage anoth­ er $600,000 in federal funds that have been collected under the Pittman-Robertson Act. The law, which has been in place since 1937, provides funding for projects that restore and improve wildlife habitat, as well as for devel­ opment and operation of public shooting ranges and hunting education programs, said Randy Heinze, a wildlife biologist at the DNR regional office in Yankee Springs Township. “It’s going to be a great investment in Barry County, and it’s going to be a great resource for people to come out and shoot safely,” Heinze said. Funds for the Pittman-Robertson Act come from a federal excise tax on firearms, ammu­ nition and archery equipment. The total cost of the new range has been estimated at about $800,000. If all goes according to plan, the new range could open by late fall of 2020, Heinze said. The new range has generated support from the Barry County Board of Commissioners as well as from Yankee Springs and Rutland townships. “This is huge,” Yankee Springs Supervisor Mark Englerth said in sharing the news of the state trust fund board’s recommendation at the township’s Dec. 12 meeting. Burford said having the support of the local governmental units was critical in getting the grant approved. “We’re excited to have that local support. We’re excited to get this new site developed,” We’re excited to get this new site developed.” Lori Burford, a DNR shooting range specialist “It’s going to be a great investment in Barry County, and it’s going to be a great resource for people to come out and shoot safely.” Randy Heinze, DNR wildlife biologist she said. The trust fund’s board action was part of $25.6 million in grant awards for outdoor recreation development and land acquisition projects across the state. A total of $14.1 mil­ lion will go to land acquisition projects and $11.5 million to recreation projects. The board considered requests for 160 projects statewide, totaling nearly $54 million in fund­ ing. “The Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund is critical in providing people of all ages and abilities with more and better opportuni­ ties to experience our state’s woods, water and outdoor heritage,” Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said in a news release. “Every year, millions of residents and visitors swim our lakes, hike our forests, bike our trails and connect with the outdoors in dozens of other ways. Trust fund support, this year and every year, ensures that those experiences are here for current and future generations.” The Natural Resources Trust Fund is a restricted fund established in 1976 to support land conservation and outdoor recreation. It’s financed through interest earned on funds derived from the development of publicly owned minerals, such as oil and natural gas. Throughout its history, the fund has generated more than $1.1 billion to state and local units of government to develop and improve public outdoor recreation opportunities in all 83 Michigan counties. so. Schipper also told the attorneys that he “doesn’t like surprises” — particularly at trial. “I think that’s a disservice to everyone,” he said. “If we go forward with a trial, I want it done as cleanly and as professionally as pos­ sible so that everybody has the opportunity to have their case presented to a jury.” The trial is scheduled to begin April 20 unless DNA evidence that is still being ana­ lyzed is not available. Autopsies determined the cause of death in both cases as homicide. Burnett’s wife, Lynne, as well as Jason Wyatt, David Harrison, Michael Geist, Tracey Schisser and her 16-year-old son, Joseph Powell, Ashley Glumm, Mallory Gray, Daniel Robinson, Gary and Nola Harps, sheriff’s deputies Kevin Erb and Brian Hansford testi­ fied during a two-day preliminary examina­ tion in Barry County court Friday, Nov. 22, and Monday, Nov. 25. These witnesses are mentioned in the sec­ ond amended felony complaint against Burnett in which he is charged with assaulting them with a pistol as well as resisting and obstructing police officers Erb and Hansford when they responded to the 911 call. A last-minute charge alleging that Burnett kidnapped DeGood before killing him was added to the list of felony complaints on on Nov. 22 just before the preliminary examina­ tion began. Police aren’t sure who was killed first, Peake or DeGood. Toxicology reports on Burnett showed he had a blood alcohol content of 0.079, as well as the presence of narcotics oxycodone and zolpidem (Ambien) in his bloodstream. At Burnett’s preliminary examination before Judge William Doherty in November, defense attorneys McNeill and Steven Storrs raised objections about the introduction of the evidence about the shotgun slaying of Peake, saying that Burnett had not been properly “Mirandized” at the scene. As a result, he was denied a basic right, they said. A Miranda Warning advises a suspect of his right to remain silent and that anything he says can and will be used against him in court. Suspects also must be advised that they have a right to an attorney and, if they cannot afford one, an attorney will be provided for them. An audiotape from the dashboard camera of sheriff’s deputy Erb was played for the judge Monday afternoon and, in that record­ ing, Burnett tells police that “my buddy is dead next door.” Burnett, often unintelligible, cries and moans, “Oh God, I don’t know what is wrong with me.” Then, according to police testimony, Burnett took police to the body in Peake’s house. Pratt argued that Burnett’s statements to police were spontaneous and did not come as the result of any interrogation by police. McNeill and Storrs argued that the police had the burden to advise Burnett of his core rights. The remedy for not doing so is sup­ pression of the statements that he made at the time of his arrest. Doherty listened to the arguments from both prosecutor and defense attorneys and replied that this matter would more appropri­ ately be dealt with at the circuit court level prior to trial. Jeffrey Bradley Batzer, 34, of Hastings, was found guilty of operating a vehicle with the presence of a controlled substance, cocaine, in his body on Payne Lake Road in Yankee Springs Township July 8. He was convicted as a third-time offender and sen­ tenced by Judge Michael Schipper to serve 54 days in jail, with credit for 54 days served. Batzer also was ordered to pay $638 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 36 months, with fees of $360. He was placed in Adult Drug Court, with the fees payable at $40 a month. was ordered to pay $438 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 36 months in Adult Drug Court. Probation fees of $360 will be paid at $40 a month. Nathan Levi Christie, 44, of Hastings, was found guilty of operating a vehicle on Cloverdale Road and Gurd Road in Hope Township Sept. 9 while intoxicated as a habit­ ual offender. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 80 to 120 months in prison, with credit for 87 days served. Christie was ordered to pay $998 in fines and costs and to comply with all terms in the pre-sentence investiga­ tion report. A second charge of assaulting, resisting or obstructing a police officer was dismissed. Krista Lynn Ely, 35, of Woodland, was found guilty of possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine, in Hastings Aug. 11. She was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 27 days in jail, with credit for 27 days served. Ely’s driver’s license will be suspend­ ed for 150 days and restricted for 30 days. She Andrew Michael Ordway, 27, of Middleville, was found guilty of stealing or retaining a financial transaction device with­ out consent in Middleville between May 15 and June 5. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to one day in jail, with credit for one day served. He was ordered to pay $1,214 in fines and costs, including $215.87 in restitu­ tion. Four other counts of stealing a financial transaction device were dismissed. Heather Marie Scobey, 34, of Plainwell, was found guilty of obtaining or possessing a financial transaction device without consent in Orangeville Township June 1, 2018. She was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 46 days in jail, with credit for 46 days served. She also was ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs. Arthur William Wilson, 22, of Hastings, was found guilty of aggravated assault in Rutland Township July 16,2017. He was sen­ tenced by Judge Schipper to one day in jail, with credit for one day served and ordered to pay $425 in fines and costs. Wilson was placed on probation for 12 months and ordered to pay oversight fees of $120. Two charges of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct involv­ ing a teen-age victim were dismissed. DK wrestlers win their own duals, edge Paw Paw and Ionia Brett Bremer Sports Editor After a rough first evening of wrestling, the Delton Kellogg varsity bounced back for a perfect 4-0 day to win its own DK Duals Saturday. Delton Kellogg won a 42-42 dual with Paw Paw on the sixth criteria, edged Ionia 42-36 and also had a 54-18 win over Parchment and a 66-0 win over Berrien Springs on the day Saturday. Aman Smith took a forfeit win at 130 pounds for Delton Kellogg to close out the dual with Paw Paw. That was the Paw Paw team’s third forfeit of the dual. Delton forfeit­ ed two weight classes, and that 3-2 different in voids in the line-up proved the difference in the end. It wouldn’t have mattered if Jay den Oms hadn't fought off his back in the 125-pound match for Delton Kellogg. Paw Paw’s Nolan Berglin was fighting for a pin to clinch the victory for his team before Oms managed to right himself and eventually pin Berglin in 4:47. Delton Kellogg got first period pins from Hunter Belew, Kaleb Post and Caden Ferris in the dual, and forfeit wins from Gage Vincent and Hunter Antolovich. Delton Kellogg head coach Brett Bissett said that 189-pounder Belew, 215-pounder Post and 285-pounder Ferris really came out strong for their team all day long. Antolovich had a big pin for DK in the dual with Ionia, sticking Arturo Oliveros at 119 pounds. It was Vinnie Quick who sealed that win for the Panthers, pinning Christian Negrete 3:21 into their 140-pound match. Both teams forfeited the 145-pound weight class, leaving DK up six following the pin. Belew, Post and Ferris all had pins in that dual with Ionia as well. Vincent and Oms had forfeit wins for DK in the dual with the Bulldogs. Delton Kellogg opened the season Wednesday at the Hamilton Quad, falling 77-3 to Caledonia and 64-18 to the host Hawkeyes. Ferris had the lone win for the Panthers in the dual with Caledonia, and Belew the lone win on the mat in the match with Hamilton. LHS grapplers get wins over Hamilton and Caledonia Senior Vem Fields was the first Viking on the mat for the Lakewood varsity wrestling team to open the 2019-20 season Wednesday at the Hamilton Quad. He was the last one off it Wednesday too. Fields, an individual regional qualifier a year ago, finished off the opening night of the season by pinning Caledonia’s Isaac Noyes 16 seconds into the second period of their 152pound match in Hamilton pushing a fourpoint Lakewood lead to 43-33. The Lakewood wrestlers, ranked sixth in PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: All real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY the state in Division 3, were 2-0 on the eve­ ning, opening up with a 48-24 win over the host Hawkeyes. Fields was bested in his opening match 11-4, by Hamilton’s Jacob Kaylor, but the Vikings won the next four flights to take con­ trol of the dual with the Hawkeyes. Gavin Vaughn (160 pounds), Allen Shellington (189), Jonathan Clack (215), Kanon Atwell (125) and Keegan VanAlstine (140) all scored pins for the Vikings in the victory over the Hawkeyes, and Zachary For Sale Pets Happy Jack® LiquiVict 2x®: handy dispenser insures ac­ curate dosage to treat hook & round worms. At Tractor Sup­ ply. (www.happyjackinc.com) BERNESE MOUNTAIN/ PYRENEES Cross Pups for Christmas. Brown w/white. Will have 1st shots and de­ wormed. Farm Raised. Parents on site. $450. 989-574-5081. Business Services BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. 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Shellington earned a 9-4 win for the Vikings over Ben Norris at 215 pounds and Clack followed that up by pinning the Scots’ Ryan Stanton 1:15 into their 285-pound bout. In the lightweight matches, the Vikings got pins from Ashton Clark at 103, Gibson at 112 and Atwell at 125. Mclllwain added a 15-4 major decision in his 119-pound match with Ethan Knapp. Caledonia got pins from Cade Graham at 130 pounds, Owen Norman at 135, Caden Helmholdt at 145, DeAbian Joplin-Pinero at 171 and a forfeit win from Bryce Briggs at 189 pounds. Jonah Siekman also scored a 5-2 win over the Vikings’ VanAlstine in the 140pound match. Caledonia split its two duals Wednesday, also besting Delton Kellogg 77-3. Lakewood returned to action Saturday at the Vicksburg Duals, scoring a 57-21 win over Coloma, a 42-31 win over Dowagiac, a 48-34 win over Schoolcraft, a 60-19 win over Three Rivers and a 72-12 win over Vicksburg. Atwell, Gibson, Clack and VanAlstine were each 5-0 on the day for the Vikings. Petrie and Shellington had four wins apiece. Lakewood had 18 different wrestlers score victories on the day. Clothes and money stolen from vehicles A 52-year-old man called police at 6:06 a.m. Dec. 13 to report $15 and two cocktail dresses had been stolen from a vehicle the night before. The car was parked at a residence in the 9000 block of Cedar Creek Road in Hope Township, and the theft is believed to have occurred the previous night. A 45-year-old man called police at 7:24 a.m. the same day to report two vehicles at his residence in the 14000 block of Hutchinson Road in Johnstown Township had been broken into. He said $20 was missing, along with blankets and clothes. The case is inactive pending further information. Stranger walks into house looking for Charlotte A 20-year-old woman reported that a strange man walked into the front door of her home in the 1000 block of East Mill Street, Hastings, at 2:30 p.m. Dec. 14. The woman said the man looked very dirty and smelled terrible and may have been under the influence. He asked for directions to Charlotte. The woman told him how to get to Charlotte, and he left. Police were unable to locate the man. The case is inactive pending further information. Road rage leads to flying can of Coca-Cola A 52-year-old man called police at 1:58 p.m. Dec. 14 to report a road-rage incident. The man said he was northbound on M-37 approaching Middleville when another vehicle attempted to pass him. The man said he sped up twice as the car attempted to pass, but the other car also sped up and got around him. As it did, the passenger made a hand gesture. Once the car was ahead of him, a can of Coca-Cola flew out of the passenger side window and hit the hood and windshield of his vehicle, where it exploded. The man got the license plate of the vehicle and said he did not want to press charges, but wanted officers to talk to the driver. Officers located the driver, a 42-year-old Wyoming, man, who said his broth­ er had been in the passenger seat. The driver was told of the danger in throwing objects from a vehicle but refused to admit to the errors of such behavior. Eventually the man relented and admitted the danger to the officers. The case is closed. Minor tries drifting after drinking An officer stopped a vehicle after watching it intentionally fishtail on M-179 in Yankee Springs Township at 2:42 a.m. Dec. 15. The driver, a 20-year-old Middleville man, said he was trying to have fun on the slippery roads, and admitted to having consumed a beer. He registered a 0.069 blood alcohol content and was arrested. His passenger, an 18-year-old Portage woman, had a BAC 0.088. She was cited for minor in possession. Minor arrested for driving with signs of alcohol and marijuana An officer stopped a vehicle with a loud exhaust traveling 63 mph in a 55-mph zone on Wood School Road near Grange Road in Irving Township at 10:14 p.m. Dec. 13. The driver, a 19-year-old Middleville man, said he had not been drinking, though unopened beer cans were in the driver’s seat. The officer also found marijuana paraphernalia in the vehicle. The driver had a 0.012 blood alcohol content, and showed signs of marijuana use. He was arrested and a blood sample was taken. Driver gets angry after arrest for drinking and smoking Officers received a complaint of a vehicle partially in the roadway with its hazard lights on at 6:43 p.m. Dec. 14. The vehicle was on Whitneyville Road near Crane Road in Middleville. The driver, a 34-year-old Lake Odessa man, said he ran out of gas. He admit­ ted to drinking five or six beers, one inside the vehicle, and smoking marijuana one hour earlier. Officers found empty beer cans and a bag of marijuana in the vehicle. During the arrest, the man shouted at the officers and blamed them for the arrest. “He made several statements regarding he was not a criminal and I was wasting everyone’s time by arresting him and not looking for murderers,” the officer wrote. “At one point, he intentionally hit his head against the partition in my patrol vehicle.” �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 19, 2019 — Page 13 Defense can’t win them all for the Vikings Brett Bremer Sports Editor It wasn’t over when Ionia senior guard Morgan Cansfield converted a three-point play with just under three minutes to go in the third quarter at Lakewood High School Tuesday, but it was starting to feel like it. Cansfield pushed her team’s lead to dou­ ble-figures by knocking down her free throw. Lakewood had scored just 13 points to that point in the bailgame, and while a nine-point fourth quarter was the highest scoring period of the night for the Vikings it wasn’t nearly enough to catch the rival Bulldogs. Ionia dropped the Vikings to 2-3 overall this season with a 43-24 victory. Lakewood has scored more than 34 points in ballgame just once in five games this sea■ son, in a 55-47 win at Charlotte Dec. 10. Scoring 34 points was enough to notch a 34-30 win at Grand River Prep last Friday (Dec. 13). “We worked hard on defense. We had some " good stops there, but when you don’t put points on the board it is hard to win games,” new Lakewood head coach Kelly Meints said after her team’s loss to the Bulldogs Tuesday. “We’re going to continue on working on get­ ting better offensively and looking for some more ways to score. '•* “They weren’t falling, and we’re not necesWarily getting the best looks that we could get. " I think we need to be a little more confident ? with taking the ball to the hoop.” ■ Lake wood led the bailgame 9-8 until Ionia’s senior guard Taylor Kirby hit a three-pointer midway through the second quarter. A bucket by junior forward Avery ' Roundtree was the only other basket in the " final four minutes of the first half, and Ionia Went into the locker room with a 13-9 lead. Kirby finished with a game-high 11 points. Brynn Reams had nine points for the Bulldogs, Melayna Braman eight, Morgan Canfield seven and Roundtree had six. " Olivia Lang and Sophie Duits had seven points each for Lakewood and Anja Kelley added six. ^“(Defensively) I thought they did a nice job ’ of helping to step in on some of the drives,” Meints said. “We have to work to maybe move our feet a little bit quicker. We had a couple of fouls there called on us. But they just do a nice job of communicating with each other, getting hands in the face, and getting ■ ready to move. They work well together Lakewood guard Sophie Duits tries to get to the basket during her team’s non­ conference loss to visiting Ionia Tuesday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) defensively as a team.” The defensive effort was stellar in the win over Grand River Prep last week. Kelley had a team-high 14 points to go along with five steals and five rebounds. Kristie Possehn added five points, Alli Pickard four and Duits four. Lakewood opens the Greater Lansing Activities Conference season at Perry Friday. HCDC divers earn accolades at Spartan Winter Invite at MSU Lakewood freshman guard Ellie Possehn fires a shot up over Ionia’s Avery Roundtree in the post during their non-conference match-up at Lakewood High School Tuesday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Local grapplers score medals at Coloma tourney HCDC divers Annabelle Kuck, Jodee Gaskill, Jordan Price, coach Todd Bates, Bethany ButchBaker, Aubrey Yarger, Maelea Martin and Mayari Coriano-Lahiff gather on the deck during the Spartan Winter Invite at Michigan State University. The Hastings Community Diving Club had a great weekend at the Spartan Winter Invite at Michigan State University the weekend of 'i Dec. 7. Hannah Johnson won the 16-18 age group concluding a totally undefeated senior season * and undefeated career in USA Diving where she started out in the Future Champions divisipn according to HCDC head coach Todd Bates. Johnson was an MHSAA State * Qualifier this season as a member of the Delton Kellogg-Thornapple Kellogg-Hastings varsity girls’ swimming and diving team who was the OK Rainbow Conference Tier II champion. “Christmas came early for me as a coach” coach Bates said. Aubrey Yarger earned a gold medal and qualified for the 2020 AAU Summer Nationals besting the qualifying score by 21 points. senior Jj3??3!1 Johnson with ^er HCDC coach Todd Bates celebrate ^er championship at the Spartan Winter Invite Dec. 7 in East Lansing. Barry County Grapplers Association wrestlers Patton Boomer (third place) and Alex Schnurstein (second) celebrate their medal-winning performances from the Dec. 15 Coloma MYWAY tournament. Bethany ButchBaker from the club earned a silver medal, Mayari Coriano-Lahiff was a bronze medalist and Maelea Martin earned a sixth-place finish. ButchBaker and Coriano-Lahiff both placed fifth on the 3-meter board. Fellow club member Jordan Price claimed a tier 1 silver medal, Anabelle Kuck placed fourth, and Jodee Gaskill placed fifth in her first meet. Cardinals and whistles give Saxons trouble Coldwater wiped out a five-point Saxon lead with a6-0 run at the end of the first half and then went on to a 49-33 win over the vis­ iting Hastings varsity boys’ basketball team ' Tuesday to open the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference season. * Hastings had an 11 -10 lead at the end of the I first quarter and moved out to a 20-15 lead before foul trouble really got in the way. The Saxons had to sit center Evan Eastman with three fouls, and Evan Murphy and Carter Hewitt had two fouls each. Things went from bad to worse as Eastman picked up his fourth foul quickly in the third quarter, and by early in the fourth Murphy and Hewitt had four fouls each. “Our offense quickly slowed down,” Hastings head coach Rich Long said. “With (senior point guard) Elijah Smith out due to sickness and the foul trouble, the (we) just ran out of gas in the fourth period,” Long added. Coldwater scored 19 points in the fourth quarter to take control of the ballgame. Kirby Beck led the Saxons with 15 points in the loss. Sophomore Braden Vertalka had eight points int eh first half, hitting a pair of three-pointers. The Saxons are back in action at home Friday against Jackson Lumen Christi. The Barry County Grapplers Association sent 13 youth wrestlers to the Coloma MYWAY tournament Dec. 15, with ten earning medals. The group of medalists from the club included (from left) Jordan Shirey (fourth place), Max Schnurstein (third), Jordan Humphrey (third), Keegan Sutfin (second), Ben Furrow (third), Aden Armstrong (second), Hunter Sutfin first and Kade Case (second). �Page 14 — Thursday, December 19, 2019 — The Hastings Banner TK varsity sweeps Battle of Barry County! Brett Bremer Sports Editor Freshmen provided more than their fair of excitement, but it was a senior who strode out of the locker room with the Battle of Barry County trophy clutched in his arms at Hastings High School Friday night. The Thomapple Kellogg varsity boys’ bas­ ketball team finished off the Trojans’ fourth championship in four years at the Battle of Barry County by scoring a 65-58 victory over the host Saxons Friday. The TK boys’ basket­ ball victory followed a 37-30 win by the TK girls’ basketball team and a 52-18 win by the TK wrestling team in the annual varsity tri­ ple-header between the Trojans and Saxons. TK also came out on top in the student-sec­ tion competition, with wins in the girls’ tugof-war, the mascot scooter race, the sleeping bag chariot race and a sumo wrestling compe­ tition. The Saxons’ lone victory of the evening came in the boys’ tug-of-war. Nate Jansma, one of the captains on the TK varsity boys’ basketball team and one of the leaders of the Trozone spirit section any time it is a classmates’ turn on the court, held the trophy at the end of the night after being in the center of the celebration with his classmates immediately following the Trojan victory. “He started the last game and tonight we started Alex (Bonnema). I wanted to get (Jansma) in early,” TK head coach Josh Thaler said. “Alex really was playing well defensively and offensively taking care of the basketball. I kind of turned to (Jansma) and said ‘sorry, I was going to get you in during this first quarter,’ and he said, ‘no, team first.’ “All the guys realize, he is one of our cap­ tains. He acts like if on the floor and off the floor and every time in between, offseason and in-season. The one senior we have, he is acting like a senior.” A pair of TK alumni earned their first var­ sity coaching wins for the Trojans - Thaler and varsity wrestling coach Dayne Fletke. Fletke led a Trojan wrestling team that sent six freshmen to the mat against the Saxons. Zackary Gibson, Jackson Curtis, Kyron Zoet, Austin Chivis and Jake Middleton were the freshmen who won their first varsity wrestling match for TK Friday. The one freshmen who came up short for TK, Andrew Middleton, came up short against Saxon freshman Robby Slaughter in their 135-pound match which Slaughter won 7-3. In all, freshmen won half of the 14 wrestling bouts on the evening with Payton Miller also scoring a victory for the Thornapple Kellogg students celebrate with the Battle of Barry County trophy after their school swept the three varsity contests (wrestling, girls’ basketball and boys’ basketball) against the Saxons at Hastings High School Friday evening. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Saxons. Another freshman, the Saxons’ Macy Winegar, was one of the stars of the varsity girls’ basketball game going 6-of-8 from behind the three-point line and leading all scorers with 21 points in a losing effort. The Saxon student section was more than ready for Winegar’s performance with “FOR 3!!!” signs spread throughout the section. In a late addition to the event, most of the Saxon and Trojan student-sections donned purple, rather than orange and black or blue and gold, in honor of TK junior Lydia Cole who rep­ resents both communities on the Delton Kellogg-Thomapple Kellogg-Hastings varsi­ ty girls’ swimming and diving team. The prognosis for Cole’s recover from cancer took a turn for the worse in recent weeks, but she continues to battle as doctors search for new treatments. The girls’ basketball game was the tightest of the three varsity competitions on the eve­ ning. With its three-point barrage, the Hastings team had a lead of as many as nine points late in the first half. The Saxons went into the break up seven, but TK went on a 7-0 run in the first five minutes of the second half to pull even. A three-pointer by Winegar pushed the Saxon lead back to 28-23 early in the fourth quarter, but TK closed out the game on a 14-2 run powered by outstanding work on the offensive glass. “TK jumps in and out of a number of differ­ ent complex defenses,” Hastings head coach Mike Engle said. “Some of our younger play­ ers struggled being able to adapt midstream in the game. As a result, we did not sub as deep into our bench as we would like to. When we got into the fourth quarter, playing with a smaller line-up impacted our players as fatigue set in, which led to us not rebounding as well as we had been.” TK took its first lead since the opening minutes of the game, 30-28, on a three-pointer by junior forward Haven Beyer with 5:49 to go in the fourth quarter. A Saxon turnover followed, and Beyer was fired up to earn a trip to the free throw line where she knocked down two shots to extend her team’s lead to four a minute later. “It feels really good. Hastings is such a big game for us, our whole team is so proud of each other for getting through this,” Beyer said. “Even though we were down in the first half we pulled it together and we just played as a team in the second half. “I was very excited (hitting the go-ahead three),” she added. “I kind of screamed, ‘let’s go!’ It was very exciting for me to get those points that were huge points for our team get us into the lead.” Junior guard Paige VanStee led TK with points, scoring seven in the fourth quartet?’ Beyer had five points and Carmen Beemer and Grade DeWent had four each for TK. ' Josey Nickels had four points for Hastings and Carly Warner had five. Winegar hit five of her six three-pointers in the first half. TK head coach Ross Lambitz said he » warned his girls before the contest of Winegar’s shooting talents, but thought maybe, a few times girls took for granted that the$£ were close enough to her when they wereirS* really close enough. He was pleased with the work Claudia Wilkinson, Corrin Replogle, Gracie DeWent ■ and Mo Sprague did of face-guarding Winegar in the second half. The Saxons were trying to do the same' thing to VanStee on the other end of the floor, and did a good job of pestering her once she tried to get to the basket. Eventually, the’ Trojan junior broke through. The entire team’s work around the basket on the boards was what really salvaged the evening for the TK , girls. ; “They really crashed hard and kept it high and went and tried to finish as best they could after,” Lambitz said. “That was big, just mak­ ing a lot of those little plays and getting towards the rim not settling for shots and try­ ing to get stuff going towards the rim I think made a big difference for us in the second half.” ; It was a back-and-forth varsity boys’ bas-* ketball game as well, at least until back-toi back three-pointers by Thornapple Kellogg* junior back-court mates Cole Shoobridge and*>Nolan Dahley turned a two-point lead into an eight-point lead in the first 40 seconds of theC fourth quarter. The TK boys went on to a 65-58 win. • The Trojans had an 11-point lead early in the second quarter, but Hastings battled all the way back to lead by as many as five points the third. >[ “It was a fun one,” coach Thaler said. “I’M happy for the guys. Tuesday (a lopsided loss to Holland Christian) obviously was kind of a < wake-up to varsity basketball from JV basket- i ball. That got us ready for tonight I think, the • intensity in the building. I’m just happy for the guys to get that first win. “It has been a while since they all played Hastings High School mascot Victor E. Saxon is cheered on by the Saxon student-,, section during the mascot scooter race that was a part of the 2019 Battle of Barry County Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Hastings High School student-section holds up its “FOR 31!” posters after one of seven Saxon three-pointers in the Hastings varsity girls’ basketball team’s 37-30 loss to Thornapple Kellogg at the Battle of Barry County Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Saxons’ Dillon Neal (front) tries to fight out of the grasp of Thornapple Kellogg freshman Zackary Gibson during their 119pound bout at the Battle of Barry County Friday at Hastings High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Hastings freshman Macy Winegar looks to dribble by Thomapple Kellogg senior Gracie DeWent during the first half of their Battle of Barry County match-up at Hastings High School Friday night. (Photo by Brett Bremer) �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 19, 2019 — Page 15 Schoolcraft and Martin earn slim wins over Delton girls Hastings’ Payton Miller holds down Thornapple Kellogg’s Logan Moore before scoring a pin midway through the second period of their 160-pound match Friday at the Battle of Barry County in Hastings. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The Delton Kellogg varsity girls’ basket­ ball team suffered tough losses to a pair of Southwestern Athletic Conference foes in the past week, a four-point loss at Martin in the marker trophy game Tuesday night after a five-point loss at Schoolcraft last Friday “Two pretty decent teams and I think we felt like we had ample opportunities to get both of them,” Delton Kellogg head coach Mike Mohn said. Schoolcraft bested the Panthers 35-30 in the SAC Valley Division opener Friday, with the Eagles taking advantage of 24 Delton Kellogg turnovers. The DK girls sliced a Schoolcraft down to three points with two and a half minutes to go and had possession of the ball before turning the ball over six times in the final 150 seconds. “We just gave them too many opportunities after our carelessness with the basketball,” coach Mohn said. “Can’t do that and expect to be victorious, especially against a quality team like Schoolcraft.” Holly McManus had a team-high 14 points for Delton Kellogg and Erin Kapteyn chipped in 13 points. Abbie Bever had nine points. Mary Whitmore had a team-high 12 rebounds. Schoolcraft only turned the ball over nine times in the contest and added six points off offensive rebounds and six off of lay-ups by beating the Delton Kellogg defense back down the court. “A lot of good things to take from this game, but we left an awful lot out there that kept us from winning the game,” Mohn said. Martin took the Marker Match-up Championship in 2019 snapping a two-year win streak by the DK girls with a 35-31 win Tuesday in Martin. The Panthers only turned the ball over 12 times Tuesday, but had three crucial ones down the stretch with under two minutes to play that made a huge difference in the end. McManus again led DK with 16 points and Kapteyn added nine. Whitmore contributed six points. Kapteyn had a team-high 11 rebounds. “Eva Fernandez-Villalobos is starting to come into her own and played a really nice game,” Mohn said. “She had five rebounds and played some pretty decent D.” After a rough start the Panthers did well just to get back in the ballgame. Martin had a lead as large as 16-3 in the opening quarter. The Clippers shut out Delton Kellogg and managed just three points of their own in the second quarter. The DK girls return to action at home look­ ing for their first SAC Valley win of the sea­ son taking on Hackett Catholic Prep Friday. “It will be a big game for us but we must come prepared to play if we have any shot at being successful heading into the break,” Mohn said. Randall and Tuokkola lead DK-TK-HHS to win over Fremont The Delton Kellogg-Thomapple KelloggHastings varsity boys’ swimming and diving team defeated Fremont in its home opener Thursday at the Community Education and Recreation Center in Hastings, scoring a 94-75 win. Junior Sam Randall and senior Andrew Tuokkola had two individual victories and were both a part of two relay victories at the meet. They teamed with Jon Arnold and Britton Stevens to win the 400-yard freestyle relay in 4 minutes .75 seconds at the end of the meet. The DK-TK-HHS team of Tuokkola, Randall, Jack Kensington and Arnold won the 200-yard medley relay to open the meet in 1:58.30. Individually, Tuokkola took the 200-yard individual medley in 2:27.33 and the 100yard breaststroke in 1:14.89. Randall won the 100-yard butterfly in 59.40 and the 100-yard backstroke in 1:05.70. The DK-TK-HHS team scored the first, second and third place points in the diving competition, led by junior Blake Sheldon who won the event with a score of 185.85. Junior teammate Gram Price was right behind with 181.50 points. Owen Vandenberg was the only Fremont guy to win two individual races, taking the 200-yard freestyle in 2:14.55 and the 500yard freestyle in 6:03.54. DK-TK-HHS opened the season with a 103.5 to 76.5 loss at Otsego last Tuesday (Dec. 10). Tuokkola won the 200-yard freestyle in 2:09.83 and the 500-yard freestyle in 5:43.55. He also teamed with Brett Seagle, Stevens and Arnold won win the 400-yard freestyle relay in 4:18.32. Price led a sweep of the top three diving spots for DK-TK-HHS, scoring 189.75 points. TK boys bounce back from baker losses against Future Chip leads Cardinals past Hastings ladies in 1-8 Bulldogs <Hastings senior guard Elijah Smith floats by Thornapple Kellogg’s Austin VanElst (|5) to get a shot off during the first half of the Battle of Barry County bailgame Friday at Hastings High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) together, since middle school, they’re a group that loves to play together. They just have to keep building that chemistry together that they have kind of lost after having a few guys getting pulled up. It is good to see them all playing together.” Shoobridge hit four three-pointers in the bailgame and led all scorers with 29 points v/iiile handling most of the point guard duties for the Trojans. Thaler said Shoobridge’s size, he’s at least 6-7, allows him to handle pres­ sure without much trouble, and that Shoobridge is more comfortable with the ball iffhis hands than playing off the ball like he did a year ago as a sophomore on the varsity. Shoobridge hit a three-pointer with a defender right on him at the buzzer at the end of the first half, putting TK up 32-27 at the time. Dahley finished with 17 points for the Trojans and junior center Austin VanElst had seyen points while dealing with foul trouble throughout the night. Junior center Evan Eastman powered the Saxons early on and finished with a team-high 17 points. He had eight of the Saxons’ first 16 points. “We said at halftime, we said at every tim­ eout, we have got to get the ball in the post more, work it inside-out. Eastman is a pretty good passer. He didn’t need to tonight,” Hastings head coach Rich Long said. “He was going to work on the post, especially when VanElst had four fouls.” Hastings also got 14 points from senior guard Elijah Smith and ten from junior guard Kirby Beck. Thaler said his team’s defense was especially focused on Beck after he scored 22 in the Battle for Barry County a year ago. Carter Cappon had nine points, going five-of-five at the free throw line. Coach Long thought his team had a few turnovers that he could chalk up to it being the Saxons’ first game of the season. A lack of varsity experience didn’t slow down the TK wrestlers much Friday. The meet opened with freshman Jake Middleton scoring an 11-2 win over the Saxons’ Tyler Oliver in the 189-pound match and the Trojans pushed their lead to 22-0 through the first four weight classes. TK freshmen Gibson at 103 pounds and Chi vis at 140 had pins. Curtis, another fresh­ man, and junior Ryan Holmes who was also wrestling his first varsity match Friday, scored wins for the Trojans against the Saxons’ two regional qualifiers from a year ago. Curtis pulled out a 3-2 victory over Jonathan Giro’n in the 125-pound match, moving in front with a reversal with 80 seconds to go in the third period and then riding out Giro’n the rest of the way. Holmes closed out the match for TK by pinning Terry Dull 2:41 into their 171pound match. “I just kind of went out there and did my best really,” Holmes said. “I didn’t think about him being a regional qualifier and just did my best. “This is my first match in like three years. I was nervous the whole way through. I was excited to go out there.” Seniors Adam Bush and Cater West had first-period pins for TK at 215 pounds and 285 pounds respectively, and sophomore 103-pounder Ashton Corson added a pin in the third period of his match with Saxon freshman Zach Chipman. Shane Dillon got the first points for the Saxon team with a 10-6 win over TK’s Hunter Pitsch at 112 pounds. Slaughter had the deci­ sion for the Saxons at 135 pounds and Hastings got its other six points thanks to a pin from senior Gabe Trick in the 145-pound match. Zoet earned a 5-1 win over the Saxons’ Mason Denton at 130 pounds, and Chivis’ pin at 140 pounds sealed the team victory for TK with four weight classes yet to go. Sophomore Arianit Idrizi scored a pin for TK at 152 pounds, and Saxon freshman Miller got those six points back for his team with a pin at 160. “It is exciting. It’s nerve-wracking,” Fletke said. “You never know which way it is going to go. A lot of freshmen in the line-up came through. They were ready to wrestle tonight. Upperclassmen, like Adam Bush and Ryan Holmes, they pulled out some good wins, some close wins for us.” “I couldn’t ask for much more to go right,” he added. “It was on our side. They were ready to wrestle. They made sure they capital­ ized when opportunities came their way.” The Thornapple Kellogg varsity boys’ bowling team improved to 2-1 in duals on the season with a 17-13 win over Byron Center at Hastings Bowl Monday afternoon. The Trojans rallied for the four-point win after losing both baker games. The TK boys were strong and consistent in the individual games, led by Trevor VanPolen who rolled “a pair of 236s to wihThis two points. Michael Willsire won two points for TK as well with scores of 226 and 223. TK also got points thanks to a 225 from Wyatt Jacobson, and from teammates Connor Wilson and Colton Hicswa. The TK team rolled scores of 941 and 969 in the two regu­ lar contests. The Byron Center girls scored an 18-12 win over the TK girls Monday. The TK ladies got match points from Carly Snyder, Dalace Jousma, Cayleigh Willard and Lily Secord-Rider. Snyder had games of 187 and 177. Jousma rolled a 160 and Willard a 148. The TK girls won four of the ten baker points and four more points with a high game series of 701. Saxon bowlers set to take first shots in the 1-8 Brett Bremer Sports Editor The 2019-20 season will be another step forward for the Hastings varsity bowling teams. When the Saxons host Pennfield at Hastings Bowl Jan. 7 it will be the program’s first offi­ cial Interstate-8 Athletic Conference competi­ tion. The Saxon program came together too late in 2018 to get into the 2018-19 Interstate-8 competition. The Pennfield boys and girls both qualified for the Division 2 Lower Peninsula Bowling Finals in the team compe­ tition a year ago. Hastings had one bowler at the D2 finals in Waterford last winter, Ashland Hoyt who was a regional champion in the singles competi­ tion a year ago. Hoyt a junior and fellow junior Daisy Kerby, who had a 20th-place regional singles finish, are back to lead the growing Saxon program. Both the Hastings boys’ and girls’ pro­ grams will have junior varsity teams this winter. Second-year head coach Deanna Rhodes said that she has a lot of first year bowlers with major potential to be great bowlers. The teams are adding some experienced and inex­ perienced bowlers this winter, with a group from the Saturday Majors league that includes junior Shaun Pennington, sophomore Shyanna Baker and freshmen Andrew Rhodes and Andrea Rhodes. Coach Rhodes said her experienced bowl­ ers are doing a good job of sharing their expe­ rience and knowledge with the newcomers so far. That group of experienced bowlers on the boys’ side includes seniors Jacob O’Keeffe and John Hinkle and sophomore Gage Richmond. Brett Bremer sity of the teams that they played, but Sports Editor (Tuesday) they did not play with the intensity Coldwater was more ready for the start of that they needed to to compete with a team the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference season that is good as Coldwater is.” than the Saxons were Tuesday night. Macy Winegar had nine points to lead the The Cardinals scored a 62-22 victory over Saxons. No one else on the Saxon roster had the visiting Hastings varsity girls’ basketball more than three points. team to open conference play. Coldwater led Crabtree was the only Cardinal in dou26-8 at the half "and then pushed its lead tdF -ble-figurest/Mitr Rzepka had seven points for 48-18 heading into the fourth quarter. Goldwater, and Jayla Foster and Mallory Coldwater’s Central Michigan University Wilber had six points apiece. bound senior Carlee Crabtree led her team The 0-4 Saxons have another tough 1-8 task with 28 points. on the schedule for Friday night playing host “In our first three games, our young team to Jackson Lumen Christi. came out and matched or exceeded the inten­ Lion wrestlers best Bath, fall to Haslett on first night The Maple Valley varsity wrestling team split its duals at its season-opening tri Wednesday at Maple Valley Jr/Sr High School. The Lions knocked off Bath 30-12 and fell 54-18 to Haslett on the evening. Maple Valley got a pair of pins in the dual with Haslett. Anthony Raymond stuck Anthony Watson nine seconds into the third period of their 171-pound bout, and teammate David Hosack-Frizzell followed that up by pinning Jordan Lewis midway through the opening period at 189 pounds. In the dual with the Haslett Vikings, the Vikings also got a forfeit win from Matthew Slaght at 103 pounds. Haslett got 36 of its points from six flights where the Lions didn’t have a wrestler. The Lions got forfeit wins from Slaght, Dante Buttleman, Hosack-Frizzell and Raymond in the dual with Bath, and added a pin by Gage Ertman at 119 pounds. Maple Valley returned to action Saturday at Lansing Eastern’s Don Johnson Wrestling Invitational where they played 13th in a field of 18 teams. Jesse Brumm captured his first champion­ ship of the season with a 3-0 day at 130 pounds for Maple Valley. He defeated Anthony Allen from Mona Shores 11-5 in their cham­ pionship match. The Lion team also had Ertman place fourth at 112 pounds, Raymond fifth at 171 and Hosack-Frizzell sixth at 189. Niles took the day’s championship with 173 points, ahead of Forest Hills Northern 160.5, Springport 150, Lansing Eastern 150, Lincoln Park 98.5, Bay City Western 90, Sexton 85, Adrian 78.5, Mona Shores 75.5 and Jackson Lumen Christi 70.5 in the top ten. The Lions finished the day with 66 points. EARLY HOLIDAY DEADLINES for ///( HASTINGS BANNER December 26, 2019 Edition: News - Monday, Dec. 23 at Noon Display/Advertising - Monday, Dec. 23 at 10 a.m. Classifieds - Monday, Dec. 23 at 10 a.m. Christmas Eve Closing at Noon January 2, 2020 Edition: News - Monday, Dec. 30 at Noon Display/Advertising - Monday, Dec. 30 at 10 Classifieds - Monday, Dec. 30 at 10 a.m. AfeNew Year's Eve Closing at 2 p.m. of both weeks Dectxed to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 Hastings ANNER �Page 16 Thursday, December 19, 2019 — The Hastings Banner DK offense overwhelms the Clippers Brett Bremer Sports Editor Giving up 72 points against Schoolcraft didn’t work out so well for the Delton Kellogg varsity boys’ basketball team Friday on the road on the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division opener, but the Panthers found their own offensive touch to bounce back Tuesday. Delton Kellogg scored a 72-56 win over visiting Martin in a SAC crossover contest Tuesday, shooting 55.8 percent from the floor and knocking down four threes in the victory over the Clippers. “We were able to push the ball up the court and get easy buckets and set up our half-court game and run throw some plays that we were able to score off,” DK head coach Jason Howland said. “The boys moved the ball very well which is proven by our 25 assists we had in the game.” Jordan Rench had a solid game for Delton Kellogg on both ends of the floor. He played the entire game, finishing with 15 points, nine assists and eight rebounds. “Point guard Payton Smoczynski handled the ball well and was able to create plays when he drove to the basket,” Howland said. Smoczynski had eight points and four assists. Another DK guard, Blake Thomas had a strong defensive game focusing on the Clippers’ top scorer and finished with five points as well. In the paint, DK forward Dawson Grizzle had nine points and 16 rebounds. Fellow big man Cole Pape finished with 25 points and 12 rebounds. Pape was 10-of-13 from the floor and knocked down a three-pointer. “Overall, a great team effort from those on the floor and bench,” Howland said. “Still looking to limit our turnovers to single digits, execution was pretty good.” DK is working on that for Friday’s home SAC Valley contest with Hackett Catholic Prep. The Panthers opened SAC Valley play with a 71-47 loss at Schoolcraft last Friday. DK led after one quarter, but got outscored by 19 points in the second quarter. “We had way to many unforced turnovers that they converted on almost every time,” coach Howland said. “Compound that with a 12-for-26 from the free-throw line and we had a hard time getting back in the game. They are a good team who can push the ball up the court and convert quickly.” Rench led DK with 13 points, and coach Howland added that he was pleased with Grizzle’s defensive game and his work on the boards. Delton Kellogg senior guard Jordan Rench flies by Martin’s Mitchell Jager on his way to the hoop during the Panthers’ win over the visiting Clippers Tuesday night. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Delton Kellogg guard Payton Smoczynski makes his way through the Clipper defense to the basket during the Panthers’ win over the Martin varsity boys’ basketball team Tuesday at Delton Kellogg High School. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads WELCOMING NEW PATIENTS Exceptional Care Close to Home Increasing your access to exceptional health care, close to home is a priority for Spectrum Health. 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Rodgers Court, Suite A Caledonia, Ml 49316 616.891.0422 Family Medicine - Middleville 490 Edward Street Middleville, Ml 49333 269.795.4434 JU, Spectrum V Health Pennock � https://barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/19/546/HastingsBanner_2019-12-26.pdf 6942135453fb08127deae0ccfe70a8a4 PDF Text Text I Commissioners give thanks to employees See Story on Page 3 A list of who’s naughty or nice See Editorial on Page 4 Saxons win tourney f and first 1-8 dual ■ See Story on Page 12 Devoted to the Interests of Barry County Since 1856 JANNER 1070490102590503420349058113421 ************************** 804879110187 CAR-RT LOT**C 005 C005 Thursday, December 26, 2019 VOLUME 166, No. 51 PRICE 750 2019 seemed filled with extremes Projects that were years in the making moved decisively forward this year. Major infusions in affordable housing and quality health care for Hastings that occurred this year will come to fruition in 2020 with bricks and mortar from housing in Hastings to a state-of-the-art surgical center. Weather woes - heavy snow, severe cold and flooding that plagued lakeside homeowners and drenched farmfields - required costly inter­ ventions. Health concerns caused by a mosquito-borne disease prompted major changes in normal school and community activities that inconvenienced many area residents. The local business community continued to evolve. These stories touched on the key events of the year as voted on by Hastings Banner staff. High water continues suit offers no relief Luke Froncheck Staff Writer The flooding crisis near Delton started in the summer of 2017 and has continued through two more calendar years. Numerous properties have been damaged by floodwaters. M-43, was under waler in two locations. A lawsuit pitted neighbors against Neighbors in the Watson Drain district. Fish Were spawning on water-covered backroads, fumps were running nonstop. And efforts to address the crisis racked up more than $1.3 million in project costs. In May, 10 Crooked Lake residents filed a HASTINGS BANNER TOP STORIES OF 2019- #1 lawsuit against county Drain Commissioner Jim Dull and the Watson Drain district. The suit was dismissed last week after three hearings and amended complaints. “I am very confident that the decision to See HIGH WATER, page 2 Jack Griffin of Delton (shown here in a May 9 photo) lives on a road that became a river for a month in May. He and his neighbors on East Shore Drive, just off Crooked Lake, were sandwiched between water on both sides as the lake level rose. They piled sandbags in both front and back yards and watched as waterfowl swam in their street and people paddled by canoe down theij road. Crooked Lake lawsuit dismissed Luke Froncheck Staff Writer The lawsuit against Barry County Drain Commissioner Jim Dull and the Watson Drain district was dismissed in Barry County Circuit Court last week. “Well, I got what I wanted for Christmas this year,” Dull said. “It went really well for us.” The 17 plaintiffs who brought the suit David and Leslie Bolton, David and Ann Skender, Robert and Sharon Ritchie, Michael and Sandra Golembiewski, Jill Sterling, Mark Nelson, Jason and Dana Adams, David Baker, Gary and Deborah Englehardt, and Joseph and Cheryl Reda - had sought monetary com­ pensation for the flooding on Upper Crooked Lake. They claimed Dull had inversely con­ demned their properties by failing to properly maintain the level of the lake. In their complaint, they cited Dull’s actions, particularly the opening of a culvert beneath Floria Road in 2017, as prime reasons for the increase in the lake level. Civil engineer Brian Cenci who is working on the Upper Crooked Lake project and Scott Dierks, a professional engineer who specializ­ es in hydrology, provided statements to sup­ port Dull’s argument that the culvert had little, if any, effect on the rising water level on Upper Crooked lake. “Maybe there was a chance that the culvert had something to do with the flooding,” Dull said. “But it’s up to the plaintiffs to prove the culvert made the difference - not for us to prove it didn’t. I mean, we’re innocent until proven guilty.” “Upper Crooked Lake, like the other lakes in the district, is experiencing flooding due to a number of factors, including natural phe­ nomena and increased rainfall over many years,” Cenci wrote. “... It is my professional opinion that the replacement of the culvert would be trivial and have almost no impact, accounting for between 0 and 1 percent of the cause of any flooding experienced on Upper Crooked Lake.” Visiting Judge Donald Johnston dismissed the complaint in full, although the plaintiffs can still appeal the ruling. “I just hope this is the end of it,” Dull said. “Because they can come back and appeal the dismissal. But now we can focus 110 percent on finding a solution for those affected.” Last week, Dull reported that he had received a permit from the state Department of Environmental, Great Lakes and Energy that allows him to continue pumping water from Upper Crooked Lake and into a reten­ tion pond throughout the winter under the correct circumstances. Dull said they can only run the pump if the water level on Upper Crooked Lake is at or above 927.575 feet above sea level. Additionally, water can only be put into the retention pond across Delton Road if the water level there is below 929.09 feet above sealevel. Pumping also must be discontinued if Upper Crooked Lake has more than 25 per­ cent ice coverage. - Kalamo body exhumed in unsolved mystery Svihl, Welker named Athena winners Outstanding leadership ip the community by Carol Svihl and Emily Welker have earned them this year’s Athena awards, the Barry County Chamber of Commerce announced. Svihl, who was chosen for. the 2019 Athena Leadership Award, is trust officer and registered investment representative with Highpoint Community Bank Wealth Management. Welker, the recipient of the Athena Young Professional Award, is director of operations for Spectrum Health Medical Group Pennock, Southeast Market. “The Barry County Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to have them as a part of this prestigious group,” chamber business manager Kim Martin said. “They are both very deserving of this honor.” The Athena Leadership Model, developed in Michigan through a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation, identifies eight attributes as contributing to leadership: Living authentically, learning constantly, advocating fiercely, acting courageously, fostering collaboration, building relationships, giving back and celebrating. Svihl, a Gladstone native, received a bachelor of arts and a masters of business administration degrees from Davenport University and has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry. “Carol Svihl is a person who brings out the best in others,” said Norma Jean Acker, president of the Thomapple Players, where Svihl is the youth theater coordinator. Svihl also serves on the Thomapple Players board. Police and medical personnel prepare to exhume a body at Hillside Cemetery in Kalamo. (Photo provided) Carol Svihl Emily Welker She “educates and encourages employees in her work life to develop both strong work ethics and financial stability while planning for their future,” Acker said. “She is often working with young women training in new positions, and I know her to be supportive and positive. She can tell you the name of every person who works for Highpoint Community Bank and what they do if they have met. “Carol listens like a good leader should and remembers personal details that help her to build relationships and trust. This is true in all aspects of her life.” Janie Bergeron, executive director of Green Gables Haven, called Svhil “a class act.” “She is always putting others before her needs. ... I can tell you that, upon meeting Carol for the first time, I knew I wanted to grow up to be just like her. “She truly is one of the best people I know.” Svihl serves on the board of the Algonquin See ATHENA, page 3 Taylor Owens Staff Writer A body of a man - identity unknown - was exhumed Dec. 12 from a Kalamo Cemetery in attempt to solve a 12-year mystery. Kalamo Township Supervisor Brett Ramey said Michigan State Police and the Eaton County Sheriff’s Office have been working for at least four years to gather enough funds to exhume the unidentified body that has been buried in the cemetery since 2007. The man’s body was originally found inside a sleeping bag in the Grand River; it was believed to have been there for some time. A cause of death has not been determined, so the case has remained open. The body was sent to Pray Funeral Home in Charlotte, and was buried in an available lot in Hillside Cemetery in Kalamo, south of Vermontville. Ramey said there were about 15 people at the cemetery to exhume the body, including police, medical examiners and representatives from Kalamo Township and Pray Funeral Home. “Hopefully, they can at least put a name to it - maybe give the family some closure or maybe solve a crime,” Ramey said. The Michigan State Police confirmed the body was exhumed, but did not provide addi­ tional details. The Eaton County Sheriff’s Office did not return calls for comment. �Page 2 — Thursday, December 26, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Some businesses close; others expand or change ownership HASTINGS BANNER OF 2019- #2 Greg Chandler Staff Writer The Kmart store at 802 W. State St. in Hastings closed Dec. 15 after 29 years in busi­ ness. The closure was announced in early September by Kmart’s parent company, TransformCo., which had acquired a substan­ tial portion of the assets of Sears Holdings in 2019 after that company had filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The Hastings clos­ ing was part of 77 Kmart store closures nationally, including eight in Michigan. By February 2020, Kmart is expected to have only one store remaining in the state where the company was founded, in Marshall. When it opened in 1990, Kmart and the accompanying strip mall radically changed the look of the main west entrance to the city, occupying the acreage that hosted the county fair for more than a century. Another closure earlier in the year and a bit farther west has left retail space empty. The Save-A-Lot store closed May 3 after 17 years in Hastings. The discount grocer had been spun off in 2016 by its parent company, SuperValu. Leppink Inc., which also owned . other Save-A-Lot stores in Michigan, would not disclose why the store shut down. Secondhand Comers also closed in May after 30 years in business at the comer of State and Jefferson streets. Rick Heath, who owned the business with his wife, Karen, decided to retire. Tom Kramer, a Grand Rapids-area business owner who now lives in Hastings, purchased the building and is reno­ vating the structure to include apartments in the second and third stories and a mix of retail and office space on the ground floor. April 28 brought closure of the Prairieville Excitement surrounded the opening of Kmart in Hastings in the fall of 1990. The new strip mall and eventual satellite businesses changed the face of West State Street. Other businesses remain, but Kmart quietly closed Dec. 15, just shy of 30 years in Hastings. (Reprinted Sept. 4) Family Diner after 44 years in business. Mother and daughter Betty Irons and Brenda Brigance ran the restaurant at the comer of Delton and Norris roads. Irons’ husband, Gordon, had started the diner in 1975, and it was owned by the Irons family the entire time. The diner for years offered free Christmas dinner to everyone in the Prairieville commu­ nity, sometimes serving more than 100 people that day. Other long-time local businesses were transferred from one family to another. Girrbach Funeral Home was sold Jan. 7 by Ray and Deb Girrbach to Dale and Sandra Billingsley. The funeral home has been in business for 126 years, and had been owned by the Girrbach family for 53 years, with Ray representing the third generation of family ownership. Dale Billingsley had worked at Girrbach since being hired as a director in 2016. He brought as a _ 10 _years of experience _ funeral director and 17 years as a pastor to his new ownership role. Ray Girrbach said he wanted to sell the business to someone “who was personally involved in the community.’ King’s Appliances, Electronics and Mattresses in downtown Hastings changed ownership Oct. 1. Ryan Cooke, who owned a television repair shop in Grand Rapids, bought the State Street retailer from brothers Mike and Tim King, who had been with the busi­ ness for 47 years and had owned it since 1994. The Kings had been looking for a buyer for the store for several years. Their father, Ivan King, who had been one of the founders of Flexfab, had purchased the store in the early 1970s when it was known as Music Center. Ivan and his wife, Melody, ran the business for nearly 25 years, with help from their five sons. Ivan King was still involved with the business, managing finances and tracking inventory until the time of the sale. One of the oldest businesses in the county has a new name. Early in 2019, Hastings City Bank changed its name to Highpoint Community Bank, in what bank president and chief executive officer Mark Kolanowski called “a strategic decision for us.” Kolanowski emphasized that the rebranding did not reflect a change in ownership, the structure of how the bank operates or its leadership. Highpoint is a subsidiary of HCB Financial Corp. In addition to its home base in Hastings, Highpoint serves Middleville, Caledonia, Nashville, Wayland, Bellevue and Marshall. The company will begin its 134th year in business in 2020. Hastings Fiberglass Products moved into its new $8 million facility at 1301 W. Green St. The company also marked 60 years of business this year. An August open house at the new facility included tours, demonstra­ tions and lunch at the site for global manufac­ turer of products and tools for the electrical power and communications industries. The company is owned and operated by the Baum family, local philanthropists who have con­ tributed in many ways to the community. Earl McMullin started the business in 1959 with just five employees, most of whom were fam­ ily, including McMullin’s daughter, Earlene Baum. She said the company owes much of its growth to her husband, Larry Baum, who cultivated new business opportunities with electrical utility companies, such as Consumers Energy and Detroit Edison. In early September, D&S Machine Repair in Rutland Charter Township announced a 12,000-square-foot addition to its facility at 847 N. M-37. The machine press and repair shop is investing $1.5 million into the expan­ sion with plans to add at least 10 new jobs to its workforce of 45 employees. D&S also announced it would launch an apprenticeship program in partnership with Michigan Works and Grand Rapids and Kellogg community colleges to train the next generation of skilled: trades professionals. Part of the new space will include training rooms for the apprentice-! ship program. A new $15 million skilled trades training center opened in Wayland that offers appren- ■ ticeship opportunities to people looking to make a career in the skilled trades. The 67,000-square-foot center was funded by the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights. Supporters say the new facility will help address the great need for workers is such field as carpentry, millwright work and floor laying. Two new restaurants opened in downtown Hastings. Hastings Riverwalk Cafe opened April 2<k doors in the former Mills Landing restaurant at 228 N. Jefferson St. Owners Nate and Katie | Winick chose the name to reflect its location. The Winicks had previously owned Stefano’s Pizza (now Three Brothers Pizza), Fall Creek ■ Restaurant and Northside Pizza. Main Street BBQ opened its third restau­ rant in Hastings in the fall at the site of the ’ former County Seat Restaurant at 128 S.» Jefferson St. The company also has restau-1 rants in Grand Rapids and Lowell. E-commerce giant Amazon Inc. put on hold j plans to open an 850,000-square-foot fulfill-« ment center in Gaines Township, northwest of Barry County. The company had been expect-1 ed to open the $150 million facility in the fall: of 2019 in time for the holidays. Amazon J spokesman Andre Woodson said the company i remains committed to opening the facility in| early 2020. Factors such as customer demand and available workforce will enter in to the decision to open the facility, he said. Amazon had broken ground on the site in June 2018 and received approval for an occupancy per­ mit from Gaines Township in June 2019. The project was expected to create 1,000 full-time jobs. A Unusual weather impacts county HASTINGS BANNER TOP STORIES OF 2019- #4 Rebecca Pierce Editor The year may have started with extreme cold, but extreme rain caused the most lasting issues in Barry County. '; An arctic storm Feb. 23 brought tempera­ tures below zero, suspended mail delivery,* closed businesses and cancelled school for an entire week. Snow was carried away in dump ffucks, and 60 mph winds blew drifts across the roads. Most local districts ended the school year With around 12 or 13 cancelled days due to snow. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency to forgive cancelled days, so the school year did not extend into summer. During the cold weather, more people were using space heaters, and a number of fires broke out when temperatures were at their lowest. * Hastings Fire Chief Roger Caris said fire­ fighters were like human icicles as they tried to put out house fires in freezing tempera­ tures. He implored people not to use alterna­ tive heating methods. I But Mother Nature wasn’t done yet, and as the snow melted the rain didn’t let up. Lake flooding created some of the most dramatic images of the year, and residents likely also noticed idle farm fields as they School was cancelled for an entire week after a storm hit Michigan at the end of February. An EF-0 tornado hit the Maple Grove area near Barryville Road May 20. Winds reached up to 80 miles an hour and knocked over three barns belonging to Rod Crothers. travelled, especially on the eastern half of the county. The ground was to| wet for many farmers to plant, and manwwho did plant found their crops ruined. “I’ve been farming for the better part of 50 years, and I haven’t seen anything like this before,” Hastings producer Louis Wierenga Jr. said. By the start of June about 80 percent of the year’s com was expected to be planted, but only half that had been planted. Soybeans were even worse, with 75 percent expected to have been planted, but only 30 percent actual­ ly in the ground. Many of those fields were never planted, and those that were had to be harvested late, to give the crops time to mature. But the weather never cut farmers a break, and a record-breaking cold and snow in November led to more difficulties for farmers trying to harvest their crops. Some will end up leaving their crops out for the winter, which will mean many of them will be damaged by animals and frost. Hydrologist Any Dixon of the National Weather Service Grand Rapids office said Midwestern United States, and Southwest Michigan in particular, have experienced more rainfall than usual for the past six years. The average rainfall for the area before 2013 was about 35 inches per year, but the annual average since then has added an extra 20 to 30 inches. Dixon said it is almost to the point where Southwest Michigan has two years’ worth of rain per year. Locally, May, September, October and November had more days with rain than witht, out. April and June each had 14 days with at least a trace of rain, according to records from the NWS meteorological station in Hastings. Dixon said there is no specific reason for the extra precipitation, and it is likely a com­ bination of long-term climate cycles overlap­ ping to increase rainfall across the region. Meanwhile, he said he does not see any, sign of the rainfall letting up soon. Even if it j did, Dixon said groundwater levels are slow to react, and it will take years of significant^ less rainfall for the water level to return tcF where it was before. “You don’t snap your fingers and things • magically go back to normal,” he said. HIGH WATER, continued from page 1 file this lawsuit was entered into without considerable thought by the folks who have lost - or are about to lose - their homes,” Crooked Lake resident John Hoek said in a May interview with the Banner. For many Crooked Lake residents, the lawsuit was not on their minds in May. They were outside stacking up sandbags - thousands of them - to protect their properties. People were kayaking down East Shore Drive, a road adjacent to Crooked Lake. Residents were not getting their mail because the carriers could not get through the water. And there were fears whether emergency vehicles could make it down their roads. A strip of road directly east of Cloverdale Lake was closed for two months before reopening in August. While water covered the roads, power outages hit Crooked Lake residents especially hard. The power on Oak Drive, west of Crooked Lake, went out for 15 seconds in early June. But for former lake resident Sharon Ritchie, 15 seconds without pumps was all it took for water to rush up to her house. “This is beyond crazy,” Ritchie said during an interview with the Banner. “We could fish out of our kitchen right now. This is our world. We haven’t been on a vacation in three years because someone always has to be here babysitting the pumps.” Across the lake, residents on East Shore Drive were busy placing sandbags at the front and back of their houses. Two feet of water covered their road, ultimately eroding the surface. Residents later filled a bathtub-sized pothole beneath the water with sandbags so their cars wouldn’t be damaged as they drove over. “My biggest fear is that the water will meet in the middle,” East Shore Drive resident Deb Engelhardt said in June. “I’ve always wanted a lake house, but I never wanted the lake in my house.” Concerned citizens packed the Delton Kellogg Middle School gymnasium in June. There, ENG Vice President and Engineer Brian Cenci gave the audience a rundown of the entire situation. “All I do is work on drain projects,” Cenci said. “I’ve worked for 15 different county drain commissioners over the last 19 years. I’ve worked on over 200 different petition projects like this. Drain projects take a long time. I can say this is probably the most difficult and challenging one from an engineering, legal and political perspective as far as easements and such.” Over the past 100 years, there has been increasing devolvement in the area on and around Crooked Lake, he said. If each house built or reconstructed added only l/100th of an inch to the lake yearly, as more houses are constructed, the water level continues to rise. As more development happened and more houses were built, the natural flood relief areas began to disappear. Nine of the past 14 years have had above average rainfall, which he cited as an additional contributor to the problem. “The little changes add up,” Cenci said. “Upper Crooked Lake is essentially a bathtub with no drain. We need to push through the bathtub. Without intervention, the water level can only go down through infiltration and evaporation. There is no one thing that caused this. It’s death by a 1,000 paper cuts.” During the meeting, Dull was asked when Crooked Lake is going to be back down to a Water began to flow over M-43 near Cloverdale. Eventually, this and several other roads and highways in the county were closed due to flooding. (March 28) minimum level of 922.75 feet, as established by the court. “Not in my life my lifetime,” he replied. Many meetings have been held in the Delton area regarding the high water, and some of those meetings lasted more than four hours as residents grappled with the issues. Monthly Crooked Lake Task Force meetings lasted until Sharon Ritchie, the chairwoman of the task force, became one of 10 plaintiffs in the suit against the drain district and Dull. Crooked Lake may have no natural drain, but a manmade outlet was installed. In January, Dull announced the purchase of a 30-acre property for $145,000 across from Crooked Lake on Delton Road. A detention pond was created and pumping began in June with the intent to pump three inches of water off the lake. The results of the pumping exceeded Dull’s expectations. Once the pump turned on, it stayed on, even through multiple successful attempts to vandalize the equipment, Dull said. At one point during the summer, Crooked Lake sat at 928.25 feet above sea level. By the time the pump was temporarily turned off in early November, it had pumped off more than a foot ; of water, bringing the level to 927.02. The lake is currently at 927.575 feet and'. Dull recently announced he has a permit to continue pumping as long as Crooked Lake has less than 25 percent ice coverageand the water level on the retention pond does not exceed 929.09 feet above sea level. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 26, 2019 — Page 3 ATHENA, continued from page 1 — Lake Community Association and is a board member of the St. Rose of Lima Education Trust. She volunteers regularly for Spectrum Pennock Hospice and helps raise funds for Barry County Relay for Life. She also volunteers with Spectrum Hospice flower project, MSU Extension Master Gardener program, and the St. Rose of Lima Church Ladies Association. She plays tenor sax in the Thomapple Jazz Orchestra and annually assists the Thornapple Arts Council with the jazz festival and Auction for the Arts. She is a graduate of the Leadership Barry County Class of 2015. Svihl and her husband of 33 years, Dale, have lived in Hastings for 20 years. “I am thrilled to be selected as this year’s Athena Leadership Award recipient,” she said. “It is amazing to be included in this group of community-focused women who work endlessly to create positive impact and opportunities for residents of Barry County.” Welker, a native of Lake Odessa, graduated from Lakewood High School in 2006. “I am honored and humbled to be part of a group of amazing women,” Welker said in response to the news. “I am extremely grateful to be awarded this prestigious award and am excited to be connected in this new peer group and utilize these relationships to serve our community. “It feels surreal that I am now part of this group of Athena women who I look up to and strive to be.” Welker attended Grand Valley State University where she discovered a passion for health care and started working at Butterworth Hospital as a unit secretary. In addition to college degrees in health* care administration, she holds a certification; from the National Association of Rural Health; Clinics as a certified rural health clinicj professional and has completed Barry County Leadership in 2019. She also served on the Thomapple Area Enrichment Foundation. While attending GVSU, she met her husband Layn Welker, who had grown up in Middleville. After they married, they moved back to his hometown. Upon completion of her graduate degree in health administration services at Central Michigan University, Welker was hired at Pennock Hospital where she met her mentor, Bob Davis. Under his direction, she said she learned the nuts and bolts of serving a community with health care1 and began to develop her leadership style. “During these past seven years, I’ve had the opportunity to help lead Pennock Hospital' through many changes and have spearheaded change management techniques, such as the integration with Spectrum Health,” Welker said. “I’ve also met amazing individuals who: have helped with my success and have encouraged my servant leadership style. “I would not be where I am today personally or professionally without the amazing support team in my life.” She and her husband live in Middleville with their two children, Logan and Larsen. Svihl and Welker will be honored at the' chamber annual dinner and awards celebrationon Jan. 18 at Bay Pointe Woods. Court services specialist II Kathy Shay (left) is honored at the Barry County Board of Commissioners meeting Dec. 17 for 45 years of service to the county’s trial court district court division. Here, Judge Michael Schipper nominates Shay for board recogni­ tion. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) Commissioners end year on a thankful note — for county employee service Rebecca Pierce Editor J Barry County Commissioners closed out their Dec. 17 meeting - the last county board session of the year and the decade - with Employee service awards. j Judge Michael Schipper made a special presentation to Kathy Shay, a court services specialist II at the county trial court district court division who marked her 45 th year of service this year. * “After dedicating 45 years to our office, _ ________ ____ _______________________ Kathy is someone who never seems to miss the expectations we hold for her,” the judge said. “She is someone who exceeds what is Expected of her and works with great flexibility where she is needed.” T i Schipper praised Shay for her reliability, persistence, hard work, compassion, loyalty and teamwork. “Kathy is someone who, with her presence in the work force, created a sense of dependability. Without Kathy, we would be a at a loss ... The courts would not run nearly as smoothly as they do without her around.” r Other employees honored included: - Daisey Chemiawski, deputy trial court administrator, Friend of the Court division, for five years of service. - Rebecca Hawkins, Friend of the Court staff attorney and collections attorney for the trial court, for 10 years of service. - Anthony Sewall, enforcement officer for the trial court’s Friend of the Court division, for five years of service. - Mackenzie Chase, juvenile probation <officer for the trial court’s Family Court division, for five years of service. < - Kevin Erb, deputy sheriff, for 20 years of service. - Nicholas Seifert, deputy sheriff, for 25 years of service. In other action, commissioners: • Approved a 2020 grant application to the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Medical Marihuana Regulation for the Barry-Eaton District Health Department to conduct education, communication and outreach regarding the state medical marijuana Act in Barry County. • Approved the agreement for economic development services with the Barry County Economic Development Alliance and its parent organization, the Barry County Chamber of Commerce, from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31,2020. • Approved bylaws for the Barry County Solid Waste Oversight Committee. • Approved a new schedule for the Barry County Animal Shelter. Approved the Michigan Department of Agriculture Farmland and Open Space Preservation Program application for the Tom Eckert property in Section 7 of Carlton Township. • Denied a request from Karen Echtinaw to rezone her property in Section 1 of Woodland Township from general commercial to mixed use. • Approved a letter of support to the Barry Conservation District U.S. Forest Service, Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, Cooperative Weed Management Area Proposal to fund phragmites work for Barry, Calhoun, Kalamazoo Cooperate Invasive Species Management Area. * Approved a nd ibursemeht commissioner mileage of $1X9 J$n Smelker was the lone dissenter because, he said, commissioners are supposed to submit their mileage for reimbursement on a monthly basis. This expense was for mileage accrued during the year by Ben Geiger, who had failed to submit mileage for reimbursement each month. • Approved the appointment of members to serve on the Barry County Parks and Recreation Commission: Russ Yarger (former Charlton Park Village and Museum Board)',’ Catherine Getty (former parks and recreation board), and Dan Parker (county commissioner) to serve one-year terms from Jan. 1 to Dec. 31, 2020; Doug Klein (former parks and recreation board) and Colleen Acker (former Charlton Park Village and Museum Board) to serve two-year terms that begin Jan. 1, 2020, and expire Dec. 31, 2021; Rick Moore (Thornapple Trail Association), and Daryl Cheeseman (Charlton Park Gas and Steam Club) to serve three-year terms from Jan. 1, 2020, to Dec. 31,2022. The annual organizational meeting of the county board is scheduled for 9 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 2. The board will meet as a committee of the whole Tuesday, Jan. 7. These meetings, in the commission chambers on the mezzanine of the courthouse, are open to the public. Holiday collection Star Elementary students donated more than 1,500 food items in November during^ the school’s annual student council food drive. Collectively, they were able to give 11 j families a turkey and food for their pantries. (Photo provided) Newly sworn officer Jared Williams thanks Sheriff Dar Leaf at the Barry County Board of Commissioners meeting Dec. 17. (Photo by Rebecca Pierce) New deputy joins the force t Barry County Sheriff’s Deputy Jared Williams, who was sworn in at the Barry (bounty Board of Commissioners meeting E)ec. 17, has been a police officer for two years. £ The county’s newest deputy grew up in Lowell and wanted to move back closer to his family, according to Undersheriff Matt Houchlei. v Williams started his law enforcement career at the Benton Charter Township Police Department in Berrien County before accept­ ing a post at the City of St. Joseph Public Safety Department. He is a certified police officer as well as a certified firefighter. His father, Brian Williams, recently retired as a captain with the East Grand Rapids Police Department. Call any time to place your Hastings Banner classified ad 269-945-9554 or 1-800-870-7085 See a Doctor Online 24/7 Getting sick is never convenient, but getting care should be! Now you can have a video visit with a doctor from the comfort of your home on your phone, tablet or computer. Get a diagnosis, treatment plan and prescription, if needed, within minutes. Ideal for a cold, sinus infection, rash, pink eye, and more. $59 (less if covered by your insurance). Visit bronsonhealth.com/videovisitto download our app and start your online visit now. * Bronson Video Visit �Page 4 — Thursday, December 26, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Did you In My Opinion see? All is calm, all is bright I’m makin’ my list of who’s naughty or nice Patrons and spectators file out of the Carlton Center Church, nestled in the village at Historic Charlton Park, after listening to the tones of the Thornapple Valley Dulcimer Society during the recent 38th annual “Of Christmas Past” holiday celebration. (Photo by Heather Tolsma) We’re dedicating this space to a photo­ graph taken by readers or our staff members that represents Barry County. If you have a photo to share, please send it to Newsroom Hastings Banner, 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or email news@j-adgraphics.com. Please include information such as where and when the photo was taken, who took the photo, and other relevant or anecdotal information. Do you remember? Ufer autographs Banner Dec. 3. 1979 Bob Ufer (right), the voice of University of Michigan football, signed dozens of autographs during the football appreci­ ation banquet at the MiddleVilla both before his talk and after the program was completed. The Hastings Area Chamber of Commerce sponsored the banquet honoring the Hastings High School championship football team. Seated with Ufer are football coach Bill Karpinski and cheerleading coach Sue Oom. Have you met? Elaine Garlock of Lake Odessa, still sharp as a whip, has seen some amazing things in her 99 years. Bom Elaine Virginia Hill Aug. 27, 1920, on a farm in Gratiot County, she was the first of three children of William and Addie Hill. Her brother, Rolland Hill, 2¥i years her junior, was Carson City’s first casualty during the Invasion of Normandy in World War II. He is buried in the Normandy Cemetery in France. Her younger sister, Charlene, 83, of Delton, checks on Elaine regularly. Elaine attended a one-room schoolhouse in North Shade Township in Gratiot County. At the age of 9, she transferred to Carson City Public Schools, where she was introduced to public transportation. The “school bus,” she mused, was a modified Model T bus, fitted with panels on the side and lettering painted on the panels to identify it as such. Attending a public school also cleared up the mystery as to what a gymnasium was. Although she’d heard the term prior to switching schools, she had never seen one. Because she had been able to combine two of her primary school years into one, Elaine graduated in 1937 after attending school for 11 years instead of 12. She began working for Michigan Produce Company, a wholesale grocer in Carson City. She began as a cashier and eventually moved into checking the outgoing invoices. By then, World War II was underway, and Elaine’s job was to check the sheets of ration stamps turned in by customers for misuse, forgery or similar activity. She also did administrative work related to Social Security and insurance. She worked for Michigan Produce for 11 years, noting that women could work there “as long as they were single. If they got married, they were out.” Elaine married Merton “Mike” Garlock in 1948 when they were both 28. They had known each other as long as they could remember, seeing each other in church and school. Their family grew to include five children: Bruce of Grand Rapids, Gordon (deceased), Don Garlock of Grand Rapids, Kay Barcroft of Hastings, and Karen Morse of Richland. Mike died in 1995 of ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease. He was 74. Their second eldest son, Gordon, died in 2008 of a heart attack and a stroke at age 57. She misses them both and makes sure to spend as much as possible with her remaining children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Elaine considers herself fortunate. She still drives a car and is independent, visited regularly by her sister and her children. She is committed to keeping her mind sharp and does so by reading five different newspapers a week, doing several crossword puzzles, and playing the board game Scrabble. She belongs to five different historical and genealogical societies. Her family’s genealogy is her passion. She can describe in great detail the history of her family back to her great-grandfather’s business in England and has ties to family members working for the major news networks. Elaine still writes the “Lake Odessa News” for the Hastings Banner. Her family moved to Lake Odessa in 1956. She lives in “the third house my husband built. I’ve been in it for 60 years,” she said. Elaine has been writing for the Banner since the 1980s. She was sort of a ghost writer for previous columnist Ruth Peterman (1897-1991), even though no name was listed on the column. Peterman’s typewriter had broken beyond repair, so Elaine began typing for her and continued to do so even after Ruth went into a nursing home and could no longer seek out stories herself. Elaine wrote the articles, and the checks went to Ruth to help an elderly woman who could no longer help herself. For her love of life, the richness of her personality, and her wealth of knowledge, Elaine Garlock is this week’s Banner Bright Light. Best invention ever: I am continually surprised and amazed that so many things were invented before my time. I tended to think of all the world’s inventions coming in my time, and they didn’t. They were around long before my time - water-powered mills and that sort of thing. Favorite movie: “Desert Song.” I saw it, and my husband saw it, and we wished we Continued next page Most people think Santa is the only per­ son who keeps a list each year thinking about what to give those who’ve been naughty or nice. Well, Santa may have been the original list maker, but I’m not far behind with my own special list I’ve kept for several years of people and organiza­ tions that may need a little attention as we turn the last calendar page on 2019. I don’t count winners or losers on my annual list. No, my job is to remind readers of what happened in the past year or the things that shouldn’t be forgotten. Looking back on the previous year often leads into resolutions for the new year which might mean a whole new start or even an accep­ tance of what is. “I’ve learned a lot this year,” Philadelphia author and television producer Jennifer Weiner said. “I learned that things don’t always turn out the way you planned or the way you think they should. And I’ve learned that there are things that go wrong that don’t always get fixed or get put back together the way they were before. I’ve learned that some broken things stay broken, and that you can get through bad times and keep looking for the better.” So, let’s not look back and cry about all the dumb things we did in 2019, let’s look to the new year and say, “I’m going to stop complaining and appreciate that I have the ability to make things better in the new year!” It’s hard to believe that will be the resolu­ tion of our political leaders in Washington, D.C., to whom I had some nasty “gifts” due to their outrageous behavior. But, I’ve decided to stay local. The writer Oscar Wilde once said, “There is only one thing in the world worse than being talked about, and that is not being talked about.” So, here’s my 2019 gift list for the people and groups who deserve some talking about: • For David Hatfield, chairman of the Hastings Planning Commission - A base­ ment to hold all the zoning changes that cause a ruction with city officials. • For the eight members of Girl Scout Troop 4632 in Lake Odessa - the “Determination Award” for getting an $18,000 special-needs swing installed at the village park through sheer persistence, even though adults suggested they pursue an eas­ ier project. (Sometimes, it’s the children who show us the way. Are we paying atten­ tion?) • For Dutch and Vonda Cappon - a case of grapes, if for some reason I’m not around, to chew on in the new year. • For Hastings Township Supervisor Jim Brown - A sorting machine to handle his township’s recycling so that precious waste won’t get contaminated with bad stuff. • To Barry County Transit Manager Bill Voigt - the “Great Garage Award” for spending over a million dollars on his new bus garage. All of my trucks are still outside in the cold. • To Hastings City Council member Jim Cary - the “Confidence Award” for making it through his first year on the city council without a major mistake. • To Congressman Justin Amash - the “Dumb and Dumber Award” for jumping ship on the president and his party, but everyone knows you’re always right? • To the Women’s Giving Circle - the “Generosity Award” for all of the organiza­ tions it has given to so graciously through­ out the year. • To Hastings voters and school board members - the “Artful Award” for support­ ing and building the new performing arts center at Hastings High School - kudos. • For Doug and Margaret DeCamp and the DeCamp Family Foundation - A big thanks for their gift of a free Grand Rapids Symphony concert as a holiday special for so many of us to enjoy in the new perform­ ing arts center. What a great concert. • For Jim Dull, the county drain commis­ sioner - A military-type pump that could empty a lake in hours so he can keep up with the water levels in the new year. Plus, a truckload of pipe to run Barry County’s excess water south and away from Lake Michigan which is already overflowing. • To county commissioners - their own 12-volume set of “Experts in the Field,” making it easier to find these experts. They could also loan the book set out to other governmental bodies throughout the county who all seem to be looking for “experts.” • For the engineering firm Tower-Pinkster of Kalamazoo - the “Royal Boot Award” before it uses up all the excess cash county commissioners plan to spend on “expert advice.” • The “Can-Do Award” goes to Spectrum Health Pennock officials and everyone who donated toward the upcoming new surgical center for future patients. • The “Bob the Builder Award” goes to developer Marv Helder for all of the build­ ings he’s chosen to rehab in downtown Hastings and for the patience while unravel­ ing all the bureaucratic red tape. • The “Tug-of-War Award” goes to the county commissioners and the health department as they keep trying to find a once-and-for-all winner in the fight to con­ trol the health department. • To Brad Lamberg, managing director of the road commission - A box of “No Wake” signs to put along county roadways covered with water in the new year. • Special recognition goes to the Family Promise organization that worked diligently to get its special housing program up and running for the homeless in Barry County. » • Kudos to the YMCA Barry County for its $1.2 million waterfront renovation at Camp Algonquin — which isn’t under water, by the way. 1 • To the state highway department - the “Diversion Award” for rerouting traffic off M-43, one of the busiest roads in Barry'County. Plus, I’m offering the department construction plans to build a bridge that will t keep traffic moving in the new year. J • This year’s “Atta-Boy Award” goes to Flexfab for remodeling its offices along M-43, making it more attractive for every- ? one visiting our city. The new look comple­ ments the company’s continued support ofJ many community activities throughout the year. • For Yankee Springs Township Supervisor Mark Englerth and Trustee Larry ? Knowles - Mattel’s Rock ‘Em, Sock ‘Em Robots toy, so they can take out their aggressions toward each other before the board meetings. • The “Brick Award” goes to Hastings Fiberglass for 60 years of continuous ser- ' vice to its customers and the citizens of Barry County - now in its completely new facility. • The “Centennial Award” goes to the American Legion Post 45 in Hastings for celebrating 100 years as proud members of the American Armed Forces. • A “Generosity Award” goes to the anon-, ymous donor who supported building an amphitheater in Delton for everyone to enjoy in the downtown park. • The “Leadership Award” goes to Hastings Schools Superintendent Dan Remenap, for eliminating vaping and the use of cellphones during the school day. Go, Dan, go! • To the Barry Intermediate School District, - a brand-new Texas Instruments calculator to help with audits and book­ work. (I found one on eBay). • The “Sesquicentennial Spirit Award” goes to the small committee of Nashville residents who spent well over a year plan­ ning the three-day celebration to mark the village’s 150^ birthday in early August. • The “Rescue Award of Merit” goes to the Barry Community Foundation for sav­ ing the deal on the Royal Coach Development - and making Larry Baum’s dream of addi­ tional housing for Hastings a reality. • The “Fanatic Fan Award” goes to Larry Baum for his contributions to Hastings Schools to update bleachers, the track and tennis courts and purchasing a Steinway grand piano for the performing arts center. • The “Outstanding Service Award” goes to the many volunteers who fought hard to bring the Blue Zones project to create a , healthy Barry County for all of us. • The “Gladiator Award” goes to interim Judge Donald Johnston who filled in after to > * the retirement of Amy McDowell. • It’s no gamble, the “Giant Dice Award” goes to the Gun Lake Casino, which is spending big bucks to increase the size of the casino - more than $ 100 million donated by its losers. • The “Shame on You Award” goes to the \ Michigan Liquor Commission for allowing the supply of liquor to run so low. ? • The “Trump That Award” goes to the Republican Party for bringing the president and vice president to Battle Creek. Who would have ever thought they both would meet on stage in the Cereal City? • For Rose Lambert, the Hastings High^ School student who is losing her job at the > Hastings 4 for the sole reason that she’s not yet 18 - A better job with a much better boss who cares about our young people. • And for Bob Goodrich, owner of? Goodrich Quality Theatres which operates the Hastings 4 - A stocking full of coal for denying teens an opportunity to get some needed job experience. • For Phyllis Wordhouse, the Yankee Springs Township pickleball enthusiast - A . year-round facility where people can learn the fastest-growing sport in America. • To farmers locally and across the coun­ try - the “Faith Award” for what they do every day, all year long, ensuring that we all have food on our tables - never knowing how the season or year will end. (I also wish, and pray, that they are rewarded ideal weather, high yields and hearty livestock in the 2020s.) : • For organizers of the Barry-Roubaix gravel road race - An ESPN crew to do a “30 for 30” documentary on the world’s largest gravel road race. • To Sheriff Dar Leaf - a CD with all the recent episodes of the “Fixer Upper” with all kinds of ideas on how to revamp old- See LIST, next page �i The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 26, 2019 — Page 5 Housing solutions take shape in 2019 HASTINGS BANNER TOP STORIES OF 2019- #3 Rebecca Pierce Editor Key pieces of major plans for affordable housing in the City of Hastings came together "this year. One lynchpin - the Royal Coach project on East Mill Street - may take a year or more to take shape along the Thomapple River. But the project moved forward in such a decisive way that city officials were predicting it would prompt more housing development in ithe future. The Royal Coach Apartments was hailed iby city officials as “a positive contribution to The revitalization of downtown Hastings and ■the greater Hastings/Barry County communi|ty’’ New Hastings City Manager Jerry Czarnecki called it “the last piece of the puz­ zle.” “All the necessary pieces are coming together in a way that’s fitting in to place,” he said. The project developer, General Capital, intended to construct a 73-unit workforce ^housing development and submit an applica­ tion for affordable housing tax credits to the Michigan State Housing Development Authority. That application must clearly demonstrate community support and that it directly contributes to the revitalization of the immediate neighborhood and greater Hastings community. These actions by the city should certainly A.J. Veneklasen Inc. of Grand Rapids was the successful bidder vying to develop the former Moose property at the corner of Michigan Avenue and Apple Street. Work on the project across from the city hall is expected to begin in 2020. The former Royal Coach factory building on East Mill Street is a key piece to the affordable housing puzzle Hastings city officials have been trying to put together for many years. All the pieces came together this year. (File photo) fulfill those requirements, Czarnecki said. Projects at 420 E. Mill and 128 N. Michigan (former site of the Moose Lodge) are starting to “tip the scale for us as far as bringing resi­ dents to Hastings,” he said. “We’re still a good year, year and a half, out before we start to see the residents. “It starts to build momentum, and I think we’re going to see that trickle through the business district even as more employees for our businesses. And once people realize how nice it is to live here ... we’re going to see more of these coming into place.” Czarnecki predicted more housing devel­ opments in the near future. The effort to reclaim that portion of the city has been a lengthy process. The Hastings Banner welcomes letters to the editor from readers, but there are a few conditions that must be met before they will be published. The requirements are: • All letters must be signed by the writer, with address and phone number provided for verification. All that will be printed is the writer’s name and community of residence. We do not publish anonymous letters, and names will be withheld at the editor’s discretion for compelling reasons only. • Letters that contain statements that are libelous or slanderous will not be published. • All letters are subject to editing for style, grammar and sense. • Letters that serve as testimonials for or criticisms of businesses will not be accepted. • Letters serving the function of “cards of thanks” will not be accepted unless there is a compelling public interest, which will be determined by the editor. • Letters that include attacks of a personal nature will not be published or will be edited heavily. • “Crossfire” letters between the same two people on one issue will be limited to one for each writer. • In an effort to keep opinions varied, there is a limit of one letter per person per month. • We prefer letters to be printed legibly or typed, double-spaced. Know Your Legislators: N.______ ____________________ __________ Michigan Legislature Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Democrat, P.O. Box 30013, Lansing, Mich. 48909. Phone (517) 373-3400; 517-335-7858 (Constituent Services). State Representative Julie Calley, Republican, 87th District (All of Barry County), Michigan House of Representatives, N-1191 House Office Building, Lansing, Ml 48933. Phone (517) 373-0842. e-mail: JulieCalley@house.mi.gov State Senator Dr. John Bizon, Republican, 19th District State Senate, Phone 517­ 373-2426 or toll-free, 855-347-8019. Email: SenJBizon@Senate.Michigan.gov; U.S. imail: Sen. Dr. John Bizon, P.O. Box 30036, Lansing Ml 48909. U.S. House of Representatives Justin Amash, Independent, 3rd District (All of Barry County), 114 Cannon House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515-2203, phone (202) 225-3831, fax (202) 225­ 5144. District office: 110 Michigan Street NW, Suite 460, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503, phone (616) 451-8383. U.S. Senate Debbie Stabenow, Democrat, 702 Hart Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510, phone (202) 224-4822. Gary Peters, Democrat, 2 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20510­ 2202, phone (248) 799-0850. District office: Gerald R. Ford Federal Building, Room 720, 110 Michigan Street NW, Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503-2313, phone (616) 233­ 9150. President’s comment line: 1-202-456-1111. Capitol Information line for Congress and the Senate: 1-202-224-3121. The Hastings BfinilCir Devoted to the interests of Barry County since 1856 Published by... Hastings Banner, Inc. A Division of J-Ad Graphics Inc. 1351 N. M-43 Highway • Phone: (269) 945-9554 • Fax: (269) 945-5192 News and press releases: news@j-adgraphics.com • Advertising: ads@j-adgraphics.com Frederic Jacobs Publisher & CEO Hank Schuuring CFO • ADVERTISING DEPARTMENT • Classified ads accepted Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Scott Ommen Ty Greenfield Mike Gilmore Chris Silverman Jennie Yonker Subscription Rates: $45 per year in Barry County • NEWSROOM • . Rebecca Pierce (Editor) Kathy Maurer (Copy Editor) Brett Bremer (Sports Editor) Greg Chandler Taylor Owens $50 per year in adjoining counties $55 per year elsewhere POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: P.O. Box 188 Hastings, Ml 49058-0188 Second Class Postage Paid at Hastings, Ml 49058 A comprehensive community plan adopted nearly 12 years ago specifically identified the Hastings Manufacturing/Royal Coach Riverfront property as an ideal candidate for high-density residential development to fill existing housing market gaps. Hastings philanthropist Larry Baum was called “the heart and soul of this project.” Earlene Baum said she was happy to sign the property transfer on behalf of her hus­ band, who “has been trying for years to get this thing accomplished. He’s just thrilled that it’s finally taken care of. He’s so anxious to have Hastings have some affordable housing that we so badly need.” The city council also praised the “Barry Community Foundation for playing an active and leading role in the redevelopment of the Hastings Manufacturing/Royal Coach Riverfront property with the goal of providing high-quality, affordable urban housing in a prime downtown riverfront location.” Bonnie Gettys, president and CEO of the foundation, and Fred Jacobs, chairman of the foundation board, said the project meets the foundation’s mission of improving lives by bridging resources. “We talked a lot of about that,” Gettys said. “We talked about the importance of the com­ munity foundation and the economic alliance really driving the type of build that we do so it does meet that missing middle-income housing piece. Even new teachers coming in. They have so much college debt. “They don’t have enough money set aside to be able to purchase a home, yet we want them to stay here. How can we get them to remain in our community if they can’t attain housing that’s safe and affordable?” Another housing solution will soon begin to take shape across the river. Property at the comer of Michigan and Apple streets has sat idle or vacant since the city purchased the former Moose Lodge in 2014 and had it razed in May 2018. Two developers submitted pro­ posals to the city for the site. The city council voted in August to award the project to Grand Rapids developer A.J. Veneklasen Inc., which will build a four-story, 30-unit structure along with a 30-car parking garage on the ground floor. Construction is expected to begin as soon as financing arrangements are finalized. The second bidder, Kendall Place, was then redirected to the planned unit development property near Park, Court and State streets. The city had acquired that property in a swap with the county for the former post office and library building on Church Street, but it has been vacant for more than 10 years. The city council in October approved a $5,000 pur­ chase option agreement with Kendall Place, which will have until Dec. 31,2020, to exer­ cise the right to purchase the property for $77,000. “People say Hastings is a hidden gem,” Czarnecki said. “It’s time for us not to be hid­ den anymore.” GUEST COMMENTARY New marijuana rules are a real racket Brian Calley President of the Small Business Association of Michigan The state’s marijuana regulatory agency has proposed new licensing rules for the industry, and it’s a realTaSk^. The leadership of the state agency charged with regulating the marijuana industry slipped a provision into its rules proposal that requires all applicants seeking a marijuana license to enter into an agreement with a labor union to even be considered for a license. The problem is that no such requirement exists in the law. It was conjured out of thin air and is therefore illegal. I don’t use the term “racket” loosely. Make no mistake; it is a shakedown of this burgeon­ ing industry. In the proposed rule set, the requirement is for each applicant to secure a “labor peace agreement” with a labor union. It’s defined just like it sounds. Marijuana businesses (most of which are small business) would have to sign agreements with unions to protect them from strikes, pickets, labor stop­ pages and other economic interference. If you make an agreement with a union, you get peace. If you don’t, no peace. In a recent legislative hearing, Sen. Arie Nesbitt, R-Lawton, compared the labor peace agree­ ment requirement to organized crime forcing small businesses to pay them for protection. And he’s right. That’s exactly what this is: A threat. Pay up or you’re out of business. LIST, continued from previous page buildings. I think he’ll find it interesting. • To the residents of Barry County and beyond - A box of “chill pills” to calm the emotions. It seems like it doesn’t take much to set people off these days, so taking some calming medicine might help. “Each of us is here for a brief sojourn,” physicist Albert Einstein said. “For what pur­ pose we know not, though sometimes we sense it. But we know from daily life that we exist for other people first of all, for whose smiles and well-being our own happiness depends.” There’s no question that our country seems to be fractured along big divides in the way we look at religion, politics and social issues. Those differences seem to be driving us apart rather than bringing us together to find some of the answers we face as a country and as a county. It’s my hope that in the new year, we might become more forgiving, more patient with one another and more intent to not allow every little issue to fuel so much anger and discontentment. We all have so many reasons to be thankful. It’s just become a little harder for us to accept the fact that we all have different ideas on a whole host of subjects. If we’re going to get along, then we need a little more patience. “To lose patience is to lose the battle,” Mahatma Gandhi said. Let’s begin the new year focused on listen­ ing and doing more for others. That way, 2020 will be a great year for all of us. Happy New Year, one and all! Fred Jacobs, CEO, J-Ad Graphics Inc. What makes this dishonest and underhand­ ed scheme even worse is that they are exploit­ ing an industry that is easy to take advantage of. None of them can operate without a license granted by the state. Applicants are scaredlo speak upland for good'reason. Recent and sudden inventory rule changes that favor recreational marijuana over medic­ inal marijuana were made without process or transparency. I think we can now say that the marijuana regulatory agency is the least trans­ parent department in state government. There are many big winners and big losers in the inventory rule change. But why would the state favor recreational users over medici­ nal users? Those in the marijuana business are right to be afraid of this agency and its will­ ingness to move against the public interest. Many organizations in the greater business community are coming together to express strong opposition to this illegal scheme being perpetrated by the state. We have become increasingly concerned with the aggressive overutilization of unilateral executive action through administrative rule making. It bypass­ es the more transparent and appropriate law­ making process. The inability to move an agenda through the legislature is no excuse to bypass the con-* stitutional process. If the administration wants to add a requirement for “labor peace agree­ ments” to licenses, let them seek it through a change in law, not an illegal and immoral shakedown of vulnerable small businesses. And if you think this is just a marijuana industry issue, think again. Michigan grants licenses to many types of businesses and professionals. If the adminis­ tration is able to get away with this, what’s to stop it from doing the same for all business licenses? This is an important issue for the; marijuana industry, but also critical for nearly* all businesses that could fall victim to the arbitrary whims of bureaucratic rule-making.» I Brian Calley is a Republican from Portland and former lieutenant governor for Gov. Rick Snyder. i HAVE YOU MET, continued from previous page could have seen it together, but that never happened. It was about the French Foreign Legion. If we had ‘our song,’ it would be “One Alone” from that movie. I am most proud of: My family. A big accomplishment for me: The art inventory for the Bicentennial. I read about that in the newspaper, and I felt that our historical society was the proper entity to initiate that for Lake Odessa. I got an OK, so that I did the work on it, but supposedly under the auspices of the historical society. This area accounted for 56 pieces of pre-1914 artwork, and the whole state of Michigan had 1,000 pieces. Best advice ever received: It’s from the Bible: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Something most people don’t know about me: I have an insatiable appetite for chocolate. My biggest challenge: As a new bride, learning to cook for a husband whose mother was a wonderful cook. He said every time he came home, I was sitting on the davenport surrounded by cookbooks. I had to make charts with cooking times because I didn’t What do you know which things you had to cook first, second and third to have a meal come out all at once. } If I could change one thing, it would be: Probably find a cure for ALS and Parkinson’s. disease, both neuromuscular diseases. Greatest president: Most people say Lincoln. In my time, I would say Eisenhower because I feel he was a good post-war president. Advice for a high school student: Go to college. Favorite childhood memory: I was proud of my father being a World War I veteran. He was in the American Legion, and we went from town to town doing the Memorial Day services: Crystal, Carson City, Hubbardston,Alton. I was proud of that, proud to be al “hanger on.” Each week, the Banner profiles a person who, makes the community shine. Do you know\ someone who should be featured because of. volunteer work, fun-loving personality, for the\ stories he or she has to tell or any other reason?* Send information to Newsroom, Hastings Banner 1351 N. M-43 Highway, Hastings, MI 49058; or[ email news©j-adgraphics.com. think? Here’s your chance to take part in an interactive public opinion poll. Vote on the question posed each week by accessing our website, www. HastingsBanner.com. Results will be tabulated and reported along with a new question the following week. Last week: Is it a good idea for the president and the vice president of the United States to appear at campaign rallies together? Yes 20% No 80% For this week: Michigan is among the lowest rated states in the nation for its drunken driving laws, according to the Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Do you think these laws should be tougher? □ Yes □ No �Page 6 — Thursday, December 26, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Worship Together Shirley Marie Blakely Dr. Charles Morrill ...at the church of your choice ~ Weekly schedules of Hastings area churches available for your convenience... CHRIST THE KING PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH (PCA) 328 N. Jefferson Street. Worship 10 a.m. Nursery provided. Pastor Peter Adams, contact 616-690­ 8609. HASTINGS ASSEMBLY OF GOD 1674 S. State Rd., Hastings, MI 49058 Phone 269-945­ 2285. Sunday morning service time: 10 a.m. with nursery and preschool available. FREEPORT BAPTIST CHURCH 380 County Line Rd., Freeport, MI 49325. (269) 760-1928. Pastor Ron. A traditional style of worship, no gimmicks, and friendly people welcome you to worship at "an old country church." Sunday School 9: 45 a.m. Sunday Worship 11 a.m. Sunday Evening 6 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study and Prayer 7p.m. Give us the pleasure of meeting you! LIFEGATE COMMUNITY CHURCH 301 E. State Rd., P.O. Box 273, Hastings, MI 49058. Pastor Scott Price. Phone: 269-948-0900. Website: www.lifegatecc.com. Sunday Worship 10 a.m. Wednesday Life Group 6:30 p.m. GRACE COMMUNITY CHURCH 8950 E. M-79 Highway, Nashville, MI 49073. Pastor Don Roscoe, (517) 852­ 1783. Sunday service 10am. Fellowship Time before the service. Nursery, children’s ministry, youth group, adult small group ministry, leadership training. HASTINGS HOPE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 2920 S. M-37 Hwy. (M-37 at M-79) Pastor Kim Metzer. Phone 269-945-4995. hastingshopeumc.org hastingshopeumc@gmail. com. We welcome YOU to join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:30 for worship! Find Us On Facebook! @ hastingshopeumc. PLEASANTVIEW FAMILY CHURCH 2601 Lacey Road, Dowling, MI 49050. Pastor, Steve Olmstead. (269) 758-3021 church phone. Sunday Service: 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School 11 a.m.; Sunday Evening Service 6 p.m.; Bible Study & Prayer Time Wednesday nights 6:30 p.m. MCCALLUM UNITED BRETHREN CHURCH 5505 Otis Lake Rd., Delton, MI 49046. Phone: 269-623­ 8226. New pastor - Jerald Jones. Sunday Service: 10: 31-11:46; Coffee Connection. Nursery, Children's ministry. SAINTS ANDREW & MATTHIA INDEPENDENT ANGLICAN CHURCH 2415 McCann Rd. (in Irving). Sunday services each week: 9:15 a.m. Morning Prayer (Holy Communion the 2nd Sunday of each month at this service), 10:30 a.m. Holy Communion (each week). The Rector of Ss. Andrew & Matthias is Rt. Rev. David T. Hustwick. The church phone number is 269-795­ 2370 and the rectory number is 269-948-9327. Our church website is www.samchurch. org. We are part of the Diocese of the Great Lakes which is in communion with The United Episcopal Church of North America and use the 1928 Book of Common Prayer at all our services. SOLID ROCK BIBLE CHURCH OF DELTON 7025 Milo Rd., P.O. Box 765, (corner of Milo Rd. &S. M-43), Delton, MI 49046. Pastor Roger Claypool, (517) 204-9390. Sunday Worship Service 10:30 to 11:30am, Nursery and Children’s Ministry. Wednesday night Bible study and prayer time 6:30 to 7:30 pm. ABUNDANT LIFE FELLOWSHIP MINISTRIES A Spirit-filled church. Meeting at the Maple Leaf Grange, Hwy. M-66 south of Assyria Rd., Nashville, Mich. 49073. Sun. Praise & Worship 10:30 a.m., 6 p.m.; Wed. 6:30 p.m. Jesus Club for boys & girls ages 4-12. Pastors David and Rose MacDonald. An oasis of God’s love. “Where Everyone is Someone Special.” For information call 616-731-5194. GREEN STREET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 209 W. Green St., Hastings, MI 49058. Rev. Bryce Feighner Office Phone: 269­ 945.9574. Email: office, greenstreetumc @ gmail. com. Sunday, Schedule - The Praise 9:30 a.m. ; The Word 10 a.m.; The Table 10:30 a.m. Nursery Care is available through age 4; PreK-8th grade Sunday School 10 a.m.; Sunday School for Adults at 11 a.m. Upright Revolt Youth Ministry (6th-12th grades) 5:30-7:30 p.m. FREE Community Meal every Tuesday at 5 p.m. Refer to Facebook for weather conditions. HASTINGS BAPTIST CHURCH 309 E. Woodlawn, Hastings. Matt Moser, Lead Pastor. Sunday Services: 9:15 a.m. Sunday School for all ages; 10:30 a.m. Worship Service; Senior High Youth Group 6-8 p.m.; Young Adults 6-9 p.m. Wednesday, Family Night 6:30-8 p.m., AWANA (Children Kindergarten-5th Grade), 6:30-8 p.m. Middle School Youth Group; 6:30 p.m. Bible Study and Prayer. Call Church Office 948­ 8004 for information on MITT (Mothers in Training Together), Sports Ministries, Quilting, Ladies Bible Study. WELCOME CORNERS UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 3185 N. Broadway, Hastings, MI 49058. Phone 945-2654. Worship Services: Sunday, 9:45 a.m. WOODGROVE BRETHREN CHRISTIAN PARISH 4887 Coats Grove Rd. Pastor Randall Bertrand. Wheel­ chair accessible and elevator. Sunday School 9:30 a.m. Worship Time 10:30 a.m. Youth activities: call for information. FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF HASTINGS Sharing Jesus with our community & the world! 405 N. M-37 Hwy., Hastings, MI 49058. (269) 945-5463. www.firstchurchhastings^ org. 9 a.m. Classes and Gatherings for All ages; 9:45 a.m. Worship (Children's Worship Offered); 10:45 a.m. Coffee Fellowship; 11:15 a.m. Coffee Talk with Pastor Dan. Follow us on Facebook. WOODLAND UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 203 N. Main, Woodland, MI 48897 • (269) 367-4061. Pastor Kathy Smith. Sunday Worship 9:15 am COMMUNITY BAPTIST CHURCH 502 East Grand St., Hastings. Pastor Ken Hale. Sunday School for adults and children 9: 45 a.m.; Sunday Service 11 a.m. Nursery provided. Call 269-945-9217. cbchastings. org. We are a small church, but we serve a mighty Lord. HASTINGS FREE METHODIST CHURCH ” An Expression Of Who jesus Is To The World Around Us". 2635 N. M-43 Hwy., P.O. Box 8, Hastings. Telephone 269­ 945-9121. Email hastfmc@ gmail.com. Website: wwwjiastz ingsfreemethodist.com. Pastor Brian Teed, Student Ministries Director, Emma Miller, Wor­ ship Director, Martha Stoetzel. Sundays: Nursery and tod­ dler (birth through age 3) care provided. SUNDAY MORN­ ING FAMILY HOUR WEL­ COMES ALL AGES AND STAGES OF LIFE AT 9:30 a.m. Deep Blue, Loving God, Loving Neighbor: Preschool age 3-5th Grade. Live: 6th- 12th Grade. Adult Standard and Adult Elective classes. Coffee Talk: Fellowship Hall. Cookies at 10:05 a.m. Worship Service: 10: 30 a.m. & Children's Church age 4-4th grade dis­ missed during service. Youth Group at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Women's Bible Study at 6:30 p.m. Thursday Bible Study at 10 a.m., 2nd Tues: Young Wom­ en's Small Group at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday Mid-Week: Wom­ en's Bible Study at 6:30 p.m. Kid's Club, Oct. 16-Dec. 4, 6:30-7:45 p.m. Bible Study at 10 a.m. For more information please contact the church. GRACE LUTHERAN CHURCH Discover God's Grace with us! Holy Communion Every Sunday! Dec. 29 - Single worship service at 10 a.m. "Carols and Lessons". Jan. 1 - Office Closed. Jan. 2 - Voice Recital (Bob Oster) 7 p.m. Ken Scheck II. pastorken@grace-hastings. org. Location: 239 E. North St., Hastings, 269-945-9414 or 945-2645, fax 269-945-2698. www.grace-hastings.org. Facebook: Grace Lutheran Church-ELCA Hastings, MI. This information on worship service is provided by The Hastings Banner, the churches and these local businesses: H im s Flexfob HlteHllftlHl 1351 North M-43 Hwy. Hastings 945-9554 1699 W. M43 Highway, Hastings, Ml 49058. 945-4700 1301 W. Green St. Hastings 945-9541 FREEPORT, MI - Shirley Marie Blakely, age 67, of Freeport, passed away on December 20, 2019. Shirley was bom on June 16, 1952, the daughter of Dennis and Alice (Nash) Frederickson. Shirley was a 1971 graduate of Lakewood High School. On December 1, 1972, she married Randy Blakely. Shirley worked at Pennock Hospital and Dr Wildem’s office until her retirement. Shirley was a member of the Hastings Free Methodist Church. She enjoyed camping, golf, mushrooming, being part of the fearsome five, fishing at Little Shag Lake, playing softball with D&H Builders Girls, and shot a hole-inone at Tyler Creek Hole #8. Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, brother Denny Dale Frederickson, granddaughters Olivia and Emma Blakely, and Special Aunt Marie Grinnell. She is survived by her husband of 47 years, Randy Blakely, mother-in-law Joy Blakely, sons Kurt (Erin) Blakely, Kris (Tammy) Blakely, grandchildren Carson and Hannah Blakely, brothers-in-law Kelly Blakely, Bruce Blakely, sisters-in-law Jayne Blakely, Carol (Mark) Gates, Yvonne Frederickson, special nieces Tina (Kevin) Fisher, Stacey (Joe) Yeiter, special cousins Darrell (Cheryl) Grinnell and Sharon Neal. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome Foundation or Mackenzie’s Animal Sanctuary. . s A funeral service was held on Monday, Dec. 23, 2019 at the Hastings Free Methodist Church. Arrangements by Girrbach Funeral Home 328 S Broadway; Hastings, MI 49058. To leave an online condolence, visit www. girrbachftineralhome.net. Financial ADA, MI - Dr. Charles Morrill, age 86, of Ada, passed away on Monday, Dec. 2,2019. He was preceded in death by his wife, Donna and his brothers, Dr. Keith Morrill and Robert Morrill. Charles is survived by his children, Dr. Jeff (Alice) Morrill of Grand Rapids, Sue (Rod) Bonino-Wright, DVM of Oxford, and Brian (Jill) Morrill of East Grand Rapids; ten grandchildren, one great granddaughter and special friend, Susan Gleacher. The family will greet friends and relatives on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 from 1 to 4 p.m. at O’Brien-Eggebeen-Gerst Chapel, 3980 Cascade Road SE, Grand Rapids. Gerald Elvin Ostroth Gerald Elvin Ostroth was bom June 23,1928 in Hastings. He died November 23, 2019 in Kissimmee, FL. He was the son of Sterling and Gladys Ostroth. He and Eleanor married in 1948. They were married for 71 years. They had two sons, Thane (Ellen) Who reside in Venice, FL, and Mark (Debbie) who reside in Monterey, TN. Gerald was predeceased by a daughter, Sandra. Gerald retired from E.W Bliss in Hastings after 30 years and soon afterward headed south to Florida where he and Eleanor lived the rest of his life. They have lived in Good Samaritan Village for 13 years. Gerry was known throughout the Village for his love of squirrels and for his feeding and care for these lovely creatures. He loved music and directed choirs in various churches. He was also known for singing the one man quartet. All who knew him and loved him will miss him. We leave him in the hands o four loving Heavenly Father, thankful for the privilege of knowing him. FOCUS Provided by the Barry County offices of Edward Jones Jim Lundin Member SIPC 2169 W.M-43-Hwy., Suite A Hastings, Ml 49058 (269)818-0423 Jeff Domenico, AAMS® 450 Meadow Run Dr. Suite 100 Hastings, Ml 49058 (269) 948-8265 Time for some New Year’s Financial Resolutions Have you thought about your New Year’s resolutions for 2020? When many of us make these promises, we focus on ways we can improve some form of our health. We vow to get more physically healthy by going to the gym, or we promise to improve our mental health by learning a new lan­ guage or instrument. But it’s also important to think about our financial health - so it’s a good idea to develop some appropriate resolutions for this area, too. What kinds of financial resolutions might you make? Here are a few suggestions: • Increase your retirement plan contributions. One of the best financial moves you can make is to take full advantage of your 401(k) or similar em­ ployer-sponsored retirement plan. If you contribute pre-tax dollars to your plan, the more you put in, the lower your tax­ able income will be for the year, and your earnings can grow on a tax-deferred basis. So, if your salary goes up in 2020, increase the amount you put into to your plan. Most people don’t come close to reaching the annual contribution limit, which, in 2019, was $19,000, or $25,000 for those 50 or old­ er. You might not reach these levels, either, but it’s certainly worthwhile to invest as much as you can possibly afford. • Use “found” money wise­ ly During the course of the next year, you may well re­ ceive some money outside your normal paychecks, such as a bonus or a tax refund. It can be tempting to spend this money, but you may help your­ self in the long run by investing it. You could use it to help fund your IRA for the year or to fill a gap in another investment ac­ count. • Don’t overreact to market downturns. You’ve probably heard stories about people who lamented not getting in “on the ground floor” of what is now a mega-company. But a far more common investment mistake is overreacting to temporary market downturns by selling investments at the wrong time (when their prices are down) and staying out of the market until things calm down (and possibly missing the next ral­ ly). The financial markets al­ ways fluctuate, but if you can resolve to stay invested and follow a consistent, long-term strategy, you can avoid making some costly errors. • Be financially prepared for the unexpected. Even if you’re diligent about saving and investing for your long­ term goals, you can encounter obstacles along the way. And one of these roadblocks could come in the form of large, un­ expected expenses, such as the sudden need for a new car or some costly medical bills. If you aren’t prepared for these costs, you might have to dip in to your long-term investments to pay for them. To prevent this from happening, you may want to keep sufficient cash, or cash equivalents, in your investment accounts. Or you might want to maintain a completely separate account as an emergency fund, with the money kept in lowrisk, liquid vehicles. If possi­ ble, try to maintain at least six months’ worth of living ex­ penses in this account. It will take some effort but following these resolutions could help you move closer to your financial goals in 2020 and beyond. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor. Michigan begins collecting firefighting foam containing PFAS The Michigan PFAS Action Response Team announced today that it has started col­ lecting PFAS-containing aqueous film form­ ing foam from fire departments and commer­ cial airports across the state as part of Michigan’s $1.4 million AFFF pick-up and disposal plan. Under a contract with the Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy, US Ecology of Livonia began collecting the first of 35,000 gallons of Class B AFFF for ship­ ment to its facility in Idaho where it will be solidified and placed in a licensed hazardous waste landfill. Crews from US Ecology collected 1,260 total gallons from the Lansing Fire Department, the Lansing Township Fire Department and Capital Regional International Airport. “Michigan remains a leader in removing sources of PFAS contamination from our water,” MPART executive director Steve Sliver said in a Dec. 12 press release. “We believe this is the largest collection and dis­ posal effort yet among the handful of states that are taking action to prevent future con­ tamination from Class B AFFF. This product has been responsible for contaminating drink­ ing water around hundreds of military bases and commercial airports across the country. Michigan calls on the EPA, Department of Defense and FAA to take more action on this growing environmental and public health threat.” The AFFF was identified through a 2018 MPART initiative to survey and educate fire departments throughout Michigan on the appropriate use and clean-up of PFAScontaining firefighting foam. Led by State Fire Marshal Kevin Sehlmeyer, the survey identified 336 fire departments with Class B AFFF in their inventories - nearly half of the 784 departments surveyed. “Receiving this funding was critical to our efforts to remove PFAS from our communi­ ties, protect the public, and reduce the risks of exposure to Michiganders,” Sehlmeyer said. Known to scientists as per- and polyfluoro­ alkyl substances, PFAS are a group of emerg­ ing and potentially harmful contaminants used in thousands of applications globally including firefighting foam, food packaging, and many other consumer products. These compounds also are used by industries such as tanneries, metal platers and clothing manufac­ turers. More information on PFAS and the state fire marshal’s initiative to survey and educate first responders on best practices around the use of firefighting is on the MPART website, Michigan .gov/PFASResponse. USDA: $550 million available for broadband infrastructure U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue has announced the availability of a second round of $550 million in United States Department of Agriculture Reconnect Pilot Program funding appropriated by Congress. The application window for this round of funding is set to open Jan. 31,2020. Secretary Perdue made the announcement Dec. 12 alongside Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds in Stanton, Iowa. “This second round of ReConnect funding will help USDA be an even stronger partner in closing the digital divide in America’s rural communities,” Secretary Perdue said. “Our core mission at USDA is to increase rural prosperity through boosting economic oppor­ tunity in rural America. We know that rural communities need robust, modem infrastruc­ ture to thrive, and that includes having access to broadband e-Connectivity.” USDA will make available up to $200 mil­ lion for grants, up to $200 million for 50/50 grant/loan combinations, and up to $200 mil­ lion for low-interest loans. Applications for all funding products will be accepted in the same application window, which will close by March 16, 2020. A full description of 2020 ReConnect Pilot Program funding is available on page 67913 of the Dec. 12, 2019, Federal Register (PDF, 336 KB). To learn more about eligibility, tech­ nical assistance and recent announcements, visit www.usda.gov/reconnect. Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 26, 2019 — Page 7 Double homicide case proceeds to trial in April I i 32-? -gn-Th. Jo bn. Io ?U jXi. -q. wt Od sii Isii Rebecca Pierce Editor A June 21 double homicide case against Jon Burnett, 63, of Plainwell, was bound over for trial in April 2020. Burnett faces 36 counts, including open murder and kidnapping. The two men shot and killed in Orangeville Township were Gary L. Peake, 73, of Plainwell, who was shot six times, and Bryce Nathan DeGood, 21, of Haslett, who shot in what testimony described as an execution­ style slaying. Autopsies determined the cause of death in both cases as homicide. Burnett’s wife, Lynne, as well as Jason Wyatt, David Harrison, Michael Geist, Tracey Schisser and her 16-year-old son, Joseph Powell, Ashley Glumm, Mallory Gray, Daniel Robinson, Gary and Nola Harps, sheriff’s deputies Kevin Erb and Brian Hansford testified during a two-day preliminary examination in Barry County court Friday, Nov. 22, and Monday, Nov. 25. These witnesses are mentioned in the second amended felony complaint against Burnett in which he is charged with assaulting them with a pistol as well as resisting and HASTINGS BANNER TOP STORIES OF 2019- #6 obstructing police officers Erb and Hansford when they responded to the 911 call. A last-minute charge alleging that Burnett kidnapped DeGood before killing him was added to the list of felony complaints Nov. 22 just before the preliminary examination began. But an exact chronology of events is not yet known. Police aren’t sure who was killed first, Peake or DeGood. Toxicology reports on Burnett showed he had a blood alcohol content of 0.079, as well as the presence of narcotics oxycodone and zolpidem (Ambien) in his bloodstream. Defense attorneys Shane McNeill and Steven Storrs have raised objections about the introduction of some evidence, saying Burnett had not been properly “Mirandized” at the scene. As a result, he was denied a basic right, they said. . Jon Burnett, 63, of Plainwell, enters the Barry County courtroom for a pretrial hearing in December. gfi A Miranda Warning advises a suspect of his right to remain silent and that anything he says can and will be used against him in court. Suspects also must be advised that they have a right to an attorney and, if they cannot afford one, an attorney will be provided for them. In an audiotape from the dashboard camera of sheriff’s deputy Erb, played during the hearing in court in November, Burnett tells police, “my buddy is dead next door.” Burnett, often unintelligible, cries and moans, “Oh God, I don’t know what is wrong with me.” Then, according to police testimony, Burnett took police to the body in Peake’s house. Police efforts to advise Burnett of his rights were met with belligerence. Prosecutor Julie Nakfoor Pratt argued that Burnett’s statements to police were spontaneous and did not come as the result of any interrogation by police. McNeill and Storrs argued that the police had the burden to advise Burnett of his core rights. The remedy for not doing so is suppression of the statements that he made at the time of his arrest. 'Uk 3V. sV-2! -fl’ 101 A •X* lo ?ilf rill 81 e*i i oH -8 ■ OlB a 45 PFAS, CAFOs heighten environmental concerns Rebecca Pierce Staff Writer Communities across Michigan and the nation are confronting merging environmental problems - and 2019 provided some highprofile examples ffOm PFAS to CAFOs. High levels of fluorochemical contamination at Viking Corp., reported in January by state officials, were found in shallow groundwater in the vicinity. Tes\s did not detect these compounds in the Hastings municipal water system or the Tnornapple River, state, county and city officials confirmed. The elevated levels of poly- and perfluorinated substances, or PFAS, in shallow groundwater environmental monitoring wells at Viking “may be related to HASTINGS BANNER TOP STORIES OF 2019- #7 our use of a common type of firefighting foam in the late 1990s and early 2000s,” Jeff Norton, Viking vice president of marketing said. “The risk to the public is very, very low,” Barry-Eaton District Health Department Health Officer Colette Scrimger said. Currently, there are no known drinking water sources in the flow of the groundwater that was found to contain PFAS. >4 lo -> eft £E. This was the county health department’s One of the issues that gave rise to the topic first real involvement in a PFAS site, Scrimger was the expansion of one of the large dairies said. “And our involvement is limited since in the region, Kornheiser said. there is not an immediate public health threat.” Officials from Michigan Department of Scrimger called PFAS an emerging health Environmental Quality - now called the state issue about which not enough is yet known. Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Another environmental concern for Energy - said a general permit is typically a Hastings and Barry County are large permit that most facilities can operate under concentrated animal feeding operations, or “and it covers about 80 percent of our farms.” CAFOs, which produce a lot of manure in a And, in some cases, a farm operation may small area. not require permitting if it doesn’t handle the The Four-Township Water Resources manure directly. Council Inc. is a nonprofit organization For example, three farms in the region use created to educate and support the watersheds an operator who manages the manure for all that pass through Barry and Prairieville three, he said. “They move a lot of manure in townships in Barry County, and Ross and a hurry.” Richland townships in Kalamazoo County, Permits are typically redone every five Dr. Kenneth Komheiser is the founder and years, said Bruce Washburn, environmental vice president of the council and president of quality analyst for Southwest Michigan, the Kalamazoo River Watershed Council. EGLE, and 2020 is the year for that, so In the four townships, there are currently changes may be made. two dairy CAFOs (one on Cressey, just west Washburn described the regulatory of Lockshore, and one on Parker, along the framework that dictates his responsibilities east shoreline of lower Crooked Lake and the regarding CAFOs and how manure is channel between Lower and Middle Crooked supposed to be handled. Lake, north of Milo; and one beef CAFO on “We have to work within the confines of M-43; and a smaller swine the laws that we’re given,” he said. “Ouf law south of Milo. he ! is to protect Surface water.” Washburn said he’s responsible for three counties and 60 farms. “I cannot be at 60 places at once,” he said. “That’s why I like this interaction.” The role being described for residents was something Lynn Henning called “citizen scientists,” which she said are needed to effectively police CAFOs. Speaking at a public meeting, Henning urged people to be Washbum’s “eyes and ears on the ground.” Henning said she believes Michigan is moving toward a compliance system rather than an enforcement system. At one time, the state responded promptly to violations. “They don’t have the staff to do that today.” “I think we should be the example for the entire country,” Henning said, adding, “I think we can do a lot better.” A field coordinator for SRAP and a Goldman Environmental Prize winner, Henning encouraged audience members to reach out if they have questions or need help. Kornheiser expressed the opinion that taxpayers brought the situation upon themselves by seeking an environment with fewer regulations. “Your tax dollars pay for the Regulation you deserve” he said. As a result, “you get what you don’t pay for.” Qi? Oft Needles sustain evergreens Dr. Universe: Why are evergreen trees green all year? Emily, 10, Silverdale, Wash. Ml UJ IU1 u» Is I -% J 61! -IL Ob 4r io • Qfh JoF Dear Emily, Whenever I go for a hike in the woods, I can’t help but admire the tall evergreen trees. No matter what time of year it is, the pines, hemlocks, cedars and spruces are usually all green. My friend Bert Cregg is also very curi­ ous about the lives of trees. He graduated from Washington State University and is a professor at Michigan State University. Cregg told me that evergreens have lots of needles, which are their leaves. We have even seen some trees, such as bristle­ cone pines, that have had the same needles for more than 16 years. Each tiny needle on a great big ever­ green is working hard to make food for the tree. It all happens through a process called photosynthesis. Here’s how it works: The tree’s needles contain something called chlorophyll that gives them their green color. But the chlorophyll also has another important job. The chlorophyll absorbs sunlight which the tree can use to turn carbon dioxide from the air and water into sugars. These sugars help the tree grow and stay green. But while some trees, such as maples, stop doing photosynthesis in the colder months, evergreens keep on photosynthe­ sizing (pho-toe-synth-uh-size-ing). In addition to sugars, evergreen trees also need mineral nutrients to help them grow. In fact, humans also need mineral nutri­ ents, such as calcium, potassium and iron to help them grow. But while humans get their nutrients from food, trees get a lot of their own kinds of nutrients from the soil. Cregg said evergreens are really good at living in cold places where there aren’t a lot of nutrients in the soil. “Once you have worked hard to take up those nutrients,” Cregg said, “you want to hang on them.” Evergreens store up all those nutrients and can use them through the winter months. These types of trees also are good at storing water in their needles, which can help them stay green, too. The nutrients help trees to do all kinds of things, including go through photosyn­ thesis. I also found out that even some evergreens lose at least some of their green color. We might see some of their needles at the bottom of the tree start to turn orange. That means those needles are at the end of their lifespan. “They drop their needles but they don’t do it all at one time,” Cregg said of ever­ greens. We have quite a lot of evergreen trees in Washington state, as you can tell from the state’s nickname “The Evergreen State.” The next time you look up to an evergreen, think about how each little needle is doing its job of keeping the tree green and grow­ ing. What kinds of evergreen tree species are growing in your state or neighborhood? Can you find some of their needles or pinecones? Or do you have other kinds of trees in your part of the world? Tell us about what you see some time at Dr. Universe@wsu.edu. Dr. Universe Do you have a question? Ask Dr. Universe. Send an email to Washington State University’s resident scientist and writer at Dr.Universe@wsu.edu or visit her website, askdruniverse.com. Mosquito-borne disease threatens health, alters schedules Greg Chandler Staff Writer The mosquito-borne disease Eastern equine encephalitis posed headaches for Barry County residents as well as school and gov­ ernment officials moch of the fall. Health officials reported five animal cases of EEE - three in deer and two in horses - and one human case in Barry County. Statewide, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services reported 49 animal cases and 10 human cases of the disease. Four people died from the illness, health officials said. The five animal cases in Barry County were the second most of any Michigan coun­ ty, with only Kalamazoo County reporting more cases. In late September, MDHHS officials declared the EEE situation a public health emergency and went ahead with aerial spray­ ing in counties were EEE cases had been reported in an effort to knock out mosquito populations there. The estimated cost to tax­ payers was between $1.5 and $1.8 million. In Barry County alone, 107,000 acres were sprayed in seven townships Assyria, Baltimore, Barry, Hope, Johnstown, Maple HASTINGS BANNER TOP STORIES OF 2019= #8 Grove and Prairieville. Barry-Eaton District Health Department Health Officer Colette Scrimger supported the spraying effort, saying the state took steps to make sure pesticides were applied only to specific areas. “They’re .not spraying over open bodies of water,” Scrimger told county commissioners at a September meeting. “They’re using an organic insecticide in very low dosage - the equivalent of an ounce sprayed across an entire football field.” In addition, Scrimger said the spraying was done between dusk and dawn to reduce risk to other species, such as honeybees, butterflies and birds. However, some residents and environmen­ tal organizations objected to the spraying as being unnecessary and potentially harmful to the environment. NOTICE The minutes of the meeting of the Barry County Board of Commissioners held Dec. 24, 2019, are available in the County Clerk’s Office at 220 W. State St., Hastings, between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, or www.barrycounty.org. One Hastings resident, Rene Swift, who survived EEE caused more than 30 years ago after being bitten by an infected mosquito, supported the state’s action. She also took every precaution to protect herself. “I was either [applying] bug spray or didn’t go out,” Swift said in an interview with the Banner. Signs of EEE include the sudden onset of fever, chills, body and joint aches which can progress to a severe encephalitis, resulting in headache, disorientation, tremors, seizures and paralysis. Permanent brain damage, coma and death also may occur in some cases. The EEE outbreak caused school officials from throughout Barry County to reschedule athletic events and other activities to the late afternoon hours in order to get them complet­ ed before dusk, when mosquitoes were more likely to be out. High school football games often kicked off at 5 or 5:30 p.m. instead of their usual 7 p.m. start time on Fridays to get the contests in before nightfall. Other events, such as the annual marching band festival in Hastings, required organizers to change plans and shuffle schedules. BARRY COUNTY ANIMAL SHELTER Starting January 1, 2020 The shelter hours are: OFFICE KENNEL/CATTERY Monday, Tuesday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday Thursday, Friday -tL Open 8:30am-12:30pm Open 9:30am-12:30pm eal; Closed Lunch 12:30pm-1:30pm Closed Lunch 12:30pm-1:30pm Open 1:30pm-5:00pm Open 1:30pm-4:30pm More than 50% of adults have a positive perception of ads in print newspapers.* Water’s Edge Financial LLC Jeffrey A. Keessen, AIF® Want to be next to trusted content? Place your ad in this newspaper and a network of newspapers?in the state! (269) 948-9969 525 W. Apple St. Hastings, MI 49058 www.watersedgefinancial.com Call this paper or 800-227-7636 www.cnaadsL com. Taking care of what's important to you so that you can focus on what matters most to you Jeffrey A. Keessen AIF® Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC Administrative Assistant ★Kantar Millward Brown, Feb. 2018 Wednesday Wednesday Closed 8:00am-1:00pm Closed 8:00am-1:00pm Open 1:00pm-5:00pm Open 1:00pm-4:30pm Saturday Saturday Open 8am-Noon Open 9am-11:30AM 540 N. Industrial Park Drive, Hastings, Ml 49058 269-948-4885 �Page 8 — Thursday, December 26, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Performing arts center debuts; Steinway celebrated ■_____________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________ fat HASTINGS BANNER TOP STORIES OF 2019- #9 Uii March 14, Hastings High School staged its first musical on March 14 in its new Performing Arts Center. The “Beauty and the Beast” production featured Belle (Sydney Pgttok) and the Beast (Gavin Patton) in the lead roles. (File photo) NEED TO PLAN A WEDDING? Melinda Smalley plays the Steinway Oct. 19 while others listen or wait their turn to play the one-of-a-kind concert grand piano on stage at the Hastings High School Performing Arts Center. (Photo by Rebecca Pigfce) Hastings Area School System unveiled its new performing arts center by staging the enchanted world of “Beauty and the Beast” in March. That was just the beginning. The venue has been the venue for a variety of events and performances the community is attending - and talking about. Thanks to the Larry and Earlene Baum family and their foundation, a donation of $100,000 bought a black, satin-finish Steinway grand piano for the center. Hastings band director Spencer White, retired Hastings choir director Patti LaJoye and performing arts center managing director Michael Sali say a piano like this is rare for a high school. White said he has been teaching for 12 years, eight of those in Hastings. How often has he had a Steinway as a part of a school music program? “Never,” he said. They expressed excitement about programs to come - and the Steinway and what it would contribute to school programs and the com­ munity at large. “We’re going to be showcasing it as a music department,” he said, “-using the piano with band and the choral department.” Also, according to LaJoye and White, the renowned Gilmore Keyboard Festival is add­ ing Hastings Performing Arts Center is a sat­ ellite site in next year’s festival lineup. A date hasn’t been set yet, but the Steinway is a requirement. “This is the piano,” White said. “It’s awe­ some.” The DeCamp Family Foundation brought the Grand Rapids Symphony to the perform­ ing arts center in November, providing the community with a free concert by a profes­ sional symphony. The 800-plus free tickets were claimed a week before the concert. And now, thanks to the Baum family, this particular Steinway belongs in Hastings. ■ & Larry and Earlene Baum are the guests of honor at the Hastings Area School System’s open house Monday. r. nr.. TOP 10 HASTINGS BANNER STORIES OF 2019 Come see us for all your wedding needs. ■ j | i Shop your LOCAL printing company for customized... • Thank you notes • Frames ! • Save the date cards . • Wedding invitations j • Photos • Wedding favors • Posters i_________________ ___________________________________ _____________________ PACKAGES CQQ starting at Check out all our Special Services: • • • • • • • Business Cards Greeting Cards Big Prints & Posters Photo Books Folding & Laminating Custom Rubber Stamps Plastic Binding and more! 1351 N.Broadway (M-43) Hastings 269.945.9105 OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00 - 5:30 VISA 1. Crooked Lake flooding continues 2. Businesses open, close, get new owners 3. Royal Coach, Moose projects expected to alleviate housing short­ age 4. Weather exacerbates flooding, leaves crop fields fallow 5. Pennock surgical center con­ struction begins 6. Gunman kills two men in Orangeville 7. PFAS and CAFOs among envi­ ronmental concerns 8. EEE causes deaths, illness; schools forced to change schedules 9. Hastings PAC opens and Steinway finds a new home 10. Attempted murder case high­ lights meth-addiction Woman claims hurry and confusion for skip­ scanning merchandise Police were called to Hastings Walmart at 1:11 p.m. Dec. 17, for a 35-year-old Hasting woman attempting to take merchandise. A store associate stopped the woman, who said she was in hurry and did not realize she had taken $80 in merchandise without paying for it. Information was forwarded to the Barry County Prosecutor’s office. Couple attempts to take $396 from Walmart Hastings Walmart associates kept an eye on an unknown man and woman in the store at 7:50 p.m. Dec. 18. Associates began watching the couple because the man was driving a scooter without seeming to need it. The couple put two heaters, propane cans, a BB pistol, a hover board, propane torch and a cell phone worth a total of $396 in their cart. When they arrived at the self-checkout they appeared to get into an argument and, when their card was declined, they left the store. An associate confronted them outside the door. The woman said she would go get the payment but never came back. The man stayed with the associate but refused to come back inside and eventually left. The associate took the merchandise back to the store. The case is still under investigation. Victim in jail attack wants to let bygones be bygones’ Surveillance footage at the Barry County Jail showed an assault between two inmates at 6 p.m. Dec. 22. A 24-year-old Grand Rapids man walked up to a 57-year-old Kalamazoo man while he was in bed, hit him nine times, hit him with a trash can three times and picked up a bed and threw it at him. The Grand Rapids man refused to talk to investigators, and the 57-year-old man only said the man picked up his bed and threw it at him. He said nothing else happened and he wanted to “let bygones be bygones.” Information was sent to the prosecuting attorney. Woman ‘bumps’ man with vehicle then crashes into tree Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner classified ads A 59-year-old Hastings man told police he was driving on M-37 near Culver Road in Johnstown Township at 2:04 p.m. Dec. 18 when a woman bumped him with her vehicle. The man said he passed a slow-moving vehicle, and the woman sped up and bumped the back of his vehicle. He pulled over, and the woman bumped him again. When he got out she reversed her vehicle and drove away. He continued down the road and found the woman had crashed into a tree and ran away from the scene. The man’s vehicle was undamaged. Firefighters picked up the woman and took her to a fire station to make sure she did not have any injuries. The woman told an officer she bumped the man because he slowed down, then got scared and tried to drive away. When she crashed, she was scared she was being followed and ran away. She was arrested for driving with a suspended license. �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 26, 2019 — Page 9 fl look back at the stories and columns on local history TURNING BACK THE 1 PAGES Newspaperman recounted a winter in the local wilderness, part II the forest, is it not, where we are?” “No,” says Chambers, “they flee before a man, but I think it lucky you did not get a shot. If you had wounded him, he would undoubtedly have made for you. Last spring, there were two large ones here, but the Indians killed one, and this one comes around occasionally perhaps to look up his mate.” “Come, Rhodes, let us go to our lodge.” The sound was finally lost in the distance, and the music of the wolves and owls was heard again. As we neared our lodge, a little to the right, two golden spots were seen glaring at our brilliant torch lights. “Take this torch,” says Rhodes, and the next moment, “Whang,” went his rifle and down fell a big buck with a bullet in his head. “What shall we do with him? Leave him half an hour, and the wolves would have him. To drag him to the lodge 40 rods [about 220 yards] in the snow was a hard job for two already worn out. But there was no time to be lost. Our torches were getting low, and we had but one in reserve. “Let us try it,” says Rhodes, strapping his rifle on his back and seizing one horn and me the other. It was a 200-pound buck or more, but we got him into camp and packed him away for the night. It was not 10 o’clock, and finishing our supper, we were in the hands of Morpheus until broad daylight. It fell to our lot to stir up the huge log fire in the comer and get the breakfast. Passing out to our pine dugout for pork, what was our surprise to find the wolves had pawed off the shingle blocks that covered it and taken every piece of pork — a 200-pound log. They had followed the trail of the deer up to the door, making no noise, and robbed us of what we had outside. Here was the buck and we still had meat, and off came the hide and in a few moments, we were roasting pieces on sticks, Indian fashion, and made out our usual breakfast. The quarters were stuck upon poles outside the balance carried to the marsh for the wolves. One event seemed to follow another in quick succession. On going to the spring, about three rods distant, Su-na-gun was discovered coming on his trail to his hunting ground, when we dropped our pail and rushed back, seized our rifles, dashed out and exclaimed, “Nene-kin-a-poo Su-na-gun.” That is “I will kill you.” He dodged behind a tree, but Rhodes made a dash for his rear and caused him to fall upon his knees and cry for mercy. We ordered him to our lodge with his rifle breech first, and he quickly obeyed. We pointed out to him where the ham hung and took away the bark we had placed to cover his track, and demanded he place his foot in it. This he declined to do, and Rhodes cocked his rifle and he promptly obeyed; it was the short - — HASTINGS PUBLIC LIBRARY SCHEDULE - — foot and a perfect fit. He owned up that he was the thief and begged for time to go to Yankee Springs for another. This was granted, and the next evening, he came with one on his pony. This settled all stealing from that quarter and made them friends through fear. After this, they thought we possessed great power and could tell who, of them, did wrong, and they were more than kind to us. This over, we went to the swamp with the remains of the buck and found a monster wolf dancing on his hind legs, being jerked up by a spring pole. A wolf, when trapped, can play well the penitent and sneak, but their teeth cut like plates of steel. We cast lots to see who should put a bullet through his head, and it fell to Rhodes and he was not long in doing it. The wolf was a monster. His carcass was dragged far away from the traps and placed in the crotch of a tree, for it was believed by Indians that wolves would never go near a dead one. This over, we spent the balance of that day in preparing for a trip up and one down the river, for our traps extended over three miles each way. The writer had a brother, Daniel, attending Barnes’ Mill, about three miles up the river, whose estimable wife, Maria, always favored us with a loaf of bread. To be continued... ———— - LEGAL NOTICES ■ : Saturday, Dec. 28 - anime group, noon-2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30 - Quilting Passions, 10 a.m.-l p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31 - toddler time, 10:30-11 a.m.; library closes at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 1 - closed. Thursday, Jan. 2 - Baby Cafe, 10 a.m.noon; Movie Memories & Milestones watch­ es 1954 film starring Clifton Webb, Dorothy McGuire and Jean Peters, 5 p.m. More information about these and other events is available by calling the library, 269­ 945-4263. . : < • •• : NOTICE Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement TO ALL CREDITORS: The Grantor, Marleah Mae NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL 600.3212, Dennison (date of birth July 19,1921), who lived at that the following will be foreclosed by a sale of Thomapple Manor, 2700 Nashville Rd., Hastings, the mortgaged premises, or some part of them, at public auction at the place of holding the circuit Ml 49058, died November 7, 2019. There is no court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on January personal representative of the Grantor’s estate 16, 2020: to whom Letters of Administration have been Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Adam R. Broxholm, issued. Creditors of the decedent are notified a married man that all claims against the Marleah M. Dennison Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Trust, dated March 21, 1997, as amended, will be Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as forever banned unless presented to Trustee, Terry nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/ K. Dennison, within four months after the date of or assigns publication. Notice is further given that the Trust Foreclosing Assignee (if any): AmeriFirst Financial Corporation will thereafter be assigned and distributed to the Date of Mortgage: September 16, 2014 persons entitled to it. Date of Mortgage Recording: September 19, 2014 Date: December 20, 2019 Amount claimed due on date of notice: $130,526.75 ATTORNEY: TRUSTEE: John L. Teeples (P39341) Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated in Teeples Law, PLLC Township of Orangeville, Barry County, Michigan, 25 Ionia Ave. SW - Ste 230 and described as: Lots 40 and 41, Crystal Lake Grand Rapids, Ml 49503 (616) 776-7200 Estates Plat, according to the plat thereof as Terry K. Dennison U recorded in Liber 5, Page 73 of Plats, Barry County 735 N. Broadway Hastings, Ml 49058 Records. 269-945-3376 The redemption period shall be 6 months from the date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in accordance with MCLA£00.3241a^or, if the subject----- (12-26) 134597 real property is used for agricultural purposes as defined by MCL 600.3240(16). Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement : If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCk Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed b^ pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of responsible to the person who buys the property at them, at public auction at the place of holding the the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on5 holder for damaging the property during the January 23, 2020: < redemption period. Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Eric Morgan, aThis notice is from a debt collector. married man Date of notice: December 19, 2019 Trott Law, PC. Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc., as mortgagee, as 1404681 nominee for lender and lender’s successors and/or (12-19)(01-09) assigns Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Caliber Home Loans, Inc. Date of Mortgage: December 26, 2017 Notice of Foreclosure by Advertisement Date of Mortgage Recording: January 4, 2018 NOTICE is hereby given pursuant to MCL Amount claimed due on date of notice: 600.3212, that the following will be foreclosed by $280,056.35 a sale of the mortgaged premises, or some part of Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated them, at public auction at the place of holding the in Township of Johnstown, Barry County, Michigan, circuit court within Barry County, at 1:00 PM, on and described as: Commencing at a point on the January 23, 2020: South line of Section 33, Town 1 North, Range 8 Name(s) of the mortgagor(s): Andrew Richardson, West, distant South 89 degrees 34 minutes 35 a single man seconds East 1992.93 feet from the Southwest Original Mortgagee: Mortgage Electronic corner of said Section; thence North 2 degrees Registration Systems, Inc., as nominee for lender 05 minutes 45 seconds East 1000.50 feet; thence and lender’s successors and/or assigns South 89 degrees 51 minutes 45 seconds East Foreclosing Assignee (if any): Lakeview Loan 664.67 feet to the North and South 1/4 line of said Servicing, LLC Section 33; thence South 2 degrees 06 minutes 40 Date of Mortgage: January 28, 2015 seconds West, along said North and South 1/4 tin® Date of Mortgage Recording: February 10, 2015 1003.78 feet to the South 1/4 post of said Section; Amount claimed due on date of notice: $51,846.31 thence North 89 degrees 34 minutes 45 seconds Description of the mortgaged premises: Situated West along said South Section line 664.31 feet to in Township of Hope, Barry County, Michigan, and the place of beginning. Subject to an easement described as: Commencing on the North section over the southerly 33 feet thereof for public highway line of Section 1, Town 2 North, Range 9 West, at purposes. the intersection of Sager Road and Cedar Creek The redemption period shall be 6 months from the Road for the place of beginning; thence West on date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in said Section line 500 feet; thence South 308 feet; accordance with MCLA 600.3241 a; or, if the subject thence East 500 feet to the Centerline of Cedar real property is used for agricultural purposes as Creek Road; thence Northerly along the Centerline defined by MCL 600.3240(16). of Cedar Creek Road 308 feet to the place of If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under beginning. Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, The redemption period shall be 6 months from the pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held date of such sale, unless determined abandoned in responsible to the person who buys the property at accordance with MCLA 600.3241a; or, if the subject the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage real property is used for agricultural purposes as holder for damaging the property during the defined by MCL 600.3240(16). redemption period. If the property is sold at foreclosure sale under This notice is from a debt collector. Chapter 32 of the Revised Judicature Act of 1961, Date of notice: December 26, 2019 pursuant to MCL 600.3278 the borrower will be held Trott Law, RC. responsible to the person who buys the property at the mortgage foreclosure sale or to the mortgage 1405149 holder for damaging the property during the (12-26X01-16) 134552 I redemption period. ■ ■ . This notice is from a debt collector. K Shortly after arriving at the borrowed cabin in the remote woods west of Gun Lake, D.B. Cook and James Rhodes decided the dwelling should be called “Hunter’s Lodge.” (Six Months Among Indians image) This is second in a “Fresh Out of the Attic” Banner series reprinted from the mid19008 featuring recollections by Darius Burgess Cook. On the advice of his doctor, Cook (no relation to the Barry County newspapering family of the same name) and able-bodied frontiersman James Rhodes spent the winter of 1839-40 just west of the Barry County line. Cook was 24 at the time. He’d been working at the Kalamazoo Gazette and was in failing health. So, his doctor sent him to the woods to heal. The forests were thick and teeming with wildlife, including packs of wolves that howled each night. Dwellings for the smattering of settlers in the area were small, crude huts. The two men frequently encountered Native Americans and with them overcame misunderstandings, shared cultures and helped each other. Cook later settled in Niles, married, started a family, and began a newspaper business that would continue for three more generations. He’d kept a diary of that wilderness experience and nearly 50 years later, decided to publish his book, Six Months Among Indians. His story continues here, after their first night in the wilderness, trying to sleep amid a cacophony of wolves and owls: The sunshine in the morning was beautiful. The gentle breeze caused the stately pines to hum sweet music. The wolves had been hungry all the long night, howling here and there, amid the din, and homed owls’ ‘ tu-whittu-whoo" could be heard in all directions. Our breakfast consisted of baked potatoes, pork and pancakes, and nothing tasted more delicious. Notwithstanding the severe ordeal we had passed through, we already began to recover health and strength. The bait for wolves on the shanty came down and was dragged about three-fourths of a mile into a black ash swamp and left by a fallen tree. Three traps were set near it. To them a chain was attached and a heavy clog to the chain. Visiting the traps the next morning, two were gone and one was sprung, evidently by a piece of bark falling from the log. Not a vestige of the bait was left. Both [traps] were found. The clogs had caught against little trees, and the wolves had wound the chains around them and twisted their feet out. We supplied bait the next night with the head of a deer and caught others, but they [the wolves] would twist out in the same manner. We found it was useless to catch them in this way, for so powerful were they no trap we had would hold them. We invented a plan to save [the traps]. A huge grapevine ran far up into the limbs of a tree, and both of us pulled it down and tied it to the roots of a tree with moose bark. We then cut it off and attached the chain of the trap to the vine, and the bait near the trap surrounding it in such manner that an animal must step over into the trap to get it. In this way, we saved our first wolf. He was caught by the fore paw. He leaped and broke the bark, the vine sprung up and Mr. wolf was jerked two feet from the earth. At our appearance, he could only kick at air and turn his head fiercely. Our custom after this was to bend down a sapling, tie it to the root of a tree and attach a chain to that. This would fly up and keep the wolf dancing on his hind feet. In this way, but one ever escaped, but, as will be seen hereafter, he was captured. Returning to our cabin early in the afternoon, we found it necessary to prepare huge logs to keep our fire going night and day. At this we spent two days. On our return to what we called “Hunter’s Lodge,” a strange animal was discovered at a distance in the crotch of a tree. We paused for a critical examination. We were scarcely within shooting distance and crept carefully along from tree to tree to get within range of our rifles. Both were to fire at the word, the same moment. No sooner had we got into position than the animal leaped from one tree to another and then to the ground and flew swiftly away. What it was we could not determine. During our absence, some person had stolen the last ham from our lodge, and from the track, one being longer than another, owing to a deformity, we knew it was Indian Su-na-gun, but it was too late for pursuit that day. While discussing our supper, potatoes and pork, we heard what we supposed was the screaming of a woman, about half a mile distant, in great agony. It was fearfully dark. The wind whistled through the pines, and the snow was falling fast. The wolves and the owls were hushed. This awful screaming of a woman in agony aroused our sympathies. No time was to be lost. We left our supper and lit our torches, shouldered our rifles and were off with a rush. Onward we dashed in direction of the sound, but still we seemed to get no nearer to it, in fact, it seemed farther and farther off. We returned to our nearest neighbor, Mr. Chambers [the nearest neighbor], who was listening to the same screams. On learning of our expedition, he laughed heartily and informed us it was a panther, and it had been in that vicinity several weeks. He had seen him twice. “Ah,” says Rhodes, “that is what we were trying to get a shot at today, but he leaped from tree to tree and then to the ground and dashed away. “Yes, yes,” says Chambers, “That was him; he is almost red, and is a large and powerful one.” “But,” says we, “it is dangerous to be in IFGAI NOTICES - “.. ■ 1 .. —i NOTICE TO THE RESIDENTS OF BARRY COUNTY Notice is hereby given that the Barry County Zoning Board of Appeals will conduct a public hearing for the following: Case Number V-1-2020 - Greg Sutton & Nich­ ole Allen (Property Owners) Location: 12616 Blue Lagoon Road, Shelbyville, in Section 6 of Orangeville Township. Purpose: Request a variance to construct a 30x32 detached garage with a side yard setback of 3 ft (the minimum is 10 ft) in the RL (Recreational Lakes) zoning district. MEEI1MQ..PATE: January 13, 2020. TIME: 7:00 PM. PLACE: Tyden Center Community Room, 121 South Church Street, Hastings, Mich­ igan 49058 Site inspections of the above described property will be completed by the Zoning Board of Appeals members before the hearing. Interested persons desiring to present their views upon an appeal, either verbally or in writing, will be given the opportunity to be heard at the above mentioned time and place. Any written response may be mailed to the address listed below, faxed to (269) 948-4820, or emailed to Barry County Planning Director James McManus at jmcmanus@barrycounty.org. The variance application is available for public inspection at the Barry County Planning Department, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, during the hours of 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday - Friday. Please call the Barry County Planning Department at (269) 945-1290 for further information. The County of Barry will provide necessary auxiliary aids and services, such as signers for the hearing impaired and audio tapes of printed materials being considered at the meeting, to individuals with disabilities at the meeting/hearing upon ten (10) days notice to the County of Barry. Individuals with disabilities requiring auxiliary aids or services should contact the County of Barry by writing or calling the following: Michael Brown, County Administrator, 220 West State Street, Hastings, Michigan 49058, (269) 945-1284. 1404966 (12-26)(01-16) Pamela A. Palmer, Barry County Clerk ■ ■ ■■ ’• ■ ■. Date of notice: December 26, 2019 Trott Law, RC. ' ■ ■ ■ . ■ ' . . 134484 • ' Give the gift of NEWS! Send friends and family a gift subscription to The Hastings BANNER! To subscribe, call us at... 269-945-9554 ■ �Page 10 — Thursday, December 26, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Stabbing case offers view of meth addiction HASTINGS BANNER TOP STORIES OF 2019-#10 Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital’s new surgery center beams, signed and bless­ ed on Nov. 14, were installed in the three operating rooms to hold the equipment that swill be used for surgery. (File photo) ! Community health care to get a major boost Rebecca Pierce Staff Writer ‘ A new 19,000-square-foot surgical center started to take shape this year at Spectrum Health Pennock Hospital in Hastings. ‘ The $12 million project, funded primarily by private donations to the Spectrum Health Foundation at Pennock, was announced in June 2018 at the hospital’s 95th anniversary celebration. > The new center will include three operating rooms, 15 private patient rooms, five recovery bays and two endoscopy suites. ; “The new surgical center will relocate inpa­ tient and outpatient surgery, as well as endos­ copy, to one main-level suite attached to the west side of the hospital,” Pennock President Angela Ditmar said. “The center will then be fcloser to radiology, lab and sterile processing, ’which are frequently used during a surgical •visit.” The new center will provide private halls, individual rooms and a separate drive-up HASTINGS BANNER TOP STORIES OF 2019- #5 entrance and exit, providing patients more privacy. “In addition to improved patient flow and privacy, the operating rooms will increase in size to accommodate modem technology that our current rooms can no longer support,” Ditmar said. “These spaces will increase from 400 square feet to 600 square feet, which is industry standard for operating rooms today. “We are thankful for the support of our donors and Spectrum Health’s investment in Pennock Hospital to make certain we contin­ ue to provide high-quality, local care whenev­ er possible,” she said. The surgical center is projected to open in November 2020. Samantha Rose Burnham, 31, of Grand Ledge, was found guilty of assaulting a police officer and ordered by Judge Michael Schipper to serve 180 days in jail, with credit for 32 days served. She was ordered to pay $398 in fines and costs and comply with the condi­ tions of adult probation. was found guilty of violating probation on a conviction of operating a vehicle while intox­ icated. She was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve 40 to 60 months in prison, with cred­ it for 158 days served. A charge of operating a vehicle on a suspended license was dis­ missed. Michele Annette Morgan, 58, of Richland, was found guilty of operating a vehicle while intoxicated March 22 on Marsh Road in Orangeville Township. She had prior convic­ tions for operating a vehicle while intoxicated Feb. 7, 2013, in Battle Creek, and Jan. 19, 2016, in Hastings. Morgan was sentenced as a third-time offender by Judge Schipper to 30 days in jail, with credit for three days served. She was ordered to serve two years on a GPS monitoring/tether and Secure Continuous Remote Alcohol Monitoring device. The pro­ bation fee is $120 with $398 in fines and costs. Upon completion of tether and SCRAM, she will be placed on probation for 60 months. Robert Walter Schutz, 35, of Shelbyville, was found guilty of operating a vehicle while intoxicated as a third-time offender and assaulting a police officer. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 64 days on each count, with credit for 64 days served. Schutz was ordered to pay $718 in fines and costs and placed on probation for 24 months with a fee of $240, payable at $10 a month. He also was placed in sobriety court, with the fee payable at $40 a month. Another charge of assaulting a police officer and having an open container of alcohol in a vehicle were dismissed. Zachary Stephen-Robert Rankin, 27, of Hastings, was found guilty of assaulting a police officer and operating a vehicle while intoxicated as a second-time offender. He was sentenced by Judge Schipper to serve 24 to 36 months in prison. Rankin also was ordered to pay $4,848 in fines and costs, including resti­ tution of $3,000. Charges of reckless driving, assault or assault and battery, and operating a vehicle with no license were dismissed. Tanya Marie Schuette, 36, of Allegan, Tiffanie Marie Traitor, 37, of Kalamazoo, was found guilty of domestic violence as a third-time offender. She was sentenced by Judge Schipper to 23 to 60 months in prison, with credit for 332 days served. She was ordered to pay $777 in fines and costs. Jacob Jay Wiersma, 37, of Dorr, was found guilty of violating probation on a con­ viction of aggravated stalking. He was sen­ tenced by Judge Schipper to 40 to 60 months in prison, with credit for 168 days served. He was ordered to pay $818 in fines and costs, including $190 in restitution. Banner CLASSIFIEDS Taylor Owens Staff Writer Testimony in a Sept. 5 attempted murder case in Barry County drew a picture of a day in the life of meth addicts. David Krebs, 30, of Vermontville, was bound over to circuit court on Nov. 14 to stand trial for the attempted murder of Anthony Collins. The two had spent the day driving around Michigan getting and taking drugs with their mutual friend Dalton King. In his testimony, King, 21, of Lake Odessa, said Collins drove him around to both inject and sell methamphetamine. They were on their way back from Greenville with Sara Smith, 19, when the attack allegedly occurred on Barber Road north of Hastings. Collins said he was in the front passenger seat, and Krebs was seated behind him, when Krebs asked him if he was OK. When Collins didn’t respond, Krebs reached up and slit his throat, then began stabbing him. According to testimony, Krebs stabbed Collins 11 times, both inside and out of the vehicle. Krebs fled on foot, but was tracked down by the Barry County Sheriff’s K-9 Unit and arrested. With the scar on his neck plainly visible in court, Collins testified that Krebs had reached forward with his left arm to slit his throat from his right side to his left. Collins said he couldn’t remember exactly what happened. He said Krebs stabbed him at least once in the car after slitting his throat, but how many times he was stabbed in the car or as he was trying to flee Collins did not know. He recalled pushing Krebs away and then running to a nearby house, where a woman was fixing dinner with her children. “Once I got away, I ran towards the house, and opened their door, and collapsed in their arms.” The woman wrapped his neck in a towel and called 911. Collins said she saved his life. Collins testified in November that he’d been stabbed 11 times, in his back, shoulders, arm, wrist and fingers. He was in the hospital four or five days and had undergone at least two surgeries. One surgery removed the knife from his arm, and the second removed most of one lung, which had been irreparably dam- AH real estate advertising in this news­ paper is subject to the Fair Housing Act and the Michigan Civil Rights Act which collectively make it illegal to advertise “any preference, limitation or discrimi­ nation based on race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status, national origin, age or martial status, or an intention, to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.” Familial status includes children under the age of 18 living with parents or legal custodians, pregnant women and people securing custody of children under 18. This newspaper will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. Our readers are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised in this newspaper are available on an equal opportunity basis. To report discrimination call the Fair Housing Center at 616-451-2980. The HUD toll-free telephone number for the hearing imapried is 1-800-927-9275 For Sale Business Services Happy Jack® LiquiVict 2x®: handy dispenser insures ac­ curate dosage to treat hook & round worms. At Tractor Supply, (www.happyj ackinc. com) BELLS CONSTRUCTION18 years experience. Dry wall, painting, tile, flooring, trim, power washing, home im­ provements. 269-320-3890. Automotive 03 HONDA PILOT, leather, good condition inside, needs motor. Asking $1,500 OBO. 269-838-6590. BUYING ALL HARD­ WOODS: Walnut, White Oak, Tulip Poplar. Call for pricing. Will buy single Wal­ nut trees. Insured, liability & workman's comp. Fetterley Logging, (269)818-7793. aged. King, who is currently serving time in state prison, also testified in the case. King said he has been friends with Collins for three or four months. Both Collins and King were given immuni­ ty from prosecution for their testimony. “I met him in Barry County Jail,” King said. “He was doing nine days. I was doing nine months for fleeing and eluding and pos­ session of meth.” King said he has known Krebs for more than a year. “David had been at my house a few days, Graduation Invitations to fit every style 1 Banner 100 Invitations 100 Envelopes 100 Thank You Postcards TK teams get to 2-0 in Gold with wins over Wolves The Thornapple Kellogg varsity bowling teams improved their OK Gold Conference records to 2-0 with victories over Wyoming at Spectrum Lanes Wednesday (Dec. 18) after­ noon. The TK girls scored a 20-10 win over the Wolves, evening their overall record at 2-2 in duals this season. The TK girls lost both baker games to the Wolves, but managed scores of 663 and 713 in the two regular games to earn ten points along with another ten from individual victo­ ries. Carly Snyder, Dalace Jousma, Allison Hess, Faith Foster and Cayleigh Willard each won both their individual match-ups. Snyder had high games of 195 and 170. Jousma had a high-game of 165, Hess a 141 and Foster a 137. The Thomapple Kellogg boys bested the Wolves 18-12, getting six of the ten baker points with a high game of 209. Trevor VanPolen took both of his individu­ al points, rolling games of 241 and 184. Michael Willshire took a point for TK with a 247 game. Wyatt Jacobson, Ethan Kriekaard and Nathan Palmer took one point each as well. High scores included a 247 from Willshire, a 211 from Kriekaard and a 207 from Colton Hicswa. The TK boys’ team had a season high pin count of 1065 in the regular games and won four team points. CALL... The Hastings BANNER • 945-9554 PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: David Krebs he didn't really have any place to go. We both had warrants for our arrest. We’d both been hanging out together for about a week or so.” King said both he and Krebs had been tak­ ing meth and marijuana during that time. Krebs visited King that day “to get high ... and to take me around so I could sell drugs myself, so I had a ride, ‘cause my girlfriend had to go to work and pick up the kids.” The three men left for the house in Delton, making a number of stops along the way to sell meth. When they arrived at the house, King said he injected meth. “Anthony, I think, snorted some, but 1 don’t think David got high on meth at all.” Afterward, King said he and Collins left the house and went to King’s residence in Lak£ Odessa. He said they stayed there with King’® girlfriend and another woman and got high until both women had to leave. Then they went back Delton to pick up Krebs, and drove to Greenville to pick up Smith and her dog. King testified he wasn’t aware of any ilj will between Collins and Krebs, and that Collins had not done anything to provoke Krebs. They were on the way back to Hastings to pick up clean “rigs,” or needles, to inject more meth when the assault occurred. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. March 12, 2020. GET ALL THE NEWS M DrUmi BADOV COUNTY! Subscribe to the Hastings Banner. Call 269-945-9554 for more information. Get all this for only $144.95 1 Banner 50 Invitations 50 Envelopes 50 Thank You Postcards Get all this for only $84.95 Ask us about other options & quantities! Don't buy online... BUY LOCAL CLASS OF 4 2018 Check out all our Special Services: • Business Cards • Greeting Cards • Big Prints & Posters • Photo Books • Folding & Laminating • Custom Rubber Stamps • Plastic Binding and more! 269.945.9105 OPEN MONDAY-FRIDAY 8:00 - 5:30 VISA} �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 26, 2019 — Page 11 Lions do well in contested bouts at first GLAC quad Maple Valley’s Cody Taylor (top) nears a pin of Ryen Hurlbut from the Lakewood ‘B’ team Saturday at the Lions’ Jesse Snow Memorial Invitational at Maple Valley Jr/Sr High School. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Maple Valley sophomore Matthew Slaght lifts Gavin White from the Battle Creek Lakeview ‘B’ team off the mat during their 112-pound semifinal match Saturday at the Lions’ Jesse Snow Memorial Invitational. (Photo by Brett Bremer) The guys who took the mat had a good night for the Maple Valley varsity wrestling team at the first Greater Lansing Activities Conference Quad of the season, hosted by Stockbridge Wednesday. The Lions were downed in duals with the host Panthers and the Olivet Eagles, but won three of five bouts in the dual with Stockbridge and five of six in the dual with the Eagles. Maple Valley junior Jesse Brumm earned his fifth victory of the season and the 100th of his varsity career by pinning Olivet’s Jayna Morris with one second left in the first period of their 130-pound match early on in their team’s second dual of the night. “He took first at the Don Johnson (invita­ tional) last weekend. He just wrestled well coming back froin an injury. He wrestled good again Wednesday night, with two pins,” Lion head coach Tony Wawiernia said. Maple Valley also got pins from Cody Taylor, AJ Raymond, David Hosack-Frizzell and Gage Ertman in the dual, as well as a forfeit win by Jordan Thornton. The Lions though had voids in the lien-up at seven weight classes in a 48-36 loss to Olivet. Stockbridge bested the Lions 30-28 with the Panthers taking advantage of three forfeit wins. The two teams had double forfeits at four weight classes, and the Lions got a forfeit win by Ertman. In the flights that were contested, the Lions got pins from Jordan Thornton, Brumm and Raymond. Hosack-Frizzell scored a 12-4 major decision over Stockbridge’s Kevin Killinger at 189 pounds in the only bout that lasted six minutes. Coach Wawiernia was pleased with Raymond and Hosack-Frizzell’s performanc­ es on the night, and happy to see youngsters wrestling well too. The Lions will hope to start getting some injured and/or ill wrestlers back soon. Brumm (130 pounds), Ertman (103) and Raymond (171) won flight championships for the Lions Saturday at their annual Jesse Snow Memorial Invitational, with Slaght the run­ ner-up at 112 pounds and Hosack-Frizzell third at 189. Those results helped the Lions to a thirdplace finish overall as a team. Battle Creek Lakeview’s ‘B’ team took the championship with 146 points. Olivet was second with 113, just ahead of the Lions’ total of 11.5. Webberville was fourth with 101 points, ahead of Colon 96, Hastings ‘B’ 91, Athens 88, Hopkins 78, Stockbridge 71, Concord 59 and Lakewood 4B’ 54. Ertman never made it out of the first period in any of his three 103-pound matches. He stuck Zachary Abiciak from the Lakewood ‘B’ team 42 seconds into the championship match at their flight. Brumm kept his career win total climbing into the triple digits with a pin of Webberville’s Seth Wisuri in their 130-pound title bout. Raymond pinned his first two foes before scoring a 17-6 win over Concord’s Calvin Allen in the first place match at 171 pounds. Slaght reached the 112-pound champion­ ship for Maple Valley by pinning his first foe of the day and the edging Lakeview’s Gavjn White 6-5 in the semifinals. Ryan Bower frqjn Colon won the 112-pound.tifle with a 7^4 vic­ tory over Slaght in the match for first. Taylor won two matches in the 152-pound bracket for the Lions, pinning two foes and getting pinned himself twice. Dillon Jorgensen (160) also won a match for the Lions at the tournament. Griffin Seeber was the top finisher for the Hastings team, placing second at 135 pounds. Lakewood got a championship from Gavin Vaughn at 160 pounds. Maple Valley 103-pounder Gage Ertman moves Sherri Rogers from the Battle Creek Lakeview ‘B’ team around the mat during their semifinal match-up Saturday at the Lions’ annual Jesse Snow Memorial Invitational. (Photo by Brett Bremer) f Ramblers race out in front, then hold on A basket in the first quarter counts the same as one in the final quarter, and the Perry Ramblers did just enough early on to be able to hold on for a 47-44 win Friday night. The Perry varsity boys’ basketball team started its Greater Lansing Activities Conference opener with visiting Lakewood by going on a 21-7 run in the first quarter. The outburst was led by Caleb Leykauf who had nine first-quarter points and finished with a game-high 23 points. The double digit deficit didn’t get the Vikings down. They put together a 16-3 run to get within a point by the half (24-23). “And then it was an absolute dogfight,” Lakewood head coach Chris Duits said. “I don’t know if we ever took the lead or not, but we tied it numerous times with opportunities and then kept missing shots. It basically came down to ... they made a couple plays right at the end. They hit a couple free throws and we just kind of ran out of time at the end.” The Vikings have struggled shooting the basketball so far this season, and that carried into Friday night, but they nearly found enough offense. Duits said his team focused on forcing Leykauf to work on the defensive end, bringing his man up to screen and force switches with the guards that left Leykauf on the ball. Lake wood tried to attack from there. “Our defense, after a terrible start, we real­ ly locked them up very well,” Duits said. “We forced some turnovers. We had some pressure on them. This team fights. They fight to the bitter end. We’re running guys in and out, trading offense for defense. The guys who come off the bench, the reserves, have a a lot of energy and they’re giving us everything they’ve got. We’re close, but we’re just not finishing games right now.” Jacob Elenbaas had 12 points to lead Lakewood, scoring seven in the second quar­ ter as the Vikings clawed and scratched their way back into the ballgame. Jayce Cusack had eight points for the Vikings, and Bryant Makley and Denny Sauers had six each. Jashaun Hill chipped in five points. CJ King added ten points for the Ramblers, scoring six in the opening quarter and four in the fourth. Leykauf had three threes among his 23 points. TK grapplers dominate first double dual The Trojans won 26 of the 28 flights in their first first double dual of the season at home Wednesday (Dec. 18), beginning OK Gold Conference action with an 84-0 win over the Grand Rapids Christian Eagles. The Trojans followed that up with a 61-6 victory over Holland in the night-cap. Hunter Pitsch, Ashton Corson, Zack Gibson, Jackson Curtis, Kyron Zoet, Andrew Middleton, Austin Chivis, Jackson LaJoye, Nick Bushman, Logan Moore, Noah Peterson, Jake Middleton, Adam Bush and Carter West scored points for the TK team in the dual with the Grand Rapids Christian Eagles. Pitsch, Corson, Gibson, Zoet, Middleton, Chivis, LaJoye, Bushman, Moore, Peterson, Bush and West added wins in the dual with Holland as well. The wrestlers also held their wood raffle fundraiser drawing at the event, the lucky winner was Ben Forbes. Forbes won three face cords of wood which the wrestlers will deliver and stack. DK team does well at first SAC duals The Delton Kellogg varsity wrestling team handled its first two Southwestern Athletic Conference foes of the season Wednesday at Fennville, scoring a 54-30 win over the host Blackhawks and a 54-24 win over Gobles. DK got pins from Charlie Zurhorst (119 pounds), Jay den Oms (125), Vinnie Quick (145) and Hunter Belew (189) in the dual with Fennville. Gage Vincent, Hunter Antolovich, Alan Rogers, Caden Ferris and Kaleb Post all won by forfeit for DK. In the match with Gobles, DK got a pin from Belew and eight forfeit victories from Vincent, Oms, Charles Young, Chase Nevins, Pascale Houssenaine, Rogers, Ferris and Post. A couple Panthers were tested a bit more Saturday at Chippewa Hills’ Joe Lauren Memorial Invitational, placing 19^ in a field of 22 teams. Ferris improved his record to 11-1 on the season with four pins. He stuck Chippewa Hills’ Chayton Wiggins two and a half min­ utes into the 215-pound championship. Belew was third at 189 pounds, falling to Gladwin’s Dillon Kroening in the semifinals before rebounding for an overtime win over Meridian’s Jimmy Miron in the match for third. Belew is now 9-2 on the season. Eaton Rapids took the day’s championship with 286 points, ahead of Chippewa Hills 224, Whitehall 217.5, Meridian Early College 124.5, Bullock Creek 107, Gladwin 101, Midland 90, St. Charles 86.5, Hesperia 83.5 and Traverse City West 82.5 in the top ten. “We wanted to face guard (Leykauf) and not help off him,” Duits said. “He ended up hitting two bombs. We were guarding him, but we weren’t guarding him close enough. He hit a couple 25-footers and they were back-breakers. On everybody else, we were playing pretty good help-side defense. They broke us down a couple times, but once we figured out what they were trying to do and drive on us every time, we made an adjust­ ment and shut off the drive and did much better.” Lakewood is now 0-4 overall this season. Stockbridge builds lead early against MVHS boys The Maple Valley varsity boys’ basketball team was bested 64-48 in its Greater Lansing Activities Conference opener against visiting Stockbridge Friday night. Tylin Ayers and Christopher Hall had 18 points each to lead the Panthers. Jeremy Pilch added ten points and Noah Robidou had seven. The Panthers hit their only two three-point­ ers of the bailgame in the opening quarter as they built a 16-7 lead. Stockbridge had six different players score in that opening quarter. The two teams were mostly even the rest of the evening. Hugheston Heckathorn led the Lions with 14 points, scoring eight in the second period alone. Eli Nelson had ten points, Curtis Walker nine and Ben Benedict six for the Lions. Benedict was 6-of-8 at the free throw line. The Lions fall to 1-3 overall on the season with the loss and will return to GLAC play Jan. 7 at Olivet. Stockbridge powered by huge third-quarter run at Valley Stockbridge controlled things around the basket, took advantage of Lion turnovers and shot better than their hosts in a 57-27 Greater Lansing Activities Conference win over the Maple Valley varsity girls’ basketball team Friday. The Lions fell to 0-2 in the conference with the loss. It was just a five-point bailgame at the half, but the Panthers went on a 28-5 surge in the third quarter to take command of the contest. The Lions shot just 20 percent from the floor, got out-rebounded 45-30 and allowed Stockbridge to turn 31 turnovers into 27 points. Ashlyn Wilkes had a team-high 12 points for the Lions and Megan Valiquette chipped in four points. Wilkes hit two three-pointers from the left comer, and Alison McGlocklin knocked one down as well. Gwen Rogoziuski powered the Panthers’ attack, hitting three three’s and finishing with a game-high 24 points. She had 13 points in Stockbridge’s big third-quarter surge. Kaylee Dalton added 11 points for the Panthers, and Madison Mazuca and Grace Hall had seven points apiece. Maple Valley is off now until a Greater Lansing Activities Conference contest at Olivet Jan. 7. �Page 12 — Thursday, December 26, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Titans go outside then in to best Saxons — n ' ' ' . I r ' I Hastings varsity girls’ basketball coach Mike Engle talks things over with his players during a break in the action of of their I-8 contest with visiting Jackson Lumen Christi Friday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) The Saxons’ Kiersten Boulter works to get a shot over Lumen Christi’s Catriana Carroll in the post during their Interstate-8 Athletic Conference contest in Hastings Friday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Brett Bremer Sports Editor The Saxons were darned if they did and darned if they didn’t Friday night. The Hastings varsity girls’ basketball team looked to slow down Jackson Lumen Christi’s 6-2 all-conference center Catriana Carroll by packing in a 2-3 zone for their Interstate-8 Athletic Conference match-up at Hastings High School. The plan worked - kind of. The Saxons limited Carroll to just one field goal, and only three points, in the first half. The one set of film Hastings head coach Mike Engle had on the Titans from this winter as a bailgame against Vandercook Lake in which the Titans did not shoot well from the outside. The Titans did shoot well from the outside Tuesday though, forcing a defensive alter­ ation from the Saxons and eventually scoring a 51-36 victory. The Titans’ Megan Gibson hit three threes in the first quarter, and four in the first half. Lumen Christi had five total threes in the opening half and built a 25-10 lead by the intermission. Saxon guard Josie Nickels rises above the Lumen Christi defense to get a shot up in the paint during their 1-8 match-up at Hastings High School Friday. (Photo by Perr^ Hardin) Hastings went to a man-to-man full-court press in the second half. “We got some turnovers out of it and were able to cut it to eight in the fourth,” Hastings head coach Mike Engle said, “but they went on a little run and extended their lead back to within 13 and 15.” Gibson didn’t score again in the second half with the Saxons paying her more atten­ tion. She finished with the 12 points she scored in the first half. Carroll added eight-sec­ ond half points to finish with 11 total. Lumen Christi also got eight points from Anna Doane and six each from Allie Sweeney and Chloe Prysor. “I credit them, they made shots,” Engle said. The Saxons did not shoot well, hitting just 14-of-45 field goal attempts, but they did limit their turnover total from where it had been in the first few games of the season. “After playing Tuesday night, without the intensity it takes to be successful, our teaim came out and played hard for 32 minutes,”^ Engle said. “Once this team gets shots to falfe we’re going to start moving some of our? games in the loss category to the win catego-gj ry.” f Macy Winegar led the Saxons with 12; points and six steals. Carly Warner had seven points and five rebounds. The Saxons are off now until a non-confer-ence contest with visiting Ionia Jan. 7. TheSaxons will travel to Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit for their Interstate-8 Athletic Conference match-up with Harper Creek Jan. 11. Saxons win a December tourney and first 1-8 dual Hastings’ Robby Slaughter holds down Pennfield’s Trenton Dollaway, nearing a pin; ? in their 140-pound bout during the I-8 dual at Pennfield High School Wednesday. J (Photo by Perry Hardin) 5 The Saxons’ Shane Dillon nears a pin of Pennfield’s Brianna Ferrall during their 1-8 dual Wednesday in Battle Creek. (Photo by Perry Hardin) The Saxons bounced right back from their season opening defeat at the hands of Thomapple Kellogg and are rolling through December. Hastings earned a 70-10 victory at Pennfield in the first Interstate-8 Athletic Conference dual of the season Wednesday and followed that up with a fifth-place finish at Saturday’s Tim Hom tournament hosted by Holland. The Saxons were 3-2 in their five duals in Holland, falling to the host team 44-30 and to Allendale 49-22. Hastings defeated Portage Northern 64-15, Otsego 64-18 and West Ottawa 42-36 on the day. Jonathan Giron clinched the victory over West Ottawa in pool matches for Hastings by pinning Owen Foster 51 seconds into their bout at 119 pounds, with one weight class to go. Hastings also got pins in that dual from Robby Slaughter at 140 pounds, Gabe Trick at 145, Tyler Dull at 160, Elias Sanchez at 171, Jackson Dubois at 215 and Zach Chipman at 103 pounds. Hastings knocked off Portage Northern in the match for fifth place, getting pins from Sanchez (171), Tyler Olivet (189), Dubois (285), Chipman (103), Cohen Smith (125) and Slaughter (135). Matt Thompson won by forfeit for the Saxons at 140 and Giron scored an 11-3 major decision over Luke Briden at j 119 pounds. In the victory over Otsego, the Saxons gotJ pins from Trick, Joey Tumes, Dull, Sanchezq Dubois, Dillon Neal and Smith. Shane Dillon,i Oliver and Thompson had forfeit wins. Chipman earned an 11-3 major decision against the Bulldogs’ Dayman Sutherland at 103. Portland won the day’s championship, best­ ing Allendale 40-36 in the match for firsts Greenville placed third by besting Holland 63-12 in the end. The Saxons won 12 of the 14 flights in the? 1-8 dual with Pennfield in Battle Cree£* Wednesday. Chipman at 103 pounds, Dillon at 112, Dillon Neal at 119, Slaughter at 140, Trick at J 145, Payton Miller at 152 and Dull at 160 all^ earned pins for Hastings. Giron had a 16-4 major decision over j Pennfield’s Seth Michielsen at 125 pounds, 4 and teammates Oliver, Dubois, Smith and I Mason Denton all won by forfeit. The Hastings varsity wrestling team also won the Dec. 14 Big Rapids Invitational with victories over East Kentwood (45-32), Hopkins (60-21), Montabella (57-24), Reed City (71-9) and Traverse City West (52-18). | | I । ' AT LEFT: The Saxons’ Dillon Neal works to turn Pennfield’s Azaria Graham-Swanky during their 119-pound bout Wednesday in Battle Creek. (Photo by Perry Hardin) �The Hastings Banner — Thursday, December 26, 2019 — Page 13 Offense falls out of sync for DK as Irish score Valley Division win Brett Bremer Sports Editor ' When the Irish really, really wanted to get a bucket up one with three minutes to go in the third quarter at Delton Kellogg Friday night, they slowed things down, cleared out for guard Jacob Wells. The threat of the drive earned Wells just enough space, and he hit a step-back three-pointer to put his team in front 35-31. Delton Kellogg guard Payton Smoczynski looks to get a shot up as Hackett’s Christian Bartholomew swats at the ball during the second half Friday at DKHS. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Delton Kellogg had led by as many as 11 points in the first half, but never got back to even with the Irish after that step-back three. The Irish pushed their own lead to dou­ ble-digits early in the fourth quarter and went on to a 58-47 Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division victory. That kind of focused, patient offensive attack was something the Panthers lacked for much of the evening. The Panthers built a 9-2 lead through the first five minutes of the ballgame, had a fivepoint lead at the end of one quarter, upped that lead to 26-15 in the middle of the second quarter and then lost any sense of offensive rhythm for the rest of the first half and really for the remainder of the evening. The Irish closed the first half on a 7-0 run to get within 26-22. Delton Kellogg felt like it played well enough for most of the first half that it should have gone into the locker room with a tenpoint lead at least. “The second quarter I think we had eight possessions with one pass and a shot,” DK head coach Jason Howland said. “If you only make one of those, you just gave your oppo­ nent seven more chances to come down and score on you.” “We should have been walking into that locker room with a double-digit lead, easily. So, now coming into the second half we could never find that flow again.” Wells finished with a game-high 19 points. Hackett also got 11 points from Christian Bartholomew, eight from Stephen Kwapis and six each from Connor Cavanaugh and Jack Ford. Jaden Ashley, getting extra minutes with senior post player Dawson Grizzle away from the team for the evening, finished with a team-high 13 points for DK. Alden Whitmore had eight points and Jordan Rench nine for the host Panthers who fall to 0-2 in the SAC Valley with the loss and 2-2 overall. Center Cole Pape had four of Delton Kellogg’s first nine points and then didn’t score again. Howland said he thought his guys started trying to force passes into their big man in the post, rather than working the offense for better entry passes or other oppor­ tunities. “It is just one of those games. I would real­ ly like to turn it back to the beginning of that second quarter, and as a coach try and get those boys to listen. Trying to get your team to listen is probably one of the hardest things,” Guard Alden Whitmore tries to get the Panthers into their offense as he’s pressured by Hackett Catholic Prep guard Connor Cavanaugh during the first half Friday night at DKHS. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Howland said. He was pleased with how his team’s defen­ sive pressure worked at times late in the ball­ game, but after Hackett went on a 6-0 run to open the fourth quarter DK never got to with­ in fewer than ten points of the Irish. Hackett improves to 2-2 overall with the win and 1-0 in the SAC Valley. Delton Kellogg returns to action at home against Kalamazoo Christian Jan. 7. Hastings boys take ..... Brett Bremer * Sports Editor What started out as a rough night at the free tfirow line turned into a good enough night at tiie line for Hastings junior guard Kirby Beck. Beck hit hisTimd-seven free throws in the fourth quarter to help the Hastings varsity boys’ basketball team to its first victory of the season, 47-41 over visiting Inierstate-8 Athletic Conference foe Jackson Lumen Christi Friday. Beck finished with a team-high 19 points after struggling at the foul line early, missing his first five attempts, he was 7-of-12 at the line. Saxb^uniorceriter Evan Eastman came up huge on both ends of the floor for the Saxons. “It was one of those nights,” Hastings head coach Rich Long said. “We had a half day, exam week. We came out as flat and unfo­ cused as I have seen. We had a lot of little turnovers that we usually don’t do. We missed lay-ups. I think it was 5-4 in the first quarter we were down. Luckily our defense was solid, we were able to keep them from scoring as well.” Hastings held a six-point lead throughout much of the second half before starting to Hastings guard Carter Cappon fires a jump shot over Jackson Lumen Christi’s Kaleb Boyce in front of the Titan bench during the first half of their 1-8 contest at Hastings High School Friday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Hastings junior guard Kirby Beck is hit from all angles as he tries to et to the basket during the second half of the Saxons’ 1-8 victory over visiting Jackson Lumen Christi Friday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) extend it a little bit with solid free throw shooting. Eastman had five blocks on the night. The Saxon defense focused on taking away the Titans’ pick-and-roll attack, and when the Titans were forced to drive Eastman was a force in the lane who added another handful of deflected passes and altered shots to his big block total. Offensively, Eastman led the Saxons in assists as well with three to go along with six total rebounds. He flashed to the high-post against the Titans’ trap and distributed the ball well from there when he got the chance. The Saxons got a team-high 11 rebounds from Carter Hewitt who had 15 points as well. Carter Cappon added seven points, three rebounds and two assists. Hastings is now 1-2 overall this season and 1-1 in the Interstate-8 Athletic Conference. The Saxons will hit the road to take on Ionia Jan. 7 and then will head to Little Caesars Arena in downtown Detroit for an 1-8 match­ up with Harper Creek. Hastings varsity boys’ basketball coach diagrams plays for his team during a time­ out in the Saxons’ Interstate-8 Athletic Conference victory over visiting Jackson Lumen Christi Friday. (Photo by Perry Hardin) Perry senior sets school scoring record against Vikes Perry senior guard Alyssa Welsh scored a school-record 33 points in an overtime victory over Potterville nine days ago. That record didn’t last long. Welsh managed 37 points Friday night against the visiting Lakewood varsity girls’ basketball game in Greater Lansing Activities Conference action. Her Ramblers needed all those points each night, besting Potterville in overtime and earning a 49-45 win over the Lakewood ladies. Lakewood head coach Kelly Meints said her girls played a strong first half, but that Welsh just dominated the second half of the J bailgame. Lakewood got 12 points and three rebounds from Kristie Possehn and ten points and eight rebounds from Olivia Lang. Anja Kelley? chipped in eight points, four assists and three steals. Sophie Duits, Ellie Possehn and: Maradith O’Gorman had four points apiece , for the Vikings. Lakewood is now 2-4 overall this season, : and 0-2 in the GLAC. �Page 14 — Thursday, December 26, 2019 — The Hastings Banner Hackett scores double-digit win over DK girls DK senior guard Erin Kapteyn races in for a lay-up during her team’s SAC Valley contest with visiting Hackett Catholic Prep Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Delton Kellogg guard Toni Higgins (left) fights to rip the ball away from Hackett Catholic’s Megan Redmond during their SAC Valley bailgame in Delton Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Brett Bremer Sports Editor C After a 3-0 start, the Delton Kellogg girls are .500 now. The Panther varsity girls’ basketball team fell to 3-3 overall and 0-2 in the Southwestern Athletic Conference Valley Division with a 49-32 loss to visiting Hackett Catholic Prep Friday. The Fighting Irish were in a six-point hole headed into the second quarter, but outscored the Panthers 20-2 in that second period to take control of the ballgame. The Panthers fought back to within eight points early in the second half, but couldn’t find the consistency they needed on either end of the floor to keep any comeback attempt coming. “The girls need to make a decision on how bad they want it,” Delton Kellogg head coach Mike Mohn said. “You can’t start slow and then expect people to cave in and say, ‘oh, it’s Delton, we’U get better.’ Now we have some kids trying to make a decision about how bad they want to play hard and how bad they want to play together. Got some selfish stuff going on. You can’t put the ball in the hole, and then we start pouting and can’t play on the other end of the floor. It’s not pretty. “They’re going to have to figure it out,” he added. “We’re going to take a few days off and then maybe refresh, and then the follow­ ing Monday we’ve got to come back because we have got (Kalamazoo) Christian when we come back and they’re all that and a bag of chips. We had better figure out a way to do it. We got absolutely smoked here by a Hackett team that played really well, and Christian is really good.” The DK girls bested Hackett by double figures in both meetings a year ago. This time around the Panthers didn’t keep i Bn ‘• 4 Krystina Kasson away from the basket. Hackett’s tall, thin center finished with a game-high 13 points. Hackett also got nine points from Maddie Coffman, eight from Katey Reasoner and six each from Emily Wheaton and Catherine McMahon. A 9-0 Hackett run fueled by DK turnovers really put the game out of reach for the Panthers. They trailed by 17 points at the end of the third quarter, managing to get as close as 11 points with five and a half minutes to play. The Irish found some success on the offen­ sive glass, and beat the Delton Kellogg press deep for lay-ups a couple of times. “It is all effort stuff at this point,” coach Mohn said. “Right now, the effort is not qual­ ity enough for us to compete. Right now, it isn’t about basket]^!!, it isn’t about anything Delton Kellogg senior guard Abbie Bever runs the Panther offense as Hackett Catholic Prep’s Emily Wheaton keeps a close eye on her during the second half of tfiferr SAC Valley contest at DKHS Friday. (Photo by Brett Bremer) else. It’s about competing. How bad do you want to compete? How bad do you want to stop the girl that is across from you? How bad do you want to be strong going to the hoop and putting the ball in the basket? Those are all things we talk about daily, but have not seen anything that even remotely looks like it.” He said he addressed exactly that a couple times during timeouts during the ballgame, and added that it is up to him as the head coach to make sure the girls get things straightened out. Erin Kapteyn led DK with 12 points. Holly McManus added nine points and Mary Whitmore finished with six. : The DK girls visit Kalamazoo Christian Jan. 7. . ' . • Christian converts on breakaways often early Brett Bremer Sports Editor -3 Lowell-Caledonia-Thornapple Kellogg was at least as good as Grand Rapids Christian once it managed to clean up its transition from the offensive end back to the defensive end. : By then it was too late Wednesday night at v •4 I Kentwood Ice Arena though. Grand Rapids Christian took a 4-0 lead in just over 12 minutes and then held on for a 6-4 OK Conference Baum Division victory. Christian scored a minute and a half into the contest on a quick counter attack from Isaiah Clark, and then added a similar goal by Ashton Bol a minute and a half after that. Corbin Venckus raced in on LCTK goalkeep­ er Tommy Near to score a third goal in transi­ tion with 8:31 to play in the opening period. The Eagles upped their lead to 4-0 when Benj Bultema trickled a shot past Near from a tough angle with 4:55 to play in that first peri­ od. A quick goal by LCTK Isaac Hautala, 20 seconds after Bultema’s score, on a one-timer in front of the net off a pass from teammate Andrew Davis gave their team a little bit of hope. Christian Smith then inched the LCTK boys closer with a shot from the top of the left circle off a face-off that beat the Eagle keeper to make it 4-2 with 41.2 seconds left in the period. Ryan Kieliszewski assisted on Smith’s goal. LCTK eventually battled to within one goal at 5-4 by the end of the second period, making things much easier on their keeper by limiting the Eagles’ break-away chances. Near fin­ ished the night with 23 saves, compared to 21 for his counterpart Noah Herzhaft at the other end of the ice. Christian upped its lead to 5-2 with a short-handed goal by Isaiah Clark six minutes into the second period. A minute and a half later, Brendan Clarke Lowell-Caledonia-Thornapple Kellogg goalkeeper Tommy Near slides over in time to interrupt a shot from Grand Rapids Christian’s Brendan Hofman during the second period of their Baum Division contest at Kentwood Ice Arena Wednesday. (PhotcHay Brett Bremer) . took a slow charge into the Eagle end and made a nice move at the blue line to shake a defender and then put the puck past the Eagle' keeper, with Ethan Riley tallying an assist. Nick Lockhart made it 5-4 with 6:09 left in the second period. That is where things stood until the Eagles’ Brendan Hofman found the open net with 57.3 seconds left in the third period. Kieliszewski had a few of the best chances of the third period for LCTK, but couldn’t find a way to get one past Herzhaft. LCTK wasn’t able to take advantage of three differ­ ent minor penalties against the Eagles’ Bol in that third period. LCTK fell in another Baum Division con­ test Friday night, 6-1 to visiting East Grand Rapids in Kentwood. LCTK is now 3-6 over­ all this season. Your fridge, freezer, air conditioner or dehumidifier* could be wasting up to $150 a year in energy costs. Save energy and get up to an $80 rebate for letting us recycle your appliances. Stop wasting and start saving. Schedule your free pickup by calling 888-990-2246. *Limit of four small appliances per year,$50 for a working refrigerator or freezer.crrid receive an additional $15 for a working air conditioner or dehumidifier. Air conditioners or dehumidifiersrnay only be included with the recycling of a refrigerator or freezer. Consumers Energy} CountonUs® LCTK sophomore forward Dylan Olsen works to get by Grand Rapids Christian’s Adam Bocian in the offensive end during the Eagles’ victory at Kentwood Ice Arena Wednesday night. (Photo by Brett Bremer) Call 269-945-9554 for Hastings Banner ads � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Hastings Banner Subject The topic of the resource Newspaper.HastingsBanner Description An account of the resource <strong>The Hastings Public Library wishes to thank Smith Imaging of Rockford, MI for their work digitizing the Hastings Banner.</strong><br /><br /><strong>The Library also wishes to thank all of the community members who donated money to support our digitizing efforts.<br /><br />The Banner Overview:</strong><br />The Hastings Banner newspaper has been published in Hastings, Michigan since 1856. The following history highlights are taken from Richard Cook's history as published in the 1956 Centennial Edition of The Hastings Banner, and recapped by Esther Walton in her From Time to Time column in The Banner dated April 12, 1984.<br /><br /><strong>Links to online copies of the paper follow the history section.<br /></strong><strong><br /><br /><br />Searching the paper:<br /></strong>The Banner, and all other PDF files on this history portal, are fully searchable. To search:<br /><ol><li>Click on the magnifying glass search icon in the upper right.</li> <li>Enter your search term(s) in the simple search box and press Enter or click on Search.</li> <li>Any PDF file on the site that contains your term(s) should be listed. Do not use the Advanced Search.</li> </ol><strong>See <a href="https://www.barrycountyhistoryportal.org/files/original/676/How_To_Use_Online_Newspapers_8x11.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">How to Use Online Newspapers</a> for more information about using and searching online newspapers.</strong><br /><br />-----------------------<br /><strong>The Banner History</strong>:<br />C.S. Burton &amp; Co. were listed as the proprietors of the "Republican Banner", which first appeared here on May 1, 1856, with Dr. C. S. Burton as the publisher and Norman Bailey as editor.<br /><br />Publication office was on the second floor of the Rower Block, whose address was given as "corner of State and Church"; which corner was not specified.<br /><br />The objective of this publication was to win support for the newly created Republican party and thus counteract the influence of the Barry County Pioneer, a Democratic journal that had been published here since 1851. No copies of the first three issues of The Banner were saved.<br /><br />Make-up on the first journal corresponded with a pattern typical of most local journals then published. Page one contained a few columns of advertising, fiction (often a continued story), and a short feature of no particular news value. Page one was the "literary" page.<br /><br />Page two contained the editorial barbs, along with state news, political articles, Washington items and news of the national and territorial giovernments. Page three contained a few items of local news, sandwiched inbetween the local and foreign news.<br /><br />Page four was usually solid with advertising and as such was the editor's "bread and butter" page....Locally it was the pattern until the early 1880s.<br /><br />Several changes in ownership and management occurred during the first two years of publication, with J. M. Nevins taking over ownership interests on July 16, 1857. With the issue of May 7, 1862, "The Republican Banner" became "The Hastings Banner". Editor Nevins thought the village had developed sufficiently during the past several years to merit this recognition.<br /><br />Another major change in the management of The Banner came when Nevins sold the newspaper to George M. Dewey of Niles on March 14, 1866, who then took over as editor and publisher. Dewey, an ardent Republican and somewhat of a crusader, gave considerable space to editorial comment and party affairs and also directed pointed paragraphs against the saloons and local traffic in liquor. Dewey was the grandfather of Thomas E. Dewey, Republican presidential nominee in 1944 and 1948. Editor Dewey on May 4, 1870 changed the format (and name) of the paper to "Hastings Republican Banner". <br /><br />A fire in December 1883 burned The Banner plant (located in the middle of the block on the north side of State St. across from the courthouse). Files and back issues from August 1880 to December 1883 and the January 4, 1884 issues are missing.<br /><br />The Banner was purchased by Marshall L. Cook and George Bower on July 21, 1880. They changed the name to "The Hastings Banner". M. L. Cook soon became the sole owner and remained so until July 7, 1887 when Albert Nishern (M. L.'s brother-in-law) joined him. Albert Nishern sold his interest on November 6, 1889 to William Cook (M. L.'s younger brother).<br /><br />The Cook brothers partnership held together (56 years) ... Richard Cook followed his father into the newspaper business, and Richard's son William joined him. So the Cook family ownership continued for 85 years, from 1880 to 1974, when Richard and William sold the paper to High Fullerton. J-Ad Graphics became the owners of "The Hastings Banner" in August of 1981. Text A resource consisting primarily of words for reading. Examples include books, letters, dissertations, poems, newspapers, articles, archives of mailing lists. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre Text. Original Format The type of object, such as painting, sculpture, paper, photo, and additional data Newspaper Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Hastings Banner Published 2019 Subject The topic of the resource Newspaper.HastingsBanner Type The nature or genre of the resource PDF Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newspaper Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource varies within year published Rights Information about rights held in and over the resource http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/NoC-NC/1.0/ Rights Holder A person or organization owning or managing rights over the resource. Hastings Public Library and J-Ad Graphics Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available J-Ad Graphics Date Accepted Date of acceptance of the resource. Examples of resources to which a Date Accepted may be relevant are a thesis (accepted by a university department) or an article (accepted by a journal). ongoing Description An account of the resource Hastings Banner Published 2019. Specific issues may be incomplete or missing. Note some newspaper files are very large and may take some time to download.